Barcode: 0 89195 8555 7
Case Pack: 48 kits
Box Size: 6.4" x 10.2" x 1.5"
The Battle of Peleliu took place on the small Pacific coral island (its present-day
name is Palau) from 15 September to 27 November 1944. Defending the island were
approximately 11,000 Japanese soldiers, primarily from the 14th Infantry Division.
The amphibious assault was initiated by the 1st Marine Division. The commander
of the USMC division predicted Peleliu would be secured within four days, but
the dug-in defenders put up fierce resistance that protracted the operation
to 73 grueling days. In fact, the Japanese soldiers created the highest casualty
rate for US forces in any battle in the Pacific campaign. The 1st Marine Division
lost about a third of its strength on Peleliu, and this battle set a pattern
for future Japanese island defense in places like Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
Dragon's newest 1/35 scale figure set portrays Imperial Japanese Army (IJA)
soldiers fighting on Peleliu. In fact, they form the perfect accompaniment to
Dragon's newly released Type 95 "Ha-Go" light tank. The combat poses
are expertly rendered and molding is sharp and detailed. The Japanese infantrymen
are fully equipped with weapons like Type 99 rifles, a Nambu Type 94 pistol
and Type 99 light machine gun, items that are brand new toolings. Worthy of
special note is the fact that the soldiers are wearing traditional footwear
and bindings instead of ankle boots, something that was common in Pacific combat.
While the box top title names Peleliu, the figures could easily be used to portray
any other campaign of the late-war period in the Pacific.
