Japanese "meatball" flag from the Battle of ATTU

**AKbear** · 04-09-2010, 12:07 AM

This a flag from the island of Attu in the Aleutians islands of Alaska. The Battle to retake Attu was 2nd only to Iwo Jima as the most costly battle of the Pacific Theater!! However many have know idea about this battle and therefore the Aleutian campaign has been classified as " The Forgotten War" Growing up in Alaska I have studied this battle through out my life and is one of my favorites. Check out the Flag....

**SteveR** · 04-12-2010, 03:16 AM

Great artifact. I have one from Attu that has the writing on it . Bought it from a 7th Division vet.

**AKbear** · 04-12-2010, 04:33 AM

Yeah this was given to me by one of my neighbors while living in Alaska, we was from 17th infantry . He found it next to couple dead Japanese solders. He said during some of the battles on Attu they would tie it to there guns and charge. You should post yours Steve, I would love to see it.
Thanks
AKbear

**Alan M** · 04-12-2010, 11:31 PM

a super piece of history , thanks for showing it .

Steve , i would also like to see your flag

**SteveR** · 04-14-2010, 06:44 PM

by Alan M

a super piece of history , thanks for showing it .

Steve , i would also like to see your flag

Doing this on the fly boys. You wouldn't believe how busy I am.
This Jap flag was picked up on Attu by:
Private Laclair Tomlinson
7th Infantry Division
17th Regiment
1st Battalion
B Co.
He was wounded 5 seperate times in 5 different battles across the Pacific.
I do not have time to figure out whether the flag is front , back or upside down.
Steve

**RH1941** · 04-14-2010, 07:15 PM

AKbear & Steve two great flags thanks for showing. Gary

**Panzer 3** · 04-14-2010, 07:20 PM

Hi,
Very nice battle flag you have it looks like it has been through a rough time in it,s life. Could you tell me what the staines are,
as i have a battle flag with blood staines on it they look similar.
but more pronounced, it also lookm s a good size.
thanks dave.

**Alan M** · 04-14-2010, 09:05 PM

Hi Steve , that`s a great looking flag , but it is upside down

when you get more time i`d like to see some more shots in close up if possible. I know what you mean about being busy also

**AKbear** · 04-14-2010, 10:52 PM

by Panzer 3

Hi,
Very nice battle flag you have it looks like it has been through a rough time in it,s life. Could you tell me what the staines are,
as i have a battle flag with blood staines on it they look similar.
but more pronounced, it also lookm s a good size.
thanks dave.

You know that guy said that he found next to a couple of Japanese Solders, that we pretty much destroyed, having been out in the Aleutians and feeling the ground, I would say its a combination of both blood and wet soil.
And Steve that is a great looking flag, I love it especially being from Attu!!! Thanks for showing!!

**SteveR** · 04-14-2010, 11:46 PM

by Panzer 3

Hi,
Very nice battle flag you have it looks like it has been through a rough time in it,s life. Could you tell me what the staines are,
as i have a battle flag with blood staines on it they look similar.
but more pronounced, it also lookm s a good size.
thanks dave.

High guys;
What appears to be stains are shadows. I am moving from a house I have been in for 41 years and closing out a mining museum and a billiards hall and have to be finished by the end of June.