This may be a bit OT, but I thought I'd share it with you...
My grandfather, who is 93 and in excellent shape, was a Radioman 2nd class on a DE with the carrier group that was returning to Pearl. I asked him when I saw him last year, "Why were the carriers late in getting to Pearl?" I've always been curious about this...
He said that they had hit some heavy weather and reduced speed because some of the smaller vessels were not making headway. The task force slowed appreciably, I can't remember the exact speed he told me, and hence were a day late in returning to Pearl.
He said as they steamed into the harbor that the men stood dumbfounded at the railings, staring at the carnage, not a word was spoken...
My Grandfather then told me, it was like everyone became of one mind, one resolve... The Japanese were going to get a pay back...
Quote:
|
Were the Japanese so full of themselves to think they could win a war against America? I don't think so...
|
Adm Yamamoto said in his personal notes that he expected the IJN to "run free" through the Pacific for maybe two years, then the American forces would start to take control and eventually defeat them.