Following their experiences on Saipan and Tinian, the division's planners recognized the need for a dedicated group of demolitions men. In the after action report for the battle of Iwo Jima, the division noted that: "Each BLT [Battalion Landing Team] had one assault platoon consisting of one officer and 38 men, organized and trained to handle all flame throwers and demolitions necessary in assault work." These men were occasionally divided unto subordinate units and attached to rifle companies; at other times, they remained on-call for specific instances requiring their specialized equipment. In the case of First Battalion, the majority of the men in the assault platoon were volunteers from the rifle companies who received extra training with Sergeant Harry Koff.
As the exact makeup of First Battalion's assault team is not known, the example given here is of the G-Series organization as used by the First and Sixth Divisions on Okinawa.
Series G Assault Platoon (March 1944 - 1945)
Platoon Leader (Lieutenant)
Section Sergeant (Staff Sergeant)
Eight Armorers
Three Sections, EACH
Section Leader (Sergeant)
Two Squads, EACH
Squad Leader (Corporal)
Two Bazookas (Private/PFC)
Two Flamethrowers (Private/PFC)
Two Demolitions (Private/PFC)
Total Personnel: One officer, fifty-four enlisted.
A Fourth Division flamethrower carries a friend.
The information contained herein is referenced from Battalion Organisation During The Second World War.