During late November 1942, Northampton operated with a cruiser-destroyer force, to interdict the Japanese from landing reinforcements on Guadalcanal.

Battle of Tassafaronga
On November 30, 1942 during the Battle of Tassafaronga, Northampton opened fire on Japanese ships. At 11:22pm, both USS Minneapolis (CA-36) and USS New Orleans (CA-32) sustained torpedo hits and withdrew. At 11:39 USS Pensacola was also hit by a torpedo and withdrew. The action continued with Northampton and Honolulu, with six destroyers continuing to attack.

At 11:48pm Northhampton was hit by two torpedoes that tore a hole in the port side causing her to take on water, catch fire and developed a list. Aboard, the most senior officer killed was Chief Engineer, Commander Hilan Ebert who earned the Navy Cross and is listed as Missing In Action (MIA).

Sinking History
On December 1, 1942 three hours after the torpedo impacts, the ship began sinking stern first and was abandoned before she sank into Iron Bottom Sound off the southeast corner of Savo Island. Northampton received six battle stars for World War II service.

Rescue
Afterwards, her surviving crew were rescued by escorting destroyers.

References
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Hilan Ebert

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Last Updated
August 4, 2020