CINCPOA Communiqué No. 274
The 28th Regiment of Marines on Iwo Island achieved the rim of Mount Suribachi on the Northern, Eastern and Western sides of the crater by 1200 today (East Longitude Date). Below on the steep slopes of the Volcano assault teams equipped with flamethrowers were still attacking numerous enemy strongpoints which had been bypassed. The drive which carried our forces to the summit was supported effectively by Marine artillery.
After a night in which their lines remained stable the troops in the northern sector made a frontal attack on enemy strongpoints and moved slowly toward the Central Iwo airfield. The enemy employing heavy artillery and mortar fire was offering stiff resistance.
By 1200 small gains had been made in the center of the lines south of the field.
Naval gunfire supported the troops throughout the night and morning. Heavy carrier aircraft attacks were made on enemy defenses during the morning. Meanwhile, carrier aircraft destroyed three planes and damaged three others on Chichi Jima in the Bonins.
Unloading continued on the beaches throughout the day. Several roads have now been constructed over the volcanic ash terraces and the movement of supplies to the front lines is improved.
Part of the northern beaches were subjected to mortar and sniper fire during the day.
During the night of February 22‑23, a group of enemy swimmers landed on the western coast of the island to attack in the rear of our lines. The Marines mopped them up after dawn.