t 7:55 a.m. December 7, 1941, Japanese bombers and torpedo planes attacked the U.S. Pacific Fleet anchored at Pearl Harbor. The Japanese attack lasted less than two hours but did enormous damage. The United States sustained 3,435 casualties and loss or severe damage to 188 aircraft, eight battle ships, three light cruisers, and four other vessels. The Pearl Harbor attack brought the United States into World War II and gave Americans a personal stake in the war.

Many Oregonians died in the attack. Others survived to carry profound memories of the events of December 7, 1941 - "a date which will live in infamy." The following pages describe some of the connections between Oregon and the attack on Pearl Harbor.

This exhibit was created by Layne Sawyer and Gary Halvorson. Question or comments: reference.archives@state.or.us

On to Casualties