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The Silent Service was a documentary style anthology series about the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet and their missions during World War II and the Korean War created by Rear Admiral Thomas M. Dykers, who retired from the Navy in the late 1940s. Every episode was based on real historical events, with the realism of the show reinforced by the use of actual combat footage from the archives of the United States Navy. This particular episode titled “The Perch’s New Role” is episode 25 from season 1 of the show, which aired Friday, September 20th, 1957.
Directed by Jean Yarbrough and written by Malvin Wald and Jack Jacobs, “The Perch’s New Role” features a cast of actors which includes Robert Knapp, Richard Crane, Stanley Clements, Robert Chapman, David Frankham, Roy Dean, Ashley Cowan, Steve Mitchell, and Lyn Osborn. Together, this crew of actors bring to life the story of Balao-class submarine USS Perch (SS-313/ SSP–313) during the Korean War on its mission to deliver British Royal Marines on a secret commando raid.
Following an introduction by Rear Admiral Thomas M. Dykers (0:33), the episode opens to footage of USS Perch at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, California where it was being converted from typical fleet sub to troop carrier; Crew members Phil Murphy and Joe Cox report to duty to Bill Saunders (1:00). USS Perch during 1-year evaluation status: Lieutenant Commander Robert D. Quinn guides crew through landing exercises in waters off San Diego, specially picked company of the 1st Marine Division practice embarking/ disembarking (2:26). View down barrel 25 caliber deck gun symbolically marking beginning of Korean War, front pages of The Daily Journal announcing “Reds Invade Korea,” archival footage of Korean IDPs (2:59). USS Perch assigned to Japan to transport commandos (3:11). Exec. Off. Conrad J. Flesser, Skipper Quinn, and Bill Saunders engage in thinking/ strategizing sessions (3:25). USS Perch arrives at Yokosuka Naval Base near Tokyo August 1950; New radio antenna installed, crew members train in tricky job of launching skimmer in order to transport troops, explosives on and offshore (5:01). Marines already flown to Korea and in thick of fighting, USS Perch used for other missions i.e. training underwater demolition teams, Army special activities troops; Morale on ship grows low as crew feels they are being deliberately kept out of combat (6:12). Phil Murphy and Joe Cox sit for meal at soldiers’ canteen, Murphy has hot temper and gets into fight, Sgt. Stanley Ogleby and Cpl. Harry Craig from British Royal Marines come over to introduce themselves but Murphy once again gets heated and leaves the table (7:18). Next day team of British Royal Marines, including Ogleby and Craig report for duty on the USS Perch, 41st Royal Commando Unit immediately begins rigorous training (10:00). 25 September 1950: USS Perch receives commands from United Nations Command for land raiding party in North Korea, commandos briefed on their mission (11:10). Commandos and sailors prepare for mission to commence as sub surfaces, skimmer boats launched into waters but are quickly recovered when captain spots patrol boat and plane overhead; Perch nearly falls into trap during its first mission (12:18). USS Perch prepares for next target: Ammunition dump; Major Collins and Skipper Quinn discuss strategy, Quinn expresses apprehension on moving forward (15:38). USS Perch makes rendezvous with destroyer USS Maddox (DD-731), agreement that diversionary attacks be made as part of commando raid on ammunition dump; Diversionary attacks commence and target area becomes clear (17:15). Sailors and commandos once again rush to launch skimmers and head to land for mission (17:55). Commando swims to shore and gives all clear signal using Morse code on flashlight from shoreline; Commandos sneak up on target, launch surprise attack and unleash phosphorous grenades on ammunition site (19:22). Skimmer operators pick up injured commando and bring him back to USS Perch, then heads back to beach to take other commandos in tow (22:46). Close-up United Nations flag, funeral at sea for Sgt. Stanley Ogleby (23:55). Rear Admiral Thomas M. Dykers closing words and interview with Executive Officer of USS Perch, Lt. Cmdr. Flesser (24:29).
This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit www.PeriscopeFilm.com/
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