The Iowa-class battleship USS Missouri sailed through a hurricane to fight North Korea

Summary and key points: Known as the site of the Japanese surrender during World War II, the USS Missouri (BB-63) played a crucial role in the Korean War. Ordered to the Pacific in 1950, the battleship braved a hurricane en route and delivered crucial bombardment during the Incheon landings and North Korean retreat.

– Missouri's firepower was critical in the evacuation of Hungnam, protecting UN forces from advancing Chinese troops. After her initial engagement, the battleship returned for more shore bombardments, firing thousands of rounds in support of the UN effort.

– Although Missouri was decommissioned after the war, it was reactivated in the 1980s and even saw action in Operation Desert Storm.

Heroic deeds of the USS Missouri in the Korean War: From battleship to bomber legend

The Iowa-Class battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) is best known as the site of Imperial Japan's unconditional surrender to the Allies, which officially ended World War II. But apart from being the site of one of the most momentous surrenders in world history, Missouri served for many more years – including in the Korean War.

USS Missouri: Used in the Korean War

When President Truman, on behalf of the United Nations, ordered the US armed forces to intervene in Korea, Missouri was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. As part of Truman's naval mobilization Missouri was transferred to the Pacific Fleet and stationed on the Korean peninsula on 19 August 1950.

However, the journey from Virginia to Korea did not go smoothly. Since the mission was so urgent, Missouri was sailed directly through a hurricane off the coast of North Carolina. The howling winds blew helicopters out of the Missouri on the stern and caused so much damage that the ship had to be docked for repairs after arriving at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

After a week of repairs in Hawaii Missouri and finally reached Korean waters on September 14, 1950. Missouri was the first U.S. battleship to enter the conflict and became the flagship of Rear Admiral Allan Edward Smith. Missouri was used to bomb Samchok to divert North Korean troops and attention from the UN landing at Incheon. A few days later Missouri sailed to Incheon, where she began bombarding North Korean troops as they retreated north.

Command of the Missouri from Smith to Rear Admiral John M. Higgins and then to Vice Admiral AD Struble. Under Struble, the Missouri served as flagship of the Seventh Fleet and was used to escort the aircraft carrier Valley Forgeand to carry out bombing missions in the Chongjin and Tanchon areas. In the same month, legendary comedian Bob Hope visited the Missourion a USO tour and performed three shows for the crew.

At the end of October, the People's Liberation Army of China launched a major attack with 380,000 soldiers on the UN troops advancing from the south in support of North Korea. The UN troops were forced to withdraw. Missouri was called upon to provide fire support during the subsequent evacuation of Hungnam (also known as the Christmas Miracle).

Until 1951 Missouri was used for carrier escort and coastal bombardment. In March, the battleship was ordered back to port in the USA. During the Missouri She fired 2,895 16-inch shells and 8,043 5-inch shells during the mission. After returning home Missouri was docked at Norfolk for an overhaul that lasted until January 1952. Missouri She would not return to Korean waters until late 1952, where she would be used for naval fire support or “Cobra attacks.”

The Missouri The last operation in the Korean War took place on March 25, 1953 in the Kojo area. Missouri was soon sent home and finally decommissioned in 1955. The famous battleship was transferred to the reserve fleet and became a tourist attraction, with 250,000 visitors visiting its “surrender deck” every year.

Curiously, Missouri was reactivated in the 1980s when President Ronald Reagan decided to expand the U.S. Navy. And the Missourionce the scene of the Japanese surrender and a participant in the Korean War, would participate in Operation Desert Storm and fire Tomahawk missiles at Iraqi targets.

About the author: Harrison Kass

Harrison Kass is a defense and national security writer who has written over 1,000 articles on world affairs. Harrison is a lawyer, pilot, guitarist, and part-time professional hockey player. He joined the U.S. Air Force as a student pilot but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.

Image credit: Creative Commons.