Decades of violent intrigue and miscalculation between Japan and the United States pave the way for the deadly attack on Pearl Harbor.

Survivors, experts, and historians try to sort out the mystery and intrigue of a day that proved to be a turning point in history.

December 7, 1941, was an historical turning point--the world was forever changed after the fateful Japanese attack against the U.S. fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. It resulted from a combination of interrelated and complicated factors--and at any point, the dangerous operation could have been called off before its commander radioed back the code words "Tora, Tora, Tora" (Tiger, Tiger, Tiger), which meant complete surprise had been achieved. Here is the real story of the "Day of Infamy".

This two-hour special offers an in-depth look at the critical 24-hour period after news of Japan's attack on U.S. soil in 1941 reached the President. Drawing on exhaustive research and new information provided by the FDR Library, the special gives a rare and surprising glimpse at the man behind the Presidency and how he confronted the enormous challenge of transitioning the nation from peace to war. There was no direct phone line between Pearl Harbor and the White House. As information slowly trickled in and word of the bombing got out, panic gripped the White House. FDR's unique style of leadership enabled him to galvanize the American people in the wake of a grave and potentially demoralizing attack. The special features acclaimed historian Steven M. Gillon, author of the recently released Pearl Harbor: FDR Leads the Nation Into War.

Over 75 years ago, the attack on Pearl Harbor blindsided the American people and rerouted the course of world history. This special brings you firsthand accounts from the heroes who defended our country and helped shape it into the great nation that we know today.