Richard OKane - Clear the Bridge!: The War Patrols of the U.S.S. Tang

I take this opportunity to express my thanks to the individuals within the Department of the Navy and the submarine forces who supplied documents and records. To Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Lawrence Savadkin, and William Leibold, I am indebted for assistance in obtaining the photographs; to artist Fred Freeman for the basic cutaway submarine drawing; to Tony Mesler for the midship cross-section drawing and end-sheet charts, and to the National Geographic Society for confirming prewar names on the charts.

In verifying the operations of other submarines, I relied on the authority of Theodore Roscoes United States Submarine Operations in World WarII and W. J. Holmess Undersea Victory. For details of surface ship operations, Samuel Eliot Morisons impeccable History of United States Naval Operations in World WarII answered all questions.

For Tangs operations, I thank Murray B. Frazee, Jr., who saved my file of expanded patrol reports, sailing lists, and detailed recommendations for awards to members of the ships company; and Floyd Caverly, who supplied additional information. For reviewing the manuscript, I will always be grateful to Mrs. Peggy Grey, author Paul Schubert, and Mrs. Henry Bothfeld.

Finally, I am deeply indebted to my wife, Ernestine G. OKane, for assisting me at many times, and without whose help the completion of this book would have been impossible.

R. H. OK.

Forgive me for writing here to the relatives of all men who served inTangand especially to the kin of those who sailed on her last patrol:

As you may know, I attempted to reach some parents and relatives after repatriation and later following final survey to duty in 1946. It was too early and perhaps will ever be so, for no matter how one views the loss of Tang, a thought of Titanic will always be present in a situation wherein the captain returns and shipmates are left behind.

Believe me, on that fateful night I became physically exhausted in trying to reach my ship and men, then so close ahead. Whence came the strength for the following eight hours to take me to within a stones throw of Chinas shore will always remain a matter of wonder.

If your kins name is not mentioned in this chronicle, it in no way means that he was not just as important to Tangs operations as were shipmates whose billets were nearby and whose names thus came to mind. In fact, many of the more remote battle stations require the more resourceful and reliable men, for they are on their own, with no one to advise them or correct a mistake.

For the following page, therefore, I have compiled a combined sailing list that includes every submariner who served in Tang but who had been detached prior to her last patrol. For the opposite page, I have prepared the final sailing list of old hands and new who fought her through the typhoon and in the Formosa Strait, and who understandably will always have a special place in my thoughts. In later pages you will find the citations from our presidents, one or both of which were awarded to each shipmate who patrolled and were so dearly won by so many.

As I wrote this chronicle and replotted the courses, all of the time knowing the actual fate awaiting my crew and ship, it became necessary time and again to saddle up my buckskin and ride into the hills so that, upon my return, I might continue with a clear eye. Nothing could compensate for the loss that so many of you have borne. It is my hope, however, that when you have read this true account and perhaps in spirit patrolled with us, you will always think of your kin and Tang with utmost pride, as do I.

Our Tangs two Presidential Unit Citations have been passed to her successor, the U.S.S. Tang (SS563), now operating in the Pacific. God willing, may her commission and those to follow continue to guard the peace.

Respectfully,

Sebastopol, California

June, 1977

Served in U.S.S. Tang Prior to Fifth War Patrol