U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS-292) — war patrol report SS-292_DEVILFISH.pdf

— page 2 —
[HANDWRITTEN: DEVILFISH (SS-292)
WWII PATROL FILE
ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED
FOR DECK LOG SEPTEMBER 1944 - JUNE 1945 CONSULT
NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY]

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

HISTORY OF USS DEVILFISH (SS 292)

The submarine USS DEVILFISH, veteran of four war patrols during World
War II, was constructed by the Cramp Ship Building Company in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, during 1942 and 1943. She is named for a fish of enormous
size which has a flat body, and strongly resembles a skate or stingray.

The keel of USS DEVILFISH was laid on 31 March 1942. The submarine
was launched on 30 May 1943, with Mrs. Frank W. Fenno, Jr., wife of
Commander Frank W. Fenno Jr., as serving as sponsor.

The submarine was commissioned on 1 September 1944 at the Philadelphia
Navy Yard, with Commander Edward C. Stephen, USN, assuming first command.

On 6 September 1944, DEVILFISH got underway from the Navy Yard for the
Submarine Base in New London, Connecticut, where she arrived on the 7th. Her
training period was conducted at New London and torpedo firings were made at
Newport, Rhode Island.

Upon completion of the shakedown and training period on 10 October
1944, DEVILFISH departed the New London area for Key West, Florida, for
temporary duty with the Fleet Sonar School. She departed Key West on 2
November 1944, for the Panama Canal. While in Balboa, the submarine con-
ducted training operations, which included several torpedo firing practices
and a coordinated bombardment, from 6 to 15 November.

DEVILFISH sailed from Balboa on 15 November in company with THREADFIN
and BOARFISH enroute to Pearl Harbor. The group arrived on 2 December, and
underwent additional training plus installing new equipment at the Sub-
marine Base.

The first war patrol for DEVILFISH commenced on 31 December 1944, when
she departed Pearl Harbor enroute to Saipan. She arrived in Saipan on 12
January 1945 and remained until 15 January. During this time fuel tanks were
topped off, provisions were taken on board and operation orders for the first
war patrol were obtained.

Her first patrol was conducted on the Loo Suido and Bungo Suido area
off the coast of Japan. Unfortunately, DEVILFISH contacted no enemy
shipping nor was she ever in a position to give aid to downed aviators.
Much enemy air activity was noted during this patrol. The submarine arrived
at Guam on 13 February 1945, after a 44 day patrol.

On 3 March 1945, Lieutenant Commander Stephen S. Mann Jr., USN, relieved
Commander Edward Stephen, USN, as commanding officer. The training period
lasted from 5 to 13 March 1945, when the sub proceeded to Saipan. She was
assigned lifeguard and offensive patrol duty in waters between Tokyo Bay and
Northern Nanpo Shoto Islands.

On 16 March 1945, the second war patrol commenced for DEVILFISH. She
sighted an enemy fighter plane on the 20th at a distance of about four miles.

— page 4 —
-2- USS DEVILFISH (SS 292)

coming in from astern. She dove immediately, but was struck as the top of the
periscope shears while attempting to go deep.

The shears were bent slightly forward, destroying the periscope
optics and both radar masts were severed. A great deal of water came in
through a crack which developed at the base of the mast, which started
several small electrical fires and grounded out much of the electrical
equipment in the conning tower and control room.

This is the only known incident where a Kamikaze plane crash-dived
a U. S. Navy submarine during World War II. DEVILFISH surfaced and set
course for Saipan. During the voyage to Saipan, only emergency dives to
shallow depths could be made because of the excessive damage received.

After her arrival in Saipan on 24 March, temporary repairs were
effected, and the sub continued on to Pearl Harbor, arriving on 6 April. The
Combat Insignia was authorized DEVILFISH for her second war patrol.

A refitting period was commenced by Submarine Division 103 at Pearl
Harbor, which was later completed by USS BUSHNELL on 12 May 1945.

Following a training period, DEVILFISH got underway from Pearl Harbor
on 20 May 1945 for her third war patrol. After a short stop at Midway for
voyage repairs, the submarine proceeded to her patrol area. Orders were
received to conduct an offensive patrol off the entrance to Tokyo Bay, and
after several days, to patrol another position on lifeguard duty. While
patrolling her lifeguard station, there were no opportunities for rescuing
downed aviators, and the submarine proceeded to patrol the Bungo Suido area.

On 16 June 1945, an enemy submarine with a midget submarine mounted on
her deck just forward of the conning tower, was picked up by sound. Heavy
seas and murky weather allowed only two quick looks by periscope. A rapid
set-up was made by DEVILFISH, and two torpedoes were fired from her stern
tubes.

Both missed and the enemy submarine submerged. Unable to regain contact
after a long surface search, DEVILFISH moved to a new lifeguard station.

Again no opportunities were presented for rescue, so the submarine
patrolled the area along the west coast of Honshu and South of Hokkaido.
After returning from Northern Hokkaido, the submarine rendezvoused with
TREPANT, SEA ROBIN and SPRINGER, and transferred a total of nine Army
aviators and one Navy appendicitis case for transportation to port.

On 7 July 1945, after a 48-day patrol, DEVILFISH moored alongside the
submarine tender FULTON in Guam to be refitted by Submarine Division 342.

Upon completion of a refit and training period, DEVILFISH departed Guam
for her fourth war patrol, with Lieutenant Commander Mann, Jr., USN, serving
as commanding officer. Her assignment was lifeguard duty in the Northern
Nanpo Shoto area. On 10 August 1945, she surfaced and bombarded radio and
radar installations on Tori Shima Island expending 44 rounds of five-inch
ammunition.

— page 5 —
-3- USS DEVILFISH (SS 292)

DEVILFISH continued lifeguard duty until 15 August 1945, when she re-
ceived the word to "cease fire". She proceeded to Midway Island, and
moored alongside the submarine tender AEGIR on 22 August 1945.

The submarine got underway on 1 September 1945, for San Francisco,
California, arriving in Hunter's Point on the 11th. DEVILFISH entered the
Naval Dry Docks there to undergo preparations for placing the ship in a
reserve states.

In January 1947, DEVILFISH was placed out of commission in reserve at
Mare Island, California.

DEVILFISH earned three Battle Stars on the Asiatic-Pacific Area
Service Medal for participating in the following operations:

1 Star/Okinawa Gunto Operation
  Assault and Occupation of Okinawa Gunto -- 7 - 21 June 1945
1 Star/THIRD Fleet Operations against Japan -- 6 - 15 August 1945
1 Star/Submarine War Patrol -- 16 March - 6 April 1945

STATISTICS

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

Compiled: June 1953

— page 6 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST copy]

U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.
13 Feb. 1945

SS292/A4
Serial (01)

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. DEVILFISH.
To : Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) Commander Submarine Division EIGHTY-TWO.
(2) Commander Task Group SEVENTEEN POINT TEN.
(3) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292), Report of War Patrol
number one.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart for Commander Submarines, Pacific
Fleet.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the first war patrol of
this vessel conducted in Kii Suido and Bungo Suido area during
the period 31 December 1944 to 13 February 1945, is forwarded
herewith.

E. C. STEPHAN.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED PER ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP 09B9C DATE 5/26/22]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

— page 7 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of FIRST WAR PATROL

— page 8 —
SS292/A4

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of FIRST WAR PATROL

1 January 1945

0827 VW Made trim dive.
0935 VW Surfaced.
1000 VW Sighted friendly submarine.(Ship contact #1).
1225 VW Sighted 2 friendly submarines. (Ship contact #2).
1400 VW Set clocks back 1/2 hour to +10 time.
1335 VW Sighted friendly AK. (Ship contact #3).

2 January 1945

0700 W Made trim dive.
0733 W Surfaced.
1125 W Sighted friendly plane. (Aircraft contact #1).
1210 W Sighted friendly plane. (Aircraft contact #2).
1620 W Sighted periscope bearing 110°T. Evaded.(Ship cont. #4).
     Sent contact report to C.T.F. 17.

3 January 1945

0735 W Made trim dive.
0830 W Surfaced.
1000 W Set clocks back 1 hour to +11 time.

4 January 1945

     Advanced calendar one day.

5 January 1945

0705 X Made trim dive.
0754 X Surfaced.
1700 X Set clocks back 1 hour to -12 time.

6 January 1945

0625 M Made trim dive.
0717 M Surfaced.

8 January 1945

0656 M Made trim dive.
0725 M Surfaced.
1300 M Set clocks back one hour to -11 time.
1400 L Converted 4A and 4B to main ballast tanks.

-2-

— page 9 —
SS292/A4
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of FIRST WAR PATROL

— page 10 —
SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of FIRST WAR PATROL.

17 January 1945

0540 K Decoded dispatch telling us to continue erroute to patrol
        area.
1323 K SD contact 20 miles, never closed. (A/C cont. #6).
1430 K Received another dispatch ordering us to lifeguard duty in
        area 28 N 136 E. Proceeded at full speed.

18 January 1945

0530 K Received word that B-29 strike delayed 24 hours and were
        told to proceed to station.
0556 K SJ contact bearing 059°T, 11,800 yards. Exchanged recog-
        nition signals and calls by radar with USS SPADEFISH(SS411).
        (Ship cont. #5).
0710 K USS SPADEFISH in sight.
1230 K Sighted plane bearing 078°T, distance 12 mile.(A/C cont.#7).

19 January 1945

0129 K Decoded dispatch 180247 telling us to occupy lifeguard
        station 31 N 136 E. Proceeded at full speed.
0715 K Dove.
0851 K Periscope sighted plane bearing 090°T.(A/C cont. #8).
0915 K Decoded dispatch 191549 telling us to proceed to patrol
        area.
1040 K Surfaced.
1300 K In patrol area.
1315 K SD contact 40 miles and closing rapidly. Dove.
1350 K Surfaced.
1545 K With periscope sighted ship bearing 034°T, range about 8
        miles.(Ship cont. #6). Vessel identified as small sampan,
        150 tons.

20 January 1945

0720 K Dove and went deep for B/T card.
0955 K Heard increasing loud steady pinging bearing 010°T. Nothing
        in sight.
1051 K Sighted plane bearing 030°T. (A/C cont. #11).
1210 K Sighted unidentified plane bearing 084°T. (A/C cont. #12).
1230 K Sighted unidentified plane bearing 083°T. (A/C cont. #13).
1250 K Pinging ceased, last bearing 350°T.
1403 K Sighted JUNK bearing 357°T. (Ship cont. #7).

-4-

— page 11 —
```
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of FIRST WAR PATROL.

— page 12 —
SS292/A4
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of FIRST WAR PATROL.

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

1150 K Sighted 2 planes bearing 180°T.(A/C cont. #17) Dove.
1325 K Surfaced.
1408 K Sighted small sampan bearing 135°T. Range 8 mile.(Ship
 cont. #9)
1610 K SD contact 12 miles. Dove. (A/C cont. #18).
1900 K Surfaced. Bright moonlight.

26 January 1945

0723 K Dove.
0825 K Surfaced. Conducting surface patrol.
1706 K SD contact 27 miles, closing rapidly. Dove.(A/C cont. #19).
1912 K Surfaced. Overcast. Moderate swells.
2200 K Converted 4A and 4B to main ballast tanks.
2255 K Transmitted our serial 4 to ComSubPac requesting use of
 Area 8.

2305 K Port shaft out of commission. (See major defects).

27 January 1945

0640 K Received authorization to patrol area 8 until 31st. De-
 cided to patrol off TOI MISAKI Light as most likely place
 to intercept.
1435 K Surfaced. APR interference (80 MC), probably shore based.
 SD screen clear.
1535 K SD contact 8 miles. Dove. (A/C cont. #20).
1930 K Surfaced. Shore-based radar sweep remains on us. Think
 there is a good chance that he knows or strongly suspects
 our presence.

28 January 1945

0300 K Commenced closing coast. Land based radar apparently picks
 us up from 25-35 miles. However, closed to about 15 miles
 and at
0508 K Dove and went deep for B/T card.
1050 K Sighted plane distance 10 miles.(A/C cont. #21).
1411 K Sighted plane distance 8 miles, bearing 348°T.(A/C cont.#22)
1910 K Sighted 3 planes bearing 348°T. (A/C cont. #23).
1934 K Surfaced. Bright moonlight. Very calm.
1945 K SD contact 6 miles and closing. Dove.(A/C cont. #24).
2015 K Surfaced.

-6-

— page 13 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of FIRST WAR PATROL.

— page 14 —
U.
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of FIRST WAR PATROL.

— page 15 —
1
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of FIRST WAR PATROL.

5 February 1945

0530 K Dove.
1350 K Sighted "EMILY" bearing 291°T. 15 miles. (A/C cont. #36).
2033 K Surfaced.

6 February 1945

0550 K Dove.
2001 K Surfaced.

7 February 1945

0620 K Dove.
2016 K Surfaced.
2022 K Sighted light on beach bearing 250°T.
2320 K Sent serial 6 to ComSubPac reporting our appendix case.

8 February 1945

0623 K Dove.
2100 K Surfaced.
2130 K Received ComSubPacAdComds 080007 advising treatment for
        appendix case.
2135 K Decoded C.T.G. 17 dispatch 071637 promulgating lifeguard
        plans for tomorrow.
2148 K Decoded ComSubPac serial 37 ordering us to proceed to GUAM
        for refit.

                                                                -2-

— page 16 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of FIRST WAR PATROL.

9 February 1945

0710 K Doved.
0848 K Surfaced.

10 February 1945

1230 K Transmitted serial seven to ComSubPac requesting rendezvous
      instructions.
1600 K Held gun drill, fired 16 rounds of 5", 36 rounds 40mm, 60
      rounds 20mm and 4 full belts of 50 cal.
2246 K Received rendezvous instruction from CTG 17.7 (dispatch
      101043).

11 February 1945

0030 K Transmitted acknowledgment of CTG 17.7 dispatch 101043
      confirming time of arrival at rendezvous.
0522 K SJ picked up interference bearing 230°T.
0610 K Interference ceased.
0917 K Sighted plane bearing 090°T, range 6 miles. Did not respond
      to IFF. (A/C cont. #37). Dove.
0940 K Surfaced.

12 February 1945

0045 K SJ radar out of commission.
0115 K Transmitted our serial 8 to ComSubPac and CTG 17.7 telling
      of SJ failure and requesting this to be passed to subs in
      safety lane. Didn't want to take any chances since the schedu-
      led traffic in the safety lane was abnormally heavy.
0140 K SJ back in commission.
0325 K Picked up radar interference bearing 095°T.
0330 K Picked up additional radar interference bearing 010°T.
0333 K Exchanged recognition signals and call with USS BRILL(SS330)
      by SJ radar.
0400 K Radar interference at bearing 010°T interfered.
0445 K Lost Brill radar interference.

13 February 1945

0628 K Rendezvoused with U.S.S. ROE(DD418) and U.S.S.SPADEFISH
      (SS411)
1029 K Moored starboard side to alongside USS BRILL(SS330) at Guam.

-10-

— page 17 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH
WAR PATROL #1
SHIP CONTACTS

No.:Time : Lat. : Type : Initial :Est. : How : Remarks
: Date :Long. : : Range :Course: Contacted.:
: : : : : :Speed.: :

— page 18 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)

AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Revised)

CONTACT NUMBER | 1         | 2         | 3         | 4
Date           | 1-2-45    | 1-2-45    | 1-16-45   | 1-16-45
S Time (Zone)  | 1125      | 1210      | 0740      | 1430 K
U              |           |           |           |
B Position: Lat.| 21-01 N   | 21-01 N   | 17-45 N   | 19-00 N
M              |           |           |           |
A Long.        | 169-21.5 W| 169-33.5 W| 142-15 E  | 140-50 E
R              |           |           |           |
I Speed        | 17 knots  | 17 knots  | 13 knots  | 13 knots
N              |           |           |           |
E Course       | 270°      | 270°      | 315°      | 315°
Trim           | Surface   | Surface   | Surface   | Surface

Minutes Since Last | SD Cont-  | SD cont-  | SD        | SD
Radar Search.      | inuous.   | inuous.   | Cont.     | Cont.

Number         | 1         | 2         | 3         | 4
Type           | B-24      | B-24      | B-29      | B-29
A              |           |           |           |
I Probable Mission|           |           |           |
R              |           |           |           |
C How Contacted| Sighted   | Lookout   | SD        | SD
R              | OOD       | Sighted   | Sighted   | Sighted
A Initial Range| 22 miles  | 20 Mile   | 16 mi.    | 20 Mi.
F              |           |           |           |
T Elevation Angle| 2°        | 2°        | 15°       |
Range & Rel.Bearing| 340°      | 17 mi.    |           |
of Plane When First|           | 330°      |           |
Detected S/M.  |           |           |           |

(State Beaufort) | 3         | 3         | 1         | 1
Sea:           |           |           |           |
C (Direction Rel)| 240       | 240       | 090       | 340
O              |           |           |           |
N Visibility (Miles)| 10 mi.    | 10 mi.    | 10 mi.    | 10 mi.
D              |           |           |           |
I (Height in Ft.)|           |           | 5000      |
T Clouds:      |           |           |           |
I (Percent Overcast)| 20        | 20        | 30        | 60
O              |           |           |           |
N (Bearing Rel.)|           |           |           |
S Moon: (Angle |           |           |           |
(Percent Illum.)|           |           |           |

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol.

— page 19 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Revised).

CONTACT NUMBER | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Date | 1-16-45 | 1-17-45 | 1-18-45 | 1-19-45
S Time (Zone) | 1720 K | 1323 K | 1230 K | 0850 K
U | | | |
B Position: Lat. | 19-00 N | 20-30.5 N | 25-43 N | 24-11 N
M | | | |
A | Long. | 140-50 E | 139-32 E | 137-14 E | 136-16.8 E
R | | | |
I Speed | 14 knots | 16 knots | 15 knots | 3 knots
N | | | Surface |
E Course | 310 | 020 | |
Trim | Surface | Surface | Surface | Submerged
| | | |
Minutes Since Last SD | | SD | SD |
SD Radar Search. | Cont. | Cont. | Cont. |
| | | |
Number | 4 | | PV-Z(?) | Jap Trans.
Type | B-29 | | |
A | | | |
I Probable Mission | | | |
R | | | |
C How Contacted | High | SD | Lookout & | Lookout & peri-
R | 'Scope | | SD | scope.
A Initial Range | 16 mi. | 20 mi. | 10 mi. | 6 mi.
F | | | |
T Elevation Angle | 3° | | 1° | Low
| | | |
Range & Rel.Bearing | 8 mi. | | |
of Plane When it | 090 | | |
Detected S/M | | | |
| | | |
(State Beaufort) | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4
Sea: | | | |
C (Direction Rel) | 240 | 020 | 300 | 300
O | | | |
D N Visibility (Miles) | 10 mi. | 10 mi. | 7 mi | 10
I | | | |
I (Height in Ft.) | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 | 5000
T Clouds: | | | |
I (Percent Overcast) | 20 | 90 | 90 | 40
O | | | |
N (Bearing Rel.) | | | |
S Moon: (Angle) | | | |
(Percent Illum.) | | | |
| | | |
Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol.

— page 20 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292)
AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Revised)

CONTACT NUMBER | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
Date | 1-19-45 | 1-19-45 | 1-21-45 | 1-21-45
Time (Zone) | 1315 K | 1325 K | 1051 K | 1210 K
B Position: Lat. | 29-40 N | 29-40 N | 33-18 N | 33-25 N
A Long. | 136-10.25 E | 136-10.25 E | 135-22 # | 135-18 E
R Speed | 13 knots | 13 knots | 2 knots | 2.5 knots
I Course | 353° pgc. | 353 pgc | 030°pgc. | 120
N Trim | Surface | Surface | Submerged | Subm.

Minutes Since Last | 5 | 5 | 5 |
SD Radar Search. | | | |

```
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292)
AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Revised)

CONTACT NUMBER | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
Date | 1-19-45 | 1-19-45 | 1-21-45 | 1-21-45
Time (Zone) | 1315 K | 1325 K | 1051 K | 1210 K
B Position: Lat. | 29-40 N | 29-40 N | 33-18 N | 33-25 N
A Long. | 136-10.25 E | 136-10.25 E | 135-22 # | 135-18 E
R Speed | 13 knots | 13 knots | 2 knots | 2.5 knots
I Course | 353° pgc. | 353 pgc | 030°pgc. | 120
N Trim | Surface | Surface | Submerged | Subm.

Minutes Since Last | 5 | 5 | 5 |
SD Radar Search. | | | |

— page 21 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Revised)

| CONTACT NUMBER | 13       | 1B       | 15       | 16       |
| :| :------- | :------- | :------- | :------- |
| Date           | 1-21-45  | 1-21-45  | 1-24-45  | 1-24-45  |
| S Time (Zone)  | 1230 K   | 1507 K   | 1315 K   | 1345 K   |
| U              |          |          |          |          |
| B Position: Lat.| 33-25 N  | 33-15    | 33-27    | 33-27    |
| M              |          |          |          |          |
| A Long.        | 135-19   | 135-40   | 135-27   | 135-27   |
| R              |          |          |          |          |
| I Speed        | 2.5 Knots| 2.5 K.   | 2.5 K    | 2.5 K    |
| N              |          |          |          |          |
| E Course       | 120      | 210      | 095      | 095      |
| Trim           | RAD      | Per.     | Per.     | Per.     |
| Minutes Since Last SD Radar Search. | Number         |          |          |          |          |
| Type           | JAKE     | PETE     | BETTY    |          |
| A Probable Mission | Pat.   | Pat.     | Pat.     | Pat.     |
| R How Contacted| Per.     | Per.     | Per.     | Per.     |
| A Initial Range| 8 mi.    | 8 mi.    | 5 mi.    | 4 mi     |
| F T Elevation Angle| 10°    | 10°      | 10°      | 10°      |
| Range & Rel. Bearing of Plane When Detected S/M it | (State Beaufort) Sea:| 2   | 2        | 3        | 3        |
| C (Direction Rel)|          |          |          |          |
| O N Visibility (Miles)| 8   | 8        | 7        | 7        |
| D I (Height in Ft.)| 5000  | 5000     | 3500     | 3500     |
| T Clouds:      |          |          |          |          |
| I (Percent Overcast)| 20   | 20       | 30       | 30       |
| O N (Bearing Rel)|          |          |          |          |
| S Moon:(Angle) |          |          |          |          |
| (Percent Illum.)| Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol. |          |          |          |          |
| Light Gray     |          |          |          |          |

— page 22 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
AIRCRAFT CONTACTS(Revised)

CONTACT NUMBER | 17       | 18       | 19        | 20
Date           | 1-25-45  | 1-25-45  | 1-26-45   | 1-27-45
S Time (Zono)  | 1150 K   | 1610 K   | 1710 K    | 1535 K
U              |          |          |           |
B Position: Lat.| 33-57    | 30-49    | 30-36.5   | 31
M              |          |          |           |
A Long.        | 137-53   | 139-50   | 134-02.2  | 134
R              |          |          |           |
I Speed        | 13 K.    | 13 K     | 13 K      | 14 K
N              |          |          |           |
E Course       | 090      | 090      | 070       | 270
Trim           | Surf.    | Surf.    | Surf.     | Surf.

Minutes Since Last
SD Radar Search. | 4        | 4        | 4         | 3½

Number         |          |          |           |
Type           | BETTY    |          |           |
A              |          |          |           |
I Probable Mission| Pat.    |          |           |
R              |          |          |           |
C How Contacted.| Lookout  | SD       | SD        | SD
A              |          |          |           |
I Initial Range| 7 mi.    | 12 Mi    | 27 mi     | 8 mi
F              |          |          |           |
T Elevation Angle| 5°      |          |           |

Range & Rel.Bearing
of Plane When it
Detected S/M.

(State Beaufort) |          |          |           |
Sea:           | 3        | 3        | 2         | 2
C Direction Rel)|          | 265      | 300       |
O              |          |          |           |
N Visibility (Miles)| 8     | 10       | 10        | 7
D              |          |          |           |
I (Height in Ft.)| 3000    | 5000     | 5000      |
T Clouds:      |          |          |           |
I (Percent Overcast)| 50    | 70       | 60        | 70
O              |          |          |           |
N (Bearing Rel.)|          |          |           |
S Moon:(Angle) |          |          |           |
(Percent Illum.)|          |          |           |

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

— page 23 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Revised)

CONTACT NUMBER | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24
Date | 1-28-45 | 1-28-45 | 1-28-45 | 1-28-45
S Time (Zone) | 1050 K | 1411 K | 1910 K | 1945 K
U | | | |
B Position: Lat | 31-20 | 31-28 | 31-20 | 31-20
M | | | |
A Long. | 131-28 | 131-25 | 131-45 | 131-45
R | | | |
I Speed | 2.8 K. | 2.4 | 2.8 | 2.8
N | | | |
E Course | 210 | 210 | 060 |
Trim | RAD | RAD | RAD |

Minutes Since Last
SD Radar Search.

— page 24 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
AIRCRAFT CONTACTS(Revised)

| CONTACT NUMBER | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| :| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Date | 1-28-45 | 1-28-45 | 1-28-45 | 1-29-45 |
| S Time (Zone) | 2030 K | 2105 K | 2350 K | 2359 |
| U | | | | |
| B Position: Lat | 31-19 N | 31-19 N | 31-19 N | 31-20 |
| M | | | | |
| A Long. | 131-56 E | 131-56 E | 131-50 E | 131-50 |
| R | | | | |
| I Speed | 15 K | 15 K | 2 K | 2 K |
| N | | | | |
| E Course | 085 | 085 | 045 | 045 |
| Trim | Surf. | Surf. | RAD | RAD |
| Minutes Since Last 2 | | APR | | |
|

— page 25 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)

AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Revised)

CONTACT NUMBER         29          30          31          32
Date                   1-29-45     1-29-45     1-29-45     1-29-45
S Time (Zone)          0225 K      0552        1200        2230
U
B Position: Lat.       31-16 N     31-14       31-10       31-00 N
M
A          Long.       132-06 E    132-10      132-18      133-20 E
R
I Speed                2 kt.       15 K        15 K        17 K
N
E Course               130         140         120         180
Trim                   Rad.        Surf.       Surf.       Surf.

Minutes Since Last
SD Radar Search.                                           4
                                                           APR Cont.

Number                 1           1           1           1
Type
A
I Probable Mission     Pat.        Pat.        Pat.        Pat.
R
C How Contacted        SJ          SD          Lookout     Lookout
R
A Initial Range        1 mi        4 mi        15 mi       3 mi
F
T Elevation Angle                               60          30°

Range & Rel. Bearing
of Plane When it
Detected S/M.

(State Beaufort)                                           1
Sea:                                                       140
C (Direction Rel)      320         320
O
N Visibility (Miles)   10          10          16          10
D
I (Height in Ft.)      Unl.        Unl.        4000        6000
T Clouds:
I (Percent Overcast)   0           0           95          95
O
N (Bearing Rel.)       000         010                     345
S Moon: (Angle)        60°         60°                     250
(Percent Illum.)       100         100

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

— page 26 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Revised)

| CONTACT NUMBER      | 33       | 34       | 35       | 36       |
||||||
| Date                | 2-1-45   | 2-2-45   | 2-3-45   | 2-5-45   |
| S Time (Zone)       | 1018 K   | 1935     | 1936     | 1350     |
| U                   |          |          |          |          |
| B Position: Lat.    | 31-03 N  | 30-43    | 30-43    | 32-00    |
| M                   |          |          |          |          |
| A Long.             | 132-29.5 E| 132-54   | 132-26   | 131-58   |
| R                   |          |          |          |          |
| I Speed             | 1.5 K    | 10 K     | 3 K      | 2 K      |
| N                   |          |          |          |          |
| E Course            | 135      | 180      | 070      | 240      |
| Trim                | Rad.     | Surf.    | Rad      | Rad      |
|                     |          |          |          |          |
| Minutes Since Last  |          |          |          |          |
| SD Radar Search.    |          | 1/2      | Number              | 1        | 1        | 1        | 1        |
| Type                | PETE     |          |          | EMILY    |
| A                   |          |          |          |          |
| I Probable Mission  | Pat      | Pat      | Pat      | Pat      |
| R                   |          |          |          |          |
| C How Contacted     | Per      | SD       | Per      | Per      |
| R                   |          |          |          |          |
| A Initial Range     | 8 mi     | 10 mi    | 6 mi     | 15 mi    |
| F                   |          |          |          |          |
| T Elevation Angle   | 7°       |          | 7°       | 4°       |
|                     |          |          |          |          |
| Range & Rel. Bearing|          |          |          |          |
| of Plane When       |          |          |          |          |
| Detected S/M        | (State Beaufort)    |          |          |          |          |
| Sea:                | 3        | 2        | 3        | 1        |
| C (Direction Rel)   | 320      | 250      | 300      |          |
| O                   |          |          |          |          |
| N Visibility (Miles)| 12 mi    | 8 mi     | 8 mi     | 8 mi     |
| D                   |          |          |          |          |
| I (Height in Ft.)   | 4500     | 5000     | 5000     | 6000     |
| T Clouds:           |          |          |          |          |
| I (Percent Overcast)| 100      | 60       | 80       | 20       |
| O                   |          |          |          |          |
| N (Bearing Rel.)    |          |          |          |          |
| S Moon:(Angle)      |          |          |          |          |
| (Percent Illum.)    |          |          |          |          |

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

— page 27 —
SS292/A4
Serial (01)
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

— page 29 —
O.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of FIRST WAR PATROL.

— page 35 —
A16-3
Serial No. 09
-C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

TASK GROUP SEVENTEEN POINT TEN

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
18 February 1945.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO DEVILFISH Conf. ltr.
Ser. No. (01) dated 13
February 1945.

From: The Commander Task Group SEVENTEEN POINT TEN.
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. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of FIRST War Patrol.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the Commander Submarine
Division EIGHTY TWO in the first endorsement.

[SIGNATURE: J. H. WILL.]

— page 36 —
FIRST ENDORSEMENT
F85-82/A4-3

Serial (09)

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

From: The Commander Submarine Division EIGHTY-TWO.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Task Group SEVENTEEN POINT TWO.
     (2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
     (3) The Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of War Patrol Number One.

1. The first war patrol of the DEVILFISH was spent in the
KII SUIDO and BUNGO SUIDO Areas of the Japanese Empire. This patrol
was of forty-five days duration of which twenty-one were spent in the
assigned operating areas.

2. This patrol was characterized by the lack of suitable
torpedo targets; many contacts with radar equipped planes on station.

3. Despite thorough area coverage consistent with the radar
planes present and the weather conditions that prevailed no suitable
torpedo targets were found. It is hoped that the next war patrol of
the DEVILFISH will bring better hunting to this new and well trained
submarine.

4. The time recorder attached to and used in conjunction with
the Dead Reckoning Tracer in the DEVILFISH is an extremely valuable
piece of equipment. The inaccuracies in time recording that are
inherent when using a stop watch have been eliminated by its use.
It is recommended that consideration be given to making this or
similar equipment available for installation in all submarines.

5. The DEVILFISH returned from patrol clean and in good
material condition. The crew was rightly disappointed at the lack of
targets, and are eager to get out and try again. The DEVILFISH will
be refitted by the relief crew of Submarine Division EIGHTY-TWO and
the USS PROTEUS after its arrival in GUAM.

6. The Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the DEVIL-
FISH are congratulated upon their return from this arduous patrol
and the Division Commander feels that next patrol will afford them
the opportunities they all desire to inflict great damage to our
enemies.

SUBMARINE DIVISION EIGHTY-TWO
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
16 February 1945

[SIGNATURE: L. S. Stone]
L. S. STONE.

— page 37 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 0346

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
DEVILFISH Report of
First War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 676
U.S.S. DEVILFISH - 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. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of First War Patrol
(31 December, 1944, to 13 February, 1945).

1. The first war patrol of the DEVILFISH, under the com-
mand of Commander E. C. Stephan, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the Kii
Suido and Bungo Suido areas. In addition to offensive patrol, the
DEVILFISH performed lifeguard duties.

2. Unfortunately, the DEVILFISH had no opportunity to at-
tack the enemy or effect aviators rescue. The Commander Submarine
Force, Pacific Fleet, wishes this excellently trained new submarine
better luck next time.

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

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
JICPOA (1)
AdICPOA (1)
Comservpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Comsubslant (1)
S/M School, NL (8)
CO, S/M Base, PE (2)
Comsopac (1)
Comsowespac (2)
Comsubswespac (1)
CTG 71.9 (1)
Comnorpac (1)
Comsubspac (3)
ComsubspacAd (20)
SUBAD, IT (2)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Pacific (2)
Substrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Pacific (1) 3 0993

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

Care of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California,
25 February 1945.

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

MERRILL COMSTOCK,
Chief of Staff.

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

[STAMP: EXTRA ORIGINAL]
[STAMP: SORT MICRO]
[STAMP: PHOTO-LAB OP-16]

— page 38 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]
SS292/A4
Serial(02)
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

6 April 1945.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
CONFIDENTIAL
From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292).
To : Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) Commander Submarine Division 241.
      (2) Commander Submarine Squadron 24.
      (3) Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
      (4) Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292), Report of War Patrol
         number two.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
           (B) Track chart for Commander Submarines, Pacific
               Fleet.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the second war patrol of
this vessel conducted in Hit Parade during the period 16 March
1945 to 6 April 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: S.S. Mann, Jr.]
S.S. MANN, Jr.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OPR9C DATE 5/26/72]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

— page 39 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of SECOND WAR PATROL.

— page 40 —
```
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of SECOND WAR PATROL.

— page 41 —
SS292/A4
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of SECOND WAR PATROL.

— page 42 —
SS292/A4
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of SECOND WAR PATROL.

21 March 1945:
1200 K Noon position - 24° 45'N 137° 33'E.
1600 K Transmitted our serial 2 (210600), amplifying report
of damage.

22 March 1945:
1200 K Noon position - 18° 50'N 137° 34'E.
1920 K Sighted friendly plane bearing 025° relative.

23 March 1945:
1040 K Sighted and exchanged calls with U.S.S. BLUEFISH(SS222)
on parallel course.
1200 K Noon position 15° 30'N 141° 29'E.

24 March 1945:
0544 K Made rendezvous with escort DE 696.
1308 K Moored to U.S.S. FULTON(AS 11) in Tanapag Harbor, Saipan.

25 March 1945:
Undergoing temporary repairs in preparation for making
Pearl Harbor for refit.

26 March 1945:
1625 K Underway enroute to Pearl Harbor for refit in accord-
ance with Operation Order 4-45. Escorted by YMS 292.
2200 K Dismissed escort.

27 March 1945:
0910 K Routine trim dive. SJ mast still leaking rather
badly.
1200 K Noon position 16° 58'N 146° 55'E.
2010 K Transmitted our 270925 to CTG 17.7 giving new ØØ Zebra
posits, due to slowing by persistent heavy seas.

28 March 1945:
1200 K Noon position 17° 57'N 151° 53'E.
1435 K Sighted unidentified friendly submarine on horizon.

-4-

— page 43 —
-5-
SS292/A4
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of SECOND WAR PATROL.

— page 44 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of SECOND WAR PATROL.

3 April 1945
1200 Y Noon position - 20° 41'N 172° 17'W.
1530 Y Quick training dive.
1545 Y Second quick training dive.
1556 Y Third quick training dive. All conducted in connection
with general exercises.

4 April 1945
0428 Y Routine trim dive.
1000 Y Turned clocks ahead 1 hour.
1200 X Noon position - 20° 41.5'N 167° 01'W.
1335 X Quick training dive.
1406 X Second training dive.
1417 X Third training dive.
1530 X Received message from ComSubPacAdCom. acknowledging
rendezvous and designating PC 782 as escort.

5 April 1945
1200 X Noon Position - 20° 49'N 161° 55'W.
2105 X Commenced battery discharge.

6 April 1945
0309 X Completed battery discharge.
0626 X Made rendezvous with PC 782 who escorted us into Pearl
Harbor.

-6-

— page 46 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of SECOND WAR PATROL.

— page 47 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of SECOND WAR PATROL.

— page 48 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of SECOND WAR PATROL.

— page 49 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE HUNDRED THREE
Care of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California,
6 April 1945.

FB5-103/A16-3
Serial: ( 023 )
CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO USS DEVILFISH (SS292)
Report of Second War Patrol,
serial (02) dated 6 April,
1945.

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

Subject: U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of War Patrol Number Two.

1. The Second War Patrol of the U.S.S. DEVILFISH was conducted
from March 16 to April 6, 1945 in the area to the west of Iwo Jima and Chichi
Jima.

2. This war patrol was characterized by one event, the attempted
destruction of the DEVILFISH by a Japanese suicide plane. This occurred on
March 20, 1945, before the submarine had reached her patrol area. The plane,
a ZEKE or a HAP, dived from within a cloud astern at about 5 miles. She hit
the DEVILFISH when the submarine was passing about fifty feet. The damage to
the DEVILFISH was such as to require a fine job of damage control and her re-
turn from patrol for repairs. The damage to the plane was complete.

3. The DEVILFISH returned from patrol clean and shipshape; in
fine condition except for the damage caused by the plane crash. She will be
refitted at Pearl by the Submarine Base.

4. The Division Commander regrets that this patrol was terminated
so soon and before the submarine had a chance to come otherwise to grips with
the enemy. It is with great pleasure that the Commanding Officer, Officers,
and Crew are congratulated on their splendid job of bringing home their severely
damaged ship. It is recommended that, due to conclusive evidence, the DEVILFISH
be credited with the destruction of one Jap plane and that the patrol therefore
be designated successful for purposes of awarding the combat insignia.

[SIGNATURE: R. S. Benson]
R. S. BENSON.

— page 50 —
11/jfs

SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

FC5-4/A16-3
Serial: 0270
9 April 1945.

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS DEVILFISH (SS292) - Re-
port of Second 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. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of Second
War Patrol.

1.
Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the
Commander Submarine Division ONE HUNDRED THREE.

2.
The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR heartily
congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers, and crew of
the U.S.S. DEVILFISH for their skill in returning their
damaged ship, which destroyed one Jap suicide plane, safely
home to port.

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

— page 51 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 0793 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
12 April, 1945.
[STAMP: 4 03279]
CONFIDENTIAL NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to ENTERING PATROL AREA.
DEVILFISH Report of
Second War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 719
U.S.S. DEVILFISH - 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. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of Second War Patrol
(16 March to 6 April 1945).

1. The second war patrol of the DEVILFISH, under the com-
mand of Lieutenant Commander S. S. Mann, Jr., U.S. Navy, was to be
conducted in the Empire areas.

2. While the DEVILFISH was proceeding to arco an enemy
plane, estimated to be a Hap or Zeke type, dove out of a cloud at her.
In fact, the plane dove into the mast-structures of the DEVILFISH as
the latter was diving resulting in one plane splashed in return for
the loss of SD and ST masts. APR and VHF antennae and damage to
periscope shears of the DEVILFISH.

3. Award of Submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol is
authorized.

4. While the Force Commander does not recommend this
method of destroying enemy planes, he does congratulate the DEVILFISH
for the destruction of an enemy plane and the courageous actions of
all hands in handling the battle damage.

D E S T R O Y E D
1 - Plane (Fighter Type) (EU)

MERRILL COMSTOCK.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6) ComsubspacAdComd (40)
JICPOA (1) SUBAD, MI (2)
AdICPOA (1) ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
Comservpac (1) All Squadron and Div. (1)
Cinclant (1) Commanders, Pacific (2)
Comsublant (1) Substrainpac (2)
S/M School, NL (2) All Submarinos, Pacific (2)
CO, S/M Base, PH (1) [HANDWRITTEN: (1) Co. F. Hynes, 2nd,]
Comsopac (1) E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Comsowespac (2) Flag Secretary.
ComsubsoWespac (2)
CTG 71.9 (1)
Comnorpac (2)
Comsubspac (3)

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

— page 52 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/L4
Serial (03)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292).
To : Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) Commander Submarine Division 241.
      (2) Commander Submarine Squadron 24.
      (3) Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
      (4) Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292), Report of War Patrol
         number THREE.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
           (B) Track chart for Commander Submarines, Pacific
               Fleet.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the third war patrol of
this vessel conducted in Life Guard League, Bungo Suido, Area
One and Area Two during the period 20 May 1945 to 7 July 1945,
is forwarded herewith.

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: O-0939C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/26/72]
[SIGNATURE: (illegible)]
S.S. MANN, Jr.
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

— page 53 —
SS292/A4

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of THIRD WAR PATROL.

(A) PROLOGUE:

The second war patrol of the U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
terminated on 6 April 1945, at Pearl Harbor. Submarine
Division ONE HUNDRED THREE was charged with the refit, and
the readiness for sea date set at 16 May, this date later
being advanced to 20 May. On 16 May 1945, administration
of the refit was transferred to Submarine Division ONE
HUNDRED FORTY ONE. Extensive damage caused by an encounter
with an enemy suicide plane and extremely heavy weather
during the previous patrol was repaired to the satisfaction
of the ship's force during the refit. Re-arrangement of
equipment in the Conning Tower, including removal of the
SD mast aft, was not considered feasible by the division
during this refit. The ship's force hopes that this will
be accomplished as soon as possible. The training period
was considered very helpful.

Ensign Robert Richard AXELSON, 389330, U.S.N., reported
aboard for duty on 29 April 1945.

(B) NARRATIVE:

Following is a list of officers and chief petty officers
on board and number of war patrols which each will have
completed at the conclusion of this patrol:

NAME                                       NUMBER OF PATROLS

Lt-Comdr. Stephen S. Mann, Jr., USN        8
Lt-Comdr. Nathaniel G. Harrison, Jr., USNR. 3
Lieut. Francis E. Rich, USN.               3
Lieut. Victor M. Krygowski, USNR.          3
Lieut. Charles C. Rust, USNR.              5
Lieut. (jg) Nathan J. Ayer, USN.           3 as officer
                                           4 enlisted ma
Ensign James H. Bradley, USN.              3 as officer
                                           5 enlisted ma
Ensign Harold L. Shipley, Jr., USNR.       3
Ensign Bruce E. Clark, USNR.               2
Ensign Robert R. Axelson, USN.             1
Machinist Walter A. Serowick, USN.         1 as warrant
                                           2 enlisted ma

- 1 -

— page 54 —
SS292/A4
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of THIRD WAR PATROL.

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

                                                                NUMBER OF PATROLS
COTTON, Eubie E., CQM(T), USN.                                         3
FALL, Sydney (n), CCS(T), USN.                                         3
JONES, James S., CEM(AA)(T), USN.                                      6
LANGSTON, William E.,Jr. CMOMM(AA)(T), USN.                            7
LEIERT, Richard H., CMO1M(AA)(T), USN.                                 8
PETERSON, Harold (n), CRM(PA), USN.                                   11
STUART, Robert F., ACRT(AA)(T), USNR.                                  4

20 May 1945

1327 /9½ Got underway enrouted to patrol area via Midway in
2030 /9½ accordance with Operations Order 88-45.
        Dismissed escort.

21 May 1945

0548 /9½ Made trim dive. DW-1 direction finder cable flooded
        out.
1014 /9½ Training dive.
1130 /9½ Set clocks back 1 hour to /10½ time.
1200 /10½ Noon position - 25-03N 161-59W.
1515 /10½ Training dive.
1520 /10½ Training dive. Conducted general training exercises
        while enroute to area.

22 May 1945

0509 /10½ Made trim dive.
0943 /10½ Training dive.
1101 /10½ Conducted gun firing drill.
1200 /10½ Noon position - 26° 56'N 167° 52'W.
1430 /10½ Set clocks back ½ hour to /11 time.
1525 /11 Training dive.
1540 /11 Conducted gun firing drill. Conducted general traini
        drills including rescue party, fire, and fire control
        drills.

23 May 1945

0453 /11 Made trim dive.
0954 /11 Training dive.
1003 /11 Training dive.
1200 /11 Noon position - 28° 43'N 173° 55'W.
1445 /11 Set all clocks back 1 hour to /12 time.
1509 /12 Training dive.
1519 /12 Training dive.
1529 /12 Training dive.
                                - 2 -

— page 55 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of THIRD WAR PATROL.

— page 56 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of THIRD WAR PATROL.

— page 57 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of THIRD WAR PATROL.

— page 58 —
SS292/A4
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of THIRD WAR PATROL.

— page 59 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of THIRD WAR PATROL.

— page 60 —
SS292/A4
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of THIRD WAR PATROL.

— page 62 —
SS292/A4
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of THIRD WAR PATROL.

— page 64 —
SS292/A4
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of THIRD WAR PATROL.

19 June 1945

1200 -9 Underway on surface making best speed.
Noon position - 32° 04'N 139° 01'E.
1400 -10 Set clocks ahead to -10 time.
2112 -10 Received PIRANHA'S serial 7 passed by CSP, designating
position for rendezvous at sunset on 20 June. Message
also directed us to patrol Area Three until ordered
otherwise.

20 June 1945.

0130 -10 Sent on Wopac Freq. to PIRANHA giving time of arrival in
area as sunset on 20 June. Received no -R- so asked
CSP to pass same to PIRANHA in our 191850.
0310 -10 About 0300 we received word from our air cover that he
was leaving. He reported our services not required.
0531 -10 Made trim dive.
0810 -10 Surfaced and continued to area.
1200 -10 Noon position - 35° 13'N 141° 58'E.

21 June 1945

0045 -10 Intercepted PARCHE Serial Two to CSP on 8470 Kc having
heard them say on Wopac Freq. that they were shifting
to 8470. Directed us to patrol area Three thru 24 June
Area One through 28 June.
0428 -10 Made trim dive. Conducted submerged patrol just outside
100 fathom curve off Oshika Hanto at about 38° 20'N
latitude.
1200 -10 Noon position - 38° 24'N 142° E.

22 June 1945

0403 -10 Made trim dive. Patrolled submerged along 100 fathom
curve in same position as yesterday.
0911 -10 Heard first of several underwater explosions. Heard
intermittently throughout forenoon.
0920 -10 Sighted small fishing vessel, (estimated 40T) at 232T,
distant 5000 yards. Avoided.
1020 -10 Lost sight of vessel.
1200 -10 Noon position - 38° 28'N 141° 47'E.
2230 -10 Exchanged recognition signals on SJ with an unknown
friendly sub at 0530T.

- 12 -

— page 65 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Roport of THIRD WAR PATROL.

23 June 1945

0400 -10 Made trim dive. Patrolled submerged in position same
as yesterday.
1200 -10 Noon position - 38° 17'N 141° 47'E.
Again heard distant underwater explosions today.
2357 -10 Sighted large Jap hospital ship at 225°T, distant 15000
yards. Ship was properly lighted. Tracked her out on
radar and watched it pass.

24 June 1945

0020 -10 Received PIRANHA 231345 directing us to rendezvous at
1700 I on 24 June.
0407 -10 Made trim dive. Patrolled submerged in vicinity of
prospective rendezvous with PIRANHA.
1200 -10 Noon position - 38° 54'N 141° 54'E.
1753 -10 Surfaced on station for rendezvous with PIRANHA. Circled
on station until 2040.
2040 -10 Headed for Area One. Visibility was poor, about 1000
yards, but we expected to make contact by SJ radar.
Attempted to call Piranha on Wopac Freq. with no success.

25 June 1945

0517 -10 Made trim dive. Patrolled submerged, marking time until
we could continue to patrol station during darkness.
1200 -10 Noon position - 40° 47'N 142° 58'E.

26 June 1945.

0349 -10 Made trim dive. Patrolled in close just South of Shiriy
Saki at Northern tip of Honshu. Sighted several small
fishing craft in vicinity. Sighted numerous trawlers
about 1000 yards off beach enroute up and down coast,
but have only 5 fathoms there.
0927 -10 Sighted small freighter coming Northward in close. Went
to normal approach course but were unable to close to
less than 4500 yards. Freighter was in about 5 fathoms
of water with his fathometer continuously pinging (either
that or he had sound gear which appears unlikely).
There was no escort. Continued to patrol about three
miles off the beach. Don't like it here very much as
there are restricted areas to North and South of us
indicating probable mine fields.

- 13 -

— page 66 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of THIRD WAR PATROL.

— page 67 —
U - S. S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of THIRD WAR PATROL.

— page 68 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of THIRD WAR PATROL.

30 June 1945 (Continued)
0224 -10 Received CSP 291307 canceling orders to search for survi
          vors in designated area, and giving position for TREPANG rendezvous, and
          rendezvous with SPRINGER who also had passengers to tran
1200 -10 Noon position - 38° 06.5'N 142° 54.5E.

1 July 1945
1200 -10 Noon position - 33° 24'N 140° 38'E.
          Proceeding on surface to rendezvous position with TREPA
2230 -10 Exchanged recognition and calls with U.S.S. REDFIN.
2255 -10 Picked up radar interference of TREPANG. Headed for her.
2345 -10 In visual contact with TREPANG.

2 July 1945
0056 -10 Finished transferring aviators and one appendicitis case
          from TREPANG. Received movies and gave TREPANG 20 roun
          of 5 inch ammunition. Transfer was effected by rubber
          controlled by heaving lines from each sub; communication
          by VHF.
          Following men taken aboard:

          First Lt. Choster G. Kiesol, USA, 0-823624.
          First Lt. James R. Kennedy, USA, 0-868812.
          Second Lt. Robert E. Connor, USA, 0-929155.
          Sgt. Deno J. Ruggeri, USA, 39145467.
          Staff Sgt. Donald M. Sinclair, USA, 12028538.
          Staff Sgt. Guy C. Winks, USA, 16186014.
          Tech. Sgt. Leonard R. Poterek, USA, 36612997.
          Paul O. Crook, TM3c, USN, 8570473.

0250 -10 Sent our 011615 (serial Five) to CSP pass to SPRINGER
          requesting rendezvous after dark on 2 July at 31°N 135°E
          Attempts to contact SPRINGER on Wopac failed for some
          unknown reason.
0445 -10 Exchanged calls with SEA ROBIN by SJ radar. SEA ROBIN
          requested we take an aviator she had just rescued. Heade
          for her.

- 16 -

— page 71 —
-SS292/A4
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of THIRD WAR PATROL.

— page 72 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of THIRD WAR PATROL.

— page 73 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of THIRD WAR PATROL.

— page 74 —
The USS Devilfish (SS292) was a Balao-class submarine of the United States Navy, named for the devilfish, a type of ray. She was the only ship of the United States Navy to be named for the devilfish.

Her keel was laid down by the Electric Boat Company in Groton, Connecticut, on 31 March 1943. She was launched on 30 January 1944, sponsored by Mrs. Robert H. English, and commissioned on 17 May 1944, with Commander E. C. St. George, Jr., in command.

The Devilfish conducted five war patrols during World War II, operating primarily in the Pacific Ocean. She was credited with sinking two Japanese ships totaling 1,800 tons.

During her third war patrol, which is the subject of the report, the Devilfish operated in the South China Sea. The report details various aspects of the patrol, including ordnance remarks and radio equipment performance.

The "ORDNANCE REMARKS" section discusses the performance of the Mk 18-2 torpedoes. It notes that the torpedoes received from Sub Base, Pearl Harbor, were in excellent electrical and mechanical condition, with no major difficulties encountered. The only casualty mentioned was a partially broken cell cap base, which was remedied with an improvised rubber gasket that proved satisfactory. The report also states that torpedoes were charged every five days without difficulty. A sketch of a torpedo lowering arrestor strap designed by Ensign James H. Bradley, U.S.N., is included and highly

— page 75 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of THIRD WAR PATROL.

— page 76 —
SS292/L4
U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of THIRD WAR PATROL.

— page 77 —
- G -

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH(SS292) - Report of THIRD WAR PATROL.

— page 78 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292)

| | # 7 | # 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired | | |
| *Track Angle | 118 P | 118 P |
| *Gyro Angle | 13°L | 8°30'L |
| *Depth Set | 10 | 10 |
| *Power | -- | -- |
| *Hit or Miss | Miss | Miss |
| *Erratic | No | No |
| *Mark Torpedo | 18-2 | 18-2 |
| *Serial No. | 57492 | 100208 |
| *Mark Exploder | 8-7 | 8-7 |
| *Serial No. | 16522 | 16943 |
| *Actuation Set | Contact | Contact |
| *Actuation Actual | -- | -- |
| *Mark Warhead | 18-2 | 18-2 |
| *Serial No. | 3610 | 1661 |
| *Explosive | TFX | TFX |
| Firing Interval | 10 seconds | |
| Type Spread | 250 feet | |
| Sea Conditions | State -2 | Direction - 080°T. |
| Overhaul Activity | Sub Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. | |
| Injection Temp. | 73°F | |
| Torpedo speed used | 29.4 Knots | |
| Temp. electrolyte | 80°F | |

Remarks:
Torpedoes ran hot, straight, and normal, and were tracked
by sound along torpedo course.

- H -

— page 79 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION THREE FORTY-TWO
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
8 July 1945.

FB5-342/A16-3
Serial: (02)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to:
U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292)
Conf.ltr. SS292/A4 Serial
(03) of 7 July 1945.

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

Subject: U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of War Patrol
Number THREE.

1. The third war patrol of the USS DEVILFISH, under the
command of Lieutenant Commander S. S. Mann, Jr., U. S. Navy, was
conducted in the Bungo Suido and the Northern Honshu areas during
the period 20 May to 7 July 1945. This patrol which included
thirty-three days in the area was primarily a life-guard patrol.

2. On 16 June 1945, during a period of reduced visibility
sound contact was made at 2500 yards on an I-153 class submarine,
which was transporting what appeared to be a midget submarine on
deck forward of the conning tower. A quick set up was obtained
and the two torpedoes ready in the after torpedo room were fired
on 118° port track at a range of about 1500 yards. Both torpedoes
missed and the target was not contacted again. It is regretted
that two torpedoes in the after room were being serviced at this
time.

3. On 2 June 1945, an SC type patrol boat with a large air-
search type radar was sighted. On 26 June, an anti-submarine ves-
sel of the destroyer escort type was sighted. On both of these
occasions DEVILFISH went deep and evaded. Properly marked hospital
ships were sighted on 23rd and 27 June 1945.

4. The DEVILFISH encountered unique and troublesome radar
jamming or interference during the nights of 28 and 29 June.

5. The torpedo lowering arrestor strap designed by Ensign
J. H. Bradley, U. S. Navy, appears to be a useful and time-saving
device. He is complimented for this contribution.

- 1 -

— page 81 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON THIRTY-FOUR ed
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
9 July 1945

FC9-34/A16-3
Serial: 017
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS DEVILFISH (SS292)
Report of Third War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of Third War Patrol.

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

2. The torpedo lowering arrestor strap as designed by Ensign
J. H. BRADLEY, USN, is of special note. Ensign BRADLEY is congratulated
for his interest.

3. The Commander Submarine Squadron THIRTY-FOUR congratulates
the Commanding Officer, officers and crew for a most complete area cover-
age and for the assistance rendered aviators transferred to them for
passage home.

[SIGNATURE: E. W. Grenfell]
E. W. GRENFELL.

— page 82 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)                                                                8 0341
                                                                SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

Serial 01850                                                    Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                                                San Francisco, California,
                                                                25 July 1945.

CONFIDENTIAL
                                                                NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
THIRD ENDORSEMENT                                                     DESTROYED PRIOR TO
DEVILFISH Report of                                                   ENTERING PATROL AREA.
Third War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 822
U.S.S. DEVILFISH - 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. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of Third War Patrol
            (20 May to 7 July 1945).

1. The third war patrol of the DEVILFISH, under the command of Lieuten-
ant Commander S. S. Mann, Jr., U.S. Navy, was conducted off Bungo Suido and in
areas along the East Coast of Honshu.

2. The DEVILFISH maintained thorough, alert lifeguard area coverage,
but was afforded no opportunity to effect rescue. Two worthwhile torpedo targets
were encountered, an I-Class submarine and a DE. The lack of success in the at-
tack made on the submarine is most regrettable. The Force Commander wishes the
DEVILFISH better luck next patrol.

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

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch                                 (7)                     MERRILL COMSTOCK,
CNO                                     (5)                     Deputy.
Cincpac                                 (6)
JICPOA                                  (1)
AdICPOA                                 (1)
Comservpac                              (1)
Cinclant                                (1)
Comsubslant                             (8)
S/M School, NL                          (2)
CO, S/M Base, PH                        (1)
Comsopac                                (2)                     [STAMP: EXTRA]
Comsowespac                             (1)                     [STAMP: SORG.]
Comsubs7thFlt (Fwd Echelon)             (2)                     [STAMP: PHOTO-LAB.]
Comsubs7thFlt (Rear Echelon)            (2)                     [STAMP: MICRO]
Comnorpac                               (1)                     [STAMP: OP-16]
Comsubspac                              (3)                     [STAMP: RETURN TO F-4253]
ComsubspacAdComd                        (20)
SUBAD, MI                               (2)                     [SIGNATURE: S. Miller]
ComsubspacSubordcom                     (3)                     for
All Squadron and Division
Commanders, Pacific                     (2)                     E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
ComSubOpTraGrBalboa (Airmail)           (5)                     Flag Secretary.
Substrainpac                            (2)
All Submarines, Pacific                 (1)

— page 83 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st Copy]

U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4
Serial (06)

22 August 1945.

[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292).
To : Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) Commander Submarine Division 241.
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron 24.
(3) Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
(4) Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292), Report of War Patrol
number FOUR.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track chart for Commander Submarines, Pacific
Fleet.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the fourth war patrol of
this vessel conducted in Life Guard League during the period
2 August 1945 to 22 August 1945.

[SIGNATURE: S.S. MANN, Jr.]

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/26/72]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

— page 85 —
SS292/A4
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of FOURTH WAR PATROL.

— page 86 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of FOURTH WAR PATROL.

— page 87 —
SS292/A4

U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of FOURTH WAR PATROL:

— page 88 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of FOURTH WAR PATROL.

— page 90 —
SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of FOURTH WAR PATROL.

— page 91 —
SS292/A4

U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of FOURTH WAR PATROL.

— page 92 —
U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of FOURTH WAR PATROL.

— page 93 —
- E -

U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS292/A4

CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of FOURTH WAR PATROL.

— page 94 —
FB5-241/A16-3.
Serial 027
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
ENDORSEMENT to
CO USS DEVILFISH report
of War Patrol No. FOUR
dated 22 August 1945.

SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO FORTY ONE

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
23 August 1945.

From: The Commander Submarine Division TWO FORTY ONE.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY FOUR;
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, Administration.
The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292), Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

1. The fourth war patrol of the U.S.S. DEVILFISH was conducted in the
MANPO SHOTO area. This patrol was of twenty-one (21) days duration, ten (10) of
which were spent in the assigned area.

2. All of this patrol was devoted to lifeguard duties. No opportunities
for rescue were presented. No enemy ships or aircraft were contacted.

3. On 10 August 1945 the DEVILFISH bombarded shore installations on
TURI SHIMA. Forty-four (44) rounds of 5" ammunition were expended at a range of
3500 yards. Damage was not assessed although several hits were registered in
the target area.

4. The DEVILFISH returned from patrol clean and in very good material
condition. Refit will be accomplished in the normal period by the U.S.S. ABDIR
and Submarine Division 241. Health of the crew was good and morale high.

5. The Division Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer,
officers and crew of the DEVILFISH upon the completion of this short patrol,
terminated by the cessation of hostilities.

[SIGNATURE: J. A. DAVIS]
Acting.

— page 95 —
FC5-24/A16-3
Serial: (0156)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS DEVILFISH (SS292) Report
of FOURTH War Patrol.

From:
To :
Via :

Subject:

1.
Submarine

2.
the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of DEVILFISH upon the completion
of their fourth war patrol which was cut short by the cessation of
offensive operations and upon the damage inflicted by their bombardment
of TORI SHIMA.

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
25 August 1945.

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

U.S.S. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of War Patrol
Number FOUR.

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

The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-FOUR congratulates

[SIGNATURE: F. W. FENNIO]
F. W. FENNIO.

11/wd

— page 96 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 02300
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
DEVILFISH Report of
Fourth War Patrol.

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
nr
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
14 September 1945.
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PACIFIC AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 887
U.S.S. DEVILFISH - 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. DEVILFISH (SS292) - Report of Fourth War Patrol
(2 August to 22 August 1945).

1. The fourth war patrol of the DEVILFISH, under the command of
Lieutenant Commander S. S. Mann, Jr., U.S. Navy, was conducted in the Nanpo
Shoto area. The primary mission of this patrol was lifeguard duties.

2. Hostilities with Japan were terminated ten days after DEVILFISH
arrived on her assigned station. No contacts were made with enemy shipping and
there were no opportunities to rescue aviation personnel. The DEVILFISH used her
guns in a very effective bombardment of Tori Shima and to sink or explode all
three of the mines she sighted on this patrol.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
commanding officer, officers, and crew of the DEVILFISH for the completion of
this patrol and for the damage inflicted upon the enemy shore installations on
Tori Shima.

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)
Comsovospec (1)
Comsubs7thFlt (Fwd Echelon) (2)
Comsubs7thFlt (Rear Echelon) (2)
Comnerpac (1)
Comsubspac (3)
ComsubspacAdCom (20)
SUBAD, MI (2)
All Squadron and Div. (2)
Commanders, Pacific (5)
ComSubsOpTraGrBalboa (Airmail) (2)
Substrainpac (5)
All Submarines, Pacific (1)

G. C. CRAWFORD,
Chief of Staff.

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

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

10 023

— page 97 —
END OF REEL [HANDWRITTEN: # 8]
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: J-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR 127-78]

||||| 1.0 ||||| 2.8 ||||| 2.5
||||| 1.1 ||||| 3.2 ||||| 2.2
||||| 1.25 ||||| 1.4 ||||| 1.6
||||| 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, with eagle emblem]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION