"At 0938 on 24 October a Judy dive-bomber hit USS Princeton amidships with a small bomb off east coast of Luzon. Here Princeton is keeping her station in formation despite fire in hangar deck."

Image part of an album of photographs collected by Captain Carlos W. Wieber during his command of the aircraft carrier Essex (CV-9) during 1944–1945. Image mounted on a piece of paper on which appears the original typewritten caption.

National Naval Aviation Museum, USS Essex (CV-9) Photograph Album, photo # 1983.046.010.036.

"Princeton begins to drop back as fire is slightly subdued."

Image part of an album of photographs collected by Captain Carlos W. Wieber during his command of the aircraft carrier Essex (CV-9) during 1944–1945. Image mounted on a piece of paper on which appears the original typewritten caption.

National Naval Aviation Museum, USS Essex (CV-9) Photograph Album, photo # 1983.046.010.037.

"As she falls farther behind Princeton's fire begins to increase. USS Reno [(CL-96)] is seen in center."

Image part of an album of photographs collected by Captain Carlos W. Wieber during his command of the aircraft carrier Essex (CV-9) during 1944–1945. Image mounted on a piece of paper on which appears the original typewritten caption.

National Naval Aviation Museum, USS Essex (CV-9) Photograph Album, photo # 1983.046.010.038.

Bomb damage diagram of USS Princeton (CVL-23) occurring on 24 October 1944 off Luzon.

Source: Navy Department Library, USS Princeton (CVL-23) Loss in Action War Damage Report No. 62.

USS Princeton (CVL-23) burning, but still underway, about twenty minutes after she was hit by a Japanese air attack, 24 October 1944. Photographed from USS South Dakota (BB-57).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-287962).

Smoke rises after a massive explosion in Princeton's hangar deck, shortly after she was hit by a Japanese bomb while operating off the Philippines on 24 October 1944. A destroyer is visible at right.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-270546).

Smoke rises from an explosion in Princeton's hangar deck at 1000.5 hrs. on 24 October 1944, shortly after she was hit by a Japanese bomb while operating off the Philippines. Photographed from USS South Dakota (BB-57).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-287969).

Princeton burning soon after she was hit by a Japanese bomb while operating off the Philippines on 24 October 1944. This view, taken from USS South Dakota (BB-57) at about 1001 hrs., shows the large smoke column passing aft following a heavy explosion in the carrier's hangar deck.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-287970).

Princeton suffers another tremendous explosion, soon after she was hit by a Japanese bomb while operating off the Philippines on 24 October 1944. Photographed at about 1003 hrs. from USS South Dakota (BB-57), with USS Reno (CL-96) passing by closer to the camera.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-287972).

USS Princeton (CVL-23) afire at about 1004 hours on 24 October 1944, soon after she was hit by a Japanese bomb during operations off the Philippines. This view shows smoke rising from the ship's second large explosion, as USS Reno (CL-96) steams by in the foreground. Photographed from USS South Dakota (BB-57).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-287974).

USS Princeton (CVL-23), with an unidentified Fletcher-class destroyer alongside, after a single Japanese bomb exploded a loaded plane on the hangar deck.

From United States Destroyer Operations in World War II, by Theodore Roscoe.

The burning Princeton seen from USS Birmingham (CL-62), during the effort to save the carrier on 24 October. She had been hit by a Japanese air attack while operating off the Philippines. Note Princeton's buckled flight deck and other damage resulting from explosions in her hangar deck. Other ships in the vicinity were also approaching to help.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-270395.

USS Princeton (CVL-23) on fire after attack by Japanese dive-bomber four days after D-Day on Leyte, Philippines. Taken by USS Birmingham (CL-62), 24 October 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-270601.

USS Princeton (CVL-23) on fire after attack by Japanese dive-bomber four days after D-Day on Leyte, Philippines. Taken by USS Birmingham (CL-62), 24 October 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-270602.

USS Birmingham (CL-62) with the hoses ready, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, helping to fight the fire aboard USS Princeton (CVL-23) after the carrier was hit by a Japanese plane. As seen from the cruiser's superstructure, 24 October 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-270394.

USS Birmingham (CL-62) during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, helping to fight the fire aboard USS Princeton (CVL-23) after the carrier was hit by a Japanese plane. As seen from the cruiser's superstructure, 24 October 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-270382.

A closer view. National Archives photo (# 80-G-270566).

USS Princeton (CVL-23) fire damage after the Japanese plane attack during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Philippines, 24 October 1944. As seen from USS Birmingham (CL-62).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-270399.

USS Princeton (CVL-23) burning, and damage caused by a Japanese dive-bomb attack four days after D-Day at Leyte, Philippines, 24 October 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-270518.

USS Princeton (CVL-23) burning, and damage caused by a Japanese dive-bomb attack four days after D-Day at Leyte, Philippines, 24 October 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-270519.

There are not many known photographs of the damage as seen from Princeton's own flight deck.

Firefighting, 24 October 1944. Photo by Photographer's Mate FC Ernest Schirmer.

USS Reno (CL-96) comes alongside the burning USS Princeton (CVL-23) to assist in fighting fires, 24 October 1944. Princeton had been hit by Japanese air attack earlier in the day.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-270430).

USS Reno (CL-96) fighting fires from alongside the port quarter of the burning USS Princeton (CVL-23), 24 October 1944. Princeton had been hit by Japanese air attack earlier in the day.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-270431).

USS Reno (CL-96) stands off the starboard quarter of USS Princeton (CVL-23), while fighting fires on board the bombed carrier, 24 October 1944. Note Reno's forward 5"/38 twin gun mounts in the foreground, with local fire control sights on top.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 63439).

USS Birmingham (CL-62) comes alongside the burning USS Princeton (CVL-23) to assist with fire fighting, 24 October 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-281660-2).

USS Birmingham (CL-62) shown on October 24, 1944 helping fight fires aboard the USS Princeton (CVL-23). The carrier exploded violently, shortly after this photo was taken, sealing her fate and grievously killing and injuring the Birmingham's topside crew and severely damaging the cruiser too.

Crewmen on USS Birmingham (CL-62) play fire hoses on the burning USS Princeton (CVL-23), as their ship comes alongside to assist in damage control measures, 24 October 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-270357).

View of Princeton's after port side and flight deck, seen from USS Birmingham (CL-62) as she came alongside to help fight fires during the afternoon of 24 October 1944. Note aircraft elevator blown out of position and turned upside down, and flight deck buckled by the hangar deck explosions that followed a Japanese bomb hit. The ships were operating off the Philippines.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-270359).

Battle of Leyte Gulf, 24 October 1944. USS Princeton (CVL-23) afire after Japanese aerial attack. Other ships in the vicinity approaching to help. As seen from USS Birmingham (CL-62).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-270354.

View of Princeton's port midships area, showing her collapsed forward aircraft elevator and shattered flight deck, the results of explosions in her hangar deck following a Japanese bomb hit off the Philippines on 24 October 1944. Photographed from USS Birmingham (CL-62), which was coming alongside to assist with firefighting.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-270398.

USS Princeton (CVL-23) fire damage after the Japanese plane attack during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Philippines, 24 October 1944. As seen from USS Birmingham (CL-62).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-270404.

Battle of Leyte Gulf, 24 October 1944. USS Birmingham (CL-62) helping to fight the fire aboard USS Princeton (CVL-23) after the bomb hit by a Japanese plane on the carrier.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-270373.

Damage control parties standing on Princeton's forward port flight deck, during attempts to control her fires during the afternoon of 24 October 1944. Photographed from USS Birmingham (CL-62), which was assisting from alongside. Note the 40mm twin gun mount at left, whose shield has been torn off by Birmingham's Number Two gun turret as the two ships rolled and pitched while in close contact with each other. They were then operating off the Philippines.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-270375).

Fire damage aboard USS Princeton (CVL-23) after aerial attack by Japanese plane during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Philippines. As seen from USS Birmingham (CL‑62), 24 October 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-270376.

Men from burning USS Princeton (CVL-23) obeying orders to abandon ship after efforts to save their carrier proved futile. She had been hit by a Japanese plane during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Philippines. As seen from USS Birmingham (CL-62), 24 October 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-270379.

Princeton's port forward area, as seen from USS Birmingham (CL-62) during attempts to control her fires during the afternoon of 24 October. She had been hit by a Japanese air attack while operating off the Philippines. Note damage to Princeton's 40mm gun position and catwalk, caused by Birmingham's Number Two 6"/47 gun turret as the two ships grind together. Also note flight deck tractor partially hung up on Princeton's deck edge, F6F and TBM airplanes parked forward, floater nets and life rafts on Birmingham's gun turret.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-270437).

USS Princeton (CVL-23) alongside USS Birmingham (CL-62) in the vicinity of the cruiser's 5" gun mount No. 3. This picture was recorded by the Mare Island Navy Yard (photo # 7309-44) when CL-62 was repaired there.

View from the foredeck on USS Birmingham (CL-62) as she stood alongside Princeton to help fight her fires, during the afternoon of 24 October. The carrier had been hit by a Japanese air attack while operating off the Philippines. Note fire hoses on Birmingham's deck and details of the underside of her Number Two 6"/47 gun turret.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-270453).

Another view from USS Birmingham (CL-62). This picture was recorded by the Mare Island Navy Yard (photo # 7308-44) when the light cruiser was repaired there.

Battle of Leyte Gulf, 24 October 1944. USS Birmingham (CL-62) alongside USS Princeton (CVL-23) after fighting fire aboard the carrier following bomb hit by the Japanese.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-270368.

Damage control party examines Princeton's shattered hangar, after she was ripped by explosions following a Japanese bomb hit off the Philippines on 24 October. Note the burned out airplane inside the carrier's hangar, and the top of her hull blister in the lower foreground. Photo taken from USS Birmingham (CL-62), which was alongside to assist with firefighting, and recorded by the Mare Island Navy Yard (photo # 7307-44) when the light cruiser was repaired there.

"View of damage to hangar deck seen through blown-out side of hangar. Note crumpled area of hangar deck centered at about frame 78."

Light cruiser USS Birmingham (CL-62) as she comes alongside the USS Princeton (CVL-23) after the flattop was hit by Japanese bombs in one of the battles for Leyte Gulf. Moments later the Princeton blew up, killing and maiming hundreds of men on the cruiser's deck. Photo USN.

Text from Aircraft Carriers, by Norman Polmar. Official US Navy Photograph, now in the collection of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-270360.

Burning of USS Princeton (CVL-23) caused by Japanese bomb during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, 24 October 1944, as seen from USS Cassin Young (DD-793).

Official US Navy Photograph, now in the collection of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-281669.

Burning of USS Princeton (CVL-23) caused by Japanese bomb during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, 24 October 1944, as seen from USS Cassin Young (DD-793).

Official US Navy Photograph, now in the collection of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-281670.

Burning of USS Princeton (CVL-23) caused by Japanese bomb during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, 24 October 1944, as seen from USS Cassin Young (DD-793). A destroyer pours water in the hangar deck amidships where one bomb exploded. Princeton had launched her planes in the morning and one group had returned. These planes caught on the hangar deck forward, can be seen here huddled together as far away from the fire as possible. Efforts to save Princeton continued until the fire reached her magazine and exploded it. She remained afloat several hours after receiving the bomb hits and was sunk by units of our own fleet.

Official US Navy Photograph, now in the collection of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-281671.

Heavy explosion aft on USS Princeton (CVL-23), with USS Birmingham (CL-62) alongside, 24 October 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-281663-3).

USS Birmingham (CL-62), at left, and USS Gatling (DD-671) pull away from USS Princeton (CVL-23) following the big explosion that destroyed the carrier's stern at about 1523 hrs. on 24 October 1944. This blast killed over two hundred men aboard Birmingham, which was alongside Princeton fighting fires. Note the light smoke over Birmingham's midships and stern areas. Princeton's stern, and a good deal of her after superstructure, has been blown off.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-270553).

USS Princeton (CVL-23) blows up after being torpedoed by USS Reno (CL-96) on 24 October 1944. Princeton had been fatally damaged by Japanese air attack earlier in the day, and was scuttled by torpedoing to permit U.S. forces to clear the area.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-47305).

"'Coup de grace' for the fatally wounded USS Princeton—24 October 1944.

Commander Bruce Lawrence Harwood was killed in action while serving as the Air Officer aboard USS Princeton (CVL-23) on 24 October 1944. He was posthumously awarded a third Navy Cross.

USS Harwood (DD-861) was named after him.

Photo courtesy and © Gerald Harwood.

Survivors of USS Princeton (CVL-23) adrift in life boat at sea as seen from USS Cassin Young (DD‑793), 24 October 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-281661.

Survivors of USS Princeton (CVL-23) adrift in life boat at sea as seen from USS Cassin Young (DD‑793), 24 October 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-281662.

Princeton survivors jumping from a motor whaleboat to swim to USS Cassin Young (DD‑793), 24 October 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-281662-6.

Survivor of USS Princeton (CVL-23) being pulled on board USS Cassin Young (DD‑793) out of oil-covered water, 24 October 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-281665.

"AMERICAN LIGHT CARRIER LOST IN PHILIPPINES BATTLE"

"Wirephoto from the Navy"

"SENT DOWN—The loss of the light carrier Princeton was announced yesterday by Adm. Nimitz as preliminary results of continuing air-sea battle with Japanese naval forces were disclosed. The Princeton was damaged by Jap land-based planes, later sunk by American warships."

USS Princeton (CVL-23) plaque, Navy Memorial.

"Dedicated to those who served aboard the U.S.S. Princeton (CVL-23). Awarded Nine Battle Stars for World War II Service in the Pacific Theater of Operation. Commissioned: 25 February 1943. The Princeton (CVL-23) was heavily damaged and sunk on October 24, 1944 while participating in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Presented by the U.S.S. Princeton Association, October 22, 1998"

Plaque and letter of appreciation exhibited on board USS Reno (CL-96). They were presented by the Commanding Officer of USS Princeton (CVL-23) in recognition of fire fighting assistance and survivor care rendered by Reno on 24 October 1944, when Princeton was fatally damaged by Japanese air attack.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 98471-A).

A plaque presented to USS Cassin Young (DD-793) by the survivors of USS Princeton (CVL-23), after being rescued when the light carrier was sunk by the Japanese on 24 October 1944.

Photo taken by Steve Briand on 20 March 2020.

"Princeton's Gothic Chapel—The Princeton University Chapel still displays a service flag that once flew on [USS] Princeton [(CVL-23)]—In the still air of both transepts are a series of flags which represent both the University's motto 'In the Nation's Service,' and its religious affiliations. In the Marquand transept, to the north, flies the American flag which flew over Washington D.C. during Woodrow Wilson's administration. Next to it is the flag of USS Princeton LPH-5, which was decommissioned in 1970. The third flag is a World War service flag. The stars on the flag indicate the number of Princetonians killed in World War II. Finally, there is the surviving flag [(pictured)] of the ill-fated USS Princeton CVL-23, sunk in World War II."

Garland L. "Red" Smith comments: "I'm trying to find out what the Plaque (bottom left [of the picture]) has on it. Hopefully it will tell me the name of the guy that went back to the ship to get this Flag. We have information that it was David Sabo. I would like to find out if the Plaque has his name on it... If so I would like to get that Information to his Grandson."

"David Sabo was a boiler tender on the CVL-23. He was aboard when she was sunk. He received a medal for saving the American flag that flew aboard the Princeton before she went down. I have heard that he actually returned to the ship to retrieve the Flag."

William Houck Buracker (Luray, VA, 25 July 1897–Winchester, MA, 7 March 1977) graduated in 1919 with the US Naval Academy Class of 1920, and retired in 1947 as a Rear Admiral.

CAPT Buracker was the second and final commanding officer of USS Princeton (CVL-23) and was awarded the Navy Cross:

"CITATION: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain William Houck Buracker (NSN: 0-55970), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. PRINCETON (CVL-23), during operations in the Western Pacific during the months of September and October 1944. By his courageous and inspiring leadership of his Carrier and Air Group, Captain Buracker contributed directly toward destroying a large part of the enemy's navy and air force. When his own ship was heavily damaged by superior enemy forces, he made a heroic and determined effort to save her, with utter disregard for his own safety, even in the face of three great explosions, which efforts were continued until the tactical situation demanded that she be sunk by our own fire. The conduct of Captain Buracker throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

He had been previously awarded the Silver Star:

"CITATION: The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William Houck Buracker, Captain, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving on the Staff of the Task Force Commander during the period 6 December 1941 through 14 June 1942, in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands."

"LT Robert G. Bradley, U.S.N."

"In a citation 'for outstanding fortitude, great personal valor and self-sacrificing devotion to the completion of an extremely perilous task,' which cost him his life, LT Bradley, 23, posthumously was awarded the Navy Cross."

"Officer aboard the light aircraft carrier Princeton, LT Bradley headed a repair party in fighting flames below deck after an enemy dive bomber had scored a direct hit amidships during the battle of the Philippines. For seven hours, they fought the flames with the aid of nearby warships until the sight of enemy aircraft and submarines necessitated the warships abandoning the stricken carrier."

"The flames could not be controlled, and the lieutenant and his party were finally crowded off the ship's fantail and picked up from the water by a destroyer. The young officer, however, after the 'abandon-ship' order had been given, voluntarily returned to the doomed carrier in a further attempt to stem the flames and the explosions. He finally lost his life in one of the explosions."

"The Navy first listed LT Bradley as missing in action, but it was later determined that he had been killed."

"A native Washingtonian, LT Bradley attended Bullis Preparatory School and Charlotte Hall (Md.) Military Academy, and was graduated from the Naval Academy in 1942. In combat service for 19 months, he was with the Princeton from the time she was commissioned until her destruction. His mother, Mrs. George Woodruff, lives at 1217 Clement place, Silver Spring. His wife, Mrs. Barbara Bradley, formerly resided at 1524 North Ohio street, Arlington."

"This is one of a series of portraits of our decorated fighting men by Newman Sudduth of The Star's art staff."

The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., Gravure Section, 19 August 1945.