Pearl Harbor: The Accusation of Admiral Husband Kimmel and the Responsibilities of General Short

The bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, remains one of the most traumatic and pivotal moments in American history. In the aftermath, blame was squarely placed on Admiral Husband Kimmel, the commander of the Pacific Fleet. This article delves into the reasons why Kimmel was scapegoated, his role in the events leading up to the attack, and the responsibilities of another naval officer, General Walter Short.

Admiral Kimmel: A Scapegoat or Justifiably Blamed?

The Navy sought a convenient scapegoat after the devastating blow to their forces at Pearl Harbor. Admiral Kimmel was chosen for several reasons: he was in charge, and his rigid scheduling of ships in the harbor every weekend left the fleet vulnerable. Although Kimmel faced some criticism for his actions, he did deserve some blame for his inflexibility, which failed to account for the possibility of a surprise attack.

However, Kimmel's responsibility extends further than just his initial strategy. As the commander of the fleet, he had to accept the consequences of his decisions. While his rigid Sunday drill schedule allowed the Japanese to catch the fleet unprepared, it was not entirely his fault. Circumstances, such as the inability to bring the carriers into port with cold boilers, also played a significant role. Despite these mitigating factors, Kimmel accepted the blame and reflected on how his command decisions could have been more effective.

General Walter Short: The Commander of the Land Forces

While Admiral Kimmel was responsible for the naval fleet, General Walter Short, commander of the Hawaiian Department, held a crucial role in the defense of Pearl Harbor. Short had at his disposal two army divisions and a large air force. His failure to adequately utilize these resources contributed significantly to the vulnerability of Pearl Harbor.

Short's primary responsibility was to patrol the skies and provide early warning against any incoming attacks. Instead, he lined up his planes in neat rows, which made them easy targets for Japanese strafing. His poor use of radar and failure to integrate it effectively into his defense strategies were major contributing factors to the unpreparedness of Pearl Harbor.

The Need for Early Warning and Time for Response

The failure in early alert systems was a critical oversight. Kimmel and Short should have implemented a rigorous plan to create a perimeter of air and sea based alert systems. This system needed to cover at least a 250-mile radius around Pearl Harbor, using both aircraft and ships. The Army and Navy combined had the necessary resources to achieve this, but the execution was lacking.

For instance, aircraft could have been positioned in shifts, combined with radar setups, to provide continuous surveillance. Destroyers and other ships could have been strategically placed to form a maritime perimeter, ready to respond upon any alert. Clear directives on what to do in the event of an attack would have been crucial in minimizing the damage.

Dividing Resources and Ensuring Readiness

The division of land-based fighters into smaller groups, with pilots working shifts and planes armed and ready, would have significantly reduced the vulnerability of the defense systems. This approach, similar to the advice given, would have minimized the risk of concentrated attacks and ensured a more effective response.

Moreover, the implementation of anti-torpedo nets and other defensive measures, such as those used in the British sinking of the Italian fleet at Taranto, could have provided an additional layer of protection. Kimmel's decision to lay down golf nets, seemingly for architectural work, was a misallocation of resources, as it detracted from crucial defensive measures.

The Role of President Franklin D. Roosevelt

It is also important to consider the role of President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR). His decision to move the fleet from San Diego to Pearl Harbor, despite warnings from Admiral Husband Kimmel and others, underscores the political and strategic considerations at play. FDR underestimated the threat to Pearl Harbor and relied on inferior defenses, leading to the disaster.

While Kimmel and Short were responsible for the immediate defense, FDR's oversight in military strategy and the layout of the fleet at Pearl Harbor must be acknowledged. The decision-making process leading up to the attack was a collective responsibility, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to national defense.

In conclusion, while Admiral Kimmel and General Short bear significant responsibility for the events at Pearl Harbor, it is essential to view their roles within the broader context of military strategy and political decisions. Understanding these factors provides a more nuanced and accurate interpretation of the events that have shaped modern military preparedness and defense strategies.