Ship History
Built as an Akizuki-class destroyer by Nagasaki. Completed August 31, 1942. Named Teruzuki (照月) meaning "shining moon". Assigned to Commander Orita Tsuneo. Afterwards, outfitted at Yokosuka during September. Assigned to the 3rd Fleet, Desron 10, Desdiv 61 on October 7, 1942. On October 10, 1942 departed Yokosuka via Truk and joined the fleet north of the Solomons on October 14, 1942.

Wartime History
On October 26-27, 1942 participated in the Battle of Santa Cruz as an escort for Admiral Nagumo's striking force. During the battle, suffered a near miss from a bomb dropped by a PBY Catalina that caused slight hull damage and killed seven crew members. Afterwards, escorted Zuiho out of the area after the carrier sustained damage, then steamed to Truk and was repaired alongside Akashi.

On November 12-13, 1942 participated in the First Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, escorting Admiral Abe's Bombardment Force. During the battle, Teruzuki claimed hits on all seven enemy ships engaged, including one sunk. During the daylight hours of November 13, 1942 assisted damaged Hiei.

On November 14-15, 1942 participated in the Second Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, as part of Admiral Kondo's Emergency Bombardment Force with Asagumo to provide close cover for larger warships. During the battle, assisted Kirishima and aided Asagumo and Samidare rescue survivors.

Afterwards, steamed for Truk arriving on November 18, 1942 and became the flagship of Comdesron 10 under Rear Admiral Kimura Susumu, then was relieved when Agano arrived at Truk. On December 3, 1942 suffered minor damage when the destroyer clipped a coral reef at Truk. After checks, Teruzuki departed on December 5, 1942 and steamed to the Shortlands and became flagship of Comdesron 2 under the command of Rear Admiral Tanaka Raizo.

On December 11, 1942 departed leading an "Tokyo Express" overnight supply run to Guadalcanal.

Sinking History
On December 12, 1942 while patrolling off Cape Esperance on Guadalcanal at slow speed, Teruzuki was torpedoed by PT-37 and PT-40. The explosion killed nine of the crew and left the destroyer dead in the water and over the next three hours, fires spread over the ship and reached the depth charges causing explosions that sank the ship.

Officially, removed from the Navy list on January 15, 1943. Most Japanese official sources incorrectly list her sinking as 20 miles northeast of Kolombangara at Lat 7° 50' S Long 157° 30'E.30

Rescue
The crew were rescued by Naganami that rescued Admiral Tanaka and 56 others. Arashi rescued 140 others. The remaining 95 surviving crew, including Commander Orita used the destroyer's life boats and made it ashore at Kamimbo.

References
Combined Fleet - IJN Teruzuki: Tabular Record of Movement

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Last Updated
February 4, 2018