US ResearchConflictsIndian Wars and Frontier ConflictsCaliforniaJapanese Submarine Shelling of Ellwood Oil Field
Indian Wars and Frontier Conflicts

Japanese Submarine Shelling of Ellwood Oil Field

1942
California
Era
Indian Wars and Frontier Conflicts
Year
1942
Location
California
Status
Historical record
The Battle

History & Significance

Japanese Submarine Shelling of Ellwood Oil Field was a Indian Wars and Frontier Conflicts engagement fought in California, 1942. The outcome was inconclusive.

First attack by a foreign power on the continental United States since the Fort Stevens shelling 2 days earlier (actually it preceded Fort Stevens by months - Fort Stevens was June 1942). The Ellwood shelling on February 23, 1942 occurred the night before President Roosevelt's fireside chat, and the next day the famous "Battle of Los Angeles" anti-aircraft barrage occurred (a false alarm). Contributed to the atmosphere of panic that led to Japanese-American internment.

Result
Neither (inconclusive) victory
Forces engaged
Japanese submarine I-17 (Commander Kozo Nishino) vs. Ellwood oil facilities
Casualties
None
Outcome
13 shells fired at the Ellwood oil field on February 23, 1942. Minor damage to a pump house and catwalk. No casualties.

Approximate location. The nearest recorded settlement is shown; the exact site is unrecorded.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Japanese Submarine Shelling of Ellwood Oil Field take place?
Japanese Submarine Shelling of Ellwood Oil Field took place in 1942.
Where was Japanese Submarine Shelling of Ellwood Oil Field fought?
Japanese Submarine Shelling of Ellwood Oil Field was fought in California, United States.
What was the significance of Japanese Submarine Shelling of Ellwood Oil Field?
First attack by a foreign power on the continental United States since the Fort Stevens shelling 2 days earlier (actually it preceded Fort Stevens by months - Fort Stevens was June 1942). The Ellwood shelling on February 23, 1942 occurred the night before President Roosevelt's fireside chat, and the
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Geology
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Conflict & War
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Native Heritage
The Native nations who held this land, mapped across time from before European contact to today.
Settlement
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All battles in CaliforniaIndian Wars and Frontier Conflictsconflicts ›Historic sites in California
Source

This page is compiled from cited public sources.

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