It’s about to get interesting for both sides as the 2-5 Marines push towards their objective, Matanikau. A majority of the IJF have already taken up their defenses and are settling in for a bloody battle.

 

Expect some smoke to cover their advance as they move out into the open. Meanwhile, C-1-7 traded some initial fire on hill 65, with the 2nd Battalion of the 124-18 IJF, and is hoping to move up and take the log bridge.

Artillery missions are proving difficult due to the dense jungle, but that won’t last for long. The marines need to make ground as dusk requires them to dig in for the night.

Here is an overview as of 0720 on September 26th, 1942.