In the Battle of Surigao Strait on October 25, 1944, part of the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf, the Japanese battleships Fusō and Yamashiro of Vice Admiral Shōji Nishimura’s Southern Force engaged a much larger and better-positioned American force. However, there is no reliable evidence that either Fusō or Yamashiro scored any hits on the U.S. Navy battleships.
Why Did Fusō and Yamashiro Fail to Score Hits?
Overwhelming American Firepower
The U.S. Navy had a significant numerical and technological advantage. The American force, commanded by Rear Admiral Jesse Oldendorf, included six battleships (West Virginia, Maryland, Mississippi, Tennessee, California, and Pennsylvania), eight cruisers, and numerous destroyers and PT boats. These ships were equipped with radar-directed fire control systems, giving them a massive advantage in targeting accuracy and range.
By contrast, the Japanese battleships relied on visual targeting, which was nearly impossible under the night conditions and the heavy barrage of American gunfire.
Crossfire and Attrition As Nishimura’s force advanced into Surigao Strait, it was subjected to relentless attacks from American destroyers and PT boats. These attacks caused confusion and inflicted significant damage on the Japanese formation before it could even engage the main American battle line.
Fusō was hit by torpedoes, causing catastrophic damage that eventually split the ship in two. It sank before it could fully participate in the engagement.
Yamashiro, although it made it further into the strait, was overwhelmed by American firepower. It fired a few salvos but was unable to land any hits on the American battleships.
Superior Positioning by the U.S. Navy Admiral Oldendorf executed a classic naval maneuver called "crossing the T." The American battle line was positioned across the Japanese force’s path, allowing them to bring all their guns to bear while the Japanese could only respond with their forward guns. This tactical superiority made it nearly impossible for the Japanese ships to hit their targets effectively.
The Chaos of Battle The Japanese force was operating under chaotic conditions, with limited coordination and significant losses from earlier engagements. The confusion, combined with the overwhelming weight of American firepower, prevented any meaningful offensive action by Fusō or Yamashiro.