U.S.S. SPIKEFISH (SS-404) — war patrol report SS-404_SPIKEFISH.pdf

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This microfilm is the property of the United States Government

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO—NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

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1945 PIKEFISH departed Guam for her fourth war patrol. After lifeguard station patrol in the vicinity of Nampo Choto she made an uneventful search in the Yellow Sea, then took lifeguard station off Tonga. On 14 August she made radar contact with a surfaced enemy submarine and subsequently lost contact when the enemy dived. Believing the enemy had proceeded in a westerly direction and surfaced, PIKEFISH changed course and again established contact shortly after midnight. The tracked the enemy from ahead until dawn when closed for two torpedo hits and the target was observed to sink in a large cluoa of smoke. She then closed the scene and after much difficulty, managed to take one survivor prisoner by looting a lifeline around his neck and hauling him aboard over the fantail. In this action PIKEFISH sank Japanese submarine I-373 (1660 tons). PIKEFISH received orders to cease hostilities on 15 August and arrived at Tanapag Harbor, Taipan, on 21 August. After transfer of the prisoners, she departed the next day for return to Pearl Harbor, 31 August 1945.

On 6 September 1945 PIKEFISH departed Pearl Harbor, enroute in company with submarine HOE to the east coast of the United States. The transferred the Panama Canal on 23 September and arrived at the submarine Base, New London, Connecticut, on 29 September 1945. The sailed from New London on 25 October to participate in the Navy Day celebration at Charleston, South Carolina, returning to the Portsmouth Navy Yard for overhaul (1 Nov 1945 - 15 Feb 1946). The was attached to submarine squadron TWO and based her operations at New London, engaged in training of student officers and men of the submarine school. This duty was intervened by overhaul at Portsmouth (7 Apr - 22 Sep 1947); a training cruise to Bermuda (25 Sep - 2 Oct 1947); and a cruise of service to the Fleet Tonar, School, Key West, Florida (19 Jan - 20 Feb 1948); and overhaul in the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard (16 May - 6 Jul 1948).

On 16 July 1948 PIKEFISH departed New London as part of a task group which included PIPER (25 409), TORO (25 422), ARGONAUT (25 475), and PETREL (ASR 14). The task group conducted coordinated attack exercises enroute to Santiago, Cuba, arriving 22 July. Three days later PIKEFISH commenced a series of three-day training cruises for reserve midshipmen in local areas of Guantanamo Bay. The returned to New London 13 August 1948.

PIKEFISH continued operations from New London until 30 April 1955. During local operations at that port she engaged in sonar and weapons training for students of the submarine school; conducted student practice dives; and exercised with aircraft of various patrol squadrons in the area of the Virginia Capes. The made periodic cruises to the Caribbean to take part in Atlantic Fleet exercises; conducted exercises with aircraft of Patrol squadrons at Jacksonville, and Key West, Florida. The also made brief practice cruises to Bermuda, British West Indies; and Haiti, Nova Scotia. Overhaul periods were spent in the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, and the Charleston Naval Shipyard.

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30 April 1955 SPIKEFISH departed New London, enroute to the Mediterranean in company with PIER (44 409). The arrived at Gibraltar on 26 July for fuel and departed on 27 July to join units of the Sixth Fleet at Ptolemion Bay, Greece, on 5 August 1955. After exercises with British submarine H.M. TRINCHANT out of Rhodes Bay, she engaged in combined maneuvers with units of the Royal Hellenic Navy in the operating area of 'Cuda Bey, Crete. The then conducted a schedule of training maneuvers in the Malta operating area, followed by visits to Cartagena, Spain; on Monaco, France. She departed Gibraltar on 20 September and returned to New London on 6 October 1955.

SPIKEFISH resumed operations while based at New London through 31 December 1956. Training duties and maneuvers in local operating areas were alternated with anti-submarine warfare exercises and Atlantic Fleet training maneuvers extending along the eastern seaboard to principal ports of the Caribbean. The made several practice cruises to Halifax, Nova Scotia, during this period and also performed service for the Fleet onar school, Key West, Florida. Overhaul was completed in the Portsmouth and Brooklyn Naval Shipyards.

SPIKEFISH earned three battle stars and other awards for operations listed below:

1. Star/1WO JIMA OPERATION
   Assault and Occupation of Iwo Jima: 15 Feb - 6 Mar 1945

2. Star/OKINAWA GUNTO OPERATION
   Assault and Occupation of Okinawa Gunto: 9 May - 8 Jun 1945

3. Star/ANTI-SUBMARINE ASSIGNMENT: 13 Aug 1945

NAVY OCCUPATION SERVICE MEDAL (Europe): 26 Jul - 27 Sep 1955

LIST OF COMMANDING OFFICERS

CDR N. J. Nicholas, USN:
CDR R. R. Managhan, USN:
CDR W. C. Thompson, JP., USN:
CDR J. W. Reed, USN:
CDR J. A. Leonard, USN:
CDR W. A. McGuiness, USN:
LCDR A. A. Christiansen, USN:
LCDR J. G. Hudson, USN:
LCDR J. J. Love, JP., USN:
LCDR H. H. Caldwell, USN:
LCDR L. B. Findly, USN:

30 Jun 1944 - 24 Mar 1945
24 Mar 1945 - 24 Feb 1946
24 Feb 1946 - 19 Jun 1947
19 Jun 1947 - 16 Jun 1949
18 Jun 1949 - 16 Oct 1949
16 Oct 1949 - 26 Aug 1951
26 Aug 1951 - 29 Sep 1952
29 Sep 1952 - 20 Sep 1954
20 Sep 1954 - 14 Sep 1956
14 Sep 1956 - 21 Apr 1958
21 Apr 1958 -

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311'6"
EXTREME BEAM: 27'3"
STANDARD DISPLACEMENT:
Tons: 1526
Mean Draft: 15'3"
LUMBERED DISPLACEMENT:
Tons: 2391
DESIGNED SPEED:
Surfaced: 20.25 knots
Lumbered: 6.75 knots
DESIGNED COMPLEMENT:
Officer: 6
Enlisted: 60
ARMAMENT:
Torpedo Tubes: (10) 21-inch
Secondary: (1) 5"/25 caliber
(1) 40-mm. & (1) 20-mm.
(2) .50 caliber
TORPEDOES:
24

Compiled and tenciled
30 Jan 1959 (ks)

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55404/AL6-3
Serial: (016)
From: The Commander, Officer.
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: The Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
The Commander Submarine Squadron.
The Commander Submarine Division.

Subject: U.S.S. SPIRIT (55404) - Report of first war patrol.

Inclosure: (1) subject report.
(2) Track chart (for Consubmarine).

1. Inclosure (1) covering the first war patrol of this ship conducted in the KURIL Islands and ONCTSH Sea area from 15 November 1944 to 1 January 1945 is forwarded herewith.

(1) [Handwritten text]
N. J. McHUGH.

103898

FILMED

-1-

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U.S.S. SIFISH (SS404) :  Report of First Patrol.

The U.S.S. SIFISH was completed at Portsmouth, N.H. on 31 July 1944. A training and shakedown period of 30 days duration was conducted on the East coast in the Portsmouth, N.H.-New London area. A delay of fourteen days was authorized by OpNav for special test of reduction gear noise level at Navy Yard Portsmouth, N.H., on conclusion of which the SIFISH departed on 16 September 1944 for Panama. At Panama a training period of five days was conducted under the supervision of Commander Submarine Squadron THIRD. Departed Panama 8 October 1944 in company with SS. U.S. and reported to the Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet for duty in the submarine force. Arrived Panama 15 October 1944 on 23 October 1944 and commenced a 15 day training period and voyage repairs. Installed AP-1 and VHF equipment, 40 mm. gun and DDT. Completed the installation of the electronic equipment for the 50 periscopes. This ship was the first to arrive equipped with hydraulic periscope hoists. The ship was finished at backcountry Point on 14 November. Endnotes for sea date 15 November 1944.

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6 December
6 December
7 December
8 December
9 December
10-11 December
12 December
13 December
14 December
15 December
16 December
17 December
18 December
19 December

Submerged patrol of northern approaches to KUNASHIFI
STRAIT in heavy seas. Farscape observations difficult.

Shifted area in accordance with patrol schedule. Patrol line on surface across L. FROUSSE-P. F. SHIRO traffic lanes.

Heavy seas and gale winds. Riding this out submerged as we could not operate effectively either surface or periscope depth.

Patrolling on surface across L. FROUSSE-P. F. SHIRO traffic lanes.

10-11 December Conducted submerged patrol to westward of H. TSU. ISLAND in good weather and visibility.

Surfaced patrol in the vicinity of L. 500 N Long. 151° E, extremely cold. 1200 submerged to clear antennae and topside of thick coat of ice. 1500 surfaced. This is the coldest day we have had.

Shifted area in accordance with patrol schedule. Heavy coating of ice carried away the port antenna. 0630 submerged to this out the topside and remained submerged during the day in very rough seas and extreme cold.

Submerged patrol north of H. IDO ISLAND.

Submerged patrol west of H. IDO STRAIT.

Submerged patrol north of H. IDO ISLAND. 1900 Sighted searchlight display on F. F. SHIRO.

Submerged patrol west of CONSULTS STRAIT in full gale.

Submerged north of CHINNOT. ISLAND in second day of full gale.

Shifted area in accordance with patrol schedule and sent my sail on to ConsulsPac requesting new area. submerged patrol east of F. F. SHIRO ISLAND in continued bad weather. Received ConsulsPac serial ten king.

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20 December
Transmitted my serial two to ComSubPac. Submerged patrol off SHISHUISHI ISL.ND. Received ComSubPac serial 16 F.T. authorizing us to use area Locomotive during remainder of patrol.

21 December
Adding out a heavy gale to eastward of SHISHUISHI ISL.ND.

22 December
Made transit of HURFU ST.IT to shift area. Submerged patrol down the west coast of URUFU ISL.ND.

23 December
Submerged patrol north of HURFU ST.IT in heavy seas.

24 December
Fartrolling on surface across L. FERDINDS-P.R. SHISHUISHI TRIFLE lines. 1230 Sunkered to that out. the topside. 1250 OOD made periscope contact on ship on the horizon (ship contact #2). There was much excitement as this was the first contact of any description in twenty-seven days, and hope ran high. . .it is one of 10,000 yards ship was identified as a BAH wall deck freighter apparently unscorted, not zigzagging, causing some apprehension that she was Russian. Unable to close. Tracked on course 035° (T) speed 9 knots using ST periscope ranges. 1740 Surfaced on commenced pursuit. 1815 The ship turned on running lights. 1945 . . . range of 4,000 yards identified a properly lighted Russian freighter.

25 December
Fartrolling across traffic lines about 70 miles east of KURU. 1000 Submerged to that out topside. Forward group vents frozen and failed to open. . . . hung at thirty feet for several minutes before ice halted and we submerged to periscope depth. 1340

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25 December (cont'd)
Ice is about one foot thick. No apparent damage. Since we have no further radar indications, abandoned the search and took clear of the ice field.

26 December
Closing the coast of South. It to southwestward. 0645. Encountered a large ice field extending north and south, about 25 miles off the K. B. Ship. No vessel. No. 075. .tentative. This is a record cold night. Rain vents finally opened but now buoyancy was frozen solid. Ship hanging at 35 feet. 0800 surfacing. Sent man out on deck to chop away ice from bow buoyancy vent. 0610. Into successful dive. 1800 Surfaced.

27 December
Transited 1700. It just be'ory dawn. Conducted submerged patrol across southern approach to 1700. It. 1800 Surfaced. Extended return to mid-rig in accordance with provisions of our patrol orders.

28-31 December
Enroute midway.

1 January 1945 1130(Y) Arrived midway.

(C) WATERS
...as was to be expected at this time of the year we encountered much rough weather with strong winds, heavy seas and frequent snow squalls. Fully fifty per cent of the thirty days on station, the weather proved unsuitable for open air in. to periscope depth because of the constant danger of broaching in the rough seas and long heavy swells. The average daily temperature was about 20° (F.). No ice was encountered until the last two days of our patrol when we encountered extensive fields east of the. 1. 1. This was just after period of three days of relatively calm weather and extreme cold.

(D) TIDAL INCLINE.
No unusual conditions encountered. Information given in coast pilots' senses to be fairly accurate.

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55.04/16-3
Serial (016)

(i) MAJOR DEFECTS

(a) Engineering.

Main Storage Battery. The specific gravity of the main storage battery has decreased steadily during the last several months to the point where the maximum gravity obtained on equalizing charge is 1236. The average maximum daily specific gravity is 1234. This figure is considered too low. A work request to raise the specific gravity is being submitted for this refit.

Main Gyro Compass.
December 1. Compass was out of commission about ten hours.
THOUGHTS: Erratic operation of follow-up system between 223 degrees and 235 degrees.
CUSID: The lugs for the follow-up coil (located on the spider arm terminal dock) were making light contact on a protrusion in the spider frame in such a manner as to short the signal input to the follow-up system for short periods of time.
FRIENDLY: Springing the lug end of the terminal block down; making a clearance between the protrusion and terminals.

December 17. Compass was out of commission about 6 hours.
THOUGHTS: Sensitive element—even off the meridian in a rough sea, assuming varying angles of tilt. The tilt being changed by rolling forces of the ship.
CUSID: Improper flotation from loss of mercury due to large and sudden rolls.
FRIENDLY: Adding mercury to win; flotation up to correct level.

There was no other major defects in the engineering department. This is attributed to the inherent dependability of the fairbanks-horse diesel engine, proper upkeep and correct operating procedures.

(b) Hull.

Hydraulic periscope hoists: This ship is the first to be equipped with this type of hoisting gear. The hoists worked satisfactorily, being quiet and fast and a big improvement over the old electric hoist. The design as installed in this ship however is not entirely satisfactory having several inherent defects. The most important defect is the excessive

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5/4/44/16-3
Serial: (016)

HARD DEFENCE (H.D.F.) TO F.D.I.O. SUFFRONT (cont'd)

Interference to reception from "St. Elmo's Fire" was experienced. This interference was also reported by the radar detector.

On occasions of transmitting, the effective frequency Flan Guide (DHC-14) was consulted for proper selection of frequencies. 8470 kc/s. was used on all transmissions and reception of short stations was good.

It is recommended that S/S be equipped with another high frequency receiver to take the place of the R/T receiver. When guarding surface frequencies and S/S for, a third high frequency receiver is needed to copy frequencies over 600 kc/s. The only frequency guarded on the San was the international distress frequency on 500 kc/s.

(2) RADAR.

This ship arrived at Sub Base, Pearl equipped with the ST radar periscope. The electronic equipment was installed by the submarine base repair force. The performance of the radar equipment was as in general very good. Fares up to 110,000 yards were obtained on high mountain peaks with the S/S radar. The ST radar proved unreliable and very spotty performance. It was fortunate that we had numerous land targets for checking this equipment. As the OBC box proved unreliable, the continued good performance of the radar equipment is attributed wholly to the excellent upkeep work of E.O. Flan, C.O. ... capable radio technician is indispensable on a submarine if all the complex radar and radio equipment not installed to be kept in good operating condition.

The data given below is the record kept by the OTC during this patrol and is given here in its entirety.

Generally speaking, the performance of the S/S during the patrol was good. The only operating time lost was about 15 minutes when the regulars rectifier filter condenser shorted. The antenna training system as installed at Portsmouth was very good. It can be shifted from power to hand training only with difficulty and lost time. The per assembly for driving the FFI flexible shaft, as redesigned is defective and tends to cause stratication or "wheel spokes" in the RF pattern.

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5/4/64/16-3
Serial (016)

The 5/4/64's supplied as replacements for the 5/4/63 in the
regulated rectifiers have performed well. No replacements
have been necessary other than the two damaged due to the
shorted filter condenser.

STATION NAME: RATKINS

The performance of the ST was poor. It is completely unre-
liable as illustrated on two successive days: on the first
day good echoes were obtained on a small AK at range of
11,300 yards at fifty feet kel depth. Good echoes were
possible up to ranges of about 6,000 yards at fifty-five feet.
Less than a day later, the next time the ST was used, its
sensitivity practically zero, even though the equipment of
revolving the torpedo valves for the ST tube except
when the ST was about to be used was adopted. A hurried
TT tube replacement made it possible to make contact at
3,800 yards on a large A.O.

Almost all sensitivity trouble encountered with the ST can
be directly attributed to poor TT tube performance and
the attendant crystal damage. This it is possible that
the ST tubes used were an exceptionally poor lot, it is
suspected that they are either defective in design or man-
ufacture. The torpedo valve as well as the resistance
values in the torpedo valve circuit have been checked
numerous times and found correct according to instruction
book data.

The echo box supplied with the equipment is not reliable
checked on system performance. It is possible to obtain good
ring times and no echoes. However, the system may be accu-
rately turned on and off during rehearsal firing time if the
radio is closely approached to the maximum time possible when
the system is known to be in good operating condition.

NOTES ON CASUALTIES (SJ-1)

670 hours: Sharp intermittent drops in ".." regulated rec-
tifier output voltage, resulting in slowing of fuses F7 and F8
in main control unit.

Foul: C6, L6d1 condenser in ".." rectifier short a.
Repl ccd C6; repl ccd 5/4/63's and 6/0/63's damaged because of
short across output.

650 hours: 991's (non slow lamps) in range indicator slow to
ionize resulting in erratic performance, i.e., focusing and
receiver tuning. Replaced 991's.

-11-

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729 hours: Sweeps in FPI became very erratic with much variation in center hole diameter. Replaced R44, bleedero resistor across high voltage supply in FPI.

: 750 hours: 120 volt AC ground on power supply line to SJ-1. Sound interlock contractor in SJ selector unit to be grounding when unit was secured in cabinet. Ground correct.

: 929 hours: Fluctuation of crystal current values, intermittent, occurring only during initial warm-up period of equipment. Sound poor soldering job in tip of co-axial line to crystal current meter resulting in open circuit across filter in 1.7 line.

: 990 hours: Lowered I.F. gain in range indicator. Replaced VG,6A67 in range indicator.

: 1116 hours: Check of SJ-1 training motor. Replaced two broken brushes.

ST C-50 USS AD H.M.1F.1M.1A.0s

: 110 hours: Low intensity as indicated by performance on land at 17,000 yards. Now we achieve. Found TR tube 7246 directive, replaced. Replaced 1M2 crystal.

: 112 hours: Acisoy blower motor in ST transmitter. Bearings in motor had excessive play. Replaced motor from spares.

Low intensity: Replaced in tube and crystal.

: 114 hours: Low intensity: Replace T. tube and crystal. Replaced 723.0 which was shorting intermittently. Returned.

: 115 hours: No "grass"; small transmitter pulse on range indicator. Found out "turned out" cathode resistor R11, 270-2 in boat oscillator circuit. Returned. Maximum ring time on echo took 2750 yards. Performance against small M2 good.

: 122 hours: Sensitivity zero against .0. Replaced TR tube numerically. Sensitvity low, maximum range on .0 3,800 yards.

: 125 hours: Low intensity: Replace crystal, returned. Sensitivity good against I and at 20,000 yards.

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16-3
Serial: (05)
COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET,
SUBDIVISION, NAVY NO. 1504.
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
2 January 1945.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS SPIKEFISH Report
of War Patrol No. One.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, 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, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SPIKEFISH (SS404) - Report of First War Patrol.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of Commander
   Submarine Division TWO HUNDRED FORTY-ONE.

2. The lack of aircraft contacts is noteworthy.

3. At 1000 on 25 December, while attempting to dive to
   that out the topside, the vents were found to be frozen and for several
   minutes the ship was unable to go below 37 feet. Such a condition might
   well have proved fatal had enemy planes been in the vicinity. In cold
   weather with icing of topside, it is considered that the vents should be
   operated at routine intervals and that during daylight if there is the
   slightest indication of their freezing, the Commanding Officer should dive.

4. While the absence of suitable contacts prevented the
   SPIKEFISH from inflicting damage to the enemy, the occurrence gained will
   serve to make this ship a more efficient fighting unit on future patrols.
   The Commanding Officer, officers and crew are congratulated upon their
   return from a patrol made most arduous by cold weather and rough seas.

G. C. CRAWFORD,

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1525
GENERAL 166
GO TIDDLELL
THE END OF THE FIRST TO
SPLITFISH: REPORT OF
FIRST WAR PATROL.

COTUBSPC 2. FROG REPORT NO. 641
U.S.S. SPIRITISH - FIRST WAR PATROL.

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

Subject:
U.S.S. SPIRITISH (55404) - Report of First War Patrol
(15 November, 1944, to 1 January, 1945).

1. The first war patrol of the SPIRITISH, under the command of Commander I. J. Nicholas, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the
   Jurlile Islands and Chichots Sea area.

2. The SPIRITISH on this patrol underwent the rigors of the cold, rough weather in the Jurlile Islands area at this time of
   the year without the satisfaction of contact with the enemy. The valuable training obtained by this SPIRITISH from this arduous patrol
   will pay dividends on her next one.

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

C. L. LOCKROD, Jr.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Combined (7)
CINC (5)
ICPOA (1)
Cinepre (6)
Conservpre (1)
Cincant (1)
Consublant (8)
S/H School, ML (2)
CC, S/H Base, PH (1)
Consopre (2)
Consowespre (1)
Consubsowespre (2)
CPO 71.9 (2)
Concrpre (1)
Consubspre (20)
SUBD, III (2)

ConsubspreSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Pacific (2)
Substrainpre (2)
All Submarines, Pacific (1)

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

— page 24 —
55404/A16-3
Serial (01)
SS404, SPIKEFISH (SS404)
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
C.O.N.F.I. ASSIGNED:
19 March 1945.

From:
To:
Via:

Subject:
U.S.S. SPIKEFISH (SS404) - Report of War Patrol
Number TWO.

Enclosures:
(A) Subject report.
(B) Track chart (for ConsuSpaC).

1. Enclosure (A) covering the second war patrol of this ship conducted in the Nansel Shoto area during the period 26 January 1945 to 19 March 1945 is forwarded herewith.

N. J. NICHOLAS,
Navy Department
Washington, D.C.

— page 25 —
1945, the SPIKEFISH arrived at
: 16 January 1945. No major repairs were necessary.
: Sound test were conducted on 19 January. A four
: day training period was conducted during the period
: 20-23 January. This was considered adequate.
: Fire four corvette torpedoes. Readiness for sea
: date 26 January 1945. Prior to departure loaded
: 24 Mark 16 torpedoes equipped with Mark 18-2
: warheads.

(B) NARRATIVE:

26 January 1400 (Y) Deported hideway enroute Saipan in accordance with despatched instructions from ComSubsPec.

27 January Crossed 180° maridian. Skipped this day.

28 January 1200 (L) Position Lat. 26 - 28N Long. 178 - 18E.

29 January 1200 (L) Position Lat. 25 - 22N Long. 173 - 23E.

30 January 1200 (L) Position Lat. 23 - 46N Long. 168 - 50E.

31 January 1200 (L) Position Lat. 22 - 16N Long. 163 - 48.5E.

1 February 1200 (L) Position Lat. 20 - 53N Long. 158 - 32E.
   Received ComSubsPac serial 011703 changing our
   destination and directing us to proceed to Guam.

2 February 1200 (L) Position Lat. 19 - 17N Long. 153 - 48E.

3 February 1200 (K) Position Lat. 17 - 57N Long. 14E 14E.

4 February 0300 (K) Under rendezvous with escort. 1730 arrived
   Guam and moored alongside HOLLAND.

5 February Ship was docked in AND-24 to replace port sound head.

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— page 26 —
6 February Undocked. Moored also side HOLLAND. Received
    ComSubFec Secret oper.tion order 38-45.
    1500 (K) Departed Guam enroute Area AUSSE in
    Laru Morgue. Task Unit designation 17,1.6.

The following named officers and chief petty officers
were attached to and serving on board the SPIKEISH
on departure from Guam.

OFFICERS:
NICHOLAS, N.J., Comdr., USN 8
FISHER, H.F., Jr., Lt-Cdr., USN 5
COOPER, C.T., Lieut., USN 1
SHELDON, R.C., Lieut., USNR 1
J.MES, J.H., Lieut(jg), USNR 1
HALL, R.L., Lieut(jg), USNR 0
JACKSON, R.F., Lieut(jg), USN 1
MURPHY, A.F., Lieut(jg), USN 11
H.COON, J.E., Jr., Ens., USNR 1

CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS:
URBAN, H.H., CGt 4
GILLESPIE, A.J., Cmdr. 4
SCHULER, J.A., Cmdr. 6

7 February 1200 (K) Position Ltd. 16 - 45N Long. 142 - 22E.

8 February 1200 (K) Position Ltd. 20 - 21.5N Long. 138 - 20E.

9 February 1100 (I) (AC contact 4L. Let. 23° - 15'N Long.
135° - 15'E). OOD sighted two engine land based
bomber approaching from the port quarter, no radar
contact. Submerged to 200 feet. The character of
this plane was not positively determined. However,
the possibility of it being friendly was slight.
OOD had orders to submerged immediately on sight
contact of any aircraft. 1200 Position Ltd.
23 - 24N Long. 135 - 09.5E.

10 February 1200 (I) Position Ltd. 26 - 52N Long. 133 - 12E.
During the night transmitted first scheduled weather
report.

11 February 0400 (I) entered area and commenced submerged patrol
west of KUSKI ISLAND. 1200 Position Ltd. 28 - 44N
Long. 131-06E. During the night made passage south
of KUSKI ISLAND into area AUSSE.

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12 February 0300(I) Strength seturctd radar signal came in suddenly on the APR at 150 MIs. indicating nearby shore based radar going on watch; and continued until we submerged at dawn. Conducted submerged patrol west of AKUSKI ISLAND. 1200(I) Position Let. 29 - 37N Long. 129 - 21.5E. Encountered strong and centrerry currents in this area. On surfacing picked up same radar signal on APR, variable strength, sweeping.

: 15 February Submerged patrol south of KOKOTE SHIIA. 1200(K) position Let. 26 - 35N Long. 129 - 03E. Transmitted successful weather report.

: 15 February Submerged patrol west of AKUSKI SHIIA. Noted lighthouse, two radio towers, enc. possible radar installation on high level ground on MV end of GADISHIHA. then we surfaced the light was burning with reduced intensity, showing a steady white light visible with binoculars out to a distance of fifteen miles. 1200(K) position Let. 26 - 53N Long. 129 - 22E.

: 16 February Submerged patrol west of AKUSKI JIMA. 1200(K) position Let. 29 - 23N Long. 129 - 21E.

: 17 February Submerged patrol south of YOKOTE SHIIA. 1200(K) position Let. 26 - 27N Long. 129 - 50E. Transmitted scheduled weather report.

: 18 February Submerged patrol in western part of our area. 1200(K) position Let. 29 - 36N Long. 129 - 05E.

: 19 February Submerged patrol west of GADISHIHA. 1200(K) position Let. 29 - 52N Long. 129 - 15E. Shortly after surfacing notice a dln light blinking in our direction from the vicinity of the lighthouse on GADISHIHA. There may be a lookout station on this island.

: 20 February Submerged patrol south of YOKOTE SHIIA. 1200(K) position Let. 29 - 36N Long. 129 - 05E.

: 21 February Submerged patrol in western part of our area. 1200(K) position Let. 29 - 20N Long. 127 - 45E.

— page 29 —
26 February Submerged patrol in western part of our area, 1200(K) Position Lat. 29 - 26N Long. 125 - 22E.

27 February Submerged patrol off TAKARA JIMA. 1200(K) Position Lat. 28 - 38 N Long 128 - 33E.

26 February Submerged patrol in western part of area. 1200(K) Position Lat. 29 - 22N Long 127 - 56E.

1 March Submerged patrol along northern edge of area. 0930(K) Sighted two single engine land based planes distant about three miles on easterly course flying low. 1200(K) Position Lat. 29 - 51N Long 128 - 17E.

2 March Transmitted scheduled weather report. Submerged patrol in central port of area - our position doubtful because of prolonged overcast and heavy weather. 1200(K) DR Lat. 29 - 17N Long 128 - 38E.

3 March Ran eastward and made landfall on YOKOTA JIMA. Submerged patrol south of YOKOTA JIMA. 1200(K) Position Lat. 29 - 33N Long 128 - 40.5E.

4 March Submerged patrol along edge of restricted area. 1200(K) Position Lat. 29 - 19N Long 128 - 00E.

5 March Teck position south of AKUSENI to intercept reported north bound convoy. 0620(K) Submerged. 0716(K) (Contact #2, attack #2) Sighted smoke. Made out convoy of three small AK, one small AO, and four or more escorts on northerly course and will pass west of AKUSENI. The car far off the track. Closed at high speed until sound picked up screens, then slowed to 1/3 speed. The car on a collision course with a gunboat escort who is patrolling about 3500 yards on the port flank of the convoy. All escorts are joining. The will be unable to get in favorable position and will be forced to fire at long range directly ahead of the escort. A zig towers at this time locked like our best opportunity so at 0825(K) commenced firing the six bow tubes at the ships; four at a small AK and two at a small stack aft, torpedo run thirty five hundred yards. The escort is bearing down on our starboard beam with a zero angle at one thousand yards so ordered deep submergence. He torpedo explosions were heard. The escorts were probably alerted by the sound of torpedoes running. 0830(K) First depth charge. A total of twelve depth charges were dropped, none close over a period of one hour. 1030(K) at periscope depth nothing insight.

— page 30 —
1045(K) Heard distant explosions followed by depth charging to northward. Probably the Tilesfisi making her attack. 1507(K) Sighted two engine lank based bomber headed north. 1615(K) Heard distant depth charges explosions. 1920(K) Surface. 2300(K) Received ComSubsFac Scrial 27 directing Sinkfisi to depart area sunset six March and proceed to Pearl Harbor via Midway to refit.

6 March: Submerged patrol east of KODAKARA JIMA. A heavy. W storm is building up. 1200(K) Position Lat. 26 - 52N Long. 129 -28E. 1900(K) Surface in N gal. Commence return to Pearl via Midway.

7 March: Enroute Midway. 1200(L) Position Lat. 29 - 04N Long. 133 - 17E.

8 March: Enroute Midway 1200(K) Position Lat. 29 - 23N Long. 137 - 04E.

9 March: Enroute Midway. 1200(L) Position Lat. 29 - 23N Long. 141 - 55 E.

10 March: Enroute Midway. 0445(L) Made weak contact on ARF at 1600C's, turned on SD and got contact at six miles and six intoneously made contact on plane on port beam as it turned on identiffication lights. Submerged. The arc true hundred miles northeast of CHI CHI JIMA 0600(C) Surface. 1200(L) Position Lat. 29 - 12N Long. 146 - 56E. 1245(L) Noted slight rise in noise level on ARF at 1400C's; turned on SD and got contact at seven miles. Lockout sighted Davis type plane approaching from east. Submerged. 1530(L) Surface.

11 March: Enroute Midway. 1200(L) Position Lat. 26 - 56N Long. 153 - 06E.

12 March: Enroute Midway. 1200(L) Position Lat. 26 - 35N Long. 159 - 53E.

13 March: Enroute Midway. 1200(L) Position Lat. 26 - 24.5N Long. 166 - 03.0E.

-7-

— page 31 —
14 March
Enroute Midway. 1000(M) Submerged and conducted six hour battery discharge for capacity test.
1200(M) Position Lat. 28 - 14N Long. 172 - 34E.
1700(M) Surfaced.

15 March
Enroute Midway. 1200(M) Position Lat. 28 - 13.5N Long. 177 - 22E. Crossed 180° meridian, repeated the day.

16 March
1029(Y) Arrived Midway. 1600(Y) Departed Midway.

17 March
Enroute Pearl. 1200(Y) Position Lat. 24-20N - Long. 174 - 32N.

18 March
Enroute Pearl. 1200(W) Position Lat. 20 - 47N Long. 162 - 58W.

19 March
Arrive Pearl.

— page 32 —
1. U.S.S. SPARFISH (SS404)
2. c/o Fleet Post Office,
   San Francisco, California

(C) WEATHER No unusual weather conditions were encountered.
The weather in general was favorable for submarine operations.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
Currents are Variable and unpredictable among the islands of the chain. Generally it was found that strong currents existed close to the islands setting strongly on shore westward of the islands, northwest of Amami Oshima the current runs roughly parallel to this island in a southwesterly direction. The Japan stream runs roughly northeast in the open sea at a strength of 1.5 to 2.0 knots. The direction of the set changes to east as the current runs through the passes between the islands.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
The light on G.M.S.H.A was noted to be burning a steady white light of reduced intensity and was visible with binoculars on a clear night at a distance of 15 miles.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS
| No. | Time | Position | Type | Initial | Est. | How | Remarks |
|-----|------||------||------|------||
| 1   | 0836 (i) | Lat. 29-05N | 5 | Medium | 15000 | 200°T | Periscope Attack #1 |
|     | 24 Feb. | Long. 127-24E | A | small | 4 | (smoke) | 7 knots |
|     | 1945   |          |      | 4 escorts |      |      |          |
| 2   | 0716 (K) | Lat. 29-20N | 3 | small | 15000 | 000°(T) | Day Attack #2 |
|     | 5 March | Long. 129-30E | A | small | 4 | (smoke) | Periscope and #3. |
|     | 1945   |          |      | 4 escorts |      |      |          |

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
Only two aircraft contacts were made in this area both in daytime. The absence of night flying radar equipped planes is notable. No unusual aircraft activity was noted.

After departure from the area, two plane contacts were made in daylight on 10 March in a position about one hundred miles east of TORI SHIMA. Both planes were initially detected by a weak contact on the A.P.R.

— page 33 —
U.S.S. SPIKEFISH (SS404)
    c/o Fleet Post Office,
    San Francisco, California

:  (H) ATTACK DATA
    U.S.S. SPIKEFISH (SS404)  TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1  PATROL NO. 2
    Time 1016(K)  Date: 24 February 1945  Lat. 29 -05N  Long. 127 -25.0E
    TARGET DATA -- Damage INFLICTED
    Description: Convoy of five medium AK, one small AO, two
    chidori escorts, two PC escorts. Made contact
    on smoke by periscope in good visibility.
    Attacked medium AK similar to SINSKI M.RU #8,
    page 101, O.H.I. 208-I, with overlapping unident-
    tified AK.

Ships sunk: None.

Ships damaged or
probably sunk: One (EC) SINSKI M.RU #8 type.

Damage determined
by: Three timed explosions at 3 minutes 15 seconds,
3 minutes 27 seconds, 3 minutes 35 seconds after
firing.

Draft of target: 23 feet  Base course 180  Speed 6.5 knots
Range 3800yards (at firing)  3200 yard torpedo run.

OWN SHIP D.T.

Speed: 4 knots  Course: 290  Depth: 65 feet  Angle 342 (at firing)

FIRST CONTROL .ND TORPEDO D.T.

TYPE ATT.CK: Made normal submerged periscope attack. Selected
largest and nearest ship as our target which was
second ship in line with another if overlapping
on the starboard side. Range at firing was long
but setup looked good and did not want to let
this ship get by; and there were other ships astern
in the event that we missed our target. Fired six
torpedoes from bow tubes because of possibility of
hitting overlying target, 55 port tranc angles,
torpedo run 320 yards. Use alternate spread,
125 feet between torpedoes, estimate to get length
400 feet. Periscope crossed directly ahead of
chidori escort who was probably alerted by sound
of torpedoes running as he turned towards acting
suspicious. Commenced swinging to fire stern
tubes but nearness of escort prevented firing.

-10-

— page 35 —
U.S.S. SPIKEFISH (SS404)
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

(H) .TT.CK D.T.A (CONTD)

U.S.S. SPIKEFISH TORPEDO .TT.CK NO. 2 PATROL NO. 2

Time 0826(K) Date 5 March 1945 Lat. 29 - 20N Long. 129 - 26E

TARGET D.T.A. — D.M.GE INFLICTED

Description Convoy of three small .K, one small stacks aft, four escorts (1 chidori, 1 gunboat, 2 PC.) made contact on smoke in clear weather by periscope, good visibility. .attacked small unidentified freighter.

Ships sunk: None

Ships damaged or None. probably sunk:
Draft of target: 7 feet Base course 090 Speed 9 knots Range: 4000 yards (at firing) Torpedo run 3500 yards.

ON SHIP D.T.A.

Speed: 4 knots Depth: 65 feet angle: 120R (at firing)

FIRE CONTROL .AD TORPEDO D.T.A.

TYPE .TT.CK: Made normal submerged periscope attack. Selected last two ships in line as targets because it would give us longer time to close the range. However this placed us on a collision course with a gunboat escort who was patrolling about 3500 yards on the port flank of the convoy. Ran at high speed until we picked up convoy screws on sound, then slowed to avoid detection. Fired four bow tubes at small .K. .all missed, hisses attributed to possible range error and extreme range of firing. Torpedoes may have passed under targets at that range.

-12-

— page 36 —
U.S.S. SPIKEFISH (SS/04)
:  c/o Fleet Post Office,
:  San Francisco, California

| Tubes fired | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 |
||----|----|----|----|
| Track angle | 60 P | 61 P | 62 P | 62 P |
| Gyro angle | 016 | 014.5 | 011 | 011.5 |
| Depth sct | 5  | 5  | 5  | 5  |
| Power (speed) | Mark 18-1 SPEED SET 28 KNOTS |
| Hit or miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss |
| Erratic | No | No | No | No |
| Mark torpedo | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 |
| Serial No. | 55540 | 55646 | 56111 | 54910 |
| Mark exploder | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 |
| Serial No. | 10394 | 9782 | 10160 | 9930 |
| Actuation | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Mark Warhead | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 |
| Serial No. | 4241 | 4221 | 3263 | 3974 |
| Explosive | Tpx-2 | Tpx-2 | Tpx-2 | Tpx-2 |
| Firing interval | 10 sec. | 10 sec. | 10 sec. | 10 sec. |
| Type spread | 0 | 0 | 250' ahead | 250' astern |
| Sea conditions | Choppy | Choppy | Choppy | Choppy |

Overhaul activity: Submarine Base, Midway

Remarks: Temperature electrolyte: 78°F; No hits.
Torpedo run: 3500 yards; Injection: 72°F.

-13-

— page 37 —
U.S.S. SPIKEFISH (SS404)
:  c/o Fleet Post Office
:  San Francisco, California

(H) ...TT.CK D.T. (CONT'D)

U.S.S. SPIKEISH  TORPEDO .TT.CK NO. 3  P.TROL NO. 2

Time 0827(K)  Date 5 March 1945  Lat. 29 - 20N  Long. 129 - 26E.

T.RIGHT D.T.A - D.R.C GE INFLICTED

Description  Small stacks aft freighter, running amply, shallow draft.  Same convoy as attack #2.

Ships sunk:  None

Ships damaged or probably sunk:  None

Draft 7 feet  Base course 0000  Speed 9 knots
Range 3500 yards (at firing).  Torpedo run 2900 yards.

ON SHIP D.T.

Speed 4 knots  Course 090  Depth 65 feet  Angle 120R (at firing)

FIRE CONTROL .ND TORPEDO D.T.

TYPE .TT.CK:  .after firing .tt first target shifted to small stacks aft freighter and fired remaining two bow tubes, no spread.  Both missed.  Kisses are attributed to range error.

-14-

— page 38 —
U.S.S. SPIKEFISH (SS404)
:  c/o Fleet Post Office,
:  San Francisco, California

TORPEDO ATTACK DATA

Tubes fired #5 #6
Track angle 65 P 65 P
Gyro angle 011 011
Depth set 5 5
Power (speed) 28 knots 28 knots
Hit or miss Miss Miss
Erectile No No
Mark torpedo 18-1 18-1
Serial No. 54493 56130
Mark exploder 8-5 8-5
Serial No. 8114 10471
Actuation Contact Contact
Mark Warhead 18-2 18-2
Serial No. 1845 4119
Explosive Tpx-2 Tpx-2
Firing Interval 0 10 sec.
Type spread 0 0
Sea conditions Choppy Choppy
Overhaul activity Submarine Base, Midway

Remarks: Temperature electrolyte: 78°F; No hits.
Injection: 72°F; Torpedo run 2900 yards

-15-

— page 41 —
U.S.S. SPIKEFISH (SS-84)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California

ST R.D.R

No opportunity was afforded for using this valuable equipment as no night contacts were made.

...PR-SP... EQUIPMENT

The radar detector was used as an early warning device and as such it worked very well. A directional antenna would be a very valuable addition to the equipment for use in determining direction of land and ship borne radar without swinging ship. Many radar contacts were made with the...FR in the vicinity of the N.M.S.M. ISLADS at extreme distance of 30 miles. The more important ones are listed under paragraph "UU". With a little experience the operator was able to identify these contacts whenever they reappeared. None of the contacts made in the area were identified as airborne.

(N-O) SON.R G.L.R. ND SOUND CONDIT.LONS — DENSITY L.YERS

There were no major casualties due to faulty operation or design of the sonar equipment. ...defect was discovered in the cable of the JP-1 hydrophone; this cable was deteriorating at the base of the training shaft.

In general, performance of the sonar gear was good, and sound conditions were fair.

Sound contact number one was made at 0630, 24 February at 1stitude 29-05 north, longitude 127-27 east. On this date sight contact was made with an enemy convoy (smoke on horizon). ...for minutes 1st for long scale echo ranging was heard on the QS sonar gear, on the same bearing and at a range of about fifteen thousand y.r.s. ...the range decreased four escorts were near echo ranging on various frequencies (15 kcs, 17 kcs, and 10.8 kcs) and on long scale (8 second interval). Signals were strong and clear. One escort (chidori type) was clear ranging on 17 kcs. Screw noises were heard at about 4000 yards range. ...after the attack evasive tactics were employed and proved to be very effective. No sound contacts were made by the escorts. ...good temperature gradient (about six degrees) was noticed at 300 feet. At one point, intermediate scale echo ranging was heard for a short while, but this soon changed to long scale and then faded out. The escorts continued to ping for about two hours.

-18-

— page 42 —
U.S.S. STRIKEFISH (SS404)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California

(N-O) SOUND RECORD CONDITIONS — DENSITY LAYERS (CONT'D)

Sound contact number two was made at 0730, 4 March, at
latitude 29-30 north, longitude 129-25 east. On this date
sight contact was made with enemy convoy (snake on horizon)
...t about 0745 long scale echo ranging was heard at about
8 miles. When the range had closed to about 7000 yards,
screw noises were heard. Both the JK-QC and QB sound gear
picked up the screw noises at this range. Four escorts
were heard echo ranging on about 17 kcs. The signals were
strong and clear. No sound contact was made by these
escorts.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HEALTH, MILITARY.

It is a pleasure to operate with the modern submarine.
Living conditions were excellent at all times. There was a
plentiful supply of food of all kinds well prepared by an
above average commissary department. As a result of the
above conditions the health of the crew was excellent.
There were no sick or injured during the patrol. As a
consequence the men are all highly contented and morale
is exceptional.

(Q) PERSONNEL.

(a) Number of men detached after previous patrol - 4.
(b) Number of men on board during patrol - 77.
(c) Number of men qualified at start of patrol - 49.
(d) Number of men qualified at end of patrol - 66.
(e) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol - 5.

The efficiency and state of training of officers and
enlisted men is excellent. Performance of duty by all
hands under all conditions was highly satisfactory. Qualification of officers and enlisted men has progressed
satisfactorily. All men who have served on board continuously for six months or more are now qualified with the
exception of three men who will be disqualified for lack
of aptitude.

(R) ALTITUDE STATION — FUEL USED
Base (latitude via Guam to area 4280 miles - 47000 gallons.
In area 2830 miles - 19000 gallons.
Area to base (Pearl via latitude) 4700 miles - 68000 gallons.

-19-

— page 43 —
16. Torpedoes Fuel
12 83000 gallons Provisions Personnel
(On departure from area). 15 days 15 days

Limiting factor this patrol: Ordered to return to base by despatch from [SUBSCRIBE: SubSafec]

(U) COMMUNICATION, R.D.R. and SONAR COUNTERMEASURES

(1) Radar Countermeasures
. .FR CONT. CT LOG

| Date | Time | Position | Legs | | PRF | Pulse/Flip | Remarks and probable |

— page 44 —
17 Feb 0230 28-35N 152 500 4 4.6
    | 123-47E
    | 0600
    | 0600
    | 82
    | 153
    | 500
    | 22
    | 15
    | Full saturated.
    | 15

— page 46 —
1. The Second War Patrol of the SPIKEFISH under the command of Commander N. J. Nicholas, U. S. Navy, was conducted in the Nansai Shoto area and covered a total period of fifty-three (53) days. Twenty-four (24) days were spent in the assigned area, all of which were spent submerged during daylight hours. The patrol was terminated by despatched orders.

2. Two contacts worthy of torpedo fire were made, both of which were escorted convoys of medium AK's and a small AO. Daylight submerged attacks were made on each of these in which twelve torpedoes were fired resulting in three timed explosions.

FIRST ATTACK (24 February 1945)

A smoke contact made by periscope in the early morning developed into a six ship and four escort southbound convoy. A submerged approach was made and at a range of 3800 yards (3200 yard torpedo run) six Mark 18-1 torpedoes were fired from the bow tubes at two overlapping AK's with an average track of 56° port. Three timed hits were heard, but, due to escort activity, deep submergence had been ordered and the results were not observed. About eighty depth charges were dropped by escort following this attack.

SECOND ATTACK (5 March 1945)

Another early morning smoke contact was made during submerged patrol. After closing, a convoy of four small ships with four or more escorts was made out on a northerly course. Due to the activities of a patrolling escort the commanding officer elected to accept a poor firing position and at a range of 4000 yards with a 3500 yard torpedo run fired four torpedoes at one ship and two at another on about a 60° port track. No hits were heard or seen.

— page 47 —
1/2/45
FB5-141/A16-3
Serial: 04
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
20 March 1945.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS SPIKEFISH Report of
Second War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. SPIKEFISH (SS404) - Report of Second War Patrol.

3. In each of the above attacks the commanding officer accepted no indication of his having been detected prior to the attack. Long experience has shown that our submarines have seldom been picked up by Japanese escorts prior to a submerged attack and it is believed that a much more favorable position could have been successfully attained if less attention had been paid to them. Penetration of the screen is highly important and the chances of successful attack particularly with slow speed torpedoes, are far greater at short ranges.

4. The lack of aircraft contacts is noted with pleasure and was undoubtedly the result of efficient destruction by our carrier strikes just prior to the period of this patrol. However, the advantages of such a situation should be taken by attempting to get in more surface patrolling when away from land, thus obtaining much greater area coverage than that gained submerged.

5. The SPIKEFISH appeared exceptionally clean and shipshape upon her return from patrol and should be profitted in the normal period by BUSHIELL and Submarine Division 141 relief crews. Her material condition is good but she is behind on approved alterations. Alterations will be accomplished to the extent possible.

6. The Commanding Officer, officers, and men of the SPIKEFISH are congratulated upon the fine appearance of their ship and the damage inflicted on the enemy during this patrol.

D. F. WEISS

— page 48 —
FC5-14/A16-3(1)  SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOURTEEN
Serial: (031)  Care of Fleet Post Office
    San Francisco, California
Confidential
21 March 1945

Second Indorsement to
USS SPIKEFISH (SS404)
Report of Second War
Patrol.

From:  The Commander Submarine Squadron FOURTEEN.
To:  The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via:  (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
    (2) The Commander in Chief, U.S. PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject:  U.S.S. SPIKEFISH (SS404) - Report of Second War Patrol;
Comments on.

1. Forwarded, occurring in the complete remarks of
Commander Submarine Division 141.

2. The Commanding Officer, officers and men are congratulated on the excellent appearance of the SPIKEFISH upon
return from patrol and for the damage inflicted on the enemy.

3. It is considered that the SPIKEFISH should be credited
with the following:

DALAGED

One AK (Medium) (EU)  4,000 tons

Copy to:
ConsubDiv 141
CO USS SPIKEFISH

— page 49 —
10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
ral 0621
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
SPIKEFISH Report of
Second War Patrol.
COLSUSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 697
U.S.S. SPIKEFISH - SECOND WAR PATROL.
From:
To:
Via:
Subject:
1.
The second war patrol of the SPIKEFISH, under the
command of Commander N. J. Nicholas, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the
Nansei Shoto area.
2.
This patrol, both of which were medium sized convoys with four escorts each. Daylight submerged attacks were made on both contacts. In Attack No. 1 three timed hits were heard but no hits resulted in attacks Nos. 2 or 3, probably due to long torpedo runs. Due to maneuvers of an escort in Attack No. 1 the SPIKEFISH went to deep depths to evade and unfortunately was unable to obtain positive evidence of damage resulting from the three timed explosions. Some depth charges were dropped by escorts following this attack, but fortunately they were not close enough to the SPIKEFISH to cause serious damage.
3.
Award of Submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol is not authorized.
4.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew of the SPIKEFISH for having inflicted the following damage upon the enemy during this patrol:

DANGER
1 - Medium 4K (SINSEI MARU No. 8 Type) (EC) - 5,000 tons (Attack No. 1)

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Commander
CTR
CHN
CIN
CINPAC
LAC
CNS
CNSW
CNS
S/S
S

— page 50 —
33404/AL6-3
Serial (C2)
U.S.S. SF/1SH (SS404)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California

13 June 1945

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINIST/5510/C
BY
DATE

From:
To:
Via:

The Commanding Officer.
The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) The Commander Submarine Division T.O. MIGHTY TWO.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron THIRTY EIGHT.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject:
U.S.S. SF/1SH (SS404) - Report of War Patrol Number THREE.

Enclosures:
(1) Subject report.
(2) Track chart (for ConsubSafac).

1. Enclosure (1) covering the third war patrol of this vessel conducted in the FORLOSA and MANOLI SHOT areas during the period 19 April to 13 June 1945, is forwarded herewith.

R. R. HARGRAVE.

FILMED
128830

— page 52 —
5
: 7
: 3
: 5
: 10

1700 Set clocks back to zone plus 10 time. 1930 secret released. 2000 made train dives.

20 .pril
20 .

— page 54 —
9:30 (cont'd) activity had been previously encountered in this area, I considered it advisable to remain submerged during daylight, at least when visibility was good and land was in sight. 1200 (H) position, 23 - 32N, 124 - 42E, 1650 (H) surfaced.

10 May 0913 (H) shifted yellow flare bearing 315 (T), 30 contact at 8 miles, no lift response. - 0thn on. 2nd except indications of shore based radars which have been constantly since entering the area. 3d picked up pln at 15,000 yards. Turned away and keyed 3d frequently. - 1bottl five minutes after the 2nd approach, a searchlight was directed upward in the vicinity of hhrun. 3d ran 3d both radionet contact with plane until about 0320 (H), when he disappeared. - 3ssume he made a landing near hhrun. 0547 (H) Submerged for approximately 2min ahead of surface. 0800 (H) port sound heard hoistline out of commission. (See major defects and damage). 1200 (H) position. Lat. 25 - 04N, Long. 122 - 23E, 1750 (H) Sighted "Bottl" be run 350 (T), distant 2 miles, 1600 (H) port sound heard crack in commission. - 1st excellent joint of effective emergency repairs was done by the First Lieutenant on the auxiliary. It will probably last throughout the patrol.

11 May 0447 (H) submerged north of assisted lifeguard station. 0902 (H) surfaced near lifeguard station and headed toward it. 0907 (H) - 3mile plane crossed our bow headed for Formosa. Closest range 4 miles on SD, he 1st response. - 1scheduled a "Bottl" but could not identify positively. He either didn't see us or was in too much of a hurry to investigate. 0911 (H) made junctures with our air cover. 1stcellent VHF communications. 1005 (H) air cover separated. 1112 (H) Dive for submarine patrol off Formosa. 1200 (H) position. Lat. 24 - 36N, Long. 122 - 18E, 1828 (H) air cover in condition 4 sea.

12 May 0507 (H) Dive for submarine patrol. Seas still condition 4. 12 - 80 feet between observations. 1200 (H) position. Lat. 24 - 17N, Long. 142 - 25N, 1150 (H) surf. 3rd. 2nd to condition 2. 2230 (H) sighted flare bearing 210 (T), followed in a few minutes by a searchlight but boat should not fire at the vicinity of hhrun. 3d once this is the second time we have observed this sequence of events, it is evident that in coming planes make a flare signal before coming in for a landing. 10d contact.

13 May 0433 (H) dive and spent most of the day within five miles of hhrun. Could see building on land markers clearly. No signs of activity and no ships, not even a small boat. 0748 (H) sighted a Laysa low over the water and headed toward, distance about 5 miles. Went to 90 feet. 1st believe he had just taken off. 1200 (H) position. Lat. 24 - 58N, Long. 141 - 46E, 1553 (H) surfaced.

14 May 0436 (H) submerged for daylight patrol off Formosa. 1200 (H) position. Lat. 24 - 04N, Long. 122 - 09S, 1855 (H) surfaced. 2123 (H) Contact on 3d bearing 02N, range 7500 yards. Position. Lat. 24 - 13.5N, Long. 122 - 18E, 80.6. Commenced tracking.

— page 55 —
1. (cont'd) Target was on course 140 (T), speed 7 knots, and not zigzagging. It was headed toward Yonaguni Shima. There were no indications that he had radar. 2216 (H) battle stations night action. This was obviously a small target but I couldn't tell whether it was a patrol craft, a sea truck, or a large sampan. This was a black night, no moon, no crest, no wind, in view of the poor visibility conditions and the unusual nature of the target, I considered a close range gun attack inevitable. Indeed in for torpedo attack and at 2307 (H) third three torpedoes using radar guns and firing 10-16 rounds, depth set 2 feet, 1" spread, 5sec calm, no hits. Torpedoes all in a small. The torpedoes left very bright, photographed with a 1/4" lens, and I had to turn 1000 yards, and I had to turn 5 sec to see all of the 1/4" light. The torpedoes were all in a small

— page 56 —
55404/16-3
Serial (02)

15.00 (cont'd) 4. arrive flying, cost bearing: 035 (T), distance 5 miles, flying low, no lift response, so submerged. 1155 (H) surfaced. Fairfield on surface during rise of day. 1200 (H) position Lst. 24 - 32N loc. 1Lz - 22m.

19.00 0431 (H) submerged near lift signal station. 1000 (H) surfaced on assigned station. 1020 (H) air cover joined us. 'as unable to raise son by radio. a large number of 24's passed over us during the morning. 1110 (H) air cover departed. 1200 (H) position Lst. 24 - 49N loc. 122 - 142. 1411 (H) surfaced.

20.00 0426 (H) submerged for daylight patrol. 1400 (H) position Lst. 24 - 11N loc. 112 - 58. 1441 (H) surfaced.

21.00 0447 (H) submerged by miles from lifeguard station. 0900 (H) surfaced and proceeded on to engines so as to be on station by 0930. to scan no sign of plane ahead need to patrol the area this morning. 1200 (H) position Lst. 24 - 17N loc. 122 - 142. 1349 (H) surfaced. 1654 (H) surfaced.

22.00 0445 (H) submarine near lifeguard station. 0919 (H) surfaced on station. 0955 (H) air cover joined us. Good air condition. 1100 (H) air cover departed. 1400 (H) position Lst. 24 - 47N loc. 122 - 162. Maintained on surface during remainder of day.

23.00 0449 (H) submerged near lift guard station. 0925 (H) surfaced on station. 0919 (H) surfaced. 1100 (H) position Lst. 24 - 20N loc. 122 - 33. Maintained on surface during remainder of day.

24.00 0440 (H) submerged near lift guard station. 0920 (H) surfaced on station. 0919 (H) surfaced. 1100 (H) position Lst. 24 - 45N loc. 122 - 45N loc.

— page 57 —
06404/46-3
Serial (02)

27 Jan 1943 (ii) Submerged for daylight patrol. 1000 (ii) position - t. 25 - 28N Lon. 123 - 20e. 1405 (ii) Surf. cod. 1507 (ii) submarine. 1057 (ii) surface.

28 Jan 1943 (ii) Submerged near lifeguard station. 0905 (ii) Surf. cod. 0908 (ii) .dr. cover joined us. established. 1000 (ii) position. 1200

— page 59 —
7 June (cont'd) VP corvette officer was excellent during this rescue, the information from the planes was accurate. From the time we first heard for the assignment position until we came into the water it was never necessary to carry a course more than 45 degrees. Returned to Lifeguard station for balance of day. 1340 (H) Friendly fire circulated us. 1900 (H) Dpt. to a rescue station. 2130 (H) 50 contact with 220 (T), 1500 (T), 1000 yards. 2100 (H) 50 contact with 220 (T), 1500 (T), 1000 yards.

— page 61 —
5:00: 17-30 U.S.S. TTL, 1500 083
1: 2d. april 160 - 5th. 2000
: 0623 17-24 U.S.S. TTL, 0700 087
2: 29. april 154 - 02nd. 2000
: 0641 17-09 U.S.S. TTL, 135, 000 075
3: 20. april 147 - 2nd. 2000
: 1240 40-39 Conv. 7, 25, 000 000
4: 6. aug. 132-23 U.S.S. TTL, 000 000
5: 1024 20-42 M.O. 1000 000
6: 6. aug. 131-38 000 000
: 1423 12-13 U.S.S. TTL, 000 000
6: 11-22 1122-1021 U.S.S. TTL, 000 000
7: 2220 23-5 M.O. 000 000
8: 29. aug. 123-15 000 000
: 2130 123-47 U.S.S. TTL, 000 000
6: 17. aug. 123-51 000 000
: 1632 00-40 M.O. 000 000
7: 10 aug. 131-50 000 000
: 12-11 000 000

There were only four definitely correct contacts in the 1st 2nd. patrol. All the four contact were apparently on the 1st 2nd. patrol. No further contact was made.

There was only one contact in the 3rd 2nd. patrol. The contact was on the 3rd. patrol. The contact was on the

— page 63 —
6044/16-3
serial (0c)

TROOP NO. 11-6 D.R.

TUBES FIRED #4 #5 #6

FIRE MALE 85 85 85

CUTTER NO. 14.5 R 16 R 18 R

DEPT. SET 2 F.O.T. 2 F.O.T.

FUAR (EPOOD) 27.6 M.O. 27.6 M.O. 27.6 M.O.

HIT OR MISS Miss Miss Miss

BATTERY No No No

DARK TORPEDO 18-2 18-2 18-2

DETAIL No. 99711 99539 99564

L.P. EXPLOSOR 8-7 8-7 8-7

DETAIL No. 15572 10065 16049

DETACHMENT Contact Contact Contact

AIR WATCH 18-2 18-2 18-2

DETAIL No. 6070 6283 6151

ADMISSIVE TR-2 TR-2 TR-2

Firing Interval 0 13 9

TYPE SPREAD DIRECTION 1° R 1° R

DIST. CONDITION 0 0 0

OVERHAUL ACTIVITY OCCURRENCE DAY, YEAR

REMARKS: ELECTROTECHNIC 600, DEPTH SPRING HOL, DOME SECURITY INSTALLED.

— page 65 —
5/6/1944
SS/40/16-3
Seattle (02)

(..) Read in.

The radio performs well during the entire patrol. The peaks on I-400s were picked up at ranges of more than 100 miles on the 50 miles of radio sweep echoes on the .-scope. On four occasions aircraft were detected on the 50 out to 42,000 yards. I-400s were picked up on the 50 at 35 miles. The 50 radar was keyed intermittently during daylight and kept in a standby condition at night. The B-17s were useful in picking up fireflies' planes at long ranges whenever the planes were within .-1.

Difficulties were minor and no listless behavior.

50: Failures were few, consisting of two replacements and tuning adjustments.

1. **SYNTAX**
   - **Trouble**
   - **Message**
   - **Frequency**
   - **Range**
   - **Speed**
   - **Depth**
   - **Speed**
   - **Range**
   - **Speed**
   - **Depth**
   -

— page 67 —
9 June
Swanton: Loss of one P.P.I.
Trouble: Failure of 6A07, first video tube.
Remedy: Unit replaced.

also replaced two TI tubes and one crystal. Gear operated 750 hours. Total hours on gear 2800 hours.

Hanges on aircraft out to 2000 yards in four cases.
Hurricanes contact out to 30000 yards.

SE

Operation satisfactory. Returned twice, one after replacing
Magnetron and again after replacing the tube and crystal.

Hance on Yonokuri, elevation 757 feet at 50 feet depth --
33,000 yards.
Angles on Nusoran, elevation 1,335 feet at 50 feet depth --
36,000 yards.

(7) SOLAR SEA. . . . D SOUND CO. DIRECTORS

Sound conditions were in general good and performance
of all gear was satisfactory except as noted in "Mater
Defects".

We were operated at all times while on the surface when
ship's crew was in knots or less. Performance was satisfactory
to hurricane force for the first six months which was subject
to hurricane fatigue. Ship's crew replaced this switch
which was turned out overboard safely. This is a confirmed
satisfactory and was used so the major part of the
patrol. Many tracers were removed or inoperated to be
taped to an evasive position. However, fish
noises were so numerous and of so many varieties that
it can not be divided by stated that any of the contacts
were torpedoes, although some of them had all the characteristics of torpedo effects.

(8) DESIGN LAYERS.

Layers encountered were the same as those usually found
in the areas at this time on the year. Numerous cards
were taken and they will be forwarded to Vice Chief of
Naval Operations.

— page 68 —
0/0/16-3
Serial (02)

(T) H.45, FOD, and H.15-1/1/1.

Four clear days were lost to collisions:

Injury: Contusion (no leg, left foot).
Treatment: Ice milk removed, painted with tincture,
   - 1st degree: 1st degree and superficial abrasion, applied.
   - 2nd degree: 2nd degree and superficial abrasion, applied.

One day: One.

As usual, the food was good and the preparation was excellent. The ice cream was excellent, very good.

(1) FROST

(a) Number of men detached after previous patrol -- 18.
(b) Number of men on board during patrol -- 76.
(c) Number of men qualified at start of patrol -- 54.
(d) Number of men qualified at end of patrol -- 58.
(e) Number of unqualified men making the first patrol -- 16.

The part: Number of officers and men was excellent and
   - 1st nature to be ashore. There is a fine local spirit
   - 2nd nature to avoid of this ship, and my only report was
   - 3rd nature not have been recorded into some way
   - 4th nature to continue.

(2) This ship -- USS

Pearl Harbor to area -- 6204 miles -- 71,402 fathoms
In area -- 5477 miles -- 20,000 fathoms
Area to area -- 1948 miles -- 27,720 fathoms

(3) SHIP

Days ashore to area -- 19.
Days in area -- 30.
Days ashore to area -- 6.
Days ashore -- 16.

Note: On five of the days listed as submerged days we performed life patrol duties and were on the surface or at the stern 2 to 4 hours.

— page 69 —
1. 1st. 18-2 torpedoes
    5. 4k 27 torpedoes
    Full roll calls
    Crewmen ages -- 10.
    Personnel factor -- 7 days.
    Initial factor trials at trial -- transmitted by distant orders
    from Commander.

(1) 00. T.10. 1st. 18-2, 12. 2k 30. 1st. 18-2 at sea.

---

**Timetable of enemy ships**

| Date | Time/Position/Target | Position | Name |
|------|||------|
| 19. 9. 1941 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 1st. 18-2 |
|      | 10:30 - 15. 1st. 18-2 | 10:30 - 15. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 6. 9. 1941 | 10:40 | 10:40 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 6. 9. 1941 | 10:45 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 10:45 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 10:50 | 10:50 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 11:05 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 11:05 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 11:10 | 11:10 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 11:15 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 11:15 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 11:20 | 11:20 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 11:25 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 11:25 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 11:30 | 11:30 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 11:35 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 11:35 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 11:40 | 11:40 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 11:45 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 11:45 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 11:50 | 11:50 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 11:55 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 11:55 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 12:05 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 12:05 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 12:10 | 12:10 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 12:15 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 12:15 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 12:20 | 12:20 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 12:25 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 12:25 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 12:30 | 12:30 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 12:35 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 12:35 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 12:40 | 12:40 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 12:45 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 12:45 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 12:50 | 12:50 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 12:55 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 12:55 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 13:05 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 13:05 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 13:10 | 13:10 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 13:15 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 13:15 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 13:20 | 13:20 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 13:25 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 13:25 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 13:35 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 13:35 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 13:40 | 13:40 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 13:45 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 13:45 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 13:50 | 13:50 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 13:55 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 13:55 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 14:05 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 14:05 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 14:10 | 14:10 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 14:15 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 14:15 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 14:20 | 14:20 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 14:25 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 14:25 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 14:30 | 14:30 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 14:35 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 14:35 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 14:40 | 14:40 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 14:45 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 14:45 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 14:50 | 14:50 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 14:55 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 14:55 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 15:05 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 15:05 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 15:10 | 15:10 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 15:15 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 15:15 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 15:20 | 15:20 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 15:25 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 15:25 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 15:30 | 15:30 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 15:35 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 15:35 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 15:40 | 15:40 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 15:45 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 15:45 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 15:50 | 15:50 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 15:55 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 15:55 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 16:05 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 16:05 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 16:10 | 16:10 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 16:15 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 16:15 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 16:20 | 16:20 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 16:25 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 16:25 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 16:35 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 16:35 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 16:40 | 16:40 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 16:45 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 16:45 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 16:50 | 16:50 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 16:55 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 16:55 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 17:05 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 17:05 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 17:10 | 17:10 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 17:15 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 17:15 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 17:20 | 17:20 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 17:25 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 17:25 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 17:35 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 17:35 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 17:40 | 17:40 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 17:45 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 17:45 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 17:50 | 17:50 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 17:55 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 17:55 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 18:05 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 18:05 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 18:10 | 18:10 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 18:15 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 18:15 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 18:20 | 18:20 | 1st. 18-2 |
| 10. 9. 1941 | 18:25 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 18:25 - 11. 1st. 18-2 | 1st

— page 73 —
15/22/ALO-3 c/o 1st Port Office, San Francisco, Calif.
Cerial (023)
14 June, 1945.

CONFIDENTIAL

MUST DOCUMENT TO:
CO SUBMARINE CONF. LIST.
0540/...1-5, serial (02)
dated 13 June, 1945.

From: The Commander Submarine Division TWO EIGHT TWO.
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY THREE.
Subject: U.S.S. STAKES (304) - Report of War Patrol
Number Three.

1. The Third War Patrol of the STAKES was conducted in the ORIENTAL area in 1940 and 1941. It extended over a period of 55 days, 30 of which were spent in the eastern area. The patrol was terminated by dispatch orders.

2. The area was covered in thorough and efficient manner. The only contact made was a small patrol, probably a sea task, this was picked up by radar on a quick alert, tracked and attacked on the surface. Three bow torpedoes which were torpedo depth charges, properly rigged on the seaplane, were fired on a trawler. All missed, probably unreturning the target.

3. The STAKES was in the eastern area, and covered the entire area. The patrol was successful.

4. Lifeguard services were provided in the area and a rapid patrol was conducted. On the last day in the area, STAKES was scouted in the area. The number of torpedoes fired was 1,000. The

— page 75 —
7/15/1945
Serial 01623
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
SPIKEFISH Report of
Third War Patrol.
CONSUSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 796
U.S.S. SPIKEFISH - THIRD 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. SPIKEFISH (SS404) - Report of Third War Patrol (19 April to 13 June 1945).

1. The third war patrol of the SPIKEFISH, under the command of Lieutenant-Commander A. S. Managhan, U. S. Navy, was conducted northeast of Formosa and in the Hansei Shoto area.

2. Despite thorough area coverage, the only contact made was a small sea truck, upon which a night surface attack was made; but, unfortunately, was not successful. The SPIKEFISH, however, had the pleasure of rescuing a friendly fighter pilot during her lifeguard duty off Ishigaki, and conducted a bombardment of Miyara air strip on Ishigaki Shima.

3. Award of Submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol is authorized.

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew of the SPIKEFISH for the completion of this well conducted and successful patrol.

DISTINGUISH:
(Complete excerpts)
Condition
CO2
(5)
Cinepac
(6)
JICPOA
(1)
ADICPOA
(1)
Conservpac
(1)
Ginclant
(1)
Consubelant
(8)
S://: School, IL
(2)
CO, S://: Base, PH
(1)
Conopac
(2)
Consopac
(1)
Consub7thFlt (Fwd Echelon)
(2)
Consub7thFlt (Rear Echelon)
(2)
Comorpac
(1)
Consubspac
(3)
ConsubspacAdComd
(40)
(2)
SUBAD, IL
(5)
ConsubspacSubordcom
(5)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Pacific
OSS 3 (Airmail)
Substrainpac
All Submarines, Pacific
W. S. LANGLEY,
A&ST. Flag Secretary.

EXTRA - ORIGINAL
SORG. MICRO
PHOTO-LAB OP-16
RETURN TO F-4253

— page 76 —
SS404/16-3
Serial (C3)
DECLASSIFIED
C-0-1-T-1-0-1-T-1-0-1

From: The Commanding Officer,
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) The Commander Submarine Division 104.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron 10.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) The Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STARKSH (SS404) - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

Includes:
(A) Subject report.
(B) Draft chart (for ConsulFasc only).

1. Enclosure (..) covering the fourth war patrol of this vessel in the Nampo Shoto, Yellow Sea, and East China Sea areas during the period 8 July to 31 August 1945, is forwarded herewith.

T. R. HAMMOND.

141955

— page 77 —
1945-06-03
Serial (O J)

Report of Fourth Paratroopers

Arrived Guam from third war patrol on 13 June 1945. Commenced refit by U.S.S. APOLLO and relief crew division 282 on 14 June 1945. Routine refit was completed on 28 June 1945. The following work was accomplished in addition to normal refit:

- Modified each motor order telegraph transmitter indicator to provide an additional indicating position on the dial in order to permit the conning stations to notify the maneuvering room to shift from engine to battery.

- During the refit period Lieut. (jg) A. F. HUGHES, USNR, was detached and was. F. SHULMAN, Jr., USNR, reported aboard for duty. Underway training period from 2 July 1945 to 6 July 1945, a total of 5 days and one night underway. Fired four exercise torpedoes. Completed loading on 7 July 1945. Readiness for sea on 8 July 1945.

(B) NATIVE

8 July 1500(K) Departed Apr. Harbor, Guam, for fourth war patrol in company with U.S.S. DAGGETT and SC 669 with the following officers and chief petty officers aboard:

| OFFICERS | RANK | NUMBER OF PRECIOUS PATROLS |
||------||
| A. H. CHAMBER, R.N. | Lieut.-Comdr., USN | 10 |
| F. SCHARF, H.F., Jr. | Lieut.-Comdr., USN | 7 |
| COOPER, C.T., III | Lieut., USN | 3 |
| SHULMAN, R.C. | Lieut. (2)L, USNR | 3 |
| J. JESS, J.H. | Lieut. (D)L, USNR | 3 |
| HALL, F.L. | Lieut. (jg), (2)L, USNR | 2 |
| LOVSON, F. | Lieut. (jg), USN | 3 |
| KING, E.P.A. | Ensign, USN | 1 |
| GILDERMAN, H.S. | Ensign, (D)L, USNR | 1 |
| SHULMAN, T.F., Jr. | Ensign, USN | 1 |

| CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS | RATE | PRECIOUS PATROLS |
||------||
| GILBERTS, J.J. | Cdr. | 6 |
| SCHULER, J.A. | Cdr. | 8 |
| PERMITTON, C.S. | Ctr. | 4 |

1920(K) Released escort.

-2-

— page 78 —
9 July 1200(K) Enroute area conducting daily training dives and drills.
: 10 July 1200(I) Position: Lat. 17-03N Long. 14-03E.
: 1200(I) During the afternoon sighted a large number of friendly bombing planes on northerly courses.
: 1325(K) Sighted a U.S. submarine bearing 059 (T), distant 10 miles.
: Unable to exchange calls. S/C #1. Position: Lat. 17-13N Long. 143-48E.

: 10 July 1200(I) Position: Lat. 20-31N Long. 140-23E.
: 1200(I) Sighted and exchanged calls with U.S.S. HACKBECK on opposite course. S/C #2. Position: Lat. 20-53N Long. 139-57E.

: 11 July 1200(I) Position: Lat. 24-55N Long. 139-46E.
: 2100(I) Received message from Commander Submarines Pacific Fleet assigning us a lifeguard station for air strike tomorrow night.

: 12 July 1200(I) Position: Lat. 29-55N Long. 139-45E.
: 1500(I) Entered patrol area. Departed company U.S.S. DRAGONET.
: 1621(I) Received message assigning us a lifeguard station for fighter strike tomorrow.
: 2150(I) SJ radar contact on Tori Shima bearing 104 (T), distant 39 miles.

: 13 July 0230(I) On lifeguard station. Established WIF communication with our air cover, a Privateer, and later sighted him.
: 0425(I) Air cover departed.
: 0535(I) Dived.
: 0909(I) S.rafaced. Received message cancelling today's fighter strike.
: 1200(I) Position: Lat. 30-07N Long. 139-23E.
: 1342(I) Dived.
: 1947(I) Surfaced.

: 14 July 0099(I) Made quick dive.
: 0951(I) Sighted a U.S. submarine bearing 150 (T), distant 5000 yards. Attempted to exchange recognition signals by sonar, but he was probably travelling too fast to hear us. S/C #3. Position: Lat. 30-13N Long. 139-15E.
: 1200(I) Position: Lat. 30-23N Long. 139-17E.
: 1643(I) Surfaced.
: 2005(I) SJ radar contact bearing 205 (T), distant 11,000 yards. Exchanged calls with U.S.S. DRAGONET. Sent her a missing serial by WIF.
: 2225(I) Received message from Commander Submarines Pacific Fleet assigning us a lifeguard station for tomorrow and instructing us to proceed to a new area on completion of lifeguard duties.

-3-

— page 79 —
15 July 1130(I) On lifeguard station.
: 1200(I) Position: Lat. 29-54N Long. 139-20W.
: 1330(I) Air cover, a. Privateer, joined up. Established communications with him.
: 1532(I) Air cover departed. Set course for new area.
: 2314(I) Received instructions from U.S.S. THIRD via CO. to assign us to a section in the area. Sent S.TAFFIS. serial to Commander Submarines Pacific Fleet.

: 16 July 0635(I) Dived.
: 0647(I) Surfaced.
: 1200(I) Position: Lat. 29-45N Long. 134-38W.
: 1345(I) Sea floatings mine with rifle fire. Position: Lat. 29-45N Long. 134-14W.

: 17 July 0216(I) SJ contact on plane bearing 320 (T), distant 15 miles.
: 0232(I) Established VHF communications with sea plane. Requested him to investigate source of 10 C.m. radar interference to north of us, which he agreed to do. Since he made no report of his findings, assumed radar was on a friendly vessel.
: 0247(I) SJ radar contact on Nakano Shima bearing 310 (T), distant 75 miles.
: 0327(I) SJ contact bearing 070 (T), range 14,700 yards. Exchanged calls with U.S.S. L.AFFIS, the source of our earlier radar interference. S/C 24.
: 0647(I) Dived to approach Ausaki Strait submerged.
: 1200(I) Position: Lat. 29-22N Long. 130-31W.
: 2003(I) Surfaced.

: 18 July 0030(I) Commenced transit of Ausaki Strait.
: 0040(I) sighted Ausaki Shima bearing 315 (T), distant 11 miles.
: 0300(I) Completed transit of strait.
: 0454(I) A single wing, double float-type plane dove out of a cloud astern and passed close aboard up the port side just above the level of the bridge, then started to circle to its left. Although it was early dawn, he could see a sea clearly and was identified as a "JAP." Dived. He had not been keying the SD and were taken completely by surprise. I don't know why he didn't attack us unless he had no ammunition. He had no indications of aircraft radar on the ATA, and, since he was above the clouds before he dived, he was probably too high for the SJ to pick him up. I believe he came in by radar using a frequency outside the range of our ATA. Position: Lat. 29-56N Long. 129-11W.

: 1200(I) Position: Lat. 30-09N Long. 129-12W.

— page 80 —
1313(I)  Surfaced.
: 1420(I)  Sighted floating mine. Position: Let. 30-17N
: 1519(I)  Dived.
: 2011(I)  Surfaced.
: 2240(I)  SJ radar interference bearing 060 (T) with friendly
: 20 July 0430(I)  Passed Denjo Gunto aboard to port distant 18 miles.
: 0447(I)  Dived.
: 1200(I)  Position: Let. 32-23N Long. 127-53N.
: 1356(I)  Surfaced.
: 1657(I)  Dived.
: 2016(I)  Surfaced.

: 20 July 0415(I)  Received messa. from THRADIN via CombusFac assigning
: 0510(I)  Sighted floating mine and exploded with rifle fire.
: 0527(I)  Position: 32-37.5N Long. 125-15.5N.
: 0926(I)  Dived. I plan to conduct most of the patrol in this
: 1200(I)  area on the surface except when the likelihood of being
: 1633(I)  sighted from land or being picked up by land based radar
: 1745(I)  make patrolling submerged necessary, out will remain sub-
: 1810(I)  merged during a portion of the day for training purposes.
: 1831(I)  When submerged, we will take periscope observations every
: 1952(I)  long. 124-15N.
: 1952(I)  Sighted floating mine and exploded with 4 rounds of
: 1952(I)  rifle fire. Position: Let. 33-59N Long. 124-19E.
: 1952(I)  Sighted floating mine and exploded with rifle fire.
: 1952(I)  Position: Let. 34-15N Long. 124-05N.

21 July  Had 50 or 60 SJ radar contacts during the night at
: 0517(I)  Dived.

-5-

— page 81 —
1037(I) 1200(I) 1500(I) 2300(H) 22 July 0015(H) 0121(H) 0418(H) 1200(H) 1319(H) 1503(H) 1955(H) 2112(H) 2149(H) 23 July 0417(H) 1200(H) 1950(H) 24 July 0733(H) 1007(H) 1048(H) 1200(H) 1340(H) 1347(H) 1944(H) 2005(H)

-6-

— page 82 —
0344(H) 0147(H) 0153(H) 0219(H) 0434(H) 1200(H) 1319(H) 2139(H) 26 July 0443(H) 0501(H) 0507(H) 0549(H) 0944(H) 1200(H) 1547(H) 27 July 0430(H) 1115(H) 1200(H) 1632(H) 1735(H) 2300(H) 28 July 0030(H) 0442(H) 0958(H) 1200(H) 1332(H) 1343(H) 14 July 0342(H) 0558(H) 1200(H) 1332(H) 1343(H) 14 July 034

— page 83 —
0342(H) 1240(H) 1315(H) 31 July 0002(H) 0432(H) 1200(H) 1240(H) 1402(H) 1600(H) 0431(H) 1200(H) 1302(H) 0439(H) 1200(H) 1315(H) 0350(H) 0438(H) 1200(H) 1313(H) 0439(H) 1200(H) 1406(H) 1200(H) 1315(H) 0350(H) 0438(H) 1200(H

— page 84 —
5 August 0432(H) Dived.
    1140(H) Surfaced.
    1200(H) Position: 4-28-53. Long. 123-48E.
    1220(H) Sighted a P-38 bearing 150 (T), distant 4 miles flying
    1220(H) low. Raised him on WHF.
    1420(H) Sighted a PH bearing 065 (T), range 10 miles.
    1454(H) Sighted a PH bearing. 070 (T), range 15 miles.

6 August 0030(H) 5 and 5D radar contacts on plane bearing 255 (T), range
    7 miles. No HF and unable to raise him on WHF.
    0010(H) Had 10 Cts. radar interference to north eastward.
    Friendly.
    0439(H) Divd.
    1102(H) Sighted 7 carrier type planes bearing 000 (T), distant
    about 3 miles, apparently strafing an object in the
    water and headed toward periscope. Went to 150 feet.
    1112(H) JP heard screens bearing 023 (T).
    1120(H) at periscope depth. Sighted a large group of ships to
    northward, hull down. Range about 10,000 yards.
    Couldn't identify ships as to type, since only the super-
    structures were visible, but some of them resembled
    transports. Turned to head toward, then sighted another
    large group to westward heading toward us on easterly
    courses, range about 10,000 yards. Headed toward second
    group. S/C 45. Position: 4-29-41 Long. 124-06E.
    1125(H) Flipped for silent running. The northern group had a
    large angle on the bow and was passing out of sight.
    The group to westward consisted of several cruisers,
    a possible battleship, and a destroyer screen in the
    van.
    1130(H) Positively identified near destroyers as U.S. type,
    Fletcher class. Initiated an exchange of recognition
    signals by sonar, but our signals did not correspond
    with theirs. Since they were deployed in a long line of
    bearing normal to their course, I could not avoid them.
    Went to 240 feet in 43 fathoms of water. Destroyer
    screen passed directly overhead, screens in all directions.
    None of them attacked, so they must have been satisfied
    as to our friendly identity. We never picked up the
    heavy ships on sound, so assume they took an evasive
    course. The destroyers passed on to westward.
    1254(H) .11 clear on sound.
    1307(H) Heard 3 distant explosions.
    1313(H) Periscope depth. All clear.
    This was an extremely harrowing experience. I felt sure
    from the first that the ships were friendly, but, since
    I had received no information as to the presence of a
    friendly force in the area, I did not feel justified in
    assuming that they were not enemy, even though there
    were more ships there than the Japs we believed to have
    left. By closing to investigate I sacrificed my pos-
    sible chance of getting safely clear, but I could not

— page 85 —
6 August (cont'd)
justify doing anything else. After thoroughly checking our recognition signals, we found no errors, so an
unable to understand our failure to receive the correct reply from the destroyers.
Sighted anti-aircraft bursts bearing 125 (T).
Surfaced.
Sound picked up pinging and screen noises dead ahead.
Waved at azimuth speed.
SJ radar contact bearing 315 (T), distant 6000 yards.
Range closed to 3200 yards then lost contact. Probable
pantom.
7 August 0435(H) Dived.
1051(T) Sunac'd.
1200(H) Position: Lt. 29-05N Long. 123-49S.
1424(H) H.O.
1659(H) Surfaced.
8 August 0421(H) Dived.
1140(H) Sunac'd.
1200(H) Position: Lt. 29-11.0N Long. 124-13S.
1401(H) Passed unidentified at break.
1410(H) Sighted two large bombers bearing 140 (T), distant
14 miles.
9 August 0440(H) Dived.
0720(H) Sighted two Pills bearing 135 (T), distant 8 miles.
0743(H) Surfaced.
1200(H) Position: Lt. 29-14N Long. 123-30S.
10 August 0444(H) Dived.
0954(H) Surfaced.
1200(H) Position: Lt. 28-45N Long. 123-19S.
11 August 0014(H) SJ radar contact bearing 285 (T), distant 3600 yards.
3/C #9. Position: Lt. 28-37N Long. 124-13S.
Commenced tracking. Target speed zero. As I was unable
to make positive identity in the darkness, decided to
remain in the vicinity until daylight, then examine him.
Identified target as sugar dog type sea truck of about
250 tons, loaded. He was still dead in the water and was
showing no colors or markings.
Closes to 1500 yards and fired across his bow. No
signs of life aboard.
0507(F) Commenced firing with 5 inch, 40 H.M., and 20 H.M. guns.

-10-

— page 86 —
0514(H) Target sank after 5 direct hits with 5 inch and several with 40 mm. gun. expended 15 rounds of 5 inch and 26 rounds of 40 mm. ammunition.
: 0530(H) Recovered 3 survivors including the commanding officer. There were others in the wreckage. The commanding officer conveyed to us the information that there were nine men aboard and their home port was in Korea.
: 0545(H) Cleared area at high speed upon making a TDR contact.
: 0703(H) Divied a. H. bearing 170 (T), distant 0 miles.
: 0735(H) Sighted another PB bearing 340 (T), distant 4 miles.
: 1200(H) Position: Lst. 26-55N Long. 124-09E.
: 1301(H) S refaced.

: 12 August 1135(H) Sighted mast bearing 270 (T), distant 10 miles. Headed toward. S/C #10.
: 1200(H) Position: Lst. 29-22N Long. 123-11E.
: 1250(H) Came along side a small Chinese junk, single mast, 5 men crew, with a small cargo of firewood. Passed them a caution of aircrafts and departed. Position: Lst. 29-21N Long. 123-08E. Sgt STANFORD fourth to Commander Submarines Pacific Fleet.

: 13 August 0440(H) Divd.
: 1107(H) Surfaced.
: 1200(H) Position: Lst. 29-20N Long. 124-01E.
: 2010(H) SJ radar contact bearing 032 (T), range 980 yards. S/C #11. Position: Lst. 29-32N Long. 124-56E. Had strong signal on at 145 A.C. at this time, pulse rate 500, pulse width 8-10.
: 2018(H) Upon closing bearing to attempt identification, sighted large submarine at range of 3500 yards. PB signal was not at saturation. Concerned opening range rapidly and stationed tracking party. It was a dark night, with moon at first quarter, but target may have seen us or made radar contact.
: 2041(H) Target tracking on base course 230 (T), speed 10, zigging frequently. Sent contact report.
: 2118(H) Roll-over a sudden zig of target to course 130 (T), we lost 2D contact and a. signal at almost the same time. Target was bearing 032 (T), range 9500 yards when we lost him.
: 2122(H) Stopped, rigged out sound heads, and listened. Target had dived, but I hoped to be on hand when he surfaced.

-11-

— page 87 —
4/10-3
Serial (03)

2148(H) Commenced a radar and sound search on easterly and westerly courses, keeping far enough from targets diving point to prevent his closing us submerged. The moon was now down.

2152(H) Received message from SubS/Fc advising us that contact was probably enemy. Target had now been down two hours unless he had surfaced and gotten away. Decided to open out from the target's track to the northwestward for an hour, their steers were very close at his base course on a track parallel to his. I had this decision on a hunch that his last zig to 1500 may have been a feint, and that he probably reversed course again after he dived. The distance of a restricted area to the eastward also made this a likely possibility. . . .ent ahead on 3 engines on course 315 (I).

14 August 0000(H) Came to course 045 (T): Sd contact bearing 075 (T), range 8600 yards, some target, but he was not using his radar nor. Commenced tracking from ahead, keeping the range at about 9000 yards. . . .on course 045 speed as before, zigging 45 to 50 degs as from base course every 2 or 3 minutes. Received message from SubS/Fc stating that no friendly force was near on to be in the area. Although still inside danger war, that the target was a Japanese submarine, I could not be positive without seeing him. It was too far, I decided upon a dawn submerged attack. It was to be right at daybreak, since I expected the target to dive again at dawn, and since the seas were glassy calm. Had a radar target and dived slightly to westward at his track. Range 15,400 yards. Sunrise at 0510. So, a pic. ed up across. Heard occasional pings on 14.7 H.C., typically Japanese. Had excellent sound bearings throughout approach. ST range, 400 yards. Target in sight, definitely a Jap, range 3000 yards. He was perfectly silhouetted, while my background was very dark. Commenced firing salvo of six torpedoes from bow tubes on 60 sternboard track, torpedo run 1300 yards, average group 20 left, depth set at 10 feet. Tined hit for number 2 torpedo. Tined hit for number 4 torpedo. Saw targets but projectiles at a far angle from a pall of smoke and danger. Heard loud sounds of escaping air. Surfaced and headed for point of attack at Lat. 29-02W Long. 123-53E.

-12-

— page 88 —
0540(H) Passed through heavy accumulation of diesel oil, large quantity of debris, all resin-boling wooden decking, and a large assortment of dead fish. Saw five Japanese floating and playing dead. Couldn't interest any of them in coming aboard, even with one of our prisoners from the sea truck trying to persuade them. Finally succeeded in looping a life line around the neck of one, pulled him over the fantail, and cleared the area. The prisoner was uninjured but covered with oil. He identified the target as the I-362.

0806(H) Shifted P&H bearing 160 (T), distant 15 miles. Talked to him on VHF. Sent SFI/NFI/Si sixth to ConsubPac. Divod for a little rest. Position: Lat. 29-30N Long. 124-35E. Surfaced and departed area.

15 August 0026(H) AF signal at 145 M.C. Hoped we might have found another Japanese submarine, altitude, pulse rate seemed too high. Swung ship and headed down bearing of weakest signal. Signal failed out. Escorted course. Still no contact. Came back to our original course. Received instructions from Commander Submarines Pacific Fleet to cease hostilities. Shifted two B-17's bearing 048 (T), range 14 miles. Raised them on VHF. Divod to approach Benjo Gunto. Position: Lat. 32-11N Long. 127-42E. Surfaced. Exchanged calls with U.S.S. FLIGHT. S/C #12. Position: Lat. 32-20N Long. 127-58E. Exchanged calls with U.S.S. SDIVIL. S/C #13. Position: Lat. 32-21N Long. 128-22E.

16 August 0600(H) Shifted Geja Jira bearing 135 (T), distant 50 miles. Shifted a B-17 bearing 145 (T), range 15 miles. Raised him on VHF. Shifted Akusuki Island bearing 124 (T), distant 45 miles. Divod to transmit Akusuki Strait. Position: Lat. 29-25N Long. 129-22E. Set clocks ahead to zone minus 9 time. Heard loud volcanic noises on sound gear. Surfaced. Transmit of Akusuki Strait completed. Exchanged calls with U.S.S. BLACKFIN. S/C #14. Position: Lat. 29-13N Long. 130-12E. Exchanged calls with U.S.S. ONTHIS. S/C #15. Position: Lat. 29-15N Long. 130-59E.

-13-

— page 89 —
17 August 1200(I) 1826(I)
: 16 August 0328(I) 1200(I) 1500(I)
: 20 August 1200(I) 1600(I)
: 21 August 0626(K) 1123(K)
: 22 August 1400(K) 1900(K) 2236(K)
: 23 August 0025(K) 1200(K)
: 24 August 1200(K) 1200(L) 1920(L)
: 25 August 0800(K) 1200(L) 1920(L)
: 26 August 0715(L) 1200(L) 1200(L)
: 28 August 0225(L) 1200(L) 1200(L)
: 28 August 0200(Y) 1200(Y) 1300(Y)
: 28 August 0200(Y) 1200(Y) 1300(Y)

Position: 4 at, 29-17N Long. 134-29E.
Sighted anti-aircraft fire bearing 120 (T) about 20 miles distant. Had friendly 10 Cal. radar interference on that bearing.

Had IFF at 18 miles. Never had sight contact but talked to plane on VHF.
Position: Lat. 27-21N Long. 139-23E.
Sent SPIKEFISH 180445 to CombatTaskGroup 17.7.

Position: Lat. 22-28N Long. 139-08E.
Position: Lat. 18-17N Long. 142-57E.
Set all clocks ahead to zone minus 10 time.
Moored alongside U.S.S. ORION, Tanapag Harbor, Saipan. Transferred prisoners. Received fuel and provisions.

Departed Tanapag Harbor, Saipan enroute Pearl Harbor, T.H., escorted by L.C.I. 1062.
Released escort.
SJ contact on a southbound convoy of 4 ships bearing 355 (T), range 19,000 yards. Exchanged recognition signals with escort and maneuvered clear. S/C #16. Position: Lat. 16-10N Long. 145-07E.

Sighted Sarigan Island, bearing 085 (T), distant 37 miles.
Position: Lat. 17-42N Long. 147-17E.

Position: Lat. 18-24N Long. 153-00E.

Set all clocks ahead to zone minus 11 time.
Position: Lat. 19-26N Long. 158-42E.
Exchanged calls by radar with U.S.S. FORFET who was overtaking us on parallel course. S/C #17.

Exchanged visual and radio communications with U.S.S. FORFET and proceeded in company to Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Position: Lat. 20-42N Long. 164-37E.

Sighted running lights and made radar contact with a ship and escort bearing 110 (T), range 26,000 yards. Maneuvered to keel-carrier. S/C #18. Position: Lat. 20-43N Long. 175-33E.
Position: Lat. 20-47N Long. 177-47E.
Set all clocks ahead to zone minus 12 time.

Crossed International Date Line. Repeated this date.
Position: Lat. 20-49N Long. 175-47W.

— page 90 —
55404/16-3
Serial (03)

29 August 0900 (Y)
1200 (X)
30 August 1200 (X)
1800 (X)
31 August 0520 (X)
0600 (X)
1025 (W)

U.S.S. SPIKEFISH (SS/04)
6/0 Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

Made rendezvous with U.S.S. OUTLAWS and PC 1076.
Set clocks ahead to zone plus 9 time.
Hooked at Submarine base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

-15-

— page 94 —
4 knots Course: 086 Depth 60 feet angle(ave) 29 left (at firing).

T/F: N.T.O.: Dam submarged attack using ST ranges and periscope bearings throughout attack. As range decreased, gradually increased our depth from 50 feet to 60 feet. Used divergent spread with spread interval of 75 feet on Cassidy spread cans.

-19-

— page 95 —
001.1/1/1.1
U.S.S. SPIRIT (S-804)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California

TURBOFIX MT. OK D.T.A.

| Time | Track angle | Depth set | Power (speed) | Hit or miss | Mark torpedo | Serial No. | Mark Exploder | Serial No. | Mark Torpedo | Contact |

— page 96 —
0500(H) 11 August 1945 28-37N Long. 124-13E

TARGET DATE: D.D.A. INFLICTED

DURATION: One (1) SUGAR D, 250 TONS.

DANGER or PROBABLY SUGAR: None.

DANGER determined by: Saw target sink.

DETAILS OF ACTION

Closest target at daybreak and conducted firing at range of 1,500 yards. No return fire. Target sank after 5 hits from 5 inch gun and several 40 M.H. hits. Sprayed topside of target with 20 M.H. as we opened fire. Expanded 15 rounds of 5 inch, 28 rounds of 40 M.H., and 20 rounds of 20 M.H. ammunition.

-21-

— page 97 —
1. TITLED: LONITUDE
1. 29-45N 134-145
2. 30-17N 129-00E
3. 32-34N 125-10E
4. 33-52N 124-16E
5. 35-52N 124-13E
6. 33-59N 124-19E
7. 34-15N 124-05E
8. 35-08N 123-46E
9. 36-00N 122-28E
10. 30-41N 123-50E
11. 36-32N 123-50E
12. 34-46N 122-49E
13. 34-27N 123-27E
14. 34-22N 123-16E
15. 28-57N 123-25E
16. 28-57N 123-26E
17. 28-51N 123-29E
18. 29-02N 123-37E
19. 29-50N 123-02E

(U) ALL SUBMARINE HULL NUMBERS AND NAVAL TUNICS.

None encountered and none used.

(IV) NAVY DEFENSE

No material trouble was experienced. This is the fourth consecutive patrol during which this vessel has experienced excellent patrol time of all equipment. I consider this as well as a fine tribute to the personnel of the Spickfish as well as to the fighting activities and the building activities.

(L) RADIO

Due to various frequencies over which such fox is transmitted no trouble were encountered in copying.

During trans-ission the only jamming noticeable was on 4235 Kcs. Daps c.d.c. to crowd this circuit with CY signals after the first call up. During our transmission of 21 July, in calling NY, two different calls were heard because NFA but due to the fact that they were of a different note and unauthenticated, they were presumed to be japs.

— page 98 —
1. U.S.S. SHIRSH (SS-404)
   - c/o Fleet Post Office,
   - San Francisco, California

(1) RADIO (CONT'D)

NPN did not readie for the message after transmitting
and requested a change in frequency. With, however, inter-
cepted the message and offered to relay and report for some
after our consent. On subsequent occasions 8470 was used
with considerably better results.

Considerable difficulty was experienced in reading the
report from Kinigawa on the 35th frequency. It was usually
necessary to break out all operators and compare notes to
get a decipherable message. Even this procedure was to
no avail on one occasion when ten groups were left out of
a message.

On the night of 15 August contact report was cleared to
NPN in 7 minutes from the first call up.

PROCEDURES AND PROCEDURE IN THE EQUIPMENT.

The heater compartment will not remain at a constant tem-
perature, varying from 68 degrees centigrade to about 45
degrees centigrade. Transmitter was not out of consideration
at any time and could be kept at an operating temperature
by an hourly vigilance and if temperature was either high
or low it would come back to normal operating temperature
by moving H.F. band change switch. This trouble
was experienced during trials after last refit and the
thermo switch (553) in the heater circuit was replaced
and complete check of the heater circuit was made, but
trouble reoccurred after two days at sea. Due to lift-
guards assignment on the first time it might have to remain
taint communications at any time, the transmitter has not
been put out of consideration in order to determine this
trouble.

The RDH-2 was to leave last considerable sensitivity,
routine checks were made and one tube was replaced
resulting in only slight improvement. The high frequency
band in particular is much less efficient. The receiver
shows signs of more for a realignment job.

(2) RADAR

The performance of all radars was excellent. We were
able to pick up pl.ns on the 50 at far as 55,000 yards
and had land contacts on the 50 at 100 miles. During
the one submarine attack, the ST made contact on the
submarine at 5400 yards. During daylight and high moon-
light, while we were on the surface, the 50 was keyed at
intervals of 1-2 minutes. In the taller sea, phenomenal
ranges were obtained on low peaks.

-23-

— page 99 —
9 July 1944, 7 nautical miles from the U.S. Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, California

: 11 July 1944, 6 nautical miles from the U.S. Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, California

: 15 July 1944, 6 nautical miles from the U.S. Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, California

: 27 July 1944, 6 nautical miles from the U.S. Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, California

: 28 July 1944, 6 nautical miles from the U.S. Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, California

: 29 July 1944, 6 nautical miles from the U.S. Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, California

: 4 August 1944, 300 nautical miles from the U.S. Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, California

: 9 August 1944, 12 nautical miles from the U.S. Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, California

: 12 August 1944, 12 nautical miles from the U.S. Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, California

: 13 August 1944, 12 nautical miles from the U.S. Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, California

: 16 August 1944, 12 nautical miles from the U.S. Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, California

: 18 August 1944, 12 nautical miles from the U.S

— page 100 —
1. U.S.S. SPINEFISH (SSN-04)
2. C/o F.I. at Ft. Ord, San Francisco, California

No work, other than frequent checks, was found necessary.

Sound conditions while submerged in patrol area varied from fair to poor. Water conditions were fair while running on surface.

TDR was named a roll times when running at 12 knots or less.

DF produced first sound contact in east China Sea area when large friendly task force was detected at a range of approximately 7 to 7 miles. Supersonic air raid-pinging on variable frequencies from 17 to 30 Kcs. For minutes later, mist took force closed, underwater communications were established on 24 Kcs, using QQ.

During approach on Japanese submarine, DF made first sonar contact at a range of 1,000 yards, sound conditions were unusually good for the locality. Soon after initial scan contact intermittent, timing was heard on 14 Kcs. by supersonic contact. QS and DK made contact at about 9,000 yds.

EQUIPMENT REPORT.

Due to negligence due to cables were partly severed during lowering of head. Reporters were made but leads were considerably shortened. However, operation is satisfactory in present condition.

Seabee receiver in DF range control unit in China Town 160 degrees east of phase. Location of trouble was found to be the result of a broken contact which grounded contactor. Bar antenna and side brushes installed. Unit cleaned. Oper time satisfactory.

DF-3C, DF, and DF sound receiver amplifiers developed tube troubles. Heat tubes installed. Operation satisfactory.

TDR recorder performed in anchor located during first two weeks of patrol. During rest of patrol, however, surplus movement became erratic but this was remedied by easing stylus pressure on paper. Improper cord pulling movement developed which occurred to curve and continued to produce uneven lengths of recorded traces. This situation was not clarified. However under switch in forward torpedo room performed satisfactorily during consequent operation.

— page 101 —
1. U.S.S. SPARTAN (SS-404)
   c/o Fleet Post Office,
   San Francisco, California

(0) DISCRETIONARY LAYERS

In both the Yellow Sea and East China Sea large negative gradients, possessing sharp-break characteristics, were predominant. The average surface injection temperature in these areas were 750°F and 820°F, respectively. On many dives to periscope depth extreme negative gradients were encountered with temperature decreasing 10 or more degrees. From periscope depth to 200 feet ballast adjustments consisted of flooding 8000 to 13000 pounds. No isothermal lines or positive gradients were recorded.

(F) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HEALTH. HEALTH.

Health in general was excellent. A total of 9 sick days were lost as follows:

| Condition | Number |
|||
| HLT, D..., 808 | 63 57, Flo, U.S.N. |
| Diagnosis: | Fumarole, Coccyx Region. |
| Treatment: | Icteric dressing twice daily, lanceo, core removed, painted with tincture of merthiolate and sulfathiazole. Cr. XV every four hours. |
| Sick Days: | 3 |

| Condition | Number |
|||
| HLT, D..., 808 | 70, Slc, U.S.N. |
| Diagnosis: | Corticofacial fever, acute. |
| Treatment: | Sulfathiazole Gr. XV and A.P.C. capsules, 2 every four hours. |
| Sick Days: | 3 |

| Condition | Number |
|||
| FINN, R., 667 | 27 33, Slc, U.S.N. |
| Diagnosis: | Corticofacial Fever, acute. |
| Treatment: | Sulfathiazole Gr. XV and A.P.C. capsules, 2 every four hours. |
| Sick Days: | 3 |

The food was good and the preparation was excellent. The cooks and the baker deserve a great deal of credit for making the meals highly appetizing.

(Q) PERSONNEL

(a) Number of men detached after previous patrol -- 14.
(b) Number of men on board during patrol -- 77.
(c) Number of men qualified at start of patrol -- 52.
(d) Number of men qualified at end of patrol -- 65.
(e) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol -- 10.

The Commander Officer cannot praise too highly the uniformly excellent performance of both officers and crew. In no respect were they found wanting, and I feel it a privilege to serve with them.

-26-

— page 103 —
11/09/15 12 July 29-17N 145/600/5 - .4" 1 Sweeping slow.
: 12/10/00 30-38N 102/200/4 - Sat. Shore based.
: 12/10/00 30-38

— page 104 —
1. Time: 1. Date: 1. Position: 1. Characteristics: 1. Remarks:
40 11520 120 July 154-13N 180/900/20 - .2" 1. Shore based.
    | 1. 124-128
47 12000 1 175/600/50 - .5" 1. Shore based.
45 121.5 1 170/500/40 - .2" 1. Shiny based.
49 12254 1 194/1000/25 - .2" 1. Shore based.
50 10100 121 July 135-39N 175/500/60 - .5" 1. Shore based.
    | 128-195
52 10440 1 182/600/30 - .2" 1. Shore based.
55 10350 1 169/500/60 - .5" 1. Shore based.
54 11632 - .3" 1. Shore based.
    | 123-42B
55 11855 1 168/500/50 - .4" 1. Shore based.
50 1935 1 175/500/15 - .2" 1. Shore based.
57 12140 137-25N 115/500/12 - .2" 1. Shore based.
    | 123-36B
50 2025 123 July 137-12N 169/500/50 - .2" 1. Shore based.
    | 124-46B
59 1010 124 July 136-00N 168/500/35 - .3" 1. Shore based.
    | 123-29B
60 1130 1 175/400/40 - .2" 1. Shore based.
61 2000 125 July 137-06N 170/600/45 - .1" 1. Shore based.
    | 124-26B
62 1015 126 July 137-49N 182/500/40 - .5" 1. Shore based.
    | 123-85B
63 1015 1 168/450/70 - .7" 1. Shore based.
64 1015 1 72/500/90 - .7" 1. Shore based.
65 0930 127 July 137-36N 183/500/25 - .5" 1. Shore based.
    | 123-37B
67 0930 1 76/500/3 - .3" 1. Shore based.
68 0930 1 97/500/50 - 5pt. 1. Shore based.
69 0930 70/1000/20 - .5" 1. Shore based.
70 1010 150-16N 106/600/4 - .3" 1. Shore based.
    | 123-49B
72 2230 1 211/500/10 - .3" 1. Shore based.
73 0925 129 July 152-48N 169/500/50 - .4" 1. Shore based.
    | 123-30N
74 0925 1 97/500/15 - .2" 1. Shore based.
75 1015 80/400/60 - .5" 1. Shore based.
76 1115 124/500/10 - .3" 1. Shore based.
77 1127 80/180/8 - .3" 1. Shore based.
78 1200 49/500/40 - .2" 1. Shore based.
79 1700 75/500/55 - .3" 1. Shore based.
80 2000 50-14N 165/400/10 - .3" 1. Shore based.
    | 124-30B
    | 129-

— page 108 —
1. The Commander Submarine Division ONE, HUNDRED FOUR.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron TEN.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SPIKEFISH (SS 404) - Report of Her Patrol Number FOUR.

1. The Fourth war patrol of the U.S.S. SPIKE-FISH in the NANFO SHOTO, LAST CHINA, and WILLOW SLAS was of forty-four days duration. Thirty-three days were spent on station, seven of them submerged. The patrol was terminated by orders of Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.

2. The patrol was devoted primarily to lifesaving duty but there was no opportunity for rescue. Such energy shipping as was detected was properly tackled. No surface and very little air opposition was encountered. Directed to execute a diversion on 24 July SPIKE-FISH conducted a blind bombardment of SUW-ILAH ISLAND which possibly damaged radar installations known to be located there. On 6 August, while patrolling submerged, SPIKE-FISH encountered a large U.S. TASK FORCE with which she was unable to exchange satisfactory recognition signals creating a dangerous situation which, fortunately, cleared up uncomfortably. A communications failure is suspected. A total of nineteen floating mines were encountered, of which six were destroyed.

3. Shortly after midnight on 11 August a target was detected by radar. After determining that the unknown had no way on SPIKE-FISH remained in the vicinity until dawn when a SD sea truck, located, was recognized. After firing a periscope sight, which was ignored, SPIKE-FISH promptly sank the enemy in a brief unopposed gun action and recovered three survivors including the ex-commanding officer.

4. On the evening of 13 August a radar contact was made which, on being closed to visual range, proved to be a large submarine. SPIKE-FISH very properly turned away, maintained contact and took steps to definitively establish the enemy character of the contact. An hour later the other ship submerged probably, alerted by SPIKE-FISH's radio or radar signals. SPIKE-FISH waited for him to surface using the known diving position and probably submerged speed to remain safe torpedo range from his position circles. Just before submerging the suspected enemy had changed from a westerly to a south-westerly course. SPIKE-FISH gradually suspected a fact and searched accordingly. His persistence was rewarded when contact was re-established shortly after midnight. Although secured the enemy contact was in all probability hostile. SPIKE-FISH prudently elected to track until dawn to avoid any possibility of a torpedo attack. At 0419 SPIKE-FISH, than submerged to attack. At 0424, from an excellent position (track angle 60°, gyro angles near zero, range 150 yards, adequate spread) four mark 14-3A and two mark 23 torpedoes.

— page 109 —
5-104/416-3(2)
Serial (050)
C-O-N-F-L-D-L-D-L-T-L-L
Eltst HIDOFISH to CO, USS SPIKEFISH
Corf. 1tr SS404/416-3 Serial (C3),
(undated).

Subj.ct: U.S.S. SPIKEFISH (SS 404) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

act to run at ten feet were fired, two of which hit and sank the enemy (Torpedo Attack #1). SPIKEFISH survived, closed the scene of sinking and, after much difficulty, picked up a Japanese survivor who identified his ship as the I-382. The Division Commander's estimate that the enemy was a classic of good judgment, smart seamanship, and sound seamanship.

5. On her return to sea SPIKEFISH was clear, shipshape, and with marines and discipline at a pitch. Still, her material condition is very good, in view of the long passage from the Philippines. The ship was in good shape for peace-time service.

6. The Division Commander takes pleasure in congratulating SPIKEFISH on a smart, effective patrol and on the large inflicted on the enemy.

L. B. CHAPMAN
[Signature]

— page 110 —
1/1/jhc
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California.
10 September 1945.

FC5-10/A16-3
Serial: ( 0286 )
Confidential

SECOND ENTRANT to:
U.S.S. SPIRITS (SS404)
Report of War Patrol
Number Four.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron TEN.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Force, FACHIC FLIRT, Administrator;
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. PACIFIC FLIRT.

Subject: U.S.S. SPIRITS (SS404) - "report of War Patrol Number Four.

1. Forwarded, concerning i. the remarks of the Commander Submarine Division ONE HUNDRED FOUR.

2. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the U.S.S. SPIRITS upon the successful completion of her Fourth War Patrol and for the sinking of a large enemy submarine.

3. It is recommended that the U.S.S. SPIRITS be credited with the following:

SUNK
1 - 3S(I - 362 Class) 1500 tons
1 - SD 250 tons
Total Sunk 1750 tons

G. J. PETERSON.

— page 111 —
1- SS (I-362) (50)
1 - SD (L-0)
TOTAL SUM

1,500 tons (attack No. 1)
250 tons (gun attack No. 1)
1,750 tons

G. C. CHAMFORD,
Chief of Staff.

— page 112 —
12-10(4)/116-3(19) SUBMARINE REPORT
Serial 0239
CORRESPONDENCE
CALL TO REPORT TO
SUBJECT: Report of
Fourth War Patrol.

CONFIDENTIAL
CALL TO REPORT TO
SUBJECT: Report of
Fourth War Patrol.

DISTINGUISH:
(8 July to 31 August 1965).

DIST