USS Capelin Challenge Coin

November 23, 1943 - 76 Men Lost

Mint Condition Challenge Coin. Never Circulated.

A beautiful 1.75 inch brass coin honoring the men of World War II who gave their lives fighting for our country...

The front of the coin honors the USS Capelin SS 286. The back has the following quote:

"To the 374 officers and 3131 men of the Submarine Force who gave their lives in the winning of this war, I can assure you that they went down fighting and that their brothers who survived them took a grim toll of our savage enemy to avenge their deaths."

-Vice Admiral C.A. Lockwood, Jr. Commander Submarine Force, 1943 - 1946

About the USS Capelin... Returning from her first war patrol after only 17 days out, CAPELIN (Cmdr. E.E. Marshall) came into Darwin 16 November 1943 with a defective conning tower hatch mechanism, excessively noisy bow planes, and a defective radar tube. These flaws were corrected to the satisfaction of the Commanding Officer, and the shop then departed for her second patrol on 17 November. Her area was in the Molukka and Celebes seas, and she was to pay particular attention to Kaoe Bay, Morotai Strait, Davao Gulf and trade routes in the vicinity of Siaoe, Sangi, Talaud and Sarangani Islands. She was to leave her area at dark 6 December.

Nothing has been positively heard from CAPELIN since she departed. However, BONEFISH reported having seen an U.S. submarine on 2 December 1943. This position is in the area assigned to CAPELIN at this time. An attempt to reach CAPELIN by radio on 9 December 1943 elicited no response.

On 23 November an American submarine was attacked off Kaoe Bay, Halamaera. However, the Japanese state that this attack was broken off, and the evidence of contact was rather thin. The only positive statement that can be made is that CAPELIN was lost in Celebes Sea, or in Molukka Passage or the Molukka Sea, probably in December 1943. Enemy minefields are now known to have been placed in various positions along the north coast of Celebes in CAPELIN?s area, and she may have been lost because of a mine explosion. In her 17-day first patrol, CAPELIN sank two Japanese medium freighters for 7,400 tons of merchant shipping. This first patrol was conducted among the islands immediately west of New Guinea.

Would make an excellent addition to your collection or for your favorite sailor! Collect the entire series!

OPTIONAL: Our Air-Tite acrylic cases provide the ultimate long-term protection for your coin. They are made of crystal clear, hard Acrylic and will never yellow over time; the foam rings are made of Volara and both are free of PVC that could damage your coin.