Describes the events of December 7, 1941, before, during, and after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii as well as the reactions of the men who lived through the attack. The author traces in detail the human drama of the great attack: the spies behind it; the Japanese pilots; the crews on the stricken warships; the men at the airfields and on the bases; the generals, the sailors, the housewives, and the children who responded to the attack with anger, numbness, and courage.

First published in hardcover in 1957 by Henry Holt and Company. Includes index. Originally published: New York : Holt, 1957. Includes maps of: Last Instant of Peace - Pearl Harbor, 7:55 A.M., December 7, 1941; Supposed Positions of Various Ships in Pearl Harbor.

"Isn't that a beautiful sight?" -- "A dream come true!" -- "Gate open, white lights" -- "You'd be surprised what goes on around here" -- "Well, don't worry about it" -- "Joe, this is one for the tourist!" -- "I didn't even know they were sore out at us" -- "I can't keep throwing things at them" -- "You don't wear a tie to war" -- "I want three volunteers: you, you, and you" -- "Chief, my mother and dad gave me this sword" -- "We're leaving now, explode gloriously!" -- Facts about the attack -- Acknowledgements -- List of contributors -- Index.