The World War Two Diaries of Hobart Henning Sorensen 1941-1945

December 7—Dad’s nerves are completely shot. It can’t last much longer. Today America goes to war. Japan, according to the radio made a few sporadic attacks here and there—Pearl Harbor etc. The puzzling thing about it all is why they used the method they did—they gained nothing—lost the advantage of surprise, of a (terrific, stunning) first blow, is the aggressor, etc. It seems so dumb, they can’t be thinking in terms we realize. Maybe a coup d’état. This is Roosevelt’s big chance and he’ll take it. This nation will now be mobilized in nothing flat and American dictatorship established. I believe the time for intelligent silence is at hand. Our domestic situation here is perilous. Poor mother and Dad. I fail to feel now or when I heard the news, and crusading spirit. Uniforms on the street—Home Guard mobilized. War hysteria on the way. December 8—The answer to yesterday’s puzzle—Japanese damage was a great deal worse than reported. Their attacks continued today—no definite news of victory or defeat yet. The first round definitely theirs. Ruth telegraphed to Mrs. F. “I’m alright, but pray for Richard he just sailed out on the Lexington”. I found myself unmoved today—rather sad as the thought of the end of our civilization takes another major step. I.Q. people like Dick and really have caught the spirit. I said I hoped I could—I might be thinking of Rip. Only met one intolerant person (towards the Jap) all day. Congress declared war in twenty minutes one dissenting vote Mrs. Rankin. Just watch license take over—dropped morals. The army and navy claims unidentified enemy planes sighted, everyone else denies it. Civilian defense official Washington—Bill Henry smelled an army stunt. I believe him, as if they would turn back once here. Business might slack up: Dad fair today—only fair; I might try a crack at the army I.2 department. Lindburg came out as I expected. And I feel no different about him or his ideas about mine or before. I’m still against helping Britain.