The Attack on Clark Field
One particular incident comes to mind when the phrase "Pearl Harbor" is used: the Japanese surprise attack that took place there during World War II. Even though it was essentially the same thing, using the phrase "Clark Field" doesn't really work as well.
On December 8, 1941, the Japanese Navy Air Service began another attack on Clark Field, an American airbase situated on Luzon Island in the Philippines, some nine hours after the attacks on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Throughout the day, a few additional smaller attacks took place as part of Japan's strategy to deplete the opposition's air force before of its invasion of the Philippines.
One of the key reasons why Clark Field is not as well remembered as Pearl Harbor is because less damage and casualties were inflicted there. However, one item that is still a mystery is why none of the administrators were fired, especially considering that they had been aware of what had happened at Pearl Harbor for hours. The two in charge generals, Lewis Brereton and Douglas MacArthur, both attempted to place the blame on the other, but none faced serious consequences, unlike the authorities in Hawaii who lost their positions of authority and were pushed into retirement.
- Date:December 8, 1941
