Admiral Husband E. Kimmel

Admiral Husband E. Kimmel, a name forever intertwined with the tragic events of December 7, 1941, was the commander-in-chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet when Japan launched its surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Born into a military family in 1882, Kimmel’s naval career was marked by steady promotions and command responsibilities, ultimately leading to his pivotal role during one of America’s darkest days.

In February 1941, Admiral Kimmel assumed command of the Pacific Fleet, which had been strategically relocated to Pearl Harbor the previous year as tensions with Japan escalated. Despite his reservations about the vulnerability of the fleet stationed in Hawaii, Kimmel focused on preparing for a potential conflict, albeit one he believed would occur far from the Hawaiian Islands. His concerns about a surprise attack were overshadowed by a sense of duty and the belief that any conflict with Japan would begin elsewhere, possibly in Southeast Asia.

In the days leading up to the attack, Kimmel received several warnings from Washington about the possibility of Japanese aggression. These included a chilling message from Admiral Harold Stark, the Chief of Naval Operations, advising him to be on high alert for a surprise attack in the Pacific. Despite these warnings, no significant defensive measures were implemented by Kimmel or his counterpart, General Walter Short, who was responsible for the defense of Oahu. The lack of action has been a subject of intense scrutiny and debate in the years since the attack.

On December 3, 1941, Kimmel was informed that Japanese embassies worldwide were destroying their codes and secret documents—a clear indication that war was imminent. Yet, even with this information, Kimmel did not take the necessary steps to prepare for the attack on Pearl Harbor. When questioned later, Kimmel explained that the reassignment of a large portion of Hawaii’s fighter planes to other locations indicated to him that Washington did not anticipate an attack on Pearl Harbor.

The attack on Pearl Harbor commenced on the morning of December 7, 1941. Kimmel, who had a golf game scheduled with General Short, was informed of the attack shortly after it began. He quickly made his way to the command center, but by then, it was too late. The Japanese assault devastated the Pacific Fleet, sinking battleships and killing thousands of American servicemen.

In the immediate aftermath, both Kimmel and General Short were relieved of their duties. Kimmel’s command was handed over to Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who would go on to lead the Pacific Fleet to eventual victory in World War II. The humiliation of being relieved of command and the subsequent investigations into the “naval debacle” at Pearl Harbor took a heavy toll on Kimmel, who was forced into early retirement.

For decades, Kimmel lived under the shadow of Pearl Harbor, bearing the brunt of public and military criticism for the attack. However, in 1999, long after his death, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution exonerating both Admiral Kimmel and General Short, acknowledging that they had been scapegoated for the failures leading up to the attack.

Admiral Kimmel’s story is a poignant reminder of the complexities of command during wartime and the heavy burden of responsibility borne by military leaders. While his actions—or inactions—on the eve of Pearl Harbor have been debated for years, his legacy as a dedicated officer who served his country to the best of his abilities endures.