Analyses of Battle Casualties by Weapon Type Aboard U.S. Navy Warships

摘要

The number of casualties was determined for 513 incidents involving U.S. Navy warships sunk or damaged during World War II. Ship type and weapon were significant factors in determining the numbers of wounded and killed. Multiple weapon attacks and kamikazes yielded more WIA than other weapon types. Multiple weapons and torpedos resulted in a higher incidence of KIA than other weapons. Penetrating wounds and burns were the most prominent injury types. Kamikaze attacks yielded significantly more burns than incidents involving bombs, gunfire, torpedos, mines, and multiple weapons. Mine explosions were responsible for more strains, sprains, and dislocations than the other weapon types. Torpedo attacks were more likely to sink the vessel than other weapon attacks. Shipboard battle injuries, casualties, ship types wounded-in-action, killed-in-action, weapon effects.