A Pitiful, Unholy Mess: The Histories of Wheeler Bellows and Haleiwa Fields and the Japanese Attacks of 7 December 1941

A Pitiful, Unholy Mess is a detailed combat narrative of the 7 December 1941 Japanese attacks on Wheeler, Bellows, and Haleiwa Fields, focusing on descriptions of actions in the air and on the ground from both the U.S. and Japanese perspectives. The authors have researched the U.S. Army Air Force Individual Flight Records at NARA, St. Louis, and have translated and incorporated Japanese aircrew rosters from the attacks, providing an intricate and highly integrated story that is compelling and unparalleled.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2022
Publisher: Naval Institute Press

A Pitiful, Unholy Mess is a comprehensive combat narrative that delves into the devastating Japanese attacks on Wheeler, Bellows, and Haleiwa Fields on December 7, 1941. These bases played a crucial role in defending the Oahu region and were vital in preventing U.S. aircraft from interfering with attacks on the Pacific Fleet. Despite the relatively lower loss of life compared to Pearl Harbor, the attacks caused widespread destruction and chaos, leaving a lasting impact.

The book focuses on providing detailed descriptions of actions on both the U.S. and Japanese sides, from the deepest practical tactical level. To achieve this, the authors have exhaustively pursued a wide range of American documents, recollections, interviews, and photographs. They have also sought out Japanese accounts and photography from the attacks, many of which are published for the first time. The authors have utilized information from the reports of Japanese air groups and the aircraft carrier Shōkaku, which has never been previously used.

In addition to their research, the authors have extensively studied the U.S. Army Air Force Individual Flight Records at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), St. Louis. These records provide operational details of the pilots' flights and their military careers. The authors were among the first to access these microfilmed records shortly after NARA, St. Louis acquired them. They have also delved into the backgrounds and personalities of key Japanese participants and have translated and incorporated Japanese aircrew rosters from the attacks.

The accumulation of this vast amount of data and information has enabled the authors to craft a compelling and unparalleled narrative. The stories of both sides are interwoven, creating a rich and intricate tapestry that brings the events of that fateful day to life. A Pitiful, Unholy Mess is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the authors in uncovering the truth and presenting it in a manner that is both informative and engaging.

Dimension: 276 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781682476024