U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS-386) — war patrol report SS-386_PILOTFISH.pdf

— page 1 —
START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: E-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-379-77]
OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: HARRIS]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 12-7-77]

||| 1.0
||| 1.1
||| 1.25 ||| 1.4 ||| 1.6

||| 4.5 ||| 2.8 ||| 2.5
||| 3.6 ||| 3.2 ||| 2.2
||| 4.0 ||| 2.0 ||| 1.8

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

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

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

— page 3 —
[HANDWRITTEN: PILOTFISH (SS-386)
WWII PATROL FILE
ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED
FOR DECK LOGS DECEMBER 1943 - JUNE 1945
CONSULT NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY.
J.A. KOONTZ]

— page 4 —
Office of Naval
Ships' Histories
Navy Department

Records and History
Section

HISTORY OF USS PILOTFISH (SS 386)

The keel of the USS PILOTFISH (SS 386) was laid May 15, 1943, in
the building basin, U. S. Navy Yard, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, along-
side that of the USS BANG. With Mrs. Martha Szolme czka Schuetz of
Chicago, Illinois, as sponsor, PILOTFISH was launched August 30, 1943.
During the construction period the officers and crew were assembled
at Portsmouth and given all schooling and training available. Basic
instruction was given all new recruits, "school of the boat" held for
all hands, and key personnel were sent to manufacturers' plants, Naval
Torpedo Station, Newport, Rhode Island, and Submarine School, New
London, Connecticut, for specialized and advanced training.

At 1030, December 16, 1943, Lieutenant Commander Robert H. Close,
USN, accepted the ship from Captain J. W. Roper, USN, Captain of the
Yard, and the USS PILOTFISH hoisted her colors, the last submarine to
be completed by the Portsmouth Navy Yard in 1943, under the administra-
tion of Rear Admiral T. Withers, USN, Commandant of the Navy Yard.
The following officers fitted out PILOTFISH, and were attached on
board upon commissioning:

Lieutenant Commander R. H. Close, USN - Commanding Officer
Lieutenant F. H. Cardo, USN - Executive Officer and Navigator
Lieutenant J. H. Cunningham, USNR - Engineering Officer
Lieutenant D. G. Fleming, USN - Torpedo and Gunnery Officer
Lieutenant (junior grade) W.D. Whetstone, USNR - Communications
Officer
E sign J. Simons, Jr., USNR - First Lieutenant
Electrician F. R. Ferguson, USN - Electrical Officer.

All Navy Yard work was completed December 31, 1943, and the ship
commenced her underway trials, training, and shakedown in the Ports-
mouth area. Torpedo tube trials were combined with experimental
torpedo firing conducted by PILOTFISH on the testing range at the Naval
Torpedo Station, Newport, Rhode Island, and under direction of the
Chief of Naval Operations. PILOTFISH fired 355 torpedoes during the
period January 2 to March 14, 1944. In the New London area, during
the period March 15 to 29, additional training was accomplished, and
all uncompleted trials conducted. On March 29, PILOTFISH departed
New London for the Pacific area, via the Canal Zone. The Panama Canal
was transited on April 7, and on April 10, PILOTFISH reported to Com-
mander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet, for duty and joined Submarine
Force Pacific Fleet, attached to Submarine Division 202, Submarine
Squadron 20.

Upon arrival Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, April 26, 1944,
further intensive advanced training commenced and on May 16, PILOTFISH
departed on her first war patrol in company with USS PINTADO and USS
SHARK, under the tactical command of Captain L. N. Blair, USN, in USS
PINTADO. This patrol was begun in the area west of the Marianas Is-
lands. The first week in the area, just prior to the Saipan invasion

— page 5 —
- 2 - USS PILOTFISH (SS 386)

operation, was especially active but escort and plane activity effec-
tively combined with a streak of hard luck to frustrate all attacks
made by PILOTFISH. At the end of this week the task group was ordered
to the area south of Formosa, where a strategic patrol was conducted
across a probable route of reinforcement or retirement of the Japanese
forces engaged in the Battle of the Philippines Sea. This proved
fruitless and PILOTFISH set course for Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands,
arriving July 4 after forty-nine days at sea.

Refit was accomplished by USS BUSHNELL while the officers and
crew recuperated at the rest camp on Myrna Island. Following local
training operations, PILOTFISH departed on her second war patrol July
27, which she spent in the vicinity of the Bonin Islands. In addition
to offensive patrol, lifeguard duty was performed for FIFTH Fleet
carrier-based aircraft during the Fourth Bonins Raid, August 4-5, and
again for THIRD Fleet aircraft during the Bolcano-Bonin Raids August
31 - September 1. No successful attacks were completed, nor were life-
guard services required. PILOTFISH arrived U. S. Submarine Base, Pearl
Harbor, via Midway Island, September 14, having spent 52 days on patrol.

On October 1, 1944, Commander A. G. Schnable, USN, relieved Com-
mander R. H. Clow, USN, as Commanding Officer. On completion of re-
fit and extended training, PILOTFISH departed October 14 via Midway
Island on third war patrol, again in the Bonins area. On October 31,
northwest of Muku Shima, she contacted a 4,000-ton cargo ship, later
identified as similar to the Taian Maru. PILOTFISH dove while it was
yet dark, and at dawn made her torpedo attack, which resulted in a
hit aft. Escort activity prevented making sure of this target, and it
was later learned that she had limped into port, badly damaged. On
November 2, PILOTFISH proceeded to the Nansei Shoto area for the bal-
ance of the patrol. A three-ship convoy was encountered southwest of
Amami O Shima, but subsequent escort activity was determined enough to
prevent PILOTFISH from closing for attack. After 57 days of patrol,
she returned to Midway Island, T. H., for refit, arriving on December
10.

Materiel difficulties extended the third refit alongside USS AEGIR,
and it was not until January 20, 1945, that PILOTFISH departed on her
fourth war patrol, in company with USS FINBACK and USS RASHER, with
the Commanding Officer, USS PILOTFISH as Group Commander of a coordi-
nated-attack group. The group proceeded via Saipan to the East China
Sea area, where a long and tiring patrol was spent with no contacts
save a hospital ship and small craft. A close bomb attack before dawn
of February 26, while not resulting in any major damage, was notable
in that it hit the jackpot on the slot machine. The Jap pilot re-
sponsible is invited to call for his winnings at any time. Famous
last words of the officer-of-the-deck to the Commanding Officer, just
before the explosion, "I don't think he saw us, Captain." Employment
in this area was strategically essential to the success of the Iwo
Jima campaign and PILOTFISH was therefore credited with participation
in this operation. PILOTFISH returned to U. S. Submarine Base, Pearl
Harbor, via Midway Island, after 66 days at sea, arriving March 25.

— page 6 —
- 3 - USS PILOTFISH (SS386)

The readiness for sea date was delayed to accomplish modernization
alterations, and again delayed due to materiel difficulties, and on
May 21, 1945, PILOTFISH finally departed for her fifth war patrol,
proceeding to the area via Midway Island. Fifteen days were spent on
lifeguard duty off Marcus Island, after which PILOTFISH proceeded to
Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, for fuel and overnight voyage repairs along-
side USS ORION. On June 20, PILOTFISH left for the second half of a
lifeguard patrol, the latter period spent in the vicinity of the
Nanpo Shoto and the Empire. No opportunity for rescue was presented,
nor were any ship contacts made. PILOTFISH arrived Apra Harbor, Guam,
on July 14 after a patrol of fifty-five days duration.

USS SPERRY completed the refit in the usual time, and on August
9, 1945, PILOTFISH departed on her sixth war patrol, again to life-
guard duty. Only two days had been spent in the patrol area, south-
east of the Empire, when on August 15, the "Cease Firing" order was
received from Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet. PILOTFISH was
ordered to remain on station off Kii Suido for continued lifeguard
duty, and neutrality patrol. On August 30, PILOTFISH passed to
operational control of Commander THIRD Fleet, and the following morn-
ing rendezvoused and joined formation with USS RUNNER, USS ARCHERFISH,
USS MUSKALLUNGE, USS CAVALLA, USS HAKE, USS GATO, USS TIGRONE, USS
RAZORBACK, USS ADDO, and USS SEACAT, with the Commanding Officer, USS
RUNNER, as Officer-in-Tactical-Command. The formation proceeded to
Tokyo Kaiwan in order to participate in the initial occupation of Japan
and the formal surrender ceremonies. The afternoon of August 31, all
submarines of the formation moored alongside USS PROTEUS in Yokosuka
Naval Basin. Vice Admiral C. A. Lockwood, USN, flying his flag in
USS PROTEUS, represented all submarine units present at the formal
surrender signed on board USS MISSOURI September 2, 1945.

September 3, 1945, operational control of PILOTFISH reverted to
Commander Submarine, Pacific Fleet, and in company with the previously
named submarines of the occupation force, less the Submarine Base,
got underway for Pearl Harbor, T. H., arriving at the Submarine Base,
Commander A. G. Schnable, USN, relieved Commander A. G.
Schnable, USN, as Commanding Officer on September 12, and the follow-
ing day PILOTFISH was underway for San Francisco, California, after
18 months duty beyond the continental limits of the United States,
which duty covered 75, 075 miles underway during 313 days on war patrol
The homing pennant flying from the periscope as the PILOTFISH enters
the Golden Gate will probably mean most to those of her commissioning
personnel who will remain aboard after six war patrols.

By Directive dated July 1946, the USS PILOTFISH (SS 386) was to
be disposed of by use as a target or for test purposes.

* * * * *

— page 7 —
- 4 - USS PILOTFISH (SS 386)

The PILOTFISH earned five (5) battle stars on the Asiatic-Pacific
Area Service Ribbon for participating in the following operations:

1 Star/Submarine War Patrol (Pacific) -- 14 October to 10 December
    1944
1 Star/Marianas Operation
    Battle of Philippine Sea -- 19-20 June 1944
    Fourth Bonins Raid -- 4-5 August 1944
1 Star/Western Carolina Islands Operation
    Raids on Volcano-Bonin Islands and Yap Island -- 31 August to
    8 September 1944
1 Star/Iwo Jima Operation
    Assault and Occupation of Iwo Jima -- 15 February to 16 March
    1945
1 Star/Okinawa Gunto Operation
    Assault and Occupation of Okinawa Gunto -- 24 March to 30
    June 1945

The PILOTFISH also earned the Navy Occupation Service Medal --
Pacific, for the period ending 2 September to 3 September 1945.

* * * * * *
STATISTICS

OVERALL LENGTH                                          312 feet
BEAM                                                    27 feet
SPEED                                                   20 knots
DISPLACEMENT                                            1,525 tons

* * * * * *

Restencilled March 1951

— page 8 —
SS386/A16-3/L9
Serial (023)

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

U. S. S. PILOTFISH,
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

/hef

4 July, 1944.

From: Commanding Officer.
To: Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (Offician Channels).

Subject: U.S.S. PILOTFISH, Report of War Patrol Number One.

Enclosures: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track chart (ComSubSPac only).
(C) Intra Task Group Communications Log.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the first war patrol of this vessel
conducted in the area west and north-west of the Marianas Islands and in the
area between China, Taiwan, and Luzon during the period 16 May, 1944, to 4
July, 1944, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: R. H. Close]
R. H. CLOSE.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/31/22]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 82091]

— page 9 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

(A) Prologue.

The U.S.S. PILOTFISH was built at U.S. Navy Yard, Portsmouth, N.H., launched
29 August, 1943 and commissioned 16 December. During the construction period the
officers and crew were assembled at Portsmouth and given all schooling and train-
ing available at that time. All officers and men attended schools designed to
familiarize them with ships of their own class and even the "oldtimers" admitted
that this instruction was very beneficial. Basic instruction of the boat held
for all hands and key personnel were sent to
recruits, school at Newport Torpedo Station and Submarine School, New London
for specialized training. The following officers commissioned and fitted out
the PILOTFISH and are now attached to this ship: Lieutenant Commander Robert H.
Carde, U.S. Navy, Commanding; Lieutenant Commander Freeland H. Cunningham, jr.,
Executive Officer and Navigator; Lieutenant Commander John H. Cunningham, jr.,
U.S. Navy, Engineering Officer; Lieutenant David G. Fleming, U.S. Navy,
Gunnery and Torpedo Officer; Lieutenant William D. Hetston, U.S. Naval Reserve,
Communications Officer; Ensign John C. Simons, jr., U.S. Naval Reserve, Commis-
sary, Radar and Sound Officer, and Electrician Frank R. Ferguson, U.S. Navy,
Storekeeper, and Assistant Engineering Officer. The ship was accepted
31 December, and commenced her underway trials, training, and shakedown in the
Portsmouth area. On 2 January, 1944, Lieutenant Arthur C. Davis, jr., U.S.
Naval Reserve, reported on board and was assigned duties as First Lieutenant.
Torpedo tube trials were combined with experimental torpedo firings conducted
by PILOTFISH at Newport, R.I., during the period 22 January to 14 March, 1944.
Two hundred fifty Mark 23 torpedoes, seventy-three Mark XVIII-1 torpedoes and
thirty-two dummy torpedoes were fired at various depths from surface to 190
feet, using various impulse pressures and employing a firing valve cut-off in
an effort to eliminate impulse bubbles and obtain optimum torpedo performance.
In the New London, Connecticut Area, during the period 15 to 29 March, the tor-
pedo tubes were completely overhauled, the tail shafts packed with sand, IFF
installed, and all uncompleted trials were conducted. During this period three
Mark 23 and one Mark 14-3 exercise torpedoes were fired on practice approaches.
The ship was departed New London. A sound test was conducted
in this area. 29 March, 1944, PILOTFISH departed New London area to join U.S.
Pacific Fleet via Balboa, Canal Zone. 10 April, PILOTFISH was tested for under-
way sound noises. On 10 April, 1944, at Balboa, C.Z., PILOTFISH reported to
Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet for duty and joined the Submarine Force Pacific
Fleet, Submarine Squadron 20, Submarine Division 202. Upon arrival Pearl Harbor,
T.H., 26 April, 1944, PILOTFISH, having completed her initial training and shake-
down, was assigned to Submarine Squadron Four for upkeep and voyage repairs. 29
April, the final training commenced under the Submarine Training Command and
Submarine Division 45. The period 27 April to 15 May, underway train-
ing was conducted in periscope approaches, radar approaches, night surface radar
tracking, battle surface and coordinated convoy attacks. Three
Mark 14-3 and three Mark 23 exercise and two Mark XVIII-1 exercise torpedoes were
fired on practice approaches and two depth charges were dropped close aboard for
indoctrination. Seventeen rounds of 4" and four pans of 20 m.m. ammunition plus
small arms were fired at a sled target towed by SEAGULL on battle surface prac-
tices. On 9 - 10 May the PILOTFISH, in company with PINTADO and SHARK and under
tactical command of Captain L.N. Blair, U.S. Navy conducted search and coordina-
ted attacks on an incoming screened convoy composed of four ships. Two daylight
and two night approaches were conducted on the convoy and much valuable experience

- 1 -

— page 10 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

(B) Narrative.

16 May, 1944.
1330 (V-W) Departed Pearl Harbor, T.H. for Midway, T.H. in company with Pintado and
Shark; and with PC-571 as escort. Commenced operations in accordance
with Comsubpac Secret Operation Order No. 166-44 of 15 May, 1944 as task
unit 17.12.2.
1517 (V-W) Made test dive to maximum designed depth, no leaks.
1800 (V-W) For. column PC-571, Pilotfish, Pintado (OTC) and Shark, distance 1500
yds., speed 18.

17-19 May.
Surface cruising, zigzagging. Tested intragroup radio communications,
results negative. Made trim and training dives. Conducted radar track-
ing exercises and exercised fire control party.
1830 (V-W) 17 May set clocks back to zone + 12 (Y).

20 May, 1944.
0530 (Y) Rendezvoused with Pintado, Shark, Herring, and 2 SBD's.
0630 (Y) Sighted Midway Island and entered Midway Channel.
0910 (Y) Moored starboard side to alongside Pintado outboard of Bang and Proteus.
Fueled ship to capacity. Received 17,430 gallons of diesel oil, 351
gallons of battery water, 1150 gallons fresh water. Repair crew checked
and inspected all radio and radar gear and required us to stay overnight
to correct SD radar which had developed low ground readings in the
antenna. Ship's force replaced pilot valve on #2 main hydraulic plant
with spare from tender.

21 May.
0700 (Y) Departed Midway. Changed date to 22 May to conform to zone - 12 time
(M).

22-28 May.
Enroute operating areas, surface cruising, zigzagging. Made training
dive, conducted radar tracking and exercised fire control party.

22 May.
1900 (M) Rendezvoused with Shark and Pintado and received final instructions
from Task Group Commander.
During the night disassembled #3 main engine outboard exhaust valve operat-
ing gear, repaired broken cross head by drilling, tapping, bolting and
brazing. Reassembled gear. Works O.K. Hope it holds.

24 May.
0500 (M) Set clocks back to conform to zone - 11 time (L).
0900 (L) SD radar contact (AC#1) at two miles. Dove.
0924 (L) Surfaced.

25 May.
1700 (L) Set clocks back to conform to zone - 10 time (K).

- 3 -

— page 11 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

(A) Prologue.

The U.S.S. PILOTFISH was built at U.S. Navy Yard, Portsmouth, N.H., launched
29 August, 1943 and commissioned 16 December. During the construction period the
officers and crew were assembled at Portsmouth and given all schooling and train-
ing available at that time. All officers and men attended schools designed to
familiarize them with ships of their own class and even the "oldtimers" admitted
that this instruction was given all new was very beneficial. Basic instruction
recruits, school of the boat held for all hands and key personnel were sent to
manufacturers plants, Newport Torpedo Station and Submarine School, New London
for specialized training. The following officers commissioned and fitted out
the PILOTFISH and are now attached to this ship: Lieutenant Commander Robert H.
Close, U.S. Navy, Commanding Officer; Lieutenant Commander Freeland H. Carde, U.S. Navy,
Executive Officer and Navigator; Lieutenant Commander John H. Cunningham, jr.,
U.S. Naval Reserve, Engineering Officer; Lieutenant David G. Fleming, U.S. Navy,
Gunnery and Torpedo Officer; Lieutenant William D. Chetstone, U.S. Navy, Commu-
nications Officer; Ensign John C. Simons, jr., U.S. Naval Reserve, Commis-
sary, Radar and Sound Officer, and Electrician Frank R. Ferguson, U.S. Navy,
Electrical, Stores and Assistant Engineering Officer. The ship was accepted
31 December and commenced her underway trials, training, and shakedown in the
Portsmouth area. On 2 January, 1944, Lieutenant Arthur C. Davis, jr., U.S.
Naval Reserve, reported on board and was assigned duties as First Lieutenant.
Torpedo tube trials were combined with experimental torpedo firings conducted
by PILOTFISH at Newport, R.I., during the period 22 January to 14 March, 1944.
Two hundred fifty Mark 23 torpedoes, seventy-three Mark XVIII-1 torpedoes and
thirty-two dummy torpedoes were fired at various depths from surface to 190
feet, using various impulse pressures and employing a firing valve cut-off in
an effort to eliminate impulse bubbles and obtain optimum torpedo performance.
In the New London, Connecticut Area, during the period 15 to 29 March, the tor-
pedo tubes were completely overhauled, the tail shafts packed with sand, IFF
installed, and all uncompleted trials were conducted. During this period three
Mark 23 and one Mark XIV-1 exercise torpedoes were fired on practice approaches.
The ship was departed at Submarine Base, New London. A sound test was conducted
in this area to join U.S. on 29 March, 1944. PILOTFISH departed New London
Pacific Fleet via Balboa, Canal Zone. 10 April, PILOTFISH was tested for under-
way sound noises. On 10 April, 1944, at Balboa, C.Z., PILOTFISH reported to
Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet for duty and joined the Submarine Force Pacific
Fleet, Submarine Squadron 20, Submarine Division 202. Upon arrival Pearl Harbor,
T.H., 26 April, 1944, PILOTFISH, having completed her initial training and shake-
down, was assigned to Submarine Squadron Four for upkeep and voyage repairs. 29
April, the final training commenced under the Submarine Training Command and
Submarine Squadron Training Division 45. The period 27 April to 15 May underway train-
ing was conducted in periscope approaches, radar approaches, night surface radar
tracking, battle surface and coordinated convoy attacks. Three
Mark 14-3 and three Mark 23 exercise and two Mark XVIII-1 exercise torpedoes were
fired on practice approaches and two depth charges were dropped close aboard for
indoctrination. Seventeen rounds of 4" and four pans of 20 m.m. ammunition plus
small arms were fired at a sled target towed by SEAGULL on battle surface prac-
tices. On 9 - 10 May the PILOTFISH, in company with PINTADO and SHARK and under
tactical command of Captain L.N. Blair, U.S. Navy conducted search and coordina-
ted attacks on an incoming screened convoy composed of four ships. Two daylight
and two night approaches were conducted on the convoy and much valuable experience

- 1 -

— page 12 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

gained. 6 May, 1944, Ensign William H. Hoblitzel, U.S. Naval Reserve, reported
aboard for duty. On 11 May, ship was sound tested in West Loch, as on the two
previous sound tests a strong reduction gear whine was found. VHF, APR-1, and
voice input to TBL were installed and the after torpedo room was equipped to
handle Mark XVIII torpedoes. Two complete teams were trained to handle Mark
XVIII torpedo by the Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor. Have made 356 dives and
spent 213 hours submerged. It is felt that the training was progressive, com-
plete and well balanced. The training in the Pearl Harbor area was very intensive
and left nothing to be gained except by actual war experience. The PILOTFISH
loaded and departed on her first war patrol 16 May, 1944, in company
with PINTADO and SHARK under the tactical command of Captain Leon N. Blair, U.S.
Navy, in PINTADO.

- 2 -

— page 13 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

(B) Narrative.

16 May, 1944.
1330 (V-W) Departed Pearl Harbor, T.H. for Midway, T.H. in company with Pintado and
            Shark and with PC-571 as escort. Commenced operations in accordance
            with Comsubpac Secret Operation Order No. 166-44 of 15 May, 1944 as task
            unit 17.12.2.
1517 (V-W) Made dive to maximum designed depth, no leaks.
1800 (V-W) Formed column PC-571, Pilotfish, Pintado (OTC) and Shark, distance 1500
            course 321, speed 18.

17-19 May.
            Surface cruising, zigzagging. Tested intragroup radio communications,
            result negative. Made trim and training dives. Conducted radar track-
            ing exercises and exercised fire control party.
1830 (V-W) 17 May set clocks back to zone + 12 (Y).

20 May, 1944.
0530 (Y) Rendezvoused with Pintado, Shark, Herring, and 2 SBD's.
0630 (Y) Sighted Midway Island and entered Midway Channel.
0910 (Y) Moored starboard side to alongside Pintado outboard of Bang and Proteus.
            Fueled ship to capacity. Received 17,430 gallons of diesel oil, 351
            gallons of battery water, 1150 gallons fresh water. Repair crew checked
            and inspected all radio and radar gear and requested us to stay overnight
            to correct SD radar which had developed low ground readings in the
            antenna. Ship's force replaced pilot valve on #2 main hydraulic plant
            with spare from tender.

21 May.
0700 (Y) Departed Midway. Changed date to 22 May to conform to zone - 12 time
            (M).

22-28 May.
            Enroute operating areas, surface cruising, zigzagging. Made training
            dive, conducted radar tracking and exercised fire control party.

22 May.
1900 (M) Rendezvoused with Shark and Pintado and received final instructions
            from Task Group Commander.
            During night disassembled #3 main engine outboard exhaust valve operat-
            ing gear, repaired broken cross head by drilling, tapping, bolting and
            brazing. Reassembled gear. Works O.K. Hope it holds.

24 May.
0500 (M) Set clocks back to conform to zone - 11 time (L).
0900 (L) SD radar contact (AC#1) at two miles. Dove.
0924 (L) Surfaced.

25 May.
1700 (L) Set clocks back to conform to zone - 10 time (K).

- 3 -

— page 14 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

27 May.
0530 (K) Rendezvoused with Shark and Pintado. Did not close.
0952 (K) SD radar contact (AC#2) at seven miles. Dove.
1032 (K) Surfaced.

28 May.
0556 (K) Sighted plane (AC#3). Dove.
0655 (K) Surfaced.
0814 (K) SD radar contact (AC#4) at 15 miles. Dove.
0915 (K) Surfaced.
2151 (K) SJ radar contact 8 miles closing rapidly (AC#5). Dove.
2225 (K) Surfaced.

29 May.
0155 (K) Entered area.
0455 (K) Dove, conducting submerged patrol in accordance with Task Group Instruc-
             tions.
2010 (K) Surfaced.

30 May.
0456 (K) Dove. On station on scouting line, conducting submerged patrol.
0905 (K) Sighted plane (AC#6) distant about seven miles, through periscope.
2012 (K) Surfaced.

31 May.
0506 (K) Dove. Conducting submerged patrol.
0805 (K) Received group commanders despatch to search for convoy.
0815 (K) Surfaced and set course 097°(t).
1617 (K) Sighted unidentified friendly submarine (SC#1) (probably Silversides but
             then believed to be Shark) avoided to northward when satisfied it was a
             U.S. Submarine. No signs of a convoy could be seen. Unable to identify
             to Shark and Pintado. Received intra-pack radio but reported sighting
             Received order to form scouting line but could not make out course or
             speed from the message. Headed for our point on the scouting line and
             assumed one of the figures to indicate a speed of 15 knots and another a
             course of 340°(t).
1940 (K) Believed ourselves to be on station and reported our position requesting
             a verification. Received same but at 1944 (K) received same message as
1944 (K) Received Shark's smoke contact report. Changed course to intercept.
2033 (K) Received Pintado's contact report and changed course to intercept on the
             stated bow course of 031°(t) at earliest opportunity. Headed for posi-
             tion 11 miles ahead of convoy expecting to reach this position at 0030
             (K) the 1st, using full speed (18 knots).

1 June.
0040 (K) Changed course to 211°(t) to run down convoy track and intercept from
             ahead. SJ radar interference was noticed on both bows so it was assumed
             that we were ahead of the convoy with Shark and Pintado on his bows. At
             0130, having covered all speeds from about 5 to 11 knots on the given
             course assumed we had missed contact either due to a course change or
             because of differences in navigational positions. Changed course to 045°
             (t) at 9 knots to conduct a retiring search. Feeling we had covered
             several positions to the left of Pintado's 2300 position and course
             031 during our approach so set off to the right.

- 4 -

— page 15 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

0230 (K) When moon went down, communications began to indicate that no one knew
          contact's whereabouts so at
0235 (K) Changed course to 030°(t) in order not to give a false contact to Pintado
          who was assumed to be the starboard flanker.
0500 (K) Dawn broke and visibility was good so, changed course to 000°(t) and in-
          creased speed to 15 knots to continue retiring search.
0700 (K) Changed course to 030°(t).
0800 (K) Changed course to 060°(t).
0825 (K) Changed course to 030°(t). Lookout thought he saw a red smoke signal at
          030°(t), recognition color green at this time.
0925 (K) Changed course to 060°(t).
1000 (K) Changed course to 200°(t) to search back along convoy's general track and
          return to a position from which it would be possible to regain contact. Do
          not know whether to return to normal station by diving time tomorrow, if no one
          regains contact. Do not know position of other submarines, have had no local communications
          since 0230 yesterday. Assume we have either missed a message informing a new scouting
          line or all submarines are scouting independently (probably the latter,
          since we have covered all courses from about 015° to 050°(t) from enemy's last reported
          position at 2300 yesterday and all speeds from 5 to 11 knots and do not
          think it advisable to scout farther on the flanks without knowing location
          of friendly submarines. We have been ordered to trail and assume we are
          in the center.
1200 (K) Received Shark's contact report showing that convoy had gone west and set
          course 270°(t) to intercept and rejoin.
1330 (K) Received Silverside's contact report on second convoy. It would take 24
          hours to intercept first convoy and only 5 hours to reach second convoy
          so set course 090°(t) to intercept second convoy. Sent message to Silver-
          sides on 450 Kcs advising her of our action and position.
1616 (K) Sighted smoke of convoy (SC#2) and commenced trailing ahead. Informed
          Pintado and Shark of contact.
1727 (K) Exchanged calls and received convoy course and speed from Silversides,
          who departed.
1955 (K) Received orders from Task Group Commander to trail until other submarines
          completed attacks on convoy #1 and contacted convoy #2.
2300 (K) Made radar contact and commenced tracking.

2 June.
0302 (K) Commenced night surface radar approach. The moon has set, visibility is
          very poor, but the other submarines are due to make contact at any time and
          there is little darkness left. If attack is frustrated, we will at least
          have learned more of the convoy's composition, disposition and tactics.
          Closed to position 10,000 yards on convoy's starboard bow and slowed.
          Looks good, escorts can be made out well clear ahead and on starboard bow. There are apparently three
          columns of three ships, three ships in near column and two or three in each of
          the others. We are closing slowly and near screen will be well clear.
          Assume this is about 8,500 yards, starboard bow screen starts to
          drop back and is between us and leading ship of near column, our target.
          Assume this is just natural escort patrolling and so keeping bow pointed
          on the convoy's beam. Another escort now shows up on radar about 2,000 yards
          between nearest escorts. Convoy makes very heavy smoke, is now in front
          of a dark cloud and it is extremely difficult to make out targets. Was

- 5 -

— page 16 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

about to shift target to third ship in column when a third escort appears
on radar and in sight, apparently coming out from astern of convoy.
May be a coincidence so will wait but it will get light soon and some of
these escorts must get clear before we have much hope of a successful
attack.
0430 (K) Broke off approach and headed clear astern. Another escort has just shown
up on the starboard quarter of the convoy making four escorts at ranges of
5 to 7,000 yards between us and convoy whose nearest ship is 7,000 yards.
It is growing light fast and we are in the east. Commenced end around
on port side of convoy at 16 knots as soon as clear.
0937 (K) Sighted plane (AC#1) apparently over the convoy.
0940 (K) Dove, plane appeared to be approaching.
1120 (K) Surfaced and resumed end around. Delayed surfacing as the smoke grew remark-
ably in volume around 1000 indicating that possibly air cover has sighted
Pintado or Shark ahead and convoy has reversed course and would pass over
us.
1138 (K) Sighted plane (AC#2) in direction of convoy and headed our way.
1141 (K) Dove.
1330 (K) Surfaced and commenced search for lost contact.
1658 (K) Sighted smoke bearing 002°(t). Size of smoke indicates same convoy a
long way off. Plane can sometimes be seen in the smoke when he is broad-
side to us. Closing ahead.
2215 (K) Heard series of explosions and sighted two large columns of smoke. Made
out smokes of convoy (SC#3) drawing to the left, had just about assumed
we had missed contact as we must have seen smoke and plane 40-50 miles
this afternoon. Explosions were torpedoes followed by depth charges and
possibly some gunfire, much signalling by flashing light and great clouds
of smoke indicate haste to clear area.
2345 (K) Radar tracking from ahead, still closing track; more signalling observed.

3 June.
0055 (K) Range to convoy 17,000 yards, three columns of two ships each which appear
to be escorts ahead of three unidentified merchant ships. Range to near-
est screen 15,000 yards. Ships have just made two zigs to their right
and we are right on in deflection when a round flash of light comes from
convoy and a geyser comes up astern of us. They must
be shooting at us and are right on in deflection but far short in range.
Went ahead flank and changed course slightly under cover of our own smoke,
zigzaging 5° each side of course. Radar picked up small target at range
10,000 yards just to the right of the convoy's bearing and closing rapidly.
He is shooting a twin mount of small caliber and is way off in deflection
and short. He fires red tracers but has practically no gun flash. He
tracks at 20 knots increasing, so at 9,000 yards range, dove. Could not
see target and radar indicated he was very small so went deep. He dropped
about eight depth charges at a TDC range of 7,800 yards and commenced pinging,
closing to about 1,200 yards and just about over our diving point. Evaded
at silent running. Action tonight combined with yesterday morning indi-
cates radar but range tonight seems unusual. We were pounding somewhat
in a long swell and the, may have sighted spray at 300 engine speed although
we were in a sector of poor visibility next to the moon slick.
0510 (K) Suddenly he broke overhead and fade out to the west and fast screws close aboard pass almost
to the west. It is just before dawn and believe our pinging friend,
who is now quite a distance away, must have had a silent partner watching
up moon for a periscope.

- 6 -

— page 17 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

3 June.
0835 (K) All clear, surfaced and commenced search.
1754 (K) Sighted small escort vessel (SC#4) trailing convoy at a range of about
11 miles. Ran around to starboard.
1805 (K) Received orders from Task Group Commander for Shark and Pilotfish to
intercept a new contact while Pintado make last attack at
1830 (K) Sighted smoke (SC#5). Commenced closing ahead and tracking.

4 June.
0035 (K) Satisfied we have solved convoy's base course and are on his track.
Small vessel, probably escort but possibly Shark, appears between us and
convoy at a range of 10,000 yards so dove and commenced approach. Convoy
consists of three columns of ships with two or three ships in each column.
Three ships in near column. Convoy has changed course to the eastward
slightly so came to normal approach course. One escort can be made out
on the starboard bow of the convoy and later one on the quarter as well
as one directly ahead and another directly behind the center column. All
ships smoking nicely. Nothing can be heard on sound due to a sharp nega-
tive gradient between the surface and fifty feet. Visability is excellent,
best I have ever seen at night but must limit my exposures when his course
change brings me into the moon slick.
0246 (K) Convoy passed by at a range of about 6-7,000 yards to closest ships.
Nothing ever heard on sound. It is very difficult to make out angles on
the bow or make out ranges at night even with the best moonlight.
0315 (K) Surfaced and commenced end around.
0330 (K) Made radar and sight contact with small ship astern of convoy distant
about 15 miles from it. Avoided but later identified as Pintado.
0639 (K) Exchanged calls and information with Task Group Commander and set out to
take station ahead of convoy.
1002 (K) Sighted smoke and commenced tracking.
1023 (K) Received orders to take station as trailer for coordinated attack at
1600 (K). Pintado port flanker and Shark starboard flanker.
1332 (K) On station at a range of about 12,000 yards at 1400 (K).
1400 (K) Dove and commenced approach. After about ten minutes it became evident
that convoy has changed base course to his right and is heading for Shark.
Came to normal approach course and ran at high speed between observations.
Slight chop, first in several days. Convoy disposition is about the same
as last night, selected second ship in near or port column as the first
we can possibly get in on. Escorts ahead and on convoy's port bow will
pass well clear ahead. Believe I may be overestimating range but will
probably have to shift to third ship in column unless he zigs toward us
again.
1537 (K) Torpedo explosions. Range to nearest ships of convoy about 5,000 yards,
on the bow on second ship (target). Convoy zigs about 30°
away. Can not make out any damaged or sinking ships but they are all
making great clouds of smoke now. Decided it must be Pintado who fired
from a position ahead of us as she ran in farther on the surface. Can
now see two escorts, one very small at a range of about 5-6,000 yards
running around and dropping depth charges. One ship of convoy reverses
course and goes off astern. When she gets about 12,000 yards away,
beyond escorts she runs in slow circles so assume she is a cripple.
Still closing convoy as best we can as Shark should turn them back into
range if she can attack from starboard flank.

- 7 -

— page 18 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

1607 (K) Changed course to open out from escorts and keep convoy smoke in sight.
    They continue to ping intermittently and drop a few depth charges now and
    then. Our ripple seems to be undamaged and looks to be a shallow draft,
    bulk cargo vessel with a special mast left to give gunfire support to the escorts
    pod and was left to give gunfire support to the escorts who are very small,
    He runs around zigzagging but always about 6-8,000 yards from the little
    escorts.
1811 (K) Last depth charges heard.
1915 (K) Surfaced and started end around. Can see masts of escorts and the super-
    structure of the third vessel, they head for us at a range of about
    13,000 yards but do not close as we are making full speed. Another group
    of two small escorts and a larger maru are sighted for a brief period
    through the high periscope but soon lost against the clouds.
2320 (K) Sighted small maru. Identified as Pintado by intra-pack radio. Ordered
    to attack. Unable to attain position ahead of convoy during the night
    as he changes base course in 30° increments about every hour or two.

5 June.
0710 (K) Sighted Pintado and exchanged information. Ordered to make coordinated
    attack at 0900.
0852 (K) Commenced approach from position 15° on the starboard bow of convoy
    assuming base course 120°(t) which tracked well for both submarines.
    Running back toward convoy on the surface, bearing again indicates convoy
    has just changed course to his right, toward us.
0902 (K) Dove with top of ships in sight and came to normal course to pass ahead
    and attack from our side as we are directly in fromt of convoy and our
    experience during training indicates that this is a very poor position to
    effect penetration of the screen from. Sound conditions are excellent.
    JP heard heavy screws at 20,000 yards. There is much pinging.
1004 (K) Flooded tubes at a range of about 10,000 yards ahead of starboard column
    and secured all unnecessary machinery as sound conditions are so good and
    we must pass close to starboard bow screen.
1022 (K) About 3,000 yards ahead of screen on convoy's starboard bow. Pointing
    just to the left of him, we will pass close aboard. Leading screen is
    about 3,000 yards on our starboard beam when he sends out several char-
    acters on echo ranging gear. No other signs of detection but we go to
    170 feet to get under negative gradient. To have good depth control and
    will be easily able to come up as soon as screen passes over us and we
    should be about 1,500 yards on the convoy's starboard beam.
1028 (K) Made ready tubes and started up to periscope depth, as bearings draw-
    ing well aft as expected.
1035 (K) We are up and clear of bow screen alright but convoy has zigged radically
    away and range to the nearest ships is about 6,000 yards, increasing.
    However, they have detached the three ship team of two escorts and one
    maru which we saw yesterday and the escorts are only about 3,000 yards
    away with the maru directly behind them at a range of about 8,000 yards
    increasing. Evaded at periscope depth until
1130 (K) One escort is headed for us at a range of about 2,000 yards, smallest
    escort has not been seen since 1100 and does not ping. They have been
    trailing and depth charged and do not believe we were ever located. Cannot understand how we were ever
    detected.
1444 (K) All clear, surfaced and commenced chase.
- 8 -

— page 19 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

1512 (K) Sighted smoke of convoy (SC#6) and started end around on starboard flank.
1729 (K) Heard explosion and saw column of smoke rise up from the convoy to an
estimated height of 7,200 feet. Took pictures. Shark must have hit an
ammunition ship. We missed getting pictures while the streamers were
visible. Smoke lasted until after dark.
2000 (K) Sighted small ship. Later identified as Pintado.
2100 (K) Ahead of convoy distant about 12 miles, tracking. Exchanged information
with Pintado.
2345 (K) Pintado has dropped back toward convoy and must have closed to about
15,000 yards before he disappeared from our radar screen so assume he is
attacking. We will attack at about 0015 and hope to coordinate the two.

6 June.
0017 (K) Commenced submerged approach. We closed to about 17,000 yards before
diving and have a pretty fair picture of his zig plan. Can't miss this
time. Those aren't as many ships as there were but can see escort ahead
of a big ship which smokes a lot, assumed to be center column of three.
Two ships in near column with escort on their port bow. We are just
outside nearest escort and should be able to round up astern of him just
before they are due to zig toward. Everything is running on schedule.
0056 (K) Heard four explosions. Sounds like two distant depth charges and gun
fire. Convoy doesn't appear to have changed course. However, leading
escort has zero angle on the bow at a range of about 1,000 yards and
port bow screen has zero angle on the bow at a range of about 1,000 yards
so

0101 (K) Went deep at silent running and evaded. Now feel sure that we muffed a
golden opportunity. Sound never indicated detection but four days of
incessant convoy chasing has made me so tired and "on edge" that I made
a very poor decision. Believe I was stampeded into an erroneous estimate
by the purely coincidental zero angles on the bow at short ranges which
were just the natural result of escorts patrolling on station. By the
time we had gone deep, changed our minds and come back up it was
0200 (K) At periscope depth, visibility poor in the direction of the convoy.
Sound has pinging, "not too far away", in the direction of rain squalls
but we can only see the convoy's smoke to the left of this.
0306 (K) All clear, surfaced and started chase.
0326 (K) Sighted smoke of convoy (SC#7), commenced end around on starboard flank.
0903 (K) Sighted plane (AC#9) coming at us.
0905 (K) Dove.
1005 (K) Surfaced and resumed end around. Shark in sight to southward.
1021 (K) Sighted plane (AC#10) over convoy, turned toward.
1022 (K) Dove. Heard many distant depth charges.
1205 (K) Shark is on the surface crossing our bow. Surfaced to resume chase.
1209 (K) Sighted plane (AC#11) coming low and fast. Shark dove. Believe we
were sighted.
1210 (K) Dove. Heard several distant explosions.
1325 (K) Had just looked at 50 feet and was about to surface when plane (AC#12)
was sighted close aboard.
1402 (K) While coming up from 200 feet sound suddenly hears light high speed
screws which passed close aboard ahead from port to starboard and then
slowed to a stop and went ahead slowly again. Sound range of the day

- 9 -

— page 21 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L. U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

7 June.
1315 (K) Received orders to take station on scouting line.
2230 (K) On station on scouting line.

8 June.
1430 (K) Rendezvoused with Shark, Pintado and Tunny. Exchanged information.
           Tunny joined Task Group. Shark departed.
1751 (K) Set course for new station in scouting line. Surface cruising on auxil-
           iary engine enroute new area.

9 June.
0502 (K) Dove on scouting station.
1600 (K) Set clocks back to zone - 9 (I).
1910 (I) Surfaced. Surface cruising on auxiliary engine. During night converted
           #4 fuel ballast tank to a main ballast tank and flushed out same.

10 June.
0419 (I) Dove.
1930 (I) Surfaced.

11 June.
0442 (I) Dove.
0530 (I) Pintado and Tunny in sight, surfaced to find out what is going on.
           Directed to remain in visual communicating distance.
1056 (I) Rendezvoused with Pintado and Tunny. Received instructions for enter-
           ing area early and scouting plan for area.
1130 (I) Set course for new scouting station, enroute area.
2035 (I) On station.

12 June.
0400 (I) Entered new area.
1800 (I) Changed time to zone -8 (H).

13 June.
0442 (H) Dove.
1915 (H) Surfaced.

14 June.
0340 (H) SJ radar contact with land bearing 254°(t) distant 78,000 yards.
0445 (H) Sighted island.
0459 (H) Dove. Passing through Balintang Channel, about 2 knots set to northward.
1918 (H) Surfaced, clearing channel.

15 June.
0105 (H) Sighted small, steady white light (SC#9). Tracked and observed. It is
           obviously a very small vessel, bobs considerably in swell, on a southerly
           course at about 6 knots. Enroute or patrolling on line between west coast
           of Taiwan and west coast of Luzon. Decided not to get too close as he
           appears hardly worth disclosing the Task Groups presence for.
0503 (H) Dove.
1937 (H) Surfaced.
2030 (H) Received Consubpac's instructions to keep Task Group east of 120°E.
2245 (H) Set course to close Pintado. This will allow us to get instructions by
           visual and if we miss contact will comply with our latest orders. Radar
           interference indicates a friendly submarine near the proper bearing.
           - 11 -

— page 22 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

16 June.
0148 (H) Unable to locate other submarines so sent message to Pintado refering
to orders and at
0155 (H) Position to be in on scouting line at dawn 17 June. It will
require running through the Straits on the surface to
0535 (H) Sighted small sampan (SC#10) bearing 031°(t) distant about 10,000 yards, pass-
ing through rain squalls on a southerly course. This is very near where
we sighted the night before last. He is another little fellow.
Avoided, hope he didn't sight us.
0700 (H) Sighted plane (AC#14) and SD radar contact 7 miles. Dove.
0741 (H) Surfaced.
1046 (H) Sighted plane (AC#15) close aboard, coming in low. Dove. We have heavy
overcast, low clouds and frequent heavy rain squalls which permit planes
to get too close before sighting.
1223 (H) All clear, surfaced. Flank speed.
1600 (H) Through Straits, slowed to full speed.

17 June.
0500 (H) On scouting station.
0525 (H) Changed course slightly to head for latest scouting station ordered by
Comsubpac.
0806 (H) Sighted plane (AC#16). Dove.
0930 (H) Surfaced.

18 June.
0030 (H) Received instructions form Task Group Commander to rendezvous at 0700
with Pintado.
0145 (H) Sighted target ahead to zone - 9 (I).
0900 (H) Set up drills with Tunny.
1504 (I) Med. trim dive as we are very low on variable water and wish to use
the variable tank so that we can put enough water in auxiliaries
to get such water in with trim pump. Blew out gasket in flood valve trying
to blow from Safety to auxiliary.
2242 (I) Surfaced.

19 June.
0602 (I) Rendezvous with Pintado. Received instructions for fuel on hand
and material condition. Task Group Commander directed us
to inform Comsubpac and request instructions.
0700 (I) Patrolling on station.
1424 (I) Cleared Pilotfish Serial One to Comsubpac.
2030 (I) Received orders to remain three days, fuel permitting, and then proceed
to Majuro.

20 June.
Patrolling on station.

- - 12 -

— page 23 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

21 June.
Patrolling on station.

22 June.
1155 (I) Patrolling on station. SD radar contact 24 miles (AC #17) closed to
21 miles and then lost at 22 miles.
1410 (I) Set course 070 (t) to close PINTADO for rendezvous.
1545 (I) Received message from PINTADO directing return to port. Changed
course to 108 (t) heading for first point on route to base.

23 June.
Surface cruising.

24 June.
Surface cruising.
0200 (I) Set clocks ahead to zone - 10 (K).
1504 (K) Sighted Asuncion Island.
2225 (K) Sighted first of numerous aircraft flares bearing 050 to 075 (t),
distant about 20 miles plus. Continued in groups of two to ten until
about 2300. No planes sighted, clearly silhouetted the horizon but
nothing was seen there.

25 June.
Surface cruising.
0853 (K) Sighted plane (AC #18). Dove.
1005 (K) Surfaced.
1112 (K) Sighted plane (AC #19). Dove.
1225 (K) Surfaced.

26 June.
Surface cruising.
2000 (K) Slowed to one shaft to replace broken main motor brushes.

27 June.
Surface cruising.
0430 (K) Changed speed to 10 knots.
0500 (K) Set clocks ahead to zone - 11 time (L).
1950 (L) Slowed to one shaft to repair broken main motor brushes.

28 June.
Surface cruising.
0408 (L) Changed speed to 10 knots.
2130 (L) Sent message informing Commander Task Group 17.6 details of our
arrival.

29 June.
Surface cruising.
2200 (L) Received message confirming rendezvous.

30 June.
Surface cruising.
1004 (L) Sighted plane (doubtful) (AC #20). Dove.

- 13 -

— page 24 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

1120 (L) Surfaced. Have considerable difficulty getting trim as after trim
          tank is dry, all others very low and trim pump doesn't take a suction
          consistently.

1345 (L) Lookout sighted puff of brown smoke with a stick (periscope) in the
          middle on the horizon. Assume it is a Jap submarine as it disappeared
          immediately. As we have no fuel to chase it nor to take radical
          evasive action, continued on our way.

1 July.
0615 (L) Surface cruising.
          Entered safety lane.
2000 (L) All normal fuel and fuel ballast tanks dry, we are short 1,000 gallons
          of fuel, unable to make rendezvous. Sent message informing Commander
          Task Group 17.6 that we will be a day late making the rendezvous.

2 July.
0630 (L) Received message from Commander Task Group 17.6 giving new rendezvous
          time and stating that oil will be furnished. We are now ahead of
          schedule and will have to run submerged today.
0645 (L) Dove.
1837 (L) Surfaced.

3 July.
0635 (L) Surface cruising. We have now recovered about 1,500 gallons of fuel
          from number one and number two fuel ballast tanks and have sufficient
          in main port with safe margin so decided not to fuel. These tanks
          ran dry and still checked salt water at the trim cocks and vents.
          Cannot account for where the fuel has been. Received information on
          Majuro from FLORIKAN.
          Sighted three planes, had almost continuous friendly SD contacts
          during the day.
1040 (L) Sighted mast of small ship.
1110 (L) Sighted signal searchlight of DD602 exchanging calls with FLORIKAN.

4 July.
0515 (L) Sighted Majuro.
0721 (L) Moored in Majuro Lagoon, port side to alongside starboard side of
          USS LCI.

(C) WEATHER

          No unusual weather conditions were encountered. Weather encountered was
          described in Sailing Directions.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION.

          Currents experienced were those expected after study of Pilot charts and
          hydrographic publications. A two knot northerly set south of Balintang Island

- 14 -

— page 25 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

was verified by frequent fires obtained on prominent peaks of Balintang, Batan,
and Calayan Islands during one whole day submerged.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
No navigational lights were observed.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS.
See following pages.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.
See following pages.

(H) ATTACK DATA.
No attacks were made.

(I) MINES.
None encountered.

- 15 -

— page 26 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.
(F) SHIP CONTACTS

| CONTACT NUMBER | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | 31 May | 1 June | 2 June | 3 June | 3 June |
| Time | 1617 (K) | 1616 (K) | 2215 (K) | 1754 (K) | 1912 (K) |
| Latitude | 18-09 N | 18-25 N | 20-30 N | 21-44 N | 21-42 N |
| Longitude | 142-06 E | 142-18-15 E | 140-03 E | 138-43 E | 138-40 E |
| Type | Submarine | 1 Tanker | 7 A.K.'s | Escort | 1 Trans. |
| | | 7 A.K.'s | 8 Escorts | (small) | 7 A.K.'s |
| | | 8 Escorts | | | 7 Escorts. |
| Initial Range | 13 miles | 20 miles | 13 miles | 11 miles | 20 miles. |
| Estimated Course | 000 (t) | 320 (t) | 320 (t) | 320 (t) | 200-120 (t) |
| Estimated Speed | 6 knots | 8 knots | 8 knots | 8 knots | 9 knots |
| How Contacted | High | Sighted | Sighted | High | Smoke |
| | Periscope | Smoke | Smoke | Periscope | Sighted |
| Remarks | He dove | Trailed. | Started | He was | Trailed. |
| | shortly | Made night | approach. | trailing | Made night |
| | after be- | surface | | convoy | submerged |
| | ing sight- | radar appro- | | about 12 | approach. |
| | ed. | ach. | | miles. | |

- 16 -

— page 27 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS
CONTACT NUMBER | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
|---|---|---|---|---
Date | 5 June | 6 June | 6 June | 15 June | 16 June
Time | 1512 (K) | 0326 (K) | 2046 (K) | 0105 (H) | 0535 (H)
Latitude | 17-21 N | 15-57 N | 16-05 N | 19-38 N | 19-25 N
Longitude | 140-12 E | 142-00 E | 142-51 E | 122-55 E | 120-38 E
Type | 7 A.K.'s | 5 A.K.'S | 3 Unident. | Small | Small
| 7 Escorts. | 7 Escorts | Marus | Boat, | ship,
| | | Escorts. | lighted. | (60 tons).
Initial Range | 20 miles | 18 miles | 15 miles | 5 miles | 5 miles
Estimated Course | 120 (t) | 120 (t) | 090 (t) | 180 (t) | 200 (t)
Estimated Speed | 9 knots | 9 knots | 8 knots | 6 knots | 5 knots
How Contacted | Sighted | Sighted | Sighted | Sighted | Sight.
| Smoke. | Smoke. | Smoke. | Light. |
Remarks | Trailed. | Trailed. | Trailed. | | Avoided.
| Made night | | First con- | |
| submerged | | tact SJ | |
| approach. | | radar on | |
| | | air cover | |
| | | at 36,000 | |
| | | yards. | |

- 17 -

— page 28 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

CONTACT NUMBER | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
Date | 24 May | 27 May | 28 May | 28 May | 28 May | 30 May | 2 June
Time (Zone) | 0500(M) | 0952(K) | 0556(K) | 0814(K) | 1151(K) | 0905(K) | 0937(K)
Position: Lat. | 27-51 N | 26-30 N | 24-01 N | 22-50 N | 21-43 N | 19-37 N | 19-30 N
Long. | 171-45E | 152-20E | 147-42E | 146-30E | 144-50E | 141-17E | 141-42E
SUBMARINE
Speed | 16 kts. | 17 kts. | 18 kts. | 17 kts. | 17 kts. | 2 kts. | 8.5 kts
Course | 225 (t) | 240 (t) | 225 (t) | 225 (t) | 225 (t) | 037 (t) | 330 (t)
Trim | SurLT | SurLT | SurLT | SurLT | SurLT | Per | SurLT
Minutes Since Last
SD Radar Search | 0 | 0 | 1 min. | 1 min. | 0.0 | 1 min. |
AIRCRAFT
Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
Type | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Betty | Unk. | Ud. |
Probable Mission | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Esc. |
How Contacted | SD | SD | Sight | Sight | SJ | Per. | Sight
Initial Range | 2 mi. | 7 mi. | 16 mi. | 12 mi. | 8 mi. | 7 mi. | 12 mi.
Elevation Angle | Unk. | Unk. | 4° | 14° | Unk. | 12° | 4½°
Range & Relative
Bearing of Plane
When It Detected
S/M | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | 12mi. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D.
| | | | 200° | | |
CONDITIONS
Sea: (State (Beau-
fort) | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1
(Direction(Rel) | SW | SW | SW | SW | SW | -- | SW
Visibility (Mi.) | 50 | 10 | 50 | 50 | 10 | 50 | 50
Clouds: (Height in
Ft. | 6000 | 3000 | 4000 | 4000 | 2000 | 5000 | 5000
(Percent
Overcast | 2 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2
(Bearing(Rel) | N | N | N | N | 060 | N | N
Moon: (Angle | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
(Percent
Illum. | n | n | n | n | 20 | n | n

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol Modified Light Gray.
- 18 -

— page 29 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

| CONTACT NUMBER | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | 2 June | 6 June | 6 June | 6 June | 6 June | 6 June | 16 June |
| Time | 1138(K) | 0903(K) | 1021(K) | 1209(K) | 1325(K) | 1626(K) | 0940(H) |
| S | Position: Lat. | 19-35N | 15-53N | 15-53N | 15-53N | 15-53N | 15-41N | 19-59N |
| U | Long. | 141-41E | 142-10E | 142-10E | 142-10E | 142-10E | 142-40E | 121-30E |
| B | Speed | 5 kts. | 18 kts. | 5 kts. | 15 kts. | 3 kts. | 18 kts. | 17 kts. |
| M | Course | 315(t) | 080(t) | 060(t) | 040(t) | 120(t) | 140(t) | 060(t) |
| A | Trim | SurLT | SurLT | SurLT | SurLT | Per | SurLT | SurLT |
| R | Minutes Since Last | 1 min. | 1 min. | -- | 1 min. | 20min. | 1 min. | 1 min. |
| I | SD Radar Search | | | | | | | |
| N | E | Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| A | Type | Ud. | Betty | Betty | Betty | Betty | Unk. | Dave |
| I | Probable Mission | Esc. | Esc. | Esc. | Esc. | Esc. | Esk. | Pat. |
| R | How Contacted | Sight | Sight | Sight | Sight | Per | Sight | Sight |
| C | Initial Range | 12 mi. | 12 mi. | 6 mi. | 8 mi. | 8 mi. | 10 mi. | 9 mi. |
| R | Elevation Angle | 2° | 4° | 3° | 1° | 15° | 3° | 5° |
| A | Range & Relative | | | | | | | |
| F | Bearing of Plane | 11 mi. | N.D. | 6 mi. | 10 mi. | Unk. | N.D. | N.D. |
| T | When It Detected | 050 | | 290 | 350 | 168 | | |
| | S/M | | | | | | | |
| C | (State (Beaufort) | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| O | (Direction(Rel) | SW | SW | SW | SW | SW | SW | SW |
| N | Visibility (Miles) | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| D | (Height (Ft.) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 2000 |
| I | Clouds: (Percent | | | | | | | |
| T | Overcast | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 9 |
| I | (Bearing (Rel) | N | N | N | N | N | N | N |
| O | Moon: (Angle | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| N | (Percent | n | n | n | n | n | n | n |
| S | Illum. | e | e | e | e | e | e | e |

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol Modified Light Gray.

- 19 -

— page 30 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

CONTACT NUMBER
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20
Date
| 16 June | 17 June | 22 June | 24 June | 24 Jun | 30 June
S
U Time
| 1045(H) | 0809(H) | 1059(I) | 0853(K) | 1112(K) | 1004(L)
B Position: Lat.
| 20-01 N | 20-20 N | 21-57 N | 19-18 N | 19-17 N | 17-00 N
M Long.
| 121-34# | 126-23E | 135-33E | 147-50E | 148-06E | 166-22E
A Speed
| 17 kts. | 15 kts. | 11 kts | 10 kts. | 10 kts. | 10 kts.
R Course
| 080(t) | 080(t) | 270(t) | 095(t) | 092 (t) | 102 (t)
I Trim
| SurLT | SurLT | SurLT | Surf. | Surf. | Surf.
N Minutes Since Last
E SD Radar Search
| 1 min. | 1 min. | 1 min. | 1 min. | 1 min. | 1 min.

Number
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
A Type
| Dave | Mavis | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk.
I Probable Mission
| Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat.
R How Contacted
| Sight | Sight | SD | Sight | Sight | Sight
C Initial Range
| 3 mi. | 7 mi. | 24 mi. | 9 mi. | 15 mi. | 8 mi.
R Elevation Angle
| 5° | 1° | Unk. | 3/4° | 1/2° | 4°
A Range & Relative
F Bearing of Plane
| Unk. | Unk. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D.
T When It Detected
| 340 | 190-180
S/M

(State (Beaufort)
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3
C Sea: (
(Direction(Rel)
| SW | S | S | NE | NE | E
O Visibility (Miles)
| 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50
N (Height in Ft.
D Clouds: (
| 2000 | 5000 | 3000 | 5000 | 5000 | 3000
I (Percent
T Overcast
| 9 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 2
I
O Moon: (Bearing (Rel)
| N | N | N | N | N | N
N (Angle
S | o | o | o | o | o | o
(Percent
Illum.
| e | e | e | e | e | e

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol Modified Light Gray.

- 20 -

— page 31 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U. S. S. PILOTFISH
Report of First War Patrol.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS.

Both convoys contacted consisted of eight or nine ships disposed in three
columns with three ships in each end column and two or three ships in the center
column. Interval between column about 2,000 yards and distance between ships in
column about 1,000 yards. Convoy discipline was excellent. In both cases escorts
stayed about 2,000 yards from the nearest ships of the convoy and were disposed as
follows: One directly ahead of center column, patrolling a rather restricted area;
one broad on the bow of the leading ship of each outboard column; one broad on the
quarter of the last ship in each outboard column, patrolling up as far as the beam
of that ship; and one directly astern of each outboard column, patrolling toward
center column. All escorts were very small except that one of those with the
north bound convoy gave a radar pip large enough to be a DD or large corvette.
The two rear escorts of the south bound convoy must have been extremely small as
they could only be seen as masts, even at a range of 4,000 yards. One escort was
observed trailing his convoy at a distance of about eleven miles just before sun-
down and another was observed about fifteen miles ahead of his convoy on a bright
moonlight night. After the second convoy was cut down to three ships and seven
escorts, some of the escorts were placed at greater ranges from the convoy. Air
cover of one Betty was provided when convoys were within 250 miles of Mariannas
and on the bright moonlight night of 6 June, after the convoy had been under
attack for three days and nights. All escorts except the smallest ones pinged
although we could not hear them the night of 3 - 4 June as sound conditions were
too poor. Convoys zigzag with constant helm superimposed on a zig
plan with about 30 degree zigs every 15 minutes. They change the base course 10
to 12 hours and make major changes of base course at dark
or when necessary to head for their destination. After attack, convoys did not
scatter and did not even depart radically from their previous courses.

On two occasions, after the SHARK's first attack and when they suspected
our presence during our second daylight approach, two escorts from the nearest
vessel were detached to hunt and destroy the submarine and one peculiar merchant
vessel was also detached, apparently to give gun support to the little escorts.
This ship is credited with operating a fathometer in a frequency range outside of
our sound gear and on which we could not take any bearings. It took station about
6 - 10,000 yards from the two escorts and ran around without much of a plan. It
looked to be very shallow draft as the curve of the bow was plainly visible where
it entered the water. It had engines aft and smoked like all the other ships.
It had a high stack abaft a stick mast forward, raised forecastle head and hold
abaft stick mast. The bridge structure was about amidships and between it and the
superstructure aft was a very tall frail tripod mast like a Jap destroyer's only
higher. When we surfaced this mast was visible long after all the other ships
were below the horizon. It did not appear to have any booms, radars, yard
arms or crows nests built on it.

Two small vessels were encountered to the west of Luzon Straits on a line
between Taiwan and the west coast of Luzon. These could have been a patrol but
the one at night had a plainly visible white light and the one seen in daylight
appeared unarmed so it is assumed they were 50 to 75 ton cargo carriers.

Jap flashless powder is practically invisible at night.

A two winged float plane apparently patrols Balintang Strait during day-
light.

- 21 -

— page 32 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L U.S.S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

The significance of the aircraft flares sighted east of the Mariannas is not
understood. We could not determine if the planes were friendly or enemy. No
signs of AA fire were seen which might indicate either that they were too far
away to see or the target illuminated had no AA guns. Flares were dropped in
groups of 2 to 10, from a height of about 2 - 4,000 feet and fell through the
clouds.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS.

No material damage was caused by enemy action.

On the first dive after leaving Midway it was found that #3 main engine out-
board exhaust valve did not close, even though all visible parts of the operating
gear functioned normally. As the inboard valve was tight no water was admitted
to the ship or engine. Investigation disclosed that the threaded lug on the
operating gear crosshead had carried away. This was struck below and the follow-
ing day repaired by drilling through both pieces, tapping out the hole and
inserting a steel bolt. The edge of the break was also chamfered and brazed.
After reinstalling it operated satisfactorily but was never used in power.

On the morning of 3 June when forced to dive by gunfire from a convoy escort,
we went deep and found that #5 torpedo tube flooded and started to build up a
pressure in the tube. It was impossible to keep the pressure below 150 pounds at
test depth without taking in excessive amounts of water. At first this tube only
leaked at 200 feet and below but eventually it developed leaks at periscope depth.
As long as the tube did not leak at periscope depth the torpedo was overhauled
and dried out after each flooding; later it was decided to remove the gyro and
try to save the torpedo by drying and oiling it after each flooding. The exploder
finally was left in place as it was felt that this would result in the least
total damage.

On 18 June, while making a trim dive at periscope depth, decided to use
safety tank as a variable ballast tank to put sufficient water in the other varia-
ble tanks to permit the trim pump to get a suction. The flood valves were closed
and the diving officer put about 15 pounds gage air pressure on safety tank to
blow water into the auxiliary tanks. It soon became evident that safety was no
longer water tight and the whole plan was abandoned. It is assured that the flood
valve gaskets were blown out by the surge of air pressure.

On 26 June, routine inspection of the main motor disclosed copper rivets,
broken pieces of brushes and cap plates in the bottom of the motor casing. The
shafts were stopped one at a time and investigation disclosed that 86 brushes
were damaged. All were in #1, 2, and 3 main motors and in trailing rows of brush-
es. They were replaced as it did not appear safe to try full power even in an
emergency without those brushes. It now appears that brushes are continuing to
fail as we have more rivets in sight but as we have no more replacements, we will
wait until we reach port to continue the investigation. No evidence can be found
of operating the motors with excessive heat, load, or in an abnormal manner.
Attributed to faulty material, probably too weak rivets. (41 brushes in #3, 7
brushes in #1, and 38 brushes in #2 main motor).

- 22 -

— page 33 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

On all charges the grounds developed were excessive due to the cumulative
lighting ground. It was seldom found that any one circuit had any appreciable
ground but the total ground would rise to 150 - 200 volts. Since the lighting
comes off dimmers rather than motor generators, this is now a serious problem and
should be given some thought by the technical experts.

It is believed that the drum starters on the main hydraulic pumps should be
replaced by automatic starters. To save a small amount of space, a great sacri-
fice has been made in reliability. The pumps can never be both shut down on
patrol as it takes too long to start them and it is a rare occasion when they do
not trip out once or twice especially when they are most needed in a hurry. Also
diving time is slowed as only one pump can be run on the surface and the other
can seldom be started soon enough to help rig out the bow planes.

(L) RADIO:

Operation of radio material was satisfactory with the exception of the VHF.
The VHF antenna carried away on 10 June and a new one was manufactured by ship's
force. The new installation proved to be an unsatisfactory means of communicating
between submarines in this task group, 3,000 yards being the maximum range at which
communications could be effectively established. On the return trip from the area
it was discovered that the receiver did not function properly. No spare parts or
tools are furnished with this equipment.

HAIKU FOX: Reception on 16.68 kcs became impossible shortly after leaving
Midway enroute to operating area.
Reception on 14,390 was good during daylight hours during the
whole patrol, but from 1800 to 2000 GCT reception was difficult due to reduced
signal strength and fading.
Between 1000 and 1500 GCT interference was moderate to heavy on
4525, 6380, and 9090 kcs., particularly during the time that the SUBMARINE BROAD-
CAST was in progress. Frequently it was necessary to shift from one of those
frequencies to the other. Usually 6380 kcs. had an echoing note but was easily
readable.

CHINA BROADCAST (4155 kcs.): This frequency was guarded on the 14th of June,
the first night in area Eleven Dog. Numerous transmissions could be heard simul-
taneously but we were unable to pick out what should have been the China Broadcast.
The 2000 band (Task Group Tactical Circuit) had to be secured to listen on this
frequency. Since we guarded only one night we are unable to state whether or not
the China Broadcasts are coming through.

INTRA-PACK COMMUNICATIONS: Frequencies used consisted of low frequency
band: 265, 304, 402, 450 kcs. 2000 band: 2006, 2102, 2160, 2204, and four bands
-C.W. on the 2000 band submerged with the SD mast antenna proved to be satis-
factory. Our first contact was received from the PINTADO by this means. As a
whole, our system of Intra-Pack Communications was very effective.

- 23 -

— page 34 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

(10) TRANSMISSIONS:
Some difficulty was encountered in trying to establish
communications with NPM on 19 June. When contact was made with NPM, successful
delivery of PILOTFISH serial One was made with one transmission. NPM gave our
signal strength as three on 12,705 kcs. Time: 0515 GCT. Exchanged signals
with Radio San Francisco (NPG) prior to establishing contact with NPM. On 28 June,
NPM answered up within one minute after we called on 4235 kcs.

SCHEDULES:
1. Haiku numbers were missed. These were missed while submerged.
2. ComSubsPac Serials were missed, 95 Cboo of July.
Last ComSubsPac Serial received: 03 of July.
3. Messages were transmitted to NPM.
NOTE: See addenda for copy of Intra-pack log of communications.

(11) RADAR.

SD: Operation was generally satisfactory with practically no operating time
lost.
MAINTENANCE: Prior to departure from Midway, arcing developed in the duplexer
unit due to a small node of solder inside the plumbing. The entire unit was
replaced by the tender but delayed departure one day. RCA field engineer spent
two hours attempting to tune gear to 118 mc. but found it impossible without
secondary oscillation at 114 mc. Tuned to 116 plus mc. and operated satisfactorily
for entire patrol. A new antenna head was installed at Submarine Base, Pearl
Harbor, but on arrival Midway, mast had very low megger reading and leaked slightly
on deep dives. This may account for inability to tune to 116 mc.
The 8014-A tubes were replaced at Midway and again, during the patrol after 700
hours operation of the gear, as excessive grass developed. During this time the
equipment was keyed only 5 seconds out of 60 by turning up the plate voltage variac
so that these tubes were only loaded 60 hours during the 700 operational hours of
their life.
INTERFERENCE: A pip moving rapidly across the screen was frequently encount-
ered whenever friendly submarines were in the vicinity, and is believed due to
other SP's. A variation of this is a "mole" which runs along the bottom of the sweep
slightly. This also has been encountered frequently with practically no distinc-
tion as to position or presence of friendly forces. Near Asuncion Island (Marianas)
and again about 200 miles to the eastward, the high end of the sweep was
seen to lift completely to saturation with a wavery motion. This may be a
pronounced case of the "mole" above.

SJ: The SJ performed well up until the last two weeks when reduced gain and
output resulted in a ten-day maintenance period with only one nights loss of oper-
ating time, however. Convoys were tracked fairly well at 18,000 yards. The
efficiency of the PPI and A-scope in picking up contacts is about equal; as many
contacts were made simultaneously on both scopes. Speed rheostat on training motor
is a valuable feature.

- 24 -

— page 35 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

MAINTENANCE: The modulation network (pulser box) leaked oil due to the heat.
It was not changed since the leak was not bad and no deficiency of operation was
noted.

5U4G in "A" regulated rectifier failed. Symptoms were abnormal output volt-
age and eventually blew fuse F-8.
Voltmeter on "B" regulated rectifier failed. Condenser C22A-B in transmittor
modulation generator shorted. Symptoms: H.V. rectifier current dropped to 50 ma.
and high voltage went up; loss of crystal current. Waveforms in modulation gener-
ator showed only V-10 and high voltage V-7 and V-8 were not glowing and had no
output voltage. The input voltage to them was low.
Coaxial cable carrying the transmitter pulse to PPI part. Replace plug
at the break.
A.F.C. does not function properly. Routine checks were made but optimum
operation could not be attained as no steady target was available for adjusting.
Grass became very low. Made thorough check of IF amplifier and second detec-
tor. Also the Video amplifier. All circuits and voltages appeared normal. Were
able to increase grass somewhat by switching the tubes around for better balance.
Checked oscillator-converter and found it normal. Cleaned the insulators at coax
to beat oscillator. Changed the crystal and obtained a good increase in crystal
current, along with a good increase in grass.
High voltage rectifier current meter went to the pin, with F-9 and F-10
blowing. Waveform of modulation generator was not correct. Found C-17
shorted. Replaced and trouble cleared up.
Sweeps became erratic. Replaced V-1.
High voltage fluctuated; transmitted pulse shape was poor. Could not pick
up rain squalls at ranges more than 4 - 5,000 yards nor mountain at 16 - 20 miles.
Replaced 706 AI and the high voltage meters read steady. Tuned beat oscillator,
R.F. sections, and A.F.C. to the new frequency and rain squalls were picked up at
ranges to 12,500 yards.
Arcing developed in transmitter. Found R-36, at base of V-10, broken. Re-
placed and trouble cleared up. Retuned, and operation became completely normal.
INTERFERENCE: When friendly submarines are in the vicinity, heavy interfor-
ence appears all around the PPI at ranges less than 12,000 yards, and in about a
15 degree arc at greater ranges, usually on the bearing of the interfering radar.
Thus the bearing can usually be approximated within 10 degrees, but occasionally
the interference will occur on various other bearings within the course of several
minutes so that bearing on interference are not always dependable. On at least
one occasion when the "undependable" interference was noted, it is known that two
other SJ radars were known to be within interference range, and it is possible
that these two radars formed an interference pattern with each other such that when intercepted
by our antenna a PPI indication resulted on a false bearing, determined by the
relative location and direction of train of the other two transmitters. All-around
interference on the PPI is particularly annoying when heavy as it can easily mask
small pips. This can be partially minimized by turning the gain very high. Inter-
ference on the A-scope is not particularly troublesome.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS.

Sound conditions were generally poor. Bathythermograph cards usually pre-
dicted greater listening ranges for enemy escorts than for us. Screws were heard
at a maximum of fourteen thousand yards, and averaged six thousand yards. Echo

- 25 -

— page 36 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

ranging signals were heard at ranges varying from "not at all" to twenty thousand
yards. On all contacts, the enemy employed a frequency of approximately seventeen
kilocycles.
Once, after detection by escorts, clicking sounds, somewhat similar to fathom-
meter signals, were heard close aboard. These sounds were the same throughout the
frequency range of the receiver-amplifiers, and could not be tuned in sharply.
Results obtained on the sonic listening equipment (JP-1) were not as good as
expected. The functioning of the equipment was apparently normal, and the lack of
operating personnel, possibly due to poor sound conditions, the inexperience of
the JP-1 were
obtained on heavy screws, while supersonic performed best on the JP-1 were
relatively few. Two sets of crystal headphones
failed on the JP-1, and the training system has developed a squeal or squeak, even
though well lubricated which indicates that a shaft or bearing is binding, but
ship's force has been unable to isolate. There is a rough spot in the worm gear
that can be felt while training, and the operation of training wears an operator
rapidly.
The JK and QB cables were partially severed when the heads were raised; more
than one spare cable should be provided. A buzzing sound or hum is heard in the
JP-1 when training. The origin of the noise is possibly dirt
or metal chips fallen into the bearings during construction; slight
scoring of the
sound head shaft is noted.
At the Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, an experimental system was devised for
communication between the JP station and conning tower. When a press-to-talk
button is held down in the conningtower, orders spoken into a Voycall amplifier
are heard in the JP headphones, to the exclusion of the hydro-
phone sounds. When this button is released, any reports from the JP operator
speaking into the mike of a set of battle phones are heard over the Voycall in the
conning tower. Spare leads in the CA cables are employed for transmission. The
general noise level from the Voycall is high, fidelity is poor, considerable main-
tenance is required, and the interception of headphone sounds by conning tower's
orders is disturbing to the soundman when developing a contact. The failure of
the two sets of phones is attributed to failure of a protective condenser, and
would not have occurred in the absence of this system. However, this is such a
great improvement over crowding the fire control phone circuit, that with more
time for experimental work it is believed that this will be developed into the most
satisfactory solution to the problem of getting practical information from the JP-1.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS: See following page.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, HABITABILITY.

There were no men lost due to sickness.
Food was excellent. Drinking water had a slight metallic taste and small
crystals of a green salt and rust were found in water which had been left to stand.
It was determined that the green crystals probably came from the distillers and
the rust from the fresh water tanks. A Doulite filter had been furnished by the
Senior Medical Officer of the U.S.S. HOLLAND for use with the air conditioning
condensate. It was connected directly to the scuttlebutt. Both the green crystals
and the rust with the metallic taste disappeared, but small particles of the filter
passed through with the water.

- 26 -

— page 37 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L                               U. S. S. PILOTFISH          Report of First War Patrol.

(o) DENSITY LAYERS.

| Bathythermograph | Time        | Location  | Gradient   | Depth      |
| Card             | and         |           |            | Limits     |
| Number           | Date        | ONE              | 0000 (Z)    | 29-15 N   | 2° Neg.    | 40' to 50' |
|                  | 20 May, '44 | 173-43 W  | 6° Neg.    | 60' to 65' |
|                  |             |           | 2° Neg.    | 260' to 300' |
|                  |             |           |            |            |
| TWO              | 2120 (Z)    | 23-47 N   | 4° Neg.    | 20' to 40' |
|                  | 27 May, '44 | 147-25 E  | 4° Neg.    | 80' to 105' |
|                  |             |           |            |            |
| THREE            | 1933 (Z)    | 19-33 N   | Slight Neg.| 140' to 220' |
|                  | 29 May, '44 | 141-13 E  | FOUR             | 1700 (Z)    | 18-38 N   | 10° Neg.   | 80' to 400' |
|                  | 1 June, '44 | 142-14 E  | FIVE             | 0000 (Z)    | 19-41 N   | 1° Neg.    | 90' to 100' |
|                  | 4 June, '44 | 138-26 E  | 1° Neg.    | 135' to 140' |
|                  |             |           |            |            |
| SIX              | 0000 (Z)    | 17-42 N   | 6° Neg.    | 160' to 400' |
|                  | 5 June, '44 | 139-53 E  |            |            |

- 27 -

— page 38 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

(Q) PERSONNEL.
The performance of duty of both officers and men was in keeping with best
naval tradition. Many were lacking in actual war experience at the start of the
patrol but their sound basic training and alert attention to duty allowed them to
handle all the situations which arose in a commendable manner.
(a) Number of men on board during patrol - 71.
(b) Number of men qualified at start of patrol - 55.
(c) Number of men qualified at end of patrol - 62.
(d) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol - 16.
(e) Number of men advanced in rating during patrol - 7.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED.
Pearl Harbor to area 3915 miles - 51465 gallons.
In area 7246 miles - 65380 gallons.
Area to Majuro 2280 miles - 21000 gallons.

(S) DURATION.
Days enroute to area 12.
Days in area 28.
Days enroute to Majuro 9.
Days submerged 8.

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING.
Torpedoes | Fuel | Provisions | Personnel
Number | Gallons | Days | factor days
24 | 2,500 | 45 | 30

Limiting factor this patrol: Fuel.

- 28 -

— page 39 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

(II) REMARKS:

It is felt that the coordinated attack group gives greatly increased area
coverage in open sea areas in as much as little difficulty was experienced in
intercepting or maintaining contact with enemy convoys. It is believed that the
coordinated attack offers certain advantages over individual attacks for a heavily
escorted convoy but insufficient coordinated attacks were made to draw definite
conclusion.
The commanding officer is unable to explain how PILOTFISH was detected on
the surface on the mornings of 2 and 3 June. In the first case, speed was low
with no wake and very poor visibility. Their noises could not be detected on
our sound gear and they must have been making considerably more noise than we
were. If we were detected by radar, it is not understood why their escorts took
no offensive action, especially since they were not loath to leave their convoy
to chase us the next morning. It is believed that the presence of a submarine
was detected but contact never established.
The morning of 3 June we might have been detected by sight of our bow spray
as we had just increased speed to full (16 knots) and were pounding considerably
in a heavy swell. However, the range (15,000 yards) was excessive for this and
we were in a sector of particularly poor visibility from them being just clear of
the edges of the morning slick with a haze and cloud background.
The commanding officer feels that he erred on the coordinated attack on 4
June by not closing the convoy more on the surface before beginning the submerged
approach. This would probably have disclosed the course change of the convoy
while we were on the surface and could still do something about it. In any event
it would have decreased the distance required to be run submerged and increased
our chances of a successful attack.
The only possible explaination we can give for our detection on the daylight
approach of 5 June is that the leading escort hit us with a ping while we were
presenting a large angle on the bow during the process of working around the near
escort. It is interesting that in this case, neither the nearest escort nor the
escort who made the contact took any offensive action but simply diverted the
convoy and left the rear escorts to search for us.
The commanding officer considers that he made a bad error in judgment by
going deep on the night submerged approach the morning of 6 June and completely
ruined an approach which gave every promise of ending in a successful attack.
However, based on the observations of this patrol, it is believed that when no
other considerations effect the issue, it is preferable for a submarine to devote
bright moonlight nights to tracking and make the attack by daylight. The
difficulties of keeping track of targets, especially ones that smoke heavily,
estimating ranges and angles on the bow and estimating the situation with respect
to escorts are considerably increased at night even with the best moonlight con-
ditions.
We were fully cognizant of the hardships of continuous tracking for long
periods, even before this patrol but were still slow in realizing when to shift
to the "second string" plot with the result that the fire control party was nearly
exhausted before we had a satisfactory system of watch and watch established.

- 29 -

— page 40 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

APR RADAR DETECTORS

The 75 - 300 mc. tuning unit was used with this gear almost exclusively; the
300 - 1000 mc. unit was tried several times, but no signals were ever heard.

Steady signals of low intensity at 86, 94, 119, 135, 142, 152, and 261 mc.
were heard for the greater part of the patrol, with no distinction as to locality.
These signals would vary slightly in intensity from time to time, and could be
heard for periods of several hours to several days. Similar signals on 78, 103,
and 128 mc. were heard continuously. Though unable to determine the origin, it
is believed that all of these signals are picked up locally in the control room
from electrical machinery, as the SD, SJ, and BK were found to introduce other
extraneous signals. No enemy radars are believed to have been contacted.

SD signals are easily picked up. Slow Morse keying of the SD by turning up
the plate variac, was tested very successfully as a means of intra-pack communica-
tion, but was never actually used.

- 30 -

— page 41 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

LOG OF TASK GROUP COMMUNICATIONS (RADIO AND VISUAL)

32 P 302200 0800 MY 097 15 COMMENCE SEARCH SURFACE
   OUR 2250 LAST MESSAGE ON HAND IS NO 30
   P 2359 359 DUMMY
33 S 0012 INTERROGATIVE WHEN COURSE SPEED
34 P 0031 MESSAGE NPM 425
35 OUR 310720 1655 GRID 117 GRID 35 COURSE 341 SPEED 15 U S INT
                     SUBMARINE DIVED
35 P 0727 MY GRID 117 GRID 29 TAKE POSITION IN LINE OF BEARING 160T
                     DISTANCE BETWEEN SUBMARINES 32000 YDS 30 SUBMARINE
                     COURSE 205 SPEED 15 TIME 0000 HOURS 01 COURSE 241
36 OUR 0940 MY GRID 117 GRID 116 COURSE 340 SPEED 15 VERIFY AND REPEAT
                     MESSAGE MESSAGE 35 HAVE YOU REC'D COMSUBPAC'S MESSAGE
                     310242
36 S 0944 SMOKE SIGHTED TRUE BEARING 226 MY POSITION GRID 106 GRID
                     50 WILL CLOSE
37 P 1023 CONTACT AT 2000 HOURS GRID 106 GRID 31 COURSE 226 SPEED 8
38 P 1033 SHARK TAKE POSITION ON PORT FLANK PINTADO TAKE POSITION ON
                     STARBOARD FLANK PILOTFISH TAKE POSITION AS TRAILER.
39 P 1315 CONTACT AT 2300 GRID 106 GRID 88 COURSE 031 SPD 9 ZIG ZAG
                     359
40 P 1606 INTERROGATIVE ENEMY POSITION
41 OUR 1704 RESULTS OF SEARCH NEGATIVE
41 S 010204 SMOKE SIGHTED TRUE BEARING 259 FROM GRID 26 GRID 99 SHIPS
                     HAVE AIR COVERAGE
42 S 0706 SMOKE SIGHTED TRUE BEARING 217 RANGE 18(00) YDS FROM GRID
                     26 GRID 52 TRAILING AHEAD OF
43 OUR 0735 GRID 28 GRID 79 302 -29 SIGHTED 5 SMOKE
44 P 0759 INTERROGATIVE GRID 28 MESSAGE 43
6/1/44 VISUAL S386 V S236 BT CONVOY BEARS ONE TWO FIVE TRUE X ROUGH COURSE
                     THREE TWO ZERO X WE HAVE NO FISH AND THEY ARE ALL YOURS X WE
                     WILL HEAD FOR BASE X GOOD LUCK TOR 0813

1-C

— page 42 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

45 OUR 0827 GRID 28 AFFIRMATIVE HAVE YOU RECEIVED CONSUBPAC'S MESSAGE
                  010206

46 P 010930 PILOTFISH REPEAT 010206

47 P 0955 PILOTFISH TRAIL CONVOY UNTIL ALL SUBS COMPLETE ATTACKS THEN
                  JOIN US

49 P 1144 INTERROGATIVE ENEMY POSITION

50 OUR 1229 20(00) PLUS 2 GRID 28 GRID 3 000 8 SIGHTED 6 SHIPS 3 COLUMN
                  ZIGZAGING

50 S 1253 SMOKE SIGHTED TRUE BEARING 202 TIME 20(00) 31 FROM TRUE
                  GRID 80 HAVE LOST CONTACT

51 P 1353 SHARK JOIN PILOTFISH OTC COURSE 045 SPEED 17 RENDEZVOUS
                  PILOTFISH 05(00) HOURS

52 OUR 1621 0205 GRID 108 GRID 027 350 12 MINUS 4 ZIGZAGGING 320 15
                  SPEED 10 TRAILING AHEAD OF

55 S 020120 NO TORPEDOES FIRED INTERROGATIVE SEARCH DISTANCE

56 P 0134 SHARK ATTACK DISTANCE 20 MILES

56 OUR 0365 11 29 GRID 119 GRID 119 311 MINUS 1 8 SHIPS HAVE..9..
                  ESCORTS AND AIR COVERAGE WAS UNABLE CLOSE FOR ATTACK MY
                  GRID 120 GRID 112 TRAILING HAVE LOST CONTACT

57 OUR 0735 17 03 GRID 131 238 302

58 S 0926 SMOKE SIGHTED TRUE BEARING 211 FROM GRID 131 GRID 49

59 S 1049 RADAR CONTACT TRUE BEARING 217 RANGE 11 MILES 4 SHIPS
                  COURSE 302 SPEED 8 MY POSITION GRID 131 GRID 76

60 P 1153 SHIPS HAVING RADAR AHEAD OF CONVOY IS IT SHARK OR PILOT.

61 OUR 2254 MY GRID 35 GRID 47 314 14 PLUS 1 SEARCH TORPEDOES FIRED O

63 S 2310 SMOKE SIGHTED TRUE BEARING 262 DISTANCE DUMMY FROM GRID 36
                  GRID 42 ENEMY COURSE 159

64 P 022354 NINE 029 PLUS 1 GRID 27 GRID 26 262 MINUS 2 8 ATTACK AT
                  DISCRETION

65 S 030557 UNKNOWN SUBMARINE SURFACED GRID 27 GRID 131 DOUBTFUL
                  UNKNOWN 250 TIME 15 HAVE LOST CONTACT

66A P 0615 SHARK CONTACT AHEAD OF CONVOY IS FINTAD ENEMY COURSE 320
                  AND SPEED 8 ZIGZAGGING 271 - 010

2-C

— page 43 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

66B P 0805 SHARK ATTACK NEW CONTACT REPORT ENEMY COURSE AND SPEED
POSITION TO PILOTFISH PINTADO WILL CHANGE TO NEW CONTACT
GRID 39 GRID 108

67 OUR 0821 AN ESCORT TRAILING CONVOY ASTERN 11 MILES

68 S 0852 NEW CONVOY 49 GRID 39 GRID 24 COURSE 236 MY GRID 40 GRID 27

69 S 1120 SMOKE BEARING 175 FROM GRID 39 GRID 16 ENEMY COURSE 181
PLUS 1

70 OUR 1402 CONVOY BEARING 015 DISTANCE 11 IS RADAR BEARING 329 SHARK

71 S 1416 AFFIRMATIVE

72 P 2025 PILOTFISH SHARK REPORT ENEMY POSITION DIRECTION ENEMY SPEED

73 OUR 2054 GRID 110 GRID 95 SUBMARINE BEARING 033

74 S 2113 SMOKE SIGHTED 087 DUMMY FROM GRID 98 GRID 127 ENEMY COURSE
160 SPEED 9

75 OUR 040016 SMOKE SIGHTED 262

76 P 0023 PILOTFISH TAKE POSITION AHEAD OF CONVOY SHARK TAKE POSITION
ON STARBOARD FLANK BEARING RELATIVE 029 FIN TAKE POSITION
ON PORT FLANK RELATIVE BEARING 033 000 PILOTFISH DIVE TIME
1600 PINTADO SHARK ATTACK POINT FIVE HOUR AFTER

77 P 0247 WHEN WILL SUBMARINE BE IN POSITION REPORT ENEMY COURSE AND
SPEED

78 S 0303 SHARK IN POSITION ENEMY SPEED 9 ENEMY COURSE 151

80 P 0332 359 14 HOUR PILOTFISH ATTACK PINTADO SHARK POINT FIVE
HOUR AFTER

6/4/44 VISUAL S386 V S387 BT REPORT FUEL ON BOARD AND RESULTS OF ATTACK
BT TOR 0743

6/4/44 VISUAL S387 V S386 BT FUEL ON BOARD SIXTY EIGHT THOUSAND GALLONS X
THREE ATTACKS ATTEMPTED X ZERO FISH EXPENDED BT

6/4/44 VISUAL S386 V S387 BT I WILL TAKE POSITION ON YOU BEARING ZERO NINE
ZERO FIFTEEN MILES SCOUTING COURSE TWO ZERO ZERO SPEED
FIFTEEN

82 S 1052 SURFACED MY GRID 109 GRID 105 SANK ONE TRANSPORT FOUR
INTERROGATIVE CONVOY POSITION

83 OUR 1105 20 HOURS MY GRID 119 GRID 100 SIGHTED SMOKE BEARING 220
NO TORPEDOES FIRED

3-C

— page 44 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

85 P 1138 BE IN ASSIGNED RELATIVE POSITION FOR ATTACK TOMORROW AM
86 OUR 1320 INTERROGATIVE SUBMARINE BEARING 124 DISTANCE 11 FROM CONVOY
87 P 1333 SUBMARINE PINTADO
88 OUR 1358 ENEMY COURSE 160 SPEED 9 ZIGZAGGING
89 S 040904 SURFACED AFTER DIVING FROM AIRCRAFT MY POSITION GRID 34
                 GRID 89 INTERROGATIVE CONVOY POSITION

90 OUR 1935 MY GRID 34 GRID 62 121 MINUS 1 9 HAVE LOST CONTACT
91 P 2009 ENEMY GRID 35 GRID 41 AT 06 HOURS HAVE COURSE 121
92 OUR 2031 TRAILING AHEAD OF
93 OUR 050453 UNABLE ATTACK BY ESCORT SOUND MY GRID 47 GRID 33 WHERE
                 CONVOY

94 S 0507 GRID 49 TRUE BEARING 329 PLUS 1 FROM GRID 48 GRID 78
96 P 0542 CONVOY GRID 48 GRID 27 COURSE 124 PLUS 1 INTERROGATORY
                 MAG 93

97 P 0551 CORRECTION INTERROGATORY MAG 93 PLUS 1
98 OUR 1213 INTERROGATORY UNKNOWN SUBMARINE BEARING 160 FROM CONVOY
99 S 1258 SURFACED MY GRID 48 GRID 55 INTERROGATORY CONVOY POSITION
                 6 HITS 2 CARGO VESSELS SURFACED

100 P 051325 2300 GRID 39 GRID 77 145 9
6/5/44 VISUAL S386 V S387 BT WHAT DO YOU GET FOR ENEMY COURSE AND SPEED
6/5/44 VISUAL S387 V S386 BT COURSE ONE TWO ZERO SPEED EIGHT AND ONE HALF
6/5/44 VISUAL S386 V S387 BT TAKE STATION BEARING ONE THREE FIVE FROM
                 CONVOY ATTACK AT ZERO NINE HUNDRED

101 P 061028 HAVE LOST CONTACT INTERROGATORY POSITION SPEED CONVOY
102 S 060524 DIVE 2 TIME FROM AIR COVERAGE INTERROGATIVE CONVOY POSITION
                 MY GRID 103 GRID 85

103 OUR 060533 15 HOUR MY GRID 102 GRID 97 AVOIDING AIR COVERAGE ESCORT
104 OUR 061038 19 HOURS MY POSIT GRID 102 GRID 51 INFORMATION INTERROGATORY

4-C

— page 45 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

105 P 061145 OIL 41 PLUS 1 8 TORPEDOES ASTERN OF (PILOTFISH ALERT &
                  CHECK) BOW 1 BAD NEED DOCKING

106             1600 GRID 101 GRID 79 91 9 DUMMY 6 HITS 2 CARGO VESSELS
                  SUNK DUMMY STAY ON 2102
                  MISSING

107 OUR 061314 MY GRID 89 GRID 128 BEARING 053 35,850 YARDS

108 OUR 070004 7 HOUR MY GRID 91 GRID 107 300 15 HAVE LOST CONTACT HAVE
                  YOU RECEIVED COMSUBPAC'S MESSAGE 060039

109 P 070309 TIME 1645 MY GRID 93 GRID 67 302 MINUS 2 13 PILOTFISH TAKE
                  POSITION IN LINE OF BEARING 241 DISTANCE BETWEEN SUBS
                  49,000 YARDS AT DISCRETION

110 P 070321 SHARK INTERROGATIVE POSITION COURSE SPEED RESULTS STAY ON
                  2102 FREQ

111 S 070343 OIL 39 PLUS 1 8 TORPEDOES ASTERN (PILOTFISH ALERT & CHECK)
                  BOW 1 BAD NEED DOCKING MY GRID 81 GRID 67 COURSE 271 SPEED
                  15 4 SUNK 1 DAMAGED

112 P 070448 SHARK INTERROGATIVE ALL RESULTS TO TODAY RENDEZVOUS 17
                  HOUR 8 POSITION 19 NORTH 139 MINUS 1 29 PLUS 1 EAST

113 P 070454 PILOTFISH REPORT TORPEDOES FUEL

114 S 070515 RESULTS TO TODAY CONVOY 3 1 TANKER SUNK 1 AK DAMAGED CONVOY
                  4 1 TRANSPORT SUNK 2 AK SUNK

115 OUR 070521 TORPEDOES 25 MINUS 1 FUEL 59

116 OUR 151748 HAVE YOU RECEIVED COMSUBPAC MESSAGE 142039

117 I 16---- DAWN 17 MY GRID 19 GRID 9 COURSE 090 SPEED 14 PILOTFISH
                  TAKE POSITION IN LINE OF BEARING 000 DISTANCE BETWEEN SUBS
                  51,000 YARDS

118 OUR         MY GRID 23 GRID 2 YOUR POSITION AT DAWN 17TH I'LL BE THERE

72 TUNNY 160104 HAVE YOU RECEIVED COMSUBPAC'S MESSAGE 152035 PROCEEDING TO
                  POSITION 20 00 139 00 IMMEDIATELY RECEIPT FOR MESSAGE WITH
                  WEATHER REPORT

119 TINT 161625 AT 7 HOUR 19 RENDEZVOUS AT LATITUDE 23 MINUS 1 NORTH AND
                  136 EAST

120 TUNNY 190540 CANNOT MAKE CONTACT ON V H F OR 450 FREQUENCY SIGHTED
                  AIRCRAFT 1149 COURSE NORTH USE 9 TIME

                                                                5-C

— page 46 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U. S. S. PILOTFISH Report of First War Patrol.

6/19/44 VISUAL S386 V S387 BT SCOUTING LINE ZERO NINE ZERO AND T O SEVEN
ZERO TAKE DISTANCE THIRTY FIVE MILES AT STATION PATROL
COURSE ZERO NINE ZERO ON ODD HOURS AND T O SEVEN ZERO ON
EVEN HOURS X SPEED T O ENGINES DURING DAY ONE ENGINE AT
NIGHT FOUR FIFTY KCS INTERCEPT T O THOUSAND BAND ROTATING
FREQUENCIES V H F X
HAIKU SCHEDULES X AL AY REPORT CONTACTS BY GIVING ENEMY
POSITION RATHER THAN A BEARING FROM YOUR OWN POSITION BT
GR 82 TOR 0600

6/19/44 VISUAL S387 V S386 BT NO CONTACTS EXCEPT PLANES IN AREA ELEVEN
X CITY YOUR TORPEDOES X THIRTY THREE THOUSAND FUEL X
THIRTY FIVE MILES DEPTH LEAKS AT ALL DEPTHS X SAFETY FLOOD
VALVE GASKETS BLOWN OUT X WHAT TYPE SONAR ARE YOU USING K
TOD 0628

6/19/44 VISUAL S386 V S387 BT ZONE TIME ITEM HAVE YOU SEEN TUNNY K TOR
0639

6/19/44 VISUAL S387 V S386 BT YES LAST NIGHT SHE WAS 10 MILES AHEAD K
TOR 0641

6/19/44 VISUAL S386 V S387 BT REPORT TO COMSUBPAC MATERIEL CONDITION AND
FUEL AND REQUEST INSTRUCTIONS TOR 0644

6/19/44 VISUAL S386 V S387 BT PROCEED TO SCOUTING STATION K TOR 0647

122 P 220641 PROCEED PORT

123 OUR 220657 HAVE PATROL REPORT INT CLOSE

124 P 220705 REPORT IN PORT

6-C

— page 47 —
FP5-142/A16-3
Serial 037

[UNCLEAR: CONFIDENTIAL]
FIRST ENDORSEMENT
CC USS PILOTFISH
Report of First War
Patrol.

From:
To :
Via :

Subject:

1. Forwarded.

SUBMARINE DIVISION 142

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
5 July 1944.

The Commander Submarine Division 142.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
The Commander Submarine Squadron Fourteen.

U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386) Report of First War
Patrol; Comments on.

2. This patrol covered a period of forty-nine days, of
which 26 days were spent in the patrol areas west of the MARIANAS
and in the area south of FORMOSA. PILOTFISH was one of the ships of
a coordinated attack group consisting of two other submarines, the
PILOT and the PILOT. This was the first patrol for the PILOTFISH
and first for the commanding officer as such. One week was especial-
ly active. PILOTFISH made four approaches on convoys but unfortunate-
ly was unable to reach a good firing position in any case. All
attacks were frustrated either by targets zigging away or by effective
interference of escorts and planes.

3. On 4 June a daylight coordinated attack was made, the
PILOTFISH being in the center and ahead. Due to a radical zig, the
PILOTFISH was unable to close the targets. PILOTFISH made a successful
attack on this convoy.

4. On 5 June another daylight coordinated attack was
made. This time PILOTFISH was the starboard flanker. PILOTFISH
went deep to avoid escorts, but upon reaching periscope depth 6
minutes later, the convoy had again zigged away radically. The range
to the nearest ship was 6,000 yards and increasing. PILOT or PILOT
made a successful attack on this convoy 6 hours later.

5. Although PILOTFISH made no direct attacks, as a
member of the wolf pack, she was in some extent instrumental in
mutually assisting the other two submarines in successfully complet-
ing their attacks.

- 1 -

— page 48 —
FB5-142/A16-3
Serial 037

SUBMARINE DIVISION 142
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
5 July 1944.

[UNCLEAR: CONFIDENTIAL (faded)]
FIRST ENDORSEMENT
CO USS PILOTFISH (SS386) to
CO SUBDIV 142.
Report of First War
Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386) Report of First War
Patrol; Comments on.

— page 49 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOURTEEN
                                                                c/o Fleet Post Office,
                                                                San Francisco, Calif.
FC5-14/A16-3                                                    6 July 1944.
Serial 070.
CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO USS PILOTFISH
of First War Patrol.

From:          The Commander Submarine Squadron FOURTEEN.
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. PILOTFISH, Report of War Patrol Number One.

1.             Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the Commander
Submarine Division 142.

                                                                J. B. LONGSTAFF.

Copy to:
CSD 142
CO, PILOTFISH

— page 50 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16)
Serial: 01462

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PILOTFISH Report of
First War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 469.
U.S.S. PILOTFISH - FIRST 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. PILOTFISH (SS386) - Report of First War Patrol.
(16 May to 4 July 1944).

1. The first war patrol of the PILOTFISH was the first for
the new Commanding Officer, as such. The PILOTFISH was one of three
submarines forming a coordinated attack group, operating in patrol
areas west of the Marianas and south of Formosa.

2. In the many convoys contacted during the busy seven
day period of activity that the attack group experienced, the PILOT-
FISH was not able to obtain a suitable attack position. On several
occasions, air activity apparently caused the convoys to zig into
positions which enabled the other submarines to make successful
attacks.

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

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
CominCn (7)
CNO (5)
CinCpac (6)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
ComServPac (1)
CinClant (1)
ComSubsLant (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
ComSoPac (2)
ComSowesPac (1)
ComSubSowesPac (2)
CTF 72 (2)
ComNorPac (1)
ComSubsPac (20)
SUBAD, MI (2)
ComSubsPacSubOrdCom (3)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Subspac (2) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
[HANDWRITTEN: 8 0877]

hch
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
19 July 1944.

NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

ComSubsTrainPac (2)
All Submarines, Subspac (1)
[SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes]
E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.

[STAMP: EXTRA - ORIGINAL]
[STAMP: SORG. MICRO]
[STAMP: PHOTO-LAB OP-16]
[STAMP: RETURN TO F-4253]

— page 51 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS386/A16-3
Serial: 024.

U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
14 September 1944.
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st Copy]

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. PILOTFISH.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division FORTY-THREE.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PILOTFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Two.

Enclosures: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track Chart (for Commander Submarine Force,
Pacific Fleet only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the Second War Patrol of this vessel
conducted in the Bonin Islands Area during the period 27 July 1944 to
14 September 1944 is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: R. H. GLOSS]
R. H. GLOSS.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B9C DATE 5/31/72]

[HANDWRITTEN: 88847]

— page 52 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)
Subject: U.S.S. PILOTFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Two.

(A) PROLOGUE.

4 July 1944. Arrived Majuro, Marshall Islands, from First War Patrol on
142 Relief Crew. Commenced refit by U.S.S. BUSHNELL and Submarine Division
following items of major importance were completed: In drydock, replaced
#5 torpedo tube muzzle door gasket, checked safety flood valves, renewed
zincs and painted bottom; overhauled #3 and 4 main engine
adjusted all main motor brushes; attempted, without success, to repair
and calibrate Bendix Lo. Lieutenant A. F. ANGLE, D-M, USNR, reported for
duty. Refit and Post Repair Period completed 21 July 1944. Three days of
training, during which two torpedoes were fired, were held 22-24 July 1944
under supervision of Commander Submarine Division 141 (Captain G. E. PETERSON,
U.S. Navy). Final loading period 25-26 July 1944.

(B) NARRATIVE.

27 July 1944.
0800 (L) Underway from Majuro, in accordance with CTF 17 Opord 255-44,
escorted by PC-583.
0912 (L) Dove for trim.
0958 (L) Surfaced.
1318 (L) Set course 000°(t) up safety lane and released escort.

28 July - 3 August 1944.
Conducting training dives and fire control drills enroute area.
Steered constant helm zig-zags. Used SJ Radar at night and high
periscope during daylight. Used SD for five seconds each minute,
IFF while in the Marshalls and until west of Marianas. Numerous
aircraft were sighted or contacted on SD and IFF during first day
out of Majuro.

28 July 1944.
2100 (L) Received new routing instructions. Decided to maintain present
course and keep as far as possible from Marcus but stay out of
restricted area. This to avoid wasting time enroute due to hos-
tile plane contacts.

3 August 1944.
1913 (K) Sighted Nevis with one escort (AC #1). Dove.
2008 (K) Surfaced.

- 1 -

— page 62 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. PILOTFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Two.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS.

No. Time      Lat       Type        Est.        Course    How
    Date      Long                  Initial     Speed     Contacted     Remarks
                                    Range
1.  1412(I)   27-01N    Small Boat  10,000      320(T)    P
    8 Aug.    142-02E               Yds.        12 Kts.
2.  1458(I)   27-01N    Sampan      4,000       150(T)    P
    8 Aug.    142-02E               Yds.        5 Kts.
3.  1602(I)   26-51N    Convoy (?)  20-25       140(EU)   Sound         Detected presence due
    12 Aug.   141-51E               Miles                     to sound of depth
                                                              charges and sight of
                                                              aircraft escort. No
                                                              ships or smoke actually
                                                              seen.
4.  1625(I)   28-08N    Small AK    8,000       150(T)    P             Attacks #1 & #2
    20 Aug.   142-12E               Yds.        7 Kts.
5.  2320(I)   29-25N    Small AK    15,000      335(T)    R & SN        1,000 Ton, 200 ft. pos-
    31 Aug.   141-23E               Yds.        15 Kts.               sibly patrol craft.
                                                              Tracked. Attack #3 &
                                                              #4.
6.  0340(I)   30-15N    Unidenti-   11300       340(T)    R             Tracked.
    1 Sept.   140-56E   fied,small  Yds.        15 Kts.
                      Whale
7.  0410(I)   30-10N    Converted   9,900       340(T)    R             Tracked - Estimated
    1 Sept.   140-56E   Killer      Yds.        15 Kts.               150 ton.
8.  0629(I)   29-48N    Small Ak    30,000      335(T)    SD            About 2,500 ton MTM
    1 Sept.   141-08E               Yds.        9 Kts.                single deck, composite
                                                              superstructure, well
                                                              deck, coal burning -
                                                              reciprocating engine
                                                              6 RPM, 9 Kt. Attacked
                                                              with 4 Mark 18's.
9.  0248(K)   31-16N    Bowfin      12,000      045(T)    R
    3 Sept.   147-25E               Yds.        12 Kts.
10. 1445(K)   31-58N    Burning     26          SD            Sighted smoke 1445(K);
    4 Sept.   141-55E   Ship        Miles                     identified as burning
                                                              ship 1615(K); examined
                                                              close aboard 2100(K);
                                                              200 ft. at waterline;
                                                              wooden hull; burned to
                                                              waterline.

- 11 -

— page 63 —
CONFIDENTIAL

AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
CONTACT NUMBER
| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Date | 3 Aug. | 4 Aug. | 5 Aug. | 5 Aug. | 8 Aug. |
S | Time (Zone) | 1913K | 2100I | 0215I | 0500I | 1444I |
U | Position: Lat. | 29-20N | 28-58N | 29-24N | 29-40N | 26-54N |
B | Long. | 145-01E | 141-12E | 141-08E | 141-15E | 141-52E |
M | | | | | |
A | Speed | 15 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 2 |
R | Course | 290 | 130 | 010 | 320 | 080 |
I | Trim | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf | Per. |
N | Minutes Since Last | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 Hrs. |
E | SD Radar Search | | | | | |
| Number | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
A | Type | Mavis | -- | -- | -- | Betty |
I | | Hap | -- | -- | -- | |
R | Probable Mission | Pat. | -- | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. |
C | How Contacted | Sight | SJ | SJ | SD | Per. |
R | Initial Range | 10 Mi. | 5 Mi. | 15 Mi. | 4 Mi. | 5-6 Mi. |
A | Elevation Angle | 2° | -- | -- | -- | 3° |
F | Range & Relative | | | | | |
T | Bearing of Plane | N.D. | N.D. | -- | -- | N.D. |
| When It Detected S/M | | | | | |
C | Sea: (Beaufort) | 3 | 12 | 6 | 7 | 1 |
O | (Direction) | 280 | 160 | 050 | 090 | 060 |
N | (Relative) | | | | | |
D | Visibility (Miles) | 25 Mi. | 5 Mi. | 4 Mi. | 10 Mi. | 50 Mi. |
I | Clouds: (Height in Ft) | 10,000 | 1,500 | 1,500 | 5,000 | 5,000 |
T | (Percent | 50% | 100% | 10% | 100% | 10% |
I | Overcast) | | | | | |
O | Moon: (Bearing (Rel)) | None | None | Clouded | None | None |
N | (Percent Illum) | | | Cloudy Overall | | |
S | | | | | |

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: Modified light gray.

- 12 -

— page 64 —
CONFIDENTIAL
AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

CONTACT NUMBER | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
|---|---|---|---|---
Date             | 8 Aug. | 9 Aug. | 11 Aug. | 11 Aug. | 12 Aug.
Time (Zone)      | 1444I | 1140I | 0845I | 1243I | 0500I
S                | Position: Lat. | 27-01N | 26-45N | 28-50N | 28-30N | 26-55N
U                | Long. | 142-02E | 140-53E | 140-37E | 140-31E | 141-50E
M                | Speed | 2 | 2 | 15 | 15 | 10
M                | Course | 298 | 110 | 070 | 260 | 250
A                | Trim | Per. | Per. | Surf | Surf | Surf
R                | Minutes Since Last | 10 Hrs. | 7 Hrs. | 0 | 1 Min. | 15 Min.
I                | SD Radar Search | | | | |
N                | Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
E                | Type | Pete | Kate | --- | Betty or: | Dave
A                | Probable Mission | Pat. | Pat. | --- | Pat. | Pat.
I                | How Contacted | Per. | Per. | SD | Sight | Per.
R                | Initial Range | 10 Mi. | 5-6 Mi. | 7 Mi. | 4 Mi. | 8 Mi.
C                | Elevation Angle | 2° | 3° | --- | 4° | 3°
R                | Range & Relative | | | | |
A                | Bearing of Plane | | | | |
F                | When It Detected S/M: | N.D. | N.D. | --- | --- | N.D.
T                | Sea: (State) (Beaufort) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
C                | (Direction | | | | |
O                | Relative) | 195 | 010 | 340 | 150 | 350
N                | Visibility (Miles) | 50 Mi. | 50 Mi. | 35 Mi. | 30 Mi. | 40 Mi.
D                | Clouds: (Height in | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 | 3,000
I                | Ft.) | | | | |
T                | (Percent | 10% | 5% | 10% | 20% | 50%
I                | Overcast) | | | | |
O                | (Bearing (Rel) | None | None | None | None | None
N                | (Angle) | | | | |
S                | Moon: (Percent Ill.) | | | | |

Type of S/ Camouflage on this patrol: Modified light gray.

- 13 -

— page 65 —
CONFIDENTIAL

AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

CONTACT NUMBER
| | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15
Date | : 12 Aug. | 12 Aug. | 12 Aug. | 12 Aug. | 12 Aug.
S | Time (Zone) | : 0612I | 0805I | 0850I | 1433I | 1524I
U | | : | : | : | : | :
B | Position: Lat. | : 26-55N | 26-56N | 26-57N | 26-57N | 26-57N
M | | : | : | : | : | :
A | Long. | : 141-50E | 141-49E | 141-47E | 141-50E | 141-50E
R | | : | : | : | : | :
I | Speed | : 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2
N | | : | : | : | : | :
E | Course | : 276 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 070
| | : | : | : | : | :
| Minutes Since Last | : Per. | Per. | Per. | Per. | Per.
| SD Radar Search | : | : | : | : | :
| | : | : | : | : | :
| Number | : -- | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
A | | : | : | : | : | :
I | Type | : Dave | Dave | Dave | Pete | Betty
R | | : | : | : | : | :
C | Probable Mission | : Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat.
R | | : | : | : | : | :
A | How Contacted | : Per. | Per. | Per. | Per. | Per.
F | | : | : | : | : | :
T | Initial Range | : 8 Mi. | 15 Mi. | 8 Mi. | 10 Mi. | 20 Mi.
| | : | : | : | : | :
| Elevation Angle | : 8° | 1.5° | 4° | 4° | 2°
| Range & Relative | : | : | : | : | :
| Bearing of Plane | : | : | : | : | :
| When It Detected S/M | : N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D.
| | : | : | : | : | :
C | Sea: (State) (Beaufort) | : 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
O | (Direction | : | : | : | : | :
N | Relative) | : 010 | 190 | 190 | 190 | 190
D | | : | : | : | : | :
I | Visibility (Miles) | : 40 Mi. | 40 Mi. | 40 Mi. | 30 Mi. | 30 Mi.
T | | : | : | : | : | :
I | Clouds: (Ft.) | : 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 2,000
O | (Percent | : | : | : | : | :
N | Overcast) | : 50% | 50% | 50% | 40% | 30%
S | (Bearing (Rel)) | : None | None | None | None | None
| Moon: (Angle) | : | : | : | : | :
| (Percent Illum) | : | : | : | : | :

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: Modified light gray.

- 14 -

— page 66 —
CONFIDENTIAL

AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
| CONTACT NUMBER | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | : 12 Aug. | : 12 Aug. | : 13 Aug. | : 17 Aug. | : 23 Aug. |
| S | Time (Zone) | : 1605I | : 1615I | : 1024I | : 0802I | : 1300I |
| U | Position: Lat. | : 26-57N | : 26-57N | : 27-49N | : 29-54N | : 26-43N |
| B | | Long. | : 141-51E | : 141-51E | : 141-44E | : 137-35E | : 142-14E |
| M | | | | | | |
| A | Speed | : 2 | : 2 | : 2 | : 13 | : 2½ |
| R | | | | | | |
| I | Course | : 070 | : 070 | : 270 | : 107 | : 310 |
| N | | | | | | |
| E | Trim | : Per. | : Per. | : Per. | : Surf | : Per. |
| | Minutes Since Last | : | : | : | : | : |
| | SD Radar Search | : -- | : -- | : -- | : 1 | : -- | A | Number | : 2 | : 1 | : 1 | : 1 | : 1 |
| I | Type | : Nell & | : Small | : Dave | : Betty | : Betty |
| R | | Pete | : Bomber | | | |
| C | Probable Mission | : Esc. | : Pat. | : H | : Pat. | : Pat. |
| R | | | | | | |
| A | How Contacted | : Per. | : Per. | : Per. | : Sight | : Per. |
| F | | | | | | |
| T | Initial Range | : 12 Mi. | : -- | : 4-5 Mi. | : 5-6 Mi. | : 8 Mi. | Elevation Angle | : 3° | : 3° | : 4° | : 5° | : 4° |
| | Range & Relative | : | : | : | : | : |
| | Bearing of Plane | : | : | : | : | : |
| | When it Detected S/M | : N.D. | : N.D. | : N.D. | : 005 | : -- | C | Sea: (State (Beaufort): | : 1 | : 1 | : 1 | : 1 | : 2 |
| O | (Direction | : | : | : | : | : |
| N | (Relative) | : 010 | : 010 | : 190 | : 000 | : 175 |
| D | | | | | | |
| I | Visibility (Miles) | : 30 Mi. | : 30 Mi. | : 40 Mi. | : 30 Mi. | : 20 Mi. |
| T | (Height in | : | : | : | : | : |
| I | Clouds: (Ft.) | : 2,000 | : 2,000 | : 5,000 | : 5,000 | : 1,500 |
| O | (Percent | : | : | : | : | : |
| N | Overcast) | : 20% | : 20% | : 10% | : 40% | : 100% |
| S | (Bearing (Rel) | : None | : None | : None | : None | : None |
| | Moon: (Angle) | : | : | : | : | : |
| | (Percent Illum) | : | : | : | : | : |

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: Modified light gray.

- 15 -

— page 67 —
CONFIDENTIAL

AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

CONTACT NUMBER | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25
:|:|:|:|:|:
Date | : 24 Aug. | : 24 Aug. | : 31 Aug. | : 1 Sept. | : 1 Sept.
Time (Zone) | : 0842I | : 1622I | : 0647I | : 1037I | : 1545I
SUBMARINE | Position: Lat. | : 28-41N | : 29-36N | : 29-08N | : 30-12N | : 29-52N
| Long. | : 141-02E | : 139-34E | : 141-29E | : 141-08E | : 141-15E
| Speed | : 18 | : 18 | : 15 | : 2 | : 18
| Course | : 300 | : 300 | : 270 | : 160 | : 155
| Trim | : Surf | : Surf | : Surf | : Per. | : Light Trim
| Minutes Since Last Radar Search | : 1 | : 1 | : 1 | : -- | : 1
AIR | Number | : 1 | : 1 | : 2 | : 1 | : 1
| Type | : Betty | : Betty | : Fighter Bomber | : Nell | : Dave
| Probable Mission | : Pat. | : Pat. | : Pat. | : H | : H
| How Contacted | : Sight | : Sight | : Sight | : Per. | : Sight
| Initial Range | : 10 Mi. | : 8 Mi. | : 8 Mi. | : 15 Mi. | : 4 Mi.
| Elevation Angle | : 6° | : 10° | : 3° | : 1½° | : 4°
| Relative Bearing of Plane | : N.D. | : N.D. | : N.D. | : -- | : --
| Detected S/M: | : 2 | : 2 | : 2 | : 2 | : 2
CONDITIONS | Sea: (State (Beaufort)) | : 2 | : 2 | : 2 | : 2 | : 2
| (Direction (Relative)) | : 180 | : 180 | : 040 | : 235 | : 235
| Visibility (Miles) | : 30 Mi. | : 30 Mi. | : 20 Mi. | : 50 Mi. | : 20 Mi.
| Clouds: (Height in Ft. | : 10,000 | : 10,000 | : 8-10,000 | : 10,000 | : 3,000
| (Percent Overcast) | : 80% | : 80% | : 30% | : 1% | : 10%
| Moon: (Bearing (Rel)) | : None | : None | : None | : None | : None
| (Percent Illum) | : | : | : | : | :
Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: Modified light gray.

- 16 -

— page 73 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. PILOTFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Two.

(H) ATTACK DATA.

U.S.S. PILOTFISH Torpedo Attack No. 5 Patrol No. 2
Time: 0914 (I) Date: 1 September 1944. Lat. 30°16'N. Long. 141°08'E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: High periscope on surface, sighted masthead and smoke at
approximately 15 miles; visibility excellent. The contact
developed into one (1) small AK, MFM; 300 feet; 2,500 ton;
raked bow; counter stern; well decked, single deck,
composite superstructure; with stick masts and wind scoop
rigged aft funnel. No armament observed. Light loaded,
rolling heavily. Coal burning, reciprocating engines, 9 knots
at 66 r.p.m. Zigzagging constant helm 300°-010°(t).

Ship(s) sunk: None.

Ship(s) Damaged or
probably sunk: None.

Damage determined by: Observation.

Target draft: 8-10 feet. Course: 300°(t). Speed: 9 knots.
Range: 1,400 yards (At firing).

O.N SHIP DATA

Speed: 3 knots. Course: 085°(t) swinging left. Depth: 65 feet.
Angle: 29°L (At firing).

Type Attack: Daylight periscope attack using TDC with bearings before
first and third shots.

- 22 -

— page 76 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. PILOTFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Two.

(L) RADIO.

Material Casualties: The constant temperature heating circuit in
TL-7 transmitter failed. Contact K1A of relay K1 was found burned.
Inspection revealed that instead of a proper contact, an ordinary machine
screw was used. Removed and replaced with proper part.
The High Frequency Master Oscillator Circuit in C-6 became inoperative,
C-6 (H.F. M.O. calibration capacitor) was found to have its plates touching
thereby preventing proper operation of the grid circuit of the M.O.
After readjusting C-6, the circuit functioned normally.

Reception: Reception was generally good throughout the patrol
period. On August 6, heavy interference from Japanese sources on 6380 Kcs.
shifted to 9090 which had very little interference. On August 28 in patrol
area very heavy interference on both 6380 and 9090 Kcs. Probably deliberate
jamming just before the 1100 GCT schedule. 6380 was the most useful fre-
quency in the patrol area.

Transmissions: The only difficulty encountered occurred on
September 1, when it was attempted to transmit a despatch to NPM on 8470 Kcs.
Communication was difficult; reception, poor, NXZ (New Caledonia) inter-
cepted and receipted for the message.
About 20 percent of the NPM numbers were missed while submerged.
Only one ComSubsPac Serial was missed: No. 3 of August.

Lifeguard Communications: Nothing was heard on 4475 (Voice)
or on the VHF.

(M) RADAR.

1. SJ. Operation was exceptionally good. Contacts were made on a
2620 foot peak on Kita Iwo Jima, at the extreme ranges on both scopes, esti-
mated to be 78,000 yards on the PPI and 95,000 yards on the A-scope. Rain
squalls were picked up at all ranges up to 45,000 yards. The Range of
13,000 yards on BOWFIN is unusual for this gear. Maximum range on the mine,
1800 yards, at irregular intervals due to bobbing up and down. A flight
of 200 ducks was picked up as a solid pip at 5,000 yards, which may lend
credence to several of the existing "Gremlin" theories.

Failures: Failures were few; no operating time was lost.
Failures: Resistor R-5 in PPI; range switch (PPI); 5U4G tube in "A"
Regulated Rectifier; two Regulated Rectifier Voltmeters.
The keying system was used successfully to enhance recognition
signals with BOWFIN. Volume of the audible signal is very weak. This
could be increased by tapping the phones in above R-48A instead of above
R-48B, or Pin 5 of V-7; interference can be detected visually at ranges
far in excess of those at which signals are audible.

- 25 -

— page 80 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY THREE
Care of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California.
16 September 1944

FB5-43/A16-3
Serial (.01980 )

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PILOTFISH Conf.
Ltr. SS386/A16-3 of 9-14-44

From: The Commander Submarine Division FORTY THREE.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES PACIFIC
FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. PILOTFISH, Second War Patrol, Comments on.

1. The second War Patrol of the U.S.S. PILOTFISH
was of fifty days' duration, thirty three of which were spent
in the assigned area, the BONIN ISLANDS. The patrol was
terminated because of fuel shortage.

2. Five torpedo attacks were made on three ships,
two of which appear to have been too small for torpedo fire.

TORPEDO ATTACKS NO. 1 & NO. 2 - 20 AUGUST 1944

A small coastal type motor driven freighter, about 140
feet in length and 150 tons (EU), was sighted while submerged.
In a surface radar attack that night, two torpedoes were fired,
single shots, both of which missed. Firing ranges were 2,650
yards and 1,700 yards for first and second shots, respectively,
depth setting 3 feet. The desire to inflict damage on the enemy
is understood, but it is believed that chances of hitting such a
small ship, single shots at stated ranges, even under ideal
conditions, are remote.

TORPEDO ATTACKS NO. 3 & NO. 4 - 1 SEPTEMBER 1944

In a night surface radar attack, four torpedoes were fired
at a 1,000-ton (EU) AK, all of which missed. Target maneuvered
across stern of PILOTFISH and four more torpedoes were fired.
Target maneuvered to avoid and fled.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 5 - 1 SEPTEMBER 1944

Following a surface end-around, a submerged approach was
made on a 2,500-ton MEN AK, using a constant helm zig plan. At
a range of 1,400 yards and a track of about 120 degrees, four

- 1 -

— page 82 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
11/jak
Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
18 September 1944.

FC5-4/A16-3
Serial 0354

CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PILOTFISH Conf.
Ltr. SS386/A16-3 of
9-14-44.

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, United States Pacific
Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PILOTFISH, Second War Patrol, Comments on.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the
Commander Submarine Division FORTY-THREE, who has fully covered the
patrol in his endorsement.

[SIGNATURE: C. F. Erck]
C. F. ERCK

— page 83 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16)
Serial 02030
CONFIDENTIAL

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
mr
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
21 September 1944.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PILOTFISH Report of
Second War Patrol.

NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 528
U.S.S. PILOTFISH - SECOND 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. PILOTFISH (SS386) - Report of Second War
Patrol (27 July to 14 September 1944).

1. The second war patrol of the PILOTFISH was conducted
in the Bonin Islands Area.

2. Despite excellent area coverage only three small
targets were contacted, all of which were aggressively attacked by
torpedoes but no hits were obtained.

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

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
CincH (7)
(5)
Cincpac (6)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas(1)
Comservpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Comsubslant (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (1)
ComsubsoWespac (2)
CTF 72 (2)
Comnorpac (1)
Comsubspac (20)
SUBAD, NI (2)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Pacific (2)
Substrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Pacific (1)
[SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes]
E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

— page 84 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED
SS386/A16-3

Serial: 031

U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)

Care of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California,
10 December 1944.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PILOTFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Three.

Enclosures: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track Chart for Commander Submarine Force, Pacific
Fleet only.

1. Enclosure (A) covering the Third War Patrol of this
vessel conducted in the Nansei Shoto, and Nanpo Shoto areas during
the period 14 October, 1944 to 10 December, 1944 is forwarded here-
with.

A. G. SCHNABLE.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP 09C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/31/72]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 100826]

— page 85 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)
U.S.S. PILOTFISH - Report of Third War Patrol.

(A) PROLOGUE.

Arrived Pearl Harbor from Second War Patrol 14 September, 1944.
The period in port included two weeks refit by Submarine Division FORTY-
THREE and Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, 3 days post refit, 8 days training,
one day special sound exercise, and two days loading. Commander A. G. SCHNABLE,
U.S.N. relieved Commander R. H. CLOSE, U.S.N. as Commanding Officer.
Lieutenant Commander J. H. CUNNINGHAM, DE-V(G), U.S.N.R., and Electrician
J. H. FERGUSON, U.S.N. were detached. Lt(jg) J. H. JONES, D-V(G), U.S.N.R.
reported aboard for duty. Fourteen members of the crew were detached and
fourteen received.

(B) NARRATIVE.

14 October 1944.
1400 (V.) Departed Pearl for Patrol Area via Midway in accordance with
ComSubsFac Operation Order #348-44.

15 October 1944 to 17 October 1944.
Enroute Midway. Conducted training, fire control drills and dives,
daily. Conducted special test of Loran equipment.

18 October 1944.
1005 (X) Moored in Berth Sail One, Midway Island. U.S.S. PROTEUS repair crew
commenced voyage repairs which included cleaning and scraping 2
main motor bearing, and repacking port stern tube. Topped off with
fuel.

19 October 1944.
Advanced Calendar to 20 October 1944.
0900 (M) Underway for area.
2130 Exchanged calls with friendly submarine by SJ. (S/C #1).

20 October 1944 to 26 October 1944.
Enroute to area. Repacked port stern tube on nights of 23 October
and 25 October, 1944. Shaft is scored and the packing cannot be
taken up too tight at cruising speed without overheating. We can
not control the leak to some extent by tightening the gland when
we dive. See MAJOR DEFECTS. Weather was stormy and the high seas
reduced the speed made good on two engines. Continued daily fire
control drills and diving training.

26 October 1944.
1732 (K) Smoke sighted. (S/C #2).
1744 Contact 25,000 yards. Stationed the tracking party.
2016 Have tracked this target around the compass. He has tried every
course possible but plot shows he seems to be patrolling on 135 and
315 with innumerable and unpredictable zigs, speeds 7-17 knots.

- 1 -

— page 113 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED FORTY-TWO

FB5-242/A16-3                                                Care of Fleet Post Office,
Serial: (08)                                                 San Francisco, California,
                                                             11 December 1944.
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386) - Report
of Third War Patrol.

From:        The Commander Submarine Division TWO HUNDRED FORTY-TWO.
To :         The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet, Subordinate
Via :        (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
             Command, Navy No. 1504.
             (2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
             (3) The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject:     U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386) - Report of THIRD War Patrol.

             1. The third war patrol of the PILOTFISH, conducted in the Nansei Shoto
and Nanpo Shoto areas, was of fifty-seven days duration. Thirty-seven days were
spent in areas. It was the Commanding Officer's first combat patrol as a Com-
manding Officer.

             2. Only two contacts worthy of torpedo fire were made. A dawn periscope
attack was made on the first of these, an AK escorted by two Chidoris. Four tor-
pedoes were fired, one of these was seen to broach soon after firing. While watch-
ing an escort and turning in order to attain a favorable firing position on this
escort, one timed hit was heard on the AK. Loss of depth control soon thereafter,
and depth charging, precluded further observations. Sound reported target screws
stopped. Breaking up noises were heard. It is regretted that there is not more
conclusive evidence to prove that this ship sank.

             Recommended assessment, 1 AK(EU) 4,000 tons - damaged.

             3. The second contact worthy of torpedoes consisted of three AK's, plus
at least three and possibly five escorts. Sound conditions were excellent. PILOT-
FISH resorted to silent running early in the approach. When leading escort was
about 4,000-5,000 yards from PILOTFISH, and range to target about 8,500 yards,
unusually alert escorts obviously made sound contact on submarine as targets
executed simultaneous turns away and escorts closed PILOTFISH. Prompt evasive
measures by PILOTFISH averted serious damage from thirty-nine depth charges which
were dropped during the next eleven minutes. H olding down tactics during the next
four hours enabled targets to escape.

             4. Proximity to land prevented making a gun attack on a formation of six
cargo sampans of about 400 tons each. Two successive attacks of two torpedoes each
were made on this group. Three torpedoes were fired with a one-foot depth setting,
the fourth at zero feet. One torpedo broached, none hit. This again demonstrated
that the depth performance of our present torpedoes is unreliable for use against
shallow draft vessels.

                                                             - 1 -

— page 115 —
A16-3/( 0217)

CONFIDENTIAL
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
SUBORDINATE COMMAND, NAVY NO. 1504

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
11 December 1944.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS PILOTFISH (SS386) - Report of
Third War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
Subordinate Command, Navy No. 1504.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386) - Report of Third
War Patrol (14 October 1944 to 10 December
1944).

1. Forwarded, concurring in the first endorsement.

2. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
Subordinate Command, Navy No. 1504, congratulates the Commanding
Officer, officers and crew of U.S.S. PILOTFISH for a well conducted
patrol and regrets that their efforts were not rewarded by more damage
to the enemy.

[SIGNATURE: G. C. Crawford]
G. C. CRAWFORD.

— page 116 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)
Serial 02927
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PILOTFISH Report of
Third War Patrol.

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
[STAMP: 29 DEC 1944]
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
23 December 1944.
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 617
U.S.S. PILOTFISH - THIRD WAR PATROL.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386) - Report of Third War
Patrol (14 October to 10 December 1944).

1. The third war patrol of the PILOTFISH was conducted
in the Nansei Shoto and Nanpo Shoto Areas.

2. Excellent area coverage was maintained, but unfortu-
nately only two contacts worthy of torpedo fire were made. Three ag-
gressive attacks were made, two of which were made on shallow draft
targets and failed probably due to torpedoes under-running.

3. Award of the Submarine Combat Insignia for this pa-
trol is not authorized.

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, con-
gratulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this aggres-
sive patrol. The PILOTFISH is credited with having inflicted the fol-
lowing damage upon the enemy during this patrol:

D A M A G E D .

1 - Medium AK (EU) - 4,000 tons (Attack No. 1)

J. H. BROWN, Jr.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Copies)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
Comservpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Comsublant (8)
S/M School, NL (2) | All Squadron and Div. (2)
CO, S/M Base, PH (1) | Commanders, Pacific (2)
Comsopac (2) | All Submarines, Pacific (1)
Comsowespac (2)
Comsubso wespac (2)
CTG 71.9 (1)
Comnorpac (2)
Comsubspac (1)
SUBAD, MI (20)
ComsubspacSubordcom (2)
(3)
[SIGNATURE: C. H. Hynes]
E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.

— page 117 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

SS386/A16-3
Serial: (010)
[STRIKETHROUGH: CONFIDENTIAL] [STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,

25 March, 1945.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PILOTFISH - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR, and
coordinated attack group consisting of the U.S.S. PILOTFISH
(SS386), the U.S.S. FINBACK (SS230), and the U.S.S. RASHER
(SS269).

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

1. Enclosure (A) covering the fourth war patrol of this vessel,
and the report of the subject coordinated attack group, conducted in the
East China Sea during the period 20 January 1945 to 25 March 1945, is for-
warded herewith.

A. G. SCHNABLE.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-097C DATE 5/31/22]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 116040]

— page 118 —
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)

C O N F I D E N T I A L
U.S.S. PILOTFISH - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

(A) PROLOGUE.

Arrived Midway from Third War Patrol December 10, 1944. The period in
port included two weeks refit by Submarine Division Two Forty-Two and
U.S.S. AEGIR, four days post refit including sound trials, four days train-
ing and two days loading. Battle surface firing and firing of four torped-
oes were included in the training.
The readiness for sea date was delayed until January 17, due to exces-
sive noise on both shafts. The noise was finally reduced by repacking sand
in both shafts and replacing steel spring spacers with fiber spacers, com-
bined with renewing wood in all shaft bearings except the forward port stern
tube.
About three days of special wolf-pack training in company with FINBACK
and RASHER were held after regular training.
The following officers reported for duty: Lt(jg) H. J. MARTY, USNR,
Lt(jg) J. G. McIVER, USNR, Lt(jg) J. G. MITCHELL, USNR, and Ensign T. A.
HEALY, USNR. The following officers were detached: Lt-Comdr. F. H. CARDE,
Jr., USN, Lt-Comdr. W. D. WHEATSTONE, USNR, and Lt(jg) W. H. HOBLITZELL, Jr.,
USNR. Nineteen members of the crew were transferred and twenty-three were
received.

(B) NARRATIVE.

20 January, 1945.
0922 (M) Departed Midway in company with FINBACK and RASHER in accordance
with C.T.G. Despatch 202045 of January. Advanced calendar to
21 January.

21-27 January, 1945.
Enroute Saipan conducting intensive diving and fire control train-
ing, tracking, pack communication and tactics.

28 January, 1945.
1440 (K) Arrived Saipan. Emergency voyage repairs were accomplished by
U.S.S. FULTON. Topped off with fuel.

29 January, 1945.
1700 (K) Departed Saipan in accordance with ComSubsPac Operation Order
#34-45.
During the period in Saipan, a conference of the Commanding
Officers of the FINBACK, RASHER, and PILOTFISH was held. An arbi-
trary chart of the area was made using squares which were 10
minutes of latitude on one side and 10 minutes of longitude on the
other. The point of origin was taken as Lat. 26°-00'-N., Long.
120°-00'-E. Ordinates were lettered "Able" through "Sugar" minus
"Item", abscissae were numbered "One" to "Thirty-two" inclusive.

- 1 -

— page 128 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. PILOTFISH - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS.
| No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Type(s) | Initial Range (Yards) | Est. Course | Speed | How Contacted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 3 Feb. 1128(I) | 29-20 132-01-00 | S/M | 3,500 | | | SD | Sighted 4 feet of periscope. |
| 2. | 9 Feb. 0508(I) | 27-49-00 123-13-15 | Hospital Ship | 23,000 | 045 13 | SN & SD | Sighted running lights; made SJ contact later. Identified as Takasago Maru(AH2). Avoided. |
| 3. | 15 Feb. 0225(I) | 26-56-30 121-19-30 | 3 Picket or Fishing Boats | 8,250 | 230 6 | R | Tracked, identified, avoided. |
| 4. | 22 Feb. 0128(I) | 27-48-00 121-55-00 | 2 Picket Boats | 5,850 | 150 10 | SN | Sighted 2 white lights, closed. |
| 5. | 22 Feb. 0605(I) | 27-22-00 121-31-30 | 2 Fishing Vessels (?) | 10,000 (?) | | | SN | Radar got pip at 5,000 yds. Fishing vessels apparently drifting. |
| 6. | 22 Feb. 0710(I) | 27-19-30 121-36-00 | 3 Fishing Vessels | 9,000 | 330 2 | SD | Closed to 5,000 yds. Identified as 3 sailing vessels. No Radar contact. |
| 7. | 25 Feb. 0745(I) | 27-05-40 121-27-20 | 2 Patrol Vessels | 6,000 | 020 5 | P | Heard pinging. Sighted 2 small craft apparently on A/S sweep. |
| 8. | 7 Mar. 0039(I) | 26-19-08 120-52-30 | 1 Picket Boat | 9,200 | 210 9 | R | Tracked, closed, identified, avoided. |
| 9. | 8 Mar. 0900- 1700(I) | 28-52-00 122-32-00 | Fishing Vessels | 5,000 | 290 4 | P | Passed through fleet of 20-25 sailing-fishing vessels during day. |

- 11 -

— page 129 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. FILOTFISH - Report of Fourth War Patrol.
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.

CONTACT NUMBER | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
Date | 30 Jan. | 30 Jan. | 31 Jan. | 1 Feb. | 2 Feb.
S Time (Zone) | 0735 (K) | 1635 (K) | 1213 (K) | 1057 (K) | 0545 (I)
U
B Position: Lat. | 16-06N | 17-06N | 20-13N | 23-58N | 26-56N
M Long. | 143-12E | 142-15E | 139-29E | 136-19E | 133-49E
A
R Speed | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15
I
N Course | 319 (t) | 319 (t) | 323 (t) | 323 (t) | 325 (t)
E
Trim | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. | Surf.
Minutes Since Last
SD Radar Search | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Number | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1
A Type | PB4Y-2 | B-29 | B-24 | Mavis | Unk.
I
R Probable Mission | Pat. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk.
C
R How Contacted | SD - Sight | SD (SJ & Sight) | SD - Sight | Sight | Sight
A
F Initial Range (Miles) | 20 | 10.5 | 14 | 10 | 10 (?)
T
Elevation Angle | 2° | 2½° | 4° | 7° | 1°
Range & Relative | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | 100° | N.D.
Bearing of Plane
When it Detected S/M | | | | Unk. |
State Beaufort | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3
C Sea:
O Direction (True) | 100° | 120° | 070° | 325° | 320°
N
D Visibility (Miles) | 20 | 11 | 8 | 8 | 20
I
T Height in Ft. | 16,000 | 16,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 16,000
I Clouds:
O Percent | 100% | 100% | 10% | 30% | 60%
N Overcast
S
Bearing (Rel) | | | | | 280
Moon Angle | | | | | 60
Percent Illum | | | | | 40
Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: Light Gray.

- 12 -

— page 139 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. PILOTFISH - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

15. Portsmouth Type Controllers. During this patrol period the carbon
contactors were renewed twice on the starter-controller for the trim pump
motor. The carbon block on the turbo-blow motor was renewed once.
During the same period the starter-controller for the trim pump re-
quired adjustment at least ten times. Frequent adjustments were also made
on the starter-controllers for the hydraulic pump motors, the turbo blow
motor, and the drain pump motor.
A close aerial bomb caused both hydraulic plant motor starter-control-
lers (the only two controllers in use at the time) to trip out. This might
have resulted in serious damage had not the main vents already been opened
and the bow planes rigged out.
Portsmouth starter-controllers now installed on this vessel have been
a constant source of trouble since commissioning. It is hoped that material
to complete the authorized alteration which removes this type starter in
favor of Cutler-Hammer type will be available during the coming refit.

(L) RADIO.

SCHEDULES: Enroute Midway to Saipan, used 9090 kcs. and 13,655 kcs.
during daylight hours and 9090 kcs. and 3045 kcs. during darkness. Occa-
sionally during early morning all frequencies would be unreadable due to
either weak signals or jamming.
Saipan to area, used 13,655 kcs. mostly during daylight, shift-
ing to 9090 kcs. in late evening and morning. During darkness, 9090 kcs.
was used in early evening with good signal, but became weak later on, neces-
sitating shifting to 3045 kcs. which was strong most of the night. In
early morning, all frequencies would fade out for a short time.
In the patrol area, 6045 kcs. was used most frequently during the time
we were on the surface, with 9090 kcs. good for about an hour after surfac-
ing and an hour before diving. All frequencies still faded out for a short
time in the early morning.
When we were on the surface, the 1000 GCT NKN sked was copied on
12465 kcs. without difficulty. The 1800 GCT NKN sked came in strong on
4155 kcs. It was always jammed heavily, occasionally too heavy to copy
through.

TRANSMISSIONS: Very little difficulty was experienced in communicating
with NFM or NPM. An answer was usually received after the first call.
Jamming was always experienced, but never severe enough to cause trouble.
NFM usually answered first with a signal about S-1, then raised power to a
signal strength of about four. NDP-4 was called several times and the
messages cleared without difficulty, after once raising power to a
signal strength of about four.

AREA FREQUENCY: Diversified Jap keying and voice was heard almost con-
tinuously but never sufficient to prevent delivery of messages. No deliber-
ate attempt was made to jam any particular transmission.

- 22 -

— page 146 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-FOUR

                                                                Care of Fleet Post Office
                                                                San Francisco, California.

FB5-44/A16-3
Serial ( 036 )                                                  26 March 1945

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS PILOTFISH FOURTH
WAR PATROL.

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

Subject:        U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS 386) FOURTH WAR PATROL - Comments on.

        1.      The Fourth War Patrol of the U.S.S. PILOTFISH was conducted in
the East China Sea Area Northwest of FORMOSA, close to the coast of China.
The patrol was of sixty-six days duration. The Commanding Officer of the
PILOTFISH was the Commander of the coordinated attack group made up of the
PILOTFISH, FINBACK and the RASHER.

        2.      Coverage of area by the PILOTFISH and the whole group was thorough
and extensive. Close surveillance of the China Coast was maintained by the
group in addition to covering all possible trade routes through the area. In
spite of this excellent area coverage the PILOTFISH sighted but one target of
size and that turned out to be a hospital ship conforming properly to all the
international rules regarding hospital ships.

        3.      The explosion of the auxiliary engine on February 4 will be in-
vestigated in order to determine the cause and to avoid a future occurrence.
The fire in the engine room resulting from this explosion was ably handled
throughout by the PILOTFISH crew. It is believed however, that the allowance
of fire extinguishers should be increased inasmuch as one serious fire re-
duces the available fire extinguishers for subsequent fires seriously.

        4.      The PILOTFISH came in from patrol in a fair materiel condition
and will be given a modernization refit at Pearl Harbor. The boat was in a
fine state of cleanliness and the morale factor was good even though the lack
of targets made a rather dull and boring patrol.

                                                                [UNCLEAR: illegible mark]

                                                                [UNCLEAR: illeg

— page 148 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

FC5-4/A16-3
Serial: 0252

_C O N F I D E N T I A L_

_SECOND ENDORSEMENT_ to
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386) Report
of Fourth War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC
 FLEET, Administration.
 (2) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386) - Report of Fourth War
 Patrol.

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

2. The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR congratu-
lates the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the U.S.S.
PILOTFISH upon completion of a long and tiring patrol, and re-
grets that no opportunities to attack were presented.

[SIGNATURE: W. V. O'Regan]
W. V. O'REGAN.

11/jfs

29 March 1945.

— page 149 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 0693
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PILOTFISH Report of
Fourth War Patrol.

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
[HANDWRITTEN: 4 01959]
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
1 April 1945.
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 700
U.S.S. PILOTFISH - FOURTH WAR PATROL.
From : The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386) - Report of Fourth War Pa-
trol (20 January to 25 March 1945).

1. The fourth war patrol of the PILOTFISH, under the
command of Commander A. G. Schnable, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the
East China Sea area. The PILOTFISH, along with the U.S.S. FINBACK
(SS230) and the U.S.S. RASHER (SS269), formed a coordinated attack
group with the commanding officer of the PILOTFISH as group commander.

2. Despite thorough area coverage no contacts other than
a hospital ship and small craft were made during this patrol. Anti-
submarine measures consisting of radar equipped planes, numerous
small patrol boats, and shore based radar were heavy. The PILOTFISH
suffered a close bomb attack on 26 February but fortunately no major
damage resulted.

3. Award of Submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol
is not authorized.

MERRILL COMSTOCK.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
JICPOA (1)
AdICPOA (1)
Comservpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Comsubslnt (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
CO, S/M Base, PH (1)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (1)
ComsubSowespac (2)
CTG 71.9 (1)
Comnorpac (2)
Comsubspac (1)
ComsubspacAdcom (3)
SUBAD, MI Div (2)
ComsubspacSubord (3)
All Squadron & Div
Commandors, Pacific (2)
Substrainpac (2)
All Submarinos, Pacific(1)

[SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes]
E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.

EXTRA = ORIGINAL
SORG. [HANDWRITTEN: MICRO]
PHOTO-LAB [HANDWRITTEN: OP-16]
RETURN TO F-4253

— page 150 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]

U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,

SS386/A16-3
Serial: (024)
DECLASSIFIED
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED] 14 July, 1945.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PILOTFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart (ComSubPac Only).
(C) Two Rolls of Undeveloped Film.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the Fifth War Patrol of this vessel
conducted in the Marcus Island Area and the Nanpo Shoto - Empire Waters during
the period May 21, 1945, to July 14, 1945, is forwarded herewith.

2. Enclosure (C) was forwarded under separate cover to Commander
Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, on June 20, 1945.

[SIGNATURE: A. J. Schnable]
A. J. SCHNABLE.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED - ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09C DATE 5/31/72]

DECLASSIFIED

[HANDWRITTEN: 135813]

— page 158 —
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: Report of Fifth War Patrol.

26 June, 1945 (Cont'd).
0830 On station. Many A.C. contacts. All friendly.
1135 Air cover arrived on station.
1200 Position: Lat. 30-00N. Long. 139-15E.
1500 Air cover departed.
1531 Dove for fast closing plane at 9,000 yards, (SJ), no IFF.
1606 Surfaced. Set course for tomorrow's lifeguard station.
Many A.C. contacts today.

27 June, 1945.
1200 On lifeguard station.
Position: Lat. 30-00N. Long. 140-28E.
2023 Dove for unidentified aircraft at 6 miles.
2103 Surfaced.
2130 Dove for unidentified aircraft at 5 miles.
2215 Surfaced.
Many A.C. contacts today.

28 June, 1945.
No lifeguard station. Will search area of lifecraft reported 2 days
ago, the final results of which are still doubtful.
1200 Position: Lat. 29-32N. Long. 138-07E.
1304 Sighted empty lifejacket.
1835 Sank mine (horned sperical type) with 20 mm. and 50 cal. Position:
Lat. 30-20N. Long. 137-00E.
2000 Search results negative. Will proceed to new station.
2225 Exchanged information and movies with U.S.S. SEA ROBIN.
Many A.C. contacts in morning hours.

29 June, 1945.
1200 On lifeguard station.
Position: Lat. 30-06N. Long. 137-01E.
Few A.C. contacts today.

30 June, 1945.
1200 Position: Lat. 30-10N. Long. 137-08E.
1230 Made trim dive.
1305 Surfaced.
1700 Sank a U.S. Navy type pontoon with 40 mm. This was a steel pontoon
of twenty one sections with a total area of approximately 600 square
feet. Dangerous to navigation.
Few A.C. contacts today.

A - 8

— page 161 —
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)

C O N F I D E N T I A L
Subject: Report of Fifth War Patrol.

8 July, 1945.
0433 Dove for unidentified aircraft.
0506 Surfaced.
1025 Sighted possible submarine in position: Lat. 31-58.5N, Long. 137-
09.4E. Commenced tracking. Unable to contact or identify.
1052 Dove for two unidentified planes.
1911 Surfaced.

9 July, 1945.
1200 On lifeguard station.
Position: Lat. 33-04N. Long. 137-15E.
2132 SJ contact at 3600 yards. Changed speed to flank. Stationed
tracking party. Contact lost and not regained.
2135 Developed heavy vibration, seemingly from aft. Ran at different speeds, motor and
engine combinations, but not definitely located. endeavoring to locate and isolate trouble. Source of trouble not
located and heavy vibration still present at all speeds above
standard.
2200 Received ComSubsPac 090414 of July, 1945.

10 July, 1945.
0400 On lifeguard station.
Lifeguard mission completed. Set course to clear area and
proceed to Guam. Passing through reported position of possible
survivors reported from last nights raid.
0602 With obliging P-24 for cover, sent Lieutenant H. J. MARTY, Ass't
Engineering Officer, over the side to inspect screws, rudder, and
stern planes. No visible or apparent defects found.
1145 Commenced a long series of efforts to transmit PILOTFISH Serial Six
to ComSubsPac and CTG 17.7.
1200 Position: Lat. 31-40N. Long. 137-00E.
1230 Search for possible survivors has proved unsuccessful. Continued
on course to base.
1734 Sunk spherical, horned type mine in position: Lat. 31-15.5N,
Long. 137-53.5E.
1800 Radio Guam receipted for PILOTFISH Six.

11 July, 1945.
0913 Enroute Guam.
Dove for unidentified aircraft.
0950 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 27-57N. Long. 139-22E.

A - 11

— page 163 —
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)

C O N F I D E N T I A L
Subject: Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(C) WEATHER.
The weather off Marcus Island was clear and calm. Visibility
was unlimited and the sea was flat calm.

In the vicinity of Nanpo Shoto the weather was generally calm.
The visibility was limited by fog and general cloudiness during twilight.
Low visibility persisted about thirty percent of the daylight hours;
nights were usually clear.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION.
In the vicinity of Marcus a current of 1 - 1.5 knots on 120°
140°T. was observed. The current increases as the island is approached,
being strongest just south of the island.

Currents in the vicinity of Nanpo Shoto agreed with charts
and Coast Pilot.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
The only navigational aid sighted was Sofu Gan. Radar and
radio tower were sighted on Marcus Island, but were of little use in
fixing position because they are not located on present charts of the
island.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS.
No enemy ships were contacted. One possible periscope was
sighted at Lat. 29-58N; Long. 136-37E; on 4 July, 1945. Subsequent
search failed to develop or confirm this contact. One unidentified
submarine was sighted at Lat. 31-58N; Long. 137-09E; on 8 July,
1945. The submarine dove and contact was not regained. Contacts with
friendly forces are noted as they occurred in the narrative.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.
No aircraft sighted in the vicinity of Nanpo Shoto were
definitely identified as enemy. The ship was forced to dive on numerous
occasions by aircraft contacts on the SD which closed without any IFF
response. Off the coast of Honshu one aircraft was picked up on the
APR and later on the SD, no IFF response was obtained and this is
classified as enemy. Off Marcus one unidentified plane (Not a bomber)
and one Lily were sighted during a bombing strike.

A - 13

— page 164 —
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)

CONFIDENTIAL                                                              A - 14
Subject:          Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA.

                  No attacks were delivered.

(I) MINES.

                  Sighted and destroyed a total of 8 floating mines, of which 6
                  sank and 2 detonated. All were of the four-horn type, very rusty and
                  covered with barnacles, similiar to Type 93, Model 1,
                  and 11, CinCPOA Bulletin 49-45, "Japanese Sea Mines", of 19
                  February, 1945. 20 mm. fire was most effective in calm seas, whereas
                  .50 caliber was slightly better in rough weather.

(J) ANTISUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS.

                  Except for unidentified aircraft no antisubmarine measures
                  were encountered.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE.

                  1. During the early part of the patrol number four main engine
                  developed small cracks in the water jackets in the vicinity of the
                  injector on units #2, #3, #4, #6, and #7. Number three main engine
                  developed similiar cracks on units #4, #5, and #7. Leaks were small
                  and only units #2 and #4 on number four main engine required corrective
                  measures to avoid a complete break. On these units, the gaskets were
                  renewed and a minimum tension put on the head bolts. Cause of this
                  casualty is believed to have been excessive tension on the head bolts.
                  When removing and renewing the gaskets on the units on which the
                  gaskets were renewed, it was necessary to use a two-foot extension on a wrench in order
                  to loosen the head bolts. These two engines were overhauled by
                  Pearl Harbor Submarine Base during the last refit period.

                  2. On June 2, 1945, it was noted that the miles steamed on the
                  Bendix Log and the latitude and longitude on the D.R. and D.A.I. were indicating
                  a speed of about sixty knots, while the log speed was about thirteen knots.
                  An examination of the master unit disclosed that the spur gear of the
                  distance synchro generator was rotating very much faster than the input
                  shaft. The machine was stopped and the bevel on the output shaft was
                  found to be slipping instead of being firmly fastened. The Allen set
                  screw holding the bevel to the output shaft had worked loose, allowing the
                  shaded pole motor coupled to the synchro generator to drive the synchro
                  generator at excessive speed. The set screw was replaced and the Bendix
                  Log and D.R.A.I. operated normally.

                                                              A - 14

— page 167 —
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)

C O N F I D E N T I A L
Subject: Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(L) RADIO.

Material Performance. The only material casualty worthy of note occured
to the TBL-7 transmitter. No output of the master oscillator to the
doubler stage could be obtained on frequencies exceeding 5000 kcs. The
trouble was traced to the control switch "B" which was found to be making
only periodic contact. It was remedied by cleaning the contacts and
applying more tension to the switch brushes. The RBS-1 receiver and the
SCR 610 set proved excellent additions to our equipment. The RBS was used
on 4475 kcs. while on lifeguard station, and on the Fox Schedules at other
times. It gave a much clearer signal than the RAL-7. The SCR 610 was
used during our two rendezvous with the U.S.S. SEAROBIN and proved highly
effective for short range voice communication.

Lifeguard Communications. Communications on the lifeguard frequencies
were generally satisfactory. Initial contact with plane cover was some-
times made on 4475 kcs., but VHF communications usually prevailed with
aircraft. The introduction of the new A.S.R. Coordinating Channel shortly
before we left station presented difficulties, since it necessitated a
guard on 4475 kcs., VHF, Sub Fox, the A.S.R. Channel, at all times, with
a minimum of three radiomen on watch was necessary, even with speaker watches being stood on VHF and
4475 kcs., and these, added to the coding officer, filled the radio shack
to overflowing.

Ship-Shore Traffic. A total of six messages were sent to ComSubsPac
during this patrol. On July 10, much difficulty was encountered in clearing
our serial six to ComSubsPac.

(M) RADAR.

SJ - 1. On 21 May, the high voltage dropped to 200 volts and the high
voltage rectifier current increased to maximum causing tube F9 to burn
out. Trouble was traced to modulation network which was found to be
leaking excessively. Modulation network unit was replaced with onboard
spares. After repairs were made, operation returned to normal.

SD - 1. On 6 June, found ¼" of salt water in the drain cup below the
tuning plug. The dipole probe and surrounding cavity had salt deposits
and contained salt water. The chamber above the probe also contained
salt water. Although there may be salt or water
above the polystyrene plug, performance improved considerably after clean-
ing the unit. During the coming refit, the antenna should be re-
moved from the ship, cleaned, and the leak stopped. It is felt that this
leak has made performance of this equipment only fair during this and
previous patrols.

A - 17

— page 170 —
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)

C O N F I D E N T I A L
Subject: Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS (CONT'D).

CARD | (GCT) | (GCT) | LAT. | LONG. | KEEL | TEMP. | CHANGE
NO. | DATE | TIME | (NORTH) | | DEPTH | + | -
| | | | | (Feet) | | (Degrees)
----||-------||||-----|
39 | 2 July | 1340 | 30-03-00 | 136-40-00E | 400 | | 9
40 | 2 " | 1700 | 31-34-00 | 136-47-30 | 315 | | 9
42 | 5 " | 1340 | 30-31-00 | 135-51-00 | 250 | | 10
44 | 7 " | 0100 | 32-04-30 | 136-39-45 | 200 | | 6
46 | 8 " | 0000 | 31-58-30 | 137-09-45 | 300 | | 10
48 | 10 " | 0056 | 32-03-30 | 136-55-15 | 200 | | 7
49 | 11 " | 1113 | 28-28-30 | 139-21-00 | 250 | | 11
50 | 12 " | 2200 | 23-38-00 | 139-25-30 | 200 | | 10

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY.

Health of the crew was excellent throughout the patrol.

Food was adequate and in general good as regards preparation
and palatability.

(Q) PERSONNEL.

(a) Number of men detached after previous patrol23.
(b) Number of men on board during patrol77.
(c) Number of men qualified at start of patrol47.
(d) Number of men qualified at end of patrol64.
(e) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol.....10.

(R) MILES STEAMED. | FUEL USED.

BASE TO AREA (PART 1) | 3098 | 37,200
BASE TO AREA (PART 2) | 1162 | 18,000
IN AREA (PART 1) | 2987 | 25,880
IN AREA (PART 2) | 4267 | 36,000
AREA TO BASE (PART 1) | 952 | 12,600
AREA TO BASE (PART 2) | 1372 | 16,610

A - 20

— page 171 —
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)

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

Subject: Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(S) DAYS ENROUTE TO AREA (PART 1) 11.
    DAYS ENROUTE TO AREA (PART 2) 4.
    DAYS IN AREA (PART 1) 15.
    DAYS IN AREA (PART 2) 18.
    DAYS ENROUTE TO BASE (PART 1) 3.
    DAYS ENROUTE TO BASE (PART 2) 4.
    DAYS SUBMERGED 9.

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING.
    TORPEDOES | FUEL | PROVISIONS | PERSONNEL FACTOR
    25 | 43,000 GALS. | 30 DAYS | 10 DAYS

    LIMITING FACTOR THIS PATROL - OPERATION ORDER.

(U) COMMUNICATION, RADAR, AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES.

    APR CONTACTS (Intercept of enemy signals)

DATE | TIME | LAT. | LONG. | FREQ. | P.R. | P.L. | RPM | SOURCE | REMARKS
-----|------|------|-------|-------|------|------|-----||
6-25-45 | 1540 | 30-06 | 138-50 | 68 | | | | |
6-27-45 | 1710 | | | 68 | 500 | 25 | SLOW | |
6-30-45 | 1040 | | | 68 | 750 | 45 | SLOW | |
6-28-45 | 1950 | 36-06 | 137-59 | 76 | 800 | 35 | | |
6-7-45 | 1140 | | | 76 | 500 | 4½ | | MARCUS | SLIGHTLY MODULATED
6-25-45 | 1500 | 29-15 | 140-30 | 78 | | 12½ | | | " "
6-29-45 | 1045 | | | 78 | 1000 | 40 | SLOW | | " "
6-8-45 | 1700 | 24-32 | 153-30 | 80 | 500 | 30 | | MARCUS |

A - 21

— page 177 —
COMMANDER SUBMARINE DIVISION THREE SIXTY ONE
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
15 July 1945.

FB5-361/A16-3
Serial: 05

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
War Patrol Report of
USS PILOTFISH (SS386)
War Patrol No. 5, dated
14 July 1945.

From: The Commander Submarine Division THREE SIXTY ONE.
To : The Commander In Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron THIRTY SIX.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC.
(3) The Commander In Chief, U.S. PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386) - Report of War Patrol
Number Five.

1. The fifth war patrol of the U.S.S. PILOTFISH was
conducted in the Marcus Island and the Nanpo Shoto areas. The
patrol was of fifty-five days duration in which thirty-three
days were spent in the areas on lifeguard duty. No opportunity
presented itself for rescue.

2. No enemy ship contacts were made. No aircraft
definitely identified as enemy were sighted in the Nanpo Shoto
area. Off Marcus one unidentified plane (not a bomber) and one
Lilly were sighted. The ship was forced to dive on many occasions
due to unidentified air contacts which were probably friendly.

3. The PILOTFISH returned from patrol clean and in
moderate repair. It is expected the refit will be of normal
duration in which the major work will be to determine the source
and eliminate the excessive vibration reported by the ship.

4. The Commander Submarine Division THREE SIXTY ONE
congratulates the commanding officer, officers and crew on the
completion of this patrol and regrets that the enemy kept his
few remaining ships from the waters patrolled by the PILOTFISH.

[SIGNATURE: D. F. WILLIAMSON]

— page 178 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON THIRTY SIX

                                                Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                                San Francisco, California,
                                                19 July 1945.

FC5-36/A16-3
Serial: 023
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386) -
Report of Fifth War Patrol.

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

Subject:     U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386) - Report of War Patrol
             Number Five.

1.        Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of Commander
Submarine Division Three Hundred Sixty One.

2.        On return from patrol the ship reported excessive
reduction gear noise. This requires serious consideration as to
the advisability of renewing reduction gears during the forth-
coming overhaul. The ship has a continuous history of noisy
reduction gears.

3.        Commander Submarine Squadron Thirty-Six congratulates
the Commanding Officer, officers and crew on the completion of this
patrol and wishes them better hunting next time.

                                                [SIGNATURE: D. C. MacMILLAN]
                                                D. C. MacMILLAN

— page 179 —
8 01130

FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01900
CONFIDENTIAL
[HANDWRITTEN: R-miss]
[HANDWRITTEN: 8-21-45]
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PILOTFISH Report of
Fifth War Patrol.

From:
To :
Via :
Subject:

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
29 July 1945.

NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

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

U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386) - Report of Fifth War
Patrol (21 May to 14 June 1945).

1. The fifth war patrol of the PILOTFISH, under the com-
mand of Commander A. G. Schnable, U.S. Navy, was devoted to life-
guard duties off Marcus Island and in the Nanpo Shoto - Empire areas.

2. Despite thorough area coverage the PILOTFISH was af-
forded no opportunity to inflict damage upon the enemy or effect
rescue during this long patrol. The Force Commander hopes that the
next patrol provides better hunting for this highly trained, effi-
cient, fighting ship.

3. Award of Submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol is
not authorized.

MERRILL COMSTOCK,
Deputy.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
JICPOA (1)
AdICPOA (1)
Comservpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Comsubslant (1)
S/M School, NL (8)
CO, S/M Base, PH (2)
Comsopac (1)
Comsowespac (2)
Comsubs7thFlt (Fwd Echelon) (1)
Comsubs7thFlt (Rear Echelon) (2)
Comsubpac (1)
[STAMP: FILMED] ComsubspacAdComd (3)
[STAMP: FILMED] SUBAD, MI (20)
[STAMP: FILMED] ComsubspacSubord (2)
All Squadron and Div. (3)
Commanders, Pacific (2)

EXTRA [HANDWRITTEN: /]
SORG. [HANDWRITTEN: /]
PHOTO LAB [HANDWRITTEN: /]
RETURN TO F-4253 [HANDWRITTEN: /]

ORIGINAL [HANDWRITTEN: ✓]
MICRO [HANDWRITTEN: ✓]
OP-16 [HANDWRITTEN: ✓]

ComSubOpTraGrBalboa (Airmail) (5)
Substrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Pacific (1)

[HANDWRITTEN: @ E. L. Hynes, 2nd.,]
[HANDWRITTEN: Flag Secretary.]
[HANDWRITTEN: 414]
[HANDWRITTEN: 31]

— page 180 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 01974
CONFIDENTIAL

From:
To :
Via :
Subject:
Reference:

1.
PILOTFISH should
reference (a), to

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch
CNO
Cincpac
JICPOA
AdJICPOA
Comservpac
CincLant
Comsubslnt
S/M School, TL
CO, S/M Base, PE
Comsopac
Comsovespac
Comsubs7thFlt (Fwd Echelon)
Comsubs7thFlt (Rear Echelon)
Comnorpac
Comsubspac
ComsubspacAdComd
SUBAD, TL
ComsubspacSubordcom
All Subron and Div.
Commanders, Pacific
ComSubOpTraGrBalboa
Substrainpac
All Submarines, Pacific

[HANDWRITTEN: Illegible signature]
E. L. HYNES,
Flag Secretary. SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
mr
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
6 August 1945.

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

U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386) - Correction to Report of Fifth War
Patrol.

(a) ComSubsPac Third Endorsement, FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18), Conf.
Serial 01900 dated 29 July 1945, to Subject Patrol Report.

The inclusive dates of the fifth war patrol of the U.S.S.
be changed from "21 May to 14 June 1945", as given in
"21 May to 14 July 1945".

MERRILL COMSTOCK,
Deputy.

(7)
(5)
(6)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(8)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(2)
(1)
(3)
(20)
(2)
(3)

(2)
(5)
(2)
(1)

— page 181 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st Copy]
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

12 September, 1945.

SS386/A16-3

Serial: (034)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander In Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Via : Official Channels.

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

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the Sixth War Patrol of this vessel
conducted in the Empire Waters during the period 9 August to 12 September,
1945, is forwarded herewith.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 045, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B DATE 5/31/22]
[SIGNATURE: A. G. Schinaple]
A. G. SCHINAPLE.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 141966] [STAMP: FILMED]

— page 183 —
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)

C O N F I D E N T I A L
Subject: Report of Sixth War Patrol.

9 August, 1945. (All times King unless otherwise noted)

1530 Departed Guam for Lifeguard Station in accordance with
ComSubSPac Operation Order No. 192-45, of August 8, 1945.
1930 Enroute Guam to Lifeguard Station in company with U.S.S.
U.S.S. PC-784 escorting.
U.S.S. PC-784 departed.

10 August, 1945.

Enroute Guam to Lifeguard Station in company with U.S.S. SEA
DEVIL conducting daily training dives and fire control drills
coordinating with SEA DEVIL.
1200 Position: Lat. 16-54N, Lon. 124-26E.

11 August, 1945.

1200 Position: Lat. 20-10N, Lon. 140-33E.
1300 Auxiliary engine out of commission. See Section (K).

12 August, 1945.

1200 Position: Lat. 25-18N, Lon. 139-42E.
1800 SEA DEVIL departed for assigned area.

13 August, 1945.

1030 Entered patrol area.
1200 Position: Lat. 30-28N, Lon. 139-33E.

14 August, 1945.

0820 Exploded spherical horned type mine in position: Lat. 30-12N,
Lon. 136-53E.
0900 On assigned lifeguard station.
1116 Exploded spherical horned type mine in position: Lat. 29-59N,
Lon. 136-17E.
1200 Position: Lat. 29-58N, Lon. 136-07E.
1340 Air cover reports possible liferaft in water at Lat. 29-35N,
Lon. 139-29E. Set course to close and investigate.
1445 Sighted floating mine at position: Lat. 29-42N, Lon. 136-23E.
Did not destroy mine due to flank speed search for reported
liferaft.
1527 Cover plane reports liferaft empty.
2000 Discontinued search for survivors. Later were informed that
no planes were down.
2130 Sent PILOTFISH Serial One to ComSubsPacAdCom.

2 - A

— page 191 —
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: Report of Sixth War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA.

    No attacks were delivered.

(I) MINES.

    Sighted a total of nine floating mines, of which one was sunk
    and four detonated by 20 mm. and 40 mm. gunfire.

    Two mines were of the Mark 6 (JH) Type, and the rest were Type
    93, as shown in CinCPac-CinCPOA Bulletin 49-45, "Japanese Sea Mines".

    Three mines were not taken under fire; one because of heavy
    weather, the second was lost in the darkness astern by the time the
    bridge watch had recovered from the lookout's word, "Mine at 090, range
    20 feet", and the third had to be ignored as we proceeded at flank speed
    towards a reported life raft position. Firing on a fourth was secured
    because of a possible TDM contact.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS.

    None.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE.

    <u>Engineering.</u>
    During early part of the patrol, the auxiliary engine was
    found to be thirty degrees out of time. All units were in proper time
    with the markings on the fly wheel, but the pistons were lagging by
    thirty degrees. The cover was removed from the gear train housing and
    all the scribe marks on the gears of the gear train were found to be
    matched. Since the cause was evidently in the flexible coupling, no
    further work could be undertaken since repairs require the removal of
    the auxiliary generator.

    The compressor on number two still started to overheat on
    15 August. Renewed bearings on compressor. Operation of still has since
    been normal.

    <u>Ordnance and Gunnery.</u>

    1. Forward gyro regulator failed to match properly during first
    practice approach underway. Found gyro setting sockets were
    unusually stiff, and regulator could not carry the load; working out by
    hand operation of the regulator freed them up and cleared the trouble in
    two days.

10 - A

— page 192 —
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: Report of Sixth War Patrol.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE CONT'D.
Ordnance and Gunnery (Cont'd).

2. While firing inboard slugs on August 15, No. 6 tube
failed to return to battery. The stop rod was found bent; it is
of copper tubing and bends easily. Stop rod was straightened and
replaced and tube operates satisfactorily.

3. While firing inboard slugs on August 22, No. 8 tube
failed to return to battery. Disconnected stop rod mechanism and
determined that there is binding in the linkage in the after trim
tank. Reassembled linkage, and placed tube in reserve commission
for balance of patrol; tube can be fired but will not be used
unless necessary.
[HANDWRITTEN: BuShips]
Stop rod difficulties have been inherent with this vessel
since commissioning. Replacement by Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor,
after Fourth War Patrol has not alleviated the trouble. Installation
of all new stop rods, of the proper material, is an item that must
be accomplished during the coming Navy Yard overhaul in order to
return the torpedo battery to peak efficiency.
[HANDWRITTEN: ORI]
[HANDWRITTEN: NRL]

4. After firing inboard slugs on August 22, impulse pressure
could not be built up on No. 3 tube, as pilot valve would not seat.
Disassembled valve and found spring had taken a permanent set;
replaced with spare.

5. During first routine of torpedoes, air pressure in torpedoes
Nos. 54774, 57810, 57903, and 100207 could not be gauged. Inspection
of nylon washer seats in charging valve disclosed that they were compressed
from use to the extent that the central hole was undersize, and the
tip of the pressure gauge could not be passed. Replaced all washers
from spares.

11 - A

— page 193 —
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)

C O N F I D E N T I A L
Subject: Report of Sixth War Patrol.

(L) RADIO.

Material Performance.

Material performance was satisfactory. The additional t
was very welcome. Early in the patrol VHF reception was very poor and
varying. The trouble was found to be caused by dirty transmit and receive
relay contacts. After cleaning these contacts the VHF operated satisfac-
torily until August 28. On August 28, similar symptoms again became appar-
ent in the VHF. Inspection, changing of tubes, cleaning contacts, and general
checking failed to improve operation. An attempt will be made to replace
this equipment at the first voyage repair activity.

[HANDWRITTEN: Bushibs]
[HANDWRITTEN: ORI NRL]
Our new CCM became unreliable on August 17. Upon close examina-
tion the drive bar tension spring was found to be broken. No spare was
found in our new spare parts box so the broken spring was stretched and
secured in place. The CCM operated satisfactorily after this.

Receiving.

Reception of Sub Fox was generally good throughout the patrol,
and no serials were missed. 9090 Kcs. was the most reliable frequency
during the late morning, afternoon, and evening hours, while 4515 Kcs.
came in best during the early morning hours. 13655 Kcs. was used during
the middle of the day. A log of receiving strengths is being forwarded
to ComSubsPac under separate cover.

Ship-Shore Traffic.

A total of 5 messages were sent to ComSubsPac during the
patrol. All but Serial Three were delivered with expediency. Serial
Three was delivered after dark on August 17, following an all-day attempt
to raise NPN.

(M) RADAR.

SJ Radar.

1. The hull gland on the antenna mast leaked sufficiently to
necessitate cleaning of the lower assembly after deep or long dives.

2. The following listed tubes were replaced during this patrol:

[HANDWRITTEN: 3 Utha]
2 - 6 AG 7
1 - 6 AK 5
12 - A

[HANDWRITTEN: 980]
[HANDWRITTEN: 14]

— page 196 —
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: Report of Sixth War Patrol.

(C) DENSITY LAYERS.

| CARD NO. | TIME (GCT) DATE | TIME | POSITION LAT. (N) | LONG. (E) | DEPTH OF DIVE | TEMP. CHANGE (F) PLUS | MINUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 8/12/45 | 0913 | 24-45-30 | 138-38-30 | 150' | | 5 |
| 3 | 8/14/45 | 1620 | 29-29-00 | 136-34-30 | 300' | | 12 |
| 4 | 8/15/45 | 0330 | 30-01-00 | 136-51-00 | 200' | | 7 |
| 5 | 8/16/45 | 1540 | 31-04-00 | 134-57-00 | 150' | | 3 |
| 6 | 8/17/45 | 0320 | 33-34-00 | 136-29-00 | 150' | | 15 | [HANDWRITTEN: Hydro] |
| 7 | 8/19/45 | 0945 | 33-10-55 | 135-47-15 | 200' | | 9 |
| 8 | 8/21/45 | 2351 | 33-04-30 | 135-18-30 | 150' | | 4 |
| 9 | 8/22/45 | 0730 | 33-12-00 | 135-12-00 | 200' | | 8 |
| 10 | 8/22/45 | 2315 | 33-58-00 | 137-16-00 | 350' | | 26 |
| 12 | 8/28/45 | 0315 | 33-11-15 | 135-27-15 | 200' | | 4 |

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY.

The health of the officers and crew for the period covered in
this report has been excellent. Heat rashes, which in the past have been
almost totally absent, were quite numerous and the cause of much annoyance.

A few days after getting underway it was discovered that one
of the new men was the victim of chronic seasickness. He suffered dis-
tress on all but the mildest of days; in rough weather it was necessary
for him to be confined to his bunk, sometimes for days, and fed by
intravenous injections of glucose. This man is being transferred at the
first port of call.

A good variety of well prepared food was enjoyed by all hands
but one.

15 - A

[HANDWRITTEN: Extra]
[HANDWRITTEN: 980]
[HANDWRITTEN: 17]

— page 197 —
U.S.S. PICTFISH (SS-385)

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: Report of Sixth War Patrol.

(Q) PERSONNEL.
    (a) Number of men detached after previous patrol13.
    (b) Number of men on board during patrol77.
    (c) Number of men qualified at start of patrol56.
    (d) Number of men qualified at end of patrol61.
    (e) Number of unqualified men making first patrol9

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED.
    Base to area1276 Miles. 16,500 Gallons.
    In area4260 " 34,000 "
    Area to base3951 " 46,500 "

(S) DURATION.
    Days enroute to area4.
    Days in area16.
    Days enroute to base14.
    Days submerged1.

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING.
    TORPEDOES | FUEL           | PROVISIONS | PERSONNEL FACTOR
    25        | 25,000 Gals.   | 30 Days    | 15 Days

Limiting Factor this Patrol: End of War.

16 - A

[HANDWRITTEN: 980]
[HANDWRITTEN: 18]

— page 199 —
CONFIDENTIAL
FB5-43/A16-3

Serial: N-0115

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386)
War Patrol No. 6

From:
To :
Via :

Subject:

1.
of Commander Allan G. Schnable, U. S. Navy, was conducted in Empire waters
off the southern coast of HONSHU. This patrol was of thirty-five (35) days
duration, sixteen (16) of which were spent on station, and three of which were
spent in TOKYO BAY.

2.
PILOTFISH spent two days on assigned lifeguard station prior
to the "cease firing" order. She thereafter remained in the area until proceed-
ing to witness the surrender ceremonies in TOKYO BAY. No occasion arose requi-
ring her services for rescue of aviation personnel and no contacts of enemy
ships were made prior to the end of hostilities. Five floating mines were
destroyed.

3.
A thorough investigation of the torpedo tube stop rod condition
should be made during the forthcoming Navy Yard overhaul to correct the present
unreliability.

4.
The Administrative Division Commander congratulates the
Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the PILOTFISH on the successful com-
pletion of six long war patrols against the enemy and the part they have had
in bringing this war to a successful conclusion.

SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-THREE

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
14 September 1945.

The Administrative Commander, Submarine Division FORTY-THREE.
The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) The Commander Submarine Squadron TEN.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

The Sixth War Patrol of the U.S.S. PILOTFISH under the command

[SIGNATURE: W. P. Gruner, Jr.]
W. P. GRUNER, Jr.

— page 200 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TEN
11/jhc
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California.
18 September 1945.

FC5-10/A16-3
Serial: ( 0313 )

CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386) -
Report of War Patrol
Number Six.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PILOTFISH (SS386) - Report of War Patrol
Number Six.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the Com-
mander Submarine Division FORTY-THREE.

2. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Command-
ing Officer, officers and crew of the U.S.S. PILOTFISH upon the
completion of that vessel's Sixth War Patrol.

[SIGNATURE: G.L. PETERSON]
G. L. PETERSON.

[HANDWRITTEN: 980]
[HANDWRITTEN: 21]

— page 201 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 02374

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PILOTFISH - Report of
Sixth War Patrol.

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET.

[HANDWRITTEN: f10 01454]

[STAMP: EXTRA - ORIGINAL]
[STAMP: SORG. MICRO]
[STAMP: PHOTO-LAB OP-16]
[STAMP: RETURN TO F-4253]

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
25 September 1945.
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.
[HANDWRITTEN: R-M B]
[HANDWRITTEN: 10-23-45]

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. [HANDWRITTEN: 924] 888
U.S.S. PILOTFISH - 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. PILOTFISH (SS386) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.
(9 August to 12- September 1945.).

1. The sixth war patrol of the U.S.S. PILOTFISH, under the command of
Commander A.G. Schnable, U.S. Navy, was conducted in waters near the south coast of
Honshu. The primary mission of this patrol was lifeguard duty.

2. Hostilities with Japan were terminated two days after PILOTFISH ar-
rived in her assigned patrol area. No opportunities were offered to rescue aviation
personnel and no contacts were made with any enemy surface craft. PILOTFISH sank
or exploded five of the nine mines which she sighted. She had the great satis-
faction of being one of the eleven submarines which joined the Third Fleet and were
present in Tokyo Bay during the formal surrender of the Japanese Government.

3. Award of Submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol is not authorized.

4. Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the command-
ing officer, officers, and crew of the PILOTFISH on the completion of this patrol.

G. C. CRAWFORD,
Chief of Staff.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
JICPOA (1)
Comservpac (1)
Cincslant (1)
Comsubslant (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
CO, S/M Base, PH (1)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (1)
Comsubs7thFlt (Fwd Echelon) (2)
Comsubs7thFlt (Rear Echelon) (2)
Comnorpac (1)
Comsubspac (3)
ComsubspacAdComd (20)
SUBAD, MI (2)

ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron andDiv. (2)
Commanders, Pacific (5)
ComSubOpTraGr (airmail) (5)
Substrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Pacific (1)

[HANDWRITTEN: E. L. HYMES, 2nd.]
[HANDWRITTEN: Flag Secretary.]

[STAMP: FILMED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 980]
[HANDWRITTEN: 22]

— page 203 —
END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: E-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-329.77]

|||1.0
|||1.1
|||1.25 |||1.4 |||1.6

2.8 2.5
3.2 2.2
3.6 2.0
4.0 1.8

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

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

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

D-62264