Alaska Territorial Guard

The Alaska Territorial Guard was a World War II volunteer force of more than 6,300 Alaska Natives and others, aged 12 to 80, who watched the territory’s coast after Japan attacked Dutch Harbor in June 1942 and occupied Attu and Kiska. Its members were unpaid, and in 2010 they were granted honourable discharges.[1]

Formation and members

The Guard formed after the June 1942 Japanese attack on Dutch Harbor and the occupation of Attu and Kiska. More than 6,300 Indigenous men and women, aged 12 to 80, joined, mostly volunteers from Tlingit, Aleut, Tsimshian, Haida, Athabascan, Yup’ik and Iñupiaq communities, with some Euro-Americans. Veterans knew Marvin “Muktuk” Marston as their commander. The force was also called the Eskimo Scouts, a term the source notes many Arctic communities find offensive.[1]

Duties

Members served as unpaid sentries who patrolled the coastline of northwest Alaska, secured the Lend-Lease route to Russia, guarded the village at the Platinum mine, built trails and shelters, and helped shoot down Japanese incendiary balloons. Each member received a rifle, a uniform, an Army training manual and snowshoes.[1]

Recognition

After the war, veterans and supporters helped pass Alaska’s first anti-discrimination law. In 2010 a federal law ordered honourable discharges for members, and in 2012 a memorial park was built in Bethel, Alaska.[1]

FAQs

When was the Guard formed? After the Japanese attacks of June 1942.

Who served? More than 6,300 mostly Alaska Native volunteers aged 12 to 80.

Were members paid? No, they served as unpaid sentries.

Sources

1. History.com: Alaska Territorial Guard in World War II

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 13, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue