‘We’re at war! We’re at war!’

On December 7, 1941, Bill Rudder was an 18-year-old Army electrical worker stationed at Hickam Field on Oahu, Hawaii. As he dozed in the barracks, Imperial Japanese dive bombers launched a heavily orchestrated early-morning airstrike on America’s Pacific Fleet and its nearby airfield. The surprise attack launched America into World War II and galvanized this nation in unity against a common enemy.

Armed with little warfare training, Rudder and his fellow soldiers sprang into action, firing back and protecting U.S. defenses throughout the siege that ultimately damaged eight Navy battleships, destroyed 188 aircraft, and claimed the lives of more than 2,000 Americans.

Bloody Sabbath is Rudder’s first-person account of what he experienced that day-the raw courage and sheer will of him and countless other young men who rallied back in the face of fear and did what they could to stay alive and help their fellow man.

The battle-and what came after-took its toll. For years, Rudder felt unable to speak about the horrors he experienced that day. The burn of hot shrapnel. The blinding white light of exploding bombs. The shrieks of the wounded and dying.

This book is Rudder’s effort to shed light on the atrocities of war, share important history so it’s not forgotten, bring closure after his own gut-wrenching trauma and pain, and help all veterans understand the healing power in sharing our stories.