Kolombangara, Battle of

In World War II, inconclusive naval engagement between US and Japanese forces in July 1943 off Kolombangara, one of the Solomon Islands.

Four Japanese transports escorted by a cruiser and four destroyers were attempting to resupply the Japanese garrison on Kolombangara when they were intercepted by three US cruisers and nine destroyers. The US vessels opened fire, sinking the Japanese cruiser; in reply the Japanese destroyers launched a torpedo attack which crippled one US cruiser. About two hours later the two forces met once more and the Japanese torpedoes crippled the two remaining US cruisers and sank one destroyer. By this time the Japanese had landed their troops and supplies and so they withdrew.