CAF Member Pens Guide to Aleutian Island Campaign
February 28, 2024 - Released in December 2023, "World War II Aircraft of the Aleutian Islands" by CAF Col Karen Abel delves into the often-overlooked campaign in Alaska, shedding light on the aircraft and pilots that served in the United States, Canada, and Japanese military. Abel meticulously crafts her narrative, drawing from interviews with pilots and various records, accompanied by a plethora of historical and recent images of warbirds, including those captured by Ted Spencer at the Wings Over Alaska Airshow.
Published by the U.S. Department of the Interior/National Parks Service, the book is part of a broader effort to underscore the significance of the Aleutian Islands in American history. During World War II, this remote Alaskan region, inhabited by the Unangax people for millennia, witnessed intense battles, marking the first invasion of American soil since the War of 1812.
For Karen Abel, the journey began with a desire to understand her grandfather's service in the Royal Canadian Air Force. This personal quest evolved into a mission to share the story of the Aleutian Island campaign with others. Abel's firsthand exploration of the region fueled her passion, leading her to organize history tours in Alaska, ensuring others could experience the same connection to the past.
Abel's dedication to preserving and disseminating the history of the Aleutian Islands is evident through her numerous articles and interviews, including features on @CAFMediaTV and CAF The Dispatch. Through her work, she honors the sacrifices made and the valor displayed in this crucial but often overlooked battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Abel is an active member of the CAF Alaska Wing and B-29/B-24 Squadron.
To learn more about the National Parks Department in the Aleutian Islands, go to https://www.nps.gov/aleu/index.htm.
