U.S. Navy Department (September 23, 1944)
Communiqué No. 546
Mediterranean Area.
During recent operations in the Mediterranean, the following U.S. vessels were lost as the result of enemy action:
- PTs‑202, 218, 555
- LST‑282
- YMS‑21
- YMS‑24
CINCPAC Communiqué No. 129
Carrier‑based planes bombed Yap Island on September 21, finding new worthwhile targets, no airborne opposition and only moderate anti-aircraft fire.
Enemy forces on Peleliu Island were slowly but steadily being pushed toward the northern end of the island during September 22. Garekoru Village and a small, unnamed island along the east coast were occupied by U.S. Marines. Approximately three‑fourths of the island is now in our hands.
On the same day, seven barges were sighted in the narrow channel between Peleliu and Ngesebus Islands. One was sunk by our patrol vessels and the remainder dispersed. These were destroyed by bombing, strafing and ships’ gunfire after being beached on Peleliu. In the action, a small supply dump was also set afire.
At sundown on September 22, 7,020 enemy troops had been killed on Peleliu while 950 had been killed on Angaur.
Pagan and Anatahan in the Marianas were attacked by 7th Army Air Force Thunderbolts on September 21. On the same day, Corsairs of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing strafed the phosphate plant and storage facilities on Rota Island.
Seventh Army Air Force Liberators attacked shipping in the harbor at Chichijima in the Bonins on September 21. One barge was sunk and near misses were scored on a freighter. Large explosions in the harbor area were caused. Meager anti-aircraft fire was encountered.
Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Marcus Island on September 21 and gun positions and areas surrounding the airfield at Ponape were bombed on September 21 by 7th Army Air Force Mitchells.
On the same day, Jaluit Atoll was attacked by Corsairs of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing.