Battle of Peleliu
Part of World War II, Pacific War
Date September 15, 1944 – November 25, 1944 Location Peleliu, Palau Islands Result American victory
Combatants
United States	Empire of Japan
Commanders
William H. Rupertus, USMC	Kunio Nakagawa
Strength
2 divisions (1st Marine Division and the USA 81st Infantry Division)	Approximately 11,000 men
Casualties
2,336 killed and 8,450 wounded	10,695 killed, 202 captured

The Battle of Peleliu, like the bloody World War II island campaigns before it, was a fight to capture an airstrip on a small coral island in the Western Pacific. And, as with previous island battles, the Americans prevaild, but at a higher cost than anticipated, against the determined resistance of the Japanese forces. Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... Combatants China (from 1937) United States (1941) U.K. (1941) Australia (from 1941) Free France (1941) Netherlands (1941) New Zealand (1941) Canada (1941) Soviet Union (1945) Japan (from 1937)  Germany (1941) Thailand (from 1942) Manchukuo Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Franklin D. Roosevelt Winston Churchill John Curtin Fumimaro Konoe Hideki Tojo... Source: http://www. ... is the 258th day of the year (259th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1944 (MCMXLIV) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ... is the 329th day of the year (330th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1944 (MCMXLIV) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ... Map of Peleliu Peleliu (or Beliliou) is an island in the island nation of Palau. ... The Republic of Palau (also spelled Belau) is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, located some 500 km east of the Philippines. ... Image File history File links US_flag_48_stars. ... Image File history File links Naval_Ensign_of_Japan. ... Anthem Kimi ga Yo Imperial Reign Slogan: Fukoku Kyohei Enrich the Country, Strengthen the Military (a. ... Major General William Henry Rupertus (November 14, 1889 – March 25, 1945) was a general officer of the United States Marine Corps. ... In the Pacific theater of World War II, the American Marianas Campaign, known as Operation Forager, pushed westward from the Marshall Islands in the summer of 1944 to capture the islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Guam. ... Combatants United States Empire of Japan Commanders Richmond K. Turner Holland Smith Yoshitsugu Saito â€  Chuichi Nagumo â€  Strength 71,000 31,000 Casualties 3,426 killed; 13,160 wounded 24,000 KIA and 5,000 suicides; 921 prisoners The Battle of Saipan was a battle of the Pacific campaign of World... Combatants United States Navy Imperial Japanese Navy Commanders Ray Spruance Jisaburo Ozawa Strength 7 heavy carriers, 8 light carriers, 7 battleships, 79 other ships, 28 submarines, 956 planes 6 heavy carriers, 3 light carriers, 5 battleships, 43 other ships, 450 carrier-based planes, 300 land-based planes Casualties 123 planes... The battle of Tinian was a battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II, fought on the island of Tinian in the Mariana Islands from 24 July 1944 to 1 August 1944. ... Battle of Angaur Conflict World War II, Pacific War Date 17 September 1944 – 30 September 1944 Place Angaur, Palau Islands Result American victory The battle of Angaur was a battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II, fought on the island of Angaur in the Palau Islands from... Download high resolution version (576x675, 69 KB)Map of the battle of Peleliu Downloaded from [1] File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000...

Background

By the summer of 1944, victories in the Southwest and Central Pacific had brought the war even closer to Japan, with American bombers able to strike at the Japanese homeland. But there was disagreement by the U.S. Joint Chiefs over two proposed strategies to crush the Japanese Empire. One strategy proposed by General Douglas MacArthur called for the recapture of the Philippines, followed by the capture of Okinawa then Formosa for an attack at the Chinese mainland. From there, the eventual invasion of Japan would come. Admiral Chester Nimitz, on the other hand, favored a more direct strategy of bypassing the Philippines, but seizing Okinawa and Formosa as staging areas for the future invasion of Japan's southernmost islands. External link Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum Categories: Corporation stubs | Historical stubs | Defunct railroad companies of the United States | California railroads | Nevada railroads | Utah railroads | Historic civil engineering landmarks ... Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States of America symbol The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) is a grouping comprising the Chiefs of service of each major branch of the armed services in the United States armed forces. ... Douglas MacArthur (January 26, 1880 - April 5, 1964), was an American Field Marshal (only in the Philippines) and general who played a prominent role in the Pacific theater of World War II. He was poised to command the invasion of Japan in November 1945 but was instead instructed to accept... This article is about the prefecture. ... This article is about the history, geography, and people of the island known as Taiwan. ... Operation Downfall was the overall Allied plan for the invasion of Japan at the end of World War II. The operation was cancelled when Japan surrendered following the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the Soviet Unions declaration of war against Japan. ... Chester William Nimitz (February 24, 1885 – February 20, 1966) was the Commander in Chief of Pacific Forces for the United States and Allied forces during World War II. He was the United States leading authority on submarines, as well as Chief of the Navys Bureau of Navigation in 1939. ... USMC convoys staging prior to going north into Iraq in March of 2004 A staging area is a temporary location where military units, aircraft and warships plus their matériel are assembled ahead of an attack or invasion. ...

As for Peleliu, both commanders' strategies included the invasion of this island, but for different reasons, and the 1st Marine Division had already been chosen to make the assault. To settle this dispute, President Franklin D. Roosevelt traveled to Pearl Harbor to personally meet both commanders and hear their respective arguments. After a review of both positions, MacArthur's strategy was chosen. However, before MacArthur could retake the Philippines, the Palau Islands, Peleliu and Anguar specifically, were thought to be necessary for neutralization and building an airfield to protect his right flank. This turned out not to be necessary at all. What followed was a ferocious battle lasting more than two months and costing over 12,000 lives on both sides. Engaging on Peleliu was the 1st Marine Division, and also the U.S. Army 81st Infantry Division that had already overrun the smaller island of Anguar. The 1st Marine Division is the oldest, largest (active duty), and most decorated division-sized unit in the United States Marine Corps representing a combat-ready force of more than 19,000 men and women. ... FDR redirects here. ... This article is about the harbor in Hawaii. ... The Republic of Palau (also spelled Belau) is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, located some 500 km east of the Philippines. ... Angaur (or Ngeaur) is an island in the island nation of Palau. ... The 81st Infantry Division was a unit of the United States Army in World War I and World War II. World War I Activated: September 1917. ... Angaur (or Ngeaur) is an island in the island nation of Palau. ...

Aftermath

The reduction of the Japanese pocket around Umurbrogol mountain is considered to be the most difficult fight that the U.S. military encountered in the entire Second World War. The 1st Marine Division was severely mauled by casualties on Peleliu, and it remained out of action until the invasion of Okinawa on April 1, 1945. Combatants United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand Empire of Japan Commanders Simon B. Buckner†, Joseph W. Stilwell, Ray Spruance Mitsuru Ushijima† Isamu Cho† Strength 548,000 regulars, 1300 ships,  ? aircraft 100,000 regulars and militia,  ? ships,  ? aircraft Casualties 12,513 dead or missing, 38,916 wounded, 33,096... April 1 is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1945and died 2007 (MCMXLV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar). ...

On the recommendation of Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., the planned occupation of Yap Island in the Palaus was cancelled. Halsey actually (rightly) recommended that the landings on Peleliu and Anguar be cancelled, too, and their Marines and soldiers be thrown into Leyte Island instead. But Halsey was overruled by Nimitz. William Bull Halsey William Frederick Bull Halsey, Jr. ... Map of Yap State Map of Yap Islands Yap is an island in the Caroline Islands of the western Pacific Ocean, the westernmost state of the Federated States of Micronesia. ... This article is about the island. ...

Honors and recognitions

Two marines rest during mopping up operations on Peleliu

The nation's highest award: The Medal of Honor was presented to eight Marines in the fight for Peleliu, five of whom were decorated posthumously (indicated by *): Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1382x1110, 242 KB) Description: Marine Pfc. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1382x1110, 242 KB) Description: Marine Pfc. ... The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States. ...

• *Corporal Lewis K. Bausell, 1st Battalion 5th Marines (1/5);
• Private First Class Arthur J. Jackson, 3rd Battalion 7th Marines (3/7);
• *Private First Class Richard E. Kraus, 8th Amphibian Tractor Battalion;
• *Private First Class John D. New, 2nd Battalion 7th Marines 2/7;
• *Private First Class Wesley Phelps, 3/7;
• Captain Everett P. Pope, USMC, 1st Battalion 1st Marines (1/1);
• *Private First Class Charles H. Roan, 2/7; and
• First Lieutenant Carlton R. Rouh, 1/5.

Corporal Lewis Kenneth Bausell (1924-1944) was the only enlisted Marine from the Nations capital, Washington, D.C., to receive the Medal of Honor in World War II. He was killed in action on Peleliu when he covered an exploding Japanese hand grenade in order to protect his comrades. ... 1st Battalion 5th Marines (1/5) is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Camp Pendleton, California consisting of approximately 1000 Marines and Sailors. ... Captain Arthur J. Jackson (born 1924) was a United States Marine who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on Peleliu during World War II. PFC Jackson single-handedly destroyed 12 enemy pillboxes and killing 50 enemy soldiers. ... The 3rd Battalion 7th Marine Regiment (3/7) is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. ... Private First Class Richard Edward Kraus was an United States Marine killed in action during the World War II campaign on Peleliu Island on 3 October 1944. ... Private First Class John Dury New (1924-1944) was a United States Marine who for his gallantry in action at the cost of his life on Peleliu on 25 September 1944, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. ... The 2nd Battalion 7th Marine Regiment (2/7) is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. ... Wesley Phelps (1923-1944) was a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions and sacrifice of life during the World War II Battle of Peleliu. ... Major Everett Parker Pope (born 16 July 1919), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his conspicuous gallantry on Peleliu in September 1944 while leading his men in an assault on a strategic hill, and for holding it, with rocks and bare fists when ammunition ran... 1st Battalion 1st Marines (1/1) is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Camp Pendleton, California consisting of approximately 1000 Marines and Sailors. ... Private First Class Charles Howard Roan (1923-1944) was a United States Marine who sacrificed his life to save those of four fellow Marines in the landing on Peleliu during World War II. For his heroism, he was posthumously awarded his nations highest military honor — the Medal of Honor. ... Captain Carlton Robert Rouh (11 May 1919 – 8 December 1977) was a United States Marine who was awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry in risking his life to save the lives of two fellow Marines on Peleliu Island on 15 September 1944. ...

See also

The amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA-5) was named in memory of the battle. Six of the U.S. Navys assault ships in formation; lead ship and first ship to port are Tarawa-class, all others are Wasp-class Amphibious assault ships, usually shortened to amphibs, phibs or popularly known as gator freighters, denotes a range of classes of warship employed to land... USS Peleliu (LHA-5) is a Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship of the United States Navy, named after the Battle of Peleliu during World War II. Originally to be named Khe Sanh and then Da Nang, Peleliu was laid down in 1976 at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, launched 25...

United States Marine Corps Portal

Image File history File links USMC_logo. ...

Notes

References

• Sledge, Eugene B. (1990). With the Old Breed: At Peleliu And Okinawa. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195067142. 
• Gailey, Harry (1984). Peleliu: 1944. Nautical & Aviation Pub Co of Amer. ISBN 093385241X. 
• Hallas, James H. (1994). The Devil's Anvil: The Assault on Peleliu. Praeger Publishers. ISBN 0275946460. 
• Ross, Bill D. (1991). Peleliu: Tragic Triumph. Random House. ISBN 0394565886. 
• Rottman, Gordon; Howard Gerrard (2002). Peleliu 1944: The Forgotten Corner Of Hell. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 1841765120. 
• Sloan, Bill (2005). Brotherhood of Heroes: The Marines at Peleliu, 1944 -- The Bloodiest Battle of the Pacific War. Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0743260090. 
• Wright, Derrick (2005). To the Far Side of Hell: The Battle for Peleliu, 1944. Fire Ant Books. ISBN 0817352813. 

With The Old Breed is a classic memoir from the Second World War, detailing the experiences of former US Marine, Eugene B. Sledge. ...

External links

• Anderson, Charles R.. Western Pacific. The U.S. Army Campaigns of World War II. U.S. Army Center of Military History. Retrieved on 2006-12-19.
• Gayle, BGen Gordon D. (1996). Bloody Beaches: The Marines at Peleliu. Marines in World War II Commemorative Series. Marine Corps Historical Center. Retrieved on 2006-12-19.

• Hough, Frank O. (1950). The Assault on Peleliu (The Seizure of Peleliu). USMC Historical Monograph. Historical Branch, G-3 Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. Retrieved on 2006-12-19.
• Kier, Mike. PELELIU. Retrieved on 2006-12-19.
• Smith, Robert Ross (1996). The Approach to the Philippines. United States Army in World War II: The War in the Pacific. U.S. Army Center of Military History. Retrieved on 2006-12-19.
• Peleliu Photographs
• Bloody Peleliu by Jeremy Gypton

For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... December 19 is the 353rd day of the year (354th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... December 19 is the 353rd day of the year (354th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... December 19 is the 353rd day of the year (354th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... December 19 is the 353rd day of the year (354th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... December 19 is the 353rd day of the year (354th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...