HEAVY FIGHTING

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 118, 21 May 1945, Page 5

HEAVY FIGHTING

RAGING AT ALL POINTS . Rec. 9 a.m. WASHINGTON, May 19. Admiral Nimitz's communique says: "Troops of the 10th Army maintained heavy pressure on the enemy along the whole of the southern front oi Okinawa yesterday, meeting with strong resistance at all points on the front lines. The 6th Marine Division withdrew from Sugar Loaf Hill after nightfall on May 17, but occupied the summit for the fifth time after heavy fighting on Friday morning. The enemy has sacrificed large numbers oi troops in the defence of this key position before Naha. "The Ist Marine Division gained several hundred yards when operating east of Wana town and destroyed enemy strong-points in that area. The 77th Infantry Division continued its assault on strongly-held enemy positions with local aircraft support and flame-throwing tanks. This division gained some ground on the right flank near Ishmitow. "In the hilly sector at the eastern end of the lines south and east ot Conical Hill, the 96th Infantry Division progressed slowly, experiencing hand-to-hand fighting. The enemy employed substantial artillery fire all .along the line in his attempts to contain the attacks by our forces. "Some enemy aircraft appeared over the Okinawa area on the evening oJ: May 17. Two enemy planes were shot down. Minor changes were made in the positions of our troops attacking the Shuri position today. The enemy resistance throughout the hilly area around the fortress town remained extremely strong. COUNTER-ATTACK FAILS. "The 6th Marine Division repulsed a counter-attack east of Takamotoji early this morning. The Ist Marine Division and the 77th Infantry Division continued to attack abreast against heavily-fortified ridges and hills around Wana town. The 96th Infantry Division continues to envelop positions around Conical Hill and westwards. "Last evening a small group of enemy aircraft attacked our forces at Okinawa. Fourteen were shot down. "Up to May 17 the enemy had lost 48,103 killed on Okinawa. The United States casualties comprise:—Army and marines killed and missing 4332, wounded 18,258; navy, killed and missing 2978, wounded 3978."