The Battle of Attu

Discussion in 'War Against Japan' started by Operation Detachment, Jul 4, 2010.

  1. Operation Detachment

    Operation Detachment Junior Member

    One thing that upsets me is when a battle worthy of recognition is ignored and forgotten by the general public. The Battle of Attu, fought between the United States and the Empire of Japan, is a fine example of what I am talking about. It was part of the Aleutian Islands Campaign of 1943 where American forces reconquered some of the outermost islands in the chain, Attu and Kiska. It had one of the fiercest banzai charges in the Pacific War. I would love to hear any thoughts or comments on this battle. If you have any, please post.

    Here is a great article written about the battle.

    Battle of the Aleutian Islands: Recapturing Attu ยป HistoryNet
     
  2. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    We've mentioned it a few times on the forum.
    Click the 'search' enter 'attu' & view the results.
    Welcome to the forum.
     
  3. Smudger Jnr

    Smudger Jnr Our Man in Berlin

    Hello and welcome to the forum.

    As Owen pointed out there has been discussions in the past.

    Regards
    Tom
     
  4. Terri-Tsu

    Terri-Tsu Discharged

    My grandpa was stationed at Adak Island..although there was no battles there..he was a sign caller..would decode morse code from the Japanese..the Aluetians always seem to be the forgotten part of the pacific.
     
  5. JoshArterburn

    JoshArterburn Junior Member

    My grandfather served on Attu for 20 months and fought in the battle for Attu. It really did take a toll on his body. He was 22 years old when he landed on Attu, And had trouble with his feet till the day he died 55 years later.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    The Arrow is pointing to my Grandfather

    I just recently purchased a photo album containing around 60 photos of soldiers and equipment on Attu.

    [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]
    [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]
     
  6. JoshArterburn

    JoshArterburn Junior Member

  7. JoshArterburn

    JoshArterburn Junior Member

    [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]
     
    dbf and sol like this.
  8. sol

    sol Very Senior Member

    Fantastic photos Josh, thanks for sharing. Did your Grandfather ever talk about his experience on Attu?
     
  9. JoshArterburn

    JoshArterburn Junior Member

    Fantastic photos Josh, thanks for sharing. Did your Grandfather ever talk about his experience on Attu?

    No, Sadly he never discussed his experience. So I have doing my best to piece together what I can about his time there. I found out he landed as part of the 78th Coast Artillery Regiment. While searching for info on that unit I found a posting for a scrapbook made by a 78th CA Rg soldier. Contained in the Alaska Archives. I requested a photo copy, In it there was a memorandum from the Colonel of the 78th to his men after the battle.

    To all Officers, Warrant Officers and Enlisted Men of the 78th C.A. (AA) and batteries G and H 501st C.A. (AA)

    This has been a most difficult operation from an Antaircraft standpoint alone, landing of men, supplies, delicate instruments, heavy and cumbersome guns has presented many problems. In addition, members of this unit were called upon to work long hours under the most trying and dangerous conditions carrying supplies and ammunition to front line units, acting as stretcher bearers to evacuate wounded, removing dead from the battlefield and finally during the Japanese break through 29-30 to form provisional infantry companies who fought with bravery and distinction in ridding our area of the remnants of the attacking force.

    After reading this I can understand why he never talked about it. He seen things a 22 year old should not have to.
     

Share This Page