An old-fashioned gun battle at sea.
Launched either as a move to protect its northern flank or as a diversion from its impending assault on Midway, the Japanese occupation of Kiska and Attu islands at the western end of the Aleutian Chain on June 3, 1942 eventually led to one of the most unusual sea battles of the Second World War. The two islands were strategically insignificant – so much so that the United States made minimal effort to expel the invaders. The Japanese, on the other hand, had to regularly resupply the isolated garrisons. On February 8, 1943, the USS Indianapolis (CA 35) intercepted and sank an unescorted Japanese supply ship near Attu. It was thus vital to the Japanese forces that the next delivery of supplies be successful. Three supply ships were dispatched. The Japanese Imperial Navy sent a task force of two heavy cruisers, two light cruisers, and five destroyers to serve as escorts. The US Navy suspected that a resupply mission was being launched, but was unaware of its size or of the extent of the escort force. It, therefore, sent out the heavy cruiser Salt Lake City (CA 25), a light cruiser, and four destroyers. Neither side dispatched submarines or aircraft. On the morning of March 27, 1943, approximately 180 miles west of Attu and 100 miles south of the Komandorski Islands, the two forces met unexpectedly. The Japanese transport vessels scurried away to the north. The opposing cruisers opened fire and scored hits, but generally with little effect. After several hours, the steering gear on the Salt Lake City failed, severely restricting her maneuverability. Meanwhile the US destroyers laid down a smoke-screen to protect the flagship. Regardless, the Salt Lake City eventually took a hit that partially flooded the engine room. Water got into the fuel oil and extinguished the boilers, bringing the cruiser to a halt. The US destroyers attacked the Japanese task force with torpedoes and 5-inch guns as the cruiser was able to get underway at eight knots. The Japanese, not realizing the peril into which the Salt Lake City had been placed, reversed course. The battle was over. The Japanese had inflicted more damage on the US Navy vessels than they had received, but the conflict was a strategic victory of the Americans as they were left in possession of the field of battle. The three transports never reached their destination, returning to port as soon as they were able. The Japanese forces in the Aleutians were cut off. US forces recaptured Attu in a grueling campaign that started on May 11 and ended with an unsuccessful banzai charge on May 30, 1943. Small groups of Japanese soldiers continued to resist until July. The Japanese troops on Kiska were eventually evacuated by submarine in August.