The Island of Oahu , with its military depots, both naval and land, its airdromes, water supplies, the city of Honolulu with its wharves and supply points, forms an easy, compact, and convenient object for air attack... I believe therefore, that should Japan decide upon the reduction and seizure of the Hawaiian Islands ... attack will be launch-ed at Ford's Island at 7:30 A.M.
- General William Mitchell
(memorandum for the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, 1924)
I can run wild for six months... after that, I have no expectation of success.
- Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto (to the Japanese cabinet, circa 1940
Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan .
- Franklin D. Roosevelt (to Congress, 8 December 1941)
Throughout the action, there was never the slightest sign of faltering or cowardice.
The actions of the officers and men were wholly commendable; there was no panic, no
shirking or flinching, and words fail to describe the truly magnificent display of courage, discipline, and devotion of duty of all.
- Report by the Executive Officer of USS West Virginia after Pearl Harbor
Far-stretching, endless Time
Brings forth all hidden things,
And buries that which once did shine.
The firm resolve falters, the sacred oath is shattered;
And let none say, "It cannot happen here."
- Sophocles