Down the throat
Encyclopedia
Down the throat typically refers to a term used by United States Submariners in World War II
, in reference to a type of torpedo
attack angle used usually against attacking destroyers or anti-submarine craft. A "down the throat" shot would be any shot in which the target craft was presenting a 0-degree bow angle (AOB), or simply put, it was heading straight toward the submarine
. These were extremely difficult setups from which to launch torpedoes, and usually it was only the skilled or desperate boat skippers who attempted such attacks. Further complications with the "down the throat" shot were the gyroscope
issues that plagued US torpedoes, as well as the rapidly diminishing range of the target that could prevent arming of the torpedo.
It was first used by under the command of Lieutenant Commander Lew Parks during the boat's first war patrol, although it did not hit. Slade Deville Cutter
was one of Parks' officers.
The technique is unlikely to be used again, since modern guided torpedoes usually are launched from an angled tube on the side of the submarine, since the bow is needed for a sonar
dome.
During its last patrol, sank an attacking Japanese destroyer with such a shot. Harders captain, Cdr. S.D. "Sam" Dealey
, was awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor
for the patrol. Another Medal of Honor was awarded to the captain of , Lawson P. "Red" Ramage
for a similar shot on a patrol that returned.
Another submarine, which did not return from a patrol but was known to have used a "down-the-throat" shot was .
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, in reference to a type of torpedo
Torpedo
The modern torpedo is a self-propelled missile weapon with an explosive warhead, launched above or below the water surface, propelled underwater towards a target, and designed to detonate either on contact with it or in proximity to it.The term torpedo was originally employed for...
attack angle used usually against attacking destroyers or anti-submarine craft. A "down the throat" shot would be any shot in which the target craft was presenting a 0-degree bow angle (AOB), or simply put, it was heading straight toward the submarine
Submarine
A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation below the surface of the water. It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability...
. These were extremely difficult setups from which to launch torpedoes, and usually it was only the skilled or desperate boat skippers who attempted such attacks. Further complications with the "down the throat" shot were the gyroscope
Gyroscope
A gyroscope is a device for measuring or maintaining orientation, based on the principles of angular momentum. In essence, a mechanical gyroscope is a spinning wheel or disk whose axle is free to take any orientation...
issues that plagued US torpedoes, as well as the rapidly diminishing range of the target that could prevent arming of the torpedo.
It was first used by under the command of Lieutenant Commander Lew Parks during the boat's first war patrol, although it did not hit. Slade Deville Cutter
Slade Cutter
Slade Deville Cutter was a career U.S. naval officer who was awarded four Navy Crosses and tied for second place for Japanese ships sunk in World War II...
was one of Parks' officers.
The technique is unlikely to be used again, since modern guided torpedoes usually are launched from an angled tube on the side of the submarine, since the bow is needed for a sonar
Sonar
Sonar is a technique that uses sound propagation to navigate, communicate with or detect other vessels...
dome.
During its last patrol, sank an attacking Japanese destroyer with such a shot. Harders captain, Cdr. S.D. "Sam" Dealey
Samuel David Dealey
Samuel David Dealey was a United States Navy submarine commanding officer during World War II. He was among the most decorated naval officers of the war, receiving six awards for valor including the Medal of Honor for his actions aboard the during her fifth war patrol.-Early Life and...
, was awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
for the patrol. Another Medal of Honor was awarded to the captain of , Lawson P. "Red" Ramage
Lawson P. Ramage
Lawson Paterson "Red" Ramage was a vice admiral in the United States Navy and a noted submarine commander. During his career, Ramage was decorated with the Medal of Honor, two Navy Crosses, two Distinguished Service Medals, the Silver Star and the Bronze Star.-Early life and career:Taking his...
for a similar shot on a patrol that returned.
Another submarine, which did not return from a patrol but was known to have used a "down-the-throat" shot was .