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| D Plus 22 (D+22) 13 March 1945 - The Assault of Iwo Jima |
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Page 4 of 4 28th Marines - D+22 1800, 12 March to 1800, 13 March Night activity: The night was quiet except for a few infiltration attempts. Daylight operations: Ordered by Division to continue the attack at 0730 to seize the remainder of the island in our zone of action. Boundary between CT-28 and CT-26, 235 L west, 250 O northeast. The terrain confronting CT-28 was very similar to that around Hill 362. There was a long ridgeline running northwest-southeast across the front. It extended from CR 291 to the west beach in 250 F center. The south slope of the ridgeline was fairly gradual, but cut with many small draws parallel to it. The top was heavily fortified with pillboxes and spider traps, and the north side was a steep cliff 40 feet to 50 feet high, honeycombed with many caves. It is believed that this ridgeline was the western sector of the enemy's finall defensive line on northern Iwo. Because of the depleted strength of our infantry units (several of the companies having been reduced to the normal strength of a rifle platoon) and the fatigue of the men, it was a virtual impossibility to do more than seize the top of the ridgeline. Besides, heavy casualties would have resulted. The plan later decided on was for units of CT-28's right to attack across our front donw the draw to the sea. The landing Teams attacked from the same positions in the line as on D+21. LT-228 was able to advance 100 yards on its left by by-passing a pocket of resistance. No other advances were made until 1600, when the right company of LT-228 made a local attack and by 1620 had reached the ridgeline overlooking the large draw to the front. Because of the depleted strength of LT-228 and the wide front it had to cover, 50 men from H & S Co under Captain Downer were attached to LT-228 and sent up to reinforce the line. 7.2 rockets were again used with LT-128 and LT-328. Tanks supported all three landing teams and knocked out enemy positions both in front of and in by-passed positions behind our lines. CP's: No change. Casualties for period: Supporting units for period OFF ENL KIA & DOW 13 1 destroyer, 1 LC(S) WIA 3 56 2d Bn, 13th Marines SK (evac) 17 A & C Co's. 5th Tank Bn. TOTAL 3 86 Combat efficiency: 38% |
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