World War II: Night Action Off Cape Esperance

October 11/12, 1942 - US and Japanese naval forces fight the Battle of Cape Esperance. In early October 1942, Japanese naval forces sought to deliver reinforcements to the embattled island of Guadalcanal. Forced ferry troops at night using destroyers due to Allied air power, the Japanese planned a significant convoy for the evening of October 11/12. This was to be supported by three heavy cruisers and two destroyers led by Rear Admiral Aritomo Goto and tasked with striking Allied forces at Henderson Field. Moving down "The Slot," Goto's force was surprised by four American cruisers and five destroyers shortly before midnight. Commanded by Rear Admiral Norman Hall, aboard USS San Francisco (right), the American ships pounded the Japanese sinking a cruiser and badly damaging another. In addition, a Japanese destroyer was sunk. Breaking off the battle, the Japanese lost two more destroyers to air attacks on the 12th. While a tactical victory for the Allies, the Japanese reinforcements were landed without interference.

Photograph Courtesy of the US Naval Historical Center