New Orleans

Compared to her predecessor, the new cruiser had a shorter hull because of the linear arrangement of the power plant. This arrangement allowed for increased thickness of the armor belt at the waterline. USS New Orleans participated in the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Battle of Midway, then served in the campaign off the Solomon Islands. During the battle off Cape Tassafaronga, a torpedo hit caused an explosion that severed part of her bow. After repairs, the ship participated in the landings on Saipan, in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and the invasion of Okinawa. Over the course of the war, the ship was awarded 17 battle stars.