U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS-234) — war patrol report SS-234_KINGFISH_Part2.pdf

— page 2 —
6 # 6 # 6 # 2
Tubos Pirau # 60 S. 60 S. 60 S.
Trac. Anglo: 034 035 035
Gyro Anglo: 10 ft. 8 ft. 10 ft.
Dopth Sot: High High High
Hit or Miss: Miss Miss Miss
Erratic: No No No
(yes or no)

Mark Torpedo: XIV-3A XIV-3A XIV-3A
Serial No.: 25497 21418 41694
Mark Exploders: VI-1 VI-1 VI-1
Serial No.: 7177 10521 7183
Actuation Sot: Magnatic actuation set on all torpedoes. Contact, as far as could be determined at end of run.

Mark Warhead: XVI XVI XVI
Serial No.: 2253 2250 5427
Explosive: TPX-2 TPX-2 TPX-2
Firing Interval: 8 Sec. 8 Sec. 8 Sec.
Type Spread: 0° 20 R. 2° L.
Sea Conditions: Sea condition one.
Overhaul Activity: U.S.S. PELIAS (AS14).

REMARKS: - All missed due to warning given from promtsure on previous attack (see attack no. 1 (a) and target swinging during time of firing.

-32-

— page 3 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH
CONFIDENTIAL
(H) ATTACK DATA:
Tubos Fired: # 7 # 8 # 9 # 10
Truck Angle: 100°S. 100°S. 100°S. 100°S.
Gyro Angle: 191 192 187 187
Depth Set: 10 ft. 8 ft. 10 ft. 8 ft.
Power: High High High High
Hit or miss: Miss Hit Miss Hit
Erratic: No No No No
(Yes or no)
Mark Torpedo: XIV-3A XIV-3A XIV-3A XIV-3A
Serial No.: 2J310 22872 25509 2J752
Mark Exploder: VI-1 VI-1 VI-1 VI-1
Serial No.: 7176 7175 7173 114853
Actuation Set: Magnetic actuation set on all torpedoes.
Actual second to be contact.
Mark Warhead: XVI XVI XVI XVI
Serial No.: 5390 9132 2459 1529
Explosive: TPX-2 TPX-2 TPX-2 TPX-2
Firing Interval: 8 Sec. 8 Sec. 8 Sec. 8 Sec.
Type Spread: 0° 0° 130 R. 130°L.
Sea Conditions: Sea condition one.
Overnight Activity: U.S.S. PELIAS (AS14).
REMARKS: All ran hot, straight and normal.

-33-

— page 5 —
3 (a)
TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3 (a)
H) ATTACK DATA
Tubes Fired #_3 #_4 #_5 #_6
Track Angle:- 80 P. 82 P. 85 P. 89 P.
Gyro Angle:- 348 346 343 339
Depth Set:- 15 ft. 10 ft. 15 ft. 10 ft.
Power:- High High High High
Hit or Miss:- Hit Hit Miss Miss
Erratic:- No No No No
(Yes or no)
Mark Torpedo:-XIV-3A XIV-3A XIV-3A XIV-3A
Serial No.:- 39429 214457 214136 251488
Mark Exploder:-VI-1 VI-1 VI-1 VI-1
Serial No.:- 12039 5753 10519 10020
Actuation Sot:- Magnetic Magnetic Magnetic Magnetic
Actual :- Probably contact for two hits.
Mark Warhead:-XVI XVI XVI XVI
Serial No.:- 2306 2580 2597 1414
Explosive:- TPX-2 TPX-2 TPX-2 TPX-2
Firing Interval:- - 7 Sec. 10 Sec. 10 Sec. 10 Sec.
Type Spread:- 0° 0° 2° L. 2° R.
Sea Conditions:- Sea condition three throughout.
Overhaul Activity:- U.S.S. PELIAS (ASL).
REMARKS:- Target sank in flames.

-35-

— page 7 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS:

The two convoys attacked both had destroyer escorts although the two ship convoy sunk on the night of January 7, 1944 seems to have dropped its escort that morning. Apparently ships are escorted from HIRI during their first day and night so as to have protection past the southern entrance to the PALAWAN PASSAGE.

The destroyer escorting the convoy attacked on 3 January 1944 stayed with us for about one hour. After dropping his initial load of five depth charges just after we dove he stayed firmly close, stopping his screws to listen and then speaking up. He apparently did not gain contact of ther due to his inexperience or our protective density layer. We kept him on the quarter, ran silent and stayed below this layer.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE:

There were no major defects.

(L) RADIO:

See Page 38.

(M) RADAR:

See Page 39 to 41, inclusive.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS:

See Page 42.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS:

See Page 43.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HEALTHABILITY:

In general the health of the crew was excellent.

— page 8 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Var Patrol Number Six.

(L) RADIO
Reception of Radio Perth (VIXO) between time of leaving port and shifting to Radio Honolulu was fairly good. Reception was poorest in the early morning (0330-0130 H) when it would be so poor as to make reception almost impossible. The best frequency for hearing VIXO was always 1370 Kcs., as far as signal strength was concerned, however, there was always considerable interference from other stations on this frequency. From 0000 to 1200 (H) signal strength was also weak, often reducing to strength two.
Three transmissions to VIXO were accomplished with no trouble, except on one occasion, when it required about fifteen minutes to get an answer to our call up.

For the first three days after shifting to NPN, reception was very poor. Garbles were very frequent, due partly to reception and partly to encipherment, or transmission.

NPN low frequency, 16.68 Kcs. was almost impossible to copy at any time until almost to 1idway. High frequencies were good, but Japanese interference was very strong at times. There was no requirement of times on interference noted. This interference was noted on all frequencies. 1525 Kcs. proved to be best for late afternoon and evening operation. 9090 Kcs was also fairly good during these times. The high frequencies, 14,590 and 17,370 Kcs were stronger than the lower frequencies during the morning watches.

It was impossible to raise NPN for transmission. The message was finally sent blind, and later, receipt came out on NPN Fox schedule for this transmission. Same procedure, second transmission.

It is suggested that NPN send orch message twice the first time it appears on the schedule. This would reduce garbles due to copying thru interference, as was the case most of the time we copied NPN. Since Radio Haiku has numerous times during the day when there is no traffic handled, a press schedule similar to the one on VIXO would be appreciated. Having only one high frequency receiver precludes copying any press at sea.

— page 9 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:  U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

(11) RADAR
Equipment, Model SJ Serial #5 Installed June 29, 1942.

(a) Total hours of operation to date - 3237 - During this period - 537 hours.

(b) Total hours of operation lost during this period of this report - 9 hours. The chief contribution to time loss was faulty thyratron end magnetron blower motors. The weak fan blades of these motors opened up due to centrifugal force, and during this time it was necessary that the equipment be kept running, it was shut down only long enough to put the faulty motor or motors out of the circuit. No more operating time was lost due to faulty blower motors after the installation of the spare blower from the Model SD radar through an opening made in the case of the trans-mitter-receiver. A fault spiring in the rear tank continued to nearly all the remaining time loss. Other than this the time loss was less than one hour, and this includes the waiting time after installation of a new thyratron (Type 722A) before applying plate voltage.

(c) The general performance was excellent. This was due chiefly to the untiring efforts and exceptional ability of S. BUTCHER, R.T.2C.

(d) Slight interference was caused at times by the motors in the transmitter unit, but not a great amount, and operation was not hindered. Interference, possibly caused by another radar, was encountered while going through SIBUTU PASSAGE. This lasted for only fifteen minutes and caused no trouble to the operator. Little interference was caused in other equipment while the SJ was running.

(e) Operational difficulties consisted of the following:
1. Faulty thyratron and magnetron Blower Motors. This trouble was remedied by installation of SD spare blower as explained in paragraph (b).
2. Bad Thyratron (Type 722A) caused excessive current and no transmitted pulse. Installation of new thyratron remedied this.
3. Excessive noise and vibration of Motor Generator Set. This happened in the only portion of the patrol and could not be remedied. Ship's IC Power was used thereafter.

— page 10 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

(RADAR (Cont.))

4. Faulty spring in range tank caused four breakdowns. The range crank would jam due to the broken spring and no ranges could be taken.
5. Weak Focus Video Tube in Raroe Indicator (V5-Type 6AC7) caused faulty automatic focus. This was replaced by a new tube.
6. Shorted leads to training motor which caused operation of this unit to be out of commission for approximately 15 minutes.
7. Bad socket X203 in IF Amplifier of Raroe Indicator caused week and intermittent operation of the amplifier.

(f) Height of center of antenna above water line is 32 feet, 6 inches.

(g) Ranges with Signal to Noise Ratio in "D" Units:

| MAXIMUM | RELIABLE | TYPE TARGET | ALTITUDE |
|||||
| 60,000 | yds-E3  | 60,000    | MT. BALI  |
| 9,000  | yds-E3  | 7,200    | Patrol Boat |
| 4,000  | yds-E1  | 1,400    | Small Sail Boat |
| 8,000  | yds-E2  | 7,500    | Rain Squall |
| 20,400 | yds-E1  | 17,000    | 7500 ton Freighter |
| 5,400  | yds-E1  | 10,000    | Mt. on Balabac Is. |
| 55,000 | yds-E1  | 4,500    | Agrarian Is. |
| 9,000  | yds-E1  | 6,000    | Large Sail Boat |

(h) GENERAL REMARKS:

Troubles experienced by Raroe Personnel during the period of this report have been practically all mechanical. It is believed that some better method should be put into service to eliminate this time loss due to mechanical defects occurring in the range tank. During an approach on enemy vessels, loss of the use of the range tank would make the radar equipment practically useless.

— page 12 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:  U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

(N) SOUND GEAR DERANGEMENT REPORT:

The starboard sound had developed a very noticeable noise in the hand training gear. Upon investigation, found that the gear driving the electric limit switch would kick out of train, at every revolution of the main ring gear. Two teeth in ring gear and two teeth in pinion gear of hand training shaft burred. Replaced both these gears; this required removal of the main driving gear at the motor end of the shaft. Replacement of gears did not remedy defeat. Replacement of other of the various gears and shafts in the equipment did not remedy the condition, but the noise was not apparent with the hand training shaft removed. Thus it was found that the hand training shaft was bent; it was removed and left off. This shaft was probably bent by running the sound gear against the mechanical limit nut on the shaft, causing the nut to stop the training gear and force the gear on to the rotating shaft to turn the shaft. Inasmuch as the electrical limit switch is set to stop training before it reaches the mechanical limit, this could not have happened unless the electrical limit switch failed, but failure of the electrical limit switch is not uncommon in this gear. Total time spent in the repair of the equipment about 140 man hours.

— page 13 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH
CONFIDENTIAL
O. DENSITY LAYERS: DATE  LAT.  LONG.  TEMP. AT  DEPTH  MAXIMUM  DEPTH  TEMP. OF  DEPTH  CONTAINING  LAYER OF
12-21  14 S  115 E  83  270  78  81.5-79.5  140-160
12-22  09 S  116 E  83  145  84  No Layer   No Layer
12-23  07 S  116 E  84.5  175  82  83-82  135-150
12-24  04 S  118 E  86  275  81  84-81  220-245
12-25  02 S  118 E  85  235  82  84-82  200-220
12-26  02 N  120 E  83  243  81  83-82  80-100
12-27  06 N  119 E  84  190  82  83-5-82.5  105-110
12-28  07 N  116 E  83  272  77.5  83-80  185-250
12-29  08 N  115 E  83  262  74  80-74.5  125-160
12-30  07 N  114 E  82  200  77  82.5-80.5  112-120
12-31  07 N  115 E  82.5  240  77  82.5-77  125-240
1-1  07 N  112 E  81  295  76  80-77  85-110
1-2  08 N  112 E  81  360  73  80-75  110-160
1-3  07 N  112 E  81  250  77  81-79  85-100
1-4  07 N  113 E  82  237  76  82-80  80-85
1-5  08 N  113 E  81  245  75.5  81-76  60-150
1-6  07 N  113 E  81  195  77  81-78.5  90-100
1-7  09 N  116 E  83  270  80  83-80  230-250
1-7  10 N  117 E  83  240  78  83-78  185-225
1-8  09 N  116 E  83  192  80  83-80  150-192
1-9  08 N  118 E  82  260  82   No Layer   No Layer
1-10  09 N  124 E  81  90  81   No Layer   No Layer
1-13  13 N  132 E  83  150  83   No Layer   No Layer
1-15  16 N  139 E  82  100  82   No Layer   No Layer
1-15  18 N  144 E  82  100  82   No Layer   No Layer

— page 14 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH
COSTFIDENTIAL
Subject:  U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Six.
(P)  HEALTH, FOOD, AND HEALTHBILITY (Cont):
Patrol fatigue was absent due to the type of patrol and the rotation of those members needing rest before the start of the patrol. The usual minor diseases and injuries were present.
Food was satisfactory and properly prepared.
Habitability was excellent. This was due, no doubt, to the fact that only one day was spent submerged while in the area.
(Q)  PERSONNEL:
Twenty five percent of the crew were now and this required intensive training enroute to area. The interior and outhouses always present has not diminished because of the radical changes incident to the "new regime". The oft repeated phrase still stands - "nothing helps morale more than a few torpedo hits".
(R)  MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED:
| MILES | FUEL |
|-------|------|
| 3073  | 29,869 |
| 2328  | 24,496 |
| 5471  | 65,474 |
| 10,872| 118,839|

(S)  DURATION:
Days enroute to area - 12
Days in area - 11
Days enroute to base - 15
Days submerged - 1 in area
Days submerged area - 3

— page 15 —
2 01250

U.S.S. KINGFISH

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING:

Torpedoes | Fuel | Provisions | Personnel Factor
---|---|---|---
4 (1 disabled) | 6,000 | 50 | Unlimited

Limiting factor this patrol -- - - Fuel and torpedoes.

(U) REMARKS:

The line between this following points seems to be one of the enemy traffic lanes into the DANGEROUS GROUND:

LAT. 5°-40' -00" N; LONG. 110°-53' -00" E.
LAT. 9°-09' -00" N; LONG. 111°-13' -00" E.

Alternate routes seem to follow those laid out on the British Secret Charts (CB 0191(3) plus the roll known P.L.W.H. PASSAGE. Unfortunately the patrol was terminated before we were able to explore the possibilities of NIRI and the southern lanes to SINGAPORE.

— page 16 —
1. Commander Submarine Division 102.
To: Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) Commander Submarine Squadron 10.
       (2) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
       (3) Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Sixth War Patrol; Comment on.

1. The Kingfish Sixth War Patrol was conducted under the operational control of Task Force 71 while enroute from Freemantle, WA., to Pearl Harbor. The productive part of the patrol was in the area just south of Dangerous Ground covering the Miri and Singapore - Manila shipping routes. It was the first patrol for the new Commanding Officer and new Executive Officer. It covered a period of 41 days of which only 11 days were spent in the assigned area. The patrol was terminated due to fuel expenditure.

2. This was a "TANKER" patrol which definitely destroyed three of these valuable targets and damaged a fourth in addition to damaging or probably sinking a freighter. In view of the difficulty experienced by other submarines in sinking or starting fires on tankers with one or two hits, attention is invited to the fact that Kingfish employed relatively shallow torpedo depth settings (6, 8 and 10 feet) which produced devastating results. It appears that these shallow hits succeeded in opening up the tank tops which permitted raging fires to develop immediately.

3. Atta cks:

Atta cks Nos. 1, 2 and 3:

These attacks were delivered in rapid succession following a 15 knot night surface radar approach on a convoy containing 1 AO, 1 AK (large) 2 AK (Medium) and 1 DD escort. At a range of 2600 - 2200 yards three bow torpedoes were fired at the tanker, followed immediately by three more bow torpedoes at the large AK. A premature in the first salvo w.r.med the AK who turned away causing the three torpedoes of the second salvo to miss ahead. One torpedo of the

— page 17 —
1/2-16-3
FIRST ENDORSEMENT:
Serial 04
COMPLIMENTAL:

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Sixth War Patrol; Comment on:
First salvo hit the tanker in the bow. The stern tubes were brought to bear on the large AK immediately and another four-torpedo salvo was fired which produced 2 hits. Fairly accurate gun-fire from the escort and a rapidly closing range forced Kingfish to submerge and final results of the attack could not be observed. Contact with the convoy was lost and was never regained.

Attack No. 4

This attack followed a 42 hour submerged daylight approach on an unescorted target that, up to the time of diving, had been tracked as making 12 knots. Two and one-half hours after diving it was discovered that the target was dead in the water. Upon close approach the target was identified as a S-yoyo Maru tanker evidently broken down. Three hits from four torpedoes effectively sank the tanker and the huge gasoline fire resulting from the sinking effectively dispelled the earlier fear that she was a Q-ship.

Attacks No. 5 and 6

These quick successive attacks were proceeded by (a) a frustrated day submerged approach, (b) a skillful daylight end-around and (c) a night surface radar approach. The targets were one tanker and one cargo vessel which evidently had been converted to a tanker. At the time of the attacks they were unescorted. Two hits were observed in the tanker but for some unexplained reason Kingfish submerged before observing hits in the second target. Timed hits, however, and the burning ship observed upon surfacing in addition to the large gasoline fire on the surface in the vicinity of the sunken tanker appears to be sufficiently conclusive to credit two sinkings.

All attacks were aggressively and skillfully conducted. It is important, however, that great effort be made to observe results of attacks whenever conditions permit.

4. Kingfish will be refitted by Sperry: in the normal refit period. As many minor alterations as time permits will be accomplished. The "Sperry" bridge and bridge-communication system will be completed as well as installation of PPI and high-power radar transmitter.

— page 18 —
5. The Commanding Officer, officers and crew of Kingfish are congratulated upon this successful, aggressive and very productive patrol.

FRANK T. WATKINS

— page 19 —
1. 1st Sqn, 1st Escort Group, 1st Submarine Squadron, 1st Submarine Division, 1st Submarine Force, 1st Submarine Fleet, 1st Submarine Base,

— page 20 —
3749
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLA. 8.01260
Serial 0218
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT TO
KINGFISH REPORT OF
SIXTH WAR PATROL.
COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 352
U.S.S. KINGFISH - 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. KINGFISH (SS234) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.
(16 December 1943 to 26 January 1944).

1. The sixth war patrol of the KINGFISH was the first for the new
   Commanding Officer as such. The patrol was conducted in the South China Sea in
   the operational areas of Commander Task Force 71.

2. This patrol was conducted in extremely dangerous navigational
   waters with which evidently the Japanese by U.S. submarines. The KINGFISH,
   however, estimated the situation well and thus was able to contact many valuable
   targets in those waters. All attacks were aggressively conducted and severe
   damage was inflicted on the enemy by sinking three valuable tankers.

3. It is noted that the new camouflaged apparently was of benefit
   during the night attacks, Nos. 3A and 3B, which were carried out unobserved on
   the surface with a full moon directly overhead.

4. Unfortunately, evidence is insufficient on Attack No. 1B to
   credit the target as having sunk, but the probability is good that it did.

5. This patrol is considered successful for Combat Insignia Award.

6. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
   Commanding Officer, officers and crew for this aggressive and highly successful
   patrol. Inasmuch as all damage inflicted was done so in the operational area of
   C.T.F. 71, it is requested that he be credited with the following damage:

SUNK
1 Tanker (SYOYO MARU class) - 7,499 tons (Attack No. 2)
1 Converted Tanker (MOGOMIGA MARU class) - 7,500 tons (Attack No. 3A)
1 Tanker (SAN CLEMENTE MARU class) - 7,300 tons (Attack No. 3B)

TOTAL 22,299 tons

BANGER
1 Tanker (HOYO MARU class) - 8,691 tons (Attack No. 1A)
1 Frightener (TABUN MARU class) - 6,581 tons (Attack No. 1B)

TOTAL 15,272 tons

Distribution and authentication
on following page.
C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

— page 21 —
12-10/416-3(15)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 0218
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
KINGFISH Report of
Sixth War Patrol.
CONSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 352
U.S.S. KINGFISH - SIXTH WAR PATROL.
Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS243) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.
(16 December 1943 to 26 January 1944).

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Conch (5)
CNO (5)
Cinepac (6)
Intl. Cen. Pac. Ocean
Areas (1)
Comervpac
(Adv. Base Plan. Unit) (1)
Cinclant (2)
Comsubsblant (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
Comscope (2)
Comsowespace (1)
Comsubsbowespace (2)
CTF 72 (2)
Comcorpac (1)
Comsubspace (40)
SUBAD, MI (2)
ComsubspaceSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Division
Commenders, Subspace (2)
Comsubstrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Subspace (1)

J. A. WOODRUFF, J.P.
Flag Secretary.
P.S. STREET
COMMANDING OFFICER
19 22 16
[Signature]

— page 22 —
9 April 1944
SS234/A16-3
Serial (010)
DECLASSIFIED

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

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

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

1. Enclosure (A) covering the Seventh War Patrol of this vessel conducted in the GUAM-SAIPAN vicinity during the period 19 February 1944 to 9 April 1944, is forwarded herewith.

H. E. JUKES.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.10
BY: OP-0499C DATE: 7/30/44
DECLASSIFIED

— page 23 —
19/44
Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

A. PROLOGUE:
Arrived PEARL 26 January 1944 from Sixth War Patrol. Refit performed by U.S.S. SPEAR and SUBDIV 102. The following major items were accomplished:
1. Installed P.P.I. equipment.
2. Altered bridge.
3. Installed 2 K.C. equipment.
4. Installed JP sound head and equipment.

Refit completed 10 February 1944. Sound tested and conducted 3 day training period. Fired all guns.

Readiness for sea 19 February 1944.

— page 24 —
19 Feb. 19
1320 VV Departed Pearl in company with PC 1080 as escort.
1600 Made trim dive.
1615 Surfaced.
1700 Changed to 10 Zone time.
2000 Parted company with escort.

20-23 Feb. 19
Enroute MIDWAY.
Made daily section dives.
Held fire control drills and emergency drills.

23 Feb. 19
0935 Arrived MIDWAY.
Repacked # 2 periscope which was leaking badly.
Checked for air leaks found while enroute.
Topped off with fuel.
Departed MIDWAY with plane escort.
Changed date to 25 February. Changed time to Zone -12.

25 Feb. 19
Emroute area. Made daily trim dive and training dives. Held daily fire control and plotting drills. Discovered air leak in bow buoyancy had not been stopped. Ground in blow valve but leak still persists.

29 Feb. 19
03/40 Radar contact 3/40 R. range 7500 yards. Commenced tracking. Determined target course 0800 T, speed 15 knots. Radar interference on exactly the same frequency as the SJA remained steadily on us, being very strong when our antenna was trained on him. Suspected him to be a friendly submarine heading for PEARL although we have no word from the front office.

— page 25 —
19/44 from Sixth War Patrol.
Refit performed by U.S.S. SPIRIT and SUNDIV 102. The following major items were accomplished:

1. Installed P.P.I. equipment.
2. Altered bridge.
3. Installed 2 K.C. equipment.
4. Installed JP sound head and equipment.

Refit completed 10 February 1944. Sound tested and conducted 3 day training period. Fired all guns.

Readiness for sea 19 February 1944.

— page 26 —
0510
Closed range to 5300 yards and could make out a long low shape with an island amidships. Radar interference still strong, course and speed constant.

1. All indications pointed to a friendly submarine going home.
   (a) Interference on SJa at same frequency as ours and constantly training on us.
   (b) He looked like a submarine.
   (c) His course and speed indicated a homeward bound vessel.

2. Daylight in 45 minutes giving me no time to get ahead for a daylight approach.

18L40 Fire reported in Naneuvering Room (See MAJOR DEFECTS & DAMAGE).
18L45 Secured from fire quarters.

2 Mar. 1944
06L2 Trim dive.
0715 Surfaced.
10L8 Sighted 2 engine bomber bearing 270°T, distance 4 miles. Dove. Not picked up on SD radar. This SD has never been reliable. This will be a source of utmost concern in working our area because it is surely to be thoroughly covered by air.
1300 Surfaced.

3 Mar. 1944
0550 Submerged and deep for bathythermograph reading.
1850 Surfaced.

4 Mar. 1944
02L5 Sighted searchlight beams on SAIPAN ISLAND.

— page 29 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234L)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

Upon inspection found this was coming from a broken rubber gasket in the expansion joint in the induction. line to the after engine room. Attempts to stop this by tightening the studs from topside were futile. It was finally stopped by lead-wax packing from inside the induction. This was reinforced by a 2" x 1/4" bracing.

1430 Three distant depth charges between us and SAIPAN. Nothing in sight.

1902 Surfaced.

1935 Radar contact 2680T, 10,000 yards - commenced tracking. Lost radar contact. Put two engines on charge and went ahead full on the other two on true bearing of target. Covered entire area but contact not regained. Visibility was excellent but target not sighted.

9 Mar. 1944

0612 Submerged for patrol on intersection SAIPAN-FORMOSA-KOBE-GUAM traffic lanes.

0728 One distinct depth charge - not close. Nothing in sight.

1323 One depth charge.

1618 One depth charge.

These charges lead me to believe that we are spotted each night by Jap radar. Interference on our radar screen would indicate such to be true. All the above charges are loud and have the preliminary click associated with a distant charge.

1908 Surfaced. Working in and out on SAIPAN-FORMOSA traffic lane.

2010 SJa radar out of commission.

10 Mar. 1944

0610 Submerged. SJa radar still out, SD radar unreliable.

1435 Depth charge - nothing in sight and charge estimated to be at least 8 miles away.

1117 Depth charge.

1503 Depth charge.

1858 Surfaced. SJa radar still out. Bright moonlight (fullmoon) was a much needed help.

2040 SJ radar in commission.

— page 30 —
11 Mar. 1944

0507 SIGHTED SATIPAN ISLAND 1060T, distant 21 miles.
0605 Submerged for patrol on SAIPAN-TORNOSA-GUAN-KOBE traffic line.
0650 Sighted AGUIJAN ISLAND bearing 1230T, distant 32 miles.
1110 Sighted two engine plane (TASS).
11402 Sighted ROTA ISLAND bearing 1770T.
1920 Surfaced.
1950 Gunfire from three seaports bearing 3500T, and distant about 10-12 miles. Nothing on the Radar and no splashes although the flashes seemed to indicate 'firing' in our direction. We were 30 miles from ROTA ISLAND and the ships 'firing' were about at the spot we surfaced.

Cleared vicinity and decided to patrol on PALAU-SAIPAN lane for the next few days as indications have pointed to the Japs having a suspicion of our presence.

12 Mar. 1944

0621 Submerged for trim dive and deep for density layer. No layer has been found to dtrte.
0722 Surfaced for patrol on PALAU-SAIPAN line. Skies completely overcast and occasional rain squalls.
1212 Sighted "BETTY" four miles away coming in. Dove. The SD radar was in operation at this time but no pij. This is the second time the SD had failed us.
1357 Surfaced to continue patrol.
1755 Submerged to avoid evening air patrol.
1913 Surfaced.

13 Mar. 1944

0622 Submerged for trim and density layer.
0711 Surfaced for patrol on PALAU-SAIPAN lane.
1203 Radar contact 22 miles. Contrct faded out. Plane not sighted.

— page 31 —
14 Mar. 1944

0105 Transmitted Kingfish One acknowledging Consubpac serial five able.
0115 Put on l' energies and cleared vicinity. Decided to patrol on SAIPAN-EMPIRE lane as the only two contacts we have had have been in this area.
0626 Submerged for train.
0722 Surfaced for patrol.

15 Mar. 1944

0610 Submerged for train and b'thirdermoray card.
0702 Surfaced for patrol on SAIPAN-EMPIRE Lane.
1433 Plan contact 11 miles closing.
1435 Contact closed to 11 miles. Plane not sighted, because of complete overcast.
1436 Submerged.
Remained submerged in order to routine torpedoes.
1357 Surfaced.

16 Mar. 1944

0620 Submerged for morning trim.
0800 Surfaced.
0831 Radar contact 9 miles closing. Submerged. Plane not sighted due to heavy overcast.
1005 Surfaced.
1304 Plane contact 8 miles.
1305 Submerged. Plane not sighted.
1915 Surfaced.

17 Mar. 1944

We have been having too many aircraft contacts to call the thing a coincidence so have decided to close AINATAHAN ISLAND for a good look. Indications point to some form of radar detector.
0700 While 15 miles from AINATAHAN and closing at high speed a plane contact at 43 miles was observed on the SJ screen. The SD was not in use because I did not want to give them a chance to track us. Weather completely overcast with numerous rain squalls.

— page 32 —
0702 Submerged and closed ANTAHAN ISLAND. Made thorough inspection at 2-3 miles from the beach. The top of the highest peak was hidden by rain clouds but no buildings or structures of any kind were noted. 1450 While taking pictures through poriscope 4 miles from the island a large 4 engine flying boat (NAVIS) was sighted crossing from port to starboard between us and the island. Took a quick picture. 1915 Surfaced. 1940 Radar (SJ) contact 090T, range 7000 yards. Contact lost - Believe this was a plane. 2110 Radar contact (SJ) 155T, 10,000 yards. Another plane. These pips came up very large on the screen and changed bearing very rapidly for a short period and then are lost. It's rather confusing. 2255 Radar contact 2090, 8000 yards - Same as above. 2350 Radar contact 11470T, 17,000 yards and this one is no fooling. Commenced tracking. LAT. 16-10 N; LONG. 1145-25 E.

18 Mar. 1941

The contact has developed into two large AK's escorted by two destroyers. Moon is about one half full, seas calm which will require a submerged approach. Enemy course 3350T, speed 9 knots. They do not seem to be zigzagging. 0105 Convoy visible at 114,000 yards. 0145 Commenced approach from ahead 4000 yards from the track. Range 114,500 yards. 0158 Submerged to Radar depth. Tracking continued to show course 3350T, speed 9 knots. At range 7000 yards targets were visible through the periscoope. 0219 In good position for 80 track (port) range 4000 yards and we were closing the range nicely. The port screen was going to pass very close but that had to be accepted. 0220 Targets zigged toward giving us a zero angle on the bow. Range 3700 yards and no time to move out to either side for a new set up.

— page 33 —
0227
Rigged for silent running and depth charge attack and went deep.
0235
Targets weren't seriously on their way passing directly overhead and down both sides pinging away. This was a heart breaker because we have waited so long for a chance. Everything had been going along nicely according to plan and five minutes more would have been all we needed.
0315
All targets astern. Started up.
0340
Surfaced. It was now only 2 hours until daylight. Made flank speed on enemy course in an attempt to overtake.
0410
Commenced sending contact report on high frequency to Comsubparc.
0418
Commenced broadcast. TING contact report on 450 kcs in order that BARB or GROUPER might intercept.
0420
Radar contact 2400T, 11,000 yards.
0422
Contact lost (plane?).
0425
Plane dropped a bright bluish flare on our port bow about 5,000 yards away.
0426
Submerged.

The contact report on 450 kcs was not completed but I hope enough was received to enable someone to get in an approach.

It is amazing and inconceivable that a plane could be so close so soon even granting that visibility was excellent and the seas were smooth. ANATAHAN ISLAND was only 14 miles away but there is no place there for a seaplane base. Maybe they have a landing strip on the top of the island. We have been harassed and pestered by planes during our entire period in this area. Almost every night after surfacing there has been something over that spot within less than an hour.
1922
Surfaced. Decided to let this part of the area cool off - Proceeding to patrol on TRUK-SAIPAN route.

— page 34 —
19 Mar. 1944

0600 Submerged for trim and density layers.
0609 Surfaced for patrol on TRUK-SAIPAN route.
0950 Radar contact 14 miles closing.
0957 Submerged. Plane not sighted.
1010 Surfaced to continue patrol.
1214 Sighted 5 enemy planes (BETTY) distant 7 miles on course toward SAIPAN.
1215 Submerged.

Have developed a very bad noise fcrward so took this opportunity to locate it. Found to be in tho bow plane operating gear.
1413 Surfaced.

20 Mar. 1944

0605 Submerged for trim. Decided to remain down until morning aircraft patrol out of SAIPAN was finished.
0710 Sighted enemy aircraft (BETTY) range 5 miles.
0806 Sighted another BETTY.
0850 Surfaced for patrol.
0920 Plane contact (Radar) 7 miles.
0921 Submerged.
1526 Surfaced. Interference on both SD and SJ screens. This definitely radar interference.
1729 Sighted aircraft (LILY) range 6 miles.
1730 Submerged.

Sea is flat calm and sky is overcast. We have had only one clear day so far.
1747 Sighted enemy aircraft (KATE) range 4 miles and circling.
That is four sightings and one radar contact today. They must surely have some means of detecting us or our radars even 90 miles from SAIPAN. Possibly our two radio transmissions have made them suspicious. They pick us up every time we try to surface. The SD is used only 10 seconds every minute.
1905 Surfaced. Decided to return to northern part of area on SAIPAN-EMPIRE route.

— page 35 —
21 Mar. 1944

0556 Submerged.
0555 Sighted two twin engine bombers range 6 miles.
0556 While making final periscope sweeps prior to surfacing sighted a Jap hospital ship. Properly sighted. Course 350°T, speed 12 knots.
1954 Surfaced.
2023 Searchlights on SAIPAN.

22 Mar. 1944

0553 Sighted "BETTY" type plane.
0555 Submerged for patrol on eastern side of ANAIAHAN. ISLAND. Made close inspection and took photographs.
1914 Surfaced.

23 Mar. 1944

0557 Submerged for patrol on SAIPAN-EMPIRE route. Periscope looks over 10 minutes.
1912 Surfaced and conducted high speed radar search during the night.

24 Mar. 1944

0605 Submerged for trim and density layer. Found first layer since entering patrol area.
0812 Surfaced for patrol on SAIPAN-FORMOSA lane.
0812 Interference on SD radar.
1010 Radar interference.
1254 Sighted enemy aircraft (BETTY) distant 7 miles.
1255 Submerged.
1358 Surfaced to continue patrol.
1627 Sighted aircraft (BETTY) 8 miles. (Nothing on radar).
1628 Submerged. Decided to remain down until darkness.
1910 Surfaced.

25 Mar. 1944

0602 Submerged for trim and density layer.
0800 Sighted plane (BETTY) range 5 miles.

-12-

— page 36 —
0850 Surfaced for patrol.
: 0522 Interference on SD Radar.
: 1130 Sighted landing wheel of a plane. Closed for
   inspection and possible recovery. It was much too
   large and had some of the metal strut still attached.
   Could not make out whether it was one of ours or
   enemy. It had been in the water some time.

: 1140 Passed through heavy oil slicks and sighted various
   pieces of wreckage. LMT. 16-22 H; L0TC. 114-24 E.
: 1610 Force oil slicks.
: 1613 Definite and heavy interference on SD Radar.
: 1757 Submerged for trim and to miss enemy air patrol.
: 1900 Surfaced.

26 Mar. 1944:

: 0455 Sighted blinking lights (3) on bearing 130°T.
   Nothing on Radar.
: 0500 Came to course 130°T to investigate. This was
   the true bearing of GUAM.
: 0600 Submerged for day patrol closing APRA HARBOR, GUAM.
: 1025 Sighted patrol boat close inshore.
: 1926 Surfaced.
: 1940 Flood lights sighted on GUAM. Patrolling GUAM-
   PALAU line.

27 Mar. 1944:

: 0120 Interference on SJa radar on bearing 210°T.
: 0550 Radar contact 7000 yards. Contact lost within a
   few moments. Those momentary radar contacts on the
   SJa show up as a very definite and large pip. They
   are undoubtedly plan contacts.
: 0558 Submerged for trim.
: 0832 Surfaced.
: 0901 Radar contact (SD) 20 milos.
: 0907 Sighted enemy "BETTY" range about 12 miles.
: 0908 Submerged.
: 1030 Surfaced.

— page 37 —
1107 Sighted a squadron of enemy bombers (BETTY) on course for SAIPAN.
1108 Submerged.
11400 Surfaced.

28 Mar. 1944

0503 Radar (SJ) contact 5000 yards.
0504 Contact lost.
0535 Radar contact 11,000 yards, bearing 2400T.
0536 Contact lost.
0538 Changed course to close the contact although it was the same type we have observed before.
0605 Submerged for trim.
0833 Surfaced.
1216 Radar contact (plane) 11 miles and closing.
1217 Submerged.
1912 Surrounded.
1950 Radar (SJ) contact 16,000 yards bearing 1600T.
1953 Contact lost at 19,000 yards, bearing 1800T. (This is a 200 change of bearing and 3000 yards in 3 minutes).
1954 Changed course to this last true bearing and in crossed speed to full. Contact not regained.

29 Mar. 1944

0035 Sighted green flare well over the horizon in the direction of GUAM.
0604 Submerged for trim and density layers.
0825 Surfaced.
1202 Sighted aircraft (BETTY) distant 7 miles - no indication on radar.
1203 Submerged.
1310 Surfaced.
1355 Sighted enemy aircraft (HAVIS) distant 8 miles and flying low directly at us. No indication on radar.
1356 Submerged.
1647 Echo ranging on sound gear.
1648 Sighted smoke bearing 250T. LAT. 15-30 N; LONG. 143-36 E.

— page 38 —
1700 Having obtained direction of change of bearing came to normal course and increased speed with looks 1830 1919 1910 2010 2310 0012 0012 30 Har. 1944 0012

— page 39 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234)

SubjeCt: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

He headed back for the target group so we came around for number five. As we came in the same thing happened. The targets wore zigging continuously during this entire time and we now found ourselves on the starboard quarter of the formation. Made one more attempt from this position and at 9000 yards the astern escort (another destroyer) swung toward us and rapidly started closing. At 7600 yards we turned away and trailed astern hoping we might get in a shot but the tail escorts kept swinging back and forth.

Having exhausted every means within my meager power and with not time enough to pull ahead before dawn we brake off the attack.

From our analysis: Before a starboard zig the starboard screens would sweep the area for at least 8000 yards to starboard. The astern screen would search out on the quarter. Then the target group would come right and pass through this clear water. The port screens would remain in the same position until the targets had closed the starboard screen than they would close over. Just as soon as they had closed they would turn and sweep ahead and to port and the target group would move left. This effectively blocked our attempts (all five) to penetrate.

0554. Submerged for patrol on SAIPAN-EMPIRE route.
0655-1000. Continuous depth charges were hoard and felt. These wore quite distant and in the direction of SAIPAN.
1901. Surfaced.

31 Mar. 1944

0555. Submerged for trim and density layers. No layer at 300 ft.
11421. Sighted aircraft (RUFE) bearing 2100T.
11430. Sighted smoke bearing 1310T. LAT. 16-08 N; LONG. 1145-17 E. Obtained direction of change of bearing and commenced closing.

— page 40 —
150L Sighted plane (NAVIS) in direction of targets.
150L Target in sight. One freighter of about 1000 tons escorted by one CHIDORI class DD and one small escort. Both escorts echo ranging continuously. Range 16,000 yards. Commenced approach.
1638 While swinging for bow tube shot range 2100 yards, 1100 starboard track, I took a quick look for the plane I know was around and saw him coming down the periscope.
Started deep and rigged for depth charges. Changed course and made flank speed. Rigged for silent running.
1640 Two bombs exploded astern.
1643 Pinging and high speed screws coming in fast.
1645 Echo ranging close and very definitely on us constantly. There is no density layer even at 350 feet. Keep changing course to try to throw him off.
1649 First pattern of four charges very close. Backed off sea valves, shook cork loose and broke a few gage glasses.
1652 At 1412 foot. Had to put a bubble in safety to catch it. He had walked away very deliberately and stayed out on our port quarter singing constantly. There was no doubt in his mind - or in our minds - as to our location. Kept changing course so as to not give him a track but with our speed - the course changes seemed so futile.
1705 He started in on his run.
1706 Five heavy ones which seemed to be overhead and a bit to starboard - but just a bit.
Ordered flank speed when the first one went off. We wore at 320 foot for those.
1708 He moved back to the port quarter to think it over and get a new set up. All this time his echo ranging never left us. Definitely first team.
1725 Coming in for number three firing run. He stopped directly overhead or slightly to port and listened. Then moved over to starboard and listened.
1725 No drops. He moved out to the starboard bow and commenced tracking. We never stayed on one course but kept moving.

— page 41 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

---

**1730**
- Also tried a burst of spool and a sharp turn.
- He stayed right with us.

**1733**
- Coming in for his run.
- Six heavy ones much closer. The boat seemed to spring in and out. Depth was again 320 feet and they wore just over us. More cork, backed off valvos, and broke light bulbs and gage glasses.
- A very large bubble of air escaped from the induction and it could be plainly heard. Momentarily control was lost and we went to about 15-20° rise angle and got very heavy aft. No change in depth. Caught it and loved off. This was the worst moment so far. The engine induction is flooded.
- Our friend is still back on the port quarter pinging away and not helping our state of mind. It is still one hour until sundown.
- Echo ranging and screws faded out on 3150T (The direction of the convoy). But I still felt he might be lying to and waiting for me to start something foolish.

**1840**
- Came to periscope depth.
- Radar depth - nothing.
- Surfaced on course 150°T, commenced clearing this spot on three engines and charging on one. Bright moonlight and flat calm sea.
- No. 4 Main Honoraor out of commission - so de- rangoments.
- Sighted two patrol vessels bearing 100° T, range 7000 yards. Radar got them at the same time. Changed course to avoid. One looked like a CHIDORI and the other was smaller. They wore within 8 miles of the position of our depth charging.
- Range closed to 6000 yards.
- Range opening. I don't think we were sighted but I can't understand why. It is as clear as day.
- Left patrol astern and commenced working up to the north to get clear of this hot spot.

**2053**
- 1 Apr. 1944

**2055**
- Submerged for day to give everyone a chance to get back to normal. Too much has happened those past few days and everyone is on the tired side.

---

**-18-**

— page 42 —
1850
Surfaced and cleared area to eastward.
2310 Sent Kingfish serial Throo to Comsubpac.

2 Apr. 1944
0553 Made trim dive.
0620 Surfaced. Enroute NAJURO.

3 Apr. 1944
0600 Made trim dive.
0610 Surfaced.

4 Apr. 1944
0555 Made trim dive.
0730 Surfaced.

5 Apr. 1944
0600 Made trim dive.
0610 Surfaced.
2200 Changed to -12 Zone time.

6 Apr. 1944
0630 Trim dive.
0800 Surfaced.

7 Apr. 1944
0550 Trim dive.
1000 Surfaced.
2120 Radar contact on convoy. Sent contact report.
Commended treiling. Convoy course 0800, speed 11.5.

8 Apr. 1944
0010 Received message from Comsubpac informing us that convoy was friendly. Broke off trailing and resumed course to rondezvous.

-19-

— page 43 —
0625 - Trim dive.
: 0640 - Surfaced.
: 1600 - Not escort.

9 Apr. 1944
Arrived MAJURO, MARSHALL ISLANDS for raft along side U.S.S. SPERRY.

— page 44 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

C. WEATHER:

No abnormal weather conditions were experienced. Seas were flat calm during our entire period in the area.

D. TIDAL INFORMATION:

Currents found followed those described in the Coast Pilot and previous patrols.

E. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS:

No navigational aids were noted.

F. SHIP CONTACTS:

Sea attached list.

G. AIRCRAFT CONTACTS:

Sea attached list.

H. ATTACK DATA:

No attacks were made.

I. MINES:

No minelaying was accomplished. No mines or suspected presence of mines was found in the area.

J. ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS:

Anti-submarine measures were very intense in this entire area. Indiscriminate depth charging was continually in progress within 20-30 miles of TAMAPAG HARBOR, SLIPAN. This seemed to have no bearing upon whether ships were entering or leaving. On 30 March the entire area close to SLIPAN was heavily depth charged from 0655 until 1000.

— page 45 —
150 miles from SAIPAN and GUAM. Air coverage was found on all ships encountered day and night. This coverage was not confined to the immediate vicinity of the islands but extended at least 120 miles out.

All convoys were escorted by at least two escort vessels, principally destroyers both heavy and of the CHIDORI class. The two AKS encountered on 30 March had six escorts including three large destroyers. These six escorts very offensively covered all water within 8000 yards of the two freighters. The one 4000 ton AK had two escorts, one of which was a CHIDORI.

The evasive tactics employed on the intonso depth charging by the destroyer on 31 March, 1944, consisted of the usual silent running and deep submergence (320 foot) plus constantly altrging the course so as not to give him a steady plot. This action appeared to be of no avail because he kept his echo ranging on us with-out once losing contact. Going to flank speed when the first charge would go off and keeping the bow swinging away may have helped. His charges seemed set at a maximum of 200 - 225 foot.

K. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE:
   - So attached list.
L. RADIO:
   - So attached shoot.
M. RADAR:
   - So attached shoot.

-21-

— page 46 —
U.S.S. KINGFISHER (SS234)
CO-ORDINATOR
Sub:  U.S.S. KINGFISHER - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

F. SHIP CONTACTS:
| No. | Time    | Lat(N)  | Type | Init. Range | Esti. Crs. Speed | How Cont. | Remarks |
|-----|||------|||||
| 1   | 0340   | 19-43  | SS   | 7500        | 080 15 knts   | R        | Determined as Friendly SS. |
| 2   | 1227   | 15-50  |      | 18000       | 12 knts       | P        | Unable to close range. |
| 3   | 0328   | 16-06  |      | 17500       | 18 knts       | R        | Unable to close at full power. |
| 4   | 2350   | 16-10  | 2AK  | 17000       | 9 knts        | R        | Targets zigged and passed over-head. |
| 5   | 1903   | 16-08  | Hosp.| 12000       | 12 knts       | P        | Properly marked. |
| 6   | 1618   | 15-28  | 2 AK | 18000       | 10 knts       | P        | Unable to close for night surface. |
| 7   | 1130   | 16-06  | 1 AK | 16000       | 9 knts        | P        | Forced deep by plane and heavily depth charged by DD. |

-21(a)-

— page 47 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS2344)
CONFIDENTIAL
Sub ject:  U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Sovonth War Patrol.

G.  AIRCRAFT CONTACTS:
No.  |  Tino  |  Lat(n)  |  How  |  Contacted  |  Remarks
1.  |  1018  |  16-43  |  B  |  ETTY  |  Sight - 4 mils  |  No Radar cont.
2.  |  0145  |  15-33  |  Radar - 3 mils  |  Not Sighted.
3.  |  0110  |  16-07  |  Radar - 23 mils  |  Not Sighted.
4.  |  0147  |  16-07  |  Radar - 35 mils  |  Not Sighted.
5.  |  0724  |  16-01  |  BTTY  |  Sight(P)5 mils  |  While Subgd.
6.  |  1012  |  16-00  |  BTTY  |  Sight(P)4 mils  |  While Subgd.
7.  |  2030  |  16-09  |  Radar - 53 mils  |  Not Sighted.
8.  |  1935  |  15-20  |  Radar - 5 mils  |  Not Sighted.
9.  |  1110  |  14-59  |  TESS  |  Sight(P)6 mils  |  While Subgd.
10.  |  1212  |  13-17  |  BTTY  |  Sight - 4 mils  |  No Radar cont.
11.  |  1203  |  13-20  |  Radar - 20 mils  |  Not Sighted.
12.  |  11433  |  16-50  |  Radar - 14 mils  |  Not Sighted.
13.  |  0834  |  16-45  |  Radar - 9 mils  |  Not Sighted.
14.  |  1304  |  16-39  |  Radar - 8 mils  |  Not Sighted.

-21(b)-

— page 48 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234)

Subject:  U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

| No. | Date       | Lat(H) | Long(E) | Type                | How Contacted | Remarks                                                                 |
|-----|||||||
| 15  | 0700      | 16-27  | 11-5-23  | Radar - 14 miles     | Not Sighted.  | Took poris-cope picture. |
| 16  | 1140      | 16-19  | 11-5-32  | LAVIS              | Sight(P)3 miles. | Not Sighted.  |
| 17  | 1910      | 16-21  | 11-5-16  | Radar - 35 miles     | Not Sighted.  | Not Sighted.  |
| 18  | 2110      | 16-11  | 11-5-10  | Radar - 5 miles     | Not Sighted.  | Not Sighted.  |
| 19  | 2255      | 16-10  | 11-5-21  | Radar - 4 miles     | Not Sighted.  | Not Sighted.  |
| 20  | 0140      | 16-30  | 11-5-27  | Radar - 53 miles    | Not Sighted.  | Not Sighted.  |
| 21  | 0145      | 16-30  | 11-5-27  | Flare sighted       |              | Not Sighted.  |
| 22  | 0180      | 11-5-27  | 13-5-13  | Radar - 14 Miles     | Not Sighted.  | Flying toward SAIPAN. |
| 23  | 1214      | 13-29  | 11-5-51  | 5 BETTERS Sight - 7 miles | Not Sighted.  | Circling our vicinity. |
| 24  | 0740      | 13-57  | 11-5-70  | BETTERS Sight - 5 miles | Not sighted.  | No radar cont. |
| 25  | 0806      | 11-5-72  | 13-5-72  | BETTERS Sight - 7 miles | Not Sighted.  | No radar cont. |
| 26  | 0920      | 11-5-72  | 13-5-72  | Radar - 7 miles     | Not Sighted.  | Not Sighted.  |
| 27  | 1729      | 11-5-72  | 13-5-72  | LILY Sight - 6 miles | Not Sighted.  | Circling our vicinity. |
| 28  | 1747      | 11-5-72  | 13-5-72  | KATE Sight(P)4 miles | Not Sighted.  | Circling our vicinity. |
| 29  | 0815      | 16-06  | 11-5-22  | 8 BETTERS Sight(P)6 miles | Pariscope.  | Pariscope.  |
| 30  | 1145      | 11-5-59  | 16-10  | LAVIS Sight(P)4 miles | Pariscope.  | Pariscope.  |
| 31  | 0553      | 11-5-11  | 16-10  | BETTERS Sight - 7 miles | Not sighted.  | No radar cont. |
| 32  | 1254      | 11-5-23  | 16-07  | BETTERS Sight - 7 miles | Not sighted.  | No radar cont. |
| 33  | 1627      | 11-5-19  | 16-10  | BETTERS Sight - 3 miles | Not sighted.  | No radar cont. |
| 34  | 0800      | 17-04  | 11-5-16  | BETTERS Sight(P)5 miles | Pariscope.  | Pariscope.  |

=21(c)-

— page 49 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234)
CONFIDENTIAL

Sub ject:  U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

| No. | Date    | Lat(N) | Long(E) | Type    | How Contacted | Remarks    |
|-----|||||||
| 35  | 0550   | 13-00  | 27 Mar  | Radar - 3½ miles |              |             |
| 36  | 0907   | 12-55  | 27 Mar  | Radar & Sight - 1½ miles |              |             |
| 37  | 1107   | 12-56  | 27 Mar  | Radar - 8 miles |              |             |
| 38  | 0503   | 13-31  | 28 Mar  | Radar - 2½ miles | Not Sighted. |             |
| 39  | 0535   | 13-30  | 28 Mar  | Radar - 7 miles | Not Sighted. |             |
| 40  | 1216   | 13-23  | 28 Mar  | Radar - 11 miles | Not Sighted. |             |
| 41  | 1950   | 13-37  | 28 Mar  | Radar - 8 miles | Not Sighted. |             |
| 42  | 1202   | 15-11  | 29 Mar  | Radar - 7 miles | No contact on radar. |             |
| 43  | 1355   | 15-21  | 29 Mar  | NAVIS    | Sight - 8 miles | No contact on radar. |
| 44  | 1141   | 15-23  | 31 Mar  | ROPE    | Sight(P)7 miles | Poriscopo |
| 45  | 1504   | 15-24  | 31 Mar  | NAVIS    | Sight(P)6 miles | Poriscopo |
| 46  | 1638   | 15-30  | 31 Mar  | NAVIS    | Sight(P) 3 miles | Dropped 2 bombs called a DD over. |

-21(d)-

— page 51 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234)

CO-IDENTITAL

Subject:  U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

K.  INAJOR DEFECTS AND DANGER (Cont.):

When the engine was secured, the contacts in the Main control bubble arced badly due to the heavy load. This charred the Hicarta link to the control tower. When the engine was re-started and an attempt made to put it on propellers: the link broke rodoring it impossible to place the generator on the Generator Bus. The engine and generator are in perfect condition, and may still be used on the Battery Bus.

-21 (f)-

— page 52 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234).  U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

L. RADIO:

During the patrol all the serial messages were received. Reception of HAIKU fox on station was good except between the hours of 1800 and 1915 Zobra. Although 16.68 kcs could be copied during a portion of the daylight hours, reception on this frequency was impossible at night. The usual amount of Japanese interference was experienced.

Four message word sent, all on 1235 kcs, and in time all were received for by NXZ (NOUZEA, NEW CALEDONIA) after was relayed to NPM by NXZ (NOUZEA, NEW CALEDONIA) after the first message was received. The first message was received at both receiving stations were good, due to Japanese interference, it took twenty-two minutes to clear the twenty-three group message. The second message was sent blind, reception at 450 kcs, but we were forced down by an aircraft flare before the message was completed. A receipt was later obtained on HAIKU fox for the first complete message. On April 1, a 101 group message was sent and although radio Honolulu answered on first call, it took twenty-eight minutes to clear the message. Eleven minutes was required for the first complete transmission but it took seventeen additional minutes to answer all the individual IMTs for individual groups. If NPM had asked for all reports in one transmission, the total transmission time could have been cut in half. Only ten minutes was required for the last message, both radio Honolulu and San Francisco answering the first call.

Again the urgent need for authorized additional high frequency receiver was felt. On station we were directed to guard an aircraft contact high frequency. This was impossible, guarding Haiku fox required the only high frequency receiver, low frequency reception being impossible. While on route to MAJURO we were required to guard the area frequency. It then was possible to guard Haiku fox on 16.68 kcs but with unreliable signals during the greater portion of the time. We copied the submarine schedules on high frequency, securing the area guard for that period of time. During the remainder of the time we guarded the area frequency except during re-

-21(g)-

— page 53 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:  U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

L. RADIO (Cont):
caption of odd messages when 16.68 kcs reception was too poor, then we shifted to high frequency for the message only.

-21(h)-

— page 54 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (S3254)

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

M. RADAR:

During the last refit a new SJA high power transmitter and PPI wires installed and the liquid range unit was replaced with a Leacham unit. The ranges obtained on all type of targets were appreciably increased with this new installation. On February 29 while enroute to station radar interference was encountered and it is believed that this was from one of our own submarines, because it appeared exactly like S.J interference. On March 8 in trance in the form of railings was noted off SAIPAN ISLAND, and it was maximum when the antenna was trained on the island. The following operational difficulties were experienced: High voltage rectifier current became excessive, and fuse F7 blew due to loss of bias on tube 5D21(V9) which in turn was due to failure of tube 5U4G in the 300 volt regulated rectifier unit. Swaps were lost due to an intermittent short in the base of tube V3(6V6) in the transmitter. The power fuse F1 blows occasionally, and the cause for this has never been determined.

The SD radar is still unreliable in spite of the work done by technicians both on petrol and in the rofit periods. Several contacts were made at ranges of about ten miles and closer, but the plane on all of those contacts was never sighted. Numerous planes were seen from the bridge, but contact was never made on any of those, and the equipment was in operation when they were sighted. Interference was frequently encountered, and on March 24 off SAIPAN the screen was almost completely jammed. The following operational difficulties were experienced: The sweep on the indicator was lost, and normal operation was resumed after the cathode ray tube 905 was replaced.

— page 55 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234)

COMPLETE:  U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

N. SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS:

. Sound gear operated properly and there were no breakdowns.

Sound conditions were excellent at all times. We were able to detect pinging up to 10-20,000 yards.

O. DENSITY LAYERS:

There were no density layers on account of the maximum change was one degree in 350 feet.

P. HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY:

The health of the crew has been satisfactory. Seven sick days were lost (4 days - absences, 3 days - impacted tooth). One man sustained an accidental knife wound which recovered and the ship was escorted to the nearest port for medical attention. On the occasion of an all day dive over the ocean, the ship was escorted after surfacing in or on to provide a hot meal without undue heating of the boat.

Habitability was excellent.

Q. PERSONNEL:

The usual personnel problem of now and untrained men was encountered and must be expected. Intensively training enroute to and from the area with daily lectures supplementing familiarization tours has helped. It was amazing to find such ignorance of the fundamentals even in the sub school graduates.

The performance of the entire crew under the stress of the depth charging was of the utmost excellence.

-22-

— page 56 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS23L4)
CONFIDENTIAL
Sub j o c t:  U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

C. PERSON EL (Cont).

This was the first serious encounter with the enemy for over fifty percent of the crew and their calmness left nothing to be desired.

R. MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED:
Base to Area (Pearl Harbor) 3118 miles 35,000 gals.
In Area 7114 miles 37,000 gals.
Area to base (MAJURO) 1667 miles 23,000 gals.
TOTALS 11,899 miles 95,000 gals.

S. DURATION:
Days on route to area 13
Days in area 29
Days on route to base 7
Days submerged 18

T. FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING:
Torpedoes 24 10,000 gals. 30 days
Provisions 14 days
Personnel 14 days

Limiting factor this patrol - - - Operation Order.

— page 58 —
PB5-102/A16-3
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to:
CO USS KINGFISH ltr.
SS234/A16-3 serial
010 of 4/9/44
Serial 022
CONFIDENTIAL

From: The Commander Submarine Division One Hundred Two.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron Ten.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Seventh War Patrol, Comment on.

1. The Seventh War Patrol of the Kingfish was conducted in the vicinity of the Mariana Islands. It covered a period of fifty days and was terminated in accordance with provisions of the operation order.

2. No gun or torpedo attacks were made. Opportunities to attack were missed on three occasions. On the early morning of March 18th with a half moon and good visibility, a convoy of two large freighters and two escorts zigged to place Kingfish dead ahead at about 3700 yards range. This situation should have been ideal for a stern-tube attack: but the Commanding Officer evidently became confused and went deep which was fatal to successful attack. The convoy passed directly over Kingfish fifteen minutes later. Again during the night of 29-30 March with no moon but excellent visibility, five attempts were made to close a convoy for surface attack. The convoy consisted of two large ships and six escorts. All five attempts were frustrated by the patrolling maneuvers of the escorts. It is believed that successful attack in this case could have been made by a radar-periscope attack from ahead. The next approach was made in late afternoon of March 31st against a single freighter escorted by one Chidori torpedo boat, another small escort and one air escort. Just as Kingfish was swinging for a firing course at 2100 yards range she was sighted by the air escort and was attacked with two bombs which missed astern as Kingfish was going deep. The Chidori took up the hunt and, for over one hour, subjected Kingfish to a series of close depth charge attacks which caused some damage including flooding of the engine air-induction.

3. Numerous aircraft contacts were made in the area and radar interference was noted whenever Kingfish closed the islands.

— page 59 —
35-12N/125-45E
Serial 022
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO KINGFISH 1tr.
SS234/16-3 serial
010 of 4/9/44

COF IDENTICAL

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Seventh War Patrol, Comment on.

4. Despite the lack of success of this patrol the officers and crew appeared to be in excellent spirits upon their return and their aggressiveness and determination as demonstrated on previous patrols does not appear to be waning.

5. Kingfish will be the first submarine to be refitted by Sperry at Ilyrna Island. Depth-charge damage and other defects can be corrected in the normal refit period. The most serious defect is the general low insulation readings of the main motors and generators. While thorough cleaning will probably relieve these readings to meet minimum requirements it is believed that these vessels should be given a yard overhaul after the next patrol. Voirie requests and lists of uncompleted alterations will be forwarded upon completion of the current refit.

FRANK T. WATKINS

— page 60 —
1. The Commander Submarine Advanced Base, Navy No. 3234.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
        (2) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Seventh war Patrol - Comment on.

1. Forwarded with concurrence.
2. The unreliability of the SD radar was a distinct handicap in this heavily air-patrolled area. This instrument will be thoroughly overhauled during the present refit.
3. Although the results of this patrol were disappointing to all hands, it is believed that the experience gained will pay dividends on subsequent patrols.
4. In accordance with Consubpac serial 0489, it is recommended that KINGFISH be scheduled for navy yard overhaul upon completion of the next patrol.

C. F. ERICK.

Copy to:
Consubron 10.
Consubdiv 102.
CO KINGFISH.

— page 61 —
712-10/A16-3(15)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET mr
Serial 0758
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
KINGFISHER Report of
Seventh War Patrol.
CONSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 407
U.S.S. KINGFISHER - 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. KINGFISHER (SS234) - Report of Seventh War Patrol.
(19 February to 9 April 1944).
1. The seventh war patrol of the KINGFISH was conducted in the Marianas Islands Area.
2. Good area coverage was maintained in spite of intense enemy air activity. Although three contacts were made suitable for torpedo attacks, the KINGFISH was unable to obtain a suitable attack position; thus, no torpedoes were fired.
3. This patrol is designated as not successful for Combat Insignia Award.
C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (5)
CNO (5)
CNOc (6)
Cincpac (1)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
Comservpac (1)
(Adv. Base Plan. Unit) (1)
Cinclant (2)
Comsubslant (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (1)
Comsubsowespac (2)
CTF 72 (2)
Commorpac (1)
Comsubspac (20)
SUBAD, MI (2)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Division Commanders, Subspace (2)
Comsubstrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Subspace (1)
E. L. HYNES, II,
Flag Secretary.

— page 63 —
1. U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS23/1)
: SUBJECT: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Eighth War Patrol.

A. PROLOGUE:
Arrived MAJURO ATCTL, KINGFISH ISLANDS, 9 April 1944. Rofit by Subdiv 102 and U.S.S. SPIRIT. Rofit completed 23 April 1944. Lieutenant Commander C. W. BLENNIKEN, USN, was relieved as Executive Officer by Lieutenant R. G. ANDERSON, USN. Lieutenant (jr) C. I. KERN, Jr., USNR, and Ensign R. G. BAGGY, USN, reported aboard for duty. Lieutenant H. E. PRY, USN was detached for new construction. Conducted four day training period during which all guns were fired, but no torpedoes were fired.

Readiness for sea 1 May 1944.

B. NARRATIVE:
1. May 1944:
   1500 Departed MAJURO in company with USS MANLOVE as escort.
   1500 Changed date to 2 May 1944 and time zone to (-12).

2. May 1944:
   0610 Medo trim dive.
   0610 Escort deported.
   0610 Nado training dives and exercised at fire-control drills.

3. May 1944:
   1400 Enroute area. Conducted daily training dive, emergency drills and battle problems.

4. May 1944:
   1400 Enroute area. Training dives, emergency drills and battle problems.
   1400 Plane contact (Radar) 14 miles, coming in. Siphto by lookout a few minutes later. (B-26) type. As I know our forces were making a search in this area decided not to dive, but when the plane closed to 8 miles and he was soon to start a glide dead.

— page 64 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234)

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Eighth War Patrol.

---

**Headings and Subheadings:**
- 1430
- 0900
- 1015
- 0730
- 0815
- 1300
- 1350
- 1357
- 2030

---

**Text Content:**

---

**1430**
- U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Eighth War Patrol.
- Chief, I decided he might be one of the proverbial few who did not get the news, so pulled a recognition flare and the plug.
- Surface. Tuned in on the aircraft frequency and picked up the contact report which called us an "unknown nationality" sub.
- Have had radar interference all day. Undoubtedly our own planes.

---

**0900**
- Enroute area.
- Radar (SD) interference throughout the day.
- Hydrogen explosion in Mark 18 torpedo in 7°C torpedo tube. Torpedo was worthless, so removed gyro, exoloder machanism and booster and fired it from the tube. (See Remarks).

---

**1015**
- All times (-9) 20th TIDE.
- Entered area. SJA radar out of commission.
- Submerged for periscope patrol. Sighted HMA JIMA bearing 2659T, distant 26 miles.
- Surface.
- SJA radar still out of commission. Unable to obtain an echo. Decided to close KITA. IWO JIMA (2615 foot high) to tune radar.

---

**0730**
- SJA radar still out. Daylight. Submerged for trim and density layers.
- Surface to close KITA. IWO JIMA.
- Sighted KITA. IWO JIMA bearing 225°T, distant 20 miles. Also picked up on SD radar. Nothing on SJA. Closed to 13 miles in hops SJA would function.
- Plane contact (Radar) 8 miles - Dovc. Not sighted by bridge.
- Surface.
- Radar contact 9 miles, closing. Dovc. Plane not sighted.
- Surface. SJA Radar still out of commission.
- Sound contact - high pitch, high speed search - avoided at high speed. Nothing sighted, pitch bleak night. Fool so helpless without the SJA.

---

**0815**
- 1300
- 1350
- 1357
- 2030

---

**-2-**

---

**Page Number:**
- 2

— page 66 —
20 May 1944
0h44
0h55
17 May 1944
0506
0602
1331
1355
19 May 1944
0453
0602
1425
1146
1146
1854
20 May 1944
0315
0445
1815

U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234)

SUBJECT: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Eighth War Patrol.

2400 Entered new area.

16 May 1944
0h44
0h55
17 May 1944
0506
0602
1331
1355
19 May 1944
0453
0602
1425
1146
1146
1854
20 May 1944
0315
0445
1815

SUBJECT: Submerged for trim and density layers.
SUBJECT: Surfaced for patrol on traffic lane EMPIRE - YAP - PALAU.

SUBJECT: Submerged for trim and density layers.
SUBJECT: Surfaced for patrol.
SUBJECT: Interference on SD Radar.
SUBJECT: Interference ceased.

SUBJECT: Submerged for daily trim and deep for density layers.
SUBJECT: Surfaced for patrol.
SUBJECT: Sichtad KITA IWO JIMA. bearing 0719T, distant 147 miles.
SUBJECT: Interference on SD Radar.
SUBJECT: Submerged. Continued patrol submerged. It was at this distance from H.M.S. JIMA that we were forced down two days in a row by planes and I did not want to be detected just prior to going into the area immediately adjacent to CHICHI JIMA.
SUBJECT: Surfaced.
SUBJECT: S.J. Radar out of commission. It apparently has been out for the past few days. Seas have been glassy calm and although the outgoing signal is strong we have no return echo. This was discovered when we got no echo on KITA. IWO JIMA even at 10 miles (a 2500 ft. mountain).

SUBJECT: S.J. Radar in commission after 3 straight hours of probing by the exporters.
SUBJECT: Submerged.
SUBJECT: Surfaced and closed KITA. IWO JIMA to check S.J.

— page 67 —
1910
Radar contact on KITA IWO JIMA, distant 80,000 yards.

21 May 1910
0000 Entered area adjacent to CHICHI JIMA and HAH JIMA.
0255 Radar contact on HIH JIMA, range 31 miles.
0417 Submerged.
0517 Sited ship bearing 1520m, distant 12,000 yards, LOB 100P. Commenced approach on normal approach course at high speed.
0510 Target identified as 9.5m. Aircraft bearing 2960m, range 14,000 yards, LOB 300 starboard. Went to battle stations and commenced approach. Target similar to KIHI JIMA (near 130, ONI 208-J.1

— page 69 —
26 May 1944
0012
Dooded on a port side attack. Having completely circled the convoy at 9000 yards and not detected other escorts, manoeuvred for 9000 yards and not detected

— page 70 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234L)
COMPLIMENTAL
Subject:  U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Eighth War Patrol.
The PPI screen gave us this picture:

So - frustrated on both sides, pulled clear and got out up for low power shots. Unfortunately I did not obtain a good position and found myself at 7500 yards with the first two firing bearings past and the rest coming on too quick for a now set up. Did not fool like just throwing six torpedoes away so at turn around away. Now we found an escort dead astern at 1800 yards and closing. Range closed to 1200 yards. Hard and felt on depth charge. With daylight on now away and no chance to get ahead for a damn attack, cleared the convoy and sent contact report in hopes somone up north could solve this nightmare - I could not.

In looking back, I felt that I should have gone in closer for a good look at the picture (although I assumed that at 9000 yards everything would show up), and then planned the best attack. Upon finding no openings I should have picked off one of the escorts. I was too intent on the big fellows. Submerged. Two depth charges quite distant. Nothing is sight at 55 feet. Six depth charges - distant. Three depth charges - distant. Three depth charges - distant. Six more. Three more.

— page 71 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Eighth War Patrol.

1842 Surfaced.

27 May 1941
01:16 Submerged for trim and density layer.
05:17 Surfaced for patrol.
06:43 Sighted plane (EMILY) distant 8-10 miles. Dovc.
07:29 Surfaced.
12:26 Submerged to water one MK 18 torpedo.
13:55 Surfaced.
15:28 Sighted and picked up Japanese life ring. No
merkins.
1600 S.ghcted life boat and closed to inyostirato. Found
it to bo a motor boat (no occupants) in excellent
condition. Brought it clonrisido and salvaged some
papers including letters and magazines. On the bow
was the following: 21 and the numerals 08 on the
stern.
1700 Sank boat with demolition charge.
1730 Sighted various small pieces of wreckage.

20 May 1941
0500 Submerged for trim and density layers.
0527 Surfaced for patrol.
1000 Submerged to close SOU G.H and traffic lane from
MIPIR to CHICHI JIMA.
1053 Surfaced.
2027 Radar contact on SOU G.H 21,500 yards. Tuned SJa.
This radar has not been acting properly during the
entire period on station.

29 May 1941
0432 Conducting Radar search.
1900 Surfaced for patrol on traffic lane SOU G.H to
CHICHI JIMA.
2100 Surfaced. Commenced radar search.
2115 Radar interference.
2150 Radar interference. Probably the PLUNGER.
2155 Radar contact 4000 yards.
2157 Contact lost. Dark night, overcast with moon hidden.

— page 72 —
2254
Sighted what appeared as a submarine with zero angle on bow, range 4-5000 yards. Headquarters to a void. No contact on Radar. Intermittent radar interference on SJa.

This could easily have been the PLUNGER because she was in the next area and I was searching for a contact and he could have come over because of the same contact. The nod for IFF or some means of recognition other than visual was extremely felt.

30 May 1944
0450. Submerged.
1044. The sea have been building up and visibility has decreased to less than 10,000 yards because of almost constant rain. Decided to continue search on the surface.
1045. Surface.
1210. Radar contact 7000 yards. Dark shape sighted by 000 at same moment.
1220. Submerged and went to battle stations. Could dimly see a frigate with destroyer escort. Angle on the bow zero, range about 6000 yards. Visibility so bad that I could not obtain an accurate range. Came left 200' and was in excellent position for stern tube shot. Range about 1000 yards could faintly make out another ship to the left of the frigate.
1225. Visibility less than 1000 yards. Heavy downpour. Targets dimly visible (at 55 ft. 1"). They had changed course to the left. Range about 5000 yards, 10B 150' sternboard. Came around to parallel course at high speed in hopes of zig back.
1330. Visibility still from bed to indifferent. Targets visible at times as just a dark blotch in the haze.

Came to 401 for Radar search. Momentary contact at 4500 yards (doubtful). Seas pretty heavy and boat hard to hold.
1412. Surface and commenced search at high speed. Nothing on SJa Radar.

— page 73 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Eighth War Patrol.

11455
Monotony radar contact 12,000 yards. One ship was seen momentarily as the rain lifted and his course was found to be heading him for CHICHI JIMA. Contact lost on radar.

1900
Stertdat search from chased.

31 May 1944
0200
Hevo coward, very possibly position of his for spocda from 6 knot to 10 knots and course 100 on each side of his base course. Either the radar is not operating properly - which I isrongly suspect after not picking him up until 7000 yards yesterday - or they have gone radically to the west.

0230
With no contact and no hoops of one, broke off search and started return to arce. We are now in SWORDFISH territory. Headed for SOU G.N to again try to coax the SJA into living us the excellent performance it should.

0505
Submerged for trim and to water batteries.

0815
Surfaced.

0855
Sirhted plane (H.IVIS) bearing 3150 R, distant 7 milos.

0950
Surfaced.

1023
Sirhted masts on horizon.

1025
Submerged and closed. Found 17 small fishing vessels with one larger trawler type. Hono of them were over 10 tons except the trawler who carried to be about 60 - 80 tons.

The temptation to surface and shoot up a fow was great, but to do so would prevent our reaching a rundazvous tonight. Also the sea are very heavy and visibility is none too good because of rain'sequalls.

-11-

— page 74 —
1250
1140
1630
1930
1951
2018
2038
2210

1. June 19th:
   - Continuing search at 2 engine speed.
   - Radar interference. This seems to be of the same frequency as the SJa.
   - Apparently acting as target for radar tracking problem for one of our own submarines. He was no longer sighted.
   - Submerged for trim and density layer.
   - Surface. Commenced surface patrol with SJa radar manned. Visibility poor to good. Rain, mist and heavy seas.
   - Sighted submarine bearing 200°T on horizon.
   - Definitely identified, so closed.
   - Exchanged recognition signals and calls with GROUP. No informed me he had a nice tracking problem last night. Had arrangements underway to would lot each other know by voice in case of contact. He was proceeding to his area.
   - SD Radar contact at 12 miles. Dov. GROUP was diving also. Plane not sighted.
   - Visibility closing in.
   - Surface. Although the SJa radar is not reliable, I felt we had better chances of contact by being on the surface. In this visibility we could see a target before being sighted. Continued search.

2. June 19th:
   - SJa radar out of commission - completely lost sweep.

-12-

— page 75 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234)

Subj:  U.S.S. KINGFISH * Report of Eighth War Patrol.

0l:32  Submerged for trim and routine torpedoes.
123l:  Surfaced.  Sky overhead.  Hazy and foggy.

3  June 19l:  Submerged for trim and density layers.
0l:10  Surfaced.
1157  Sight-d TORI SHIMA distant 147 miles.
1306  U.S.S. B'ITISH surfaced 5000 yards on port beam.
That is an uncomfortable fo'ling.

Made plans for contact reports by voice.  He proceeded west.
1417  Submerged and closed TORI SHIMA.
1911  Surfaced.

Tuned SJa radar.  It seems to be again working properly - after two days of work checking and tuning.
2215  Commenced high speed search north of TORI SHIMA.

4  June 19l:  SJa radar interference.
0l:15  Nothing sirrhdod.  Dow on probable track and at
0500 estimated position of any traffic heading for
CHICHI JIMA.
0925  Sirrhdod plane (BETTY) distant 7 miles.
1515  Surfaced.
1513  SD radar contact 7 miles and closing.  Hot sighted
by bridge.  Submerged.  He closed to 4 miles while
we wore going down.
1900  Surfaced.  Headed back toward own area.

5  June 19l:  Submerged.
0505  Sirrhdod enemy plane (BETTY), distant 5 miles circling.
1312  Surfaced.

6  June 19l:  SJa Radar contact on CHICHI JIMA, bearing 230°T,
0305  distant 46,000 yards.
0l:15  Submerged for patrol on eastern side of CHICHI JIMA.

— page 76 —
0615 SIGHTED CHICHI JIMA.
0700 Could make out what appeared to be 3 very high radio towers on highest peak of CHICHI JIMA. Weather rainy and foggy and these towers were not very clear.
1816 Surfacod.

7 June 1944:
: Closing H.H. JIMA. for look into harbors on eastern side.
0320 Radar contact on H.H. JIMA. Bearing 2500T, distant 40,000 yards.
0412 Submerged.
Closad island to 45 miles and inspected harbors.
No activity.
1357 Surfacod.

8 June 1944:
: 0604 Submerged for trim and density layers.
0653 Surfacod.

9 June 1944:
: Sighted float type plane (D.VE) distant 4 miles.
Submerged. This plane was headed for us. There was no indication on the SD radar.
1016 Surfacod.
1110 Sighted aircraft (SHIL) on starboard beam distant 6 miles, coming out of a cloud. Again no indication on the SD. This equipment has not given satisfactory service for the past five patrols. It is inconsistent and unreliable.

Having been forced down twice and with the sky filled with scattered clouds and SD Radar unreliable, decided to conduct patrol at 55 feet.
1130 Sound picked up. Scraves at 0500 R.
1133 Sighted friendly submarine - probably SWORDFISH on course 3500T, range 5000 yards. As he was not in sight just prior to diving, he must have just surfaced.
1115 Just planning to surface when he dove. Probably he found our friend the 4 engine Jap plane. Continued submerged patrol.

— page 77 —
1815 Surfaecod.
Doper toad area for MIDWAY.

10 June 1944
Enroute MIDWAY.
Made daily trim dive.

11 June 1944
Enroute MIDWAY.
Sighted enemy plane (EMILY) distant 7 miles. Not
detected by radar. Dov.

12:45 Surfaced.

14 June 1944
Sighted Red channel buoy with numeral 4 painted
on top. It was badly dented and very rusty. Sank
with 20 mm gunfire.

15 June 1944
00:48 SJa radar interference (probably PETO) which
continued until
01:20 Sighted PETO.
0715 Lookout reported periscope on starboard bow - range
about 6000 yards. Narrowed to avoid and notified
PETO and escort planes by Vyceall.
0900 Noord MIDWAY.
1500 Underway MIDWAY to PEH LHRBOR in company with PETO.

19 June 1944
Noord Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T. H.

NOTE: Page No. 16 is blank.

— page 78 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234)

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Eighth "Wet Patrol."

C. WEATHER:
The weather followed closely that described in the Coast Pilot. For the most it was foggy, rainy and overcast.

D. TIDAL INFORMATION:
No abnormal conditions were found.

E. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS:
None observed.

F. SHIP CONTACTS:
Soo page 28.

G. AIRCRAFT CONTACTS:
Soo page 29.

H. MINES:
No minable waters were approached.

J. ANTI-SUBMARINE TESUNES AND EVASION TACTICS:
Is no attacks were made. There is no comment.

K. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE:
Soo pages 24 through 27.

L. RADIO:
Reception was reliable throughout the patrol. All serial messages except # 87 of June 7th were received. Quite frequently while copying on 9090 kcs. with signal

— page 79 —
U.S.S. KINGFISHER (SS234)

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISHER - Report of Eighth War Patrol.

strength 5, this signal would disappear although signals could be heard on either aide of the same band. The operator immediately shifted to 6300 kcs. and then shift back to 9090 kcs for copying.

On message (our 251250) of May) was sent while on station on 8470 kcs. This was sent during morning twilight and after attempts to raise NPT failed, was sent blind before diving. No receipt was received for the transmission. Japanese interforcnce was strong at the time.

Continuous watches wore stood on 1450 and 500 kcs. Nothing was heard except Japanese transmissions on other.

M. RADAR:

The Sja radar gave very unsatisfactory performance for a major part of the patrol. Shortly after leaving port sensitivity gradually decreased until arrival in the area when the Sja failed to pick up a 2630 ft. mountain at ten miles.

Several major and minor difficulties were discovered and corrected. We were then able to carry the mountain out to 60,000 yards. Sensitivity again slipped since a weak later we failed to pick up escorts of a convoy further than a range of 6,000 yards. The radar again went through a complete rochock end returning job.

Although the radar failed in its function, it acted as a good radar detector against friendly submarines. We were able to counter-track them by the interforcnce.

This equipment will require a complete rolining in port before maximum performance can be obtained.

The SD Radar worked satisfactorily when leaving port. Several contacts were made in the area during the first wok, maximum range being 2,1 miles. Sensitivity however gradually decreased during the patrol to the extent that we were forced down from several sixth contacts, three of them being four motorod patrol planes within seven miles.

-10-

— page 80 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS251)

Confidential

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Eighth War Patrol.

If an 0.1.0. wavemotor could be carried constant
checking and tuning would be possible with improved op-
eration and reliability of the equipment as a result.

A complete checkover of the equipment showed normal
conditions, however there was no way to check the wave
lengths.

N. SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS:

Sound conditions are good throughout the area
covered on this patrol. Only on one occasion were scores
heard. This time the JK picked up a friendly submarine
at 6000 yards. After the JP was coached onto the boaring
it carried the scores out to 12,000 yards.

The CB head still retains unstratified, Maximum
reception is 2,000, a condition which has existed since
Heavy Yard overhaul five runs ago.

The efficiency of both sound heads is greatly reduced
by the high noise level in the training gear and worn shaft
spiders.

O. DENSITY LAYERS:

Soc page 30.

P. WEALTH, FOOD AND HEALTH: BILLY:

Health of the entire crew was excellent.

Foot was ample, well diversified, and excellently
prepared.

Habitability was normal. The four-to-n hour dives
left us somewhat lacking in oxygen, but this was not
unduly felt.

-19-

— page 81 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SC234)

COMPIDENTIAL

Subject:  U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Eighth Ver Patrol.

Q. PERSONNEL:

At the start of this patrol a definite course of
lectures was scheduled. Every other day was devoted to
individual instruction. The lectures covered the entire
boat and were given by the leading petty officers.

Each non-qualified man was paired off with a roll
qualified man who coached him throughout the entire period.
At the end of this period (one month) the "students" were
taken through the boat, first by the leading CPOs and then
by a qualified officer.

The leading petty officers are observant of great credit
because of their thoroughness and enthusiasm. Each one
drew up a large sketch to accompany his lecture and those
sketches were left on the crew's moss bulkhead.

The individual attention given to each student proved
of immeasurable value and those now designated as "qualified"
felt that it was truly earned.

At the beginning of the patrol there were 22 non-
qualified men aboard. With the intensive schedule main-
tained there are now 0 unqualified.

Of five non-qualified officers three have completed
two or more patrols and will be recommended for qualifi-
cation. Their enthusiasm has equaled that of the men and
all have completed the course of lectures and sketches.

R. MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED:

BASE (INJUNO) to Area - 2100 miles - 22,959 gals.
In Area - 1600 miles - 11,220 gals.
Area to Base - 2000 miles - 21,136 gals.

-20-

— page 82 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234)

Confidential

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Eighth War Patrol.

S. DURATION:

Days enroute area - - - - 8
Days in area - - - - 31
Days enroute base - - - - 7
Days submerged - - - - 19

T. FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING:

Torpedoes | Fuel | Provisions | Personnel
---|---|---|---
23 | 28,276 | 20 | 10

Limiting Factor this patrol - Operation Order and also fuel.

U. REMARKS:

EXPLOSION OF THE TORPEDO IN NUMBER EIGHT TUBE, REPORT 02.

TORPEDO NO. 5,4201 | MK. XVIII

The first indication of the explosion was the presence of about 8 pounds pressure on the tube gauge. On venting the tube, it was found to spade yellow fumes and smoke. The tube was immediately opened and the torpedo was withdrawn. It was found to be smoking from the battery compartment, which was warm throughout its length, but not too hot to hold one's hand on the compartment. Upon opening all the handle plates on the battery compartment, it was found that the fire, if fire it had been, had gone out. As soon as the existing fumes had blown away, the fire was no further sign of fire. This permitted a close examination of the torpedo. The following things were determined:

1. The battery itself was melted and beyond use from number three handle plate aft.
2. The battery compartment was warped but still tight.

— page 83 —
U.S.S. KINGFISHER (SS234)

Subject:  U.S.S. KINGFISHER - Report of Mighty War Patrol.

3. The battery was still giving off hydrogen.
4. The hydrogen burning circuit was still intact and tested continuous.
5. Thor was no grounds in the motor circuit aft of the battery compartment.
6. The torpedo as a weapon was worthless.

It was decided to get rid of the torpedo by firing it, since the hydrogen generated would continue to be given off as long as the thing remained aboard; thor was a full patrol ahead of us and we did not want such a hazard aboard.

The gyro, oxyclodor mechanism and the booster were removed and the torpedo returned to the tube. On word from the bridge, the torpedo was fired. It cleared the tube normally.

Previous to fire, the torpedo had been ventilated in the normal manner about thirty six hours before. The circuits had been tested for continuity and the battery for grounds about twelve hours previously. It had been five days since the last charge.

It has been decided to ventilate all torpedoes every twenty four hours henceforth.

It was noted at the time of the fire that the hydrogen eliminator circuit light was still burning.

Main Storage Battery:

For the past several patrols it was noticed that the rubber connecting slosives in the battery ventilation system were starting to leak and allow acid to run down on the cell tops. By the end of the seventh patrol this condition had become very much worse, and it was very difficult to keep the battery free from grounds. In the last refit period a request was made to the U.S.S. SPERRY to renew all of those slosives, but since no spares were available, this was not accomplished.

— page 90 —
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subj:  U.S.S. KINGFISH - Report of Eighth War Patrol.

G.  AIRCRAFT CONTACTS:
| No. | Time   | Lat.  | Long. | Type | Range (miles) | How Cont. | Remarks |
|-----||-------|-------|------||||
| 1   | 5 May  | 18-12N| B-26  | 14   | R-SD        |           |         |
| 2   | 11 May | 25-37N|       |       |           |           |         |
| 3   | 11 May | 26-36N|       |       |           |           |         |
| 4   | 12 May | 11-37E|       |       |           |           |         |
| 5   | 12 May | 25-19N|       |       |           |           |         |
| 6   | 12 May | 11-32E|       |       |           |           |         |
| 7   | 12 May | 25-19N| BERTTY| 2    | P          | Circling our position |         |
| 8   | 27 May | 139-23E| EMILY| 8-10 | SD         |           |         |
| 9   | 31 May | 26-26N|       |       |           |           |         |
| 10  | 1 June | 29-16N|       |       |           |           |         |
| 11  | 1 June | 10-52E|       |       |           |           |         |
| 12  | 4 June | 30-12N|       |       |           |           |         |
| 13  | 4 June | 30-01N|       |       |           |           |         |
| 14  | 5 June | 28-27N|       |       |           |           |         |
| 15  | 5 June | 11-56E|       |       |           |           |         |
| 16  | 9 June | 27-23N|       |       |           |           |         |
| 17  | 9 June | 11-37E|       |       |           |           |         |
| 18  | 11 June| 28-20N|       |       |           |           |         |
| 19  | 11 June| 15-30E|       |       |           |           |         |
| 20  | 11 June| 15-30E|       |       |           |           |         |

-29-

— page 91 —
U.S.S. KINGFISHER (SS234L)
CONFIDENTIAL

Subj:  U.S.S. KINGFISHER - Report of Eighth Tor Patrol.

DISTINCTIVELY LABELS:
Dato 5-6-44 19-1-31 162-16S 180
5-7-44 21-1-41 157-33S 250
5-9-44 21-25N 148-22B 150
5-10-44 25-23N 143-17S 250
5-11-44 25-3-41 141-32D 205
5-12-44 25-25N 141-31S 210
5-13-44 26-08N 142-21B 215
5-14-44 25-23N 141-36S 250
5-15-44 25-33N 142-28S 200
5-16-44 25-19N 139-30S 240
5-17-44 25-50N 139-20E 260
5-18-44 26-21N 139-29S 210
5-19-44 25-08N 139-23S 200
5-20-44 25-16N 141-06S 210
5-21-44 26-35N 141-50B 205
5-22-44 26-47N 141-48S 250
5-23-44 26-23N 140-49S 220
5-24-44 28-45N 140-06S 210
5-25-44 28-04N 141-28S 210
5-26-44 29-09N 140-47S 215
5-27-44 28-14N 139-31S 270
5-28-44 29-10N 139-06S 200
5-29-44 30-14N 141-20S 200
5-30-44 29-09N 140-58S 255
5-31-44 28-26N 141-33S 155
6-1-44 29-21N 141-47S 200
6-2-44 28-15N 141-51S 225
6-3-44 29-27N 142-10S 250
6-4-44 30-13N 140-20S 195
6-5-44 28-39N 141-53S 280
6-6-44 27-17N 142-31S 200
6-7-44 26-12N 142-15S 235
6-8-44 26-57N 143-20S 290
6-9-44 27-23N 143-57S 255
TEMP.  Temp

— page 93 —
4. Ventilating the torpedoes every 24 hours after the torpedo hydrogen explosion in the after most was a sound decision. As an afterthought the Division Commander recalls that he 'ventilated as often as 4 hours on a Patrol during which he experienced a si-iler explosion in a tube in the forward torpedo room.

5. The instructions carried out for non-qualified personnel is almost mandatory for efficient training on Patrol, and Commanding Officers are following that procedure more and more.

6. The U.S.S. KINGFISH is returning to the coast for a Navy Yard overhaul.

G. R. DONAHO.

— page 94 —
11/jak
FC5-4/A16-3
Serial 0243
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS KINGFISH - Report
of Eighth War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH (S3234) - Report of "War Patrol
Number EIGHT.

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

C. E. ALDRICH.

— page 95 —
12-10/A16-3(15)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01306
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
KINGFISH Report of
Eighth War Patrol.
CONSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 458
U.S.S. KINGFISH - EIGHTH WAR PATROL.
From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234) - Report of Eighth War Patrol.
(1 May to 19 June 1944).

1. The eighth war patrol of the KINGFISH was conducted in the vicinity of the Bonin Islands.
2. Three contacts worthy of torpedo fire were made, two of which the KINGFISH was able to close but handicapped by faulty radar performance and poor visibility, was not able to attack.
3. This patrol is not designated as "Successful" for Combat Insignia Award.

C. A. LOCKWOOD, JR.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
Comservpac (1)
Cincolant (1)
Consubslant (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowospac (2)
CTF 72 (2)
Comsubsowospac (2)
Comnorpac (1)
Consubspac (20)
SUBJ, INT (2)
ConsubspacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Subspac (2)
Consubstrainpac (1)
All Submarines, Subspac (1)
Cincpac (6)

H. V. TUTTLE,
Flag Secretary.

— page 97 —
SS23/4/A16-3
Serial (83)
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS23/4)
Report of Ninth War Patrol.
C-C-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

(A) PROLOGUE.

Arrived Pearl Harbor on 20 June 1944 from eighth war patrol and proceeded to Navy Yard, Mare Island, California on 22 June 1944, for normal overhaul. Arrived at Mare Island Navy Yard on 28 June 1944, and on 29 June 1944, Lieutenant Commander T. E. HARPER, U.S.N., relieved Commander H. L. JUNES, U.S.N., of command of the U.S.S. Kingfish. On 13 September 1944 departed Navy Yard, Mare Island, California and proceeded to Pearl Harbor. Six days special availability were given to reinstall the brush rigging in all four main motors which was found to be installed hand tight. Seven days underway training were had during which six exercise torpedoes were fired, and an underway sound test was conducted at sea. Prepared Pearl Harbor on 12 October 1944 for patrol via Midway.

During the overhaul, Lieutenant R.E.M. CONWELL, U.S.N., was transferred to New Construction and Lieutenant (junior grade) P.T. MENOHR E-V(G), U.S.N.R., and Ensign R.T. HUGHES, DE-V(G), U.S.N.R., reported aboard for duty. Lieutenant W.L. BRUCKART O-V (RS), U.S.N.R., reported aboard for duty in Pearl Harbor.

(B) NARRATIVE.

12-13 October
1330 (V-W)
DCParted Pearl Harbor, Made trim dive.

14 October
1210 (W)
VAUGHN, John Anthony, EM1g, 291 46 33, U.S.N., was badly wounded in his left arm and left side and FLOYD, William Erich, CDM(PA)(SS), 258 01 02, U.S.N.R., was struck in his left index finger when FLOYD accidentally fired a .45 caliber pistol. Proceeded directly to Midway.

15 October
1730 (X)
Arrived Midway and transferred injured man to U.S. Naval Hospital, Midway Island. A separate report covering details with statements from FLOYD and KING, Robert Charles, GM2c, 626 47 34, U.S.N.R., who was present at the time of the accident, has been submitted to ComSubPac, Administration, Midway.

ENCLOSURE (A) -1-

— page 98 —
16 October
1000 (Y)
2200 (Y)

Departing Midway. Made trim dive.
Crossed International date line. Changed date
to 17 October 1944, (M).

Enroute area. Held daily training dives, emergency drills, and tracking problems. Fired
20 MM. guns.

Lat. 28-147 N Long. 159-11 E.
Barometer started dropping, wind backed around
to East and hoagy swells picked up from the West.
Barometer still dropping, reining continually,
lightning all about.
Barometer still dropping. The wind had slowly
backed around to 250 T; slowed to turns for 10
knots. Wind estimated between 40-50 knots

Lowest barometer reading 29.29. Barometer commenced rising, rain, wind and lightning continuing.
Skies clearing, wind moderated and shifted to
N.W. Estimated that center of storm crossed our
track 125 miles to the West, moving in a North-
Eastly direction.
Piro in the manoeuvring room. All Stop, on which
the fire extinguished itself. Inspection
revealed that four bolts holding the bus bars together (Generator & Armature) on the starboard
side of the cubicle had loosened up, arced, and
fused. The fused bolts were ronowed - All other
bus commutator bolts were inspected and found to
be tight. (See Material Defects).

Proceeding to area. Changed clanks to (K) time.

Entered assigned area.
Submerged on course 230 T.
Sighted masts and smoke bearing 2/1 T. (Contact
#1,2,& 3) (Attack #1) of small convoy consisting
of an engine aft freighter, escorted by one DD
and one patrol vassol, all zig-zagging radically,
with the DD patrolling station.
The froighter, at 2800 yards, zigged to give a
10 degree port angle on the bow.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 99 —
23 October 1034 (K)
: 1034 (K)
: 1036 (K)
: 1010 (K)
: 1108 (K)
: 1210 (K)
: 1210 (K)
: 1320 (K)
: 1325 (K)
: 1315 (K)
: 1855 (K)
: 2035 (K)
: 2210 (K)
: 2235 (K)
: 2300 (K)
: 25 October 1034 (K)
: 0330 (K)
: 25 October 1034 (K)
:

— page 100 —
25 October 05140 (K)
: 1000 (K)
: 1630 (K)
: 1813 (I)
: 2300 (I)
: 26 October 19141
: 0812 (I)
: 1020 (I)
: 1815 (I)
: 2133 (I)
: 21148 (I)
: 2226 (I)
: 22145 (I)
: 27 October 0022 (I)
: 0109 (I)
: 0110 (I)

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 101 —
27 October
0110 (I)
The attack was later plotted and showed that the first torpedo hit amidships, and that the third hit just inside the bow. All the noises of a burning and breaking up ship were heard on the sound goars and through the hull.

: 0112 (I)
Swung loft and went deep.
First depth charge of a total of six. None particularly close. Escort commenced pinging for the first time on the first torpedo explosion. Still hearing sputtering and breaking up noises from target direction.

: 0120
All clear, coming to periscope depth.
Surfaced. Only one pip on SJ Radar, range 16,000 yards, opening, in direction of last sound contact. Prior to attack both target and escort were easily picked up out to 20,000 yards on SJ.

: 0250
Range to escort opened to 21,000 yards and was not seen again on SJ. Cleared area to the South East. Submerged. Reloaded. Ran test on forward gyro regulator and found it to be operational correctly. Only solution that could be advanced was that the gyro not tipped the torpedoes fired was stiff and had tripped the overload relays in the regulator. Daily tests of this piece of equipment are being carefully made.

: 0910 (I)
1525 (I)
Heard three heavy, but distant explosions. Sighted masts bearing 2l0 T (Contacts # 8,9 & 10) (Attack #5); charged course to close. Lat: 25-09 N Long: 1ll-37 E.

: 1537 (I)
Target turned out to be a small freighter, escorted by what appeared to be a brand new patrol vessel very similar in lines to the SHIMUSHU class mine layer and a second escort similar to an SC boat. Camed to a normal approach course and tracked the target zig-zagging on base course 050 T., making six knots through the water. The larger escort was dead ahead of the target about 2000 yards and the smaller about 3000 yards on the targets starboard quarter. Both escorts wore pinging.

: 1610 (I)
With range to target 3700 yards, came to 330 T., for a 90 degree starboard track. Escort leading target started to draw across the bow and all looked like a fine set up no matter which way the target zigged to his next log. The next observation on the bow. On subsequent looks, this escort never actually steadied heading directly for us but kept swinging back and forth putting us on his starboard bow and then his port.

ENCLOSURE: (A)

— page 103 —
31 October
1830 (I)    Surfaced.

1 November
0415 (I)    SJ R'dar contact on OKINAWA, range 100,000 yards, bearing 280 T.
0530 (I)    Submerged.
1828 (I)    Surfaced.

2 November
0000 (I)    Lookout sighted low flying plane (Aircraft contact #3), dead ahead crossing bow in the moonlight.
Divod.
0043 (I)    Surfaced. All closer.
0522 (I)    Submerged.
1829 (I)    Surfaced. Commenced closing islands.

3 November
0130 (I)    SJ Rader contact on OKINAWA range 100,000 yards, bearing 270 T.
0507 (I)    Submerged.
1840 (I)    Surfaced.

4 November
0533 (I)    Submerged.
1851 (I)    Surfaced.
2300 (I)    O.O.D., sighted periscope 1200 yards on port bow, on edge of the moon's streak. Right full rudder and cleared the area to the North on four engines.

5 November
0136 (I)    SJ Rader contact, bearing 060 T., range 3000 yards Turned away and speeded up. Could see nothing in the bright moon light! This was the first of six contacts made in the next two hours, all inside of 1000 yards. One was picked up dead ahead and while turning away it was tracked into 100 yards and then disappeared. As it was a flat calm night, it is suspected that contacts were possibly on whale spouts and birds; principally, because the contacts were initially good pips on the Radar for five and six sweeps and then would die a peep. Novortholess a periscope might give 'the same type of contact on the Radar so commenced zig-zagging more radically.

0510 (I)    Submerged.
1810 (I)    Sighted white light. Appeared to be on fishing boat, 3 to 4 miles astern. (Contact #11)
1847 (I)    Surfaced. Could make no Radar contact on bearing of light. Circled around to the South and proceeded between OKINOERABU*SHIMA and YORON SHIMA.

-7-

— page 104 —
6 November
0511 (I) Submerged. The Auxiliary engine failed to stop when tripped by the engine emergency stop. Surface and broke the fuel line to stop the engine. (See Material Failures).

0514 (I) Submerged.
1518 (I) Surface.
1937 (I) 0.0.D., sighted light which appeared to be running 14th of a plane. Submerged.

2020 (I) Surface. All clear.
2310 (I) Made 3J Radar contact 7000 yards, bearing 130 T., Put contact as normal. Range closed to 4300 yards and remained constant. Nothing in sight. The sea was calm, and the moon shining brightly. Opened range to 6500 yards and slowed down. Lost contact. This contact was the first of a half a dozen more Radar contacts, most of which wore inside 4000 yards. The sea was flat calm. Nothing was ever sighted on bearing of contacts, though the visibility was excellent with a 3/4 moon shining brightly. Put stern to all contacts and continued radical zig-zags.

7 November
0512 (I) Submerged.
0650 (I) Sighted two twin engine bombers on Easterly course, (Aircraft contact #4).

0920 (I) 0.0.D., sighted smoke bearing 097 T., distance 30,000 yards, approximately, visibility excellent, Determined that there were at least four ships, all smoking intermittently, moving on a Northerly course at about 6 knots. Came to 020 T and went to 2/3 speed.

1127 (I) Range had closed to 20,000 yards; continued converging track of convoy at 2/3 speed.

1307 (I) Sighted smoke and tops of ship, bearing 080 T., distance 15,000 yards. (Contact #12). Tracked this ship to be on a Southerly course. Angle on the bow was 90 degrees starboard. As it would be impossible to close this ship, continued following the convoy at 2/3 speed to the North.

1140 (I) Sighted smoke bearing 107 T. Tracked this ship to be on a Southerly course, in company with the Ship sighted at 1307.

1518 (I) Lost sight of smoke of the two ships moving South.

1700 (I) Lost sight of smoke of convoy we are following. Have solved the speed to be 6 knots on 005 T.

— page 105 —
7 November 1807 (I)
: 1835 (I)
: 1911 (I)
: 1915 (I)
: 2135 (I)
: 2230 (I)
: ENCLOSURE (A)

: U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS23L)
: Report of Ninth War Patrol.

: C-O-N-R-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Sighted smoke, bearing 092 T., change of bearing showed this ship to be on a Northw. course. Surfaced. S3 Radar contact. 18,000 yards, bearing 082-T (Contact #13 and 14). Closed range to 14,000 yards, and estimated from PPI that target was a small ship with one escort patrolling ahead. As this ship was going our way apparently following the same track as the convoy we had been following all day, sent contact message on convoy to ComSubPac and continued chase on course 005 T. Made S3 Radar contact #15, range 4300 yards, broad on port bow. The pip on the PPI looked similar to the many unexplained pips we have had in this area. But as the range continued to close and the pip continued to appear on every sweep of the PPI, came right to 090 and watched this pip cross over on the PPI with all hands on the bridge straining their eyes into the darkness! Nothing was sighted. Though the range closed to 2400 yards and then opened to 1500 yards. Where the contact disappeared. A pilot, of the range and bearings recorded at this contact, showed the contact, course at about 21 knots. The pip of this contact on the PPI was not sharp like those given by a steel hull, but when range of contact was inside of 1500 yards it appeared on every sweep and was easily distinguished from a wave echo. Received receipt for contact message on convoy. Changed course to 005 T. Made S3 Radar contact #16 on convoy of five ships range 22,000 yards, bearing 010 T. Sent contact report on area frequency. Commenced wide end around to the East.

Made S3 Radar contact range 2400 yards, 110 relative. The pip on the PPI was identical with that of the contact at 1911. The range closed quickly and remained steady at 1400 yards, while we put the storm toward the contact and went ahead flank and some. The Radar was finally proven right as the Executive Officer, J.O.O.W., and the lookouts could see the wake of a craft cutting across our storm with a sharp track angle. Much black smoke was streaming behind the craft. The range eventually opened to 3800 yards where contact was lost. A plot of the ranges and bearings recorded on this contact,

— page 106 —
7 November
2230 (I)  again showed the craft had been making in the vicinity of 21 knots at first and later slowing down. Mounted a 20 MM. gun aft and took
off on PPIs weapons on the 8,000 yard scale.
: 22L0 (I)  Convoy was nowhere in 270 T, range 16,000 yards
Continued to draw ahead of convoy. No Radar
indications had been found on the APR gear.
There had been weak Radar interference on the
SJ all evening which was thought to be from
the Soa Fox and Billfish.

8 November
000L (I)  Made SJ Radar contact similar to previous close
contacts. Range 3800 yards bearing 0L0 relative.
: 0005 (I)  Without any change of range and than faded out.
: 0015 (I)  The starboard lookout sighted the wake of a
torpedo forward of the starboard beam. Left
full rudder. Three very brilliant phosphorescent wake crossed ahead as we swung left to
parallcl. All ahead flank; commencd cig
zagging radically.
: 0115 (I)  Convoy commenced zig-zagging.
: 0118 (I)  The convoy was now 25 T. Changed
course to 200 T and when range was 11,000
yards, submerged to Radar depth. The night
was overcast, but the moon had risen at 2350
lighting up the horizon, somewhat. Conditions
were excellent for a surface attack, but at
the time it was thought to be better judgement
to attack at Radar depth, while there was
someone in the vicinity who could keep contact
on us well enough to make an attack.
: 0123 (I)  The set up looked good. There were two close
columns of ships on line of bearing with an
escort on each flank 3000 yards ahead. Continued to close the leader of the near col
umn on a sharp track.
: 0128 (I)  Heard three distant heavy explosions. Did
not sound like depth charges.
: 0141 (I)  Sound conditions were very poor. The intermittent drizzle we had had all night was
turning into a down pour.
: 0144 (I)  Range to the nearest escort was 3200 yards.
His bearing was remaining constant, so went
to periscope depth. Sound could not hear his
escort and never did even when this escort's
bow wave was observed to cut across our bow
and his whole silhouette filled the field of
the periscope.
: 0

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 107 —
8 November
: 0143 (I)
: 0152 (I)
: 0153 (I)
: 0156 (I)
: 0158 (I)
: 0203 (I)
: 0209 (I)
: 0215 (I)
: 0214 (I)
: 0216 (I)
: 0305 (I)
: 0335 (I)
: 0502 (I)

ENCLOSURE (A) -11-

— page 108 —
8 November
0502 (I) Sincerly hope this last two contact messages sent will help some one intercept this convoy.
0619 (I) Hoard distant explosions.
0715 (I) Hoard distant explosions.
0733 (I) Hoard two sharp distant explosions.
0900 (I) Skies clearing - visibility improved. Had boon unable to keep contact on smoke of convoy as we had all day yesterday. Rovvased course to intercept single ship contacted last night at 1835 which was heading North.
1032 (I) Another distant explosion.
1838 (I) Surfacad. Changed course to 205 T., returning to area.
2135 (I) Radar interference on SJ on two bearings. Assumed to be Sea Fox and Billifish. Overcast and raining again.
2312 (I) Changed course to 125 T to close the islands and establish position.

9 November
0340 (I) SJ Radar contact on TOKUNA SHIMA, 70,000 yards bearing 151 T.
0530 (I) Submerged.
1830 (I) Surfacad. Sulphur fums from TORI SHIMA very strong.

10 November
0613 (I) Submerged. Hoavy swolls from the North East. O orcast, rain and frosh N.E., wind blowing. Baromotor 29.5ft steady.
0800 (I) Poriscope observation difficult in this state of sea. Went to 100 foot and added one ring of packing in hydraulic accumulator.
1822 (I) Surfacad. No change in the weather. Changed course to close islands and obtain fix.
2125 (I) SJ Radar contact on IHEYA SHIMA, 60,000 yards, 106 T.
2235 (I) Changed course to 040 T.

11 November
0038 (I) SJ Radar interference, probably from POGY. Exchange of recognition signals was attempted with the SJ. Reception was not good. Novor received the correct signal or positively identified the Pogy. Probably due to the fact that we were over 30 miles apart.
0538 (I) Submerged. North East. Strong wind and sea from the Wind from the N.E., blowing a full gale.
0855 (I) Visibility zero.
1100 (I) Visibility zero.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 109 —
11 November
1100 (I)
1838 (I)
1900 (I)
12 November
0210 (I)
1539 (I)
1300 (I)
1838 (I)
13 November
0607 (I)
1821 (I)
114November
0513 (I)
1057 (I)
1837 (I)
ENCLOSURE (A)
-13-

— page 110 —
14 November
[1950 (I)]
SS 234/416-3
Serial (83)
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234)
Report of Ninth War Patrol
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

14 November
[1950 (I)]
SJ Radar contact bearing 015 T., 1500 yards.
Turned away end spooked up. Contact disappeared after fifth swoop of SJ. Slowed down and came back to base course. Nothing sighted from bridge.

15 November
0037 (I)
SJ Radar contact Bearing 270 T., range 4700 yards. Put storm toward contact end watched it appear on PPI for six or seven sweeps and then disappeared. Nothing sighted from bridge.

0531 (I)
Submerged. Patrolling 15 miles off South West coast of AMANTI O SHIMA.

1124 (I)
Sighted "JAKEB" (Aircraft contact #6)

1205 (I)
Sighted seven "ZEKES" in column (Aircraft Contact #7).

1222 (I)
Sighted "PEPSY" (Aircraft Contact #8)

1315 (I)
Sighted "BETTY" (Aircraft contact #9)

1335 (I)
Sighted "ZAKER" (Aircraft Contact #10)
All plane contacts were heading Southwest except the last which was circling to land near SOSTUCO ZAKI.

11428 (I)
Sighted "ZAKER" (Aircraft Contact #11) circling about SOTSUKO ZAKI.

1646 (I)
Sighted properly marked Hospital ship on course 015 T, at 10 knots (Contact # 17).

1835 (I)
Surfaced.

16 November
0603 (I)
Submerged.

1815 (I)
Surfaced.

17 November
0538 (I)
Tried to dive but could not get below 30 feet. Had flooded. a total of 30,000 lbs into auxiliaries and forward trim. Finally started down and leveled off at 140 foot, blowing safety. After investigating every angle that might have caused this behavior, finally came to the conclusion that bow buoyancy vent worked much too easily in hand.

1816 (I)
Surfaced without blowing bow buoyancy. The First Lieutenant went on deck and found bow buoyancy vents hanging open. Immediately removed the manhole cover to bow buoyancy. Closer inspection showed that rocker arm in bow buoyancy vent operating shaft arrangement had sheared off. See note under Major Defects and Damages.

ENCLOSURE (A) -14-

— page 111 —
18 November
0539 (I) Submerged.
1837 (I) Surfacod.

: 19 November
0518 (I) Submerged.
1838 (I) Surfacod.

: 20 November
0555 (I) Submerged.
1830 (I) Surfacod.
2330 (I) Passed South of SUW.NOSE SHIMA., 9 mils, proceeding to Eastward of islands.

: 21 November
0535 (I) Submerged.
1035 (I) Sighted 5 planes in formation, on Southorly course. (Air craft Contact #12)
1835 (I) Surfacod.
2138 (I) C/S to full; C/C to 055 T., proceeding to BUNGO SUIDO.

: 22 November
0525 (I) Sighted flashing red light on TOI MISAKI, distance 40 mils.
0533 (I) Submerged.
0950 (I) Sighted plane (BETTE type) on North Westerly course. (Air craft Contact #13).
1833 (I) Surfacod.

: 23 November
0513 (I) Submerged.
0717 (I) Sighted single Mast over horizon. Came to 55 foot; nothing more sighted. Only explain nation is that the mast sighted might have been a high periscope watch of submarine. Visibility was excellent at the time.
1010 (I) Sighted three planes (BETTE Type), flying low, apparently searching area. (Air craft contact #11).
1819 (I) Surfacod. Proceeding to Guan.

: 24 November
0602 (I) Submerged.
1813 (I) Surfacod.

ENCLOSURE (A) -15-

— page 112 —
25 November
: 26 November
: 27 November
: 0150 (I)
: 28 November
: 0345 (I)
: 1505

: U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234L)
: Report of Ninth War Patrol.

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

: Underway to Guam.
: Underway to Guam.
: Underway to Guam.
: Made SJ Radar contact'125 T., 8000 yards, on Spearfish. Having Radar interference on SJ from the bearings. Track contact out to 11,000 yards. As we passed clear on opposite and parallel courses.

: Radar contact on AM 155, exchanged recognition signals and proceeded to Guam.
: Moored starboard side to U.S.S. STRIGER alongside U.S.S. SPERRY.

ENCLOSURE (A) -16-

— page 114 —
SS234/A16-3
Serial (83)
U.S.S. KNIGFISH (SS234)
Report of Ninth War Patrol.

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

(E) Navigational Aids.

TOI MISAKI No. 1452 sighted at a distance of 38 to 40 miles
flashing every 40 seconds. (Red light flashing)

(F) SHIP CONTACTS.
TIME    LAT.    Int-    Est.    Est.    How    Remarks.
No.    DATE    LONG.    TYPE(S)    ial    course    con.
1    0945(K)   27-15N    Freighter    Range.    con.
    24 Oct.   1143-23E    15,000    yds.   050 T.   8.75    P    Similar to
    POLOZU on
    p.271 ONI-
    208 J.

2    0945(K)   27-15N   1 DD    15,000    yds.   050T.   8.75    P    Patrolling
    24 Oct.   1143-23E    KAMIKAZE    station
    ahead of
    Freighter

3.    0945(K)   27-15N    Patrol    15,000    yds.   050 T.   8.75    P    Converted
    24 Oct.   1143-23E    Yacht Type
    26 Oct.   1141-40E    Trawler    12,000    yds.   030 T.   8    R    Very small?
    Probably
    being used
    for supply
    for
    KITA IWO
    JIMA.

4.    2148(I)   25-25N    Tanker    20,000    yds.   215 T.   9    R    Loaded
    26 Oct.   1141-45E    Engines APT

7.    2148(I)   25-25N    PC Boat    20,000    yds   215 T.   9    R    Similar to
    26 Oct.   1141-45E    USS PC
    Boat. Es-
    corting
    contact
    #6.

8.    1525(I)   25-09N
    27 Oct.   1141-37E    Freighter    15,000    yds   030 T.   6    P    Similar to
    SHOBO MARU
    p.146 ONI 208J

9.    1525(I)   25-09N
    27 Oct.   1141-37E    Patrol Boat    15,000    yds.   030 T.   6    P    Similar to
    SHIMUSNU
    Class Mine
    Layer.

10-1525(I)   25-09N
    27 Oct.   1141-37E    SubChaser    15,000    yds.   030 T.   6    P    Similar to
    USS SUB-
    CHASER.

ENCLOSURE (A)    -18-

— page 115 —
SS234/A16-3
Serial (83)
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234)
Report of Ninth War Patrol.

C-C-N-P-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

(F) SHIP CONTACTS.
No. Time
Date
LAT.
TYPE(S)
LONG.
Initi-
ial
Range.
Est.
Course
Speed
Est.
How
con
Remarks.
tact

11 18L0(I) 27-06N
5 Nov.
Unidentified
6,000 yds.
045T.
5
P
Probably
Sempan
Showing
dim light.

12 1307(I) 27-27N
7 Nov
Freighter
16,000 yds.
180 T.
10
P
Cool Bur-
ner could
not close.

13 1835(I) 27-45N
7 Nov
Freighter
18,000 yds.
005 T.
7
P
Sighted
smoke of
Freighter,
not iden-
tified.

14 1835(I) 27-45N
7 Nov
Escort
11,000 yds.
005 T.
7
R
Uniden-
tified.

15 1911(I) 27-53N
7 Nov
126-58E
Escort
4,390 yds.
135 T.
21
R.
Uniden-
tified
Anti-Sub
marine
measures.

16 2135(I) 28-32N
7 Nov
127-10E
Convoy
22,000 yards.
005 T.
8
R
Five Fro-
ighters-
Two es-
corts.

17 1616(I) 28-18N
15 Nov
128-57E
Hospital
8,000 yds.
015 T.
10
P
Properly
marked.

ENCLOSURE (A)
-19-

— page 116 —
1 2 3 4
SS23/L/16-3
Serial (85)
U.S.S. KNIGFISH (SS23L)
Report of Ninth War Patrol.

CONTACT NUMBER: 1 2 3 4
DATE: 10/28/44 10/29/44 11/2/44 11/7/44
TIME (ZONE): 1018 0957 0000 0650
POSITION L.A.T.: 25-52 N 26-22 N 26-29 N 27-19 N
POSITION LONG.: 142-27 E 138-36 E 129-30 E 126-44 E
SPEED: 15 knots 17.5 14.5 2
COURSE: 270 280 090 135
TRIM: Surf Surf Surf Per
MINUTES SINCE LAST
R.D.R. (SD) SEARCH: 0
NUMBER UNKNOWN 1 1 2
TYPE B-2L UNKNOWN UNLS BETTY
PROBABLE MISSION ATTACK PATROL PATROL PATROL
HOW CONTACTED SD SD & PER. SIGHT PER.
INITIAL R.NGE 32 Milos 15 4 7
ELEVATION INCL. UNKNOWN 29 19 39
RANGE TO RELATIVE.
BE. RING OF PL.NE
WHEN IT DETECTED S/M ND ND ND
(Boaulfort) 3 1 5 2
SEA (Direction Rel.) 215 195 090 135
Visibility Miles 20 20 10 15
Clouds: foot. 5000 10,000 8,000 6,000
Porcent. overcast. .5 .4 .3 .6
Bearing (Rel.)
Moon Angle Percent Illum. 60

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol Light Grey.

ENCLOSURE (A) -20-

— page 121 —
SS23L/A16-3
Serial (85)
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS23L)
Report of Ninth War Patrol
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
(H) ATTACK DATA.

Torpedo Attack Report Form.

U.S.S. KINGFISH
TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2
Patrol NO.9.
Time 2133-0110
Date October 27, 1944
Lat. 25-22N
Long. 1141-31E.

Target Data-Damage Inflicted.

Description:
Unidentified engine aft tanker, escorted by PC type ship. Contacted by Radar and observed in moonlight from 9500 yards. Visibility excellent.

Ship(s) Sunk: None, modium AO (EU), 5000 tons.

Ship(s) Damaged: None.

Damage determined by: Two timed hits each followed by heavy explosions. Hoard sputtering and breaking up noises through hull and on all sound guns. Target not on Radar after surfacing from attack.

Range.
Target draft: 25' Course 212 T. Speed 9 knots 1130-1080

OWN SHIP DATA.
Speed 4 knots Course 130 T. Depth 63' Angle 19' Dive.

Fire control and Torpedo Data.

Type Attack.
Fire three MK-18-1 torpedoes down sea with depth setting four feet. All torpedoes ran straight and normal. Two timed hits in target. Matched gyros in hand. Tracked target by Radar and then submerged to Radar depth. Used periscope depth for firing. Fired on sound bearings from QB sound head, as moon had not and visibility was too poor to use periscope. Overload relay on gyro angle setters forward kicked out when in "Power" position. This is believed to have been due to a faulty ball race on the gyro in NO.1, tube, the torpedo, however, ran straight and normal.

REMARKS.

ENCLOSURE (A) +25-

— page 122 —
SS2514/A16-3
Serial (83)    U.S.S. KINGFISH(SS 2314)
Report of Ninth War Patrol.

|    | C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L |
|---||
| Tubos fired | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Track Angle | 92 S | 93 S | 94 S |
| Gyro Angle | 352-50 | 352-50 | 358-30 |
| Depth Set | 4' | 4' | 4' |
| Power | - | - | - |
| Hit or Miss | Hit | Miss | Hit |
| Erratic | No | No | No |
| MK Torpedo | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 |
| Serial No. | 56840 | 56878 | 56912 |
| MK Exploder | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 |
| Serial No. | 9523 | 9594 | 9602 |
| Actuation set | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation actual | Contact | - | Contact |
| MK Warhead | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 |
| Serial No. | 4079 | 4026 | 3950 |
| Explosive | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex |
| Firing interval | 0 | 12 sec. | 25 Sec. |
| Type spread | 0 | 1-1/8 L | 1-1/8 R. |
| Sea Conditions | Moderato, with swells. |
| Overhaul Activity | Submarine Base, P.H., for all three. |

ENCLOSURE (A) -24-

— page 125 —
1. USS S-23, KINGFISH (SS-23), Serial (85), Report of Ninth War Patrol.
2. G-C-N-F-I-D-E-N-C-E.
3. BONIN AREA.
4. ATTACK #1. Two escorts, a DD and a patrol craft, wore contact during this attack escorting a single ship. Those escorts wore not using their echo ranging gear when contacted, but commenced pinging immediately after the single hit in the target. Evasion was accomplished by going deep and running at 80 RPMs, keeping escorts astern. A 15 doggo tomopraturo gradient was at 155 feet. Escorts now made contact. In clearing the area, submorgad, a course was taken to head into the surface wind, of 2l, depth charges dropped only one was close and apparently overhead. Escorts seemed to be both charging the area near the attack instead of making definite runs.

BONIN AREA.

ATTACK #2. One escort, a PC type escort was contacted during this attack escorting a single ship. This escort was not using his echo ranging gear when contacted, but commenced pinging immediately after the target was hit. Evasion accomplished by going deep and running at 80 RPM, keeping escort astern. A large tomopraturo gradient was encountered. Escort never made contact; depth charging was negligible and apparently at random.

BONIN AREA.

ATTACK #3. Two escorts, one similar to small minelayer, the other similar to SC boat. Both wore echo ranging. At a range of about 3000yards with our beam to the larger escort, he apparently made contact as he commenced swinging back and forth putting us first on one bow, then on the other, pinging steadily with a good strong ping. He no doubt was suspicious. Apparently he alerted the target, as the target was observed to belch much smoke at time of firing three electric torpedoes. Sound gears reported target speeding up, but too late. Evasion was accomplished by going deep, under a good tomopraturo gradient running at 80 RPMs, and keeping escorts astern. All 12 depth charges dropped were close but overhead. During the drop the charging speed was increased to 100 RPMs.

ENCLOSURE (A) -29-

— page 127 —
SS234/A16-3
Serial (83)
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234)
Report of Ninth War Patrol.
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L.

(1) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE.

ARMA GYRO COMPASS MARK -7 Model 2.
On September 22, the north and south rotors underwent a hot run test at the gyro shop at Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor. At the end of the test the North vacuum read 30 inches and the South vacuum read 28 inches. The south rotor vacuum gauge was reported faulty but not repaired. At the start of the patrol the North vacuum read 30 inches and the South vacuum 26.5 inches, and was otherwise observed normal. No further tests of vacuum occurred until October 24 on which date the South vacuum read 25.5 and a 2 degree West-ry error was found. On November 3, the latitude dial on the control panel was changed from 26 degrees to 50 degrees duoto 2 inch loss in North vacuum and 3 inch loss in South vacuum. Compass observed and normal current and voltage recorded. The dial was then set to 40 degrees. On November 26 when the Westerly error increased to 3 degrees, the latitude dial was set at 15 degrees. The increased speed resulted in lessening the error by 1 degree and decreasing the South vacuum to 24 inches. Due unreliable South Vacuum gauge and apparent loss of vacuum, the south rotor case is believed to be unscaled and leaking.

MAIN CONTROL CUBICLE.

Casualty #1.
On October 22,1941, while underway on the surface on #2 main engine making 2/3 spool, 80/90 combination,#3 main motor lost its load, and at the same time the control room noticed a considerable amount of sparking in the cubicle in the vicinity of the starboard motor starter contactors. The starboard shaft was stopped, and after a careful examination of the starboard motor circuits, a poor connection was discovered at the terminal where contactors SS1 and SS2 connect to the generator bus. Contactor SS1 is used for cutting out resistance 3 RI and 3RI, and is closed during steps series 2 and 3 and parallel 2. Contactor SS2 is used as a line contactor for parallel operation of #3 main motor, and is closed during steps parallel 1 and 2. Eight bolts were found loose, four of them having their heads and washers burned practically off due to arcing caused by the current trying to flow through the bolts to complete the circuit to the motors.

These bolts were removed, all connections tightened, and the starboard shaft was placed back in commission. A careful inspection was then made of the cubicle and all connections were found to be tight. No further trouble was exprienced with those connections. Just prior to the casualty both starboard motors were taking the same load.

Casualty #2.
On November 9,1941, a routine inspection of the cubicle revealed that the generator contactor G-14 was dark in color, and the silver blocks on both upper and lower contactor tips had fallen off. The contactors were removed, and carbon impressions taken showed

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 132 —
5823/416-3
Serial (83)
U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234)
Report of Ninth War Patrol.

(L) RADIO
On the area frequency 2880 kcs., one transmission was made. This dispatch was sent blind and reposted entirely.

Voice contact with Midway on 4350 kcs., was exceptionally good.

Operational failures.
The only failure was the output transformer of the RAL-5 receiver. The cause was short circuit turned. Replacement was made during a submerged period and no' time was lost.

(M) RADAR.
SJ RADAR.
The general performance of this gear was excellent during the entire patrol. A new transmitter-receiver unit was installed in Pearl Harbor prior to departure for patrol and gave no trouble except for a faulty crystal motor and crystal assembly and minor tube replacements. Maximum ranges were obtained on 6000 feet peaks on YAIKU SHIMA at an estimated 120,000 yards.

SD RADAR.
This equipment performed better than the average for SD's it caused no trouble and ranges to 32 miles were had on planes, with the major number of contacts being made at 10-15 mile ranges. During the time on station the SD was secured to prevent enemy D/F'ing and homing.

HPF Equipment.
The BK/BN gear was tuned and adjusted prior to deperture from Pearl. It was used only during the time spent in friendly waters, except during the air strike on the Bonins on 28 October, no HPF response was received. No trouble was experienced with this equipment.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS.
(a) Bonin Islands.
Sound conditions were normally poor in this area with gradients existing anywhere from 2 to 12 degrees beginning at depths from 70 feet to 110 feet.
(b) Nansoi Shoto and Empire.
Sound conditions were better here than in the Bonins, with less than 20 gradient at all times, and good listening so evidenced by hospital ship contact by JP at 7000 yards. During the rough weather and storms coming at this period water noises were unusually high and seriously interfered with listening, especially during the final approach stages on the night of 7-8 November.

ENCLOSURE (A) -36-

— page 137 —
5. Radar S Band 31-00 N 190 T SJ-706 AX 26 November. Probably friendly Range opened and bearing drew near to 2,11 W., known friend lies near in vicinity. Friendly craft.

6. Same 18-22 N 100 T. Same. 1140-06 E. RADIO INTERFERENCE.

Listed below are the interferences encountered with the time, frequency, type of interference, and our general vicinity at the time. The only countermeasure of any appreciable success was to shift frequency.

| DATE  | TIME   | FREQ. | REMARKS    | LOCATION    |
|-------||-------|||
| 23 Oct.| 1910  | 6045  | Bearing:    | Bonin Islands. |
| 24 Oct.| 1925  | 6045  | Doubtful    | "           |
| 25 Oct.| 1925  | 6045  | Bearing:    | "           |
| 27 Oct.| 1925  | 6045  | No Data    | "           |
| 29 Oct.| 1925  | 6045  | Bearing:    | "           |
| 30 Oct.| 1925  | 6045  | "           | Nansoi Shoto. |
| 31 Oct.| 1922  | 6045  | Irregular CW  | "           |
| 2 Nov.| 1922  | 6045  | Keying, Intent- | Probable    |
| 4 Nov.| 1150  | 6045  | (Probable)    | "           |
| 9 Nov.| 1855  | 4515  | Keying--occurred | only when NPM |
| 12 Nov.| 2001  | 6045  | was sending-    | Probable    |
| 13 Nov.| 2010  | 6045  | Bearing and code. | Nansoi Shoto. |
|       |        |       | Sounds like a dog | "           |

APR CONTACTS:
Listed below are the APR contacts made and their probable location. No other countermeasures were employed. All times Groenwich.

| DATE  | LOCATION | PRIQ. | PULSE RATE | PULSE WIDTH |
|-------||-------|||
| 10-24 | 27-15N 1145-19E | 154   | 500        | 5            |
| 1115  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  | 10-24 | 27-58N 1143-5L-15E | 100   | 740        | 50           |
| 1215  |          |       |            |

— page 143 —
FC5-10/A16-3
- Serial: 0255
- Confidential
- First endorsement to
  - CO KINGFISH 1tr. SS234/
  - A16-3, serial 83 of
  28 Nov. 1944.
- From:
  - The Commander Submarine Squadron TEN.
  - The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
  - (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
  - (2) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
- Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234) - Report of War Patrol Number Nine.
- 1. The Ninth war patrol of the U.S.S. KINGFISH was of 47 days duration and was conducted in the following areas: Bonin Islands (four days), Nansel Shoto (24 days), and in the area East of Kyushu (two days).
- 2. On the morning of 24 October, East of Chichi Jima Rettō, an attack was made on a small freighter, escorted by one DD and one patrol vessel. In a daytime periscope approach, four Mk. 18-2 torpedoes were fired from the stern tubes at the freighter as a range of 1,500 yards, depth set increasing five feet. One torpedo hit was heard, followed by a second torpedo, and when she came again to periscope depth (about) one hour after attack) found nothing in sight.
- 3. Northeast of Kita Iwo Jima, on the night of 26-27 October, a medium tanker with PC escort was picked up by radar at 20,000 yards and observed in the moonlight from 9,500 yards. KINGFISH went to radar depth at 8,000 yards and to periscope depth at 3,500 yards. As visibility was not as good as expected, three Mk. 18 torpedoes were fired from bow tubes on continuous sound bearings. Two timed hits were heard, each followed by an explosion as loud as the explosion of the torpedoes. All the noises of a ship breaking up were heard on the sound gear and through the hull. Surfacing later, only one pip was soon on PPI at 16,000 yards in direction of last sound contact.
- 4. At 1525 on the same day, KINGFISH sighted a small freighter escorted by what appeared to be a new type patrol vessel with lines very similar to the Shimushu class minelayer, and a second escort similar to an SC. Three Mk. 18 torpedoes were fired.

— page 144 —
5-10/A16-3
Serial: 0255
CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO KINGFISH 1tr. SS234/A16-3,
serial 83 of 28 Nov. 1944.

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234) - Report of War Patrol Number Nine.

forward at the freighter, range about 2,000 yards, depth setting.
5 foot. Target spooked up and avoided. KINGFISH heard 12 depth charges.

5. On 7-8 November, after tracking what appeared to be a convoy of four ships during the day, KINGFISH made radar contact three times on what was believed to be a motor torpedo boat. On each occasion the pip was small, with change of range and bearing indicating a speed in excess of 20 knots. One minute after the third contact had faded at 3,800 yards, three torpedoes came from the direction of the last bearing. No radar indications appeared on the AFR equipment. KINGFISH avoided, commenced zigzagging, and about an hour later (0115) went to radar depths for an attack on the convoy. Because of poor visibility was unable to see a ship, result was that she was run over and did not deliver the attack.

6. KINGFISH returned from patrol clean and shipshape, with the crew in good spirits. She has no more material defects, and will be given a normal refit by SPERRY and Submarine Division 102.

7. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, the officers and men of the KINGFISH upon their successful attacks on the enemy against escort opposition, and welcomes them to Camp Dooley.

8. It is recommended that KINGFISH be credited with the following:

SUINK
1 medium A0 (EU) 5,000 tons
1 small AK (EC) 2,500 tons

Total - 7,500 tons

G. L. RUSSELL

— page 145 —
10/16-3(15) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET mr
Sent: 02787
11 DEC 1944
Care of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California,
9 December 1944.

CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
KINGFISH Report of
Ninth War Patrol.

COMBINED PATROL REPORT NO. 599
U.S.S. KINGFISH - NINTH WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234) - Report of Ninth War Patrol,
(12 October to 28 November 1944).

1. The ninth war patrol of the KINGFISH was conducted
in the Nansei Shoto and east of Kyushu. This patrol was the first
for the new commanding officer as such.

2. Area coverage was good throughout the patrol. The
KINGFISH succeeded in making two excellent torpedo attacks. The pos-
sibility of motor torpedo boats patrolling in enemy convoys as an
anti-submarine measure is evidenced by the fact that while trying to
close a convoy on the night of 7-8 November torpedoes were fired at
her.

3. The results of the attacks made by the KINGFISH are
not conclusive, but it is felt that there is sufficient evidence to
credit her with sinkings.

4. Award of the Submarine Combat Insignia for this pa-
trol is authorized.

5. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, con-
gratulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for having in-
flicted the following damage upon the enemy:

SUNK

1 - Small Freighter (FOLOZU MARU Class) - 2,500 tons (Attack No. 1)
    (EC) - 5,000 tons (Attack No. 2)

TOTAL SUNK 7,500 tons

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Coninch (7) [Comsubwospasc] (2)
CNO (5) [CTG 71.9] (2)
Cinopac (6) [Comnorpac] (1)
Intel.Con.Pac.Ocean Areas (1) [Comsubspac] (40)
Consorvpac (1) [SubsubspacSubordcom] (2)
Cinclant (1) [Comsubspac] (3)
Consusblant (8) [A1 Squadron and Div.] (2)
S/1 School, NL (2) [Comsubspac] (2)
CO, S/M Baco, PH (1) [Substrinapc] (2)
Consopac (2) [All Submarinos, Pacific] (1)
Consowospac (1) [Flag Secretary]

— page 146 —
1-10/11-3-12 (12) SUBLIE FOCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 086
CONFIDENTIAL
From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To: The Chief of Naval Operations.
Via: The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. LUCIFER (SS-234) - Report of 11th War Patrol.
Reference: ( ) ConsubFue second ord. F12-10/11-3-15 (15) serial 02787 of 9 December 1944.

1. Refer to the U.S.S. LUCIFER's records for the following information:
   - Serial number
   - Date of birth
   - Date of death
   - Place of birth
   - Place of death
   - Rank
   - Service number
   - Date of commissioning
   - Date of inactivation
   - Date of retirement
   - Date of death
   - Date of burial

— page 148 —
1. Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
    (B) Track Chart (To ComSubPac only.)

2. Enclosure: (A) covering the Tenth War Patrol of this ship conducted in the area, surrounding the NANPO SHOOT during the period 23 December 1941 to 1 February 1945, is forwarded herewith.

T. B. HARPER.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVJNST 5510.1C

BY OP-0929C-DATE 15/12/42

106 91

— page 149 —
23 December 1944
1000(K) Undoravy from spra Herbor, Guam in accordance with ContTankor Ssvntoon Operation Order No. 141-14, of 18 December 1944, escorted by U.S.S.ST.DEPATD (DE129).

13:45(K) Made trim divo.

1700(K) Reloased escort.

24 December
Made training divos for all sections. Started school for unqualified non officers. Held tracking drill.

25 December
0725(K) Submerged - trim divo.

0752(K) Surfacod.

26 December
0707(K) Submerged - trim divo.

— page 150 —
26 December.
0908(K)    Surfacod.
27 December.
0703(K)    Submorgod - trim dive.
0817(K)    Surfacod.
1130(K)    Arrivod at lifeguard station.
1601(K)    Aircraft contact #1. Closed to 9 miles on SD - plano nover sighted - submorgod to 100 foot.
1653(K)    All clear - surfacod.
1705(K)    Aircraft contact #2. Closed to 15 miles on SD, and thon oponod out - plano nover sighted.

28 December.
0100(K)    Proocoding to patrol in vicinity of OGASAVARA GUNTTO.
0654(K)    Submorgod - trim dive. Ronowod burnod out
resistor in PPI.
0930(K)    Surfacod.
1355(K)    Submorgod. Commonod poriscopo patrol of
lino bottom MUKO JIMA and Empiro.
1615(K)    Pikod up unusual sound on all sound goars.
Let. 29-30H; Long. 142-05E, thich possibly is
caused by subtorranoan disturbanco.
1816(K)    Surfacod.
1940(K)    SJ radar interforcno similar to our own SJ -
interforcno moving eastward to the North of
us - Probably tho U.S.S. SHAD.

2143(K)    Sightod and nadso SJ radar contact on two small
vessels. Contact #1, boaring 1600T, range
12,000 yards. Commonod tracking from ahoad.
Target's base course dotoriniod to be 315m,
at 7 knots. The visibility was good at times
when a near-full moon broke through the clouds.
The soa was rough taking tracking difficult.
No indication of radar on the AFN. Continued
tracking and took position to windward so that
approach and firing could be nadod down wind.

— page 151 —
29 December 1944.
0015(K) Submerged to Radar depth, range 10,800 yards to furthest ship. PPI showed four small pips nov., all about the same size, in a rugged colour. With the conorated range 5000 yards, went to poriscope depth and continued to close, at 2/3 spood. Tracked vossols to be zig-zagging from 280°T to 050°T. Intermittent echoringing was heard on two bearings in target direction. At 3500 yards, vossols wore obsorved to be very small crafts, to of which were escorts of PC-class; The other two wore of non-doscript escort or picket type. None of the group scoured worthy of torpedoes.

0141(K) Put ships astern and opened out.

0214(K) Surfaced and continued tracking the contact in hops that this group was coming North to meet and escort a South bound convoy to CHICHI JIMA.

0310(K) Changed course to 180°T as the weather was becoming rougher and nothing apparently was being gained by beating into the sea.

0630(K) Submerged North of the 100 fathom curve about MUKO JIMA.

1813(K) Surfaced.

30' December.
0647(K) Submerged.

1810(K) Surfaced. Set course to close NISHINO SHIMA to obtain position, had had nothing but rainy weather for two days.

1912(K) APR contact on 102 navigayclos.

2100(K) APR contact on 102 navigayclos faded out.

2320(K) Made SJ Radar contact on NISHINO SHIMA. Bearing 2950T, 16,000 yards.

31 December.
0613(K) Submerged.

1815(K) Surfaced.

— page 152 —
1 January 1945.
0757(K) Submerged.

1815(K) Surfaced.

1925(K) APN contact on 265 megacyclos. Bolstering this frequency to indicate ship radar, commenced swinging ship slowly to obtain heading giving the weakest or no signal. From this it was determined that the source of the signal was 065°T. Changed course to 065°T and ran at standard speed. Signal strength increased for awhile but by the end of an hour it had decreased considerably from the original strength. So swung ship again and found that the bearing of the signal was now Southarlv. With no better information, changed course to South.

2 January.
0019(K) Lost APN contact on 265 megacyclos.

0518(K) Made 3J Radar contact on two ships, contact #2, bearing 150°T, 20,000 yards. At the same time the operator of the APN reported that he had again picked up the signal on 265 megacyclos. No claim is made that the APN brought about this contact at this signal (265 megacyclos) was not heard again during all the time we were in contact with this convoy. Notwithstanding we had contact on a good size convoy as a result of the search plan used to intercept the APN contact. Commenced tracking and determined convoy to be on a Northastarlv course at 5.5 knots, zig-zagging from 320°T, to 080°T.

0555(K) Closed the range to 9000 yards and observed that the convoy consisted of two large and several small ships. The PPI showed intercepting a total of six pips at this range.

0630(K) Submerged and went to battle stations; came to the normal approach course and ran at 2/3 and standard speed attempting to close. Could not close any ship close than 5000 yards. The largest ship in the convoy was a large tanker (HMPK), in column behind a medium freight (FMF), and followed by two small cargo or oiler type vossels. A DB type escort ranged ahead and down the flanks while a PC type escort brought up the range.

— page 153 —
1238(K)    Continued tracking and determined convoy to be on course 0100T, at 5.5 knots; continued following submerged.

: 1315(K)    Surfaced. Commenced end around.

: 1600(K)    Convoy changed base course to 3300T and its speed decreased to 4 knots. Although in good position ahead now, to make a submerged attack, it was decided to attack on the surface after dark.

: 1813(K)    ATTACK NO.1.

: 2024(K)    Hammed Battle Stations and changed course to close convoy. The sea had now become non-titanous from a gale blowing from 3000T. Took position on port bow of targets and closed for a port track that would make possible a down son shot. The convoy was cruising in the same formation as in the morning, froighter and DE escort loading. Tanker following with the small ships and FC escort bringing up the rear.

: 2029(K)    The tanker located up big and clear in the TBT; the froighter had pulled on ahead. Took set-up on tanker. Made bow tubes ready.

: 2030(K)    Two huge waves rolled over the boat, popping us, pouring into the main induction and down the conning tower hatch. Miraculously no vital equipment was grounded.

: 2030(K)    Corrnonced firing tubes #1,#2,#3 at tanker. NO EITS.

A large range and sharp torpedo hitting track was necessary because of the position of an escort on the tanker's port quarter. The setup was not the best, but the TDC solution chocked well. The state of the sea made maneuvering for better position extremely difficult. The missiles may also be explained by the possibility that the MK-18 torpedoes broached and burned themselves out.

— page 154 —
3 January.
0100(K)
Tracking the tanker on the PPI at 28,000 yards.

0642(K)
Closed the range to 15,000 yards. Submerged for trim dive, reload, and routine of torpedoes. Noticeable change in the weather for the bomber. Wind and sea dying down.

1037(K)
Surface - continued chase.

1058(K)
Sighted smoke on generated convoy bearing. Visibility excellent - seas calming. Kopt contact all day as we pulled ahead of convoy by keeping the two large ships tops just above the horizon in the high periscope. The freighter and small ships smoked continually.

1600(K)
Sea calm - weather excellent.

1634(K)
The high lookout sighted a mast, contact #3 bearing 0200T which in the high periscope turned out to be two small picket boats. Turned away and opened out on four engines. These two boats eventually made off to the EAST towards the convoy.

1810(K)
Sighted tracers of gun fire over horizon on bearing of convoy.

1846(K)
Changed course to 0800T to close convoy. Weather was now calm and clear. The moon would not be up until 2200. Deterrmined convoy's base course to be 3250T, making 8 knots. The position of the ships was still the same with the freighter loading. As Vonus was high and bright, crossed the bow of convoy, at 10,000 yards ahead, on four engines, to get on the dark side.

-7-  [HANDWRITTEN: (K)]

**Style of the Image:**
The image is a scanned document, likely from a historical naval records or a military report. The text is in a formal, typed format typical of official documents. The handwriting is in cursive and somewhat difficult to read, indicating it was likely written by hand. The document appears to be a detailed record of a naval operation, possibly from World War II, given the references to torpedoes and the specific coordinates and times. The presence of annotations and corrections suggests it was edited or corrected after being typed.

— page 155 —
2028(K) ATTACK NO.2.
    Armored Battle Station. Changed course to
    2550T.

2058(K) Hado ready all torpedoes.

2059(K) Targets zigged, towards making torpedo run to
    the froighter; greatr than to the tanker and
    sharpening the track. Solution and setup was
    chocking fine; the two ships looked enormous;
    both escorts wore obligingly on the other side.

2108(K) Firod tubes #6,#5,#14 at froighter.

2109(K) Firod tubes #3,#2,#1 at tanker. Came right
    with full rudder at standard spood and stand-
    led on 0550T. Slowed to 1/3 spood.

2111(K) Firod.tubes #7,#8,#9 at tanker just as bow
    tubes commenced hitting. Throo hits in the
    tanker from midships aft, followed by two hits
    in froighter; waso was timed and felt below docks.
    Vant ahead standard spood and opond the range
    to 7000 yards. Storn tubos rll missed, prob-
    ably because the throo hits in the tanker slow-
    od him down.

2120(K) Opond the range to 10,000 yards, when the DE
    came out in our direction. The PPI shood one
    blurr as if all this ships of the convoy wore
    close together. Thoro was much flashing of
    rod and groon lights, smoke and heavy explo-
    sions or depth charging. Could not see any-
    thing of the two terrots, though b-foro firing
    they could be easily seen at 12,000 yards with
    binoculars.

2125(K) The larco pipes on the PPI were fading and dis-
    appeared. Both terrots apparently sank at the
    same time.

2132(K) Commonood working around to the North and
    West, tracking the two amall ships at 10,000
    yards. Thoy appoard to bo searching the area
    for survivors. The DE was still searching for
    us out to the East. Commonood reloaded.

2152(K) Received CTC 17.7's message about downed
    aviators.

— page 156 —
2230(K)
Closed into 8500 yards and had a good look with the old air rising moon. Observed the DE escort out to the East on our port bow and the two small vassals and PC on our starboard bow. The tanker and freighter wore definitely missing.

2250(K)
The two small ships wore now on base course 3250T at 7 knots with the PC escort firing his dock gun intermittently on most any bearing.

2525(K)
Changed course to 2400T, proceeding to SOPU GAN.

4 January:
0513(K)
Indo sight and Radar contact on SOPU GAN bearing 2650T, 31,000 yards.

0627(K)
Submerged Torr trim div.

0655(K)
Surfaced. Commenced search of the area south of SOPU GAN.

0745(K)
Sighted aircraft contact #3, identified as the expocatod B-29.

0743(K)
Exchanged recognition signals with the B-29. Continued search to the south, while the B-29 commenced search, working out from SOPU GAN.

0958(K)
Dominated working to the Eastward.

1145(K)
B-29 flew over on a NE course.

1150(K)
SJ Radar interference, probably from the WHALE.

1220(K)
SD contact, aircraft contact #5, 6 miles. Lookout sighted aircraft bearing 0800T crossing our bow. The plane was identified as a B-29T. Slowed to 2/3 speed and steadied in the trough of the sea which was becoming rougher and more chopped up hourly. The plane made no change of course to indicate he had sighted us and 'presently opened out to the North.

1249(K)
SD contact, aircraft contact #5, 6 miles, closing. Plane could not be sighted from bridge. Submerged.

1354(K)
Surfaced, all clear.

— page 157 —
1,104(K) 1,120(K) 1,135(K) 1,640(K) 1,915(K) 5 January 0000(K) 1,040(K)

---

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

Received the following message from the B-29 by VHF, "V145, the raft is 149 degrees from the island 8 miles out." This was the first transmission that had been received from the plane of any sort. As all messages received, in direct to SOU GAN as the reference point of the search for the downed B-29 and in that the searching B-29 (145753) had no doubt repeatedly seen us covering the area to the South and East of SOU GAN, it was assumed that SOU GAN was the reference "Island" of the planes message.

Went to flank speed, proceeding to a point 0400 from SOU GAN, 8 miles out.

Called 145753 on VHF and asked him to circle raft. No answer. As the psychology of the message received did not conform to doctrine and the B-29 could not be seen in the area, continued calling 145753. On VHF for more instructions and verification of position of raft. No answer. Our VHF was considered to be working properly as the original message sent out by the plane had been reported back to the plane, and a "that is correct" was clearly received.

SJ Radar interference to the North, probably WHALE.

The sea had become extremely rough from a steady SW wind. Careful search was difficult. All hands were tired out from the chase of the convoy, so submerged.

Surfaced. Continued search on bearing 0100 from SOU GAN in hopes the downed aviators might have some flares left that would lead us to them.

Continuing search to the N.E., of SOU GAN. Worth was improving continually.

Transmitted message giving results of the days search.

---

**-10** ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 158 —
0724(K)  Received CTG 17.7's message with orders to join the WHALE, NE of TORI SHIA for coordinated search with B-29. Proceed to rendezvous.

: 0746(K)  SD contact, aircraft contact #6, 12 miles, opening. Novar sighted plane.

: 0942(K)  Sighted WHALE, contact #4, 0000T, 11,000 yards.

: 0953(K)  Received message from WATE to commence search between 0600T and 0900T, from TORI SHIA and between 10 and 30 miles out. Commenced search. Weather was calm and excellent for search.

: 1304(K)  SD contact aircraft contact #8, 10 miles, closing. Could not see plane. It closed to 5.5 miles and began opening.

: 1310(K)  SD contact aircraft contact #9, 6 miles, closing. Could not see plane. Submerged than range was 4 miles. The plane apparently was flying between clouds that more or less filled the sky.

: 1400(K)  Came to periscope depth and sighted plane, aircraft contact, #10, identified as HELL, circling and searching our area.

: 1417(K)  Hard two explosions similar to bombs. Decided to clear this area submerged.

: 1814(K)  Hard numerous under water explosions similar to depth charges. At least 30 charges in all.

: 1853(K)  Surfaced.

: 1919(K)  Sent message to WHALE - results of search today - negative.

: 2115(K)  Transmitted message to ComSubPac requesting routing to Saipan or rendezvous for transfer of sick officer. Ensign R. T. HUGHES, (E), USNR., had been very ill with acute tonsillitis, showing no improvement for five days. See notes under Health.

-11- ENCLOSURE(A)

— page 159 —
2350(K)
SJ Radar contact, contact #5, 2050T, 11,000 yards. Commenced tracking and determined contact to consist of several ships, zig-zagging radically on base course 3400T, 7 knots, changed course to get the TAT and put the targets before a rising moon. The old problem of rough seas had arisen again. Within several hours a rising wind out of the Northwest can chop the sea up so that Radar drops or periscope approaches are out of the question.

6 January: 0250(K)
Closed the range on the surface to 9000 yards and could still not see anything though the moon was high and the visibility was good. The PTI showed four ships that were scored out from 1050T to 1500T, varying in range from 9000 to 11,000 yards. Inside of 11,000 yards only, did they call come in consistently on the PTI; the roughness of the sea, no doubt explained this. Continued tracking; took station on starboard bow of contact to wait for daylight and an improvement in the weather.

04125(K)
On course 0000T at standard speed. Caught a combination of waves that stopped us dead in the water; a wave poured down the conning tower until the lower hatch was closed and to on fill-lod up the conning tower to the floor plates. Blowing safety holdup. Changed course to open out to the E-st and survey the damage. The Radar and gyros fortunately were not wet.

0530(K)
Had trim pump on the bilges and soon had one low pressure blower running.

0550(K)
SJ Radar contact, contact #6, bearing 0000T, 9100 yards, as SJ Radar interferance came from this bearing assumed ship to be POCY or SE DR COH. Now that less, changed course to South and opened out.

0613(K)
All pump room auxiliaries working except drain pump. Submerged to give all hands a rest; electricians a chance to chase grounds.

1922(K)
Surfaced. Wind still blowing, sea rough. Came to course to close TORI SHINA.

7 January: 0002(K)
Received message to rendezvous with SPARTISH to transfer sick officer.

-12- ENCLOSURE(A)

— page 160 —
0300(K) Making six knots on 270°T into a strong NW wind and high seas.

: 0617(K) Submerged. Running at 2/3 speed.

: 1435(K) Sighted TORI SHIMA, bearing 195°T, 28 miles.

: 1840(K) Surfaced. Weather had not changed any and it was obvious that we could not make the rendezvous now or effect transfer. Ensign KUGHES showed a slight improvement, temperature down to 99.6; sent message to cancel rendezvous and proceeded to new lifeguard station.

: 8 January 0701(K) Submerged.

: 1818(K) Surfaced.

: 9 January 0657(K) Submerged for trim dive.

: 0841(K) Surfaced, conducting surface patrol in area about lifeguard station.

: 1452(K) Lookout sighted plane, aircraft contact #11, submerged.

: 1518(K) Heard distant rapid string of explosions.

: 1615(K) Heard another distant rapid string of explosions.

: 1617(K) Surfaced - all clear. Took course to close HACHIJO JIMA to ascertain position - had had no stars for two days.

: 10 January 0641(K) Received no information of any downed B-29's during the night, so submerged between HACHIJO and MIKURA SHIMA for submerged patrol.

: 1850(K) Surfaced.

: 2200(K) Lookout sighted loom of a searchlight on horizon on bearing of MIYAIKE SHIMA.

: 2220(K) Sighted two star shal1s, just above the horizon, bearing 3,150°T. Must be night drills on MIYAIKE SHIMA.

: 2330(K) Rooived message that B-29 ditched at 32-47N; 137-142W. Went to 4 engines and changed course to pass between HACHIJO and MIKURA SHIMA.

-13- ENCLOSURE(A)

— page 161 —
11 January 0730(K)
Commenced search for aviators, using search plan to cover 0 to 1.5 knots current. The weather was excellent for search; visibility excellent; the sea calm. Determined actual average set and drift to be towards 0600T, 0.75 knots.

: 13:40(K)
Sighted mine floating at Lat. 32-5N; Long 137-47E. Attempted to sink it with small arms. It was floating very low in water; ton hits from carbines made no impression. Avoided.

: 12 January 0600(K)
Received message directing patrol of area about HACHIJO and NAKAGI SHIMA. No new information on aviators.

: 06:41(K)
Submerged 15 miles west of NAMEA SHIMA.

: 1900(K)
Surfaced.

: 13 January 0650(K)
Submerged.

: 1903(K)
Surfaced.

: 14 January 0652(K)
Submerged on lifeguard station. Note ComSubPac's 121001 (JAN'45) and 121726 (JAN'45).

: 0800(K)
Sighted PUJI SAN bearing 0100T, 112 miles.

: 1900(K)
Surfaced. Closed ONAI SAKI to ascertain position.

: 15 January 0658(K)
No word on any aviators down, so submerged.

: 1906(K)
Surfaced. Continued patrolling assigned area.

: 16 January 0030(K)
Received message that downed aviators were not near us and to continue patrolling area.

: 0658(K)
Submerged.

: 1907(K)
Surfaced.

: 2230(K)
Storn planes, out of commission in power position. See notes. Major Defects and Damages.

-11- ENCLOSURE(A)

— page 162 —
17 January
0635(K) Submerged. Using storm planes in emergency for diving and in hand for cruising submerged.

1932(K) Surfaced.

2000(K) Stearn plans back in commission in the power position.

2330(K) Received message giving new lifeguard station. Changed course to head for new station.

18 January 1
0643(K) Submerged. Rough seas made it impossible to make any speed on surface. Air strike was delayed 24 hours; so can still make the life guard station on time.

1907(K) Surfaced. Weather much improved.

19 January
1128(K) On lifeguard station. Submerged for trim dive and to water batteries.

1332(K) Surfaced.

1521(K) SD Radar contact, aircraft contact #12, 5 miles. Visibility excellent, sea calm.

1525(K) Divod. Contact closed to 2-1/2 miles when SD went under.

1551(K) Surfaced. Decided that contact was on B-29's flying high over head. The SD still performs poorly. It seems that a large flight of B-29 should be picked up further than 5 miles.

1645(K) Sighted land - coast of HONSHU north of SHIONO MISAKI, Bearing 3150T, distance 60 miles.

2347(K) Received message to start search for 16 ship convoy sighted by B-29's heading south from TOKIO. Changed course to 1050T.

20 January
0000(K) Continuing search plan to cover all possible positions of convoy for speed of 7 to 8 knots.

1314(K) Had covered all possible tracks of convoy to westward of the NAMPO SHOTO. Submerged. Commenced periscope patrol.

1915(K) Surfaced.

-15- ENCLOSURE(A)

— page 163 —
21 January
0650(K) Submerged.

: 1925(K) Surfaced.

: 21J3(K) Changed course to 090°T, proceeding to now lifeguard station, passing to south of HACHIJO SHIMA.

: 22 January
0650(K) Submerged.

: 1907(K) Surfaced.

: 23 January
0637(K) Submerged.

: 1407(K) Surfaced. On lifeguard station.

: 1650(K) Sighted MIYAKI SHIMA, bearing 255°T, 55 miles.

: 1836(K) SJ Radar contact on land, bearing 3J40T, 38 miles identified as high land behind NOJIMA SAKI, HON'SHU.

: 2050(K) Sighted the loom of a searchlight over the horizon in direction of NOJIMA SAKI.

: 2151(K) Received message that plane was down in vicinity of 3J-0 N; 137-30E. Proceeding.

: 24 January
0020(K) Slowed to one' engine speed. Wind and seas picking up considerably.

: 0430(K) Received message cancelling orders to inves- tigate downed plane.

: 0615(K) Submerged.

: 1920(K) Surfaced.

: 25 January
0300(K) Passing through snow flurries.

: 0658(K) Submerged.

: 1730(K) Storn planes out of commission in power position.

: 1924(K) Surfaced.

-16- ENCLOSURE(A)

— page 164 —
26 January
0040(K) SJ Radar contact on HONSHU bearing 3050T, 55 miles.

0643(K) Submerged 20 miles east of SHIONO MISAKI, made test dive to 4000 feet. Water start to spray-ing out of compensating water lines under gal-loy sink. Came to periscope depth and found that compensating water line had ruptured. Wired a patch on the line.

0922(K) Heard distant unidentified explosions.

0931(K) Heard some rumbling noise. Possibly subtor-reonan disturbances.

1933(K) Surfacod. Proceeding to now lifeguard station.

27 January.
0653(K) Submerged on lifeguard station.

1416(K) Surfacod.

1505(K) Lost SD contact.

1635(K) Sighted HACHIJO SHIMA boring 0800T, 55 miles.

1700(K) Intercept of messages gave no downed planes near us.

1900(K) Received message relieving us from lifeguard duty.

2100(K) Received message ordering Kingfish to Guam for refit. Procooding.

28 January.
0655(K) Submerged.

-17- ENCLOSURE(A)

— page 165 —
28 January
1917 (K)    Surfaced.

: 29 January
Enroute to Guam.

: 30 January
0013 (K)    Made SJ Radar contact, aircraft contact #14, range 7500 yards, boarding 1350ft, closing rapidly. 0.0D., sighted and identified plane in the light of a full moon as a D-29 on course 330°T, flying at about 1000 ft. Plane gave no indication he had sighted us and rapidly drew off to the Northwest.

: 11/6 (K)    Lookout sighted plane bearing 2100T, aircraft contact #15.

: 11/7 (K)    SD contact on same plane, 8 miles.

: 11/8 (K)    Submerged.

: 1230 (K)    Surfaced.

: 31 January
1008 (K)    SD contact, aircraft contact #16, 9 miles. Plane never sighted. Range opened to 10 miles and then disappeared.

: 11/10 (K)    SD contact, aircraft contact #17, 10 miles. Plane never sighted. IFF response was followed out to 11 miles.

: 1 February
0710 (K)    Sighted escort U.S.S. DEMPSEY (DE26) bearing 1600ft. Changed course to 1250T, proceeding to Guam in company with DEMPSEY.

: 1120 (K)    Sighted Guam bearing 1700T.

: 1251 (K)    Stationed manouvring watch, proceeding into Apra Harbor using various courses and speeds.

: 1335 (K)    Moored starboard side of U.S.S. SEGUNDO (SS398) on starboard side of U.S.S. APOLLO (AS25).

-18- ENCLOSURE (A)
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 169 —
5 - RS - 6
Date: 1/1/45 1/2/45 1/5/45 1/5/45
Time (zone): 12:19 07:46 09:42 13:04
Position Lat.: 25-10N 30-32N 30-32N 30-27N
Long.: 11:11 20:00 11:00 11:00
Speed: 15 17 19 19
Course: 090
Trim: 0 0 0 0
Minutes Since: 0 0 0 0
Last Radar Search: 0 0 0 0

NUMBER: 1
Type: 1

— page 170 —
9 10 11 12 13
C: 1/5/45 1/5/45 1/9/45 1/27/45
U: 1310 1100 1152 1521 1150
B: 30-2N 30-28N 34-35N 33-07N 33-05N
H: 110-48 110-00 111-00 137-19E 138-25E
A: 19 14 15 12
R: 060 215 225 225 225
I: Surf 0 0 0 0
N: Minutes Since 0 0 0 0
R: Last Radar 0 0 0 0
Search: 0 0 0 0

A: Number 1 1 1 100
I: Type
C: Probable Mission Pat 3 3 3 4
R: Torpedo 3D 3D 3D 3D
O: Not Contested 6 10 10 10
A: Initial Range 6 10 10 10
F: Deviation Angle 20 20 20 20
T: Range & Roll
   - Bearing of
   - Flare on it
   - Detected S/M

Soa:
(State Depafert) 3 2 3 2 4
Direction (R-1) 300 320 345 300 300
Visibility Miles 3 3 3 3 3
C: 0 0 0 0 0
O: 0 0 0 0 0
N: 0 0 0 0 0
D: 0 0 0 0 0
I: 0 0 0 0 0
T: 0 0 0 0 0
O: 0 0 0 0 0
N: 0 0 0 0 0
S: 0 0 0 0 0

Clouds:
   - Height in Ft. 4000 2000 6000 3000 1000
   - Percent 30% 10 10 50% 80%
   - Overcast 7 7 7 7 7
   - Moon 0 0 0 0 0
   - Bearing (rel) 0 0 0 0 0
   - Angle 0 0 0 0 0
   - Percent 0 0 0 0 0
   - Illum. 0 0 0 0 0

Type of 7" Commoflage on this patrol: LIGHT GRAY

ENCLOSURE (A)
-23-

— page 171 —
1/20/45
Date: 1/20/45
S Time (zone): 1/20/45
U Position: 1/20/45
B Long: 1/20/45
M Speed: 1/20/45
A Course: 1/20/45
R Trim: 1/20/45
I Minutes Since Last SID Reader Search: 0
N SD Radar Search: 0
Number: 1
Type: 1
A Probable Mission: 1
R How Contact: 1
C Initial Range: 1
A Range & Relative Fearing of Plane: 1
S/M: 1
Sate (Beaufort): 2
Sea-Direction (rel): 125
C Visibility (Miles): 20
O Clouds (Percent): 20%
N (Overcast): 20%
D (Bearing Rel.): 0/10
I Moon (Angle): 20°
T (Percent): 100%
O (Illum.): 100%
S Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: LIGHT GRAY.

DINCLOSURE (A)
-24-

— page 172 —
2030(K) DATE 2 JANUARY 1945, LAT. 28-LION LONG.113-15E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED.

DESCRIPTION:
Convoy consisted of six ships:
One large tanker (AO) MKPFK similar to the SINKOKU NARU, 275 of ONI 208-J.
One medium freighter (AK) MKPFK similar to the AIZAN NARU, p.215 of ONI 208-J.
One DE- type escort.
One PC- type escort.
Two small vessels similar to the HUIAGATA NARU, listed under miscellaneous Coastal Proctors and Tankers ONI 208-J. Possibly serving as cargo carrier and escort.
Contacted by Radar - Visibility Good.

Ship(s) Sunk: None
Ship(s) Damaged or Probably Sunk: None.
Damage Determined by: None.

TARGET DRAW: 20 feet. COURSE 3400T. SPEED 4.5. RANGE 3,000 yds. (At firing.)

OWN SHIP DATA:

SPEED 7.5 COURSE 1000T DEPTH-SURFACE ANGLE-DOWN (At firing.)

FIRE CONTROL & TORPEDO DATA.

Type Attack.
Night surface attack after tracking target all day. Just prior to end during firing. TBT bearings were used. PPI r.n.r.n.s were used during firing. A sharp torpedo hitting track was accounted with a large range which alone could account for the misses. Novarthaloss the solution was checking nicely on the TDC. Still again there was the factor of the extremely rough seas which made tracking difficult. Everything to give good torpedo performance was done, i.e., firing down sea while making slow speed and while torpedo tubes were submerged. No and of run explosions were heard - the convoy was not alerted to our presence. All fire control equipment functioned properly. A speed reduction of one half knot was used in accordance with Combubac serial 49-M.

-25- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 173 —
2108(K) DATE 3 JANUARY 1945, LAT.30-29N LONG 1142-03E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED:

DESCRIPTION:
Same convoy as Torpedo Attack No.1.

SHIP(S) SUNK:
One (EU) Large (AO), 10,000 tons, 'sim-ilar to SIIKKOU MARU.
One (EU) Medium (AK) 5,500 tons, sim-ilar to ANZAN MARU.

SHIP(S) DAMAGED OR PROBABLY SUNK:
NONE

DAMAGE DETERMINED BY:
(1) Saw three hits on tenkner; saw two hits on freighter.
(2) Tracked convoy as stopped.
(3) Watched large pips fade and disappear from PPI.
(4) Unable to see tanker and freighter again after they were hit, though they had boon easily distinguishable from 12,000 yards, during the approach.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 176 —
6-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued) ATTACK #2.

Tubos Fired #7 #8 #9
Track Angle 62-408 62-20S 62-15S
Cyro Angle 180-40 180-20 180-15
Depth Sot 7 foot 7 foot 7 foot
Power - - -
Hit or Miss MISS MISS
Erratic
(yes or no) NO NO NO
Kerr Torpado 18-1 18-1 18-1
Serial No. 56511 56901 56847
Jack Explodor 4-7 8-5 8-5
Serial No. 17205 8804 8744
Actuatin Sot Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual - - -
Kerr Varhoad 18-2 18-2 18-2
Serial No. 311 1098 3800
Explosive TPX TPX TPX
Firing Interval Eleven Seconds 2 L 2 R
Type Spread 0

Sea Conditions Fairly calm seas from 270°T.

Overhaul Activity: U.S.S. SPERRY (AS12)

Remarks
Missas are belicovd.to bo due to stopping of target with previous five hits.

(I) MINES.

On 11 January 1945 in latitude 32°55' N, longitude 137°30E a floating mine was sighted. No other mining operations or mines were observed during this patrol.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE TE.SURFS AND EVASION TACTICS.

No anti-submarine measures were oncountored. Picket boats and escorts on all occasions were evaded on the surface.

ENCLOSURE (A)

-29-

— page 177 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-"I-A-L
(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE.
(A) ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT.
STERN PLANE TILTING MOTOR.
On 16 January during a rough sea the storm planes drifted to "rise", end the stern plane motor was started to return the planes to "zero". At that time batteries were being charged on the finishing rate, and the battery voltage was 335 volts. Very shortly after the motor was started, the tube watch in the After Torpedo Room reported that the motor was running excessively fast and was smoking. It was scoured immediately, and upon investigation it was found that there was an "open" in the shunt field circuit. Due to the fact that the brake on the motor was flush against the after torpedo room hatch the motor together with the reduction gear box was lowered, and upon disassembling the motor a shunt field coil was found to be ruptured next to the yoke. The coil was not grounded but approximately 10% of the turns were opened by the rupture. Since there was no other a spare coil nor wire to repair it aboard, a new load was brought out of the old coil, and the motor was reassembled. Upon running the motor there was no sparking at the commutator, but it did slightly overheat, and a slight odor of burning insulation was noticed. The motor was placed back in commission to be used in an emergency only.

The motor was never run again for a period of longer than 30 minutes at one time. On 26 January after it had been run for a total of approximately five hours, since it was repaired, the coil ruptured again. No attempt was made to repair the coil this time.

(2) C and R DEARTHMENT.
COMPENSATING WATER LINE DIRECT.
On the morning dive of 26 January 1945 while going deep to take a bathymetrograph and a leak in the main fuel oil compensating water line in the after battery was discovered. The rupture in the line was temporarily repaired by wiring a soft patch over the break in the line. No other damage occurred as the salt water entering the after battery accumulated in the waterway. This was soon removed with a small portable pump carried on board.

During the coming refit this section of line will be replaced and a hydrostatic test will be given to all other fuel oil compensating lines to determine if other parts of the system are defective. The rupture of this line under normal pressure conditions at deep depths is indicative of what might have happened if we were undergoing a depth charge attack at deep depths.

— page 181 —
1. Interference; 2. Band; 3. 29-20-45N; 4. 12-00-00E; 5. 352T; 6. Variable sweep rate; 7. 50/706; 8. 05330; 9. Friendly; 10. Persisted from 19h00 to 21h00 on 28 December.

2a. Interference; 3. Band; 4. 30-15-35N; 5. 110-09-15E; 6. 50/706; 7. 05330; 8. Friendly; 9. Persisted from 2000 to 21h00 on 6 January.

SD-a.

A. No casualties were encountered.
B. This equipment is, as ever, unreliable; it has maximum ranges up to 22 miles (29°15'), but reliable ranges 7 miles. It is felt that the KINGFISH needs a new SD in view of the age and unreliability of this equipment.

C. No external interference was encountered.

(1) SOUND CAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS.

1. Throo wore no casualties in the supersonic gear - and the only casualty in the JP was an intermittent short in the plug connection at the receiver (from the hydrophone). This was remedied by resoldering.

Performance of all sound gear was good. It is expected that JP sensitivity will be improved with replacement of the baffle on the hydrophone.

Sound conditions were fair to poor, with high levels due to rough seas and many fish, and with no gradient existing.

O. DENSITY LAYERS.

| Date | Lat. | Long. | Max. Depth Ft. | Surf. Temp. Ft. | Temp. at. Layer Pot. | Temp. at. Layers.ft | Depths Containing Layers.ft |
|------|------|-------||||||
| 12/15/14 | 13-28N | 144-33E | 310 | 84.5 | 84.5 | No Layers. | |
| 12/27/14 | 30-21N | 143-04E | 370 | 69 | 69 | No Layers. | |
| 1/9/15 | 33-43N | 141-07E | 360 | 64 | 64 | No Layers. | |
| 1/25/15 | 33-26N | 136-10E | 370 | 61 | 60 | No Layers. | |

— page 183 —
33 unqualified mon aboard wore divided into 4 sections with an unqualified officer as section lodder. This system has worked well to the bonofit of both officers and men.

(a) Number of mon on board during patrol......76
(b) Number of mon qualified at start of patrol......43
(c) Number of mon qualified at end of patrol......61
(d) Number of unqualified mon on first war patrol......12
(e) Number of mon advanced in rating during patrol....16

(R) MILES STEAMED -- FUEL USED.

Base to Area 1373 miles 20,800 gallons,
In Area 5258 miles 56,700 gallons,
Area to Base 1300 miles 28,000 gallons.

(S) DURATION.

Days enroute to area 4
Days in area 31
Days enroute to base 5
Days submarine god 25

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING.

Torpedoes Fuel Provisions Personnel Factor.

12 12,000 gals.1 days 10 days.

Limiting factor this patrol operation order end fuel.

(U) RADIO AND RADAR COUNTERMEASURES.

(A) R.T.R.
DATE TIME TECN. P.R. P.W. LOCATIONS.

1/11 1915 79 450 30 33-03-30/138-38-45

Description: Steady fleet topped pulso. Appeared each time we got within 60 miles range of HACHIO SHIMA. Average rate of swoop 6 RPH.

1/12/0010 79 450 30 33-01/138-42

Description: Same as above.

1/15 2100 79 450 30 32-53-15/138-38-15

Description: Same as above.

-36- "ENCLOSURE (A)"

— page 184 —
1/21 2000 79 450 30
Dos: 1/22 0100 79 450 30
Dos: 1/23 0550 79 450 30
Dos: 1/24 2000 79 450 30
Dos: 1/25 2030 100 700 16
Dos: 1/26 1930 101 750 50
Dos: 1/27 1900 101 750 50
Dos: 1/28 1945 150 500 6
Dos: 1/29 1935 150 500 6
Dos: 1/30 1935 150 500 6

EXCLUSIONS:
- [EXCLUSION: A]
- [EXCLUSION: B]
- [EXCLUSION: C]
- [EXCLUSION: D]
- [EXCLUSION: E]
- [EXCLUSION: F]
- [EXCLUSION: G]
- [EXCLUSION: H]
- [EXCLUSION: I]
- [EXCLUSION: J]
- [EXCLUSION: K]
- [EXCLUSION: L]
- [EXCLUSION: M]
- [EXCLUSION: N]
- [EXCLUSION: O]
- [EXCLUSION: P]
- [EXCLUSION: Q]
- [EXCLUSION: R]
- [EXCLUSION: S]
- [EXCLUSION: T]
- [EXCLUSION: U]
- [EXCLUSION: V]
- [EXCLUSION: W]
- [EXCLUSION: X]
- [EXCLUSION: Y]
- [EXCLUSION: Z]

— page 185 —
1/10 0330 150 500 6
Description: Strong pulse. Koyod transmitter at 30 second intervals for a short time. Close to HURRA SHI'A.
1/19 2025 150 500 6 33-18 /137-54
Description: Same as above.
1/23 1900 150 500 6 34-25-30/140-27-15
Description: Same as above.
1/24 0500 150 500 6 No Location.
Description: Same as above.
1/12 0010 156 500 10 33-00 /138-42
Description: Square flat topod pulse followed by small pulse of similar shape. Close to HACHIJO SHI'A.
1/17 0140 156 500 10 33-30/140-30
Description: Same as above.
1/18 0335 156 500 10 33-01-20/130-27-00
Description: Sharp jagged pulse of varying intensity. High sweep rate of 20 RPM.
1/11 2100 230 1500 5 33-0430/142-4115
Description: V.ry weak pulse unable to obtain any deta. Possibly shipborne.
1/20 1910 1550 500 5 32-22-45/139-02-00
Description: Jagged pulse of medium intensity. Intermittent sweep as in random search. Unknown source.
12/28 1940 3000 1500 3 29-20-45/142-00-00
Description: Jagged pulse of 2 and 1/2 micro-seconds duration. Picked up interference on son SJ and secured some while contact was made on TH-14 Unit. Assumed to be another SJ at fairly close range.

-38- EXCLUSION (A).

— page 187 —
2 February, 1945.
Serial (04)
CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST INDORSEMENT to
CO KINGFISH (SS234) Ltr
SS234/A16-3, serial 04-45,
dated 2 February, 1945.

From: The Commander Submarine Division TWO HIGHTY TWO.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY EIGHT.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
The Commander-in-Chief, United States, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234) - Report of War Patrol Number Ten.

1. The Tenth War Patrol of the U.S.S. KINGFISH was conducted in the NANPO SHOJO and extended over a period of forty days, twenty-five of which were spent submerged. The greater part of the time on station was spent on lifeguard duties but in spite of her diligent efforts no fliers were rescued. Weather conditions were severe.

2. Only one contact on a target worthy of torpedo fire was made and KINGFISH held on tenaciously to this convoy consisting of a large AO, a medium and two small AKS and two escorts (a DE and a PC) until the AO and medium AK were sunk. The original contact was made in the early morning of January 2, 1945. KINGFISH submerged for a periscope attack but could not gain a satisfactory firing position so she surfaced and made an end around into extremely rough seas during the day. The first attack was delivered at 2030 (K) when three mark 18-1 torpedoes set at ten feet were fired at the tanker on a 32° port track at a range of 3000 yards. The torpedoes were fired down mountainous seas with wing torpedoes spread 3/4° right and left of the M.O.T. No hits resulted and the convoy was not alerted.

3. Contact was maintained and with abating seas KINGFISH delivered another night surface attack at 2103 (K) on January 3,1945. Divided fire from the bow tubes was used with three torpedoes fired at the medium AK set at seven feet - track angle 56° port, firing range 3200 yards- and three at the AO set at the same depth from 2200 yards on a 57° port track. A two degree divergent spread was used on each attack. There were two hits in the AK and three in the tanker all verified by sight from the bridge and by the sound of the explosions heard below. During the time the torpedoes from the bow nest were running KINGFISH brought the storm tubes to bear and fired three additional torpedoes at the tanker. These went out just as the bow torpedoes commenced to hit and all missed undoubtedly due to the slowing of the sinking target.

— page 188 —
5/28/1945
SUBMARINE DIVISION, TWO EIG. Y TWO
o/o Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, Calif.
Serial (04)
2 February, 1945.

CONFIDENTIAL: [Redacted]

FIRST ENDORSEMENT TO
CO KINGFISH (SS234) Ltr
SS234/16-3, serial 04-45,
dated 2 February, 1945.

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234) - Report of War Patrol Number Ten.

The targets were not actually soon to sink due to a smoke pall over them but their pips faded and finally disappeared from the radar at 10,000 yards at 2125 (K). They could not be seen in company with the remaining smaller ships from a range of 8500 yards with the aid of a rising moon whereas they had been clearly visible at 12,000 yards without the aid of the moon prior to the attack. It is believed that there is proof sufficient to substantiate a considered opinion that destruction of both these vessels occurred.

4. While developing contact with several small vessels on January 6th KINGFISH took enough water down the conning tower hatch to completely flood the bilges in the pump room. The lower conning tower hatch was closed and the conning tower bilges were flooded to the deck platos. Contact was broken off to investigate the damage incurred. All pump room auxiliaries were temporarily out of commission but damage was fortunately not extensive and all but the drain pump were capable of being operated on submerging two hours and a quarter later.

5. KINGFISH arrived in an excellent state of cleanliness but in only a fair material condition. There is some doubt that her refit can be accomplished in the normal period. It is recommended that she be given her next refit elsewhere than at an advanced base.

6. KINGFISH capitalized on her only real opportunity to sink ships worthy of torpedo fire and bent every effort to rescue the fliers forced down in her vicinity.

7. The Division Commander congratulates the commanding officer, officers and crew on the completion of another excellent patrol for this fighting ship.

— page 190 —
1-2-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 0226
CONFIDENTIAL
TITLED ENDORSEMENT TO
KINGFISH REPORT OF
Tenth War Patrol.
CONSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 666
U.S.S. KINGFISH - TENTH 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. KINGFISH (SS234) - Report of Tenth War Patrol
(23 December, 1944, to 1 February, 1945).

1. The tenth war patrol of the KINGFISH, under the command of Lieutenant Commander T. E. Harper, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the Nanpo Shoto Areas.

2. A good portion of this patrol was devoted to lifeguard duties. Unfortunately, however, no resources were made available to the patrol to provide a convoy consisting of one large AO, one medium AK, two small AK's and two escorts, was tenaciously pursued and successfully attacked. Host adverse weather conditions prevailed in the area during this patrol.

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

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

SUNK
1 - Large AO (SINKOKU HARU Type) (EC) - 10,000 tons (Attack No. 2)
1 - Medium AK (JINZAN HARU Type) (EC) - 5,500 tons (Attack No. 2)

TOTAL SUNK 15,500 tons

J. H. BROWN, Jr.,
Deputy ConsubSpac.

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

— page 191 —
1/6-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, P.C. CIFIC FLEET (A) (SERIAL 0226, CONFIDENTIAL, CARE OF FLEET POST OFFICE, San Francisco, California, February 14, 1945.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to: KINGFISHER Report of Tenth War Patrol.

CONSUBSEAC PLTROL REPORT NO. 666 U.S.S. KINGFISHER - TENTH WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISHER (SS234) - Report of Tenth War Patrol (23 December, 1944, to 1 February, 1945).

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cinchon (7) (8)
CHO (5) (6)
Cincapa (1) (2)
JICPOL (1) (2)
JICPOA (1) (2)
Conservapac (1) (2)
Cincolant (1) (2)
Consubsalant (8) (9)
S/M School, NL (2) (3)
CO, S/M Base, PH (2) (3)
Consopac (1) (2)
Consowespac (1) (2)
Consubswespac (2) (3)
CTC 71.9 (2)
Comorpac (1) (2)
Consubspac (1) (2)
Consubspacid (40) (41)
SUB.D, HI (2) (3)
ConsubspacSubordcon (3) (4)
.11 Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Pacific (2) (3)
Substrainpac (2) (3)
.11 Submarines, Pacific (1) (2)

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

— page 192 —
25 April 1945.

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234L).
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Via: The Commander, Submarine Division 15
The Commander, Submarine Squadron FOUR.
The Commander, Submarine, Pacific Fleet.
The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. KINGFISH - report of war patrol number BELEVEN.

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the BELEVEN war patrol of this vessel conducted in the area surrounding the SAKISHIMA CUNTO, during the period 6 March 1945 to 25 April 1945, is forward dated 6 March 1945.

T. E. Harper.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C

DECLASSIFIED

BY OPCORC DATE 5/12/42

120537

— page 194 —
1500(K) Undorway from Guam, in company with ICEFISH in accordance with ComSubPac OpOrd #55-45 to act as a coordinated attack group under Comdr. R. W. LETERSON, U.S.N., commanding the ICEFISH, with the group name of "Poto's Panthers."

1515(K) Not escort, DD3B4.
1540(K) Escort reloased.
1900(K) Set all ship's clocks back one hour to ITEM time. Unless otherwise indicated, all time will be recorded as ITEM time.

7. March
0505 Made trim dive.
0651 Surfaced.
1200 Posit. - Let. 1601/1H
    Long. 1403/1H
11432 SD contact - 26 miles, showing friendly IFF.
11432 Sighted plane on southeast coast at 2h miles.
    Apparently one of our search planes returning to base.
2100 Hold radar tracking drill, ICEFISH acting as target.

8. March
0500 Made trim dive.
0905 Surfaced.
0920 SD contact - 11 miles - No IFF.
    Submerged.
0955 Surfaced - all clear.
1200 Posit. - Let. 19-00N
    Long. 136-08E
2000 Hold radar tracking drill, ICEFISH acting as target.

9. March
1101 3D contact - 10 miles - No IFF
    Submerged.
1156 Surfaced - all clear.
1200 Posit. - Let. 20-1/2N
    Long. 131-18E
2000 Hold emergency drills. Hold manouvering drill for
    control. 1200
    Posit. - Let. 20-53H
    Long.125-31E

10. March
1200 Posit. - Let. 20-53H
    Long.125-31E

-2- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 195 —
10.arch 1550
D contact - 30 mil. s - No IFF. Contact closed to 26 mil. s then opened out.
2100
D: Port: 2-3-35N
Long: 125-36E
11.arch 0612
Submerged on station for submerged patrol south of
LONG.12-35N
1200
Posit. - Lat. 23-35N
Long.125-36E
12.arch 0550
Submerged. Patrol: 1d vicinity of ISHIGAJI JI...
1200
Posit. - Lat. 2-3-37N
Long.12-36E
13.arch 0555
Submerged. Patrol: between YONAKUNI and IRIOMOTE
Islands.
TEL: back in full commission.
0600
Sighted "Hatch" on course. Rest about 15 miles M of
YONAKUNI.
1200
Posit. - Lat. 2-3-37N
Long.12-36E
2020
Surfaced.
2220
Recharged recognition signals with ICIFISH on SJ radar.

14.arch 0230
Recoived ICIFISH's 131701 directing KI-GFISH to patrol
independently east of 1230L.
0551
Submerged.
1200
Posit. - Lat. 25-3-37N
Long.12-36E
1950
Surfaced.

15.arch 0015
Int. reported S. FISH's 111500 to ICIFISH giving time of
joining "F-50's Panther" on 16th.
0'35
Submerged. Visibility poor - seas rough.
1200
Posit. - Lat. 25-4-00N
Long.12-36E
1618
Surfaced. Visibility improved.

— page 196 —
16 March
0612 Submerged twenty miles North of ISHICHI in rough seas making half-hourly observations.
1115 Korad three sets of rapid explosions spaced about three minutes apart. Possibly aircraft bombs ton fifteen miles away.
1200 Posit. - Lat. 2-51N Long.12-01E
1954 Surfaced. Seas rough. Weather showing little signs of improvement.
2000 Transmitted KINGFISH FIRST to ComSubPac.

17 March
0100 Rooivod ICEFISH's 161700 directing KINGFISH to patrol east of 12N0B.
0556 Submerged.
1200 Posit. - Lat. 25-13N Long.12-09E
1557 Surfaced. Weather moderating.

18 March
0605 Sumacrogd. Weather improving.
1200 Posit. - Lat. 25-21N Long.125-03E
1315 Sighted single mast bearing 0850T, distance 6 miles (Contact #1). Want to batlle stations. Came to 1000T to close. Tread target which appeared to be a 2C boat, echo ranging on long scale, on course 195T at 12 knots, heading for HITAKO.
1357 Could not close track - lost contact.
1953 Surfaced.
2300 Commenced search for convoy reported by own aircraft, on line between IWAYO and SEXISI SHO.
2350 Received ICEFISH's 151111 directing KINGFISH to patrol southward from OUTSURI in search of same convoy. Commenced retiring search from SEXISI SHO towards OUTSURI.

19 March
0305 Sighted floating mine (horned, anchor type). Knocking off two horns with cerbines and plorcing mine with .50 cal. produced no results. Avoided and commenced search to Southward of OUTSURI.
0315 Submerged to repair SJ reder modulator unit which was locking oil badly.
0938 Sighted SWFISH conducting surface patrol. Avoided and lost contact as S.SMISE worked back to Southwest.
1200 Posit. - Lat. 25-29N Long.123-45E
1958 Surfaced.
2000 SJ reder back in commission. Had weak interference on SJ reder.
2239 SJ reder contact 7000 yards, bearing 0850T. Exchanged recognition signals with S.SMISH.

EXCLUSIVE (.)

— page 197 —
20 March 1945
0557: Submerged flotation mills north of ISHICHI closing the harbor for close look. Weather fine. No activity noted.
1200: Posit. - Lt. 2L-33N
    Long.12L-00E

1950: Surfaced. IC FISH 2011L5 directing rendezvous.
2050: SJ contact 11,500 yards bearing 2700T. Exchanged information on air and requested permission to patrol Southwest of YON-UNI.

21 March
0115: Received package aboard via line throwing gun from IC FISH containing much valuable information on currents and airborne radars. Contacted by IC FISH and S.O. P.O.CHIR.
0135: Broke company and proceeded to now patrol area southwestward of YON-UNI.
0155: Submerged.
1200: Posit. - Lat. 2L-25N
    Long.122-35N
2008: Surf. closed. Closed INTO OTE to obtain radar fix - no stars visible.

22 March
0001: Wart. 2R contact, 103 CZS. Turned on 3D radar.
0051: SD contact four miles. Submerged. This is same airborne radar the IC FISH warned us about.
0112: Surf. 11 clor.
0140: 2R contact, 101 CFS. Turned on SD radar. SD. contact 3 miles. Submerged. Dedicated to stay submerged.
1200: Posit. - Lat. 2L-12N
    Long.12L-06E

2001: Surf. Proceeding to lifeguard station.

23 March
0707: Submerged on lifeguard station. Had received no information regarding air strikes.
1157: Hard three days tant explosions.
1200: Posit. - Lat. 2L-13N
    Long.12L-35N
1303: Surf. to make sure no air strikes were in progress, and to obtain radar fix from ISHICHI.
1312: Submerged.
1558: Surf. Submerged.
2130: Received ComSubPac's message that a British Carrier Task Force would strike the S.S. ISHIHI. GUNTO beginning the 26th. Commenced patrolling to southward of ISHICHI JIIL.

-5-

— page 198 —
25 April 1945:
The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. KINGFISH (SS234).
The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Via:
The Commander, Submarine Division 45
The Commander, Submarine Squadron FOUR.
The Commander, Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject:
U.S.S. KINGFISH - report of war patrol
number BELIEVEN.

Enclosure:
(1) Subject Report.
(2) Track Chart (ConsubPac only)

1. Enclosure (1), covering the BEVENTH war patrol of this vessel, conducted in the area surrounding the SANKISSIMO (CUNO), during the period 6 March 1945 to 25 April 1945, is forward dated 6 March 1945.

T. E. HARPER.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY OPC-00000000 DATE 1945-04-25

DECLASSIFIED

— page 199 —
1945-02-01
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-A-L

(A) PROLOGUE
Arrived GUAM 1 February 1945 from patrol and was assigned to Submarine Division 282 (U.S.S. APOLLO) for refit. An extended refit was given the KINGFISH to allow sufficient time to inspect and renew sections of the Compensating Water System that were pitted and pinholed as a result of electrolyti action.

A new SD-4 Radar was installed in place of the original SD-A which had given continual poor service.

On 5 February 1945 while moored alongside the U.S.S. APOLLO, No.6-C MET ruptured below the water line throwing up a considerable column of water. Subsequent docking revealed that a silver bottle installed in No.6-C MET had given away apparently as a result of heavy underwater blasting that was being conducted approximately 300 yards from the KINGFISH.

The air system in No.6-C MET was satisfactorily repaired, but only temporary repairs were made to the stock of No. 6-C MET where the rupture occurred. All the flood valves on No.6 MET were removed and it is further recommended that the flood valves on No.2 MET (which also contains air bottles) be removed.

Five days of training, during which 4 exercise torpedoes were fired, were conducted at sea.

During the first day of the training period, the after 20MM gun was fired for test. Shortly after this gun commenced firing, one round, estimated to have been the 10th round fired, prematurely exploded near the muzzle of the gun, throwing fragments of metal about the dock and water beneath the gun. 1st Lt. James H. POWELL, #023059, U.S.M.C.R., observer, received a wound on the left side of his left leg. BUSSER, Cecil F., 84-96-81, S/L, USNR-SV, 2nd loader, received deep laceration on back of his head. No other personnel were injured. The injured officer and man were immediately returned to port and transferred to the U.S.S. APOLLO for treatment. Separate reports on the accident have been made to the Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance and to Commander Submarine Squadron 28.

On 4 March 1945, Lt. Comdr. John F. Bauer, USN (81230) reported on board for duty for training as a PCO, and for further transfer to CSS-28 upon completion of the patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE
OFFICERS ON BOARD
Lt. Comdr. T. E. HARPER
Lt. Comdr. J. F. BAUER
Lt. Comdr. R. G. ANDERSON
Lt. C. H. KERN, Jr.
Lt. W. B. PHILLIPS
Lt. (jg) J. LIBERT
Lt. (jg) J. CARR

NO. OF WAR PATROLS (as of 1 May 1945)
10 8 8 7 6 2
-1- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 200 —
1500(IC)
Undorway from Guam, in company with ICERFISH in accordance with ComSubPac O30rd #55-45 to act as a coordinated attack group under Comdr. R. W. PETERSON, U.S.N., commanding the ICERFISH, with the group name of "Poto's Panthers."

1515(IC)
Not oscoort, DD38L.
1500(IC)
Escort reosced.
1900(IC)
Set all ships clocks back one hour to ITEM time. Unless othr.advised, all time will be recorded as ITEM time.

7. 7.1