Discover the devastating aftermath of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, where 19 ships were sunk on December 7, 1941. Learn about the historic events, heroic sacrifices, and significant losses of the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, and other naval vessels that shaped Americas entry into World War II.
The attack on Pearl Harbor, which occurred on December 7, 1941, was a pivotal moment in world history, drawing the United States into World War II. The surprise assault by the Imperial Japanese Navy on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction of American ships and aircraft.
The USS Arizona Memorial, located at Pearl Harbor, serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost during the attack. The memorial spans the length of the sunken battleship, which was one of the 19 ships sunk or damaged during the attack. The USS Arizona was among the most heavily damaged ships, with 1,177 crew members killed in the attack.
The USS Oklahoma was another battleship that suffered extensive damage, with 415 crew members killed and over 300 injured. The USS California and USS West Virginia also suffered significant damage, with many lives lost. These ships, along with 15 others, were either sunk or heavily damaged during the attack.
Ships Sunk During the Pearl Harbor Attack
The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in significant losses for the United States Pacific Fleet. The 19 ships sunk or heavily damaged during the attack included:
- USS Arizona (BB-39)
- USS Oklahoma (BB-37)
- USS California (BB-44)
- USS West Virginia (BB-48)
- USS Utah (AG-16)
- USS Raleigh (CL-7)
- USS Cassin (DD-372)
- USS Downes (DD-375)
- USS Helm (DD-388)
- USS Oglala (CM-4)
- USS Shaw (DD-373)
- USS O'Brien (DD-415)
- USS Monaghan (DD-354)
- USS Curtiss (AV-4)
- USS Rigel (AF-58)
- USS Utah (AG-16)
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
- USS Pennsylvania (BB-38)
Aftermath of the Attack
The aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor was marked by widespread shock and outrage across the United States. The attack resulted in significant loss of life, with 2,403 Americans killed and 1,178 wounded. The attack also led to a formal declaration of war by the United States against Japan, drawing the country into World War II.
The attack on Pearl Harbor also led to significant changes in U.S. military strategy and preparedness. The attack highlighted the importance of intelligence gathering and analysis, as well as the need for improved naval defenses and contingency planning.
Investigations into the Attack
In the aftermath of the attack, several investigations were conducted to determine the causes of the attack and the extent of the damage. The Roberts Commission, established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was tasked with investigating the attack and providing recommendations for future defense strategies.
The commission's report identified several key factors that contributed to the success of the Japanese attack, including inadequate intelligence gathering and analysis, inadequate naval defenses, and inadequate communication between military leaders.
Legacy of the Attack
The attack on Pearl Harbor is remembered as a pivotal moment in American history, drawing the United States into World War II and resulting in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. The attack serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of military preparedness and the need for effective intelligence gathering and analysis.
Today, the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor serve as powerful reminders of the lives lost during the attack. Visitors to the memorial can pay their respects to the crew members who lost their lives during the attack, and learn more about the events leading up to the attack and its aftermath.
Galleries of Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor Attack Image Gallery
We invite you to share your thoughts on the significance of the attack on Pearl Harbor and its impact on American history. How do you think the attack affected the course of World War II? Share your comments below.