Japanese Bomb Fragment

Object/Artifact

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Name/Title

Japanese Bomb Fragment

Description

Fragment of a Japanese bomb which hit the USS Laffey (DD-724) during the April 16, 1945 attack off of Okinawa.

Use

Part of a Japanese bomb that damaged the USS Laffey and was taken by Captain Julian Becton as a souvenir.

Context

While operating as a part of radar picket station 1 off of Okinawa, Japan, the Laffey was attacked by 22 Japanese bombers and Kamikaze. 32 crewmembers aboard the USS Laffey were killed and 71 wounded out of a 336-man crew. The crew shot down 9 Japanese aircraft and saved the damaged ship earning Laffey the nickname: "The Ship That Would Not Die."

Collection

Frederick Becton Collection

Acquisition

Accession

1997.00002

Source or Donor

Elizabeth Hilary Reuss Becton

Acquisition Method

Gift

Made/Created

Date made

Apr 15, 1945

Update Date

June 20, 2025