US forces occupy Ulithi without opposition, guided by men from Federai.

What happened

The Japanese had already left Ulithi. American reconnaissance parties arrived first, and two men from Federai guided them to Sorlen and Mogmog, told them the garrison had gone and reassured islanders who had fled inland. Pacific Wrecks gives 20 September; Habele gives 21 September for reconnaissance and 23 September for the main landings.

Why it matters

Ulithi’s lagoon then became a major US fleet anchorage for the Leyte Gulf and Okinawa campaigns.