the American "Silent Service" of submarines played a decisive role, destroying Japan's merchant marine and crippling its supply lines, a key factor in the Allied victory. Initially hobbled by faulty torpedoes and inexperienced crews, US submarines became highly effective, sinking over half of Japan's merchant fleet. Beyond attacking ships, American submarines also conducted daring special missions, including rescuing downed pilots and delivering crucial supplies and operatives to resistance groups in the Philippines.
