WORLD WAR 2 IN REVIEW: USS Franklin (CV-13): American Aircraft Carrier

The USS Franklin (CV/CVA/CVS-13, AVT-8), nicknamed "Big Ben," was one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers built during World War II for the United States Navy, and the fifth US Navy ship to bear the name. Commissioned in January 1944, she served in several campaigns in the Pacific War, earning four battle stars. She was badly damaged by a Japanese air attack in March 1945, with the loss of over 800 of her crew, becoming the most heavily damaged United States carrier to survive the war. Movie footage of the actual attack was included in the 1949 film Task Force starring Gary Cooper.

After the attack, she returned to the U.S. mainland for repairs, missing the rest of the war; she was decommissioned in 1947. While in reserve, she was reclassified as an attack carrier (CVA), then an antisubmarine carrier (CVS), and finally an aircraft transport (AVT), but was never modernized and never saw active service again. Franklin and Bunker Hill (damaged by a kamikaze) were the only Essex-class carriers not to see active service as aircraft carriers after World War II. The Franklin was sold for scrap in 1966.

The keel of Franklin was laid down on 7 December 1942, the first anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and she was launched by the Newport News Shipbuilding Company, in Virginia, on 14 October 1943, sponsored by Lieutenant Commander Mildred H. McAfee, an American naval officer who was the Director of the WAVES. This warship was named in honor of the founding father Benjamin Franklin and for the previous warships that had been named for him; it was not named for the Battle of Franklin, Tennessee, that was fought during the American Civil War, as is sometimes erroneously reported, although a footnote in The Franklin Comes Home does attribute the naming to the Battle of Franklin. (Franklin, Tennessee was also named after Benjamin Franklin.) Franklin was commissioned on 31 January 1944, with Captain James M. Shoemaker in command. Among the plank owners was a ship's band made up of several enlisted men who were professional musicians at the time, including Saxie Dowell and Deane Kincaide, assigned to Franklin by a lottery.

Franklin steamed south to Trinidad for a shakedown and soon thereafter, she departed in Task Group 27.7 (TG 27.7) for San Diego, to engage in intensive training exercises preliminary to combat duty. In June, she steamed via Pearl Harbor for Eniwetok Island where she joined TG 58.2.

On 6 July, Franklin began strikes on Guam and Rota Island to soften them up for the invasion forces that were going to land on Guam, and those strikes continued until 21 July, when she lent direct support to enable safe landing of the first assault waves. Two days of replenishment at Saipan permitted her to steam in Task Force 58 (TF 58) for photographic reconnaissance and air strikes against the islands of the Palau Islands group. On 25 and 26 July, her planes struck enemy planes, ships, and ground installations. The Franklin departed on 28 July and headed for Saipan, and the following day she was shifted to TG 58.1.

period of upkeep and recreation from 9–28 August ensued at Eniwetok before she departed with Enterprise, Belleau Wood and San Jacinto for neutralization and diversionary attacks against the Bonins. From 31 August to 2 September, strikes from Franklin inflicted ground damage, sank two cargo ships, destroyed enemy planes in flight, and undertook photographic surveys.

On 4 September, Franklin took on supplies at Saipan, and then she steamed in TG 38.1 for an attack against Yap Island (3–6 September) which included direct air coverage of the Peleliu invasion on the 15th. The Task Group took on supplies at Manus Island from 21 to 25 September.

Franklin, now the flagship of TG 38.4, returned to the Palau area where she launched daily patrols and night fighters. On 9 October, she rendezvoused with carrier groups cooperating in air strikes in support of the coming occupation of Leyte Island. At twilight on the 13th, the task group came under attack by four bombers, and Franklin twice was narrowly missed by torpedoes. An enemy plane, a harbinger of the coming kamikaze campaign, crashed on Franklin's deck abaft the aircraft carrier's island, sliding across the deck and into the water on her starboard beam.

Early on September 14, a fighter sweep was made against Aparri, Luzon, following which she steamed to the east of Luzon to neutralize installations to the east prior to invasion landings on Leyte. On the 15th, Franklin was attacked by three enemy planes, one of which scored with a bomb that hit the after outboard corner of the deck edge elevator, killing three men and wounding 22. The carrier's aircraft hit Manila Bay on 19 October when her planes sank and damaged ships and boats, destroyed a floating drydock, and claimed 11 Japanese aircraft.

During the initial landings on Leyte (20 October) Franklin's aircraft attacked surrounding airstrips and launched search patrols in anticipation of the approach of a reported enemy attack force. On the morning of 24 October, in the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea, her planes formed part of the waves that attacked the Japanese First Raiding Force (under Vice Admiral Takeo Kurita), in so doing helping to sink Musashi south of Luzon, damage Fusō and Yamashiro, and sink Wakaba. As further enemy threats seemed to materialize in another quarter, Franklin – with TGs 38.4, 38.3, and 38.2 – sped to intercept the advancing Japanese carrier force and attack at dawn. The distant carrier force was actually a sacrificial feint, as by that time the Japanese were almost out of serviceable airplanes and, even more importantly, very short on trained pilots, but the admiral in charge, William Halsey, took the bait and steamed furiously off after them without communicating his intentions clearly, leading to the infamous "the world wonders" communications debacle. Franklin's strike groups combined with those from the other carriers on 25 October in the Battle off Cape Engaño to damage Chiyoda (she would be sunk by American cruiser gunfire subsequently) and sink Zuihō.

Retiring in her task group to refuel, she returned to the Leyte action on 27 October, her planes concentrating on a heavy cruiser and two destroyers south of Mindoro. She was under way about 100 miles (160 km) off Samar on 30 October, when enemy bombers appeared bent on a suicide mission. Three doggedly pursued Franklin, the first plummeting off her starboard side, the second hitting the flight deck and crashing through to the gallery deck, killing 56 men and wounding 60; the third discharging another near miss by Franklin, before diving into the flight deck of Belleau Wood.

Both carriers retired to Ulithi Atoll for temporary repairs, and then Franklin proceeded to the Puget Sound Navy Yard, arriving on 28 November 1944 for repairs of her battle damage. In the meantime, on 7 November, Captain Shoemaker was relieved by Captain Leslie E. Gehres as the carrier's commanding officer. Captain Gehres was a strict disciplinarian whose autocracy was disliked by many of Franklin's crew.

Franklin departed from Bremerton on 2 February 1945, and after training exercises and pilot qualification operations, she joined the TG 58.2 for strikes on the Japanese homeland in support of the Okinawa landings. On 15 March, she rendezvoused with TF 58 units, and 3 days later launched sweeps and strikes against Kagoshima and Izumi on southern Kyūshū.

Before dawn on 19 March 1945, Franklin, which had maneuvered to within 50 miles (80 km) of the Japanese mainland, closer than any other U.S. carrier during the war, launched a fighter sweep against Honshū and later a strike against shipping in Kobe Harbor. The Franklin crew aboard had been called to battle stations twelve times within six hours that night and Gehres downgraded the alert status to Condition III, allowing his men freedom to eat or sleep, although gunnery crews remained at their stations.

Suddenly, a single aircraft – possibly a Yokosuka D4Y "Judy" dive bomber, though other accounts suggest an Aichi D3A "Val," also a dive bomber – pierced the cloud cover and made a low level run on the ship to drop two semi-armor-piercing bombs. The damage analysis came to the conclusion that the bombs were 550 pounds (250 kg). Accounts differ as to whether the attacking aircraft escaped or was shot down.

One bomb struck the flight deck centerline, penetrating to the hangar deck, effecting destruction and igniting fires through the second and third decks, and knocking out the Combat Information Center and air plot. The second hit aft, tearing through two decks. At the time she was struck, Franklin had 31 armed and fueled aircraft warming up on her flight deck. The hangar deck contained 22 additional planes, of which 16 were fueled and five were armed. The forward gasoline system had been secured, but the aft system was operating. The explosion on the hangar deck ignited the fuel tanks on the aircraft, and gasoline vapor explosion devastated the deck. Only two crewmen survived the fire on the hangar deck. The explosion also jumbled aircraft together on the flight deck above, causing further fires and explosions, including the detonation of 12 "Tiny Tim" air-to-surface rockets. Franklin lay dead in the water, lost all radio communications, and broiled under the heat from enveloping fires. On the bridge, Captain Gehres ordered Franklin's magazines flooded but this could not be carried out as the ship's water mains were destroyed by the explosions or fire. Admiral Ralph Davison transferred his flag to the destroyer USS Miller by breeches buoy and suggested abandoning ship, but Gehres refused to scuttle the Franklin as there were still many men alive below deck.

Many of the crew were blown overboard, driven off by fire, killed or wounded, but the hundreds of officers and enlisted who voluntarily remained saved their ship. Among the dead was one of the ship's surgeons, LCDR George W. Fox, M.D., who was killed while tending to wounded sailors; he was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously. When totaling casualty figures for both Franklin cruises numbers increase to 924 killed in action, the worst for any surviving U.S. warship and second only to that of battleship USS Arizona. Certainly, the casualty figures would have far exceeded this number, but for the work of many survivors. Among these were the Medal of Honor recipients Lieutenant Commander Joseph T. O'Callahan, the warship's Catholic chaplain, who administered the last rites, organized and directed firefighting and rescue parties, and led men below to wet down magazines that threatened to explode; and also Lieutenant Junior Grade Donald A. Gary, who discovered 300 men trapped in a blackened mess compartment and, finding an exit, returned repeatedly to lead groups to safety. Gary later organized and led fire-fighting parties to battle fires on the hangar deck and entered the No. 3 fireroom to raise steam in one boiler. The Santa Fe rescued crewmen from the sea and approached Franklin to take off the numerous wounded and nonessential personnel. Official Navy casualty figures for the 19 March 1945 fire totaled 724 killed and 265 wounded. Nevertheless, casualty numbers have been updated as new records are discovered. A recent count by Franklin historian and researcher Joseph A. Springer brings total 19 March 1945 casualty figures to 807 killed and more than 487 wounded. Franklin had suffered the most severe damage and highest casualties experienced by any U.S. fleet carrier that survived World War II.

Franklin, like many other wartime ships, had been modified with additional armament, requiring larger crews and substantial ammunition stocks. Aircraft were both more numerous and heavier than originally planned for, and thus the flight deck had been strengthened. The aircraft carrier, therefore, displaced more than originally planned, her freeboard was reduced, and her stability characteristics had been altered. The enormous quantities of water poured aboard her to fight the fires further reduced freeboard, which was exacerbated by a 13° list on her starboard side, and her stability was seriously impaired such that her survival was in jeopardy. After six hours, with the fire finally under control such that the ship could be saved, Admiral Davison deployed five destroyers to search for any of Franklin's men who had been blown overboard or jumped into the sea.

Franklin was taken in tow by the heavy cruiser Pittsburgh until she was able to raise enough steam to reach a speed of 14 kts (26 km/h), and then she proceeded to Ulithi Atoll under her own power for emergency repairs. Next she headed to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for temporary repairs. As per Pearl Harbor procedures, a civilian harbor pilot came aboard to help navigate the carrier to the dock; Captain Gehres, however, refused, and said he would "take her in" himself. He maneuvered the Franklin into the dock area too fast, crashing her into the dock; embarrassed, Gehres blamed the mooring details for the incident.

After temporary repairs were completed, the ship continued its journey through the Panama Canal to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York, where she arrived on 28 April 1945. She had to steam to the East Coast of the United States for repairs in New York because all of the repair shipyards on the West Coast were heavily overloaded with American warships that had been damaged by Japanese kamikazes.

Upon Franklin's arrival in New York, a long-brewing controversy over the ship's crew's conduct during her struggles finally came to a head. Captain Gehres had accused many of those who had left the ship on 19 March 1945 of desertion, despite the fact that those who had jumped into the water to escape had done so to prevent a likely death by fire, or had been led to believe that "abandon ship" had been ordered. While en route from Ulithi Atoll to Hawaii, Gehres had proclaimed 704 members of the crew to be members of the "Big Ben 704 Club" for having stayed with the heavily damaged warship, but investigators in New York discovered that only about 400 were actually onboard Franklin continuously. The others had been brought back on board either before or during the stop at Ulithi. All of the charges against the men of her crew were quietly dropped. Captain Gehres retired as a Rear Admiral, never taking an overseas assignment or command of another US Navy ship again.

Despite severe damage, Franklin was eventually restored to good condition. The story of this aircraft carrier's near-destruction and salvage was chronicled in a wartime documentary, the Saga of the Franklin, and the 2011 documentary, USS Franklin: Honor Restored.

After the war, Franklin was opened to the public for Navy Day celebrations. On 17 February 1947, she was decommissioned at Bayonne, New Jersey.

While Franklin lay mothballed at Bayonne, she was redesignated as an attack aircraft carrier CVA-13 on 1 October 1952, an antisubmarine warfare support carrier CVS-13 on 8 August 1953 and, ultimately, as an aircraft transport AVT-8 on 15 May 1959. However, she never went to sea again, and was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 October 1964. She and Bunker Hill – which also had sustained severe damage from aerial attack – were the only carriers in their class that never saw any active-duty postwar service, though their wartime damage had been successfully repaired. In fact it was their like-new condition which kept them out of commission, as the Navy for many years envisioned an "ultimate reconfiguration" for them which never took place.

The Navy initially sold Franklin to the Peck Iron and Metal Company of Portsmouth, Virginia, but reclaimed her due to an urgent Bureau of Ships requirement for her four turbo generators. She was again sold for scrap to the Portsmouth Salvage Company of Chesapeake, Virginia on 27 July 1966. She departed naval custody under tow (by the Red Star Towing Company) on the evening of 1 August 1966.

Awards

American Campaign Medal

Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (4 battle stars)

World War II Victory Medal

Philippine Presidential Unit Citation

Philippine Liberation Medal

USS Franklin (CV-13) Anchored in New York Harbor, upon her arrival from the Pacific for repair of battle damage, circa 28 April 1945.

USS Franklin (CV-13), World War II. Overhead plan and starboard profile meticulously drawn by John Robert Barrett.

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) operating near the Marianas, 1 August 1944. Between May 1944 and November 1944, Franklin was the only carrier wearing two different camouflage schemes, Measure 32 Design 3A on the port side, and Design 6A on the starboard side. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-367248)

The deck pieces for the second deck (just below the hangar deck) are starting to be placed in this May 1943 shot of CV-13 in Shipway number 11 at Newport News Shipbuilding. To the left is her sister ship CV-15 Randolph.

May 1943 shot of CV-13 in Shipway number 11 at Newport News Shipbuilding.

Construction workers at Newport News Shipbuilding pull sections of Franklin's second deck into careful alignment before welding in May 1943.

USS Franklin (CV-13) is floated out of her building dock immediately after christening, at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company shipyard, Newport News, Virginia, on 14 October 1943. Note WAVES officers in the foreground. The WAVES' Director, Lieutenant Commander Mildred H. McAfee, USNR, was Franklin's sponsor. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-K-14015)

Franklin (CV-13). Stern, looking forward. Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co. 6 January 1944.

USS Franklin (CV-13), Norfolk Navy Yard, 4 May 1944.

USS Franklin (CV-13), port quarter, Norfolk Navy Yard, 4 May 1944.

Battle of Leyte Gulf, October 1944 — Pilots of Torpedo Squadron 13 (VT-13) in their ready room aboard USS Franklin (CV-13), 24 October 1944, just before the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea. They are watching as the position of the Japanese fleet is posted. VT-13's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Larry French, is second from the left, with a navigation board beside his chair. Note life vests, with die marker pouches, worn by several of these men. Other life vests, and .38 caliber revolvers, are hanging on the bulkhead.

Battle of Leyte Gulf, October 1944. Japanese carrier Zuiho sinking during the Battle of Cape Engano, 24 October 1944. Photographed by a plane from USS Franklin (CV-13). (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-272552)

A Japanese kamikaze hits the flight deck of USS Franklin (CV-13), 30 October 1944.

USS Franklin (CV-13), at right, and USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) afire after being hit by Japanese "Kamikaze" suicide planes, while operating off the Philippines on 30 October 1944. Photographed from USS Brush (DD-745. Note "flak" bursts over the ships. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-326798)

A Japanese dive bomber (encircled) plunges downward USS Franklin (CV-13). As Big Ben had already been hit this is, perhaps, the kamikaze that hit USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) moments later.

USS Franklin (CV-13) afire after kamikaze hit, 30 October 1944.

USS Franklin (CV-13) underway in Task Group (TG) 38.4 after being hit by a Zero kamikaze on the afternoon of 30 October 1944. Seen from USS South Dakota (BB-57) while operating east of the Philippines.

Flight deck looking starboard and aft, showing damage at frames 125-128.

View taken from hangar looking to starboard and up. Note damage to bomb elevator trunk and sprinkler equipment.

Damage in action of 30 October 1944. View showing work progress on 3 November 1944 at 1230 – flight deck at Frame 125. (Ship's Photo No. 1003, taken 3 November 1944.)

View taken from flight deck looking to port and down into hangar.

View taken from hangar looking to starboard. Note damage to air intake ducts; bomb elevator trunk; ladder.

Damaged light lock, frames 104-107.

View showing damage by vapor explosion to sheathing and bomb elevator machinery controller box in B-431-E. Note high-water mark.

View showing damaged bomb elevator, B-0435-T, and damaged watertight door 3-128-1 as seen from B-318-L, crew's galley, looking forward.

View showing dished-in after bulkhead of uptake enclosure B-315-E at frame 114-1/2.

View of raised flight deck looking to port and aft at fr. 124. Canvas cover has been placed over hole.

USS Franklin (CV-13) in January 1945, after repairs. Note she had been repainted in Measure 21 camouflage; two lattice radio masts abaft the island had been removed; three quad 40s had been added starboard amidships, just under the island.

A fighter launching from USS Franklin (CV-13), circa March 1945. This is a frame from a film showing aerial footage of clouds, a man looking out the window of an aircraft, brief footage of the damage to Franklin's flight deck, and aerial views of ships.

Franklin's flight deck firefighters battle stubborn flames resulting from the explosion of an F4U's belly tank. The tank came loose as the plane landed, and flew down the deck spreading flaming gasoline. It is the center of attention of the group of men in center. Photographed by LT Victor Jorgensen, February 1945. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-423418)

A Curtiss SB2C-3 Helldiver bomber takes a "wave-off" while attempting to land on the USS Franklin (CV-13) in March 1945. Landing signal officer's platform is in the foreground. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-397939 A)

A tremendous geyser of flame and smoke gushes skyward as one of the many explosions suffered by the ship detonates with shattering violence.

Franklin enveloped in smoke.

A tremendous explosion. Note extent of high order detonation white smoke. Rockets and other pyrotechnics are distinctly visible at stern.

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) burning after being hit by two bombs off Japan on 19 March 1945.

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) burning in the distance after being hit by two bombs off Japan on 19 March 1945. A part of the flight deck of USS Hancock (CV-19) is visible in the upper left of the photo.

Franklin hard hit, 19 March 1945, off Kyushu. She had been returned to service in January, following a kamikaze attack on 30 October.

Close-up of fire from starboard side. Intense fire seen aft of 40mm quad No. 15 is from gasoline draining from hangar via roller door opening, frame 170.

Close up of the Franklin. BuShips described this fire as "the most severe survived by any U.S. warship during the course of World War II."

USS Franklin, photographed from light cruiser USS Santa Fe (CL-60).

USS Franklin (CV-13) burning off the Japanese coast after she was hit by air attack, 19 March 1945. Photographed from USS Santa Fe (CL-60).

USS Franklin (CV-13) burning off the Japanese coast after she was hit by air attack, 19 March 1945. Photographed from USS Santa Fe (CL-60), which was alongside to help with firefighting and rescue work.

Picture taken at the instant of a high order detonation on port side. Note debris in air and firefighters running to escape. Note topmast broken at radar platform level. From USS Franklin CV-13 War Damage Report No. 56.

Franklin's after 5"/38 twin gun mount burning, as her crew tried to control fires on 19 March 1945. The carrier had been hit by a Japanese air attack while operating off the coast of Japan. Photographed from USS Santa Fe (CL-60), which extinguished the fire in this gun mount by playing streams of water through the mount's open door. Later, the other 5"/38 twin gun mount and the 40mm quad machine gun mount (at right) also burned. Note ammunition loaded in the feed racks of the 40mm guns. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-273903)

Flames and smoke roll out of USS Franklin (CV-13) — with a river of burning gasoline spreading destruction as it streams out the side of the ship.

Afire and listing after she was hit by a Japanese air attack while operating off the coast of Japan, 19 March 1945. Photographed from USS Santa Fe (CL-60), which was alongside assisting with firefighting and rescue work.

The U.S. aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) pictured burning in the waters off Japan after being hit during an air attack on 19 March 1945. The light cruiser USS Santa Fe (CL-60) is alongside. The photo was taken by planes from the USS Essex (CV-9) returning from a strike on Kobe, Japan. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-373734)

USS Franklin (CV-13) burning, March 19. 1945. (Naval History and Heritage Command UA 571.41)

USS Santa Fe (CL-60) maneuvers into position alongside USS Franklin (CV-13) disregarding all hazards in order to render aid needed. USS Franklin CV-13 War Damage Report No. 56.

Navy Chaplain (Lt. Commdr.) Joseph T. O’Callahan, Medal of Honor recipient.

View of island looking forward and to starboard.

View looking forward at after expansion joint. Note damage to after elevator platform.

Large hole port side, frames 118-130, caused by bomb which dropped down to about gallery deck level.

A glimpse of the damage on the hangar deck of the Franklin reveals the intensity of the flames that wreaked havoc below decks. Note the airplane wing that has virtually disintegrated due to the extreme heat.

View of hole in edge of flight and gallery decks on port quarter, frames 201-207.

Holes cut in flight deck forward to extinguish fires in gallery deck spaces.

Preparations are made for transfer of personnel, wounded and otherwise from the flight deck to USS Santa Fe (CL-60).

One of the casualties is transferred from USS Franklin (CV-13) to the cruiser USS Santa Fe (CL-60) after being given first aid treatment.

Dead in the water with a 14 degree list to starboard, with USS Santa Fe (CL-60) alongside.

Exhausted by the shock of the explosions, and their efforts to quell the flames, survivors of USS Franklin (CV-13) rest on the deck of the cruiser USS Santa Fe (CL-60).

Twisted and blackened, the debris aboard USS Franklin (CV-13) testifies to the force of the blasts and the heat of the flame that racked the carrier.

After end of flight deck.

General view of hangar looking aft from about frame 112.

After elevator.

Forward elevator.

Looking to port and up from hangar to the platform for Nos. 6 and 8 5-inch guns on port quarter. Large hole blown in gallery deck space by bomb.

Demolished walkway grating.

Hangar looking to starboard, frame 79.

Hangar view showing moving picture booth and bomb elevator trunk.

View of demolished ladder in hangar.

Hole in hangar deck, frame 100, caused by Tiny Tim rocket. Note fragmentation pits on STS uptake bulkhead.

Bomb case. Low order detonation.

Tiny Tim rocket casing lodged in after bulkhead (1¼-inch STS) of after elevator pit.

CIC, on gallery deck, showing extensive damage by blast and fire.

Upper handling room No. 7 5-inch twin mount, starboard side looking forward. Forward starboard hoist is intact.

Upper handling room No. 7 5-inch twin mount. Looking outboard to starboard. Hoists and center column destroyed by explosions and fire. Note hole in 3/4-inch STS outboard bulkhead.

Upper handling room No. 7 5-inch twin mount. Looking aft port side. Note damage to after port hoist.

Upper handling room No. 7 5-inch twin mount. Looking to port.

Upper handling room No. 7 5-inch twin mount. Looking to starboard. 3/4-inch STS deck and after bulkhead split open.

Still smoking, USS Franklin (CV-13) is towed from the scene of the disaster by the cruiser USS Pittsburgh (CA-72) before the crewmen aboard the carrier effected emergency engine repairs.

USS Pittsburgh (CA-72) tows USS Franklin after a dangerous starboard list had been corrected; she now is listing slightly to port but shortly afterward was able to continue under her own power because the propulsion mechanism had been repaired.

Photographed from USS Franklin -CV-13 as she transits from the Pacific en route to the New York Navy Yard for repair of massive battle damage . Circa early/mid-April 1945. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-K-5071)

USS Franklin (CV-13) approaches New York City, while en route to the New York Navy Yard for repairs, 26 April 1945. Note the extensive damage to her after flight deck, received when she was hit by a Japanese air attack off the coast of Japan on 19 March 1945. Photographed by Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey.

Church service on the ruined hangar deck of the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13), taken upon her return to the U.S. from the Pacific for repair of battle damage received off Japan on 19 March 1945. Location is probably in, or near, New York Harbor, circa 28 April 1945. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-K-5056)

Crewmen attend church services in the ship's ruined hangar deck, after her arrival at the New York Navy Yard for repairs. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-K-5054)

Protestant service of Thanksgiving was conducted on the hangar deck by Chaplain G. [Grimes] Weldon Gatlin. Most of the men attended both services; some wept openly during the humble, sincere prayers. On the flight deck, the men of the Franklin, led by 'Father Joe,' assembled to the mournful strains of a dirge softly played by surviving bandsmen. A Psalm was read and men bowed and prayed for the souls of their shipmates.

The Marine squad of seven, fired three volleys and men stood in salute, honoring their fallen comrades.

USS Franklin (CV-13) in New York Harbor after her arrival from the Pacific for battle damage repairs. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-K-4779)

USS Franklin (CV-13) anchored in New York Harbor, after her return from the Pacific for repair of battle damage. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-K-4780)

View on the flight deck of the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13), looking forward, while the carrier was in New York Harbor, circa 28 April 1945. She had just returned from the Pacific for repair of battle damage received off Japan on 19 March 1945. Note the damage to her flight deck, the large U.S. ensign flying from her island, and the Manhattan skyline in the background. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-K-4761)

Bow of the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13), anchored in lower New York Harbor, upon her arrival from the Pacific for battle damage repairs. Note the extensive rust anchor chain being hosed down.

View of wrecked flight deck of the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) arrived off New York City for repairs on 28 April 1945. Note the wreckage of her burned out after flight deck. Manhattan Island, the East River, and Brooklyn are in the background. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-K-4763)

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) steams past the light cruiser USS Marblehead (CL-12), in New York Harbor, circa 28 April 1945, after her arrival from the Pacific for battle damage repairs. Note the cruiser's Measure 22 camouflage. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-K-4776)

View forward flight deck of the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) with the crew at quarters, as the ship arrives at the New York Navy Yard for repairs on 28 April 1945. Note the collapsed forward elevator. The attack transport USS Rolette (AKA-99) is visible in the right background. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-K-4769)

A Battle-Scarred Carrier Reaches Port for Repairs — Officers and men of the USS Franklin, Essex-class carrier, stand at attention on the flight deck as the ship reaches the Brooklyn Navy Yard on New York's East River front for repairs [note Williamsburg Bridge in the background].

Franklin returns to New York after her grueling trial at sea. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-K-6065)

General view of flight deck aft as Franklin arrived at Navy Yard, New York.

View of wrecked flight deck of the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13), looking aft from the island, as the ship steamed up the East River to the New York Navy Yard for repairs on 28 April 1945. The Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline are in the background.

Members of the USS Franklin's crew are decorated, in ceremonies on the flight deck, following the ships arrival at New York for repair of battle damage. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-K-4758)

Grainy but interesting shot of Franklin in drydock, New York, 1945. The entire flight deck and supporting upper hull was removed and rebuilt because of the extensive damage caused by two Japanese bombs that penetrated the flight deck, exploding on the hangar deck, igniting fuel and ordinance from the aircraft below decks. The circular rings to the left are the two forward 5" DP gun mount supports with the island superstructure behind them. The lower ring would be the flight deck level.

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) under repair New York Naval Shipyard, Ocotber 1945. The entire flight deck and supporting upper hull was removed and rebuilt because of the extensive damage caused by two Japanese bombs that penetrated the flight deck on 19 March 1945, exploding on the hangar deck, igniting fuel and ordinance from the aircraft below decks.

The retired U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) at Bayonne, New Jersey, circa in the early 1960s. Franklin was officially redesignated aircraft transport AVT-8 on 15 May 1959 and was sold for scrap in July 1966. Note the missing part of her flight deck which was used to repair USS Valley Forge (CVS-45) in 1959.

Norfolk, Virginia, 1965. Ex-Franklin was towed there from Bayonne, New Jersey, to be stripped (MILSTRIP) before being sold for scrapping.

Ex-USS Franklin being scrapped.

The ship is floated out of her building dock immediately after christening, at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company shipyard, Newport News, Virginia, on 14 October 1943. Note WAVES officers in the foreground. The WAVES' Director, Lieutenant Commander Mildred H. McAfee, USNR, was Franklin's sponsor.

Lieutenant Commander Mildred H. McAfee, USNR, Director of the Women’s Reserve, October 1943. McAfee christens USS Franklin (CV-13) at its launching at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-43444)

Captain James M. Shoemaker, pictured in May 1930 as a lieutenant commander, was USS Franklin’s (CV-13) first commander. He served as commander of the aircraft carrier until 8 November 1944. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-465816)

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) in the Elizabeth River, off Norfolk, Virginia, on 21 February 1944. She is accompanied by three local harbor tugs. Franklin is painted in camouflage Measure 32, Design 6a. This paint scheme was changed a few months later, on the port side only, to Measure 32, Design 3a. The ship's starboard side retained the Design 6a pattern.

Stern view of the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia (USA), on 21 February 1944. Between May 1944 and November 1944, Franklin was the only carrier wearing two different camouflage schemes, Measure 32 Design 3A on the port side, and Design 6A on the starboard side.

In the Elizabeth River, off Norfolk, Virginia, 21 February 1944. She has the "early" island structure, with two quad 40mm/56-cal gun mounts forward. There is a single flight deck catapult (starboard) and a hangar deck catapult, with its port outrigger stowed. The ship has four deck-edge radio masts and is fitted with arresting gear forward, adjacent to the twin 5"/38 gun mounts.

Overhead view of the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) underway at the Norfolk Navy Yard on 21 February 1944. Franklin had been commissioned on 31 January 1944.

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) underway. She had been commissioned on 31 January 1944 wearing Camouflage Measure 32, Design 6A. Her port side was repainted in Camouflage Measure 32, Design 3A in April 1944 (shown here). Note that the wartime censor has removed the radar antennas. (Naval History and Heritage Command NH 67671)

Stern view of the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia, on 4 May 1944. Note the single 40 mm quadruple mount originally fitted above the stern.

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) underway, circa March 1944. It seem that she is wearing Camouflage Measure 32, Design 6A, which would indicate that the photo was taken after her commissioning. Her port side was painted in Camouflage Measure 32, Design 3A in May 1944. (Naval History and Heritage Command NH 66185)

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) underway with aircraft of Carrier Air Group 13 (CVG-13) on deck. Between May 1944 and November 1944, Franklin was the only carrier wearing two different camouflage schemes, Measure 32 Design 3A on the port side, and Design 6A on the starboard side. Between May 1944 and November 1944.

USS Franklin camouflage scheme.

Members of USS Franklin’s (CV-13) Air Group Five. (Naval History and Heritage Command UA 16.12)

U.S. Navy Grumman F6F-3/-5 Hellcat fighters and Curtiss SB2C-4 Helldiver bombers of Carrier Air Group 13 (CVG-13) on deck of the aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) in October 1944.

Pilots just returned from striking Japanese carriers assemble in the ready room of USS Franklin (CV-13). Left to right: Lieutenant Lloyd Wood (with cigarette); Lieutenant Junior Grade James Harrison; Lieutenant Junior Grade James Bogan. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-290734)

Battle of Leyte Gulf, October 1944. Bombing squadron 13 commanding officer Lieutenant Charles Skinner (center) describing his unit's attack on the Japanese fleet in Sibuyan Sea, 24 October 1944. Taken aboard USS Franklin (CV-13). (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-290737)

View showing shrapnel damage to hull, aft port elevator, due to bomb burst at outboard end of elevator frame #99. Damage result of action on 15 October 1944.

View showing shrapnel damage to shell, over elevator curtain, due to bomb burst at outboard end of elevator frame #99. Damage result of action on 15 October 1944.

View showing shrapnel damage to shell, due to bomb burst at outboard end of elevator frame #99. Damage result of action on 15 October 1944.

Members of the Marine Detachment on board the USS Enterprise (CV-6) shield their eyes from the sun as they scan the skies for kamikaze aircraft diving out of the sun. Note the carriers USS Franklin (CV-13), left, and USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) burning after being hit by kamikaze aircraft.

USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24), center, and USS Franklin (CV-13), right Afire after they were hit by Kamikaze attacks off the Philippines on 30 October 1944. Photographed from USS Mugford (DD-389), whose port midships 20mm guns are in the foreground. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-273074)

The U.S. Navy light aircraft carrier USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) burning aft after she was hit by a Kamikaze, while operating off Luzon, Philippines, on 30 October 1944. Flight deck crewmen are moving undamaged Grumman TBM Avenger planes of Torpedo Squadron 21 (VT-21) away from the flames as others fight the fires. USS Franklin (CV-13), also hit during this Kamikaze attack, is afire in the distance.

USS Franklin (CV- 13), October 30, 1944. Damage to V-2 spaces following Japanese kamikaze attack. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-270814)

View showing distortion of uptake enclosure bulkhead on which hydraulic valve controls are mounted, frame 112, compartment B-313-E. Hydraulic controls remained operable.

View showing raised flight deck, fr 125, starboard side, looking aft.

General view of raised flight deck after projecting pieces of metal and debris had been cleared away. Looking aft. Temporary canvas cover had been placed over hole.

View showing raised section of flight deck between 5" mount No. 5 and No. 7, Fr. 125-128, starboard side.

View showing edge of flight deck and side of ship at Fr. 125 between 5" gun mounts No. 5 & 7, starboard.

View showing damage to side of ship at Fr. 128, between flight and gallery deck, starboard side.

View showing raised flight deck in way of elevator No. 3 to starboard, Fr. 140.

View showing extent of hole in flight deck, after removal of damage debris.

View, looking forward, showing patch on flight deck and top of damaged elevator.

USS Franklin (CV- 13), October 30, 1944. Damage to V-2 spaces following Japanese kamikaze attack. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-270811)

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) at anchor off the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Washington, 31 January 1945.

USS Franklin (CV-13), Puget Sound Navy Yard, 31 January 1945. Bow view, port side.

USS Franklin (CV-13), Puget Sound Navy Yard, 31 January 1945. Broadside view, starboard side.

USS Franklin (CV-13) during January 1945 Puget Sound overhaul.

Stewards on board the USS Franklin (CV-13), 1945. (Naval History and Heritage Command NH 54197)

"Probably the ultimate "Murderers' Row" photo with 10 Essex-class carriers plus the Enterprise in the anchorage. It must also have been taken on the 13 March 1945 shortly after the arrival of Task Group 12.2. The Randolph in berth #27 had been hit two days previously whilst at anchor by a long range kamikaze strike. The repair ship USS Jason (AR-8) is visible alongside." Unknown source.

"Ulithi Anchorage looking north: Berth #5: USS South Dakota (BB-57), #6 USS Massachusetts (BB-59), #8 USS Bunker Hill (CV-17), #101 USS San Jacinto (CVL-30), #27 USS Randolph (CV-15) and USS Jason (AR-8), #28 USS Hornet (CV-12), #29 USS Wasp (CV-18), #30 USS Bennington (CV-20), #26 USS Essex (CV-9), #25 USS Intrepid (CV-11), #24 USS Enterprise (CV-6), #23 USS Yorktown (CV-10), #22 USS Hancock (CV-19), #21 USS Franklin (CV-13). (All positions correlate with war logs of each ship and the mooring plan.)"

USS Franklin (CV-13) was welcomed to Pearl Harbor and toured by 50 WAVES, mid-February 1945. Frame from Saga of The USS Franklin.

Vought F4U-1 Corsairs are refueled aboard the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) in early 1945. Marine Fighting Squadron 214 (VMF-214) and VMF-452 were assigned to Carrier Air Group 5 (CVG-5) aboard the Franklin from January to March 1945.

A U.S. Navy Vought F4U-1D Corsair of Fighting Squadron 5 (VF-5) "Fighting Hellcats" on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13). Note Franklin´s geometric air group identification symbol on the Corsair.

USS Franklin (CV-13) shown in smoke and flames as a result of an attack of Japanese dive-bomber which scored hits with two 500 lb. armor-piercing bombs, 19 March 1945. Photograph released 17 May 1945. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-49131)

Franklin on fire after being bombed by Japanese aircraft off Honshu, Japan.

Franklin on fire after the explosion.

USS Franklin (CV-13) burning, 19 March 1945. Painting by Gerard Richardson. (Naval History and Heritage Command NH 85520-KN)

Franklin is hit and set ablaze by a Japanese dive bomber on March 19, 1945. Franklin was attacked by a single Japanese plane which dropped two armor-piercing bombs, devastating the hangar deck and setting off ammunition. Casualties totaled 724 killed and 265 wounded. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-273894)

Seconds after an explosion hurls pieces of the flight deck and aircraft into the air, part of the crew runs for their lives. (Close up cropped from previous photo.)

Sailors on the flight deck of the USS Franklin (CV-13) fight the fires ignited by a Japanese attack on March 19, 1945,

Photo of Franklin taken from light cruiser USS Santa Fe (CL-60).

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) afire and listing after a Japanese air attack, off the coast of Japan, 19 March 1945. Note the fire hoses and the crewmen on her forward flight deck, and water streaming from her hangar deck. Photographed from the light cruiser USS Santa Fe (CL-60). (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-273882)

LCDR. Joseph O'Callahan (CRC), USNR, administers to injured crewman. (Naval History and Heritage Command USN K-14528)

Lieutenant Commander Joseph T. O'Callahan, USNR(ChC) gives "Last Rites" to an injured crewman aboard USS Franklin (CV-13), after the ship was set afire by a Japanese air attack, 19 March 1945. The crewman is reportedly Robert C. Blanchard, who survived his injuries. For his heroism on board Franklin, Lieutenant Commander O'Callahan was awarded the Medal of Honor. The escort ship USS O'Callahan (DE-1051, later FF-1051) was named after him. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-49132)

Chaplain Joseph T. O’Callahan, (right) and Commanding Officer of USS Rockaway (AVP-29), November 30, 1943. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-391606)

Dead in the water on March 19, 1945, the Franklin as seen from USS Santa Fe (CL-60) as the cruiser pulls away from the still burning carrier.

Listing badly, her flight deck a gaping ruin, USS Franklin (CV-13) says farewell to USS Santa Fe (CL-60) as the latter moves away; the skeleton crew left aboard Franklin soon started the tremendous task of repairing the boilers and engine rooms so that she could start the long trek home.

Photograph of LT Donald A. Gary, USN, taken circa 1945. For his heroism on board Franklin, then Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Gary was awarded the Medal of Honor. The guided missile frigate USS Gary (FFG-51) was named after him. (Naval History and Heritage Command NH 94631)

President Harry Truman presenting awards at a ceremony in the White House, 23 January 1946. Lieutenant Donald A. Gary, USN, hero of the Japanese aerial attack on USS Franklin (CV-13), is presented the Medal of Honor. Almost 300 men trapped in an isolated messing compartment below decks owe their lives to the Lieutenant, who discovered the only possible escape route for them through a ventilating tube and led them to safety. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-701805)

USS Franklin (CV-13) approaches New York City, while en route to the New York Navy Yard for repairs, 26 April 1945. Note the extensive damage to her aft flight deck, received when she was hit by a Japanese air attack off the coast of Japan on 19 March 1945. Photographed by Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey.

The services closed with the Navy Hymn, 'Eternal Father.' The Thanksgiving services were followed by Memorial Services for the dead. The priest recalled that their comrades had died on Saint Joseph's Day—Saint Joseph, the patron saint of a merciful death—that their death, though tragic, had been in merciful circumstances, with every man having a brief moment for a last prayer.

And while their sad loss could never be forgotten, those who lived must never forget they had died proud deaths, in the service of their country, fighting for God's cause against bloody oppression.

USS Franklin (CV-13) Returning to Brooklyn Navy Yard. Original Caption: "USS Franklin (CV-13) returning to Brooklyn Navy Yard for repairs following Jap bomb hit on March 19, 1945 in Inland Sea, Japan. Starboard quarter showing damage on the after end of the flight deck." Caption on Negative Sleeve: "Ill-fated Essex class carrier returns to Brooklyn Navy Yard after the crew's heroic salvage efforts following Japanese bomb hit, March 19, 1945."

View of the port side, amidships, of the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13), anchored in lower New York Harbor (USA), upon her arrival from the Pacific for battle damage repairs. Note the blast damage in the center and much rust.

USS Franklin (CV-13). View on the flight deck, looking forward, while the carrier was in New York Harbor, circa 28 April 1945. She had just returned from the Pacific for repair of battle damage received off Japan on 19 March 1945. Note damage to her flight deck, large U.S. ensign flying from her island, and the Manhattan skyline in the background.

USS Franklin returning to Brooklyn Navy Yard for repairs following Jap bomb hit on March 19, 1945 in Inland Sea, Japan. View from the port quarter looking forward as the stricken flat-top lies anchored in New York Harbor.

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) anchored in the lower New York Harbor on 28 April 1945, soon after her return for repairs following war damage. Note the light coloured spaces on hull side below the island where 40 mm gun tubs were moved to permit passage through the Panama Canal.

Franklin after its return to Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York. Williamsburg Bridge in background.

View of a burned-out aircraft engine and other debris on the ruined after flight deck of the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13), taken as she arrived at the New York Navy Yard for repairs. Note Manhattan Island with the Empire State Building in the background. USS Rolette (AKA-99) is visible at the far right.

Franklin after its return to Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York. Damaged deck.

Battle damaged Franklin after its return to Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York.

Franklin after its return to Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York. Looking through hole in deck.

U.S. Navy Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air Warfare) Vice Admiral Aubrey W. Fitch gives awards on board of the aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13), 1945. 232 officers and men of the Franklin were rewarded for their courageous efforts during the attack on 19 March 1945. In two ceremonies at the New York Navy Yard, where the ship was being repaired, presentations of 12 Navy Crosses, 20 Silver Star Medals and 92 Bronze Star Medals were made. The remainder of the awards included Purple Hearts and Letters of Commendation.

Award ceremonies on deck of stricken Franklin at Brooklyn Navy Yard.

USS Franklin (CV-13). Commander Joe Taylor, USN, Executive Officer (left), and Lieutenant Commander Joseph T. O’Callahan, CHC, USNR, look on as Navy Yard workmen cut away steel deck plates mangled by the force of an explosion while the carrier burned off the coast of Japan. Note, O’Callahan later received the Medal of Honor for his heroism onboard USS Franklin (CV-13) in March 1945. Photograph released June 13, 1945. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-324008)

USS Franklin (CV-13), survivors of the attack in March 1945. These pilots and air crewmen were photographed at Naval Air Station Astoira, Oregon, June 29, 1945. Shown are: (top row); Ensign Arthur R. McInnes, USNR; Lieutenant Charles H. Carr, USN; Ensign William B. Travis, Jr., USNR; Ensign Chas W. Stroeher, USNR. (bottom row). AOM1C John R. Clark; ARM2C James M. Pain; ARM1C Evans H. Roholoff; AMM1C John W. Rosenkranz; ARM2C Byron J. Crosse; AOM2C Ed. C. McGlade, AOM2 Ed. R. Maher. (Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-343692)

The decommissioned U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (AVT-8) being moved at Bayonne, New Jersey, in 1964.

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) moored to northern side of partially demolished Norfolk and Western pier (at ?) awaiting scrapping. The photograph was taken from shore looking westward, 26 April 1967. Note the missing portion of her flight deck which was used to repair USS Valley Forge (CVS-45) in 1959. The U.S. Navy initially sold Franklin to the Peck Iron and Metal Company of Portsmouth, Virginia, but reclaimed her due to an urgent Bureau of Ships requirement for her four turbo generators. She was again sold for scrap to the Portsmouth Salvage Company of Chesapeake, Virginia on 27 July 1966. She departed naval custody under tow by the Red Star Towing Company on the evening of 1 August 1966. (Naval History and Heritage Command NH 70303)

Ex-USS Franklin at Jacobson Salvage in Chesapeake, Virginia prior to scrapping, August 1967.

Chart showing the damage to the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier received during the kamikaze attack on 30 October 1944. U.S. Navy Bureau of Ships chart from the War Damage Report No. 56, 15 September 1946.

USS Franklin (CV-13) War Damage Report for the Action with Enemy Aircraft on 30 October 1944. Sketches showing Areas of Structural Damage. Second Deck.

Chart showing the damage to the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier received during the attack on 19 March 1945. U.S. Navy Bureau of Ships chart from the War Damage Report No. 56, 15 September 1946.

WORLD WAR 2 IN REVIEW

Viewing Photographs

USS Franklin (CV-13): American Aircraft Carrier

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