The attack on Pearl Harbor happened on December 7, 1941. The first Japanese dive-bomber appeared over Pearl Harbor at 7:55 AM local time. The attack lasted just over an hour, with a first wave striking starting around that time and a second wave around 8:50 AM. This surprise aerial attack targeted the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor on Oahu Island, Hawaii, causing significant damage to the Pacific Fleet and leading to the U.S. entering World War II.