Eastern Connecticut news., 1946-09-02
EASTERN CONNECTICUT NEWS

night. Many contacts were made, all of which either got away or were too small to be worthwhile targets. The great number of planes | contacted indicated considerable activity in Davao Gulf. Finally on July 9th, the DACE made @ sub merged attack on large trans port with two escorts. She scored at least three hits. Various coun- ter measures made observation of final results impossible. A total of 43 depth charges were dropped, too close for comfort, but not close enough for severe damage.
 On July 18th, the DACE pene- trated Sarangani Bay and took !, periscope photographs. At dawn, July 2Oth, off Port Lebak, she contacted a well-escorted tanker which passed just out of range. Surfacing later that morning the DACE started long and hazardous chase in full view of the shore. The target was not seen again and the disappointment was intense.
 Just after dawn July 26th, smoke was seen on the horizon. This con- tact was chased all day, the DACE being forced to submerge eight times to avoid detection by planes. That night after dark contact was reestablished and at 0049, the next morning, the DACE attacked on the surface. Ten torpedoes were fired | into a convoy of three ships and six escorts-one ship was sunk. The DACE was forced to submerge to avoid being rammed. Twenty six depth charges were dropped.
 The afternoon of July 31st, a submerged attack was made on a small unescorted freighter. One hit sank 1t at once but another torpedo exploded prematurely just outside the ship. It shook the boat and shattered light bulbs and gauge faces. The next morning the last four torpedoes were fired at a mediums freighter with four escorts. The freighter ninbly dodged all torpedoes while the escorts climbed on the DACE to the tune of 10 close depth charges. Later that morning the DACE, having expended all torpedoes, headed for the 'barn." She arrived at Seeadler Harbor, August 9th, and left for Brisbane the next day. The DACE ran through very heavy weather in the Coral Sea, but ar- rived safely in Brisbane, Australia, on August 18th.
 This patrol was successful for purposes of awarding the Subuna- rine Combat Insignia.
 The duration of the patrol was 60 days.
 The following awards were giv- en for this patrol:
 Lieutenant Commander B. D. Claggett, U. s. N.-Bronze Star Medal.
 Lieutenant Commander w. G. Holman, U. S. N. = Bronze Star Medal.
 War Patrol Number Five
 Two hectic weeks of renewing acquaintances and visiting in Syd- ney, Toowoomba, Southport, Cool angatta, Radcliffe and other areas along the east coast of Australia finally terminated with the an- nouncement that the DACE had re- ceived an excellent reft and was ready for her fifth war patrol.
 On September 1st, under the command of Commander B. D. C1aggett, in company with the USS DARTER and escorts, the DACE departed from Brisbane. That same evening, while making a trim dive, a submerged object jared the boat. Next morning an investiga- tion with shal1ow-water diving ap- paratus revealed that the sonar head would be imperative for the rest of the trip. Commander R. H. Crane, U. S. N., training off cer, came aboard September 4th and observed all battle and emer- gency drills for two days. Finally