history & education

Trigger (SS-237)
3/28/1945
Lost at Sea

Trigger departed on her twelfth patrol on March 11, 1945. She was ordered on March 26, to join a coordinated attack group with Sea Dog (SS-214) and Threadfin (SS419) in the Nansei Shoto area. ... These orders required an acknowledgment. ... Although she transmitted a weather message that day, it did not include the acknowledgement. She was never heard from after March 26. ... Japanese records indicate a combined air and surface attack in Trigger’s area on March 28, which resulted in 5 square miles of oil on the surface. The two remaining boats in the wolf pack, as well as more distant submarines, reported hearing an extended attack with depth charges and bombs on that date in her area. It was assumed that she was lost in this attack.