Marines of the 1st Marine Division struggle across coral and sand after landing under intense Japanese fire during the opening assault on Peleliu. Offshore, smoke rises from damaged landing craft and LVT amphibious vehicles as Marines push inland.
The September 15 landing began the bloody Battle of Peleliu, where Marines and soldiers of the Army's 81st Infantry Division fought a deeply entrenched Japanese defense.
Peleliu, Palau Islands — September 15, 1944