NavSource Online: Submarine Photo Archive
Patch on left submitted by Larry Bohn, courtesy of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, home of the Cobia SS 245. Patch on right contributed by Mike Smolinski
Puffer (SS-268)
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| Click On Image For Full Size | Size | Image Description | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 187k | Puffer (SS-268), & Pompon (SS-267) bulkheads 47, 58 & 99. Material hull of the Puffer & stern assembly of the Pompon, 6 January 1942. | Editors Note: There are over 200 images submitted on these pages covering the following submarines that were constructed at the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co, Manitowoc, WI,: SS-265 through SS-274, and SS-361 through SS-380. None of them would have seen the light of day if it were not for the efforts of former Curator, Asst. Director, Bill Thiesen of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum Larry Bohn, Caitlin Clyne, Rolf Johnson & Susan Menk who sent them to NavSource for publication. A special debt of gratitude is owed to them and the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, home of the Cobia (SS-245), for allowing these photographs to be seen by the lovers of naval history worldwide. | |
 | 100k | The first two sections of the Puffer (SS-268), are being joined together, 8 March, 1942. | Photo by Harry Berns, Official photographer of the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co., Manitowoc, WI. Submitted by Larry Bohn, courtesy of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, home of the Cobia (SS-245). | |
 | 95k | Hull sections for the Puffer (SS-268), and bow and conning tower of the Pompon (SS-267), 8 March, 1942. | Photo by Harry Berns, Official photographer of the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co., Manitowoc, WI. Submitted by Larry Bohn, courtesy of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, home of the Cobia (SS-245). | |
 | 112k | Forward end of the Puffer (SS-268), 26 July 1942. There was not room for a building berth between the gantry cranes and the river on this side of the peninsula so the Puffer was built inboard of the gantry's tracks. When completed to the launching point, it had to be laboriously jacked sideways to the river's edge before the launching ways could be constructed. | Photo by Harry Berns, Official photographer of the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co., Manitowoc, WI. Submitted by Larry Bohn, courtesy of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, home of the Cobia (SS-245). | |
 | 45k | Possibly the Puffer (SS-268) due to its state of construction if the date cited is correct. "August 1942: On the shores of America's inland waterways, many underwater crafts are being constructed. This submarine is undergoing finishing touches in a small bay at Manitowoc, Wisconsin." | Photo # 8b04306r by Ann Rosener, & text courtesy of memory.loc.gov. | |
 | 25k | Possibly the Puffer (SS-268) due to its state of construction if the date cited is correct. "August 1942: Installation of an engine part in a submarine under construction at Manitowoc, Wisconsin." | Photo # 8b07453r, LC-USE6-D-006235 by Ann Rosener, & text courtesy of memory.loc.gov. | |
 | 31k | Possibly the Puffer (SS-268) due to its state of construction if the date cited is correct. "August 1942: Mounting submarines on scaffolding facilitates assembly. Here a worker rivets parts of the hull together." | Photo # 8b09757r, LC-USE6-D-006237 by Ann Rosener, & text courtesy of memory.loc.gov. | |
 | 31k | Possibly the Puffer (SS-268) due to its state of construction if the date cited is correct. "August 1942: Construction of the hull section of a submarine at Manitowoc, Wisconsin. These sections will be assembled in a small bay, and when completely installed will be sent through the Saint Lawrence Canal to the sea." | Photo # 8b07456r, LC-USE6-D-006241 by Ann Rosener, & text courtesy of memory.loc.gov. | |
 | 43k | Possibly the Puffer (SS-268) due to its state of construction if the date cited is correct. "August 1942: Installation of an engine part in a submarine under construction at Manitowoc, Wisconsin." | Photo # 8b04307r - LC-USE6-D-006234 by Ann Rosener. Text courtesy of memory.loc.gov. | |
 0826832 | 389k | Starboard quarter view of the Manitowoc built submarine Puffer (SS-268) on the ways ready to launch at Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company, 22 November 1942. View from across the river. | This photo, # P70-7-21, can be ordered (without the watermark) from the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. | |
 0826831 | 490k | Mrs. Ruth B. Lyons (sponsor) and friends at christening of the Manitowoc built submarine Puffer (SS-268) at Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company, 22 November 1942. | This photo, # P70-7-20, can be ordered (without the watermark) from the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. | |
 | 249k | Submarine Puffer (SS-268), hull #316. Christening day. Sponsor Mrs. Ruth Lyons is swinging the champagne bottle on 22 November 1942. | Photo by Harry Berns, Official photographer of the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co., Manitowoc, WI. Submitted by Susan Menk, Archives Assistant, Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co., Manitowoc, WI. This photo, # 2001-1-412, can be ordered (without the watermark) from the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. | |
 | 518k | Puffer (SS-268), splashes down into the Manitowoc River at Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co, Manitowoc, WI., during her launching, 22 November 1942. Puffer illustrates the typical combination of hull and superstructure. The streamlined double hull (with single hull ends) is surmounted by a free-flooding superstructure. The limber holes along its side forward of the bridge allow air inside to escape quickly as the submarine dives. The holes further forward are to flood the bow buoyancy space (vents on top trap air in it). Earlier double-hull submarines had no separate superstructure, only a ship-shaped outer hull. | Text courtesy of U.S. Submarines Through 1945, An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman. Naval Institute Press. USN photo # NH 68892 courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com. | |
 | 55k | Watercolor print by the artist Tom Denton of the side launching of a Manitowoc built boat. | Courtesy of Submarine Art | |
 | 119k | Puffer (SS-268) being hauled in after her launching into the Manitowoc River at Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co, Manitowoc, WI., 22 November 1942. | Photo by Harry Berns, Official photographer of the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co., Manitowoc, WI. Submitted by Larry Bohn, courtesy of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, home of the Cobia (SS-245). | |
 | 81k | Crew of the Puffer (SS-268) line up at attention immediate after her lauching into the Manitowoc River at Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co, Manitowoc, WI., 22 November 1942. | Photo by Harry Berns, Official photographer of the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co., Manitowoc, WI. Submitted by Larry Bohn, courtesy of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, home of the Cobia (SS-245). | |
 | 31k | Puffer (SS-268) underway in Lake Michigan during sea trials, 22 November 1942. | Photo by Harry Berns, Official photographer of the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co., Manitowoc, WI. Submitted by Larry Bohn, courtesy of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, home of the Cobia (SS-245). | |
 | 80k | Commemorative post mark on the occasion of the Puffer's (SS-268) launching, 22 November 1942. | Photo courtesy of Paul Petosky. | |
 0826830 | 518k | Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company employee band "The Submariners" performing in front of safety building at Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company during a ceremony marking the donation of the flag seen above them. The flag had been presented by employees working on Puffer (SS-268). Standing with his back to the camera is band director Milton Detjen. The man in the light colored jacket standing in front of the right window is Safety Director Harry Berns, who also was the artist/photographer for the company newsletter. This picture was originally published in the November, 1942 issue of The Keel Block. | This photo, # P68-1-175, can be ordered (without the watermark) from the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. | |
 | 485k | Photo of Harry Berns, Official photographer of the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co., Manitowoc, WI. The photo of the Golet (SS-361) encased in snow appears on the wall above him on the upper right. His obituary appears here. | Photo courtesy of Susan Menk, Archives Assistant, Wisconsin Maritime Museum, Dee Anna Grimsrud,Reference Archivist, Wisconsin Historical Society, Steve Khail, CBC, Director of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, The Manitowoc Company, Inc. & William Young. | |
 | 103k | Puffer (SS-268), underway in Lake Michigan during sea trials, 22 November 1942. | USN photo courtesy of ussubvetsofwwii.org. | |
 | 43k | Puffer (SS-268), emblem detailing the ship's building and launching history, 17 April 1943. | Photo by Harry Berns, Official photographer of the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co., Manitowoc, WI. Submitted by Larry Bohn, courtesy of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, home of the Cobia (SS-245). | |
 | 15k | Commemorative post mark on the occasion of Puffer's (SS-268) commissioning, 27 April 1943. | Photo courtesy of Jack Treutle (of blessed memory). | |
 0826829 | 650k | Commissioning party crew of the Manitowoc-built submarine Puffer (SS-268) (SS-268) with their dates at the Elk's Club in Manitowoc, Wisconsin on 24 April 1943. Commander M.J. Jensen is in front holding a little dog. | This photo, # P69-33-1, can be ordered (without the watermark) from the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. | |
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405k | Lawrence George Bernard graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1937. During his Navy career he commanded the R-2 (SS-79) from May 1944 to March 1945. His next command was the Stickleback (SS-415) from 29 March 1945 until 26 June 1946. When the Stickleback was re-commissioned he once again commanded her from 6 September 1951 to 14 November 1952. His last command was the Howard W. Gilmore (AS-16) from 1 August 1957 to 18 July 1958. While executive officer of the S-39 (SS-144) in action against the enemy during three War Patrols he was awarded the Silver Star. As Diving Officer on board the Puffer (SS-268), during the FIRST War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy-controlled waters from 7 September to 17 October 1943 he was awarded the Bronze Star. When his ship was endangered by temporary loss of depth control caused by damage from enemy anti-submarine measures, Lieutenant Commander Bernard skillfully effected restoration of control and maintained it for a period of thirty-one hours until the vessel was brought to the surface and into port. His outstanding efficiency and unwavering devotion to duty throughout the operations on both submarines were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. | Photo & text courtesy of Bill Gonyo. | |
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1.98k | Three images of the Imperial Japanese Army operated passenger/cargo ship Teiko Maru [ex-French D'Artagnan] rolls over and sinks after being torpedoed by Puffer (SS-268) off Kuching, Borneo, 22 February 1944. | Photo from United States Submarine Operations in World War II, by Theodore Roscoe, courtesy of Robert Hurst. | |
 | 191k | "Will the next one strike?" Men in Puffer (SS-268), listen to thunder of depth charges as a persistent enemy tags their submarine. Heat, fouling air and prolonged suspense could try the nerve of all hands in a submerged sub under fire. Puffer's ordeal lasted 31 hours. Other subs survived worse ordeals. | Drawing by Lt. Cmdr. Fred Freemen, courtesy of Theodore Roscoe, from his book "U.S. Submarine Operations of WW II", published by USNI. | |
 | 246k | Puffer (SS-268) crew from around November 1944. My dad is the second from the right of those men standing (just to the left of the man squatting on the gang plank). | Photo courtesy of Craig McDonald via usspuffer.org. | |
 | 11k | Puffer (SS-268), bow view underway off Mare Island, California, on 10 November 1944. | USN photo courtesy of John Hummel, USN (Retired). | |
 | 143k | Broadside view of Puffer (SS-268), completing a turn to port, off Mare Island, California, on 10 November 1944. | USN photo # 6805-44, courtesy of John Hummel, USN (Retired). | |
 | 198k | Broadside view of Puffer (SS-268) off Mare Island on 10 November 1944. She was in overhaul at the yard from 6 September until 21 November 1944. | USN photo # 6806-44, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker. | |
 | 215k | Plan view amidships looking forward of Puffer (SS-268) at Mare Island on 20 November 1944. The ship ahead of the Puffer is at a supply pier and not under repair. My best guess is a YO. | USN photo # 7061-44, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker. | |
 | 253k | Plan view amidships looking aft of Puffer (SS-268) at Mare Island on 20 November 1944. | USN photo # 7062-44, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker. | |
 | 368k | Photo of CDR Gordon Selby taken in April 1947 at Mare Island. Selby was commanding officer of Puffer (SS-268) on her 2nd thru 5th war patrols. | USN photo from the files of the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum courtesy of Darryl L. Baker. | |
 | 106k | Painting by Robert F. Kennedy (not the one you think of)! on the bow of the Puffer (SS-268), taken while berthed in Hawaii around 15 September 1945. The stern was painted like a bee stinger…possibly in gold and yellow. | Photo courtesy of Craig McDonald via wikipedia.org. Text courtesy of Craig McDonald. | |
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400k | Pearl Harbor, September 1945; From Right to left: Boats 1 through 5 are all EB design Balaos, with boat #1 being the Baya (SS-318). Boats 6 and 7 are EB design Mod 4A Gatos. Boats 8 and 9 are EB design 2/1/1 rigged Balaos. Boat 10 is the Puffer (SS-268). Boat 11 is a 2/1/1 rigged EB design Balao. Boat 12 is a 1/3 (one/three) rigged EB design Balao. It is very hard to make out. If I had to take a very rough guess I might say Menhaden (SS-377) or Macabi (SS-375). The rest are too blurry or obscured to make a guess. |
Photo courtesy of Ric Hednan & text i.d. courtesy of David Johnston | |
 | 137k | Reserve fleet at Mare Island, circa January 1946. There are 52 submarines and 4 Sub Tenders in this photo. This photo is a Berthing list identifying the ships in the picture. | Photo commemorating 50 years, U. S. Submarine Veterans of WW II 1996 calendar, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker. | |
 | 453k | Photo of the Reserve fleet at Mare Island, circa January 1946. There are 52 submarines and 4 Sub Tenders in this photo. Whether coincidental or on purpose, the number of boats in the photo is the same as that which were lost in WW II. From back to front and left to right, first group of 12 boats: Sand Lance (SS-381) Tunny (SS-282) Aspro (SS-309) Lionfish (SS-298) Guvania (SS-362) Sunfish (SS-281) Macabi (SS-375) Gurnard (SS-254) Pampanito (SS-383) Mingo (SS-261) Guitarro (SS-363) Bashaw (SS-241) From back to front and left to right, second group of 12 boats: Sealion (SS-315) Hammerhead (SS-364) Bream (SS-243) Seahorse (SS-304) Tinosa (SS-283) Pintado (SS-387) Mapiro (SS-376) Pipefish (SS-388) Moray (SS-300) Batfish (SS-310) Hackleback (SS-295) Bluegill (SS-242) From back to front and left to right, third group of 12 boats: Hawkbill (SS-366) Menhaden (SS-377) Perch (SS-313) Loggerhead (SS-374) Barbero (SS-317) Baya (SS-318) Hardhead (SS-365) Spadefish (SS-411) Springer (SS-414) Devilfish (SS-292) Kraken (SS-370) Dragonet (SS-293) From back to front and left to right, fourth group of 12 boats: Lamprey (SS-372) Piranha (SS-389) Manta (SS-299) Pargo (SS-264) Rancador (SS-301) Archerfish (SS-311) Mero (SS-378) Sawfish (SS-276) Spot (SS-413) Lizardfish (SS-373) Jallao (SS-368) Icefish (SS-367) From back to front and left to right, last group of 4 boats: Steelhead (SS-280) Puffer (SS-268) Stickleback (SS-415) Trepang (SS-412) From back to front, Submarine Tenders group of 4 ships: Pelias (AS-14) Aegir (AS-23) Euryale (AS-22) Griffin (AS-13) | Photo commemorating 50 years, U. S. Submarine Veterans of WW II 1996 calendar, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker. | |
 | 441k | Article about the Puffer's (SS-268) inactivation at Mare Island in the shipyard newspaper "The Grapevine", of 12 July 1946. | USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker. | |
 | 120k | The Puffer (SS-268) is decommissioned at Mare Island, 12 July 1946 in a ceremony marking the Navy's first unit to complete it's inactivization program. | USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker. | |
 | 263k | Puffer (SS-268) arriving at Seattle for placement in the reserves, 1947. | USN photo courtesy of usspuffer.org. | |
 | 325k | Pargo (SS-264), Sawfish (SS-276), Puffer (SS-268), and Steelhead (SS-280) entering Mare Island's dry dock #2 on 31 January 1947. | USN photo MINSY #368-47, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker. | |
 | 325k | Four submarines in Mare Island's dry dock #1 on 14 February 1947. Front row: Sawfish (SS-276) and Pargo (SS-264); back row Puffer (SS-268) and Steelhead (SS-280). | USN photo # 374-47, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker. | |
 | 85k | Puffer (SS-268) still has her war record painted on her conning tower in this 1951 photo. While a number of her sisiters were "Guppyized" or converted to Fleet Snorkel boats in the years after the war, she still has her 1945 configuration, a deck armament of single 20mm, single 40mm, and a 5in/25cal gun. | USN Archives photo and text courtesy of The Floating Drydock, Fleet Subs of WW II" by Thomas F. Walkowiak. | |
 | 354k | Puffer (SS-268) as a reserve training submarine. | USN photo courtesy of David Buell. | |
 | 90k | Text reads: "The Naval Reserve training submarine Puffer (SS-268), is nudged under the Fremont Bridge by the tugs Trojan & Neptune on her final trip. The Puffer was enroute to a shipbreaking yard in Portland where she will be turned into scrap." | USN photo courtesy of usspuffer.org. | |
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365k | This plaque was unveiled 20 March 1995 by His Excellency Major General P.M. Jeffery OA MC, Governor of Western Australia to commemorate the sacrifices made by Allied submarines that operated out of Fremantle, Western Australia during WW II. | Photo courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory). | |
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