During World War II, Japanese forces occupied Kiska and other Aleutian Islands off the Alaskan mainland. By taking the islands, the Japanese hoped to prevent a U.S. attack from the Northern Pacific. The U.S., fearing the islands would be used as a base for attacks against the West Coast, began a campaign to retake the Aleutians. The campaign ended with the recapture of Kiska Island. Even though Kiska Battlefield is in a remote location, it's threatened by erosion, looting, and decay. - NPS