Sunday, December 7 - Washington D.C. - The last part of the Japanese message, stating that diplomatic relations with the U.S. are to be broken off, reaches Washington in the morning and is decoded at approximately 9 a.m. About an hour later, another Japanese message is intercepted. It instructs the Japanese embassy to deliver the main message to the Americans at 1 p.m. The Americans realize this time corresponds with early morning time in Pearl Harbor, which is several hours behind. The U.S. War Department then sends out an alert but uses a commercial telegraph because radio contact with Hawaii is temporarily broken. Delays prevent the alert from arriving at headquarters in Oahu until noontime (Hawaii time) four hours after the attack has already begun.
Sunday, December 7 - Islands of Hawaii, near Oahu - The Japanese attack force under the command of Admiral Nagumo, consisting of six carriers with 423 planes, is about to attack. At 6 a.m., the first attack wave of 183 Japanese planes takes off from the carriers located 230 miles north of Oahu and heads for the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor.
Pearl Harbor - At 7:02 a.m., two Army operators at Oahu's northern shore radar station detect the Japanese air attack approaching and contact a junior officer who disregards their reports, thinking they are American B-17 planes which are expected in from the U.S. west coast.
Near Oahu - At 7:15 a.m., a second attack wave of 167 planes takes off from the Japanese carriers and heads for Pearl Harbor.
Pearl Harbor is not on a state on high alert. Senior commanders have concluded, based on available intelligence, there is no reason to believe an attack is imminent. Aircraft are therefore left parked wingtip to wingtip on airfields, anti-aircraft guns are unmanned with many ammunition boxes kept locked in accordance with peacetime regulations. There are also no torpedo nets protecting the fleet anchorage. And since it is Sunday morning, many officers and crewmen are leisurely ashore.
At 7:53 a.m., the first Japanese assault wave, with 51 'Val' dive bombers, 40 'Kate' torpedo bombers, 50 high level bombers and 43 'Zero' fighters, commences the attack with flight commander, Mitsuo Fuchida, sounding the battle cry: "Tora! Tora! Tora!" (Tiger! Tiger! Tiger!).
The Americans are taken completely by surprise. The first attack wave targets airfields and battleships. The second wave targets other ships and shipyard facilities. The air raid lasts until 9:45 a.m. Eight battleships are damaged, with five sunk. Three light cruisers, three destroyers and three smaller vessels are lost along with 188 aircraft. The Japanese lose 27 planes and five midget submarines which attempted to penetrate the inner harbor and launch torpedoes.
Escaping damage from the attack are the prime targets, the three U.S. Pacific Fleet aircraft carriers, Lexington, Enterprise and Saratoga, which were not in the port. Also escaping damage are the base fuel tanks.
The casualty list includes 2,335 servicemen and 68 civilians killed, with 1,178 wounded. Included are 1,104 men aboard the Battleship USS Arizona killed after a 1,760-pound air bomb penetrated into the forward magazine causing catastrophic explosions.
In Washington, various delays prevent the Japanese diplomats from presenting their war message to Secretary of State, Cordell Hull, until 2:30 p.m. (Washington time) just as the first reports of the air raid at Pearl Harbor are being read by Hull.
News of the "sneak attack" is broadcast to the American public via radio bulletins, with many popular Sunday afternoon entertainment programs being interrupted. The news sends a shockwave across the nation and results in a tremendous influx of young volunteers into the U.S. armed forces. The attack also unites the nation behind the President and effectively ends isolationist sentiment in the country.
Monday, December 8 - The United States and Britain declare war on Japan with President Roosevelt calling December 7, "a date which will live in infamy..."
Thursday, December 11 - Germany and Italy declare war on the United States. The European and Southeast Asian wars have now become a global conflict with the Axis powers; Japan, Germany and Italy, united against America, Britain, France, and their Allies.
Wednesday, December 17 - Admiral Chester W. Nimitz becomes the new commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Both senior commanders at Pearl Harbor; Navy Admiral Husband E. Kimmel, and Army Lt. General Walter C. Short, were relieved of their duties following the attack. Subsequent investigations will fault the men for failing to adopt adequate defense measures.
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PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S ADDRESS TO CONGRESS
Source:
Pamphlet No. 4, PILLARS OF PEACE
Documents Pertaining To American Interest In Establishing A Lasting World Peace:
January 1941-February 1946
Published by the Book Department, Army Information School,
Carlisle Barracks, Pa., May 1946
Pamphlet No. 4, PILLARS OF PEACE
Documents Pertaining To American Interest In Establishing A Lasting World Peace:
January 1941-February 1946
Published by the Book Department, Army Information School,
Carlisle Barracks, Pa., May 1946
Yesterday, 7 December 1941-a date which will live in infamy-the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government had deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives were lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the
Philippine Islands.
Page 4
Last night Japanese forces attacked Wake Island.
This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.
Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.
I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces-with the unbounded determination of our people-we will gain the inevitable triumph-so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, 7 December, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.
Poster for Pearl Harbor and the Axis Powers.
Poster stating to always remember Pearl Harbor.
Poster showing that we have not rolled over to the Japs and that we are going to hit them back even harder.
Pearl Harbor wreckage in the waters.
USS Arizona burning at Pearl Harbor.
The USS California on fire in Pearl Harbor.
Link to where I found these amazing color pictures: http://www.history.com/topics/battle-of-midway/photos#pearl-harbor
Another link for more information on Pearl Harbor: http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/pearl.htm
Battle of Midway Visuals:
F or centuries, thousands of albatrosses have lived on the desolate islands that comprise the Midway Atoll. Beautiful in flight, but ungainly in their movement on land, the albatrosses were called "gooney birds" by the men stationed on the islands during World War II. The birds soiled the runways, clogged the engines of departing aircraft, and were always, always underfoot. Today, the shadows of their huge wings still dapple the glassy sea as they glide towards the islands to nest. They still perch on the airport runways and the old ammunition magazines and gun batteries, but they no longer need to do daily battle with America's armed forces for possession of the islands. Inhabited by humans for less than a century, Midway dominated world news for a brief time in the early summer of 1942. These tiny islands were the focus of a brutal struggle between the Japanese Imperial Navy and the United States Pacific Fleet. The U.S. victory here ended Japan's seemingly unstoppable advance across the Pacific and began a U.S. offensive that would end three years later at the doorstep of the Home Islands. |
![[Photo] Bunker on Midway Island.](http://www.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/90midway/90images/90covercl.jpg "[Photo] Bunker on Midway Island.")
An overview of the positioning of aircraft carriers, heavy cruisers, and battleships during the Battle of Midway.
Another war poster for the Battle of Midway. Represents the Kamakazi Fighters for Japan.
The strategy or planning of the capture of Midway Atoll.
Battle of Midway map.
American fighter plane dropping a bomb during the Battle of Midway.
The American aircraft carrier USS Yorktown takes a hit, while being assaulted during the Battle of Midway.
Link for information above on the Battle of Midway:
http://www.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/90midway/90midway.htm
A link for more info on the Battle of Midway:
http://www.microworks.net/pacific/battles/midway.htm
Iwo Jima Visuals:
Top 10 Facts About the Battle of Iwo Jima
E.H Ezra, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Jul 5, 2007 "Contribute content like this. Start Here."
The Battle of Iwo Jima occurred in February of 1945 as part of World War II. The capture of Iwo Jima was part of a three-point American plan. This plan was an important tactic for winning the war in the Far East. Iwo Jima is a small island in the Pacific located at the foot of the Bonin Island chain south of Honshu, a main Japanese island. Though small in size, Iwo Jima had tactical importance. There were two Japanese airfields located on the island. American's wanted to gain control of these airfields and use them as emergency landing bases for damages planes during bombing raids. These important airfields could also be used for American fighter planes to escort bombers. The Japanese were aware that this small island was of importance, and were determined to keep control of the land mass. Due to the small size of the island, the Japanese had no way to launch an attack. Their only option was to defend the island. Strong Japanese defensive positions were built, especially in the north.
For three days prior to the attack on Iwo Jima, American battleships launched a barrage on the island. The first day of American landing was February 19, 1945. American bombings were not as successful as hoped, and the Marines suffered many casualties. The battleship bombings allowed Japanese soldiers to find hiding-holes for snipers. This meant that American movement inland was hindered because the area was heavily bombed. By the end of the first day, America was successful in cutting the island in two, yet suffered over 2,400 casualties. On the second day of attack, the Marines invaded Mount Suribachi and were faced with Japanese defense. Suribachi was taken after three days of fighting, on February 23.
The American Flag Raisers in Iwo Jima.
Picture showing the rugged terrain at the Northern end of Iwo Jima.
Described as "Just Sand and Rock" on Iwo Jima.
The Japanese Rocket Bomb.
Described as "Junk and wreckage on the Landing Beaches."
"Caves were numerous" is what this picture says. Caves are what the Japanese hid in. That's why we barely saw them.
This is the link to these photos: http://www.iwojima.com/battle/battle-photos.htm
Another link for more info on Iwo Jima: http://www.military.com/NewContent/0,13190,NI_Iwo_Jima2,00.html
