23.  FROM 1800, 12 MAR 45 TO 1800, 13 MAR 45  (D PLUS 22)

	(a)	During the night sporadic and generally aimless mortar and 
machine gun fire was directed towards the Division rear areas.  Attempted 
infiltration from the enemy compressed within the center of resistance was 
continuous throughout the night but was unsuccessful.  One (1) DD furnished 
illumination during the night.

	(b)	The Division continued the attack at King-hour minus 30, King-hour 
being 0730, in accordance with VAC LANFOR Order No. 20-45, to complete the 
missions previously assigned.  There was no change in boundaries or formations.

	(c)	RCT 23 continued mopping up operations, evacuation of own 
dead, and the burial of the enemy dead.  BLT 1/23 operated in the forward part 
of the area, BLT 3/23 in the center part, and BLT 2/23 was in RCT Reserve.

	(d)	RCT 25 continued the attack at King-hour to eliminate the enemy 
resistance in its zone.  The Division Reconnaissance Company and elements of 
RCT Headquarters continued mopping up operations, evacuation of own dead, 
and burial of enemy dead.  The center of resistance was contained by BLT 3/24, 
attached to RCT 23, BLT's 3/25, 2/15, 1/25 and 2/24.  Slow progress was made in 
the elimination of this area.

	(e)	RCT 24, less two (2) BLT's continued in Division Reserve.  At 0745 BLT 
1/24 was released from VAC LANFOR Reserve to parent control.  RCT 24 was 
employed in policing and mopping up the Division rear area.

	(f)	Division Administrative Order No. 2-45, directed that elements of 
the Division would begin reembarkation on 14 March.

	(g)	AT 1350 a warning order was issued to RCT's 23, 24, and 25 to the 
effect that upon orders to withdraw all units, the assembly areas would be as 
follows:  RCT 23 - TA's 165 BCD, 182 TWXY, 183 U;  RCT 24 - TA's 182 JNOS, 183 AFKL; 
RCT 25 - TA's 183 MNRST, 184 UV, 167 B.

	(h)	14th Marines.  2/14 and 3/14 fired harassing firs in the zone of the 
5th Marine Division.  All battalions were available to reinforce the 13th Marines on 
call until 1000.  By 1130 all battalions had closed station and forward observers 
and liaison officers of 3/14 returned to the battalion at 1155.  The total number of 
missions fired was 118.

	(i)	4th Tank Battalion.  Eight (8) tanks, including tow (2) flame throwers, 
were loaned to the 5th Marine Division.  Two (2) flame thrower tanks and two (2) 
combat tanks were employed along the road in TA 185 P.  There was no change 
in the status of operational tanks.

	(j)	Aviation.  VMO-4 flew four (4) tactical observation and three (3) 
photo missions.  At the end of the period two (2) planes were operational.

	(k)	4th Engineer Battalion.  No change in assignments or duties.;

	(m)	Combat Efficiency was reduced to an estimated 36%.

	(n)	Weather and Visibility.  The weather was fair, visibility was gook, and 
the Ceiling was overcast 3/10 to 6/10.

	(o)	The operations for the period partially completed the mopping up 
of the Division zone and the continuance of the fighting to neutralize the enemy 
center of resistance that confined to TA 185 K.