On this day in 1944, during the second day of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the USS Princeton, a light aircraft carrier, was struck by a Japanese bomb.
On this day in 1944, during the second day of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the USS Princeton, a light aircraft carrier, was struck by a Japanese bomb. Following the explosion of the bomb, a large fire broke out causing further explosions and damage to the ship.
Nearby ships came to her aid, including the USS Birmingham. During the attempt to save her, the USS Princeton suffered further explosions which caused considerable damages and casualties to the rescue ships.
Despite the effort to save her, the USS Princeton eventually sank in the waters of the Leyte Gulf.
In total, 108 men were lost in the USS Princeton and 1,361 crewmen were rescued. As a result of the secondary explosions during the rescue, the USS Birmingham suffered 233 losses with 426 others being wounded.
Here you can see the USS Birmingham fighting the fires aboard the USS Princeton before she succumbed to the flames.
Thank you to all those who served aboard these ships, and may those who were lost rest in peace.

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