This Day in History: 1942 - USS PERCH (SS-176) and LCDR D. A. Hurt surfaced thirty miles northwest of Soerabaja, Java, N.E.I. on the evening of 1 March 1942. Two enemy destroyers attacked and drove her down with a string of depth charges which caused her to bottom at 135 feet. Several more depth charge attacks caused extensive damage and flooding throughout the boat. After repairs, PERCH surfaced at two o'clock in the morning only to be again driven down by the enemy destroyers. The loss of oil and air from damaged ballast tanks convinced the enemy that PERCH was breaking up and they went on to look for other kills, allowing PERCH to surface. The crew made all possible repairs with the submarine's decks awash and only one engine in commission. During the early morning of 3 March, a test dive was made with almost fatal results. Expert handling and good luck enabled her to surface from that dive only to be attacked by two enemy cruisers and three destroyers. When the enemy shells commenced to straddle, the commanding officer ordered all hands on deck. With all possible hull openings open, PERCH made her last dive and ended her second patrol. The entire crew was captured by a Japanese destroyer. Of the fifty-four men and five officers only six, who died of malnutrition in Japanese prisoner-of-war camps, were unable to return to their country to enjoy the victory for which they had fought so valiantly. She was the fifth U.S. submarine loss of World War II. 60 crew were taken POW, 6 men later died as POWs but none were lost with PERCH that day. PERCH received one battle star for World War II service. Submitted by Kirk Smith