U.S. forces invade Palau group. Rocket-firing LCI (landing craft, infantry) and small landing craft jammed with U.S.

U.S. forces invade Palau group. Rocket-firing LCI (landing craft, infantry) and small landing craft jammed with U.S. Army and Marine assault troops (left) push close to Peleliu Island in the Palau group of the Central Pacific September 15, 1944. This photo was taken ten minutes before the American amphibious forces swarmed ashore with support of carrier-borne aircraft and surface combat ships of the Third U.S. Fleet. Japanese resistance on Peleliu was overcome after a 12 day battle, the victory giving the Allies a strategic island base less than 500 miles from the Philippines.