Log of the USS BLESSMAN 10 February 1945

The next step was to be Iwo Jima, one of the best defended islands in the world. On 10 February 1945, the BLESSMAN departed Ulithi on what your proved to be an ill-fated cruise. With other units of the bombarding forces, she arrived at Iwo Jima on 16 February and Underwater Demolition Team Number 15 conducted a preliminary reconnaissance, while the heavy ships subjected the Japs to a terrific bombardment. The next day, Team Number 15 went into action again. As the BLESSMAN approached the island, the Japs, believing her movements to be an indication of the landing of troops, took her under fire. Fortunately, she was unharmed, and the swimmers were able to complete their job at the cost of one casualty. The next day, 18 February 1945, the process was repeated with no casualties. Her job was finished; she was ordered to withdraw for the night to wait the arrival of Marines who were to land the next day.