USS maryland

The USS Maryland: A Quiet Valor in World War II

The USS Maryland (BB-46), which belonged to the Colorado-class battleships of the United States Navy played an important yet typically underrated role within World War II naval history. The USS Maryland earned its nickname “Fighting Mary” after its commissioning in 1921 when it emerged as the pinnacle of America's interwar battleship design through its powerful and resilient build. This ship's wartime service from surviving Pearl Harbor until supporting major Pacific battles stands out as evidence of its special status because of its extraordinary endurance and crucial yet understated service contributions while adapting to a naval environment dominated by aircraft carriers. The article examines the crucial participation of Maryland in key WWII battles by identifying what distinguished it and how it represented the quiet strength and tenacity of America during the Pacific campaign.

Origins and Design: A Pinnacle of Battleship Craftsmanship

Maryland was created as part of the naval expansion after World War I and its construction started on April 24, 1917 at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia. The Maryland became the lead vessel of the Colorado-class alongside Colorado and West Virginia after its launch on March 20, 1920, and commissioning on July 21, 1921. The Maryland battleship displaced 32,693 tons standard (33,590 tons full load) while measuring 624 feet (190.2 meters) in length and reaching a top speed of 21 knots (24.2 mph) through its four turbo-electric drive shafts and eight oil-fired boilers which provided a more reliable and efficient power system compared to previous coal-powered designs.

Its armament was formidable: Four twin turrets mounted eight large 16-inch (406 mm) guns that could launch 2,240-pound projectiles beyond 20 miles while being supported by twelve 5-inch (127 mm) guns and a progressive anti-aircraft battery. The 13.5-inch (343 mm) armor belt and 18-inch (457 mm) turret faces together with the 3.5-inch (89 mm) deck protected it against the plunging gunfire of its time. The combination of firepower and protection with turbo-electric propulsion enabled precise control and long-range endurance which demonstrated Maryland’s reliability throughout World War II.

Pearl Harbor: A Survivor’s Resilience

Maryland entered into warfare on December 7, 1941, when Japan launched its unexpected attack on Pearl Harbor. Its position inboard of Oklahoma at Battleship Row protected it from torpedo attacks though it remained vulnerable to aerial bombs from Japan’s Kido Butai. At 7: At 7:55 AM when air raid sirens sounded Maryland’s crew operated their guns to fire upon incoming Nakajima B5N Kates and Aichi D3A Vals. It sustained two bomb hits: A bomb broke through the forecastle and detonated beneath the deck causing forward compartments to flood when the second bomb hit near the bow creating fires. The Oklahoma overturned beside Maryland which pressed against the dock as its crew battled fires and continued anti-aircraft fire to shoot down multiple enemy planes.

The damage was significant but manageable. Maryland remained afloat because its robust armor and compartmentalized structure limited the extent of flooding unlike Arizona which exploded and Oklahoma which capsized. The ship finished its first day with 4 crew fatalities and 14 injuries from its total crew of 1,541 which amounted to a minor casualty count. The Maryland received essential repairs and an anti-aircraft gun upgrade at Puget Sound Navy Yard by February 1942 which prevented its prolonged salvage operations unlike California or West Virginia. Maryland stood out during Pearl Harbor because its sturdy construction and quick repair allowed it to avoid severe damage which enabled it to participate in crucial Pacific battles.

Modernization: Adapting to a New Era

Between April and June 1942 the Maryland ship received a refit at Puget Sound which was followed by an extensive overhaul in 1944 that improved its capabilities making it stand out among its class. The ship received sixteen 5-inch/38-caliber dual-purpose guns and forty 40 mm Bofors with forty-eight 20 mm Oerlikons which together created a powerful air defense system while its superstructure became more streamlined. Gunnery capabilities and situational awareness improved through the addition of SK air-search radar systems along with SG surface-search radar sets. In 1944 the ship expanded to 108 feet (32.9 meters) with anti-torpedo blisters resulting in a 35,000 ton displacement but maintained 21 knots speed thanks to new boilers.

The upgraded Maryland became a flexible battleship with capabilities for shore bombardment and anti-aircraft defense to match the carrier-focused Pacific war strategy. The reactivation of Maryland in mid-1942 followed by enhancements made in 1944 demonstrated America's success in modifying its naval fleet for the upcoming pivotal war operations.

A quiet victory at Leyte Gulf

The Battle of Leyte Gulf from October 23–26, 1944 became Maryland’s moment of distinction when it participated in what stands as the largest naval battle in history. The ship became part of Rear Admiral Oldendorf’s Task Group 77.2 where it worked with six battleships including five Pearl Harbor veterans to protect the Leyte invasion from Japan’s Vice Admiral Shoji Nishimura’s Southern Force. Maryland took part in the Battle of Surigao Strait on October 24–25 in a unique naval confrontation which demonstrated its fighting endurance and weapon capabilities.

Maryland prepared alongside West Virginia, Tennessee, California, Pennsylvania, and Mississippi as Nishimura’s battleships Yamashiro and Fusō entered the strait with their cruiser and four destroyers. Without advanced radar systems that its sister ships possessed Maryland depended on optical sighting methods and West Virginia's firing salvos to guide its shots. At 3: At 3:53 AM on October 25 it began firing at 19,800 yards (11.2 miles) with its 16-inch guns successfully hitting Yamashiro. Six salvos totaling 63 rounds from the ship led to the sinking of Yamashiro and the defeat of the Southern Force in a critical "crossing the T" success.

Maryland demonstrated exceptional performance at Surigao Strait even though it operated with outdated technology. Despite its outdated fire-control system, the crew’s expertise and powerful guns delivered a decisive attack against Japan’s surface fleet which paid homage to Pearl Harbor during a rare battleship victory in an era ruled by aircraft carriers.

Later Campaigns: Supporting the Pacific Push

The Maryland sustained its operations through 1944–1945 where it enhanced amphibious missions with its substantial firepower. During the Battle of Saipan Maryland fired 2,148 16-inch shells which made it the battleship that fired the most shells to support Marines on the ground. A Japanese G4M Betty bomber torpedo hit the port bow on June 22 resulting in 2 deaths and 12 injuries yet its armor and damage control measures allowed it to function after repairs in Pearl Harbor.

The Maryland ship launched 682 16-inch artillery rounds at the Battle of Peleliu (September 15–November 27, 1944) to weaken coastal defenses. On October 24 the wider Battle of Leyte Gulf saw a kamikaze plane crash into its No. 1 turret. Despite the No. 1 turret being hit by a kamikaze plane which resulted in 10 fatalities and 37 injuries during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on October 24, it continued to function. Maryland discharged 312 16-inch shells during the Okinawa battle from April 1 to June 22, 1945 before a kamikaze attack on April 7 destroyed its starboard side with a 550-pound bomb resulting in 10 deaths and 37 injuries. After repairs finished in June, the ship headed back to the West Coast where it received seven battle stars despite missing Japan’s surrender.

Why Maryland Was Special

Maryland stood out due to its lasting durability and dependable performance alongside its understated yet significant influence. The battleship Maryland's endurance through Pearl Harbor remains astonishing. Protected against torpedoes and supported by its strong armor the ship only suffered minimal damage unlike California or West Virginia and rejoined service quickly proving its design and crew's determination. Maryland's ability to withstand damage distinguished it from battleships that either suffered total loss or remained out of service for extended periods.

Second, Maryland’s reliability and adaptability were exceptional. While it did not have advanced radar systems, the vessel proved reliable in combat through its 16-inch guns and strong build during engagements at Saipan, Leyte, and Okinawa. During the 1944 refit Maryland received an improved anti-aircraft defense system which made it suitable for wartime demands and ensured operational flexibility during carrier-based naval combat.

Maryland stood out for its symbolic representation of quiet valor. The vessel known as “Fighting Mary” withstood torpedo attacks at Saipan and kamikaze strikes at Leyte and Okinawa but remained unbroken while representing America’s unwavering determination. The crew's spirit which developed during Pearl Harbor's chaos guided every battle as they provided essential support for the Pacific campaign. The battleship Maryland gained extraordinary distinction through its lasting endurance and dedicated service.

Legacy and Significance

The contributions of the Maryland battleship during the battles of Leyte Gulf, Saipan, Peleliu and Okinawa played a key role in leading the Allies to victory in the Pacific and accelerating Japan’s surrender. The battleship demonstrated its continued importance during the airpower era through its survival of Pearl Harbor and kamikaze attacks. Maryland ended its service in 1947 but was scrapped in 1959 while leaving behind seven battle stars and a historical bell at the Maryland State House.

Maryland stood out due to its evolution from surviving Pearl Harbor to becoming a key force in the Pacific which demonstrated American industrial and military strength. The ship's service spanned the entirety of the war as it demonstrated endurance and eventual victory that marked the end of battleship dominance in an era ruled by aircraft carriers. The history of Maryland demonstrates enduring strength and reliability along with silent heroism which reflects the human and mechanical power that characterized naval operations during World War II.