Battle of Kiska

After fighting ended on Attu, American forces turned their attention to retaking Kiska. Between June 1 and August 15, American planes dropped two and a half million pounds of bombs on Japanese positions. On top of that, the Navy bombarded the island from cruisers and destroyers.  

Realizing the island was indefensible and badly needing the troops elsewhere, Japanese leaders decided to attempt a rescue. Under the cover of fog, a fleet of eight Japanese ships sneaked past the American blockade and entered Kiska Bay on the night of July 28th. Within an hour, they evacuated 5,183 men and left undetected by American forces.

Due to the heavy casualties suffered at Attu, planners were expecting another difficult and costly operation. 34,000 American and Canadian troops were assembled for the invasion. On August 15, the Allied forces landed on the beach unopposed and discovered the island was empty except for a few stray dogs. Japan had secretly evacuated its forces three weeks earlier. For the last three weeks, American planes and ships had been relentlessly bombing a deserted island.

However, the invasion of the deserted island was not without costs. Allied forces suffered over 300 casualties. The Navy destroyer Amner Read struck a mine in Kiska Harbor, killing 70 sailors. Other casualties occurred due to friendly fire, vehicle accidents, landmines, and booby traps. 

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