The Ship That Wouldn't Die's primary photo
  • The Ship That Wouldn't Die (1945)
  • Short | 8 min | Documentary, Short, News
The Ship That Wouldn't Die (1945)
Short | 8 min | Documentary, Short, News
On March 19, 1945, the aircraft carrier USS Franklin, one of a group of ships off the coast of Kobe, Japan, was attacked by a Japanese bomber. The plane scored direct hits with two large bombs. This newsreel, shot by US Navy photographers,...See moreOn March 19, 1945, the aircraft carrier USS Franklin, one of a group of ships off the coast of Kobe, Japan, was attacked by a Japanese bomber. The plane scored direct hits with two large bombs. This newsreel, shot by US Navy photographers, shows what happened on the Franklin after the attack. The Franklin was heavily laden with bombs, rockets, and fuel-loaded aircraft. For about 24 hours, the ship's armaments exploded. These explosions caused great damage to the ship, and the deaths of over 800 crewmen. Over 250 additional personnel were injured, with over 700 of the crew being awarded the Purple Heart. During the attempt to save the ship, it was under extended attack from Japanese fighter planes, with their American counterparts furiously defending the wounded vessel. There were many acts of heroism performed. Several ships came to the aid of the Franklin, which was now listing sharply to one side, some to fight the fires that all but gutted the ship, others to rescue survivors. Miraculously, the ship stayed afloat and was able to move under her own power to undertake the 14,000-mile journey home. After undergoing a cleanup at Pearl Harbor, she made the voyage through the Panama Canal to the Brooklyn Navy Yard for repairs. Father (Lieutenant Commander) Joseph O'Callahan, the ship's chaplain, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. Written by David Glagovsky See less
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10 cast members
Name Known for
John B. Kennedy's primary photo
John B. Kennedy
Self - Narrator (voice) Self - Narrator (voice)   See fewer
The Big Step (1961)
Joseph O'Callahan's primary photo
Joseph O'Callahan
Self (as Father Joseph O'Callahan) Self (as Father Joseph O'Callahan)   See fewer
The Ship That Wouldn't Die (1945)
Leslie Gehres's primary photo
Leslie Gehres
Self (as Captain Leslie Gehres) Self (as Captain Leslie Gehres)   See fewer
Flat Top (1952)
M. Frisbee's primary photo
M. Frisbee
Self (as Bosun M. Frisbee) Self (as Bosun M. Frisbee)   See fewer
The Ship That Wouldn't Die (1945)
T.J. Frasure's primary photo
T.J. Frasure
Self (as 3rd Class Steward T.J. Frasure) Self (as 3rd Class Steward T.J. Frasure)   See fewer
The Ship That Wouldn't Die (1945)
G.P. Abbott's primary photo
G.P. Abbott
Self (as G.P. Abbott - Quartermaster 2nd class) Self (as G.P. Abbott - Quartermaster 2nd class)   See fewer
The Ship That Wouldn't Die (1945)
S. Novack's primary photo
S. Novack
Self (as Marine Private S. Novack) Self (as Marine Private S. Novack)   See fewer
The Ship That Wouldn't Die (1945)
James W. Turner's primary photo
James W. Turner
Self (as J.W. Turner) Self (as J.W. Turner)   See fewer
The Ship That Wouldn't Die (1945)
F.W. Masters's primary photo
F.W. Masters
Self Self   See fewer
The Ship That Wouldn't Die (1945)
Frank Lepore's primary photo
Frank Lepore
Self (uncredited) Self (uncredited)   See fewer
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