USS Bonefish Challenge Coin

June 18, 1945 - 85 Men Lost

A beautiful 1.75 inch brass coin honoring the men of World War II who gave their lives fighting for our country...

The front of the coin honors the USS Bonefish SS-223. The back has the following quote:

"To the 374 officers and 3131 men of the Submarine Force who gave their lives in the winning of this war, I can assure you that they went down fighting and that their brothers who survived them took a grim toll of our savage enemy to avenge their deaths."

-Vice Admiral C.A. Lockwood, Jr. Commander Submarine Force, 1943 - 1946

About the USS Bonefish... In company with TUNNY and SKATE, BONEFISH (SS 223), commanded by CDR L.L. Edge, departed Guam on May 28, 1945 to conduct her eighth war patrol. This coordinated attack group under Commander G.W. Pierce in TUNNY, which was one of three groups then penetrating the Japan Sea, was ordered to transit Tsushima Strait on June 5, 1945, and to conduct offensive patrol in the Sea of Japan off the west central coast of Honshu. This area was further subdivided, with BONEFISH assigned to patrol the northern portion.

BONEFISH successfully transited Tsushima Strait, and made rendezvous with TUNNY on June 16, 1945. Commander Edge reported he had sunk one large transport and one medium freighter to date. On the morning of June 18, TUNNY and BONEFISH rendezvoused. BONEFISH asked permission to conduct a submerged daylight patrol in Toyama Wan, in the mid part of western Honshu, and having received it, departed for Suzo Misaki. She was never seen or heard from again.

BONEFISH, in accordance with the operation order, was to rendezvous with the other eight submarines of the three groups at sunset on June 23, 1945, in preparation for the transit on June 24 of La Perouse Strait. BONEFISH did not make this rendezvous, and after the other eight vessels had successfully transited La Perouse Strait, TUNNY on June 25 and 26 waited off the entrance to the strait and unsuccessfully tried to contact BONEFISH. When all possibilities had been examined, and she had not been seen or heard from by July 30, BONEFISH was reported as presumed lost.

Japanese records of anti-submarine attacks mention an attack made on June 18, 1945 in Toyama Wan. A great many depth charges were dropped, and wood chips and oil were observed. This undoubtedly was the attack which sank BONEFISH. She sank a total of 12 enemy vessels, for a total tonnage of 61,345, and damaged seven, for 42,000 more tons. BONEFISH was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for the period of her first, third, fourth, fifth and sixth patrols.

Would make an excellent addition to your collection or for your favorite sailor! Collect the entire series!

OPTIONAL: Our Air-Tite acrylic cases provide the ultimate long-term protection for your coin. They are made of crystal clear, hard Acrylic and will never yellow over time; the foam rings are made of Volara and both are free of PVC that could damage your coin.