For one hundred years U.S. Navy submariners have risked their lives for their country in one of the most demanding and dangerous elements of the naval service. Living and working in confined spaces beneath the ocean's surface, their courage and dedication have produced incredible results.
In World War II, the U.S. Navy's submarine force scored the most complete victory of any force in any theater of the war by destroying 1,314 ships-55% of all Japanese shipping sunk. The U.S. lost 3,506 men in 52 submarines, now on eternal patrol.
Navy submariners took on a new task in the Cold War. With the advent of nuclear power they were able to remain on patrol for months at a time and thereby provide a stealthy, powerful naval deterrent.
Since 1900, it is the Sailors who have manned the boats who have made these successes possible. From the commanding officer to the engineers, sonarmen, and torpedomen, all have truly been American heroes.
http://www.lonesailor.org/exhibits.php