U.S. Navy Department (September 19, 1944)
Communiqué No. 543
Central Pacific.
The USS PERRY (DMS‑17) was sunk as the result of enemy action during the present operation in the Palau Islands.
The next of kin of casualties (which were small) have been informed.
CINCPAC Communiqué No. 123
First Marine Division troops on Peleliu Island scored further gains in a northeasterly direction during September 18 (West Longitude Date), securing Ngardololok Town and bringing most of the eastern coastal area under control. There was no significant change in our positions in the center and along the west coast. The enemy, fighting from pillboxes, trenches and other prepared fortifications, supported by mortars and artillery, continues to offer stubborn resistance. Found in badly damaged condition on the Peleliu Airfield were 77 single‑engine fighter aircraft, 28 medium bombers, eight light bombers, and four transport planes.
On Angaur Island, further southward advances have been made and two thirds of the island is in the hands of the 81st Infantry Division. The enemy now occupies only two isolated pockets of the island. During September 1, Saipan Town and Middle Village were occupied.
A landing craft equipped as a gunboat (LCI‑459) struck a mine while firing rockets in close support of our troops on Peleliu on September 17, and sank in about 20 minutes. Two of the crew were wounded, but all are safe.
Shumushu Island in the Kurils was bombed by 11th Army Air Force Liberators during the night of September 16. Anti-aircraft fire was inaccurate and all our planes returned to their base. Shumushu and Paramushiru were attacked on September 17 by search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four. Buildings were set afire. A small boat, loaded with enemy personnel, and a warship, thought to be a destroyer, were strafed off the east coast of Paramushiru. Several enemy fighter planes intercepted and one was shot down. One of our planes was damaged.
Iwo Jima was attacked on the night of September 16 (West Longitude Date) by a single plane. There was no anti-aircraft fire.
Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Marcus Island on September 17. Anti-aircraft fire varied from meager to intense. On the same day,7th Army Air Force Mitchells flew through moderate anti-aircraft fire to bomb runways, bivouac areas, and gun emplacements on Nauru Island.
Further neutralization raids were carried out against Wotje in the Marshalls on September 16 and 17. Both attacks were directed at storage areas and encountered meager anti-aircraft fire. On September 16, 7th Army Air Force Liberators bombed Jaluit.