Ship History
Entered service in December 17, 1942. Transported to the Pacific aboard the SS Stanvac Manila, which was torpedoed and sunk off Nouméa. PT-167 managed clear the sinking ship and sustain only damage to the topside. Afterwards, was towed by destroyer to Nouméa Harbor.

Mission History
Operating from the newly established Torokina PT Boat Base, PT-167 commanded by Ens Berlin departed on an escort mission of LCI 70 and LCT 68 to the Treasury Islands. Departing in the afternoon of November 5, 1943. On the journey, 28 miles south-west of Cape Torokina at twilight 12 Japanese torpedo bombers attacked. PT-167 opened fire, the first aircraft struck the boat's antenna mast, wobbled and crashed into the sea, but PT-167 experienced a severe shock.

A few minutes later, another group of planes attacked, and another plane was observed to be shot down by 20mm fire, but a gunner saw a torpedo wake pass under PT-167. The aircraft concentrated on LCI 70.

After the attack, it was discovered a torpedo had passed through the bow without exploding, ripping a hole above the water line, and leaving a fin and rudder embedded in the hull. LCI had also been hit, and that torpedo entered the engine room but failed to explode, but injured two men this ship was then towed. Reportedly, Radio Tokyo claimed two carriers off Bougainville.

Postwar
Survived the war. Stripped and destroyed on November 11, 1945.

References
At Close Quarters page 141-143

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009