The world's best-preserved WWII battlefield is in Alaska

Created by RachelHill - May 30th 2016

The world's best-preserved WWII battlefield is in Alaska Map

When you visit Kiska, Alaska today you'll see the remnants of a 70-year battlefield. Anti-aircraft guns sit rusting and partially-unearthed in a meadow are the Kiska Submarine Wrecks, which include two Type A Midget Subs. These are reminders of an oft-forgotten battle that occurred in Alaska during WWII. The Japanese occupied Kiska, Alaska during the Aleutian Islands Campaign, which took place in the American and Pacific Theaters. The occupation lasted over a year, from June 6th, 1942 to July 28th, 1943.

Kiska Submarine Wrecks

Archaeologist Dirk Spennemann argues that Kiska is "the most significant intact battlefield remaining from World War II." Because of the cold weather wood, fabric, and other artifacts have been remarkably preserved throughout the past 7 decades:

"You can stand on a hill and look down at the valley and see the piers, the airstrips, the Japanese telephone poles, depressions for the Allies' tents, thousands of them. It's massive. And, 70 years later, it's all still there. In my opinion, it's an historic site of world significance." - Spennemann, Alaska Dispatch News

Kiska was home to an American-manned weather station, and when the Japanese stormed the station they killed two and captured 8 Americans, who were sent as POWs to Japan.

"A-24 Banshee Dive Bombers, used in attacks on Kiska and Attu by the 635th Bombardment Squadron."

"Aerial reconnaissance of Kiska by the Eleventh Air Force, 11 October 1942."

Anchorage Museum

Today, there's a great display at the Anchorage Museum, entitled "Kiska and Adak: War in the Aleutians". There's a variety of artifacts, gear, and digital photographs. Although Kiska, is listed as a National Historic Landmark, it's difficult to visit because there are unexploded ammunition concerns, bombs and shells scattered throughout the tundra.

In response to the occupation, American and Canadian forces waged an air campaign against the island, which was bombarded and blockaded throughout the year. When the American forces destroyed the Japanese garrison in 1943, the Imperial Japanese Navy evacuated Kiska and the Aleutian Islands campaign came to a victorious end for the Allies.