The United States Marine Corps, alongside the U.S. Embassy Koror and the President of the Republic of Palau, co-host the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Peleliu with a ceremony honoring those who served on the island and in the broader Pacific Theater during World War II. This commemoration marks 80 years since the battle, which took place from September 15 to November 27, 1944. We remember the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of the Marines who fought valiantly during this critical engagement.
“As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Peleliu, we not only remember the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought, but also celebrate the lasting partnership between the U.S. and Palau,” commented Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley, deputy commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. “This relationship, built on mutual respect and shared values, continues to strengthen peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”
The Battle of Peleliu, known for its grueling combat and high casualties, stands as one of the most challenging engagements faced by U.S. Marines during World War II. The battle’s 80th anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the extraordinary resilience demonstrated by the Marines and soldiers who endured some of the most brutal conditions of the Pacific Theater.
“I am honored to stand side by with the people of Palau and our friends from Japan as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Peleliu and mourn those we lost,” said Joel Ehrendreich, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Palau. “Today’s ceremony is a powerful reminder of hope for humanity, demonstrating that fierce adversaries can overcome war and hatred to become friends and partners working together in pursuit of peace. I am confident that our shared values and mutual respect will continue to lead us into a better future.”
“In a significant part of the ceremony, a solemn tribute was held for the repatriation of unidentified remains recovered on Peleliu, which will be returned to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Laboratory for further analysis. The DPAA and several partner organizations are actively pursuing unaccounted-for U.S. personnel from World War II throughout the Palau Islands, including here. Research by DPAA experts endeavor to bring closure to the hundreds of Marines, Soldiers, and Sailors who were lost in Palau, including several Unknowns whose remains were recovered upon conclusion of the fighting but who could not be identified. To date, 21 U.S. World War II service members killed in action while serving in Palau have been recovered and identified. These individuals have been returned to their families and buried with full military honors. This repatriation marks the fulfillment of a long-standing effort to bring home those who sacrificed their lives during the battle.”
Through various military training exercises and engineering projects to improve upon local infrastructure, U.S. forces remain committed to the Compact of Free Association that stands as a cornerstone for our collective future.
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific is the largest operational command in the Marine Corps. It comprises two-thirds of the Marine Corps’ active-duty combat forces, collectively known as the “Pacific Marines.” Pacific Marines serve as an expeditionary force-in-readiness. They operate as air-ground-logistics teams and are forward positioned and actively employed throughout the Indo-Pacific every day. Pacific Marines live and work alongside the joint force and like-minded allies and partners to prevent conflict, respond to crisis, and if the Nation calls, to fight and win.
