U.S.S. CROAKER (SS-246) — war patrol report SS-246_CROAKER.pdf

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1944, at the U.S. Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut, CRoAKER was turned over to the Navy and placed in commission, Commander John E. Lee, USN, assuming command. Then followed a month of arduous shakedown and training before leaving New London on 23 May for the Panama Canal enroute to Pearl Harbor.

All hands had visions of winning a combat insignia before leaving Atlantic waters. A Nazi submarine had been reported on the track of CRoAKER as she approached Mona Passage off the coast of Puerto Rico, affectionately known as "Torpedo Junction." A thrill ran through the sub when the general alarm was sounded for the first time in earnest, and an approach was started on the night ensnared target picked up by radar. The officer of the deck shouted the hopes of immediate combat when he announced that the target was just a big sail boat. The skipper dejectedly proceeded to Balboa without further incident.

CRoAKER arrived at Pearl Harbor on 26 June 1944, now a part of the Pacific Fleet and eager to do her part in the war. After receiving voyage repairs and provisions, CRoAKER stood underway for her first war patrol on July 1944 in the East China Sea and Yellow Sea areas. The first war patrol was a highly successful excursion into the enemy controlled waters. CRoAKER bagged a light cruiser, a tanker, a freighter and a patrol escort vessel for a total of 17,600 tons.

The sixth day in the patrol area had seen two unsuccessful attempts to sink a small freighter and spirits were greatly lifted when, on the following morning, Lieutenant Brady sighted a warship through the periscope. She was headed southwest in the direction of Nagasaki. As she drew closer, the skipper identified her as a Japanese cruiser, later established as one of the Natori class. She was only three miles off the coast of Kyushu as the approach began, headed directly for CRoAKER. Moving off her course track to the westward, CRoAKER fired her stern torpedo tubes twenty minutes later. After waiting what seemed like an eternity, a single explosion was heard through the sub. The skipper hollered down, "We hit him!" Aboard the Jap cruiser, confusion reigned supreme. White-clad Japanese sailors were soon running around topside of the men-of-war which was already taking a starboard list. Simultaneously, the satisfying music of additional explosions and breaking-up noises were picked up by the soundmen.

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2- USS CROAKER

The skipper then peered through the periscope and sighted an escort vessel bearing down on the sub and a Jap plane circling over the stricken cruiser. It didn't take a minute for him to decide to increase the distance between CROAKER and the scene of action. The sub turned her bow toward deeper water and spent the next six hours evading two patrol craft and the dozen depth charges they dropped. None came close and as darkness came, the Japs gave up. CROAKER surfaced and headed into the Yellow Sea at four-engine speed.

A wok later off the coast of Korea, still in the Yellow Sea, a 10,000-ton tanker poked her nose out from between two small islands about three miles off the mainland and was dispatched to the bottom with torpedoes. Two days later a 600-ton patrol craft, which had been making a nuisance out of himself for the two proceeding nights, was the unwilling recipient of a torpedo. The submarine's captain expended only one torpedo on a good, hot run. It was one run, one hit, no errors, no Japs!

It was about the middle of August 1944, that CROAKER had three more torpedoes left and was looking for a "general clearance sale." That customer was a small freighter of the Jap Merchant Marine. She never had a chance to look over the merchandise. In the surprise attack she never knew what hit her. It was a quick, spectacular ending to the Jap ship and to CROAKER's first war patrol.

By 1 September, CROAKER was back at Midway Island for a refit period and three weeks later she was underway again, headed for the East China Sea. It had been good hunting; torpedoes and torpedoes were high as CROAKER HEADED FOR the happy hunting grounds. However, when she arrived off O Shima, off the coast of Kyushu, it was apparent that the Jap fishing fleet had invaded the area, making patrol observations more difficult. Fishing sampans not only served as observation stations for the Japs, but when running submerged, submarines often became entangled in fishing nets.

After about a week on station, while patrolling submerged, CROAKER caught her port screen in a net. It was discovered when the officer-of-the-deck saw what looked like a log following the ship. In a moment the skipper determined that the sub had a buoy in tow and quickly went deep to shore off the net whose buoy was marking the ship's position for the Japs very conventionally. After threading around at various depths and speeds for about an hour, the net broke loose but there still remained the job of inspecting the port propeller for damage.

CROAKER finally surface in a calm moonlit sea, the after torpedo room latch was opened and J.E. Gay, MoMMlc, went over the side in a shallow-water diving outfit to inspect for damage. He cut the rope from the tap nets which had been snarled around the shaft and found a small nick in one blade of the propeller. It was a tense few minutes, and Gay was the most relieved of the eighty men when he closed the hatch behind him and CROAKER pushed the patrol efforts at a safer distance from the fishing fleet.

— page 5 —
3- USS CROAKER

That night CROAKER got back on the green side of the ledger by firing three torpedoes into a Jap minesweeper that was patrolling the area night and day. The noise of her pneumatic hammer had been distracting that day and her repeated presence at night was such a nuisance that the captain decided a torpedo would stop that "clicking in her throat" for good. He was right! The Japs were one minesweeper short.

That night, CROAKER skirted a single escort screen to pick off one of two ten-thousand ton tankers south-bound off Nagasaki. While CROAKER made sure the one tanker went down without further coaxing, the other tanker raced for the nearest bay in the direction of Nagasaki. CROAKER chased after the other tanker but broke off when the tanker reached the bay and shore searchlight batteries began to ply the sky in search of raiding aircraft. The first tanker could still be seen burning brightly ten miles away.

To keep things going at a lively pace, CROAKER gunned two small sa pens off the West Coast of Korea and then sank another freighter as she poled her nose out from between the same two islands where she had sunk a tanker on the previous patrol. There was a half-serious concern of creating a hazard to navigation by piling ships up this way in shallow water but it was consoling to know that business on this corner was as good as ever.

On her way out of the Yellow Sea, to reach her point of departure from the area, CROAKER obtained radar contact on what turned out to be a thirteen-ship convoy off Quelpart Island. A report was sent immediately to the submarines PERCH and ESCOLAR, hoping that they would join in the "festivities." There were enough ships to go around for everyone, the time until dawn was short and CROAKER had only 13 torpedoes left.

After maneuvering around until the stage was set with overlapping targets, CROAKER made her entry upon the stage and touched off the lights by blasting an ammunition ship sky-high and scoring hits on two others. The five escorts then picked up their que and tossed depth charges all over the ocean while CROAKER maneuvered to speak the closing lines. This salt-water drama almost had a surprise ending. CROAKER fired four of her last five torpedoes only to hear and feel two violent explosions astern as the last torpedo was leaving its tube. These blasts rattled every deck plate topside, tore a fan off the after torpedo room bulkhead and threw a genuine scare into all hands. The captain calmly remarked "Prematures" but it was some time before the boys in the after torpedo room got the word that they could stop digging foxholes in the steel deck.

CROAKER withdrew as dawn approached and PERCH radioed that she was on her way to intercept the remainder of the convoy. No word was received from ESCOLAR. While proceeding submerged that morning it was discouraging to watch one of the damaged freighters "ring slowly righted by her crew and then towed away by a small vessel from a nearby port.

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4- USS CROAKER

In early November 1944, CROAKER once again put in at Midway Island for fuel and provisions. At this time Commander W.B. Thomas, relieved Commander John E. Lee as commanding officer of CROAKER.

The third war patrol took CROAKER to a new hunting ground off the northeast coast of Luzon and in the area between Formosa and Luzon. In company with the submarines ASPRO and SAWFISH, she proceeded to Saipan for fuel and provisions, arriving there on Christmas Day 1944. That Christmas was memorable only for the three-hour entertainment provided by Jap bombers that night.

The three submarines then proceeded to the assigned area. This patrol was spent in performing lifeguard duties for the THIRD Fleet carrier air strikes on Formosa and Northern Luzon. Good submarine targets were non-existent and CROAKER had no opportunities to rescue any airmen. However, the submarine did have ringside seats to observe the work of the aviators, and all agreed that it was excellent. CROAKER departed this area in late January 1945 and arrived in Frenchman's, W. Australia in mid-February, weary and worn after an unproductive 65-day patrol at sea.

The usual two-week refit period was accomplished and a better than usual recreation period was enjoyed by all hands. The fourth war patrol was conducted in the South China Sea off the Indo-China coast, and terminated in Subic Bay, Philippine Islands. This time the assignment consisted of lifeguard duties coupled with inshore patrolling for coastal traffic. No worthwhile targets presented themselves and no aviators took advantage of CROAKER's efficient rescue service.

CROAKER departed Subic Bay in mid-May 1945 and headed south for offensive patrol in the Java Sea. At the end of May, in the early afternoon, CROAKER was greeted by a Jap float-type plane which forced her down with two depth bombs. No damage resulted from this attack.

Early that same evening, contact was made on a convoy consisting of two small tankers and two escorts. Three attacks were made resulting in the sinking of both tankers and one escort. The other escort vessel appeared none too anxious to stop a torpedo and, as soon as the fireworks started, she showed her stern and disappeared over the horizon.

On the third attack, the moon had risen, and after firing a salvo of four torpedoes, CROAKER was sighted by the enemy. He immediately responded with several bursts of machine gun fire. The tracers seemed too stream lazily over the heads of the bridge watch almost within arm's reach. However, the tracers suddenly stopped when two torpedoes ripped the ship apart. This expended all the torpedoes and CROAKER once again headed toward Promantle, Australia for a refit period.

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5- USS CROAKER
::
: The sixth and last patrol took CROAKER into the area south of
: Hong Kong for a last fling at lifeguard duty. It was plainly evident
: now that the offensive phase of submarine warfare had vanished. The
: majority of the submarines were engaged in lifeguard duty and special
: missions. The end of this patrol brought CROAKER into Subic Bay
: with seven prisoners of war who had been captured by USS ICEFISH. It
: also brought the end to hostilities in World War II.

: On 14 August 1945, CROAKER left Subic Bay for the United States
: via Saipan, Pearl Harbor and the Panama Canal. The 25th of September
: brought the submarine to Galveston, Texas. Behind her she left a
: job well done and a wealth of memories that her crew will never
: forget.

: CROAKER was subsequently placed out of commission in reserve at
: New London Connecticut, as part of the Atlantic Reservoir Fleet.

SUMMARY OF WAR PATROLS

: Number of Patrols: 6
: Number and type of ships sunk: 11
: 1 light Cruiser
: 4 Tankers
: 3 Froghsters
: 1 Minesweeper
: 2 patrol Escort Vessels
: 40,000 tons

: Total Tonnage Sunk: 40,000 tons

: Number and Type of Ships Damaged: 50,400 tons
: 1 Tanker
: 2 Froghsters
: 1 Patrol Escort Vessel

: Total Tonnage Damaged: 50,400 tons

: Note: All estimates of sinkings, damage, tonnage and types
: sunk are taken from the commanding officer's evaluations
: during the war patrols.

: USS CROAKER received three battle stars on the Asiatic-Pacific
: Area Service Medal for three successful war patrols for which she
: received the Submarine Combat Insignia. The patrol dates were:
: 19 July to 31 August 1944; 23 September to 10 November 1944; and 15
: May to 5 June 1945.

: CROAKER also was awarded the NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION for her
: First War Patrol in the East China and Yellow Seas -- 19 July to
: 31 August 1944.

: STATISTICS

: Overall Length: 312 feet
: Beam: 27 feet
: Displacement: 1,525 tons
: Speed: 20 knots

: * * * * *

: Compiled: July 1951

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SS246/A16
Serial (022)

:  DECLASSIFIED
From:  The Commanding Officer.
To:  The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via:  (Official Channels).

Subject:  U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246), Report of War Patrol
Number ONE.

Enclosure:  (A) Subject report.
    (B) Track chart (ComSubsPac Only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the FIRST war patrol of this vessel conducted in EAST CHINA SEA and YELLOW SEA during the period 19 July 1944 to 31 August 1944, is forwarded herewith.

J.E. LEE.

DECLASSIFIED

87943

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3-10 August: Patrol in area 9, close to the West Coast of KYUSHU. CROAKER north of 320N, PINTADO south of that line.

10 August: Rendezvous at 32000'N, 129010'E. Exchange information, then proceed independently to beat the bushes during the dark of the moon.

11-21 August: (During this period CROAKER elected to patrol the West Coast of CHOSEN. PINTADO selected the CHINA COAST from SHANGHAI to PORT ARTHUR.)

22 August: Rendezvous and conduct co-ordinated patrol along likely SHANGHAI-EN PIRRE routes.

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0000(I) Formed scouting line with PINTADO across EM-PIRE-CHICHI JIMA lane.
0630 Sighted submarine, believed to be PINTADO, bearing 1700T, distance 7 miles.
0636 Submarine dived.
0638 Sighted "DAVEN" type aircraft bearing 1700T, closing CROAKER. Submerged.
0745 Heard about a dozen distant explosions.
0825 Sighted "MAVIS" type aircraft, bearing 1680T, distance 6 miles.
1815 Surfaced.
1820 Sighted two U.S. submarines to eastward, on northerly courses. Believed to be SHARK and PINTADO.
2200 Converted No. 4 to main ballast tank.

2-3 August: En route to area on the surface.

3 August:
2200 (I) Commenced transit of pass south of AKUSENKI JIMA in bright moonlight.

4 August: Conducted submerged patrol off KUSAKAKI JIMA.

5 August: Conducted submerged patrol off southern tip of AMAKUSA SHIMO SHIMA. Numerous sampans fished near us throughout the day.

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6 August:
Conducted submerged patrol in same vicinity as yesterday. Encountered thick haze close to land.

0825 (H)
Single-stack man-of-war, either CHIDORI type DD or minelayer, sighted, initial range 1700 yards, on southerly course. Unable to obtain firing position.

1744
Sighted coastal freighter on southerly course. Commenced approach.

1820
Fired four stern tubes at freighter, range 700 yards, track angles 105-120S, gyro angles 170-192°. No hits. Torpedoes were set to run at 6 feet, and may have underrun the target. There were no end of run explosions, although end of run occurred in shallow water with rocky bottom. The target gave no indication that he knew he had been fired at.

1850
Surfaced and commenced chasing freighter. Target was headed for KOSHIRO KAIKYO, a narrow unlighted channel. It was evident that we would not be able to make an end-around, so elected to make an up-the-stern attack before moonrise (1945). Entered KOSHIRO KAIKYO 1600 yards astern of target, making 18 knots.

1959-2007
Fired three up-the-stern shots with gyro angles on or near zero. No hits. Believed that something was wrong with either our torpedoes or our fire control system. Ceased expenditure of torpedoes on this target and pulled out. Investigation disclosed that the first of these torpedoes was fired with own ship's speed 17 knots, probably accounting for one miss. Second torpedo, own ship's speed 11 knots; third torpedo 7 knots. TBT bearing checked with periscope before firing. Ran test problems on data computer, no discrepancies found. Later events showed that it was probably fortunate that we had not disclosed our presence by these attacks.

7 August:
Conducting submerged patrol off southern tip of AMAKUSA SHIMO SHIMA.

— page 13 —
7 August (Cont.):
0443
Heard echo-ranging and sighted unidentified patrol craft to north. It turned back at a range of about 10,000 yards.

1100
Sighted KUCA class cruiser zigzagging radically. Estimated base course North. Commenced approach.

1121
Fired four stern tubes at cruiser, periscope range 1300 yards, sound range 1000 yards, track angle 1300-1400 starboard. Target made large zig away immediately after torpedoes were fired. Situation looked bad.

1123-30
Target made another zig back. Situation looked better.

1124
Observed through the periscope a terrific explosion on starboard side abreast; the mainmast. Flames and water rose to the top of the mast. The situation was improving! Reversed course to bring bow tubes to bear for polishing-off shot. Observed a "NELL" type bomber above the target. A sub chaser was about 8,000 yards astern of target and closing it. Target had stopped.

1126
Stern of target submerged, starboard list increased rapidly. It was now certain that the one torpedo (probably assisted by cruiser's after magazines) was going to do the complete job.

1132
All hands in the Control Party and Lieutenant Commander LAKTIK were given a look at the sinking cruiser. Took color movies, which should be in competition for the Academy Award.

1140
Went to 90 feet to avoid being sighted by the plane.

1141
Heard a single tremendous explosion from the direction of the target. This was followed by breaking-up noises for about five minutes.

1150
Sub chaser started echo-ranging. We commenced evasive tactics, retiring to the southwest.

— page 14 —
1415
Received first depth charge. Not close. During the next two hours, three different craft were heard searching in our vicinity. One was the sub chaser, another a small craft that apparently listened only, the third seemed to be a destroyer which arrived about 1500.

1611
Received last of twenty-four depth charges. No damage.

1804
Sighted "DAVE" type plane circling in our vicinity.

1907
Surfaced.

2300
Effected rendezvous with PINTADO and exchanged information. Learned that he had sunk two freighters on the sixth. While PINTADO was close aboard, a plane appeared on the S7 screen at 5000 yards. It then opened out and was lost at 10 miles on the SD.

9 August:
Sighted a floating mine in latitude 32°-32'N, longitude 125°59.5°E.

1444

10 August:
In position on assigned lifeguard station. Patrolled on the surface all day.

0300
Sighted a floating mine, latitude 32°50'N, longitude 123°41°E.

0715
Sighted a floating mine, latitude 32°57'N, longitude 123°39°E.

1150
No contact with planes,' either by radio or radar. We were completely in the dark as to whether the scheduled raid had been carried out and how long we were expected to remain on station.

2100
Lookout reported sighting the lights of a plane. Turned on SD radar which showed contact with several planes at ranges from two to eighteen miles. One plane of the group was responsible to TNT. Those planes remained

— page 15 —
10 August (Continued):
in our vicinity for about thirty minutes.
We remained on the surface but heard nothing on the radio.

11 August:
2100
Received first word that our services as a lifeguard were no longer required. Resumed normal patrol along west coast of KOREA.

13 August:
0042
Commenced approach on ship contacted by radar rounding LATSU TO Light.

0137
Was sighted and chased by PC escort and lost contact with the target when it turned in toward the beach.

14 August:
0010
Commenced approach on target contacted by radar at 17,000 yards. Plot indicated the target was on course 310°T at 8 knots.

0125
Fired four bow tubes at freighter, range 1400 yards, average track angle 750°Port. One hit blew stern off freighter. Crew abandoned ship, but ship did not sink. Commenced reload while waiting for ship to sink.

0135
Fired two bow tubes at freighter. One hit amidships and target sank immediately. A life boat, which had left the ship after the first hit, had just returned alongside when the second torpedo hit.

0600
Proceeded to vicinity of SHOSEI TO Light for submerged patrol.

Sighted trawler-type patrol craft making a sweep in our vicinity, least range 3000 yards. Trawler passed out of sight to the west.

— page 16 —
14 August (Cont.):

0955 Sighted same trawler as above, heading South.

1345 Sighted what appeared to be a puff of smoke, bearing 1960T. Attempted to close, but smoke was not sighted again.

1840 Surfaced and proceeded on four engines towards SHANTUNG PRO.ONTORY in an effort to contact source of smoke sighted in the afternoon.

2200 Headed back towards coast of CHOSEN after having covered estimated ten-knot position of smoke contact.

16 August:

0753 Periscope watch sighted floating mire, 300 yards ahead, latitude 36°41'N, longitude 125°11'E.

2050 Radar contact, 10,000 yards. Commenced approach.

2142 Sighted target at range of 3500 yards. Identified as PC boat on steady course, 9 knots.

2146 With TDC set-up checking perfectly for target on course 180°T at 9 knots, fired one torpedo, range 1800 yards, depth setting 2 feet.

2148 Torpedo scored perfect bull's-eye, followed by another explosion, apparently depth charges, a fraction of a second later. Target disintegrated with a terrific flash. Fragments showered down around CROAKER as we turned away.

17 August:

0158 Radar contact at 17,000 yards. Commenced end-around for attack.

— page 17 —
17 August (Cont.):

0318
Sighted target at range 7,000 yards. Identified as a very large engines-aft type. Either an ore ship or tanker, estimated length 525 feet, heavily laden.

0320
Fired salvo of three torpedoes, range 1800 yards, depth setting 6 feet. One torpedo ran erratic, one hit one-quarter length inside the bow. Target continued on at a speed of 3-5 knots so we swung toward him again.

0330
Fired three remaining torpedoes, one hit one-quarter length inside the stern. Stern of target settled on the bottom.

0333
Target sank. We were on the 10-fathom curve with daylight rapidly approaching. Opened out to west at full speed.

0402
Submerged. All torpedoes expended. Proceeded toward station for lifeguard duty on the 20th.

18-19 August: Patrolled in vicinity of assigned lifeguard duty.

19 August:

2100
Received word that B-29 raid would be delayed.

Proceeded to a position in the East China Sea from which we planned to open up on the radio tomorrow night as requested.

20 August:

1106
Sighted "NAVIS" type plane.

1130
Sighted several columns of smoke moving westward south of QUILPART ISLAND.

1900
Surfaced.

2000
Sent contact report of convoy to PINTADO.

3100
Received message indicating that first wave of bombing attack had been completed and that second wave was apparently on its way. Listened on aircraft frequencies. Heard nothing.

— page 18 —
21 August:
0230: Sighted plane to eastward on northerly course.
0243: Heard plane engines; immediately thereafter sighted plane directly overhead, altitude about 800 feet. Plane opened to southward, then turned and headed back towards us.
0245: Submerged. SD indicated distance to plane 3 miles.
1305: Heard four distant underwater explosions.
1310: Heard four distant underwater explosions.
1315: Heard seven distant underwater explosions.
1319: Sighted "M/VIS" type plane.
1321-1520: Heard seventeen distant underwater explosions.
1900: Surfaced. Received word that lifeguard duties were completed. Commenced departure from area.

22 August:
0740: Sighted "DAVE" type plane to south of us. Heard echo ranging, bearing 2280T.
0753: Sighted tops of what proved to be a ten-ship convoy with four escorts. Estimated course 040, estimated speed 8 knots, latitude 29027'N, longitude 129025'E.
1815: Surfaced. Sent contact report on convoy and results to date.

23 August:
Commenced surfaced running, making trim dive at sunrise.
24 August:
Sighted two planes bearing 0500T, distance approximately seven miles. Submerged.
1508
1553: Surfaced.

24-31 August: Enroute MIDWAY.

— page 19 —
1. TIDAL INFORMATION.
No unusual conditions were encountered. H.O. 122 and applicable charts seemed reasonably accurate.

(2) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
The following lights were observed to be burning with normal characteristics:

| Light | Description |
|-------||
| GAJA SHIMA | (1658) |
| KUSAKA KI JIMA | (1650) |
| KOKUZAN TO | (2786) |
| KO TO | (2732) |
| SHICHIIITATSU TO | (2816) |
| MATSU TO | (2826) |
| KAKUREPPI TO | (2850) |
| SHOSEI TO | (2882) |
| CHO TO | (2736) |

The following lights were observed to be burning but not showing normal characteristics:

| Light | Description |
|-------||
| OSEI TO | (2844) |
| Observed: 4 flashes in 16 sec., eclipse for 15 sec. Period: 31 seconds. |

DAIROROKU TO: (2824)
Normal period, however this light was observed on a bearing of 108°T in which sector the light should have been obscured.

The following lights are either not burning or are dimmed to less than 50% of listed intensity:

| Light | Description |
|-------||
| MARO TO | (2784) |
| OSE ZAKI | (1644) |
| ME SHIMA (DANJO CHUNTO) | (1648) |

Reference: Light List - Vol. II of January 1, 1944.

— page 20 —
1. 0630(I) 29-56N 140-05E
2. 1820(I) 29-40N 140-00E
3. 0825(H) 32-10N 129-50E
4. 1744(H) 32-10N 129-50E
5. 1100(H) 32-09N 129-53E
6. 1132(H) 32-08N 129-53E
7. 0042(H) 35-47N 126-10E
8. 0137(H) 35-47N 126-12E
9. 0422(H) 36-04N 125-55E
10. 0010(H) 37-25N 125-12E
11. 0540(H) 37-41N 124-28E
12. 2050(H) 36-11N 125-57E
13. 0158(H) 35-45N 126-11E
14. 1130(H) 32-46N 127-15E
15. 0753(H) 29-26N 129-24E

Est. How
Crs. Cont. Remarks
Sgd.
270 P Surface Patrol
10 PINTADO?
12000 000
12 SD PINTADO, SHARK?
1700 170 P Unable to obtain
14 firing position.
14000 180 P Attacks #1 & 2.
310 P Attack #3. Sunk.
5000 350 P
18000 015 SJ
10.5
9000 200 SJ
Var.
180 P
6
310 SJ Attack #4. Sunk.
270 P Patrolling.
130
180 SJ Attack #5. Sunk.
195 SJ Attack #6. Sunk.
270 P Sighted smoke
only.
040 P
14000 8

- 12 -

— page 21 —
7/20 7/20 7/20 8/1 8/1 8/7 8/7
S Time(Zone) 0630X 1330X 1925X 0645I 0830I 1100H 1804H
U Position:
B Lat. 23-39N 24-45 25-12 29-56 29-56 32-10 32-05
A Long. 160-33W 161-39 163-16 141-05E141-02 129-53 129-50
R Speed 14.2 12.4 12.4 13.0 3 3 3
C Course 290 290 290 240 325 270 270
T Trim Surf Surf Surf Surf Per Per Per
H Hln. since
B last Rad.
- search

— page 22 —
9. 8. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.
S Date 8/9 8/7 8/10 8/21 8/21 8/22 8/23
U Time(Zone) 1418H 2240H 2100H 0244H 1817H 0740H 1508H
B Posit: Lat. 32-35N 32-04 33-06 32-22 31-59 29-26 29-24
A Long. 128-10E 128-57 123-55 128-37 128-49 129-29 134-51
R Speed 3 6 6 6 3 3 14
I Course 270 240 058 200 190 190
N Trim Per Surf Surf Surf Per Per Surf
E Min. since last rad. search 2m
15m

No. 1 1 4 1 1 2
A Type NELL -- -- -- MAVIS DAVE
I Prob. Mission Pat H Unk Pat Pat Esc Pat
R How contacted Sight SJ-PPI SD SD Sight Sight Sight
C P P P P
R Init. Range 4 6 5 6 5 6 7
A Elev. Angle 3 -- -- 8 7
F Range & Rel.
T Bear of Plane
When it det.
S/M ND ND ND ND ND ND ND

C State(Beau-)
O Sea: fort) 1 1 4 2 1 0 4
N Direct.(Rel) 303 180 220 245 135 000 350
D Visib(Mi) 10 10 5 5 10 5 8
I Clouds: Ht.Ft. 2500 3000 2500 2000 3500 3500 3000
I % 0Cast 70 70 90 40 10 10 70
O Moon
S

Type of Submarine Camouflage this Patrol: Light grey.

— page 23 —
15 -

---

**Confidential**

**U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246)**
**TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1**
**PATROL NO. 1**

**Time 1820 (H)**
**Date 6 August 1944**
**Lat. 32°10'N**
**Long. 129°50'E**

**Target Data - Damage Inflicted**

**Description**
- Single ship, Coastal steamer. MTM. Sighted by periscope at 11,000 yards. Estimated length 250 feet. Estimated tonnage 3500. In ballast.

**Ship(s) Sunk**
- None.

**Ship(s) Damaged or Probably Sunk None.**

**Damage Determined by**

**Target Draft 8 feet.**
**Course 1700T**
**Speed 12**
**Range 700 yds**
**(at firing)**

**Own Ship Data**

**Speed 3 knots**
**Course 2350T**
**Depth 64 feet**
**Angle 10° Dive**
**(at firing)**

**Fire Control and Torpedo Data**

**Type attack**
- Daylight periscope attack. Maneuvered for a position directly ahead of the target. When expected zig did not materialize at range of 3000 yards, turned out for stern tube shot.

**The only reason that can be suggested for the misses on this attack is that the range was less than estimated and torpedoes had not reached their set depth when they passed under the target.**

---

**- 15 -**

— page 24 —
CO TIDENTIAL

ATTACK NO. 1

| #7 | #8 | #9 | #10 |
|----|----|----|----|
| Tubes Fired | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Track Angle | 105S | 112S | 118S | 122S |
| Cyro Angle | 170 | 179 | 182 | 190 |
| Depth Set | 6' | 6' | 6' | 6' |
| Power | High | High | High | High |
| Hit or Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss |
| Erratic (Yes or No) | No | No | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 |
| Serial No. | 55073 | 55012 | 56119 | 55195 |
| Mark Exploder | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 |
| Serial No. | 8277 | 9485 | 8504 | 8800 |
| Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Mark Varhead | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 |
| Serial No. | 1789 | 1396 | 2338 | 2676 |
| Explosive | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex |
| Firing Interval | Ten seconds. | | | |
| Type Spread | Divergent 40 | | | |
| Sea Conditions | Calm | | | |
| Overhaul Activity | Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. | | | |

Remarks:
Believe torpedoes had not reached their set depth by the time they crossed the target's track. No end of run explosions.

— page 25 —
3500 Ton coastal steamer. (Same target as attack No. 1.)

Slip(s) Sunk None

Ship(s) Damaged or Probably Sunk None

Damage determined by ---

Target Draft 8 feet Course 159°T Speed 8 Range 1500 yards.

Own Ship Data

Speed (Average) 11 knots Course 151°-159° Depth Surfacod

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack Night surface attack. Restricted water and rising full moon precluded an end-around for a favorable track. After radar contact was established, closed target by most direct means at full speed, and from a position 1400 - 1600 yards astern, fired three deliberately aimed shots, none of which hit. The first two torpedoes (fired from upper tubes) seemed to sheer excessively on ejection.

- 17 -

— page 29 —
U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246)  TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4  PATROL NO. 1
Time 0125 (H)  Date August 14, 1944  Lat. 37°25'N  Long. 125°-12'E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description: (EU) An engines-aft type freighter travelling alone. Contact by radar at 17,000 yards. Target visible at 6000 yards, up moon. Looked similar to AMIKASU MARU type.

Ship(s) Sunk: One engines-aft type freighter. Small (2000-3000 tons).

Damage Determined Saw two torpedoes hit. Saw ship sink.

Target Draft 8 feet Course 305° Speed 8 Range 1400 yds.

Own Ship Data
Speed 8 knots Course 050° Depth Surfaced Angle ---
Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type Attack: Night surface attack. Tracked target for approximately one hour and determined course and speed accurately. With angle on the bow 60F, range 8000 yards, turned in at 18 knots for a straight bow shot, 90°F track angle.

Sighted target at 6000 yards. Reduced speed to 12 knots. Commanded firing at a range of 1500 yards. Fired four torpedoes, one of which blew off stern of target. Crew abandoned ship, but ship was not sinking, so reloaded and fired two more torpedoes, one of which hit squarely amidships. The target sank immediately after being hit the second time.

- 21 -

— page 31 —
U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 5 PATROL NO. 1
Time 2146(H) August 16, 1944. Lat. 36°09'N Long. 125°55'E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted.

Description: (EU) Single ship contacted by radar on a clear
    moonless night at range 11,000 yards. Target
    sighted at 3500 yards in binoculars. Appeared
    to be a patrol craft similar to that shown
    on page 5 of "Japanese Small Escort Vessels".

Ship(s) Sunk: One patrol craft - 500 tons.

Damage Detonated by: Saw torpedo hit. Saw ship disintegrate
    as a result of torpedo, plus depth charge explosions.

Target draft 6' Course 180°T Speed 9 Range 1800 yards.

Own Ship Data

Speed 8 Course 105° Depth Surface Angle ---

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Night surface attack.

From initial position on the starboard quarter,
ran at high speed to reach a position forward
of the starboard beam. Radar tracking indicated
tend target was on a steady course 180°T, speed
9 knots. From a position 65° on the starboard
bow of the target, range 8000 yards, turned in
at 18 knots. Picked up target in the binoculars
at 3500 yards. Slowed and at range 1800 yards
fired one torpedo with depth setting two feet.
and gyro angle 10° left.

- 23 -

— page 32 —
24 -

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 5

Tubes Fired #6
Gyro Angle 359° 0'
Track Angle 103° 0'
Depth 2'
Power High
Hit or Miss Hit
Erratic No
Mark Torpedo 18-1
Serial No. 54932
Mark Exploder 8-5
Serial No. 8562
Actuation Set Contact
Actuation Actual Contact
Mark Warhead 18-2
Serial No. 1633
Explosive Torpex
Firing Interval ---
Type Spread ---
Sea Conditions Calm
Overhaul Activity Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

Remarks: This torpedo had one cell jumped out. Used torpedo speed 28 knots on the TDC. Torpedo made a perfect run in a calm sea with depth set at 2 feet.

— page 34 —
6
TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 6
Tubes Fired #6 #5 #4 #1 #2 #3
Gyro Angle 355 358 355 359 009 012
Track Angle 69S 70S 72S 92S 102S 112S
Depth 6' 6' 6' 6' 6' 6'
Power High High High High High High
Hit or Miss Hit Miss Miss Miss Hit Miss
Erratic No No Yes No No No
Mark Torpedo 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1
Serial No. 55093 55306 54701 55425 56037 56050
Mark Exploder 8-5 8-5 8-5 8-5 8-5 8-5
Serial No. 9444 8907 9133 9184 9596 8394
Actuation Set Contact Con Con Con Con Con
Actuation Actual Contact Contact ---
Mark Warhead 18-2 18-2 18-2 18-2 18-2 18-2
Serial No. 2540 2711 2510 2576 2686 1884
Explosive Torpex Torpex Torpex Torpex Torpex Torpex

Firing Interval 128 178
Type Spread 0 2R 2L 0 0 0
Sea Conditions Calm

Overhaul Activity: Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

Remarks:
Torpedo serial No. 54701 fired from No. 4 tube was observed to shear radically to the right and appeared to give a circular run.

The first three torpedoes were fired as a salvo. The next three were fired with target speeds 0, 2½, and 5 knots to complete the destruction of the target.

— page 36 —
1. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (Continued).

The ball bearings at the blower drive end of the pump assembly completely encased in 1st, and the races broken up, allowing the pump impeller to slide back against the wearing rings. Both wearing rings, and the pump impeller were worn beyond repair. The cause of this casualty is believed to be a faulty oil seal, the remnants of which were found twisted and hardened. The faulty seal permitted salt water to permeate the boraing, and cause rust. Engine hours at casualty, 932.2.

No. 1 and 2 vapor stills were excessively noisy at all times, noise apparently emanating from blower gear drive. These gears were replaced several times at the building yard, and were below top sound level limits when ship was commissioned. Since then, they have grown progressively noisier to their present objectionable sound level.

On leaving Pearl Harbor, the reduction gear sump oil was changed from Navy symbol 2190 to Navy symbol 9370, in accordance with current practice. Main motor bearing temperatures immediately rose from 150°F. to 170°F. above temperatures previously recorded with similar injection temperatures, reaching 1660°F. at the forward bearing of No. 2 main motor at an injection of 770°F., cooler bypass fully closed. The reduction gear oil was changed back to 2190 at MIDWAY, and bearing temperatures returned to a satisfactory normal.

Several times during the patrol, when injection temperature rose above 320°F., the auxiliary engine could not carry the finishing rate (300 amps/battery) and the auxiliary load (275 amps) without overheating. The maximum load at 830°F. injection was 275 kw, and 260 kw at 840°F. injection. Neither fresh water nor lube oil coolers showed any evidence of fouling.

This vessel is equipped with the Monroe Calculating Co. model M-1 Recording Odeograph (DRT). This machine functions efficiently and accurately at speeds up to 15.5 knots, at which time speed input becomes erratic, due to the clutch tripping lever "slipping" its impulses from the tripping relay. The battery on which this equipment relies for power supply is the conventional 6-volt type, and its voltage drops to 5.25 volts under the 20 ampere load of the machine. The 6-volt tap on the main storage battery is being requested this refit, and it is felt that the constant voltage of this battery will eliminate the speed error.

The type 2050 thyratrons fail after approximately ten hours of activated use.

— page 37 —
1000 yards per inch scale for long range approaches, with ranges of over 14,000 yards. The present small tracing screen forces the use of the 2000 yards per inch scale at these ranges, with consequent reduction in accuracy. A screen and tracer 24" by 28" would permit tracking (at 1000 yards per inch) for 40 minutes at 28,000 yards range, without renewing the plot.

This machine is an adaptation of a U.S. ARMY tracker, designed for use with a magnetic compass. The mirror, photo cell, and thyratron arrangement of the course follow-up are necessary, due to the small torque of the magnetic compass needle. For submarine installations, with synchro input from tie gyro compass, where torque is not a matter of prime consideration, a simple follow-up, similar to the data computer, would simplify the electrical circuits greatly, and relieve the problem of procuring hard-to-get replacement tubes.

A station removed from the plotting desk several feet, for hand course and speed inputs would be desirable. In case of failure of the automatic inputs, a man could then be stationed with the sole job of putting these inputs into the tracker.

The above comments are made in detail not to criticize the odograph but to suggest improvements for future installations. The instrument on board was procured by devious means with the assistance of Commander W. H. BROCKMAN, and it is a dainite asset to the CROKER. Its accuracy and flexibility of scale are excellent. Installation on all submarines that do not have one is recommended.

7. The IMO pump for the main hydraulic system developed excessive vibration, when being run during the finishing rate on the battery charge. Is the voltage increases, the vibrations increase also, until it reaches the stage where the vibration is so critical that it necessitated scouring the pump while on the finishing rate. Tachometer readings showed that the motor was running 30% above its rated speed at 300 volts.

8. The bow plane tilting system is excessively noisy. A quarter part of the noise is developed in the size 5A end pump in the forward torpedo room. Adjustments in the mechanism have failed to remedy the noisiness of the tilting.

9. The vibration of the whole boat, when running submerged at any speed over 70 turns, and on the surface at any speed over thirteen (13) knots, is excessive. The fundamental cause

— page 38 —
1. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (Continued).
of this condition is not known.

The topside vibrations around the main induction and hull ventilation valve has been considerably greater since the installation of the 40 mm gun. However, effort to reinforce this gun platform will be made during the coming refit.

(I.) RADIO.

No material casualties were encountered.

No serials were missed, and no great difficulty was experienced in copying the HAWK schedules. 6380, 9090, and 14390 kilocycles were the frequencies used for reception of NPN. 9090 was the most effective during the hours of darkness, with 6380 for use as a standby when, as frequently happened, it was blocked out by enemy transmissions. The latter was also used with excellent results in conjunction with the SD radar mast when it was desired to start copying prior to surfacing. For this, it was found necessary to have the dipole of the mast well above the surface of the water. During daylight, 14390 kcs. proved very satisfactory.

The lottered serial system used for submarines carrying list Bater was found to be of assistance, but it was noted that a number of messages affecting this vessel did not carry serial letters, and it is believed that one or two unlettered messages of importance to us were missed. A more consistent use of the serial system is recommended.

No trouble was experienced in the reception or decryption of messages from Radio CHUNGKING. 4155 kilocycles was used exclusively but it is felt that, since the new area frequency requires the use of an R.L., CHUNGKING broadcasts on a lower frequency would be desirable.

Some provision should be made to give submarines on lifeguard duty more information as to what is going on. After the raid on August 10, the planes must have been back at their base for 24 hours before we received word our services were no longer required - or even knew the raid had been effected.

For the raid of the 20th, we were caught off base, because we had been told that the raid would be delayed a day or two. Actually, it was conducted at the time originally given us.

On neither raid did we obtain any information through listening on the special frequencies.

— page 40 —
22 August, night, approximate position 129014°E, 29000'N. Noted irregularly through the night at 0100T. PRF sounded like our own.

: 23 August, night, approximate position, 136054°E, 29022'N. Noted several times through night at 3150T. No opportunity to listen to their PRF.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS.

Sound conditions generally were poor throughout the area covered during the patrol. Single ping QB ranges were tried on the attacks of 6 and 7 August, in latitude 32009'N, longitude 129053°E. The first was unsuccessful and the second gave a range of 1000 yards, approximately 200 yards short of the computed range.

The JP-2 equipment was somewhat of a disappointment. It never outdistanced the JK or QB.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS.

Very unusual negative gradients were found throughout the Yellow Sea. For example, on August 15, at 2110 in latitude 36045'N, longitude 125003°E, on a dive to 120 feet in 32 fathoms of water, the Bathythorngraph card revealed a drop in temperature between 40 and 50 feet of 310 (from 820 to 510°F.). There was a more gradual negative gradient from the surface to 40 feet, with a drop of only two degrees in that distance. Beyond 80 feet, the rate of change of temperature lessened again, dropping only two degrees between 80 and 95 feet. This was typical of conditions throughout the area along the WESTERN COAST of KOREA.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HYGIENE.

A mild epidemic of colds and sore throats occurred during the first week

— page 42 —
(Q) (Continued).

(a) Number of men on board during patrol: 73
(b) Number of men qualified at beginning of patrol: 36
(c) Number of men qualified at end of patrol: 51
(d) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol: 21
(e) Number of men advanced in rating during patrol: 15

(R) MILES STAYED - FULL USED.

PEARL HARBOR TO Area 4529.7 miles 36,313 gallons
In Area 2764.6 miles 21,141 gallons
Area to MIDWAY 3078.6 miles 50,500 gallons

(S) DURATION.

. Days enroute to area 14
Deys in area 18
Deys enroute to base 11
Days submerged 18

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE RETAINING.

Torpedoes | Nuel | Provisions | Personnel Factor
0 | 10,373 gallons | 30 days | 15 days

Limiting factor this patrol - Torpedoes.

(U) REMARKS.

It was a pleasure to have Lieut. Condr. LAKIN on board for this patrol. He is a very capable submariner and an excellent shipmate. We learned fully as much from him as he learned from us. He stood a watch in regular rotation, and on all night attacks he was on the bridge as the "captain's eyes".

— page 44 —
5-61/16-3
Serial: 0109
Subj: U.S. JRO. U.S. (S8246), Report of War Patrol
Number: 012.

---

**Subj: U.S. JRO. U.S. (S8246), Report of War Patrol**
Number: 012.

---

(a) **U.S. JRO. U.S. (S8246) was a night surface attack on an unescorted small engine-aft freighter. Good position was obtained for a salvo of three torpedoes which scored one hit blowing off the stern. As the ship did not sink, a killer salvo of two torpedoes was fired for one hit to sink this target.**

(b) **U.S. JRO. U.S. (S8246) was a night surface attack on a patrol craft. One torpedo was fired with shallow depth setting for a perfect hit which blew up and sank target.**

(c) **U.S. JRO. U.S. (S8246) was a night surface attack on an unescorted large engine-aft ore ship or tanker following a well executed end-round run. One hit from the first salvo of three torpedoes damaged but did not stop the target. Accordingly, a second salvo of the JRO. U.S. (S8246)'s three remaining torpedoes was fired. This salvo resulted in one hit aft which sank the target.**

(d) **The JRO. U.S. returned in excellent condition. The bridge will be cut down during current repair and the cause of vibration investigated and remedied. To difficulty is anticipated in accomplishing the refit.**

(e) **The Commander submarine Division sixty-one, currently, the JRO. U.S. (S8246) is in excellent first patrol of a fine ship.**

(f) **It is recorded that the JRO. U.S. (S8246) is credited with a fighting the following damage on the enemy:**

| Damage | Description |
|||
| 1 CL (TUN) (CD) | 5,100 tons (attack #3) |
| 1 Small AC (CU) | 2,000 tons (attack #4) |
| 1 S.L.I. (F. Patrol Boat) (CU) | 500 tons (attack #5) |
| 1 Large LO (CU) | 10,000 tons (attack #6) |
| **Total** | **17,600** |

---

J. S. BROACH.

— page 45 —
16-3
Serial: 0106
Sub: 3rd Submarine SIX
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
3 September 1944.

C-O-N-E-T-D-N-T-I-A-L.
SECOND ADDRESS TO
U.S.S. CROAKER
of war Patrol No. 1.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron SIX.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
    Subordinate Command, Navy No. 1504.
    (2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
    (3) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. CROAKER (S3246), Report of War Patrol
Number ONE.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of Commander
Submarine Division SIXTY-ONE.

2. Every effort will be made to reduce the noise level
of various auxiliaries in U.S.S. CROAKER.

3. The remarks of the Commanding Officer regarding the
quality of meat is noted. It is believed the presently followed
percentages of meat issues are satisfactory and necessary to provide
variety in the meals served. However, at no time should meat of in-
terior quality be issued submarines for use on war patrol. Various
cuts of good meat are recommended.

4. The Commanding Officer, Officers and men of the
U.S.S. CROAKER are further congratulated on their very excellent
first war patrol.

J.J. TILL

— page 46 —
0164
Serial: 0146
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
4 September 1944.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. CROAKER Report of
War Patrol No. ONE.

From: The Commander Submarine Forces, Pacific Fleet,
Subordinate Command, Navy No. 1504.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks contained in the first and second endorsements.

W. M. DONNES.

— page 47 —
10 SEP 1944
Serial 01939
CONFIDENTIAL
FOURTH EMORSEMENT to
C.O. CRACKER Report of
First War Patrol.
CO. SUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 520
U.S.S. CROAKER - FIRST WAR PATROL.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246) - Report of First War Patrol.
(19 July to 31 August 1944).

1. The first war patrol of the CROAKER was conducted in the East China and Yellow Seas Areas. Lieutenant Commander R. B. Lakin, D.S.O., D.S.C., Royal Navy, Submarine Liaison Officer, was on board as an observer during this patrol.

2. This excellent patrol was well planned and aggressively conducted. Six contacts worthy of torpedo fire were made and the CROAKER was able to develop five of them into aggressive attacks. Two additional contacts were made after all torpedoes had been expended.

3. This patrol is designated as "Successful" for Combat Insignia Award.

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this outstanding first patrol. The sinking of a CUMA class cruiser is a severe blow to the enemy and a job well done by the CROAKER. The CROAKER is credited with having inflicted the following damage upon the enemy:

| Damage | Description |
|||
| 1 - CL (KUIA class) (EC) | 5,100 tons (Attack No. 3) |
| 1 - Small AK (EU) | 2,000 tons (Attack No. 4) |
| 1 - SMC (Patrol Boat) (EC) | 500 tons (Attack No. 5) |
| 1 - Large AO (EU) | 10,000 tons (Attack No. 6) |

TOTAL SUNK 17,600 tons

J. H. BROWN, Jr.

Authentication and distribution on following page.

— page 48 —
12/16/39
Serial 01939
CCNIPENTIAL
POUCH ENDORSEMENT to
SHOALER Report of
Tirst War Patrol.

COINSURP4O PATROL REPORT NO. 520
U.S.S. CROAKER - FIRST WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246) - Report of First War Patrol.
(19 July to 31 August 1944).

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CTO (5)
Cincpac (6)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
Censervpac (1)
Cincolant (1)
Comsubsblant. (8)
S/L School, NL (2)
Consopac (2)
Consowespac (1)
Comsubsowespac (2)
CTF 72 (2)
Comnorpac (1)
Comsubspac (40)
SUBAI, MI (2)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Division Commanders, Pacific (2)
Sustrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Pacific (1)

E. L. HYNES, 2nd, Flag Secretary.

— page 49 —
5346/416
Serial (027)
SS246/A16
10 November 1944.

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINIST 5510.1C
Mr. OP-02987-DATE 12/72
DECLASSIFIED

— page 50 —
23 Sept. 1944:
1530 (Y) Departed 11DWAY in accordance with ComSubFAC OP Plan 322-44, in company with 2SCOLAR and PRRC.

2230 (Y) Had 3Y interference followed by radar contact with a ship on opposite course. Assumed this was 2RC-RRML.

24 Sept.: Comitted from calendar; crossed 100th meridian.

25 Sept.: Conducted fire control drills, emergency drills, exercised at battle stations, made deck dive.

1417 (F) Fired all guns.

27 Sept.: 0100 (L) Rendezvoused with 2SCOLAR and PRRC. Tested VHF.

28 Sept.: 0810 (L) Sight contact with 2SCOLAR. Radar tracking drills.

30 Sept.: 0825 (K) Sighted sampan, bearing 293CT. Sent contact report to 2SCOLAR and PRRC only receipted for contact report. Shined course towards 2SCOLAR.

0942 (T) Sighted what was at first thought to be 2SCOLAR, but actually was a converted yacht-type patrol boat or gun boat, bearing 2040T. This ship was in the 2SCOLAR's position, so we watched to see if 2SCOLAR was doing to attack.

0945 (K) Had interference on 3Y, bearing 2450T.

— page 51 —
1003(K) Received contact report from PERCH. Heard ESCOLAR report from PERCH. About this time, saw that target was shooting at ESCOLAR to the WEST of target. Went to Battle Stations, Surface, and headed towards target to assist ESCOLAR with our 4-inch gun.

1030(K) ESCOLAR dived. Target departed on course 080°.

1147(K) Sighted PERCH bearing 2100T.

1215(K) Sighted ESCOLAR bearing 1700T. Learned that ESCOLAR thought his attack was on the craft we had first reported. Resumed position on starboard beam of ESCOLAR.

1 Oct.: 1415(K) Received instructions from ESCOLAR via line-throwing gun.

2 Oct.: Conducted submerged patrol on ESPIRE-CLICKI TIMA lane.

3 Oct.: 1228(T) Sighted plane. Submerged.

1312(I) Surfaced.

4 Oct.: On scouting line, CROAKER on starboard beam of ESCOLAR.

0010(I) Radar contact on port bow, also SJ interference. Slowed and kept stern towards target as it passed 4 miles from CROAKER and 2 miles from ESCOLAR. Believed contact to be friendly submarine on opposite course. When contact was lost, closed with ESCOLAR and learned that he thought this contact was the CHOCAR. Obtained permission from group commander and reversed course to investigate.

0630(I) Sighted what at first appeared to be an enemy submarine, bearing 2500T. Dived and closed his track.

0700(I) Saw that target was a small sub chaser on course 0800T, speed 6. This was very probably the contact of last night.

1106(I) All clear. Surfaced, proceeding to rejoin ESCOLAR.

1643(I) Sighted unidentified plane. Submerged.

1800(I) Surfaced.

1927(I) Close a ESCOLAR and reported sub chaser. Opened to a position 8 miles on starboard beam of ESCOLAR and resumed patrol as directed by group commander.

— page 52 —
5 Oct.:
0540 (I) Submerged on course 29.00, Conducted submerged patrol as directed by escort commander.

1509 (I) Surface in an approaching typhoon.

6 Oct.:
1335 (I) Submerged 15.15 east on AUS. 15.15.

2142 (I) Surface and proceeded through AUS. 15.15 as if on a surf board.

7 Oct.:
2130 (I) Head radar contact and so interference bearing 270°.
Treated as probable friendly submarine. Surprise little headway into the gale that was blowing.

2240 (I) Lost contact.

8 Oct.:
0300 (I) Eastern vicinity.

0452 (H) Submerged, proceeding to assigned station.

1602 (I) Surface.

2200 (E) Co. escorted patroling on station assisted by destroyer commander.

9 Oct.:
0433 (E) Submerged off West Coast of H.M.S. 0310 (E) Surrounded by seamen.

- 3 -

— page 54 —
2020(I) Plot showed that target was entering SWASHWAY, where he would be before we could reach a firing position. Erode off the chase and headed south, closing first target.

2035 Explosion from vicinity of first target.

2050 First target cleared. PI score at 13,000 yards. Fires went out. We continued south, passing west of 105.11. 135.0.

2351 Radar contact 20,000 yds., bearing 1920. Range closing rapidly. Saw lights on bearing of target.

2355 Found we were on the track of a 15,000-pound missile ship. His course 0150, speed 13. We led off his track and watched his nice, big transport of by.

10 Oct.: Submerged patrol Southwest of 105.11. 135.0.

1327 Rear several distant explosions.

1904 Surfaced and conducted sweep of SW Coast of 105.11. 135.0. Two 15,000-pound missiles.

— page 55 —
1415(I) Sifted mine sweeper type patrol craft. As this ship closed us, we heard it rattling out a signal which sounded like the sound of a. a

— page 56 —
0009 (I) Radar contact, range 9,000 yds., bearing 320° S. Interference still to last would not answer calculation. Col. informed another cautious approach; this time observed to close until identification was certain. Shot showed target on course 2650m, speed 7.5 knots. Reached 4000 yards, picked up 100 fathom curve. At range 10,000 yards, at 3,000 yards, the target shifted a large puff of smoke. At 2,500 yards, two officers and C.J. on bridge definitely identified target as a surface craft with a small structure and a single stack.

0055 Heard loud signals on 500 kcs.

005C Co.men heard firing 3 bow tubes, range 2300 yards.

0059 Three mits atonized the target. The hearing ceased, permanently. Target disappeared from sight screen.

0100 Single explosion, probably a shallow depth charge.

0103 The. endous explosion as the remaining depth charges exploded en masse. The column of water from this explosion momentarily resurrected a mine pool on the radar screen.

0106 Circled vicinity of sinking but could find neither survivors nor wreckage. Before the attack, we had moved to get a survivor to testify our curiosity about the mine. However, we had not expected that all three torpedoes would hit.

0110 Proceeded south of test coast of 1650 N. 1700.

13 Oct.:

1239 Sighted unidentified bomber veering 1700m.

1332 Sighted about 5 bombers bearing 1100m.

1500 Sighted 4 unidentified planes in vicinity of 11 O.

- 7 -

— page 58 —
1220 (I)  Heard four distant explosions.

1725  Heard four distant explosions.

1840  Surface in the vicinity of new patrol station. Observed many lights along coast, probably fire. Rising vessels. Patrols several to ten miles off coast. Current was slight.

19 Oct. i:
0246  Sound picked up projellors on starboard deck. No contact by sight or radar. Turned away.

0331  Commenced closing coast.

0542  Submerged.

0640  Heard echo ranging bearing 0900-, 0740-, and 0640.

0512  Lost echo ranging to South.

0904  Sighted plane bearing 0000.

1102  Heard five distant explosions.

1113  Heard two distant explosions.

1219  Reached estimated position. Observed the 1st 2nd fire. Towing a stern alarm cable. Scrapped to forward to disentangle net. This cable contains many net anchors, two on top and one in a slit neatly all the time. Reestablished the net down successfully in accordance with the order.

1253  Sound picked up projellors astern. ...fired for silent running and went deep, moving the to lower holdin the marker below the surface.

1405  Lost sound contact. Scoured from silent running. Sonar needed making in space course, bailing in tilling in attempt to break away from our harassing antiaircraft. Apparently to be succeeded, for upon returning to periscope depth, our radar was no longer with us.

— page 60 —
21 Oct. 1944
Received life and equipment for October 25. This would permit us to patrol for one more day on the coast of Cuba and still reach our life guard station on the...

— page 61 —
0424 (I) Fired three bow tubes at large freighter, range 2500 yards.

: 0425 Fired remaining bow tubes (2) at another freighter.

: 0426 Swung hard left for set-up for stern tubes.

: 0427 Saw and heard two timed hits on target.

: 0428 Fired four stern tubes at a heavily loaded freighter which was lagging behind the main body of the convoy.

: 0431 Heard and saw three hits in last target. This ship blew up with a display of exploding ammunition that was very interesting to see.

: 0434 Heard eight depth charges. Observed first target stopped and rapidly falling astern of the convoy. One escort remained with this damaged ship.

: 0443 Completed re-load of remaining torpedoes (4 stern tubes) and commenced second approach. At about this time, heard from PERCH that she was in contact with a 3-ship convoy.

: 0507 In position for attack on starboard quarter of convoy.

: 0509 Fired four stern tubes at overlapping target, composed of two freighters and one escort. Second torpedo fired exploded prematurely 14 seconds after it left the tube. Two seconds later, the first torpedo exploded. The remaining two torpedoes were fired and ran normally.

: 0512 Observed nearest ship of target had turned towards us. One torpedo explosion, properly timed, from number 10 tube was heard. Could not be sure which ship was hit by this torpedo. Thirty and fifty seconds later, two depth charges explosions were heard. While clearing the 65-cort's with all torpedoes expended, located the target that had been damaged by our first attack, lying-to about seven miles astern of the convoy.

: 0554 Submerged 10,000 yards north of damaged ship and observed it in the increasing daylight. It was a large combination passenger-freighter, down by the stern and listed to port. Two escorts and one plane circled it until

— page 63 —
25 Oct. (Contd.)
1.20 (I) Submerged.
1533 Surfaced.
2030 ...received instructions to return to base.
26 Oct.:.
0400 Dearted area.
0557 Surfaced and commenced transit through area.
South of BULGARIA J.T.A.
1052 Scurd contact bearing 1330T. About this time, sighted a
small inter-island steamer closing BULGARIA J.T.A.
1755 Surfaced.
1915 Had strong ST radar interference.
2200 Established communication with U.S.S. S.S. 3 miles and closing.
radar. Shifted to VF and learned that S.S. 3 miles was
expecting crippled enemy ships to pass through as area
during the night. We agreed to patrol the eastern
portion of S.S. 3 miles area until daylight to assist in
search for enemy.
27 Oct.:.
0753 Shifted "CENTER" type plane, distance 3 miles and closing.
Submerged.
0915 Surfaced.
20 Oct.:.
1220 Shifted sub-airs bearing 0700T. In the night, periscope, it appeared to be one of our boats. Scrutinized
after turning on the SW, received indications of the
presence of another ST, but there unable to establish
communications.
2000 Had ST radar interference bearing 1250T.

- 14 -

— page 65 —
0 NO (2732)
SIC: 0 (2010)
SURF: 0 (1406)
50 A. I. (1484)
S. I. (1404)

The following lights were observed to be burning but not showing normal characteristics:

- USS: 0 (2764)  FL. W. ev. 6.56, vis. 15 mi.
- USS: 0 (2820)  FL. I. ev. 108.

The following lights are either not burning or are claimed to be less than 50% of normal intensity:

- USS: 0 (1050)
- USS: 0 (1650)
- USS: 0 (1644)
- USS: 0 (1740)
- USS: 0 (2706)  DI. -ea.

Ref.: Giant List - Vol. II, of Jan. 1, 1944.

- 15 -

— page 66 —
1. 9/30 0820(T) 152-12T 30-03N Conv Yt 22,000 5 SD
2. 9/30 0942(T) 151-40T 29-20T sub- 000 12 F
3. 10/4 0010(T) 134-45T Cmssr 11,000 12 SD
4. 10/9 1514(T) 129-55T Conv. At 12,000 5 SD
5. 10/9 1920(T) 129-51T 32-05T 17,000 7.5 R
6. 10/9 1933(T) 129-52T Unk. 20,200 12 R
7. 10/9 2351(T) 129-05T At 20,000 13 R
8. 10/11 1415(T) 129-50T 32-05T line- 6,000 7.5 SD
9. 10/11 1415(T) 129-50T Sweed 6,000 7.5 SD

- 16 -

— page 67 —
10/14 31-20 1 FG
9. 1146(I) 129-583 2 PC
10. 10/17 33-07
11. 0424(I) 120-160 Sa.pan
12. 10/20 32-27
13. 0045(I) 120-083 AF
14. 10/22 35-29 Ball at, 160
15. 2133(I) 126-055 3. aft. 12,000 6.5
16. 10/23 35-25. 3-mast.
17. 0130(I) 125-50E observer 2,500 5
18. 10/24 33-00. 6 aft. 26,000 240
19. 0315(I) 125-492 5 escorts
20. 10/26 29-25 Inter-Is.
21. 1052(I) 129-30 Stoker 5,000 6

- 17 -

— page 68 —
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Date: 10/3 10/4 10/9 10/11 10/13
Time (zone): 1225(I) 1048(I) 1048(I) 0052(I) 1239(I)
Lat.: 29-10 29-44 32-06 32-05 31-00
Position: 137-212 133-51 129-53 129-43 130-14
Speed: 14 14 3 3 3
Course: 270 2C2 270 300 260
Turns: 3 3 3 3 3
Time since last: 20
Number: 1 1 1 1 1
Type: Battery 1 1 1 1 1
Prob. mission: 1 1 1 1 1
Nav. contact: 1 1 1 1 1
I. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
II. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
III. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
IV. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
V. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
VI. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
VII. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
VIII. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
IX. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
X. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XI. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XII. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XIII. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XIV. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XV. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XVI. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XVII. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XVIII. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XIX. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XX. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XXI. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XXII. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XXIII. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XXIV. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XXV. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XXVI. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XXVII. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XXVIII. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XXIX. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XXX. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XXXI. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XXXII. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XXXIII. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XXXIV. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XXXV. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XXXVI. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XXXVII. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XXXVIII. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XXXIX. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XL. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XLI. 1st rail range: 12 mi 14 mi 6 mi 6 mi 6 mi
XLII. 1st rail range: 12 mi

— page 69 —
6 7 8 9 10
S Date 10/13 10/13 10/14 10/19 10/24
T Time (zone) 1332(I) 1500(I) 1145(I) 094(I) 0554(I)
E Lat.: 31-11 31-00N 31-20N 32-09N 33-00N
I Position Long.: 130-16 130-14 129-56 129-39 125-50
A Speed 3 3 3 3 3
R Course 200 240 270 100 105
I Trip 5min 5min 5min 5min 5min
E SD search
A Number 6 4 1 1 1
I Type DDTY 1 1 1 1 1
R Prob. Mission 1 1 1 1 1
C How Contacted 1 1 1 1 1
R Initial Range 4 mi 7 mi 4 mi 2 mi 0 mi
E Elevation Angle 20 10 20 50 50
F Range & Alt. Bearing 1 1 1 1 1
T Wind it Det. S/I AD D D D D
C State, Beaufort 1 1 1 1 1
O Sea Direction, Rel. 235 240 350 240 150
N Visibility 10 mi 10 mi 25 mi 10 mi 10 mi
D
I St. in Rest 4 4 3 4.5 3
T Clouds & Overcast 30% 30% 40% 15% 50%
I
C Bearing - - - - -
H Moon Angle - - - - -
S Illumin. - - - - -

- 19 -

— page 73 —
0053(I)  Date: 10/12/44  Lat. 32-11L  Log. 129-413

**MARGIN DATA:**
- Data is in a word processor file with a header and footer
- The header includes:
  - Date
  - Time
  - Location
  - Course
  - Speed
  - Course rate
  - Distance
  - Time
  - Depth
  - Speed
  - Course rate
  - Depth
  - Course rate

— page 74 —
6 5 4
: 89 88 89
: 359 357 35
: 4' 4' 4'
: High  High  High
: Hit  Hit  Hit
: No  No  No
: 14-3 14-3 14-3
: 13235 1514 10393
: Contact  Contact  Contact
: Contact  Contact  Contact
: 10-1 10-1 10-1
: 13401 3307 12449
: Torpedo  Torpedo  Torpedo
: 11 sec  9 sec
: 0 11 1.
: Silent 0.02

Covariant activity: Submarine, class, IAV, 1504.

— page 76 —
3
Tubes fired 6 5 4 3
Treck angle 124° 123° 125° 120°
Gyro angle 9 6 11 10
De. set 0' 0' 0' 0'
Power 4
Hit or Miss 4
Miss 4
Hit 4
Irratic 0
No 0
No 0

— page 77 —
1944
Date: 24 Oct. 1944
Lat.: 33-00N
Long.: 125-49E

Description:
...large combination passenger freighter in the center of a convoy.

Ship(s) Sunk: none
Ship(s) Damaged: none
Damage Det. by: ---
Target Draft: 20' Course 2300 Speed 5 knots

Speed 12 Course 170 Depth-Surface

Type attack:
The convoy was closed on the surface and three torpedoes from the two tubes hit it. In the group, no one was injured, but it was believed that the torpedoes had missed. It is believed that the torpedoes hit the target at the torpedoes' rate (1.5 knots).

- 27 -

— page 80 —
5
Tubos Fired 5 0
Track High 90s 90s
Gyro Cycle 351 350
Depth Set 5' 5'
Power 1/2 1/2
Art of Life 1/2 1/2
Brratic -- -- -
Mk. Torpedo 14-3... 14-3...
Serial : 7325 5822
Actuation set Contact Contact
Actuation actual Contact Contact
1k. Buried 10-1 10-1
Serial : 17530 13000
Firing Torped Torped
Firing Interval - 7.5
Type Spread 1/2 1/2
Sea Conditions 0.14
Overall activity: Submarine E-5, W-10, 1504.

- 30 -

— page 85 —
0501(T) 17 Oct. 1944  Lt. 33-05T 120-27
Draft: 40 in 20 mi 2-30 cal. 25
Danger Date: 32 750 720
Type: EX & EM Ball & Er.

The vessel was close, approximately 400 yds. Her control was entirely by the crew. The first round fired was caught by the torpedo in the close, and the crew closed, indicating the torpedo was fired. The torpedo was hit the vessel did not sink the ship or the two torpedoes. The torpedoes were hit the vessel. The torpedoes

— page 87 —
1300 (I), October 15, 1944, in latitude 32-45N, longitude 125-09W.

The minesweep was sunk on October 12, 1944, at latitude 32-45N, longitude 125-09W, using electric torpedoes or sonic depth charges. Although they passed the minesweeper without incident.

The minesweeper had two surfacing stations. The first was in attack 10.2

— page 94 —
75 500 10-11 31-14N 130-04E
: 75 500 12-13 31-15N 130-07E
: 75 500 13-14 30-10N 129-57E
: 75 500 19-20 32-27N 128-08E
: 75 500 21-22 32-47N 126-42E
: 75 500 22-23 35-51N 126-09E
: 75 23-24 33-13N 125-54E
: 150 1500 10-11 31-14N 130-04E
: 146 540 12-13 31-15N 130-07E
: 145 900 12-13 31-12N 130-09E
: 150 500 20-21 33-32N 125-43E
: 153 500 21-22 35-07N 125-33E
: 153 500 23-24 34-17N 125-07E
: 125 300 12-13 31-12N 130-09E

- 44 -

— page 95 —
95 800 15-16 32-22N 128-34E
: 95 800 16-17 33-05N 125-20E
: 95 800 17-18 33-21N 128-20E
: 95 800 19-20 32-27N 128-08E
: 95 800 23-24 34-17N 125-07E
: 95 800 24-25 32-16N 125-43E
: 108 900 21-22 34-55N 125-16E
: 108 900 22-23 35-51N 126-09E
: 225 1400 15-16 32-05N 129-45E
: 225 1400 16-17 33-05N 128-20E
: 225 1200 21 32-47N 126-42E
: 225 1200 21-22 34-06N 125-18E

(V) REMARKS.
The performance of the 40 mm gun was disappointing. The stoppages that occurred at the beginning of each action are believed to have been material difficulties. The gunner's mates

- 45 -

— page 97 —
1. The Commander Submarine Division TWO EIGHTY TWO.
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246), Report of SECOND War Patrol.

1. The Second War Patrol of CROAKER was spent in the Yellow and East China Seas. The patrol was of forty-seven days duration nineteen of which were spent on station - twenty-two days were spent submerged. It was terminated due to expenditure of torpedoes.

2. Seven torpedo attacks were made which resulted in fourteen hits and two prematurees from the twenty-four torpedoes fired. All of the torpedo attacks were conducted on the surface at night. Of the twenty-two torpedoes that functioned properly fifty-nine percent were hits. In a brief analysis of the torpedo attack data the reasons for this excellent percentage of hits is very evident. All of the firing ranges were between two and three thousand yards except on attack #1 where the range was thirty-four hundred and fifty yards - the average firing range was twenty seven hundred and ninety three yards. The largest gyro angle used was eleven degrees and the average gyro was four point three degrees. Track angles were also almost perfect, the smallest being eighty seven and the largest one hundred and twenty-six - the average track was one hundred and five degrees. This is indeed superb ship control and excellent fire-control performance.

3. Two night gun attacks were made which seriously damaged a twenty-five ton sampan and a thirty ton schooner, it is regretted that the deck gun could not be used due to the inability of the gun layers to see the target in the darkness. The average range on both attacks was approximately four hundred yards. The destruction of enemy small craft is highly desirable but the Division Commander does not look with favor on gun actions with strange small craft at night when the weight of armament carried is decidedly an unknown factor and particularly when such short ranges are necessary in order to see the target. The reason for the stoppages in the forty millimeter gun will be investigated and corrected in the current refit.

— page 100 —
12-10/A16-3(15)
Serial 02589
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
CROAKER Report of
Second War Patrol.
CONSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 573.
U.S.S. CROAKER - SECOND WAR PATROL.
From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246) - Report of Second War Patrol.
(23 September to 10 November 1944).

1. The second war patrol of the CROAKER was conducted in East China and Yellow Sea Areas. The CROAKER, along with the U.S.S. PERCH (SS313) and the U.S.S. ESCOLAR (SS294), formed an attack group with the Commanding Officer of the ESCOLAR, Commander W.J. Millican, U.S. Navy, as the Group Commander.

2. This was another highly successful, smartly conducted patrol, high-lighted by excellent fire control and torpedo fire. Seven aggressive torpedo attacks and two gun battles were conducted. Fourteen hits were made out of twenty-four torpedoes fired. Unfortunately, two prewarers of Mark 18-1 Torpedoes and faulty performance of the 40 mm. gun were experienced. Despite these failures, however, severe damage was inflicted upon the enemy.

3. Award of the submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol is authorized.

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this aggressive outstanding patrol. The CROAKER is credited with having inflicted the following damage upon the enemy during this patrol:

| ACTION | DAMAGE | TONNAGE |
||||
| 1 - Large AO (EU) | 10,000 tons | (Attack No. 1) |
| 1 - AM (EU) | 600 tons | (Attack No. 2) |
| 1 - Small AK (EU) | 2,000 tons | (Attack No. 3) |
| 1 - Iridium AK (EU) | 4,000 tons | (Attack No. 6) |

TOTAL SUM: 16,600 tons

SIGNATURE: [Signature]
PHOTO-LAB. OP-16
RETURN TO F-4253

— page 101 —
7,500 tons (Attack No. 5)
: 4,000 tons (Attack No. 7)
: 25 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)
: 30 tons (Gun Attack No. 2)
: 11,555 tons
: 28,155 tons

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports) (7)
Cominch (5)
CIO (6)
Cincpac (1)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
Conservpac (1)
Cinclant (8)
Consusblant (2)
S/1 School, NL (1)
CC, S/1 Base, NL (2)
Comsopac (1)
Comsowespac (2)
Ctr 72 (1)
Comnorpac (40)
Comsubspac (2)
SUBAD, MI (3)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Division Commanders, Pacific (2)
Substrainpac (1)
All Submarines, Pacific (1)

E. L. HYNES, 2nd, Flag Secretary.

— page 102 —
12 February 1944. [9 4/5]

From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (Official Channels).

Subject: U.S.S. CROAGER (SS246), Report of War Patrol Number THREE.

Enclosure:
(A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart (CorSubSoWesPac Only).

1. Enclosure (A): Observing the THIRD war patrol of this vessel conducted in the LUZON STRAITS and SOUTH CHINA SEA, during the period 13 December 1944 to 12 February 1945, is forwarded herewith.

W. B. Thomas.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY QP-0289C DATE 5/25/72

3 05269

DECLASSIFIED

— page 104 —
1. Installd Harc Island type DRT in control room.
Type 2A-45 brushes installed in all main motors.
Two Mk 8 BT's installed on bridge.
Installed "I-2P" circuit.

Lloyd. Conder. William A. Hinkley, Ed., USNR, and Lloyd. Thomas P. WESTER JR. (DL), USNR, reported aboard, and Lloyd. Conder. Herbert I. Hinkley, USNR, and Lloyd. Lucien T. Hinkley, DE, USNR, were detached.

Seventeen men were transferred during the refit and training period and two were received aboard.

Conducted eleven days training.

Sound tested, but not performed.

Rondinese for sea, 13 December 1944.

— page 105 —
12 Dec. 1944:
1330 (VW) Departed P.M.N. in accordance with OFF 17 0:00rd 109-4, in company with ASPRO (OTC) and POPON. CROATIA, ASTRO, and SAMPS, who will join us later, are to patrol as a pick in assigned area. POPON will depart us until north of NAURO, when she will depart and we will make rendezvous with SAMPS. Escorted until dark by FO 485.

14-15 Dec. 1944:
Enroute SAIPAN, conducting training dives and drills. Race deep dive; round SD mast to be leak-ing. Will attempt to have this checked at S.A.P.A.N.

17-18 Dec. 1944:
Enroute SAIPAN, conducting training dives and drills. Conducted communication drill with OTC, in ASPRO.

1100 (Y) Crossed 130th meridian with very little jolt and changed date to 16 December.

1400 (M) Held church services.

19 Dec. 1944:
Enroute SAIPAN, conducting training dives and drills and communication drills with OTC in ASPRO. No. 1 periscope (attack scope) is almost impossible to train. Yoke is cocked about 1 inch. Had much trouble with this at P.M.N., but thought we had it squared away. Another item for the tender at S.A.P.A.N. If this keeps up, they aren't going to be very glad to see us!

20 Dec. 1944:
0800 (M) Made scheduled rendezvous with SAMPS, and POPON departed for NAURO. ASPRO sent over patrol instruct-ions in rubber boat.

— page 106 —
1622 (L) Divod on sight and with radio contact on plane (Plane contact #1). Fg. was sighted by two torpedo and radar had a ping at all times. Radar did not be-lieve plane was on. All was only useable to detect-ify its type. Position: 200-50N, 150-00W.

21-22 Dec. 1944:
    Enroute SIRP, conducting training, dive and drills. Conducted practice approaches en leeard and abaft. Held communications drill with AOR and COAST.

23 Dec. 1944:
    Enroute SIRP, conducting training, dive and drills. Had 2 contact on plane at 25 miles. (Planet contact #2). Plane answered to IFF. Did not dive. Plane not fighter. Position: 180-04N, 1490-21E.

24 Dec. 1944:
    Enroute SIRP, conducting training, dive and drills.

0905 (K) Had D contact on plane at 25 miles. (Planet contact #2). Plane answered to IFF. Did not dive. Plane not fighter. Position: 180-04N, 1490-21E.

1345 (F) Held church service.

25 Dec. 1944:
0630 (H) Made rendezvous with escort, to 11:30, and proceeded in company to SIRP.

1240 (I) Moored in nest along side U.S.S. FULFILL for fuel, water, and voyage repairs.

2000 - 2330 (L) Air raid. Three 7-plane reports downed by our forces.

(NOTE: From here on, all times are ITEM (US), unless otherwise noted.)

— page 107 —
26 Dec. 1944:
1. Underway from enemy base with SPAR and escort (25 112s). 3-4 miles by day, 2-3 miles by night. 3-4 miles by day. 2-3 miles by night. 3-4 miles by day

— page 108 —
2300
Ferted company with 3-5-6 to need for new area which we have been directed to patrol, continue 1500 (a), 1 January.

31 Dec. 1944:
0626
Divod (Lat. 19-54.5°, Long. 123-45°), to conduct submerged patrol while waiting to enter area.

0900
Begin hearing peculiar hammering noise on deck and in sound cars. Noise is heard on several different bearings, noting in sight, finally decided it must be some kind of fish out of the sea. Sound of torpedo or depth charges.

— page 109 —
1. Contact was reported, we ceased transmitting on the 5th. Signal was lost in about five minutes. No-livered to have been airborne radar. (Plane contact 4).

: 2. Contact on 152.5. (Flare contact 45). Signal was lost. Rode and was in all respects similar to the signal attacked on 30 December. When she escaped in-dicted 1/2" extraction with a gain set to 5, at

: 3. Submerged.

: 4. Surfaced. All clear on radar and ARR.

: 5. Submerged to patrol alone northeast coast of Iwo Jima. (Lt. 18010N, Long. 1220-27E.) Sky 100 per cent overcast and visibility poor. Unable to see Iwo Jima from 5 miles off the coast.

: 6. Surfaced, patrolling to the eastward of Iwo Jima during the night.

: 7. 3 Jan. 1245:

: 8. Contact on 152 Mass. (Flare contact 46) Scoured 37 and 1/2

: 9. 0050 Signal had faded out.

: 10. Contact on 205 less (Flare contact 47). PIF was 750, while width 18-20 airseasconds. The signal was keyed at irregular intervals, and reached almost saturation strength on the 5. Scope. Our position at this time was: Int. 170-42N, Long. 1230-00E. This is believed to have been an airborne radar. Did not dive.

: 11. Contact on 152 less (Flare contact 46). Signal was being keyed as before, and had reached full saturation at

: 12. When we dived (Int. 170-33N, Long. 1220-57E). We must be on this guy's milk route!

: 13. Surfaced. All clear on radar and ARR.

- 7 -

— page 110 —
0655
    Submerged for periscope patrol off east coast of LUZON.
    Sky continues to be 100 per cent overcast and we are
    unable to see LUZON from 5 miles.

1857
    Surf. road in heavy rain. Patrolled to the eastward of
    LUZON during the night.

4 Jan. 1945:
    Got star sights this morning - our first in four days.

0648
    Submerged (Lat. 17°-47'N, Log. 122°-41'E), closing the
    coast of LUZON for periscope patrol.

1908
    Surf. road, had radar interference on S7 scope. Challenged
    and exchanged greetings with the LUPON. Headed north,
    intending to patrol tomorrow on the route between S.ETANG
    and BUBYAN ISLAND. (CHIP CONTACT #1)

2300
    Sent men on dock to put asbestos patch on #2 muffler.
    A hole in the elbow allowed the exhaust to escape, making
    considerable racket.

5 Jan. 1945:
0640
    Submerged 5 miles north of BUBY. IN ISLAND for periscope
    patrol across the island route from FORMOS to LUZON.

1909
    Surf. road and headed south to be in position for tomorrow's
    special mission.

6 Jan. 1945:
0503
    Submerged to obtain BT. card. (Lat. 18°-39'N, Log. 122°-
    37'E.)

0553
    Surf. road. PR detected weak signal on 152 MCS. Secured
    S7 transmitter and signal disappeared in about ten minutes.
    (Plane Contact #9).

0700
    Started into B. BUY. IN CHINA, heading for PARRIT.

— page 111 —
6 Jan. 1945 (Cont.):
1100 Have heard nothing on any of our circuits which would indicate that strike occurred for today has started. Sky is completely overcast, visibility periodically reduced to 1000 yards by rain; wind and sea force 5 from 060°T. Decided that strike must have been delayed due to weather, so at
1123 Submerged (Lat. 18°-32'N, Long. 122°-25'E) to maintain position and get a little rest.
1432 Surfaced to see if we could near anything informative on the radio circuits. Learned that the strike had started, so we continued on in toward P.F.N.F.
1445 Sighted two fighter aircraft at 15 miles (Plane contact #10). Believed to be U.S. Navy planes.
1700 Sighted 4 P.F.N.F's at about 5 miles (Plane contact #11).
1710 Sighted 9 P.F.N.F's at about 12 miles (Plane contact #12).
1712 Received word from the planes that the snow was over and they were heading home, so headed east to get out of P.F.N.F.
(FOTE: Throughout the day we had P.F.N.F. signals on various frequencies between 154 and 210 ncs.)
2000 Saw glow of a fire on the beach at P.C.I.T. at VIETNAM, distant about 20 miles. This spot had been bombed by our planes earlier in the afternoon.
During the night patrolled across the eastern approach to P.F.N.F.
7 Jan. 1945:
0010 -
0130 P.R detected signal of medium intensity on 205 Mcs. Seemed to be sweeping at irregular intervals.
0615 P.R detected weak and irregular signals at 150 Mcs.
0620 P.R detected weak and irregular signals at 165 and 167 Mcs.
0640 P.R detected weak and irregular signal at 210 Mcs. .11 our data indicated that there was to be no strike in our

— page 112 —
0658
Submerged (Lat. 180-48°N, Long. 122°-32°E) to patrol across the eastern approaches to BULU. Encountered a surface about noon to 2000 if we could get any information on the circuits.

0951
Wide, along a routine periscope sweep, the conning officer spotted two planes at a range of about 3 miles. (Plane contact was dropped down to 120 feet.)

Docile that they might possibly be some of our own planes, so at

1040
Surfaced to see what was coming off. VHF circuit at-cotched that a strike was in progress so headed for BULU.

1055
B-24-4T two "LUCIDINS" at about 5 miles who informed us they were our fighter cover. (Flare contact 114).

1130
Sighted what appeared to be a large patrol plane (Flame contact 115) at about 12 miles. Informed our fighter cover and they needed out with a "Fully F.O." Plane turned out to be a LIBRAROR.

1230
Our fighters informed us that they were running low on gas and would have to shore off. Detached two disapcared and felt very scared for we were now well into BULU. (CIAH with land all around us.

1403
Sighted 6 planes at about 10 miles (Plane contact 116).

1412
Near bombing in progress from the vicinity of BULU.

1430
Sighted 12 fighters at about 10 miles (Plane contact 117).

1435
P-24-4T was now bearing 1800, distant 13 miles, so reversed course to head back out of BULU. Could see two columns of smoke on the beach at P-24-4T and could hear the aviators talking about the "whole place being on fire".

1600
Could see a fire on the beach which appeared to be coming from C-24-4T LIGHTNING. Apparently some of our fliers must have passed by here a little earlier.

— page 113 —
7 Jan. 1945 (Continued)
Patrolled to the eastward of ESC.P.D. POINT, LUZON, during the night.

6 Jan. 1945:
0700 On station in position for life-guard duty although to our knowledge no strike is scheduled for today in this vicinity.

0800 Attacked two navy fighter planes at 3 miles. (Flame contact 149).

0655 Sighted three planes at 15 miles (Flame contact 149). Visibility was hazy, but believe these were fighter planes too.

The first two planes headed off toward the southeast - which wasn't in the direction of the target - and the flight of three planes appeared to be circling over C.F. H.M.S. just before they went out of sight. Although we could hear nothing on the radio to indicate it, we figured that maybe there was to be a strike this morning after all, so headed towards P.L.H.R.

1000 Have seen no more planes and have heard nothing on the radio direct. I decided to cock on the SD and could see no previously sighted were just making a reconnaissance flight. Therefore, it

1101 Submerged for periscope patrol of the eastern entrance to BABYLON CHALLAH. (Lat. 150-44.5°N; Long. 1210-59°E).

1320 Surfaced to see if we could hear anything on the circuits to indicate that a strike was in progress.

Circuits indicated nothing, no planes were in sight, and none were indicated on the SD screen so at

1354 Submerged to continue periscope patrol.

1906 Surfaced and patrolled to the eastward of ESC.P.D. POINT, LUZON, during the night.

9 Jan. 1945:
0650 Sighted large object floating in the water. At first it was thought to be a mine, but closer examination showed

— page 114 —
1945 (Continued).

9 Jan. 1945 (Cont.):

It to be a large metal chest about 6-8 feet square. Approximately 40' of it was above the surface of the water. Fired at it with the "Morny Gun" at the same shells bounced off like water on a duck's neck. From out 20 mm crew and sank ghost after spending 5 magazines. (Let. 190-00'N; Long. 12-20'N.)

Headed it towards F.A.H. at L.C. our data indicates no strike in this vicinity today.

0900 Have heard nothing on the circuits and have seen no planes. Therefor at

0915 Submerged for periscope patrol of eastern entrance to B.C. Channel.

1900 Surfaced to patrol to the eastward of S.C.H.D. Port, L.A., during the night.

1910 Detected signal at 195 miles, sweeping. Delivered to H.V.O. on U.S. submarine radar.

1940 Detected signal at 230 miles, sweeping. Delivered to H.V.O. on U.S. submarine radar.

2100 Converted to F.B.T. to a H.B.T.

10 Jan. 1945:

0301 Submerged for periscope patrol of the eastern entrance to B.C. Channel.

1500 Surfaced to patrol to the eastward of S.C.H.D. Port, L.A., during the night.

2350 Radar contact (GCPC 6000 yd), bearing 1700T, range 6100 yds. Commenced tracking. Fly was small and indicated a submarine or patrol boat.

11 Jan. 1945:

0045 T.ret course 3300T, speed 11 knots. We had no information that one or our subs would be coming through our area heading in a northerly direction. We were expecting the D.C. but she should have been on a southerly course. Continued tracking and at

— page 115 —
1. Jan. 1945 (Cont'd):
02.25 Sent CO. to First to Combat zone, information.
0245 Strong radar interference from the northeast. Intended this was the DDH and attacked to challenge with no success. Radar interference drew to the southwest and got steadily weaker. Continued tracking target.
0315 Target increased speed to 16 knots. We went to flank speed on 4 en. lines but had to squeeze for every degree we gained in bearing.
We got a contact indication on 3D radar being keyed at
neroidic intervals. Assumed this was coming from our
target but couldn't understand why we didn't get 30 inter-
ference. Possibly this 3D was out of communication. It got
about the time we were at our own, to have to run over
HUN. I.

— page 116 —
12 Jan. 1945 (Contd.):

0700
Sunk floating oil barrel with sub-machine gun fire.

0715
Submerged (Lat. 19-47N; Long. 121-35E) for periscope patrol between S. and E. of E. of the island route from F. to L. to L.

1055
Sound operator reported hearing a single ping on 17.5 knots, lasting 3.5 hours. Headed in that direction, but could see nothing through the scope.

1202
Sound operator reported hearing single ping on bearing 0700.

1204
Reported hearing another single ping on bearing 1100. These single pings have been buffeted and since they are single, it is realized that the bearing is far from accurate. Believe they might be fish noises.

1208
Sighted large p. trol type plane through the periscope (plane contact 24). (Lat. 19-44.5N; Long. 121-36.5E). Plane was about 15 miles distant and appeared to be on a course of about 1000, which would head it for F. W. W. The plane go out of sight over C. L. Y. W. to F. W. W.

1230
#4 main engine cut off combustion to repair cylinder head strain.

1912
Surfaced to patrol on north and south headings across R. L. W. W. C. W. W. G. W. W. G. W.

— page 119 —
1900
: 2200
: 170-42.5°N; 125-39°E
: 100 feet
: 17 Jan. 1945
: 0315
: 0702
: 1245
: 1315
: 1900
: 2105
: 0400
: 0700
: 1050
: 19 Jan. 1945
: 0655

**CONFIDENTIAL**

(E) MIRATAV (Continued).

16 Jan. 1945 (Cont.):
1900
: 2200
: 170-42.5°N; 125-39°E
: 100 feet
: 17 Jan. 1945
: 0315
: 0702
: 1245
: 1315
: 1900
: 2105
: 0400
: 0700
: 1050
: 19 Jan. 1945
: 0655

**17 Jan. 1945:**

- **ADJ:**
  - Detected signal at 1900 sec. Heyed SD and got pip at 25 miles showing IAT (Flame Contact #29).
  - Submerged (Lat. 17°-42.5°N; Long. 125°-39°E). Running at 100 feet, coming up to take a look once each hour.
  - Sound operator reported hearing single pings on 17.5 kcs., bearing 150°T. Came up to periscope depth but could see nothing on that bearing.
  - Additional single pings heard to indicate bearing crawling to the north. Cook normal approach course, but heard no more pings. Possibly saw him off a fish who had just had his sound ear overruled and was testing!

- **SURFACED:**
  - In a force of sea. Submited to Patrolled to the eastward of 1200 during the night.
  - Detected signal of weak intensity at 109 kcs. which soon disappeared.

- **15 Jan. 1945:**
  - Submited to IAT interference from the southeast. Attempted to challenge with no success. Hearing drew to the north. Assumed to have been the CHLAR.
  - Submerged (Lat. 17°-40°N; Long. 125°-36°E). Running at 100 feet, coming up for look once each hour.
  - Surfaced in force 6 seas. Submited to Patrolled to the eastward of 1200 during the night.

- **19 Jan. 1945:**
  - Submerged. (Lat. 17°-27.5°N; Long. 125°-37°E). Running at 100 feet, coming up once an hour for look around.

- **17 -**

— page 120 —
19 Jan. 1945 (Cont'd):
1900: Surfaced in force 4 - 5 seas. Sky remains 100 per cent overcast. Patrols to the eastward of LUZON during the night.

20 Jan. 1945:
0510: Had radar interference from the north. Challenged and exchanged calls with CHADISH. (Ship Contact #3). (Let. 17°-42'N, Long. 122°-44'E).

0659: Submerged (Lat. 17°-34.5'N; Long. 122°-42'E). Running at 100 feet, coming up for periscope look once each hour.

1907: Surfaced. Sky still completely overcast. Seas force 3 - 4. Headed northwest, intending to patrol in the island chain tomorrow.

2009: Sub interference from the north. Had indications of three different radars. Attempted to challenge with no success.

21 Jan. 1945:
0020: AR detected several signals of medium intensity between 207 and 217 secs.

0700: Submerged north of CAUCUM ISLAND for periscope patrol across the island route from FOR.OSA to LUZON.

1345: Held church services.

1912: Surfaced.

2150: SJ radar cut of commission.

2220: SJ radar back in commission.

22 Jan. 1945:
0658: Submerged 5 miles northwest of BABUYAN ISLAND for periscope patrol on the island route from FOR.OSA to LUZON.

1910: Surfaced.

2145: APR detected signal of medium intensity at 195 Hrs. Took check on SD with negative results. Signal disappeared in about 10 minutes.

Patrolled on NW-SE courses across BALINTANG CHANNEL during the night.

- 18 -

— page 121 —
23 Jan. 1945:
0659 Submerged (Lat, 19°-43'N; Long, 121°-42'E) for periscope patrol across the island route from FORKOSU to LU.0iv.
0830 Headed northwest to join ASPRO.
1919 Surfaced and continued to the northwest.
2151 SJ picked up plane at 10,000 yards (Plane Contact #30). When range had closed to 5,000 yards at
2153 Submerged.
2218 Surfaced - all clear.
2300 ATR detected signal of medium intensity at 98 kcs. Believed to have been Japanese land-based radar.

24 Jan. 1945:
0000 ATR detected signal of medium intensity at 172 kcs.
0050 ATR detected signal at 175 kcs. When the ATR indicated that the signal had "stealed on" at
0051 Made check on SD and got pip at 5 miles showing IF2. (Plane Contact #31).
0115 ATR detected signal of medium intensity at 106 kcs. This signal was picked up at irregular intervals throughout the night.
0130 ATR detected signal of medium intensity at 175 kcs.
0133 Made check with SD and got pip at 14 miles showing IF2. (Plane Contact #32).
0140 SJ picked up plane at 9000 yards closing. (Plane Contact #33). Submerged.
0154 Surfaced - all clear.
0245 ATR detected signal at 120 kcs. Being keyed at irregular intervals. Probably the ASRO's SD radar.

- 19 -

— page 122 —
0000
    AIR detected signal of medium intensity at 165 Kcs. This signal was picked up at irregular intervals the remainder of the night.

: 0500
    Hac SF interference from the northeast. Exchanged challenges and calls with the AEF.

: 0545
    AEF detected weak signal at 109 Kcs.

: 0630
    Received instructions from AEFD directions as to patrol the western half of the area.

: 0705
    Submerged (Lat. 21-25°N; Long. 120°-10°E) for periscope patrol across the TAKO-UTZON route. Sky 100 per cent overcast. Seas force 4 - 5, found it very difficult to maintain depth control. Went to test depth for BT card and found only a gradual negative gradient.

: 1917
    Surfaced in very rough seas. Wind force 6 from northeast. Sky completely overcast.

: 1913
    AEF detected signal at 165 Kcs. This signal varied from weak to strong in intensity. It is possible that this is a land-based radar in southern FOR.OSA, since it stayed with us all during the night.

: 1955
    Submerged when lookout sighted large plane coming in low on starboard quarter. (Plane Contact #34) Plane was burning running lights.

: 2020
    Surfaced - all clear.

: 2030
    AEF detected signal at 107 Kcs. This signal also varied from weak to strong in intensity and stayed with us the remainder of the night. Believed to be land-based on FOR.OSA.

: 2200
    AEF detected signal of weak intensity at 175 Kcs. This signal was detected periodically throughout the night.

: 2320
    SF got pip at 10,000 yards. Took check with SD and got pip at 5 miles showing IFF (Plane Contact #35).

25 Jan. 1945:
0025
    AEF detected medium intensity signal at 190 Kcs. A check on the SD gave two pipes at 14 miles showing IFF (Plane Contact #36).

0105
    SD gave pip at 24 miles showing IFF (Plane Contact #37).

— page 123 —
0315 SD gave pip at 6 miles opening (Plane Contact #38).
: 0337 submerged when SJ picked up plane at 10,000 yards closing rapidly to 6500 yards. (Plane Contact #39).
: 0406 Surfaced. Seas were very rough, sky overcast, visibility poor, wind force 8. Radar reported a small pip dead ahead at 2000 yards. The same time, the Commanding Officer made out what appeared to be a patrol boat showing a small angle on the bow. (Ship Contact #4).
: 0409 Roped right down again. Hange had closed to 2200 yards as we went under. Since we had been directly between this joker and a netting moon, went deep and rigged for silent running, putting his a. stern. For the next hour we could hear his screws; he seemed to be stopping periodically to listen. At no time did we near pinging and by.
: 0600 We had definitely lost him. Since only about an hour of darkness remained, stayed submerged for patrol on the T-40 - LUZON route. It required standard speed to keep from broaching when at periscope depth, so ran at 100 feet, coming up periodically for look around. By.
: 1500 The seas had moderated sufficiently to permit patrolling at periscope depth.
: 1621 Sighted Jap "SULLY" t.r.rough the periscope. Estimated range 5 miles. (Plane Contact #40).
: 1921 Surfaced to patrol to the southwest of FORMOS during the night.
: 2705 PR detected signal of wave intensity at 170 MCS. We had this signal the remainder of the night.
: 2206 PR detected signal at 107 MCS. This signal was with us the remainder of the night and varied from weak to strong in intensity.
: 2300 PR detected signal at 165 MCS. of medium intensity, sweeping. Had this signal throughout the night.

- 21 -

— page 124 —
2305
APR detected signal at 190 knots. This, too, remained with us throughout the night and did not dip at 4 miles - no IFF. (Plane Contact #41).

: 2315
Submerged.

: 2350
Surfaced.

: 26 Jan. 1945:
APR detected signal at 99 knots. This signal varied from weak to noisy intensity and stayed with us the remainder of the night. Believed to be a land-based radar.

: 0246
Sighted beam of light sweeping at irregular intervals. Light increased to be on coast of FKAO.

: 0253
Submerged when bridge watch heard plane engines covered. Chock on the ship and we were going under severe pitch at 0 range. (Plane Contact #42).

: 0343
Surfaced.

: 0355
Pip on BT at 16,000 yards closing rapidly to 12,000 yards. Check on the SD showed pip at 5 miles - no IFF (Plane Contact #43).

: 0357
Submerged.

: 0410
Sound reported across at 2350. Listen to these for the next half hour, but could never make out anything.

— page 125 —
25 Jan. 1945 (Contd.):
tirough the scope. Finally decided it must be a very small fishing boat so et
0511 Surf.cead.
0658 Sub.rc.ed for periscope patrol on the TULO - LUZON route.
1128 During routine periscope sweep, sighted float-type biplane ("D.V.") at about 2 miles, flying very low. (Plane Contact #44) (Lat. 21°-36'N; Long. 120°-10'E).
1843 to Heard peculiar rumbling noises. Sounded like distant underwater volcano.
1915 Surfaced to patrol to the southwest of FORTOSA during the night.
1926 Sub.rc.ed on sight contact of "D.V." (Plane Contact #45) (Lat. 21°-21'N; Long. 120°-02'E). Plane was about one mile distant, braced on the starboard bow and was banking to course in. At this time, APR had weak signals at 98 kcs and 165 kcs.
2050 Surfaced.
2130 Departed area and headed for SOLESPAC.

27 Jan. 1945:
Enroute FRENCH TLE.
0915 Passed a "good" Jap float lying in the water. Body appeared to be in vibration clothes. Too rough to attempt recovery.
1130 APR detected signal at 166 kcs. Signal reached saturation on the APR scope. Checks on the CD and SJ revealed no planes, but at this time we were over 120 miles from the nearest land.

- 23 -

— page 126 —
27 Jan. 1945 (Cont.): 1200 'Set all clocks back one hour to minus 8 time. 1900 Passed 15 miles to the north of PRATT'S REIF. 28 Jan. 1945: Enroute FRETTINITE, running at two-engine speed. 1405 - PR detected signal at 107 hcrs., weak and steady. 1632 1700 Held church services. 1815 - PR detected very weak signal at 199 hcrs. 1900 1845 Passed to operational control of Commander Task Force Seventy-One and reported for duty.

: 22 Jan. 1945: Enroute FRETTINITE. 0109 Submerged for trial dive. (Lat. 17°-26'N; Long. 111°-12'E). Went to test depth for PR curd and found only a 20-mg-tive gradient. 0205 Surfaced. 1300 Destroyed BC. 1600 Set all clocks back one hour to minus 7 time. 2230 Had 5J interference from 3000T. attempted to challenge with no results. 20 Jan. 1945: Enroute FRETTINITE. 1431 Submerged to effect repairs to 3 min motor. (Lat. 100-28.5'N; Long. 110°-13.5'E). 1734 Repairs completed; surfaced. 31 Jan. 1945: Enroute FRETTINITE. 1 Feb. 1945: Enroute FRETTINITE.

— page 127 —
1945 (Continued).

1 Feb. 1945 (Cont.)

0548 Submerged (Lat. 03°-30'N; Long. 107°-13.5'E).

1819 Surfaced.

2250 Had radar interference bearing 260°T. Exchanged challenge and calls with GULF. (Fosit: 20-00'N; 106°-55'E) (Ship Contact #5).

2 Feb. 1945:

Enroute FRONTLINE.

0535 Submerged (Lat. 04°48.5'N; Long. 106°-52'E).

1830 Surfaced.

2054 Crossed equator.

3 Feb. 1945:

Enroute FRONTLINE.

0515 Submerged (Lat. 10°-45'S; Long. 108°-34'E) for transit of KRILL. STRATOS.

1421 During routine periscope sweep, picked up 2 single-engine planes, bearing 332°T, distant about 10 miles, on westerly course (Posit. 20-10'S; 106°-50'E) (Flano Contact #40).

1627 Surfaced.

1850 Had radar interference bearing 040°T. Attempted to challenge with no results.

1930 Had radar contact by ring 060°T, distant 6000 yards. Flip was small and we maneuvered to avoid. Lost pip at 10, 500 yards (Lat. 20-22'E; Long. 109°-03'E) (Ship Contact #6).

2030 Had radar interference bearing 190°T. Challenged and exchanged calls with GULF. (Ship Contact #7) (Lat. 20-44.5'S; Long. 109°-20.5'E).

4 Feb. 1945:

Enroute FRONTLINE.

0551 Submerged (Lat. 40°-33.5'S; Long. 110°-51'E).

1400 Hold church services.

— page 128 —
1700 Set clocks ahead one hour to minus 8.zone time (HOW).
: 1907 Surfaced.
: 5 Feb. 1945:
    Enroute FRA NTL.
    : 0602 Submerged. (Lat. 50-41°S; Long. 114°-04'E).
    : 1907 Surfaced.

6 Feb. 1945:
    Enroute FRA NTL.
    : 0030 XP detected work signal at 205 MCS.
    : 0535 Submerged. (Lat. 70-36°S; Long. 116°-09°E).
    : 1930 Surfaced. Headed south at three-engine speed for trans- it of LOHOB on FR. IT.
    : 2000 SF radar picked up plane at 30,000 yards. Range observed to 36,000 yards and was lost. (Plane Contact #47).
    : 2040 .PA detected medium intensity signal at 187 MCS.
    : 2120 Radar picked up small ship on starboard quarter at 6000 yards. Assumed to be a patrol boat, so put him astern and speeded up. (Ship contact #8).

- 26 -

— page 130 —
11 Feb. 1945 (Contd.):

0950 Lookout reported periscope bearing 130°T. Evaded.

12 Feb. 1945:

0830 Rendezvoused with escort, i.e., S. BUNBURY.

1135 Arrived FREDATILE.

— page 131 —
1. Weather.
Weather was normal for January. Northeastern winds with an average force of three prevailed. Sea conditions were normal except for about ten days when it raged up to Beaufort scale 6 to 8. Visibility during most of the time in the area was poor, with 100% overcast from 12 January through 27 January. Radar was the usual method of navigation.

(D) TIDAL INSTRUCTION.
Currents in 1/20 S. STRAITS are variable usually agreeing with charts 74705 and 3175. Tabulated below are our daily current experiences:

| DATE | SET | DRIFT | LAT. | LONG. |
|------|-----|-------|------|-------|
| Jan. | 1   | 290   | 1.2  | 18-51N |
|      | 2   | 330   | 0.9  | 18-03N |
|      | 3   | 325   | 0.5  | 17-36N |
|      | 4   | 274   | 0.6  | 18-04N |
|      | 5   | 300   | 1.2  | 19-44N |
|      | 6   | 318   | 1.0  | 18-16N |
|      | 7   | 293.5 | 1.0  | 16-49.5N |
|      | 8   | 300   | 1.0  | 18-42N |
|      | 9   | 508   | 1.0  | 15-48.5N |
|      | 10  | 294   | 1.1  | 18-48N |
|      | 11  | 304   | 1.4  | 19-18N |
|      | 12  | 320   | 1.9  | 19-44.5N |
|      | 13  | 304.5 | 2.1  | 19-23N |
|      | 14  | 342   | 1.4  | 17-26N |
|      | 15  | 300   | 1.0  | 17-43N |
|      | 16  | 329   | 1.0  | 17-57N |
|      | 17  | 353   | 1.2  | 18-00N |
|      | 18  | 330   | 1.5  | 17-56N |
|      | 19  | 345   | 2.4  | 17-50N |
|      | 20  | 340   | 2.4  | 17-57N |
|      | 21  | 335   | 2.5  | 19-13.5N |
|      | 22  | 302   | 2.4  | 19-34N |
|      | 23  | 301.5 | 2.4  | 19-53N |
|      | 24  | 330   | 2.4  | 21-32N |
|      | 25  | 310   | 2.3  | 21-30.5 |
|      | 26  | 330   | 2.3  | 21-37N |

- 29 -

— page 132 —
6 January 1945, U.S. Navy fighters bombed ZU-100 PT. LIEUTENANT, CANT BAN VICTORY, on the northeastern tip of LUZON (Lat. 16-30N; Long. 122-10E). Sighted column of smoke at 2000, following bombing.

| No. | Time & Date | Type | Type | Course & Speed | How Contacted | Remarks |
|-----||------|------||||
| 1   | 1920(I)     | Sub | 6000 | 1800            | APR & SJ     | Exchange Challonge with USS LAPLAN. |
| 2   | 2350(I)     | Sub | 6000 | 3300            | SJ          | Tracked to 5 in S.E. of BUDVA. Is. (60 miles) believed to be been BC.NAFHL. |
| 3   | 0510(T)     | Sub | 20,000 | 1600            | SJ          | Exchange Challonge with USS GUADALUPE. |
| 4   | 0409(T)     | Sub | 2600 | ?              | SJ          | Picked up 1military after facing from contact and did again. |
| 5   | 2253(?)     | Sub | ?    | ?              | SJ          | Exchange Challonge with USS GUADALUPE. |
| 6   | 1917        | Sub | 8000 | ?              | SJ          | Possibly H.M.I. THULE. |
| 7   | 2030        | Sub | ?    | 3400            | SJ          | Exchange Challonge with USS BURG.LL55320. |

— page 134 —
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
B Data 12/20 12/24 12/30 1/2/45 1/2 1/3 1/3
A Zone 1622(L) 0905(K) 0415(I) 0020(I) 0415(T) 0040(I) 0245(I)
R Lat. 20-50N 16-04N 21-27N 18-41N 18-13N 17-55N 17-42N
I Long. 169-05L 149-21L 123-10E 122-57R 122-55R 123-00R 123-00R
N Speed 14 14 14 10 10 11 11
Course Zig 260 Zig 256 Zig 270 Zig 160 Zig 270 Zig 160 Zig 160
Train Surface surface surface surface surface surface surface
Min. since last SD 2 2 no no no no no
A Number 1 1 1 1 1 1
I Type Unk Unk Unk Unk Unk Unk
R Pr. Miss. Fat Pat Pat Pat Pat Pat
C Hcw.Coast. Sight, SD APR AFR AIR PR
R SD
A Init Range 10 25 Unk Unk Unk Unk Unk
F Elev. Angle 7 Unk Unk Unk Unk Unk
T Kng.&Rcl.
Bear.When
it cont. Not Not Divod Not Divod Not Not Not
Sub. Cont. Cont. Not Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont.
Cont.
C (Beaufort)
C Sea-State 1 2 2 2 2 2
N Direct.-Rcl. 300 Unk 180 270 180 270 270
D Vis.-hi. Unlim Unlim 2 1 1 3 3
I Clouds-it 6500 5500 1600 300 3000 2600 3600
T 5' O'cast 60% 60% 100% 100% 100% 80% 100%
I Hoon-Bear Day Day 0 -- -- -- West West
C Rel. Angle -- -- -- Low High Low 400
N % Illum. -- -- 10% 10% 10% 30% 40%
S
Type S/M Canouflage this Patrol: Grey.

Remarks: Resp. to
LMF.

:PR DIT::
Freq. 1521c 1521c 1521c 1521c 2031c
RF 800 700-800 700-800 700-800 750
Width 7-8M 7-8 7-8 7-8 20
50 sec. Irreg. 50 sec Swept Strong
every & weak every on 14 signal
2 min. 2 min. see cv. later
2 min. became
erratic

— page 135 —
1/3/45 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/7 1/7
U Time, Zone 0453(T) 0553(T) 1512(T) 1700(T) 1710(T) 0951(T) 1855(T)
B Lat. 17-33N 18-40N 18-47N 18-41N 18-40N 18-45N 18-53N
L Long. 122-57E 122-25E 122-12E 121-55E 121-54E 122-20E 122-23E
S Speed 11 6 13 9 9 2 2
R Trime Surface Surface Surface Surface Surface Sub. Sub.
I Course Zig-270 050 1ngZig-260 200 200 150 270
R Min. since
B lst.SD Sch No No 5 10 10 --
A Number 1 1 2 4 9 2 2
I Type Unit Unk Ftrs. TBF TBF 1-Eng. Wildcats
R Prob.Miss Pat Pat Straf. Bomb. Bomb. Search Cur cover
G How Cont. PR APR Sight, Sight, Sight, Sight
R Init. Rng. Unk Unk 15 AFR 5 APR 12 APR 3 3
A Elev.Ang. Unk Unk 3 2 4 4 5
F Rng.&Rel.
T Bear when Dived
   it cont. Not Not Not Not Not 3 mi
   sub. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. 050

C (Beaufort)
O Sea-State 2 5 4 3 3 3 3
N Dir.-Rel. 180 0 145 200 200 260 150
D Vis.-Alt. 5 5 6 5 5 10 6
I Clds.-Ht. 3600 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000
T % 0'cast 70% 100% 90% 100% 100% 30% 90%
I Moon-Bear 0'head -- Ley Ley Day Day Day
O Rel.angle 0'head High
N % Illus. 80% 25%
S

Type 3/M camouflaged this patrol: Grey.

Remarks: USN USN USN USN USN USN

PR D.T.T:
Frq. 152Hc 154Hc 170Mc
PRF 700-800 900 500
WidtN 7-6 9 3
Steady Irreg. Irreg.
on 10,off sweep- fast &
10 sec. 27 min. weak.

— page 136 —
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
5 Date 1/7 1/7 1/7 1/8 1/8 1/12 1/12
U Time, Zone 1130(I) 1403(I) 1430(I) 0800(I) 0805(I) 0625(I) 1203(I)
3 Ltt. 18-53N 13-35N 18-35N 18-35N 19-50N 19-44.5N
Lone. 122-142 121-413 121-513 122-243 122-238 121-405B121-36.5B
Speed 10 10 10 10 10 10 2
K Course 245 235 250 270 270 260 220
I Trns Surface Surface Surface Surface Submerged
min. since
I least 25 123 8 1 1 1
I Type LITTLE- U.S. Ftrs Ftrs Ftrs Ftrs Unk. Large
R

— page 137 —
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
S Date 1/13 1/14 1/14 1/15 1/15 1/16 1/16
U Time,Zone 1404(I) 1243(I) 2030(I) 0900(I) 1115(I) 0320(I) 2200(I)
B Lat. 19-15N 17-14N 17-42N 17-34N 17-40N 17-30N 1-05N
M Log. 122-02E 123-54E 123-07E 123-23E 123-07E 122-53E 122-40E
S Speed 11 14 10 14 10 10 8
R Course 120 200 320 080 160 340 140
I Trim Surface Surface Surface Surface Surface Surface
N Mil.since --
E Last SD Sch --
A Number 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
I Type LIBTTOR Large Unk 4-Eng. Unk Unk Unk
K Pr.Miss. Unk Unk Unk Unk Unk Unk
C How Cont Peris. Signt SJ-conf Signt PR-conf, SJ-conf. SJ-conf.
R by SD by SD by SD by SD
A Litt.Rng. 10 12 16 4 18 18 15
F Elev. 7 7 Low 20 Low Low Unk
T Rng.&Bear.
  when it det. Not Not Not Not Not Not
  submarine N.Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont.

C (Beaufort)
O Sea-State 3 2 2 2 4 4 4
N Dir.-Rel 300 250 100 0 240 060 260
D Vis.-Mi. 15 20 5 8 4 4
I Clds.-Ht. 3000 2500 2000 3000 3000 2000 2000
T % 0'cast 100 90 100 70 100 100 100
I Moon-Engg Day Day No Day No No No
C Roll.-ng. --
I % Illun. --
S

Remarks: IFF, IFF IFF IFF
16Mi 27Mi 8Mi 5Mi

- 35 -

— page 138 —
1/17 1/23 1/24 1/24 1/24 1/24 1/24
U Tine, Gene 0.15(I) 2.51(I) 0.25(I) 0.23(I) 0.40(I) 1955(I) 230(I)
B Lat. 17-32N 20-45N 21-14N 21-17N 21-61.5N 21-61.5N
Lon. 122-58 121-00 120-32 120-32 120-30 120-30
S Speed 8 11 11 11 11 7
R Course 180 315 315 000 000 000 330
I Trim surface surface surface surface surface surface
N Min. since
B Last SD 42 7 38 20

A Number 1 1 1 1 1 1
I Tine Unk Unk Unk Unk Unk Unk
R Pr. Miss. Unk Unk Unk Unk Unk Unk
C How Cont. PR-con SJ 'Heard PR-con SJ 'Ikcout- SJ-con.
R by SD Eng.-PR- by SD Sight by SD
F Init. Rng 25 5 5 14 5 5 5
P Elev. Unk Unk Unk Unk Low Low Low
Rng.&Rel.
Bmg.when Not Not Not Not Not Not
1st det S/M Cont Cont Cont Cont Cont Cont

C (Seaufert)
0 Sea-State 3 1 1 2 2 5 5
N Dir.-Rel 220 090 090 330 000 040 040
D Vis.-Mil. 4 6 6 6 6 6
I Class.-Et. 2500 None 3500 3500 3000 2500 3000
T 'Co'cast 100 10 30 30 40 70 70
I Nocn.-Eng No 350 315 270 270 110 0'head
O Rel.angle -- 800 450 300 300 600 0'head
N 9 Illun. -- 90 90 50 60 90 90
S

Type S/M Camouflage this patrol: Grey.

Remarks: IFF, IFF Large IFF,
25MI 5MI 14MI Plane, Had 5MI.
Running
Lights on.

— page 139 —
1/25 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/26
Date: 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/26
Tide, Zone 0025(I) 0015(I) 0037(I) 1622(I) 2314(I) 0258(I)
Lat. 21-51.5N 21-31.5N 21-31.5N 20-49N 21-54N
Long. 120-50.5N 120-47.5N 120-43N 120-09N 120-14N
Speed 7 7 7 7 7 10
Course 330 150 150 150 220 340 000
Trit. Surface Surface Surface Surface Submer. Surface Surface
M.A. Since
E. Inset SD
Search 15 20 30 11 -- 3 45

A. Number 2 1 1 1 1 1 1
I Type Unk Unk Unk Unk SAILY Unk Unk
F. Prob.Miss. Unk Unk Unk Patrol Patrol Unk
C. How Cont. SD APK,SD AFK,SD SJ PARIS. SJ,AFR Skout,
SD
R. Init. Rns. 14 24 6 3 5 8 0'head
F. Elev.: Unk Unk Unk Low 4 Unk Low
T. Range & Rel.
    Bear when Not Not Not Not Not Not
    it Det.S/M Cont Cont Cont Cont Cont Cont

C (Seafarer)
O Sea-Rate 5 3 3 3 3 3 3
D. Dir.-Rel 040 060 050 050 050 020
D. Visits. 5 5 6 6 6 6
I. Cld.-Int. 3000 2500 5500 5500 -- 3000 2500
% Coast 70 10 10 10 10 10 10
I Moon-Bear. 260 105 105 105 Day

— page 140 —
43° 44 45 46 47
Date: 1/26 1/26 1/26 2/3 2/6
Time, Zone: 03:55(I) 11:33(I) 14:21(G) 20:00(H)
B.Lto, 2-5EN 21-30N 21-30N 21-30N 08-00S
Long. 120-165 120-165 120-165 108-501 115-53E
A Speed 11 3 7 3 14
Course 140 125 320 140 190
H Alt, Since 1
H Last SD
E Search 15
Trim Surf. Subm. Surf. Subm. Surf.
A Number 1 1 1 2 1
I Type Unk DVE Single Eng.Unk
R Prob.Miss. Patrol Patrol Patrol
C Low Cont. SJ,SD Peris. Light Periscope SJ
H Int,Range 8 2 2.5 10 15
A Elev,Angle 5 3 2 1/2 Low
F Range & RelNat Not 3000 yds. Not Not
T Bear wnan Cont. Cont. 353 Rel. Cont. Cont.
it Cont.SW
Headed
Westerly
C (Benefort) Direction
O Sea-State 3 3 3 1
D Dir.-Rel. 030 030 030 150 180
D Visib. 5 5 6 51 5
I Cid.-Hit. 3000 5000 2500 3500 3500
T 0'Coast 10 5 10 50 50
I Icon-Bear -- Day
O Rel.Angle
N Tllum
Type S/M Camouflage This Patrol - Grey.

Remarks: Closed
Range to
6 mi.,
Submerged.

— page 144 —
1. Subtext was much more difficult to copy on this patrol than it was on previous runs in the 1942-43 period. The radio was out completely and the simultaneous listening of two frequencies. 2. 045 was issued to the 2nd frigate for use on carrier, although interferences from enemy stations were a serious problem. This occurred at 1730 on 31 Dec. 1942 and was corrected at 1035 KCS, was copied with the least difficulty and 9050 also came in fairly well. The critical use was indeed.

2. Life-ward communications were carried out entirely on the VHF, and no difficulty was experienced in clearing traffic with the planes at ranges outside of 30 miles. Previous experience with this equipment had been very unsatisfactory, and it is believed that a careful re-tuning of the set by ship's officers was the only way to improve the situation.

3. The radio communications were not trouble although, due to the constant interruptions, there were few transmissions on this circuit.

4. After passing into the Western Pacific, Baker Fox was copied using 9250 KCS. During darkness and 12630 in the daytime.

5. Eight ship-to-shore transmissions were made, two to Submarine and six to CTF 71. All were passed through Australian stations and none required more than twenty minutes on the air. 470 KCS, was used in all cases.

Prior to departure for patrol, communication equipment changes were made by Sub Base, Pearl Harbor, as follows:

(a) One KL-7 was removed and replaced by an KBH-2 receiver.
(b) A model 1K receiver was installed.
(c) An SCR 610 radio set was installed for test purposes.

The following currents are based on patrol experience with the above equipment:

RFI-2: This was used as a voice receiver during lifeguard duty and was found to be an excellent receiver for that purpose. On CV, however, its selectivity did not appear adequate to overcome the difficulties created by interfering

— page 148 —
22 7,300 gallons
: 10 days
: 5 days

Limiting factor this patrol: The patrol was terminated in accordance with the operation order.

- 45 -

— page 150 —
1/6 RADAR AND RADIO COUNTER RECEIVERS. (Cont.)

Date- Time
Freq- Quency
Pulse Rate
Pulse Width
Location
Raccon- Rate
Inten- Anto- Remarks
sity
1/6 1445 168 6 180-40N 1220-25°F
Fast; Irreg.
Weak
Delivered U.S. Bn.

1/6 1515 169 2500 " " " Weak
Delivered U.S. Bn.

1/6 1515 162 60 10 " " " Weak
Delivered U.S. Bn.

1/6 1530 186 200 8 18°-45°N 1220-20°F
Steady
Med.
Delivered U.S. Bn.

1/6 1530 158-175 2500 5- 8 " " " Fast; Irreg.
Med.
Delivered U.S. Bn.

1/6 1530 175 400 5 18°-45°N 1220-20°F
Fast
Loud
Med.
Delivered U.S. Bn.

" 175 200 10 " " " Fast
Loud
Med.
Delivered U.S. Bn.

" 178 2000 10 " " " Irreg.
Weak
Med.
Delivered U.S. Bn.

" 175 1500 6 " " " Weak
Med.
Delivered U.S. Bn.

" 166 60 4 " " " Med.
Delivered U.S. Bn.

" 160 1500 2 " " " Med.
Delivered U.S. Bn.

" 165 500 15 " " " Med.
Delivered U.S. Bn.

" 167 250 14 " " " Med.
Delivered U.S. Bn.

" 185 200 6 " " " Med.
Delivered U.S. Bn.

1/6 1710 170 500 3 180-35°N 1210-45°F
Fast; Irreg.
Weak
Med.
Delivered U.S. Bn.

1/6 1715 210 200 16 " " " Irreg.
Weak
Med.
Delivered U.S. Bn.

" 180 750 6 " " " Irreg.
Weak
Med.
Delivered U.S. Bn.

1/6 1730 168 1500 6 " " " Irreg.
Weak
Med.
Delivered U.S. Bn.

1/6 1740 164 500 6 " " " Irreg.
Weak
Med.
Delivered U.S. Bn.

- 47 -

— page 152 —
1/11 0030 119 60 8- 18-23N 1 Min. Strong Believed US Su 0640 10 1220-47°E
1/12 2245 101 60 5 20-19N 1210-23°E Strong Believed US Sh Borne.
1/13 1007 159 60 19-40N steady Med. " 1050 1210-12°E
1/13 2145 185 200 5 18-35N Fast Weak 1220-52°E Sweeping
1/13 2250 173 200 11 18-32N " med. 2330 1220-51°E
1/14 0340 175 150 7 17-35N " med. 1220-50°E
1/14 0450 165 200 7 17-35N " med. 1220-50°E
1/14 2030 185 250 9 18-00N Irreg. Med.
1/14 2233 178 100 7 18-15N Irreg. Med. 1220-50°E
1/15 1059 186 170 9 17-40N Steady Med. IFF Response d 1148 1230-07°E tocted 27 Hi.
1/15 2315 197 60 12 17-52N Fast 2324 1220-45°E Sweeping Weak
1/16 2200 189 170 8 18-04N Irreg. Strong SD contact at 2240 1220-39°E 5 mi, ans. If
1/17 0315 190 160 9 17-35N 10 Sec. Med. IFF response 1220-58°E 25 miles.
1/17 2105 189 200 7 18-22N Steady Med. Balloved Jap ./0 search.
1/21 0020 215 4 30 Sec. Med. US Third Fit. known in Vici ty.
1/21 0020 210 60 7 Irreg. Med. "

— page 153 —
1/21 0140 217 60 5
Irreg. Med. US 3rd Flt.
known in Vicin.

1/21 0145 207 60 5
Irreg. Med. "

1/22 2195 193 250 7½ 100-45'N
120-35'E
steady Med.

1/23 2300 98 900 10 200-10'N
121-25'E
Irreg. Med. Jap land based
J/C searon.

1/24 0000 172 200 6 210-16'N
120-39'E
Irreg. Med.

1/24 0015 172 300 14 213-20'N
120-39'E
Irreg. Med. Lasted Till
morning.

1/24 0050 175 1600 210-22'N
120-39'E
Irreg. Med. Fip detected b
SD at 5 mi; IFF

1/24 0015 106 60 12 210-20'N
120-39'E
Irreg. Med. Lasted Till
morning.

1/24 0300 165 400 6 210-25'N
120-21'E
Irreg. Med. Believed US ai
borne.

1/24 0545 189 500 6 213-40'N
120-15'E
First Weak
0555
sweeps

1/24 0245 120 60 12 "
Keyed on Med. Believed US
for 5 Sec. sub.
periods.

1/24 1917 165 400 6 210-00'N
120-42'E
Irreg. Weak

1/24 2030 107 700 20 210-16'N
120-44'E
Irreg. Med. Believed Jap i
search.

1/24 2200 175 400 12 213-34'N
120-30'E
12 Sec. Weak Lasted Till
morning.

1/24 2320 173 250 8 219-40'N
120-26'E
steady Weak "

1/25.0025 190 300 3 219-46'N
120-23'E
steady Med. Believed Jap
search.

1/25 2205 170 300 5 219-42'N
120-11'E
40 Sec. Weak Lasted Till
morning.

— page 154 —
1/25 107
Date: Pre- Time
Pulse Location
Recovery Rate, Watts
Intensities
Remarks
1/25 107
2205
700 - 21-42N
8
120-112
1 - 2 min Week
Believed Jap 4/C and
S/C search
1/25 190
2300
400- 21-42N
4.5
120-098
Irregular Medium
Believed Jap 4/C
search
1/25 165
2300
7.5
120-112
Irregular, Medium
Sweeping
1/26 99
0210
750- 21-46N
9
120-122
steady
Medium
Believed Jap 4/C
and S/C Search
1/26 175
0515
400- 21-40N
7.5
120-108
Steady
Weak
Continued till morning.
1/26 165
1930-0100
400- 21-18N
7.5
120-038
Irregular Weak
Sweeping
1/26 93
1945
700- 21-18N
12
120-033
Irregular Weak
1/27 170
0440
-- 21-27N
3
119-008
Irregular Medium
1/27 167
1129-1215
800- 21-30N
8
117-455
Steady
Weak
1/28 107
1405
400- 19-20N
12
112-203
Steady
Weak
Believed Jap 4/C and
S/C search
1/28 199
1740-1615
350- 18-35N
2.5
111-565
Steady
Medium
Believed Jap 4/C
search
2/6 205
0030-35
150- North of Steady
Work
Believed Jap 4/C
search
2/6 205
2040
350- LOBBOK
8
STR.IT
Steady
Medium
Lasted 5 sec.
2/6 228
2150-2240
800- LOBBOK
5
STR.IT
Irregular Medium
2/7 205
150- SOUTH of Steady
Work
Medium
Believed Jap 4/C
search
2/7 205
6
LOBBOK
Steady
Medium
Believed Jap 4/C
search

- 51 -

— page 155 —
1/6 108
0250-0310
2/9 235
1950-2035
2/10 235
2030
2/10 300
2215
750-
5
250-
5
400-
5
750-
6
250-365
112-291
22-065
112-241
Irregular

— page 157 —
5-18/A16-3
Serial 0149
CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS CROAKER (SS246) -
Report of Third War
Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron Eighteen,
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet,
Via: (1) The Commander Submarines, SOUTH FLIGHT.
(2) The Commander, SOUTH FLIGHT.

Subject: U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246) - Report of Third War Patrol.

1. The third war patrol of the CROAKER, the first for the new
   commanding officer as such, was conducted in the LUZON STRAITS and SOUTH
   CHINA SEA areas from 15 December 1944 to 12 February 1945. The CROAKER
   performed lifeguard duty for the early January strike on Northern LUZON.

2. No contacts were made on targets worthy of torpedo fire. A
   periscope was sighted while south of CONFOK STRAITS, Plane contacts were
   numerous both in the daytime and at night. Intelligent use of the APR, SJ
   and SD aided the CROAKER in avoiding radar equipped planes.

3. The material condition upon return was fair. Material defects noted will be corrected during the normal refit to be conducted by
   Submarine Repair Unit and Advanced Training and Relief Crew Five.

4. The remarks of the Commanding Officer regarding notification when strikes are completed are noted. It is believed that this is
   done in most cases; however, a check-cuff list would be of assistance and
   would also prevent "telegraphing" the location of the strike in case it is
   called off.

5. The Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet's order on offensive
   action in "Joint Zones" is very specific and, of course, applies day and
   night. The action of tracking and reporting at night when identification
   is uncertain is considered correct.

6. The Squadron Commander welcomes the CROAKER to the SOUTH-
   WEST PACIFIC and congratulates the officers and men upon the completion of
   an arduous patrol. A high state of morale, even after a disappointing patrol is reflected in the state of cleanliness of the ship and general bearing of the officers and crew.

STANLEY P. MOSELEY.

— page 158 —
25 February 1945
Serial 0374
C-0-N-F-T-D-E-N-T-T-A-L
3:00PM
USS CROAKER COMF. LT.
Alo Serial 02, dated
12 February, 1945.
Report of Third War Patrol.

From:
To:
Via:
Subject:

The Commander Submarines, SUBMIT FIRST.
The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FIRST.
The Commander, SUBMIT SECOND.

U.S.S. CROAKER (3S246), Report of Third War Patrol - Comment on.

The Third War Patrol of the CROAKER, under the command of Commander W. T. FROST, U.S.S. was conducted in LUCKNOW STRAITS and in the AREAS of the SOUTH ASIA SIA.

3 05269

1. Lifeguard duties were performed from 6 January to 3 January in BURMA CHINA. During the remainder of the patrol no targets worthy of torpedo fire were sighted.

2. The Commanding Officer's remarks are noted with interest and have been carefully studied. The suggestions concerning lifeguard duty are being generally discussed at the present time with our Air Forces in connection with Air-Submarine Co-ordination. Concerning Joint Zones, and the expectation of offensive operations at night from a submarine ordered to patrol in, or pass through, these zones; it is believed that CROAKER, SUBMARINE PROCLDUMZ adequately covers the subject where it states (concerning Joint Zones): "Submarines shall not attack surface vessels encountered (including other surfaced submarines at night) unless their enemy identity is established beyond possibility of doubt."

3. The award of the Submarine Combat Insignia is not authorized for this patrol.

4. The Force Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew of the CROAKER upon the completion of this long and arduous patrol and upon their performance of Lifeguard Duty under hazardous conditions.

[Signature]
ELIOT H. BRYANT
ORIGINAL COPY

— page 159 —
13mills
f. B. MILLER,
Flag Secretary.

THIS REPORT WILL BE DISTROYED PRIOR TO ENTRY INTO NAVY COMBAT WATERS.

-2-

— page 160 —
2003
UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET
Al6-3(8) (F-0-4/whr)
Serial 0922

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to:
USS CROAKER Conv. Ltr.
Al6, Serial 02, dated
12 February 1940.

From: Commander Seventh Fleet.
To: Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246), Report of Thirra War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

R. H. CRUZER
by director.

— page 161 —
55246/416
Serial (102)
Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.
22 April, 1945.

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY OP-0926 DATE 5/21/45
W. E. THOMAS.

DECLASSIFIED

— page 164 —
15 March 1945 (4th Day).
0715 Interrogation of Captain to report repairs to an increasingly leaky
    submarine tower hatch and to confer with Commander Clifford BLUEGILL.
0753 Ship had exchanged calls with U.S.S. BLUEGILL who was standing
    out on the hull. (30/5/45).
0515 Moorad starboard side to port side of U.S.S. COUCH, who oblig-
    ingly took our mail, furnished us boat service to the beach, and
    gave us 1000 gal. of fuel. At first we were unable to get any
    conversation with Commander Clifford, BLUEGILL, in the afternoon
    and arranged for joint training exercise with the BARRETT.
    (20/5/45, 11/5/45).
1703 Underway from alongside U.S.S. COUCH, on route to BARRETT.
1830 Hold target practice on work north of VILLAGE A.D.
16 March 1945 (3th Day).
    Parrot E.R.R.R. conducting training dives and drills and practice
    operations on U.S.S. BLUEGILL. During radar tracking drill
    noticed that S.S. BLUEGILL was considerably reduced in that we
    were only able to hold BLUEGILL out to 9000 yds. Previously we
    had been able to hold a sub out to 13,000 yds. (See section M).
    Technicals put to work.
    Moon Point, (19/11/45, 11/5/45).
2100 had S.S. INTERFERENCE from the north, attempted to exchange
    calls with U.S.S. BLUEGILL. Delivered to have been
    successfully further reduced. Maximum range obtained was 7000 yds.
    We were for the time being unable to maintain contact with
    Commander Clifford. Our Pharnacists' note is out of
    condition with enough symbols to be legible for the next bunk
    to be loaded. "Will take care of the caretaker's daughter
    etc.---."
1132 Holds battlesurface and air and all guns at imaginary target.
    Moon Point, (14/3/45, 11/5/45).

— page 165 —
10 March 1945 (7th Day).

Annotate: Conducting training dives and drills. Flooded all tubes for 5 minutes at 65 feet keel depth. Checked torpedoes and found them all to be tight. SJ radar out of commission for complete check.

Soon float. (10:25'S; 11:52'L).

1230: Surface watch sighted sub on the horizon. Closed and overhanging cables with U.S.S. BRIDGEL (EGY7). Went alongside for convoy escort with Commander's Officer and received valuable information on German submarines. USS, BRIDGEL, and BRIDGEL, two heavy line and 2-11 of this with thin CO miles of the BRIDGEL; times have changed!

2300: SJ radar back in commission. Made test on BURGESS and found sensitivity still further reduced. Maximum range obtained now 5000 yds. Decided against transiting the BRIDGEL with this equipment out of order, so at

2130: When only 15 miles from LOMBOK, reversed course and headed south. Reported condition to CPY-71 and continued attempts to repair faulty radar.

19 March 1945 (8th Day).

Proceeding southward, attempting to improve SJ radar sensitivity.

0645: Attempted to make routine dive and lost all propulsion when contact markers on 3 gps generator froze. Interlocks prevented shift of motors to battery bus. Surface immediately and scoured for radio until contact markers had been pried apart. Security is believed to have been caused by throttling trip-in contact markers before seeing ROH was sufficiently reduced. Controller's on watch was subjected to the dense smoke incident to the arcing, but was quickly revived by the pharmacist. It is fully realized how serious this casualty might have been had it been a connection with an emergency dive and all hands are careful that the results were not any more serious. We believe we have benefited as a result of it. (See section F for further details).

Noon lost. (11:42'S; 11:52'L).

1300: Called IRON, who is to take south of us, on the area frequency and requested rendezvous to permit another test of our SJ radar.

1530: Received instruction from CPY-71 to proceed to LEMONCUP with we are unable to make satisfactory repairs to the SJ. Will recover decision until completion of test with IRON.

— page 166 —
1945 (5th Day) (Continued).

1400 Received rendezvous point from KR.K.N.

2000 Radio scheduled rendezvous with KR.K.N. (SCF8). Conducted radar tests with KR.K.N and found our SCT still reduced about 50% in sensitivity. KR.K.N was able to pick us up at 12,000yds and cover, whereas we did not pick her up until range had closed to 6,200 yards.

2230 Started company with KR.A.N and set course for EXECUTIVE GULF at 2-0

— page 167 —
23 March 1945 (12th Day).
    Recorded to Jolly at ONSLOW, N. L.
   0400 Completed repairs to SS radar.
   0730 Sighted U.S.S. HARDHEAD and U.S.S. GABILIN standing in to ONSLOW. (LOST #9 and 10).
   0300 HARDHEAD moored alongside.
   0300 Underway from Jolly enroute EASTERN.
   1200 Patrol 20-31 and 50 Cal. guns at bellown targets.
    Roan Posit. (21056'; 114042').
    1345 Held target practice on wreck north of VILLA MEAD.
    1400 Departed HARDHEAD and proceeded up JOINT ZONE.
    1655 Made trim and deep dive.
    24 March 1945 (12th Day).
    Private ENTER. Wind and sea making up from the southwest.
    0300 Went to three on one speed, attempting to make the ENTER by
    motorway night.
    Roan Posit. (17045.5'; 113056.5').
    25 March 1945 (14th Day).
    Private BADLER at 3 and 4 engine speeds.
    Roan Posit. (1128.5'; 115001.5').
    1243 Sighted and exchanged calls with southbound PERCH. (SC#11).
    PERCH came alongside and informed us that she had been strafed
    by a ZERO 70 miles south of the BADLER this morning.
    1321 Sighted and exchanged calls with HARDHEAD and GABILIN. (SC's
    #12 and 13). Received instructions from HARDHEAD. Commencing
    at 2400 order of transit HARDHEAD, GABILIN and CROAKER.
    1615 Told Church services.
    26 March 1945 (15th day).
    Private ENTER.
    0100 Commenced transit of SOMON STRAIT at 4 engine speed in bright
    moonlight.

— page 168 —
26 March 1945 (15th Day) (Continued):

0200 Radar contact bearing 0440T, range 10,400 yds. (SC#14). Assumed to be a patrol boat. Traded him at 8 knots on course 0250T. He never know we were there.

0300 Completed transit of SHUTT and set course for passage to the westward or INCHEN ISLANDS.

0500 Radar contact bearing 3000T, range 6000 yds. Reversed course and went ahead flank. Lost contact at 9000 yds.

0533 Submerged.

0600 Sighted sailing boat to the northward and believed this to be our 0500 radar contact. Sighted several small sailing boats during the day.

Noon Post. (703°15'; 115°33'E).

1904 Buried.

2100 Made message to the west of INCHEN ISLANDS.

27 March 1945 (16th day).

In J.V.S. enroute patrol area.

0555 Submerged.

Noon Post. (601°15'; 113°15'E).

1910 Buried.

2300 Passed 15 miles to the south of ENCHEN ISLAND. Delivered two must have passed through the whole "BLUEHULL" fishing fleet. Regardless, it was way we turned a couple more would pop up ahead ahead. Hope there wasn't any observers among them.

23 March 1945 (17th day).

In J.V.S. enroute patrol area.

0603 Submerged.

Noon Post. (501°15'; 111°00'E).

1916 Buried.

During the night sighted numerous small sail boats - avoided.

— page 170 —
1129 Evaded for SD contact on plane at 22 miles closing to 7 miles. (C-94). Plane was showing IT but we were not in any listed sector except in view of this fact that some Japs planes are reported to have used IT we thought it best to get out of sight.

: 1230 Surfaced.

: 1235 Coast. (7555N; 109912.23).

: 2230 Reported to PUERTO (ComVoi) and requested patrol instructions.

: 3-4-41 1245. (25rd Day).

: 1230 Surfaced.

: 0040 Received instruction from BLUEJACK to report to BUDGELL.

: 0600 Had SD radar interference from the north. Exchanged challenges and calls with CHIP.

: 0810 Submerged per train.

: 0830 Surfaced.

: 1235 Coast. (1253.5N; 11040m).

: 1348 Sighted U.S. sub to the west. Attempted to exchange challenges and calls by SD radar with no results. Delivered to have been CHIP. (C-95).

: 1400 Sighted second sub to the south. Exchanged calls with CHIP.

: 1405 Intercepted assigned area for patrol.

: 1440 Surfaced to work on #2 main motor. Oil had leaked into the casing from the former battle. (See section 1 for further details) Put port shift out of commission.

: 1550 Sighted U.S. submarine through periscope. Assumed to be COB... (C-95). Watched COB. made pronounced rendezvous with CHIP.

: 4-4-41 1245. (24th day).

: Submerged making repairs to #2 main motor.

: 0145 Port shift back in commission.

: 0225 Surfaced.

: 0300 Requested patrol instructions from FLUGELL on area frequency.

— page 171 —
2023 SURFACED, PATROLLED ON NORTH AND SOUTH COURSES 7 TO 10 MILES FROM THE COAST DURING THE NIGHT. VISIBILITY WAS GOOD. NO SIGNAL WAS RECEIVED FROM THE SUBMARINE. THE SUBMARINE WAS LOCATED AT 13°00' N, 125°15' W. THE SUBMARINE WAS CLOSED AT 0700 HOURS. CLOSING THE COAST DURING THE NIGHT WAS THE MOST COMMON OCCURRENCE OF SURFACES ON THE COAST DURING THE NIGHT. SURFACES WERE RECORDED AT 13°00' N, 125°15' W. THE SURFACES WERE CLOSED AT 0700 HOURS. THE SURF

— page 173 —
7 April 1945 (27th day)(continued).

Noon Iosit. (12032.5'N; 109031.5'E).

2023 Subfaced. Had sword iron HOD DOI south, running close to the islands. Only contacts wore many fishing boats.

2030 Aft had signal at 155 MCS.

2030 Subfaced and closed the coast for patrol off ION DOI Island.

Noon Iosit. (12044'N; 109029'N).

2025 Surfaced.

2100 Aft had signal at 155 MCS. It is assumed that this is a land based radar at the vicinity of CAIRANH DAY.

2000 Exchanged stations with BASEWAY.

2 April 1945 (29th day).

Patrolling between 15. and 30 miles off the coast between 12000'N and 12300'N, covering possible off-shore traffic routes.

0711 Subfaced for tri.

0500 Surfaced.

1120 Subaircraft "boily tank" with sub-machine gun.

Noon Iosit. (12029.5'N; 109031.5'E).

Subfaced search plane called us on radio and informed us that he had made no contacts in our area.

1930 Subfaced "boily tank".

2130 Aft had signal at 101 IGS.

10 April 1945 (30th day).

Patrolling 15 to 30 miles off coast between 12000'N and 12300'N, subfaced when (0.0.D. and navigator sighted exhaust of plane on port bow. (.0'3).

- 12 -

— page 174 —
10 April 1945 (30th day) (Continued).

0020 Surfaced.

1130 Closed medium sized fishing boat for inspection. Boat was unarmed and appeared harmless. The Chinese crew waved and smiled, so we returned the compliment and steamed away.

: 1000 Rosit. (12017'N; 109034'E).

: 1000. The ship was in sight as a 'large type' plane, but there was nothing on the radio circuit.

: 1123 5:00.

: Throughout the day AR had signals at 101 IMS and 157 IMS.

1000 Tied and as soon as began making up from the north.

2000 Tied to the east coast to exchange stations with BISAW.

: 1112-1245 (21st day).

: 2000. Tied to the east coast to exchange stations with BISAW.

: 2000. Tied to the east coast to exchange stations with

— page 176 —
15 April 1945 (25th day).
    Patrolling on north and south courses 7 - 10 miles off coast.
    070 Submerged for periscope patrol in vicinity of PALAU GABIR.
    Noon Point. (13056.6N; 10923.1E).
    1410 Diving routine periscope sweep sighted LIEUTENANT on south
    course, distant 10 miles. (AGU10).
    1710 Hold church services.
    2033 Surfaced and opened out to the southeast to exchange stations
    with the RABU.
    2200 Code BLUEGRUNT by S.O. radar. No informed us that he was depart-
    ing area.
    15 April 1945 (26th day).
    Patrolling 15 - 40 miles off coast east of VARGILLA.
    Noon Point. (12645N; 10955E).
    1700 3.5 cm. gun on conning tower because of cracked cylinder liner.
    (See section 4 for details).
    2000 Hour cruising coast in vicinity of VARGILLA.
    2200 Abandoned challenges and calls with BEAUFORT by S.O.
    17 April 1945 (27th day).
    Patrolling 10 to 30 miles off coast in vicinity of V.RELL.
    0615 3 min. radio back in conclusion.
    0745 Submerged for trial.
    Oddly Buried.

- 15 -

— page 177 —
17 April 1945 (27th day) (Continued).

Noon Post. (12°37'N; 109°51.5'E).

1445 Received word from HADORO search plane that he had nothing for us.

1900 Began closing coast.

2100 Transferred challenges and calls with BASHWA by S.J. BASHWA departed area and we are now the only boat in this area.

2130 Sighted good sized fire well back up in the hills. Believe this to have been started by a bomb dropped from one of our planes today.

2230 Made sweep up the coast between 1240'N and 13025'N running to 4 - 7 miles off beach.

0230

14 April 1945 (38th day).

Patrolling to the eastward of CATE VILLA, 10 miles off coast.

0756 Submerged for trim.

0810 Surfaced.

Decided to remain on the surface today patrolling 10 to 40 miles off coast for following reasons:

(1) We will be able to receive any contact reports from HADORO search plane and can thus avail ourselves of his increased horizon.

(2) Since our subs are both to the north and south of us we should get contact reports from them if any coastal traffic is coming our way.

(3) We can cover possible off shore traffic routes.

- 16 -

— page 178 —
1900: 15 April 1945 (3th day) (Continued).
0940: Sailed small plane to the east, distant about 12 miles. Plane soon lost in the clouds. (LCH#11).
1115: Sighted LURM (Lurmel) search plane over V.R.M.L. headed south. (LCH#12). Plane informed us that he had nothing for us.
1000: Posit. (12045.3°N; 109041°E).
1425: Sank oil drum with sub machine gun.
1900: Began closing coast.
19 April 1945 (39th day).
Patrolling parallel to the coast east of V.R.M.L. 7 to 10 miles off shore.
0600: Began opening out to the eastward.
0745: Submerged for train.
0800: Surreached.
Non Posit. (13005°N; 109047°E).
1325: Sank oil drum with sub machine gun.
20 April 1945 (40th day).
Patrolling 6 to 40 miles off coast east of V.R.M.L.
1000: Posit. (12053.5°N; 109041.5°E).
1215: Sank large spirochlor buoy with 20th fire.
1500: Departed area and set course for SUBIC at 4-ocean speed.
21 April 1945 (41st day).
Enroute SUBIC.
0915: Sighted and exchanged calls with B.Y. and CAVIL (SC#20 & 21).
1000: CD contact at 20 miles showing IFF. (LCH#13).
1000: Posit. (14054°N; 114051°E).
1430: CD contact at 20 miles showing IFF. (LCH#14).

— page 181 —
1. 1253 29-145 S/M 16,000 190 S Exchg. chall. & calls with HUN KL5.
2. 2145 27-328 S/M 190 SJ Exchg. chall. & calls Int.with USS GUITARO.
3. 0215 20-348 S/M 010 SJ Exchg. chall. & calls Int.with USS BLUEGILL.
4. 0753 21-466 S/M 12,000 000 S Exchg. calls with USS PARCH.
5. 2100 17-278 S/M 190 SJ Exchg. chall. & Calls Int.with USS BLOWER.
6. 0400 15-593 S/M 190 SJ Beloved to be USS ATI TADO.
7. 1215 10-255 S/M 16,000 000 S Cane alongside USS BRAHAM, Trans. CPHM Q.L. BROWN and Rec. HANDLEY, PHILC aboard.
8. 2010 13-218 S/M 8,000 000 SJ Exchg. chall. & calls with USS KRAKEN.
9. 0800 21-376 S/M 2,000 180 AW USS HARDHEAD approaching fuel dock while CROAKER was at dock.
10. 0502 21-376 S/M 6,000 150 AW USS GIBLIN approaching fuel dock while CROAKER was at dock.
11. 1243 11-198 S/M 12,000 010 F Exchg. chall. & calls with USS PARCH.
12. 1211 11-168 S/M 16,000 010 P Exchg. chall. & calls with USS HARDHEAD.
13. 1324 11-155 S/M 16,000 010 P Exchg. chall. & calls with USS GIBLIN.
14. 0206 08-338 Patrol 10,400 025 SJ Patrol boat in LOMBOK STRAIT. 8 Kts. 025(T).
15. 0600 11-44.5N S/M 16,000 070 SJ Exchg. chall. & calls with USS SHALLION.

- 20 -

— page 182 —
5th COLTTS (Continued).

| No. | Time | Lat. | Type(s) | Init. Range | Est. Crs. Spd. | How Cont. Remarks |
|-----|------|------|||||
| 16  | 1343 | 13-13.5N | S/M     | 16,000 yards | 180 Sd. 14 | SJ assumed to be USS CHUE. |
| 17  | 1400 | 13-13.5N | S/M     | 16,000 yards | 060 Sd. 14 | Exchanged Chall. & calls with USS CALIAN |
| 18  | 1550 | 13-06N | S/M     | 16,000 yards | 180 Sd. 13 | Sew USS COHL rendezvous with USS CALIAN. |
| 19  | 2150 | 13-26N | S/M     | 13,000 yards | 130 Sd. 14 | Exchg. Chall. & calls with USS BASIL. |
| 20  | 0945 | 14-54N | Sub-marines | 16,000 yards | 270 Sd. 15 | Exchg. Chall. & calls with USS CALIAN and USS BAYA. |

SJ = SJ Radar.
S = Lookout.
R = Periscope.
CD = JD Radar.

— page 183 —
22
USS
SD
Not seen; dive at 8 miles

4/2 109-12.5E
1. 1130 7-53.2N UNK 22 UNK
2. 1140 13-16.7N Liberator 3 260 P
3. 0000 12-18.2N UNK 12 090 APR
4. 1214 12-26N 4-engin 10 135 APR
5. 1138 12-44N Two 12 180 S
6. 1253 12-53.5N Unk 5 Unk
7. 1700 12-37N 2-engin 2 180 P
8. 0949 13-53.6N Liberator 2 000 P
9. 1345 13-52N Liberator 12 150 P
10. 1310 13-37N 10 150 P
11. 0940 12-43N Single 12 000 S
12. 1115 12-43N Liberator 13 180 S
13. 1100 14-54N Unk 22 Unk SD
14. 1230 14-58N Unk 30 Unk SD
490. 114-53N

— page 184 —
0645, March 19, made a quick dive off No. 2-3 Main Engines. Transcribed after the engines were secured, propulsion was lost, and maneuvering area reported Fire in that compartment. All main vents were closed and the boat was surfaced.

There was considerable smoke in the Motor Room which was cleared by starting an idling two main engines.

The cubicle control levers were checked and it was found that 3 Gen. Lever would not be completely moved from the Motor Bus to the Off position. Also, the Bus Solenoid lever could not be moved from the Bus Off position to the Bus position; however this was to be expected, since the Bus Solenoid lever is mechanically interlocked with the Generator levers so that the latter must be in the Off or Batt Bus positions before the Bus Solenoid lever can be moved to the Batt Bus or slow position.

Examination of the cubicle disclosed that no. 3 Gen. contacts lever called about - thus accounting for the fact that the Generator panel does, operation of the electric levers, including mechanical interlocking, was checked and found to be normal. . . . It 055 propulsion was shifted to the battery with normal operation.

At 0715, propulsion was shifted to No. 1-2 Main Engines with operation normal.

Pritter examination of the cubicle revealed that the two steerboard bus selector switches were badly burned and that there probably had been a flash over between them.

— page 185 —
1. The generator contacts were cleared and the bus solenoid switches were operated. The generator was turned on and the generator was turned off. The

— page 186 —
1.10 April - Fresh water pressure on 3-man engine was noted to drop to 20.0 psi. With the engine operating at 65% load. The engine was secured and a hydrostatic test put on the F.W. system to determine the source of trouble. The test indicated a leaky cylinder liner at 4% of the original displacement. The unit was disassembled and the liner pulled for inspection. A 1/2" crack was found in the liner just above the scavenging ports. A spore liner was installed and the top two compression rings on the piston inner. The old liner had been in service for 2740 hours. This casualty was the engine out of commission for 25 hours.

TORRIDOS.

During a weekly routine of 16-1 torpedo, serial #56967, it was discovered that it was system malfunctioning. Investigation revealed that the war started on the side. Sighting device was broken. A no spore liner was carried for this part, it was necessary to turn on cut on the throttle. After it was installed, the war was normally reduced for the first time. This system was not satisfactory, it is a spade was arrived in use only after all other had been fired.

During a weekly routine check of the 13-1 torpedo, serial #57080, it was discovered that cell #7 was dead. This cell was jumped out.

(I) RADIO.

This - Necessary to replace several tubes only.
HL - Replaced 6D detector tubes. Realigned trimers so that automatic and AP trimers tune to maximum at midscale. Band 6 and 9 still have noisy contacts.
RHL - no defects.
RHL - no defects.
TBL - no defects.

— page 187 —
1. Radio Perth (VBO) was copied by this vessel throughout the run with fair success. We consider it lucky that only one serial was missed, since we were out of communication with that station many times during the run. Several factors were responsible for this: friendly stations and other causes. On occasion, both NPG (sonar picture) and BMF caused heavy interference. On the average, about ten hours per night, we were unable to copy Perth Fax, but during this period, and when it was on the air, we shifted to Coras (VHM) instead, we were able to copy it because of his 15GW mate, which made it brief. The receiver used with best results was the H-7 and HES on the Fax schedules. The BMF was used primarily on the VHMS.

2. At 1920 G.C.T. on March 18th, we sent an 89 group message to Radio Perth on 8470 HCS, we were unable to hear him on that frequency but he told us to "on Fax Bakers, 9250. Send message once, then 2 groups reported at his request. Heard his "K", very weakly on 8470 and he also received on 9250. Unidentified correctly. At 1940 C.C.T. on March 19th, sent a 114 group message on 8470. Still unable to hear him this frequency. He received on Fax and authenticated correctly after asking for repetition, which were sent.

Summarizing, it is felt that if VBO were to transmit on frequency in the 16,000 band during daylight hours, with a frequency in the seven or eight thousand band at night, he could be copied with better results. So many stations are crowded in on 9250 and therefore, it is almost impossible to carry many times. And 4370 is useless at long distances, even at night. It is also badly jammed 12,630 radios out completely during dark hours, and then comes in strong gradually.

The use of the 16 on a communication device worked fairly good at times up to about 15,000 yds, but care must be exercised by both over the use of that they are trained on each other at all times. The is particularly difficult when both vessels are necessarily on a 2-2g course. It is still felt that the need for a good short distance method for communicating between boats has not been met. It is necessary to equip and with the equipment as experimented with by this vessel on our 2nd run (with good results - which would be better with a proper antenna) this need would probably be met successfully.

— page 191 —
0 DENITIAL
:0 DENITIAL LAYERS.

| No. | Date       | Time (GMT) | Long. (Latt.) | Greatest Remarks Depth | Degrees change to greatest depth |
|-----||||||
| 1   | 3/23/45   | 0510      | 113-46E       | 21-20S 245              | Neg. gradient at 150 feet. (60) |
| 2   | 4/4/45    | 2215      | 109-40E       | 13-12N 250              | Neg. gradient at 60 feet. (90) |
| 3   | 4/5/45    | 2215      | 109-42E       | 13-02N 200              | Neg. gradient at 60 ft. Post gradient at 60 ft. Neg. gradient at 80 ft. (60) |
| 4   | 4/6/45    | 2214      | 109-26E       | 13-19N 250              | Neg. gradient from surface. (60) |
| 5   | 4/7/45    | 2207      | 109-30E       | 12-34N 250              | Neg. gradient from surface. (90) |
| 6   | 4/9/45    | 1500      | 109-18.5E     | 12-28N 150              | Positive from 50 ft. (80) |
| 7   | 4/10/45   | 0401      | 109-32E       | 12-28N 150              | Neg. from 50 ft. (80) |
| 8   | 4/11/45   | 0354      | 109-26.5E     | 12-54 150              | Neg. from 80 ft. (60) |

All FFs cards are being forwarded to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.

— page 194 —
1. RADAR AND RADIO COMMUNICATIONS (Continued).

- No interference other than that from other 5J Radar was detected on the 5J Radar.

- All case on obviously intentional radio jamming was encountered. It occurred at 10 April, 1200 to 1330 G.C.T. The jamming seemed to be noise modulated M.C.W. signal. 9250 IC and 12630 KC were blocked.

- 2. 1.5.1.

— page 195 —
6 0573
00/En
FCS-32/A16-3
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-TWO
Corr of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
22 April 1945.

From: Corr. Commander Squadron Twenty-two,
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet,
Via: (1) Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
(2) Corr. Officer, SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. CROAKER (SS245) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

1. The U.S.S. CROAKER (SS245) departed Fremantle 12 March on her fourth war patrol. The second patrol as such for the Commanding Officer, Commander F. E. THOMAS, U.S. Navy. The Patrol extended over a period of 41 days, 27 of which were spent at sea and assigned areas off the coast of FRENCH INDIA. A brief report to a leader coming to war, which he departed from the same day, having been in company with the U.S.S. BUNELL (SS242) while effecting repairs. After rendezvous with U.S.S. BUNELL (SS243), the latter transferred HARDLEY, L.M., FHL, to CROAKER in the sudden emergency, and received FROM for return to port.

2. Persistent reduction in SJ sensitivity was noted while approaching the Barrier, and the Commanding Officer wisely made a decision to return to ENJOYTH for necessary repairs. The Force Commander subsequently directed CROAKER to proceed to ONSLOW, W.A., where she arrived 22 March 1945.

3. The CROAKER departed ONSLOW 23 March, transiting LOMEK on the night of 25-26 March in company with the U.S.S. HARDWELL (SS365) and U.S.S. GUBILAN (SS252), without incident, and entered patrol area on 3 April. The Commanding Officer HARDWELL directed CROAKER to obtain patrol instructions from the BLUE-GIL, and she operated thereafter in coordination with BLUE-GIL and the U.S.S. BASHAN (SS241). Numerous fishing boats were encountered in close to the shore-line of INDIA, and occasional contacts with friendly and unidentified planes were made. Libraries were contacted by radio in a few instances, but no information on enemy movements was received from this source. This patrol resulted in a total absence of targets, no anti-submarine measures or mines were encountered, nor were there any incidents to break the monotony other than infrequent inspection of fishing boats. Area coverage would indicate that little, if any, shipping was operating in the areas assigned to patrol.

4. The CROAKER returned from patrol clean, and in good material condition, considering this is her fourth patrol. A refit will be given during the normal period allotted, with no major repair items to accomplish, and docking is unnecessary. In spite of the absence of enemy contacts, health and morale of both officers and men are good, and Squadron Twenty-two repair facilities welcome another of their boats alongside which they have not had the privilege of refitting heretofore.

F. S. HUTCHINSON.

— page 196 —
6 0573
Serial 0804
C-O-N-F-I-D-H-N-T-A-L
4 May 1945.
SECOND ENDORSEMENT TO:
USS CROAKER CONTR. Ltr. A16
Serial 102, gated 22 April
1945. Report of Fourth
War Patrol.

From:
To:
Via:
Subject:
The Commander Submarines SEVENTH FLEET.
The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

U.S.S. CROAKER (3346) - Report of Fourth War Patrol - Command of Commander B. THOMAS, U.S.N., under the coast of INDOCINTA in the CUT V.RELLA Area. On 3 April, CROAKER instructed from BLUECILL.

2. The decision of the Commander Officer to return to EXHIBIT for necessary repairs to his radar was correct.

3. No enemy contacts were made, although area coverage was good. CROAKER's observations corroborate those of others in the area around CUT V.RELLA to the effect that the enemy has made no attempt to move traffic along this coast since late in March 1945. Submarines and aircraft have apparently instituted a completely effective blockade of the coast at this point.

4. The award of the Submarine Combat Insignia is not authorized for this patrol.

5. The Force Commander concentrates the Commanding Officer, Officers, and Crew of this CROAKER upon the completion of this arduous patrol.

C. H. FISHER
ORIGINAL COPY.

— page 197 —
14/mn

FE24-71/A16-3
Serial_0804

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
4 May 1945.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS CROAKER Conf. Ltr. A16
Serial 102, dated 22 April
1945. Report of Fourth War
Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. CROAKER (S3246) - Report of Fourth War Patrol - Comment on.

---

**Cominch**
(3) Direct
(2) CTG-71.8
(2)
Vice Opnav
(2) Direct
ComSubRon-22
(2)
Vice Opnav Op-230
(1)
ComSubRon-26
(2)
Com1stFLt
(1)
ComSubRon-30
(2)
Com2ndFLt
(1)
DivComsSubRon-22
(1 ea)
Com7thFLt
(2)
DivComsSubRon-26
(1 ea)
ComSub1stFLt
(30)
DivComsSubRon-30
(1 ea)
ComSubs2ndFLt
(4)
S/M School, N.I. Conn.
(2)
CTF-71
(7)
Comdt.NYD, Puget Sound
(1)
CTG-71.5
(2)
SubAd, Mare Island
(2)
S/Ms 7thFLt
(1)

J. B. MILLER,
Flag Secretary.

THIS REPORT WILL BE DESTROYED PRIOR TO ENTRY INTO ENEMY CONTROLLED WATERS.

---

**Page 2 of 2**

— page 198 —
23 MAY 1945
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT on:
USS CROAKER conf. ltr.
serial 102, dated 22
April 1945.
From: Commander Seventh Fleet.
To: Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. CROAKER (S824C) - Report of War Patrol
Number FOUR.
1. Forwarded.

J. H. LONG
By: [Signature]
[Signature]
[Signature]

— page 199 —
88246/16
Serial (09)
Fleet Post Crice,
San Francisco, Calif.,
5 June 1945.

C DECLASSIFIED I.A.L

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246)
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (Official Channels).

Subject: U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246), Report of I.R. PATROL Number FIVE.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track chart.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the FFTW War Patrol of 1945, to 5 June 1945, is forwarded herewith.

W. B. THOMAS.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.10

BY QCP-09202C DATE 5/23/42

— page 200 —
1. Arrived Subic Bay, P. I., on 22 April 1945, from FOURTH WAR PATROL. Refit conducted by U.S.S. HOWARD W. GILMORE and SUBDIV 222 Relief Crew during period 23 April to 6 May 1945.

Major items of work accomplished as follows:

1. Main engines #2 and #3 overhauled.
2. Sparling Type Trim Pump Totalizer flow meter installed in trim pump discharge line.
3. Installed dummy log in conning tower.
4. Installed LANCE-SHERMAN ice oreaul maker in after battery.
5. Renewed QQ-JK sound head.
6. Installed positive stop for pitometer log rodmeter.
7. Installed TEL voice handset in conning tower.
8. Connected DF loop antenna selector system to permit DF loop being used with RAK or RAL.

Lieut. R. B. BRADY, D.D., USNR, Lieut. T. T. BOWEN, USN, and Lt. (jg) J. T. MORRISON, 3, USNR, were detached and Lieut. L. R. GIBSON, DE, USNR, Lieut. R. C. OCHS, DE, USNR, and Ens. P. C. NAGEL, D(L), USNR, reported aboard.

Sixteen (16) men were transferred during the refit period and seventeen (17) men reported aboard.

Conducted five days training; sound tested, but not deperrned.

Readiness for sea 15 May 1945.

(B) NARRATIVE.

Officers
THOMAS, W. E.
LENNOX, W. R.
GIBSON, W. R.
WEBSTER, T. P.
OCHS, R. C.
GALILE, E. S.
LYNCH, J. C.
CASSY, T. F. Jr.
UNDERWOOD, R. L.
NACEL, F. C.

Rank
Comdr., USNR
Lt. Cdr., DE, USNR
Lieut., DE, USNR
Lieut., D(L), USNR
Lieut., DE, USNR
Lt. (jg), DE, USNR
Lt. (jg), D, USNR
Lt. (jg), (E)L-R, USNR
Ens., DE-L, USNR
Ens., D(L), USNR

File No. No. Patrols
77119 4
73655 11
97824 11
119759 3
153327 1
190297 5
261576 4
265461 5
341364 2
332072 1

— page 201 —
15 May 1945 (1st day).
: 1400 Departed SUBIC BAY for FIFTH WAR PATROL in accordance with CTF 71 OpOrd #62-45. Conducted practice approaches on escort, U.S.S. WILLETT.
: 2200 Released escort and proceeded down JOINT ZONE independently at three engine speed.
: 16 May 1945 (2nd day).
: Enroute patrol area, conducting training dives and drills.
: Noon Posit. (13052'N; 116032.5'E).
: 17 May 1945 (3rd day).
: Enroute patrol area, conducting training dives and drills.
: 0813 Sighted LIBRATOR bearing 3400T, distant 10 miles. (AC#1).
: 1150 Sighted LIBRATOR bearing 3100T, distant 10 miles. Exchanged recognition signals when plano closed. (AC#2).
: Noon Posit. (11007'N; 111052.5'E).
: 18 May 1945 (4th day).
: Enroute patrol area, conducting training dives and drills.
: Noon Posit. (7047'N; 108054.5'E).
: 1515 Sighted U. S. Sub through high periscope. Exchanged information with BLUEFIN. (SC#1).

— page 203 —
22 May 1945 (8th day).

Enroute patrol area.

0100 Converted #4 F.B.T. to a M.B.T.

200 Complicated transit KARIMATA STRAIT.

0710 Submerged to flush out #4 F.B.T.

0740 Surfaced.

Noon Posit. (4°40'S; 111°31.5'E).

1330 Submerged.

1823 Surfaced.

2100 Began patrolling at 2-ongine spood on east and west courses to the north of BAYERN ISLAND.

2110 Had radar interforceno to the coast. Attempted to challenge with no results.

2115 Made sight and radar contact on ship bearing 110°T, distant 9000 yds. (SC#3). Put contact astern and stationed tracking party. At first this contact was thought to be the CHUB, but it was noticed that he was smoking heavily and the range began to close. No tracked him at 17-18 knots.

2142 Exchanged challenges and calls with CHUB. (SC#4). CHUB was bearing about 065°T, whorcas other target (now assumed to be a patrol boat) was bearing 110°T.

2150 Target fired 2 yellow flares into the air, began blinking a white light at us, and shortly we could hear gun fire although we could see no flashes or splashes. Although there was almost a 3/4 moon shining, this Jap must have had good eyesight or a good radar to have picked us up at that range. Lost contact and evaded to the southwest to get out of the 20 and into some 30 fathom water.

2310 Just to make sure, asked CHUB on area frequency if he had flash of a light at us. He replied in the negative.

2315 Had radar interforceno bearing 240°T. Attempted to challenge but could not break in on his continuous sweeps. Thought to have been BORFISH.

— page 204 —
23 May 1945 (9th day)
Patrolling to the northwest of B.W.E.N. ISLAND.
0330 Entered assigned patrol area.
0721 Submerged.
Noon Posit. (5°49.5' S; 11°20.5' E).
1957 Surfaced.
Patrolled across the B.W.E.N.-SUR.B.E.N. route during the night.
24 May 1945 (10th day).
Patrolling in the vicinity of B.W.E.N. ISLAND.
0732 Submerged for periscope patrol to the north of B.W.E.N.
Noon Posit. (5°22.5' S; 11°37.5' E).
1950 Surfaced.
Patrolling to the eastward of B.W.E.N., leading for the
SUR.B.E.N.-SUR.B.E.N. traffic routes.
#4 Main Engine out of commission 18 hours to renew salt
water pump. (See section 1 for details).
25 May 1945 (11th day).
Patrolling in assigned area.
0030 Put 4 engines on propulsion and loaded back for the west
of B.W.E.N.
0731 Submerged for periscope patrol to the west of B.W.E.N. ISLAND.
Noon Posit. (5°50' S; 112°16.5' E).
1952 Surfaced.
#1 Main Engine out of commission for 16 hours to replace
broken cylinder head stud. (See section 1 for details).
26 May 1945 (12th day).
Patrolling to the northwest of B.W.E.N.
0040 Had radar interference and exchange challenges and calls
with BLEWNY. (5°5' S).

— page 205 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Continued).

26 May 1945 (12th day) (Continued).

0731 Submerged for periscope patrol to the westward of BLUE N.

Noon Posit. (5033.5'; 112018'E).

1951 Surfaced.

27 May 1945 (13th day).

Patrolling between BLUE N and CAPE BENDOH.

0036 Made radar contact on single target at 8000 yards. Tracked him on course 330°T at 8 knots. Bolivoid him to be a BRITISH SUB, but could not definitely identify so avoided. (SC#6).

0650 Submerged off CAPE BENDOH and patrolled parallel to the beach during the day.

Noon Posit. (6035'; 11136.5'E).

1947 Surfaced and headed east at one engine speed.

2105 Exchanged calls and information with BLUE B.C. by SJ radar. (SC#7).

2115 Sighted two yellow flares to the westward. BLUE B.C. reported seeing them also.

28 May 1945 (14th day).

Patrolling across BLUE N-SUR BAY traffic routes.

0743 Submerged for periscope patrol across SUR BAY I-M.S. LEMBO traffic lanes.

Noon Posit. (608.5'; 113031').

1945 Surfaced and continued eastward at one engine speed.

29 May 1945 (15th day).

0723 Submerged for periscope patrol across S. PORDI STR. IT M.S. LEMBO traffic lane.

Noon Posit. (6055'; 11505.5').

1944 Surfaced. Proceeded to the northwest at two engine speed.

- 6 -

— page 206 —
30 May 1945 (16th day).
0400 Put 3 engines on propulsion.
0605 Made sight and radar contact on properly lighted hospital ship. Tracked him on course 0300° at 12 knots. (SO/8).
0645 Submerged and watched him go past.
0757 Surfaced and continued patrolling at 3 engine speed.
Noon Posit. (5°16'5"; 112°23').
1300 Received instructions to move into another area.
1400 Set course to depart present area.
1500 Had SD contact on plane at 12 miles. (—C/3). Subsequent checks showed the range remaining constant at 12 miles. Decided that this was probably an air escort hovering over his convoy so at
1512 Heeded east to see if we could close the range.
We did -- in fact, with his assistance, we closed it too darn much! Shortly, we sighted him at 10 miles, coming out of the clouds with a zero angle on the bow. Single engine - twin float (J/1).
1515 Submerged -- hanging up (what seemed like ages) at 50 feet due to head seas. Range was 3 miles when SD must want under.
1517 Received first bomb -- not close.
1519 Received second bomb -- a little closer. This was the thanks we got for letting their hospital ship go by this morning!
1605 Back to periscope depth. Sighted J/KE who had just passed over and was heading out on course 0900°. At a range of about 8 miles he turned and headed back for us so eased down to 150 feet. Again. Figured the convoy must be about 8 - 10 miles due east of us. Came to course 0450° to close in case they were heading north. Had a strong desire to repay them for the calling cards left by the J/KE.
1630 Back to periscope depth -- all clear. Decided to remain submerged, surfacing in time to overtake them by dark.
1835 Surfaced and immediately sighted three ships and one escort to the east -- range about 8 to 10 miles. (SO/9). Believed to be 3 small oilers and 1 PC escort. Plane was over convoy and appeared to be heading in our direction, so at

— page 207 —
1839 Pulled the plug again. Decided to stay down this time until dark.

: 1956 Woken getting ready to surface, sound reported a single sort of scrouds at 0500T. (5c/10). Rapid change in boaring indicated target to be fairly close. Put target astern and at

: 2013 Came to radar depth. Radar had pip at 5000 yards.

: 2015 Surfaced and began tracking target. He tracked on northerly courses at speeds increasing from 6 to 16 knots.

Received word from CHUB that her SJ was out of commission. Decided our target must be CHUB so headed to the eastward at 4 engine speed, looking for convoy. Asked CHUB for position. Her answer verified that she was original target. CHUB had asked us to stop chasing him and we informed him that we were searching for convoy to the eastward of him.

: 2055 Made radar contact on convoy, bearing 0600T, range 12,000 yds., began tracking. Convoy tracked on base course 0100T, speed 5 knots. Realized targets were small and that torpedoes would have to be set shallow to hit. Seas were force 3 - 4 from 1100T. Decided to attack from starboard flank as to be able to fire with the sea. I realized that this would put us between targets and the moon but hoped to get attacks off prior to moonrise at 2147. Sent contact report to CHUB and BLENNY, and informed them we would attack from starboard flank.

: 2135 Set-up was shocking so turned in for attack with target course 0000T, speed 4, torpedo run 2800, gyros 3480, and track 828 at

: 21- Commenced firing 6 bow tubes, depth set 2 and 3 feet. Wung 39-13 right for stern tube set-up.

: 21- Heard and saw torpedo hit and entirely disintegrate one target. When smoke had cleared away he was gone from sight and the radar screen.

: 21- Commenced firing 3 stern tubes, depth set 3 feet.

: 21- Heard hit. This was believed to have been the 3rd torpedo fired aft. It caught the escort who had been about 2000 yards on the port flank of the loading target, for radar now had only two pips left on the screen.

— page 208 —
30 May 1945 (16th day) (Continued).

Torpedoes had been set on 2' and 3' and were seen to breach all the way down the range; they looked like so many jack rabbits as they jumped out of the water. Pulled out for reload and continued to track leading one of two remaining targets.

2215 Turned in for attack with target course 3450T, speed 4, torpedo run 2500, gyros 3520, and track 920S at

22-24 Commenced firing 5 bow tubes, depth set 5 foot. Owng right for stern tube set-up and at

22-27 Commenced firing 3 stern tubes, depth set 5 foot. Had set depth on all torpedoes at 5' in an attempt to do away with the broaching. However, these torpedoes broached just as badly, if not worse than the other ones. No hits were obtained on these two attacks. No reason is advanced for this unless it was because of the increased depth setting. Pulled out for reload forward, continuing to track target. Other remaining target had pulled away to the southward.

2257 Turned in for attack. A three-quarter moon was now well up and I felt sure we would be sighted, but decided to make a surface attack anyhow. With target course 2900T, speed 4.5, torpedo run 2150, gyros 0090, and track 1130S, at

23-05 Commenced firing 4 bow tubes, depth set 3 foot. Again the torpedoes broached all the way down the range, but we could see 2 of them headed right for him. Owng right. Target began firing a machine gun at us and got off one round from what I estimated to be a 3" on his stern. Tracers were flying over the bridge, so sent lookouts below.

23-08 Heard and saw first torpedo hit and blow forward half of ship to bits. Stern section maintained about a 450 dive angle as it disappeared beneath the water. This was a most welcome hit to all hands on the bridge, for the target had just started a second string of machine gun fire when we rather rudely interrupted him!

2310 Spoke BLINNY by SJ radar. (SJ-11). Having only one torpedo running, not knowing whereabouts of one remaining target, and realizing that CHUE and BLINNY were in the immediate vicinity, at

2359 Headed scutt at 4-engine spool, ending comparatively busy day. Informed CHUB and BLINNY that one target remained and that we were clearing area to southward.

— page 209 —
1 June 1945 (17th day).
: 1749:  Submerged.
: 1710:  Submerged.
: 1749:  Noon Posit. (5°53.5'S; 113°25.5'E).
: 1749:  Surface.
: 1710:  Auxiliary engine out of commission with broken flexible coupling. (See section K for details).
: 1749:  Surface.
: 1710:  Submerged.
: 1749:  Noon Posit. (5°02'S; 115°50'E).
: 1749:  Surface.
:

— page 210 —
3 June 1945 (20th day).
Enroute FRESHLY.
Noon Posit. (18057.5'S; 1130361E).
4 June 1945 (21st day).
Enroute FRESHLY.
Noon Posit. (26C10.5'S; 112011E).
5 June 1945 (22nd day).
Enroute FRESHLY.
Noon Posit. (31°51'S; 115013.5'E)
1510 Arrived FRESHLY.

— page 211 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(C) WEATHER.

No radical difference from weather described in the sailing directions (H.C. No. 163) were noted. Skies were 30 to 40% overcast, seventy to eighty percent of the time in the area within one hundred miles of BULFIN. Visibility was 30 to 50 miles ninety percent of the time. Average temperature was 52°F. Average barometer was 29.88.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION.

Currents in the area followed the wind and sea averaging 295 at 0.9 knots.

| Dates | Moon Lat. | Moon Long. | Set | Drift |
|-------|||-----|-------|
| 22 May | 04-40.15S | 111-31.51E | 331 | 0.8   |
| 23 May | 05-49.55S | 112-21E | 315 | 0.6   |
| 24 May | 05-22.55S | 112-37.55E | 294 | 0.4   |
| 25 May | 05-49.55S | 112-16.55E | 295 | 0.6   |
| 26 May | 05-33.55S | 112-18.55E | 293.5 | 0.9   |
| 27 May | 06-35S   | 111-36.55E | 270 | 1.5   |
| 28 May | 06-09.55S | 113-26E | 280 | 1.1   |
| 29 May | 06-55S   | 115-05.55E | 280 | 1.1   |
| 30 May | 05-16S   | 112-23E | 290 | 1.1   |
| 31 May | 05-53.55S | 113-25.55E | 300 | 1.1   |

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.

No navigational aids were sighted.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS.

| No. | Date | Time Lat. | Type | Initial Est. | How | Remarks |
|-----|-------||-------||------||
| 1.  | 18 May | 7-14.55N | SS   | 16000      | 060  | Exchg. Chall. & Calls with USS BLUFFIN(SS-321) |
| 2.  | 20 May | 0-23N     | SS   | 16000      | 300  | Exchg. Chall. & Calls with USS BLUFFIN(SS-321) |
| 3.  | 22 May | 4-41.55S | Patrol | 9000       | 300  | Flares, signals, Gunfire. |
| 4.  | 22 May | 4-42S     | SS   | UNK        | UNK  | Exchg. Chall. & Calls with USS CHUBB(SS-329) on Interference Bearing 065°T. |
| 5.  | 26 May | 5-05S     | SS   | UNK        | UNK  | Exchg. Chall. & Calls with USS BLUFFIN(SS-321) |

- 12 -

— page 212 —
17 May 11-49N B-24 10 MH 180 S 20mlev. 3400ft.
0813 112-24E 200

2. 17 May 11-19N B-24 10 MH 040 S 10mlev. 3100ft.
1150 112-00E 175

3. 30 May 5-14.5S J.H.E 12 Mi. Circle SD Bombed us with 2 bomb.

NOTE: S = Sight  SJ = Radar  SD = Radar  JP = Sound
CB = Sound  P = Periscope

— page 213 —
21-39-13
Date: 30 May 1945
Lat: 5009'5
Long: 112036'5
Target Data - Damage Inflated

Description:
Ship was one of 3 ships in convoy, escorted by a PC type escort. Ships were belicved to be small coastal oilers similar in appearance to "Sugar 'ble Sugar" described on page 20 of Weekly Intelligence Bulletin of 9 April 1945. Convoy was contacted by radar, having been sighted through the high periscope earlier in the afternoon. Night was dark - moon rise was at 2147 with a three-quarter moon. Convoy was tracked by radar to determine course and speed.

Ship Sunk:
One (1) Coastal oiler of 2800 tons. (SU)

Ships Damaged:
None

Damage Determined by:
Saw torpedo hit and target disintegrate. Pip disappeared.

Target Draft:
7' Course 0000 Speed 4 kts. Range 2870

OWN SHIP DATA:
Speed 11 kts. Course 2750 Depth - Surface Angle 00

FIRST CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA:
Type - attack: Night surface radar attack using radar ranges and TET bearings. Torpedoes were spread from aft forward using a total spread coverage of 600 feet.

— page 215 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(H) TORPEDO ATTACK DATA (Continued).

U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 PATROL NO. 5

Time 21-42-16 Date 30 May 1945 Lat. 5009' Long. 112036'.

TARGET DATA - DANGER INFLICTED

Description: Ship was PC type escort for convoy attacked in attack #1.

Ship Sunk: One (1) PC escort of 200 tons. (EU)

Ships Damaged: None.

Damage Determined by: Heard torpedo hit. Time of run coincided with position of escort which was about 1500 yds. on port flank of loading ship. Three ships and one escort had been sighted earlier in the evening by both CROAKER and CHUB. After this attack radar had only two pips remaining on the screen.

Target Draft: 6' Course 0000' Speed 4 kts Range 3400.

OWN SHIP DATA.

Speed 12 kts Course 0450' Depth - Surface .nglo 00

FIRE CONTROL - NDTORPEDO DTL

Type attack: Night surface radar attack using radar ranges and TBT bearings. This attack followed immediately after attack #1. Escort was about 1500 yds. on opposite flank of leading ship. Torpedoes were spread by off-set dial, using a total spread coverage of 300 feet.

- 16 -

— page 216 —
CONFIRMATION: 1
TUBES    #10    #9    #8
Track .nglo  72S   71   73
Gyro .nglo  207   206   208
Dopth 6ot   3    3    3
Power    28 kts   23 kts   28 kts
Hit or Miss  Miss    Hit
Erratic (Yos-No) No    No    No
Hk. Torp.   16-1   18-1   18-1
Sor. No.    55661   57222   56967
Lk. Expldr.  8-5    0-5    8-5
Sor. No.    10851   8607   8467
Hk. .ot.    Contact    Contact    Contact
Hk. .ctu.    Contact    Contact    Contact
Lk. Whd.    18-2   18-2   18-2
Sor. No.    4553   3957   3939
Explosive    Torpex    Torpex    Torpex
Fir. Int.    108   128
Type Spread  00    10L   10R
Torp. Run to 010r 2100  2300   2500
Sea Cond.   4    4    4
Cvor. .ot.    USS GILMORE USS GILMORE USS GILMORE
SubDiv 222  SubDiv 222  SubDiv 222

Remarks:
Torpedoes were fired with the sea, however they were soon to break all the way down the range. This may have produced some erratic runs. Time of run for hitting torpedo was 3-53s. Temperature of electrolyte and injection was 60F.

- 17 -

— page 217 —
22-24-22
Date: 30 May 1945
Lat: 50°21' Long: 112°37.5'W
TARGET DATA - DIMENSIONS
Target was one of remaining two ships of convoy attacked in attack #1

— page 218 —
1
TUBES #6 #5 #4 #3 #1
Track angle 928 938 93.58 94.5 96.5
Gyro angle 351.5 353 353.5 354 356.5
Depth Set 5 5 5 5 5
Power 28 kts 28 kts 26 kts 28 kts 26 kts
Hit or Miss Miss Miss Miss Miss
Arratic(Yes-No) No No No No No
Lk. Torp. 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1
Ser. No. 57083 56070 56939 57169 56406
Mk. Explidr. 8-5 8-5 8-5 8-5 8-5
Ser. No. 8404 11185 11225 10439 10603
#Act. Set. Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact
#Act. Auto.
Mk. Wind. 18-2 18-2 18-2 18-2 18-2
Ser. No. 2020 5224 5328 1446 4169
Explosive Torpex Torpex Torpex Torpex Torpex
Air. Int. 11 11 13 10
Type Spread 20L 10L 10R 20R
Torp. Run 2500 2425 2350 2275 2200
Sea Cond. 4 4 4 4 4
Over. .ot. USS USS USS USS
GILMORE GILMORE GILMORE GILMORE GILMORE
SubDiv SubDiv SubDiv SubDiv SubDiv
2

Remarks: Torpedoes were fired with the sea, however they were soon to break all tabu way down the range. This may have produced some erratic runs. Some misses were due to width of spread. No cause for other misses can be advanced unless it was because the 5 ft. depth setting caused them to under-run. Temperature of electrolytes was 91°F; of injection 66°F.

- 19 -

— page 219 —
22-27-07
Dato 30 May 1945
Lat. 5°02'S
Long. 112°37.53
Target D.D.T. - D.D.T. INFLICTED
Description:
Ships Sunk: None.
Ships Damaged: None.
Damage Determined by: -
Target Draft: 7' Course 3450T
Spoed 4 kts
Range 2500

Type D.D.T.
Speed 11 kts
Course 0500T
Depth - Surface
Angle 0°

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO D.D.T.
Type D.D.T

— page 220 —
1
TUBE #10
Track angle 90°
Gyro angle 203.5
Depth Set 5
Power 26 kts
Hit or Miss Miss
Erratic (Yos-No) No
Mk. Torp. 16-1
Sqr. No. 54623
Mk. Expldr. 8-5
Sqr. No. 10514
Mk. Act. Set. Contact
Mk. Act. Actu.
Lk. Whd. 16-2
Sqr. No. 3672
Explosive Torp. Torp.
Mk. Int. -- 278
Type Spread 10L 00
Torp. Run 2400 2530
Sea Cond. 4 4
Over. Act. USS GILHORNE USS GILHORNE
SubDiv 222 GILHORNE SubDiv 222
SubDiv222

Remarks:
Torpedoes were fired with the sonar, using a 5 ft. depth setting, however they were seen to breach all the way down the range. This may have produced some erratic runs. Some misses were due to width of spread. No cause for other misses can be advanced unless torpedoes under-ran. Temperature of electrolyte was 91°F; of injection 86°F.

- 21 -

— page 221 —
U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246)  TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 5  PATROL NO. 5
Time 23-05-45  Date 30 May 1945  Lat. 4°51.56  Long. 112°34.51
TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description:
Target was same ship as for attacks #3 and #4, similar in appearance to "Sugar Able Sugar" described on page 20 of Weekly Intelligence Bulletin of 9 April 1945. A three-quarter moon which rose at 2147 was now well up. We were up moon from target and I realize we would be sighted, but elcoted to make a surface attack over the loss. Shortly before target was hit he started firing machine guns and a 3" gun at us.
Ship Sunk:  One (1) coastal oiler of 2800 tons. (J)
Ships Damaged:  None.
Damage Determined by:  Saw torpedo hit and disintegrate forward half of target. After section maintained a 450 angle as it went under. Pip disappeared from radar screen.
Target Draft:  7'  Course 2900'  Speed 4.5 kts. Range 2060
OWN SITIP DATA
Speed 8 kts.  Course 2150'  Depth - Surface  Angle 00
FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack:  Night surface radar attack, using radar ranges and TBT bearings. Torpedoes were spread by off-set dial using a total spread coverage of 200 feet.

— page 223 —
1. MINES.
No mines were laid and none were sighted.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS.

On the night of 22 May about 60 miles north of BAYERN ISLAND we were chased by a patrol boat who; prior to firing his guns, had discharged two yellow flares. We made radar and sight contact on him at a range of 9000 yards. Although there was almost a three-quarter moon shining, he would have been extremely difficult to see had he not been smoking heavily -- yet he was headed for us when first sighted!

Again on the night of 27 May while BLUEBACK and CROAKER were communicating by C3 radar, both of us sighted two yellow flares on the horizon to the westward.

... possible explanation follows: A roving patrol boat homes to the general vicinity of the submarine on the sub's S7 transmissions. He then fires a couple of flares, attempting to entice the sub over to investigate, and hoping to get in a lucky shot with his guns when the range has closed.

The bombs dropped by the plane on 30 May were avoided going deep and changing course.

The gun fire by the target on the night of 30 May was evaded mostly due to the fact that our torpedo blew the target to bits before we had to do anything else.

NO RIM vs speed data was obtained.

(K) MAJOR DEFECT & DAMAGE.

1. PITLOGTER LOG.

About two days after leaving port the Pit Log was observed to read incorrectly submerged. Readings at submerged speeds were four to five knots high, and attempts to remedy the situation by contact adjustment were not successful.

Believing the bellows unit to be the source of the trouble, Ship's force removed the unit and installed a new bellows.

Pit log operated satisfactorily then at all speeds, surface and submerged. However in two days time, inaccuracies at all speeds developed, requiring continual contact adjustment.

The Pit Log was so undependable that an electrician was stationed at the pit log for diving, surfacing, tracking and battle stations.

— page 224 —
1. Major Defect & Damage (Continued).

2. Auxiliary Engine.

On 19 May, auxiliary engine would not start despite satisfactory operation on previous day. Checked timing, injectors, fuel oil. Engine would run with standby fuel oil pump but #4 cylinder firing 200°F. Low ane other units missing intermittently. Found tip of #4 unit injector broken or and fuel system air bound. Rolled #4 injector with spare and purged fuel system. Engine still ran unsatisfactory and stalled easily. After running engine for 15 minutes, when it settled down, load was put on but #4 unit would not fire. #4 injector was pulled again and found to be #4 unit spray tip broken off. Pulled cylinder head and found no indication of presence of foreign matter. No time head, piston or valves were scored or damaged. No. 4 unit was reassembled with new injector and engine carried load but smoked badly.

It was now suspected that the elastic drive coupling was the source of trouble. This was checked by placing #8 piston on top dead center and checking the readings on the flywheel. The mark agreed perfectly.

Exhaust temperatures were recorded at full load and speed. These averaged 60°F, above top limit. Engine was used to carry light load but still smoked excessively. Cold compression and firing pressures were taken and were normal.

On 30 May when it was attempted to roll engine over with air it could not be turned over. Top dead center of #6 piston was again checked with flywheel mark and found to be off some 40°. Apparently the first time this check was made only part of the elastic coupling load springs were broken. When the engine was stopped the coupling rested in correct relationship to crank shaft; but when running under load it was sufficiently displaced to throw timing off completely. Now it is believed that all or most of the load spring packs are broken.

This engine suffered the same casualty at end of the 4th patrol and repairs were made by 4th, Nov. 4, 1937.

3. #4 Main Engine Salt Water Circulating Pump.

The attached salt water pump on No. 4. 4in engine developed excessive and play in the impeller shaft and loss of pressure delivered to the engine. The pump was removed and spare installed. The bearings and impeller were badly worn owing to poor lubrication. This pump was in operation for 2600 engine hours. The approved alteration to improve lubrication of main engine salt water pumps will be requested for #1 and #4 main engines. This coming refit. This alteration was accomplished on 2nd and 3rd main engines last refit.

— page 225 —
1. MAJOR DEFECT & DAMAGE (Continued),
    4. BLUESPHONES.

Kool blastphone is grounded out in DCDI system. This causes more than two lights to show on the DCDI board at the same time.

With the exception of inoperatation of the VHF receiver, no material casualties were encountered.

Reception of Fox Bajor schedules from NPTI, Radio Subic was difficult due rather to the station itself than atmospherics although short intervals of heavy static, blocking out the signal, were encountered. During the periods that radio Subic used two transmitters, copying was difficult since the transmitters appeared to be improperly synchronized, and in addition the station shifted indiscriminately from one frequency to another. In this way three serials were missed. For the first four days out of Subic Bay, skip distance fading was pronounced on all frequencies. 4370 Kcs was the best frequency during the first three days, after which 12630 Kcs was strongest, but with a bad transmitter note. 9250 Kcs, as a result, was copied with both results throughout the patrol. Alternate area frequencies were less effective than the standard frequencies. On 2350 Kcs, a Jap station came in sufficiently loud to block out all but the loudest signals. Interference was negligible on all other alternate frequencies and no other discrepancies were noted.

Our first transmission on this ship-to-shore frequency, 8470 Kcs, on the morning of 31st May was addressed to radio Subic. Radio FRTN (VHF) answered up immediately with good strength, and since NPTI did not answer the message was given to radio FRTN for relay. One hour later the message came out on Fox Baker with no errors.

On 3 June, 0025 itom, we attempted to raise both radios FRTN and Subic on 8470 without success. Station "VHF" answered up offering to relay our message. After the message had been sent slowly and carefully, he requested several reports and receipted incorrectly without authentication. When asked to authenticated he did so improperly, and when questioned, he authenticated incorrectly again. After that risk non-dulivery, since we weren't sure when we had, we shifted to 4235 Kcs, raised radio FRTN and relayed our message.

The VHF was used only once, and we were unable to receive the other station, a heavy B-24; reception was accomplished on the VHF. The VHF transmitter operated satisfactorily.

— page 226 —
5D2L, early in the patrol, double moding and orrantic pulsing developed. 5D2L current began falling off

— page 228 —
1. Number of men detached after previous patrol
   - (a) Number of men on board during patrol
   - (b) Number of men qualified at start of patrol
   - (c) Number of men qualified at end of patrol
   - (d) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol
   - (e) Number of unqualified men making their second patrol

During the bombing by the plane and our later attack on the convoy all officers and men performed their duties calmly and efficiently in the best traditions of the naval service. I am proud to be their commander oficer.

(R) 1. TITLE AND USED:
   - SUBIC BAY to area 2224.5 miles
   - In area 1870.0 miles
   - Area to FREE RANGE 1705.0 miles
   - (S) DURATION: TOTAL 5800.5 miles
   - (T) FACTORS OF INFLUENCE:
     - Torpedoes
     - Fuel
     - Provisions
     - Personnel factor
     - 1 31500 Gals. 35 days 30 days.
     - (U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR, AND COUNTERMEASURES.
     - (AP-SPA SIGNALS)
     - Date
     - Time
     - Pulse Pulse
     - Location
     - Reoccurrence Rate
     - Intensity
     - Remarks
     - 22 May 2014 105 15 04-51.5 112-22.1 Lasted 5 sec. Med. Did not proccour.
     - Night 97 400 15 50.10.00K 5 sec.
     - 1-2 June
     - STRATIT
     - Ired. Disappeared about 50 miles south of STRATUS.
     - RADIO COUNTERMEASURES
     - No known cases on intentional Jap interference or radio C.I.
     - encountered.

— page 230 —
05/An
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
6 June 1945.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. CROAKER Report
of Fifth War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron THIRTY.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) Commander Submarines SEVENTH FLEET.
(2) Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

1. The fifth war patrol of the CROAKER, conducted in the Java Sea area was of twenty-two days duration, nine of which were spent in the assigned area. Patrol was terminated when torpedoes were expended in a series of aggressive attacks on a three ship convoy.

2. Area coverage was excellent. Air contacts were few. The CROAKER was bombed by a plane on 30 May but no damage resulted. Ship contacts were; a properly marked hospital ship, a patrol boat and a convoy of three small ships with one escort. This convoy was successfully closed for attack.

3. TORPEDO ATTACK #1: On 30 May a night surface attack was made on a convoy consisting of two AO's (EU), one small AK (EU) and one FC escort (EU). Six 1k. 18 torpedoes were fired at the leading AO on an 200 track, gyros small with torpedo run 2800 yards, depth set 2 and 3 feet. One hit was obtained, and the target was seen to disintegrate. Other torpedoes missed probably due to shallow depth setting in a force 3-4 sea.

TORPEDO ATTACK #2: This attack followed immediately after attack #1 and was on the FC escort. Three 1k. 18 torpedoes were fired on 71° track, 280 right gyro, torpedo run 3400 yards, depth set 3 feet. One hit was heard and the radar screen showed that the escort had disappeared.

TORPEDO ATTACK #3: This attack followed attack No. two on one of the remaining two ships of the convoy. Five 1k. 18 torpedoes were fired on 93° track, small gyros, torpedo run 2400 yards, depth set 5 feet. All torpedoes missed. The spread used should have produced a hit, however misses are probably due to shallow depth setting in a force 4 sea.

TORPEDO ATTACK #4: This attack was on the same ship and immediately following attack No. three. Three 1k. 18 torpedoes fired on a 90° track, small gyros, 2400 yards torpedo run, depth set 5 feet, produced no hits.

TORPEDO ATTACK #5: This was on the same ship as attack #4 in attack #3 and 4. Four 1k. 18 torpedoes fired on a 113° track, small gyro, torpedo run 2100 yards, depth set three feet, produced one hit and the target was seen to disintegrate and sink. This attack was made in the face of machine and 3" gun fire, which ceased as the torpedo hit.

— page 231 —
5/An
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
6 June 1945.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. CROAKER Report
of Fifth War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

4. The CROAKER returned from patrol clean, shipshape and in
ed can be corrected during the normal refit period.

5. The Commanding Officer, officers and crew are congratulated
upon the completion of this determined and aggressive patrol and for the
damage inflicted upon the enemy.

C. C. SITH.

— page 232 —
FE84-71/A16-3
Serial: 096-A
C40-N-T-I-D-E-N-T-T-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS CROAKER Conf. I.tr.
16 Serial 09, dated
June 1945. Report of
Fifth War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarines SEVENTH FLEET.
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. CROAKER (SS-246) - Report of Fifth War Patrol - Comment on.

1. The Fifth War Patrol of the CROAKER, under the command of Commander W. B. THOMAS, U.S.N., was conducted in the JAVA SEA. This patrol was of only twenty two days duration because all torpedoes were expended after only nine days in the area.

2. This was a short but aggressive and effective patrol. Five attacks were made and three ships were sunk on the very busy day of 30 May. These attacks are thoroughly covered in the First Endorsement by Commander Submarine Squadron THIRTY, and the remarks therein expressed are fully concurred in.

3. The award of the Submarine Combat Insignia is authorized for this patrol.

4. The Force Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew of the CROAKER upon their completion of this patrol during which the following damage was inflicted upon the enemy:

| Item | Description | Quantity |
|------|||
| 2  | Coastal Oilers (EU) | 5,600 Tons |
| 1  | PC (EU) | 200 Tons |
| Total | | 5,800 Tons |

Signed: [Signature]
Original Copy: 7 01772

— page 233 —
FE24-71/16-3
Serial_096-A
C-O-N-T-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-I
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS CROKER Conf. Ltr.
16 Serial 09, dated
5 June 1945. Report of
Fifth War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. CROKER (SS-246) - Report of Fifth War Patrol - Comment on.

Cominch
Opnav
ComsubFlt
Com2ndFlt
Com7thFlt
ComSubs1stFlt
ComSubs2ndFlt
CTF-71
CTG-71.5
CTG-71.8

(3) Direct
(2) Direct
(1)
(1)
(2)
(30)
(4)
(7)
(2)
(2)

ComSubRon-22
ComSubRon-26
ComSubRon-30
DivComSubRon-22
DivComSubRon-26
DivComSubRon-30
S/M School, N. L. Conn.
Condt: NYD, Puget Sound
SubAd, Mare Island
S/Ms 7thFlt

(2)
(2)
(1)

— page 234 —
29 JUN 1945
From: Commander Seventh Fleet.
To: Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246), Report of War Patrol
1. Forwarded.
2. The Commander Seventh Fleet congratulates the CROAKER for the damage inflicted on the enemy!

Copy to:
ComSubs7thFlt
ComSubRon 30
CO, USS CROAKER (SS246)

— page 235 —
246/16
serial (014)

U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246)
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
To: (Official C.O.M.S.A.)
From: The Commander in

— page 236 —
5
: 12
: 4
: 2
: 6
: 5
: 0
: 3
: 2

| Officers | Rank | File No. | No. Patrols |
||------|||
| TECNAS, W. E. | Comdr. | USN     | 77119        |
| LENCA, W. R. | Lt. Cdr. | DES     | 73655        |
| WESTER, T. P. | Lieut. | DES     | 119759       |
| OCHS, R. C. | Lieut. | DES     | 153327       |
| GABLE, E. S. | Lt(jg) | DES     | 190297       |
| LITCH, J. C. | Lt(jg) | DES     | 261575       |
| CASEY, T. F. | Lt(jg) | DES     | 265481       |
| CAVENDER, J. E. | Lt(jg) | D(L)   | 258435       |
| ULTERNOOD, R. L. | Lt(jg) | DES-L, USNR | 341364       |
| NAGEL, P. C. | Ens., D(L) | USNR   | 332072       |

- 1 -

— page 237 —
1 July 1945 (1st day).

1410 Departed FRANKFURT, WEST AUSTRALIA, for SIXTH WAR PATROL in accordance with CTG 71.1.00pdr #86445. Conducted night practice approaches on U.S.S. CORPS CHRISTI.

21.00 Departed target group and proceeded independently up JETT ZON enroute BARRIER.

2 July 1945 (2nd day).

Enroute BARRIER.

0635 Ruptured 3rd stage discharge line on #2 air compressor. No spares available and attempts to repair on board were unsuccessful.

0745 Reversed course and reported to CTG 71.3. Told him I desired to return for repairs.

1200 Received instructions from CTF 71 to return FRANKFURT.

Noon Posit. (31°20.3'5; 115°03.6'E).

1700 Ordered in FRANKFURT harbor.

After a new discharge line was installed it was discovered that the cause of the casualty was the compressor being in need of overhaul. Ended up by overhauling both #1 and #2 compressors.

The ship assumes responsibility for this delay, because, believe the compressors to be in good condition after our recent SUTC refit, we had requested that the compressors not be overhauled. (See section K for further details).

— page 238 —
3 - 5 July 1945 (3rd, 4th and 5th days).
    : Moored in FRENCH TIDE harbor.
6 July 1945 (6th day).
1715 Departed FRENCH TIDE for second time on SIXTH WAR PATROL.
7 July 1945 (7th day).
    : Enroute BARRIER, conducting training dives and drills.
    : Noon Posit. (29°34'5; 11°36'E).
8 July 1945 (8th day).
    : Enroute BARRIER, conducting training dives and drills.
    : Noon Posit. (24°51.5'5; 11°20'2'E).
9 July 1945 (9th day).
    : Enroute BARRIER, conducting training dives and drills.
    : Noon Posit. (19°43'5; 11°31'7'E).
10 July 1945 (10th day).
    : Enroute BARRIER, conducting training dives and drills.
0255 Exchanged calls and information with U.S.S. CAPITAIN by S/S RACAR. (SOF).
0430 Went alongside CAPITAIN for conference with C.C. They kindly took our mail into port for posting.
    : Noon Posit. (14°41'5; 11°43'1'E).
11 July 1945 (11th day).
    : Enroute BARRIER, conducting training dives and drills.
    : Noon Posit. (11°12'5; 11°52'6'E).
2300 Went to battle stations and commenced transit of LOBACK STRAIT at 4-engine speed.
2356 Exchanged challenges and calls with BLENNY by S/S radar. (SOF).

— page 239 —
12 July 1945 (12th day).
0130 Completed uneventful passage of LCI(L) STRAIT and set course for passage to the west of INGEN ISLANDS.
0722 Submerged.
Noon Posit. (604°5'5"; 114°54'E).
1942 Surfaced and proceeded to the westward.
13 July 1945 (13th day).
Proceeding to the westward in J.V.A SE.A at one engine speed.
07:5 Submerged and began closing south coast of BAYEN ISLAND.
Lt. Posit. (604°5'; 112°40'E).
Lt. closed SINGLE-FORMA BAY on south coast of BAYEN from a distance of 2 miles and found it empty of shipping.
1957 Submerged and opened out to the eastward, heading for rendezvous with IUGGERID.
2315 (submerged LODGERID by SJ radar. (5C#3). Closed and exchanged messages. Sold conference with C.C. regarding lifeguard count of 1,000.
14 July 1945 (14th day).
Proceeding westward through J.V.A SE.A.
0740 Submerged.
Lt. Posit. (404°5'5"; 112°16'E).
1953 Submerged and headed for TRIBUT. STRAIT.
12 July 1945 (15th day).
In J.V.A SE.A heading, westward.
0735 Submerged in the southern end of TRIBUT. STRAIT.
Noon Posit. (302°5'; 109°32'E).
2001 Subfaced and continued transit of STRIBUT at 3-engine speed.

— page 240 —
16 July 1945 (16th day).
Olló: Exchanged challenges and calls with U.S.S. BLUEBACK. (SC#4).
0230: Completed uneventful transit of KRIIAT. STRAIT.
0800: Submerged.
    Noon Posit. (0036'S; 107939'E).
1015: Surfaced.
2310: Had weak FR signal at 170 Ncs. Signal was being keyed.
    SJ radar had contact on plane at 5 miles. (L#1). Made check on SD and when range closed to 2000 yards at
2314: Submerged.
2334: Surfaced. All clear.
17 July 1945 (17th day).
    Enroute patrol area at 3-engine speed.
1326: Submerged.
    Noon Posit. (3911'N; 107922'E).
1614: Surfaced.
    Passed to the west of ATLANTIC. ISLIDS during the night.
13 July 1945 (18th day).
    Enroute patrol area at 3-engine speed.
1100: Made sight and SD contact on heavy search plane (PRIV.ATLAR) at 8 miles. (L#2). Had FR contact at 179 Ncs.
    Noon Posit. (7036'N; 109006'E).
2200: Sent CRO.ER FIRST to CTF 71 reporting estimated time of arrival in area.
19 July 1945 (19th day).
    Enroute patrol area at 3-engine speed.
0800: Had weak FR contact at 100 Ncs.

— page 241 —
19 July 1945 (19th day) (Continued).

0824 Submerged for trim.

0900 Surfaced.

1106 SD contact at 32 miles which closed to 25 miles and then opened out again. No IFF. (AC#3). Not sighted. Had weak PR signal at 100 Mts.

Noon Posit. (13006'N; 110035.5'E).

1405 SD contact at 25 miles which closed to 8 miles. No IFF. (AC#4). Not sighted.

1407 Submerged.

1423 Surfaced. All clear.

20 July 1945 (20th day).

1927 Submerged for trim.

1943 Surfaced.

1023 Submerged for SD contact at 21 miles closing to 7 miles. Contact did not show IFF and was not sighted. Sky was heavily overcast. (AC#5).

1045 Surfaced. All clear.

1945 Posit. (18000'N; 111053'E).

1545 Submerged for SD contact at 13 miles, closing to 8. Contact did not show IFF and was not sighted. (AC#6).

1504 Surfaced. All clear.

1920 Sent message to RITON on area frequency requesting rendezvous.

21 July 1945 (21st day).

2330 Entered assigned patrol area south of HONG KONG.

3350 Made scheduled rendezvous with U.S.S. RITON. (SC#5). Held conference with C.O. regarding area, exchanged movies, and gave them our mail.

We had not been given any lifeguard assignment for today so at

— page 242 —
21 July 1945 (21st day) (Continued).
0647 Submerged.
Noon Posit. (20°38'N; 114°26'E).
2000 Surfaced.
22 July 1945 (22nd day).
Received no lifeguard assignment for today, so headed over to take a look at PRATAS REPORT.
0906 Submerged for SD contact on plane at 18 miles, closing to 9. Plane was sighted briefly in the clouds but was not identified. (A047).
302 Surfaced. All clear.
10. SD contact on plane at 15 miles, opening to 20 miles. (A048).
Noon Posit. (21°08'N; 115°44.5'E).
12. Closed PRATAS REPORT to 4000 yds. No sign of any activity whatsoever.
2000 Surfaced. All clear.
27. Will have to do considerable submerged running from now on in order to conserve fuel.
Ison Posit. (21°24.5'N; 114°57'E).
20. Surface.
21. 17 July 1945 (24th day).
22. Submerged.
Noon Posit. (20°43'N; 114°15.5'E).
1959 Surfaced.

— page 243 —
25 July 1945 (25th day).

Received lifeguard assignment for today. We are to be on station between the hours of 1300 and 1400.

0636 Submerged.

Noon Posit. (20°30'N; 114°02'E).

1213 Surfaced on station.

1337 Made sight contact on PEI at 14 miles. (AC#10). Established communication with him. No was our air cover.

1415 Had SD contact on a group of planes at 50 miles which closed to 7 miles. Sighted a group of 15 F-36's. (AC#11).

Our instructions said that IFF would not be used unless a plane was in trouble, however, all planes in the flight as well as our air cover were using IFF.

1500 Air cover departed.

1537 Had SD contact at 25 miles closing to 15 miles. (AC#12).

1539 Submerged.

1948 Surfaced.

26 July 1945 (26th day).

Received lifeguard assignment for today. We are to be on station between the hours of 1730 and 1830.

0713 Submerged.

Noon Posit. (20°42'N; 114°06'E).

1640 Surfaced on station.

Failed to make sight or radar contact with C-54 who was scheduled to pass our vicinity between 1730 and 1830.

27 July 1945 (27th day).

Received lifeguard assignment for today. We are to be on station between 1000 and 1100.

0646 Submerged.

0930 Surfaced.

— page 244 —
27 July 1945 (27th day) (Continued).

1020  Mad SD contact at 30 miles which closed to 24 and then opened out again. Bolivcoc to move boat C-54 which was scudded to pass near us at this time. (AC#13).

1127  Submerged.

Ikon Posit. (20°34'N; 114°00.5'E).

1958  Surfaced.

25 July 1945 (28th day).

0710  Submerged.

Ikon Posit. (20°37'N; 114°49'E).

1950  Surfaced.

29 July 1945 (29th day).

Received lifeguard assignment for today. In to be on station between 1000 and 1100. We were unable to copy this message during the two broadcast periods on 3102.5. As due to interferences. Waitcd until 0600 when frequency shifted to 6205. Ics - ask 5th Air Force for a repeat and was able to get message right away.

1012  SD contact at 26 miles. (AC#14).

1034  SD contact at 25 miles. (AC#15).

1105  SD contact at 25 miles. (AC#16).

The above contacts all showed IFF and are assumed to have been in this time E-24's which were scudded to pass near us at this time.

1136  Submerged.

Ikon Posit. (20°23'N; 113°59'E).

1950  Surfaced.

— page 245 —
30 July 1945 (30th day).
0732 Submerged.
Noon Posit. (20°18.5'N; 113°55'E).
1957 Surfaced.
31 July 1945 (31st day).
0726 Submerged.
Noon Posit. (20°55'N; 114°32.5'E).
1948 Surfaced.
1 August 1945 (32nd day).
Have lifeguard assignment for today. At to be on station between 1000 and 1100.
0943 Had SD contact at 30 miles closing to 10 miles. Plane was sighted momentarily through the clouds and was believed to be the sector search plane from Clrk Field. (AC#17).
Noon Posit. (20°28.5'N; 114°06'E).
1227 Had SD contact at 25 miles, closing to 6 miles. Plane was never sighted. (AC#18).
1304 Submerged.
2000 Surfaced.
2 August 1945 (33rd day).
0615 SJ radar made contact on plane at 7 miles. A check on the SD showed 6 miles, opening to 10. (AC#19).
0704 Submerged.
Noon Posit. (20°31'N; 114°31'E).
1957 Surfaced.
3 August 1945 (34th day).
0420 SJ radar made contact on plane at 9 miles - verified by SD. (AC#20).
0732 Submerged.

- 10 -

— page 246 —
1945 (34th day) (Continued).
Noon Posit. (2001.5°N; 113047.5°E).
1942 Surfaced.
4 August 1945 (35th day).
0923 Sighted H.M.S. SELENE to the westward. Closed and exchanged challenges, calls and information. (SO#6).
1033 Submerged.
Noon Posit. (21004°N; 114038.5°E).
1950 Surfaced.
5 August 1945 (36th day).
0736 Submerged.
Noon Posit. (20015°N; 114003°E).
1949 Surfaced.
6 August 1945 (37th day).
Have received lifeguard assignment for today. Planes are expected to pass our vicinity between 0200 and 0300 and between 1000 and 1100.
Noon Posit. (2041.5°N; 114003°E).
1312 Made SD and sight contact on patrol type plane at 10 miles. (AC#21).
7 August 1945 (38th day).
0837 SD contact on plane at 25 miles, close to 11 miles. (AC#22).
0841 Submerged.
Noon Posit. (20038.5°N; 114015°E).
1951 Surfaced in force 5 secs, wind 30 knots.
2055 TAPFIT, Harold C., Flo., USNR, fractured Ulna (simple) of right forearm when he fell and hit his arm against a mess bench in the after battery.

— page 247 —
0907 SD contact on plane at 25 miles. (AC#23).
: 1046 SD contact on plane at 22 miles. (AC#24).
: Noon Posit. (21008°N; 114035°E).
: 9 August 1945 (40th day).
: Wind and seas began moderating.
: 0736 Submerged.
: Noon Posit. (20040°N; 115022°E).
: 1945 Surfaced.
: 10 August (41st day).
: 0836 Submerged.
: Noon Posit. (20026.5°N; 114052.5°E).
: 1819 Surfaced.
: Began moving to the westward to make rendezvous with ICETISH tomorrow.
: 11 August 1945 (42nd day).
: 1005 Rendezvoused with ICETISH. Held conference with C.O. and received 8 prisoners for delivery to SUBIC. (SC#7).
: 1100 Set course for SUBIC EAY.
: Noon Posit. (18053.1°N; 113014.2°E).
: 1215 Sent CC-4-4H SECORD to CTF 71 giving BT. JOINT ZONE.

— page 249 —
17 Au. ist - 23-24°N; 12-20°E
: 16 Au. ist - 23-24°N; 12-20°E
: 19 Au. ist - 19-24°N; 12-20°E
: 20 Au. ist - 16-24°N; 12-20°E
: 21 Au. ist - 14-20°N; 12-20°E

22 Au. ist 1945 (3rd day).

Entrust SAIPAN.

0510 Rendezvoused its escort, U.S.S. LCI 1062.

1000 Moore alacrizie U.S.S. CRICHI at U.S.P.N.

- 13A -

— page 250 —
21 July
: 22
: 23
: 24
: 25
: 26
: 27
: 28
: 29
: 30
: 31
: 1 August
: 2
: 3
: 4
: 5
: 6
: 7
: 8
: 9
: 10

| Date | Non Posit. | Set | Drift |
|------||-----|-------|
| 21 July | 20038'N; 114036'E | 221 | 0.3 |
| 22  | 21003'N; 115045'E | 090 | 0.1 |
| 23  | 21024.5'N; 114057'E | 050 | 0.2 |
| 24  | 20043'N; 114015.5'E | 090 | 0.3 |
| 25  | 20030'N; 114002'E | 156 | 0.2 |
| 26  | 20042'N; 114006'E | 199 | 0.4 |
| 27  | 20034'N; 114006.5'E | 185 | 0.3 |
| 28  | 20037'N; 114049'E | 002 | 0.3 |
| 29  | 20023'N; 113059'E | 206.5 | 0.5 |
| 30  | 20018.5'N; 113055'E | 195 | 0.0 |
| 31  | 20055'N; 114032.5'E | 346 | 0.2 |
| 1 August | 20020.5'N; 114006'E | 140 | 0.4 |
| 2  | 20031'N; 114031'E | 227 | 0.3 |
| 3  | 20001.5'N; 113047.5'E | 227 | 0.3 |
| 4  | 21004'N; 114035.5'E | 227 | 0.3 |
| 5  | 20015'N; 114003'E | 227 | 0.3 |
| 6  | 20041.5'N; 114003'E | 095 | 0.3 |
| 7  | 20036.3'N; 114015'E | 285 | 2.3 |
| 8  | 21008'N; 114035'E | 285 | 2.3 |
| 9  | 20040'N; 115022'E | 315 | 2.6 |
| 10 | 20020.5'N; 114052.5'E | 300 | 1.6 |

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.

The curvature of the hundred fathom curve along the south boundary of our area and up its east boundary was useful at times when there was a complete overcast and during the blows of 7, 8 and 9 August. The tower on PRATT'S Island was the only land mark we used on station and that only on 22 July.

— page 251 —
10 July 16°44'S 55°50'N 190 SJS USS C.PITAIN closed and exchanged mail. 0255I 114°00'E 17 exchanged mail.

: 11 July 8°32.5'S 35°37'E 34,000 yards 12. USS FLENNY was inacct: 2356I 115°37'E 12. anchors west side of LOI.BOK.

: 13 July 6°04'S 55°00'E 270 SJS USS LOGGERHEAD (SS374) closed and exchanged mail. Held out to 21,000 on SJ.

: 16 July 1°55'S 33°00'E 330 SJS USS ELUIB.CR (SS326) exchanged dinghies and calls on SJ interference.

: 21 July 20°00'N 35°00'E 180 SJS USS RATON (SS270) closed and exchanged mail and information. 0234. 114°22'E 15. USS ELUIB.CR (SS326) exchanged dinghies and calls on SJ interference.

: 4 Aug. 21°03'N 35°00'E 130 SJS HMS SELENE exchanged the and information.

: 11 Aug. 16°50'N 35°00'E 040 SJS USS ICHFISH (SS367) closed and accepted prisoners. 1005 112°59.2'E 15. USS ICHFISH (SS367) closed and accepted prisoners.

- 15 -

— page 253 —
14. 29 July 20029'N 114°02'E
: 15. 29 July 20032.5'N 114°03'E
: 16. 29 July 20032.5'N 114°04'E
: 17. 1 Aug. 20016'N 113°49'E
: 18. 1 Aug. 20031'N 114°08'E
: 19. 2 Aug. 20033.5'N 114°06.5'E
: 20. 3 Aug. 20010'N 113°27'E
: 21. 6 Aug. 20051'N 114°19.5'E
: 22. 7 Aug. 20035'N 114°16.5'E
: 23. 8 Aug. 21009'N 114°31'E
: 24. 8 Aug. 21006.5'N 114°33.5'E
: 25. 12 Aug. 18009.5'N 118°09.5'E

- 17 -

— page 256 —
1. On 12 July a slight thumping noise in the port shaft was observed when running three and four-engined speeds. Excessive vibration was also felt at the conning-screw. On the following day submerged tests were run on board, shifts and the port was found to have a squeal which first became audible at 110 RPM. There was no excessive vibration up to 120 RPM, but during the next test the ship was submerged. (The highest speed attempted during the test.)

The trouble is believed to be located in the port shaft and strut bearing which was damaged in a sparring casualty during the first period. On this occasion, the strut was unbolted slightly out of alignment and the strut bearing recovered with an eccentric bore designed to align properly with the shaft. It is believed that the shaft was damaged by binding in this bearing.

During the remainder of the patrol four-engined speed was not again attempted until August 9th when speed tests were made. At this time the port shaft was found to be easily slightly loose, and the ship then ran on excessive vibration was observed.

2. On 9 August the auxiliary engine was observed to be emitting a large amount of black smoke under a load of 297 IW. All injectors were checked and the air silencer screen thoroughly cleaned. The smoke still persisted; however, it was not excessive when carrying a zore float. (165-170 IW). It was then suspected that the springs on two previous patrols, the first for the early war, were not satisfactory. The shock-engines were not replaced, and the engine was not replaced. This condition coupled with the fact that exhaust was not replaced and the engine was not replaced, was a serious problem. The engine was not replaced, and the engine was not replaced,

— page 257 —
1. RADIO.
2. Baker Fox, Radio SUEIC, was received with excellent results at
   almost all times. It contains a lot of interference was noted but not
   enough to block out signal. The new VIXO (RADIO FERRI) schedules
   were copied until passing the BAKER. No serials were missed,
   although we were submerged a great deal, proving that all messages
   are rebroadcast enough.

Some difficulty was encountered in passing messages to other
boats on area frequency, but it is believed this was due to distance
involved and the fact that only one operator is used to cover as much
as three frequencies at one time on all sub-arrays. However, one
interference on all area frequencies was noted. Neither or not it
was justified has not been ascertained. For close range work, the area
frequencies are satisfactory and it is considered that 300 miles is
a good range to work in.

The FIFTH AIR FORCE controlled frequencies, 6205 in day time and
3102.5 kcs. at night, were manned on schedule and continuously during
strikes. 3102.5 is right in the center of a number of Japanese
and at times it was impossible to copy through heavy interference.
The FIFTH AIR FORCE station has a peculiar ROUGH alternating current
note that shifts up and down in frequency while transmitting, making
very hard to tune in and copy.

4475, the lifeguard frequency was manned continuously and it
was used to establish communication with a PBY on one of our assigned
ports.

Messages from British submarines, re-run on Fox Baker proved a
never ending source of trouble to de-coding officers, due to numerous
garbles. It is hoped that these messages can be broken by OTF 71
before being retransmitted, so that valuable time will not be wasted
on unintelligible ciphertexts.

On 10 August, the FIFTH AIR FORCE Central Station, 8 KC, commenced
operation with new equipment and personnel. The signal strength and
tone quality of transmissions are now entirely satisfactory and all
previously mentioned difficulties have been eliminated.

- 21 -

— page 258 —
1. EQUIPMENTS, SJ, ST, SD, LPR, SPA, BN, BK and LOKIN, gave practically trouble free operation. Each item of radar gear was systematically checked daily for any symptom of abnormal operation or reduced sensitivity. In this way many faults were corrected while still of a minor nature. The echo boxes associated with SJ, ST and SD were invaluable as tuning devices and yard sticks of overall sensitivity. It was frequently necessary to replace crystals and TR tubes in the ST to keep it at peak operating conditions. Most easily the cavity of the B.O. of the ST was returned so that maximal crystal current and maximum ring time occurred together. When switching from B.O. to ST or ST to SJ it was found to be necessary to adjust receiver tune. Ranges on SJ and SD were excellent. Only one ST target was encountered, a Navy PRIVATR type plane. Circling us at 4 - 5 miles at 5 degrees elevation, it gave a near saturation pip, and was detected on every sweep.

2. NIGHTS in the area during the period of moonlight, the following radar surface search procedure was followed:--An ST search was conducted except: on the hour and half hour, when a careful search involving several sweeps was made on the SJ; on the quarter hour before and after the hour, when SJ receiver was used for 2 - minute periods. Receiver-tune was adjusted as necessary when shifting from one set to another. By employing the above method of radar surface search it is felt that maximum radiation security consistent with accurate radar search was achieved. In the dark of the night, two sweeps were made on every 3 - 4 minutes for several sweeps. The time between sweeps was spent at listening and watching for interference. The ST was not used during this dark period.

3. DAYS on the surface the SD was keyed on for 5 seconds every 20 - 40 seconds. At night the equipment was left in a stand-by condition.

The APR-SPA was manned continually while on the surface. Searches of four directional APR antennas were installed at Fortis. For general search the non-directional stub antenna was still used. Not enough contacts were made on the APR to fully evaluate the directional antennas, but from the results of the two contacts from each in strongest on the after antenna; 170 sec signal dead channel arc in strongest on the starboard antenna.

(1) SONAR.

There were no sound gear material failures. No targets except other surfaced U.S. Submarines were encountered. Operation of all sound gear was satisfactory and normal. No unusual sound conditions were noted.

(0) DENSITY LAYERS.

No density layers were observed.

— page 259 —
1. HEALTH.
When the crew returned from the patrol, the usual
assortment of minor disorders acquired through civilian contacts.
Those included cuts, cuffs, body-louse infestations and skin eruptive
all those conditions were rapidly brought under control when her
medical surveillance was reestablished. Several cases of Vincent's
insignia and several cases of tonsillitis were also found and successfully
fully treated. Only one case of gonorrhea was definitely established
but this was promptly rendered symptomatic by penicillin therapy.
The exact nature of several other possible venereal cases, one of
which involved a penile lesion, remains to be established when
laboratory facilities are not available. No serious illnesses occur
on this patrol. A broken arm was suffered by a mess cook who was
thrown across one of the ropes tables by the ship's motion during
the heavy seas encountered. The 7th. No apparent malignant was
evolved. Since no X-ray facilities are available the exact nature and
extent of these injuries have not yet been established.

2. FOOD.

The entire commissary department, including cooks, bakers, and
mess cooks performed very satisfactory work on this patrol. Foods
were prepared and served in a wholesome and appetizing manner, and
all dishes and utensils were properly cleaned and maintained. The
supply of cheese, fruit juices, and canned fruits provided was very
well received by the crew. Ceresary and Hessens standards were
maintained at a high level at all times.

3. EMERGENCIES.

Conditions encountered on this patrol have made it possible to
devote an unusually large amount of time to field day activities.
As the result of this work by the crew standards of cleanliness
aboard ship have been maintained at a high level at all times. There
was an adequate supply of laundry and clean mattresses covers. The
bottling department in the after battery has been swabbed daily with
bottled water and the officers and men have been thoroughly
cleaned and disinfected daily. The air conditioning units have functioned
without failure at all times and condensate water is used. This
source has made it possible to keep the showers open every day.

- 23 -

— page 260 —
21-5
: 12,011
: 25
: 30

(C) Number of pages: 7
(D) Number of pages: 50
(E) Number of pages: 15
(F) Number of pages: 7

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED.

| Miles | Page |
|------|------|
| 1782.3| 15,650|
| 2520.1| 35,100|
| 2935.0| 37,075|
| 710.0| 10,000|
| 2870.0| 42,330|

TOTALS: 11830.2 145,415

(S) DURATION.

| Days of Exercise | 5 |
||----|
| Days of Exercise | 5 |
| Days of Exercise | 10 |
| Days of Exercise | 22 |
| Days of Exercise | 2 |
| Days of Exercise | 22 |
| Days of Exercise | 8 |

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING.

| Torpedoes | Fuel | Provisions | Personnel |
||------|||
| 21 - 5   | 12,011| 25        | 30        |

- 24 -

— page 261 —
198 1050 5 South of Irreg. Weak Lonnok based A/S.
July
night

" 155 400 8 South of Steady Ned. Not identified;
LONBOK
believed land based
A/S.

19 July 100 500 20 12052'N Slow Weak Unidentified.
0800 111113'E sweeps

19 July 100 500 20 12052'N slow Weak Unidentified plane
1100 111113'E sweeps on Radar; No IFF.

21 July 157 350 5 Southeast of Steady Weak Unidentified.
2100, HONG KONG

Night of 92 300 10- Irreg. Weak Hong Kong area A/S.
21 July 12 Med.
& Remainder
of parts 94 300 20 " " "
in area,

97 100 20 " " "
78 400 30- " " "
4 Ans. 200 500 4 " " Weak "
0925

10 Aug. 160 400 4 " " Weak Undetified. Faded
1900 & reappeared in
manner of airborne
radar.

11 Aug. 160 400 4 " " Weak
0533

(2) RADIO COUNTER MEASURES.

Heavy interference that might or might not have been jamming
was encountered every night on 3102,5 kcs. Three or more stations,
apparently Japanese, were on or very close to this frequency making
copying of this schedule almost impossible.

— page 263 —
F95-103/A16-3
Serial: 063
Confidential

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246)
Report of Sixth War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Division ONE HUNDRED THREE
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron TF.
    (2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
       Administration.
    (3) The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

1. The sixth war patrol of the U.S.S. CROAKER was conducted under the command of Commander W.B. Thomas in the South China Sea, south of Hong Kong, during the period 1 July to 22 August 1945.

2. Twenty-two days were spent in the area. No opportunity to rescue survivors afforded itself, and no contacts worthy of torpedoes were made.

3. The Administrative Division Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the U.S.S. CROAKER on the return from their last war patrol.

— page 264 —
10/A16-3
Serial: (0290)
Confidential

SECOND ENDRESSURE TO:
U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246) - Report of War Patrol
Number Six.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron TEN.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET, Administration.
    (2) The Commander in Chief, U. S. PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246) - Report of War Patrol
Number Six.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the Commander Submarine Division ONE HUNDRED THREE.

2. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the U.S.S. CROAKER upon the completion of that vessel's Sixth War Patrol.

G. PETERSON.

— page 265 —
12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial: 0.95
CONTINUATION:
THIRD ENCOUNTER to
CROAKER Report of
Sixth War Patrol.
COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 900
U.S.S. CROAKER - SIXTH WAR PATROL.
From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. CROAKER (SS246) - Report of Sixth War Patrol
(1 July to 22 August 1945).

1. The sixth war patrol of the CROAKER, under the command of Commander V. B. Thomas, U.S. Navy, was devoted to lifeguard duties in the South China Sea and the Hong Kong vicinity.

2. No opportunities were afforded to rescue any aviators or to inflict damage upon the enemy.

3. Award of Submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol is not authorized.

4. The Force Commander congratulates the commanding officer, officer, and crew of the CROAKER for the completion of this patrol and welcomes them to the Central Pacific.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
Cino (5)
Cincpac (6)
JICPOA (1)
AdICPOA (1)
Conservpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Consubslant (8)
S/M School, HL (2)
CO, S/M Base, PH (1)
Consopac (2)
Consovspac (1)
Consubs?thFlt (Fwd Echelon) (2)
Consubs?thFlt (Rear Echelon) (2)
Comorpac (1)
Consubspac (3)
ConsubspacAdCond (20)
SUBAD, HI (2)
All Squadron and Division Commanders, Pacific (2)
ConsubOpTrGrpBclboa (Alrmail) (5)
Substrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Pacific (1)

MERRILL COHSTOCK,
Deputy.

SIGNATURE:
E. L. HAYES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.