In the early morning hours of February 25, 1942, Los Angeles became the stage for a sudden and unprecedented military response. Just months after the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States remained on high alert, particularly along the vulnerable West Coast. Rumors of Japanese submarines and aerial raids swirled through the media, keeping residents and military personnel alike on edge. As tensions simmered, the city braced for an attack they feared might come at any moment.

The events of that night, now known as the “Battle of Los Angeles,” stand as one of the most puzzling occurrences of World War II. The military unleashed a massive barrage of anti-aircraft fire, believing an unknown threat was approaching the city. Yet, despite the intensity of the response, no enemy planes were shot down, and no conclusive explanation emerged for what had triggered the alarm. Decades later, the incident continues to spark debate and speculation, particularly due to the absence of any physical evidence to support the military’s actions.