Aircraft Carrier USS Hornet (CV-8)

1:700 Scale Diecast Model of the World War II Aircraft Carrier USS Hornet (CV-8)

Capturing the original with remarkable detail, this 1/700 scale die cast metal model replicates the USS Hornet as it prepared for the launch of the Doolittle Raid against Tokyo. The model even includes the B-25 Bombers! Cutaways on the side reveal lifeboats while the rudder and propeller sit ready for duty.

Full-Hull Model measures approximately 13-3/4" long and includes a display stand.

The seventh USS Hornet (CV-8) of the United States Navy was a Yorktown class aircraft carrier of World War II, notable for launching the Doolittle Raid, as a participant in the Battle of Midway, and for action in the Solomons before being sunk in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands.

Japanese carrier-based planes were reported headed for Midway the early morning of 4 June 1942. Hornet, Yorktown, and Enterprise launched aircraft, just as the Japanese carriers struck their planes below to prepare for a second attack on Midway. Hornet dive bombers were unable to locate their targets, but 15 torpedo bombers of her Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8) found their enemy and pressed home their attacks. They were met by overwhelming fighter opposition about 8 miles (13 km) out and were shot down one by one. Ensign George H. Gay, USNR, was the only survivor of thirty men.

The Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands took place 26 October 1942 without contact between surface ships of the opposing forces. That morning Enterprise planes bombed carrier Zuiho. Planes from Hornet severely damaged carrier Shokaku, and cruiser Chikuma. Two other cruisers were also attacked by Hornet aircraft. Meanwhile, Hornet was attacked by a coordinated dive bombing and torpedo plane attack. In a 15-minute period, Hornet took three bomb hits from Aichi D3A "Val" dive bombers, another bomb hit followed by the "Val" itself crashing into the deck, two torpedo hits from Nakajima B5N "Kate"s, and one more "Val" crashing into the deck. Later in the day, one more B5N scored a torpedo hit, and "abandon ship" was ordered. Captain Charles P. Mason, the last man on board, climbed over the side, and survivors were soon picked up by destroyers.

U.S. forces then attempted to scuttle the abandoned Hornet, which stubbornly absorbed nine torpedoes and more than 400 rounds of 5 inch from destroyers Mustin (DD-413) and Anderson (DD-411). Mustin and Anderson moved off when Japanese naval forces appeared in the area. Japanese destroyers then finished the Hornet with four 24-inch (610 mm) torpedoes. At 01:35, 27 October 1942, she finally sank off the Santa Cruz Islands. She was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register 13 January 1943, but her name was revived.

Hornet received four battle stars for World War II service. Torpedo Squadron 8 was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation "for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service beyond the call of duty" in the Battle of Midway.