Bombing Attack near New Britain
While providing support for the landings on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, two bombs from Japanese dive bomber struck Brownson on the ship’s centerline near the #2 stack ... Almost immediately after the bomb hit, a tremendous explosion occurred within the ship leveling the entire superstructure. The ship listed 10-15º settled rapidly amidships with bow and stern canted upward. Brownson sank 17 minutes after the bomb hit. The ship lost 108 of her crew I the incident. The survivors were rescued by friendly forces.
