Posted on Aug 22, 2024
Unraveling the Mysteries of the Battle of Attu, the 'Forgotten Battle' of World War II
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https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/unraveling-the-mysteries-of-the-battle-of-attu-the-forgotten-battle-of-world-war-ii-180984846/?utm_source=smithsoniandaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial&spMailingID=50099331&spUserID=NzU3Njg4NDk0NTQS1&spJobID= [login to see] &spReportId=Mjc2MjI4Mzg0MwS2
In June 1942, Japanese forces captured Attu, a small island at the western tip of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. They destroyed the homes and villages of the Unangax̂ people, then held them as prisoners of war in the city of Otaru. Nearly half of the Unangax̂ from Attu died, and survivors were not allowed to return to their home island.
When American troops arrived in 1943, they fought to regain control of Attu. Over the course of 18 bloody days, American forces successfully expelled the invaders. But the campaign came at a high cost: The Battle of Attu claimed the lives of 2,351 Japanese soldiers and 549 American soldiers.
In June 1942, Japanese forces captured Attu, a small island at the western tip of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. They destroyed the homes and villages of the Unangax̂ people, then held them as prisoners of war in the city of Otaru. Nearly half of the Unangax̂ from Attu died, and survivors were not allowed to return to their home island.
When American troops arrived in 1943, they fought to regain control of Attu. Over the course of 18 bloody days, American forces successfully expelled the invaders. But the campaign came at a high cost: The Battle of Attu claimed the lives of 2,351 Japanese soldiers and 549 American soldiers.
Unraveling the Mysteries of the Battle of Attu, the 'Forgotten Battle' of World War II
Posted from smithsonianmag.com
WWII World War Two
World Affairs
Military History
Japan
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
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Dad was stationed in the Aleutian chain Island of Shemya in the early 50's. I have pictures of the base and the mountain range that held Japanese gun emplacements. Very few people knew that Japan had a foothold that is lose to the American mainland.
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Amn Roger Omberg
My oldest Brother was stationed on the USS PENSACOLA, & they were skirting the Islands
during that time. I was only 5 yrs old, our mother had tears in her eyes, & I remember asking Her why she was crying, she said I was just talking to the LORD for YOUR BROTHER. FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!
during that time. I was only 5 yrs old, our mother had tears in her eyes, & I remember asking Her why she was crying, she said I was just talking to the LORD for YOUR BROTHER. FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!
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SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D
Amn Roger Omberg Who ever thought that "freedom" as we knew it, would include burning our flag that we all fought for and idiot protesters destroying our statues, injuring Americans on our own soil, burning buildings and disrupting educational systems and campuses?
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Amn Roger Omberg
This is caused by the communist/antifa/BLM, sponsored the radical CHINESE sympathizers
the WH, organized by OBIDEN, & COMRAD HARRIS! ET AL.
the WH, organized by OBIDEN, & COMRAD HARRIS! ET AL.
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Two additional comments. This was the only battle fought on North American soil, and the number of casualties from frostbite, trench foot, gangrene and hypothermia almost matched the total dead and wounded in combat, 1200 to 2000, depending on the source.
I can testify to the fact that even with the right gear, the weather in the Aleutians sucks. Without it, it's torture.
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-attu
I can testify to the fact that even with the right gear, the weather in the Aleutians sucks. Without it, it's torture.
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-attu
Battle of Attu ‑ Island, WW2 & Winner | HISTORY
World War II's Battle of Attu was waged between American and Japanese forces for control of the Japanese‑occupied Alaskan Island in May 1943.
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MAJ Hugh Blanchard
Agree. In the summer, the mosquitoes are the size of UAV's and the heat is intense. In the winter you won't see the sun for many weeks. Alaska is a very difficult place climactically.
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