US Navy bridge jacket from submarine USS S-39
Date1943
Object number00046771
NameJacket
MediumFabric, metal, wool
DimensionsDisplay dimensions: 250 x 700 x 68 mm, 1141.21 g
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThis navy blue US Navy bridge jacket belonged to the 5th officer of USS S-39. S-39 was one of a small number (6-8) of US submarines that were not assigned names, but were identified by number only. The left chest of the jacket features a faint shadow in the shape of a submariner's dolphin insignia.HistoryThe USS S-39 was one of a small number (6-8) of US submarines built in the 1930's that were identified by number only. They operated out of the submarine base at Fremantle, Western Australia.
During 1941, S-39 under the command of James W. Coe, patrolled off Southern Luzon. In late December 1941, an attempt to impede Japanese mining activities saw her move into the San Bernardino Strait. This proved unsuccessful and she returned to Manila. S-39 became famous during March 1942 when it scored 3 direct hits on the Japanese tanker Erimo.
On the night of 13/14 August, the submarine grounded on submerged rocks off Rossel Island in the Solomon Islands. S-39 was left on the rocks, rather than destroyed by gunfire, as the commanding officer was satisfied the vessel would continue breaking up. The crew were taken to Townsville and reassigned to other submarines.
S-39 earned two battle stars for her World War II service.SignificanceThis US Navy bridge jacket is significant in identifying the small number of US submarines that operated out of Australian submarine bases during World War II.
