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N0KFQ > TODAY 14.09.10 18:15l 44 Lines 1948 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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Subj: Today in History - Sep 14
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From: N0KFQ@N0KFQ.#SWMO.MO.USA.NA
To : TODAY@WW
Sep 14, 1944:
Americans launch Operation Stalemate-at extraordinary cost
On this day in 1944, the U.S. 1st Marine Division lands on the
island of Peleliu, one of the Palau Islands in the Pacific, as
part of a larger operation to provide support for Gen. Douglas
MacArthur, who was preparing to invade the Philippines. The cost
in American lives would prove historic.
The Palaus, part of the Caroline Islands, were among the mandated
islands taken from Germany and given to Japan as one of the terms
of the Treaty of Versailles at the close of World War I. The U.S.
military lacked familiarity with the islands, and Adm. William
Halsey argued against Operation Stalemate, which included the
Army invasion of Morotai in the Dutch East Indies, believing that
MacArthur would meet minimal resistance in the Philippines,
therefore making this operation unnecessary, especially given the
risks involved.
Peleliu was subject to pre-invasion bombardment, but it proved of
little consequence. The Japanese defenders of the island were
buried too deep in the jungle, and the target intelligence given
the Americans was faulty. Upon landing, the Marines met little
immediate resistance-but that was a ploy. Shortly thereafter,
Japanese machine guns opened fire, knocking out more than two
dozen landing craft. Japanese tanks and troops followed, as the
startled 1st and 5th Marine regiments fought for their lives.
Jungle caves disgorged even more Japanese soldiers. Within one
week of the invasion, the Marines lost 4,000 men. By the time it
was all over, that number would surpass 9,000. The Japanese lost
more than 13,000 men. Flamethrowers and bombs finally subdued the
island for the Americans-but it all proved pointless. MacArthur
invaded the Philippines without need of Army or Marine protection
from either Peleliu or Morotai.
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