East of Orange Beach 1, Hill 362A loomed up out of the surrounding terrain ominously. The Japanese set up an anti-aircraft battery to protect Airfield #3, situated just to the south. To deal with the enemy threat in this sector, General Kuribayashi ordered the withdrawal of forward units throughout the night removing all of his forces from around the airfield. Soldiers of the 28th Marines advanced forward, picking their way up the hill in a less steep approach on the Japanese left flank. They were greeted by sporadic sniper fire and only encountered a smattering of naval troops, originally positioned to defend the airfield. Most of the Marines did not realize they were on Hill 362A proper until they crested the height, bringing the open valley between the hill and Nishi Ridge. In a matter of minutes the dusty Marines took note of the impassable cliff backing 362A and the facts that there was no way forward. Individual Marines, then the main body, began a shift to the right to find, seeking a route down. The enemy chose that moment to open fire with their heavy weapons. Pinned down on the hill by massive firepower from Japanese on Nishi Ridge, B Company began taking heavy casualties.
