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Battle of Iron Bottom Sound
Iron Bottom Sound
The Battle of Savo Island: 9 August 1942
At 1000 local time on 11 August 1942, the Commanding Officer of USS ASTORIA, CAPT. William G. Greenman, lay wounded aboard transport USS PRESIDENT JACKSON. Less than forty-eight hours had passed since his ship had succumbed to wounds and slipped beneath the surface in Savo Sound.
At time of attack our cruisers were in column; order of ships: VINCENNES, QUINCY and ASTORIA, on course 315, speed 10 with two DDs as A/S [anti-submarine] screen. First indication of enemy action was indicated by four aircraft flares seen about 5000 yards bearing 135 to 155 true from this vessel.
to be hit immediately and shortly afterward an explosion was observed and vessel disappeared. Survivors report that vessel turned over to port. A few minutes later QUINCY was hit and set afire from bow to stern and was out of control and within fifteen [minutes] blew up and sank.
After ship lost power and enemy withdrew, all personnel remaining were assembled on forecastle and main deck aft. Commenced fighting fires by bucket brigade and all other possible means. Fierce fires raging amidships prevented any communications between these groups and neither realized other group existed.
Every effort was made by the salvage group during the next six hours to extinguish fires and get ship underway. It was found that after engine room and number four fire room were in such condition that this might be effected. About 0800 HOPKINS [DMS-13] took ship in tow, prepared to supply ship with power and headed for Yoke [Florida Island] Area.
At about 1200 salvage group was directed to abandon ship, men sliding down lines and jumping into water. At 1215 ASTORIA capsized and sank.
the war ended February 1943