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beachedwhale1945 t1_j6crrt9 wrote

The Medal of Honor was not for this action. If was for the Namkwan Attack:

> 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.

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YankeeWalrus OP t1_j6csoxo wrote

>Fluckey was awarded the Medal of Honor for #3 and the Barb the Presidential Unit Citation

--https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/10o14nx/comment/j6c722h/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

(1)

>Cmdr. Fluckey was an amazing sub captain. A couple more details on that raid: They used a 65lb scuttling charge with a jury-rigged pressure switch the boat's electrician made and set it under the tracks.

(2)

>The Barb's crew under Fluckey's command didnt lose a man or had anyone seriously wounded.

(3)

>They snuck into a Japanese harbor and torpedoed multiple transports at anchor and slipped away undetected.

(4)

>They had rocket batteries mounted to the deck and was the first sub to bombard shore installations.

(5)

>Just check out the Barb's battle flag to see all the confirmed kills she made.

--https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/10o14nx/comment/j6c4bbo/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

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