USS St. Lo

The USS St. Lo (CVE-63) was a Casablanca-class escort carrier of the United States Navy that saw service during World War II. Commissioned in October 1943, she was initially named Midway (CVE-63), but was renamed St. Lo on 10 October 1944, to free the name Midway for a new fleet carrier (CVB-41). The St. Lo is notable for being the first major warship sunk by a kamikaze attack.

Participating in several campaigns in the Pacific Theater, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf, St. Lo provided crucial air support for ground forces. On 25 October 1944, during the Battle off Samar, she was attacked by Japanese kamikaze aircraft. The attacks resulted in a series of explosions and uncontrollable fires. The ship sank approximately 30 minutes after being struck. The sinking of St. Lo was a significant loss, but also demonstrated the evolving nature of naval warfare with the introduction of kamikaze tactics. A significant number of her crew were rescued, but the loss of life was substantial. The wreck of St. Lo rests on the floor of the Philippine Sea.