The day North Korean artillery poked the wrong battleship and got erased by 16-inch naval guns

USS Wisconsin’s Direct Hit on North Korean Artillery

USS Wisconsin fought in the Korean War starting in October 1951. This Iowa-class battleship, nicknamed “Big Wisky,” helped United Nations forces by firing her huge guns at North Korean targets from the sea.

On March 15, 1952, something rare happened – Wisconsin took a direct hit from enemy artillery. What followed became a famous story in naval history.

Early Morning Bombardment Mission

Wisconsin began March 15 firing at enemy railways along the North Korean coast. Her job was to stop supplies from reaching front-line troops.

The battleship’s guns destroyed a North Korean troop train caught outside a tunnel Wisconsin had collapsed. Enemy forces lost both the train and the tunnel, cutting off a key supply route.

This morning strike proved highly effective, but it made Wisconsin a target for North Korean gunners.

North Korean 155mm Artillery Battery

North Korean forces had set up a 155mm gun battery near Dojo-ri to defend against naval attacks. These heavy guns could fire shells several miles out to sea.

The battery commanders watched as Wisconsin damaged their supply lines and transportation. They decided to fight back against the massive American ship that had been hitting their positions all morning.

The Surprise Artillery Strike

That afternoon, North Korean gunners fired four shells at Wisconsin. Most missed, but one found its target.

The shell hit Wisconsin’s deck near a 40mm anti-aircraft gun mount on the starboard side. This marked the first time the battleship had been hit directly by enemy fire since her launch in 1943.

The strike caught the crew by surprise. Few enemy batteries ever managed to hit a moving warship, especially one as large as Wisconsin.

Limited Damage to the Battleship

Wisconsin’s thick armor easily handled the impact. The North Korean shell damaged only the shield around the 40mm gun mount without penetrating deeper into the ship.

Iowa-class battleships were built with armor up to 12 inches thick to withstand much larger shells than what North Korea fired. The ship’s structure remained sound and all systems kept working.

Three Injured Sailors

Three sailors standing near the impact point suffered injuries from flying metal fragments. Their wounds, while painful, were not life-threatening.

The ship’s medical team quickly treated the injured men. Battleships carried doctors and medical facilities to handle combat injuries.

These were the only casualties from the direct hit. The rest of Wisconsin’s 2,700-person crew continued their duties without interruption.

Wisconsin’s Devastating Response

Wisconsin’s crew quickly found where the enemy fire came from. Using spotters and tracking equipment, they pinpointed the North Korean battery position.

The ship then aimed all nine of her 16-inch guns at the target. These massive weapons were the largest naval guns in the American fleet.

Each gun fired shells weighing 2,700 pounds – as heavy as a small car – and could hit targets over 20 miles away.

Obliteration of the Enemy Position

Wisconsin fired all nine main guns directly at the North Korean battery. The shells created massive explosions visible from miles away.

The combined firepower completely destroyed the enemy position. Nothing survived the concentrated barrage from Wisconsin’s main batteries.

The one-sided exchange showed the enormous difference between a shore battery and a fully armed battleship. Wisconsin scored at least two direct hits, erasing any trace of the enemy position.

The USS Duncan’s Famous Signal

USS Duncan, a destroyer sailing with Wisconsin, watched the entire event unfold. The smaller warship observed both the hit on Wisconsin and her fierce response.

After seeing the overwhelming firepower directed at the shore position, Duncan’s crew sent a simple message using signal lamps: “Temper, Temper.”

This gentle joke about Wisconsin’s massive retaliation became a favorite story among sailors. It captured the disproportionate nature of the exchange in just two words.

Continuation of the Mission

Despite being hit, Wisconsin kept fighting. The damage wasn’t serious enough to affect her operations.

The battleship resumed firing at enemy targets to support UN ground forces. Her main batteries pounded bunkers, artillery positions, and troop concentrations as directed by spotters.

Wisconsin continued supporting the 1st Marine Division throughout the day. Her ability to deliver accurate, heavy fire from offshore remained crucial to the ground campaign.

Return to Japan

Wisconsin finished her combat patrol and sailed to Yokosuka, Japan on March 19, four days after the incident. This naval base served as a main supply point for US ships.

On April 1, USS Iowa took over Wisconsin’s duties as flagship of the Seventh Fleet. This routine switch allowed Wisconsin to head back to America.

The battleship left Japan after completing her combat tour. During this deployment, she had shown both her minor vulnerability and her overwhelming power.

Visiting USS Wisconsin at the Nauticus Museum

You’ll find USS Wisconsin at Nauticus maritime center in downtown Norfolk, Virginia, right on the Elizabeth River waterfront at One Waterside Drive. The battleship offers self-guided tours of the main deck and guided tours of areas below deck, including the engine room and command center.

Don’t miss the “Life in the Navy” exhibits showing how sailors lived aboard this massive vessel. The ship’s massive 16-inch guns remain the most impressive feature for many visitors.

Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll walk several flights of stairs. The museum welcomes visitors year-round except major holidays.

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