In the early morning of October 23, 1944, USS Darter (SS 227) and USS Dace (SS 247) were on patrol in Palawan Passage near the Philippines when their radars detected the enemy's main battle force, consisting of 5 battleships, 12 cruisers and 13 destroyers.
Naval historian Samuel Eliot Morison said Darter's radio messages alerting U.S. Fleet Commanders proved to be "the most significant reports of the Pacific war."

Both submarines immediately rang up flank speed and proceeded on the surface to intercept the targets. Four hours later they achieved firing positions, and in a 30-minute span wreaked havoc on the enemy formation.
Darter fired six torpedoes at the enemy flagship, scoring four hits and sinking the heavy cruiser. She then severely damaged another heavy cruiser with two more torpedo hits. Dace sank another heavy cruiser after scoring four torpedo hits.

These were the opening salvos in what would come to be known as the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle in history.

Raise your mug to Darter and Dace!

- Brian S.