A Matter of Honor

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On December 7, 1941, Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in the deaths of 2,403 Americans, leading to the U.S. entry into World War II. In the aftermath, Admiral Husband Kimmel, commander of the Pacific Fleet, was relieved of his duties and publicly disgraced for alleged dereliction of duty. However, the truth reveals that inefficiencies within Washington's top brass prevented Kimmel from receiving crucial intelligence. To protect a significant U.S. intelligence secret, officials allowed Kimmel and the Army commander in Hawaii to become scapegoats for the disaster. Kimmel dedicated his life to clearing his name, a mission continued by his Navy veteran sons after his death. Despite congressional approval for the posthumous restoration of Kimmel's four-star rank, the Navy bureaucracy blocked the effort. Today, Kimmel's grandchildren persist in the fight, viewing it as a matter of honor. In this transformative narrative, the authors delve into the complexities of Pearl Harbor, exonerating President Franklin D. Roosevelt from accusations of prior knowledge of the attack while exposing betrayal in Washington. With extensive research and access to key documents, diaries, and letters, this account presents a poignant tale of politics, war, and the broader implications of history.