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Aleutian World War II National Historic Area Maj. Milton Askins gives a preflight briefing to the 54th Fighter Squadron before a raid on Japanese-occupied Kiska
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Aleutian World War II National Historic Area
People
A man and woman from Unalaska Island, circa 1816.

The Unangan People

They are master seafarers, superb artists, accomplished surgeons, and skilled hunters. The Unangan people have not only survived the fierce weather of the Bering Sea for over 10,000 years, they have thrived there, building a sophisticated culture interwoven with their unique environment. Click here to find out more about the fascinating prehistory and history of the Unangan people, the terrible challenges they have faced, and the incredible obstacles they have overcome.

 
54th Fighter Squadron preflight briefing

Aleutian Airmen

Their most deadly enemy was the weather. Trapped at the edge of the world, the pilots of the Aleutian Campaign went out into the treacherous Aleutian skies repeatedly, flying thousands of miles to take the fight to the Japanese. Many flew into fog banks and mountainsides, never to return. Find out more about these brave men, their terrifying ordeals, their earthy humor, and sometimes tragic stories.

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Did You Know?
A PBY plane piloted by Lt. Jean Cusick was sent from Dutch Harbor, on June 3, 1942, to locate Japanese forces in the Pacific. He was shot down by enemy fighters en route. Five men out of the seven-man crew survived the crash and got into life rafts. Cusick and his enlisted pilot died on the rafts from their wounds. The other three were captured by the Japanese, and became the first prisoners of war in the Aleutian Campaign.

Last Updated: August 03, 2011 at 18:09 MST