Pearl Harbor Day [Archive] - Professional Soldiers ®

Richard

12-07-2009, 06:46

Remember December 7th.

Richard

1941 Attack On Pearl Harbor Far From Forgotten
William Cole, The Honolulu Advertiser, 7 Dec 2009

Harold O'Connor, 88, was a Navy Fireman First Class on the USS Thornton, a destroyer seaplane tender, in Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked.
"All the torpedo planes were coming right off our fantail," O'Connor recalls. "I watched the West Virginia go up from two torpedoes that were dropped. All hell was breaking loose. I saw the bombs that hit the Arizona."

That's just one of O'Connor's World War II stories from the Pacific. The Hawaii man was again on the Thornton in 1942 taking Marines to Palmyra Atoll, when the ship ran aground on New Year's Eve. There he saw two torpedoes streaming toward where he stood.

"I said, 'Goodbye world,' and I hit the deck," O'Connor said. "Nothing happened. I got up, and here come two more torpedoes. They came right under where I was standing."

O'Connor's recollections go beyond Japan's 1941 attack on Oahu and so will the new $58 million Pearl Harbor center under construction for the USS Arizona Memorial here, says Daniel Martinez, chief historian for the emerging World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument.

President George W. Bush set that change in motion last year when he proclaimed the Arizona Memorial and visitor center part of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, which includes nine sites: five in Hawaii, three in Alaska, and one in California at the Tule Lake Segregation Center, which was where Japanese Americans were detained during World War II.

The challenge for the National Park Service, which runs the Arizona Memorial, is to expand its exhibits to incorporate the new Pacific mandate, Martinez says.

"We're at the beginning of trying to interpret how we're going to carry this out," Martinez said. "There are other ways to communicate this story besides traditional exhibits, so we're looking at ways to do it on the Web, we're looking at ways to do it through interpretive programs, we're looking at ways to do it through education."

A visitor center had been planned long before Bush's announcement. The existing facility, which was built in 1980, was sinking. It was too small to accommodate the more than 1.3 million people who visit the state's No. 1 tourist attraction each year.

Visitors who arrive today at the center for the boat ride to Kilo pier on the Pearl Harbor Navy base — where a commemoration ceremony will be held —will be greeted by a circuitous path of 12-foot chain-link fences covered in black fabric batting, a construction barrier separating older buildings still in use at the visitor center from their new replacements.

The new facility will occupy 24,000 square feet and have nearly double the current museum exhibition space, according to the Arizona Memorial Museum Association. The campuslike design spreads new buildings and shaded walkways over a much larger area than before.

"You feel kind of confined here," said visitor Shannon Howland, 50, of Seattle, who was waiting last week in the visitor center courtyard for the movie and boat trip to the memorial. "The more open they make it, the better it will be — just for the flow of people on a busy day."

Construction began about a year ago, and the first phase, which includes an education center, restrooms, a bookstore and snack shop, is scheduled to open around Feb. 16, project director Tom Fake said.

The exhibits Road to War, Oahu 1941, and Attack and Aftermath will be part of the second phase, which is to be completed by Dec. 7, 2010.

The "attack" gallery will have an 18-foot mural depicting Battleship Row off Ford Island on Dec. 7, 1941. A one-third scale model of a banking Japanese torpedo plane will be hung overhead, and the roar of passing enemy planes will be heard in the exhibit, Martinez said.

An anti-aircraft gun that came off the sunken USS Utah, a 5-foot-by-9-foot riveted slab of the USS Arizona's superstructure, and an oscilloscope showing the radar picture before the attack, also are included in the exhibit plan, he said.

Today's events for the expected 2,000 people in attendance, will include a moment of silence, a "missing man" flyover, wreath presentations, featured speakers, a rifle salute and taps. The 7:55 a.m. attack killed 2,390 people.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-12-07-pearl-harbor-attack_N.htm?csp=YahooModule_News

Utah Bob

12-07-2009, 08:22

The Pruitt, the Shaw, the strong Tennessee
The Curtiss, the Dobbin, the Downes
Brave ships and brave men on a bright Sunday morn
In history, their names would go down

The Sicard, the Tracy, the Utah so proud
How their banners did wave in the sun
In a moment the world changed when death rode the skies
As the young men all rushed to their guns

At Hickam, and Wheeler, the bombs hit the runways
The air was all fire and sharp steel
And a worshipful day became one of hot blood
With each blow the whole nation did reel

At Fort Shafter and Schofield the loudspeakers screamed
On the ships, Battle Stations were called
And the deadly torpedoes ripped their way through the foam
Boilers blew and great engines were stalled

Young airmen climbed into the fray without fear
Though outnumbered, outgunned and outclassed
And they fought and they died and they stood toe to toe
And the tales of their courage will last

In the harbor the tall Arizona went down
A thousand men went to their graves
But as the great ship died, a giant awoke
And the great country’s spirit was raised

“Remember Pearl Harbor”, was the new battle cry
Through the years as our strong new ships sailed
That Sunday morn’s memory gave strength to the cause
And freedom and justice prevailed

A dark day of infamy, pain and defeat
Was a mere twig torn from a great tree
Let our enemies always remember one thing
We will fight to the death to stay free

Remember those young men and the ships they sailed on
Pay respect as their flag is unfurled
They payed for our freedom with all they could give
In that far away place they called Pearl.

T-Rock

12-07-2009, 23:51

On this day, December 8th, 1941

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Vw_bL3RyGQ

Yesterday, Dec. 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.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

The Reaper

12-08-2009, 08:09

What?

No deadline or limits on head count?

How did we ever win WW II?

TR

LarryW

12-08-2009, 09:00

What?

No deadline or limits on head count?

How did we ever win WW II?

You're right, sir. It blows the mind! And FDR addressed a joint session of Congress less than 24 hours after the attack, and in his speech declared war on Japan, and he did it all without a teleprompter! How the heck did he do that without having 10 weeks of staff meetings? FDR must have had a really efficient ACORN group back then! I wonder if FDR was really from Chicago.

OTOH, maybe the American people were just that pissed off. Maybe the integrity of our leadership had some grit. Maybe there was moral courage in DC at the time.

Richard

12-08-2009, 09:03

Vice-ADM Frank Fletcher, CDR North Pacific and CMH recipient, on acceptance of surrender of the Japanese North Pacific forces, Mutsu Bay off Ominto, Honshu, Japan, September 1945:

"Recalling the rape of Nanking, the treachery of Pearl Harbor, the Death March of Bataan, and the murder, torture, and starvation of our comrades in arms, ours will not be an occupation in the Japanese manner. We have shown the Japanese and the world the superiority of our arms. We must now demonstrate to the world and the Japanese people the superiority of these standards of justice and decency for which we fought."

And so it goes...;)

Richard's $.02 :munchin

Dozer523

12-08-2009, 11:00

What?
No deadline or limits on head count?
How did we ever win WW II?

TR With War Bonds, cash on the barrel-head, not Continuing Resolutions.

Dozer523

12-08-2009, 11:11

You're right, sir. It blows the mind! And FDR addressed a joint session of Congress less than 24 hours after the attack, and in his speech declared war on Japan, and he did it all without a teleprompter! How the heck did he do that without having 10 weeks of staff meetings? FDR must have had a really efficient ACORN group back then! I wonder if FDR was really from Chicago.

OTOH, maybe the American people were just that pissed off. Maybe the integrity of our leadership had some grit. Maybe there was moral courage in DC at the time.

Larry, I think President Bush and the Republican led House and Senate did an admirable {job} under difficult circumstances getting us into the fight. There was no way anyone, much less the new administration (following the disastrous Klinton eight years), could have anticipated the 9-11 attack. Besides, that was eight years ago. Let's just resource the damn thing, get it done and get home by Christmas 2011.

Pink, because I hope you are kidding. President Bush is from Texas BTW.

greenberetTFS

12-08-2009, 11:43

I remember as a kid learning the "Let's Remember Pearl Harbor" song in grammar school.....I was 6 or 7 years old and our teacher taught us to sing it at the assembly hall.......I still remember it to this day....... Any other old farts out there recall the song? ;)

Big Teddy :munchin

Utah Bob

12-08-2009, 11:45

Larry, I think President Bush and the Republican led House and Senate did an admirable {job} under difficult circumstances getting us into the fight. There was no way anyone, much less the new administration (following the disastrous Klinton eight years), could have anticipated the 9-11 attack. Besides, that was eight years ago. Let's just resource the damn thing, get it done and get home by Christmas 2011.

Pink, because I hope you are kidding. President Bush is from Texas BTW.

I think Larry is referring to O's Afghanistan speech, not Bush's response to 9/11.

Dozer523

12-08-2009, 18:53

I think Larry is referring to O's Afghanistan speech, not Bush's response to 9/11. O

mojaveman

12-08-2009, 19:55

Richard

12-11-2009, 08:44

The Pearl Harbor attack launched many official investigations. Now I'd like to read the Joint Congressional Committee's 1946 report.

Richard's $.02 :munchin

Who was really to blame?
Peter Grier, CSM, 10 Dec 2009

Days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox arrived in Hawaii. He'd been sent by President Roosevelt himself, with simple instructions: find out what happened, and how.

On December 16, Secretary Knox – a former journalist – issued a report that was full of vivid tales of US heroism to a still-grieving nation. He talked about the battleship captain who had refused to be evacuated from the burning bridge of his ship; the motor launch skipper who pulled those blown overboard from the flames of the burning harbor; and the mechanics who pulled machine guns from burning planes, and fired back.

Knox's secret report to FDR was more bracing. It counted up US losses and noted that US forces had been taken completely by surprise.

"Neither the Army nor the Navy Commandant in Oahu regarded an air attack on the Army air fields or the Navy Stations as at all likely," Knox wrote privately.

Investigations began immediately

In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, investigations began immediately. In some ways, they continue today, as historians, journalists, and ordinary citizens debate the meaning and causes of what remains, despite September 11, the most shocking surprise attack in the nation's history.

Knox's trip was the first official probe. His public comments minimized the damage, so as not to give information away to the Japanese. His secret findings emphasized, among other things, the "meticulous detail" of the Japanese military's plans of attack, and "their courage, ability, and resourcefulness".

Knox's report caused FDR to order a commission, headed by Supreme Court Justice Owen Roberts, to carry out a more thorough look at the attack's circumstances.

The Roberts Commission report, issued in December, 1942, exonerated major political figures in Washington, and laid much of the blame for ill-preparedness on the top commanders on scene in Hawaii: Army General Walter Short and Admiral Husband Kimmel. Both were demoted, and both retired from the military within months.

Subsequent investigations began to spread blame for the debacle more widely. Six more probes were held during the war years, counting separate efforts from the Army and Navy, and associated spin-offs.

For instance, a Naval Board of Inquiry held in 1944 blamed Admiral Harold Stark, chief of naval operations at the time of Pearl Harbor, for not adequately advising Kimmel of the critical situation between the US and Japan in the weeks prior to the attack.

Wartime secrecy needed

All these investigations were hampered in some manner by the need to maintain wartime secrecy, particularly in regards to US code-breaking efforts.

At war's end the US Congress launched a final, thorough investigation of Pearl Harbor that included a review of all relevant classified documents, including translations of intercepted and decoded Japanese messages. This Joint Congressional Committee effort issued a 40-volume report in mid-1946.

Blame all around

In this report, blame for the disaster was laid at the feet of everyone from Secretary of War Henry Stimson to commanders on scene. A minority annex censured the behavior of President Roosevelt, as well.

In sum, the Congressional committee found that Washington-based officials failed to give proper notice to a series of intercepted messages from Tokyo to its consulate in Honolulu that indicated keen interest in the harbor berthing plan and other dispositions of the US fleet.

Nor did Washington react quickly enough to the "one o'clock message" – the last of a 14-part message series sent from Tokyo to Japanese diplomats in Washington – the congressional probe found. This message ordered the destruction of code books and indicated that hostilities of some sort would begin at 1 pm, Eastern Standard Time.

"If properly appreciated, this intelligence should have suggested a dispatch to all Pacific outpost commanders supplying this information," concluded the Joint Committee report.

In the decades since the war's end, family members and proponents of Gen. Short and Adm. Kimmel have pushed to overturn the general conclusion that the two on-scene commanders should shoulder the burden of the blame.

In 1999, the Senate passed a non-binding resolution exonerating both Kimmel and Short, and asking President Clinton to posthumously restore their ranks. Clinton did not respond. President Bush similarly declined to take such an action.

Revisionists blame FDR

Revisionists have long pushed the notion that a true examination of the evidence would show the FDR knew the attack was to occur and that he allowed it in order to rouse the nation for participation in the war.

For instance, the 1999 book "Day of Deceit", by Robert Stinnett, held that FDR's effort to provoke Japan into war was a principal policy of his administration throughout 1941. FDR must have known that war was imminent from intercepted messages, according to Stinnett. Nor did the Japanese fleet maintain strict radio silence as it steamed towards Hawaii.

But the mere existence of such information does not indicate that it was speedily understood and used, noted the New York Times in its 1999 review of Stinnett's book.

It may be disturbing in hindsight to see that commanders in Hawaii weren't told of all that was contained in the intercepted messages, but "that failure by itself does not prove Mr. Stinnett's contention of a conspiracy to deprive commanders of the information they needed," wrote reviewer Richard Bernstein.

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2009/1210/p02s04-usgn.html