Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: Homer_J_Simpson

Page 12, Capitan Fluckey being awarded the CMH, I believe he was also the one who sent crew members ashore on mainland Japan in a night OP that successfully blew up a railroad trestle.


10 posted on 03/24/2015 4:55:41 AM PDT by Rebelbase
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies ]


To: Rebelbase

Yes, and “Lucky” Fluckey also rose to the rank of Rear Admiral and became ComSubPac before retiring from the Navy in 1972. He died at the age of 93 in 2007.


11 posted on 03/24/2015 5:20:20 AM PDT by Campion
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies ]

To: Rebelbase; Campion; Homer_J_Simpson
Lucky Fluckey's MOH Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Barb during her 11th war patrol along the east coast of China from 19 December 1944 to 15 February 1945. After sinking a large enemy ammunition ship and damaging additional tonnage during a running 2-hour night battle on 8 January, Comdr. Fluckey, in an exceptional feat of brilliant deduction and bold tracking on 25 January, located a concentration of more than 30 enemy ships in the lower reaches of Nankuan Chiang (Mamkwan Harbor). Fully aware that a safe retirement would necessitate an hour's run at full speed through the uncharted, mined, and rock-obstructed waters, he bravely ordered, "Battle station — torpedoes!" In a daring penetration of the heavy enemy screen, and riding in 5 fathoms [9 m] of water, he launched the Barb's last forward torpedoes at 3,000 yard [2.7 km] range. Quickly bringing the ship's stern tubes to bear, he turned loose 4 more torpedoes into the enemy, obtaining 8 direct hits on 6 of the main targets to explode a large ammunition ship and cause inestimable damage by the resultant flying shells and other pyrotechnics. Clearing the treacherous area at high speed, he brought the Barb through to safety and 4 days later sank a large Japanese freighter to complete a record of heroic combat achievement, reflecting the highest credit upon Comdr. Fluckey, his gallant officers and men, and the U.S. Naval Service.

According to Wiki he escaped with two Japanese frigates giving chase by revving his engines to 150% overload and setting a then world sub speed record of 23.5 knots.

Fluckey commanded the Barb, one of the most distinguished boats of WWII. Despite 12 war patrols and the land patrol in Japan, not one of his sailors received a Purple Heart, all hands always returned.

22 posted on 03/24/2015 1:51:48 PM PDT by colorado tanker
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson