With
the help of state-of-the-art technology, we explore the underwater
battlefield, sixty years after the momentous event that propelled
the US into World War II.
Joining Dr Ballard are survivors of the battle
from both sides. Fascinating insight also comes from renowned historian,
Dr Stephen Ambrose – historical consultant on "Saving Private
Ryan."
"Legacy
of Attack" pieces together what it was like to be in the
heat of battle on this fateful day, often using harrowing eyewitness
accounts of the bombing which caused ships to become infernos, trapping
many of their crew on board.
For the first time ever, cameras have been allowed
inside the most famous of all the sunken American warships, the USS
Arizona. They send back haunting images of a ship which became a tomb
for most of its crew.
The
USS Arizona has been left to rest on the bottom of the harbor
as a memorial to all who died. But the ship is rusting. National
Geographic checks for degradation of its oil tanks which are slowly
leaking. It is estimated that there is half a million gallons
of oil on board the USS Arizona – a potential ecological
disaster.
