Marshalls
KWAJALEIN ATOLL
Adm Hill arrives by plane from Majuro to take part in formal planning for the invasion of Eniwetok with forces previously allocated as reserves for Kwajalein. Planning continues until the expeditionary force sails on the 15th.
In the Southern Landing Force campaign, the 7th Division attacks to clear the rest of Kwajalein Island, with Nathan Road (the east-west road opposite Nob Pier) as the immediate objective. Assault forces encounter dense construction and must destroy blockhouses and concrete positions in detail. The 1st Battalion of the 184th Infantry advances on the lagoon side, the 3rd Battalion of the 32nd Infantry attacks on the ocean side. Beyond Nora Road, frontal attacks prove so costly, particularly in the 184th Infantry's zone where Company B is virtually halted along the lagoon at the western edge of the built-up Admiralty area, that the plan of attack is changed. The 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry, swings left to the lagoon shore while the 2nd attacks through its right flank toward Nathan Road, forcing an exposed salient into the enemy positions. The 3rd Battalion, 32nd Infantry, assisted by the 1st Battalion, continues toward Nathan Road with some elements getting to within 100 yards of it. Numerous enemy pockets have been bypassed. Enemy counterattacks are repulsed during the night.
After effective naval gunfire, artillery, and carrier aircraft bombardment that eliminates enemy opposition, the 1st Battalion of the 17th Infantry, 7th Division, invades Burton, 2 companies going ashore abreast with Company A on the right and Company C on the left, on the southern part of the lagoon beach at 0935. After crossing the southern end of the island, the 1st Battalion drives north supported by amphibian tractors and later by light and medium tanks. Opposition develops about an hour after the landing, particularly on the left where Company B passes through Company C shortly before 1700. By 1900, forward elements halt for the night on a line that crosses the island just south of Bailey Pier, a concrete structure extending into the lagoon about midway up the island. The 3rd Battalion, upon landing, takes responsibility for the rear area. Illumination throughout the night and the fire of supporting arms help prevent enemy counterattacks.
Amphibious tank detachments sent to Buster and Byron, islets between Kwajalein and Burton, take them without opposition.
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