World War II Honoree

William Henry Adams

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Los Angeles, California

Honored By

U.S. Submarine Veteran

He was killed with the loss of 81 Officers and men onboard USS BARBEL (SS-316) most likely on 04 February 1945 near approximately 7° 49.5' N x 116° 47.5' E. Cause Air Attack. Decorations: Purple Heart. USS BARBEL (SS-316), commanded by Lieutenant Commander C. L. Raguet, departed Fremantle for her fourth war patrol on 5 January 1945. She proceeded to Exmouth Gulf, conducting training exercises en route. Having topped off with fuel, she left Exmouth Gulf on 8 January, and proceeded via Lombok Strait, Java Sea and Karimata Strait to patrol an area in the South China Sea. At dark on 16 February she was to leave her area and commence her return to Fremantle. On 13 January, BARBEL was directed to join BLUEGILL and BREAM in covering the western approaches to Balabac Strait. On 27 January she was ordered to form a wolfpack with PERCH and GABILAN and cover the western approaches to Balabac and southern entrance to Palawan Passage. On 3 February 1945 BARBEL sent a message to TUNA, BLACKFIN and GABILAN reporting numerous aircraft contacts daily. BARBEL had been attacked by aircraft three times with depth charges, and would transmit a message "tomorrow night" giving information. This was the last contact with BARBEL. TUNA reported on 6 February 1945 that she had been unable to contact BARBEL for 48 hours, and that she had ordered her to rendezvous at 7° 30'N, 115° 30'E on 7 February. The rendezvous was not accomplished and TUNA reported her search unsuccessful on 7 February 1945.