There were actually 2 American airfields on Attu; Alexai Point to the east operational by June 1943 and Casco Cove by August. Both used also by Navy planes ( Fleet Air Wing 4 ) including PVs and PBYs. Note Japanese airstrip on Holtz Bay.
Shemya in use June also ( it had a 10,000ft. bomber runway) and the 344FS (P-40s) moved there, the 54FS re-locating from there to Attu in late Nov. and remaining til end of war. Apparently they continued their markings of yellow numbers and nose tips for some time. The 344th had a detachment on Attu.
Attu had been captured in May and the 343FG HQ was installed at Alexai in Jan. 1944; the group flew it's last combat missions in October, the main target of Kiska having been abandoned by the Japanese in August.
Alex is quite likely right about the original photo; the removal of identification and apparent assembly in one area ( not much chance of attacks by Japanese planes at this time except maybe medium bombers from the Kuriles) --plus the late 1943--1944 insignia ---the P-38Es were well worn by then---could mean disposal due.
I believe by 1945 all 4 squadrons ---11th, 18th, 54th and 344th---had later model P-38s .
Incidentally there is a drawing of P-38E no.91 "Gerry II" ( note spelling here) in a Nov. 1988 modelling magazine; it has the early bar-less insignia, yellow number and nose tip, white name and the 54th fighting leopard on the booms. Serial given as 41-2227, carried on tail. Date would be the first half of 1943. Presumably the same aircraft as above. I don't think the squadron's F-4s and 5s had nose numbers.
This is a rough sketch showing the 3 airfields, note mountain close to west side of Casco field. Massacre Bay was named after a slaughter of native Aleuts by Russians in the 18th century.
Nick
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