USS Scamp War memorial

Did you ever hear of a submarine duel? Right here, at the USS Scamp War memorial, we remember a remarkable one. This memorial, a simple yet powerful stone structure, commemorates the loss of the USS Scamp (SS-277) and its brave crew. It serves as a reminder of their sacrifice during World War II. The USS Scamp’s story is full of daring actions and narrow escapes. One such event occurred on July 27, 1943, during its third war patrol. The Scamp was patrolling near the Bismarck Islands when it encountered a Japanese convoy. After attacking the convoy, the Scamp had to dive to avoid enemy escorts. Upon surfacing, the crew found themselves face to face with a Japanese submarine. This submarine, later identified as the I-168, fired a torpedo at the Scamp. The Scamp’s quick thinking captain managed to avoid the torpedo. The Scamp then launched its own torpedoes, sinking the I-168 in a dramatic explosion. Ironically, the I-168 was the very submarine that had sunk the USS Yorktown at the Battle of Midway. The USS Scamp continued its patrols in the Pacific, sinking numerous enemy vessels and disrupting Japanese supply lines. Sadly, the Scamp’s luck ran out in November 1944. It was lost with all hands during its eighth war patrol, likely sunk by Japanese escort vessels south of Tokyo Bay. The USS Scamp War memorial stands as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of the submarine’s crew. They served their country with distinction in the perilous waters of the Pacific during World War II.