Description
Book SynopsisThe hard-hitting history of the Pacific War''s ''forgotten battle'' of Peleliu a story of intelligence failings and impossible bravery. In late 1944, as a precursor to the invasion of the Philippines, U.S. military analysts decided to seize the small island of Peleliu to ensure that the Japanese airfield there could not threaten the invasion forces. This important new book explores the dramatic story of this forgotten' battle and the campaign's strategic failings.
Bitter Peleliu reveals how U.S. intelligence officers failed to detect the complex network of caves, tunnels, and pillboxes hidden inside the island's coral ridges. More importantly, they did not discern nor could they before it happened that the defense of Peleliu would represent a tectonic shift in Japanese strategy. No more contested enemy landings at the water's edge, no more wild banzai attacks. Now, invaders would be raked on the beaches by mortar and artillery fire. Then, as the enemy penetrated deepe
Trade ReviewThe months-long struggle for Peleliu was one of the hardest fought campaigns of the Pacific War. It should be better known and now, thanks to Joseph Wheelan’s exhaustively researched and beautifully and sensitively crafted study, it will take its rightful place alongside the iconic battles of Tarawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. * Saul David, author of 'Crucible of Hell' *
Using his signature deep research and powerful narrative, Joseph Wheelan tells us the story of this too often overlooked campaign through the actions of the men on both sides that fought on this island and the commanders who led them… A great read for anyone interested in the Pacific War or in general military history. * James P. Duffy, author of 'Return to Victory' and 'War at The End of The World' *
[A] gripping account. * The Armourer *
Table of ContentsPrelude List of Illustrations List of Maps Chapter 1: The “Old Breed” Chapter 2: Second Thoughts, A Brash Prediction Chapter 3: The Japanese Chapter 4: The Bloody Beaches Chapter 5: The Point, The Airfield Chapter 6: Into the Ridges Chapter 7: Combat on Angaur and Peleliu Chapter 8: The Destruction of the First Marines Chapter 9: Isolating the Pocket Chapter 10: The Fifth Marines Take Over Chapter 11: The Army’s Turn Chapter 12: The End Chapter 13: Aftermath
Epilogue Endnotes Bibliography Index
