On Dec. 7, 1941, the U.S. Naval fleet stationed at
The Japanese assault began at 7:48 a.m., resulting in the death of 2,402 Americans, numerous injuries, the sinking of four battleships and damaging many more. Surprised U.S. service members who normally may have slept in on the Sunday morning or enjoyed some recreation instead found themselves fighting for their lives.
Now 72 years later, the U.S.
Here are the photos:
U.S. Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Diana Quinlan
Defenders on Ford Island watch for planes during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.
U.S. Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Diana Quinlan
The battleship USS California (BB 44) burns in the foreground as the battleship USS Arizona (BB 39) burns in the background after the initial attack on Pearl Harbor.
U.S. Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Diana Quinlan
Defenders on Ford Island watch for planes during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.
U.S. Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Diana Quinlan
Hangar 6 on Ford Island stands badly damaged after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
U.S. Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Diana Quinlan
A view of the historic Ford Island control tower from 1941. The tower was once used to guide airplanes at the airfield on the island and will now be used as an aviation library.
U.S. Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Diana Quinlan
The battleship USS Arizona (BB 39) burns in the background during the attack on Pearl Harbor as viewed from Ford Island.
U.S. Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Diana Quinlan
The Mahan-class destroyer USS Shaw (DD 373) explodes in the background after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
U.S. Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Diana Quinlan
Sailors on Ford Island look on as the Mahan-class destroyer USS Shaw (DD 373) explodes in the background after the attack on Pearl Harbor.