USS Bullhead (SS-332)

USS "Bullhead" (SS-332), a "Balao"-class submarine, was the very last US Navy ship sunk by enemy action during World War Two, probably on the same day that the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. She was the only ship of the United States Navy to be named for the bullhead (any large-headed fish, especially the catfish, miller's thumb, and sculpin). Her keel was laid down by the Electric Boat Company of Groton, Connecticut. She was launched on 16 July 1944 sponsored by Mrs. Howard R. Doyle, and commissioned 4 December 1944 with Commander W. T. Griffith in command.

Operations

"Bullhead" served in the Pacific Ocean theater of World War II.

The war operations of "Bullhead" extended from 21 March to August 1945 during which time she completed two war patrols. Her area of operations included the Java Sea and South China Sea and the Gulf of Siam.

First patrol

During the greater portion of her first war patrol "Bullhead" performed lifeguard services and on two occasions bombarded Pratas Island, China, damaging enemy radio installations. She also rescued three airmen from a downed B-29 Superfortress following an air strike on the China coast.

Second patrol

On her second patrol, in May and June 1945 in the Gulf of Siam and the South China Sea, "Bullhead" sank two small freighters, a schooner and a sub chaser totaling 1800 tons and damaged two more sub chasers and another small freighter, all in gun actions.

Third patrol and sinking

On 31 July 1945 "Bullhead" left Fremantle to commence her third war patrol. Her orders were to patrol in a wolf pack with USS|Capitaine|SS-336|3 and USS|Puffer|SS-268|3 in the Java Sea until 5 September and then head for Subic Bay in the Philippines.

"Bullhead" reported on 6 August that she had passed through Lombok Strait. That was the last word received from "Bullhead". On 12 August, "Capitaine", planning to arrive on 13 August, ordered "Bullhead" to take position the following day in a scouting line with "Capitaine" and "Puffer". Receiving no reply, "Capitaine" reported on 15 August, "Have been unable to contact "Bullhead" by any means since arriving in area."

Since the British submarines HMS|Taciturn and "Thorough", were in the same general area as "Bullhead", and USS|Cod|SS-224|3 and USS|Chub|SS-329|3 passed through in transit at various times, it is difficult to determine precisely which of the many Japanese anti-submarine attacks was the one that sank "Bullhead". However, one occurred on 6 August 1945, when a Japanese Army plane attacked with depth charges. It claimed two direct hits, and for ten minutes thereafter, there was a great amount of gushing oil and air bubbles rising in the water. Since the position given is very near the Bali coast, it is presumed that the proximity of mountain peaks shortened "Bullhead"'s radar range and prevented her receiving a warning of the plane's approach.

Commendations

"Bullhead" received two battle stars for her World War II service.

ee also

* List of U.S. Navy losses in World War II

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/b10/bullhead-i.htm

External links

* [http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-bullhead-332.htm On Eternal Patrol: USS "Bullhead"]