U.S. Navy Department (March 18, 1945)
CINCPOA Communiqué No. 303
On March 18 (East Longitude Date), a strong force of carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet attacked enemy aircraft bases and installations on the Island of Kyushu.
The Marines on Iwo mopped up isolated remnants of the former enemy garrison in the rugged terrain of the northern part of the island on March 18. Marine uniforms were again found on enemy soldiers, one of whom stopped one of our ambulances, shot and wounded the driver and escaped. Snipers continued to be active. Army fighters bombed and strafed barges and radio and radar facilities on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on the same date.
Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force bombed the airfield on Chichi Jima on March 16 and 17.
Without opposition, Liberators of the 11th Army Air Force bombed Shimushiru in the Kurils on March 17. Fighters, dive bombers and torpedo planes of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing bombed radio towers, airstrip and other targets on Yap in the Western Carolines on March 18.
On March 17 and 18, Marine aircraft attacked buildings, bridges and other facilities on Babelthuap in the Palaus. One plane was lost in the attacks.