Why This Absolute Unit Was The Hero Of WW2

The Most Decorated Ship of WWII

While WWII saw the rise of numerous powerful warships, none matched the legendary USS Enterprise (CV-6). Known as the most decorated American warship of the conflict, this Yorktown-class aircraft carrier proved her resilience and might through countless battles.

Design and Specifications

Built alongside her sisters, USS Yorktown and USS Hornet, the Enterprise was constructed between 1934 and 1941. Commissioned in 1938, she measured 247 meters in length and 33 meters in width, with a standard displacement of 18,000 tons (23,000 fully loaded). She was swift for her size, with a top speed of 60 km/h.

WWII Service

The Enterprise narrowly avoided destruction at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, being 300 miles away delivering aircraft to Wake Island. She quickly entered the fight, scoring her first kill three days later by sinking the Japanese submarine I-70.

At the Battle of Midway, she was instrumental in sinking the Japanese carriers Kaga and contributing to the destruction of Akagi and Hiryu. Later, during the Guadalcanal campaign, she supported amphibious landings and became a prime target for Japanese air attacks. Her robust anti-aircraft defenses allowed her to repel most assaults, but during the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, she took her first significant damage, enduring three direct hits that killed 74 crew members.

After repairs, the Enterprise returned to action and sunk the Japanese battleship Hiei—the first battleship lost by Japan in the war. By the end of the conflict, her record was unmatched:

• 71 enemy ships sunk
• 192 ships damaged or destroyed
• 911 enemy planes downed (via her air wing and anti-aircraft guns).

The Enterprise earned 20 battle stars, a Presidential Unit Citation (awarded in 1943 for exceptional gallantry), and a Navy Unit Commendation.

Post-War History

After WWII, the Enterprise participated in Operation Magic Carpet, repatriating American servicemen. She was decommissioned in February 1947. Efforts to preserve her as a museum failed, and she was scrapped in 1958. However, her stern plate was saved and now resides in Rivervale, New Jersey, as a tribute to her legacy.