Combat· World War II
Peleliu
On 15 September 1944, the 1st Marine Division landed on Peleliu in the Palau Islands, expecting a quick fight.
Instead they met a new Japanese defense built on the caves and coral ridges of the Umurbrogol, a fortress designed to bleed the attackers rather than stop them at the beach. The battle ground on until 27 November, far longer than the three days predicted, and became one of the costliest per-yard fights of the Pacific. Peleliu's strategic necessity is debated to this day, since Admiral Halsey had recommended cancelling the landing. Total Marine casualties reached 6,526, including Navy corpsmen and doctors, 1,252 were killed. The campaign confirmed the grim arithmetic of assaulting a determined, well-led enemy in prepared positions.
Podcast episodes on World War II
Record no. 108