Battle of Los Angeles

Anti-aircraft guns and spotlights comb the sky above Los Angeles during the rumored Japanese attack

What was the Battle of Los Angeles?

On the night of February 24, 1942, only two months after the attack at Pearl Harbor, the skies of Los Angeles burst open with anti-aircraft fire and spotlights flooded the night sky looking for rumored Japanese planes. A total blackout was ordered in the city and air raid sirens were sounded off, warning people of danger.

This night of confused chaos became known as the Battle of Los Angeles, or alternatively the Great Los Angeles Air Raid.

What caused the battle?

After the "raid" ended, US Navy Secretary Frank Knox, told the press that the incident was a false alarm triggered by "war nerves" and anxiety.

In 1949 the Coast Artillery Association explained that the incident was caused by a stray weather balloon.

Did anyone die?

Despite the false alarm five people did die during the supposed battle, three in car accidents from the panic and two from heart attacks related to the stress of the incident.

Photo Info

Photographer: LA Times
Date taken: February 24, 1942
Location taken: Los Angeles, California, USA

Related Events

1942-02-24 The "Battle of Los Angeles" takes place, a series of anti-aircraft engagements over the city in response to a rumored but false Japanese attack. It would last until the morning of the following day.