U.S.S. GATO (SS-212) — war patrol report SS-212_GATO_Part3.pdf

— page 1 —
3
3/4/13

U. S. SUBMARINE ACTION REPORT

U.S.S. GATO
Date: 23 July 1942
Location: Latitude 50° 43' N
Longitude 158° 38' E

INSTRUCTIONS:
(a) ATTACK FIRST - THEN COLLECT DATA FOR THIS REPORT.
(b) DO NOT "GUN DECK" THIS REPORT - IF DATA CANNOT BE ESTIMATED WITH REASONABLE ACCURACY ENTER A DASH IN SPACE FOR WHICH NO DATA IS AVAILABLE.
(c) DRAW A CIRCLE AROUND THE APPROPRIATE ENTRY IN THIS REPORT WHEREVER SUITABLE.

WEATHER CONDITIONS: 3000 yards visibility - fog patches with haze. Wind force 1 from S.E.
SEA CONDITIONS: Slight chop from S.E.
SOUND CONDITIONS (if applicable): Could not pick up target on sound gear.
TYPE OF OPERATIONS: Patrol on station east of Paramusihiru To.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE: Offensive patrol.

FORCES ENGAGED: OWN U.S.S. GATO

(Name and Type) ENEMY Patrol boat.

TYPE OF ATTACK (Own. XENONX- scratch one) Night surface torpedo

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Target sighted lying to bearing 2350°, - 2500 yards. Fired one torpedo on 90 port track angle - zero gyro angle from stern tube #7.

WEAPONS EMPLOYED:
Own Torpedo
Enemy None

AMMUNITION EXPENDED 1 torpedo

EVASIVE TACTICS EMPLOYED:
Own --
Enemy High speed - radical course change to S.W. and disappeared in fog.

— page 2 —
2500
Firing range
Keel depth
Straight/curved shot(s)
Type spread
Attack: (unopposed X (check) (opposed by air screen/close screen
Detected: (prior to firing (check) (after firing X (undetected
RESULTS: (Certain) Missed
(Estimated)
DAMAGE TO OWN SHIP None

BRIEF REMARKS About 1 minute after firing target got headway on rapidly and changed course to the right. Torpedo missed due to (1) target evading, (2) torpedo passing under shallow draft vessel, (3) wrong attack data.

— page 3 —
10 01982
U.S. SUBMARINE ACTION REPORT
U.S. FLEET
RECEIVED
Date: 15 August 1942
Location: Latitude 51°05' N
Longitude 162°07' W
Location: Latitude 51°05' N
Longitude 162°07' W

INSTRUCTIONS:
(a) ATTACK FIRST - THEN COLLECT DATA FOR THIS REPORT.
(b) DO NOT "GUN DECK" THIS REPORT - IF DATA CANNOT BE ESTIMATED WITH REASONABLE ACCURACY ENTER A DASH IN SPACE FOR WHICH NO DATA IS AVAILABLE.
(c) DRAW A CIRCLE AROUND THE APPROPRIATE ENTRY IN THIS REPORT WHEREVER SUITABLE.

WEATHER CONDITIONS: Heavy overcast. Haze to SE. Fair visibility in other SE conditions. Smooth. Slight swell.

SOUND CONDITIONS (if applicable): --
TYPE OF OPERATIONS: Enroute Dutch Harbor from patrol station.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE: Offensive patrol against Japanese shipping.

FORCES ENGAGED: OWN U.S.S. GATO

(Name and Type) ENEMY One cargo - KINKA MARU, one DD - MOMO or MUTSUKI class (not definite as to class but had low superstructure and two stacks)

TYPE OF ATTACK (Own Enemy - scratch one) Night surface torpedo.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Fired 2 torpedoes from stern tubes - 2 hits, and then 3 torpedoes from bow tubes - 2 hits.

WEAPONS EMPLOYED:
Own Forward and after torpedo tubes.
Enemy None.

AMMUNITION EXPENDED: Five torpedoes.

EVASIVE TACTICS EMPLOYED:
Own Stood off at high speed on surface after second salvo of torpedoes.
Enemy None.

— page 5 —
6 December 1942
Location: Latitude 05-00 S.
Longitude 152-58 E.

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. ATTACK FIRST—Then collect data for this report:
   (a) Do not "Gun Deck" this report—If data cannot be estimated with reasonable accuracy enter a dash in space for which no data is available.
   (b) Draw a circle around the appropriate entry in this report wherever suitable.

Weather conditions: Clear
Sea conditions: Flat Calm
Sound conditions (if applicable): Good
Type of operations: Station Patrol

Specific objective: Buke-Rabaul traffic.

Forces engaged: own
U.S.S. GATO
(Name and Type) Enemy One. converted aircraft tender, one other.
auxiliary, 3 destroyers, unidentified plane.
Type of attack (Own/Scratch one): Torpedo
Brief description Targets were screened by 3 DD and 1 plane. Zig toward at 2000 yards caused change to stern tube shot. Fired approximately 1000 yards, 120 degree track on generated set up, 4 minutes after last observation.
Weapons employed:
Own Torpedoes
Enemy Depth charges and aircraft depth bombs
(over)

— page 6 —
4 torpedoes

Evasive tactics employed:
- Own: Deep submergence, silent running, weaving.
- Enemy: [Text obscured]

For Torpedo Attack (Own):
- Firing range: 1000 yards
- KEEP depth: 65
- Straight: [Text obscured]
- Type spread: Voge, 6 knot
- Attack: [Text obscured]
  (check) (opposed by air screen/close screen)
- Detected: (prior to firing)
  (check) [Text obscured]
- RESULTS: (Certain) None

(Estimated) ... One XAV possibly damaged.

Damage to own ship: No appreciable damage. [Text obscured]

Brief Remarks: Detection and attack by air or destroyer first prior to firing caused GATO to fire on generated bearing and to commence evasive tactics immediately after firing. No further observation was made of target. One torpedo detonated.

[Signature: John J. FOLTZ, 1st Lt.]

[Handwritten notes: "No torpedo detonated."]

[Handwritten notes: "No torpedo deton

— page 7 —
1945
Date: January 21, 1945
Location: Latitude 06-12.5 South
Longitude 155-51 East

INSTRUCTIONS:
(a) ATTACK FIRST—Then collect data for this report!
(b) Do not "Gun Deek" this report—If data cannot be estimated with reasonable accuracy enter a dash in space for which no data is available.
(c) Draw a circle around the appropriate entry in this report wherever suitable.

Weather conditions: Clear, sunny.
Sea conditions: Moderate. Surface ruffled, but no whitecaps.
Sound conditions (if applicable): Good.

Types of operations: Station Patrol, off North Entrance, Guyanville, Strait, Solomon Islands.

Specific objective: Destruction of Transports and Supply Ships.

Forces engaged: own

USS S. GATO
(Name and Type) Enemy Convoy consisting of 3 transports: 1 cargo vessel... Escorted by 2 destroyers.

Type of attack (Own/Enemy-scratch one): Torpedo

Brief description: Fired two torpedoes each at two leading transports before being forced deep by destroyers.

Weapons employed:
Own Torpedoes (Bow Tubes)
Enemy Depth Charges

(over)

— page 8 —
1910 yards and 8200 yards
TYPE ATTACK
(Check) (check)
Firing range
Keel depth
Straight/curved shot(s)
Type spread
Attack: (unopposed)
(Check) (checked by air-screen/close screen)
Detected: (prior-to-firing)
(checked) (after firing)
UNDETECTED
RESULTS: (Certain)
Same transport sank.
(Estimated)
Damage to own ship
None.
Brief Remarks
(1930)

— page 12 —
6.6 feet
Keen depth
Straight/curved: straight(s)
Type spread: 6 degree divergent
Attack: (unopposed)
(checked) (opposed-by air screen/close-screen)
Detected: (prior to firing)
(checked) (after firing)
(undetected)

RESULTS: (Certain) ...... None.

Brief Remarks: ...... Advance information caused gate to reach this spot.
...... to meet Japanese heavy cruiser. Beat views of target and escort
...... were dim outlines, conforming in general to those of cruiser
...... and destroyer. Assumed advance information was correct and
...... used six (6) torpedoes.

— page 13 —
1942
Date: January 29, 1942
Location: Latitude 06-21.5 South
Longitude 156-04 East

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. ATTACK FIRST—Then collect data for this report!
2. Do not "Gun Deck" this report—If data cannot be estimated with reasonable accuracy enter a dash in space for which no data is available.
3. Draw a circle around the appropriate entry in this report wherever suitable.

Weather conditions: Clear
Sea conditions: Choppy
Sound conditions (if applicable): Good
Type of operations: Station patrol, unrestricted warfare on Japanese ships.

Specific objective: Traffic to or from north-encircled Bougainville, Strait, Solomon Islands.

Forces engaged: Own

U.S.S. CATO
(Name and Type) Enemy Naval supply ship, 7200 tons, with small, converted yacht type of escort.

Type of attack (Own/Enemy): Torpedo

Brief description: Fired two torpedoes at the supply ship, range 2100 yards, at 110° port track angle. One hit under bridge.

Weapons employed:
Own Torpedoes (2 stern tubes)
Enemy None

(over)

— page 14 —
2 torpedoes.

Evasive tactics employed:
- Own
- Remained submerged.
- Enemy
- 2 zigzagging until hit.

For Torpedo Attack (Own):
- Firing range
- 2100 yards

TYPE ATTACK
- (check) (check)
- Periscope and TDC
- Sounded
- Sounded and TDC

RESULTS:
- (Certain)
- Target: sank

(Estimated)

Damage to own ship
- None

Brief Remarks
- (estimated)

(1970)

— page 15 —
194.3
Date: February 15, 1943
Location: Latitude 06-27-30. South
Longitude 156-02-30 East

INSTRUCTIONS:
(a) ATTACK FIRST—Then collect data for this report!
(b) Do not "Gun Deck" this report—If data cannot be estimated with reasonable accuracy enter a dash in space for which no data is available.
(c) Draw a circle around the appropriate entry in this report wherever suitable.

Weather conditions: Clear, moonlight.
Sea conditions: Smooth.
Sound conditions (if applicable): Excellent.
Type of operations: Station Patrol.

Specific objective: Sliding entering or leaving Longaniville Strait, Solomon Islands.

Forces engaged: own
    U.S.S. CATO
(Name and Type) Enemy One Ak, one AC, and one DD.

Type of attack (Own/Benign-scratch one): Torpedo.

Brief description: Fired two torpedoes at Ak, then two at AO.

Weapons employed:
    Own Torpedoes
    Enemy Depth Charges.

(over)

— page 17 —
1943.3
Date: February 19, 1943
Time: 1935. (Zone -11)
Location: Latitude 06-27.5.
Longitude 166-01.
INSTRUCTIONS:
(a) ATTACK FIRST—Then collect data for this report!
(b) Do not "Gun Deck" this report—If data cannot be estimated with reasonable accuracy enter a dash in space for which no data is available.
(c) Draw a circle around the appropriate entry in this report wherever suitable.

Weather conditions: At start: Clear sunlight; At finish: Bright moonlight.
Sea conditions: Moderate chop.
Sound conditions (if applicable): Excellent.
Type of operations: Station Patrol.

Specific objective: Shipping in or out of Bougainville Strait.

Forces engaged: Own
USS S. S. CADY
(Name and Type) Enemy: One AK with torpedo boat escort.

Type of attack (Own/Enemy—scratch one): Torpedo.
Brief description: Flared 3 torpedoes from stern tubes. One hit target
...one sixth ships length forward of stern. Target sank about
...20 minutes later.

Weapons employed:
Own Torpedoes.
Enemy Depth Charges.

(over)

— page 18 —
1. Ammunition expended ...... Three torpedoes. (stem tubes) 2. Evasive tactics employed: Own ...... Deep submergence, silent running. Enemy ...... Zigzagging, until hit. For Torpedo Attack (Own): Firing range ...... 1500 yards. K eel depth ...... 65 feet. Straight/curved/straight. Type spread. Attack: (unopposed) (check) (after firing) (Undetected) (Estimated) Damage to own ship ...... None. Brief Remarks ...... Torpedoes were sat. at 6 feet depth. Track angle was ...... 116° starboard. Target speed was actually 11 knots, but 9.5 was used in firing. Torpedoes were spread for a 6 knot variation using the Voge system. Sound equipment heard, the torpedoes run.

— page 19 —
175(1-1/70-cdm
FF12-15(72)/L11-1/70-cdm
Serial 0091
DECLASSIFIED
April 24, 1943.

Prom: The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO, The Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet.
To: The Commander Service Force, SEVENTY-FLIT.
Via: (1) The Commander Service Force, SEVENTY-FLIT.
(2) The Commander SEVENTY-FLIT.

Subject: U.S.S. GATO, Battle Damage from depth charge attack.

Reference: (a) Com7thFlt Conf. ltr. 2CL-43 Serial 0409 of March 31, 1943.
(b) Photostats of hull damage (2). P-9
(c) Torpedo Shop report on torpedoes, P-13
(c) Photographs of hull. P-17

1. In accordance with item (c) paragraph one of the above reference the following information on battle damage to U.S.S. GATO is submitted. Damage is believed to have resulted from one close depth charge near the stern:

(a) The after trim tank flooded because of the failure of a grease line nipple threaded into the stern plane crosshead guide in way of this tank.

(b) The after W.R.T. tank flooded because of the operational failure of the dump valve in the overflow line between this tank and the after trim tank. Examination of the operating link mechanism of this valve showed that the subject gear needed overhauling in order to insure its proper operation.

(c) Pressure hull dished in as noted in enclosure (A) and (C). There were no indications of any welding or plate failures in way of this damage. A 115# test on the after trim tank did not bring forth any hull leaks.

(d) After trim bulkheads, fore and aft, dished slightly between stiffening members.

(e) Torpedoes which were jammed in number 9 and 10 tubes could not be removed by ship's force. Removed finally by tender with the use of five ton chain falls.

— page 21 —
9 Tube
Horizontal: 21.123, 21.128, 21.167, 21.071, 21.213, 21.070, 21.231, 21.070, 21.236, 21.035, 21.206, 21.162, 21.129, 21.142, 21.135, 21.131, 21.136, 21.121, 21.141, 21.124, 21.116, 21.123, 21.16, 21.162

: 10 Tube
Horizontal: 21.127, 21.132, 21.109, 21.197, 21.055, 21.240, 21.236, 21.165, 21.111, 21.100, 21.115

: 9 Tube
Horizontal: 21.123, 21.128, 21.167, 21.071, 21.213, 21.070, 21.231, 21.070, 21.236, 21.035, 21.206, 21.162, 21.129, 21.142, 21.135, 21.131, 21.136, 21.121, 21.141, 21.124, 21.116, 21.123, 21.16, 21.162

: 10 Tube
Horizontal: 21.127, 21.132, 21.109, 21.197, 21.055, 21.240, 21.236, 21.165, 21.111, 21.100, 21.115

— page 27 —
7
: 135
: 130
: 125
: 120
: 115
: 110
: 105
: 100
: 95
: 90
: 85
: 80
: 75
: 70
: 65
: 60
: 55
: 50
: 45
: 40
: 35
: 30
: 25
: 20
: 15
: 10
: 5
: 0
:

— page 28 —
0
: 7
: Cribbomme (IA)
: PORT-SIDE
: GATO
: 135
: 130
: 125
: 120
: 115
: 110
: 105
: 100
: 95
: 90
: 85
: 80
: 75
: 70
: 65
: 60
: 55
: 50
: 45
: 40
: 35
: 30
: 25
: 20
: 15
: 10
: 5
: 0

— page 31 —
1-1
: S-E-C-R-E-T
: TORPEDO SHOP REPORT ON TORPEDOES
: Enclosure (A) to Enclosure (B): Two Photographs of Damaged Torpedoes.
: #14763 - GATO
: General Condition:
: (a) Base plate dented in four places:
   (1) Two large dents on forward part from impeller channel to left side of base plate.
   (2) One small dent center top left edge of base plate.
   (3) One large dent left after top upper corner.
: (b) Exploder flooded through after base plate flange.
: (c) Impeller tight, 13# push balance test.
: (d) Solenoid loose from firing mechanism base.
: (e) Regulator tube base leg nearest worm wheel broken loose.
: (f) Pick-up coil lugs beginning to break loose from case.
: (g) One generator bolt sheered off. Generator loose in base plate.
: (h) Junction box screws sheered off. Junction box loose.
: Proving Test Passed:
: (a) Armed and fired both electrically and mechanically dummy detonator. Push balance 5#.
: (b) Proving test was made with no alterations of mechanism when received.
: (c) A great deal of vibration occurred.
: (d) Tightened generator, solenoid and junction box. Due to excessive vibration test could not be run very long.
: (e) Approximate voltages:
| Anode | Cathode | Bias | R.P.M. |
|-------||------||
| 93    | 2.45    | 4.5  | 2000   |
| 112   | 2.75    | 5.4  | 3600   |
| Firing point at 2000 R.P.M. |

— page 32 —
5-E-C-R-E-T
High End Picture. C
Bias Picture
Dissassembled:
(a) Lower lever solenoid pivot screw loose.
(b) Moisture in solenoid armature.
(c) Base plate out of line, generator was difficult to remove from impeller shaft.
(d) Slight rust inside of generator.
(e) Water reached just below generator gland nut.
(f) Fields tested:
   Opposed --- 175 ohms.
   Shunt --- -1700 ohms. No grounds.
(g) Pick up coil tested:
   800,000 ohms. No grounds.

#14775 - GATO
(a) No dents, base plate in good condition.
(b) Generator loose on base plate.
(c) Junction box loose on base plate.
(d) Fired electrically and mechanically.
(e) Push Balance 5#.
(f) Passed proving test.

Meter readings:
| A | C | B | F.P. | R.P.M. |
|----|----|----|-------||
| 89 | 2.45 | 3.4 | 1.4   | 2000   |
| 108| 2.75| 4.2 | 2.4   | 3600   |

ENCLOSURE (B) 1Y

— page 33 —
5-E-C-R-E-T

(g) Took volt test came down .8 of a volt.

(h) Picture across high end. C+
Picture across Bias end.

(i) Will be able to use this mechanism. Little vibration existed.

#14860 - GATO

(a) Base plate dented.

(b) Junction box loose, four screws sheered off. Solenoid loose on firing mechanism base.

(c) Thyrr at tube loose on base plate.

(d) Generator loose on base plate.

(e) Proving test passed:
Fired electrically and mechanically.

Meter readings:
A    C    B    F.P.    R.P.M.
90    2.2    4.3    2.2    2000
110    2.3    5.3    3.2    3600

(f) Came down .8 of a volt, on one volt test.

(g) Picture across high end. A
Picture across Bias end.

Push Balance 5#

(h) A great deal of vibration existed during proving test.

(i) Will not be able to use because of base plate being out of line.

-3-

ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 34 —
14850 - GATO

(a) Dented, solenoid loose on firing mechanism base.

(b) Thyrraton tube loose on base plate.

(c) Generator loose on base plate.

(d) Fired electrically and mechanically.

(e) Passed proving test.

Meter reading:

| A | B | P.P. | R.P.M. |
|----|----|-------|-------|
| 92 | 2.15 | 4.2   | 2.2   | 2000 |
| 114| 2.2 | 5.2   | 3.4   | 3600 |

(f) Took volt test came down .5 of a volt.

Picture across high end. B

Picture across Bias end. M

Push Balance 5#

(g) Vibration existed due to generator being loose in base plate.

(h) Will not use mechanism because base is out of line.

ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 38 —
123
: 124
: 125

: 35° DISH
: Endorsement (c)

: USS
: 35-12N
: 125-45E
: 0342
: 1445
: 123
: 124
: 125
: 35° DISH
: Endorsement (c)

— page 45 —
1944 (cont)
1100 (L) Distincluded white marker on shore. This was one of the signal suggested to the coast watcher.
1037 (L) Surprised in returned down condition, two miles from designated landing point, headed in, all 30 men and 50 cal., weapons manned, sound rear and intonator log sounded. Reprisal by battery-motor.
5010 (L) 1st report of special mission, February 4-6, 1944.
Jt, 1st

— page 47 —
12-10(A)/A16- S75
Serial 00358
SSERGT
DECLASSIFIED
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. GATO (SS212) - Report of Firing Mark 27 Torpedoes, Thirteenth War Patrol.
Enclosure: (A) U.S.S. GATO - TOP DECRET REPORT OF FIRING MARK 27 TORPEDOES, WAR PATROL. 13 (CO USS GATO TOP SECRET LT. FILE SS212/A16-3/575 SERIAL CC01-46 DATED 12 SEPTEMBER 1945).

1. Enclosure (A) is forwarded herewith.

2. Except for firing range, which was somewhat excessive under the conditions of visiblility existing, this is an excellent example of offensive employment of this weapon. Time analysis indicates that the torpedo commenced to turn ship's thirtieth war patrol in the Force Commander's absence.

3. The GATO is congratulated on the successful employment of this new weapon. The damage inflicted will be credited in the Force Commander's endorsement to that ship's thirtieth war patrol.

G. C. CHAUDOCD,
Chief of Staff.

DISTRIBUTION:
CNO (2)
Consubspac (2)
ComsubspacAdCond (2)
Comsubstraipac (2)
Comsubslant (2)
ComSubs7thFltr (Frd Echelon) (2)
ComSubs7thFltr (Rear Echelon) (2)
All Squadron Commanders (1)
All Division Commanders (1)
BuOrd (2)
BuShips (2)
CO, USS GATO (Less Encl.) (1)

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

— page 48 —
12 September 1945
SS212/A16-3/S75
Serial: 0001-46
U.S.S. GATO (SS212)
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

T-O-P S-E-C-R-E-T
From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. GATO.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States
Fleet.
Via: (1) Commander Submarine Division - 103.
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron - 10.
(3) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific
Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. GATO, Top Secret Report of firing Mark 27 Torpedoes, Patrol No. 15.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.

1. Enclosure (A) is forwarded herewith.

F. HOLDEN

— page 49 —
12 September 1945

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. GATO.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) Commander Submarine Division - 103.
          (2) Commander Submarine Squadron - 10.
          (3) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. GATO, Top Secret Report of firing Mark 27 Torpedoes, Patrol No. 13.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.

1. Enclosure (A) is forwarded herewith.

R. HOLDEN

— page 52 —
1.0 2.8 2.5 2.2 2.0 1.8 1.25 1.4 1.6

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