U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS-332) — war patrol report SS-332_BULLHEAD.pdf

— page 1 —
START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: AR-165-77]
[HANDWRITTEN: H-108]

1.0 ||||| 4.5 ||||| 2.8 ||||| 2.5
||||| 5.0 ||||| 3.2 ||||| 2.2
||||| 5.6 ||||| 3.6 ||||| 2.0
1.1 ||||| 6.3 ||||| 4.0 ||||| 1.8
||||| 7.1
||||| 8.0
||||| 9.0
1.25 ||||| 1.4 ||||| 1.6

OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: C. Miller]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 3-24-77]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[SEAL: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

— page 2 —
Bullhead

A bullhead is any large-headed fish, especially the cat-
fish, miller's thumb, and sculpin.

(SS-332: dp. 1526; l. 311'9"; b. 27'3"; dr. 16'10"; s. 20.3
     k.; cpl. 66; a. 1 5", 10 21" TT.; cl. Balao)

Bullhead (SS-332) was launched 16 July 1944 by Elec-
tric Boat Co., Groton, Conn.; sponsored by Mrs. Howard
R. Doyle; and commissioned 4 December 1944, Commander
W. T. Griffith in command.

The war operations of Bullhead extended from 21 March
to August 1945 during which time she completed two war
patrols. Her area of operations included the Java and
South China Seas and the Gulf of Siam.

During the greater portion of her first war patrol Bull-
head performed lifeguard services and on two occasions
bombarded Pratas Island, China, damaging enemy radio
installations. On her second patrol she sank four small
enemy vessels totaling 1800 tons by gunfire and damaging
three others.

On the last day of July 1945 Bullhead left Fremantle to
commence her third war patrol. Her orders were to patrol
in the Java Sea until 5 September and then head for Subic
Bay in the Philippines. Her report on 6 August that she
had passed through Lombok Strait was the last word re-
ceived from Bullhead. Other U. S. and British submarines
operating in the vicinity were unable to contact her and it
was presumed that she was sunk during Japanese anti-
submarine attacks made in that area between the 6th and
15th of August.

Bullhead received two battle stars for her World War
II service.

— page 3 —
[HANDWRITTEN: BULL HEAD (SS-332)
ALL MATERIAL IN THIS PACKET IS DECLASSIFIED.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES HAS CUSTODY OF SHIPS LOGS
AND HAS COVERAGE FOR PERIOD DECEMBER
1944 - JUNE 1945 FOR BULLHEAD (SS-332)]

— page 4 —
SS332/A16/JJIB

Serial No. 019

[CROSSED OUT TYPED: CONFIDENTIAL]
DECLASSIFIED

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

Subject: U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332) - Report of First War Patrol.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track Chart (Comsubspac only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the first war patrol of this vessel
conducted in the northern part of the South China Sea during the period
21 March 1945 to 28 April 1945, is forwarded herewith.

W. T. GRIFFITH.

DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B9C DATE 5/25/72] U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332)
Care Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
28 April 1945

— page 5 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332)
U.S.S. BULLHEAD - Report of First War Patrol.

(A) PROLOGUE

LAUNCHED
Electric Boat Company, Groton, Connecticut
16 July 1944
Sponsored by Mrs. Howard Doyle

COMMISSIONED
U.S.Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut
4 December 1944
Presented for acceptance by Mr. W. W. Foster (EBCo)
Accepted and Commissioned by Captain H. H. McLean, USN
Invocation by Lieutenant H. F. Murphy (ChC), USN
Commander W. T. Griffith, USN, assumed command

ATTACHED TO
Submarine Division 302
Submarine Squadron 30

ITINERARY
Left New London, Conn.           9 January 1945
Arr Key West, Fla.              15 January 1945
Left Key West, Fla.             29 January 1945
Arr B alboa, C.Z.                2 February 1945
Left Balboa, C.Z.               11 February 1945
Arr Pearl Harbor, T.H.          26 February 1945
Left Pearl Harbor, T.H.          9 March 1945
Arr Guam                        19 March 1945

Except for shaking down, the training at New London was of little
value because of the bad winter weather, shallow water and restricted
areas. Ten practice approaches were made and three torpedoes fired.

The trip from New London to Key West was made, run in company
with LIONFISH. This journey produced very fruitful training but day
and nite. One nite dive was made to 60 feet.

The two weeks stay at Key West was valuable as a shake down period,
but no services were required of us that could not have been performed
by the O-2 (SS63), except for two hours spent at 600 feet while a secret
device was tested.

The training at Panama under Commander Submarine Squadron THREE was
the most valuable that I have ever experienced. This was because of the
ideal weather, clear area, deep water, ample targets (10 screened by 5SC),
and the highly simplified procedures. In four days we fired 26 torpedoes,
employing all types of fire and fire control. All torpedoes were picked
up and prepared for firing by BULLHEAD and we were usually through with
day runs by 1500.

-2-

— page 12 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332)
31 March (Continued)
Report of First War Patrol.
Thus far I I have had three reported positions of convoy, all show-
ing a northerly course at about 11.5 knots; however, LAMPREY
reported course as 220 speed 17. This message may have been
garbled, so I can only proceed on the assumption shown by the
successive positions.
1200 Lat 20-41N, Long 115-22E.
1300 TIGRONE reported surface contact hospital ship.
1315 I sent message asking TIGRONE and LAMPREY if they had contact with
convoy. The situation seems a trifle confused.
1330 TIGRONE said negative contact. Told us to maintain present
position while aircraft searched. Gave her position, course and
speed; placing us about 130 miles dead ahead of her.
1340 Slowed to one third and changed course to close TIGRONE.
1600 TIGRONE said air search negative and that she and LAMPREY were on
course 095 to cover courses to southward. She instructed
BULLHEAD to coordinate with BLACKFISH to cover courses to the
north. Took course 330 at standard speed and requested BLACKFISH
to give her position. However, unable to raise BLACKFISH so
transmitted blind.
1700 Unable to raise BLACKFISH.
1800 Sighted sails on horizon bearing north.
1845 Closed and inspected medium size Chinese junk with four small
boats fishing around it. Took pictures.
1900 Set course to return to scouting line.
1945 TIGRONE contacted BLACKFISH and gave them scouting instructions.
Sighted lights of four probable junks 30 degrees on port bow.
Passed them at 6000 yards, with an unlighted junk 6000 yards to
starboard. As there will be numerous junks from now on along
the coast I shall discontinue mentioning them except in out-of-
the-ordinary cases.
2000 Land at 70,000 yards. These are the islands off Hong Kong
Channel.
2100 Ten miles from land in 20 fathoms of water. Radar clear except
for land. Reversed course to search to seaward covering slower
convoy speeds.

1 April 1945
0300 Received instructions from TIGRONE to form scouting line 110° true
through posit 20-30N, 116-00E, interval 30 miles, course 200
speed 10. Order of ships BULLHEAD, TIGRONE, BLACKFISH, LAMPREY.
TIGRONE requested information on our lifeguard status. I replied
that in the absence of special daily instructions I considered
myself free to search, but that I should stay within a night's
run of station in absence of convoy contact.
0330 Took course and speed to reach scouting station.
0630 Aircraft contact on SJ at 12000 yards. Disappeared closing.
1200 On scouting line.
Lat 19-29N, Long 114-56E.

-9-

— page 14 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332)
U.S.S. BULLHEAD - Report of First War Patrol.
2 April (Continued)
2150 Message from TIGRONE: "Radar Contact".
He is about 90 miles south of me. Changed course to 180° true
and increased speed while awaiting amplifying report.
2220 TIGRONE said radar contact was on junks.
Resumed patrol off St. Johns Island.

3 April
0025 Large aircraft of undetermined type in vicinity. Sighted him
several times and had him on radar. Closed to 7000 yards,
circled and then opened. Kept bow pointed at him at slow speed.
No APR contact. Bright moonlight. If he is homing SJ he should
come in again. He could be a routine flight just getting his
bearings off St. Johns Island.
Shifted to ST radar.
0045 Set course for lifeguard station. Have decided that I should
patrol submerged in close except when life guarding because of
enemy submarine threat.
BLACKFISH, judging from partial reports, had a periscope and/or
attack yesterday.
0620 Submerged on lifeguard station off Hong Kong.
1100 Surfaced on lifeguard station surrounded by 20 junks. As air
cover does not arrive until 1215 decided to amuse ourselves by
inspecting junks. Commenced working on the southern group.
Went alongside six of them; all apparently harmless. They were
all medium size except for one large one of about 75 to 100 tons,
to which we paid particular attention.
1200 Lat 21-11N, Long 114-00E.
1220 Air cover on station.
1330 Air cover departed. No services required.
1800 Set course for St. Johns Island at two thirds speed.
Commenced patrol at edge of blind bombing zone off St. Johns Island.

4 April
0340 Aircraft on SJ radar at 10,000 yards. Closed to 8,000 yards, then
opened to 12,000 yards and disappeared.
0445 Aircraft on SJ at 12,000 yards. Disappeared.
0500 Set course for lifeguard station.
This area seems to be as dead as Takao. No air or surface patrol.
At first glance it may appear that we are needlessly exposing our
presence by surface patrolling; but reflection indicates that
junks are the only possible spotters, and as they see us every
day on lifeguard station we may as well stay up and enjoy the
fresh air and sunshine.
With the known enemy shortage of escorts and aircraft it appears
that they have ceased all routine A/S sweeps in these areas and
are using what they have to protect their few remaining ships.

-11-

— page 17 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332)
------ Report of First War Patrol.
6 April (Continued)
0930 BLACKFISH asked us for our position, which was sent them.
0950 TIGRONE asked if we had made an attack yesterday. Sent message
    describing our search and negative result, but did not get receipt.
1200 Lat 21-09N, Long 114-00E.
1450 No reports of aircraft in trouble so set course for St. Johns
    Island.
2100 Reversed course off St. Johns Island and began working back
    towards lifeguard station against a heavy sea.

7 April
0200 Received message from TIGRONE telling of possible submarine contact
    southwest of St. Johns about 2100. As I was within 20 miles of
    him at the time sent my position, course and speed. He later
    said that he was satisfied that his contact had been on me
    although neither of us experienced SJ interference.
0420 Submerged for large plane sighted through break in overcast.
0440 Surfaced.
0500 Have received no orders for lifeguard duty today. Will try to
    stay on surface off Gap Rock to intercept contact reports.
    Low hanging rain clouds. Reduced visibility. High wind and
    heavy swells.
    Lat 21-42N, Long 114-27E.
1200 Wind and sea still increasing. Barometer is fairly high, but
    this looks like the edge of a typhoon. Visibility limited by
    fine driven mist.
1300 I plan to stand on into the sea to the eastern limit of my area,
    passing 10 miles south of Gap Rock; and then reverse course and
    try to run before the sea.
1700 Low rain clouds have cleared. Now have high overcast with good
    visibility.
1900 Submerged for plane sighted visually and by radar at 9000 yards
    closing to 5000.
1915 Prepared to surface. SD went out of commission so stayed down
    to work on it.
2000 SD still out so surfaced anyway.
    It is presumed that the plane homes on our intermittent SJ sweep,
    as we have been using it today in the low visibility and bad
    weather.
    Commenced using ST.

8 April
0300 Due to submergence at 1900 missed all of message concerning our
    air strike. When it came in on 0230 schedule found that strike
    was a nite one, and already over.
    It would appear now that we may, again, have submerged for own
    plane.
0600 Low overcast has closed in again with fine mist. Wind and sea are
    now moderate.

-14-

— page 18 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332)
D - Report of First War Patrol.
8 April (Continued)
1112 Submerged for probable B-24 making a run on us out of the over-
     cast. He dropped three astern as we went down. Minor shake up
     and damage aft.
1115 This four engine twin tailed bomber was observed at about 500
     yards by OOD, QM and port lookout. He was making what must have
     been a radar run on us, as he was in attack attitude when he came
     thru the overcast. The first bombs exploded almost coincident
     with the diving alarm. We had no indication of radar on the APR,
     therefore, if it was a Jap, he had a radar we could not detect.
     On the other hand, if it was a B-24, his bombing accuracy was
     lamentable. He had us cold on the surface and yet missed by at
     least 75 yards; and he neglected to strafe us as he went by.
     Three or four bombs. Not close.
     As this is fourth time we've been forced down by planes presumed
     to be friendly, have decided to remain submerged and clear
     southern edge of blind bombing zone.
1200 Lat 21-20N, Long 112-56E.
1225 Sound of straffing on water. Nothing in sight.
1820 Surfaced. Set course for Gap Rock off Hong Kong.
2030 Did not receive orders for lifeguard duty on 1830 schedule.so
     changed course to open coast in order to convert #3 fuel ballast
     tank tomorrow.

9 April
0530 Near southern edge of area. Conditions of sea and visibility
     unsuitable for conversion. Decided to stay out here today and
     hope for better conditions tonite.
0950 Sank floating oil drum on probability that it might be a mine
     float.
1200 Lat 20-17N, Long 113-02E.
1330 Submerged for unidentified plane coming from the north.
1400 Surfaced.
1520 Submerged for SD contact at 6 miles. Because of overcast decided
     to remain submerged until time for the 1830 air schedule.
     It would appear that the quality of the air patrol off Hong
     Kong is improving.
1830 Surfaced and set course for blind bombing zone east of Gap Rock.
     Conditions are not suitable for converting the ballast tank.
2000 Received no orders for lifeguard services tomorrow. I plan to
     proceed to a point at 22N, 115E for submerged patrol tomorrow.
     Seventy-five miles from station I will secure all radar except
     the ST.

10 April
0500 Submerged on station. Submerged patrol is considered necessary
     because: 1. This position is coincident with the limit of the
     blind bombing zone.
     2. The low overcast makes intermittent keying of SD necessary
     on the surface; and while this does not insure plane detection
     it would appear from our experience yesterday (120 miles off the
     coast) that it reveals our presence to the enemy.

-15-

— page 23 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332)
----- Report of First War Patrol.
19 April (Continued)
2030        Surfaced and set course for the southern edge of blind bombing
            zone east of Gap rock.
            We have been spotted three times in 20 hours south of St. Johns;
            so I've decided to clear out fast, using ST and run submerged
            tomorrow.
            We have been unable to contact Fifth Air Force and Comsubspac
            message did not indicate whether or not survivors names were
            passed, so we are in the dark. Lack of messages from Fifth
            Air Force indicates we may be missing lifeguard assignments.

20 April
0030        Submerged for plane on SJ.
0045        Surfaced. Weather is making up and it appears that Japs may move
            something. We'll submerge as close in as we can get before
            daylight.
0455        Submerged at edge of blind bombing zone.
1200        Lat 22-00N, Long 115-00E
1825        Surfaced. Set course for Pratas Island. Will patrol off there
            and possibly bombard tomorrow nite.

21 April
0300        Commenced surface patrol between Pratas Island and Vereker Bank.
            Sea is too rough for gun shooting.
1200        Lat 20-50N, Long 116-06E
            Aviators' wounds are doing fairly well except for one apparently
            fractured ankle and a mangled hand. The hand is so bad we can
            do nothing except sprinkle sulpha powder on it and hope.
1930        Message from BLACKFISH states that SS244 is to move into our area.
            BLACKFISH received this from another submarine. We have no orders
            from Comsubspac or Comcouwespa. This is most disconcerting.
            Having intercepted lifeguard instructions for BASHAW off Hainan
            Straits requested instructions from Comsubspac.
2200

22 April
0220        Airplane on SJ at 10,000 yards. Disappeared after three minutes.
            Changed course and shifted to ST for 40 minutes.
1200        Lat 19-10N, Long 114-49E.
1315        IFF on APR followed by voice: "Could that be a Jap sub down there".
            Manned VHF and contacted friendly plane. He said he was circling
            sub at 500 feet. I told him he wasn't circling me, gave him my
            course and turned on ABK. The plane may have BLACKFISH north of
            me.
1430        Sighted and exchanged signals with GURNARD. He passed on a
            northeasterly course.
1930        Received message from Comsubspac concerning relief for BLACKFISH
            on 23rd and BULLHEAD on 26th.
            They told BLACKFISH he might see GURNARD.
            Continuing patrol off Pratas.
            Converted #3 fuel ballast tank.

-20-

— page 29 —
U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332)
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BULLHEAD - Report of First War Patrol.
(M) RADAR (Continued)

SJ/ST Troubles

1. High voltage rectifier tube type 836 burned out. Replaced, gear worked
   normal.
2. Cathode ray tube of PPI unit failed. Triple sweep appeared with sweep
   difficult to focus. Replaced cathod ray tube and trouble was corrected.
3. Main power switch on controller unit burned out. Inspection of switch
   showed it to be almost completely carbonized. The above switch is a tender
   spare. Replaced temporarily with spare emergency switch for TBL transmitter.
4. Feed through insulator supporting plate lead to high voltage rectifier tube
   in high voltage power supply (1200V) broke down. Close inspection showed
   that insulator had small crack where moisture had entered resulting in
   ultimate breakdown. No insulators like this aboard so converted a spare
   standoff insulator for this use.
5. ST magnetron weak and had a tendency to drift. Changed magnetron and
   retuned set. Performance improved appreciably after satisfactory ringtime
   obtained. Prior to changing magnetron, Klystron oscillator tube was
   changed since it could have been responsible for some of the drift. After
   a few days of operation, equipment settled down and worked satisfactorily. An
   occasional peaking seems necessary if the ST is used for search as has been
   the policy on the BULLHEAD.

SD Troubles

1. Burned out 8014A. Replaced, operation normal.
2. Rectifier-type 2X2 in CRT doubler power supply in Rec-Ind shorted out on
   two occasions.
3. Loose IF cable connection corrected, equipment operation satisfactory.

APR-SPA Troubles

1. Shorted capacitor in 5u sec. sweep CKT (C 127).

(N) SONAR GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

All sonar gear functioned very well throughout the patrol, with no
materiel failures noted.

Sound conditions in the area covered were theoretically above average to
excellent; however, no ship contacts were available to check this statement.
Off Formosa and Hong Kong isothermal water was found down to 150 and 110 feet,
respectively.

A listening watch for surface cruising was set on the QB in local control.
In a force three sea or below, excess water noises for listening were not
encountered until a speed of fifteen knots was reached.

-26-

— page 32 —
FC5-22/A16-3
Serial: 076
CONFIDENTIAL

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-TWO

/Bn
Care of Fleet
San Francisco,
20 April 1945.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332) -
Report of First War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332) - Report of First War Patrol.

1. The U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332) departed PEARL 9 March on her initial
war patrol under the command of an able and experienced Captain, Commander W. T.
GRIFFITH, U.S.N. A two day stop was made in GUAM, thence to her patrol area in
the northern part of the SOUTH CHINA SEA. The Commanding Officer was directed to
join the U.S.S. BLACKFISH (SS221) and U.S.S. TIGRONE (SS419), forming a Coordinated
Anti-Attack Group with the Commanding Officer, TIGRONE the Officer in Tactical
Command.

2. This patrol extended over a period of thirty-eight (38) days, of
which thirty-two (32) were spent in the assigned area, with only five days sub-
merged patrolling. In spite of thorough area coverage, the analysis of each air-
craft and submarine contact, and a study of possible traffic routes, not one ship
was sighted or contacted by radar during the entire patrol. Numerous fishing
craft and Chinese junks were in constant attendance, and close scrutiny of many of
then indicated that they were what their names imply.

3. A large part of the time on station was spent performing life guard
duty. The Commanding Officer reports that VHF communications were very satisfactory,
and only in rare instances were communications not reliable. Frequent identity
was established by IFF, although a bomb attack by a friendly bomber was experienced
8 April. In an overcast sky, an approach was apparently made by radar, and an
alert OOD dived, receiving two sticks of bombs, with minor damage.

4. With a bright moon, the BULLHEAD made a gun attack on PRATAS ISLAND,
the radio station serving as a point of aim. This attack resulted in damage to
at least one building in the area. A second bombardment was made on the same target
at dusk on 21 April. No opposition was experienced on either occasion, and other
than planes, both night and day, no anti-submarine measures were encountered.
Contrary to recent experiences in that area, only four floating mines were sighted,
all of which were sunk by gunfire.

5. The Commanding Officer's decision to enter shallow water, well inside
the blind bombing zone to rescue survivors from a ditched plane is worthy of the
highest praise. Voice communications reported a plane down in early evening
latitude and longitude. Fortunately the position reported was correct, and within
two hours after the crew members were in the water, the BULLHEAD received the
three survivors, pilot, co-pilot and radioman, from a Chinese junk, the latter having
recovered them from the water almost immediately after crashing. All were seriously

-1-

— page 33 —
FC5-22/A16-3
Serial: 076
CONFIDENTIAL

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-TWO
/Bn
29 April 1945.

Subject: U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332) - Report of First War Patrol.

— page 34 —
FE24-71/A16-3
Serial 0880

UNITED STATES NAVY

14/dn
[STAMP: RECEIVED S-O FILES]
29 May 1945. 23-00m 2055
[STAMP: JUN 10 20 JUN 1945]
[STAMP: File No. (A16-3(23)/SS332)]
[STAMP: Op. No. 174751]
[STAMP: Re. No. 243]

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BULLHEAD Conf. Ltr.
A16-3, Serial 019, dated
28 April, 1945. Report of
First War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332) - Report of First War
Patrol, Comment on.

1. The First War Patrol of the BULLHEAD, under the
command of Commander W. T. GRIFFITH, U.S.N., was conducted in
the northern part of the SOUTH CHINA SEA. During this patrol
BULLHEAD was a member of the TIGRONE Coordinated Group.

2. During the greater portion of this patrol BULLHEAD
performed lifeguard services. A notable rescue was performed on
16 April when two crew members of a downed aircraft were rescued
under very difficult circumstances. It is of special interest to
note the friendly activities and sentiments of the Chinese natives
who assisted in the rescue.

3. On two occasions BULLHEAD carried out a bombardment
of PRATAS ISLAND. Considerable damage was apparently inflicted up-
on the enemy radio installations.

4. A very extensive and well planned search of the
traffic lanes in the area produced no enemy contacts.

5. The award of the Submarine Combat Insignia is author-
ized for this patrol.

6. The Force Commander congratulates the Commanding
Officer, Officers and Crew of the BULLHEAD upon their completion
of this well conducted patrol during which every effort was made
to inflict damage upon the enemy; two aviators were rescued, and
PRATAS ISLAND was twice bombarded.

[HANDWRITTEN: 28]
[SIGNATURE: JAMES FIFE.]
[STAMP: JUN 21 1945]
[STAMP: RECEIVED]
[STAMP: NAVY DEPARTMENT]

- 1 -

— page 35 —
- 2 -

FE24-71/A16-3
Serial 0880
UNITED STATES NAVY
14/dn
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
29 May 1945.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BULLHEAD Conf. Ltr. A16-3
Serial 019, dated 28 April,
1945. Report of First War
Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332) - Report of First War
Patrol. Comment on.

— page 36 —
[HANDWRITTEN: O.M. 1426-A]
[HANDWRITTEN: A16-3/8]

U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332)

Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
2 July 1945

SS332/A16/JJTB

Serial No. 024

[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) Commander Submarine Division
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron
(3) Commander Submarines, Seventh Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332) - Report of Second War Patrol.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track Chart (Comsubs7th only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the Second War Patrol of this vessel
conducted in the Gulf of Siam and the Java Sea during the period 21 May 1945
to 2 July 1945, is forwarded herewith.

W. T. GRIFFITH

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B7C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/25/72]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

— page 42 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332)
U.S.S. BULLHEAD - Report of Second War Patrol

1 June (Cont)
2250 Six miles south of Singora Anchorage at the edge of the minefield.
Careful radar sweep shows nothing anchored there.
2310 After 20 minutes of radar plotting to be sure that anchorage is
empty set course for Hilly Cape and diving water (15 fathoms).

2 June
0320 Rounded Hilly Cape following the 10 fathom curve.
0600 Headed for station on patrol line. Low overcast.
0920 On station in scouting line.
1200 Lat 7-12N Long 101-44E
1330 Friendly plane informed BERGALL that he was searching coast south
of 8°N. BERGALL instructed radio silence.
1700 Have received no orders from BERGALL regarding shift of station so
headed in to sweep the shore.
2250 Intercepted message from KRAKEN to BERGALL saying "Unable to contact
332". It would appear that he has a message to pass by voice.
2255 Set course to return to scouting line. Sent message to BERGALL
giving my position, course, and speed.

3 June
0035 Received orders from BERGALL to proceed independently to new patrol
station south of Anambas Islands. Set course accordingly.
0115 Exchanged calls with HAWKBILL on starboard quarter via SJ.
0700 Shears of submarine in sight on port beam for awhile.
1200 Lat 5-16N Long 104-33E

4 June
0400 Rendezvoused with BERGALL and KRAKEN at 2N, 106E to receive patrol
instructions.
0515 Proceeded to take station between Pulo Rittan and Doemdoem, on
scouting line in support of Brunei Bay operation.
1200 Lat 2-19N Long 106-13E

5 June
1200 Lat 2-25N Long 106-35E
1215 Sighted search plane at 12 miles. Tail looked like B-32.

6 June
1200 Lat 2-36N Long 106-41E
1415 Sighted two B-24's at 8 miles.
1900 Commenced conversion of #3 fuel ballast to main ballast.
1920 Completed conversion of #3 fuel ballast tank.
2000 Submerged to flush out #3 F.B.T.

7 June
1200 Lat 2-24N Long 106-19E

-6-

— page 59 —
The following text is transcribed from the image, preserving line breaks and distinguishing between typed and handwritten text.

U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332)
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BULLHEAD - Report of Second War Patrol

— page 66 —
FC5-30/A16-3
Serial: 0105
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS BULIHEAD (SS332) -
Report of Second War
Patrol.

From:
To :
Via :
Subject:

1.
of Commander W. T. GRIFFITH, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the Gulf of Siam and
the Java Sea area. Patrol was of 43 days duration with 36 days spent in the
area. While patrolling in the Gulf of Siam the BULLHEAD was a unit of a
coordinated attack group composed of the U.S.S. COBIA, BERGALL, KRAKEN and
HAWKBILL with the Commanding Officer of the BERGALL as group commander. After
departing the Gulf of Siam the BULLHEAD and KRAKEN formed a coordinated attack
group off Anambas Island and in the Java Sea with commanding officer of the
BULLHEAD as group commander.

2. Torpedo Attack Number One coordinated with BLUEBACK was a
night submerged S.T. Radar attack on two small mine sweepers. Six MK14-3A
torpedoes were fired at leading target on a 65 starboard track, torpedo run
1480 yards, small gyro angles, depth set 5 feet, with a spread coverage of
400 feet. The second and fourth torpedoes broached and all missed. A check
bearing and S.T. range was set for each shot with the first torpedo to hit.
The spread used should have obtained three hits. Misses are accredited to
torpedoes under running target. Two hours later the BLUEBACK, using Mk 18's
with a 4 foot depth setting, sank one of these targets.

3. Gun Attack Number One. While submerged off Hilly Cape BULLHEAD
contacted a large two masted schooner tonnage 150 (EC). BULLHEAD
surfaced with an opening range of 2200 yards and fired all guns. Twelve rounds
5", 16 rounds 40mm and 240 rounds 20mm were expended and many hits obtained.
Schooner sank in four minutes.

Gun Attack Number Two was a battle surface on a 700 ton SC
which headed for the beach when BULLHEAD surfaced. Average firing range was
1800 yards. Ammunition expended 37 rounds 5", 68 rounds 40mm, and 240 rounds
20mm. Many hits were obtained after third salvo and target sank in 13
minutes.

- 1 -
SUBMARINE SQUADRON THIRTY
kt
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
6 July 1945.

[STAMP: 8 01971]

The Commander Submarine Squadron THIRTY.
The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
(1) The Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
(2) The Commander in Chief, U.S. PACIFIC FLEET.

U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332) - Report of Second War Patrol.

— page 68 —
FE24-71/A16-3
UNITED STATES NAVY
11/dn
Serial 0246 A
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
18 July 1945.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
COMSUBSEVEN Conf. Ltr.
A16, Serial 024, dated
2 July, 1945, Report of
Second War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332) - Report of Second War Patrol -
           Comment on.

     1. The Second War Patrol of the BULLHEAD, under the com-
mand of Commander W. T. GRIFFITH, U.S.N., was conducted in the
GULF of SIAM, in the SOUTH CHINA SEA East of SINGAPORE, and in
the JAVA SEA. BULLHEAD coordinated her patrol in the GULF of SIAM
with COBIA, BERGALL, KRAKEN, and HAWKBILL; in the SOUTH CHINA SEA
with KRAKEN and H.M.S. THOROUGH and TACITURN; and in the JAVA SEA
with KRAKEN.

     2. During the first part of the patrol a careful and thorough
search of coastal traffic lanes and harbors revealed no worthwhile
shipping along the coast or in GREAT REDANG Anchorage, SINGORA
Anchorage or PATANI ROADS. The second part of the patrol was spent
as a member of a scouting line established in support of the Allied
landings in BRUNEI BAY, BORNEO. The remainder of the patrol was
conducted in the JAVA SEA where BULLHEAD used his guns in a most
admirable and effective manner. BULLHEAD also joined BLUEBACK in a
coordinated attack which resulted in the sinking by BLUEBACK of one
of two AM 7 Class minelayers.

     3. The award of the Submarine Combat Insignia is authorized
for this patrol.

     4. The Force Commander congratulates the veteran Commanding
Officer, the Officers and Crew of the BULLHEAD upon this well con-
ducted and coordinated patrol. The BULLHEAD is credited with the
following damage:

[HANDWRITTEN: 7-04982]
[STAMP: RECEIVED]
[STAMP: 26 JUL 1945]
[STAMP: COMMANDER]
[HANDWRITTEN: 48434]

— page 70 —
FF24-71/A16-3
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
C O N F I D E N T I A L

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BULLHEAD Conf. Ltr.
A16, Serial 0246, dated
2 July, 1945. Report of
Second War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332) - Report of Second War Patrol -
Comment on.

— page 71 —
UNITED STATES FLEET [STAMP: REC NO F4269]
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET [STAMP: 8 01971]
[STAMP: RECD - 1 AUG 1945]
[STAMP: NO 97]

A16-3(8)(F-3c/gtc)
Serial: [HANDWRITTEN: 051√6]

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

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to:
CO USS BULLHEAD conf ltr
A16, serial 024, dated
2 July 1945.

From: Commander Seventh Fleet.
To : Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. BULLHEAD (SS332) - Report of
Second War Patrol - comment on.

1. Forwarded.

2. The Commander Seventh Fleet notes with
satisfaction the damage inflicted on the enemy by the
Bullhead.

[HANDWRITTEN: R + L
ups.] [SIGNATURE: T. C. Kinkaid]
T. C. KINKAID

Copy to:
ComSubSoPac
ComSubRon-30
CO USS BULLHEAD

— page 72 —
UNITED STATES
SUBMARINE LOSSES

WORLD WAR II

Reissued with an Appendix of
Axis Submarine Losses, fully indexed,
by

Naval History Division
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Washington: 1963

— page 73 —
BULLHEAD (SS 332)

Departing Fremantle for her third war patrol, BULL-
HEAD (Lt. Cdr. E. R. Holt, Jr.) on 31 July 1945,
started for her area (from 110°-00'E to 115°-30'E,
in the Java Sea). She was to leave her patrol area at
dark on 5 September and proceed to Subic Bay, P. I.
CAPITAINE and PUFFER were also to patrol in the
Java Sea area, as were the British submarines TACI-
TURN and THOROUGH.

BULLHEAD arrived in area on 6 August, but CAPI-
TAINE did not arrive until 13 August. On 12 August,
CAPITAINE ordered BULLHEAD to take position the
following day in a scouting line with CAPITAINE and
PUFFER. There was no reply from BULLHEAD and on 15 August, CAPI-
TAINE reported, "Have been unable to contact BULL-
HEAD by any means since arriving in area."

Since those submarines named above were in the
same general area as BULLHEAD, and COD and CHUB
passed through in transit at various times, it is difficult
to point to one Japanese antisubmarine attack as the
one which sank BULLHEAD. However, the most likely
one occurred on 6 August 1945, when an enemy army
plane attacked with depth charges in position 8°-20'S,
115°-42'E. It claimed two direct hits, and for ten min-
utes thereafter, there was a great amount of gushing
oil and air bubbles rising in the water. Since the posi-
tion given is very near the Bali coast, it is presumed
mountain peaks shortened BULL-
HEAD's radar range and prevented her receiving a
warning of the plane's approach.

BULLHEAD sank four enemy ships, totalling 1,800
tons, and damaged three ships, for 1,300 tons, in her
first two patrols. Her first patrol was made in the
South China Sea from the latter part of March to the
end of April 1945. No enemy contacts were made, but on

Groton, 16 July 1944

31 March and again on 24 April BULLHEAD bombarded
Pratas Island with her five-inch gun. She also rescued
three airmen from a downed B-29 following an air strike
on the China Coast. In May and June 1945 BULLHEAD
patrolled the Gulf of Siam and the South China Sea dur-
ing her second patrol. Here she sank two small freight-
ers, a schooner and a sub chaser; and damaged two
more sub chasers and another small freighter, all in
gun actions.

E. R. Holt, Jr.

726-302 O - 64 - 11
155

— page 74 —
U. S. S. BULLHEAD (SS-332)

Name                               Rate         Name                               Rate
AIPLE, Alfred, Jr.                 .QM2         JOHNSON, Percy, Jr.                StM1
ANDERSON, Harold A.                .Y2          JONES, Joseph W.                   .CEM
BARRINGER, Robert H                .S1          KEISTER, Richard A.                .RT3
BELL, George L.                    MoMM1        KOPF, Jacob J.                     .EM3
BENNER, James D.                   .S1          KULCZYCKI, W. A.                   .ENS
BERTRAM, Walter E.                 MoMM2        MANNAN, Oscar V.                   .TM2
BRIDGSTOCK, Harold R               .RT2         MARIN, Roy K.                      MoMM2
BRUME, Ralph M.                    MoMM2        MARKHAM, Jack P.                   .TM3
BUCZEK, Kadzmir J                  .TM2         McDERMOTT, Harry A.                MoMM3
BURNS, Richard B.                  .CTM         MORGAN, George P.                  .TM3
CHURCH, Ray W.                     MoMM1        OLSON, Paul W.                     .S1
COLLINS, James F.                  .EM3         OVERBEEK, Paul F.                  .S1
CRANDALL, Howard E.                MoMM3        PALMER, Richard W.                 .F1
DAHL, Elmer M                      .MoMM3       PARKS, William J.                  .GM1
DAVIDSON, Glen M.                  .F1          PARPAL, Joseph J.                  .LTJG
DAVIDSON, Jerry K.                 .MoMM2       PATTENGALE, Robert M.              .SoM2
DAY, Charles J.                    .EM2         PATTERSON, Robert S.               .EM1
DOUGHERTY, Charles W.              .SC1         PEART, William M.                  MoMM1
ENGEBRETSEN, Edward M.             .CQM         PERRY, Robert J.                   .LT--XO
FAHEY, James R.                    .RM3         PHILLIPS, Keith R.                 .SC3
FOSTER, Ralph G.                   .F1          PIATT, Carl W.                     .CMoMM
FOUST, Kenneth E.                  .QM3         PINDER, Richard A., Jr.            TM3
FRITZ, Fred C.                     .RM2         RALSTON, William                   .EM3
GAY, Charles W.                    .EM3         RITCHIE, Robert J.                 .EM1
GILHEANY, Joseph P., Jr.           .RM3         ROBERTS, John A.                   .S1
GOSSETT, Paul A.                   .LTJG        SANDOVAL, Jesse                    .F1
GRAVES, Clyde M                    .S1          SCHLEGEL, Lee A.                   .F1
GREAVES, William F.                .EM3         SCHMIDT, Orville G. H.             .F1
HACKETT, Hubert B.                 StM2         SHORT, William E.                  .TM1
HACKMAN, E. D., Jr.                .LT          SHUEY, Bert, Jr.                   .SC3
HANCOCK, John L.                   .GM2         SIEFKEN, Dale M.                   .FC2
HARRIS, John J.                    .QM3         SIMMS, Jack, II                    .LTJG
HAWKINS, William P.                .BM2         SMIDA, Edward M.                   .PhM1
HEATON, George V.                  MoMM2        SMITH, Carl J.                     .CRM
HELFERICH, Thomas P.               CMoMM        SMITH, William M.                  .CEM
HENDRIKSON, Donald O.              LTJG         STIFTER, Frank T.                  .RT2
HOLT, Edward R., Jr.               .LCDR--CO    STRASSLE, Raymond W.               .LTJG
HUISMAN, La Verne W.               .S1          TAYLOR, Charles H.                 .S1
IRELAND, William                   .TM2         TOBIAS, Melvin                     .MoMM3
JENKINS, Lester L.                 .EM2         WATSON, Andrew W.                  .CMoMM
JENSEN, James R.                   .EM3         WEBB, Lyle L.                      .S1
JEWELL, Fred J.                    .QM2         WIERSMA, Elmer J.                  .MoMM3

156

— page 75 —
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[HANDWRITTEN: H-108]

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THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[SEAL: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with eagle emblem]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

D-62264
[HANDWRITTEN: W]