Marine veterans who fought in the battle of Peleliu, one of the bloodiest of the war, are honored aboard the Navy ship Peleliu in San Diego. (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)
Current active duty Marines watch the ceremony honoring veterans of the fierce World War II battle on the Pacific island of Peleliu. (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)
Bill Geary, left, and Vic Bond, right, on stage for the ceremony on the Peleliu. (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)
Capt. Marcus A. Hitchcock, left, the Pelelius commanding officer, shakes hands with veteran Ray Bonar. (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)
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John Kearney, 83, was only 15 when he enlisted in the Marines. He gathered with other veterans of the battle of Peleliu as part of the 56th annual reunion of the 12th Defense Battalion. (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)
Harold Handley, 85, a veteran of the 12th Defense Battalion, shares some wisdom as he is escorted by Marine Robert Mcguire. (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)
