American Military History, Volume 2 by Richard W. Stewart

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was one of the most brilliant tactical feats of the war. From six carriers that had advanced undetected to a position just 200 miles north of Oahu, some 350 aircraft came in through the morning mist, achieving complete tactical surprise. They bombed and strafed the neatly aligned Army planes on Hickam and Wheeler Fields, as well as Navy and Marine Corps aircraft; they carefully singled out as targets major units of the Navy's battle force at anchor in the harbor. Fortunately, the fleet's three carriers were away at the time and the attackers failed to hit the oil tanks and naval repair shops on shore. But the blow was devastat- ing enough. About 170 aircraft were destroyed and 102 damaged; all eight battleships were sunk or badly damaged along with other vessels; and total ca- sualties came to about 3,400, including 2,402 service men and civilians killed. Japanese losses were about forty-nine aircraft and five midget submarines. In an astonishing achievement, the enemy managed to apply in one shattering op- eration a combination of the principles of surprise, objective, mass, security, and maneuver. In its larger strategic context, the Pearl Harbor attack also exemplifies the principles of the offensive and econ- omy of force. The joint congression- al committee investigating the attack justly called it the "greatest military and naval disaster in our Nation's history."

The sinking of the USS Arizona came to symbolize the devastation of the attack and the American determination to avenge "a day that will live in infamy."