Infamous Day: Marines at Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941

by Robert Cressman

"Infamous Day: Marines at Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941" by Robert J. Cressman and J. Michael Wenger is a historical account written in the early 21st century. The book documents the events surrounding the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, focusing specifically on the role and experiences of the U.S. Marines stationed there. It offers a detailed narrative of the preparations, the attack itself, and the immediate aftermath, providing insight into both the chaos of battle and the bravery exhibited by the Marine corps. At the start of the narrative, the authors set the scene for the fateful day of December 7, 1941, identifying key figures, such as Tai Sing Loo and Sergeant Charles Christenot, who were involved in the lead-up to the attack. The text details the tense atmosphere in the days prior, with intelligence warnings hinting at imminent hostilities, and paints an intricate picture of the military landscape at Pearl Harbor. As the attack begins unexpectedly, the Marines, despite being caught off guard, react swiftly and with remarkable composure, highlighting their dedication and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. This opening portion immerses readers in the complexity and heroism of one of America’s most critical moments in military history.