USS Bullhead
USS "Bullhead" (SS-332), a "Balao"-class submarine, was the last US Navy ship sunk by enemy action during World War II, probably on the same day that an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. She was the only ship of the United States Navy to be named for the bullhead (any large-headed fish, especially the catfish, miller's thumb, and sculpin). Construction and commissioning. "Bullhead"′s keel was laid down by the Electric Boat Company of Groton, Connecticut. She was launched on 16 July 1944 sponsored by Mrs. Howard R. Doyle, and commissioned 4 December 1944 with Commander W.  T. Griffith in command. Operations. "Bullhead" served in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The war operations of "Bullhead" extended from 21 March to August 1945 during which time she completed two war patrols. Her area of operations included the Java Sea and South China Sea and the Gulf of Siam. First patrol. During the greater portion of her first war patrol "Bullhead" performed lifeguard services and on two occasions bombarded Pratas Island, China, damaging enemy radio installations. She also rescued three airmen from a downed B-29 Superfortress following an airstrike on the China coast. Second patrol . On her second patrol, in May and June 1945 in the Gulf of Siam and the South China Sea, "Bullhead" sank two small freighters, a schooner and a sub chaser totaling 1800 tons and damaged two more sub chasers and another small freighter, all in gun actions. Third patrol and sinking. On 31 July 1945 "Bullhead" left Fremantle submarine base, Western Australia to commence her third war patrol. Her orders were to patrol in a "wolfpack" with and in the Java Sea until 5 September and then head for Subic Bay in the Philippines. "Bullhead" reported on 6 August that  she had passed through Lombok Strait. That was the last word received from "Bullhead". On 12 August, "Capitaine", planning to arrive on 13 August, ordered "Bullhead" to take position the following day in a scouting line with "Capitaine" and "Puffer". Receiving no reply, "Capitaine" reported on 15 August, "Have been unable to contact "Bullhead" by any means since arriving in area." Since the British submarines and "Thorough" were in the same general area as "Bullhead", and and passed through in transit at various times, it is difficult to determine precisely which of the many Japanese anti-submarine attacks was the  one that sank "Bullhead". However, one occurred on 6 August 1945, when a Mitsubishi Ki-51 from the 73rd Independent Chutai (literally "company" or squadron) of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force attacked with depth charges. It claimed two direct hits, and for ten minutes thereafter, there was a great amount of gushing oil and air bubbles rising in the water. Since the position given is very near the Balinese coast, it is presumed that the proximity of mountain peaks shortened "Bullhead"'s radar range and prevented her from receiving a warning of the plane's approach. 84 men were lost  while serving on USS "Bullhead" during her service. Commendations. "Bullhead" received two battle stars for her World War II service.