In the ensuing melee, 12 Japanese aircraft were shot down by supporting AirSols fighters and naval gunfire, while Cony was hit aft twice, resulting in the death of eight of her crew and the wounding of 10 others. The destroyer was taken under tow and taken back to Tulagi for repairs.
During the ensuing chaos, 12 Japanese aircraft were brought down by supporting AirSols fighters and naval gunfire, while Cony was struck aft twice, resulting in the deaths of eight crew members and injuries to ten others. The destroyer was towed back to Tulagi for repairs.