A question on "Silverside"

[hauangua]

Hi, I have a simple question,
I found this picture of the USS-236 what does the paratrooper mean? 2 pilots rescue? Or other?
And "16" number? Depth charge?
http://i64.tinypic.com/2vnmdy8.jpg
Thanks :salute:

[rein1705]

im guessing but it think that's a mine. 16 mines destroyed 2 aviators rescued?

[Sailor Steve]

Exactly. No question, that's what those symbols mean.

[hauangua]

im guessing but it think that's a mine. 16 mines destroyed 2 aviators rescued?

Exactly. No question, that's what those symbols mean.
Thanks :salute:

[Armistead]

Exactly. No question, that's what those symbols mean.

I knew subs laid lines, I didn't know they destroyed them... Don't recall reading that anywhere

[CaptBones]

SILVERSIDES' fifth war patrol, 17 May - 16 July 1943, was in the Solomon Islands. Her primary mission was to lay a minefield in Steffan Strait, between New Hanover and New Ireland. She also sank one cargo ship, HIDE MARU (5,256 tons) on 11 June.

[rein1705]

They did blow up mines. Ive read about it in patrol logs from USS Batfish SS-310, and there was footage of a fleet boat shooting at one with machine gun, although now i cant find it. Maybe it was on an episode of Silent Service.
:arrgh!:

[CaptBones]

I know they did; I've seen films and photos, probably some of the same footage, also can't remember where. My note was in relation to the symbol painted on her conning tower; taking credit for the minefield she laid in June '43.

Roscoe..."US Submarine Operations in WWII", Chapter 15...has a short but interesting narrative concerning submarine minelaying operations.

:Kaleun_Salute: