Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Navy suffered several significant and shocking losses during World War II that were comparable in magnitude to the HMS Hood or HMS Courageous in terms of their impact and surprise. While the scale and circumstances of these battles varied, the losses were major setbacks that had profound effects on U.S. naval strategy and morale.
Here are a few of the notable examples:
1. The Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 1944) – Loss of the USS Franklin (CV-13)
Although the U.S. Navy ultimately emerged victorious in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, one of the most devastating losses came during a previous engagement when the USS Franklin (CV-13) was heavily damaged by Japanese air attacks on March 19, 1945, off the coast of Japan. Known as "The Ship That Wouldn't Die," the Franklin was one of the U.S. Navy’s most famous carriers.
The Attack: In what was supposed to be a routine strike on Japanese targets, the Franklin was hit by bombs dropped by Japanese aircraft. The bomb detonated in the flight deck, resulting in massive explosions and fires. Despite heroic efforts by the crew, the ship suffered extensive damage, killing over 800 men.
The Shock: The event shocked both the Navy and the public as the Franklin had endured incredible damage but did not sink. Despite this, the attack marked the end of its service in combat for World War II.
2. The Battle of Midway (June 1942) – Loss of the USS Yorktown (CV-5)
While Midway is widely considered a victory for the United States, it also came at a significant cost, with the loss of the USS Yorktown (CV-5), one of the U.S. Navy’s top carriers. The Battle of Midway was a turning point in the Pacific Theater, but it was also marked by a shocking loss of one of the Navy’s premier aircraft carriers.
The Attack: After the Yorktown had been heavily damaged by Japanese bombs, American planes returned the favor and struck devastating blows against Japan’s carrier fleet. Despite her damage, Yorktown's crew managed to keep the carrier afloat. However, a follow-up Japanese attack finally led to her sinking.
The Shock: The loss of the Yorktown was a major blow to the U.S. Navy. She had played a pivotal role in the battle, and her loss was a stark reminder of the risks of naval warfare. The battle, although a victory, illustrated how even one of the Navy’s top assets could be lost in a decisive moment.
3. The Battle of Leyte Gulf (October 1944) – Loss of the USS Sealion (SS-195) & USS Mississippi (BB-41)
The Battle of Leyte Gulf, which took place in October 1944, was the largest naval battle of World War II and one of the most significant defeats of the Imperial Japanese Navy. It resulted in a crushing blow to Japan’s remaining naval forces, but several shocking U.S. Navy losses also occurred during the battle.
The Attack on the USS Sealion: The USS Sealion (SS-195), a submarine, was attacked by Japanese aircraft and severely damaged. Though it didn’t sink, it was put out of action and faced long repairs. The incident demonstrated the vulnerability of U.S. vessels, even in the midst of overwhelming success.
The USS Mississippi Loss: The USS Mississippi (BB-41) also faced significant damage during Leyte Gulf. It was struck by several Japanese torpedoes, and while the battleship managed to continue its role, the battle was emblematic of the dangers involved in such large-scale naval engagements.
4. The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) (July 1945)
Perhaps one of the most shocking and tragic losses for the U.S. Navy occurred on July 30, 1945, when the USS Indianapolis (CA-35), a heavy cruiser, was sunk by a Japanese submarine.
The Attack: The Indianapolis had just completed a secret mission delivering parts for the atomic bomb to Tinian Island and was en route to its next assignment. The ship was torpedoed by the Japanese submarine I-58, resulting in a catastrophic sinking.
The Shock: What made this loss especially shocking was the aftermath. Despite the sinking, over 300 men went down with the ship, and the remaining survivors were left stranded in the open ocean without food or water for four days. When rescue efforts finally arrived, only 317 out of 1,195 crew members had survived. The loss of the Indianapolis was made all the more devastating due to the shocking combination of her high-profile mission, the ship’s unexpected sinking, and the horrific suffering endured by the survivors.
5. The Battle of the Coral Sea (May 1942) – Loss of the USS Lexington (CV-2)
The Battle of the Coral Sea marked the first major air-sea battle in history, and it resulted in the loss of the USS Lexington (CV-2), one of the United States' premier aircraft carriers. While the battle was a strategic victory for the U.S., the loss of the Lexington was a significant and shocking setback.
The Attack: The Lexington was hit by several Japanese bombs and torpedoes, which caused massive fires and explosions. Despite heroic efforts to save the ship, she was eventually abandoned and sank.
The Shock: The Lexington's loss was particularly devastating because it was a surprise event during the battle, and the U.S. Navy had not anticipated the severity of the damage. The battle showed that even the most advanced American carriers were vulnerable to determined attacks, and it underscored the unpredictable nature of naval warfare in the Pacific.