The USS Silversides submarine earned a distinguished service record during World War II, sinking 23 enemy ships and receiving 12 battle stars. A notable event occurred on Christmas Eve 1942 when crew member George Platter required an emergency appendectomy while the submarine was surrounded by Japanese warships. Utilizing improvised surgical tools crafted from kitchen utensils and an ironing board, the crew managed to perform the surgery, which ultimately saved Platter's life. He recovered quickly and returned to duty. The submarine, now a museum in Muskegon, Michigan, preserves such extraordinary stories from its service.
On Christmas Eve 1942, surrounded by enemy warships, a USS Silversides crewman underwent a life-saving appendectomy using makeshift tools in the submarine's wardroom.
The USS Silversides, with its storied past of sinking 23 ships, offers a glimpse into extraordinary resilience, including a successful emergency surgery executed in hostile waters.
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