http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/07/world-war-ii-pearl-harbor/100117/
Since researching and writing my book, Reconciliation: A Son’s Story, I am not afraid to be reminded of my Dad’s heroic service at the beginning of WWII in Pearl Harbor. Vernon H. Sparks along with thousands of shipmates serving in the US Naval Pacific Fleet, including some 2,400 Americans killed, will never be forgotten; and the lessons learned live on in all of us for generations as a legacy of war.
The above link from The Atlantic “In Focus” with Alan Tayor shows photos from Pearl Harbor and many other battles and events during WWII. Many of the photos are from Japanese archives and other sources.
“On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the United States, bombing warships and military targets in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. More than 350 Japanese aircraft attacked the naval base in two waves, strafing targets, dropping armor-piercing bombs, and launching torpedoes toward U.S. battleships and cruisers. The U.S. forces were unprepared, waking to the sounds of explosions and scrambling to defend themselves. The entire preemptive attack lasted only 90 minutes, and in that time, the Japanese sunk four battleships and two destroyers, pummeled 188 aircraft, and damaged even more buildings, ships and airplanes. (Two of the battleships were later raised and returned to service.) Some 2,400 Americans were killed in the attack; another 1,250 were injured, and a huge shock was dealt to United States. After the attack, Japan officially declared war on the United States. The next day President Roosevelt delivered his famous “infamy” speech, and signed a formal declaration of war against the Empire of Japan. Within days, Nazi Germany and the Kingdom of Italy also declared war on the United States, and the U.S. reciprocated soon after. (This entry is Part 7 of a weekly 20-part retrospective of World War II) [45 photos]”
Take pride in your history and honor the fallen.
Steve Sparks
Author
Reconciliation: A Son’s Story
