 At 03 : 52 , Yamashiro was attacked by a large formation to the north commanded by Rear Admiral Jesse Oldendorf . First came 6- and 8 @-@ inch ( 200 mm ) shells from a line of eight cruisers , then 14 @-@ inch ( 360 mm ) and 16 @-@ inch ( 410 mm ) shells from a line of six battleships . The main bombardment lasted 18 minutes , and Yamashiro was the only target for seven minutes . The first rounds hit the forecastle and pagoda mast , and soon the entire battleship appeared to be ablaze . Yamashiro 's two forward turrets targeted her assailants , and the secondary armament targeted the American destroyers plaguing Mogami and the destroyer Asagumo . There was a big explosion at 04 : 04 , possibly from one of the middle turrets . She was hit between 04 : 03 and 04 : 09 near the starboard engine room by a torpedo , and Nishimura wired to Kurita : " We proceed till totally annihilated . I have definitely accomplished my mission as pre @-@ arranged . Please rest assured . " At the same time , Oldendorf issued a cease @-@ fire order to the entire formation after hearing that the destroyer Albert W. Grant was taking friendly fire , and the Japanese ships also ceased fire . 
