Lee Embree, American sergeant and photographer (b. 1915)

Lee Embree (July 9, 1915 – January 24, 2008) was an exceptional American Army Staff Sergeant and a pioneering military photographer whose quick thinking during a moment of national crisis provided invaluable historical documentation. He is uniquely recognized for capturing the first verified American air-to-air photographs of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. These unprecedented images offered a critical visual record from a perspective never before seen by an American during the initial assault that drew the United States into World War II.

The Unforeseen Flight into History

On that fateful Sunday morning, Staff Sergeant Embree was not on a combat assignment but was instead aboard one of a squadron of twelve unarmed Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bombers, specifically B-17C and B-17D models, flying a ferry mission. These state-of-the-art aircraft were en route from Hamilton Field in California to Hickam Field, Hawaii, intended to reinforce the defensive capabilities of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The journey was expected to be routine, culminating in a landing at Hickam Field, which was part of the Pearl Harbor military complex.

A Routine Journey Turns into a Witness Account

As the B-17s approached the Hawaiian islands, low on fuel after their long trans-Pacific flight and expecting a peaceful arrival, they inadvertently flew directly into the ongoing Japanese aerial assault. The squadron found itself amidst a coordinated surprise attack by hundreds of Japanese Imperial Navy aircraft, including Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighters and Aichi D3A dive bombers, targeting the unsuspecting Pacific Fleet stationed below. Amidst the chaos of explosions, anti-aircraft fire, and enemy aircraft, Embree, then 26 years old, exhibited remarkable composure.

Capturing the Unimaginable: Embree's Photographs

Despite the immense danger and the confusion of being under attack, Staff Sergeant Embree, with his specialized photographic training, managed to operate his camera. He skillfully documented the unfolding events from his vantage point within the B-17. His photographs captured the smoke rising from battleships like the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma, the distinctive silhouettes of Japanese aircraft in the distance, and the visible signs of destruction permeating the harbor. While not close-range combat photos, they provided a sweeping, yet intimate, panoramic view of the devastation from the air, distinct from ground-level perspectives.

The Enduring Legacy of Embree's Images

The photographs taken by Lee Embree hold immense historical significance. They stand as some of the earliest and most authentic visual evidence of the Pearl Harbor attack from an American viewpoint. These images served not only as immediate intelligence for military strategists but also as powerful testimonies for the American public, illustrating the brutal reality of the unprovoked assault. His foresight and bravery under fire ensured that a vital, airborne perspective of this pivotal moment in history was preserved for generations. Embree continued his service throughout World War II, a testament to his dedication.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lee Embree and Pearl Harbor

Who took the first American air-to-air photographs of the Pearl Harbor attack?
The first verified American air-to-air photographs of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor were taken by U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Lee Embree on December 7, 1941.
How did Lee Embree manage to photograph the Pearl Harbor attack from the air?
Lee Embree was aboard one of twelve U.S. Army Air Corps B-17 Flying Fortress bombers on a ferry flight from California to Hawaii. As his aircraft approached Hawaii, it flew directly into the ongoing Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, allowing him to capture the extraordinary aerial images.
What was the significance of Lee Embree's photographs?
Embree's photographs provided critical, immediate visual documentation of the Pearl Harbor attack from an airborne perspective, offering unique insight into the scale and impact of the assault. They became invaluable historical records and were among the first images to show the American public the reality of the attack that led to the U.S. entry into World War II.
What type of aircraft was Lee Embree on during the Pearl Harbor attack?
Lee Embree was flying on a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bomber, specifically one of the B-17C or B-17D models that were being ferried to Hickam Field, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941.