Before Pearl Harbor: China, FDR and the Plot to Bomb Japan

by Michael Lemish

Find Before Pearl Harbor on your author page, click "Edit book details" and replace the existing description with this:

Could the attack on Pearl Harbor have been prevented? Could war with Japan have been avoided?

In Before Pearl Harbor: China, FDR and the Plot to Bomb Japan, military historian Michael Lemish uncovers a top secret plan hatched between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Chinese government to send U.S. heavy bombers to Tokyo, long before the attack on Pearl Harbor, in a desperate attempt to avert a war that seemed more and more inevitable.

Painstakingly researched and meticulously documented, this story of presidential power and covert diplomacy was hidden from the American people for decades following the war. The cast of characters reads like a who's who of 1930s and 1940s history — aviator Charles Lindbergh, General Jimmy Doolittle years before his famous 1942 raid, Ernest Hemingway, Chinese Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek, and FDR himself.

As US-China tensions dominate today's headlines, Before Pearl Harbor reveals the deep historical roots of that rivalry and asks the question historians still debate: what did Roosevelt really know, and how different might the world have been if someone had paid attention?

232 pages, Paperback

Published December 7, 2019

About the author

Michael Lemish is the author of War Dogs – A History of Loyalty and Heroism and
Forever Forward – K-9 Operations in Vietnam and for 15 years the official
historian for the Vietnam Dog Handler Association. He has contributed to military
documentaries produced by the BBC, Discovery, The History Channel, PBS and The
Robert Hartsock Story produced by New Shepherd Films. He has written for such
publications as The American Legion Magazine, Aviation History, The Atlantic Flyer
– General Aviation News, K-9 Cop Magazine and the scouting magazine Boy’s Life.
His screenplay "Forever Forward" has received five film festival laurels in 2026.
He resides in New Hampshire with his family and three dogs.

Reviews

[PETER BEENY · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes this book so compelling is not just the controversial premise, but the disciplined way Michael Lemish builds his case. The research is extensive, the documentation is thorough, and the narrative never loses momentum. By tracing the secret cooperation between Roosevelt and the Chinese government, Lemish sheds light on a largely overlooked chapter of prewar history and invites readers to reconsider how close the United States may have come to direct conflict with Japan before December 1941. The inclusion of figures such as Lindbergh, Doolittle, Hemingway, and Chiang Kai-shek adds depth and texture, showing how interconnected military strategy, politics, and public opinion really were. Beyond the historical revelations, the book also feels surprisingly relevant today, as it explores the roots of the complicated U.S.–China relationship. Thought-provoking, well argued, and highly readable, this is a valuable contribution to the literature on Pearl Harbor and the origins of the Pacific War.

[BENJAMIN ANDERSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stands out for the seriousness of its research and the confidence of its storytelling. Michael Lemish takes readers beyond the familiar narrative of Pearl Harbor and into a world of secret planning, diplomatic maneuvering, and strategic uncertainty. The evidence is presented in a way that encourages thoughtful reflection rather than easy conclusions, which makes the book even more persuasive. I especially appreciated how clearly the author explains the historical context and why these events still matter today. By the final chapter, it becomes clear that this is more than a book about a single historical episode—it is a deeper examination of leadership, intelligence, and the choices that can alter the course of history. A rewarding and memorable read.

[DALYN MILLER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before Pearl Harbor is a fascinating and eye-opening historical account that challenges conventional narratives about America's path into World War II. Michael Lemish masterfully uncovers a little known secret plan involving China, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and a proposed bombing mission against Japan before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Rich in detail, political intrigue, and historical personalities, this meticulously researched book offers readers a fresh perspective on one of history's most pivotal moments. A must-read for history enthusiasts who enjoy uncovering the hidden stories behind world changing events.

[Rob Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable blend of history, politics, and intrigue, this book uncovers a largely forgotten story that reshapes our understanding of the events leading to World War II. Michael Lemish skillfully connects key figures, secret negotiations, and bold military ambitions into a narrative that is both informative and engaging. Richly researched and packed with fascinating details, it offers readers a fresh look at the complex relationship between China, the United States, and Japan before Pearl Harbor. A compelling read that will leave history enthusiasts questioning what they thought they knew about this pivotal era.

[PETER BEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful and insightful exploration of the events that unfolded before one of history’s most significant turning points. Michael Lemish combines thorough research with engaging storytelling to reveal the lesser-known political decisions, international relationships, and strategic thinking that surrounded the road to Pearl Harbor.

Thought-provoking and rich with historical detail, this work offers readers a deeper understanding of the forces, personalities, and choices that shaped the world before America entered World War II. An excellent read for anyone interested in hidden chapters of history and the complexities behind major global events.

[NOAH BROWN · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a genuinely fascinating read. Michael Lemish presents a complex and controversial historical question with care, balance, and impressive research. What stood out most was the way he connects high-level political decisions with the human stories behind them, making the events feel immediate rather than distant. The book challenges assumptions without feeling sensational, and it’s clear that a great deal of dedication went into uncovering and documenting this overlooked chapter of history. A thoughtful and rewarding read for anyone interested in World War II and the forces that shaped it.

[EVELYN PEEZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkably revealing piece of historical detective work. Michael Lemish turns a little known pre Pearl Harbor episode into a gripping account of covert diplomacy, presidential strategy, and the dangerous calculations that shaped the road to war. The research is meticulous, the narrative is compelling, and the questions it raises about FDR, China, and what might have been are impossible to ignore. This is the kind of book that leaves you looking at Pearl Harbor and modern U.S. China relations through an entirely new lens.

[ETHAN GARCIA · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding contribution to World War II scholarship. Michael Lemish has taken a forgotten chapter of history and brought it to life with clarity, depth, and remarkable attention to detail. The book is both intellectually engaging and highly readable, showing how much untold history still remains beneath the surface of familiar events. Historians and general readers alike will appreciate the courage and dedication behind this work. I hope this book reaches the wide audience it deserves, because it opens an important conversation that should not be overlooked.

[CHARLOTTE MARTINEZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few history books manage to feel both revelatory and urgent, but this one does. Michael Lemish uncovers a hidden pre-Pearl Harbor story that reads with the tension of a political thriller while remaining grounded in serious scholarship. The meticulous research, vivid historical figures, and provocative questions about FDR and U.S.–China relations make it difficult to put down. Even readers who think they know the road to Pearl Harbor will find themselves rethinking what they thought was settled history.