The USS Indianapolis (CA-35) holds the distinction of being one of the most heavily damaged American warships of World War II that didn't sink immediately following its combat damage. While the ship eventually sank due to a Japanese submarine attack, it endured severe damage during earlier battles and played a critical role in the war.
However, the USS South Dakota (BB-57) is often considered the American warship that suffered the most combat damage during a battle without sinking. Here’s a closer look at the USS South Dakota:
USS South Dakota (BB-57) – The Most Heavily Damaged Battleship that Didn’t Sink
The USS South Dakota was a South Dakota-class battleship that served in several major naval battles during World War II, including the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, the Battle of Guadalcanal, and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. During the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in November 1942, the South Dakota suffered extensive damage but was able to remain operational and return to the U.S. for repairs.
Battle of Guadalcanal (November 14-15, 1942)
During the intense action of the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, the USS South Dakota faced off against the Japanese fleet. The ship was heavily engaged with enemy fire, particularly from Japanese battleships and cruisers. Over the course of the battle, it sustained at least 40 hits from enemy shells, including several 14-inch and 8-inch shells, which caused serious damage to various parts of the ship.
Despite the severe damage, including damage to its radar, electrical systems, and ammunition storage, the ship remained afloat, and its crew managed to keep the battleship in operation. The South Dakota continued to fire at Japanese vessels throughout the engagement, even though it had lost most of its communications and navigation systems.
Key Damage Sustained:
Forty hits from enemy shells, including those from Japanese battleships like the Yamato and Nagato.
Heavy flooding in various compartments, which caused temporary loss of propulsion and steering.
Damage to radar systems, rendering the ship nearly blind in the thick of battle.
Loss of electrical power, which hindered the ship's ability to function normally.
Despite the damage, the USS South Dakota was able to return to the U.S. after the battle, where it underwent repairs. Remarkably, despite the extensive damage sustained during Guadalcanal, it was not sunk.
Significance of the Survival:
The South Dakota's survival was considered an incredible feat of engineering and resilience. The damage inflicted during the battle should have sunk most other ships, but the crew's efforts to save the vessel, combined with the ship's strong construction, allowed it to survive the attack. The ship would later go on to serve in other engagements, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Okinawa, before being decommissioned in 1947.
Summary: