At 7:48 AM on December 7, 1941, the first shots were fired at Pearl Harbor. The attack lasted approximately one hour and fifteen minutes and permanently changed the course of world history.

Japan Steaming toward War

At the time, America was not formally at war, but the United States was already heavily involved in supporting Allied forces in Europe. Tensions with Japan had been escalating for months. Negotiations were underway, but Japan was demanding that the United States end sanctions and stop aiding China. On November 26, 1941, Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto dispatched an attack force toward Pearl Harbor. Coincidentally, this was just days before the United States delivered the Hull Note, which formally demanded that Japan withdraw its forces from China and French Indochina.

The Attack

The initial assault was devastating. More than 350 Japanese aircraft launched from six separate aircraft carriers attacked Pearl Harbor in multiple waves. The surprise attack killed 2,403 Americans and injured 1,178 more. All eight U.S. battleships present were damaged. Four of those battleships were sunk, including the USS Arizona, which was never raised and now serves as a memorial and final resting place for more than 900 of her crew.

American Defiance

Despite the shock of the attack, U.S. forces mounted a response. American defenders shot down 29 Japanese aircraft, destroyed five midget submarines and killed approximately 130 Japanese sailors and airmen.

On December 8, 1941, the United States formally declared war on Japan, officially entering World War II.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the nation that same day, declaring:

“Yesterday, December 7, 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.”

American Resolve

The attack on Pearl Harbor galvanized a nation. Many Americans had previously been hesitant to enter another global conflict, with fresh memories of World War I still heavy in the national consciousness. Pearl Harbor ended that hesitation instantly.

Today We Remember

Today, we remember the victims and heroes of that fateful morning in Hawaii. We honor the service members and civilians who rushed into danger, who fought back against overwhelming odds, who rescued the trapped and wounded and who gave everything in defense of their country.

From the entire SHR Media staff, to the heroes who fought at Pearl Harbor and to all who served in World War II, you have our sincerest respect and our deepest gratitude for your service and sacrifice.

We remember all of you on this day.

With respect,
SHR Media Staff

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