SS-394 USS Razorback Patch-Version A1 Small

SS-394 USS Razorback Patch-Version A1 Small (U.S. Navy) 3.0 x 3.0" Embroidered Patch with Iron-On Backing

Superior Materials: Made with premium polyester thread and durable twill fabric, ensuring long-lasting color and strength.

Advanced Embroidery Technology: Crafted using the most advanced embroidery machinery, guaranteeing intricate detail, sharp lines, and consistent quality every time.

Easy Iron-On Application: Features a heat-activated adhesive backing for quick, no-sew attachment. Simply position, iron, and press for a secure bond.

Versatile Use: Perfect for personalizing jackets, backpacks, uniforms, or any fabric surface that needs a touch of personality. 

Durable and Washable: Designed to withstand everyday wear and occasional washing without fading or fraying.

Formations & Origins
The SS-394 USS Razorback was a Balao-class submarine that served the U.S. Navy with distinction during World War II, the Korean War, and beyond. Commissioned in 1944, the Razorback was a fast, effective submarine, built to strike against enemy forces from beneath the ocean surface. It was named after the Razorback, a wild boar native to the U.S. that symbolizes toughness and tenacity, a fitting moniker for a vessel that would face some of the most dangerous missions of the war. The USS Razorback was notable for its service in the Pacific Theater, where it became known for its precision strikes against Japanese shipping lanes, contributing heavily to the Allied efforts to disrupt enemy supply lines and weaken their war economy.

Notable Commanders
Several commanders led the USS Razorback throughout her service, but one of the most notable was Captain Wilfred L. Harter, who commanded the boat during some of its most critical missions in World War II. Under his leadership, the Razorback conducted successful torpedo attacks against enemy shipping and played a pivotal role in the Pacific submarine campaign. Captain Harter’s leadership was instrumental in the Razorback’s success, and he and his crew displayed the courage, resourcefulness, and professionalism that became a hallmark of the U.S. submarine force during the war.

After World War II, Razorback served in the Korean War, where she was commanded by Captain John W. T. Nicholson. Nicholson and the crew of Razorback were tasked with providing reconnaissance and intelligence support, further cementing the submarine’s versatility and importance in different theaters of operation.

Major Campaigns/Operations
USS Razorback’s most notable service was in the Pacific during World War II. She was involved in numerous patrols aimed at crippling Japan’s merchant fleet and naval assets. One of Razorback’s most significant operations was her participation in the Third War Patrol, where she was credited with sinking multiple Japanese ships, contributing to the success of the broader U.S. strategy of maritime blockade.

Razorback’s service continued after World War II, including the Korean War, where she operated off the coast of North Korea and provided vital intelligence and reconnaissance. After the Korean conflict, the USS Razorback remained in active service and was eventually decommissioned in 1969, but her legacy lived on in the contributions of U.S. submarines to both Cold War tactics and peacetime reconnaissance efforts. In the years that followed, the Razorback would continue to be a symbol of the long-standing strategic advantage held by the U.S. Navy's submarine force.

Specialized Role/Equipment
The USS Razorback, like other submarines of her class, was a versatile vessel equipped for reconnaissance, offensive strikes, and stealth operations. She carried an array of torpedoes, including the Mk 14 torpedo, which was used to sink enemy ships with deadly accuracy. Her role during World War II was focused on attacking Japanese merchant ships and warships, vital to crippling Japan’s supply lines. Razorback also had sonar and radar systems that allowed her to operate undetected, even in the most hostile waters, a key asset for a submarine operating behind enemy lines.

The submarine’s design also allowed her to dive deep and remain submerged for extended periods, making her an ideal platform for covert operations in the Pacific, where stealth was essential. Razorback’s ability to navigate under the ocean, avoid detection, and launch surprise attacks made her a formidable weapon in the naval arsenal.

Acts of Heroism
The USS Razorback, and her crew, were no strangers to acts of courage and heroism. During the war, submarines like Razorback often faced extreme danger, operating in enemy-controlled waters with little room for error. One of the most notable examples of bravery came during Razorback’s successful attacks on Japanese ships. Operating stealthily in the dense waters of the Pacific, the crew often risked everything — their lives, their vessel, and their mission — to strike a blow against the enemy.

In one notable episode, Razorback was heavily depth-charged by a Japanese destroyer after an attack on a convoy. The crew had to rely on every ounce of training, instinct, and innovation to survive the relentless barrage. The fact that Razorback survived, evaded capture, and continued to operate effectively throughout her service is a testament to the courage and resourcefulness of her crew.

Legacy & Notable Achievements
The USS Razorback holds an esteemed place in naval history, particularly in the context of the Pacific submarine campaign during World War II. Her contributions to the success of the U.S. Navy’s efforts in disrupting Japan’s maritime capabilities cannot be overstated. Razorback earned multiple battle stars for her wartime service and was credited with sinking numerous enemy vessels, playing a pivotal role in crippling Japan’s supply chain and contributing to the eventual Allied victory.

In the postwar years, Razorback’s continued service in the Korean War and her contribution to Cold War-era operations solidified her legacy as a key player in U.S. naval history. After being decommissioned, Razorback was eventually transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Murat Reis (S 335) until her retirement. Today, Razorback is preserved as a museum ship at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum in North Little Rock, where visitors can learn about her storied history and the crew's sacrifices and accomplishments.

The USS Razorback patch, representing both the ship and its crew, symbolizes courage, perseverance, and the undeniable impact of U.S. submarines in the 20th century. It’s a reminder that beneath the ocean’s surface, the Navy’s silent service continues to be one of its most powerful deterrents and tools for global security.