U.S. Navy Department (February 21, 1945)
CINCPOA Communiqué No. 269
The Fifth Amphibious Corps, having secured the southern Iwo airfield made a general advance toward the island’s central airdrome on February 21 (East Longitude Date). Advance elements of the 5th Marine Division on the western side of the island bypassed the southern ends of the airstrip’s runways while the 4th Marine Division was pushing toward the center of the field directly from the south at noon. Gains were made along the whole line and were generally about 500 to 1,000 yards in extent.
In the meantime, Marines at the south end of the island were pressing slowly forward up the slopes of Mount Suribachi and during the forenoon of the third day of the assault. They made gains averaging more than 100 yards against this enemy citadel.
In both the northern and southern actions, the Marines are moving forward yard by yard against heavy machine gun mortar, small arms, and rocket fire. The numerous small strongpoints which confront our forces in all areas thus far penetrated are being reduced by individual troop action.
Casualties at 0800 local time on February 21 were estimated at a total of 150 officers and 3,500 men wounded, missing and killed. Of these, our forces had evacuated 3,063 of the wounded.
During the night of February 20‑21, little activity by the enemy was noted. Attempts at infiltration of our line were frustrated and a local counterattack on the left flank where the enemy used several tanks supported by artillery fire was repulsed.
Ship’s guns supported the ground troops throughout the night with shell fire and illumination and continued heavy fire support through the morning. Carrier aircraft made heavy bombing and strafing attacks on February 21.
Supplies and rations were unloaded on the beaches throughout the night of February 20‑21.