Special Sub-Topic: The Japanese Invasion Click Here To Play: The Japanese Invasion

What island chain did the Japanese invade?

Aleutian & Aleutians. The Aleutian Island chain is a formidable archipelago of Alaska that poses danger to those navigating the waters around them and those scaling the mountainous terrain of the islands themselves.

In what year did the Japanese begin their invasion?

1942. Their holdings were precious: the Japanese had just been dealt a mighty blow to their naval power in losing the Battle of Midway.

Which Japanese general was in charge of the invasion?

Hideichiro Higuda. Yamamoto was the mastermind of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Tojo was the military dictator of Japan, and Hirohito was the Emperor of Japan.

Where was Alaska bombed before any islands were taken?

Dutch Harbor. Dutch Harbor and Unalaska Island were bombed before any territory was taken.

Who was the only civilian casualty of the Japanese invasion of Attu and Kiska?

Charles Foster Jones, a radio operator.. There has been much controversy over how Jones died. Some sources say he committed suicide; others say that he was shot by the Japanese.

The Japanese captured something very special on the island of Kiska. What was it?

A weather station along with ten men.. One of the men escaped for 50 days, but he finally surrendered to the Japanese. A dog was also captured along with the men. (Poor Fido!)

On which island did the Americans build a makeshift airbase in order to more easily attack Attu and Kiska?

Adak. The first aircraft landed on the Attu landing strip on the 10th of September, 1942.

The Americans invaded Attu May 11, 1943 in order to reclaim part of their homeland. On which bay did the southern invasion force land?

Massacre Bay. This aptly-named bay foreshadowed what was to come. Contrary to the soldiers' belief that the battle for Attu would last only a few days, it lasted a few weeks instead while many soldiers lost their lives.

How many days did it take for the Americans to reclaim Attu?

18. The madness ended on May 29th, 1943. "The casualties incurred during the invasion of Attu were appalling. The Americans suffered 3829 casualties, roughly 25% of the invading force, second only in proportion to Iwo Jima. Of these, 549 were killed; 1148 injured; 1200 with severe cold injuries; 614 with disease; and a remaining 318 to miscellaneous causes. On the Japanese side, 2351 men were counted by American burial parties, and hundreds more were presumed already buried. Total prisoners taken: 28 (none of whom were officers). The Japanese fought to virtually the last man." Information courtesy of http://www.hlswilliwaw.com/aleutians/Aleutians/html/aleutians-wwii.htm)

How did the Americans defeat the Japanese at Kiska?

They didn't have to. The Japanese had left.. The Japanese had left on August 30th, unknown to the Americans.