Attu and Kiska in World War II

Attu and Kiska are two islands in the far western Aleutians that Japanese forces occupied on June 6–7, 1942, the only part of North America occupied by Axis forces in World War II. U.S. forces recaptured Attu in the Battle of Attu from May 11 to 29, 1943, and landed on Kiska on August 15, 1943, to find it already evacuated by the Japanese [1].

The Japanese Occupation

Japanese carrier aircraft attacked Dutch Harbor on June 3–4, 1942. Japan occupied Kiska on June 6 and Attu on June 7. The U.S. faced little initial resistance, and the remoteness, weather and terrain delayed a counterattack for nearly a year [1].

The Battle of Attu

U.S. forces began the recapture, known as Operation Landcrab, on May 11, 1943. The battle ended after a final Japanese banzai charge on May 29. U.S. casualties were 3,829, including 549 killed and 1,148 wounded, with about 1,200 suffering severe cold injuries and 614 dying of disease. A total of 2,351 Japanese dead were counted, and 28 were captured [1].

The Kiska Landing

Japanese forces likely left Kiska on the night of July 28, 1943. On August 15, about 34,426 Canadian and American troops landed and met no opposition. Allied casualties from friendly fire, accidents, booby traps, disease and frostbite totaled 313 [1].

The Wider Campaign

The U.S. occupied Adak on August 31, 1942, and Amchitka in February 1943. Overall casualties were 1,482 U.S. killed, 640 missing and 3,416 wounded, against 4,350 Japanese killed. The loss of Attu cost Japan its only Aleutian airstrip, and the campaign was an Allied victory [1].

The Unangax̂ Evacuation

After the Dutch Harbor attacks, Unangax̂ residents were evacuated, often with less than 24 hours’ notice. Over 880 were embarked on military transports, and many were interned in camps in Southeast Alaska. Of the 831 relocated to those camps, 85 died from poor conditions. They were not allowed to return home until 1944–1945, and many found their homes looted. The Aleut Restitution Act of 1988 provided $12,000 per survivor and a $5 million trust fund [1][2].

Memory and Preservation

The campaign is commemorated at the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area in Unalaska. See the entries on the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area and the Unangax̂ people.

FAQs

When did Japan occupy Attu and Kiska? June 6–7, 1942.

When was the Battle of Attu? May 11–29, 1943.

Was there fighting on Kiska? No. The Japanese had evacuated before the August 15, 1943 landing.

What happened to the Aleut people? Over 880 were evacuated, and many were interned in Southeast Alaska camps.

What is the Aleut Restitution Act? A 1988 law that provided $12,000 per survivor and a $5 million trust fund.

Sources

1. Wikipedia: Aleutian Islands campaign
2. Wikipedia: Aleutian World War II National Historic Area

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue