aug 9, 1942 - Battle for Savo Island

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Sea battle which took place near Savo Island. Japanese fleet surprised the US and Australian Cruisers and destroyers at night and sank the USS Vincennes, Quincy, Astoria, and the HMAS Canberra. The USS Chicago, Patterson, and Ralph Talbot al received damage. This was the worst naval defeat for the US during World War II. Japanese scout planes dropped flares at night to illuminate their enemies and then the naval fleet released artillery and savos and obliterated four ships. 1,077 men were killed at the battle of savo island and 709 men were wounded. these were incredible casualties considering 1,202 marines were killed during the entire 6 mount campaign in Guadalcanal.

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