Skip to main content

Pearl Harbor What Really Happened

July 2026
1min read

In April, Kevin Baker wrote in the “In the News” column of his dismay at the current attempt by Congress to restore the ranks of Rear Adm. Husband E. Kimmel and Maj. Gen. Walter C. Short, the Navy and Army commanders in charge at Pearl Harbor during the raid. Rear Adm. David C. Richardson wrote in disagreement, and the editors thought his protest worth publishing in its entirety, since it is a succinct yet thorough statement of the position of those who believe that Kimmel and Short were, in effect, set up. We also asked Kevin Baker to respond.

Help us tell the story of America.

For over 75 years, American Heritage has chronicled our nation's history like no other publication. Please support our trusted, non-partisan historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it by donating today. We rely on contributions from readers like you to survive.
Donate