The Submarine Pampanito had an amazing experience during the Autumn of 1944.  The Japanese had forced tens of thousands of POWs and others into slavery in order to build a railroad to transport their troops and materiel across Burma and Thailand. Untold numbers died at their hands.  Those prisoners in acceptable condition where put on ships and taken to Japan to work as slaves.

As part of a wolf pack, Pampanito joined in firing upon a Japanese convoy headed to Japan.  One passenger-cargo vessel, the Rakuyo Maru was sunk.  The Rakuyo Maru was carrying hundreds of Australian and British POWs.  Fortunately Pampanito was able to rescue many of the POWs and called for assistance to save as many more as possible.  A City Birds digital photo.