Day Of Lightning, Years Of Scorn: Walter C. Short And The Attack On Pearl Harbor

Rating:
Summary: Sympathetic View of Maj. Gen. Short
Review: Those interested in the events of 7 December 1941 will want to read this extremely well-written biography. Anderson clearly places Walter Short in the context of his times, and the Army of the early 20th century. In the first part of the book, Anderson shows Short as a dedicated professional soldier for almost forty years before the Pearl Harbor attack. The book describes the measures that Short took to improve the defenses of Hawaii as well as the many problems that he encountered as the United States struggled to prepare for war. Anderson carefully sifts through the records of the four major investigations of the Pearl Harbor disaster. Throughout, Anderson takes a sympathetic view of Short, but remains even-handed and balanced. In the end, Short comes across as a honorable man and competent soldier, who unfortunately made mistakes. This book will complement other books which often take a more clinical view of the tragedy. Also, the book will make readers wonder if any of their own decisions and actions would be able to stand up to the intense scrutiny that Short had to endure.