Bureau of Aeronautics photograph collection, Adak, 1944-1945.
Title:
Bureau of Aeronautics photograph collection, Adak, 1944-1945.
Corporate Author:
Physical Description:
97 black and white photographs, 40 sleeves of newspaper and magazine articles, small spiral notebook of clippings
General Note:
In the Alaska State Library, Historical Collections, P.O. Box 110571, Juneau, AK 99811-0571.
Abstract:
The images in this collection were taken largely on and around Adak Island, Alaska, in 1944 and 1945. Over a third of the photographs are aerial views. A majority of the prints are numbered, dated, and stamped with the following notification: "Official photograph, not to be used for publication, by order of Chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics. Unit: U.S. Naval Air Station, Adak, Alaska." During the Aleutian Campaign, these photographs would have conveyed sensitive information about the military operation on Adak Island.
Subject Term:
Added Title:
They came to Attu.
Aleutians, they are barren links between two worlds.
Mission over Kiska.
Biographical/Historical Data:
In August of 1942, U.S. forces established an air base on Adak Island, following the Japanese attack on Dutch Harbor in June of that year. After attacking Dutch Harbor, the Japanese landed occupying troops on the westerly islands in the Aleutian Chain, notably Kiska and Attu, and the U.S. needed a base for bombing raids. Adak served in that capacity, as headquarters and support base for what came to be called the Aleutian Campaign. By 1943, there were as many as 90,000 men stationed on Adak, and their living conditions were Spartan. Gusting winds on the treeless island blew away gear, tents, and even planes; and winter temperatures were freezing cold. To occupy their free time, men played poker and other card games. There were also visits to Adak by USO (United Service Organizations) troupes that performed shows at the Naval Air Station Theater.
Restrictions on Access:
The collection is unrestricted.