USS Ray (SS-271)

USS Ray (SS-271) was a ''Gato''-class submarine of the United States Navy during World War II. Commissioned in 1943, she served with distinction in the Pacific War, conducting multiple successful war patrols against Japanese shipping. Her service earned her seven battle stars and a Navy Unit Commendation for her aggressive and effective performance.

Construction and commissioning

The submarine's keel was laid down on 20 July 1942 at the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company shipyard in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. She was launched on 28 February 1943, sponsored by Mrs. J. L. McGuire, and commissioned on 27 July 1943 with Lieutenant Commander B. J. Harral in command. Following commissioning, she was transported via the Illinois Waterway and the Mississippi River to New Orleans for final fitting out before proceeding to the Pacific Theater of Operations.

Service history

Following shakedown training off Panama, Ray arrived at Brisbane, Australia, in November 1943 to join the United States Seventh Fleet. Her first war patrol, conducted in the South China Sea and off the coast of Indochina in December 1943 and January 1944, was marked by aggressive attacks that damaged several enemy vessels. Her second patrol, in the Celebes Sea and near Halmahera, saw her sink the aircraft carrier ''Unyō'' on 26 February 1944, a significant victory that disrupted Japanese naval aviation capabilities.

On her third patrol, operating in the Philippine Sea and near the Mariana Islands, Ray provided lifeguard services for downed United States Army Air Forces aviators during the pivotal Battle of the Philippine Sea. Her fourth and fifth patrols, conducted in the South China Sea and off Formosa, were highly successful, sinking numerous merchant ships and tankers, including a notable engagement where she attacked a large convoy near Hong Kong. During her sixth patrol in the Java Sea, she continued her destructive record against Japanese coastal shipping.

Her seventh and final war patrol, again in the South China Sea in early 1945, included special missions landing personnel and supplies for Philippine guerrilla forces. Following the surrender of Japan, Ray participated in occupation activities before returning to the United States. She was decommissioned on 12 February 1947 and placed in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet at New London, Connecticut.

Awards and legacy

For her wartime service, USS Ray received the Navy Unit Commendation and seven battle stars. Her commanding officer, Commander William T. Kinsella, who led her during her most successful patrols, was awarded the Navy Cross. The submarine's history is commemorated in naval archives and by organizations like the Naval History and Heritage Command. Following her decommissioning, she was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 March 1960 and sold for scrap later that year, concluding the career of one of the United States Navy's proficient fleet submarines.

Category:Gato-class submarines Category:Submarines of the United States Navy Category:Ships built in Wisconsin Category:World War II submarines of the United States