U.S.S. POMPON (SS-267) — war patrol report SS-267_POMPON.pdf

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START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: G-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-49-80]
OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: M. Monroe]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: April 17, 1980]

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THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[SEAL: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE]
[SEAL: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

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

— page 3 —
Division of Naval History
Ships' Histories Section
Navy Department

HISTORY OF USS POMPON (SS 267)

Our submarines were employed in our mounting offensive in the Pacific
to cut enemy communications to his great sea empire, even attacking shipping
in Japanese home waters. Our subs were also used to support fleet actions
as pickets, weather stations, landing reconnaissance raiders and by attacking
combat units including ASW vessels.

Paradoxically called the "Peaceful P", the USS POMPON sank 13,470
tons of enemy shipping during her nine war patrols. Although officially
credited with only four successful patrols, official statistics are often
misleading. They disclose nothing of the courage and determination displayed
by her officers and men in the face of imminent peril nor of the blind
frustrations felt when perfectly set and fired torpedoes smash into the target
and absolutely nothing happens.

The keel of the SS 267 was laid on 26 November 1941 at the Manitowoc
Shipbuilding Company, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. She was christened the USS
POMPON by Miss Katherine Mary Wolleson, daughter of Captain E. A. Wolleson,
USN, at the launching on 15 August 1942. Following naval tradition of
naming submarines for fish, the POMPON was named for a tropical American
fish of the Anison family. On 17 March 1943 she was commissioned with
Lieutenant Commander E. C. Hawk, USN, as her skipper.

On 5 April 1943 she began her voyage down the Mississippi River to
New Orleans in a floating drydock. Stores were loaded at New Orleans and
she sailed for the Pacific.

The POMPON steamed from Brisbane, Australia on 10 July 1943 to conduct
her first war patrol in the Truk area. Only a few days out, a Japanese
submarine fired two torpedoes at her, both passing ahead. Besides patrolling
off Truk, the POMPON formed a scouting line with other submarines to cover
SEVENTH Fleet operations. As such, her primary mission was to observe and
report rather than to attack shipping, but on 25 July she seized the op-
portunity and torpedoed the 5,871 ton transport THAMES MARU. In the same
action two more attacks damaged a second transport and also a smaller
transport. Numerous patrol boats and another enemy submarine were evaded,
and the POMPON returned to Brisbane on 22 August 1943.

She departed Brisbane on 12 September for the second patrol. Enroute
to her area in the South China Sea north of Singapore, she was fired on by a
friendly Liberty Ship. Luckily the range was too far for damage. An
escorted 8,000 ton Japanese auxiliary was encountered in the Sulu Sea and
four torpedoes fired after a submerged approach. All exploded prematurely
when only a few hundred feet ahead of the POMPON, shaking her violently,
smashing lights, and knocking cork loose. A northbound convoy was contacted
crossing the Gulf of Siam and a submerged approach was made on a 7,000 ton
tanker. Two torpedoes were fired for two hits, one climbing up the tanker's
side. Both were duds. After a near miss by a Japanese submarine the POMPON
returned to Fremantle, Australia on 5 November 1943 for supplies.

— page 4 —
-2- USS POMPON (SS 267)

The third patrol began on 29 November 1943 and was again conducted in
the China Sea area between Dangerous Ground and French Indo-China. After
running Balabac Strait, where two radio-equipped Japanese motor sampans were
sunk by gunfire, a special mining mission was executed southwest of Cochin
China. The only contact in the area was a destroyer, which could not be
closed. A five day sortie into the Celebes Sea via Mindoro Passage resulted
in a large tanker being flushed. However, due to lack of fuel, the POMPON
could not give chase. She returned to Darwin for fuel, ending her patrol
on 28 January 1944.

Lieutenant Commander Stephen H. Gimber, USN, relieved Commander Hawk
as commanding officer on 10 February 1944, and on the 22nd the POMPON
departed on her fourth patrol to be conducted in the vicinity of Halmahera
Island. Four torpedoes were fired at three small Japanese escort vessels,
but ran under due to the escorts' shallow draft. A contact was made in
Roang Passage, but upon closing it proved to be a hospital ship. No
further contacts were made and she proceeded to Pearl Harbor via Ascunsion
and Midway, arriving on 10 April 1944.

After a refit and four days training, the POMPON was again ready for
sea. She departed Pearl Harbor on 6 May 1944 for an inshore patrol off the
coasts of Kyushu, Shikoku, and Honshu. A 7,000 ton tanker off Okino Shima
was missed at extreme range by broaching torpedoes. On 30 May a 742 ton
transport was contacted off Muroto Zaki. A submerged attack resulted in a
hit directly under the rising sun flag amidships, breaking the ship in two.
The SHIGA MARU immediately sank. For the next seven hours the POMPON was the
target for five Japanese escorts and a portion of the air force, but she
managed to crawl away from the scene at deep submergence. After covering the
Tokyo Bay approaches for the Battle for Saipan, the POMPON returned to
Midway on 25 June 1944.

On 19 July the POMPON departed on her sixth and most successful
patrol. Operating from the eastern coast of Honshu to the Sea of Okhotsk
area, she sank a 300 ton armed trawler with gunfire. Then on 12 August a
Japanese convoy was contacted off the coast of Russian Sakhalin. In the wild
night surface action which followed an 8,000 ton tanker was badly damaged
by two torpedoes, the 2718 ton transport MIKAGE MARU No. 20 was sunk, and a
hit was possibly obtained on one of two hotly pursuing escort vessels.
During this melee the POMPON was almost sunk by one of her own torpedoes
while surfaced, with the enemy bearing down, one of her own "fish" perversely
circled and just missed the stern. She was driven down by gunfire and then
depth charged, but managed to escape without damage. She returned to Pearl
Harbor on 3 September 1944 for onward routing to San Francisco Bay area,
where modernization and overhaul was conducted at the Mare Island Navy Yard.

By 13 December 1944 the veteran submarine was again at sea. Enroute
to Majuro she picked up a Filipino who had been drifting in a broken down
motor launch for 45 days. On 6 January 1945 she departed Majuro as a part
of a wolf pack known as "Underwood's Urchins", for a patrol in the Yellow
Sea. These had been organized on the pattern of the Germans in the Pacific
to make our patrols more effective. On 28 January a three ship convoy with
four escorts was contacted off Kokuzan To, and the POMPON started an approach,

— page 5 —
-3- USS POMPON (SS 267)

directing the SPADEFISH and the ATULE in for a coordinated attack. With the
SPADEFISH in contact, the POMPON made two submerged night approaches only
to have the alert escorts drive her off each time. While two escorts pinned
her down astern of the convoy, the SPADEFISH slipped in on the disengaged
side and sank two of the ships and one of the escorts. The POMPON surfaced
in time to watch the sinkings and gave chase to the one remaining ship. Again
she was deterred from attack by gunfire and a trailing escort.

The next morning, while making a morning trim dive, the conning tower
hatch failed to release. Before the dive could be halted the ship had reached
a depth of 44 feet, partially flooding the conning tower and control room,
and completely flooding the pump room. The POMPON crept homeward, having to
run awash until the blower could be partially restored. While limping along
in this condition, she blundered into an enemy convoy and was sighted. The
escorts forced her to dive despite her dangerous condition, but she miracu-
lously escaped. The POGY found her one day out of Midway and led her in
on 11 February 1945. Although this patrol was officially declared unsuccessful,
it was the opinion of the crew that it was her most successful...she got back.

On 1 March Lieutenant Commander John A. Bogley, USN, relieved Commander
Gimber of command. Repairs completed, the POMPON departed Midway on 30
March 1945 for her eighth patrol area along the coasts of China and Formosa.
Her only contacts were a motor sampan, a hospital ship, and 106 planes. This
provided excellent diving experience, but poor hunting. Ten survivors from
a downed PBM were taken from the RAY for transportation to Guam, where the
POMPON arrived on 24 May 1945.

During her ninth, and last, patrol from 18 June to 22 July 1945, she
operated as a lifeguard in the Truk area. There were no ship contacts and
few plane contacts. She was at Guam when the news of the war's end came.
On 22 August she began her homeward voyage, arriving at New Orleans on 19
September 1945.

The USS POMPON earned four Battle Stars on the Asiatic-Pacific Area
Service Medal for participating in the following operations:

1 Star/New Georgia Group Operation
    New Georgia-Rendova-Vangunu Occupation -- 10 July - 22 August 1943

1 Star/Okinawa Gunto Operation
    Assault and Occupation of Okinawa Gunto -- 14 April - 25 May 1945

1 Star/Third Submarine War Patrol -- 29 November 1943 - 29 January 1944

1 Star/Sixth Submarine War Patrol -- 19 July - 3 September 1944

Commander Stephen Henry Gimber was awarded the Bronze Star for his
actions while commanding officer of the USS POMPON on her sixth war patrol,
which resulted in the sinking of two enemy vessels and the damaging of
another.

— page 6 —
-4- USS POMPON (SS 267)

By Directive dated January 1947 the POMPON was decommissioned and
placed in the U. S. Atlantic Fleet, New London Group. On 15 June 1953 she
was recommissioned after being converted to the latest type radar picket
submarine and is now on active duty with the Atlantic Fleet. Lieutenant
Commander John B. Randolph, USN, is the present commanding officer.

STATISTICS

OVERALL LENGTH                 312 feet
BEAM                           27 feet
SPEED                          20 knots
DISPLACEMENT                   1700 tons
COMPLEMENT                     8 officers and 72 enlisted men

Compiled: 30 November 1953

— page 7 —
A
DATE 13 December 1943
FROM Commanding Officer USS POMPON(SS-267)

SUBJECT SPECIAL MISSION

Report (to CTF 71) of plant of field of eleven mines
off "The Brothers" Islands off coast of French Indo-
China on THIRD WAR PATROL.
(SOWESPAC:SUB OPS)
FILED: War Diary

Separately as ORIGINAL; as CARBON COPY

MICROSERIAL NO.
| ACTION REPORT OPNAV FORM 348-13 (11-55)
| G 20432

9 April-17 May 1945
CROSS INDEX CARD

SUBJECT Report of Coordinated Attack Group

Forwards report of operations of USS COD on 6th War Patrol
and USS POMPON on 8th War Patrol, operating in the East
China Sea, furnishing lifeguard services to the Fifth Air
Force.
(GENPAC: SUB OPS)

Filed:

as CARBON COPY under USS COD
NAME POMPON
SERIAL 002
DATE 26 January 1944

POMPON

015
20 May 1945

— page 8 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]

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

U.S.S. POMPON

REPORT OF

FIRST WAR PATROL

From: 10 July 1943. To: 22 August 1943.

NOT TO BE TAKEN TO SEA BY SUBMARINES - (BURN)

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP 09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/1/72]
DECLASSIFIED

[STAMP: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 54300]

[HANDWRITTEN: 9 01259]

— page 9 —
SS267/A16-3
Serial 020
CONFIDENTIAL

From:
To:

Via:

Subject:

Reference:

Enclosure:
U.S.S. POMPON (SS267)

% Fleet Post Office,
New York, N.Y.,
22 August 1943.

The Commanding Officer,
The Commander in Chief, United States
Fleet.
Official Channels.

U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of
First War Patrol.

(a) Comdr.Subs. 7thFlt. Conf. Ser.
0529 of 12 June 1943.

(A) Subject report.
(B) Plot of attack 1 and 2 (CTF72
only).
(C) Track chart during patrol (CTF
72 only).

1. Enclosures (A), (B) and (C), covering
the first war patrol of this vessel conducted in
the area north of the Bismarck Archipelago during
the period 10 July 1943 to 22 August 1943, are
forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: E. C. Hawk]
E. C. HAWK.

— page 10 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
         (Period from July 10 to August 22, 1943)

(A) PROLOGUE

         Arrived Brisbane, Australia from Panama, C.Z. 28
June 1943. Refit by U.S.S. FULTON completed 5 July
1943. No major items of work accomplished. 6 and 7
July conducted sound test and training exercises as
follows: Fired 12 rounds 3" and 240 rounds from 20mm.
guns at towed target. Made three night and four day
approaches on Australian Corvette "FREMANTLE", made
deep dive to test for leaks. Conducted special depth
charge attack and evasion tactics exercises with
Corvette. Returned to Brisbane 8 July. Ready for sea
10 July.

(B) NARRATIVE

10 July
1530K Underway for patrol area in accordance with CTF
      72 secret OpOrd 37-43 of 9 July 1943.
1935K Rendezvoused with escort, HMS GLADSTONE (cor-
      vette).

11 July
         Conducted training exercises with Corvette con-
      sisting of night and day approaches, simulated
      depth charge attacks and evasion tactics.
1600K Released escort, proceeding to area via pre-
      scribed route.

12-14 July
         Proceeding via prescribed route to patrol area.
      Held daily training dives and battle problems.

15 July
0500K Submerged at morning twilight for submerged
      running during daylight. Lat. 11-10(S), 155-
      10(E).

16 July
0500K Submerged for all day dive.
1305K Sighted B-24 bomber distant 2 miles to port
      headed south. (Plane contact No. 1).
1828K Surfaced, proceeding on zig zag course, speed
      14 Knots.
2308K (Ship contact No. 1) O.O.D. sighted two impulse
      bubbles distant 2000 yards broad on starboard
      bow and saw the wakes of two torpedoes. Sea
      glassy smooth, bright full moon. Gave hard left
      rudder and changed course from 325° to 250° to
      parallel torpedo tracks 150 and 200 yards to
      starboard. Increased speed to full on four
      generators. Torpedoes passed ahead 400-500
      yards. Torpedoes ran about 5000 yards. Did not
      explode at end of run. Tracks slightl[UNCLEAR: y]

-1-
[STAMP: 01259]

— page 11 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
(Period from 10 July to 22 August 1943)

divergent. Submarine that fired at us not
sighted nor detected either before or after
firing. Position when attacked 06-09(S), 153-
59(E). Opened out to westward several miles
from original track and resumed base course of
north zig-zagging.

17 July
0231K (Ship contact No. 2) O.O.D. sighted small
patrol boat, 20 degrees on port bow, distant
7000 yards on easterly course. Dived to
avoid detection in full moonlight. Position
05-22(S), 153-50(E).
0348K Surfaced, proceeded on base course 000, zig-
zagging.
0420K Plane (contact No. 2) sighted coming up from
astern distant 2 miles. Dived to 150 feet and
changed course to 060°. No action taken by
plane. Remained submerged as only hour and
half before sunrise. During the day proceeding
through strait between Green Island and Buka
Island submerged. Long scale pinging, 7-8 secs.
heard intermittently during the day. Sources
of pinging never sighted until:
1520K Sighted small diesel sampan type patrol boat on
port quarter, distant 8000-10000 yards on
opposite course (ship contact No. 3). Pinging
faded out after about an hour.
1841K Surfaced in glassy sea and bright full moonlight
midway between Green Island and Buka Island.
Received orders to proceed to patrol area north-
west of Mussau Island.

18 July
Enroute to patrol area. Conducted training
dives.

19 July
Enroute to patrol area.
0530K Made trim dive.
0518K Surfaced.
1133K (Plane contact No. 3) on radar at 8 miles.
Dived to avoid detection. Remained submerged
in area 70 miles north of Mussau Island in
hopes of intercepting two ship southbound
convoy contacted by PBYO about two hundred
miles north the previous evening.
1745K Surfaced, continued surface search during
the night for convoy.

-2-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 12 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
(Period from 10 July to 22 August 1943)

20 July
0400K Entered assigned patrol area. Took up surface
      patrol along Pelew-Rabaul convoy routes.
0530K Made trim dive.
0558K Surfaced.
1030K Conducted training dive.
1430K Sighted plane (contact No. 4) distant 15 miles
      bearing 270°T. on southerly course, flying very
      low. Too far away to distinguish type.

21 July
0500K Submerged to obtain trim.
0600K While searching with SD radar prior to surfacing
      obtained plane contact distant 5 miles. Patrol-
      led submerged during the forenoon along esti-
      mated track of a tanker headed south which had
      been reported the evening before by the TINOSA.
1209K Surfaced and proceeded north.
1310K Submerged, and patrolled at tanker's estimated
      1800 position. Lat. 03-00(N), Long. 148-50(E).
1845K No contact having been made, surfaced and pro-
      ceeded south on four engines to arrive at
      tanker's estimated dawn position by 0500.

22 July
0500K Submerged at twilight at Lat. 00-03(N), Long.
      148-59(E) at tanker's estimated 0600 position.
0628K Surfaced, patrolling on the Pelew-Rabaul route.
0850K Plane sighted (contact No. 6) distant 6-7 miles,
      heading for us. Submerged for 30 minutes.

23 July
0539K Made trim dive.
0555K Surfaced, patrolling Pelew-Rabaul route.
0735K Sighted masts of a ship, believed to be a
      freighter distant 9 miles on a southerly course.
      Submerged and conducted approach. Freighter
      turned out to be a patrol boat, 150-200 feet
      long with very high masts, giving the impression
      of being a much larger ship from a distance.
      Too small to fire torpedoes at.
0922K Broke off the attack. Decided he was either a
      decoy or might be meeting a ship. Based on the
      latter assumption decided to track him.
1040K Surfaced and tracked patrol boat. He was making
      good base course of 250°, steering course 200
      and 300 at about 7 knots.
1433K Decided to work around to a position ahead of
      him in case he were meeting a ship coming from
      the west. Lost contact with patrol boat and
      never regained it. Took up patrol on course 250
      until dark. Came to the conclusion that patrol
      boat was decoy ship for following reasons:

-3-

— page 13 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
(Period from 10 July to 22 August 1943)

His general appearance: Had very high masts
giving the impression of a much larger ship
from a distance. No guns seen except what
looked like two 20mm. guns on top of pilot
house. Had a large deck house forward and aft
which could have housed good sized guns. Was
not pinging. No one about the decks. The base
course of 250° did not lead to any Japanese
ports, or bases. He apparently was not meeting
a ship or convoy as none had appeared all day.
1900K Proceeded to position 45 miles to the north and
began patrolling along alternate Pelew-Rabaul
convoy route.

24 July
0540K Patrolling the Pelew-Rabaul convoy route.
0602K Made trim dive.
1007K Surfaced.
Sighted masts of ship, bearing 246°T distant 9
miles on northerly course. Closed him and at
1023K identified ship as same decoy ship we had
tracked yesterday. He was 70 miles north of
where we lost him yesterday. Put him astern
and continued patrolling.

25 July
0506K Made trim dive.
0616K Surfaced.
Patrolling the Pelew-Rabaul convoy route on
1035K course 285° sighted smoke (Ship contact No. 6)
bearing 163°T distant 12-14 miles. Began
tracking.
1105K Sighted smoke (Ship contact No. 7) of second
vessel in company with other ship. Continued
tracking all day, being considerably hampered
by passing rain squalls which either enveloped
us or the targets.
1600K Determined base course of targets as 020°
speed 7 knots and took position ahead of them
during the passage of an extensive and slow
moving rain squall.
1740K Rain squall passed, weather looked like it
would stay clear long enough to make an
attack in the hour and a half remaining before
end of evening twilight. Dived 7 miles ahead
of targets and began approach. Targets de-
veloped into convoy of two freighters and one
small diesel sampan type escort vessel. For-
mation zigging radically on short legs.
Escort pinging on long scale, 4-5 second
interval.

-4- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 14 —
CONFIDENTI
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
(Period from 10 July to 22 August 1943)

1855K Escort had stopped pinging. Probably had
          detected us. Being between the two freighters
          swung 40° to right for 180° stern tube shot on
          50 degree port track to expedite the firing.
          Expected another zig towards us shortly.
1858K Fired four torpedoes from stern tubes at the
          smaller freighter, 70 [HANDWRITTEN: port] track, torpedo run of [HANDWRITTEN: 31/2]
          640 yards, 180 gyro. First two
          torpedo hit 75 feet abaft the bow with terrific
          explosion. Ship stopped and began settling by
          the bow. Heard second torpedo hit but not
          observed as a set up was being obtained on other
          ship. Other two missed ahead.
1901K Fired four torpedoes from bow tubes at second
          ship on 95 starboard track, 65 degree right [HANDWRITTEN: gyro]
          torpedo run of 725 yards. Saw first torpedo hit
          with terrific explosion amidships. Ship appeared
          to break in two. Started looking for escort.
          Heard second and third torpedoes hit but not
          observed. Fourth torpedo missed astern appar-
          ently, due to target having increased speed,
          maneuvering away or both.
1902K Escort closing, having a perfect fix of our
          position from the tracks of the bow and stern
          tubes. Started to go deep.
1905K Sound reported second ship breaking up and
          sinking. (3 minutes 45 seconds after firing
          first torpedo at him). Rumbling and cracking
          noises plainly heard through hull in torpedo
          rooms and conning tower. Ten seconds later
          three depth charges, not close.
1907K Two more depth charges, closer than first.
1915K One more depth charge, fairly close. No
          damage.
1930K Sound reported hearing screws of first target
          start up. Continued for several minutes and
          stopped. Never heard again.
1942K Fast screws of escort faded out. All quiet.
2137K Surfaced. Night very dark. Nothing in sight.
          Nothing on the SJ radar. Began search for
          damaged freighter.
2308K Sighted two white lights bobbing on surface
          about a mile from scene of attack. Either two
          life boats or rafts. No big ship sighted or
          picked up by radar in vicinity. Started
          retiring search curve to locate damaged
          freighter.

26 July
0500K Made trim dive.
0617K Surfaced. Continued search for damaged
          freighter.

-5- Enclosure (A)
[STAMP: 9 01259]

— page 15 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
(Period from 10 July to 22 August 1943)

0849K Investigated possible smoke. Turned out to be a
cloud.

27 July
0130K Discontinued search for cripple and headed for
northwest corner of area.
0545K Made trim dive.
0607K Surfaced.
1445K Began patrol to westward along Pelew-Rabaul
route.

28 July
Patrolling in northwest portion of area along
the Pelew-Rabaul route.
0515K Made trim dive.
0621K Surfaced, continued surface patrol.
1700K Proceeding towards Truk to re-open search for
freighter we damaged on the 25th.

29 July
0545K Made trim dive.
0600K Surfaced. Continuing search for damaged
freighter in area between position of attack and
Truk.

30 July
0540K Made trim dive. Unable tilt bow planes. Found
one relay arm out of adjustment. Readjusted
same.
0645K Surfaced. Continued search for damaged
freighter.
1446K Made training dive.
1513K Surfaced. Discontinued search for damaged
freighter. Proceeding to eastern part of area
to patrol Truk-Rabaul route.

31 July
0545K Made trim dive.
0620K Surfaced. Patrolling the Truk-Rabaul route.
0944K Sighted tops of masts of small vessel
which suddenly came over the horizon (Ship
contact No. 9). About 5 minutes before he had
searched this sector with the high periscope
and nothing was in sight. A short distance
astern of the patrol boat, was either another
small boat without masts (Ship contact No. 10)
or the conning tower of a submarine. It dis-
appeared in about a minute. While opening out
on patrol vessel searched for masts or smoke
of any larger vessels patrol boat may have
been escorting. Nothing else sighted. Tracked
patrol vessel for an hour from abeam. Appeared
to be on a steady course of 230 making 10 knots.

-6- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 16 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 10 July to 22 August 1943)

1043K Started working around ahead of patrol boat lost
      contact and never sighted again.
1500K Proceeding to western part of area to patrol the
      Pelew-Rabaul routes.

1 August
0600K Made trim dive.
0625K Surfaced. Patrolling the Pelew-Rabaul route.
1034K Made training dive.
1102K Surfaced. Resumed patrol.

2 August
0600K Made trim dive.
0627K Surfaced. Patrolling the Pelew-Rabaul route.
1028K Made training dive.
1101K Surfaced. Resumed patrol.
      Received area reassignment from CTF72.

3 August
0537K Made trim dive.
0616K Surfaced. Patrolling the Pelew-Rabaul route.
1039K Made training dive.
1114K Surfaced. Resumed patrol.
1518K Made 10 minute training dive.

4 August
0540K Made trim dive.
0618K Surfaced. Patrolling the Pelew-Rabaul route.
1031K Made training dive.
1115K Surfaced. Resumed patrol.
1215K SD radar went out of commission. Transformer
      found to be leaking and a number of electric
      leads oil soaked. Repaired leak, and renewed
      leads. Back in commission at 1615K.
1515K Sighted object on horizon with high periscope.
      Appeared to be small boat or conning tower of
      submarine. Opened out to start tracking.
      Bearing remained constant. Headed towards it.
      Turned out to be large tree stump with high
      projecting root.
1645K Resumed patrol.

5 August
      Conducting surface patrol on the Pelew-Rabaul
      route. During the day made trim dive and two
      training dives.
1727K Plane contact (No. 7) on SD radar at 22 miles.
1731K Plane disappeared at 26 miles on radar. Plane
      not sighted. Position 00-20(S), 145-57(E).
2115K Doubtful contact on SJ radar at 1800 yard range
      on port beam. Turned away to track. Nothing
      sighted. Believe indefinite pip on radar
      caused by passing rain squall.

-7-

— page 17 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
(Period from 10 July to 22 August 1943)

6 August
    Conducting surface patrol along the Peleu-Rabaul
    route. Made morning trim dive and one training
    dive during the day.
1340K Received orders from CTF72 to proceed to
    assigned position on scouting line.
1354K Sighted Mussau Island bearing 040°T distant 43
    miles. Until this time island had been covered
    by clouds.
1518K Strong interference on SD radar for about 5
    minutes indicating a powerful directional radar,
    probably on Mussau Island, distant 45 miles.
1606K More interference on SD radar for about a
    minute.

7 August
    Proceeding to station on scouting line.
0540K Made trim dive.
0605K Surfaced, proceeding as before.
0843K Plane contact (No. 8) on SD radar at 5 miles
    range, closing. Visibility poor due to rain.
    Dived to avoid detection. Position: 01-56(N),
    150-32(E)
0921K Surfaced, proceeding as before.

8 August
    Proceeding to station on scouting line.
0520K Made trim dive.
0555K Surfaced, proceeding as before.
1100K Arrived at assigned position. Began patrolling
    on surface at slow speed to conserve fuel.
    Made one training dive during the day.

9 August
    Conducting surface patrol at slow speed in
    vicinity of assigned position on scouting line.
    Made trim dive and one training dive during the
    day.
1550K Quartermaster, while searching with high
    periscope reported ship on port quarter (contact
    No. 11). Assistant O.O.D. checked it and re-
    ported it to be a Jap. submarine surfacing.
    Submarine became visible to people on the
    bridge. O.O.D. dived to avoid detection and
    take up approach. C.O. saw submarine through
    periscope as boat was being dived. Only the
    conning tower and deck forward were visible
    at a 10 degree up angle. Estimated angle on
    bow 90° port which made his course 070° or
    nearly the reverse of our own. Range 12000
    yards. Looked similar to RO26 type. Had
    large white patch on side of conning tower
    which were probably letters or numerals but
    were indistinguishable.
-8-

— page 18 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON 7 REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
         (Period from 10 July to 22 August 1943)

1630K No gun or mast noted on forward deck. After
         deck not seen. Changed course from 270 to 070
         and went to battle stations. Submarine never
         seen again.
         Changed course to head along his true bearing.
         Remained submerged remainder of the day. Nothing
         seen or heard after original contact. He may
         have seen us while surfacing and submerged again
         or proceeded away from vicinity. His estimated
         course would head him towards Ponape or he may
         have changed course after surfacing and headed
         for Truk. There is also the possibility that he
         may have been searching for our scouting line.
         Surfaced and continued patrol.
2010K O.O.D. sighted what he thought might have been
2337K a submarine, distant 3 to 4 miles, broad on
         starboard bow. Radar unable to pick up any
         target. Moon just about to set. Believe contact
         was a cloud on horizon.

10 August
0430K Submerged. Decided to patrol on station. sub-
         merged during the day in hopes the Jap. sub-
         marine would show up again.
1830K Surfaced. Continued patrol on assigned station
         on auxiliary generator.

11 August
         Patrolling assigned station on surface at slow
         speed. During the day made trim dive and two
         training dives.

12 August
         Patrolling at slow speed in vicinity of assigned
         station on scouting line. During the day made
         a trim dive and one training dive.
1300K Began getting interference on SD radar. Con-
         sisted of a strong pip which would move across
         the screen rapidly from left to right. Some-
         times it would stop and move back a short dis-
         tance and then move off the right side of the
         screen. This occurred at intervals of 2 to 5
         minutes for five hours until the SD radar was
         secured at 1800K.
1630K While searching with high periscope, sighted
         what appeared to be another high periscope
         searching from beyond the horizon, nearly dead
         ahead, distant 8 miles (contact No. 12). Posit.
         03-01(N), 153-15(E). Disappeared after being
         in sight for about one minute. None of our own
         boats in this immediate vicinity. Reversed
         course, continued patrol.

-9-

— page 19 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
(Period from 10 July to 22 August 1943)

1900K Left position on scouting line, proceeding to
Brisbane, Australia in accordance with orders
from ComTaskFor72, serial 27.

13 August
Enroute Brisbane, Australia from patrol area.
0521K Made trim dive.
0555K Surfaced, proceeding as before on course 165°T.
0956K Sighted Kawanishi 97 four engine flying boat,
bearing 315 rel. distant 6 miles heading north.
Flying at about 4000 feet (plane contact No. 9).
Posit. 00-34(N), 154-07(E). SD radar was not
operating at this time. Dived to avoid detection.
Do not believe we were sighted.
1040K Surfaced, proceeding as before.

14 August
Enroute Brisbane, Australia from patrol area.
0515K Made trim dive.
0540K Surfaced, proceeding as before.
1203K Sighted Kawanishi 97 four engine flying boat,
30° on starboard bow, crossing from starboard
to port, heading south, distant 6 miles,
altitude 1000-1500 feet. This plane came out
from behind a rain squall into a clear spot.
(Plane contact No. 10). Posit. 03-19(S),
155-35(E). SD radar was not in operation due to
being near enemy bases. Dived to avoid detection.
Do not believe we were sighted.
1240K Surfaced, proceeding towards passage between
Buka and Green Island.
1840K Increased speed to 18.5 knots.
2000K Started to proceed through the passage between
Buka and Green Is. Brilliant full moon, sea
smooth. Buka Island plainly visible 4.0 miles
away.
2130K Sighted two small patrol boats, 300 rel. distant
5-6 miles. (contact 13 and 14). These boats
were patrolling the area between Green Island
and Cape Henpan (Buka Is.). One was on a
southerly course, other one looked to be on a
northwesterly course, speed estimated 5-8
knots. Posit. 04-48(S), 154-23(E). Reversed
course, ran back three miles, then north 5 miles
and headed back to the west to try again. This
worked, as patrol boats not sighted again.
However we were probably sighted from Green
Island, which we passed 11 miles on starboard
beam. Island plainly visible in brilliant moon-
light.

14 August
2355K Just about to change the base course to 180° to
head down into the Solomon Sea when we sighted

-10-

— page 20 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POITON - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
         (Period from 10 July to 22 August 1943)

         another patrol boat bearing 190°T, distant 5-6
         miles on a westerly course. (Contact No. 15).
         Posit. 04-59(N), 155-55(E). Began end around
         run to the westward.

15 August
         Proceeding on various courses, avoiding small
         patrol boat.
0114K    Having successfully evaded patrol boat steadied
         on base course 170, zig-zagging.
0430K    Submerged for all day dive.
1840K    Surfaced in brilliant full moon. Continued on
         southerly course, zig-zagging, using two engines.

16 August
         Proceeding to Brisbane, Australia from patrol
         area.
0510K    Submerged for all day dive.
1830K    Surfaced in rough sea, proceeding south through
         the Solomon Sea.

17 August
         Enroute Brisbane, Australia from patrol area.
0520K    Made trim dive.
0647K    Surfaced. Before hatch was opened the SD radar
         reported plane contact at 4½ miles, closing.
0648K    Submerged to 150 feet. Do not believe we were
         sighted, because of the heavy seas, overcast
         sky and rain squalls.
0733K    Surfaced, proceeding as before.
1600K    Changed course to 260°T. Proceeding to Jomard
         Entrance (South Louisiades) to effect ren-
         dezvous with the U.S.S. COUCAL for fuel in
         accordance with orders from CTF72.

18 August
         Proceeding to Jomard Entrance, South
         Louisiades.
0532K    Made trim dive.
0608K    Surfaced. Proceeding as before.
1104K    Sighted U.S.S. COUCAL 10 miles distant on
         starboard beam. Changed course to close.
1130K    Exchanged recognition signals and call with
         U.S.S. COUCAL.
         Proceeding in company to lee inside Jomard
         Entrance in South Louisiades.
1425K    Moored starboard side to the U.S.S. COUCAL and
         started taking fuel.
1705K    Finished taking on 15000 gallons fuel.
1715K    Underway in company with U.S.S. COUCAL pro-
         ceeding towards Brisbane.

                                 -11-
                                 9 01259

— page 21 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
(Period from 10 July to 22 August 1943)

19 August
Proceeding in company with the U.S.S. COUCAL
towards Brisbane.
0630K Made trim dive.
0644K Surfaced. Proceeding as before.
1900K Contacted U.S.S. DRUM enroute to patrol area.
COUCAL and DRUM proceeded north. Proceeding
independently to Brisbane.

20 August
Enroute Brisbane from Patrol Area.
0545K Made trim dive.
0607K Surfaced proceeding as before.

21 August
Proceeding to Brisbane via prescribed route.
0545K Made trim dive.
0605K Surfaced, proceeding as before.

22 August
Proceeding to Brisbane via prescribed route.
0245K Sighted Cape Moreton light bearing 256⁰
distant 18 miles.
0440K Passed Cape Moreton light abeam to port
distant one mile, began steering courses
conforming to swept channel.
0645K Received pilot on board.
1036K Moored to nest alongside U.S.S. FULTON,
Brisbane, Australia.

-12-

— page 22 —
(C) WEATHER:
The weather encountered during this patrol in
the equatorial area north of the Bismarck Archi-
pelago as far as 05-00(N) and from 144-00(E) to
155-00(E) was considered normal for this season.
Continued calm with flat glassy seas 90 percent of
the time. Very seldom was a white cap seen.
Visibility was excellent, being impaired only by
numerous passing rain squalls which would form
up around the horizon in the afternoon and
evenings. Navigational fixes could be obtained
daily. The same conditions existed during
passage through the Solomon Sea.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION:
In the area bounded by latitudes 01-00(S)
and 05-00(N), between longitudes 144-00(E) and
153-00(E), a current was experienced which
apparently sets to the west along the equator,
bending around to the north at about 144-00(E)
up to about 02-00(N) and then swings to the
northeast. Drift 0.5 to 0.8 knots.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS:
No navigational aids were observed.

-13-

9 01259

— page 23 —
| No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Type(s) | Initial Range | Estimated course & speed | How contacted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| 1 | 2308K 16 July | 06-09(S) 153-59(E) | submarine | 2000 yds | unknown | SN saw 2 impulse bubbles and 2 torpedo wakes | Submarine never sighted. Two torpedoes passed 400-500 yards ahead of ship. Maneuvered to avoid. |
| 2 | 0231K 17 July | 05-22(S) 153-50(E) | small patrol boat | 7000 yds | C 075 7 knots | SN | Patrolling area west of Buka Island. |
| [HANDWRITTEN: SHIP CONTACTS (E)] | 3 | 1520K 17 July | 04-57(S) 154-21(E) | Diesel sampan type patrol boat | 4-5 mis. | C 270 5 knots | P | Ringing and patrolling passage between Green and Buka Islands |
| 4 | 0735K 23 July | 02-00(N) 147-10(E) | Patrol boat | 18000 yd | C 200 5 knots | SD | Conducted approach. Too small to fire torpedoes. Believe this ship to be a decoy |
| 5 | 1007K 24 July | 02-46(N) 145-35(E) | Patrol boat | 18000 yd | North 5 knots | SD | Same vessel as contact No. 4 |
| 6 | 1035K 25 July | 02-12(N) 148-03(E) | Smoke of ship later identified as similar to Taibun Maru, page 206 ONI 208J | 15 miles | Northeast 8 knots | SD |

— page 24 —
No. | Time | Lat. | Type(s) | Initial | Estimated | How | Remarks
| Date | Long. | | Range | course | con- |
| | | | | | speed | tacted |
| | | | Smoke of | | | | This ship in convoy with
| | | | ship later | | | | contact No. 6.
| | | | identified | | | | [HANDWRITTEN: 9 01259]
| | | | as similar | | | |
7 | 1105K | 02-06 (N) | to Yuki Maru: | 15 miles | Northeast | SD |
| 25 July | 148-03 (E) | Page 213 ONI | | 8 knots | |
| | | | 208J | | | |
[HANDWRITTEN: CONTACTS]
[HANDWRITTEN: (F) SHIP]
| | | | Small sampan | | | | [HANDWRITTEN: -1-]
| | | | type diesel | | | |
| | | | escort, 150 | | | |
| | | | ft. long, | | | |
| | | | small fore- | | | |
| | | | mast. Sim- | | | |
8 | 1810K | 02-41 (N) | ilar to our | 5 miles | North | P | Escorting contacts 6 and
| 25 July | 148-25 (E) | YP-422 shown | | 8 knots | | 7.
| | | | in ONI 54-R | | | |
| | | | Small patrol | | | |
| | | | boat, 2 high | | | |
| | | | masts with | | C 230 | | Not escorting any larger
9 | 0944K | 03-04 (N) | large crow's | 13000 yds | 10 knots | SD | ships.
| 31 July | 149-03 (E) | nest. | | | | |
| | | | Either an- | | | | This vessel was astern of
| | | | other small | | | | contact No. 9 and disap-
| | | | patrol boat | | | | peared shortly after sight-
| | | | without masts, | | | | ing it giving rise to the
| | | | or possibly | | | | theory that it may have
| | | | the conning | | | | been a submarine which
10 | 0944K | 03-04 (N) | tower of a | 13000 yds | C 230 | SD | dived.
| 31 July | 149-03 (E) | submarine | | 10 knots | |

— page 25 —
No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Type(s) | Initial range | Estimated course speed | How contacted | Remarks
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
11 | 1550K | 04-30(N) | Submarine. | 12000 yds | C 070 | SD | Submarine seen surfacing.
| 9 Aug. | 153-15(E) | Appeared sim- | | 6 knots | | Dived to avoid detection and
| | | ilar to RO- | | | | to make attack but submarine
| | | 26 class | | | | never seen again.
[HANDWRITTEN: CONTRACTS]
12 | 1630K | 03-01(N) | Submarine. | 8 miles | not | SD | The only part of submarine
| 12 Aug. | 153-15(E) | Type un- | | known | | sighted was what appeared to
| | | known. | | | | be 5 or 6 feet of his peri-
| | | | | | | scope showing above horizon.
| | | | | | | Disappeared in about a minute.
[HANDWRITTEN: SHIP]
13 | 2130K | 04-48(S) | Small pa- | 6 miles | South | SN | Patrolling the passage be-
| 14 Aug. | 154-23(E) | trol boat | | 5-8 Kts. | | tween Green Island and Cape
| | | | | | | Hanpan.
14 | 2130K | 04-48(S) | Small pa- | 7 miles | Northwest | SN | Patrolling the passage be-
| 14 Aug. | 154-23(E) | trol boat | | 5-8 Kts. | | tween Green Island and Cape
| | | | | | | Hanpan.
15 | 2355K | 04-59(S) | Small pa- | 6 miles | West | SN | Patrolling area west of Buka
| 14 Aug. | 153-55(E) | trol boat | | 5-8 Kts. | | Island, towards St. George's
| | | | | | | Channel.
[HANDWRITTEN: -16-]

— page 26 —
(F) SHI CONTACTS (Cont'd):
Only two contacts presenting possibilities for
torpedo attack were made. The first, with the two
ship convoy on 25 July and the second with the Jap
submarine on 9 Aug. All other contacts were with
patrol boats. Only negative information was ob-
tained as to the routes the Japanese ships take to
and from the Pelews to Rabaul or to and from Truk
to Rabaul. They do not apparently take the short-
est or most logical routes. It is believed that
their convoys which may start out with 4 or 5
ships split up into groups of 2 or 3 ships when
well clear of land and then each group gets 50° or
60 miles off to either side of the base course to
their destination. The Japs can then assume that
if our aircraft spot their ships leaving port or
near land they will forward the information to our
submarines. The submarine proceeds to get on the
reported track but the convoy in the meantime is
skirting around the ends.

-17-

9 01259

— page 27 —
No. | Time | Lat. | Type(s) | Elev. | Initial | Estima- | How | Remarks
    | Date | Long. |         |       | Range   | ted     | con- |
    |      |       |         |       |         |         | Course | tacted |
1   | 1305K | 07-25(S) | B-24 | 700 ft. | 1 mile | South | P | Coming up from dead
    | 16 July | 153-50(E) | Bomber |       |         |       |   | astern
2   | 0420K | 05-12-30(S) | Appeared to | 2000 Ft. | 2 miles | North | SN |
    | 17 July | 153-51(E) | be small |       |         |       |   |
    |       |           | land plane |       |         |       |   |
3   | 1133K | 00-06(S) | Not seen | Not | 8 miles | Not | R | Dived to avoid detec-
    | 19 July | 149-43(E) |         | Known |         | Known |   | tion. Plane never
    |       |           |         |       |         |       |   | sighted
4   | 1430K | 01-12(N) | Too far | 500 ft. | 15 miles | South | SD | Apparently too low for
    | 20 July | 148-51(E) | away to |       |         |       |   | radar to pick up.
    |       |           | distinguish |       |         |       |   |
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
5   | 0600K | 02-06(N) | Not seen | Not | 5 miles | Not | R | Detected by radar when
    | 21 July | 148-41(E) |         | Known |         | Known |   | about to surface.
6   | 0850K | 00-04(N) | Small bi- | 500 ft. | 6-7 mi. | 300 | SD | Looked to be headed
    | 22 July | 148-45(E) | plane |       |         |       |   | directly for S/M. Not
    |       |           |         |       |         |       |   | detected by radar.
7   | 1727K | 00-20(S) | Not seen | Not | 22 miles | Not | R | Disappeared in 4 min-
    | 5 August | 145-57(E) |         | Known |         | Known |   | utes at 26 miles range.
8   | 0843K | 01-56(N) | Not seen | Not | 5 miles | Not | R | Plane closed to 4 miles.
    | 7 August | 150-32(E) |         | Known |         | Known |   | Dived to avoid detec-
    |       |           |         |       |         |       |   | tion. Visibility 4 miles
    |       |           |         |       |         |       |   | due to light rain.
9   | 0956K | 00-34(N) | Kawanishi | 4000 ft. | 6 miles | North | SD | SD radar out of com-
    | 13 August | 154-07(E) | 4 engine |       |         |       |   | mission. Dived to avoid
    |       |           | flying boat |       |         |       |   | detection.
-18-

— page 28 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 01259]
| No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Type(s) | Elev. | Initial Range | Estima- | How | Remarks |
|     |           |            |         |       |               | ted     | con- |         |
|     |           |            |         |       |               | Course  | tacted |         |
|-----||||-------|||||
AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
| 10  | 1203K     | 03-19N     | Kawanishi | 1000- | 6 miles       | South   | SD     | SD radar not in operation. |
|     | 14 August | 155-35 (E) | 97 flying | 1500 ft |             |         |        | Plane came from behind |
|     |           |            | boat    |       |               |         |        | rain squall into clear | spot. Dived to avoid de- | tection. |
| 11  | 0647K     | 10-35 (S)  | Unknown | un-   | 4.5 mi.       | unknown | R      | Had just surfaced in heavy |
|     | 17 August | 154-50 (E) |         | known |               |         |        | seas. Hatch not yet | opened. Assumed plane was | friendly but dived to 150 | feet. Sky overcast and | raining. |

No offensive action was taken by any aircraft against this vessel.
No aircraft contacts were made north of 02-06(N).

[HANDWRITTEN: -19-]

— page 29 —
(H) TORPEDO ATTACK DATA:
U.S.S. BOITON (S267) TORPEDO ATTACK No. 1 PATROL No. 1
Time: [HANDWRITTEN: 1858K] Date: [HANDWRITTEN: 25 July 1943] Lat. [HANDWRITTEN: 02-40(N)]
Long. [HANDWRITTEN: 148-26(E)]

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

DESCRIPTION:
This attack No. 2 was made on a convoy of
three ships consisting of two freighters of about 5000
and 7000 tons respectively, and one small escort vessel.
The smaller freighter appeared empty while the larger
one appeared about one third loaded. Both ships were in
a line of bearing roughly 90° and zigged with simul-
taneous changes of course. The escort, of the diesel
sampan type, about 150 feet long, with a small foremast
and a small gun forward, patrolled his station ahead of
the formation. The zigs were large, averaging 80
degrees and short legs. Zigs were clocked at 8,14,5,8,
6,6,5,6 minutes respectively. Contact was made early in
the day while patrolling on the surface, with the smoke
of one of the vessels. The convoy was tracked all day
with the attack being held up due to numerous rain
squalls. The attack was made during evening twilight,
sea calm, visibility good. The escort was not seen
until the approach was well underway. Escort was
pinging on long scale; 4-5 sec. interval. Shortly
before firing his pinging stopped and presumably he had
made contact and was listening.
SHIP(S) SUNK:
None.

SHIP(S) DAMAGED:
One AK similar to Yuki Maru shown on page 213 ONI 208J
listed as 5704 tons.

DAMAGE DETERMINED BY:
Obtained two hits in this ship. First torpedo was
observed to hit about 75 feet abaft the bow with a
terrific explosion. Ship settled immediately by the
bow with about a 15° down angle. The second hit (2nd
torpedo) was heard but not observed. Half an hour
later vessel's screw was heard to start up for a few
minutes and then stop. Screws never heard again.

TARGET DRAFT
10 feet forward Course [HANDWRITTEN: 335] Speed [HANDWRITTEN: 7 Kts.]
12 feet aft Range [HANDWRITTEN: 740 (at firing)]

OWN SHIP DATA
Speed: [HANDWRITTEN: 3 Kts] Course: [HANDWRITTEN: 045] Depth: [HANDWRITTEN: 65 Ft.] Angle: [HANDWRITTEN: zero]

-20-

— page 30 —
FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Fired 4 torpedoes (torpex heads) using a 1° divergent
spread because of the small track angle (50 port track).
Accepted small track because of the short range and an
expected zig towards us. However we apparently fired on
the knuckle causing the first two torpedoes to miss ahead.
Used an 8 second firing interval. Torpedoes set at 12 feet.
Fired on final periscope check bearing spreading torpedoes
from right to left. All fire control instruments functioned
satisfactorily. Torpedoes ran hot straight and normal.

ATTACK No. 1

| | No. 7 | No. 8 | No. 9 | No. 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes fired | 73 S | 76 S | 77 S | 80 S |
| Track angle | 178.5 | 181.5 | 183.5 | 186.5 |
| Gyro angle | 12 ft. | 12 ft. | 12 ft. | 12 ft. |
| Depth set | high | high | high | high |
| Power | hit | hit | miss | miss |
| Hit or miss | No | No | No | No |
| Erratic | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A |
| Mk. torpedo | 20301 | 22945 | 20291 | 25170 |
| Serial No. | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 |
| Mk. Exploder | 9279 | 3033 | 14770 | 5565 |
| Serial No. | - | - | - | - |
| Actuation set | C O N T A C T | A N D | M A G N E T I C | contact |
| Actuation | contact | contact | contact | contact |
| Mk. warhead | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Serial No. | 5512 | 1025 | 5774 | 5744 |
| Explosive | torpex | torpex | torpex | torpex |
| Firing int. | 0 sec. | 8 sec. | 16 sec. | 24 sec. |
| Type spread | 1½ R | ½ R | ½ L | 1½ L |
| Sea conditions | S M O O T H |
| Overhaul | S/M BASE |
| activity | FULTON | FULTON | FULTON | FULTON |

Remarks: No. 9 and 10 missed ahead of target due to target
turning towards submarine just as torpedoes were
fired. Actual track angle was closer to 45°
than the generated track of 70-80 degrees.

U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) TORPEDO ATTACK No. 2 PATROL No. 1

Time: 1901K Date: 25 July 1943 Lat. 02-40(N)
Long. 148-26(E)

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

DESCRIPTION:
This attack was made on the second ship of the 2 ship
convoy described under attack No. 1.
SHIP(S) SUNK
One AK similar to Taibun Maru page 206 ONI 208J listed
as 6581 tons.

SHIP(S) DAMAGED:
None.

-21-

— page 31 —
DAMAGE DETERMINED BY:
Three hits obtained in this ship. First torpedo
exploded with terrific force amidships. Ship seemed to
break in half. Two other torpedoes heard to hit but
not observed due to attention being taken up by escort.
3 minutes 45 seconds after firing first torpedo, ship
was heard breaking up and sinking on the sound gear.
Crackling and booming noises heard through the hull
in the torpedo rooms and conning tower. Screw never
heard after ship was hit.

TARGET DRAFT:
16 feet Course: 025 Speed: 7 Kts Range: 720 yds
(at firing)

OWN SHIP DATA:
Speed: 4 kts Course: 045 Depth: 65 ft Angle: zero

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Fired 4 torpedoes (torpex heads) using a 2° divergent
spread. Having fired the stern tubes with nearly a 1°
gyro, accepted a large gyro angle (65°R) for the bow
tubes in order to expedite the firing rather than try to
swing ship to obtain a smaller gyro angle thereby giving
the target time to maneuver away. As soon as the first
hit was observed in the first target with the stern
tubes obtained a new set-up for the TDC on the second
target. Gyro angles had to be matched by hand forward
as the regulator would not follow on automatic. Fired
on periscope check bearing. First three torpedoes hit,
fourth torpedo apparently missed astern. Target may
have been speeding up, turning away or both causing the
whole salvo to be displaced aft of the MOT. Torpedoes
were spread from left to right. Torpedoes set at 12
feet depth and all ran hot straight and normal.

ATTACK No. 2
| | No. 6 | No. 5 | No. 4 | No. 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tube fired | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Track angle | 96 P | 96 P | 96 P | 96 P |
| Gyro angle | 65 R | 65 R | 65 R | 65 R |
| Depth set | 12 ft. | 12 ft. | 12 ft. | 12 ft. |
| Power | high | high | high | high |
| Hit or miss. | hit | hit | hit | miss |
| Erratic | no | no | no | no |
| Mk. torpedo | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A |
| Serial No. | 23488 | 23491 | 22617 | 22620 |
| Mk. exploder | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 |
| Serial No. | 10512 | 9289 | 5688 | 9879 |
| Actuation set | C O N T A C T | C O N T A C T | M A G N E T I C | M A G N E T I C |
| Actuation actual | contact | contact | contact | - |
| Mk. warhead | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Serial No. | 998 | 5740 | 962 | 2410 |
| Explosive | torpex | torpex | torpex | torpex |
| Firing int. | 0 sec | 8 sec. | 16 sec. | 24 sec. |
-22-

— page 32 —
FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA (Cont'd)

Type spread       3°L       1°L       1°R       3°R
Sea condition               S M O O T H
Overhaul          6 and 5             4 and 3
Activity          U.S.S. FULTON       S/M Base, P.H.
Remarks: No. 3 torpedo missed astern. Entire salvo dis-
        placed aft of MOT either due to target speeding
        up, turning away or both.

[STAMP: 9 01259]

-23-

— page 33 —
(I) MINES:
No floating mines were sighted. No minelaying
or minesweeping operations noted.

(J) ANTI SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS:
The depth charge attack following the attack on
the two freighters on 25 July was of short duration
and caused no damage. Only six depth charges were
dropped. They were either small or not very close.
Prior to firing torpedoes, the escort vessel was
pinging on long scale and patrolling ahead of the
two freighters which zigged radically and on short
legs. The escort made 220 RPM when coming in to
drop depth charges. After dropping them he would
slow to 180 RPM. Evasion tactics consisted of run-
ning silent at deep depth at constant speed, and
changing course away from the escort.
The area between Buka and Green Island is pa-
trolled day and night by small patrol boats at slow
speed. They ping on the long scale continuously.
A patrol boat also patrols the area west of the
northern end of Buka Island 40 to 50 miles out.
The patrol boat or decoy ship sighted on 23 and 24
July was 250 to 300 miles from land but was in an
area through which ships from the Pelews to Rabaul
might pass and it is believed he was on an anti-sub-
marine patrol duty to warn convoys of any sub-
marines sighted.
The definite sighting of the Jap submarine on
9 August and the strong evidence of sighting a
periscope on 12 August, both in the vicinity of
our scouting line may indicate that Jap submarines
are being employed either as anti-submarine
patrols against our submarines in the open sea or
that the Japs are maintaining a submarine scouting
line themselves in the area south of Truk.
It is believed that the Jap submarines oper-
ating in the eastern Solomon Sea are there pri-
marily as anti-submarine patrols. They apparently
know the track our submarines follow. On moon-
light nights they patrol submerged along this
track.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE:
None.

(L) RADIO:
Radio reception was good. Only one serial was
missed, a serial 65 of July. Request was made for
repeat which was received. It is believed that
this serial was originally missed because the time
interval between successive transmissions was too
short. On later schedules serials before and after
serial 65 were repeated several times but not
serial 65.
Last serial received from CTF72 - - 55
Last serial sent to CTF72 - - - - 5

-24-

— page 34 —
(M) RADAR:
Operation of the SJ radar considered good. No
definite contacts were made during the patrolbut
the set worked prior to departure and worked sat-
isfactorily upon falling in with the U.S.S. COUCAL
on 18 August.
The SD radar operated satisfactorily. Several
plano contacts were made at ranges from 4 to 22
miles.
Frequent interference was experienced which
was new to the operating personnel such as several
stationary pips appearing on the screen for inter-
vals as long as 20 minutes. Also a rapidly moving
pip (not a plane), which over a period of 5 hours,
appeared at intervals of 2 to 5 minutes.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS:
Sound conditions in the area between the
equator and 04-00(N) and between 145-00(E) and
150-00(E) were considered fair, with a range of
about 7000 yards.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS:
In the area between 04-00(N) and 01-30(S) and
between 144-00(E) and 150-00(E) it was found that
there was no change in trim in going from periscope
depth to 275 feet. Along the meridian 153-15(E)
between latitudes 03-00(N) and 05-00(N) a definite
layer was found at 165-175 feet. Below this layer
the boat became light, being several thousand
pounds light at 275 feet.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, HABITABILITY:
The health of the crew was good. The only
sickness being one case of Catarrhal fever and
several cases of minor colds. The case of
Catarrhal fever occurred a week before the patrol
ended.
The food was adequate in quantity but the
quality of the menu could have been improved con-
siderably by the addition of fresh frozen fruits
and vegetables which were not available on the
tender.
Habitability was excellent as only a small
part of the patrol was spent submerged.

(Q) PERSONNEL:
The performance of duty of the officers and
crew during the entire patrol was commendable.
The morale is high and much valuable experience
and training was obtained on this first patrol.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED:
Base (Brisbane, Australia) to area: 2192 Mi.
                                     27156 Gals.
In area                             5120 Mi.
                                     43843 Gals.

-25-

— page 35 —
(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED: (Cont'd)
Area to Base (Brisbane, Australia)
(Miles shown are actual navigational
miles).
2500 mi.
30840 Gals.

(S) DURATION:
Days enroute to area
Days in area
Days enroute to base
Days submerged
(Only 6 complete days were spent submerged.
An additional 74 hours were spent sub-
merged on short dives).
10
24
10
6

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING:
Torpedoes
Fuel
Provisions
Personnel factor
16
7262.gals.
15 days
20 days

(U) REMARKS:
The positions of Japanese submarines as
obtained by DF is considered very reliable.
This is based on the fact that about two and
a half hours after two torpedoes were fired
at us on the night of 16 July a message was
received from CTF72 giving the DF'd position
of several Jap submarines. One was practically
on the spot where we had been attacked.

-26-

— page 36 —
FC5-8/A16-3
Serial 0123
CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO POMPON report of
First War Patrol.

From:
To:
Subject:

SUBMARINE SQUADRON EIGHT
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
23 August 1943

Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT.
Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
U.S.S. POMPON (SS267), report of First War
Patrol; Comments on.

1. The first war patrol of the POMPON covered
a period of forty-four days, twenty-four of which were
spent in the combat zone. This patrol is characterized
by marked aggressiveness and a thorough covering of the
area assigned.

2. In general, the material condition of the
POMPON upon return from patrol was excellent. No major
defects were experienced during the patrol. The POMPON
will be given a regular standard refit by Submarine
Repair Unit assisted by the FULTON.

3. The Commanding Officer, officers and crew
of the POMPON are congratulated on a successful patrol
and on the damage inflicted on the enemy.

W. H. DONES.

[STAMP: 9 01259]

— page 37 —
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 0262
CONFIDENTIAL

2nd ENDORSEMENT to
CO POMPON Report
of First War Patrol

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

Subject: U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of First War
Patrol; comments on.

1. POMPON left Brisbane 10 July 1943, for patrol
area between parallels 1° S., and 3° N., and meridians 145°
E., and 149° E. On the moonlight night of 16 - 17 July she
encountered considerable anti-submarine activity west of
Bougainville Island where within a period of six hours she
sighted and avoided two torpedoes fired at her by a submerg-
ed submarine, sighted and avoided a patrol vessel, and was
forced to dive by an enemy plane. She arrived in her assign-
ed area 20 July 1943. In the forenoon of 25 July, she sight-
ed and chased a northbound convoy of two freighters and one
escort. She gained position for submerged twilight attack
on this radically zig-zagging convoy directly between the
two freighters, and fired four stern torpedoes at one and
four bow torpedoes at the other. Two stern torpedoes hit
and damaged their target and three bow torpedoes hit and
sank theirs. The escort made an ineffective depth charge
attack. POMPON had no further attack opportunities although
she thoroughly searched her area and made vigorous efforts to
gain contact with targets reported by other submarines. She
was ordered to a station in the submarine patrol line south
of TRUK where she arrived 9 August, with relatively little
fuel remaining because of much high speed surface running.
While patrolling on the surface she sighted a Jap submarine
surfacing several miles away during the afternoon of 9
August and dived for approach but the enemy dived also.
Three days later she sighted what may have been a periscope
over the horizon. She had no other contacts. Because of
her fuel shortage she was recalled from patrol on 12 August,
about a week ahead of schedule. She fueled from COUCAL in
the LOUISIADE ISLANDS on her way to Brisbane, at which latter
place she arrived on 22 August 1943.

2. The patrol was of forty-three days duration. Two
attacks were made, only three minutes apart. Four torpedoes
were fired on each attack and five hits were scored. One
target, a freighter similar to TAIBON MARU, 6,581 tons, was
sunk with three hits. The other, also a freighter but small-

- 1 -
9 01259

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

24 August 1943.

— page 39 —
COMSOPAC FILE
A16-3/(11)

Serial 01553

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

From:
To :
Subject:

1.
2.
the enemy convoy on 25 July 1943 is conclusive evidence of
a rapid functioning, and very well trained, fire control
organization.

3.
The Commander South Pacific congratulates
the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the U.S.S.
POMPON on this most alert and aggressive war patrol.

Copy to:
VCNO
Cincpac
Cincus
Comsowespac
Comsubpac
Comsublant
Comsubsowespac
CTF 72
Comsubron 6
Comsubron 8
Comsubdiv 81
Comsubdiv 82
CO USS POMPON

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

[STAMP: 12659]
[STAMP: lp] [STAMP: 9 01259]

5 SEP 1943

3rd Endorsement on
CO USS POMPON Report
of First War Patrol.

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

U.S.S. POMPON (SS 267) - Report of First War
Patrol; comments on.

Forwarded.

The successful attack on the second ship of

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

[STAMP: COMMANDER IN CHIEF U.S. FLEET RECEIVED 1943 SEP 16 16 43]

[HANDWRITTEN: 32]

— page 40 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]

SS267/A16-3
Serial 022
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
From:
To:
Via:
Subject:
Reference:
Enclosure:

U.S.S. POMPON (SS267)
% Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
5 November 1943.

The Commanding Officer.
The Commander in Chief, United States
Fleet.
Official Channels.

U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of
Second War Patrol.

(a) Comdr.Subs. 7th Flt. Conf. Ser.
0529 of 12 June 1943.

(A) Subject report.
(B) Plot of Attack 1 and 2 (CTG 71.1
only)
(C) Track chart during patrol (CTG
71.1 only).

1. Enclosures (A), (B) and (C), covering
the Second War Patrol of this vessel conducted in
the South China Sea Area during the period 12
September to 5 November 1943, are forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: E. C. Hawk]
E. C. HAWK.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/1/22]

63043 [STAMP: FILMED]
1 0538

— page 41 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SECOND WAR PATROL
(Period from 12 September to [HANDWRITTEN: 5] November 1943)

(A) PROLOGUE

Arrived Brisbane, Australia from first war patrol
22 August 1943. Regular refit by Submarine Repair Unit
assisted by U.S.S. FULTON. ARC-1 receiver and
bathythermograph installed. ECM receiver removed from ship.
One week readiness for sea period. Ready for sea 12
September 1943.

(B) NARRATIVE

12 September
1100 K Underway for second War Patrol in accordance
with CTF 72 secret OpOrd. S62-43 of 11 September
1943. Queensland Coast Pilot J.F. THOMSON on
board.
1330 K Conducted gun firing exercises in Moreton Bay at
towed target. 12 rounds 3" and 240 rounds 20mm
ammunition expended.
1600 K Proceeding to sea having been unable to conduct
sound listening tests due to rough water.
2200 K Effected rendezvous with HMAS GEELONG and PC-11
Proceeding in company.

13 September
0110 K Exchanged recognition signals and calls with
U.S.S. BALAO, inbound. Conducted training
exercises with escorts consisting of two night
and four day approaches, simulated depth charge
attacks and evasion tactics. Conducted deep
dive to test for leaks.
1710 K Released escorts. Proceeding independently via
prescribed route to Darwin, Australia.
1715 K Sighted freighter 8 miles ahead on opposite
course. Exchanged recognition signals. Ship
identified as Liberty Ship "George A. Flanders.
(Ship contact No. 1) Lat. 25-47(S), Long. 154-
35(E).

14,15 September
Proceeding to Darwin via prescribed route. Made
3 training dives daily.

16 September
Proceeding to Darwin via prescribed route.
0405 K Sighted unidentified ship, 60 degrees on star-
board bow, distant 8 miles on southerly course.
(Ship contact No. 2) Lat. 16-35(S), Long. 146-
45(E). (25 miles east of Grafton Passage, Great
Barrier Reef)
0415 K Ship changed course directly towards us.

-1-
[HANDWRITTEN: 1 0538]
[HANDWRITTEN: 2]

— page 42 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SECOND WAR PATROL
(Period From 12 September to 5 November 1943)

0416 K Dived.
0450 K Ship identified as liberty ship, proceeding
towards Grafton Passage on parallel base course,
zig-zagging. Passed 2300 yards on starboard
beam.
0555 K Daylight. Liberty ship six miles ahead. Sur-
faced.
0557 K Began exchanging recognition signals with
liberty ship. Unable to get him to send his
signal letters. He kept sending his iden-
tification letters only, not following the
procedure prescribed in SP 446.
0614 K With range still 12,000 yards and for no
apparent reason, liberty ship opened fire on
us with his after gun. Dived. How many shots
were fired or where they landed, not known.
0649 K Ship out of sight. Surfaced. Sent report of
incident to CTF 72.
0905 K Entered Great Barrier Reef via Grafton Passage.
Began passage to Torres Strait, pilot Thomson
conning.
During the day, passed three small coastal
steamers south bound. Exchanged recognition
signals with one. Sighted several planes
during the day, none of which approached closer
than six miles. No recognition signals exchanged.

17 September
Proceeding via Great Barrier Passage to Torres
Strait.
1100 K Set clocks back one hour to minus nine (ITEM)
time.
1244 I Stopped off Good Island. Pilot Thomson left
the ship.
1305 I Proceeding towards Darwin.

18,19 September
Enroute Darwin. Made three training dives
daily.

20 September
Enroute Darwin. Made two training dives
during the morning.
1340 I Exchanged recognition signals and calls with
escort, ML 814. Proceeding via swept channel
to Darwin in company with escort.
1608 I Moored inside Boom Gate. Captain P.G. Nichols,
USN and pilot came on board. Report for duty to
Captain Nichols, representative of CTF 71.1.
1641 I Moored to Fort Hill Jetty.
Fuelled to capacity (took on 35,000 gallons).

[HANDWRITTEN: 7]
-2-
[HANDWRITTEN: 3]

— page 43 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SECOND WAR PATROL
(Period from 12 September to 5 November 1943)

21 September
0738 I Underway for patrol areas 102, 104 and 105 south
of 7° north in accordance with CTF 71.1 secret
Op.Ord. 31-43 of 10 September 1943.
0930 I Began joint exercise with seven planes (6 lib-
erators and one Hudson), consisting of letting
them observe our wake at speeds of 10,15 and 18
knots.
1000 I Fired current emergency flares and dived for
half hour submerged exercise with planes con-
sisting of running at various speeds at peri-
scope depth, running with decks awash and firing
smoke bombs.
1030 I Surfaced. Proceeding to sea in company with ML
814.
1110 I Dived. Acting as target for ML 814 for sound
training.
1210 I Surfaced. Proceeding independently to patrol
area via prescribed route.
1833 I Plane contact (No. 1) on radar at 18 miles.
Plane not sighted. Posit: Lat. 11-16(S), Long.
129-15(E).
1835 I Plane contact lost at 21 miles.

22 September
Enroute patrol areas. Made trim dive at dawn.
1222 I Plane contact (No. 2) on radar at 20 miles.
Plane not sighted. Posit: Lat. 08-48(S), Long.
127-43(E).
1227 I Plane contact lost at 23 miles.
1308 I Dived for submerged running remainder of the day
in order to make passage east of Timor during
darkness. While diving, radar reported plane
contact (No. 3) at 26 miles. Posit: Lat. 08-
44(S), Long. 127-41(E).
1500 I Set clocks back one hour to minus eight zone
time.
1751 H Surfaced. Proceeding through passage between
Timo. and Loti Islands.

23 September
Proceeding through the Flores Sea enroute to
patrol areas.
0544 H Surfaced from morning trim dive.
0547 H Plane contact (No. 4) on SD radar at 6 miles.
Dived. Posit: Lat. 07-12(S), Long. 125-48(E).
Plane not sighted.
0627 H Surfaced, proceeding as before on course 270°.
0835 H Sighted small ship or submarine bearing 251°T,
distant 9 miles on opposite course. (Ship
contact No. 3). Posit: Lat. 07-14(S), Long.
125-27(E).

[HANDWRITTEN: 8]
-3-
[HANDWRITTEN: 1 0538]
[HANDWRITTEN: 4]

— page 44 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SECOND WAR PATROL
(Period from 12 September to [HANDWRITTEN: 5] November 1943)

23 September
0840 H Dived. Went to battle stations and began clos-
       ing ship. Ship not sighted again until
0947 H Came to "decks awash" and sighted ship bearing
       240°T. Appeared to be small patrol boat
       making very slow speed or lying to.
1031 H Ship identified as small sampan type patrol
       boat apparently patrolling on courses 240° and
       reverse. Gave up chase, changed course to the
       northward.
1216 H Surfaced. Proceeding as before on course 270.
1655 H Sighted mast of small ship bearing 320°T, dis-
       tant 10 miles. Posit: Lat. 06-58(S), Long.
       124-30(E). (ship contact No. 4).
1657 H Dived. Began closing ship.
1725 H Ship identified as small patrol boat similar
       to one sighted this morning patrolling on
       course 140°T.
1810 H Surfaced. Patrol boat not in sight. Proceed-
       ing as before on course 270°T.

24 September
       Proceeding through the Flores Sea enroute to
       patrol area.
0515 H Dived for daylight submerged running.
1820 H Surfaced.

25 September
       Enroute to patrol area via the Flores Sea.
0525 H Dived for all day submerged running.
1048 H Sighted small sail boat distant six miles,
       slightly on port bow on easterly course.
       (Ship contact No. 5). Posit: Lat. 06-26(S),
       Long. 119-23(E).
1830 H Surfaced.
1835 H Sighted small sail boat, six miles to westward.
       (Ship contact No. 6). Posit: Lat. 06-07(S),
       Long. 119-16(E). Proceeded on course 328°.
2330 H Passed Dewakang Island abeam to port, distant
       11 miles. Light not operating.

26 September
       Proceeding to patrol area via prescribed
       route.
0100 H On course 000°, 70 miles west of Makassar,
       sighted what looked like small patrol boat,
       35 degrees on starboard bow on opposite course.
       Turned away and increased speed. SJ radar
       coached on. Got range of 2800 yards. (Ship
       contact No. 7) Posit: Lat. 04-09(S), Long. 118-
       17(E).
       Range decreased to 2400 yards during the turn
       and then opened slowly.

[HANDWRITTEN: 9]
-4-
[HANDWRITTEN: 5]

— page 45 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SECOND WAR PATROL
(Period from 12 September to [HANDWRITTEN: 5] November 1943)

0106 H Lost sight contact and radar contact at 2700
        yards, indicating ship could have been a sub-
        marine and dived. This could have been the
        PUFFER as we are in her area. Continued opening
        range to the westward working back to course of
        north.
0328 H SJ radar contact at 3100 yards, 70 degrees on
        starboard bow. Sighted small patrol boat, zero
        angle on bow. Changed course to put him astern.
        (Ship contact No. 8) Posit: Lat. 04-35(S), Long.
        118-01(E).
0335 H Lost radar contact at 5100 yards. Continued to
        open out to westward working back to course north.
0525 H Dived for all day submerged running.
1427 H Sighted small sail boat bearing 40 degrees port,
        distant 5 miles on westerly course. (Ship con-
        tact No. 9) Posit: Lat. 03-50(S), Long. 118-02(E).
1536 H Sighted small sail boat, bearing 60 degrees port,
        on westerly course. (Ship contact No. 10). Posit:
        Lat. 03-49(S), Long. 118-03(E).
1835 H Surfaced, set course to head up past Cape
        William, Celebes.

27 September
0535 H Enroute to patrol area via prescribed route.
1820 H Dived for all day submerged running.
        Surfaced, set course to pass through Makassar
        Strait.

28 September
0525 H Proceeding through Makassar Strait enroute to
        patrol area.
0640 H Made trim dive.
        Surfaced. Proceeding through Celebes Sea towards
        Sibutu Passage.
0745 H Sighted what definitely looked like smoke dead
        ahead bearing 000°T, estimated distance 10 miles.
        (Ship contact No. 11). Posit: Lat. 01-27(N),
        Long. 119-49(E).
0747 H Heavy rain squall set in. Closed on true bear-
        ing of smoke until contact should have been made
        by radar assuming target was on reverse of our
        course. No contact on SJ radar. Reversed
        course.
0849 H Rain squall passed. Reversed course and pro-
        ceeded at high speed. Never regained contact.
        Numerous rain squalls during the day.
2300 H Changed course to head through Sibutu Passage.
        No fix all day because of bad weather. Position
        uncertain.
2309 H Sighted low land dead ahead. Unable to identify
        it. Reversed course.

[HANDWRITTEN: 10]
                                -5-
                                                                [HANDWRITTEN: 1 0538]
                                                                [HANDWRITTEN: 6]

— page 46 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SECOND WAR PATROL
(Period from 12 September to 5 November 1943)

29 September
Enroute to Patrol Area via prescribed route.
During the day made three training dives.
1800 H Started through Sibutu Passage. Experienced 3
knot southeast set south of the pass and
southwesterly set in the pass.
2355 H Set course to head into Sulu Sea.

30 September
Proceeding through Sulu Sea towards Balabac
Strait.
Made morning trim dive.
0833 H Passed Cagayan Sulu Island abeam to port dis-
tant 24 miles.
1400 H Weather making up. Strong westerly winds,
heavy seas, passing rain squalls and sky
heavily overcast.
2000 H Did not make landfall on Balabac Island as ex-
pected. Position doubtful, weather bad.
Changed course to eastward. During the night
cruised at slow speed in area east of Balabac
Strait.

1 October
Cruising in area east of Balabac Strait enroute
to patrol area. Made trim dive at dawn. Sur-
faced and headed west to make landfall on
Balabac Island.
0900 H Weather cleared up. Sighted Balabac Island.
Fix showed us 16 miles east and south of D.R.
position.
1058 H Dived 17 miles east of channel for submerged
running during remainder of the day.
1130 H Changed course to 210°T.
1450 H Sighted masts of ship bearing 355°T, distant
16,000 yards, 70 degree starboard angle on the
bow putting him on course 105°T. Went to battle
stations. Began approach. (Ship contact No. 12)
(Posit: Lat. 07-50(N), Long. 117-30(E)). As
approach developed, target was seen to be a 7000-
8000 ton merchant ship, single stack, one goal
post forward and aft and a foremast and main
mast which appeared conical in shape, each sur-
mounted by a platform and a small stick mast.
The masts looked similar to our old style battle-
ship cage masts except not nearly as large. She
was painted grey and apparently was a naval aux-
iliary. She was escorted by three subchasers or
small PC type boats and one KURI class destroyer.
One subchaser was about 2000 yards broad on either
other two stationed 2000 yards broad on either
bow. The destroyer was 2000 yards astern. The

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CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SECOND WAR PATROL
(Period from 12 September to 5 November 1943)

destroyer and at least one subchaser were ping-
ing.
Unable to obtain a good firing position.
Decided to fire at long range.
1555 H Fired four torpedoes from forward tubes, (Attack
No. 1) set at low power, at a range of 3960
yards, depth setting 14 feet, zero gyro angle,
130 degree starboard track, using a longitudinal
spread. 19 seconds after firing first torpedo,
felt heavy explosion close aboard, followed by at
least two and possibly three more explosions at
about the same interval. Saw heavy explosion
short distance ahead us as last torpedo was
fired. The first three torpedoes definitely were
prematures. Opinion was divided as to the fourth
torpedo. Some people claim they heard four ex-
plosions.
Not thinking about prematures and
1600 H believing we were being bombed from the air went
deep.
1603 H Heard distant explosion. Pinging and screws
heard for half an hour.
1655 H About to come to periscope depth when one depth
charge went off at 1000 yards or more.
1700 H One more depth charge, closer.
1800 H All quiet for an hour, started up to periscope
depth.
1815 H All clear, seas making up, rain squalls around
the horizon.
1900 H Surfaced in rain squall, 20 knot west wind and
rough sea. Cleared area to eastward to charge
batteries, reload and examine torpedo exploders.
2200 H Headed west to try to get through Balabac Strait.
2400 H Gave up attempt due to bad weather, uncertain
position and SJ radar being out of commission.
Headed back to area east of the strait.

2 October
Patrolling in area east of Balabac Strait waiting
for weather to clear to fix position.
0530 H Made trim dive.
0710 H About to surface when sound reported faint ping-
ing 55 degrees on starboard bow. Visibility
poor due to rain squalls. Remained submerged.
Pinging stopped after about 3 minutes.
0835 H Pinging reported 50 degrees on starboard bow.
0844 H Sighted KURI class destroyer, 46 degrees on
starboard bow, distant 5 miles, 70 degree port
angle on bow, on course 210°, speed 12 (Ship
contact No. 13). Posit. Lat. 07-48(N), Long.
118-06(E).
Went to battle stations.

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CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SECOND WAR PATROL
(Period from 12 September to 5 November 1943)

0900 H Destroyer passed 6000 yards ahead.
0925 H Destroyer changed course to 110°.
0935 H Destroyer changed back to original course and
    disappeared.
1054 H Surfaced, headed east towards Balabac Strait.
1220 H Sighted and identified Banguey Island. We had
    been set well to the south and west of our D.R.
    position. Currents in this area are strong and
    variable.
1830 H Started through the main channel north of
    Banguey Island. Could have used the SJ to good
    advantage but as usual it wasn't functioning
    properly. Unable to get a pip on high land
    only 4000 yards away.
2026 H Cleared channel just in time as heavy rain set
    in. Set course to head out into the China Sea.

3 October
0100 H Proceeding to assigned patrol area.
    Changed course to 255° to proceed along the
    trade route from Singapore to Balabac Strait.
1430 H Entered assigned area at 07-00(N), 115-00(E).
    Encountering heavy head seas, 20 to 25 knot
    westerly winds and heavy rain squalls.

4 October
    Conducting surface patrol along Singapore-Balabac
    Strait trade route. Made trim dive at dawn.
    Heavy seas from the west. 20-25 knot west wind.
1300 H Changed course to west, proceeding to Singapore-
    Empire traffic route.

5 October
    Patrolling on the surface in assigned area.
    Made trim dive and one training dive during
    the day. Weather still heavy.

6 October
    Shifted patrol to Singapore-Saigon route. Con-
    ducting surface patrol. Made trim dive and one
    training dive during the day.

7 October
    Conducting surface patrol along the Singapore-
    Saigon traffic route. Made trim dive at dawn.

8 October
    Conducting surface patrol along Singapore-
    Saigon traffic route. Made trim dive and one
    training dive during the day.

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— page 49 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SECOND WAR PATROL
(Period from 12 September to 2 November 1943)

9 October
Shifted patrol to main Singapore-Empire traffic
route. Conducting surface patrol. Made trim
dive and one training dive.

10 October
Conducting surface patrol along Singapore-Empire
traffic route.
Made trim dive at dawn.
1158 H Sighted masts of ship on starboard beam bearing
120°T, distant 12 miles, estimated course 220°.
First contact since entering area. (ship contact
No. 14). Posit. Lat. 05-06(N), Long. 106-57(E).
Began tracking at full speed on four engines.
1330 H Enemy speed checking 17.5 knots. Gained one
degree in bearing in hour and a half.
1400 H Enemy speed now checking 15 knots. Began drawing
ahead slowly. Has apparently started zig-
zagging.
1846 H Enemy ship 10 miles on port quarter, estimated
course 215, speed 14.5 knots. This was last
sight of ship due to darkness and rain squalls in
his direction. Began bending around to get on
his track.
1935 H Estimated our position to be on enemy track.
Changed course to 215 and slowed down to let him
overhaul us. Rain squalls in his direction.
2016 H Rain squalls passed to westward, visibility good
but ship not in sight. Reversed course to pro-
ceed towards him.
2100 H Contact should have been regained even if ship
had slowed down. Ship had eluded us either
intentionally or by accident. His course of 215
would have passed to the west of the Anambas
Islands towards Singapore. He may have made a
radical change of course after we last sighted
him at 1846 as a matter of routine or he may have
changed course to pass to the eastward of the
Anambas Islands. Contact never regained. Ship
was never identified, as neither but the tops of
his masts were ever seen. He appeared to be a
fairly large merchant ship. He never smoked.
2120 H Detected strong radar signal on 270 megacycles
on ARC-1. May have been on one of the Anambas
Islands or on the ship we had chased.

11 October
0625 H Dived to conduct submerged patrol along Singa-
Empire traffic route, west of the Anambas Isla
1913 H Surfaced, patrolled along traffic route during
the night.

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— page 50 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SECOND WAR PATROL
(Period from 12 September to 5 November 1943)

12 October
0620 H Dived to conduct submerged patrol along Singapore-
Empire traffic route, west of the Anambas Islands.
1045 H Sighted float type plane (Rufe or Jake) bearing
300°T, 1000 feet altitude, distant 4 miles on
southeast course. (Plane contact No. 5), Posit:
Lat. 02-59(N), Long. 104-57(E).
1920 H Surfaced. Patrolled along traffic route during
the night.

13 October
Conducting surface patrol along the Singapore-
Empire route. During the day made a trim dive
and training dive.
1422 H Plane contact (No. 6) on SD radar, distant 12
miles, closing. Posit: Lat. 05-20(N), Long.
105-06(E). Dived to avoid detection.
1522 H Surfaced, resumed patrol.

14 October
Patrolling the Singapore-Empire route on the
surface. Made trim dive at dawn.
0800 H Changed course to the west to get on the
Singapore-Saigon route.
1437 H Sighted smoke ahead distant 12 miles. (Ship con-
tact No. 15). Posit: Lat. 05-29(N), Long. 104-
06(E). Began tracking smoke. Contact developed
into convoy of 3 ships (1 large AK, 1 medium
AO and 1 medium AO and 1 escort vessel of the sub-
chaser type).
1644 H Having determined convoy base course as 035°T,
speed 9 knots, and attained a position 10 miles
ahead of it, dived and began approach.
1651 H Escort heard pinging. As approach developed
convoy formation was seen to be wide open. The
two AK's were about 5000 yards apart on a 90°
line of bearing with the larger AK to the right.
The loaded tanker was about 3500 yards ahead of
the formation which was zig-zagging anywhere from
15 to 35 degrees to the right and left of the base
course with legs of 3 to 15 minutes.
Conducted approach on large AK.
1802 H In position to fire bow tubes on a 70 starboard
track, 900 yards from the track. Raised peri-
scope for check bearing. Target had zigged
directly for us. Changed course to the right,
opened out and got set-up for stern tubes on the
tanker.
1814 H Fired 4 torpedoes from stern tubes at tanker,
70 port track, 700 yard range, 182° gyro.
Torpedoes set to run at 12 feet, magnetic ex-
ploders inoperative. 30 seconds after firing

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— page 51 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SECOND WAR PATROL
(Period from 12 September to 5 November 1943)

first torpedo, saw it hit directly under the
bridge. (Tanker had bridge and engines aft).
Small column of spray shot up but no explosion.
Nothing but the air flask exploded. A dud. Saw
second torpedo which was smoking, hit about 30
yards forward of the bridge. Same result.
Another dud. Did not observe the third and
fourth torpedoes. They probably missed ahead.
Posit: Lat. 05-54(N), Long. 104-08(E). When
first torpedo hit, tanker turned away and began
blowing whistle in short blasts. Other two ships
turned away also.
Very discouraging to see two torpedoes hit and
not explode. A week ago the BONEFISH reported
two duds on an attack in the area north of us.
1824 H Escort vessel heading for us. Began evasion
tactics at periscope depth. Escort searched for
us alternately pinging and listening. Kept in
sight until 1930 when it got too dark to see
through periscope. Pinging heard for another
hour. Escort never made contact and dropped no
depth charges.
2110 H Surfaced. Began chase.
Detected strong radar signals on 270 megacycles
on the ARC-1. Believe the escort was equipped
with radar. During the approach, had noted what
looked like a radar grid on top of his mast.

15 October
In hot pursuit of north bound convoy.
0410 H Sighted convoy, in moonlight, 25° on port bow,
distant 7.5 miles. Posit: Lat. 07-09(N), Long.
105-08(E). Began tracking with SJ radar which
could distinguish the three large ships and the
escort vessel patrolling among them. Sky over-
cast with frequent rain squalls obscuring the
convoy most of the time.
0530 H Beginning to get daylight. Opened range to 12
miles. Convoy base course determined as 040,
speed 11.5 knots. They had speeded up during
the night. Continued end around run.
0748 H Convoy no longer in sight. Abandoned the chase
as we had got into shallow water. Changed
course to get into deeper water.
1532 H Plane contact (no. 7) on SD at 16 miles closing.
Posit: Lat. 06-30(N), Long. 105-08(E). Plane
not sighted. Dived to avoid detection.
1622 H Surfaced. Resumed surface patrol.

16 October
Conducting surface patrol along the Singapore-
Empire trade route. Made trim dive and one

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— page 52 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SECOND WAR PATROL
(Period from 12 September to 5 November 1943)

16 October
Training dive.
After dark changed course to the eastward to
get on the Balabac Strait-Singapore track.

17 October
Conducting surface patrol enroute to eastern
part of area. Made trim dive at dawn.

18 October
Conducting surface patrol along the Balabac
Strait-Singapore track. Made trim dive and
one training dive.
After dark proceeded to the Singapore-Saigon
route.

19 October
Conducting surface patrol on the Singapore-
Saigon route. Made trim dive at dawn.
1100 H Sighted object floating in water several
miles distant. Closed to investigate. Object
was a floating mine about 3 feet in diameter.
Had 4 horns around middle and 2 near the top.
Had flat cover on top. Mine covered with
barnacles. Tried to sink it with .30 cal.
rifle fire. 18 hits had no effect.
1123 H Fired at mine with 20mm. fire. 60 rounds expended.
Posit: Lat. 05-25(N), Long. 105-54(E).
Resumed surface patrol.
1520 H Picked up contact (No. 8) on SD radar at 12 miles.
Posit: Lat. 05-25(N), Long. 105-54(E).
Dived to avoid detection.
1604 H Surfaced. Resumed patrol.
1715 H O.O.D. sighted what he though was smoke in the
direction of a rain squall. Changed course to
investigate. Nothing ever sighted. After dark
proceeded to the Singapore-Empire Route.

20 October
Conducting surface patrol along the Singapore-
Empire route. Made trim dive at dawn.
2018 H Radar contact (No. 17), ten degrees on starboard
bow, distant 3000 yards. Posit: Lat. 05-16(N),
Long. 108-31(E). Operator said it might be a
rain squall. Visibility bad in general, and
particularly in that direction. Nothing sighted.
Reversed course to track contact. Radar lost
contact during turn and never regained it.
2030 H Reversed course, proceeding in direction of
original radar contact.
2057 H Torpedo wake sighted 100 yards ahead by O.O.D.,
Ass't. O.O.D. and one lookout. Torpedo either
on 80 starboard track or 100 port track.

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— page 53 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subj ct:
U.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SECOND WAR PATROL
(Period from 12 September to 5 November 1943)

2108 H Visibility bad. O.O.D. believed torpedo came fr:
starboard and changed course to the left to
parallel track at high speed. No contact on
radar. No submarine sighted. (Contact No. 18)
Posit: Lat. 05-16-30(N), Long. 108-31-30(E).
Radar contact 104 degrees relative, distant 1700
yards. Visibility at least 2000 yards in that
direction but nothing sighted. Changed course
to put contact astern. (Contact No. 19). Posit
Lat. 05-17(N), Long. 108-33(E). Radar lost con-
tact during the turn and never regained it. It
possibly was the enemy submarine which had fired
at us from the port side instead of the starboard.
Our turn to the left at 2057 headed us directly
for him and he probably dived shortly after our
radar contact at 2108. Opened out to the north-
ward. Kept ARC-1 manned. No signals detected.

21 October
Proceeding to Balabac Strait-Singapore route.
Made trim dive at dawn.

22 October
Conducting surface patrol along Balabac Strait-
Singapore route. Made trim dive at dawn and one
training dive.
1930 H Sent despatch to ComtaskFor 71.1 giving results o
patrol and that we would leave area at dark to-
morrow.

23 October
Conducting surface patrol along Balabac Strait-
Singapore route. Made trim dive at dawn.

24 October
Proceeding towards Balabac Strait.
0230 H Left patrol area.
1203 H Had contact (No. 9) on radar at 20 miles.
Contact lost in a few seconds. Posit: Lat. 07-
26(N), Long. 116-07(E).
2055 H Started through main channel north of Banguey
Island (Balabac Strait).
2144 H Cleared channel, headed eastward into the Sulu
Sea.

25 October
Proceeding through the Sulu Sea enroute Darwin
from patrol area. Made trim dive.
0843 H Sighted 2 small sail boats (Contact No. 20).
Posit: Lat. 07-01(N), Long. 119-22(E). Avoided
on surface.
1900 H Started passage through channel between Borneo
and Tawitawi enroute to Alice Channel.
Received CTF 71.1 serial 58 directing us to

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— page 54 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. TOMPON - REPORT OF SECOND WAR PATROL
(Period from 12 September to 5 November 1943)

proceed to Fremantle instead of Darwin.

26 October
Proceeding towards Alice Channel.
0122 H Changed course to 165°T to head through Alice
Channel. Rain squalls in the south. Visibility
bad. No fix on landmarks since midnight.
0134 H Sighted GAIA and BOHIDULONG Island. Fix showed
us set three miles to west of our track.
0241 H With Mataking Island bearing 210°T, distant 3500
yards, was challenged by a flashing light,
apparently from a small boat in the lee of the
island. (Contact No. 21). Posit: Lat. 04-36-
30(N), Long. 118-38(E). Light kept flashing for
about two minutes and was unintelligible. In-
creased speed and continued on course. Boat
never sighted.
0345 H Cleared Alice channel, headed into Celebes Sea,
enroute to Makassar Strait.
0346 H Sighted small boat bearing 170 relative distant
about 4000 yards. Only in sight for a matter of
seconds. It was probably a small patrol boat
which had been patrolling the entrance to Alice
Channel. (Contact No. 22). Posit: Lat. 04-23(N),
Long. 119-08(E). No contact with SJ radar.
Made trim dive at dawn.
During the day passed numerous large tree stumps
and logs.

27 October
Enroute from Patrol Area, proceeding through
Makassar Strait.
0515 H Divod 25 miles west point Manimbaja (Celebes).
0949 H Land having become obscured by haze, surfaced,
proceeded southward. Passed numerous tree
stumps and logs during the day.

28 October
Enroute from patrol area proceeding through
Makassar Strait.
0515 H Made trim dive.
0540 H Sighted four small sail boats to the eastward
distant 4 miles on westerly course. Posit:
Lat. 03-16(S), Long. 117-55(E).
Remained submerged until sailboats out of sight.
0944 H Surfaced, proceeding southward. During the day
sighted two more small sail boats. Avoided on
the surface.
1257 H Sighted two float type planes 10 degrees on port
bow, distant 10-12 miles on easterly course,
altitude 1000 feet. (Plane contact No. 10).
Posit: Lat 03-57(S), Long 118-15(E).

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— page 55 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON 4 REPORT OF SECOND WAR PATROL
(Period from 12 September to 5 November 1943)

Divod to avoid detection.
1344 H Surfaced, proceeded southward.
1625 H Plane contact (No. 11) on radar, distant 10 miles
Posit: Lat. 04-16(S), Long. 117-55(E). Plane
not sighted. Dived to avoid detection.
1706 H Surfaced, proceeded on course 213.

29 October
Enroute from patrol area, proceeding through the
Flores Sea towards Lombok Strait. Made trim dive
at dawn.
During the day sighted seven small sailboats.
Avoided on the surface.
2030 H Changed course to 192°, for Lombok Strait, 39
miles distant.
2300 H SJ radar picked up land, distant 30,000 yards on
starboard bow. (N.E. corner of Bali). SJ radar
useful for detecting only. Range unit out of
commission. Ranges and bearings must be
estimated.

30 October
Proceeding through Lombok Strait. Unable take
bearings on landmarks due to haze over Bali
and Lombok. Navigating by estimated bearings
and ranges from SJ radar, whose ranging unit is
out of commission.
0113 H Apparently being challenged by flashing white
light bearing 232°T. Our estimated position
Lat. 08-38(S), Long. 115-46(E). At first be-
lieved light came from small boat. Then de-
cided it was on Nusa Besar Island distant 12
miles. Island not clearly visible due to haze.
0120 H Increased speed to full on four generators.
0121 H Sighted flashing signal light bearing 132°T
either from small boat or on Pandanan Point (on
Lombok) distant 6 miles. Our estimated
position: Lat. 08-40(S), Long. 115-45-30(E). We
may have been challenged or this light could have
been talking with the light on Nusa Besar Island
which was still blinking. None of the signalling
was intelligible.
0133 H Current setting us over against Lombok, changed
course to 215°T.
0147 H Sighted green rocket bearing 145°T in the direc-
tion of Pandanan Point (Lombok) distant 4 miles.
Our estimated posit: Lat. 08-45(S), Long. 115-
45-30(E). The green flare meant nothing in our
recognition signal. Also observed that there
were now two signal lights in the direction of
Nusa Besar Island. One was high up, apparently
signalling to another station at the water's
edge or to a small boat close to the island.

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— page 56 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SECOND WAR PATROL
(Period from 12 September to 5 November 1943)

0158 H Passed what looked like an oil drum 700 yards
to port.
0222 H Clear of the strait, proceeding towards Exmouth
Gulf. The two signal lights in the direction of
Nusa Besar Island still blinking at each other.

31 October
Enroute to Exmouth Gulf from patrol area.
0301 H Sighted flashing light apparently from blinker
gun 15° on starboard bow. We were expecting
to meet the BLUEFISH northbound. However,
light was unintelligible. Ship not sighted due
to poor visibility in that direction. O.O.D.
diving. Sound picked up screws at 190 RPM,
passing to starboard on northerly course. This
was undoubtedly the BLUEFISH and had either seen
us against a good background or detected us by
radar.
0607 H Surfaced, proceeding as before.

1 November
Enroute to Exmouth Gulf from patrol area. Made
trim dive at dawn.

2 November
0620 H Sighted Vlaming Head bearing 168°T, distant 16
miles.
0700 H Exchanged recognition signals with plane which
stayed with us until 0900.
1000 H Exchanged calls with U.S.S. LARK.
1028 H Moored starboard side to H.M.A.S. ONDINA to
take on fuel.
1412 H Having taken on 15000 gals. fuel got under-
way for Fremantle.
1641 H Took departure on Vlaming Head light.

3 November
Enroute Fremantle from Exmouth Gulf. Made
trim dive at dawn.
1052 H Sighted submarine bearing 152° distant 8 miles.
1100 H Exchanged recognition signals and calls with
U.S.S. BOWFIN, northbound.

4 November
Enroute Fremantle from Exmouth Gulf.

5 November
Enroute Fremantle from Exmouth Gulf.
0530 H Sighted and exchanged recognition signals and
calls with H.M.A.S. DUBBO. Proceeding in
company to Fremantle.
0925 H Moored starboard side to North Wharf, Fremantle,
Australia.

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— page 57 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(C) WEATHER:
     The weather encountered in the South China Sea was in
general very good, flat oily sea. Clear weather would
prevail until mid afternoon when heavy cloud formations
would appear. Numerous squalls would form up around the
horizon, usually there would be heavy showers and squall
during late afternoon and during the night. Prevailing
winds were from the southwest and were light (4-7 Kts.).
Occasionally the wind would shift for a couple of days to
the northeast and blow with considerable force (12-15 Kts.).
Heavy ground swells from the northeast would be experienced.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION:
     Currents in the South China Sea were variable in strengt
and direction. West of the Anambas Islands the current set
165⁰T with a drift of about one knot.
     Strong currents were experienced east of Balabac Strait.
The net set over a period of 12 hours was approximately
100⁰T with a drift of one to 1¼ knots. At certain periods
of the day a strong southwesterly set would be experienced.
     Strong currents were experienced in Sibutu Passage,
Alice Channel and Lombok Strait.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS:
     No established navigational lights were observed to be
in operation.

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— page 58 —
| No.: | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Type(s) | Initial Range | Estimated course & speed | How contacted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| 1 | 1715 K 13 Sept | 25-47(S) 154-35(E) | Liberty ship "George A. Flanders". | 8 miles | S.E. 12 knots | SD | Exchanged recognition signals. | 2 | 0405 K 16 Sept | 16-35(S) 146-45(E) | Liberty Ship Small sam-pan type | 8 miles | South 12 knots | SN | Dived and let ship get 6 miles ahead. Surfaced and attempted to exchange recognition signals. After 7 minutes of signaling ship opened fire with after gun. Dived. |
| (E) SHIP CONTACTS | 3 | 0835 H 23 Sept | 07-14(S) 125-27(E) | patrol boat | 9 miles | 070 2-3 Kts. | SD | Boat apparently reversed course to 240°T after we dived. Patrolling at very slow speed. |
| | 4 | 1655 H 23 Sept | 06-58(S) 124-20(E) | Small sam-pan type patrol boat | 10 miles | 140 2-3 Kts. | SD |

— page 59 —
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No. | Time | Lat. | Type(s) | Initial | Estimated How | con- | Remarks
    | Date | Long. |         | Range   | course & | tacted |
    |      |       |         |         | speed    |        |
11 | 0745 H | 01-27(N) | Smoke | 10 miles | South | SD | After sighting smoke, heavy rain
   | 28 Sept | 119-49(E) |         |          | 8 knots |      | set in. Contact never regained.
   |         |          | one 7000-8000 |          |         |      |
   |         |          | ton AK conver- |          |         |      |
   |         |          | ted to a naval |          |         |      |
   |         |          | aux. Possibly |          |         |      |
   |         |          | motor tor- |          |         |      |
   |         |          | pedo boat ten- |          |         |      |
   |         |          | der. 3 small |          |         |      |
   |         |          | subchaser type |          | 105     |      | Fired 4 torpedoes at long range.
[HANDWRITTEN: (E)]
SHIP CONTACTS
12 | 1450 H | 07-50(N) | escorts & 1 | 8 miles | 9 knots | P | 3 and possibly all 4 torpedoes
   | 1 Oct. | 117-30(E) | Kuri class DD |          |         |      | exploded prematurely.
   | 0844 H | 07-48(N) | One Kuri Class |          | 210     |      |
13 | 2 Oct. | 118-06(E) | destroyer | 5 miles | 12 knots | P | Closest range 6000 yards.
   |         |          | Unidentified. |          |         |      | [HANDWRITTEN: -19-]
   |         |          | Nothing but |          |         |      |
   |         |          | tops of masts |          |         |      |
   |         |          | seen. Appeared |          |         |      |
   |         |          | to be a fair |          | 220     |      | After 2 hours ship slowed to 15
14 | 1158 H | 05-06(N) | sized mer- | 12 miles | 17.5 Kts. | SD | knots. Chased for 7.5 hours.
   | 10 Oct. | 106-57(E) | chant ship |          |         |      | Lost contact at darkness.
   |         |          | Convoy of 3 |          |         |      |
   |         |          | ships and one |          |         |      |
   |         |          | subchaser type |          |         |      |
   |         |          | patrol boat |          |         |      |
   |         |          | escort. Ships |          |         |      |
   |         |          | were: |          |         |      |
   |         |          | 1 7000 ton AK |          |         |      |
CONFIDENTIAL
15 | 1437 H | 05-29(N) | 1 4000 ton AK |          | 035     |      | Attack #2 on tanker.
   | 14 Oct. | 104-06(E) | 1 7000 ton AO | 12 miles | 10 knots | SD | Tracked for four hours. Lost con-
   |         |          | Same 4 ships |          |         |      | tact when convoy got into shoal
   | 0410 H | 07-09(N) | as in con- |          | 040     |      | water.
16 | 15 Oct. | 105-08(E) | tact No. 15 | 17.5 miles | 12 knots | SN |

[HANDWRITTEN: 20]

— page 60 —
| No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Types | Initial Range | Estimated course & speed. | contacted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 2018 H 20 Oct. | 05-16(N) 108-31(E) | Nothing sighted. Contact thought to be rain squall | 3000 yds | --- | R | Contact lost immediately after it was made. |
| 18 | 2057 H 20 Oct. | 05-16-30N 108-31-30E | Torpedo wake sighted cross-ing 100 yds. ahead of ship | --- | --- | --- | Enemy submarine which fired not seen or detected by radar |
| 19 | 2108 H 20 Oct. | 05-17(N) 108-33(E) | Apparently enemy S/M which fired at us | 1700 yds. | --- | R | Submarine not sighted and radar lost contact immediately. |
| 20 | 0843 H 25 Oct. | 07-01(N) 119-22(E) | 2 small sail boats | 2 miles | North 4 knots | SD | Avoided on surface. |
| [HANDWRITTEN: 20] | 0241 H 26 Oct. | 04-36-30N 118-58(E) (Alice Channel) | Small patrol boat in lee of Mataking Is. | 3500 yds. | --- | SN | Boat challenged us with un-intelligible flashing light for about 2 minutes. |
| 22 | 0346 H 26 Oct. | 04-23(N) 119-08(E) (Alice Channel) | Small boat apparently patrol-ling in Alice Channel. | 4000 yds. | 200 ? | SN | Sighted on starboard quarter. Avoided on surface. |

[CONFIDENTIAL (E) SHIP CON]

Only two contacts were made in the area. It had been expected that contacts would be
plentiful. Apparently the volume of traffic from Singapore to the Empire is not nearly as
heavy as is supposed. It is believed that there is no standard route which Jap ships
follow to or from Singapore.
Numerous small native sail boats were encountered west of Makassar and in the Flores
Sea north of Lombok. None however appeared to be other than native fishing boats.

[HANDWRITTEN: 21]

— page 61 —
Time Lat.
No.: Date : Long. : Type(s) : Elev. : Initial Range : Estimated Course : How contacted : Remarks
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | 1833 I | 11-16(S) | --- | --- | 18 miles | --- | R | Plane not sighted.
  | 21 Sept | 129-15(E) | | | | | |
2 | 1222 I | 08-48(S) | --- | --- | 20 miles | --- | R | Plane not sighted.
  | 22 Sept | 127-43(E) | | | | | |
3 | 1308 I | 08-44(S) | --- | --- | 26 Miles | --- | R | Plane not sighted.
  | 22 Sept | 127-41(E) | | | | | |
4 | 0547 H | 07-12(S) | --- | --- | 6 miles | --- | R | Plane not sighted. Dived
  | 23 Sept | 125-48(E) | | | | | | to avoid detection.
5 | 1045 H | 02-59(N) | Rufe or Jake | 1000 Ft. | 4 miles | S.E. | P | Plane not sighted. Dived
  | 12 Oct. | 104-57(E) | | | | | | to avoid detection.
6 | 1422 H | 05-20(N) | --- | --- | 12 miles | --- | R | Plane closing. Dived to
  | 13 Oct. | 105-06(E) | | | | | | avoid detection. Plane not
  | | | | | | | | sighted.
7 | 1532 H | 06-30(N) | --- | --- | 16 miles | --- | R | Dived to avoid detection.
  | 15 Oct. | 105-08(E) | | | | | | Plane not sighted.
8 | 1520 H | 05-25(N) | --- | --- | 12 miles | --- | R | Plane not sighted. Contact
  | 19 Oct. | 105-54(E) | | | | | | lost in few seconds.
9 | 1203 H | 07-26(N) | --- | --- | 20 miles | --- | R | Dived to avoid detection
  | 24 Oct. | 116-07(E) | | | | | |
10 | 1257 H | 03-57(S) | Jakes or | 1000 Ft. | 10-12 | E or SE | SD | Plane not sighted. Dived
  | 28 Oct. | 118-15(E) | Rufes | | miles | | | to avoid detection.
11 | 1625 H | 04-16(S) | --- | --- | 10 miles | --- | R | Plane not sighted. Dived
  | 28 Oct. | 117-55(E) | | | | | | to avoid detection.

(G) AIRCRAFT
CONTACTS

Of the eleven aircraft contacts, the planes were actually sighted only on two
occasions. In both cases they were float type planes. (Rufes or Jakes). The
plane contacts in the South China Sea were probably routine flights from Singapore
to Saigon.

CONFIDENTIAL

1 0538
[HANDWRITTEN: 22]

— page 62 —
(H) TORPEDO ATTACK DATA:
U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) TORPEDO ATTACK No. 1 PATROL No. 2
Time: 1555 H Date: 1 October 1943 Lat: 07-50(N)
Long: 117-30(E)

[UNCLEAR: CONFIDENTIAL]

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

DESCRIPTION:
This attack was made on a large ABLE KING of 7000-8000
tons, apparently some type of naval auxiliary. She was
escorted by three small subchaser type boats and one
Kuri Class destroyer. The subchasers were in position
ahead of the ship, one directly ahead and one broad on
either bow, distance about 2000 yards. The destroyer
was 2000 yards astern of the target. When first sighted
they were on course 105°T. Ten minutes later they
changed course to about 145°T. They did not zig-zag.
The escorts were not patrolling their positions. The
destroyer and at least one subchaser were pinging. When
first sighted, the convoy was apparently just coming from
the main passage east of Balabac Island and then changed
course to head south towards Sibutu Passage, keeping in
shallow water east of Balabac Strait. Contact was made
while submerged. Visibility conditions were good except
for passing rain squalls. Early in the approach, target
was obscured for a while by rain. The target looked
like an ordinary merchant ship of the M-K-M-K type
except the masts were conical and appeared to be con-
structed similar to our old style battleship cage masts.
SHIP(S) SUNK:
None.
SHIP(S) DAMAGED:
None.

TARGET DRAFT: 20 feet Course: 155 Speed: 9 Kts.
Range at firing: 3960 yards

OWN SHIP DATA:
Speed: 3 Kts. Course: 105 Depth: 67 Ft.
Angle: Zero (at firing).

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Conducted periscope approach, using TDC to obtain speed.
Because of the long range, set torpedoes for low power,
came to course for 130 degree starboard track and fired on
predetermined bearing obtained from Mk. VIII angle solver.
All gyro angles set on zero. Fired a longitudinal spread
of 4 torpedoes aimed 1/2 ship length ahead, at foremast, at
mainmast and 1/2 ship length astern. This gave firing
intervals of 0, 4, 8, 12 and 20 seconds. The first three
torpedoes apparently exploded prematurely as soon as armed.
The fourth one may also have exploded prematurely. Some
people claim to have heard four explosions while others
claim there were only three. The best estimate between
firing of the torpedoes and the premature explosions is

-22-

[HANDWRITTEN: 27] [HANDWRITTEN: 23]

— page 63 —
CONFIDENTIAL

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA (Cont'd)

about 19 seconds in each case.
All fire control instruments functioned properly.

ATTACK No. 1

| | No. 1 | No. 2 | No. 3 | No. 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes fired | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Track angle | 130 S | 130 S | 130 S | 130 S |
| Gyro angle | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Depth set | 14 feet | 14 feet | 14 feet | 14 feet |
| Power | low | low | low | low |
| Hit or miss | Premature | Premature | Premature | Premature |
| | | | | or miss |
| Erratic | " | " | " | No |
| Mk. torpedo | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A |
| Serial No. | 39409 | 39439 | 23393 | 39453 |
| Mk. exploder | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 |
| Serial No. | 17591 | 17603 | 17595 | 17606 |
| Actuation set | Contact and magnetic in each case. | | | |
| Actuation | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | Possibly |
| actual | premature | premature | premature | magnetic, |
| | | | | premature |
| Mk. warhead | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Serial No. | 3614 | 9592 | 695 | 3928 |
| Explosive | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex |
| Firing int. | 0 | 8 sec. | 20 sec. | 40 sec. |
| Type spread | Longitud- | Longitud- | Longitud- | Longitud- |
| | inal. ½ | inal. | inal. | inal. ½ |
| | ship length | Foremast | Mainmast | ship length |
| | ahead | | | astern. |

Sea conditions: S L I G H T L Y C H O P P Y
Overhaul activity: FULTON FULTON FULTON FULTON

Remarks:
The prematures came as a complete surprise. Since the
torpedoes were set to run at 14 feet and sea conditions
were very good the expectancy of prematures should have
been zero. Three and possibly four prematures out of
four shots would indicate something was radically wrong
with the exploders. However examination of the exploders
in the reload torpedoes disclosed nothing to indicate any
possible causes for prematures. No information is avail-
able as to what effect if any, the low power speed setting
has on magnetic exploders.

U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) TORPEDO ATTACK No. 2 PATROL No. 2
Time: 1814 H Date: 14 October 1943 Lat: 05-54(N)
Long: 104-08(E).

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
[HANDWRITTEN: 1-0538]

DESCRIPTION:
This attack was made on a loaded 7000 ton oil tanker,
rear ship of a three ship convoy escorted by one sub-
chaser type escort vessel. The other two ships in the

[HANDWRITTEN: 28] -23- [HANDWRITTEN: 24]

— page 64 —
CONFIDENTIAL TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED (Cont'd)
convoy were a 7000 ton AK and a 4000 ton AK. The for-
mation was very open. The two AKs were on a 90° line of
bearing 5000 yards apart, the larger AK being the right
hand ship. The tanker was 3500 yards astern of the right
hand AK. The escort was 2000 yards ahead of the large
AK. The relative positions of the ships made it highly
improbable that an attack could be made against two of the
ships. The formation was zig-zagging in varying amounts
from 15 to 35 degrees to the right and left of the base
course. The legs varied from 3 to 15 minutes. The
approach was conducted on the large AK. With a range of
1400 yards, 70 starboard track, 800 yards from the track,
all set to fire the bow tubes, target zigged directly at
us. Pulled out to starboard and got set-up for stern
tubes on tanker. Fired four torpedoes from stern tubes on
86 to 103 port track at about 700 yard range. 30 seconds
after firing first torpedo, saw it hit aft, just under
bridge. Saw water shoot up and smoke, but heard no
explosion. Personnel in after torpedo room heard small
explosion. Saw second torpedo hit about 30 yards forward
of the first one. It was smoking badly. Again there was
no explosion. Both of these torpedoes had hit and been
DUDS. Last two torpedoes apparently missed ahead. When
first torpedo hit, ship turned away and started blowing
whistle. Torpedoes were set for contact firing only,
magnetic feature having been made inoperative.

SHIP(S) SUNK:
None.

SHIP(S) DAMAGED:
None.

TARGET DRAFT: 20 feet Course: 055 Speed: 9.5 Kts.
Range at firing: 680 yards.

OWN SHIP DATA:
Speed: 2.5 Kts. Course: 233 Depth: 67 feet
Angle: Zero (at firing).

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Conduct periscope approach using TDC. Fired by check
bearing set into TDC. Fired 4 torpedoes from stern tubes
using a 4 degree divergent spread from right to left.
Firing intervals of 12, 8 and 10 seconds. The first two
torpedoes hit but failed to explode. All four torpedoes
set for contact hits only. Had made the magnetic feature
inoperative after having 3 prematures on attack No. 1.
The second torpedo was smoking badly. The air flasks on
both torpedoes exploded when they hit throwing up a good
size shower of water. Sound reported all torpedoes
running hot, straight and normal. All fire control in-
struments functioned satisfactorily.

[HANDWRITTEN: 29]
-24-
[HANDWRITTEN: 25]

— page 65 —
CONFIDENTIAL
ATTACK No. 2

Tubos fire No. 7 No. 8 No. 9 No. 10
Track angle 86 P 90 P 96 P 103 P
Gyro angle 182 174 163 153
Depth set 12 ft. 12 ft. 12 ft. 12 ft.
Power high high high high
Hit or miss hit hit miss miss
Erratic no no no no
Mk. torpedo 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A
Serial No. 20283 23421 39456 25177
Mk. exploder 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-1
Serial No. 6820 9552 17587 9760
Actuation set Contact only in each case
Actuation actual dud dud - -

Mk. warhead 16 16 16 16
Serial No. 6263 9721 2412 9715
Explosive torpex torpex torpex torpex
Firing int. 0 sec. 12 sec. 20 sec. 30 sec.
Type spread div. 6° R div. 2° R div. 2° L div. 6° L
Sea conditions S L I G H T L Y C U O P
Overhaul Torpedo FULTON FULTON S/M Base
activity repair unit P.H.
TaskFor 72

Remarks: This is the second attack in which torpedo
performance has been zero. After the first attack
where 3 and possibly 4 prematures resulted, the
magnetic feature of the torpedoes was made in-
operative. The four torpedoes fired in this
attack were set for contact actuation only. Why
the two torpedoes which hit, failed to explode is
not known but it is very discouraging to have had
such a high percentage of torpedo failures which
have nullified the possibilities of doing some
damage on the only two attacks we have made. A
week ago the BONEFISH reported one premature and
two duds on one attack in the area north of us.

(I) MINES:
No minelaying or minesweeping activities were observed.
A floating mine was sunk by gunfire in the South China Sea
on 19 October in Lat. 05-50(N), Long. 106-12(E). It
apparently had been in the water for months as it was
covered with barnacles. It was a contact type mine, about
3 feet in diameter, with 6 horns showing. A flat cover
plate was secured on top of the mine. It did not detonate
from the gunfire.

(J) ANTI SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS:
Although the ship attacked on 1 October was escorted
by one destroyer and three small subchasers the counter
measures were weak. Only two or three depth charges were
dropped and they were at a considerable distance. Un-
doubtedly the firing range of 4000 yards confused them in
locating us but the three prematures at the firing point
certainly should have disclosed our position.
-25-

[HANDWRITTEN: 30]
[STAMP: 1 0538 26]

— page 66 —
CONFIDENTIAL
The convoy attacked on 14 October was escorted by one
subchaser which never made contact and dropped no depth
charges. He searched on various courses pinging for a few
minutes and then stopping to listen. Evaded at periscope
depth. This escort was apparently equipped with radar.
What appeared to be a rectangular structure on top of his
mast was noted. Upon surfacing radar signals on 270 meg-
acycles were detected on the ARC-1.
Two small patrol boats were encountered in the southern
entrance to Alice Channel.
Small patrol boats may have been encountered in Lombok
Strait as evidenced by the signal lights seen. However the
boats were never actually seen. The signal lights could
have been on the land. There is no doubt however that the
signal lights and the green rocket whether from patrol boats
or from signal stations on the shore, had something to do
with our presence.
One and possibly two patrol boats were encountered west
of Makassar.

(K) MAJOR EFFECTS AND DAMAGE:
None.

(L) RADIO:
Radio reception was in general, fair to good.

(M) RADAR:
The SD radar performed satisfactorily. After 5 weeks,
several cracks appeared in the vulcanized cover on the head
which caused an audible arcing. Repeated treatment with
glyptol in the cracks kept the set in operating condition.
The SJ has been very unsatisfactory the entire patrol.
Almost daily breakdowns have occurred. Enroute from
Brisbane to Darwin the leads to the crystals in the dolly
tank were found to be broken. New crystals and leads were
obtained in Darwin via airmail from Brisbane. After in-
stallation the set operated satisfactorily for about a
week. Thereafter the set was out of commission practically
50 percent of the time due to burned out tubes, grounded
cables, shorted connections etc. culminating in the range
unit going completely out of commission on 19 October and
remaining out of commission for the remainder of the patrol.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS:
The sound gear operated satisfactorily. Sound con-
ditions in the South China Sea were only fair with maximum
range on our count about 4000 yards.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS:
Only one density layer was found in the South China
Sea. On 20 October in 06-00(N) and 107-00(E) a sharp
gradient was noted at 90 feet.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY:
The health of the crew was excellent with only a few
colds being prevalent. The Pharmacist's Mate extracted an
abscessed molar for one man. While not in itself a difficult

[HANDWRITTEN: 31]
-26-
[HANDWRITTEN: 27]

— page 67 —
CONFIDENTIAL
task, it was possible, only because the executive officer
happened to have a pair of extractors which are not fur-
nished the ship as part of its medical equipment. It is
recommended that a set of extractors be furnished each ship
The food was sufficient in quantity, of good quality
and was very well prepared. Habitability was very good.

(C) PERSONNEL:
All officers and enlisted personnel performed their
duties with the highest degree of thoroughness and efficiency
The moral is high in spite of the negative results ob-
tained on the two attacks. The attitude is "We'll get them
next time when we have some good torpedoes". The state of
training is considered very good.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED:
Brisbane Australia to Area via Darwin: 5,268 miles
64,132 gals.
In area: 4,298 miles
35,331 gals.
Area to Fremantle Australia via 3,104 miles
Exmouth Gulf: 35,706 gals.

(S) DURATION:
Days enroute to area: 21 days
Days in area: 21 days
Days enroute to base: 13 days
Days submerged: 2 days in area
4 days enroute

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING:
Torpedoes 16
Fuel 4000 gals. upon arrival Exmouth Gulf.
Provisions 10 days
Personnel factor 14 days

(U) REMARKS:
All hands regret the fact that poor torpedo per-
formance on the two attacks made, nullified the possibility
of sinking or damaging any enemy ships.

[HANDWRITTEN: 32]
-27-
1 0538
[HANDWRITTEN: 28]

— page 68 —
FCS-16/A16-3
Serial 055
1st Endorsment
to POMPON, 2nd
War Patrol

SUBMARINE SQUADRON SIXTEEN
U.S.S. RASHER, Flagship
10 November 1943.

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

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron SIXTEEN.
To : The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : Commander Task Force SEVENTY ONE.
Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - Second War Patrol - comments on.

1. The second war patrol of the POMPON, conducted in
the southern half of the SOUTH CHINA SEA, and the approaches
thereto, covered a period of fifty-five days, from 19 September
to 5 November 1943, inclusive.

2. Area coverage was adequate. The majority of the
patrol was conducted on the surface. Twenty contacts with enemy
vessels were made, resulting in two attacks.

3. The use of low power shots at prospective firing
ranges of less than 5500 yards for the Mark 14 Mod. 3 torpedo,
as used in the attack on 1 October is not considered sound
practice. Too much time was afforded the target to avoid, even
had the torpedoes functioned properly. As it was, the enemy was
warned and immediate pursuit was out of the question.

4. The material condition of POMPON is excellent,
main engine exhaust mufflers and SJ radar failures being the
only derangements of any consequence to the material of the ship.

[SIGNATURE: J. M. Haines]
J. M. HAINES.

1 0538

— page 69 —
FE24-71/A16-3 UNITED STATES NAVY 12-bt
Serial 0926 23 November, 1943.
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. POMPON Second War
Patrol dated 5 November,
1943.

From: Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE.
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - Second War Patrol - Comments on.

1. The remarks of the Commander Submarine Squadron
SIXTEEN are concurred in.

2. Sixty-two and one half percent (62.5%) of the
torpedoes fired by POMPON failed to function properly. The three
prematures out of four torpedoes fired on the first attack in-
fluenced the POMPON to inactivate the magnetic feature of the
exploder of the remaining torpedoes. This practice is not en-
couraged by the Force Commander. Mark 6 Mod. 4 exploders are now
used by submarines of this Force. The protective bias on the
thyratron of exploders has been increased to 2.5 volts at 2800 rpm.
It is believed these modifications will improve performance and
eliminate the disappointing exploder failures experienced by the
POMPON.

3. The coverage of the assigned area by the POMPON
was good and deserved the reward of more worth while torpedo targets
Similar coverage and improved torpedo performance on future POMPON
patrols should pay satisfying dividends.

4. This patrol is not considered successful for
purpose of awarding the Submarine Combat Insignia.

5. The POMPON inflicted no damage to the enemy.

R. W. CHRISTIE.

B. L. CARR,
Commander, U. S. Navy,
Flag Secretary.

DISTRIBUTION:
(On other side)

- 1 - 1 0538

— page 70 —
[UNCLEAR: AND NO ES]
[UNCLEAR: 908S Is]
[UNCLEAR: and none]
[UNCLEAR: 3d-S1]
FE24-71/A16-3
UNITED STATES NAVY
12-bt
Serial 0926
23 November, 1943.
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. POMPON Second War
Patrol dated 5 November,
1943.
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - Second War Patrol - Comments on.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (2) - Via Com7thFleet
Vice Opnav (1) - Via Com7thFleet
Op-23c (1)
ComlstFleet (1)
Com2ndFleet (1)
Com3rdFleet (1)
Com7thFleet (1)
Comsubs1stFleet (2)
Comsubs2ndFleet (4)
Comtaskfor-71.6 (1)
Comsubron-16 (1)
Divcoms Ron-16 (1)
Each S/M W.A. (1) - NOT TO BE TAKEN TO SEA - BURN.

- 2 -

[HANDWRITTEN: 3]
[HANDWRITTEN: 31]

— page 71 —
[UNCLEAR: and no 81]
[UNCLEAR: 1. 008S as will]
[UNCLEAR: bas none]
[UNCLEAR: and no haide]
[UNCLEAR: 20-31]
FE24-71/A16-3
UNITED STATES NAVY
12-bt
Serial 0926
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
29 November, 1943.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. POMPON Second War
Patrol dated 5 November,
1943.
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - Second War
Patrol - Comments on.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (2) - Via Com7thFleet
Vice Opnav (1) - Via Com7thFleet
Vice Opnav,
Op-23c (1)
Com1stFleet (1)
Com2ndFleet (1)
Com3rdFleet (1)
Com7thFleet (2)
Comsubs1s (4)
Comsubs2nd (2)
Comtaskfor-72 (2)
Comsubron-16 (1)
Divcoms Ron-16 (1)
Each S/M W.A. (1) - NOT TO BE TAKEN TO SEA - BURN.

- 2 -

[HANDWRITTEN: 3]
[HANDWRITTEN: 31]

— page 72 —
[STAMP: Reg. No. R.M.10752]
[STAMP: S.R. No. ...... 1 0538]

UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET

A16-3 (F-3/JPD)

Serial: [HANDWRITTEN: 02540]
C O N F I D E N T I A L

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. POMPON Second War
Patrol dated 5 November
1943.

[STAMP: 29 DEC 1943]

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

Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - Second War Patrol - Comments on.

1. Forwarded.

[SIGNATURE: O.L. Livdahl]
O.L. Livdahl
By Direction

Copy to :
VCNO.

[STAMP: COMMANDER IN CHIEF]
[STAMP: U.S. FLEET]
[STAMP: RECEIVED]
[STAMP: 1943 DEC 7 23 25]

[STAMP: FILMED]

— page 74 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF THIRD WAR PATROL
           (Period from 29 November to 28 January 1944)

(A) PROLOGUE

     Arrived Freemantle, W.A., from second war patrol 5
     November 1943. Regular two week refit by U.S.S. PELIAS.
     No major alterations accomplished. One week readiness
     for sea period. During this period conducted sound
     tests, two days independent operations, three days and
     two nights operations with targets. Made day and night
     approaches, conducted sound exercises. No torpedoes
     fired because of unfavorable weather conditions. Ready
     for sea 28 November 1943.

(B) NARRATIVE

29 November
     1500 H Underway for third war patrol in accordance with
             ComTaskGroup 71.1 Secret OpOrd 44-43 of 29
             November 1943.
             Joined up with H.M.A.S. HORSHAM outside harbor,
             proceeded in company to exercise area. Made trim
             dive in area.
     2000 H Began night approaches. HORSHAM target.
     2250 H Released HORSHAM, proceeding independently to
             Exmouth Gulf.

30 November
     Enroute Exmouth Gulf. Made three training dives
     during the day.

1 December
     Enroute Exmouth Gulf. Made three training dives
     during the day.

2 December
     Enroute Exmouth Gulf.
     1113 H Moored starboard side to Dutch Tanker "ONDINA"
             in Exmouth Gulf to take on fuel.
     1410 H Having fuelled to capacity (took 9500 gallons)
             got underway for patrol area.
     1503 H Exercised at Battle Surface Stations. Fired six
             rounds 3" and 120 rounds 20mm. ammunition.
     1600 H Took departure on Vlaming Head Light. Set course
             for Lombok Strait.
     1700 H Made trim dive.

3 December
     Enroute Lombok Strait. Made three training dives
     during the day.
     1520 H Exercised at Battle Surface Stations. Fired six
             rounds 3" and 120 rounds 20mm. ammunition.

4 December
     Enroute Lombok Strait. Made three training dives
     during the day.
                               -1-

— page 75 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF THIRD WAR PATROL
(Period from 29 November 1943 to 28 January 1944)

5 December
Enroute Lombok Strait. Made three training
dives during the day.
2130 H Obtained fix on peaks on Bali and Lombok Islands.
Adjusted speed to arrive at point 10 miles south
of strait by time the moon sets at 0130.

6 December
Enroute patrol area, approaching Lombok Strait
from the south.
0117 H Ten miles south of the strait, went ahead on 4
main generators.
0140 H Moonset. Night clear and dark, sea calm.
0220 H Nusa Besar Island abeam to port, distant 6
miles.
0335 H Practically through the Strait. Radar contact,
039° relative (054°T), distant 3300 yards.
Sighted small patrol boat on opposite and
parallel course (about 200°). Ship Contact No.
1. Posit: Lat. 08-25(S), Long. 115-54(E).
Changed course 75° to the left. Range opened
out rapidly. Radar lost contact at 6000 yards,
boat no longer in sight. Resumed original
course.
0400 H Cleared Lombok Strait. Set course for Makassar
Strait. Made two training dives during the day.
1355 H Sighted small sailboat dead ahead bearing 020°T,
distant 8 miles. Ship contact No. 2. Posit:
Lat. 06-52(S), Long. 116-44(E). Avoided to the
eastward.

7 December
Enroute to patrol area, proceeding through
Makassar Strait. Made two training dives dur-
ing the day.

8 December
Proceeding through Makassar Straits enroute
patrol area.
0431 H Observed the glow of powerful lights reflected
on clouds, bearing 270°T. May have been land-
ing field lights at Balikpapan, 100 miles away.
Sunrise not until 0557(H).
0527 H Sighted small patrol boat bearing 260°T, dis-
tant 5000 yards on northeasterly course. Ship
Contact No. 3. Posit: Lat. 01-06(S), Long. 118-
28(E). SJ radar unable to make contact.
Avoided to the eastward on 4 engines.
0545 H On course 050, opening out on small patrol
boat. Sighted sailboat which came out from
behind rain squall, bearing 325°T, distant 9000
yards. Ship Contact No. 4. Posit: Lat. 01-04(S),
Long. 118-32(E). Continued on easterly course.

-2-

— page 76 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF THIRD WAR PATROL
(Period from 29 November 1943 to 28 January 1944)

Both the sail boat and patrol boat must have
sighted us. Sailboat was lying to when first
sighted. A few minutes later he hoisted his
sail.
0712 H Plane contact (No. 1) on SD radar. Two planes,
one at 8 miles and one at 10 miles, both closing.
Planes not sighted, sky overcast. Posit: Lat.
00-48(S), Long. 118-38(E). Dived to avoid
detection.
0808 H Surfaced, proceeding on 2 generators.
1450 H Sighted float type plane bearing 095°T, distant
7 miles, flying very low, on a southwesterly
course. Plane contact No. 2. Posit: Lat. 00-29(N)
Long. 119-10(E). Dived to avoid detection.
Plane not detected by SD radar.
1516 H Surfaced, proceeding as before.
1628 H Estimated our position, abeam North Watcher
Island, distant 21 miles bearing 115°T. Island
never sighted.
1800 H Cleared Makassar Strait, heading into the Celebes
Sea.

9 December
Proceeding through the Celebes Sea heading for
Sibutu Pass. Made trim dive at dawn.
0805 H Sighted float type plane, bearing 145°T, distant
8 miles on a west or southwesterly course,
elevation 2000 feet. SD radar out of commis-
sion at this time. (Plane Contact No. 3) Posit:
Lat. 03-18(N), Long. 120-15(E). Dived to avoid
detection.
0857 H Surfaced, proceeding as before.
1504 H Made ten minute training dive.
1748 H Sighted float type plane bearing 345°T, distant
8-10 miles, flying very low on westerly course.
Not detected by SD radar. (Plane Contact No. 4)
Posit: Lat. 04-29(N), Long. 120-06(E). Dived to
avoid detection. Just about sunset.
1815 H Surfaced, proceeding towards Sibutu Pass.
1900 H Sighted Manuk Manka Island.
1930 H Started through Sibutu Pass on 4 engines, bright
full moon, sea smooth.
2117 H Bangon Peak abeam to starboard, distant 5 miles,
bearing 070°T.
2201 H (13 miles north of Sibutu Pass. Sighted small
patrol boat bearing 315°T, distant 5000 yards on
a northeasterly course (converging our course).
Ship Contact No. 5. Posit: Lat. 05-13(N), Long.
119-38(E). Changed course to the eastward to
avoid. SJ radar unable make contact.
2235 H Patrol boat disappeared on bearing 212°T, distant
5-6 miles. Came to course 335°T to pass to
westward of Pearl Bank and into the Sulu Sea.
-3-

— page 77 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON REPORT OF THIRD WAR PATROL
(Period from 29 November 1943 to 28 January 1944)

10 December
Proceeding through the Sulu Sea heading for
Balabac Strait. Made trim dive at dawn.
0740 H Sighted Cagayan Sulu Island bearing 282°T, dis-
tant 35 miles.
1145 H Sighted small sailboat, bearing 355°T, distant
8 miles. Ship Contact No. 6. Posit: Lat. 07-
20(N), Long. 118-53(E). Maneuvered to avoid
being sighted.
1301 H Sighted small sailboat bearing 250°T, distant
6 miles. Ship Contact No. 7. Posit: Lat. 07-
25(N), Long. 118-39(E). Maneuvered to avoid
being sighted.
1900 H Estimated our position 12-14 miles east of
Lumbucan Channel, weather making up. Balabac
Island covered with clouds. Rain squalls
prevalent. Unable to make landfall.
1945 H Sighted two peaks on Balabac Island. Started
feeling way towards Lumbucan Channel.
2014 H Sighted Lumbucan Island bearing 270°T, distant
10 miles. Established our position and headed
into Lumbucan Channel. Degaussing coils cut in.
2130 H Lumbucan Island abeam to starboard, bearing
340°T, distant 3 miles. Moon full but covered
by passing clouds most of the time.
2151 H Cleared western end of Lumbucan Channel and
headed into the South China Sea.

11 December
Enroute to patrol area, proceeding through the
South China Sea. Made trim dive at dawn.
1025 H Sighted object or small boat bearing 336°T,
distant 7 miles. Changed course to investigate.
Identified it as fishing boat. Ship Contact No.
8. Posit: Lat. 07-07(N), Long. 115-05(E). Boat
on northwesterly course, 6-8 knots.
1030 H Sighted another fishing boat bearing 263°T,
distant 9 miles on northwesterly course. Ship
Contact No. 9. Posit: Lat. 07-08(N), Long. 115-
05(E). Continued chasing first boat. Went to
Battle Stations Surface.
1108 H Fired warning burst 20mm. across bow of boat.
1113 H Fired second warning burst across bow. Boat
stopped and hoisted white flag. Showing no
other flag. Closed to 300 yards. Boat was a
typical Diesel driven fishing sampan, 80-100
feet long, with pilot house amidship. Deck-
house extending aft from pilot house. Estimated
60-75 tons. The Japanese flag was painted on
the side of the pilot house. Japanese char-
acters were painted on the stern and on the bow.
Also the number 17. Small radio antenna was
rigged between 2 small masts on the deckhouse.

-4-

— page 78 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF THIRD WAR PATROL
(Period from 29 November 1943 to 28 January 1944)

1118 H Motioned to people on deck to abandon ship. There
    were 8 people in sight. They started throwing
    wooden hatch covers and spars overboard. They
    pulled water jugs out of the forward hold.
1127 H Everybody clear of the boat, hanging on to the
    hatch covers and spars. Opened fire with 3" and
    20mm. guns from 300-400 yard range. Boat began
    settling but 20mm. incendiaries would not set
    fire to her. (Gun Attack No. 1).
1140 H Put bow alongside boat which was now "deck awash".
    Executive and Engineer Officers went on board.
    Put oil and rags in pilot house and set fire to
    it. Executive Officer made hasty examination of
    pilot house for papers but none were found. Did
    find thirteen identification books with pictures
    of the crew members pasted in them. Books
    written in Japanese. Unable to account for the
    discrepancy between the 13 books and 8 people,
    unless some were hiding below decks.
1148 H Backed away and proceeded on northwesterly course.
    Fishing boat a complete wreck, deck awash. Fire
    taking hold in wrecked pilot house. Posit: Lat.
    07-13(N), Long. 115-01(E). Other fishing boat no
    longer in sight.
1235 H Sighted second fishing boat bearing 175°T, dis-
    tant 7 miles, on S.W. course. Ship Contact No.
    10. Posit: Lat. 07-11(N), Long. 114-51(E). Gave
    chase. Went to battle stations surface.
1254 H Fired warning burst at boat. Boat turned towards
    us and stopped. People disappeared from topside,
    some apparently going overboard. Closed to 500
    yards. No one visible. No flag flying. Boat
    was similar to the sampan destroyed this morning,
    about the same size with Jap characters on bow
    and stern; Jap flag painted on side of pilot
    house. Radio antenna strung between two small
    masts on deck house. Had the No. 112 on bow also.
1302 H Fired several bursts 20mm. into waterline at bow
    and waited to see if anyone appeared. No one did.
1307 H Opened up with 3" and 20mm. guns from 500 yards
    (Gun Attack No. 2). The 2nd round of 3" jammed
    in gun, projectile would not seat all the way
    home. Secured gun. Continued firing with 20mm.
    Unable set her on fire.
1312 H Nosed up alongside. Executive Officer and
    Gunnery Officer went on board. Poured 10 gallons
    fuel oil in pilot house and on deck. No papers
    found in pilot house. Found one identification
    book and 3 charts. Set fire to pilot house. Two
    bodies seen lying in engine compartment.
1320 H Backed off and watched fire take a good hold,
    then proceeded away from scene. When about 3
    miles away, one man who had apparently jumped
    -5-

— page 79 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF THIRD WAR PATROL
(Period from 29 November 1943 to 28 January 1944).

overboard and been hiding under the stern of
the boat was observed to climb on board with
much difficulty. The fire by this time, had
spread all through the deck house. Smoke was
still seen rising from wreck an hour and 20
minutes later when we were 20 miles away.
Neither one of these boats apparently had any
radio transmitter. There was an old radio
receiver in the pilot house of each. Second
sampan destroyed in Lat. 07-03(N), Long. 114-
50(E). From courses and sunlines on one chart
recovered from second sampan it appeared that
he had come down from the Philippines through
the Palawan passage. His forward hold was full
of ice and three sharks lay on deck.
1610 H Cleared stuck projectile from 3" gun by firing
short cartridge case.

12 December
Enroute to patrol station, proceeding through
the South China Sea. Made three training dives
during the day.

13 December
Enroute to patrol station proceeding through
the South China Sea. Made trim dive at dawn.

14 December
Enroute to patrol station proceeding through
the South China Sea. Made three training dives
during the day.
1200 H Changed course to head northward along the
Singapore-Empire trade route.

15 December
Enroute to patrol station, proceeding northward
along the Singapore-Empire trade route. Made
three training dives during the day.

16 December
Enroute to patrol station, proceeding northward
along the Singapore-Empire trade route. Made
three training dives during the day.
1000 H Entered assigned patrol area.
2000 H Changed course to 310°T. to head for the coastal
trade routes along Cochin China.

17 December
Conducting surface patrol in assigned area along
the trade routes, 25-30 miles off the coast of
Cochin China. Made three training dives during
the day.

-6-

— page 80 —
CONFI NTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF THIRD WAR PATROL
         (Period from 29 November 1943 to 28 January 1944)

18 December
         Conducting surface patrol in assigned area, along
         the trade routes, 25-30 miles off the coast of
         Cochin China. Made trim dive at dawn.
0940 H Sighted large flying boat (MAVIS), bearing 325°T,
         distant 10-12 miles, on northeasterly course;
         elevation 6000 feet. (Plane Contact No. 5).
         Posit: Lat. 12-00(N), Long. 109-55(E). Dived to
         avoid detection. SD radar not in operation due
         to proximity of land.
1031 H Surfaced. Resumed patrol.

19 December
         Conducting surface patrol in assigned area, along
         the trade routes 25-30 miles off the coast of
         Cochin China. Made two training dives during the
         day.
2000 H Changed course to 110° to patrol eastward towards
         the Singapore-Empire trade route.

20 December
         Conducting surface patrol in assigned area, pro-
         ceeding to the Singapore-Empire trade route.
         Made three training dives during the day.

21 December
         Conducting surface patrol on the Singapore-Empire
         trade routes. Made three training dives during
         the day.

22 December
         Conducting surface patrol on the Singapore-Empire
         trade routes.
1233 H Sighted the masts of a ship bearing 016°T, distant
         about 9 miles. Ship contact No. 11. Posit: Lat.
         11-32(N), Long. 113-20(E). Ship looked like a
         destroyer, on estimated course 250°, estimated
         speed 16-18 knots.
1237 H Dived to avoid detection. Masts and top of stacks
         visible from bridge. Went to Battle Stations,
         began closing track at high speed. Ship
         identified as a destroyer similar to the HIBIKI
         Class. Unable to close range to less than 8000
         yards. Enemy speed checking 14 knots, course
         checking 230°T, approximately the course for
         Singapore. Not zig-zagging; no pinging heard.
1449 H Surfaced and began chasing at full speed on course
         230. Target not in sight.
1900 H Gave up chase due to darkness and contact never
         having been regained. Resumed surface patrol.

23-28 December
         Conducting surface patrol on the Singapore-Empire
         trade routes. Made at least two training dives
         daily.
                               -7-

— page 81 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF THIRD WAR PATROL
Period from 29 November 1943 to 28 January 1944)

29 December
Conducting surface patrol in assigned area,
shifting position to patrol the trade routes to
Hong Kong and Takao along the Indo-China coast.
Made two training dives during the day.

30 December
Conducting surface patrol on the trade routes
to Hong Kong and Takao along the Indo-China
coast. Made two training dives during the day.

31 December
Conducting submerged patrol during daylight
off Cape Varella and Van Fong Bay, 4 to 8 miles
off the shore.
1907 H Surfaced, conducting surface patrol along the
Hong Kong and Takao trade routes.

1 January 1944
Conducting surface patrol on the Hong Kong and
Takao trade routes along the Indo-China coast.
Made three training dives during the day.
2000 H Received instructions from CTF 71 to patrol
the southeastern half of originally assigned
area.

2 January
Conducting surface patrol, proceeding to south-
eastern part of assigned area. Made two train-
ing dives during the day.

3-7 January
Conducting surface patrol in assigned area, on
the Singapore-Empire trade routes. Made at
least two training dives daily.

8 January
Conducting surface patrol in assigned area on
on the Singapore-Empire trade routes. Made two
training dives during the day.
1900 H Sent despatch to CTF 71 informing him of results
of patrol.
2000 H Set course for return to Fremantle via prescribed
route; leaving area in accordance with Operation
Order. Patrolled in area twenty-four days with
only one contact.

9 January
Enroute Fremantle from patrol area, proceeding
towards Mindoro Strait. Made two training dives
during the day.

10 January
Enroute Fremantle from Patrol Area, proceeding
towards Mindoro Strait. Made two training dives
during the day.
-8-

— page 82 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF THIRD WAR PATROL
(Period from 29 November 1943 to 28 January 1944)

10 January
1900 H Entered Mindoro Strait. Received instructions
from CTF 71 changing our routing to Fremantle and
if practicable to patrol the Eastern Celebes Sea
for five days.

11 January
Enroute to Fremantle from Patrol area proceeding
through Mindoro Strait into the Sulu Sea. Made
trim dive at dawn.

12 January
Enroute to Fremantle from Patrol Area, proceeding
through the Sulu Sea heading for Sibutu Pass.
Made two training dives during the day.
1937 H Entered Sibutu Pass.
1957 H Full moon rose.
2115 H Cleared Sibutu Pass. No patrol boats encountered.
Set course to head eastward across the Celebes
Sea.

13 January
Proceeding eastward through the Celebes Sea. Made
two training dives during the day.

14 January
Conducting surface patrol in eastern part of
Celebes Sea on possible traffic routes from
Tarakan and Balikpapan to the Pelews and Truk.
Made two training dives during the day.

15 January
Conducting surface patrol in eastern part of
Celebes Sea on trade routes from Tarakan and
Balikpapan to Truk and Pelews. Made two training
dives during the day. During the night pro-
ceeding toward Palmas Island, southeast of Davao
Gulf.

16 January
Conducting surface patrol in vicinity Palmas
Island.
0911 H Sighted masts of ship bearing 339°T, distant 14
miles; began tracking. Ship contact No. 12.
Posit: Lat. 05-40(N), Long. 127-00(E). Ship
identified as a tanker, bridge forward, stack aft
type. During next half hour tanker's base course
checked 240°T which would pass him 5 miles to the
north of Palmas Island, heading towards the
Celebes Sea.
1000 H Began maneuvering at high speed to go around
Palmas Island to the southward and regain contact
with the tanker west of the island.

-9-

— page 83 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF THIRD WAR PATROL
(Period from 29 November 1943 to 28 January 1944)

1053 H Unexpectedly regained contact with tanker. He
           had changed his base course to 180 to pass to
           eastward of Palmas Island. Resumed tracking.
1130 H Tanker changed base course to 210°, zig zagging
           about 30 degrees either side of base course in
           legs varying from 4 to 15 minutes. This base
           course of 210° headed him between the Ta Laud
           Islands and Kawio Islands and thence into the
           Celebes Sea via any one of several passes he
           chose to take. Speed checking 12 to 12.5 knots.
1234 H Being 14 miles ahead and nearly on his base
           course, dived to conduct approach. Posit: Lat.
           05-02(N), Long. 126-38(E).
1301 H Sound picked up tankers screws, distant 17000-
           18000 yards. Sound conditions excellent.
           Sighted tanker on course 245°, the right leg
           of his zig plan for base course 210°. Con-
           tinued approach. However the observations
           during the next few minutes showed that his
           base course was 270° instead of 210°, and
           course 245° was the left leg of his new base
           course instead of the right leg of base course
           210°. He had changed the base course sometime
           between 1234, after we dived, and 1301. En-
           deavored to close track at high speed, but
           unable to obtain a range of less than 10000
           yards. At 1320 observed two masts of an escort
           vessel for the first and only time. Masts
           appeared to be those of a destroyer apparently
           ahead of and on the far side of the tanker. No
           pinging ever heard.
1435 H Last sight of tanker still on base course 270.
           This course heading him through the main pass
           south of Mindanao into the Celebes Sea, close
           to the Sarangani Islands.
1516 H Surfaced. Tanker not in sight. Unable to give
           chase as fuel remaining only sufficient to
           reach Darwin on one engine. Set course for
           return to Darwin, leaving area. This was very
           discouraging as it was the only good target
           contacted during the whole patrol.

17 January
           Enroute to Darwin proceeding through Molukka
           Passage. Made trim dive at dawn.

18 January
           Enroute to Darwin from patrol area, proceeding
           through the Molukka Sea. Made trim dive at
           dawn.
1500 H Began getting fixes on Lifoematoela and Obi
           Latoe Islands. During the night proceeding
           through the Ceram Sea and into the Molukka Sea

-10-

— page 84 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON REPORT OF THIRD WAR PATROL
(Period from 29 November 1943 to 28 January 1944)

passing between Boeroe and Sanana Islands.

19 January
Enroute to Darwin from patrol area, proceeding
through the Molukka Sea.
0513 H About to make trim dive, when a small becalmed sail
boat was sighted bearing 270° distant 4 miles.
Avoided to the eastward. Posit: Lat. 02-58(S),
Long. 125-10(E).
0845 H Sighted 2 small becalmed sail boats, bearing 190°
T and 203°T, distant 7-8 miles. Posit: Lat.
03-19(S), Long. 124-51(E). Avoided to the east-
ward.
0953 H Plane contact (No. 6) on SD radar, distant 12
miles. Posit: Lat. 03-26(S), Long. 125-03(E).
Dived to avoid detection. Sea glassy smooth, no
wind. Plane not sighted.
1105 H Surfaced on course 180°. Sighted three becalmed
sail boats bearing 180°T, 233°T and 256°T all
distant 7-8 miles. Posit: Lat. 03-28(S), Long.
125-04(E). Avoided to the eastward.
1930 H Sent message to CTF 71 giving ETA Darwin.
2000 H Changed course from 180 to 130 to head for pass
east of Timor.
2015 H Sighted small patrol boat bearing 094°T, distant
4000 yards, on estimated course 230. Ship con-
tact No. 16. Posit: Lat. 04-55(S), Long. 125-21(E).
Turned away and avoided on surface. This boat,
of the diesel sampan type, apparently patrolling
along the route from Ambon to the Celebes, and
across the tracks of any submarines which might
be proceeding southward towards Ombai or Wetar
Straits.

20 January
Enroute to Darwin from patrol area proceeding
through the Banda Sea. Made trim dive at dawn.
1623 H Sighted large flying boat bearing 065°, distant
5 miles heading towards us. Plane contact No. 7.
Posit: Lat. 07-21(S), Long. 128-01(E). Dived to
avoid detection and possible bombing. Two look-
outs and the J.O.O.D. saw the plane. Their
impression was that the plane was taking off
towards us. It is more probable that the plane
was flying very low to the water (25-30 feet) and
came over the horizon very fast. It was a single
wing flying boat similar to our PBY but most
likely a Kawanishi. Judging from his course and
low altitude he may have been equipped with a
search radar and flying on A/S patrol.
1735 H Surfaced, proceeding on course 155°.
1830 H Changed course to eastward to pass north and then
east of Sermata Island into the Arafura Sea.

-11-

— page 85 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF THIRD WAR PATROL
(Period from 29 November 1943 to 28 January 1944)

21 January
     Enroute to Darwin from patrol area, passing east-
     ward of Sermata Island.
0030 H Entered the Arafura Sea. Set course for Darwin.
     Made trim dive at dawn.

22 January
     Enroute to Darwin from patrol area.
0850 H Sighted escort vessel, ML-814 at rendezvous,
     exchanged recognition signals and calls.
     Following escort through swept channel.
1114 H Stopped to receive pilot.
1133 H Moored starboard side to Jetty Pier, Darwin.
     Began fuelling and unloading eleven complete
     torpedoes, in accordance with orders from CTF 71.
1831 H Underway for Fremantle.
2100 H Cleared swept channel, set course for Fremantle.
2145 H Made half hour trim dive.

23 January
     Enroute from Darwin to Fremantle. Made trim
     dive at dawn.
0836 H Plane contact (No. 8) on SD radar at 8 miles,
     closing. Plane not sighted. Dived to avoid
     detection. Posit: Lat. 12-10(S), Long. 127-36(E).
0921 H Surfaced, proceeding as before.

24-26 January
     Enroute to Fremantle, W.A. from Darwin. Made daily
     trim dive at dawn.

27 January
     Enroute to Fremantle, W.A. from Darwin. Made trim
     dive at dawn.
0733 H Sighted PBY distant 6 miles, on course 225 cros-
     sing ahead. Plane circled us. Exchanged
     recognition signals. Plane disappeared on south-
     westerly course. Our position, 125 miles bearing
     290°T from Geraldton.
1237 H Plane contact on SD at 12 miles. Plane sighted
     broad on starboard bow on westerly course.
     Apparently a PBY. Disappeared in clouds a few
     seconds after sighting. Our position: 127 miles
     bearing 251°T from Geraldton.

28 January
     Enroute from Darwin to Fremantle, W.A.
0400 H Sighted Rottnest light bearing 109°T, distant 28
     miles.
0550 H Exchanged calls with Rottnest island signal station.
0621 H Sighted Kingfish plane, our escort into harbor.
     Exchanged recognition signals.
0807 H Moored starboard side to to nest alongside U.S.S.
     ELIAS.

-12-

— page 86 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(C) WEATHER:
     The weather prevailing in the South China Sea in the area
east of Indo-China conformed to the season. A northeasterly
wind averaging about 12 knots blew continuously, seldom get-
ting less than 7 knots and quite frequently reaching 20-22
knots. The sea was rough with large ground swells from the
northeast.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION:
     A current of 3 to 4 knots with a set of about 190°T was
experienced along the coast of Indo China especially in the
vicinity of Cape Varella. This current was noticeable 60
miles off the coast with greatly diminished effect.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS:
     No established navigational aids were observed in
operation.

-13-

— page 87 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(F) SHIP CONTACTS
No. | Time | Lat. | Type(s) | Initial | Estimated How | Remarks
| Date | Long. | | Range | course & con- |
| | | | | | speed | tacted |
1 | 0335 H | 08-25(S) | Small patrol | 3300 | SW | Avoided on surface.
| 6 Dec. | 115-54(E) | boat | yards | 10 knots | R | (Lombok St) | | | |
2 | 1355 H | 06-52(S) | Small sail | | South |
| 6 Dec. | 116-44(E) | boat | 8 miles | | SD |
3 | 0527 Η | 01-06(S) | Small patrol | 5000 | NE | Avoided on surface.
| 8 Dec. | 118-28(E) | boat | yards | 8-10 knots | SN |
4 | 0545 Η | 01-04(S) | Small sail | 9000 | East | Came out of rain squall.
| 8 Dec. | 118-32(E) | boat | yards | | SD |
5 | 2201 Η | 05-13 (N) | Small patrol | 5000 | NE | Avoided on surface
| 9 Dec. | 119-38(E) | boat | yards | 12 knots | SN |
6 | 1145 Η | 07-20 (N) | Small sail | SE |
| 10 Dec. | 118-53(E) | boat | 8 miles | | SD |
7 | 1301 Η | 07-25 (N) | Small sail | NE |
| 10 Dec. | 118-39(E) | boat | 6 miles | | SD |
8 | 1025 Η | 07-07(N) | Jap diesel | NE | See gun attack No. 1.
| 11 Dec. | 115-05(E) | driven fish- | 60-75 tons. | 7 miles | 6 knots | SD | ing boat. | | |
9 | 1025 Η | 07-08 (N) | Jap diesel | NW |
| 11 Dec. | 115-05(E) | driven fish- | 60-75 tons. | 9 miles | 6 knots | SD | ing boat. | | |
10 | 1235 Η | 07-11(N) | Same fish- | SW | See gun attack No. 2.
| 11 Dec. | 114-51(E) | ing boat as | in contact | No. 9. | 7 miles | 6 knots | SD |
11 | 1233 Η | 11-32(N) | DD similar | 250 | Dived for approach. Unable to
| 22 Dec. | 113-20(E) | to HIBIKI | 9 miles | 16 knots | SD | obtain firing position.
| | | | Class | | | |
12 | 0911 H | 05-40(N) | Tanker with | 240 | Escort not seen until 4 hours
| 16 Jan. | 127-00(E) | DD escort. | 14 miles | 12 knots | SD | later.

-14-

— page 88 —
No. | Time | Lat. | Type(s) | Initial | Estimated How | Remarks
| Date | Long. | | range | course & speed | contacted |
12 | 0513 H | 02-58(S) | Small sail | 4 miles | Becalmed | SN | Avoided on surface.
| 19 Jan. | 125-10(E) | boat | | | |
13 | 0845 H | 03-19(S) | Two small | 7-8 | Becalmed | SD | Avoided on surface.
| 19 Jan. | 124-51(E) | sail boats | miles | | |
14 | 1105 H | 03-28(S) | Three small | 7-8 | Becalmed | SD | Avoided on surface.
| 19 Jan. | 125-04(E) | sail boats | miles | | |
15 | 2015 H | 04-55(S) | Small patrol | 4000 | 7 knots | SN | Avoided on surface.
| 19 Jan. | 125-21(E) | boat | yds | | |
16 | | | | | | |

Only two torpedo targets were contacted during the entire patrol. One contact was with
a Hibiki Class destroyer in the South China Sea, proceeding singly towards Singapore, on
22 December. Unable to obtain firing position on initial contact and contact was not re-
gained in the subsequent chase. On 16 January a large tanker with one escort believed to
be a destroyer, was contacted about 60 miles southeast of Cape San Agustin, Mindanao.
Position was gained ahead and submerged approach started. A radical change of base course
by the target prevented a suitable firing position from being obtained. Subsequent chase
could not be carried out due to lack of fuel.
The only other contacts were with three small patrol boats, nine small sailboats and
two fishing sampans. The latter were destroyed by gunfire.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS
[HANDWRITTEN: -15-]

— page 89 —
No. | Time | Lat. | Type(s) | Elev. | Initial | Estima- | How | Remarks
    | Date | Long. |         |       | Range   | ted     | con- |
    |      |       |         |       |         | Course  | tacted |
1   | 0712(H) | 00-48(S) | 2 planes, not | --    | 8 miles | --    | R    | Both planes closing.
    | 8 Dec   | 118-38(E) | sighted.Type |       | 10 miles |       |      | Dived to avoid detection
    |         |         | unknown       |       |         |       |      |
2   | 1450(H) | 00-29(N) | Float plane | 700 ft. | 7 miles | SW    | SD   | Dived to avoid
    | 8 Dec   | 119-10(E) | Rufe or Jake  |       |         |       |      | detection.
3   | 0805(H) | 03-18(N) | Rufe or Jake  | 2000 Ft. | 8 miles | W to SW | SD   | Dived to avoid
    | 9 Dec   | 120-15(E) |               |       |         |       |      | detection.
4   | 1748(H) | 04-29(N) | Rufe or Jake  | 500 Ft. | 8 miles | W or SW | SD   | Dived to avoid
    | 9 Dec   | 120-06(E) |               |       |         |       |      | detection.
5   | 0940(H) | 12-00(N) | Mavis         | 6000 ft. | 10-12 | N to NE | SD   | Dived to avoid
    | 18 Dec  | 109-55(E) |               |       | miles   |       |      | detection.
6   | 0953(H) | 03-26(S) | Not sighted   | --    | 12 miles | --    | R    | Dived to avoid
    | 19 Jan  | 125-03(E) |               |       |         |       |      | detection.
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
7   | 1623(H) | 07-21(S) | Large single | Either | 5 miles | W or SW | SD   | Dived to avoid detec-
    | 20 Jan  | 128-01(E) | wing flying | taking |         |       |      | tion or possible depth
    |         |         | boat similar | off or |         |       |      | charging.
    |         |         | to PBY or     | flying |         |       |      |
    |         |         | Kawanishi     | very near |         |       |      |
    |         |         |               | the sur- |         |       |      |
    |         |         |               | face   |         |       |      |
8   | 0836(H) | 12-10(S) | Not sighted   | --    | 8 miles | --    | R    | Dived to avoid
    | 23 Jan  | 127-36(E) |               |       |         |       |      | detection.
                                                                               -16-
Contact was made on eight occasions with planes. Three float type planes were sighted in
Makassar Strait and two in the Celebes Sea. These were probably reconnaissance flights.
One large plane, probably on an administrative flight was sighted near the coast of Indo
China.
CONFIDENTIAL
The large flying boat sighted on 20 January just north of the barrier was probably on A/S
patrol.

— page 90 —
(H) GUN ATTACK DATA: CONFIDEN AL
U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) GUN ATTACK No. 1 PATROL No. 3
NAME: Jap Fishing Date: 1127(H) Lat. 07-13(N)
Sampan No. 17 11 Dec 1943 Long. 115-01(E)

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
SUNK: Jap fishing boat (wood), 80-100 feet long, 60-75 tons.
Had Jap characters painted on stern and bow. Also No.
17. Had Japanese flag painted on side of pilot house.
DAMAGED OR PROBABLY SUNK:
None.
DAMAGE DETERMINED BY:
Boat completely wrecked, decks awash, fire in pilot
house set with oil soaked rags. Several 3" hits at
water line.

DETAILS OF ACTION
Expended 13 rounds 3" high capacity ammunition, set on
super quick with the exception of 2 rounds. Made 9 hits
from 300-400 yards range.
Expended 300 rounds 20mm. ammunition: 80% hits.
The 3" gun functioned perfectly. The 3" ammunition was
not as effective as had been expected.
The forward 20mm. gun had 2 routine jams during the
firing. The 20mm. ammunition appeared very destructive but
the incendiaries were ineffective in setting fire to the
wood. Several large bursts of flame appeared where oil had
spilled from a punctured oil drum but it did not catch. The
flame died right out.

U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) GUN ATTACK No. 2 PATROL No. 3
Name: Jap Fishing Date: 1302(H) Lat. 07-03(N)
Sampan No. 112 11 Dec 1943 Long. 114-50(E)

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
SUNK:
Jap fishing boat (wood), 80-100 feet long, 60-75 tons.
Had Jap flag painted on side of pilot house.
DAMAGED OR PROBABLY SUNK:
None.
DAMAGE DETERMINED BY:
Numerous 20mm. holes at water line. Poured 10 gals. fuel
oil on deck and on pilot house. Set her afire. Smoke
seen for an hour and 20 minutes afterwards from distance
of 20 miles away.

DETAILS OF ACTION
Expended one round 3" high capacity ammunition. One
hit. Range 500 yards.
Expended 240 rounds 20mm. ammunition. 75% hits. Range
400 yards.
While loading the second round the 3" projectile stuck
in the gun. Shell could not be seated. Case was pulled off
projectile. Gun was secured and later projectile was cleared
from gun by firing a "short cartridge".
The forward 20mm. gun had three jams during the firing
of 120 rounds. Cause found to be a broken lip on the breech
bolt face piece.

-17-

— page 91 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(I) MINES:
Nothing observed.

(J) ANTI SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS:
No A/S methods were observed or encountered. A
patrol boat was encountered in Lombok Strait and in Makassar
Strait. Some of the numerous sail boats encountered west of
Bacroe Island may act as spotters in some cases but they were
pretty well to the north of any traffic from Ambon to the
Celebes. The patrol boat encountered in the Banda Sea was
apparently patrolling along the traffic route from Ambon to
the west and at the same time was in a position likely to
intercept any submarines proceeding southward towards Wetar
or Ombai Strait. It is believed the Japs may employ low
flying, radar equipped patrol planes on A/S searches along
the north side of the barrier, to intercept submarines going
through the straits. They may use these planes at night.
Aircraft reconnaissance had been expected in the vicinity
of Davao but none was encountered even on the day the tanker
went through that area.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE:
None.

(L) RADIO:
In general operation was good. Reception was good both
day and night in the South China Sea. However in the Celebes
Sea in the afternoons the incoming signals from VIXO were
very weak. It was necessary to secure the SD radar in order
to copy the messages although the noise level of the SD radar
was not any higher than in the South China Sea.
In complying with the Communication Annex to our Operation
Order, we tried to send our Serial One from the South China
Sea using the 16000 Kcs. series but was unable to establish
communication. Shifted to the 12000 Kcs. series with similar
results. Finally established communication on 8470 Kcs.
Time of calling approximately 1100 GCT (1900(H).

(M) RADAR:
Operation of SD radar good. Very sensitive to voltage
fluctuations in the AC supply.
Performance of SJ only fair. Breakdowns were frequent
but fairly easily repaired, with the exception of the
broken crystal leads in delay tank of the range unit which
occurred on 14 January. This failure had been experienced
twice before on previous patrols. Spare crystals were not
obtainable from the tender during the last refit.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS:
Sound gear functioned satisfactorily.
In the South China Sea, in the area between Indo China
and the Dangerous Ground, sound conditions were apparently
only fair. The screws of a destroyer making 13-14 knots
which passed at a range of 8000 yards could not be heard.
In the area sixty miles south of the Gulf of Davao,
Mindanao, sound picked up the screw noises of a tanker at
about 18000 yards. Making 12 knots, but did not hear the
screws of the escorting destroyer at the closest range of
10000 yards.

-18-

— page 92 —
**(0) DENSITY LAYERS:**
In the South China Sea area between the coast of Indo
China and the Dangerous ground a density layer was found
either at about 120 feet or at 200 feet. The gradient
between 120 and 140 feet averaged about 2 degrees. The
gradient between 200 and 300 feet averaged about eleven
degrees. The greatest temperature gradient observed in
this area was on 22 December where the change from 220 to
305 feet was from 82° to 66.5°, a change of 15.5 degrees.

**(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY:**
The general health of the crew was excellent.
The quality of the food was good. Preparation was very
good. The variety of food was limited, no fresh frozen foods
being available in Fremantle. During the last two weeks of
the patrol certain items ran out such as fresh meat, eggs,
and shortening, however a fairly well balanced diet was
maintained.
Habitability was excellent as the weather in the patrol
area was cool.

**(Q) PERSONNEL:**
All officers and enlisted personnel performed their
duties in a highly satisfactory and efficient manner. The
state of training is considered good. Morale is good.

**(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED:**
| | Miles steamed | Fuel Used |
|---|---|---|
| Base (Fremantle to area) | 4095 | 44474 |
| In area | 3592 | 30159 |
| Area to base (Fremantle) | | |
| via Darwin | 4701 | 63275 |

**(S) DURATION:**
| | |
|---|---|
| Days enroute to area | 17 |
| Days in area | 27 |
| Days enroute to base | 17 |
| Days submerged | 1 |

**(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING:**
| | |
|---|---|
| Torpedoes | 21 |
| Fuel | 750 gals. upon arrival Darwin |
| Provisions | 7 days |
| Personnel factor | 10 days |
| Limiting factor this patrol - fuel. | |

-19-

SUBMARINE SQUADRON SIXTEEN
U.S.S. RASHER, FLAGSHIP

CONFIDENTIAL
FC5-16/A16-3
Serial 0120

18 February 1944.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
POMPON Report of 3rd
War patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron SIXTEEN.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: The Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of Third
War Patrol - comment on.

1. The third war patrol of the U.S.S. POMPON
covered a period of sixty-one days, of which forty-nine were
spent in enemy controlled waters in the assigned patrol
area. Area coverage was thorough, it being especially note-
worthy that only one day was spent submerged during the
entire patrol.

2. Two contacts worthy of torpedo fire were
made, but endeavor to close to effective firing range proved
futile in both instances.

3. The material condition of the POMPON upon
the completion of this patrol was excellent, only routine
repairs being considered necessary during the refit period.
Cleanliness of the ship was excellent, and despite the
length of the patrol and its relative fruitlessness the morale
of the officers and crew appeared high.

[SIGNATURE: J. M. HAINES.]

— page 93 —
FE24-71/A16-3
Serial: 0200
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS POMPON Comt.
A16-3, Serial 03, dated
28 Jan.,1944, Report of
3rd War Patrol.

From:
To:
Via:
Subject:

-1.
the SOUTH CHINA SEA, in the
OUS GROUND, and was of sixty

-2.
the vicinity of SIBUTU PASSAGE
are shortened it is probable that
points will be more closely patrolled.

-3.
being but 750 gallons on board when the

-4.
the Submarine Combat Insignia.

-5.
the Commanding Officer, Officers, and
pletion of a special mission. The following
on the enemy:

SUNK
* 2 - SAMPANS (SPOTTERS) - - - - - - 130 Tons.
* Sunk by gunfire.

DISTRIBUTION:
See next page. UNITED STATES NAVY
12/gms
6 March 1944.

The Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

U.S.S.POMPON (SS267) - Report of Third War Patrol -
Comment on.

The Third War Patrol of the POMPON was conducted in
area between CAPE VARELLA and DANGER-
one days duration.

The presence of patrol boats in LOMBOK STRAIT, and in
is noted. As the enemy supply lines
such strategically important

The limiting factor of the patrol was truly fuel, there
POMPON reached DARWIN.

This patrol is considered "successful" for award of

The Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET, congratulates
Crew on the successful com-
damage was inflicted

R. W. CHRISTIE.
-1-

— page 94 —
FE24-71/A16-3
Serial: 0200
UNITED STATES NAVY
12/gms
6 March 1944.
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S.POMPON (SS267) - Report of Third War Patrol -
Comment on.

— page 95 —
[STAMP: 8447]
UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET
[STAMP: Reg. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 2847]]
[STAMP: R.S. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 018167]]

A16-3/(F-6/cw)
Serial: [HANDWRITTEN: 0872]

18 APR 1944

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to:
CO USS POMPON (SS267)
Conf.Ltr. Serial 03
dated 28 January 1944.

From: The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject: USS POMPON (SS267) - Report of Third War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

[SIGNATURE: R. H. Cruzen]
R. H. CRUZEN,
By direction.

— page 96 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]

SS267//A16-1 U.S.S. POMPON (SS267)
Serial 03
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED] % Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
10 April 1944.

From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States
Fleet.
Via: Official Channels.
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of
FOURTH War Patrol.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart During Patrol (To
CTG 71.1 only).
(C) Plot of torpedo attack (To
CTG 71.1 only).

1. Enclosure (A), (B) and (C), covering
the fourth war patrol of this vessel in areas #501
and #502 in the Banda Sea, Molukka Sea and Molukka
Passage during the period 22 February 1944 to 10
April 1944, are forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: S. H. Gimber]
S. H. GIMBER.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP 09C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/1/72] [STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: Filmed]
[HANDWRITTEN: 71366]

— page 97 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
         (Period from 22 February to 10 April 1944)

(A) PROLOGUE
     POMPON arrived Freemantle, W.A. from THIRD War
Patrol on 29 January 1944. Normal refit conducted by
U.S.S. PELIAS - Interim docking. Commander Earle C.
HAWK, USN was relieved as Commanding Officer by Lt-Cdr.
Stephen H. GIMBER, USN on 9 February 1944. Conducted
six days training and three exercise torpedoes were
fired. Departed Freemantle on 22 February 1944.
     Patrol Instructions directed POMPON to patrol area
501 and 502 until dark 31 March 1944 then proceed to
Pearl, passing to Operational Control of CTF SEVENTEEN
at 0001 ZEBRA on 2 April 1944. On 5 March 1944 patrol
area was extended from Equator to 4°(N) between Long.
130° and 132°(E). On 25 March 1944 orders were received
to depart area for Pearl and pass to Operational Control
of CTF SEVENTEEN at 0000 ZEBRA, 27 March 1944.

(B) NARRATIVE
    22 February
    1315 H Took departure from Freemantle in accordance with
           CTF 71 Operation Order #23-44 for fourth war
           patrol of this vessel.
    1500 H Conducted day and night approaches with U.S.S.
           LARK and at
    2100 H Departed exercise area enroute Exmouth Gulf at
           two engine speed.
    23-24 February
           Training dives and drills, enroute Exmouth.

    25 February
    0830 H Moored to fuel barge at Exmouth Gulf. Transferred
           53,605 gallons of fuel to barge. Received
           replacement for venereal patient. Sent POMPON #1
           via shore station. Overnight at Exmouth.

    26 February
    0600 H Took departure from Exmouth Gulf enroute Darwin at
           three engine speed.
    0830 H Conducted battle surface firing all guns.

    27,28,29 February
           Training dives and drills, enroute Darwin.

    1 March
    0530 H Rendezvous with HMAS FREEMANTLE.
    0830 H Moored to dock at Darwin. Received 80,462 gallons
           of fuel. Exchanged one torpedo with pin hole leak
           in air flask main air lead, retained warhead.
    1800 H Took departure Darwin enroute area via east of
           Bermata Island.

    2 March
           Enroute area. Training dives and drills.

                                -1-

— page 98 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 22 February to 10 April 1944)

1200 H Position: Lat. 09-33(S), Long. 128-36(E).
Fuel used: 3392. Miles: 225.
1237 H PLANE CONTACT #1: Sighted by high periscope at 6-8
miles, dove and at
1314 H Surfaced.
1530 H Landfall on Sermata Island, Distance 25 miles.
1800 H Sermata Island abeam to port, 8 miles.
2000 H Could not make Ambon by daybreak so set course to
intercept main routes south and west of Ambon.

3 March
0000 H Entered area.
0504 H Morning dive.
0537 H Surfaced.
0900 H PLANE CONTACT #2: Radar 3 miles, not sighted in over-
cast - dove and at
0932 H Surfaced.
0957 H Landfall on Lucipara Island, distance 12 miles.
1010 H SHIP CONTACT #1: Avoided unidentified small craft.
Patrol boat or sub.
1200 H Position: Lat. 05-41(S), Long. 126-57(E).
Fuel used: 3725. Miles: 326.
1304 H PLANE CONTACT #3: Radar 10 miles, not sighted - dove
and at
1335 H Surfaced. Set course to pass to westward of Boeroe
Island - intending to proceed directly to Kaoe Bay area
and work main oil routes - not enough time to clear Ambon
area by daybreak by proceeding through Manipa Pass.
1606 H Landfall on Boeroe Island, distance 60 miles.

4 March
0500 H Entered Molukka Passage.
0558 H Morning dive.
0623 H Surfaced and proceeded north in Molukka Passage.
1200 H Position: Lat. 00-15(S), Long. 126-53(E).
Fuel used: 4742. Miles: 357.5.
1440 H PLANE CONTACT #4: Radar 8 miles, not sighted - dove and
at
1508 H Surfaced.

5 March
0012 H Entered Morotai Strait and patrolled northern approaches
to Kaoe Bay, retiring to eastward and at
0501 H Dove for submerged patrol off Tg. Lelai.
0943 H PLANE CONTACT #5: Periscope sighting - Zero type float
plane on northeasterly course.
1200 H Position: Lat. 01-40(N), Long. 128-40(E).
Fuel used: 4117. Miles: 278.
CTF 71 extended area from Equator to FOUR NORTH between
Longitudes 130 to 132°(E).
1821 H Surfaced and set course for surface patrol of main oil
route to Palau next day.

-2-

— page 99 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 22 February to 10 April 1944)

6 March
0518 H Morning dive.
0600 H Surfaced.
1200 H Position: Lat. 04-28(N), Long. 129-36(E).
Fuel used: 3194. Miles: 257.
Conducted surface patrol of oil route to Palau
during daylight.
1947 H Set course for Morotai Strait.

7 March
0505 H Submerged for patrol off Morotai Strait.
1200 H Position: Lat. 02-30(N), Long. 128-05(E).
Fuel used: 2114. Miles: 293.
1450 H PLANE CONTACT #6: Sighted by periscope, two
engine bomber on S.E. course.
1820 H Surfaced. Set course for patrol of routes off
Siaoe Passage.

8 March
0524 H Morning dive.
0604 H Surfaced. Siaoe in sight about 30 miles distant
to westward.
0738 H SHIP CONTACT #2: Sighted ship with large star-
board angle bearing 115°T. Commenced tracking
with high periscope.
0950 H Set course to go through Roeang Passage to
going through Roeang Passage to the south. Unable
to get ahead in distance available. He looked
big at 12 miles.
1128 H Regained contact - small angle, so at
1153 H Dove for submerged attack.
1200 H Position: Lat. 02-12(N), Long. 125-11(E).
Fuel used: 2635. Miles: 211.
1232 H Broke off approach - target identified as
properly marked hospital ship, HIKAWA MARU type -
a beauty. Took pictures.
1346 H Surfaced and set course to patrol route to Kaoe
Bay.
1555 H Passed through Siaoe Passage.

9 March
0520 H Morning dive.
0600 H Surfaced. Conducting surface patrol of northern
approaches to Kaoe Bay.
1200 H Position: Lat. 03-33(N), Long. 127-25(E).
Fuel used: 2825. Miles: 294.
1512 H SHIP CONTACT #3: Sighted ship with small port
angle bearing 143°T. Commenced tracking with
high periscope. At least two ships in group - one
sending up considerable smoke at frequent
intervals.
1707 H Dove for submerged approach, targets zigging
between about 045 and 015°T. Closed track at
standard speed.

-3-

— page 100 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: H.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 22 February to 10 April 1944)

1732 H Sighted smoke - echo ranging heard. Visibility
  decreased rapidly after sunset - overcast with
  rain squalls. No further sight contact until at
1840 H Sighted ship with small port angle, echo ranging -
  fairly close. Decided to let them go by because
  of complete lack of speed and range information.
  Ducked under layer and at
1917 H Back at periscope depth, sighted two ships
  indistinctly.
1945 H Surfaced and resumed chase.
2000 H Radar contact 14,000 yards. Commenced tracking
  to work ahead. Moon full and well up - vis-
  ibility now excellent despite overcast and
  occasional rain squalls. Three ships in sight
  at 12,000 yards. One small, leading two others
  which appeared to be medium to small size.
2152 H Dove for submerged attack - good speed dope,
  targets zigging as before. Echo ranging heard
  shortly after dive.
2220 H All three ships in sight. None looked big
  like a PC or SC, pinging, went by, swung for
  stern shot and at
2334 H Fired four torpedoes, zero gyro, 100 port track,
  used 1½ knot speed spread, depth 6 and 8 feet
  set. At time of firing second and third ships
  overlapped bow to stern. Range to closest
  (third) 1800 yards. Second ship, one stack with
  white band, small AK or possible CM; third ship,
  three stack, DD or DM. Thought I saw puff amid-
  ships on second ship but no hits actually seen
  or heard.
2238 H Had started reload aft but went deep with third
  ship (DM) swinging to a 10° port angle and
  speeding up. Four explosions none close - two
  ships echo ranging.
2340 H At periscope depth - one pinger at distance,
  nothing in sight.
2357 H Surfaced - no contact - did not resume chase on
  three escorts which we apparently couldn't hit
  with a good set up. Believe torpedoes went
  under targets (non-magnetic exploders) even
  though set for 6 and 8 feet. Possibly they had
  been ready too long - twenty minutes.

10 March
  Set course for surface patrol of northern ap-
  proaches to Kaoe Bay, and main oil routes.
0515 H Morning dive.
0615 H Surfaced.
0853 H PLANE CONTACT #7: Radar, lost at 14 miles, not
  sighted, did not dive.
1020 H PLANE CONTACT #8: Radar, 10 miles, closing, not
  sighted. Dove and at
1044 H Surfaced.
1200 H Position: Lat. 03-15(N), Long. 127-22(E).
  Fuel used: 2417. Miles: 347.
  -4-

— page 101 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 22 February to 10 April 1944)

11 March
    Continued surface patrol of northern approaches
    to Kaoe Bay, and main oil routes.
0507 H Morning dive.
0555 H Surfaced.
0910 H Training dive. Replaced bad tube in SD.
0951 H Surfaced.
1200 H Position: Lat. 03-13(N), Long. 127-28(E).
    Fuel used: 1807. Miles: 226.
1326 H PLANE CONTACT #9: Radar 8 miles closing, not
    sighted, dove.
1350 H Surfaced.

12 March
    Continued surface patrol of northern approaches
    to Kaoe Bay, and main oil routes.
0513 H Morning dive. At 300 feet both cables of #1
    periscope pulled out and scope hit bottom with a
    resounding bang. It had been lowered to bottom
    and raised a few inches to clear limit switch.
0552 H Surfaced. #1 scope out of commission.
0919 H PLANE CONTACT #10: Radar 3 miles, not sighted,
    dove, rigged for depth charge.
0922 H One small bomb, not close.
0953 H Surfaced and ran to clear immediate area on 270°T
    but at
1004 H PLANE CONTACT #11: Radar 6 miles closing, not
    sighted, dove and decided to wait him out for
    awhile but at
1135 H SHIP CONTACT #4: Pinging heard and at
1139 H SIGHTED PC or SC which passed at 4200 yards on
    westerly course apparently on slow speed search.
1200 H Position: Lat. 03-21(N), Long. 127-17(E).
    Fuel used: 1464. Miles: 213.
1310 H Lost sight contact.
1330 H In sight again, easterly course. We are pulling
    out in order to get up and move to new location.
1500 H Passed at 3500 yards on course 020°T.
1550 H Lost sight and sound contact.
1628 H Surfaced and cleared area. Decided to cover
    eastern approaches to Kaoe Bay for next few days.

13 March
0518 H Dove for submerged patrol off Tg. Lelai covering
    eastern approaches to Kaoe Bay.
1200 H Position: Lat. 01-48(N), Long. 128-49(E).
    Fuel used: 1942. Miles: 197.
1430 H #1 periscope back in commission.
1820 H Surfaced and patrolled routes to Wewak.

14 March
0515 H Morning dive.
0618 H Surfaced.

-5-

— page 102 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 22 February to 10 April 1944)

0900 H Dove and conducted submerged patrol of route to
Wewak.
1200 H Position: Lat. 01-29(N), Long. 129-25(E).
Fuel used: 1076. Miles: 155.
1600 H Surfaced and patrolled eastern approaches to
Kaoe Bay.

15 March
0502 H Dove for submerged patrol of Tg. Lalai covering
eastern approaches to Kaoe Bay.
1110 H PLANE CONTACT #12: Sighted by periscope, bomber
on westerly course.
1200 H Position: Lat. 01-38(N), Long. 128-32(E).
Fuel used: 1662. Miles: 180.
1824 H Surfaced.

16 March
0445 H Dove for submerged patrol, covering eastern
approaches to KAOE Bay.
1200 H Position: Lat. 01-33(N), Long. 128-21(E).
Fuel used: 579. Miles: 132.
1821 H Surfaced.

17 March
0450 H Dove for submerged patrol, covering eastern
approaches to KAOE Bay.
1200 H Position: Lat. 01-24(N), Long. 128-03(E).
Fuel used: 465. Miles: 91.
1250 H PLANE CONTACT #13: Sighted by periscope.
1818 H Surfaced and set course for surface patrol of
main route to Palau and northern approaches to
Kaoe Bay.

18 March
0505 H Morning dive.
0615 H Surfaced.
0900 H Dove to avoid routine plane flight.
1121 H Surfaced.
1200 H Position: Lat. 03-07(N), Long. 128-47(E).
Fuel used: 1286. Miles: 170.
1255 H PLANE CONTACT #14: Sighted, 8 miles, doubtful
but dove and at
1312 H Surfaced.

19 March
0513 H Morning dive.
0644 H Surfaced.
0845 H PLANE CONTACT #15: Sighted, 8 miles, dove and
at
0941 H Surfaced.
1200 H Position: Lat. 03-20(N), Long. 127-53(E).
Fuel used: 922. Miles: 172.

-6-

— page 103 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 22 February to 10 April 1944)

20 March
0506 H Morning dive.
0555 H Surfaced.
0831 H Dove to avoid routine plane.
0935 H Surfaced - too soon.
0939 H PLANE CONTACT #16: Radar 10 miles, not sighted -
  did not dive.
1047 H PLANE CONTACT #17: Sighted, 6-8 miles, closing,
  dove.
1050 H One bomb, fairly close.
1107 H Second bomb, not close.
1136 H Periscope depth - float type plane circling where
  we dove - ducked as he came around.
1200 H Position: Lat. 03-25(N), Long. 127-50(E).
  Fuel used: 875. Miles: 162.
1215 H All clear - surfaced and moved 30 miles on 060°T
  resuming surface patrol.

21 March
0731 H PLANE CONTACT #18: Sighted 10-12 miles, large
  unidentified bomber, dove and at
0749 H Surfaced.
0915 H Dove for submerged patrol.
0925 H PLANE CONTACT #19: Sighted by periscope, 3-4
  miles, low altitude coming in - passed close. A
  "BETTY".
1200 H Position: Lat. 06-28(N), Long. 128-56(E).
  Fuel used: 3530. Miles: 267.
1217-20 H Three distant explosions.
1441 H Possible echo ranging in distance, bearing 090°T.
1516 H Surfaced and set course 075°T patrolling route
  to Palau.
1900 H Commenced search on base course 075°T, covering
  14 miles either side of base course.

22 March
0215 H Broke off search. Set course 180°T.
0445 H Morning dive.
0555 H Surfaced.
0730 H Dove for submerged patrol of route from Palau.
1200 H Position: Lat. 06-12(N), Long. 130-00(E).
  Fuel used: 2332. Miles: 217.
1407 H Surfaced and conducted surface patrol of route
  from Palau.

23 March
0040 H Indications of radar in vicinity on SJ screen.
0504 H Dove for submerged patrol of route from Palau.
1000 H Surfaced.
1200 H Position: Lat. 05-49(N), Long. 128-02(E).
  Fuel used: 2781. Miles: 229.

24 March
0443 H Dove for submerged patrol of route to Palau.

-7-

— page 104 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 22 February to 10 April 1944)

1200 H Position: Lat. 05-24(N), Long. 131-16(E).
Fuel used: 2358. Miles: 257.
1600 H Surfaced.
2030 H Sent POMPON number TWO - one hour to clear
message.

25 March
0459 H Morning dive.
0600 H Surfaced.
0823 H PLANE CONTACT #20: Sighted, float plane, 4-6
miles, bearing 310°T. Dove and at
0852 H Surfaced and ran to intercept possible track
north of us and at
0930 H Dove.
1030 H Surfaced - set course to patrol northern
approaches to Kao Bay.
1200 H Position: Lat. 04-00(N), Long. 129-02(E).
Fuel used: 2386. Miles 185.
2030 H Departed area in accordance with orders
received. Proceeding to Midway at one engine
speed.

26 March
Enroute Midway.
0458 H Morning dive.
0544 H Surfaced.
1200 H Position: Lat. 06-22(N), Long. 129-41(E).
1395 H PLANE CONTACT #21: Radar 8 miles, closing,
not sighted, dove and at
1401 H Surfaced.
1454 H PLANE CONTACT #22: Radar 6 miles, closing, not
sighted, dove and at
1554 H Surfaced.

27 March
Enroute Midway.
0467 H Morning dive.
0550 H Surfaced.
0800 H Passed to Operational Control of CTF SEVEN-
TEEN. Became Task Group 17.3.12.

28-29 March
Enroute Midway at one engine speed. Made
daily morning dive.

30 March
Enroute Midway.
1203 I PLANE CONTACT #23: Sighted, 8-10 miles,
large patrol plane, dove. Apparently out
on routine search from Saipan.
1227 I Surfaced.

31 March
Made surface passage through Marianas between
Asuncion and Agurigan Islands during daylight.

-8-

— page 105 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
         (Period from 22 February to 10 April 1944)

1-2-3 April
         Enroute Midway, at two engine speed during
         daylight. Daily dives.

4 April
1200 Z Sent POMPON No. ONE to CTF 17 - one hour
         and twenty minutes to clear message.

5 April
         Conducted six hour battery discharge
         during darkness.

6 April
0320 Z Sent POMPON No. TWO. Crossed 180 Meridian,
         repeated date.

6 April (2nd)
1015 Y Moored to dock at Midway. Unloaded 18
         torpedoes, received 28,804 gallons of fuel.
1615 Y Underway from Midway, enroute Pearl.

7-8-9 April
         Enroute Pearl.

10 April
1142 WW Moored to dock at SubBase, Pearl Harbor,
         T.H. Fourth War Patrol this vessel
         completed.

(C) WEATHER
    No remarks.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
    During the north monsoon a ½ knot southerly set was
    experienced in North Molukka Passage west of Morotai
    Island. The set was northerly when operating east of
    Morotai - ½ knot. No exceptionally strong currents were
    experienced while operating close to island passages.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
    No established navigational aids were observed.

-9-

— page 106 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(F) SHIP CONTACTS

| No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Types | Initial Range | Estimated course & speed | How contacted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0900 H | 05-36(S) | Small patrol | 6 mi. | 235 | SD | Avoided on surface. |
| | 3 Mar. | 127-27(E) | craft | | 3 knots | | |
| 2 | 0738 H | 02-45(N) | Hospital ship | 24000 yds | 235 | SD | Took photographs. |
| | 8 Mar. | 126-01(E) | | | 8 knots | | |
| 3 | 1512 H | 03-36(N) | 1 DD, 1 CM and | 21000 yds | 015-45 | 3D | Fired 4 torpedoes at |
| | 9 Mar. | 127-35(E) | 1 SC | | 9 knots | | DD. |
| 4 | 1135 H | 03-16(N) | 1 SC | 12000 yds | 6 knots | Sound | Searching. |
| | 12 Mar. | 127-12(E) | | | | | |

-10-

— page 107 —
No. | Time | Lat. | Type(s) | Elev. | Initial | Estima- | How | Remarks
    | Date | Long. |         |       | Range   | ted     | Con- |
    |      |       |         |       |         | Course  | tacted |
1   | 1237 H | 09-20(S) | 1 plane-bomber | 1000 ft | 8 mi.   | 180     | SD   | Dived.
    | 2 Mar. | 128-47(E) | Beaufighter |       |         |         |      |
2   | 0903 H | 05-24(S) | Not sighted | --    | 3 mi.   | --      | R    | Dived.
    | 3 Mar | 127-06.5(E) |         |       |         |         |      |
3   | 1304 H | 05-20(S) | Not sighted | --    | 10 mi.  | --      | R    | Dived;
    | 3 Mar | 127-00(E) |         |       |         |         |      |
4   | 1441 H | 00-28(N) | Not sighted | --    | 8 mi.   | --      | R    | Dived.
    | 4 Mar. | 126-52.5(E) |         |       |         |         |      |
5   | 0943 H | 00-40.5(N) | Float plane | 500 ft | 6 mi.   | 030     | SD   | Periscope sighting.
    | 5 Mar. | 128-40(E) |         |       |         |         |      |
6   | 1450 H | 02-25(N) | 2 engine | 1000 ft | 12 mi.  | 090     | SD   | Periscope sighting.
    | 7 Mar. | 128-00(E) | bomber |       |         |         |      |
[AIRCRAFT | 0853 H | 03-15(N) | Not sighted | --    | 15 mi.  | --      | R    |
CONTACTS | 10 Mar. | 127-25(E) |         |       |         |         |      |
(G) | 1020 H | 03-15(N) | Not sighted | --    | 10 mi.  | --      | R    | Dived.
    | 10 Mar. | 127-23(E) |         |       |         |         |      |
    | 1326 H | 03-13(N) | Not sighted | --    | 9 mi.   | --      | R    | Dived.
    | 11 Mar. | 127-11(E) |         |       |         |         |      |
    | 0919 H | 03-22(N) | Not sighted | --    | 3 mi.   | --      | R    | Dived. 1 bomb.
    | 12 Mar. | 127-12(E) |         |       |         |         |      |
    | 1004 H | 03-16(N) | Not sighted | --    | 6 mi.   | --      | R    | Dived.
    | 12 Mar. | 127-12(E) |         |       |         |         |      |
    | 1110 H | 01-33(N) | 2 engine | 2000 ft | 4 mi.   | 290     | SD   | Submerged patrol.
    | 15 Mar. | 128-34(E) | bomber |       |         |         |      |
    | 1246-1308 H | 01-22(N) | 2 engine | 4000 ft | 1 mi.   | 235     | SD   | Submerged patrol.
    | 17 Mar. | 128-08(E) | bomber |       |         | 45      |      |
    | 1255 H | 03-30(N) | 2 engine | 1000 ft | 7 mi.   | --      | SD   | Dived.
    | 18 Mar. | 128-13(E) | bomber |       |         |         |      |
    | 0845 H | 03-20(N) | 2 engine | 1000 ft | 7 mi.   | 180     | SD   | Dived.
    | 19 Mar. | 127-52(E) | bomber |       |         |         |      |
CONFIDENTIAL] | | | | | | | | -11-

— page 108 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

| No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Type(s) | Elev. | Initial Range | Estima- ted Course | How Conticted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 0939 Η 20 Mar. | 03-20(N) 127-50(E) | Not sighted | -- | 10 mi. | -- | ? | |
| 17 | 1047 Η 20 Mar. | 03-20(N) 127-50(E) | Float biplane | 1000 gt. | 6 mi. | 180 | SD | Dived. |
| 18 | 0731 Η 21 Mar. | 06-29(N) 128-57(E) | 2 engine flying boat | 1000 ft. | 10 mi. | 90 | SD | Dived. Circling. |
| 19 | 0925 Η 21 Mar. | 06-30(N) 128-57(E) | 2 engine bomber | 500 ft. | 3 mi. | 260 | S) | Dived. |
| 20 | 0823 Η 25 Mar. | 04-10(N) 129-16(E) | Float biplane | 500 ft. | 6 mi. | 90 | S) | Dived. |
| 21 | 1335 H 26 Mar. | 06-25(N) 129-42(E) | Not sighted | -- | 8 mi. | -- | R | Dived. |
| 22 | 1453 Η 26 Mar. | 06-33(N) 129-53(E) | Not sighted | -- | 8 mi. | -- | ? | Dived. |
| 23 | 1203 I 30 Mar. | 14-37(N) 136-51(E) | 2 engine bomber | 1000 ft. | 8 mi. | 180 | (S) | Dived. |

-12-

— page 109 —
(H) TORPEDO ATTACK DATA:
U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) TORPEDO ATTACK No. 1 PATROL No. 4
Time: 2233.30 H Date: 9 March 1944 Lat. 04-01(N)
Long. 128-07(E)
CONFIDENTIAL

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

DESCRIPTION:
Three ship convoy consisting of one PC or SC, one DD or
DM (three stacks), and one small AK or CM, one stack,
estimated 2000 tons, contacted 1512, surface patrol.
Sighted through periscope, visibility excellent, track-
ed by periscope during day. Closed after dark and
tracked with TBT and radar. Overcast moonlight night,
all three ships visible at 12,000 yards.
SHIP(S) SUNK
None
SHIP(S) DAMAGED
None
DAMAGE DETERMINED BY
None
TARGET DRAFT: 6 feet Course: 040 Speed: 9 knots
Range at firing: 1800 yds.
OWN SHIP DATA
Speed: 2-4 kts Course: 300 Depth: 63 ft.
Angle: zero (at firing).

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Tracked by radar on surface and submerged for periscope
attack. Used TDC and plot and stadimeter ranges at final
stage.
Fired a 1½ knot speed spread, four torpedoes, stern
tubes, depth set 6 and 8 feet. The point of aim was bow
and stern of DD(DM) and AK(CM) which overlapped at in-
stant of firing. Firing range to closest ship (DD) 1800
yards, angle on bow 90 port, gyro angles 180,181,182,183.
It is believed that torpedoes went under the target.

ATTACK No. 1
| | No. 7 | No. 8 | No. 9 | No. 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes fired | 100 | 99 | 98 | 97 |
| Track angle | • | 1 R | 2 R | 3 R |
| Gyro angle | 0 | 8 feet | 6 feet | 8 feet |
| Depth set | 6 feet | high | high | high |
| Power | high | miss | miss | miss |
| Hit or miss | miss | no | no | no |
| Erratic | no | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A |
| Mark torpedo | 14-3A | 24533 | 39449 | 24413 |
| Serial No. | 22561 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 |
| Mk. exploder* | 6-4 | 931 | 7206 | 7208 |
| Serial No. | 7179 | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation set | Contact | | | |
| Actuation | | | | |
| actual | none | none | none | none |
| Mk. warhead | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16-1 |

-13-

— page 110 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Serial No. 2470 2551 681 11442
Explosive TPX TPX TPX TPX
Firing int. 8 Second interval
Type spread 1½ knot speed spread
Sea conditions Moderate swells - Direction, North
Overhaul
activity U. S. S. PELIAS
Remarks:
* Believe torpedoes ran under target.
* All exploders inactivated magnetically by USS PELIAS.

(I) MINES
No mines.

(J) ANTI SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS
No remarks.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE
12 March On routine morning dive at a depth of 300'
both cables of #1 periscope pulled out of the adjusting
nut fittings on the periscope yoke.
The periscope had been lowered to the limit switch and
then raised to clear the limit switch. It dropped approx-
imately 6 inches.
The lower limit switch and buffer were damaged beyond
repair by ship's force. The cables were renewed by ship's
force and periscope was back in commission the next after-
noon. There is no apparent internal damage to the peri-
scope.
Inspection of the cable fittings which had failed
indicate the following possibilities:
(1) The end fitting was poorly made.. (i.e.) Inadequate
cleaning of the fitting and improper distribution
of cable strands.
(2) That soft solder had been used instead of zinc.

(L) RADIO
No remarks.

(M) RADAR
SJ operation was satisfactory for the first six weeks
of the patrol. On 1 April, after leaving the patrol area,
the magnetron along with several condensers and resistors
burned out. After replacing the magnetron and the burned
out parts, it was impossible to tune the radar properly
because of no targets and a smooth sea.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS
No remarks.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS
No pronounced layers were encountered.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY
Three cases of gonococcus infection; one of which was
reported early and transferred at Exmouth Gulf, W.A. and
two cases reported after departure Darwin and treated on
board.

-14-

— page 111 —
CONFIDENTIAL
One case of cist. All were admitted to the binnacle
list and incapacitated for duty while being treated.
During submerged operations in the Kace Bay Area the
air conditioning was inadequate - noticeable drain on
stamina and reflex action. Food was of good quality and
sufficient quantity.

(Q) PERSONNEL
No remarks.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED
Base to area, Fremantle via Exmouth Gulf
and Darwin, Australia:                                2,404 Miles
                                                      33,199 Gals.
In area:                                              5,365 Miles
                                                      50,028 Gals.
Area to Pearl Harbor, T.H.                            4,824 Miles
                                                      49,932 Gals.

(S) DURATION
Days enroute to area:                                 10 days
In area                                               23 days
Days enroute P.H., T.H.                               17 days
Days submerged                                        8 days

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING
Torpedoes                                             20
Fuel (remaining Midway)                               4015 Gals.
Provisions                                            24 days
Personnel factor                                      Unknown
Limiting factor this patrol                           Fuel

(U) REMARKS
(a) No remarks.
(b) No remarks.
(c) It is believed that an aircraft radar is located
at Lat. 01-05.5(N), Long. 127-25(E) on north-
western slope of Djailolo on Halmahera Island.
(d) No remarks.
(e) The results of this patrol are in no manner
indicative of the performance of duty of all
personnel. The Commanding Officer wishes to
express his regret that the fine spirit, ability,
and eagerness to encounter the enemy as dis-
played by all hands throughout the patrol could
not have been more adequately demonstrated by
sinkings.

-15-

— page 112 —
FB5-142/A16-3
Serial 019

CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO POMPON Conf ltr
A16-1 Serial 03 of
April 1944.

From: The Commander Submarine Division 142.
To : The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron 14.

Subject: J.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of Fourth War Patrol;
Comments on.

1. The fourth war patrol of the POMPON was the first
for the new commanding officer as such. The patrol was conducted
enroute from West Australia to Pearl and lasted for a period of
fifty days of which twenty three days were spent in assigned areas.
The patrol was most disappointing in the number of enemy contacts.
There were just four contacts and only one of these was worthy of
torpedo expenditure. An attack was made on the one opportunity
presented but unfortunately resulted in no damage to the enemy.

2. Attacks.
#1. With an overcast moonlight night and excellent
visibility a night submerged attack was made on a three ship convoy.
Prior to the attack the convoy had been tracked submerged during
daylight and by radar on the surface after dark. A good attack
position was gained, and with a small AK and DD or DM overlapping
four straight shots were fired from the stern tubes at a range of
1800 yards and track of 100°. No hits were observed. Although
torpedoes were set for 6 and 8 feet depth it is possible they ran
under these light draft targets.

3. Material.
The POMPON returned from patrol in good material
condition. BUSHNELL will conduct the refit and it will be accom-
plished in the normal period. Alterations for which material is
available will be completed during this period.

Copy to:
CO POMPON.

SUBMARINE DIVISION 142

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
12 April 1944.

[SIGNATURE: W.D. WILKIN]
W.D. WILKIN.

— page 113 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOURTEEN
Hrw.
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
12 April 1944.

FC5-14/A16-3
Serial 046.
CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO POMPON Conf. ltr. SS267/
A16-1 Serial 03 of 10 Apr.
1944.

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

Subject: U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of Fourth War
Patrol; Comments on.

1. Forwarded concurring in the remarks of Commander
Submarine Division One Hundred FORTY-TWO.

J. B. LONGSTAFF.

Copy to:
Comsubdiv 142.
CO POMPON.

— page 114 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET hch
Serial 0724 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
16 April 1944.

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
POMPON Report of DESTROYED PRIOR TO
Fourth War Patrol. ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 404
U.S.S. POMPON - FOURTH 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. POMPON (SS267) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.
(22 February to 10 April 1944).

1. The fourth war patrol of the POMPON was the first for
the new Commanding Officer, as such. The patrol was conducted in the
Banda Sea, Molukka Passage, and enroute Pearl Harbor.

2. Only one contact worthy of torpedoes was made, and the
attack on this was not successful. Enemy air anti-submarine activity
was heavy in this area.

3. This patrol is designated as not successful for
Combat Insignia Award.

DISTRIBUTION: C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (5)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
Comservpac
(Adv. Base Plan. Unit) (1)
Cinclant (2)
Comsublant (2)
S/M School, NL (2)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (2)
Comsubsowespac (1)
CTF 72 (2)
Comnorpac (1)
Comsubspac (20)
SUBAD, MI (2)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Division
Commanders, Subspac (2)
Comsubstrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Subspac (1)
[SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes]
E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.

— page 115 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy.]

SS267/A16-3                               U.S.S. POMPON
Serial 010
DECLASSIFIED                             % Fleet Post Office,
CONFIDENTIAL                             San Francisco, Calif,
                                         25 June 1944.

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

Subject:     U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of
             FIFTH WAR PATROL.

Enclosure:   (A) Subject Report.
             (B) Track Chart (CTF 17 only)
             (C) Torpedo Attack Charts (CTF 17
                 only).

1.           Enclosures (A), (B), and (C), covering
the Fifth War Patrol of this vessel conducted in the
Japanese Empire Areas during the period 6 May to
25 June 1944 are forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: S. H. GIMBER.]

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP 09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/1/72]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: Filmed]
[HANDWRITTEN: 79412]

— page 116 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
         (Period from 6 May to 25 June 1944)

(A) PROLOGUE
    POMPON arrived Pearl, T.H. on 10 April 1944, from
    Fourth War Patrol conducted enroute from Western
    Australia. Normal refit conducted by SubDiv 142, U.S.S.
    BUSHNELL. The following major alterations were accom-
    plished:
    1. SJa and PPI.
    2. JP Sound Gear.
    3. Four inch gun.
    4. Equipment for Mk. 18 torpedoes, after room only.
    5. Conning tower air conditioning.
    On 25 April the POMPON was assigned to SubRon FOUR for
    administration and training. Conducted four days of
    training and fired five exercise torpedoes, one sound
    shot, two Mk. 18 torpedoes. Conducted sound test and
    deparmed. On 6 May departed Pearl for Fifth War Patrol
    as "CELLO" in the Hit Parade.

(B) NARRATIVE
6 May
1330 VW Took departure from Pearl in accordance with CTF
         17 Operation Order #153-44 for Fifth War Patrol
         of this vessel.

7-9 May
         Enroute Midway, conducted training dives and
         drills.

10 May
0740 Y Moored at Midway, T.H. Received 18,630 gallons
         of fuel. Effected minor voyage repairs.
1555 Y Departed Midway, enroute patrol area at two
         engine speed.

11 May
         Omitted this date, crossed 180° meridian.

12-17 May
         Enroute patrol area, conducted training dives
         and drills.

18 May
1110 K Enroute area.
         K SHIP CONTACT #1: Lat. 30°08'(N), Long. 143-52(E).
         NO ATTACK. Sighted by high periscope.

1113 K Identified as submarine, commenced tracking to
         work ahead. Believed friendly but not positive.
1527 K Almost in position - Target dove so we continued
         and when on his track
1538 K Dove.

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— page 117 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 6 May to 25 June 1944)

18 May
1640 K Sight contact, target on surface. Commenced ap-
proach.
1701 K Identified as friendly sub. Ducked to let him
go by - Too bad he was not foe!
1710 K On his port quarter 3,000 yards, fired smoke
bomb.
1712 K Surfaced - Range 4,000 yards. Gave him large
angle but he turned away and dove as we attemp-
ted to get him by light.
1715 K Decided to proceed on our way without further
attempt to contact him. This was a beautiful
lesson for all hands and more than adequately
demonstrated the value of a continous periscope
watch on the surface.

19 May
Enroute area.
1142 K SD contact 26 miles on Tori Shima.
1143 K PLANE CONTACT #1: SD, 12 miles closing, not
sighted, dove.
1200 K Position: Lat. 30-03(N), Long. 140-36(E).
1252 K Surfaced.
1319 K PLANE CONTACT #2: SD, 16 miles closing, not
sighted, dove.
1355 K Surfaced.
1430 K Passed between Sofu Gan and Tori Shima, neither
sighted in overcast and low visibility.
1522 K PLANE CONTACT #3: Sight and SD, 6 miles, float
plane on opposite course, dove.
1704 K Surfaced.

20 May
0150 I Entered area, commenced Hit Parade as "CELLO".
Miles to Area from Midway 2,555
Fuel expended 30,200
Fuel on hand 62,300
0436 I Morning dive.
0559 I Surfaced, conducted patrol at one engine speed.
1200 I Position: Lat. 30-00(N), Long. 137-19(E).

21 May
0434 I Morning dive.
0601 I Surfaced conducted patrol at one engine speed.
1200 I Position: Lat. 30-31(N), Long. 134-40(E).

22 May
0428 I Dove for submerged patrol of 160 line out of
Bungo Suido.
1002 I Surfaced, conducted patrol at one engine speed.
1200 I Position: Lat. 30-16(N), Long. 132-49(E).
1500 I Dove for submerged patrol.
1932 I Surfaced.

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— page 118 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 6 May to 25 June 1944).

23 May
0410 Dove for submerged patrol off Toi Misaki. At
daybreak numerous sailing vessels and sampans
stood out from behind O Shima.
1200 I Position: Lat. 31-28(N), Long. 131-29(E).
1324 I Three distant explosions.
1800 I Fishing fleet headed for home.
2001 I Surfaced.

24 May
0420 I Dove for submerged patrol along 100 fathom curve
off Toi Misaki. Fishing fleet came out at day-
break again on easterly course.
1200 I Position: Lat. 31-18(N), Long. 131-31(E).
1351 I One distant explosion.
1800 I Fishing fleet stood in.
2005 I Surfaced, proceeded up the Bungo.

25 May
0420 I Dove for submerged patrol of traffic routes out
of the Bungo Suido.
1200 I Position: Lat. 32-27(N), Long. 132-02(E).
Several small craft sighted during the day, but no
evidence of a patrol.
2006 I Surfaced.

26 May
0422 I Dove for submerged patrol off Okino Shima cover-
ing routes past Ashizuri Zaki.
1200 I Position: Lat. 31-38(N), Long. 132-38(E).
Several small craft sighted during the day.
2010 I Surfaced. Fiddled with radar contacts for some
time until they were definitely established as
side lobes off the islands at ranges of 12-18,000
yards. The experience gained with the high
power of this new SJ was worth the effort.

27 May
0422 I Dove for submerged patrol along 160 line out of
Bungo Suido.
1200 I Position: Lat. 31-50(N), Long. 132-11(E).
2000 I Surfaced.

28 May
0407 I Dove for submerged patrol off Okino Shima.
0503 I SHIP CONTACT #2: Lat. 32-40(N), Long. 132-40(E).
NO ATTACK. Unable to close inside of 7,000 yards
what appeared to be a DD or DE. He went over the
hill to the north between Okino Shima and Biro
Shima.
0730 I Took pictures of Okino Shima at 6,000 yards.
1103 I PLANE CONTACT #4: Periscope sighting. A BETTY
circling about 4 miles SE of Okino Shima near
where we dove in morning. He hung around for
about twenty minutes.

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— page 119 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 6 May to 25 June 1944)

The port shaft is developing a squeal between
40-80 RPM which seems to be getting progres-
sively worse. It was first suspected on sound
tests and today is the first time it has
definitely been heard on our JP sound.
1200 I Position: Lat. 32-42(N), Long. 132-39(E).
Several small craft, schooners and power
vessels, passed close during morning and mid-
afternoon.
1540 I SHIP CONTACT #3: Lat. 32-43(N), Long. 132-39(E).
ATTACK #1. Unsuccessful. Sighted ship with
large port angle. Identified as medium to small
tanker or engines aft AK riding high out of the
water. No escort. A schooner had passed within
1,000 yards of us within last 15 minutes so our
looks had been restricted. Ran on normal approach
course at standard speed between looks. Port
shaft noisy building up to speed.
1628 I Fired three torpedoes from bow tubes, normal
speed spread, 118 port track, torpedo run 3,590
yards, depth set six feet, gyro angles 016.5,
018 and 020R.
1630 I Observed two torpedoes broach after one minute
and fifty second run, well this side of target.
He may not have seen them for target made no
apparent change of course or speed. No hits,
three errors. Post firing analysis:
1. He was a good target, worthy of a shot and
chase.
2. The range was extreme.
3. Misses caused by possible underestimate of
masthead height, hence range and speed; plus
the fact that two torpedoes broached at
about 2,600 yards. Depth set six feet, sea
calm.
4. In any event it was a long chance shot.
Made because of inability to close track and
likelihood that it would be impossible to
surface and chase. It would not be dark
until nearly 2000 and land was only four
miles away.
1818 I Surfaced and commenced chase. Land at seven
miles barely visible in haze that had set in.
Target had a two hour start at estimated
(corrected) speed of 11-12 knots.
1945 I Dark, and how welcome!
2252 I Muroto Zaki in sight, 21 miles..

29 May
0015 I Well past Muroto Zaki changed search to south
eastward and at

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— page 120 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 6 May to 25 June 1944)

0420 I Dove - Have covered sector from Ashizuri Saki
        thru an arc of 060 to 100 for target speed 10-12
        knots.
1200 I Position: Lat. 32-34(N), Long. 135-09(E).
1526 I Sighted floating mine.
1535 I Surfaced and unsuccessfully attempted to sink
        mine.
1758 I Dove to await darkness having closed to about 40
        miles from Muroto Zaki.
1954 I Surfaced.
2200 I Replaced gasket in #6 vent, which had pulled out,
        and was causing a pronounced starboard list.

30 May
0227 I Avoided small craft, probably a patrol boat.
0400 I Dove for submerged patrol NE of Muroto Zaki.
0435 I Made approach on ship that had been showing
        running lights prior to dive - identified as
        schooner. Numerous small craft of assorted sizes
        and types kept us busy until
0830 I SHIP CONTACT #4: Lat. 33-21(N), Long. 134-20(E).
        NO ATTACK. Sighted a possible DD or DE about six
        miles outboard of us.
0832 I SHIP CONTACT #5: Lat. 33-15(N), Long. 134-11(E).
        ATTACK #2. Successful. Sunk small AP 2-3,000
        tons. Target identified as small single stack AP,
        came up from south passing close to Muroto Zaki
        and was about 2-3,000 yards off the beach at time
        of attack. No surface escort. Plane escort
        sighted 3 or 4 times during early stages of
        approach. Apparently broke off just inside of
        Muroto Zaki.
0833 I PLANE CONTACT #5: Float type bi-plane, escorting
        target.
0854 I Lost power on bow planes for a few minutes.
        Diving Officer did nice job during attack.
0856 I Fired three bow shots. Normal speed spread, 94
        starboard track, torpedo run 2,300 yards, gyro
        angles 9°R, 9.5°R and 9°R, depth set 8 feet.
0857 I Bulls eye! One hit amidships and he literally
        disintegrated, breaking in half and sinking
        almost immediately. Numerous breaking up noises
        were heard, in addition two other explosions
        which were probably the other torpedoes on the
        beach.
0905 I Nothing in sight except a haze where target had
        been. Cleared area at standard speed, at 80
        feet.
0935 I Sighted plane - 100 feet.
1005 I Sighted ship which had been outboard of us now
        at scene of attack. Range 3-4 miles. He was
        definitely the closest ship to us and looked big
        enough to be a DD.

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— page 121 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(period from 6 May to 25 June 1944)

1013 I Plane sighted, close - 100 feet.
1030 I First explosion of a long series, 50-60, which
    lasted until 1709. Went deep under a triple
    layer, two negative and one positive, sharp
    gradients - The most unusual Bathythermograph
    Card we had ever seen.
1053 I First screw contact - 9 heavy charges had been
    dropped already. From here on out we usually
    had 3 or 4 sets of screws and sometimes 5
    neatly arranged around us. The initial detec-
    tion and persistence was disturbing in view of
    what the last look had showed and the pre-
    sumably excellent protection afforded by the
    poor sound conditions. Our port screw played
    an intermittent tune like a bass "CELLO" and
    we varied turns frequently to eliminate it.
1200 I Position: 300 feet. Lat. 33-14(N), Long.
    134-30(E).
1709 I Last charge of quick series of 12, total some
    50-60.
1910 I Last screw contact.
2018 I Surfaced - All clear, bright in half moon.
2113 I Dove - To await more favorable visibility con-
    ditions.
2245 I Surfaced - Sky overcast. Ran out to southeast.
    Post analysis of sound exercise:
    1. The JP proved invaluable in keeping track
    of A/S vessels and in checking on own noises.
    2. We had leaks and squeaks.
    3. The nature of the charges dropped was un-
    usual. Our impressions are summarized here:
    (a) Something new to us - All heavier than
    any previously experienced.
    (b) No click of detonator heard.
    (c) Slower burning - Prolonged heavy rumble,
    no sharp crack.
    (d) Difficult to determine direction or dis-
    tance yet hull trembled and rush of water
    was heard distinctly around the boat on
    several occasions.
    4. No echo ranging on usual frequencies was
    heard.

31 May
0408 I Dove for rest.
1200 I Position: Lat. 31-40(N), Long. 135-45(E).
1300 I Surfaced.
1515 I Dove. Conducted sound survey and corrected
    several air leaks. Eliminated some of the
    rudder and plane noises - Shaft remains the
    same, intermittent squeal between 40-80 RPM.

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— page 122 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject; U.S.S. POMPON (SS267)-REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 6 May to 25 June 1944)

1 June
1927 I Surfaced.
0407 I Dove for submerged patrol.
1200 I Position: Lat. 31-51(N), Long. 136-46(E).
Continued house cleaning.
2013 I Surfaced.

2 June
0412 I Dove for submerged patrol.
1200 I Position: Lat. 31-58(N), Long. 136-48(E).
1851 I Surfaced.

3 June
0313 I Sighted steady white light which we let get too
close before realizing it was a small boat this
side of horizon.
0351 I Dove - Having opened out to about 4 miles from
small boat.
0405 I Motor sampan close aboard, signaling toward beach
about 8 miles away. Believe I saw tail end of a
rocket.
0445 I Another sampan, close to our first friend - No
doubt now that we had been detected approaching
Kuki Saki and our day here was wasted, so we ran
silent and shook our friends by about
0800 I And ran parallel to a well buoyed fish net for
some five miles which was tended by a small
trawler.
1200 I Position: Lat. 33-37(N), Long. 136-40(E). Only
other sighting was a trawler with high foremast
some 4-5 miles inboard of us.
1952 I Surfaced.

4 June
0405 I Dove.
0906 I Surfaced - Patrolled at one engine speed.
1200 I Position: Lat. 33-11(N), Long. 137-37(E). Wind
and sea picked up with falling barometer - Ex-
perienced a three knot set, logging 7 knots on
one engine.

5 June
0405 I Dove for submerged patrol.
1111 I Surfaced to close land.
1200 I Position: Lat. 33-28(N), Long. 136-55(E).
1321 I Dove - Land in sight - 30 miles. Weather had
moderated.
2000 I Surfaced.

6 June
0350 I Dove for submerged patrol off Daio Saki.
1200 I Position: Lat. 34-05(N), Long. 137-11(E).

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— page 123 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 6 May to 25 June 1944)

1349 I SHIP CONTACT #6: Lat. 34-05(N), Long. 137-11(E).
        NO ATTACK. Unable to close small single stack AK
        on NW course enroute Nagoya - No escort observed.
2014 I Surfaced.

7 June
0347 I Dove for submerged patrol off Daio Saki.
1200 I Position: Lat. 34-06(N), Long. 137-13(E).
        Numerous sampans sighted during the day.
        Several obviously milling around aimlessly as
        on station patrol.
2006 I Surfaced.
2219 I SJ contact 37,000 yards - Nearest land about 30
        miles, bright moonlight, flat sea, hazy, surface
        visibility about 8 miles, almost a flat calm.
        Contact developed and tracked on NW course at
        various speeds. As many as four pips showed,
        but strength did not change as range closed.
2307 I SJ contact 6,000 yards. Right on same bearing.
        Opened out and lost close contact.
2315 I SJ contact vanished at 14,000 yards. Closed on
        bearing at high speed for about 10 minutes to
        further contact. This was baffling - SJ working
        well, land at 30-40 miles, no rain squalls,
        nothing.

8 June
0120 I SJ contact 20,000 yards - A repeat of previous
        performance.
0144 I Sighted spitkit right on last bearing - Could
        not get him on SJ.
0353 I Dove for submerged patrol.
1200 I Position: Lat. 34-01(N), Long. 137-40(E).
        Numerous sampans sighted during day. Several
        acting as before - Just milling around.
1956 I Surfaced.

9 June
0415 I Dove - SW from Mikura Shima.
0942 I PLANE CONTACT #6: Periscope sighting, two
        bombers on SW course flying low.
1200 I Position: Lat. 33-47(N), Long. 139-51(E). Made
        good 4 knots during day.
1414 I SHIP CONTACT #7: Lat. 33-41(N), Long. 140-10(E).
        NO ATTACK. Unidentified patrol. Heard pinging.
        Sighted smoke. He turned away to southward.
        Only two masts and intermittent puffs of smoke
        could be seen.
1500 I Lost contact to southeast.
1717 I Regained contact, sight and sound. He passed
        well to eastward of us - Again we could only see
        two masts and puffs of smoke at 55 feet.
1808 I Lost contact to northwest.

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— page 124 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
         (Period from 6 May to 25 June 1944)

1952 I Surfaced - Proceeded to northwest.
2015 I Sighted vertical beam of searchlight bearing
     335°T - Presumably our friend.

10 June
0030 I Nojima Saki in sight 14 miles, reversed to
     southeast.
0326 I SHIP CONTACT #8: Lat. 34-23(N), Long. 140-07(E).
     NO ATTACK. SJ contact at 19,000 yards.
0352 I Dove. Range 15,000 yards.
0400 I Sighted two ships, large starboard angle - Later
     identified as CHIDORI CLASS TBD; and a smaller
     nondescript phony with two tall masts, a square
     superstructure amidships and no stack.
0430 I Decided not to play with these boys.
0515 I Lost contact.
1200 I Position: Lat. 34-18(N), Long 140-23(E).
1258 I Four large sampans passed by in column on about
     150°T.
1951 I Surfaced.

11 June
0226 I Sighted spitkit southeast of Mikura Shima.
     Possible patrol for he blinked at us as we tried
     to work around so we opened out and at
0344 I Dove for submerged patrol east of Mikura Shima.
1200 I Position: Lat. 33-58(N), Long. 139-54(E).
1955 I Surfaced.
2340 I Avoided spitkit south of Mikura Shima.

12 June
0330 I Dove for submerged patrol north of Inamba Shima.
1200 I Position: Lat. 34-20(N), Long. 138-47(E).
1954 I Surfaced.

13 June
0346 I Dove for submerged patrol SE of Iro Saki.
0810 I Visibility shut down - Lost sight of land.
1200 I Position: Lat. 33-39(N), Long. 139-17(E).
1952 I Surfaced, position in doubt.

14 June
0346 I Dove for submerged patrol.
0715 I Sighted Inamba Shima.
1200 I Position: Lat. 33-44(N), Long. 139-19(E).
1545 I SHIP CONTACT #9: Lat. 33-53(N), Long. 139-40(E).
     NO ATTACK. Played peek-a-boo with Charlie the
     TBD and his friend of the 10th as they appeared
     first on one side and then the other side of
     Mikura Shima.
1716 I Lost contact - On northerly course.
1955 I Surfaced.

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— page 125 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 6 May to 25 June 1944)

15 June
0335 I Dove for submerged patrol SE of O Shima. Visi-
        bility shut down and we had no sight of land
        until late afternoon.
1200 I Position: Lat. 34-34(N), Long. 139-41(E).
1952 I Surfaced.

16 June
0216 I Avoided spitkit who suddenly turned on light
        close aboard.
0408 I SHIP CONTACT #10: Lat. 33-26(N), Long. 138-48(E).
        NO ATTACK. Sighted 5-7 miles to westward.
0409 I Do. We had light background.
0440 I Lost contact on unidentified ship, large port
        angle closest range 7,000 yards. He might
        have been a small AP.
0724 I PLANE CONTACT #7: Lat. 33-15(N), Long. 140-00(E).
        Periscope sighting, large bomber on southerly
        course. We had broached three times already in
        a sea which had been steadily increasing since
        about 0200 so decided to stay down awhile.
1200 I Position: Lat. 33-08(N), Long. 140-02(E).
1330 I Periscope watch resumed, sea moderated to heavy
        swells.
1834 I SHIP CONTACT #11: Lat. 32-57(N), Long. 140-13(E).
        NO ATTACK. Heard pinging 045°T, nothing in
        sight.
1915 I Surfaced to take a look.
1917 I Chased the TBD sighted about 4-5 miles bearing
        030°T. Dove. He didn't see us.
1935 I Another pinger 135°T.
1940 I Another pinger 210°T.
1956 I Surfaced. No SJ contact except land, Hachijo
        Shima 22 miles. So we sat and listened. Seemed
        to be two and three pingers with us generally in
        the middle.
2020 I Moved slowly eastward, running and listening,
        toward best contact.
2130 I Lost all contact. No bearings had changed
        radically so we maintained station patrol to
        cover about 20 miles east and west.

17 June
0025 I PLANE CONTACT #8: Lat. 32-41(N), Long. 140-32(E).
        Plane not sighted nor heard, SD not in use. A
        flare was dropped about one mile astern of us,
        there was no mistaking its brilliance or dur-
        ation. Dove, the OOD was top man on the Totem
        Pole. No attack followed.
0125 I Surfaced and moved down on 160°T at one engine
        speed.

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— page 126 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 6 May to 25 June 1944)

0330 I Dove for submerged patrol. In view of the
     activity of the previous hours coupled with the
     Saipan action there was a strong possibility that
     it indicated ship movements along the line we
     were on. Though our presence may have been
     suspected certainly none of our actions had
     advertised our presence or warranted the sudden
     increase of activity.
0430 I Avoided trawler on NW course, this looked like a
     good sp, but no further contacts were made.
1200 I Position: Lat. 32-20(N), Long. 140-28(E).
1957 I Surfaced. Sent POMPON #1, very little difficulty
     clearing message.

18 June
0409 I Dove.
0722 I Surfaced.
0930 I Took departure from patrol area enroute Midway.
     Miles in area 3,851
     Fuel in area 34,100
     Fuel on hand 28,200

19-25 June
     Enroute Midway, conducted training dives and
     drills.

23 June
     #4 main motor out of commission, jumped out,
     proceeding on three main motors. See major
     defects.

25 June
     Repeated this date, crossed 180° meridian.
0922 Y Moored subbase Midway, Fifth War Patrol com-
     pleted.

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— page 127 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(C) WEATHER
No comment.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
No comment.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
The following listed lights were seen:
Light Characteristics Visibility Date
1. Shimanoura Shima, Kyushu Steady white 30 mi. May'44
2. Hososhima Kyudou White, on 3 25 mi. May'44
   sec, off 5
   sec.
3. Okino Shima, Shikoku - White, on 2 20 mi. May'44
   sec, off 6
   sec, on 2
   sec, off 20
   sec.
4. Muroto Zaki, Shikoku White, on 1 20 mi. June'44
   sec, off 29
   sec.
5. Kuki Saki, Shikoku Steady white 17 mi. June'44

It is considered that O Shima in the western side of
the Kii Suido should be plotted two miles eastward of its
present position. This corroborates a previous report.

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— page 128 —
No. | Time | Lat. | Type | Initial | Estimated How
    | Date | Long. | | Range | Course & | Con- | Remarks
    |      |       | |       | Speed.   | tacted |
1   | 1110 K | 30-08(N) | U.S. Submarine | 20,000 | 075      | SD     | Sighted by high periscope
    | 18 May | 143-53(E) | | yards   | 14 knots |        | patrol. Tracked around,
    |        |           | |         | circling |        | dove, identified.
2   | 0503 I | 32-40(N) | DD or DE | 12,000 | on       | P      | Maintaining stationary
    | 28 May | 132-40(E) | | yards   | station  |        | patrol on track of ship
    |        |           | |         |          |        | contact #3.
3   | 1540 I | 32-43(N) | AK or AO. | 12,000 | 085      | P      | Attack No. 1, unsuccessful.
    | 28 May | 132-39(E) | Est. 7000 tons | yards   | 12 knots |        |
[HANDWRITTEN: 5] | 0832 I | 33-15(N) | AP (small) | 12,000 | 015      | P      | Attack No. 2, successful.
    | 30 May | 134-11(E) | | yards   | 11½ knots |        |
[HANDWRITTEN: 4] | 0830 I | 33-21(N) | DD or DE | 12,000 | Various  | P      | Maintaining station
[HANDWRITTEN: 5] | 30 May | 134-20(E) | | yards   |          |        | patrol. [HANDWRITTEN: 5]
6   | 1349 I | 33-21(N) | Medium AK | 14,000 | 340      | P      | No attack.
    | 6 June | 137-11(E) | | yards   | Estimated|        |
7   | 1414 I | 33-41(N) | Unidentified | 12,000 | Various  | P      | Station patrol. Could
    | 9 June | 140-10(E) | patrol craft | yards   |          |        | not close. No attack.
8   | 0326 I | 34-23(N) | Chidori TBD & | 19,000 | 090      | R      | Patrolling. No attack.
    | 10 June | 140-07(E) | smaller vessel | yards   | 12 knots |        |
9   | 1635 I | 33-53(N) | Chidori TBD & | 14,000 | Various  | P      | Patrolling. No attack.
    | 14 June | 139-40(E) | smaller vessel | yards   |          |        |
10  | 0408 I | 33-26(N) | Unidentified | 13,000 | Various  | SN     |
    | 16 June | 138-48(E) | | yards   | 7 knots  |        |
11  | 1917 I | 32-57(N) | Chidori TBD | 12,000 | Unknown  | SN     |
    | 16 June | 140-13(E) | | yards   |          |        |

(F) SHIP CONTACTS
CONFIDENTIAL
-13

— page 129 —
Time
No. | Date | Lat. | Type(s) | Elev. | Initial | Estima- | Iow | Remarks
| | Long. | | | Range | ted | Con- |
| | | | | | | Course | tacted |
| 1143 K | 30-00(N) | | | | 12 miles | | R |
1 | 19 May | 140-32(E) | | | | | |
| 1318 K | 30-00(N) | | | | 18 Miles | | R |
2 | 19 May | 140-22(E) | | | | | |
| 1529 K | 30-00(N) | Low wing | | | | | 3D |
3 | 19 May | 139-36(E) | float. Prob- | 900' | 6 miles | 090°T | |
| | | ably Zero | | | | | |
| 1103 I | 32-33(N) | 2 eng. land | | | | | P | Scouting ahead of ship
4 | 28 May | 140-39(E) | bomber BETTY | 3500' | 6 miles | 205°T | | contact #3.
| 0832 I | 33-15(N) | | | | | | P | Escorting ship contact
5 | 30 May | 139-41(E) | 2 wing float | 1500' | 6 miles | Various | | #5. Appeared to leave
| | | | | | | | | ship at Murato Saki.
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
| 0942 I | 33-40(N) | Large bomber | | | | | P | Two in column.
6 | 9 June | 139-48(E) | 2 eng. land | 800' | 7 miles | 250°T | |
| | | bomber | | | | | |
| 0724 I | 33-15(N) | | | | | | P | Plane dropped flare.
7 | 16 June | 140-00(E) | bomber | 2000' | 4 miles | 080°T | | Plane was not sighted
| | | | | | | | | or heard. No attack.
| 0025 I | 32-48(N) | | | | | | |
8 | 17 June | 140-32(E) | | 2000' | 1 mile | | |

CONFIDENTIAL
-14-

— page 130 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(H) TORPEDO ATTACK DATA
U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) TORPEDO ATTACK No. 1 PATROL No. 5
Time: 0730 GCT Date: 28 May 1944 Lat. 32-43(N)
Long. 132-39(E).

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

DESCRIPTION
Good visibility, periscope contact on unescorted medium to
small engines aft AO or AK, riding high out of the water.
A bomber had made a search of the area about three hours
in advance.

SHIP DAMAGED OR PROBABLY SUNK
None.

DAMAGE DETERMINED BY
None. Saw two torpedoes broach after about 2,600 yard
run.

TARGET DRAFT
9 feet Course: 085 Speed: 7 Range: 3,340.

OWN SHIP DATA
Speed: 1.6 Kts. Course: 129 Depth: 64 Angle: 0°

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

TYPE ATTACK
Submerged periscope attack, TDC, stadimeter ranges. Used
normal speed spread, three bow torpedoes, depth set 6 feet,
gyro angles 16-20°R, track angle 118° port.
The range was extreme and may have been greater than that
used. Target was high out of the water. Depth set 6 feet
in a flat sea yet two torpedoes broached at about 2,600
yards. Long chance shot made because of inability to close
track and likelihood that it would be impossible to surface
and chase because of proximity to land and hours of daylight
remaining. Subsequent chase was unsuccessful.

ATTACK No. 1
| | No. 1 | No. 2 | No. 3
Tubes fired | No. 1 | No. 2 | No. 3
Track angle | 119.5 P | 118 P | 116 P
Gyro angle | 016.5 | 018 | 020
Depth set | 6 feet | 6 feet | 6 feet
Power | high | high | high
Hit or miss | miss | miss | miss
Erratic | yes | yes | no
Mk. torpedo | 23 | 23 | 14-3A
Serial No. | 52984 | 52917 | 22672
Mk. exploder | M6-5 | M6-5 | M6-5
Serial No. | 17003 | 16988 | 13428
Actuation set | C o n t a c t o n l y
Actuation |
  actual | none | none | none
Mk. warhead | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1
Serial No. | 11937 | 12287 | 12717

-15-

— page 131 —
CONFIDENTIAL

                                                ATTACK No. 1 (Contd)
Explosive             TPX                   TPX                   TFX
Firing int.           -                     8 sec.                9 sec.
Type spread           speed,1½Kt.           speed,1½Kt.           speed,1½Kt.
Sea conditions        flat                  flat                  flat
Overhaul
activity              Submarine Base, P.H., T.H.

Remarks:
     Two torpedoes were observed to broach at about 2,000 yards.
Indicating erratic depth performance when set for 6 feet in
a flat sea.

U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) TORPEDO ATTACK No. 2 PATROL No. 5
Time: 0856 I Date: 30 May 1944 Lat. 33-15(N)
Long. 134-11(E)

                       TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

DESCRIPTION
     Good visibility, periscope contact - Target smoking
heavily; escorted by float plane. Single small type AP,
MFM, 2-3000 tons.

SHIP SUNK
     One small AP, 2-3000 tons, similar to ONI 208-J, page
     147, KEIZAN MARU or page 148 AMAKUSA MARU.

DAMAGE DETERMINED BY
     Saw one hit amidships, ship broke in half and sank
     almost immediately.

TARGET DRAFT
     10-12 feet Course 015 Speed: 11.5 Range: 2,300

OWN SHIP DATA
     Speed: 2.5 Kts. Course: 280 Depth: 64 Angle: 0°

                   FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

     Submerged periscope approach, TDC, stadimeter ranges.
Used normal speed spread, three bow torpedoes, depth
set 8 feet, gyro angle 9°R, track angle 94 starboard.
One hit, two spread misses.

                                                ATTACK No. 2
                      No. 1                 No. 2                 No. 3
Tubes fired           1                     1                     1
Track angle           92 S                  94 S                  94 S
Gyro angle            009 R                 009.5 R               009 R
Depth set             8 feet                8 feet                8 feet
Power                 high                  high                  high
Hit or miss           miss                  hit                   miss
Erratic               no                    no                    no
Mk. torpedo           23                    23                    23
Serial No.            41467                 41455                 416143
Mk. exploder          6-5                   6-5                   6-5
Serial No.            13362                 13406                 13417
Actuation set         contact               contact               contact

                                   -16-

— page 132 —
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

Actuation
actual
Mk. warhead
Serial No.
Explosive
Firing int.
Type spread
Sea conditions
Overhaul
activity
Remarks:

none
16-1
12573
TPX
8 second interval
1 knot speed
Calm sea, moderate swell from West.

SubRon 4, S/B Pearl Harbor, T.H.

Misses were spread misses, length of target 280 feet.

contact
16-1
12623
TPX

none
16-1
12551
TPX

(I) MINES:
No comments.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS:
1. SMALL CRAFT:
The usual number of small craft in coastal areas has a
definite nuisance value in hindering access to focal points
on the surface, and observation while submerged. In approach-
ing Kuki Saki we were definitely detected on the surface by
small craft.
2. AIR COVERAGE:
The scarcity of air coverage in a routine fashion was
quite a contrast to Southwest Pacific activities. This
strengthens the deduction that air activity is a good
indication of ship movements. Our biggest surprise, not
totally unexpected, was an aircraft flare on a pitch black
night. Though no attack followed there was no mistaking the
brilliance of daylight and we concluded that we went down in
such a hurry that he didn't see us.
3. PATROLS:
Only a few vessels definitely recognized as patrols were
encountered. The most notable, a TBD and smaller friend,
who were sighted in company on three occasions in the
vicinity of Inamba Shima, Mikura Shima and Hachijo Shima.
They patrolled at slow speed making frequent and radical
changes of course.
4. COUNTERMEASURES:
Our one successful attack brought on countermeasures
which puzzled us. Primarily because of the fact that no
charges were dropped until an hour and a half after the
attack and we thought we were getting off Scot free. Second,
the nature of the charges was something new. The strong
possibility exists that the presence of surface craft
tracking us was for the purpose of directing attacking air-
craft. At no time could we detect an imminent attack from
any of the usual 3 or 4 and sometimes 5 surface craft we had
in contact by sound. Echo ranging was not used.
The nature of the charges is described as follows:
(a) All seemed heavier than any previously experienced -
Even the apparent distant ones.
(b) There was a noticeable absence of the customary click of
the detonator on all charges and not just the first

-17-

— page 133 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 114]
CONFIDENTIAL

(a) group which we believed to be from aircraft.
    There seemed to be no detonation of the main charge.
    That is, there was a heavy prolonged rumbling as of
    a slow explosion providing complete combustion in
    contrast to the usual fast crack and shock of
    charges previously experienced.
(d) It was impossible to determine direction or distance
    except the very obviously distant ones. The ship
    trembled and slowly rolled, on several occasions the
    swish of water was heard around the hull.
(e) It is suggested that the so called "Block Busters"
    previously reported are normal sized charges in which
    the rate of burning has been slowed down to provide
    complete combustion. It is believed that the effect
    of this action would prolong the period of maximum
    pressure, and would give the impression of bigger
    charges.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE - ENGINEERING
    PORT MAIN SHAFT
    28 May 1944, first detected an intermittent squeal
    of the port shaft in building up to speed from 40 to 80
    RPM. This was heard on the JP sound gear.
        During sound tests conducted on 27 April 1944 at
    Pearl Harbor, on the second run at 50 RPM one squeal was
    heard, described as a loud-low pitch shaft whine. It was
    not heard again nor during the subsequent training period.

    Observations during the patrol revealed the following:
    1. The squeal occurred intermittently between 40 to 80
       RPM.
    2. It was inconsistent, i.e., it occurred at no specific
       speed.
    3. It was progressively getting worse, becoming louder and
       occurring through a wider range. It could be heard on
       both the JP and supersonic sound gear. Towards the end
       of the patrol it began to occur at 40 RPM.
    4. The source of the sound seemed to be outside the hull
       at the strut bearing.
    5. When running silent it was the most predominate and
       characteristic noise, at 80 RPM it is louder than the
       ordinary screw noise.
    MAIN MOTORS
    2300(L) 22 June 1944.
        No. 2 and No. 4 main motors could not be operated in
    parallel, and were pulled clear when it was determined
    #4 was sparking excessively. The excessive sparking of
    #4 main motor was corrected by readjustment of brush spring
    tension and cleaning off the commutator.
    0130(L) 23 June 1944.
        No. 4 main motor back in commission, tested satis-
    factorily under full load. Conducted half hourly inspec-
    tions.
    1100(L) 23 June 1944.
        While operating in series position at standard speed
                                -18-

— page 134 —
CONFIDENTIAL
a sudden fluctuation of generator and port motor ammeters
coupled with an unusual noise indicated further trouble, the
load was immediately pulled clear on the port side. Fire
broke out around #4 main motor commutator but soon subsided.
Examination revealed the following:
(a) Commutator blackened and extremely hot.
(b) Brush holders badly burned and some fused.
(c) Commutator slightly scored and resistance broken down.
(d) Field and armature readings normal.
2200(L) 23 June 1944.
No. 4 main motor jumped out, port shaft back in
commission with No. 3 main motor in use.
The performance of the main motors has been good. The
record of readings at each refit indicates that they are in
better than average condition. The only difficulties pre-
viously experienced have been attributed directly to poor
commutation and excessive sparking as the result of improper
brush spring tension or the need for readjustment because of
gradual wearing of the brushes.
The immediate cause and full extent of the damage
incurred by the above casualty has not yet been determined.
BOW AND STERN PLANES
The contactor arms for the Cutler Hammer #175 contactor
relays in the starting panels for the bow and stern planes
continue to be a source of trouble. The built-up type arm
has been little or no better than the original design of
contactor arm.
On this patrol five bow plane and 2 stern plane failures
have been incurred by breakage of contactor arms. One bow
plane casualty occurred a few moments before firing tor-
pedoes which definitely classifies this as a major defect.

(L) RADAR
No remarks.
(M) RADAR
The performance of both the SJa and SD radars was good.
No radar interference was observed on either radar screen
while in the patrol area. The radar detector (Model ARC-1)
did not pick up any signals other than those traced to the
SJa and SD radars on board ship. The ARC did, however,
pick up signals from the radars on Oahu and Midway before
departing on patrol.
Side lobes on the SJa were very annoying. On one
occasion strong side lobes were observed on an island at a
range of 20,000 yards. These side lobes appeared on the PPI
scope as distinctly separate from the island and looked like
ships lying just off the island.
It is believed that the operation of the SJa would be
much more efficient if the training control were similar to
that used on the WCA system sound heads.
The "false" target picked up on 7 June 1944 is considered
of sufficient importance to be made the subject of a sep-
arate report.

-19-

— page 135 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS
     No remarks.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS
     The widely varied conditions observed during the patrol
can be attributed directly to the effect of the Kuroshio
as we moved about in our area. At periscope depth as much
as ten degrees change in temperature within fifteen
minutes was observed on several occasions. The Bathy-
thermograph proved invaluable to the diving officer during
such unstable conditions.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY
     The health of the crew was excellent. Cooler weather
made habitability much better than on previous patrols.
     Food was better than on any one of the four previous
patrols made by this ship. This is attributed to the
fact that better stores and a larger amount of fresh
frozen foods were obtained than were available in the
Southwest Pacific Areas.

(Q) PERSONNEL
     No comments.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED
     Midway to area                               2,555 miles
                                                  30,200 gals.
     In area                                      3,851 miles
                                                  34,100 gals.
     Area to Midway                               2,150 miles
                                                  22,600 gals.

(S) DURATION
     Days enroute to area                         9
     Days in area                                 29
     Days enroute Midway                          8
     Days submerged                               25

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING
     Torpedoes                                    8 Mk. 18, 10 Mk. 14
     Fuel                                         5,835 gals.
     Provisions                                   12 days
     Personnel factor                             days unknown
     Limiting factor this patrol                  Fuel

(U) REMARKS
     1. Mk. 18 TORPEDOES
        For the first time we carried electric torpedoes aft.
None were fired. It is considered that the maintenance
of electric torpedoes is no more difficult than that of
air torpedoes and that the habitability of the after
torpedo room was unaffected.
     2. The condition of the port shaft though not serious
enough to require leaving station rendered it inadvisable
to seek out the enemy in closely confined coastal waters.
Thus after our experience of the 30th we avoided the
vicinities from which small craft could be called on
short notice. This necessarily eliminated the opportunities

                                                  -20-

— page 136 —
CONFIDENTIAL

for taking a crack at the coastal traffic and our activity
was confined to seeking out bigger game in the more open
traffic lanes, but without further results.
3. The attitude and spirit of the officers and men who have
made five patrols with few productive contacts or oppor-
tunities is very admirable and they continue to look forward
eagerly to the day when the self-given nickname of "peace-
ful P" will lose its significance.

-21-

— page 137 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION SIXTY TWO

FB5-62/A16-3
Care of Fleet Post Office,
Serial : 024
San Francisco, California,
28 June 1944.
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. POMPON Report of
War Patrol No. 5
dated 25 June 1944.

From: The Commander Submarine Division SIXTY-TWO.
To : The Commander in Chief, U. S. Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
Subordinate Command, Navy #1504.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of Fifth War Patrol -
Forwarding of.

1. The POMPON's Fifth War Patrol was conducted in Japanese
Empire waters along the south coasts of Honshu and Shikoku, and the
east coast of Kyushu. The patrol extended over a period of fifty days
twenty-nine of which were spent in very thoroughly covering the as-
signed area.

2. Ten enemy surface ship contacts were made. Five of
these were patrol or escort vessels, three were merchant ships, one
was a Chidori type DD and one was not identified. Of the three mer-
chant ships, two were attacked with torpedoes. The third could not
be closed to firing range.

3. Attack number one during the afternoon of 28 May was
conducted at periscope depth on an unescorted 7,000 ton funnel-aft
freighter or tanker. Three torpedoes fired at an estimated torpedo
run of 3590 yards on a 118 port track did no damage. Two torpedoes
were seen to broach before reaching the target's track. Attack number
two resulted in the sinking of a 2,300 ton transport similar to the
Keigan Maru with one hit amidships out of three torpedoes fired. The
Commanding Officer saw this ship blow up and sink. The attack was
made from periscope depth at a range of 2300 yards during the morning
of 30 May. This ship was escorted only by a float type bi-plane which
apparently did not sight POMPON until an hour after the attack. Short-
ly thereafter, a persistent depth charge attack commenced which was
maintained for over four and a half hours. An estimated 50 to 60
block busters of a new type were dropped with the POMPON at 300 feet
under a triple layer of temperature gradients.

4. POMPON carried Mark XVIII's aft, none of which were
fired.

5. The POMPON's material condition is very good with the
exception of two major defects: #4 main motor has a badly burned
commutator and brush rigging which will be repaired by HOLLAND; the

-1-

— page 139 —
cek.

A16-3 COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET,
SUBORDINATE COMMAND, NAVY NO. 1504.
Serial No. 0110 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
28 June 1944.

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. POMPON Report of
War Patrol No. 5
dated 25 June 1944.

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. POMPON (SS267) - Report of Fifth War Patrol -
Forwarding of.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks contained in
the first endorsement.

2. The Commanding Officer, Officers and crew are
further congratulated upon the completion of an excellently
conducted patrol which inflicted damage as assessed on the enemy.

[SIGNATURE: C. D. Edmunds]
C. D. EDMUNDS.

— page 140 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01364 ER
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
7 July 1944.
CONFIDENTIAL
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to DESTROYED PRIOR TO
POMPON Report of ENTERING PATROL AREA.
Fifth War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 464
U.S.S. POMPON - FIFTH 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. POMPON (SS267) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.
(6 May to 25 June 1944).

1. The fifth war patrol of the POMPON was conducted in
areas South of the Empire.
2. Two of the three contacts worthy of torpedoes were at-
tacked by the POMPON which resulted in the sinking of one small trans-
port. This vessel was sunk after an aggressive daytime periscope at-
tack against the transport which was protected by an air screen.
3. This patrol is designated as "Successful" for Combat
Insignia Award.
4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congra-
tulates the Commanding Officer, officers, and crew for having in-
flicted the following damage upon the enemy:

S U N K
1 - Small Transport ([UNCLEAR: MIKUSA MARU] class) - 2,340 tons (Attack No. 2)

J. H. BROWN, Jr.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
Intel.Com.Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
Comservpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Comsubslnt (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (2)
ComsubsoWospac (2)
CTF 72 (2)
Comnorpac (1)
Comsubspac (40)
SUB.D, MI (2) [SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes 2nd]
ComsubspacSubordcon (3)
All Squadron and Div. E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Commanders, Subspac (2) Flag Secretary.
Comsubstrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Subspac (1)

— page 141 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST Copy]

SS267/A16-3
U.S.S. POMPON (SS267)
Serial 016
DECLASSIFIED
% Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
3 September 1944.

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

Subject: U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of Sixth
War Patrol.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Charts (CTF 17 only).
(C) Torpedo Attack Charts (CTF 17 only).

1. Enclosures (A), (B) and (C), covering the
Sixth War Patrol of this vessel conducted along the
east coast of Honshu and in the Kuriles during the period
18 July to 3 September 1944 are forwarded herewith.

S. H. GIMBER.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-NARA, 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/1/73] [STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: Filmed]
[HANDWRITTEN: 87945]

— page 142 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SIXTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 19 July to 3 September 1944)

(A) PROLOGUE
POMPON arrived Midway, T.H. on 25 June 1944 from Fifth
War Patrol. Normal refit conducted by SubDiv 62 and
U.S.S. HOLLAND. The following major work and alterations
were accomplished:
1. Repaired badly burned commutator and brush of #4
main motor.
2. Drydocked in ARD-8; routine work. Straightened
slightly bent blade tips of both propellors and re-
packed port shaft. Subsequent sound tests were
satisfactory.
3. Installed IMO hydraulic pump.
4. Conducted four days of training and fired four exercise
torpedoes. Delayed overnight for final repairs on SJa
radar and on 19 July 1944 departed Midway for Sixth War
Patrol in Areas 1,2,3 and Kuriles.

(B) NARRATIVE
19 July
0930 Took departure from Midway in accordance with
CTF OpOrder 241-44 for Sixth War Patrol of this
vessel.

20 July
Omitted this date.

21-25 July
Enroute patrol area, conducted training dives
and drills.

26 July
All times minus nine (-9).
1530 I Entered patrol area.
Miles 2,069. Fuel Used: 21,250.

27 July
Made several radar contacts with small craft
during night.
0445 I Dove.
0819 I Surfaced, •conducted patrol across route to Kuriles.
1200 I Position: Lat. 37-27(N), Long. 142-29(E).
Went east to investigate contacts of previous
night.
1420 I SHIP CONTACT #1: GUN ATTACK #1. Lat. 37-18(N),
Long. 142-57(E). Trawler, 300-400 tons, "EU".
Sighted fishing trawler at about 7-8 miles, dove
for approach and at
1522 I Battle surfaced 1800 yards on his port quarter.
Slight opposition from small caliber guns was
quickly overcome. Own gunfire strictly amateur
but effective with an excessive expenditure of
bullets.
Planted a demolition charge and left him in a

-1-

— page 143 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. HOLON - REPORT OF NINTH PATROL
(Period from 19 July to 3 September 1944)

1302 I LT CONTACT #2: SD 9 miles closing, dove.
1352 I Surfaced and searched 10 miles either side of
route. Visibility opened and closed like an
accordion throughout the rest of day.

4 August
0739 I Dove.
0842 I Surfaced - Visibility 100 yards, but clearing
overhead.
0907 I LT CONTACT #4: SD 3 miles, dove in a hurry.
A thrill for the SD operator for we had just cut
it in and he didn't even have time to report
planes.
0910 I Torpedo splash - No explosion.
0912 I Two light explosions preceded by distinct splashes.
Heavy to two degree gradient muffled
Evidently we are close to track and planes are
well equipped. It seems unlikely that a routine
patrol would have spotted us in fog.
1136 I Surfaced - Visibility 3-4 miles now.
1200 I Position: Lat. 41-53(N), Lon. 143-09(E).
1235 I LT CONTACT #5: SD 8 miles closing, dove.
1519 I Surfaced, decided to play hop scotch with this
fellow for we are well spotted in.
1615 I Dove.
1727 I Surfaced.
1845 I Dove.
2022 I Surfaced.

5 August
0715 I Dove.
0838 I Surfaced - Visibility 1 mile.
0841 I LT CONTACT #6: SD 16 miles.
0844 I Lost contact.
1200 I Position: Lat. 42-57(N), Long. 151-15(E).
1300 I Changed course to head for north end of Uruppu To.
1342 I LT CONTACT #7: SD 22 miles.
1350 I Lost contact, 25 miles. It's nice to know we're
all alone in this foggy world. Visibility in-
creased in late afternoon as injection dropped
some twenty degrees.

6 August
0245 I SJ contact on Uruppu To, 35 miles.
0305 I Dove - Wind and sea had kicked up to gale force.
After breaching four or five times decided to
ride it out submerged.
0800 K Set clocks ahead to minus ten zone time. All
times hereafter minus ten.
1200 K Position: Lat. 46-05(N), Long. 150-36(E).
1530 K Sighted land distance 9 miles, wind and sea had
moderated.
1953 K Surfaced and took passage through Minami Uruppu
Suido.

-4-

— page 144 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SUBMARINE PATROL
(Period from 19 July to 3 September 1944)

7 August
0342 K Dove for submerged patrol off Tsurigano Wan.
Sighted numerous small craft during day.
1200 K Position: Lat. 46-09(N), Long. 150-04(E).
1201 K LINE CONTACT 8: Periscope sighting, large
bomber on northerly course.
2000 K Surfaced.
2005 K LINE CONTACT 6: ATTACK #1.
UNSUCCESSFUL.
Lat. 46-12(N), Long. 150-01(E). Radar contact
at 8,000 yards. Pip looked small, but as big
or bigger than Chidori track on second of
August. Set up, checking good. Went in for attack
intending to get a look at him. At about 4,000
yards thought I could see him so decided to shoot.
2043 K Fired four bow torpedoes on 70 port track, 3,200
yard run, gyro angles 356° - 001°, depth set 4
feet in a flat sea. Used normal speed spread.
Missed and at
2048 K Heard two or three underwater explosions as
torpedoes probably hit bottom. Target tracked
out to 11,000 yards. No change of course or
speed.
Post analysis:
1. Set up checked cold.
2. Approach was deliberate and unhurried.
3. Forward regulator went out after first shot
and gyro angles were matched by hand.
Analysis shows that despite this, torpedoes
should have hit a reasonable sized target.
4. Mistake made in not closing further and
actually seeing target. Land 3-4,000 yards
beyond target undoubtedly led me to believe
that I saw a good size ship at about 4,000
yards.
5. Believe four torpedoes were kicked out at a
spitkit we couldn't hit with a bass fiddle.
2245 K Heard three distant explosions.

8 August
0345 K Dove for submerged patrol in Yetorofu Kaikyo.
0540 K PERISCOPE SIGHTING: Periscope sighting, float
plane, a "Jake" on northerly course, distance
4 miles.
1200 K Position: Lat. 45-37(N), Long. 149-03(E).
2005 K Surfaced.

9 August
Visibility poor, patrolled off Poronotsu Bana
until visibility increased to 4-5 miles.
0651 K Dove for submerged patrol.
1200 K Position: Lat. 44-51(N), Long. 147-01(E).

-5-

— page 145 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SIXTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 19 July to 3 September 1944)

1700 K Sighted 9-10 sampans in loose column formation
proceeding down the coast.
2021 K Surfaced, set course for La Perouse Strait.
2100 K Stopped. Lt.(jg) T.O. FLINN went over the
side in shallow water diving outfit and plugged
a sanitary tank overboard discharge. We have
been unable to blow this tank because the sea
valve disc had dropped off its valve stem. The
same casualty had occurred to the inboard valve
a few days ago. The plug did not hold so it
was necessary to put a pressure in the forward
engine room, an unhealthy condition for we were
unable to dive for about twenty minutes.
2355 K Repairs completed, resumed course and speed.
Lt. FLINN's noteworthy efforts in the cold water
were promptly rewarded with a warm bunk and hot
toddy. After ten hours sleep he was unjustly
accused of ulterior motives.

10 August
0345 K CONTACT #7: NO ATTACK. Lat. 45-35(N),
Long. 145-09(E). Sighted white light bearing
303°T. Thought it was a spitkit, but change of
bearing indicated he was fast, so commenced
circling to work ahead. No radar contact.
Discovered radar train was out because of a bad
mechanical coupling which was soon repaired.
0415 K Visual contact with high periscope. He is
a large merchant ship.
0539 K First radar contact, 35,000 yards.
0547 K CONTACT #10: Sighted from bridge and through
periscope circling near target.
0608 K He is in sight again, decided to open out further.
The suspicion that the ship was probably one of
Stalin's boys was overcome by the presence
of the plane. So I determined to make sure.
Outside of a hospital ship, this was the largest
ship the POMPON has seen in five patrols.
0704 K He is in sight again, on bearing of 000°T.
Watched him for five minutes, put him astern
and slowed, as he finally seemed to settle on
a zero angle at an estimated 8-10 miles.
0709 K Dove, hoping to avoid detection.
0754 K Surfaced. All clear, target out of sight, but
SJ him at 55,000 yards.
0755 K Brief glimpse of plane as we opened range, de-
cided to stay outside of 30 miles. We have
the advantage on the plane. From here on the
radar performance was phenomenal and can only
be attributed to unusual atmospheric conditions.
It was crystal clear, unlimited visibility,
typical full day, clear and cold - Football
weather. We maintained contact intermittently

-6-

— page 146 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SIXTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 19 July to 3 September 1944)

1011 K at ranges between 65,000 and 80,000 yards.
          SHIP CONTACT #8: NO ATTACK. Another target at
          68,000 yards, ahead of ours, going in same
          direction.
1115 K Sent contact report blind. We are just about
          to be now and this will take all day.
1155 K SHIP CONTACT #9: NO ATTACK. Sighted smoke about
          ten degrees forward of our targets.
1200 K Position: Lat. 47-09(N), Lon. 147-11(E).
1213 K Radar contact on third ship at 47,000 yards. We
          tracked him on opposite and parallel course be-
          tween us and the other two. Lost him at 55,000
          yards. He smoked continuously.
1400 K Lost all radar contact, last range about 70,000
          yards. The radar either got tired after such
          tremendous efforts or conditions changed any-
          way, we know we'll never see the likes of it
          again.
1648 K Started closing range cutting across his bow.
          Generated angle 60° starboard.
1700 K Number 1 main motor sparking badly and our hopes
          fell as we secured the starboard shaft.
1726 K Visual contact on smoke.
1740 K Target in sight, we don't know which one, but
          believe it is second or leading target, Contact
          #8.
1744 K Going ahead on three main motors, #1 main motor
          jumped out. The electricians are becoming pro-
          ficient at this.
          Severe electrical storm followed by heavy showers
          interfered with radar performance which was now
          back to normal. Target turned on lights at night
          fall and we went in for a look ready to shoot.
2130 K At 5,000 yards regulation Soviet lights were
          clearly distinguished, he was big. Disappointed,
          we turned away to check the other target which
          we now had on the radar. He also turned on lights
          visible at 10 miles. After such a long chase and
          the evidence of air escort for one of those ships,
          decided to stay ahead and see this one in daylight.

11 August
0344 K Dove for approach on target.
0421 K Viewed him at 1,500 yards. He was a liberty ship
          high out of the water with all the proper Soviet
          markings. What a pill to swallow!
          The following possibilities exist:
          1. We lost our original contact between 1400 and
             1726, and stumbled on the other.
          2. Our first approach at night was on a Jap with
             Soviet lights.
          3. The plane was a casual patrol.

-7-

— page 147 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SIXTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 19 July to 3 September 1944)

4. Or worse yet, the plane saw us chasing Russians
and is still laughing.
Stayed down for a rest. If not well earned, at
least it was needed for we had a long chase and
let down in direct contrast to the usual exuber-
ance and uplift of a successful attack. Starboard
shaft out of commission, submerged to effect repairs
on #1 main motor.
1200 K Position: Lat. 50-10(N), Long. 149-24(E).
1210 K No. 1 main motor back in commission, renewed 82
out of 96 brushes.
1250 K Surfaced. Tested No. 1 main motor at full power.

12 August
0406 K Dove for trim.
0509 K Surfaced at sunrise and set course to close
Sakhalin and investigate possible route from La
Perouse up the coast.
Visibility conditions were the strangest we had
seen in this area. The mirage effect gave double
and triple horizons through an almost steam-like
haze.
0944 K Sighted Sakhalin at about 50 miles. SJ had contact.
1200 K Position: Lat. 49-52(N), Long. 144-50(E).
1452 K CONTACT #10: ATTACKS #2,3,4. SUCCESSFUL.
Lat. 49-45(N), Long. 144-22(E).
Summary:
Attack #2: Two hits, damaged 3,000 ton AO "C".
Attack #3: Two hits, sunk 4,000 ton AK "C".
Attack #4: Possible hits on 600 ton AM "C".
Sighted three or more ships to southward coming
up the coast. First radar contact at 44,000 yards.
Radar picked up five ships. They were making
9-10 knots and we could see them zig at a distance
of 10 miles!
Turned to close as we lost contact for variable
mirage effect and visual and radar contact
intermittent. Regained sight contact from bridge
and coached periscope on by giving bearing and
elevation of three degrees. As someone remarked,
"Here come the B------ down hill".
1736 K Dove to have a close look and identify them. Sub-
merged attack unfeasible in poorly charted water
and glassy sea plus a varying gradient which made
one-third trim impossible.
1936 K Jap convoy passed by slowly as we carefully looked
them over. Nearest ship an escort at 3,500 yards.
Convoy consisted of:
Two DEs or Chidori TBD "C".
1. One AO 8,000 tons "C". Similar to Erino,
page 282, ONI 203J (Revised).

-8-

— page 148 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SIXTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 19 July to 3 September 1944)

#2. One AO or AK 2,200 tons. "AO". Similar to
El Dorado, Page 271.
#3. One AK 4,000 tons "AO". Similar to Tone,
Page 130.
2117 K Surfaced and worked ahead for a surface attack.
2320 K In position, started approach. A dark clear
night, sea still glassy with star beam reflec-
tions on the water. At about 12,000 yards we
could see the target group and at 6,000 yards
I was giving angles on the bow of the escorts.
We held our breath as the second escort gave a
zero angle about here, but it was only the extrem-
ity of his fish-tailing. We kept our bow
at him, making 12 knots our firing speed.
ATTACK #2: SUCCESSFUL, two hits on #1 ship, AO,
8,000 tons, damaged.
2340 K Fired three bow tubes at second escort with #1 and
#2 ship overlapping beyond him. Range to escort
3,600 yards, gyro angles 359-356, depth set 4
feet, used half normal speed for us before torpedoes reach-
ed him and successfully dodged.
ATTACK #3: SUCCESSFUL, two hits on #3 ship, AK,
4,000 tons, sunk.
2342 K Swung left about 15 degrees and fired three bow
tubes at #3 ship. Range 4,300 yards, gyro angles
014-359, depth set four feet.
Heard slap at bow and watched torpedo from #6 tube
start going crazy as we swung left and poured on
the coal. The next two or three minutes I was
extremely busy with our own noble experiment in
a nip and tuck race until it passed our starboard
quarter on a 30° track well inside of 200 yards.
Two hits seen and heard on #1 ship. Times checked
on big AO with 5,400 yard run. I had a brief
glimpse of these in a spare moment.
2345½ K Two hits seen and heard on #3 ship. Two ships
were definitely seen to be in trouble. This
follow became fuzzy and disappeared from the
radar screen to an accompaniment of rumblings
and minor explosions. It is believed that with-
out a doubt he sank.
Steadied down with #2 escort chasing our tail at
2,000 yards and stupidly blinking a challenge
which we promptly answered.
ATTACK #4: Possible hit(s) on #1 escort, an AM
who did not participate in subsequent depth charge
attack.
2347 K Fired three stern tubes at #2 escort. Range
2,500 yards, gyro angles 177-183, depth set 4 feet.
Angle on the bow varied from 15 port to 15 star-
board as he fishtailed through our wake and Winton
smoke. #7 tube was fired a few seconds earlier

-9-

— page 149 —
CONFIDENTIAL
USS POMPON - SIXTH WAR PATROL
TORPEDO ATTACKS NUMBERS TWO THREE AND FOUR

LEADING                                                         POMPON
ESCORT
        • #1

. LARGE
AO
        0 #1

SMALL
AO
        0 #2                  FLANK
                              ESCORT
                                      • #2

AK
        0 #3

                 DISPOSITION OF ENEMY CONVOY

                           -10-

— page 150 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SI
(Period from 19 July to 3 September 1944)

by an excited QM before gyro angles were matched.
There were now only four ships on the radar and
unknown to the bridge, the first escort was also
astern at about 2000 yards behind the one we
shot at.
2350 K Two distinct explosions were heard. We had opened
    fairly fast from 2,000 yards to 3,300 yards which
    convinced me the escorts were Ms and not Chidori
    type.
2352 K Gunfire from our close friend cracked our ears on
    the bridge. It was fused medium caliber and
    exploded in the air. Cleared the bridge and
    lingered for a few more, dodging right and left
    but it got too hot and lonely.
2354 K Dove in a hurry with Charlie banging away at
    3,300 yards. A 70 fathom sounding brought a sigh
    of relief, and we scrambled to 350 feet. A
    total of 14 charges shook us, but none were too
    close and he never crossed our bow as we main-
    tained high speed under a beautiful layer. #10
    tube outer door stuck open for a few minutes
    adding to the discomfort.
    The possibility of his (s) on an escort is sug-
    gested by the fact that he did not participate in
    the attack, times of explosions could be run to
    him or end of run. Nothing else substantiates
    this possibility and no claim is made.
    Thus was climaxed the second anniversary of the
    launching of the POMPON, and as we pieced together
    our stories of an exciting 14 minutes, we happily
    felt that our luck had changed - but definitely.

13 August
0051 K Lost all contact.
0154 K Surfaced all clear. Set course to work up the
    coast and intercept, covering possible tracks to
    Paramushiru.
0427 K Dove.
0900 K Surfaced and continued search.
1200 K Position: Lat. 51-55(N), Long. 144-57(E).
    Conducted search to 52N and back down close to
    coast to scene of attack. Remnants of convoy
    probably retired southward. Our position is in
    those waters with soundings of 35 fathoms 10 miles
    off the coast.

14 August
0000 K Set course for Paramushiru, broke off search
0415 K Dove.
0605 K Surfaced.
1200 K Position: Lat. 50-25(N), Long. 147-01(E).

-11-

— page 151 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: T.S.S. TOMBOL - REPORT OF SIXTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 19 July to 3 September 1944)

15 August
0354 K Dove
0459 K Surf.
1200 K Position: Lat. 51-03(N), Long. 152-20(E).
1922 I SJ contact on Arido To at 35 miles.

16 August
0329 K Dove for patrol north of Araido To.
1200 K Position: Lat. 51-23(N), Long. 156-20(E).
1201 K CONTACT #11: NO ATTACK.
Sighted smoke, closed and identified as properly
marked Soviet AK.
1753 K CONTACT #12: NO ATTACK. Lat 51-15(N), Long.
153-04(E). Sighted large AK proceeding up the
coast. He seemed to be zig-zagging. Unable to close
and identify him.
1938 K Surfaced and chased.
2050 K Identified as properly marked Soviet ship. This
gets boring and the Japs are probably utilizing
this protection. There is nothing to prevent it -
certainly not international law.

17 August
0327 K Dove for patrol north of Arido To.
0837 K Heard distant explosion, nothing in sight.
1200 K Position: Lat. 51-02(N), Long. 155-52(E).
1219 I CONTACT #13: NO ATTACK. Lat. 51-02(N),
Long. 155-48(E). Two FC on routine patrol. A
FC passed us on course 315°T.
1331 K A second FC came in view. Thought something
was looking for us. They both sniffed around stop-
ping to listen. Sound heard them at about
5,000 yards.
1432 K Lost contact as both FCs retired together
towards Paramushiru Kaikyo on about 135°T.
1955 K Surfaced. Decided to play this another day
because of FC present.

18 August
0344 K Dove north of Arido To.
1200 K Position: Lat. 51-02(N), Long. 155-42(E).
1309 K Surfaced. Visibility poor.

19 August
0345 K Dove for patrol off Kakumbotsu Wan.
0920 K Surfaced as visibility decreased to 1,000 yards.
0948 K CONTACT #14: NO ATTACK. Lat. 50-29(N),
Long. 155-33(E). Sighted spitkit to northward.
Dove, and observed 4 son trucks escorted by what
looked like a MP pass down the coast. All light
and high out of the water. Fog had lifted sud-
denly.

-12-

— page 152 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SEVENTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 19 July to 3 September 1944)

20 August
1200 K Position: Lat. 50-32(N), Long. 155-27(E).
1930 K Surfaced.

21 August
0430 K Dove for trim.
0515 K Surfaced and patrolled in Onokotan Kaikyo,
visibility 500 yards.
0828 K Dove, fog lifted.
1200 K Position: Lat. 49-59(N), Long. 154-51(E).
1637 K Surfaced as fog closed in. Set course to
patrol direct route from La Perouse.

22 August
0430 K Dove for trim.
0502 K Surfaced.
1200 K Position: Lat. 49-23(N), Long. 151-38(E).
Visibility variable all day.
1955 K Contact on Matsuwa To at 45 miles.

23 August
0409 K Dove north of Matsuwa To.
1012 K Surfaced, visibility 500 yards.
1200 K Position: Lat. 48-05(N), Long. 158-33(E).
1500 K Set course to patrol southward routes east of
Kuriles.

24 August
0415 K Trim dive.
0534 K Surfaced.
1200 K Position: Lat. 46-47(N), Long. 153-18(E).

25 August
0415 K Dove.
0506 K Surfaced.
1200 K Position: Lat. 46-37(N), Long. 155-48(E).
2200 K Departed area enroute Midway.
Miles in Area: 5,315
Fuel in Area: 46,020
Fuel on Hand: 24,550

26 August
Enroute Midway.
1200 K PLUM CONTACT: 11: SD 8 miles. Not sighted,
dove.
1200 K Position: Lat. 42-34(N), Long. 158-25(E).

27-30 August
Enroute Midway.

-13-

— page 153 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON - REPORT OF SIXTH WAR PATROL
(Period from 19 July to 3 September 1944)

20 August
Departed this date, crossed 180 meridian.
1100 Y Moored Midway. Unloaded Torpedoes, fueled.
1630 Y Departed Midway enroute Pearl in company with
R.S.S.R.

31 August - 2 September
Enroute Pearl, conducted training with R.S.S.R.

3 September
1000 Y Moored SubBase Pearl, sixth patrol completed.

(C) WEATHER
Fog was encountered almost daily within 100 to 150 miles
either side of the Kuriles. Fog usually varied so much in
density during daylight hours that surface radar patrol was
unfeasible and submerged periscope patrol was not very
effective.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
Currents experienced were in general agreement with the
standard publications. No current was experienced in an
eastward passage of Mushiru Kaikyo and a westward passage
of Minami Uruppu Suido.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
Cape Sivuchi Light, Kamchatka, USSR burning with proper
characteristics.

-14-

— page 154 —
Estimated
Course
&
Speed
How
Con-
tacted:
No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Types | Initial Range | Course & Speed | How Contacted | Remarks
1 | 1420 I 27 July | 37-18(N) 142-57(E) | Armed fishing trawler. | 16000 yards | 265 9½ Kts. | SD | Attacked and destroyed by gunfire.
2 | 1406 I 29 July | 38-33(N) 141-46(E) | P.C. | 6000 yards | 025 6 Kts. | P | Appeared to be patrolling.
3 | 0646 I 30 July | 38-56(N) 141-52(E) | 2 freighters | 8000 yards | 035 8 Kts. | P | Unloaded.
4 | 1346 I 1 Aug. | 39-05(N) 141-58(E) | Otori TBD | 12000 yards | 010 18 Kts. | P | Unknown.
5 | 2320 I 1 Aug. | 39-11(N) 142-05(E) | TBD | 22000 yards | 200 11 Kts. | R | Patrolling.
6 | 2005 K 7 Aug. | 46-12(N) 150-03(E) | Unknown Liberty Ship, | 6500 yards | 050 8 Kts. | R | Unsuccessfully attacked with torpedoes. Attack #1.
(F) SHIP CONT | 7 | 0345 K 10 Aug. | 45-35(N) 145-09(E) | Russian freighter | Unknown yards | 030 16 Kts. | SI | Closed to 5,000 yards, properly lighted Russian freighter.
8 | 0928 K 10 Aug. | 46-32(N) 146-33(E) | Russian Freighter | 80000 yards | 030 16 Kts. | R | Dived ahead at dawn of properly marked Russian freighter.
9 | 1155 K 10 Aug. | 47-08(N) 147-11(E) | Smoke | 49000 yards | 200 12 Kts. | SDP | Sighted smoke while tracking contacts 6 and 7.
10 | 1452 K 12 Aug. | 49-45(N) 144-22(E) | Convoy: 2 AOs, 1 AK, 2 Escorts | 40000 yards | 350 9 Kts. | R | Attacked.
CONFIDENTIAL | 11 | 1201 K 16 Aug. | 51-22(N) 156-21(E) | Russian freighter | 20000 yards | 300 9 Kts. | P | Proceeding on NW course through first Kuriles St.
12 | 1758 K 16 Aug. | 51-15(N) 156-04(E) | Russian Freighter | 16000 yards | 355 12 Kts. | P |
13 | 1219 K 17 Aug. | 51-02(N) 155-48(E) | P.C. | 6000 yards | 315 Var. | P | Patrolling out of Paramushiru Kaikyo.
14 | 0945 K 19 Aug. | 50-30(N) 155-33(E) | 5 sea trucks & 1 small patrol craft | 8000 yards | 245 8 Kts. | SD | Proceeding down N.W. side of Paramushiru.
-15-

— page 155 —
CONFIDENTIAL
CONT CT NUMBER
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Date | 7-30-44 | 7-31-44 | 8-3-44 | 8-4-44
S | Time (Zone) | 0752 I | 0724 I | 1302 I | 0907 I
U | Position: Lat. | 38-55(N) | 39-08(N) | 41-18(N) | 41-49(N)
B | Long. | 141-49 E | 141-57 E | 144-05 E | 147-53 E
M | Speed | 18 Knots | 2 Knots | 14 Knots | 11.5 Kts
A | Course | 035°T | 190°T | 036°T | 050°T
R | Trim | Surface | Per. | S.L.T. | S.L.T.
I | L.T. | Day
N | Minutes Since Last | Before
E | SD Radar Search | 1/4 | - | 1/2 | Before
| Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
A | Type | Emily | Pete | Unknown | Unknown
I | Probable Mission | Escort | Patrol | Unknown | Unknown
R | How Contacted | Sight | P | Radar | Radar
C | Initial Range | 6-8 miles | 3 miles | 10 miles | 3 miles
R | Elevation Angle | 1° | 4° | Unknown | Unknown
A | Range & Relative
F | Bearing of Plane
T | When It Detected
S/M | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown
C | (State (Beau- | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0
O | Sea: | fort) |
N | (Direction(Rel) | 150° | 035° | NW | W
D | Visibility (Miles) | 4-6 | 6-8 | 1/4 | 2
I | (Height in | Dense | Dense
T | Clouds: ( | Ft. | 2000 | 2-3000 | Fog | Fog
I | (Percent
O | Overcast | .5 | .5 | 100% | 100%
N | (Bearing (Rel) | --- | --- | --- | ---
S | Moon: (Angle | --- | --- | --- | ---
(Percent | --- | --- | --- | ---
Illum.

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: 32/3SS-B

-16-

— page 156 —
CONFIDEN
CONTACT NUMBER | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
---|---|---|---|---
Date | 8-4-44 | 8-5-44 | 8-5-44 | 8-7-44
S U B M A R I N E
Time (Zone) | 1235 I | 0841 I | 1342 I | 1200 K
Position: Lat. | 41-57 (N) | 43-20 (N) | 44-05 (N) | 46-13 (N)
Long. | 148-06 E | 150-57 E | 151-52 E | 150-07 E
Speed | 11.5 Kts | 11 Knots | 11 Knots | 3 Knots
Course | 050°T | 050°T | 350°T | 230°T
Trim | S.L.T. | S.L.T. | S.L.T. | Per.
Minutes Since Last SD Radar Search | 0 | 1/3 | 1/3 | Day Before
A I R C R A F T
Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
Type | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Emily
Probable Mission | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Patrol
How Contacted | Radar | Radar | Radar | P
Initial Range | 8 miles | 16 miles | 22 miles | 4 miles
Elevation Angle | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | 3°
Range & Relative Bearing of Plane When Detected S/M | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown
O P E R A T I O N A L D A T A
Sea: (State (Beaufort) | 0 | 4 | 4 | 1
(Direction(Rel) | N | S | S | 155°
Visibility (Miles) | 8 | 4 | 1 | 8
Clouds: (Type | Ci | Dense | Dense | 2,000
(Height in Ft. | 10,000 | Fog | Fog | 2,000
(Percent Overcast | 70% | 100% | 100% | 100%
Moon: (Bearing (Rel) | --- | --- | --- | ---
(Angle | --- | --- | --- | ---
(Percent Illum. | --- | --- | --- | ---

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: 32/3SS-b

-17-

— page 157 —
CONFIDENTIAL
CONTACT NUMBER
(C) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
| | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10
Date | | 8-8-44 | 8-10-44 | 8-10-44 | 8-12-44
Time (Zone) | | 0530 K | 0507 K | 0709 K | 1630 K
Position: Lat. | | 45-41 (N) | 45-55 (N) | 46-15 (N) | 48-14 (N)
Long. | | 149-03 E | 145-25 E | 146-15 E | 147-55 E
Speed | | 2 | 19 | 19 | 19
Course | | 000°T | 030°T | 100°T | 020°T
Trim | | Per Day | Surface | Surface | Surface
Minutes Since Last | |
3D Radar Search | | Before | 1/3 | 1/3 | 1/3
Number | | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
Type | | Pete | Pete? | Pete? | Pete?
Probable Mission | | Patrol | Unknown | Unknown | Patrol
How Contacted | | P | Sight | Sight | Sight
| | | 10-12 | 8 miles | 12-15
| | | miles | Closing | miles
Initial Range | | 8 miles | Closing | Closing | Closing
Elevation Angle | | 9 | 1/2 | 2 | 2
Range & Relative | |
Bearing of Plane | |
When It Detected | | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown
S/M | | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown
Sea: (Beaufort) | | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1
(Direction (Rel)) | | 120° | 120° | 150° | 145°
Visibility (Miles) | | 8 miles | 8 miles | 8 miles | 8 miles
Clouds: (Height in Ft.) | | 40,00 | 9,000 | 9,000 | 9,000
(Percent | |
Overcast) | | 30% | 20% | 20% | 20%
Moon: (Bearing (Rel)) | | --- | --- | --- | ---
(Percent | |
Illum.) | | --- | --- | --- | ---

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: 32/3SS-b

-18-

— page 158 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(C) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
307. NUMBER                                                              11
Date                                                                     3-26-44
Time (Zone)                                                              1200 K
Position: Lat.                                                           42-34 (N)
          Long.                                                          15-25 W
Speed                                                                    14 Kts
Course                                                                   137°T
Trim                                                                     Surface
Minutes Since Last                                                       1/3
SD Radar Search
Number                                                                   1
Type                                                                     Unknown
Probable Mission                                                         Patrol
How Contacted                                                            SD
Initial Range                                                            8 miles
Elevation Angle                                                          Unknown
Range & Relative
Bearing of Plane
When Detected                                                            Unknown
S/M
Sea: (State (Beaufort)                                                   0
     (Direction (Rel)                                                    045
Visibility (Miles)                                                       2
Clouds: (Ft                                                              6,000
         (Percent
         Overcast                                                        .3
Moon: (Bearing (Rel)                                                     ---
      (Angle                                                             ---
      (Percent
      Illum.                                                             ---

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: 32/33B-b

-19-

— page 159 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(H) GUN ATTACK DATA:
U.S.S. TOMON (SS267) GUN ATTACK No. 1 PATROL No. 6
Time: 1522 (I) Date: 27 July 1944 Lat. 37-18 (N)
                                        Long. 142-57 (E)

SUNK: None
DAMAGED OR PROBABLY SUNK:
  One 150 foot Trawler destroyed and left in sinking
  condition. Similar to "Miscellaneous Fishing Trawler"
  small fishing boat section ONI 208J (Revised). 300
  tons, "E.U." Photographs were obtained.
DAMAGE DETERMINED BY:
  Boarding Party.

DETAILS OF ACTION
Surfaced 1,800 yards on his quarter and fired 42 rounds
4" H.C., 1,100 rounds 20MM, and 150 rounds 50 Cal. ammunition.
Boarded and planted 10 pound demolition charges in hold. Our
20MM's prevented his manning his pilot house. Our
first 4" hit silenced his stern MG. The 4" proved very effec-
tive, tearing large holes in his hull and clearing his decks
of personnel. Fire control was local spotting by gunnery
officer, supplemented by radar ranges. Numerous 20MM stoppages
were experienced, these were cleared as they occurred. 4"
training was by open sight due to obscured telescope in smoke
and spray.

(F) TORPEDO ATTACK DATA:
U.S.S. TOMON (SS267) TORPEDO ATTACK No. 1 PATROL No. 6
Time: 2043 (K) Date: 7 August 1944 Lat: 46-13 (N)
Long: 150-09 (E)

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
DESCRIPTION:
  Single ship, unidentified. Contact made by radar at 9,000
  yards shortly after surfacing. Visibility variable in eve-
  ning twilight and patchy fog. At 4,000 yards the C.O. thought
  he saw the target. Analysis indicates that this was probably
  land beyond the target.
SHIP(S) SUNK:
  None.
SHIP(S) DAMAGED OR PROBABLY SUNK:
  None.
DAMAGE DETERMINED BY:
  None.
TARGET DATA: Not Known Course: 050° Speed: 8 Kts.
  Range 3,500 yards (at firing).
OWN SHIP DATA:
  Speed: 12 Kts. Course: 161°. Depth: Surface.
  Angle: Zero (at firing).

-20-

— page 160 —
JOINT DATA
FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

ATTACK:
First surface radar attack on single ship. Fired four
bow tubes (air) on 70 port track, 3,200 yard run, gyro
angles 356°-001°, depth set 4 feet in flat sea, used normal
spec. spread. All missed - Set up check cold as a con-
tinued tracking. Believe target was small enough to pass
between the spread fired. Forward gyro regulator went out
after first shot, but gyro angles were properly matched by
hand for successive shots.

ATTACK No. 1

Tubes fired | No. 3 | No. 4 | No. 5 | No. 6
Track angle | 71 P | 70 P | 70 P | 69 P
Gyro angle | 356 | 355 | 355 | 001
Depth set | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4
Power | - | - | - | -
Hit or miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss
Erratic | No | No | No | No
Mk. torpedo | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23
Serial No. | 49323 | 26862 | 41606 | 41559
Mk. exploder | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4
Serial No. | 769 | 3046 | 8618 | 6808
Actuation set | - | - | - | -
Actuation actual | - | - | - | -
Mk. warhead | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1
Serial No. | 12693 | 12147 | 12031 | 2398
Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX

Firing int. 3 SECONDS
Type spread 1 KNOT SPEED
Sea conditions FLAT
Overhaul S/M Base Midway
Activity U.S.S. HOLLAND

REMARKS:
No remarks.

U.S.S. OMON (SS267) TORPEDO ATTACK No. 2 CONTROL No. 6
Time: 2340(I) Date: 12 August 1944 Lat: 50-25(N)
Lon: 14-09(E).

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

DESCRIPTION:
Three ship convoy with two AM escorts. Visual and
radar contact during daylight on the surface; observed
them submerged and delayed attack until night.
No. 1 ship: Tanker, engines aft, counter stern, raised
1-2-1 stack, top of masts painted white. Similar to
281.0, p 252 of OPI 20 J (Revised).
Visibility good, dark clear night, glassy sea reflected
star beam.

RESULT(S):
None.

-21-

— page 161 —
CONFIDENTIAL
TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED (Cont'd)

SHIP (S) DAMAGED OR PROBABLY SUNK:
1,000 ton M.F.C.

DAMAGE INFLICTED BY:
Two hits seen and heard from bridge, times of explosions
checked for run to large 40. Huge columns of smoke were
seen amidships.

TARGET DRAFT: 26 feet Course: 000° Speed: 8 Kts.
Range: 5,500 yards (at firing).

OWN SHIP DATA:
Speed: 12 Kts. Course: 266° Depth: Surface
Angle: Zero (at firing)

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA:

THE ATTACK:
Night radar surface attack on three ship convoy with two
AM escorts; used visual bearings. Firing set up was on 2
escort, on the flank, who turned towards and avoided the
torpedoes. The ship hit was #1 in a loose open order column
and was in line with, but beyond the flank escort. Fired
three bow (Air) torpedoes, depth set 4 feet, 8 knot speed
spread. Torpedo wakes were extremely visible.

ATTACK No. 2
                No. 1      No. 2      No. 3
Tubes fired     86 S       85 S       83 S
Track angle     359        357        356
Gyro angle      4          4          4
Depth set
Power
Hit or miss     Miss       Hit        Hit
Erratic         No         No         No
Mk torpedo      23         23         23
Serial No.      41616      41617      61662
Mk. exploder    6-4        6-4        6-4
Serial No.      72         17469      1798
Actuation set   -          -          -
Actuation       -          Contact    Contact
Actual          16-1       16-1       16-1
Mk. warhead     9344       11999      9625
Serial No.      [UNCLEAR: T]
Explosive       8 SECONDS
Firing int.     F L T
Type spread     U.S. HOLLAND
Sea conditions
Overhaul
Activity
REMARKS: No remarks

-22-

— page 162 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. POLLACK (SS267) TORPEDO ATTACK No. 3 PATROL No. 6
Time: 2343(K) Date: 12 August 1944 Lat: 50-28(N)
Long: 144-09(E).

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

DESCRIPTION:
  Three ship convoy with two AM escorts. #3 ship: Single
  stack, engines amidships, composite superstructure, counter
  stern, raised 1-2-3, Code MTM., similar to Tone Maru, page
  130 of ONI 208 J (Revised).
SHIP(S) SUNK:
  4,000 ton AM, "T.C."
DAMAGE DETERMINED BY:
  Two hits seen and heard from bridge. Billowing clouds
  of smoke and steam, rumblings and minor explosions of ship
  breaking up. This ship became fuzzy and disappeared from
  the radar screen.
TARGET DRAFT: 24 feet Course: 000° Speed: 8 Kts
  Range: 4,300 yards (at firing)
OWN SHIP DATA:
  Speed: 12 Kts. Course: 255° Depth: Surface
  Angle: zero (at firing)

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

ATTACK:
  Night surface radar attack on three ship convoy with
  two AM escorts; used visual bearings. This ship was #3
  in a loose open order column. Fired three bow (Mk)
  torpedoes, depth set 4 feet, ½ knot speed spread. Tor-
  pedo wakes were extremely visible, a fact which facilitated
  avoiding an erratic run from #6 tube.

                                        ATTACK No. 3
| | No. 4 | No. 5 | No. 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes fired | 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Track angle | 32 S | 01 S | 80 S |
| Gyro angle | 014 | 007 | 359 |
| Depth set | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Power | - | - | - |
| Hit or miss | Hit | Hit | Miss |
| Erratic | No | No | Yes |
| Mk torpedo | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Serial No. | 26866 | 41451 | 49240 |
| Mk exploder | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 |
| Serial No. | 12379 | 1121 | 1216 |
| Actuation set | - | - | - |
| Actuation | | | |
| Actual | Contact | Contact | - |
| Mk warhead | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 |
| Serial No. | 5226 | 12734 | 12637 |

-23-

— page 163 —
CONFIDENTIAL

ATTACK No. 3. (Contd)

                No. 4         No. 5         No. 6
Tubes fired     TFX           TFX           TFX
Explosive       SECONDS       SECONDS
Firing int.     8 1/2         3 1/2
Type spread     IHO-T         SHIP D
Sea conditions  FLAT          FLAT
Overhaul        S/M Base,     U.S.S. HOLL
Activity        Midway.
Remarks         No remarks.

U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) TORPEDO ATTACK No. 4
Time: 2346 (K) Date: 12 August 1944 Lat: 5-20 (N).
Long: 114-09 (E)

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

DESCRIPTION:
    Three ship convoy with two AM escorts.
    Escorts: Single fat stacks, flare bow, one gun forward.
    Similar to Chidori TB and AM #13 Class "T.B."

SHIP(S) SUNK:
    None.

SHIP(S) DAMAGED OR PROBABLY SUNK:
    None. Possible timed hit(s) in #1 escort 2,000 yards
    behind target.

DAMAGE DETERMINED BY:
    Both escorts chased us. Timed explosion could be end of
    run or run to #1 escort, which did not participate in depth
    charging subsequent to our dive.

TARGET DATA: 6 feet Course: 100° Speed: 12 Kts
    Range: 2,300 (at firing).

OWN SHIP DATA:
    Speed: Approx. 15 Kts. Depth: Surface Course: 100°
    Angle: zero (at firing)

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

THE ATTACK:
    Night surface radar attack (Defensive). Used visual bear-
    ings in down the throat shot at #2 (The flank) escort, who
    was fishtailing in our wake. #7 tube was fired prematurely.
    Fired three stern tubes (Electric) at range of 2,200 yards,
    depth set 4 feet, no spread used, gyro angles 177°-183°, as
    ship yawed. #1 escort (The van) was at that time 2,000 yards
    astern of #2 escort, and was not seen from the bridge through
    the engine smoke and natural concentration on the closest
    ship. Missed, believed due to the fact that #2 escort de-
    liberately moved out of our wake shortly after we fired.

-24-

— page 164 —
CONFIDENTIAL

ATTACK No. 4
Tubes fired | No. 7 | No. 8 | No. 9 | No. 10
Track angle | 25 S | 23 S | 20 S | 18 S
Gyro angle | 195 | 177 | 181 | 183
Depth set | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4
Power | - | - | - | -
Hit or miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss
Erratic | No | No | No | No
Mk. Torpedo | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14
Serial No. | 54158 | 53919 | 53276 | 53481
Mk. exploder | 4-7 | 4-7 | 4-7 | 4-7
Serial No. | 16369 | 17411 | 17185 | 16353
Actuation set | - | - | - | -
Actuation | - | - | - | -
Actual | - | - | - | -
Mk. warhead | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18
Serial No. | 1114 | 742 | 763 | 537
Explosive | TNT | TNT | TNT | TNT
Firing int. | 10 SECONDS | - | - | -
Type speed | SLOW | - | - | -
Sea conditions | M I L T | - | - | -
Overhaul | S/M Base, Midway | - | - | -
Activity | - | - | - | -

No remarks.

(I) [UNCLEAR: TACTICS]
No comment.

(J) [UNCLEAR: ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND TACTICS]
No comment.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE:
ULL:
No. 3 Sanitary tank sea valve and sea stop valve:
On 9 August, No. 3 sanitary tank would not blow. Sea
stop valve pulled disclosing that disc had backed off stem.
Disc reinstalled and stem drilled to receive cotter pin.
No. 4 sea valve would not blow. Assumed that sea valve was giving
some trouble. Diver put over to plug discharge, but was
unable to locate proper opening. Four pounds pressure put
in forward engine room, valve pulled and same condition
found as sea stop. Remedied in same way and reinstalled.
Tank was blown successfully and no further trouble encount-
ered.

REMEDIES:
It is suggested that original installation of valves of
this type have stems drilled to receive cotter pins to pre-
vent discs from backing off.

ENGINE ROOM:
Main Motor Casualties:
Upon surfacing on the morning of 9 August, the after
three sets of brushes on the uppermost brush ring of #1

— page 165 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE: (Contd)
main motor began sparking. Renewed these brushes and
eliminated sparking.

On 10 August, after one hour full speed running on
four main generators, #1 main motor began sparking on four
different brush sets. Sparking was kept at a minimum by
application of brush seating stone. At 1730 all brushes
were sparking, and it was impossible to prevent insulating
glaze on commutator. Pulled clear on starboard shaft, and
at 1755 went ahead standard on starboard shaft with #1 main
motor out of the circuit. Inspection of #1 main motor re-
vealed several short brushes and several brushes with burned
spots in the center of apparently well seated brushes. The
commutator was glazed black, but unscored. Commutator was
sanded and 84 brushes renewed. At 2000 11 August, #1 main
motor was back in commission and tested satisfactorily.
No further trouble has been experienced.

On 29 August, four sets of brushes on #2 main motor
began sparking. Inspection revealed several short brushes.
Cleaned commutator with fine sandpaper to eliminate spark-
ing. Upon arrival Midway, 30 August, renewed 48 brushes
(3 upper brush rigs completely renewed).

(L) RADIO
No comments.

(M) RADAR
The performance of the SJa was good. On one occasion
a large merchant ship was tracked using lobe switching at
a range of 38 miles. This unusual range is believed to
be due to atmospheric conditions. At times the ship's
waterline was visible at 20 miles.
No interference was encountered on either the SJ or
SJ radars.
No signals were detected on the ARC-1 radar detection
equipment except for one doubtful contact at frequency of
270 megacycles off the west coast of Paramushiru To, Japan.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS:
No comment.

(O) TURBIDITY LAYERS:
Thirty degree gradients were not at all unusual in the
Kuriles.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY:
This was the first cold-water patrol for this submarine,
and two colds caught at Midway rapidly spread throughout
the ship. Fourteen severe colds and two cases of Catarrhal
Fever were efficiently treated by the Pharmacist's Mate.

-26-

— page 166 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Food was not as good as during last patrol due to the
inferiority in grade and lack of variety of stores at
Midway. Especially noticed was the lack of fresh frozen
foods.
Habitability was excellent, heaters keeping the boat com-
fortable even when the injection was 30°F.

(Q) PERSONNEL
(a) No. of men on board during patrol - - - - - - 75
(b) No. of men qualified at start of patrol- - - - 53
(c) No. of men qualified at end of patrol - - - - 53
(d) No. of unqualified men making their first patrol - 10
(e) No. of men advanced in rating during patrol - - - 4

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED
Midway to area - - - - - - 2,069 Miles
- - - - - - 21,250 Gals.
In area 5,315 Miles
- - - - - - 46,020 Gals.
Area to Pearl - - - - - - 3,311 Miles
- - - - - - 44,200 Gals.

(S) DURATION
Days enroute to area - - - - - 6
Days in area - - - - - - - 30
Days enroute to base - - - - - 9
Days submerged - - - - - - - 16

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING
Torpedoes - - - - - - - 10
Fuel 800 (Midway)
Provisions - - - - - - - 10
Personnel factor - Unknown
Limiting factor this patrol: Operation Order.

(U) REMARKS
1. Mk. 18 Torpedoes: No comments.
2. SJ Radar in Kuriles: The phenomenal performance of
our radar enabling us to track ships at 20-30 miles
is considered worthy of special mention. Heretofore
we used the SJ at the discretion of the O.O.D. when
daylight visibility deemed it advisable. Now we
sweep intermittently even during conditions of
apparent unlimited visibility, for it was on just
such a day that we tracked three ships at ranges in
excess of 20 miles. That this condition may be
peculiar only to high latitudes is unknown, but it is
earnestly recommended to the attention of all sub-
marines.
3. Reduction of Paper Work and Paper Shortage: Recalled
to mind is the incident of a boat which on one
occasion happily learned that all its official
correspondence amassed during its absence on patrol
had been lost at sea. A normal refit was conducted
and the boat departed on its next patrol unhandicapped
by the loss of its mail.

-27-

— page 167 —
CONFIDENTIAL

     Submarines could pave the way to the area as they
cull out the 75% of utterly useless incoming correspon-
dence which overwhelms them during refit. In the
interest of reducing this wanton waste of what is classed
as a vital material the following points are made:
     That the present volume of incoming correspondence
does not perform its designed function of exchange of
information vital and essential to an operating unit.
By its very weight and volume it defeats this purpose.
In consequence the actual practice of operating sub-
marines is to utilize the established clearing house's
of information which have evolved by a natural process.
     That is to say that submarines don't and can't rely
upon their correspondence. They consult the organi-
zations of divisions, squadrons, base repair and torpedo
shops, operation offices and the like which by their
very nature can supply the "latest dope" essential and
vital to the functions of a submarine.
     The disposition of a mass of papers requires no
great effort, but it continues to rise up like yeast
at each refit and will continue unless more effectively
and efficiently stemmed at its source.

-28-

— page 168 —
FB5-43/A16-3
Serial ( 0118 )
CONFIDENTIAL

SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY THREE
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
5 September 1944

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. POMPON's ltr.
Serial 016 of 3
September 1944.

From: The Commander Submarine Division FORTY THREE.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of SIXTH War Patrol,
Comments on.

1. The SIXTH War Patrol of the U.S.S. POMPON was of
forty six days' duration, thirty of which were spent on station
along the east coast of HONSHU and in the KURILES.

2. The usual disappointments in connection with contacts
with Russian ships were experienced. There was the ever-present
possibility that while investigating a contact which turned out
to be friendly, an enemy ship might slip through safely.

3. Contact was made with four Russian ships. One enemy
convoy was attacked successfully and one enemy ship was missed
with four torpedoes. An armed trawler of about 400 tons was
destroyed by gunfire. Other contacts could not be closed to
satisfactory firing range or were unsuitable targets for torpedo
fire.

GUN ATTACK - 27 JULY 1944

An armed trawler of about 400 tons was closed to about
1,800 yards. A battle surface resulted in the destruction of the
trawler. Though the gunnery of POMPON is described as "strictly
amateur" in the report, results are what count. In addition to
the damage to the enemy through the destruction of this vessel,
the gunnery department of the POMPON acquired experience which
cannot be gained in target practice.

FIRST TORPEDO ATTACK - 7 AUGUST 1944

A night radar attack resulted in missing with four torpedoes
on a target which, though tracking well, was not clearly seen
before firing. Land background gave the impression that target
was large, but later analysis indicates that it probably was a

- 1 -

— page 170 —
FB5-43/A16-3 SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY THREE
Serial ( 0118 )
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of SIXTH War Patrol,
Comments on.

— page 171 —
FC5-4/A16-3
Serial 0343

CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. POMPON's ltr.
Serial 016 of 3
September 1944.

SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR

11/jak

Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
10 September 1944.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of SIXTH War Patrol,
Comments on.

1. Forwarded.

2. The devotion to duty which inspired Lieut. (jg) T. O.
Paine, U.S.N.R., to undertake a successful diving operation at
night in the open sea off enemy shores is noted with extreme plea-
sure.

3. The POMPON adds another report of a lack of fresh
frozen provisions available to submarines. It is recommended that
the high priority assigned this type of food be rigidly enforced;
that shore stations and tenders do without to such extent that
operating submarine personnel may benefit.

4. Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR congratulates the
Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the POMPON on an aggres-
sive and productive patrol.

[SIGNATURE: C. F. Erck]
C. F. ERCK.

— page 172 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)
Serial 01973
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
POMPON Report of
Sixth War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 518
U.S.S. POMPON - SIXTH WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.
(19 July to 3 September 1944).

1. The sixth war patrol of the POMPON was conducted
along the Eastern Coast of Honshu and in the Kuriles.

2. Despite fog and cold weather, good area coverage was
maintained and four attacks were made on the two enemy contacts worthy
of torpedo fire. An armed fishing trawler was attacked and destroyed
by gun fire. Four contacts were made with Russian ships.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congra-
tulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this aggressive
and successful patrol under very trying conditions. The POMPON is cre-
dited with having inflicted the following damage upon the enemy:

S U N K
1 - MIS. (Fishing Trawler) (EU) - 300 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)
1 - Medium AK (TONE MARU type) (EC)-4,000 tons (Attack No. 3)
TOTAL SUNK 4,300 tons

D A M A G E D
1 - Medium AO (ERIMO Type) (EC) 8,000 tons (Attack No. 2)
TOTAL SUNK & DAMAGED 12,300 tons

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7) Comnorpac (1)
CNO (5) Comsubspac (40)
Cincpac (6) SUBAD, MI (2)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1) ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
Comservpac (1) All Squadron and Division
Cinclant (1) Commanders, Pacific (2)
Comsubslant (1) Submarines (2)
S/M School, NL (2) All Submarines, Pacific (1)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (1)
Comsubsowespac (2)
CTF 72 (2) FF12-10/A16-3(16)
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
13 September 1944.

NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

[SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes]
E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.

— page 173 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]

U.S.S. POMPON (SS267)

SS267/A16-3
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
CONFIDENTIAL

Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
12 February 1945

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

Subject: U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of War Patrol
Number Seven.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart (SubPac only).

1. Enclosures (A) and (B), covering the Seventh
War Patrol of this vessel conducted in the Yellow Sea area
during the period 6 January 1945 to 11 February 1945, are
forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: S. H. GIMBER.]

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/1/72]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

109775 [STAMP: FILMED]

— page 183 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of War Patrol No. Seven.

11 February
1030 (M) Met and joined up with U.S.S. POGY enroute
          Midway.

11 February
          Repeated date, arrived Midway for refit.

(C) WEATHER INFORMATION.
          No comments.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION.
          No comments.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
          None observed.

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— page 184 —
CONFIDENTIAL
No. | Time | Lat. | Types | Initial | Estimated | How | Remarks
    | Date | Long. |       | Range   | Course | Con- |
    |     |      |       |         | &      | tacted |
    |     |      |       |         | Speed  |        |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1   | 0450(I) | 32-19.0N | Junks (2) | 4 miles | Easterly | SN | Avoided
    | 22 Jan. | 126-37.7E |           |         | 5 Kts    |    |
2   | 0645(I) | 32-28.2N | Junks (2) | 3 miles | N.W.     | SN | Avoided
    | 22 Jan. | 126-12.9E |           |         | 5 Kts.   |    |
3   | 2320(I) | 33-08.5N | Trawlers(4) | 11 miles | Var. Cour- | SN | Drag Line Steam Trawlers.
    | 24 Jan. | 124-31.5E |           |         | ses N&S at |    | All proper lights displayed.
    |         |           |           |         | 8 knots  |    |
4   | 1615(I) | 33-07.0N | Sail Boat | 8 miles |          | SD | Avoided
    | 25 Jan. | 124-35.5E |           |         |          |    |
5   | 1435(I) | 33-41.0N | Sail Boat | 10 miles | 315°     | SD | Avoided
    | 26 Jan. | 124-09.5E |           |         | 7 Kts.   |    |
6   | 1755(I) | 34-23.0N | Convoy    | 12 miles | 250°     | SD | 1 Large AP
    | 27 Jan. | 124-31.0E |           |         | 11 Kts   |    | 2 Large AK 4 Escorts
7   | 1420(I) | 34-29.2N | Unidentified | 12 miles | Various  | SD | Avoided
    | 28 Jan. | 124-03.0E | A/S vessel |         |          |    |
8   | 0730(I) | 34-24.7N | (2) Uniden- | 12 miles | Unknown  | SD | Avoided
    | 29 Jan. | 124-34.0E | tified    |         |          |    |
9   | 0027(I) | 29-32.0N | Convoy with | 6,000 yds | Northwest | SN | Avoided
    | 2 Feb.  | 129-24.0E | Escorts   |         |          |    |

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— page 185 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

| CONTACT NUMBER | 1 | 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Date | 1-19-45 | 1-21-45 |
| Time (Zone) | 1240 (I) | 0311 (I) |
| Position: Lat. | 26-29 (N) | 30-16 (N) |
| Long. | 135-38 (E) | 129-40 (E) |
| Type(s) | Unknown (2-engine) | Unknown |
| Initial Range | Approx. 9 miles | 10 miles |
| Estimated Course | 320° | Unknown |
| Elevation Angle | 4° | Unknown |
| How Contacted | SD | R |
| Remarks | Submerged | Submerged |

(H) CARE AND UPKEEP OF MARK 18 TORPEDOES:

Current instructions were followed regarding the
care and upkeep of mark 18 torpedoes, and no difficulties
were experienced.

(I) MINES:

A total of ten floating mines were sighted in the
area, the majority of them being south of 34° north lat-
itude. The area from DANJO GUNTO to latitude 33°N, long-
itude 124°E, was particularly fruitful. A mine lookout,
whose sector was dead ahead, was used at night while west
of the NANSEI SHOTO - an all important man who proved his
worth. Mines were sighted in the following positions:

| No | Latitude | Longitude | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 32-32.0(N) | 126-01.0(E) | 1-22-45 |
| 2 | 32-39.5(N) | 125-40.0(E) | 1-22-45 |
| 3 | 32-45.5(N) | 125-23.0(E) | 1-22-45 |
| 4 | 32-58.0(N) | 125-13.0(E) | 1-22-45 |
| 5 | 33-07.0(N) | 125-12.5(E) | 1-22-45 |
| 6 | 33-38.0(N) | 124-50.8(E) | 1-23-45 |
| 7 | 33-27.0(N) | 124-29.0(E) | 1-24-45 |
| 8 | 33-17.5(N) | 124-51.3(E) | 1-25-45 |
| 9 | 33-42.7(N) | 124-50.8(E) | 1-25-45 |
| 10 | 31-21.0(N) | 128-22.0(E) | 2-1-45 |

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— page 186 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS.

Nothing new was noted in enemy anti-submarine
measures. On the night of 27-28 January, all indica-
tions were that the escort had a definite sound contact.
It is believed that an NAE beacon which was released
between the escort and the POMPON may have caused the
escort to lose his contact long enough for the S/M to
clear the immediate vicinity at high speed.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE:

As a result of flooding the conning tower and
control room to a depth of two feet, and the pump room
to within 20 inches of the overhead on 29 January, the
following equipment was put out of commission:

1. All equipment in the pump room.
2. All lighting and power circuits in the
conning tower.
3. I.C. power and emergency lighting through-
out the ship.
4. Power steering, and power control of bow
plane rigging and tilting.
5. The master and the auxiliary gyro compasses.

Within a few hours, I.C. power had been restored
to all circuits not grounded out, power steering and control
of the bow planes had been regained, and the 7MC system
put back in operation. The control room lighting circuit
had been cleared of grounds, and temporary lighting rigged
for the conning tower and pump room. The windlass and
capstan motor was in operation providing emergency
hydraulic power, and the after engine room detached lub-
oil pump was on the trim line helping the bucket brigade
clear the pump room of water.

Repair parties set to work immediately, and the
following equipment was restored to operation: Trim
pump, one main engine master gyro compass, vacuum
priming pump, and an additional I.C. motor generator.
Due to lack of spares and the extent of the damage,
the remainder of the equipment was beyond repair by the
ship force at sea.

(L) RADIO:

No major defects or damage until morning of 29
January when the pump room was flooded and water entered
radio shack to a depth of ten inches. The flooding of
the pump room grounded out the TBL-6 motor generator set.
Ten days work resulted in repair of the high voltage and
low voltage generators, but the motor was so badly damaged
that it could not be made operative. The lower part of
the transmitter was flooded out necessitating the

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— page 187 —
CONFIDENTIAL

replacement of R-7 (100 watt class B resistor), C-60
(.005 MFD ± 5% - 3000 V. mica capacitor, C-96 (.03 MFD
± 5% - 2000 V. mica capacitor), and the blower filament
voltmeter (0-15V. AC - CAY 22080). Since the motor was
not satisfactorily repaired, no test could be put on the
transmitter. Receivers were made inoperative by the
flooding only until I.C. power was restored.

From Majuro to Saipan in company with U.S.S.
SPADEFISH, U.S.S. ATULE and U.S.S. JALLAO, the frequencies
assigned in WOPACO Traincode were guarded continuously.
Reception and transmissions were excellent with only low
power used. 4155 Kcs. frequency was also guarded during
this time. This is a heavily loaded frequency, but since
no transmissions were necessary, no difficulties were
encountered. The one message received on this frequency
was well received.

NPM. Reception of NPM was good on all frequen-
cies except at the following times:

(a) 1800-2100 GCT on 17 January - Experienced
heavy interference on all frequencies in form of jamming.
(b) 0000-0100 GCT on 24 January - Interference
on all but 9090 Kcs. in form of jamming. 9090 was noisy.
(c) 2100-2130 GCT on 24 January - Difficulty in
copying on all NPM frequencies, seemed to be due to atmos-
pheric conditions. 9090, although weak and noisy, could
be copied.

While in area, 9090 Kcs. served best for recep-
tion of NPM.

NKN. In guarding NKN, reception on 12465 Kcs
was excellent. 4155 Kcs. however, was very poor for so
many stations on this frequency came in with a higher sig-
nal strength.

WOLF PACK. Wolf pack frequencies as assigned in
WOPACO TWO, were guarded continuously in the area. On
the one occasion it was used, reception and transmissions
were excellent.

(M) RADAR: Major defects and damage.

SJ-a. While enroute Saipan, the SJ-a radar was
out of commission for three days. Ship's force worked on
gear until the cause for failure was traced to a filter
choke (L-2) in the high voltage rectifier which read 300
ohms to ground. No spare is carried on board. Tender at
Saipan affected necessary replacement and equipment was
restored to normal use. On morning of 29 January, the
entire SJ-a radar with exception of the regulated rec-

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— page 188 —
CONFIDENTIAL
tifiers, was flooded by salt water. Ship's force
attempted to remove all salt, corrosion and grounds
without success. Return to base was made without
SJ-a radar.

SD-2. Flooding lower portion of transmitter
led to short circuits and grounds. All circuit components
in lower half of transmitter were removed, washed off in
fresh water and baked in oven until dried out. When
replaced in circuit, the equipment was restored to normal
use.

ST. No major defects or damage to ST gear
directly. However, since it is dependent on SJ-a for
operation, using the same high voltage rectifier and con-
trol unit which were flooded out, operation of this gear
was also lost.

Performance

SJ-a. General performance, good. Equipment was
stable in operation and made contacts with known targets
at ranges greater than ever before. Maximum reliable
ranges were 14,500 yards on a friendly submarine, 22,500
yards on an ASR and 65,000 yards on land. A steerable
unit was installed by ship's force to the PPI unit. This
device provides for a precision sweep on range below
40,000 yards and also eliminates the dead time on the
80,000 yard range scale. It allows sweep on PPI to begin
at any range and is most helpful in determining the dis-
position of ships in a convoy at great ranges.

SD-2. Normal performance.

ST. General performance, good. Tuning was
unstable during training period, but later settled down
and performed satisfactorily. As personnel became more
familiar with this equipment, the operation improved.

Maximum reliable ranges (surface use) - 9,000
yards on a friendly submarine and 10,500 yards on an
escort vessel.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS:

No major defects or damage until flooding of
conning tower at which time the QC-JK and QB receiver amp-
lifiers, indicator and training units were grounded out.
In subsequent submerged periods, sound watches were stood
in the forward room using the local control unit. No
major defects or damage to JP sound gear.

Sound conditions: On night of 27-28 January,
in the area NW of KOKUZAN TO, conditions were excellent.
Initial contact range of WCA was 6,000 yards. JP mad
contact at approximately same range. Contacts were lost

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— page 189 —
CONFIDENTIAL
at ranges of 6,000-7,000 yards for WCA and 9,000 yards for
JP.
          On night of 1-2 February, in the straits south
of AKUSEKI JIMA, conditions were poor, water noisy.
Emergency sound receiver in forward room held contact
on pinging to approximately 10,000 yards. No screw noises
were distinguishable on WCA. JP had screw noises for
ten minutes, estimated range about 4,000
yards.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

          None observed.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, and HABITABILITY

          Health, food and habitability were excellent
until the pump room flooded on 29 January.

(Q) PERSONNEL

          (a) Number of men on board during patrol 76
          (b) Number of men qualified at start of patrol 42
          (c) Number of men qualified at end of patrol 49
          (d) Number of unqualified men making their
              first patrol 16
          (e) Number of men advanced in rating during
              patrol 0

          The willing spirit, good feeling, and individual
initiative and ingenuity displayed by all hands under
adverse conditions is deserving of particular comment.
It is a constant source of pride, enjoyed and shared by
all hands.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED

          (Majuro to area 4,006 mi. 57,864 gal.)
          (In area 1,890 mi. 20,964 gal.)
          (Area to Midway 3,105 mi. 44,533 gal.)

(S) DURATION

          (Days enroute to area 14 )
          (Days in area 10 )
          (Days enroute Midway 11 )
          (Days submerged 11 )

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

          Torpedoes - - - - - - - 24
          Fuel 19,581
          Provisions - - - - - - 15
          Personnel factor - Unknown
          Limiting factor this patrol: Material damage.

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— page 190 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(U) RADIO AND RADIO COUNTERMEASURES

     The following APR policy as used on the TOMPON
is submitted as being of possible value to other sub-
marines. Unfortunately or otherwise, we had little or
no practical experience with enemy radar, and actual
experience may indicate that it is too conservative.
However, it is based on an actual test with one of our
own radar planes, and an exhaustive study of all avail-
able sources of information.

     The equipment was set as follows:

     1. APR - Full gain setting.
     2. SPA - Gain set at 6.5
     3. SPA - Screen marked off in vertical and
        horizontal lines. Scale used, 1/10 of
        an inch.
     4. Height of pip on SPA screen was reported
        by units of strength. One unit equaled
        1/5 of an inch or two divisions of the
        screen.
     5. Pulse width was readily converted to micro
        seconds by the same scale.
Reports from the operator were made as follows:

     1. APR signal ____ Mcs.
     2. Strength 1 - 8.
     3. Steady or sweeping.
     4. Continuous or intermittent.
     5. PRF
     6. Pulse Width ____.

     The operator did not change the gain settings
on the APR or SPA. He conducted a search as follows:

     1. TN-2 (80-300) - Three complete sweeps
        and shift.
     2. TN-3 (300-1000) - Two complete sweeps
        and shift.

     The O.O.D. carried out the following procedure
on contact with any of the air borne frequencies:

     a. 140-160
     b. 290-310
     c. 500-600

In Daytime or Bright Moonlight Nights:

     I. Strength 2 or greater.
        A. Slow to two-thirds.
        B. Change course, turning to best course
           for diving considering sea and sil-
           houette against sun or moon.

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— page 191 —
CONFIDENTIAL
II. Strength 3 or greater.
A. Take intermittent looks on SD.
B. Make continuous sweep on SJ using PPI on
40,000 yard scale.
III. Strength 4 or contact inside 12 miles - Dive!

Night Time
I. Strength 2 or greater.
A. Slow to two-thirds.
B. Change course, turning to best course for
diving.
II. Strength 4 or greater.
A. Take intermittent looks on SD.
B. Make continuous sweep on SJ, using PPI on
40,000 yard scale.
III. On contacts inside of 6 miles - Dive!

In the test with our own plane using SD and SJ
continuously, strength 4 occurred at an average distance
of 5-6 miles on six runs at altitudes varying from 500 to
5,000 feet. Saturation only occurred inside of one mile.

The big question of course was distinction in the
bands common to land, air and ship, i.e., 140-150 common
to all three and 500-600 common to air and ship. We had
full saturation from land based radar, 150 mcs series, at
a distance of 45 miles. One dive and analysis of PRF and
pulse width checked him off.

In general in the common bands, air borne radar
is of higher PRF and narrower pulse width.

- 18 -

— page 192 —
CONFIDENTIAL
EQUIPMENT: SPR-1, SPA-1.

RCM LOG

Date-Time | Position | Freq. | PRF | P.W. | Tuning | Remarks
          | of Ship  | Mcs.  | CPS | Secs. | Unit   |
||-------|-----|-------||

— page 193 —
CONFIDENTIAL
EQUIPMENT: RAL and RBH

RCM LOG

| Date-Time | Position of Ship | Type of Jamming | Frequency Jammed | Action Taken | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1300-2100 Zebra 1-17-45 | Lat. 19-39N Lon.139-59E | Noise modulation. | 9090 Kcs | Shifted to other NPM Frequencies | Found all NPM frequencies so effectively jammed that copying was impossible. |
| 0000-0100 Zebra 1-24-45 | Lat. 33-25N Lon.124-17E | Noise and CW - Random keying | All Frequencies | | Jamming persisted for one hour during which time copying was impossible. |

— page 194 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(V) REMARKS

1. In the Yellow Sea a special mine lookout proved
of great value.

2. One contact with a convoy substantiated a pre-
vious report of the SPADEFISH, i.e., they take departure
north of KOKUZAN TO at sunset and head directly west,
crossing the Yellow Sea during the night.

3. The scarcity of planes in the Yellow Sea area
is noteworthy.

4. One opportunity against a convoy was definitely
muffed. The second time at bat, though no more produc-
tive, did pull some escorts out of position which is a
mild satisfaction.

5. All hands regret the termination of the patrol
as the result of a casualty. That it might have been
avoided is fully acknowledged. Yet it did happen and
the subsequent performance of duty of all hands will
always instill pride and satisfaction in making the best
of an embarrassing situation.

6. The installation of adapter fittings on standby
lub-oil pumps for use as emergency pumps is recommended
for all submarines as a temporary expedient. Strong
consideration is urged for the relocation of the drain
pump in one of the engine rooms.

7. Of particular note regarding the casualty:

(a) The new design latch on the conning tower
hatch has been a constant source of trouble. The hatch
stuck wide open.

(b) Emergency lights throughout the ship went
out!!

(c) The new design flapper valve which re-
placed a gate valve in the conning tower ventilation
line was utterly useless in stopping water or when
attempting to blow water overboard through negative
tank.

(d) The location of the power panel for the
auxiliary gyro on the deck of the control room didn't
give that piece of equipment a Chinaman's chance in
the Yellow Sea.

(e) The location of #3 I.C. motor generator
in an engine room is well founded.

- 21 -

— page 195 —
CONFIDENTIAL

          (f) Emergency operation of the sound equipment
and the hydraulic plant in the forward torpedo room
certainly proved its worth. Particularly with hydraulic
periscopes.

- 22 -

— page 196 —
[HANDWRITTEN: C.O.S Comment - U.S.S. Pompon - 7th War Patrol]

[Drawing of two men in water, with a submarine interior above them]

"THINK! WHAT DO WE ALWAYS DO JUST BEFORE WE
SUBMERGE."

— page 197 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED FORTY-TWO

FB5-242/A16-3
Serial: (04)

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
14 February 1945.

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. POMPON Report
of Seventh War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of SEVENTH War Patrol.

1. The seventh war patrol of POMPON was conducted in the Yellow
Sea, west of SAISHU TO. POMPON was one of three submarines in a coordinated
search and attack group of POMPON, ATULE and SPADEFISH, with the Commanding
Officer of SPADEFISH, Commander G. W. UNDERWOOD, as the Group Commander. This
patrol was of thirty-six days duration, eleven of which were in the assigned
area.

2. On the eighth day in the area while conducting a routine dive,
the latch on the upper conning tower hatch failed to release and held this
hatch open. Before POMPON closed the lower conning tower hatch and was able
to return to surface condition, the pump room was completely flooded and the
conning tower partially flooded. There were no casualties to personnel. Loss
of all auxiliaries in pump room, plus sound gear, fire control gear and radar
gear in conning tower necessitated terminating the patrol.

3. One worthwhile torpedo contact was made prior to the flooding
casualty. This was a convoy of three large ships with five escorts. After
sending a contact report, a night submerged approach was attempted on this con-
voy. POMPON maneuvered to avoid an escort, and as a result was unable to reach
a satisfactory firing position. She surfaced and made an end around. A second
night submerged attack was attempted. Before POMPON was able to reach a firing
position, an escort at range 300-400 yards from her flashed a red light, com-
menced short scale pinging, and headed for POMPON. POMPON released NAE and
wisely resorted to evasion tactics. Two escorts searched but failed to regain
contact on POMPON. She surfaced about ninety minutes later with one escort in
sight. At this time POMPON observed explosions in the convoy, the ships of
which were beyond sight. POMPON had taken out one and probably two escorts,
while a team mate made successful attacks. Another end around was commenced
on the one surviving target which was running for the ten-fathom curve at
sixteen knots. While abeam of target, range 12,000 yards, target sighted POMPON
released NAE and
but failed to regain
with one escort in
voy, the ships of
bably two escorts,
round was commenced
fathom curve at
target sighted POMPON

— page 198 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED FORTY-TWO

Care of
Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
14 February 1945.

FB5-242/L16-3
Serial: (04)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. POMPON Report
of Seventh War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of SEVENTH War Patrol.

— page 199 —
A16-3 COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET,
Serial: (021) SUBORDINATE COMMAND, NAVY NO. 1504.

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
CONFIDENTIAL
15 February 1945.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS POMPON Report of
Seventh War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
Subordinate Command, Navy 1504.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
Administration.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of Seventh
War Patrol.

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

G. C. CRAWFORD.

— page 200 —
F12 10(
rial 03
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
POMPON Report of
Seventh War Patrol.

(13) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET mr
[STAMP: 28 FEB 1945]
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
28 February 1945
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 680
U.S.S. POMPON - SEVENTH 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. POMPON (SS267) - Report of Seventh War Patrol
(6 January to 11 February 1945).

1. The seventh war patrol of the POMPON, under the command
of Commander S. H. Gimber, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the Yellow Sea
Area. The POMPON, along with the U.S.S. ATULE (SS403), the U.S.S.
JALLAO (SS368), and the U.S.S. SPADEFISH (SS411), formed a coordinated
attack group with the commanding officer of the SPADEFISH as group
commander. The JALLAO was subsequently replaced by the U.S.S. BANG
(SS385).

2. Unfortunately the POMPON's determined efforts to get in
an attack on her only contact prior to a casualty which necessitated
her departure from area were not successful. On the eighth day in the
area the latch on the upper conning tower hatch failed to release and
a routine dive was made with the hatch open. Before the lower conning
tower hatch could be closed the pump room was completely flooded. In-
genuity and hard work on the part of all hands enabled her to return
safely to port from deep in enemy waters.

3. Award of Submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol is
not authorized.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
JICPOA (1)
ADICPOA (1)
Conservpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Comsubslant (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
CO, S/M Base, PH (1)
Comsopac (2)
Comsubsowespac (2)
Comsowespac (1)
CTG 71.9 (2)
Commorpac (1)
Comsubspac (3)
Comsubspac/d (20)

SUBAD, MI (2)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Pacific (2)
Substrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Pacific (1)
[SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes] [HANDWRITTEN: Tred]
E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.

— page 201 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st Copy]

U.S.S. POMPON (SS267)

Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
24 May 1945

SS267/A16-3
Serial: 060
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

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

Subject: U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of War Patrol
Number Eight.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart (SubPac only).

1.
Enclosure (A) and (B), covering the Eighth
War Patrol of this vessel conducted in the East China Sea
area during the period 30 March 1945 to 24 May 1945, are
forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: J. A. BOGLEY]
J. A. BOGLEY.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09C DATE 6/1/72]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[STAMP: 124922 FILMED]

— page 222 —
No. | Time | Lat. | Type(s) | Initial | Esti- | Elevation | How Con- | Remarks
    | Date | Lon. |         | Range   | mated | Angle     | tacted   |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1   | 1440(I) | 19-33-50N | B-29 | 18 miles | 140°T | 6° | SD | Sighted at 8 miles.
    | 4-12-45 | 137-35-10E |      |          |       |    |    |
2   | 0435(I) | 29-16-00N | - | 15 miles | - | - | SD |
    | 4-15-45 | 133-25-00E |      |          |       |    |    |
3   | 1930(I) | 29-27-00N | 2 engine | 7 miles | 325°T | 6° | S | 2 planes.
    | 4-15-45 | 132-37-00E | bombers |          |       |    |    |
4   | 1242(I) | 29-21-00N | | 5 miles | 035°T | 2° | S | 3 planes
    | 4-15-45 | 132-00-00E |      |          |       |    |    |
5   | 2130(I) | 29-24-00N | | 6 miles | | | SJ | Verified by SD
    | 4-15-45 | 131-29-00E |      |          |       |    |    |
6   | 0340(I) | 29-18-45N | | 23 miles | | | SD |
    | 4-16-45 | 130-10-00E |      |          |       |    |    |
7   | 0408(I) | 29-18-45N | | 13 miles | | | SD |
    | 4-16-45 | 130-09-00E |      |          |       |    |    |
8   | 0917(I) | 29-15-20N | | 8 miles | 050°T | 4° | P |
    | 4-16-45 | 129-15-20E |      |          |       |    |    |
9   | 1142(I) | 29-15-20N | 2 engine | 4 miles | 000°T | 1° | P | 3 Unidentified
    | 4-16-45 | 129-15-15E | plane |          |       |    |    |
10  | 1307(I) | 29-16-30N | | 8 miles | | 7° | P |
    | 4-16-45 | 129-48-30E |      |          |       |    |    |
11  | 2022(I) | 29-17-00N | | 8 miles | | | SJ |
    | 4-16-45 | 129-23-00E |      |          |       |    |    |
12  | 0315(I) | 30-13-30N | | 8 miles | | | SJ | APR Signal, 153 mcs.
    | 4-17-45 | 128-56-40E |      |          |       |    |    | 500 T.A.F. 7 K.W.
13  | 1001(I) | 31-26-00N | | 4 miles | 290°T | 8° | P |
    | 4-17-45 | 128-56-00E |      |          |       |    |    |
14  | 1055(I) | 31-30-00N | | 4 miles | 090°T | 5° | P | Probably same
    | 4-17-45 | 128-55-00E |      |          |       |    |    | plane as 13
15  | 1335(I) | 31-35-00N | | 7.5 miles | | | SJ |
    | 4-18-45 | 126-31-00E |      |          |       |    |    |
16  | 0545(I) | 27-27-50N | | 2 miles | | | SJ | APR Signal, 154 mcs.
    | 4-20-45 | 121-48-10E |      |          |       |    |    | 500 T.A.F. 7 K.W.
    |         |            |         |         |       |    |    | Verified by SD

[HANDWRITTEN: - 21 -]

— page 223 —
No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Types(s) Range | Esti mated Elevation Course Angle | How Contacted | Remarks
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
17 | 0755(I) | 26-56-30N | 22 miles | | SD | APR Signal 160 mcs,
| 4-21-45 | 121-17-03E | | | | 500 T.R.F., 12 T.W.
18 | 0734(I) | 27-48-00N | ZEL 4 miles | 000°T 3° | S |
| 4-22-45 | 122-56-00E | | | | |
19 | 1817(I) | 28-45-00N | F1. Boat 5 miles | 5° | S |
| 4-22-45 | 123-24-10E | | | | |
20 | 2300(I) | 28-49-59N | 3 miles | | SJ |
| 4-22-45 | 123-14-30E | | | | |
21 | 0506(I) | 27-58-40N | 4 miles | | SJ | APR Signal 170 mcs,
| 4-23-45 | 122-27-30E | | | | | 250 T.R.F. 9 P.W.
22 | 0655(I) | 26-54-00N | 10 miles | | SD |
| 4-24-45 | 121-47-15E | | | | |
23 | 0050(I) | 26-40-00N | 20 miles | | SD |
| 4-25-45 | 121-32-45E | | | | |
24 | 0127(I) | 26-40-00N | 5 miles | | SJ | Verified by SD
| 4-25-45 | 121-32-45E | | | | |
25 | 1809(I) | 26-03-00N | 8 miles | | SD |
| 4-25-45 | 120-57-10E | | | | |
26 | 1812(I) | 26-03-00N | 23 miles | | SD |
| 4-25-45 | 120-57-03E | | | | |
27 | 1655(I) | 26-00-00N | 30 miles | | SD |
| 4-26-45 | 120-47-45E | | | | |
28 | 1722(I) | 25-59-50N | Patrol Seaplane 20 miles | 270°T 4° | S | SD Range
| 4-26-45 | 120-53-25E | | | | |
29 | 1731(I) | 25-59-50N | 10 miles | | SD |
| 4-26-45 | 120-53-25E | | | | |
30 | 1203(I) | 26-01-58N | 3 miles | | SJ |
| 4-27-45 | 120-45-35E | | | | |
31 | 0450(I) | 25-27-50N | 12 miles | | SD | JR signal 160-164 mcs,
| 4-27-45 | 120-37-00E | | | | | 500 T.R.F., 5 P.W.
32 | 0730(I) | 25-57-30N | 8 miles | | SD |
| 4-27-45 | 121-03-00E | | | | |

[HANDWRITTEN: CONFIDENTIAL]
[HANDWRITTEN: - 22 -]

— page 224 —
No. | Time | Date | Lat. | Long. | [UNCLEAR: Type] | [UNCLEAR: Visual] | Esti-mated | course | Elevation Angle | How Con-tacted | Remarks
---|---
33 | 0840(I) | 4-27-45 | 25-52-00N | 121-18-00E | L | LLY | 7 miles | 000°T | 3° | SD | Identified as [UNCLEAR: 3 mi.]
34 | 0932(I) | 4-27-45 | 25-51-00N | 121-20-00E | | | 32 miles | | | SD |
35 | 0944(I) | 4-27-45 | 25-52-00N | 121-23-00E | | | 19 miles | | | SD |
36 | 0950(I) | 4-27-45 | 25-52-00N | 121-25-00E | | | 21 miles | | | SD |
37 | 1027(I) | 4-27-45 | 25-54-00N | 121-23-00E | | | 20 miles | | | SD |
38 | 1135(I) | 4-27-45 | 25-54-00N | 121-23-00N | | | 20 miles | | | SD |
39 | 1153(I) | 4-27-45 | 25-52-25N | 121-29-10E | | | 5 miles | | | SD | APR Signal 168 mcs, 500 P.R.F., 15 P.W.
40 | 1602(I) | 4-27-45 | 25-47-55N | 121-25-05E | | | 29 miles | | | SD | APR Signal 160 mcs, 450 P.R.F., 15 P.W.
41 | 1720(I) | 4-27-45 | 25-43-10N | 121-20-55E | | | 4 miles | | | SD |
42 | 1355(I) | 4-27-45 | 24-51-15N | 121-22-45E | | | 4 miles | | | SD |
43 | 2320(I) | 4-27-45 | 25-55-00N | 120-43-00E | | | 5 miles | | | SJ |
44 | 0040(I) | 4-28-45 | 25-55-00N | 120-45-00E | | | 7 miles | | | SD |
45 | 2120(I) | 4-28-45 | 26-52-00N | 121-20-00E | | | 14 miles | | | SD |
46 | 0519(I) | 4-29-45 | 26-38-15N | 121-21-15E | | | 10 & 20 miles | | | SD | 2 planes
47 | 0305(I) | 4-29-45 | 26-23-10N | 120-53-40E | | | 10 miles | | | SD |
48 | 0955(I) | 4-29-45 | 26-40-20N | 120-56-20E | | | 6 miles | | | SD |

[HANDWRITTEN: CONFIDENTIAL]
- 23 -

— page 225 —
Time Lat. Esti-
No. Date Long. Types Initial mated Elevation How Con- Remarks
Range Course Angle tacted
1653(I) 27-00-00N
49 4-29-45 121-32-00E | 8 miles | | | SD |
2010(I) 26-59-50N
50 4-29-45 121-37-40E | 4 miles | | | SD |
0531(I) 27-45-00N
51 4-30-45 122-30-00E | 6 miles | | | SD |
0800(I) 26-09-20N
52 5-1-45 121-05-00E | 5 miles | | | SD |
0830(I) 26-08-30N
53 5-1-45 121-08-15E | 5 miles | | | SD |
2235(I) 26-18-45N
54 5-1-45 121-24-30E | 22 miles | | | SD |
0648(I) 26-18-20N
55 5-2-45 121-20-30E | 28 miles | | | SD |
0706(I) 26-18-20N | | | | | APR signal 159 mcs,159mcs
56 5-2-45 121-20-32E | 18 miles | | | SD | PW (2 planes)
2330(I) 26-16-30N | | | | | APR signal
57 5-2-45 121-16-25E | 12 miles | | | SD | 157 mcs.
0443(I) 26-23-00N
58 5-3-45 121-31-00E | 16 miles | | | SD |
0643(I) 26-38-00N
59 5-4-45 121-31-00E | MILY | 32 miles | 000°T | 10° | SD | Sighted at 14 miles.
1745(I) 26-41-05N | | | | | Sighted at 10 miles
60 5-4-45 121-23-10E | 10 miles | | | SD | APR Signal 166 mcs,
2025(I) 26-41-05N | | | | | A 500 P.R.F., 4 P.W.
61 5-4-45 121-32-00E | 30 miles | | | SD | APR Signal 180 mcs,
0035(I) 27-24-30N | | | | | 500 P.R.F., 8 P.W.
62 5-5-45 122-13-40E | 30 miles | | | SD |
0559(I) 27-34-00N
63 5-5-45 122-45-00E | 10 miles | | | SD |
1136(I) 27-21-15N
64 5-5-45 122-23-20E | 29 miles | | | SD | Two planes.
1728(I) 27-28-15N
65 5-5-45 122-36-00E | 16 miles | | | SD |

[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL] - 24 -

— page 226 —
Time | Lat. | Esti- | Elevation How Con-
No. Date | Long. | Types | Initial | mated | Angle | tacted | Remarks
| | | Range | Course | | |
66 | 0600(I) | 27-54-00N | SALLY | 12 miles | 040°T | 8° | SD | Sighted at 10 miles
| 5-6-45 | 123-12-00E | | | | | |
67 | 1742(I) | 26-22-00N | | 12 miles | | | SD |
| 5-6-45 | 121-46-00E | | | | | |
68 | 0535(I) | 26-20-00N | | 19 miles | | | SD |
| 6-7-45 | 121-41-00E | | | | | |
69 | 0634(I) | 26-21-00N | RUFE | ½ mile | 050°T | 3° | P |
| 5-7-45 | 121-39-08E | | | | | |
70 | 1000(I) | 26-16-10N | | 20 miles | | | SD |
| 5-7-45 | 121-23-30E | | | | | |
71 | 1030(I) | 26-11-00N | | 19 miles | | | SD |
| 5-7-45 | 121-18-00E | | | | | |
72 | 2145(I) | 25-16-00N | | 6 miles | | | SD | APR Signal 161 mcs,
| 5-7-45 | 120-19-45E | | | | | | 400 P.R.F., 10 P.W.
73 | 0258(I) | 25-10-40N | | 10 miles | | | SD | APR Signal 161 mcs,
| 5-8-45 | 120-26-35E | | | | | | 500 P.R.F., 10 P.W.
74 | 2200(I) | 25-20-50N | | 23 miles | | | SD |
| 5-8-45 | 120-27-10E | | | | | |
75 | 0501(I) | 25-21-00N | | 12 miles | | | SD | APR Signal 180 mcs,
| 5-9-45 | 120-20-05E | | | | | | 225 P.R.F., 8 P.W.
76 | 0631(I) | 25-29-05N | EMILY | 22 miles | 050°T | 4° | SD | Sighted at 13 miles.
| 5-9-45 | 120-31-03E | | | | | | In company with #76.
77 | 0632(I) | 25-20-05N | SONIA | 11 miles | 030°T | 7° | S | SONIA had 90° angle on
| 5-9-45 | 120-31-03E | | | | | | bow & was varying course
| | | | | | | | 20° either side his base
| | | | | | | | course. EMILY then headed
| | | | | | | | toward and steadied. APR
| | | | | | | | Signal at time 165 mcs.
| | | | | | | | Pulse width 10.
78 | 2240(I) | 25-34-10N | | 10 miles | | | SD |
| 5-9-45 | 120-35-15E | | | | | |
79 | 0227(I) | 25-33-50N | | 29 miles | | | SD |
| 5-10-45 | 120-36-00E | | | | | |

[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
- 25 -

— page 227 —
Time
No. Date Long. Types Initial Estimated Elevation How Con Remarks
        Range Course Angle tacted
80 0600 (I) 25-33-50N S ILLY 10 miles 030°T 10° S SD Range
   5-10-45 120-33-04E                               PRF, 4 PW
                                                    Signal 163mcs.
81 0640 (I) 25-52-00N 21 miles SD APR Signal 179mcs.
   5-10-45 120-57-30E
82 2359 (I) 25-42-35N 30 miles SD Low PRF, 6 PW.
   5-10-45 120-42-50E
83 1310 (I) 26-26-45N 25 miles SD
   5-12-45 121-15-45E
84 1838 (I) 26-42-02N 26 miles SD
   5-12-45 121-18-04E
85 1855 (I) 26-42-00N 15 miles SD APR Signal 161 mcs.
   5-12-45 121-19-00E                               500 PRF, 6 PW.
86 0526 (I) 26-46-02N 23 miles SD
   5-13-45 121-25-06E
87 0615 (I) 26-45-05N 21 miles SD
   5-13-45 121-20-00E
88 0642 (I) 26-43-00N 10 miles SD
   5-13-45 121-20-00E
89 1727 (I) 26-27-00N Bomber 20 miles 190°T 6° SD Sighted at 18 miles.
   5-13-45 120-50-30E
90 1804 (I) 26-25-00N 12 miles SD Contacted by SJ later
   5-13-45 120-45-09E                               at 1,000 yards.
91 0411 (I) 27-18-04N 20 miles SD
   5-14-45 121-36-05E
92 0510 (I) 27-18-08N 16 miles SD
   5-14-45 121-45-00E
93 0725 (I) 27-16-08N 8 miles SD
   5-14-45 121-52-09E
94 1710 (I) 27-16-03N 12 miles 325°T 4° S SD range.
   5-14-45 121-44-03E
95 2335 (I) 27-25-50N 10 miles SD
   5-14-45 122-04-25E
96 0533 (I) 27-26-54N 7 miles SD
   5-15-45 122-20-00E

CONFIDENTIAL
- 26 -

— page 228 —
Time | Lat. | Esti- | Elevation | How Con- | Remarks
Date | Long. | mated | Angle | tacted
No. | | Type | Initial | Course | |
| | | Range | | |
97 | 1737(I) | 28-04-10N | S.ILLY | 14 miles | 135°T | 3° | S | SD Range
| 5-15-45 | 123-59-50E | | | | | |
98 | 1909(I) | 28-03-00N | | 22 miles | | | SD |
| 5-15-45 | 123-15-07E | | | | | |
99 | 1531(I) | 28-41-20N | | 25 mi,17 | | | SD | 3 planes
| 5-16-45 | 123-45-45E | | mi, 9 mi. | | | |
100 | 1427(I) | 31-41-00N | | 7 miles | | | SD |
| 5-17-45 | 126-23-45E | | | | | |
101 | 1546(I) | 31-50-15N | | 20 miles | | | SD |
| 5-17-45 | 126-34-30E | | | | | |
102 | 0747(I) | 30-48-00N | | 12 miles | | | SD |
| 5-18-45 | 129-02-00E | | | | | |
103 | 0950(I) | 30-14-15N | | 11 miles | | | SD |
| 5-18-45 | 129-02-30E | | | | | |
104 | 1107(I) | 30-12-30N | BETTY | 5 miles | | 2° | P |
| 5-18-45 | 129-02-30E | | | | | |
105 | 1947(I) | 29-06-00N | | 7 miles | | | SD |
| 5-18-45 | 130-11-30E | | | | | |
106 | 0207(I) | 29-15-05N | | 7 miles | | | SD |
| 5-19-45 | 131-30-30E | | | | | |

CONFIDENTIAL
- 27 -

— page 229 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of War Patrol No. Eight.

(H-1) CARE AND UPKEEP OF MARK 18 TORPEDOES
     Current instructions were followed regarding the
care and upkeep of Mark 18 torpedoes, and no difficulties
were experienced.

(I) MINES
     Floating mines were sighted enroute to, in, and
from the area as follows:

| No | Date | Latitude | Longitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4-15-45 | 29-17(N) | 132-44(E) |
| 2 | 4-15-45 | 29-17(N) | 132-40(E) |
| 3 (3 mines) | 4-22-45 | 27-46(N) | 122-58(E) |
| 4 | 4-22-45 | 27-57(N) | 123-02(E) |
| 5 | 4-22-45 | 27-57(N) | 123-00(E) |
| 6 | 5-14-45 | 27-30N | 122-02(E) |
| 7 | 5-17-45 | 30-05N | 125-03(E) |
| 8 | 5-18-45 | 30-34(N) | 129-02(E) |
| 9 | 5-18-45 | 29-49(N) | 129-03(E) |
| 10 | 5-18-45 | 29-17(N) | 129-27(E) |
| 11 | 5-18-45 | 29-15(N) | 129-36(E) |
| 12 | 5-19-45 | 29-17(N) | 132-00(E) |

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASIVE TACTICS
     Three anti-submarine vessels were encountered, but
no evasive action was necessary as no detection was made.
It was evident that the sound gear of these vessels was
much improved and more skillfully handled than had been
observed in previous patrols. The signal was sharp and
distinct, shifting scales frequently and occasionally
listening. There was no similarity to the usual wild fog
horn tactics previously encountered.

     The operation of the enemy aircraft radar was most
unusual and confusing. All radars were keyed and varied.
An APR signal would vary as much as ten megacycles, from
250 to 500 PRF, and from six to twelve microseconds. The
weakest signal often gave SD contacts at five and six miles.
The accuracy of the radar was no improvement over former
conditions. It is believed that deception was about all
that was gained.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE
     The type IV periscope (ST Radar scope) now in-
stalled has the lubbers line cut the full length of the
scope. The full lubbers line continually pours a stream
of water into the conning tower at all depth. It is re-
commended that the upper half of this lubbers line be filled,
and that future scopes be designed with a lubbers line of
standard length.

- 28 -

— page 234 —
CONFIDENTIAL                                                              RCM LOG
EQUIPMENT: SPR-1, SPA-1
Date-Time | Position      | Freq. | PRF | P.W.  | Tuning | Remarks
          | of Ship       | Mcs.  | CPS | Secs. | Unit   |
||-------|-----|-------||

— page 235 —
CONFIDENTIAL
RCM LOG

EQUIPMENT: SPR-1, SPA-1
Date-Time | Position of Ship | Freq. Mcs. | PRF CPS | P.W. Sec. | Tuning Unit | Remarks
4-18-45 | D.NJO | 152 | 500 | 8u | TN-2 | Strong, sweeping signal.
| GUNTO | 98 | 750 | 12u | TN-2 | Weak, steady signal.
| | 167 | 500 | 10-12u | TN-2 | Strong, continuous, sweeping signal with double pulse.
0545(I) | 27-30N | 154 | 500 | 8 u | TN-2 | Encountered a weak signal which slow-
4-20-45 | 121-48E | | | | | ly increased to saturation - steady,
| | | | | | continuous. SD plane contact 4 miles.
| | | | | | Submerged.
1753(I) | 27-59N | 180 | 250 | 9u | TN-2 | Continuous, steady signal. SD plane
4-22-45 | 122-28E | | | | | contact, four miles. Submerged.
1153(I) | 25-53N | 162 | 500 | 12u | TN-2 | Signal was strong, intermittent, keyed
4-27-45 | 121-29E | | | | | every 5 seconds. SD plane contact, 5
| | | | | | miles. Submerged. (Double pulse).
4-27-45 | 25-51N | 150 | 750 | 7-8u | TN-2 | Sweeping, continuous signal. Increased
1855(I) | 121-23N | | | | | in strength and then faded out- only
| | | | | | audible. SD plane contact, 4 miles.
| | | | | | Submerged.
4-28-45 | From | 76 | 450 | 30-60u | TN-2 | This signal was the most persistent
to | 25-10N to | to | to | | | signal detected. It increased in
5-16-45 | 29-00N | 500 | | | | strength from an audible signal to
| From | | | | | saturation on the SD scope. Eviden-
| 120-05E to | | | | | tly Japanese air search Mk. CHI.
| 124-18E | | | | | Possibly located on the larger
| | | | | | islands all along the China coast and
| | | | | | on Northern Formosa.
SUMMARY OF ENEMY RADAR
DETECTIONS MADE IN
THIS AREA. | 156 | 450 | 7-10u | TN-2 | Signals within these frequencies per-
| to | | | | | sisted. Characteristics very much
| 165 | | | | | the same. On several occasions while
| | | | | | operating off the north-western tip
| | | | | | of Formosa a signal at 164 mcs was
| | | | | | encountered which had two lobes, with
| | | | | | pulse widths of 8u or a single lobe
| | | | | | with a pulse width of 16u.

[HANDWRITTEN: 3]

— page 236 —
CONFIDENTIAL
RCM LOG
EQUIPMENT: SPR-1, SPA-1
Date-Time | Position of Ship | Freq. MCS. | PRF CPS | P.W. Secs. | Tuning Unit | Remarks
Same | Same | 180 | 200- | 8u | TN-2 | Steady, continuous signal. SD plane
| | | 250 | | | contact 10 miles. Submerged. Encoun-
| | | | | | tered this signal at least four times
| | | | | | from 22 April through 13 May and each
| | | | | | time had SD plane contacts from 5 to
| | | | | | 30 miles. Very possibly airborne.
Same | Same | 212-218 | ? | 2-6u | TN-2 | Very weak signal.
| | 212 | 850 | 9-10u | TN-2 | Very weak signal.
| | 212 | ? | 6u | TN-2 | Weak sweeping signal. On one occasion
| | | | | | it was keyed every five seconds -
| | | | | | grew stronger. SD plane contact 5
| | | | | | miles. Submerged.

(V) REMARKS

No remarks.

- 35

— page 237 —
FB5/282/A16-3
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO EIGHTY TWO
Serial (018) c/o Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, Calif.
25 May 1945

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

F I R S T E N D O R S E M E N T to
CO POMPON Conf. Ltr. SS267/A16-3
Serial 060 of 24 May 1945.

From: The Commander Submarine Division TWO EIGHTY TWO.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY EIGHT.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
The Commander in Chief, United States, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. POMPON(SS267) - Report of War Patrol
Number Eight.

1. The Eighth War Patrol of the POMPON was conducted
in the East China Sea area. Duration was 54 days with 27 days in
the area.

2. This patrol was characterized by a large number of
air contacts and a discouraging lack of ship contacts. This form-
erly productive area is now probably capable of adequate coverage
only by submarines working in close coordination with aircraft.

3. Three Chidoria composing an anti-submarine attack
group were encountered in shallow water and quite properly
avoided. An aggressive gun attack against a motor sampan was
frustrated by heavy weather and firing casualties.

4. The POMPON returned in good material condition;
clean and shipshape. Normal refit will be accomplished by APOLLO
and Submarine Division TWO EIGHTY TWO Relief Crew.

5. The Division Commander congratulates the Commanding
Officer, Officers and Crew upon the completion of this patrol.
The excellent training obtained should help to bring them better
hunting on their next.

[SIGNATURE: WSPost Jr.]
W. S. POST Jr.

— page 238 —
FC5-26/A16-3
Serial No. 0142.
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-EIGHT

                                        Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                        San Francisco, California.
                                        25 May 1945.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO, POMPON Conf. Ltr. SS267/A16-3
Serial No. 060 of 5/24/45.

From:           The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-EIGHT.
To   :          The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via  :          (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
                (2) The Commander-in-Chief, United States, Pacific Fleet.

Subject:        U.S.S. POMPON (SS267), Report of War Patrol Number EIGHT.

1. Forwarded concurring in the remarks of Commander Submarine Division
TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY-TWO.

                                        [SIGNATURE: J. M. WILL.]
                                        J. M. WILL.

— page 239 —
F12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 01336
CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
POMPON Report of
Eighth War Patrol.

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET [HANDWRITTEN: F12-10/02770]
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
3 June 1945.

NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

Ga

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 773
U.S.S. POMPON - EIGHTH 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. POMPON (SS267) - Report of Eighth War Patrol
(30 March to 24 May 1945).

1. The eighth war patrol of the POMPON, under the
command of Lieutenant-
Commander J. A. Zogley, U. S. Navy, was conducted in the East China Sea area.

2. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
commanding officer, officers, and crew of the POMPON for the completion of this
arduous patrol, and regrets that no opportunity to inflict damage upon the enemy
presented itself.

3. Award of Submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol is not authorized.

MERRILL COMSTOCK.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
Jicpoa (1)
AdjCPOA (1)
Comservpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Consubslent (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
CO, S/M Base, PH (1)
Comsopac (2)
Comsovespac (1)
ComSubs7thFlt (Fwd Echelon) (2)
ComSubs7thFlt (Rear Echelon) (2)
Comnorpac (1)
Comsubspac (3)
ComsubspacAdCond (20)
SUAD, MI (2)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Pacific
Substrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Pacific (2)
[UNCLEAR: (1)]

[STAMP: EXTRA - ORIGINAL]
[STAMP: SORG. MICRO]
[STAMP: PHOTO-LAB OP-16]
[STAMP: RETURN TO F-4253]

[SIGNATURE: W. S. Langley]
W. S. LANGLEY,
Asst. Flag Secretary.

— page 240 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]

U.S.S. POMPON (SS267)

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

SS267/A16-3
Serial: 010
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

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

Subject: U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of War Patrol
Number NINE.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.

1.
Enclosure (A), covering the Ninth War Patrol
of this vessel conducted in the Truk area during the period
13 June 1945 to 22 July 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: J. A. BOGLEY.]
J. A. BOGLEY.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/1/22]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: Filmed]
[HANDWRITTEN: 137133]

— page 250 —
COMMANDER SUBMARINE DIVISION THREE SIXTY ONE

FB5-361/A16-3
Serial: 06

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
23 July 1945.

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

— page 251 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON THIRTY SIX
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
23 July 1945.

FC5-36/A16-3
Serial: 028

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) -
Report of War Patrol
Number Nine.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron Thirty-Six.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
Administration.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. POMPON (SS267) - Report of War Patrol
Number Nine.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of Commander
Submarine Division Three Hundred Sixty One.

2. The ship returned from patrol in an excellent
state of cleanliness and very good material condition. It is
expected refit will be accomplished in the normal time by the
Relief Crew of Submarine Division Three Hundred Sixty One and
the U.S.S. SPERRY. The Squadron Commander congratulates the
Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the POMPON on the
completion of the 9th War Patrol.

D. C. MacMILLAN

— page 252 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 01993

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
POMPON Report of
Ninth War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 838
U.S.S. POMPON - NINTH 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. POMPON (SS267) - Report of Ninth War Patrol
(18 June to 22 July 1945).

1. The ninth war patrol of the POMPON, under the command of Lieu-
tenant Commander J. A. Bogley, U.S. Navy, was devoted to lifeguard duties off Truk.

2. The Force Commander congratulates the commanding officer, officers,
and crew of the POMPON for completion of this arduous patrol. The POMPON was af-
forded no opportunity to inflict damage upon the enemy or effect rescue.

3. Award of Submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol is not authorized.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
JICPOA (1)
AdJICPOA (1)
Comservpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Comsubslant (1)
S/M School, NL (3)
CO, S/M Base, PH (2)
Comsopac (1)
Comsowespac (2)
Comsubs7thFlt (Fwd Echelon) (1)
Comsubs7thFlt (Rear Echelon) (2)
Comnorpac (2)
Comsubspac (1)
ComsubspacAdCond (3)
SUBAD, MI (20)
ComsubspacSubordcom (2)
All Squadron and Div. (3)
Commanders, Pacific
ComSubOpTraGrBalboa (Airmail) (2)
Substrainpac (5)
All Submarines, Pacific (2)
(1)

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

[HANDWRITTEN: mr]
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
9 August 1945

NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

MERRILL COMSTOCK,
Deputy.

[SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes, 2nd]
E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.

— page 253 —
DECLASSIFIED
SECRET
DECLASSIFIED

[HANDWRITTEN: S]
Film No. 106
[HANDWRITTEN: ^]

Interviewed in Brisbane February 22, 1944.
Hawk, E.C., Comdr. USN, C.O. U.S.S. POMPON
Subject: The first three war patrols of the POMPON, plus comments on operations
in Task Forces 71 and 72. Our first patrol was by far the most successful, so
the second and third were in areas where supposedly, there was much more traffic.

A. We departed Brisbane early in July 1943, enroute to Bismarck Archipelago.
1. We had the usual contacts of aircraft and small patrol boats,
going through Solomons Sea.
2. The only other incident of consequence is when a Japanese sub-
marine fired two torpedoes at us.
a. He was submerged.
b. We paralleled and ran like hell on the surface.
3. We had one contact with a two ship convoy.
a. We tracked it all day.
b. Conducted a submerged attack, we sank one ship, and damaged
one ship.

B. On our second patrol we left from Brisbane, through Torres St. to
Darwin, and from there proceeded to patrol in the Singapore area of
the South China Sea.
1. We made two attacks but both were unsuccessful, due to poor tor-
pedo performance.

- 1 -

— page 254 —
S-E-C-R-E-T

Film No. 106

2. Anti-submarine measures were about the same; many planes and
   small patrol boats.
3. After this patrol we returned to Fremantle.
C. Our third patrol was practically like the second, there was nothing
   different.

II. Miscellaneous operational comments, on areas in Task Force 71 and 72
    A. Relative to damage on enemy.
        1. One AO approximately equal to 10 AK or 10 AP.
        2. In the Task Force 72 there were the following priority of targets.
            a. Aircraft carrier first, or transport carrier or seaplane
               tenders.
            b. Fleet oilers were second.
            c. Transports were third.
            d. Loaded AK's were fourth.
            e. Other combatant ships, by tonnage.
    B. The Japanese are in excellent position to use submarines as anti-sub-
       marine vessels.
        1. I believe that in the Solomons, the one that shot at us, actually
           was an anti-submarine patrol
        2. I do not believe that in the South China Sea, they were used as
           anti-submarine vessels.
        3. It could be used very effectively in the bottleneck of the
           Malay Barrier.

- 2 -

— page 255 —
S-E-C-R-E-T
Film No. 106

C. Differences in operating conditions Solomons areas and the South
China Sea.
1. Average depth of water in the South China Sea was 25-47, while
in the Bismarck Sea we had hundreds of fathoms.
2. We were probably shifted to Task Force 71 after the first patrol,
to get traffic in South China Sea. In Bismarck Islands Japanese
had their bases pretty well built up, and were shifting to
barges.
3. You could expect more traffic in the South China Sea, because of
the continued made for raw materials such as rice, rubber, tin,
and oil.
a. They apparently have a big oil refinery at Balikpapan going
well.
b. On the west coast of Borneo at Miri they are taking bunker
oil, right out of the ground.
4. In Task Force 72 areas, the big question of the Japanese is
getting finished products in and building up their bases, and
later on, evacuation. Under Task Force 71 they are more concerned
with raw materials.

D. Ship organization.
1. We always have two lookouts, a JO, and an OOD, on the bridge.
2. One thing I always harped on, was never trust any airplanes,
always get under.

- 3 -

— page 256 —
S-E-C-R-E-T

Film No. 106

3. Under Task Force 71, we ran at sea no more
from land. I believe the usefulness of the SD is diminishing.

4. Another thing it always keeps emphasized is that submarines cannot
challenge at night. We should always be ready to act, but should
never initiate recognition.

- 4 -

— page 257 —
SS267/A5-3
Serial 002
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SECRET
[TYPED: DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: B]
[HANDWRITTEN: S-E-C-R-E-T]
[HANDWRITTEN: CONFIDENTIAL - OPNAV INST 5500.30]
[HANDWRITTEN: J. Sher DATE 4 Oct 60]

U.S.S. POMPON

[HANDWRITTEN: 3WP] [HANDWRITTEN: C057.8]
% Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
26 January 1944.

From: The Commanding Officer.
To: Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE.

Subject: Mine Plant - Report of.

Reference: (a) CTG 71.1 Secret OpOrd 44-43 of 11-29-43.

Enclosure: (A) Sketch showing track of this vessel to and
from the mined area. (to CTG 71.1 only)
(B) Sketch showing method of laying the mines.
(to CTG 71.1 only).

1. Annex "DOG" of reference (a) directed this vessel
to lay a field of eleven Mk. 12 mines in an area approximately
five miles long and a mile and a half wide, eleven miles to the
northwestward of "The Brothers" Islands off the coast of Cochin
China.

2. This was successfully carried out on the night of
13 December 1943 without incident. Enclosure (A) shows the
designated area, the track of this vessel to and from the area
and the actual position of mines No. 1 and 11. Enclosure (B)
shows the actual plant, the true courses steered with the result-
ant sine curve and the distance between each mine.

3. The position of the mine field is considered
accurate subject to the allowable errors in T.B.T. bearings and
radar ranges. The position of the ship was determined by visual
bearings of The Brothers Island, combined with radar ranges and
pit log readings.
The position of the first mine laid is:
Lat. 08-45-40(N), Long. 106-05-30(E)
The position of the last mine (No. 11) laid is:
Lat. 08-48-55(N), Long. 106-03-00(E)
The field as a whole is about ½ to 1 mile to the
eastward of area that had been designated.

4. Due to weather conditions Poulo Condore Island
was never sighted. Visual bearings were obtained on the
Brothers Island during the planting operation, except when
obscured occasionally by rain squalls. The SJ radar could not
obtain ranges greater than 16,000 yards on it and no ranges
could be obtained during the actual mine laying operations.
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

-1-

— page 260 —
[TYPED: SECRET]

[HANDWRITTEN: 270°]
[HANDWRITTEN: Left]
[HANDWRITTEN: AREA]

[HANDWRITTEN: ☉ 11]
[HANDWRITTEN: 006°]
[HANDWRITTEN: ☉ 10]
[HANDWRITTEN: 345°]
[HANDWRITTEN: ☉ 9]
[HANDWRITTEN: 315°]
[HANDWRITTEN: ☉ 8]
[HANDWRITTEN: 295°]
[HANDWRITTEN: ☉ 7]
[HANDWRITTEN: 284°]
[HANDWRITTEN: ☉ 6]
[HANDWRITTEN: 284°]
[HANDWRITTEN: ☉ 5]
[HANDWRITTEN: 304°]
[HANDWRITTEN: ☉ 4]
[HANDWRITTEN: 335°]
[HANDWRITTEN: ☉ 3]
[HANDWRITTEN: 351°]
[HANDWRITTEN: ☉ 2]
[HANDWRITTEN: 023°]
[HANDWRITTEN: ☉ 1]

[HANDWRITTEN: AXIS 145°]

[HANDWRITTEN: 063]
[HANDWRITTEN: TRADE ROUTE]

[HANDWRITTEN: 4.25 Miles]
[HANDWRITTEN: 1.25 mi.]

[HANDWRITTEN: SKETCH showing]
[HANDWRITTEN: POSITION of MINES AND COURSES]
[HANDWRITTEN: they were LAID ON.]

[HANDWRITTEN: SCALE: ONE inch = 1000 YARDS]

[HANDWRITTEN: ENC. (B)]

— page 261 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 287]
[HANDWRITTEN: 92]
File No. A16-3
DECLASSIFIED
Serial No. (015)

[HANDWRITTEN: 3]
U. S. S. COD (SS 224)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
[STAMP: OFFICE OF THE
COM SUB PAC
JUN -9 1945
FOR SUBMARINES
PACIFIC FLEET]
20 May, 1945.

From: The Commander Task Group 17.11,
      (Commanding Officer, U.S.S. COD SS224).
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: Official Channels.

Subject: War Patrol of Coordinated Attack Group consisting of
         U.S.S. COD and U.S.S. POMPON during the period 9 April
         to 17 May, 1945, report of.

Reference: (a) Report of War Patrol No. Six by U.S.S. COD.
         (b) Report of War Patrol No. Eight by U.S.S. POMPON.

Enclosure: (A) Subject War Patrol Report.

1. Enclosure (A) is submitted herewith. This group operated
in the EAST CHINA SEA and furnished lifeguard services to the Fifth Air
Force.

J. A. ADKINS.

[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL - OPNAV INST 5500.30
BY [SIGNATURE: JK] DATE 10-9-60]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

— page 262 —
File No.
CONFIDENTIAL
Serial No.

U. S. S. COD (SS 224)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

REPORT OF COORDINATED ATTACK GROUP 17.11

(A) PROLOGUE
This group operated under ComSubPac Secret Operation Order No. 75-45,
which called for offensive patrol in the Western part of the EAST CHINA
SEA between latitudes 26° and 29° N, from arrival in area until 16 May
1945. Lifeguard duty was to be performed for Philippine based planes,
using a reference point on the northwest coast of FORMOSA. COD was to per-
form this duty until 1 May; POMPON THEREAFTER.

(B) NARRATIVE
COD left GUAM 9 April, POMPON on 10 April, and proceeded independently.

On 16 April while still enroute to the area I received a message
from SPOT who was in the southern part of our area, saying that he would
patrol south of latitude 26° 30' unless otherwise directed. During the
night I received a lifeguard assignment for the 17th. I referred this
message to the SPOT.

On 17 April COD encountered two small vessels, one towing the other,
off SHANGHAI, and sank them both by gunfire. The tow was oil laden. I
received a lifeguard station for the following day, so during the night
sent a despatch to SPOT and POMPON via GUAM, telling SPOT that COD would
arrive on lifeguard station on 19th and asking him to take lifeguard duties
until then. In the same despatch I assigned POMPON the area north of
latitude 26°-30' N for patrol.

On the 18th I received a lifeguard assignment for the 19th. I could
not make it by the designated time, but got close enough to give the
covering plane my position by VHF. No planes were down from the raid. SPOT
was ordered from the area on the 18th.

I made an analysis of the recent lifeguard assignments on the same
station. All except one required the submarine to take station south of
latitude 26° N, which put them out of our area. It appeared to me that
the best spot for intercepting any northbound traffic would be in FORMOSA
STRAIT, and this strait could be most effectively blocked between lati-
tudes 25° and 26° N. Accordingly, I requested authority to patrol between
these latitudes and it was granted. I laid out patrol stations in the
area, including only one station for submerged patrol, close in off HAITAN
ISLAND. I later ran through this spot on the surface in a fog; I was
afraid of mines and wanted to establish that there were none there, in case
I should later have occasion to order the POMPON in.

POMPON entered the area on the 19th and patrolled in the northern
portion. On the 21st he was chased by three CHIDORIS off TSISING (SEVEN
STARS) ISLAND, and on the 23rd he sighted a hospital ship.

- 1 -

— page 263 —
File No.
CONFIDENTIAL
REPORT OF. SOSD CODTESS ATTACK GROUP 17.11
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California

Serial No. On 22 April I commenced trying to raise POMPON on
a rendezvous. Finally I cleared a message via CHUNGKING telling him to
work south to a rendezvous in the strait. COD performed lifeguard duties
on the 23rd and 24th. No planes were down. POMPON started south, passing COD
enroute. COD had picked up a convoy consisting of AM, PC, and SB (or
smaller) headed north from KEELUNG on the evening of the 24th. Five
attempts to establish communication with POMPON failed while I was working
on this convoy. I finally cleared a message through GUAM telling POMPON
to stand by the lifeguard station until COD got back. COD succeeded in
sinking the AM, but could not hit the PC and SB with torpedoes.

On the 25th, Wolfpack communications being satisfactory, I assigned
station to POMPON and COD on a line north of KEELUNG. While on this line
on the 26th the two vessels came in sight. I closed and passed over a tracing
with the patrol stations laid out. On the night of the 26th COD had a ser-
ious fire in a MK V18 torpedo. Two men were lost overboard. Both ships
and six planes from OKINAWA searched for the men that night and the following
day, despite very poor flying weather. Only one man was recovered.

POMPON patrolled independently after the search, running a line up
the 20 fathom curve and back on the 29th and 30th.

In the morning of 1 May I received a message requesting that lifeguard
sub be alerted during the previous night. No report as to downed planes was
received.

On the night of 2-3 May I sent instructions to POMPON for forming a
scouting line across the middle of the EAST CHINA SEA on the nights of the
5th, 6th, 7th May, retiring the line during daylight. The line was run
at 15 knots until the last night when speed was reduced to 12 knots. I
considered the expenditure of fuel justified in order to effectively block
the area. In case lifeguard assignments were received, POMPON was instructed
to give his position to the covering planes and to abandon the scouting line
only to go after survivors. No planes were down during this period, however.
COD RAN an independent line on the 4th and the line on the succeeding nights
was run as scheduled. COD sighted an AH on 3 May.

On 8 May COD made a submerged patrol off HAITAN, and POMPON was
assigned a station in FORMOSA STRAIT, with authorization to patrol submerged
if desired. The submerged patrolling was adopted as a measure to conserve
fuel. It was my opinion and remains so, that a surface patrol is more
effective in these areas, despite the frequent enemy plane contacts. On the
night of the eighth I sent a despatch to ComSubPac indicating that POMPON
and COD would reach the limit of their fuel endurance before scheduled time
for departure from area. The reply to this was that one boat at least would
have to stay, and specified GUAM as the base to which we should return.

Patrol stations for the 9th were the same as the 8th. For the next
two days I sent POMPON in to HAITAN ISLAND and COD took the middle of the
strait. COD took the lifeguard duty assigned for the 11th. No planes were down.

- 2 -

— page 264 —
File No.

CONFIDENTIAL

Serial No.

U. S. S. COD (SS 224)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California
REPORT OF COORDINATED ATTACK GROUP 17.11

On the night of the 11th, I told POMPON to patrol independently and
that COD would take the lifeguard duty for the remainder of the patrol.
The reasons for this were two: (1) POMPON had 2000 more gals of fuel than
COD, and could therefore indulge in approximately two more days of surface
running than COD, thus giving the area better coverage; and (2) HOOLEY,
the C.O. of the POMPON was making his first patrol as such and I was anxious
that he find a target before leaving.

On the night of the "A" orders were received for COD to depart
area on 16th and POMPON after lifeguard duty on 17th, and stating that
MUSKALLUNGE was to arrive on about the 18th. POMPON had already expended
3000 gals more than his limiting fuel figure, so I ordered him to depart
on the 16th and to inform ComSubPac on leaving that COD was taking the life-
guard duty through the 17th. ComSubPac later ordered a rendezvous between
COD and RAY, which POMPON very properly met on his way from the area.

COD DID LIFEGUARD duties on the 17th, I remained in the area
until the lifeguard assignments for the 18th had been received. Since
there was none assigned, and MUSKALLUNGE was due on the 18th, I felt
reasonably sure that the lifeguard station would not be left uncovered and
departed the area.

(c) COMMUNICATIONS
In the early part of the patrol I made ten unsuccessful attempts to
communicate with POMPON. POMPON was submerged on five of these occasions.
Communications were later established by SAFPLAN frequencies on a satis-
factory basis. It is unfortunate that communications were not functioning
at the time of the only convoy contact.

(D) REMARKS
During the period of this patrol air-submarine coordination was
established between OKINAWA planes and submarines in the next areas to the
north. We had occasion to work with these OKINAWA planes to a limited
extent when they were searching our area, and found them at all times alert,
helpful and skillful in the extreme.

- 3 -

— page 265 —
END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: G-108]

||| 1.0
||| 1.1
||| 1.25 ||| 1.4 ||| 1.6

4.5 ||| 2.8 ||| 2.5
5.0 ||| 3.2 ||| 2.2
5.6 ||| 3.6 ||| 2.0
6.3 ||| 4.0
7.1
8.0
9.0
10

||| 1.8

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[IMAGE: Department of Defense seal with text "DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA"]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

— page 266 —
START OF REEL
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-159-81]
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: F-108]

||||| 1.0
||||| 1.1
||||| 1.25

||||| 2.8
||||| 2.5
||||| 5.0
||||| 3.2
||||| 2.2
||||| 5.6
||||| 3.6
||||| 4.0
||||| 2.0
||||| 1.8
||||| 1.6

OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: L. Frye]

DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 12-10-81]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[SEAL: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

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

— page 267 —
[HANDWRITTEN: NRS 1975-120]

[HANDWRITTEN: POIRON (SS-267)]
[HANDWRITTEN: WWII REPORT FILE]

[HANDWRITTEN: ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 35 MM]

— page 268 —
DATE 13 December 1943
FROM Commanding Officer USS POMPON(SS-267)

SUBJECT SPECIAL MISSION

Report(to CTF 71)of plan of field of eleven mines
off "The Brothers" Islands off coast of French Indo-
China on THIRD WAR PATROL.
(SOWESPAC:SUB OPS)
FILED: War Diary

Separately as ORIGINAL; as CARBON COPY

MICROSERIAL NO.

9 April-17 May 1945
CROSS INDEX CARD

SUBJECT Report of Coordinated Attack Group

Forwards report of operations of USS COD on 6th War Patrol
and USS POMPON on 8th War Patrol, operating in the East
China Sea, furnishing lifeguard services to the Fifth Air
Force.
(CENPAC: SUB OPS)

Filed:

as CARBON COPY under USS COD
| NAME | POMPON |
| SERIAL | 002 |
| DATE | 26 January 1944 |

— page 269 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 3]
U.S.S. POMPON

SS267/A5-3
Serial 002
[STAMP: SECRET]
S-E-C-R-E-T

From:
To:
Subject:
Reference:
Enclosure:

F Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
26 January 1944.

The Commanding Officer.
Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE. [HANDWRITTEN: J. Kien] [HANDWRITTEN: 40ct60]

Mine Plant - Report of.

(a) CTG 71.1 Secret O Ord 44-43 of 11-29-43.

(A) Sketch showing track of this vessel to and
from the mined area. (to CTG 71.1 only)
(B) Sketch showing method of laying the mines.
(to CTG 71.1 only).

1. Annex "DOG" of reference (a) directed this vessel
to lay a field of eleven Mk. 12 mines in an area approximately
five miles long and a mile and a half wide, eleven miles to the
northwestward of "The Brothers" Islands off the coast of Cochin
China.

2. This was successfully carried out on the night of
13 December 1943 without incident. Enclosure (A) shows the
designated area, the track of this vessel to and from the area
and the actual position of mines No. 1 and 11. Enclosure (B)
shows the true courses steered with the resultant
ant sine curve and the distance between each mine.

3. The position of the mine field is considered
accurate subject to the allowable errors in T.B.T. bearings and
radar ranges. The position of the ship was determined by visual
bearings of The Brothers Island, combined with radar ranges and
pit log readings.
The position of the first mine laid is:
Lat. 08-45-40(N), Long. 106-05-30(E)
The position of the last mine (No. 11) laid is:
Lat. 08-48-55(N), Long. 106-03-00(E)
The field as a whole is about ½ to 1 mile to the
eastward of area that had been designated.

4. Due to weather conditions Poulo Condore Island
was never sighted. Visual bearings were obtained on The
Brothers Island during the planting operation, except when
obscured occasionally by rain squalls. The SJ radar could not
obtain ranges greater than 16,000 yards on it and no ranges
could be obtained during the actual mine laying operations.

-1-
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

— page 270 —
SS267/A5-3
Serial 002
S̶E̶C̶R̶E̶T̶
S-E-C-R-E-T

U.S.S. POMPON

26 January 1944.

Subject: Mine Plant - Report of.

— page 272 —
SECRET

[HANDWRITTEN: Left]
[HANDWRITTEN: Area]
[HANDWRITTEN: 270°]

[HANDWRITTEN: Last Mine]
[HANDWRITTEN: 08°48'55"N]
[HANDWRITTEN: 106°08'00"E]
[HANDWRITTEN: 11]
[HANDWRITTEN: 006°]
[HANDWRITTEN: 10]
[HANDWRITTEN: 345°]
[HANDWRITTEN: 9]
[HANDWRITTEN: 310°]
[HANDWRITTEN: 8]
[HANDWRITTEN: 295°]
[HANDWRITTEN: 7]
[HANDWRITTEN: 284°]
[HANDWRITTEN: 6]
[HANDWRITTEN: 284°]
[HANDWRITTEN: 5]
[HANDWRITTEN: 304°]
[HANDWRITTEN: 4]
[HANDWRITTEN: 335°]
[HANDWRITTEN: 3]
[HANDWRITTEN: 350°]
[HANDWRITTEN: 2]
[HANDWRITTEN: 023°]
[HANDWRITTEN: 1]

[HANDWRITTEN: Trade Route]

[HANDWRITTEN: Axis]
[HANDWRITTEN: 145°]

[HANDWRITTEN: 063°]

[HANDWRITTEN: 4.25 Miles]
[HANDWRITTEN: 1.25 Miles]

[HANDWRITTEN: Sketch showing position of mines]
[HANDWRITTEN: and courses they were laid on.]

[HANDWRITTEN: Scale: One inch = 1000 Yards]

[HANDWRITTEN: Copy of POMPON Sketch]

[HANDWRITTEN: First Mine]
[HANDWRITTEN: 08°45'40"N]
[HANDWRITTEN: 106°05'30"E]

[HANDWRITTEN: Enc. (B)]

— page 273 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 29
95]
[HANDWRITTEN: 3]
[STAMP: OFFICE OF THE
RECEIVED
JUN 9 1945
COMMANDER SUBMARINES
PACIFIC FLEET]

U. S. S. COD (SS 224)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

File No. [HANDWRITTEN: A16-3]
Serial No. (015)

[HANDWRITTEN: 20 May, 1945.]

From: The Commander Task Group 17.11,
(Commanding Officer, U.S.S. COD SS224).
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: Official Channels.

Subject: War Patrol of Coordinated Attack Group consisting of
U.S.S. COD and U.S.S. POMPON during the period 9 April
to 17 May, 1945, report of.

Reference: (a) Report of War Patrol No. Six by U.S.S. COD.
(b) Report of War Patrol No. Eight by U.S.S. POMPON.

Enclosure: (A) Subject War Patrol Report.

1. Enclosure (A) is submitted herewith. This group operated
in the EAST CHINA SEA and furnished lifeguard services to the Fifth Air
Force.

[SIGNATURE: J. A. ADKINS.]

[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL - OPNAV INST 5500.30
BY [HANDWRITTEN: JK] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 10-4-60]]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

— page 274 —
File No.                                                U. S. S. COD (SS 224)
                                                         Care of Fleet Post Office,
CONFIDENTIAL                                             San Francisco, California.
Serial No.                                               REPORT OF COORDINATED ATTACK GROUP 17.11

(A)      PROLOGUE

         This group operated under ComSubPac Secret Operation Order No. 75-45,
which called for offensive patrol in the Western part of the EAST CHINA
SEA between latitudes 26° and 29° N, from arrival until 16 May
1945. Lifeguard duty was to be performed for Philippine based planes,
using a reference point on the northwest coast of FORMOSA. COD was to per-
form this duty until 1 May; POMPON THEREAFTER.

(B)      NARRATIVE

         COD left GUAM 9 April, POMPON on 10 April, and proceeded independently.

         On 16 April while still enroute to the area I received a message
from SPOT who was in the southern part of our area, saying that he would
patrol south of latitude 26° 30' unless otherwise directed. During the
night I received a lifeguard assignment for the 17th. I referred this
message to the SPOT.

         On 17 April COD encountered two small vessels, one towing the other,
off SHANGHAI, and sank them both by gunfire. The tow was oil laden. I
received a lifeguard station for the following day, so during the night
sent a despatch to SPOT and POMPON via GUAM, telling SPOT that COD would
arrive on lifeguard station on 19th and asking him to take lifeguard duties
until then. In the same despatch I assigned POMPON the area north of
latitude 26°-30' N for patrol.

         On the 18th I received a lifeguard assignment for the 19th. I could
not make it by the designated time, but got close enough to give the
covering plane my position by VHF. No planes were down from the raid. SPOT
was ordered from the area on the 18th.

         I made an analysis of the recent lifeguard assignments on the same
station. All except one required the submarine to take station south of
latitude 26° N., which put them out of our area. It appeared to me that
the best spot for intercepting any northbound traffic would be in FORMOSA
STRAIT, and this strait could be most effectively blocked between lati-
tudes 25° and 26° N. Accordingly, I requested authority to patrol between
these latitudes and it was granted. I laid out patrol stations in the
area, including only one station for submerged patrol, close in off HAITAN
ISLAND. I later ran through this spot on the surface in a fog; I was
afraid of mines and wanted to establish that there were none there, in case
I should later have occasion to order the POMPON in.

         POMPON entered the area on the 19th and patrolled in the northern
portion. On the 21st he was chased by three CHIDORIS off TSISING (SEVEN
STARS) ISLAND, and on the 23rd he sighted a hospital ship.

                                                         -1-

— page 275 —
File No.

CONFIDENTIAL
REPORT OF WOLF PACK GROUP 17.11
Care of Fleet Post Office,
Serial No. On 22 April I commenced an effort to raise POMPON on SAFPLAN to arrange
a rendezvous. Finally I cleared a message via CHUNGKING telling him to
work south to a rendezvous in the strait. COD performed lifeguard duties
on the 23rd and 24th. No planes were down. POMPON started south, passing COD
enroute. COD had picked up a convoy consisting of AM, PC, and SB (or
smaller) headed north from KEELUNG on the evening of the 24th. Five
attempts to establish communication with POMPON failed while I was working
on this convoy. I finally cleared a message through GUAM telling POMPON
to stand by the lifeguard station until COD got back. COD succeeded in
sinking the AM, but could not hit the PC and SB with torpedoes.

On the 25th, Wolfpack communications being satisfactory, I assigned
station to POMPON and COD on a line north of KEELUNG. While on this line
on the 26th the two vessels came in sight. I closed and passed over a tracing
with the patrol stations laid out. On the night of the 26th COD had a ser-
ious fire in a MK VIBI torpedo. Two men were lost overboard. Both ships
and six planes from OKINAWA searched for the men that night and the following
day, despite very poor flying weather. Only one man was recovered.

POMPON patrolled independently after the search, running a line up
the 20 fathom curve and back on the 29th and 30th.

In the morning of 1 May I received a message requesting that lifeguard
sub be alerted during the previous night. No report as to downed planes was
received.

On the night of 2-3 May I sent instructions to POMPON for forming a
scouting line across the middle of the EAST CHINA SEA on the nights of the
5th, 6th, 7th May, retiring the line during daylight. The line was run
at 15 knots until the last night when speed was reduced to 12 knots. I
considered the expenditure of fuel justified in order to effectively block
the area. In case lifeguard assignments were received, POMPON was instructed
to give his position to the covering planes and to abandon the scouting line
only to go after survivors. No planes were down during this period, however.
COD RAN an independent line on the 4th and the line on the succeeding nights
was run as scheduled. COD sighted an AM on 3 May.

On 8 May COD made a submerged patrol off HAITAN, and POMPON was
assigned a station in FORMOSA STRAIT, with authorization to patrol submerged
if desired. The submerged patrolling was adopted as a measure to conserve
fuel. It was my opinion and remains so, that a surface patrol is more
effective in these areas, despite the frequent enemy plane contacts. On the
night of the eighth I sent a despatch to ComSubPac indicating that POMPON
and COD would reach the limit of their fuel endurance before scheduled time
for departure from area. The reply to this was that one boat at least would
have to stay, and specified GUAM as the base to which we should return.

Patrol stations for the 9th were the same as the 8th. For the next
two days I sent POMPON in to HAITAN ISLAND and COD took the middle of the
strait. COD took the lifeguard duty assigned for the 11th. No planes were down.

- 2 -

— page 276 —
File No.
[CROSSED OUT: CONFIDENTIAL]
Serial No.

U. S. S. COD (SS 224)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California
REPORT OF COORDINATED ATTACK GROUP 17.11

On the night of the 11th, I told POMPON to patrol independently and
that COD would take the lifeguard duty for the remainder of the patrol.
The reasons for this were two: (1) POMPON had 2000 more gls of fuel than
COD, and could therefore indulge in approximately two more days of surface
running than COD, thus giving the area better coverage; and (2) BOGLEY,
the C.O. of the POMPON was making his first patrol as such and I was anxious
that he find a target before leaving.

On the night of the 14th orders were received for COD to depart
area on 16th and POMPON after lifeguard duty on 17th, and stating that
MUSKALLUNGE was to arrive on about the 18th. POMPON had already expended
3000 gals more than his limiting fuel figure, so I ordered him to depart
on the 16th and to inform ComSubPac on leaving that COD was taking the life-
guard duty through the 17th. ComSubPac later ordered a rendezvous between
COD and RAY, which POMPON very properly met on his way from the area.

COD DID LIFEGUARD duties on the 17th, I remained in the area
until the lifeguard assignments for the 18th had been received. Since
there was none assigned, and MUSKALLUNGE was due on the 18th, I felt
reasonably sure that the lifeguard station would not be left uncovered and
departed the area.

(c) COMMUNICATIONS

In the early part of the patrol I made ten unsuccessful attempts to
communicate with POMPON. POMPON was submerged on five of these occasions.
Communications were later established by SAFPLAN frequencies on a satis-
factory basis. It is unfortunate that communications were not functioning
at the time of the only convoy contact.

(d) REMARKS

During the period of this patrol air-submarine coordination was
established between OKINAWA planes and submarines in the next areas to the
north. We had occasion to work with these OKINAWA planes to a limited
extent when they were searching our area, and found them at all times alert,
helpful and skillful in the extreme.

- 3 -

— page 277 —
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-159-81]

END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: F-108]

|||||1.0
|||||1.1
|||||1.25

1.45
1.50
1.52
1.56
1.60

2.8 |||||2.5
3.2 |||||2.2
3.6 |||||2.0
4.0 |||||1.8
1.4 |||||1.6

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[SEAL: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION