Page 139 - Anthology

I also participated in a second World War II landing of the U.S. 1st Marine Division. After Guadalcanal,
we conducted landing operations at Cape Gloucester on the island of New Britain, New Guinea, from 25-
26 December 1943. The battle was a major part of Operation Cartwheel, the main Allied strategy in the
South West Pacific Area and Pacific Ocean Areas during 1943–1944.

U.S. Marines hit three feet of rough water as they leave their LST to take the beach at
Cape Gloucester, New Britain. December 26, 1943. (Source: U.S. National Archives.)

After Guadalcanal and Gloucester, we entered The Battle of Peleliu. It was codenamed Operation
Stalemate II. This lasted from 8 September – 27 November 1944 on the island of Peleliu. Our goal was
to capture and control an airstrip on the island. This battle was part of a larger offensive campaign known
as Operation Forager which ran from June–November 1944 in the Pacific Theater of Operations.

15 September 1944: The first wave of LVTs approach the beaches during the American
Assault on Peleliu. (Source: U.S. National Archives.)