"Submarine Lifeguard League"

The Submarine Lifeguard League was officially formed in early 1943, and from then until August 14, 1945, a total of 518 airmen were rescued from a watery grave or certain capture by the enemy. Many rescues were carried out by the 87 submarines assigned to lifeguard missions within sight of enemy forces and while under fire. On September 2, 1944, USS Finback was on her assigned station when she received a message reporting a navy aircraft down, and the rescued pilot was Lieutenant George W. Bush, who later became the forty-first President of the United States.

Pensacola, Florida · United States