On 21 February 1945, the 4th Marine Division was engaged with strong enemy emplacements encircling Motoyama Airfield #1. It consisted of multiple lines of defense belts as a major complex on Iwo Jima's central plateau. Six pillboxes with mortars in support held up the 1st Battalion, 24th Marines' attack across the airfield, inflicting many casualties. Two M4 shermans went forward to knock out the pillboxes. The tanks both hit landmines and were put out of action. Maj. Paul Treitel, commander of 1/24, needed support to destroy the pillboxes.