With the official surrender of Japan on this day in 1945, September 2 is known as V-J Day—the end of World War II.
In honor of our World War II heroes, Veteran Energy would like to pay tribute to one of the most decorated fighters of that conflict, a Texas submarine commander named Samuel Dealey.
When Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese in 1941, Dealey was already a seasoned U.S. Navy officer. He had served on surface ships and submarines for more than a decade. In late 1942, he was made commanding officer of the submarine USS Harder.
On his first five patrols in the waters of the Pacific, Dealey and his crew are credited with destroying or disabling 14 enemy vessels. Several were large destroyers like the Ikazuchi and the Tanikaze. People began to call Dealey the “Destroyer Killer.”
At his return from his fifth successful mission, his superiors determined it was time for Dealey and much of his crew to move on from the USS Harder. Dismayed at the prospect, Dealey asked to go on one more mission. He wanted to have a hand in training the USS Harder’s new crew. His superiors went along with the request.
In early August 1944, Dealey and several other subs set out to attack enemy ships in the Philippines. They were able to bring down seven Japanese vessels. But on the morning of August 24, while trying to evade the enemy, the USS Harder’s luck ran out. Nearby U.S. vessels reported hearing a string of underwater explosions. The USS Harder was never seen again.
Dealey, with such awards as the Medal of Honor, the Silver Star and the Navy Cross (with three gold stars), was the most decorated U.S. Naval officer of the war.
Dealey’s bravery epitomizes what it means to be Texan. World War II was, after all, the largest armed conflict the world has ever seen. And the Lone Star State, with more than 750,000 men and women serving in uniform at that time, put more on the line than any other state. We thank you for your bravery. Happy V-J Day.
