We recently received an inquiry about some well known photographs from World War II. The images (see below) depict a vast fleet of U.S. Navy warships at anchor at Ulithi Atoll, on 8 December 1944, nicknamed “Murderer’s Row.” A group of model builders is working to recreate the images in question, using 1/2400 scale ship models. The aircraft carriers in the top image (National Archives photo 80-G-294131) are clearly identifiable: from the front, Wasp (CV 18), Yorktown (CV 10), Hornet (CV 12), Hancock (CV 19) and Ticonderoga (CV 14). In the bottom photo (National Archives photo 80-G-294129), taken just seconds apart from the first, carrier Lexington (CV 16) is also visible.
Aside from those ships, none of the names of the others in the photos are provided in the National Archives captions. There are destroyers, oilers, hospital ships, and possibly a battleship or two in the haze. We’re looking for assistance from naval historians or researchers who may have information on some of the smaller, hazier ships in the background. Please feel free to comment on this story below with further information, or email the Foundation at nhfwny@navyhistory.org.
Stephen Rettie
Karl Mousley
Karl Mousley
admin
Tony Dunn
Otto A. ZIPF, CDR, USN (Ret)
Thomas J. Mara Chief Gunner's Mate USS Mount Baker AE-4,1941-1945
David Colamaria
john hawkins
John Kotalik
Philip C Krebs
Michael R Ratti
JOHN LANDRUM
Jacqueline Bushby (Jackie)
Manley R Hauge2
Charles McLaughlin
Robert A. DiChiara
John R.
David Stubblebine
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Martha Schnorr
Anonymous
Gloria Johnson