Chapter 57 bar fight

When Scott was killed in battle, it was the time when the warships of the two sides were mixed together.The U.S. fleet was sandwiched by Japanese ships, with battleships on one side and cruisers and destroyers on the other. Callahan issued an order: "The odd-numbered ships shoot to the right, and the even-numbered ships shoot to the left." This is a way to fight in the dark, but because the caliber of the naval guns is uneven, the firepower on both sides is extremely uneven. Like a seesaw, one side is high and the other is low, and some warships can't find a target on that side at all, which makes it impossible for the ships to shoot intensively.

The Japanese ships took advantage of the situation to fight back, and the battle between the fleets became a one-on-one battle between the ships. The ships circled and chased each other in the narrow strait, fighting hand-to-hand, and tried their best to shoot or release torpedoes at each other. In the chaos, Oolong scenes of firing at one's own ships also appeared from time to time.According to a US military officer's description, it is more appropriate to say that this is not a naval battle, but a brawl in a bar with the lights turned off. In just a few minutes, the night seemed to have turned into day. On the originally pitch-black sea, there were strings of dazzling yellow and red rays of light, which were flames formed by continuous shelling. Drill through the churning waves and among the warships.The chaos and intensity of this encounter were unprecedented in the history of naval warfare, and it is indeed rare.

The U.S. destroyer "Cushing" confronted a Japanese destroyer on the right side. The middle part of the hull was hit by a shell, and the speed of the ship was reduced.Just as it was sailing slowly, when it looked up, it happened to see the "Hiei" on the left approaching, so it fired six torpedoes at the opponent. Six torpedoes missed.No further words, continue to hit it with torpedoes!Just when the "Cushing" was about to attack again, the "Hiei" turned on the searchlight again to cover the "Cushing". In the dark night, if anyone is covered by strong light, it is like being sentenced to death.In an instant, artillery fire came overwhelmingly, and within a quarter of an hour, the "Cushing" was hit by ten armor-piercing shells, one of which directly hit the ammunition compartment, causing the "Cushing" to explode and sink directly.

Immediately following the "Cushing" was the US destroyer "Laffey". The "Laffy" was not intimidated by the tragic death of its companion. Anyway, it lived or died. It quickly stepped forward and fired a torpedo when it got close to the "Hiei". Because of its high speed, the two ships almost collided. The "Laffy" fired four torpedoes at the "Hiei", but none of the four torpedoes that had activated the safety device failed to explode, and all of them were bounced back by the strong side of the large battleship. The "Lafite" simply fired at the bridge with artillery and machine guns. Both Abe and the captain were injured. The chief officer, Suzuki Masakin, was unable to dodge and was killed on the spot. , It really is over.

At too close a distance, the main gun of the "Hiei" was limited by the depression angle and could not return fire.However, the bravery of the "Laffy" was retaliated. As many as three Japanese destroyers launched a siege on it, and the battleship "Kirishima" also joined them. The "Lafite" sank to the bottom of the sea after the explosion. The scuffle was still going on. At this time, the US ship suddenly heard Callahan's order: "Stop firing!" The envious captains were baffled: "What stupid order, cease fire?" Knowing that the ships would be wrong, Callahan quickly added, "Damn it, I want you to stop firing at your warships!"

It turned out that a US ship mistakenly hit the "Atlanta", which had already been shot in many places and was sinking. Callahan immediately yelled: "We want to catch the big ones, and we will fight the big ones first, they must not be ours!" All the ships were awakened at once, and the last destroyer in the US fleet, the "Obaran", turned immediately and fired shells and torpedoes at the "Hiei" not far away. One of the unexploded The torpedo also damaged the right rudder of the "Hiei". The upper deck of the "Hiei" began to catch fire, and in shame, it sent a wave of evil fire on Callahan's flagship "San Francisco".

Callahan (left), Scott (right).The two rear admirals, who sank with their ships in battle, were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by the U.S. Congress for their "extraordinary heroism and outstanding bravery." The "San Francisco" is a heavy cruiser, and the "Hiei" is a battleship, and their firepower and protection capabilities are not directly proportional. Lifted off the bridge, their limbs danced in the air, like leaves in the wind, or abandoned rag dolls. Callahan and his aides who were commanding the battle on the bridge were all killed, and the captain was injured. The battle was so brutal and bloody that the officers on the "Helena" behind them felt heart palpitations they had never felt before.

In addition to the "Hiei", the "Kirishima" also used large-caliber artillery to shoot at the "San Francisco", and rows of shells fell on the deck, bridge, and observation deck.After repeated washing by the rain of bullets, all the main guns of the "San Francisco" were silenced, and other parts were also severely damaged, but the acting captain insisted on refusing to retreat. With the injury of the "San Francisco", it should have been withdrawn long ago. The problem is that the "San Francisco" is the flagship. Once it withdraws, other ships will follow suit. The two top commanders of Callahan and Scott have already died. Under the circumstances, the U.S. fleet is doomed to end in a disastrous defeat in this naval battle.

Everyone is not reconciled, they want to continue fighting.