![]() ![]() The Japanese forces were pushed to the sea, and the Americans planned to bombard them the next day. In the evening hours of May 28, American forces occupied the high ground in Chichagof Valley, controlling three critical hills: Fish Hook, Buffalo, and Engineer. They didn’t rub their feet or change socks.” Captain William H. They stayed in their holes with wet feet. “The ones who suffered were the ones who didn’t keep moving. When possible, the Americans took the superior clothing from dead Japanese soldiers, risking being shot by their own troops when they saw the enemy uniforms. ![]() Men had to keep moving to stay warm, even if it meant exposing themselves to enemy fire. Japanese and American soldiers alike were scoured by 120 mile-per-hour winds, drenched by rain, and blinded by fog. If untreated, trench foot could turn gangrenous and result in amputation. ![]() Men who had no chance to change out of their sodden, poorly constructed boots for weeks endured “trench foot,” a condition caused by prolonged exposure to a cold, wet, and unsanitary environment. The Army had not taken the weather into account when they supplied the soldiers with their outdoor gear, and as a result many fell victim to exposure and suffered from frostbite and fever. Over 2,100 American soldiers were taken out of action due to disease and non-battle injuries while nearly 1,700 were killed or wounded by the Japanese (see below for casualty figures). In fact, the weather was responsible for more American casualties than enemy fire. In addition to constantly being on their guard against the Japanese, the Americans also had to contend with Attu’s weather. “It was rugged.the whole damned deal was rugged, like attacking a pillbox by way of a tightrope.in winter.” Lt. As they moved across the island, Americans had to search every hollow to ensure against surprise attacks. There were few large-scale engagements as in the rest of the Pacific Theater, the Japanese preferred to employ “small group” tactics, using the rough terrain of Attu to their advantage and lying motionless for hours in foxholes until they could pin down American units with sniper fire. For over two weeks, battles raged over the tiny island. soldiers landed on the northern and southern ends of Attu Island. ![]()
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