Introduction
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, marked a turning point in American history. Over seventy years later, the attack continues to be remembered as a pivotal moment in the country’s involvement in World War II. The number of casualties at Pearl Harbor is one way in which people attempt to grasp the scale of the attack. This article provides a comprehensive look at the number of casualties, as well as the human impact of the attack, the political context leading up to the attack, and the ways in which Pearl Harbor has been remembered.
Chronological Account
The attack on Pearl Harbor began at 7:53 am on December 7, 1941, when the first wave of Japanese planes approached Oahu. Over the course of the next two hours, the Japanese launched a surprise attack on the US Pacific Fleet, causing catastrophic damage. The majority of the damage was inflicted on the naval ships, including eight battleships, three cruisers, and four destroyers.
There were also significant losses on the ground, including hangars, aircraft, and fuel storage facilities. The attack continued until approximately 9:45am, when the Japanese planes retreated. The US suffered a total of 2,403 casualties, including 68 civilians and 2,335 military personnel. Over 1,000 additional people were injured. The US military also lost or severely damaged 188 planes and 8 battleships, including the USS Arizona, which remains sunken in Pearl Harbor to this day.
Personal Accounts
The human impact of the attack on Pearl Harbor cannot be overstated. The Japanese attack took many survivors by surprise, and over the course of two hours, their lives changed forever. Many people lost beloved friends and family members. Others were injured themselves and would carry scars from the attack for the rest of their lives.
One Pearl Harbor survivor, Harold Estes, recalled being on the USS Maryland when the first bombs hit. “We didn’t know what was happening,” he said. “We thought we were being invaded by a foreign army.” Another survivor, Doris “Dorie” Miller, became the first African American sailor to be awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions during the attack. Miller helped move his injured captain to safety and then took control of an anti-aircraft gun, despite having no training in it. Many families of those who were killed continue to feel the impact of the attack to this day.
Statistical Analysis
The high number of casualties at Pearl Harbor can be difficult to comprehend. However, comparing the number of casualties at Pearl Harbor to other wars and conflicts can help put the numbers in perspective. For example, the number of US casualties at Pearl Harbor was roughly equivalent to the total number of American deaths in the Vietnam War. In terms of injuries, the number of people injured at Pearl Harbor was roughly equivalent to the number of US soldiers who were injured in the first year of the Iraq War.
Further analysis of the numbers at Pearl Harbor reveals additional insights. For example, the majority of casualties were suffered on the battleships. Of the 2,335 military casualties, 1,775 were from the Navy, and the majority of those were on the battleships. Additionally, the number of injured personnel was almost equal to the number of military casualties, indicating that many people were impacted by the attack but did not lose their lives. Finally, the number of civilian casualties was relatively small, which is perhaps a testament to the military’s protective presence.
Political Context
Understanding the political context leading up to the Pearl Harbor attack is essential to understanding its impact on American history. In the early 1940s, tensions were high between Japan and the US. Japan was engaged in a prolonged war with China and was heavily dependent on US imports of oil, steel, and other materials. In 1940, the US implemented an embargo on the shipment of steel and other materials to Japan. When Japan signed the Tripartite Pact with Germany and Italy in September 1940, relations between Japan and the US became increasingly tense.
Many people believe that the Pearl Harbor attack was specifically designed to cripple the US Pacific Fleet and give Japan a strategic advantage in the Pacific. The attack had the opposite effect, however, as it galvanized the American public and led to the US entry into World War II. The attack also had lasting effects on US foreign policy, including a newfound emphasis on military preparedness and a commitment to interventionism abroad.
Memorialization
Over the years, Pearl Harbor has been commemorated in many different ways. The USS Arizona Memorial, which was dedicated in 1962, is perhaps the most well-known tribute to those who lost their lives in the attack. The memorial is built over the submerged wreckage of the USS Arizona and has become a symbol of remembrance for Americans. There are also many other memorials and museums in Hawaii and across the US that pay tribute to the victims of the attack.
Many families of the victims have also organized to ensure that their loved ones are not forgotten. In 2000, a group of families established the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association to provide support and camaraderie for survivors and family members. The group disbanded in 2011 due to dwindling membership, but there are still many other organizations that seek to preserve the memory of the attack.
Conclusion
The number of casualties at Pearl Harbor is just one part of the story of the attack. Understanding the human impact, the political context, and the ways in which Pearl Harbor has been commemorated is essential to understanding the significance of the event. By learning about the attack on Pearl Harbor, we can honor the memory of those who were lost and ensure that their sacrifice is not forgotten.