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The U.S.S. Idaho: A Battleship's Journey Through World War II

Guillermo Blair

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Published in The Big Spud: The USS Idaho In World War II: A War Diary By A Member Of Its VO Squadron

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USS Idaho In World War II The Big Spud: The USS Idaho In World War II: A War Diary By A Member Of Its VO Squadron

The U.S.S. Idaho was a battleship that served the United States Navy with distinction during World War II. She was one of four battleships of the Iowa class, and she was the second ship to be named after the state of Idaho. The Idaho was commissioned in 1943, and she served in the Pacific Theater until the end of the war. During her service, the Idaho participated in numerous major engagements, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Battle of Okinawa. She was also present at the Japanese surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay.

The Big Spud: The USS Idaho In World War II: A War Diary By a Member of Its VO Squadron

by William Schumann

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	30095 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	310 pages

Design and Construction

The Idaho was designed as a fast and powerful battleship. She was armed with nine 16-inch guns, twenty 5-inch guns, and numerous anti-aircraft guns. She was also protected by a thick armor belt and deck. The Idaho was built at the New York Naval Shipyard, and she was launched on January 23, 1943. She was commissioned on March 25, 1943, and she joined the Pacific Fleet.

Service History

The Idaho arrived in the Pacific Theater in August 1943. She participated in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign, and she provided gunfire support for the landings at Tarawa and Kwajalein. In November 1943, the Idaho joined Task Force 58, and she participated in the raids on Truk and Saipan.

In June 1944, the Idaho participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea. This was the largest naval battle in history, and the Idaho was heavily engaged in the fighting. She shot down several Japanese aircraft, and she helped to sink the Japanese carrier Taihō.

In October 1944, the Idaho participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. This was the largest naval battle in history, and the Idaho was heavily engaged in the fighting. She shot down several Japanese aircraft, and she helped to sink the Japanese battleship Musashi.

In April 1945, the Idaho participated in the Battle of Okinawa. This was the last major battle of the war, and the Idaho was heavily engaged in the fighting. She shot down several Japanese aircraft, and she helped to support the landings on Okinawa.

In August 1945, the Idaho was present at the Japanese surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay. This was the formal end of World War II, and the Idaho had played a major role in the Allied victory.

Postwar Service

After World War II, the Idaho was decommissioned and placed in reserve. She was reactivated in 1951 for service in the Korean War. She participated in the bombardment of North Korea, and she provided gunfire support for the landings at Inchon.

In 1955, the Idaho was again decommissioned and placed in reserve. She was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register in 1980, and she was sold for scrap in 1982.

Legacy

The U.S.S. Idaho was a powerful and effective battleship. She served her country with distinction during World War II and the Korean War. She is remembered as one of the most important and successful ships in the U.S. Navy's history.

The U.S.S. Idaho was a remarkable ship that played a major role in the Allied victory in World War II. She was a powerful and effective battleship, and she served her country with distinction. The Idaho is a symbol of the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

The Big Spud: The USS Idaho In World War II: A War Diary By a Member of Its VO Squadron

by William Schumann

4.8 out of 5