U.S. Navy Department (September 15, 1944)
CINCPAC Communiqué No. 117
U.S. Army and Marine assault troops established beachheads in the Palau Islands on September 14 (West Longitude Date) with the support of carrier aircraft and surface combat ships of the Third Fleet under the command of Adm. Halsey. Enemy defenses are being heavily bombed and shelled at close range.
Amphibious operations against the Palau Islands are being directed by VAdm. T. S. Wilkinson, USN, Commander Third Amphibious Force.
Expeditionary troops are commanded by Maj. Gen. Julian C. Smith. USMC.
The landings are continuing against stiff ground opposition.
CINCPAC Communiqué No. 118
U.S. Marines are developing a beachhead in the southern portion of Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands, and are closing in upon the principal airport in the island group. The beachhead extends for approximately one and a half miles along the southwestern shore of Peleliu. Several enemy counterattacks, employing tanks, were thrown back during September 14 (West Longitude Date) by our ground forces assisted by strong air support and naval gunfire. Our casualties during the first day of the assault were light, although the landing beaches have been under sporadic mortar and artillery fire.
The landings on Peleliu Island were supported by carrier‑based aircraft which bombed, strafed, and launched rockets against enemy installations immediately behind the landing beaches on September 14. Gun emplacements and other defense installations on the northern end of the island were also heavily bombed. We lost one plane and four flight personnel in these attacks.
The fast carrier task force covering and supporting the landings by far ranging operations throughout the Western Pacific are commanded by VAdm. Marc A. Mitscher, USN.
The amphibious assault troops engaged are under the command of Maj. Gen. Roy S. Geiger, USMC, Commander, Third Amphibious Corps.
The initial landings were made by the 1st Marine Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. William H. Rupertus, USMC The ships in direct support are commanded by RAdm. George H. Fort, USN.
Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Shumushu Island on September 12, setting buildings afire. Anti-aircraft fire was ineffective. Seven enemy fighters rose to intercept our force but did not press home the attack. During the night of September 13‑14, 11th Army Air Force Liberators bombed installations at Paramushiru. All returned undamaged to their base.
Three Liberators of the 7th Army Air Force bombed Iwo Jima on September 13, dropping 52 tons of bombs on the airfield and adjacent installations. Large explosions visible for many miles were observed. Enemy aircraft made no attempt at interception. All planes returned safely.
Pagan Island installations were bombed by Thunderbolts of the 7th Army Air Force on September 13. Moderate anti-aircraft fire was encountered. On the same day, fighter planes of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing hit gun positions on Rota, encountering meager anti-aircraft fire.
Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing made further neutralization raids on the Marshall Island Atolls of Mille, Jaluit, and Wotje on September 12 and 13.
Liberators of the 7th Army Air Force flew through moderate anti-aircraft fire to bomb Marcus Island on September 13.