52 Kamikazes Attack Single Destroyer USS Laffey, 1945 - Animated

Destroyer USS Laffey is deployed as a radar picket ship to watch for Japanese aircraft flying from the mainland to attack the US forces fighting on Okinawa. On 16th April 1945, she spots 52 Japanese "Kamikaze" aircraft coming at her from all directions. Her AA battery crewmen desperately try to save their lives against the incoming swarm.

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[Makos]

Is it me or is it kind of hilarious that the Laffey was decommissioned to be basically target practice for nukes, but survived that, and re-entered service? This ship refuses to give up!

[crazywarriorscatfan]

I'm surprised that the Laffey's story hasn't been made into a movie. There are countless WWII stories that need a film. Great job!

[Free_Russian]

USS Laffey previously assisted in D-Day assault and shore bombardment, and took a hit from German shore artillery. After the overhaul, she was assigned to the Pacific, where this story happened. In the end, she got the nickname "The ship that would not die"

[DesGardius-megf]

“When they got close enough, you could actually see the pilot in the cockpit, and he’s not looking one way, or the other; he’s looking right straight ahead, and he’s aiming that plane right at you. You can’t imagine what goes through somebody’s mind that does that.”

—Al Dorris, an AA gunner aboard Laffey

[danishkfd]

Imagine having 30-40 enemy planes circling ur lone destroyer taking a moment to think what you did in life and think of the loved ones. And all of sudden US marine aircraft rush in to save you out of no where. That moment gives you chills.

[Its-Just-Zip]

I went to see USS Laffey in Charleston earlier last year. It's an impressive museum and they pay due homage to the previous ship. And have a dedicated section for the aft gun turret during this battle.

[alxndrmzksm]

The two USS Laffey's are truly remarkable ships with brave crewmen, the first one fought a battleship at point-blank range while the second one refused to sink from kamikaze attacks

[SidewaysEightSix]

The sailor who raised a fresh American Flag mid battle, is one of the most badass things I’ve heard come out of the Pacific side of WWII

[testingphaze]

10:21 this is the most cinematic thing that ever happened in the battle. I can't imagine the joy that the sailors had when they saw the last enemy plane be shot down

[colbyphillips]

Last spring I went to Charleston to see the USS Laffey and the USS Yorktown. I didn't know much about the Laffey until a navy vet told me about it when I was there. It's amazing that a small destroyer survived so much damage. It is surprising that the ship looked like it was never damaged in the first place when I got to go on it.

[brandonbrown]

There were also two other small support ships on station with the Laffey that engaged the planes. LCS(L)-51and LCS(L)-116 - I love the Operations Room briefs, given how in-depth they are, though I feel like the existence of these two ships should be mentioned. LCS(L)-116 had 17 crew killed and 12 wounded during the action as well. The corsair that hit the Laffey's mast and the pilot bailed out was rescued by LCS(L)-51. LCS(L)-51 had also shot down several planes (official credit was 6) and assisted Laffey with firefighting. The commander was awarded with the Navy Cross for the ship's actions.

[dizzypenguin]

As a non American, the very image of sailors on a flaming battleship amid a massive fight raising a replacement flag is one of the most patriotic things I’ve ever heard.

[mrshark]

7:35
"It can only sail in a circle"
Swordfish pilots: "Hey I've seen this one!"

[andrewchilds]

This deserves a movie. It fits perfectly, overwhelming odds, last second twists, close calls, and a victory in the end.

[e.b.]

I'm from Charleston, SC and have walked the deck of the USS Laffey multiple times. It's docked at Patriots Point with the USS Yorktown where they turned it into a floating museum and is well worth the trip for any WWII buff.

[yelsew]

My grandfather was Jim Spriggs, who was on the USS Laffey during this engagement! Weird to see an ops room video about something I heard about as a child.
Quick Edit: Great to hear a familiar name!

[Fuhrious]

Ops Room. You are one of the best original content on this platform. The work and effort put into every upload is obvious. I feel lucky to get it for free. Thank you.

[angrydingus]

What you do, as far as I'm aware, is unmatched. Between your intensive research, and your extensive hours put into these animations. Its amazing, and you're bringing history into the modern era and saving it for life on the internet. You're doing wonderful things. Thank you for your services.

[azurblueknights]

United States destroyers during WW2 seemed to have a habit of standing tall against overwhelming odds that few other ships would have managed. The Benson Laffey knife fighting two battleships, two destroyers, and then still severely wounding the Imperial Japanese Admiral, the Sumner Laffey repelling an extremely focused Kamikaze attack, USS Radford serving in three wars and rescuing survivors from USS Helena while constantly under attack from IJN, USS Johnston who was the first destroyer of the hopelessly outnumbered Taffy 3 to lay a smoke for her allies, then proceeded to charge the IJN Center Force while firing over 200 shells and all 10 of her torpedoes... the list goes on.

[USNveteran]

The USS Laffey is at Patriots Point in Charleston SC for anyone wanting to visit. My father in law joined the Navy 12/8/41 at 16. Served in the Destroyer Escort fleet making 37 trips through the Panama Canal & seeing Naval combat in both the Atlantic & Pacific theaters. He survived quite a few kamikaze attacks, and finally started telling me his stories around 1995. They made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. We miss you Brownie! FLY NAVY!!!