The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-27
StimsOn Claims Casualties Comparatively Light;
 l27 Killed on Attu CLEAR WEATHER NOW
 FAVORS U. s. FLYERS News of Complete Yank Victory Expected Soon; Japs Give Up Garrison

Washington, May 27. - (UP) - American troops on Attu, supported by sea and air attacks, have succeeded in gaining a foothold on the high ground south of Chicha- gof harbor after hard fight ing, the Navy announced to- day. A communique said that a U. s. Naval ship bom- barded Japanese shore in ;tallations in the Chichagof area and started numerous fires a: the ground troops continued theii drive against the Japanse force: pocketed in this vicinity. All build ings in the area have been destroyd
 Meanwhile, the right flank of the U. s. Army'S southern forces is cp- posed by Japanese force dug in on ridge in the Sarana Bay area
 Air support for the American troops was provided by Army heavy and medium bombers and fighting planes.
 The Communique also announced another attack by American fighters on the Japanese camp area at Kiska in which hits were scored in the vicinity of gun supplements.
 Jap Losses Heavier
 Washington, May N.-(UP)- American casualties on Attu Island in the Pacific and in the recently concluded Tunisian campaign have been comparatively light, Secretary of War Henry L. StimSon said to- day.
 He said American casualties on Attu reported to date were 127 killed, 399 wounded and 1l8 missing. He stressed these reports were m- complete. But Japanese losses were belieVd to be heavier.
 In the North African campaign, from the landings Nov. to May IS, American casualties totaled l8,553. These included PISA killed 9437 wounded and 6,937 missing, includ- ing prisoners of war.
 In Tunisia alone, not including Egypt and Lybia, Stimson estimated Axis casualties at 30,000 killed, 26,- 400 wounded and 266,0O0 prisoners of war total of 322, 400 Axis casualties.
 Losses of all Allied forces in Tunisia were less than 10000.
 Stimson said American forces on Attu were making steady progress, aided now by clear weather.
 We now hold both sides of the Chichagof Valley" Stimson said.
 Army units are now attacking the ridge where the Japanese forces have withdrawn. He predicted that if air operations can be continued in good weather, the clean up of the Japanese can be expedited.
 The army had been steadily ad- vancing under conditions of sleet and snow, eliminating pockets of Japanese. The weather had been mostly foggy and below freezing, with poor visibility decreasing the opportunity for air support.
 Most Of the fighting has been between infantry units in which bayonets and hand grenades have been employed.
 StimSon said the recent Japanese air attacks on Attu were carried ou. with bombers which appeared from and departed for the west, suggesting they were operating from bases in the Kurile group.
 Last Ditch Stand
 Washington, May 27-(UP)-News of the final, complete victory over the Japanese on Attu is expected in the very near future despite the fact that the enemy apparently has dug in for last ditch stand.
 Pounded by American air power whenever weather permits, com completely cut off by the U. s. Navy, and facing a su- perior ground force, the remaining Japanese appear to have only one factor-the rugged terrain of the island-to help them prolong the battle.