The following informtion was recorded in 1994, from Bill Henderson's book "Escape From The Sea".
The "12 Engagements" is a excerpt for Captain Cecil's report of the sinking of the USS Helena CL-50
For information on Bill's book click HERE


The USS Helena CL-50
12 Engagements

(1) Oct. 12, 1942 Battle of Cape Esperance. Night action against Japanese Surface Forces.
(2) Nov. 4, 1942 Bombardment of Japanese Troops and Shore Installations at Koli Point, Guadalcanal.
(3) Nov. 12, 1942 Air attack by Japanese torpedo planes offLunga Point, Guadalcanal.
(4) Nov. 12, 1942 Bombardment of Japanese Troops and Shore Installations at Guadalcanal.
(5) Nov. 13, 1942 Battle of Guadalcanal, Night Action with Japanese Surface Forces.
(6) Jan. 4-5, 1943 Bombardment of Japanese Troops, Air field and shore installations at Munda, New Georgia, B.S.I.
(7) Jan. 5, 1943 Air attack by Japanese dive bombers on Task Force 67 So. of Guadalcanal.
(8) Jan. 24, 1943 Bombardment of Japanese Troops, Shore Batteries, Air Field and other Installations in Vila stanmore Area of Kolombangara, New Georgia Group, B.S.I.
(9) Jan. 24, 1943 Night attack by Japanese torpedo planes on units of Task Force 67 north of New Georgia, B.S.I.
(10) May 13, 1943 Night Bombardment of Japanese Troops and Shore Installations on Kolombangara, Enegai Inlet, and Rice Anchorage in Kula Gulf, New Georgia Group, B.S.I.
(11) July 5, 1943 Night Bombardment of Japanese Troops and Shore Installations on Kolombangara and Bairoko Harbor, and coverage of landing operations at Rice Anchorage, on Kula Gulf, New Georgia Group, B.S.I.
(12) July 6, 1943 Night action with Japanese Surface Forces off Kolombangara, New Georgia Group, B.S.I.

In addition to the above the Helena was present in the immediate vicinity during the attacks at Guadalcanal, Tulaga, and Espirito Santo and has been subjected to submarine torpedo attacks on about eight or ten occasions including those during which the Wasp was sunk, North Carolina was damaged, Chester damaged and Juneau damaged and later sunk.


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