Attack on Pearl Harbor: Strategy, Combat, Myths, Deceptions

“Nothing previously published has offered such a close examination of Japanese strategy . . . an in-depth study of the Japanese planning, preparation and execution of the attack with particular focus on factors not thoroughly considered by other historians, if at all . . . detailed analyses that lead to a much better understanding of what the Japanese did, why they did it, and especially how the attack was very nearly an abject failure instead of a stunning success."—Naval Institute Proceedings"For seven decades, conventional wisdom has extolled the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor as brilliant in its planning and execution . . . this masterful analysis topples that pillar of Pacific War history . . . with its amazing depth of meticulous research and analysis, this forceful book is essential reading for anyone with a serious interest in Pearl Harbor."—World War II "The first militarily professional description of the Pearl Harbor attack, and for those who are serious about military history and operations, it is a joy to read. . . . a superb military analysis of the attack . . . not only renders all other histories of Pearl Harbor obsolete, it has set the bar high for other histories of the Pacific War."—War In HistoryTable of ContentsIntroductionFolklore, Viewed with a Critical EyeCHAPTER 1 Strategic and Operational SettingCHAPTER 2 Targets, Weapons and Weapon-Target PairingsCHAPTER 3 WargamesCHAPTER 4 Planning the AttackCHAPTER 5 Pre-Attack: Training, Rehearsals, Briefings and Contingency PlanningCHAPTER 6 Execution of the AttackCHAPTER 7 Assessment of the AttackCHAPTER 8 Battle Damage AssessmentCHAPTER 9 What Might Have Been: Alerted Pearl Harbor DefensesCHAPTER 10 Assessing the FolkloreCHAPTER 11 The Fifth Midget Submarine: A Cautionary TaleCHAPTER 12 Reassessing the ParticipantsCHAPTER 13 Summary and ConclusionsAPPENDIX A: Tabulation of Second-Wave Dive-Bomber AttacksAPPENDIX B: Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Japanese TermsAPPENDIX C: Ships in Pearl Harbor and VicinityAPPENDIX D: The Perfect AttackAPPENDIX E: AcknowledgmentsBibliographyEndnotesIndex