On December 7, 1941, the United States was attacked at Pearl Harbor, launching the country into World War II. The attack resulted in the deaths of 2,403 service members and civilians, with ongoing efforts to identify those who died. The aftermath of the attack also saw President Franklin D. Roosevelt invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to imprison over 100,000 Japanese Americans, many of whom were U.S. citizens, in concentration camps. The images of the attack show the devastation and chaos caused by the Japanese bombers, with ships like the USS Arizona, USS California, USS Oklahoma, and USS Shaw either sunk or on fire. Additionally, the wreckage of Japanese fighter bombers and American ships like USS Pennsylvania, USS Downes, and USS Cassin can be seen. The attack left a lasting scar on the American psyche and is considered one of the darkest stains on the country’s history. The photos of the attack display the horror and destruction that occurred that day in December, and serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor.
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