Major John F. Schoettel, CO, 3/2
We debarked according to schedule and later landed on Beach Red 2. We received word that H hour was delayed to 0845, then again to 0900. We crossed the line of departure at about 0830. The LVTs disembarked their troops in the water about 500 yards out receiving fire of medium caliber. One of the guns was on Green Beach firing over the edge at about 229. We called for air support. The water at the time of landing was about waist high. Two of the tanks supporting us were serviceable while all the others were ground out by going into bomb holes on the reef. There were no tanks or half tracks on Beach Red 1. Wounded were transferred to AmphTracs and evacuated. At this time we drew fire from both beaches and withdrew to seaward. It was thought they were all wiped out. We then landed on Beach Red 2, arriving there at about 1600.
Q. Did anybody actually land on Green Beach?
A. No.
source: "REPORTS OF BATTALION COMMANDERS", 22 December 1943.
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