Description
One of the most sought after and uncommon things to find in regards to World War 2 era U.S Naval items, are the “Kill Flags” used by Submarines. These were only given to the Captain, and maybe another high ranking officer on the crew. These are insanely rare, most encountered are in U.S Naval museums. This example is as textbook as they come.
This kill flag was for the submarine SS-177 (U.S.S. Pickerel) they were credited with sinking 16 commercial ships, (meatball flags) and 2 Japanese Naval ships, (2 Rising Sun flags) one of which was a Sub Chaser.
The ship sadly was sunk after departing Pearl Harbor on the 18th of March 1943 after topping off with fuel and provisions at Midway Island on the 22nd of March. Headed for the eastern coast of northern Honshū, the sub was never heard from again. The U.S.S Pickerel was the first submarine to be lost in the Central Pacific area. She was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on the 19th of August, 1943.
Later reports show Japanese Naval aircraft first bombed an unidentified submarine, then directed the ships Shiragami and Bunzan Maru to the spot, where they dropped twenty-six depth charges… A large quantity of oil floated to the surface, which was often enough for Japanese ASW ships to believe their target was sunk.
To find an original World War 2 era U.S Naval submarine kill flag is very rare, to find one to a submarine that had this many confirmed sunken vessels is very rare, but to find one to a U.S submarine that was sunk and never heard from again, NEVER HAPPENS. This flag is the perfect displayable size of 38″ inches wide, and 29.5″ inches tall.
This is hands down one of the greatest pieces of U.S militaria related items that I have ever had. I can honestly say, I doubt I will ever find anything like this again, they are just that rare… I really can not stress the rarity of this piece!
