World War II USS Colhoun (DD-85)
uss colhoun (apd-2) off guadalcanal, in august 1942.
with war underway, sailed pacific join u.s. pacific fleet. there, joined transport squadron 12 based out of pearl harbor, , began conducting anti-submarine warfare exercises there time. arrived in nouméa, new caledonia on 21 july 1942. shortage of combat ships @ beginning of war, colhoun served dual role both high-speed transport , anti-submarine warfare vessel. in role, began preparations invasion of solomon islands. on 7 august 1942, carried units of 1st marine raider battalion in initial assault landings began guadalcanal campaign , continued serve both transport , antisubmarine vessel in support of invasion.
on morning of 30 august 1942, colhoun ported @ kukum point , unloaded stores u.s. marine corps garrison on guadalcanal, , exited harbor undertake anti-submarine patrols. before 12:00, air raid siren issued , colhoun moved out sea. second alert received @ 14:00. shortly thereafter, lookout spotted formation of japanese aircraft approaching using sun cover. japanese aircraft, using clouds cover, dove , released 3 bombs against colhoun, 2 splashing nearby , 1 striking after searchlight platform , nearby boat. bomb blew after davits down , forward, blocking after engine room hatches, , starting fire diesel oil spilled boat.
colhoun attempted return fire anti-aircraft batteries, japanese aircraft remained obscured clouds. second dive launched 5 or 6 bombs on starboard side, knocking down foremast , blowing 2 20 millimetres (0.79 in) , 1 4 inches (100 mm) gun off ship. lubrication oil cooler pump in after engine room blown through bulkhead forward engine room. 2 bombs scored direct hits on after deck house, killing of men there. order given abandon ship, , several tank lighters arrived guadalcanal assist in taking in survivors. colhoun sank @ 09°24′s 160°01′e / 9.400°s 160.017°e / -9.400; 160.017. fifty-one men killed , 18 wounded in sinking. stricken naval vessel register on 11 september 1942. received 1 battle star service in world war ii.
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