Bullhead SS-132

 

 

SSBN602

Bullhead

(SS-:132: dp 1526; 1 311'D": h. 27'3"; dr. 16'10"; s. 20.3
k. cpl. 66; a. 1 5", 1021" TT.; cl Balao)

Bullhead (SS-332) was launched 16 July 1944 by Electric Boat Co., (Groton, Conn., sponsored by Mrs. Howard R. Doyle and commissioned 4 December 1944, Commander W. T. Grifflth in command.

The war operations of Bullhead extended from 21 March to August 11~45 during which time she completed two war patrols. Her area of operations included the Java and South China Seas and the Gulf of Siam.

During the greater portion of her first war patrol Bullhead performed lifeguard services and on two occasions bombarded Pratas Island, China, damaging enemy radio installations. On her second patrol she sank four small enemy vessels totaling 1800 tons by gunfire and damaged three oilers.

On the last day of July 1194, Bullhead left Fremantle to commence her third war patrol. Her orders were to patrol in the Java Sea until. September and then head for Subic Bay in the Philippines. Her report on 10.August that she had passed through Lolubok Strait was the last word received from Bullhead. Other U. S. and British submarines operating in the vicinity were unable to contact her and it was presumed that she was sunk during Japanese antisubmarine attacks made in that area between the 6th and 15th of August.

Bullhead received two battle stars for her World War II service.