Pearl Harbor's Revenge: How the Devastated U.S. Battleships Returned to War

On December 7, 1941, Japanese carrier-borne aircraft launched a surprise attack on the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, resulting in the sinking or damage of eight battleships, three light cruisers, three destroyers, a training ship, and other smaller vessels. Hundreds of US aircraft were damaged or destroyed, and 2,403 Americans were killed. A great salvage organization was formed, and the lightly damaged battleships Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Tennessee were repaired and put back into service to protect the west coast of the USA. Six of the eight battleships were returned to service with improved protection against bombs and torpedoes and the latest anti-aircraft and gunnery systems, and they re-entered the war to wreak revenge on the Japanese.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

On December 7, 1941, Japanese carrier-borne aircraft launched a surprise attack against the US Pacific Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor. This date, declared by President Roosevelt as "will live in infamy," marked a significant turning point in World War II. During the attack, Japanese planes targeted the seven US battleships lined up in Battleship Row, including the iconic USS Pennsylvania, which was in drydock for overhaul. The battleship USS Arizona suffered a catastrophic explosion after being hit by a bomb at the forward magazine, resulting in the loss of 1,177 officers and men. On USS Oklahoma, 429 men were killed, many of whom were trapped inside as the battleship capsized after aerial torpedo strikes. USS West Virginia also faced severe damage, with at least seven torpedoes and several bombs causing it to engulf in flames and settle onto the bottom on an even keel. USS California was hit by a pair of torpedoes and a bomb, causing it to flood slowly and eventually settle on the bottom. The remaining four battleships present were more lightly damaged, with the crippled Nevada being the only battleship to get underway during the attack and successfully beached.

By the end of the assault, eight battleships, three light cruisers, three destroyers, a training ship, and several smaller vessels had been sunk or damaged. Hundreds of US aircraft had been damaged or destroyed, and 2,403 Americans had lost their lives. In response, a massive salvage organization was swiftly formed. Within a week of the attack, the lightly damaged battleships Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Tennessee were repaired in naval yards and put back into service to protect the west coast of the United States. Of the eight battleships attacked, all but Arizona were raised, temporarily patched up, and sent back to naval yards on the west coast of America for final repair and modernisation. The main battery guns and ordnance from the wrecked Arizona were recovered, marking a significant step in the war effort.

The attack on Pearl Harbor had a profound impact on the course of the war, marking the United States' entry into World War II and leading to the involvement of major powers worldwide. It also served as a wake-up call to the American public, who had previously been largely unaware of the threat posed by Japan. The aftermath of the attack saw the United States mobilize its resources and embark on a massive military buildup, ultimately leading to the defeat of Japan and the end of World War II.

In conclusion, the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, remains a pivotal moment in history, symbolizing the beginning of the United States' involvement in World War II and the devastating consequences of a surprise attack. The bravery and resilience of the American people, as well as the swift response of the military and civilian authorities, played a crucial role in the eventual victory over Japan and the preservation of freedom and democracy worldwide.

Weight: 934g
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399013291