The Real Pacific – 5th Marines Combat Footage Of Peleliu, the Bitterest Battle of the War (Watch)

"Marine Pfc. Douglas Lightheart (right) cradles his 30-cal. machine gun in his lap, while he and his buddy Pfc. Gerald Churchby take time out for a cigarette, while mopping up the enemy on Peleliu Is." Cpl. H. H. Clements, September 14, 1944

The Battle of Peleliu began on 16 September 1944 and lasted until 27 November of that same year. United States Marines of the First Marine Division landed on the island, which was defended by troops from the Empire of Japan. The Marines were reinforced during the battle by soldiers of the U.S. Army’s 81st Infantry Division.

The objective was to secure an airstrip on this small coral island which would be used in the invasion of the Philipines. As it turned out, the airfield captured on Peleliu never played an important role in subsequent operations.

USMC commander of 1st Marine Division Major General William Rupertus predicted that the island would be taken and secured within four days. Unfortunately, because of Japan’s well-crafted fortifications and stiff resistance, the battle lasted well over two months.

In the United States, this remains a controversial battle because of the island’s questionable strategic value and the incredibly high casualty rate, 2,336 Americans were killed and 8,450 were wounded in the battle. This far exceeded that of the other amphibious operations during the Pacific War. It was called the “bitterest battle of the war for the Marines” by the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

This relatively unknown battle was made famous by the HBO miniseries “The Pacific” which featured the invasion of Peleliu in three of the ten episodes.

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The first wave of LVTs moved toward Peleliu invasion beaches, Palau Islands, 15 Sep 1944; note the bombardment lines consisted of LCIs, cruisers, and battleships; photo taken USS Honolulu aircraft

Watch the 5th Marines land on Peleliu Island in September 1944 during the Pacific Campaign. In this video are shots on the beach of troops disembarking from landing craft, scenes inside landing craft on the way to the beach and from within LST-736 as landing craft exits. Scenes of ships in support of operations. Soldiers on the beachhead. Tank moves inland. Unfortunately, there is no sound!

Viewer discretion is advised.

Joris Nieuwint

Joris Nieuwint is a battlefield guide for the Operation Market Garden area. His primary focus is on the Allied operations from September 17th, 1944 onwards. Having lived in the Market Garden area for 25 years, he has been studying the events for nearly as long. He has a deep understanding of the history and a passion for sharing the stories of the men who are no longer with us.

@joris1944 facebook.com/joris.nieuwint