In August of 1999, Roland Soucy became the first submarine veteran to serve as a tour guide at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. Roland was a World War II Submarine Veteran, serving as a Machinist Mate on the USS RASHER, the USS CABRILLA, and the USS BUGARA.

In 1944 Roland was sent to Manitowoc to put the USS RASHER into commission. He met his wife Catherine in early May. On their first or second date, he asked her to marry him. A week and a half later they were married. On July 3rd, he left Manitowoc for overseas. When he returned 18 months later, he had a daughter.

Tragedy Strikes
Roland served the first four war patrols on the USS RASHER. Five days before the RASHER departed on its fifth war patrol Roland and his friend, Maurice “Smitty” Smith, were riding their motorcycle in Australia. They were taking their Harley Davidson to a dealer to sell, because submariners were not allowed to have motorcycles back then. This was Roland and Smitty’s third motorcycle in Australia.

Smitty was driving with Roland on the back. At an intersection they crashed into an Aussi command car. Both submariners suffered severe injuries, resulting in Smitty’s death one week later. Roland ended up spending several weeks in the hospital. After recovering from his injuries, Roland went on to do eight more war patrols.

Sharing His Knowledge & His Heart
Roland became an important member of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum and he enjoyed being a tour guide. With his unique perspective, he provided inspiration to visitors who took one of his tours on the submarine. Roland kept scrapbook full of countless letters, pictures, and emails he received from the visitors who had the pleasure of taking his tour. These correspondences were a true testament of his knowledge, dedication to work, and love of people.

Roland passed away on January 18th 2005, the day after his 83rd birthday.