World War II Honoree
Killed in World War II
Thomas Benjamin Oakley, Jr.
Branch of Service
U.S. Navy
Hometown
Los Angeles, California
Honored By
U.S. Submarine Veteran
He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in the class of 1934. He was assigned to USS CACHALOT (SS-170) from July 1939 to November 1940, He then moved up to the position of Executive Officer from January to July 1942. He was assigned as Executive Officer of USS TINOSA (SS-283) from January to July 1943. He was assigned as Commanding Officer USS TARPON (SS-175) from November 1943 to April 1944. On 24 April 1944 he assumed command of the USS GROWLER (SS-215). He was killed with the loss of 90 Officers and men onboard USS GROWlER (SS-215) most likely on 08 November 1944 near 13° 53'N, 119° 26'E, west of the Philippine group Decorations: Navy Cross, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Purple Heart. Under his command, USS GROWLER departed on it’s eleventh War Patrol out of Fremantle, Australia on 20 October 1944. Early in November 1944, GROWLER, HAKE and HARDHEAD were operating together as a coordinated search and attack group under command of the Commanding Officer of GROWLER. In the early morning hours of 8 November, GROWLER, then in 13° 21'N, 119° 32'E, made SJ radar contact on an enemy target group, and reported it to HARDHEAD. Commander Oakley directed HARDHEAD to track and attack from the convoy's port bow. Shortly thereafter, HARDHEAD made contact with both the target group and GROWLER. After about an hour had passed HAKE heard two distant explosions of undetermined character, and HARDHEAD heard an explosion, which sounded like a torpedo. At the same time, the targets zigged away from GROWLER. Shortly after, HARDHEAD heard three distant depth charges explode. A little over an hour after these explosions, HARDHEAD attacked the target from the port bow, obtained three or four hits, and HAKE saw a tanker sink. HARDHEAD was subjected to a severe counter attack from which it emerged undamaged, while HAKE was worked over thoroughly later in the morning. All attempts to contact GROWLER after this attack were unsuccessful, and she has never been seen or heard from since.