When I first heard about a warship that used potatoes to fight a submarine, I laughed out loud. I thought it was a joke. But as I dug deeper into World War II history, I realized this story is actually true — and it's one of the most bizarre naval encounters I've ever come across. In this post, I'm sharing the strange but true tale of how potatoes saved a US warship.
Too Close for Cannons
During World War II, the ship USS O'Bannon came very close to a Japanese submarine. They were so close that the ship's big guns could not aim low enough to hit the submarine. The American sailors were scared. They saw the Japanese crew running to their own guns on the deck, getting ready to shoot and sink the O'Bannon.
(10).jpg "US Navy destroyer USS O'Bannon close range battle with submarine - BullseyeFacts")
The Great Potato Toss (Climax)
The American sailors had no small guns or bombs nearby. So, they grabbed the only thing they could find: boxes of potatoes. They started throwing the potatoes at the Japanese sailors as hard as they could. It looked like a big food fight in the middle of a war! But in all the noise and confusion, the Japanese sailors made a huge mistake that changed everything.
(11).jpg "American sailors throwing crates of potatoes during Pacific war 1943 - BullseyeFacts")
The Twist: Fear of the "Grenade"
The Japanese sailors were very scared. Because it was dark, they thought the potatoes were actually hand grenades. They were afraid the potatoes would explode! Instead of shooting their guns, they tried to kick the 'bombs' into the water or hide. This gave the USS O'Bannon enough time to move away. Once they were at a safe distance, the American ship used its big guns and sank the Japanese submarine.
(12).jpg "Japanese sailors mistaking potatoes for hand grenades in dark ocean - BullseyeFacts")
Conclusion: A Potato-Powered Victory
A simple vegetable saved a whole warship and all its sailors. It shows that in a scary battle, sometimes the strangest weapons work the best. To celebrate this funny win, a group of potato farmers even sent a special award to the USS O'Bannon crew. They wanted to honor the legendary potato-powered victory!
(13).jpg "Potato Growers Association plaque for USS O'Bannon crew - BullseyeFacts")
My Personal Take on This Story
Why This Story Stuck With Me:
I've read many World War II stories, but this one is completely different. It's not about bravery or tragedy — it's about luck, humor, and quick thinking. The idea that a submarine retreated because it was hit by flying potatoes is something I still find hard to believe, even after reading multiple sources.
My Research:
I checked several historical accounts of the USS O'Bannon. Most sources confirm the basic story — the sailors did throw potatoes at the submarine. However, some historians believe the submarine was already low on supplies and used the potato attack as an excuse to retreat. Either way, it's a funny and memorable moment in naval history.
My Verdict:
Is this story 100% accurate? Probably not down to every detail. But is it a great piece of naval folklore? Absolutely. I believe it's one of those stories that remind us that war isn't always serious — sometimes, strange and funny things happen.
A Tip For You:
Not every story has to be serious to be valuable. Sometimes, the strangest stories are the most memorable. When you're reading history, keep an open mind — you might find some unexpected gems.