Pearl Harbor National Memorial ⓘ

The story of Pearl Harbor is not only about ships and battles—it’s about the people. From the courageous servicemen who defended their country on December 7, 1941, to the civilians who endured the attack, and the families who have carried their memories forward, their experiences define the legacy of this pivotal event. Today, dedicated staff, volunteers, and visitors work together to preserve and share these stories, ensuring the sacrifices and resilience of those who came before us are always remembered. Discover the lives, legacies, and contributions of those who have shaped Pearl Harbor’s history, both in the past and today.

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, marked a profound awakening for both military personnel and civilians in the region, highlighting the harsh realities of war. On that day, 2,390 Americans, including both service members and civilians, lost their lives.

A significant portion of the casualties occurred on the USS Arizona, where 1,177 service members perished. Notably, the ship had 38 sets of brothers aboard, including three sets of three brothers, and 63 of these siblings died in the attack. The USS Oklahoma suffered the second highest loss of life with 429 fatalities. Between December 1941 and June 1944, Navy personnel worked to recover the remains of those who died on the Oklahoma. Initially, only 35 men were positively identified. The remainder, nearly 400 unidentified servicemen, were interred as unknowns at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. In a significant effort beginning in 2015, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency , in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, exhumed these remains to identify them, successfully returning over 300 sailors and Marines to their families.

Hickam Field experienced the third largest loss with 191 fatalities, including five civilians. The USS West Virginia and the USS California also saw significant casualties, losing 106 and 105 crew members respectively.

Additionally, the attack directly resulted in the deaths of 49 civilians, some due to enemy actions and others from friendly fire.

The courageous men who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor have left behind powerful legacies. Many survivors of the USS Arizona and USS Utah made the heartfelt choice to be interred back into their ships after their passing, joining their fallen shipmates in eternal rest.

Discover personal stories and watch interviews with these survivors, preserving their memories and their accounts of the events on December 7, 1941.

The places that shaped Pearl Harbor are more than just points on a map—they are the locations where pivotal moments of World War II unfolded. From the decks of battleships to the airfields that were thrust into chaos, these sites bear witness to acts of heroism, sacrifice, and resilience. Each location at Pearl Harbor tells a unique story of that fateful day and its lasting impact on the world. Read more about these significant sites to connect with the history and bravery of those who lived through it. Click on the "Learn More" link for each section to explore stories behind these remarkable places.

Pearl Harbor, home to the iconic US Pacific Fleet, has often been described as "majestic," a marvel of the Pacific and one of its greatest harbors.

Its strategic location and stunning beauty have made it a coveted port, long envied by nations that sought control. This sheltered, blue-green oasis holds deep scenic, historic, and strategic significance—significance that predates the tragic attack that thrust the United States into World War II. Long before the fateful morning of December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was already captivating with its dramatic landscapes and compelling history.

Just before 8:00 a.m. on that infamous Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, the sailors aboard the naval vessels moored in Pearl Harbor were engaged in their usual routines, unaware that within minutes their lives—and the course of world history—would be irrevocably changed. Many were preparing for a peaceful day of shore leave, while others were getting ready for church services. On over 185 naval vessels scattered throughout the harbor, sailors stood by to raise the colors as part of their morning duties.

The human toll of the Pacific War was immense. The U.S. military suffered over 106,000 losses, while Japan lost more than 2.1 million soldiers, sailors, and airmen in the conflict. The staggering scale of death and destruction was felt on both sides, with entire units wiped out in brutal island battles and naval engagements across the Pacific.

From 1937, when Japan began its occupation of China, to the war’s end in 1945, the suffering extended far beyond the battlefield. Over 20 million civilians in the Pacific and Southeast Asian theaters perished due to military attacks, massacres, disease, and starvation. The war’s devastation, compounded by food shortages and the breakdown of infrastructure, left a deep scar on the region's population.

The Pearl Harbor National Memorial relies on contributions from citizens like you to preserve and tell the story of the Pacific War. By donating family heirlooms, memorabilia, photographs, diaries, and other significant items, you help us share the personal stories and historical context of this pivotal period. To ensure a smooth donation process, please read our Donor Information Packet , which outlines the steps involved and how to contact the park curator.

Our museum collections contain a variety of objects, specimens, archives, and library materials. These include photographs, paintings, drawings, diaries, letters, newsletters, historic books, and memorabilia—any item that fits within the organizational Scope of Collections Statement (coming soon) and the park's needs. We are particularly interested in acquiring items that enhance our understanding of Pearl Harbor and the broader Pacific War. See our list on this page.

Public Programs Collections are used to provide information to the public through exhibits, publications, and interpretative programs. Modern technology also allows for electronic access through websites and online databases, expanding the reach of these resources.

Documentation of Resources Museum collections document the physical and historical resources of the park, helping preserve the efforts of the park and its mission.

Physical Preservation and Protection Collections help preserve and protect valuable historical items, ensuring that both the objects and the knowledge about them remain intact for future generations.

Research Collections are an important resource for research, helping the park catalog items and share new insights. These collections are available to researchers, which can lead to new discoveries and a deeper understanding of the park’s significance.

As part of the National Park Service, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is committed to preserving history for the education and inspiration of future generations. Learn more about the history of the National Park Service .

Many visitors to the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor National Memorial ask what types of materials our museum collects. Others inquire if we are interested in specific items they own or are willing to acquire on our behalf. Below is a list of artifact themes and backgrounds that the National Park Service actively seeks for its collection.

If you are interested in donating any of the items listed below, please contact the Curatorial Division at perl_museum_collections@nps.gov and review the Donor Information Packet. While we are interested in a variety of materials, these are areas of particular interest. Please consult our Scope of Collections Statement (coming soon) for a more comprehensive understanding of our museum's needs.

Women’s Military Service (WAVE, WAAC, WAC, SPAR, ROTC, and Marine Corps Women Reserve) We seek oral or written histories, period photographs, diaries, personal accounts, letters, and collectibles that reflect the experiences of women in these military roles.

Civic and Fraternal Organizations (Varsity Victory Volunteers, Red Cross, USO, YWCA, and the HI Chamber of Commerce) Archival materials, documents, photographs, diaries, speeches, and other ephemera from civic and fraternal organizations active between 1940-1945, especially those that helped prepare or provision Hawaii for the war.

Plantation Civil Defense, Police, and Medical Units Materials related to the Plantation Civil Defense , Plantation Police , or Plantation Medical Units , including photographs, oral histories, publications, and accounts created from 1940-1946.

Witness Art Art created by witnesses of the events from 1941-1952 in the Pacific Theater or during the Japanese Occupation . We are interested in sketches, paintings, and crafts that capture these personal experiences.

Volunteer Defense Force and Civilian Militia Units We are expanding our collection of oral histories and artifacts from participants in Volunteer Defense Forces or Civilian Militia Units across the Hawaiian Islands.

Unit, Base, Air Wing, Battalion, and Ship Newsletters Newsletters from military units in the Pacific Theater that offer insight into daily life during the war. Please see our online examples and the list of known newsletters (coming soon).

Pacific Island Materials (Atka, Attu, Canton, Kiska, Johnston, Midway, and Wake Islands) Photographs, diaries, letters, and memorabilia from 1940-1945 related to these islands, with a special emphasis on oral and written histories.

Army Air Force Oral histories, written experiences, period photographs, diaries, letters, and collectibles from the Army Air Force in Alaska or the Eastern Pacific that provide insights into the Pacific War.

Aleutian Campaign Materials related to military personnel and civilians in the Aleutians from 1941-1945, including photographs, diaries, letters, and memorabilia.

Library Books on the Pacific War Firsthand accounts and historical books on the Pacific War published between 1942-1980 are highly desired. We also collect cruise books from ships that served in the Pacific War. Please note, we do not require additional copies of At Dawn We Slept , as we already have four. For details on our current holdings, please contact the museum curator's office.

We are selective in accepting donated materials, particularly if we already have representative examples in our collection. Items that fall outside our Scope of Collections Statement may be declined. Our priority is to maintain a high standard of care for the artifacts in our collection, which requires careful consideration due to limited resources. We recommend reviewing the types of items we collect before donating.

For instance, while we would be very interested in acquiring a uniform worn by General MacArthur , we may not be interested in a generic uniform unless it has a compelling story, such as being worn by a servicemember awarded the Silver Star for gallantry. Similarly, a SPAR uniform is of particular interest as we do not currently have one in our collection, and it represents a rare and significant story.

If an item does not fit our collection needs, we will recommend alternative museums, archives, or libraries that may have an interest in the materials. To learn more about our collection guidelines, please visit our online museum collection, the WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument Significance Statement , Scope of Collections Statement , and Library Catalog (coming soon).

At dawn on December 7, 1941, more than half of the United States Pacific Fleet, approximately 150 vessels and service craft, lay at anchor or alongside piers in Pearl Harbor. All but one of the Pacific Fleet's battleships were in port that morning, most of them moored to quays flanking Ford Island.

By 10 a.m., the tranquil Sunday calm had been shattered. Twenty-one vessels lay sunk or damaged, the fighting backbone of the fleet apparently broken. Smoke from burning planes and hangars filled the sky, while oil from sinking ships clogged the harbor. Death was everywhere.

The fleet in Pearl Harbor, the focus of the attack, suffered the greatest loss: almost half the total casualties occurred when the USS Arizona exploded. U.S. Army, Navy, Army Air Force, and Marine Corps facilities across the length and breadth of Oahu, from Kaneohe to Haleiwa to Malakole, bore their share of death and destruction. Hickam, Wheeler, and Bellows Army Air Fields lost 217 men and 77 aircraft. Naval Air Stations at Ford Island and Kaneohe lost 19 men. Pacific Fleet naval aircraft losses in total were 92. At Ewa Marine Corps Air Station, four men were killed and 33 aircraft were destroyed. Civilians from Waikiki to Pearl City were killed by exploding anti-aircraft munitions (friendly fire).

The links below are for pages that list military personnel who either died as a result of the attack or were killed later that day in the performance of their duties.

At dawn on December 7, 1941, more than half of the United States Pacific Fleet—approximately 150 vessels and service craft—lay anchored or moored in Pearl Harbor. Almost the entire Pacific Fleet's battleships were in port, many of them positioned around Ford Island. By 10 am, the peaceful Sunday morning was violently interrupted. Twenty-one vessels were sunk or damaged, and the heart of the U.S. naval force appeared shattered. Smoke from burning planes and hangars filled the skies, while oil from the sinking ships polluted the harbor. Death was everywhere.

The loss of life was not limited to military personnel. Civilians from various backgrounds, ages, and locations across O‘ahu also suffered heavy casualties.

Many civilians worked on military bases and were present during the attack. One civilian shipyard worker was on the Floating Dry Dock YFD-2 and ended up hospitalized alongside wounded sailors and Marines. In Waipahu, a mistaken Japanese attack on the sugar mill injured seven civilians and killed one. A similar attack on the sugar mill near Marine Corps Air Station Ewa killed two and wounded seven more. In Wahiawa, two civilians were killed, and nine were wounded in another attack, which also saw a Japanese aircraft crash into a house.

Several civilian aircraft were in the air over O‘ahu that morning. At 7:51 am, two Japanese fighters fired on a civilian plane near Lā‘ie. Just three minutes later, another attack targeted two civilian Piper Cub planes. Two of the occupants went missing, and one tragically died after landing.

One of the most devastating aspects of the attack was the tragic deaths caused by friendly fire. Many of the 5-inch anti-aircraft rounds fired at the Japanese aircraft failed to detonate properly in the air and exploded when they hit civilian areas around Pearl Harbor and Honolulu. With many fire departments already deployed to military areas such as Hickam Fieldand Pearl Harbor, fires in civilian areas spread unchecked. Japanese fighters also strafed John Rodgers Field, Honolulu's airport, killing one civilian.

The tragedy of December 7 wasn't confined to O‘ahu. On the nearby island of Ni‘ihau, a little-known event unfolded that same day. Shigenori Nishikaichi, a Japanese Naval Airman 1st Class, crash-landed his aircraft on the small island after his fuel tank was damaged during a dogfight. Ni‘ihau, privately owned by the Robinson family, remains one of the most isolated places in Hawai‘i, home to about 130 Native Hawaiians living a largely subsistence lifestyle.

Believing a Japanese submarine would come to his rescue, Nishikaichi enlisted the help of the island's Japanese-American paymaster, Yoshio Harada, to terrorize the locals. Together, they detained several residents and set fire to one house. A group of islanders rowed to Kaua‘i to notify the Army. When an Army contingent led by First Lieutenant Jack Mizuha arrived, they found Nishikaichi dead, having been killed by local hero Ben Kanahele after the pilot shot him. Harada, overcome by the situation, committed suicide. Kanahele, who sustained injuries during the struggle, was later awarded the Medal of Merit and Purple Heart for his bravery.

The attack on December 7 wasn’t confined to Hawai‘i. On December 8, 1941, Baker and Howland Islands—located approximately 1,000 miles south of O‘ahu—were also attacked by Japanese forces. Due to the International Date Line, these attacks occurred simultaneously with the Pearl Harbor attack. These small coral islands, part of the United States Minor Outlying Islands, held strategic importance as refueling stops across the Pacific.

In the early stages of World War II, over 130 Native Hawaiians assisted the U.S. Department of the Interior in laying claim to the islands under the Guano Islands Act of 1856. Two out of the four Interior colonists stationed on Howland Island were killed during the Japanese attack. Their story is recounted in the film Under the Jarvis Moon .

The attack on Pearl Harbor left an indelible mark not only on the military but also on the civilian population of Hawai‘i. Civilians across O‘ahu, from workers on military bases to those in quiet towns, were deeply affected. The tragedy even reached the remote island of Ni‘ihau, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of that infamous day. Below is a list of the 49 civilians who lost their lives during the attack on O‘ahu.

Dean G. Darrow was a 23 year old sailor on the Battleship USS West Virginia when the attack began. He ran to his battle station as the siege began and was knocked off the ship when a bomb hit. He swam in the burning water to a whale boat picking up the injured. He was unconscious when he arrived at the hospital. With minor wounds and no obvious life-threatening injuries, Dean was patched up and sent back on duty to the South Pacific.

Fast forward to March/April, 1942, Dean had an attack of appendicitis. He was sent to the hospital ship Solace and surgery was performed. It was after his surgery that he could explain to the doctor how he would feel faint and his heart would pound and that his supervisor blamed it on war nerves. This doctor took X-rays of Dean’s chest and was then told to stay calm and go back to bed with no other explanation. Back in his room, Dean then asked the corpsman what they found. He replied, “Don’t you know? You have a bullet in your heart!”

Dean was sent back to California and arrived at the Mare Island Naval Hospital, in April, 1942, over 4 months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. A surgeon, from Stanford, Doctor Emile Holman, examined Dean and told him he thought he could remove the bullet and he surely would not survive very long with that bullet in his heart. Open heart surgery was extremely very rare in those days. Dean’s special duty nurse was Alice Claire Beck and everyone called her Nurse Becky. Dean’s surgery was postponed 3 times and during this time, he became quite smitten with Nurse Becky. When the day finally arrived for Dean’s surgery, as Nurse Becky was giving him his pre-op med's, Dean took her hand and asked, “If I come out of this surgery, will you go on Liberty with me?” Of course, she said she would, what else could she say!

Dean recovered and they did go out on Liberty. After several dates, they flew to Los Angeles to meet Dean’s family. They both got their honorable discharges and were married in Reno, on August 1, 1942. They raised 4 children while living in Pleasant Hill, CA. Sadly, Dean passed away in December, 1991, of a massive heart attack.

Dean would sometimes say: “The best thing I ever got out of the Navy was my nurse”. Alice would then reply: “After the surgery, it left a hole in his heart. I was able to fill that hole with my love”.

Welcome to the History and Culture page of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Here, we explore the profound events surrounding December 7, 1941, and the diverse cultural narratives that have emerged in the wake of that day. This site commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor and its far-reaching impact on the United States, while also honoring the stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience from those who experienced this pivotal moment in history. By examining the historical context and cultural significance of Pearl Harbor, we aim to deepen our understanding of its legacy and relevance today. Join us as we reflect on the past, celebrate the enduring spirit of those affected, and consider how these events continue to shape our world.

This section showcases highlighted features from the Pearl Harbor National Memorial website. Click on each item to explore important resources, stories, and educational content that provide deeper insights into the events of December 7, 1941, and their significance.

Hawai'i is home to one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. Having evolved in isolation for over 70 million years, the islands’ plants and animals have developed extraordinary adaptations, leading to a stunning degree of endemism. More than 90% of Hawai'i’s native terrestrial species can be found nowhere else on Earth. This remarkable concentration of biodiversity surpasses even that of the Galápagos Islands, making Hawai'i a global treasure for biologists, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Learn more about the diverse animal species that inhabit Hawai'i . The fauna of Hawai'i is as diverse as it is fascinating. From the vibrant Hawaiian honeycreepers with their specialized beaks to the rare Hawaiian monk seal, these species are a testament to nature’s creativity. Many of these creatures face the threat of extinction, making conservation efforts critical. Visitors and locals alike can play a role in preserving these precious species. Learn how you can get involved in efforts to protect Hawai'i’s endangered animals, from habitat restoration projects to conservation programs that aim to ensure their survival for future generations.

Learn more about the rich botanical heritage of Hawai'i . Hawai'i’s botanical landscape is rich with stories of evolution and cultural significance. The islands boast a range of endemic species, from towering koa trees to the delicate and fragrant 'ōhi'a lehua blossoms, all of which have adapted to the unique conditions of the archipelago. Early Polynesian settlers also introduced plants like taro and breadfruit, which became central to the islands' ecosystems and cultures. Discover the intricate relationships between these plants and Hawai'i’s ecosystems, and learn about ongoing efforts to restore and protect the islands' native flora from invasive species and habitat destruction.

Despite its incredible biodiversity, Hawai'i faces pressing environmental threats that jeopardize the survival of its native species. Invasive species, habitat loss, climate change, and human impact have all taken a toll on the delicate ecosystems that support Hawai'i’s unique plants and animals. Explore the efforts of conservationists, local communities, and scientists who are working to combat these threats. From reforestation initiatives to controlling invasive species, discover what is being done to restore balance to these fragile environments.

Hawai'i’s ecosystems are as varied as they are beautiful. The islands' landscapes range from misty rainforests teeming with life to stark volcanic deserts shaped by molten lava. Each of these ecosystems plays a crucial role in supporting Hawai'i’s biodiversity and offers different environmental services, from water filtration in wetlands to carbon sequestration in forests. Whether hiking through the lush Waipi’o Valley or exploring the otherworldly terrain of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can witness the incredible range of natural environments that make the Hawaiian Islands so unique. Learn how each ecosystem contributes to the health of the islands and their inhabitants, both human and animal.

Hawai‘i is the most isolated landmass on the planet, located 2,300 miles from the nearest continental land mass. This extreme isolation meant that animals and plants arrived very slowly over millions of years — only those that could survive the long, treacherous journey across the ocean made it here.

Once they arrived, these species began to evolve, adapting to the island’s unique environment. Over time, they became endemic to Hawai‘i, meaning they can’t be found anywhere else in the world. In fact, Hawai‘i’s diverse range of endemic plants and animals surpasses even the famed Galapagos Islands, showcasing a stunning array of distinctive species with features unlike anything else on Earth.

One of Hawai‘i's most unique animals was the moa-nalo, a large, flightless duck that once thrived on the islands. Although now extinct, the moa-nalo was once the primary herbivore in Hawai‘i, playing a key role in the island’s ecosystem.

However, when Polynesian settlers arrived, they brought with them animals like feral pigs, which, along with human hunting, posed a threat to the moa-nalo. Having evolved in an environment with no natural predators, the moa-nalo had no fear of being hunted. Unfortunately, this made them easy targets, and they soon became extinct.

The Hawaiian Hoary Bat is one of only three native mammal species still found in Hawai‘i, and it is listed as an endangered species. This small bat, once present on several Hawaiian islands including O‘ahu, is now only found on the Big Island and Kaua‘i. As one of the few remaining endemic mammals, its survival is critical to maintaining the natural biodiversity of Hawai‘i’s ecosystems.

The Hylaeus, a genus of Hawaiian bee, was once one of the most abundant insect species in Hawai‘i. However, they are now under serious threat due to habitat loss and invasive species, particularly ants. Their populations have become isolated and are now only a fraction of their former size. Efforts to protect these bees are underway, with scientists and community groups working to restore native habitats like naupaka (Scaevola sencea) and finding ways to safeguard their nesting sites from predators.

The ‘I‘iwi (pronounced ee-EE-vee) is a striking native Hawaiian honeycreeper, known for its unique adaptation to sip nectar from specific flowers. This vibrant bird inhabits the high mountain forests and relies heavily on the nectar of the ‘Ōhi‘a tree for food.

Unfortunately, the ‘I‘iwi faces serious threats from Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death and diseases carried by invasive mosquitoes. Once widespread across all the Hawaiian islands, the ‘I‘iwi is now mostly found on the Big Island of Hawai‘i, with its population in decline.