USS Panay attacked by Japanese military in 1937. In 1937, United States is a neutral nation. USS Panay was utilized during the Japanese attack on Nanking, China traveling on the Yangtze River evacuating American citizens from the Japanese attack. The clearly marked neutral vessel was suddenly bombed by Japanese aircraft in an unprovoked assault. Before arriving in Nanking, the United States communicated its presence, had a Japanese patrol boat visit about a half hour before the attack. The USS Panay as well displayed a massive US Flag across the top of its ship to avert any mistakes. Despite the crew's valiant efforts to defend themselves, the ship was sunk, with two sailors killed and eight severely wounded. Though Japan apologized and paid reparations, many questions about this deliberate attack on a neutral American vessel remained intentional. Do you believe the Japanese military targeted the USS Panay on purpose?