The Japanese launched a surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet anchored at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. In a few desperate moments, Japanese carrier-based planes struck the American ships and aircrafts with devastating accuracy. American planes were blown to bits on the ground, battleships were destroyed, and over two thousand U.S. servicemen were killed or wounded. Thus began the U.S. involvement in World War II. During the war, the vast majority of American servicemen and women were members of the army. However, the U.S. Navy also took on an enormously difficult mission and did so with great effectiveness. In the Atlantic, American ships fought German U-Boats, escorted convoys, and supported the landings at Normandy. In the Pacific, the U.S. Navy supported island invasions, sent Marines onto the beaches, and defeated the mighty Japanese fleet. This volume in Peter Benoit’s illustrated “True Books” history series focuses on the U.S. Navy’s involvement in World War II. Benoit tackles a broad subject but does it justice through a combined approach involving a well-developed narrative and numerous meaningful illustrations. Readers should come away from this book with both more knowledge and a deeper appreciation of the sacrifices of the men and women in the armed services in time of war. Part of the “True Book” series. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck; Ages 10 to 14.
