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Operation Hailstone

2025-09-08T04:41:25Z

216.152.18.132: Mentioned that the straddle of Nowaki occurred at a range of 35,700 yards.

{{Short description|American attack on Truk Lagoon during World War II}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict = Operation Hailstone
| partof = the [[Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign]]
| image = Japanese shipping under attack in Truk Lagoon during Operation Hailstone, 17 February 1944 (80-G-215151).jpg
| image_size = 300
| caption = Japanese ships off Dublon Island.
| date = {{start and end dates|1944|02|17|1944|02|18|df=y}}
| place = [[Truk Lagoon]], [[Caroline Islands]]
| coordinates = {{Coord|7.3393|151.8846|display=inline,title|region:FM-TRK_type:event}}
| result = American victory
| combatant1 = {{flag|United States|1912}}
| combatant2 = {{flagcountry|Empire of Japan}}
| commander1 = [[Marc Mitscher]]
| commander2 = [[Masami Kobayashi]]
| strength1 = {{plainlist|
* 5 fleet carriers
* 4 light carriers
* 6 battleships
* 10 cruisers
* 28 destroyers
* 10 submarines
* 560 aircraft}}
| strength2 = {{plainlist|
* 5 cruisers
* 8 destroyers
* 5 other warships
* 50 merchant ships
* 350 planes}}
| casualties1 = {{plainlist|
* 40 killed{{refn|group=nb|Deaths included 29 aircrew from assorted carriers plus 11 sailors aboard ''Intrepid''. Aircraft losses included 12 fighters, seven torpedo-bombers, and 6 dive-bombers.<ref>{{harvnb|Morison|1961|p=330}}</ref>}}
* 1 fleet carrier damaged
* 1 battleship slightly damaged
* 25 aircraft destroyed}}
| casualties2 = {{plainlist|
* 4,500+ killed
* 2 light cruisers sunk
* 4 destroyers sunk
* 3 auxiliary cruisers sunk
* 6 auxiliary ships sunk
* 32 merchant ships sunk
* 9 vessels damaged
* 250+ aircraft destroyed}}
| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Gilberts and Marshalls}}
}}

'''Operation Hailstone''' was a large-scale [[United States Navy]] air and surface attack on [[Chuuk Lagoon|Truk Lagoon]] on 17–18 February 1944, conducted as part of the American offensive drive against the [[Imperial Japanese Navy]] in the [[Pacific Ocean theater of World War II|Pacific Ocean theatre]] of World War II.

==Background==
[[File:Caroline Islands-map.gif|thumb|left|The Caroline Islands]]
Japanese troops occupied [[Micronesia]], including the [[Caroline Islands]], in 1914 and established Truk as a base as early as 1939. The lagoon was first built up as an anchorage for the [[Imperial Japanese Navy]]'s [[4th Fleet (Imperial Japanese Navy)|4th Fleet]], its "South Seas Force". After the outbreak of war with the United States, the 4th Fleet was put under the command of the Combined Fleet, which continued to use Truk as a [[forward operating base]] into 1944. In addition to anchorages for warships and port facilities for shipping between the [[Japanese archipelago|home islands]] and the Southern Resources Area, five airfields and a seaplane base were constructed at Truk, making it the only major Japanese airfield within flying range of the [[Marshall Islands]].{{sfn|Jeffery|2003}}

Despite the impressions of [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]] leaders and the American public concerning Truk's projected fortifications, the base was never significantly reinforced or protected against land attack. Japanese development of Truk's fortifications instead began in earnest in late 1943, with defensive measures being taken against a potential U.S. invasion. Airfields were extended and shore batteries were erected.{{sfn|Toll|2015|pp=404–405}}

Because aircraft stationed at Truk could potentially interfere with the upcoming [[battle of Eniwetok|invasion of Eniwetok]], and because Truk had recently served as a ferry point for the resupply of aircraft to [[Rabaul]], Admiral [[Raymond Spruance]] ordered Vice Admiral [[Marc Mitscher]]'s [[Fast Carrier Task Force]], designated TF 58, to carry out air raids against Truk. Three of TF 58's four carrier task groups were committed to the operation. Their total strength consisted of five fleet carriers ({{USS|Enterprise|CV-6|2}}, {{USS|Yorktown|CV-10|2}}, {{USS|Essex|CV-9|2}}, {{USS|Intrepid|CV-11|2}}, and {{USS|Bunker Hill|CV-17|2}}) and four light carriers ({{USS|Belleau Wood|CVL-24|2}}, {{USS|Cabot|CVL-28|2}}, {{USS|Monterey|CVL-26|2}}, and {{USS|Cowpens|CVL-25|2}}), carrying more than 500 warplanes. Supporting these aircraft carriers was a task force of seven battleships and numerous heavy cruisers, light cruisers, destroyers, and submarines.{{sfn|Rems|2014}}

The Japanese, meanwhile, understood the weakness of their position at Truk. The [[Imperial Japanese Navy|IJN]] had begun withdrawing fleet units from the anchorage as early as October 1943. The effective abandonment of Truk as a forward operating base accelerated during the first week of February 1944, following Japanese sightings of U.S. Marine Corps [[PB4Y-1 Liberator]] reconnaissance planes sent to reconnoiter the area.{{sfn|Prados|1995|pp=533–535}}

==Battle==
===Air attacks===
[[File:Yanks Smash Truk.ogv|thumb|left|1944 U.S. [[newsreel]] describing the attack]]
The three carrier task groups committed to ''Hailstone'' moved into position and began launching their first fighter sweep 90 minutes before daybreak on 17 February 1944. No Japanese air patrol was active at the time, as the IJN's 22nd and 26th Air Flotillas were enjoying shore leave after weeks on high alert following the Liberator sightings.{{sfn|Hornfischer|2016|pp=6–7}} Similarly problematic for the Japanese, radar on Truk was not capable of detecting low-flying planes—a weakness probably known and exploited by Allied intelligence organizations. Because of these factors, U.S. carrier aircraft achieved total surprise.{{sfn|Prados|1995|p=537}}

Japanese pilots scrambled into their cockpits just minutes before TF 58 planes arrived over Eten, Param, Moen, and Dublon Islands. Though more than 300 [[Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service]] (IJNAS) and [[Imperial Japanese Army Air Service]] (IJAAS) planes were present at Truk on the first day of attacks, only about half of them were operational, compared with over 500 operational aircraft among the carriers of TF 58. U.S. Navy fighter pilots in their [[Grumman F6F Hellcat]]s, with the advantages of speed, altitude, armor, and surprise, achieved a one-sided victory against IJNAS pilots flying the mostly [[Mitsubishi A6M Zero]] fighters. As many as 30 of the 80 Zeros sent up in response to the fighter sweep were shot down during the battle. Only token aerial resistance was encountered for the rest of the morning; almost no Japanese aircraft were present by the afternoon.{{sfn|Toll|2015|pp=405–406}}{{sfn|Rems|2014}}

Due to the lack of air cover or warning, many merchant ships were caught at anchor, with only the islands' anti-aircraft guns for defense against the U.S. carrier planes. Some vessels outside the lagoon already steaming towards Japan were attacked by U.S. submarines and sunk before they could make their escape. Other Japanese ships attempting to flee via the atoll's North Pass were bottled up by aerial attack and by Admiral Spruance's surface force, Task Group 50.9, which circumnavigated Truk, bombarding shore positions and engaging enemy ships.{{sfn|Prados|1995|pp=537–538}}

[[Torpedo bomber]] and [[dive bomber]] squadrons from the American carrier air groups (CAGs) were responsible for the bulk of the damage inflicted on Japanese ground facilities. Early on the first day of ''Hailstone'', [[Grumman TBF Avenger]] torpedo bomber squadrons from ''Enterprise''{{'}}s Carrier Air Group 10 (CAG-10) and ''Intrepid''{{'}}s CAG-6 dropped fragmentation and incendiary bombs on runways at [[Eten Island]] and the seaplane base on [[Weno|Moen Island]]. Dozens of aircraft were damaged or destroyed on the ground, further blunting any possible response by the Japanese to the strikes. Subsequent joint attacks by dive bombers{{refn|group=nb|All dive bomber squadrons with the exception of ''Bunker Hill''{{'}}s VB-17 flew the [[Douglas SBD Dauntless]] at this time. VB-17 was the first squadron to use the newer [[Curtiss SB2C Helldiver]], which later replaced the Dauntless as the US Navy's standard dive bomber.<ref>{{harvnb|Tillman|1997|pp=16–17, 31}}</ref>}} and Avenger torpedo bombers cratered runways and destroyed hangar facilities.{{sfn|Gardner|1944}}{{sfn|Harrison|1944}}

Morning strikes were also launched against shipping targets in the lagoon. Lieutenant Commander [[James D. Ramage]], commanding officer of Dive Bombing Squadron 10 (VB-10), is credited with sinking the previously damaged [[Tanker (ship)|merchant tanker]] ''Hoyo Maru''.{{sfn|Toll|2015|p=407}} Lieutenant James E. Bridges and his crew in one of ''Intrepid''{{'}}s Torpedo Squadron 6 (VT-6) Avengers scored a direct hit on the ammunition ship {{ship||Aikoku Maru|1940|2}}. The bomb blast set off a tremendous explosion which immediately sank the ship and apparently engulfed the plane as well, killing all three men inside.{{sfn|Astor|2007|pp=233–234}}

[[File:Japanese ammunition ship Aikoku Maru in Truk Harbor explodes.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Japanese ammunition ship {{ship||Aikoku Maru|1940|2}} exploding after a torpedo hit, 17 February 1944.]]
By the second and third strikes of the day, CAG action reports listed the apparent enemy mission as "escape".{{sfn|Jeter|1944|p=15}} Japanese ships that were able to make for open sea steamed for the North Pass exit from the lagoon while weathering repeated aerial attacks. One particular group of warships – cruiser [[Japanese cruiser Katori|''Katori'']], auxiliary cruiser ''[[Akagi Maru]]'', destroyers [[Japanese destroyer Maikaze|''Maikaze'']] and [[Japanese destroyer Nowaki (1940)|''Nowaki'']], and minesweeper ''Shonan Maru'' – was given special attention by carrier bombers. Multiple air groups attacked these ships, inflicting serious damage. ''Yorktown''{{'}}s dive- and torpedo-bombing squadrons claimed two hits on the violently maneuvering ''Katori'' and hits on another cruiser and multiple destroyers; ''Essex'' bombers claimed five hits on a {{Sclass|Katori|cruiser}}, stating that the ship was stopped dead in the water after the attack.{{sfn|Stebbins|1944|p=3}}{{sfn|White|1944|pp=85–98}} ''Akagi Maru'' was sunk by air attacks.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=H-026-3 Truk Raid 1944 |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/about-us/leadership/director/directors-corner/h-grams/h-gram-026/H-026-3.html |access-date=2023-03-20 |website=NHHC |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Surface action===
At this point, reports reached Admiral Spruance concerning the group of warships fleeing through North Pass. Spruance was so adamant on engaging in ship-to-ship combat that his carrier commander, Admiral Mitscher, ordered his CAGs to stop attacking ''Katori'' and her companions. Spruance put himself in tactical command of Task Group 50.9, made up of four destroyers, heavy cruisers ''Minneapolis'' and ''New Orleans'', and the new battleships {{USS|Iowa|BB-61|2}} and {{USS|New Jersey|BB-62|2}}, which he personally led in a surface engagement against the previously damaged Japanese ships.{{sfn|Toll|2015|pp=410–411}} The battered Japanese ships did not stand much of a chance against Task Group 50.9, though members of his staff saw Spruance's decision to engage in surface action when aircraft likely could have achieved similar results as needlessly reckless. Indeed, the Japanese destroyer ''Maikaze'' managed to fire torpedoes at the battleship ''New Jersey'' during the engagement. Fortunately for Spruance, the torpedoes missed, and the "battle" ended with predictably one-sided results. The U.S. Navy surface combatants received virtually no damage, and it was the only time in their careers that ''Iowa'' and ''New Jersey'' had fired their main armament at enemy ships.

Meanwhile, ''New Jersey's'' 5-inch (127 mm) guns combined fire with U.S. cruisers to sink ''Maikaze'' and ''Shonan Maru'', while ''Iowa'' targeted and sank ''Katori'', which was already dead in the water, with numerous hits from her main battery. ''Nowaki'' was the only Japanese ship from this group to escape, sailing through a gauntlet of fire from Iowa and New Jersey, only suffering very minor damage at the hand of a straddle from a high capacity, 16-inch (406 mm) round from ''New Jersey'' at the extremely long range of 35,700 yards (20.3 statute miles).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/the-ship/full-history/ |title=Full History - USS New Jersey, The World's Greatest Battleship |date=28 March 2024 |website= Battleship New Jersey |access-date=28 March 2024 |quote=}}</ref>

===Japanese night raid===
Retaliation for the day's strikes arrived late at night in the form of small groups of Japanese bombers flying out of Truk and Formosa probing the task groups' defenses. From roughly 21:00 on 17 February to just minutes past midnight on 18 February, at least five groups of between one and three enemy planes attempted to sneak past screening ships to strike at the fleet carriers. One lone [[Mitsubishi G4M|Rikko-type twin engine bomber]] from the [[Genzan Air Group|755th ''Kōkūtai'' (Genzan Air Group)]] made its attack on Task Group 58.2 and torpedoed the starboard quarter of the ''Intrepid'', damaging steering control and killing 11 sailors. ''Intrepid'' was forced to retire to the U.S. for repairs and did not return to combat until August 1944.{{sfn|Sprague|1944|pp=14–15}}{{sfn|Williams|2000}}

==Aftermath==
The attacks on Truk have often been described as the Americans' payback for the Japanese [[attack on Pearl Harbor]], although American carrier aircrews were disappointed that major Japanese surface warships were absent, as they had been withdrawn prior to the raid.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sharkbayfilms.co.uk/1803-2/ | title=Truk Lagoon - Japan's Pearl Harbour | date=11 January 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://masterliveaboards.com/the-history-behind-operation-hailstone/ | title=The History behind Operation Hailstone | date=29 April 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/operation-hailstone-devastated-the-japanese-anchorage-at-truk/ | title=Operation Hailstone devastated the Japanese anchorage at Truk }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://bukowo.com/2019/02/17/operation-hailstone-the-raid-on-truk-the-japanese-pearl-harbor/ | title=Operation Hailstone: The Raid on Truk, the "Japanese Pearl Harbor" | date=17 February 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/1994/february/hail-storm-truk | title=Hail Storm at Truk | date=10 March 2023 }}</ref> Nonetheless, Japanese losses at Truk were severe. Some 17,000 tons of stored fuel were destroyed by American airstrikes.{{sfn|Hornfischer|2016|p=18}} Shipping losses totaled almost 200,000 tons, including several precious [[Replenishment oiler|fleet oilers]], of which the Japanese navy had a dwindling number by early 1944.{{sfn|Toll|2015|pp=413–414}} Vessels sunk at Truk represented almost one-tenth of total Japanese shipping losses between 1 November 1943 and 30 June 1944. At this point in the war, Japan's industrial capability was unable to replenish such losses in ships and aircraft, in contrast to the American rearmament after the Pearl Harbor raid.{{sfn|Wilmott|2005|p=292}} After the Truk attacks, the [[Imperial Japanese Navy General Staff]] blamed [[Masami Kobayashi]] and relieved him of his command two days later. On 30 May 1944, Kobayashi was forced from active service and on 31 May 1944, he went into the reserves.

Truk, like so many other Japanese island bases, was left to itself without any real hope of resupply or reinforcement. Imperial Japanese Army forces which had arrived at the atoll before the U.S. attacks put increasing strain on available foodstuffs and medical supplies. Dwindling ammunition even limited the ability of shore batteries to fend off intermittent attacks by Allied forces, including experimental raids by [[Boeing B-29 Superfortress]]es and attacks by Allied carrier aircraft.{{sfn|Prados|1995|p=538}}

Moreover, the isolation of this whole area of operations by submarine and air attack began the effective severance of Japanese shipping lanes between the home islands and critical fuel supplies to the south. The ultimate effect of this interdiction was evident during the [[Battle of Leyte Gulf]] in October 1944, when IJN forces were compelled to [[sortie]] separately from Japan and [[Lingga Roads]] due to fuel constraints.{{sfn|Prados|2016|pp=110–111}} The neutralization of Truk and the seizure of [[Naval Base Eniwetok|Eniwetok]] paved the way for the upcoming [[Battle of Saipan|invasion of Saipan]], which placed U.S. land-based heavy bombers within range of the Japanese home islands for the first time in the war.{{sfn|Ofstie|1946|pp=194–195}}

Subsequently, Japan made limited attempts to rebuild Truk as a bomber air base and to increase its anti-aircraft defenses. Spruance sent in carrier planes again on 29 April, destroying more Japanese air defenses, ground facilities and aircraft. British forces attacked again in June 1945. No significant Japanese naval buildup occurred at Truk after Operation Hailstone.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}

Truk is renowned today as a tourist destination for divers interested in seeing the many shipwrecks left in the lagoon, many of which were sunk in Operation'' Hailstone''.{{sfn|Trumbull|1972}}

==List of ships in Truk at the time of attack==

===Warships===
List derived from Jeffery's ''War Graves, Munition Dumps and Pleasure Grounds'' (2007){{sfn|Jeffery|2007|pp=Appendix 4}}

====Sunk====
* Cruiser (CL)
** [[Japanese cruiser Katori|''Katori'']] (香取) 5,800 tons
** [[Japanese cruiser Naka|''Naka'']] (那珂) 5,195 tons
* Destroyer (DD)
** 1 modern
*** [[Japanese destroyer Maikaze|''Maikaze'']] (舞風) 陽炎型 2,000 tons
** 3 obsolescent
*** [[Japanese destroyer Fumizuki (1926)|''Fumizuki'']] (文月) 睦月型 1,320 tons
*** [[Japanese destroyer Oite (1924)|''Oite'']] (追風) 神風型 1,270 tons
*** [[Japanese destroyer Tachikaze (1921)|''Tachikaze'']] (太刀風) 峯風型 1,215 tons
* Submarine chaser
** [[Japanese submarine chaser CH-29|''CH-29'']], 440 tons
** [[Japanese submarine chaser CH-24|''CH-24'']], 440 tons
* Auxiliary submarine chaser ''Shonan Maru'' #15 (第15昭南丸), 355 tons
* Motor torpedo boat #10, 85 tons

====Damaged====
* Repair ship [[Japanese repair ship Akashi|''Akashi'']] (明石) 10,500 tons
* Seaplane tender [[Japanese seaplane tender Akitsushima|''Akitsushima'']] (秋津洲) 4,650 tons
* Destroyer (DD)
** [[Japanese destroyer Matsukaze (1923)|''Matsukaze'']] (松風) 神風型 1,400 tons
** [[Japanese destroyer Shigure (1935)|''Shigure'']] (時雨) 白露型 1,685 tons
* Submarine
** [[Japanese submarine I-10|''I-10'']] (伊10), 2,919 tons
** [[Japanese submarine Ro-42|''RO-42'']], 1,115 tons
* Submarine chaser ''CHa-20''
* Target ship [[Japanese target ship Hakachi|''Hakachi'']] (波勝) 1,641 tons

===Merchant ships===
List derived from Jeffery's ''War Graves, Munition Dumps and Pleasure Grounds'' (2007){{sfn|Jeffery|2007|pp=Appendix 4}}

====Sunk====
* Auxiliary cruiser
** [[Aikoku Maru (1940)|''Aikoku Maru'']] (愛国丸) 10,348 tons
** ''[[Akagi Maru]]'' (赤城丸) 7,367 tons
** ''Kiyosumi Maru'' (清澄丸) 6,983 tons
* Navy transport
** ''Hoki Maru'' (伯耆丸) 7,112 tons
** ''Yamagiri Maru'' (山霧丸) 7,112 tons
** ''[[Fujikawa Maru]]'' (富士川丸) 6,938 tons
** Navy transport/freighter ''San Francisco Maru/Sōkō Maru'' (桑港丸) 5,831 tons
** ''Reiyo Maru'' (麗洋丸) 5,446 tons
** ''Seiko Maru'' (西江丸)? 5,385 tons
** passenger/cargo ship ''Kensho Maru'' (乾祥丸) 4,862 tons
** freighter ''Hanakawa Maru'' (花川丸) 4,739 tons
** passenger/cargo ship ''Sankisan Maru'' or ''Yamakisan Maru'' (山鬼山丸) 4,776 tons
** freighter ''Hokuyo Maru'' (北洋丸) 4,217 tons
** freighter ''Momokawa Maru'' (桃川丸) 3,829 tons
** Navy water carrier/passenger/cargo ship ''Nippo Maru'' (日豊丸) 3,764 tons
** freighter ''Unkai Maru #6'' (第六雲海丸) 3,220 tons
** ''Taiho Maru'' (大邦丸) 2,827 tons
** freighter ''Shotan Maru'' (松丹丸) 1,999 tons
** freighter ''Gosei Maru'' (五星丸) 1,931 tons
* Freighter ''Taikichi Maru'' or ''Tachi Maru'' (泰吉丸) 1,891 tons
* Army transport
** ''Gyoten Maru'' (暁天丸) 6,854 tons
** freighter ''Nagano Maru'' (長野丸) 3,824 tons
** ''Yubae Maru'' (夕映丸) 3,217 tons
* Submarine tender
** ''[[Heian Maru (1930)|Heian Maru]]'' (平安丸) 11,614 tons
** ''Rio de Janeiro Maru'' (リオデジャネイロ丸) 9,626 tons
* Oiler
** Fleet oiler ''Shinkoku Maru'' (神国丸) 10,020 tons
** Oil tanker ''Fujisan Maru'' (富士山丸) 9,524 tons
* Auxiliary oil tanker
** whaler ''Tonan Maru #3'' (第三図南丸) 19,209 tons
** ''Houyou Maru'' or ''Hoyo Maru'' (宝洋丸) 8,691 tons
** passenger/cargo ship ''Amagisan Maru'' (天城山丸) 7,620 tons

====Damaged====
* Cargo ship [[Sōya (icebreaker)|''Sōya'']] (宗谷) 3,800 tons

==See also==
*[[Operation Inmate]]
*[[US Naval Base Carolines]]
*[[Naval Base Eniwetok]]
*[[Naval Base Gilbert Islands]]
*[[Naval Base Marshall Islands]]

==Footnotes==
{{reflist|group=nb}}

==Notes==
{{reflist}}

== References ==
*{{cite book
|last = Astor
|first = Gerald
|title=Wings of Gold: The U.S. Naval Air Campaign in World War II
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nJJkMb0hoscC
|year = 2007
|publisher=Random House Publishing Group
|isbn=978-0-307-41777-0
}}
*{{cite book
|last=Hornfischer
|first=James
|title=The Fleet at Flood Tide: America at Total War in the Pacific, 1944–1945
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x4kmDQAAQBAJ
|year=2016
|publisher=Random House Publishing Group
|isbn=978-0-345-54870-2
}}
*{{cite web
|url= https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/2068/2/02whole.pdf
|title= War Graves, Munition Dumps and Pleasure Grounds
|last= Jeffery
|first= William
|date= 2007
|website= Research Online @JCU
|publisher= James Cook University
|access-date= 3 November 2017
|archive-date= 26 September 2021
|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210926183130/https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/2068/2/02whole.pdf
|url-status= dead
}}
*{{cite web
|url= https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/npswapa/extContent/wapa/paradise/paradise4.htm
|title= War in Paradise: World War II in Chuuk
|last=Jeffery
|first=William
|date=2003
|website= National Park Service
|publisher= Chuuk Historical Preservation Office
|access-date= 5 October 2017
}}
*{{cite book
|last = Morison
|first = Samuel Eliot
|author-link = Samuel Eliot Morison
|year = 1961
|title = Aleutians, Gilberts and Marshalls, June 1942 – April 1944, [[History of United States Naval Operations in World War II]]
|publisher = [[Little, Brown and Company]]
|location = Boston
|id = ASIN B0007FBB8I
}}
*{{cite web
|url= http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/AAF/USSBS/PTO-Campaigns/USSBS-PTO-9.html
|title= The Campaigns of the Pacific War, Chapter 9: Central Pacific Operations
|last=Ofstie
|first=Ralph
|author-link=Ralph A. Ofstie
|year=1946
|website= HyperWar
|publisher= Naval Analysis Division, Government Printing Office
|access-date= 5 October 2017
}}
*{{cite book
|last=Prados
|first=John
|title=Combined Fleet Decoded: The Secret History of American Intelligence and the Japanese Navy in World War II
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l9NNPgAACAAJ
|year=1995
|publisher=Naval Institute Press
|isbn=978-1-55750-431-9
}}
*{{cite book
|last=Prados
|first=John
|title=Storm Over Leyte: The Philippine Invasion and the Destruction of the Japanese Navy
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9j9LDAAAQBAJ
|year=2016
|publisher=Penguin Publishing Group
|isbn=978-0-451-47361-5
}}
*{{cite magazine
|last= Rems
|first= Alan
|date= February 2014
|title= Two Birds with One Hailstone
|url= https://www.usni.org/magazines/navalhistory/2014-01/two-birds-one-hailstone
|magazine= Naval History Magazine
|volume= 28
|publisher= U.S. Naval Institute
|access-date= 5 October 2017
}}
*{{cite book
|last = Tillman
|first = Barrett
|title= Helldiver Units of World War 2
|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=xLU2vgAACAAJ
|year = 1997
|publisher = Bloomsbury USA
|isbn=978-1-85532-689-7
}}
*{{cite book
|last=Toll
|first=Ian
|author-link = Ian W. Toll
|title=The Conquering Tide: War in the Pacific Islands, 1942–1944: War in the Pacific Islands, 1942–1944
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4OlwBgAAQBAJ
|year=2015
|publisher=W. W. Norton
|isbn=978-0-393-24820-3
}}
*{{cite news
|last = Trumbull
|first = Robert
|date = 30 April 1972
|title = The Graveyard Lure of Truk Lagoon
|url = https://www.nytimes.com/1972/04/30/archives/the-graveyard-lure-of-truk-lagoon.html
|work = [[New York Times]]
|access-date = 5 October 2017
}}
*{{cite web
|url= https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/CuratorsCorner/June-2010-(1)/Torpedo-Damage-Report
|title= Torpedo Damage Report
|last=Williams
|first=Jessica
|date= 21 June 2000
|website= Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
|access-date= 29 October 2017
}}
*{{cite book
|last=Wilmott
|first=H.P.
|title=The Battle of Leyte Gulf: The Last Fleet Action
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_jWSxLA5oCkC
|year=2005
|publisher=Indiana University Press
|isbn=0-253-00351-2
}}

===Primary sources===
*{{cite web
|last = Gardner
|first = M.B.
|year = 1944
|title = Action Report, USS Enterprise Air Group 10, 16–17 February 1944
|url = https://www.fold3.com/image/300382188
|access-date = 27 May 2020
|institution = [[National Archives and Records Administration]]
}}
*{{cite book
|last = Harrison
|first = Harry
|year = 1944
|title = Action Report, USS Intrepid Air Group 6, 16–17 February 1944
|series = Series: World War II War Diaries, Other Operational Records and Histories, ca. 1/1/1942 - ca. 6/1/1946
|url = https://catalog.archives.gov/id/78336701
|access-date = 27 May 2020
|institution = [[National Archives and Records Administration]]
|archive-date = 21 October 2021
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211021154853/https://catalog.archives.gov/id/78336701
|url-status = dead
}}
*{{cite book
|last = Jeter
|first = T.P.
|year = 1944
|title = Action Report, USS Bunker Hill Air Group 17, 16–17 February 1944
|series = Series: World War II War Diaries, Other Operational Records and Histories, ca. 1/1/1942 - ca. 6/1/1946
|url = https://catalog.archives.gov/id/78326252
|access-date = 27 May 2020
|institution = [[National Archives and Records Administration]]
|archive-date = 17 February 2022
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220217112854/https://catalog.archives.gov/id/78326252
|url-status = dead
}}

*{{cite book
|last = Stebbins
|first = Edgar
|year = 1944
|title = Action Report, USS Yorktown Air Group 5, 16–17 February 1944
|series = Series: World War II War Diaries, Other Operational Records and Histories, ca. 1/1/1942 - ca. 6/1/1946
|url = https://catalog.archives.gov/id/78341314
|access-date = 27 May 2020
|institution = [[National Archives and Records Administration]]
|archive-date = 17 February 2022
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220217112853/https://catalog.archives.gov/id/78341314
|url-status = dead
}}

*{{cite book
|last = Sprague
|first = Thomas
|author-link = Thomas L. Sprague
|year = 1944
|title = Action Report, Intrepid Air Operations Against Truk Atoll, 16–17 February 1944
|series = Series: World War II War Diaries, Other Operational Records and Histories, ca. 1/1/1942 - ca. 6/1/1946
|url = https://catalog.archives.gov/id/78341230
|access-date = 27 May 2020
|institution = [[National Archives and Records Administration]]
|archive-date = 17 February 2022
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220217112851/https://catalog.archives.gov/id/78341230
|url-status = dead
}}
*{{cite book
|last = White
|first = Ogden
|year = 1944
|title = Action Report, USS Essex Air Group 9, 16–17 February 1944
|series = Series: World War II War Diaries, Other Operational Records and Histories, ca. 1/1/1942 - ca. 6/1/1946
|url = https://catalog.archives.gov/id/78339108
|access-date = 27 May 2020
|institution = [[National Archives and Records Administration]]
|archive-date = 17 February 2022
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220217112852/https://catalog.archives.gov/id/78339108
|url-status = dead
}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book
|last = Bailey
|first = Dan E.
|year = 1992
|title = World War II: Wrecks of the Kwajalein and Truk Lagoons
|publisher = North Valley Diver Publications
|isbn = 0-911615-05-9
}}
*{{cite book
|last = Brown
|first = David
|year = 1990
|title = Warship Losses of World War Two
|publisher = Naval Institute Press
|isbn = 1-55750-914-X
}}
*{{cite book
|last = Brown
|first = Herbert C.
|year = 2000
|title = Hell at Tassafaronga
|publisher = Ancient Mariners Pr
|isbn = 0-9700721-4-7
|url-access = registration
|url = https://archive.org/details/hellattassafaron00brow
}}-Firsthand account of Operation Hailstone by a crewmember of USS ''New Orleans''.
*{{cite book |last = Cressman
|first = Robert J.
|year = 2000
|title = The Official Chronology of the U.S. Navy in World War II
|publisher = Naval Institute Press
|location = Annapolis, Maryland
|isbn = 1-55750-149-1
|url = https://archive.org/details/TheOfficialChronologyOfTheUSNavyInWorldWarII
|url-access = registration
}}
*{{cite book
|last = Ito
|first = Masanori
|year = 1986|edition=reissue
|title = The End of the Imperial Japanese Navy
|publisher = Jove
|isbn = 0-515-08682-7
}}
*{{cite book
|last = Lacroix
|first = Eric
|author2=Linton Wells
|year = 1997
|title = Japanese Cruisers of the Pacific War
|publisher = Naval Institute Press
|isbn = 0-87021-311-3
}}
*{{cite book
|last = Lindemann
|first = Klaus
|year = 2005
|title = [[Hailstorm Over Truk Lagoon]]: Operations Against Truk by Carrier Task Force 58, 17 and 18 February 1944, and the Shipwrecks of World War II
|publisher = Resource Publications
|location = Oregon
|isbn = 1-59752-347-X
}}
*{{cite book
|last = Peattie
|first = Mark
|author-link = Mark Peattie
|year = 1992
|title = Nan'Yo: The Rise and Fall of the Japanese in Micronesia, 1885–1945 (Pacific Islands Monograph Series)
|publisher = University of Hawaii Press
|isbn = 0-8248-1480-0
}}
*{{cite book
|last = Stafford
|first = Edward P.
|year = 2002|edition=reissue
|title = The Big E: The Story of the USS Enterprise
|publisher = Naval Institute Press
|isbn = 1-55750-998-0
}}
*{{cite book
|last = Stewart
|first = William Herman
|year = 1986
|title = Ghost Fleet of the Truk Lagoon: An Account of "Operation Hailstone", February, 1944
|publisher = Pictorial Histories
|isbn = 0-933126-66-2
}}
*{{cite book
|url = http://www.history.army.mil/brochures/eastman/eastman.htm
|series = The U.S. Army Campaigns in World War II
|title = Eastern Mandates
|publisher = [[United States Army Center of Military History]]
|first = Burton
|last = Wright III
|access-date = 20 August 2010
|archive-date = 22 September 2013
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130922190356/http://www.history.army.mil/brochures/eastman/eastman.htm
|url-status = dead
}}
*{{cite book
|last1=United States Strategic Bombing Survey|title=The Reduction of Truk
|date=1947
|publisher=US Government Printing Office|location=Washington, DC
|url=https://www.scribd.com/document/70239911/USSBS-Report-77-Reduction-of-Truk#|oclc=44738732
}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Young |first1=Edward M. |title=A Hard Rain: Operation Hailstone: The US Navy Raid on Truk Lagoon, February 17–18, 1944 |journal=The Aviation Historian |date=2015 |issue=13 |pages=76–89 |issn=2051-1930}}
*{{cite journal|last1=Zolandez|first1=Thomas|year=2006|title=Question 12/03: Japanese Facilities at Truk Lagoon|journal=Warship International|volume=XLIII|issue=2|pages=152–153 |issn=0043-0374}}

===Video===
* ''Quest for Sunken Warships: "Operation Hailstone"'', 2007, documentary, Military Channel

==External links==
{{Commons category|Operation Hailstone}}
*{{cite book
|last = Crowl
|first = Philip A.
|author2=[[Edmund G. Love]]
|year = 1955
|url = http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/USA-P-Gilberts/index.html
|title = Seizure of the Gilberts and Marshalls
|series = United States Army in World War II – The War in the Pacific
|publisher = [[Office of the Chief of Military History]], Department of the Army
|access-date = 2007-01-23
|id = CMH Pub 5-6
}}
*{{cite web
|last = Jeffery
|first = William
|date= November 2006
|url = http://marshall.csu.edu.au/MJHSS/Issue2006/MJHSS2006_110.pdf
|title = A CRM Approach in Investigating the Submerged World War II Sites in Chuuk Lagoon
|work = Micronesian Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences, Volume 5
|publisher = James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
|access-date = 2007-01-23
}}
*{{cite web
|last = Muir
|first = Dan
|url = http://www.navweaps.com/index_oob/OOB_WWII_Pacific/OOB_WWII_Truk.php
|title = Order of Battle, Raid On Truk 17–18 February 1944
|publisher = NavWeaps
|access-date = 2017-09-29
}}
*{{cite web
|last = Ramage
|first = James
|author-link = James D. Ramage
|url = http://www.cv6.org/1944/truk/default.htm
|title = James Ramage, Executive Officer of USS Enterprise's Bombing Squadron 10 (VB-10), Recalls Strikes On Truk
|access-date = 2017-09-29
}}
*{{cite web
|url = https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1180/index.htm
|title = Truk Lagoon Area Study
|publisher = National Park Service
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121106050107/http://www.nps.gov/pwro/piso/Trukplan/TrukFrm.htm
|archive-date = 2012-11-06
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hailstone, Operation}}
[[Category:Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign]]
[[Category:Pacific Ocean theater of World War II]]
[[Category:South Seas Mandate in World War II]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:February 1944 in Oceania]]
[[Category:Naval battles of World War II involving the United States]]
[[Category:World War II aerial operations and battles of the Pacific theatre]]
[[Category:World War II naval operations and battles of the Pacific theatre]]

EMD F3

2025-04-02T02:15:33Z

216.152.18.132: The blower on an EMD engine is not a supercharger.

{{Short description|Model of 1500 hp North American cab diesel locomotive}}
{{use mdy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox locomotive
| name=EMD F3
| powertype=Diesel-electric
| gauge={{track gauge|ussg}}
| image=BN 9762 in Yakima Aug 71 NthCstHiRP.jpg
| caption=BN #9762, ex-NP #6502, leading the ''[[North Coast Hiawatha]]'' into [[Yakima, Washington]] in August 1971.
| builder=[[Electro-Motive Diesel|General Motors Electro-Motive Division]] (EMD)
| buildmodel=F3
| builddate=July 1945 – February 1949
| totalproduction=1,106 [[A unit]]s, 694 [[B unit]]s
| aarwheels = B-B
| trucks = [[Blomberg B]]
| wheeldiameter = {{convert|40|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| minimumcurve = 23° ({{convert|250.79|ft|m|2|abbr=on|disp=or}} radius)
| wheelbase = {{convert|39|ft|m|2|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|50|ft|8|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|10|ft|8|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|15|ft|m|2|abbr=on}}
| locoweight = {{convert|234000|lb|abbr=on}}
| fuelcap = {{convert|1200|usgal|L impgal|abbr=on}}
| primemover = [[Electro-Motive Diesel|EMD]] [[EMD 567|16-567B]]
| rpmrange = 275-800
| enginetype = [[Two-stroke engine|Two-stroke]] [[V16 engine|V16]] [[Diesel engine|diesel]]
| aspiration = [[Roots blower]]
| displacement = {{convert|9072|cuin|L|abbr=on}}
| generator = EMD D-12
| tractionmotors = (4) EMD D-17-B or D-27-B
| headendpower =
| cylindercount = 16
| cylindersize = {{convert|8+1/2|x|10|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| maxspeed = {{convert|102|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}
| poweroutput = {{convert|1500|hp|MW|abbr=on|lk=in}}
| tractiveeffort = {{convert|55000|lb|abbr=on}}
| locale =
| notes =
}}
The '''EMD F3''' is a {{convert|1500|hp|lk=in|adj=on}} [[AAR wheel arrangement#B-B|B-B]] [[freight]]- and [[passenger]]-hauling [[Carbody unit|carbody]] [[diesel locomotive]] produced between July 1945 and February 1949 by [[General Motors]]’ [[Electro-Motive Diesel|Electro-Motive Division]]. Final assembly was at GM-EMD's [[La Grange, Illinois]] plant. A total of 1,106 cab-equipped lead [[A unit]]s and 694 cabless booster [[B unit]]s were built.

The F3 was the third model in GM-EMD's highly successful [[EMD F-unit|F-unit]] series of [[cab unit]] diesel locomotives, and it was the second most produced of the series. The F3 essentially differed from the [[EMD F2]] in that it used the “new” D12 generator to produce more power and from the later [[EMD F7]] in electrical equipment. Some late-model F3's had the same D27 [[traction motor]]s, along with the heavier-duty electrical cables, used in the F7, and were referred to as model '''F5''' by EMD's Engineering Department.

== Design ==
The F3 used a 16-cylinder [[EMD 567|567B]] series diesel engine developing {{convert|1500|hp|MW|abbr=on}} at 800 rpm. The 567 was purpose-designed for locomotive service, and is a [[roots blower|mechanically-aspirated]], [[two-stroke diesel engine|two-stroke]], 45 degree, V-type with {{convert|567|cuin|L|abbr=on}} displacement per cylinder, for a total of {{convert|9072|cuin|L|abbr=on}}. A [[direct current]] generator powered four traction motors, two on each Blomberg B truck.{{sfnp|Pinkepank|1973|pages=13, 26, 90–101}}{{sfnp|Ross|2003|pp=261, 273}} The F3 could be geared for either freight or passenger service, and had a maximum speed of {{convert|102|mph}} with passenger gearing.{{sfnp|Solomon|2011|p=81}}

The carbodies of the A units varied over the production history of the F3 and are grouped by historians into four phases. Phase I is similar to the F2, distinguished by three portholes on the side and “chicken wire” grilles along the top edge of the carbody. Phase II reduced the number of portholes to two and included wire mesh between the portholes. Phase III eliminated that mesh; Phase IV eliminated the top wire mesh in favor a stainless steel grille.{{sfnp|Cook|2015b|pp=54–55}} EMD occasionally referred to the Phase IV locomotives as the '''F5''' but this never became official.{{sfnp|Wilson|2017|p=68}}

Eighteen F3s and one [[EMD F7|F7]] were rebuilt for commuter rail service in 1978–1979. The most significant changes was the installation of a separate generator for [[head-end power]]. Visually, the side panels with portholes were replaced. The rebuilt locomotives were designated '''FP10'''.{{sfnp|Solomon|2011|pp=138–139}}

== History ==
The F3 was designed as a follow-up to the successful [[EMD FT]] locomotive. The primary changes were threefold: mechanical reorganization of the interior to permit faster construction, an improved prime mover developing {{convert|1500|hp|MW|abbr=on}} instead of {{convert|1350|hp|MW|abbr=on}}, and a new main generator (the D12) to handle the increased power output.{{sfnp|Cook|2015a|p=26}} After problems developed with the first set of demonstration locomotives, EMD introduced a modified design called the [[EMD F2|F2]] using the generator (D4) from the FT. This limited power output to {{convert|1350|hp|MW|abbr=on}}.{{sfnp|Cook|2015a|p=28}} EMD built 104 F2s while it worked to eliminate the problems with the D12 generator.{{sfnp|Cook|2015a|p=25}} Production of the F3 began in November 1946.{{sfnp|Cook|2015a|p=28}}

The F3 was a successful design that encouraged the process of [[dieselization]] in the United States.{{sfnp|Solomon|2011|p=84}} The [[Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad]] conducted extensive trials with EMD's demonstration unit against its own [[2-8-2]] locomotives, following which it ordered 21 F3s. The "Katy" was fully dieselized by 1952.{{sfnp|Sapp|Hofsommer|1978|p=8, 12–13}}

== Original owners ==
EMD built approximately 1,800 F3 locomotives: 1,106 [[A unit]]s and 694 [[B unit]]s. Forty-nine railroads purchased A units; of these, thirty-nine purchased B units. The three most significant buyers were the [[Union Pacific Railroad]], [[Southern Railway (U.S.)|Southern Railway]], and [[Southern Pacific Railroad]], which purchased 179, 178, and 160 locomotives, respectively. Other major buyers included the [[Pennsylvania Railroad]], [[Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad]], and [[Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway]].{{sfnp|Cook|2015a|p=26}}

== Preservation ==
Several F3s are preserved at tourist lines and museums, including:

* [[Alberta Railway Museum]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Locomotives |url=https://albertarailwaymuseum.com/locomotives/ |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=Alberta Railway Museum |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Danbury Railway Museum]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Locomotives |url=https://www.danburyrail.org/locomotives#413 |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=Danbury Railway Museum |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Steamtown National Historic Site]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=DL&W F3 Locomotive #663 |url=http://www.tristaterail.org/dlw663 |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=Tri-State Railway Historical Society |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.anthraciterailroads.org/about-us |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=Anthracite Railroads Historical Society}}</ref>

== Gallery ==

{{Gallery
| title = A unit carbodies of the F3
| align =
| footer =
| style =
| state =
| height =
| width =
| perrow =
| mode =
| whitebg =
| noborder =
| captionstyle =
| File:Toledo Peoria and Western 401, 600, and 100 (RS11, GP18, and F3A) Leonard, IL on July 22, 1962 (21829133963).jpg
| A [[Toledo, Peoria and Western Railway]] F2 (center) with Phase I body (three portholes)
| alt1=Three locomotives pulling a freight train
| File:BAR 42 F3A.jpg
| [[Bangor and Aroostook Railroad]] F2 with Phase II body
| alt2=Brown, red, and gray locomotive
| File:AT&SF Emporia, KS, March 1972 (21752123324).jpg
| [[Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway]] locomotive with Phase III body
| alt3=Blue and yellow locomotive in yard
| File:3 More Red Warbonnets and Their Trains (30967626063).jpg
| [[Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway]] locomotives with Phase IV body
| alt4=Red and silver locomotives with skyline behind
| File:EMD F10.jpg
| [[Metro-North Railroad]] FP10
| alt5=Silver, white and blue locomotive
}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist}}

== References ==
{{sfn whitelist|CITEREFSolomon2011}}
* {{cite magazine | last=Cook | first=Preston |title=F Units, T to 9 | magazine=Classic Trains | date=Spring 2015 | pages=20–35 | issn=1527-0718 | ref={{harvid|Cook|2015a}} }}
* {{cite magazine | last=Cook | first=Preston |title=Inside an F unit | magazine=Classic Trains | date=Spring 2015 | pages=54–55 | issn=1527-0718 | ref={{harvid|Cook|2015b}} }}
* {{Pinkepank diesel spotters guide 2}}
* {{cite book|editor-first=David|editor-last=Ross|title=The Encyclopedia of Trains and Locomotives|year=2003|isbn=978-0-7607-9679-5|publisher=Barnes & Noble |location=New York}}
* {{cite magazine | last1=Sapp | first1=Leon H. | last2=Hofsommer | first2=Don L. | title=The Day Steam Lost | magazine=Rail Classics | volume=7 | issue=2 | pages=8–13 | date=March 1978 | issn=0194-9187}}
* {{Solomon-Electro-Motive}} 
* {{Wilson-Guide}}

== Further reading ==
* {{Dorin-North Western|pages=119–121}}
* {{Lamb-Evolution}}
* {{Marre-diesel-50}}
* {{cite magazine | last=Russell |first=Larry G. | title=The F5 | magazine=Extra 2200 South | date=July–September 1992 | issue=96 | pages=19–22, and 28 | issn=0014-1380}}
* {{Schafer-Vintage Diesel}}
* {{Solomon-American Diesel}}
* {{Solomon-EMD F-Unit}}
* {{Solomon-EMD Locomotives}}
* {{Solomon-Vintage Diesel}}
* {{Solomon-North American Locomotives}}
* {{Wilson-F Units}}

==External links==
{{commons category|EMD F3 locomotives}}
* [https://www.thedieselshop.us/Data%20EMD%20F3.HTML EMC F3 Data Sheet]
* [https://www.american-rails.com/291a2.html EMD's "F3" Series, Following The FT's Success]
* [http://trainweb.org/jfuhrtrain/CF7frames/F3Phases/F2F3F5chart.html Phase Chart: Santa Fe EMD F2, F3 & F5 Diesel Locomotives]

{{Amtrak rolling stock}}
{{EMD cab and cowl}}

[[Category:B-B locomotives]]
[[Category:Electro-Motive Division locomotives|F03]]
[[Category:Diesel–electric locomotives of the United States]]
[[Category:Railway locomotives introduced in 1945]]
[[Category:Locomotives with cabless variants]]
[[Category:Standard-gauge locomotives of the United States]]
[[Category:Passenger locomotives]]
[[Category:Streamlined diesel locomotives]]
[[Category:Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway locomotives]]
[[Category:Chicago, Burlington and Quincy locomotives]]
[[Category:Maine Central Railroad locomotives]]
[[Category:Pennsylvania Railroad locomotives]]
[[Category:Southern Pacific Railroad locomotives]]
[[Category:Union Pacific Railroad locomotives]]