Submarine Veterans of World War II

Submarine Veterans of World War II. This group comprises the surviving sailors who served aboard American submarines during the global conflict, a service branch that suffered the highest casualty rate of any United States Armed Forces. Their clandestine operations, primarily in the Pacific War, were instrumental in crippling the Imperial Japanese Navy and strangling the maritime supply lines of the Empire of Japan. Following the war, these veterans formed dedicated organizations to preserve their unique history, foster camaraderie, and honor the memory of over 3,500 submariners who were lost on eternal patrol.

History and Formation

The direct lineage of organized submarine veterans began with the creation of the United States Submarine Veterans of World War II (USSVI) in the early 1970s, as the men who served in the Silent Service sought to reconnect. This initiative was driven by the aging veteran population who had shared the intense experiences of patrols in the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. Prior to this, many veterans were members of broader organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the American Legion. The formation of these specific groups coincided with a growing public and historical recognition of the pivotal role played by the Gato, Balao, and Tench class boats in achieving Allied victory, particularly following declassifications of wartime records.

Role in the Pacific Theater

Operating from bases like Pearl Harbor, Brisbane, and Fremantle, U.S. submarines waged a relentless campaign of commerce raiding and fleet interception against Japan. Their primary mission, executed under the command of leaders like Admiral Charles A. Lockwood, was the destruction of the Japanese merchant marine, a strategy that severely hampered the flow of oil, rubber, and raw materials from the Dutch East Indies and Southeast Asia to the home islands. Key engagements included the decisive Battle of Leyte Gulf, where submarines like the USS ''Darter'' and USS ''Dace'' scored early victories, and the successful Operation Barney penetration of the Sea of Japan. This undersea blockade was a critical factor in the economic collapse of Japan, complementing the campaigns of the Third Fleet and the United States Army Air Forces B-29 Superfortress raids.

Notable Submarines and Crews

The service included many legendary boats celebrated for their combat records and endurance. The USS ''Tang'', under Medal of Honor recipient Richard O'Kane, achieved one of the highest tonnage scores before being lost to its own malfunctioning torpedo. The USS ''Wahoo'', commanded by the aggressive Dudley "Mush" Morton, became famous for its daring exploits in the Sea of Japan and the La Perouse Strait. Other notable submarines include the USS ''Barb'', which conducted daring shore raids under Eugene Fluckey, and the USS ''Harder'', known as the "Destroyer Killer" under Samuel Dealey. The tragic loss of boats like the USS ''Scorpion'' and the USS ''Grunion'' underscored the extreme perils of depth charge attacks, mechanical failure, and enemy mines.

Postwar Legacy and Organizations

After V-J Day, veterans worked to secure recognition for their service and established lasting institutions. The Naval Submarine League was founded to support the ongoing submarine force, while the USS ''Bowfin'' Submarine Museum & Park at Pearl Harbor became a central repository for artifacts and history. The United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI) eventually expanded to include all submariners, carrying forward the traditions. These groups have been instrumental in advocating for memorials, supporting the families of those lost, and educating the public about the strategic importance of the undersea warfare community, influencing later Cold War strategies during confrontations like the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Memorials and Commemoration

Numerous physical memorials honor the sacrifice of World War II submariners. The most prominent is the National Submarine Memorial West in San Diego, and its counterpart, the National Submarine Memorial East in Groton, Connecticut, home to the Naval Submarine Base New London. The USS Arizona Memorial site also features tributes to the submarine force. Individual state memorials exist, such as those in Massachusetts and Washington. The tradition of the Eternal Patrol ceremony, reading the names of the lost boats and crews, is a solemn ritual performed at gatherings of the Submarine Veterans organizations and aboard museum ships like the USS ''Pampanito'' in San Francisco and the USS ''Cod'' in Cleveland, ensuring their legacy endures.

Category:World War II veterans Category:United States Navy submariners Category:Veterans' organizations in the United States