From: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships, Vol. I, 1964, Navy 
Department, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Naval History 
Division, Washington, D.C.

BOWFIN (SS-287)

dp. 1526;
l. 311' 8";
b. 27' 3";
dr. 16' 10";
s. 20.3 k.;
cpl. 66;
a. 1 5", 10 21" tt.;
cl. BALAO

BOWFIN (SS-287) was launched 7 December 1942 by Portsmouth Navy Yard; 
sponsored by Mrs. J. O. Gawne, wife of Captain Gawne; and commissioned 1 
May 1943, Commander J. H. Willingham in command.

BOWFIN departed New London, Conn., 1 July 1943 and arrived at Brisbane, 
Australia, 10 August 1943.  Between 16 August 1943 and 4 July 1945 she 
completed nine war patrols operating from the Netherlands East Indies to 
the Sea of Japan and the waters south of Hokkaido.  BOWFIN sank 15 
merchantmen and one frigate for a total of 68,032 tons.  She also shared 
credit with ASPRO (SS-309) for a 4,500-ton merchantman.

Leaving Pearl Harbor 29 August 1945 BOWFIN sailed to the east coast, 
arriving at Tomkinsville, N. Y., 21 September.  She operated with the 
Atlantic Fleet until place out of commission in reserve at New London, 
Conn., 12 February 1947.

BOWFIN was recommissioned at New London 27 July 1951.  Following a short 
training period she departed for the Pacific, arriving as San Diego 6 
October 1951.  She continued to operate from San Diego on local 
operations and training exercises until 8 October 1953 when she arrived 
at San Francisco to commence inactivation.  BOWFIN was placed out of 
commission in reserve at Mare Island Naval Shipyard 22 April 1954.

BOWFIN received the Presidential Unit Citation for her second war 
patrol, the Navy Unit Commendation for her sixth war patrol, and eight 
battle stars during World War II.