Table of Contents
Why was the attack on Pearl Harbor considered a surprise?
Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor would drive the United States out of isolation and into World War II, a conflict that would end with Japan’s surrender after the devastating nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.
Did the US shoot down any Japanese planes at Pearl Harbor?
During the attack on Pearl Harbor, U.S. pilots George Welch and Kenneth Taylor managed to get airborne under fire—twice—and shot down at least six Japanese planes between them. After the dance, the two pilots joined an all-night poker game.
Who was the radar operator at Pearl Harbor?
Left to right: Lt. Kermit Tyler, Pvt. George Elliot & Pvt. Joe Lockard. Photos on display at the National Electronics Museum. Private George Elliot and Private Joe Lockard were the radar operators at the Opana Station on that day and at 7:00 A.M. were preparing to shut down the SCR-270 radar system.
Who was the pursuit officer for the B-17 bombers?
The Pursuit Officer on duty was Lieutenant Kermit Tyler, an army air forces pilot. It was his second day on the job and he thought that the planes spotted on radar were US Army air force B-17 heavy bombers on their way to Hickam Field from California. He made the famous statement, “Don’t worry about it”.
How did Lockard and Elliot track the planes?
Lockard and Elliot continued tracking the aircraft until they were about 22 miles from Oahu, when they planes disappeared behind the distortions caused by surrounding mountains. The two radio operators then returned to base.
Who was the radar operator at Opana base?
Private George Elliot and Private Joe Lockard were the radar operators at the Opana Station on that day and at 7:00 A.M. were preparing to shut down the SCR-270 radar system. The truck had not arrived to return them to base so they kept the radar operating for additional training.