Early December 1944, preparations began for amphibious assault landings at the lightly held island of Mindoro and the other landings in the Lingayen gulf. The allies planned to develop airfields on Mindoro. 

The Nashville was chosen to carry the "Big Brass". · Rear Admiral Arthur Struble & staff. · Brigadier General William Dunkel & staff. The CL-43 as the flagship for these invasions. 

On 13 December, loaded with this bevy of big brass, the CL-43 was riding gun guard on the Midoro invasion. She was on the extreme right flank. Four miles starboard, the island of Negros.

 The Nashville's lookouts spotted a single engine Jap fighter @ 5000 ft. With speed of over 400 knots, the Jap was apparently making for a ship astern.  Seconds latter the Jap changed his mind and banked sharply towards the Nashville. The Jap aimed straight for the CL-43 Bridge. 

The Japs right wing pointed directly at the water. This view gave the crew of the Nashville a direct glimpse of two bombs strapped to the Japs wings. What happened next is horrific, especially by today's standards. 

Luckily the suicider was snagged before reaching the bridge. The Jap snagged his right wing on the barrel of one of the Nashville's 40mm guns. The Jap spun and crashed into the port side amidships. The japs left wing torn off, went flying to the starboard. The Japs bombs exploded above the deck on the starboard side. High octane gasoline gasoline ignited and flames blazed higher than the stacks of the Nashville. Ready ammunition on the deck of the CL-43, exploded in every direction. Tracers raced around the deck. 

Bodies and body parts were thrown to all corners of the ships deck. Men vaulted overboard to escape the flames and flying debris. Almost immediately the surviving sailors sprang into action to combat the fire and salvage the survivors. Fire hoses working from all directions, the men walked directly into the fire, to combat the flames. Some of these men suffering severe burns. Within 20 minutes the Nashville was Fire free. 

The Nashville continued sailing with her fleet, transferring her bevy of Big Brass to other cruisers. She continued with the fleet for several hours. The Nashville was provided an escort and she turned back to Leyte. 

For over 24 hours the ships Doctors, Corpsmen and anyone available, worked on the wounded. When supplies ran out, the men ingeniously improvised. · 133 Dead · 190 wounded 

At Tacloban the wounded were hospitalized. The dead were buried at a military cemetery. Temporary repairs were made at Seeadler harbor. The crippled Nashville left on Christmas day for the 12,000 mile journey to Puget sound Navy yard in Washington.