Over a week he needed "Tokyo Express" to provide a reasonable number of soldiers to the island. This time it was 35 brig. Infantry under the command of Gen. Kawaguchi, composed of veterans fighting in China and Burma. Unfortunately, the Japanese still underestimated the amount of American forces on the island. Judging by his superiority, Kawaguchi divided his forces into three groups, two of which only drew the attention of the defenders.
In addition, American raiders, just before the battle, set off on the east side of the island. They attacked the Japanese base, destroying a lot of equipment and revealing enemy plans.
September 13, Kawaguchi's main forces hit the mountain range, which quickly became known as "Bloody Ridge."

