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USS Sailfish (SS-192) was a U.S. Sargo-class submarine, first named USS Squalus. USS Squalus sank off New Hampshire in 1939 during test dives. As a result of the sinking, 26 crew members perished. The remaining 36 crew were saved in the first U.S. submarine disaster that ended with a successful rescue.
The USS Squalus was raised and renamed the USS Sailfish. The submarine fought in the Pacific and proved a valuable component of the Pacific Fleet, with its crew earning nine battle stars.
Early in his career, Lieutenant Commander Robert Ward, as an Executive Officer, had survived the sinking of submarine USS R-26 (USS Gurnard). After his service aboard the USS Gurnard, Commander Robert Ward went on to command the submarine USS Sailfish. USS Sailfish, which many considered jinxed because she had sunk during her original test trials as the USS Squalus, went on to accomplish a very successful war record. Under Robert Ward's command in early December 1943, the USS Sailfish attacked and sank the first Japanese aircraft carrier in World War II. This was a remarkable feat as he directed the Sailfish's initial attacks during a typhoon.
This collection includes the battle flag of the USS Sailfish with a downloaded photo of the crew holding the flag and Commander Ward sitting on the deck front and center. Four commissioning pennants from the ships that he commanded. Three sets of his 2-star rear admiral epaulets. Numerous ribbons from his uniforms. A box of his brass naval issue belt buckles. A brass and silver box engraved USS Leopard, one of Robert Ward's commands, filled with his uniform buttons. A silvered box containing more ribbons and engraved To Commander P.E.M. Ward, USN from Submarine Division 52, 1952. His naval sword knot. His dress white uniform gloves. Several silver eagle cap badges. A dozen various flags owned and used during the career of Admiral Ward, including 2-star admiral flags, numerous U.S. flags with unidentified burgees, etc.
Two cigarette lighters, one with the logo of Submarine Squadron Five, the other with enameled three-star Vice Admiral Flag. This lighter was likely given to Rear Admiral Ward in anticipation of his achieving his 3-star admiral's rank. His hope was cut short as Rear Admiral Ward decided to retire from the Navy to take care of his wife who had developed health issues.
These artifacts were Admiral Ward's treasured keepsakes from an exceptionally heroic career and come from the estate of his daughter, Patricia Ward, of Glen Ellen, California.
The following is a brief description of Admiral Ward's career and awards:
Rear Admiral Ward’s decorations include:
Legion of Merit
Navy Cross (2)
Silver Star (2)
Navy Unit Commendation
Presidential Unit Commendation
General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01692 (February 25, 1945)
Action Date: September 26, 1944 – December 11, 1944
Service: Navy
Rank: Commander
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Sailfish (SS-192)
Career Timeline Highlights:
June 11, 1945 – October 1, 1946: Commanding Officer, USS Leopard
1946 – 1948: Commanding Officer, USS Chopper
1949 – 1950: Training Officer, Anti-Submarine School, Pacific Fleet
1951 – 1952: Commander, Submarine Division 52
March 1, 1954: Promoted to Captain
1956 – 1957: Commander, Submarine Division 7
Oct 5, 1957 – Dec 2, 1958: Commanding Officer, USS Washburn (AKA-108)
Jan 2, 1959 – Oct 1, 1959: Commanding Officer, USS Rochester (CA-124)
1959 – 1960: Assigned to the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations
July 1, 1960: Promoted to Rear Admiral
1960 – 1962: Chief Legislative Affairs Officer for the Secretary of the Navy
1962 – 1963: Director, Material Management Review, Dept. of the Navy
1963 – 1964: Commander, Amphibious Group Two
1964: Commander, Naval Reserve Training Command, Omaha, Nebraska
Rear Admiral Ward died on April 9, 1980, in Santa Cruz, California. This collection came from the estate of his daughter, Patricia Ward, of Glen Ellen, California.