How many soldiers died in the pearl harbor attack?

How Many Soldiers Died in the Pearl Harbor Attack?

The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by the Imperial Japanese Navy on December 7, 1941, was one of the most devastating military attacks in American history. The attack resulted in significant losses for the United States, including the lives of over 2,400 Americans. In this article, we will explore the number of soldiers who died in the Pearl Harbor attack and provide a detailed breakdown of the casualties.

Initial Estimates and Confirmed Deaths

Immediately after the attack, the US military estimated that over 3,000 Americans had been killed or wounded. However, as the days passed, the true extent of the damage and casualties became clear. The US Navy reported that 2,403 Americans had been killed, including 2,008 Navy personnel, 218 Marines, and 109 Army personnel.

Breakdown of Casualties

The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in a significant number of casualties, including:

• Navy Personnel: 2,008 killed, 1,178 wounded
• Marines: 218 killed, 364 wounded
• Army Personnel: 109 killed, 69 wounded
• Civilians: 68 killed, 35 wounded

Aircraft Losses

The attack on Pearl Harbor also resulted in significant losses for the US aircraft fleet. A total of 188 US aircraft were destroyed or damaged, including:

• Battleships: 4 sunk, 3 damaged
• Aircraft Carriers: 2 damaged
• Cruisers: 3 damaged
• Destroyers: 3 damaged
• Other Ships: 2 sunk, 2 damaged

Ship Losses

The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in significant losses for the US Navy’s ship fleet. A total of 19 ships were sunk or damaged, including:

• Battleships: 4 sunk (USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS California, USS West Virginia)
• Cruisers: 3 damaged
• Destroyers: 3 damaged
• Other Ships: 2 sunk, 2 damaged

Casualties by State

The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in casualties from all 48 states in the United States. The states with the highest number of casualties were:

• Hawaii: 2,403 (all casualties)
• California: 142
• New York: 93
• Illinois: 76
• Ohio: 64

Table: Casualties by State

Conclusion

The attack on Pearl Harbor was a devastating blow to the United States, resulting in the loss of over 2,400 American lives. The attack also resulted in significant losses for the US aircraft and ship fleets, as well as damage to the military infrastructure. The attack on Pearl Harbor was a turning point in American history, leading to the United States’ entry into World War II and a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy.

Additional Resources

• National World War II Museum: Pearl Harbor
• US Navy: Pearl Harbor Attack
• History.com: Pearl Harbor
• Wikipedia: Pearl Harbor Attack