Commissioned in 1942, the USS South Dakota was a South Dakota-class battleship that participated in multiple critical battles across the Pacific Theatre during World War II. It became known for its resilience after enduring significant damage during the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands and the Battle of the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, among others.
Battle of Santa Cruz Islands (October 1942)
The USS South Dakota faced its first major test during the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands on October 26, 1942. In this battle, the ship was hit by five 500-pound bombs and several near-miss explosions. Despite these hits, the South Dakota was able to continue fighting. She was patched up and back in action after temporary repairs. This event showed the robustness of the ship, proving that even when severely damaged, it could keep going and return to the fight.
Battle of Guadalcanal (November 1942)
The USS South Dakota's most notable combat engagement came during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, fought on November 14-15, 1942. The battleship was involved in one of the fiercest naval engagements of the war. During this battle, South Dakota took a brutal pounding from enemy fire, including 13 hits from heavy-caliber shells. Despite the extensive damage, including knocked-out radar, electrical systems, and gunfire control systems, the ship remained operational and was able to withdraw safely after the battle. This level of damage was so severe that many ships would have been rendered inoperable, but South Dakota’s superior design allowed it to continue functioning.
Post-Battle Damage Control and Return to Service
Despite the devastation sustained in the battle, USS South Dakota’s crew managed to keep her afloat and functioning. After the battle, the battleship returned to the United States for repairs. Once patched up, she continued her role in the Pacific Theatre. The ship’s ability to return to action after being heavily damaged became legendary, and she earned a reputation as one of the toughest battleships of World War II.
Later Service and Decommissioning
After the Guadalcanal campaign, the USS South Dakota continued to serve in numerous Pacific engagements, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and Iwo Jima. After the war, the battleship continued to serve in various capacities, including post-war training exercises, before being decommissioned in 1947. Despite having sustained some of the worst damage during the war, she continued to be a formidable force until her retirement.