PT Boat Crewman Lathers Up with Soap Prior to Salt Water Bath

Crewman of a motor torpedo boat covering himself with soap prior to dive over side of ship in the Philippines. Note 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun with helmet next to gunner's seat. PT boats were instrumental in securing the Philippines, able to bring firepower to the many islands. PT boats attacked Japanese convoy TA-6, consisting of two transports escorted by three patrol vessels that left Manila on November 27, 1944. They were attacked by American PT boats in Ormoc Bay on the night of November 28 and by air attack as the surviving ships left the area. All five ships were sunk. The United States created a forward base for PT Boats at Ormoc Bay on December 28, 1944.