The USS West Virginia (BB-48) was among the many American battleships deployed in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Despite being sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack, the vessel was remarkably salvaged and later took a prominent role in Allied operations against the Japanese, effectively avenging the damage inflicted on Hawaii by enemy forces.
USS West Virginia (BB-48) specs.
The USS West Virginia, a Colorado-class battleship nicknamed “Wee Vee,” was built at Newport News Shipbuilding. Laid down in 1920 and commissioned three years later, she was the last American battleship to be constructed before the restrictions under the Washington Naval Treaty were imposed.
The vessel boasted a formidable armament of eight 16-inch .45-caliber guns; sixteen five-inch .51-caliber guns; an anti-aircraft battery of eight three-inch .50-caliber guns; and two 21-inch torpedo tubes. On top of this, West Virginia‘s armor was notable, with a belt thickness of up to 13.5 inches, turret faces of 18 inches and a conning tower with 16-inches of protection, making the ship a floating fortress.
The vessel was designed with advanced watertight compartmentation, enhancing her survivability in combat. These features combined later proved crucial during West Virginia‘s service in World War II, particularly during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
On the morning of December 7, 1941, the USS West Virginia was moored at Battleship Row, near the USS Tennessee (BB-43), at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese launched their attack. The vessel was hit by seven Type 91 torpedoes and two 16-inch bombs, causing severe damage. Despite the devastation, the ship’s assistant fire control officer, Lt. Claude V. Ricketts, initiated counter-flooding measures, which prevented West Virginia from capsizing.
Several crewmen distinguished themselves that morning. US Navy cook Doris “Dorie” Miller took control of an unmanned anti-aircraft gun on the vessel and helped move injured sailors to safety. West Virginia‘s commander, Capt. Mervyn S. Bennion, put his men before himself during the assault, despite being mortally wounded by shrapnel from Tennessee. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
Tragically, three sailors – Ronald Endicott, Clifford Olds and Louis “Buddy” Costin – were trapped in an airtight storeroom and survived for 16 days within the vessel, surviving off of emergency rations. A calendar was later found near their bodies, with the days December 7-23 crossed off in red pencil.
After the attack, West Virginia was re-floated and underwent extensive repairs. She was also modernized, which saw new radar and better anti-aircraft guns installed, as well as the widening of her hull, preparing her for a return to active service in 1944.
Seeing action in the Pacific Theater
The USS West Virginia‘s return to action was marked by her involvement in the Battle of Leyte in the latter part of 1944. As part of Task Group 77.2 (TG 77.2), she played a crucial role in the shore bombardment of Japanese positions on the island.
On October 25, during the Battle of Surigao Strait, her radar-directed fire allowed West Virginia to engage and contribute to the sinking of the Japanese battleship Yamashiro. This engagement was significant, as it was the last naval battle where battleships fought each other – six on the American side versus two under the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN).
Following the action at Surigao Strait, West Virginia went on to participate in the American landings on Mindoro Island and Luzon.
USS West Virginia (BB-48) bombarded the coast of Iwo Jima
In February 1945, the USS West Virginia was deployed to assist the Fifth Fleet during the American offensive on Iwo Jima. The battleship played a critical role in delivering artillery support to the US Marines landing on the island, using its formidable 16-inch guns to strike Japanese fortifications, blockhouses, and artillery positions. This firepower effectively weakened enemy defenses, facilitating the advance of ground forces.
Even after sustaining damage from a small artillery shell that injured one of its sailors, the West Virginia continued its bombardment tasks, demonstrating the steadfast commitment of its crew. The ship’s support was instrumental in the eventual capture of Iwo Jima.
Fire support and kamikaze defense off the coast of Okinawa
The USS West Virginia‘s next major engagement was the Battle of Okinawa, in April 1945. The ship was part of Task Force 54 (TF 54) and provided pre-landing bombardment and fire support for the landing forces.
On April 1, her superstructure was struck by a kamikaze aircraft, resulting in four deaths and seven injuries. Despite this, she kept on her mission undeterred. Her anti-aircraft guns were crucial in defending against additional kamikaze attacks, and her 16-inch guns provided effective support for ground operations.
West Virginia remained off Okinawa following the initial action, delivering fire support and repelling air attacks until the island was secured.
What happened to the USS West Virginia (BB-48) after World War II?
After World War II, the USS West Virginia attended the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender in Tokyo Bay, after which she participated in Operation Magic Carpet, repatriating American servicemen from the Pacific.
The ship was decommissioned in 1947, and placed in the Pacific Reserve Fleet.
More from us: The Capture of U-505 Helped America Crack the Kriegsmarine’s Ultra-Secretive Code
In 1959, West Virginia was sold for scrap – however, several parts were preserved. One of the battleship’s anti-aircraft guns is displayed in Parkersburg, West Virginia, while her wheel and binnacle are at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum in Norfolk.