Pacific Wrecks
Pacific Wrecks    
  Missing In Action (MIA) Prisoners Of War (POW) Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)  
Chronology Locations Aircraft Ships Submit Info How You Can Help Donate
  PT-73
USN
78' Higgins
Motor Torpedo Boat

56 Tons
78' x 20' 8" x 5' 3"
4 x 21" torpedo tubes
1 x 40mm Bofors
2 x Twin .50 cal MG

Ship History
Built by Higgins Industries in New Orleans, LA. Laid down December 25, 1941 as 78' Higgins Motor Torpedo Boat. Launched July 24, 1942 as PT-73. Completed August 12, 1942 and assigned to the U.S. Navy (USN).

Wartime History
Assigned to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Thirteen (MTBRon 13). This PT-Boat transited the Panama Canal and proceeded northward and participated in the Aleutian campaign between March 1943 to May 1944. On May 12, 1944 photographed in Womens Bay on Kodiak Island.

During May 1944 transfered to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) and was based at Dreger Harbor, Mios Woendi, San Pedro Bay, Mindoro assigned to Task Unit 70.1.4 and the Squadron earned the Navy Unit Commendation for action between December 15-19, 1944. Lastly operated from Brunei Bay off Borneo but had no action from these stations.

Fate
On January 15, 1945 under the command of Lt(jg) William R. McQuilkin with cargo for guerrillas under the command of LCDR Rowe on Lubang Island. Approaching shore, ran aground and was stripped for usable parts then scuttled.

References
At Close Quarters PT Boats in the United States Navy (1962) pages X
NavSource - PT-73 (photos)

Contribute Information
Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned?
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
July 31, 2024

 

  Discussion Forum Daily Updates Reviews Museums Interviews & Oral Histories  
 
Pacific Wrecks Inc. All rights reserved.
Donate Now Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram