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Diary of First Lieutenant Sugihara Kinryu: Iwo Jima, January-February 1945

Stephen J. Lofgren

The Journal of Military History, Vol. 59, No. 1. (Jan., 1995), pp. 97-133.

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Diary of First Lieutenant Sugihara Kinryii:

Iwo Jima, January-February 1945

Edited by Stephen J . Lofgren

FEditor's Introduction

IRST-HAND Japanese accounts of ground combat against United

States forces during World War I1 are comparatively rare, especially

accounts that have been translated into English. The following con-

temporary account, a diary from Iwo Jima , is particularly timely as we

mark the fiftieth anniversary of the American-Japanese batt le for the

island of Iwo Jima. During this battle, some 20,703 Japanese military

personnel, out of a total force of approximately 21,000-23,000 men,

were killed in the heavy combat that lasted from 19 February until the

island was "secured" on 26 March. During that time, only 212 Japanese

were taken prisoner.' The author of the diary was a company-grade

officer in the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA). His vivid first-hand descrip-

tion of life on Iwo Jima before and during the batt le provides a graphic

rendition of the operation from the Japanese perspective.2 Like most of

his comrades, the author of the diary did not survive the fighting on Iwo

Jima.

1 . Con t inued ac t ion dur ing Apr il an d May p roduced ano th er 867 p r i soners, an d

1 ,602 Japan ese k i ll ed . Lt . Col . Whi tman S . Bar tl ey , lw o J im a: A mp hib iou s E p ic(Wa shington: Historical Branc h, G -3 Division, Headqua rters, U.S. Ma rine Corps,195 4; rep rinte d, Nashville, Te nn.: Battery Press, 198 8), 193, 230-31; Geo rge W.G a r a n d a n d T r u m a n R. Strobridg e, H istor y of U.S . M a r i n e C o r p s O p e r a t i o n s i nWorld W ar II, vol. 4, W estern Pacific O pe ra ti on s (W ashington: Historical Division,Headquarters , U.S. Marine Corps , 19 71) , 458; Michael Clodfel ter , Warfare a n dArm ed Conf li ct s: A S ta t i s t i ca l Reference to C asu a l ty a n d O ther F igures , 1618-

1991, vol. 2 , 1900-1991, Bibl iog raphy , Inde x (Jefferson, N.C.: McF arland, 1991) ,928.

2. Available e vidence a bou t the p rovena nce of the diary is sketchy. The translationcarr ies the headin g HEADQUARTERS FORCE,APO 8 6, Office of th eR M YGARRISON

Assis tant Chief of Staff, G-2 , 6 Ju ly 19 46, an d is s igned by Lieut . Col . Jo hn K.Go we n, Jr., AC of S, G-2. Gowen is not l is ted in the A rmy Regis ter .

Th e Journal ojM ili tay Hisroy 5 9 ( . l a n u s p 1 9 9 5 ) : 9 7 - 1 3 4 @ Society fo r Mditary Ilistory * 97

I

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STEPHEN J. LOFGREN

First Lieutenant: Sugihara Kinryii was assigned to the l l t h Antitank

Battalion (ATB) commanded by Captain Node Tamoji. Sugihara was

the battalion liaison officer, and his duties included liaison with higher

headquarters and the naval defense forces assigned to Iwo Jima.3 The

battalion had been organized on 24 June 1944 from reservists fromHiroshima and Shimane prefectures and were assigned to the 5th

Depot Division at Hiroshima. The battalion's initial strength was 262

officers and m en . Four days after its organization, the battalion sailed

from YGkGsuka, Japan, arriving a t Chichi Jima on 1July 1944. The l l t h

ATB moved to Iwo Jima on 18 July 1944.4

Once on Iwo Jima , the l l t h ATB was attached to the 2d Mixed

Brigade, a major combat unit that constituted the reserve of the Eastern

Sector Defense Force. The battalion was deployed in the vicinity of the

Osaka yama and Megane'iwa hills, generally shown on U.S. maps as Hill362A. The ce nt er of this position was on Iwo Jima's northwest sec tor ,

approximately 1,000 meters northwest of the northern tip of the Moto-

yama Airfield No. 2 and 750 meters southwest of the western tip of the

uncompleted Airfield No. 3 . 5

The Table of Organization and Equipment for an ATB called for 480

officers and men divided into a headquarters unit, o ne tank company,

and four antitank companies equipped with 47-mm antitank guns. On

Iwo Jima the antitank battalions mustered anywhere from 250 to 450

officers and men. The 262 officers and men of the l l t h ATB were

organized into three antitank companies. Two companies were equipped

with 47-mm anti tank guns while the 3d Company had only two 37-mm

antitank guns.

A similar unit, the 8th ATB had 333 officers and men. It arrived at

Iwo Jima o n 3 0 Ju ne 1944 . Its 3d Company was deployed to nearby

Chichi Jima. To augment the understrength 8th ATB, the l l t h ATB's 3d

Company deployed to Funami dai, located about 1250 meters from the

8th ATB's right flank at the east side o f Chitose airfield's northern-

oriented runway.6 1st Lieutenant Okayama Chiyosai commanded the

3. Ogasawara heidan shireibu [Headquarters, Ogasawara brigade], "Ogasawara

heidan shako shokuinhyo [Register of Ogasawara brigade officers], Showa 19 nen 8

gatsu tokka cho" [as of 10 August 19441. Subsequent information provided on

company-grade officers is derived from this source. The editor is indebted to

Colonel (retired) Syohgo Hattori for providing this document.

4. Rikusenshi kenkyii fukyiikai, eds., Rikusenshishu 15 [Dainiji sekai taisenshi]

Iwo Jima sakusen [Collected history of land warfare, vol. 15, (History of the Great

Battles of World War 11), The Iwo Jima Operation] (Tokyo: Hara shobo, 1970),

appendixes 2, 6, and 7.

5. Rikusenshishu 15 [Dainiji sekai taisenshi] Iwo Jima sakusen, mapenclosure no. 2.

6. Airfield No. 1. the airfield closest to Mount Suribachi.

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3d Company.' The 3d Battalion, 23d Regiment, 4th Marine Division

attacked this position on 20 February 1945.

The Japanese soldiers of the antitank battalions were heavily involved

in the subsequent fighting. But prior to ground combat, they had to

survive the intensive American air and naval attacks to prepare the

island for invasion. By the end of the diary, the reader will appreciate

the wealth of experience relayed in such seemingly emotionless phrases

as "Night raids, as usual." Indeed, o ne striking aspect of the diary is

Lieutenant Sugihara's personal reaction to the daily air attacks, primarily

focused against the two operational Japanese airfields on Iwo Jima. As a

history of the Seventh Air Force notes, "from 8 December until 15

February 1945 no t a day passed without the island hopping heavies

paying Iwo at least one visit." Yet, because of its imposing natural

geographic defenses, "Iwo was never put out of action for more than afew hours at a time," which necessitated the continued bombing.8 From

16 August to 31 December 1944, the Seventh and Eleventh Air Forces

flew 1,466 sorties against the island, dropping 3,054 tons of bombs.

During 1 January to 3 1 March 1945, 1 ,251 additional sorties dropped

another 2,564 tons.9 Naval aviation, as Sugihara's references to "Grum-

mans" a ttest, also played a considerable role in stifling Japanese efforts

on the ground. Most of the naval aircraft came from nine carriers (later

augmented to twelve) of Task Group 52.1, commanded by Rear Admiral

Calvin T. Durgin. After undertaking preparatory air strikes against shoredefenses on the landing beaches on 16-18 February, Durgin's aviators

flew missions in direct support of the Marines on Iwo Jima from 1 9

February to 9 March. The effect of this cons tant aerial threat is well

documented in Lieutenant Sugihara's diary.

The English-language translation that is reprinted below with minor

editorial changes was provided by Lewis Tyree, Jr., a First Lieutenant in

7. lw o J i m a sak us en , app end ices 6 and 7 ; Rikuj6 j ie itai Fuji gakk6 , eds . , Se n t 6

se ns hi b6 ei (k 6h an) [Tact ic a l mil i tary his tory: the defensive (par t 2)] (Fuji gakk6,1973) ] , 75-76 .

8 . Because h is d ia ry beg ins in mid-January , L ieu tenant Sugiha ra does no trecount the la rges t Army Air Force miss ion aga ins t the i s land . On 8 December194 4 , 10 2 B-24s an d 61 B-29s drop ped a to tal o f 79 3 tons of bom bs , a f te r whichnavy cruisers bomb arded the is land. Kenn C. Rust , The Sev enth Air Forc e Story:. . . In Wor ld War I1 (Temple City, Calif.: Historical Aviation Album, 1979), 26.Tota l U.S. a ircraft losses in the cam paign would am ou nt to 16 8 planes: 7 7 toJapa nese an t ia i r cra ft f ir e, 40 to Japan ese a i rc ra ft , and 5 1 to "operat ional" r easons .U.S.S.B.S. , The C a m p a ig n s of th e Paci j ic War , vol. 73 (Naval Analysis Divis ion,n .d .) , 3 2 1 , 3 2 3 .

9 . U .S .S .B .S ., T he S e ve n th a n d E leve n th A i r F o r c e s i n t he W a r A ga in s t J a p a n ,vol. 7 0 (Military Analysis Division, May 19 47 ), 9, 11 . This overview records tha tSeventh Air Force lost thre e a ircraft an d 118 damaged in the a i r campa ign aga instIwo Jima. Ibid.. 11.

M IL IT A RY H I ST O RY * 99

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the Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army, during World War 11. He obtained it

in February 1946.

The editor is indebted both to Colonel (retired) Syohgo Hattori, for

his generous assistance in providing information about the IJA forces

on Iwo Jima, and to Dr. Edward J. Drea, U.S. Army Center of Military

History. Dr. Drea graciously answered innumerable questions related to

the diary, and expended considerable time in identifying Japanese

place names and extracting pertinent information from Japanese-

language sources.

Dia ry of 1st Lt. Sugihara, Zenruilo

11 January 1945-Thursday. Cloudy, intermittent showers.This notebook was given me by the War Relief Committee as a

token of their gratitude.11 I therefore revised my 1944 Diary and started

to write in this one.

Took refuge in an air raid shelter, due to the continuous enemy

night raids, which began late yesterday. As a result of 24-hour-a-day

application, construct ion of resting quarters in air raid shelters has

progressed considerably since December.12 We are working zealously

with a view towards completing the resting quarters in our unit air raid

shelter by the end of this month. Beginning next month, it is expected

that a cave-like main truck [road] traversing the island will be completedby the end of March.

Read books pertaining to natural science, specifically meteorology

and seismology. Of late I have felt a desire to read deeper books, rather

than a number of novels. Finally, overcome by drowsiness, I rolled over

on one of the roughly hewn benches in the air raid shelter and dozed

off.

One plane came over between 0035 and 0105. Although a plane

appeared between 0135 an d 0145 it flew off without bombing us. This

should be the end of tonight's "mail run."

Leaving the cave, I went to sleep at my quarters. Air raid alarmgiven a t 0330. Unusual time for an air raid. I took refuge hurriedly, and

rather reluctantly. "All clear" at 0355. One more plane attacked and I

10. The rendering "Zenrui" is probably the original translator's error.

11 . The War Relief Committee (tokusetsu kytigohan) was organized by the

Imperial General Headquarters as an auxiliary civil defense association.

12 . On 1 December 1944 the Japanese commander on Iwo Jima, Lt. Gen.

Kuribayashi Tadamichi, had issued orders to carry out an extensive defensivefortifications program, which was to be completed by 11 February 1945. Bartley,

Iwo Jima,16.

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went to sleep again.13

Got up at 0630. Because of a lack of sleep, an d the fact tha t I had

nothing special to do , I dozed off subconsciously.

Air raids bot h a t 0643 and 0655. What d o you know. . . . . looks as

though, starting today, they are beginning to bomb us early in the

morning! Two planes raided us. Ate breakfast after it was all over.14

Completed the road construction plan and the periodic work report

during the forenoon, and submitted them to the Sector Supervision Officer.

Air raid alarm at 0750. Three formations raided us, but, because of

cloudiness, we were unable to determine the number of planes, although

they were many. Bombs were dropped into the sea, offshore from TENZAN,

their first o b j e c t i ve . F~ ~ ~ ~S ~ NEas the secondary target but, similarly, the

bombs were dropped into the sea.16 "Don't stand on ceremony, you are

most welcome, if you're going to drop them into the ocean."

Because of the great amount of bombings into the ocean, however, the

take of the fishing section has become poor. Hence, we have not been able

to eat raw fish (sashimi) since November. The number three target was

OSAKA YAMA;" they dropped their bombs on HIGASHI beach,l8 however. No

apparent damage.

Had another air-raid at 1030, as I began to eat lunch. Heard the sound

of motors, before long, and took refuge, leaving my lunch half-eaten. It's

gotten to a point where on e cannot even eat a meal in peace. Merely our

13. Dur ing the two days be fore the d ia ry beg ins , the b om bers of Seventh AirForce had be en busy . On 9 Jan uar y, twenty-four B-24s f lying f rom Saip an a t tackedthe a ir fie lds on Iwo Ji m a, while th a t night e ight heavy bo m ber s continu ed with the" individual sn oo pe r missions." O n 1 0 Jan uar y, thir ty B-24s f rom Gu am againbo m bed the a ir f ie lds on Iwo Jim a, f lying in two sep ara t e formations. T he a irf ieldswere s t ruck aga in dur in g the n igh t of 10-1 1 Jan ua ry by B-24s f ly ing " snoo permissions." Kit C. Ca r ter an d Rober t Mueller , com ps. , The Arm y Air Forces i n WorldW ar 11:Co m ba t Chr onology , 1 9 4 1 - 1 9 4 5 (Wash ington: Albert F. Simp son H istoricalResearch Ce nte r an d Office of Air Force History, 19 73 ), 54 3-4 4. [Hereafter cited asCombat Chronology , wi th page number . Unless o the rwise no ted , bombers a refrom Seventh Air Force.]

1 4 . O n 11 Janu ary , twenty- three B-24s from S a ipan bom bed a ir fields on IwoJ im a . The bomb ing con t inue d dur ing 11-12 Jan ua ry with th ree heavy bom bersf lying " individual sno op er s tr ikes f rom t he Marianas." C om ba t Chrono logy, 5 44.

15 . The T enzan a rea was located in the 109 th Divis ion se ctor , nor thwest ofAirfield N o. 3 a n d n orth an d ea st of Hi11 362B . The 5th Ma rine Division would a ttac kth is pos i tion on 1 0 March; Garan d and S t robridge , Wes te rn Pa cq ic O pera t i ons ,644 .

16 . Adjacent to M ount Sur ibachi , Fu ta t sune was the wes te rnmost sec t ion ofwhat would b e the Marine Corps landin g beach.

17. Osaka Yama is Hill 362A pro per, while Megane'iwa was a n e aste rn o utcro pp ing

of Hill 362A.18 . Given the locat ion of the int end ed targ et , Higashi Beach would probably bee i the r the beac h in th e 145 th Infan t ry Bat ta lion sec tor , d i rec t ly nor th a nd wes t ofHill 362A, o r the beach in t he North sector , to th e no r theast of Hill 362A.

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STEPHEN J. LOFGREN

own planes approaching, and finding it to be a false report, all clear was

given at 1055. Don't mind, so long as it is a false ala rm. Everyone prayed

for their safety. Second sitting for lunch.

Enemy planes which bombed I\iTO IM Auring the month of Decembertotaled 109 , and the grand tota l, as of July [sic?],is 1 669 planes. Casualties

for the month of December a re 75 killed, 53 seriously wounded, 63 with

minor injuries, a total of 1 61 me n.

Fifty B-29s again raided Japan on the 9 th. It was reported that 20 planes

hit the capital, TOKYO,nd 3 0 planes hit the TOKKAIDOistrict.19 Enemy

productive power is still great. It is regrettable that we are unable to

retaliate. We can but wait until their fighting power diminishes.

1823 -Air raid alarm given. Had an air raid just as I expected, although

it was a little off schedule. One plane dropped bombs on #3 airfield. 1905-all clear.

Took my blankets into the shelter and made ready for cave existence.

Read Prof. KURUME'Sook on Ancient History and Historical Studies of

Mythology, the quotations being very profound, and yet fascinating.20 I was

a very interested reader.

1953-2050 -Seven planes approached . 2353-2418 - One plane

dropped bombs on EASTBeach.21 Many raids tonight . Climbed out of my

shelter and went to my quarters believing the routine raids were over, as it

was 0130. Raided again in a little while-time 0205. Cursing, I took refuge

in my shelter. Bombs dropped in the vicinity of KANGOKU TheyWA.22

might just as well not come, if they are going to drop bombs into the ocean.All clear a t 0225. Couldn't sleep all night, as it was cold.

12 January 1945- Friday. Clear. Afternoon cloudy.

Awoke at 0600. The weather is again very clear. Feels like a sunny day

19. On 9 Jan ua ry seventy-two Marianas-based B-24s of Twentieth Air Force

were sent against the Musashino aircraft plant near Tokyo; however, high winds

broke up formations and only eighteen bombers reached the target, with the

remainder attacking alternates sites and "targets of opportunity." Combat Chron-

ology, 543. The Tokkaido district lies-on the eastern coas t of the Japanese mainisland of Honshu between Tokyo and Osaka. It was an d remains a heavily industri-

alized belt.

20. Professor Kurume is apparently a misrendering of the Chinese character

read as "Kume" in Jap anese. Professor Kume Kunitake (1839-1931) was a professor

at Tokyo University. A pioneer of historiography of Japan's early modern era, he

wrote num ero us works on Shinto and ancien t Japane se history, including Nihon

Kdd ais hi to Sh int d to n o Kankei (The relationship of anc ient Japanese history

and Shinto). The editor wishes to thank Eugene Carvalho, East Asian Library,

University of Kansas, for his identification of "Professor Kume."

21. East beac h is Kamiyama beach, the shore line extending eastward from East

Boat Basin, itself located a t the eas tern en d of the beachf ront that th e Marine Corpswould invade on 1 9 February.

22. Kangoku Iwa (Kangoku Rock) is a small island off the northwest coas t of Iwo

Jima.

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in October. When gazing a t the clear blue sky, its beauty transcends the

ugliness of war, which fades into oblivion, an d my soul returns to nature.

0810-0840 -Staff Officers training lecture given by our Battalion CO

(tactics based on plans for the defense of IWO JIMA).Had three air raids

during the lecture. Ran headlong for the bo mb shelter. O ne planepassed overhead.

1220-1240 -O n e plane passed overhead, possibly return ing from

a raid on JAPANroper.

1302-1320 -Planes 20 kilometers away but they did not attack us.

1435-1522 - Thirty-two planes dropped bombs on #1 and #2 airfields,

and into the sea. Five raids during the night.23 Raids are gradually on the

decrease.

13 January 1945. Clear. Intermittently cloudy.

Weather very clear an d exhilarating. No bombings during the morning.

Heard there was an earthquake in NAGOYAast night. The 01River bridge

was bombed, disrupting the traffic of the TOKKAIDOailway lines.24 Seems

as though the traffic and transportation situation is gradually getting serious

back there. Heard that one of the packages addressed to me was returned.

1200-1250 - Twelve B-24s bombed EASTBeach.25

1257-1302 -No raid, although planes were seen 20 kilometers away.

Intelligence report: S ince the 9th our Special Attack forces are daily

attacking enemy forces landing in LINGAYENulf.26 Fifty-six enemy ships

are believed to have been sunk or destroyed. We are, furthermore, attacking

an enemy that is using "bleeding" tactics, and I believe we are creating

veritable pandemonium.

However, it is believed that the ene my has amassed , in LINGAYENulf,

200 ships of the 5 00 -ton class, an d 10 0 ships of unknown tonnage, totaling

30 0 ships. Such is the material strength of the enemy! If, at this time, we

had on e hundred planes, annihilation of the enemy would be certain. It is

indeed regrettable that we have no planes now. Our few planes have

penetrated deep into enemy territory; in the face of terrific antiaircraft fire.

23. On 12 January, twenty-eight Guam-based B-24s struck the airfield on Iwo

Jima. Four B-24s from the Marianas flew snooper strikes during the night of 12-13January. Combat Chronology, 545.

24. The 6i River Bridge spans a river of the same name. The 6i River runs

through central Honshu, originating in the Akaishi Mountains and emptying into

the western part of Sugura Bay. I t bisects the TGkkaidG rail line on the coastal plain

about fifteen miles south of Shizuoka City.

25. On 13 January, fourteen B-24s from Saipan struck the airfields on Iwo Jima.Two heavy bombers raided the airfields during the night of 13-14 January (see

below). Combat Chronology, 545.

26. "Special Attack forces" was the Japanese euphemism for suicide units,popularly known as kamikaze. From 5 to 9 January 1944, suicide aircraft struck the

invading American fleet off central Luzon in the Lingayen Gulf. They ultimatelysank three ships and heavily damaged fourteen others. On 8 and 9 January, suicide

boats attacked U.S. landing craft, sinking one and damaging eight.

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STEPHEN J. LOFGREN

The determinat ion of ou r Special Attack forces is touching.

Enemy landing forces are estimated at two divisions and a tank division.

The enemy must indeed be desperate to make such a precipitate landing,

with a large force, in the PHILIPPINES.t seems as though the enemy has

called upon its reserves. The PHILIPPINESre about to become the arena forthe final, decisive struggle.

However, if we dete rmine to bleed them, and resist relentlessly, the

over-extended enemy will finally have to return to his supply bases. Again,

if we take the offensive and counterattack as far as Saipan, then I believe

victory will be certain.

Wrote my first letter of 1945 by candle light. It seems as though the

enemy has revised its bombing schedule. No raids tonight.

2048 -Air raid.

2100- One plane at tacked. Took off for the bomb shelter. Could feel

the concussion of the bombs. Presently I heard a voice cry out: "There's ahit!" Involuntarily, I jumped out and looked around. Receiving a direct hit,

the office was now a sea of flame. I attempted to get in from the roof, but

the flames had already reached there. So, with the exception of a few things

that were salvaged, everything was lost. Although we were aided by various

othe r units, it took us until past midnight to completely extinguish the fire.

14 January 1945- Sunday. Clear and warm.

Being rendered homeless by the fire, I slept in the air raid shelter.

Cleared the smoking remains and rebuilt the CO's ten t and the office tent.

The skies are extremely clear today. It is like a day in October, so warm itreminds me of "Indian Summer" weather. As I took a sunbath and gazed at

the charred remains of the office, my heart filled with a thousand emotions,

and I felt bewildered.

There were three or four raids during the afternoon hours. They came

in rapid succession, however.27 I wonder whether the e nemy is changing its

tactics again. Wrote home to my relatives, and to my mother at Y U D E N . ~ ~

15 January 1945 -Monday. Clear. Very warm today.

It is so warm that we work up a sweat, wearing our shirts. Work is still

being done on the Officers' quarters, the CO's office, and the Orderly

room. Reconstruction is difficult because of a scarcity of materiel. We had

porridge for breakfast, and are scheduled to have it four times a month .

1030 and a little past 1200, we had two raids. Bombs were dropped on

OKINAHAMA D~1.29Total planes during the 24 hours werend TAKASUNA

27. Two B-24s from Guam struck Iwo Jima on 14 January, while two B-24sflying from the Marianas raided Iwo Jima during the night of 14-15 January.Combat Chronology, 546.

28 . Yuden also rendered as Muden. This could refer to Yuden-ni on the south-

western Korean peninsula.29. Okina Hama was the northern section of the Marine Corps landing beach.

Takasunadai was a strong defensive position on a small plateau located just before

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14.30 The number of bombings is decreasing.

16 January 1945 -Tuesday. Rain.

Work still being done on the CO's tent and the Officers' quarters.

Farewell and burial services were held this afternoon for the late Sup. Pvts.

I SH IBASH Iand NAKAO, ho died on the 13th and 16th respectively. There

was a raid just before noon. Had four raids during the night. Since we have

but few planes it is impossible to have any flights emanating from this

island. Could not sleep all night as there is hardly enough room to stretch

one's legs in the bomb shelter.31

17 January 1945 -Wednesday. Clear.

Once again it is like a spring day. Start ing at 0730 I sat in on a lecture

on the 47-mm gun given by Lt. Col. (technical) NORIMATSU,ho had just

arrived from Japan.32

Officers' quarters were completed in the afternoon. The dimensions

were 6'x 12'' and built to house six officers. The center beams were made

of roughly hewn wood from TAMANA the roofs being covered withA M A , ~ ~

corrugated tin sheeting. The house itself looked more like a ditch digger's

hut, or a supervisor's shack.

1500-Air raid. Ten B-24s came over and dropped bombs on #2

airfield and CHIDORIamlet.

1552 -All clear sounded. From 1800 there were three night raids.34

the sou the rn t ip of Air field No. 1 , f ac ing wha t would b e th e landing beach . O nD-day, Takasunadai appears to have been bisected by the l ine dividing the 5thMarine Division se cto r ( the left f lank of the in vasion ) an d th e 4th Ma rine Divisionsec tor, althoug h it ap pe ar s tha t the m ajority fell in the 4th Division's sector-pa r ticu la r ly g iven the f ie rce re s is tance encou nte red by th e 23d Mar ine Regiment ,4th Marine Division, o n D-day. Se e Bartley, I w o Ji m a , [C am pai gn ] Maps 111 an d IV,an d 60-61; Ga rand an d S t robridge , Wes tern Pac i fic Op era t io ns , Maps 26 , 28 , an d11, and 517-19.

30 . On 1 5 Janu ary , twe lve B-24s f rom Sa ipan bom bed Iwo J im a . Ind iv idua lheavy bombers , o n e opera t ing f rom Gu am a nd th e o the r f rom Sa ipan , h i t theairf ields dur ing the night of 15-1 6 Janu ary. C om ba t Chronology, 54 7.

31 . On th is day , ten B-24s f rom G uam bom bed Iwo J im a . Addi t iona l ly , a f te rfai ling to m ake co nt ac t with the bom ber s , three P-38s, f rom a form ation of twelvefrom Saipan assigned to provide cover for the bombers , s t rafed vesse ls a long thebeach . Night time a t tacks cont inued as th ree B-24s bom bed the a ir fields dur ing then igh t of 16-17 January . C om ba t Chronology , 548 .

3 2. L ieutena nt C olonel Norimatsu Makota was an ar t i l le ry off icer assigned a sresea rch ins t ruc tor , Arm y Technica l Headquarte r s, a nd re sea rch ins t ruc tor a t theArmy Infantry School . His presence on Iwo Jima is consis tent with his t ra iningactivities. Allied Tra nsl ato r an d Inte rpre ter Service, Southw est Pacific Area, A.T.I.S.Publication No. 2, "Alphabetical List of Ja pa ne se Army Officers," May 19 43 , 39 8.

33 . Tam ana Yama is the area just east of Hill 382.

34 . During 1 7 January , fourteen B-24s from Sa ipan cont inued the bom bard me ntof the airfield on Iwo Ji m a. Two plan es flew "individual har ass m ent strikes" d urin gthe n igh t of 17-1 8 January . C om ba t Chronology , 549 .

M I L I T A R Y H I S T O R Y * 105

I

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STEPHEN J . LOFGREN

1 8 January 1945 -Thursday. Cloudy.

Weapons lecture at 0730 given by Col. NORIMATSU,hich ended at

1100.

0948-1025 -West Beach bombed by on e plane.

In his annual message delivered by President Roosevelt before Congresson the 6th of January, 1945, he states: "The Atlantic Charter is a very

important document which sets forth our aims. It is our duty as human

beings to adhere to the principles of the Charter to the best of our ability."

This is mere rank deception. How could such a stupid document be handed

down to posterity? I would like to tell him: ''What nonsense, to spout such

gibberish!"

We had three raids during the night.35

19 January 1945-Friday. Cloudy. Temperature slightly lower.

Third lecture by Col. Norimatsu given at 0730.

One plane came over and dropped bombs in the Seabee area. The area

near the bulletin board was blown to bits. Reports came in to the effect that

there may have been a few casualties.

According to reports, the PHILIPPINESituation is becoming unfavor-

able. It is reported that our fleet has possibly suffered considerable damage.

I am not being pessimistic, but I believe we are going to run into increasing

difficulties in the future.

1700 -Air raid a larm. Presently many B-29s appeared, coming from

the North. Without dropping any bombs, they flew Southward. I believe it is

safe to assume they are re turning from a raid on JAPAN roper. It ismortifying to think that we have no fighter planes here to intercept and

annihilate them. Raided twice, once at 2200, and again at 0300. Bombs

dropped in vicinity of East Beach.36

20 January 1945 -Saturday. Cloudy, later raid. Temperature fell.

Weapons training for the 8th and 12th Rapid-Fire Gun Units will be

given in front of Headquarters starting today for a period of three days.37 At

1000 I attended a meeting at Brigade Hq. as the Adjutant's representative.38

35 . Indeed there w ere three snoop er s t r ikes by B-24s agains t Iwo J im a o n th e

night of 18-19 Janua ry. They followed a day time ten-p lan e raid. C om ba t C hronology,550 .

36. Seventh Air Force act iv i ties on 1 9 Ja nu ar y included sen ding seven B-24s

f rom Sa ipan to bom b nearby Ch ich i J im a and n ine B-24s f rom Gua m to h it IwoJim a. Seven m or e B-24s escorte d photo p lane s over the Bonin an d Kazan Is lands ,with one p lane d ivert ing to bomb Iwo J ima. During the course of the fo l lowingnight , three B -24s under took indiv idual sno ope r s t rikes agains t Iwo J im a. C om ba tChronology, 550.

37 . Rap id- fi re and an t i t an k were sy nony mo us t e rms . The defensive pos i tions ofthe 8 th a nd 12 th ATBs were loca ted o n Iwo J ima ' s sou theas t coas t , ju s t n o r th of theU.S. Marine Corps landing beaches . The bat ta l ion posi t ions extended from the

sou th edge of Air fie ld No . 2 to the sea . lw o J i m a sakus en , m ap enc losu re no . 2 .38 . Sug ihara 's a t t en da nce a t the b r igade headquar te rs m eet ing was cons i s ten t

with his liaison duties.

106 * T H E J O U R N A L OF

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Diary of First Lieutenant Sugihara Kinryii

Ate di nner there. Also was treated to some bean ma n made by the Brigade

mess.

Sup. Pvt. HASHIMOTO,OROdied of malnutrition today. The burial

ceremony was held at 1300.

1500 -Air raid. A formation of planes bombed West Beach.391830 -Night bombing, with grea ter intensity. We were continually

bombed until past 2400.

According to reports the PHILIPPINESituation is getting worse for us,

due to a lack of planes. The enemy task force has wrought havoc along the

coast of MILNE ay.40 It is believed that the e ne my landed on the LuzoN

coast, and has penetrated fairly deeply into our territory. It seems as

though our forces are evading a decisive battle and are planning on a

delaying action.

Under these circumstances, our forces are compelled to wait until the

enemy's fighting power diminishes. It is believed that there are many

Marines in reserve in the MARIANAS.e must be o n the alert here, too.

21 January 1945-Sunday. Raid.

Our Brigade Commander visited us.41 Lt. Col. NORIMATSUave a

weapons lecture in the morning.

1544 -Air raid.

1635 -All clear. Two formations appeared. Seemed as though they

came over to bomb the convoy anchored in the harbor.42

22 January 1945 -Monday. Cloudy, later clear, then warm.

Lt. Col. NORIMATSUs to give his last lecture today. At 1200 a critiquewas held. Simultaneous with the air raid a larm a t 1430, 1 9 B-29s flew over

an d bombed MINAMI HAMA area , and the #2 airfield.44arbor,43 the OKINA

39 . On 2 0 January, twelve B-24s from Guam at tacked the airfields on Iwo Jima.During the night, a total of ten bomber s from Guam carried out snoo per strikesagainst the airfields. Combat Chronology, 551.

40. Milne Bay is probably a n er ror for Manila Bay. Milne Bay is on the nor theasttip of Papua New Guinea a nd was the scene of savage fighting between the Australiansan d Japanese in late August and early Septembe r 1942. Allied operations near

Manila Bay were in preparation for the 29 January 1945 landing of XI Corps, SixthU.S. Army, o n the west coast of Sambales Province, approximately thirty to thirty-five miles northwest of Manila Bay.

41. The 2d Mixed Brigade commander was Major General Senda Takai. Asnoted, the 11th Antitank Battalion was attached to the 2MB.

42. The U.S. Air Force records that on 21 January, two Guam-based B-24sbombed the airfields on Iwo Jima. During the subsequent night, eight additionalplanes from Saipan carried out individual snooper strikes. Combat Chronology,552.

43. Minami Harbor is genera lly rendered on U.S. maps as "East Boat Basin."The harbor receives its name from the town of Minami, located less than one

thousand yards inland.44. On 22 Januar y, twenty Guam-based B-24s attacked the airfields on Iwo

Jima. Com bat Chronology, 553.

MILITARY HISTORY * 107

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STEPHEN J. LOFGREN

1515 -All clear. At 1600 farewell services were held for squad leader

SHIGEMURA,ASAYUKIand Pvt. HASHIMOTO.

Intelligence report: 6 8 sorties consisting of 481 planes were made by

S A I P A N - ~ ~ S ~ ~lanes, in the month of December. In November there were

11 sorties consisting of 143 planes. These were flown chiefly on bombing

missions over NAGOYA'Sircraft factories. In the period of 1st January ,

seven sorties consisting of 96 planes bombed us.

Report from the OGASAWARArea45: In early January, a total of 271

B-24s came over on bombing missions, a grand total of 294 planes consisting

of P-38s and B-24s. The enemy bombed us continually throughout the

night. They seem to be working on a "relay system." It is possible that the

enem y is employing tactics to keep our raids on SAIPAN down to the

absolute minimum.46

1600-0320 -Five raids.47 During the 18 00 raid, I felt the bombs falling

close by. Investigating immediately,I

found that manyHE

bombs had beendropped in the area extending from the 3d Co. mess to the 1st Co. area.

Also noted that the Hq. barracks and dispensary were hit. No casualties to

our personnel. The #2 water reservoir was badly damaged. Telephone lines

were twice disrupted.

23 January 1945 -Tuesday. Clear. Warm as a day in June.

At 0730 a recently proclaimed Imperial Edict was read to us.48 Got a

haircut. Feel a lot better now.

Report of the 22d: our forces have made counter-landings on LUZON

and LINGAYEN Gulf and have inflicted casualties of 600 enemy personnel,

as well as having destroyed 5 9 guns and 67 tanks.

Total of nine air raids within 24 hours, consisting of 1 8 planes.49

45. "Ogasawara area" refers to the Bonin islands (Ogasawara, Chichi Jima,

Haha Jima, a nd Muko Jima), approximately two hundred miles north-northeast ofIwo Jima.

46. Sugihara surmised correctly. Since the first Japa nese air raid on Saipan o n 2November 1944, which used Iwo Ji ma airfields as a staging point, Army Air Forces'atte ntion had focused o n interd icting th e airfields on Iwo Jima. The last Japanes eraid on Saipan was on 2 January 1945, but Japanese aircraft were seen aboveSaipan "as late as 2 February." Wesley Frank Craven an d James Lea Cate, eds., The

Army Air Forces in World War 11, vol. 5, The Pacqic: Matterhorn to Nagasaki,J u n e 1944 to August 1945 (1953; repr int , Washington: Office of Air Force History,1983), 581-84.

47. During the night of 22-23 January, eight Guam-based B-24s carried outindividual strikes against Iwo Jima . Combat Chronology, 553.

48. An Imperial Edict is the docu ment used t o relay imperial orders. Most likelySugihara refers to operational or ders issued in the n am e of the Emperor. This wasabout the time that General Kuribayashi issued his directive on the purpose of aprotracted defense of Iwo Jima contributing to the defense of the home islands.Sent6 sensh i bdei (kdhan), 67.

49. On 23 Janu ary , twelve Saipan-based B-24s bomb ed Iwo Jima. During thenight of 23-24 January, ten B-24s from Saipan carr ied out individual strikes againstIwo Jima a t approximately forty-five-minute ntervals. Combat Chronology, 554.

108 * THE J OURNAL OF

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24 January 1945 -Wednesday. Clear. Cloudy, and rain in the afternoon.

At 0700 I attended a firing compet ition held o n SOUTH each. The

contest consisted of grenade tossing, direct firing, and firing of grenade

launchers.

1020 -Air raid.50 Later on it was reported that an enemy Task Force

consisting of one battleship, five cruisers, and seven destroyers was observed

317 kilometers away. Prepared for bomb shelter life again. Took afternoon

nap.

1345-Naval bombardment commenced.51 Two landing barges, one

transport , and two coastal ships were anchored, and unloading cargo since

this morning. My thoughts immediately turned towards our ships.

"This would have to happen now that the long-awaited transport has

finally arrived, and cann ot escape being sunk. We always have this hard

luck," is what all the soldiers say, feeling a keen personal disappointment.

At 1500 the naval gunfire ceased.1507 -All clear sounded. Presently the ships' unloading crew returned

and told me that all the ships were ablaze, and that the only materiel

landed was cement and steel reinforcements. Although it is heart-breaking,

we can not do anything about it.

To all appearances, a few of our torpedo planes have inflicted damage

on the enemy ships.

Ate dinner at 1600. Air raid a larm given twice in succession. Planes

cam e over only on reconnaissance. Had several raids until 3 o'clock in the

morning.52

Today's casualties were seven killed and 11wounded, in the followingunits: the 8th and 12th Bns. and the MIZUTARInit.53

25 January 1945 -Thursday. Clear. Cold Wind.

Checked citation records. Submitted a report on Top Secret docu-

ments. Had one raid in the morn ing and an other in the afternoon. During

both raids, bombs were dropped on the #1 airfield. Sustained no damage.

50 . Iwo J im a rece ived m uch a t t en t i on f rom the A rmy Air Forces o n 24 Janua ry .Seven th Air Force sen t th i r ty - th ree B-24s f rom Gu am an d Sa ipan to b om b Iwo J im ain four raids, along with six m o re b o m b er s t o " ac t a s a i rb o rn e s p o t te r s for n ava lbo m ba rd m en t of Iwo" (see below). Additionally, twenty B-29s of 313 th Bomb Wing,Twen t ie th Ai r Force , a t t acked the a i r f i elds o n Iwo J ima . Co m ba t Chrono logy , 555 .

51 . Mor i son , V ic to ry in the Pac g ic , 12 , provides de ta il s of the co mb ined a i r -n av al b o m b ard m en t .

52 . Over a f ive-hour period o n the n ight of 24-25 Janua ry , Seventh Air Forcesen t t en heavy bomb ers o n ind ividua l harassmen t s t rikes agains t the i sl and . Co m ba tChronology, 555.

53. The M izutari Unit i s unident i f ied . Japa ne se forces often des ignated uni ts bythe com ma nd ing o ff icer 's nam e.


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STEPHEN J. LOFGREN

Took a bath. Nine raids during the night, counted 12 enemy planes.54

26 January 1945- Friday. Clear. Warm.

Citations to be conferred upon men who were killed in action in the

month of December will be determined today.

Forty of the 60 B-29s that bombed NAGOYAn the 14th passed over K I Ipeninsula and the SHIKOKUrea o n the way. It is too awful to relate that at

this time they revealed their true beast-like nature an d had the audacity to

drop a few bombs on the TOYOUKEhrine.55

Defilement of the Gods is a complete renunciation of the sublime

rights of mankind. In o ther words, the plan of the enemy is to undermine

the solid foundation of the state (human morality) and to insidiously

weaken the principles of solidarity of our people!

Had a few raids during the night, as usua1.56

27 January 1945- Saturday. Clear. Rained a t night.

Attended a rapid-fire competi tion held on SOUTH each, as an observer.

The contest began at 0830 and ended just before noo n. The firing records

were very poor, due to insufficient preparation and bad ammunition.

0830 -Two SBs (presumably LCIs)57 entered the SOUTH anding and

started to unload. The unloading ended about 1400. For once they were

able to unload safely.

1430 -Three B-29s were seen flying singly, an d, before we knew it,

they were over our heads. This was because the radar was unable to pick

them up. I quickly ran for my shelter. Immediately following that, eight

54 . On 25 January , fou r teen Sa ipan-based B-24s a t t acked Iwo J ima in theaf te rnoon ( there is no men t ion of a mo rn ing a t t ack ) , and t en mo re flew ind ividua lharassmen t s t r ikes du r ing the course of 25 -26 January . Co mb at C hrono logy ,555-56.

55. O n 14 Janua ry , T went ieth Air Force se nt a large nu m be r of B-29s from theMarianas to bomb the Mitsubishi a i rcraf t p lant a t Nagoya. While forty p lanesd ropped the ir bom bs o n the a i rc ra f t p lan t a rea , over twen ty o thers were fo rced to

at tack al t ern ate targets . The Toyouke S hrine is the ou ter shrine of the Ise Shrines ,on e of the m os t sacred p laces in Japa n . Th e Ise Shr ine da tes f rom the th ird cen tu ryand i s sa id to ensh r ine the Sun Goddess , the myth ica l ances to r o f the Imper ia lFamily. Equivalent Allied indignation might have erupted if Japanese p i lo ts hadbombed the Vat ican.

5 6 . On 2 6 J an u a ry , S ev en th A i r F o rce s e n t s ev en teen B -24 s f rom Gu am t obom b Iwo J ima a ir fi elds , a long with ano ther n ine bo mbers on n igh tt ime h arassmen tmiss ions . Combat Chronology, 556.

57. SB was the Japa ne se Naval des ignat ion for it s 950- ton smal l boats . Thesevessels could carry two hund red t roops o r n in e tanks o r f if ty ton s of suppl ies . Theywere capab le of speeds of s ix teen kno ts and were a rm ed wi th ma ch ine guns . The

IJA cal led i ts version t he SS. LC1 see ms to have be en the t rans lator 's rende ring .Mark P ar il lo , The J a p a n e s e M erch an t M ar i n e i n W o rl d W ar II (Annapolis , Md.:Naval Insti tute Press, 1993), 184.


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Dia ry of First Lieute nant Sug ihar a Kinryii

B-24s cam e over and bombed #3 airfield.58

1500 -All clear. At 1730 farewell services were held for the late Cpl.

HAYASHIDA,f the 2d Company. Ten raids during the night.

Only a month has gone by since the peach tree in front of the CO's

office was in bloom. It is so warm today that it is just like a day in JAPAN atthe height of Spring. On a cold day, however, a fire is most welcome.

28 January 1945 -Sunday. Clear.

Received the long-awaited letters which were brought in by the SBs.

Received a letter from my wife, written on December 25th. Was quite

relieved to hear that my mother, a t MUDEN, was on her way to recovery. The

1942-43 dues for the National Patriotic League are paid in full.59 Night

raids, as usual.60

29 January 1945 -Monday. Clear. Windy and slightly cold.

Wrote a letter home.1330-Nine B-29s in three formations bombed the SOUTHBeach

sector.61 Judging the number of planes a nd am ount of bombs dropped, it

can be assumed that they were on their way to their base after bombing

JAPAN.Heard that JAPAN as bombed on the 27th.

The situation in the PHILI PPINE Ss anything bu t favorable. It is reported

that a par t of the e nemy force has fought its way into MANILA. I wonder if we

are forced to resort to the use of a delaying action , deception and "Bleeding"

tactics. The situation is gradually getting more and more critical.

1600 -Nine B-24s bombed #2 and #3 airfields. Received a letter

stating that ARITAad passed his military prep school entr an ce exams. It isreally elating to know that the Army, Navy and the Air Corps are represented

by our relatives.

Preparations were made during the night for the shipment of the

remains of a few of the soldiers tomorrow. However, it was postponed unti l

later. Night raids, as usual.

58. Nineteen Saipan-based B-24s bombed Iwo Jima on 27 January. Ten more

heavy bombers from Saipan and Guam conducted harassment raids during thenight of 27-28 January. Combat Chronology, 557.

59. The National Patriotic League refers to the various Japanese patrioticorganizations (hokokukai). On June 23, 1944, Prime Minister Tojo Hideki combined

six patriotic associations-industrial, agricultural, commercial, maritime, young

adults, and women's-under the Imperial Rule Assistance Association.

60. Lt. Sugihara's laconic comment notwithstanding, on 28 January twenty

B-24s (ten from Guam and ten from Saipan) had bombed the airfields on Iwo Jima.

Ten more followed that night, carrying out individual harassment raids. Combat

Chronology, 558.

61. On 29 January 1945, Guam-based B-24s of Seventh Air Force were joined

by approximately thirty Marianas-based B-29s in attacking the airfields on IwoJima. During the night of 29-30 January, five Seventh Air Force bombers continued

the harassment raids. Combat Chronology, 559.


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STEPHEN J. LOFGREN

30 January 1945 -Tuesday. Clear.

Made preparations to participate in the Officers' maneuvers (troops

hypothetical) which is scheduled for tomorrow. 0600- Started ou t for the

12th Bn. Area. It's been a long time since I visited the MOTOYAMArea.62

The area was fairly buzzing with activity an d the terrain seemed unrecogniz-able, due to airfield construction and bombings. I saw numerous bomb

craters in the vicinity of JI NE TS UG AH AR A. ~~t was an impressive and exhilarat-

ing sight to observe the sunrise from MOTOYAMAn the early morn.

Upon my return I found two packages awaiting me from home. Iimmediately wrote home and thanked them. The packages contained toilet

articles, postcards, pounded rice, etc. Their thoughtfulness is indeed touch-

ing. The pounded rice was, surprisingly enough, not mouldy.

1st Lt. SH IRAIS HIlso received a package.64 He gave me some dried

persimmons. Gave rice cakes to my men.

1600 -Today's first bombing.65 I assume that the ship that entered theharbor has completed unloading safely. I pray for the safety of the transport

and its crew.

31 January 1945-Wednesday. Clear. Southerly winds.

It is so warm today that even with a thin shirt I perspire. Submitted a

periodic report o n the progress of the cave-type road cons truc tion. Farewell

services held for Sup. Pvt. FUTAOKA3d company) who had died of malnutri-

tion. He died soon after being hospitalized. How unstable life is!

Received a January 16th letter from my daughter, CHIYIKO.he letter

stated as follows:"Dear father, I am obeying mother an d am studying hard to become a

great lady. So please hurry and do away with Americans an d retu rn home

to us."

Also included in the letter was the fact that they had received the

October and December allotments, along with three months pay (279.66

yen).

1130 -Air raid alarm sounded. Looking up I saw a B-29 winging its

way majestically Southward. Later, another one came over. Neither plane

dropped bombs. I am sure they are returning from a raid on JAPAN.t is

indeed annoying.66

62. Motoyama is located approximately in the center of the northern portion ofIwo Jima, and was the site of the Iwo shrine.

63. Jinetsugahara was a position adjacent to the intersection of the runways of

Airfield No. 2 on the north side.

64. First Lieutenant Shiraishi Noboru was the 11th ATB's ordnance officer.

65. Seventeen B-24s from Saipan bombed Iwo Jima on 30 January. During the

subsequent night, ten more bombers, flying from Saipan, would undertake individual

raids against the airfields on Iwo Jima. Combat Chronology, 560.

66. Lt. Sugihara gave short shrift to this day's air attacks, conducted by twenty

B-24s from Guam that bombed the airfields and antiaircraft defenses on Iwo Jima.As usual, nine bombers conducted single-plane raids during the night. Combat

Chronology, 560.

112 * T H E J O U R N A L O F

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I met Sgt. HIROZAWA He stated that he wasn the vicinity of OSAKAYAMA.

discharged from the hospital ten days ago. Sergeant NAKASHIMAf NIJOwas

also discharged. Night raids, a s usual.

1 February 1945-Thursday. Early mo rn , rainy. Later cleared up.

Reveille at 0300. Attended officers' maneuvers as assistant instructor.

It started at 0400 and ended a t 0930. 1400 -Accompanied the remains

of m y fellow soldiers, which were to be sent t o JAPAN,o the pier.

It is so warm that one is able to go around nude without feeling cold.

Went to take a bath, since it was warm. It was very good.

While taking a bath the fellows were kidding about a raid. Sure enough

at 1500, the sound of motors could be heard. Looking up, I saw 11 trim-

looking B-29s in formation overhead.67 I resigned myself to fate and took

things easy.

Bombs were dropping all around me. Upon hearing the sound of thebombs as they came whistling down at a terrific pace, I looked up and saw

bombs so large they looked like the B-29s of the first formation which had

gone by. I thought of escaping but it was too late.

So I slipped in, deeper into the bathtub, and prepared for the worst to

come. Ten bombs dropped about 10 meters away. However, surprisingly

enough, I did not suffer any effects from the concussion.

Peering over the tub, I was amazed. It was a sea of flames in an area 100

meters around. It looks as though the enemy has changed its methods of

attack and is now, for the first time, using heavy oil incendiaries.68 Threw

water from the tub on my clothes, which were lying nearby to prevent themfrom being burned.

Our CO69 was scorched in a few places, in the a rm and back, from the

spray of the bomb as he sought refuge. Things cooled down a bit. I took the

bath over again and washed off the oil smears.

In a little while there was a second raid. In the nude, and carrying my

clothes, I ran for a nearly natural hole, along the sea shore. I perceived that

their bombs fell in the vicinity of the bathing place.

Upon hearing "all clear" I rushed back to my quarters. There I saw the

smoldering remains of the 1st Company CP and the lemon grass in front of

the barracks. The pigs and chickens of the OTSUKA nit were all killed.

The Field Hospital had also been hit. Two Medical corpsmen were

burned alive.

Upon investigation, it was found that the bombs were improvised by

attaching wooden fins to a large drum filled with heavy oil. I'm quite sure if

these were dropped on the cities of JAPAN it would exact a terrific toll.

67. On 1 February, Seventh Air Force sent twenty-one B-24s from Saipanagainst Iwo Jima in the afternoon, along with ten more during the night. Combat

Chronology, 561.68. Heavy oil incendiaries are napalm bombs.

69. Captain Node, the 11th ATB commander.

MILITARY HISTORY

I

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STEPHEN J. LOFGREN

Judging by the decrease in the amount of bombs dropped, I wonder if the

enemy is hard pressed for aerial bombs. Night raids as usual.

At 0300, feeling quite confident that there would be no further air

raids, I crawled from my trench an d went to my quarters. However, along

cam e ano ther raid. One B-24 dropped its eggs in the ocean.

2 February 1945. Clear.

At 0800 a special meeting of Central Sector Officers was held with

regard to water supply, and underground communication passage. Two

raids during the night.70

3 February 1945 . Intermittently clear, with a fairly strong wind.

Being unable to walk, due to a swelling of the back, our CO was carried

by stretcher to the Field Hospital. However, it did no t affect his morale in

the least. At 1200 an air raid sounded again. Five P-38s ca me over on a

low-level strafing mission.711300 -All clear sounded. They must have com e on a reconnaissance.

Or is it the forerunner of a Naval bo mb ar dm en t? Be that as it may, security

is primary. I heard tha t on e P-38 was shot down in today's raid.

4 February 1945 . Cloudy. Intermitten t rain. Temperature dropped slightly.

0500 -Air raid alarm. Reported to be friendly planes. Seven bombers

of a flight of 12 landed, the remainder having gone to bomb SAIPAN.

Cere moni es were held a t th e various units in which Imperial Rescripts

were read for the sake of ou r C0.72

1341 -Air raid. The formation appr oach ed but did no t bo mb us.

Air raid again a t 1630. The re were three raids ma de by B-24s. Dropped

bo mbs in t he vicinity of EASTBeach. 1 B-24 went down in flames.73

5 February 1945. Cloudy. Cold.

This A.M. I heard that a few friendly transport planes landed. They had

brought ammunition. Submitted monthly communications report to Brigade

Hq.74

70. On 2 February, twenty B-24s from Guam struck Iwo Jima, and ten more

followed during the night of 2-3 February. Combat Chronology, 562.

71. On 3 February, Seventh Air Force's effort against Iwo Jima included sendingten B-24s to bomb Iwo Jima during the day, along with fifteen P-38s, which as part

of a force escorting photo airplanes, strafed the island in two waves. Nine bombers,

conducting individual plane raids, continued the harassment of the Japaneseduring the night of 3-4 February. Combat Chronology, 562.

72. Most likely the rescript read was the Emperor Meiji's Rescript to Soldiers

and Sailors. First issued in 1882, it served as the official code of ethics for all

soldiers. In this case, the Imperial Rescript probably was read to honor the 11th

ATB's wounded commander.

73. On 4 February, nine B-24s from Guam bombed antiaircraft defenses on IwoJima while ten hit the town of Okimura. During the night of 4-5 February, eight

more Guam-based B-24s hit Iwo Jima in individual raids. Combat Chronologgr,563.

74. Despite going unmentioned in Lt. Sugihara's diary, the air attacks had

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D i a r y of Firs t Lieu tenant Sug iha ra Kinry ii

6 February 1945. Rain. Cold.

Five late-comers arrived from CH IC HIIM Ahis morning, by transport.

Troop transport planes also came in from the mainland this morning.

Lance Corporal ISHIKAWA of the AKAMATSUnit came over.75 He is in

good health. Fortunately, he hasn't been treated by a doctor since he firstcame to this island.

The connecting passageway between the 2d and 3d air raid shelters was

completed a little past noon. Our day and night efforts have finally borne

fruit. Everyone shouted for joy. Continuing, we began to clear out the

passageway. Prior to having comple ted the passageway it was very hot

inside, but after the connection was made it became so cool that o ne could

not stay inside without any clothes on.

As usual, there were a few raids during the night. In the raid at 2100 the

concussion was terrific, and the explosion could be felt quite severely.76

Upon investigation I found that 20 to 30 HE bombs had fallen in thearea extending from the former Hq. bomb shelter through the 2d Company

barracks to the Battalion Supply train. The 2d Company CO's quarters and

Duty office, and the 3d platoon tent, were blown to bits. The 2d Company

barracks was practically wiped out. It looks as though we have no alternative

but to give up the idea of outdoor sleeping quarters.

Seven 55 gallon water drums were also destroyed. The Naval Con-

struction Unit lost a tractor an d a truck both of which were in front of the

ammunition train.

7 February 1945. Cloudy, later rain. Cold.

From 0200, I could not sleep because of the roar of aircraft engines.

However, there were no raids. At 0630, the opening ceremony of the Hq.

bomb shelter was held. We were given small cups of sacred wine and a toast

was given commemorating the completion of the bomb shelter. Work was

also started on sleeping quarters in the bomb shelter.

The enemy raiders came over incessantly, as ever, regardless of the

terrific rain.77

Finally, now that the air raid shelter had been completed, I thought that

from tonight on I would be able to sleep without being in a cramped

position.

continued. On 5 February, twenty-one B-24s bombed various Japanese positions on

the northern end of Iwo Jima. That night, ten Saipan-based B-24s flying individual

snooper strikes kept up the pressure on the airfields (for results, see entry for 6

February). Combat Chronology, 564.

75. Unidentified unit. Probably a platoon-size formation.

76. There had also been a "few raids" during the day of 6 February as nine

Guam-based B-24s attacked antiaircraft positions and radar and radio installations.

Eight more B-24s from Guam bombed Iwo Jima during the night of 6-7 February.

Combat Chronology, 564-5.

77. On 7 February, six B-24s from Saipan bombed Okimura, while eight B-24shit AA positions and radio and radar installations on Iwo Jima. That night nine

B-24s from Saipan flew snooper raids on the airfields. Combat Chronology, 565-66.


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STEPHEN J. LOFGREN

Suddenly, due to the weather, of all things, gas began to emit from the

cave. It was raining outside, and there was gas inside. If we emerge we are

subjected to air raids. We are surrounded on all sides.

Now is the time for perseverance, and all the other virtues we were

taught. However, this cannot even be taken into account, when consid-ering the lot of our comrades fighting in the PHILIPPINES.

8 February 1945. Clear.

The skies have cleared up again, after last night's terrible rainstorm.

The wind is stronger, however, and with the temperature no t having dropped,

I am reminded of a Spring breeze.

There were few bombings during the 24 hours.78 Three instantaneous-

fuze bombs fell in th e vicinity of the cemetery, an d in front of the First Aid

Room. Ten or more of the white wooden grave markers were blown to bits.

I felt a strong resentment. To erect grave markers in a combat zone is

something to ponder over. There is a tendency to be neglectful. In the

event that this becomes a battlefield, the graveyard may be desecrated by

the enemy. I wonder if our dead comrades should not be buried in the sea.

The 3d Company Hq. section area was hit by a bomb, resulting in the

complete loss of one tent . The concussion of tonight's three bombings was

so terrific that they could be felt in our bomb shelters.

Even the odor from the smoke of the exploded bombs penetrated the

cave. All were very near hits.

9 February 1945. Clear, later cloudy. Temperature has dropped somewhat.

Commenced construction of resting quarters in our bomb shelter. Apulley was installed to facilitate the carrying ou t of dirt. During the raid, at

a little past twelve, instantaneous-fuze bombs were dropped in our area a nd

in that of the 3d Company bivouac area. They lost a tent. There were very

few casualties in personnel.

The purified water which we had labored to preserve from the rain of a

day before yesterday was covered with dust. Bombs fell near the kitchen

also; no damage, however. It is estimated that 20 to 30 bombs were

dropped in the bivouac area .

1wonder why they bomb our area so incessantly lately.79 We have n o

alternative but to stay in our bomb shelters. There were seven raids duringthe night, the most frequent of all night raids.

78. On 8 February, twenty B-24s from Seventh Air Force had continued theattack on Japanese antiaircraft defenses and radar and radio installations on Iwo

Jima, while during the night of 8-9 February, ten more had flown single-planestrikes against the airfields. Combat Chronology, 566.

79. On 9 February, twenty-two B-24s bombed Iwo Jima, striking a variety oftargets: the airfields, defensive positions, radar and radio installations, and antiaircraftpositions. During the subsequent night of 9-10 February, eleven more B-24s from

Saipan continued the attack against the airfields and antiaircraft positions. CombatChronology,567.


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Diary ojFi rst Lieutenant Sugih ara Kinryii

The HINODEA Battery shot down one plane.80 Also, one plane was

destroyed by "suicide" collision. The construction of the NIMODEattery81

was completed recently; 12 cm. AA Guns are used and they have a range of

12000 meters. They are terrific.

EAST Beach Sector has also been strengthened considerably recently.Furthermore, there are a number of 25 mm. anti-aircraft machine cannons

installed nearby. The EAST Beach Sector has been bombed a lot lately.

Perhaps they are after those gun positions.

10 February 1945- Saturday. Clear and warm.

Today it is warmer than a Spring day. The HINODE each Sector-AT

Gun firing (at moving targets) was begun at 0700. Air raid at 1200.

Before we could take cover, P-38s strafed us. Hearing the shrill chatter

of their machine guns, I ran for the shelter. At 1300, four P-38s strafed us

again. Nine B-24s also came over and bombed No. 3 airfield and the

MOTOYAMArea.82

It seems as though the farther one goes into a bomb shelter, the greater

the concussion from the bombs. It feels as though the earth is being shaken

to and fro on its axis. One P-38 was shot down by our fighter planes in the

1200 raid. During the 1300 raid, one of our ZERO fighters was shot down.

At 1600, without warning, planes came over and dropped bombs. I had

no time to even go to my shelter. It lasted for three minutes. One B-29

glided majestically in a Southerly direction.

When we were eating supper (1630) we had a n air raid. Took refuge.

One B-29 came over. All clear at 1650. Total raiding enemy planes forthe day, 30. Seven fighter planes had been assigned to our forces as

replacements. Unfortunately, however, one plane damaged its landing gear

while trying to land. Before the rest of the planes could be reported in, they

were at tacked by P-38s. They immediately flew up to fight back. A transport

plane also took off, but was shot down into the ocean by a P-38. In the

ensuing battle, and adding those destroyed on the ground, we lost a total of

seven planes.

11 February 1945 -Sunday. Clear.

The weather today is fine. DANNOHARAhrine Worshipping Ceremonies

8 0 . Th e H i n od e AA Battery defen ded H inode Bay o n Iwo J ima's north eas t coas t .The 109th Divis ion 's ant ia i rcraft bat ta l ion , equipped with 12-cm AAA guns , wasdeployed there around Tachi iwa Point , a long with two provis ional ant ia i rcraftm ach i n e ca n n o n u n it s.

81 . Nimode p robab ly shou ld be Hinode .

8 2 . O n 1 0 F eb rua ry , t en Gu am - b as ed B -2 4 s b o m b ed Ok i m u ra , wh ile s ix P -3 8sescor ted a pho to - reco nna i s sance m iss ion an d f lew a sweep over Iwo J im a. In th e

late af tern oon , sev entee n B-24s with P-38 escort , bom be d Iwo J im a. These werefol lowed tha t n igh t by n in e m or e s ing le -bom ber harassm en t s t r ikes on the i s l and .Combat Chronology, 5 6 8 .


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STEPHEN J. LOFGREN

were held at 1600.83 Attended Brigade Communicat ion inspection. Had

dinner at the Officers' Mess. I had SEKIHANrice boiled with red beans) for

the first time.84

There was a B-24 raid at 1200. Another raid at 1400. Nine B-24s came

over.85 The bombs dropped near o ur bivouac area with a loud explosion. Itfelt as though the thick ceiling of our shelter was being blown off. No

casualties suffered by our personnel. However, much damage was done to

our Hq. dispensary, CO's quarters, EM quarters, NCO's quarters an d Adju-

tant's quarters.

They began to use this type of projectile as of yesterday. It looks as

though they aim to demolish above-ground installations, inflict casualties

upon our personnel and level the area to the ground. The 2d and 3d

Company supply trains were also hit. I guess we'll have to dig in and give up

the idea of having above-the-ground installations.

Even our precious water reservoirs were damaged and covered with

dust. We were issued some of the "sake" used for celebrating Empire Day at

suppertime as planned, in a broken-down shack, with blue skies for a roof.86

Is this the usual state of things in time of war, I wonder? Our fate in the

future is really difficult to predict.

Eating under the stars is very amusing, and does n ot effect our morale.

Gazing through the shattered roof a t th e star-studded sky also seems to add

something.

Total of 11 raids, consisting of 1 8 planes, for the 24-hour period.

Daylight raids occurred a little before, an d after, noon. Night raids were a t1900, a little before, and after, midnight, and just before dawn.

Night of disposition "B" is now ending. Still no news of the situation.

Held myself in readiness, during the morn ing, for battle disposition "A".

According to a Naval report, the enemy must be p lanning on attacking

OKINAWAs their p rime objective. Secondly, I believe they will hit this

island, and finally, JAPANroper.

10 30 -An air raid alarm. A few P-38s ca me over, bu t did not strafe us.

They flew around as though they were on reconnaissance. Pretty soon,

formations of 1 2 each B-24s an d B-29s flew over, bu t did not bomb us. It is

difficult to fathom why they d o so. They must have c ome on patrol duty, or

83. The Dannohara Shrine likely refers to the Akama Shrine at Dannoura, the

site of a famous battle in 1185.

84. See footnote 86.

85. On 11 February, twenty-one B-24s in two separate assaults bombed Iwo

Jima. During the night of 11-12 February, ten more B-24s flew individual harassment

strikes against the island. Combat Chronology, 569.

86. Sekihan is served on festive occasions, in this case the 11 February 1945

national holiday celebrating Empire Day (Kigensetsu), which was established by the

Meiji government to commemorate the date of the first Japanese emperor's ascensionto the throne, reckoned from 660 B.C. It was abolished in 1948, but reinstituted in

1966 as National Foundation Day (Kenkoku kinen no Hi).

118 * TH E JOURNAL OF

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are on the way to their base, after a bombing mission. We were raided

twice, once a t 1200 and again at 1300. No bombs were dropped. One B-24

bombed us at 1330.87

Intelligence report: - 1100 -According to a report from a Navy recon-naissance plane, enemy battleships, cruisers, etc. are now at 16 0 degrees,

and 400 kilometers away from this island, advancing on a course of 300

degrees at a speed of 18 knots.88 1400-Radio net established. 1530-One enemy reconnaissance plane came over this island.

Intelligence report:- Following the fleet that is advancing towards this

island are many convoys consisting of transports and landing barges, etc. ,

totaling 70 to 100 ships, in all. If the enemy were to land here, we would be

issued orders to be prepared to change over to Combat ''A" disposition by

2100.

16 February 1945-Friday. Rain. Sultry weather.

Received no Combat "A" disposition orders during the night. The dawn

broke quietly. According to morning radar reports, there is something in

the area 160-190 degrees, about 15-20 kilometers away from Iwo JIMA.

Naval Intelligence reports stated that there are two cruisers, one battle-

ship and 30 destroyers between here and M I N AM II\tr0 JI MA .610 -Enemy

ships are now almost 12,OO [sic,12,0001 meters away.

0615-Enemy Naval guns started to fire upon MTOYAMAirfield. Enemy

planes came over on reconnaissance, but did not drop an y bombs. Approxi-

mately seven landing barges are now closing in on the shoreline. Enemy

ships an d landing barges are nearing this island from the North an d South.

0930- Order for combat disposition "A" came through. I took charge

for the Bn. CO. 1000 - I went to Brigade Hq. as liaison officer. 1040-

Combat disposition "A" now completed by all companies under fire. We

87 . The sudden jump in the d ia ry from 11F eb ru a ry t o 1 6 February suggests thatso m e pages were miss ing o r los t in t rans lat ion , a nd i t i s poss ib le that "1030" is o n1 5 February . To recap the esca la t ing AAF bo m ba rd m en t of Iwo J im a and i tsenv i rons: on 12 February Seven th Air Force sen t n ine Gua m-ba sed B-24s aga ins t

Ch ich i J im a nava l in s ta l la t ions whi le n ine te en bom bers , jo ined by twen ty -o ne B-29s f rom T wen t ie th Ai r Force , s t ruck Iwo J im a. T ha t n igh t , e igh t B-24s f rom G uamflew s ingle-pla ne s tr ikes aga ins t bo th Iwo an d C h ich i J im a . O n 1 3 February , twen ty -five B-24s from Sa ipa n flew two strikes again st Iwo Jim a, while t en oth ers hit H ahaJima. During the night of 13-14 February, five B-24s, flying individually, bombedIwo J im a. O n 14 February , seven teen Gua m-base d B-24s car r i ed ou t a middaya t tack o n defensive pos it ions an d ra dar a nd rad io in s ta l l a tions . Dur ing the n igh t of14-15 February , five bom bers f lew snoo per missions . O n 1 5 February , twen ty - fourB-24s from Saipan b om bed ai rf ie lds a nd ant ia i rcraft posi t ions o n Iwo J ima, a t tackingin two waves; twelve o thers bombed Chichi J ima. That n ight , f ive B-24s f lewharassm en t ra ids aga ins t Iwo an d Ch ich i J im a . Co m ba t Chrono logy , 570-2 .

88 . "On 14 February Admira l Marc A. Mitscher's Fas t Carr ier Fo rce (TF 5 8) wasde tec ted mov ing nor th . In te rp re t ing th i s as a s ign o f impend ing assau l t on IwoJ ima, Army Group Headquar te rs o rdered a l l un i t s in to the D-Day pos i t ions . "B ar tley, Iw o J i m a , 1 7 .


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STEPHEN J. LOFGREN

were fortunate to do so.

The enemy is now coming in closer to shore. They are circling the

island in an insolent manner, as they fire upon us. It looks as though the

enemy landing barges are going to attempt a landing. I wonder if the

enemy is testing our strength or attempting a feint.

According to an interception of an enemy communiqui.: "Establish a

bridge-head to the South side of #1 airfield. Prepare for landing. Objective- high-angle guns." I wonder if this is a ruse-.

As of this morning, the enemy has concentrated fire chiefly on the

airfields and on the EASTBeach positions. 1400- It was reported that an

enemy destroyer was sunk.

We also have intelligence to the effect that the enemy is planning a

landing in the vicinity of SHIZUOKA.~~

1630- Naval bombardment lifted. Hq. CP was moved to the MUSASH-

I N 0 Unit area.90 Started moving at 1700 and completed moving at 1900. It

is the most suitable time to move. There have been no casualties suffered

by our personnel to date.

Our Bn CO moved to Brigade Hq. I took over his position as Bn

CO. 1930-Bombardment by flare was renewed and continued far into

the night. All units strengthened their positions, hauled ammunition and

food and worked diligently all night long.

Taking advantage of the darkness, the BN supply train distributed

supplies. By dawn, every unit in the BN had been issued one drum of water.

The results of our efforts are really laudable.9117 February 1945 -Saturday. Clear. Later cloudy.

This dawn we were on the alert and expected the enemy to land any

minute. Nothing happened, however. The dawn broke gloriously. 0600-The enemy resumed bombardment. At a distance of approximately 1000

meters [sic],many enemy ships lay riding on the waves, still completely

surrounding the island. Ten or more Grummans flew over on reconnais-

sance.92 0710- Our AA guns commenced fire.

Intelligence Report: -Approximately 80 enemy landing craft are head-

ing this way on an azimuth of 170 degrees and one, at present, 15-20

kilometers away. Opportunity is at hand, but we have n o planes. 0900-1st Lt. HAYASHIHARAame over. A conference was held with regard to close

89. Shizuoka is one of the four main Japanese home islands.

90. The Musashino unit was the 2d Company, Engineer Battalion, 109th Infantry

Division, commanded by First Lieutenant Musashino Kikukura. Movement of the

command post to his area, and Sugihara's subsequent mention of "CO Musashino"

suggest that Musashino may have become the acting battalion commander.

91 . On 16 February, the forty-two B-24s that Seventh Air Force sent against Iwo

Jima were recalled because of cloud cover over the island. Combat Chronology,

573.

92. The escort carriers of Rear Admiral Durgin would launch 336 sorties during

the course of the day. Craven and Cate, Matterhorn to Nagasaki, 591.


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Diary o jFir st Lieutenant S ugih ara Kinryii

combat (suicide patrol).

Conferred with battalion CO MUSASHINOand an agreement was made

as to the disposition of suicide patrols. 0940- Reports came in to the

effect that the enemy is contempla ting a landing on SOUTH each. 1000-The enemy naval bom bar dment is now getting terrific. The Grum mans are

extremely active.

The bombardmen t of SOUTH beach and MOTOYAMAis really frightful. I

wonder if the e ne my is actually going to att em pt a real landing this time.

The long-awaited hour is here. The opportun ity to show our fighting ability

is actually at hand. According to present reports, our NORTH SECTOR2 cm

guns opened fire and, as a result, inflicted great damage upon an enem y

cruiser amidships of which is now ablaze.

Received an order from the Brigade Comma nder an d Chief of Staff, as

follows:"I

desire that you fight resolutely." He desired thatI

relay this to themen.93

1100- Report to the effect that 1 6 enem y barges landed on KAMIYAMA

Beach.94 "What of it, they a re easy pickings anyway. Com e one, come all".

The MUSASHINOclose combat unit (suicide unit) has already received its

orders and is now ready for combat. Everyone is in high spirits.

1200- Bombardment started to life. Report - One battleship a nd one

cruiser sunk. 122 0-Reported that our Special Attack Unit has appeared,

and at present a fierce battle is raging. Our morale is gradually getting

higher.

1300 -The ene my ships ar e still all around us. Twenty B-29s bombedus.95 No damage suffered by us. One B-29 reported to have been shot down.

Report of enemy landing turned out to be false. The enem y has not as yet

established a bridgehead.96

93. Brigade commander was Major General Senda Tadaki, and his chief of staff

was Colonel Atsuchi Kanehiko.

94. See footnote 17.

95. On 17 February, forty-two B-24s arrived over Iwo Jima to bomb defensive

positions and bivouac areas. Combat Chronology, 574.

96. What Lt. Sugihara described was not an abortive invasion, but "minesweeping,

and beach reconnaissance by UDTs, closely supported by the heavy ships, destroyersand LC1 gunboats." UDT operations had begun around 1100. The LC1 (G) flotilla,

providing cover for the UDT reconnaissance, received heavy fire from undetected

Japanese artillery emplacements, particularly a "heavy battery casemated at thefoot of Mount Suribachi." The "heaviest fire," however, came from a "hitherto

unrevealed battery in the high ground just north of the beaches," which, quoting

Rear Admiral Bertram J. Rogers, "had remained concealed through over two

months of softening preparation." Taking part in the operation were twelve LCI(G)s,

all of which were hit, "but they stuck to it until the swimmers were recovered and

clear." American casualties were 44 killed or missing and 152 wounded, including

those on the Pensacola, which received six hits from "coastal batteries in the

northeastern part of Iwo," killing 17 men and wounding 98. Samuel Eliot Morison,History ojthe United States Naval Operations in World War 11,vol. 14, Victory in

the Pacific, 1945 (Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1960), 28-31.

To a Japanese observer it probably seemed that an invasion attempt had been


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STEPHEN J. LOFGREN

The enem y attempt to land on KAMIYAMAeach has been repulsed.

1400-Our Special Attack units have been very successful an d are a t the

present time making grea t gains. At the same time, it was reported that on e

Grumman had been shot down, and following that, nine more were shot

down. 1730-The shelling has ceased. The enemy warships, battleships

and transports are retreating towards MINAMIWO J I M A . ~ '

Relaxed during the night, since there appeared to be no fighting going

on. I believe that the enemy's plan is to feel out our strength and then

att empt to destroy our positions. This will be repeated with more intensity

from now on. Our units are all taking advantage of the slackening of the

bombardment during the night and are strengthening their positions,

repairing fortifications and hauling food and ammuni tion to the different

positions. They worked all night in preparation for tomorrow. Combined

battle results of the day: Torpedoed an d sunk-one battleship an d on e

cruiser; severely damaged two cruisers, one landing barge; set afire-oneship (type unknown); ten Gru mmans shot down.

1830-Went outside to get a breath of fresh air. In the air raid shelter,

it is just like staying in the hold of a ship. It is so stuffy from cooking, etc .,

an d the temperature rises so, one canno t remain inside for a long period of

time without getting a headache.

On e must live in the nude while listening to the bombar dme nt. \+'hen Iwent ou t to feel the cool evening air, I felt as though I had been reborn. Had

some exercise, including deep-breathing. It really is so refreshing.

I climbed to higher ground. Suddenly, as I looked in the direction of

South IWO JIMA, I saw a flame shoot far into the sky. The silhouette of a shipthat looked like a cruiser appeared on the ocean. Presently it looked as

though the cruiser sank. It is possible tha t it was sunk by o ur Special Attack

forces.

The sound of clapping came from the direction of some soldiers who

had come out of their caves and had witnessed the scene. Our morale is

rising higher yet.

190 0- Went back to quarters and washed up. With the coming of

night, we started to haul food supplies, replenish ammunit ion , an d repair

positions, as usual. Repair work was also done at the entrance of the Hq.

cave. Message from Capt. HAYAUCHIs follows:

"My thanks to you, for your efforts as acting Bn. Commander. We, of

defeated. As Admiral Morison writes, General Kuribayashi for one had been con-

vinced that he faced the actual invasion, which was why he "unmasked batteries that

would have caused very heavy casualties on D-day had they not been discovered two

days before. This was the only serious mistake made by the Japanese general in his

defensive tactics." Ibid.,31. Bartley records the opinion of a survivor of LCI(G) 441

that because support ships fired rockets for the first time at Iwo Jima during this

action, it probably helped give the impression that this action was the invasion.

Bartley, Iwo Jima,45

n.112.

97. Because Minami translates as "south," Sugihara meant that the naval forces

were retreating in the direction of southern Iwo Jima.

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this unit, are a t the present time putting up a good fight. In the event of an

enemy landing, we hope to have the closest cooperation from your unit.

We pray for your success in battle."

The phrase of "See what happened, see what happened!" eventuallychanged to "BANZAI."

There is practically no night bombardment . It can be assumed that the

en em y is getting reorganized and is preparing in the vicinity of South IWO.

2200- Received orders from our unit CO to move BN Hq . to the

Brigade Hq . cave. We were ordered to start immediately. The sky is

cloudy. It is so dark that o n e ca nn ot see ahe ad of oneself. Fortunately,

we moved taking advantage of th e let-u p in th e shelling. 0130- The

moving to Brigade Hq . is nearly completed. Reported to the Brigade

Commander.

So me me n went back to get their weapons, food, etc., that had bee nleft behind. Ab out that tim e, the m en who had go ne to haul supplies

returned. J ust as they stepped into the Hq . cave, a shell penetrated

through the walls an d exploded, resulting in th e serious wounding of

Lanc e Cpl. KODAMAand five others of the Hq., as well as three orderlies on

duty at Hq. who were from other companies. There were also casualties

among the patients in the nearby Field Hospital. How ironical, that we

should have lost as many men from our unit as a result of a single shell as

we have lost to date in combat!

In the evening we received "Imperial Gifts" which consisted of cigarettes

and candy.98 Infinite is the graciousness of our Emperor. We have but one

life to sacrifice in repayment for his graciousness.

18 February 1945- Sunday. Rain.

We worked all night moving, e tc ., an d finally came the dawn. Ever

since we landed here, we have worked nights str ength[en]in gand repairing

positions. We slept during the mornings. In comparison with the other

cave, this Hq. cave is very cool.

Towards nightfall, the enemy shelling grew gradually heavier. Plane an d

ship activity is increasing.99 1500- Felt two shells explode above our

heads. The concussion of the last shell which exploded near the Northent rance blew in dirt an d debris, an d also practically closed the entran ce.

Fortunately, a hole about the size of an air vent remained, which kept the

98. "Imperial gifts," sundries bearing the imperial crest, were passed out to

soldiers to boost morale and reinforce the notion of unquestioning service to the

emperor. Soldiers could never repay the obligation incurred in accepting theimperial gift.

99. Contrary to Lt. Sugihara's comment (which, however, could be taking into

account increased naval aviation activity), on 18 February Seventh Air Force was

relatively inactive over Iwo Jima, recalling thirty-six Guam-based B-24s because of

the heavy cloud cover over the island. The aircraft of TG 52.2, however, managed tofly 318 sorties. As on the previous night, nighttime harassment raids focused onChichi Jima. Combat Chronology, 575; Craven and Cate, Matterhorn to Nagasaki,

591.

MILITARY HISTORY * 1 2 3

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STEPHEN J. LOFGREN

room well ventilated. Personnel suffered no casualties.

According to a report, it seems as though the enemy fleet has been

reinforced by the addition of three carriers and an unknown number of

warships.

There was a direct hit on the 2d Company OP. There were no casualties

to personnel. I heard tha t the top of the gun emplacement of the KITAKUBO

Unit was blown off by a direct hit, making it an exposed gun position.100

Since it had become an exposed position, orders were given to commence

fire, resulting in the sinking of one landing barge.

The spirit of the men ran high. Everyone gave a toast. The general

situation is the same as of yesterday. The enemy is planning to destroy our

position, since the shelling has increased since noon.

Just as we thought, the enemy main attack will be either on the SOUTH

or WEST Beach. Therefore, a t the present time, the positions along the

beach are receiving a terrific pounding.

Shelling ceased toward evening, and the battleships went away, as

before.

19 February 1945 -Monday. Clear.

Reveille at 0500. The enemy has not yet commenced firing. Taking

advantage of this, we cleared up a few minor details. Enemy carrier-based

Grummans came over on reconnaissance about 0530. The enemy started

shelling around 0600. The first shells fell in the vicinity of NIDANWA. Shells

gradually started exploding near our CP.101

Report: 0630- 200 enemy LCs 2000 meters away, and advancing to

make a landing. So, the real landing has come at last!

Changed into new underwear, arranged for rations and prepared for

combat . The EM were given new socks an d towels last night. The determi-

nation to fight a decisive battle has now been completed.102

Report: 0730 -300 enemy landing craft are now advancing towards

the SOUTH each. Finally, approximately one BN. of lnfantry an d six tanks

started to land. They are advancing toward TAKASUNA-DAI.he enemy has

lost over half the troops that landed, and is at present fighting fiercely.

Following that, 40 tanks landed on the FUTATSUNEWO Beach. At 1100,

eight more tanks and about on e Bn. of Infantry landed in the vicinity of the

SOUTHLanding.

(Report of 1600)-Enemy strength is estimated at approximately 2000

men and 8 0 tanks as of this date. At present, the enemy bridgehead

extends between SOUTH anding and FUTATSUNEWO, with its depth greatest

in the vicinity of the Western tip of No. 1 airfield.

100. Unidentified unit, probably platoon (battery) sized.

101. Nidan Iwa is directly north of Tamana yama. "Near our CP" likely means a

bit further north around Osakayama102.Through the ritual of changing into clean clothing and cleansing themselves,

the Japanese soldiers were purifying themselves for death in combat.


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Diary ojF irst Lieutenant Su giha ra Kinryii

It is reported that the enemy has suffered more than a thousand

casualties due to our effective gun-fire. Except for one gun which was

destroyed, our forces are intact. Towards evening the shelling stopped as

usual. We therefore hauled food, replenished ammunition and repaired

and strengthened battle positions during the night.

The enemy has finally established a bridgehead on the SOUTHanding.

All night long, the enemy shot flares, illuminating the skies as brightly as in

daytime. Up until midnight, the enemy shelling on EASTBeach was terrific.

They used shrapnel , group fragmentation shells, and other unusual types of

shells.

It looks as though the enemy is planning another landing on East

Beach. We can even hear the chattering of our own rifle fire.

Despite casualties inflicted, it is reported that troops have landed on

KAMIYAMA Beach. We could not stop them. As Liaison Officer,I

conferredwith the Naval Arsenal Commander on the selections of MIDANWA as a key

point for the Bn. Hq. Suicide Attack Unit. He readily agreed. There I was

treated to cigarettes, sweetened warm water and tangerines, in real Navy

style.

Worked till 2400.103A little past midnight, the raiding party (KIRIKOMI)

departed to attack the SOUTH each bridgehead, taking advantage of the

cloud-covered moon. I sincerely pray for their success.

2300-Naval Special Attack Unit appeared. Results unknown.

20 February 1945 -Tuesday. Cloudy. Later, rain .

In comparison with last night, the artillery duel between our and their

forces was quite heavy. Otherwise, there was not much change in the

situation. The Naval gunfire again began to increase at a terrific rate

around 1800.

Attack by the Grummans is especially great today. It seems as though

they are trying to seek out our gun positions and crush us as though we

103 . Lt . Sug ihara 's unders tand ab le p reoccup a t ion with the l and ing p robab lyacc oun ts fo r hi s unusua l neg lec t of Am er ican a i r ac tiv ity o n t he day o f the invas ion .Seventh Air Force had sort ied 44 B-24s from Saipan agains t Iwo J ima, and 14

bom bed defens ive pos it ions an d b ivouac a reas no t long befo re e lem en ts of the 4 than d 5 t h M ar in e D i vis io ns b eg an t o l an d o n t h e i s l and . Th e o t h e r 3 0 b o m b er s we refo rced to ab or t , e i ther because of c loud cover , mecha n ica l t roub le , o r because theyhad a r r ived over the i s l and too l a te to make a bombing run sa fe ly . In a re la tedac t io n , tha t sa m e day Tw en t ie th Air Force s en t 1 50 B-29s aga ins t the Musashinoa i rc r a ft f a c t o ry i n o rd e r t o d i st rac t a t t en t i o n , a n d J ap an es e a i r r e i n fo rcem en t s ,away f rom Iwo J im a. Because of heavy c loud cover , mos t p lanes bom bed the po r t

an d u rban a rea of Tokyo . Co m ba t Chrono logy , 576.The prol i ferat ion of naval aviat ion , however, m ore th an m ad e up the d ifference.

As a M ar ine Corps h i s to ry recoun ts , "Carr ie r p i lot s of TF 5 8 an d th e esco r t ca r r i e rsof TF 52 f lew miss ions al l day as a i rborne observers and spot ters maintained

con s tan t v ig il ance over the t a rge t . Inc lud ing the p re -H-Hour s tr ikes, 6 06 suppo r ta i rc ra f t flew 26 missions o n 1 9 February and d ropped 274 ,500 pounds of bomb s .These p lanes a l so f ired 2 ,254 roc ke t s in to the i s land defenses and d ropped over ah u n d red n ap a l m b o m b s ." B ar tley, l w o J i m a , 6 7 .

M IL IT A RY HISTOR Y

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STEPHEN J . LOFGREN

were fleas by incessant dive-bombing and strafing. Having no planes, we

can do nothing but let them run rampant.1O4

There is a possibility that the enemy is contemplating an attack towards

MOTOYAMAirfield, according to the report this morning. This Hq. may

also be forced to man the line of resistance. Everyone, therefore, has made

battle preparations, and is now ready for combat. Slept during the day,

prepared for battle. Slept very well.

The enemy situation as of today: The enemy has established a bridgehead

between FUTATSUNEWO and the Southern tip of HoToYAhtA Airfield, extend-

ing over the SOUTH anding. They have approximately 1 00 tanks, of which

50 have been destroyed, a nd about two Bns. of Infantry.

Approximately two companies and three tanks advancing toward the

West are now being thrown back by the HARAUnit.105 It looks as though the

enemy troops have not had much training.A Special Attack Unit came towards evening. The Naval bombardm ent

decreased towards evening; however, the enemy flares brighten the night as

clear as day. There are occasional explosions of mortar shells.

Pfc. GOKO as been seriously wounded. Even cooking is getting to be a

dangerous thing. One man was killed and o ne m an injured last night, while

performing kitchen duty.

21 February 1945 -Wednesday. Cloudy. Drizzled.

Naval bombardment commenced again at 0630. Enemy planes have

been very active since early morning. Looking down towards the beach, I

saw many warships lined up in a row, trying to reinforce their beachhead.

What a hateful sight! "Just wait, we will slaughter all of you."

It was proposed that, due to the difficulty of cooking, and lack of water,

rationing commence , as of today. Took a noon nap, as usual, in the Cave.

My dreams were occasionally interrupted by the concussion of shells that

exploded near the entrance of the cave.

Report of the death of Capt. HAYAUCHIcame in.106 Alas! I've lost a very

good friend. It really is a shame. His death will be avenged.

1430 -As Battalion Liaison Officer, I went to the 2d company CP,

taking along three runners, upon receiving orders from the Battalion

Commander to do so. It is only a couple of hundred meters to the CP, bu t

104 . Bes ides m orn ing an d a f te rno on a t t acks on Haha and Ch ich i J ima , "a i rc raf tfrom Task Force 5 8 an d the es cort carr iers f lew 545 sort ies in 27 missions o n 20February , expen ding over 11 6 tons of bo m bs an d 13 31 rockets." M orison, V ictoryin the Pacific, 50 .

105 . Majo r Hara K 6mei com ma nde d 1s t Ba t tal ion , 145 th In fan t ry. He ma y haveas s u m ed s ec t o r co m m a n d . Ha ra co n d u c t ed t h e m o v em en t . As J ap an es e f rom t h eSec ond Mixed Brigade reserve reinfor ced t he se co nd defensive l ine, the 11th ATB,in the vicinity of TAM AM EIAMA,under d i rect contro l of the brigade, a lso reinforce d

the second l ine deploying, from ea s t to west, the ls t , 2d , and 3 d AT compa nies . IwoJima sakusen, append ix 2 an d map , 2.

106. Captain Hayauchi Masao had com ma nde d the 12th ATB.

126 * T H E J O UR N A L O F

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because of the incessant dive bombing attacks of the enemy, we could

hardly make headway. It took us near a n hour and a half. We found the CP

to be still intact .

Today's report:

1.The enemy has suffered 10,000 casualties up to date.


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STEPHEN J. LOFGREN

2 . Three enemy tanks appeared on the West side of MOTOYAMAirfield,

presumably on reconnaissance. One was knocked out by the light

artillery gun of the 9th; the others fled.

3 . Towards evening 30 of our planes cam e over and bombed an d

strafed the ene my bridgehead, food and ammuni tion dumps.1074. Our SOUTHeach defenses are still intact.

Combat Lessons:

1. The enemy tanks follow the infantry troops who form the advance

party. It looks as though the enemy is afraid of our suicide attacks. There

are 50-150 men with every tank.

2 . Troops consist of inexperienced men. They are inferior to us as to

the meaning of combat and the sense of cautions.

3. The enemy fell back 1000-1500 meters from positions they had

captured during the day and took up night positions.108 They use micro-

phones for security purposes. The opportune time to stage a raid, therefore,

is after they have taken up night positions.

4. The enemy M4 tanks will not attack unless fired upon within a range

of 400 meters.

5. M3 medium size mine is very effective. Grenades are also effective.

6. The enemy fire when advancing on our positions.

7. We must take precautions lest the enemy block one of the ent rances

of a cave with flame throwers and cover the o ther entrance with raking fire.

8. Enemy soldiers cry: "This is the first time we have fought this sort of a

battle. We don't want anything else; bring us water and medical supplies."

Towards evening Sgt. NISHIHARA and nine men of the Radio Section

Suicide Attack Section arrived and were assigned to me.

22 February 1945- Thursday. Cloudy. Drizzling.

Last night both the enemy and our forces had an artillery duel which

lasted all night long. The enemy shot flares, as usual. Morning came and Istill was alive and safe.

During the 1800 air raid, we received a near-hit in the vicinity of the CP

cave. A portion of the entrance caved in. The weakly supported cave felt as

though it were coming apart, due to the tremendous reverberation caused

by the explosion. Personnel suffered no casualties.Cave life is gradually taking effect upon me. Probably due to lack of

sleep, because of interruption b y air raids. The problem of cave living

107. Around 1600 on 2 0 February, RCT 25 was hit by friendly aircraft fire.Particularly hard-struck was Company B, 1 /4 th Marines, which was approximatelyfour hundred yards inland in the direction of Minami. Because U.S. accounts wouldhave mentioned a Japanese air attack, this is probably what Sugihara interpreted asa Japanese attack. Bartley, Iwo Jima, 82.

108. On the evening of D+1, when the commander of RCT 27 "ordered his units

to halt and consolidate, 1/26, on the left, had to drop backabout 200 yards to morefavorable ground for night defense." Given understandable exaggeration, this mighthave provided the basis for this "lesson." Bartley, lwo Jima, 80.

TH E J OURNAL O F

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Diary of First Lieutenant Sugihara Kinryti

concerning the kitchen crew and off-duty personnel is getting serious.

Enemy aircraft are extremely inactive today. Perhaps it is due to the

cloudy skies and low overhanging clouds. Or perhaps it is due to the

effectiveness of our Special Attack Units.

Naval bombardment has also practically ceased. According to reports,eight planes of our Special Attack Unit bombed and strafed the enemy

ammunition and food supply dumps situated in the bridgehead area and

destroyed them. Another group of 22 planes attacked the enemy's shipping,

damaging 21 ships of all kinds.109

Since last night the enemy at SOUTH anding has been penetrating

through the Beach Guard Unit section and is now advancing towards the

AWAZUnit position.110

The HONDA latoon of M I N A M I Hamlet has already fallen, due to enemy

envelopment tactics. Part of the platoon has returned to its company

positions; however, 2d Lt. HONDAnd men remained."' Patrols were sent

out, but no contac t could be made. Their fate is unknown.

Sgt. UEKIof the 1st Company went out on reconnaissance, but was

killed on his way there. 1300 -The enemy is now advancing towards the

BYOBU IWA positions.112 The IWATANIUnit113 and one company of tanks (10

tanks) were ordered to attack immediately, and attacked the onrushing

enemy. Two enemy tanks were knocked out and approximately 100 men

were killed.

The BYOBUWA position is still intact. The guns of the 2d platoon of the

2d Company were rendered useless by enemy bombing attack at around1000. Orders issued by the Bn. stated that one field piece would be

obtained from the 3d Company and transferred to the 2d Company during

the night.

Went to get water and a change of clothing at my quarters. The roads

are completely demolished.

109 . Th is is apparen t ly a re fe rence to the Ja pan ese kamikaze a t t ack o n U.S .naval fo rces the p reced ing day . O n 21 F ebruary , p lanes of the 2d M i ta te Spec ia lAttack Unit had flown from Hon shu to Hachijo Jim a (a n island located appr oxim ately12 5 miles south of Tokyo Bay) an d the n to Iwo J im a, where they at tacked theoffshore f l ee t l a te in the day . "The B ism ar ck S ea (CVE) was sunk , the S a r a t o g a(CV) so bad ly dam aged tha t she had to re t u rn to Pear l har bor fo r repa i rs, and theL un ga P o in t (CVE) was h it bu t c on t in ued opera t ions . Two o ther ships, the Keokuk(AKN) an d LST 477 were also dam age d. T he LST, loaded with p recio us 3d Divisiontanks , was bad ly damage d bu t was ab le to un load on the beach befo re re tu rn ing toSa ipan . " Bart ley , lw o J i m a , 75 -76 (quo te ) ; Mor ison , Vic to ry in the Pac g ic , 52 -56 .

1 1 0 . C ap t a i n Awazu S h 6 t a r6 co m m an d ed t h e 3 0 9 t h In d ep en d en t In fan t ryBat talion . His hea dqu arter s was located in Minami Ham let .

1 1 1 . S ec o n d L i eu t en an t Ho n d a K iy og 6, an i n fan t ry o ff ic e r, co m m an d ed t h e 2 dPlatoon, 3d Co mp any , 11th ATB.

112 . Byobu iwa posi t ion was loc ated a t the e nd of Airfie ld No. 2 tha t was closes tt o Tam an a Yam a.

1 1 3 . Ma j or Iwa tan i Nas u sab u ro c o m m a n d e d t h e 3 1 0 t h In d ep e n d en t In fan tryBattalion.

M I LI TAR Y HISTORY

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STEPHEN J. LOFGREN

Report-Special Attack Unit came to aid us in the afternoon. It is

reported that 19 or more battleships, cruisers and destroyers were damaged.

Furthermore, the results are becoming more favorable. Now it stands to

reason why air activity and naval bombardment have decreased, compared

with yesterday.This is a winning battle. Be persistent! Hold out! Whip the enemy till

their blood runs. We must definitely build the foundation of victory for this

Greater East Asia War.

POEM:The shield of our Emperor's domain, this Iwo JIMA.

Upon our honor we hold this ground,

We, the defenders.

23 February 1945- Friday. Cloudy. Intermittently clear.

There was very little bombing and Naval bombardment last night. The

dawn broke without any noticeable change in the enemy situation. However,

since there is an artillery emplacement near our position, the enemy is

constantly shelling us. Many shells drop in the vicinity of our CP entrance.

The concussion makes us dizzy.

Since the weather has become better today, Grummans are continually

out on reconnaissance. Only two or three planes came over at one time.

We can see no dive-bomber formations today.

The Naval bombardment has decreased considerably, in comparison

with yesterday. Thanks to our Special Attack Forces.

POEM:Although we are reduced to dust, we have no regrets.

From our forefathers have we inherited for eternity,

Defend you warriors, our Iwo JIMA.

Enemy situation: Due to advances made from below BYOBUWA, and

West to the vicinity of TANKU I w A , ~ ~ *he enemy has considerably enlarged

its bridge head.

Casualties suffered by the enemy-2525 (from enemy report-troops

that have landed). Following the combined results of the efforts of our

Special Attack Units: Six carriers, two battleships, two cruisers, possible

four destroyers, 40 unidentified ships and 49 landing barges have been

destroyed.

The force consist of the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions, of which one

Division has landed as of this date.115 The other has been unable to land

due to the rough sea. The Division landed consists of green troops of a

newly reorganized unit.

Admiral NIMITZhas two more Divisions elsewhere. Presumably the

enemy is going to use these divisions in the future.

11 4. Tanku iwa was a posit ion in th e 3 d Marine Division s ecto r. I t was locatedroughly to the southwest of Hill Peter on the far side of Airfield No. 2 , if o n e looks

from the Marine Corps landing beaches.

11 5. Both the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions had landed o n 1 9 February. The 3d

Marine Division would land on 24 February, and on 25 February would takeresponsibility for clearing the Motoyama area. Bartley, Iwo Jima, 9 7 - 9 9 .

130 * TH E J OURNAL OF

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Our Special Attack Units are planning on gradually eliminating them,

thus frustrating their landing.

Intercepting an enemy broadcast from GUAM,t was stated that the

Marines are continually advancing yard by yard, paying with their sweat

and blood. Never before was such strong Japanese resistance encountered.They must have their best soldiers and weapons.

Damage done to enemy tanks-of the 200 M4s which landed, 159 were

knocked out.

( B o c ~ o-unidentified source) The battle of Iwo J IMAnd that of the

PHILIPPINESre of vital importance as the first steps toward the ultimate

victory of the Greater East Asia War. We have a tremendous responsibility.

What is death! We will fight bravely in face of certain death. We will

resist to the end. In the path of righteousness a gleam of victory can be

perceived. We must but fight till victory is in our hands.

The enemy bombing and Naval bombardment have slackened off.

Repaired and strengthened positions and hauled food, etc. during this

short interlude.

24 February 1945-Saturday. Clear.

About ten or more Grumman and Douglas planes are circling contin-

uously above us. Even our runners cannot be sent out without detection by

the enemy. The lack of air superiority has its headache. However, due to the

efforts of four Special Attack Units, their air superiority has been decreased

considerably. Furthermore, the fact that the Naval bombardment has les-

sened is really a fine thing.Still, the MOTOYAMAistrict is constantly being shelled by Naval guns.

We are able to feel the terrific concussion of the exploding shells from the

entrance of our cave.

There has been no damage inflicted on the MOTOYAMAirfield, which is

directly in front of us. In the afternoon about 1 5 M4 tanks appeared in the

vicinity of the No. 1 and No. 2 airstrip junction; they turned back later,

however. Towards evening, I perceived large groups of men at work, and

others who roamed around the airstrip.

Approximately ten men captured our positions at TANKU IW4, and

along the Southern tip of the No. 2 airstrip.Tanks appeared directly in front of the HARAplatoon of the 1st Company

position. The HAW platoon opened fire, knocking out three tanks which

went up in flames. No casualties suffered by the HARAUnit's frontal positions.

Our Special Attack Unit came over. Results unknown as yet. The men

and I are all right.

Repaired fortifications during the night; also sent Sgt. NISHIHARA and

15 men to assist in transferring an d building a new position for the gun

under the command of the 1st Co. Commander at NIDANWA. Naval

bombardment an d flares, as usual. The enemy on BYOBU IWA was forced

back about 300 meters below the cliff.

25 February 1945-Sunday. Clear.


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STEPHEN J . LOFGREN

The number of enemy planes in the air increased to about 20 today.

They are bombing and strafing our positions whenever they are able to

detect one. The unceasing stream of planes which comes over makes it

very difficult to send men on reconnaissance through the connecting

trenches, and then to the airstrip area.116

0930- I observed approximately 20 M4 tanks appear near the vicinity

of No. 1airstrip junction. Every one of them had its an tenn a up and its gun

turrets facing in the direction of MOTOYAMA.ater, they turned their fire in

the direction of the Navy gun positions and disappeared from view. Enemy

activity can be seen in the vicinity of TANKUWA.

1300 -two or three M4s appeared again, near the airstrip junction.

Later, a few more came without infantry troops, but disappeared again.

1400- five M4s were seen going across the airstrip, headed for BYOBUWA.

There is a little more activity and Naval bombardment today. It can beassumed that more aircraft carriers have arrived.

1500 -Two men, Pfc. ONISHI and Pfc. M A R U Y A M A (of the 2d Company,

here as runners) who were standing guard at the entrance of our CP cave,

were burned in the face by a phosphorous bomb which exploded close to

them. It was not very serious; however, they will not be able to move for a

few days.

In the evening we moved o ne field gun of the 1st Company to NIDAN IWA.

Cpl. TAKAHASHI and UEKI reas killed in action. Sup. Pvt. NAGAHARA

seriously wounded. Worked all night long.

26 February 1945 -Monday. Cloudy. Later, rain.

0800-Approximately 200 enemy troops advanced toward the 2d

Company CP. We engaged the enemy in combat. The MOTOYAMAbattery

was captured previously by the enemy.

Disposition of all reading matter was completed.

[End of diary.]

116. In addition to the constant presence of naval aviation, on this day nine of

Seventh Air Force's Guam-based B-24s bombed "blockhouses, and mortar and

rocket-launching positions on NW part of Iwo Jima." Two days later (27 February),nine B-24s would return from Guam to hit again pillboxes, artillery sites, and

defensive positions on the northern area of the island. Combat Chronology, 582,

585.

132 * THE J O U R N AL O F

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Diary of First Lieutenant Sugihara Kinryti

Epilogue

With the abrupt end of the diary, a reader cannot help but wonder

about Sugihara's end.I t

seems probable that after his last entry, Lieu-tenant Sugihara was simply too busy to jot down any more of his

thoughts, but, beyond that speculation, it is impossible to know more.

The fate of the l l t h ATB was as follows:

1st Company, commanded by 1st Lieutenant Hayashihara Eizo was

attacked on February 24 and wiped out.

2d Company, commanded by 1st Lieutenant Kanai Masahito, had

plugged a hole in the line on the night of February 23. I t was destroyed

on February 25.

3d Company, commanded by 1st Lieutenant Okamoto Senai, fought

in the Central Sector from February 20 to 23, by which time the

majority of its officers and men had been killed. A handful of survivors

made their way back to cave positions, where they held out until May.

Megane'iwa and Osaka yama came under attack on February 28

from the 3d and 5th Marine Divisions.

The remaining survivors of the l l t h ATB formed par t of the right

flank of the Japanese counterattack of 8-9 March 1945. Nearly 800

Japanese were killed.fl7

117. Bartley, Iwo Jima, 172-73; Iwo Jima sakusen, 212-13.

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