Castner's Cutthroats Trivia Quiz

Answer: Part of the Aleutian Islands

The Aleutian islands of Attu and Kiska were occupied by the Japanese in a surprise attack.

Answer: June 1942

On 3 June 1942 the Japanese unexpectedly bombed Dutch Harbor on Unalaska Island which was the largest U.S. base on the Aleutians. While the bombing did little damage, the Japanese were able to land and occupy Kiska and Attu islands on 6 and 7 June, respectively, with relative ease.

There were few native inhabitants at that time since most had been forcibly relocated to the Alaskan panhandle.

Answer: Experts in survival and hunting

Colonel Lawrence Castner was the leader of the 1st Combat Intelligence Platoon (Provisional), the official name of the Cutthroats. The members were Aleuts, Eskimos, trappers and miners all of whom were experts in hunting, fishing and living in the harsh Alaska environment. These abilities also enhanced their use as scouts.

Answer: Because they were an irregular military unit

Appreciating their unique talents, Col. Castner did not enforce standard military procedures on his unit, who gave themselves the name "Cutthroats". They were given a great deal of freedom in order to get the job done. Bright red scarves would not be an ideal accessory for an Alaskan scout.

Answer: Drain a small lagoon which had a flat, sandy bottom

Dutch Harbor was too far away to serve as an effective base to attack the occupying Japanese, so it was crucial to establish a closer base of operations. There was a very real concern that the Japanese would use the Aleutians as a springboard to invade mainland Alaska.

The Cutthroats provided reconnaissance and intelligence on the area prior to the occupation of Adak and their plan to drain the lagoon provided the U.S. with a much needed air base.

Answer: Alaskan weather

While the great distance from the Alaskan mainland, running the length of the Aleutian islands, was a formidable difficulty, the unpredictable and harsh weather in Alaska was something that the U.S. military was unprepared for. The only members of the military that truly appreciated this factor were the men in Castner's Cutthroats.

Answer: They ignored the Cutthroats advice on adequate warm clothing and provisions for the troops

The upper echelon did not heed the advice of their Alaskan experts and thousands of soldiers had insufficient winter gear and food for the assault which lasted several weeks. Castner's Cutthroats did their best to help the soldiers build better shelters and their successful fishing provided needed food, however of the 4,000 U.S. troops sent to Attu, some 1900 succumbed to cold injuries and disease.

Answer: Massacre Bay

The sudden Japanese attack was nearly successful and only a furious response by the weary U.S. troops prevented a rout. Over 2,000 Japanese soldiers were killed in this foray (hence the name Massacre Bay) with only 28 taken prisoner. According to one estimate, nearly 500 Japanese soldiers committed suicide rather than be taken captive.

Answer: None, as the Japanese had already left.

The Japanese forces on Kisku abandoned the island the previous 28 July. It was thought that the difficulty in re-suppling their garrison took its toll.

Answer: Guadalcanal was going on at the same time

Some military commanders considered the Japanese invasion of the Aleutians as a diversionary tactic by the Japanese and did not wish to risk drawing more resources from key Pacific locations. The Guadalcanal campaign which took place August 1942 to February 1943 was the first major offensive by the U.S. against the Japanese and concerned crucial strategic areas in the Pacific Ocean. On 7 August 1943, the U.S. was finally free of all invading forces, largely due to the efforts of Castner's Cutthroats.

These brave men deserve their place in history as defenders of American soil under particularly difficult conditions.