D+28, 19 March, 1945
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.
Starting tomorrow 20 March, I will go to Divisin level reports for 3rd MarDiv.
26th Marines
D+28, 19 Mar 45 Weather: Partly cloudy, cool: visibility
good.
About 0800 LT 126 supported by tanks and dozers continued
the attack; LT 326 and LT 328 holding positions and mopping up locally.
About 0930 "G" Co (if LT 326), having been released from front lines
by the advance of LT 126, was attached to LT 126. LT 327 was attached
to CT 26 about 1200 and during the afternoon all Pioneers reverted to 5thMarDiv
and moved to the rear. About 1500 LT 126 and LT 327 jumped off in
a resumption of the attack but made no appreciable gains. Prior to
nightfall LT 328 relieved "I" Co of LT 326, leaving only part of "H" Co
of LT 326 remaining in the line.
During the forenoon on this date LtCol Daniel C Pollock
was wounded and evacuated, and the Bn-X, Major Albert V. K. Gary, assumed
command of LT 126.
Casualties:
4 Off, 46 Enl.
28th Marines
D+28
1800, 18 March to 1800, 19 March.
Night activity: Forty-eight Japs were killed attempting
to infiltrate LT-128's lines.
Daylight operations: LT-128 and LT-228 continued
to support the attack by fire. Lt-228 continued to reduce the pocket
in back of its left flank, killing eighteen enemy.
Lt-328 continued under CT-26 control.
The Motor Transport Detachment under Captain Slocum was
detached from LT-128 and returned to Division.
CP's: no change.
Casualties for period: Supporting units for
period
OFF ENL
KIA & DOW
2 1 destroyer for illumination only.
Combat efficiency: 30%
Returned to duty:
- Off, 18 Enl.
Effective strength: 82 Off, 1542
Enl.
WIA
12
SK (evac)
4
TOTAL
18
