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The USS Colorado: A Mighty Battleship in World War II

As a key battleship of the United States Navy during World War II the USS Colorado (BB-45) received seven battle stars for its operations in the Pacific Theater. The Colorado battleship took its name from the state of Colorado and combined both heavy firepower and advanced technology with robust armor to play a key role in the Pacific campaigns from the Mariana Islands to Okinawa. The USS Colorado proved its value to the Allied forces through its ability to withstand kamikaze attacks and deliver essential shore bombardments. The article examines how Colorado's distinct design and pivotal battle roles yielded significant contributions throughout its service life while also offering a full analysis of its historical impact.

Throughout World War II the USS Colorado (BB-45) served as a fundamental asset to the U.S. Navy’s battleship fleet while demonstrating American naval engineering proficiency. After its commissioning in 1923 the USS Colorado served peacetime functions before becoming a seasoned combat vessel in key Pacific battles at Mariana and Palau Islands, Leyte, and Okinawa. The USS Colorado's massive 16-inch guns and damage-resistant hull made it essential for both shore bombardment and fleet operations. This article evaluates the ship's cutting-edge design features and distinctive traits alongside its major battle contributions by analyzing historical records and crew testimonies to demonstrate its lasting influence.

Design and Construction

Construction of the USS Colorado began on May 29, 1919 at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden, New Jersey before its launch took place on March 22, 1921. Mrs. Max Melville sponsored the commissioning of the ship which took place on August 30, 1923, with Captain Reginald R. Belknap in command. The Colorado-class lead ship Colorado was developed to confront Japanese and German naval expansion and included insights from World War I experiences. The class that consisted of Maryland and West Virginia stood as the ultimate example of U.S. battleship design which received authorization through the 1916 Naval Act until the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922 ceased their production.

The ship Colorado extended to 624 feet 3 inches while its beam measured 97 feet 5 inches and draft reached 30 feet 6 inches. The vessel's standard displacement was 32,600 tons but rose to 41,400 tons when fully loaded. The ship produced 28,900 shaft horsepower through four General Electric turbo-electric drive units and eight Babcock & Wilcox boilers enabling maximum speeds of 21 knots and 8,000 nautical miles range at 10 knots. Its armament was formidable: The ship's armament included four twin turrets with eight 16-inch/45-caliber Mark 1 guns and fourteen 5-inch/51-caliber guns that were later reduced to twelve, four 3-inch/50-caliber anti-aircraft guns, and two 21-inch torpedo tubes which were removed by 1942. In 1945 the ship increased its anti-aircraft capabilities with forty 40 mm Bofors guns and forty-six 20 mm Oerlikon guns to defend against kamikaze attacks. The ship's armor featured a 13.5-inch belt, a 3.5-inch deck, 18-inch turret faces, and a 16-inch conning tower intended to survive hits from 16-inch shells. The ship operated three Vought OS2U Kingfisher floatplanes for reconnaissance duties and maintained a regular crew of about 1,080 officers and enlisted personnel which expanded to 1,800 during wartime situations.

During construction the Colorado integrated advanced fire-control technologies including the Ford Mark 1 computer which calculated shell trajectories while firing to enhance gunnery precision. The Colorado possessed turbo-electric propulsion which was uncommon among battleships because it enabled precise speed control and redundancy by allowing independent powering of each propeller. The combination of heavy armor and firepower along with advanced features allowed Colorado to function effectively in fleet battles and coastal bombardments yet its slow speed restricted its deployment in rapid carrier task forces.

What Made Colorado Special

Colorado stood out because of its cutting-edge technology and symbolic importance. The 16-inch guns on the ship were among the largest in the U.S. Navy at the time and could launch 2,100-pound armor-piercing shells at targets beyond 20 miles away which exceeded the range capabilities of most Japanese battleships. Colorado maintained station throughout extended bombardments due to the operational flexibility and reliability of its turbo-electric propulsion system. The ship’s fire-control system combined analog computers with rangefinders to achieve precise targeting capabilities even when facing rough sea conditions. Members of the USS Colorado Reunion Association described their ship's powerful gunnery through personal accounts while sailors such as Seaman John Bartz remembered the intense sound of the main battery during target practice.

The USS Colorado displayed a $10,000 silver service including a punch bowl and candelabra as a gift from Colorado citizens since 1923 which helped generate state pride. The USS Colorado proved its worth as a diplomatic and humanitarian tool before the war through earthquake rescue efforts in Long Beach in 1933 and goodwill voyages to South American destinations. Colorado displayed its solid construction and the crew’s damage-control expertise when it endured major wartime damage including a kamikaze strike in 1944. Colorado served as a transitional battleship that combined pre-treaty design elements with wartime modifications to connect World War I-era dreadnoughts with modern fast battleships like Iowa.

The unique characteristics of its crew distinguished the ship from its contemporaries. Under the leadership of Captain Benjamin Perlman during vital military campaigns Colorado's crew preserved high morale while carrying out intense operations. Personal testimonies show how shared difficult experiences like kamikaze attacks and extreme tropical weather built strong bonds among crew members. The ship displayed remarkable endurance and versatility which led it to become a key asset in the Pacific Fleet while earning respect from both friends and foes.

Key Roles in Major Battles

Pre-War and Early War Operations (1941–1943)

As a pre-WWII vessel Colorado operated within both the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets performing training assignments and diplomatic missions. The ship avoided destruction at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 because it was under maintenance at Puget Sound Navy Yard. Colorado became part of Pacific Fleet's defensive operations in 1942 where it conducted patrols along the West Coast and protected convoys against possible Japanese attacks. The ship received upgrades at Puget Sound between June and August 1942 which included replacing its current anti-aircraft guns with 1.1-inch and 20 mm guns while technicians removed its torpedo tubes to lighten the ship's topside weight. Colorado carried out early defense tasks that focused on mainland security without intense combat while setting up for future offensive missions.

During 1943 Colorado played a key role in the Aleutian Islands campaign by supporting operations to retake Attu and Kiska. The ship partnered with Task Force 16 from May to August to conduct shore bombardments of Japanese positions on Attu which supported the U.S. Army landings. Colorado's 16-inch guns attacked enemy fortifications which contributed to the island's security by May 30. While Colorado conducted a bombardment of Kiska in July the Japanese had already evacuated before the Allied forces arrived. Despite being secondary missions these operations removed Japan's northern base and improved Colorado's artillery accuracy for later battles.

Gilbert and Marshall Islands Campaigns (1943–1944)

Colorado assumed its first significant combat position during the November 1943 Gilbert Islands campaign. Task Group 52.8 included Colorado which provided bombardment support during the Tarawa Atoll invasion by targeting Japanese defenses on Betio Island between November 20 and 22. The 16-inch shells from Colorado destroyed coastal guns and bunkers which allowed U.S. Marines to take the island despite facing heavy resistance. Advanced fire-control system enabled the cruiser to deliver precision gunfire that neutralized fortified positions while high Marine casualties during the Tarawa invasion indicated a need for better pre-assault bombardments.

Between January and February 1944 Colorado assisted the Marshall Islands invasion by supporting the landings on Kwajalein and Eniwetok. Task Force 53 carried out bombardment operations against the Roi-Namur islands of Kwajalein from January 29 to February 2 focusing on airfields and pillboxes. The coordination of Colorado's gunfire with destroyers and aircraft enabled efficient suppression of Japanese defenses which led to a quick U.S. success. The Colorado executed sustained bombardments from February 17 to 22 during the Eniwetok operation which helped secure both Engebi and Eniwetok islands. The operations demonstrated Colorado’s strength in delivering continuous destructive firepower which it later repeated during subsequent military campaigns.

Mariana and Palau Islands Campaign (1944)

The battleship Colorado played a crucial part in the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign while supporting the invasions of Saipan, Tinian, Guam, and Peleliu throughout June to September 1944. The vessel became part of Task Force 52 and supported the Northern Attack Force during Saipan operations by conducting bombardments against Japanese positions from June 14 to 15 to assist the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions. The Colorado's 16-inch guns focused their fire on artillery positions and enemy troop masses yet faced strong resistance from Japanese cave fortifications. The ship Colorado sustained hits from two 15 cm coastal battery shells off Saipan on June 15 which resulted in 10 deaths and 67 injuries among the crew but caused little structural damage. While continuing its bombardment assignments, the ship displayed its remarkable durability.

During the Tinian operation from July 24–31, the Colorado ship delivered gunfire support while working alongside air strikes to weaken Japanese fortifications. Accurate bombardment by Colorado enabled the island to become a crucial staging base for B-29 operations against Japan. Between July 21 and August 10 Colorado directed its powerful artillery against the Orote Peninsula and Agat Bay during the Guam invasion while focusing on Japanese fortifications and airfield installations. The continuous artillery fire played a crucial role in defeating Japanese defense forces and establishing an essential base for operations in the Pacific theater. During the Peleliu invasion in September 1944 Task Force 32 included Colorado which delivered bombardments against Japanese positions between September 12 and 15. The Colorado's 16-inch projectiles focused on bunkers and coastal defenses but the extended terrestrial conflict revealed the constraints of naval bombardment against firmly entrenched troops. The Colorado played a crucial role in advancing U.S. island-hopping strategy by attacking Japanese defenses across these islands which led to further military progress.

Philippines Campaign (1944–1945)

The battleship Colorado played an essential role throughout the Philippines campaign with notable participation during the Leyte invasion between October and November 1944. As a member of Task Group 77.2 commanded by Vice Admiral Jesse B. Oldendorf the Colorado ship provided fire support for Leyte invasion operations against Japanese defenses from October 17–20. The ship employed its 16-inch guns to strike coastal defenses and enemy troop groups which enabled the Army to move forward. The battleship Colorado sustained an attack from a kamikaze plane with two 500-pound bombs while it operated near Leyte Gulf on November 27, 1944. The kamikaze attack resulted in 19 crewmembers killed and 72 wounded while creating substantial damage to both the ship's superstructure and its anti-aircraft mounts. Even after the kamikaze attack Colorado remained operational because of quick crew repairs and continued bombardment until it sailed to Manus for repairs during December.

Colorado went back to the Philippines to join the Luzon invasion in January 1945 after completing its repairs. During its service with Task Group 77.2 the ship attacked Japanese defenses at Lingayen Gulf between January 6 and January 9. The Sixth Army's landings received gunfire support from the ship which enabled them to establish a beachhead despite facing kamikaze threats. The sustained precision of Colorado's fire while under pressure demonstrated its crew's exceptional training and the ship's durable construction.

Okinawa Campaign (1945)

During the Okinawa campaign which lasted from March to June 1945, the Colorado acted as part of Task Force 54 under the command of Rear Admiral Morton Deyo and this operation marked its last significant battle. The Colorado started its bombardment of Japanese defenses on Okinawa on March 24 by firing on pillboxes, caves, and artillery positions to back up the Tenth Army's landings. During weeks of continuous action Colorado's 16-inch guns discharged thousands of rounds which destroyed Japanese fortifications and interrupted their supply operations. A kamikaze plane struck the Colorado on April 22 but inflicted only minor damage while anti-aircraft fire prevented any casualties. Despite the escalation of Japanese air attacks Colorado provided uninterrupted gunfire support until June.

Colorado’s sustained bombardments played a crucial role in reducing Japanese resistance during the bloodiest campaign of the Pacific War which occurred in Okinawa. The combination of its ability to endure constant kamikaze threats and its precise shooting capabilities made it essential to naval support operations. After securing Okinawa on June 21 Colorado sailed for Pearl Harbor to finish its combat missions.

Postwar Duties and Fate (1945–1959)

Colorado began its occupation duties by arriving in Tokyo Bay on September 20 to supervise Japanese forces disarmament after Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945. The ship made its way to San Francisco on October 15, 1945 to bring back U.S. soldiers as part of Operation Magic Carpet. On January 7, 1947, Colorado was decommissioned and then assigned to the Pacific Reserve Fleet at Bremerton, Washington. Colorado was taken off the Naval Vessel Register on March 1, 1959 and subsequently sold to Lerner Company for dismantling on July 23, 1959 before being dismantled by December. The University of Colorado preserved the ship's bell and silver service while the Puget Sound Navy Museum displays its 5-inch gun and structural remnants as proof of its lasting legacy.

Critical Analysis

The ship Colorado earned seven battle stars during its wide-ranging operations throughout the Pacific theatre from the Aleutians to Okinawa. The ship’s ability to transition between bombardment missions, fleet screening operations, and troop support tasks proved essential to the island-hopping campaign. The ship’s ability to withstand kamikaze attacks and coastal artillery demonstrates its resilient construction alongside effective crew damage control despite the tragic loss of 19 crewmembers during the 1944 kamikaze assault which reveals the human cost involved. John Bartz's personal narrative shows the crew's admiration for Colorado's firepower while the preservation of fallen sailors' family records by the Naval History and Heritage Command brings depth to its story.

The Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships describes the Colorado as a dependable battleship but notes its reduced significance compared to the faster Iowa-class battleships and aircraft carriers. The battleship Colorado demonstrated its critical importance during bombardments at Tarawa, Saipan, and Okinawa which refutes the idea battleships had lost their usefulness in amphibious operations. Critics of the U.S. naval strategy believe that battleships such as Colorado faced excessive kamikaze attacks because they needed to operate close to invasion beaches which heightened their risk exposure. The dismantling of the ship after the war shows the move toward carrier-focused navies but its preserved relics maintain its historical importance.

To understand Colorado’s performance one must consider the technological and industrial superiority of the U.S. Navy. The Colorado gained dominance over coastal targets through its advanced radar and fire control systems along with strong logistical support unlike the Japanese battleships that became outmatched by 1944. Due to its slow speed and pre-treaty hull design Colorado could not operate in fast carrier task forces and thus served primarily as a bombardment ship where it demonstrated great strength. The ship's enduring legacy resulted from its capacity to confront changing threats including coastal guns and kamikaze attacks while providing essential firepower to conquer Pacific islands.

Final Thoughts

During World War II’s Pacific Theater operations the USS Colorado (BB-45) stood as a resilient battleship that demonstrated great power. Thanks to its modern design including 16-inch guns and advanced fire control systems along with turbo-electric propulsion the ship achieved powerful bombardment success throughout multiple military operations. Between the Aleutians and Okinawa the USS Colorado delivered amphibious support to landings while destroying enemy defenses and sustained substantial damage throughout its missions resulting in seven battle stars. The Colorado distinguished itself as a representation of U.S. naval power through its exceptional silver service, strong crew relationships, and technological advancements. The USS Colorado was scrapped in 1959 yet its legacy persists through its preserved artifacts and crew stories that demonstrate its contributions to the Allied victory.