Peleliu
Peleliu (or Beliliou) is an island in the island nation of Palau. Peleliu forms, along with two small islands to its northeast, one of the sixteen states of Palau. It is located northeast of Angaur and southwest of Koror. Peleliu has a total area of 5 mi² (13 km²) As of 2004[update], its population was about 700, making it the third most populous state of Palau. Most of the island's population lives in the village of Kloulklubed which is the state capital on the northern coast. Including the capital, there are a total of four villages:
- Kloulklubed (northwest)
- Imelechol (northeast)
- Lademisang (southernmost, in the central part of the island)
- Ongeuidel (northernmost)
History
The island was the site of the Battle of Peleliu in World War II. Peleliu is a memorial site for both WWII U.S. and Japanese troops. Many Marines died on the beaches and in the caves of Peleliu. Many of the military installations of the era, such as the airstrip, are still intact, and shipwrecks from the battle remain visible underwater just off the coast.
The battle for the island was particularly brutal because by this time the Japanese military had evolved island defense tactics to those of "endurance (fukakku) engagements." Avoiding decisive battles which characterized earlier island campaigns and often included the dramatic banzai attack, Japanese commanders instead deployed their soldiers to caves and other dug-in positions which had to be taken one by one—maximizing casualties on the attacking force. Peleliu's terrain proved ideal for such tactics, with areas of rock and cave formations heavily favoring the defenders.
A U.S. Navy ship USS Peleliu (LHA-5) is named for the vicious battle fought on the island of Peleliu. Bob Hope once said that the most emotional show he played in WWII was for the First Marine Division at Pavuvu. He agreed to do the show because the Marines were about to invade Peleliu. He recalls that sixty percent of the Marines were "Knocked off in that invasion of Peleliu" (Marine casualties were closer to forty percent.)
Peleliu Battlefield
The Peleliu Battlefield is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The listed area is 7,680 acres (3,110 ha), listed with reference number 85001754, in 1985.[1]
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