article Nine-member crew of the USS Ward (all from Minnesota) who fired the first shot in defense of the United States. (Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum) LITTLE FALLS, Minn. (FOX 9) - Dec. 7, 1941, marks a pivotal tragedy in our nation’s history: Pearl Harbor. This year marked 82 years since the surprise attack that killed more than 2,000 soldiers and civilians — devastating America.