Taylor Dietz 4th Hour

The purpose of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was to neutralize American navel power in the Pacific. Plans for a surprise attack were begun as early as January of Japanese plans for the attack included breaking off negotiations with the US prior (and only just prior) to the attack. Japanese chose to attack on a Sunday because they believed Americans would be more relaxed and less alert on the weekends.

It was a total surprise attack. The Japanese used the codename "Operation Hawaii“ for the attack. Japanese attack force stationed itself about 230 miles north of the Hawaiian island of Oahu. The Japanese launched their airplanes in two waves, approximately 45 minutes apart. The first wave of Japanese planes struck Pearl Harbor at 7:55 a.m. The second wave reached Pearl Harbor around 8:40 a.m.

The attack lasted 110 minutes, from 7:55 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. On December 7 th, 1941 naval aviation forces of the Empire of Japan attacked the United States Pacific Fleet center at Pearl Harbor. Within five minutes of the of the attack, several gunners were trying to shoot down the Japanese planes. Many servicemen still in their pajamas or eating breakfast when the attack began. Pearl Harbor plunged America into the maelstrom of World War II

Almost 2,400 Americans were killed. Only 64 Japanese died. 68 civilians also died. 5 Japanese ships were destroyed 103 Japanese aircraft were destroyed or damaged. The number if Japanese injuries is unknown. 21 American ships were sunk or damaged 323 American aircraft were destroyed or damaged

The is one of the most appealing national historic sites in the nation. The Visitor Center is open 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, seven days a week except Thanksgiving,Christmas, and New Years. The USS Arizona Memorial is part of the recently dedicated WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument.

 pac/pearlhbr/pearlhbr.htm pac/pearlhbr/pearlhbr.htm  Facts.htmhttp://history1900s.about.com/od/Pearl-Harbor/a/Pearl-Harbor- Facts.htm  the-attack-on-december / the-attack-on-december /     Book Source: Title: World War ll the events and their impact on real people Author: R. G. Grant Copyright Date: 2008 Page #: 62-63