USS Harder (SS-257)

The first Harder (SS-257) was laid down on 1 December 1941 at Groton, Conn., by the Electric Boat Co.; launched on 19 August 1942; sponsored by Miss Helen M. Shaforth, daughter of Rear Adm. John F. Shafroth, Commander, Southeast Pacific Area; and commissioned on 2 December 1942, Cmdr. Samuel D. Dealey in command.

Following shakedown off the East Coast, Harder sailed for Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone, on 26 April 1943. Steaming in a designated safe transit lane just after noon on 2 May, the submarine sighted a Navy PBY Catalina flying boat approximately five miles off her port beam. Unfortunately, the aircraft quickly turned and strafed the boat’s starboard side with its .30 caliber machine guns and dropped a bomb close aboard. Fortunate to escape the encounter, Harder moored at the Submarine Base, Coco Solo, two days later at 1425. On the morning of 8 May, the boat transited through the Panama Canal from 0955-1600 and subsequently moored at Pier No. 14, Balboa, Canal Zone, at 1645. After a night’s rest, the submarine made for Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, at 0945 the next morning. Harder tied up at Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor just after 1100 on 23 May 1943. Over the next two weeks, dockworkers altered the boat’s main engine exhaust valves, installed ready stowage for the submarine’s two .50 caliber guns and ammunition, before cleaning, painting and repairing the boat’s air tanks. After a three-day training period, the submarine was declared ready for duty.

On 7 June 1943, Harder steamed out of Pearl Harbor at 1330 in company with the submarine Searaven (SS-196) and armed yacht Crystal (PY-25.) She dismissed both vessels and continued on alone en route to Midway Atoll at 2030. Throughout the 9-10 June, the submarine conducted fire control drills, surface battle drills, and tested the reception of her radio. The boat briefly refueled at Midway and made for her designated operations area on 11 June.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Harder I (SS-257)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.