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

Black and white photo of man seated at typewriter, wearing radio headset, in an office.
Williwaw Newsletter: 80th Anniversary

Learn about the 80th Anniversary of the bombing of Dutch Harbor and Battle of Attu, as well as other stories from the Aleutians.

Black and white photo of B25 airplane and jeep with man in it.
Battle of Attu: 60 Years Later

Lasting 18 days, the Battle of Attu was one of the deadliest battles of World War II, but it remains one of the least well-known.

Black and white photo of a town with burning buildings and billowing smoke.
Bombing of Dutch Harbor

Six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese aircraft struck at U.S. Army and Navy installations at Dutch Harbor on Amaknak Island.

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.

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.

Black and white landscape photo of mountains and water.
Attu, A Lost Village of the Aleutians

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

Group of people in rain great holding a white cross beside an old building in a green field.
The Beginning of Memory

The following oral histories provide many details about life in Makushin, Kashega, & Biorka as remembered by people who were children then.

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.

Two silhouettes of uniformed people in front of a 48 star flag
Story of the Month: Floristic Changes

Scientists researching plants in the Aleutian Islands learn about the impacts of humans, invasive species, and climate change.

Black and white map of the Aleutian Islands in Alaska
The Iron Ring

Explore the strategic forts and outposts of the Aleutian Islands during World War II.

Last updated: May 21, 2023

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Affiliated Areas, Alaska Regional Office
National Park Service
240 W 5th Avenue

Anchorage, AK 99501

Phone:

907 644-3472

Contact Us