Junyo, operating with the Japanese advanced force, launched seventeen dive bombers and twelve fighters. They arrived at about 11:20 while Enterprise was recovering aircraft. The formation appears to have avoided radar detection, probably helped by its different approach direction and the confusion of returning aircraft. The effective radar-range estimate is roughly 35 to 40 nautical miles at the altitudes involved. The attackers near-missed Enterprise and hit South Dakota and the light cruiser San Juan. South Dakota's number-one turret armor stopped its bomb, but fragments killed two men and wounded about fifty, including the commanding officer. The ship continued operating, while the casualties showed how personnel outside the armor remained vulnerable.
Notable Point · 1:30:10-1:33:01
Junyo's strike adds damage without stopping Enterprise
A later strike from Junyo slipped through the increasingly busy air picture, damaging escorts and adding to the pressure on Enterprise without preventing her from operating.