U.S.S. PETO (SS-265) — war patrol report SS-265_PETO_Part1.pdf

— page 4 —
6 01479
UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET
AL6-3
Serial 0958
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
CO PETO First War Patrol
Report, SS265/AL6-3
Serial 010, dated May 20, 1943.

From: The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. FLEET.

Subject: Report of First War Patrol of U.S.S. PETO - Forwarding of.

1. Forwarded.

Copy to:
Vice OPNAV (less report)

[Signature]
[Date]
[Page number]

29

— page 6 —
1. The PT boat was launched on 22 June 1943, on her first war patrol. She reconnoitered Greenwich Island for shipping on the thirteenth with negative results. That night she proceeded towards the vicinity of the Equator to cover the Truk - Kawing route arriving on station the next day. At daylight of the fifteenth an approach was made on a high speed zig zagging SQUID type destroyer. No attack resulted due to target zigging towards ZTO at close range. On morning of seventeen at South bound Truk - Rabaul convoy of two destroyers, two medium freighters and one small auxiliary was sighted. This attack was frustrated just prior to firing when the trailing destroyer detected the ZTO and forced her to assume the defensive. Nine depth charges resulted in no damage. Surfaed later and attempted to regain convoy contact, but with no success. The night of the twenty-sixth PT made a submerged periscope approach. She was apparently detected at range 3,000 yards and took evasive action. The destroyers formed a semi-circular formation and searched at slow speeds, but were not persistent and left the area shortly thereafter. On the morning of thirty April a small auxiliary schooner was sighted. Sea condition made gun attack impracticable. On the first of May the PT moved west to the Pelens - Rabaul route in the vicinity of the Equator. A night contact at close range by sound and radar occurred on five May. The submerged radar attack that followed resulted in one possible hit from the three torpedoes fired. The target was never seen. On May sixth the PT moved for a patrol area off Cape Orford, remaining there until the fourteenth with no contacts. At that time she started home arriving Brisbane 20 May after a patrol of forty-eight days.

2. The PT not had attack opportunities. The approach on the twenty-seventh April was aggressively conducted. An extraordinary position was being reached when the alertness of a trailing escort frustrated the attack.

— page 7 —
5-8/A16-3
Serial 057
CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO PETO First War
Patrol Report.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PETO (SS265), First War Patrol;
Comments on.

1. PETO's first war patrol was of forty eight days duration, of which, thirty four days were in combat area and fourteen days en route. Only five contacts were made.

2. The general material condition of the PETO upon return from patrol was excellent. The porous 600 pound blow manifold has been reported to the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Manitowoc. No trouble is expected reconditioning the five cells which were contaminated by salt water.

3. The PETO will be given a regular refit by the FULTON.

W. T. DOWIES.

— page 8 —
352-5/ALO-3
Seri 040

From: [Signature]
To: [Signature]
Via: [Signature]

Subject: [Text]

Enclosures: (1) Report of First War Patrol, U.S.S. PETROPHOBE (A), (B), (C) for reference
1. Enclosures (A), (B), (C) for reference

1. Enclosures (A), (B), (C) for reference

50581 FILMED

— page 11 —
U.S.S. PETO - Report of First War Patrol.

April 5, 1943
0500
Changed course to west, went to two engine speed, and commenced zig-zagging during daylight.
1046
On Red-Hill route, changed course for Pt. Red.
Made training dives and held drills each watch and at 1500, while at 150' a plug in sea box of trim line carried away, permitting.considerable water to enter control room. (See 9(b)).
1815
Slowed to one engine, ceased zig-zagging. 1200 Position: Latitude 18-53S; Longitude 155-21E.
Distance Run - 304 miles.
Fuel used 2913 gallons.

April 6, 1943
Went to two engine speed and commenced zig-zagging at daylight.
Made training dive and held drills each daylight watch.
Went to deep submergence to test repairs made to trim line sea box.
Slowed to one engine and stopped zigzagging at dark.
1200 Position: Latitude 14-43S; Longitude 156-01E.
Distance Run - 300 miles.
Fuel Used - 2970 gallons.

April 7, 1943
0505
Submerged, maintaining periscope patrol.
1820
Surfaced.
2000
Passed Point Red. Set Course 3150T.
Distance Run - 157 miles.
Fuel Used - 1,005 gallons.

April 8, 1943
0504
Submerged. Maintaining periscope patrol.
1805
Surfaced.
1200 Position - Latitude 9-18S;
Longitude 155-08E.
Distance Run - 158 miles.
Fuel Used - 977 gallons.

— page 12 —
1943
0300 Passed Pt. "2" and headed north.
0458 Submerged.
1817 Surfaced.
1200 Position: 'Latitude 70-19'S;
Longitude 153-57'E.
Distance run - 155 miles.
Fuel Used - 950 gallons.

: 1943
0450 Submerged.
1829 Surfaced.
2000 F.NI ISLAND abeam to port. On course
0000T.
1200 Position: Latitude 50-00'S;
Longitude 153-50'E.
Distance run - 177 miles.
Fuel Used - 1620 gallons.

: 1943
0600 Changed course to 3370'. Weather
very unfavorable with heavy
overcast, steady rain, and rough sea
from N.N. Visibility ranging from
4,000 to 10,000 yards during day.
2000 Set course 3500'.
1200 Position: Latitude 0-38'S;
Longitude 153-00'E.
Distance run - 370 miles.
Fuel Used - 5,068 gallons.

: 1943
0520 Submerged.
0732 Periscope observer thought he saw
three snips bearing 1670T.
0746 surfaced for better look and deter-
mined that suspected ships were
clouds, Took sun line and at
0813 submerged. Decided to proceed to
assigned station. Set course 0900T.
1630 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Latitude 10-18'N;
Longitude 1530-02'E.
Distance run - 174 miles.
Fuel Used - 1,408 gallons.

— page 13 —
U.S.S. 250 - Report of First War Patrol.

april 13, 1943
0500
1440
1827
2322
april 14, 1943
0505
1130
1831
0555
0534
0648
0656
0659

Submerged.
Sighted German Island bearing 2080T and headed for islands to investigate possibility of ships there. Nothing sighted.
Surfaced. Proceeding to a position to southeast of islands.
Increased speed to 12 knots and set course 270°T, heading for new area.
1200 Position: Latitude 1°-20'N; Longitude 155°-03' E.
Distance Run - 137 miles.
Fuel Used - 1,032 gallons.

Submerged.
Sighted patrol plane bearing 165°T, distance 8 miles.
Surfaced on course 270°T, making 7 knots on auxiliary engine.
1200 position: Latitude 0°-54'N; Longitude 153°-42'E.
Distance Run: 138 miles.
Fuel Used: 553 gallons.

Submerged end changed course to 090°T.
Changed course to 270°T.
Sound reported screws bearing 180°T (Contact No. 1).
Proved to be Japanese DD. Commenced approach. Destroyer zigging but no echo-ranging heard.
With range 1500 yards and relative bearing of 138° the destroyer changed course and headed nearly at us. Decided this course change was part of zig plan and not due to being sighted so remained at periscope depth in hopes of getting off a shot.
The destroyer was abeam, to port, having crossed our stern, range 350 yards, and before a decent solution could be obtained for forward tubes he zigged, offering an angle on the bow of 150°P. Did not shoot as the gyro angle was extreme, the track angle was nearly

— page 14 —
180° and the problem was not checking on the T.D.C. Consider that any shot would have been wasted. Estimate his base course was about 000°2, speed 23 knots, R.N. 216. Identified as SHIGUIB class DD.
a. stern tube shot was out of the question because the "torpedo run" was under 500 yards as soon as an observation was obtained following the zig toward us. a. bow tube shot with about a 270° gyro was a possibility but the zig to the left spoiled this shot.
Surfaced. a. starfilling 113 sector of area on course 090° and reverse, speed 7 knots on auxiliary engine.
1200 Position: Latitude 60-52'N; Longitude 152°-06'T.
Distance run - 110 miles.
Fuel Used - 747 gallons.

: 1510 Submerged.
0800 Changed course to 000°T.
1836 Surfaced and ran at 7 knots until at which time, being in position, increased speed to 15 knots and set course 106°T.
1200 Position: Latitude 1°-03'N; Longitude 152°-39'T.
Distance run - 124 miles.
Fuel Used - 593 gallons.

: 1510 Submerged.
0550 Heard ringing to eastward and later sighted smoke bearing 078°T.
0601 Sighted most of destroyer bearing 085°T (contact No. 2) as it reached the western edge of its patrol. The general course of the convoy was estimated to be south and it was obvious that we were in no position for an attack, so at
0620 turned away from convoy and started
0740 With smoke or convoy bearing 118°T, surfaced and commenced "end around" at 18 knots. Then the bearing of the convoy had been decreased to 058°T, at

— page 15 —
1004
We were forced down by plane, bearing 205°T, flying close to water and not detected by SD radar. Remained submerged until
1048
at which time we were about to come up to continue the "end around" when the plane was sighted flying low over the convoy, and at
1058
noticed that leading DD was firing at the plane. Thinking that action by plane might cause a change of course of convoy decided to stay down for awhile and observe action of convoy. Plane observed flying very close to water, apparently trying to gain altitude and then it disappeared. Not possible to determine if plane crashed but it gave every indication of so doing.
1100
Convoy assumed to be drawing closer so commenced approach.
1210
...at about one minute before attaining firing position on trailing ASAHIO type destroyer, the destroyer picked us up by sound, and headed directly for us with flag hoist flying. Went deep.
1213
First of 9 depth charges. Last qt but screws could be heard until shortly after which we came to periscope depth with nothing in sight. Inspected ship for damage, no damage of importance noticed.
1618
Surfaced and commenced chase of convoy at 17 knots.
2316
with LIIIR ISLAND bearing 270°T, distance 27 miles, changed course to 090°T.
1200 Position: Latitude 10-03'5; Longitude 153°02'E.
Distance run - 267 miles.
Fuel Used - 3,202 gallons.

— page 17 —
U.S.S. PatO - report of First War Patrol.

April 23, 1943
0507
1835
Submerged.
Surfaced.
1200 Position; Latitude 0°-28' N;
Longitude 152°-15' E.
Distance Run - 115 miles.
Fuel Used - 640 gallons.

April 24, 1943
0510
1822
Submerged.
Surfaced.
1200 Position; Latitude 0°-24' N;
Longitude 153°-21' E.
Distance Run - 126 miles.
Fuel Used - 587 gallons.

April 25, 1943
0514
1819
Submerged.
Surfaced.
We have been concentrating on
the north east quadrant of our area as
being the most likely spot for contacts.
Due to lack of contacts it was decided to
cover the northwest quadrant for awhile,
so set course 270 T and headed for the
above position.
1200 Position; Latitude 0°-22' N;
Longitude 152°-57' E.
Distance Run - 123 miles.
Fuel Used - 405 gallons.

April 26, 1943
0517
1825
2340
Submerged.
Surfaced.
Lade radar contact with three ships
bearing 001°T, ship range 8,000 yards.
(Contact #3). Hoon had just risen but
was behind low clouds on horizon.
Visibility was varying, being good in
moon streaks, and poor in shadows. Made
sight contact almost immediately and
estimated angle on bow to be zero.
Changed course to 180°T and by that
time radar range was 6,000 yards, indi-
cating high speed. Submerged for peri-
scope approach as moon should have
broken out of clouds at any moment. When
picked up by periscope it appeared that
enemy had changed course to 200° T so
changed course to 270°T to close. Never
able to close to less than estimated 3000
yards and at

— page 18 —
2350
it was decided that the enemy force
was an anti-submarine unit consisting
of three destroyers or two destroyers
and one small cruiser. The three ships
slowed down and formed a semi-circle
around our position and commenced
pinging, alternately stopping to lis-
ten. Changed course to 0400 to pull
clear.
1200 Position; Latitude 00-02' N;
Longitude 151-50' E.
Distance run - 115 miles.
Fuel Used - 415 gallons.

: 0009
Vent deep for evasive measures.
Chlorine gas reported in the after
battery (See 9 (e))
sweeped to have left vicinity.
No attacks were made and it is believed
that they never had a definite contact
with us although their actions indicat-
ed that they had a "doubtful" contact
by either radar, sound, or visual
before diving.
Surfaced and cleared area at high speed
while ventilating after battery at
maximum ventilation. Found 4 cells
with salt water in them. Began treat-
ment. (See 9(e)).
Submerged. Running on forward battery
only. Discovered additional salted
cells, making total of five.
Surfaced to ventilate boat and dump acid
from 5th cell. Charged forward battery.
Submerged. Vent deep in progressive
steps, inspecting for leaks and elimin-
ating same. Bad leak in engine air
induction. Cannot be stopped. (See 9(d))
Surfaced.
1200 Position; Latitude 00-02' N;
Longitude 150-47' E.
Distance run - 150 miles.
Fuel Used - 1,192 gallons.

— page 19 —
U.S.S. PATROL - Report of First War Patrol.

April 28, 1943
0508
1825
Submerged.
Surfaced.
1200 Position; Latitude 00°-56' N;
Longitude 150°-28' E.
Distance run - 117 miles.
Fuel Used - 386 gallons.

April 29, 1943
0512
1825
Submerged.
Surfaced.
1200 Position; Latitude 00°-51' N;
Longitude 150°-45' E.
Distance run - 110 miles.
Fuel Used - 406 gallons.

April 30, 1943
0523
0910
Submerged.
Sighted small auxiliary scooter
(Contact #4). Closed to investigate
submerged. Attained about 65' length,
125 tons, mounting a 50 cal. machine
gun on wheel house, and equipped with
radio. Tough seas prevented a gun
action. This ship could have been an
anti-submarine patrol but it is believed
more likely that it was making a passage
when caught in the storm and was simply
riding out the storm on a westerly
course at steerageway.

1827
Submerged.
1200 Position; Latitude 00°-54' N;
Longitude 151°-01' E.
Distance run - 117 miles.
Fuel Used - 657 gallons.

May 1, 1943
0510
1822
Submerged.
Surfaced.
1200 Position; Latitude 00°-23' N;
Longitude 151°-06' E.
Distance run - 115 miles.
Fuel Used - 439 gallons.

- 10 -

— page 21 —
1943
- 2041
- 2047
- 2048-17
- 2053
- 2130
- 2214
- 1943
- 0538
- 1833
- 1943
- 0537
- 1825
- 1943
- 0552
- 1033
- 1846

- 1943
- 0552
-

— page 22 —
U.S.S. 2-TO - report of first war patrol.

May 9, 1943
0552
1838
Submerged.
Surfaced.
1200 Position; Latitude 30-18' S;
Longitude 145-52' E.
Distance Run - 166 miles.
Fuel Used - 1138 gallons.

May 10, 1943
0518
1337
Submerged.
Sighted bombing plane bearing 2070T
distance 4 miles on course SE.
Surfaced. Coruscated message of VITIAZ
STRAIT at 15 knots.
Changed course to 1240T.
1200 Position; Latitude 50-19' S;
Longitude 147-18' E.
Distance Run - 177 miles.
Fuel Used - 1,491 gallons.

May 11, 1943
0330
0520
1104
Submerged.
Sighted bombing plane bearing 0580T.
distance 4 miles, on course 250.
Surfaced.
1200 Position; Latitude 60-43' S;
Longitude 149-41' E.
Distance Run - 190 miles.
Fuel Used - 1855 gallons.

May 12, 1943
0515
1821
Arrived on station off CRIE ORFORD
and submerged.
Surfaced.
1200 Position; Latitude 50-30' S;
Longitude 152-10' E.
Distance Run - 155 miles.
Fuel Used - 1268 gallons.

May 13, 1943
0451
1708
Submerged.
Sighted two observation seaplanes
flying west along coast line.
Surfaced.
1200 Position; Latitude 50-32' S;
Longitude 152-11' E.
Distance Run - 116 miles.
Fuel Used - 611 gallons.

15

— page 23 —
14, 1943
0450
1833
2023
2040

: 15, 1943
0530
0859
1805

: 16, 1943
0532
1010
1315
1751
2020

: 17, 1943
Commence daylight surface running and zig zagging.
Made dive each daylight watch for training.
1200 Position: Latitude 13°-59' S;
Longitude 156°-02' E.
Distance Run: 348 miles.
Fuel Used - 4,037 gallons.

-14-

— page 24 —
1943
Made dive each daylight watch for training.
Conducted 3 hour battery discharge.
1200 Position, Latitude 19°-18' S;
Longitude 155°-16' S.
Distance Run: 347 miles.
Fuel Used: 4,079 gallons.

May 19, 1943
Made dive each daylight watch for training.
Passed Point AOE.
1200 Position, Latitude 24°-03' S;
Longitude 154°-31' E.
Distance Run - 345 miles.
Fuel Used - 4,061 gallons.

May 20, 1943
Net escort SC 698, passed Pt. Van.
Passed Caloundra Head.
00:00

— page 25 —
2. WEATHER

During April 4-5 encountered south-east storm. Wind force 5, sea condition 5. Much rain and complete overcast.

April 11, 1943, ran into a NW storm in Lat. 0°-30' S, Long. 153° - 30 E. Sky completely overcast, steady light rain and rough sea from N. Clear at after about 12 hrs.

From April 28 to May 11, 1943, experienced a period of generally unfavorable weather. Sky was overcast generally and there was much rain. During daytime the sky would partly clear and visibility was usually about 8-10 miles, but at sunset the sky would become completely overcast and heavy rain was the rule rather than the exception. These nights were the blackest I have ever experienced.

3. TIDAL INFORMATION

Ocean currents encountered in the patrol area did not agree with those shown on the Pilot Chart for the period covered. Although the Pilot Chart showed a generally westerly current at the equator between longitudes 145° 2', and 155° E, the following currents were experienced:

(a) Between longitude 150°E, and 155°E, April 19-22, Set 068°T, drift 15 knots.
(b) Between longitude 150°E, and 155°E, April 23-1'ey 2, Set 090°T, drift 1.6 knots.
(c) Between longitude 145°E, and 150°E, May 3-7, Set 112°T, drift 1.6 knots.
(d) Vicinity of Kinigo Group of islands between, Kaniet and Hermit Islands, on May 8, Set 075°T, drift 1.6 knots.

The current in Vitiaz Strait was not as strong as had been anticipated, being practically negligible in the narrow passage.

Northeast of Long Island the set was to the westward with a strength of about 2 knots.

Southeast of New Britain Island enroute to patrol station, and on the return trip, the set was 135°T, drift 1.0 knots.

In view of the long periods between sights, due to bad weather conditions, it is felt that knowledge of this reversal of current at the equator is of importance.

— page 26 —
4. NAVIGATION: LDS

No navigational aids were sighted.

Peaks and tangents in the vicinity of Cape
Orford are not clearly defined on our charts and
do not cut in well. However, because of the sheer
coastline and good depth of water, navigation
is not difficult.

- 17 -

— page 30 —
9. NAVY DIPLOMATS

(a) On april 14, 1943, #1 engine was started for a charge without opening the cock. Water in the engine caused relief valves to lift but not before following damage was done:

#16 cylinder liner encased inside and outside, 4 coppered firing and 2 oil rings on #1 piston were broken, air starting check valve stems were broken on units #2, 5 and 10. Repairs were made with on board spares. Personnel wholly at fault.

(b) While submerged at 150' on april 4, 1943, a 1/4" plug in the tri-line sea box casting, outboard of the sea valve, blew out. Considerable water entered control room before repairs could be made, due to the hole being outboard of the valve. Three of the hole were re-tapped and a brass high pressure air fitting was inserted to correct believed that the plug was inserted to correct a flaw in the casting.

(c) After section of 600# blow manifold developed a leak through the casting which was repaired by drilling, tapping, and inserting a machine bolt. During re-fit prior to patrol a similar casualty occurred to forward section of sea manifold and was repaired by welding. It is obvious that these are poor castings.

(d) Engine air induction leaks badly at deep submerged. The flow of water is greater than the drains can handle. Believe leak to be in a flange joint or hand hole plate, but location cannot be determined until return to port.

(e) On april 27, 1943, with 3 enemy destroyers overheard, chlorine gas was detected in after battery. Source of water was quickly determined to be coming from leaky engine air induction via induction piping drain and battery ventilation drain which are interconnected. Supply of water was greater than drain to pump room bilge could handle and it backed up thru battery ventilation drain. Load was taken off after battery

— page 31 —
U.S.S. PATROL - Report of First War Patrol

and battery sealed up. After surfacing and ventilating outboard to clear gas it was found that cells 47, 43, 57, and 53 had received a small quantity of salt water. Flushed above cells out four times with fresh water and tested all cells with silver nitrate. Discovered one additional cell salted, No. 46. Jumped out above five cells in order to have remainder of battery available if needed while submerged. On surfacing the following night out in the above five cells and charged the battery. Gave after battery an overcharge of one hour. No evidence of chlorine gas, voltage and gravity obtained on these cells as follows:

| Cell No. | Voltage | Gravity |
||||
| 46      | 2.62    | 1226    |
| 47      | 2.63    | 1225    |
| 48      | 2.62    | 1224    |
| 57      | 2.62    | 1226    |
| 53      | 2.62    | 1230    |

At the end of two weeks the following readings were obtained at end of charge.

| Cell No. | Voltage | Gravity |
||||
| 46      | 2.63    | 1231    |
| 47      | 2.63    | 1230    |
| 48      | 2.62    | 1228    |
| 57      | 2.62    | 1234    |
| 58      | 2.62    | 1231    |

It is recommended that the battery ventilation piping be disconnected from the induction drain piping to prevent reoccurrence.

(f) The pitometer log gave much trouble and was out of commission a good part of the patrol. Main difficulty was caused by leakage in the bellows, causing bearings in the pump to corrode.

(g) Wiped connecting rod bearings:

This casualty is one which has been reoccurring ever since commissioning. On this patrol five bearings were wiped.

— page 32 —
10. Remarks

(a) It is of interest to note that all contacts occurred on, or near, the enemy trade routes laid down in the operation plan.

(b) Density layers:

In the area 150°-155°0-1°N a two degree temperature gradient was found.

| Depth | Temp. |
|-------|-------|
| 0-200' | 430° |
| 250'  | 320° |
| 300'  | 310° |

In the vicinity of 148°E 00-30'S a definite density layer was experienced at 100', it being necessary to flood 2000 lbs to drive through it.

(c) The water in the patrol area is highly phosphorescent and on dark nights the wake even at slow speeds, must be visible for at least 1000 yards.

(d) The radio schedules from Honolulu on 16.6dICS was never heard submerged.

(e) The loss of the pitomater log throughout much of the patrol was a handicap. With the glassy seas prevailing a large part of the time knowing the speed made thru the water is important for periscope exposures on an approach if the approach is to be made undetected.

(f) Radio reception:- All serial numbered messages sent by CTF 72 were received in spite of almost continuous attempt by the enemy to create interference.

(g) Under the orders to remain submerged during daylight north of 13°S the PTRO spent 616 hours on the surface and 518 hours submerged.

— page 34 —
9.0692
Serial 01482
7-0538
29 AUG 1943
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
3rd Pondersement on
CC U.S.S. PETO ne-
port of Second War
Patrol.
From: The Commander South Pacific.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. PETO (S3265) - Report of Second War
Patrol; comments on.
1. Forwarded.
2. The Commander South Pacific congratulates the
Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the USS PETO on
this successful war patrol.
W. F. Halsey
Copy to:
VCHO
Cinepac
Cincelant
Consowespac
Consubpac
Consublant
Consubswespac.
CTF 72
Consutron 6
Consubron 8
Consubdiv 81
@onsubdiv 82
CO, 'USS PETO

— page 35 —
9 0692
FF12-15(72)A16-3/Pk
Serial 0250
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. FETO (SS265) - Report of Second War Patrol; comments on.

2. The patrol was aggressively conducted. The two attacks made resulted in three hits out of the five torpedoes fired, sinking one ship and severely damaging another. It is unfortunate that the outer door on one of the after tubes could not be opened during the attack on the tanker, resulting in three instead of four torpedoes being fired.

3. FETO is credited with inflicting the following damage on the enemy during this patrol, which is designated as a "successful patrol" for purposes of awarding the Sumerine Combat Insignia.

SUNK:
Naval auxiliary (similar to KIYOTADA HAKU) ... 2,000 tons

DAMAGED:
Tanker (similar to NIFION HAKU) ...... 10,000 tons.

DISTRIBUTION:
Coanich (Advance copy - 2)
VCNO
VOPNAV (Op-23c)
Com 1st Flt
Com 2nd Flt
Com 7th Flt (2)
Consubs 1st Flt
Consubs 7th Flt
CSS 6, 3
CSD 81, 82
CTF 72 War Patrol Summary and Boat Files
Flit Radio Unit, MELBOURNE
All SS TF-72 (Not to be taken to see - BURN)
Oinc, S/A School, N.I. Conn. (2)
CO PITO (File).

28

— page 36 —
1. TASK FORCE SEVENTY-TWO,
   - Crew of Fleet Test Orifice,
   - San Francisco, California,
   - 10 August 1943.

2nd ENDORSEMENT to
CO METO Report of
Second 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. FOTO (SS265) - Report of Second War Patrol; comments on.

1. INTO departed Brisbane 10 June 1943, on her Second War Patrol. The early morning of 24 June she sighted a high speed southwest bound tanker with destroyer escort at Latitude 0°-47' S., Longitude 152°-51' E. A Tavor-able submerged attack position was obtained, but a sixty degree change of course at dawn frustrated the approach. An attempt was made to chase on the surface but aircraft prevented. The morning of 29 June she fired two torpedoes at a small naval auxiliary lying to in Latitude 10°-50' N., Longitude 151°-43' E. One torpedo hit near the bow, breaking the ship in two. The bow sank immediately and when last seen the stern was afloat and circling with a heavy list. The morning of 1 July she sighted and reported by radio a southbound ATAGO class heavy cruiser and three destroyers which she was unable to close in Latitude 3° N., Longitude 151°-45' E. Early afternoon 6 July she avoided a southwest bound auxiliary schooner in Latitude 1°-57' N., Longitude 152° E. On 7 July FOTO made submerged attack with three torpedoes on an eastbound tanker similar to NITFON 1ARU with two destroyers escort in Latitude 0°-25' N., Longitude 147°-27' E. Two of the three torpedoes hit causing severe damage, and depth charging by escorts followed. After dusk FOTO gave chase but made no further contact. She sighted a southbound transport with destroyer escort late afternoon 18 July in Latitude 3°-10' N., Longitude 150°-33' E., but was unable to close. She made an all-night chase but during the early morning was driven down by a plane and was unable to reach a favorable attack position. Enroute Brisbane FOTO was fueled by COUNCIL near DeBoyne Island. She arrived Brisbane on 4 August, after a fifty-two day patrol.

— page 38 —
SS265/A16-3
Serial (239)
Q-O-L-F-E-I-Z-E-N-T-I-A-L

From:  The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. PETTICO.
To:  The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via:  (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron, MCT.
       (2) The Commander Task Force SEVENTY TWO.
       (3) The Commander THIRD Fleet.

Subject:  U.S.S. PETTICO, Report of War Patrol number 2.

Enclosure:  (A) Subject Report.
       (B) Track Chart of Attacks.  (CTF 72 only).
       (C) Track Chart of Patrol.  (CTF 72 only).

1. Enclosure (A), cover the second war patrol of this vessel conducted in Solomons Sea area during the period June 10, 1943 to August 4, 1943 is forwarded herewith.

W. T. NELSON

54239 FILMED

— page 39 —
9 0t

CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. F-100
REPORT OF
SECOND WAR PATROL

Front: 10 June 1943
Tot: 4 August 1943.

NOT TO BE TAKEN TO S.S. F-100. B-25 SUBMARINES - (EUA)

— page 40 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. PT-70 - Report of Second War Patrol

A. PROLOGUE
Arrived Brisbane, Australia for a first patrol on May 20, 1943. Granted nor-nel refit xrid of two weeks followed by one week for loading, testing and getting ready for sea. Readiness for sea date June 10, 1943. Refit was conducted by Base forces assisted by repair forces of U.S.S. PULPIT. Main engines #1 and #4 were overhauled. 3" gun was moved forward. Ship ready for sea on June 10, 1943.

B. NARRATIVE
All times zone - 10 (k)

June 10, 1943
1030 Underway. Conducted sound test and fired 15 rounds from deck gun at towed target in foreton Bay.
1730 Rendezvous with U.S.S. ZINCH and U.S.S. SIXTH off Calounda Ieod and proceeded to sea in company. Made trim dive and night run on the destroyers.

June 11, 1943
0700 Made deep test dive. Radio antenna trunk flooded and engine air induction leaked. Gave services to destroyers during for enoon and made dry submerged approaches during afternoon. Made night approaches after dark.

June 12, 1943
0630 Commenced exerd ses with escort. Gave services for sound training and made two submerged approachs.
0915 Set course for Brisbane, in company with escort, for repairs to air signal trunk and engine air induction.
1515 Tied up to nest alongside U.S.S. PULPIT.

June 13, 1943
1300 Underway.
1730 Passed Jaluondra Ierd, no oseiding to sea without escort.
1957 Passed Point Van.
2107 Made trim dive. Repair s satisfactory.
2116. Surfaced.

June 14, 1943
0042 Sighted large darkened surface ship. Avoided.
0515 Passed Point Cat. Made trimming dive each daylight watch.

— page 42 —
3-0-N-P-I-0-0-0-T-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. PENTO - Report of Second War Patrol

June 24, 1943

0000 Reversed course to 090°M.
0445 In Lat. 0-475 Long. 152-51E sighted darkened ship
    bearlike 04.5°M (Contact f1). 02 to 225°M and concluded
    tracking. Dawn beginning to break.
0510 Dived. Base course determined to be 220°M. Target
    made out to be large tanker of SHINDOU TAT class,
    zigging radial ly, using a modified constant hel1
    zig plan. Speed about 17 kts.
0520 Noticed destroyer escort well astern of tanker signal-
    ling to the latter.
0525 Determined it to be any he'd changed base course to 160°M
    at daylight. Illimina range obtained 9,000 yards.
0645 When target is passed out of sight, surfaced and
    commenced "and around" at 19 kts.
Sent contact report to OTP 72.
1103 Forced down by approx. 60°M of enemy plane. Radio time on
    coming to periscope depth. Found a plane circling near
    our position. Further as expected. Refined submerged
    distance to target's destination. Refined submerged
    re-ender of day end started return to assigned area.
1819 Surfaced headed for north-east corr. of area.

June 25, 1943

0515 Dived.
1816 Surfaced. Jolmaced pr.rol of area on course 270°M.

June 26, 1943

0517 Dived.
1325 Surfaced.

June 27, 1943

0515 Dived.
1053 Sighted unidentified plane.
1325 Surfaced.

June 28, 1943

0519 Dived.
1826 Surfaced. Heading to assigned position on scouting
    line.

June 29, 1943

0511 Dived.
0545 Surfaced. Jolmaced pr.rol of sector of scouting line.
0653. Sighted mast of ship bearing 225°M Lat. 01-50M
    Long. 151-43M (Contact f2). Dived.

-3-

— page 43 —
0752 Surfaced, not having picked up ship submerged.  Many rain squalls around horizon.
0755 Again sighted mast and dive.  Changed course to 220T.  Continued approach.  Target was lying to end was stiller to KIXOTADA IARU.
1044 Fired two torpedoes at 1000 yard range.  Attack #1. 1044-43 observed and heard first torpedo hit just forward of bridge.  Second torpedo missed forward.  Ship broke in two and towed smoke at once.  The stern, however, got under way and continued making circles.  Did not believe it possible for the stern to remain afloat so hauled clear at the range position on scouting line.  When last seen the stern was still circling and the list had increased to 20° port and it was 10° down by the head.  The target was flying a men-of-war flag.
There were enough peculiarities about the ship both before and after being hit to make it suspect that it was a "U" ship, hence did not surface to use the gun on the stern.
1335 Lookout reported periscope bearing 090° rei. range 500 yds.  Maneuvered to avoid.  Not seen by C.O. or O.O.D.
1915 Arrived vicinity initial point and commenced patrol at 7 kts.

June 30, 1943

0522 Dive.
0605 Surfaced.  Commenced daylight patrol 270° at 10 kts.
1200 Rescued co's.
1800 Commenced patrol in vicinity of initial point during night.

July 1, 1943

0509 Dive.
0605 Surfaced and commenced surface patrol to westward.
0611 Sighted tops of two ships bearing 337°T.  Dived (Contact #3).  Target identified as one heavy cruiser of ATAGO class, escorted by two destroyers.
Estimated course 190°T, speed 18 knots.  Position Left. 3-00N Long. 151°45'1".
Went to normal approach on course at speed of 6 knots until it was seen that it intercepting was impossible.  Minimum range obtained 14,000 yds.
0758 Surfaced and sent contact report.
0815 Sighted at top of ship bearing 022°T (Contact #4).  Dived and commenced approach.  Target was one

— page 44 —
0-0-N-P-I-J-...-I-T-I-A-L

U.S. PETO - Report of Second War Patrol.

destroyer of ASADI-10 else, course 185°T, speed 18 kts. Position: Lat. 2°-55'N Long. 151°-55'W. Infirmary name e obtained 5,300 yds. From position of this single DD relative to cruiser group (ie: to the eastward) decided that if these ships were part of a larger formation they were probably on the left flank and the main body was to the west. So at 0937 Surfaced and proceeded west at 15 kts looking for main body. Sent contact reports. 1300 Reversed course. 1800 Commenced patrol in vicinity of initial position.

July 2, 1943

0514 Dived. 0610 Surfaced. Commenced daylight surface patrol to westward. 1800 Commenced patrol in vicinity of initial position.

July 3, 1943

0506 Dived. 0607 Surfaced. Commenced daylight surface patrol to westward. 1800 Commenced night patrol in vicinity of initial position. 1935 Headed west in accordance with orders to shift positions one degree west during night.

July 4, 1943

0511 Dived. 0604 Surfaced. Commenced daylight surface patrol to westward. 1800 Commenced night patrol in vicinity of assigned position 1915 Headed south in accordance with orders to move initial position one degree south during night.

July 5, 1943

0513 Dived. 0610 Surfaced. Commenced daylight surface patrol to eastward. 1800 Commenced night patrol in vicinity initial position.

July 6, 1943

0513 Dived. 0607 Surfaced. Commenced daylight surface patrol to westward. 1240 Sighted smoke bearing 020°T (Contact #5). Started tracking. 1340 Dived and commenced approach. Target unned out to be a saman-like auxiliary scimitar similar to one sighted on last patrol. On course 235°T, speed about 8 kts. Broke off approach and at

— page 45 —
1533 Surfaced and commenced running at 15 kts to regain position on scoutig line.
1748 3C to 243°T heading for new position assigned by CTF 72.

July 7, 1943

0534 Dived.
0655 Surfaced.
1100 Dived to investigate density layer condition in new area. After dive had started radiation reported something coming in on 450kcs. Surfaced immediately but heard no more signals.

1130 Continued per trial of new station.
1436 Sighted masts bearing 310°T. Position Lat. 0°-25°!! Long. 147°-27°!! (Contact #6). Went to 18 kts and started tracking on surface. Determined base course to be 100°T with radi cel zigs every 5 mins.

1550 With target bearing 277°T dived for approach. Target was loaded tanker sililar to NITON TUR with two destroyers escorting, one on each quarter. Fired spread of three torpedoes from stern tubes at tanker (At x #2). Red intended to fire four but could not get out over open on #10 tube.

1653-73 First torpedo hit.
1653-31 Second torpedo hit.
1654 Second torpedo hit, went to 340 ft. and commenced evasive tactics.

1709 Three depth charges, not close.
1800 Escorts had lost contact, came up to periscope depth.
1815 Nothing in sight so at
1836 Surfaced and sent report of attack to CTF 72. After making reload commenced search for target group to eastward. Nothing seen.

July 8, 1943

Running east searching for convoy.
0532 Dived.
0830 Surfaced. Continued running east.
1825 Received new patrol assignment.

July 9, 1943

0030 3C to 035°T heading for new patrol station.
0511 Dived.
0600 Surfaced. Commenced surface patrol to eastward. Passed thru large amount of debris and so wreckage during forenoon.

— page 46 —
1315 Passed empty liferaft close aboard.
1850 Commenced night patrol in vicinity of patrol station.
2125 Received orders shifting patrol line one degree to north.

July 10, 1943

0507 Div'd.
0608 Surfaced. Commenced daylight surface patrol to eastward.
1900 Commenced night patrol in vicinity of patrol station.
1940 Received orders to move patrol station one degree north.

July 11, 1943

0514 Div'd.
0607 Surfaced and commenced daylight surface patrol to westward.
1822 Commenced night patrol in vicinity of patrol station.
1830 Received orders to move patrol station thirty miles north and sixty miles west.

July 12, 1943

0519 Div'd.
0611 Surfaced and commenced daylight surface patrol to westward.
1900 Returned to vicinity patrol station and commenced night patrol.
1910 Received orders to move patrol station sixty miles north.

July 13, 1943

0509 Div'd.
0613 Surfaced. Commenced daylight patrol to eastward.
1800 Returned to vicinity patrol station.
2055 Received orders to move patrol station sixty miles south.

July 14, 1943

0511 Div'd.
0608 Surfaced. Commenced surface patrol to eastward.
1155 Plane came out of cloud directly overhead elevation 2000'. Div'd.
1255 Surfaced.
1323 Radar contact 6 mi. Div'd.
1410 Surfaced.
2000 Returned to vicinity patrol station.

-7-

— page 47 —
0-0-N-P-I-D-E-I-N-T-I-A-L

U.S.S. PETRO - Report of second War Patrol.

2015 Received orders to disband patrol line and assigning new patrol areas. Set course to get on Truk-Ievieng route.

July 15, 1943.

0230 On Truk-Kavien: route running to southward.
0519 Dived.
0620 Surfaced.
1035 Radar contact 8 mi. Dived.
1110 Surfaced.
1203 Radar contact 11 mi. Dived.
1250 Surfaced.
1304 Slight smoke and mist bearing 182°T. Dived. Turned out to be small fishing sampan. Avoided.
1612, Sampan out of sight. Surfaced.
2016 CC to shift patrol line twenty miles to westward.
2200 On new patrol line.

July 16, 1943

0521 Dived and reversed course to patrol to northward.
0630 Surfaced.
1218 Radar contact 8 mi. Dived.
1233 Surfaced.
1820 Reversed course to patrol to southward.

July 17, 1943

0525 Dived.
0618 Surfaced.
Passed through weather front during morning. Visibility poor until noon.
2000 Cheng ed course to 270°T to get on new patrol line.

July 18, 1943

0517 Dived.
0622 Surfaced.
0340 CC to 017°T.
1635 Slight smoke bearing 060°T (Contact #8). Increased speed to 15 kts. and commenced tracking. Position Lat. 3°-10'N Long. 150°-33'E.
1749 Dived for approach.
1752 Heard distant depth charge.
1915 Broke off attack, closest range to target 9,000 yds. Target was transport similar to HAKONE YARU with one ASASHIC destroyer escort.

-8-

— page 48 —
1945 Surfaced and sent contact report.
2010 Sighted smoke of target and commenced tracking.
2130 Started pulling ahead of target for night approach.
2155 Target commenced firing. Guns ahead and maneuvered radially. Lost Target during maneuvering. Started running for daylight position.

July 19, 1943

0800 On target's track, slowed and commenced surface patrol.
0810 Sighted float type plane distance 4 mi. Divded.
0910 Sighted float type plane.
1020 Lead distant depth charge.
1040 Lost depth charge. Total 30.
1043 Sighted smoke bearing 030°T.
1200 Heard 5 more distant depth charges.
1253 Sighted 2st of target bearing 340°T. Obtained approach.
1320 Sighted escort 'approaching from northeast and a freighter (Contact #9) crossing astern (to the east) on a southerly course.
1400 All targets passed outside of range. They later formed up and took a base course of 186°T with the escort patrol line astern.
1627 Sighted float type plane circling area.
1830 Surfaced and commenced return to area.

July 20, 1943

0515 Divded.
0645 Surfaced.
0930 Sighted flying boat bearing 045°T on northwest course, dist. 5 mi. Divded.
1829 Surfaced.

July 21, 1943

1037 Radar contact, dist. 6 mi. Divded.
1823 Surfaced.
1930 Received message from CTF 72 assigning new area south of Truk. CC to head for new area.

July 22, 1943

0516 Divded.
0627 Surfaced.

— page 49 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-B-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.C. PETRO - Report of second War Patrol.

July 23, 1943

Patrolling area on 270°T and reverse.
0512 Div'd.
1830 Surfaced.

July 24, 1943

0516 Div'd.
1209 Sighted two engine bombing plane.
1216 Sighted two engine bombing plane.
1343 Sighted two engine bombing plane.
1842 Surfaced.

July 25, 1943

0400 Increased speed to 15 kts. and headed for position of
    tanker reported damaged by TITNOSA.
0520 Div'd.
0610 Sighted two engine bomber on course 270°T, dist. 8 mi.
0638 Surfaced.
0659 Radar contact dist. 8 mi. Div'd.
0733 Surfaced.
0849 Sighted Pulusuk Island bearing 240°T dist. 15 mi.
1220 Radar contact, 5 mi. Div'd.
1240 Surfaced.
1425 Sighted two engine bomber. Div'd.
1455 Surfaced.
1900 Tanker not sighted. Assumed it had been taken in tow
    so commenced return to area.

July 26, 1943

Enroute to position to eastward of Pulusuk Island to
    cover possible route of damaged tanker.
0521 Div'd.
0630 Surfaced.
1542 Radar contact, dist. 14 mi. Div'd.
1530 Surfaced.
1649 Sighted two bombing planes. Div'd.
1830 Surfaced. Set course 125°T.

July 27, 1942

0518 Div'd.
0615 Surfaced.
0930 30 to 17°T, heading for Cape Hargen.

-10-

— page 50 —
0-0-N-F-I-J-I-J-I-T-I-A-L

U.S.S. PAX - Report of second War Patrol.

July 28, 1943

0529 Dived.
0617 surfaced.

July 29, 1943

0518 Dived.
0935 Sighted plane.
1737 Sighted Green Island bearing 282°T, dist. 18 mi.
1818 Surfaced.
2050 GC to 180°T.

July 30, 1943

0523 Dived.
1149 Surfaced for sun line.
1151 Dived.
1647 Surfaced for sun line.
1649 Dived.
1808 Surfaced.

July 31, 1943

0145 GC, to 240°T heading for rendezvous with U.S.S. COUCAL.
0529 Dived.
0835 Surfaced.
0944 Sighted B-24 plane. Dived.
1038 Surfaced.
1417 Sighted USSIA IS. bearing 251°T dist. 25 mi.
1200 Exchanged calls with U.S.S. COUCAL and fell in astern.
1437 Tied up to port side of U.S.S. COUCAL in lee of
    DUMBO IN. IS. Received 6000 gals. fuel oil.
1558 Underway following U.S.S. COUCAL thru JO'AND ENTRANCE.
1700 Sighted a flying boat to westward.
1804 Left U.S.S. COUCAL, set course 163°T.

August 1, 1943

1315 Sighted U.S.S. GRENLITH and exchanged recognition.

August 2, 1943

2045 Passed Point Hill. GC to 201°T.

-11-

— page 51 —
0-0-N-P-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. PENN - Report of Second War Patrol

August 3, 1943

0425 Passed Point Pond. CC to 177°T.
2000 Passed Point Ace.

August 4, 1943

0300 Passed Point Van. Proceeding through swept channel to Brisbane.
0630 Picked up pilot at pilot vessel off Cacoundra
Herd.
0900 Moored to nest alongside U.S.S. PULMON.

-12-

— page 52 —
0-1F-I-D-J-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. PETRO - Report of Second Ward Patrol 1.

C. WEATHER

The weather was generally clear and visibility good, so there were usually rain squalls in sight most of the time. The sea in the area is beautifully flat and calm at its even gley. Whitecaps were not seen more than two or three times while in the area.

D. TIDAL INFORMATION

(1) Between Lat. 5°-10°S Long. 154°-155°E
   Set 135°N
   Drift 0.5 kt.

(2) Between Lat. 0°-5°S Long. 154°-155°E
   Set 090°N
   Drift 0.4 kt.

(3) Between Lat. 0°-1°N Long. 147°-150°E
   Set 270°N
   Drift 1.0 kt.

(4) Between Lat. 0°-5°N Long. 150°-155°E
   Set 093°N
   Drift 0.8 kt.

(5) Between Lat. 5°-7°N Long. 143°-150°E
   Set 000°N
   Drift 1.0 kt.

E. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

None seen.

— page 59 —
0-2-2°L
Type Spread
Sea Condit ions
Overnight Activity
Diver gent
Flat calm
U.S.S. PENTO
U.S.S. PENTO
Target
Target was one large loaded tanker believed to be NIPPON MARU, escorted by two destroyers. Contacted visu lly, while on surface, at range of 30,000 yds. Visibility excellent, see CLASSY CPLN
Description:
Target was one large loaded tanker believed to be NIPPON MARU, escorted by two destroyers. Contacted visually, while on surface, at range of 30,000 yds. Visibility excellent, see CLASSY CPLN
Ships
Probably
Sunk
Damage
Determined
By
Target
Draft
Own Ship Data
Speed 3.1 kts. Course 200°, Depth 66°. Angle 0°.
Type attack:
Tracked on surface then day submerged periscope.
Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Tubes Fired
#7
#8
#9
Track Angle
120°S
122°S
125°S
Gyro Angle
180
194
193
Depth Set
25'
25'
25'
Power
High
High
High
Hit or Miss
Hit

— page 60 —
0-0-N-P-I-J-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. PETRO - Report of Second War Patrol.

Ik Torpedo 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A
Serial No. 22561 25126 22552
Mk. Explorer 6-1 6-1 6-1
Serial No. 5776 114762 114872
Actuator No. Set 1&3 1&3 1&3
Actuator No. Actual Contact 16 16 16
Mk. Warhead 16 16 16
Serial No. 9916 2290 2276
Explosive TPT 10 sec. 10 sec.
Firing Interval - - -
Type Spread Diversgent, 0-4-2-4-TL.
Sea Conditions Grssy oral until 6,000 yds
then heavy rain.
Overall Actvity U.S.S. PETRO.

Rerks: Proi tracking on surface it was determined
that target was zig-zag every 5 mins. Target
was due to zig 52 secs. before firing and it
is believed the zig was toward the submarine
giving a track angle of about 70°3, and a
torpedo run of about 560 yds. The third
torpedo miss ed due to spread used and bec use
of firing on the knuckle.

K. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

1. After the fifth week the antenna trunk flooded
completely each dive at aperture depth.
Leak appears to be at junction of trunk and
pressure hull.

2. After about the fifth week the engine air
induction flooded whenever the ship was at deep
depth. Location of leak undeter.ined.

3. On July 7, 1943, on order to "make ready the
after tubes" the after torpedo room reported
being unable to open the outer door on 10 tube.
The proper valve was later found stuck open
which prevented equalizing the pressure on the
door. Personnel are at fault for not realizing
the nature of the casualty and closing the stop.

4. The leak of material failures on this patrol
reflects credit on the overruling activities of
the Repair Base Bribs and U.S.S. PETRO.

-21-

— page 61 —
1. All serials were copied in spite of enemy attempts to jam the circuit.
2. The low frequency schedule of NPM (16.08 kcs.) was not heard while submerged.
3. In one instance upon surfacing at 1615 (k) the tail end of an urgent message was heard. This message was not repeated until the next regular submarine FOX broadcast at 1900 in spite of the precedence of the message. This message was NR873 150246 of July 1943.

: RADAR
1. The SD Radar could not be considered reliable. Out of 15 aircraft contacts while SD was in use only 8 were detected by Radar.
2. The SJ Radar functioned satisfactorily throughout the patrol to few targets were available.

: SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS
1. Sound equipment functioned satisfactorily throughout.
2. On July 7, 1943, during an exercise on a large tanker, the screws of the tanker were heard at a range of 18,000 yards.

: DENSITY LAYERS
1. In the vicinity of Lt. 0-25°N Long. 147°-27°E a density layer was found. The ship being about 4,000 lbs. light at 300°. This density layer was experienced at about 200°.

: HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY
There were numerous members of the crew with colds when the patrol started, and three mild cases of influenza. This cleared up during the second week and no colds were experienced the remainder of the patrol. Beginning with the second week there were one or more men on the sick list at all times with mumps. The last case was sent back to duty July 31st. Otherwise the health was good. The food was uniformly good through out.

-22-

— page 62 —
0-N-F-I-D-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. PETT - Report of Second War Patrol.

Q. PERSONNEL
The performance of duty of all hands, of officers and men, was in accordance with the usual high standard expected and obtained in the submarine service.

R. MILES STRIKE-D - FUEL USED
Brisbane to Area 1837 Mi. 16,220 gals.
In Area 23 14 Mi. 56,711 gals.
Area to Pirbane 1551 Mi. 19,032 gals.
TOTAL 11,622 Mi. 94,013 gals.

S. DURATION
Days anroute to area 7
Days in area 41
Days anroute to base 5
Days submerged 14

T. FACTORS OF DURATION
Torpedoes Fuel Provisions
19 4,348 gals 10 days
Lifting Factor this Patrol - 1
Orders

-23-

— page 65 —
1. 1/2" (72)/A16-3/PK
Serial 0401
CONFIDENTIAL
From: The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES SEVENTY.
Via: The Commander, THIRD FLEET.
Subject: U.S.S. FETO (SS265) - Revision of damage inflicted.

Reference: (e) CTF 72 CONFIDENTIAL Ltr. FF12-15(72)/A16-3/TK
serial 0324 of 26 October 1943.

1. The FETO was credited in reference letter with having inflicted the following damage on the enemy:
   - SINK
    1 Freighter (TAIHUN Haru class) 6,500 tons
   - DAMAGED
    1 Freighter (HOKIHU Maru class) 5,300 tons
    2. Based on new information the above assessment is revised and it is now known that the ship damaged subsequently sank. FETO is credited with having inflicted the following damage on the enemy on her Third War Patrol:
     - SINK
      1 Freighter 5,500 tons
      1 Freighter 5,000 tons
       TOTAL 10,500 tons.

JAMES FIFE.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (Advance copy - 2)
VCNO
VOFNAV (Op-23c)
Com 1st Flt
Com 2nd Flt
Com 7th Flt (2)
Comsubs 1st Flt
Comsubs 2nd Flt
Comsubs 7th Flt
CSS 6, 8, 10, 16, 18
CSD 81, 82
CTF 72 War Patrol Summary
OInC, S/L. School, H.L. Conn. (2)
Flt Radio Unit, LELBOUNE
All SS TF-72 (May be taken to sea, but BURN prior passing 50 South)
CO FETO (File).

— page 66 —
11 07031
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 0324
CONFIDENTIAL
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. FETO (S#265) - Report of Third War Patrol;
comments on.

1. Departing BRISBANE on 1 September 1943, on her Third War Patrol, FETO refused at TULAGI on 6 September, sailing next day for patrol area north of Bismarck's. Late on the 7th she was diverted from bombing restriction lane to intercept enemy convoy enroute NAUKU Island. Diving on radar aircraft contact of twelve miles, morning of the 8th, she was bombed shortly thereafter while searching for plane at periscope depth; not close and no damage. It later developed bombing was by Allied search plane. Not having contacted convoy, on 12 September, FETO was moved over to TRUK-KAVIENG - RABAUL traffic routes on 20 September. On 22 September, she sighted five ships escorted enroute RABAUL. After tracking from ahead for three hours, her submerged approach failed to reach attack point when convoy made radical change of base course. While attempting to close for night attack she was detected by alert escort, not visible to FETO, at range of 7,000 yards on dark night, enemy opening feirly accurate gunfire. FETO dove and escort delivered attack of twelve depth-charges, well placed but no damage. On 23rd, tracking of convoy was interfered with when periscope was sighted close aboard with possible second periscope sighted on hour later. FETO dove as position of SCAMP was not known and apparently there was some enemy submarine activity astern of convoy. It was later definitely ascertained to have been an enemy periscope. 24 - 26 September patrolled off AMIR-ALTY Islands. No contacts. During 27 - 29 September, she unsuccessfully searched for Fifth Air Force bomber crew reported down in sea off WEWAK. 30 September she sighted southbound hospital ship. On 1 October she sighted and successfully attacked RABAUL bound convoy of three medium freighters escorted by one submarine chaser, Latitude 4°-01' N., 143°-47' E. FETO fired three torpedoes at each of two ships, seeing two hits in one and one hit in second. When last seen larger ship was 100 down by stern and stopped. Noises of ship breaking up were heard during escort's depth-charge attack. This convoy had been previously attacked and reported by FOGY near IRELIS Islands. Further chase was unsuccessful due to low visibility. Six days later on 7 October she made an approach on another southbound convoy but

— page 67 —
11 01037
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 0324
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. PETO (SS265) - Report of Third War Patrol;
comments on:

could not reach firing position. Contact was lost during the night. Being short of fuel she was recalled to Base, 10 October 1943, via TULAGI where she partially refueled. Enroute BRISBANE, two torpedo tracks crossed 100 feet ahead, Latitude 21°-40' S., 156°-45' E. PETO turned toward and dived, but no further contact by sound or sighting. Arrived BRISBANE 21 October after fifty days at sea, thirty-two days in patrol area. Fired six torpedoes, three hits.

2. PETO had three convoy contacts but only one was developed into an attack. This attack was aggressively carried out. Radical course changes at dawn and dusk have been reported before and attacks planned at that time are usually avoided by the enemy if he is alert.

3. The surprising gunfire from escort invisible to PETO at 7,000 yards indicates possible radar equipment. The SCAMP reported this same escort as destroyer escort type, rather than destroyer.

4. The results from use of voice modulator equipment on TBL transmitter between PETO and SCAMP was disappointing but test is considered inconclusive. PETO was unable to hear SCAMP at estimated distance of 45 miles while chasing convoy of 21 - 22 September, although PETO was plainly heard by SCAMP. The DRUM 150 miles south also heard PETO.

5. The remarks of the Commanding Officer on the food, page 25, are noted. It is felt this is a matter of poor preparation by inexperienced cooks rather than quality as other submarines having same average issue report food excellent.

6. This patrol is considered successful for purposes of award or Submarine Combat insignia.

7. The sinking of one ship of convoy attacked has been confirmed from other sources. While the second ship most probably sank, and there are some indication of this from other sources, lack of more positive evidence prevents full credit. PETO is therefor credited with the following damage to enemy:

- 2 -

(2)

— page 68 —
11 01037
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 0324
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. PETO (SS265) - Report of Third War Patrol;
comments on.

SUNK
1 Freighter (TAIBUN Maru class) 6,500 tons
DAMAGED
1 Freighter (HOKHU Maru class) 5,300 tons

JAMES FIFE.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (Advance copy - 2) ✗
VONO
VOPNAV (Op-23c)
Com 1st Flt
Com 2nd Flt
Com 7th Flt (2)
Consubs 1st Flt
Consubs 2nd Flt
Consubs 7th Flt
CSS 6, 8, 10, 16, 18
CSD 81, 82
CTF 72 War Patrol Summary
Oinc, S/M School, N.L. Conn. (2)
Flt Radio Unit, MELBOURNE
All SS TF-72 (Not to be taken to sea - BURN)
CO PETO (File).

(3)

— page 69 —
11 01037
FCS-3/16-3
Serial: 0162
CO: FISH T.L.
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
22 October 1943

From: Commander Stuardine Squadron LIGHT.
To: Commander Task Force JUNIPER 70.
Subject: U.S.S. FISH (SS-265), Third "War Patrol;
Comments on:

1. The FISH's third war patrol covered the period from 1 September to 21 October 1943. During the patrol she
   and contacts with valuable enemy submarines. On the second of these she made a torpedo attack
   position. Trio with which she fired six torpedoes and obtained
   two hits on one target and one hit on another. On each of
   the other two occasions, or contact the convoy got away, once
   by aircraft. Trio of torpedoes and radar-controlled gunnery
   which for six hours, and once by a submarine. The
   surface approached, and once by a submarine. The
   course executed after Trio had submerged for a day approach.
   In both of these latter instances FISH's efforts to regain
   contact were fruitless.

2. Except for minor casualties, FISH's material
   performance during the patrol was good. Her condition and
   and appearance on return to base were excellent. Ship-
   keeping, a normal three-week rest, and tactical training
   which enabled her to maintain her effectiveness in
   the enemy air attack, eliminating the tendency of
   the enemy air attack to learn to learn. The
   and readiness of the enemy to use torpedoes and
   air defense. The enemy's torpedoes and air defense
   efficiency of her new properties.

3. The crews of the remaining officers with
   regard to the quality of food supplied by the tender are
   noted. It is believed that intact cutters, cooking and
   serving were largely satisfactory. A good cook with a good
   patrol.

— page 71 —
11 01037

U.S.S. P-100 - Report of Third Ver Petrol.

A. PROLOGUE.

Arrived BUBBA, U.S.S. TURKSHAW, STRAIT, from 2nd War Patrol on August 4, 1943. Grunted normal refit period of 2 weeks, with an additional week to make the ship ready for sea. Readiness for sea date August 25, 1943. Refit continued by refit crew. SUB DIV 81 end SUBMIL. REPT. FACILITY, BRSB-2. Major item of work was the overhaul of #2 & #3 main engine and auxiliary engine. Ship was docked August 21st and undocked the following day. On August 24th, 1943, while U.S.S. TURKSHAW was clearing the nest, the starboard propeller struck the GOUPEN pecsitent dislocated. New readiness for sea date of Sept. 1st. Docked August 30th en air aged but no pieriers to mew type. Ready for sea Sept. 1, 1943.

B. MARITIME.

NOTE: All TITLES HIGH (ZCCL -10) U.S.S. TURKSHAW, TURKSHAW, U.S.S. TUR

— page 72 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. PETO - Report of Third War Patrol.

SEPT. 4, 1943.
Made training dive and held drills each daylight watch.

SEPT. 5, 1943.
Made training dive and held drills each daylight watch.

SEPT. 6, 1943.
0205 - Sighted GUADALCANAL. 15, bearing 043°T, dist. 25 mi.
0423 - Rendezvous with H.N.N.Z.S. KWH who escorted us to TULAGI.
1151 - Tied up to fuel barge.
1408 - Completed fueling, having taken aboard 15,359 gallons.
1600 - Underway and anchor ed in harbor, awaiting completion of repairs to distiller compressor by U.S.S. ARGONNE.

SEPT. 7, 1943.
1000 - U.S.S. SCAMP stood in and tied up to fuel barge.
1400 - Underway in company with U.S.S. SCAMP, standing out of TULAGI HARBOR.
1615 - Escort de.er ted.
2113 - Passed O.T. ACTUATE aboard to stbd., dist. 5 mi.
2400 - Parted company with SCAMP. Proceeded singly.

SEPT. 8, 1943.
0458 - Submerged.
0604 - Sighted unidentified plane to coast. (Plane contact #1).
1754 - Surfaced.
2052 - Increased speed to 17 kts. and changed course to 345°T.

SEPT. 9, 1943.
0045 - ce to 000°T.
0455 - Submerged.
0555 - Surfaced.
0751 - Radar contact 1 mi. (Plane contact #2). "Dived.
0758 - While searching for plane with periscope, one depth charge went off. Not close. Went to 200 ft.
0350 - Periscope depth. Nothing sighted to surfaced. Later found out that plane was friendly.
1305 - Radar contact 6 mi. closing to 3 mi. (Plane contact #3). Dived to 150 ft. Indications of I.F.P. as radar went under.

(?) -2-

— page 73 —
11 01037
U.S.S. PT-1 - Report of Third War Patrol.
1400 - Surfaced.
2330 - Chugged course to head for NURU IS. and increased speed to 17 kts.
S.S.T. 10, 1943.
0445 - Divded.
0553 - Surfaced.
1246 - Impossible to reach NURU IS. by dawn, so slowed to 14 kts. and headed for position on NURU-TRUK route.
S.S.T. 11, 1943.
0430 - Divded.
0900 - Surfaced.
1054 - Sighted plane. (Plane contacted #4). Divded.
1300 - Surfaced.
1612 - Headed for NURU IS. at 14 kts.
S.S.T. 12, 1943.
0421 - Divded.
0930 - Sighted NURU IS. Approached to distance of 4 mi. No shippingsighted.
1400 - Sighted two planes taking off from air strip (Plane contact #5). Reversed course to pull clear of island before dark.
1742 - Surfaced. Headed for newly assigned area south-east of TRUK.
S.S.T. 13, 1943.
0430 - Divded.
0547 - Surfaced.
1331 - Divded.
1444 - Surfaced.
S.S.T. 14, 1943.
0435 - Divded.
0003 - Surfaced.
S.S.T. 15, 1943.
0450 - Divded.
0605 - Surfaced.

— page 74 —
16, 1943.
052 - Dived.
0625 - Surfaced.

SEPT. 17, 1943.
0508 - Dived.
1310 - Surfaced.

SEPT. 18, 1943.
0518 - Dived.
0927 - Surfaced.
1930 - ce to head for area south-west of TUK.

SEPT. 19, 1943.
0518 - Dived.
1814 - Surfaced.
2020 - Planes dropped flare dist. 2 mi. 160° rel. (Pl ne
contact #6). Dived.

SEPT. 20, 1943.
0525 - Dived.
0657 - Surfaced. Patrol line TUK-RABAUL lanes south-west of
TUK.

SEPT. 21, 1943.
0306 - Set course 130° at 15 kts. Heading for TUK.
RABAUL lanes in accordance with orders received.
0525 - Dived.
0652 - Surfaced. Changed course to 230°T.

SEPT. 22, 1943.
0545 - Dived.
0619 - Surfaced.
1150 - Sighted smoke bearing 220°T. (Ship contact #1).
Turned out to be convoy of apparently five ships
with two escorts. Close enough range to identify
was not obtained.
Commenced "end around" at 17 kts.
1510 - Dived, having determined base course to be 115°T.
Bearing of convoy 295°T. Changed approach.

— page 75 —
11 01037
U.S.S. PT-1 - Report of Third War Patrol.

1500 - Berini at convoy around Channel to northward. Went to north approach course and course ended. Conveyed entirely changed base course to about 0600 at this time. Rmin it impossible to close range to less than 12,000 yds. This was most disastrous after in reached a perfect position on his previous base course.

1501 - Convoy out of sight, surfaced. Finned to work around convoy to northward in order to attack left flank, column during night. Ships in left column appeared to be the largest.

2215 - Sighted smoke bearing 123T. Maneuvering around convoy to northward. Radar range when began 12,000 yds.

S.F.T. 23, 1943.

0019 - Observed gun fire from escort berth 150Rel. and all hands on the bridge heard six 1.5 cal. periscope. It landed 200-300 yds. Over on port bow. Divded. Went to 340 ft. While diving additional shots could be heard landing close.

0029 - Two depth charges.

0051 - Last of depth charges. Total twelve. All attacks were very deliberate and very accurate. All agreed to be right over us.

0230 - Pinned and screws be. In fitter. Thought escort had left to rejoin convoy but at.

0300 - Pinned and hit-speed scores started drawing closer. Escort approached from front, starboard side. Tried to get to 45 mins. He would pin. Then stop and listen, but did not attack. Never did hear his screws when he left us so thought he was still hovering in the vicinity.

0404 - Heard six distant explosions.

0550 - Cst u.s. o periscope depth. Positive in sight.

0700 - Surfaced. Co moved, trellim, convoy at 15 kts.

1057 - Sighted periscope abe. to stabd. dist. 700 yds. (Contact #2). Chnged course to avoid and put it astern. It appeared of greater distance star than our escorts but fire was still held, as it was not known exactly where SCIP was.

1302 - Sighted another periscope bearing 310Rel. dist. 500 yds. (Contact #3). Avoided and again hit the fire due to uncertainty of 30 ft position.

1330 - Divded due to presence of submarines.

1415 - Surfaced.

— page 76 —
25, 1943.

0546 - Div'd.
0659 - Sunfaced, Coalmaced patrol of passage between PURDY IS. and PET RST RLP.
0635 - Radar contact 4 mi. closing to 1 mi. Div'd (Plane contact #7).
0940 - Sunfaced.
1227 - Sinf'd pe ne dist. 8 mi. bearing 3.80°T. Dive (Plane contact #C).
1430 - Sunfaced.
2000 - Coalmaced return to area north of AD DRATTY IS.

SHTT. 26, 1943.

0543 - Div'd.
0659 - Sunfaced.

SHTT. 27, 1943.

0540 - Div'd.
0659 - Sunfaced.
2229 - Set course 170°T and increase speed to 14 kts., heading toward position of four aviators reported in a rubber boat near WEHAK.

SHTT. 28, 1943.

0315 - cc to 130°T.
0545 - Div'd.
0655 - Sunfaced.
0315 - Radar contact 3 mi. Div'd. (Plane contact #9).
0305 - Sunfaced.
1032 - Dive to avoid possible skimming by plane patrols.
1853 - Sunfaced.
2053 - Rounded S. I. Dist. 7 mi. Set course 271°.
2400 - Inclosed signal in between BA. I. S. and RADVAT IS.
2143 - Sinf'd sea all patrol boat dead ahead. Avoided. Weather was foul with fire went tropical clouds bursts and vivid lightning and thunder.

(11)

— page 77 —
11 01037
C-O-N-F-I-N-T-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. HTO - Report of Third Ver Patrol.

SHT. 29, 1943.

0529 - Div'd. Investigated vicinity where blue was reported to have crashed, and the beach nearby. No sign of survivors.
1905 - Surfaced. Petrolied coastline for signs of eviators. Saw nothin'.
1931 - Sighted three small patrol boats. Avoided.
2100 - Left area and headed north to new assignment. Noted signal line between RADOVAR IZ. and MLP/MLP IS.

SHT. 30, 1943.

0545 - Div'd.
0704 - Surfaced.
2100 - Sighted properly illuminated hospital ship on course 130°T. (Contact 90°).

OCT. 1, 1943.

0550 - Div'd.
0037 - Surfaced.
1235 - Received report of contact by U.S.S. P-303 with a convoy. Headed for earliest return point with convoy, which was 1600 tilts afternoon.
1500 - Sighted some bearing 320°T. Commander training from ahead to determine base course. (Contact 97°).
1600 - Convoy base course appeared to be changing from 115°T.
1717 - Div'd with smoke of convoy bearing 325°T. Not satisfied that it was on his base course but decided to take the chance that he would soon be back toward us.
1800 - Base course appeared to have been changed back to 115°T.
1839-35 - Commenced firing forward tubes. Fired six torpedoes. (Attached 1).
1341-15 - Observed and fired torpedo hit nearest ship aboard.
1841-30 - Observed and fired torpedo hit nearest ship directly under stack.
1342-15 - Observed and fired torpedo hit second ship in line under bridge. At time of firing the three ships of the convoy were in a line of bearing, interval about 150 yds, and all three were over the ship's length. The nearest ship was still in TAUH. ARU (OCT. 20-J page 20.) of 6,551 tons. The second ship was still in HONCO AAT (OCT. 20-S-J page 216) of 5,300 tons. The third ship was not identified.

(12) -7-

— page 78 —
0-0-F-I-D-2-2-P-1-A-1
U.S.S. WETO - Report of Third War Patrol.

1844 - Sound reports: High speed scores and piling drawing nearer. Escort could not be located in the gathering darkness, so went deep. At this time the nearest ship is a 10° angle away by the stern.

1845 - Tear down explosion while did not sound like either torpedoed or depth charge. Pencil, the boiler of nearest ship exploding.

1846 - Herra numerous sea all major explosions and the noises of the ship breaking up. These continue until 1853.

1857 - One depth charge, close.

1905 - One depth charge.

1913 - One depth charge.

1930 - Loud cracking noise. Beanie 80cm. Echo ringing in the sea vicinity. This corresponds to the general location of the targets at the firing.

1958-30 Prolonged dull explosion after which cracking noise was not heard.

2100 - Surface in heavy rain and condemned as of convoy at 14 kts. Driven rain made visibility nearly zero the greater part of night.

CRIT. 2, 1943.

0547 - Div'd.

0630 - Surfaced.

Spent day searching for convoy along its expected route. Visibility fair during day but frequent rain during night. No sign of convoy.

CRIT. 3, 1943.

0000 - Cargoes close to -11 tide (LOW).

0597 - Div'd.

0735 - Surfaced. Consequence patrols not able to convoy's expected rate.

CRIT. 4, 1943.

0643 - Div'd.

0732 - Surfaced.

1040 - Sighted possible periscope bearing 290° kel. dist. 1000 yds. Avoided. Not seen by C.O. or O.O.D.

CRIT. 5, 1943.

0645 - Div'd.

0735 - Surfaced.

Auxiliary engine out of commission for remainder of patrol due to cracked liners.

(13)

— page 81 —
11 0103y
C-O-I-F-I-V-E-K T-I-A-L
U.S.S. PETO - Report of Third War Patrol.
---
OCT. 18, 1943.
1230 - Dived for 6 hr. battery discharge.
1902 - Surf faced.
OCT. 19, 1943.
1123 - Made 2 training dive during forenoon.
1123 - Passed POINT GXY. Set base course 208°T heading for POINT ACE.
1135 - Sighted wake of two torpedoes crossing ahead of bow on about a 75°S track. Miss, 100 ft. ahead. Right full rudder, all ahead flank. Origin of wakes too indistinct to be worth a shot.
1153 - Steadied on base course.
1315 - Dived in hopes enemy sub might attempt chase.
1900 - Surf faced. Nothing is hit ed.
OCT. 20, 1943.
1500 - Dived to test depth to look for leaks.
1530 - Surf faced.
1900 - Passed POINT ACE.
OCT. 21, 1943.
0200 - Passed PT. V/V. Standing in to MACKETON BAY via swept channel.
0430 - Passed CALCUDRA HEAD.
0830 - Moored to nest alongside U.S. 3. FULTON.

— page 87 —
11 01037
U.S.S. PETO - Report of Third War Patrol

H. ATTACK DATA.

U.S.S. PETO - TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 - PATROL NO. 3
Time 1839 (K) - Oct. 1, 1943 - Lat. 4°-01'N, Long. 143°-47'E

Description:
Convoy consisted of three ships (AK's or AP's) in a line of bearing, with an unidentified escort patrol in the center ship and right flank ship were identified as HOKKU MARU (5300 tons) and TAIJUN MARU (6581 tons) respectively. Initial contact was made when INCHIGI, BATTERY A, U.S.S. PETO, the J.O.O.W., sighted smoke of the convoy. INS, BATTERY B, DESERVES: credit for periscopic that he had smoke in sight when all other's on the bridge thought it was a shadow on a cloud. Visibility was excellent except for occasional rain squall as around horizon.

Ship Sunk: TAIJUN MARU, AK or AP, of 6581 tons.

Ship Damaged and Possibly Sunk:
HOKKU MARU, AK, of 5300 tons.

Damages Determined By:
1. Observed two torpedo hits in TAIJUN MARU, one aft of main mast and one directly under the bridge. When last seen, 3 min. after first torpedo hit, ship was low down by storm. Four minutes after first hit, and after torpedo depth, a loud explosion was heard which did not sound like a torpedo or depth charge. Believe it was boiler explosion. This was followed by a series of minor explosions and the noises of the decks giving way and air escaping. These sounds ceased 12 mins. after torpedo hit.

2. Observed one torpedo hit HOKKU MARU under bridge. Forty-eight minutes later heard loud crackling noises on bearing of target which hit. Escort could also be heard in that vicinity. These noises continued for twenty-eight minutes at which time a explosion was heard after which cracking noises were not heard.

(22)

— page 88 —
25 - Course 110T - Speed 9 kts. - Range 6 miles - 2100 yds

O.N. SHIP DATA
Speed 2.6 kts. - Course 0350T - Depth 63' - Range 2' down.

FINAL CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack:
Convoy was tracked on surface for 2 hrs. 17 mins. before diving. Astro-cis was conducted by periscope, firing torpedoes just at dark. At instant of firing the three ships were overlapping. No. 1 tube was fired before it was realized that the forward indicator required a new tube. A quick look at the M.O. showed that a straight shot had not been fired. The torpedoes were fired at 1.5 miles. The tubes were fired as a straight shot. This was done by firing the torpedoes at a 45-degree angle. The torpedoes were fired at a 45-degree angle. The torpedoes were

— page 89 —
11 0103
U.S.S. HETO - Report of Third War Patrol.

Tubes Fired - #1 #2 #3
Track Angle - 105S 105S 99S
Gyro Angle - 0 0 354
Depth Set - 15' 15' 15'
Power - High High High
Hit or Miss? - Miss Hit Hit
Erratic? - No No No
Mark Torpedo - 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A
Serial No. - 24273 23674 24329
Merx Explorer - 6-1 6-1 6-1
Serial No. 10821 9284 6435
Actuation Set - C&IM C&IM C&IM
Actuation Actual - - Contact Contact Contact
Mark Warhead - 16 16 16
Serial No. - 1620 9257 814
Explosive - TFX TFX TFX
Firing Interval - 6 secs. 12 secs.
Type Spread - First two longitudinal, last four divergent 1°R - 1°L - 3°R - 3°L
Sea Conditions - Calm
Overhaul Activity - U.S.S. FULTON
Remarks - #1 torpedo evidently missed ahead of middle ship and came to end of run before reaching furthest ship. #4 and #6 torpedoes missed due to spread employed.

— page 90 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-N-T-I-A-I
U.S.S. FERRO - Report of Third War Patrol.

Tubes Fired - #4 #5 #6
Track Angle - 98S 103S 98S
Gyro Angle - 353 358 353
Depth Set - 15' 15' 15'
Power - High High High
Hit or Miss? - Miss Hit Miss
Erratic? - No No No
Mark Torpedo - 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A
Serial No. - 24332 23322 41746
Mark Exploder - 6-1 6-1 6-1
Serial No. - 6272 17652 11517
Actuation Set - C&N C&N C&N
Actuation Actual - - Contact -
Mark Warhead - 16 16 16
Serial No. - 791 9213 6238
Explosive - TPX TPX TPX
Firing Interval - 8 secs. 8 secs. 8 secs.
Type Spread - First two longitudinal, Last four divergent 1R'-1L'-3R'-3L'.
See Conditions - Calm
Overall Activity - U.S.S. FURION.
Remarks - #1 torpedo evidently missed ahead of

— page 91 —
11 01037
U.S.S. PETO - Report of Third War Patrol.

J. ANTI-UB-NAVY FEATURES AND EVASION TACTICS.

1. At 2020, on a dark night, about 20 miles south of TRUK, a plane dropped an illuminations flare bearing 160° Rel., distance about 2 mi. No attack was made, presumably due to improper functioning of flare which fizzled out quickly. Plane detected us either by radar or by sighting wave. In areas where enemy is conducting night plane searches it is considered advisable to use low speed, when not so in any-where, in order to reduce wave. This applies particularly where water is phosphorescent, as in this area.

2. At 0019, Sept. 23, 1943, detected an air fired upon by a destroyer escorting a convoy. Night as dark and clear, opening range estimated at 7000-9000 yds. Two ships were heard to ass over bridge and first sight was 200-300 yds. over and on in deflection. Bridge was cleared before second landed. Numerous other ships were heard landing close to the ship. Destroyer bore about 150° Rel. when fire was opened. The combination of detection and the distance and the degree of accuracy of the first sighting is visually.

The depth diagram of the following was the most accurate ever recorded by this ship. At least 9 of the 12 dropped seened to be directly overhead. The Commander Officer realizes the difficulties in detecting the bearing and distance of depth charges but would guess that they were probably set for 250 or 275 ft. The attacks were delivered and accurate. The destroyer was sent to use two sets of echo ranging equipment set at different frequencies. When about to pass overhead the key on one would be held down for about 5 secs., possibly indicating use of fathometer to ascertain depth. At one point the destroyer departed and screws became faint but 30 min. later he was right back to the spot, regained contact, and 'co. landed trailing from. Noting that was done, could she have hit the did not' attack! Never heard him when he left but the trim pump had been started, as the boat was getting heavy and settling, and presumably he left during the racket made by the pump. There was no tanker air gradient experienced on this dive, which undoubtedly aided the destroyer.

3. While working in the vicinity of the SOUTHERN ISLAND, signaling was noted between the islands of PAN, KADOVA, and DUPPLUF. It appeared as though the enemy employs lookouts on those islands. Four small boats were encountered between the islands and the coast of the CHINA. They could not

— page 93 —
11 01037
U.S. NAVY
REPORT OF
THIRD WAR
PRIOR
C & R.

1. ENGINE INJECTION.
   For the third successive patrol, the deck has developed in the engine air induction. The induction is usually dry until the first depth charging, after which at deep depths it takes water at a greater rate than the drains can handle.

2. AIR CONDITION.
   (a) The rods on coil of third stage cooler, both compressors, bore loose from points at which they were welded.
   (b) Bullnose third stage piston, port compressor, (i.e. 110 - 1/150 - 1/150) moved loose allowing taper pin holding rings and followers to work out and be seated by piston. Bullnose worked out far enough to hit top of cylinder. Cause probably due to failure to install locking wedge in bullnose at last or rebuild.
   (c) Breaking of ring valve plates occurs frequently, so it takes after 12 hrs. Valve plates thus those that failed by the tender. Manufacture's valve plate measures 0.100" while tender replacement measures only 0.060". The heavier plates are given better service.

L. RADIO.
1. Excessive interference was caused in all radio receivers by the SD radar. Interference reduction kits, when available, should be used to eliminate it.

2. Attempts were made to contact 50AUD or 2680 kcs with voice mod later and with key with no results. On this same frequency a CW transmission was copied and received at for by GUARDIST.

3. Radio reception on the whole was good. Little energy interference was experienced.

M. RADAR.
SJ.
1. SJ motor generator shuts out frequently. IC poer has been used solely for 30 days.

-23-

— page 94 —
2. There were few contacts with large ships at night but on Sept. 23, 1943 a range of 12,000 yds. was obtained on a freighter. However, at the same time a destroyer was not picked up, the destroyer had us by radar, at an approximate range of 7000-9000 yds. Land and sea-l craft ships seemed to indicate a below average sensitivity.

SD.
1. Of a total of 3 planes encountered while on the surface only 4 were detected by radar. At least one plane sighted visually was sufficient altitude so that it should have been detected by SD.

N. SOUND GEAR AND SUNDOG CRITICIS.
1. Though the sound gear performed satisfactorily it did not seem to possess its former excellent sensitivity.
2. Sound conditions were fair to good whenever contacts were made.

O. DENSITY LAYERS.
On each dawn dive the ship was taken to 250' to obtain a card on the Bathymetric graph. Out of all these dives, in all parts of the area, only two density layers were encountered. One, at Lat. 4°-50'N Long. 150°-59'5", showed a temperature change of 7° between 150' and 250'. The other, at Lat. 4°-01'N Long. 143°-47'2", showed a 9° change between 150' and 340'. All other cards showed no appreciable temperature change.

The two density layers observed occurred in localities where a radicai change in surface current was encountered.

P. HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY.
The health in general was good. There was one case of acute appendicitis which developed 5 days before arrival. The patient was transferred to the Mobile Base Hospital at that port. One man came down with Malaria six days before Patrol ended. This man had had Malaria three times previously. There was one laceration of the lower leg which required five stitches. All cases were efficiently tended by POGUE, V.M., CPHM.

— page 95 —
11 01037
U.S.S. FRIO - Report of Third War Patrol.

The food was the poorest the commanding officer has ever eaten on a submarine. This was due to the inferior grade of food supplied, the lack of (or insufficiency of) many desirable items, and the lack of experience of the cooks. The commanding officer expediates the difficulties of supply at this base and the comments regarding the quality and quality of food are offered as a statement of fact rather than a "gripe".

This ship transferred, at the end of the previous patrol, a Chief Commander Stewart (newly rated) to the relief crew, in accordance with the policy of transferring at least 2 of the crew at the end of each patrol for a rest. This left two cooks, a S02C and 503C, both of whom had just made their respective rates. The replacement furnished was a S02C of one years' standing with no experience in submarines or in running a mess. Whenever a key man, such as the senior cook, is left in for a patrol every effort must be made to provide a relief of equal ability and/or experience. It is felt that the relief furnished did not fulfill the requirements.

C. PERSONNEL.

All personnel, officers and men, performed their duties in a highly efficient manner throughout the patrol. Their reactions under accurate depth charging and at all times when in contact with the enemy were in accordance with the high ideals and standards of the submarine service. I could not ask for a finer crew.

R. MILES STEAKED - FULL USED.

|    |    |    |
|:---:|:---:|:---:|

— page 97 —
11 0103
U.S.S. ETU Report of Third War Petrol.

shade for the eyes. It is recommended that the new type Army fetique het (similar to a baseball cap) be procured in sufficient quantity to outfit the bridge personnel.

3. No comment has been made previously regarding the noise made by the trim pump as it was felt that this had been well covered by other boats. However, in order that there be no false meaning construed by previous lack of comment it is felt desirable to state that the trim pump on this vessel makes as much, or more, noise as those on other boats and constitutes a definite military hazard. Alteration to the air does not yet been made on this ship.

— page 100 —
04977
UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET
Serial: 0162
24 JAN 1944

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
CO PETO Report of
Fourth War Patrol

From: Commander SEVENTH FLEET.
To: Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Subject: U.S.S. PETO (SS265), Fourth War Patrol,

1. Forwarded.

R. H. CRUZEN,
By direction.

— page 101 —
1. FF12-15(72)/4-6-3/Pk
   Task Force SEVENTY-TWO,
   Care of Fleet Post Office,
   San Francisco, California,
   Serial 03
   CONFIRMATION
   12 January 1944.

2nd ENDORSEMENT to
CO PETC Report of
Fourth War Patrol

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

Subject: U.S.S. PETO (SS265), Fourth War Patrol, comments on.

1. PETO departed BRISBANE for her Fourth War Patrol 14 November 1943. In company with RATON proceeded TULAGI conducting four days training enroute, COUCAL acting as target. Having topped off fuel 20 November, departed same day but returned to make repairs SJ Radar. Sailed for patrol area on 24th via route east of SOLOMON ISLANDS, arriving in area north of BISMARCKS Archipelago 27 November. Made smoke contact with southbound convoy being trailed by RATON on 29th. Did not attack as progress of convoy along expected track was interrupted just before dusk by GATO's attack. Tracked by radar after dark withholding approach when escorts opened fire. Gave up radar contact and proceeded to dawn position but contact not regained. Later realized gun fire was not directed at PETO but probably at another submarine attempting attack. On 30 November closed RAY and made search plans to cover possible routes of convoy.

December first, shortly after dawn sighted another southbound convoy of two freighters, two escorts. At 0907, near 1-02' N., 146-42' E., fired six torpedoes at largest freighter. Heard three torpedo hits but immediately forced deep to avoid escort counter-attack. Heard ship break up. Mid afternoon surfaced and sighted escorts still at scene and evaded on surface. Sighted remaining Naru but lost contact in poor visibility. Uneventful patrolling on TRUK-MUSSAU routes until 9 December, sighted northbound tanker with two P.C. class escorts in early dawn. Made submerged approach, fired six torpedoes at 0725, all missed. Depth charged, no damage. Patrolled TRUK-MUSSAU traffic lanes without contact until 19 December. Low in fuel, recalled to TULAGI for special mission under Commander Task Force 31, arriving 24 December. 25 December 1943 - 2 January 1944 successfully accomplished special mission. Arrived BRISBANE 7 January 1944, after 54 days on patrol, 31 days in patrol area. Fired twelve torpedoes with three hits, one erratic run.

— page 102 —
12 January 1944.

Subject: U.S.S. PETO (SS265), Fourth War Patrol, comments on.

2. PETO area coverage was good but the prevailing weather front north of the Equator handicapped her efforts in search of targets. Of three worthwhile contacts made, two were developed into attacks, one successful. Over estimation of target size undoubtedly caused misses on attack of 9 December to tanker. While the PETO had no way of obtaining such information, an attack subsequent to gunfire seen on 29 November might have been most effective as escorts drew off chasing the RAY.

3. PETO will be given normal refit, including docking to repair damaged sound head, by Submarine Repair Unit, BRISBANE.

4. This patrol is designated as successful for purposes of award of the Submarine Combat Insignia.

5. The PETO is credited with inflicting the following damage on the enemy:

SUNK

One freighter 8,200 tons.

JAMES FIFE.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (Advance copy - 2)
VONO
VOPNAV (Op-23c)
Com 1st Flt
Com 2nd Flt
Com 3rd Flt
Comsubs 1st Flt
Comsubs 2nd Flt
Comsubs 7th Flt
CSS 6, 8, 10, 16, 18
CSD 81, 82
CTF 72 War Patrol Summary
Oinc, S/M School, N.L. Conn. (2)
Flt Radio Unit, MELBOURNE
All SS TF-72 (May be taken to sea, but BURN prior passing 50 South)

CO PETO (File)

— page 103 —
5-8/A16-3
Serial 06
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO PETO Report of
Fourth War Patrol.
From: Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT.
To: Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
Subject: U.S.S. PETO (SS265), Fourth War Patrol;
Comments on.

1. The fourth war patrol of the PETO was of fifty-five days duration, of which, forty days were in the combat area. During this time only three contacts with enemy surface vessels were made, two of which were developed into attacks. One attack was successful and resulted in the probable sinking of one 8,230 ton freighter. The other attack was frustrated by the escorts opening fire. Further contact with the convoy was prevented by weather conditions. The period from 25 December to 2 January was spent on a special mission. The report of this mission has been submitted in separate correspondence.

2. Upon return from patrol, the material condition of the PETO was very good. Difficulty was experienced during the patrol with the master gyro compass, the radar, and the pitometer log - no other major defects were encountered. The PETO will be given a regular standard refit by the Submarine Repair Unit.

3. The commanding officer, officers, and crew are congratulated on the completion of a hazardous mission and the probable sinking of an 8,230 ton freighter.

W. M. DOWNES.

— page 104 —
63990 FILMED

U.S.S. PETO (SS265)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Serial (01-44)
To: The Commanding Officer,
The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES
FLEET.
Via: The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT.
(2) Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
(3) Commander SEVENTH FLEET.
Subject: U.S.S. PETO (SS265), Report of War Patrol
Number Four.
Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart (for CTF 72 only).
(C) Time Plot of Combatants (for CTF 72 only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the fourth war patrol of this ship, conducted in the KAVLING-TRUK-PELEWS area during the period 14 November 1943 to 7 January 1944, is forwarded herewith.

W.T. NELSON.

— page 105 —
0-0-1-F-I-2 _-I-T-I-A-L
U.S. RETO - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

A. PROLOGUE
Arrived E.D.S.E., U.S.N.R.A., 1st M.S.T.R.A.I.A., from a third patrol on October 21, 1943. Greeted nor-pal refit and leave period. Refit to be conducted by U.S.S. FULTON and Relief Crew of Subdiv Cl. On October 24, 1943, refit was shifted to JUBARINE R.F. FACILITY, B.S.S.L., and Relief Crew of ComTaskFor 72 due to departure of FULTON. Major items accounted for were the overhaul of 1st and 2nd main engines, auxiliary engine, end cutting down the pilot house end installing a 20mm gun mount. Ship docked on November 11, 1943 for one day to renew problems. Readiness for sea day, November 14, 1943.

B. NARRATIVE
Note: All times LOVE (-11)

November 14, 1943
1000 Underway.
Conducted firing of 3" gun at towed target, A.R.T.O.
Conducted sound test.
1730 Rendezvous with U.S.S. CUCUL and proceeded to sea.
1640 U.S.S. R.A.T.O. joined formation.
2100 Passed FORT V.A.
2129 Rade tri a dive.
2240 "Rade night practice approach on DUCAL.

November 15, 1943
0800 Comenced scheduled exercises with CUCUL. Making submerged approach.
1200 Rade dive to test depth to test for leaks.
1300 Comenced scheduled exercises with DUCAL, consisting of successive attacks and "end-arounds".

November 16, 1943
Continuing exercises with CUCUL and RATON.

November 17, 1943
Continuing exercises with DUCAL and RATON.

— page 106 —
0-0-I-F-I-D-E-I-T-I-A-I
U.S. ETOL - Report of Foul Weather.

November 14, 1943

Continuing exercises with ODU I and RATON.
1300 - Exercises completed. Petted co. party with OCUAL.
This ship and RATON proceeded in company.

November 19, 1943

Made training dive each daylight watch. Made battle surface and shot all guns.

November 20, 1943.

0226 - Sighted USSEL ISLAND.
0350 - Exchanged identification with escort CAP DES PALMS.
Proceeding to TULAGI.
0555 - Boored to fuel barge. RATON moored alongside.
1605 - Underway, having taken on board 19,262 gals. fuel oil.
2200 - Made decision to return TULAGI with escort due to failure of J Radar and lack of parts to make repairs.
RATON proceeded to sea.

November 21, 1943

0242 - Anchored TULAGI TARPOR.
November 22, 1943

At anchor TULAGI TARPOR.

November 23, 1943

At anchor TULAGI TARPOR.

November 24, 1943

At anchor TULAGI TARPOR. Topped off fuel tanks, taking on board 2,166 gals. fuel oil.
0930 - U.S. GAT stood in for a sea.
1000 - Received perts for S Radar and gyro compass.
1330 - Repairs completed.
Underway, escorted by SC 728.
1915 - Released escort. Proceeded signally.

November 25, 1943

0804 - Sighted plane. Pulled flare but did not dive. Plane made no sign that it had sighted us. (Plane Contact #1)

- 2 -

— page 108 —
2015 - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

- 2200 - Escorts commenced firing so - called clear, thinking we had been detected and fired on. In retrospect I now think they were probably firing at someone else. Radar contact was lost at this time and, though search was continued until midnight, was not regained. Visibility was not good as we were entering a weather front.

November 30, 1943

0000 - Gave up radar search and ran to daylight position based on best known information.

0045 - Divied.

0738 - Surfaced. Weather bad.

0836 - Thru high periscope sighted coming tower of submarine. Headed toward em at.

0908 - Extended search from flank to northwest covering enemy speed of C.5 kts.

1105 - Sighted coming tower of submarine bearing 028° just about to enter heavy rain. Never seen again but was probably DARON.

1500 - Commenced search from tile flank to southward, covering enemy speed of 7 kts. This convoy was not sighted again.

December 1, 1943

0640 - Divied.

0705 - Heard pinning. Came up to 50 ft. and sighted smoke. (Ship contact #2). Composed approach. Turned out to be a two ship convoy with two or three small escorts. (.robably similar to our PC).

0907-13 - Fired six torpedoes at nearest ship which was settled at least 7,500 cts. Probably MEIU MARU of 8,230 tons. Went deep due to proximity of escort and also because sound reported one torpedo came near to circle to left.

— page 109 —
0908-31 - Heerd torpedo hit.
0908-37 - Heerd torpedo hit.
0908-46 - Heerd torpedo hit.
0912 - Heerd cracking noises of ship breaking up. These continued for about five minutes the ceased.
0913 - First depth charge.
0932 - Last depth charge. Total 12. At least 3 were well placed but above us. Screws and pinning of escorts were heard until
1130 - When they sounded distant enough to come up for a look.
1142 - At periscope depth, saw one escort heading our way apparently searching for us. Evaded at periscope depth.
1426 - All clear so surfaced and started running toward position of attack.
1455 - Thru 1g. periscope sighted two escorts about at the scene of attack but no evidence of target. They were possibly standing by the survivors until they sighted us, at which time they started chasing. Outran the 1 at 17 ats. and commenced working around to southward looking for re-zines of convoy.
1615 - Sighted snaks bearing 1477T, and commenced running for attack position. On severe occasions closed range until 1sst so could be seen. There was only one ship and one column of snaks, although both ships had been snaking badly when first seen this morning.
1934 - Sonneiced closing for radar contact.
2009 - Sighted escort heading for us, so pulled clear. Radar detector s.owed a radar in the near vicinity of 160 messages P.R.P. 50, strength 4-5. At.e.opted to regain contact but never sighted ship or escorts again. Weather bad all day and night as we were in a weather front.

December 2, 1943
0550 - Dived.
0900 - Surfaced. Still in weather front. Light rain with occasional heavy squalls.

December 3, 1943
0650 - Dived.
0753 - Surfaced.

— page 112 —
0-0-N-F-I-U-Z-I-T-I A-L
U.S.S. PETT - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

December 18, 1943
0704 - Divded.
0.04 - Surfaced.

December 19, 1943
0553 - Divded.
0804 - Surfaced.
1615 - Received orders to proceed to TULAGI for special mission.

December 20, 1943
0643 - Divded.
0755 - Surfaced.

December 21, 1943
0631 - Divded.
0800 - Surfaced.

December 22, 1943
0625 - Divded.
0736 - Surfaced.
1155 - Sited plane heading toward us, distance 5 mi.
Divded. (Plane contact #3)
1258 - Surfaced.
1749 - Sighted empty J-pensee life boat.

December 23, 1943
0930 - Sighted unidentified aircraft bearing 090°T on course 060°T. Distance 12 mi. (Flame contact #4)
1100 - Radar contact on plane, 17 mi. Not sighted (Flame contact #5)
1320 - Sighted plane heading toward us, dist. 5 mi. Pulled flare and dived. (Flame contact #6)
1410 - Surfaced.

December 24, 1943
0155 - Exchanged reconit ion with escort F.C. 1125.
0918 - Tied up to Fuel Barge, TULAGI RABOR.
1000 - Reported to CTF 31 for duty on special mission.

— page 113 —
1943-1944
U.S. PATROL - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

December 25, 1943 to January 2, 1944, on special mission for CTF 31.

January 3, 1944
1300 - Underway from TULAN HARBOR escorted by S.O. 728.

January 4, 1944
Enroute to BISBANE.

January 5, 1944
Enroute BISBANE.

January 6, 1944
Enroute BISBANE.

January 7, 1944
0300 - Passed Point VAN.
0600 - Passed CALOTUNDA HEAD.
0930 - Lowered to dock, submarine Repair Base, New Farm WERF, BISBANE.

- 9 -

10

— page 114 —
2-C-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S. S. PTOT - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

C. WEATHER

The weather during this patrol was a complete reversal of what had been experienced on three previous patrols in this area.

From the time of arrival in the area until December 18, 1943, we were all post continuously in a wet, fer. storm. Sky was nearly completely overcast, heavy rain storms were frequent, and this sea was rough. Navigation was difficult as few sights were obtainable.

After the 18th. the weather cleared somewhat, thus rain squalls were frequent. Sea moderated somewhat but was still rough by previous standards. There was a very heavy swell.

D. TIDAL INFORMATION

Due to bad weather very few navigational fixes were obtained and consequently little information was gained on this subject.

E. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

None observed

— page 118 —
0-0-E-I-D-2-T-I-A-L

U.S.S. HTO - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

II. ATTACK DATA

U.S.S. HTO
0907 (L), 1 December 1943, Lat. 1°-02'N, Long. 145°-42'E

Description:
Convoy consisted of 2 ships, A. or AP, escorted by 2 or 3 small escorts of the P.O. type. Firing was heard and later smoke seen. Submarine was submerged at the time. The ship attacked was estimated of at least 7,500 tons. It was not similar to any picture in ONI 2087 but was more like the "CIIU" AUR of 8,230 tons, described in ONI 209. Visibility was fair with a complete overcast. Rain commenced about 5 minutes before firing. Ship did not appear heavily loaded, could have been carrying troops.

Ship Sunk:
One AP similar to "II U AUR of 8,230 tons.

Damage determined by:
Heard first three torpedoes hit. Tires checked accurately for torpedo run. Heard ship break up. On return to the scene upon surfacing found two escorts there but not the target. Remaining ship of convoy later sighted but target was not in company.

TARGET DRAFT 21' - 30'US 160°T - SPEED 8 KTS. - RACE (at firing) 1900 YDS.

CW: HIP DATA

SPEED 3 KTS. - COURSE 250°T - DEPTH 64' - ANGLE (at firing) 1° DOWN.

TRAIL: MOTOR A D TORPEDO DATA

TYPE ATTACK: "periscope. Target was discovered when A.J. CAMPBELL, Y2C, U2R, heard pinging on the sound gear.

- 14 - 15

— page 122 —
2-2-F-I-2--T-I-A-L
U.S.S. FIDO - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

I. TIES
   1. TIES
   2. TIES
   3. TIES
   4. TIES
   5. TIES
   6. TIES
   7. TIES
   8. TIES
   9. TIES
   - TIES

— page 126 —
0-0-N-E-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

U.S.S. PETO - Report of Fourth War Patrol 1.

S. DURATION
DAYS ENROUTE TO AREA - 10 *
DAYS IN AREA - 40
DAYS ENROUTE TO BASE - 5
TOTAL - 55
DAYS SUBMERGED - 1

*Includes 4 days at anchor TULAGI HARBOR.

T. FACTORS OF ENDURANCE RETAINING
TORPEDOES FUEL PROVISION PERSONNEL
12 *5000 gals. 15 days 15 days

Limiting factor this patrol - ORDERS.
*Upon arrival TULAGI from area.

U. REMARKS
Rough seas, an unreliable pitometer log and few ceels-
tial fixes, combined to make it impossible to calibrate
the new propellors installed prior to this patrol. All
indications are, however, that these propellors give a
slight reduction in speed over those originally installed
and are far superior to those used on the third patrol.

- 22 -

23

— page 128 —
1-10/A16-3(15)/(16)
Serial 01/73
Confidential
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. PETO (SS265) - Correction to Assessment
    Credited on Fifth War Patrol.

Reference: (a) ComSubsPac Patrol Report No. 400.

1. Information obtained from captured documents indicate that the vessel reported as the TAIBEN HAKU class freighter and credited as damaged by the Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, was actually the MAY LARU and that it sank.

2. It is requested that the records of the PETO be changed as follows:

SUIK
1 - Freighter (KAYO HAKU) - 4,400 tons.

3. The fifth war patrol of the PETO is now designated as 'Successful' for Combat Insignia Award. The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT is requested to take the necessary action.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominon (7)
CMO (5)
CinPac (6)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
ComGervPac (1)
CinClant (1)
ComSubsLant (8)
S/I. School, NL (2)
ComSoPac (2)
ComSoiFesPac (1)
ComSubsoiFesPac (1)
CIF 72 (2)
ComNorPac (1)
ComSubsPac (20)
SUEAD, HI (2)
ComSubsPacSubordCom (3)
All Squadron and Div. Commanders, SubPac (2)
ComSubsTrainPac (2)
All Submarines, SubsPac (1)

E. L. HYNES, 2nd, Flag Secretary.
70106 FILMED

— page 129 —
1-01883
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16) UMBARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET hch
Serial 0637
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
FEPTO Report of
Fifth War Patrol.
CO/SUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 400
U.S.S. PETO - 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. PETO (SS265) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.
1. The first war patrol of the PETO was the first for the new Commanding Officer, as such. The patrol was spent in operational areas under the command of Task Force Seventy-Two and enroute Pearl Harbor.
2. Wide area coverage was maintained; and of the five contacts worthy of torpedoes, two attacks were carried out. Insufficient evidence prohibits the crediting of a sinking of the one ship hit.
3. This patrol is designated as not successful for Combat Insignia Award.
4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers, and crew upon inflicting the following damage upon the enemy:
DAMAGED
1 - Freighter (TAIBEN MARU class) - 6,621 tons (attack No. 2)
NOTE: Since the above damage was done in areas under the operational control of Commander: Task Force Seventy-Two, he is requested to assume credit accordingly.

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

Distribution and authentication on following page.

FILMED
(2)

— page 130 —
12/10/46-3(15)(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET hch
Serial 0637
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PETE Report of
Fifth War Patrol.
CONSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 400
U.S.S. PETO - FIFTH WAR PATROL.
Subject: U.S.S. PETO (SS265) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.
(25 January to 29 March 1944).

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (5)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
Conservpac
(Adv.Base Plan.Unit) (1)
Cinclant (2)
Consubsblant (8)
S/M Schoel, NL (2)
Comsopec (2)
Comsowespac (1)
Comsubsbowespac (2)
CTF 72 (2)
Comcorpac (1)
ComSubsFac (20)
SULAD, MI (2)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Division Commanders, SubFac (2)
Comsubstrainpac (2)
All submarines, SubsFac (1)

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

— page 131 —
FC5-14/A16-3
Serial 039.
CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO PETO Patrol Report
Number Five.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PETO (SS265) - Report of Fifth War Patrol - Comments on.

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

J. B. LOGSTAFF.

Copy to:
Consubdiv 141.
CO PETO.

— page 132 —
1. The Commander Submarine Division ONE HUNDRED FORTY ONE.
To: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Via: The Commander Submarine Squadron FOURTEEN.

Subject: U. S. S. PETO (S-3265) - Report of Fifth "War Patrol, Comments on.

1. The fifth war patrol of the PETO was the first for the new commanding officer as such. The patrol was conducted enroute from East Australia to Pearl and lasted for a period of sixty days, of which thirty-two days were spent in assigned areas. There were five contacts with targets worthy of torpedo fire. Two attacks were made which resulted in the probable sinking of one AK.

2. ATTACKS:

#1 - A day periscope attack on a single ship following night radar contact and tracking. Position could not be gained ahead so course was set to intercept where target was forced to round a cape. A submerged position too far off the cape plus frequent course changes by target prevented submarine from closing below 5300 yards. At this point five torpedoes were fired in low power, on track of 117°. All missed the target.

#2 - A well executed night periscope attack in bright moonlight. Lay sight contact of smoke columns followed by end around and radar tracking placed submarine in position ahead of convoy of three ships and two escorts. Six torpedoes were fired at largest ship, at range of 2000 yards, on tracks of 95° - 100°. Results were not observed as submarine was forced to take evasive action immediately after firing. Two hits were heard followed by loud explosion and breaking up noises Target was identified as similar to the TAIBUN LAJU.

— page 134 —
1. U.S.F. PETO (SS265) - Report of Fifth "War Patrol, Comments on.

3. MATERIAL:

The PETO returned from patrol in fair material condition. The large number of work items will not permit refit to be completed in the normal period. It is estimated that 18 days will be required to place the ship in condition for next patrol. Defects noted in subparagraph (k) will be corrected during current refit. The number of uncompleted alterations is unusually large, and those for which material is available and which can be effected in the above period will be accomplished. The material condition of the PETO indicates that she will require a Navy Yard overhaul at the end of her next patrol.

4. The Commanding Officer, officers and crew are congratulated on the damage inflicted on the enemy.

Cory to:
CO PETO

— page 135 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. PETRO - Report of Fifth War Petrol.

A. PROLOGUE.

Arrived BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA, from fourth war petrol on January 7, 1944. Granted normal refit and leave period. Refit conducted by Submarine Repair Facility, BRISBANE, and Relief Crew of Comtaskfor 72. Major items accomplished included overhaul of #2 and #2 Main enzines and auxiliary engine, renewal of port's sound head, renewal of all topside cables, installation of IFF and VHF. Ship was docked 16 January 1944, for 3 days for routine painting and checking of sound heads. On 22 January 1944, Lieutenant Commander Paul Van Leunen, Jr., USN, relieved Commander W. T. Nels on, USN, of command. Readiness for sea date 25 January 1944.

B. NARRATIVE.

Note: All times LOVE (-11) until 8 March 1944, when Zone Description indicated.

January 25, 1944.

0700 - Underway.
Conducted sound tests, MORETON BAY. Fired 3" gun at towed target. Fired 20 MM guns at towed target. Conducted training dives and drills for controller-man.

1825 - Moored to New Farm Wharf, BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA.

January 26, 1944.

1300 - Underway.
1800 - Rendezvous with U.S.S. MUGFORD (CDD8) and U.S.S. BAGLEY, at Pilot Examination vessel, MORETON BAY. Proceeded to train ing area.

1859 - Made trim dive. Made two night approaches on destroyers.

January 27, 1944.

Continued exercises with destroyers, making submerged approaches. During evening conducted night approaches.

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U.S.S. PETO - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

January 28, 1944.
Conducted submerged approaches and exercised in evasive tactics with destroyers.
1724 - Moored to New Fern Wharf, BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA.

January 29-30, 1944.
Moored to New Fern Wharf, conducting post-trial repairs.

January 31, 1944.
1330 - Underway.
Tested towed radar target in MORTON BAY. Target gave strong echo at 600 yards for tuning SJ radar at sea.
1800 - Rendezvoused at Pilot Examination vessel with HMAS DELORAIRE AND PC 1134. Conducted night exercises in training area.

February 1, 1944.
Conducted submerged attacks and evasion tactics with DELORAIRE AND PC 1134.
1800 - Rendezvoused with BALAO at Pilot Exam nation vessel.
Tested VHF with BALAO, with no results.
Conducted coordinated night search and attack with BALAO.

February 2, 1944.
0200 - Released to proceed TULAGI.
1202 - SD and IFF plane contact. (Plane contact #1).
1310 - Made trim and training dive.
1330 - Surfaced.
1531 - Lookout sighted periscope wake several thousand yards on stbd beam. OOD avoided. No one but lookout saw wake. Doubtful contact, due choppy sea.
1700 - ABK began triggering. No contact on SD end IFF. Could not determine reason for triggering, so decided to prevent any D/F by securing ABK, SD, BN.

— page 137 —
1302 - Submerged for trim and training dive.
: 1330 - Surfaced.

February 3, 1944.

0820 - Sighted plane - identified as Liberter - ABK did not funtio... (Plane contact #2).
0835 - Submerged for trim end training dive.
0924 - Surfaced.
1403 - Submerged for training dive.
1412 - Surfaced and at.
1413 - Submerged again for training.
1421 - Surfaced.
2003 - Picked up radar flashes and sighted dark object for a few seconds bearing 280°T. Avoided. This was SOAPF we found out later. (Ship contact #1).

February 5, 1944.

0406 - Radar contact on something; range 1100 yards bearing 0.41° relative. Avoided end lost echo at 2100 yards. Did not see anything. (Ship contact #2).
0604 - Made rendezvous with escort AM86. Moored at TULAGI and commenced fueling. Received message autbori zing 24 hour delay to get IFF and VHF into operation. Received 26,736 gallons fuel.
1800 - ABK in operation.

February 6, 1944.

0730 - Underway for PURVIS BAY. U.S.S. WHITNEY installed Navy 233-A VHF set.
1445 - Underway enroute a rees. Escort SC 1040.
1830 - Submerged for trim dive.
1843 - Surfaced.
1924 - Released SC 1040.

February 7, 1944.

0600 - ABK triggered. SD-BN showed friendly plane. Lost at 19 miles. (Plane contact #3).
0610 - Submerged for trim dive.
0648 - Surfaced.

— page 138 —
1053 - ABK triggered - no contact on SD-BN.
: 1438 - ABK triggered. SD-BN showed friendly plane 20 mi.
: 1746 - ABK triggered. No contact SD-BN.

February 8, 1944.

0637 - Submerged. Conducted two deep dives from periscope depth for training.
0723 - Surfaced.
0742 - Sighted "RUFE" or "PETE" 5 miles to westward coming out of squall. Submerged. Don't think he saw us, as he was headed away. (Plane contact #5).
0845 - Surfaced. ABK trigered for 20 minutes. No SD-BN contact.
0942 - ABK triggered and Liberator was sighted at same time. Identified as friendly by SD-BN, 15 miles. (Plane contact #6). Attempted to test V.F, but blew fuse as in power supply.
1100 - Put bow plane tilt in motor out of commission to find ground in pilot and interlock air out.
1210 - Sighted plane, unidentified by IFF, distance 4 miles coming out of squall. Possibly "SALLY". (Plane contact #7). Submerged, bow planes in bend. Decided to stay down end repair bow planes. Discovered zero ground in bow plane rigging circuit.
1734 - Surfaced. Bow planes in commission.

February 9, 1944.

0642 - Submerged for trim dive.
0654 - Surfaced.
1030 - ABK triggering. No contact on SD-BN.
1041 - ABK stopped triggering.
1313 - Sighted two "SALLYS", distance 1 mile. Dived. (Plane contact #8). No bombs were dropped, these planes evidently were being used to haul cargo or were being ferried.
1439 - Surfaced.
2300 - Arrived in area.

— page 139 —
0705 - Submerged for train dive.
0750 - Surfaced.
0800 - Changed course to intercept convoy being trail led by CERO, heading for TRUK.
0945 - Changed course farther to southward and increased speed to 75% on all engines.
1105 - ABK triggered. Did not use SD-EN for identification due to proximity of convoy.
1403 - Sighted CERO, 205T, distance 12 miles.
1521 - Came to semaphore distance from CERO and received data on convoy and disassociated plans for attack. He is to attack first and I am to be five miles ahead of convoy when he fires. We can see several columns of smoke bearing 173T. (Ship contact #3).
1540 - CERO steered in for attack.
1600 - CERO dived.
1622 - Submerged and headed for convoy.
1700 - Went to battle stations. Convoy coming straight in with practically no zigs. CERO should have fired by this time, but the reason she had not soon became apparent. The "convoy" consisted of five vessels in a line of bearing normal to the base course. The left hand vessel was about the size of an SC. The other four ranged from 500 to 750 tons, the largest being in the center. Both wings vessels were pinging and listening at intervals. At a range of 4,000 yards, when dead ahead of the center ship, decided targets were too small for torpedo attack, and came right to get out of their way. Right hand escort passed 1,000 yards astern. He gave us a start when he was closest because he shifted from pinging to listening. Convoy continued on its way however. Two of the vessels had the appearance of small freighters All had high masts. All smoked at intervals. All were light. It is believed that the whole outfit was a submarine.

1905 - Surfaced.
1907 - Sighted CERO on surface, distance 10 miles. Changed course to close.
1932 - Discussed possibility of gun fight with CERO. He decided that five to two was rather poor odds and headed southward. He is right; and my 3" gun is no weapon to depend upon.
2002 - Headed no. threew back to area.

— page 140 —
0710 - Submerged.
0735 - Surfaced.

February 11, 1944.
0702 - Submerged.
0812 - Surfaced.

February 13, 1944.
0704 - Submerged.
0810 - Surfaced.
1158 - Started search for convoy being trailed by DARTER.

February 14, 1944.
0016 - Reached probable point of contact with convoy.
0045 - Commenced retiring search to southwestward.
0800 - Ceased retiring search and commenced route in patrol to westward.
1042 - ABK triggered and untriggered at intervals.
1120 - Sighted Liberator, bearing 135°T, distance 7 miles, elevation 4,000 feet. Identified with EN.
1325 - Commenced high speed run to northeast to intercept another convoy.
1941 - Made trim dive.
2008 - Surfaced.
2200 - Reached probably point of contact for 15 knot convoy advance. Patrol led across line of advance until.
2400 - When we started retiring search to southwestward along his 12 knot circles. Considered 12 knot advance more probable than 15 knot, but was at 15 knot point of contact just in case.

February 15, 1944.
0800 - Ceased 12 knot search and commenced 10 knot search.
1127 - ABK triggered. Apparently our friend of yesterday as we were in practically the same spot. Did not see him.
1212 - ABK triggered. Since we could have been near some targets, secured the ABK after 3 minutes for 1 hour. Did not see plane.

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U.S.S. PETO - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

February 15, 1944 (continued).

1343 - Started 8 knot retiring search. Our 10 knot search was getting too big to handle.
1355 - ABK triggered. Secured after 3 minutes use to prevent D/F. Apparently this mornings plane returning to base. Did not see him.
1855 - Stopped searching.

February 16, 1944.

0655 - Submerged.
1756 - Surfaced.
1350 - ABK out of commission.
2100 - Headed westward for new area.

February 17, 1944.

0655 - Submerged.
0744 - Surfaced.
1107 - Sighted and passed U.S.S. PERMIT.

February 18, 1944.

0712 - Submerged.
0810 - Surfaced.
1204 - Sighted ship coming out of low visibility area, bearing 130°T, distance 10 miles, Opened distance and lost him suddenly due to visibility. (Ship contact #4).
1250 - In closing to pick him up again, he suddenly appeared at a range of 9 miles. Am positive that he saw us, because his actions for the rest of the afternoon were erratic. We finally got settled down to a target course 270°T and commenced an end-around.
1700 - Sighted CERO to northwest. He must have sighted us at same time and headed away at high speed. I followed to give him new base course of target which was evidently same he had been tracking for two days.
1740 - Closed CERO, gave him information, made a rerange-ments for radio calls on 2880 kcs.
1808 - Reversed course to head for target.

— page 142 —
1916 - Sighted smoke dead ahead. Commenced end-around. Soon lost smoke in increasing darkness. CERO said he would search to north-east. CERO

1955 - Commenced search. 2110 - Sighted smoke. Target is apparently still heading west. Gave CERO contact. Commenced end-around for night attack. Tracked him until 0015 when we headed in for attack on target's port side. Told CERO to keep clear. Found he had 3 escorts, one ahead, and one on either side covering beam and quarter. Got in to 4600 yard torpedo run on target with escort dead ahead, angle on bow of escort 90° port, range 1500 yards when target began sinking heavily and zigged away. Escorts pinging as he crossed the bow was suspicious, so bent on all angles and headed out astern. Escort turned tower and chased. Starboard escort, who saw range should have been about 6000 yards, was now discovered to be 3400 yards, zero angle on the bow. Opened the range and lost them. Told CERO we had been detected. Target was not identified at this time, except that it was about 4,000 tons.

February 19, 1944.

Commenced end-around on south side. Received message from CERO "Keep Clear" so went ahead. 0734 - Coming in ahead of target sighted him coming out of low visibility area in poor light, distance 11 miles. He was too close so dived and commenced approach. We were far off his previous base course, 285°, but he soon zigged toward enl kept coming. At about six thousand yards he changed course to 1400T, and after ten minutes resumed his course of 2850T, finally ending up on 3200T as he gave us a 180° angle on the bow. Closest range was about 5,000 yards.

0927 - Secured from battle stations and commenced examination of torpedoes in tubes which had been flooded twice.

1159 - Surfaced and started chase. 1455 - Sighted target. Commenced end-around. 1902 - When end-around just about complete, sighted CERO, completing end-around from other side.

— page 143 —
19, 1944 (continued).

1926 - CERO di ved and started in. Moved out 3 miles and submerged. It was getting dark rapidly.
2035 - Went to battle stations. Could barel see target due to darkness.
2040 - Heard one torpedo hit. Saw target engulfed in black smoke. Heard detnth charges.
2043 - Target fired two white rockets simultaneously.
2054 - Surfaced and bent on all engines. Escort fired at us but he was about 3 miles away and shell landed nowhere close. At 10,000 yeds redar lost target echo. We had no difficulty lest night at 12,000 yards. Circled around to get closer to target. At 3,000 yeds saw two escorts work ing over CERO. Target could not be seen, but in a haze where target had been could see one escort. Target had sunk.
2147 - After closing escort he met CERO slowly, fired two rounds of 3 inch at them. Third round failed due to shell being loose in cartridge case, shell jamming in gun. Escorts returned fire as we turned away.
2200 - Heard two depth charges.
2206 - Set course to return to area.
2330 - Raised CERO on 2830 kcs. and secured frequency.

February 20, 1944.

0454 - Lat. 2°55' N, Long. 139°43' E. Radar contact in bright moonlight, 10,000 yeds. Commander tracking. Could see one ship and one escort, base course 175, speed nine. Too light or surface attack, and too dark for periscope attack. After tracking went on the ad to dive. (Ship contact #5).
0648 - Submerged, commenced approach. Target came on with zero angle on the bow and no apparent zigs. Saw one trawler type escort out ahead and heard another at stern. Target was about a 4000 ton, two masted, single stacked AX. That was all we saw, because after he got in to 6000 yeds, he reversed course and headed away. He was just seen on course 270°T. Apparently he was doing a dawn waltz. Smoke was last observed on true bearing indicating his course as 270°T.

— page 144 —
0930 - Surtaced. Sighted smoke bearing 315°T and set out after it. This bearing checked on TDC as giving a target course of 270°T. After two hours we didn't see anything so commenced at a search.
: 1328 - Sighted plane of unfind it fired type, distance 8 miles. We were in much the general area where CERO attacked last night, and since we had not sighted target, decided to shift back to our area. (Plane contact #10).
: 1504 - Surtaced. At sunset commenced examining cylinder heads of #4 Main engine. (See Major Defects and Damage).

February 21, 1944.

0711 - Submerged.
0813 - Surtaced.

February 22, 1944.

0706 - Submerged.
0810 - Surtaced.

February 23, 1944.

0707 - Submerged.
0735 - Surtaced.
1558 - Set course for LANGEMAK BAY to refuel and obtain spares for #4 Main engine.

February 24, 1944.

Enroute LANGEMAK BAY.
0720 - Submerged.
0745 - Surtaced.

February 25, 1944.

Enroute LANGEMAK BAY.
0649 - Submerged.
2007 - Surtaced.

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U.S.S. PETO - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

February 26, 1944.

Enroute LANGEMAK BAY.
0640 - Submerged.
1715 - Sighted BAT ISLAND bearing 132°T, distance 10 miles. We have been set well to the east today. The current is at least 2 knots easterly.

February 27, 1944.

Enroute LANGEMAK BAY.
0703 - Sighted escort PC 1123. Joined him and headed for LANGEMAK BAY.
0852 - Sighted first plane of several hundred friendly planes sighted during the day.
1357 - Submerged for bomb or which was getting too close and coning in.
1415 - Surfaced.
1530 - Moored to U.S.S. COUCAL in LANGEMAK BAY. Commenced fueling and taking spare parts for #4 Main engine.

February 28, 1944.

0700 - Completed fueling. Received 82,956 gallons fuel.
0935 - Underway for area escorted by PC 1123.
1900 - Submerged for trim dive.
1908 - Surfaced.
1945 - Released escort.

February 29, 1944.

0656 - Submerged.
1947 - Surfaced. Sighted HERMIT ISLANDS bearing 270°T, distance 18 miles. We have not been set east to day as we planned on.

March 1, 1944.

Enroute area at 3 engine speed. Decided to head for CAPE D'URVILLE after we have gone enough north and west of WAKDE ISLAND air strip to avoid detection today.

March 2, 1944.

1107 - Submerged. We were close enough to WAKDE that air patrols were probable.
1901 - Surfaced. Commended direct run to CAPE D'URVILLE.

— page 146 —
0013 - Sighted CAPE D'URVILLE. Approached Cepe to six miles and then headed west along 100 fathom curve to contact anything coming out of JAPEN STRAIT or hugging coast.
: 0230 - Changed heading to northwest to contact SKATE convoy at 00:00 position circle.
: 0425 - Radar contact on single ship at 10,000 yards, bearing 270°T (S+1p contact #6). Tracked for several hours on course 150°T, speed 12 knots. Could not get ahead of his before he reached to coast, so decided to head for deep water just off CAFE D'URVILLE and get him as he passed.
: 0720 - Sighted CAPE D'URVILLE.
: 0745 - Submerged off Cape.
: 0949 - Sighted smoke of our ship rounding cape from westward. Headed in to close the 100 fathom curve. Commenced approach. Took fathometer readings as long as we dared. We were further off the cape than we had planned upon, so ran in shore at high speed. For a while it looked as though we would get close to target, but he kept changing our course to the south, opening the distance to the track. When angle on the bow approach ahead 90° port, and range was 5300 yards, decided to fire six torpedoes at low power. If we did not get him now, we never would, because he could run close ashore all the way to WAKDE. We could not make end-around because of planes near WAKDE.
: 1125 - Fired 5 torpedoes from bow tubes, low power, using Mark VIII angle solver. Target speed 12 knots, course 105, track angle 117° port. All missed. The torpedo on #5 tube was not fired because of inability to change speed setting on the torpedo. At 1128, the escort, which was on port beam of target turned toward so went deep. He closed us to where we had fired and commenced listing. He was never heard to ping during approach or evasion. No depth charges.
: 1312 - Started up, having heard nothing since the escort stopped his screws.
: 1344 - All clear. Headed north to intercept SKATE contact.
: 1944 - Sighted 4 columns of smoke to westward. Commenced approach. (Ship contact #7).

— page 147 —
2045 - Sunfaced. Commenced end-around in bright moonlight. Slugged the battery with one main and the auxiliary engine.
2203 - Ahead of target. Tracked him on course 115°T, speed 9. We saw 4 columns of smoke.

March 4, 1944.

0007 - Submerged and commenced night periscope and radar approach. Radar was no help, so made the whole approach by periscope. During the early stages of the approach I saw four ships in the convoy. However, just prior to firing I could only find three, two tankers with engines aft of about 3500-4000 tons and a large AK. We first thought he was about 8000 tons because of the relative size of the AK and AO's. The binocular formula gave his length as slightly over 400 feet, so believe he was vessel similar to TAIERU, ONI 208-J, page 206. Tankers were firing at 4-5 minutes after the attack. The enemy was firing at 5-6 minutes after the attack. The enemy was firing at

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U...S. PETO - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

March 4, 1944 (continued).

0230 - Heard screws of one escort drawing away. Other escort commenced echo ranging which was continued from well aft until
0235 - When we surfaced and commenced end-around on port side of convoy. Moon had set and visibility was poor with large black squalls astern and in direction of escorts.
0356 - Two depth charges.
0720 - Sighted two ships, both smoking, on our stbd beam. Could see masts plainly end hulls through periscope. If there were three ships they must have stayed in line a long time because we had only two in sight. An appreciable time as we opened out end commenced end-around.
0843 - Sighted plane in direction of convoy, distance 12 miles (Plane contact #11). Submerged. This finished us, as we were repidly approaching the coast which was in sight and could not make the distance submerged before the convoy could. We were.70 miles from HOLLANDIA, and they would beat us there. Closing the track at the one hour rate would not get us in. Stayed submerged because of low clouds and planes from WAKDE or HOLLANDIA.
2018 - Surfaced. Proceeded west enroute JANOWARI. Decided to give one night to shipping route north of BIAK ISLAND.

March 5, 1944.

0725 - Submerged.
0818 - Surfaced.
1945 - Sighted BIAK ISLAND bearing 248°T, distance 25 miles. Patrolled back end forth across shipping routes.

March 6, 1944.

0236 - Headed south for JAPEN STRAIT. Rounded MIOS WORKBONDI in early morning and entered JAPEN STRAIT.
0850 - Sighted JI'EN ISLAND.
0945 - Reversed course, having received orders to patrol in the PELEWS.
1500 - Sighted fleet blme "DAVE" or "FETE" bearing 008°T, distance 7 miles. (Plane contact #12). Suimerged.
1628 - Surfaced.

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U.S.S. PETO - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

March 7, 1944.

0735 - Submerged.
0808 - Surfaced.
0903 - High periscope watch sighted sampan bearing 285°, distance 8 miles. Tracking slowed him lying to. Avoided. (Ship contact #8).
1736 - Sighted "SALLY" or "BETTY", at distance 3-4 miles, dead astern and coming in about 500 feet off the water. Summarged. (Plane contact #13).
1737 - Heard machine gun bullets at cannon shells strike the water. No bombs.
1955 - Surfaced.

March 8, 1944.

0145 (K) - Commenced patrol of ARANGEL CHANNEL. Moon is practicaly full end will be so for several days.
0633 (K) - Summarged.
1155 (K) - Sighted sampan, distance 3 miles. Avoided. (Ship contact #9).
1239 (K) - Another sampan. Did not see him.
1935 (K) - Surfaced. Commenced surface patrol on courses 040°, 220°.

March 9, 1944.

0300 (K) - Headed in to close shoreline.
0630 (K) - While 29 miles off shore sighted searchlight beam which came on pointed directly at us from shore. It stayed on a matter of 15 seconds. Summarged.
0643 (K) - Picked up unidentified seows bearing 209°T. They sounded like the sampan seows of yesterday. They faded out gradually. This sampan probably sighted us and was the cause of the searchlight ashore. Headed in to patrol off ARANGEL CHANNEL.
1933 (K) - Surfaced.

March 10, 1944.

0614 (K) - Summer ggd.
1157 (K) - Sighted smoke bearing 136°T, distance 23,000 yards. (Ship contact #10). Could make out two columns. Commenced approach. Targets were two.

— page 150 —
3000-4000 ton tankers or freighters with engines aft. There were two escorts, one PC boat ahead pinging and 1 SC listening on the stbd beam of the formation. The SC detected us elt ther by sound or sighting at 1416 (K). Went deep. While going deep, escort dropped two perhps three sono charges. He then lay still and listened with inemittent pinging at intervals. Drew away through five degree negative gradient.

1504 (K) - One depth charge, far away.
1610 (K) - Periscope depth, all clear.
1932 (K) - Surfaced. Headed south to new area.

March 11, 1944.

Enroute new area.

March 12, 1944.

0648 (K) - Submerged.
0740 (K) - Surfaced.
056 (K) - Sighted SCEPIOIR IS. peering 175°T, distance 30 miles. Patrolling at right angles to shipping lanes.

March 13, 1944.

0644 (K) - Submerged.
0717 (K) - Surfaced.
1210 (K) - Sigh+ed float plane "HETE" bearing 040°T, distance miles, approaching. Altitude 3000 ft. Submerged. (Plane contact #14).

1317 (K) - Surfaced.

March 14, 1944.

0645 (K) - Submerged.
0723 (K) - Surfaced.

March 15, 1944.

0305 (K) - Radar contact on unidentified object at 1800 yards. Avoided. Bright moonlight. Probably wreckage or a small boat. Commander Officer saw

— page 151 —
0642 (K) - Submerged.
0710 (K) - Surfaced.
0800 (K) - Changed course to head for MIDWAY.
1150 (K) - Sighted two engine bomber "BETTY", bearing 035°T on crossing course, 100°T, distance 5 miles. Tried to submerge, but bow planes failed to rig out. We hung at 35 feet for at least two minutes before getting completely under. No bombs. (Plane contact #15).
1308 (K) - Surfaced.
1456 (K) - Sighted "BETTY" bearing 125°T, course 305°T, distance six miles, coming in. Submerged. No bombs. (Plane contact #16).
1825 (K) - Surfaced.

March 16, 1944.

Enroute MIDWAY.
1139 (K) - Submerged to repair bow planes which show a zero ground in the control circuit. This control circuit has been a dangerous military defect during the whole patrol.
1625 (K) - Surfaced.

March 17, 1944.

Enroute MIDWAY.
1200 (K) - In Lat. 74°18' N, Long. 144°40' E, sighted empty lifeboat. Examineed boat and found nothing of value aboard. Name "AKAGAI MARU, TOKIO" was on bow.
1531 (K) - Sighted FARAUJEP IS. bearing 276°T, distance 17 miles.

March 18, 1944.

Enroute MIDWAY.
0552 (K) - Submerged.
0643 (K) - Surfaced.
1035 (K) - Sighted "NAVIS" bearing 50°T, distance 10 miles, coming in. Submerged. (Plane contact #17).
1124 (K) - Surfaced.
1246 (K) - Sighted "BETTY" bearing 000°T, distance 8 miles, coming in. Submerged. (Plane contact #18).

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U.S.S. PETO - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

March 18, 1944 (continued).

1252 (K) - One depth charge or bomb, not close.
1643 (K) - Surfaced.
1652 (K) - Sighted "BETTY" bearing 310°T, distance 6 miles, coming in. Submerged. (Plane contact #19).
1741 (K) - Three depth charges or bombs. Not close.
1904 (K) - Surfaced.
1905 (K) - Fire in forward engine room. Vapor from exhaust space drain, #1 Main engine ignited. No damage.

March 19, 1944.

Enroute MIDWAY.
0944 (K) - Submerged.
1551 (K) - Surfaced.

March 20-21, 1944.

Enroute MIDWAY.

March 22, 1944.

1100 (K) - Sighted and passed U.S.S. SWORDFISH. Lat. 20°57' N, Long. 163°03' E.

March 23, 1944.

Enroute MIDWAY.

March 24, 1944.

Enroute MIDWAY.
1602 (K) - Sighted possible 'periscope 45° on stbd bow, distance 2-3000 yards. Only lookout saw it, who described it as "something 3 or 4 feet high making a wake". Lookout saw it only for a few seconds. Condition of sea, choppy with whitecaps. Took avoiding action. Let. 25°31' N, Long. 174°03' E.

— page 153 —
1944-1945
U.S.S. PETTLEP - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

March 25, 1944.
Enroute MIDWAY.

March 25 (West Longitude Date).
0749 (K) - Sighted MIDWAY ISLAND.
0941 (K) - Moored at Submarine Base, MIDWAY. Took fuel (30,000 gals.) and lube oil (500 gals.).
1900 (K) - Underway, en route PEARL.

March 26, 1944.
Enroute PEARL.

March 27, 1944.
Enroute PEARL.
Conducted 6 hour battery dis charge.

March 28, 1944.
Enroute PEARL.
1045 (WX) - Sighted small floating mine and sank it with 20 MM gun. (See MINES).

March 29, 1944.
0500 (WX) - Rendezvoused with PC 1080.
1000 (WX) - Moored at Submarine Base, P.H.T.H.

- 19 -
NOTE: Page 20 not used.

— page 160 —
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U.S.S. PETO - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

H. ATTACK DATA.

U.S.S. PETO
1125(L), 3 March 1944, Lat. 1°26'30" S, Long. 138°00'00" E.

Descriptions:
- Convoy consisted of single AK, about 3000 tons escorted by one PC boat.
- Contacted by radar at 0425(L). Ship similar to KOHUKU MARU, ONI 208-J, page 106, and loaded. Visibility excellent.

Ship(s) Sunk:
- None.

Ship(s) Damaged or Probably Sunk:
- None.

Damage Determined by:
- None.

Target draft 21' - Course 105°T - Speed 11 - Range 5300

Own Ship Data:
- Speed 3 knots - Course 168°T - Depth 63 ft. - Angle 0°
- Fire Control end Torpedo Data

Type Attack:
- Periscope Day.

- 27 -

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— page 161 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. PETO - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

ATTACK #1
Tubes Fired #1 #2 #3 #4 #6
Track Angle 117P 117P 117P 117P 117P
Gyro Angle 000° 000° 000° 000° 000°
Depth Set 15' 15' 15' 15' 15'
Power Low Low Low Low Low
Hit or Miss Miss Miss Miss Miss
Erratic No No no No No
Mark Torpedo 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A
Serial No. 25898 25850 24422 25277 25874
Mark Exploder 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-1
Serial No. 5594 6696 18222 12234 6654
Actuation Set Cntct Cntct Cntct Cntct Cntct
Actuation Actual - - - - -
Mark Warhead 16 16 16 16 16
Serial No. 3862 2783 9047 2150 2210
Explosive Tpx Tpx Tpx Tpx Tpx
Firing Interval 4 a head of bow 4 aft of bow 4 amidships 4 light astern
Type Spread Longitudinal
Sea Conditions Calm with light ground swells.
Overall Activity Left 80
Remarks Speed set mechanism failed to engage in #5 tube - Not fired.

- 28 -

— page 162 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I--L
U.S.S. PETO - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

H. ATTACK DATA (continued).

U.S.S. PETO
0131(L), 4 March 1944, Lat. 1°28' S, Long. 138°40'30" E.

Description:
Convoy consisted of three ships; two 3-4000 ton tankers with engines aft and one Maru, similar to TAIBUN MARU, 65B1 tans, ONI 208-J, page 206. Escorts (2) were not seen clearly but are believed to have been PC's. A good silhouette of the target was obtained in bright moonlight. Visibility excellent. Contacted by smoke during submerged patrol.

Ship Sunk:
One (1) AK similar to TAIBUN MARU, 65B1 tans.

Damage Determined by:
Heard two hits. Shortly afterwards heard loud rumbling explosion and sounds of ship breaking up. Sighted two vessels in same convoy next morning.

Target draft 27' - Course 070°T - Speed 8 - Range 2000

Own Ship Data
Speed 3 knots - Course 000°T - Depth 65' - Angle 0°

Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type Attack: Night periscope in bright moonlight.

(35)

— page 163 —
0131(L) - 4 March 1944

| Tubes Fired | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 |
||----|----|----|----|----|----|
| Track Angle | 96°5S | 95°5S | 100°5S | 95°5S | 115°S | 95°5S |
| Gyro Angle | 34°6 | 34°5 | 35° | 34°5 | 34°5 | 34°5 |
| Depth Set | 12' | 12' | 12' | 12' | 12' | 12' |
| Power | High | High | High | High | High | High |
| Hit or Miss | Hit | Miss | Hit | Miss | Miss | Miss |
| Erratic | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A |
| Serial No. | 25766 | 25382 | 25852 | 25845 | 25569 | 25915 |
| Mark Exploder | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 |
| Serial No. | 39.5 | 50.6 | 12.314 | 12.856 | 6662 | 72.95 |
| Actuation Set | Cntct | Cntct | Cntct | Cntct | Cntct | Cntct |
| Actuation Actual | Cntct | - | Cntct | - | - | - |
| Mark Warhead | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Serial No. | 10923 | 306 | 9163 | 2396 | 357 | 2255 |
| Explosive | Tpx | Tpx | Tpx | Tpx | Tpx | Tpx |
| Firing Interval | 8 Seconds |
| Type Spread | Divergent |
| Sea Conditions | Light Chop |
| Overhaul activity | Left 80 |
| Remarks | None |

- 30 -

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— page 164 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. PETO - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

I. MINES.

On March 28, 1944, in Lat. 21°03' N, Long. 163°17' W, sighted floating mine. Mine was cylindrical with flat bottom and hemispherical top with horns on the outer upper periphery of the cylindrical section. Was rusty and sank without exploding. Two feet long, one foot in diameter.

J. ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS.

After first attack, escort listened only, and separately left scene shortly after time of firing. Sound conditions were the poorest ever encountered due to muddy water from MAMBERAMO RIVER. Escort was PC and was never heard to ping.

In convoy of second attack, one escort took station ahead about 1500 yards and pinged. The other escort was yards from formation center, listening only. Both escorts used sonar charges immediately after we fired with pinging using 3 or 4 pinges about every 10 minutes. Between pingings they used sonar charges in groups of 4 or 5 every 3 or 4 minutes. The sonar charges were estimated to be larger than hand grenades and about 1500 yards away. Not effective we due to negative gradient at 280 feet of about 3°. Both escorts were believed to be PC's.

After detection on March 10, the escort immediately dropped 2 sonar charges and approached our position, and then listened. He then pinged for a short time and resumed listening. His tone depth charge was not reported. He was an SC. In this convoy, one escort, a PC, was about 3000 yards ahead pinging, while the SC was 2000 yards on port beam of convoy listening.

K. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE.

TORPEDO AND GUNNERY -

(a) Torpedoes: Torpedo #26147 developed serious leak in air piping from flask to stop valve - leak amounting to 350 lbs. daily.

Torpedo #23328 developed serious leak in air piping return from breather - leak amounting to 350 lbs. daily.

(37)

— page 166 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. PETO - Report of Fifth War Petrol.

K. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (continued).

C and R (continued) -

(c) Air Leak in Siren -

This leak causes a constant stream of bubbles to escape while submerged unless 200 lb air to coming tower is secured.

(d) Hull Noise in Forward Torpedo Room at 200 ft. -

When submerging deep, e sharp, explosive-like noise is always heard at depths ranging from 190 ft. to 210 ft. The noise appears to be outside the hull near the torpedo loading hatch between frsmes 32 to 35. The cause of this noise has not been found.

(e) Safety Flood Valves Leak -

Using safety tank as a variable ballast tank, it was found that the flood valves allowed 4,000 lb to 5,000 lbs of water to enter safety tank each day while on the surface or submerged.

(f) Stern Plane Shifting Noisy -

The stern plane shifting, when in power operation, is excessively noisy. Cause believed to be misalignment of the "silent" chsin drive on the bulkhead between radio room and control room.

(g) Ballasting of Vessel -

At t.e start of the present petrol, auxiliary ballast consisted of 90,000 pounds, exclusive of WRT's. On four previous petrols the amount of initial variable ballast varied from 96,000 to 111,000 pounds. Total capacity of variable ballast tanks is 230,000 pounds.

14 days at sea the ballast situation was as follows:

Fuel on Board 59,000 gals.
No. of Torpedoes 24
Variable Ballast 54,000 lbs.

(39) - 33 -

— page 167 —
35.000 pounds of water
U.S.S. PETO - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

K. J. JOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (continued).

C and R (continued).

At this time it was deemed advisable to allow fresh water tanks No. 1 and 4 go dry, supplying 18,000 pounds for variable ballast.

On the 21st day:

Fuel on Board 29,000 gals.
No. of Torpedoes 24
Variable Ballast 42,000 lbs.

To supply additional variable ballast, safety tank flood was locked shut and 20,000 pounds blown from safety into variable ballast tanks.

On the 25th day:

Fuel on Board 15,000 gals.
No. of Torpedoes 24
Variable Ballast 38,000 lbs.

Additional 18,000 pounds was blown from safety to variable ballast tanks.

On the 26th day the ship was refueled.

Comment: -

It may be assumed that this case represents one extreme of the ballasting problem; that is, no torpedoes fired end fuel expended at nearly the maximum rate. In order to maintain a safe minimum in variable ballast tanks it was necessary to pilfer the amount of 56,000 pounds from various sources (38,000 from safety tank end 18,000 from fresh water tanks); an unhealthy situation, especially when accompanied, as was this case, by Kleinschmidt casualties and a leaky safety flood valve.

Recommendations: -

That lead ballast be removed in such quantity as to provide an additional 35,000 pounds of water for variable ballast, such removal not to disturb the existing fore end aft trim.

(40)

— page 168 —
1. ROUTINE INSPECTION OF NO. 2 MAIN ENGINE CRANK-CASE REVEALED NO. 4 CYLINDER LINER TO HAVE A TRIANGULAR PIECE, 3 INCHES ALONG EACH SIDE, BROKEN OUT OF THE SKIRT. THE COTTER PIN HAD COME OUT AND THE NUT CAME OFF THE CRANK-PIN BEARING BOLT. THE BOLT CAME OUT FAR ENOUGH TO STRIKE THE SKIRT OF THE LINER. NO DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE PISTON. THE CYLINDER LINER, BOLT, AND TWO OIL RINGS, WERE REPLACED.

The engine had been in use prior to inspection but no unusual noise had been detected. The engine had been inspected the previous morning but nothing unusual was found. It is believed that a more careful inspection might have prevented this casualty.

(2) WHILE TURNING NO. 3 MAIN ENGINE OVER WITH STARTING AIR A SHARP CRACK WAS HEARD. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT A PIECE ABOUT 4 INCHES IN DIAMETER HAD BEEN BROKEN OUT OF THE CYLINDER LINER IN NO. 8 UNIT.

The ship was submerged and NO. 3 AUTOBAR EXHAUST VALVE HAD BEEN LEAKING SLIGHTLY. THE ENGINE HAD BEEN TURNED OVER BY STARTING AIR WITH THE INDICATOR COOKS OPEN. THE INDICATOR COOKS WERE THEN CLOSED. AT THE SAME TIME THE INBOARD EXHAUST VALVE WAS BEING OPENED THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OVER WITH STARTING AIR. THE SHIP HAD A 5" UP ANGLE WHICH CAUSED THE WATER TO FLOW OUT OF THE EXHAUST HEADER AND INTO NO. 8 CYLINDER, THICKLY CAUSING THE DAMAGE. BOTH THE EXHAUST HATCHER DREAMS AND THE OUT BOARD EXHAUST DRAIN WERE OPEN.

The cylinder liner was replaced.

Personnel are considered to be at fault.

- 35 -

— page 170 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. PETO - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

K. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (continued).

ENGINEERING end ELECTRICAL (continued).

If operations had permitted working on the engine at an earlier date most of the damage would have been avoided.

The engine was overhauled at the end of this vessels third patrol. It had had 600 hours of operation when the trouble was noticed. Investigation did not reveal the cause of this casualty. However, the cause is believed to have been a faulty overhaul of the heads and exhaust valves.

(c) No. 1 Vapor Compressor -

While in operation the compressor commenced making a noise that sounded as if the lobes were hitting each other. The compressor was stopped and removed for inspection. The lobes were burred where they had been striking each other. The gears were slightly burred and the oil holes in the gear end were filled with dirt. The oil seal rings in the drive end were badly damaged.

The oil holes were cleaned, the oil seal rings renewed, and the burrs removed. Clearances were in accordance with those in the instruction manual. The compressor was commissioned and operated with slightly more noise than usual. Later the compressor was exchanged for one from the U.S.S. COUCAL.

This defective compressor was one that had been installed during this ship's refit at the end of the fourth patrol. Investigation revealed the most probable cause of this machinery derangement to be clogged oil holes.

(d) Fuel -

The fuel received from the U.S.S. COUCAL at LANGEMA BAY contained a large amount of carbonaceous material held in suspension. The fuel was very thick and colored black. Samples taken from the fuel tanks indicated that there was about 20,000 gals. of fairly clean fuel on board. Two purifications would not

— page 171 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. PETO - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

K. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (continued).

ENGINEERING and ELECTRICAL (continued).

remove all the foreign matter. After 40 minutes of operation when purifying fuel for the first time the purifier bowl would be about 80% full of solid residue. Purifying the second time left a coating of residue in the bowl after two hours of operating the purifier.

The "Full-Flo" filters were examined and found to be coated with the "tarry" substance removed from the fuel. All other filters were clean. The engines in use were carefully watched for signs of damage. Whenever operations permitted the fuel was purified twice. The "Full-Flo" filters were renewed on Nos. 1 and 4 Main engines when the pressure out of the filter dropped to 17 lbs per sq. in. The effectiveness of the "Full-Flo" filters in removing the suspended substance is regarded as the important factor preventing damage to the fuel injectors. After running several days on the fuel, one injector in #3 Main engine became carbonized and froze. Apprehension was felt that this might be the start of injector difficulties due to this fuel, but no more failures were encountered.

(e) Bow Plane Control Pilot Circuit.

The transfer switch in the bow plane rigging and tilting controller are closed causing damage to the switch and basket mounting. Incorrect alignment of the tilting shaft clutch solenoid was the principal cause of this casualty. Biding in the clutch linkage prevented the solenoid from disengaging the clutch and closing the high resistance circuit for discharging the solenoid coil. Therefore, the coil was discharged at the switch poles when the circuit was opened.

Until the above defects were corrected the bow plane rigging electrical circuit was not dependable.

The entire inside of the bow plane master controller switch requires renewal.

— page 172 —
1. RADIO.
Difficulty was experienced communicating with Australian stations and NPM. Antennas need relocating next refit. It is believed a portable whip antenna would solve all difficulties.

M. RADAR.

SJ

1. On the fourth day of the patrol the sweep on the range unit appeared too far to the right for proper ranging. As this may have been caused by the tube LP-4 going bad, this tube was replaced by a new one. When the radar was subsequently turned on the sweep was found to be a little too far to the left, but was satisfactory.

2. Noise interference gradually increased on the screen and it was decided this was caused by rough commutators on the blower motors. When this interference became excessive the blower motors were cleaned and new brushes installed. The result was that this noise disappeared.

3. Severe days later the magnetron blower was found to be quite noisy and there was interference on the screen. The blower was replaced with a spare and the interference disappeared.

4. While replacing the magnetron blower, salt water splashed on the insulator at the junction of R49 and R50 in the transmitter. This caused a ground which burned out R49. It required several days to trace this casualty and when finally found the insulator was cleaned and R49 replaced.

5. Sweep centering control potential meter, P2P2A, lost control of the sweep with the result that the sweep centering became erratic. It is believed that this was caused by a defective LP-3 tube. Tube replaced. Conditions normal.

6. The A rectifier voltage became erratic and voltage control potential meter P1 lost control with the result that the sweep developed a double trace. A dirty insulator was found at the junction of R and C in the feedback.

— page 173 —
2-C-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. LTO - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

M. RADAR (continued).

SJ (continued)

filter circuit in the A rectifier. The insulator was cleaned and V1, V7, and V8 were changed as V1 looked gassy. PI regained control but the voltage still varied slightly.

7. The screen went blink on all sweeps. It was found that tube V10 in the indicator unit had failed, the synchronizing pulse coaxial cable to the indicator broken, and fuse P6 in the control unit was blown. No cause for these failures is known. Tube and fuse replaced and the coaxial cable repaired; set operated normally.

The SJ radar has performed well this patrol. Maximum ranges obtained were as follows;

6000 ton ship --- 12,500 yards
PC (escart) --- 5,000 yards

SD

A megger reading of the SD mast after a depth charging and deep dive was found to be very low. An inspection disclosed that the insulators at the lower set of shoes was covered with salt which had come from the bilge water in the pump room. Insulator cleaned and the insulation reeding returned to normal.

IFF, including BN and ABK, was installed last refit. This equipment was used to good advantage and is considered necessary and vital in areas where our own aircraft are operating. The ABK proved unreliable; two units broke down. Since this is SECRET equipment, it is impossible to repair at sea. However, some test equipment should be provided to determine whether the equipment is working properly or not. Also, since it is important to know when the ABK is being triggered, the triggering signal which at present must be listened for by a man from the lookout detail with earphones, 24 hours a day, should be used to operate a loud speaker or an indicating light, preferably the loud speaker. The two sets which failed did so in that one would not be triggered, which meant that we had no warning of approaching friendly planes, and the other triggered continuously without any incoming signal. Japs can easily D/F the output of the ABK. Ranges up to 25 miles were obtained on airborne beacons.

- 40 -

— page 174 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I L
U.S.S. PETO - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

M. RADAR (continued).

The IFF equipment should also be used with SJ radar so that night radar friendly planes may be warned and identified, without using the SD at night. The Commanding Officer is completely reluctant to use the SD radar when within 150 miles of Jap territory, when convoys may be sighted, or when Jap aircraft may be present within 150 miles. While it may detect Jap planes which are close, it also may draw them to you from a great distance.

N. SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS.

The drift stops on both sound heads are ineffective. In the case of the port sound head both drift stops were sprung on the first deep dive allowing the sound head to disengage from the training gear. The drift stops on the starboard sound head were not mounted low enough and as a result the head, under deep depth pressure, would occasionally disengage from the training gear. This is necessitated operation of the head pump to keep it down during silent run... at 270-310 feet, from 1° to 5° negative, with a 45° slope.

O. DENSITY LAYERS.

Density layers were encountered throughout the area at 270-310 feet, from 1° to 5° negative, with a 45° slope.

— page 175 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. PETO - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

P. HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITATILITY.

Health was good. No serious illnesses and very few common colds were encountered.

| Illness or Injury | Man Days Lost |
|||
| Frac. Compound (Distal Phalanx Mid Finger Rt Hand) | 16 |
| Asthma | 0 |
| Urethritis Acute, Non. Venereal | 0 |
| Cat. Fever, Acute (2 cases) | 6 |
| Laceration, Third Finger Left Hand | 0 |
| Fungus Infection, Left Ear | 0 |
| Laceration, Right Lower Leg, anterior side | 0 |

The excellent surgery of C.F. VAUGHT, CPhM(AA), USN, prevented the loss of a finger which was practically chopped off when a man closed the inboard hull induction valve in the maneuvering room on diving.

Food was excellent. We started with a 90 day supply as the Chief Commissary Steward had once been on a petrol when he almost ran out.

The ship is habitable under the patrol circumstances and weather encountered. Ventilation is inadequate in the forward portion of the ship.

Q. PERSONNEL.

The performance of duty of officers and men was excellent. Lookouts were disappointing, the officer-of-the-deck making at least 80% of the contacts, despite lookout training and constant super vision.

— page 176 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-:
U.S.S. PETO - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

R. MILES STEADED - FUEL USED.

| Fuel | Miles |
|-----|------|
| BRISTANE TO AREA | 36,275 |
| AREA TO LANGEMAK AND RETURN | 13,382 |
| TOTAL IN AREA | 114,447 |
| AREA TO PEARL | 52,950 |
| TOTAL | 217,054 |

S. DURATION.

DAYS ENROUTE TO AREA
(Including Days to obtain fuel at LANGEMAK) | - 14
DAYS IN AREA | - 32
DAYS ENROUTE TO BASE | - 14
TOTAL | - 60
DAYS SUBMERGED | - 8

T. FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING.

TORPEDOES | FUEL | PROVISIONS | PERSONNEL
13 | * 500 gals. | 20 days | 15 days

*Upon arrival MIDWAY.

Limiting factor this patrol - FUEL.

U. REMARKS.

None.

- 43 -

(49)

— page 178 —
7 02721
hh
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16)
Serial 01317
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PETO Report of
Sixth War Patrol.
COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 457.
U.S.S. PETO - 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. PETO (SS265) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.
(28 April to 19 June 1944).

1. The sixth war patrol of the PETO was conducted in
waters South of Formosa. The PETO, PICUDA (SS382), and PERCH (SS313)
were operating as a group under the command of Commander F. W. Fenno,
Jr., U. S. Navy, who was on board the PICUDA.

2. Two contacts worthy of torpedoes were made by the PETO.
She was able to close one contact but her attack was frustrated by
enemy anti-submarine tactics.

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

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports) C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.
CominCh (7)
GNO (5)
CinCpac (6)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
ComServPac (1)
CinClant (2)
ComSubsLant (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
ComSoPac (2)
ComSoWesPac (1)
ComSubSowesPac (2)
CTF 72 (2)
ComNorPac (1)
ComSubS2ac (20)
SUBAD, MI (2)
ComSubS2ac: b0rdCom (3)
All Squadra and Division Commanders, SubS Pac (2)
Flag Secretary.

FILMED

— page 179 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Serial 061
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
PETO Sixth "ar Patrol.

From: Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT.
To: Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Fleet.
Via: (1) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
    (2) Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PETO (SS265) - Sixth War Patrol - comment on.

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

2. From a study of the despatches transmitted by Commander Task Group 17,14, it is not clear whether he observed his group to conduct a submerged patrol during daylight. The Commander of the PETO interpreted these despatches to mean submerged patrol. On the other hand, the Commanding Officer of the PERCH made the opposite interpretation. Neither the operation order nor the supplementary instructions issued by the Task Group Commander directed that the patrol be made submerged during daylight. It is believed this decision was made in response to the fact that the making of the patrol was not a matter of immediate concern. There are a number of other factors which adversely affected this patrol. The weather was cloudy continuously with rain squalls and heavy seas. A large number of lighted fishing boats were present in the area. These boats in all probability were merely for the purpose of fishing but might have possibly had enough time to reach the area. The Commander of the PETO ordered the patrol to proceed to the area and also in not pressing home the attack on June 2nd.

3. Voyage repairs are being conducted by the FULTON prior to the PETO's departure for the Navy Yard.

W. M. DOWNES.

— page 181 —
20 June 1944
Serial 06
C-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. P&TO (SS265) - Sixth War Patrol - Comment on:

the SE coast of Taiwan where P&TO had gone to develop a convoy contact report from ICIUDA. The coast was closed to 6 miles and then patrol to the SE was started near daylight after which P&TO dove and headed north. Smoke subsequently sighted indicated that a convoy had gone by between P&TO and the coast. Shortly after this, contact #6 was made on a large Maru with two escorts and air cover; anti submarine activity had been heard in the vicinity of the convoy and although not listing, the XK was smoking heavily. Speed was estimated at 11 knots. Escorts did not echo range at any time. At range of 7,000 yards P&TO went to 120 feet and endeavored to close the track. From subsequent indications over sound equipment, CO P&TO concluded that he had been detected and he went to deep submarine, taking advantage of a 10°F temperature gradient. Convoy was not sighted again, but there were indications that an escort remained in the vicinity for one and a half hours, P&TO did not end-around because of low fuel.

3. It is considered that surface patrolling with high periscope watch should have been used to develop the contacts of 2 June. Also with a valuable target approaching and with reasonable chance of inflicting serious damage, it is the duty of the Commanding Officer to assume the extreme risks involved in driving in an attack or at least proceed to the stage where the need for defensive measures decides the issue.

4. P&TO's communications with the coordinated attack group were more satisfactory than those reported by PERCH. Performance of SJ radar during the patrol was excellent. Results from the SD radar were very good. The CO reported no opportunity to test TF equipment after leaving Midway, but its use on 24 May night have prevented the uncertainty in identification between P&TO and ICIUDA at the rendezvous. It is recommended that such be considered for inclusion in Coordinated attack Group Doctrine together with the remarks of CO P&TO under section U.

— page 182 —
20 June 1944
Serial 06
C-O-I-N-F-I-D-I-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. PT-70 (SS265) - Sixth War Patrol - Comment on.

5. The PT-70 returned from patrol in very good material condition. Voyage repairs will be accomplished by PTU-70N. Test firing of Mark 18 torpedoes to determine need for bow structural alterations will be conducted prior to PTU-70's departure for a West Coast overhaul period. The overhaul yard will be requested to relocate the series ro-sistors and install adequate insulation to eliminate fire hazard.

W. J. SUITS.

— page 183 —
C-O-I-T-E-I-D-E-I-T-I-L-L
Serial (C3-44)

From:  The Commanding Officer.
To:  The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLIGHT.
Via:  (1) Commander Submarine Division EIGHTY-ONE.
       (2) Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT.
       (3) Commander Submarines, PACIFIC FLIGHT.
       (4) Commander in Chief, PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject:  U.S.S. PETO (SS265), Report of War Patrol Number Six.

Enclosure:  (A) Subject Report.
       (B) Track Chart (for Consubpac only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the Sixth War Patrol of this ship, conducted in area ELEVEN DOG during the period 28 April 1944 to 10 June 1944, is forwarded herewith.

P. Vail LEUHEN, Jr.

79370 FILMED

— page 186 —
1944

Enroute INDIAY. USS FLACH in sight astern.
0446(X) - Made trim dive.
0630(X) - Sighted two PBYs, distance 10 miles (A/C #1).
Held drills and instruction thruout day and evening.

April 30, 1944.

Enroute INDIAY. USS PERCH in sight astern.
0450(X) - Made trim dive. Held drills during the day.
Radar tracking exercises after dark. SJ radar picks up the PERCH at maximum range of 11,000 yards.

May 1, 1944.

Enroute INDIAY. USS PERCH in sight astern.
0510(X) - Made trim dive. Held drills thruout day.
1630(X) - Set clocks to zone +12 time.

May 2, 1944.

Enroute INDIAY. USS PERCH in sight astern.
0520(Y) - Picked up plane escort on SD radar.
0821(Y) - Initial contact on INDIAY made by SJ radar at 50,000 yards. Visibility poor.
0820(Y) - I ordered at INDIAY. Our voyage required a 12-hour trip. One still had a leak in the coils. The sound gear needed minor adjustment.

May 5, 1944.

I ordered at INDIAY.
0700(Y) - Underway in company with USS PERCH and USS PICUDA. Conduct. P.W. FLIMO, USII, in PICUDA. Spent the morning in operating area south of INDIAY entrance conducting unit tactical and communication drill. No difficulty experienced with shifting frequencies.
1218(Y) - Set course for INDIAY entrance.
1527(Y) - I ordered at INDIAY Sub Base.
1400(Y) - Held hand-diving drill.

— page 187 —
1400(Y) - Underway for patrol area in company with TENCIT and FICUDA, the latter under.
: 1500(Y) - Formed in column, speed 10 knots., distance 7 miles, course 2600T. Guide in the center.
: 1525(L) - Sighted PBY, exchanged recognition signals (A/C #2).

: 0430(L) - Made trim dive.
: 1255(L

— page 188 —
0343(L) - Iade trim dive.
: 1400(L) - Put on another main engine.
: 1500(L) - ...ent to one engine... are barely able to make 10 knots over the ground while using a 95% zig plan.

: 1450(L) - Iade trim dive.
: 1250(L) - Set clocks to -10 zone time.
: 1505(L) - Iade to use 2 engines for four hours today to regain position in formation.
: 1622(L) - Received a message from Condr. FRIO over voice radio, concerning change of course. We are 160 miles northeast of HARCUS.
: 1624(L) - Observed from the bearing 1650T, distance about 13 miles. The largest splash was followed by a cloud of yellow colored smoke. I had to go for PIQUDA being bombed.
: 1652(L) - Submerged, turned right to set off our previous track.
: 1655(L) - Surfaced.

: 1450(L) - Iade trim dive

— page 189 —
0-0-H-F-I-D-E-I-I-T-I-A-L

U.S.S. FIDEO - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

May 14, 1944 (continued).

0048(I) - Surfaced.
0900(I) - One of the other boats was forced down.
0925(I) - FERCH dived for aircraft.
1154(I) - FICUDA dived again.
1159(I) - Submerged. Sky heavily overcast with large low clouds.
1545(I) - Surfaced. Lashing 14 knots to regain position in formation.

May 15, 1944.

Enroute area.
0045(K) - Radar contact on IWO JIMA IS. (SUNNY 25.).
Range 44,000 yards. Later picked up 11:11.
IWO JIMA at 60,000 yards.
0200(K) - Area assignment changed to LEWIS DC.
0500(K) - Passed within 3 miles of IIC JIMA IS. No activity observed.
0507(K) - Aircraft radar contact, 15 miles. Submerged.
(I/C 4/4).
1035(K) - Surfaced.
1250(I) - Set clocks to -9 zone time.

May 16, 1944.

Enroute area.
0450(I) - Made trim dive.
1653(I) - FERCH made contact on unidentified target.
Put on 4 engines to gain attack position.
1742(I) - FERCH contact identified as USS PARCIE (SS354).
We slowed to formation speed.

May 17, 1944.

Enroute area.
0444(I) - Made trim dive.
1500(I) - Crossed eastern boundary of Area LEEVEN DCG.
2100(I) - Formation speed increased to 15 knots.
2335(I) - Formation speed reduced to 10 knots.

May 13, 1944.

Enroute assigned position (lat. 20° to 21°30'N, on long. 120°20'E).
0314(I) - Formation speed increased to 15 knots.

— page 190 —
0525(I) - Raised trim dive.
1055(I) - Figures show that approximately 2,000 gallons of fuel can be saved by not attempting to reach our assigned point in the area by dawn tomorrow. Permission granted by COdr. FMC. To enter BASIC CHANNEL tomorrow night.

1230(I) - Set clock to -6 noon time.
1740(II) - Picked up Japanese life ring, with name "NICHIMAR" painted in English and some partially obliterated Japanese characters. Last two days have been either heavily overcast or raining.

May 19, 1944.

Enroute assigned position.

0656(II) - Submerged.
1020(I) - Surfaced.
1950(II) - Contacted BATAF ISLANDS by SJ radar.
2136(II) - Entered BASIC CHANNEL.

May 20, 1944.

Enroute assigned position.

0400(II) - Received contact report from PICUDA but no position was given. While considering the best course of action on the contact report daylight came and found us in a concentration of fishing smelons.

0522(II) - Submerged near assigned patrol line.
1155(II) - Surfaced in rain squall in an attempt to get clear of the smelons.

1555(II) - Visibility increased. Still many smelons in sight. Dived.

1854(II) - Surfaced. Commenced patrol to westward.
2100(II) - Received orders from Condr. FMC to cover the whole area.

May 21, 1944.

0440(II) - Submerged.
1055(II) - Surfaced. Patrolling north, then east at 3 knots.

— page 191 —
0-0-I-D-I-D-I-I-A-L
U.S. FLEET - Report of Sixth Year Patrol.

May 22, 1944.

0509(H) - Submerged.
1520(H) - Surfaced for 20 minutes.
1540(H) - Submerged.
1055(H) - Surfaced.

May 25, 1944.

0455(H) - Submerged.
1155(H) - Surfaced for sun line.
1212(H) - Submerged.
1500(H) - Surfaced and headed for the vicinity of G.M.A.I.
    (Cape) (lat. 21°54'N, long. 121°09'E).
    In spite of the rough sea and force 8 north-east wind there were lighted scuppers in sight
    throughout the evening.

2000(H) - Received orders from Conv. FMC. to patrol all
    of the area outside of the 10C fathom curve.

May 24, 1944.

0510(H) - Received FMC's contact report stating that
    they were attacking. Changed course and speed
    to intercept the target's track at the nearest
    point at which we will arrive at sunrise using
    10 knots speed. We lost a little time weaving
    thru the scuppers, chann ing course enough to
    remain undetected. It is believed that one or
    two may have sighted us and after.p.ted to chase
    us.

0520(H) - Sunrise.
0544(H) - Sighted a Jap aircraft DAVE or FMF type (A/C #5)
    bearing 2200T, range 6 miles (test.), flying low.
    His course suggested that he was patrolling the
    track of the FERCI's target. Dived and headed
    2300T until

0700(H) - When the course was changed to 1350T to run
    perpendicular to the line between the FMC's
    contact and TAIAC (lat. 220°37'N, long. 120°15'E).
    Later heard that the FERCI got four hits in
    this fellow.
    Reminder of the submerged day uneventful except
    for keeping track of the numerous scuppers in
    sight.

1643(H) - While making preparations to surface sighted a
    submarine on the horizon. Identified him as
    friendly.

— page 192 —
2024-01-24 (continued).

1. SURFACED and headed 1050T for the submarine.
   A minute after coming up another submarine was sighted near the first one. We closed them at 14 knots to about 5600 yards and answered challenges from each ship. Both ships were signalling to each other also.

2. The PIQUA dived sending out the signal "Aircraft sighted, and diving".

3. The PIQUA dived immediately. We changed course to 2700T and came up to 53T radar depth.

4. Other boats had surface, the nearest being 1000 yards bearing 1600T and the other 2000 yards bearing 1900T.

5. On course 2000T in an effort to join the others.

6. PIQUA sent to 1RCH - "Radar contact 065T".

7. It was evident by this time that the PIQUA and PIQUA had finished their conversation since one was heading approximately 1800T and the other southwest.

8. The PIQUA changed course to 2700T and our original assigned patrol line 27 miles to the eastward. During the next few minutes we kept track of the near submarine with the SJS. Noted the range decreases and the bearing moving forward on the starboard bow.

9. Saw the submarine heading in toward us, range 2700 yards. Sent challenge by 1Liner and turned sharp left to course 0800T. No answer came from the submarine but she turned away at good speed.

10. Received a message from the PIQUA to the effect that the radar contact of 2016(11) was false.

11. Changed course back to 1350T. The other boat had opened out to starboard but it was soon evident that she was coming in again. Just as we swung hard left the other boat sent AA by 1Liner. This we answered with our call. Apparently having recognized the PIQUA, the other boat returned to the southwest.

12. Sd radar lost contact, last bearing 2200T.

13. FTO returned to course 1350T. Apparently we were mistaken for an enemy by the PIQUA. Also at the time we surfaced we could identify both PIQUA and PIQUA as friendly by sight, the light still being good as it was within one half hour of sunset.

— page 194 —
1000(H) - Decided that if we did carry away a buoy, it is well clear of the fisherman by now. Spent the rest of the day trying to keep clear of numerous other rows of similar buoys. While diving under one of them the periscope raised at 150 feet) saw a single line presumably dangling from a buoy. The CCD couldn't observe what was on the deck of it. The buoys were the usual Japanese class fishing ball. Each buoy had a short bamboo pole with a red flag tied at the top.

1900(H) - Decided against surfacing so soon (20 minutes) after sunset on account of the large number of sampans so close aboard. The moon was 450 high and very bright.

1943(H) - Surfaced and headed 2000T (up moon). Fifteen or more lights lamps in sight in a circle around us 3 to 5 thousand yards range. Made complete inspection of topside for places of net or fishing line. None found.

2215(H) - Arrived at line dividing our portion of the area with that of the FIUDA, turned to course 2100T.

2330(H) - Reversed course to head for TAIYO. Went ahead 10 knots for 15 minutes to clear off any lines that might be dragging behind.

May 27, 1944.

0300(H) - Came to course 0500T to close RITSU SIO prior sunrise. Observed 1000 or 1500 steady white light in the vicinity of TAIYO estimated to be visible 10 miles. This light may have been airfield illumination.

0400(H) - Divcd 12 miles bearing 2600T from RITSU SIO on course 0500T. After sunrise (0519(H)) sighted several sampans and one larger junk shaped ship smoking black.

0730(H) - Five miles off PUMUU SIO came to course 5150T to parallel the rooted steed into TAIYO.

0825(H) - Went deep to test for leaks and presence of temperature gradient. Found an exed lent layer starting at 150 feet. The temperature drop was 10F per 10 feet below 150.

— page 195 —
1100(H) - Sighted sonar fishing flags ahead and to starboard. Reversed course to avoid troubles of yesterday.
: 1255(H) - Sighted one set of mast-funnel-masts. Estimated 80 feet between masts. Reversed course. Plot and subsequent observations showed this ship to be either moored or anchored in the area (lat. 220°50'31", long. 120°05'31") or inside of SABATINI (lat. 220°50'30", long. 120°05'30"), and therefore out of our reach. (Ship contacted 1). This looking at these masts sighted an ELIZA flying over the eastern side of NUTMUTS (A/C 37). Reversed course to 1500T to watch the coastline between NUTMUTS and ALIEN. (lat. 220°50'31", long. 120°05'31") sighted another ELIZA flying off shore from CRYO (lat. 220°22'31", long. 120°06'31") (A/C 38).
: 1955(H) - Surfaced in the bright moonlight, put the moon astern and headed SE for NUTMUTS.
: 2050(H) - Received word from Conch. PLEDO of a possible contact in the vicinity of SABATINI. (lat. 220°50'31", long. 120°05'31") Decided to cover this contacts movement to the north and any other shipping either rounding GABRIEL or passing thru BASINI CHANNEL. Continued running in a southeastly direction.

May 26, 1944.

: 0130(H) - While passing south of VELEN NEPTUNE (lat. 210°45'30", long. 120°04'31") the ship passed thru a tide rip area. The effect on the SJ radar was comparable to passing thru an area or two of flotting oil barrels. At this point, 16 miles bearing 1900T from GABRIEL CAPE light, the chart shows 250 stations. After stopping and backing the ship a short distance the fathometer read 650 fathoms. The proceeded thru the area with no further unusual occurrences.
: 0215(H) - Turned southeast to cover possible passage of last night's contact report to either east or west coast of TATIANA.
: 0450(H) - Dived in BASINI CHANNEL and headed south.
: 1904(H) - Surfaced and headed southwest covering the routes BASINI CHANNEL to TATIANA and HONOROC and traffic lanes south of TATIANA. Encountered a very strong current today (sot 0120T drift 2.0 knots).

- 12 -

13

— page 196 —
20, 1944.

Patrolling west of BALTIMORE, C. NORTH of CAPE DONJADOR, course 2100T, speed 8 knots.
0455(II) - Dived.
1904(II) - Surfaced, headed westward.
2300(II) - PICUDA announced return to area from rendezvous with GUITARO.
2325(II) - Received orders from Condr. FENNO to patrol course 3200T from our present position.

May 30, 1944.

0639(II) - Sighted smoke bearing 3050T (Ship Contact #2). Commenced tracking and end around. Dried to send convoy position to ICUDA but couldn't make radio contact.
0712(II) - Aircraft radar contact 6 miles (A/C 50). Dived. Flare dropped two depth charges or bombs, not close. At the time of 12. miles, indicated an approximate range of 12 miles, enemy course 2400T, speed 7 knots.
0638(II) - Two distant ex.isions.
1045(II) - One distant ex.ision.
1124(II) - Surfaced and commenced planned search.
1350(II) - Sighted smoke bearing 2720T, estimated range to be 15 miles. Commenced end around.
1300(II) - Dived again to send contact report to FIDDA giving position, estimated course and speed of convoy. Failed to contact FICUDA.
1400(II) - Attempted to send same report to CO. SUBJAC.
1515(II) - Radio could not raise a station.
1515(II) - Regained contact after having been unable to see the convoy for about an hour end half. The convoy had changed bases course from an estimated 2300T to 2600T at 1330(II).
1543(II) - Sighted two aircraft flying over convoy. (A/C 50). Dived. Enemy course at the moment 2700T, speed 7 knots.
1902(II) - Surfaced and continued the chase using a search plan covering courses from 2000T to 2700T, speed seven.
2100(II) - In reply to orders to report our position also stated that contact had not been regained.
2120(II) - Received orders from Condr. FENNO to proceed to a specified position at his speed. e. requested having to drop this contact as we were due to pick it up again in a half hour.

— page 197 —
0515H: Submerged contact report from RCUDA giving con-vey position lat. 22°50'N, long. 121°30'E, course 21°00', speed 11 knots. Sent ahead 17 knots to intercept them at their estimated 0350(H) position.

: 0505H: Sighted smoke (Ship Contact #5) bearing 12°00', estimated range 10 miles. Slopped to investigate. Determined source of smoke to be a small craft probably a coastal burning A/S patrol.

: 0545H: Submerged to avoid detection by patrol boat or aircraft.

: 1500H: Sighted smoke (Ship Contact #4) thru periscope estimated to be in nearly the same position as this morning. The bearing change indicated that he was making very little progress.

: 1555H: Surfaced and closed smoke to investigate.

: 1950H: Determined source of smoke to be small patrol craft.

: 2000H: Set course for DASHI CHANNEL at best speed.

June 1, 1944.

: 0115H: Enroute ordered position.

: 2140H: Submerged near entrance to DASHI CHANNEL.

: 2130H: Sighted smoke (Ship Contact #5) bearing 23°00', range 25,000 yards. SJ radar made contact at 21,250 yards. FETO position then at 21°50'N, long. 121°57'E.

: 2120H: Ship identified as a properly lighted hostile patrol ship. She had a large red cross on her main mast with a wide green band from bow to stern well above the waterline. A green side light was visible and she was burning both masthead light and range light. Course 0500T, speed about 15 knots. We went around her to the south to avoid detection.

: 2130H: Received orders to patrol 3 miles from the east coast of WAIKAT. Headed for point lat. 12°55'N, long 121°00'E, to arrive prior to dawn.

June 2, 1944.

: 0100H: Received contact report from RCUDA giving con-vey position lat. 22°50'N, long. 121°30'E, course 21°00', speed 11 knots. Sent ahead 17 knots to intercept them at their estimated 0350(H) position.

— page 198 —
0342 (continued):
- We should have had them on 37 radar or by 5th it the estimated track was correct. Commenced patrolling to the west toward the coast at 1445.
- There was nothing between us and the coast of 34. That was the time we were six miles from shore. Our rad course to 1500 to patrol back to the southeast for the remaining 45 minutes of darkness. This course would intercept the convoy if we had missed while patrolling to the west.
- Track to raise FIDU to get latest position. No results.
- Track to raise CUTAWAC by radio asking if he was in contact. No results.
- While tuning in on FIDU, the radio operator heard at about 4500 less the signal AAA followed by marinas. The then tuned to 500 less and heard an unknown station send the signal AAA and rumors.
- From such unknown station on 500 less: 55-001 AAA at 1445? 700 AAA 1745 CT Thru. 500 241 477.
- We were listening to screen the coast of 34 at 1445. 1145 (list 500 less, 1210...1) and it was getting fairly quiet. Submerged and changed course to north. At this time convoy was one hour late based on FIDU's report, and it was believed they went eastward of 500 510.
- Toward one torpedo explosion, far away.
- Four distant explosions. We could not get bearings on any of these.
- Though we sighted a faint wisp of smoke to the west. Raided for it and speeded up, but after ten minutes could not find it a.mass, so slowed down and resumed our former course.
- Sighted several columns of smoke bearing. Changed course to focus for the smoke and went to full speed. Smoke was drawing to the left and it looked as if they were by us, when we sighted several other columns of smoke bearing 2700. These also were drawing left and very far away. They had gone by.
- Sighted smoke (Sight contact 35) bearing 3500, range about 20,000 yards. Commander A. Proceed.

- 15 -

— page 202 —
1944
U.S.S. PETTLE - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

June 10, 1944.
Enroute MIDWAY.

June 11, 1944.
Enroute MIDWAY.

June 12, 1944.
Enroute MIDWAY.

2303(H) - Interference on the SJ radar bearing 1350° During the hour after this was first noted, the bearing changed slowly to the right and was lost at 2350(H) bearing 2300°. Believe it was the USS PLAICE enroute patrol area.

June 13, 1944.
Enroute MIDWAY.

June 14, 1944.
Enroute MIDWAY.

June 15, 1944. (East longitude).
2300(H) - Crossed International Date Line eastbound. Date changed to June 14, 1944.

June 16, 1944. (West longitude).
0431(Y) - Sighted USS KINGFISH, fell in column astern. 0910(Y) - Moored in MIDWAY LAYBACK. Commenced fueling. 1505(Y) - Undersway 3n company with USS KINGFISH enroute PEARL HARBOR.

June 16, 1944.
Enroute PEARL HARBOR.

0938(X) - Had fire in the manouvring room caused by overheated resistance. Sterboard shat out of commission.

1205(X) - Starboard shaft in commission. Damage negilible.

— page 203 —
0-0-I-P-I-D-E-E-I-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. PATROL
June 17, 1944.

Enroute PEARL HARBOR.
0125(X) - 3/3 Main engine out of commission. Found wrist pin in #5 unit broken.
0643(X) - Pound zero ground in starboard main motor field. Cause determined to be flake of metal lodged in overload contact maker. Twelve hour search required to locate cause of ground.
0920(X) - 3/1 Main engine out of commission. Pound wrist pin broken in #9 unit. No cause for wrist pin casualties determined.
2400(WX) - Both shafts, all engines back in commission.

June 18, 1944.

Enroute PEARL HARBOR.
June 19, 1944.

Enroute PEARL HARBOR.
0600(X) - Rendezvous with escort.
0950(WX) - Arrived Submarine Base, PEARL HARBOR, T.H.

— page 204 —
4 May to 11 May.

The passage from INDIA IS. to vicinity i.ANOUS was made in essentially clear weather, good visibility with occasional clusters of cirrus clouds in daytime e.m.ging to cirro-stratus in the hour of sunset. Prevailing wind is to NE.

12 i.a. to 15 i.a.

Fassa.e. AROUS IS. to LUZON STRAIT. During this period the ship encountered frequent rain squalls, brisk variable winds, heavy overcast excepting two bright clear days.

20 i.a. to 24 i.a.

LUZON IS. and the portion SOUTH C. I. M. S. A. Commencing 20 i.a. and increasing in intensity until 25 i.a., experienced rain storms with force 6-8 winds and rough sea.

21 i.a. to 2 June.

Same area. Prevailing wind shifted on 24 i.a. from: to S. accompanied by improvement in weather

— page 207 —
7. In conjunction with the points in paragraphs 5 and 6, bearings were taken on a steep bank where it meets the waters edge in lat. 22039145°N, long. 12001450°E. This is described as a PE HILL on Chart H0 2465 but not named on Chart H0 5176.

7. During the night of May 27, 1944, the loom of a strong, steady white light was observed to be burning in the vicinity of TALAC NO, lat. 22037150°N, long. 12001530°E. The character states of this light did not agree with those described as the navigational light at TALAC NO.

8. Just before sunrise 2 June 1944, GRAIL DI light, lat. 21964145°N, long. 1210091E, was burning with reduced intensity. The light is normally extinguished. Japanese merchant ships were known to be in this vicinity the night of 1-2 June.

9. At a point estimated to be 2 miles north of GRAIL DI light on the east shore of the C.P.E, an 80 to 120 foot tower was observed. Believed to be a radio or radar tower.

— page 216 —
2-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. PT-70 - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

H. RADAR (continued).

SD:
On the 3lst day of patrol the radar set was double pulsing with no "pigtail" visible on the oscilloscope. Two new 6014A tubes were installed and the condition was corrected.

Tigger readings taken on the Si. mast after submerged operations were found to be very low as on the last patrol. The condition was not corrected by cleaning the insulators on the lower set of shoes as in the past. However, after being on the surface in warm sunlight the neggor readings increased considerably. It is believed that there is a slight leak in the rubber sheathing around the mast head.

Maximum ranges obtained were as follows:

Land - 22 miles
Plane - 18 miles.

There was no opportunity to test the operation of the IFF equipment after leaving HIDAY. The equipment was working, properly upon departure on patrol.

N. SOU.D GEAR AID SOUND CONDITIONS.

The difficulty encountered last patrol with the sound heads disengaging from the training gear due to faulty drift stops was corrected by installing drift stops made of steel rather than bronze and by installing them with the correct clearances.

This was the first patrol made with JP-1 sound gear installed. The performance of this equip.ent was erratic. Most of the time the QD would pick up targets at greater ranges than the IF but at times the JP would outrange the other equipment. This may have been because of the operator's scanty experience with the new equipment.

— page 217 —
0-D-I-T-I-D-Z-I-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. PETRO - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

O. DENSITY LAYERS.

| Date       | Latitude | Longitude | SET Card |
|||||
| May 15     | 24035N    | 136030E   | No layer from 65-150! |
| May 16     | 23040N    | 132010E   | 60 drop 80 to 120! 120 to 145 no change. |
| May 17     | 22025N    | 129012E   | 0.10F/foot drop 80 to 120 feet. |
| May 27     | 22021N    | 120015E   | 0.10F/foot drop below 150 feet. |
| June 2     | 22005N    | 121010E   | 120F drop between 65 and 320 feet. |

In general temperature differences (drop) between 65 feet and 100 feet in the area 5/8 of TATAN were from 19° to 30°F. It is believed that the greatest temperature drops per foot of submergence occur at the boundaries of areas of different current.

P. HEALTH, FOOD, AID, HABITABILITY.

Health was good. No serious illnesses and very few common colds were encountered.

ILLNESS OR INJURY | MAN DAYS LOST
---|---|---
Vincent's Angina (7 cases) | None

Five (5) cases are believed to have originated at the Rest and Recuperation Annex, Sub Base, PLAN HARBOR, T.H. Due effectiveness of preventative measures taken on board ship, only two cases developed in the patrol area.

— page 218 —
35
U.S.S. PERITO - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

Q. PERSONNEL.
Number of men qualified in submarines at beginning of patrol - 35
Number of men qualified during patrol - 12
Number of men qualified at end of patrol - 47

The men on board at the end of this patrol in the unqualified status have time in submarines as follows:

- 4 men have completed 3 patrols.
- 9 men have completed 2 patrols.
- *10 men have completed 1 patrol.
- *Of these 2 are petty officers.

R. MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED.

| Fuel | Miles by RPH | Miles by Pit Log |
|------|||
| PEARL to MIDWAY | 20,900 | 1,550 | 1,400 |
| MIDWAY to AREA | 27,300 | 5,540 | 2,960 |
| IN AREA | 20,750 | 3,610 | 3,200 |
| AREA to PEARL | 29,530 | 4,450 | 4,250 |
| TOTAL - 126,560 | 13,150 | 11,810 |

S. DURATION.

*DAYS ENCOURAGE AREA | 19
DAYS IN AREA | 18
DAYS ENROUTE PEARL | 15
TOTAL | 53
DAYS SUBERGED | 16

*Includes two (2) days in MIDWAY.

- 35 -

— page 220 —
35

U.S.S. PETO - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

V. HK 10 TORPEDOES (continued).

Dattery temperatures prior to charging ranged from 70 to 90 degrees. Incorasea after charge varied from 9 to 18 degrees, the general rule being, the higher the initial temperature, the greater the increase. Average drop in gravity, 2% to 3 points daily, also a direct function of battery temperature

— page 222 —
1-0246
Serial 02935
CO-IDENTITAL
SECOND DEPARTURE TO
PETO Report of
Seventh War Patrol.
CC.SUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 618.
U.S.S. PETO - 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. PETO (SS265) - Report of Seventh War Patrol.
(23 October to 6 December 1944).

1. The seventh war patrol of the PETO was conducted in the Yellow Sea area. The PETO, along with the U.S.S. STADEFISH (SS 411) and the U.S.S. SUFFISH (SS251), formed a coordinated attack group with the Commanding Officer of the SPADEFISH as the group commander.

2. This patrol was a well planned, aggressive and alert performance throughout. Full advantage was taken of the excellent formation against the submarines. The PETO was credited with the following damage upon the enemy during this patrol:

3. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew of the PETO for this aggressive and highly successful patrol. The PETO is credited with having inflicted the following damage upon the enemy during this patrol:

| ACTION | DAMAGE | TONS |
|||------|
| 1 - Large AK (EU) | 7,500 tons | 2 |
| 1 - Large AK (EU) | 7,500 tons | 2 |
| 1 - Large AO (EU) | 10,000 tons | 3 |
| 1 - UK | 3,000 tons | 4 |

TOTAL SINK 28,000 tons

DAMAGED 4,000 tons (Attack No. 1)

TOTAL SINK AND DAMAGED 32,000 tons

Distribution and authentication on following page.

J. H. BROWN, PHOTO-LAB. OP-16
RETURN TO F-4253

— page 223 —
12/10/46-3(15)
Serial 02935
CERTIFICATE
SIGNED INDORSED BY
PHOTO REPORT OF
Seventh Mar Patrol.
CONSUBDAC PATROL REPORT NO. 618.
U.S.S. PETRO - SEVENTH MAR PATROL.
Subject: U.S.S. PETRO (SS265) - Report of Seventh Mar Patrol
(23 October to 6 December 1944).

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
Cino (5)
Cincpac (6)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
Cinclant (1)
Comsorvyac (1)
Consubblant (8)
S/L School, NL (2)
CO, S/L Base, PH (1)
Consopac (2)
Consowespac (1)
Consubswespac (2)
CTG 71.9 (2)
Comnorpac (1)
Consubspac (40)
SUBAD, II (2)
ConsubspacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Division Commanders, Pacific (2)
Substrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Pacific (1)
E. L. HYDE, 2nd, Pla. Secretary.

— page 224 —
1. The Commander Submrine Squadron TEN.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submrine Force, U.S. Fleet.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PETRO (SS265) - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

1. The scventh war patrol of the U.S.S. PETRO, the first for the new and ending Officer as such, was spent in the Yellow Sea area as a member of a coordinated attack group, comprised of SIADEFISH, SUNFISH, and PETRO. Group contact was the Corranging Officer, U.S.S. SPADEFISH. This patrol of the PETRO extended over a period of forty-two (42) days, of which twenty-two (22) were spent in the area.

2. Attacks numbers one and two were well conducted surface radar attacks, deliverd shortly before dawn on the 12th of November, made possible by a series of timely contact reports from the BARR. The convoy attacked consisted of eight (8) ships with two (2) escorts. The target for attack number one, was an AK thought to be a "fierily large" motor ship. Four bomb torpedoes were fired. Two timed hits were heard and the target was observed to slow and drop astern. Heavy seas prevented an expeditionist from the forward tubes so attack #2 was made thirty minutes later on three overlapping AKs. Two bomb tubes were fired at the leading ship of this group, followed by four stern tubes at the middle ship. Both bomb torpedoes hit and this ship blew up and sank immediately. Two torpedoes from the stern lost hit the middle ship which was left settling rapidly in a pall of smoke. PETRO was forced to break off the attacks and retire to deeper water because of the arrival of dawn.

3. The lack of complete information in the initial contact reports received on the 6th of November coupled with an unfortunate guess as to the enemy task force course resulted in PETRO being unable to close this force to an attack position.

— page 225 —
5-10/16-3
Serial 0266
COORDINATOR
FIRST INDORSEMENT to
CO USS PETO conf. 1tr.
SS265/A16 dated 6 Dec.
1944.

Subject: U.S.S. PETO (SS265) - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

4. A 'convoy of eight ships including an escort carrier was sighted late in the afternoon of the 17th while running submerged. Upon surfacing another convoy consisting of four ships was located by radar. Since these ships were apparently small the convoy-riding officer rightly decided to chase the group sighted earlier. When contact was not made by 2100, course was reported by the SPADEFISH. Attack was frustrated by an alert radar-equipped escort, which forced PETO to the northwest after an off the convoy had been successfully attacked by another friendly submarine, apparently the SUNSHINE. After a thirty minute chase, during which PETO was unsuccessfully attacked with gunfire and possibly torpedoes, the escort was shaken. Contact was regained with one ship of convoy at 0130 on 18 November.

5. Attack #5 was a night surface radar attack on the long ship which had been picked up at 0130 16 November. Three torpedoes were fired on 950 port track at a range of 3000 yards. Two torpedoes hit resulting in the target blowing up and sinking. The resulting fire exploded identification of the target as a large A0 similar to the KURSOI MAJU.

6. Attack #4 was a night surface radar attack made five hours after attack #3. The target was a medium AY, stopped, and protected by two escorts. This ship probably had been previously damaged, but showed no evidence of such. Three torpedoes were fired at a range of 4600 yards. One hit was made and the target was seen to sink in six minutes.

7. Attack #5, 6, and 7 were night surface radar attacks made upon a small loaded A0 similar to the EL DO NOT MARI early in morning of 29 November. Target was on straight course; speed had been accurately determined; favorable ranges and track angles were used; torpedo depth was set 3 feet in sea state 2; and every effort made to determine any possible reason for the miss between

— page 226 —
5.5, PT-10 (SS265) - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

---

**Subj:**
- 5.5, PT-10 (SS265) - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

---

**Attacks:**
- Two bow tubes were fired on attack No. 5; three stn. tubes on attack No. 7; and two bow and one stn. on attack No. 7. There were no hits. The report is an important reason for this miss, except for one critical run in attack No. 5.

---

**Sunk:**
- It is too bad not to mention that accurate and timely contact reports from other submarines were responsible for locating the convoy attacked in the first two attacks, and contributed to locating the convoy next successfully attacked.

---

**Sunk:**
- The performance of PT-10 on this patrol reflects the aggressiveness and sound judgment of her own commanding officer, who obtained excellent results on her first run. Personnel on the PT-10 were very good except for the bow plane rigging mechanism which was damaged when the planes were inadvertently rigged out while making high speed in a heavy sea. She will be refitted in the normal time by the U.S. SPERRY and the relief crew of Submarine Division 101.

---

**Sunk:**
- The Squadron Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, officer, and crew upon the damage inflicted upon the convoy, and recommends that it be credited as follows:

---

**Sunk:**
- Large AK (EO) 7,500 tons (attack #2)
- Large AK (EU) 7,500 tons (attack #2)
- Large AO (EU) 10,000 tons (attack #3)
- Medium AK (EU) 4,000 tons (attack #4)

---

**Total sunk:** 28,000 tons

---

**Damaged:**
- Large AK (EU) 7,500 tons (attack #4)

---

**G. L. NUSSBLIT**

— page 227 —
SS265/A16
care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
C-O-N-P-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
6 December 1944.

From:  The Commanding Officer.
To:  The Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet.
Via:  The Commander Submarine Division 101.
The Commander Submarine Squadron 10.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject:  U.S.S. PETO - Report of War Patrol
Number SEVIN.

Enclosure:  (A) Subject Report.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the SEVENTH WAR
Patrol of this vessel conducted in the YELLOW SEA area
during the period 25 October to 6 December, 1944, is
forwarded herewith.

R. H. CALDWELL, Jr.

— page 230 —
10 November
I715 (K) Submerged SW of SAISHU TO.
1941 (K) Surfaced.
2035 (K) SJ contact at 1600 yards closing. All ahead flank.
At 1300 yards pip went out. Our first contact is a phoney.

11 November
0720 (K) Submerged souta of GYU TO. The area has been unbelievably quiet with not even a fishing boat contact.
Maybe we can catch a Hip sub here.
1010 (K) Heard first of a series of 51 explosions sounding like distant depth charges. They are from the direction of BARB's position.
1939 (K) Surfaced. Discovered our periscope piloting had been in error as we surfaced eight miles SE of our submerged position.
1945 (K) SJ radar out of commission. That nailed feeling again.
2015 (K) SJ back in commission. (See Radar).
2125 (K) Received message about friendly plane being ditched. Set course for position at 6.0 engine speed, charging batteries. This was the first of a deluge of messages reporting in all two convoys of 9 ships each, one task force, and two B-29 planes down. These were interspersed with countless wolfpack messages plus quite a few routine fixes. Everyone not on watch turned communicators.
2230 (K) Set course for LOOPER's contact. It looks like best bet for us since it is headed directly for downed plane and we can do both rescue and attack work. A report on a task force gave no course or speed, and another zoomie report had a convoy 10 miles from beach headed directly for same. LOOPER's convoy is headed toward SHANGHAI and consists of 9 cargo vessels.
12 November
0017 (K) Charge completed. 4 engines on propulsion. We should make contact by 0230.
0055 (K) Received contact report from BARB which places convoy 20 miles to north. at 2 knots greater speed on a 60 degree change of course. Received instructions from SPADEFISH to attack at discretion and search for plane. SPADEFISH is searching for a second downed plane - SUNFISH for first. PETO will attack.
0315 (K) No contact - Sent message to BARB requesting information.

— page 231 —
0330 (K) BARR says convoy is 17 miles south of our present estimate. Thus we have only one convoy and it has turned SW heading for FORNICA. The other report must have been in error. Changed course to intercept at 0530. We still have time to get in an attack and do a little rescue work.
0450 (K) Heard distant explosions. Heard loud explosion. Saw large flash, then burning ship to the east hull down. B.R.B has connected. At same time we made radar contact at 32000 yards. This is a record for us on ordinary cargo vessels - perhaps they are not ordinary. (Ship contact # 1).
0525 (K) We now have four pips at average range of 22000 yards, course of convoy checking on 220 at 9 knots. They apparently haven't changed course in spite of that attack. Headed for convoy in anticipation of course change.
0540 (K) Course of convoy now 270, speed 10 knots. They are in a loose formation of 8 large ships (pips) - roughly in two columns with one ship well out in front and opening out. Can see only two escorts on PPI - one on far bow and one astern. One astern may be B.R.B.
0610 (K) Went to battle stations.
0637 (K) Fired four 1k 18-1's from forward nest at nearest and largest pip using TBT bearings and radar ranges. 108 port track, average run of torpedo 3400 yards. Turned at flank speed to open out. Other targets are out of range. He looks like a fairly large motor ship, but definite identification is impossible. They all look big to me.
0640 (K) First and third torpedoes hit. Target slowed down and dropped back but did not stop.
0647 (K) Started back in. The ship we hit is still making about 7 knots. There are three ships very close together in about 130 degree line of bearing on her starboard quarter which should make good multiple targets. Commenced reload. Dawn is breaking, and we've got to work fast.
0707 (K) Unable to get forward tubes reloaded due to heavy rolling so fired two remaining forward tubes at loading ship of the three, 71 degree port track, 2840 average run of torpedo. Swung for stern tubes and at Commenced firing four at middle ship, 94 degree port track, average run of torpedo 331 yards. These other two ships overlap - can't see how we can miss. Both bow shots hit leading ship and she blew sky high, promptly sinking.

— page 232 —
0713 (k) Two hits in middle ship and she is enveloped in dense smoke. Can't see what's taking place for the smoke. At flank speed to open as far as possible before it gets too light. Will have to go between one escort and rear ship - or is that the BARB? Ship is sinking.

0716 (K) Depth charge.

0717 (K) Six depth charges.

0720 (K) Submerged. Last soon our third ship was settling rapidly in a pall of smoke. She is sinking but we can't stick around to watch. Lat. 31° 22' N., Long. 125° 26' E.

0725 (K) In next five minutes we had four more random depth charges - none close. It is just as well since we are in 30 fathoms of water. These Nips can't figure out where the 1k 18's come from.

0830 (K) Nothing but pinging on sound - took a look. Sighted trawler steaming merrily along on parallel course, at 4000 yards. Still can't hear him on sound but he's making about 10 knots. For rest of morning we heard echo ranging in direction of attack.

1830 (K) Sighted U.S. Submarine.

1850 (K) Surfaced and exchanged calls with BARB. We discussed convoy and told her we'd sunk two and damaged one. Her answer made us feel like a bunch of amateurs - five sunk and one damaged.

2217 (K) Proceeding to scene of downed plane. Received word of negative results from SPADEFISH and SUNFISH on plane search. PETO will continue with search on way to new station. We have 5J radar interference.

2305 (K) Pip on radar 11000 yards.

2310 (K) Exchanged calls with QUENFISH by radar. Fack 21 is up to something over hero in our area and in view of the BARB's previous luck can't trying to decide whether to snoop around and see if they are after something I haven't got word on or to proceed to our new station. Incidentally we are indebted to DAN for her excellent contact reports which allowed us to get in on that convoy this morning. Decided to proceed to new station.

0730 (K) Submerged Lat. 32° 46' N., Long. 124° 44' E.

1500 (K) QB sound gear out of commission. (See Sound and Sound Gear).

1928 (K) Surfaced.

2200 (K) Sighted aircraft beacon on SW SAISHU TO.

2225 (K) Exchanged calls with SUNFISH by SJ.

2330 (K) Heard loud explosion and saw flash at Lat. 33° 28' N. Long. 125° 21' E. This was followed by rumbling noise.

2355 (K) Entered new patrol station NW of SAISHU TO.

— page 233 —
14 November
0130 (K) Saw lights on NW SAISHU TO.
0730 (K) Submerged Lat. 330 24' N., Long. 125° 46' E.
1500 (K) QB gear repairs completed.
1928 (K) Surfaced. Immediately our receivers were hot with contact reports and we started a mad dash that was to continue all night. SPADEFISH sent orders for search.
2112 (K) Exchanged calls with SPADEFISH by SJ.

15 November
0215 (K) Should have had contact by now. Exchanged calls by radar with QUEENFISH.
0300 (K) Have been on four engines about seven hours and am now past point of expected contact. Sent message asking about PIC UDAL's carlier contact.
0310 (K) QUEENFISH misunderstood and answered referring us to contact that we are now hunting.
0710 (K) Submerged 18 miles SE of SAISHU TO.
1615 (K) First of series of distant explosions heard in next half hour. Changed course to true bearing of explosions. Nothing sighted.
1919 (K) At radar depth had contact and SJ interforcno at 5300 yards. Identified it as SUNFISH by challenging on radar.
1925 (K) Surfaced.
1944 (K) Started another busy night chasing contacts at four engine speed. Received contact report from QUEENFISH. SJ contact on aircraft at 3800 yards. Sighted by COD immediately afterward. Turned on SD and tracked it out to 16 miles. (Aircraft contact # 3).
2115 (K) Radar contact on patrol or fishing craft at 4000 yards. Avoided. (Ship contact # 3).
2119 (K) Sighted light of small vessel distant about five miles. Avoided. (Ship contact # 4).
2345 (K) Radar contact and interference at 17000 yards.

16 November
0030 (K) Range now 6800 yards. Exchanged recognition signals but not calls with friendly sub. 17000 yards radar contact on submarine is a record for us.
0031 (K) Should have made contact by now. Have doubled back over cxpcctd track with no results. At this time received contact report from B.R.B, 45 miles SE giving position of 4 ships and time but no course or spocd. Since every other contact in this area has been heading west or southwest, assumed this would be no exception and headed on southwesterly course at maximum spocd.

— page 234 —
0040 (K) B&RE says contact is carrier with four destroyers. Still no course, QUEENFISH! has asked for course and spocd.
: 0110 (K) B&RE says she got one hit in CV slowing her to 17 knots on northoasterly course. My course assumption was wrong but we may still be able to get in. For next two hours B&RE, trailed contact and sent out excellent reports every fifteen minutes.
: 0225 (K) Mad radar contact at 43000 yards (Ship contact #5). Must be big. We track them at 21 knots and even more to the east. Now we cannot get in unless someone can slow her down.
: 0227 (K) We now have two pipas, one, at 42000 yards and one at 44000 yards. There must be two very large ships in B&RE's contact although she has reported only one CV. Will continue after CV, hoping she will have to slow down again.
: 0415 (K) B&RE has stopped trailing.
: 0422 (K) Slowed to one engine. Gave up chase.
: 0720 (K) Submerged 50 miles SE of S.ISHIU TO.
: 1455 (K) Distant explosions.
: 1915 (K) Surfaced. Last two nights of all night chasos has whipped me down. Hope we get good dope tonight or none at all.

17 November 0025 (K) Went to four engine spccd proceeding to point west of S.ISHIU TO. During the night we sighted lights of soveral small fishing craft SW of S.ISHIU TO. (Ship contact # 6).
: 0315 (K) Exchanged calls with SUNFISH on radar.
: 0358 (K) Slowed to one engine. For next hour or so played tag with SUNFISH trying to get past her to west.
: 0715 (K) Submerged 52 miles west of S.ISHIU TO.
: 1435 (K) Sighted planes (2) searching at 039 T. (Aireraft contact # 4).
: 1456 (K) Three distant explosions.
: 1544 (K) Smoke sighted boaring 000 T. Looks like a convoy going west. Changed course to 300 T.
: 1600 (K) Sighted 8 ships (Ship contact # 7) including one escort carrier at about 12000 yards, course 250 T. They have large angles and we will probably fail to get in unless they make a radical zig towards. We are now on course 270 T. Destroyers with convoy are echo ranging.
: 1645 (K) 26 depth charges. Convoy has passed going SW at 12 knots.

— page 235 —
1800 (K) We can still hear echo ranging and sound men say it is to north although convoy disappeared to southwest. Nothing in sight in any direction.
1834 (K) 23 distant depth charges.
1912 (K) Surfaced with four pips on radar at 15000 yards to the north. (Ship contact # 3). They didn't look big so decided they wore probably unworthy. Describes we had seen the convoy disappear over the hill going SW with a carrier. Started chase to SW.
1919 (K) Distant explosions.
1928 (K) Distant explosions.
1930 (K) Received word from SPADEFISH that first convoy was followed by a second convoy three hours later. Hero we are between two convoys but now have contact with neither. Held a conference and the convoy with the carrier won. Decided to continue after first convoy and if no contact by 2100 return to second.
2050 (K) No contact and am now beginning to feel foolish. One got by and passed up the other. Reversed course.
2116 (K) Radar contact 20000 yards - light - ships. Commenced tracking. Convoy course 240 T., speed 9. Lat, 330 381 N. Long, 1224 5° E.
2125 (K) Battle stations. We have eight ships in a very close formation with an escort on either flank and astern. Some of other pips may be escorts. One escort is between us and target group and try as I might I cannot shake him. He acted precisely as if he knew we wore three and we later found this to be true. We were getting strong interference on SJ but definitely not the characteristic type given by other SJ's. Maybe this escort has us with his radar and is just biding his time. After an hour and a half of trying to slip in on bow, quarter and flank, I decided to attack from directly ahead, and this failing, to shift flanks. I last resort will be an attack at radar depth.
2250 (K) We are now up on starboard bow of convoy casing over ahead but our escort is still directly between us and target. Now we are getting a new pip on port bow of convoy that gives typical SJ interference probably the SUPFISH. Have about decided that attack from radar depth is only answer.
2310 (K) With closest ship in convoy at 6800 yards and our shadow at 4000 yards, one of the convoy suddenly blew up and commenced burning. No doubt the work of SJ ISH. Now perhaps that escort will leave us. Sound reports torpedoes passing close aboard. These could hardly be from SJFISH. Escort is headed directly for us. All ahead flank.
2312 (K)

— page 236 —
2314 (K) He is closing and we are up to 17 knots. There is no doubt now that he had contact on us all along. Now the dope thinks we sank that ship from 6800 yards and is coming in with a bone in his teeth. Someone is shooting at us but can't see who - probably our friend back aft. We were straddled by tracers, sked manucvrring to give us cvervthing they have. Scoured lookouts. 2316 (K) 24 depth charges. We are now pulling away from escort at 19.5 knots. Slowed down. 2342 (K) Lost escort. Slowed down.

: 18 November 0130 (K) Regained contact with one of the ships from convoy. Commenced approach. (Ship contact 10). He is apparently lost and has no escort. This is what I've been looking for all along. Vondcr where our friend is. Maybe he is lost too. 0231 (K) Fired three torpedoes at 93 port track with 3050 yard run of torpedo. Target speed 8 knots. First hit and target burned. Third hit and target blew up and burned some more. Came around for a coup de grace but saw that his would be unnecessary as only stern was above water at a 45° dive angle and this was burning like a church. She was in about 40 fathoms of water so the possibility was advanced that the bow was resting on the bottom. This was a long tanker with two masts and one goal post mast like nothing in our book. She was lighted up beautifully and we could see her clearly - must be a new type. It was similar to KURSOI0 but with goal post mast and ships instead of plain goal post. 0310 (K) On course 153, radar contact 18000 yards bearing 080 T. (Ship contact 11). Commenced tracking and determined target course to be 060, speed 9 knots. Radar contact on escort vessel bearing 050 T. at 7100 yards, closing rapidly. Revcrved course and gradually pulled away from escort at flank spocd. 0344 (K) The escort abandoned chase. 0345 (K) Target stern still burning - sank. Lat. 33° 49' N. Long, 124° 45' E. 0417 (K) Gun fire and explosions to the south. Scarching for lost contact. 0436 (K) Radar contact 16000 yards. Commenced tracking. This is a single ship with two escorts. Ship is dead in water and escorts are at bow end stern. (Ship contact 12). Lat. 33° 36' N., Long. 124° 35' E. 0452 (K) Distant explosions.

— page 237 —
0519 (K) Battle stations. This certainly looks easy but those two escorts are casing around on this side. Will try to get on far side from them. HC may be taking on survivors. HC doesn't look damaged - on an even keel and riding high.
: 0525 (K) Distant explosions.
: 0530 (K) 4 distant depth charges and flashes to the west. One escort has now gone to far flank and other is still casing around this way. Might as well fire from this side. Will have to fire as soon as we get a solution light.
: 0534 (K) Fired three torpedoes, 116 port track, 4435 yard run of torpedo, spced zero. Escort is at 3500 yards and casing in.
: 0539 (K) One hit in target.
: 0545 (K) Target sank in four minutes. One escort still milling around. Other spcd off in opposite direction. This target is freightier of about 3000 tons. Lat. 33° 36' N, Long. 124° 36' E.
: 0724 (K) Submerged 60 miles west of SISIHU TO.
: 0849 (K) Distant depth charges.
: 1217 (K) - sighted rusty mine with periscope. Lat. 32° 56' N, Long. 124° 35' E.
: 1413 (K) Sighted 10 planes - BETTYS - on wcstcly course.
: 1724 (K) Sighted EMILY on northerly course. (Aircraft contact # 6).
: 1934 (K) Surfaced. Prooceding to ncw station west of KOKUZUN TO. This is the third night we hvc started for this station only to be dvrctcd by contacts.
: 2400 (K) Roccivcd word from QUEENFISH that shc was attacked by many patrol vcsscls and to "watch out". I guess the Nips are plenty mad. Ships were blowing up all ovcr thc Yellow Sea last night.

19 November
: 0325 (K) Passed floating wreckage. VC arc now passing through area of last nights attacks.
: 0340 (K) Passing through considerable wreckage and oil.
: 0345 (K) .voided 3500 yard radar pip - probably wreckage.
: 0728 (K) Submergcd 28 miles west of KOKUSUN TO.
: 1925 (K) JP has two scts of small fast s crews - came to radar depth - all clear.
: 1927 (K) Surfaced. Bright moonlight,
: 1932 (K) Sighted and made radar contact on two patrol craft at 12000 yards - lost pips at 14000 - JP was right. .voided. (Ship contact #.13). Lat. 34° 17' N, Long. 124° 44' E.

— page 238 —
2034 (K) First of innumerable radar contacts at from 2000 yards to 6000 yards. This lasted until 0400 and if they were phoney they were certainly convincing. Hinc's - wreckage - fishing craft or what have you? We avoided them all.

: 20 November 0735 (K) Radar contact at 8200 yards. (Ship contact # 14).
: 0738 (K) Submerged Lat. 33° 34' N., Long. 123° 14' E.
: 0916 (K) Identified radar contact as sailing junk with two sails. The wind is nil and we can hear faint screws. Sighted another junk at 6000 yards. (Ship contact # 15). Lat. 33° 34' N., Long. 123° 05' E.
: 1925 (K) Surfaced. Commenced cruising around in seventeen fathoms. Will feel like we're in deep water when we hit forty again.

: 21 November 0137 (K) While making 15 knots somcone landed against bow plane rigging handle and rigged them out. Slowed down but damage was done. (See major defects). Bow planes will now only 3/4 out.
: 0242 (K) Radar contact 10500 yards.
: 0310 (K) Exchanged recognition signals and calls with SURFISH.
: 0317 (K) Another radar contact at 11000 yards - avoided.
: 0340 (K) Bow planes with them 3/4 rigged out but have no limit stops. Will have to rig them with caution.
: 0355 (K) Radar contact 11000 yards - avoided. Proceeding to station for ALMALI operations.
: 0739 (K) Submerged Lat. 32° 54' N., Long. 124° 32' E.
: 0827 (K) Surfaced for ALMALI operations.
: 0915 (K) Sighted mine. Lat. 33° 00' N., Long. 124° 24' E. Commenced firing 540 rounds of 20 mm ammunition and 150 rounds of 50 cal. Although mine was hit repeatedly it never sank but did sink lower in water. This was first of six mines sighted within 10 miles radius of 33° 00' N., 124° 30' E.
: 1005 (K) SD and SJ contact 9 miles - no IPF. Censored firing at mine and submerge. Contact closed to 6 miles but was not sighted. (Aircraft contact # 7).
: 1041 (K) Distant explosion.
: 1102 (K) Surfaced.
: 1230 (K) Sighted junk at 10000 yards. Avoided. (Ship contact # 17).
: 1250 (K) SD contact, two pips - "miles - IPF response strong. Closed to 3 miles, then disappeared - not sighted. (Aircraft contact # 8).

— page 239 —
1256 (K) SD contact 16 miles - no IPF. Faded out without closing. (aircraft contact # 9).
: 1328 (K) SD contact at 12 and 16 miles - no IPF. (aircraft contact # 10).
: 1332 (K) Closed to 8 miles - submergcd.
: 1410 (K) Surfaced. SJ is out of commission. (Sco Radar). Departed ALBATI operations.

22 Novmbrr
: 0739 (K) Submerged Lat. 339 14' N., Long. 1230 47' E.
: 1014 (K) Sighted sailing junk. Lat. 33° 20' N., Long. 1230 47' E.
: 1740 (K) Sighted sailing junk, Lat. 33° 38' N., Long. 1230 47' E.
: 1027 (K) Surfaced.
: 2114 (K) SJ back in commission. Last 32 hours have been anxious ones without SJ. Every one breathed sigh of relief. DAVSOIL, D.G., RTLC, DE KONING, H.W., RT2C, and SCHIFFNECHT, N.B., RISC arc due much credit for this repair job on which they worked steadily, taking time off only for a quick bite and another bombardment.

23 Novmbrr
: 0310 (K) Received word from SPADEFISH that she has contact with a searching Jap radar. Plotted in her position and bearing and discovered that we are on bearing of her contact.
: 0317 (K) Sent our position to SPADEFISH. The "Jap Radar" contact turned out to be our SJ.
: 0348 (K) SPADEFISH sent us message over SJ radar to patrol sector B-1 today. This confused me since this position sent to him was in B-1 and his message seemed superfluous. Tried to get repeat on SJ but failed. Sent radio message to SPADEFISH requesting dope on area to patrol. Received "Roger" but not the answer. Decided to believe SJ message and continue in D-1.
: 0736 (K) Submerged. Lat. 349 37' N., Long. 1230 53' E.
: 1925 (K) Surfaced.

24 Novmbrr
: 0730 (K) Have heavy fog. Will remain on surface until it lifts.
: 1549 (K) Fog lifted - Submerged 44 miles N1 of KONUSN-TC.
: 1919 (K) Surfaced.
: 1925 (K) Radar interference - identified as SUNFISH. Looks like we are in wrong sector after all. Proceeded to B-3.
: 2335 (K) Sighted floating mine. Lat. 33° 40' n., Long. 1240 26' E.

-12-

— page 240 —
25 November
0012 (K) Commenced passing through wreckage and oil slicks.
Lat. 33° 40' N., Long. 124° 31 E.
0740 (K) Submerged 23 miles south of KOKUSAN TO.
1630 (K) Sighted Jap corpos in kapok life jacket with helmet,
    12 miles SSW of KOKUSAN TO.
1700 (K) Sighted another corpos.
1730 (K) Another corpos. If we can sight hroco with periscope
     throc must be many more that we don't see. Thcso
     men wcro undoubtedly lost on the night of 17-18
     Novcmbr.
1925 (K) Surfaced.

26 November
0300 (K) Pathomctcr rcading 30 fathoms.
0437 (K) Passed 20 fathom curve.
0702 (K) Radar contact 10000 yards. Avoided. (Ships contact
     # 20). Lat. 33° 06' N., Long. 122° 18' E.
0830 (K) Submerged in 15 fathoms of water. Lat. 33° 13' N.,
     Long. 122° 18' E. Charted depths arc checking very
     well with fathomctcr. Hope they continue to check.
1018 (K) Sighted junk at 4000 yards. (Ship contact # 21).
     Lat. 33° 15'N., Long. 122° 22' E.
1926 (K) Surfaced.
2130 (K) 12 fathoms.
2322 (K) Radar contact 8600 yards. (Ship contact # 22). We
     have faint radar interference on bearing of pip.
     This is surprising since thcro arc no other boats
     in vicinity and I doubt that Japs maintain patrols
     hcro. It is a very small pip. .voided.
2328 (K) Sighted light on bearing of lost radar contact.

27 November
0031 (K) Several small pips on radar at average range of 3500
     yards. They lock real. Lat. 32° 06' N., Long. 122°
    14' E. Avoided.
0040 (K) 7 fathoms. We are now 57 miles northeast of SHANGHAI
     and 23 miles from CHINA, coast. This is as close as
     any of us have ever been to CHINA but can see nothing
     due to misty rain. Headed for deep water and to new
     station.
0120 (K) Radar contact at 9000 yards. This is same position
     as the 2322 contact but no SJ interference.
0215 (K) 16 fathoms. This seems like deep water.
0637 (K) Radar contact 7600 yards - avoided. (Ship contact
     # 23). Lat. 32° 51' N., Long. 122° 56' E.
0751 (K) Submerged in 18 fathoms. Lat. 33° 00' N., Long. 122°
    58' E. Both sound heads and pit log housed.
0940 (K) Sighted junk at 8000 yards. (Ship contact # 24).

— page 241 —
1407 (K) Lat. 33° 16'N, Lng. 122° 57' E., depth of water 18 fathoms. It 64 feet struck something in water or grounded. Noticable shock throughout boat.
: 1924 (K) Surfaced.
: 2120 (K) Radar interferences. Exchanged calls with SUMPISI.
: 2259 (K) Recieved message from SPADEFISH changing our patrol sector.

: 28 Novmbrc 0345 (K) Radar contact 5400 yards - avoided. (Ship contact # 25).
: 0747 (K) Submerged.
: 1916 (K) Surfaced.

: 29 Novmbrc 0300 (K) Radar contact 15000 yards. (Ship contact # 26). Up until this point all hands have been well pleased with the patrol and we have had high hopes of making our last 6 fish good. Now begins a narrative that I would gladly omit but we must account for those last fish. Commenced tracking our contact. Bright full moon shining through overcast with occasional break - visibility excellent.
: 0320 (K) Went to battle stations - pip looks like a target - as yet no escort. Visibility is getting steadily worse - light rain falling.
: 0405 (K) Range is now 4150 and target is barely distinguishable. This is an unscorcted, non zig-zagging target making 8 knots and close in along the coast, heading directly for DAIKOUZLI GUNTO. Rain is steady and visibility bad enough for surface attack. I'm curi- ous at the lack of escort. We must get in close enough to be sure this is not a submarine.
: 0415 (K) With range 2570 yards, target is identified as small coastal tanker of the EL DURADO type, loaded. We are now on his port quarter. Fired two torpedoes with a 3275 torpedo run at a 125 port track, nearly zero gyros. I thought I was firing a 125 track and did not discover my error until later. Number six fish hit something as it left the tube and undoubtedly ran erratic. Both torpedoes missed. My original plan had been to fire two torpedoes forward and one aft in order to leave us with two forward and three aft. After discovering the large track angle we actually used and the erratic # 6 fish, I decided to write this attack pdf and move to a better track and let him have three from the stern nests, so at -

-14-

— page 243 —
1908 (K) 2215 (K) 3 December 1215 (K) 4 December 0920 (K) 1146 (K) 1320 (K) 5 December 1252 (K) 1709 (K) 1728 (K) 6 December 0630 (K) 1130 (K)

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L Report of Seventh War Patrol

Surfaced. Although we are in Japan Stream we have been, set to the southwest. Passed between AKUSENJI JIMA and TAKURA JIMA from EAST CHINA SEA into PACIFIC proceeding to GUAM for profit. Making morning security dives.

B-24 aircraft surprised us. Was not picked up by SD until after sighted at 3 miles. Lat. 23° 36' N. I'ng. 136° 10' E. (aircraft contact 11).

SD contact at 24 miles - identified by IFP.
SD contact at 22 miles - identified by IFP.
SD contact at 15 miles - identified by IFP. B-24 then flew in and circled. SD tracked him out to 30 miles.

SD contact at 32 miles - identified by IFP.
SD contact at 8 miles - no IFP. Submerged to 200 feet. Fire in main control cubicle - both shafts out of commission. Fire was caused by stray 1/2" bolt jamming the parallel I contact closed. This resulted in fire in starting resistance when propulsion was shifted to battery. Fire was stopped by pulling clear. No damage resulted and after removing bolt normal operation was resumed. In attempting to balance in isothermal water we sank to 380 feet.

Surfaced.

I.ade rendezvous with our escort, PC 1599.
Arrived at Guam.

— page 248 —
1. TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT

U.S.S. PETRO
Torpedo Attack Report

U.S.S. PETRO
Torpedo Attack No. 1 (EU) Patrol No. 7

Tinc: 0637(K) Date: 11-12-44 Lat. 31° 21' N Long. 125° 33' E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Descriptions:
1. Convoy apparently headed for FORMOSI of seven ships in the main body and one about four miles in advance was being tracked shortly before dawn. Only one escort was definitely identified as such though more could have been on the far flank. One other small piperastern was probably an escort but may have been the DARD which had just completed an attack. Types of ships could not be identified due to very poor visibility except that a radar range of 33,000 yards indicates considerable size.

Ships Sunk: None.

Ships Damaged: One.

Damage Determined by: Heard two timed hits. Target slowed down and fell back in convoy but did not stop.

Target Draft: - Course: 295 T. Speed: 10 knots Range: 3,300

Own Ship Data

Speed: 7.0 Course: 010 T. Depth: Surface Angle: -

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Night radar surface using TBT bearings and radar ranges.

-21-

— page 249 —
1. USS S-1 PETO
C-O-N-P-I-D-E-N-T-I-L-L
Report of Seventh War Patrol

Tubos Fired # 6 # 5 # 4 # 3
Track Angle 108 P 109 P 110 P 111 P
Gyro Angle 355 358 354 354
Depth Set 6' 6' 6' 6'

Power - - - -
Hit or Miss Hit Miss Hit Miss
Erratic No No No No
Mark Torpedo 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1
Serial No. 56026 56853 56985 55227
Mark Exploder 8-5 8-5 8-5 8-5
Serial No. 10427 10011 9099 10493
Actuation Set Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual Contact None Contact None
Mark Varhed 18-2 16-2 18-2 18-2
Serial No. 3674 4097 2150 3118
Explosive TPX TPX TPX TPX
Firing Interval - 12 sec. 12 sec. 12 sec. 12 sec.

Type Spread - Divergent.

Sea Conditions - NE - State 4.

Overhaul Activity - Sub Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

Remarks - 1.