USS Mingo (SS-261)

[c-130 Herc]

Does anyone out there have any personal information on the USS Mingo submarine or the men who served on her?

My grandpa (whom I never met) was Harry James Hales; he served on the Mingo during ww2.

If someone could help with this, that would be great.

Thanks

[MattS]

There may not be many vets left from Mingo as the last time it sailed with an American crew was 1946. It had an interesting post-war history as it ended up sailing under a Japanese flag as the USS Kuroshio after being used against the Japanese during the war.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Mingo_(SS-261)

[Salvage Sailor]

There may not be many vets left from Mingo as the last time it sailed with an American crew was 1946. It had an interesting post-war history as it ended up sailing under a Japanese flag as the USS Kuroshio after being used against the Japanese during the war.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Mingo_(SS-261)

 

That would be the JDS KUROSHIO (SS-501)

 

SS-501 JDS Kuroshio (US Gato class) Submarine - also has photos and service history of USS MINGO (SS-261)

 

http://www.seaforces.org/marint/Japan-Maritime-Self-Defense-Force/Submarine/SS-501-JDS-Kuroshio.htm

[Salvage Sailor]

Another USMF member was doing research on the USS MINGO in 2011. You may wish to contact the member via PM

 

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/110827-wwii-crew-roster-for-the-uss-mingo-ss-261/

 

....and these are the war patrol reports of the USS MINGO (SS-261)

 

http://issuu.com/hnsa/docs/ss-261_mingo

[Salvage Sailor]

Photo of original USS MINGO (SS-261) patches from recent auction

 

 

[c-130 Herc]

Thanks guys. I was one of the people who bid on those patches; didn't win though.

[MattS]

Yes, SS-501 not USS, my mistake. Have you ever been to a WW2 fleet sub museum? They are scattered all over the US and if your know what your grandfather did on the boat, you could see it first-hand.

[horsa]

You might want to get the patrol reports for Mingo on CD. There's an Ebay seller who sells all the war patrol reports of all US subs on several discs. He might be willing to make you one for just Mingo. You may also be able to get crew lists for each patrol from DC.

[subvetdaughter]

Greetings,

 

A friend notified me of your posting. Although It has been several years since you asked the question, I hope you are still using this website, since I have an answer for you.

 

I'm a survivor of the USS Mingo and served as a radioman on six war patrols.

 

There was only one Hales on the boat, named Harry Chester Hales, a fireman 1st class. His service # was J8629700. He enlisted on August 13, 1943, U.S. Naval Reserves at Detroit, Michigan. He came aboard the Mingo on January 16, 1945, at Freemantle Harbour, Australia, a submarine base in Perth. Prior to his service on the Mingo, he was part of a relief crew. He joined the boat for its 7th and last war patrol and transferred off the Mingo on August 4, 1945.

 

His next of kin listed was his mother Mrs. Henry Hales, 325 North 10th Street, Saginaw, Michigan.

 

There were 60 crew members on board, so unfortunately, I have no recollection of meeting Harry Hales.

 

I know of one other crewman who is still alive who served on the Mingo.

 

Thanks for your interest in your grandfather's history with the U.S. submarine service.

 

Best wishes to you,

 

Peter J. Keenan