Watch WWII Fleet Air Wing 4 at Attu, Alaska (1944-1945) – US Navy Footage

Fleet Air Wing 4 played a crucial role in the Aleutian Islands campaign during World War II. This film captures the operations of the unit at Naval Airfield Attu, Alaska, between 1944 and 1945. Attu had been the site of a fierce battle after Japanese forces occupied the island in June 1942. The U.S. Army launched an assault on May 11, 1943, against 2,600 Japanese troops using 15,000 soldiers. The battle ended on May 29, 1943, after a final charge by the defenders. Only 28 Japanese soldiers survived, while U.S. forces suffered 550 killed and 1,150 wounded. Another 1,800 were injured due to the harsh environment.

Arrival of Fleet Air Wing 4

On April 26, 1944, Fleet Air Wing 4 moved its operations from Adak Naval Air Station to Attu. The unit had been stationed at Adak since March 1943, supporting reconnaissance and bombing missions. The footage in this series provides a glimpse into the conditions these sailors endured. Heavy snow frequently covered the base, creating challenges for aircraft operations and daily life.

The film showcases aircraft such as the Lockheed Ventura bomber and the Consolidated PBY Catalina. These planes were used for patrols, anti-submarine warfare, and transport missions. The footage also reveals the wreckage of Japanese military equipment, left behind after the 1943 battle.

Life on Attu and Historical Remains

The film captures daily routines, including meal preparation and moments of leisure. It also shows remains of Japanese soldiers in abandoned fighting positions, evidence of the brutal battle. The cemeteries of both American and Japanese troops appear in the footage. In 1946, the U.S. government relocated American remains to Fort Richardson, Alaska.

The final reel features the unknown filmmaker boarding a U.S. Navy destroyer, marking the end of his time on Attu.

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