The Ohio and Malta

This WWII naval history recounts one of the most iconic actions of Allied courage under fire as the embattled SS Ohio completes its mission to Malta.

The fortified island of Malta was the lynchpin of the Allied campaign in the Mediterranean and North African theaters. It was the vital base from which to attack Axis convoys supplying Rommel's Panzer Army in Libya. The difficulties of keeping supplies, especially oil, flowing to Malta, however, were immense. By August of 1942, after multiple supply convoys had been thwarted, the Mediterranean stronghold had one last chance at survival: Operation Pedestal.

Subjected to ferocious air and submarine attacks, the Pedestal convoy suffered terrific losses. The SS Ohio, the convoy’s only tanker, took a direct hit from a torpedo, direct bomb hits, and was struck by two Luftwaffe aircraft. Practically broken in two, Ohio kept her vital cargo intact and was towed into Malta's Grand Harbor for unloading. Never before has such a careful study been made of the American-built vessel that came to symbolize the miraculous relief effort.