Memorial Alaska Territorial Guard

"Alaskan Territorial Guard
1942-1947

During World War II under the leadership of
Major 'Muktuk' Marston and 21 paid staff, 6,368
Volunteers from 7 Native ethnic groups and European
Americans, whose collective ages ranged from 12-80 years
of age, including some 30 women, watched the northern shores
of Alaska for enemy movement and were instrumental in the
Battle for Attu, a foreign war battle fought on domestic soil.
In commemoration of their personal sacrifices for our
'Freedom'
Sponsored by -Alaska Native Veterans Association"

The territorial unit was nicknamed the 'Eskimo Scouts' or 'Tundra Army'.

The battle of Attu was the only time Allied Forces fought the Japanese in snowy conditions. On 7 June 1942 the Japanese invaded the islands of Attu, Kiska and Adak in the Aleutian Islands. The Americans feared the development of airfields to strike home territory. The Allies (mainly American but with Canadian support) invaded the islands on 11 May 1943 and all Japanese forces were killed, committed suicide or were captured, however some 200 were recording as missing or holding out until September.

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