Artist's commentary
USS Neosho AO-23
The fleet oiler Neosho, with no armament in the illustration.
She was a big, docile girl who always sold hot dogs and ice lemonade--each for 5 cents--at her lemonade stand. Anyway, they're for shipgirls and fleet commanders should never try them. Although she looks as tall as Lexington, she is actually a soft-voiced and shy girl. Don't tease her just because she looks cute.
After the war began, the oilder, who was converted to military use through an agreement, participated in the battle in the Coral Sea. After she fueled Yorktown and was ordered to leave the formation, she was mistaken for an aircraft carrier and was attacked by Zuikaku and Shokaku's aircraft. The only escort ship Sims and her were completely unable to resist the attack. However, after saving Sims's survivors, Neosho's crew managed to keep her afloat for four days.
USS Henley, who was sent to find the survivors, picked up her surviving crew and brought her the news that the Japanese aircraft carrier force had been pushed back, and then scuttled her with gunfire.
At least, this was some comfort.