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Old 03-22-2008, 07:10 PM
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The impact of silent Cal

Eugene Flukey
(October 5, 1913 – June 28, 2007)

http://www.ussnautilus.org/undersea/fluckey.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_Bennett_Fluckey

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of the USS BARB during her Eleventh War Patrol along the east coast of China from19 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, Commander Fluckey, in an exceptional feat of brilliant deduction and bold tracking on 23 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 of water, he launched the BARBs last forward torpedoes at 3,000-yard range. Quickly bringing the ship's stern tubes to bear, he turned loose four more torpedoes into the enemy, obtaining eight direct hits on six 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 safely and 4 days later sank a large Japanese freighter to complete a record of heroic combat achievement, reflecting the highest credit upon Commander Fluckey, his gallant officers and men, and the United States Naval Service."
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