Japan Invades Aleutian Islands

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JAPANESE MAKE LANDINGS IN ALEUTIAN ISLANDS; U.S. WARSHIPS SHELL FOE, AMERICAN TROOPS ATTACK ATTƯISLAND DEFEAT JAPS 170P fort Rangan 29 BERIN G UMNAK SI SEMPO ANA Censtanties Harber AMCHTKA NORTH Japan invades Meutan Islonds June 1942 PACE nCE A N OIAMAPOLIS 17 1992 46206 Chir Calle IN INDIAN

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JAPAN INVADES ALEUTIAN ISLANDS First Day of Issue: August 17, 1992 First Issue Location: Indianapolis, Indiana In June of 1942, as a diversionary move for their Midway operation, the Japanese invaded the islands of Attu and Kiska in the Aleutian archipelago. The islands were of little strategic significance, however, as their bitterly cold climate and rocky landscape rendered air operations dubious at best. Not until May of 1943 did American forces make a move to recapture the islands. The first assault was aimed at the snow-covered mountains of Attu, and the battles there ignited the biggest banzai charge of the war. Hundreds of frustrated Japanese made a desperate suicide charge at American lines. Over 2,300 Japanese were killed and 550 Americans died. By June 3, most the Japanese garrison on Attu was annihilated. With Attu captured, the Allies turned their military might 170 miles east toward Kiska and the main Japanese base. On Aug. 15, 1943, American and Canadian troops invaded the island, but a combination of daring and Aleutian fog allowed the Japanese to evacuate their personnel and escape unharmed. The Aleutians, however, were free. No. 92-105 First Day of Issue Postcard Collection™ ©1992 Fleetwood® Cheyenne, WY 82008-0001 Original painting for the First Day of Issue Postcard by Chris Calle Fleetwood