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Editorial
December 9, 1960
Arizona Tribune
Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona
What is this article about?
Edward Banks recalls the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, while on leave in London during WWII service in the Royal Air Force. He reflects on Britain's war efforts against Germany, the loss of the USS Arizona, Dorie Miller's bravery, and hopes the cold war remains cold to avoid another such attack.
Merged-components note: Text is a signed opinion column reflecting on Pearl Harbor; image adjacent likely related, relabeled from story to editorial.
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Edward Banks
Nineteen years ago on Dec. 7, 1941, the news of the disastrous Japanese attack of American forces at Pearl Harbor was the top news story of the day. On this day, I was resting at a London hotel on short leave from the Royal Air Force.
Prime Minister Winston Churchill had called for a complete change in Britain's armed service and it had helped us to continue to hold our own against the Germans. For two years, men from all parts of the United Kingdom had been drafted. English lads joined up to keep Hitler's hordes from crossing France the gateway to the British Isles. The French defenses had crumbled quickly and the only thing that had kept the Nazis stymied was the dedicated RAF crews who maintained continual bombing raids on key German cities.
When I heard the startling reports of the Pearl Harbor attack, I remembered the name of the first battleship that was demolished. It was the Arizona. At that time little did I know that one day I would be living in the State of Arizona as a resident.
Over a thousand young men were lost on that ship. It is timely to recall that a courageous young Negro, Dorie Miller, manned the antiaircraft gun and fought bravely.
It is the hope of all men and women who lived through the terrible World Wars that this cold war remains cold. However, most of us realize that our nation must keep in mind that some other country might try to duplicate the Japanese attack in 1941.
Edward Banks
Nineteen years ago on Dec. 7, 1941, the news of the disastrous Japanese attack of American forces at Pearl Harbor was the top news story of the day. On this day, I was resting at a London hotel on short leave from the Royal Air Force.
Prime Minister Winston Churchill had called for a complete change in Britain's armed service and it had helped us to continue to hold our own against the Germans. For two years, men from all parts of the United Kingdom had been drafted. English lads joined up to keep Hitler's hordes from crossing France the gateway to the British Isles. The French defenses had crumbled quickly and the only thing that had kept the Nazis stymied was the dedicated RAF crews who maintained continual bombing raids on key German cities.
When I heard the startling reports of the Pearl Harbor attack, I remembered the name of the first battleship that was demolished. It was the Arizona. At that time little did I know that one day I would be living in the State of Arizona as a resident.
Over a thousand young men were lost on that ship. It is timely to recall that a courageous young Negro, Dorie Miller, manned the antiaircraft gun and fought bravely.
It is the hope of all men and women who lived through the terrible World Wars that this cold war remains cold. However, most of us realize that our nation must keep in mind that some other country might try to duplicate the Japanese attack in 1941.
What sub-type of article is it?
War Or Peace
Military Affairs
What keywords are associated?
Pearl Harbor
Wwii
Dorie Miller
Royal Air Force
Cold War
Arizona Battleship
What entities or persons were involved?
Edward Banks
Winston Churchill
Dorie Miller
Japanese
Germans
Raf
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Reflection On Pearl Harbor Attack And Wwii Experiences
Stance / Tone
Reflective And Hopeful For Peace
Key Figures
Edward Banks
Winston Churchill
Dorie Miller
Japanese
Germans
Raf
Key Arguments
Britain's Armed Service Changes Helped Hold Against Germans
Raf Bombing Raids Stymied Nazis After French Collapse
Over A Thousand Lost On Uss Arizona
Dorie Miller Bravely Manned Antiaircraft Gun
Hope Cold War Remains Cold To Prevent Another Pearl Harbor Like Attack