Intro
Discover the USS Arizonas tragic history, remembering the 1,177 lives lost during the Pearl Harbor attack. Learn about the events leading up to the devastating blow, the heroic actions of its crew, and the lasting legacy of this historic battleship. A poignant tribute to the lives lost and a pivotal moment in WWII history.
December 7, 1941, is a day that will be etched in the memories of Americans for generations to come. On that fateful morning, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, drawing the United States into World War II. Among the many ships that were sunk or damaged during the attack, the USS Arizona suffered the greatest loss of life. A total of 1,177 lives were lost when the battleship exploded and sank to the bottom of the harbor.
The USS Arizona was a Pennsylvania-class battleship that was commissioned in 1915. It was one of the largest and most advanced battleships in the world at the time, with a crew of over 1,500 officers and men. On the morning of December 7, the USS Arizona was moored in Ford Island's Berth F-7, alongside several other battleships. At 7:55 a.m., the first wave of Japanese aircraft appeared in the skies above Pearl Harbor, and the USS Arizona was among the first ships to be targeted.
The USS Arizona was hit by a 1,760-pound armor-piercing bomb, which struck the ship's forward magazine and ignited a massive explosion. The blast was so powerful that it destroyed the ship's entire forward section, killing everyone in the area instantly. The explosion also caused a fire that spread rapidly throughout the ship, engulfing everything in its path.
The Aftermath of the Attack
The attack on the USS Arizona was a devastating blow to the United States, and it had a profound impact on the country's psyche. The loss of 1,177 lives was a staggering blow, and it was a stark reminder of the sacrifices that would be required to win the war. In the days and weeks that followed, the USS Arizona became a symbol of American resilience and determination.
Rescue Efforts
Despite the chaos and destruction caused by the attack, rescue efforts were launched immediately to try and save as many lives as possible. Navy divers and salvage teams worked tirelessly to locate and recover the bodies of the dead, and to try and repair the damage to the ship. However, the task was almost impossible, and many of the bodies were never recovered.
The USS Arizona Memorial
In 1962, a memorial was built over the wreckage of the USS Arizona to honor the lives that were lost. The memorial is a 184-foot-long white concrete structure that spans the length of the ship, and it is one of the most visited attractions in Hawaii. Visitors can walk through the memorial and view the names of the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives, as well as see artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the USS Arizona.
Remembering the Fallen
The USS Arizona Memorial is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that were made during World War II, and it serves as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the crew members who lost their lives. The memorial is also a symbol of American resilience and determination, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring the fallen.
Gallery of USS Arizona
USS Arizona Image Gallery
We hope this article has provided a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that were made during World War II, and the importance of honoring the fallen. We invite you to share your thoughts and reflections on the USS Arizona and its significance in the comments below.