20MM Gun Mount

A Swiss Oerlikon 20mm anti-aircraft gun was used to defend the ship against close-range air attacks, replacing older, less effective .50 caliber machine guns. In December 1941, forty 20mm guns were installed, and more were added over the war years in both single and twin mounts. Known as the "door knocker" because of their limited range and short engagement time, these air-cooled guns were operated by a crew of four men: a gunner who trained, elevated, and manually fired the gun while strapped against shoulder rests; a talker/spotter who observed gunfire, watched for targets, and set the range on a Mark 14 gun sight when in use; a trunnion operator who raised and lowered the mechanical pedestal; and a loader who placed 60-round magazines on the gun and removed ammunition from ready service lockers behind the guns. The 60-round magazines were stored in three clipping rooms, each manned by four men during general quarters. Crew members recalled opening fire on attacking planes, hitting them, and seeing them crash into the water or burst into flames.

North Carolina · United States