Death From Above
An Act To Provoke War
The First Wave of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor began at 7:55 a.m. on the 7th December 1941, marking the start of one of the most devastating assaults in U.S. history.
This surprise attack was meticulously planned by Japan, aimed at crippling the U.S. Pacific Fleet and eliminating American naval power in the Pacific.
The first wave involved 183 aircraft, launched from six Japanese aircraft carriers positioned north of Hawaii.
These aircraft, including torpedo bombers, dive bombers, and fighter planes, were organized into groups with specific missions: to destroy battleships, airfields, and aircraft on the ground.
Targets like Battleship Row and Hickam Field were hit with bombs and torpedoes, causing widespread destruction.
Key vessels such as the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma were severely damaged or sunk, while American airfields were attacked to prevent a counter-attack.
The sudden assault caught the U.S. military off-guard, resulting in massive losses. Despite the chaos, some American personnel mounted defensive efforts, but the first wave had already inflicted irreparable damage.
This attack, along with a second wave shortly after, led to the U.S.'s formal entry into the Second World War.
The Japanese First Wave
The First Wave of the Pearl Harbor attack was a meticulously planned military operation designed to cripple the U.S. Pacific Fleet and neutralize American forces in the Pacific.
It was commanded by Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, who led the Japanese carrier strike force, known as the Kido Butai.
The first wave consisted of 183 aircraft launched from six aircraft carriers: Akagi, Kaga, Soryu, Hiryu, Shokaku, and Zuikaku, positioned approximately 230 miles north of Oahu.
Japanese planes take off from a carrier to join the attack. The surprise appearance of Japanese planes over Pearl Harbor on the morning of the 7th December 1941, caught U.S. forces completely off guard. Arriving undetected, the bombers and fighters launched a devastating attack, destroying ships and aircraft within minutes and crippling American defences.
https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/pearl-harbor-japanese-perspective-1941/
...primary targets were the U.S. battleships...
The first wave's attack force was divided into three groups with distinct targets:
1st Group (Battleships and Aircraft Carriers):
This group comprised 49 Nakajima B5N "Kate" torpedo bombers carrying 800 kg armor-piercing bombs, along with 40 additional B5N bombers armed with Type 91 torpedoes.
Their primary targets were the U.S. battleships moored at Pearl Harbor's Battleship Row.
2nd Group (Airfields and Military Installations):
This group contained 51 Aichi D3A "Val" dive bombers armed with 550-pound general-purpose bombs.
Their mission was to destroy airfields, particularly Hickam Field and Ford Island, to limit any potential counterattacks from U.S. aircraft.
An aerial view of "Battleship Row" at Pearl Harbour, photographed from a Japanese aircraft, during the early part of the horizontal bombing attack on the moored ships.
Ships seen are (L-R): USS Nevada; USS Arizona with USS Vestal moored outboard; USS Tennessee with USS West Virginia moored outboard; USS Maryland with USS Oklahoma moored outboard; and USS Neosho, only partially visible at the extreme right. A bomb had just hit Arizona near the stern, but she has not yet received the bomb that detonated her forward magazines. West Virginia and Oklahoma are gushing oil from their many torpedo hits and are listing to port. Oklahoma's port deck edge is already under water. Nevada has also been torpedoed.
Official U.S. Navy photograph/U.S. Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation
...interference with Japan's planned military expansion...
3rd Group (Fighter Escorts and Air Control):
This group consisted of 43 Mitsubishi A6M "Zero" fighters. They were tasked with air control and strafing runs on airfields to destroy American planes on the ground and provide protection for the bombers.
The strategic goal was to deliver a surprise attack that would cripple the U.S. Pacific Fleet, preventing American interference with Japan's planned military expansion in Southeast Asia.
Tactically, the first wave aimed to destroy battleships and aircraft to reduce American naval and air power.
By targeting both military and logistical assets, the Japanese hoped to deliver a devastating blow in a short time, achieving maximum surprise.
Calm before the storm
On the morning of December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was calm and routine.
The U.S. Pacific Fleet lay at anchor, with many ships lined up along Battleship Row.
It was a Sunday, so many personnel were either off-duty, sleeping in their bunks, or enjoying leisure activities.
As it was early, a typical weekend atmosphere prevailed.
Some sailors attended religious services, while others prepared for a quiet day in paradise.
...many sailors planning shore leave later that day...
The USS Arizona, like most other ships, was only lightly manned, with many sailors planning shore leave later that day.
Sailors aboard various ships, such as the California, Nevada, and Oklahoma, were going about their usual duties.
On the USS Arizona, for instance, the band was preparing to play at the morning flag-raising ceremony.
...no unusual alerts or mobilizations, so defenses were relaxed...
Despite the peaceful atmosphere, some officers and crews were following regular routines of preparation.
Ships' engines were not warmed up, and anti-aircraft guns were not manned, as there was no perceived threat.
There had been no unusual alerts or mobilizations, so defenses were relaxed.
Aircraft were parked closely together at nearby airfields, following anti-sabotage protocols.
This practice was a reflection of the belief that sabotage, rather than an aerial assault, was the greatest threat.
...just minutes before it would be thrown into chaos...
Some personnel were attending to their regular morning tasks, such as performing inspections and routine drills.
Others were enjoying breakfast or preparing for the day’s activities, completely unaware of the danger approaching from the skies.
In these final moments of peace, Pearl Harbor was functioning like any other naval base on a peaceful Sunday morning, just minutes before it would be thrown into chaos by the surprise Japanese attack.
Unusual Activity
On the morning of December 7, 1941, the U.S. Army SCR-270 radar station at Opana Point, located on Oahu's northern tip, picked up unusual activity.
This radar station, one of the early warning systems set up on the island, had been operational for only a few months.
Joseph Lockard, a radar operator stationed at Opana Point, was on duty that morning along with his colleague, Private George Elliot.
The two men were relatively inexperienced but had been trained to spot and interpret radar signals.
...indicating a massive formation of aircraft approaching...
At approximately 7:02 a.m. on the 7th December 1941, Lockard and Elliot noticed an unusually large blip on their radar screen.
The SCR-270 radar, one of the most advanced early warning systems of its time, was capable of detecting aircraft from great distances.
The signal that appeared on their screen was significant, indicating a massive formation of aircraft approaching from the north, at a distance of around 130 miles.
Given the magnitude of the radar signature, both men initially assumed this was a group of American B-17 bombers, which they knew were scheduled to arrive from the mainland that morning.
The assumption that the blip represented B-17 bombers seemed logical.
The U.S. Army Air Forces frequently conducted long-range flights from California to Oahu, and the radar signature appeared consistent with what Lockard and Elliot expected from a formation of heavy bombers.
Joseph Lockard, a radar operator, was one of the first to detect the approaching Japanese aircraft.
A flight of B-17 Flying Fortresses. On the morning of the Pearl Harbor attack, a group of U.S. B-17 Flying Fortresses arriving from California was initially mistaken for Japanese planes. Their arrival coincided with the attack, adding to the confusion and chaos as defenses were mobilized.
...reinforced the belief that this large blip was part of a routine flight operation...
B-17s, known for their large size and ability to fly in groups, would have shown up as a large cluster on the radar, similar to what the two operators were seeing.
The expected arrival of these aircraft had been briefed to military personnel, which further reinforced the belief that this large blip was part of a routine flight operation.
Inshore Patrol Area, just outside the Pearl Harbor's entrance. Following war warning messages sent from the Chief of Naval Operations, CinCPac issued instructions mandating no submarines would operate submerged in the area outlined.
...grew increasingly uneasy as the radar screen filled with more and more planes...
However, as the blip continued to move closer, something about the formation began to unsettle the operators.
The sheer size of the radar signature and the speed at which the planes were approaching seemed unusual.
Lockard grew increasingly uneasy as the radar screen filled with more and more planes, and the formation began to move toward the island with greater urgency than expected.
His instincts told him that something wasn’t right—there were simply too many aircraft in the formation, and they were approaching far faster than the scheduled American bombers should have been.
Realizing that this might be more than just a routine group of U.S. planes, Lockard called the Information Center at Fort Shafter, where radar reports were processed and evaluated.
The phone was answered by a young officer, Lieutenant Kermit Tyler, who had only recently begun his shift.
The original radar plot of Station Opana, 7th December 1941. The Opana radar operators created this plot showing the incoming Japanese planes approaching the North Shore of O’ahu on December 7. The five mobile radar units around the O’ahu coast were meant to supplement the lack of patrol plane capability. But while the equipment did detect the attack force, the operators were helpless to recognize the threat.
https://www.nps.gov/perl/learn/historyculture/opana-mobile-radar-site.htm
The radar unit at Opana Point, Oahu, was one of the first early warning systems in operation during the Pearl Harbor attack. On 7th December 1941, operators George Elliot and Joseph Lockard detected incoming Japanese planes, but their warnings were dismissed.
https://www.pearl-harbor.com/theres-nothing-wrong-with-our-radar-george-e-elliott-jr/
...the number of planes was unusually large...
When Lockard reported the large formation of planes, Tyler, with limited experience and unaware of the real threat, dismissed the report.
He reassured the radar operators that the planes they were seeing were likely the B-17 bombers that were expected to arrive from the mainland that morning.
Despite Lockard's insistence that the number of planes was unusually large, Tyler did not take further action. Lockard and Elliot were left watching helplessly as the radar blip continued to close in on the island.
Lockard on duty at Opana Point Radar station. Opana Point radar station in 1941 used the SCR-270 radar system, an early long-range radar capable of detecting aircraft up to 150 miles away. It operated on a frequency of 106 MHz and was one of the first U.S. Army radar installations.
https://www.nps.gov/perl/learn/historyculture/opana-mobile-radar-site.htm
...the airplanes flew directly toward O’ahu...
Lockard attempted to call back, but the line was busy, and by the time he could get through, the Japanese attack was already underway.
The timeline was as follows:
7:02 AM: The first wave of Japanese aircraft appeared on the radar 137 miles north of O’ahu.
7:06 AM: Pvt. George Elliott called the Information Center at Fort Schafter to report a large target 113 miles out.
7:15 AM: Planes were 92 miles out with an air speed of 180 mph.
7:23 AM: Although the airplanes flew directly toward O’ahu, the radar showed planes approaching in a slight zigzag pattern.
This feature of the radar was one of many that added to the difficulty of reading the plot.
7:45 AM: The radar signal was lost as aircraft flew close to the radar station.
7:50 AM: The Japanese air attack on O‘ahu began at Wheeler Army Airfield.
The Japanese announcement of the attack at Pearl Harbor, shortly before 8 a.m. on Sunday, 7th December 1941.
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, GLC09552.01 p1
...this report was largely ignored or dismissed...
While Lockard and Elliot were monitoring the incoming planes, other warning signs began to emerge.
At sea, U.S. Navy ships stationed outside Pearl Harbor detected the presence of Japanese submarines, including midget submarines attempting to infiltrate the harbor.
It was at around 6:45 a.m., that the previously mentioned destroyer USS Ward, engaged one of these submarines, sinking it with depth charges.
The Ward's commander, Lieutenant William W. Outerbridge, radioed a report to headquarters, notifying them of the engagement with an enemy submarine in the defensive sea area.
However, much like the radar warning, this report was largely ignored or dismissed by senior officers.
These early signs of an impending attack went unheeded, contributing to the disaster that was about to unfold.
George Elliot, a radar operator at Pearl Harbor, along with Joseph Lockard, detected the incoming Japanese planes on December 7, 1941. Despite his warnings, the attack proceeded, catching U.S. forces by surprise.
https://www.pearl-harbor.com/theres-nothing-wrong-with-our-radar-george-e-elliott-jr/
An Act of War
Admiral Chūichi Nagumo led Japan's main carrier battle group, the Kido Butai, in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Meanwhile, in the air, the first wave of Japanese planes—183 aircraft in total—was rapidly approaching Oahu.
This wave included a mix of bombers, fighters, and torpedo planes, all launched from six Japanese aircraft carriers positioned to the north of Hawaii.
Their mission was to strike a devastating blow against the U.S. Pacific Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor, crippling American naval power in the Pacific.
The commander of the Japanese task force, Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, had meticulously planned the attack for maximum surprise. the 7th December, a Sunday morning, was chosen deliberately, as it was believed that U.S. personnel would be more relaxed, with ships less fully manned and defenses potentially down.
A map of Pearl Harbor recovered from a captured Japanese midget submarine. Midget submarines played a supporting role in the Pearl Harbor attack, aiming to infiltrate the harbor and strike additional targets after the aerial assault. Five midget submarines were deployed, but their effectiveness was limited, with most either sunk or disabled before causing significant damage.
https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/pearl-harbor-japanese-perspective-1941/
...wave after wave of Japanese planes swept over the island...
The element of surprise was crucial to the success of the operation, and as the Japanese planes neared Oahu, it was clear that the American forces had not yet fully realized the danger they were in.
At 7:55 a.m., local time, the first Japanese dive-bomber broke through the clouds and descended upon Pearl Harbor.
The air was filled with the drone of aircraft engines as wave after wave of Japanese planes swept over the island, targeting the naval base and nearby airfields.
The first wave included sluggish but deadly torpedo bombers, whose primary objective was the destruction of the U.S. battleships anchored at Pearl Harbor.
Commander Mitsuo Fuchida who led the first wave of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
...exploited the element of surprise...
The battleships were moored in a line along "Battleship Row," a prime target for the incoming torpedoes.
These slow-moving torpedo bombers exploited the element of surprise to strike these ships before the American defenses could respond effectively.
One of the most significant early strikes occurred at 8:06 a.m., when a bomb struck the forward magazine of the USS Arizona, igniting over a million pounds of gunpowder stored inside.
The resulting explosion was catastrophic, tearing the ship apart and killing 1,177 of its crew members.
The sinking of the Arizona became one of the defining moments of the attack, symbolizing the sheer devastation wrought by the Japanese assault.
View from the Ford Island water tower across the Pearl Harbor turning basin during the Japanese air attack on 7 Dec 1941. Note the Hammerhead Crane and USS Nevada slipping by close to the Ten-Ten Dock.
The forward magazines of the U.S. Navy battleship USS Arizona explode shortly after 08:00 hrs during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, The bombs and subsequent explosion killed 1,177 of the 1,512 crewmen on board at the time, approximately half of the lives lost during the attack.
U.S. Navy - Official U.S. Navy photo 80-G-K-13513 from the U.S. Navy Naval History and Heritage Command
...after being struck by four torpedoes in rapid succession, the battleship capsized...
At the same time, the USS West Virginia was hit by multiple torpedoes and bombs, sustaining severe damage before sinking to the bottom of the harbor.
The USS Oklahoma fared even worse—after being struck by four torpedoes in rapid succession, the battleship capsized completely, trapping hundreds of sailors inside.
As the ship overturned, its bottom and propeller were exposed above the water, a grim sight that underscored the overwhelming power of the Japanese attack.
Another shot of the Arizona exploding after a Japanese hit. The USS Arizona was hit by multiple bombs, with one piercing its deck and detonating in the forward magazine. The massive explosion ripped the ship apart, causing it to sink quickly, leaving only parts of its superstructure above water.
https://worldwartwo.filminspector.com/2014/09/pearl-harbor-attack-7-december-1941.html
...hit by a torpedo and several bombs...
In addition to the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, and USS West Virginia, several other ships were either sunk or damaged during the first wave:
The USS California was hit by two bombs and two torpedoes, causing severe flooding.
The crew attempted to save the ship, but it eventually sank in shallow water.
It was later refloated, repaired, and returned to service in 1944.
The battleship USS California shrouded in smoke after being hit by Japanese torpedoes during the attack.
https://www.vintag.es/2012/12/awesome-color-photos-of-attack-on-pearl.html
...sustained serious damage...
The USS Nevada was the only battleship that attempted to leave the harbor during the attack.
She was hit by a torpedo and several bombs as she tried to make it to the sea, forcing her to beach herself to avoid blocking the channel.
The Nevada sustained serious damage but was repaired and returned to service.
Moored next to the USS West Virginia, the USS Tennessee was damaged by two bombs and fires that spread from the West Virginia.
She remained afloat and was repaired.
...hit by torpedoes and quickly capsized...
The USS Maryland was moored alongside the USS Oklahoma and was hit by two armor-piercing bombs.
Despite the damage, she was not torpedoed and remained operational. She was repaired and returned to service.
The USS Utah was a former battleship converted into a target ship. She was hit by torpedoes and quickly capsized.
Like the USS Oklahoma, the Utah was never raised and remains a sunken memorial at Pearl Harbor.
The battleship USS Arizona belches smoke as it topples over into the sea during the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. It's the superstructure that's leaning forward and to the side.
The hull settled straight down in an upright position.
...many smaller vessels and auxiliary craft were also damaged...
The USS Helena was a light cruiser that sustained heavy damage when it was struck by a torpedo intended for the USS Oglala.
Despite the damage, the Helena was later repaired and saw extensive service throughout the Pacific War.
The USS Oglala was a minelayer that capsized after being struck by a torpedo meant for the USS Helena. She was later refloated, repaired, and returned to service.
In addition to these ships, many smaller vessels and auxiliary craft were also damaged in the first wave, contributing to the overall chaos and destruction inflicted by the Japanese forces.
This aerial photograph taken by a Japanese pilot shows the perspective of the attackers. In the lower right hand corner, a Japanese bomber sweeps in for a strafing run.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/gabrielsanchez/chilling-photos-from-the-brutal-attack-on-pearl-harbor
...made them easy targets for strafing...
The Japanese planes didn't just target the battleships; they also struck at the American airfields surrounding Pearl Harbor, including Naval Air Station Ford Island, Wheeler Field, and Hickam Field.
The American aircraft stationed at these fields had been parked closely together, following anti-sabotage protocols set by General Short, commander of the U.S. Army forces in Hawaii.
This made them easy targets for strafing and bombing runs by Japanese fighter planes.
In a matter of minutes, dozens of American aircraft were destroyed on the ground, severely limiting the ability of U.S. forces to mount any aerial defence.
Utah capsizing during the attack on Pearl Harbor. A former battleship converted into a target ship, she was hit by torpedoes during the Pearl Harbor attack and quickly capsized, killing 64 of her crew.
Anti-aircraft bursts attempt to bring down Japanese aircraft as the battleship Arizona burns fiercely below.
https://worldwartwo.filminspector.com/2014/09/pearl-harbor-attack-7-december-1941.html
...American personnel fought back bravely...
The U.S. Navy battleship USS California slowly sinking alongside Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as a result of bomb and torpedo damage, 7 December 1941. The destroyer USS Shaw is burning in the floating dry dock YFD-2 in the left distance. The battleship USS Nevada is beached in the left-centre distance.
Despite the overwhelming nature of the attack, some American personnel fought back bravely. Anti-aircraft gunners aboard the various ships in the harbor quickly scrambled to their stations and opened fire on the incoming planes.
Among the most notable figures that day was Doris "Dorie" Miller, an African American cook aboard the USS West Virginia.
Although not trained to use the ship's anti-aircraft guns, Miller seized control of one of the guns and began firing at Japanese planes, displaying remarkable courage under fire.
For his actions, Miller was later awarded the Navy Cross, becoming one of the first African Americans to receive such an honor during the Second World War.
The Light Crusier Raleigh listing after a Japanese torpedo struck it during the first wave attack. The capsized hull of USS Utah can be seen in the right background. The cruiser listed so severely to port that it seemed she might capsize. Crew members threw overboard topside weight to stabilize her, while gunners successfully downed five Japanese planes. Several crew members were wounded, but fortunately, there were no fatalities.
...targeting any remaining ships...
By 8:40 a.m., the first wave of the Japanese attack had largely subsided, leaving behind a scene of destruction.
The second wave of around 170 Japanese aircraft arrived shortly afterward, targeting any remaining ships and airfields that had not been destroyed in the initial assault.
While some American forces had managed to organize a defensive response by this time, the damage inflicted during the first wave had already sealed the fate of the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor.
Part of the hull of the capsized USS Oklahoma is seen at right as the battleship USS West Virginia, center, begins to sink after suffering heavy damage, while the USS Maryland, left, is still afloat in Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii.
Navy via AP
Impact on Civilians
The first wave of the Pearl Harbor attack not only devastated the military but also had a profound impact on the civilian population living in and around the naval base.
Civilians, largely unprepared for a full-scale assault, were thrust into the chaos as bombs exploded, ships burned, and aircraft screamed overhead.
The island of Oahu, home to thousands of civilians, was suddenly transformed into a war zone.
...quick thinking and leadership in such dire circumstances saved countless lives...
Annie G Fox, one of the first women winners of the Purple Heart during the Second World War.
https://www.womenshistory.org/articles/bravery-army-nurse-annie-g-fox-pearl-harbor
One notable example is the story of Annie G. Fox, the chief nurse at Hickam Field, who played a critical role during the attack.
As bombs fell and casualties mounted, Fox remained calm under pressure, helping to organize the overwhelmed medical staff.
She took charge of administering aid to both military personnel and civilians, coordinating the treatment of burn victims and those suffering from shrapnel injuries.
Her quick thinking and leadership in such dire circumstances saved countless lives.
For her bravery, Fox was later awarded the Purple Heart, making her one of the first women to receive the honour during the Second World War.
The wreckage of a drug store smolders at Waikiki after attack by Japanese planes.
AP Photo
https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/12/07/historical-photos-of-pearl-harbor-attack-on-december-7-1941/
...as the attack intensified, panic spread throughout the civilian areas...
In downtown Honolulu, civilians reported hearing the explosions and seeing the thick plumes of smoke rising from Pearl Harbor.
Some, unaware of the severity of the situation, initially thought the noise was part of a military drill.
However, as the attack intensified, panic spread throughout the civilian areas. People rushed to find cover as stray bombs and bullets struck homes, cars, and buildings.
One such incident occurred when a bomb hit a house in Honolulu, killing three civilians and leaving others wounded.
...worked tirelessly to treat burns, shrapnel wounds, and blast injuries...
Hospitals quickly became overwhelmed as both military personnel and civilians sought treatment for injuries.
Nurses and doctors worked tirelessly to treat burns, shrapnel wounds, and blast injuries.
The civilian population, though not the primary target, experienced both fear and loss during the first wave of the attack, with many families forever changed by the violence that had suddenly arrived on their doorstep.
Immediate aftermath
After the first wave of the Pearl Harbor attack subsided, the scene was one of devastation. Battleship Row was engulfed in smoke and flames as several U.S. battleships lay crippled or sinking.
The USS Arizona had suffered a catastrophic explosion while the USS Oklahoma had capsized, trapping hundreds of sailors inside.
Other ships, like the USS West Virginia and USS California, were severely damaged and taking on water. Fires spread across the harbor, with oil slicks on the water igniting, adding to the chaos.
...had strafed and bombed U.S. planes...
On the airfields, the situation was equally dire.
The Japanese fighters had strafed and bombed U.S. planes parked tightly together, destroying many of them before they could be scrambled for defense.
At Hickam Field, Wheeler Field, and Ford Island, dozens of aircraft lay wrecked, burning, or damaged beyond repair, limiting the American ability to retaliate against the attackers.
...the full extent of the attack’s devastation was only beginning to be realized...
Despite the destruction, U.S. personnel quickly began efforts to mount a defense.
Anti-aircraft guns, which had been slow to respond during the initial assault, now fired with greater intensity as they tried to prepare for any follow-up attacks.
Crews aboard damaged ships worked frantically to rescue the wounded and contain the fires.
Communication lines were buzzing with reports, and the military command began bracing for a potential second wave.
The element of surprise had passed, but the full extent of the attack’s devastation was only beginning to be realized.
