Wells found the Japanese line protected by bunkers, trenches, and wire while his platoon waited in exposed ground. The tanks were refuelling, the available artillery faced the wrong direction, the mortars lacked ammunition, and the heavy ships had not returned from their night stations. Carrier aircraft arrived but, trying not to hit the Marines, struck too far forward to suppress the positions. Wells led the advance with hand weapons, his men fought into the trench system, a supply tank was destroyed, and a mortar burst eventually wounded him. Several supporting arms existed within the wider operation but were unavailable at the decisive moment, leaving the infantry to fight alone.
Chapter · 3:07:11-3:12:00
An Iwo Jima assault goes forward without its expected support
Derrick Wright's account follows Lieutenant Keith Wells as Marines attack prepared positions near Suribachi after tanks, artillery, mortars, ships, and aircraft all fail to provide the expected opening support.