World War II Database

The cruiser Vincennes was named after the city of Vincennes, Indiana, United States. Her shakedown cruise took place to Sweden, Finland, France, and England. Upon return to the United States, she was assigned to Cruiser Division 7, Scouting Force, and operated out of San Diego, California. She was modernized in Apr 1939.

As the European War began in Sep 1939, Vincennes patrolled the east coast to protect American ships from any possible hostilities. After overhaul at Portsmouth Navy Yard in Norfolk, she sailed to the the Caribbean Sea in early 1941 to conduct gunnery and landing exercises. On 17 Mar 1941, she sailed for South Africa to bring back a shipment of gold bullion given by the United Kingdom as lend-lease payment. She continued to patrol and make journeys across the Atlantic through the entrance of the United States in WW2.

In Mar 1942, Vincennes became a part of Task Force 18 of the Pacific Fleet, which was centered around the carrier Hornet. On 2 Apr 1942, she escort the Doolittle raiders on their journey to bomb Japanese cities.

During the Battle of Midway, Vincennes was attacked by Japanese B5N "Kate" torpedo bombers but successfully fended herself. She also protected her classmate Astoria by providing additional anti-aircraft support. Battle damage sustained during Midway put Vincennes in the yard at Pearl Harbor for repairs until early Jul 1942. She departed Pearl Harbor on 14 Jul for the South Pacific.

On 7 Aug 1942, during the Guadalcanal Campaign, Vincennes covered the transports landing Marines on Guadalcanal. At 1320, Japanese aircraft retaliated unsuccessfully, and Vincennes scored two kills against the oncoming aircraft. At 1158 the next day, the Japanese attacked again, this time with 27 G4M "Betty" bombers; this second attack also failed, and Vincennes scored seven kills against Japanese torpedo bombers. That afternoon, reported indicated a Japanese surface force coming down from Rabaul. The Japanese force, led by Vice Admiral Gunichi Mikawa, struck at 0137 in the early hours of 9 Aug. Although the southern group had already engaged in combat, the northern group in which Vincennes belonged to received no warning. Therefore, when Japanese spotlights illuminated Vincennes at 0155, it was a total surprise. She managed to fire off several rounds at the sources of the spotlights with her main battery, but she was quickly overwhelmed by shells; her bridge, carpenter shop, and radio antenna were all hit during the Japanese first salvo. Another hit ignited the aircraft in Vincennes' hangar, causing a stubborn fire with aviation fuel. At 0200, one or two torpedoes, fired long before, struck Vincennes and disabled her within minutes. At 0210, the Japanese force withdrew from combat, but by this time she already suffered from an alarming list to port. Captain Frederick Lois Riefkohl ordered the men to abandon ship at 0230. She rolled over and sank at 0250. The Battle of Savo Island caused 332 deaths aboard Vincennes, wounding 258.

USS Vincennes Operational Timeline

Photographs

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Visitor Submitted Comments

1. Stephanie Kincaid says:
   21 Jul 2011 09:55:22 PM
   
   I am looking for information about my uncle, Sherman Gore, who served - and died - aboard the Vincennes in August 1942.
   
   Is there a directory of veterans who served on the Vincennes with him?
   
   Thank you,
   Stephanie
2. Jennifer Gordon says:
   4 Sep 2011 10:53:35 PM
   
   Stephanie:
   
   I was surpried to see your entry on this website because, like you, I am also looking for information regarding MY uncle, Sherman Gore! He was the brother of my grandfater, Everett Gore of Uneeda, WV. He was my mother's (her name is Evelyn Mae Gore Jobe)uncle and she did not get a chance to meet him b/c she was born in July 1942.
   
   I do have alot of information about Sherman that I could send you via email with this information.
   
   An on another interesting note, we also have an uncle who was a POW in WW2 and wa at a prison camp in Germany until the end of the war. His name was Hubert Gore and he was Sherman and Everett's brother. He passed away June 22, 2011.
   
   My email address is jennydgordon@comcast.net. Pleae feel free to contact me.
   
   It really is a small world after all....
3. Anonymous says:
   21 Sep 2011 07:36:38 AM
   
   I am looking for information regarding Roger Elliot who I believe was Exc. of the Vincennnes when she sunk. He was a friend of my sister during WWII. His death was a crushing blow to his friends here in the Panama Canal Zone.
   
   Thanks much
4. Patrick says:
   12 Jul 2012 12:53:19 PM
   
   looking for info on Edward Dundon who also served and died on the Vincennes at Salvo Island battle
5. Doug Bain says:
   18 Aug 2012 04:35:42 AM
   
   I am seeking info about my grandfather Mr. Bennie Bain 1c Water Tender who I believe was on the Vincennes when it was sunk in Aug 1942. I still am not sure if he was on this ship, the records I have found lead to this ship but not a definite. Anyone who may be of assistance please e-mail me at kingstable2003@yahoo.com, thank you and God Bless.
6. Mallory says:
   10 Nov 2012 07:56:45 PM
   
   My Grandfather, Ted R. Bayes, a survivor of the
   Vincennes passed away this last weekend. If anyone has any information about his time on the ship I would like the information. He never spoke about it.
7. Betty says:
   2 Apr 2013 02:41:32 PM
   
   My Uncle, Theodore W. Kennedy served aboard the Vincennes during WWII. He survived the sinking of the Vincennes and the Astoria. I am looking for any information about this period. Ted W. Kennedy served as TC1c and later as CTC. Any information is appreciated
8. Anonymous says:
   12 Apr 2013 05:55:25 PM
   
   My father,casmer dipzinski was surviver of the U.S.S Vincennes.. did anyone happen to know him? He also went by the name Carl..
9. Braxton McLain says:
   26 May 2013 05:59:56 PM
   
   I am looking for information and/or photos of Seaman 2nd Class J.Lynn McLain, who was killed in the attack. He was Eufaula Ala. THANKS
10. Anonymous says:
    26 May 2013 07:49:02 PM
    
    Looking for information regarding my father who served in the US Navy on th Vincennes. His name was Lincoln Elliott and he died in 2004.

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