USS Bunker Hill (CV-17)

Uncommon card · No. 182126

USS Bunker Hill (CV/CVA/CVS-17, AVT-9) was one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers built during World War II for the United States Navy. Commissioned in May 1943, Bunker Hill was the first U.S. Navy ship to have been named for the 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill, and received the Presidential Unit Citation in recognition of her distinguished service throughout the Pacific Theater. From late 1943 through 1945, Bunker Hill took part in major operations including the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaigns, the raid on Truk, the capture of the Mariana and Palau Islands, the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the air raids on Formosa and Japanese home islands, and the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa during the final drive toward the Japanese mainland. On 11 May 1945, while conducting operations in support of the Okinawa campaign, Bunker Hill was struck by two kamikazes in quick succession setting the vessel on fire. Casualties exceeded 600, including 396 killed or missing, with 264 wounded. These were...

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