The Battle of Peleliu, one of the bloodiest battles of World War II's Pacific theater, took place on the island of Palau in 1944. The American troops were supposed to attack the island to destroy the Japanese air base there, but the battle dragged on for months. The Japanese, who had fortified many of the caves with food, water and ammunition, hid their losses underground. About 14,000 Japanese and 10,000 Americans lost their lives during the siege. The battle was largely overlooked by Americans, who are more likely to learn about Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal in school. The island is now home to tourists from as far away as the United States, Canada, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan.