The Battleships of Pearl Harbor: Heroes of December 7, 1941. The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, stands as a day of infamy in the annals of American history. In a surprise assault by the Japanese Imperial Navy, eight U.S. battleships lay at anchor at Battleship Row. By the end of the day, all eight had suffered damage, with five sinking. Yet, the indomitable spirit of their crews and the resilience of the American nation ensured that many of these giants would rise again. Let’s dive into the history of each of these battleships, their fates on that day, and their subsequent legacies.
1. USS Arizona (BB-39)
Fate on Dec 7: Tragically, a bomb detonated her forward ammunition magazine, causing a massive explosion. The ship sank with a loss of 1,177 officers and crewmen. She could not be fully salvaged. History: Commissioned in 1916, Arizona was a Pennsylvania-class battleship. Today, she rests as a war grave and is memorialized by the USS Arizona Memorial.
2. USS Oklahoma (BB-37)
Fate on Dec 7: Struck by multiple torpedoes, she capsized quickly. Tragically, 429 crewmen lost their lives. History: Commissioned in 1916, Oklahoma was a Nevada-class battleship. Attempts to salvage her were initially successful, but she sank in a storm while being towed to the mainland in 1947.
3. USS West Virginia (BB-48)
Fate on Dec 7: Severely damaged by torpedoes, she sank in the shallow harbor. History: A Colorado-class battleship commissioned in 1923, she was salvaged, repaired, and returned to service, participating in many Pacific battles and earning five battle stars.
4. USS California (BB-44)
Fate on Dec 7: Hit by torpedoes and bombs, she sank at her moorings. History: Commissioned in 1921, California was a leading battleship of the Tennessee class. She was refloated, repaired, and served valiantly for the remainder of WWII.
5. USS Nevada (BB-36)
Fate on Dec 7: Despite heavy damage, Nevada attempted to exit the harbor but was beached to avoid sinking in the channel. History: As the lead ship of her class, Nevada was commissioned in 1916. Post-Pearl Harbor, she was repaired and saw significant action in both the European and Pacific theaters.
6. USS Pennsylvania (BB-38)
Fate on Dec 7: In dry dock during the attack, she suffered relatively minor damage from a bomb. History: Commissioned in 1916, Pennsylvania led her class. After repairs, she participated in many Pacific operations.
7. USS Tennessee (BB-43)
Fate on Dec 7: Trapped in her berth, she suffered bomb damage but remained afloat. History: Launched in 1919, Tennessee was a pioneer of her class. Post-attack, she was repaired and modernized, playing a crucial role in Pacific operations.
8. USS Maryland (BB-46)
Fate on Dec 7: Struck by two bombs but remained operational. History: A Colorado-class battleship, Maryland was commissioned in 1921. After the attack, she quickly returned to service and supported many Pacific campaigns.
Conclusion
The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor was a turning point in World War II, drawing the United States into the conflict. The battleships, symbols of American naval might, bore the brunt of the assault. Yet, the resilience and determination displayed in repairing and returning many of these warships to battle are emblematic of the American spirit. Their histories are not just tales of metal and firepower but of the valor and sacrifice of the men who served aboard them. As we remember December 7, 1941, let’s honor the legacy of these battleships and the indomitable spirit they represent.
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