12/07/2025
It was 84 years ago on Sunday, December 7, 1941...that our country experienced what then-President Roosevelt called “… A date which will live in infamy.”
The Imperial Japan Navy launched their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor at 7:48 a.m. Hawai’i time.
Navy personnel on ships awoke to the sounds of alarms, bombs exploding, and gunfire. They had to dress as they ran to General Quarters stations.
The famous message, "Air Raid Pearl Harbor. This is not a drill.” was sent from Patrol Wing Two HQ, the first senior Hawaiian command to respond.
Despite a lack of readiness, which included locked ammunition lockers, aircraft parked wingtip to wingtip to prevent sabotage, and no heightened alert status, many served with distinction during the battle, including many medical personnel.
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a pre-emptive military strike on the Pacific Fleet, that made the US enter World War II.
Two aerial attack waves, totaling 350 aircraft, were launched from six aircraft carriers with the intent to destroy the United States Pacific Fleet. The attack wrecked two battleships, one minelayer, and two destroyers beyond repair, and destroyed 188 aircraft. Personnel losses were steep – with 2,333 killed and 1,139 wounded.
Navy Medical personnel from ship and shore commands were an intricate part of not only helping to repel the attack but handling the many wounded and gravely injured on ships and shore, as well as those rescued from the water.
The dedicated non-stop efforts of Navy Medical personnel and support staff throughout the long Day of Infamy, and afterwards, was an integral part of the healing process for those injured, as well as our entire nation.
Just as we did then, we continue to do now, execute our mission readiness, and improve the health of those we serve, whenever called upon...
Please take a moment to remember those who served during that day, and those who are currently following in their hallowed footsteps.
