The Battle of Attu Island was a major World War II engagement fought from May 11-30, 1943, marking the only battle on North American soil during WWII. American forces launched Operation Landcrab to recapture the Aleutian island from Japanese occupation, resulting in a decisive U.S. victory.

The Battle of Attu Island stands as one of World War II's most overlooked yet strategically significant engagements in the Pacific Theater. On May 11, 1943, American forces launched Operation Landcrab to recapture this remote Aleutian island from Japanese occupation, marking the only battle fought on North American soil during WWII.

Located at the western tip of Alaska's Aleutian chain, Attu Island had fallen to Japanese forces in June 1942. The Japanese occupation of American territory posed a serious threat to both Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, prompting U.S. military leaders to prioritize its recapture. The ensuing battle would test the resolve of American troops against not only the Japanese defenders but also the island's notoriously harsh weather conditions and treacherous terrain.

Attu Island's location in the Aleutian chain created a critical military advantage point during World War II. The island's position at 52°55'N 172°54'E placed it at the westernmost point of Alaska, providing control over the sea lanes between the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea.

The Japanese occupation of Attu Island presented three strategic threats to Allied forces:

• Created a potential launching point for aerial attacks on North American mainland targets
• Disrupted shipping routes between Seattle and the Soviet port of Vladivostok
• Established a defensive perimeter protecting Japanese territory from Allied advances

The U.S. military identified these key strategic elements of Attu Island:

• Harbors capable of supporting naval operations
• Terrain suitable for airfield construction
• Geographic position for monitoring enemy fleet movements
• Weather observation capabilities for Pacific operations

Strategic Asset	Military Significance
Naval Harbors	Support for fleet operations
Potential Airfields	Base for long-range bombers
Geographic Location	Control of North Pacific sea lanes
Weather Stations	Intelligence gathering for operations

The island's position offered significant intelligence advantages through:

• Early detection of enemy fleet movements

• Weather pattern monitoring for Pacific operations

• Surveillance of Japanese naval activities

• Tracking of merchant shipping routes

• Eliminating Japanese bombing capabilities against Alaska

• Securing Allied shipping routes in the North Pacific

• Preventing expansion of Japanese defensive positions

• Establishing forward bases for future Pacific operations

Japanese forces invaded Attu Island on June 7, 1942, establishing a significant foothold in American territory. The occupation marked the first time since the War of 1812 that a foreign power held U.S. soil.

The Japanese military transformed Attu Island into a fortified stronghold with 2,300 troops under Colonel Yasuyo Yamasaki. Engineers constructed:

• Bunkers reinforced with steel plates embedded in hillsides
• Anti-aircraft gun positions on elevated terrain
• Interlocking trenches across Massacre Valley
• Underground storage facilities for ammunition supplies
• Coastal artillery emplacements along Holtz Bay

The defensive network included multiple layers of fortification, with machine gun nests positioned at strategic points across the mountainous terrain. Japanese forces utilized natural cave systems as command posts connecting their defensive positions through a network of tunnels.

The Japanese occupation created immediate effects across Alaska:

• Forced evacuation of 881 Aleut natives from nearby islands
• Disruption of vital fishing operations in the Aleutian waters
• Closure of maritime shipping routes through the Bering Sea
• Implementation of military zones across southeastern Alaska
• Establishment of additional U.S. military bases on neighboring islands

The occupation triggered heightened security measures throughout Alaska's military installations with the deployment of 144,000 U.S. troops to the territory. Japanese presence on Attu interrupted weather forecasting capabilities, affecting military operations across the North Pacific theater.

Operation Landcrab commenced on May 11, 1943, marking the start of the Allied campaign to recapture Attu Island. U.S. and Canadian forces launched a coordinated assault against Japanese positions under challenging Arctic conditions.

The Allied invasion force consisted of 15,000 troops, primarily from the U.S. 7th Infantry Division. The combat force included:

• 17th Infantry Regiment positioned for the northern landing at Holtz Bay
• 32nd Infantry Regiment deployed at Massacre Bay in the south
• 4th Infantry Regiment stationed as a reserve force
• 78th Coast Artillery Battalion providing fire support
• Canadian special forces units contributing reconnaissance expertise

Supporting elements encompassed:

• 2 destroyer squadrons
• 4 transport ships
• 1 submarine group for perimeter security
• 8 landing craft units

The Allied command developed a two-pronged assault strategy focusing on key tactical objectives:

Primary Operation Components:

• Northern Force targeting Holtz Bay

• Southern Force securing Massacre Bay

• Reserve units positioned for flexible deployment

• Artillery placement on surrounding heights

• Aerial reconnaissance missions mapped Japanese positions

• Naval forces conducted pre-invasion bombardment

• Weather stations established to monitor Arctic conditions

• Supply chains organized through Seattle naval bases

• Medical evacuation routes designated through Dutch Harbor

Unit Type	Personnel Count	Equipment
Infantry	12,500	M1 Garand rifles, Thompson submachine guns
Artillery	1,800	105mm howitzers, 75mm pack howitzers
Support	700	Communications, medical, logistics

The Battle of Attu Island unfolded across treacherous terrain from May 11-30, 1943, marking the only ground combat on North American soil during World War II. U.S. forces faced intense Japanese resistance in sub-arctic conditions while attempting to reclaim this strategic Aleutian outpost.

U.S. forces executed amphibious landings at Holtz Bay and Massacre Bay on May 11, 1943, encountering minimal initial resistance. The 17th Infantry Regiment landed 3,500 troops at Holtz Bay while the 32nd Infantry Regiment deployed 2,000 troops at Massacre Bay. Cold rain, dense fog and 45mph winds hampered visibility during the first 48 hours, slowing troop movements across the tundra. Engineers constructed temporary docking facilities to offload essential supplies including cold weather gear, ammunition and medical equipment.

Landing Force Details	Holtz Bay	Massacre Bay
Primary Unit	17th Infantry	32nd Infantry
Initial Troops	3,500	2,000
Landing Craft	12 LCIs	8 LCIs
First Day Casualties	24	11

The battle intensified as U.S. troops advanced inland toward Japanese defensive positions in the mountains. Japanese forces under Colonel Yasuyo Yamasaki utilized a network of fortified positions including:

• Concrete bunkers on ridgelines providing interlocking fields of fire
• Camouflaged machine gun nests protecting mountain passes
• Underground tunnels connecting key defensive points
• Artillery positions targeting both landing beaches

U.S. infantry units fought through knee-deep mud while scaling 3,000-foot peaks to outflank Japanese positions. The 17th Infantry Regiment suffered 580 casualties during four days of combat at Fish Hook Ridge. Soldiers battled hypothermia with temperatures dropping to 20°F (-6°C) while engaging in close-quarters combat across narrow mountain trails.

The Battle of Attu culminated in a decisive American victory on May 30, 1943, after 19 days of intense combat. U.S. forces secured complete control of the island, marking a significant turning point in the Aleutian Campaign.

Colonel Yasuyo Yamasaki led 1,000 surviving Japanese troops in a final banzai charge on May 29, 1943, at Engineer Hill. The pre-dawn assault breached American lines, resulting in fierce hand-to-hand combat that lasted 4 hours. Japanese casualties included 2,351 dead with only 28 survivors taken prisoner, while U.S. forces lost 549 soldiers with 1,148 wounded during the entire battle.

Battle Statistics	Japanese Forces	U.S. Forces
Initial Strength	2,900	15,000
Combat Deaths	2,351	549
Survivors/Wounded	28	1,148

The recapture of Attu Island eliminated Japanese presence in the Aleutians, securing Alaska's territorial integrity. U.S. forces established Naval Station Attu, transforming the island into an operational base with expanded airfield facilities. The victory provided:

• Control of vital North Pacific shipping lanes
• Enhanced weather monitoring capabilities for Allied operations
• Forward bases for B-24 bombing missions against Japanese territories
• Prevention of future Japanese incursions into North American territory
• Restoration of Allied naval supremacy in the Bering Sea

The battle's tactical lessons influenced subsequent Pacific operations, particularly regarding cold-weather warfare equipment modifications. U.S. military planners incorporated these experiences into training programs for mountain combat operations.

• U.S. forces captured Attu Island on May 30, 1943, after launching Operation Landcrab on May 11, marking the only WWII battle fought on North American soil
• The 19-day battle involved 15,000 American troops against 2,900 Japanese defenders, resulting in 2,351 Japanese and 549 American combat deaths
• Attu Island held strategic importance due to its location for controlling Pacific-Bering Sea lanes, potential as an air base, and weather monitoring capabilities
• The Japanese had occupied the island since June 1942, establishing extensive fortifications including bunkers, trenches, and artillery positions
• The American victory secured Alaska's territorial integrity and provided the Allies with vital naval bases, airfields, and control over North Pacific shipping routes

The Battle of Attu Island stands as a testament to American military resolve during World War II. Despite brutal weather conditions and fierce Japanese resistance U.S. forces successfully recaptured this strategic Aleutian outpost in May 1943.

The victory secured North America's territorial integrity eliminated the Japanese threat to Alaska and established crucial military advantages in the North Pacific theater. The battle's lessons proved invaluable for future cold-weather military operations while its strategic impact helped pave the way for Allied advancement in the Pacific campaign.

Today Attu Island's recapture remains a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made to protect American soil during World War II and the determination required to achieve victory in the most challenging conditions.