Fusō, an early Japanese dreadnought, entered the Battle of Leyte Gulf as part of Nishimura’s Southern Force attempting to force Surigao Strait. U.S. PT‑boats, destroyers, and battleships executed a layered night attack that inflicted heavy torpedo and gun damage. Fusō likely broke apart before sinking, with few survivors. Her destruction illustrated the vulnerability of Japan’s ageing battleships and contributed to the annihilation of Nishimura’s contingent.