Marshalls
KWAJALEIN ATOLL
Troops of the V Amphibious Corps open the attack for their main objectives. The generally light opposition met is a tribute to the effectiveness of the preliminary bombardment of naval vessels, aircraft, and artillery, which was closely integrated and overwhelming. In the Southern Landing Force area, the 7th Division invades Kwajalein Island at the southern bend of the atoll, advance elements touching down at 0930. Boat Landing Team's 184-3 and 32-1 land abreast, the former on the north, on Beaches Red 1 and 2 at the western end of the island and quickly secure the beaches. In the zone of the 184th Infantry the enemy clings to the ruins of his main beach defenses along the lagoon shore. Both teams move steadily eastward to the north-south Wilman Road, which connects roads Will on the north and Wallace on the south. BLT 32-2 attacks through BLT 32-1 in the afternoon. By the end of the day the 7th Division holds about a third of the island.
Gen Corlett, the 7th Division commander, lands on Carlson and takes command ashore. US forces are withdrawn from Chauncey, infantry elements to Cecil and the 7th Reconnaissance Troop aboard the Overton (APD-23). A few naval troops are left to guard the barges.
In the Northern Landing Force area, the 4th Marine Division land 2 BLT's of the 23rd RCT on the southern shore of Roi and a similar force from the 24th RCT on the southern shore of Namur. Assault hour, set for 1000, is delayed because of boating difficulties, and the landings actually occur between 1145 and noon. On Roi, which is mostly covered by an airfield, stunned and disorganized Japanese offer no effective resistance as the 23rd RCT speeds to the northern coast and clears the island except for a small pocket in the center of the airfield area. The 24th RCT is less fortunate on Namur, where thick vegetation and many buildings provide concealment for the enemy. BLT's 2 and 3 push north abreast, the 2nd on the right meeting considerable oppositiion as the Japanese rally from the preliminary bombardment. BLT 2 suffers more then 50 percent of its casualties from the powerful explosions of a blockhouse containing ammunition. Reinforced by reserves from BLT 1 and tanks from the 23rd RCT, the 24th RCT reaches a line extending from its initial objective on the eastern shore to positions 175 yards north of the initial objective on the western flank. The Landing Force Commander establishes his command post on Namur. During the night, enemy infiltration attempts culminate in a counterattack by about 100 at dawn, but the attack is repelled in close combat.
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