“An estimated 300 members are still living from the original 6,600-member unit formed in 1942 to protect Alaska, then a territory, from attack. The 26 men have enough other military service to reach the 20-year minimum for retirement pay but would lose it if the Territorial Guard service doesn’t count.”
These are native Alaskans. Sorta like the Navajo Code Talkers. These 26 gentlemen defended and prevented the Japanese from advancing up the Aleutians.
They were crack troops also, they were the only ones who could actually operate in Alaska and the Aleutians without major difficulties with the weather.