Pearl Harbor Aftermath: Pearl Harbor After the Attack

By the time the people at Pearl Harbor had the chance to come to terms with what had happened on December 7, 1941, there was no doubt that the aftermath of the attack would take a long time to clear. America had suffered amazingly at the hands of the Japanese, losing 1,999 sailors, 233 soldiers and 109 marines. Along with this, there were also 49 civilians killed by bombs of shells.

The aftermath of the attack left Pearl Harbor in a state of shock and mourning. The devastation was a powerful symbol of the United States' vulnerability at that moment and became a rallying point for the nation as it entered World War II.

What Did Pearl Harbor Look Like After the Attack in WWII?

Following the Pearl Harbor attack,  the bodies of the fallen were everywhere: in the water, the streets, on the islands. Many would never be recovered and today they remain in the waters or immersed in the soil. The USS Arizona, struck by a bomb that ignited its forward ammunition magazines, was broken in half and sank quickly, with over 1,100 crewmen trapped inside. The USS Oklahoma was hit by multiple torpedoes and capsized, leaving only parts of its hull above water. Several other battleships, including the USS West Virginia, USS California, and USS Nevada, were heavily damaged or sunk but later salvaged.

The harbor was littered with debris from the damaged ships, aircrafts, and docks. Broken masts and torn metal were strewn across the area. The surface of the water was covered in a thick layer of oil leaking from the damaged and sunken ships. This oil fueled fires that raged on the water and aboard the damaged ships. The fires burned for hours, making it difficult for rescue crews to approach and save those trapped on the ships.

There is no doubt the devastation of that event caused a lot of heartache, both physically and psychologically; and the events of that day had a major impact on the American government, military forces, and civilians. As soon as Japan had finished the attack, they left Hawaii. This gave the State the chance to commence the recovery and recuperation efforts in the Pearl Harbor aftermath immediately – once they were over the shock of what had happened.

What Happened After the Pearl Harbor Attack?

In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, the military became more prepared for further attacks. . As support increased from militaries around the world, the number of soldiers, sailors and marines grew  to more than 135,000 people (double the amount that was there before the attack). There were more gun batteries, the beaches were surrounded with barbed wire, and all the major buildings were painted in camouflage colors. At night, Hawaiians were required to turn  off all the lights early and all the major provisions were rationed, such as gas and food.

Both the military forces and the locals were happy to oblige in aiding with the Pearl Harbor aftermath. Everyone was terrified of a repeat attack and wanted to do what they could to prevent that kind of devastation again. Homes and businesses hung black out curtains in their windows, citizens were issued gas masks, and businesses that were able to continue to operate did so at all times of day and night to ease transport issues. Supplies were limited, but everyone worked together to start the clean up.

Hawaii had quite a large population of Japanese immigrants and Japanese-Americans at the time of the attack and still does today. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, many were treated with suspicion, imprisoned, or sent to the harsh internment camps that were created as a result of the attack. Many people lost everything they had worked for, as they were often given little time to sell their property or store their belongings before being sent to the camps. Despite these hardships, numerous Japanese Americans sought to prove their loyalty to the United States. Once they had permission in 1943, thousands of young men volunteered to serve the U.S. military against Japan.

This led to Hawaii receiving the highest enlistment rate per capita during the war, and the story of the Japanese-American 442nd Brigade is well known to this day. The 442nd Brigade fought in Europe, particularly in Italy, southern France and Germany and had a total of 14,000 men serve under the banner, earning almost 9,500 Purple Hearts.

Strength in the Wake of Destruction

The aftermath of Pearl Harbor was a sobering reminder of the tragedies that can arise in times of conflict. The devastation inflicted on the U.S. Pacific Fleet and the loss of thousands of lives not only plunged the nation into World War II but also united Americans in a common cause. This tragic event reshaped the course of history, highlighting the resilience and determination of a nation determined to rebuild and emerge stronger. As we reflect on Pearl Harbor's legacy, we honor the bravery of those who endured the attack and the resolve that followed, ensuring that such sacrifices would never be forgotten.