Roberts, James Lester, PO3

USS Tang (SS-306) was on her fifth war patrol when she came upon a Japanese convoy. On the morning of 25 October 1944 she had sunk three ships when she fired her 24th and last torpedo. That torpedo turned to the left, making a circular turn. The USS Tang tried to clear the path, but was struck by her own torpedo and sank. Nine men survived, and spent the war as Prisoners of War. Ship's Cook Third Class Roberts was listed as missing in action on 25 October 1944, and later declared dead on 7 December 1945.

Service number: 6405045

Submarine war patrols:
USS Salmon (SS-182) - 6th through 10th
USS Tang (SS-306) - 3rd through 5th

Presidential Unit Citation
For outstanding performance in combat and distinguished service during her First, Second and Third War Patrols in Japanese-controlled waters. Operating boldly in defiance of alert hostile air patrols in dangerous areas far from her home base, the USS Tang struck devastating blows at Japanese combatant units and heavily escorted convoys in the Pacific despite unfavorable attack opportunity, sinking thousands of tons of valuable enemy shipping during her first and third war patrols. Rendering gallant lifeguard service during air strikes against enemy-held atolls by United States Forces, the Tang braved the treacherous reefs off the coast of a powerfully fortified enemy stronghold to rescue twenty-two Naval aviators in seven pick-ups, completing this perilous mission within close range of hostile shore batteries. The brilliant and heroic achievements of this vessel reflect the highest credit upon the courage, seamanship and determination of her officers and men and enhance the fine traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Presidential Unit Citation
For extraordinary heroism in action during her Fourth War Patrol against enemy Japanese shipping in the Honshu Area from July 31 to September 3, 1944, and her Fifth War Patrol in Formosa Straits, September 27 to October 24,1944. Boldly searching out the enemy through perilous coastline shoal waters to establish contact with a large hostile convoy, the USS Tang penetrated a heavy escort screen to launch a series of smashing torpedo attacks and sink five Japanese ships totaling 22,500 tons. With every surface unit vital to the enemy during accelerated hostilities pointing toward the crucial battle for Leyte Gulf, the Tang daringly challenged two large, well armed, heavily escorted convoys bound for the Philippines with reinforcements and supplies. Operating without support and in heroic defiance of severe countermeasures, she attacked relentlessly from all sides, waging furious battle against terrific odds and climaxing her aggressive Fifth Patrol by sending every ship of both convoys to the bottom. A seaworthy fighting ship, handled brilliantly by her gallant officers and men, the Tang rounded out her previous distinguished record of achievement by her crushing blows against the enemy's power to wage war, therefore materially furthering the vital operations to control the Pacific and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The information contained in this profile was compiled from various internet sources.