Japanese pilots flew 15 bombers straight at USS Kidd in 1943 and learned why that was a fatal mistake

USS Kidd

On the morning of November 24, 1943, USS Kidd spotted 15 Japanese dive bombers flying toward American ships near Tarawa Atoll.

The destroyer immediately warned the fleet and opened fire. USS Kidd’s guns shot down two “Val” dive bombers while fighter planes destroyed the rest.

This air battle happened during the final day of the Battle of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands. The successful defense saved thousands of Marines aboard transport ships from a potentially deadly attack.

USS Kidd Joins the Gilbert Islands Invasion

USS Kidd left Pearl Harbor on November 10, 1943 with a massive invasion fleet heading for the Gilbert Islands.

The destroyer was part of Task Force 52, which carried 35,000 troops, 120,000 tons of supplies, and 6,000 vehicles.

This invasion marked America’s first major attack in the Central Pacific.

Military leaders called it “island hopping” – capturing Japanese bases while skipping others to get closer to Japan.

USS Kidd’s job was protecting aircraft carriers and transport ships from enemy submarines and planes.

From November 19 to 23, the destroyer stayed close to carriers launching air strikes against Tarawa.

The Battle of Tarawa Costs Thousands of Lives

The Battle of Tarawa began on November 20, 1943 when 18,000 Marines attacked the tiny island of Betio. This coral island was only 118 acres but held a crucial Japanese airbase.

About 4,500 Japanese defenders had built concrete bunkers and gun positions across the island. They fought almost to the last man over four brutal days of combat.

The battle killed 6,400 Japanese, Korean, and American troops.

Low tides trapped Marine landing boats on coral reefs, forcing men to walk hundreds of yards under heavy fire. By November 23, Marines had won control of most of Betio Island.

Japanese "Val" Dive Bombers Strike Back

The Aichi D3A “Val” was Japan’s main dive bomber throughout the early Pacific War.

These planes had attacked Pearl Harbor and sunk more Allied ships than any other enemy aircraft. The D3A had fixed landing gear and curved wings that helped it dive steeply toward targets.

A 1,070 horsepower engine pushed the two-seat plane to 267 mph.

Val pilots attacked by diving at steep angles and dropping 550-pound bombs before pulling up just above the water.

Skilled pilots could hit ship decks with deadly accuracy. By November 1943, newer American fighters were outclassing these aging Japanese planes.

Dawn Brings Danger to the Invasion Fleet

The morning of November 24, 1943 found USS Kidd protecting transport ships anchored near Tarawa. The destroyer circled the vessels that had brought Marines to the Gilbert Islands.

Thousands of Marines remained on the transport ships, either recovering from wounds or preparing for the next mission. These crowded vessels made perfect targets for Japanese aircraft seeking revenge.

The Battle of Tarawa was nearly over, with only small groups of Japanese soldiers still fighting on Betio.

American engineers were already fixing the captured airfield for future use. USS Kidd’s crew stayed alert because Japanese bases in the Marshall Islands lay just 200 miles away.

Lookouts Spot Enemy Aircraft Approaching

USS Kidd’s lookouts spotted 15 low-flying aircraft coming from the Marshall Islands.

The planes flew in tight formation, staying just above the waves to avoid being detected. The destroyer’s crew quickly identified the aircraft as Japanese “Val” dive bombers by their distinctive fixed landing gear and curved wings.

These were the same type of planes that had devastated Pearl Harbor. The Japanese pilots flew at low altitude to surprise the American fleet.

Their target was clear – the transport ships packed with thousands of Marines anchored in the lagoon. USS Kidd’s crew rushed to battle stations as the enemy formation got closer.

Radio Broadcasts Issue Warnings to the Fleet

USS Kidd’s radio operator immediately sent a warning to all ships in the invasion fleet about the incoming Japanese aircraft.

This alert gave other vessels precious time to prepare their defenses. Throughout the fleet, sailors ran to their guns while anti-aircraft weapons turned skyward.

Combat Air Patrol fighters received urgent orders to intercept the Japanese formation before it could reach the transport ships.

The destroyer’s warning likely saved hundreds of lives aboard the vulnerable transport vessels. These ships had limited anti-aircraft guns and depended on warships like USS Kidd for protection.

The crew’s quick thinking gave the fleet its best chance to survive the attack.

USS Kidd Opens Fire on the Japanese Formation

USS Kidd opened fire with all available weapons as the Japanese aircraft closed in.

The destroyer’s 5-inch guns sent explosive shells toward the enemy formation while smaller anti-aircraft guns created a wall of fire.

The Japanese pilots continued their attack despite the intense defensive fire. Val dive bombers needed steady flight paths to line up their bombing runs, making them easy targets for anti-aircraft guns.

USS Kidd’s gunners had practiced shooting at aerial targets during training exercises.

The crew worked with deadly efficiency, loading shells and tracking targets through the smoke and chaos. Two Japanese “Val” dive bombers fell to USS Kidd’s guns, exploding in flames as they crashed into the Pacific.

Combat Air Patrol Fighters Join the Fight

American F6F Hellcat fighters dove from higher altitude to attack the remaining Japanese aircraft.

These powerful fighters had been circling above the invasion fleet as the Combat Air Patrol, ready to intercept enemy planes.

The Hellcats had overwhelming advantages over the aging Val dive bombers.

With top speeds of 380 mph and six machine guns, they could easily outfight the slower Japanese aircraft.

The Combat Air Patrol pilots knew exactly how to attack the vulnerable dive bombers. They targeted the Vals before they could complete their bombing runs on American ships.

The combined defense by USS Kidd and the CAP fighters created an impenetrable barrier around the invasion fleet.

Complete Victory Over the Japanese Attack

The entire Japanese formation of 15 aircraft was destroyed in the brief but intense air battle. USS Kidd shot down two planes while Combat Air Patrol fighters eliminated the remaining aircraft.

The Japanese attack failed completely, with no damage to any American ships in the invasion fleet. The transport ships carrying thousands of Marines remained safe thanks to the destroyer’s quick warning and accurate gunfire.

USS Kidd continued protecting the fleet after the successful defense, watching for additional Japanese aircraft.

The crew remained at battle stations for hours, ready to fight off any follow-up attacks. The air action proved that coordinated naval air defense could stop even determined enemy attacks.

USS Kidd Continues Fighting in the Pacific

USS Kidd remained in the Gilbert Islands supporting cleanup operations after the air battle. The destroyer helped secure captured Japanese bases while engineers prepared them for American use.

The destroyer returned to Pearl Harbor on December 9, 1943 after completing her duties in the Gilberts.

She had successfully protected the invasion fleet and helped win America’s first major victory in the Central Pacific.

USS Kidd sailed for the Marshall Islands on January 11, 1944 to begin the next phase of the Pacific campaign.

From January 29 to February 8, 1944, the destroyer screened heavy ships and bombarded Japanese positions at Roi and Wotje.

She continued fighting throughout the Pacific War, earning multiple battle stars for her service.

Visiting USS Kidd Veterans Museum

The USS Kidd Veterans Museum is located at 305 S River Rd in downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Visitors can explore 80% of the Fletcher-class destroyer across five levels, including the captain’s quarters, engine room, and gun mounts.

The shoreside museum features a P-40 Warhawk fighter plane, World War I trench exhibit, Louisiana Veterans Hall of Honor, and rotating displays about military history.

The Louisiana Memorial Plaza adjacent to the museum honors all Louisiana service members lost in combat.

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