U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS-217) — war patrol report SS-217_GUARDFISH_Part1.pdf

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OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: L. Frye]

DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 11-5-80]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[SEAL: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET - START AND END
NDW-NPPSO-5210/1 (6-78)

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[HANDWRITTEN: 1975-37]

[HANDWRITTEN: GUARDFISH (SS-217)]
[HANDWRITTEN: WORLD WAR II:]
[HANDWRITTEN: PATROL FILE]
[HANDWRITTEN: ACTION REPORTS]

[HANDWRITTEN: ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: FOR DECK LOG MAY 1943 - JUNE 1945 CONSULT]
[HANDWRITTEN: NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY]

[HANDWRITTEN: J.D. KOWITZ]

— page 3 —
Office of Naval Records and History
Ships' Histories Section
Navy Department
HISTORY OF USS GUARDFISH (SS 217)
Playing a bold game in the enemy's own seas, the USS GUARDFISH
(SS 217) scored heavily in its twelve war patrols.
The dozen thrusts into enemy shipping lanes resulted in sinking
or damaging approximately 200,000 tons of shipping and earned two
presidential unit citations for the submarine.
GUARDFISH demonstrated her effectiveness emphatically on the night
of July 16th, 1944, while operating with a task group of four sub-
marines in the South China Sea near Formosa. The commanding officer
made a successful "end around" run on a convoy and fired six torpedoes
at a formation
of five overlapping ships in a ten-ship
convoy.
This attack resulted in quick sinking of four of these vessels,
including a large tanker and, judging by the great explosion, an
ammunition ship. Of this convoy of ten ships, six were sunk within
three and a half hours. All attacks were made on the surface, using
radar and camouflage to full advantage.
Boring through a heavy escort screen, GUARDFISH on the following
day sank a large naval auxiliary vessel. On July 19, the submarine
conducted another well-planned daylight periscope attack to send one
freighter down and damage another.
For these operations, on her eighth war patrol, GUARDFISH was
awarded a Presidential Unit Citation and the commanding officer, Com-
mander Norwell G. Ward, USN, was given the Navy Cross.
GUARDFISH left on her first war patrol August 6, 1942, to take
station along the eastern shore of Honshu. Eight ships, a total of
51,055 tons were sent to the bottom and one 7,000 ton freighter was
damaged.
A second strike was conducted in October. A freighter and a
tanker were sunk and another freighter was damaged, this time in the
East China sea area.
For this auspicious start, GUARDFISH was awarded the Presidential
Unit Citation. For each of these first two patrols the boat's skip-
per, Commander Thomas B. Klakring, USN, was awarded the Navy Cross.
GUARDFISH continued her underwater assault upon enemy shipping.
On her third patról, January 1943, she needed only 17 minutes to send
a Jap destroyer to the bottom.
Sinking enemy shipping was not the sole duty for this submarine.
In two missions, July 24, 1943, and July 28, 1943, the ship evacuated
a total of 83 natives from Bougainville.
1

— page 4 —
- 2 - USS GUARDFISH (SS 217)

On October 28, two days prior to American landings on Bougainville,
GUARDFISH daringly picked from the island a group of Marine raiders
which had landed there four days earlier for a reconnaissance sortie.
In addition, the submarine recorded soundings within Jap-held Empress
Augusta Bay.

At several occasions, the GUARDFISH was alerted for air-sea rescue
guard duty. On March 19, 1945, an officer and crewman, survivors of
a down Hell-diver plane from the USS HANCOCK, were rescued.

Although exposed to intense enemy surface fire and depth charge
attacks the submarine suffered its major casualty of the war when she
was rammed by an Army tanker on December 4, 1943. The main ballast
tank in the after part of the forward engine room was ruptured and a
dent was made in the pressure hull. There were no personnel injuries.
Emergency repairs were effected at Brisbane and overhaul was given
two months later in San Francisco.

While enroute to Guam, from its tenth war patrol in January 1945,
the GUARDFISH made contact with an unidentified vessel, ascertained
after close scrutiny to be an I-Class Japanese submarine. A success-
ful submerged approach and torpedo attack sank the ship.

On surfacing it was found to be not an enemy Man O 'War, but
rather the USS EXTRACATOR (ARS 15). Prompt and efficient measures
taken by GUARDFISH resulted in the rescue of seventy-three of the
seventy-nine members of the ships company.

At completion of her twelfth war patrol, on June 26, 1945, the
GUARDFISH was given a refit by the USS EURYALE and then assigned duty
with the Submarine Training Command, testing special weapons and
conducting exercises with surface craft.

At war's end, the submarine terminated its training duty and
sailed for home, arriving in New Orleans, Louisiana, September 16,
1945, to take part in Navy Day ceremonies there.

GUARDFISH reported to New London, Connecticut, in November to be
laid up in the SIXTEENTH Fleet (Inactive). By Directive dated January
1948, USS GUARDFISH (SS 217) was later transferred to the THIRD Naval
District to train Naval reserves.

The vessel was constructed by the Electric Boat Company Groton,
Connecticut. The boat was launched January 20, 1942, with Mrs. E. J.
Marquart as sponsor.

Commissioning took place at the submarine base in New London,
Connecticut, on May 8, 1942, with Lieutenant Commander Thomas B.
Klakring, USN, as first commanding officer. After a period of inten-
sive training, GUARDFISH arrived at Pearl Harbor mid-year 1942.

— page 5 —
- 3 - USS GUARDFISH (SS 217)

The vessel's successive commanding officers were. Commander
Thomas B. Klakring, USN, May 8, 1942, to May 18, 1943; Commander
Norwell G. Ward, USN, May 18, 1943, to October 27, 1944; Commander
Douglas T. Hammond, USN, October 27, 1944, to July 19, 1945; Lieutenant
Commander Julian T. Burke, Jr., USN, July 29 to decommissioning.

GUARDFISH was the twelfth submarine of the "G" Type to be con-
structed. It has a length of 312 feet, 27 feet beam, 1,800 ton dis-
placement, and a surface speed of more than 20 knots.

As are all U. S. Submarines, GUARDFISH is powered by diesel
engines when operating on surface. When submerged, battery-powered
motor-generators drive her twin screws.

The submarine is armed with a 4-inch 50 wet mount, two 40 milli-
meter Army single type mounts, two 20 millimeter single mounts, two
50 caliber single mounts, ten 21-inch torpedo tubes, six forward and
four aft.

* * * * * *

USS GUARDFISH earned eleven Battle Stars on the Asiatic-Pacific
Area Service Medal, for participating in the following operations:

1 Star/Capture and Defense of Guadalcanal -- 10 August 1942 to 8
February 1943

1 Star/Consolidation of Solomon Islands
Consolidation of Southern Solomons -- 8 February to 20 June
1943

1 Star/Eastern New Guinea Operation
Finschhafen Occupation -- 22 September 1943 to 17 February 1944

1 Star/Iwo Jima Operation
Assault and Occupation of Iwo Jima -- 15 February to 16 March
1945

1 Star/Okinawa Gunto Operation
Assault and Occupation of Okinawa -- 24 March to 30 June 1945

1 Star each for the following submarine War Patrols:
6 August to 15 September 1942
30 October to 28 November 1942
27 December 1943 to 18 February 1944
14 June to 31 July 1944
23 August to 24 October 1944
8 May to 26 June 1945

She earned the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION for the following periods
6 August to 15 September 1942 -- First War Patrol -- Pacific
30 September to 28 November 1942 -- Second War Patrol -- Pacific
She also earned a second PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION for the period
of 14 June to 31 July on the Eighth War Patrol -- Pacific.

* * * * * *

Restencilled July 1951

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[STAMP: Reg. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 2571]]
[STAMP: R.S. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 10 06]]
SUBMARINES, PACIFIC FLEET

FF12-10/A16-3(5)
Serial 01106

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
September 22, 1942

COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 71
U.S.S. GUARD FISH - FIRST WAR PATROL.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

From: The Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
To : Submarines, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. GUARD FISH (SS217) - Report of First
War Patrol.

Enclosure: (A) Copy of Comsubron 8 Conf ltr FC5-6/A16-3
Serial 0101 of September 16, 1942.
(B) Copy of Comsubdiv 81 Conf ltr FB5-81/
A16-3 Serial 032 of September 16, 1942.
(C) Copy of subject patrol.

1. The first war patrol of the GUARD FISH was highly
successful. This can be attributed to the aggressiveness of
the Commanding Officer and the thorough manner in which he
covered the assigned areas. He attempted to close every ship
sighted and he did not break off the attack until it became
apparent that a firing range could not be reached. He failed
to attack the 700 ton patrol vessel on August 26, but this is
attributed to the instructions then existent, regarding the
depth setting of torpedoes, and the knowledge that Mark 14
torpedoes run 10 feet deeper than set. On two occasions, he
sank small vessels by gun fire. The attack and destruction
of a trawler by gun fire on August 22 was expeditiously ex-
ecuted. Since this trawler challenged by searchlight, she
was probably a naval auxiliary and the early hits eliminated
opportunity for counter measures. The brilliantly illuminated
fire indicates that she may have been engaged in carrying oil
or gasoline.

2. The GUARD FISH made a total of ten torpedo attacks,
sinking six ships and damaging at least one. This is the highest
percentage of successful attacks and the maximum tonnage sunk
on a single patrol to date.

3. The explosions noted during the attack on August
19 were probably depth charges dropped by the ship under attack.
This is general Japanese practice when attacked by a submarine,
and it is frequently effective in preventing a follow up. The
submarine mistaking the explosions for an air attack. It is
noted that the Commanding Officer remained at periscope depth
on August 19 to be in a position for a counter attack when the
destroyer headed over for a depth charge attack. This is good

[HANDWRITTEN: 42973] [STAMP: FILMED]
- 1 -
[STAMP: W1]
COMMANDER IN CHIEF
U.S. FLEET
[STAMP: RECEIVED]
[STAMP: OCT 10 15 49]

— page 8 —
A16-3
Serial 0101
COLFIDENTIAL
ed
September 16, 1942.
From:
TO :
Subject:
Reference:
1.
Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT.
Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
First War Patrol, U.S.S. GUARDFISH: Comments on.
(a) GUARDFISH letter file SS217/A16-3 Serial 022
of September 15, 1942, and Enclosure (A)
thereto.
GUARDFISH first war patrol was highly successful.
It was characterized throughout by an aggressive determination
to inflict the utmost practicable damage to the enemy, a spirit
which was rewarded amply by results attained. "Well done" is
conveyed by copy of this letter to the Commanding Officer,
officers and crew of GUARDFISH.
2.
noteworthy are:
Features of this patrol considered particularly
First torpedo exploder failures resulting in lost
opportunity to insure the sinking of the LYONS MARU type
freighter on attack number Five. The first torpedo fired at
this target leaped vertically clear of the water repeatedly
off the bow of the target; this torpedo was observed later
floating vertically minus its warhead. It is believed that
this warhead was knocked off by striking the target. The
reported observation of the second torpedo hitting just under
the target's bridge and throwing a plume of spray higher than
the main deck level, without an explosion being heard, leads
to the belief that the air flask exploded on impact, while the
warhead did not. The Commanding Officer states orally that
both the torpedo jupping clear of the water off the target's
bow, and the plume of water alingside the target's bridge were
visible in the periscope field simultaneously. This obviates
the possibility of the failure of the exploder of only one
torpedo. These exploders, Nos. 47 and 2315, were last checked
by Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, about August 1, 1942.

Second the considerable element of good fortune which
permitted a single torpedo fired at a range of approximately
seventy five hundred yards at an anchored target to hit on
Attack Number Ten.

- 1 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 11 —
FB5-S1/A16-3
Serial 032
CONFIDENTIAL

From:
To :
Subject:

Reference:

1.
tionally well
GUADFISH, by
have set a high

2.
ing Officer chose
assigned, for each
no doubt, was an
GUADFISH in that
enemy may have attempted
once known and probably
submarine measures were
great majority of contacts
coast. This is another
traffic through coastal waters.

3.
torpedo attacks are submitted in accordance with reference (a):

ATTACK NO. 1
Failed due to being sighted and target maneuvering.

ATTACKS NO. 2 and NO 3
These attacks were successful gun attacks. No torpedoes
were fired.

ATTACK NO. 4
Two of the three torpedoes fired made hits. The third
torpedo probably missed due to the spread used.

-1-

SUBMARINE DIVISION EIGHT-ONE

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
September 16, 1942.

The Commander Submarine Division EIGHT-ONE.
The Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.

U.S.S. GUADFISH - First War Patrol;
Report of.

(a) Consubpac Patrol Report No. 48.

The first war patrol of the GUADFISH was excep-
conducted. The officers and crew of the
destroying a large tonnage of the enemy shipping,
standard of which they may be justly proud.

From the track chart it is noted that the Command-
widely separated locations, within the area
succeeding days' operation. This choice,
important factor in the success of the
it nullified any rerouting of traffic that the
after the submarine's presence was
it is also a reason why so few anti-
encountered. It is noted that the
were made in close proximity to the
confirmation that the enemy is routing

The following remarks, relative to the GUADFISH's

ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 13 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

1. NARRATIVE

August 6, 1942
0900 (VW) Departed Pearl and joined escort.
1228 (VI) Test dive to 275 feet. Escort dropped two depth
          charges for indoctrination.
1930 (ZE) Set course for Midway. Escort departed.

August 7
0700 (WX) Sighted PBY; exchanged signals and calls.

August 10
0540 (Z) Joined up with escort.
0826 (Z) Entered Midway and moored to tender. Received
          fuel and water. Transferred six ratings to
          CSD#1 and received eight in exchange.
1330(Y) Cleared Midway under escort. Zig zagged at high
          speed due to reported presence of enemy submarine
1515 (Y) Escort departed. Set course for patrol station.

August 11, 12, 13
          Enroute to station conducting ship and fire
          control drills and diving for trim on August
          12, only. Fired small arms and 3-inch for train-
          ing.

August 14
1334 (L) Trim and training dive for one hour. Encountered
          high seas during afternoon, and at
2015 (L) was forced to slow to 1/3 speed due to shipping
          water in the induction.

August 15
1000(L) Storm abated slightly, resumed two engine speed.

August 16, 17 Weather deteriorated. Made two hour dive for
          training on August 16. Proceeded at 1/3 speed.

August 18
0447 (K) Heavy seas.
          Submerged for all day dive to rest and freshen up
          crew who are worn out from fighting the weather.
          Radar out of commission. Ran all day at 120 ft.
          except for brief periscope observations hourly.
1916 (K) Surfaced. Weather moderated. Radar repaired.

-1- ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 18 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUADFISH - Report of First War Patrol

0654K The Commanding Officer sighted our first torpedo
floating vertically without its warhead 400 yards
off the starboard bow of the submarine. We passed
it closed aboard and it was carefully observed
through the periscope by both the Executive and
Torpedo Officers. The air flash appeared intact.
0718K Five sets of high speed propellers were picked up by
sound, all in the direction of the shore and all
getting louder. By this time the target had dis-
appeared in the haze and nothing could be seen to
shoreward, so went to 120 feet and spent the next
8 hours evading what was considered to be a patrol
group.
1415K Sighted two patrol vessels and resumed evasion tactics.
1623K All clear except for one Sanpan.
1946K Surfaced and headed southeast.

August 26
0433K Sighted side lights of vessel on port beam distance
5 miles. While maneuvering for position, the lights
went out and the ship was lost in the darkness. Con-
tinued daylight patrol at dawn in attempt to re-locate
previously sighted vessel but, instead, a
0545K a large patrol vessel appeared from the opposite
direction at a range of 4 miles. Submerged. Was
unable to get clear of this tenacious patrol until
1700K late. During the day the periscope was raised at infrequent
intervals and each time until the last, the vessel
(a 700 ton affair) was found doggedly hanging on with-
in a mile or so of us. Another curious thing was ob-
served; each time the periscope was raised, this
patrol turned and headed directly at it, which led
us to suspect that he might be equipped with a sur-
face radar.
1928K Surfaced.

August 27
Remained on surface at dawn. During yesterday and to-
day the ship is patrolling in the southeastern cor-
ner of area about one hundred fifty miles
from the coast, this sector having been chosen as
a secondary patrol area because it lies across the
great circle courses from Tokyo to Attu and Kiska,
it having been in this vicinity where we encountered
the naval auxiliary and destroyer on August 19.

-6- ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 19 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

August 27
0722K Submerged and conducted periscope patrol throughout
      the day. Nothing sighted.
1912K Surfaced and set course for Kinkasan.

August 28
0501K Submerged eight miles off Kinkasan and closed the
      shore but at
0600K the weather deteriorated rapidly and at
0700K when about 4 miles from the island, a full gale was
      blowing and was forced to abandon the patrol and head
      out to keep from being set on the beach.
1916K Surfaced to ride out the storm.

August 29
0535K Submerged in heavy seaway. The ship rolled several
      degrees at 150 feet. Storm abated during the after-
      noon but still overcast. No shipping sighted. Posi-
      tion doubtful.
1914K Surfaced. Position doubtful but set course for town
      of Yagi, in latitude 40-20.

August 30
0512K Unable to fix morning position. Submerged about 8
      miles off coast just below Yagi.
0522K Sighted land as dawn broke, identified Yagi and closed
      to within a mile of the town to take photographs.
      Visibility poor.
0600K Rain and fog forced removal to deeper water; spent re-
      mainer of day patrolling a line 8 miles off shore.
      Visibility low throughout the day. No shipping ex-
      cept sampans sighted.

August 31
0734K Submerged in thick fog about fifty miles east of
      Benten Bana. Nothing sighted all day, visibility
      ranging from 1/4 to 2 miles.
1908K Surfaced.
2042K Passed sampan close aboard to port.
2050K Near collision with sampan to starboard.
      No evening stars, no fix in past 36 hours.

-7- ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 19 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

August 27
0722K Submerged and conducted periscope patrol throughout
      the day. Nothing sighted.
1912K Surfaced and set course for Kinkasan.

August 28
0501K Submerged eight miles off Kinkasan and closed the
      shore but at
0600K the weather deteriorated rapidly and at
0700K when about 4 miles from the island, a full gale was
      blowing and was forced to abandon the patrol and head
      out to keep from being set on the beach.
1916K Surfaced to ride out the storm.

August 29
0535K Submerged in heavy seaway. The ship rolled several
      degrees at 150 feet. Storm abated during the after-
      noon but still overcast. No shipping sighted. Posi-
      tion doubtful.
1914K Surfaced. Position doubtful but set course for town
      of Yagi, in latitude 40-20.

August 30
0512K Unable to fix morning position. Submerged about 8
      miles off coast just below Yagi.
0522K Sighted land as dawn broke, identified Yagi and closed
      to within a mile of the town to take photographs.
      Visibility poor.
0600K Rain and fog forced removal to deeper water; spent re-
      mainer of day patrolling a line 8 miles off shore.
      Visibility low throughout the day. No shipping ex-
      cept sampans sighted.

August 31
0734K Submerged in thick fog about fifty miles east of
      Benten Bana. Nothing sighted all day, visibility
      ranging from 1/4 to 2 miles.
1908K Surfaced.
2042K Passed sampan close aboard to port.
2050K Near collision with sampan to starboard.
      No evening stars, no fix in past 36 hours.

-7- ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 20 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. QUARDFISH - Report of First "ar Patrol.

September 1
0530K Submerged in thick fog about sixty miles east-northeast
of Todo Jaki. Two sampans only sighted during the
day.
1919K Surfaced in heavy seaway: Took seas over the bridge.
2200K Visibility improved to about five niles; obtaine
star-light fix, the first in 62 hours. Set course for
Erino, Saki. (southeast tip of Holaido).
September 2
Patrolling on surface in heavy seaway. Remained on
surface after dawn in order to close and pick up
Erino Saki.
0640K Sighted freighter to westward, distancc 8 miles. In-
creased speed and maneuvered to get un ahead of
freighter.
0727K Submerged and at
0747K picked up the target again and made attack.
0844K Tired a 2 degree divergent spread of tomedoes and
obtained two hits, one under the bridge and one under
the stack. The third torpedo broached near the bow
of the target, probably due to the seas which were
fifteen to twenty feet high. Tlfc Troihter took a
fifty degree list to starboard but did not appear
to be sinking. Thercforékát
:
0847K fired a fourth torpedo. The trach of this torpedo
could not be seen through the periscope and no ex-
plosion was heard, but at
0850K the crew of the freighter began to abandon ship and
at
0900K the ship broke squarely in two just below the bridge
and sank rapidly. It was identified as being the
Atago Maru of of similar type (7540 tons). The two
life boats filled with survivor's were let go un-
molested.
0910K Discovered by soundings that we had been set well to
westward, so quickly cleared out of the shoal
water west of the cape and withdrew to the south.
1216K ighted patrol vessel at 25 miles and succeeded in
evading him by:
1654K.
1927K Surfaced and set course for Todo Jaki.

-8-
INCLOSURE (C)

— page 23 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

September 4 (Continued)
1903K when all that remained above water was about a hundred feet
    of the bow inclinded upwards. It is presumed that the stern
    had settled in the mud. This vessel was identified as re-
    sembling the Seattle Maru (5800 tons). The length of
    torpedo run indicated that the actual range was in excess of
    7500 yards instead of the 6500 yards estimated through the
    periscope.
1905K An approach was begun on another ore ship which appeared
    from the Southeast during the attack on the anchored vessel.
    High speed was used to close the target because the daylight
    was fading and also because a patrol vessel was heading out
    in our direction from the harbor.
1926K Fired two bow torpedoes at 1000 yard range, one minute fir-
    ing interval. The second torpedo struck under the bridge
    at
1928K with an explosion which shook the submarine and the target
    began settling by the bow. At
1929K the Commanding Officer, being over-anxious to get this tar-
    get beneath the surface, fired another torpedo on a large
    track angle. It missed.
1930K The crew of the freighter began abandoning ship and at
1942K she sank beneath the water with the stern pointing to the
    sky. This ship had the general configuration of the Alaska
    Maru but was a great deal bigger, an estimate of 9000 tons
    being accepted by the several ship's officers who saw her.
    This fourth sinking of the day occurred one mile off shore.
1949K It now being fairly dark, went to 90 feet and headed out to
    sea. Could not see the patrol vessel at this time.
2010K Sound heard high speed screws close aboard and at
2012K sustained light depth charge attack during which seven
    distinct shocks were felt at ranges of a thousand yards,
    more or less. Propellers could be heard starting and stop-
    ping at frequent intervals until
2042K when, it being all quiet and pitch black, GUARDFISH surfaced
    and cleared out on three engines.
2112K Two patrols sighted.
2220K A third patrol vessel sighted. Steered semi-circular avoid-
    ing course and left them all astern.

NOTE: The Commanding Officer feels that this day's successes could
    not have been achieved without the expert cooperation of all
    of the officers and ship's company who remained at their
    battle stations almost constantly for a period of over nine
    hours. No one worked harder or contributed more than the
    navigator, Lt. Herman J. Kossler, upon whom was imposed the
    task of keeping the vessel clear of the rocks which ex-
    tended out from the shore for as much as a mile to seaward.

- 11 - ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 23 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

September 4 (Continued)
1903K when all that remained above water was about a hundred feet
    of the bow inclinded upwards. It is presumed that the stern
    had settled in the mud. This vessel was identified as re-
    sembling the Seattle Maru (5800 tons). The length of
    torpedo run indicated that the actual range was in excess of
    2500 yards instead of the 6500 yards estimated through the
    periscope.
1905K An approach was begun on another ore ship which appeared
    from the Southeast during the attack on the anchored vessel.
    High speed was used to close the target because the daylight
    was fading and also because a patrol vessel was heading out
    in our direction from the harbor.
1926K Fired two bow torpedoes at 1000 yard range, one minute fir-
    ing interval. The second torpedo struck under the bridge
    at
1928K with an explosion which shook the submarine and the target
    began settling by the bow. At
1929K the Commanding Officer, being over-anxious to get this tar-
    get beneath the surface fired another torpedo on a large
    track angle. It missed.
1930K The crew of the freighter began abandoning ship and at
1942K she sank beneath the water with the stern pointing to the
    sky. This ship had the general configuration of the Alaska
    Maru but was a great deal bigger, an estimate of 9000 tons
    being accepted by the several ship's officers who saw her.
    This fourth sinking of the day occurred one mile off shore.
1949K It now being fairly dark, went to 90 feet and headed out to
    sea. Could not see the patrol vessel at this time.
2010K Sound heard high speed screws close aboard and at
2012K sustained light depth charge attack during which seven
    distinct shocks were felt at ranges of a thousand yards,
    more or less. Propellers could be heard starting and stop-
    ping at frequent intervals until
2042K when, it being all quiet and pitch black, GUARDFISH surfaced
    and cleared out on three engines.
2112K Two patrols sighted.
2220K A third patrol vessel sighted. Steered semi-circular avoid-
    ing course and left them all astern.

NOTE: The Commanding Officer feels that this day's successes could
    not have been achieved without the expert cooperation of all
    of the officers and ship's company who remained at their
    battle stations almost constantly for a period of over nine
    hours. No one worked harder or contributed more than the
    navigator, Lt. Herman J. Kossler, upon whom was imposed the
    task of keeping the vessel clear of the rocks which ex-
    tended out from the shore for as much as a mile to seaward.

- 11 - ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 24 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

September 5
0449K Submerged 110 miles off the coast.
1520K Sighted and avoided a sampan. No other shipping sighted.
1918K Surfaced, set course for Erimo Saki.

September 6
0432K Sighted Erimo Point Light which was exhibiting its normal
characteristic.
0455K Submerged 15 miles Northeast of the cape. Conducted peris-
cope patrol on a line between Erimo Saki and the city of
Kushiro.
1320K Freighter, hull down appeared from the Northeastward. Con-
ducted approach but at
1402K Broke off attack because target was considered too small to
warrant the expenditure of one of our three remaining tor-
pedoes.
1436K Three mine sweeps in formation (line abreast) steamed along
our track and disappeared to the Northeastward.
1600K Three patrol vessels appeared and closed to 1-2 miles. Used
evasive tactics without getting clear of them until
1945K then surfaced and headed away on four engines.
2300K Maneuvered until 2330 to avoid dimmed lights of what were
believed to be patrol vessels.

September 7
0010K Discovered ourselves boxed in by a semi-circular disposition
of at least eight vessels which were patrolling a base
course of 120T at a speed of 14 knots. These vessels were
believed to be a destroyer group operating out of Ominato.
The contact persisted for over two hours despite our efforts
to get clear, during which period certain vessels of the
disposition would completely darken ship for periods of a
half-hour or more. Otherwise, they all ran with dimmed white
lights and occasionally turned on sidelights for brief inter-
vals. Finally, about
0300K the disposition was altered to a line of bearing normal to a
new base course of 090T, shortly after which GUARDFISH out-
ranged them by running to Eastward at full speed.
0418K Avoided light on starboard beam.
0506K Submerged about 140 miles off the coast.
1734K A patrol vessel appeared at 4 miles on our port quarter and
closed to within 2 miles where it hung on until dark.
1921K Surfaced. Avoided two lights during evening watch.

September 8
Avoided two lights on mid and morning watches.
0506K Submerged in Southeastern sector of area. No shipping
sighted.
1922K Surfaced and set course for Kinkasan.

- 12 - ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 24 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

September 5
0449K Submerged 110 miles off the coast.
1520K Sighted and avoided a sampan. No other shipping sighted.
1918K Surfaced, set course for Erimo Saki.

September 6
0432K Sighted Erimo Point Light which was exhibiting its normal
characteristic.
0455K Submerged 15 miles Northeast of the cape. Conducted peris-
cope patrol on a line between Erimo Saki and the city of
Kushiro.
1320K Freighter, hull down appeared from the Northeastward. Con-
ducted approach but at
1402K Broke off attack because target was considered too small to
warrant the expenditure of one of our three remaining tor-
pedoes.
1436K Three mine sweeps in formation (line abreast) steamed along
our track and disappeared to the Northeastward.
1600K Three patrol vessels appeared and closed to 1-2 miles. Used
evasive tactics without getting clear of them until
1945K then surfaced and headed away on four engines.
2300K Maneuvered until 2330 to avoid dimmed lights of what were
believed to be patrol vessels.

September 7
0010K Discovered ourselves boxed in by a semi-circular disposition
of at least eight vessels which were patrolling a base
course of 120T at a speed of 14 knots. These vessels were
believed to be a destroyer group operating out of Ominato.
The contact persisted for over two hours despite our efforts
to get clear, during which period certain vessels of the
disposition would completely darken ship for periods of a
half-hour or more. Otherwise, they all ran with dimmed white
lights and occasionally turned on sidelights for brief inter-
vals. Finally, about
0300K the disposition was altered to a line of bearing normal to a
new base course of 090T, shortly after which GUARDFISH out-
ranged them by running to Eastward at full speed.
0418K Avoided light on starboard beam.
0506K Submerged about 140 miles off the coast.
1734K A patrol vessel appeared at 4 miles on our port quarter and
closed to within 2 miles where it hung on until dark.
1921K Surfaced. Avoided two lights during evening watch.

September 8
Avoided two lights on mid and morning watches.
0506K Submerged in Southeastern sector of area. No shipping
sighted.
1922K Surfaced and set course for Kinkasan.

- 12 - ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 25 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

September 9
0306K Unexpectedly sighted land ahead. Discovered later that
     this sighting was the result of a peculiar light condition
     that rendered the coastal mountains visible for 30 miles,
     but it gave us a very bad hour of endeavoring to fix our
     position.
0336K Sighted and identified Ryori Wan light (Lat 39-02) bearing
     290T and exhibiting its normal characteristic.
0450K Submerged 12 miles off-shore.
0550K Two patrol vessels appeared which were evaded by
0630K at which time, commenced periscope patrol on the line from
     Kinkasan to Todo Saki.
0914K Sighted Northbound freighter similar in size and appearance
     to the ore ships of September 4th. Conducted approach on
     this zig zagging target and at
1031K fired two torpedoes at an estimated range of 500 yards or
     less and missed both. The target apparently zig zagged towards
     us and we were swinging ship to bring the bow tubes to
     bear for straight shots. The swing had to be continued to
     avoid a collision but the periscope and T.D.C. bearings were
     carefully matched for both shots which were fired with a 40
     second interval and with gyro angles of 5 left and 10 right,
     respectively. The commanding officer is convinced that both
     torpedoes ran under the target, in fact, they could hardly
     have run anywhere else at such close range, but in all prob-
     ability, they had not yet reached the set depth after their
     characteristic initial plunge and the magnetic exploders had
     not had time to arm before they crossed the track. GUARD-
     FISH was sighted at the instant of firing and the freighter's
     gun crew quickly manned their forecastle gun (about 5 inch
     caliber). Watched them through periscope while maneuvering
     for position to fire our last torpedo (in stern tube), and
     when they started to train the gun, we pulled down the per-
     iscope and went to 150 feet. By this time we were crossing
     the stern of the target, so swung around to parallel it on the
     port (opposite) side and went to flank speed until
1043K when the periscope was raised to find the target 5000 yards
     up ahead, on our starboard bow. Descended and went
     ahead again but could not close the target. The next time
     the periscope was raised
1056K at heavy, sharp explosion was felt close aboard, probably
     within 100 yards. Went to deep submergence and inspected
     for damage but found none. It is believed that we were
     bombed by a plane.

- 13 - ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 25 —
[HANDWRITTEN: JASPER 1943]

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

September 9
0306K Unexpectedly sighted land ahead. Discovered later that
this sighting was the result of a peculiar light condition
that rendered the coastal mountains visible for 30 miles,
but it gave us a very bad hour of endeavoring to fix our
position.
0336K Sighted and identified Ryori Wan light (Lat 39-02) bearing
290T and exhibiting its normal characteristic.
0450K Submerged 12 miles off-shore.
0550K Two patrol vessels appeared which were evaded by
0630K which time, commenced periscope patrol on the line from
Kinkasan to Todo Saki.
0914K Sighted Northbound freighter similar in size and appearance
to the ore ships of September 4th. Conducted approach on
this zig zagging target and at
1031K fired two torpedoes at an estimated range of 500 yards or
less and missed both. The target apparently zig zagged towards
us while we were swinging ship to bring the bow tubes to
bear for straight shots. The swing had to be continued to
avoid a collision but the periscope and T.D.C. bearings were
carefully matched for both shots which were fired with a 40
second interval and with gyro angles of 5 left and 10 right,
respectively. The commanding officer is convinced that both
torpedoes ran under the target, in fact, they could hardly
have run anywhere else at such close range, but in all prob-
ability, they had not yet reached the set depth after their
characteristic initial plunge and the magnetic exploders had
not had time to arm before they crossed the track. GUARD-
FISH was sighted at the instant of firing and the freighter's
gun crew quickly manned their forecastle gun (about 5 inch
caliber). Watched them through periscope while maneuvering
for position to fire our last torpedo (in stern tube), and
when they started to train the gun, we pulled down the per-
iscope and went to 150 feet. By this time we were crossing
the stern of the target, so swung around to parallel it on the
port (opposite) side and went to flank speed until
1043K when the periscope was raised to find the target 5000 yards
up ahead, on our starboard bow. Descended and went
ahead again but could not close the target. The next time
periscope was raised
1056K at heavy, sharp explosion was felt close aboard, probably
within 100 yards. Went to deep submergence and inspected
for damage but found none. It is believed that we were
bombed by a plane.

- 13 - ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 26 —
CONFIDENTIAL
A11-1/A9-1(10)
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

September 9 (Continued)
1133K Resumed periscope patrol. From
1150K sighted several patrols searching for us and spent the
remainder of the day unsuccessfully trying to evade. Three
vessels were still near us and the best we could do was to
get one on the port beam and the other two on the starboard
bow. Therefore at
1935K when it was completely dark, came to the surface and cleared
out on three engines, passing one vessel a mile to starboard
and one a mile to port. They soon fell astern. Avoided
two more lights during the evening watch.

September 10
Avoided one light during mid watch.
0400K Terminated stay on station due to having only one stern
tube shot left and set course for Midway.
0640K Forced down by a patrol vessel which was augmented by three
more during the forenoon. Completed evasion and at
1547K surfaced.

September 11 to 15
Enroute Midway.

- 14 - ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 26 —
CONFIDENTIAL
A16-3(1) (00)
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

September 9 (Continued)
1133K Resumed periscope patrol. From
1150K sighted several patrols searching for us and spent the
remainder of the day unsuccessfully trying to evade. Three
vessels were still near us and the best we could do was to
get one on the port beam and the other two on the starboard
bow. Therefore at
1935K when it was completely dark, came to the surface and cleared
out on three engines, passing one vessel a mile to starboard
and one a mile to port. They soon fell astern. Avoided
two more lights during the evening watch.

September 10
Avoided one light during mid watch.
0400K Terminated stay on station due to having only one stern
tube shot left and set course for Midway.
0640K Forced down by a patrol vessel which was augmented by three
more during the forenoon. Completed evasion and at
1547K surfaced.

September 11 to 15
Enroute Midway.

- 14 - ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 28 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - First War Patrol - Report of.

4. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS ( TRACK CHART WITH ORIGINAL ONLY).

The lights of Erino Saki (Lat 42N) on the Southeastern
tip of Hokkaido and of Ryori Wan (Lat 39-02N) on the East coast
of Honshu were the only ones found to exhibit their normal
characteristics. Todo Saki Light is apparently brightened only
at infrequent intervals.

Rough latitude checks were obtained during two nights
of low visibility by RDF on a commercial station in Sendai, broad-
casting on 700 K.C.

Time ticks at 1200 GCT were obtained from Tokyo station
JJC on 39 K.C.

Radar ranges on distant mountains were of practically
no navigational value because those mountains were usually not
visible.

An ingenious system of navigational aids has been
adopted for the coastal trade of Honshu. It was observed both at
Todo Saki and Kuro Saki that dimmed white lights are mounted on the
head-lands at altitudes of a couple of hundred feet above the sea
level. It was first thought that these lights were spaced at
regular intervals of about one mile but several sets of bearings
taken from positions five to eight miles off the beach, failed
to substantiate this premise. Naturally, these rounds of bearings
were taken and plotted under conditions not entirely conducive to
accurate results. Subsequent inspections however, revealed that
the lights actually are spaced at irregular intervals. The system
therefore, is doubly effective in that its employment is available
only to the local pilots. Insofar as possible, the shipping
avoids using or skirts these headlands only during the dark hours and the
proximity to the rocky shores that no silhouettes of the
ships are observable form seaward. This technique, coupled with
the non-existence of a continental shelf, renders night attacks
hazardous almost to the point of prevention.

The bubble octant was tried without success, probably
due to the ship's motion in the seaway usually found running.
Star sights were taken at different times during the dark hours and
were generally good. The practice of obtaining fixes at 0300-
0400K rendered it possible to dive closer to the shore than by
depending upon reckoning alone.

- 16 -
ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 28 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - First War Patrol - Report of.

4. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS ( TRACK CHART WITH ORIGINAL ONLY).

The lights of Erino Saki (Lat 42N) on the Southeastern
tip of Hokkaido and of Ryori Wan (Lat 39-02N) on the East coast
of Honshu were the only ones found to exhibit their normal
characteristics. Todo Saki Light is apparently brightened only
at infrequent intervals.

Rough latitude checks were obtained during two nights
of low visibility by RDF on a commercial station in Sendai, broad-
casting on 700 K.C.

Time ticks at 1200 GCT were obtained from Tokyo station
JJC on 39 K.C.

Radar ranges on distant mountains were of practically
no navigational value because those mountains were usually not
visible.

An ingenious system of navigational aids has been
adopted for the coastal trade of Honshu. It was observed both at
Todo Saki and Kuro Saki that dimmed white lights are mounted on the
head-lands at altitudes of a couple of hundred feet above the sea
level. It was first thought that these lights were spaced at
regular intervals of about one mile but several sets of bearings
taken from positions five to eight miles off the beach, failed
to substantiate this premise. Naturally, these rounds of bearings
were taken and plotted under conditions not entirely conducive to
accurate results. Subsequent inspections however, revealed that
the lights actually are spaced at irregular intervals. The system
therefore, is doubly effective in that its employment is available
only to the local pilots. Insofar as possible, the shipping
avoids using or skirts these headlands only during the dark hours and the
proximity to the rocky shores that no silhouettes of the
ships are observable form seaward. This technique, coupled with
the non-existence of a continental shelf, renders night attacks
hazardous almost to the point of prevention.

The bubble octant was tried without success, probably
due to the ship's motion in the seaway usually found running.
Star sights were taken at different times during the dark hours and
were generally good. The practice of obtaining fixes at 0300-
0400K rendered it possible to dive closer to the shore than by
depending upon reckoning alone.

- 16 -
ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 29 —
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
CONFIDENTIAL
5. ENEMY VESSELS
CONTACT | DATE | TIME | TYPE | POSITION | COURSE | SPEED | ENCLOSURE (C)
1 | 8/19 | 0625K | Navy Auxiliary, goal posts forward, mast
aft, one stack, 8000 tons. | 38-26N
145-39E | 222 | 13 |
2 | 8/19 | 0638K | Destroyer (escorting auxiliary listed
above). | 38-26N
145-39E | 222 | 13 |
3 | 8/19 | 1320K | Patrol Vessel, 100 tons, no stack, tri-
pod mast forward with lookout platform
on top, stick mast aft, long bow sprit,
clipper bow, number 11, marked on it. | 38-12N | --- | Circling
on station |
4 | 8/22 | 0205K | Sampan | 39-34N
145-40E | --- | --- |
5 | 8/22 | 1339K | Patrol Vessel | 39-26N
142-27E | --- | Circling
on sta-
tion. |
6 | 8/22 | 1840K | Freighter (Masts) | 39-30N
142-12E | 0 | 9 | [HANDWRITTEN: - 17]
7 | 8/22 | 1930K | Patrol Vessel | 39-40N
142-10E | --- | --- |
8 | 8/22 | 1931K | Trawler (Sunk) | 39-40N
142-10E | --- | --- |
9 | 8/23 | 0415K | Sampan | 39-16N
142-20E | --- | --- |
10 | 8/23 | 1000K | Sampan | 39-00N
142-08E | --- | --- |
11 | 8/23 | 1518K | Sampan (Sank) | 39-15N
142-08E | --- | --- |
12 | 8/24 | 1052K | Sampan | 38-05N
141-37E | --- | --- |

— page 29 —
CORI DIALUNГ
CONFIDNETIAL
5. ENELY VISSELS
CONTACT | DATE | TIE | TYPE | POSITION | COURSE | SPEED
1 | 8/19 | 0625K | Navy Auxiliary, goal posts forward, mast | 38-26N | 222 | 13
| | | aft, one stack, 8000 tons. | 145-39E | |
2 | 8/19 | 0638K | Destroyer (escorting auxiliary listed | 38-26N | 222 | 13
| | | above). | 145-39E | |
3 | 8/19 | 1320K | Patrol Vessel, 100 tons, no stack, tri- | 38-12N | --- | Circling
| | | pod mast forward with lookout platform | | | on station
| | | on top, stick mast aft, long bow sprit, | | |
| | | clipper bow, number 114 marked on it. | | |
4 | 6/22 | 0205K | Sampan | 39-34N | --- | ---
| | | | | 145-40E | |
5 | 8/22 | 1339K | Patrol Vessel | 39-2811 | --- | Çir cling
| | | | | 142-27E | | on sta-
| | | | | | | tion.
6 | 8/22 | 1840K | Freighter (Lasts) | 39-3CIT | --- | 9
| | | | | 142-12E | 0 |
7 | C/22 | 1930K | Patrol Vessel | 39-401T | --- | ---
| | | | | 142-10E | |
8 | 8/22 | 1931K | Trawler (Sank) | 39-4011 | --- | ---
| | | | | 142-10E | |
9 | 8/23 | 041511 | Jampen | 39-161 | --- | ---
| | | | | 142-20E | |
10 | 8/23 | 1000K | Sampan | 39-001 | --- | ---
| | | | | 142-08E | |
11 | 8/23 | 1518K | Sampan (Bank) | 39-15N | --- | ---
| | | | | 142-08E | |
12 | 8/24 | 1052K | Sampın | 38-051 | --- | ---
| | | | | 141-37E | |

- 17 -
ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 30 —
CONFIDENTIAL

CONTACT DATE TIME TYPE                                                                POSI-
                                                                                    tion        COURSE SPEED
13      8/24 1106K Patrol                                                           38-05N      ---    ---
                                                                                    141-37E
14      8/24 1134K Sampan                                                           38-05N      ---    ---
                                                                                    141-37E
15      8/24 1154K Sampan                                                           38-05N      ---    ---
                                                                                    141-37E
16      8/24 1235K Patrol Vessel                                                    38-05N      ---    ---
                                                                                    141-37E
17      8/24 1420K Freighter                                                        38-12N      200    13
                                                                                    141-30E
18      8/24 1530K Freighter                                                        38-12N      020    10
                                                                                    141-30E
19      8/24 1559K Freighter                                                        38-12N      020    10
                                                                                    141-30E
20      8/24 1620K Freighter. Identified as Nojima Maru,                            38-12N      020    10
                     7200 tons (Sank). Naval Transport.                             141-30E
21      8/24 1713K Patrol Vessel                                                    38-12N      ---    ---
                                                                                    141-30E
22      8/25 0230K Sampan                                                           39-49N      ---    ---
                                                                                    142-23E
23      8/25 0554K Freighter. Identified to be Lyons Maru                           40-04N      210    10
                     Calss, 7000 tons. (Damaged)                                    142-05E
24      8/25 1415K Patrol Vessel                                                    39-51N      150    8
                                                                                    142-32E
25      8/25 1415K Patrol Vessel                                                    39-51N      252    8
                                                                                    142-32E

ENCLOSURE (C)
-18-

— page 30 —
CONFIDENTIAL

CONTACT DATE TIME TYPE                                                                POSI-
                                                                                    tion        COURSE SPEED
13      8/24 1106K Patrol                                                           38-05N      ---    ---
                                                                                    141-37E
14      8/24 1134K Sampan                                                           38-05N      ---    ---
                                                                                    141-37E
15      8/24 1154K Sampan                                                           38-05N      ---    ---
                                                                                    141-37E
16      8/24 1235K Patrol Vessel                                                    38-05N      ---    ---
                                                                                    141-37E
17      8/24 1420K Freighter                                                        38-12N      200    13
                                                                                    141-30E
18      8/24 1530K Freighter                                                        38-12N      020    10
                                                                                    141-30E
19      8/24 1559K Freighter                                                        38-12N      020    10
                                                                                    141-30E
20      8/24 1620K Freighter. Identified as Nojima Maru,                            38-12N      020    10
                     7200 tons (Sank). Naval Transport.                             141-30E
21      8/24 1713K Patrol Vessel                                                    38-12N      ---    ---
                                                                                    141-30E
22      8/25 0230K Sampan                                                           39-49N      ---    ---
                                                                                    142-23E
23      8/25 0554K Freighter. Identified to be Lyons Maru                           40-04N      210    10
                     Calss, 7000 tons. (Damaged)                                    142-05E
24      8/25 1415K Patrol Vessel                                                    39-51N      150    8
                                                                                    142-32E
25      8/25 1415K Patrol Vessel                                                    39-51N      252    8
                                                                                    142-32E

ENCLOSURE (C)
-18-

— page 31 —
CONFIDENTIL
4
CONTACT DATE TIME
TYPE
POSI-
TION
COURSE
SPEED
26 8/25 1623K Sampan
39-51N
---
---
142-26E
27
8/26 0545K Patrol Vessel (700T)
38-52N 0
10
144-18E
28
8/28 0740K Sampan
38-24N
---
---
141-44E
33 29
8/30 0745K Sampan
40-20N
---
---
141-37E
30
8/30 0830K Sampan
40-20N
ANCHORED
141-37E
ENCLOSURE (C)
31
8/30 0830K Sampan
40-20N
---
---
141-37E
32
8/30 1920K Sampan
40-36N
---
---
142-14E
-19-
33
8/30 1920 Sampan
40-36N
---
---
142-14E
34
8/30 1920K Sampan
40-36N
---
142-14E
35
8/31 20421K Sampan
39-43N
---
143-082
36
8/31 2050K Sampan
39-4311
---
143-08E
37
9/1 0555K Sampan
39-55N
---
---
143-13E
38
9/1 0559
Sampan
39-55N
-
143-13E
39
9/1 1940K Sampan
39-470
---
---
143-17E

— page 31 —
CONFIDENTIAL

CONTACT | DATE | TIME | TYPE | POSITION | COURSE | SPEED
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
26 | 8/25 | 1623K | Sampan | 39-51N | --- | ---
| | | | | 142-26E | |
27 | 8/26 | 0545K | Patrol Vessel (700T) | 38-52N | 0 | 10
| | | | | 144-18E | |
28 | 8/26 | 0740K | Sampan | 38-24N | --- | ---
| | | | | 141-44E | |
29 | 8/30 | 0745K | Sampan | 40-20N | --- | ---
| | | | | 141-37E | |
30 | 8/30 | 0830K | Sampan | 40-20N | ANCHORED | ---
| | | | | 141-37E | |
31 | 8/30 | 0830K | Sampan | 40-20N | --- | ---
| | | | | 141-37E | |
32 | 8/30 | 1920K | Sampan | 40-36N | --- | ---
| | | | | 142-14E | |
33 | 8/30 | 1920K | Sampan | 40-36N | --- | ---
| | | | | 142-14E | |
34 | 8/30 | 1920K | Sampan | 40-36N | --- | ---
| | | | | 142-14E | |
35 | 8/31 | 2042K | Sampan | 39-43N | --- | ---
| | | | | 143-08E | |
36 | 8/31 | 2050K | Sampan | 39-43N | --- | ---
| | | | | 143-08E | |
37 | 9/1 | 0555K | Sampan | 39-55N | --- | ---
| | | | | 143-13E | |
38 | 9/1 | 0559 | Sampan | 39-55N | --- | ---
| | | | | 143-13E | |
39 | 9/1 | 1940K | Sampan | 39-47N | --- | ---
| | | | | 143-17E | |
[HANDWRITTEN: ENCLOSURE (C)]
[HANDWRITTEN: - 19 -]

— page 32 —
CONFIDENTIAL
CONTACT DATE TIME TYPE POSITION COURSE SPEED

40 9/2 0640K Freighter. Identified as Atago Maru, 7540 tons. 41-49N 014 11
                                                                (Sank) 143-04E

41 9/2 1216K Patrol Vessel.                                    41-42N --- ---
                                                                142-53E

42 9/3 0744K Patrol Vessel.                                    39-29N --- ---
                                                                142-06E

43 9/3 0930K Sampan                                            39-30N --- ---
                                                                142-10E

44 9/3 1009K Trawler                                           39-31N --- ---
                                                                142-11E

45 9/3 1156K Launch (Several men in Uniform on board)          39-32N --- ---
                                                                142-12E

46 9/3 1642K Patrol vessel                                     39-33N --- ---
                                                                142-06E

47 9/3 1812K Patrol Vessel                                     39-33N --- ---
                                                                142-06E

48 9/3 1828K Patrol Vessel                                     39-33N --- ---
                                                                142-06E

49 9/4 0543K Sampan                                            40-31N --- ---
                                                                141-54E

50 9/4 0744K Sampan                                            40-32N --- ---
                                                                141-52E

51 9/4 0904K Freighter, 6000 tons                              40-28N 325 9
                                                                141-41E

[HANDWRITTEN: ENCLOSURE (C)]
[HANDWRITTEN: -20-]

— page 32 —
CONFIDENTIAL
CONTACT DATE TIME TYPE POSITION COURSE SPEED

40 9/2 0640K Freighter. Identified as Atago Maru, 7540 tons. [HANDWRITTEN: (Sank)] 41-49N 014 11
                                                                    143-04E

41 9/2 1216K Patrol Vessel. 41-42N --- ---
                                142-53E

42 9/3 0744K Patrol Vessel. 39-29N --- ---
                                142-06E

43 9/3 0930K Sampan 39-30N --- ---
                                142-10E

44 9/3 1009K Trawler 39-31N --- ---
                                142-11E

45 9/3 1156K Launch (Several men in Uniform on board) 39-32N --- ---
                                                                142-12E

46 9/3 1642K Patrol vessel 39-33N --- ---
                                142-06E

47 9/3 1812K Patrol Vessel 39-33N --- ---
                                142-06E

48 9/3 1828K Patrol Vessel 39-33N --- ---
                                142-06E

49 9/4 0543K Sampan 40-31N --- ---
                                141-54E

50 9/4 0744K Sampan 40-32N --- ---
                                141-52E

51 9/4 0904K Freighter, 6000 tons 40-28N 325 9
                                        141-41E

[HANDWRITTEN: ENCLOSURE (C)]
[HANDWRITTEN: -20-]

— page 33 —
CONFIDENTIAL
CONTACT DATE TIME | TYPE | POSITION COURSE SPEED |
---|---|---|---
52 9/4 | 0904K Freighter, 9000 tons | 40-28N 325 9 | ENCLOSURE (C)
| | 141-41E |
53 9/4 | 0904K Freighter, 6000 tons | 40-28N 325 9 |
| | 141-41E |
54 9/4 | 1408K Tanker, 800 tons | 40-20N 340 10 |
| | 141-48E |
55 9/4 | 1634K Freighter, flush deck, 500 feet long approxi- | 40-14N 340 8 |
| | mately, tonnage 11,000 - 13,000. (Sank) | 141-51E |
56 9/4 | 1655K Freighter, similar to (55), tonnage 9000. | 40-14N 340 8 |
| | (Sank) | 141-51E |
57 9/4 | 1820K Freighter, similar to Seattle Maru, tonnage | 40-12N Anchored | - 21
| | 5800 (Sunk) | 141-49E |
58 9/4 | 1905K Freighter, similar to Alaska Maru, but much | 40-10N 343 7.5 |
| | larger, tonnage 9000 - 11,000 (Sank) | 141-53E |
59 9/4 | 1905K Patrol Vessel | 40-12N --- |
| | | 141-52E |
60 9/4 | 2112K Patrol Vessel | 40-12N --- |
| | | 142-08E |
61 9/4 | 2112K Patrol Vessel | 40-12N --- |
| | | 142-08E |
62 9/4 | 2220K Patrol Vessel | 40-21N --- |
| | | 142-24E |
63 9/5 | 1520K Sampan | 40-11N --- |
| | | 144-12E |

— page 33 —
CONFIDENTIAL

CONTACT DATE TIME | TYPE | POSITION CIURSE SPEED | ENCLOSURE (C)
52 9/4 | 0904K Freighter, 9000 tons | 40-28N 325 9 |
| | 141-41E |
53 9/4 | 0904K Freighter, 6000 tons | 40-28N 325 9 |
| | 141-41E |
54 9/4 | 1408K Tanker, 800 tons | 40-20N 340 10 |
| | 141-48E |
55 9/4 | 1634K Freighter, flush deck, 500 feet long approxi- | 40-14N 340 8 |
| mately, tonnage 11,000 - 13,000. (Sank) | 141-51E |
56 9/4 | 1655K Freighter, similar to (55), tonnage 9000. | 40-14N 340 8 |
| (Sank) | 141-51E |
57 9/4 | 1820K Freighter, similar to Seattle Maru, tonnage | 40-12N Anchored - | [HANDWRITTEN: 21]
| 5800 (Sunk) | 141-49E |
58 9/4 | 1905K Freighter, similar to Alaska Maru, but much | 40-10N 343 7.5 |
| larger, tonnage 9000 - 11,000 (Sank) | 141-53E |
59 9/4 | 1905K Patrol Vessel | 40-12N --- --- |
| | 141-52E |
60 9/4 | 2112K Patrol Vessel | 40-12N --- --- |
| | 142-08E |
61 9/4 | 2112K Patrol Vessel | 40-12N --- --- |
| | 142-08E |
62 9/4 | 2220K Patrol Vessel | 40-21N --- --- |
| | 142-24E |
63 9/5 | 1520K Sampan | 40-11N --- --- |
| | 144-12E |

— page 34 —
CONFIDENTIAL
CONTACT DATE TIME TYPE POSITION COURSE SPEED
64 9/6 1320I Freighter, 1500 - 2000 tons 42-22N 220 12
                                                143-50E
65 9/6 1436K Minesweeper 42-15N 040 8
                                                143-45E
66 9/6 1436K Minesweeper 42-15N 040 8
                                                143-45E
67 9/6 1436K Minesweeper 42-15N 040 8
                                                143-45E
68 9/6 1559K Patrol Vessel 42-13N --- ---
                                                143-35E
69 9/6 1603K Patrol Vessel 42-13N --- ---
                                                143-35E
70 9/6 1603K Patrol Vessel 42-13N --- ---
                                                143-35E
71 9/7 1522K Sampan 40-30N --- ---
                                                144-58E
72 9/7 1734K Patrol Vessel 40-27N --- ---
                                                144-56E
73 9/9 0550K Patrol Vessel 38-41N --- ---
                                                141-50E
74 9/9 0914K Freighter, 9000 tons 38-45N 186 8
                                                141-50E
75 9/9 1043K Patrol Vessel 38-45N --- ---
                                                141-50E
                                                ENCLOSURE (C)
                                                -22-

— page 34 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 7]

CONFIDENTIAL

CONTACT DATE TIME TYPE                        POSITION COURSE SPEED
64      9/6  1320I Freighter, 1500 - 2000 tons 42-22N   220    12
                                            143-50E
65      9/6  1436K Minesweeper               42-15N   040    8
                                            143-45E
66      9/6  1436K Minesweeper               42-15N   040    8
                                            143-45E
67      9/6  1436K Minesweeper               42-15N   040    8
                                            143-45E
68      9/6  1559K Patrol Vessel             42-13N   ---    ---
                                            143-35E
69      9/6  1603K Patrol Vessel             42-13N   ---    ---
                                            143-35E
70      9/6  1603K Patrol Vessel             42-13N   ---    ---
                                            143-35E
71      9/7  1522K Sampan                    40-30N   ---    ---
                                            144-58E
72      9/7  1734K Patrol Vessel             40-27N   ---    ---
                                            144-56E
73      9/9  0550K Patrol Vessel             38-41N   ---    ---
                                            141-50E
74      9/9  0914K Freighter, 9000 tons      38-45N   186    8
                                            141-50E
75      9/9  1043K Patrol Vessel             38-45N   ---    ---
                                            141-50E

                                                                ENCLOSURE (C)
                                                                -22-

— page 35 —
CONFIDENTIAL
A
CONTACT DATE TIME | TYPE | POSITION COURSE SPEED
76 9/9 115CK Patrol Vessel | 38-51N | --- | --
| | | 141-54E | |
77 9/9 1235K Patrol Vessel | 38-51N | --- | --
| | | 141-54E | |
-23
-
HICLOJURE(C)
٦

— page 39 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

10. RADIO RECEPTION
1. Reception of NPM schedules was good throughout the
patrol. All copying at night was done on low frequency. High
frequency transmissions could have been copied if desired.

2. NPM low frequency schedules could not be received
submerged in the patrol area.

3. NPM high frequency transmissions could easily be
copied through the vertical antenna in the patrol area when
trial was made. Unsuccessful attempts were also made to pick
up news broadcasts by this method.

4. News broadcasts from XGO, 9,000 K.C., (believed to
be Chungking) and VLI, 15,000 K.C., (believed to be Australia)
were copied in area but proved insufficient in content. Main-
land news broadcasts were either too early or came during Sub
Fox schedule transmission periods.

5. Copying of High Frequency broadcasts when the Radar
was in operation was found too difficult because of the high
interference level.

6. Last consecutive serial received was Annex (2).
Last consecutive serial sent was Undulate.

7. Radar: High mountains were observed up to the limit
of the scale of the equipment (30 miles). Planes were in-
dicated at ranges of 10 to 14 miles, height unknown.

8. Radio Direction Finder: Anti-submarine patrols were
observed transmitting on 450-455 K.C.

9. Unsuccessful attempts were made for six hours during
daylight on September 14 to raise a receiving station for the
Midway rendezvous message. All applicable area and ship to
shore frequencies were employed both in the call-up and
actual blind transmissions. NPM finally receipted the
message after dark.

-27-
ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 39 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

10. RADIO RECEPTION
1. Reception of NPM schedules was good throughout the
patrol. All copying at night was done on low frequency. High
frequency transmissions could have been copied if desired.

2. NPM low frequency schedules could not be received
submerged in the patrol area.

3. NPM high frequency transmissions could easily be
copied through the vertical antenna in the patrol area when
trial was made. Unsuccessful attempts were also made to pick
up news broadcasts by this method.

4. News broadcasts from XGO, 9,000 K.C., (believed to
be Chungking) and VLI, 15,000 K.C., (believed to be Australia)
were copied in area but proved insufficient in content. Main-
land news broadcasts were either too early or came during Sub
Fox schedule transmission periods.

5. Copying of High Frequency broadcasts when the Radar
was in operation was found too difficult because of the high
interference level.

6. Last consecutive serial received was Annex (2).
Last consecutive serial sent was Undulate.

7. Radar: High mountains were observed up to the limit
of the scale of the equipment (30 miles). Planes were in-
dicated at ranges of 10 to 14 miles, height unknown.

8. Radio Direction Finder: Anti-submarine patrols were
observed transmitting on 450-455 K.C.

9. Unsuccessful attempts were made for six hours during
daylight on September 14 to raise a receiving station for the
Midway rendezvous message. All applicable area and ship to
shore frequencies were employed both in the call-up and
actual blind transmissions. NPM finally receipted the
message after dark.

-27-
ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 40 —
Γ
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of first war patrol.

11. SOUND CONDITIONS AND DENSITY LAYERS.

1. Maximum sound ranges experienced were 3,000 to 4,000
yards. On the average, at periscope depth, sound would pick
up enemy propeller noises at ranges of 2,000 to 2,500 yards
but continuous bearings could not be obtained.

2. Echo ranging was attempted during attacks 1, 2, and 4.
A definite range (1300 yards) was obtained only in the first
attack although propeller noises were never heard. In all
cases the sound gear was directed at the enemy by periscope
bearings.

3. Extremely high temperature gradients were experienced
in the patrol area, water temperatures usually decreasing about
ten degrees from periscope depth to 130 feet with the boat be-
coming lighter on going deep. Although no enemy vessels employ-
ing supersonic echo ranging were encountered it is possible that
the extreme gradients assisted in evading the numerous patrol
vessels observed.

12. HEALTH AND HABITABILITY

1. Health in general was very good. One case of chronic
sea-sickness, one case of an infected ear, one case on tonsilitis
were the major health cases. One man suffered a lacerated
finger during the attack on the trawler requiring eleven
stitches. Some of the crew suffered from mild cases of con-
stipation and some headaches were experienced on long dives.

2. Habitability was very good. The ship was comfortable
at all times, primarily due to the air conditioning.

3. Meals were served at seven in the morning after sub-
merging, twelve o'clock noon and six fifteen in the evening.
An open ice-box was maintained twenty-four hours a day. The
two record playing machines aboard were played a great deal
and were very much appreciated by all hands.

13. MILES STEAMED
Enroute Pearl to station 3455
On Station 2567
Enroute station to Midway 2212

-28-
ENCLOSURE (C)
٦

— page 42 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 12 01445]
[HANDWRITTEN: Cs]

FF12-10/A16-3(5) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
(11)

Serial 01393 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
December 6, 1942.

[CROSSED OUT: CONFIDENTIAL]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 103.
U.S.S. GUARDFISH - SECOND WAR PATROL.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS217) - Report of Second
War Patrol.

Enclosure: (A) Comsubdiv 203 Conf ltr FB5-203/A16-3(5)
Serial (040) of November 30, 1942.
(B) Copy of subject war patrol.

1. While the success of the second patrol of
GUARDFISH, as measured by tonnage sunk, did not compare with
her first patrol, the commanding officer covered his area
thoroughly and exhibited the same degree of aggressiveness
heretofore. On the three occasions where surface ships were
contacted, he very ably developed two of them, damaging a
freighter on one and sinking a freighter and a tanker on the
other. While ordinarily a firing range of 3500 - 4000 yards
is considered excessive when attacking single ships, in this
particular instance the commanding officer is considered to
have used good judgement in firing at multiple targets.

2. Weather encountered on this patrol was undoubtedly
a factor in reducing the number of contacts and sinkings. The
percentage of hits - 31% - leaves a lot to be desired, although
some of the misses may have been caused by erratic torpedo or
exploder performance.

3. The Commanding Officer and all personnel of the
GUARDFISH are congratulated on a job "Well done" in having
inflicted the following damage on the enemy:

SUNK

1 Freighter - 6,700 tons
1 Tanker - 8,700 tons
Total - 15,400 Tons

DAMAGED
[STAMP: 44573 FILMED] 1 Freighter - 7,200 tons

(Distribution and authentication R. H. ENGLISH.
on next page)

— page 42 —
[STAMP: 12 01445 Cs]

FF12-10/A16-3(5) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
(11)
Serial 01393
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
December 6, 1942.

[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 103.
U.S.S. GUARDFISH - SECOND WAR PATROL.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS217) - Report of Second
War Patrol.

Enclosure: (A) Comsubdiv 203 Conf ltr FB5-203/A16-3(5)
Serial (040) of November 30, 1942.
(B) Copy of subject war patrol.

1. While the success of the second patrol of
GUARDFISH, as measured by tonnage sunk, did not compare with
her first patrol, the commanding officer covered his area
thoroughly and exhibited the same degree of aggressiveness
heretofore. On the three occasions where surface ships were
contacted, he very ably developed two of them, damaging a
freighter on one and sinking a freighter and a tanker on the
other. While ordinarily a firing range of 3500 - 4000 yards
is considered excessive when attacking single ships, in this
particular instance the commanding officer is considered to
have used good judgement in firing at multiple targets.

2. Weather encountered on this patrol was undoubtedly
a factor in reducing the number of contacts and sinkings. The
percentage of hits - 31% - leaves a lot to be desired, although
some of the misses may have been caused by erratic torpedo
exploder performance.

3. The Commanding Officer and all personnel of the
GUARDFISH are congratulated on a job "Well done" in having
inflicted the following damage on the enemy:

SUNK

1 Freighter - 6,700 tons
1 Tanker - 8,700 tons
Total - 15,400 Tons

[STAMP: 44573 FILMED] DAMAGED

1 Freighter - 7,200 tons

(Distribution and authentication
on next page) R. H. ENGLISH.

— page 43 —
FF12-10/A16-3(5)
(11)
Serial 01393
CONFIDENTIAL
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 103..
U.S.S. GUARDFI SH SECOND WAR PATROL.
Cs
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
December 6, 1942.
Subject:
U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS217)
- Report of Second
War Patrol.
DISTRIBUTION
(35CM-42)
List III: SS.
Special:
P1(5), EN3(5), Z1(5),
Comsublant (2), X3(1),
Comsubsowe spac (2).
ER Swinbu
E. R. SWINBURNE,
Flag Secretary.
2
1
٦

— page 44 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO-HUNDRED THREE

FB5-203/A16-3(5)
Serial ( 040 )

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,

CONFIDENTIAL

From: The Commander Submarine Division TWO-HUNDRED THREE.
To : The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of Second War Patrol.

1. The second patrol of the GUARDFISH was well con-
ducted and results were gratifying considering the small number
of contacts and extremely bad weather encountered on patrol
station. Undoubtedly the weather was greatly responsible for the
lack of contacts.

2. It is considered that the most was made of all
opportunities for attacks. The immediate "sizing up" and hand-
ling of the changed situation during the attack on the tanker on
October twenty-first, which resulted in sinking of the ship, were
indicative of that high state of training and ability to act
quickly so necessary in any successful submarine organization.

3. The failure to sink the freighter on nineteen
October was disappointing in view of the fact that the approach
was long and deliberate and approach data must have been quite
accurate. The only logical explanation seems to be faulty per-
formance of exploders in torpedoes of first salvo.

4. This patrol was marked by little opposition from
enemy surface patrols. However enemy aircraft did a fair job of
substituting for surface craft in hampering the activities of the
GUARDFISH.

5. The frequent references to radar in the basic
report indicate the importance of this equipment to submarine
operations. It is urgent that adequate "on board" radar spares
be carried and that a radar material man be assigned each submarine
who is fully qualified to make all repairs and maintain the equip-
ment in satisfactory operating condition.

- 1 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 44 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO-HUNDRED THREE
Care of Fleet Post Office,
FB5-203/A16-3(5)
Serial (040)
CONFIDENTIAL
San Francisco, California,
From:
To
Via:
:
Subject:
1.
The Commander Submarine Division TWO-HUNDRED THREE.
The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.
The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
U.S.S. GUARDFISH
Report of Second War Patrol.
The second patrol of the GUARDFISH was well con-
ducted and results were gratifying considering the small number
of contacts and extremely bad weather encountered on patrol
station. Undoubtedly the weather was greatly responsible for the
lack of contacts.
2.
It is considered that the most was made of all
opportunities for attacks. The immediate "sizing up" and hand-
ling of the changed situation during the attack on the tanker on
October twenty-first, which resulted in sinking of the ship, were
indicative of that high state of training and ability to act
quickly so necessary in any successful submarine organization.
3.
The failure to sink the freighter on nineteen
October was disappointing in view of the fact that the approach
was long and deliberate and approach data must have been quite
accurate. The only logical explanation seems to be faulty per-
formance of exploders in torpedoes of first salvo.
4.
This patrol was marked by little opposition from
enemy surface patrols. However enemy aircraft did a fair job of
substituting for surface craft in hampering the activities of the
GUARDFISH.
5.
The frequent references to radar in the basic
report indicate the importance of this equipment to submarine
operations. It is urgent that adequate "on board" radar spares
be carried and that a radar material man be assigned each submarine
who is fully qualified to make all repairs and maintain the equip-
ment in satisfactory operating condition.
- 1 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 45 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO-HUNDRED THREE
FB5-203/A16-3(5) November 30, 1942.
Serial ( 040 )
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of Second War Patrol.

— page 45 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO-HUNDRED THREE

FB5-203/A16-3(5)
Serial ( 040 )
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of Second War Patrol.

6. Despite the relatively short refit period in
Midway before this patrol the material condition of GUARDFISH is
good, and it is expected that the current refit at the Submarine
Base, Pearl Harbor will be completed within two weeks. The
failure of the stern planes on twenty-one November occurred at
a critical time and results might well have been serious. The
deficiencies in the bow and stern planes will be corrected during
the refit.

7. The desires of the Commanding Officer concerning
physical and dental examination of officers and men will be
fulfilled.

J. P. CROMWELL

cc:
GUARDFISH

- 2 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 46 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of Second War Patrol

PROLOGUE:

Arrived Midway on September 15, 1942, from First War Patrol.
Commenced refit on September 16, 1942, by U.S.S. FULTON'S repair
forces. Completed refit on September 28, 1942. Readiness at
sea on September 29, 1942. Replaced #2 periscope on September
29-30, 1942. Not depermed nor wiped: no training period.

The refit period which actually consisted of eight and one-
half days, is considered to have been inadequate. That the re-
fit period was likewise too short was demonstrated by the work
being carried over through the training period right up to the
time of departure and the subsequent breakdowns which necessita-
ted returning to the tender for further repairs on October 3
resulting in the loss of three days operating time.

1.
NARRATIVE

September 30, 1942

1610 Y Departed Midway under escort.
1730 Y Released escort and set out on prescribed course.
2400 Y Changed date to Zone -(12) time.

October 2

Made three dives for instruction of new men.

October 3

0100 M Reversed course and headed back for Midway for the
        following reasons:
        (1) Radar out of commission (Mal adjustment and bad tubes)
        (2) Pitometer log out of commission (improper repairs)
        (3) T.D.C. out of commission (cable punctured during
            repacking, grounded out).
2400 M Changed date to Zone (-) 12 time.

October 3

0618 Y Sighted escort and two planes; fired two yellow smoke
        bombs for identification (one dud).
0848 Y Moored alongside FULTON. Replenished fuel and fresh
        water and with repairs completed at
1657 Y Stood out of harbor under escort.
1745 Y Released escort and made deep dive for test and training.
2400 Y Changed date to Zone (-) 12 time.

October 6

1230 L Entered 500 mile circle from Wake.

October 7

1253 L Forced down by plane (radar contact at 8 miles); bow planes
        out of commission in power, effected emergency repairs and
        at
1700 L Surfaced.

-1-
ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 47 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of Second War Patrol

October 8
0900 L Cleared 500 mile circle from Wake.
1500 L Entered 500 mile circle from Marcus.

October 9
0300 L Entered 400 mile circle from Marcus.
0800 L Entered 300 mile circle from Marcus. Ran into heavy weather.

October 10
0910 L Forced down in heavy seaway by plane which closed from
         twelve to ten miles at 240 knots (radar contact).
1335 K Surfaced.

October 11
1400 K Entered 300 mile circle from Bonins.
1930 K Cleared 500 mile circle from Marcus.

October 12
1206 K Submerged and conducted periscope patrol while watering
         batteries and routining torpedoes.
1817 K Surfaced within 100 mile circle of Bonins.

October 13
0600 K Radar out of commission for a period of five hours render-
         ing surface running hazardous under the overcast.

October 14
1900 I Entered assigned area and commenced surface patrol along
         steamer lane.

October 15
0745 I Submerged running periscope-radar patrol until
1808 I Surfaced.

October 16
0800 I Patrolled on surface.
0925 I Sighted Kikai Jima, bearing 330 distance 30 miles.
1400 I Submerged; conducted periscope-radar patrol until
         when, with radar out of commission, carried on regular
         periscope patrol.
1800 I Surfaced.

ENCLOSURE (B)

-2-

— page 47 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of Second War Patrol

October 8
0900 L Cleared 500 mile circle from Wake.
1500 L Entered 500 mile circle from Marcus.

October 9
0300 L Entered 400 mile circle from Marcus.
0800 L Entered 300 mile circle from Marcus. Ran into heavy weather.

October 10
0910 L Forced down in heavy seaway by plane which closed from
         twelve to ten miles at 240 knots (radar contact).
1335 K Surfaced.

October 11
1400 K Entered 300 mile circle from Bonins.
1930 K Cleared 500 mile circle from Marcus.

October 12
1206 K Submerged and conducted periscope patrol while watering
         batteries and routining torpedoes.
1817 K Surfaced within 100 mile circle of Bonins.

October 13
0600 K Radar out of commission for a period of five hours render-
         ing surface running hazardous under the overcast.

October 14
1900 I Entered assigned area and commenced surface patrol along
         steamer lane.

October 15
0745 I Submerged running periscope-radar patrol until
1808 I Surfaced.

October 16
0800 I Patrolled on surface.
0925 I Sighted Kikai Jima, bearing 330 distance 30 miles.
1400 I Submerged; conducted periscope-radar patrol until
         when, with radar out of commission, carried on regular
         periscope patrol.
1800 I Surfaced.

ENCLOSURE (B)

-2-

— page 49 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. GUARDFISH Report of Second War Patrol
October 19 (Continued)
course towards Kume Shima. Believing it to be severely
damaged and probably heading over to beach herself;
GUARDFISH went to deep submergence and re-loaded bow tubes
while maneuvering for new attack position.
1148 I
With the target smoking heavily, distance about 8 miles,
surfaced and commenced chase and battery charge.
1310 I
Sighted two planes at six miles headed for us; dived and
when passing 125 feet at
1312 I
a heavy explosion was felt which shook the vessel.
Depth control was lost momentarily and the ship broached
at a steep angle to something less than 90 feet as indica-
ted by the amidship gauges before it could be levelled
off. A second explosion was then felt (so loud that it
hurt our ears) but this one, fortunately, drove us down
instead of up and the ship descended to 250 feet where we
spent the remainder of the afternoon inspecting for damage
pulling ourselves together, and clearing the locality.
1833 I
Surfaced after a thoroughly disappointing day wherein:
(a) faulty torpedo performance prevented destruction of
a valuable target;
(b) the damaged target had to be let go due to the severity
of the bombing attack
(c) the radar failed so completely that GUARDFISH would
have been destroyed by the attacking planes except for
the vigilance of the topside watch.
October 20
0641 I
1837 I
October 21
Submerged; conducted periscope patrol until
Surfaced.
Fatrolled on surface until
0910 I
Sighted smoke of seven ships bearing 291; maneuvered to
gain position ahead and at
1045 I
Submerged and commenced approach. During the next three
hours the convoy slowly zigged away to the Westward and
although all available propulsion power was emploved the
van of the convoy could only be closed to 3500 yards.
-4-
ENCLOSURE (B)
ד

— page 57 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of Second War Patrol.
3.
TIDAL INFORMATION.
(a)
In the area between the Nanpo Shoto and the Nansei Shoto
currents were experienced similar to those reported by the
U.S.S. CROUPER, in their First War Patrol Report. 4 southerly set
of one knot was experienced between 132-30E and 135-00E, while a
northwesterly set of about 1/2 knot was experienced to the west
of 132-30E.
(b)
No abnormal currents were experienced on station.
(c)
Copies of the October and November Pilot Charts were not
received prior to the start of this patrol and none were available
aboard the U.S.S. FULTON. This proved to be a great inconvenience
during the patrol.
4.
NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
(a)
Sotsuko Zaki light on the Island of Anami 0 Shima is
lighted and has the following characteristics; group flashing
white (3) overy Il seconds, 3 flashes in 5 seconds, eclipse 6
seconds.
(b) Tori Shima appeared to be entirely barren during the
day, but a steady white light was observed on it at night.
(c)
Tungyung Toa light is lighted and has the following
characteristics; group flashing white, 3 flashes overy 14 seconds.

-13-

ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 58 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
5. ENEMY VESSELS
U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of Second War Patrol

CONTACT | DATE | POSITION | TIME | TYPE | COURSE | SPEED | CONDITION OF
        |      |          |      |      |        |       | LOADING (TANKERS.)
|------||------|------|||-------|
1       | 10/18| 27-18N   | 1000I| Sampan                          | --     | --    | --
        |      | 128-28E  |      |                                 |        |       |
2       | 10/18| 27-36N   | 1855I| Light (small boat)              | --     | --    | --
        |      | 127-42E  |      |                                 |        |       |
3       | 10/19| 27-32N   | 0530I| Freighter, similar to Dakar     | 245    | 8     | --
        |      | 127-24E  |      | Maru, 7200 tons (Damaged) (#379)|        |       |
4       | 10/21| 27-03N   | 0910I| Freighter, Passenger, similar   | 046    | 8½    | --
        |      | 122-42E  |      | to Anyo Maru, (#218), painted   |        |       |
        |      |          |      | gray.                           |        |       |
5       | 10/21| 27-03N   | 0910I| Freighter, similar to Kotoku    | 046    | 8½    | --
        |      | 122-42E  |      | Maru, (#174), 6700 tons (Sunk)  |        |       |
6       | 10/21| 27-03N   | 0910I| Tanker, similar to Eijo Maru,   | 046    | 8½    | Loaded
        |      | 122-42E  |      | (#396), 8700 tons (Sunk)        |        |       |
7       | 10/21| 27-03N   | 0910I| Tanker, painted dazzle color,   | 046    | 8½    | Loaded
        |      | 122-42E  |      | black and gray, not identified. |        |       |
8       | 10/21| 27-03N   | 0910I| Three Freighters, not identified.| 046    | 8½    | --
        |      | 122-42E  |      |                                 |        |       |
9       | 10/25| 27-10N   | 0241H| Sampan (Darkened)               | --     | --    | --
        |      | 122-50E  |      |                                 |        |       |
10      | 10/28| 27-08N   | 0605H| Fishing boat                    | --     | --    | --
        |      | 122-16E  |      |                                 |        |       |
11      | 10/29| 27-34N   | 0717H| Power Boat                      | 180    | 10    | --
        |      | 122-00E  |      |                                 |        |       |
12      | 10/29| 27-26N   | 0825H| Two Trawlers                    | 180    | 6     | --
        |      | 122-04E  |      |                                 |        |       |

-14- ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 58 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
5. ENEMY VESSELS
U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of Second War Patrol

CONTACT|DATE|POSITION|TIME|TYPE|COURSE|SPEED|CONDITION OF
       |    |        |    |    |      |     |LOADING (TANKERS.)
-------|----||----|----|------|-----|
1      |10/18|27-18N  |1000I|Sampan|--    |--   |--
       |    |128-28E |    |      |      |     |
2      |10/18|27-36N  |1855I|Light (small boat)|--    |--   |--
       |    |127-42E |    |      |      |     |
3      |10/19|27-32N  |0530I|Freighter, similar to Dakar|245   |8    |--
       |    |127-24E |    |Maru, 7200 tons (Damaged) (#379)|      |     |
4      |10/21|27-03N  |0910I|Freighter, Passenger, similar|046   |8½   |--
       |    |122-42E |    |to Anyo Maru, (#218), painted|      |     |
       |    |        |    |gray. |      |     |
5      |10/21|27-03N  |0910I|Freighter, similar to Kotoku|046   |8½   |--
       |    |122-42E |    |Maru, #(174), 6700 tons (Sunk)|      |     |
6      |10/21|27-03N  |0910I|Tanker, similar to Eijo Maru,|046   |8½   |Loaded
       |    |122-42E |    |(#396), 8700 tons (Sunk)|      |     |
7      |10/21|27-03N  |0910I|Tanker, painted dazzle color,|046   |8½   |Loaded
       |    |122-42E |    |black and gray, not identified.|      |     |
8      |10/21|27-03N  |0910I|Three Freighters, not identified.|046   |8½   |--
       |    |122-42E |    |      |      |     |
9      |10/25|27-10N  |0241H|Sampan (Darkened)|--    |--   |--
       |    |122-50E |    |      |      |     |
10     |10/28|27-08N  |0605H|Fishing boat|--    |--   |--
       |    |122-16E |    |      |      |     |
11     |10/29|27-34N  |0717H|Power Boat|180   |10   |--
       |    |122-00E |    |      |      |     |
12     |10/29|27-26N  |0825H|Two Trawlers|180   |6    |--
       |    |122-04E |    |      |      |     |

-14- ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 59 —
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The following is a transcription of the provided image, distinguishing between typed and handwritten text, and preserving formatting as requested.

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┌─    I.e.
TEXT:
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of Second War Patrol

5. ENEMY VESSELS (CONTINUED)

CONTACT|DATE |POSITION |TIME |TYPE |COURSE|SPEED|CONDITIONS OF
       |     |         |     |     |      |     |LOADING (TONS,
       |     |         |     |     |      |     |etc).
───────|─────|─────────|─────|─────|──────|─────|─
13     |10/31|27-04N   |0911H|Sampan       |--    |--   |--
       |     |124-17E  |     |             |      |     |
14     |11/2 |27-57N   |1306H|Patrol Vessel|210   |6    |--
       |     |128-05E  |     |             |      |     |
15     |11/3 |28-16N   |1706I|Fishing boat |290   |8    |--
       |     |128-32E  |     |             |      |     |
16     |11/4 |28-29N   |0730I|Trawler      |270   |8    |--
       |     |129-05E  |     |             |      |     |
17     |11/4 |28-23N   |0925I|Fishing boat |--    |--   |--
       |     |128-58E  |     |             |      |     |
18     |11/4 |28-15N   |1253I|Fishing boat |--    |--   |--
       |     |129-05E  |     |             |      |     |
19     |11/4 |28-31N   |2125I|Fishing boat (darkened)|--    |--   |--
       |     |129-06E  |     |             |      |     |
20     |11/5 |28-40N   |0626I|Fishing boat |--    |--   |--
       |     |129-30E  |     |             |      |     |
21     |11/5 |28-37N   |0800I|Fishing boat |--    |--   |--
       |     |129-31E  |     |             |      |     |
22     |11/5 |28-27N   |1035I|Fishing boat |--    |--   |--
       |     |129-30E  |     |             |      |     |
23     |11/5 |28-27N   |1140I|Fishing boat |--    |--   |--
       |     |129-30E  |     |             |      |     |
24     |11/9 |28-56N   |0840I|Freighter, 4 stick masts|230   |9    |--
       |     |129-15E  |     |             |      |     |
25     |11/10|28-59N   |1038I|Sailing vessel|--    |--   |--
       |     |130-00E  |     |             |      |     |

— page 62 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of Second War Patrol.

8. ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES. (CONTINUED).

The planes picked up off Tungyung Tao, Kume Shima and Naze
on October 26, 1942, November 1 and November 5, respectively made no
attacks and it is felt that the one off Naze, an Army bomber, was
probably making a trip rather than an anti submarine patrol. It is
important to note that the patrol plane sighting off Kume Shima on
November 1 occurred in the pre-dawn while the light was still very
dim. The plane was 45 miles off shore.

(c) Returning from Station.

The radar contacts on November 21 occurred within a few
miles of the contact obtained on the outbound trip- about 475 miles
North by East from Wako. Although an extremely vigilant lookout,
was maintained upon surfacing after the first contact and the sky
conditions were excellent for visual detection, the plane which
bombed us was not seen. Moreover, the position angle of the sun
was so great that it could not have approached us from "up-sun"
unless it wore at an altitude of over 20,000 feet when picked up
on the radar, which seems unlikely. The failure to sight it suggests
the notion of a good camouflage job.

This plane dropped two depth bombs which were close enough
to give us a good scare but which caused no apparent damage.

9. ENEMY LINE SWEEPING

None observed.

10A MAJOR DEFECTS - Ordnance.

1. Exploder mechanism - on the attack of November 19, it
is believed that defective exploders was the cause of the failure
of the first salvo. Four torpedoes were fired, two of which
appeared to pass under target but failed to explode.

2. 3 inch gun: The spring washer, Ord. Drawing #54777-2-8,
securing the friction discs of the training mechanism broke. Be-
lieved to have been caused by depth charge attack of November 19.
Training mechanism was removed, washer renewed, and mechanism
reinstalled.

10B MAJOR DEFECTS - C&R

1. Leak in #4 Air Bank: The half of #4 air bank located
in F.R.T. 6-P developed a leak after depth charging on November
19. This part of bank was bled down and secured.

2. Periscope fogging: Both periscopes often became
foggy during latter part of patrol.

-18- ENCLOSURE (3)

— page 65 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of Second War Patrol
11. RADIO RECEPTION.
1.
Reception of NPM schedules was good throughout the
patrol. Copying was done either on low frequency or 8,000 K.C.
transmissions, the higher frequency being the easier to copy
during rough weather.
2.
NPM low frequency schedules could not be received while
submerged in patrol area. Minimum depth of DQ loop antenna was
thirteen feet. Average distance from NPM was 4,250 miles.
3.
News broadcasts from VX1Ø (Australia) were copied in
patrol area and were satisfactory though brief.
4.
Radar: Enroute to patrol area, two planes at ranges of
8 to 9 miles were indicated, altitudes unknown. After correction
of "jittery" trace (see paragraph 10) tuning for maximum sensiti-
vity on a target was not practicable at the time. However, islands
were picked up at ranges normally experienced (about one mile of
range for 100 feet altitude). On one occasion, in patrol area,
radar had "pips" of an island on the C.R. screen but failed to
indicate two planes at about 1000 feet altitude range six miles.
(Island was 1065 feet high, range seven miles). Four other planes
sighted visually, were not indicated by radar. Returning from
patrol area, radar indicated two planes; ranges 7 and 8½ miles.
When a combined radar-periscope patrol was made, it was
noticed that raising and lowering number two periscope caused
a marked longitudinal concentration of the trace on the C.R. Screen.
5.
Last consecutive serial received was
Last consecutive serial sent was
12. SOUND CONDITIONS AND DENSITY LAYERS.
1.
Sound conditions were variable. Although several small
fishing vessels were picked up and tracked at ranges of 3,000 to
6,000 yards, during the attack made in deep water sound was unable
to track the target even though propeller noises were first heard
at 5,300 yards and intermittently thereafter. With water depths
of less than 100 fathoms excessive water noises made sound condi-
tions poor.
2.
No density layers or extreme temperature gradients
were observed.

-21-
ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 66 —
CONFIDENTIAL.
Subject:
U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Report of Second War Patrol.
13. HEALTH AND HABITABILITY
Health in general, was good although the apparent vitality was
considerably diminished during the latter half of the patrol.
which may be attributed to three factors: (1) a protracted period
of miserable weather, (2) disappointment in lack of opportunity
to get at the enemy coupled with effects of depth bomb attacks
and (3) lack of fresh food continuing over a period of four
months. Lack of physiological resistance at times necessitated
removal of nen from the watch list on account of ailments which
might otherwise have been considered minor. The Commanding
Officer desires that all officers and nen be given physical and
dental examinations prior to next patrol.
Habitability of the vessel was good except during the ten day
period from October 22 to November 1 and on the return trip to
Midway during which the outboard ventilation had to be secured
due to rough weather. On those nights during battery charges,
the sulphuric acid fures in the living compartments reached a
concentration that was both disagreeable and detrimental to the
general health.
14. MILES STEAMED
Lidway to station
On station ...
Return to Midway
3938
2707
3398
:
Ilidway to Pearl
1280
Total
.
11323
15. FUEL EXPFIIDED
Total
C
109,310
16. FACTORS OF INDURANCE REMAINING (UPO RETURN TO HIDAY)
Torpedoes Fuel Provisions Tresh Water Personnel
(days)
11
13,000
20
(days)
30
(days)
10
17. The patrol was terminated in accordance with the
operation order.
-22-
ENCLOSURE (B)
ר

— page 68 —
SS217/A16-3
Serial 01

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED (struck through)]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL (struck through)]

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: War Patrol - report on.

Reference: (a) Subpac conf. ltr. No. 12-42.

Enclosure: (A) U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Third War Patrol Report.

1. In accordance with reference (a), enclosure (A) is
forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: T. B. Klakring]
T. B. KLAKRING.

Copy to:
Comsubron 8
Comsubdiv 82.

[HANDWRITTEN: 47024]

U. S. S. GUARDFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
February 15, 1942.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/30/72]

— page 68 —
SS217/A16-3
Serial 01

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
CONFIDENTIAL

From:
To :
Subject:
Reference:
Enclosure:

1.
forwarded herewith. U. S. S. GUARDFISH

The Commanding Officer.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

War Patrol - report on.

(a) Subpac conf. ltr. No. 12-42.

(A) U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Third War Patrol Report.

In accordance with reference (a), enclosure (A) is

[SIGNATURE: T. B. Klakring]
T. B. KLAKRING.

Copy to:
Comsubron 8
Comsubdiv 82.

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
February 15, 1942.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B9C DATE 5/30/72]

[HANDWRITTEN: 47024]

— page 69 —
U.S.S. GUARDFISH

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Third War Patrol - Report of.

PROLOGUE

    Arrived Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, on November 28, 1942
    from Second Patrol Run and ordered attached to Submarine Division
    44. Submarine Base commenced the re-fit the following day. Dry
    docked from December 6 to 8 to examine for damage by depth charg-
    ing. Conducted sound tests in West Loch on December 14. Conduc-
    ted training dives off Barbers Point, December 15,
    16 and 17. Transferred 2 officers and 18 men and received 2
    officers and 19 men. The request for a p.c.o. was denied. The
    following items were requested but disapproved:

    (1) Complete the installation of de-gaussing coils.
    (2) De-gaussing by flashing or wiping.

    The 3 inch gun (aft) was replaced by a 4 inch gun forward. A 20
    m.m. gun was installed on the after bridge deck and the 50 cal.
    gun was moved to the main deck aft.

— page 69 —
U.S.S. GUARDFISH

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH Third War Patrol Report of.

PROLOGUE

Arrived Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, on November 28, 1942
from Second Patrol Run and ordered attached to Submarine Division
44. Submarine Base commenced the re-fit the following day. Dry
docked from December 6 to 8 to examine for damage by depth charg-
ing. Conducted sound tests in West Loch on December 14. Conduc-
ted training dives and approaches off Barbers Point, December 15,
16 and 17. Transferred 2 officers and 18 men and received 2
officers and 19 men. The request for a p.c.o. was denied. The
following items were requested but disapproved:

(1) Complete the installation of de-gaussing coils.
(2) De-gaussing by flashing or wiping.

The 3 inch gun (aft) was replaced by a 4 inch gun forward. A 20
m.m. gun was installed on the after bridge deck and the 50 cal.
gun was moved to the main deck aft.

— page 71 —
U.S.S. GUARDFISH

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Third War Patrol - Report of

December 27.

0800 M Entered the 400 mile circle from WAKE. Made training
        dives morning and afternoon.

December 28.

0845 L Passed Taongi Atoll abeam to port, distance 85 miles.
0924 L Sighted two Mitsubishi bombers, type 96/4, at 500 feet
        altitude, distance 6 miles (the SD radar gave a momentary
        indication at the same time). They turned towards us
        and made signals by flashing light but we dived instead
        of answering them and spent the remainder of the morning
        overhauling faulty torpedoes (see par. 10). Held drills
        in the afternoon and surfaced at 1547L.

December 29.

        I decided to spend the middle day-lit hours submerged in
        order to avoid detection on two consecutive days. More-
        over, it had gotten too rough to work on the torpedoes
        while on the surface, so we dived from 1000L to 1630L.

December 30.

0200 L Enitowok Atoll abeam to port, distance 90 miles.
0650L The SD radar broke down and 15 minutes later we saw two
        low flying planes headed directly towards us from the
        Eastward. A very fast dive enabled us to evade their
        approach.
1013L Surfaced after a careful search of the heavens but after
        running only 11 minutes, we were forced down again by a
        plane circling high overhead. We completed the torpedo
        work and drilled the crew thoroughly during the afternoon.
        Then, at:
1740 L Surfaced and proceeded at 3-engine speed to make up lost
        time.

December 31.

        After running at periscope depth to avoid detection on
        the day before entering the area, we arrived therein at
        2030 L.

                                -2-

— page 73 —
U.S.S. GUARDFISH
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Third War Patrol - Report of.
January 5 (Continued).
which will probably appear ludricous from a more favorable
vantage point than our bridge, was brought about by the
combination of an entirely unexpected Easterly drift
(15 miles) during the day followed by an unfavorable con-
dition of the heavens for a celo-fix upon surfacing after
dark. The net results were a good drill for the crew and
a few more gray hairs for the Captain.
January 6.
0953 L Made approach on a ship sighted just off North Pass but
discontinued it when the target was identified as a small
patrol vessel of about 400 tons.
1017 L A dive bomber type float plane bore down on our periscope
and was evaded by submerging to 200 feet. I expected him
to call over the patrol craft but a look around at 1110 L
revealed a clear horizon. The plane, however, paid us a
return call 17 minutes later but was easily evaded at 120
feet.
1210 L Resumed periscope patrol for the remainder of the day and
surfaced after sunset.
The Truk Islands were partly visible during the day but
a low ceiling prevented their individual identification.
January 7.
0659 L At midnight we received a despatch changing our new assign-
ment to a strip area along the Equator.
Having decided to run on the surface for about an hour
after dawn in order to adjust position and clear the area
on schedule, we made our first zig of the day: 30 degrees
left. Fifteen minutes later, a patrol vessel was sighted
lying to in a rain squall just 3 miles away and broad on
our starboard bow. Thus he was directly in the projection
of our earlier track and it appears that we had been
tracked accurately during the night run by equipment on
the shore. This notion is sustained by our SJ radar having
indicated "all clear" throughout the night until it was
broken down for overhaul on the morning watch. Evasion
was accomplished by a quick dive and turn-away.
0745 L Commenced periscope patrol and maintained it through our
seventh fruitless day of search.
2325 L Transmitted out "Gaudy" to NPM and cleared the Truk area.
-4-

— page 87 —
U.S.S. GUARD FISH

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARD FISH - Third War Patrol - Report of.

Phase VI - Three Days at Wewak.

January 31.
0915L While running on the surface in order to arrive at Wewak
      on schedule, we were forced down by an unidentified plane
      Southbound on the line from Manus to Lae.
1200L Purdy Islands abeam to starboard, distance 13 miles.

February 1.
0658L Submerged off Kairiru Island and ran South. About noon we
      saw the masts of two ships which I judged to be destroyers
      or patrol vessels, at anchor just off Cape Bororam, so we
      stood on down to the harbor to attack them.
1530L One minute after taking one of the regular quarter-hour
      rounds of bearings, the ship struck a reef and broached to
      30 feet with an up-angle. I backed down immediately but
      we then grounded aft, apparently on the starboard side. We
      then resorted to an old river-boat trick and went ahead on
      the port screw with right full rudder and twisted the stern
      out 30° using the grounded bow as a pivot. Backing emergency
      on both then dislodged the bow and we descended to 200 feet
      and backed both 2/3 for 15 minutes, clearing out astern on
      course 025, after which a stationary twist was made until
      we were able to stand out ahead on the same course. This
      reef bears 131° true, distance 3½ miles from Cape Barabar
      and 056° true, distance 6 miles from Wom Peninsula. It is
      not charted.
      When it first became apparent that we were grounded
      both fore and aft, the confidential publications were as-
      sembled for destruction and preliminary arrangements were
      made to abandon ship in case we were badly holed by bombing
      as was very likely under the circumstances. But in spite
      of the exposure of 20 feet of the submarine above the sur-
      face in full view of the beach for a period of about five
      minutes, we came off unmolested, which I gratefully consider
      a remarkable escape.
      Both sound heads were flooded and the pitometer log
      was damaged. I made no further attempt to get inside the
      harbor but stood out to seaward and surfaced at 2034.

February 2.
0155L It being very dark and overcast, two small vessels passed
      within one to two miles of us and stood off to the North-
      ward at fairly high speed. I believe they were the same
      two we had seen in Wewak that afternoon.
      Patrolled during daylight at periscope depth in the
      channel between the islands North of Wewak. No shipping sighted.

-18-

— page 87 —
U.S.S. GUARD FISH

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARD FISH - Third War Patrol - Report of.

Phase VI - Three Days at Wewak.

January 31.
0915L While running on the surface in order to arrive at Wewak
      on schedule, we were forced down by an unidentified plane
      Southbound on the line from Manus to Lae.
1200L Purdy Islands abeam to starboard, distance 13 miles.

February 1.
0658L Submerged off Kairiru Island and ran South. About noon we
      saw the masts of two ships which I judged to be destroyers
      or patrol vessels, at anchor just off Cape Bororam, so we
      stood on down to the harbor to attack them.
1530L One minute after taking one of the regular quarter-hour
      rounds of bearings, the ship struck a reef and broached to
      30 feet with an up-angle. I backed down immediately but
      we then grounded aft, apparently on the starboard side. We
      then resorted to an old river-boat trick and went ahead on
      the port screw with right full rudder and twisted the stern
      out 30° using the grounded bow as a pivot. Backing emergency
      on both then dislodged the bow and we descended to 200 feet
      and backed both 2/3 for 15 minutes, clearing out astern on
      course 025, after which a stationary twist was made until
      we were able to stand out ahead on the same course. This
      reef bears 131° true, distance 3½ miles from Cape Barabar
      and 056° true, distance 6 miles from Wom Peninsula. It is
      not charted.
      When it first became apparent that we were grounded
      both fore and aft, the confidential publications were as-
      sembled for destruction and preliminary arrangements were
      made to abandon ship in case we were badly holed by bombing
      as was very likely under the circumstances. But in spite
      of the exposure of 20 feet of the submarine above the sur-
      face in full view of the beach for a period of about five
      minutes, we came off unmolested, which I gratefully consider
      a remarkable escape.
      Both sound heads were flooded and the pitometer log
      was damaged. I made no further attempt to get inside the
      harbor but stood out to seaward and surfaced at 2034.

February 2.
0155L It being very dark and overcast, two small vessels passed
      within one to two miles of us and stood off to the North-
      ward at fairly high speed. I believe they were the same
      two we had seen in Wewak that afternoon.
      Patrolled during daylight at periscope depth in the
      channel between the islands North of Wewak. No shipping sighted.

-18-

— page 88 —
U.S.S. GUARD FISH

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. GUARD FISH - Third War Patrol - Report of.

February 3.
          Ran periscope patrol across the channel North of Wewak.
1438L Observed breakers on an uncharted reef located at
          Lat. 3-19S, Long. 143-52E.
2027L Surfaced without having sighted anything and cleared the
          area in accordance with orders.

          Phase VII - Trip to Brisbane.

February 4.
          Enroute to Vitiaz. Forced down by a plane at 0758L.

February 5.
          Passed through Vitiaz Strait at periscope depth - no sightings.

February 6 - 14.
          Proceeded submerged during daylight and at one engine speed
          at night along the prescribed route. We have just enough
          fuel remaining to reach Brisbane at these economical speeds.
          Sighted a plane resembling a PBY on February 8. On the night
          of February 14 at 2145 we exchanged recognition signals with
          GRAYBACK off Cape Moreton.

February 15.
          Entered Brisbane on schedule having taken pilot at Colundra
          Head, and moored to nest alongside FULTON at 1125L.

-19-

— page 88 —
U.S.S. GUARD FISH

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. GUARD FISH - Third War Patrol - Report of.

February 3.
          Ran periscope patrol across the channel North of Wewak.
1438L Observed breakers on an uncharted reef located at
          Lat. 3-19S, Long. 143-52E.
2027L Surfaced without having sighted anything and cleared the
          area in accordance with orders.

          Phase VII - Trip to Brisbane.

February 4.
          Enroute to Vitiaz. Forced down by a plane at 0758L.

February 5.
          Passed through Vitiaz Strait at periscope depth - no sightings.

February 6 - 14.
          Proceeded submerged during daylight and at one engine speed
          at night along the prescribed route. We have just enough
          fuel remaining to reach Brisbane at these economical speeds.
          Sighted a plane resembling a PBY on February 8. On the night
          of February 14 at 2145 we exchanged recognition signals with
          GRAYBACK off Cape Moreton.

February 15.
          Entered Brisbane on schedule having taken pilot at Colundra
          Head, and moored to nest alongside FULTON at 1125L.

-19-

— page 89 —
U.S.S. GUARDFISH

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Third War Patrol - Report of.
2. WEATHER
Excellent weather was encountered between Pearl Harbor and
the Truk area.

In the Truk area the weather was variable; overcast, rainy
and heavy seas most of the time. Although all the previous patrol
reports had mentioned glassy seas in this area, not one was en-
countered by this vessel.

Between Truk and the equator ran through intermittent rain
squalls, and the sky was overcast practically the whole trip.
However, was able to fix the ship's position daily.

Heavy rain storms, overcast skies, and very poor visibility
were encountered in the Equator area. No evening or morning stars
were obtained. Fixed ship's position the day we left this area
by obtaining several sun lines in the morning and afternoon.

In the Kavieng, Rabaul, Wewak areas the weather was excellent,
but approximately 50% of the time the sea was glassy, making it
impossible to remain at periscope depth for long periods due to
the large wake which the ship left. On several occasions at night
a condition existed very similar to a light fog, which resulted
in a false horizon and very poor visibility.

For three days prior to entering Brisbane the sky was com-
pletely overcast, seas were heavy, frequent rain squalls were en-
countered, and no fixes were obtained. Luckily the weather cleared
the day before entering port and we were able to fix the ship's
position by means of afternoon aun lines and evening stars.
1
¬

— page 92 —
CONFIDENTIAL                                                U.S.S. GUARDFISH

5. ENEMY SHIPS SIGHTED

CON-                                                                CONDITION
TACT TIME       DATE            TYPE                    POSITION CRS SPD (TANKERS)

1. 0953L        1/6/43          Patrol Vessel, gun forward,     7-53     315 10    -
                                amidship, and goal post mast aft. 151-26

2. 0714L        1/7/43          Patrol Vessel                   7-32     -         -
                                                                153-24

3. 2300L        1/12/43         Destroyer of the Hatsuharu Class 2-51     288 12    -
                                (Sunk)                          149-43

4. 0952L        1/13/43         Patrol vessel, 500 tons, with   2-46     085 10    -
                                number 23 on bow.               150-24

5. 1053L        1/13/43         Destroyer, 2 stack.             2-44     105 12    -
                                                                150-39

6. 1456L        1/13/43         Sampan                          2-47     0 6       -
                                                                150-34

7. 1857L        1/13/43         Patrol vessel, 500 tons.        2-49     210 10    -
                                                                150-37

8. 0205L        1/14/43         Large ship, 6000-7000 tons, unidenti- 3-07     Var.10    -
                                fied.                           150-17

9. 0235L        1/14/43         Patrol vessel                   3-07     Var.10    -
                                                                150-17

10. 0620L       1/14/43         Patrol Vessel                   3-15     -         -
                                                                150-10

11. 1042L       1/14/43         Unidentified ship, believed to be 3-16     -         -
                                Freighter.                      150-11

12. 0337L       1/15/43         2 contacts on SJ, believed to be 3-23     -         -
                                patrol vessels.                 150-36

[MARK: Faint circle with cross]

— page 92 —
CONFIDENTIAL                                                U.S.S. GUARDFISH

5. ENEMY SHIPS SIGHTED

CON-                                                                CONDITION
TACT TIME       DATE            TYPE                    POSITION CRS SPD (TANKERS)

1. 0953L        1/6/43          Patrol Vessel, gun forward,     7-53     315 10    -
                                amidship, and goal post mast aft. 151-26

2. 0714L        1/7/43          Patrol Vessel                   7-32     -         -
                                                                153-24

3. 2300L        1/12/43         Destroyer of the Hatsuharu Class 2-51     288 12    -
                                (Sunk)                          149-43

4. 0952L        1/13/43         Patrol vessel, 500 tons, with   2-46     085 10    -
                                number 23 on bow.               150-24

5. 1053L        1/13/43         Destroyer, 2 stack.             2-44     105 12    -
                                                                150-39

6. 1456L        1/13/43         Sampan                          2-47     0 6       -
                                                                150-34

7. 1857L        1/13/43         Patrol vessel, 500 tons.        2-49     210 10    -
                                                                150-37

8. 0205L        1/14/43         Large ship, 6000-7000 tons, unidenti- 3-07     Var.10    -
                                fied.                           150-17

9. 0235L        1/14/43         Patrol vessel                   3-07     Var.10    -
                                                                150-17

10. 0620L       1/14/43         Patrol Vessel                   3-15     -         -
                                                                150-10

11. 1042L       1/14/43         Unidentified ship, believed to be 3-16     -         -
                                Freighter.                      150-11

12. 0337L       1/15/43         2 contacts on SJ, believed to be 3-23     -         -
                                patrol vessels.                 150-36

[MARK: Faint circle with cross]

— page 93 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. GARDFISH.
7

5. ENEMY SHIPS SIGHTED (CONT'D)

CON-                                                                CONDITION
TACT TIME DATE        TYPE                                POSITION CRS SPD LOADING
                                                                            (TANKERS)

13. 2005L   1/15/43 2 Unidentified small vessels that     2-58        -   -   -
                      opened fire on us.                  150-35

14. 1500L   1/16/43 Freighter, four goal post masts, stack 2-32    Constant 12
                      in middle.                          149-54  Helm

15. 1023L   1/17/43 Three Destroyers                      2-43    310 15  -
                                                          150-00

16. 1834L   1/17/43 America Maru                          2-43    145 10  -
                                                          149-58

17. 2010L   1/20/43 Radar contact, appeared to be small   3-59        -   -   -
                      ship or patrol vessel.              151-55

18. 2223L   1/21/43 Hospital Ship (Lights seen)           3-38    300 9   -
                                                          151-48

19. 0514L   1/22/43 Transport, similar in appearance to   3-55    Var. 10 -
                      the Arimasan Maru, 8700 tons. (Sunk) 152-07

20. 0547L   1/22/43 Patrol Vessel                         3-56    Var. 10 -
                                                          152-07

21. 0210L   1/23/43 Three darkened ships, believed to be  3-42    135 10  -
                      Freighter and two patrols.          150-55

22. 1201L   1/23/43 Trawler                               2-54        -   -   -
                                                          150-35

23. 1742L   1/23/43 Destroyer of the Asashio Class (Sunk). 2-47    165 16  -
                                                          150-38

24. 1355L   1/24/43 Two Patrol vessels                    3-02    125 10  -
                                                          151-13

25. 1307L   1/26/43 Small powe boat                       -52     355 6   -
                                                          150-39

— page 93 —
CONFIDENTIAL
5. ENEMY SHIPS SIGHTED (CONT'D)
CON-
U.S.S. GUARDFISH.
CONDITION
LOADING
TACT TIME DATE
TYPE
13. 2005L 1/15/43 2 Unidentified small vessels that
opened fire on us.
14. 1500L 1/16/43 Freighter, four goal post masts, stack 2-32
in middle.
15. 1023L 1/17/43 Three Destroyers
POSITION CRS SPD (TANKERS)
2-58
150-35
Constant 12
149-54 Helm
2-43
150-00
310 15
16.
1834L 1/17/43 America Maru
2-43
149-58
145 10
-
20
17. 2010L 1/20/43 Radar contact, appeared to be small
ship or patrol vessel.
18. 2223L 1/21/43 Hospital Ship (Lights seen)
19. 0514L 1/22/43 Transport, similar in appearance to
the Arimasan Maru, 8700 tons. (Sunk)
0547L 1/22/43 Patrol Vessel
21. 0210L 1/23/43 Three darkened ships, believed to be
Freighter and two patrols.
3-59
151-55
3-38
151-48
300 9
-
3-55
152-07
Var. 10
-
3-56
152-07
Var. 10
-
3-42
150-55
135 10
-
22.
1201L 1/23/43 Trawler
2-54
150-35
-
-
23. 1742L 1/23/43 Destroyer of the Asashio Class (Sunk). 2-47
165 16
-
150-38
24. 1355L 1/24/43 Two Patrol vessels
3-02
151-13
125 10
-
25. 1307L1/26/43 Small power boat
-52
150-39
355 6
-
٦

— page 94 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. GUARDFISH
5. ENEMY SHIPS SIGHTED (CONT'D)

CON-
TACT TIME DATE TYPE POSITION CRS SPD CONDITION

— page 94 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. GUARDFISH
5. ENEMY SHIPS SIGHTED (CONT'D)

CON-
TACT TIME DATE TYPE POSITION CRS SPD CONDITION

— page 95 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. GUARDFISH

5. ENEMY SHIPS SIGHTED (CONT'D)

CON-
TACT TIME DATE TYPE POSITION CRS SPD CONDITION

— page 95 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. GUARDFISH

5. ENEMY SHIPS SIGHTED (CONT'D)

CON-
TACT TIME DATE TYPE POSITION CRS SPD CONDITION
                                                LOADING
                                                (TANKERS)

38. 0155L 2/2/43 Two small darkened ships, believed to 2-46 Var 15 -
                     be either Destroyers or Patrol Boats. 143-47

39. 0700L 2/4/43 Fishing Boat 3-50 330 5 -
                                     145-50

40. 0758L 2/4/43 Fishing Boat 3-50 290 5 -
                                     145-50

7

— page 96 —
CONFIDENTIAL                                                U.S.S. GUARDFISH

6. AIRCRAFT SIGHTED

CON-
TACT     DATE     POSITION     TIME     TYPE                                                              COURSE     ALTITUDE

1.       12/21    21-02N       0730X    PBY                                                               270        800
                  161-35W

2.       12/21    21-02N       1330X    PBY                                                               090        1000
                  162-40W

3.       12/22    20-40N       1112X    PBY                                                               090        1000
                  167-40W

4.       12/28    15-56N       0924L    Two Jap bombers, painted olive drab,                              220        500
                  168-15E               with twin engines and long fuselage,
                                        similar to Mitsubishi 96/4.

5.       12/30    12-38N       0705L    Two unidentified planes                                           250        800
                  160-20E

6.       12/30    12-30N       1024L    Unidentified plane                                                Circling   800
                  160-00E

7.       1/6      7-53N        1017L    Unidentified plane                                                Various    1000
                  151-26E

8.       1/6      7-50N        1127L    Unidentified plane                                                Various    1000
                  151-30E

9.       1/11     0-10S        1605L    Unidentified plane, similar to our PBY                            Circling   5000
                  148-40E

10.      1/13     2-46S        1000L    Unidentified plane                                                Circling   1000
                  150-24E

11.      1/14     3-03S        1443L    Twin engine bomber                                                270        500
                  149-54E

12.      1/14     3-05S        1600L    Twin engine bomber                                                0°         1000
                  149-55E

— page 96 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. GUARDFISH
7

6. AIRCRAFT SIGHTED

CON-
TACT | DATE | POSITION | TIME | TYPE | COURSE | ALTITUDE
-----|------||------|------||
1.   | 12/21| 21-02N   | 0730X| PBY  | 270    | 800
     |      | 161-35W  |      |      |        |
2.   | 12/21| 21-02N   | 1330X| PBY  | 090    | 1000
     |      | 162-40W  |      |      |        |
3.   | 12/22| 20-40N   | 1112X| PBY  | 090    | 1000
     |      | 167-40W  |      |      |        |
4.   | 12/28| 15-56N   | 0924L| Two Jap bombers, painted olive drab, | 220    | 500
     |      | 168-15E  |      | with twin engines and long fuselage, |        |
     |      |          |      | similar to Mitsubishi 96/4.          |        |
5.   | 12/30| 12-38N   | 0705L| Two unidentified planes              | 250    | 800
     |      | 160-20E  |      |      |        |
6.   | 12/30| 12-30N   | 1024L| Unidentified plane                   | Circling 800 |
     |      | 160-00E  |      |      |        |
7.   | 1/6  | 7-53N    | 1017L| Unidentified plane                   | Various| 1000
     |      | 151-26E  |      |      |        |
8.   | 1/6  | 7-50N    | 1127L| Unidentified plane                   | Various| 1000
     |      | 151-30E  |      |      |        |
9.   | 1/11 | 0-10S    | 1605L| Unidentified plane, similar to our PBY | Circling 5000 |
     |      | 148-40E  |      |      |        |
10.  | 1/13 | 2-46S    | 1000L| Unidentified plane                   | Circling 1000 |
     |      | 150-24E  |      |      |        |
11.  | 1/14 | 3-03S    | 1443L| Twin engine bomber                   | 270    | 500
     |      | 149-54E  |      |      |        |
12.  | 1/14 | 3-05S    | 1600L| Twin engine bomber                   | 0°     | 1000
     |      | 149-55E  |      |      |        |

— page 97 —
CONFIDENTIAL
6. AIRCRAFT SIGHTED
U.S.S. GUARDFISH

CON-
TACT | DATE | POSITION | TIME | TYPE | COURSE | ALTITUDE
13. | 1/14 | 3-10S | 1849L | Twin engine bomber | 180 | 1000
    |      | 149-58E |       |                    |     |
14. | 1/15 | 2-54S | 1424L | Float Type plane | 030 | 800
    |      | 150-35E |       |                  |     |
15. | 1/19 | 2-50S | 1025L | Single Float Seaplane | Various | 800
    |      | 150-38E |       |                      |         |
16. | 1/20 | 3-55S | 1240L | Large Bomber | 090 | 1000
    |      | 152-05E |       |              |     |
17. | 1/23 | 2-47S | 1440L | Navy Bomber, similar to Mitsubishi | 000 | 1000
    |      | 150-38E |       | 96, Mk III.                      |     |
18. | 1/23 | 2-47S | 1500L | Navy bomber, similar to type above | 090 | 1000
    |      | 150-38E |       |                                  |     |
19. | 1/25 | 3-30S | 0012L | Three unidentified planes | 195 | 2000
    |      | 150-15E |       |                           |     |
20. | 1/26 | 2-53S | 1518L | Float biplane | Circling | 1000
    |      | 150-40E |       |               |          |
21. | 1/26 | 2-53S | 1626L | Float biplane | Circling | 1000
    |      | 150-40E |       |               |          |
22. | 1/27 | 4-08S | 1457L | Six large bombers | 210 | 2000
    |      | 152-15E |       |                   |     |
23. | 1/27 | 4-08S | 1500L | Float biplane | 210 | 1000
    |      | 152-15E |       |               |     |
24. | 1/28 | 4-05S | 1000L | Six monoplanes | 355 | 2000
    |      | 152-14E |       |                |     |

— page 97 —
CONFIDENTIAL
6. AIRCRAFT SIGHTED
U.S.S. GUARDFISH

CON-
TACT | DATE | POSITION | TIME | TYPE | COURSE | ALTITUDE
13. | 1/14 | 3-10S | 1849L | Twin engine bomber | 180 | 1000
    |      | 149-58E |       |                    |     |
14. | 1/15 | 2-54S | 1424L | Float Type plane | 030 | 800
    |      | 150-35E |       |                  |     |
15. | 1/19 | 2-50S | 1025L | Single Float Seaplane | Various | 800
    |      | 150-38E |       |                      |         |
16. | 1/20 | 3-55S | 1240L | Large Bomber | 090 | 1000
    |      | 152-05E |       |              |     |
17. | 1/23 | 2-47S | 1440L | Navy Bomber, similar to Mitsubishi | 000 | 1000
    |      | 150-38E |       | 96, Mk III.                      |     |
18. | 1/23 | 2-47S | 1500L | Navy bomber, similar to type above | 090 | 1000
    |      | 150-38E |       |                                  |     |
19. | 1/25 | 3-30S | 0012L | Three unidentified planes | 195 | 2000
    |      | 150-15E |       |                           |     |
20. | 1/26 | 2-53S | 1518L | Float biplane | Circling | 1000
    |      | 150-40E |       |               |          |
21. | 1/26 | 2-53S | 1626L | Float biplane | Circling | 1000
    |      | 150-40E |       |               |          |
22. | 1/27 | 4-08S | 1457L | Six large bombers | 210 | 2000
    |      | 152-15E |       |                   |     |
23. | 1/27 | 4-08S | 1500L | Float biplane | 210 | 1000
    |      | 152-15E |       |               |     |
24. | 1/28 | 4-05S | 1000L | Six monoplanes | 355 | 2000
    |      | 152-14E |       |                |     |

— page 98 —
CONFIDENTIAL
6. AIRCRAFT SIGHTED
U.S.S. GUARDFISH

CON-
TACT | DATE | POSITION | TIME | TYPE | COURSE | ALTITUDE
-----|------||------|||
25.  | 1/28 | 4-08S    | 1103L | Float biplane                             | --     | 1000
     |      | 152-14E  |      |                                           |        |
26.  | 1/28 | Off      | 1103L to | Various types of planes, 1 to 6        | Various | Various
     |      | Rabaul   | 1513L | in view at all times.                     |        |
27.  | 1/31 | 3-00S    | 0915L | Float biplane                             | 160    | 1000
     |      | 146-40E  |      |                                           |        |
28.  | 2/4  | 3-50S    | 0758L | Float biplane                             | 170    | 1000
     |      | 145-50E  |      |                                           |        |
29.  | 2/8  | 9-00S    | 0750L | PBY                                       | 290    | 1000
     |      | 154-45E  |      |                                           |        |

— page 98 —
CONFIDENTIAL
6. AIRCRAFT SIGHTED
U.S.S. GUARDFISH

CON-
TACT | DATE | POSITION | TIME | TYPE | COURSE | ALTITUDE
-----|------||------|||
25.  | 1/28 | 4-08S    | 1103L | Float biplane                             | --     | 1000
     |      | 152-14E  |      |                                           |        |
26.  | 1/28 | Off      | 1103L to | Various types of planes, 1 to 6        | Various | Various
     |      | Rabaul   | 1513L | in view at all times.                     |        |
27.  | 1/31 | 3-00S    | 0915L | Float biplane                             | 160    | 1000
     |      | 146-40E  |      |                                           |        |
28.  | 2/4  | 3-50S    | 0758L | Float biplane                             | 170    | 1000
     |      | 145-50E  |      |                                           |        |
29.  | 2/8  | 9-00S    | 0750L | PBY                                       | 290    | 1000
     |      | 154-45E  |      |                                           |        |

— page 99 —
7.
SUMMARY OF SUBMARINE ATTACKS
SHIP U.S.S. GUARDFISH

| (1) | (2) (a) | (2) [crossed out: (b)] [HANDWRITTEN: (3)] | (3) [crossed out: (a)] [HANDWRITTEN: (4)] | (5) | (6) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attack | | | | | |
| Date | 1/12/43 | 1/22/43 | 1/22/43 | 1/23/43 | | |
| Location (Lat.) | 2-51S | 3-55S | 3-55S | 2-47S | | |
| Location (Long.) | 149-43E | 152-07E | 152-07E | 150-38E | | |
| Torpedoes Fired on each Attack | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | | |
| Hits Number | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | | |
| Sunk (Tonnage) | 1368 | 8700 | -- | 1500 | | |
| Number Damaged or probably sunk | | | | | | |
| Type of Target | DD | Freighter | PC escort | Passenger [HANDWRITTEN: to target #2)] DD | | |
| Range 1500 Yards or Less | -- | -- | 1000 | -- | | |
| Range More Than 1500 Yards | 1750 yds | 2800 yds | -- | 1600 yds | | |
| Periscope Depth | Surface | Yes | Yes | Yes | | |
| | SJ approach (Night) | (Night) | | | | |
| | Attack at 40 feet | -- | -- | -- | | |
| Surface Night | | | | | | |
| Deep Submergence | -- | -- | -- | -- | | |
| Estimated Draft Target | 9 feet | 22 feet | 7 feet | 9 feet | | |
| Torpedo Depth Setting | 8 feet | 6 feet | 6 feet | 6 feet | | |
| Bow or Stern Shot | Bow | Stern | Stern | Bow | | |
| Track Angle | 100 S | 126 P | 50 P | 136 S | | |
| Gyro Angle | 2° R | 34 L | 24 R | 32 R | | |
| Estimate Speed Target | 12 kts | 10 kts | 15 kts | 16 kts | | |
| Firing Interval | 10 secs | 9 secs | -- | 6 secs | | |
| Spread - Amount and Kind | 1½° | 2° | -- | 2° | | |
| | Divergent | Divergent | | Divergent | | |
| Remarks: | Target #2 (a) employed a constant helm zig-zag. | | | | | |

Note: This form is to be submitted by each submarine with the narrative of war operations. May be submitted in rough.
228—USS Fulton—7-20-42—1M.

— page 99 —
7.
SUMMARY OF SUBMARINE ATTACKS
SHIP U.S.S. GUARDFISH

| | (1) | (2) (a) | (2) (b) | (3) (4) | (5) | (6) |
| :| :------ | :| :| :| :--- | :--- |
| Attack | | | | | | |
| Date | 1/12/43 | 1/22/43 | 1/22/43 | 1/23/43 | | |
| Location (Lat.) | 2-51S | 3-55S | 3-55S | 2-47S | | |
| (Long.) | 149-43E | 152-07E | 152-07E | 150-38E | | |
| Torpedoes Fired on each Attack | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | | |
| Hits | | | | | | |
| Number | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | | |
| Sunk (Tonnage) | 1368 | 8700 | -- | 1500 | | |
| Number Damaged or probably sunk | | | | | | |
| Type of Target | DD | Freighter | PC escort | | | |
| | | | Passenger | to target #2) DD | | |
| Range 1500 Yards or Less | | | 1000 | | | |
| Range More Than 1500 Yards | 1750 yds | 2800 yds | -- | 1600 yds | | |
| Periscope Depth | Surface | Yes | Yes | Yes | | |
| | SJ approach | (Night) | (Night) | | | |
| | Attack at | | | | | |
| | 40 feet | | | | | |
| Surface Night | -- | -- | -- | -- | | |
| Deep Submergence | -- | -- | -- | -- | | |
| Estimated Draft Target | 9 feet | 22 feet | 7 feet | 9 feet | | |
| Torpedo Depth Setting | 8 feet | 6 feet | 6 feet | 6 feet | | |
| Bow or Stern Shot | Bow | Stern | Stern | Bow | | |
| Track Angle | 100 S | 126 P | 50 P | 136 S | | |
| Gyro Angle | 2° R | 34 L | 24 R | 32 R | | |
| Estimate Speed Target | 12 kts | 10 kts | 15 kts | 16 kts | | |
| Firing Interval | 10 secs | 9 secs | -- | 6 secs | | |
| Spread - Amount and Kind | 1½° | 2° | | 2° | | |
| | Divergent | Divergent | | Divergent | | |
| Remarks: | Target #2 (a) employed a constant helm zig-zag. | | | | | |

Note: This form is to be submitted by each submarine with the narrative of war operations. May be submitted in rough.

228—USS Fulton—7-20-42—1M

— page 100 —
U.S.S. GUARDFISH

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
8.
U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Third War Patrol - Report of.
ENEMY A/S MEASURES.
Total depth charges received were 38 salvos and single charges.
Although the boat was shaken up by several of them and cork was
knocked off the bulkheads, no evidence of internal damage has been
found. The depth charge attack encountered North of Truk on
January 4 was unique in that no surface vessels were observed. It
is believed that it originated entirely in the air. Another pecu-
liarity of the attack was that explosions were sustained at half-
hourly intervals which appeared to indicate an area barrage. How-
ever, if that were the case, we must have been near the center of
it for some of them definitely were tagged for us.

An energetic patrol is maintained off Raboul by several
surface vessels and many planes, the surface craft employing both
echo-ranging and listening methods of detection. Escort vessels
encountered used the same tactics. Many of the charges were well
placed and exploded directly overhead.

The surface patrol off Steffen Strait is not maintained daily
but appears at intervals, probably when called out by the search-
ing planes.

A total of 20 or more salvos of shells were fired at us by
vessels which caught us on the surface three times at night and by
the shore battery at Raboul which fired at the periscope. No hits
were made except one possible hit in the forward end on the latter
occasion. A search for damage will be made after entering port.
1
٦

— page 102 —
U.S.S. GUARDFISH
Subject:
U.S.S. GUARDFISH
-
Third War Patrol
Report of.
10. MAJOR DEFECTS
A. ENGINEERING
1. Number two muffler has corroded through from the inside
at a point on the top about two feet from the after end.
This results in a vertical plume of steam from the muffler
spray and the occasional emission of sparks.
2. Both main shafts have become excessively noisy at low
speeds. They give forth squeals which appear to originate
in each stern tube and in the starboard strut. Stern tube
glands and shafting have overheated under various loadings;
a separate report on this subject is being submitted.
3. Cells 19F and 81A had to be jumped out of the circuit
due to a grounded insert in the former. A separate report
is being submitted.
B. C&R
1. The bow plane clutch is noisy in operation and requires
overhaul.
2. Number 2 periscope leaks excessively.
3. The bow planes appear to have been jarred out of alignment.
C. ORDNANCE
1. The stop valves on five torpedoes leaked badly due to
being improperly packed by the Submarine Base, Pearl, torpedo
overhaul crew. The leaks were repaired by the ship's force
although proper equipment for repair and test of these
valves is not carried on board.
2. The top plate spindle on torpedo #22215 was found bent,
causing the pin on the index lever to shear and leaving the
gyro pot set on 20° left. Repairs were effected by the
ship's force.
D. RADIO AND SOUND
-
RADAR.
1. The sound heads became inoperative after the ship grounded
at Wewak. It is believed that both heads are flooded.
2. Converter failure in the receiver unit of the SJ radar and
a faulty spare deprived us of the use of this equipment during
the latter half of the patrol.
3. The SD radar gave indication of lack of sensitivity and
echoes received were not persistent. It is believed that a
ground in the mast may be responsible for the latter condition.
1
٦

— page 105 —
U.S.S. GUARDFISH
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Third War Patrol - Report of.
RADAR (CONTINUED)

(S-J Continued)
During rain the ranges obtained were much reduced and in
some cases practically negligible.
After the trouble began with the converter unit, the equip-
ment would not pick up land at any range and failed to give any
indication when land was present from 4000 to 7000 yards distant.

— page 108 —
U.S.S. GUARDFISH

Subject:
U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Third War Patrol - Report of.

14.
Miles Steamed Enroute To And From Station.
Pearl to Truk
2674
Truk to New Hanover
1214
Wewak to Brisbane
1838
Total
5726
15.
Fuel Used
89,260 gallons.
16.
Factors Of Endurance Remaining.
Torpedoes | Fuel | Provisions (days) | Fresh Water (days) |
14 | 3000 gal. | 40 | 20 |

Personnel
5 to 10
17.
Factor Ending Patrol
The patrol was ended in accordance with orders.

— page 109 —
U.S.S. GUARDFISH

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Third War Patrol - Report of.

18. REMARKS

This third patrol of the GUARDFISH has been an exhaustive
one in many ways. During one two week period the ship was depth
charged six times and attacked by gun fire on the surface three
times at night. Enemy submarines were encountered twice at night
during this same period. The abortive attempt to penetrate
Rabaul and its aftermath were distressing physically and men-
tally. But overshadowing all the rest, the almost utterly help-
less situation where the ship was grounded in Wewak harbor proved
the mettle of the ship's company and convinced the Commanding
Officer that we can't lose this or any war as long as our ships
are supplied with men like them. The performance of the diving
officer, Lieutenant Bowers, in maintaining effective depth con-
trol during the maneuvers involved in getting clear of the reef
at Wewak was especially noteworthy. The new officers and new
men took hold quickly and it is gratifying to see that the
old timers come through the patrol in such fine shape.

Some totals that might be of interest are:

Days spent in assigned areas (not including transits in
combat zones) 34
Length of the patrol (days)58
All day dives44
Hours submerged562

— page 109 —
U.S.S. GUARDFISH

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH - Third War Patrol - Report of.

18. REMARKS

This third patrol of the GUARDFISH has been an exhaustive
one in many ways. During one two week period the ship was depth
charged six times and attacked by gun fire on the surface three
times at night. Enemy submarines were encountered twice at night
during this same period. The abortive attempt to penetrate
Rabaul - and its aftermath were distressing physically and men-
tally. But overshadowing all the rest, the almost utterly help-
less situation where the ship was grounded in Wewak harbor proved
the mettle of the ship's company and convinced the Commanding
Officer that we can't lose this or any war as long as our ships
are supplied with men like them. The performance of the diving
officer, Lieutenant Bowers, in maintaining effective depth con-
trol during the maneuvers involved in getting clear of the reef
at Wewak was especially noteworthy. The new officers and new
men took hold quickly and it is gratifying to see that the
old timers come through the patrol in such fine shape.

Some totals that might be of interest are:

Days spent in assigned areas (not including transits in
combat zones) 34
Length of the patrol (days)58
All day dives44
Hours submerged562

— page 110 —
[STAMP: Reg. No. 3579]
[STAMP: R.S. No. 3 01581]

COMSOPAC FILE
A16-3/(11)
Serial 0403

SOUTH PACIFIC FORCE
OF THE UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER
NWS

[STAMP: MAR 10 1943]

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

FIRST ENDORSEMENT on
Comdr. TF FORTY-TWO
Conf. ltr. FF12-15
(42)/A16-3/pk, Serial
056 dated February 17,
1943.

From: The Commander South Pacific Area and South
Pacific Force.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Third War Patrol; comments on.

1. Forwarded. This was truly a fine patrol and
one of which the GUARDFISH's captain, his officers and crew,
the submarine service, and the U.S. Navy can well be proud.

[SIGNATURE: W.F. Halsey]
W. F. HALSEY

Copy to:
CNO
Cincpac
Cinclant
Comsowespac
Comsubpac

Comsublant
Comsubowespac
CTF 42
Comsubron 8
Comsubdiv 82
CO USS GUARDFISH

[STAMP: COMMANDER IN CHIEF
U.S. FLEET
RECEIVED
1943 MAR 22
12
30]

— page 110 —
COMSOPAC FILE
A16-3/(11)
Serial 0403

SOUTH PACIFIC FORCE
OF THE UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER
NWS

[STAMP: Reg. No. 3579]
[STAMP: R.S. No. 3 01581]

[STAMP: MAR 10 1943]

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

FIRST ENDORSEMENT on
Comdr. TF FORTY-TWO
Conf. ltr. FF12-15
(42)/A16-3/pk, Serial
056 dated February 17,
1943.

From: The Commander South Pacific Area and South
Pacific Force.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Third War Patrol; comments on.

1. Forwarded. This was truly a fine patrol and
one of which the GUARDFISH's captain, his officers and crew,
the submarine service, and the U.S. Navy can well be proud.

[SIGNATURE: W. F. Halsey]
W. F. HALSEY

Copy to:
CNO
Cincpac
Cincsoac
Comsowespac
Comsubpac
Comsublant
Comsubowespac
CTF 42
Comsubron 8
Comsubdiv 82
CO USS GUARDFISH

[STAMP: COMMANDER IN CHIEF
U.S. FLEET
RECEIVED
1943 MAR 22
12
30]

— page 111 —
FF12-15(42)/A16-3/pk
Serial 056
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

TASK FORCE FORTY-TWO,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

February 17, 1943.

From: The Commander Task Force FORTY-TWO.
To : The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : The Commander SOUTH PACIFIC FORCE.

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Third War Patrol; comments on.

Enclosure: (A) Copy of subject patrol report.

1. Enclosure (A) is forwarded herewith.

2. GUARDFISH's excellent Third War Patrol was of
fifty-eight days' duration. She left Pearl Harbor on Dec-
ember 20, 1942, and operated north of TRUK from December
31st to January 7, 1943, with no attack opportunities.
She passed to the operational control of Commander Task
Force FORTY-TWO on January 9th, on which date she commenced
a roving patrol on the Equator. Visibility was poor and
she had no contacts. On January 12th she arrived south
of NEW HANOVER, where on the following night she sank a
MATSUHARU destroyer with one hit out of three torpedoes
after a submerged approach using SJ radar. Two days later
she made a night surface approach on an escorted freight-
er but she was detected, forced to submerge, and heavily depth-
charged. She was depth-charged again by aircraft and des-
troyers on January 17th. She shifted station to the close
northern approaches to RABAUL on January 19th, where on
the morning of January 23rd she made a moonlight submerged
attack and sank an escorted freighter of 8,600 tons with
one hit out of three torpedoes fired. She fired another,
which missed, at the subchaser escort who counter-attacked
with depth-charges. She then moved to south of ST. GEORGE'S
STRAIT. While chasing an escorted convoy in moon-
light on the morning of January 23rd, two escorts opened fire on her
at 7,000 yards range and eventually drove her down and
depth-charged her again. That afternoon, however, she sank
an ASASHIO class destroyer with one hit out of three tor-
pedoes fired after a periscope approach. On January 24th,
she was again depth-charged by aircraft and patrol boats,
but with both radars out of commission she returned to
RABAUL, where on January 27th she made a bold attempt to
penetrate RABAUL waters and sink shipping at anchor in
SIMPSON HARBOR. She reached a position from which she
could see six ships anchored west of MATUPI Island, all
presenting an excellent target. The attack was frustrated,
however, by glassy seas which caused her periscope to be

[STAMP: 47024]
[STAMP: FILMED] - 1 -

— page 111 —
FF12-15(42)/A16-3/pk
Serial 056
C-O-N-E-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
From:
To
Via:
:
Subject:
Enclosure:
1.
2.
TASK FORCE FORTY-TWO,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
February 17, 1943.
The Commander Task Force FORTY-TWO.
The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
The Commander SOUTH FACIFIC FORCE.
U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Third War Patrol; comments on.
(A) Copy of subject patrol report.
Enclosure (A) is forwarded herewith.
GUARDFISH's excellent Third War Patrol was of
fifty-eight days duration. She left Fearl Harbor on Dec-
ember 20, 1942, and operated north of TRUK from December
Slst to January 7, 1943, with no attack opportunities.
She passed to the operational control of Commander Task
Force FORTY-TWO on January 9th, on which date she commenced
a roving patrol on the Equator. Visibility was poor and:
she had no contacts. On January 12th she arrived south
of NEW HANOVER, where on the following night she sank a
HATSUHARU destroyer with one hit out of three torpedoes
after a submerged approach using SJ radar. Two days later
while making a night surface approach on an escorted freigh-
ter she was detected, forced to submerge, and heavily: depth-
charged. She was depth-charged again by aircraft and des-
troyers on January 17th. She shifted station to the close
northern approaches to RABAUL on January 19th, where on
the morning of January 23rd she made a moonlight submerged
attack and sank an escorted freighter of 8,600 tons with
one hit out of three torpedoes fired. She fired another,
which missed, at the subchaser escort who counter-attacked
with depth-charges. She then moved to south of STEFFEN
STRAIT. While chasing an escorted convoy in moonlight on
the morning of January 23rd, two escorts opened fire on her
at 7,000 yards range and eventually drove her down and
depth-charged her again. That afternoon, however, she sank
an ASASHIO class destroyer with one hit out of three tor-
pedoes fired after a periscope approach. On January 24th,
she was again depth-charged by aircraft and patrol boats,
but with both radars out of commission she returned to
RABAUL, where on January 27th she made a bold attempt to
penetrate RABAUL waters and sink shipping at anchor in
SIMPSON HARBOR. She reached a position from which she
could see six ships anchored west of MATUPI Island and
presenting an excellent target. The attack was frustrated,
however, by glassy seas which caused her periscope to be
47024 FILMED
- 1 -

— page 114 —
S5217/A16-3
Serial 01
DECLASSIFIED
[STRIKE-THROUGH: SECRET]N-T-I-A-L

U.S.S. GUARDFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander Task Force SEVENTY TWO.
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.
Reference: (a) ComTaskFor-42 Confidential Serial 010 of
January 18, 1943.
Enclosure: (A) Subject Patrol Report.

1. In accordance with reference (a), enclosure (A)
is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: Thomas B. Klakring]
THOMAS B. KLAKRING.

Copies to:
CSS-8
CSD-82

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B9C DATE 5/30/22]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[STAMP: 49511 FILMED]

— page 114 —
S217/A16-3
U.S.S. GUARDFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

Serial 01
DECLASSIFIED [STRIKE-THROUGH: T-I-A-L]
From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander Task Force SEVENTY TWO.
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.
Reference: (a) ComTaskFor-42 Confidential Serial 010 of
January 18, 1943.
Enclosure: [HANDWRITTEN: ✓] (A) Subject Patrol Report.
1. In accordance with reference (a), enclosure (A)
is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: Thomas B. Klakring]
THOMAS B. KLAKRING

Copies to:
CSS-8
CSD-82

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B9C DATE 5/30/22]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[STAMP: 49511 FILMED]

— page 115 —
502048
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

INTERVAL BETWEEN PATROLS.

GUARDFISH concluded her third war patrol upon
arriving at Brisbane on February 15, 1943 where she was re-
fitted by the FULTON and the relief crew of Submarine Division
EIGHTY TWO during the remainder of the month. The vessel was
dry-docked at South Brisbane from March 2 to March 4, after
which she was wiped in the Brisbane River by personnel of the
FULTON. No major repairs or alterations were undertaken during
the refit or docking periods. One officer and twenty two men
were transferred from the ship and replacements were received.
It is of interest to note that since the conclusion of the
first war patrol on September 15, 1942, just six months ago,
48 of the original crew, 73%, have been transferred to relief
crews. Of this number, but one man has been returned to the
ship. Thus with this large enlisted turnover and with only
two qualified officers remaining on board besides the command-
ing officer, GUARDFISH begins her fourth war patrol with a
ship's company so inexperienced as to approach the danger..
point.

DIGEST OF INSTRUCTIONS.

Period from March 9 to April 30. Operations in
the Solomons, Bismark and New Guinea areas.

BASIC OPERATION ORDERS

Commander Task Force FORTY TWO secret operation
order No. S16-43.

AMENDMENTS.

Various despatches from Commander Task Force
SEVENTY TWO (not listed for security reasons).

— page 117 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 502048]
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

— page 117 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 502048]
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

— page 118 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject:
U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.
NARRATIVE (Continued)
March 17, 1943
0025
Received despatch instructions to shift to area
North of Kavieng. It is too late to get past
Cape Saint George during the dark hours so we
will have to dive in the morning in the vicinity
of Saint George's Channel. Also, to use the
radio tonight would ruin our chances for the
day, therefore, sounding off will be deferred
until after the dive.
0643
Dived and ran submerged until 1920 at which time
we surfaced and stood northeastward to pass be-
tween Buka and Cape Saint George.
2213
Cleared despatch report of position after a two
hour delay due to transmitter trouble.
Noon position: 5-40 S., 153-01 E.
Day's run - 203 miles. Fuel expended - 1835 gal.
March 18, 1943
Submerged during the daylight to avoid detection
and for training. No contacts were made either
submerged or on the surface.
Noon position: 2-48 S., 153-12 E.
Day's run - 197 miles. Fuel expended - 2125 gal.
March 19, 1943
0641
Submerged 13 miles North of Tench and patrolled
the passage between it and Emirau. Surfaced at
1938 having had no contacts during the day.
Surface patrolled the Truk-Kavieng line, after
dark.
Noon position: 1-28 S., 150-31 E.
Day's run - 156 miles. Fuel expended - 975 gal.

-3-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 119 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 502048]

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)

March 20, 1943

0639        Dived twenty eight miles North-Northeast of
            Tench and made high periscope patrol down past
            the island. Passed within three miles of Tench
            and examined it carefully but could observe
            nothing of interest.
1935        Surfaced eight miles south of Tench and resumed
            surface patrol on the Truk route.
2113        A periscope appeared for about one minute, bear-
            ing 120° relative, distance 500 yards. A quick
            turn away was made to avoid possible torpedoes
            and to attack with our stern shots but the enemy
            periscope, once lowered, was not raised again
            and we cleared the locality without further
            contact.
            Noon position: 1-26 S., 150-54 E.
            Day's run - 164 miles. Fuel expended - 1045 gal.

March 21, 1943

0615        While patrolling on the surface on a southerly
            course about fifty miles North of Tench, a
            simultaneous visual and radar contact was made
            bearing right ahead, distance 4 miles. We
            turned around and went to four engine speed in
            an attempt to track the target and obtain a
            favorable attack position. But at 0625, the
            target having closed rapidly to 5,000 yards range
            turned its searchlight directly on our bridge.
            The glare was so intense that our topside watch
            were blinded by it and cleared the bridge with
            difficulty. We dived and within the next fifteen
            minutes were the recipients of a dozen or so
            well-placed depth charges which shook us consider-
            ably but did no apparent material damage other
            than carrying away the starboard antenna.

- 4 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 119 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 502048]

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)

March 20, 1943
0639 Dived twenty eight miles North-Northeast of
     Tench and made high periscope patrol down past
     the island. Passed within three miles of Tench
     and examined it carefully but could observe
     nothing of interest.
1935 Surfaced eight miles south of Tench and resumed
     surface patrol on the Truk route.
2113 A periscope appeared for about one minute, bear-
     ing 120° relative, distance 500 yards. A quick
     turn away was made to avoid possible torpedoes
     and to attack with our stern shots but the enemy
     periscope, once lowered, was not raised again
     and we cleared the locality without further
     contact.
     Noon position: 1-26 S., 150-54 E.
     Day's run - 164 miles. Fuel expended - 1045 gal.

March 21, 1943
0615 While patrolling on the surface on a southerly
     course about fifty miles North of Tench, a
     simultaneous visual and radar contact was made
     bearing right ahead, distance 4 miles. We
     turned around and went to four engine speed in
     an attempt to track the target and obtain a
     favorable attack position. But at 0625, the
     target having closed rapidly to 5,000 yards range
     turned its searchlight directly on our bridge.
     The glare was so intense that our topside watch
     were blinded by it and cleared the bridge with
     difficulty. We dived and within the next fifteen
     minutes were the recipients of a dozen or so
     well-placed depth charges which shook us consider-
     ably but did no apparent material damage other
     than carrying away the starboard antenna.

- 4 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 120 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)

March 21, 1943 (Cont'd)
     0740      Commenced periscope patrol across the traffic
               lane and had no further contacts throughout the
               day; surfaced at 1933.
               Noon position: 0-53 S., 150-56 E.
               Day's run - 180 miles. Fuel expended - 1300 gal.

March 22, 1943
               Patrolled across the traffic lane during the
               night and submerged at 0606. About four days
               more of submerged training are considered
               necessary to season the crew before continuous
               daylight surface patrol can be undertaken under
               the unfavorable sky conditions now existing.
               The SD radar is not being used because of recent
               despatch advices.
     1930      Surfaced after another day without a contact.
               Noon position: 0-43 S., 150-56 E.
               Day's run - 173 miles. Fuel expended - 1225 gal.

March 23, 1943
               Patrolled down the traffic lane during the night.
               As we passed 10 miles East of Tench at 0622, the
               beam of a powerful searchlight to the southward
               pointed and remained steadily in our direction.
               This light was located well over the horizon,
               possibly even at Kavieng, 55 miles away. Our
               recent experiences and indications received of
               local radar signals lead to the conclusion that
               we are being tracked each night and whatever
               traffic there may be, is being routed clear of
               us.
     1939      Surfaced 13 miles below Tench and took a turn
               around the island before heading over to Mussau
               for tomorrow's operations.

                         - 5 -                    ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 120 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)

March 21, 1943 (Cont'd)
     0740      Commenced periscope patrol across the traffic
               lane and had no further contacts throughout the
               day; surfaced at 1933.
               Noon position: 0-53 S., 150-56 E.
               Day's run - 180 miles. Fuel expended - 1300 gal.

March 22, 1943
               Patrolled across the traffic lane during the
               night and submerged at 0606. About four days
               more of submerged training are considered
               necessary to season the crew before continuous
               daylight surface patrol can be undertaken under
               the unfavorable sky conditions now existing.
               The SD radar is not being used because of recent
               despatch advices.
     1930      Surfaced after another day without a contact.
               Noon position: 0-43 S., 150-56 E.
               Day's run - 173 miles. Fuel expended - 1225 gal.

March 23, 1943
               Patrolled down the traffic lane during the night.
               As we passed 10 miles East of Tench at 0622, the
               beam of a powerful searchlight to the southward
               pointed and remained steadily in our direction.
               This light was located well over the horizon,
               possibly even at Kavieng, 55 miles away. Our
               recent experiences and indications received of
               local radar signals lead to the conclusion that
               we are being tracked each night and whatever
               traffic there may be, is being routed clear of
               us.
     1939      Surfaced 13 miles below Tench and took a turn
               around the island before heading over to Mussau
               for tomorrow's operations.

                         - 5 -                    ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 121 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 5-02048]
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)

March 23, 1943 (Cont'd)

2019 An SJ contact on our starboard beam was put
     astern and disappeared before we could locate
     it visually. The radar operator, on best
     man, took several ranges on this pip during the
     minute or so it appeared on the screen, all of
     which were close to 700 yards. This was either
     a false contact or another submarine.
     Noon position: 1-45 S., 150-30 E.
     Day's run - 178 miles. Fuel expended - 1395 gal.

March 24, 1943

0658 Submerged 25 miles North of Mussau and recon-
     noitered the coast during the day. Nothing of
     interest was sighted. Surfaced at 1948.
2100 Transmitted despatch relative to lack of traf-
     fic.
     Noon position: 1-08 S., 149-40 E.
     Day's run - 180 miles. Fuel expended - 1420 gal.

March 25, 1943

     Ran daylight surface patrol across the traffic
     lane.
1434 Forced down by an unidentified plane which came
     at us out of the clouds at a range of about 6
     miles.
1705 Surfaced.
2010 Received despatch orders to change area.
     Noon position: 0-08 S., 151-09 E.
     Day's run - 283 miles. Fuel expended - 2315 gal.

March 26, 1943

0228 Made contact with a hospital ship on the equator
     at latitude 150. This vessel was carefully
     identified and observed to be making 10 knots

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Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)

March 23, 1943 (Cont'd)

2019 An SJ contact on our starboard beam was put
     astern and disappeared before we could locate
     it visually. The radar operator, on best
     man, took several ranges on this pip during the
     minute or so it appeared on the screen, all of
     which were close to 700 yards. This was either
     a false contact or another submarine.
     Noon position: 1-45 S., 150-30 E.
     Day's run - 178 miles. Fuel expended - 1395 gal.

March 24, 1943

0658 Submerged 25 miles North of Mussau and recon-
     noitered the coast during the day. Nothing of
     interest was sighted. Surfaced at 1948.
2100 Transmitted despatch relative to lack of traf-
     fic.
     Noon position: 1-08 S., 149-40 E.
     Day's run - 180 miles. Fuel expended - 1420 gal.

March 25, 1943

     Ran daylight surface patrol across the traffic
     lane.
1434 Forced down by an unidentified plane which came
     at us out of the clouds at a range of about 6
     miles.
1705 Surfaced.
2010 Received despatch orders to change area.
     Noon position: 0-08 S., 151-09 E.
     Day's run - 283 miles. Fuel expended - 2315 gal.

March 26, 1943

0228 Made contact with a hospital ship on the equator
     at latitude 150. This vessel was carefully
     identified and observed to be making 10 knots

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— page 122 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)

March 26, 1943 (Cont'd)

                     on course 170. We avoided it at high speed.
                     We entered the new area at noon, made a dive
                     trim and training at 1500 and surfaced at 1745.
2114                 Made a contact on the radar at 5 miles range.
                     The approach, lasting until 0222, March 27, and
                     the attack, broken off an hour later, are de-
                     scribed in paragraph 7.
                     Noon position: 0-32 S., 148-14 E.
                     Day's run - 275 miles. Fuel expended - 2040 gal.

March 27, 1943

0000                 Conducting approach on enemy vessel.
0222                 Dived for the attack.
0321                 Discontinued the attack as explained in para-
                     graph 7.
0700                 The enemy vessel's pinging having ceased about
                     an hour ago, we rose to periscope depth and
                     found the seascape clear. All hands having
                     been at battle stations for about nine hours,
                     it was decided to run periscope patrol for the
                     remainder of the day in order to afford us some
                     much needed rest.
1813                 Surfaced.
                     Noon position: 1-00 S., 147-53 E.
                     Day's run - 124 miles. Fuel expended - 600 gal.

March 28, 1943

0200 (L)             Set the clocks back one hour to zone (-) 10
                     time. From this point on in the report all
                     times will be King instead of Love.
0620(K)              Sighted smoke bearing 119 and began tracking.
                     By 0700 we were able to make out the tops of
                     several ships zig-zagging on a base course of
                     about 300 and we obtained position ahead at

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— page 122 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)

March 26, 1943 (Cont'd)

                     on course 170. We avoided it at high speed.
                     We entered the new area at noon, made a dive
                     trim and training at 1500 and surfaced at 1745.
2114                 Made a contact on the radar at 5 miles range.
                     The approach, lasting until 0222, March 27, and
                     the attack, broken off an hour later, are de-
                     scribed in paragraph 7.
                     Noon position: 0-32 S., 148-14 E.
                     Day's run - 275 miles. Fuel expended - 2040 gal.

March 27, 1943

0000                 Conducting approach on enemy vessel.
0222                 Dived for the attack.
0321                 Discontinued the attack as explained in para-
                     graph 7.
0700                 The enemy vessel's pinging having ceased about
                     an hour ago, we rose to periscope depth and
                     found the seascape clear. All hands having
                     been at battle stations for about nine hours,
                     it was decided to run periscope patrol for the
                     remainder of the day in order to afford us some
                     much needed rest.
1813                 Surfaced.
                     Noon position: 1-00 S., 147-53 E.
                     Day's run - 124 miles. Fuel expended - 600 gal.

March 28, 1943

0200 (L)             Set the clocks back one hour to zone (-) 10
                     time. From this point on in the report all
                     times will be King instead of Love.
0620(K)              Sighted smoke bearing 119 and began tracking.
                     By 0700 we were able to make out the tops of
                     several ships zig-zagging on a base course of
                     about 300 and we obtained position ahead at

                                          - 7 - ENCLOSURE (A)

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C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

— page 124 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)

March 30, 1943 (Cont'd)

tops of one or two of the leading vessels in
sight except during intermittent rain squalls
during which the visibility was reduced to zero
for as long as a half hour at a time. At about
0900 the Junior Officer of the Deck who was
stationed in the high lookout platform saw what
he thought was the explosion of a bomb or depth
charge in the vicinity of the enemy disposition.
Immediately after this they were enveloped in a
squall of about an hour's duration from which
they never emerged. By this time the base course
of the enemy had been established as 305 -315,
speed 9 - 10. When the enemy failed to emerge
from the rain squall, we searched along the re-
verse track and failing in that, conducted a
continuous search at high speed, covering all
enemy courses from 280 to 340 and all speeds
from 7 to 12 knots. Contact was never regained
and it was obvious that a very radical change of
course had been made about 0900 and the enemy
had eluded us under cover of the heavy weather.
While still searching on northerly courses we
encountered another submarine on the surface.
The commanding officer identified the vessel
through No. 1 periscope as closely resembling
the GREENLING. The position noted for refer-
ence later, was Lat. 0-06 N., Long. 146-58 E.

1508

The other submarine took up an intersecting
course and submerged at about 6 miles range. We
fired two identification signals at six minute
interval and turned away to the westward to open
the range and evacuate the area. The search for
the convoy was continued until dark without result.
Received TUNA despatch which relates their sink-
ing one of the convoy at 0855. This accounts for
the explosion witnessed by our J.O.O.D. at that
time and probably the change of enemy course
which we conclude followed their attack.

1935

Noon position: 0-05 S., 146-56 E.
Day's run - 308 miles. Fuel expended - 2755 gal.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 124 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)

March 30, 1943 (Cont'd)

tops of one or two of the leading vessels in
sight except during intermittent rain squalls
during which the visibility was reduced to zero
for as long as a half hour at a time. At about
0900 the Junior Officer of the Deck who was
stationed in the high lookout platform saw what
he thought was the explosion of a bomb or depth
charge in the vicinity of the enemy disposition.
Immediately after this they were enveloped in a
squall of about an hour's duration from which
they never emerged. By this time the base course
of the enemy had been established as 305 -315,
speed 9 - 10. When the enemy failed to emerge
from the rain squall, we searched along the re-
verse track and failing in that, conducted a
continuous search at high speed, covering all
enemy courses from 280 to 340 and all speeds
from 7 to 12 knots. Contact was never regained
and it was obvious that a very radical change of
course had been made about 0900 and the enemy
had eluded us under cover of the heavy weather.
While still searching on northerly courses we
encountered another submarine on the surface.
The commanding officer identified the vessel
through No. 1 periscope as closely resembling
the GREENLING. The position noted for refer-
ence later, was Lat. 0-06 N., Long. 146-58 E.

1508

The other submarine took up an intersecting
course and submerged at about 6 miles range. We
fired two identification signals at six minute
interval and turned away to the westward to open
the range and evacuate the area. The search for
the convoy was continued until dark without result.
Received TUNA despatch which relates their sink-
ing one of the convoy at 0855. This accounts for
the explosion witnessed by our J.O.O.D. at that
time and probably the change of enemy course
which we conclude followed their attack.

1935

Noon position: 0-05 S., 146-56 E.
Day's run - 308 miles. Fuel expended - 2755 gal.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 125 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 5-02048]

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)

March 31, 1943

0500        Sighted a submarine on the surface bearing 025
            distance 4 miles (Position 01-06 S., 148-40 E.)
            and took it to be the TUNA. Turned away and
            lost the submarine in a very few minutes in the
            darkness.
            Patrolled all day on the surface except for a
            forty minute trim dive at 1700.
            Noon position: 0-33 S., 147-55 E.
            Day's run - 296 miles. Fuel expended - 2490 gal.

April 1, 1943

            Surface patrol, nothing sighted.
            Noon position: 0-27 S., 148-15 E.
            Day's run - 268 miles. Fuel expended - 1810 gal.

April 2, 1943

            Surface patrol, nothing sighted.
            Noon position: 0-27 S., 146-41 E.
            Day's run - 247 miles. Fuel expended - 1655 gal.

April 3, 1943

            Surface patrol, heading west for newly assigned
            area, nothing sighted.
1654        Dived for 40 minutes for trim and training.

April 4, 1943

0634        Dived and ran submerged patrol in accordance
            with advice by despatch. Nothing sighted during
            a day of low visibility.
1838        Surfaced.
            Noon position: 1-18 S., 142-23 E.
            Day's run - 184 miles. Fuel expended - 1415 gal.

- 10 - ENCLOSURE (A)

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[HANDWRITTEN: 5-02048]

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)

March 31, 1943

0500        Sighted a submarine on the surface bearing 025
            distance 4 miles (Position 01-06 S., 148-40 E.)
            and took it to be the TUNA. Turned away and
            lost the submarine in a very few minutes in the
            darkness.
            Patrolled all day on the surface except for a
            forty minute trim dive at 1700.
            Noon position: 0-33 S., 147-55 E.
            Day's run - 296 miles. Fuel expended - 2490 gal.

April 1, 1943

            Surface patrol, nothing sighted.
            Noon position: 0-27 S., 148-15 E.
            Day's run - 268 miles. Fuel expended - 1810 gal.

April 2, 1943

            Surface patrol, nothing sighted.
            Noon position: 0-27 S., 146-41 E.
            Day's run - 247 miles. Fuel expended - 1655 gal.

April 3, 1943

            Surface patrol, heading west for newly assigned
            area, nothing sighted.
1654        Dived for 40 minutes for trim and training.

April 4, 1943

0634        Dived and ran submerged patrol in accordance
            with advice by despatch. Nothing sighted during
            a day of low visibility.
1838        Surfaced.
            Noon position: 1-18 S., 142-23 E.
            Day's run - 184 miles. Fuel expended - 1415 gal.

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— page 126 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject:
U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)
April 5, 1943
0608
-
Aril 6, 1943
0527
0627
1850
Submerged patrol until 1842, nothing sighted.
Noon "position: 2-13 S., 141-22 E.
Day's run - 122 miles. Fuel expended - 675 gal.
Investigated but was never able to sight the
object which appeared as an SJ contact at 3,500
yards range for a period of four minutes.
Submerged at daylight and traversed submerged
the area in which the radar contact had been
obtained - nothing was sighted then nor through-
out the remainder of the day.
Surfaced
Noon position: 1-14 S., 141-46 E.
Day's run - 118 miles: Fuel expended - 655 gal.
il 7, 1943
Submerged patrol from 0614 to 1900 - nothing
sighted, weather inclement.
Noon position: 1-17 S., 141-12 E.
Day's run - 115 miles. Fuel expended - 545 gal.
April 8, 1943
Encountered heavy seas during the night, a storm
has been building up during the past few days.
Ran submerged from 0622 to 1857 - nothing sighted.
Noon position: 1-00 S, 139-59 E,
Day's run - 129 miles. Fuel expended 645 gal.
April 9, 1943
Surface patrol in semi-typhoon, wind gusts up
to 50 knots. Nothing sighted.
Noon position: 0-47 N., 139-00 E.
Day's run - 246 miles. Fuel expended - 1570 gal.

- 11 -
ENCLOSURE (A)
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[HANDWRITTEN: 5-02048]

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)

April 10, 1943

     Weather same as yesterday, ran surface patrol
     all day but sighted no shipping.
     Noon position: 0-38 S., 140-05 E.
     Day's run - 249 miles. Fuel expended - 1470 gal.

April 11, 1943

0626 Submerged 20 miles North of Humboldt Bay after
     obtaining first fix in four and one-half days.
     Patrolled down to the entrance to the Bay but
     sighted one small patrol vessel or tow boat in-
     side near Hollandia. Otherwise, nothing of in-
     terest was seen during the day except for one
     twin-engined bomber headed shoreward at 1755.
1921 Surfaced.
     Noon position: 2-21 S., 140-45 E.
     Day's run - 153 miles. Fuel expended - 965 gal.

April 12, 1943

0616 Dived and patrolled submerged until 1851, no
     contacts.
     Noon position: 0-13 S., 141-35 E.
     Day's run - 170 miles. Fuel expended - 1125 gal.

April 13, 1943

     Surface patrol, nothing sighted.
     Noon position: 0-35 N., 138-49 E.
     Day's run - 278 miles. Fuel expended - 1745 gal.

April 14, 1943

0648 Submerged.
1535 Surfaced.
1812 Dived to avoid a small fast plane seen headed for
     us.
1935 Surfaced.
     Noon position: 0-36 N., 140-21 E.
     Day's run - 164 miles. Fuel expended - 1030 Gal.

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[HANDWRITTEN: 5-02048]

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)

April 10, 1943

     Weather same as yesterday, ran surface patrol
     all day but sighted no shipping.
     Noon position: 0-38 S., 140-05 E.
     Day's run - 249 miles. Fuel expended - 1470 gal.

April 11, 1943

0626 Submerged 20 miles North of Humboldt Bay after
     obtaining first fix in four and one-half days.
     Patrolled down to the entrance to the Bay but
     sighted one small patrol vessel or tow boat in-
     side near Hollandia. Otherwise, nothing of in-
     terest was seen during the day except for one
     twin-engined bomber headed shoreward at 1755.
1921 Surfaced.
     Noon position: 2-21 S., 140-45 E.
     Day's run - 153 miles. Fuel expended - 965 gal.

April 12, 1943

0616 Dived and patrolled submerged until 1851, no
     contacts.
     Noon position: 0-13 S., 141-35 E.
     Day's run - 170 miles. Fuel expended - 1125 gal.

April 13, 1943

     Surface patrol, nothing sighted.
     Noon position: 0-35 N., 138-49 E.
     Day's run - 278 miles. Fuel expended - 1745 gal.

April 14, 1943

0648 Submerged.
1535 Surfaced.
1812 Dived to avoid a small fast plane seen headed for
     us.
1935 Surfaced.
     Noon position: 0-36 N., 140-21 E.
     Day's run - 164 miles. Fuel expended - 1030 Gal.

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— page 128 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject:
U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.
NARRATIVE (Continued)
April 15, 1943
0020
Decoded message assigning us to new area and
turned Southeastward to head past Wewak and over
towards New Hanover.
0710
Submerged.
1635
Surfaced for 15 minutes and took sights of the
sun and moon.
1804
Surfaced and proceeded at three-engine speed.
Noon position: 0-41 S., 141-26 E.
Day's run, 217 miles. Fuel expended - 2080 gal.
April 16, 1943
0215 to
0600
Intermittent contact on the radar bearing 125
distance 8 miles. The target was first closed
until it could be seen faintly and then the
surface approach was begun to gain position
ahead. At 0345 radar contact was lost and could
not be regained but at 0610 the target was
sighted bearing 060 true distance 6 miles.
0617
Submerged and went to battle stations for the
approach.
0743
The target was identified as a small patrol ves-
sel of the steam trawler type and the attack was
broken off.
1903
Surfaced after having patrolled all day across
the approaches to Wewak - nothing sighted.
Noon position: 2-58 S., 143-26 E.
Day's run - 192 miles. Fuel expended - 1635 gal.
April 17, 1943
Ran submerged from 0707 to 1831.
Noon position: 3-07 S., 146-54 E.
Day's run- 206 miles. Fuel expended - 1775 gal.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

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[HANDWRITTEN: 5-02088]
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARD FISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

— page 129 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 5-02088]
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARD FISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

— page 132 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 5-02068]

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

3. TIDAL INFORMATION.

An easterly current of approximately two knots
was experienced South of the Purdy Islands while shifting
station from Wewak to New Hanover area. The Sailing Direc-
tions for the Pacific Islands states that a strong easterly
current has been experienced in the vicinity of these reefs
during February and March.

Between Cape St. George and the Coral Sea a set
of 1 - 1.5 knots to the S.E. was experienced. This same cur-
rent was experienced on the last patrol.

No other abnormal currents were experienced dur-
ing this patrol.

4. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.

No navigational lights were sighted during this
patrol.

It was possible off Humboldt Bay to fix the
ships position accurately using various prominent mountain
peaks, hills, bluffs, etc. Tanjong Djar, a very steep bluff
located at eastern entrance to bay, is very conspicuous, and
Tanjong Soeadja, a small peninsula at the western entrance is
thickly wooded and a good navigational aid. Mt. Sor, a triple
peak about 6,700 feet high, is west of Humboldt Bay, visible
for many miles and appears to be accurately charted. A row of
hills with 5 tops to the east of Tanjong Djar about 1,100
feet high, and also appear to be accurately charted. The ocean
is thickly strewn with logs and trees in the vicinity of Hum-
boldt Bay, being discharged into the ocean by the Tami River
about 9 miles east of Humboldt Bay. Charts of this area are
limited, and the Netherlands Government Chart #400 was found
to be the best.

The islands off Wewak, and mountains in the
vicinity are poorly charted, and it is necessary to navigate
with caution in this area. Tench Island, located North of New
Ireland, appears to be 4 to 5 miles S.W. of charted position.
The position of Feni Island was carefully checked, and it ap-
pears to be 6 to 7 miles west of charted position.

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[HANDWRITTEN: 5-02068]

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

3. TIDAL INFORMATION.

An easterly current of approximately two knots
was experienced South of the Purdy Islands while shifting
station from Wewak to New Hanover area. The Sailing Direc-
tions for the Pacific Islands states that a strong easterly
current has been experienced in the vicinity of these reefs
during February and March.

Between Cape St. George and the Coral Sea a set
of 1 - 1.5 knots to the S.E. was experienced. This same cur-
rent was experienced on the last patrol.

No other abnormal currents were experienced dur-
ing this patrol.

4. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.

No navigational lights were sighted during this
patrol.

It was possible off Humboldt Bay to fix the
ships position accurately using various prominent mountain
peaks, hills, bluffs, etc. Tanjong Djar, a very steep bluff
located at eastern entrance to bay, is very conspicuous, and
Tanjong Soeadja, a small peninsula at the western entrance is
thickly wooded and a good navigational aid. Mt. Sor, a triple
peak about 6,700 feet high, is west of Humboldt Bay, visible
for many miles and appears to be accurately charted. A row of
hills with 5 tops to the east of Tanjong Djar about 1,100
feet high, and also appear to be accurately charted. The ocean
is thickly strewn with logs and trees in the vicinity of Hum-
boldt Bay, being discharged into the ocean by the Tami River
about 9 miles east of Humboldt Bay. Charts of this area are
limited, and the Netherlands Government Chart #400 was found
to be the best.

The islands off Wewak, and mountains in the
vicinity are poorly charted, and it is necessary to navigate
with caution in this area. Tench Island, located North of New
Ireland, appears to be 4 to 5 miles S.W. of charted position.
The position of Feni Island was carefully checked, and it ap-
pears to be 6 to 7 miles west of charted position.

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— page 133 —
[HANDWRITTEN: Γ]
[HANDWRITTEN: ┐]
(5) SHIPS SIGHTED
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

CONTACT
NO. | TIME | DATE | TONNAGE | MAST
HEIGHT | TYPE | LENGTH | RANGE | POSITION | COURSE | SPD | TURN
--- | ---
1. | 0615L | 3/21 | - | - | Destroyer, Class
unknown. | - | 8000 | 0-51 S
150-56 | 045 | 27 | 230
2. | 0228L | 3/26 | - | - | Hospital ship show-
ing proper lights. | - | 20000 | 0-05N
149-39 | 170 | 10 | -
3. | 2114L | 3/26 | 500 to
1000 | - | Patrol vessel, con-
verted yacht type.
Picked up by SJ
radar. | - | 9000 | 1-09 S
147-25 | 045 | 10 | -
4. | 0620K | 3/28 | 4800
each | 75 | 3 merchant ships,
stack aft, similar
to Taisyo Maru, but
bridge aft. | 380' | 20000 | 1-30 S
148-15 | 300 | 12 | -
[HANDWRITTEN: 19]
4. | 0620K | 3/28 | 1500
each | 75 | 3 destroyers, acting
as convoy for freigh-
ters, similar to
Asashio Maru. | 350' | 20000 | 1-30 S
148-15 | 300 | 12 | -
5. | 1706K | 3/28 | - | 60 | Hospital ship, show-
ing proper lights. | - | 16000 | 1-05 S
148-31 | 315 | 11 | 132
6. | 0807K | 3/30 | - | - | Smoke and masts of
convoy. Ships never
sighted. Lost in rain
squall. | - | 20000 | 0-28 S
147-42 | 305 | 10 | -
ENCLOSURE (A)
7. | 1508K | 3/30 | - | - | Submarine which sub-
merged shortly after
sighting. Believed to
be friendly. | - | 12000 | 0-06 N
146-58 | 180 | - | -
8. | 0500K | 3/31 | - | - | Submarine on surface,
identity unknown. Dis-
appeared in early
morning haze about
five minutes after
sighting. | - | 8000 | 1-03 S
148-40 | 100 | - | -

— page 133 —
[STAMP: C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L]
[HANDWRITTEN: Γ]
(5) SHIPS SIGHTED

CONTACT | TIME | DATE | TONNAGE | MAST | TYPE | LENGTH | RANGE | POSITION | COURSE | SPD | TURN
NO. | | | | HEIGHT | | | | | | |
1. | 0615L | 3/21 | - | - | Destroyer, Class | - | 8000 | 0-51 S | 045 | 27 | 230
| | | | | unknown. | | | 150-56 | | |
2. | 0228L | 3/26 | - | - | Hospital ship show- | - | 20000 | 0-05N | 170 | 10 | -
| | | | | ing proper lights. | | | 149-39 | | |
3. | 2114L | 3/26 | 500 to | - | Patrol vessel, con- | - | 9000 | 1-09 S | 045 | 10 | -
| | | 1000 | | verted yacht type. | | | 147-25 | | |
| | | | | Picked up by SJ | radar. | | | | | |
[HANDWRITTEN: 19] | 4. | 0620K | 3/28 | 4800 | 75 | 3 merchant ships, | 380' | 20000 | 1-30 S | 300 | 12 | -
| | | | each | | stack aft, similar | | | 148-15 | | |
| | | | | | to Taisyo Maru, but | bridge aft. | | | | | |
| 4. | 0620K | 3/28 | 1500 | 75 | 3 destroyers, acting | 350' | 20000 | 1-30 S | 300 | 12 | -
| | | | each | | as convoy for freigh- | | | 148-15 | | |
| | | | | | ters, similar to | Asashio Maru | | | | | |
5. | 1706K | 3/28 | - | 60 | Hospital ship, show- | - | 16000 | 1-05 S | 315 | 11 | 132
| | | | | | ing proper lights. | | | 148-31 | | |
6. | 0807K | 3/30 | - | - | Smoke and mast of | - | 20000 | 0-28 S | 305 | 10 | -
| | | | | | convoy. Ships never | | | 147-42 | | |
| | | | | | sighted. Lost in rain | | | | | |
[HANDWRITTEN: ENCLOSURE (A)] | | | | | | squall. | | | | | |
7. | 1508K | 3/30 | - | - | Submarine which sub- | - | 12000 | 0-06 N | 180 | - | -
| | | | | | merged shortly after | | | 146-58 | | |
| | | | | | sighting. Believed to | be friendly. | | | | | |
8. | 0500K | 3/31 | - | - | Submarine on | - | 8000 | 1-03 S | 100 | - | -
| | | | | | surface, | | | 148-40 | | |
| | | | | | identity unknown. Dis- | appeared in early | morning haze about | five minutes after | sighting. | | | | | |

— page 134 —
Γ
¬
Γ
(5) SHIPS SIGHTED                                                              C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

CONTACT | TIME   | DATE | TONNAGE | MAST   | TYPE

— page 134 —
[UNCLEAR: 7]
[UNCLEAR: 7]

(5) SHIPS SIGHTED
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
CONTACT | DATE | TONNAGE | MAST | LENGTH | RANGE | POSITION | COURSE | SPD | TURN
NO. | TIME | | HEIGHT | TYPE | | | | | |
9. | 1358K | 4/11 | 1000 | - | Patrol vessel or small | - | 18000 | 2-33 S | 110 | 8 | -
| | | | | freighter | | | | 140-45 | | |
10. | 0215K | 4/16 | 1000 | - | Radar contact. Tar- | - | 17000 | 2-45 S | 330 | 8 | -
| | | | | get later sighted | | | | 140-45 | | |
| | | | | and identified as | patrol vessel, one | stack midway be- | tween two stick | | | | | | |
[HANDWRITTEN: 20]
11. | 1251K | 4/18 | 6000 | 125' | masts. | 420 | 16000 | 2-30 S | 285 | 10 | -
| | | | | America Maru | | | | 149-41 | | |

(6) AIRCRAFT SIGHTED
CONTACT | DATE | POSITION | TIME | TYPE | COURSE | ALTITUDE
NO. | | | | | |
[HANDWRITTEN: ENCLOSURE (A)]
1. | 3/15 | 9-55 S | 1838L | Two unidentified planes. | Circling | 2000
| | 157-10 E | | | toward us |
2. | 3/25 | 0-14 S | 1434L | Large two engine bomber. | 330°T | 500
| | 151-31E | | | | |
3. | 4/11 | 2-26 S | 1755K | Large two engine bomber. | 215°T | 1500
| | 140-55 E | | | | |
4. | 4/14 | 0-00 | 1812K | Single engine, small, leaving | 100°T | 2000
| | 141-10 E | | | a trail of black smoke. | |

[HANDWRITTEN: 5-0-2048]

— page 135 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol.

7.
DETAILS OF ATTACKS.

The attack on the morning of March 27 was broken
off when the target which came into view through the periscope
at 2000 yards range, was seen to be a small patrol vessel of
light draft. A moment later, this vessel opened fire on us
with a deck gun of medium caliber but obtained no hits.

The attack of March 28 was frustrated when one
of the three escorting destroyers detected our presence as we
were passing under it. We were immediately subjected to depth
charge attack. The convoy consisted of three merchant vessels
of a type not familiar to this commanding officer. They were
of about 6000 tons each and were somewhat similar to tankers
in appearance with their bridges and stacks aft. It is possible
that they were landing barge carriers. All of the ships in-
cluding the escorts were zig-zagging in a manner which conformed
to no set pattern. The detection of the submarine was attribut-
able to the flat, glassy sea and possible to sound listening.

8.
ENEMY ANTI-SUBMARINE ACTIVITY.

The two depth chargings to which we were subjected
followed the usual Japanese custom. Their technique predicates
the sparing employment of depth charges in carefully laid patterns.
The attack of March 21 lasted only a quarter-hour but the charges
were well placed and shook us considerably. Only minor damage
were sustained.

The patrol vessel encountered on March 27 made
several runs over us but dropped no depth charges. Her gun fire
was inconsequential.

The destroyers escorting the convoy of March 28
made repeated runs but dropped only a few charges. The exact
number was not ascertained due to our concern for the safety of
the ship and the problems of depth control. One barrage knocked
out all the lights and caused a leak in No. 2 high-pressure air
tank. Otherwise, no serious damage was incurred. Normal evasion
tactics were employed but two of the destroyers stayed with us
for about four hours. The attack left us somewhat shaken
physically.

- 21 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 135 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject:
7.
U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War patrol.
DETAILS OF ATTACKS.

The attack on the morning of March 27 was broken
off when the target which came into view through the periscope
at 2000 yards range, was seen to be a small patrol vessel of
light draft. A moment later, this vessel opened fire on us
with a deck gun of medium caliber but obtained no hits.

The attack of March 28 was frustrated when one
f the three escorting destroyers detected our presence as we
ere passing under it. We were immediately subjected to depth
marge attack. The convoy consisted of three merchant vessels
a type not familiar to this commanding officer. They were
o about 6000 tons each and were somewhat similar to tankers
1 appearance with their bridges and stacks aft. It is possible
that they were landing barge carriers. All of the ships in-
cuding the escorts were zig-zagging in a manner which conformed
tno set pattern. The detection of the submarine was attribut-
aple to the flat, glassy sea and possible to sound listenings.
8.
ENEMY ANTI-SUBMARINE ACTIVITY.

The two depth chargings to which we were subjected
followed the usual Japanese custom. Their technique predicates
the sparing employment of depth charges in carefully laid patterns.
The attack of March 21 lasted only a quarter-hour but the charges
were well placed and shook us considerably. Only minor damages
were sustained.

The patrol vessel encountered on March 27 made
several runs over us but dropped no depth charges. Her gun fire
was inconsequential.

The destroyers escorting the convoy of March 28
made repeated runs but dropped only a few charges. The exact
number was not ascertained due to our concern for the safety of
the ship and the problems of depth control. One barrage knocked
out all the lights and caused a leak in No. 2 high-pressure air
bank. Otherwise, no serious damage was incurred. Normal evasion
tactics were employed but two of the destroyers stayed with us
for about four hours. The attack left us somewhat shaken
physically.

- 21 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 136 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 5-02048]

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War patrol

9. MAJOR DEFECTS.

(a) C & R.

Bow buoyancy vent valve operating mechanism -
jammed on March 9; tender freed up and made partial repairs
satisfactory for the remainder of the patrol.

A leak in the engine air induction was traced to
the top side grease connection installed during the refit
period. Repair was effected by installing a stop cock in the
line.

The high pressure air bank in main ballast tank
No. 2-D developed a leak after the depth charge attack of
March 28; the bottles were bled down and secured for the re-
mainder of the patrol.

(b) ELECTRICAL.

Main storage battery - cells 43F and 19F again
failed and had to be jumped out of the circuit on March 17
and April 6, respectively. The inboard wall of the jar of
cell 106F bulged while the ship was rolling heavily in seaway
on April 9, and opened up a 10 inch crack in the sealing com-
pound. Electrolyte spilled out and grounded the battery. The
ground was cleared and the cell jar was braced with wood
blocks. This condition resulted from the inadequate support
rendered by the strongbacks as installed. The matter has
been reported to the Bureau and remedial action will be pro-
posed at the arrival conference for the coming refit.

Pitometer log - despite adjustments of the
contacts and change of setting on the pump discharge eccentric
orifice the log continues to read from 1/2 to 3/4 of a knot
low.

Bow and Stern Plane Panels - auxiliary contrac-
tor holders on main contactor #369 fractured putting the
planes out of commission in power. A total of five such fail-
ures indicates that the part is faulty in design. Stronger
devices manufactured on board have been installed and have
proven satisfactory in every case.

- 22 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 136 —
5-02048
ד
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fourth War Patrol
9. MAJOR DEFECTS.
(a) C & R.
Bow buoyancy vent valve operating mechanism -
jammed on March 9; tender freed up and made partial repairs
satisfactory for the remainder of the patrol.

A leak in the engine air induction was traced to
the top side grease connection installed during the refit
period. Repair was effected by installing a stop cock in the
line.

The high pressure air bank in main ballast tank
No. 2-D developed a leak after the depth charge attack of
March 28; the bottles were bled down and secured for the re-
mainder of the patrol.
(b) ELECTRICAL.
Main storage battery - cells 43F and 19F again
failed and had to be jumped out of the circuit on March 17
and April 6, respectively. The inboard wall of the jar of
cell 106F bulged while the ship was rolling heavily in seaway
on April 9, and opened up a 10 inch crack in the sealing com-
pound. Electrolyte spilled out and grounded the battery. The
ground was cleared and the cell jar was braced with wood
blocks. This condition resulted from the inadequate support
rendered by the strongbacks as installed. The matter has
been reported to the Bureau and remedial action will be pro-
posed at the arrival conference for the coming refit.

Pitometer log - despite adjustment of the
contacts and change of setting on the pump discharge eccentric
orifice the log continues to read from 1/2 to 3/4 of a knot
low.

Bow and Stern Plane Panels - auxiliary contrac-
tor holders on main contactor #369 fractured putting the
planes out of commission in power. A total of five such fail-
ures indicates that the part is faulty in design. Stronger
peices manufactured on board have been installed and have
proven satisfactory in every case.

- 22 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 137 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 5-02088]

FC5-8/A16-3                                 SUBMARINE SQUADRON EIGHT
Serial 042                                  Fleet Post Office
                                            San Francisco, California
CONFIDENTIAL                                May 4, 1943

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO GUARDFISH Fourth
War Patrol Report.

From:           Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT.
To:             Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.

Subject:        U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS217), Fourth War Patrol;
                Comments on.

                1. This is the first time that the officers and
crew of the GUARDFISH have returned from patrol without
inflicting damage to the enemy. The patrol was aggressively
conducted and lack of contacts alone was the cause of
negative results.

                2. All submarines now departing on patrol from
this area are receiving torpedoes which have been converted
to correct depth performance.

                3. In general the material condition of the
GUARDFISH is good although there are many minor items of
refit work. The regular refit will be accomplished by the
FULTON. During this time the bridge will be altered and an
additional 20 MM gun installed forward.

                                            W. H. DOWNES.

— page 137 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 5-02088]

FC5-8/A16-3                                 SUBMARINE SQUADRON EIGHT
Serial 042                                  Fleet Post Office
                                            San Francisco, California
CONFIDENTIAL                                May 4, 1943

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO GUARDFISH Fourth
War Patrol Report.

From:           Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT.
To:             Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.

Subject:        U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS217), Fourth War Patrol;
                Comments on.

                1. This is the first time that the officers and
crew of the GUARDFISH have returned from patrol without
inflicting damage to the enemy. The patrol was aggressively
conducted and lack of contacts alone was the cause of
negative results.

                2. All submarines now departing on patrol from
this area are receiving torpedoes which have been converted
to correct depth performance.

                3. In general the material condition of the
GUARDFISH is good although there are many minor items of
refit work. The regular refit will be accomplished by the
FULTON. During this time the bridge will be altered and an
additional 20 MM gun installed forward.

                                            W. H. DOWNES.

— page 138 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 5-02048]

FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 0161

CONFIDENTIAL

2nd ENDORSEMENT to
COMSEVENTHLT/A16-3
Ser. 01 of 4-30-43

From: The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: (1) The Commander, SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. GUARD FISH (SS217), Fourth War Patrol;
         comments on.

1. GUARD FISH left Brisbane March 10, 1943, on her
Fourth War Patrol. She patrolled one day west of Bougain-
ville Island on March 17 and was then moved to the north
of Kavieng, on the Truk - Steffen Strait route. Her only
contact was a possible submerged submarine until just be-
fore dawn March 21, when she sighted a destroyer. While
tracking this target on the surface, GUARD FISH was detect-
ed at about 5,000 yards range, was forced to dive and was
subsequently depth charged with no resulting damage. She
was shifted northwest of a line between Seeadler, Manus
Island and Mussau Island on March 25. While in this area
she sighted a hospital ship on March 26 and on the same
night made an approach on an unidentified vessel which
proved to be a small patrol vessel. The approach was
broken off when the target was identified but not before
the enemy vessel had detected GUARD FISH and opened fire
with a medium caliber gun. No hits were obtained, how-
ever. On March 28, a three ship convoy escorted by three
destroyers was sighted but GUARD FISH's attack was frus-
trated when she was detected by the escorts at close
range and subjected to a severe depth charging, which
caused a bad leak in one air bank as well as other minor
damage. A second hospital ship was sighted on March 29.
On the morning of March 30, GUARD FISH commenced an
approach on a distant five ship convoy which was attack-
ed by TUNA about forty minutes later. This convoy was
lost in a rain squall and could not again be located al-
though GUARD FISH made an extended search on the surface.
The same afternoon GUARD FISH sighted a submarine on the
surface, which she believed to be friendly. She had an-
other submarine contact the early morning of March 31.
On April 3, GUARD FISH was ordered to move west and cover
the Wewak - Pelews route. Her only contact on this sta-
tion was a small vessel inside HUMBOLDT BAY. On April
15 she was shifted to the southwest of New Hanover Island
on the Rabaul - Pelews lane, but her only contacts there

- 1 -

TASK FORCE SEVENTY-TWO.
Care of Fleet Post.Office,
San Francisco, California.

May 5, 1943.

— page 138 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 5-02048]

FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 0161

CONFIDENTIAL

2nd ENDORSEMENT to
COMSEVENTHLT/A16-3
Ser. 01 of 4-30-43

From: The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: (1) The Commander, SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. GUARD FISH (SS217), Fourth War Patrol;
         comments on.

1. GUARD FISH left Brisbane March 10, 1943, on her
Fourth War Patrol. She patrolled one day west of Bougain-
ville Island on March 17 and was then moved to the north
of Kavieng, on the Truk - Steffen Strait route. Her only
contact was a possible submerged submarine until just be-
fore dawn March 21, when she sighted a destroyer. While
tracking this target on the surface, GUARD FISH was detect-
ed at about 5,000 yards range, was forced to dive and was
subsequently depth charged with no resulting damage. She
was shifted northwest of a line between Seeadler, Manus
Island and Mussau Island on March 25. While in this area
she sighted a hospital ship on March 26 and on the same
night made an approach on an unidentified vessel which
proved to be a small patrol vessel. The approach was
broken off when the target was identified but not before
the enemy vessel had detected GUARD FISH and opened fire
with a medium caliber gun. No hits were obtained, how-
ever. On March 28, a three ship convoy escorted by three
destroyers was sighted but GUARD FISH's attack was frus-
trated when she was detected by the escorts at close
range and subjected to a severe depth charging, which
caused a bad leak in one air bank as well as other minor
damage. A second hospital ship was sighted on March 29.
On the morning of March 30, GUARD FISH commenced an
approach on a distant five ship convoy which was attack-
ed by TUNA about forty minutes later. This convoy was
lost in a rain squall and could not again be located al-
though GUARD FISH made an extended search on the surface.
The same afternoon GUARD FISH sighted a submarine on the
surface, which she believed to be friendly. She had an-
other submarine contact the early morning of March 31.
On April 3, GUARD FISH was ordered to move west and cover
the Wewak - Pelews route. Her only contact on this sta-
tion was a small vessel inside HUMBOLDT BAY. On April
15 she was shifted to the southwest of New Hanover Island
on the Rabaul - Pelews lane, but her only contacts there

- 1 -

TASK FORCE SEVENTY-TWO.
Care of Fleet Post.Office,
San Francisco, California.

May 5, 1943.

— page 139 —
TASK FORCE SEVENTY-TWO,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

FF12-13(72)/A16-3/fk
Serial 0161
CONFIDENTIAL

May 5, 1943.

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS217), Fourth War Patrol;
comments on:

— page 139 —
TASK FORCE SEVENTY-TWO,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

FF12-13(72)/A16-3/fk
Serial 0161
CONFIDENTIAL

May 5, 1943.

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS217), Fourth War Patrol;
comments on:

— page 140 —
٦
5-02048
FF12-15(72)/16-3/Pk
Serial 0161
CONFIDENTIAL
TASK FORCE SEVENTY-TWO,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
May 5, 1943.
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS217), Fourth War Fatrol;
comments on.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (Advance copy)
VCNO
Com 1st Flt
Com 2nd Flt
Com 3rd Flt
Comsubs 1st Flt
Comsubs 2nd Flt
Comsubs 7th Flt
All SS TF-72 (Not to be taken to sea - BURN)
CTF-72 War Patrol, Summary and Boat Files
CSS 6 & 8
CSD 81 & 82
Oinc, S/M School, N.L. Conn. (2)
CO GUARDFISH (File)
[SIGNATURE: James Fife]
JAMES FIFE.

— page 141 —
Reg. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 13877+3444]
R.S. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 5-02048]

UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET

A16-3
Serial 0759
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
C O N F I D E N T I A L
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
C.O. GUARDFISH Conf. Ltr.
SS217/A16-3 Serial 01
undated.

14 MAY 1943

From: The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. FLEET.
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH Fourth War Patrol - Report on.
1. Forwarded.

[SIGNATURE: J. Cary Jones]
J. CARY JONES,
Chief of Staff

Copy to:
Vice OPNAV
[STAMP: FILMED]

[STAMP: RECEIVED]
[STAMP: U.S. FLEET]
[STAMP: COMMANDER IN CHIEF]
[STAMP: 1943 MAY 29 11 07]

— page 141 —
Reg. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 13877-3444]
R.S. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 5-02048]

UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET

A16-3
Serial 0759
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
C O N F I D E N T I A L

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
C.O. GUARDFISH Conf. Ltr.
SS217/A16-3 Serial 01
undated.

From: The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. FLEET.
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH Fourth War Patrol - Report on.

1. Forwarded.

14 MAY 1943

[SIGNATURE: J. Cary Jones]
J. CARY JONES,
Chief of Staff.

Copy to:
Vice OPNAV
[STAMP: FILMED]

[STAMP: 1943 MAY 29 11 07]
[STAMP: RECEIVED]
[STAMP: U.S. FLEET]
[STAMP: COMMANDER IN CHIEF]

— page 142 —
SS217/A16-3
Serial 06
DECLASSIFIED-T-I-A-L
From:
To :
Via :
U.S.S. GUARDFISH
Commanding Officer.
Fry
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
Commander Task Force SEVENTY TWO.
(1) Commander Submarine Division EIGHTY TWO.
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT.
Subject:
Report of War Patrol, NO.5
Reference:
(a) CTF-42 Conf. Serial Ol0 of Jan. 18, 1943.
Enclosure:
(A) U.S.S. GUARDFISII, Report of Fifth War Patrol.
1.
In accordance with reference (a), enclosure (A)
is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: N. G. WARD.]
N. G. WARD.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY OP-09890 DATE 5/30/72

DECLASSIFIED

54238 FILMED

— page 142 —
SS217/A16-3
Serial 06
DECLASSIFIED-T-I-A-L
From:
To :
Via :
U.S.S. GUARDFISH
Commanding Officer.
Fry
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
Commander Task Force SEVENTY TWO.
(1) Commander Submarine Division EIGHTY TWO.
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT.
Subject:
Report of War Patrol, NO.5
Reference:
(a) CTF-42 Conf. Serial Ol0 of Jan. 18, 1943.
Enclosure:
(A) U.S.S. GUARDFISII, Report of Fifth War Patrol.
1.
In accordance with reference (a), enclosure (A)
is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: N. G. WARD.]
N. G. WARD.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09890 DATE 5/30/72]

DECLASSIFIED

54238 FILMED

— page 144 —
SS217/A16-3
Serial 06
U.S.S. GUARDFISH Fry
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fifth War Patrol.

— page 145 —
SS217/A16-3 U.S.S. GUARDFISH Fry
Serial 06
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fifth War Patrol.

— page 145 —
SS217/A16-3
Serial 06
U.S.S. GUARDFISH
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fifth War Patrol.
NARRATIVE (Continued)
June 1, 1943
0400 (K)
0454(K)
1330(K)
1340(K)
Fry
Made landfall on Cape Orford.
Submerged; patrolling 5 miles off Cape Orford on
course 022° T.
Sound contact bearing 080° T.
Ship contact #1. Sighted Japanese Submarine on sur-
face, bearing 090° T., range 14,000 yards, course
200° T., estimated speed 14 knots. Went to full
speed on normal approach course hoping to catch tar-
get when he turned to round Cape Orford.
1420(K)
Target bearing 140° T., angle on bow.120° starboard,
range 14,000 yards, gave up chase. Target had a
Japanese flag painted on conning tower as seen from
53 feet.
1425(K)
Shifted patrol to line 10 miles off Cape Orford.
Submarine passed about 12 miles off.
1815(K)
Surfaced; patrolling same line on 022° T., and
reverse at 5 knots flooded down.
1903 (K)
Searchlight display to northward.
Noon Position: Lat: 5°-28' S. Long. 152°-13' E.
Miles Steamed: 202.3 Fuel Used: 2855.
June 2, 1943
0508(K)
Submerged - Periscope patrol at 55 feet on 10 mile
line. Numerous rain squalls during day.
1830(K)
Surfaced - Patrolling same line.
Noon Position: Lat 5°-29' S. Long. 152°-18' E.
Miles Steamed 85.0 Fuel Used: 430.
June 3, 1943
0315(K)
While on northerly leg, O.O.D. sighted an unidenti-
fied bright white spot of light 60° on port bow in
direction of land, estimated range 2,000 yards,
estimated altitude 500 feet, apparently headed
toward the ship, and dove immediately. Commanding
Officer in conning tower at the time and sound re-
ported screws bearing 140° relative at time of
diving. The O.O.D. reported light as a star shell
headed directly for the ship. After the excitement

- 3 -

— page 146 —
SS217/A16-3 U.S.S. GUARDFISH Fry
Serial 06
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fifth War Patrol.

— page 146 —
SS217/A16-3
Serial 06
U.S.S. GUARDFISH Fry
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fifth War Patrol.

— page 147 —
SS217/A16-3
Serial 06
U.S.S. GUARDFISH
Fry
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fifth War Patrol.
NARRATIVE (Continued)
June 5, 1943
0508 (K)
1834(K)
Submerged; running at 2/3 speed throughout
day passing between Feni and Green Islands.
Surfaced with Feni Group bearing 330° T.,
distance 7 miles. Went ahead full on two
main engines, charging with the third, test-
ing the fourth.
2004 (K)
Fourth engine in commission, ahead full on
three.
Noon Position: Lat. 4°-23' S. Long. 153°-38'E.
Miles Steamed: 215.4 Fuel Used: 2665

June 6, 1943
0004 (K)
0200(K)
0230 (K)
0302(K)
0315(K)
Ahead full on four main engines. Visibility
excellent.
Flooded down to decks awash.
On station, nothing in sight, headed northward.
Made a run to northeastward at two engine speed..
Reversed course to southwestward at two engine
speed.
0340 (K)
Nothing sighted, changed course to east and
slowed to night patrol speed.
0522(K)
Submerged patrolling on course 350° T., at 55
feet toward northern edge of area.
1810(K)
Surfaced continuing patrol on 350° T., at
night patrol spoed of 5 knots flooded down,
decks awash.
2000 (K)
Received SILVERSIDES contact report. Target.
well passed us, no action taken.
Noon Position: Lat. 2°-22' S. Long. 152°-36'.5 E.
Miles Steamed: 207.6 Fuel Used: 2795

June 7, 1943
0000 (K)
0524(K)
1807 (K)
2145 (K)
Changed course to 180° T.
Submerged - Periscope patrol at 60 feet.
Surfaced - chan red course to 090° T.
Changed course to 170° T., to head down between

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NARRATIVE (Continued)

June 7, 1943 (Cont'd)

Lihir and Tanga Islands for patrol tomorrow in
southern part of area between these two groups.
Noon Position: Lat. 2°-11' S. Long. 152°-17' E.
Miles Steamed: 88.2 Fuel Used: 455

June 8, 1943

0514(K) Submerged. Patrolling on 180° T., 7 miles east
of Lihir Island.
1824(K) Surfaced.
2237(K) Received orders to proceed to new station south-
east of Dyual Island.
Noon Position: Lat. 3°-15'S. Long. 152°-52'.5E.
Miles Steamed: 118 Fuel Used: 680

June 9, 1943

0522(K) Proceeding to new station.
1843(K) Submerged.
Surfaced.
Noon Position: Lat. 2°-25'S. Long. 151°-51'.5E.
Miles Steamed: 142.8 Fuel Used: 1075.

June 10, 1943

0510(L) Proceeding to new station.
Submerged along Truk - Tingwon route and cros-
sing Pelews - Tingwon route: poor visibility
throughout day.
1826(K) Surfaced.
1945(K) Ship contact #3. Sighted patrol boat bearing
025° T., on northwesterly course, own course
110° T. Changed own course to 230° T., and
went to two engines to open out, gradually
changing course back to 110° T. We were about
10 miles southwest of Tingwon at time of sight-
ing.
Noon Position: Lat. 2°-34'.5S. Long. 149°-10'.5E.
Miles Steamed: 155.6 Fuel Used: 1095

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NARRATIVE (Continued)

June 7, 1943 (Cont'd)

Lihir and Tanga Islands for patrol tomorrow in
southern part of area between these two groups.
Noon Position: Lat. 2°-11' S. Long. 152°-17' E.
Miles Steamed: 88.2 Fuel Used: 455

June 8, 1943

0514(K) Submerged. Patrolling on 180° T., 7 miles east
of Lihir Island.
1824(K) Surfaced.
2237(K) Received orders to proceed to new station south-
east of Dyual Island.
Noon Position: Lat. 3°-15'S. Long. 152°-52'.5E.
Miles Steamed: 118 Fuel Used: 680

June 9, 1943

0522(K) Proceeding to new station.
1843(K) Submerged.
Surfaced.
Noon Position: Lat. 2°-25'S. Long. 151°-51'.5E.
Miles Steamed: 142.8 Fuel Used: 1075.

June 10, 1943

0510(L) Proceeding to new station.
Submerged along Truk - Tingwon route and cros-
sing Pelews - Tingwon route: poor visibility
throughout day.
1826(K) Surfaced.
1945(K) Ship contact #3. Sighted patrol boat bearing
025° T., on northwesterly course, own course
110° T. Changed own course to 230° T., and
went to two engines to open out, gradually
changing course back to 110° T. We were about
10 miles southwest of Tingwon at time of sight-
ing.
Noon Position: Lat. 2°-34'.5S. Long. 149°-10'.5E.
Miles Steamed: 155.6 Fuel Used: 1095

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Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fifth War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)
June 13, 1945 (Cont'd)

0359(K) engines.
Leading escort started blinking light at
GUARDFISH, as if challenging. Disregarded
him at moment.
0400(K) With range to target 3100, range to escort about
1,500, range to beach 3,000, fired four tor-
pedoes on 108° port track, torpedo run 3250,
gyro angle 8° left, using 1° divergent spread
from aft forward, and 8 second firing interval.
Due to error in fire control #4 ready switch
was turned on while firing key was held down
for #3, sending #4 out immediately after #3.
0401(K) However spread angle had been put in.
Submerged. Tried to level off at 65 feet but
went to 70 feet and hung there.
0402½ (K) A torpedo hit; believe it was the first tor-
pedo, the target probably had been warned by the
time and had started to maneuver. Sound reported
other three still running.
0403(K) Still at 70 feet trying to get back up to 65
feet, heavy forward, when sound reported high
speed screws on port bow, went to 325 feet rig-
ging for depth charge attack enroute.
0405½ (K) One torpedo detonated at end of run. GUARDFISH
had found a very good layer existing between
275 and 335 feet, making it necessary to flood
in about 3,000 lbs. to hold us down at 1/3
speed. Escort could not find us.
0430(K) All clear on sound, changed course to head for
targets position at time of attack.
0515(K) At periscope depth in spot where target was
hit, sighted extensive oil slick about 1,000
yards wide and trailing off to southeast, noth-
ing else in sight in morning surface haze.
Changed course to 305° T., to head up for
Gazelle Channel during day, planning to clear
out to westward tonight in accordance with in-
structions.

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Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fifth war Patrol.
NARRATIVE (Continued)
June 13, 1943 (Cont'd)
1211(K) Plane contact #2. Sighted single engine float
plane.
1405(K) Ship contact #11. Sighted ship bearing 000°T.;
range 10,000 yards, angle on bow 60° starboard,
came to normal approach course at full speed.
1425(K) Land background made identification difficult,
but determined target to be a small freighter
escorting 40 - 50 barges and sampans, varying
'from about 30 to 100 tons. Thought everything
was gun size so prepared for a field day. Con-
tinued approach at high speed.
1500 (K) Identified target as similar to "Tone Maru",
(ONI 208J, page 131) of 4,000 tons, and worth
2 torpedoes before holding 20MM drill.
1518(K) Fired two torpedoes on a 105 starboard track,
torpedo run 1,500 yards, gyro angle 1º left
using a 2½° divergent spread from aft forward.
Sampans all around.
1519(K) First torpedo passed just under stern second
hit under the bridge and smashed everything;
stations for battle surface.
1522(K) Target sank; sampans milling around GUARDFISH
wondering where to go.
1527(K) Surface; man the guns!! Nothing but land on the
SD radar.
1530 (K) Picked out densest section and was heading for
it; largest barges were firing at GUARDFISH with
light machine guns, but not coming close; was
about to order commence firing when spotted a
two engine bomber, distance about 4 miles,
altitude 1,500 feet, circling toward stern
(Plane contact #3); cleared deck fast and sub-
merged to. 250 feet. What an opportunity spoiled.
1545(K) Set course 240° T., to clear to westward.
1847(K) Surfaced with flat can. Started charge at
emergency rate, clearing to westward on 2 main
engines.
1853 (K) Ship contact #12. Sighted small ship bearing
145° т.

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Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fifth War Patrol.
NARRATIVE (Continued)
June 23, 1943 (Cont'd)
1545(K)
1825(K)
Two distant underwater explosions heard.
Surfaced; commenced patrolling westward.
Noon Position: Lat. 2°-17.5'N. Long. 150°-37'E.
Miles Steamed: 91.3 Fuel Used: 430
June 24, 1943
0533(K)
1828(K)
Patrolling westward on surface.
Submerged.
Surfaced.
Noon Position: Lat. 2°-31'N. Long. 150°-18.5'E.
Miles Steamed: 63.6 Fuel Used: 350
June 25, 1943
0544(K)
1821 (K).
Patrolling westward on surface.
Submerged.
Surfaced.
Noon Position: Lat. 2°-25'N. Long. 149-42'E.
Miles Steamed: 49.2 Fuel Used: 310
June 26, 1943
0546(K)
1831(K)
Patrolling westward on surface.
Submerged.
Surfaced; reversed course to eastward.
Noon Position: Lat. 2°-23'N. Long. 148°-28'E.
Miles Steamed: 91.3 Fuel Used: 410
June 27, 1943
0543(K)
1835(K)
2025(K)
Patrolling eastward on surface.
Submerged.
Surfaced.
Received GREENLING'S contact report on auxiliary
aircraft carrier, determined possible to intercept,
so changed course to north, went to three enjine
speed.

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Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fifth War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)

June 30, 1943

0100(K) Returning to station at one engine speed.
0612(K) At Lat. 4°N., c/c to 090° T.
0635(K) Submerged for trim dive.
0700(K) Surfaced.
1846(K) Lon. 151° E., c/c to 180° T.
Received orders changing station, c/c to 000° T.
Noon Position: Lat. 3°-10'N. Lon. 150°-57'E.
Miles Steamed: 272.8 Fuel Used: 2125

July 1, 1943

0030(K) Enroute station at one engine speed.
0531(K) On station; slowed to night patrol speed.
0550(K) Submerged for trim dive.
0600(K) Surfaced.
1200(K) Set course 270° T., speed of advance 10 knots.
1300(K) Reversed course to 090° T.
1338(K) C/c to 045° T., to patrol to N.E. during night.
2000(K) Slowed to night patrol speed.
Received orders changing point of origin. C/c
to head for new point.
Noon Position: Lat. 3°-04'N. Long. 150°-00.5'E.
Miles Steamed: 239.6 Fuel Used: 1610

July 2, 1943

0534(K) Enroute to new initial point at night patrol speed.
0552(K) Submerged for trim dive.
0602(K) Surfaced.
On course 270° T., adjusting speed to maintain
1200(K) advance of 10 knots.
1309(K) Reversed course.
1900(K) Changed course to 000° T.
Slowed to night patrol speed, flooded down.
Noon Position: Lat. 2°-15'N. Long. 150°-00'E.
Miles Steamed: 206.5 Fuel Used: 1205

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NARRATIVE (Continued)"

July 6, 1943 (Cont'd)
2340(K) Slowed to night patrol speed and changed course
to 270°T.
Noon Position: Lat. 1°-06⑆5'N. Long. 151°-42.5'E.
Miles Steamed: 326 Fuel Used: 3385

July 7, 1943
0529(K) Patrolling to westward at night patrol speed.
Submerged.
1828 (K) Surfaced, patrolling at night patrol speed.
Noon Position: Lat. 0°-39'S. Long. 152°-36.5'E.
Miles Steamed: 200,6. Fuel Used: 1610

July 8, 1943
Enroute Brisbane.
0000(K) Went ahead at standard on one main engine.
0530(K) Submerged.
Surfaced.
Noon Position: Lat. 1°-14'S. Lon. 153°-41'E.
Miles Steamed: 122.3 Fuel Used: 795

July 9, 1943
Enroute Brisbane.
0528(K) Submerged.
0757(K) Plane contact #9.
1811(K) Surfaced.
2151(K) Sighted Green Island bearing 250°T, distance 15
miles.
Noon Position: Lat. 3°-28'S. Long. 154°-10'E.
Miles Steamed: 156.1 Fuel Used: 1160

July 10, 1943
1533(K) Enroute Brisbane.
1305(K) Submerged.
1817(K) Plane contact #10.
2313(K) Surfaced.
Slowed in accordance with instructions.
Noon Position: Lat. 6°-08.5'S. Long. 153°-59′E.
Miles Steamed: 193.7 Fuel Used: 1605

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Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fifth War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)

July 15 to 20, 1943
At anchor in Tulagi Harbor.
Numerous air raid alarms during this period, but
no raids Tulagi Area.

July 21, 1943.
1600(K)
1854(K)
1920(K)
At anchor Tulagi Harbor. Transfered ECM.
Underway on special mission with air screen.
Submerged for trim dive.
Surfaced.
Liberators passed overhead at low altitudes dur-
ing evening.

July 22, 1943
0525(K)
1800(K)
Underway.
Submerged.
Surfaced.
Noon Position: Lat. 9°-29.5'S. Long. 156°-43'E.
Miles Steamed: 231.4 Fuel Used: 3315

July 23, 1943
0531(K)
0704(K)
Underway.
Submerged.
Ship contact #23. Sighted large Jap submerine,
unidentified as to type, bearing 045° T, range
9000 yards, on approximately 300° T, (parallel
course) angle on bow 75° port, speed about 15 knots.
Unable to close.
Surfaced.
Noon Position: 219.4 Fuel Used: 2865
1834(K)

July 24, 1943
0509(K)
1454(K)
1846(K)
Underway.
Submerged.
Plane contact #11.
Surfaced.
Noon Position: Lat. 6°-21'S. Long. 154°-55'E.
Miles Steamed: 119.3 Fuel Used: 1015

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U.S.S. GUARDFISH
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[HANDWRITTEN: 1922]
[HANDWRITTEN: 30 folios]

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fifth War Patrol.

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4. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.

Kwoi Peak, 13 miles west of Cape Orford, described
on B.A. chart No. 3830 as an unusually conspicuous conical
peak was, disappointingly, not visible from a patrol line
off the Cape. Tangents on the various points along the coast
were the sole means of obtaining fixes.

Southeast of Dyaul Island, it was practically
impossible to identify peaks on New Ireland. Here again
tangents were resorted to. At night however, the SJ radar
was invaluable in maintaining a line with ranges on the
beach. Dyaul Island itself, when within range of visibility,
was an excellent landmark, as evidenced by the bogus "three
ship convoy" sighted on night of June 13.

Good cuts were consistently obtained day and night
on Mahur, Masahet and Lihir Islands. Neither Feni or Tanga
Islands cut in with other landmarks from their charted
position, but no definite location could be established.

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[HANDWRITTEN: 7]

5. SHIPS SIGHTED.

CON-
TACT
NO. | TIME | DATE     | TONNAGE | MAST-    | TYPE                     | LEN- | RANGE | POSITION        | COURSE    | SPEED | TURNS
    |      |          |         | HEIGHT   |                          | GTH  |       |                 |           |       |
----|------|||||------|-------|||-------|-------
1.  | 1340K| June 1   | -       | -        | SS-type unknown.         | -    | 14000 | 5-26 S.         | 200°T.    | 14    | -
    |      |          |         |          |                          |      |       | 152-19 E.       |           |       |
2.  | 1910K| June 4   | -       | -        | Unidentified -           | -    | 8000  | 5-30 S.         | 200°T.    | -     | 264
    |      |          |         |          | brief radar con-         |      |       | 152-19 E.       | (Est)     |       |
    |      |          |         |          | tact & indistinct        | momentary sight          | only.                    |      |       |                 |           |       |
3.  | 1945K| June 10  | -       | -        | Small DD or large        | -    | 10000 | 2-50 S.         | North-    | -     | -
    |      |          |         |          | patrol boat.             |      |       | 149-28 E.       | easter-   | ly.       |       |
4.  | 1600K| June 11  | 750     | 50       | Catcher type pat-        | 100  | 10000 | 3-15 S.         | 125°T.    | 6     | -
    |      |          |         |          | rol boat                 |      |       | 151-33 E.       |           |       |
5.  | 1950K| June 11  | 2000    | -        | Coastal freighter        | 200  | 6500  | 3-09 S.         | 135°T.    | 6.5   | 204
    |      |          |         |          |                          |      |       | 151-25 E.       |           |       |
6.  | 0937K| June 12  | 100     | -        | Small fishing ves-       | 75   | 7000  | 3-06 S.         | 120°T.    | 6     | -
    |      |          |         |          | sel.                     |      |       | 151-21 E.       |           |       |
7.  | 2105K| June 12  | 750     | -        | Catcher type pat-        | 100  | 6000  | 3-13 S.         | 125°T.    | 6     | -
    |      |          |         |          | rol boat.                |      |       | 151-33 E.       |           |       |
8.  | 2238K| June 12  | -       | -        | Smoke                    | -    | 30000 | 3-11.5 S.       | -         | -     | -
    |      |          |         |          |                          |      |       | 151-26.5 E.     |           |       |
9.  | 2332K| June 12  | -       | -        | Hospital ship            | -    | 24000 | 3-19.5 S.       | 125°T.    | 11    | -
    |      |          |         |          | (Same as #8)             |      |       |                 |           |       |

[HANDWRITTEN: 35]

— page 176 —
SHIPS SIGHTED (Continued)

CON-
TACT
NO. | TIME | DATE | TONNAGE | MAST-
    |      |      |         | HEIGHT | TYPE | LEN-
                                            GTH | RANGE | POSITION | COURSE | SPEED | TURNS
----|------|------|||------|-----|-------|||-------|-------
10. | 0215K | June 13 | 7000 | - | Freighter | 450 | 8000 | 3-04 S.
                                                                        151-18 E. | 125°T. | 13.4 | -
11. | 1405K | June 13 | 4000 | 65 | Tone Maru, OMI
                                            208J page 131
                                            40 odd 100-150
                                            ton sampans. | 360 | 10000 | 3-07 S.
                                                                        151-20 E. | 120°T. | 5.3 | -
12. | 1853K | June 13 | 750. | - | Small Patrol
                                            boat. | - | 10000 | 3-07 S.
                                                                        151-08 E. | 125°T. | .7
                                                                                             (Est) | -
13. | 1907K | June 13 | - | - | Two large ships &
    (Later developed into Dyaul Is.) | one small. | - | 16000 | 3-07 S.
                                                                        151-01 E. | 090°T. | 10
                                                                                             (Est) | -
14. | 1938K | June 13 | 750 | - | Small Patrol
                                            boat. (Same as
                                            #12). | - | 10000 | 3-12 S.
                                                                        151-09 E. | 125°T. | .7
                                                                                             (Est) | -
15. | 2202K | June 13 | 8000 | - | Hospital ship.
                                            (Smoke) | 425 | 30000 | 3-22 S.
                                                                        151-30 E. | 296°T. | 10.8 | -
16. | 1100K | June 14 | 100 | - | Three small sail-
                                            ing vessels. | 75 | 8000 | 3-10 S.
                                                                        151-17 E. | 090°T. | 5
                                                                                             (Est) | -
17. | 0205K | June 18 | - | - | USS SILVERSIDES | - | 14000 | 1-47 N.
                                                                        147-34 E. | 045°T. | - | -
18. | 1649K | June 18 | - | 75 | Mitsuki class
                                            destroyer. | - | 14000 | 2-49 N.
                                                                        147-33 E. | 160°T. | 19.5 | 192
                                                                                                        34

— page 177 —
SHIPS SIGHTED (Continued)

CON-
TACT
NO. TIME DATE TONNAGE HEIGHT TYPE LEN-
GTH RANGE POSITION COURSE SPEED TURNS

19. 0300K June 19 - - Convoy of 5 ships: 30000 3-15 N. 150°T. 9.0 -
2 7000 ton freighters 148-05 E.
3 4500 ton freighters
1 large minesweeper
escort of 800 tons.

0630K June 19 30000 2-47 N. 210°T. 9.0 -
148-22 E.

1500K June 19 40000 1-45 N. 170°T. 9.0 -
148-04 E.

20. 0405K June 19 - - USS SILVERSIDES 8000 1-49 N. 120°T. 15.0 [HANDWRITTEN: 35]
148-14 N.

21. 1009K June 28 - - Auxiliary carrier. 30000 1-57 N. 310°T. 17.0 -
147-57 E.

22. 1505K July 5 - - Large freighter. 32000 1-44 N. 315°T. 9.0 -
149-36 E.

23. 0704K July 23 - - Unidentified sub- 9000 7-23.5 S. 300°T. 15.0 -
marine. 154-28 E. (Est.)

— page 178 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 7]

6. AIRCRAFT SIGHTED.

| CON-TACT NO. | DATE | POSITION | TIME | TYPE | COURSE | ALTITUDE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | May 30 | 10-04 S. 156-07 E. | 1040K | Kawanishi 97 flying boat. | 270°T. | 1000 ft. |
| 2. | June 13 | 3-10 S. 151-23.5 E. | 1211K | Single float seaplane. | 330°T. | 1000 ft. |
| 3. | June 13 | 3-07.5 S. 151-24.5 E. | 1530K | Two engine bomber. | 130°T. | 1000 ft. |
| 4. | June 13 | 3-17 S. 151-15 E. | 2355K | Single float seaplane. | Circling overhead. | 500 ft. |
| 5. | June 16 | 1-03 S. 149-03 E. | 0853K | Single float seaplane. | 280°T. | 1000 ft. |
| 6. | June 20 | 0-43 S. 149-04 E. | 1349K | Single float seaplane. | 060°T. | 1000 ft. |
| 7. | June 20 | 0-43 S. 149-00 E. | 1545K | Single float seaplane. | Circling astern. | 500 ft. |
| 8. | June 28 | 4-58 N. 147-46 E. | 1038K | Two engine bomber. | Circling astern. | 1000 ft. |
| 9. | July 9 | 3-26 S. 154-07 E. | 0757K | Large land plane - type unidentified | 170°T. | 2000 ft. |
| 10. | July 10 | 6-10.5 S. 154-05 E. | 1305K | Flying Fortress | 130°T. (App) | 2000 ft. |
[HANDWRITTEN: 36]

— page 179 —
AIRCRAFT SIGHTED (Continued.)

CON-
TACT
NO. DATE POSITION TIME TYPE COURSE ALTITUDE

11. July 24 6-22 S. 1454K Large Jap land bomber, 020°T. 1500 ft.
            155-00 E.       type unidentified.

12. July 28 5-56 S. 0740K Same as #11. 030°T. 1500 ft.
            154-42.5 E.

13. July 31 13-38 S. 0705K Australian "Hudson" 010°T. 1000 ft.
            156-59 E.

- 37 -

— page 181 —
[HANDWRITTEN: Confidential]

SUMMARY OF SUBMARINE ATTACKS

SHIP [HANDWRITTEN: Guardfish, 5th Patrol]

| | (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) | (6) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attack | [HANDWRITTEN: Torpedo] | [HANDWRITTEN: Torpedo] | | | | |
| Date | [HANDWRITTEN: 6/13/43] | [HANDWRITTEN: 6/13/43] | | | | |
| Location (Lat.) | [HANDWRITTEN: 3-14 S] | [HANDWRITTEN: 3-07.5 S] | | | | |
| (Long.) | [HANDWRITTEN: 151-31 E] | [HANDWRITTEN: 151-24.5 E] | | | | |
| Torpedoes Fired on each Attack | [HANDWRITTEN: 4] | [HANDWRITTEN: 2] | | | | |
| Hits | [HANDWRITTEN: 1] | [HANDWRITTEN: 1] | | | | |
| Nber Sunk (Tonnage) | [HANDWRITTEN: 0] | [HANDWRITTEN: 4000] | | | | |
| Nber Damaged or probably sunk | [HANDWRITTEN: 7000] | [HANDWRITTEN: -] | | | | |
| Type of Target | [HANDWRITTEN: Freighter] | [HANDWRITTEN: Freighter] | | | | |
| Range 1500 Yards or Less | [HANDWRITTEN: -] | [HANDWRITTEN: 1200] | | | | |
| Range More Than 1500 Yards | [HANDWRITTEN: 3120] | [HANDWRITTEN: -] | | | | |
| Periscope | [HANDWRITTEN: -] | [HANDWRITTEN: Yes] | | | | |
| Depth | [HANDWRITTEN: Yes] | [HANDWRITTEN: -] | | | | |
| Surface Night | [HANDWRITTEN: -] | [HANDWRITTEN: -] | | | | |
| Deep Submergence | | | | | | |
| Estimated Draft Target | [HANDWRITTEN: 26 ft] | [HANDWRITTEN: 20 ft] | | | | |
| Torpedo Depth Setting | [HANDWRITTEN: 15 ft] | [HANDWRITTEN: 10 ft] | | | | |
| Bow or Stern Shot | [HANDWRITTEN: Bow] | [HANDWRITTEN: Bow] | | | | |
| Track Angle | [HANDWRITTEN: 108 P] | [HANDWRITTEN: 105 S] | | | | |
| Gyro Angle | [HANDWRITTEN: 8° L] | [HANDWRITTEN: 1° L] | | | | |
| Estimate Speed Target | [HANDWRITTEN: 13.4] | [HANDWRITTEN: 5.3] | | | | |
| Firing Interval | [HANDWRITTEN: 8 S] | [HANDWRITTEN: 8 S] | | | | |
| Spread - Amount and Kind | [HANDWRITTEN: 10°] [HANDWRITTEN: Divergent] | [HANDWRITTEN: 2½°] [HANDWRITTEN: Divergent] | | | | |
| Remarks: | | | | | | |

Note: This form is to be submitted by each submarine with the narrative of war operations. May
be submitted in rough.
228—USS Fulton—7-20-42—1M.

— page 182 —
SS217/A16-3
Serial 06
U.S.S. GUARDFISH
Fry

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fifth War Patrol.

— page 183 —
SS217/A16-3
Serial 06
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. GUARDFISH
Fry

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fifth War Patrol.

— page 184 —
SS217/A16-3 U.S.S. GUARDFISH Fry
Serial 06
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fifth War Patrol.

9. MAJOR DEFECTS.

(a) Machinery.

1. #4 main engine has given erratic operation since
its last overhaul. During this patrol six injectors were
renewed and the exhaust valves on four units had to be ground
and compression rings on three pistons had to be replaced.
In each instance the engine gave indications of being dirty
as the exhaust valves that were ground in were badly carboned
and slightly pitted. The compression rings that were re-
placed were frozen in their grooves and badly carboned.
Injector units replaced were found to be carboned up and
sticky. This engine is scheduled for overhaul at the end
of the present patrol.

(b) Electrical.

1. Upon anchoring at Tulagi a ground reading on #4
generator armature of 20,000 ohms was obtained. The brushes,
insulators, and poles were cleaned and hot air circulated in
the generator. After this treatment a reading of 125,000
ohms was obtained. It is essential that this generator be
given particular attention during the coming refit.

2. The control panel on #1 airconditioning unit has
given consistent trouble on this patrol despite frequent
efforts to adjust it. A thorough investigation of both
electrical and mechanical systems should be made this refit.

3. The stern plane motor clutch solenoid overheated
and burned out about two weeks out of Brisbane; cause un-
determined.

(c) Hull.

1. During training runs in extremely heavy seas, on
May 26, the new forward bulkhead of conning tower hatch
was battered in, blocking the upper conning tower hatch.
It was jacked and beaten clear of the hatch and fortunately
no subsequent heavy weather was encountered, as it was an
impossibility to do any bracing which did not obstruct the
path of the bridge watch down the hatch. It is essential
that this bulkhead be made of much sturdier construction.

2. During the depth charge attack on June 19, #1
MBT vent riser sprung leaks at two flange joints.

- 41 -

— page 187 —
SS217/A16-3
Serial 06
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of Fifth War Patrol.

REMARKS (Continued)

(4) Sound conditions were excellent throughout the
patrol except in the vicinity of New Ireland, Southeast of
Dyaul Island, where beach noises caused screws to fade in
and out. In both contacts off Cape Orford sound heard
screws before the target was sighted. In the first case
it is estimated that screws were detected at a range of
15,000 yards. In the second case, while patrolling on
the surface, screws were detected at an estimated range of
11,000 - 12,000 yards. On 18 June the screws of the de-
stroyer were detected at an estimated range of 16,000 yds,
and the target itself was not seen until the range was
14,000 yards. Visibility conditions prevented earlier
sighting.

(5) Density layers were encountered southeast of
Dyaul Island and in the vicinity of Lat. 2°-40'N., Long.
147°-30'E. Southeast of Dyaul the layer persisted between
275-335 feet. The other layer found showed a three degree
negative temperature gradient starting at 170 feet and
ending at 225 feet.

(6) A recommendation covering submarine teamwork in
convoy attacks as a result of experience gained and obser-
vations made in the abortive attempt of 19 June is made in
separate correspondence.

(7) Factors of endurance remaining:

    Fuel                8500 gal.
    Provisions          Zero days balanced ration, 10 days
                        existence
    Torpedoes           18
    Water               Unlimited
    Personnel           Indeterminate

- 44 -

— page 188 —
FC5-8/A16-3
Serial 0106

SUBMARINE SQUADRON LIGHT
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
2 August 1943

CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO GUADFISH Report
of Fifth War Patrol.

From: Commander Submarine Squadron LIGHT.
To: Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.

Subject: U.S.S. GUADFISH (SS217) Fifth War
Patrol; Comments on.

1. The GUADFISH's fifth war patrol covered
a period of sixty-nine days, fifty-four days of which
were spent in the combat area and in accomplishment of
a special mission. This was the first patrol of the
GUADFISH under her present Commanding Officer. The
Commanding Officer, officers and crew are congratulated
on the success of this patrol.

2. The material condition of the GUADFISH
upon return from patrol was, in general, very good, with
the exception of minor damage received due to depth
charging. There are no major material deficiencies.

3. The GUADFISH will receive a standard
refit conducted by the FULTON.

W. H. DOYLES.

— page 189 —
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 0246

CONFIDENTIAL

2nd ENDORSEMENT to
CO GUARDFISH Report
of Fifth War Patrol

From : The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
To : The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : (1) The Commander, THIRD FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS217) - Report of Fifth
War Patrol; comments on.

1. GUARDFISH departed from Brisbane 25 May 1943,
on her Fifth War Patrol. She was off CAPE ORFORD 1 - 4
June, during which she had one day contact and one possible
night contact with an enemy submarine but was unable to
close to attack position in either case. She then proceed-
ed in accordance with orders to the area south of STEFFEN
STRAIT where in the morning of 13 June, before daylight,
after a two-hour chase, she made a surface attack on an un-
identified escorted freighter headed for Rabaul and damaged
it with one torpedo hit out of a spread of four. That after-
noon she sank a medium sized freighter which was escorting
40 - 50 small barges and sampans with one torpedo hit out
of two fired. She surfaced to sink the small craft by gun-
fire but was forced down by aircraft. On 15 June she pro-
ceeded to newly assigned area northwest of MUSSAU where on
16 June she attempted but failed to obtain favorable firing
position for day submerged attack on a southeast-bound
destroyer. That evening she intercepted a contact report
(received one hour later by regular channels) from GREEN-
LING, and three and one-half hours later GUARDFISH was in
contact with the convoy reported. While shadowing she en-
countered and exchanged recognition with SILVERSIDES. The
following forenoon, with GUARDFISH almost ready to fire
torpedoes, one of the escorts delivered a severe depth
charge attack and kept her on the defensive for an hour.
GUARDFISH regained contact with the convoy later in the
day, and heard GROWLER's attack at 1620, but lost contact
in rain squalls at dusk and was unable to regain it. On
27 June she received another contact report originated by
GREENLING, and at 1009 K, 28 June intercepted the target
an auxiliary aircraft carrier headed northwest, but was un-
able to gain suitable attack position. During the period

- 1 -

TASK FORCE SEVENTY-TWO,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

5 August 1943.

— page 191 —
COMSOPAC FILE
A16-3/(11)
Serial 01483

SOUTH PACIFIC FORCE
OF THE UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER

[STAMP: Reg. No. 13118]
[STAMP: S.S. No. 9 0694]
[STAMP: Rec'd]

29 AUG 1943

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

3rd Endorsement on
CO U.S.S. GUARD FISH
Report of Fifth War
Patrol.

From: The Commander South Pacific.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. GUARD FISH (SS217) - Report of Fifth
War Patrol, Comments on.

1. Forwarded.

2. The aggressiveness, determination and perse-
verance displayed by the Commanding Officer on his first
patrol in command will certainly produce results spelling
disaster for Jap shipping encountered in future patrols.
The accomplishment of the special mission was most important
and its successful conclusion has been complimented most
highly by other commands involved.

3. The Commander South Pacific congratulates the
Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the U.S.S. GUARD FISH
on this long and successful patrol.

[SIGNATURE: W.F. Halsey]
W. F. Halsey.

[STAMP: COMMANDER IN CHIEF
U.S. FLEET
RECEIVED
6 SEP 1943
15]

Copy to:
VCNO
Cincpac
Cinclant
Comsowespac
Comsubpac
Comsublant
Comsubsowespac
CTF 72
Comsubron 6
Comsubron 8
Comsubdiv 81
Comsubdiv 82
CO, USS GUARD FISH

— page 192 —
SS217/A16-3(6)
Serial 019

DECLASSIFIED T-I-A-L

From:
To :
Via :

Subject:
Enclosure: U.S.S. GUARDFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
November 3, 1943.

Commanding Officer.
Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) Commander Submarine Division EIGHTY TWO.
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT.
(3) Commander Task Force SEVENTY TWO.

U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol Number Six.

(A) Subject report.
(B) Track chart of subject patrol.
(C) Track charts of two special missions.
(D) Navigational time plots of four torpedo
attacks.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the Sixth War Patrol of
this vessel conducted in Bismarck Archipelago and south of Truk
Islands during the period from 24 August, 1943 to 3 November,
1943, is forwarded herewith.

2. Enclosures (B), (C) and (D) are forwarded to
CTF-72 only.

[SIGNATURE: N. G. Ward]
N. G. WARD.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY O-989C DATE 5/30/22]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[STAMP: 59336 FILMED]

[STAMP: 11 01894]

— page 193 —
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
Number Six.

A. PROLOGUE:
Arrived Brisbane, Australia August 2, 1943,
from Fifth War Patrol. Refit by U.S.S. FULTON
refit crew period August 3-16, 1943. Major items of
overhaul were, numbers 3 and 4 Main Engine, auxiliary
engine, number 2 high pressure air compressor, stop-
page of air leaks in air banks and impulse system, and
installation of auxiliary gyro compass. Readiness for
sea 16-24 August, 1943, during which time a test dive
was made and ship was depermed. Departed on Sixth War
Patrol on 24 August, 1943, following sound tests and
gun firing in Moreton Bay. No target was available
for training runs.

All times are "KING".

B. NARRATIVE.

24 August 1943
0900 Underway for Sixth War Patrol.
1043 to Conducted sound tests and gun firing in
1447 Moreton Bay. Transferred a stowaway to sound
boat (7 weeks old puppy).
1955 Cleared swept channel.
2015 Made trim dive.
2054 Surfaced; set course for Jomard Entrance
via points Ace, Pond and Hill at four engine
speed.

25 August 1943
Enroute Jomard Entrance at four engine speed;
made training dives and held drills during
day.

26 August 1943
Enroute Jomard Entrance at four engine speed;
made training dives and held drills during
day.
2130 Interference on radar; suspected overtaking
COUCAL and submarines.
2155 Radar contact at 9500 yards; commenced track-
ing; suspected it to be COUCAL but in order
to be ready for any eventuality; at
2200 went to battle stations and made all tubes
ready for firing with exception of outer
doors.

- 1 - ENCLOSURE (A)
11-01894

— page 197 —
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report War Patrol
Number Six.

8 September 1943

Conducting search for convoy at four engine
speed to southward and westward until
vicinity of Lyra Reef and then back to
northward.

9 September 1943

Conducting search for convoy as before.
0511 Submerged for trim dive; stern planes
jammed on 15° rise.
0519 Surfaced.
0605 Submerged with stern planes partially re-
paired and on 0°.
0640 Stern Planes in commission "in ordinary".
Not to be used except in emergency dives
and for battle attacks.
See part "K" for details of casualty.
0658 Surfaced, searching at two engine speed.

10 September 1943

Returning to area.
0505 Submerged.
1903 Surfaced.

11 September 1943

In area heading for Truk along Truk - Nauru
Line.
0510 Submerged.
1313 Surfaced.

12 September 1943

Heading for Truk along Truk - Nauru Line.
0047 Sighted peaks on Truk Islands bearing 320°
T, distant about 45 miles.
0445 Sighted searchlight on Dublon Island trained
NNE, beam horizontal; came on three times
at intervals of one minute, staying on about
30 seconds each time.
0455 Submerged. Patrolling to eastward of Kuop
passage.
1025 Plane contact #4.
1834 Surfaced.
1845 Sighted same searchlight.
1849 Sighted Nama Island bearing 095° T, distant
16 miles.

- 5 - ENCLOSURE (A)
[STAMP: 11 01894]

— page 198 —
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
Number Six.

13 September 1943

0435         Heading for vicinity of South Pass, pass-
             ing to southward of Kuop Islands.
0459         Sighted familiar searchlight with additional
             cohort this time.
0814         Submerged to patrol 10-15 miles south of
             South Pass.
1000         Sighted smoke bearing 030° T, changed course
             to 030° T. Ship contact #2.
1001         Smoke within atoll, c/c to westward.
1400         Plane contact #5.
1835         c/c to 200° T, to open out on atoll.
             Surfaced in brilliant moonlight - Period of
             full moon. Had decided to patrol toward
             northwestern sector of area during this
             period to intercept any east-west shipping
             using South or Southwest Pass.
1843         The familiar searchlight.
2210         Ship contact #3. Sighted vessel bearing
             290° T, and relative, range 12,000 yards,
             angle on bow about 20° starboard, maneuvered
             to keep bow pointed at target, started SJ
             radar.
2226         After first showing interference on screen
             indicating another nearby radar, SJ picked
             up target at 7580 yards and as he was then
             visible through the periscope, at;
2229         Submerged to look him over. He passed at
             about 4500 yards, making about six knots,
             weaving back and forth across a base course
             of 090° T, no pinging was heard.
2310         Target out of sight in periscope.
2325         Surfaced; proceeding at night patrol speed
             course 345° T; target (the first sign of
             life we have seen so far) not seen.

14 September 1943

0200         Patrolling to northwestward as before.
0322         c/c to 200° T.
0336         Ship contact #4. Sighted same patrol boat
             bearing 060° T, range 14,000 yards.
0351         Being in path of moon, c/c to 245° T, and
             went to four main engines to open out.
             Target emitted puff of smoke.

             - 6 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 210 —
C-O-N-F-I. E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
Number Six.

12 October 1943 (Cont'd)
0756 Identified as a submarine; went to battle
stations and commenced approach, making
ready four tubes forward. Target zigging,
base course 110 and tracked at 14 knots.
Confusion was thrown into the problem by
a 226 rpm turn count, obtained twice each
by both sound operators for which the
intelligence curves showed 12 knots. Sub-
marine had number '177 on conning tower and
similar to 168 - 75 class in all respects.
As he passed at 1000 yards the bow and
stern waves indicated high speed and sub-
sequent tracking showed 16 knots to be
fairly accurate. Did not fire because a
miss would jeopardize the accomplishment
of the primary mission and I was not con-
fident enough in the solution to be sure
of a kill. A case of too much information
and a restrictive effects of trying to ac-
complish two missions at one time.
0815 Secured from battle stations and reversed
course.
0824 Heard pinging on starboard quarter. Looked
immediately and saw the contact #11 had
hove in sight out of the haze bearing 146°
T, range 9,000 yards. Identified as a
tanker of the NIPFON MARU class (page 263
ONI 208-J), 10,000 tons escorted from astern
by a smoking TIDORE or TOMOZURA Class tor-
pedo boat, tanker in ballast; battle stations,
commenced approach.
0830 Made ready six tubes forward.
0847 With a good solution of target course 300°
T, speed 12 knots, torpedo run 2,800 yards
on a straight shot, fire was again witheld
for following reasons:
(1) Lack of confidence in torpedo per-
formance, i.e., I know they would smoke
from previous experience.
(2) Long torpedo run with smoky torpedoes
would give target chance to avoid thereby
disclosing my presence without obtaining
results.
(3) Would make it practically impossible
for me to carry out what I interperted to
be my primary objective.

- 19 - ENCLOSURE (A)

11 01894

— page 214 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
         Number Six.

15 October 1943 (Cont'd)

         27 miles to north of where we should have
         been. Doped off on time of turning east.
0905     Submerged; unable to arrive Tulagi prior
         19th because of fuel shortage.
1617     Surfaced; proceeding on 1 M.E.

16 October 1943

         Enroute Brisbane on 1 M.E.
0743     Plane contact #17. Sighted 1 Mavis flying
         boat bearing 220° T, distant 15 miles, on
         northerly course at an altitude of 1000 ft.
         He either did not see or purposely ignored
         GUARDFISH; watched him carefully but he
         stood on and passed out of sight to north-
         ward after passing at a minimum distance
         of 7 miles.
1340     Sighted oil drum; held drill for 20MM and
         30 Cal. gunners.
2345     Passed point Odor; entered bombing restrict-
         ion lane.

17 October 1943

         Enroute Brisbane on 1 M.E. in bombing
         restriction lane.
0953     Plane contact #18. Pip on SD radar at
         22 miles. Sighted plane at 9 miles coming
         in. At range of six miles plane changed
         course and passed 2½ miles abeam. Could
         make out U.S. markings on plane but looks
         like a new type to all who saw him. No
         signals exchanged.
2006     Sighted searchlight bearing 270° T, in
         direction of Buka, but that Island distant
         120 miles.

18 October 1943

         Enroute Brisbane on 1 M.E. in bombing re-
         striction lane.
0321     Plane contact #19. Pip on SD at 9 miles;
         sighted Liberator at 7 miles and exchanged
         recognition signals.
0952     Aircraft contact #20. Pip on SD at 9 miles,
         closed in to 7 miles and faded; reappeared
         at 10 miles and closed to 4 miles; plane

- 23 - ENCLOSURE (A)
[STAMP: 11 01894]

— page 215 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
Number Six.

18 October 1943 (Cont'd)

(or planes) not seen so submerged. Radar pips
indicate that there were two planes though
they both did not appear on the screen at the
same time.
1114 Surfaced, proceeding on 1 M.E.
1300 Commenced 6 hour battery discharge on surface.

19 October 1943

Enroute Brisbane in bombing restriction lane
conducting 6 hour battery discharge.
0045 Discharge completed, capacity 109%; proceed-
ing on 1 M.E.
0355 Heard Pinging.
0406 Sighted escort and exchanged recognition signals.
0925 Arrived Tulagi, commenced fueling.
1100 Reported CTF-31 for temporary duty.
1600 Completed fueling, received 52,500 gallons.

20 to 24 October 1943

At anchor Tulagi.

25 October 1943

At anchor Tulagi.
1250 Underway, proceeding in company with escort,
U.S.S. DORSEY, at 4 M.E. speed.
1900 Released escort.
1947 Night air patrol passed 2 miles abeam

26 October 1943

0553 Proceeding on mission at four engine speed.
Submerged.
1903 Surfaced, proceeding on 3 M.E.
2121 Momentary pip on SJ radar at 20,000 yards,
035° T, simultaneously with pip on SD radar
at 10 miles.
2302 Went to 4 M.E.

27 October 1943

Proceeding on mission at four engine speed.
0530 Pip on SD at 4 miles closing.

- 24 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 216 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject:
U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
Number Six.
27 October 1943 (Cont'd)
0531
Submerged with plane distant 1 mile.
1934
Surfaced.
2259
Pip on SD at 6 miles.
2304
Pip on SJ at 4000 yards bearing 140° T.
2308
Stopped to let plane pass; he did, on
starboard side at 2 miles, and continued
out ahead to 4 miles; then heturned (picked
up from bridge and identified as a
"Catalina") and came down port side 1 mile
abeam, circled astern and came up star-
board side at 500 yards; then he continued
on his way. Had the Blinker Gun, Buck
Rogers Gun, and 5 20MM standing by, just
in case it appeared he wasn't going to
pass clear in his circling.
2312
Proceeding on our way.
28 October 1943
0531
Proceeding on mission.
1940
Submerged.
2400
Surfaced.
Mission completed; heading for Brisbane.
29 October 1943
Proceeding to Brisbane on 4 M.Ε.
0554
Submerged.
1853
Surfaced.
30 October 1943
0519
Proceeding to Brisbane on 4 M.Ε.
Submerged.
1833
Surfaced, proceeding on 2 engines.
31 October 1943
Proceeding to Brisbana on 3 engines
0800
Slowed to 2 engines.
1 November 1943
Proceeding to Brisbane on 2 engines.

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11 01894

— page 217 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
Number Six.

2 November 1943
Proceeding to Brisbane on 2 engines - 70th
day out.
3 November 1943
Proceeding to Brisbane
0400 Arrived Caloundra Head.
0800 Moored at Brisbane.

- 26 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 219 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
         Number Six.

         (b) When not obscured by clouds, Mt. Balbi and
Mt. Bagana cut in well in the following correct
positions: Balbi Lat. 5-55.5 S, Long. 154-59 E;
Bagana Lat. 6-08.5 S, Long. 155-11.5 E.

         (c) The actual location of Cape Torokina is Lat.
6-15 S, Long. 155-02.5 E.

         (e) A 3 fathom shoal is located in Lat. 6-17 S,
Long. 154-50 E, bearing 256½° T, distant 12.7 miles
from Cape Torokina.

         3. The peaks on the Crater Peninsula of New
Britian and the tangents of Watom Island afford excellent
marks for cuts.

- 28 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 220 —
Γ
[HANDWRITTEN: 11 01894]
F. SHIP CONTACTS.

# P - Periscope So - Sound
R - Radar
SSD - Surface Sighting Day
SSN - Surface sighting night.

| NO. | TIME DATE | LAT. LONG. | TYPES | INITIAL RANGE | ESTIMATED COURSE SPD | HOW # CONT. | REMARKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 0110 K 9/4 | 1-32 S. 149-05 E. | Hospital Ship | 10 mi. | 180 11 | SSN | |
| 2. | 0814 K 9/13 | 7-02 N. 151-41 E. | Smoke | 15 mi. | - - | P | Appeared to be inside Truk Atoll. |
| 3. | 2210 K 9/13 | 6-54 N. 151-30 E. | Patrol Vessel | 10,000 | 090 6 | SSN | Picked up by SJ radar at 7500 yds turn count 84 rpm |
| 4. | 0322 K 9/14 | 6-56 N. 151-02 E. | Patrol Vessel | 14,000 | 220 6 | SSN | Believed to be same as #3. |
| 5. | 0149 L 10/8 | 0-35 S. 146-07 E. | 4 AK, 1 DD, 2 PC. | 19,000 | 115 9 | So | Sank one similar to Taihoku Maru page 193 ONI 208-J, 3252 tons. |
| 6. | 0628 L 10/9 | 0-34 S. 148-14 E. | 1 AK, 1 Trawler | 30,000 | 320 8.5 | SSD | Identified as similar to Taisyo Maru, 4316 tons, page 249 ONI 208-J; sunk. |
| 7. | 2215 L 10/10 | 1-47 S. 148-36 E. | Smoke | 40,000 | - - | SSN | |
| 8. | 0458 L 10/11 | 3-00 S. 149-45 E. | Hospital Ship | 25,000 | 280 9 | SSN | |
| 9. | 0404 L 10/12 | 4-02 S. 152-12 E. | Possibly small coastal transport. | 8,000 | 315 8 | SSN | [HANDWRITTEN: ENCLOSURE (C)] |
| | | | | | | | [HANDWRITTEN: 29] |

— page 221 —
7
F.
SHIP CONTACTS (Cont'd)

NO. | TIME | LAT. | TYPES | INITIAL | ESTIMATED | HOW # | REMARKS
    | DATE | LONG. |       | RANGE   | COURSE SPD | CONT. |
10. | 0701 L | 4-01 S. | Patrol | 12,000 | 320 8 | P |
    | 10/12 | 152-10 E. |       |        |            |       |
11. | 0703 L | 4-09 S | Smoke, later | 30,000 | 300 12 | P | Identified as Nippon Maru
    | 10/12 | 152-15 E. | identified as |        |            |       | type 10,000 ton tanker,
    |       |         | tanker & torpedo |        |            |       | page 263 ONI 208-J.
    | 0834 L | 4-05 S. | boat escort |        |            |       |
    |       | 152-12.5 E. |       |        |            |       |
12. | 0725 L | 4-03 S. | 2 trawlers | 9,000 | 330 8 | P |
    | 10/12 | 152-09 E. |       |        |            |       |
13. | 0755 L | 4-01 S. | Submarine | 5,000 | 110 14 | P | I-177 (of I-68 - 74 class,
    | 10/12 | 152-09 E. |       |        |            |       | page J44, Silhouette &
    |       |         |       |        |            |       | Range Cards, 1942.
14. | 1815 L | 3-53 S. | Sampan | 5,000 | 195 7 | P |
    | 10/12 | 152-11 E. |       |        |            |       |
15. | 2018 L | 4-05 S | Lighted Sampan 8 mi. |        | 120 7 | P |
    | 10/12 | 152-09 E. |       |        |            |       |
16. | 2026 L | 4-09 S. | Smoke | 14 mi. | NE - | SSN |
    | 10/12 | 152-19 E. |       |        |            |       |
17. | 0344 L | 3-47 S. | 2 unidentified 10 mi. |        | NW - | SSN |
    | 10/13 | 151-23 E. | ships |        |            |       |
18. | 0444 L | 3-32 S. | 2 AK, 1 PC. | 12 mi. | 125 9 | SSN | Identified as similar to
    | 10/13 | 151-11 E. |       |        |            |       | Goyo Maru & Boston Maru,
    |       |         |       |        |            |       | pages 49 & 211 resp.,
    |       |         |       |        |            |       | ONI 208-J.
ENCLOSURE (A)
1
30
1

— page 222 —
11 01894

F.
SHIP CONTACTS (Cont'd)

NO. | TIME | LAT. | TYPES | INITIAL | ESTIMATED | HOW # | REMARKS
    | DATE | LONG. |       | RANGE   | COURSE SPD | CONT. |
----|------|-------|-------|||-------|

— page 223 —
7

AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.

| NO. | TIME | LAT. | TYPE | INITIAL | ESTIMATED | # IOW | REMARKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | DATE | LONG. | | RANGE | COURSE | CONT. | TUDE |
| 1. | 1210 K | 11-05 S. | Hudson | 10 mi. | 270° T. | SSD | 1,000 |
| | 8/28 | 152-15 E. | | | | | |
| 2. | 1213 K | 5-37 S. | Betty | 6 mi. | 105° T. | P | 2,000 |
| | 8/31 | 153-57 E. | | | | | |
| 3. | 2333 K | 4-55 S. | Not seen; | 7400 yds | 110° T. | R | * | * Just off water - low |
| | 8/31 | 153-42 E. | later re- | | | | | enough to be picked up |
| | | | vealed to be | | | | | on SJ radar - SD not |
| | | | "Cat". | | | | | in operation. |
| 4. | 1025 K | 7-07 N. | Betty | 3 mi | 200° T. | P | 1,000 |
| | 9/12 | 152-14 E. | | | | | |
| 5. | 1001 K | 7-02 N. | Betty | 4 mi | 200° T. | P | 1,500 |
| | 9/13 | 151-42 E. | | | | | |
| 6. | 0115 K | 5-52 N. | Unknown | 4 mi. | 320° T. | SSN | 1,000 | Possibly Sirius ! |
| | 9/15 | 152-25 E. | | | | | |
| 7. | 0743 K | 6-43 S. | Betty | 12 mi. | 077° T. | SSD | 300 | |
| | 9/30 | 158-56 E. | | | | | |
| 8. | 1400 K | 5-52 S. | Liberator | 12 mi. | 130° T. | SSD | 1,000 | |
| | 9/30 | 157-40 E. | | | | | |
| 9. | 1412 K | 5-50 S. | Unknown | 11 mi | - | R | - | Not seen. |
| | 9/30 | 157-37 E. | | | | | |

P - Periscope
R - Radar
SSD - Surface Sighting Day.
SSN - Surface Sighting Night.

ENCLOSURE (A)
22

— page 224 —
A
¬
G. AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Cont'd)
TIME LAT. INITIAL ESTIMATED #HOW ALTI-
NO. DATE LONG. TYPE RANGE COURSE CONT. TUDE REMARKS
10. 1327 K 0-28 S. Betty 8 mi. 250° T. SSD 1,000
10/2 150-54 E.
11. 1310 L 2-16 S. 2 Pete's 4 mi. 090° T. P 1,000
10/4 149-28 .
12. 1149 L 0-46 S. Pete 4 mi. 045° T. P 2,500
10/7 147-56 E.
13. 1219 L 4-05 S. 2 Unidenti-10 mi. 135° T. P 5,000
10/12 152-09 E. fied
14. 2018 L 4-10 S. 1 Unidenti-10 mi SSN 2,000 Seemed to be patrolling
10/12 152-09 E. fied over Crater Peninsula
Talili Bay Seemed to
be signalling towards
Rabaul.
15. 1221 L 2-31 S. 1 Unidenti- 7 mi. Circling SSD 2,000 Air cover for convoy off
10/14 148-50 E. fied. Tingwon.
16. 1225 L 2-31 S. 1 Unknown 12 mi. R Believed to be covering
10/14 142-50 E. same convoy.as #15
not seen.
17. 0743 L 0-40 S. 1 Mavis 15 mi. 000° т. SSD 1,000
10/16 152-53 E.
18. 0953 L 4-07 S. 1 Unidenti-20 mi. 315° T. R & 2,500 Unknown type plane.
10/17 155-40 E. fied SSD U.S. marking.
ENCLOSURE (A)
11 01894
33
1
¬

— page 225 —
AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Cont'd)

NO. | TIME    | LAT.    | TYPE             | INITIAL | ESTIMATED | HOW   | ALTI- | REMARKS
    | DATE    | LONG.   |                  | RANGE   | COURSE    | CONT. | TUDE  |
----||||||-------|-------|
19. | 0821 L  | 6-33 S  | Liberator        | 9 mi    | 315° T    | R     | 1,500 |
    | 10/18   | 158-36 E|                  |         |           |       |       |
20. | 0952 L  | 6-40 S  | 1 possibly 2     | 9 mi    | -         | R     | -     |
    | 10/18   | 158-45 E| not seen.        |         |           |       |       |
21. | 1620 L  | 7-00 S  | Unknown          | 19 mi   | -         | R     | -     | Not seen.
    | 10/18   | 159-15 E|                  |         |           |       |       |

ENCLOSURE (A)
33a
[HANDWRITTEN: 6.]

— page 226 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
  Number Six.
H. ATTACK DATA

USS. GUARDFISH TORPEDO ATTACK NO. ONE PATROL NO. SIX
Time 0322L Date 8 October, 1943 Lat. 0-25S Long. 146-22E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description - This ship was the second largest of a
  four ship convoy escorted by at least
  three and possibly four small escorts.
  The fourth escort was indicated on radar
  at one time but never seen. The ships
  were in a rough diamond formation with
  one (possibly two) escorts ahead and
  astern. The leading ship was a two stacker
  and the largest having a striking similarity
  to the YAMATO MARU (Page 12 ONI 208-J).
  The most striking feature of this ship was
  its size. The next largest ship was the
  nearest one and the one on which the attack
  was made. The only ship which meets the
  most salient feature of this ship, i.e.
  four masts, is the TAIHOKU MARU (Page 193
  ONI 208-J) of 8250 tons. The other ships
  appeared to be of 5-6000 tonnage though
  they received relative little attention.
  Contact was originally made by sound, the
  pinging of the escorts being heard followed
  shortly thereafter by sighting of the targets.
  The targets themselves were seen at a range
  of about 8 miles. At time of attack the
  night was very black it then being 1 hr.
  and 25 min., after moonset. This contact
  was a developement of the RATO's contact
  report received on 2880 Kcs., four hours
  earlier.

Ships Sunk One freighter of 8250 tons Similar to
  TAIHOKU MARU (Page 193 ONI 208-J).

Ships Damaged None.
[HANDWRITTEN: probably]

Damage Deter- One hit seen, other hit heard.
mined By Noise of minor explosions and ship crack-
  ing up in sound gear extending over a
  period of about 10 minutes. One escort in
  vicinity for an hour before joining in
  hunt. Picking up survivors.

- 34 - ENCLOSURE (A)
[STAMP: 11 01894]
[HANDWRITTEN: ST]

— page 228 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUADFISH, Report of War Patrol
Number Six.

H.
ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)
|                 | # 1      | # 2      | # 3      | # 4          | # 5      | # 6      | Depth Set       | 18 ft    | 18 ft    | 18 ft    | 18 ft        | 18 ft    | 18 ft    |
| Power           | High     | High     | High     | High         | High     | High     |
| Hit or          | Miss     | Miss     | Hit      | Premature Hit| Hit      | Miss     |
| Miss            |          |          |          |              |          |          |
| Erratic         | No       | No       | No       | Yes          | No       | No       |
| Mark            |          |          |          |              |          |          |
| Torpedo         | XIV-3    | XIV-3    | XIV-3    | XIV-3        | XIV-3    | XIV-3    |
| Serial No.      | 25068    | 25009    | 41968    | 25054        | 24364    | 22898    |
| Mark Ex-        |          |          |          |              |          |          |
| ploder          | VI       | VI       | VI       | VI           | VI       | VI       |
| Serial No.      | 9332     | 14865    | 6421     | 5735         | 14690    | 11336    |
| Actuation       | Impact   | Impact   | Impact   | Impact       | Impact   | Impact   |
| Set             | & In-    | & In-    | & In-    | & In-        | & In-    | & In-    |
|                 | fluence  | fluence  | fluence  | fluence      | fluence  | fluence  |
| Actuation       | None     | None     | Impact   | Impact       |          |          |
| Actual          |          |          | Pre-     | None         |          |          |
|                 |          |          | mature   |              |          |          |
| Mark War-       | XVI      | XVI      | XVI      | XVI          | XVI      | XVI      |
| head            |          |          |          |              |          |          |
| Serial No.      | 9706     | 9649     | 9008     | 9166         | 848      | 9297     |
| Explosive       | Torpex   | Torpex   | TNT      | Torpex       | Torpex   | TNT      |
| Firing          |          |          |          |              |          |          |
| Interval        | -        | 13s      | 8s       | 13s          | 9s       | 11s      |
| Type            | Diver-   | Diver-   | Diver-   | Diver-       | Diver-   | Diver-   |
| Spread          | gent     | gent     | gent     | gent         | gent     | gent     |
|                 | 2½° L.   | 1½° L.   | ½° L.    | ½° R.        | 2° R.    | 3½° R.   |
| Sea             | 1        | 1        | 1        | 1            | 1        | 1        |
| Condition       |          |          |          |              |          |          |
| Overhaul        | USS      | USS      | USS      | USS          | USS      | USS      |
| Activity        | FULTON   | FULTON   | FULTON   | FULTON       | FULTON   | FULTON   |

- 36 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 230 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
Number Six.

H.
ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

at short torpedo run. Just before target
reached firing bearing he zigged away present-
ing a large track. Because of absence of
pit log and radical speed changes TDC solu-
tion was thrown out in final stage. However
a range and bearing was put in just before
firing each torpedo. The first two torpedoes
ran on the surface and exploded after a 3
minute run. The third torpedo appeared to
run normally. The first torpedo was seen
to pass just aft of targets stern, while the
second appeared to be bound for a hit until
it suddenly changed course and circled to
the left. Needless to say the target started
maneuvering but there is a possibility the
third passed under without going off. An
error had been made in over estimating tar-
get draft.

| | # 7 | # 8 | # 9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired | 157 S. | 158 S. | 160 S. |
| Track Angle | 191 1/2 | 193 1/2 | 195 1/2 |
| Gyro Angle | 191 1/2 | 193 1/2 | 195 1/2 |
| Depth Set | 18 ft. | 18 ft. | 18 ft. |
| Power | High | High | High |
| Hit or Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss |
| Erratic | Yes | Yes | No |
| Mark Torpedo | XIV-3 | XIV-3 | XIV-3 |
| Serial No. | 25001 | 24736 | 20060 |
| Mark Exploder | VI | VI | VI |
| Serial No. | 11237 | 5626 | 11030 |
| Actuation Set | Impact & Influence | Impact & Influence | Impact & Influence |
| Actuation Actual | None | None | None |
| Mark Warhead | XVI | XVI | XVI |
| Serial No. | 9936 | 5506 | 9943 |
| Explosive | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex |
| Firing Interval | - | 16S | 22S |
| Type Spread | Divergent 1 1/2 L. | None | Divergent 1 1/2 R. |
| Sea Condition | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Overhaul Activity | USS FULTON | USS FULTON | USS FULTON |
| Remarks | Surface run | Surface weaving run. | Ran Under did not explode. |

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— page 232 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
Number Six.
H. ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)
Tubes Fired # 1 | # 2 | # 3 | # 4
Track Angle 96 S. | 97 S. | 98 S. | 99 S.
Gyro Angle 359 | 002 | 005 | 008½
Depth Set 12 ft. | 12 ft. | 12 ft. | 12 ft.
Power High | High | High | High
Hit or Miss Miss | Hit | Miss | Kiss
Erratic No | No | No | No
Mark Torpedo XIV-3 | XIV-3 | XIV-3 | XIV-3
Serial No. 25059 | 41983 | 32447 | 20209
Mark Exploder VI | VI | VI | VI
Serial No. 14795 | 9276 | 11053 | 6692
Actuation Set Impact & | Impact & | Impact & | Impact &
Influence | Influence | Incluence | Influence
Actuation Actual None | None | None | Influence
Mark Warhead XVI | XVI | XVI | XVI
Serial NO. 1409 | 4388 | 4866 | 8907
Explosive Torpex | TNT | TNT | TNT
Firing Interval - | 10S | 8S | 10S
Type Spread Divergent | Divergent | Divergent | Divergent
3° L. | 1° L. | 1° R. | 3° R.
Sea Condition 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Overhaul Activity USS- | USS | USS | USS
FULTON | FULTON | FULTON | FULTON
Remarks: All smoked heavily (See part "U").

- 40 - ENCLOSURE (A)
¬

— page 233 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject:
H.
U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
Number Six.
ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)
USS GUARDFISH TORPEDO ATTACK NO. FOUR PATROL NO. SIX
Time 0647 L Date 13 October, 1943. Lat. 3-44 S.
Long. 151-28 E.
TARGET DATA DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description
Two ships escorted by a PC boat. The
ships were identified as similar to
the GOYO MARU (Page 49 ONI 208-J) 3500
tons and BOSTON MARU (Page 211 ONI 208-J)
5500 tons. The GOYO MARU was leading
with the BOSTON MARU about 3500 yards
away on its port quarter with the escort
trailing. Contact was first established
by sound hearing the escort pinging fol-
lowed by sighting the smoke of the ships.
The convoy being down moon, it was seen.
Knowing the approximate base course of
the convoy the GUARDFISH bent on speed,
disappeared in a rain squall and headed
for the targets track. It being close
to dawn no time could be lost in surface
tracking. A final bearing on the smoke
as soon through the rain showed we were
on targets approximate track so dove and
trimmed the boat. There were numerous
rain squalls about but visibility was
fair and we were only 50 miles from Rabaul
so no time could be spent on the surface.

Ships Sunk
None
Ships Damaged
or Probably
Sunk.
None
Damage Deter-
mined By.
Target Draft 25 ft. Course 145° T. Speed 2½ knots
Range (at firing) 2110 yards

- 41 - ENCLOSURE (1)
11 01894

— page 238 —
٦
C-O-N-F--D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
Number Six.
K. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE CONTROL (Cont'd)

I. Mechanical.

3. Shortly after surfacing on October 30,
1943, #8 unit on #3 main engine partially seized. On
pulling the head and piston assembly the following
damage was found. Liner badly broken, piston scored
heavily, con rod bearing slightly wiped. A new piston
and assembly, liner, con rod bearing and piston rings
was installed. After starting, engine ran normally
and has given satisfactory service since. The engine
and entire #8 unit had 3073 hours since commissioning,
and 619 since overhaul with the exception of the con
rod boaring which was installed last engine overhaul.
No reason or evidence for the cause of the casualty
could be found. However the breaks in the liner looked
as if they might have been there for some time as cracks
previous to the seizure.
1
11 01894
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— page 239 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
Number Six.

II. Electrical (Cont'd)

5. During the patrol, occasion was had
for extensive surface running at little short of full
power, during which the temperature of the main control
cubicle and the overhead above it became extremely
high. After one such period, it became necessary to
stop suddenly, resulting in an immediate drastic re-
duction of intake of air through auxiliary induction
in maneuvering room and consequent reduction of
ventilation of control cubicle. This caused the paint
on the overhead to begin to smolder in several places.
It is felt that had an emergency dive been made and
the ventilation stopped altogether, the paint may
have burst into flames. During the coming Navy Yard
overhaul, paint on overhead of maneuvering room will
be removed and fireproof wash substituted.

III. Hull.

1. The bore of 4th stage air compressor
liner manufactured by U.S.S. FULTON last refit was
not true to the outside diameter, resulting in mis-
alignment and the wearing of three sets of 4th stage
rings in as many weeks. Further, the outside diameter
was so large that liner fit into 2nd stage head with
a drive fit. Trouble was finally remedied by taking
a .030" cut on outside diameter, affording the liner
sufficient clearance to permit selfalignment with the
4th stage head. The misalignment before corrected
caused some uneven wear on 1st and 2nd stage liners
but this does not appear to be serious.

2. The copper gaskets on waterhead of
2nd interstage coolers on each compressor developed
leaks allowing water to get into the 3rd stages causing
liners to wear (.029" on #1, .070" on #2) and rings
to break. A piece of one ring on #1 compressor fell
into 1st stage but did no serious damage. Oversize
3rd stage rings were manufactured on board and per-
formed satisfactorily. Repeated efforts failed to make afore-
mentioned copper gasket hold. In desperation "consalco"
was resorted to - and held.

3. Much sludge, oil and dirt plus one
reversed baffle was found on air side of 2nd inter-
stage cooler on #2 compressor. This condition has
caused a marked reduction of efficiency as indicated.

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[STAMP: 11 01894]

— page 240 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
  Number Six.

III. Hull (Cont'd)

by increased air temperature.

4. In conjunction with the above, the water
and metal particles caused excessive valve trouble on
both compressors.

5. The ball socket piston rod bearings
on both compressors have begun to show signs of wear.

6. It is felt that the Hardie-Tynes Com-
pressor is inherently a good one. It was not speci-
fically designed for use in submarines, however, and
certain features of design are not adaptable; such
as;
  (a) assembly of coolers;
  (b) original design of valves
  (c) original design of lubricating oil pump.

In the latter case, each individual pump was fitted to
its compressor at the factory and it did not necessarily
follow that spare pumps would fit every compressor.
Similar problems will come up in due course. In the
meantime, however, additional burden is being imposed
by the scarcity of spare parts, the enforced makeshift,
home made parts being the source of added trouble.

7. During the second week, the starboard
side of #2 main air bank located in #20 MBT developed a
leak and was bled down and secured.

8. An inspection of bow bouyancy tank on
19 September, 1943, revealed all cotter keys in entire
vent linkage to be steel and in an advanced state of
corrosion. One key was missing altogether and had
allowed the pin of the three way joint inside the tank
to back half way out. In a very short while, had
GUARD FISH not been ordered to Tulagi early, this would
have necessitated the ticklish job of either replac-
ing the pin or securing the valves open. GUARD FISH
relies heavily on riding safety and bow bouyancy in a
flooded down condition and loss of bow bouyancy tank
would have been a serious handicap.

9. For the third successive patrol, rollers
of bow plane clutch yoke became worn and developed
piercing squeal. Trouble was diagnosed as coming

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— page 241 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
         Number Six.

III. Hull (Cont'd)

from too long a throw of the solenoid linkage such that
solenoid still exerted pressure on rollers when clutch
was all the way home. Adjustment of linkage to bring
solenoid to end of stroke a few thousandths of an inch
before clutch is home relieved rollers of constant pres-
sure and should permanently solve this problem.

         10. On 9 September, 1943, a sharp edge of
the silencing modification on stern plane shafting in
ATR caught one of a pile of burlap bags stowed
beneath after loading hatch, dragging the whole pile
out and jamming it between shafting and overhead. Result:
bent section of stern plane shafting, sprung stern bear-
ing and straining of entire system particularly drive
chains.

IV. Torpedoes and Gunnery.

         1. Torpedoes #24786 and 25001 made erratic
surface runs.

         2. Torpedoes #25054 and 32510 with exploders
#5765 and 6422 respectively exploded prematurely.

         3. On torpedoes #23478 and 25068, gyro index
levers were found to have slipped during an approach,
which, in each case would have caused wide misses had
they been fired.

         4. Torpedo #22550 had a loose hand hole stud
which had to be renewed to prevent leakage.

         5. Torpedo #20206 had clogged steering engine
lines.

         6. Torpedo #41894 developed an air leak in
the preheater coil at the turbine bulkhead. Although
this torpedo had not been in the tubes, when it was
broken down considerable rust was found on working parts
in afterbody.

         7. All torpedoes smoked excessively.

         8. Warhead #1499 on torpedo #25059 had
several bulges.

         9. Vibration from starboard propellor at forced
high speed runs loosened lock nut on vent shaft #9 tube
allowing shaft to turn unseating gasket. Result: tube
could not be made tight to equalize pressure and outer
door could not be opened when called for on attack #2.

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— page 242 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
Number Six.

IV. Torpedoes and Gunnery (Cont'd)

10. This same vibration loosened all roller
studs in the after nest and made a reload on #7 impos-
sible until remedied.

L. RADIO.

1. The use of inter-submarine frequency by PETO
to give GUARDFISH information resulted in the latter's
sinking an 3500 ton ship some six hours after origin
of message. Employment of specific call-up and holding
of transmission until a "go ahead" is received, is
questioned in such a case, however.

2. On 24 September, moisture in antenna trunk
prevented clearing a despatch to CTF-72. Again on
26 and 27 September attempts were made to transmit
but only one station answered to say signal strength
was too weak to copy. A soap test in Tulagi revealed
no leak, but trunk flooded during first depth charge
attack (8 October, 1943) and upon every descent below
150 feet thereafter.

3. Vertical antenna resistance to ground dropped
to 100,000 ohms during first depth charge attack and
remained at that value throughout remainder of patrol.

M. RADAR.

1. The performance of both radars on this patrol
was excellent. Credit is given once more to DUDREY,
Reid A., RT1c, for his tireless efforts with the equip-
ment.

2. The SJ on three separate occasions picked
up low flying planes at night, (believed to be Catalinas
or Liberators in all cases) at ranges of from 4800 to
7500 yards. With the installation of the PPI, the SJ
should afford excellent protection for large low fly-
ing planes which are out of the arc of the SD.

3. ARC indicates enemy radar installation on
Greenwich Island.

4. Surprisingly, no ARC readings were obtained
in the vicinity of Truk Islands.

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— page 244 —
J-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
Number Six.

0.
DENSITY LAYERS (Cont'd)
were 4°, 5° and 6° negative respectively.

4.
Between New Britain and New Ireland from
Dyaul Island to Watum Island no gradient existed
to 280 feet, but on 13 October in Lat. 3-43 S,
Long. 151-28 E, a negative gradient of 2° lay be-
tween 300 ft and 350 ft. A very close depth charge
attack was delivered through this layer at which
time depth was further increased. Between 350 ft,
and 375 ft, an additional 4° negative gradient
existed through which A/S vessel's screws and
some echo ranging were received poorly on sound
gear. Circumstances indicated that GUARDFISH was
never located subsequent to reaching 375 feet.

5.
One A/S vessel encountered used no echo
ranging and one other occasionally ceased pinging
and stopped screws to listen. Assuming that at
least one of these two employed sonic equipment,
the indications are that density layers affect sonic
as well as supersonic sound reception.

6.
Following is a brief summary of observations
made:
NO. TIME LAT. GRADI ENTS
DATE LONG.
1. 0540 K 1-09 S. (a) Negative 1½° between 210
9/4 148-30 E. ft and 230 ft.
2. 0525K 0-42 S. (a) Negative ½° between 230
9/5 150-13 E. ft and 250 ft.
3. 0800 K 0-26 S. (a) Positive 1° between 150
9/6/43 153-55 E. ft and 170 ft.
(b) Negative 1° between 200
ft and 250 ft.
4. 0515 K 1-04 N. (a) Positive 1° between 150
9/7 156-01 E. ft and 180 ft.
(b) Negative 2° between 130
ft and 280 ft.

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— page 245 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
Number Six.

O. DENSITY LAYERS (Cont'd)

NO. | TIME | LAT. | GRADIENTS
    | DATE | LONG. |
----|------|------|
5.  | 0615 K | 1-55 N. | (a) Positive 1° between 210
    | 9/9  | 154-26 E. | and 250 ft.
    |      |      | (b) Negative ½° between 250
    |      |      | and 280 ft.
6.  | 0505 K | 5-03 N. | (a) Negative 4½° between 230
    | 9/10 | 155-04 E. | and 280 ft.
7.  | 0510 K | 6-14 N. | (a) Negative 5° between 200
    | 9/11 | 153-30 E. | ft and 280 ft.
8.  | 0505 K | 7-09 N. | (a) Negative 2° between 170
    | 9/12 | 152-15 E. | ft and 260 ft.
9.  | 0510 K | 6-58 N. | (a) Negative 4° between 130
    | 9/13 | 151-44 E. | and 230 ft.
10. | 0628 K | 6-58 N. | (a) Negative 13° between 180
    | 9/14 | 150-45 E. | and 350 ft.
11. | 0510 K | 0-32 N. | (a) Positive 1° between 50
    | 9/16 | 153-59 E. | ft and 280 ft.
12. | 0633 L | 1-05 N. | (a) Positive 1° between 50
    | 10/3 | 147-27 E. | ft and 280 ft.
13. | 0629 L | 1-57 S. | (a) Negative 1½° between 240
    | 10/4 | 149-24 E. | and 280 ft.
14. | 0630 L | 2-49 S. | (a) None
    | 10/5 | 149-23 E. |
15. | 0645 L | 1-59 S. | (a) Positive 1° between 50
    | 10/6 | 148-32 | ft and 270 ft.
    |      |      | (b) Negative 1° between 270
    |      |      | ft and 280 ft.
16. | 0300 L | 0-47 S. | (a) Negative 1° 265 ft and
    | 10/7 | 148-03 E. | 280 ft.
17. | 0324 L | 0-25 S. | (a) Negative 4° between 230
    | 10/8 | 146-23 E. | ft and 360 ft.

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[STAMP: 11 01894]

— page 247 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
           Number Six.

II. Food. (Cont'd)

     2. When this vessel arrived in this
area, the leading cook was transferred because of
ill-health. Since that time GUARDFISH has not had a
top-flight submarine cook. The fault is believed to
lie not so much in the men personally as in lack of
experience and training. It is recommended that
cooks in the relief crew be given instruction not
merely in provisioning ship but in preparation of
tasty dishes in a submarine galley.

III. Habitability.

     1. Excellent. From comparative notes it
appears GUARDFISH is blessed with an air-conditioning
system of well above average efficiency.

Q. PERSONNEL.

     1. A target is the best tonic for depressed
spirits while on patrol, especially after a 40 day
period without seeing anything.

     2. The state of training and efficiency of
this ship is considered to be of a very high degree.
A constant training and educational program is main-
tained for officers and men. The policy of holding
Fire Control Drills and exercising at Battle Problems
every other day throughout the patrol resulted in a
smooth, efficient, and quiet organization when en-
gaged with the enemy. All hands knew their jobs well
and performed them efficiently. These periods were
also adapted to training replacements for the dif-
ferent posts in the battle organization.

     3. The performance of duty by all officers
and men was of the highest order and in keeping with
the best traditions of the naval service. However,
the following are cited for particularly outstanding
performance of duty:

          (a) Lt. R.H. Bowers - Executive Officer and
     Navigator who collected navigational data of the
     greatest importance to furtherance of the allied
     offensive, and who, through his untiring efforts

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[STAMP: 11 01894]

— page 249 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. GUARDFISH, Report of War Patrol
Number Six.

U. REMARKS.

1. Torpedo performance is the subject of
separate correspondence.

2. An excellent opportunity to ease the shoe
rationing situation was missed when our supply of beef
was taken aboard for consumption.

3. The growing necessity for an extensive
overhaul is becoming more apparent as indicated by the
increasing number of minor casualties and small leaks.
At the moment they have only a nuisance value but are
indicative of general deterioration.

4. This ship departed on patrol with consider-
able reading matter in the form of 51 unclassified and
restricted, and 17 classified letters whose only appli-
cation to a submarine was in the distribution list.
Disposal of so much extraneous paper presents quite a
problem each patrol.

5. Two successive seventy day patrols are a
little tough on personnel. This became noticeable
during the waning days of this patrol when small
agitations caused flare ups and the spirits became low.

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— page 250 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION
EIGHTY-TWO

FB5-82/A16-3
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
5 November 1943.

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

FIRST ENDORSEMENT
CO GUADFISH ltr.
Serial 019 of 11/3/43.

From: The Commander Submarine Division EIGHTY-TWO.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. FLEET.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTY-TWO.
(2) The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
(3) The Commander Third Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. GUADFISH (SS217) - Report of Sixth
War Patrol.

1. The unusually long Sixth War Patrol of the
GUADFISH, seventy-one days from base to base, is a con-
tinuation of the already outstanding record of this ship.
Although handicapped by poor torpedo performance, GUADFISH
sank two enemy ships and, in addition, brilliantly per-
formed three difficult combat missions which contributed greatly to
other offensive operations in the SOLOMONS - BISMARCK area.
The successful execution of these missions alone was suf-
ficient to constitute the patrol just completed an eminently
successful patrol.

2. The intelligent use of gradients, as well as
the information on gradients, are noted. While exceeding
the test depth is normally inadvisable, "using up" a small
amount of the reserve strength of the ship to get below a
decided density layer, as was done during this patrol, is
considered a more than justifiable risk, especially where
enemy counter-measures are severe.

3. The use of 2880 kcs. by PETO and GUADFISH
resulted in a contact and a subsequent successful attack.
It is believed, however, that such contact reports should
be broadcast immediately, rather than held up until the
receiving ship first answers.

4. The SJ radar was effectively used to pick up
low flying planes. This equipment, together with the
ARC, gives the submarine a measure of warning while on the
surface at night, under circumstances when it is inadvisable
to use the SD radar.

- 1 -
[STAMP: 11 01894]