Hell in the Central Pacific 1944

The Palau Islands

by Jon Diamond

Series: Images of War

Imprint: Pen and Sword Military

240 Pages, 7.5 x 9.5 in, 250 black and white illustrations

Paperback
9781526762160
August 2020
In Stock

$24.95

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9781526762177
August 2020

$12.99

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Description
Authors
Praise

Covers an early little known but hard fought Pacific War campaign using superb photographs in true Images of War series style.

In September 1944, to prevent Japanese air interdiction against General MacArthur’s planned invasion of the Southern Philippines, the Americans attacked Peleliu and Angaur in the Palau group of the Western Caroline Islands. Admiral Halsey, commanding the US Third Fleet, feared the heavily defended Palaus would be costly for his III Amphibious Corps comprising the 1st Marine Division and the 81st Infantry Division.

While Angaur fell in four days, on Peleliu the Japanese resisted tenaciously using their underground fortifications on the Umurbrogel Ridge overlooking the airfield. It was only after over two months’ bitter fighting that the Americans finally controlled the island. Despite the heavy cost, the benefits of this hard fought and costly victory were doubtful. In the event, Mindanao and other Southern Philippine Islands were bypassed by MacArthur in favor of a direct assault on Leyte on 20 October. But, as the graphic images and well researched text bear witness, there is no denying the courage and determination shown by the attacking US forces.

Jon Diamond MD is a kidney specialist in the USA with a deep interest in the Second World War. He is a keen collector of photographs. His Stilwell and the Chindits, War in the South Pacific, Invasion of Sicily, Invasion of the Italian Mainland: Salerno to Gustav Line, 1943-1944, Onto Rome 1944; Anzio and Victory at Cassino and Beyond Rome to the Alps; Across the Arno and Gothic Line, 1944-1945 and Op Plunder The Rhine River Crossing are all published by Pen and Sword in the Images of War series.

"...provides a good look at the fighting in the Palau group and will certainly give readers a thorough understanding of the difficulties of war." ~Naval Historical Foundation

"...depicts the U.S. campaign to invade and capture from the Japanese Palau's Peleliu and Anguar islands in September 1944." ~Seapower

"The photos alone are worth the price of the book." ~AMPS

"... the succinct overview of the campaign, notably the battle for Peleliu Island and its airfield, coupled with the usual bevy of interesting photos, offer a look into the effectiveness of Japanese defenders not making banzai charges." ~Historical Miniatures Gaming Society