Pearl Harbor: The Ultimate Guide to the Attack
Pearl Harbor is one of the most well-known attacks in United States history. On December 7th, 1941, Japan launched a surprise military attack against the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The attack killed more than 2,000 American service members, wounded over 1,000, and heavily damaged eight battleships. It launched the U.S. into World War II and changed the world’s political landscape overnight. For better understanding this pivotal event in history, here is the ultimate guide to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Time, Location and Casualties of the Attack
The attack on the Pearl Harbor Naval Base began at 7:48 AM on December 7th, 1941, when Japanese planes descended on the harbor. The planes quickly caused massive destruction in the area, creating extensive damage to the ships and airplanes. The attack occurred during a Sunday morning as most of the sailors were asleep in their bunks. The Japanese planes managed to inflict significant damage during the two hour duration of the attack.
The total casualties were 2,403 service members and civilians killed, 1,178 wounded, and at least 103 American aircraft lost. In addition, four American battleships, two destroyers, and one minelayer battleship were sunk, and all eight battleships suffered some form of damage.
Preparations for the Attack
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise tactical movement by the Japanese, but many preparations were made in the months preceding the attack. In 1927, the Japanese began making strategic plans to attack Pearl Harbor, though the specific plans weren’t drafted until 1941.
The Japanese deliberately refrained from sharing the plans with any other parties as to keep their intentions secret. To further disguise the preparations, new radar systems were created along the Japanese coastline to simulate a 1st Air Fleet there. The Japanese sent many false messages leading the United States to believe the attack was coming to other locations in the Pacific.
The Japanese Carriers of the Attack
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was coordinated by six aircraft carriers—Akagi, Kaga, Hiryu, Soryu, Shokaku, and Zuikaku—collectively known as Kido Butai. The aircraft carriers were heavily armed with 351 aircraft in total that included dive bombers, torpedo bombers, and fighter planes. According to many sources, each carrier had their own team of bombers and fighter planes assigned to it in order to create coordinated attacks on the US fleet.
The commanders of the carriers were Admiral Chūichi Nagumo and Captain Mitsuo Fuchida. Admiral Nagumo was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the 1st Air Fleet and was tasked with carrying out the attack. Captain Fuchida was in charge of giving the signal for the attack, and he was the first to detect the US fleet.
The Actions of the US Fleet
The US Pacific Fleet had seven battleships, but only one of them was at sea when the attack began. Five of the battleships in the harbor were destroyed, and several of the fleets’ priority targets—the dry docks and fuel storage areas—were damaged.
The US does not have sufficient evidence of advanced warnings about the attack, so some of the destruction could have been avoided. However, with so little time to react, the US was unable to respond properly. As a result, several of the battleships were sunk, and many military personnel were killed or injured.
The Aftermath of the Attack
The US suffered massive destruction at the hands of the Japanese attack. President Roosevelt addressed the nation on December 8th, 1941, and declared that December 7th would live in infamy. The US declared war on Japan on December 8th, 1941, and officially entered World War II.
The US formed the Rainbow Five Plan, which was a strategy plan for defending the United States by neutralizing the Japanese forces in the Pacific. The Rainbow Five Plan was instrumental in the success of many of the US’s operations in the Pacific during World War II.
Legacy of the Attack
Nearly 80 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the events of the day are still remembered. The National Park Service commemorates December 7th, 1941 by observing National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day each year. The National Park Service is dedicated to preserving the memories of those who served and lost their lives in the attack.
The attack on Pearl Harbor is still remembered today as one of the most cataclysmic events in US history. It serves as a potent reminder of the power and destruction present in military conflict, as well as the power of hope and resilience in times of crisis.
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a shocking act of aggression that changed the course of history. The attack killed over 2,000 Americans, wounded over 1,000 more, and heavily damaged eight battleships. Although the attack was unexpected, significant preparations were made beforehand by the Japanese. The attack was coordinated by six aircraft carriers and commanded by Admiral Chūichi Nagumo and Captain Mitsuo Fuchida. The US was devastated by the destruction caused by the Japanese attack and quickly declared war on Japan and then, ultimately, entered World War II. Pearl Harbor is remembered as one of the most cataclysmic events in US history and continues to serve as a reminder of the power, destruction, and hope found in war.
