Ep 9. War in the North: The Aleutians

In War in the Pacific season 1 episode 9, titled "War in the North: The Aleutians," viewers are taken to the Aleutian Islands, a remote chain stretching from Alaska to Russia, where the Japanese launched an unexpected attack in June 1942. The episode explores the strategic importance of the islands, which served as a natural barrier and supply line between Asia and North America.

The episode opens with the story of the Japanese occupation of Kiska Island, one of the Aleutians' westernmost islands. The Japanese seized the island without resistance while US forces were focused on the war in the Pacific theater. The occupation of Kiska shocked American leaders and led to fears of a full-scale invasion of Alaska.

Viewers are then introduced to the US efforts to reclaim the Aleutians, which began with the Battle of Dutch Harbor in June 1942. The battle was a costly defeat for the US, but it demonstrated the need for a strong defensive presence in Alaska. The US ultimately launched a two-pronged offensive to reclaim the Aleutians: one force would attack Attu Island, while the other would attack Kiska.

The episode highlights the challenges of fighting in the Aleutians, which were characterized by harsh weather, rugged terrain, and limited resources. The Japanese forces, though outnumbered, were well-equipped and heavily fortified, further complicating the US efforts.

Through interviews with historians and archival footage, the episode showcases the fierce fighting that took place on Attu. The US forces encountered unexpected resistance from the Japanese, who had entrenched themselves in the island's hills and valleys. The battle on Attu was one of the deadliest of the Pacific Theater, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.

Meanwhile, the US launched their offensive on Kiska, only to find that the Japanese had already abandoned the island. The Japanese had used the fog to slip away undetected, leaving behind booby traps and other hazards that would take months for the US to clear.

The episode concludes with the aftermath of the Aleutian campaign, in which the US reclaimed the islands but at a high cost. The campaign demonstrated the importance of a strong defensive presence in Alaska, leading to the construction of numerous military bases and installations in the area. The Aleutian campaign also showed that the war in the Pacific was far from over, and that the Japanese were capable of unexpected attacks even in the most remote corners of the theater.

Overall, "War in the North: The Aleutians" is a gripping episode that showcases the lesser-known battles of the Pacific Theater. The episode is rich in history and features insightful commentary from historians, war veterans, and other experts. Viewers will gain a new appreciation for the challenges of fighting in the cold, harsh Aleutian environment, as well as the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought there.