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Pearl Habor
Japan wanted the US out of the Pacific, so they launched a huge surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Killing and wounding 1000's of sailors and wrecking a huge amount of ships. -
Declaring War
US and Britain declare war on Japan because of what transpired at Pearl Harbor. -
The US Strikes Back
United States commences in its first air raid on Japanese bases on the Gilbert and Marshall Islands -
Japanese Come Back Hard
Largest Japanese air raid since Pearl Harbor in Darwin, Australia -
Turning Point
Decisive victory of the US over Japan at the Battle of the Midway. This victory proved to be both a huge statistical and moral victory for the United States. -
Horrors of War
Japan executed 100 POW's on Wake Island due to a "Kill All" order. -
Realization
Emperor Hirohito declares his country's situation is "Truly grave". -
Last Ditch Efforts
Japan begins their last offensive in China as they attack US air bases in Eastern China. -
Freedom
US finally able to liberate the oppressed country of Guam -
The Beginning of the End
US Air Force prepares to drop the atomic bomb on Japan by establishing the 509th Composite Group to operate the B-29's -
DEAD
President Roosevelt died, succeeded by Harry S. Truman. The shock is felt throughout the world and the United States armed forces. -
Japan Isn't Giving Up
Japanese Premier Suzuki announces that they won't surrender and will fight to the very end. -
Last Ditch Efforts
Japanese Submarines sunk the USS INDIANAPOLIS, killing 881 crewmen and leaving survivors stranded for two days. -
Atomic Bomb #1
Colonel Paul Tibbets dropped the first atomic bomb on the heads of Hiroshima. -
Atomic Bomb #2
Major Charles Sweeney dropped a bomb on Nagasaki from a B-29. -
Japanese Surrender
Aboard the USS MISSOURI in Tokyo Bay, the Japanese officially surrender to the US as 1,000 carrier planes fly over head. Truman declares it VJ Day. -
The War to End All Wars
After the death of over 60 million people, and the suffering of countless people, the United Nations was born.