U.S. Navy Department (March 14, 1945)
CINCPOA Communiqué No. 298
Advances of 200 to 400 yards were made by the 5th Marine Division on the northern end of Iwo Island on March 14 (East Longitude Date). From prepared positions the enemy continued to resist the pressure of our attacks and at nightfall the battle was continuing in this sector and in a small pocket in the 4th Marine Division zone of action.
Because of the complex system of caves in which enemy casualties have been trapped and sealed and because of the difficult conditions on Iwo Island an exact count of enemy losses is not possible. Counted burials plus very careful estimates as to numbers sealed in caves gives 20,000 as a very close approximation of enemy killed at end of March 14. That number is less than the detailed estimates made by commanders of frontline troops.
Our forces in the front lines have found “booby traps” set on the bodies of our dead.
The United States Flag was formally raised over Iwo Island at 0930 on March 14 although some resistance continues.
Planes of Navy, Army and Marine Corps are now operating from the island.
Iwo-based Army fighters made bombing and strafing attacks on airfield installations on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on March 14.
On March 13, Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed Chichi Jima airfield.
Army Liberators of the 11th Air Force bombed airfield facilities at Kurabu Saki on southern Paramushiru in the Kurils on the same date. The enemy sent up meager anti-aircraft fire.
Corsair and Hellcat fighters of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing destroyed a bridge, damaged two piers and set fuel dumps and motor facilities afire in the Palaus on March 14.
Mopping-up operations in the Marianas and Palaus continued. During March 4 through March 10, 48 of the enemy were killed on Saipan, Tinian and Guam and 13 prisoners were taken on Saipan, Guam and Peleliu.