Murky Waters
Grayback’s third and fourth patrol missions, which took her to the South China Sea and the St. George’s Passage, respectively, were impeded by strong moonlight, shallow and dangerous water, and enemy patrol boats, respectively. Despite these dangers, she was able to sink numerous freighters and a submarine of the enemy. The presence of Grayback and her sister ships in these waters, as well as the threat they posed to shipping and the number of enemy escorts they entangled, all played a role in the successful conclusion of the Guadalcanal campaign, which was America’s first offensive campaign in the Pacific war, in December 1942. It was on December 7, 1942, that her sixth tour of duty started, and it was a resounding success.
Murky Waters
Surprise Assault
On December 25, 1942, Grayback emerged, striking four landing barges completely by surprise and sinking them all in the process. Following that, an enemy submarine launched a series of torpedoes against American ships, but the Grayback’s crew successfully avoided the torpedo attack. The beginning of 1943 was also significant, as the United States submarine I-18 launched an attack on the Imperial Japanese Navy vessel I-18. The Grayback then launched a dramatic rescue effort to save the day.
Surprise Assault
