The USS Liscome Bay (CVE-56), an escort aircraft carrier, was providing air support for American ground forces during the critical invasion of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands. The invasion was part of a broader strategy by the Allied forces to establish a base from which to launch further offensives into the central Pacific. On this fateful day, while engaged in combat operations near Tarawa, the ship was struck by a torpedo fired from the Japanese submarine I-175. The torpedo found its mark in the Liscome Bay's hull, causing catastrophic damage and a massive explosion that led to the swift sinking of the vessel. The crew, numbering over 900 personnel, faced overwhelming odds as many were trapped and unable to escape the sinking ship.

Rescue operations were complex and dangerous, further complicated by the ongoing warfare in the area. Despite the efforts of nearby ships and aircraft, only a fraction of the crew was saved. The loss of the Liscome Bay not only resulted in a significant loss of life but also represented a setback for U.S. naval operations in the region. The event underscored the persistent threat posed by Japanese submarines to Allied naval forces and highlighted the high-stakes nature of naval warfare in the Pacific Theater during this critical phase of World War II.