Baker, Charlie Summary and Analysis

Chapter Baker, Arizona, I Remember You, is about the initial entry of the United States into World War II. The United States was largely unprepared for war. While most Americans watched developments in Europe with some interest, the Pacific machinations of Japan were nearly unknown. American policy was viewed by the Japanese as restrictive, and their increasing need for petroleum caused conflict with the Western world. The memoir does not present a well-developed rationale behind Japan's decision to attack the United States, but instead makes a few simple statements. Then, the Japanese launched a surprise attack against Pearl Harbor, a major United States Naval base. The attack was a complete surprise. The author's first airplane ride, 1945, was to Hawaii from Saipan, when he was medically evacuated. The author recalls the transfer and the excruciating pain of his wounds&mdash...