If you have an ancestor who served aboard a submarine during WWII, the Submarine War Patrol Reports collection is a valuable resource for military research. Submarine warfare played an important part in achieving an Allied victory during the war, and these reports provide a glimpse into daily operations and deadly engagements.
Several classes of submarines were used during WWII, including Gato-class submarines. The Gato-class subs were the first mass-produced submarines for the war, with more than 70 commissioned beginning in 1941. This new class of submarines offered amenities like air conditioning (essential for the Pacific Theater), showers, laundry facilities, and freshwater distilling units.
During each war patrol, submarine crews kept a report that included a daily narrative of their encounters. From 1941 to 1943, the reports included summaries about the ship’s location, activities, and mechanical condition. From late 1943 through 1945, the reports became much more detailed and adhered to a similar format.
To explore this collection, browse by vessel and then by patrol date. You can explore the service of submarines like the USS Harder. The Harder, which earned the nickname “Hit ‘em Harder,” started her first war patrol in June 1943 and participated in six patrols through August 1944. Commanded by Samuel D. Dealey, the Harder had one of the most impressive submarine records during WWII and was credited with sinking five Japanese destroyers and rescuing an injured American pilot trapped behind enemy lines. She was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.
In August 1944, the Harder was participating in her sixth patrol. Along with the USS Haddo, she sank three coastal defense vessels off Bataan. Her patrol continued until August 24, 1944, when a Japanese escort ship dropped depth charges on the Harder, and she sank near the Philippines, killing 79 sailors. Harder’s commander, Samuel S. Dealey, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
In May 2024, “Lost 52 Project,” an organization dedicated to finding lost WWII submarines, located the final resting place of the USS Harder in 3,000 feet of water near Luzon.
Explore this collection of Submarine War Patrol Reports and learn more about the brave contributions of submariners today on Fold3!
