Medal of Honor: Eugene Bennett Fluckey – U.S. Navy – World War II

Name: Eugene Bennett Fluckey
Rank: Commander
Branch: U.S. Navy
Unit: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Barb
Place: Along the coast of China
Entered Service At: Illinois
Born: 5 October 1913, Washington, D.C.
Other Awards: Navy Cross with 3 Gold Stars

Summary of Action

During the U.S.S. Barb’s 11th war patrol along the east coast of China, Commander Eugene B. Fluckey demonstrated daring, tactical brilliance, and absolute fearlessness in some of the most hazardous submarine operations of the Pacific War.

On 8 January 1945, after sinking a large enemy ammunition ship and damaging additional tonnage during a fierce two-hour night surface engagement, he continued aggressive patrol operations in heavily defended waters.

On 25 January, through exceptional deduction and bold tracking, he located a concentration of more than 30 enemy vessels anchored deep within Mamkwan Harbor in the lower reaches of the Nankuan Chiang. Fully aware that escape would require a high-speed withdrawal through mined, rock-obstructed, and uncharted shallows, Commander Fluckey nevertheless ordered the attack.

Penetrating the heavy enemy screen in only five fathoms of water, he fired his remaining forward torpedoes from 3,000 yards, then skillfully maneuvered to bring his stern tubes to bear, launching four more torpedoes. The attack achieved eight direct hits on six primary targets, detonating a large ammunition ship and causing catastrophic secondary explosions throughout the harbor.

After clearing the treacherous waters at high speed, he continued operations and four days later sank a large Japanese freighter—capping one of the most audacious submarine patrols of the war.

Medal of Honor Citation

FLUCKEY, EUGENE BENNETT

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.