USS Barb Flag

World War II era U.S. Navy submariners commonly fashioned informal battle flags adorned with symbols marking the successes they achieved during combat war patrols. Compared with those of other American submariners, the battle flag crafted by the crewmen of the U.S.S. Barb stands out as one of the more remarkable. Under Commander Eugene B. "Lucky" Fluckey, Barb is credited with sinking more than 29.5 Axis vessels totaling an estimated 146,808 gross registered tons—causing severe damage to a number of others. These successes are represented in graphic form around the Barb logo of "One Eyed Herman" in the center of the battle flag.

Prominently appearing at the top of the battle flag are icons of the notable citations and medals that were earned by the Barb officers and crew. Given in appreciation for service, this presentation copy of the Barb battle flag was given by Fluckey and crew to Lieutenant Jim Webster in late 1945. Webster served as executive officer (XO) under Fluckey during the eleventh and twelfth war patrols and was transferred from the Barb ultimately to assume command of another submarine. During the eleventh war patrol, Webster had a vital role in an attack against Imperial Japanese vessels at anchor in Namkwam Harbor in occupied China. After that action, Fluckey was designated to wear the Congressional Medal of Honor on behalf of the Barb crew for their collective heroism during the eleventh war patrol. Thus, the ribbon for this singularly prestigious medal appears at the top center of the Barb battle flag.

For more information, e-mail collections@MarinersMuseum.org.