Photographed here is the transfer of wounded from the U.S.S. Bunker Hill to the U.S.S. Wilkes Barre. These men were injured during fire aboard the carrier following a Japanese suicide-dive bombing attack off of Okinawa. This photo was taken by Kenneth E. Roberts on May 11, 1945. Click here to enlarge.
The U.S.S. Bunker Hill, an Essex-class aircraft carrier, was significantly damaged during World War II on May 11, 1945. While operating off Okinawa, it was struck by two Japanese kamikaze planes in quick succession. The attacks caused massive explosions and fires, leading to the deaths of 346 crew members and injuring over 400 others. Despite the severe damage, the crew managed to save the ship from sinking. The U.S.S. Bunker Hill was later repaired but did not return to combat. This incident underscores the intense and desperate nature of the Pacific War's final stages.
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