U.S. Navy Department (April 21, 1945)
CINCPOA Communiqué No. 339
The XXIV Army Corps pressed its attack against the enemy in the southern sector of Okinawa on April 20 and 21 (East Longitude Dates) making small gains through heavily defended areas. On the approaches to Hill 178, the high ground changed hands several times on April 21 in the bitterest kind of fighting. Small gains were made by our forces in other segments of the lines. Naval guns and Army and Marine artillery continued to bombard enemy emplacements with heavy fire and carrier aircraft attacked troop concentrations in the southern part of the island.
Marines of the III Amphibious Corps reduced the remaining pockets of enemy resistance on Motobu Peninsula on the afternoon of April 20 and brought the entire area under their control.
Tenth Army troops placed the United States Flag on the summit of Iegusugu Peak on Ie Shima on the morning of April 21 after overcoming bitter resistance from caves, pillboxes and other strongpoints. Our forces are engaged in mopping up operations on the island which is now in our possession.
On the night of April 20-21, enemy aircraft attacked Yontan and Kadena airfields causing minor damage. Carrier aircraft from the U.S. Pacific Fleet attacked air installations in the Sakishima group on April 19 and 21, shooting down one plane and strafing several others on the ground.
Hellcat and Corsair fighters of 4th Marine Aircraft Wing bombed targets in the Palaus on April 21.