The Battle of Attu: Reclaiming American Soil in WWII
From May 11 to May 30, 1943, American and Japanese forces clashed in the Battle of Attu, the primary conflict of the Aleutian Islands Campaign during World War II. In June 1942, Japan had seized Attu and Kiska to divert U.S. forces during the Midway attack and possibly prevent a U.S. invasion via the Aleutians. The occupation was a blow to American morale.
Japanese Occupation and Initial American Response
On June 7, 1942, Japanese troops occupied Attu, shocking Americans and raising fears of further attacks on Alaska or the Pacific Northwest. The small American population on the island, including a schoolteacher and her husband, was captured and taken to Japan. Initially, the U.S. military focused on other fronts, conducting only occasional bombing raids on the islands. This changed after the Battle of the Komandorski Islands on March 26, 1943, which cleared the way for an assault on Attu.
The Invasion: Operation Landgrab
In Operation Landgrab on May 11, 1943, 11,000 U.S. infantry landed on Attu, facing harsh weather and rugged terrain. The Aleutians' notoriously poor weather included thick fog, heavy rain, and freezing temperatures. Ill-equipped for the conditions, many American soldiers suffered from frostbite and trench foot. Despite these challenges, U.S. forces, supported by naval and aerial bombardment, gradually pushed Japanese troops into a small area.
The Battle's Climax: The Banzai Charge
On May 29, 1943, Japanese commander Colonel Yasuyo Yamasaki led a final, desperate banzai charge. The surprise attack resulted in brutal hand-to-hand combat, but the Japanese were ultimately overwhelmed. This charge penetrated deep into American lines, causing significant confusion and casualties before it was repelled. Most Japanese soldiers either died in combat or committed suicide, with fewer than 30 surviving. The battle cost 549 American lives and resulted in over 1,100 American wounded.
Aftermath and Significance
The Battle of Attu was the only land battle on North American soil during World War II, marking a hard-fought victory for the U.S. and providing a crucial morale boost. It demonstrated American resilience and the ability to reclaim occupied territory. In August, U.S. forces reclaimed Kiska without resistance, as Japanese troops had already evacuated. The recapture of Kiska marked the end of Japanese presence in the Aleutian Islands.
Strategic and Tactical Lessons
The harsh conditions and intense combat of the Battle of Attu provided valuable lessons for future operations in the Pacific Theater. The experience underscored the importance of proper preparation for extreme environments, effective coordination between land, sea, and air forces, and the need for adaptable logistics. The battle also highlighted the psychological and strategic significance of reclaiming American soil from enemy forces.
Legacy
The victory at Attu and the subsequent reclaiming of Kiska removed the Japanese threat from the northern Pacific, securing the Aleutian Islands. It bolstered American morale and demonstrated the strategic importance of even remote territories. The fierce combat and sacrifices made on Attu are commemorated for their role in shaping the broader Pacific campaign and ensuring the security of the United States during a critical period of World War II.