Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 2

Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 2 was a PT boat unit of the United States Navy that saw extensive combat in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. Activated in 1942, the squadron operated primarily in the waters around New Guinea and the Philippines, conducting daring torpedo attacks, barge hunts, and reconnaissance missions. It is famously associated with the legendary naval officer John D. Bulkeley, who commanded it during its early, critical operations. The squadron's actions contributed significantly to Allied efforts in the South West Pacific Area under General Douglas MacArthur.

History

Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 2 was commissioned in early 1942, forming part of the nascent PT boat force rapidly assembled after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The squadron's initial personnel trained on Elco-built boats before deploying to the South West Pacific Area. It established its first forward operating base in Melbourne, Australia, before moving north to support operations in the embattled New Guinea campaign. Throughout its service, the squadron was frequently moved between advanced bases, including Milne Bay, Buna–Gona, and later Hollandia, to provide close support for United States Army and Australian Army ground forces. The unit was deactivated following the conclusion of hostilities in 1945.

Operations

The squadron's operations were characterized by high-risk, nocturnal missions in confined and often poorly charted waters. Its primary wartime roles included attacking Japanese supply convoys and warships, interdicting troop-carrying barges along the coast of New Guinea, and conducting vital reconnaissance and rescue missions. A notable early operation involved providing cover and transport for General Douglas MacArthur during his evacuation from Corregidor to Mindanao in March 1942, a feat for which then-Lieutenant John D. Bulkeley was awarded the Medal of Honor. Later, the squadron engaged in the intense naval battles of the Philippines campaign (1944–1945), patrolling the Surigao Strait and supporting landings during the Battle of Leyte.

Vessels

Squadron 2 operated the iconic 80-foot Elco PT boat, the same design used by other famous squadrons like Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3. These wooden-hulled vessels were armed with four torpedoes, depth charges, and an array of automatic weapons, including Oerlikon 20 mm cannon and twin .50 caliber M2 Browning machine guns. Individual boats were designated with "PT-" numbers, such as PT-34 and PT-41, the latter being commanded by John D. Bulkeley during the evacuation of Douglas MacArthur. The boats' high speed and shallow draft made them ideal for the littoral warfare of the Solomon Islands and Philippines archipelagos.

Commanding officers

The squadron's most celebrated commanding officer was Lieutenant Commander John D. Bulkeley, a recipient of the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross, who led the unit during its formative and highly dangerous early missions in 1942. Command later passed to other officers as the squadron rotated through combat tours, including Lieutenant Commander Robert B. Kelly and Lieutenant Commander Henry M. S. Swift. These officers were responsible for tactical planning and leading the squadron's boats in complex night engagements against Japanese forces in the Bismarck Sea and the Philippine Sea.

Awards and legacy

Personnel of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 2 received numerous decorations for valor, most prominently the Medal of Honor awarded to John D. Bulkeley. Crewmen also earned the Navy Cross, the Silver Star, and the Purple Heart. The squadron's legacy is cemented in the broader history of PT boat operations, exemplifying the daring and versatility of small-boat warfare in the Pacific War. Its story is featured in historical accounts of the New Guinea campaign and in the 1945 film *They Were Expendable*, which dramatized the early exploits of the PT boat service. The squadron's contributions are commemorated at the PT Boat Museum and within the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command.

Category:PT boat squadrons of the United States Navy Category:United States Navy squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1942 Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1945