From the Collections
The USS Franklin (CV-13) Collection
"...We were both knocked off our feet by a terrific explosion. The sound and concussion dazed us. At once all lights went out in that section of the ship. It seemed as though the ship had rammed into a mountain!" -- Donald "Don" Gary, Medal of Honor Recipient, reflects on the first strike.
On March 19th, 1945, while launching strikes against the Japanese mainland, the USS Franklin (CV-13) was badly damaged when a single Japanese dive bomber struck her with two bombs. The attack resulted in the loss of 807 of her crew and Franklin became the most heavily damaged United States aircraft carrier to survive the war.
On March 19th, 1945, while launching strikes against the Japanese mainland, the USS Franklin (CV-13) was badly damaged when a single Japanese dive bomber struck her with two bombs. The attack resulted in the loss of 807 of her crew and Franklin became the most heavily damaged United States aircraft carrier to survive the war.
