Naval Battle of Vella Lavella

6–7 October 1943, North-west of Vella Lavella, Solomon Islands

Japanese victory: the garrison was evacuated

Rear Admiral Matsuji Ijuin came down with nine destroyers and a flotilla of small craft to take the last 600 men off Vella Lavella. Captain Frank Walker met him with only three destroyers, three more being on their way. Both sides fired torpedoes. Yūgumo charged the Americans alone and was sunk by gunfire and torpedoes, but one of her torpedoes hit Chevalier and blew off her bow; O'Bannon, close behind, rammed her. Then Selfridge was torpedoed too. Ijuin withdrew, and while the fight went on his small craft took the garrison off. Chevalier was scuttled.

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