|
Page 2 of 5 23rd Marines - DOG PLUS TWENTY, 11 MARCH, 1945 No enemy activity of special note occurred during the night. At King minus 60 (0730), RCT 23 continued the attack to seize the remainder of the island within its zone, with no change in boundaries or units in the line. On the left 2/23 encountered no resistance, but was unable to advance the entire line to the coast until 3d division secured the right zone of its area along the high ground at the Division boundary. Strong combat patrols with engineer demolition squads were sent forward to the beach and encountered no enemy resistance. On the right 3/24 encountered a strong pocket vicinity TA 185 K, which took co K (3/24) all day to neutralize. At 1300, co K (3/23) was attached to 3/24 to assist in the cleaning out this resistance and mopping-up the area. Both were accomplished by 1600. Mopping-up of the entire RCT zone was continuous throughout the day, and, at 1445 2/23 reported that the beach areas on the left of the RCT zone was secured. At 1530, 1/23 initiated relief of 2/23, taking over the same positions occupied by 2/23 on the previous night, and assuming control of Co C, 4th Engr Bn. by 1700, 1/23 completed the relief. BLT 2/23 (less Co F) returned to a rear assembly area in TA 165 BC, and closed prior to 1830. co F occupied a rear security line as an anti infiltration measure in the vicinity of TA 200 N. Cos I and L passed to parent control and occupied the reserve line in rear of 1/23 in TA 201 JOTY. by 1545, the beach area in 3/24 zone was reached by troops, and RCT 23 reported completion of the assigned mission in its zone of action. The RCT CP remained at TA 182 Y. 24th Marines - 11 March, 1945 There was no enemy activity in the RCT assembly area from 0001 until dawn Orders were received from Division for RCT 23 with BLT 3/24 attached and RCT 25 with BLT 2/24 attached to continue the attack at King-Hour minus 60 minutes (0730). BLT 1/24 was to remain in Corps Reserve. RCT 24 (less BLTs 1/24, 2/24, 3/24) remained in Division reserve. The day was spent salvaging gear and equipment, cleaning weapons and resting. The RCT kept in constant touch with the tactical situation. Reconnaissance of the zone or action of RCT 23 and RCT 25 was made. At 1700 all units consolidated in their assigned positions. There was no enemy activity during the period.
|