Chapter 2796 This Wave Is Not a Loss 1
After these few days of sailing, the U.S. Navy has been able to communicate with the mainland of the United States through constant transfers. Basic battle reports have been sent out. On paper, the U.S. Navy has lost 4 aircraft carriers, 5 battleships, and 3 battleships. Armored cruisers and more than 20 destroyers plus about a dozen submarines. The results that can be determined are that one Japanese aircraft carrier was sunk, three were seriously damaged, three Japanese battleships, one light cruiser, and more than 20 destroyers were sunk. As for the number of fighter jets shot down, it is currently conservatively estimated to be more than 400. More than half of them were twin-engine bombers.
The impact of this battle was quite far-reaching. Even at the end of the battle, various subsequent results had begun to ferment. When Roosevelt saw the battle report, his heart almost jumped to his throat. To be honest, this loss was indeed beyond him. Unexpectedly, in the end of a battle, a dozen warships of more than 10,000 tons were lost, 9 of which were absolute battleships. If destroyers and submarines were added, more than 300,000 tons of warships were lost in the wind! Along with the loss of battleships, the casualties were also very huge. Conservative estimates suggest that at least 7,000 Navy personnel died in the battle this time, and the casualties may reach 25,000!
Of course, to be honest, the results were huge. After all, the U.S. fleet severely damaged Japan's important oil producing areas and refining bases in the former Dutch East Indies. This was a heavy blow to the Japanese economy and greatly consumed Japan's naval and air power during the campaign. Although looking purely at the loss of battleships, the Americans lost twice as much tonnage as Japan, but if you include the loss of land-based aviation power, this result is not unacceptable, and to be honest, the Japanese Navy can say that it has all its cards in this battle. out. But Americans are far from reaching their limits.
"No matter what, I think the President should go to Hawaii in person to welcome the returning fleet. This is the most successful expedition in the history of the United States of America. Twenty years ago, our fleet arrived in the Philippines, but was severely defeated by the Japanese navy. And return. This time, we penetrated deeper into the Japanese chassis, blew up their oil fields and factories into a pile of rubble, and repelled the encirclement and suppression by the combined fleet. This was a major victory. Maybe you think Sims and Magiffin What you did is not outstanding, but you must show respect and gratitude to the vast number of naval officers and soldiers who participated in this battle."
Wilson's words to Roosevelt finally moved the U.S. president. After some preparations, U.S. President Roosevelt, Secretary of State Lan Xing, and Secretary of Naval Operations Roosevelt Jr. decided to go to Hawaii in person. Of course, their purpose of coming here was Not only for the labor force, but more importantly, to communicate with the heads of the navy and army and decide on strategic issues for the next stage.
Of course, before Sims comes back, the navy's problems can only be discussed with General Benson and Spruance, who are left behind, while the army's problems can be discussed with Pershing and Marshall, who rush back to the battlefield from the front line. This is not because the black old man Pershing doesn't care about the life and death of the front line, but because the war has been going on so far, Pershing can finally pat his chest and say that this battle has been stabilized! All that's left is to clear out the remaining enemies, and after staying on the front line for a few months, it's time to go back to report on the battle situation and communicate with other parties.
"everybody knows,
A few days ago, the United States Navy conducted a series of battles with the Japanese Combined Fleet in the distant Sulawesi Sea. In this battle, we severely damaged the enemy, but at the same time our losses were also very huge, even to the point of shaking the foundation of the fleet. To a certain extent, the battlefield situation has also undergone major changes. I would like to hear your opinions on this issue. "Old Roosevelt said. Although he did not say it explicitly, there was still some resentment hidden in his words, otherwise he would not have described this battle in terms of shaking the foundation of the fleet.
Facing Old Roosevelt's speech, Benson moved his lips, but in the end he did not say it, because this time the U.S. fleet indeed suffered heavy losses. More than half of the battleships in one sortie were sunk. The U.S. Navy used its own facts To prove the consequences of facing the opponent's twin-engine bombers and main fleet at the same time without a crushing advantage. Even if there is a great victory, the long list of losses will still make everyone ashamed.
"I want to confirm whether the losses of the Japanese combined fleet are as stated in the telegram. The remaining warships have also been severely damaged and will not be able to take organic action within three months?" Pershing asked.
"We are sure that General Sims is very serious about the statistics of the battle report, and his ability and military honor should not be doubted. The Japanese fleet was also severely damaged, and they lost their long-established aviation power, including a large number of A twin-engine bomber,” Benson said.
"Well, General Benson, if everything is as described in the battle report, then I think General Sims did a very good job this time. This operation has been called the most successful operation in the history of the U.S. Navy. All are possible. We severely damaged the Japanese military backbone, their reserves, and their economy. Of course, the most important thing is the time and strategic initiative we won!" Pershing said.
"I feel like you have a lot of resentment towards the U.S. Navy." Roosevelt Jr. said dissatisfiedly. After all, he was the Undersecretary of Naval Operations. The U.S. Navy suffered such a huge loss and was actually described by Pershing as the most successful mission in the history of the U.S. Navy. Action, this seems to him to be completely ironic.
"Young man, do you think I'm really making fun of the Navy?" Pershing said, giving Roosevelt a sideways glance. "No, no, no, you are wrong. If I hate a person, I will not hesitate to accuse or curse. I will not stumbling on others behind their back. I really think that although the navy's operation was tactically disadvantageous, It made a lot of mistakes, but strategically it was very successful. He completely changed the battlefield situation."
"If the Japanese navy really has to stay in port for three months, we can not only capture New Ireland Island, but even the entire Bismarck Islands including New Britain Island. The Japanese navy is gone, but the United States Although the navy suffered heavy losses, we still have a sizable fleet on the front line. They are the kings of the sea and can completely cut off supplies from the Bismarck Islands in New Guinea. Therefore, the end of the Bismarck Islands campaign will be greatly advanced, and we can even consider Deliberately draining a supply line for the Japanese to consume their opponents," Pershing said.
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