Fifth War Patrol and Japanese Surrender
Hawkbill departed for her fifth and last war patrol 12 July. Returning to the coast of Malaya, she attacked a convoy 18 July. Her first torpedoes missed, and an hour later a depth charge attack of unusual accuracy and intensity began. Hawkbill was blown partially out of the water by a perfectly placed pattern and damaged considerably; but by hugging the bottom with all machinery secured, she eluded the attacking destroyers. After a stay at Subic Bay for repairs, she steamed to Borneo to rendezvous with Australian Army officers for a special mission. Hawkbill destroyed two radio stations with her deck guns, landed commandos at Terampha Town, and destroyed shore installations. After reconnaissance of the Anambas Islands, also in the South China Sea, the versatile submarine returned to Borneo 13 August.
Following the surrender of Japan, Hawkbill sailed to Pearl Harbor, departing 22 September 1945 for San Francisco. She decommissioned at Mare Island 30 September 1946 and joined the Reserve Fleet.
Hawkbill received six battle stars for World War II service. All five of her war patrols were designated successful, and she received a Navy Unit Commendation for her outstanding performance on patrols 1, 3, and 4.
Read more about this topic: USS Hawkbill (SS-366)
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