USS Balao, ex-Midway, Manila agent insertion, on 12/14/43 @ 0600, encountered a large convoy in heavy weather 17.5 km, 266° from the mission symbol after delivering the agent, whose raft exploded upon launch. The Yugumo DD withstood three torpedo hits and multiple 4" shells on two attacks before succumbing on the third shelling. Luck of the draw, probably, but as we left the area, we encountered the other two escorts:
1 corvette was stationary with no signs of damage
1 corvette was moving S at 1 kt with no signs of damage.
Neither had been in contact with us prior.
Both eventually moved off as we receded in the distance.
No plane encounters because of the weather.
Last edited by Mios 4Me; 01-23-21 at 05:42 PM.
Reason: add time
|