Torpedo hits USS Houston (CL-81), during the afternoon of 16 October 1944 (NH 98826)

A Japanese aerial torpedo hits the starboard quarter of the U.S. Navy light cruiser USS Houston (CL-81), during the afternoon of 16 October 1944. This view shows burning fuel at the base of the torpedo explosion's water column. Houston had been torpedoed amidships on 14 October, while off Formosa, and was under tow by the fleet ocean tug USS Pawnee (ATF-74) when enemy torpedo planes hit her again. The heavy cruiser USS Canberra (CA-70), also torpedoed off Formosa, is under tow in the distance.