7 December 1941: The Air Force Story

On 7 December 1941, the “Day of Infamy,” the United States and its armed forces were plunged into the most costly war in history. On the 50th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Oahu, the Air Force story of 7 December 1941 is told in its entirety for the first time. Often times the heroism and anguish of airmen at Wheeler, Hickam and Bellows have been overshadowed by the main event, the attack on Pearl Harbor itself. The Japanese attack on the airfields of Oahu was an integral part of their overall plan, and their objectives were achieved. The Hawaiian Air Force was dealt a crippling blow, despite heroic efforts to counter that attack. Today 7 December stands as an important symbol in our history.