The gradual carriers couldn't outrun thirty-knot (35 mph; 56 km/h) cruisers. They introduced their aircraft and maneuvered to avoid shellfire, assisted by smoke screens, for over an hour. "Taffy 3" bore the brunt of the combat. The Taffy ships took dozens of hits, mostly from armor-piercing rounds that passed correct via their thin, unarmored hul… Read More