The USS Flier: Death and Survival on a World War II Submarine

Epilogue

163 Epilogue Epilogue John Crowley’s career survived two formal inquiries, and before the war was over, he was given command of another brand-new submarine . Crowley took charge of the USS Irex (SS-482), launched on 26 January 1945 and commissioned on 14 May 1945. The Irex was one of twenty-five new Tench class submarines built between 1944 and 1946. These submarines represented a further evolution of the American fleet boat, with a reduced silhouette, better internal layout, and improved machinery. With stronger hulls, the Tench class had a test depth of more than 400 feet. Eventually the Irex became the first U.S. submarine fitted with a snorkel, allowing it to use its diesel engines while submerged. James Liddell continued as Crowley’s executive officer on the Irex. For the superstitious or the wary (a high proportion of submariners ), the two men’s history with the Flier might be seen as either a bad omen or a lucky charm. Like aviators and bomber crews, those on submarine duty were especially alert to any signs that might alter their odds of survival. Given the Flier’s fate, at least one Irex crew member requested a transfer, only to have it denied. In any case, the Irex would never see combat. The submarine sailed for the Pacific, but the war ended as it was taking on supplies in the Panama Canal Zone. The Irex returned to Key West, Florida, to join Submarine Squadron Four. Even without the threat of Japanese antisubmarine measures, 164 The USS Flier however, the Irex would experience some harrowing moments. During a training dive off Key West, the submarine faced imminent disaster when, already approaching its test depth, seawater began spraying into the maneuvering room. It was later discovered that a three-quarter-inch plug had blown out of the circulating water system. The high-pressure water knocked out the control panel for the lighting and electrical indicators, and the diving planes jammed into a steep dive, taking the Irex below its design depth. Fortunately, Crowley immediately recognized the problem and ordered the crew to “blow the negative” and change the planes. The submarine finally nosed toward the surface.1 In January 1946 Norvell G. Ward replaced Crowley as skipper of the Irex. At the same time, both Crowley and Ward were awarded the Legion of Merit Medal. Ward received the award for his sixth war patrol in command of the USS Guardfish. Crowley’s award, however, was described by the New London Day as “most unusual.” The citation referred not to his heroic submarine exploits but to his survival after the loss of the Flier.2 Crowley remained in the navy until 31 March 1961, holding a number of administrative positions, including fleet operations officer and deputy chief of staff to the commander of the Seventh Fleet during the Korean War.3 Even for those submariners who left the service at the end of the war, their wartime experiences were never far away. Many remained active in submarine veterans groups, attended reunions, and kept in touch with former crewmates. An enduring spirit of camaraderie served as both a compensation for and a reminder of the dangers faced in war.4 Among those who attended reunions of the USS Redfin crew was Carlos Placido, one of the American coast watchers who had helped organize the evacuation of the Flier survivors. On 29 September 1945 Placido and his fellow coast watchers were awarded Bronze Stars for their efforts. After the war Placido returned to his bakery business in Laguna Beach, California. He retired 165 Epilogue in 1982 and died of cancer on 10 November 2000 at the age of ninety-four.5 After the war the Redfin’s skipper, Marshall “Cy” Austin, commanded other submarines, as well as the Submarine School in New London. Like Crowley, he retired from the navy in 1961. He continued working for civilian defense industries and even acted as a consultant for the Hollywood film Ice Station Zebra. After surviving two earlier bouts of cancer, Austin died of heart failure on 19 July 2005, at age ninety-four. As it happened, Austin’s fellow sub skipper, Norvell G. Ward, also died of heart failure the same day.6 John Crowley made little effort to keep in touch with the surviving Flier crew after the war, perhaps feeling that it was better to let some memories slip away. The Flier...