Attu's empty interval and costly American recapture

Japan initially planned only a short occupation of Attu, and its first garrison shifted to Kiska. Attu was left empty from August until October 1942, an unnoticed interval that offered the possibility of a comparatively easy American recapture. Japan then returned in greater strength to build fortifications and an airfield. When 15,000 American troops landed in May 1943, nearly three weeks of fighting ended in a mass Japanese charge. American losses included 549 killed, more than 1,100 wounded, and thousands evacuated for weather-related injuries, while only 29 Japanese defenders survived. After the recapture, American forces built a better-sited airfield for bomber attacks against Japan.