A Pitiful, Unholy Mess

A Pitiful, Unholy Messis a detailed combat narrative of the 7 December 1941 Japanese attacks onO'ahu'sWheeler, Bellows, and Haleiwa Fields. Since these bases comprisedO'ahu'sfighter defenses, the Japanese needed to neutralize these bases (particularly Wheeler Field) to prevent U.S. aircraft from interfering with attacks on the PacificFleet. Althoughthe loss of life at the threefields wasless than that sustained by the Pacific Fleetat Pearl Harbor, the attackscaused destruction and mayhem that proved disastrous and wrenching. The work focuses on descriptions of actions in the air and on the ground at the deepest practical tactical level, from both the U.S. and Japanese perspectives. Such synthesis is possible only by doggedly pursuing every conceivable source of American documents, reminiscences, interviews, and photographs. Similarly, the authorssoughtout Japanese accounts and photography from the attacks, many appearing in print for the first time. Much information from the reports of the Japanese air groups and the aircraft carrierShkakuhas never been used. On the American side, the authors also have researched the U.S. Army Air Force Individual Flight Records at NARA, St. Louis, that provide operational details of the pilots' flights, as well of their military careers. The authors were among the first to research these microfilmed records within months after NARA, St. Louis accessioned them. The authors have delved into the background and personalities of key Japaneseparticipants andhave translated and incorporated Japanese aircrew rosters from the attacks. This accumulation of data and information makes possible an intricate and highly integrated story that is compelling and unparalleled. The interwoven nature of the narratives of both sides provides a deep understanding of the events at Wheeler, Bellows and Haleiwa Fields that has been impossible to present heretofore.