The Significance of Pearl Harbor and America’s Role in World War II  

On the quiet Sunday morning of December 7, 1941, a series of loud explosions shattered the peace at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This surprise attack launched by the Imperial Japanese Navy left an indelible mark on history, irrevocably changing the course of World War II and pulling the United States into the global conflict. This moment holds even more profound meaning for my family—my father, Donald E. Kranz, was aboard the USS Lexington CV2 that day. His story echoes the bravery and sacrifice of thousands who faced unimaginable circumstances.  

This is the story of Pearl Harbor, its turning point for the United States, and its impact on the broader world.  

Setting the Stage  

Pearl Harbor didn’t happen in a vacuum—it was the culmination of years of rising tensions between Japan and the United States. Japan’s aggressive expansion into China and Southeast Asia in the 1930s and its ambitions for dominance in the Pacific increasingly clashed with U.S. strategic and economic interests. Diplomacy faltered despite efforts on both sides to reach an agreement, with sanctions and ultimatums leaving relations strained.  

The United States, gathering intelligence on the potential for conflict, foresaw tensions in the Pacific but failed to predict the magnitude or location of the impending attack. And so, the attack that would wake a “sleeping giant,” as Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto reportedly warned, caught the U.S. entirely off guard.  

The Attack on Pearl Harbor  

At 7:55 a.m., the first wave of Japanese bombers descended on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, unleashing destruction that lasted just under two hours but felt like a lifetime to those present. Eight battleships, including the USS Arizona, were heavily damaged or sunk, along with other naval vessels. Over 2,400 Americans lost their lives, and an additional 1,000 were wounded.  

While chaos erupted at the base, my father, Donald E. Kranz, was stationed on the USS Lexington CV2. The Lexington had left Pearl Harbor on December 5 as part of Task Force 12, narrowly escaping the attack that devastated much of the Pacific Fleet. My father would later recount how the news of the attack spread among the crew, the initial disbelief giving way to solemn determination. This pivotal moment, he told me years later, was when he understood the magnitude of what lay ahead—not just for himself but for the nation.

The very next day, on December 8, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed Congress and the American people with his iconic “Day of Infamy” speech, calling for a declaration of war against Japan. Congress obliged almost unanimously, thrusting the United States into World War II.  

America Mobilizes for War  

The attack on Pearl Harbor united Americans like no other event in history. Overnight, public opinion shifted to support entry into the war entirely. Young men and women enlisted in droves, eager to defend their country. Factories pivoted to wartime production, churning out planes, tanks, and ships at an unprecedented scale—ordinary citizens contributed by rationing food, buying war bonds, and working tirelessly toward the war effort.  

For my father, the USS Lexington became his second home and battlefield. The Lexington played a vital role in the Pacific Theater, taking part in battles like the Coral Sea before being sunk in 1942. While he never liked to dwell on the dangers he faced, he would have said that every sailor, every airman, and every worker back home shared one goal—to ensure victory, no matter the cost.  

Turning the Tide  

The U.S. entered the war as part of the Allied Powers, teaming up with the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and others to confront the Axis Powers—Germany, Italy, and Japan. American involvement proved decisive, with key victories marking turning points in Pacific and European theaters.  

• Midway (1942): The U.S. Navy delivered a crushing blow to the Japanese fleet, marking a pivotal turning point in the Pacific War.  
• Guadalcanal (1942–1943): A grueling campaign that showcased American tenacity and determination.  
• D-Day (1944): The Allied invasion of Normandy opened a new front in Europe, accelerating the defeat of Nazi Germany.  
• Battle of the Bulge (1944–1945): One of the last major German offensives, repelled by the Allies with significant American contributions.  

These victories were not easy, nor were they won without loss. But they paved the way for the ultimate defeat of the Axis Powers.  

The War’s End and the Dawn of a New Era  

The war in Europe ended in May 1945 with Germany’s surrender. Three months later, after the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan offered its unconditional surrender on August 15, 1945, officially ending World War II. While the allies triumphed, the destruction and loss of life were a sobering reminder of war’s terrible cost.  

The end of World War II marked the beginning of the United States’ new global role. The country emerged as a superpower, setting the stage for the Cold War and shaping international relations for decades.  

A Personal Connection  

Hearing my father recount his experiences aboard the USS Lexington always left me in awe—not just of his courage but of all who lived through those times. He spoke of the friends he made, the fear and determination they shared, and the unshakeable sense of duty that carried them through.  

His stories remind me that history isn’t just numbers and dates. The human stories—of resilience, bravery, and sacrifice—give these events meaning. For families like mine, Pearl Harbor wasn’t just a moment in history but a deeply personal chapter in the American story.  

Remembering Pearl Harbor and Beyond  

Pearl Harbor remains a defining moment in U.S. history, a stark reminder of the costs of unpreparedness and the power of unity in the face of adversity. It reminds us to honor those—like my father—who lived through and contributed to one of history’s most pivotal conflicts.  

If there’s one lesson from Pearl Harbor, it’s the importance of vigilance, unity, and resilience. Whether through recounting stories, visiting memorials like the Pearl Harbor National Monument, or simply reflecting on the lessons of history, we ensure that the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation are never forgotten.

References:

Attack on Pearl Harbor https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attack_on_Pearl_Harbor

USS Lexington (CV-2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Lexington_(CV-2)

(2012). “Baptized by Saltwater”: Acts of Remembrance and Commemoration Surrounding the USS Block Islands, CVE-21 & CVE-106. https://core.ac.uk/download/79563831.pdf

Nose art by Hal Olsen. http://www.militarysuccessnetwork.com/tag/nose-art-by-hal-olsen/

The Glory of the Solomons. https://search.schlowlibrary.org/Record/266327

O’Connell, J. (2016). Dealing with the Japanese Zero. Air Power History, 63(3), 25-30.

History Goes Bump In The Night: March 2016. https://historygoesbump.blogspot.com/2016/03/

USS Lexington CV2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Lexington_(CV-2)#