Usio's IJN Kumano. A "Mogami" class heavy cruiser, launched Oct 1936, commissioned Oct 1937, rebuilt 1937-Oct 1939. Served in the Malaya invasion, D.E.I., Indian ocean raids, Midway, the Solomons and the Phillipines. On 25 October 1944,Kumano was part of the Japanese Central Force in the Battle off Samar and took heavy damage, limping into Manila for repairs. Departing Manila for Taiwan on 6 November 1944 off Cape Bolinao, Luzon, Kumano was hit by 2 torpedoes and was towed into Santa Cruz. On 25 November 1944, Kumano came under attack by aircraft launched by the carrier USS Ticonderoga. She was hit by five torpedoes and four 500 lb (230 kg) bombs, and at 15:15 she rolled over and sank.
Submitted by Usio
Submitted by Usio
