8 Ships Sunk at Pearl Harbor

Uncovering the Devastation of Pearl Harbor: 8 Ships Sunk on Fateful Day

December 7, 1941, is a day that will be etched in the memories of Americans for generations to come. On this fateful day, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, killing over 2,400 Americans and leading to the United States’ entry into World War II. The attack, which was intended to prevent the U.S. Pacific Fleet from interfering with Japanese expansionist policies, resulted in the sinking of eight U.S. Navy ships, as well as significant damage to numerous others.

USS Arizona (BB-39)

The USS Arizona, a Pennsylvania-class battleship, was one of the most tragic losses of the day. After being struck by a 1,760-pound armor-piercing bomb, the ship exploded and sank, taking 1,177 crew members with it. The USS Arizona remains the largest loss of life in U.S. naval history.

USS Oklahoma (BB-37)

The USS Oklahoma, a Nevada-class battleship, was also among the ships sunk during the attack. After being struck by four torpedoes, the ship capsized and sank, resulting in the loss of 415 lives. The USS Oklahoma was later salvaged and eventually sold for scrap in 1946.

USS California (BB-44)

The USS California, a Tennessee-class battleship, was another casualty of the attack. After being struck by two torpedoes and a bomb, the ship sank in the harbor, resulting in the loss of 100 lives.

USS West Virginia (BB-48)

The USS West Virginia, a Colorado-class battleship, was also sunk during the attack. After being struck by seven torpedoes and two bombs, the ship sank, resulting in the loss of 106 lives. The USS West Virginia was later salvaged and rejoined the fleet in 1944.

USS Utah (AG-16)

The USS Utah, a Florida-class battleship converted to a target ship, was sunk during the attack. After being struck by two torpedoes, the ship capsized and sank, resulting in the loss of 58 lives.

USS Raleigh (CL-7)

The USS Raleigh, an Omaha-class light cruiser, was damaged during the attack but managed to stay afloat. However, the ship was later sunk in a storm while under tow in 1942.

USS Oglala (CM-4)

The USS Oglala, a converted Navy cargo ship, was sunk during the attack. After being struck by a torpedo, the ship sank, resulting in the loss of one life.

USS Sotoyomo (YT-9)

The USS Sotoyomo, a harbor tug, was also sunk during the attack. After being struck by a bomb, the ship sank, resulting in the loss of one life.

🚨 Note: The lives lost listed above are approximate and may vary depending on the source.

The attack on Pearl Harbor was a devastating blow to the United States, but it ultimately led to a rallying cry for the American people. The phrase “Remember Pearl Harbor” became a rallying cry for the war effort, and the United States went on to play a major role in the Allied victory in World War II.

In the years following the attack, the U.S. Navy recovered and rebuilt, with many of the ships sunk at Pearl Harbor being salvaged and returned to service. Today, the USS Arizona Memorial, which sits atop the sunken battleship, serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost on that fateful day.

What was the significance of the attack on Pearl Harbor?

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The attack on Pearl Harbor led to the United States’ entry into World War II, which ultimately resulted in the Allied victory and the defeat of the Axis powers.

How many ships were sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor?

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Eight U.S. Navy ships were sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor, including the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS California, USS West Virginia, USS Utah, USS Raleigh, USS Oglala, and USS Sotoyomo.

What is the USS Arizona Memorial?

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The USS Arizona Memorial is a memorial built over the sunken USS Arizona, which honors the lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor.