The Original Tomcat: A Fletcher Destroyer Goes to War

The world's most famous class of destroyers, the Fletchers, joined the American fleet during World War II. There were 175 of these little gray workhorses, all heavily armed against threats from sea, land and air. No admiral ever had enough of them. Most fought in the Pacific War against Japan, serving anonymously alongside well-known aircraft carriers and battleships. Dozens of Fletchers ran with the big boys in mighty Fast Carrier Task Force 38/58 under Admirals Halsey and Spruance. The USS Colahan (DD-658) steamed this perilous but triumphant journey to Tokyo Bay, surviving when others didn't. This is her story.