December 7, 1941 will forever be remembered as an day of infamy. It was on that day that Japan attacked the military bases on the Hawaiian Island of O’ahu. Pearl Harbor Naval Base, where many of the United States Pacific fleet were docked on that day, and Hickham Field, which adjoins the Naval Base, were the two major points of attack.
It was a quiet Sunday morning when the Japanese launched 2 waves of attacks. The first wave reached the Island at 7:54 am local time with the second arriving about 15 minutes later. The raids lasted until 9:45 am.
The first attack targeted airfields and battleships.The second wave targeted other ships and shipyard facilities. After the dust had cleared eight battleships were damaged, with five sunk. Three light cruisers, three destroyers and three smaller vessels were lost along with 188 aircraft.
The Japanese lost 29 planes and five midget submarines which attempted to penetrate the inner harbor. The casualty list numbered 2,335 servicemen and 68 civilians killed, with another 1,178 wounded. Nearly 1/2 of those killed were on the Battleship USS Arizona with 1,104 men killed. The Japanese lost 65 men.
This attack was one of multiple attacks by the Japanese. During a two day period they also launched attacks in the Pacific against Malaya, Hong Kong, Guam, the Philippine Islands, Wake Island and Midway Island.
The aircraft carriers Lexington, Enterprise and Saratoga, part of the Japanese targets, were not in port that day. Also escaping damage were the fuel storage, maintenance, and dry dock facilities.
On December 8, President Roosevelt delivered his famous speech to congress requesting a Declaration of War.
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.
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.