Title: Richard M. Wright oral history interview, April 28, 2001

Identifier: OH0202   (https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/11265)

Description: Captain Wright comments on his background in California, experiences at the U.S. Naval Academy, and duty on the USS TENNESSEE before, during, and after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He recounts his admission to submarine school in 1943 and his assignment to the USS POGY. He describes war patrols on the POGY during which they sunk two troop ships en route to Guadalcanal, a patrol on the PARCHE in which they entered Naha harbor at Okinawa and sunk a whale factory ship, and patrols in the SPADEFISH. Post war commentary concerns duty in the BLOWER, COCHINO, and the SCABBARDFISH. He also explains his experiences in the COCHINO during which he was involved in a mission in the Arctic Ocean where the aft battery compartment exploded, badly burning Captain Wright and sinking the ship. Interviewer: Donald R. Lennon.