Robert Theobald

Admiral Robert Alfred Theobald (May 25, 1884 – May 13, 1957) was a rear admiral in the United States Navy and a naval leader in Pearl Harbor during the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese in 1941. He is best known for commanding naval forces in the Aleutian Islands campaign and for his outspoken criticism of the U.S. Navy's preparedness for the attack on Pearl Harbor. Theobald’s views on Pearl Harbor and his later writings have been the subject of significant debate among historians.

Early Life and Career

Robert Theobald was born on May 25, 1884, in San Francisco, California. He attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1907. During his early career, Theobald served aboard various ships and gained experience in both surface warfare and naval strategy.

World War II Service

Aleutian Islands Campaign

In 1942, Theobald was appointed commander of Task Force 8, tasked with defending Alaska and the Aleutian Islands against Japanese incursions. The Aleutian campaign, often referred to as the "Forgotten Battle" of World War II, involved harsh weather and difficult terrain. Theobald’s forces engaged in defensive operations against the Japanese occupation of Attu and Kiska, though the campaign was often overshadowed by larger conflicts in the Pacific Theater.

Allegation that FDR Planned Pearl Harbor Attack

Following his retirement in 1945, Theobald became a vocal critic of the U.S. Navy’s actions leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor. In his book The Final Secret of Pearl Harbor (1954), Theobald argued that the Roosevelt administration and senior naval leadership had failed to adequately prepare for the attack, suggesting that they deliberately withheld intelligence to provoke American entry into World War II.

Later Years

After retiring from active service, Theobald dedicating himself to writing and public speaking. Theobald passed away on May 13, 1957, in San Diego, California.

Legacy

Robert Theobald’s career is remembered for his service during the Aleutian Islands campaign and his controversial critiques of Pearl Harbor. While his allegations regarding the attack on Pearl Harbor remain contentious, his contributions to naval defense in the Aleutians demonstrated his commitment to safeguarding American interests during World War II.

Selected Works

The Final Secret of Pearl Harbor (1954)

References

Prange, Gordon W. At Dawn We Slept: The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor. Penguin Books, 1981.

Theobald, Robert A. The Final Secret of Pearl Harbor. Devin-Adair Company, 1954.

Goldstein, Donald M., and Katherine V. Dillon. The Pearl Harbor Papers: Inside the Japanese Plans. Brassey's, 1993.

Morison, Samuel Eliot. History of United States Naval Operations in World War II. University of Illinois Press, 2001.