Capt Ron Glover, USN

` Capt Ron Glover, USN

Capt. Ron Glover, USN

Introduction of Capt. Bill Weisensee

Submarine Veterans of WWII Memorial Ceremony

1 November 1966

Thank you Lieutenant Sipes, Submarine Veterans of World War II, Vice Admiral Schade, Commodore Cocolin, Captain Alley, Captain Weisensee, fellow Commanding Officers, friends, ladies and gentlemen… welcome to this very special memorial. I am especially honored to be a part of this ceremony today.

Over the years, like all submariners, I've enjoyed a very special relationship with and respect for the Submarine Veterans. We look to the Submarine Veterans as a reminder of our unique respect for the history of the submarine force.

The Submarine Veterans' example laid the foundation for the success that we enjoy today under the sea. The dedication and loyal devotion to duty of our predecessors forged the legacy that makes the submarine Force synonymous with the work "pride".

The characteristics of the submarines change, but the professionalism demonstrated by World War II submariners continues today. We have a proud history. That legacy of pride motivates our submarine sailors today and will motivate our submarine sailors tomorrow. That legacy of pride will continue to ensure our nation has the finest submarine force in the world.

Today we have gathered to recognize the heroic submariners who gave their lives in service to their country, for those on eternal patrol. And we honor the submariners here today, those who have left us their legacy.

And now, it is my great pleasure to introduce today's guest speaker, Captain Bill Weisensee. He is a man who epitomizes the dedication and loyal devotion to duty of our submarine predecessors.
Remarks by Captain Bill Weisensee, USN (Ret.)

To Submarine Veterans of World War II

On November 1, 1966

Good morning… Vice Admiral Shade, Captain Alley, Mayor Brandon, and other distinguished guests. Ladies and gentlemen, and submariners all, but most importantly, to you proud submarine veterans of world war II, who are a living legacy of the greatest submarine saga in history; my remarks this morning are primarily addressed to you.

First, I want you to know that your accomplishments, your achievements, your demonstrated courage during "The Great War" so inspired a young lad who was growing up during world war II, that he wrote in his high school year book, that his ambition was to be a submarine Lieutenant. It is debatable whether he really had the insight to know exactly what that meant, but never the less, you were his heroes, and still are, and he wanted to follow in your footsteps. This lad did fulfill his ambition, with an awful lot of help from his shipmates, and today, is very honored and proud to have this opportunity to address you. This is indeed, a privilege.

"Ask not for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee." So wrote the 16^th century poet, John Donne, in his sonnet: "No Man is an Island."

We are gathered here this morning to toll the bell. And, although we will announce the name and toll the bell for each one of the 52 submarines lost during world war II, we will in fact, be tolling the bell for those 374 officers and 3,131 enlisted men, who are out there on eternal patrol.

Many would tell you that the United States Submarine Veterans of World War II was born in August of 1955… but it really started long before that. The true birth was December 7, 1941.

On that fateful Sunday in December of 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.

The surface fleet, which had been counted on to defend the central Pacific, was now out of it and would remain so for a long time. The small surface force in the Philippines could not hope to cope with the mighty Japanese armada storming down from Japan.

Only one naval arm remained unimpaired by the attack on Pearl Harbor. That arm was the United States Navy's Submarine Service. To those 51 U.S. Submarines, on duty or available for duty in the Pacific, fell the major portion of the improvised defense, issued in a directive by the Chief of Naval Operations the afternoon of December 7, 1941 which stated, "EXECUTE UNRESTRICTED AIR AND SUBMARINE WARFARE AGAINST JAPAN." Within a few days after the attack, our submarines took the war directly to the front door of the Japanese Empire, slashing supply lines and cutting into invasion convoys.

Less than 2% of U.S. sailors served in submarines yet that small percentage sank 201 Japanese warships, plus 1,113 Merchant ships or more than 500 tons. At peak you sank Japanese ships 3 times faster than they could build them.

Why were Merchant ships so Important?

Because, the Japanese Empire was an island empire and if all those ships got through, with all that food, fuel, trucks, troops, planes, guns and ammunition, thousands more American sailors, soldiers, marines and fliers would have been maimed or killed. In all, our submarines sank more than 55% of all ships that were sunk. Our submarines did all that, plus they laid mines, hauled ammunition, transported troops, rescued refugees, deployed secret agents, delivered guerrilla leaders, and rescued 504 fliers. (Including George Bush).

But, you submarines paid heavily for your successes in World War II. A total of 52 submarines were lost, with 374 officers and 3,131 enlisted men. These personnel losses represented 16% of the officer and 13% of the enlisted operational submarine personnel. We had the highest loss rate of any Navy unit. One of every 5 men serving on operating submarines lost their lives.

The 52 submarines represent approximately 18% of all submarines that say combat duty. This loss of 18% was indeed high in comparison to the losses sustained by other types of ships of the allied forces.

In doing so, you submarine veterans wrote shining new epics in Naval tradition.

You wrote traditions of Valor, Fortitude, Unselfishness, and Service to America. Your shipmates suffered and died for America. However, you knew that wars cannot be fought without loss, and he who wears the coveted Dolphins must be ready to give his life instantly in action.

Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, who had himself nurtured the Submarine Service from his younger days as a submarine skipper wrote at the end of the hostile conflict:

"We, who survived World War II, and were privileged to rejoin our loved ones at home, salute those gallant officers and men of our submarines who lost their lives in that long struggle. We shall never forget that it was our submarines that held the lines against the enemy while our fleets replaced losses and repaired wounds."

In the early days of the war you returning submarine sailors were a common sight in the streets of Honolulu. It was easy to recognize you… your faces were bleached white from weeks submerged and, equally conspicuous, we rarely saw one of you alone and we never saw you with anyone other than another submarine sailor. What factors bound you men together with such unparalleled cohesiveness? The initial screening, surely, but much more than that. When your submarine transited its own minefields and headed out on war patrol, every contact was potentially hostile. Frequently bombed and depth charged by your own aircraft, and contact might send your crew to depth charge stations. West of the 180^th meridian every contact was enemy. And returning to Pearl Harbor was to risk attack by our own destroyers sent out to escort you through the mile fields. Submarine crews soon learned to have little confidence in all forces who did not wear Dolphins.

Your war patrols, normally lasting from 45 to 60 days, introduced a protracted mental tension unknown to other types of warfare. Without the rest periods to ease this tension you would soon have cracked under the strain. However, as a result of the rest and recuperation policy, you submarines went to sea mentally and physically alert and it is considered that this was the primary factor in keeping our losses to a minimum. Hand in hand with the excellent mental and physical condition, was the high state of training in which you departed on patrol. Training kept pace with enemy antisubmarine measures, new training methods being introduced to counter the latest trends in enemy offensive or defensive measures.

With such early exposure, heavy submarine losses were inevitable and requests for volunteers were sent out to the fleet. You who passed the stringent screening came from all parts of the country and all walks of life. From the hills of Tennessee and Kentucky; from the concrete canyons of New York; from the Indiana farms and from the Texas plains, seemingly diverse and yet with common qualities. Each of you took his place in the closely-knit family constellation that formed your submarine crew.

I would also note that a unique feature about you submariners of World War II was your extensive use of nicknames. Invariably, every crewmember, including the officers, was referred to by some name other that the one he came aboard with. Your nickname might be derived from your rate, some incident you were involved in, a cartoon character, or even where you came from. So we would hear names like "Lube Oil Brown" if your first initials were L.O., or "Smiling Jack, Sleepy, Jigs or Grumpy." "Cookie" if you were the cook, "Gunner", "Sparky" or "Tubes" were common. A nickname like DOC could mean your last name was Holliday, or that you were the Pharmacist-Mate, or that you looked like one of the seven dwarfs. If your ears stuck out you immediately became "wingnut"; and if you frequently screwed up, you became "Dipstick"; if you were an officer and messed up the compensation then you were "Lt. Dipstick". These nicknames followed you from boat to boat and it was often difficult for new submariners to determine how you were tagged with the nickname. The worst mistake you could make was to let another crewmember know that you were upset with your nickname. But it was all in fun, and promoted the unity and esprit de corps of your crews.

Most of you were quiet and unassuming, but you all fought like hell above and below the ocean surface… and sometimes ashore, if the other guy was not wearing the coveted Dolphins.

There was another reason why you did so well.

The Japanese attacks on our submerged submarines were characterized by a consistent lack of persistence. They were prone to accept the most nebulous evidence as positive proof of a sinking, and being sure of a kill, they were off about their business, letting our submarine escape. Thank God for the Japanese superiority complex! For instance, while only 48 submarines were lost in combat operations, the Japanese furnished us with information, which showed a total of 468 positive sinking of our submarines. The U.S. Navy, by a wise policy of total censorship of submarine operations, encouraged the enemy in their belief in their antisubmarine successes. When we failed to announce the successful attacks of your submarine, the enemy naturally assumed your boat never got home to report them.

The loss of 52 submarines in devastating. Yet, it is considered remarkably low when measured against the results achieved, or when compared with the losses sustained by enemy submarine forces. The Germans lost 755 submarines in World War II; and the meager results to show for their submarine effort, the Japanese lost 128 submarines in World War II.

The depth charges, which once reverberated across the Pacific, are silent now. But their thunder will exist forever among you who lived and fought on submarines. You, and your shipmates who gave "The last full measure of devotion" to preserve the freedom we all enjoy today, can take comfort in knowing that their lives, and your shining example of service to our country above self, will always be remembered by a grateful nation and honored by us submariners that follow in your foot steps.

Commander of Submarine Forces from 1943 to 46, VADM. Lockward, described those 3,505 under water warfare heroes who gave their lives:

"I can assure you that they went down fighting and that their brothers who survived them took a grim toll of our savage enemy to avenge their deaths. They stand in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die so that freedom might live. Their final resting-places are known only to the almighty. Their families, friends, living shipmates, and future generations should know they will always be remembered."

Perhaps this morning in your imagination, you can listen intently and hear your shipmates on eternal patrol answering to the commands that were once part of your daily life: "CRASH DIVE; CLEAR THE BRIDGE!" "LAST MAN DOWN, CONNING TOWER HATCH IS DOGGED SHUT!" "GREEN BOARD, PRESSURE IN THE BOAT!" "MAKE YOUR DEPTH 1-2-0 FEET; 4 DEGREES DOWN BUBBLE!" "MAIN INDUCTION SHUT AND LOCKED!" "PASSING 100 FEET, 4 DEGREES DOWN, SIR!" "VERY WELL, EASE-OFF ON YOUR BUBBLE, PLANESMAN!" "BLOW NEGATIVE!" "NEGATIVE BLOWN TO THE MARK!" "VERY WELL, ALL-AHEAD ONE THIRD, HALF-A-DEGREE DOWN BUBBLE!" "CHIEF-OF-THE-BOAT; RIG THE SHIP FOR DEPTH CHARGE." "RIG THE SHIP FOR DEPTH CHARGE AYE." These commands are part of your past, but for those who never returned to port these commands go on forever.

In a few moments we will toll the bell, and call out the name of each submarine that never returned. Perhaps, this morning, in your imagination, when the bell is tolled for a lost submarine that you once had a shipmate aboard, you will listen intently and hear one of your shipmates from the past whisper to you; "For whom does the bell toll?" and in your heart and in your mind you will answer "Ask not for whom the bell tolls, Gallant Undersea Warrior, It tolls for thee."

The formal preamble to the ceremony of

"The Tolling of the Boats"

By Capt. Dave Cocolin, USN

Throughout the history of our country, the village church has called the faithful to worship by ringing a bell that could be heard throughout the countryside. At other times this same bell rang out to herald important community announcements or to alert the people to some danger or calamity.

In seaports the tolling of the bell was used to call out to small boats at sea that were overdue or, having gone beyond the sight of land, may have become uncertain of the direction back home. When ships or crew were lost at sea, the bell was tolled to express the community's grief and remembrance.

Our tolling of the boats ceremony will begin shortly. In an age of satellite navigation and instantaneous communications, where villages have grown to become huge cities, this ceremony may seem little more than an historical curiosity. But it is much more to those of us that have sailed beneath the sea.

It remains an expression of grief and remembrance - calling out to shipmates and loved ones who gave their lives during World War Two while serving in submarines. For four long years our entire planet was engaged in a fierce struggle between those who loved liberty and those who were devoted to tyranny. For most of that period the situation was dire and the outcome uncertain. Our entire nation, civilian and military, embarked on a supreme effort to turn the tide and we found willing allies among the freedom-loving people on earth.

The submarine force played a crucial, some say decisive, roll in winning that war. It is that victory and the submarine veterans that purchased it, that we celebrate today. They bought it with their youth, their skill, their courage, and - sometimes - with their lives.

Then, as now, a submarine departing on patrol, often would pull out to sea and simply vanish until the mission was completed. This cycle was repeated hundreds of times, with devastating effect upon the enemy.

52 times - consider for a moment the size of that number… 52 times a submarine did not return from its war patrol. Most often it was lost with all hands, its fate and final resting place either a complete mystery or an historians guess. Their epitaph: "Submarine Overdue - Presumed Lost."

The bell tolls the memory of those who, in Abraham Lincoln's words, "Gave the last full measure of devotion." But it also does much more.

Sometimes crewmembers, by the grace of God, escaped death and were rescued, others were captured and suffered privation while imprisoned by the enemy. These men told us the tale of their ship's loss, giving both a beacon and a challenge to subsequent generations of submariners.

The bell also tolls a tribute to veterans - you men and your families gathered here today - who, like those on eternal patrol, rose to the challenge, endured the same dangers and won the victory. Because of you, Americans born in the last half century know nothing of World War. There have been other wars and battles, even something called a "Cold War" but for most Americans, Global conflict has been banished to my father's old footlocker and to the history channel on TV. The bell tolls our admiration and gratitude to our submarine veterans.

Not content to look only at the past, the bell also calls out to present and future generations of Americans to instruct and remind them of three things:

First, that freedom is not free and citizens that are not willing to pay its price can only be made free - and kept free - by the exertions of people better than they are. One of the best examples I know of God's special providence for America is the way he continues to raise up, in each generation, patriots willing to risk all to guarantee the blessing of liberty to their countrymen - including those who revile them and think of them as fools for doing so. The bell calls the unwilling to their senses.

Second that the price of peace is eternal vigilance. On the day that the first man disobeyed his creator, the world became a very dangerous place, never more so than today. Consequently, to ensure the peace we must continually prepare for war - to build submarines and practice for battles that we pray will never come. One day God "will make all wars cease." But until he does, the bell calls us to take watch and remain alert.

And, finally, the American veterans who purchased our peace must never, never be forgotten. A nation that cares for those who have borne the heaviest burdens of citizenship in battle will never lack for a new generation to dare greatly in the cause of freedom. But woe to that nation about which it may be said:
God and the soldier they adore

In time of danger, not before

The danger past and all things sighted

God is forgotten and the soldier is slighted

The bell calls a new generation to remember our veterans.

I ask you to consider these things as we toll the bell and call the roll of the 52 Submarines still on patrol.
The Tolling of the Boats

As read by Capt. James Alley

November 1, 1996

I will now read the 52 U.S. Submarines lost in World War II, the three U.S. Submarines lost since World War II, and a testimonial to the British Submarines lost in World War II.

USS SEALION, SUNK BY JAPANESE BOMBERS AT CAVITE NAVY YARD, MANILA. 4 MEN LOST, 10 DEC 1941.

USS S-36, RAN AGROUNG IN THE MAKASSAR STRAIT, NO LOSS OF LIFE, 20 JAN 1942.

USS S-26, RAMMEDBY ESCORT AT THE PACIFIC FRONTIER OF THE PANAMAL CANAL, 46 MEN LOST, 2 SURVIVORS, 24 JAN 1942.

USS SHARK, SUNK BY DEPTH CHARGE ATTACK OFF THE DUTCH EAST INDIES, ALL HANDS LOST, 11 FEB1942.

USS PERCH, SUNK BY SURFACE DEPTH CHARGE ATTACK IN THE BATTLE OF THE JAVA SEA, ALL HANDS TAKEN PRISONER, NINE PERISHED AS PRISONERS OF WAR, 3 MAR 1942.

USS S-27, RAN AGOUND DURING FIRST WAR PATROL IN THE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS, NO LOWW OF LIFE, 19 JUN 1942.

USS GRUNION, PERISHED DURING FIRST WAR PATROL OFF ALEUTIAN ISLANDS, CAUSE UNKNOWN, ALL HANDS LOST, 30 JUL 1942.

USS S-39, DURING FIFTH WAR PATROL, RAN AGROUND OFF THE ROSSELL ISLAND, NO LOSS OF LIFE, 13 AUG 1942.

USS ARGONAUT, DURING SECOND WAR PATROL SOUTHEAST OF NEW BRITAIN, SUNK BY SURFACE DEPTH CHARGE AND GUNFIRE, ALL HANDS LOST, 10 JAN 1943.

USS AMBERJACK, DURING THIRD WAR PATROL IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC, SUNK BY SURFACE CRAFT AND AERIAL BOMBS, ALL HANDS LOST, 16 FEB 1943.

USS GRAMPUS, DURING SIXTH WAR PATROL, SUNK BY SURFACE CRAFT OR SEAPLANE, ALL HANDS LOST, 5 MAR 1943.

USS TRITON, DURING SIXTH WAR PATROL, NORTH OF THE ADMIRALTY ISLANDS, SUNK BY SURFACE CRAFT, ALL HANDS LOST, 15 MAR 1943.

USS PIKEREL, DURING SEVENTY WAR PATROL, OFF THE COAST OF NORTHERN HONSHU, SUNK BY A SURFACE DEPTH CHARGE ATTACK, ALL HANDS LOST, 3 APR 1943.

USS GRENADIER, DURING SIXTH WAR PATROL, IN THE MALACCA STRAIT, SUNK BY AERIAL BOMBS, ALL TAKEN PRISONER, FOUR DIED IN PRIONEROF WAR CAMP, 22 APR 1943.

USS RUNNER, DURING THIRD WAR PATROL, OFF THE COAST OF NORTHERN JAPAN, SUNK BY ENEMY MINES, ALL HANDS LOST, 28 MAY 1943.

USS R-12, DURING A SPECIAL TRAINING EXERCISE, OFF THE COAST OF KEY WEST, FLORIDA. SUNK - CAUSE UNKNOWN, 42 MEN LOST, THREE SURVIVORS, 12 JUN 1943.

USS POMPANO, DURING SEVENTH WAR PATROL, OFF HONSHO, SUNK BY ENEMY MINE, ALL HANDS LOST, 29 AUG 1943.

USS GRAYLING, DURING EIGHTH WAR PATROL, OFF THE APPROACHES TO MANILLA, SUNK - CUASE UNKNOWN, ALL HANDS LOST, 9 SEP 1943.

USS CISCO, DURING FIRST WAR PATROL, PASSING THROUGH THE SULU SEA ENROUTE TO THE MINDORO STRAIT, SUNK BY SURFACE CRAFT AND AERIAL BOMBS, ALL HANDS LOST, 28 SEP 1943.

USS S-44, DURING FIFTH WAR PATROL, ON THE ARCTIC ROUTE BETWEEN JAPAN AND THE ALEUTIANS, SUNK BY SURFACE CRAFT, 55 MEN LOST, TWO SURVIVORS TAKEN PRISONER, 7 OCT 1943.

USS WAHOO, DURING SEVENTH WAR PATROL, NORTH OF HOKKAIDO, SUNK BY SURFACE, AIR AND LAND FORCES, ALL HANDS LOST, 11 OCT 1943.

USS DORADO, DURING FIRST WAR PATROL, RUNNING SURFACED IN THE CARIBBEAN SEA, SUNK BY FRIENDLY AIRCRAFT, ALL HANDS LOST, 12 OCT 1943.

USS CORVINA, DURING FIRST WAR PATROL, SOUTH OF TRUK, SUNK BY ENEMY SUBMARINE, ALL HANDS LOST, 16 NOV 1943.

USS SCULPIN, DURING NINTH WAR PATROL, NORTH OF TRUK, SUNK BY SURFACE DEPTH CHARGE AND GUN FIRE, 63 MEN LOST, 212 SURVIVORS TAKEN PRISONER, 19 NOV 1943.

USS CAPELIN, DURING FIRST WAR PATROL, OFF THE DUTCH EAST INDIES, SUNK BY ENEMY MINES, ALL HANDS LOST, 23 NOV 1943.

USS SCORPION, DURING FOURTH WAR PATROL, IN THE NORTHERN EAST CHINA AND YELLOW SEAS, SUNK BY ENEMY MINES, ALL HANDS LOST, 23 NOV 1943.

USS GRAYBACK, DURING TENTH WAR PATROL, IN THE EAST CHINA SEA, SUNK BY SURFACE CRAFT AND AERIAL BOMBS, ALL HANDS LOST, 26 FEB 1944.

USS TROUT, DURING HER 11^TH WAR PATROL, IN THE EAST CHINA SEA, SUNK BY SURFACE CRAFT, ALL HANDS LOST, 29 FEB 1944.

USS TULLIBEE, DURING FOURTH WAR PATROL, DURING NIGHT SURFACE ATTACK, SUNK BY OWN TORPEDO, 79 MEN LOST, ONE SURVIVOR TAKEN PRISONER, 26 MAR 1944.

USS GUDGEON, DURING 12^TH WAR PATROL, NORTH OF THE MARIANAS, SUNK BY SURFACE CRAFT AND AERIAL BOMBS, ALL HANDS LOST, 7 APR 1944.

USS HERRING, DURING EIGHTH WAR PATROL, OFF MATSUWA ISLAND, SUNK BY SURFACE CRAFT AND ENEMY SHORE GUN BATTERIES, ALL HANDS LOST, 1 JUN 1944.

USS GOLET, DURING SECOND WAR PATROL, OFF NORTHERN HONSHU, SUNK BY SURFACE CRAFT, ALL HANDS LOST, 14 JUN 1944.

USS S-28, DURING TRAINING EXERCISE OFF PEARL HARBOR, SUNK - CAUSE UNKNOWN, ALL HANDS LOST, 4 JUL 1944.

USS ROBALO, DURING THIRD WAR PATROL, TRANSITING OFF PALAWAN ISLAND, SUNK BY ENEMY MINES, 77 MEN LOST, FOUR SURVIVORS TAKEN PRISONER, NONE SURVIVED PRISON CAMP, 26 JUL 1944.

USS FLIER, DURING SECOND WAR PATROL, OFF PALAWAN ISLAND, SUNK BY ENEMY MINES, 80 MEN LOST, EIGHT SURVIVORS, 13 AUG 1944.

USS HARDER, DURING SIXTH WAR PATROL, OFF CAIMAN POINT, SUNK BY DEPTH CHARGES, ALL HANDS LOST, 12 AUG 1944.

USS SEAWOLF, DURING 15^TH WAR PATROL, IN ROUTE TO PHILIPPINES, SUNK BY FRIENDLY DESTROYERS, ALL HANDS LOST, INCLUDING 17 ARMY PERSONNEL, 3 OCT 1944.

USS DARTER, DURING FOURTH WAR PATROL, RAN AGROUND ON BOMBAY SHOAL, NO LOSS OF LIFE, 24 OCT 1944.

USS SHARK II, DURING THIRD WAR PATROL, LUZON STRAIT, SUNK BY SURFACE CRAFT, ALL HANDS LOST, 24 OCT 1944.

USS TANG, DURING FIFTH WAR PATROL, EXECUTING A NIGHTTIME SURFACE ATTACK, SUNK BY OWN TORPEDO, 78 MEN LOST, NINE SURVIVORS TAKEN PRISONER, 25 OCT 1944.

USS ESCOLAR, DURING FIRST WAR PATROL, YELLOW SEA, SUNK BY ENEMY MINES, ALL HANDS LOST, 3 NOV 1944.

USS ALBACORE, DURING 11^TH WAR PATROL, OFF NORTHEAST HONSHU, SUNK BY ENEMY MINES, ALL HANDS LOST, 7 NOV 1944.

USS GROWLER, DURING 11^TH WAR PATROL, SULU SEA, SUNK BY DEPTH CHARGE ATTACK, ALL HANDS LOST, 8 NOV 1944.

USS SCAMP, DURING EIGHTH WAR PATROL, EAST OF TOKYO BAY, SUNK BY SURFACE CRAFT AND AERIAL BOMBS, ALL HANDS LOST, 9 NOV 1944.

USS SWARDFISH, DURING 13^TH WAR PATROL, OKINAWA, SUNK - CAUSE UNKNOWN, ALL HANDS LOST, 12 JAN 1945.

USS BARBEL, DURING FOURTH WAR PATROL, SOUTH CHINA SEA, SUNK BY AERIAL BOMBS, ALL HANDS LOST, 4 FEB 1945.

USS KETE, DURING SECOND WAR PATROL, ENROUTE TO PEARL HARBOR, SUNK - CAUSE UNKNOWN, ALL HANDS LOST, 20 MAR 1945.

USS TRIGGER, DURING 12^TH WAR PATROL, COAST OF OKINAWA, SUNK BY SURFACE CRAFT AND AERIAL BOMBS, 26 MAR 1945.

USS SNOOK, DURING NINTH WAR PATROL, EAST COAST NORTHERN FORMOSA, SUNK - CAUSE UNKNOWN, ALL HANDS LOST, 8 APR 1945.

USS LAGARTO, DURING SECOND WAR PATROL, GULF OF SIAM, SUNK BY DEPTH CHARGE ATTACK, ALL HANDS LOST, 3 MAY 1945.

USS BONEFISH, DURING EIGHTH WAR PATROL, TOYAMA BAY, SUNK BY DEPTH CHARGE ATTACK, ALL HANDS LOST, 18 JUN 1945.

USS BULLHEAD, DURING THIRD WAR PATROL, JAVA SEA, SUNK BY AERIAL DEPTH BOMBS, ALL HANDS LOST, 6 AUG 1945.

USS THRESHER, LOST WITH 129 MEN IN THE NARRAGANSETT BAY OP AREA, 10 APRIL 1963.

USS SCORPION, LOST WITH 99 MEN, OFF THE AZORES, 27 MAY 1968.

USS BONEFISH, FIRE AND EXPLOSION WHILE OPERATING IN THE CAPE CANAVERAL OP AREA, THREE MEN LOST, 89 SURVIVED, 24 APR 1988.

83 ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINES LOST IN WWII. 3,142 BRITISH SUBMARINERS PERISHED AND 360 SURVIVED AS PRISONERS OF WAR.

Remarks by MMCM (SS) Roger Dumont

To Submarine Veterans of World War II

November 2, 1996

Admiral Beers, Vice Admiral Schade USN (Ret.), Captain Beers USN (Ret.), Captain Whitmore USN (Ret.), Captain Weisensee USN (Ret.), Captain Currie USN (Ret.), Submarine Veterans of World War II, your lovely wives and families, fellow submariners, friends and families.

My first task here tonight is to read a short anecdote. It's not for you, the World War II veterans, nor is it for any submariners here. We have talked these past few days about our heroes, "The Submariners." No this is for some one we have failed to mention this week, "The Submariner's Wife."

It goes:

She stood at the Pearly Gate,

Her heart was beating fast.

She meekly asked the man of fate,

"Permission to go past."

"What have you done", Saint Peter asked,

"to seek permission here?"

"I was married to a submarine sailor

for many a weary year."

The gate swung sharply open

As old Saint Peter hit the bell.

"Come in", He said, "and take up a harp.

You've had your share of Hell."

Ladies, I salute you. The other "Unsung Heroes." We love you.

Ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank you for allowing me to share these few minutes with you. And I really want to thank you for allowing the rest of us to share these past few days with you.

Many of you have approached me and thanked me for doing a splendid job, but I can assure you I have a great supporting staff. Some are here tonight and some are unable to be here due to other commitments. I would like to thank SubVets Inc. for their support. John Crouse and the Submarine Museum for making the museum available for this special week. Master Chief Royal Weaver. Master Chief Ray Shea at Trident Training Facility for hosting Friday's reception in his beautiful facility.

Many of you know MM1 (SS) Sam Filson. Unfortunately, he can not be with us tonight. Sam is in the hospital at U.S. Naval Hospital, Bethesda Maryland. He spent many hours of hard work putting the events of this week together. I know the SubVets hold a special place in his heart and that he is sad that he could not be here to share this time with you.

I was fortunate to get a great fill in, EM1 (SS) Mark Tucker. With very little notice, he stepped in for Sam and ran with the ball. His efforts are evident in the smooth execution of this memorial.

Andy Aanderud, for setting up the hospitality rooms. Master Chief Larry Hillord and MM1 (SS) John Breaux spent a lot of time behind the scenes. Master Chief Tom Perrine set up the transportation and headed up Subase Kings Bay's support. The Sailors working in the hospitality rooms, acting as drivers, setting up and tearing down the pavilion. Faye here at St. Marys Family Hotel has done a wonderful job taking care of us.

I would be remiss in my duties if I left out my real supporting member and her folks at the Navy Lodge, my lovely wife for many years, Bonnie. Thank you all.

Once again I find myself filled with emotions far beyond expected. I have found many new friends, wonderful people. Bonnie and I will cherish the kinship and memories you all have provided. You have made solid contact with many of our new and young sailors (some not so young). With this contact you have, once again, left an impression in us that will be forever in our hearts.

Your tremendous war efforts have not only given us the gift of freedom, but you have given us all the precious gift of your love for us and for our submarine force.

This is my second year of being able to participate in this wonderful memorial. Fortunately, for me I will be able to be here for one more year, God willing.

I have many emotions within me. They are of happiness to see your wonderful faces and hear you great stories of war… and of liberty. As I look into this room I see new faces and many familiar faces from last year's celebration. I thank the good Lord for allowing me to share some of my life with such folks as you. I use the word "folks" because I see ordinary people with ordinary looks. Yet during a time of national emergency, you had the not so ordinary courage and the not so ordinary spirit to answer the call and perform a not so ordinary task. You completed this great task in an extraordinary manner.

The sub force in late 1941 and early 1942 held the line against foreign aggression. Many submarines fought and died to defend our nation's freedom; to buy time for our country to rearm itself. During this period and for the remainder of the war, while you were accomplishing these not so ordinary feats, how could you know that you were creating a "legacy" that would last forever? Last forever in the hearts of all of us here in this room, and of all submariners that will follow.

Just over 50 years have passed since the end of World War II, you proud men and women have been gathering every year to remember. To remember those times; to honor shipmates who could not be here with you and share with us your insight, your sea stories and, of course, your legacy. Again I have found myself "awed" at these stories of you great feats during the war. I have come to realize that history books are okay to read about statistics and count the won and lost battles and conflicts and all of the strategies used during those times. However, I find if you want the real facts, I say find the individuals that were involved and were there. And only there will you find "LIVING HISTORY BOOKS!"

These stories you weave, these anecdotes of your day to day life and struggles cannot be found in any annals of war. I want you to know deep within your hearts and souls, and I want to personally assure you, that the "light" of your deeds, your accomplishments, and more importantly, your legacy will never go out.

These past few days I have heard many of you thanking us for having you here and how we seem to go so far out of our way for you. Well, KNOW THIS! We have graciously humbled ourselves in your presence. We here in Kings Bay will continue to cherish these memories you have provided to us. I thank you so very much for this precious gift of friendship.

So in closing, I stand before you, my shipmates; my fellow submariners; you "Warriors of Steel"; "My Heroes"; I salute you. God blesses you, the greatest submarine force ever, and the most powerful Navy the world has ever seen. And God blesses our wonderful country, the United States of America.

Thank you so much for having me here.