Battle of the Komandorski Islands

27 March 1943, South of the Komandorski Islands, Bering Sea

American victory: the Japanese convoy turned back

Japan held Attu and Kiska in the Aleutians, and Vice Admiral Boshirō Hosogaya was escorting a supply convoy to Attu when he met Rear Admiral Charles McMorris's small force of one heavy cruiser, one old light cruiser and four destroyers, sent to cut the supply line. Outnumbered two to one, McMorris fought a running gunnery duel to the west for three and a half hours in the cold northern daylight, with no aircraft or submarines on either side: the last such battle of the war. Salt Lake City was hit several times and at one point lay dead in the water, covered by smoke and a torpedo attack by her destroyers. But Hosogaya, short of fuel and ammunition and expecting American bombers from the Aleutians, broke off and turned for home. The convoy never reached Attu, the garrison was cut off, and Hosogaya was relieved of his command.

Map

• Hosogaya's convoy to Attu 23–27 March 1943

• McMorris's cruisers west of Attu 26–27 March 1943