Attack At Dawn
A special program today at the Palm Springs Air Museum. You will be seeing the aircraft of Pearl Harbor flying overhead.
Starting with a presentation by the internationally recognized historian, researcher and author, Dr. Ed Gordon, “Japan Strikes At Dawn: Defeat at Pearl Harbor, the Philippines and Singapore.” at 1:00 PM.
Right now there are also other very special exhibits at the Museum, including artworks from World War II and the Holocaust; original and rarely seen restored prints of the original flights of the Wright Brothers.
If you have not done so, it is time to visit the living and flying history at the Palm Springs Air Museum. I will be there with my cameras for sure!
Could He Have Imagined?
Sunday morning December 7, 1941 on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific Ocean. A Japanese pilot starts the engine of his VAL Dive Bomber. The destination is Pearl Harbor. The mission is to destroy the United States Naval Pacific Fleet at anchor. He hears and feels the drumming of that aircraft engine. Could he have possibly imagined the everlasting world changing events that he would release as he began his takeoff?
The Face Of The Attack
Sunday morning at 7:48 AM December 7, 1941 you look up, and so close, see the face of a pilot of a Japanese VAL Dive Bomber unleashing the attack on Pearl Harbor. Commemoration of that day at the Palm Springs Air Museum just yesterday.
Shoot Down At Pearl Harbor
The attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941 was done by two waves of aircraft. Two-thirds of the Japanese aircraft lost were during the second attack. American defenses would have been much more deadly during a third attack. This potential loss of more aircraft was one of the reasons Admiral Nagumo withdrew.
Clear Skies Pearl Harbor
In the clear skies over Palm Springs. Perhaps not unlike the view of the Japanese VAL Dive Bombers in the clear skies over Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. Yesterday at the Palm Springs Air Museum. More photos and video to come today and the next few days. Thanks!
Pearl Harbor Commemorative Fly By
Attack on Pearl Harbor Commemorative Fly By of a Japanese Zero Fighter and VAL Dive Bomber at the Palm Springs Air Museum 2015. Zero Pilot Robert “Lips” Hertberg and VAL Pilot Tom Nightingale.
Video photographed on FujiFilm X-Series Cameras and Lenses
One of only three World War II Japanese Zero’s still flying in the entire world. This Zero, owned and operated by the Commemorative Air Force, was delivered to the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Group #3. It originally had an air cooled rotary engine producing 1,130 hp and a top speed of 388 mph at almost 20,000 feet. In the flight demonstration you could easily see it’s nimble and powerful maneuverability.
The Aichi D3A Dive Bomber, nicknamed “Val”, was the aircraft carrier borne airplane that flew in almost all actions, including Pearl Harbor to the end of World War II. It was responsible for sinking more Allied warships than any other aircraft. This replica flying out of the Palm Springs Air Museum was flown in both the movies “Tora! Tora! Tora!” and “Pearl Harbor”.
The Dive Bomber Of Pearl Harbor
Yesterday at the Pearl Harbor Commemoration at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Flown by Pilot Tom Nightingale. This Japanese VAL Dive Bomber remains on display for December at the Museum, so I urge you to get over there and take a look. It is truly something to see.
The Aichi D3A Dive Bomber, nicknamed “Val”, was the aircraft carrier borne airplane that flew in almost all actions, including Pearl Harbor to the end of World War II. It was responsible for sinking more Allied warships than any other aircraft. This replica flying out of the Palm Springs Air Museum was flown in both the movies “Tora! Tora! Tora!” and “Pearl Harbor”.
Photographed with FujiFilm X series camera and lens
A Date Which Will Live In Infamy
Yesterday, in commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the Palm Springs Air Museum flew the two aircraft of the attack. The Japanese VAL Dive Bomber and Zero Fighter. As well, a definitive historical presentation of the attack by historian Michael Carra. The Palm Springs Air Museum is the place for “Living History”.
Photographed with FujiFilm X series camera and lens
President Franklin D. Roosevelt: Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our secretary of state a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese government also launched as attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Wake Island.
And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As commander in chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. . .
Source: Courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, New York.
Zero Fighter & VAL Dive Bomber!
Sunday at the Palm Springs Air Museum, it will be a commemoration of the events of December 7th 1941 with the flying of a Japanese Zero fighter and the VAL dive bomber. The flyover will be at 10:49AM. Between 1 – 2PM the presentation “Pearl Harbor – Attack on Battleship Row: the event that changed Naval and World history.” followed by another aircraft fly over. There are only 3 still flying Zero’s in the world and the VAL is almost nonexistent. So be there! Here is a video of the Zero and the VAL from last year…
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