Military Power

I was watching the History Channel presenting a story that I had never heard of before. The disaster at West Loch where LST's packed together and loaded with Marines, ammunition, equipment, and fuel preparing for the invasion of Saipan exploded resulting in the deaths of 163 Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines.
The article linked below details an eyewitness account:

http://www.emmitsburg.net/archive_list/ ... t_lock.htm

In spite of the destruction wrought, the invasion of Saipan went ahead on schedule, a testament to the determination of the Naval command, the Fleet, and the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions.