[skeeter]

an attempt to reinforce the Japanese garrisons was repulsed with heavy losses in the Battle of the Komandorski Islands.

I'm being nitpicky, but this really isn't true. In fact, the US came THIS close to losing this particular battle. As it was, this minor engagement between heavy cruisers was fought to a draw, tactically.

[reg45]

We were fortunate that Admiral Hosogaya (IJN) broke off the battle when he did. The USN force was outnumbered (four cruisers (2 CA, 2 CL) to two (1 CA, 1 CL)) and had the battle continued the USS Salt Lake City (CA) would probably have been sunk.

The USN commander Admiral McMorris was more aggressive in spite of his numerical disadvantage. This may have convinced Hosogaya that the USN had additional forces near by.