 The torpedo bombers attacked Giffen 's ships in two waves between 19 : 00 and 20 : 00 . Two torpedoes hit the heavy cruiser USS Chicago , causing heavy damage and bringing her to a dead stop . Three of the Japanese aircraft were shot down by anti @-@ aircraft fire from Giffen 's ships . In response , Halsey sent a tug to take Chicago under tow and ordered Giffen 's task force to return to base the next day . Six destroyers were left behind to escort Chicago and the tugboat . 
