24.  FROM 1800, 13 MAR 45 TO 1800, 14 MAR 45  (D PLUS 23)

	(a)	The period of darkness covered by this report was relatively quiet 
except in the front of BLT 3/25.  Continuous fighting in this area went on all during 
the night.  One (1) DD illuminated the Division zone throughout the night.

	(b)	In accordance with VAC LANFOR Order No. 21-45, the Division 
continued its assigned mission at King-hour, 0630.

	(c)	RCT 23 continued mopping up operations and the burial of enemy 
dead.  AT 0810 elements of BLT 1/23 encountered a small group of Japanese in 
TA 185 B.  This group had apparently been hiding in caves and had been by-
passed unintentionally.  Patrols from BLT's 1/23 and 3/24 surrounded this area and 
killed all the enemy.  By the end of the period 95% of area had been policed 
and mopped up.

	(d)	RCT 25 continued the attack at King-hour to reduce the center of 
resistance in its zone.  A slow, gradual advance, against desperate resistance 
was made throughout the period, and it was believed that the enemy remained 
in this pocket had been considerably reduced.  Mortars, hand grenades, 
demolitions, small arms, and flame throwers were employed against this area.  
Because BLT 2/25 had become so depleted in strength, BLT 2/24 was directed to 
relieve BLT 2/25 in time to continue the attack at King-hour on 15 March.  A 
Provisional Company composed of personnel from the RCT Weapons Company, 
RCT H & S Company, and the 81mm Mortar Platoon of BLT 1/25 was organized 
and relieved BLT 2/24 on the right.  The Reconnaissance Company continued 
mopping up operations.

	(e)	RCT 24, less two (2) BLT's was in Division Reserve, and continued the 
police of the rear areas and made preparations for reembarkation.

	(f)	The 14th Marines began reembarkation at 0700.  By 1600, 1/14 and 
4/14 had completed reembarkation; 2/14, 3/14, and H&S Battery were 
continuing preparation for loading.

	(g)	4th Tank Battalion.  Eight (8) tanks (including two (2) flame throwers) 
were on loan to the 5th Marine Division.  At the end of the period forty-three (43) 
tanks were operational and eleven (11) were destroyed.

	(h)	Aviation.  VMO-4 flew one (1) tactical observation mission and at 
the end of the period two (2) planes were operational.

	(i)	Naval Gunfire.  No naval gunfire was available no could it be 
employed within the Division zone.

	(k)	Combat Efficiency was reduced to an estimated 35%.

	(l)	Weather and Visibility.  The weather was fair, visibility was unlimited, 
and ceiling overcast 1/10 to 3/10.