The One Ship Fleet: USS Boise—WWII Naval Legend, 1938–45

The Brooklyn-class light cruiser USS Boise (CL-47) gained international recognition following the 1942 naval battles in the Solomons. She was subsequently deployed to the Mediterranean theater, where she participated in the invasions of Sicily, Taranto, and Salerno, destroying enemy tanks during armored counterattacks in both Sicily and Salerno. Boise was then sent to the Southwest Pacific theater to join the US 7th Fleet for the New Guinea campaign in 1943–44 and the invasion of the Philippines. She participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, notably the night engagement in the Surigao Strait, where battleships faced off for the last time in maritime history. Boise was credited with helping to sink a Japanese battleship. General MacArthur used her as his flagship for the Luzon attack and later embarked on a triumphant tour of the islands aboard her after the retaking of Corregidor and other Philippine islands. After MacArthur departed in June 1945, Boise returned to the US for overhaul, which was completed as the war ended. She received eleven battle stars, more than any other light cruiser in her class. This account examines USS Boise's wartime service, the experiences of her crew, and provides perspective on the naval campaigns of World War II.