The destroyer USS Shaw explodes after being hit by bombs during the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, December 7, 1941. The Associated Press
In this Dec. 7, 1941 photo provided by the U.S. Navy, a Navy launch pulls up to the blazing USS West Virginia to rescue a sailor during the attack on Pearl Harbor. An excavation crew recently made a startling discovery at the bottom of Pearl Harbor when it unearthed a skull that archeologists suspect is from a Japanese pilot who died in the historic attack. Archaeologist Jeff Fong of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific described the discovery to The Associated Press and the efforts under way to identify the skull. He said the early analysis has made him "75 percent sure" that the skull belongs to a Japanese pilot. The Associated Press via U.S. Navy
In this photo provided by the U.S. Army, a soldier stands in a bomb crater left beside a structure on Coronot Avenue, Hickam Field, Dec. 17, 1941, ten days after the Japanese attack on Hawaii. The Associated Press via U.S. Army
Youths inspect the wreckage of a Japanese bomber, Dec. 17, 1941 brought down by a United States P-40 plane during the Dec 7, 1941 attack on Oahu, Hawaii. The Associated Press
U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the declaration of war following the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, at the White House in Washington, D.C., Dec. 8, 1941 at 3:08 p.m. EST. Watching from left to right are, Rep. Sol Bloom, D-N.Y.; Rep. Luther Johnson, D-Texas; Rep. Charles A. Eaton, R-N.J.; Rep. Joseph Martin, R-Mass.; Vice President Henry A. Wallace; House Speaker Sam Rayburn, D-Texas; Rep. John McCormack, D-Mass.; Sen. Charles L. McNary, R-Ore.; Sen. Alben W. Barkley, D-Ky.; Sen. Carter Glass, D-Va.; and Sen. Tom Connally, D-Texas. The Associated Press
In this photo provided by the U.S. Army, blazing from Japanese bombing attack on the Army's Hickam Field, B-17 Army bombers seen behind two motors of one of the bombers which escaped damage, Dec. 12, 1941. The Associated Press viaU.S. Army
Tense faces of Congressmen, cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, crowded galleries looked to a grim President Franklin D. Roosevelt as he asked for war against Japan, said: "With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us, God." President Roosevelt spoke in the House of Representatives, addressing a joint session of Congress, Dec. 8, 1941. The Associated Press
The pilot of this Japanese plane met flaming death in the first surprise attack on the principal Hawaiian island of Oahu on Dec. 7, 1941, when his plane was shot down, rammed a residence and set the house and the one adjoining on fire. In the foreground is part of the plane wreckage. The pilot, later established as being at least six feet tall, was cremated. Japanese families resided in the two houses, which were destroyed. The Associated Press
In this image provided by the U.S. Army, the wreckage of a Japanese bombing plane shot down near a CCC camp, Hawaii during the raid on Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press via U.S. Army
Declaring Japan guilty of a dastardly unprovoked attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war, Dec. 8, 1941. Listening are Vice President Henry Wallace, left, and House Speaker Sam Rayburn. The Associated Press
This Dec. 1941 photo shows heavy damage to ships stationed at Pearl Harbor after the Japanese attack on the Hawaiian island on Dec. 7, 1941. The most comparable attack against the United States was the surprise Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, that plunged the U.S. into war. The nation marked the 10-year anniversary of Pearl Harbor much differently than now. Just like the 10-year anniversary of Sept. 11, how the nation experienced the anniversary of Pearl Harbor was shaped by what was happening in the world in 1951. The Associated Press via U.S. Navy
The battleship USS California is afire and listing to port in the Japanese aerial attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941. Durrell Conner, who coded and decoded messages for the Navy, was aboard the USS California when it sank in Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Conner will return with 17 family members to remember those who died in the Japanese attack 69 years ago during the Pearl Harbor Anniversary. The Associated Press
An undamaged light cruiser steams out past the burning USS Arizona and takes to sea with the rest of the fleet during the Japanese aerial attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941 during World War II. The Associated Press via U.S. Navy
The shattered wreckage of American planes bombed by the Japanese in their attack on Pearl Harbor is strewn on Hickam Field, Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press
Japanese plane, proceeds toward "Battleship Row" at Pearl Harbor after other bombers had hit USS Arizona, from which smoke billows, Dec. 7, 1941. Photo was taken from the yard of Army's Hickam Field Quarters by Mrs. Mary Naiden of New York City. The Associated Press
The wing of a Japanese bomber shot down on the grounds of the Naval Hospital at Honolulu, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press
Wreckage, identified by the U.S. Navy as a Japanese torpedo plane , was salvaged from the bottom of Pearl Harbor following the surprise attack Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press
"Japanese cabinet meets in emergency session," is the bulletin shown in Times Square's news zipper in lights on the New York Times building, New York, Dec. 7, 1941. Robert Kradin, The Associated Press
A Japanese dive bomber goes into its last dive as it heads toward the ground in flames after it was hit by Naval anti-aircraft fire during surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press
A small crowd inspects the damage, both inside and outside, after a Japanese bomb hit the residence of Paul Goo during the raid on Honolulu Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press
Three U.S. battleships are hit from the air during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Japan's bombing of U.S. military bases at Pearl Harbor brings the U.S. into World War II. From left are: USS West Virginia, severely damaged; USS Tennessee, damaged; and USS Arizona, sunk. The Associated Press
A mass of twisted metal wreckage lay along a Honolulu street after the city had been attacked by Japanese planes Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press
This is one of the first pictures of the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. A P-40 plane which was machine-gunned while on the ground. The Associated Press
Struck by two battleships and two big bombs, the USS California, right, settles to the bottom during the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 during World War II. The Associated Press
Associated Press fileThe battleship USS Arizona burns as it topples over into the sea during a Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941.
In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, general view of the burning and damaged ships of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, during the Japanese aerial attack on Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press via U.S. Navy
In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, U.S. sailors man boats at the side of the blazing USS West Virginia to fight the flames started by Japanese torpedoes and bombs on the battleship at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941. The Stars and Stripes fly bright against the smoke-blackened sky over the harbor. The Associated Press via U.S. Navy
In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, the battleship USS Nevada, right, and the destroyer USS Shaw, left, burn following the attack at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941. The Nevada was run aground to keep from sinking in the main channel. The Associated Press via U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy seamen examine the wreckage of a Japanese torpedo plane shot down at Pearl harbor during the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press
In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, crewmen of the USS Nevada still fight flames on the battleship, battered in the Japanese aerial attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, after the big ship is beached at Hospital Point. The Associated Press via U.S. Navy
In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, a pall of smoke filled the sky over Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941, after the Japanese attacked. In the foreground is the capsized minelayer, the USS Oglala, and to the left appears the moored USS Helena, 10,000-ton cruiser, struck by a bomb. Beyond the superstructure of the USS Pennsylvania, and at the right is the USS Maryland, burning. At right center the destroyer Shaw is ablaze in drydock. The Associated Press via U.S. Navy
The wreckage of the U.S.S. Oklahoma as it lies in the mud at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii after the Japanese aerial attack on Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press
In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, a view of the capsized U.S.S. Utah after the Japanese aerial attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press via U.S. Navy
In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, lying in the water at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the wreckage of the U.S.S. Shaw, after it had been hit directly on the forecastle during the Japanese aerial attack on Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press via U.S. Navy
In this image provided by the U.S. Department of Defense, destroyers in drydock at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii are battered by bombs after Japanese sneak attack on Dec. 7, 1941. Background in dock is battleship Pennsylvania, which suffered only minor damage. Destroyers are Downes, left, and Cassin, right. Machinery and fittings were transferred to new hulls and the destroyers were never stricken from Navy's active list. The Associated Press via U.S. Department of Defense
Attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press
In this photo provided by the U.S. Navy, one of 80 U.S. Navy planes wrecked in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, this observation scout seaplane has engine ripped from its housing, Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press via U.S. Navy
War bulletins describing the Japanese attack on the U.S. are posted in English and Chinese in New York's Chinatown in lower Manhattan, Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press
The wreckage of a drug store smolders at Waikiki after attack by Japanese planes, Dec. 7 1941. The Associated Press
A bombed U.S. Army truck with wheel still ablaze after the surprise attack, Dec. 7, 1941, which touched off a new war in the Pacific. The Associated Press
Flaming oil throws a billow of smoke skyward in the Japanese attack on Hickam Field, Pearl Harbor, U.S. Air base near Honolulu, Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press
Panoramic view of Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack of Dec. 7, 1941. Note warship in background being hit by torpedo and spouting water. The Associated Press
In this photo provided by the U.S. Navy, hanger No. 6 and the warm-up apron of the air station landing strip on Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii shown during the attack, Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press via U.S. Navy
In this photo provided by the Department of Defense, U.S. aircraft destroyed as a result of the Japanese bombing on Pearl Harbor is shown, Dec. 7, 1941. Heap of demolished hanger in background Army amphibian in foreground. The Associated Press via Department of Defense
One of the hangars that was burned out at the Naval Air Station on Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press
Believed to be the first bomb dropped on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in the sneak-attack on Dec. 7, 1941, this picture was found torn to pieces at Yokusuka Base by photographer's mate 2/C Martin J. Shemanski of Plymouth, Pa. One Japanese plane is shown pulling out of a dive near bomb eruption (center) and another the air at upper right. The Associated Press
The battleship USS West Virginia is seen afire after the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. The Associated Press
Heavy black smoke billows as oil fuel burns from shattered tanks on ships that were hit during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941 during World War II. Visible through the murk is the U.S. battleship Maryland, center, and the hulk of the capsized USS Oklahoma to the right of it. The Associated Press via The U.S. Navy
Troops man a machine gun nest at Wheeler Field, which adjoins Schofield Barracks in Honolulu, after the Japanese attack on the island of Oahu, Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press
Officers' wives, investigating explosion and seeing smoke pall in distance on Dec. 7, 1941, heard neighbor Mary Naiden, then an Army hostess who took this picture, exclaim "There are red circles on those planes overhead. They are Japanese!" Realizing war had come, the two women, stunned, start toward quarters. Mary Naiden, The Associated Press
In this photo provided by the U.S. Navy, eight miles from Pearl Harbor, shrapnel from a Japanese bomb riddled this car and killed three civilians in the attack of Dec. 7, 1941. Two of the victims can be seen in the front seat. The Navy reported there was no nearby military objective. The Associated Press via U.S. Navy
In this Dec. 7, 1941 file photo, a small boat rescues a USS West Virginia crew member from the water after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. With an eye on the immediate aftermath of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, thousands of World War II veterans and other observers are expected on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008 to commemorate the 67th anniversary of the devastating Japanese military raid. The Associated Press
A crowd of young men enlist in the Navy in San Francisco, Calif., Dec. 7, 1941, at the Federal Office Building. The Associated Press
American ships burn during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in this Dec. 7, 1941 file photo. The Associated Press
Unidentified attaches of the Japanese consulate began burning papers, ledgers and other records shortly after Japan went to war against the U.S., Dec. 7, 1941, in New Orleans. Police later stopped the fire after most of the papers had been destroyed. Horace Cort, The Associated Press
This photo shows the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The USS Arizona is pictured in flames after the attack. The Associated Press via U.S. Navy
White House reporters listen to the radio in the White House press room as Japan declared war on the U.S., Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press
This Dec. 7, 1941 file photo provided by the Department of Defense shows the USS California, right, after being struck by a torpedo and a 500-pound bomb during a Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. Durrell Conner, who coded and decoded messages for the Navy, was aboard the USS California when it sank in Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Conner will return with 17 family members to remember those who died in the Japanese attack 69 years ago during the Pearl Harbor Anniversary. The Associated Press via Department of Defense
Selling papers on Dec. 7, 1941 at Times Square in New York City, announcing that Japan has attacked U.S. bases in the Pacific. Robert Kradin, The Associated Press
In this image provided by the U.S. Naval Historical Center, USS Downes (DD-375) in dry dock No. 1, Pearl Harbor Navy Yard, Hawaii in December 1941, where she was struck by enemy bombs during the Japanese raid on Dec. 7, 1941. U.S. Naval Historical Center via The Associated Press
In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, U.S.S. Nevada beached at Hospital Point at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in December 1941. The Associated Press via The U.S. Navy
A Japanese bomber on a run over Pearl Harbor, Hawaii is shown during the surprise attack of Dec. 7, 1941. Black smoke rises from American ships in the harbor. Below is a U.S. Army air field. The Associated Press
Japanese planes over Hawaii during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941, are shown in this scene from a Japanese newsreel. The film was obtained by the U.S. War Department and released to U.S. newsreels. U.S. War Department viaThe Associated Press
Battle ship Arizona at pearl Harbor, December 1941. The photo was taken shortly after the battleship was bombed and destroyed during the surprise attack by Japanese forces, December 7, 1941. The vessel at right is a rescue tug. Flag still flying the ship is resting on the bottom of the ocean with decks flooded. The Associated Press
This Japanese navy air view of smoking U.S. ships during Pearl Harbor attack appeared in a 1942 publication called "The New Order in Greater East Asia," a copy of which has just become available, Oct. 14, 1945 in New York. The Associated Press
In this Dec. 7, 1941 file photo, sailors stand among wrecked airplanes at Ford Island Naval Air Station as they watch the explosion of the USS Shaw in the background, during the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Wednesday marks the 70th anniversary of the attack that brought the United States into World War II. The Associated Press
The battleship USS Arizona belches smoke as it topples over into the sea during Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, December 7, 1941. The ship sank with more than 80 percent of its 1,500-man crew, including Rear Admiral Issac C. Kidd. The attack, which left 2,343 Americans dead and 916 missing, broke the backbone of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and forced America out of a policy of isolationism. President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced that it was "a date which will live in infamy" and Congress declared war on Japan the morning after. This was the first attack on American territory since 1812. The Associated Press
In this photo provided by the U.S. Air Force, while buildings (background) burn after being struck by Japanese bombs, the American flag, though torn, still flew above Hickam Field, during the height of the sneak attack, Dec. 7, 1941. (AP Photo/USAF)
Smoke clouds the sky over Pearl Harbor as two sailors crouch with their rifles on a pier at the submarine base, trying desperately to locate an enemy to fire upon, Dec. 7, 1941. Submarines berthed nearby are USS Tautog and USS Narwhal. The Associated Press
In this photo released by the U.S. Navy, some of the patrol planes of the Catalina type that were wrecked on Ford Island at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, during the Japanese aerial attack of Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press via U.S. Navy
The stricken USS Oklahoma battleship lies half-righted as cables stretched over wooden A-frames to Ford Island at Pearl Harbor are used to right the ship in 1944. The ship was hit by torpedoes and sunk in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941 during World War II. The Associated Press via U.S. Navy
In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, the barnacled deck of the U.S S. Oklahoma breaks water in Pearl Harbor on May 24, 1943, during salvage operations which returned to service 16 of 19 ships sunk by the Japanese on Dec. 7, 1941. The Associated Press via U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy salvage crews begin work of clearing wreckage from the decks of the U.S. Oklahoma in Pearl Harbor on May 23, 1943, sunk by Japanese bombs in opening attack of the war on Dec. 7, 1941. Huge crane in background removed much of twisted wreckage. Hose beside the men's feet is for pumping water from inside the ship. The Associated Press
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The destroyer USS Shaw explodes after being hit by bombs during the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, December 7, 1941. The Associated Press
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By Katie Rausch | krausch@denverpost.com | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
Getting your player ready...
President Franklin Roosevelt called December 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy.” On that day, Japanese planes attacked the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Territory. The bombing killed more than 2,300 Americans. It completely destroyed the American battleship USS Arizona and capsized the USS Oklahoma. The attack sank or beached a total of 12 ships and damaged nine others. 160 aircraft were destroyed and 150 others damaged. The attack took the country by surprise, especially the ill-prepared Pearl Harbor base, according to the American Library. December 7, 2019 marks the 78th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.