U.S. Navy Department (September 16, 1944)
CINCPAC Communiqué No. 119
During September 15 (West Longitude Date), U.S. Marines made some additional gains against strong opposition on Peleliu Island and captured the airfield at the southern end. The enemy has launched several strong counterattacks against our positions but has been thrown back each time.
An attack begun by our forces on the early morning of September 15, preceded by aerial bombing and naval gunfire, resulted in steady advances through well-organized defenses in depth. This attack was supported by artillery, tanks, naval gunfire, and bombing. Several enemy tanks were reported destroyed. Our troops had counted more than 1400 enemy dead by nightfall on September 15. Severe fighting continues.
Carrier aircraft continued to give close support to our ground forces throughout September 15. Enemy troop concentrations, gun positions, and supplies were bombed. Carrier planes also bombed airfield installations at Babelthuap, the northernmost island in the Palau Group. Several fires were started by strafing.
Seventy‑two tons of bombs were dropped on Dublon and Moen in the Truk Atoll by Liberators of the 7th Army Air Force on September 14. Five enemy planes intercepted our force and one Liberator was damaged. The enemy planes were driven off with probable damage to one. Anti-aircraft fire was meager. On the same day Mitchell bombers of the 7th Army Air Force bombed Ponape Island in the Carolines.
Paramushiru in the Kurils was bombed by 11th Army Air Force Liberators at night on September 12. Anti-aircraft fire was meager and all of our planes returned. Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four attacked Paramushiru on September 14, setting fire to several buildings. Intercepting enemy aircraft damaged one Ventura. Two of the interceptors were probably damaged. All of our planes returned.
Pagan Island was attacked on September 14 by Thunderbolts of the 7th Army Air Force. Gun emplacements were hit with rockets and strafed. One plane was damaged by anti-aircraft fire.
Gun emplacements at Wotje Atoll were bombed on September 14 by Corsairs of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.
A single search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two strafed and damaged two enemy sailboats at Lemotrek Island, east of Woleai, on September 14. Another search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two on routine patrol near Iwo Jima on September 14 sighted two large landing craft escorted by a fighter plane: Both landing craft were strafed and the enemy plane was shot down.