Sarah Beddingfield Ms.

Caruso English 1102 February 13th, 2012 Pearl Harbor: Inside the Infamous Attack Yesterday, December 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy stated President Roosevelt about the attack on Pearl Harbor. The United States were shaken with surprise when news hit about the Japanese bombing American naval base at Pearl Harbor near Honolulu, Hawaii. An attack which lasted just about 2 hours did the most catastrophic damage it could have done. The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise attack conducted by the Japanese Military. The attack was intended as a preventive action in order to keep the U.S. Pacific Fleet from interfering with military actions the Empire of Japan was planning in Southeast Asia against overseas territories of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States. This attack was the causing lead in the United States entering World War II. The United States entering World War II and declaring war on Japan was the catalyst in Japans allies, Germany and Italy, declaring war on the US. In retaliation the US did the same. More than 2,000 US Soldiers were killed and more than 1,000 were wounded. Battleships were torn to pieces but 6 out of the 8 were taken, rebuilt, and sent back into service. The infamous ship, the USS Arizona still lies were it sunk that day and there is now a memorial and way for people to go tour and see the battleship as it lies about the bottom of the ocean.

Comment [A1]: Reviewed by: Aaron Crumbley No questions from writer.

Comment [A2]: Connect this with the other paragraph about the USS Arizona so the same information isnt spread out throughout your paper.

The Japanese attack came in two fleets. The first attack came with 183 planes that were launched north of Oahu. These planes were detected by a fairly new US Army radar and a tip was sent but being that it was new the tip was not taken seriously so the surprise attack would still be a surprise to the men in Pearl Harbor. The first attack began at 7:48 AM. Men abroad the ships awoke to bombing and alarm noises going crazy. As the men were much unprepared for the attack things like planes were not ready for flight, ammunition lockers were locked, machine guns on deck were unmanned and not loaded, and most of all these men were not fully prepared for a battle they had no idea about. As the second wave came in it was split into three sections and each came almost simultaneously but from different directions. And even though it was a long fight it seemed to stop suddenly, just as it had started that way too. It is said that the Japanese considered a possible third wave but for unknown reasons decided against at the last minute. It is hard to imagine if this third wave had gone on what more would have happened and if the outcome of it all would have been the same. The USS Arizona is the one of the two ships that were not taken to be rebuilt and put back into service. The ship, USS Arizona, is said to have caused more than half of the casualties because of the explosion. The Oklahoma was also not returned to service due to the fact that it was lost when it was being towed into to be rebuilt. The three cruisers, Helena, Raleigh, and Honolulu, were all returned to service shortly after the attack; along with three destroyers and auxiliaries. It is said that by 1944 all the ships and others were rebuilt and put back into service. In the wake of the attack, 15 Medals of Honor, 51 Navy Crosses, 53 Silver Stars, four Navy and Marine Corps Medals, one Distinguished Flying Cross, four Distinguished Service Crosses, one Distinguished Service Medal, and three Bronze Stars were awarded to the American servicemen who distinguished themselves in combat at Pearl Harbor. Additionally, a

Comment [A3]: Paragraph starts off kind of fast, without introduction to the idea, maybe start it off a little slower.

Comment [A4]: Ms. Caruso might want something of this nature in the endnotes but not 100% sure.

special military award, the Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal, was later authorized for all military veterans of the attack (Pearl Harbor par. 5) Today, the USS Arizona Memorial on the island of Oahu honors the lives lost on the day of the attack. Visitors to the memorial reach it via boats from the naval base at Pearl Harbor. It commemorates "initial defeat and ultimate victory" of all lives lost on December 7, 1941. Although December 7 is known as Pearl Harbor Day, it is not considered a federal holiday in the United States. The nation does however, continue to pay respect by remembering the thousands injured and killed when attacked by the Japanese in 1941. Schools and other establishments across the country respectfully lower the American flag to half-staff.
Comment [A6]: Some of the information repeats itself, the only thing I can see is to focus more on the day overall and its impact on America. The introduction sets the tone for what the paper is talking about so it is good. Provide a strong argument but maybe put a few more facts or citations throughout the paper. Also the way your transitioning between paragraphs is good, I just think when talking about certain information you should keep it close together throughout the paper. Paper has the makings of a good one and is very interesting, my final words are just add a few more facts through the paper and it will strengthen your paper. Comment [A5]: Move paragraph to match up with others talking about USS Arizona.