USS Jallao

Jallao (SS-368) was laid down on 29 September 1943 at Manitowoc, Wisc., by Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co.; launched on 12 March 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Oliver G. Kirk; and commissioned on 8 July 1944, Lt. Cmdr. Joseph B. Icenhower in command.

After spending most of July in training, Jallao departed Manitowoc on 26 July 1944 for Chicago, Ill., where she entered a floating dry dock for the trip down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, La. She subsequently departed New Orleans on 6 August, and, after transiting the Panama Canal, ultimately arrived at Pearl Harbor on 22 September.

Following additional training, the submarine sailed on 9 October 1944 for her first war patrol, operating with Pintado (SS-387) and Atule (SS-403) in a coordinated attack group known as “Clarey’s Crushers.” At first, the boats proceeded toward Luzon Strait, but, during the Battle for Leyte Gulf late in October, they received orders to take up scouting positions between the Philippines and Japan to cut off any crippled Japanese warships struggling home after their defeat at the Battle of Cape Engaño. On the evening of 25 October, Jallao came across the damaged light cruiser Tama and moved in to attack. She fired seven torpedoes, of which three hit and sent the Japanese warship to the bottom. After this notable success on her maiden patrol, Jallao continued her search until 28 November, returning to Majuro 10 December.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Jallao (SS-368)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.