D+29, 20 March, 1945
3rd Marine Division
19-20 March, 1800-1800.
Nine of sixteen night ambushes made
contact with enemy. At 1000 two patrols of the 9th Marines made contact
with the enemy along the high ground at TA 185-A-F-G resulting in a fire
fight which lasted until 1800 when the position was taken. One DD
placed call fires into caves at 236-P and 235-O with
undetermined results. Automatic
fire had been previously received from this vicinity. Reports of
enemy killed today were 183. The 147th Infantry, US Army was attached
to the division at 1800 for operational control.
9th Marines
On 18 March it moved into the 4th Div zone of action relieving that Div and beginning patrolling and mopping up operations in that sector. Moping up was carried on by patrols ranging in size from one reinforced sqd to one reinforced platoon. The average number of patrols daily was fifteen. Demolition men from Co A 3d Engr Bn accompanied the patrols and blew caves as they were discovered.
26th Marines
D+29, 20 Mar 45 Weather: Cloudy, cool; visibility
fair.
At 0800 CT 26 (plus LT 327 and 328) continued the
attack with LT 126 and LT 327 making the advnce abreast, closely supported
by tanks; other elements to continue holding attack along the sides of
the remaining corridor. Elements of LT 326 remaining in the line
were released by the advance of LT 126 at about 1000. 3rd Sec, 6th
War Dog Plat was detached, having been used chiefly for security of CPs.
Casualties:
1 Off, 41 Enl.
Returned to duty:
- Off, &ammp; 6 Enl.
Effective strength: 81 Off, 1507
Enl.
28th Marines
D+29
1800, 19 March to 1800, 20 March.
Night activity: The night was quiet along the entire front.
Daylight operations: LT-128 and LT-228 continued to hold in the same position along the ridge, supporting the attack by fire.
During the day LT-327 on our right made advances to the northwest across our front enabling LT-128 to withdraw the Division Reconnaissance Company from the line and use it for mopping up in rear.
LT-228 killed twelve enemy in the pocket behind its left flank.
LT-328 continued under CT-26 control.
CP's: no change.
Casualties for period: Supporting units for period
OFF ENL
KIA & DOW
2 1 destroyer
WIA
1 4
SK (evac)
1
TOTAL
1 7
Combat efficiency: 25%