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!
So good to have this info. to read in 2024! Not many soldiers are left from that generation to tell these stories. We need to know these stories to better appreciate the freedoms we have now. Hard won at great cost of lives.
My uncle, John (Jack) Carrol Kiger was on the Sunfish out of Oahu during WWIi and my father Guy Francis (Frank) Kiger was rebuilding Hickam Airfield at the same time. My uncle made several trips via his submarine to Japan. Also, my husband’s uncle Willard Farnum Davis was at Pearl Harbor when it was hit. He stayed until all was done and I have a teletype dated August 14, 1945 sent by James Forrestal telling “All hands of the United States Navy Marine Corps and Coast Guard that the conclusion of the war against Japan and the pride played by them …. (more information but especially noted that conditions of peace… will take patience and control almost as the tensions… with further wording of the regarding the accomplishing and glory that now belong to the Navy, Marine Corp and Coast Guard. I Just put a few bits of information on this note in case anyone else was there and read that message, I do have the entire message.
Dianne Kiger Davis
Have this information if any other folks were aware of their family members in the same location.
Diane Kiger Davis., there were a group of men in the Pacific Theatre called the Alamo Scouts., they were the pre DELTA FORCE. these men had a training base in the Pacific., these men went from Island to Island destroying the Japanese’s communications, fuel, & supplies. My wife’s father was killed on a sub, THE SEA WOLF, they hv found the sub but it is too far deep to get to., My wife’s father was Capt. Howell Kopp., he died on the USS SEA WOLF, he & his men had been on a raiding party on one of the Phillipine’s island, they managed to get to the sub., but the sub did not keep radio silence as they were told & the sub was destroyed by friendly fire.
My dad worked on those submarines at Mare Island getting them ready to go to sea during the war. We lived in government housing next to Mare Island.
My husband served on submarines for 23 years. His first tour was to Pearl Harbor right after we got married. We met and got married when he was at Mare Island. We have been married 57 years now.
My husvband’s uncle was in WWI on a sub. He always said that was why he was bald and couldn’t hear.
I can’t imgaine what the subs were like back in WWI because the ones in WWII had very tight quaters.
Kudos to those brave sailors.
served aboard the Caiman-Raton and 0-2 during 43-46=at 17 twas interesting –we were torpedo-depth charged and almost sunk–800+ feet due to sand in hydraulic system–we were bros. ready to die for our country–wish they taught that in schools—at 99 going on 100–am lucky. rwb-ss
Dear Mr. Bondi ~
Thank you for your service during WWII and for being one of the brave who helped make it possible for us to live in freedom.
I agree with you ~ wish they would teach that in schools today, along with so many other things.
My 19 year old cousin, Pfc. Walter S. Kienzle, was killed in action during the battle of the Rapido River in Italy on January 21, 1944.
He was an enlisted young man, from Queens, New York, part of the 5th Army Texas 36th Division, Entry Unit: 141st Infantry Regiment, Company B.
He, along with you and so many sacrificed in many ways. We must never forget these sacrifices.
Wishing you an early 100th birthday. May God bless you Mr. Bondi.
Fondly, A Very Grateful American
My father, John E. Helmantoler served on the Mapiro (376) during the latter stages of WWII.
I have been interested in WWII Submarines for a long time. Thanks for publishing this information.
John D. Helmantoler
For the boats On Eternal Patrol, your dedication, devotion, pride, and sacrifice are the keels and core values that set the standards our present day submarine sailors are measured and wear the Submarine Dolphins. Truly, Pride Runs Deep. God Bless you all. Run Silent – Run Deep…
My dad was on the uss Tawtug 199 it was one of the more feared subs it shot down a jap plain that was bombing pear harbor dad did not talk much about the war.He did not know how to swim thats why he went into Subs.