thedrifter
03-01-08, 08:05 AM
Marines Museum gets artifacts from Battle of Peleliu
By JULIA LeDOUX
Published: February 29, 2008
The heroism of the Marines who took part in the Battle of Peleliu, in what is now known as the Republic of Palau, was honored Friday as artifacts from the World War II clash were presented to Commandant Gen. James T. Conway during a ceremony at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
“The battle clearly marks the foundation of the strong relationship between our two countries,” said Palauan President Tommy E. Remengesau during the presentation.
Palau is comprised of 340 islands in the North Pacific and is located about 500 miles east of the Philippines and Indonesia. Eight of the islands are populated, and the republic has a population of approximately 20,000.
The artifacts, a canteen and a shell, will be displayed at a museum. A third artifact will also be donated in the near future.
The Battle of Peleliu was one of the deadliest battles in the Pacific theater during World War II. The islands provided a strategic point for Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s drive to retake the Philippines from Japan.
The battle, which was fought from Sept. 15 to Nov. 27, 1944, resulted in nearly 10,000 casualties and the 1st Marine Division suffered the highest percentage of deaths of any Marine unit in the Pacific.
“In Palau, it’s a battle we can never forget,” said Remengesau.
Conway said he was an operations officer aboard the USS Peleliu in 1983 when he had a chance to visit the site of the epic clash.
“We took aboard 40 veterans of the 1st Marine Division and sailed to the island chain,” he said. “It was a wonderful event.”
Following the defeat of the Japanese, the Caroline Islands became United Nations Tru st Territories under United States administration. Palau was named as one of six island districts in the trust. As part of its mandate, the U.S. improved Palau’s infrastructure and educational system in order for it to become a self-sufficient.
On Oct. 1, 1994, Palau signed the Compact of Free Association with the U.S. and gained its independence, making it one of the world’s youngest democracies.
“Semper fidelis, always faithful, is the motto of the United States Marine Corps” Remengesau said. “On behalf of the people of Palau, I make that same pledge. We will always be faithful to our role as caretakers of the sacred ground we call Peleliu.”
Remengesau said his country is working with the United States to officially designate Peleliu a National Heritage Area to further honor the bravery that was displayed during the battle.
Julia LeDoux can be reached at 703-369-5718 or jledoux@potomacnews.com.
Ellie
By JULIA LeDOUX
Published: February 29, 2008
The heroism of the Marines who took part in the Battle of Peleliu, in what is now known as the Republic of Palau, was honored Friday as artifacts from the World War II clash were presented to Commandant Gen. James T. Conway during a ceremony at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
“The battle clearly marks the foundation of the strong relationship between our two countries,” said Palauan President Tommy E. Remengesau during the presentation.
Palau is comprised of 340 islands in the North Pacific and is located about 500 miles east of the Philippines and Indonesia. Eight of the islands are populated, and the republic has a population of approximately 20,000.
The artifacts, a canteen and a shell, will be displayed at a museum. A third artifact will also be donated in the near future.
The Battle of Peleliu was one of the deadliest battles in the Pacific theater during World War II. The islands provided a strategic point for Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s drive to retake the Philippines from Japan.
The battle, which was fought from Sept. 15 to Nov. 27, 1944, resulted in nearly 10,000 casualties and the 1st Marine Division suffered the highest percentage of deaths of any Marine unit in the Pacific.
“In Palau, it’s a battle we can never forget,” said Remengesau.
Conway said he was an operations officer aboard the USS Peleliu in 1983 when he had a chance to visit the site of the epic clash.
“We took aboard 40 veterans of the 1st Marine Division and sailed to the island chain,” he said. “It was a wonderful event.”
Following the defeat of the Japanese, the Caroline Islands became United Nations Tru st Territories under United States administration. Palau was named as one of six island districts in the trust. As part of its mandate, the U.S. improved Palau’s infrastructure and educational system in order for it to become a self-sufficient.
On Oct. 1, 1994, Palau signed the Compact of Free Association with the U.S. and gained its independence, making it one of the world’s youngest democracies.
“Semper fidelis, always faithful, is the motto of the United States Marine Corps” Remengesau said. “On behalf of the people of Palau, I make that same pledge. We will always be faithful to our role as caretakers of the sacred ground we call Peleliu.”
Remengesau said his country is working with the United States to officially designate Peleliu a National Heritage Area to further honor the bravery that was displayed during the battle.
Julia LeDoux can be reached at 703-369-5718 or jledoux@potomacnews.com.
Ellie