Attu--Visual 2

Inquiry Question
Historical Context

Map

Readings

Drawing 1
Photos 4 & 5
Photo 6

Activities

Visual Evidence

Photo 1: Japanese snow trenches near the top of Fishhook Ridge and overlooking the pass from Holtz Bay to Chichagof Harbor, May 1943.

[Photo 3] with link to larger version of photo.

(U.S. Army Signal Corps)
American troops had to climb these snowfields against an unseen enemy.

Photo 2: Japanese trenches and foxholes in tundra near Clevesy Pass, Attu, October 1982.

[Photo 4] with link to larger version of photo.

(E. M. Thompson)

Photo 3: General Holtz Bay area and beach looking northwest from the top of the ridge separating the east and west arms, June 1943.

[Photo 6] with link to larger version of photo.

(U.S. Signal Corps)
This photograph was taken after the American occupation. Note the wreckage of the Japanese Zero aircraft on the beach. On the ground just above the beach proper, the Japanese had located a battery of six 70mm duo-purpose, anti-aircraft and field artillery guns. The gun positions and the effective use of camouflage can be seen. Across the creek and to the left of the bridge, Japanese caves and a partially camouflaged building are visible.

Questions for Photos 1-3

1. Examine the three photos, paying close attention to the captions. How did the Japanese use the natural environment of Attu to defend their occupation of the island?

2. What advantages did the Japanese have over the American troops?

3. Note the date that Photo 2 was taken. What does this photo demonstrate about the effect troops had on the environment?

* The photos on this screen have a resolution of 72 dots per inch (dpi), and therefore will print poorly. You can obtain a high quality version of Photo 1, Photo 2, and Photo 3, but be aware that each file will take as much as 35 seconds to load with a 28.8K modem.

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Comments or Questions

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National Park Service arrowhead with link to NPS website.