Pear Harbor Day
Thursday, December 7, 2023, marks the 82nd anniversary of the 1941 Japanese attack, during which 2,403 U.S. service members and civilians lost their lives. The attack also led to the sinking of two U.S. Navy battleships and the destruction of 188 aircraft.
American intelligence anticipated that if Japan were to attack, it would likely target nearby European colonies in the South Pacific, such as the Dutch East Indies, Singapore, or Indochina. Because U.S. military leaders weren’t prepared for an attack so close to home, the defenses at the naval facilities in Pearl Harbor were not adequately strengthened. The majority of the Pacific Fleet was concentrated around Ford Island in the harbor, and numerous airplanes were stationed on adjacent airfields.
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in significant damage, destroying nearly 20 American ships and over 300 airplanes. Essential facilities such as dry docks and airfields were also severely affected, leading to the tragic loss of more than 2,403 lives.
Despite the extensive damage, the Japanese did not completely incapacitate the Pacific Fleet. In the 1940s, aircraft carriers held more importance than battleships, and fortunately, all of the Pacific Fleet’s carriers were not present at the base on December 7. Some had returned to the mainland, and others were delivering planes to troops on Midway and Wake Islands.
Additionally, vital infrastructure at Pearl Harbor, including oil storage depots, repair shops, shipyards, and submarine docks, remained unharmed. This allowed the U.S. Navy to recover relatively quickly from the aftermath of the attack.
Japan thought that by attacking Pearl Harbor, they could really hurt the U.S. fleet and get more time in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. This way, they could carry out their plans without the U.S. getting in the way and also have time to defend their positions and make their control stronger.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day has been observed annually since 1994.
Eugene Richardson, one of the last pilots from the Tuskegee Airmen, left his home on Pine Street in Camden as a teenager to join the Army Air Corps. At the age of 17, he became a pre-aviation cadet.
Following his training, Eugene Richardson became a certified fighter pilot. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the opportunity for air combat, as the fighting in Europe concluded only two months after he received his commission.
“I always dreamed of flying an airplane since I was a little kid,” Richardson expressed on Wednesday.
During World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen played a vital role in safeguarding bomber pilots from other fighter planes. They achieved an impressive feat by never losing a single bomber and successfully shooting down 112 enemy aircraft.
The Airmen were pioneers as the first Black military aviators in the U.S. armed forces.
This Wednesday, Richardson visited Butler Cemetery, the resting place of numerous African American veterans, including those from the U.S. Colored Troop in the Civil War.
In the cold weather, Richardson saluted, and a bugler played “Taps” at the historic site. Following this, the flag was lowered to half-staff.
“Some gave a little, and some gave everything,” shared Lt. Col. Rev. Floyd White, a retired chaplain from the Army and Air Force and the pastor of Woodland Avenue Presbyterian Church.
“We’re thankful to God for those with us and those who served dutifully for our country. Today, we remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941,” added White.
Rev. Floyd White, along with the Woodland Community Development Corporation, announced the establishment of a scholarship in Richardson’s honor.
Richardson was honored with the Congressional Medal of Honor by President George W. Bush in 2007.