Front page of picture and menu of Christmas Dinner 1945 for the Ninth Field Artillery of the 3rd Division, Budingen, Germany 

Budingen Germany 1945

The Aleutian Islands Campaign of World War II is a little known but important campaign, as it saw Alaska (a then territory of the United States) invaded by Japanese forces. The Aleutian Islands are a chain of islands off the southwestern coast of Alaska, part of the “arm” of islands that stretches into the Pacific Ocean.

The Japanese invasion began with an attack on Dutch Harbor followed by a strategic retreat, then another attack further west on the island of Adak. American forces there were defeated, allowing the Japanese to capture the islands of Kiska and Attu unopposed. Within the month American forces staged a counterattack and over the next fourteen months, American and Canadian forces slowly beat back Japanese infantry and ships, successfully retaking islands.

A grim series of incidents took place when the Allied forces retook Kiska. The island was found to be abandoned. Unbeknownst to the Americans, Japanese forces had evacuated almost three weeks prior. However, many friendly fire incidents occurred once infantry landed on shore. Coupled with frostbite and Japanese booby traps left behind, 313 men lost their lives retaking an empty island.



Aleutian Islands Campaign 1942/43

Group picture of 9th Field Artillery Battery A. This was printed on a folder card with an outline of USA and Germany pointing to Budingen. Included was a menu for Christmas dinner 1945. They were a part of the 3rd Division, Rock of Marne