Landing craft armada at Peleliu. After unloading combat troops and equipment on the beach at Peleliu, a swarm of U.S.

Landing craft armada at Peleliu. After unloading combat troops and equipment on the beach at Peleliu, a swarm of U.S. landing craft hovers about the larger PC (patrol craft) to await further orders. The U.S. First Marine Division landed on the Palau group island on September 14, 1944, meeting bitter opposition. Other U.S. forces attacked eight other islands in the strategic central Pacific group while the Peleliu fighting raged, and by October 3, all nine were under control. The Palaus flank the southern Philippines - 530 miles to the west.