U.S. Navy Department (September 18, 1944)
CINCPAC Communiqué No. 122
During the night of September 16‑17 (West Longitude Date), the enemy counterattacked the western flank of our forward lines on Peleliu Island, but was thrown back. An attack launched by the 1st Marine Division in the early morning of September 17 resulted in further gains to the north, and the occupation of Asias Town. Meantime mopping-up operations in the southern sector progressed and Ngarmoked Island off the southern tip of Peleliu was captured. Two enemy aircraft bombed our positions on September 17, but caused no casualties. Seabees are at work rebuilding the Peleliu Airfield. Heavy fighting continues.
On Angaur Island, several enemy counterattacks have been repulsed and good progress has been made by the 81st Infantry Division. The northern half of the island excepting some strongpoints along the western shore is under our control. Through September 17, our forces had wiped out 5,495 enemy troops on Peleliu and 48 on Angaur.