10 August 1942 On this date Lt. Cmdr. J.R. Moore was patrolling near Savo island in command of S 44, a boat design dating back to 1916. S44 encountered four Japanese heavy cruisers heading directly toward S 44 in two groups of two as they relocated following their successfully engaging the American Navy the night before. Because the group would steam too close to his position, Moore maneuvered placing adequate distance between himself and the targets. Moore’s next decision was critical. Aware of the problems with US Navy torpedoes early in the war he elected to fire all four torpedoes at the last cruiser in the formation. All four struck and exploded. The remaining cruisers launched a half-hearted depth charge attack (cruisers are not effective at depth charging, they cannot turn quickly). After dropping only 13 depth charges the remaining cruisers disengaged; although it was suspected an additional sixth depth charges were dropped from an aircraft. Moore’s comment on the entire event was, “The surprising thing is that all torpedoes hit – sure is good to have a long target to shoot at.”
Know a Subvet in East Idaho? Please share with them
Follow us on Facebook Sub Vets of East Idaho