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NavSource Online: Submarine Photo Archive
Patch contributed by Mike Smolinski

Barb (SS-220)

Radio Call Sign: November - Alpha - Mike - Oscar

Unit Awards, Campaign and Service Medals and Ribbons


Presidential Unit Citation
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION to the UNITED STATES SHIP Barb (SS-220) for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
"For extraordinary heroism in action during the Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh War Patrols against enemy Japanese surface forces in restricted waters of the Pacific. Persistent in her search for vital targets, the Barb relentlessly tracked down the enemy and struck with indomitable fury despite unfavorable attack opportunity and severe countermeasures. Handled superbly, she held undeviatingly to her aggressive course and, on contacting a concentration of hostile ships in the lower reaches of a harbor, boldly penetrated the formidable screen. Riding dangerously, surfaced, in shallow water, the Barb launched her torpedoes into the enemy group to score devastating hits on the major targets, thereafter retiring at high speed on the surface in a full hour's run through uncharted, heavily mined and rock obstructed waters. Inexorable in combat, the Barb also braved the perils of a topical typhoon to rescue fourteen British and Australian prisoners of war who had survived the torpedoing and sinking of a hostile transport ship en route from Singapore to the Japanese Empire. Determined in carrying the fight to the enemy, the Barb has achieved an illustrious record of gallantry in action, reflecting the highest credit upon her valiant officers and men and upon the United States Naval Service."
Submitted by Bill Gonyo.

Gato Class Submarine: Laid down, 7 June 1941, at the Electric Boat Co., Groton, CT.; Launched, 2 April 1942; Commissioned USS Barb (SS-220), 8 July 1942; Decommissioned, 12 February 1947, at New London, CT.; Laid up in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet; Recommissioned, 3 December 1951; Decommissioned, 5 Februarty 1954, for Guppy conversion; Recommissioned, 3 August 1954; Decommissioned, and loaned to Italy, 13 December 1954; Struck from the Naval Register, 15 October 1972; Final Disposition, sold for scrapping, 1 April 1975, by the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service. Barb received the Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, and eight battle stars for her World War II service. Her name was canceled 28 April 1959 to clear the name for SSN-596, ordered in March 1959 to be built by Ingalls Corporation, Pascagoula, MS.
Partial data submitted by Yves Hubert.

Specifications: Displacement, Surfaced: 1,526 t., Submerged: 2,424 t.; Length 311' 9"; Beam 27' 3"; Draft 15' 3"; Speed, Surfaced 20.25 kts, Submerged 8.75 kts; Complement 6 Officers 54 Enlisted; Operating Depth, 300 ft; Submerged Endurance, 48 hrs at 2 kts; Patrol Endurance 75 days; Cruising Range, 11,000 miles surfaced at 10 kts; Armament, ten 21" torpedo tubes, six forward, four aft, 24 torpedoes, one 3"/50 deck gun, two .50 cal. machine guns, two .30 cal. machine guns; Propulsion, diesel electric reduction gear with four General Motors main generator engines, HP 5400, Fuel Capacity, 97,140 gals., four General Electric main motors, HP 2740, two 126-cell main storage batteries, twin propellers.
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Barb 283k Barb's (SS-220) keel is laid (and hull parts) on 7 June 1941. Electric Boat photo # BS 30993 via NARA College Park, courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
Barb 29k Commemorative post marking the double occasion of the first keel layings at Electric Boat's South Yard & Barb (SS-220) keel laying, 7 June 1941. Courtesy of petloveshack.com.
Barb 320k Barb's (SS-220) bow is bared on 9 July 1941. Electric Boat photo # BS 30991 via NARA College Park, courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
Barb 356k N. Johnson worked on the hull of the Barb (SS-220), as is evidenced by this stern view looking forward on 30 September 1941. Electric Boat photo # BS 30994 via NARA College Park, courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
Barb 17k Commemorative post marking the Barb's (SS-220) launching, 2 April 1942. Courtesy of Jack Treutle (of blessed memory).
Barb NR BARB (SS-220) TO PLAGUE THE AXIS
The submarine Barb slips into the water in a brief launching ceremony at Groton, Conn., sponsored by Mrs. Charles A. Dunn, wife of Rear Admiral Dunn. Soon, the Barb will be stinging Axis shipping.		 Image and text provided by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Library, Chapel Hill, NC.
Photo & text by The Wilmington Morning Star. (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 06 April 1942, FINAL EDITION, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Barb 34k Commemorative post marking the Barb's (SS-220) commissioning, 8 July 1942. Courtesy of petloveshack.com.
Rosneath, Scotland78kTwo of the 6 subs of from Sub Squadron 50:
Barb (SS-220),
Blackfish (SS-221),
Herring (SS-233),
Shad (SS-235),
Gunnel (SS-253), and
Gurnard (SS-254) tied up at Rosneath, Scotland, circa 7 December 1942. The sub tender Beaver (AS-5) is in the background. 		USN photo courtesy of jmlavelle.com.
Rosneath, Scotland 98k A 1943 Watercolor by the artist Dwight Clark Shepler entitled "Jerry Hunters, Rosneath, Scotland." portrays the stern view of the sub tender Beaver (AS-5) and 3 of the 6 subs of Sub Squadron 50:
Barb (SS-220),
Blackfish (SS-221),
Herring (SS-233),
Shad (SS-235),
Gunnel (SS-253), and
Gurnard (SS-254). 		Painting #87 / 88-199-CK.
Courtesy of the USNHC.
Barb 709k Bow on view of Lake (DE-301) and Lyman (DE-302) berthed at a fitting out dock at the Mare Island Navy Yard prior to commissioning on 10 January 1944. Aft of them are Crowley (DE-303) and Rall (DE-304). Immediately aft of Rall and Crowley are submarines Mingo (SS-261) and Barb (SS-220). The tender in the background is Howard W. Gilmore (AS-16) at her fitting out berth with YD-33 along side. USN photo #19-N-86023 from the National Archives and Records Administration, courtesy of   Chris Wright & Ed Zajkowski.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Barb 103k Broadside view of the Barb (SS-220) after modifications at Mare Island, CA., 29 January 1944. She was in overhaul at the shipyard from 9 December 1943 until 30 January 1944. USN photo # 716-44, courtesy of ussubvetsofworldwarii.org.
Barb 96k Stern view of the Barb (SS-220) off Mare Island on 29 January 1944. USN photo # 714-44, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Barb 78k Bow on view of the Barb (SS-220) off Mare Island on 29 January 1944. USN photo # 718-44, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Sealion664k Saved! British and Australian survivors of Japanese prison ship Rakuyo Maru, torpoded by Sealion (SS-315). Rescue was by Sealion, Growler (SS-215), Queenfish (SS-393), & Barb (SS-220).Text courtesy of Theodore Roscoe, from his book "U.S. Submarine Operations of WW II", published by USNI.
Photo from NARA FILE #: 080-G-281718, Photo # HD-SN-99-02609, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil, Defense Visual Information Center.
PDF courtesy of Steve Burton.
Barb 214k "Bone in teeth, a Jap DD pursues Barb (SS-220) whose periscope is seen going under on the get-away. The submarine, commanded by Eugene B. Fluckey, has just torpoded a tanker and the escort carrier Unyo on the 15th of September, 1944." Drawing by Lt. Cmdr. Fred Freemen, courtesy of Theodore Roscoe, from his book "U.S. Submarine Operations of WW II", published by USNI.
Battle Surface 53k A 1944 Charcoal drawing by the artist Griffith Baily Coale entitled "Battle Surface" could very well depict the Barb (SS-220) at Battle Surface.
"The last two war patrols conducted by Barb are deserving of special mention. Under Commander E. B. Fluckey she commenced her 11th patrol 19 December 1944. The patrol was conducted in the Formosa Straits and East China Sea off the east coast of China, from Shanghai to Kam Kit. During this patrol, which lasted until 15 February 1945, Barb sank four Japanese merchant ships and numerous enemy small craft. On 22-23 January Barb, displaying the ultimate in skill and daring, penetrated Namkwan Harbor on the China coast and wrought havoc upon a convoy of some 30 enemy ships at anchor. Riding dangerously in shallow waters, Barb launched her torpedoes into the enemy group and then retired at high speed on the surface in a full hour's run through uncharted, heavily mined, and rock-obstructed waters. In recognition of this outstanding patrol, Commander Fluckey was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and Barb received the Presidential Unit Citation." 		Text courtesy of DANFS.
Painting #45 / 88-188-AS
Courtesy of the USNHC.
Barb 66k Commander Eugene B. Fluckey, USN,Commanding Officer, Barb (SS-220) wearing the Navy Cross on board Barb after receiving the medal from Commander, Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, 6 December 1944. Note Barb's insignia painted on her fairwater, behind Commander Fluckey. Official USN photo # NH 103534, courtesy of USNHC & submitted by Robert Hurst.
Barb 297k Barb's (SS-220) Battle flag depicting her accomplishment after her 11th war patrol in early 1945. Photo likely taken at the shipyard flag loft. The flag loft did a lot work on submarine battle flags during the war. USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Barb 892k The last two war patrols conducted by Barb (SS-220) are deserving of special mention. Under Commander E. B. Fluckey she commenced her 11th patrol 19 December 1944. The patrol was conducted in the Formosa Straits and East China Sea off the east coast of China, from Shanghai to Kam Kit. During this patrol, which lasted until 15 February 1945, Barb sank four Japanese merchant ships and numerous enemy small craft. On 22-23 January Barb, displaying the ultimate in skill and daring, penetrated Namkwan Harbor on the China coast and wrought havoc upon a convoy of some 30 enemy ships at anchor. Riding dangerously in shallow waters, Barb launched her torpedoes into the enemy group and then retired at high speed on the surface in a full hour's run through uncharted, heavily mined, and rock-obstructed waters. In recognition of this outstanding patrol, Commander Fluckey was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and Barb received the Presidential Unit Citation. Text courtesy of DANFS.
Photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
Barb 99k Commander Eugene B. Fluckey, USN (third from left)wearing the Medal of Honor after its presentation by Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal (second from left) in ceremonies at the Navy Department, 23 March 1945. Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King is at left. Mrs. E.B. (Marjory) Fluckey is third from right, standing next to her husband. At right are Commander and Mrs. Roy M. Davenport, USN. Cdr. Davenport received the Navy Cross at this time. Official USN photo # NH 103535 from the collections of the Naval Historical Center & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
Barb 330k Upon completion of her 11th patrol Barb (SS-220), was sent stateside for a yard overhaul and alterations, which included the installation of 5-inch rocket launchers.
Her most potent rocket, Commander Eugene B. Fluckey, USN, Commanding Officer, appears here stateside in a photo dated 4 April 1945.		 Prtial text courtesy of DANFS
USN photo # 80-G-128499 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
Barb 631k Port beam view of the Barb (SS-220) in San Francisco Bay on 3 May 1945. USN photo # 19-N-83952, courtesy of USNHC & submitted by Robert Hurst.
Barb 230k Stern view of Barb (SS-220) departing Mare Island on 3 May 1945. USN photo # 3262-45, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Barb 223k Broadside view of Barb (SS-220) off Mare Island on 3 May 1945. She was in overhaul at the yard from 27 February until 16 May 1945. USN photo # 3264-45, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Barb 267k Bow on view of Barb (SS-220) off Mare Island on 3 May 1945. USN photo # 3266-45, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Barb 91k Barb (SS-220) underway off Mare Island California, 3 May 1945. USN photo contributed by John Hummel, USN (Retired).
Barb 267k Forward plan view of Barb's (SS-220) conning tower at Mare Island on 7 May 1945. USN photo # 3365-45, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Barb 284k After plan view of Barb's (SS-220) conning tower at Mare Island on 7 May 1945. Sunfish (SS-281) is inboard of Barb. USN photo # 3364-45, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Barb 143k Barb (SS-220) taken in May 1945 off of San Francisco just before she departed for Pearl Harbor and from there on her legendary last war patrol. Photo taken from a ZP-32 airship. USN photo courtesy of David Buell.
FLUCKEY
0822043		 NR COMDR. EUGENE R FLUCKEY, U.S.N.
For "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in furtherance of vital offensive operations as commanding officer of a United States submarine during action in enemy-controlled waters, Comdr. Fluckey, 31, recently was awarded The Congressional Medal of Honor, this Nation's highest military decoration. While the exploit was termed "as colorful as it was gallant," details haven't been disclosed because of security regulations.
The citation only lauded the naval officer's "outstanding valor and leadership and the aggressive fighting spirit of the officers and men under his command throughout the fulfillment of an hazardous mission."
In addition to the Congressional Medal of Honor, Comdr. Fluckey wears two Navy Crosses. The first was awarded for "intelligently planned and well executed attacks resulting in the sinking of five enemy vessels totaling 47,500 tons.".....		Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by Evening Star.  [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 13 May  1945, Image 83, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Barb 415k Barb (SS-220) by the bay. Note the AK and the stern of another boat off her starboard side. USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
Barb 116k Members of the Barb's (SS-220) demolition squad pose with her battle flag at the conclusion of her 12th war patrol. Taken at Pearl Harbor, August 1945. During the night of 22-23 July 1945 these men went ashore at Karafuto, Japan, and planted an explosive charge that subsequently wrecked a train. They are (from left to right): Chief Gunners Mate Paul G. Saunders, USN; Electricians Mate 3rd Class Billy R. Hatfield, USNR; Signalman 2nd Class Francis N. Sevei, USNR; Ships Cook 1st Class Lawrence W. Newland, USN; Torpedomans Mate 3rd Class Edward W. Klingesmith, USNR; Motor Machinists Mate 2nd Class James E. Richard, USN; Motor Machinists Mate 1st Class John Markuson, USN; and Lieutenant William M. Walker, USNR. This raid is represented by the train symbol in the middle bottom of the battle flag. Official USN photo # NH 103570, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
Pipefish467kDate line: 28 August 1945 or later. This is berth S-21, Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T. H. From L-R; Barb (SS-220), Pipefish (SS-388) & Pompon (SSR-267). They entered Pearl Harbor on the same date.USN photo courtesy of Fred Lester, Secretary/Editor for Ozark-Runner Base.
Sunfish511kPicture taken from the Pipefish (SS-388) on 29 August 1945 as Sunfish (SS-281) was leaving P.H. In the foreground is the crew on the Pompon (SS-267). Sunfish was in P.H. from 9 August 1945 to 29 August 1945. The Pipefish arrived on morning of 28 August 1945. From Pipefish sixth war patrol report, "28 August 1945". Made morning rendezvous with surface escort and proceeded to Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor in company with Barb (SS-220), Silversides (SS-236), Springer (SS-414), Skate (SS-305) and Pompon ."USN photo courtesy of Fred Lester, Secretary/Editor for Ozark-Runner Base.
Barb 328k "Submarine Barb (SS-220) tied up at Pier 19, North." 25 October 1945. Photo courtesy of the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs @ digital.library.temple.edu
Barb
0822044		 NR Harry J. Brown, JR. Lieutenant Commander, U. S. Navy, son of Mr. H. J. Brown, Snow Hill, N. C. has recently taken command of the submarine Barb (SS-220), operating out of Key West.Image and text provided by University of Florida.
Photo & text by The Key West Citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 11 June 1952, Image 8, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Barb 66k Barb (SS-220) underway on 21 July 1952. Official USN photo # NH 103521, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. Collection of Melvin C. Keehner.
Barb 55k Barb's (SS-220) weathervane. Presented to Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz by his former aide, Rear Admiral Eugene B. Fluckey, USN, circa the later 1950s or early 1960s. Fluckey had commanded the submarine during World War II. The weathervane features submariners' "dolphins" at its top, with the five stars of a Fleet Admiral immediately below, and a model of Barb as she appeared following her 1954 conversion to "GUPPY" configuration. It was erected in Nimitz' garden at 728 Santa Barbara Road, Berkeley, California. USNHC photograph # NH 58267. Collection of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.
Mackerel415kNew London, CT., 23 January 1954. Target sub dwarfed by conventional sub, Barb (SS-220)
Moored at the Navy's submarine base here, the little T-1 (T stands for target) is a product of the Electric Boat Division, General Dynamics Corp, Groton CT. The little boats job is to work with the antisubmarine forces, as a target for them, and also as an experimental vessel, to try out some ideas the Navy has. The T-1 has a carefully selected crew of 14 enlisted men and two officers. She holds within her 131 feet of length the same general machinery and equipment as the GUPPY submarines more than twice her length and displaces 250 tons to the conventional submarines 1500. 		AP Wirephoto courtesy of David Buell.
3 boats 349k Barb (SS-220), Chivo (SS-341) and Chopper (SS-342) in 1954 outboard Bushnell (AS-15) in Key West, FL. Photo courtesy of usschivo.org via John Hummel, USN (Retired).
Barb
0859622		 NR REMINISCING ABOUT THE OLD "BARB (SS-220)" ARE ITS COMMANDER, NOW REAR ADM Eugene Bennett Fluckey, left, Vice Adm. E. W. Grenfell, center, and commander of the present nuclear Barb (SSN-596), Cmdr. Charles D. Grojean.(Ingalls photo)
Image and text provided by Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Photo & text by The Chronicle. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1961-1966, 26 August 1963, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Barb 163k Retired Medal of Honor recipient Rear Adm. Eugene Fluckey receives recognition from Vice Adm. Charles Munns, Commander, Naval Submarine Forces, at the Arbor Nursing Home in Annapolis, Md. on 27 November 2006. Fluckey received the Medal of Honor for gallantry as commanding officer of Barb (SS-220) in 1944. USN photo # N-5215E-002 by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Matthew A. Ebarb, courtesy of navy.mil.
Barb 69k Retired Vice Adm. Albert Konetzni, presents the American flag to Mrs. Margaret Fluckey during the rendering of military honors for retired Rear Adm. Eugene Fluckey, held in the Naval Academy Columbarium 28 August 2007. Fluckey, credited with sinking more tonnage than any other U.S. skipper in World War II, received the Medal of Honor and four Navy Crosses for his five patrols while in command of the Barb (SS-220) died 28 June 2007. USN photo # N-8655E-002 by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kelvin Edwards courtesy of navy.mil.
Rear Adm. Eugene Fluckey210kSonar Technician (Submarine) 2nd Class Mike Micheli, assigned to the Pasadena (SSN-752), renders a 13-gun salute during a burial at sea for retired Rear Adm. Eugene Fluckey on 24 January 2009. Fluckey's ashes were scattered at the same location where he and his crew rescued 14 allied POWs stranded in the South China Sea more than 60 years ago. Pasadena is on a scheduled six-month deployment to the western Pacific Ocean.USN photo # N-8534H-008 by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Barry R. Hirayama, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Enrico Tazzoli (S-511)
Barb 98k Barb (SS-220) after she was modernized at Portsmouth NSY at Kittery Maine on November 1954. USN photo courtesy of Baker Collection.
Barb 129k Barb (SS-220) underway in November 1954, following modernization and during preparations for transfer to Italy. Official USN photo # 80-G-649677, now in the collections of the National Archives.
Barb 688k The Italian Submarine Enrico Tazzoli (S-511), ex-Barb (SS-220) at Genoa, Italy in 1956. Photo courtesy of Carlo Martinelli.
Barb 846k The Enrico Tazzoli (S-511) at Genoa, Italy on 26 February 1961. Photo courtesy of Carlo Martinelli.
Barb 207k Enrico Tazzoli (S-511) underway in the "Grand Harbor" of Malta. The large warships at right is the guided missile light cruiser Guiseppe Garibaldi (C-551). The Guiseppe Garibaldi was rebuilt in the La Spezia Arsenal starting from 1957, and, at her completion in 1961, she was named flagship of the Italian Navy. Text i.d. courtesy of Maurizio Brescia.
Partial text courtesy of wikipedia.org.
Photo courtesy of Robert Hurst.
Barb 904k The Enrico Tazzoli (S-511) in Genoa on 24 June 1962. Photo courtesy of Carlo Martinelli.
Barb 282k The Enrico Tazzoli (S-511) at Taranto, circa 1967. Photo courtesy of Maurizio Brescia Collection.
Lizardfish 430k Enrico Tazzoli (S-511) is inboard of the Evangelista Torricelli (S-512) at La Spezia, Italy, 25 August 1968. Photo courtesy of Carlo Martinelli.
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