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Pearl Harbor |
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On Sunday, December 7th, 1941 the Japanese launched a
surprise attack against the U.S. Forces stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
By planning his attack on a Sunday, the Japanese commander Admiral Nagumo, hoped to catch the entire fleet in port. As luck would have it,
the Aircraft Carriers and one of the Battleships were not in port. (The
USS Enterprise was returning from Wake Island, where it had just delivered
some aircraft. The USS Lexington was ferrying aircraft to Midway, and the
USS Saratoga and USS Colorado were undergoing repairs in the United
States.) In spite of the latest intelligence reports about the missing aircraft carriers (his most important targets), Admiral Nagumo decided to continue the attack with his force of six carriers and 423 aircraft. At a range of 230 miles north of Oahu, he launched the first wave of a two-wave attack. Beginning at 0600 hours his first wave consisted of 183 fighters and torpedo bombers which struck at the fleet in Pearl Harbor and the airfields in Hickam, Kaneohe and Ewa. The second strike, launched at 0715 hours, consisted of 167 aircraft, which again struck at the same targets. At 0753 hours the first wave consisting of 40 Nakajima B5N2 "Kate" torpedo bombers, 51 Aichi D3A1 "Val" dive bombers, 50 high altitude bombers and 43 Zeros struck airfields and Pearl Harbor. Within the next hour, the second wave arrived and continued the attack. When it was over, the U.S. losses were: Casualties Battleships Cruisers Destroyers Minelayer Seaplane Tender Repair Ship Harbor Tug Aircraft
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The ships at Pearl Harbor three days after the Japanese attack. Altitude=3000'. (l-r): USS California
(BB-44), USS Maryland (BB-46), USS Oklahoma (BB-37) capsized, USS Tennessee
(BB-43) inboard, USS West Virginia (BB-48) and the USS Arizona (BB-39).
National Archives #80G387565 |
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| The USS Oklahoma was one of the first ships struck by the Japanese torpedo bombers during the surprise raid. At 0750 hours three torpedoes hit the USS Oklahoma on her port side and she heeled rapidly to port at a 45 degree angle. The sharp angle combined with the oil and water on her decks made it almost impossible for the crew to man the guns. She was to be hit by another torpedo eight minutes later. The USS Bagley observed the torpedo plane make the attack from an altitude of only 30-40 feet, releasing the torpedo only 200-300 yards away from the Oklahoma. No way it could miss. | |
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Upturned hull of 29,000 ton USS Oklahoma (BB-37). The holes in the hull were burned to let trapped men escape. The USS Maryland
(BB-46) is in the background.
National Archives #80G19941 |
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Capsized USS Oklahoma (BB-37) and the USS Maryland (BB-46). The Oklahoma
was torpedoed at 0750 and was capsizing by 0808 hours. At 0810 hours the
USS Pruitt logged that the USS Oklahoma rolled over and settled.
National Archives #80G32590 |
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(l-r) USS Maryland (BB46), USS Oklahoma (BB-37)(Capsized), USS Tennessee
(BB-43)(hidden by smoke), USS West Virginia (BB-48) and the USS Arizona
(BB-39).
National Archives #80G32691 |
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Capsized USS Oklahoma (BB-37) and the USS Maryland (BB-46)
National Archives #80G32741 |
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The Capsized USS Oklahoma (BB-37) and the USS Maryland (BB-46)
National Archives #80G32773 |
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| At 0752 the USS Avocet (AVP-4), a small aircraft tender, fired her 3" guns and hit the Japanese aircraft that had just hit the USS California with a torpedo. At 0820 hours another torpedo would hit the USS California on the port side. The damage can be seen in the last photo in this sequence. | |
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The USS California (BB-44) listing. The oiler USS Neosho (AO-23), loaded with aviation fuel is
trying to move out of harm's way. Later, at 0930 hours the Japanese planes
would strafe the Neosho, but to no apparent effect. Had the Japanese hit
the fully loaded Neosho the resulting inferno would have been disastrous.
National Archives #80G20047 |
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USS California (BB-44). At 0840 the USS California was shaken by several
near-miss bombs and was hit by considerable shrapnel. By 0930 her deck
would be on fire. By 1002 hours, Captain Bunkley, the Commanding Officer,
would order her abandoned.
National Archives #80G32586 |
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USS California (BB-44). At 0900 a bomb, possibly a Japanese 15"
projectile with vanes attached, penetrated to the second deck and
exploded, rupturing the forward bulkheads. An armored hatch leading to the
machine shop was severely sprung and could not be closed. Intense fires
resulted from the explosion.
National Archives #80G32740 |
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Later, the USS California (BB-44) being salvaged by tugs.
National Archives #80G32550 |
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USS California (BB-44) after the attack. In dry dock showing the amidships torpedo damage.
The hole was on the port side at frame 47 and measured 27 feet by 32 feet.
The top of the hole is 6 feet below the bottom of the armor belt.
National Archives #80G32917 |
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| At 0755 the USS Dewey (DD-349) saw a torpedo hit the USS Utah (AG-16). The Utah, a former Battleship converted into a target ship, began to list rapidly. At almost the same instant the Commanding Officer of the USS Raleigh (CL-7) felt a dull explosion and observed water "boiling amidships", indicating another torpedo hit. Although his own ship was hit, the Raleigh's Commander realized the capsized USS Utah had men trapped in her hull. He sent his own damage repair party over to the Utah to cut holes in the Utah's hull to free the trapped men. | |
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Torpedoed and bombed, the 7,050 ton light cruiser USS Raleigh (CL-7) is held afloat near her anchorage by a barge.
The torpedo hit the Raleigh in the #1 fire room, causing flooding of #1
and #2 fire rooms and the forward engine room. The fire in the #3 fire
room went out. The USS Raleigh would later rejoin the fleet.
The capsized USS Utah (AG-16) is in the background. National Archives #80G19938 |
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Capsized USS Utah (AG-16) and the USS Raleigh (CL-7) in the background.
The small boat in the foreground is a whaleboat from the USS Utah. At 0810
the USS Utah was listing 80 degrees to port and parted all lines. At 0812
hours she capsized with men still trapped in her hull.
National Archives #80G32589 |
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Capsized USS Utah (AG-16) and the USS Raleigh (CL-7). As the struggling
crews were abandoning ship the Japanese aircraft strafed them repeatedly.
The holes visible in the hull were cut to rescue 32 men trapped in the
hull when she capsized.
National Archives #80G32742 |
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USS Raleigh (CL-7). A returning liberty crew from the USS Ramsay was
strafed by torpedo planes while they watched planes fire three torpedoes
into the USS Raleigh and USS Utah. At 0900 a dive bomber struck the USS
Raleigh with a bomb that passed through the carpenter shop and oil tank,
pierced the hull below the water line and detonated on the bottom of the
harbor.
National Archives #80G32760 |
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| At 0756 the USS West Virginia (BB-48) was struck on the port side by two near-simultaneous torpedoes, followed quickly by a third. The ship began to list to port immediately. The plane above turret #4 caught on fire and a heavy explosion caused the list to increase to 20 degrees. The ship began counter-flooding to prevent capsizing. A few minutes later, at 0810 hours, the USS West Virginia's Commanding Officer was killed. | |
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A small boat rescues seamen from the USS West Virginia (BB-48) burning in the foreground. The USS Tennessee
(BB-43) is inboard. By 0940 hours the foredeck of the USS West Virginia
would be on fire from the #1 turret to the bow. The flames were almost 100
feet high. See the next photo. National Archives #80G19930
The same angle but in color. National Archives #111C5904 |
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USS West Virginia (BB-48) and the USS Tennessee (BB-43). In addition to
the fire on the USS West Virginia, there was oil burning on the surface
astern of the ship.
National Archives #80G32725 |
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USS West Virginia (BB-48) and the USS Tennessee (BB-43).
National Archives #80G32611 |
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USS West Virginia (BB-48) and the USS Tennessee (BB-43).
National Archives #80G32726 |
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USS West Virginia (BB-48).
National Archives #80G32754 |
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| At 0757 the Commander of the USS West Virginia noted an explosion on the foredeck USS Arizona shot flames 15 feet into the air. A few seconds passed before a second, larger explosion flashed shooting flames over a hundred feet into the air and rained debris down on the quarterdeck of the USS West Virginia, moored nearby and caught her on fire. The Arizona's burning fuel gushed out and a wall of flame raced towards the nearby USS West Virginia and USS Tennessee. The USS West Virginia's crew abandoned ship as their vessel burned. The fire on the USS West Virginia was not put out until the next afternoon. | |
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Explosion of the USS Arizona's forward magazines. This occurred at 0806.
National Archives #80G32637
Almost the same instant caught by another photographer with color film. National Archives #80GK13513
and
National Archives #80GK13512
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(Right to left) The USS Arizona (BB-39), USS Tennessee (BB-43), and the
USS West Virginia (BB-48). The USS Tennessee was hit by two bombs
soon after the attack began. One exploded when it hit the face of turret
#2, the second penetrated turret #3 and exploded within the bowels of the
ship. National Archives #80G32732 |
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USS Arizona (BB-39) sunk with tug alongside. At 0820 hours the USS Vestal
observed a torpedo pass astern and explode against the USS Arizona. At the
same moment, a dive bomber hit the Arizona's forward magazine with a bomb,
resulting in a tremendous explosion that killed almost 1,200 men.
National Archives #80G32610 |
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The crew of the USS Arizona (BB-39) finally abandoned ship at 1032 hours.
National Archives #80G32612 |
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| At 0800 the Minelayer USS Oglala (CM-4) watched as enemy bombs dropped onto Ford Island and into the port, setting fuel on fire. A few seconds later, they witnessed bombs falling alongside the seven Battleships on battleship row, the bombs either hitting the ships or hitting in the water alongside. They also saw Japanese torpedo bombers skimming near the surface of the water towards them and watched as the planes dropped three torpedoes in the channel on line with the USS Oglala and the Light Cruiser USS Helena (CL-50). The Oglala and Helena were struck by torpedoes at the same time. | |
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USS Oglala (CM-4) capsizing and sinking. By 0900 hours the USS Oglala
was listing 40 degrees to port and all hands were ordered to abandon ship.
Only the gun crews and the Combat Information sections remained on board.
National Archives #80G32532 |
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USS Oglala (CM-4) capsizing and sinking. At 0900 hours the USS Oglala
capsized alongside the dock.
National Archives #80G32581 |
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| At 0802 the USS Nevada attempted to make it to the clear channel, but an approaching Japanese torpedo bomber made his way through the Nevada's AA fire and hit her on the port bow. A minute later about five Japanese planes targeted the Nevada with two bombs but only one bomb hit the ship on the forward deck. The Nevada's struggle to make it to the open ocean continued until about 0840, when she was forced to beach to avoid sinking and blocking the channel. | |
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USS Nevada (BB-36) underway trying to make it into the clear channel and
move into the open ocean.
National Archives #80G32457 |
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USS Nevada (BB-36) burning after being struck with a bomb on the forward
deck.
National Archives #80G19940 |
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A shot of the USS Nevada (BB-36) from shore after being torpedoed and
bombed.
National Archives #80G32462 |
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These four photos are a sequence that show the USS Nevada (BB-36)
attempting to move into the open channel.
National Archives #80G32555 |
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USS Nevada (BB-36)
National Archives #80G32562 |
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USS Nevada (BB-36).
National Archives #80G32558 |
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USS Nevada (BB-36). By 0913 the USS Nevada could no longer make way and
was stopped on the south side of the channel.
National Archives #80G32556 |
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USS Nevada (BB-36). By 0940 the Commanding Officer deliberately
grounded the ship off Hospital Point.
National Archives #80G32745 |
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USS Nevada (BB-36) Leaving the burning ships. Taken from a different angle
from the top of the hospital. The ship is grounding herself off Hospital
Point.
National Archives #80G32559 |
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USS Nevada (BB-36) Leaving the burning ships.
National Archives #80G32560 |
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USS Nevada (BB-36) moving away from the flames.
National Archives #80G32583 |
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| Also at 0802 hours the USS Oglala saw a bomb strike the forward deck of the USS Pennsylvania (BB-38), which was in the dry dock #1 behind the Destroyers USS Cassin (DD-372) and USS Downes (DD-375). A torpedo also struck the USS Helena on her starboard side about 18 feet under the waterline. | |
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The wrecked USS Downes (DD-375) at the left and the USS Cassin (DD-372) at the right. USS Pennsylvania
(BB-38) in the rear was the 33,000 ton flagship of the Pacific fleet and suffered only minor damage. The main and
auxiliary machinery and fittings of the USS Cassin and USS Downes were
salvaged and later transferred to new hulls.
National Archives #80G19943 |
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USS Cassin (DD-372) and the USS Downes (DD-375) in dry dock #1. At 0830
hours the USS Downes was struck on the after deckhouse by Japanese bombs. The USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) is in the background.
National Archives #80G32678 |
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USS Cassin (DD-372) and the USS Downes (DD-375) in dry dock #1. At 0840
the USS Jarvis reported bombs striking both Destroyers, setting them on
fire. At 0850 the USS Downes was hit again by bombs and suffered intense
fires. The Captain ordered the crew to abandon ship. At 0906 the USS
Downes and USS Pennsylvania were each hit by a heavy bomb, causing severe
damage. At 0915 hours the USS Downes exploded. National Archives #80G32763 |
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USS Cassin (DD-372) and the USS Downes (DD-375) in dry dock #1. The USS Pennsylvania
(BB-38) is in the background. At 0941 the Downes' torpedo warheads
exploded, launching a 1000 pound section of the torpedo onto the
Pennsylvania's deck. The USS Cassin, on fire, rolled over onto the Downes
and could not be put out for over an hour.
National Archives #80G32765 |
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| At 0806 hours the USS Vestal (AR-4), a Repair ship, was moored next to the USS Arizona and was hit by two bombs. One of the bombs hit the starboard side of frame 44 and penetrated three decks before exploding, cutting the electrical power and setting the hold on fire. The second bomb struck on the port side at frame 110, passed through the ship's fuel oil tank and exploded, destroying all stores and setting intense fires. To prevent a larger explosion, the crew flooded the ammunition stores and beached the ship. | |
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USS Vestal (AR-4) was bombed twice and began to flood. The skipper
grounded the ship at 0950. It was later raised and repaired.
National Archives #80G19933 |
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| At approximately 0815 hours a lone dive bomber dropped a bomb on the USS Shaw, setting it on fire. | |
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The USS Shaw (DD-373) magazines exploding during the Japanese attack. The USS Nevada
(BB-36) is at the right with its foredeck on fire and is trying to make it
to the clear channel. The USS Shaw exploded at 1005 hours
National Archives #80G16871 |
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A series of four photographs showing the magazine of the USS Shaw (DD-373) exploding. "The most remarkable combat photographs of all time - taken at the exact moments the destroyer blew up."
National Archives #80G32573 |
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USS Shaw (DD-373) in the floating dry dock after the Japanese attack.
National Archives #80G32574 |
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USS Shaw (DD-373) in the floating dry dock after the Japanese attack.
National Archives #80G32575 |
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USS Shaw (DD-373) in the floating dry dock after the Japanese attack.
National Archives #80G32576 |
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USS Shaw (DD-373) in the floating dry dock after the Japanese attack.
National Archives #80G32577 |
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USS Shaw (DD-373) burning in dry dock #1
National Archives #80G32719 |
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USS Shaw (DD-373) in the floating dry dock after the Japanese attack.
National Archives #80G32736 |
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USS Shaw (DD-373) after the fires were put out.
National Archives #80G32753 |
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USS Shaw (DD-373) after the fires were put out.
National Archives #80G32618 |
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Airfield Damage photos |
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Wreckage at the Naval Air Station, Pearl Harbor. The explosion of the USS Arizona (BB39) is in the background.
National Archives #80G19948 |
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Damage to the hangar at the NAS Pearl Harbor.
National Archives #80G32563 |
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Planes and hangars wrecked at Pearl Harbor NAS.
National Archives #80G32744 |
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Attempt to salvage after the Japanese machinegun attack but before the
bombing attack.
National Archives #80G32833 |
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Planes burning prior to the bombing attack by the Japanese.
National Archives #80G32835a |
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Planes burning prior to the bombing attack by the Japanese.
National Archives #80G32825b |
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Pulling a partially burned plane from the fire zone. Planes burning prior to the bombing attack by the Japanese.
National Archives #80G32837 |
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Damage to Pearl Harbor after the second wave of Japanese bomber attacks.
National Archives #80G32843a |
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Damage to Pearl Harbor after the second wave of Japanese bomber attacks.
National Archives #80G32843b |
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Planes burning prior to the bombing attack by the Japanese.
National Archives #80G32828 |
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Smoldering planes just prior to the Japanese bombing attack.
National Archives #80G32838 |
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Captured Japanese 2-man midget submarine at Bellows Field. This Japanese
Type-A midget submarine was 78 feet long and weighed 46 tons. Its 2-man
crew was propelled along at 19 knots (submerged) or 23 knots on the
surface by a 600-horsepower electric motor.
National Archives #80G32680 |
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Captured Japanese 2-man submarine at Bellows Field. This sub was the only
one not sunk because it got stuck on a sandbar. The submarine's commander,
Sub-Lieutenant Sakamaki Kazuo, became America's first Japanese POW of WW2. He was the only midget
submarine crewmember to survive the attack.
National Archives #80G32682 |
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Captured Japanese 2-man submarine at Bellows Field. This Japanese Type-A
midget submarine's two superimposed 18-inch torpedoes are clearly visible
in this close up. There were six Type-A midget submarines used in
the pearl Harbor attack. They were a complete failure and none
inflicted any damage to the U.S. forces.
National Archives #80G32686 |
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Miscellaneous Photos |
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Photo of Pearl Harbor taken from the nearby countryside.
National Archives #80G32425 |
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View of Pearl Harbor from the top of the naval Air station Hangar of Battleship Row
National Archives #80G32588 |
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View of Battleship row on fire.
National Archives #80G32647 |
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View of Battleship row on fire.
National Archives #80G32648 |
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Looking toward magazine island from the submarine base. The USS Wigeon (ASR-1) is in the foreground.
National Archives #80G32728 |
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Japanese planes in action over Pearl Harbor. The USS Narwhal (SS-167) at the left was not hit.
National Archives #80G32737 |
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Battleship row on fire.
National Archives #80G32748 |
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Battleship row on fire.
National Archives #80G32758 |
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Battleship row on fire.
National Archives #80G32750 |
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Panorama of the Japanese Attack
National Archives #80G32786 |
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Panorama of the Japanese Attack
National Archives #80G32787 |
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Panorama of the Japanese Attack
National Archives #80G32789 |
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Panorama of the Japanese Attack
National Archives #80G32792 |
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Firing volley over 15 officers and men who perished in the Japanese attack on Kaneohe NAS on 12/7/41.
National Archives #80G32854
One year later, on 7 December 1942.
National Archives #80GK13328
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View of Pearl Harbor from a site near Mobile Base Hospital #2 during the attack.
National Archives #80G32893 |
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Japanese dive bomber, AICHI D3A1 #99, a "Val" attacking Pearl Harbor.
National Archives #80G32908 |
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Battleship row on fire.
National Archives #80G474789 |
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| President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "Day of Infamy" speech and declaration of war against Japan. |
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Captured Japanese photographs with the original captions. |
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Captured Japanese photo taken aboard one of the carriers before the Pearl Harbor attack. The Japanese caption reads "The moment at which the Hawaiian surprise attack force is about to take off from the carrier… On the faces of those who go forth to conquer and those who send them off there floats only that beautiful smile which transcends death..."
National Archives #80G30549 |
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"Thanks to the blessing of heaven and the aid of the Gods, the
sky opened up suddenly over the Hawaiian naval base of Pearl Harbor, and
below our eyes were arranged in rows the enemy ships. To our left was one
of the Oklahoma-class; the next pair to the left was a special service
vessel (on the left) and California-class (on the right); the next pair on
the left was a Pennsylvania-class (on the left) and another Maryland-class
(on the right); and on the right side of the picture, looking along the
ship, was another California-class. Our Sea Eagles' determined attack had already opened, and a column of water from a direct hit on a Maryland-class is rising. On the surface of the water concentric waves are traced by the direct torpedo hits, while murky crude oil flows out. The three bright white streaks between the waves are torpedo tracks. In the distance the conflagration at the Hickam Airfield Hangars is seen." National Archives #80G30550 |
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"Alas, the spectacle of the American battleship Fleet in its
dying gasp. The attack of our assault force was extremely accurate and achieved direct hits with all bombs. The leading ship of the Oklahoma-class is already half sunk. The Maryland-type and the Pennsylvania-type are blowing up from several direct hits. The ships crumble and their hulls are twisted and keeling over. Crude oil gushes forth fearfully. This view of the wretched enemy's capital ships which were converted into a sea hell was photographed from directly overhead by the heroes of our calm, valorous attack force." National Archives #80G30551 |
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"Capsizing, Sinking, Burning - The anchorage of the American
capital ships is changed to a scene of carnage. In rapid succession the enemy war vessels were set ablaze by the violent bombing attacks which followed the torpedo attacks. The special service ship in the capital ship anchorage has already been sunk. The violent smoke from the exploding powder magazine is rising from a vessel of the Oklahoma-class alongside. A Pennsylvania-class ship, capsized and sinking, shows its bottom. Two ships of the California-class and the Maryland-class are in flames from direct bomb hits. In the upper right-hand part of the photograph are what appear to be several rescue ships, darting right and left." National Archives #80G30552 |
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"The force of enemy ships on the Northwest side of Ford Island
destroyed by our violent attack. The enemy vessels moored on the northeast side of Ford island opposite the battleships were also violently attacked and put out of action by our assault force. From the left of the photographs two heavy cruisers are both listing badly. The white object seem next to them is the bottom of a completely capsized ship. On the right side of the wreckage of the training ship UTAH is a specially-built seaplane tender. The pair of square objects alongside this vessel are mooring posts." National Archives #80G30553 |
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"Full view of Ford Island gasping under the attack of our Sea
Eagles. This distant view of Ford Island immediately after the attack of our assault force shows the enemy capital ships lined up on the opposite side of the Island. in the foreground is the cruiser fleet, including the battleship UTAH. The enemy ships around the island have all become tempting targets for our Sea Eagles. In the upper right clearly appear the outlines of two of our Sea Eagles who are carrying out a daring low-level attack, reminiscent of the performance of the Gods." National Archives #80G30554 |
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Captured Japanese newsreel showing a torpedo plane taking off to attack Pearl Harbor on 12/7/41. The Japanese crew is waving in the background
National Archives #80G182245 |
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Captured Japanese newsreel showing a bomber, called a "Kate" taking off
from the carrier Shokaku to attack Pearl Harbor.
National Archives #80G182249 |
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Another "Kate" lifting off the Shokaku.
National Archives #80G182252 |
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Captured Japanese newsreel taken from the movie "Brought to Action" showing planes being serviced
on the Carrie Akagi prior to launching against Pearl Harbor.
A second carrier, Shokaku is in the background.
National Archives #80G182259 |
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"The U.S. Hawaiian Air Base at wheeler Airfield
was also reduced to a desolate pile of ashes in a moment under the attack
of our Sea Eagles. The hangars on the leeward side were first of all
enveloped by heavy bombs and burst into flame. Immediately after, the rows
of enemy planes on the airfield were entirely destroyed and set afire by
the strafing of our Sea Eagles."
National Archives #80G30555 |
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Mock up of Ford Island and Battleship Row. Constructed by the Japanese after the attack for use in a propaganda movie.
National Archives #80G638942 |
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Captured Japanese Propaganda photograph. The caption read "Pearl
Harbor in flame and smoke, gasping helplessly under the severe pounding of
our Sea Eagles."
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