Special to Atmore News
On November 1 and 2, Living Historians from all over the country (and Japan) will be at Fort Morgan to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Peleliu, which took place in the Pacific Theater of Operations during WWII.
From September to November of 1944, US Marines of the 1st Marine Division, Soldiers of the Army’s 81st Infantry Division, along with Navy Seabees fought to take the small island of Peleliu, in the Palau Islands, from the Japanese. Part of Admiral Nimitz Island Hopping Campaign across the Pacific, Peleliu was one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific War.
On Friday and Saturday, November 1 and 2, over 100 volunteers will represent WWII Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, and Imperial Japanese Army Soldiers (two of which are flying in from Japan,) at Fort Morgan.
The park opens at 8 a.m. both days.
The main battle Saturday is at 1:30 p.m.
Marine Corps League Member and 1st Marine Division Peleliu combat veteran Bud Hance (a resident of the Green Veteran Home in Bay Minette) will be in attendance Saturday to visit with the Living Historians and visitors. Hance fought on Peleliu 75 years ago, and says he is very much looking forward to the event.
Another important aspect of the Peleliu landing is the fact that it was the first time African American Marines landed in an assault with a Marine Division. Montford Point Marines with the 16th Field Depot fought valorously on Peleliu, receiving praise from the 1st Marine Division Commander. Members of the Montford Point Marine Association, Mobile Chapter, will be on hand Saturday to educate the public on the struggles of these pioneering African American Marines.
The event will also feature a program about “Women in the PTO.” Women Living Historians from around the country will portray Army and Navy personnel and discuss the role women played in the Pacific War effort.
Regular Fort Morgan admission rates apply, and can be found at www.fort-morgan.org.
For more information, or with questions, e-mail 75Peleliu@gmail.com.