Japanese planes scored five hits on USS Saratoga (CV 3) in three minutes off Iwo Jima on this date in 1945. The carrier's flight deck forward was wrecked, her starboard side was holed twice and large fires were started in her hangar deck. She she lost 123 of her crew dead or missing. Another attack later in the day scored an additional bomb hit. This attack ended the venerable ship's combat service.
via National Naval Aviation Museum FB group
