The Attack on Pearl Harbor
Early on the morning of 7th December 1941, a surprise attack by Japan on Oahu, Hawaii, smashed a large part of the US fleet docked in Pearl Harbor just within 2 hours. This is a significant turning point that brought the full might of the USA into the battle and forced the U.S to enter the World War II.
An explosion at the Naval Air Station, Ford Island, Pearl Harbour (Pearl Harbor) during the Japanese attack. Sailors stand amid wrecked watching as the USS Shaw explodes in the center background. The USS Nevada is also visible in the middle background, with her bow headed toward the left. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images)
The Imperial Japanese Navy intended to destroy as much of the US Pacific Fleet as possible. The devastating attack killed 2,400 Americans, damaged nearly around 21 ships and destroyed more than 188 U.S. aircraft.