re: #243 pre-Boomer Marine brat

I’d hardly call it a “duel”, but yes … it was.
“Duel” implies something of an even match.
Surigao was a massacre.

Was it the 2nd Santa Cruz where Washington and South Dakota got into it with a Japanese task force?

I think it whas been variously called the 2nd or 3rd Battle of Savo or also Part II of the Naval Battle of Gudalcanal. Took place the day after the first Naval Battle of Guadalcanal or Battle of Friday the 13th……