Скачать или смотреть USS Ward and the First Shots of the Pacific War

On the morning of December 7th, 1941, a small but momentous event occurred that would foreshadow one of the most infamous days in American history. Hours before the attack on Pearl Harbor, USS Ward, a 1,247-ton destroyer patrolling the entrance to the harbor, made history by firing the first American shots of World War II. In a brief, but decisive encounter, Ward sank a Japanese midget submarine that was attempting to infiltrate the harbor.

USS Ward's role on that infamous day is often overshadowed by the larger events of the Pearl Harbor attack, but her actions were no less significant. Manned mostly by a crew of reservists from Minnesota, Ward exemplified vigilance, courage, and the ability to act decisively under pressure.

*Correction* I state her crew complement as 231, but it was 103 officer and enlisted men.

Sources/Credits (photos):
Navsource, Naval History & Heritage Command, U.S. Naval Institute


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