Describe the legacy of World War II for Alaska. What happened in Alaska after the war that is largely attributed to World War II? What are Alaskan's living with today that is attributable to WWII?
The greatest legacy of World War II for Alaska are the many military bases that were established throughout the state.
Nearly all of the military bases that are present and operating in Alaska today were built and put into operation during World War II. These military bases have had and continue to have a profound effect on the culture and economy of the communities that they reside in.
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| Coast Guard Helicopter on Kodiak Island |
Kodiak, where I lived for five years, has a large Coast Guard Base (which originally began as a Navy Base). During my time in Kodiak, many of my friends and associates from school, church and community activities were "coasties".
Although I never had any formal ties with the coast guard I attended many social and recreational events on the base, including weddings, brunches, senior prom, swimming at the recreation center and walking at Jewel Beach.
In Fairbanks, where I presently live, the school that I work at is located very close to Fort Wainwright Army Base (which originally began as Ladd Airfield). We have many students at our school who's family are in the military.
This presents unique challenges as many of these families have a deployed member, and our population tends to be very transient.
This also creates opportunities for our school community. This coming Thursday, our school is hosting a celebration to honor the military families that attend our school.
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| Fort Wainwright Soldiers completing training exercises |
The military bases have a huge impact on the economy of their surrounding communities by providing employment opportunities and bringing new members of the workforce into the community.
In addition to the enlisted members of the military, many individuals work for the United States Government on and around these bases on a contract capacity.
Spouses and other family members of military personnel often obtain employment in the communities where they are stationed. At my elementary school we currently have three teachers who are military spouse's.
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| Beginning of the Alaska Highway |
Many of the roads that connect the various regions of Alaska were constructed or upgraded during the war.
The Alaska Highway, which connects Alaska with the rest of the continental United States, was built by the military during World War II.
Many modern airstrips were also first built during World War II.
In summary, it is largely because of Alaska's involvement in World War II that we have many large military bases in operation today, and a relatively easy time with transportation both within Alaska and outside of Alaska.
Describe the Major Events in the Aleutian Campaign of World War II.
1942
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| Dutch Harbor After Japanese Attack, June 3, 1942 |
Americans immediately begin bombing raids on Attu and Kiska and air to air fights with Japanese aircraft in an effort to retake Attu and Kiska.
During this time American submarines also attack Japanese ships carrying supplies and arms to Attu and Kiska.
1943
February-The last air-to-air fight between Japanese and American planes over the Aleutian Islands.
March-United States Navy ships intercept Japanese ships attempting to transport more troops to Kiska. This "Battle of the Commander Islands" causes the Japanese to retreat.
After this battle the Japanese are isolated and only occasionally able to receive supplies snuck in from destroyers and submarines.
Late April-Invasion force arrives in Alaska and gathers at Cold Bay.
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| Soldiers hauling supplies on Attu May 1943 |
Of the 15,000 American troops sent ashore, over 3,697 were killed or wounded due to battle or weather related injuries.
Only 29 of the 2,400 Japanese troops on the Island survived the battle.
After Attu is retaken the Americans began to plan the recapture of Kiska. Runways are built on Attu and Shemya Island, troops are assembled and bombing raids on Kiska increase.
During this time the Japanese attempt to remove their troops by submarine. The Japanese eventually abandon these attempts because American forces sink many of their submarines.
July 28-The Japanese manage a secret escape of Kiska.
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| Japanese occupation site on Kiska Island |
Unaware of the Japanese escape, the Americans continue to attack Kiska by air and plan an invasion, thinking that the Japanese might simply have retreated inland.
August 15-A combined invasion force of 144,000 American and Canadian troops go ashore on Kiska and find the Japanese gone.
Summary
This section once again brought back memories of my time spent in Kodiak. I remember hiking, camping, running, beach combing, picnicking and berry picking at Fort Ambecrombie State Park, which is full of World War II history. I also remember seeing bunkers on hills and cliffs all over the Island.
This section also made me contemplate the huge impact that the military has on Alaskan Life. If all of the military bases were shut down, I think Alaska would change drastically.
I found the readings about the Aleutian Campaign fascinating. It made me so sad to think about the miserable weather conditions that the soldiers had to fight in and how unprepared they were for these conditions. The readings also made me feel sad for the Japanese soldiers on Attu, who were so outnumbered by the Americans, and who in many cases jumped off of a cliff rather than surrender.
Three Blogs
Claire gives a nice overview of Sheldon Jackson's influence on education in Alaska. She also has an interesting section on healthcare in Girdwood.
Kristin has some great pictures. She also gives a nice overview of factors that have influenced settlement patterns in Alaska.
Chris also has a great picture of a moose and a policeman and a thought provoking section about Sheldon Jackson.
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