26.  FROM 1800, 15 MAR 45 TO 1800, 16 MAR 45  (D PLUS 25)

	(a)	Activity for the night was confined to the area in front of the troops 
containing the center of resistance in TA 185.  Accurate rifle fire, hand grenades, 
and small mortar fire were delivered by the enemy.  An attempt by a party of 
from fifty (50) to sixty (60) of the enemy to break out of the center of resistance 
was stopped when the advance party of the enemy was fired upon.  Six (6) of 
the enemy were killed, and the remainder were driven back into the caves from 
which they emerged.

	(b)	At 2250 1/14 had completed reembarkation in APS 172; 3/14 and 
4/14 had completed reembarkation in APA 234.

	(c)	The Division continued operations at King-hour minus 105, King-hour 
being 0815, in accordance with VAC LANFOR Order No. 23-45, to eliminate the 
pocket of resistance in TA 185 and to mop up its zone of action thoroughly.

	(d)	RCT 23 was relieved at 0800 by RCT 24, less two (2) BLT's, and 
immediately began reembarkation.  AT 1700 the CP of this RCT was opened in 
the USS ROCKBRIDGE.

	(e)	RCT 24, less BLT 2/24, relieved RCT 23 and continued mopping up 
and the general police of the area assigned it. This RCT assumed control of BLT 
3/24 at 0800.  In a cave in TA 185 B, a patrol killed fourteen (14) Japanese and 
entombed eleven (11) additional when this cave was closed.  AT 1800 positions 
were taken for the defense of the area as shown on the map, Progress of Attack.

	(f)	RCT 25, with BLT 2/24 attached, continued the attack at King-hour 
minus 105, and at 1030 all organized resistance in this area had ceased.  For the 
remainder of the period this RCT continued mopping up in its zone, with 
evacuation of own dead, the burial of the enemy dead, the removal of friendly 
mine field in TA's 167 D and 184 SX, and general police of the area.  At 1700 
dispositions for defense were as shown on map, Progress of Attack.  At 1600 the 
Division Reconnaissance Company reverted to Division control.

	(g)	At 1100 the entire Division Sector was reported secure.

	(h)	At 1800 the Commanding General VAC LANFOR announced that 
all organized resistance on IWO JIMA had ceased.

	(i)	4th Tank Battalion continued reembarkation.  Eight (8) tanks were 
still on loan to the 5th Marine Division, and one (1) flame thrower tank to the 3d 
Division.

	(j)	Aviation.  VMO-4 flew one (1) photographic mission and one (1) 
tactical observation mission, and at the end of the period one (1) plane was 
operational.

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

	(l)	Weather and Visibility.  Weather fair, visibility good, and ceiling 
overcast 1/10 to 4/10.