U.S. Navy Department (September 17, 1944)
CINCPAC Communiqué No. 120
U.S. Army assault troops established beachheads on Angaur Island, the southernmost of the Palau Islands, on September 16 (West Longitude Date). Carrier‑based aircraft of the Pacific Fleet heavily bombed the island prior to the landings, and cruisers and destroyers took enemy defensive positions under deliberate fire.
The initial landings were made by troops of the 81st Infantry Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. Paul J. Mueller, USA. The ships in direct support are commanded by RAdm. W. H. P. Blandy, USN.
All initial objectives have been gained against resistance which so far has been relatively light.
CINCPAC Communiqué No. 121
The 1st Marine Division continued to encounter heavy opposition on Peleliu Island during September 16 (West Longitude Date), but extended the area under their control in the southwestern peninsula and moved ahead in a northerly direction approximately a third of a mile. Our attack was preceded by bombing and naval gunfire. The enemy is using artillery and mortars in considerable numbers against our positions although many have been destroyed by bombing and counter‑battery fire. On Angaur Island, troops of the 81st Infantry Division have joined the beachheads established on the north and northeast sectors of the island, and have pushed inland more than a thousand yards against light opposition. The northeast third of Angaur is now in our hands.
Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was bombed on September 14 (West Longitude Date) by a single Liberator of the 7th Army Air Force and by Liberators in greater number on September 15. In the latter attack the airstrips and surrounding areas were bombed causing large explosions and starting fires. Four enemy planes attempted interception without success. There was moderate anti-aircraft fire, which did no damage.
Pagan Island in the Marianas was attacked twice on September 15 by the 7th Army Air Force. Liberators attacked early in the day followed by Thunderbolts which launched rockets and strafed gun positions and the runway. There was meager anti-aircraft fire. There were two attacks against Rota on September 14. In the afternoon, Corsairs of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing strafed gun positions and Navy Hellcat fighter planes strafed the airfield at night. Rota was again visited by Corsairs of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing on September 15. The runway and gun emplacements were bombed and strafed.
Gun positions and the airfield at Ponape were bombed on September 14 by 7th Army Air Force Mitchells.
On September 15, a single 7th Army Air Force Liberator bombed Marcus Island.
The same day Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing dropped six tons of bombs on Wotje. One of our planes was shot down. The crew was rescued. Corsairs again bombed Wotje on September 16.
A lone Catalina search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two attacked Nauru on the night of September 16.