World War II Database

Originally laid down as the light cruiser Newark, it was decided that the hull was to be completed as carrier Reprisal. On 30 Jan 1943, she was renamed San Jacinto. Her first commander was Captain Harold M. Martin. She had her shakedown cruise in the Caribbean Sea and then sailed for Pearl Harbor for combat duty. As a member as Task Force 58/38, she participated in raids against Japanese bases at Wake Island and Marcus Island, among others. In Jun 1944, she participated in the Marianas campaign; her gunner shot down a number of Japanese aircraft during the Battle of the Philippine Sea while her aircraft struck at Japanese surface ships. In the same campaign, her aircraft also raided Japanese positions at Guam. In Jul and Aug 1944, her aircraft struck the Palau Islands, Chichi Jima, Haha Jima, and Iwo Jima. In Oct 1944, San Jacinto sent bombers and reconnaissance aircraft over Okinawa, attacking Japanese positions as well as furnishing intelligence photographs that would become valuable for the upcoming invasion. In the same month, she also launched strike against Taiwan and Luzon, supporting the American invasion of the Philippines. At the Philippines, her aircraft played a part in the tactical victory at the Battle of Sibuyan Sea and the Battle off Cape Engaño. She was damaged during a typhoon in Dec 1944 and was sent to Ulithi for repairs. In Jan 1945, she launched strikes against airfields surrounding the South China Sea. On 16 and 17 Feb 1945, San Jacinto's aircraft joined in the first carrier strikes against the home islands of Japan, dogfighting over airfields near Tokyo. A few days later, she sailed off Iwo Jima where her aircraft provided support for the landing Marines. On 5 Apr 1945, she was the target of a number of special attack aircraft while operating off Okinawa. On 7 Apr 1945, her aircraft torpedoed destroyer Hamakaze which escorted battleship Yamato during Ten-Go. She continued to operate off Japan, launching frequent air strikes until the end of the war. After the war, her aircraft dropped food and other supplies over Allied POW camps until they could be liberated.

San Jacinto was decommissioned on 1 Mar 1947. Her hull was sold for scrapping on 15 Dec 1971 to National Metal and Steel Corporation, Terminal Island, Los Angeles, California.

USS San Jacinto Operational Timeline

Photographs

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Visitor Submitted Comments

1. Anonymous says:
   16 Aug 2009 10:46:58 PM
   
   Looking for the colors to or a color scan of the emblem for VF-45 cartoon pistol with pair of muscular arms wearing boxing gloves and has teeth in trigger guard area,contact me at, WeBeEmblems@aol.com
   Thank you !
2. Brian Harkins says:
   28 Sep 2010 07:04:11 AM
   
   My father, Gerard Harkins, served on the San Jacinto during WWII. He passed away 9-11-72, and I would like to know what medals he earned during that time so I may include them in his memorial. Thank you.
3. bruce prater says:
   7 Dec 2010 06:11:28 PM
   
   my father served on the uss san jacinto during wwII, heard many stories about the ship, the war,and the brave men he served with he was proud to have served his country,my father passed away in 1993, his name was leonard bruce prater.
4. Patricia L. Gossett Sullivan says:
   3 Jan 2012 07:10:16 PM
   
   My husband, LT Commamder Philip C. Gossett, served on USS San Jacinto. If anyone remembers working with this brave man, please post your name and email address, so I can communicate with you. Thank you, Patti
5. Gerald Fine says:
   29 Feb 2012 12:47:17 AM
   
   My Grandfather, Arnold Wilt, served on the San Jacinto during World War 2 as well. I'm now stationed in Guam in the Navy, its amazing how much naval heritage still exists here
6. Louise VanAcker says:
   29 Jun 2012 06:42:45 PM
   
   My dad service on the San Jacinto also. He passed away in 2009. If anyone remembers him I would love to hear stories. I became a history major because of listening to him talk about the war.
7. michael y says:
   27 Aug 2012 03:28:26 PM
   
   my father passed away in 1993 he told me bought stories very littlei would love to talk to people and listen to them i heard nothing but braveness of the men whom served on this ship i ever hear president bush flew off this ship michael j mjy325 aol
8. Mike Luttropp says:
   11 Apr 2013 07:30:01 AM
   
   Mr Paul Swenson of Janesville WI entered the Navy during his sophomore year in High School and served as a gunner. He graduated High School in 2001. He passed away April 5, 2013 at the age of 86.

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