CREVALLE got underway for the Pacific on 1 September 1943 and made turns (sailed) for the Soren Passes through the Panama Canal . The passage was transited through the Caribbean Sea without incident or enemy contact and CREVALLE arrived at Coco Solo Naval Air Station and The Patrol Squadrons that flew out of the base Canal Zone, Panama on the 9th of September 1943.
CREVALLE made her transit of the Canal on 13 September 1943, and subsequently reported for duty to the Commander Submarines Pacific (COMSUBPAC) Canal Office at Balboa, Panama . After receiving orders directing her to report to the Submarine Command at Brisbane, Australia CREVALLE departed Balboa on 14 September 1943. The boat made a brief ten hour fueling and provisions stop at Seymour Island, Galapagos Islands , on 17 September 1943. As CREVALLE had just crossed the Equator, it is an ancient sailing tradition that all members of a crew that had not crossed this magic line in the ocean had to be initiated into King Neptune's domain. The boat was visited by His Royal Highness, Neptune Rex, Ruler of the Raging Mane (Chief Machinist Mate Mike Staudt) who held court on all pollywogs (those that had not previously crossed the Equator). The King certified them worthy to be numbered as one of his trusty Shell backs after they accented to his bizarre commands. His Majesty's Loyal and Omnipotent Scribe Davie Jones (Lieutenant William Rue) attested to this rite and thus presented certificates of initiation to all of the former pollywogs.
Continuing on her way to Brisbane CREVALLE made an unscheduled six hour stop on 26 September 1943 at Pitcairn Island of the Mutiny On The Bounty fame . The unexpected stop was for correction of some minor difficulties with the hydraulic system. According to the natives of the island this was the first submarine that the Pitcairn People had seen and they were very excited about observing CREVALLE. The Chief of the Island a Mr. Christian, (a direct descendant of Fletcher Christian the leader of the famous British Navy mutiny ) and his court were given a guided tour of the submersible. Gifts were exchanged between the Island inhabitants and the CREVALLE crew.
The remainder of the voyage proceeded along without incident and the submarine arrived in The Harbor at Brisbane, Australia on 11 October 1943 ready to begin her wartime service.
Map of the Pacific during World War II:
During World War II, CREVALLE made seven war patrols in the Pacific Theater. These patrols resulted in CREVALLE being awarded the Navy Unit Commendation by the Secretary of the Navy. The award citation reads: The "USS CREVALLE distinguished itself, by extraordinary heroism in action with the enemy during the vessels first, second, third and fourth war patrols." In addition, three of her Commanding Officers were awarded the Navy Cross and a gold Star in lieu of a second Navy Cross. Another Navy Cross was posthumously awarded to another officer, and the Silver Star Medal was awarded to one enlisted man for gallantry in saving CREVALLE and her crew from certain death. The following is the extraordinary story of one of our countries finest and in keeping with the traditions of the silent service unsung warriors.
