Military AI Works

All,
Take a moment today to remember the greatest generation and the attack on Pearl Harbor that pushed us head first into WW II.

Thanks.
Les

I second that. Was just in San Diego and sailed under the bow of the Midway. Although not a WWII carrier, it still gave me a lump in my throat when I thought about the 7th approaching. My father was in New Guinea and the Phillipines so I'll never forget what was sacrificed and how that generation shaped the world we live in today.

Here's to the Armed Forces of The United States of America past and present. Godspeed, thank you, and know that you are appreciated!

Was at Pearl last year at this time and I went out to the Arizona Memorial, as we approached the landing I had an over whelming feel of emotion. You could just feel that it was hallowed ground (water). What was even more remarkable with that trip was that also on the launch with us was a crew member from the USS Utah. He was given full honors coming off and on to the memorial.

Some history for the young,

The attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters and the Battle of Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on the morning of December 7, 1941 (December 8th in Japan). The attack was intended as a preventive action in order to keep the U.S. Pacific Fleet from interfering with military actions the Empire of Japan was planning in Southeast Asia against overseas territories of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States.

The base was attacked by 353 Japanese fighters, bombers and torpedo planes in two waves, launched from six aircraft carriers. All eight U.S. Navy battleships were damaged, with four being sunk. All but two of the eight were raised, repaired and returned to service later in the war. The Japanese also sank or damaged three cruisers, three destroyers, an anti-aircraft training ship, and one minelayer. One hundred eighty-eight U.S. aircraft were destroyed; 2,402 Americans were killed and 1,282 wounded. The power station, shipyard, maintenance, and fuel and torpedo storage facilities, as well as the submarine piers and headquarters building (also home of the intelligence section) were not attacked. Japanese losses were light: 29 aircraft and five midget submarines lost, and 65 servicemen killed or wounded. One Japanese sailor was captured.

The attack came as a profound shock to the American people and led directly to the American entry into World War II in both the Pacific and European theaters. The following day (December 8th) the United States declared war on Japan. Domestic support for isolationism, which had been strong, disappeared. Clandestine support of Britain was replaced by active alliance. Subsequent operations by the U.S. prompted Germany and Italy to declare war on the U.S. on December 11, which was reciprocated by the U.S. the same day.

There were numerous historical precedents for unannounced military action by Japan. However, the lack of any formal warning, particularly while negotiations were still apparently ongoing, led President Franklin D. Roosevelt to proclaim December 7, 1941, "a date which will live in infamy".

(December 8, 1941)

To the Congress of the United States:

Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

As a perspective on that day versus where we are today in history, the combined air forces of the US military were larger on that day, Dec 7th, 1941 than are the combined air foces of the US military on Dec 7th, 2011, today.

Makes you wonder doesn't it?

MIKE JG wrote:As a perspective on that day versus where we are today in history, the combined air forces of the US military were larger on that day, Dec 7th, 1941 than are the combined air foces of the US military on Dec 7th, 2011, today.

Makes you wonder doesn't it?

Without wishing to derail the thread, the BEF (British Expeditionary Force) sent to France and Belgium at the start of WWII, the remnants of which were evacuated from Dunkirk, was larger than the US Army of today too.

I actually had the pleasure of meeting a USS Arizona survivor who lives in Darrington, WA. He is 92 years old and was a bugler. He has written several books and donates all proceeds to the survivors foundation. What a National treasure!

God bless the "Greatest Generation". Without their sacrifices our lives could and probably would be very much different today.

Mike M.

mikewmac wrote:God bless the "Greatest Generation". Without their sacrifices our lives could and probably would be very much different today.

Mike M.

Hear, hear.