A Boise captain's instruction to select the largest visible ship and fire makes an effective battle slogan. A mixed force of destroyers and a large merchant vessel exposes the problem with taking that order literally. Cruiser fire could concentrate on the visually largest but least dangerous target while torpedo-armed destroyers remained unengaged. Clear command intent and threat-based target selection matter more than a memorable phrase in surface combat.
Notable Point · 53:20-54:40
Boise's dramatic gunnery order hides a targeting problem
The order to fire at the largest enemy ship sounds decisive, but it could direct attention toward a merchant vessel while dangerous destroyers remain free to attack.