Torpedo attack off Guadalcanal
La Vallette's first contact with the enemy came January 29, 1943 as she screened TF18 off Guadalcanal, when La Vallette's guns splashed three of a wave of attacking planes. Attacked again January 30, while guarding USS Chicago she shot down six Bettys, but was struck by a torpedo. ... With 22 dead, she was towed to drydock at Espiritu Santo for temporary repairs.
