John 3rd
Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005 From: La Salle, Colorado Status: offline
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April 30, 1945 Fusan, Korea Vc-Adm Tanaka has been in the thick of this long, long war since its opening. He has a simple job, protect the 80-100 AK-AP loading troops up to bring home to Japan. Numerous units of AA, Base Force Forces, Coastal Defense, and a few Infantry are gathering at the harbor. He MUST stop any American attempt to destroy these assets. To accomplish this, he has two TFs at his call. His favorite flagship, IJN Kirishima, along with her sister prepare for a night of patrolling. With the drubbing that the Americans took in the air over the port yesterday, they MUST come by sea tonight. Figuring this, the crafty, tired Admiral orders the other TF (3 CA and 4 DDs) to hide up the coast about ten miles and wait for his call to attack. A pair of American TFs enter the area after midnight on the 30th. Tanaka places his DDs to twin columns of 3 off each bow and moves to engage. The opening moments of the fight sees TWO Long Lance TTs strike the new BC Alaska and shells range down on her and her escorts. Alaska is a tough ship and she manages to hit the BCs several times. The Japanese lose DD Tochi and that is it. As the 2nd American TF closes, Tanaka pivots away from the heavily damaged Alaska and engages CLs Phoenix and Columbia with a 5 DD escort. It is at this point he orders the CA TF to come into the fight. The American shells PING off Japanese armor but they relentlessly pummel the escorting DDs. Tanaka loses his entire screen as the range closes to 2,000 Yards. Everything is used (including 25MM) to fight. The BCs, though damaged, lived a charmed life as they dodge torpedoes and manage to SINK CL Columbia while crippling Phoenix and several DDs. At this point the battle tips decisively into Japan's favor as seven fresh ships enter the fray. The CAs--fantastic vessels--sink BOTH the crippled Alaska and Phoenix as well as DD Kimberly. Little damage is taken by this Japanese TF and it rejoins Admiral Tanaka's BIG BOYS upon re-entering the harbor. Tonight, April 30, 1945, belongs to the Japanese Navy. BANZAI!!! No planes attack Fusan during the day so the Japanese victory remains intact...
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< Message edited by John 3rd -- 2/16/2018 3:46:10 PM >
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