The Great Los Angeles Air Raid

In the early morning hours of February 25, 1942, just weeks after Pearl Harbor, anti-aircraft batteries across Los Angeles opened fire on unidentified objects in the sky. Over 1,400 rounds were fired. The targets were never identified.

The Event

At 2:25 AM, air raid sirens began wailing. Searchlights swept the sky and illuminated what appeared to be unidentified aircraft. Anti-aircraft batteries opened fire and continued for over an hour. A complete blackout was ordered across Los Angeles.

The Objects

Witnesses described slow-moving objects that seemed impervious to the barrage of anti-aircraft fire. Famous photographs showed searchlight beams converging on a large object surrounded by exploding shells. The objects moved slowly and erratically.

The Aftermath

The shelling killed five civilians: three from car accidents during the blackout and two from heart attacks caused by stress. Property damage was extensive from falling shrapnel. The military initially blamed Japanese attack aircraft.

The Investigation

Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox called the event a false alarm caused by war nerves. Secretary of War Henry Stimson said between one and five unidentified aircraft had been present. No wreckage was ever found. No Japanese attack was confirmed.

Assessment

The Battle of Los Angeles remains unexplained. Suggestions range from weather balloons to Japanese fire balloons to extraterrestrial craft. The famous photograph continues to be analyzed and debated. What flew over Los Angeles that night was never identified.