December 7, 1941—A date which will live in infamy

 

The Empire of Japan launched a surprise military strike on the United States Pacific Fleet at its naval base at Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. 

The attack, carried out by 353 aircraft from six Japanese aircraft carriers under the command of Admiral Chūichi Nagumo, began at 7:48 a.m. Hawaiian time and lasted until 9:45 a.m., targeting battleships, aircraft, and military installations. 

The assault resulted in the destruction or damage of eight U.S. battleships, the sinking of three cruisers and three destroyers, and the loss of over 180 aircraft, with a total of 2,403 Americans killed and 1,178 wounded. 

The attack prompted the United States to declare war on Japan the following day, marking its entry into World War II, and led to Germany and Italy declaring war on the U.S. on December 11, 1941, transforming the conflict into a global war.

IMAGES AFTER THE ATTACK: