Attack on Pearl Harbor Facts
In United States History, December 7, 1941 is a day that will always be remembered. On this morning in beautiful Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the Japanese navy launched a surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific fleet. The attack killed over 2,000 Americans and destroyed many ships and aircrafts. It was this surprise attack that pushed the United States into entering World War II. For more info, check out the Pearl Harbor facts below.
Fact #1 - The attack wrecked two U.S. Navy battleships, one minelayer, and two destroyers beyond repair, and destroyed 188 aircraft; personnel losses were 2,388 killed and 1,178 wounded.
Until September 11, 2001, Pear Harbor was one of the most devastating surprise attacks on United States soil in recent history. If you visit Pearl Harbor today, you can see a memorial set up honoring all the lost lives. Many innocent soldiers and civilians were killed that day.
Fact #2 - The Infamy Speech was delivered on December 8, 1941, by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt, one day after the Empire of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.
You’ve most likely heard this famous speech, in which Roosevelt says “a date which will live in infamy.” The speech ran six and a half minutes and is regarded as one of the most famous political speeches in American history.
Fact #3 - 405 planes were to be used in the attacks with 10 not launching because of technical difficulties.
It is hard to image such a large aerial attack. Try to picture yourself in your backyard and looking up in the sky and seeing 405 fight planes overhead drop bombs and destroying everything around you. It’s weird to see 3 planes in the sky at one time, let alone 405.