28 October 1923 SS 66 3 killed
7 October 1943 SS 155 56 killed 2 survivors taken prisoner
11 October 1943 SS 328 Wahoo 80 killed all hands lost
12 October 1943 SS 248 Dorado 77 killed all hands lost
3 October 1944 SS 197 Seawolf 100 killed all hands lost
17 October 1944 SS 294 Escolar 82 killed all hands lost
24 October 1944 SS 227 Darter grounded Palawan Passage (Leyte Gulf) no loss of life
24 October 1944 SS 314 Shark 87 killed all hands lost
25 October 1944 SS 306 Tang 78 killed 9 survived as POWs
The decisive role played by the Silent Service during WW II is often overlooked, or the significance of their contribution is not fully understood. The Submarine Service represented only 1.6% of all Navy personnel during the war but they accounted for over 55% of all Japanese ships sunk, including one-third of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Submariners paid a high price for this accomplishment, however, with the highest percentage causality rate of any branch of the service, almost 23%. Fifty-two U.S. submarines were lost during WW II with over 3,500 men. Many additional men were lost either from gunfire or tragic mishap. It should always be remembered that these men were all volunteers. (source: National Park Service)
Know a sub veteran in Eastern Idaho, if you do, please share this page with them.
Next Hawkbill Base meeting is October 21st at the Blackfoot Elks Lodge – 123 N. Ash St. Social gathering at noon, meeting at 1 p.m.