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The Incredible True Story of the Legendary Sailor the Japanese Couldn't Kill

Eli Brooks

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Published in The Indestructible Man: The Incredible True Story Of The Legendary Sailor The Japanese Couldn T Kill

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In the annals of naval history, there are few figures as enigmatic and awe-inspiring as Admiral Ernest King, the Commander-in-Chief of the United States Navy during World War II. A brilliant strategist and a fearless leader, King's legacy is marked by both triumph and tragedy. However, one episode in his life stands out as particularly extraordinary: his miraculous survival after a Japanese kamikaze attack that left his ship in flames.

The Attack on the USS Lexington

On June 19, 1944, King was aboard the aircraft carrier USS Lexington as it conducted a bombing raid on the Japanese-occupied Mariana Islands. Shortly after takeoff, the ship was targeted by a squadron of Japanese kamikaze pilots. One of the planes crashed directly into the flight deck, causing a massive explosion and fire. The impact killed dozens of sailors and sent shrapnel flying through the ship.

The Indestructible Man: The Incredible True Story of the Legendary Sailor the Japanese Couldn't Kill

by Don Keith

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Admiral Ernest King Standing On The Deck Of The USS Lexington During The Kamikaze Attack The Indestructible Man: The Incredible True Story Of The Legendary Sailor The Japanese Couldn T Kill

King's Narrow Escape

King was in his cabin at the time of the attack and was miraculously spared from the initial blast. However, he found himself trapped in a burning compartment surrounded by flames and smoke. As the fire raged around him, King remained calm and collected. He knew that he had to find a way to escape the inferno.

Through a thick cloud of smoke, King spotted a small porthole. He struggled to break the glass and squeezed his body through the narrow opening. As he emerged from the compartment, he was met with a surreal scene of chaos and destruction. The flight deck was a mass of twisted metal and burning debris. Sailors were running and screaming in panic.

A Miraculous Recovery

Despite his ordeal, King remained remarkably composed. He rallied a team of survivors and began directing rescue efforts. He ordered the crew to fight the fire and to evacuate the wounded. As the situation stabilized, King realized that he had been seriously injured. His legs were badly burned, and his body was covered in cuts and bruises.

King was evacuated to the nearby hospital ship USS Samaritan. Despite the severity of his wounds, he refused to let them slow him down. He continued to command the fleet from his hospital bed, guiding the Navy to victory in the Pacific War.

A Legacy of Courage

Admiral Ernest King's survival of the kamikaze attack on the USS Lexington is a testament to his incredible courage and resilience. In the face of overwhelming odds, he remained calm and focused, leading his crew to safety and inspiring them to fight on. His story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and determination can prevail.

The legend of Admiral Ernest King, the sailor the Japanese couldn't kill, has been passed down through generations of naval officers and sailors. It is a story of courage, leadership, and the indomitable spirit that defines the United States Navy. King's legacy continues to inspire those who serve in the Navy today, reminding them that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to overcome any challenge.

The Indestructible Man: The Incredible True Story of the Legendary Sailor the Japanese Couldn't Kill

by Don Keith

4.6 out of 5