In meetings with both the Secretary of the Navy and the President, Admiral
Richardson of the Pacific Fleet alerted them to the danger of the United States
fleet remaining at Pearl Harbor. He was wary that the Japanese would realize the
United States military's vulnerability and would act quickly to take advantage
of the situation. His warnings, however, were ignored and he was dismissed
shortly thereafter.
The commanders at Pearl Harbor, Admiral Kimmel and Lieutenant General Short,
were alerted to the impending danger of war on October 16, November 24 and
November 27. Not believing an attack was possible, they only took precautions
against Japanese sabotage. In fact, instead of strategically moving to the
logical point of attack in the northwest, the entire fleet was moored in the
harbor. Some personnel were even allowed to go on shore leave. Would it have
made a difference had they stayed awake and remained sober at their posts?
Four hours before the attack, a United States destroyer in the Pacific sighted a
Japanese submarine. Evidently not being alert to the imminent danger, no one on
the destroyer reported the attack. Also, an army private (practicing on the
radar set after its normal closing time) notified his superior officer of an
approaching large squadron of planes. The lieutenant, however, neglected to
listen and beware, but instead passed it off as being the group of B-17s that
was expected from the United States.
The enemy gained the greater portion in this attack. More than 2,300 American
servicemen were killed and over 1,100 were wounded; two battleships were
destroyed and six others were heavily damaged; several lesser vessels were put
out of action and more than 150 United States planes were wrecked. The Japanese
lost less than 100 men and sacrificed only 29 planes and five midget submarines.
Their task force escaped without being attacked.
The lack of alertness and false estimation of the enemy's capabilities and
intentions were primary reasons this attack resulted in such devastation.
Military and civilian officials in Washington, as well as the commanders at
Pearl Harbor, had failed to observe and pay attention to the many warnings of
impending attack. Their neglect to listen and to beware of the approaching
danger allowed the enemy's plans to be successful.
Frequently, we believers ignore warnings from Scripture and the Holy Spirit. The
cost is often great.
Watchman Prayer by Dutch Sheets, p. 67-69. Copyright 2000 Gospel Light/Regal
Books, Ventura, CA 93003 Used by Permission
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