On the morning of December 7, 1941, the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese aircraft marked a pivotal moment in U.S. history. Among the few American pilots who managed to take to the skies during the assault was Philip M. Rasmussen, a 23-year-old second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Assigned to the 46th Pursuit Squadron at Wheeler Field on the island of Oahu, Rasmussen’s quick actions during this chaotic event would later earn him the Silver Star for bravery.
Rasmussen’s journey into military aviation began in September 1940, culminating in his transfer to Wheeler Field shortly after completing flight training in April 1941. The mission of his squadron was to defend against potential aerial attacks, though the looming threat from Japan was not overtly acknowledged. In his diary, Rasmussen recorded his father’s concerns about escalating tensions with Japan just days before the attack, reflecting a growing sense of unease among military personnel.
As the attack commenced, Rasmussen was in a barracks just before 08:00. He witnessed a Japanese aircraft dive towards the hangars and drop a bomb, resulting in a massive explosion. Realizing the severity of the situation, he quickly alerted his fellow officers, shouting, “We are being attacked by the Japanese,” while still in his pajamas. After arming himself with a pistol, he sprinted towards the flight line amid strafing fire.
Rasmussen described the scene as he ran towards the aircraft lined up on the tarmac, where explosions ignited plane after plane due to their close proximity. He managed to reach a Curtiss P-36, got it started, and loaded it with ammunition. His initial struggle was to get airborne while under a barrage of enemy fire. Along with his squadron members, he took off in formation, determined to engage the attacking Japanese forces.
Once in the air, they quickly received orders to redirect to Bellows Field, but upon reaching Kaneohe Bay, they encountered additional enemy aircraft. Rasmussen engaged in combat, successfully shooting down one Japanese plane. However, he soon faced a harrowing moment when another enemy aircraft attempted to ram him. In a split-second decision, he pulled up sharply, causing significant damage to his aircraft.
As Rasmussen fought to regain control, he ducked into the clouds to evade further attacks. Despite sustained damage, he managed to stabilize his plane, discovering later that debris from the canopy had struck him without causing injury. His focus remained on safely returning to Wheeler Field. During the flight back, he was briefly escorted by fellow pilot Lew Sanders, who checked on his condition amid the chaos.
Upon returning, Rasmussen faced additional dangers, including friendly fire from ground forces who had organized themselves in defense. He executed an emergency landing, managing to deploy his landing gear just in time before touching down on the wet grass, as the aircraft spun around due to hydraulic failure.
After exiting the damaged plane, Rasmussen, still in disbelief, prepared to assist his comrades in the aftermath of the attack. The destruction around him was immense, with many planes and hangars destroyed during the assault.
Rasmussen’s experiences that day are not just a remarkable tale of bravery but also a testament to the intensity of aerial combat during World War II. He continued to serve in various theaters of war, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel before retiring in 1965. He passed away in 2005 at the age of 86 and is interred at Arlington National Cemetery.
Rasmussen’s story, adapted from a 1991 oral history interview, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during one of the most significant events in American military history. His actions not only contributed to the defense of his country but also highlight the courage displayed by many during that fateful day in Pearl Harbor.
