Castner's Cutthroats

"Castner's Cutthroats" was the colloquial name for the 1st Alaskan Combat Intelligence Platoon, more officially termed the Alaskan Scouts. Active during WWII, they played a pivotal role in pushing back Japanese forces during the Aleutian Islands Campaign. Remarkably, the team consisted of only 65 men, but their unique backgrounds and skills made them particularly apt for the reconnaissance missions they undertook in the Aleutian Islands.

Colonel Lawrence V. Castner conceived the idea of forming this elite group. His objective was to establish a squad that could operate efficiently with minimal resources. Castner handpicked individuals who had mastered the art of surviving the harsh Alaskan terrains, such as the Aleuts, Eskimos, prospectors, hunters, trappers, and fishermen. Such was their efficiency and independence that standard military regulations were often relaxed for them. Although the media dubbed them "Castner's Cutthroats," the team preferred to call themselves the Alaska Scouts.

Captain Robert H. Thompson, a former football star from Montana State University, was appointed to lead the group. He was an admired figure among his men and harbored a profound affection for Alaska. Following his tenure with the Cutthroats, Thompson chose to remain in Alaska, taking on roles as a guide, hunter, and bush pilot. His unfortunate demise came in 1955 due to an accident.

In mid-1942, Japanese forces launched an attack on Dutch Harbor and subsequently occupied the Aleutian Islands of Kiska and Attu. This move raised concerns among American leaders about potential Japanese air raids targeting the Pacific Northwest. Castner's Cutthroats were designated to spearhead reconnaissance missions, plan landing zones for amphibious assaults, and act as messengers and guides for the U.S. Army. They were also pivotal in warning the Army about the infeasibility of using wheeled vehicles on permafrost terrains and the need to provision soldiers adequately – although this warning was initially dismissed.

One significant accomplishment of the Cutthroats was the creation of an airfield on Adak Island, crucial in shortening the distance between Japanese and American bases.

The Cutthroats were not laden with standard military equipment. Instead, they were supplied with Trapper Nelson packs, hunting knives, a .22LR caliber target pistol, and sniper rifles. However, there was flexibility in choosing firearms, with the individual's preference often being the decisive factor. Their skill in living off the land allowed them to remain agile, a stark contrast to many other military units of that era.

A memorial plaque stands in Kuluk Bay, Alaska, commemorating a reconnaissance mission they undertook. This plaque recounts their pivotal role in gathering intelligence that paved the way for a subsequent U.S. landing force, instrumental in recapturing the Japanese-occupied Aleutian Islands.

Colonel Castner opted for retirement post-WWII and settled in Alaska. He ventured into the business world, first with Alaska Airlines and later by setting up his cold storage and wholesale venture in Anchorage. His life, however, was tragically cut short in December 1949. In honor of his contributions, a street in Anchorage bears his name.

The last three members of Castner's Cutthroats were William "Billy" Buck, Ed Walker, and Earl C. Acuff, passing away in 2011 and 2013 respectively. Their service and legacy continue to echo in the annals of military history.