Pearl Harbor

A detailed re-examination of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Day of Infamy that saw the USA enter World War II.

In this the first comprehensive treatment of Pearl Harbor since the early 1990s, respected Pacific War naval historian Mark E. Stille traces the road to war and the Japanese attack itself. He examines the role of the man behind the operation, Japanese Admiral Yamamoto, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the plan. The American preparations for an attack are also carefully reviewed. The heart of the book is a comprehensive narrative of Pearl Harbor along with an appreciation of its results placed in proper perspective.

In common with many of the major campaigns of the Pacific War, many myths surround the Battle of Pearl Harbor, and, amongst others, Mark explores and dismantle the myth of Yamamoto as a military genius, as well as the myth that the attack was brilliantly planned. Long regarded as brilliant strike, Mark argues in Pearl Harbor that the attack was instead a tactical disappointment, an operational failure and a strategic disaster.

(subject to confirmation)

Introduction: The Myths of Pearl Harbor
Chapter 1: The Road to Pearl Harbor
Chapter 2: Japanese Options and the Great Debate
Chapter 3: The Japanese Plan
Chapter 4: Imperial Japanese Navy Forces Employed in the Attack
Chapter 5: The US Pacific Fleet and Pearl Harbor Defenses
Chapter 6: The Japanese Striking Force Approaches Pearl Harbor
Chapter 7: The First Attack Wave
Chapter 8: The Second Attack Wave
Chapter 9: After the Attack
Chapter 10: The Forgotten Offensive: Japanese Submarines off Hawaii
Chapter 11: The Reckoning
Chapter 12: Why Pearl Harbor Matters
Chapter 13: Responsibility Misplaced?
Appendices