Combat· World War II
Drive North and the Meatgrinder (Hill 362 complex)
The drive north into the northern badlands was the grinding heart of the battle, fought across broken plateau and a cluster of mutually supporting strongpoints the Marines called the Meat Grinder: Hill 382, the bowl-shaped Amphitheater, and the rock pinnacle of Turkey Knob.
The terrain channeled attackers into killing zones swept by reverse-slope fire. All three Marine divisions ground forward abreast, with the 4th Marine Division reducing the Meat Grinder in its eastern zone. The Marines carried the assault throughout, clearing fortified caves with flame tanks and demolitions and absorbing the highest regimental casualty totals of the battle.
Podcast episodes on World War II
Record no. 583