LCDR WILLIAM BOWNE (119-1985) flew combat missions off the baby flattop USS GUADALCANAL during World War II and he was posted on that light aircraft carrier on 4 June 1944 when the GUADALCANAL Task Group captured U-505.

BILL had been in poor health for a few years and at the beginning of 2003, his health began to fail even more rapidly and suddenly, he was gone. Another veteran of WW II to join the “Grand Army”

Fair winds and gentle skies to you BILL.

Gene Fluckey

In World War II, he was Lt. Commander Gene Fluckey and later, he was Commander Fluckey. When he brought USS BARB back from an American wolfpack patrol, one of only three boats out of six to return, his Flotilla Commander said, “You were really lucky, Fluckey!” and so the nickname “Lucky Fluckey” stuck.

On another patrol, he was not able to find enough Japanese shipping on the high seas, so he correctly assumed that they were hugging the shoreline in shallow waters during the daytime and anchoring in rivers at night. So one night, he brought USS BARB up a river for which he had no charts and sure enough, he found an anchored fleet. He fired all six forward, then spun BARB around and fired the stern tubes.

Several ships were destroyed including an ammunition ship, which disintegrated. Fluckey had to head down this river, for which he had no charts or knowledge of where the minefields were located, at flank speed for seventy-five minutes before he could ‘pull the plug’ and find safety. He quipped to us while visiting in our HQ some years ago, “Some people think life begins at forty. Life really begins at twenty – twenty fathoms, that is!”

USS BARB had just twenty fathoms (120 feet) of water under her. For this action, Fluckey was decorated with the coveted Medal of Honor.

While patrolling off the Japanese Home Islands, he watched a troop train go by on the nearby shore every night, bringing fresh Japanese troops to the debarkation port to go into battle against the American troops on various Pacific islands. Fluckey decided to stop this train – and so he put eight volunteers ashore to plant demolition charges under the rails and stop this train. One of the men who went ashore was COB from the BARB, “Swish” SAUNDERS (3092-1993)…..in fact, “Swish” was the demolitions man. This was the only time American military personnel set foot on the Japanese Home Islands. For this action, Fluckey was decorated with one of his four NAVY CROSS medals.

He held many post-war duties with the U.S. Navy and ultimately retired as Rear Admiral. E. B. FLUCKEY (2169-LIFE-1992) is the most highly decorated American submariner EVER in history. He was totally supportive of Sharkhunters and served ten years on our Advisory Board.

His book ‘THUNDER BELOW’ was a runaway top seller and it made a lot of money – but rather than stick the money in his pocket Admiral FLUCKEY used the money to take his entire crew from USS BARB and their wives on fabulous cruises aboard ships like QUEEN ELIZABETH II and the NATCHEZ QUEEN.

We are very sad to report that this great American, this legend of a submariner, has been stricken with the dreaded Alzheimer’s Disease and now approaching his 90th birthday, is in a care facility.

God be with you, “Lucky Fluckey!”

Clifford "Kip" Perry

American submarine combat veteran of World War II CLIFFORD “Kip” PERRY (1983-1991) has begun his ‘Eternal Patrol’.

Thomas Allyn

American combat submarine veteran of World War II THOMAS ALLYN (3315-1993) has begun his ‘Eternal Patrol’.

Clyde Stahlman

American combat submarine veteran of World War II CLYDE STAHLMAN (2311-1992) has begun his ‘Eternal Patrol’.

Darl Miller

Bill Eby

U.S. Navy veteran BILL EBY (3668-1994) and his wife were driving to a restaurant to celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary when a truck towing a large piece of machinery lost control and the machinery flew into the air, landing on their car. BILL was killed instantly while Mrs. Eby escaped without injury.

We wish fair winds and smooth seas to all – you have earned it.

It is a sad fact of life that we are nearing the end of the era of the World War II Veterans. It is the responsibility of Sharkhunters to remember them and their contribution to history. And the clock is ticking faster and faster………..