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D Plus 24 (D+24) 15 March, 1945 - The Assault of Iwo Jima |
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Page 2 of 5 23rd Marines - DOG PLUS TWENTY-FOUR, 15 MARCH, 1945 Enemy activity during the night was limited to unsuccessful attempts at infiltration in the center of BLT 3/24 zone of action. Commencing at daylight patrols were sent out from 3/24 to locate an enemy machine gun reported by RCT 25 to be in the vicinity of TA 185F. After close search of the indicated area the patrols returned with negative reports. At 0830, the advance parties of RCT 23 began movement to Beach Blue 2 for embarkation on shipping assigned to the RCT. Mopping-up and salvage in the RCT area of responsibility was continuous during the day, but because of enemy action from pockets of resistance in the 3d Mar Div zone complete mopping-up was not ccomplished. This was especially true of areas adjacent to and along the Division left boundary. At 1110, small patrols were sent forward from 3/24 to eliminate scattered sniper fire in the vicinity of 185 AF. By 1700 Co L (3/23), attached to 3/24, was pinched out on the line by the advance of RCT 25 on the right, and the company remained in position attached to 3/24 for the night. By 1745, positions were consolidated for the night in the same areas as occupied on the previous nights. 24th Marines - 15 March, 1945 Orders were received from Division to continue the missions previously assigned on 12 march, 1945. BLT 3/24 and BLT 2/24 remained attached to RCT 23 and RCT 25 respectively. RCT (less BLT 2/24 and BLT 3/24) remained in Division Reserve. Policing of area, salvaging of gear and equipment, patrolling of TA 182 and cleaning of weapons continued throughout the day. Close liaison was maintained with RCT 23 and RCT 25 relative to the results of the mopping up. There was no enemy activity within the RCT area during the period.
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