What do we say when a lion of the service crosses the brow for the last time? When a medal of honor winner who sunk 29 Japanese ships from his submarine crosses into the clearing at the end of the path? A submarine CO with four Navy Crosses who – not restricted either in his imagination or by his natural element – sent a raiding party ashore to the Japanese coast in order to blow up a troop train?
The nicknames of Rear Adm. Eugene B. Fluckey — “The Galloping Ghost of the China Coast” and “Lucky Fluckey” — meant to bring a little levity to the exploits of one of the most decorated sailors in history.
But as loved ones and shipmates approached an urn on display under the vast dome of the Naval Academy chapel yesterday to say a few words, many stopped in awe, bowing slightly as a last homage to the man who sank 29 Japanese ships as a submarine commander in the Pacific on his way to receiving the Medal of Honor and four Navy Crosses.
About 250 people gathered to pay their respects to Fluckey — an Annapolis resident who died June 28 at the age of 93 — including members of Congress, past Navy luminaries, top academy officials and 10 men who served under him.
We who stand in awe of his accomplishments cannot be grieved when someone of his stature is taken from us in the fullness of time, but rather grateful that such men walked ever among us when we needed them.
So we say, “Hail, farewell and godspeed.”
Fair winds, and following seas Rear Admrl. Fluckey.
Jim C
Holy Mackerel – Thanks for the note on this warrior – just ordered his “Thunder Below”.
What an extraordinary man from an extraordinary time – would that we had more of his kind today.
I was particularly struck by the idea that 10 men who served under him went to his memorial – wow.
Had the memorial in the USNA Chapel? Wow… makes me want to cry.
All the bad press out of USNA does not counter the fact that a whole lot of good men have passed through those doors.
God Bless you Sir.
“We who stand in awe of his accomplishments cannot be grieved when someone of his stature is taken from us in the fullness of time, but rather grateful that such men walked ever among us when we needed them.” Timeless and classily classic statement. Well done.
Tom, you are in for an amazing treat! The story of the Barb and it’s crew, IMO the best nonfiction war story, Ever.
I Highly Reccommend it
Thanks unkawill – I’m looking forward to it.
More of a hero than most, especially anyone involved in any kind of sport, duo or uni testicular. An honor to meet him while in college. Fair winds
The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
FLUCKEY, EUGENE BENNETT
Rank and organization: Commander, U.S. Navy, Commanding U.S.S. Barb. Place and date: Along coast of China, 19 December 1944 to 15 February 1945. Entered service at: Illinois. Born: 5 October 1913, Washington, D.C. Other Navy award: Navy Cross with 3 Gold Stars.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Barb during her 11th war patrol along the east coast of China from 19 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, Comdr. Fluckey, in an exceptional feat of brilliant deduction and bold tracking on 25 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 Barb’s last forward torpedoes at 3,000-yard range. Quickly bringing the ship’s stern tubes to bear, he turned loose 4 more torpedoes into the enemy, obtaining 8 direct hits on 6 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 to safety and 4 days later sank a large Japanese freighter to complete a record of heroic combat achievement, reflecting the highest credit upon Comdr. Fluckey, his gallant officers and men, and the U.S. Naval Service.
Such is the stuff of which submariners are made. Heaven is patrolled eternally by such Men.
Subsunk out.
Just finished reading THUNDER BELOW, magnificent, fascinating, and should be read by all with any connection to WWII, and the Sub Service Unfortunatley, I never got to meet this great man, but I knew of him for many years having gone to Sub School at New London.
What y’all said, concur, and Amen.
Thanks for serving,Mr.Ravenel