USS Tang (SS-306): Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 25°6′N 119°31′E / 25.100°N 119.517°E / 25.100; 119.517
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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2013}}
{{Other ships|USS Tang}}
{{Other ships|USS Tang}}
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{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
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|Ship struck=8 February 1945
|Ship struck=8 February 1945
|Ship reinstated=
|Ship reinstated=
|Ship fate=Sunk by own torpedo off [[Taiwan]], 24 October 1944<ref name="Register">{{cite book| last=Bauer|first=K. Jack|authorlink=|coauthors=Roberts, Stephen S.|title=Register of Ships of the U.S. Navy, 1775-1990: Major Combatants|publisher=Greenwood Press|date=1991|location=[[Westport, Connecticut]]|pages=275–280|url=|doi=|isbn=0-313-26202-0}}</ref>
|Ship fate=Sunk by own torpedo off [[Taiwan]], 24 October 1944<ref name="Register">{{cite book| last=Bauer|first=K. Jack|authorlink=|coauthors=Roberts, Stephen S.|title=Register of Ships of the U.S. Navy, 1775–1990: Major Combatants|publisher=Greenwood Press|date=1991|location=[[Westport, Connecticut]]|pages=275–280|url=|doi=|isbn=0-313-26202-0}}</ref>
|Ship status=
|Ship status=
}}
}}
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|Ship draft={{convert|16|ft|10|in|m|abbr=on}} maximum<ref name="Register"/>
|Ship draft={{convert|16|ft|10|in|m|abbr=on}} maximum<ref name="Register"/>
|Ship propulsion={{Fleet-boat-propulsion-early-FM-4-E}}
|Ship propulsion={{Fleet-boat-propulsion-early-FM-4-E}}
|Ship speed={{convert|20.25|kn|mph km/h|lk=on|abbr=on}} surfaced<ref name="FriedmanSubs1-specs">''U.S. Submarines Through 1945'' pp. 305-311</ref> <br/> {{convert|8.75|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on}} submerged<ref name="FriedmanSubs1-specs"/>
|Ship speed={{convert|20.25|kn|mph km/h|lk=on|abbr=on}} surfaced<ref name="FriedmanSubs1-specs">''U.S. Submarines Through 1945'' pp. 305–311</ref> <br/> {{convert|8.75|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on}} submerged<ref name="FriedmanSubs1-specs"/>
|Ship range={{convert|11000|nmi|mi km|lk=on|abbr=on}} surfaced at {{convert|10|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on}}<ref name="FriedmanSubs1-specs"/>
|Ship range={{convert|11000|nmi|mi km|lk=on|abbr=on}} surfaced at {{convert|10|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on}}<ref name="FriedmanSubs1-specs"/>
|Ship endurance=48 hours at {{convert|2|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on}} submerged<ref name="FriedmanSubs1-specs"/> <br/> 75 days on patrol
|Ship endurance=48 hours at {{convert|2|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on}} submerged<ref name="FriedmanSubs1-specs"/> <br/> 75 days on patrol
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'''USS ''Tang'' (SS-306)''' was a [[Balao class submarine|''Balao''-class]] [[submarine]] of [[World War II]], the first ship of the [[United States Navy]] to be named for the [[Tang (fish)|tang]]. She was built and launched in 1943.
'''USS ''Tang'' (SS-306)''' was a [[Balao class submarine|''Balao''-class]] [[submarine]] of [[World War II]], the first ship of the [[United States Navy]] to be named for the [[Tang (fish)|tang]]. She was built and launched in 1943.


In her short career, ''Tang'' sank 33 ships displacing 116,454 [[long tons|tons]]<ref>{{Harvnb|O'Kane|1989|p=458}}. O'Kane explains the [[Joint Army-Navy Assessment Committee]] (JANAC) report initially credited ''Tang'' with fewer sinkings. In 1980, the relevant JANAC section "was officially replaced by the credits in the patrol reports."</ref> Her commanding officer received the Medal of Honor for her last two engagements (October 23 and October 24, 1944).<ref>Medal of Honor citation, http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/rokane.htm</ref> ''Tang'' was sunk during the last engagement by a circular run of her final [[torpedo]].<ref>{{Harvnb|O'Kane|1989|p=443}}</ref>
In her short career, ''Tang'' sank 33 ships displacing 116,454 [[long tons|tons]]<ref>{{Harvnb|O'Kane|1989|p=458}}. O'Kane explains the [[Joint Army-Navy Assessment Committee]] (JANAC) report initially credited ''Tang'' with fewer sinkings. In 1980, the relevant JANAC section "was officially replaced by the credits in the patrol reports."</ref> Her commanding officer received the Medal of Honor for her last two engagements (23 and 24 October 1944).<ref>Medal of Honor citation, http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/rokane.htm</ref> ''Tang'' was sunk during the last engagement by a circular run of her final [[torpedo]].<ref>{{Harvnb|O'Kane|1989|p=443}}</ref>


The ship sank in {{convert|180|ft|m|abbr=on}} of water.<ref>{{Harvnb|O'Kane|1989|p=444}}</ref> Several of the crew managed to reach the surface, and some survived to be captured by the Japanese. These were the first American submariners to escape a sunken submarine using a [[Momsen lung]].<ref>{{Citation |title=Swede Momsen: Diving & Rescue &mdash; Momsen Lung |url=http://www.onr.navy.mil/focus/blowballast/momsen/momsen4.htm |publisher=Office of Naval Research |accessdate=March 18, 2012 |doi= }}</ref><!--disputed that they were first to survive a submarine sinking; Kershaw citation. First to use Momsen lung to escape, but others probably escaped earlier sinkings. Five sailors escaped the sinking of ''F-1'' in 1917. In 1920, the ''S-5'' sank; salvage raised the sub to the surface and cut a hole in the hull; entire crew escaped. In 1921, ''S-48'' sank; bow was raised; entire crew escaped through torpedo tube. Similar escape in 1923 with ''O-5''. In 1939, ''Squalus'' sank; 33 escaped in a rescue chamber. Three survived ''S-26'' sinking in 1942. Six survivors for ''R-12'' in 1943. http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/dspace/bitstream/123456789/8200/1/Submarine_Casualties_Booklet_1966.pdf -->
The ship sank in {{convert|180|ft|m|abbr=on}} of water.<ref>{{Harvnb|O'Kane|1989|p=444}}</ref> Several of the crew managed to reach the surface, and some survived to be captured by the Japanese. These were the first American submariners to escape a sunken submarine using a [[Momsen lung]].<ref>{{Citation |title=Swede Momsen: Diving & Rescue — Momsen Lung |url=http://www.onr.navy.mil/focus/blowballast/momsen/momsen4.htm |publisher=Office of Naval Research |accessdate=18 March 2012 |doi= }}</ref><!--disputed that they were first to survive a submarine sinking; Kershaw citation. First to use Momsen lung to escape, but others probably escaped earlier sinkings. Five sailors escaped the sinking of ''F-1'' in 1917. In 1920, the ''S-5'' sank; salvage raised the sub to the surface and cut a hole in the hull; entire crew escaped. In 1921, ''S-48'' sank; bow was raised; entire crew escaped through torpedo tube. Similar escape in 1923 with ''O-5''. In 1939, ''Squalus'' sank; 33 escaped in a rescue chamber. Three survived ''S-26'' sinking in 1942. Six survivors for ''R-12'' in 1943. http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/dspace/bitstream/123456789/8200/1/Submarine_Casualties_Booklet_1966.pdf -->


The contract to build her was awarded to [[Mare Island Naval Shipyard]] on 15 December 1941, and her keel was laid down on 15 January 1943. She was [[ship naming and launching|launched]] on 17 August sponsored by Mrs. Antonio S. Pitre, and [[ship commissioning|commissioned]] on 15 October 1943 with [[Lieutenant Commander (United States)|Lieutenant Commander]] [[Richard O'Kane|Richard H. O'Kane]], former executive officer of {{USS|Wahoo|SS-238|2}}, in command, and delivered to the Navy on 30 November 1943.
The contract to build her was awarded to [[Mare Island Naval Shipyard]] on 15 December 1941, and her keel was laid down on 15 January 1943. She was [[ship naming and launching|launched]] on 17 August sponsored by Mrs. Antonio S. Pitre, and [[ship commissioning|commissioned]] on 15 October 1943 with [[Lieutenant Commander (United States)|Lieutenant Commander]] [[Richard O'Kane|Richard H. O'Kane]], former executive officer of {{USS|Wahoo|SS-238|2}}, in command, and delivered to the Navy on 30 November 1943.


''Tang'' completed fitting out at [[Mare Island]] and moved south to [[San Diego, California]] for 18 days of intensive training before sailing for [[Hawaii]]. She arrived at [[Pearl Harbor]] on 8 January 1944 and conducted two more weeks of exercises in preparation for combat. ''Tang'' stood out of Pearl Harbor on 22 January to begin her first war patrol, destined for the [[Caroline Islands]]-[[Mariana Islands]] area.<ref group=DANFS name=danfs>[http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/t2/tang-i.htm "Tang"]. ''Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships''. United States Navy - Naval History and Heritage Command.</ref>
''Tang'' completed fitting out at [[Mare Island]] and moved south to San Diego for 18 days of intensive training before sailing for Hawaii. She arrived at [[Pearl Harbor]] on 8 January 1944 and conducted two more weeks of exercises in preparation for combat. ''Tang'' stood out of Pearl Harbor on 22 January to begin her first war patrol, destined for the [[Caroline Islands]]-[[Mariana Islands]] area.<ref group=DANFS name=danfs>[http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/t2/tang-i.htm "Tang"]. ''Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships''. United States Navy – Naval History and Heritage Command.</ref>


==First war patrol==
==First war patrol==
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During the night of 22 February, ''Tang'' made a surface attack on a convoy of three cargo ships and two escorts.<ref name="Blair571">{{Harvnb|Blair|1976|p=571}}</ref> She tracked the Japanese ships, through rain squalls which made radar almost useless,<ref name="Blair571"/> for 30&nbsp;minutes before attaining a firing position, on the surface,<ref name="Blair571"/> {{convert|1500|yd|m|abbr=on}} off the port bow of a freighter. A spread of four torpedoes hit ''Fukuyama Maru'' (3,600 tons)<ref name="Blair571"/> from bow to stern, and the enemy ship disintegrated. Early the next morning, ''Tang'' made another approach on the convoy. The escort of the lead ship, the {{convert|6800|LT|t|lk=on|abbr=on}}<ref name="Blair573">{{Harvnb|Blair|1976|p=573}}</ref> ''Yamashimo Maru'', moved from its covering position on the port bow, and the submarine slipped into it and fired four more torpedoes. The first hit the stern of the cargoman, the second just aft of the stack; and the third just forward of the bridge, producing a terrific secondary explosion. The ship was "twisted, lifted from the water",<ref>O'Kane's patrol report, quoted in {{Harvnb|Blair|1976|p=573}}.</ref> and began belching flames as she sank.<ref group=DANFS name=danfs/>
During the night of 22 February, ''Tang'' made a surface attack on a convoy of three cargo ships and two escorts.<ref name="Blair571">{{Harvnb|Blair|1976|p=571}}</ref> She tracked the Japanese ships, through rain squalls which made radar almost useless,<ref name="Blair571"/> for 30&nbsp;minutes before attaining a firing position, on the surface,<ref name="Blair571"/> {{convert|1500|yd|m|abbr=on}} off the port bow of a freighter. A spread of four torpedoes hit ''Fukuyama Maru'' (3,600 tons)<ref name="Blair571"/> from bow to stern, and the enemy ship disintegrated. Early the next morning, ''Tang'' made another approach on the convoy. The escort of the lead ship, the {{convert|6800|LT|t|lk=on|abbr=on}}<ref name="Blair573">{{Harvnb|Blair|1976|p=573}}</ref> ''Yamashimo Maru'', moved from its covering position on the port bow, and the submarine slipped into it and fired four more torpedoes. The first hit the stern of the cargoman, the second just aft of the stack; and the third just forward of the bridge, producing a terrific secondary explosion. The ship was "twisted, lifted from the water",<ref>O'Kane's patrol report, quoted in {{Harvnb|Blair|1976|p=573}}.</ref> and began belching flames as she sank.<ref group=DANFS name=danfs/>


On the morning of 24 February, ''Tang'' sighted a tanker, a freighter, and a [[destroyer]]. Rain squalls hampered her as she attempted to attain a good firing position, so she tracked the ships until after nightfall, then made a surface attack. She launched four torpedoes and scored three hits which sank the freighter ''Asama Maru''. The two remaining ships commenced firing in all directions, and ''Tang'' submerged to begin evasive action. She shadowed the enemy until morning and then closed the tanker for a submerged attack from extremely close, just {{convert|500|yd|m|abbr=on}}, barely enough to allow her torpedoes to arm.<ref>{{Harvnb|Blair|1976}}, ''passim''; Roscoe, ''Submarine Operations''; Holmes, ''Undersea Victory''.</ref>{{Page needed|date=October 2011}} Additional lookouts had been posted on the target's deck and, when the spread of torpedoes from ''Tang'' struck her, they were hurled into the air with other debris from the ship. ''Echizen Maru'' sank in four minutes as ''Tang'' went deep and rigged for the depth charge attack that followed.<ref group=DANFS name=danfs/> During this evasion, a water leak developed in the forward torpedo room, and ''Tang'' exceeded her depth gauge maximum reading of 612 feet. <ref>{{Harvnb|O'Kane|1989|p=111}}</ref> Fortunately, the crew was able to get the submarine back under control and eventually return to the surface. (Postwar, JANAC denied credit for the tanker seen to explode.)<ref name="Blair573"/>
On the morning of 24 February, ''Tang'' sighted a tanker, a freighter, and a [[destroyer]]. Rain squalls hampered her as she attempted to attain a good firing position, so she tracked the ships until after nightfall, then made a surface attack. She launched four torpedoes and scored three hits which sank the freighter ''Asama Maru''. The two remaining ships commenced firing in all directions, and ''Tang'' submerged to begin evasive action. She shadowed the enemy until morning and then closed the tanker for a submerged attack from extremely close, just {{convert|500|yd|m|abbr=on}}, barely enough to allow her torpedoes to arm.<ref>{{Harvnb|Blair|1976}}, ''passim''; Roscoe, ''Submarine Operations''; Holmes, ''Undersea Victory''.</ref>{{Page needed|date=October 2011}} Additional lookouts had been posted on the target's deck and, when the spread of torpedoes from ''Tang'' struck her, they were hurled into the air with other debris from the ship. ''Echizen Maru'' sank in four minutes as ''Tang'' went deep and rigged for the depth charge attack that followed.<ref group=DANFS name=danfs/> During this evasion, a water leak developed in the forward torpedo room, and ''Tang'' exceeded her depth gauge maximum reading of 612 feet.<ref>{{Harvnb|O'Kane|1989|p=111}}</ref> Fortunately, the crew was able to get the submarine back under control and eventually return to the surface. (Postwar, JANAC denied credit for the tanker seen to explode.)<ref name="Blair573"/>
[[File:USPlaneTruk1944.jpg|thumb|left|220px|Downed American airmen near [[Truk Lagoon]] await rescue by USS ''Tang'']]
[[File:USPlaneTruk1944.jpg|thumb|left|220px|Downed American airmen near [[Truk Lagoon]] await rescue by USS ''Tang'']]


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==Second war patrol==
==Second war patrol==
''Tang''{{'}}s second patrol began on 16 March and took her to waters around the [[Palau Islands]], to [[Davao Gulf]], and to the approaches to [[Chuuk Lagoon|Truk]]. She made only five surface contacts and had no opportunity to launch an attack before she was assigned to lifeguard duty near Truk. ''Tang'' rescued 22 downed airmen and transported them to [[Hawaii]] at the conclusion of the patrol.<ref group=DANFS name=danfs/>
''Tang''{{'}}s second patrol began on 16 March and took her to waters around the [[Palau Islands]], to [[Davao Gulf]], and to the approaches to [[Chuuk Lagoon|Truk]]. She made only five surface contacts and had no opportunity to launch an attack before she was assigned to lifeguard duty near Truk. ''Tang'' rescued 22 downed airmen and transported them to Hawaii at the conclusion of the patrol.<ref group=DANFS name=danfs/>


==Third war patrol==
==Third war patrol==
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==Fourth war patrol==
==Fourth war patrol==
Her fourth war patrol was conducted from 31 July-3 September in Japanese home waters off the coast of [[Honshū]]. On 10 August, she fired a spread of three torpedoes at a tanker near the beach of [[Omaezaki]] with no hits. The next day, after locating two freighters and two escorts, she launched three torpedoes at the larger freighter and two at the other. The larger freighter {"Roko Maru"} disintegrated apparently from a torpedo which exploded in her boilers. As the submarine went deep, her crew heard the fourth and fifth torpedoes hit the second ship. After a jarring depth charge attack which lasted 38&nbsp;minutes, ''Tang'' returned to periscope depth. Only the two escorts were in sight, and one of them was picking up survivors.<ref group=DANFS name=danfs/>
Her fourth war patrol was conducted from 31 July – 3 September in Japanese home waters off the coast of [[Honshū]]. On 10 August, she fired a spread of three torpedoes at a tanker near the beach of [[Omaezaki]] with no hits. The next day, after locating two freighters and two escorts, she launched three torpedoes at the larger freighter and two at the other. The larger freighter {"Roko Maru"} disintegrated apparently from a torpedo which exploded in her boilers. As the submarine went deep, her crew heard the fourth and fifth torpedoes hit the second ship. After a jarring depth charge attack which lasted 38&nbsp;minutes, ''Tang'' returned to periscope depth. Only the two escorts were in sight, and one of them was picking up survivors.<ref group=DANFS name=danfs/>


On 14 August, ''Tang'' attacked a patrol yacht with her deck gun and reduced the Japanese ship's deck house to a shambles with eight hits. Eight days later, she sank a {{convert|225|ft|m|abbr=on}} patrol boat {"No.2 Nansatsu Maru"}. On 23 August, the submarine closed in on a large ship; Japanese in white uniforms could be seen lining its superstructure and the bridge. She fired three torpedoes, and two hits caused the {{convert|8135|LT|t|abbr=on}} transport ''Tsukushi Maru'' to sink. Two days later, ''Tang'' attacked a tanker and an escort with her last three torpedoes — the tanker {"No.8 Nanko Maru"} sank — and returned to [[Pearl Harbor]].<ref group=DANFS name=danfs/>
On 14 August, ''Tang'' attacked a patrol yacht with her deck gun and reduced the Japanese ship's deck house to a shambles with eight hits. Eight days later, she sank a {{convert|225|ft|m|abbr=on}} patrol boat {"No.2 Nansatsu Maru"}. On 23 August, the submarine closed in on a large ship; Japanese in white uniforms could be seen lining its superstructure and the bridge. She fired three torpedoes, and two hits caused the {{convert|8135|LT|t|abbr=on}} transport ''Tsukushi Maru'' to sink. Two days later, ''Tang'' attacked a tanker and an escort with her last three torpedoes – the tanker {"No.8 Nanko Maru"} sank – and returned to [[Pearl Harbor]].<ref group=DANFS name=danfs/>


==Fifth war patrol==
==Fifth war patrol==
After a refit and overhaul, ''Tang'' stood out to sea on 24 September for her fifth war patrol. After topping off with fuel at [[Midway Island]], she sailed for [[Formosa Strait]] on 27 September.<ref group=DANFS name=danfs/> In order to reach her area, ''Tang'' had to pass through narrow waters known to be heavily patrolled by the enemy. A large area stretching northeast from [[Taiwan|Formosa]] was known to be mined by the enemy, and O'Kane was given the choice of making the passage north of Formosa alone, or joining a coordinated attack group ({{USS|Silversides|SS-236|2}}, {{USS|Trigger|SS-237|2}}, and {{USS|Salmon|SS-182|2}}, under Commander [[John S. Coye, Jr.]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Blair|1976|p=1018}}</ref> flag in ''Silversides'') which was to patrol off northeast Formosa, and making the passage with them. ''Tang'' chose to make the passage alone and these vessels never heard from ''Tang'', nor did any base, after she left Midway.
After a refit and overhaul, ''Tang'' stood out to sea on 24 September for her fifth war patrol. After topping off with fuel at [[Midway Island]], she sailed for [[Formosa Strait]] on 27 September.<ref group=DANFS name=danfs/> In order to reach her area, ''Tang'' had to pass through narrow waters known to be heavily patrolled by the enemy. A large area stretching northeast from [[Taiwan|Formosa]] was known to be mined by the enemy, and O'Kane was given the choice of making the passage north of Formosa alone, or joining a coordinated attack group ({{USS|Silversides|SS-236|2}}, {{USS|Trigger|SS-237|2}}, and {{USS|Salmon|SS-182|2}}, under Commander [[John S. Coye, Jr.]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Blair|1976|p=1018}}</ref> flag in ''Silversides'') which was to patrol off northeast Formosa, and making the passage with them. ''Tang'' chose to make the passage alone and these vessels never heard from ''Tang'', nor did any base, after she left Midway.


The story of ''Tang''{{'}}s fate comes from the report of her surviving commanding officer.<ref>{{Cite web|last=O'Kane |first=Richard H. |title=Report of War Patrol Number Five |contribution=Report of the loss of the U.S.S. TANG (SS 306) |date=September 1945 |url=http://www.warfish.com/tang/report5_t.html |doi= |ref=harv |postscript=}}. Also in {{Harvnb|O'Kane|1989|pp=443&ndash;445}}.</ref>
The story of ''Tang''{{'}}s fate comes from the report of her surviving commanding officer.<ref>{{Cite web|last=O'Kane |first=Richard H. |title=Report of War Patrol Number Five |contribution=Report of the loss of the U.S.S. TANG (SS 306) |date=September 1945 |url=http://www.warfish.com/tang/report5_t.html |doi= |ref=harv |postscript=}}. Also in {{Harvnb|O'Kane|1989|pp=443–445}}.</ref>


On the night of 10–11 October, ''Tang'' sank the cargo ships ''Joshu Go'' and ''Ōita Maru''. The submarine continued on patrol until 23 October, when she contacted a large convoy consisting of three tankers, a transport, a freighter, and numerous escorts. Commander O'Kane planned a night surface attack. ''Tang'' broke into the middle of the formation, firing torpedoes as she closed on the tankers (later identified as freighters). Two torpedoes struck under the stack and engine room of the nearest, a single burst into the stern of the middle one, and two exploded under the stack and engine space of the farthest. The first torpedoes began exploding before the last was fired, and all hit their targets, which were soon either blazing or sinking. As the submarine prepared to fire at the tanker which was crossing her stern, she sighted the transport bearing down on her in an attempt to ram. ''Tang'' had no room to dive so she crossed the transport's bow and with full left rudder saved her stern and got inside the transport's [[Turning radius|turning circle]]. The transport was forced to continue her swing to avoid the tanker which had also been coming in to ram. The tanker struck the transport's starboard quarter shortly after the submarine fired four stern torpedoes along their double length at a range of {{convert|400|yd|m|abbr=on}}. The tanker sank bow first and the transport had a 30° up-angle. With escorts approaching on the port bow and beam and a destroyer closing on the port quarter, ''Tang'' rang up full speed and headed for open water. When the submarine was {{convert|6000|yd|m|abbr=on}} from the transport, another explosion was observed, and its bow disappeared.<ref group=DANFS name=danfs/>
On the night of 10–11 October, ''Tang'' sank the cargo ships ''Joshu Go'' and ''Ōita Maru''. The submarine continued on patrol until 23 October, when she contacted a large convoy consisting of three tankers, a transport, a freighter, and numerous escorts. Commander O'Kane planned a night surface attack. ''Tang'' broke into the middle of the formation, firing torpedoes as she closed on the tankers (later identified as freighters). Two torpedoes struck under the stack and engine room of the nearest, a single burst into the stern of the middle one, and two exploded under the stack and engine space of the farthest. The first torpedoes began exploding before the last was fired, and all hit their targets, which were soon either blazing or sinking. As the submarine prepared to fire at the tanker which was crossing her stern, she sighted the transport bearing down on her in an attempt to ram. ''Tang'' had no room to dive so she crossed the transport's bow and with full left rudder saved her stern and got inside the transport's [[Turning radius|turning circle]]. The transport was forced to continue her swing to avoid the tanker which had also been coming in to ram. The tanker struck the transport's starboard quarter shortly after the submarine fired four stern torpedoes along their double length at a range of {{convert|400|yd|m|abbr=on}}. The tanker sank bow first and the transport had a 30° up-angle. With escorts approaching on the port bow and beam and a destroyer closing on the port quarter, ''Tang'' rang up full speed and headed for open water. When the submarine was {{convert|6000|yd|m|abbr=on}} from the transport, another explosion was observed, and its bow disappeared.<ref group=DANFS name=danfs/>
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At 02:30 on the morning of 25 October, the 24th and last torpedo was fired. It broached and curved to the left in a circular run. ''Tang'' fishtailed under emergency power to clear the turning circle of the torpedo, but it struck her abreast the aft torpedo room approximately 20 seconds after it was fired.<ref group=DANFS name=danfs/> The explosion was violent, and men as far forward as the control room received broken limbs. The ship went down by the stern with the after three compartments flooded. Of the nine officers and men on the bridge, three were able to swim through the night until picked up eight hours later. One officer escaped from the flooded [[conning tower]], and was rescued with the others.
At 02:30 on the morning of 25 October, the 24th and last torpedo was fired. It broached and curved to the left in a circular run. ''Tang'' fishtailed under emergency power to clear the turning circle of the torpedo, but it struck her abreast the aft torpedo room approximately 20 seconds after it was fired.<ref group=DANFS name=danfs/> The explosion was violent, and men as far forward as the control room received broken limbs. The ship went down by the stern with the after three compartments flooded. Of the nine officers and men on the bridge, three were able to swim through the night until picked up eight hours later. One officer escaped from the flooded [[conning tower]], and was rescued with the others.


The submarine bottomed at {{convert|180|ft|m|abbr=on}} and the men within crowded forward as the aft compartments flooded. Publications were burned, and all assembled in the forward room to escape. The escape was delayed by a Japanese patrol which dropped depth charges, and started an electrical fire in the forward battery. Thirteen men escaped from the forward room. By the time the last had exited, the heat from the fire was so intense that the paint on the bulkhead was scorching, melting, and running down. Of the 13&nbsp;men who escaped, only nine reached the surface, and of these, five were able to swim until rescued.<ref name=USSubCasualties1966>{{cite journal|title=Submarine Casualties Booklet|publisher=U.S. Naval Submarine School|year=1966|url= http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/8200|accessdate=2009-09-08 |ref=harv}}</ref> A total of 78&nbsp;men were lost.<ref name=Hinman>{{cite web|last=Hinman|first=Charles R.|title=On Eternal Patrol - USS Tang (SS-306)|url=http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-tang-306.htm|work=On Eternal Patrol|publisher=Charles R. Hinman|accessdate=7 November 2012}}</ref> Those who escaped the submarine were greeted in the morning by the sight of the bow of the transport sticking straight out of the water.
The submarine bottomed at {{convert|180|ft|m|abbr=on}} and the men within crowded forward as the aft compartments flooded. Publications were burned, and all assembled in the forward room to escape. The escape was delayed by a Japanese patrol which dropped depth charges, and started an electrical fire in the forward battery. Thirteen men escaped from the forward room. By the time the last had exited, the heat from the fire was so intense that the paint on the bulkhead was scorching, melting, and running down. Of the 13&nbsp;men who escaped, only nine reached the surface, and of these, five were able to swim until rescued.<ref name=USSubCasualties1966>{{cite journal|title=Submarine Casualties Booklet|publisher=U.S. Naval Submarine School|year=1966|url= http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/8200|accessdate=2009-09-08 |ref=harv}}</ref> A total of 78&nbsp;men were lost.<ref name=Hinman>{{cite web|last=Hinman|first=Charles R.|title=On Eternal Patrol – USS Tang (SS-306)|url=http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-tang-306.htm|work=On Eternal Patrol|publisher=Charles R. Hinman|accessdate=7 November 2012}}</ref> Those who escaped the submarine were greeted in the morning by the sight of the bow of the transport sticking straight out of the water.


Nine survivors, including O'Kane, were picked up the next morning by a Japanese destroyer. Victims of ''Tang''{{'}}s previous sinkings were on board, and they beat the men from ''Tang''. O'Kane stated, "When we realized that our clubbing and kickings were being administered by the burned, mutilated survivors of our handiwork, we found we could take it with less prejudice." The nine captives were placed in prison camps until the end of the war.
Nine survivors, including O'Kane, were picked up the next morning by a Japanese destroyer. Victims of ''Tang''{{'}}s previous sinkings were on board, and they beat the men from ''Tang''. O'Kane stated, "When we realized that our clubbing and kickings were being administered by the burned, mutilated survivors of our handiwork, we found we could take it with less prejudice." The nine captives were placed in prison camps until the end of the war.
Line 104: Line 105:


==Television==
==Television==
''Tang'' is the subject of an episode of the [[Television syndication|syndicated]] [[television]] [[anthology series]], ''[[The Silent Service (TV series)|The Silent Service]]'', which aired during the 1957-1958 season.
''Tang'' is the subject of an episode of the syndicated television [[anthology series]], ''[[The Silent Service (TV series)|The Silent Service]]'', which aired during the 1957–1958 season.


==In pop culture==
==In pop culture==

Revision as of 10:04, 28 February 2013

For other ships with the same name, see USS Tang.
USS Tang (SS-306), off Mare Island Navy Yard, December 1943
USS Tang (SS-306), off Mare Island Navy Yard, December 1943
History
NameUSS Tang
Ordered15 December 1941
BuilderMare Island Naval Shipyard[1]
Laid down15 January 1943[1]
Launched17 August 1943[1]
Commissioned15 October 1943[1]
Stricken8 February 1945
FateSunk by own torpedo off Taiwan, 24 October 1944[2]
General characteristics
Class and typeBalao-class diesel-electric submarine[2]
Displacementlist error: <br /> list (help)
1,470 long tons (1,490 t) surfaced[2]
2,040 long tons (2,070 t) submerged[2]
Length311 ft 10 in (95.05 m)[2]
Beam27 ft 4 in (8.33 m)[2]
Draft16 ft 10 in (5.13 m) maximum[2]
Propulsion
Speedlist error: <br /> list (help)
20.25 kn (23.30 mph; 37.50 km/h) surfaced[3]
8.75 kn (10.07 mph; 16.21 km/h) submerged[3]
Range11,000 nmi (13,000 mi; 20,000 km) surfaced at 10 kn (12 mph; 19 km/h)[3]
Endurancelist error: <br /> list (help)
48 hours at 2 kn (2.3 mph; 3.7 km/h) submerged[3]
75 days on patrol
Test depth600 ft (180 m)[3]
Complement10 officers, 68 enlisted[3]
Armament

USS Tang (SS-306) was a Balao-class submarine of World War II, the first ship of the United States Navy to be named for the tang. She was built and launched in 1943.

In her short career, Tang sank 33 ships displacing 116,454 tons[7] Her commanding officer received the Medal of Honor for her last two engagements (23 and 24 October 1944).[8] Tang was sunk during the last engagement by a circular run of her final torpedo.[9]

The ship sank in 180 ft (55 m) of water.[10] Several of the crew managed to reach the surface, and some survived to be captured by the Japanese. These were the first American submariners to escape a sunken submarine using a Momsen lung.[11]

The contract to build her was awarded to Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 15 December 1941, and her keel was laid down on 15 January 1943. She was launched on 17 August sponsored by Mrs. Antonio S. Pitre, and commissioned on 15 October 1943 with Lieutenant Commander Richard H. O'Kane, former executive officer of Wahoo, in command, and delivered to the Navy on 30 November 1943.

Tang completed fitting out at Mare Island and moved south to San Diego for 18 days of intensive training before sailing for Hawaii. She arrived at Pearl Harbor on 8 January 1944 and conducted two more weeks of exercises in preparation for combat. Tang stood out of Pearl Harbor on 22 January to begin her first war patrol, destined for the Caroline Islands-Mariana Islands area.[DANFS 1]

First war patrol

On the morning of 17 February, she sighted a convoy of two freighters, their escorts, and five smaller ships. The submarine tracked the convoy, plotted its course, and then prepared to attack. An escort suddenly appeared at a range of 7,000 yd (6,400 m) and closing. Tang went deep and received five depth charges before the escort departed. Undamaged, she returned to periscope depth and resumed the attack. The range on the nearest freighter closed to 1,500 yd (1,400 m), and Tang fired a spread of four torpedoes. Three hit, and Gyoten Maru (6,800 tons)[12] sank by the stern. The submarine cleared the area by running deep and then attempted to get ahead of the convoy for a dawn attack, but the remaining freighter passed out of range under air escort.[DANFS 1]

During the night of 22 February, Tang made a surface attack on a convoy of three cargo ships and two escorts.[13] She tracked the Japanese ships, through rain squalls which made radar almost useless,[13] for 30 minutes before attaining a firing position, on the surface,[13] 1,500 yd (1,400 m) off the port bow of a freighter. A spread of four torpedoes hit Fukuyama Maru (3,600 tons)[13] from bow to stern, and the enemy ship disintegrated. Early the next morning, Tang made another approach on the convoy. The escort of the lead ship, the 6,800 long tons (6,900 t)[14] Yamashimo Maru, moved from its covering position on the port bow, and the submarine slipped into it and fired four more torpedoes. The first hit the stern of the cargoman, the second just aft of the stack; and the third just forward of the bridge, producing a terrific secondary explosion. The ship was "twisted, lifted from the water",[15] and began belching flames as she sank.[DANFS 1]

On the morning of 24 February, Tang sighted a tanker, a freighter, and a destroyer. Rain squalls hampered her as she attempted to attain a good firing position, so she tracked the ships until after nightfall, then made a surface attack. She launched four torpedoes and scored three hits which sank the freighter Asama Maru. The two remaining ships commenced firing in all directions, and Tang submerged to begin evasive action. She shadowed the enemy until morning and then closed the tanker for a submerged attack from extremely close, just 500 yd (460 m), barely enough to allow her torpedoes to arm.[16][page needed] Additional lookouts had been posted on the target's deck and, when the spread of torpedoes from Tang struck her, they were hurled into the air with other debris from the ship. Echizen Maru sank in four minutes as Tang went deep and rigged for the depth charge attack that followed.[DANFS 1] During this evasion, a water leak developed in the forward torpedo room, and Tang exceeded her depth gauge maximum reading of 612 feet.[17] Fortunately, the crew was able to get the submarine back under control and eventually return to the surface. (Postwar, JANAC denied credit for the tanker seen to explode.)[14]

Downed American airmen near Truk Lagoon await rescue by USS Tang

Tang contacted a convoy consisting of a freighter, transport, and four escorts on the evening of 26 February. She maneuvered into position to attack the wildly zigzagging transport and fired her last four torpedoes and believed she missed; JANAC credited her with sinking Choko Maru, a 1,794 long tons (1,823 t) cargo ship.[14] Having expended all 24 of her torpedoes and scored 16 hits, the submarine put into Midway for refit.[DANFS 1]

Second war patrol

Tang's second patrol began on 16 March and took her to waters around the Palau Islands, to Davao Gulf, and to the approaches to Truk. She made only five surface contacts and had no opportunity to launch an attack before she was assigned to lifeguard duty near Truk. Tang rescued 22 downed airmen and transported them to Hawaii at the conclusion of the patrol.[DANFS 1]

Third war patrol

Her third war patrol was one of the most devastating carried out against Japanese shipping during the war. Tang got underway from Pearl Harbor on 8 June and hunted enemy shipping in the East China Sea and Yellow Sea areas. On 24 June, southwest of Kagoshima, the submarine contacted a convoy of six large ships guarded by 16 escorts. Tang closed for a surface attack and fired a spread of three torpedoes at one of the ships and quickly launched a similar spread at a second target. Explosions followed, and Tang reported two ships sunk. However, postwar examination of Japanese records revealed by the Japanese government show that two passenger-cargo ships and two freighters were sunk. The ships must have overlapped, and the torpedo spread must have hit and sunk two victims in addition to their intended targets. Those sunk — Tamahoko Maru, Tainan Maru, Nasusan Maru, and Kennichi Maru — added up to 16,292 long tons (16,553 t) of enemy shipping.[DANFS 1]

On 30 June, while she patrolled the lane from Kyūshū to Dairen, Tang sighted another cargo ship steaming without an escort. After making an end around run on the surface which produced two torpedo misses, Tang went deep to avoid depth charges, then surfaced and chased the hapless ship until she closed the range to 750 yd (690 m). A single torpedo blew Nikkin Maru in half, and the merchantman sank.[DANFS 1]

The next morning, Tang sighted a tanker and a freighter. While she sank freighter Taiun Maru Number Two, tanker Takatori Maru Number One fled. The submarine trailed until dark, then launched two torpedoes which sent the latter down. Tang celebrated 4 July at dawn by an end-around, submerged attack on an enemy freighter which was near shore. However, with rapidly shoaling water and her keel about to touch bottom, Tang backed off, fired a spread of three with two hits, and then surfaced as survivors of the 6,886 long tons (6,996 t) cargo ship Asukazan Maru were being rescued by fishing boats. That afternoon, Tang sighted Yamaoka Maru, another cargo ship of approximately the same size, and sank her with two torpedoes. The submarine surfaced and, with the aid of grapnel hooks and Thompson submachine guns, rescued a survivor who had been clinging to an overturned lifeboat. While prowling the waters off Dairen late the next night, the submarine sighted a cargo ship and, during a submerged attack with her last two torpedoes, sank Dori Maru.[DANFS 1] Credited with eight ships for 56,000 long tons (57,000 t) at the time, the score confirmed postwar by JANAC for her third patrol was 10 ships for a total of 39,160 long tons (39,790 t).[18]

Fourth war patrol

Her fourth war patrol was conducted from 31 July – 3 September in Japanese home waters off the coast of Honshū. On 10 August, she fired a spread of three torpedoes at a tanker near the beach of Omaezaki with no hits. The next day, after locating two freighters and two escorts, she launched three torpedoes at the larger freighter and two at the other. The larger freighter {"Roko Maru"} disintegrated apparently from a torpedo which exploded in her boilers. As the submarine went deep, her crew heard the fourth and fifth torpedoes hit the second ship. After a jarring depth charge attack which lasted 38 minutes, Tang returned to periscope depth. Only the two escorts were in sight, and one of them was picking up survivors.[DANFS 1]

On 14 August, Tang attacked a patrol yacht with her deck gun and reduced the Japanese ship's deck house to a shambles with eight hits. Eight days later, she sank a 225 ft (69 m) patrol boat {"No.2 Nansatsu Maru"}. On 23 August, the submarine closed in on a large ship; Japanese in white uniforms could be seen lining its superstructure and the bridge. She fired three torpedoes, and two hits caused the 8,135 long tons (8,266 t) transport Tsukushi Maru to sink. Two days later, Tang attacked a tanker and an escort with her last three torpedoes – the tanker {"No.8 Nanko Maru"} sank – and returned to Pearl Harbor.[DANFS 1]

Fifth war patrol

After a refit and overhaul, Tang stood out to sea on 24 September for her fifth war patrol. After topping off with fuel at Midway Island, she sailed for Formosa Strait on 27 September.[DANFS 1] In order to reach her area, Tang had to pass through narrow waters known to be heavily patrolled by the enemy. A large area stretching northeast from Formosa was known to be mined by the enemy, and O'Kane was given the choice of making the passage north of Formosa alone, or joining a coordinated attack group (Silversides, Trigger, and Salmon, under Commander John S. Coye, Jr.,[19] flag in Silversides) which was to patrol off northeast Formosa, and making the passage with them. Tang chose to make the passage alone and these vessels never heard from Tang, nor did any base, after she left Midway.

The story of Tang's fate comes from the report of her surviving commanding officer.[20]

On the night of 10–11 October, Tang sank the cargo ships Joshu Go and Ōita Maru. The submarine continued on patrol until 23 October, when she contacted a large convoy consisting of three tankers, a transport, a freighter, and numerous escorts. Commander O'Kane planned a night surface attack. Tang broke into the middle of the formation, firing torpedoes as she closed on the tankers (later identified as freighters). Two torpedoes struck under the stack and engine room of the nearest, a single burst into the stern of the middle one, and two exploded under the stack and engine space of the farthest. The first torpedoes began exploding before the last was fired, and all hit their targets, which were soon either blazing or sinking. As the submarine prepared to fire at the tanker which was crossing her stern, she sighted the transport bearing down on her in an attempt to ram. Tang had no room to dive so she crossed the transport's bow and with full left rudder saved her stern and got inside the transport's turning circle. The transport was forced to continue her swing to avoid the tanker which had also been coming in to ram. The tanker struck the transport's starboard quarter shortly after the submarine fired four stern torpedoes along their double length at a range of 400 yd (370 m). The tanker sank bow first and the transport had a 30° up-angle. With escorts approaching on the port bow and beam and a destroyer closing on the port quarter, Tang rang up full speed and headed for open water. When the submarine was 6,000 yd (5,500 m) from the transport, another explosion was observed, and its bow disappeared.[DANFS 1]

On the morning of 25 October, Tang began patrolling at periscope depth. She surfaced at dark and headed for Turnabout Island (25°25′53″N 119°56′24″E / 25.431493°N 119.93989°E / 25.431493; 119.93989). On approaching the island, the submarine's surface search radar showed so many blips that it was almost useless. Tang soon identified a large convoy which contained tankers with planes on their decks and transports with crated planes stacked on their bows and sterns. As the submarine tracked the Japanese ships along the coast, the enemy escorts became suspicious, and the escort commander began signaling with a large searchlight. This illuminated the convoy, and Tang chose a large three-deck transport as her first target, a smaller transport as the second, and a large tanker as the third. Their ranges varied from 900–1,400 yd (820–1,280 m). After firing two torpedoes at each target, the submarine paralleled the convoy to choose its next victims. She fired stern torpedoes at another transport and tanker aft.[DANFS 1]

As Tang poured on full speed to escape the gunfire directed at her, a destroyer passed around the stern of the transport and headed for the submarine. The tanker exploded, and a hit was seen on the transport. A few seconds later, the destroyer exploded, either from intercepting Tang's third torpedo or from shell fire of two escorts closing on the beam. Only the transport remained afloat, and it was dead in the water. The submarine cleared to 240 ft (73 m), rechecked the last two torpedoes which had been loaded in the bow tubes, and returned to finish off the transport. The 23rd torpedo was fired at 900 yd (820 m) and was observed running hot and straight.[DANFS 1]

At 02:30 on the morning of 25 October, the 24th and last torpedo was fired. It broached and curved to the left in a circular run. Tang fishtailed under emergency power to clear the turning circle of the torpedo, but it struck her abreast the aft torpedo room approximately 20 seconds after it was fired.[DANFS 1] The explosion was violent, and men as far forward as the control room received broken limbs. The ship went down by the stern with the after three compartments flooded. Of the nine officers and men on the bridge, three were able to swim through the night until picked up eight hours later. One officer escaped from the flooded conning tower, and was rescued with the others.

The submarine bottomed at 180 ft (55 m) and the men within crowded forward as the aft compartments flooded. Publications were burned, and all assembled in the forward room to escape. The escape was delayed by a Japanese patrol which dropped depth charges, and started an electrical fire in the forward battery. Thirteen men escaped from the forward room. By the time the last had exited, the heat from the fire was so intense that the paint on the bulkhead was scorching, melting, and running down. Of the 13 men who escaped, only nine reached the surface, and of these, five were able to swim until rescued.[21] A total of 78 men were lost.[22] Those who escaped the submarine were greeted in the morning by the sight of the bow of the transport sticking straight out of the water.

Nine survivors, including O'Kane, were picked up the next morning by a Japanese destroyer. Victims of Tang's previous sinkings were on board, and they beat the men from Tang. O'Kane stated, "When we realized that our clubbing and kickings were being administered by the burned, mutilated survivors of our handiwork, we found we could take it with less prejudice." The nine captives were placed in prison camps until the end of the war.

In the last attack, Tang had sunk Kogen Maru and Matsumoto Maru. Tang was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on 8 February 1945.[DANFS 1]

Awards

Tang received four battle stars and two Presidential Unit Citations for World War II service. Her commanding officer received the Medal of Honor for Tang's final action.[DANFS 1]

Tang is credited with sinking 31 ships in her five patrols, totaling 227,800 long tons (231,500 t), and damaging two for 4,100 long tons (4,200 t). This record is unequaled among American submarines.

Television

Tang is the subject of an episode of the syndicated television anthology series, The Silent Service, which aired during the 1957–1958 season.

In pop culture

Tang was the inspiration for the band arrangement Escape from the Deep written by Brian Balmages.[citation needed]

References

Attribution

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "Tang". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. United States Navy – Naval History and Heritage Command.

Notes and references

  1. ^ a b c d Friedman, Norman (1995). U.S. Submarines Through 1945: An Illustrated Design History. Annapolis, Maryland: United States Naval Institute. pp. 285–304. ISBN 1-55750-263-3. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Bauer, K. Jack (1991). Register of Ships of the U.S. Navy, 1775–1990: Major Combatants. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press. pp. 275–280. ISBN 0-313-26202-0. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ a b c d e f U.S. Submarines Through 1945 pp. 305–311
  4. ^ a b c d e Bauer, K. Jack; Roberts, Stephen S. (1991). Register of Ships of the U.S. Navy, 1775–1990: Major Combatants. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press. pp. 271–280. ISBN 978-0-313-26202-9.
  5. ^ U.S. Submarines Through 1945 pp. 261–263
  6. ^ a b c U.S. Submarines Through 1945 pp. 305–311
  7. ^ O'Kane 1989, p. 458. O'Kane explains the Joint Army-Navy Assessment Committee (JANAC) report initially credited Tang with fewer sinkings. In 1980, the relevant JANAC section "was officially replaced by the credits in the patrol reports."
  8. ^ Medal of Honor citation, http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/rokane.htm
  9. ^ O'Kane 1989, p. 443
  10. ^ O'Kane 1989, p. 444
  11. ^ Swede Momsen: Diving & Rescue — Momsen Lung, Office of Naval Research, retrieved 18 March 2012
  12. ^ Blair 1976, p. 567
  13. ^ a b c d Blair 1976, p. 571
  14. ^ a b c Blair 1976, p. 573
  15. ^ O'Kane's patrol report, quoted in Blair 1976, p. 573.
  16. ^ Blair 1976, passim; Roscoe, Submarine Operations; Holmes, Undersea Victory.
  17. ^ O'Kane 1989, p. 111
  18. ^ Blair, p.952.
  19. ^ Blair 1976, p. 1018
  20. ^ O'Kane, Richard H. (September 1945). "Report of War Patrol Number Five". {{cite web}}: |contribution= ignored (help); Invalid |ref=harv (help). Also in O'Kane 1989, pp. 443–445.
  21. ^ "Submarine Casualties Booklet". U.S. Naval Submarine School. 1966. Retrieved 8 September 2009. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help); Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  22. ^ Hinman, Charles R. "On Eternal Patrol – USS Tang (SS-306)". On Eternal Patrol. Charles R. Hinman. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
  • Blair, Jr., Clay (1976). Silent Victory: The U.S. Submarine War against Japan. New York: Bantam. ISBN 055310506. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: length (help); also Naval Institute Press, March 2001, ISBN 978-1-55750-217-9.
  • O'Kane, Richard H. (1977). Clear the Bridge!: The War Patrols of the U.S.S. Tang. Chicago: Rand McNally. ISBN 978-0-528-81058-9.
  • O'Kane, Richard H. (1989) [1977]. Clear the Bridge!: The War Patrols of the U.S.S. Tang. Presidio Press. ISBN 978-0-89141-346-2. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help) Different pagination than 1977 edition.

External links

25°6′N 119°31′E / 25.100°N 119.517°E / 25.100; 119.517

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