U.S.S. Allen M. Sumner DD-692
Ormoc Bay - A Japanese Perspective

The sea battle is reported in pp.555-556, Kaigun S-go Sakusen (2), one of a 101 volume series titled Senshi Sosho (War History Series), compiled by the National Defense Research Institute, publisher Asagumo-sha, June 1947. The following is an excerpt covering the actions at Ormoc Bay on the night of December 2-3 1944 (note that the Japanese calendar is different than the American resulting in the month being shown as May in place of December)::

Group 3 and 4, under protection of Kuwa and Take, were comprised of Transport No.9, landing crafts No. 140 and 159. Both Groups left Manila May 1, 1800. On May 2, they were detected by enemy plane but were able to rush safely to Ormoc around 2330 without enemy air attacks.

May 3, 0030 , when unloading, 3 U.S. destroyers and several torpedo boats attacked. Our escorts, Kuwa and Take exchanged fire and was able to repulse the enemy toward the south. However, Kuwa sank and Take was forced to move by broadside engines only. 

In this battle, one large enemy destroyer was sunk, 1 destroyer damaged and 2 torpedo boats also sunk. Also in this battle, our night fighter planes (Gekko) and level bombing planes cooperated with our sea forces; the night fighters reported sinking one destroyer, and level bombers 2 transport ships and 1 torpedo boat.

All ships, except Kuwa, after unloading, left Ormoc 3rd, 0300 arriving Manila 4th.

As may be seen in this excerpt there is much "fog of war" by the combatants. The Japanese list two American transports and 2-3 torpedo boats being sunk, while no such units took part. The interpretation may also be made that two destroyers were sunk which is in error. It should also be noted that the sinking of the Cooper is listed as having been done by night fighters. This was almost certainly accomplished by a torpedo fired from something other than a night fighter.

Many thanks to Ron Babuka who sent this article on to us.