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D Plus 21 (D+21) 12 March, 1945 - The Assault of Iwo Jima |
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Page 4 of 5 26th Marines D+21, 12 Mar 45 Weather: Clear. CT 26 (less LT 226) continued in 5thMarDiv reserve. At daybreak the Rocket Section and one Half-track Section were attached to LT 226. Lt 126 reorganized, for tactical purposes only, into Hq Co and two rifle companies (B and C). LT 326 carried out reorganization and orientation of replacements. Casualties: 2 Off, 119 Enl. Returned to duty: 3 Off, 21 Enl. Effective strength: 94 Off, 1898 Enl. 27th Marines - D plus 21 12 March, 1945 Stiff resistance was met all along the front in the form of infantry dug into caves, pillboxes, and fox holes. Spider trap fox holes were in evidence. The enemy, by keeping as close as possible to our front, is attempting to escape our artillery and machine gun fire. Tanks, in support of our left battalion, received heavy mortar and artillery fire. Enemy rifle and machine gun fire was generally from a range of from 20 to 40 yards which made it very effective. They were backed up by knee mortars firing from 200 to 400 yards. Another enemy was found in a Marine uniform and carrying an M1 rifle but had no identification. Communication equipment was found in a cave in T.S. 235A, east center. There was no activity during the night. The enemy dead reported to date was 1471.
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