Last week we discussed the Japanese occupation of two islands in Alaska during World War 2. Today we thought we would take a look at some of the more unusual attacks on United States territory, attacks that are relatively unheard of unless you are a long-time resident in California or Oregon. Sit back and enjoy a little history as HiTech Creations gives you another history lesson regarding World War II.
On February 23, 1942 the Japanese submarine I-17 shelled the Ellwood Oil Field near Santa Barbara, California. Although little damage was done this attack did cause serious concerns that there could be an invasion along the West Coast.
On June 21 and June 22, 1942 the Japanese submarine I-25 attacked Fort Stevens, the only mainland U.S. military installation attacked during World War II. No damage was reported and eventually a U.S. bomber was dispatched and drove the submarine away from the coast.
On September 9, 1942 the only aerial bombing of mainland America occurred when a Japanese seaplane dropped two incendiary bombs near Brookings, Oregon; no damage was reported and no other attempt was ever launched.
Finally, and maybe most interesting, in 1944 and 1945 the Japanese launched over 9,000 fire balloons toward America, hoping that the jet stream would take them to the mainland and start forest fires or fires in major cities. Approximately three hundred did reach the mainland and six deaths are actually attributed to this rather bizarre wartime tactic; all the deaths occurred in Oregon.
Why so few attacks on mainland America? Most obviously distance from Japan had as much to do with it as anything. The only way to launch an attack on U.S. soil would be by submarine; planes would need a re-fueling airport and there simply were none, and aircraft carriers were much too susceptible to air attack by the U.S. Air Force. This is one reason why the islands in the South Pacific were so important, because they served the same purpose for U.S. attacks on Japan.
Interesting? We at HiTech Creations think so and we also believe that it is our love of all things related to World War 2 that helps us to continue to make Aces High the number one World War 2 Flight Simulator on the market.
Give us a try; check out our free two-week- download and try for yourself, but we warn you that once you get a taste of our flight sim you will be hooked. This is the best combat flight simulator on the market and you will find out for yourself once you download and fly the skies of Aces High.
