Peleliu

Map of Peleliu from 1984

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, 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:

Peleliu island north dock in October 2006

• Kloulklubed (northwest)
• Imelechol (northeast)
• Lademisang (southernmost, in the central part of the island)
• Ongeuidel (northernmost)

Vehicle registration plate of Peleliu as in April 2006

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 engagements" (fukkaku). 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 during World War II.

American entertainer Bob Hope once said that the most emotional USO show he played in World War II was for the First Marine Division at Pavuvu. He agreed to do the show because the Marines were about to invade Peleliu. He recalled that sixty percent of the Marines were, "...knocked off in that invasion of Peleliu," although actual Marine casualties were closer to forty percent.

Peleliu Battlefield

Peleliu Battlefield
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark
Location:	Peleliu Island, Peleliu, Palau
Coordinates:	7°30′2″N 134°30′0″E
Area:	7,680 acres (3,110 ha)
Built:	1944
Governing body:	State
NRHP Reference#:	85001754
Added to NRHP:	February 4, 1985

The Peleliu Battlefield is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, and has been designated a U. S. National Historic Landmark. The listed area is 7,680 acres (3,110 ha), listed with reference number 85001754, in 1985.

External links

• Map of Peleliu
• Peleliu National Historical Park Study Preliminary Draft
• Bloody Peleliu
• Brotherhood of Heroes: The Marines at Peleliu, 1944 by Bill Sloan
• Photos of WW2-era relics and equipment on Peleliu