The Telegram That Announced To The World The December 7, 1941 Attack On Pearl Harbor

Warzone/The Drive: Arguably The Most Earth-Shattering Text Message Of All Time Was Sent 77 Years Ago Today

The first message alerting others of Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor was short and devastatingly clear.

The message above was sent by the office of the Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet just minutes after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor began. It went out to ships and naval stations throughout the Pacific region and word of it quickly spread beyond. It was the first official correspondence acknowledging an event that would change the course of history in so many ways—one that still hangs over strategic decision making and national security policy to this very day.

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WNU Editor: I can only imagine the reaction from those who were the first to read this telegram. On a side note. Here are two interesting posts on the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.

After 77 Years, We're Still Identifying Men Who Died at Pearl Harbor (Popular Mechanics)

Pearl Harbor Still Holds a Few Mysteries (Popular Mechanics)