WWII E149 Storming Peleliu: The Brutal Fight of the 1st Marines

Written By Robert Estrada

Episode Description

In this episode, we explore the brutal experience of the 1st Marine Regiment during the early days of Peleliu. Under relentless enemy fire, Marines fought their way across beaches and through rugged coral ridges against deeply entrenched Japanese defenders. They endured extreme heat, devastating casualties, and severe logistical challenges that tested their limits.

In the fierce fighting at Peleliu, Marines showed remarkable bravery, repeatedly risking their lives to protect their fellow brothers. Although the Marines achieved critical early goals, their losses were so heavy that the regiment eventually had to withdraw. Their sacrifices made the critical difference, paving the way for other Marine units to finish the fight, especially the battle for the island’s crucial airfield.

*************

Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines).

Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.

As a listener, Audible is offering you a free 30-day trial, which includes one free audiobook of your choice. Their library is massive, with incredible titles across all genres—history, biographies, sci-fi, you name it. The best part is that audiobook is yours to keep, even if you decide not to continue your membership.

To grab your free book and start your 30-day trial, click the image or head to audibletrial.com/marinehistory

References

  • Alexander, J. H. (2004, November). “Surprise and Chagrin”: The Navy’s Battle for Peleliu. Proceedings, 130(11). U.S. Naval Institute.

  • Carrell, T. L. (2022). Peleliu’s forgotten WWII battlefields (NOAA Technical Report OER‑44481). U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Ocean Exploration and Research.

  • First Marines Special Action Report (15 Sept 1944). (1944, September 15). First Marines Special Action Report: Peleliu initial landings, weather, unit actions. peleliuhistorical.org.

  • Gayle, G. D. (1950). Bloody Beaches: The Marines at Peleliu. History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

  • Hough, F. O. (1950). The Assault on Peleliu. Historical Branch, G‑3 Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

  • Melson, C. D. (1996). Condition Red: Marine Defense Battalions in World War II [Pamphlet, 32 pp.]. History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

  • Nakagawa, K. (1944, September 15). After‑Action Report to Lt. Gen. Sadae Inoue [Personal AAR]. In Peleliu operations summary. peleliuhistorical.org.

  • Shaw, H. I., Jr., Nalty, B. C., & Turnbladh, E. T. (1966). Central Pacific Drive: History of U.S. Marine Corps operations in World War II (Vol. III). Historical Branch, G‑3 Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

  • United States Marine Corps History Division. (1984, Spring). Fortitudine (Vol. 13, No. 4). Marine Corps Historical Program.

Robert Estrada
Next

WWII E148 Opening the Gates of Hell: An Introduction to Peleliu