Battle of Peleliu

Peleliu (15 September – 27 November 1944)

Assault into Hell.

Historical Significance

Peleliu was controversial due to the island’s questionable strategic and operational value. The operation’s high casualty rate (exceeded all other amphibious operations during the Pacific War) added to the controversy. The primary issue was that the Japanese lacked the means to interfere (namely the island’s airfield) with operations to retake the Philippines, which was the justification used to seize the island. A second issue was Peleliu’s anticipated important role in future operations including it use as a staging base for seizing Okinawa. Peleliu, contrary to expectations, was never used again.

Tactical Importance

Peleliu demonstrated the pattern of future Japanese island defense tactics. Surprisingly, the Marines made few tactical adjustments for Iwo Jima and Okinawa. One adjustment was the pre-landing naval bombardment of Iwo Jima, which was only slightly more effective than at Peleliu. On Okinawa, however, the shelling was much improved. Peleliu provided Marines the experience of assaulting heavily fortified natural and manmade positions (Tarawa was the only other) such as they would find again at Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

Strategic Impact

Seizing Peleliu assured U.S. domination of the Palau island group, thereby protecting MacArthur’s right flank (albeit marginally) as he moved from New Guinea to the Philippines. Additionally, success at Peleliu denied the Japanese Navy the use of Koror’s submarine basing facilities, adding to an already steadily decreasing Japanese submarine capability east of the Philippines. Seizing Peleliu also neutralized nearly 25,000 Japanese troops in northern Palau.

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Henry J. Donigan

E. B. Sledge

Donald A. Stauffer

R. A. Evans