Peleliu as an off-axis but connected operation

Was the invasion of Peleliu unnecessary and better bypassed?

It was off the main route of advance, but it still fit the wider operational concept closely enough that the panel would not call it wholly unnecessary.

Peleliu was not on the most direct route of march toward the Philippines and Japan. That makes the operation easier to question in hindsight, especially given its cost. The answer nevertheless places the island within the wider operational concept rather than treating it as unrelated to the campaign. The useful distinction is between an operation that is off-axis and one that has no strategic rationale at all.