File:U. S. Navy oiler on fire during Pacific War.jpg

The U.S. Navy fleet oiler USS Patuxent (AO-44) on fire as a result of an internal explosion in the paint locker on the foc'sle while off Iwo Jima, 17 February 1945 two days prior to the invasion on 19 February 1945. USS Waterman (DE-740) and USS Dewey (DD-349) distinguished themselves in subduing the flames and saving Patuxent for further service. LCDR. J.H. Stahle of Waterman was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions. Other DE's that came to the aid of Patuxent included USS Weaver (DE-741), USS Lamons (DE-743), USS Kyne (DE-744) and USS Bangust (DE-739). USS Silverstein (DE-539) escorted the Patuxent back to Saipan and from there she went back to Ulithi where repairs were made. Patuxent returned to duty and served until the war ended; sailing into Tokyo Bay two days after the surrender was signed on the USS Missouri (BB-63).[1]
Original caption: The original U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command caption reads: "Mississinewa (AO-59) sinking at Ulithi, 20 November 1944. The capsized ship's bottom can be seen at the base of the flames, with bow or stern toward the left.
NOTE: Identification is provisional. The original caption reads: "Casualty at Iwo Jima -- While the battle raged ashore, a U.S. Tanker goes up in flame and smoke as the result of enemy action." The identity of this ship, if lost at Iwo Jima, is unknown. However, the circumstances seen in the photo appear to be correct for the loss of Mississinewa. The presence of many anchored cargo ships and oilers, plus the several fleet tugs and salvage ships, looks more like Ulithi than Iwo Jima."