The USS Tang: A WWII Submarine’s Legacy

The USS Tang (SS-306) was a Gato-class submarine of the United States Navy. During World War II, she was one of the most successful submarines in the Pacific theater, sinking over 30 enemy ships. However, her final patrol ended in tragedy when a torpedo malfunctioned and caused the submarine to sink, taking the lives of all 80 crewmen.

Early Life and Service

The USS Tang was laid down on November 15, 1941, at the Electric Boat Company in Groton, Connecticut. She was launched on October 2, 1942, and commissioned into the US Navy on November 10, 1942. After shakedown training, the Tang was assigned to the Pacific Fleet and departed for Pearl Harbor in February 1943.

During her first patrol, the Tang sank the Japanese cargo ship, the Arashi Maru, and damaged another cargo ship. She continued to operate in the Pacific, sinking or damaging a total of 31 enemy ships. This included the Japanese destroyer Hamakaze, which was sunk by a torpedo from the Tang.

The Final Patrol

In October 1944, the Tang was ordered to patrol the waters off the coast of Formosa (Taiwan). On October 24, 1944, while on her seventh patrol, the Tang was attacked by a Japanese destroyer. The Tang managed to evade the destroyer, but she was damaged in the attack. The Tang had to return to base for repairs. This incident would have a lasting impact on the crew’s morale, especially on their commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Richard O’Kane.

After repairs, the Tang was ordered back out to sea. On her eighth and final patrol, the Tang sank two Japanese cargo ships and damaged two more. On October 25, 1944, the Tang was ordered to attack a convoy of Japanese ships. During the attack, the Tang fired a torpedo that malfunctioned. The torpedo turned around and hit the Tang in the stern, causing the submarine to sink. The crewmen had little time to react. Only one crewman, a signalman named George Geiger, survived the sinking. He was rescued by a Japanese fishing boat and later returned to the US.

Legacy of the USS Tang

The USS Tang was one of the most successful submarines in the Pacific theater during World War II. However, her final patrol ended in tragedy. The sinking of the Tang serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by submarine crews during wartime. The USS Tang was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for her service during the war. She was also awarded the Navy Unit Commendation. Richard O’Kane was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery and leadership during the war. The USS Tang is a reminder of the sacrifice and bravery of the men who served in the US Navy during World War II.

Conclusion

The USS Tang’s story is a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of the men who served in the US Navy during World War II. The sinking of the Tang was a tragedy, but it is also a testament to the skill and determination of the crew. The Tang’s legacy is one of heroism and sacrifice. The story of the USS Tang is a story of courage, sacrifice, and the dangers of war. It is a story that should be remembered and honored.