On 26 December 1944, then with the San Jose bombardment force, Kiyoshimo was crippled by two direct bomb hits in attacks by U.S. Army bombers during approach to Mindoro, Philippines, then was finished off by a torpedo from U.S. PT-223, 145 miles (270 km) south of Manila (12°20′N 121°0′E); 82 were killed and 74 injured. Asashimo rescued 169 survivors, including ComDesDiv 2, Captain Shiraishi Nagayoshi, and Lieutenant Commander Kajimoto; U.S. PT boats rescued five others.