The USS Tang was a Gato-class submarine of the United States Navy, renowned for its successful combat record during World War II and commanded by Captain Richard O'Kane, who was the top American submarine ace of the war. On October 25, while patrolling near Formosa in the Pacific, the Tang launched a sophisticated torpedo towards an enemy vessel. However, due to a malfunction, the torpedo turned back on its path, circling hungrily around the submarine before hitting it. This devastating circular run resulted in the loss of the USS Tang and the majority of her crew. The incident was a shocking example of how the very technologies designed to ensure victory could lead to unforeseen peril for the operators themselves.

The war in the Pacific was marked by fierce submarine warfare, with American submarines inflicting significant damage on Japanese shipping. Captain O'Kane had led the Tang to achieve an impressive tally of sinkings earlier in its operations, making this loss particularly tragic. The Tang was known for its innovative tactics and effectiveness in combat, so its loss due to a malfunction highlights the complexities and dangers present in naval warfare. Following the tragedy, the surviving crew members, many of whom were rescued after the sinking, faced the challenges of survival in enemy-held waters, adding another layer of adversity to the already risky environment of submarine warfare.