*Warning: Some viewers may find these images disturbing.*
The attack was intended to thwart the U.S. Pacific Fleet from interfering with Japanese military operations in the Pacific. Over the course of seven hours, some 353 Japanese fighter planes, torpedo planes, and bombers unleashed a relentless bombing raid that destroyed 188 U.S. aircraft, sunk four U.S. Navy battleships, and killed 2,403 Americans with an additional 1,178 injured. The following day, the United States of America declared war on Japan.
The front page of the December 8th, 1941, edition of New York World Telegram reads, '1500 dead in Hawaii', and describes the U.S. decision to declare war on Japan.
Express / Getty Images
At the scene of the attack, a small boat rescues a USS West Virginia crew member from the water after the Japanese bombing raid.
Anonymous / AP
This aerial photograph taken by a Japanese pilot shows the perspective of the attackers. In the lower right hand corner, a Japanese bomber sweeps in for a strafing run.
Public Domain / Via AP Photo
