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Aleutians Campaign file photo [3668]

Aleutian Islands Campaign

26 Mar 1943 - 16 Aug 1943

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ww2dbaseBattle of the Komandorski Islands
26 Mar 1943

ww2dbaseBy Mar 1943, the Americans were planning to reclaim the islands of Attu and Kiska, which had been captured by the Japanese in 1942. The first step the Americans had taken was to deploy a task group in the area to interdict Japanese supply convoys. On 26 Mar 1943, this task group, led by Rear Admiral Charles McMorris, found a convoy of the converted cruiser Akasa Maru and the transport Sakito Maru escorted by eight warships, including two heavy and two light cruisers. McMorris opened fire against one of the armed transports despite being outgunned, and resulted in one of the rare pure long-range naval gunfire engagements of the Pacific War.

ww2dbaseMcMorris had the heavy cruiser Salt Lake City and light crusier Richmond, his venerable flagship. Admiral Boshiro Hosogaya himself led the escort group, ordering Asaka Maru and Sakito Maru to move behind the escort group. Salt Lake City drew first blood against Nachi, damaging her superstructure and weather decks, killing many topside personnel and knocking out electric circuits. The fire control system was also knocked out, render Nachi's guns silent for several minutes. Destroyer Baily closed in and fired on Nachi as well, causing ammunition explosions. Nevertheless, the concerted firing from the Japanese task force hit Salt Lake City repeatedly, flooding one engine room. The American destroyers laid a smokescreen which allowed Salt Lake City to escape. The Japanese task force fired torpedoes, set at a slow speed and maximum range, but they all missed. Fearing American aerial intervention, Hosogaya disengaged his ships from combat and fell back to rejoin with Asaka Maru and Sakito Maru. His fear was confirmed when Asaka Maru reported two groups of American bombing aircraft were approaching from the direction of Adak; a PB2Y aircraft came close enough to Asaka Maru for positive identification, and the converted cruiser subsequently opened fire. Hosogaya was forced to retire from naval service shortly thereafter as a result of his rather under-aggressive performance.

ww2dbaseColonel Yasuyo Yamazaki, who was supposed arrive at Attu Island to take command of the garrison by means of this Japanese convoy, was subsequently delivered to Attu by submarine in Apr 1943.

ww2dbaseBattle of Attu Island
11-29 May 1943

ww2dbaseIn late Sep 1942, the bulk of the Japanese garrison at Attu was transferred to Kiska, leaving Attu barely defended; distant from friendly bases, the Americans did not attempt to reclaim the island. On 29 Oct 1942, however, 500 Japanese troops returned, establishing a base at Holtz Bay under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Hiroshi Yanekawa. The size and strength of the garrison grew steadily over the next few months. By 10 Mar 1943, 2,300 men were present on the island, but after the action off Komandorski Islands in late Mar, the Japanese ceased attempts to supply Attu Island by surface vessels. Supplies trickled in by submarine only.

ww2dbaseOn 11 May 1943, Americans landed on Attu Island without resistance on the beach, and the officers smiled to each other as they thought it would be a easy battle. In fact, they believed that the island was so weakly held that the invasion troops only carried one day's worth of K-ration meals. They were proven wrong as soon as the troops moved further inland. Japanese troops in well-defended positions on high ground fought back ferociously. Meanwhile, the cold weather worsened the already-inefficient American logistics situation as trucks and other vehicles became trapped in the icy mud. Frostbite also was a major problem among the infantry. "It was so dang cold up there," said Edwin Trebian, an US Navy supply clerk; he vividly recalled the US Army soldiers staying in tents, keeping warm by means of a small stove while constantly fighting against the muddy ground that served as the tent floor. It took the Americans over two weeks to contain Japanese resistance in the area of Massacre Bay. On 29 May, Yamazaki led a suicide charge that penetrated the American line, surprising the rear echelon troops with hand-to-hand combat, nearly reaching the American artillery positions. Nevertheless, the Japanese final offensive was ultimately defeated. The Japanese who remained by that time committed ritual suicide, including Yamazaki.

ww2dbaseThe final casualty counts were stunningly high for both sides, especially considering that Attu was an island so remote in the North Pacific. Fighting nearly to the last man, the Japanese suffered 2,351 killed as counted by the Americans, though the actual number could be hundreds higher because some Japanese bodies might had been blown apart and made impossible to count, and because the Japanese regularly buried their dead in secret locations to hide their casualty numbers. The Americans suffered 3,929 casualties. Of that number, 549 were killed in combat; many more were killed by friendly fire or by booby traps installed by the Japanese. "There were so many [bodies]", recalled Trebian. "The Army just cut a path with a bulldozer and then shoved 'em in.... What else could they do?"

ww2dbaseAt Dutch Harbor, Unalaska, Alaska, United States, the Americans constructed a prisoner of war camp in anticipation of receiving prisoners from Attu. After the battle, they were surprised to find that only a handful of prisoners arrived.

ww2dbaseLanding of Kiska Island
15-16 Aug 1943

ww2dbaseDuring the winter of 1942 to 1943, Kiska Island was reinforced by sea. Like Attu, however, surface ships ceased visiting Kiska after the Komandorski Islands action. Nevertheless, by Jul 1943, 5,200 Japanese were present on the island. After the tough fight on Attu Island, Americans feared a similarly difficult battle, therefore a much larger force was deployed for the Kiska operation. 29,000 Americans and 5,300 Canadian troops landed on the island on 15 Aug and 16 Aug, respectively, supported by a powerful fleet centered around three battleships and a heavy cruiser and 168 aircraft, only to find the island deserted. Taking advantage of heavy fog more than two weeks before the invasion, the Japanese successfully evacuated the island of Kiska without detection on 28 Jul 1943. The Japanese did, however, leave deadly booby traps that killed upwards of 20 men as they secured the island.

ww2dbaseConclusion of the Campaign

ww2dbaseThe victories at Attu and Kiska Islands represented the first lost American territory to be recaptured, boosting American morale. With the Americans uninterested in a campaign across the Kuril Islands and the Japanese not holding Attu and Kiska for offensive purpose anyway, the Aleutian Islands became of little strategic importance for the remainder of the Pacific War.

ww2dbaseSources: A Soldier's Flag, Interrogations of Japanese Officials, Nihon Kaigun, Wikipedia.

Last Major Update: Aug 2007

Aleutian Islands Campaign Interactive Map

Photographs

PBY-5A Catalina patrol plane flying past Segula Island (just east of Kiska), Aleutians, Summer 1942.Light cruiser USS Nashville bombarding Kiska Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, 7 Aug 1942
See all 38 photographs of Aleutian Islands Campaign

Maps

Map of installations in the Aleutian Island Area as of 1 Aug 1942, prepared for the United States Navy Office of Naval Intelligence Combat Narrative report. Note that Attu and Kiska were listed as Japanese held.Map of the Komandorski Islands showing the area of action for 26 Mar 1943, prepared for the United States Navy Office of Naval Intelligence Combat Narrative report.
See all 5 maps of Aleutian Islands Campaign

Aleutian Islands Campaign Timeline

15 Jul 1942 The US Joint Chiefs of Staff held its first discussion on recapturing Attu and Kiska in the Aleutian Islands.
7 Aug 1942 American cruisers bombarded Japanese-positions at Kiska, US Territory of Alaska.
7 Aug 1942 USS Nashville shelled Japanese shore installations on Kiska Island in the Aleutians causing considerable damage.
7 Aug 1942 USS S-35 reported weather conditions near Kiska, US Territory of Alaska in the Aleutian Islands.
7 Aug 1942 USS S-31 bombarded Kiska, US Territory of Alaska.
3 Oct 1942 USS Nashville and USS Bailey delivered destroyers USS Dent, USS King and transport ships Branch and Thompson to Adak Island. Nashville and Bailey retired for refueling.
26 Mar 1943 In the Aleutian Islands, American warships intercepted Japanese troops attempting to reinforce Kiska, engaging in the Battle of the Komandorski Islands.
26 Mar 1943 During the Battle of the Komandorski Islands, Japanese cruisers Nachi, Maya, Tama, and Abukuma with destroyers Wakaba, Hatsushimo, Ikazuchi, Inazuma, and Usugumo plus three transport ships engaged United States Navy cruisers Salt Lake City and Richmond escorted by destroyers Coghlan, Bailey, Dale, and Monaghan in one of the very few pure naval surface battles of World War II involving long-range guns. Nachi was forced to push one of her floatplanes overboard (concussion damage from her own guns), fired several Type 93 "Long Lance" torpedoes at the US forces (none of which hit), and received five hits (killing 14). Salt Lake City sustained moderate damage and was dead in the water for a short time. Bailey, Coghlan, and Monaghan made a bold torpedo attack that became known as the Charge of the Irish Destroyers.
31 Mar 1943 US leadership gave the order to invade Attu in the Aleutian Islands on 7 May 1943.
11 May 1943 US 7th Infantry Division landed on Attu, Aleutian Islands.
29 May 1943 Yasuyo Yamasaki led a final counterattack on Attu, US Territory of Alaska; when all was nearly lost, he committed ritual suicide to avoid capture.
31 May 1943 US troops reclaimed the island of Attu in the Aleutian Islands, US Territory of Alaska.
3 Jun 1943 All Japanese resistance on Attu, Aleutian Islands ceased.
18 Jul 1943 2 B-24 and 6 B-25 bombers of the US Eleventh Air Force B-24 attacked Japanese positions at Kiska Island, Aleutian Islands.
21 Jul 1943 9 B-24 bombers of US 11th Air Force bombed Kiska, Aleutian Islands while two US Navy destroyers bombarded the Gertrude Cove area of the same island.
4 Aug 1943 A radar-equipped PBY Catalina conducted a pre-dawn bombing raid of the Japanese submarine base and main camp area on Kiska Island. The single Catalina also dropped 92 empty beer bottles (for the disconcerting whistling effect they produced) on those targets.
15 Aug 1943 Supported by a massive bombardment from three battleships, cruisers and destroyers and under a protective umbrella of 170 aircraft, 35,000 American and Canadian troops stormed ashore on Kiska Island in the Aleutian Islands only to discover that the Japanese had fled nearly three weeks earlier.




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Visitor Submitted Comments

1. E. H. Thomas says:
12 Sep 2006 01:58:10 PM

The landings to retake Kiska by Corletts Long-Knives began on 15 August not 7 August 1943.
2. Anonymous says:
2 Feb 2008 01:46:22 PM

does anyone know if any japanese were left on attu or kiska after the war alive ? not knowing the war ended. if so any info would be appreciated. thank's . toby in alaska.
3. Fred A. Dias says:
21 Sep 2010 02:35:08 PM

I am trying to write a book on USS Nevada BB-36 and would like to contact any crew members who served aboard her during World War II or relatives of same. I would like to receive comments, stories, photos, etc. please email me, call, 928 251-00112 or write: Fred Dias, P.O. Box 82, Eagar, AZ 85925-0082 Thanks...Fred
4. Anonymous says:
24 Oct 2010 09:48:21 PM

I had two great uncles that fought on these islands they both were shot but they survived
5. Anonymous says:
22 Jul 2011 01:21:31 AM

7th 32nd infantry fort ord monterey,ca anyone know homer lovejoy?
6. Anonymous says:
23 Aug 2011 11:49:28 AM

My Great Grandfather Alva Sholty served in WWII on the Island of Attu. Due to some documents brought back with him, I am desperately searching for a complete list of the few Japanese soldiers that were captured after the fighting on Attu Island. Does anyone know where I could find such a document?
7. Anonymous says:
26 Mar 2012 10:49:25 PM

inderdict should be interdict
8. Commenter identity confirmed C. Peter Chen says:
27 Mar 2012 06:09:56 AM

To Anonymous of 26 Mar 2012: The typographical has been corrected, thanks for pointing it out!
9. Anonymous says:
12 Apr 2012 04:25:03 PM

need ino on sgt. frank sokol attu..'43 if anyone has known or known about sokel please respond
10. Jeff Winter says:
8 May 2012 09:08:26 PM

My grandfather served in the Aleutians, but I don't have any information on his division or which island he was stationed. Sgt. William Winter was his name.
11. Anonymous says:
28 Dec 2012 04:42:07 AM

My father, Willis Cecil Anderson served in the Army Air Corps in the Aleutian Islands. He was well decorated as a pilot but as is typical of those from the "Greatest Generation" he never spoke of his service or duties. Does anyone have any information that will fill this gap in my knowledge of my father?
12. jimmie allen says:
12 Feb 2013 03:40:09 AM

My Grandfather Elmer Hausinger served in the Aleutians in ww2..I do not know which island it may have been but he was there from 1942 to the end of the war..
13. ciaiba says:
3 May 2013 12:17:51 PM

Hi there, found what seems an error, in the "Battle of Attu Island" it says 3929 died in the capture but in the timeline instead I read 5 hundreds. Thanks so much for this report, awesome.
14. Anonymous says:
10 Jun 2013 04:44:00 AM

My late father was on the USS Jarvis. He did the calculations for the gun placements. His ship is not listed.
15. suellen edwards says:
5 Jan 2014 02:56:16 PM

My father Walter David (Dub) Barnett was stationed in Alaska during WWII. The National archive where his records would be had a Fire in 1973 and most army records were destroyed. I am desperately seeking any record on him. He is past on now and I would like to put his rank and unit on his headstone
16. Chris O'Connor says:
12 Jan 2014 05:04:05 PM

For the anonymous poster from 28 Dec 2012, Lt Anderson was a pilot in the 77th Bomb Squadron. He flew a B-25 from Attu, against Japanese shipping and bases on Paramushiru island. The records I have indicate he was there from May to October of 1944. A normal tour would have been about a year, but I don't know his arrival/departure dates. His service number was 0740020. Try the National Personnel Records Center in St Louis using that number and his 1940's home address. Also, a trip to the Air Force Historical Research Center at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama would be productive.
Can this be forwarded? I give my permission to send my email address to the requestor.
17. sabin says:
22 Jan 2014 10:09:59 AM

I have photo life on Aleutian Ilands, Attu. one of the only tree on Attu. they of the 58 Tech supply, radio operator timplin last name unknowen, some of his friends, a building called downtown, planes, jap landing craft, post cemitary, the 11th. fighter cotrol squadron, the millers friends of timplin's, out over the port with ships. neat bunch of life photo's. pictures have been cleared.
18. Dale LaCognata says:
22 Jan 2014 01:09:06 PM

My father, Joseph Gwozdz, was an army sargent in the Aleutian Islands and talked of being one of Corlett's Long-knives. I was too young at the time to understand what any of that meant but my brother has a few pictures of the tents buried deep snow with only the stove pipes stiking out, etc. Sure, NOW it interests me! But Dad is long gone.
19. sabin says:
23 Jan 2014 12:38:34 PM

pryer to finding these photo's of the Aleutian Ilands, there seams alot that I do not know about WW2. I stsrted with intrest in the civil war, now I find the history of the men and women of who fought in them, truly deserve more respect for what they acompolished. I say hats off to you and all the respectI can muster upfrom my heart, praise the lord for each of you.
20. Anonymous says:
12 Mar 2014 09:42:20 PM

My father was William Juntunen. I do not know anything about his service record but I would like to. Any one remember him?
21. Shadowfax says:
1 May 2014 05:49:38 AM

Does anyone know if the US 77th Bomber group was flying B-26s or B-25s in early June of 1942? I have researched this on the net and find conflicting information.
22. Shadowfax says:
1 May 2014 07:55:55 AM

I am also curious if anyone has information about when the Japanese bases, particularly the airfields of Kitanodai, Surabachi, Kashibawara, Kakumabetsu, Musashi, & Miyoshi on Panmushiro and Sh Islands were built?
23. David says:
14 May 2014 10:19:19 AM

My dad, George Stoehner (also called Jack) was stationed on Adak Island during the war (1942-1945). He was a Radio Operator. I am looking for any information or pictures about this era.
24. Chris O'Connor says:
16 May 2014 08:23:52 PM

The unit history for the 77th is at nps.gov/aleu. The squadron brought B-26 planes with them when they deployed to Alaska in early 1942. In June they were half and half B-26 and B-25. By February, 1943, the unit was all B-25s. Similar pattern for 73rd Squadron. The B-26 was a tough plane to fly, and in 1942 production was stopped and many changes made to try to make the plane easier to handle. This is probably the reason for the shift in the 73rd and 77th from b-26 to B-25.
25. Anonymous says:
28 Jun 2014 05:05:42 PM

This is the first time I have actually researched the Aleutian Islands campaign.I am a Vietnam Veteran myself but my father and I rarely talked about his campaign there. He served with an artillery unit.
26. John Craig Thompson says:
16 Jul 2014 03:29:20 AM

My father served with the army air corps in the Aleutian Island campaign. He was a staff sergeant at the end of WW2. I was in hopes maybe someone could help me locate which squadron / air wing he serve with. All help appreciated!
He was born in 1924 and passed away 2003.
His Name was Billy Guy Thompson from Oklahoma. Trained as aviation mechanic. I'm one of three sons asking for the air wing. Thank everyone!
27. Anonymous says:
13 Sep 2014 05:39:27 PM

My dad was Lt. William Bain and he was part of the August 1943 landing on Kiska. My sister tells me that dad told her that he was chosen to go into the tunnels because of his short stature. He was scared to death, not knowing who or what he would find. Does anyone remember him or have any info? My mom has an ashtray made from an artillery shell inscribed with the name Wm. Pattie, and Kiska 1943. Anyne know who he was? Dad passed in 1970.
28. jane says:
16 Nov 2014 06:40:22 PM

My dad August "Gus" Jensen was in the signal detachment served in Aleutians and Battle of Attu, He passed in 2005, I sure do miss him, always a go getter. I got his Army box, and now am just always searching researching wanting to write a book about the great forgotten theater. In my opinion the forgotten theater in Aleutian campaign was the most important to USA, I want to give this theater the respect it and all the men and their families the proper respect deserved. My heart does go out to you searching for records of your dad. another source to put in your search engine is the site "areyouinmyphoto.com there is a ww2 army section and recently saw my Dad's pic in one group shot with someone wanting to know all the names in that group shot. I gladly entered the info, but that person sent the request in 2007 - that was seven years ago, sure wish I had found that site earlier.
29. Lew says:
19 Nov 2014 01:56:40 PM

Looking for info. on any meterological units with object of finding about a person, James Wasson, who served on (pretty sure) Addak during the war. Any Unit numbers, and time frame etc.
30. Anonymous says:
26 Dec 2014 08:13:02 PM

My grandfather severed in the army in the Attu, and after his injuries, in colorado. He never really talked about his experience untell close to his death. Really would like to know about what unit he served with and every thing. His name was Stanley L Hammond. Any help with this information would be nice. its a true sad thing the Attu battle was such a forgotten thing.
31. Tony says:
24 Jan 2015 12:32:37 PM

Hello, I am hoping to find out information about my father. He enlisted in 1940 in the Army Air Corp 20 from the state of Mass., and we know from some artifacts that he was in the Aleutian Islands WWII campaign. Any hints on how to find out about his service would be much appreciated. We have his AAC enlistment serial #, and name of course, but not much else. Thank you, Tony
32. Anonymous says:
21 Apr 2015 02:19:37 AM

"By 10 Mar 1942, 2,300 men were present on the island,...."
I think the date is wrong from the timeline above,it should be "BY 10 Mar 1943"
33. Commenter identity confirmed C. Peter Chen says:
22 Apr 2015 06:54:17 PM

Thanks anonymous, the 1942/1943 typographical error has been corrected.
34. gary lee says:
14 May 2015 02:03:55 AM

My Father arrived at Dutch Harbor at 10pm on 02-06-42. He was in charge of the kitchens. So he told his boys to get some shut eye and he would wake them up at 3am and they would start on breakfast. So he got everyone up, and they were in the kitchen cooking breakfast when the first bombs from the Japanese hit. He always said that they were going to have eggs but instead they go bombs for breakfast. He died in 2008. He was on the chain for the whole campaign. He also was on Engineers Hill during the last Banzai.
When I was growing up I never understood how bad these men had it up there. I studied the martial arts for a long time, and once he and I got into an argument. I told him I could clean his clock, and he looked me in the eye and said, "I don't care if you can kill me, I will never be afraid of you or any other man."
He is on the "Making of Saving Private Ryan" documentary. In the ship hold there are a bunch of soldiers and the camera is focussed on my dad. He has his hat tipped and all of his guys are laughing around him.
I have been looking for 7 years trying to find out what unit he was with. If anyone has any idea please let me know. Army mess sgt.
35. Gary lee says:
14 May 2015 02:17:13 AM

For those looking for information on their relatives and the Aleutians, the best place to start is on Ancestry.com. They have enlistment records there. These were not destroyed in the 73 fire.
To Anonymous whos Father recovered in Colorado. Your father was in the US 7th Infantry. They were originally going to Africa but ended up in the islands at the last minute. Because of this they fought the whole battle in hot weather uniforms and there were a lot of frost bite, gangrene, hypothermia, and amputations done due to their not recieveing decent equipment. The battle of Attu was fought by the 7th almost completely alone.
36. Gary Lee says:
14 May 2015 02:23:03 AM

By the time the battle of Attu had been cleaned up the forces were ready for Kiska. The Japanese had broken the American code and knew they were coming so 3 days before d-day they quietly boarded ships and planes and abandoned the Island. When the US arrived no one was there. My Father said that at one point a bad storm came in and they couldn't get resupplyed for 2 weeks. His men hated green beans so he stored them. Well, they ran out of food, and he sent out squads to get Salmon from the fall run. They had Salmon and fried beans for all 3 meals for 2 weeks straight. To the day he died he hated salmon.
37. Kathleen Florentine says:
25 May 2015 10:52:10 AM

I am looking for information on Co B 168th Engr Bn. During WWII my father was stationed in the Aleutian Islands. His name was James E. Weller. He was honorably discharged Sept. 8th 1945. What island was he on? Any info would be helpful.
Thanks
38. Jeff Dickrell says:
28 May 2015 12:27:48 PM

Gary Lee, I am the HS history teacher in Dutch Harbor. I have done extensive research on the bombing here. I would love to know more about your father's experiences at the time. As far as his unit, I can help but need more info. At the time of the bombing there were several army units here, the main ones being National Guard Coastal Artillery (California) and Anti-aircraft (Arkansas) plus several infantry units etc. So any hints on his unit like what weapons, clues about 'where' in Dutch Harbor he was stationed, how close the bombs were etc etc can help.
39. Kathleen Sozio-Albee says:
25 Jun 2015 06:02:03 PM

I just buried my husband Walter F. Albee, he was 96 and served as a Sgt. with the Army Air Corps 11th Air Force Class A. He talked of the landing on Kiska but never elaborated on anything else. After finding his discharge papers, I learned he earned the Bronze Star, but can't seem to find any information on what he did to earn such a medal. If anyone knows where I can find a report on his service/duties while on Kiska, please let me know.
He did tell me he was known as the "short *** sgt."
40. Greg Boeser says:
9 Sep 2015 08:27:59 PM

77th Bomb Sq. arrived in Alaska in Jan '42 with B-26 Marauders. Additional aircraft were used to reequip 73rd Bomb Sq. At the time of the Dutch Harbor attack both units had about 15 B-26s.
77th had 6 at Umnak and 6 at Cold Bay. 73rd were at Elmendorf. The AAF decided that the B-25 was more suited to the conditions encountered in the Pacific theater and earmarked all future B-26 production for the ETO. The first B-25s arrived in Alaska in September and were committed to action in Dec 42. The B-26s were withdrawn from combat as sufficient replacement B-25s and trained crews became available. The last combat missions flown by B-26s appear to be in Dec 42 and early Jan 43.
41. dave schoenberg says:
3 Oct 2015 09:45:23 PM

my uncle George Schuettenberg sargent in the 159th . as many other who served didn't want to talk about it until he was too sick to do so . just starting my quest to find out more about his time in the army . his unsewn campaign patch is the Alaskan campaign . need help where to start .
42. Anonymous says:
29 Nov 2015 07:30:33 AM

when was the last japanese taken off the islands
43. Anonymous says:
23 Mar 2016 12:20:54 PM

The B-26 was withdrawn from Pacific service because its performance (245 kts to 275 kts loaded) was wasted in the Pacific area. The speed was invaluable in Europe, where the Luftwaffe could not climb to altitude and catch the B-26 formations before they had bombed and gotten away. The same high-speed characteristic of the B-26 made it unsuitable for the lousy airstrips on Pacific islands with mud, dust and dritty sand. Cold Bay airstrip was eternally muddy, and getting a loaded B-26 to takeoff velocity was tough with gritty mud clinging to the tires and splashing everywhere.
44. rick alanis says:
29 Apr 2016 01:11:01 PM

My Uncle served in the aleutians islands wdgo 33-45 from 2 June 1942 till March 1944. His name was Raul C. Ramirez from Texas. I would like to know the unit he was in at Aleutians Islands. He was then stationed with the 5th Inf tng school at Fort Benning Georgia. Thanks.
45. Vickie McKinney says:
4 May 2016 01:48:55 PM

My grandfather was in Alaska during this time, his name was Alvin Walls from Alabama. He passed away in 1971 my dad was only 16 when he passed. We do not know much about my grandfather's time in Alaska and are looking for any info or pictures. We requested info from the National Archives but received a call stating that he records were destroyed in the fire. I requested any decorations or medals, we received those yesterday in the mail my dad cried as he looked at each one, my dad never cries. This is so important to him just to be able to know a little more about his father. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I now work at a VA and on the rear occasion that I have a WWII vet I also ask where they were stationed hoping that it was Alaska and they knew my grandfather, it's always a long shot but you never know.
46. Larry says:
14 Aug 2016 09:24:44 AM

Very good book on this war 'The Forgotten War" by Stan Cohen.
A pictorial history of WWII in Alaska and northwestern Canada

1981 ISBN 0-933126-13-1
47. John Nolan says:
18 Oct 2016 09:07:51 AM

A relative of mine was a PBY Pilot in The Aleutian Islands and was shot down in that area,he and his crew survived. He later became a test pilot for Boeing and was involved in the test flights of planes like the 747.
His name was George Thelen, his family still resides in Seattle where he died only a few years ago.Is there any information on George that you can guide me towards.
Thanks, John Nolan
48. Chris O'Connor says:
21 Oct 2016 09:24:40 PM

PBY was a Navy plane, so your man was in Patrol Wing 4. Google that and you should find a vets group, although not many are still alive. Try vetrecs.archives.gov.Good luck.
49. James Rickard says:
11 Nov 2016 12:50:34 PM

My father, Albert Rickard, was a member of the 151st Combat Engineers and a photographer. He brought back many photos of the campaign. My brother has his album.
50. eggebroten says:
11 Dec 2016 03:44:26 PM

My father fought here, but never spoke about Attu. I am looking for any information about this
51. Mike McEwan says:
29 Dec 2016 09:55:58 PM

I was told my grandfather John McEwan fought at the battle of Attu. Can you provide any more info?
Thanks
52. Anonymous says:
12 Feb 2017 03:58:40 PM

My father, Philip Saltzman, was assigned to the Aleutian Islands during World War II. He was a medic. Does anyone have any information regarding his service in the Aleutian Islands?
53. A. V. McMaster Sr. says:
13 Feb 2017 08:54:36 AM

My Dad, A, V, McMaster Sr was stationed in the aelutians during WWII, and I have some of his medals/ribbons - one of which I am trying to identify. Its colora are from left to right, Blue-White-Dark blue-Red-white, then blue-red, white, and lastly, white, red, dark blue, white, followed by blue. I would really like to know what this particular medal represented. Thanks, A. V. mcMaster Jr., vinmcmaster@yahoo.com. I can send a picture of this if it would help.
54. Commenter identity confirmed David Stubblebine says:
13 Feb 2017 04:07:55 PM

Mr. McMaster (above):
That sounds like the American Campaign Ribbon awarded for wartime service within the American Theater (there were 3 theaters: American, Asia/Pacific, & Europe/Africa). Almost all US vets got the American campaign ribbon but what was less common was the American Campaign Ribbon with a Battle Star. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Campaign_Medal
55. A. V (Vin) McMaster Jr. says:
17 Feb 2017 09:12:45 AM

Mr. Stubblebine: Thank you very much for your reply and the information. I have reconstructed most of my Dad's service time in the Aelutians, and believe that he was based on an aircraft radar search base of some sort. Vin McMaster (Jr), Dallas, Tx
56. Tim Burns says:
23 Feb 2017 09:03:16 PM

Do you know of any information regarding lost (to combat or other reasons) of B-25('s) during the Aleutian Campaign?
57. Alec Young says:
6 Mar 2017 06:21:23 PM

Hi I'm 15 years old and during my project on my great grandfather he served in the aleusion islands he went there after all the chaos and I was wondering what was going on over in 1945 when he got there
58. Cheryl. Lee says:
25 May 2017 09:09:48 PM

My father was on a naval ship in the Aleutian during the war. I am trying to get the name of the. ship he was on. Any. Suggestion of who I can contact to get this information ? I am doing a document to pass down to my son's on their grandfather
His name is : Robert Beauford Lee
He was often called. " Lee " in his time in the. NAVY. He was a " Boiler Tender " in the Navy
If. you can assist you can send the information to my friend"S E-mail address which is : BARTONDAVID53 @Yahoo.com since my computer is broken down. THANK YOU & GOD. BLESS YOU
59. Anonymous says:
9 Jun 2017 12:16:36 AM

There was a hospital ship that may have been the USS Dickens. My dad was in Alaska at the time of the Battle of Attu. He mentioned two ships that might have been in Attu and later may have been involved in Iwo Jima
60. Nick Nicholas says:
6 Jul 2017 09:08:47 AM

My Dad, Vendor Nicholas aka chief, was there. I just watched Deadliest Catch: Hilldstrom 4th of July: The Forgotten War,, the Aleutian Campaign. So proud of you Dad.
61. Anonymous says:
26 Aug 2017 04:12:34 AM

There was a supply ship that landed around Dutch Harbor/Attu. I don't want to say too much 'cuz I'm sick to death of ....women being made totally ...then good men trying to help...then they get fragged too.
62. Rita says:
14 Nov 2017 10:02:00 AM

First, thanks for your service!
My father, Harry McCullough, served in the Aleut Islands. He was a mechanic. He never told war stories but we heard the 'bad' stuff (stealing husky puppy/puppies)! It was not until many years later that I read the events in Alaska! This history and overdue acknowledgement of all, including residents, should be taught more. It should be shared through the media!
Thanks to this site!
63. Craig says:
29 Nov 2017 09:56:47 PM

My Grandfather served on the USS Concord during this campaign. He never told us stories about his service. Later on after I began to serve I researched a horrible accident involving aviation fuel exploding that killed twenty plus aboard the Concord. I tip my hat to that entire generation for what they did and most of all how they handled it, during and after it was over.
64. Anonymous says:
13 Apr 2018 05:10:11 PM

I am looking for information about a university (maybe Minnesota) going to alutian Island Unimak to study indiginous people, Ainu. Maybe in the 40s or 50s.
65. Lori Tyler says:
8 Aug 2018 11:41:30 AM

My grandfather served as a Military Policeman in the Aleutian Islands during World War II. His name was Ross A. Tyler. He was from Louisiana. If anyone has any information about him, I would love to hear from you!

Lori Tyler
66. Frank Moore says:
25 Oct 2018 06:30:44 PM

My father was Chester F. Moore. He served in Adak, Alaska during his time in the Navy. He was also aboard the USS Delegate. He died in 1998. If anyone here knew my dad, please contact me. It's 2018. I am 68 years old. Thank you.
67. Anonymous says:
13 Nov 2018 04:20:02 PM

Looking for any one with information. My grand father Charles M Hawk served in the Aleutian Islands with Army Air Corps.
68. Anonymous says:
7 Dec 2018 10:16:50 AM

My father in law Irving szatkowski USA was reported to have been present at these battles. I am searching for any information about him. His first name may be listed as other than "Irving"

Thanks for any help.
James Yearnd
69. Jack Kopenski says:
11 Apr 2019 04:43:03 AM

How long did Army occupy Attu in WWII, and which units in 1944?
70. Chris O\'Connor says:
20 Apr 2019 07:55:21 PM

For Jack Kopenski:
We took back Attu from the Japanese in May of 1943.
Air and Naval bases were built and these US forces occupied and operated from Attu through the end of the war and beyond. Look for a book titled "The thousand Mile War." A good start. Google "Craven and Cate" the authors of a multi-volume history of the Army Air Corps. Hyperwar isa website with enormous records. Good luck!
71. stanley m geho says:
1 Mar 2021 03:50:36 PM

trying to find where my father was Stanley r geho ww2

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More on Aleutian Islands Campaign
Participants:
» Buckner, Simon
» Erskine, Graves
» Kuwahara, Tadao
» Soji, Akira
» Yamasaki, Yasuyo

Location:
» Alaska

Ship Participants:
» Abukuma
» Bailey
» Detroit
» Hull
» Ikazuchi
» Kiso
» Louisville
» Maya
» Monaghan
» Nachi
» Nashville
» Nautilus
» Nevada
» New Mexico
» Pennsylvania
» Portland
» Salt Lake City
» Tama

Documents:
» Interrogation Nav 21, Commander Kintaro Miura
» Interrogation Nav 51, Commander Tadao Kuwahara

Related Book:
» Lucky's Life

Aleutian Islands Campaign Photo Gallery
PBY-5A Catalina patrol plane flying past Segula Island (just east of Kiska), Aleutians, Summer 1942.Light cruiser USS Nashville bombarding Kiska Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, 7 Aug 1942
See all 38 photographs of Aleutian Islands Campaign


Famous WW2 Quote
"No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. You win the war by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country!"

George Patton, 31 May 1944


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