Battle for the Aleutians

During World War II the remote Aleutian Islands, home to the Unangax̂ (Aleut) people for over 8,000 years, became a fiercely contested battleground in the Pacific. This thousand-mile-long archipelago saw invasion by Japanese forces, the occupation of two islands; a mass relocation of Unangax̂ civilians; a 15-month air war; and one of the deadliest battles in the Pacific Theater. Read More

a town along a beach with a large russian church on the far left
Unangax̂ Interviews

When WWII broke out the Unangax̂ and Aleut people were caught in the crosshairs. Many were relocated. Learn more through these interviews.

Large boat at dock
Aleutian Servicemen

The pilots, sailors, and soldiers of the Aleutian Campaign went out into the treacherous Aleutian waters and skies. Discover their stories.

People in a grassy field with a Russian cross
The Lost Villages

Biorka, Kashega, and Makushin, three villages surviving centuries of change only to disappear during World War II.

Black and white photo of man seated at typewriter, wearing radio headset, in an office.
New Edition of the Williwaw!

Hot off the presses--the September 2023 edition of the Williwaw! Discover stories related to the Aleutian Campaign.

Black and white photo of people standing at boat railing.
Unangax̂ (Aleut) Experience

During and after the war the Unangax̂ faced new challenges including imprisonment, relocation, and loss of their ancestral villages.

manila paper with "The Harbor News" on it and cartoon of person in plane with sign to Berlin.
Collections

Explore objects, memoirs, training material, and newspapers from the collections.

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Attu, A Lost Village of the Aleutians

The residents of Attu, the most remote Aleutian village, had a different and especially tragic wartime experience.

Two silhouettes of uniformed people in front of a 48 star flag
Story of the Month: The Adakian

Learn about The Adakian newspaper, edited by Dashiell Hammett while he was stationed in the Aleutians during World War II.

Map of Alaska's Aleutian Islands with colorful arrows on it showing removals.
Maps of Forcible Removal

In the story of the Aleutians theater during World War II, there is a central theme - people being forcibly removed from their homes.

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Canadian Forces

Explore stories from Canadian Forces service members who worked alongside Americans in the Aleutians.

Junior ranger booklet cover with drawing of men examining a map
Be a Junior Ranger!

If you love history, cultures or far-away places, you need to check out the Aleutian World War II Junior Ranger program.

Last updated: September 29, 2023

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Affiliated Areas, Alaska Regional Office
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Anchorage, AK 99501

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907 644-3472

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