Peleliu, capture of

Peleliu, capture of. One of the Pacific Palau group, this 18 sq. km. (7 sq. mi.) Japanese-occupied coral island was assaulted by the 1st US Marine Division on 15 September 1944 to protect General MacArthur's flank as he advanced on the Philippines (see Philippines campaigns).

The landings were preceded by such a heavy three-day naval bombardment that the marines' commander, Maj-General William Rupertus, predicted success in four days. But the Japanese had adopted new tactics. Instead of trying to drive the attackers back into the water, the 10,600-strong garrison, led by Colonel Nakasawa Kunio, largely avoided the bombardment area and beaches, and dug near-impenetrable defences inland. However, this did not stop them immediately inflicting heavy American casualties and though the airstrip fell after eight days the defenders then retreated to prepared positions among the caves on Umurbrogol ridge. These were not reduced until the end of November, and some Japanese did not surrender until February 1945. For the marines, who had to be replaced by 81st Infantry Division in mid-October, it was one of the Pacific war's bloodiest actions during which they suffered 6,526 casualties, including 1,252 killed. See also amphibious warfare.