U.S. Navy Department (March 8, 1945)
CINCPOA Communiqué No. 292
Attacking resolutely in the face of heavy resistance the Marines on Iwo Island made small advances in all sectors of the lines on March 8 (East Longitude Date). Defending every prepared position desperately, the enemy used light and heavy machine guns and intense small arms fire to slow the movement of our forces. Operating over extremely difficult terrain our tanks knocked out a number of enemy pillboxes. The attack was supported by carrier aircraft and the guns of surface units of the fleet.
Carrier aircraft made rocket and strafing attacks on the naval base and airfield at Chichi Jima in the Bonins on March 8.
Seventh Army Air Force Liberators operating under the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed Chichi Jima and Haha Jima on March 7.
On the same date, Corsairs and Hellcats of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing bombed targets in the Palaus setting buildings afire.
Navy search Privateers of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed and strafed installations on Wake Island on March 7.