U.S. Navy Department (March 1, 1945)
CINCPOA Communiqué No. 284
U.S. Marines on Iwo Island advanced northward on March 1 (East Longitude Date) occupying the Western end of the Island’s northern airstrip moving our lines in the Western and Central sectors forward and making smaller gains on the Eastern side of the Island. The enemy continues to offer stiff opposition.
The attack was made after intense shelling by Marine artillery and naval guns. Carrier aircraft supported the ground troops during the day.
Seventeen prisoners of war were taken by Marines in the 3rd Division zone of action.
Occasional artillery fire fell on parts of the beaches but unloading proceeded.
During early morning hours of March 1, a small group of enemy aircraft entered the Iwo area and dropped bombs which caused no damage. One bomber was shot down by ships’ anti-aircraft fire.
Harassing attacks were carried out by carrier aircraft on enemy installations on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on the night of February 28‑March 1.
During the week of February 18 to February 24, mopping up operations continued in the Marianas and Palaus. Thirty-seven of the enemy were killed and 52 captured on Saipan. On Guam 35 were killed and 11 taken prisoner. Seven of the enemy were killed and two taken prisoner on Tinian. Two prisoners were taken on Peleliu.
Fighters and torpedo planes of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing started fires and destroyed a bridge in the Palaus on March 1.
Corsairs of the 4th MarAirWing bombed and strafed buildings, small craft and airfields at Ponape in the Carolines on February 28.
Marine aircraft continued neutralizing raids on enemy-held bases in the Marshalls on the same date.