On D-Day, the USS Texas made a significant impact not only through its firepower but also by adapting its operational capabilities to enhance its effectiveness on the battlefield. Stationed off Omaha Beach, the battleship utilized its 14-inch guns to bombard German fortifications. However, to extend its firing range and target positions further inland, the crew faced the challenge of limited gun elevation.
To address this, the crew implemented a tactical modification by intentionally flooding a starboard blister, resulting in a two-degree list to the ship. This adjustment allowed the guns to achieve a greater elevation, thereby increasing their range by approximately 1,000 yards (900 meters). This innovative approach provided essential support to ground forces amidst the complexities of the Normandy invasion.
Throughout the broader campaign, the USS Texas remained close to the shore, engaging with German artillery. During the assault on Cherbourg, the ship sustained damage from enemy ...