The Second World War Started Today

[Donger]

Originally Posted by JOhn

On December 12, 1937, the U.S.S. Panay was bombed and sunk by Japanese aircraft while anchored in the vicinity of Hoshien on the Yangtze River. The officers and men of the Panay while under heavy attack, and afterwards, discharged their duties with a coolness and deliberation that was in accord with the highest traditions of the Naval service.

The Fourth Regiment of Marines at Shanghai were engaged during the Shanghai siege in protecting the lives and interests of Americans in the International Settlement. Their defense sector at Shanghai was effectively held under most trying conditions.

Source: Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy for the Fiscal Year 1938. (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1938): 9, 17.

After a quick search found that. Will see if I can find online sources of the Books I have here at home.

You specifically mentioned the Marco Polo Incident, not the Panay. The Japanese government accepted responsibility for it and stated that it was not an intentional act.