Word: surigao
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Dates: during 1944-1944
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Although black-browed Tom Kinkaid had received divisions of escort carriers and at least five battleships to fill out the contours of his normally skinny fleet, the Japs knew he would be hard pressed to stave off this assault. To make doubly sure, their southernmost force would charge through Surigao Strait. Either or both of these forces would strive for a chance to pot sitting ducks - the helpless transports off Leyte...
Ambush. The Japs' southernmost fleet suffered least from U.S. aerial pounding during its approach, and reached the scene of battle first. The first-quarter moon had set early, and the morning darkness was deep in Surigao Strait. At the southern end, squadrons of PT boats lay in ambush. As the Huso and Yamasiro entered the narrows with their screen, the PTs attacked. The tiny, bucking craft had made their reputation for dash and expendability in the Philippines, and they lived up to it. They scored some hits, lost several of their number...