After a dozen torpedo hits, even the Yamato's
1,000 watertight compartments couldn't save her, and her lower decks rapidly
began to flood. A Curtiss Helldiver bomber like the one seen at right
photographed the destruction. At this point, after just a few hours of battle,
most of the American pilots returned to their carriers, knowing
Yamato's injuries were fatal. In all, Yamato took 12 bomb and
seven torpedo hits within two hours of battle.