John A. Bole

Who was John A. Bole?

John Archibald Bole, Jr. graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1928. After serving in Tennessee, he underwent submarine training. Bole subsequently served in a succession of submarines, taking command of S-21 in June 1940. Appointed Lieutenant Commander 2 January 1942, he became the commanding officer of Amberjack upon her commissioning in July 1942. After two offensive patrols in the Solomon Islands, the submarine departed Brisbane, Australia 26 January 1943 to prowl the shipping lanes around Rabaul. She sank a freighter 4 February and was last heard from 10 days later. Japanese records indicate Amberjack was probably sunk in an attack 16 February 1943 at about 5°05′S 152°37′E / 5.083°S 152.617°E. Lt. Comdr. Bole was awarded the Navy Cross for his outstanding performance as her commander.