"The goal was control of a tiny airstrip built by the Japanese on the island of Peleliu in the Central Pacific. The invasion was set for September, after the capture of Saipan, Tinian, and Guam. The planning was begun. In 1944, Peleliu was destined to become the site of one of the most difficult and costly struggles undertaken by the Marine Corps during World War II. Yet it would not be until a few days before the assault that any senior officer would openly question the strategic wisdom of the operation."--Book Jacket.