Back in Time Today
Throughout history, U.S. naval engagements have witnessed astonishing feats where small, seemingly insignificant ships took on massive enemy battleships.
These David versus Goliath stories highlight the bravery, ingenuity, and sheer will of the U.S. Navy, proving that size doesn’t always matter in naval warfare.
1. USS Johnston vs. Japanese Center Force (Battle off Samar, 1944)
In the chaos of the Battle off Samar in 1944, the USS Johnston, a small destroyer, faced the colossal Japanese Center Force. Outnumbered and outgunned, this tiny ship took the fight head-on to battleships like Yamato.
With audacity and precision, the Johnston launched torpedo after torpedo, making daring runs against the enemy. Its relentless aggression forced the Japanese to reconsider their advance.
The bravery of its crew turned a desperate situation into a legendary stand, showcasing how courage and tactics can tip the scales, even against overwhelming odds.
2. PT Boats vs. Japanese Warships (Various Engagements, WWII)
During WWII, the nimble PT boats, including JFK’s famous PT-109, executed bold nighttime operations against Japanese warships. These small crafts utilized their speed as a weapon, weaving through enemy lines.
Their audacity allowed them to strike larger ships with torpedoes, demonstrating that agility could outmaneuver brute force. The PT boats became legends of stealth warfare, leaving a lasting legacy.
By leveraging their size and speed, these boats punched well above their weight, proving that strategic ingenuity often surpasses sheer firepower in warfare.
3. USS England (DE-635) Sinks Six Subs in 12 Days (1944)
In 1944, the USS England set a remarkable record by sinking six Japanese submarines in just twelve days. Though not battleships, these submarines posed significant threats to allied naval forces.
The England’s success was attributed to its crew’s exceptional skill and the ship’s advanced sonar technology. This small destroyer escort exemplified precision and persistence, hunting down elusive underwater foes.
Its achievements underscored the vital role smaller ships played in securing naval dominance, showcasing the impact of targeted, strategic engagements within warfare.
4. USS Taffy 3 Escorts Hold Off Japanese Battleships (Battle off Samar, 1944)
USS Taffy 3, a small unit of escort carriers and destroyers, etched its name in naval history during the Battle off Samar in 1944. Facing a superior Japanese fleet, Taffy 3’s audacious stand became legendary.
Despite being outgunned, these escorts inflicted critical damage on the enemy, disrupting their advance. The courage displayed by Taffy 3 exemplified the indomitable spirit of smaller U.S. naval forces.
Their actions highlighted how tenacity and tactical acumen could overcome numerical disadvantages, leaving a lasting legacy in U.S. naval lore.
5. USS Laffey (DD-724) Survives Kamikaze Onslaught (1945)
In 1945, the USS Laffey earned its place in history by withstanding a relentless kamikaze onslaught. This small destroyer faced 22 Japanese planes in a single engagement, a testament to its resilience.
Though not directly engaging battleships, the Laffey’s survival ensured it played pivotal roles in larger operations. Its ability to endure such an intense attack showcased the ship’s durability and the crew’s bravery.
The Laffey’s saga of endurance served as a beacon of hope and courage for the U.S. Navy during challenging times.
6. USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413) Charges Battleships (Battle off Samar, 1944)
The USS Samuel B. Roberts earned its nickname, “destroyer escort that fought like a battleship,” during the Battle off Samar in 1944. This diminutive vessel launched a seemingly suicidal charge at Japanese cruisers and battleships.
Its crew’s fearless resolve allowed the Roberts to deliver critical damage, turning the tide in favor of the U.S. forces. The ship met a heroic end, but not before showcasing unparalleled valor.
Such courage in the face of certain destruction immortalizes the Samuel B. Roberts as a symbol of tenacity, inspiring countless sailors who followed.
7. USS Harder (SS-257) vs. Japanese Heavy Ships (1944)
The USS Harder, a U.S. submarine, made significant strides in disrupting Japanese naval formations in 1944. By sinking several Japanese destroyers, it cleared paths for larger U.S. vessels.
Operating underwater, the Harder exemplified the stealth and precision of submarines, showcasing their ability to punch above their weight. This small vessel turned the tides by crippling enemy escorts.
Such strategic maneuvers emphasized the importance of submarines in naval warfare, proving that even the smallest ships could have massive impacts on maritime conflicts.
8. USS Borie (DD-215) vs. U-405 (1943)
In 1943, the USS Borie engaged in a dramatic battle with the German sub U-405 in the Atlantic’s rough waters. This small destroyer’s daring maneuvers culminated in a ramming, forcing the sub to surface.
In a brutal close-quarters fight, the Borie sank the U-405, showcasing tenacity and naval prowess. This altercation underscored the importance of tactical versatility and courage.
The encounter became a celebrated tale of resilience and determination, highlighting how smaller ships could decisively influence the war’s naval front.
9. USS Ward (DD-139) Fires First U.S. Shots of WWII (1941)
On the morning of December 7, 1941, the USS Ward made history by firing the first U.S. shots of WWII. Spotting a Japanese midget submarine, this small destroyer acted swiftly.
The successful attack marked a pivotal moment, highlighting the Ward’s vigilance and readiness in pre-empting larger threats. Its actions demonstrated the critical role smaller ships played in early wartime efforts.
This event symbolized the beginning of a new chapter in naval warfare, with the Ward setting the stage for America’s naval response.
10. USS Buckley (DE-51) Ramming a U-Boat (1944)
In 1944, the USS Buckley undertook a daring maneuver against a German U-boat, opting to ram and board the submarine. Such bold tactics stunned the enemy, leading to a decisive victory.
The Buckley’s actions disrupted Axis naval operations, safeguarding allied convoys from submarine threats. Its daring tactics underscored the versatility and courage of U.S. naval forces.
This encounter highlighted the unpredictable and dynamic nature of naval warfare, proving that small ships could wield significant influence on the outcome of battles.