LOS ANGELES TIMES, California, Feb. 24, 1942  The bold headline proclaims: "SUBMARINE SHELLS SOUTHLAND OIL FIELD" with a smaller head: "Japanese Make Direct Hit North of Santa Barbara" with other related subheads (see).
This brief yet very historic shelling only caused minor damage to the oil field—a pump house and a single oil derrick were destroyed—but its implications were severe. The bombardment at Ellwood was the first shelling of the mainland United States during World War II, and it sparked an invasion panic among an American populace not used dealing with war on the home front. A day later, reports of enemy aircraft led to the so-called “Battle of Los Angeles,” in which American artillery was discharged over Los Angeles for several hours due to the mistaken belief that the Japanese were invading.
This is the complete first section of 10 pages or a 3 section newspaper. Minor toning at the central fold, otherwise in very nice condition. Terrific to have this report in a Los Angeles newspaper.