FEBRUARY
11 February 1942 SS 174 Shark may have been the first US Submarine lost in the war. The last she was heard from was on & February when she reported chasing a Japanese cargo Ship. Records examined after the war indicate she may have been sunk by enemy anti-submarine forces on 11 February. 59 killed all hands lost
1 February 1943 SS 278 Scorpion believed to have been sunk by enemy mines this conclusion was reached after the war when Japanese “Notices to Mariners” detailed the laying of mines shortly before Scorpion entered that area. 77 killed all hands lost.
16 February 1943 SS 219 Amberjack’s last message was listed as 14 February, after she had been forced down by two destroyers the night before. Records obtained after the war suggest she may have been lost to a combined air and torpedo boat attack with depth charges 72 or 73 killed all hands lost.
26 February 1944 SS 208 Grayback 80 killed all hands lost. An aircraft from Okinowa, spotted Grayback on the surface and landed a direct hit, the resulting explosion sank Grayback quickly. The wreck of Grayback was discovered in 2019,, much of the hull and conning tower were still recognizable, with the deck gun resting 400 feet away.
29 February 1944 SS 202 Trout after intercepting and inflicting damage upon a convoy Trout was attacked by 19 depth charges and a oil and debris field was vonfirmed on the surface. 81 killed all hands lost
4 February 1945 SS 316 Barbel Departed Freemantle. After conducting training exercises Barbel entered her patrol area on 8 January. On 13 January, Barbel was ordered to form a Wolfpack with Bluegill and Bream and then on 27 January to join another with Perch and Gabilan. On February 3rd she sent a message to Tuna, Blackfin and Gabilan that she had been under three air attacks by depth charges and would transmit a message the next day. Barbel was not heard from again. Japanese records reviewed after the war indicated an air attack of a submarine on 4 February scored a hit on the bridge with one of two bombs that set the boat on fire. It was surmised that this was the cause of loss.81 killed all hands lost ariel bombardment