Attu

island, Alaska, United States

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June 18, 2026

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Attu is an island in Alaska, United States, and is the westernmost of the Aleutian Islands. It is located approximately 1,500 miles west of the Alaska Peninsula. During World War II, Attu was one of the U.S. islands occupied by Japan. In May 1943, U.S. forces landed on Attu and fought to recapture the island, which was a strategic objective to prevent further Japanese attacks on Alaskan bases and to secure the Allied flank in the Pacific. The recapture of Attu and Kiska increased the Allied ability to conduct bombing attacks and heightened Japanese fears of an invasion.123

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Aleutian Islands
…of the Alaska Peninsula to Attu Island, Alaska, U.S. The Aleutians occupy a total area of 6,821 square miles (17,666 square km).
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…of the Alaska Peninsula to Attu Island, Alaska, U.S. The Aleutians occupy a total area of 6,821 square miles (17,666 square km).
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World War II
The Solomons, Papua, Madagascar, the Aleutians, and Burma, July 1942–May 1943
…air attacks against Kiska and Attu from Adak the next month and from Amchitka also in the following January, while a naval blockade prevented the Japanese from reinforcing their garrisons. Finally, U.S. troops, bypassing Kiska, invaded Attu on May 11, 1943—to kill most of the island’s 2,300 defenders in three…
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…air attacks against Kiska and Attu from Adak the next month and from Amchitka also in the following January, while a naval blockade prevented the Japanese from reinforcing their garrisons. Finally, U.S. troops, bypassing Kiska, invaded Attu on May 11, 1943—to kill most of the island’s 2,300 defenders in three…
Read More