National Museum of the U.S. Navy

1942:  February 28 - March 1:  Battle of Sunda Strait

Following the Battle of the Java Sea, USS Houston (CA-30) and the Australian cruiser, HMAS Perth, were traveling from Tanjong Priok, Batavia, to Tjiltjap, Java, when they encountered Japanese vessels and transports.  Engaged in a fierce overnight battle, both Houston and Perth were sunk by the enemy, and the survivors were taken as prisoners of war.  Soon after this action, the American-British-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) naval force was disestablished.  The Pacific War would be led by the U.S. Navy against the Japanese, achieving victory in August 1945.  

Image:  NH 93153:   Sinking of USS Houston (CA-30) during the Battle of Sunda Strait, February 28-March 1, 1942.  Artwork by Joseph Fleishmann, 1950.  Courtesy of the Navy Art Collection, U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command.