2/2
YorktownCV-5Welcome Nicholas, although nominally the fifth ship, she was indeed the first Fletcher-class destroyer to be launched.
As the flagship of the Destroyer Squadron 21, she led her sisters (including her nominal elder sister Fletcher) a glorious track on the Pacific battlefield. It was said to be the most honorable destroyer squadron in the U.S. Navy.
She participated in the battle of Kula Gulf and Kolombangara in 1943, making a dilemma between rescuing the Helena crew and pursuing enemy ships. Seeing the cruisers of Ainsworth's fleet being damaged heavily one after another, she really couldn't praise the ability of these cruisers.
On the day of the surrender ceremony on 2nd September 1945, she picked up military officers from various countries heading to USS Missouri, and became one of the only two destroyers that escorted Missouri into the port - the other was her sister, O'Bannon, who had shared the joys and sorrows with her. They were favored by Halsey because of their outstanding honors.
——————————————————————
In 1942, Bofors machine guns were only provided to the more important large ships, and the three prematurely born sisters Nicholas, O'Bannon and Chevalier were not even assigned Bofors 40mm machine guns. They had no choice but to beg, borrow, or steal the Oerlikon machine guns carried by shore bases and other ships for self-defense. It wasn't until the end of 1943 that they got their share.
...Please don't imagine that picture.
2023-09-10 15:58:20 +0000