U.S. Navy Department (March 10, 1945)
CINCPOA Communiqué No. 293
During the night of March 8-9, the enemy attempted infiltration of Marine lines on Iwo Island on a large scale and subjected troops in the 4th Division sector to heavy mortar and sniper fire. The 4th Division destroyed 564 of the enemy while repulsing these attacks.
A general advance was made on the island on March 9, with forward elements of the 3rd Marine Division reaching the northeast beaches early in the afternoon. Gains up to several hundred yards were made against very stiff resistance. Army fighters based on Iwo Island joined carrier aircraft in providing close support for the troops and fleet units continued to shell the enemy. Heavy artillery preparation was directed onto enemy positions prior to attack by the Infantry.
On March 10, the Marines continued their attack and widened the area held on the northeast beaches of Iwo Island by noon. Resistance during the morning appeared to be diminishing although the enemy continued to hold prepared strong points tenaciously and snipers were active.
A small group of enemy aircraft approached Iwo Island in the early morning hours of March 9, but retired without attacking.
Targets in the Palaus were bombed by fighter and torpedo aircraft of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing on March 8‑9.
Mitchells of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing strafed and bombed small craft and buildings at Kusaie and Ponape in the Eastern Carolines on March 8.
Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed the airfield on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on March 8 and 9.
On March 9, Navy search Privateers of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed runways and other installations on Wake Island.