True or false (1 Viewer)

[kx1a]

An American submarine was credited with sinking a train in WW II?
Bill W

 

[Martin Tabony]

No idea but I hope it's true!

Martin

 

[theBaron]

True, the USS Barb, and I think it may have been the inspiration for the scene in "Operation Petticoat" where the Sea Tiger torpedoes a Japanese truck on a beach.

Prost!
Brad

 

[kx1a]

Yes it is true although not with a torpedo Volunteers from the Barb rigged charges on the bridge that were detonated by a train passing over it thus denying Japan's ability to move supplies in the area. The boat's battle flag was unique. In addition to the Medal of Honor ribbon at the top of the flag identifying the heroism of its captain, Commander Eugene "Lucky" Fluckey, the bottom border of the flag bore the image of a Japanese locomotive. After the war the Barb left service in the US for a future in the Italian navy as the Enrique Tazzoli. In 1973 she was sold for scrap for the paltry sum of $100.000.
Cheeers, Bill W

 

[theBaron]

Yes, there was concern, if I remember correctly, about how close the boat had to get, to deploy the demolition team, something like drafting only six feet of water under her keel, I think. I'd have to go back and reread that story.

 

[trooper]

Yes it is true although not with a torpedo Volunteers from the Barb rigged charges on the bridge that were detonated by a train passing over it thus denying Japan's ability to move supplies in the area. The boat's battle flag was unique. In addition to the Medal of Honor ribbon at the top of the flag identifying the heroism of its captain, Commander Eugene "Lucky" Fluckey, the bottom border of the flag bore the image of a Japanese locomotive. After the war the Barb left service in the US for a future in the Italian navy as the Enrique Tazzoli. In 1973 she was sold for scrap for the paltry sum of $100.000.
Cheeers, Bill W

As a matter of interest does anyone know the present whereabouts of the battle flag? Trooper

 

[kx1a]

Yes, there was concern, if I remember correctly, about how close the boat had to get, to deploy the demolition team, something like drafting only six feet of water under her keel, I think. I'd have to go back and reread that story.

6 Feet of water below the keel is correct. Also, the scheduled train appeared earlier than expected before the team had safely returned to the boat.
Bill

 

[kx1a]

As a matter of interest does anyone know the present whereabouts of the battle flag? Trooper

Not sure. Will inquire at the Natilus sub museum next time I'm down there.
Bill W

 

[PanzerAce1944]

Yes... True due to personnel dismounting the sub to get the job done !!!!^&grin