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United States. 1943. Summary of war damage to U.S. battleships, carriers, cruisers and destroyers, 17 October 1941 to 7 December 1942. [Washington, D.C.]: Printed by U.S. Hydrographic Office.

Call Number: Special Collection D810.D6 U552 V.1

Topic
  • Theater of Operations--Pacific
Document Type
Wars & Conflicts
  • World War II 1939-1945
File Formats
  • Image (gif, jpg, tiff)
Location of Archival Materials

Summary of War Damage to U. S. Battleships, Carriers, Cruisers And Destroyers

17 October, 1941 to 7 December, 1942

Image of cover.

NAVSHIPS A (374)

SUMMARY OF WAR DAMAGE

TO

U. S. BATTLESHIPS, CARRIERS, CRUISERS AND DESTROYERS

17 OCTOBER, 1941 TO 7 DECEMBER, 1942

Preliminary Design Section

Bureau of Ships

Navy Department

15 September, 1943

Legend

Image legend

LEGEND

* WAR DAMAGE REPORTS NOT YET ISSUED

Reference: (a) Buships ltr. C-FS/L11-1(374); C-EN28/A2-1 dated 17 April 1942.

FOREWORD

1. Although this summary is intended to present the results of the first year of war, it also includes cases of damage which occurred prior to 7 December, 1941. The dates thus are 17 October, 1941 to 7 December, 1942 inclusive. Subsequent summaries will be issued annually.

2. It will be noted that damage incurred at Pearl Harbor on 7 December, 1941 has been summarized in a separate section. This procedure has been necessary because the circumstances of the raid on 7 December were completely different from those of other action damage. There are, likewise, marked differences between the salvage and repair of vessels damaged at Pearl Harbor and those damaged in subsequent actions. These factors have required that Pearl Harbor damage be segregated from damage occurring as the result of other actions.

3. This summary is based on the best information available to this Bureau. Receipt of information in correction of any of the data which may be found in error will be appreciated.

4. Some of the cases listed have been described in detail in the war damage reports prepared by the Bureau of Ships. Where this has been done, the number of the report is given below the name of the vessel. As the number of ships lost and damaged by enemy action increases, it has become impracticable for the Bureau to issue promptly a detailed report for each case. It has been necessary to adopt the policy of issuing detailed reports of only the most important cases for which the data are reasonably complete. The rate of preparation of reports by the Bureau is increasing, however, and it is hoped that all cases covering important lessons will be issued more promptly in the future. To this end it will be of great assistance to the Bureau to receive detailed reports from the forces afloat as soon as practicable after a ship is lost or damaged. Material lessons of great importance may be missed if reports covering essential data, in accordance with reference (a), are not received, particularly in cases when ships are lost.

--1--

TABLE I

VESSELS DAMAGED OR LOST DUE TO ENEMY ACTION

17 October, 1941 to 7 December, 1942

SUMMARY

Cause of Damage or Loss

Type of Vessel

Aircraft

Submarine

Surface Craft

Mine

Disappeared

Total

Bomb

Torp.

Bomb
+
Torp.

Torp.

Gunfire

Torp.
+
Gnf.

BB

4

1

4

1

 

2

     

12

CV

4

 

2

4

         

10

CA

2

   

1

4

4

4

 

1

16

CL

3

1

1

1

 

2

1

   

9

DD

10

2(a)

1

8

3

14

2

 

Ma)

43(b)

Total

23

Ma)

8

15

7

22

7

0

5(a)

90(b)

(a) Includes JARVIS torpedoed and subsequently disappeared en route to base.

(b) JARVIS counted once.

--2--

TABLE II

VESSELS DAMAGED OR LOST AT PEARL HARBOR

7 December, 1941

SUMMARY

Cause of Damage or Loss

Type of Vessel

Aircraft

Total

Bomb

Torp.

Bomb + Torp.

BB

 

1

4

8

CL

1

1

1

3

DD

4

   

4

Total

8

2

5

1

--3--

TABLE III

VESSELS LOST DUE TO ENEMY ACTION

(Excluding Ships Lost at Pearl Harbor)

30 October, 1941 to 7 December, 1942

SUMMARY

Cause of Loss

Type of Vessel

Aircraft

Submarine

Surface Craft

Mine

Disappeared

Total

Bomb

Torp.

Bomb
+
Torp.

Torp.

Gunfire

Torp.
+
Gnf.

BB

                 

0

CV

   

2

2(a)

         

4

CA

       

1(b)

1

2(c)

 

1

5

CL

     

1(d)

   

1

   

2

DD

3

1(e)

1

5

3

 

2

 

4(e)

22(f)

Total

3

1(e)

3

8

 

5

5

0

5(e)

33(f)

(a) YORKTOWN badly damaged by 2 aircraft torpedoes and 8 bombs.
(b) NORTHAMPTON possibly sunk by submarine torpedoes.
(c) Torpedoes which struck QUINCY and VINCENNES probably from sub.
(d) JUNEAU damaged by destroyer torpedo.
(e) Includes JARVIS torpedoed and subsequently disappeared en route to base.
(f) JARVIS counted once.

--4--

TABLE IV

VESSELS DAMAGED DUE TO ENEMY ACTION

(Excluding Vessels Damaged at Pearl Harbor)

17 October, 1941 to 7 December, 1942

SUMMARY

Cause of Damage

Type of Vessel

Aircraft

Submarine

Surface Craft

Mine

Total

Bomb

Torp.

Bomb+Torp.

Torp.

Gunfire

Torp.+Gnf.

BB

1

   

1

 

2

   

4

CV

4

   

2

       

6

CA

2

   

1

3(a)

3

2

 

11

CL

2

       

2

   

4

DD

 

1(b)

 

3

 

10

   

17

Total

12

1

0

7

3

17

2

0

42

(a) NEW ORLEANS, MINNEAPOLIS, and PENSACOLA possibly damaged by submarine torpedoes.
(b) Includes SMITH which was damaged by armed torpedo plane crash on forecastle.

--5--

VESSELS DAMAGED OR LOST AT PEARL HARBOR, 7 DECEMBER, 1941

BATTLESHIPS

Ship

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

ARIZONA (BB39)

Bomb - 8

Air. Torp. - 1

Settled bodily

Stricken from register.

Hulk not yet removed or scrapped.

Forward portion of ship destroyed in vicinity of No. I and No. II turrets due to bomb hits and magazine explosion. Aircraft torpedo hit about frame 35, port side.
Diagram of Arizona BB39 depicting damaged areas

OKLAHOMA (BB37)

Air. Torp. - 5

Capsized

Righted - being raised

Struck by about 5 aircraft torpedoes on port side between frames 25 and 120. Three torpedoes probably struck below armor belt and two struck on or above armor belt. Superficial damage resulted from three near miss bombs.

Diagram of Oklahoma BB37 depicting damaged areas

--6--

PEARL HARBOR

BATTLESHIPS (continued)

Ship

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

CALIFORNIA (BB44)
War Damage Report No. 21

Bomb - 2 Air. Torp. - 2

Settled Bodily

Salvaged

Struck by two deep-running torpedoes on port side at frames 52 and 101. No damage to holding bulkhead of torpedo defense system. Struck on starboard side abreast foremast by one bomb. Very near miss on port bow opened shell and flooded several compartments. During salvage, a gasoline vapor explosion occurred forward on first platform. Ship sank because of uncontrolled flooding through open manhole covers.

Diagram of California BB44 displaying damaged areas

MARYLAND (BB46)

Bomb - 2

 

Repaired

Struck by two bombs, probably converted projectiles. One detonated on awning ridge rope above forecastle at frame 13 causing considerable fragmentation and blast damage. Other entered shell below waterline at frame 10, port, detonating in hold. Moderate flooding.

Diagram of MARYLAND (BB46) displaying damaged areas

--7--

PEARL HARBOR

BATTLESHIPS (continued)

Ship

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

NEVADA (BB36)

War Damage Report No. 17

Bomb - 5 Air. Torp. - 1

Settled Bodily

Salvaged

Struck by one deep-running torpedo on port side at frame 41 Holding bulkhead opened at seams and butts. Gasoline vapor explosion occurred next day on main and upper decks forward. Three bomb hits forward, one of which passed out skin of ship and exploded alongside. Two bombs hit amidships. Ship sank because of failure of watertight integrity.

Diagram of NEVADA (BB36) depicting damaged areas

PENNSYLVANIA (BB38) War Damage Report No. 14

Bomb - 1

In No. 1 drydock

Repaired

Bomb struck on starboard side boat deck. One broadside gun wrecked. Fragment damage on starboard side of hull from a near miss on dock wall.

Diagram of PENNSYLVANIA (BB38) depicting damaged areas

--8--

PEARL HARBOR

BATTLESHIPS (continued)

Ship

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

TENNESSEE (BB43)
War Damage Report No. 22

Bomb - 2

 

Repaired

Two bombs, converted from 16" AP projectiles, struck center gun of turret No. II and top of No. Ill turret (dud).

Diagram of TENNESSEE (BB43) depicting damaged areas

WEST VIRGINIA (BB48)

Bomb - 2 Air.Torp. - 7

Settled Bodily

Salvaged

Struck by 7 torpedoes on port side - 4 on armor belt at frames 46, 70, 81 and 94. Fifth torpedo struck rudder. Sixth and seventh torpedoes hit above the armor belt amidships when the ship was listed heavily to port. Two dud bombs hit ship - one on top of No. III turret (broke up), and the other went through the foretop and penetrated to the second deck at frame 70. Bomb recovered.

Diagram of WEST VIRGINIA (BB48) depicting damaged areas

--9--

PEARL HARBOR

LIGHT CRUISERS

Ship

Cause

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

HELENA (CL50)
War Damage Report No. 4

Air. Torp. - 1

Repaired

Deep-running torpedo struck starboard side at frame 74. Forward engine room and forward fireroom flooded.

Diagram of HELENA (CL50) depicting damaged areas

HONOLULU (CL48)
War Damage Report No. 1

Bomb - 1

Repaired

Near miss starboard side frame 41. Hull dished. Moderate flooding through broken magazine flood line putting two turrets and magazines out of commission.

Diagram of HONOLULU (CL48) depicting damaged areas

RALEIGH (CL7)
War Damage Report No. 9

Bomb - 1

Air. Torp. - 1

Repaired

Deep-running torpedo struck port side at frame 55. Bomb hit after deck house at frame 112, passed through the ship and detonated underwater on port side. Extensive flooding.

Diagram of RALEIGH (CL7) depicting damaged areas

--10--

PEARL HARBOR

DESTROYERS

Ship

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

CASSIN (DD372)
War Damage Report No. 13

Bomb - 3

In No. 1 drydock

Machinery salvaged. New hull constructed,

Three bombs struck ship, passed through and detonated on dock floor. Severe fires caused further damage. Fell off blocks. Hull wrecked.

Diagram of CASSIN (DD372) depicting damaged areas

DOWNES (DD375)
War Damage Report No. 13

Bomb - 1

In No. 1 drydock

Machinery salvaged. New hull constructed.

One bomb detonated on bridge. The 3 bombs which passed through CASSIN and detonated on the dock floor resulted in extensive fragment damage. Fires, torpedo explosion and flooding of dock wrecked hull.

Diagram of DOWNES (DD375) depicting damaged areas

HELM (DD388)
War Damage Report No. 6

Bomb - 1

 

Repaired

Near bomb miss on starboard bow caused dishing of plating and shock damage.

Diagram of HELM (DD388) depicting damaged areas

SHAW (DD373)
War Damage Report No. 7

Bomb - 3

In floating drydock

Repaired

Struck by three bombs. A fire was started which caused forward magazine to explode 20 minutes later severing bow at frame 65. Floating drydock sank.

Diagram of SHAW (DD373) depicting damaged areas

--11--

VESSELS LOST DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF WAR

AIRCRAFT CARRIERS

Ship

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

LEXINGTON (CV2)
War Damage Report No. 16

5/8/42 Coral Sea

Bomb - 2

Air. Torp -

2 or 3

Settled Bodily

Two or more torpedoes detonated port side abreast port gasoline stowage and three forward boiler rooms - relatively minor flooding. Two direct bomb hits detonated upon contact. Bomb damage of minor nature. Gasoline vapors accumulated as a result of torpedo hits and later exploded which resulted in loss of ship.

Diagram of LEXINGTON (CV2) depicting damaged areas

YORKTOWN (CV5)
War Damage Report No. 25

6/4-7/42 Midway

Bomb - 3

Air. Torp. - 2

Sub. Torp. - 2

Capsized

Two bombs which hit No. 1 elevator and uptakes detonated on third deck. One bomb detonated on contact at frame 132. Two deep-running aircraft torpedoes detonated in way of port firerooms -extensive flooding. Two deep-running submarine torpedoes, two days later, detonated in way of starboard firerooms.

Diagram of YORKTOWN (CV5) depicting damaged areas

--12--

VESSELS LOST

AIRCRAFT CARRIERS (continued)

Ship

Date

Place

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Remarks on Damage

WASP (CV7)
*War Damage Report No. 39

9/15/42

Solomon Is.

Sub. Torp. - 2

Probably capsized

Two, or possibly three, submarine torpedoes hit starboard side in way of bomb magazine and gasoline tank. Apparently, some of the bombs exploded, followed later by 3 gasoline vapor explosions. (Gas system in use.) Section of ship forward of bridge badly damaged. Bombs, torpedoes and gasoline in planes in hangar exploded, contributing to destruction. Ready service ammunition forward detonated. Sunk by U.S. destroyer torpedoes.

Diagram of WASP (CV7) depicting damaged areas

HORNET (CV8)
War Damage Report No. 30

10/26/42

Santa Cruz

Bomb - 5 Air. Torp. - 3 Plane Crashes - 2

Probably capsized

In day long action three shallow-running torpedoes struck starboard side - two abreast forward engine room and one abreast after magazines. Two dive bombers crashed island and port side forecastle. Five bombs struck ship - two detonated in third deck living spaces, one near No. 3 elevator, one on after starboard corner flight deck, and one forward of island after ship was abandoned. Sunk by U.S. destroyer torpedoes and gunfire.

Diagram of HORNET (CV8) depicting damaged areas

--13--

VESSELS LOST

HEAVY CRUISERS

Ship

 Date 

            Place   

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Remarks on Damage

HOUSTON (CA30)

2/28/42

Java Sea

Gunfire (?)

Unknown

No information.

ASTORIA (CA34)
War Damage Report No. 29

8/9/42

Savo Is.

Gunfire (at least 65 hits)

Capsized

Eight-inch and five-inch projectile damage above second deck. Five 5" projectile hits below water-line. Uncontrolled fires. Magazine explosion nine hours after action.

Diagram of ASTORIA (CA34) depicting damaged areas

QUINCY (CA39)
War Damage Report No. 29

8/9/42

Savo Is.

Gunfire (at least 36 hits)

Probable Sub. Torp. - 2

Capsized

Eight-inch and five-inch projectile damage above second deck. Two torpedo hits port side in way of forward 8" magazine and No. 3 and No. 4 fire-rooms. Uncontrolled fires.Diagram of QUINCY (CA39) depicting damaged areas

--14--

VESSELS LOST

HEAVY CRUISERS (continued)

Ship

Date

Place

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Remarks on Damage

VINCENNES (CA44)
War Damage Report No. 29

8/9/42

Savo Is.

Gunfire (at least 57 hits) Probably Sub. Torp. (1 possibly 2)

Capsized

Eight-inch and five-inch projectile damage above second deck. One, possibly two, torpedo hits port side in way of forward 8" magazine. Uncontrolled fires.

Diagram of VINCENNES (CA44) depicting damaged areas

NORTHAMPTON (CA26)

11/30/42

Lunga Point

Sub. or Destroyer Torp. - 2

Capsized

Two deep-running torpedoes struck port side almost simultaneously - one at frame 98 and the other at frame 108. Uncontrolled fires. Ready service detonated. Extensive flooding - five main compartments flooded.

Diagram of NORTHAMPTON (CA26) depicting damaged areas

--15--

VESSELS LOST

LIGHT CRUISERS

Ship

Date

Place

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Remarks on Damage

ATLANTA (CL51)

11/13/42

Guadalcanal

Gunfire - 49

Surf. Torp. - 1

Sunk by demolition charges

Eight-inch A.P., 5.5" H.E., 5" common, and 3" projectile damage topside. One destroyer torpedo struck forward engine room, port side. Moderate flooding.

Diagram of ATLANTA (CL51) depicting damaged areas

JUNEAU (CL52)

11/13/42

Guadalcanal

Surf. Torp.- 1

Sub. Torp. - 1

Blew up after second torpedo hit

Damaged by destroyer torpedo hit on port side forward fireroom during night action. Blew up and disappeared in approximately 60 seconds when submarine torpedo hit on port side following forenoon. Little information - conflicting reports.

Diagram of JUNEAU (CL52) depicting damaged areas

--16--

VESSELS LOST

DESTROYERS

Ship

Date

Place

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Remarks on Damage

REUBEN JAMES (DD245)

10/30/41

North Atlantic

Sub. Torp. 1 or 2

Bow blown off. Stern plunged.

One, possibly two, torpedoes hit port side between bridge and No. 1 stack. Depth charges exploded when stern sank.

Diagram of REUBEN JAMES (DD245) depicting damaged areas

PEARY (DD226)

2/19/42

Port Darwin Australia

Bomb - 5

Plunged stern first.

First bomb hit near fantail. Second bomb (incendiary) struck galley deck house. Third bomb (dud) passed through No. 2 fireroom. Fourth bomb struck forward and set off forward ammunition magazine. Fifth bomb (incendiary) struck after engine room. Severe structural damage.

Diagram of PEARY (DD226) depicting damaged areas

JACOB JONES (DD130)

2/28/42

Atlantic off New Jersey coast

Sub. Torp. - 2

Middle section sank bodily - bow and stern blown off.

First torpedo struck on port side in way of forward magazine destroying bow. Second torpedo struck 40 ft. forward of stern on port side blowing off stern.

Diagram of JACOB JONES (DD130) depicting damaged areas

--17--

VESSELS LOST

DESTROYERS (continued)

Ship

Date

Place

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Remarks on Damage

PILLSBURY (DD227)

2/28/42

Java Sea

Disappeared

Unknown

No information.

POPE (DD225)

2/28/42

Java Sea

Disappeared

Unknown

No information.

STEWART (DD224)

2/20-

3/18/42

Java

Gunfire - 1 Bomb - 1

Destroyed in floating dry dock

On 20 February, struck in stern by 8" projectile. Fragments cut wheel ropes and auxiliary steam lines. Placed in floating dry dock Surabaya. Fell off blocks. Damaged further by a bomb. Destroyed in evacuation of Java.

EDSALL (DD219)

3/24/42

Java Sea

Disappeared

Unknown

No information.

SIMS (DD409)

5/7/42

Coral Sea

Bomb - 3

Buckled amidships sank stern first

First bomb struck No. 2 torpedo mount and detonated in forward engine room. Second bomb struck upper deck house and detonated in after engine room. The third is believed to have struck No. 4 gun mount.Diagram of SIMS (DD409) depicting damaged areas

HAMMANN (DD412)

6/6/42

Midway

Sub. Torp. - 1

Plunged bow first

Received severe damage forward port side from the two torpedoes which struck YORKTOWN. Struck few seconds later on starboard side No. 2 fire-room by submarine torpedo. Sank rapidly. Depth charges exploded when stern sank.

Diagram of HAMMANN (DD412) depicting damaged areas

--18--

VESSELS LOST

DESTROYERS (continued)

Ship

Date

Place

Source

Manner of Sinking

Remarks on Damage

JARVIS (DD393

8/9/42

Solomon Is.

Air. Torp. - 1

Survived torpedoing and then disappeared

No information.

BLUE (DD387)

8/22/42

Solomon Is.

Small Boat Torp. - 1

Scuttled

Torpedo struck starboard side aft. Stern blown off aft of frame 167. Attempts to tow failed. Scuttled.

Diagram of BLUE (DD387) depicting damaged areas

O'BRIEN (DD415)
War Damage Report No. 28

9/15-10/19/42

Solomon Is.

Sub. Torp. - 1

Buckled amidships

and sank en route to West Coast

Torpedo struck starboard bow - minor structural damage but extensive flexural vibration damage amidships. Working in seaway resulted in structural failure amidships and loss of vessel after temporary repairs were made.

Diagram of O'BRIEN (DD415) depicting damaged areas

DUNCAN (DD485)

10/11-12/42

Cape Esperance

Gunfire at least 14 hits.

Plunged by bow and capsized simultaneously

Severe damage from gunfire. Abandoned and burned throughout night. Salvage attempt next day failed. Depth charges set to explode when ship sank.

Diagram of DUNCAN (DD485) depicting damaged areas

--19--

VESSELS LOST

DESTROYERS (continued)

Ship

Date

Place

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Remarks on Damage

MEREDITH (DD434)

10/15 42

Solomon Is.

Bomb - 2

Air. Torp. - 2

Plunged by bow

During brief but intense air attack, struck by a bomb on bridge, an aircraft torpedo on starboard side forward of No. 1 mount, an aircraft torpedo starboard side of stern and a bomb near miss on port bow. Bow bent to port. Stern blown off.

Diagram of MEREDITH (DD434) depicting damaged areas

PORTER (DD356)

10/26/42

Santa Cruz

Sub. Torp. - 1

Sunk by Gunfire from SHAW

Torpedo struck amidships between No. 1 and No. 2 firerooms. Destroyed by own forces.

Diagram of PORTER (DD356) depicting damaged areas

BARTON (DD599)

11/13/42

Guadalcanal

DD Torp. - 2

Broke in two

Two destroyer torpedoes struck starboard side in way of forward fire and engine rooms. Broke in two, sank in 10 seconds. Possible gunfire damage.

Diagram of BARTON (DD599) depicting damaged areas

--20--

VESSELS LOST

DESTROYERS (continued)

Ship

Date

Place

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Remarks on Damage

CUSHING (DD376)

11/13/42

Guadalcanal

Gunfire - 17

Blew up

Heavily damaged by gunfire. Abandoned and blew up from fires next afternoon.

Diagram of CUSHING (DD376) depicting damaged areas

LAFFEY (DD459)

11/13/42

Guadalcanal

Gunfire DD Torp. - 1

Blew up and sank

First enemy salvo hit bridge structure and No. 2 mount. Destroyer torpedo struck fantail, followed by another enemy salvo amidships. After ship was abandoned a large explosion occurred on the stern and ship disappeared.

Diagram of LAFFEY (DD459) depicting damaged areas

MONSSEN (DD436)

11/13/42

Guadalcanal

Gunfire - 37

Blew up

Gunfire damage from 37 or more medium and small caliber projectiles. Blew up next forenoon from fires.

Diagram of MONSSEN (DD436) depicting damaged areas

--21--

VESSELS LOST

DESTROYERS (continued)

Ship

Date

Place

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Remarks on Damage

BENHAM (DD397)

11/15/42

Guadalcanal

DD Torp. - 1

Sunk by gunfire from GWIN

Struck on starboard bow about frame 6 by destroyer torpedo. Bow destroyed forward of frame 14. Flexural vibration resulted in buckling of shell plating and longitudinals at frame 75. Began to break up. Sunk by own forces.

Diagram of BENHAM (DD397) depicting damaged areas

PRESTON (DD379)

11/15/42

Guadalcanal

Gunfire - 5

Listed to stbd. until on beam's end, then plunged by stern.

Struck on starboard side by two 6" projectiles between No. 1 and No. 2 firerooms. Fires were started which set torpedo warheads on fire. Hit on port side amidships by about 3 projectiles.

Diagram of PRESTON (DD379) depicting damaged areas

WALKE (DD416)

11/15/42

Guadalcanal

Gunfire DD Torp. - 1

Bow broke off and floated, remainder sank bow first.

Struck by cruiser salvo. Destroyer torpedo struck frame 45 starboard. Bow blown off forward of bridge. Stern section plunged. Depth charges exploded. Bow remained afloat and finally sank.

Diagram of WALKE (DD416) depicting damaged areas

--22--

[Page blank in original]

--23--

VESSELS DAMAGED DURING FIRST YEAR OF WAR

BATTLESHIPS

Ship

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

NORTH CAROLINA (BB55)

9/15/42

Solomon Is.

Sub. Torp. - 1

Struck by a deep-running torpedo at frame 55 port side -holding bulkhead failed along a vertical butt permitting some flooding. After damage, speed was increased from 19 to 25 knots.

Diagram of NORTH CAROLINA (BB55) depicting damaged areas

SOUTH DAKOTA (BB57)

10/26/42

Santa Cruz

Bomb - 1

Struck by bomb on top of turret I. Only damage was scoring of slides of center and right guns of turret II.

Diagram of SOUTH DAKOTA (BB57) depicting damaged areas

--24--

VESSELS DAMAGED

BATTLESHIPS

Ship

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

MASSACHUSETTS (BB59)

11/8/42

North Africa

Gunfire - 3

Direct hits by two 240mm S.A.P. projectiles and one ricochet - minor damage.

Diagram of MASSACHUSETTS (BB59) depicting damaged areas

SOUTH DAKOTA (BB57)

11/15/42

Guadalcanal

Gunfire -45 - 50

General gunfire damage topside with heaviest concentration on forward superstructure. One 14" (apparently bombardment) projectile struck starboard side barbette No. III turret just above main deck, causing minor damage outside barbette.

Diagram of SOUTH DAKOTA (BB57) depicting damaged areas

--25--

VESSELS DAMAGED

AIRCRAFT CARRIERS

Ship

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

SARATOGA (CV3)
War Damage Reports Nos. 3 & 19

1/11/42

500 miles S.W. of Pearl Harbor

Sub. Torp. - 1

A deep-running submarine torpedo struck port side frame 108. Holding bulkhead deformed but virtually intact. Three firerooms flooded through damaged piping at holding bulkhead. Despite damage, ship increased speed from 15 to 18 knots.

Diagram of SARATOGA (CV3) depicting damaged areas
ENTERPRISE (CV6) War Damage Report No. 5

2/1/42

Marshall Islands

Bomb - 1

Minor splinter damage from near miss. Minor gasoline fire due to fragment penetration of gasoline line.Diagram of ENTERPRISE (CV6) depicting damaged areas

--26--

VESSELS DAMAGED

AIRCRAFT CARRIERS (continued)

Ship

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

YORKTOWN (CV5)
War Damage Report No. 23

5/8/42

Coral Sea

Bomb - 3

One direct bomb hit exploded below third deck at frame 108. Another struck starboard gallery walkway, glanced off and detonated abreast starboard bow. Other bomb was near miss on port side amidships. Damage from first bomb extensive but not vital.

Diagram of YORKTOWN (CV5) depicting damaged areas

ENTERPRISE (CV6)

8/24/42

Solomon Is.

Bomb - 4

Three direct hits resulted in damage to the stern section of the ship. One exploded on the third deck at frame 171. The second on the gallery deck in way of the after starboard 5" mounts. The third exploded upon contact with the flight deck abaft No. 2 elevator. A near miss on the port quarter resulted in minor dishing of hull. Continued to operate aircraft at reduced efficiency; damage repaired in three weeks.

Diagram of ENTERPRISE (CV6) depicting damaged areas

--27--

VESSELS DAMAGED

AIRCRAFT CARRIERS (continued)

Ship

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

SARATOGA (CV3)

8/31/42

Solomon Is.

Sub. Torp. - 1

Deep-running submarine torpedo struck starboard side frame 131. Holding bulkhead was badly distorted. Electrical arcing occurred on main oil switches. Electrical explosions resulted in loss of power. Ship was towed until power was restored 9 hours later. Moderate flooding.

Diagram of SARATOGA (CV3) depicting damaged areas

ENTERPRISE (CV6)

10/26/42

Santa Cruz

Bomb - 2

First bomb hit port side flight deck at frame 4, passed through skin of ship and detonated near port bow - fragment damage. Second bomb hit port side flight deck at frame 44-1/2 - tail section broke off on hangar deck and remainder penetrated to the third deck - moderate fragment and blast damage. Continued in action.

Diagram of ENTERPRISE (CV6) depicting damaged areas

--28--

VESSELS DAMAGED

HEAVY CRUISERS

Ship

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

CHESTER (CA27)
War Damage Report No. 10

2/1/42

Marshall Islands

Bomb - 1

One direct hit from a 60 Kg. general purpose bomb port side main deck frame 68. Extensive splinter damage.

Diagram of CHESTER (CA27) depicting damaged areas

HOUSTON (CA30)

2/4-5/42

Java Sea

Bomb - 1

A.P. bomb struck and put No. III turret out of action.

Diagram of HOUSTON (CA30) depicting damaged areas

CHICAGO (CA29)
War Damage Report No. 37

8/9/42

Savo Is.

Gunfire - 1

DD Torp. - 1

Destroyer torpedo struck starboard bow at frame 3. Small part of bow blown off; moderate flooding. Projectile struck starboard leg of tripod mast and detonated above No. 1 stack-minor fragment damage. Second torpedo struck starboard side frame 95 but did not detonate.

Diagram of CHICAGO (CA29) depicting damaged areas

--29--

VESSELS DAMAGED

HEAVY CRUISERS (continued)

Ship

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

SALT LAKE CITY (CA25)

10/11-12/42

Cape Esperance

Gunfire - 3

An A.P. projectile struck and penetrated starboard side frame 48 above second deck and detonated in No. 1 fireroom bursting piping and starting an oil fire. The other - an H.E. projectile - struck frame 29 starboard side on the armor belt. Fragment damage resulted from a short (did not penetrate).

Diagram of SALT LAKE CITY (CA25) depicting damaged areas

CHESTER (CA27)
*War Damage Report No. 36

10/20/42

Coral Sea

Sub. Torp. - 1

Struck by deep-running submarine torpedo on starboard side frame 73. Machinery damaged as well as hull. Flooding controlled with difficulty.

Diagram of CHESTER (CA27) depicting damaged areas

WICHITA (CA45)

11/8/42

North Africa

Gunfire - 1

194mm A.P. projectile struck port side frame 99 above main deck - minor damage.

Diagram of WICHITA (CA45) depicting damaged areas

--30--

VESSELS DAMAGED

HEAVY CRUISERS (continued)

Ship

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

PORTLAND (CA33)
*War Damage Report No. 35

11/13/42

Guadalcanal

Gunfire - 2

DD Torp. - 1

Struck by shallow-running destroyer torpedo on starboard side frame 133. Extensive structural damage and flooding. Two projectiles struck starboard side causing minor damage.

Diagram of PORTLAND (CA33) depicting damaged areas

SAN FRANCISCO (CA38)
War Damage Report No. 26

11/12-13/42

Guadalcanal

Gunfire - 45

Control station aft damaged by dive bomber crash on 12 November. Extensive gunfire damage topside especially on forward superstructure during night action.

Diagram of SAN FRANCISCO (CA38) depicting damaged areas

NEW ORLEANS (CA32)
*War Damage Report No. 38

11/30/42

Lunga Point

DD possibly Sub. Torp. - 1

One fairly deep-running torpedo struck port side at frame 30, followed by bomb magazine explosion. Bow severed at frame.

Diagram of NEW ORLEANS (CA32) depicting damaged areas

--31--

VESSELS DAMAGED

HEAVY CRUISERS (continued)

Ship

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

MINNEAPOLIS (CA36)
War Damage Report No. 36

11/30/42

Lunga Point

DD Torp. - 2 (possibly from sub.)

Two deep-running torpedoes struck port side; one at frame 64 and the other about frame 80. Structural damage extensive-bow missing forward of frame 20. Three of the four firerooms flooded.

Diagram of MINNEAPOLIS (CA36) depicting damaged areas

PENSACOLA (CA24)
*War Damage Report No. 35

11/30/42

Lunga Point

DD Torp. - 1 (possibly from sub.)

A shallow-running torpedo struck port side frame 102 -structural damage and flooding extensive. Intense oil fire contributed to damage.

Diagram of PENSACOLA (CA24) depicting damaged areas

--32--

VESSELS DAMAGED

LIGHT CRUISERS

Ship

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

MARBLEHEAD (CL12)
*War Damage Report No. 34

2/2/42

Java Sea

Bomb - 3

First bomb struck starboard side upper deck at frame 46. Second bomb struck port side main deck at frame 125-1/2. Near miss on port side bow at frame 25 - plating dished and ruptured.

Diagram of MARBLEHEAD (CL12) depicting damaged areas

BOISE (CL47)
War Damage Report No. 24

10/11-12/42

Savo Is.

Gunfire - 8

Gunfire damage forward of bridge - forward three turrets put out of action by magazine powder fire.

Diagram of BOISE (CL47) depicting damaged areas

SAN JUAN (CL54)

10/26/42

Santa Cruz

Bomb - 1

Bomb hit at frame 128 passed through ship with minor damage to rudder.

Diagram of SAN JUAN (CL54) depicting damaged areas

HELENA (CL50)

11/13/42

Guadalcanal

Gunfire - 5

Minor projectile and fragment damage topside.

Diagram of HELENA (CL50) depicting damaged areas

--33--

VESSELS DAMAGED

DESTROYERS

Ship

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

KEARNY (DD432)
War Damage Report No. 15

10/17/41

North Atlantic

Sub. Torp. - 1

Shallow-running submarine torpedo struck starboard side about frame 72. Longitudinal strength Impaired. Forward fireroom flooded.

Diagram of KEARNY (DD432) depicting damaged areas

PEARY (DD226)

12/10/41

Cavite, P.I.

Bomb - 1

Bomb detonated upon striking foremast. Extensive fragment damage.

Diagram of PEARY (DD226) depicting damaged areas

PEARY (DD226)

12/28/41

Sulu Sea

Bomb

No information.

DICKERSON (DD157)

3/19/42

Cape Lookout

Gunfire - 1

Four-inch projectile struck bridge starboard side frame 48 -minor fragment damage.

Diagram of DICKERSON (DD157) depicting damaged areas

BLAKELEY (DD150)

5/25/42

Martinique

Sub. Torp. - 1

Struck by submarine torpedo on port bow at frame 20. Bow forward of frame 30 demolished.Diagram of BLAKELEY (DD150) depicting damaged areas

--34--

VESSELS DAMAGED

DESTROYERS (continued)

Ship

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

MUGFORD (DD389)

8/7/42

Solomon Is.

Bomb - 1

Struck by one bomb starboard side superstructure deck at frame 145-1/2. Local structural damage.

Diagram of MUGFORD (DD389) depicting damaged areas

PATTERSON (DD392)

8/9/42

Savo Is.

Gunfire - 1

Projectile struck starboard side aft in way of No. 4 gun crew shelter - local damage.

Diagram of PATTERSON (DD392) depicting damaged areas

RALPH TALBOT (DD300)

8/9/42

Savo Is.

Gunfire - 5

Gunfire damage topside from 4 projectiles. Fifth projectile struck on first platform frame 142 starboard. Flooding of topside compartments through ruptured fire main resulted in a 20° list and dangerous stability condition.

Diagram of RALPH TALBOT (DD300) depicting damaged areas

FARENHOLT (DD491)

10/11-12/42

Cape Esperance

Gunfire - 4

Three projectiles damaged port side at frames 61, 65 and 85 above first platform - extensive internal structural damage. Fourth projectile damaged foremast.

Diagram of FARENHOLT (DD491) depicting damaged areas

--35--

VESSELS DAMAGED

DESTROYERS (continued)

Ship

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

SMITH (DD378)

10/26/42

Santa Cruz

Suicide Torp. Plane Crash

Armed torpedo plane struck No. 1 mount. Local structural damage from fire and plane crash.

Diagram of SMITH (DD378) depicting damaged areas

LUDLOW (DD438)

11/8/42

North Africa

Gunfire - 1

Projectile struck starboard side forecastle deck frame 41 -local damage.

Diagram of LUDLOW (DD438) depicting damaged areas

MURPHY (DD603)

11/8/42

North Africa

Gunfire - 1

Projectile struck starboard side of after engine room and passed into crew's quarters aft where it detonated - local fragment damage.Diagram of  depicting damaged areas

HAMBLETON (DD455)

11/11/42

North Africa

Sub. Torp. - 1

Struck by a shallow-running submarine torpedo on port side frame 97 in way of forward engine room and after fireroom; flooding limited to these two spaces. Longitudinal strength impaired.

Diagram of HAMBLETON (DD455) depicting damaged areas

--36--

VESSELS DAMAGED

DESTROYERS (continued)

Ship

Cause

Manner of Sinking

Disposition

Remarks on Damage

AARON WARD (DD483)

11/13/42

Guadalcanal

Gunfire - 9

General projectile and fragment damage to superstructure and main deck.

Diagram of AARON WARD (DD483) depicting damaged areas

O'BANNON (DD450)

11/13/42

Guadalcanal

Gunfire - 1

Fragment from 8" projectile (short) struck No. 1 torpedo mount - minor damage.

Diagram of O'BANNON (DD450) depicting damaged areas

STERETT (DD407)
War Damage Report No. 33

11/13/42

Guadalcanal

Gunfire - 11

Projectile and fragment damage port side to foremast, No. 2 torpedo mount, No. 3 gun, after deck house, and first platform at frame 159.

Diagram of STERETT (DD407) depicting damaged areas

GWIN (DD433)

11/15/42

Guadalcanal

Gunfire - 2

Projectile struck starboard side just below main deck, frames 124 and 190 - moderate machinery damage.Diagram of GWIN (DD433) depicting damaged areas

--37--

[END]

Published: Tue Sep 15 14:47:10 EDT 2015