Night time brought no incursions by the enemy and the new day called for extensive patrolling.
- Captain Frederic Stott, 1/24, "Saipan Under Fire"
The 4th Marine division held their positions on June 28, while waiting for the lagging divisions to catch up. The 27th was once again having a command change, as General Jarman's temporary tenure came to an end with the arrival of General George Griner. The doggies gamely went for the Japanese in the caves and cliffs in front of them, but it was a slow and costly process.
The 24th Marines, in division reserve, were tasked with maintaining the left flank. Originally, the 165th Infantry and 3/24 were sufficient to hold, but as the 165th took stronger positions to improve contact with the 23rd Marines, the flank stretched longer, and 1/24 was sent to assist. Local patrols and scattered mortar and small arms were the order of the day.
One patrol established our first visual contact with the 2nd Division which had now occupied the summit of the mountain. (Naturally the divisions had been in contact, but it was our battalion's first meeting.) Another squad discovered a deep cave, in use as a Jap command post, brought gunfire to bear from half-tracks and tanks, and destroyed the C.P. and its 50 occupants. And a third group made the desired contact with the Army pushing northward into the gap between the two Marine divisions.
- Captain Frederic Stott, 1/24, "Saipan Under Fire"
The rest of the O-6 line had been brought under control, but signs of recent enemy activity abounded - indications that the Japanese had left in a hurry.
Wounded:
Private William Vernon Ellerd
Total: 1
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