“Yesterday, December 7th 1941, a date that shall live in infamy. The United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attack by naval and air forces of the empire of Japan. It is obvious that planning the attack began many weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government had sort to deceive the United States by false statement and expressions of hope for continued peace. The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American military forces; I regret to tell over 3,000 American lives have been lost. No matter how long it may take to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. Because of this unprovoked dastardly attack by Japan, I ask that the Congress declare a state of war.”
President F. D. Roosevelt
December 8th 1941
Day of Infamy
December 7th 1941, 10 in the morning: the United States suffers one of history’s most devastating surprise attacks; with 2403 dead and her once invincible navy decimated; America is forced to join the conflict already raging in Europe and Asia. Prior to Pearl Harbor, the Japanese War Machine had swept across China; cutting-off American aid and pressed on into Burma with limited resistance. At home Japan was building a seemly superior naval fleet led by some of the world’s largest aircraft carriers, but Admiral Yamamoto’s prediction had come true: the aftermath of the Day of Infamy had indeed awaken the sleeping giant that was America. As the emperor’s army march towards the Philippines, the United States takes action.
Japan continues its military conquest throughout the Pacific, but back home millions of American workers band together, bringing factories to live to avenge Pearl Harbor.
Fall of the Philippines
With American armed forces now fully engaged in war; Japanese occupied South Pacific islands are feeling the pressure. But hopes are crusted for a swift Allied victory in the Philippines, after a long bloody battle, General MacArthur is ordered to retreat; thousands of his troops are left behind and forced to surrender. The enemy now controls the Philippines; MacArthur vows to return. In a bald-offensive move, the United States prepares to land 10,000 troops on Guadalcanal, a relatively unknown island, where a strategic airfield is under-construction by Japanese forces.
Midnight Raid on Guadalcanal
When John Adams formed the marines in 1775 an entire new method of warfare was born. Unlike armies that marched across country to battle, the marines were amphibious; launching their attacks with shore landings. In the decade before World War II, the marines began to truly develop their style of combat. This preparation gave huge dividends following America’s entry into the war. Guadalcanal was taken and secured with almost no loss, however swift Japanese counterattacks led to a tough and costly campaign to hold the island. Despite the brutal climate and a high number of enemy troops, the marines aided by US soldiers and local inhabitants were finally victorious. Later in the war, the marines and their unique battle tactics will prove invaluable.
Pistol Pete Showdown
7 months after joining the war, America’s need for intelligence gathering and distribution was growing critical. Traditional, these tasks had belonged to the Department of State; President Roosevelt sorted vice from a trusted friend, William J. Donavon, a medal of honour recipient and veteran of the Great War. Donavon proposed a new atomise and convert organisation to carry out intelligence missions behind enemy lines; the Office of Strategic Services was created in June 1942 under Donavon’s control. This elite force would swiftly become a critical weapon against the Axis, with units sent to every front. Agents of the OSS were instrumental in many Allied victories.
Singapore Sling
Along with successfully occupying much of the Pacific, the Japanese Golden Lilly Team began systematically pillaging of Asian wealth. The team looted thousands of metric tons of gold and valuables from Chinese cities. The largest load was collected by General Yamashita after his conquest of Singapore, the repository of many hidden British and French assists. The one obstacle the Japanese faced was getting their hauled back to the homeland. At first the enemy relied on naval transport, however after Allied forces picked up on this tactic and began hitting the emperor’s navy hard, the Japanese began securing their treasure in underground mines.
In Search of Yamashita’s Gold
Burma was an important land-supply route for the Americans as well as the Japanese. Control of Burma meant control of key artery for supplies travelling in both directions. Enemy forces use this route to send looted wealth south to its aircraft carriers; the United States depended on Burmese roads to lend support to the Chinese in their fight against Japanese occupation. The most successful form of transport in Burma was the railway system; the air routes were inefficient and the sea belonged to the Allies. With the forced labour of slaves and prisoners, the Japanese laid track at breakneck speed at a tragic loss of many lives. As the battles were fought in thick jungle, control of Burma changed hands several times, but finally the Allies seized control.
A Bridge on the River Kwai
Despite heavy losses of battleships during the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States fleet was able to maintain their naval strength. This feat was accomplished by its strategic use of aircraft carriers. As the United States quickly determined that airpower was the future of naval superiority; the Japanese realized this as well and began massing the largest fleet of carriers the world had ever seen. The two seagoing forces met at Midway by early June 1942, after 3 days of intense fighting, the Japanese had lost many of their large carriers and were forced to retreat. The victory of Midway marked a turning point in naval warfare. No longer will the number of battleships be the most important factor. The nation with the greatest carrier fleet was King.
Supercarrier Sabotage
In 1944, 2 years after General MacArthur had been ordered to leave 70,000 of his troops stranded, the United States would return to the Philippines. The road back to save MacArthur’s men was not easy: Admiral Nimitz’s overall attack plan involved a direct route to Japan, which bypassed the Philippines altogether. MacArthur appealed to the Joint Chiefs and eventually gained their support. In October 1944, MacArthur landed on the island of Lahti, declaring to the people of the Philippines ‘I have returned!’ MacArthur proceeded to gain control of the Philippines, however less than a third of the troops he left behind were rescued.
Today the OSS is now the CIA.
I would like to thank the brave men who fought for freedom, in both Europe and the Pacific, men who fought in a time when mankind was the most threatened. I would like to also thank the leaders of the time, for their strength and determination; leaders, such as Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
And of course, all thanks to Almighty God, for if it wasn’t for him – placing these people on this Earth and at the time – the world would be in such darkness.
Thanks to the makers of Medal of Honor Rising Sun.
