Bombardment of Ellwood

This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (February 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Bombardment of Ellwood
Part of World War II Pacific War and American War
The Ellwood Oil Field and the location of the Japanese attack.
Date February 23, 1942 Location Ellwood, California, Santa Barbara Channel, Pacific Ocean Result United States oil refinery damaged
Belligerents
United States	Japan
Commanders and leaders
N/A	N/A
Strength
N/A	1 submarine

The Bombardment of Ellwood during World War II was a naval attack by a Japanese submarine against United States coastal targets near Santa Barbara, California in February 1942. Though the damage was minimal, the event was key in triggering the West Coast invasion scare and influenced the decision to intern Japanese-Americans. The event also marked the first shelling of the North American mainland during the conflict.