In Memoriam - USS Flier (SS-250) - Sunk 13 August 1944

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph

USS Flier embarked on her second war patrol on August 2, 1944. Just over a week later, at 2200 on 13 August, she struck a mine on her starboard side. Within thirty seconds, Flier vanished beneath the waves.

A number of sailors managed to escape their sinking vessel; however, the nearest land supposed to be safe from the Japanese was Mantangule Island, over half a day's swim away, and several perished during the journey. Eight men survived the tragedy, including the commanding and executive officers, who had both been in the conning tower at the time of the explosion.

Seventy-eight men did not survive. During her brief career, Flier sank four freighters and damaged a tanker and a freighter. For a complete listing of Flier's survivors and lost sailors, please visit the Commander, Submarine Forces Pacifc, Website.