How many ships went down at Pearl Harbor? This is a question that has haunted the annals of history and remains a poignant reminder of the tragic events that unfolded on December 7, 1941. The attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese navy marked a pivotal moment in World War II, leading the United States to formally enter the conflict. In this article, we will delve into the details of the ships that were sunk during this infamous attack and their subsequent impact on the course of the war.
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The assault resulted in significant damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, with a total of eight battleships being attacked. Out of these, four were sunk, making it a devastating blow to the American navy.
The battleships that went down at Pearl Harbor were:
1. USS Arizona: The USS Arizona was the first battleship to be sunk during the attack. The explosion from the bomb that hit the ship was so powerful that it caused the ship to sink within minutes. The USS Arizona remains the final resting place for many of the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives that day.
2. USS Oklahoma: The USS Oklahoma was another battleship that was sunk during the attack. The ship was struck by several torpedoes, causing it to capsize and sink. A total of 429 crew members lost their lives in the disaster.
3. USS California: The USS California was the third battleship to be sunk. It was struck by several torpedoes and bombs, resulting in a severe fire that engulfed the ship. Although the USS California was eventually raised and returned to service, the attack caused the deaths of 100 crew members.
4. USS West Virginia: The USS West Virginia was the fourth and final battleship to be sunk during the attack. It was struck by multiple torpedoes and bombs, causing it to sink to the bottom of Pearl Harbor. Out of the 1065 crew members aboard, 547 lost their lives.
In addition to the battleships, several other ships were damaged during the attack, including cruisers, destroyers, and auxiliary ships. The total number of ships sunk or destroyed during the Pearl Harbor attack was four battleships, three cruisers, four destroyers, and one minelayer.
The attack on Pearl Harbor had a profound impact on the United States and the course of World War II. It led to the United States’ formal entry into the war, and the nation’s resolve to defeat the Axis powers was strengthened. The events of December 7, 1941, will forever be etched in the memory of the American people, and the ships that went down at Pearl Harbor serve as a somber reminder of the cost of war and the bravery of those who served.
