Note 21 — Chapter XIV · Measure of the Fighting

The 21st Infantry was impressed with the Japanese “excellence in battle” on Breakneck Ridge. There were few instances of “reckless charges, needless sacrifices or failure to observe known tactical principles.” The most notable characteristics exhibited were the excellent fire discipline and the effective control of all arms. Without exception individual soldiers withheld their fire until it would have the greatest possible effect. The heaviest firing would generally start about 1530 and increase in intensity until about dark, the fire being accompanied by counterattacks from the front and on the flanks. These assaults usually came when the Americans’ energy and ammunition were at their lowest point during the day and when they would prevent proper consolidation of the front lines before dark.21