WilsonU.S History 2-HApril 6, 2001The Day of Deceit or the Day of Infamy, or both? The surprise bombing of Pearl Harbor was the entire reason for the United States’ entrance into World War II. Many elements play into this event. For instance, the Japanese chose this site for several reasons. In addition, there are various theories that Franklin Delano Roosevelt was made aware of this attack, yet allowed it to occur. Known as “The Day of Infamy “, the bombing is taught in our history classes for an infinity of years to come. How did we react at the time? What did Washington do to prevent this? Why Pearl Harbor anyway? The bombing of Pearl Harbor was a desperate FDR’s backdoor into the Second World War. December 7, 1941 dawned bright, clear and beautiful over Pearl Harbor. In fact, according to Deborah Bacharach’s book, “Pearl Harbor”, Fleet Chaplain William A. Maguire noted approvingly from abroad the Arizona that this day “was a day for the tourists” (Bachrach 8). However, two hundred and thirty miles to the northwest of Pearl Harbor activity of a different nature was taking place. “Japanese pilots had already donned their warrior ceremonial dress, with their fresh loincloths, good luck belly bands and freshly pressed red shirts to show a warrior’s disdain for blood. They had eaten their ceremonial meals. They were ready for attack” (Prange 21).According to William Shapiro’s book, at about the same time, off the coast of the Hawaiian Islands, abroad the destroyer U.S.S. Ward, Lieutenant William W. Outerbridge noticed a mysterious object in the water. He ordered his crew to fire at it. The ship’s guns sank a midget Japanese submarine lurking in the water. Outerbridge sent a report of his sighting the fleet. There was a delay in decoding Outerbridge’s message. When John E. Earle, the fleet’s commander’s chief in st...
