December 7, 1941: A Day of Infamy
The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by the Imperial Japanese Navy on December 7, 1941, was a pivotal moment in American history. The assault, which killed 2,403 U.S. personnel and destroyed or damaged numerous ships and aircraft, drew the United States into World War II. Eight battleships were sunk or damaged during the attack, and their stories are a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the sailors who served on them.
The Battleships of Pearl Harbor
The U.S. Pacific Fleet, stationed at Pearl Harbor, was the largest naval force in the world at the time. The fleet consisted of eight battleships, which were the mainstay of the U.S. Navy’s firepower. These ships were:
- USS Arizona (BB-39)
- USS Oklahoma (BB-37)
- USS California (BB-44)
- USS West Virginia (BB-48)
- USS Tennessee (BB-43)
- USS Maryland (BB-46)
- USS Pennsylvania (BB-38)
- USS Nevada (BB-36)
The Attack on Pearl Harbor
At 6:00 a.m. on December 7, 1941, the first wave of Japanese aircraft approached Pearl Harbor. The attack, led by Commander Mitsuo Fuchida, consisted of 183 fighters, bombers, and torpedo planes. The Japanese aircraft targeted the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which was anchored in the harbor.
The first battleship to be hit was the USS Oklahoma, which was struck by four torpedoes. The ship capsized and sank, resulting in the loss of 415 lives. The USS Arizona was the next to be hit, and it suffered a catastrophic explosion that killed 1,177 crew members.
The USS California was hit by two torpedoes and eventually sank, but not before the crew had abandoned ship. The USS West Virginia was hit by seven torpedoes and two bombs, but it remained afloat and was eventually repaired.
The USS Tennessee was damaged by two bombs, but it remained operational and continued to serve throughout the war. The USS Maryland was hit by two bombs, but it suffered minimal damage and remained in service.
The USS Pennsylvania was in dry dock at the time of the attack and escaped serious damage. The USS Nevada was hit by one torpedo and several bombs, but it managed to escape the harbor and continue fighting.
🚨 Note: The USS Utah (AG-16), a battleship converted to a target ship, was also sunk during the attack, but it is not included in the list of battleships above.
Aftermath of the Attack
The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in the loss of four battleships: USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS California, and USS West Virginia. The remaining four battleships were damaged but eventually repaired and returned to service.
The USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma were too badly damaged to be salvaged and were eventually stricken from the naval register. The USS California and USS West Virginia were repaired and returned to service, but they were eventually decommissioned and scrapped after the war.
The USS Tennessee, USS Maryland, USS Pennsylvania, and USS Nevada continued to serve throughout the war and were eventually decommissioned and scrapped in the 1950s and 1960s.
Legacy of the Battleships of Pearl Harbor
The battleships of Pearl Harbor will always be remembered as a symbol of American strength and resilience. The bravery and sacrifice of the sailors who served on these ships will never be forgotten.
Today, the USS Arizona Memorial, built over the sunken hull of the USS Arizona, is a poignant reminder of the lives lost during the attack. The memorial is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in American history and the story of Pearl Harbor.
What was the main target of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor?
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The main target of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which was anchored in the harbor.
How many battleships were sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor?
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Four battleships were sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS California, and USS West Virginia.
What is the significance of the USS Arizona Memorial?
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The USS Arizona Memorial is a poignant reminder of the lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor. It is built over the sunken hull of the USS Arizona and serves as a memorial to the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives during the attack.
In conclusion, the battleships of Pearl Harbor played a significant role in American history, and their stories will never be forgotten. The bravery and sacrifice of the sailors who served on these ships will always be remembered, and the USS Arizona Memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost during the attack.
Related Terms:
- Pearl Harbor
- Attack on Pearl Harbor
- USS Arizona
- Arizona battleship
- Pearl harbour wiki
- USS Oglala
