U.S.S. PIPER (SS-409) — war patrol report SS-409_PIPER.pdf

— page 1 —
START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: E-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-381-97]
[HANDWRITTEN: PIPER-SS-409]

| 1.0 | 2.8 | 2.5 | OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: Rnfz]
|     | 3.2 | 2.2 |
| 1.1 | 3.6 | 2.0 |
|     | 4.0 | 1.8 |
| 1.25 | 1.4 | 1.6 | DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 12-14-77]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SEAL]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHING
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

— page 2 —
[HANDWRITTEN: PIPER (SS-409)]
[HANDWRITTEN: WWII PATROL REPORT FILE]
[HANDWRITTEN: ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: FOR DECK LOGS AUGUST 1944 - DECEMBER 1945]
[HANDWRITTEN: CONSULT NATIONAL ARCHIVES WAKH HAS CUSTODY]

[HANDWRITTEN: J.A. KOONTZ]

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

HISTORY OF USS PIPER (SS 409)

Our submarines were employed in our mounting offensive in the Pacific
to cut enemy communications to his great sea empire, even attacking shipping
in Japanese home waters. Our subs were also used to support fleet actions
as pickets, weather stations, landing reconnaissance raiders and by attacking
combat units including ASW vessels.

Although built late in World War II, the submarine USS PIPER completed
three successful war patrols before the cessation of hostilities, operating
as a life guard for plane strikes and as an advance picket for fast carrier
task forces.

The ship was named "PIPER" for a fish of the Halfbeaks family found
in warm seas mostly along the shore. It swims at the surface, occasionally
leaping into the air, and is named from the noise it makes when taken out
of the water. The keel of the PIPER was laid in the U. S. Navy Yard,
Portsmouth, New Hampshire on 15 March 1944, and was launched on 26 June
1944. Mrs. C. W. Wilkins, wife of Captain Charles W. Wilkins, USN, acted
as official sponsor. Commander B. F. McMahon, USN, took command of the ship
when she was placed in commission on 23 August 1944.

The PIPER began her war career on 25 January 1945, when she slipped
out of Pearl Harbor as the leader of a five ship wolf-pack, consisting of
the BOWFIN, TREPANG, POMFRET, and STERLET. The mission was an anti-picket
boat sweep in preparation for carrier strikes on Honshu. After a short
stop at Saipan, the pack arrived in the assigned area south of Iwo Jima on
10 February 1945. Three sweeps were made in the period 10 to 13 February
1945, but no picket boats were seen. The PIPER spent the period from 15
February to 24 March off the south and southeast coasts of Honshu serving
alternately on independent patrol and lifeguard duty for the then-intensive
carrier and carrier strikes against Japan. On the night of 25 February, the
PIPER found her first target. In a night surface attack she sank an unidenti-
fied 2000 ton vessel. The last four days before departure were spent guard-
ing the approaches to Bungo Suido against a possible Japanese sortie on
the badly damaged USS FRANKLIN.

She arrived at Midway on 30 March 1945 for refit, rest and training,
and departed on 26 April for her second war patrol in a wolf pack with the
SEA POACHER, PLAICE, POMFRET, and STERLET. The ships arrived in the patrol
area, the Sea of Okhotsk, on 3 May 1945, and from the 14th to the 25th made
concentrated surface shipping sweeps of the area. The remainder of the
period was spent on independent war patrol, rotating stations. On 27 May the
PIPER got her first chance on this patrol when two small merchantman with two
escorts were sighted in Boussole Channel. Working her way through a heavy
fog, she launched a surface torpedo attack, sinking one 4000 ton merchantman.
The escorts dropped a few depth charges, but none were close to the mark.

The PIPER departed the area on 4 June 1945, arriving at Pearl Harbor
on the 13th for another refit. On 25 June Lieutenant Commander Edward L.
Beach, USN, relieved Commander McMahon as commanding officer. On 19 July 1945

— page 4 —
-2- USS PIPER (SS 409)

She departed on her third war patrol, stopping enroute at Guam for advanced
training from 1 to 4 August 1945. On the 11th, the PIPER accounted for two
five ton fishing vessels in Koshiki Kaikyo, and on the 13th she entered the
Sea of Japan. Before the fruits of this enterprise could be reaped, the
Japanese surrender ended the war, and left the PIPER with all her torpedoes
and nothing more substantial to show for the patrol than six prisoners of
war rescued from the sea on 14 August.

On 3 September she departed the area for Pearl Harbor and onward
routing to the United States.

During her war service the USS PIPER earned four Battle Stars on the
Asiatic-Pacific Area Service Medal for participating in the following
operations:

1 Star/Iwo Jima Operation
   Assault and occupation of Iwo Jima -- 15 February - 16 March 1945
   FIFTH Fleet raids against Honshu and the Nansei Shoto -- 15 - 16, 25
   February 1945, and 1 March 1945

1 Star/Okinawa Gunto Operation
   Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto -- 17 - 22 March 1945

1 Star/THIRD Fleet operations against Japan -- 11 - 13 August 1945

1 Star/Second War Patrol -- 26 April - 13 June 1945

She also received the Navy Occupation Service Medal, Asia, for the
period 2 - 3 September 1945.

For his actions while commanding officer of the PIPER during her
third war patrol, Lieutenant Commander Beach received a Gold Star in lieu
of a second Silver Star Medal.

During the period 30 April to 16 May 1948, the PIPER participated in
a naval reservist cruise to Grand Manan Island. As of July 1953 she is
active with the U. S. Atlantic Fleet.

STATISTICS

OVERALL LENGTH                 312 feet
BEAM                           27 feet
SPEED                          20 knots
DISPLACEMENT                   1450 tons
COMPLEMENT                     8 officers and 72 enlisted men

Compiled: 1 December 1953

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```
8309/145/ha
DECLASSIFIED
U.S.S. PIPER (SS409)
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.,
30 March 1945

From:          The Commanding Officer.
To:            (1) The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
               (2) The Commander Submarine Division 32.
               (3) The Commander Submarine Squadron 12.
               (4) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
               (5) The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subj:          U.S.S. PIPER (SS409) - Report of War Patrol Number One.

Enclosures:    (A) Subject report.
               (B) Task Cards.

1.  Enclosures (A) and (B), covering the PIPER's war patrol of tidal
vessel which she conducted in the area east coast of Honshu during the period
25 January 1945 to 30 March 1945 is forwarded herewith.

B. F. McMahon.

DECLASSIFIED AT: 0145, GOVERNMENT SEC.10
BY: DC 41092 DATE: 7/1/72
```

— page 6 —
U.S.S. PIPER (SS409)
REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL

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

A. PROLOGUE:

August 23, 1944             Commissioned, Portsmouth, N.H.
September 15, 1944          Ship accepted, commenced trials and
                            training at Portsmouth, N.H.
October 3-6, 1944           Contract torpedo firing, Newport, R.I.
October 7-10, 1944          Special torpedo test firing, Bar
                            Harbor, Me.
October 12-25, 1944         Training, New London, Conn.
November 1-17, 1944         Sound School, Key West, Fla.
November 22-26, 1944        Training, Los Perlas Islands, R de P.
December 12-25, 1944        Voyage repairs, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
                            Installed ST periscope.
December 25, 1944 to        Training, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
January 25, 1945

- 1 -

— page 7 —
NARRATIVE:

                                        January 25, 1945

1330(VW) Departed Pearl Harbor, T.H., in company with U.S.S. BOFIN,
        U.S.S. THEPANG, U.S.S. POMFRET, and U.S.S. STERLET in a
        Pack known as "Mac's Hops", enroute Saipan, Commander B.F.
        McMahon, U.S. Navy, in U.S.S. PIPER, wolf pack commander.

        List of officers and CPO's on board:

        NAME                                            WAR PATROLS

        Commander B.F. McMahon, U.S.N.                        5
        Lieut. Comdr. C.F. McGivern, U.S.N.                     7
        Lieutenant G.M. Reeves, U.S.N.                        0
        Lieutenant J.H. Dolan, U.S.N.R.                       5(H)
        Lieutenant W.A. Bowman, U.S.N.R.                      3
        Lieutenant O.A. Holt, U.S.N.R.                        0
        Lieutenant G.F. Eberle, U.S.N.R.                      0
        Lieut(jg) J.K. Appeldoorn, U.S.N.R.                   0
        Lieut(jg) W.R. Harrison, U.S.N.R.                     0

        ROBINSON, W.C., 359 79 91, CGM(T), U.S.N.             2
        SMITH, Daniel Thorpe, 381 09 77, CMOM(T), U.S.N.      6
        YOUTSEY, J.D., 375 76 44, CTM(T), U.S.N.              0
        MYER, R.C., 311 12 78, CMOM(T), U.S.N.                6
        KEMPNER, Daniel E., 223 26 58, CMM(T), U.S.N.         0
        LACER, C.A., 337 08 84, CMOM(T), U.S.N.               8

                                January 25 - February 5, 1945

        Enroute Saipan, conducting training dives and drills, and
        tactical and communication exercises in accordance with
        supplementary instructions issued by pack commander.

                                        February 6, 1945

1500(K) Moored alongside U.S.S. FULTON in Tanapag Harbor, Saipan.

                                        February 7, 1945

        Topped off fuel, completed minor voyage repairs.

                                        February 8, 1945

0800(K) Underway for patrol area in company with "Mac's Hops".
2110(K) Radar contact on DD picket vessel 300°T, distant 12000 yards.
        Conducted tracking drill on him while he did same with us until
2230(K) when picket vessel cleared off to north.
2327(K) Passed U.S.S. BRILL on opposite course.

                                        - 2 -

— page 8 —
NOON POSITION: Lat. 15°-46'N, Long. 145°-22'E.
                                                                February 9, 1945
NOON POSITION: Lat. 18°-36'N, Long. 148°-02'E.
                                                                February 10, 1945
0815(K) Practiced at rigging topside for rescue.
1129(K) Sighted PBM bearing 250°T, distant 16 miles.
1130 Dived.
1146 Surfaced.
1300 Pack formed scouting line, distance 15 miles.
1319 Sighted unidentified patrol type plane bearing 120°T,
          distant 15 miles.
1320 Dived.
1341 Surfaced.

NOON POSITION: Lat. 23°-20'N, Long. 148°-05'E.
                                                                February 11, 1945

NOON POSITION: Lat. 27°-32'N, Long. 147°-20'E.
                                                                February 12, 1945
1949 Lookout reported ship bearing 190°T. Ran down true bearing for
          twenty minutes at four engine speed without verifying contact, so
          resumed scouting course.

NOON POSITION: Lat. 31°-37'N, Long. 145°-36'E.
                                                                February 13, 1945
2100 Completed anti-picket boat sweep. Reported negative results to
          ComSubSpac. Set course for lifeguard station.

NOON POSITION: Lat. 33°-30'N, Long. 142°-17'E.
                                                                February 14, 1945
0010 Exchanged recognition signals by SJ Radar with U.S.S. TREPANG.
0200 Radar contact on U.S.S. TREPANG bearing 185°T, distant 9000
          yards on parallel course.

                                                                - 3 -

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0539 Landfall by SJ Radar on Mikura Shima
0637 Dived for submerged patrol between Mikura Shima and
       Hachijo Shima.
1646 Sighted small trawler type patrol boat bearing 245°T, distant
       3400 yards on northerly course at 3 knots.
1911 Surfaced and proceeded toward lifeguard station.
1937 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. TREPANG bearing 050°T.
2143 Radar contact on U.S.S. TREPANG bearing 050°T distant 7000 yards.
       Tracked her as she passed enroute to her station.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 33°-30'N, Long. 139°-40'E.

February 15, 1945

0030 Sighted white light bearing 000°T, estimated to be a small craft
       at about 5000 yards. Unable to pick it up on radar so proceeded.
0605 Radar contact bearing 320°T, distant 12000 yards. Stationed tracking
       party, wondering if we had the TREPANG again, although no radar inter-
       ference present. Target tracked on course 040° at ten knots, then
       turned left at
0640 and opened range to 13000 yards when pip disappeared. Assumed it
       was TREPANG or enemy submarine so proceeded, and at
0645 dived to patrol on life guard station south of Iro Saki.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 34°-08'N, Long. 138°-48'E.

February 16, 1945

Patrolling on lifeguard station south of Iro Saki.
1035 Two U.S. Fighter aircraft appeared and reported for duty as
       fighter cover.
1214 Sighted one ZEKE bearing 090°T, distant five miles.
1215 One ZEKE shot down in flames by our umbrella.
1240 Garbled report of survivors. Underway at flank speed for
       reported position, 15 miles south of Iro Saki.
1256 Our planes reported no plane survivors, but burning Jap freighter
       dead in water, 12 miles south of Iro Saki.
1306 Sighted burning vessel dead ahead.
1325 Closed range to burning vessel to 6800 yards and identified as
       small coastal steamer or patrol craft well underway to Davy Jones.

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— page 10 —
1400 Fighter cover reported no planes down in vicinity and that they
were returning to base. Assumed that strike was completed for the
day and at
1405 dived for submerged patrol.

1933 Surfaced.

1956 Sighted yellow rocket bearing 050°T. Headed down that bearing and at
2001 commenced chasing various small phantom radar pips in hope they
might be survivors in rubber boats, flashing a green blinker gun in
general direction rocket was sighted.

2010 Observed green rocket bearing 304°T. Changed course to 304°T.

2012 Fired two green Very pistol rockets.

2015 SJ Radar interference on bearing 304°T. First green rocket was
TREPANG'S. Continued search in vicinity for possible survivors.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 34°-10'N, Long. 139°-50'E

February 17, 1945

0528 Sighted yellow rocket bearing 088°T. on horizon. Decided to
search vicinity after daylight.

0720 Sunrise on Fuji Yama observed and admired.

0728 Sunrise. On the surface hoping our fighters would appear later
today.

0850 Two fighters reported. Uneventful day standing by on surface with
no business. Enjoyed air show of hundreds of our aircraft passing
overhead, and no Japs. Heavy seas and strong winds from northwest.

1415 Fighter escorts departed.

1420 Dived for submerged patrol.

1936 Surfaced and proceeded to next day's patrol station, transmitting
weather message.

2125 Radar contact on U.S.S. TREPANG bearing 290°T, distant 10,000 yards.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 34°-08'N, Long. 139°-48'E

February 18, 1945

0636 Dived for submerged patrol north of Inamba Shima.

- 5 -

— page 11 —
1931 Surfaced.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 33°-47'N, Long. 139°-10'E.

February 19, 1945

0623 Dived for submerged patrol on lifeguard station south of
Iro Saki. Decoded message giving position of aviation survivors
five miles from the nearest water.
1931 Surfaced.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 34°-10'N, Long. 138°-49'E.

February 20, 1945

0630 Dived for submerged patrol north of Inamba Shima.
1937 Surfaced.
2003 SJ Radar interference bearing 100°T, presumably U.S.S. BO FIN.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 33°-48'N, Long. 139°-10'E

February 21, 1945

0415 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. BO FIN bearing 090°T,
by SJ Radar.
0628 Dived for submerged patrol north west of Inamba Shima.
1932 Surfaced.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 33°-45'N, Long. 139°-05'E.

February 22, 1945

0633 Dived for submerged patrol west of Inamba Shima.
1932 Surfaced.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 33°-40'N, Long. 139°-09'E.

February 23, 1945

0513 Radar contact bearing 100°T, range 18900 yards. Manned battle
stations and commenced end around on four engines.
0545 Contact identified as Inamba Shima on course 125°T at three knots.
Current established and attack abandoned.
0630 Dived for submerged patrol north of Inamba Shima.

- 6 -

— page 12 —
1940 Surfaced.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 33°-44'N, Long. 139°-13'E.

February 24, 1945

0045 Detected radar on APR at 147 megacycles, strong and steady on,
intensity increasing.
0054 SD Radar contact at 7 miles, range closing.
0055 Dived.
0130 Surfaced.
0615 Dived for submerged patrol north of Inamba Shima.
1934 Surfaced.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 33°-48'N, Long. 139°-15'E.

February 25, 1945

Conducting surface patrol west of Zemi Su enroute lifeguard station south of
Iro Saki.
0402 SJ Radar contact dead ahead. Range 5900 yards. Reversed course and
commenced tracking.
0403 Sighted two vessels bearing 025°T.
0445 Targets tracking on course 219°T at 7½ knots in column. Commenced
attack on surface with first calm sea since we arrived on station,
and moon just obscured by timely overcast. Both targets appeared small,
leading one larger.
0500 Fired three bow tubes at leading target, 326° gyro, 9½P track, 4 foot
depth setting, range 2600.
0501½ Fired three bow tubes at trailing target 332° gyro, 8½P track, 4 foot
depth setting, range 2600.
0503 One hit on leading target which blew up with a tremendous flash.
0508 Three heavy explosions; either torpedoes at end of run or depth charges.
Remaining target still in sight and undamaged.
Targets remained unidentified, even at the firing point. Bridge personnel
generally agreed that they were small, and that the leading vessel was
the larger of the two.
0518 Abandoned further attack due to necessity of rendering lifeguard services.
Proceeded toward lifeguard station south of Iro Saki.
0624 Dived.

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— page 13 —
0727 Surfaced for lifeguard services.
0930 Sighted object in water bearing 170°T, distant 4000 yards.
     Closed to investigate and identified as drifting red and white
     can buoy with red and white flag, possibly an old depth charge
     marker.
1026 Four fighter escorts reported. They had been searching for us
     for some time in bad visibility.
1038 Fighters departed.
1103 Two more fighter planes reported.
1300 Aircraft departed.
1424 Dived for submerged patrol.
1534 Commenced hearing distant explosions.
1934 Surfaced in heavy seas with bad storm brewing and indications of
     cyclonic disturbance. Transmitted special weather message to ComSubsPac.
     Spent miserable night in mountainous seas with estimated 70 knot wind
     at its maximum.

NOON POSITION: Lat. 34°-10'N, Long. 139°-48'E.

                                        February 26, 1945

0810 Received message directing us to take lifeguard station off Nagoya
     today. Headed for new station making best speed in heavy seas.
1310 Arrived at lifeguard station. No air activity.
1330 Dived for submerged patrol, listening on lifeguard frequency every
     half hour over vertical antenna.
1934 Surfaced.

NOON POSITION: Lat. 33°-50'N, Long. 137°-30'E.

                                        February 27, 1945

0043 SJ Radar interference bearing 070°T.
0145 Radar contact, 070°, range 8500. Exchanged calls with
     USS TREPANG.
0649 Information indefinite on strike today so submerged with vertical
     antenna out, listening on life guard frequency.
0935 Surfaced to see if anything is going on.

                                        - 8 -

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1942 No indication of a strike in progress, so submerged.
     Continued listening on vertical antenna.
1936 Surfaced in bright full moonlight and calm sea.
2100 Transmitted weather report.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 33°-55'N, Long. 136°-51'E.

                                                      February 28, 1945

0633 Dived for submerged patrol south of Nagoya.
1941 Surfaced.
2000 Radar detected on APR at 151 megacycles, searching.
2011 Keyed SD Radar and detected plane at 20 miles. Contact
     in general vicinity apparently searching, and gradually
     APR until about
2037 when contact was lost on APR.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 34°-00'N, Long. 137°-30'E.

                                                      March 1, 1945

0200 Detected SJ Radar bearing 111°T.
0300 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. TREPANG.
0634 Dived for submerged patrol south-west of Inamba Shima.
1936 Surfaced and proceeded toward lifeguard station east of
     Hachijo Shima.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 33°-30'N, Long. 139°-11'E.

                                                      March 2, 1945

0015 Radar detected at 151 megacycles, weak signal, fading in
0047 when contact was lost on APR, reappearing again at
0205 and continuing in vicinity until about
0345 when contact disappeared.
0633 Dived for submerged patrol east of Hachijo Shima.
1938 Surfaced in heavy seas. Made steerage-way during the night
     heading into the sea.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 33°-00'N, Long. 141°-20'E.

                                                      - 9 -

— page 15 —
March 3, 1945

0629 Dived for submerged patrol in vicinity of lifeguard station.
1903 Surfaced.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 32°-18'N, Long. 141°-37'E

March 4, 1945

Conducting surface patrol on lifeguard station. During morning sighted
numerous superfortresses returning from Tokyo raid.

1220 Intercepted encoded message from aircraft to the effect that they
     were abandoning plane at Lat. 30°-25'N, Long. 141°-45'E. About
     150 miles to go.
1247 Headed for reported position at four engine speed, 150 miles to go.
1300 Received message from BOWFIN reporting engagement with two picket
     boats, still in contact. They are on our track.
1553 Ordered TREPANG to follow us if not otherwise engaged.
1810 Sent message to BOWFIN asking for position and course and speed
     of contact.
1944 Cleared message to ComSubsPac with information about contact and
     intention to search for aviators.
2143 Received message from ComSubsPac that aviators had arrived safely
     and to abandon search.
2200 Headed northwards again to patrol in vicinity of lifeguard station.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 33°-00'N, Long. 141°-20'E.

March 5, 1945

0630 Dived for submerged patrol east of Aoga Shima.
1902 Surfaced.
1920 Detected 156 megacycles radar on APR.
1930 Swung ship and determined approximate bearing of contact to be
     300°T, so headed toward it. This is the bearing of our expected
     landfall on Aoga Shima.
2228 Radar contact on Aoga Shima, bearing 308°T, distant 25 miles.
     Intensity of foreign radar signal had increased proportionately
     so decided it must be search equipment on Aoga Shima. The APR
     has made numerous landfalls for us on this patrol, as it usually
     detects the Jap radar some considerable time before the SJ radar makes
     contact.

- 10 -

— page 16 —
NOON POSITION: Lat. 32°-00'N, Long. 140°-55'E.
                                        March 6, 1945
0615        Dived for submerged patrol north-east of Aoga Shima.
1935        Surfaced.

NOON POSITION: Lat. 32°-33'N, Long. 139°-50'E.
                                        March 7, 1945
0615        Dived for submerged patrol in vicinity of lifeguard station,
            east of Aoga Shima.
1907        Surfaced.

NOON POSITION: Lat. 32°-28'N, Long. 141°-00'E
                                        March 8, 1945
0616        Dived for submerged patrol east of Aoga Shima.
1945        Surfaced.

NOON POSITION: Lat. 32°-39'N, Long. 140°-10'E
                                        March 9, 1945
            Dived for submerged patrol south-east of Hachijo Shima.
0616        Surfaced. Received message from BO FIN reporting contact with
            two picket boats. Sent message to BO FIN and TREPANG proposing
            coordinated gun attack on picket boats upon completion of life-
            guard services tomorrow.
1945

NOON POSITION: Lat. 32°-48'N, Long. 140°-00'E
                                        March 10, 1945
            Patrolling on surface in mountainous seas in vicinity of lifeguard station -
            Numerous Superfortresses sighted flying low enroute to and from Tokyo.
0105        Bridge swamped by pooping sea, solid water to lookout platforms
            almost drowning two officers. The officer of the deck, Lieutenant
            W.A. BOWMAN, USNR, was thrown against the gyro compass repeater
            while trying to close the conning tower hatch, and suffered a
            contusion of the right side. Headed into the sea and made a
            steerageway.
1412        Sent message cancelling gun shoot on account of weather.

                                        - 11 -

— page 17 —
1418 Dived for submerged patrol.
1948 Surfaced and set course to pass south of Aoga Shima enroute pack
     rendezvous.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 32°-50'N, Long. 140°-40'E

March 11, 1945

0615 Dived for submerged patrol south-west of Aoga Shima.
1907 Surfaced and proceeded toward rendezvous for anti-picket boat
     sweep. Took advantage of calm weather to convert #4 to main
     ballast tank.
2350 Sighted first of many superfortresses flying low with running
     lights on.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 31°-39'N, Long. 138°-47'E

March 12, 1945

0640 Dived for submerged patrol.
1753 Sighted U.S.S. STERLET bearing 288°T, distant 8000 yards on northerly
     course.
1802 Fired submerged signal gun recognition signal.
1804 Surfaced and identified U.S.S. STERLET.
1842 Sighted U.S. Submarine bearing 140°T, distant eight miles, identified
     by STERLET as U.S.S. FINBACK. This sighting occurred two hours before
     receiving a message from ComSubSPac to the effect that all
     SNARKS were clear of our area and that the only likely sighting was the
     U.S.S. RONQUIL.
1900 Commenced anti-picket boat sweep.
2100 Cleared message to Mac's Mops giving instructions for scouting
     assigned area west of Nanpo Shoto.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 30°-02'N, Long. 137°-23'E

March 13, 1945

Conducting anti-picket boat sweep between Lat. 29° and 30° and Long. 137° and 139°.
0810 Test fired the 5" and 40 mm guns.
1830 Completed sweep with negative results. Headed south toward initial
     point for next sweep.
2100 Transmitted rendezvous instructions for tomorrow to Mac's Mops.

- 12 -

— page 18 —
2315 Sighted lighted aircraft bearing 280°T headed north.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 30°-04'N, Long. 137°-04'E

March 14, 1945

0630 Sighted U.S. Submarine bearing 340°T, distant 7 miles; identified
     as U.S.S. POMFRET, overhauling us.
0912 Sighted patrol type plane bearing 170°T, distant 10 miles on
     opposite course.
0914 Dived.
0951 Surfaced.
1010 Sighted U.S.S. TREPANG bearing 163°T, distant 9 miles, on
     opposite course.
1025 Sighted U.S.S. BO FIN bearing 150°T, distant 9 miles.
1245 Sighted friendly patrol plane; fired recognition flare.
1304 Sighted U.S.S. STERLET bearing 337°T, distant 9 miles.
1400 Completed rendezvous and transmitted instructions for forth coming
     operations, using FM radio.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 27°-13'N, Long. 137°-07'E

March 15, 1945

Enroute initial point for anti-pickup, bore sweep.
0600 Scouting line formed on course 052°T, scouting distance 10 miles.
0833 Sighted unidentified patrol type plane, distant 8 miles.
0900 Dived.
1036 Surfaced.
1040 SD radar contact at 20 miles.
1404 SD contact lost.
1441 Sighted drifting mine dead ahead, 1500 yards. Lat. 26°-35'N,
     134°-22'E. Commenced maneuvering for machine gun fire.
1442 Mine sunk without exploding. It was spherical with horns.
Proceeded on scouting mission.

- 13 -

— page 19 —
1629 Possible periscope sighted by OOD and three lookouts bearing
065°T, distant 2500 yards. Swing to put contact astern, making
tubes ready, and at 1633 fired MK.14 torpedo at contact, results negative.
1642 Sighted U.S.S. PO.FRET bearing 280°T, distant 6 miles and established
communication by FH, warning him of periscope contact.
1644 Headed south to regain position in scouting line on swoop toward 150°T.
1709 Sighted possible periscope at 3000 yards and two engine aircraft, distant
7 miles both at bearing 090°T, so submerged.
Decided to remain submerged until after dark to develop possible
submarine contact.
2000 Surfaced and proceeded to search at'high speed for possible
submarine.
2130 Abandoned search and proceeded toward station on scouting line on course
150°T.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 26°-08'N, Long. 134°-26'E.

[HANDWRITTEN: March 16, 1945]
0500 Scouting line reversed course to 330°T.
0932 Sighted unidentified aircraft at 7 miles.
0933 Dived.
1006 Surfaced.
1133 SD radar contact at 20 miles.
1136 Lost SD contact.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 26°-22.4'N, Long. 134°-52'E

[HANDWRITTEN: March 17, 1945]
1019 Sighted unidentified plane bearing 140°T, distant 8 miles.
1020 Dived.
1050 Surfaced.
1201 Sighted unidentified aircraft bearing 090°T, distant 10 miles.
1204 Submerged when aircraft headed toward us.
1234 Surfaced.
1610 Anti-picket boat sweep completed. Submerged to remain undetected.

- 14 -

— page 20 —
1941 Surfaced and proceeded toward lifeguard station off Bungo Suido.
2000 Transmitted message to ComSubSPac reporting results of sweep.
2222 APR contact at 150 megacycles gradually increasing in intensity
     and being keyed.
2310 Keyed SD radar and made contact on aircraft at 20 miles, range
     decreasing rapidly. When SD range decreased to 5 miles
2314 Dived.
2347 Surfaced.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 29°-33'N, Long. 132°-56'E

                                        March 18, 1945

0510 APR contact on two aircraft radars, very strong, and being keyed.
0514 Keyed SD radar and made contact at 8 and 15 miles.
0515 Dived with SD range of three miles.
0548 Surfaced.
0550 Sighted flashing light bearing 350°T. Thought at first it was
     Okino Shima until shortly another appeared and the range closed rapidly.
0600 When we reversed course about 1000 yards short of two fishing boats.
0611 One of numerous APR contacts growing stronger. Started working around
     to westward of fishing boats in order to gain our station before dawn.
0613 Sighted engine exhaust of plane on port beam.
0613½ Dived.
     Proceeded toward lifeguard station submerged.
     Heard numerous underwater explosions during the day. Running with
     vertical antenna exposed listening on lifeguard frequency. Did not remain
     on the surface because of the uncertainty as to whether or not we were
     to have fighter cover. Fighter escort for us did not appear either of
     two days, nor were we called by aircraft on the lifeguard frequency.
1530 Sighted object bearing 190°T and headed toward.
1532 Observed explosions to left of object under investigation, possibly
     bombs or plane shot down.
1618 Identified object as red and white buoy with red and white flag
     similar to buoy sighted north of Zeni Su on February 25.
1722 Received report of aircraft survivor down in our vicinity. Made
     preparations to surface.

                                        - 15 -

— page 21 —
```
1790  Received message, from PD FISH asking if we were closer to survivor
       than 5 NM.

1734  Surfaced and proceeded toward reported position in flank speed.
       Informed FISH that we were closer than requested they send us
       further cover during.

1723/4  A surfaced aircraft was a Zeke so he passed close aboard and
        then headed toward. The Captain named this a skoke as the my
        down the field and at.

1215  Mind. Decided to take up surface after dark, since it is
       easier to see how to work on him, honored motion during day light.

1913  Backing out, returning original position of survivors in crew,
       for FISH assigned in return.

0217  Surfaced.

2222  Air contact, at 100 miles astern bow, 8000 ft.

2224  Killed torpedoes. Thought it might be survivors.

2221  I had a sight plane dead ahead. Bird as he passed low
       over the reported course coming from down some.

H.L. POSITION: Lat. 31°-02'N, Long. 138°-07'E
                March 12, 1945

0000  Surfaced.

0105  Sighted about 30 illustrations firing in the sky bearing 090°.

0130  Sighted glow of light on horizon bearing 210°.

0310  Shows air contact, etc.

0350  Weather contact 10 miles, clouddge.

0352  21°-C with (8) range of a mile.

0426  Surfaced.

0465  PD used to listen on lifeguard frequency. Commenced boarding portable
       distress explosions.

- 16 -
```

— page 22 —
0825 Sighted four aircraft headed east.
1 27 Sighted two distant aircraft in combat.
1028 One plane shot down in flames. Assumed it was enemy because at
1030 sighted four friendly fighters in same direction and no call for
    assistance received on life guard frequency.
2016 Surfaced.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 32°-10'N, Long. 132°-04'E
                                        March 20, 1945

0612 Sighted one illumination flare similar to those of last night
    bearing 320°T.
0615 Dived to listen on vertical antenna.
1405 Commenced hearing distant explosions.
1700 Copied and decoded message from ComSubPac regarding extension
    of our patrol.
2014 Surfaced.
2200 Transmitted area assignments to PO FRET and SILVERSIDES to cover
    approaches to Bungo Suido.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 31°-40'N, Long. 132°-09'E
                                        March 21, 1945

0635 Dived for submerged patrol.
0846 Sighted Betty type bomber dead ahead at one and one half miles
    which reappeared again at 0930, 0950, 1110, 1135, and 1351.
    Looked for traffic on the surface but none appeared.
2009 Surfaced.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 31°-24'N, Long. 132°-19'E
                                        March 22, 1945
0623 Dived for submerged patrol.

                                        - 17 -

— page 23 —
2002 Surfaced.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 31°-30'N, Long. 132°-19'E
March 23, 1945
0100 Departed Bungo Suido, enroute Midway
NOON POSITION: Lat. 29°-59'N, Long. 137°-37'E
March 24, 1945
1344 Sighted four engine U.S. patrol plane, bearing 270° T, distant
9 miles. Fired recognition flare and established communication
by VHF.
NOON POSITION: Lat. 30°-25'N, Long. 144°-50'E
March 25-29, 1945
Enroute Midway.
March 30, 1945
Arrived Midway.

- 10 -

— page 24 —
(C) WEATHER
The weather throughout the time on station south of Tokyo was
consistently foul, with strong winds and heavy seas predomin-
ating. The infrequent periods of moderate weather were never of more than a few
hours duration.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
East of the Izu Shoto currents followed the wind and sea. Among
the islands the currents were in general as described in Japan Pilot,
Vol. II. North, west, and south of Zeni Su, the prevailing
current under all conditions was found to be north-west with an average
set of one knot. In the neighborhood of Inamba Shima strong currents (1.5-2 knots) were
experienced, setting either north-west or north-east.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
None observed.

- 19 -

— page 25 —
```
C-R-I-T-I-C-A-L

SHIP CONTACTS

Contact No. 1 2 3 4 5
Time  2170(1)  2337(1)  0000(1)  1464(1)  2143(1)
Date  27/8/45  27/8/45  27/8/45  27/8/45  27/8/45
Lat.  16°59'S  16°59'S  16°59'S  39°30'N  39°30'N
Long.  105°30'E  105°30'E  105°30'E  139°27'E  139°27'E
Type  MD  AS  SO  Trawler Type  SS
Initial Range  12000  8000  9000  3400  7000
Est. Course  110°  276°  265°  000°  230°
& Speed  15 kts.  12 kts.  10 kts.  8 kts.  13 kts.
How Contacted  Radar  Radar  Radar  Radar  Radar
Remarks  Radar Picket  USS BRILL  USS TIPANG  Patrol  USS TIPANG

Contact No. 7  8  9  10
Time  602  0465  1301  0940  0150
Date  27/5/45  27/5/45  27/5/45  27/5/45  27/5/45
Lat.  23°29'N  21°10'N  21°34'N  19°36'N  19°37'N
Long.  138°51'E  139°27'E  139°30'E  139°38'E  139°47'E
Type  UN  UN  Patrol or  Two Small  SS
Initial Range  4000  12000  20,000  9900  9000
Est. Course  UN  040°  0  2100  000°
& Speed  UN  10 kts.  7.5 kts.  13 kts.
How Contacted  Sight  Radar  Sight  Radar  Radar
Remarks  Sighted  SS  Damaged by  Torpedo  USS TIPANG
  [HANDWRITTEN:  2nd white  attack  #1 & #2]
- 20 -
```

— page 26 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

                                        SHIP CONTACTS

Contact No.             11              12              13              14              15
Time                    1753            1842            1629            1642            1709
Date                    3/12/45         3/12/45         3/15/45         3/15/45         3/15/45
Lat.                    29°-04'N         30°-07'N         26°-55'N         26°-57'N         26°-55'N
Long.                   137°-29'E        137°-23'E        134°-19'E        134°-18'E        134°-17'E
Type                    S
                                                        Periscope       Periscope       Periscope
Initial Range           8000            16000           2500            12000           3000
Est. Course             320°            090°            UN              150°            UN
& Speed                 13 kts.                                         13 kts.
How Contacted           Periscope       High Periscope Lookout          High Periscope Lookout
Remarks                 USS STERLET     USS FINBACK     Possible        USS POMFRET     Possible
                                                        Enemy                           Enemy
                                                        Submarine                       Submarine

No.                     16
Time                    0550
Date                    3/18/45
Lat.                    31°-52'N
Long.                   132°-14'E
Type                    Two lighted
                        Fishing boats
Initial Range           6000
Est. Course             180°
& Speed                 5 kts.
How Contacted           OOD Binoculars
Remarks

                                        - 21 -

— page 27 —
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

A large percentage of the aircraft contacts made while on the
surface within two hundred miles of the Japanese home land were
patrol planes, a very satisfactory trend. Alert lookouts sighted aircraft
during the day at sufficient distance to avoid attack. A decided increase
in Japanese air activity was noted on the day and night preceding the
carrier strike on Kyusku, probably indicating they had fore warning of
the strike.

- 22 -

— page 29 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

                                                                ATTACK NO. 1

Tubes Fired                                     3                               4                               5
Track Angle                                     91P                             91P                             92P
Gyro Angle                                      327                             326                             325
Depth Set                                       4 ft.                           4 ft.                           4 ft.
Power                                           27.0 kts.                       27.0 kts.                       27.0 kts.
Hit or Miss                                     Miss                            Hit                             Miss
Erratic                                         No                              No                              No
Mark Torpedo                                    18-2                            18-1                            18-2
Serial No.                                      57631                           55670                           57654
Mark Exploder                                   8-5                             8-5                             8-5
Serial No.                                      10034                           9072                            8843
Actuation Set                                                                   Contact
Actuation Actual                                -                               Contact                         -
Mark Warhead                                    18-2                            18-2                            18-2
Serial Number                                   4639                            4933                            4489
Explosive                                       TPX                             TPX                             TPX
Firing Interval                                                                 10 seconds
Type Spread                                                                     1° divergent
Sea Condition                                                                   Calm
Overhaul Activity                               S/M Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Remarks                                         Length of run 3000 yards. Time to explosion 3 minutes
                                                15 seconds. Temperature injection 52° - Temperature
                                                electrolyte 55°.

                                                                - 24 -

— page 30 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
(Torpedo Attack Report Form)

U.S.S. PIPER (SS409) Torpedo Attack No. 2 Patrol No. 1
Time 0500½ Date February 25, 1945 Lat. 33°-56'N Long. 138°-31'E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description: Trailing and smaller of two ships.
Ships Sunk: None.
Ships Damaged: None.
Damage Determined By: - - - - - -
Target Draft Unknown Course 210° Speed 7.7 kts. Range at Firing 2800

Own Ship Data
Speed 2 kts. Course 330° Depth surface Angle 0°(at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type Attack: At completion of attack #1, changed set-up
on TDC to target #2, fired a spread of three
and retired at high speed.

- 25 -

— page 31 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

                                                                ATTACK NO. 2
                                                                1               2
Tubes Fired                 6
Track Angle                 85P                             86P             87P
Gyro Angle                  334                             333             331
Depth Set                   4 ft.                           4 ft.           4 ft.
Power                       27.1 kts.                       27.1 kts.       27.1 kts.
Hit or Miss                 Miss                            Miss            Miss
Erratic                     No                              No              No
Mark Torpedo                18-2                            18-2            18-2
Serial No.                  57577                           57673           57413
Mark Exploder               8-5                             8-5             8-5
Serial No.                  10093                           10005           8835
Actuation Set                                               Contact         -
Actuation Actual            -                               -               -
Mark Warhead                18-2                            18-2            18-2
Serial No.                  5117                            4746            4673
Explosive                   TPX                             TPX             TPX

Firing Interval                                             10 seconds
Torpedo Spread                                              1° divergent
Sea Condition                                               Calm
Overhaul Activity                                           S/M Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Remarks                                                     Temperature injection 52°
                                                            Temperature electrolyte 55°

                                                            - 26 -

— page 32 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

(Torpedo Attack Report Form)

U.S.S. PIPER (SS409) Torpedo Attack No. 3 Patrol Number 1
Time 1630 Date March 15, 1945 Lat. 27°-00'N. Long. 134°-21'E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Doubtful periscope sight contact by lookouts
             on stbd. beam, distant 2000 yards.

Ships Sunk: None.

Ships Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.

Damage Determined By: -----

Target Draft Unknown Course Unknown Speed Unknown Range at firing 2500 yds.(est.)

Own Ship Data

Speed 12 kts. Course 245°T Depth Surface Angle Ø (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Sight contact on starboard beam. Swung
             and fired a stern shot, zero gyro, with
             run of about 2500 yards. Torpedo passed
             to right of object.

- 27 -

— page 33 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

ATTACK NO 3

Tubes Fired                               8
Track Angle                               Unknown
Gyro Angle                                Ø
Depth Set                                 50 ft.
Power                                     High
Hit or Miss                               Miss
Magnetic                                  No
Mark Torpedo                              14-3A
Serial No.                                39372
Mark Exploder                             6-5
Serial No.                                17167
Actuation Set                             Contact
Actuation Actual                          None
Mark Warhead                              16-1
Serial Number                             17277
Explosive                                 TPX
Firing Interval                           --
Type Spread                               --
Sea Condition                             Moderate
Overhaul Activity                         S/M Base, Pearl Harbor.
Remarks                                   Object sighted on stbd. beam about 2000 yards,
                                          believed to be periscope. Swung left and fired
                                          a zero gyro from tube #8.

- 28 -

— page 34 —
(I) MINES

Other than the drifting mine sighted on March 14, no
indications of mine laying activity were encountered.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

Night flying, radar equipped search planes was the principal
anti-submarine measure encountered. The tactics of those planes and
the method used in their evasion is discussed in (U) Radar and
Countermeasures.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE.

Hull & Machinery

1. On 19 February #2 high pressure air compressor lost lub oil
through the oil pressure relief valve, which had lifted and failed to
reseat, with the following damage: Crankshaft scored on thrust
faces, main bearings wiped, connecting rod bearings wiped. The crank-
shaft was stoned, bearings renewed, faulty relief valve and pressure
gage replaced, and oil passages cleared, and compressor functioned sat-
isfactorily.

2. On 3 March the trim pump failed to take suction due to inability
of the priming pump to pull a vacuum. Inspection revealed the assembly
nut of the check valve between the priming pump and the priming pump
float valve had backed off, preventing the check valve from functioning.

3. The make shift forward ventilation booster blower installed at
Pearl Harbor failed after three weeks of operation with the motor
broken in five places and bearings worn excessively. Repair was beyond
the capacity of ship's force.

RADIO FAILURES AND DEFECTS

1. Underwater loop flooded out during dive. Loop was disconnected
from coupling unit.

2. One attempt to transmit to ComSubsPac during daylight hours was
not successful due to the inability of the TBL to load up on the high
frequency required. Shortening one of the long antennas should correct
this situation.

3. Keying the Fox schedules from Guam on 9090 kcs. was a great
improvement. The signal was nearly always received much stronger than
that from Honolulu. At times however, particularly between the hours
1800-2000 Z, the keying became so blurred as to make copying impossible.

4. Contacts on IMC-7MC bridge talk-back switch failed twice. New
contacts were impossible to get at Pearl so old contacts were repaired
and used but were not completely satisfactory. After bridge talk-back
switch flooded out and was disconnected. The IMC-7MC has been a continual
source of trouble since commissioning.

- 29 -

— page 36 —
Adapter unit was charged up to experience. The ST instruction book is
very inadequate for this unit. Until this failure ranges up to 9000
yards were obtained on other submarines with 8 feet of periscope exposed.
The ST will be a valuable addition to the fire control setup when the
bugs are ironed out.

SD-5 - The SD was carried in a warm up condition all the time and
keyed only when on lifeguard stations and or at strong signals detected
on the APR. The SD-5 is much improved over the SD-4, however low
flying planes can still come in undetected. Maximum ranges encountered
were up to 32 miles for planes and 46 miles for land. Only minor
troubles were as follows:

1. No sweep or spot on CR tube in Receiver unit: - Replaced tube.

2. No echoes but IFF return: - Bad input plug from antenna to RF stages.

APR-SPA - Continuous watch was stood at all times on the surface on this
unit. The APR-SPA was the OD's best friend. Not only were radar equipped
planes detected early but landfalls and detection of friendly planes with
only IFF were expected and made frequently providing the Nippon ships
by having their 140 to 160 megacycle radar beamed in the right direction.
The APR picked up VHF transmissions long before the regular VHF receiver
did therefore putting an additional load upon it during strikes. Two
troubles put the SPA out for only a short time. For additional informa-
tion see Section U.

1. No CR tube indications yet PRF meter worked normally: - Bad
2X2 power tube causing R-201 to burn out.

2. Same as above: - T-201 burnt due to open in secondary of
High Voltage windings.

SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

1. One coil in armature of QB sound motor generator burned out.
Caused believe to be due to faulty armature winding. Motor was
was placed out of commission and QC-JK motor generator cross
to QB sound head. This gave power training of the QB in the
tower and hand training of the QC-JK in the forward room.

2. Limit switch on QB training sheared off due to failure
to turn off training motor. Limit switch of QC-JK was put in its place.

3. Cable leads of both sound heads broke repeatedly and were spliced
together several times. These should be replaced by the slip ring type
of lead.

4. DCDI flooded out on first dive. This casualty has happened twice
before. The topside wiring and junction box were renewed at Pearl Harbor
but this did not prevent a repeat of the casualty.

5. Sound conditions were good.

DENSITY LAYERS - None observed.

- 31 -

— page 37 —
(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY:

The general health of the crew was excellent. 65% of the crew was
mildly affected on one occasion by food poisoning. Three cases of fungus
infection were treated. No cases of otitis media.

The quality of provisions furnished at Pearl Harbor was satisfactory
with the exception of chicken which was decidedly inferior and could not be
passed as Grade B. Meals were well prepared. We have an excellent baker.
The ship was clean and comfortable. Our ventilation system requires
a booster supply blower forward, of more reliable design than the one that
failed early in this patrol, before this ship's ventilation will be satis-
factory in warm climates.

(Q) PERSONNEL:

Number of men on board during patrol                                75
Number of men qualified at start of patrol                          36
Number of men qualified at end of patrol                            61
Number of unqualified men making their first patrol                 39

The personnel conducted themselves in a most exemplary manner. In
spite of the fact that this was the first patrol for a large majority of
the men, their conduct left nothing to be desired. The lookouts were part-
icularly deserving of praise. This speaks well for the method of choosing
submariners and giving them their preliminary training and indoctrination.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED:

Pearl to Saipan             3787 miles      44530 gallons
Saipan to Area              1701 miles       6880 gallons
In Area                     7239 miles       6880 gallons
Area to Midway              2767 miles      41862 gallons

(S) DURATION:

Days enroute to Area        14
Days in Area                11
Days enroute to Midway       8
Days submerged              26

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING:

Torpedoes       Fuel            Provisions      Personnel Factor
Mk.18 - 10      2000 gals.      Days - 25       Days - 1
Mk.14 - 2
Mk.27 - 3

Limiting factor this patrol: - Dispatch orders of ComSubPac.

- 32 -

— page 38 —
(U) RADAR, COMMUNICATIONS, & SONAR COUNTERMEASURES.

RADAR COUNTERMEASURES

1. Interception of Enemy Signals: - The APR-SPA was constantly
buzzing while in the area with Jap radar signals. Luckily all
radar frequencies fell in the band covered by the TN-2 tuning unit.
Not a single signal was found above 205 megacycles therefore the TN-3
tuning unit was used very little. If the enemy had used radar
outside of the TN-2 band it would have taken two men to stand watch on the
equipment to keep track of all the signals. When the equipment becomes
available another APR unit should be installed to insure that all enemy
signals are accounted for. Most of the enemy radar encountered, both
land and air based, seemed to be standardized between 140 to 160 mega-
cycles, with the pulse rate frequency separating the two. Several
contacts were made between 190 to 210 megacycles on aircraft and fewer
contacts on land based sets. After a plane contact was made
and followed in to point where the signal strength indicated
in fifteen miles, the SD was keyed and the plane was followed
on it.

More contacts were made than the following list indicates, how-
ever they were repeats on previous contacts.

| DATE | TIME | POSITION           | FREQ.     | PULSE PRF | WIDTH | SHAPE                     | REMARKS                                |
| :--- | :--- | :| :| :| :---- | :| :|
| 2-14 | 0315 | Mikura or          | 155 Meg.  | 6-7       | 600   | [drawing of a pulse shape]| Land based                             |
|      |      | Miyake Shima       |           |           |       |                           |                                        |
| 2-14 | 0715 | Mikura Shima       | 147 Meg.  | 6-8       | 500   | [drawing of a pulse shape]| Land Based, Second Pulse dis-          |
|      |      |                    |           |           |       |                           | appears if keyed.                      |
| 2-14 | 2100 | Kozu Shima         | 153 Meg.  | 6-8       | 500   | [drawing of a pulse shape]| Land Base. First indications           |
|      |      |                    |           |           |       |                           | at 30 miles.                           |
| 2-15 | 0535 | 33°-54'N           | 110 Meg.  | 35-40     | 400   | [drawing of a pulse shape]| Land based.                            |
|      |      | 138°-30'E          |           |           |       |                           |                                        |
| 2-18 | 2230 | 33°-33'N           | 147 Meg.  | 5         | 600   | [drawing of a pulse shape]| Land based. Second pulse not           |
|      |      | 138°-57'E          |           |           |       |                           | keyed in and out.                      |
| 2-19 | 2000 | Iro Saki           | 150 Meg.  | 9-10      | 500   | [drawing of a pulse shape]| Pulse width varied by several          |
|      |      | Honshu             |           |           |       |                           | M.S.                                   |
| 2-21 | 2330 | 34°-00'N           | 149 Meg.  | 3-5       | 1000  | [drawing of a pulse shape]| Aircraft. On keying SD this            |
|      |      | 138°-50'E          |           |           |       |                           | detection was keyed off immedi-        |
|      |      |                    |           |           |       |                           | ately.                                 |
| 2-25 | 1930 | Omai Saki          | 153 Meg.  | 6-8       | 500   | [drawing of a pulse shape]| Land based                             |
|      |      | Honshu             |           |           |       |                           |                                        |
| 2-28 | 1950 | 33°-40'N           | 151 Meg.  | 7-8       | 1250  | [drawing of a pulse shape]| Aircraft - never closed.               |
|      |      | 137°-00'E          |           |           |       |                           |                                        |

- 33 -

— page 39 —
DATE | TIME | POSITION | FREQ | PULSE | PRF WIDTH | SHAPE | REMARKS
3-1 | 1930 | Mikura Shima | 147 Meg. | 5-6 | 600 | [Shape: flat line] | Land based - Medium power.
3-1 | 2200 | Hachijo Jima | 153 Meg. | 4-5 | 600 | [Shape: single rounded pulse] | Land based - Must be located
| | | | | | | on northern side of island.
3-2 | 0015 | 33°-27'N | 151 Meg. | 6-7 | 500 | [Shape: square pulse] | Land based - Rotating antenna.
| | | 141°-50'E | | | |
3-5 | 1915 | Aoga Shima | 156 Meg. | 4-5 | 600 | [Shape: single rounded pulse] | Land based - High power
3-6 | 0600 | Hachijo | 152 Meg. | 4-6 | 600 | [Shape: single rounded pulse] | Rotating antenna.
| | | Jima | | | |
3-9 | 1940 | Aoga Shima | 105 Meg. | 20 | 1250 | [Shape: flat-top pulse] | Antenna Rotating.
3-17 | 2230 | 30°-48'N | 151 Meg. | 4-5 | 1100 | [Shape: single rounded pulse] | Aircraft - Heard about once a
| | | 132°-21'E | | | | min. Dove when SD showed 5 miles.
3-18 | 0035 | 31°-12'N | 152 Meg. | 5 | 1100 | [Shape: single rounded pulse] | Aircraft - Never close.
| | | 132°-20'E | | | |
3-18 | 0100 | 31°-17'N | 135 Meg. | 5-6 | 500 | [Shape: square pulse] | Land based.
| | | 132°-19'E | | | |
3-18 | 0510 | " | 155 Meg. | 8-10 | 600 | [Shape: square pulse] | Land based - High power
3-18 | 1740 | 31°-44'N | 205 Meg. | 10 | 1000 | [Shape: single rounded pulse] | Aircraft - Dove when SD contact
| | | 132°-14'E | | | | moved from 15 to 3 miles.
3-18 | 2025 | 32°-02'N | 151 Meg. | 5 | 1100 | [Shape: single rounded pulse] | Aircraft - Never closed.
| | | 131°-54'E | | | |
3-18 | 2030 | " | 195 Meg. | 5 | 1000 | [Shape: square pulse] | Aircraft
3-18 | 2200 | " | 205 Meg. | 5-8 | 1200 | [Shape: double square pulse] | Aircraft - Pulse shape changed,
| | | | | | | never closed.
3-18 | 2200 | " | 150 Meg. | 5 | 1000 | [Shape: single rounded pulse] | Dove on SJ contact at 4 miles
| | | | | | | closing fast, sighted as OOD
| | | | | | | believed to be shipborne.
3-19 | 0200 | 31°-33'N | 153 Meg. | 6-7 | 500 | [Shape: single rounded pulse] | Believed to be shipborne.
| | | 132°-28'E | | | |
3-19 | 0300 | 31°-31'N | 148 Meg. | 16 | 500 | [Shape: double rounded pulse] | Very strange pulse shape.
| | | 132°-28'E | | | |
3-19 | 0900 | 31°-31'N | 195 Meg. | 5-6 | 1000 | [Shape: square pulse] | Aircraft - Dove when SD showed
| | | 132°-28'E | | | | 4 miles.
3-19 | 2020 | Okino Shima | 155 Meg. | 5-6 | 500 | [Shape: square pulse] | Land based.

- 34 -

— page 40 —
DATE | TIME | POSITION | FREQ | PULSE PRF WIDTH | SHAPE | REMARKS
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
3-20 | 0300 | 32°-25'N 132°-23'E | 195 Meg. | 3-4 1000 | [Shape: single square pulse] | Aircraft - Keyed
3-20 | 0300 | " | 200 Meg. | 6-7 1000 | [Shape: single square pulse with slight trailing edge] | Aircraft - Keyed
3-20 | 2030 | Kioshu | 154 Meg. | 5-6 500 | | Land Based
3-20 | 2045 | 32°-00'N 132°-55'E | 150 Meg. | 5-6 1000 | [Shape: single square pulse with trailing edge] | Aircraft
3-20 | 2330 | 31°-40'N 132°-10'E | 135 Meg. | 5-6 500 | [Shape: two distinct square pulses] | Land based
3-22 | 0240 | 31°-30'N 131°-57'E | 78 Meg. | 16-20 500 | [Shape: series of 3-4 square pulses] | Land based
3-22 | 0240 | " | 143 Meg. | 12-14 500 | [Shape: series of 3-4 square pulses] | Land based

2. No enemy jamming was encountered.

3. Deception: The Nip had no set manner of keying his radar but on
moonlight nights sometimes he would not key it for a half hour at a
time and then even when he did key it, it was not strong enough to
be seen on other radars. On one occasion APR detected three separate
signals at different frequencies. While concentrating on two very
strong, the third keyed his radar only once while making an approach
to be guided in by the other two planes. Luckily we caught this one timed
and followed him in with the SD thereon.
On a second occasion one plane using radar but outside of the range
of the SD guided in a second without radar. The SJ picked up this the
suicide plane at 8,000 yards and seconds later this plane passed
several inches to spare at a very low height.
Several times while watching a signal on the APR-SPA the enemy
was changing his pulse shape from a single pip to a double pip.
Radars around, it is a positive fact that the enemy would change
his frequency by several megacycles possibly in the hope of deceiving us.

COMMUNICATIONS COUNTER MEASURES

Very little deliberate enemy jamming was encountered on either
the schedules or the Honaco Frequencies. However, at times Japanese
(possibly disguised jamming) proved effective enough to make
traffic copying impossible. The Lifeguard frequency, 4475 kcs., was subjected
to keyed CW and CW jamming which increased in intensity when our own
forces started to transmit. Usually the range between our ships was so small
that there was no difficulty in reading the signals. Interference from American
shore stations using too much power was almost as effective as enemy jamming.

SONAR COUNTER MEASURES: - None.

- 35 -

— page 41 —
(V) _

REMARKS:
This patrol was notable for its rough weather and lack of contacts
other than aircraft.
The daily news messages could be made of more interest to the boats.
There should be plenty of information of interest to the boats.
If there is nothing of importance, make the message short and
give the cod-
ing boards a break.
It is recommended that a method of D.F.ing enemy radar should be
given the highest priority. This would enable the boats to track plane con-
tacts, and it could also be used for navigating, using shore radar as a radio
beacon.
The boat functioned very well for its first patrol and the men con-
ducted themselves like veterans. The Gould battery installed on here has
a much lower capacity than the Exide; we surfaced with the gravity 15-20
points lower than that which was normal on the Commanding Officer's last
ship. The fresh water tank capacity is much too low for the number of men
we now carry; we should go back to the three auxiliary tanks, using one as
emergency fresh water and bathing water. The cast iron and steel moving parts
of hatches, doors, inductions, etc. should be replaced as soon as possible
with a CRS metal, as presently installed they require constant attention to
keep free of rust and are a potential source of serious trouble. Sanitary
tank installation causes bad odor in living spaces.
At 2000(Z) 25th of February a message was received using PETO's call
on wolf pack frequency indicating they were abandoning ship, or Japanese deception. On 16 March at 0515(Z) we intercepted seventeen point ten on fox mike, to boats in training area. A transmission from that time we were 1,000 miles from Guam.

COMMENTS ON LIFE GUARD DUTY:
The following suggestions are submitted on life guard duty:

1. More positive information should be given the boats on time
and duration of the strike. This has been done for B-29 strikes
but not the carriers.

2. Definite time for rendezvous with air cover. It is recom-
mended that submarines remain submerged until time of rendezvous
(which should be after strike is underway) so that enemy will not
be alerted by sighting several subs running on the surface close
in.

3. Use 4475 for initial contact with air cover. Use this fre-
quency only for air strikes. There was interference on this circuit
by several stations sending administrative traffic.

4. A means of homing air cover should be developed.

5. More detailed list of voice calls should be furnished. During
Kyushu strike we carried on conversation with a stranger on the
circuit who we discovered afterwards to be ComTaskForce 58.

6. We were able to retain communication on 4475 while submerged
with vertical antenna and running at 52 feet.

- 36 -

— page 42 —
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco,
California,
31 March 1945.

SUBMARINE DIVISION THREE TWENTY-ONE.
FB5-321/A16-3
Serial (023)

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO USS PIPER Report of
First War Patrol SS409/
Alpha Serial (04) of
30 March 1945.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PIPER (SS409) - Report of FIRST War Patrol.

1. The first war patrol of the U.S.S. PIPER, conducted off
the south east coast of Honshu, was of sixty-three days
duration with forty-one days in the area.

2. The PIPER was part of a coordinated group which includ-
ed the BOVFIN, STAKLET, TREPANG, and POMFRET, with Commander B. F.
in PIPER, as group commander.

3. Three anti-picket boat sweeps were conducted, but
unfortunately PIPER was unable to locate any gun targets.

4. Life guard services, as the primary mission, were
excellently conducted, under difficult conditions. Fourteen
aviators were recovered, but no rescues were made since the aviator
cooperated to the extent of being shot down in the area.

5. Suitable torpedo targets were scarce. On 15 February,
while proceeding to the position given in a garbled report,
the position of survivors, a burning vessel was sighted. PIPER
closed to 8800 yards and determined that the small coastal freighter
was definitely sinking.

6. On 25 February a radar contact at 5900 yards developed
into two vessels which were never identified. Both were small and
neither was echo ranging. After a surface radar approach, three
electric torpedoes were fired from the bow tubes at the loading vessel

- 1 -

— page 44 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON THIRTY-TWO

F05-3/A16-3
Serial: 042

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

From: COMMANDER SUBMARINE SQUADRON THIRTY-TWO.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
     (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
         Administration.
     (2) The Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron THIRTY-TWO.
     The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
     The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
     Administration.
     The Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
3 April 1945.

Subject: U.S.S. PIPER (SS409) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the complete remarks of the Commander
Submarine Division THREE T-H-I-R-T-Y-O-N-E.

2. It is recommended that the U.S.S. PIPER be credited with the follow-
ing damage to the enemy:

SUNK
- SMC (UN) 2,000 tons (Attack #1)

3. The commanding officer, officers, and crew of the U.S.S. PIPER
are congratulated upon the completion of this exceedingly well conducted
first patrol and for the excellence of the life guard services, and damage
inflicted upon the enemy.

[SIGNATURE: R. G. HURD]
R. G. HURD.

— page 45 —
4 03485

FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 0821
CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
Report of
War Patrol.

COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 718
U.S.S. PIPER - 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. PIPER (SS409) - Report of First War Patrol
(25 January to 30 March 1945).

1. The first war patrol of the PIPER was conducted off
the South Coast of Honshu. The PIPER, along with the U.S.S. BOWFIN
(SS287), the U.S.S. POMFRET (SS391), the U.S.S. STRELLET (SS392), the U.S.S. TREPANG
(SS412), and the commanding officer of the PIPER, Commander B. F. McMahon, U.S.
Navy, as manding officer of the group, formed a coordinated group with the com-
the group commander. This group performed lifeguard services, anti-
picket boat sweeps, and offensive patrol.

2. No opportunity for picket boat attacks or rescues
presented themselves to the PIPER during this patrol despite
thorough and aggressive area coverage. Targets were scarce but the
PIPER, on her first war patrol, had the satisfaction of sinking an
unidentified ship on her first torpedo attack.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congra-
tulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for their well-
determined patrol and for starting the PIPER's fighting career
with the following damage to the enemy:

S-U-N-K

1 - UN - 2,000 tons (Attack No. 1)

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

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

MERRILL COMSTOCK.
[STAMP: EXTRA]
[STAMP: ORIGINAL]
[STAMP: SORC MICRO]
[STAMP: PHOTO-LAB]
[STAMP: RETURN TO F-423]

Distribution and authentication
on following page.

— page 46 —
```
FF12-101(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 0321

CONFIDENTIAL

THE ENDORSEMENT to
First Report of
First War Patrol.

COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 718
U.S.S. PINTA - FIRST WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. PINTA (258409) - Report of First War Patrol
(25 January to 30 March 1945).

DISTRIBUTION:
[Confidential Reports] (7)
Commo (1)
Office (1)
JICPA (1)
Comdr. SubDiv 1 (1)
Comdr. SubDiv 2 (1)
ComSubPac, HI (2)
CO, Sub Base, PI (1)
ComSubRon 6 (2)
ComSubRon 10 (2)
ComSubRon 12 (2)
ComSubRon 14 (2)
ComSubRon 16 (2)
ComSubRon 18 (2)
ComSubRon 20 (2)
ComSubRon 22 (2)
ComSubRon 24 (2)
ComSubRon 26 (2)
ComSubRon 28 (2)
ComSubRon 30 (2)
ComSubRon 32 (2)
ComSubRon 34 (2)
ComSubRon 36 (2)
ComSubRon 38 (2)
ComSubRon 40 (2)
All Submarines, Pacific (1)

[HANDWRITTEN: R. L. TUTTLE, 2nd.,]
Fire Secretary.
```

— page 47 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]
U.S.S. PIPER (SS409)
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.

Serial (40)
DECLASSIFIED

13 June 1945.

From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Division 321.
     (2) The Commander Submarine Squadron 32.
     (3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
     (4) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PIPER (SS409) - Report of War Patrol
         Number Two.

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

1. Enclosures (A) and (B) covering the SECOND war
patrol of this vessel which was conducted in the Kurile Island -
Sea of Okhotsk area during the period 26 April 1945 to 13 June
1945.

R.F. MCMAHON.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B3C DATE 5/21/72]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 127877]

— page 48 —
```
U.S.S. PIPEF (SSL-94)
HISTORY OF SECOND AIR PATROL

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

A. PHOLOGOT:
Arrived Midway on 30 March 1945 and was assigned to U.S.S.
PILLS for relief unit on CSD-31 for administration.
Relief was accomplished by U.S.S. FLUSHING, Submarine Division
321. Relief Crew arrived 31 March 1945 and training
& key training period commenced on 28 April and ended on 29
April. Final loading was accomplished on 23, 24, and 25 April and
departed for second war patrol on 26 April with 14 Mk. 14-3 torpedoes and 10 Mk. 18s.

Major work items accomplished:
(1) Changed 300 bolts in all torpedo tubes to 14".
(2) Installed D-243 "Linen Receiver" in Control Room.
(3) Installed air rigging on CB sound head.

Officer Personnel Changes:
Transferred - Lt. Comdr. C.P. McGowan, USN.
Recovered - Lt.[HANDWRITTEN: L.] Link Porter, USN.

B. NARRATIVE:
26 April 1945
1600(Y) Departed Midway, T.H. in company with U.S.S. EA POACHER,
U.S.S. PALADIN, and U.S.S. SPARTAN in Wolf Pack under
the command of Cdr. G. H. T. Order Group 17.7, directed to
Polaris Patrol. U.S. Navy Order 17.0. Order 97.5. Destination:
10° 35' N.  175° E. in U.S.S. PIPEF, with Pack Commander,
27 April 1945.

Officers and Chief Petty Officers attached to U.S.S.
PIPEF and total number of patrols including present patrol.

NAME                          PATROLS
Commander B.P. McMahon, U.S. Navy          7
Lt. Cdr. G.M. Neves, U.S. Navy              7
Lt. J.A. Bowen, U.S. Navy                   7 (5R)
Lt. A. H. Homan, U.S. Navy                  2
Lt. C. B. Baird, U.S. Navy                  2
Lt. (jg) J. E. Appelbaum, U.S.N.R.          2
Lt. (jg) L.K. Hardesty, U.S.N.R.            2
Lt. (jg) L.R. Porter, U.S. Navy             7
```

— page 49 —
ROBINSON, W.G., 359 79 91, CGM(T), USN
SMITH, D.T., 381 09 77, CMOMM(T), USN
MAYER, R.C. 311 12 78, CMOMM(T), USN
KOERNER, D.E., 223 26 58, CEM(T), USN
LAGER, C.A., 337 08 84, CMOMM(T), USN
CONOVER, H.B., 337 08 84, CRM(AA)(T), USN
1
4
3
3

26 April - 2 May

Enroute Polar Circuit at two engine speed, conducting
training dives and drills, tactical and communication
exercises in accordance with supplementary instructions
issued by pack commander. Held daily school of instruction
for unqualified men.

1830/26(Y) Received message from SEA POACHER that she was returning to
entrance buoy to get bus selector blowout coil.

2300/26(Y) Formed scouting line on course 291°T.

0400/27(Y) SEA POACHER rejoined formation.

1017/27(Y) Recovered torn rubber life raft-Lat. 28°-55'N, Long. 179°-08'E

1028/27(Y) Sank small black ring buoy closely resembling a mine at Lat.
28°-57'N, Long. 179°-03'E.

1200(Y) POSITION: 27th - Lat. 29°-09'N, Long. 178°-39'E.

0900/29(M) Dived to 250 feet, settling once and for all the argument
as to whether or not an egg can stand the pressure at this
depth without breaking. Egg was undamaged.

1200(M) POSITION: 29th - Lat. 30°-51'N, Long. 173°-22'E.

0545/30(L) Exploded a drifting horned mine by gunfire, Lat. 32°-27',
Long. 169°-24'E.

1200(L) POSITION: 30th - Lat. 33°-27'N, Long 169°-22'E.

1 May 1945 - Commenced running into heavy seas and high winds.

1200(L) POSITION: Lat. 36°-54'N, Long. 165°-50'E.

2 May 1945 - Weather growing progressively worse, taking
considerable water down conning tower hatch.

1200(L) POSITION: Lat. 39°-46'N, Long. 162°-28'E.

114(K) 2nd Sent message to other boats of the pack to proceed at 1200,
3 May to their 7 May stations to eliminate confusion of
changing stations within 48 hours after arrival.

- 2 -

— page 50 —
3 May 1945
(All times King unless otherwise noted)
Weather grows progressively worse with both wind and sea
increasing.
1200 Reached patrol area, SEA POACHER, POMFRET and PLAICE proceeding
independently to assigned stations.
1200 POSITION: Lat. 43°-05'N, Long. 157°-55'E.
1600 Sea shifted from 190° to 030°T.
1705 Slowed to one engine speed.

4 May 1945
Weather much improved, visibility excellent.
0400 Submerged.
1200 POSITION: Lat 44°-40.5'N, Long. 157°-01'E.
1910 Surfaced. Proceeding toward Paramushiro. Weather is now good.

5 May 1945
0700 Submerged.
1200 POSITION: Lat. 46°-41'N, Long. 156°-24'E.
1830 Surfaced. Proceeding toward Paramushiro.
1941 Turned away from small SJ contact bearing 271°T distant 1800
yards. Nothing visible and at 2500 yards lost pip.

6 May 1945
0400 Submerged. Decided to change course to 315, run in on a
radar-fix range on Onekotan To tonite and thence up the coast
to Paramushiro.
1200 POSITION: Lat. 48°-46'N, Long. 155°-40'E.
1830 Surfaced.
1935 Established position by Loran and SJ radar to be 24 miles
bearing 261 from Harumukotan To. Visibility 2000 yards. Com-
menced surface patrol 18 miles east of Onekotan To on courses
030 and 210°.

7 May 1945
Visibility 3000 to 5000 yards, light rain.
0400 Submerged, proceeding toward north tip of Onekotan To, conduct-
ing periscope sweeps using ST radar
- 3 -

— page 51 —
1200POSITION: Lat 49°-27'N, Long. 155°-03'E.
1400 Commenced snowing heavily, visibility decreased to 500 yards.
1900 Surfaced. Still snowing. Decided to parallel east coast of
     Onekotan To 13 miles off shore to remain clear of U.S.S. STERLET
     who should be coming through the area now.

8 May 1945

0355 Turned away at flank speed from a lookout report of a ship.
     Only one man saw this and he was not sure. Visibility was
     about 3,000 yards, no contact on radar. Decided it was imag-
     ination and at
0400 Submerged. Changed course to 020 T, crossing the fourth
     Kurile Strait to south east coast of Paramushiro.
     Sea picking up.

1200 POSITION: Lat 49°-42'N, Long. 155°-24'E.
1930 Surfaced 15 miles SE of Musashi Wan. Strong signal on APR at
     200 Meg, so decided to patrol for the nite on north-
     20 to 35 miles from Musashi Wan, covering the fourth
     heavy seas from 030 T. Still overcast, have not seen
     the sky in
     six days. The newly installed Loran is a handy thing to have.

9 May 1945

0400 Submerged. Weather improving, visibility 10,000 yards and
     increasing.
0800 Can plainly see the prominent peaks on Paramushiro and Onekotan
     To at 30 miles.

1200 POSITION: Lat 49°-34'N, Long 155°-30'E.
1600 Fire in the maneuvering room. Lost power on the port
     to loose connection from resistor to contact in port
     rheostat which lead burned through (see section K) and had to be
     renewed.
1610 Secured from fire quarters.
1900 Port shaft back in commission.
1950 Surfaced. Having seen nothing here, decided to run down the
     main tonite and submerge off Matsuwa tomorrow morning.

10 May 1945

0330 Submerged in Mushiru Kaikyo, patrolling across it.
     - 4 -

— page 52 —
1100 Visibility having decreased to 5,000 yards, surfaced and took
     a suction through the boat.
1115 Submerged.
1200 POSITION: Lat. 48°-13'N, Long. 153°-44'E.
1500 Secured the port shaft due to loss of lube oil pressure to
     port main motors. (See section K).
1955 Regained use of the port shaft.
2000 Surfaced 13 miles east of Matsuwa. Opened out on 070°
     because at 105 meg. radar appeared to be searching back and
     forth across us fairly consistently. Paralleled the coast
     throughout the nite off Mushiru Kaikyo.

                           11 May 1945

0250 The 105 meg. radar on Matsuwa appeared to steady on us,
     giving a strong signal, for about ten minutes.
0400 Submerged 13 miles east of Matsuwa. Patrolling across
     Mushiru Kaikyo again today.
1200 POSITION: Lat. 48°-16'N, Long. 153°-53'E.
1230 Surfaced, took a suction through the boat.
1245 Submerged.
1940 Surfaced. Decided to patrol across Mushiru Kaikyo throughout
     the night.
2033 Sighted a bright light resembling searchlight thru the haze on
     Matsuwa To.
2100 The 105 meg. land based radar believed to be on Matsuwa To is
     sweeping continuously across us, steadying for several minutes
     at a time.
2106 That light on Matsuwa again. There is little doubt now that
     our presence is known. Either they believe us to be friendly
     and are giving us a light, or they are trying to searchlight
     us.
2123 Changed course to 090°T for 15 minutes to open the range on
     Matsuwa. The 105 meg. radar is steadying on us at 5 to 10
     minute intervals.
2200 New radar signal on 103 meg., very weak, which at
2300 faded. At this time the 105 meg. appeared to lose us.

                               - 5 -

— page 53 —
```
12 May 1945
00:00 Submerged, patrolling across Kashiru and Matsuwa islands. Visibility excellent, clear sky.
12:00 POSITION: Lat. 48°-00.5'N, Long. 153°-37.5'E.
12:43 Surfaced for air.
12:53 Submerged.
16:05 Could clearly see Matsuwa To and Mekiko To at 23 miles.
19:45 Surfaced. Decided to go Liru Meskiru Kinjo as midnight proceed-
    ing to rendezvous at 49°N, 149°E with rest of Taro Nogogure.
24:00 Entered the Sea of Okhotsk.

13 May 1945
Intermittent snow, with periods of good visibility.
08:00-12:00 Observed a period of prayer and thanksgiving as recommended
    by the President in celebration of the European Victory.
12:00 POSITION: Lat. 49°-49'N, Long. 151°-33'E.
12:30 Surfaced. Went to 400 feet to check for leaks.
12:45 Submerged.
17:00 Received Z One Hotel Fan Four.
21:00 Shut out Piper Serial 1 to Gonsaburo, through 20° W.
    Found jamming. Got to rockpit from TAI and was not
    had gotten that until it appeared on the surface then...

14 May 1945
00:00 Passed third rendezvous point for ships, continued running
    on 21°-33°N, waiting for signals and reports.
09:50 Minor interference 160°.
10:15 Exchanged recognition signals by SD radar with STANLET.
11:00 STANLEY joined up.
11:40 AIRE Interference 210°.
12:00 POSITION: Lat. 49°-08.5'SW, Long. 149°-18'E.
12:29 Exchanged ST recognition signals with FORREST.
- 6 -
```

— page 54 —
1235 POMFRET joined up. Commenced opening out to 15 mile scouting
     distance on course 213°T, order of ships from east to west
     STERLET, PIPER, POMFRET.
1752 Made sight contact (changing a tube in SJ radar at the time)
     on properly marked Russian liberty ship headed toward Kam-
     chatka, fifty to sixty miles east of the prescribed route.

                                   15 May 1945

0030 Exchanged recognition signals by SJ with POMFRET.
0400 Changed scouting course to 033°T.
1200 POSITION: Lat. 48°-23'N, Long. 147°-56'E.
2100 Master gyro out of commission (See Section K)

                                   16 May 1945

0400 Changed scouting course to 213°T.
1100 Sent PIPER serial 2 to ComSubspPac.
1200 POSITION: Lat. 49°-04'N, Long. 148°-54'E.
1514 Commenced closing and tracking radar contact bearing 100°T,
     range 14,000 yards. (Ship contact #2)
1524 Received message from STERLET that she was tracking a south-
     bound ship 15 miles east of us.
1600 At a range of 1200 yards saw and identified target as a
     properly marked Russian merchantman. Commenced return-
     ing to position on scouting line.
1630 Sent message to ComSubspPac explaining a coding error in
     PIPER serial 2.
1850 Submerged for a trim.
2315 Surfaced.
2330 Arrived in position on scouting line.

                                   17 May 1945

0000 Changed scouting course to 000°T.
1200 POSITION: Lat. 48°-18'N, Long. 148°-19'E.
                                   - 7 -

— page 55 —
1530 Submerged for trim.
1600 Surfaced. Held tracking drill.

                                        18 May 1945

0900 Transmitted position by FM to POMFRET and STERLET for 1100
     rendezvous.
1200 POSITION: Lat. 52°-00'N, Long. 148°-03'E.
     Changed scouting course to 180°T.
1615 Sighted STERLET bearing 100°T range 14,000 yards, joining up.
1700 STERLET returning to position on scouting line.

                                        19 May 1945

0441 Commenced closing and tracking radar contact bearing 121°T
     range 16,000 yards. (ship contact #3)
0550 At a range of 2,500 yards sighted and identified contact as a
     properly marked Russian merchantman. Commenced returning to
     position on scouting line.
1000 Regained position on scouting line.
1200 POSITION: Lat. 48°-11'N, Long. 147°-57'E.
     Changed scouting course to 000°T.
1941 Commenced closing and tracking radar contact bearing 035°T range
     15000 yards (Ship contact #4).
1947 Received message from STERLET that they had identified this
     target as Russian.
1955 At a range of 3,000 yard identified target as a properly marked
     Russian merchantman. Commenced returning to position on scouting
     line.
2100 Regained position on scouting line.
2230 Transmitted PIPER serial 3 to ComSubsPac.

                                        20 May 1945

1200 POSITION: Lat. 52°-12'N, Long. 148°-03'E.
     Changed scouting course to 180°T. Master Gyro back in commission.
2030 Obtained the first star sight since arriving in the area.

                                        - 8 -

— page 56 —
21 May 1945

1200 POSITION: Lat. 48°-44'N, Long. 148°-04'E.
Changed scouting course to 000°T.

1425 Commenced closing and tracking radar contact bearing 172°T,
range 19,000 yards (Ship contact #5)

1443 Battle stations.

1518 Having worked an end around on the target in low visibility
submerged 10,000 yards 8 degrees on his port bow, hoping to
see some Jap markings on him.

1535 Foiled again! Target passed 600 yards ahead on a 90 port
track, 100% pure Russian. Identified as Pischevaya
Industriya.
Took periscope pictures.

1540 Surfaced, commenced regaining position on scouting line.

1630 Back on scouting line.

22 May 1945

1200 POSITION: Lat. 51°-48'N, Long. 147°-50'E.
Changed scouting course to 090°T.

1830 Made trim dive.

1850 Surfaced.

23 May 1945

0800 Changed scouting course to 270°T.

1200 POSITION: Lat. 51°-46'N, Long. 151°-46'E.

24 May 1945

0450 Dived in low visibility for a sight contact identified by three
members of the bridge watch as (1) B-29 far out, (2) Zeko at
3 miles, (3) Dave at indeterminable range, (4) Possible flight
of birds. Decided it was Superman and at

0510 Surfaced.

0800 Changed scouting course to 090°T.

1200 POSITION: Lat. 51°-44'N, Long. 148°-07'E.

- 9 -

— page 57 —
25 May 1945

0200 Completed scheduled sweeps, left scouting line, proceeding to
     rotating patrol area.

1000 Arrived in patrol area. Dived to work on SJ radar.

1200 POSITION: Lat 49°-52'N, Long. 151°-36'E.

1500 Surfaced. Decided to proceed to west coast Shimushiru To,
     patrolling the coast and Boussole Channel.

26 May 1945

0300 Raised Kotoi To bearing 135°T, 70,000 yards on SJ.

0700 Proceeding 15 miles off shore on surface down southwest coast
     Shimushiru To looking for any shore installation, shipping,
     or other signs of life. Aside from a 1200 ton AK aground off
     the south tip of Shimushiru To, previously reported by several
     other people and charted, sighted nothing of interest. No in-
     dication of any radar activity on APR.

0930 Commenced patrolling back and forth across Boussole Channel.

1200 POSITION: Lat. 46°-42'N, Long. 151°-00'E.

27 May 1945

1200 Still patrolling back and forth across Boussole Channel.
     Visibility 200 to 2000 yards with intermittent rain.

1200 POSITION: Lat. 47°-09'N, Long. 151°-24.5'E.

1440 Dived for trim.

1504 Surfaced.

1506 Radar officer, while tuning SJ radar made contact bearing 180°T,
     range 5500 yards. Went to battle stations. Commenced tracking.

1508 Target is small and on steady course 055°T, 6 knots, cutting
     straight across Boussole Channel from Chirikoi To to Shimushiru
     To.

1508 Twin pips close together. Looks like two small fellows in
     column, unescorted.

1521 Commenced firing four mark 18s forward on 72 port track, 1,000
     yard target clear.

1522 First vessel 200 yards on port bow. The picture is now clear.
     Two unidentified vessels in column are escorted by two small
     escorts.

- 10 -

— page 58 —
vessels closely resembling small metal sub chasers.
So small they show up in radar only at 2500 yards and
which range SJ was making a firing setup on target. Port escort
thought we were going to ram him (so did we). Clear bridge
except for Captain who manned after 20mm, only to make
fire on first round. (See section K) That lonely first
escort swung right, nearly ramming the starboard escort
started milling in the fog. No signs of any radar on APR.

1522 Torpedo explosion.

1523 Torpedo explosion. These clock in perfectly with torpedo
our twin pip is now one.

1523 Escort shooting a machine gun thru the fog. Don't know where
they are landing, don't believe he does either.

1525 Escorts commenced dropping depth charges astern in the fog.
Dropped ten charges over a three minute period. We are opening
out to observe developments and reload forward.

1531 The other target still putting along on 055 at 6 knots. One
escort now on his port bow, the other on his port quarter.
Decided to make another run on him.

1533 Serve since heard to starboard, radar contact on 090° relative,
500 yards. Port bow escort has reversed course and is making a
complete circle to the left in plain pase of a reverse course
on the fog and proceeded in to the attack. The port quarter
escort disappeared at this time at 4500 yds. and was never re-
contacted.

1602 Commenced firing four mark 18s forward on 105° port track, 1200
yard run. (Attack 2) All were last seen running on the surface
when they disappeared in the fog at 300 yards. No hits, no
run explosions.

1609 Three depth charges, far off. Commenced retiring on a reverse
course.

1622 Entering neighborhood of first attack. SJ contact 3500 yards.
Commenced tracking. Weak contact, speed zero. Decided this was
breakage or raft from the first attack. Broke off as we
believe further expenditure of torpedoes not warranted due to
extreme difficulty in obtaining further success against a small
alerted target.

1745 Reached west side of Boussole Channel. We are all washed up here
now. The Japs aren't apt to send anything thru here except escort
and for the one on the coast. Decided to run north-east of Buroton To and head
coast of Sakhalin to look for Japanese fishing and shipping running
along that coast.

2000 Set course for Sakhalin.

- 11 -

— page 59 —
28 May 1945
1200 POSITION: Lat 49°-58'N, Long. 148°-21'E.
1400 Submerged to replace 2 Mk. 18s in forward tubes with Mk. 14s.
1440 Surfaced.

29 May 1945
1200 POSITION: Lat. 51°-28'N, Long. 144°-35'E.
1500 Reached 40 fathom curve, proceeding south parallel to the
coast.
Decided to patrol along 50 fathom curve on north-south
courses throughout the night.

30 May 1945
0915 Commenced closing the beach. Ran in to 6 miles from the
beach, at which point drift ice became too heavy to proceed
further. Took pictures of the island. Should have taken
pictures of the conning tower hatch which was a panorama of
confused faces when the drift ice commenced banging against
the hull.
1140 Dived.
1200 POSITION: Lat. 50°-53'N, Long. 143°-58'E.
1830 Surfaced. Commenced patrolling the coast on north south
courses outside ice line along coast of Sakhalin.
2300 Unusual radar contact on SJ - one large pip at 9000 yards
and a smaller at 5000. Visibility 500 yards at this time.
Before tracking stations could be manned, both disappeared.
Headed toward for a half hour with no further success.
Pips seen only once.

31 May 1945
1200 POSITION: Lat. 50°-24'N, Long. 144°-58'E.
2000 Heading north to clear the area, it being time to change
areas.

1 June 1945
0600 Headed east toward Kamchatka.
1200 POSITION: Lat. 52°-56'N, Long. 146°-04'E.

- 12 -

— page 60 —
Would like to he d for and reconnoiter Paramushiro.
of hearing newscasts on RAO every three or four nite
raids on Japanese shipping around Paramushiro, decided
for one of the large passes south of Paramushiro.

1300 Submerged to braze leaky liner on #3 Main Engine.
1715 Surfaced.

2 June 1945

1050 Made radar contact bearing 140°T, range 16,000 yards. (Ship
contact #7) commenced tracking, ent to battle stations. Fog
was very thick, visibility so low that range was 400 yards
before target could be sighted at
1130 and identified as a properly marked Russian Merchantman.
Continuing on to Shasukotan Kaikyo.
1200 POSITION: Lat. 51°-17'N, Long. 150°-37'E.

3 June 1945

Our scheduled date of departure from area being today, and
no orders yet received, at
0100 Sent PIPER Serial 5 to ComSubSpac.
0430 Landfall on Makauru To at 37 miles.
0600 Commenced patrolling west of Shasukotan Kaikyo.
1030 Received ComSubSpac's serial 45 directing departure from the
area at sunset. Submerged on course 180 proceeding to
Mushiru Kaikyo.
1200 POSITION: Lat. 49°-12'N, Long. 153°-48'E.
1930 Surfaced.
2000 Sent Piper Serial six to ComSubSpac for relay to Lathrop's
Larks, proceeding to Polar Circuit.
2300 Passed thru Mushiru Kaikyo, heading for Pearl via Midway
at four engine speed.

4 June 1945

1200 POSITION: Lat. 45°-37'N, Long. 156°-59'E.

4 June to 8 June 1945

Enroute Patrol Area to Midway T.I. conducting drills and
training div s enroute.

- 13 -

— page 61 —
1200(L) POSITION, 5 June: Lat. 40°-19'N, Long. 162°-02'E.
1200(L) POSITION, 6 June: Lat. 35°-11'N, Long. 166°-41'E.
1300(L) 6 June: Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. PLAICE.
1200(L) POSITION, 7 June: Lat. 30°-30'N, Long. 170°-58'E.
1200(L) 7 June POSITION: Lat. 29°-05'N, Long. 177°-06'E.
1645(L) 8 June: Fire in stbd. main motor control cubicle rheostat.
        ( See Section K)
0950(I) 8 June: Picked up aircraft escort.
1150(I) 8 June: Moored at U.S. Submarine Base Midway, T.H.
        Refuelled, transferred 14 Mk. 14 Torpedoes, 40mm
        gun, ammunition and barrel stowages, and ROBINSON,
        W.C., 359 79 91, CGM(T), U.S.N. Received YOUTSEY,
        J.D., 375 76 44, CTM(T), U.S.N. from SubDiv 321.
1000(K) 9 June: Underway, proceeding in company with U.S.S.
        PLAICE to Pearl Harbor, T.H.
1200(K) POSITION, 9 June: Lat. 27°-50'N, Long. 177°-15'E.
1400(K) 9 June: Sighted a green flare or starshell at 25°-57'N, 177°-
        59'E. Sent Piper Serial 7 to ComSubSPac inquiring if any downed
        aviators had been reported.
1600(K) POSITION, 10 June: Lat. 23°-45'N, Long. 174°-02'E.
1800(K) 10 June: Sighted U.S.S. JALLO.
2000(K) 10 June: U.S.S. JALLAO joined formation for remainder of trip.
2030(K) 10 June: Sent Piper serial 8 to ComSubSPac informing him
        Jallao had joined up.
1200(K) 11 June: POSITION - Lat. 22°-00'N, Long. 168°-20'E.
1200(K) 12 June: POSITION - Lat. 20°-54'N, Long. 162°-45'E.
0900(K) 13 June: Arrived Submarine Base Pearl Harbor.

- 14 -

— page 62 —
(C) WEATHER:
Weather was characterized by low dense fog, which was with
us at least part of every day, necessitating closing on the target
to 400 yards to identify. A peculiar feature was the rapidity
with which the fog closed in and raised, visibility varying
between 500 and 10,000 yards in a matter of minutes. The
fog was very low, not extending above 1,000 feet.
Winds never exceeded force three, calms being predominant.
Temperature was nearly constant at 35 to 40 degrees, in some cases
to 30 to 35 degrees.
Considerable barometric fluctuation was noted on several
occasions with little subsequent change in the weather.
Drift ice was encountered off the east coast of Sakhalin,
extending out to 8 miles and becoming fairly solid and closely
packed six miles from the beach.
During the rare periods of good visibility the atmosphere
became unusually clear and land could be sighted at great dis-
tances.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION:
In the open areas of the Sea of Okhotsk and off the coast of
Sakhalin currents were negligible.
In the vicinity of the Kurile Straits, however, currents
were of high velocity and unpredictable set, although the data
shown on HO charts were, in general, good.
Difficulty in obtaining sufficiently accurate fixes over
submerged periods precluded any check on the times of change of
tide as listed in Tide Tables.
The following current observations are listed. Only those
currents considered to be well-established are included. All
times King.

| TIME      | Date   | Location                                     | Set | Drift |
||||-----|-------|
| 0400-1900 | May 7  | 49-16'N                                      | 160 | ∅     |
|           |        | 155-10'E                                     |     |       |
| 0400-1930 | May 8  | 15 miles SE of                               | --- | ∅     |
|           |        | Center 4th Kurile                            |     |       |
|           |        | Strait                                       |     |       |
| 0700-1900 | May 9  | 28 miles east of                             | --- | ∅     |
|           |        | Center Onekotan To.                          |     |       |
| 1000      | May 9  | 13 miles east Shasu-                         | 290 | 1.0   |
| to        | to     | kotan Kaikyo                                 |     |       |
| 0330      | May 10 |                                              |     |       |
| 0400-1100 | May 10 | 14 miles south Mushiru                       | 115 | .8    |
|           |        | Phetsugan                                    |     |       |

- 15 -

— page 63 —
TIME        DATE        LOCATION                                    SET   DRIFT
1100-2000   May 10      18 miles 080° from Matsuwa To               020   0.7
0400-1230   May 11      15 miles east Matsuwa Kaikyo                115   0.5
1200-2000   May 11      22 miles east Matsuwa Kaikyo                313   0.5
2200-2330   May 12      10 miles south of Mushiru                   067   1.1
                        Phetsugan
1900        May 26      Boussole Channel, 10 miles                  005   0.5
to                      north of line Buroton To
                        to Shimushiru Daki
0400        May 27      40 miles west Buroton Wan                   010   0.7
0400-1100
2200-2300   June 3      12.5 miles south Mushiru                    305   2.8
                        Kaikyo

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS:

No navigational aids were sighted.
In a 29 day period starsights were obtained only
on 12 days. The DAS-3 Loran receiver installed
before the patrol was a great aid, north of Matsuwa To
and the islands. In this area position was secured four
seven times and the position later verified by other
three of the Aleution Stations. In the vicinity
south, and west of the islands only station 1L0 was
was determined several times to plot in from 5 to
10th of actual position.

No difficulty was encountered in navigating by SJ
radar and contacts ranging from 16 miles on Harumokotan To
and Ketoi To. A large piece of roughened plastical
images and bearings may be plotted and the whole moved
like Ouija-board fashion was found very helpful in identifying
various pieces of land.

Soundings agreed very well with the H.O. charts.
Supplementary soundings were taken in some sparsely sounded
areas and being forwarded to Hydrographic office.

Kaikoke To, reported on the chart to possibly lie
north-east of its charted position was checked four
times on other land and is believed to be where charted.

The V-3 series aviation charts was used almost entirely in
the vicinity of the Kuriles and found to be very helpful because
of the large scale and favorable contour presentation.

- 16 -

— page 64 —
```
(7) SUBMARINE
| NO. | DATE | LAT. | LONG. | TYPE | INITIAL PST. COURSE | NO. CON. | REMARKS |
|-----|------|------|-------|------||||
| 1   | 17/5/41 | 40-27N | 049-0W | Lussent Liberty | 6500 GRT | 12 knots | Lookout | 70 east of Prasirtbod |
| 2   | 14/5/41 | 42-31N | 050-0W | H.M. Island Type | 11,000 GRT | 12 knots | Radar |
| 3   | 6/6/41 | 39-41N | 071-1W | Small Russian | 16,000 GRT | 7 knots | Radar |
| 4   | 10/6/41 | 39-47N | 071-3W | Russian Liberty | 15,000 GRT | 12 knots | Radar |
| 5   | 11/6/41 | 39-48N | 071-4W | Russian P-1 Class | 19,000 GRT | 11 knots | Radar |
| 6   | 10/6/41 | 46-21N | 21-1W | 2 unidentified | 5,500 GRT | 6 knots | Attack 1 |
| 7   | 10/6/41 | 52-30N | 58-1E | Small, old | 16,000 GRT | 13 knots | Attack 2 |
|     |         |        |       | June 2 151-25E | single huf- | small escorts | |

(c) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
Only one aircraft contact was made, and it was at 21 May at 51-44N, 116-00E, on a northeasterly course. [UNCLEAR: best guess] contact was made.
```

— page 65 —
**(Torpedo Attack Report Form)**
U.S.S. PIPER (SS409) Torpedo Attack No. 1 Patrol No. 5
Time 1520 Date May 27, 1945 Lat. 46°-46'N Long. 151°-22'E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description: Leading of two ships.
Ships Sunk: One, unidentified.
Ships Damaged: None

Damage Determined by: Two correctly timed torpedo explosions.
One missing target from radar screen. No
sight contact made due to heavy fog.

Target Draft: Unknown Course 055° Speed 6.0 Range at Firing 1,000

Our Ship Data
Speed 10.5 Course 160° Depth Surface Angle 0° (at firing)

Fire Control & Torpedo Data
Sky was completely overcast, visibility about 500 yards.
Target detected by Radar Officer while tuning SJ radar. Com-
menced flanking, made surface approach, and 17 minutes after de-
tection commenced firing. Approach and attack conducted entirely
by radar.
[UNCLEAR: Operated] [UNCLEAR: from] 7,000 yards to observe results of attack and
[UNCLEAR: re-submerged] [UNCLEAR: to] reload.

- 18 -

— page 66 —
```
                           ATTACK # 1
 Tubes Fired                3         4         5         6
 Track Angle               68°P      71°P      72°P      71°P
 Gyro Angle                006       004       003       0001
 Depth Set                 3 ft.     3 ft.     3 ft.     3 ft.
 Power                     26.95 knots 26.95 knots 26.95 knots 25.95 knots
 Hit or Miss               miss      hit       hit       miss
 Erratic                   yes       no        no        no
 Mk. Torpedo               16-2      18-1      18-1      18-1
 Serial No.                57925     55363     51895     54687
 Mk. Explorer              8-7       8-7       8-7       8-7
 Serial No.                10683     10,300    10666     10905
 Actuation Set             contact   contact   contact   contact
 Actuation actual          contact   contact   contact   contact
 Mk. Warhead               18-2      18-2      18-2      18-2
 Serial No.                3100      4645      2801
 Explosive                 TPX       TPX       TFX       TFX
 Firing Interval           10 sec.   10 sec.   10 sec.   10 sec.
 Sea Condition             State 2   State 2   State 2   State 2
 Orthogonal activity       USS ZILLAS  USS ZILLAS  USS ZILLAS  USS ZILLAS REMARKS:

 Length of run 950 yards. Time to explosions: 1 minute 3 seconds and 1 minute 12 seconds. Temperature injection 390. Temperature close to 50°. Torpedo #57925 was observed to turn 90° right for 50 yards then turn left to correct gyro angle. 3 ft. length setting used as range was judged to be small.

- 19 -
```

— page 67 —
(TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT FORM)

U.S.S. PIPER (SS409) Torpedo Attack No. 2 Patrol No. 2.
Time 1600 Date May 27, 1945 Lat 46-46'N Long. 151-22'E.

Target Data-Damage Inflicted

Description:

Ships: None
Ships Damaged: None
Damage Determined by: ----

Target Draft: Unknown Course 055° Speed 6.0 Range at Firing 1100 yards.

Own Ship Data

Speed 10.5 Course 120°T Depth Surface Angle 0°(at firing)

Fire Control & Torpedo Data

Sky was completely overcast, visibility fluctuating from about
500 to 2,000 yards. This attack was second approach, first
been attack #1, followed by a retirement to 7,000 yards to observe
results of attack one and conduct reload forward.

- 20 -

— page 68 —
I

ATTACK #2
Tube Fired                 | 1         | 2         | 3         | 4
Track Angle                | 101½P     | 104P      | 104P      | 106P
Gyro Angle                 | 013       | 011       | 010½      | 008
Dept Set                   | 3 ft.     | 3 ft.     | 3 ft.     | 3 ft.
Power                      | 26.95 kts.| 26.95 kts.| 26.95 kts.| 26.95 kts.
Hit or Miss                | miss      | miss      | miss      | miss
Erratic                    | no        | no        | no        | no
Mk. Torpedo                | 18-1      | 18-2      | 18-1      | 18-2
Serial No.                 | 54803     | 58137     | 54365     | 57765
Mk. Exploder               | 8-5       | 8-7       | 8-7       | 8-7
Serial No.                 | 9923      | 11238     | 10874     | 11485
Actuation Set              | contact   | contact   | contact   | contact
Actuation Actual           | ---       | ---       | ---       | ---
Mk. Warhead                | 18-2      | 18-2      | 18-2      | 18-2
Serial No.                 | 3250      | 4420      | 4268      | 2817
Explosive                  | TPX       | TPX       | TPX       | TPX
Firing Interval            | ---       | 10 sec.   | 10 sec.   | 10 sec.
Sea Condition              | State 2   | State 2   | State 2   | State 2
Overhaul Activity USS PELIAS| USS PELIAS| USS PELIAS| USS PELIAS| USS PELIAS

REMARKS:
Length of run 1,200 yards. Temperature injection 35°.
electrolyte 500. All torpedoes observed to run on surface to limit of
visibility 300 yards. 3 ft. depth setting used as target was judged
to be small.

- 21 -

— page 69 —
(I) MINES
Only one mine was encountered, this enroute to the area
at 32°-27'N, 169°-24'E, a drifting, horned type, obviously
adrift for some time. Exploded by gunfire.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS:
Immediately following torpedo attack #1, two previously
undetected small metal escort vessels were sighted close aboard.
One of these, after recovering from his surprise, fired a number
of rounds from a machine-gun into the fog after us. Shortly there-
after ten depth charges were dropped far astern during a three min-
ute period.

The two escorts then took station patrolling on the bow
and quarter of the remaining target. It was possible to pass
the port bow escort at 1,500 yards in the fog, completely un-
detected. Following attack #2 three more depth charges were
dropped, far off.

During both attacks there was no indication of any radar
on either escort, nor of either escort stooping to listen.
The 105 meg. radar on the east coast of Matsuwa (see section
K) definitely had us at ranges up to 26,000 yards on the nite of
May 11, but no countermeasures followed.

(K) GUNNERY:
1. On test firing the 40mm gun, three out of four rounds
of ammunition gave hangfires. The ammunition was 40mm-BL&P,
Lot #CF-2UE1-44, SPDN 4456. On firing the 20mm the
ammunition misfired on three different occasions: 20mm-BL&P,
Lot #1233.

(L) TORPEDO:
The rollers in the torpedo tubes were adjusted in
#10. It was discovered by ship's force that the rollers
in #9 tube were very low. Clearance was .023". The
rollers were shimmed .022".

(M) ENGINEERING:
1. Enroute to patrol area a small fresh water leak
developed in number 3 cylinder liner water jacket of #3 main
engine around the inboard injection nozzle. This outlet
was brazed and the amount of leakage reduced but a small weep
persisted. Two weeks later another very small weep appeared in
the same unit around the outboard injection nozzle. Number 2
unit of #3 engine has a very small leak similar to the outboard
nozzle of #3 unit. During the first patrol of this vessel
some fresh water cooler leaked and some salt water was intro-
duced into the system. The above mentioned leaks may be a direct
result, and during the coming refit all liner adapters of #3 main
engine should be pulled and inspected for corrosion.

2. On 3 May heard noise coming from #1 main engine
blower and secured the engine. The air header elbow was removed
for inspection and lobes were found to be touching over a 3" area
high spot in the center. The high spot was scraped down and the

- 22 -

— page 70 —
engine placed back in commission. #1 main engine blower has
given trouble since the commissioning of this vessel. One month
after the ship had been operating it was necessary to renew the
lobes, gears and bearings which was accomplished in New London,
Conn. by the Fairbanks-Morse contract representatives. On the
first patrol it was necessary to scrape down the lobes of this
blower where they began to touch and the work accomplished was
identical with that done this time. The amount of change in
clearances between impellers since the installation of inferior grade
of aluminum occasionally creeps into the manufacture of these im-
pellers which metal tends to stretch and grow as the engine is
used. The changes in clearance between rotors during the life of
this blower are as follows:

On 10-15-44 Clearance .031 Taken by Fairbanks-Morse
contract representatives.
On 4-14-45 Clearance .020 Taken by refit crew of USS
PELIAS.
On 5-3-45 Clearance .010 At center hight spot to .016 at
thrust end taken by ship's force.

The present clearances do not fall within the allowable tolerances
of .028 - .032 and the lobes should be machined, rebalanced and
reinstalled with the proper clearances or a new set of lobes in-
stalled.

3. On 19 May a loud clanking noise was heard in the rotor
of #1 Kleinschmidt distiller compressor. The compressor was
disassembled and it was found that the timing gears were so badly
worn and the backlash had increased to such an extent that the
lobes were hitting. This compressor was overhauled during refit
last refit and was reassembled with a blank gasket covering the oil
supply hole leading from the compressor sump to the gears casing,
thereby cutting off all lubrication of the gears. The sight glass
would give no indication of such a situation since it shows that
the sump only has oil. A new rotor assembly complete with timing
gears, bearing, impellers, drive shaft and packing was installed.

4. When in patrol area it was desired to transfer lub
oil from stowage tank #2 to the main motor sumps with the lub oil
transfer pump. The intense cold had made the oil very heavy and
difficult to move. Sufficient pressure was built up at one time
to lift the relief valve which is located between the pump and
strainer. A small piece of metal that looked very much like
a welding bead became lodged under the seat and prevented the re-
lief valve from completely closing. This condition made it nec-
essary to run both main motor bearing lub oil pumps in order to
obtain the required lub oil pressure. The relief valve was removed,
cleaned, checked and reinstalled. No further trouble was ex-
perienced.

- 23 -

— page 71 —
- 24 -

. On 7 June a rumbling noise was heard to come from the blower
end of number two main engine, and the engine was secured. It was
definitely determined to be a vertical drive failure, and the lub oil
supply line from the upper header was suspected. Inspection of
the lubrication was normal, and the oil supply line from the upper
header was clear.

. On disassembling the lower housing it was found that the thrust
bearing had been completely ruined. No cause for this failure has been
definitely determined, and the only explanation that can be offered is
a defective bearing. The thrust and lower roller bearings were renewed,
the vertical drive reassembled, and the engine placed in commission on
8 June. At the time of the failure the engine had been run over 1500
hours since commissioning, and about 90 hours since the 1500 hour over-
haul received during the last refit.

— page 72 —
ELECTRICAL
On May 9, 1945 a fire was reported in the port side of the
cubicle and the port shaft was stopped. A loose connection be-
tween the resistor and contact on the port main motor shunt field
rheostat created an arc which carbonized the phenolic contact
block and this block burned until the circuit was pulled clear.
No serious damage resulted and the repairs consisted of renewing
a lead and stud through the phenolic block. Due to the inaccess-
ibility of the affected lead, the balancing rheostat was first re-
moved before the actual repairs could be made. The use of the port
shaft was lost for a period of four hours. The same casualty occured
in the starboard side of the cubicle on 8 June and the cause of the
starboard shaft was lost for 2.2 hours.

While enroute to patrol area the bendix log went out when the
worm gear shaft (pc.#57) driven by the power motor, became bent caus-
ing the worn gear (pc.#58) to shear the teeth off a gear shaft. A
worm gear that had been worn down, and a new worm shaft were used to replace
the worn gear with a slightly different mesh was turned out on the lathe to fit this gear. The log
functioned satisfactorily until the 25th of May when it began to stick at dif-
ferent speeds requiring frequent venting and adjusting. This is due
to the slightly off size gear and it is believed that this condition
will disappear when a new set of gears can be installed.

The master gyro compass developed an 8° - 9° westerly variable
error. The gyro was checked thoroughly and no cause for the trouble
could be found, except for the north-south bubble being 1° off scale,
with the north end elevated. The gyro current ran from 2 amps to
2.3 amps which is slightly high. The gyro voltage was normal. Weight
was added to the South rotor which reduced the error to a variable
1° but did not correct the tilt. The trouble is believed to be in
the rotor bearings. Ships force did not attempt to change the rotor
bearings due to the inexperience of the gyro personnel and the possi-
bility of losing the gyro for the remainder of the patrol.

Low Pressure Blower DRUM CONTROLLER: The second and third sets
of the contacts of the drum controller resistance steps were badly
burned and pitted. On one occasion the contacts welded to the drum
and the only way left to stop the blower was through the main dis-
connect switch. The trouble is thought to be due to the loosening of
the four screws securing the two halves of the drum to the shaft,
which caused an arcing condition to be introduced into the second and
third steps. See additional items (1, Battery Wedges & 2, Lighting
Casualty).

- 25 -

— page 73 —
BATTERY WEDGES

Approximately 50% of the outboard rows of battery cell wedges
in each battery became very loose and dropped down. This situation
is attributed to the contraction of the cells due to the cold climate
in which the patrol was conducted.

LIGHTING CASUALTY

The starboard lighting voltage regulator has been a source of
trouble since before commissioning. At that time the company repre-
sentatives experienced a great deal of trouble in adjusting this unit.
The trouble lies in the adjustment of the contacts that control the
relays which in turn operate the small 1/4 horse rheostat arm drive
motor. Both sets of relays are going in at the same time and trying
to make the motor turn in opposite directions. To date, three of
the motor armatures have been burned out and all efforts to properly
adjust the regulator have failed. This patrol was completed with the
starboard regulator in the manual position.

- 26 -

— page 74 —
HULL:
No major defects with the exception of a head knock in High Pressure Air Compressor #1 caused by an unidentified metal piece discovered in the cylinder head. The following notes are for information purposes:
Cold weather trouble - (Air temperature lowest 32°, average 35°. Injection temperature lowest 30°, average 33°).

1. Negative flood valve operation slowed, but satisfactory.

2. Bow planes slowed (27 sec. normal to 35 sec. at low temperature in rigging position full out to full in and vice versa). Satisfactory.

3. Hydraulic system used loss oil and was altogether satisfactory in operation. Same grade oil used on 1st patrol in temperature up to 80°. (2110)

4. Periscopes (hydraulic) #2 slowed in last two feet of raised position. Believed due to contraction of metal in upper portion of cylinder. A little wor-out each moring and outside raising and lowering this periscope a few times gave normal operations for at least 6 hours. Neoprene piston ring reaction to cold temperature also believed a possible cause of slowing. Satisfactory.

5. Soft patch in forward battery showed slight leakage. Probably due to metal and material contraction. Filled drip pan only once during run.

6. Grease used was J.S. 1350 on all topside and below deck fittings. Excellent results.

7. Conversion of FBT to MBT is a slow, mis rable and dangerous job in this climate. Fortunately, the calm weather kept the men fairly dry but the set-up is not entirely satisfactory--mainly because of the time involved. (24 hours) Of this time, only 1½ hours were spent in actual conversion--the remainder in securing the cage.

8. Clothing was ample and satisfactory thanks to last minute procurement by Midway Supply Officer. Army woolen shirts and trousers were added immeasurably to comfort during this patrol. A satisfactory cold weather mitten is still lacking. Rubber arctics were excellent additions to foul weather gear and are highly recommended.

9. Air conditioning satisfactory and a comfortable temperature was maintained throughout the patrol. Definite lack of condenser for laundry purposes and crews washroom caused some inconvenience but changes were at a minimum and equalized the situation. One air conditioning plant was kept running at all times and proved ample.

MISCELLANEOUS

Binoculars for the lookouts were a problem the entire patrol. Inspection before leaving Midway resulted in the return of four pair to the PELIAS optical shop for resealing. Upon reaching cold weather it was discovered that five pair remained improperly sealed.

- 27 -

— page 75 —
HULL:
No major defects with the exception of a head knock in High
Pressure Air Compressor #1 caused by an unidentified metal piece
which was found in the cylinder head. The following notes are for in-
formation pruposes:
*   Cold weather trouble - (Air temperature lowest 32°, average
    35°, Injection temperature lowest 30°, average 33°).

1.  Negative flood valve operation slowed, but satisfactory.

2.  Bow planes slowed (27 sec. normal to 35 sec. at low tem-
    perature in rigging position full out to full in and vice versa).
    Satisfactory.

3.  Hydraulic system used less oil and was altogether satisfac-
    tory in operation. Same grade oil used on 1st patrol in temperature
    up to 80°. (2110)

4.  Periscopes (hydraulic) #2 slowed in last two feet of rigging
    position. Believed due to contraction of metal in upper portion of
    cylinders. A little wor-out each moring and lowering this periscope
    a few times gave normal operations for at least 6 hours. Neoprene
    piston ring reaction to cold temperature also believed a possible
    cause of slowing. Satisfactory.

5.  Soft patch in forward battery showed slight leakage. Probably
    due to metal and material contraction. Filled drip pan only once during
    run.

6.  Grease used was J.S. 1350 on all topside and below deck
    fittings. Excellent results.

7.  Conversion of FBT to MBT is a slow, miserable and dangerous
    job in this climate. Fortunately, the calm weather kept the men
    dry but the set-up is not entirely satisfactory--mainly because
    of the time involved. (24 hours) Of this time, only 4 hours were
    spent in actual conversion--the remainder securing the cage.

8.  Clothing was ample and satisfactory thanks to last minute pro-
    curement by Midway Supply Officer. Army woolen shirts and trousers
    added immeasurably to comfort during this patrol. A salt water
    weather mitten is still lacking. Rubber arctics were excellent
    additions to foul weather gear and are highly recommended.

Air conditioning satisfactory and a comfortable temperature was
maintained throughout the patrol. Definite lack of laundry purposes
and crews washroom caused some inconvenience but changes were at a
minimum and equalized the situation. One air conditioning plant was
kept running at all times and proved ample.

MISCELLANEOUS

Binoculars for the lookouts were a problem the entire patrol.
Inspection before leaving Midway resulted in the return of four pair
to the PELIAS optical shop for resealing. Upon reaching Midway it was
discovered that five pair remained improperly sealed.

- 27 -

— page 76 —
(L) RADIO

1. No major material defects were noted.

2. Radio reception was on the whole very good throughout the
patrol. As a rule, Fox skeds were copied on 16730 kcs
day and 9050 or 9090 at night. 13655 usually came in
interference from an American broadcast station; 4515 was generally
blocked by Jap C.W. transmission.

3. Six messages were transmitted to Comsubpac. All four harm-
onics of the 4235 ship shore frequencies were used and no trouble
was encountered in establishing communication or sending the message.
NPM received the first five messages, NPM the last. Japanese jam-
ming was encountered only on our first message which was sent on
4235 kcs. Three enemy stations, one sending out a continuous CW
signal, one sending "P's" rapidly, and one sending Kanagawa code com-
pletely obliterated NPM's receipt at the conclusion of transmission.
However the message was retransmitted on the Fox skeds a few hours
later free from garbles, so evidently NPM was able to hear us clearly.

4. The Wopaco (Sofplan) frequencies were only rarely used. No
difficulties were encountered in either transmission or reception
although weak Jap CW traffic was usually present in the background.

5. All subs in the pack carried the SCR 608-610 frequency modulated
set and this was used extensively for intra-pack communication. Max-
imum effective range was 14,000 yards, therefore it was necessary to
close the range at specified rendezvous times to transmit. Plain
language was used but with caution; several times during daylight
hours transmission from unidentified units were clearly heard. The
calls (not found in Subscall B) were: Jim Crow, Nomad, Polly, Jello,
Jello, Casper 2, Casper 24, Telegram, Telegram B.

(M) RADAR

1. This unit was in continuous operation while in the area. Al-
though very little operating time was lost, for a period of six days
when the over-present fog lifted the unit was put out of operation in
a long search to find lost sensitivity.

2. The ringing time of the SJ suddenly dropped from 4400 yards to
3600 yards and the search began. During this six day period the SJ
made several contacts but all at a reduced range. Whenever the fog
lifted work was begun. Every indication was that the loss was in
the R.F. stages in the transmitter but after changing and dismantling
every unit concerned from the magnetron to the A scope and checking
the R.F. plumbing no difficulties could be found. At last resort an
the second check a small filing was removed from the TR cavity and
the sensitivity was regained with a new ring of 4800 yards.

3. One Russian freighter was picked up at 21,000 yards while
radar ranges on land were 70,000 to 80,000 yards.

- 23 -

— page 77 —
Other troubles encountered other than routine tube changes were:

1. Range step could not be regulated to line up with outgoing pulse--replaced R567 in range unit.

2. Loss of transmitted pulse and Synch pulse (C-22A shorted to ground shorting out the bias network and causing the V8 tube to glow.

3. No sweeps--loss of high voltage current--V8 voltage regulator in transmitter not regulating although properly glowing.

4. High voltage low and high voltage current abnormally high--plate cap connection on V13 (5D21) melting, causing practically an open circuit.

5. Violent horizontal jitter on A scope--gassy 5R4G in "B" rectifier causing voltage to drop.

ST
This set greatly improved with addition of keep-alive to beat oscillator unit. After getting water in the periscope adapter on the last patrol every precaution was taken to prevent recurrence. The troubles encountered were loss of sensitivity due to faulty T-R tubes and a faulty PRF multi-vibrator tube.

The tuning was very stable whereas on the first patrol the ST tuning was always drifting.

Only one submerged range was taken on a large Russian freighter at 8,000 yards. By the size of the pip he could have easily been ranged at 12,000 or more. Several land ranges were taken with seven feet upon seven foot submarines on the surface at 14,000 yards where the SJ could not. This was probably due to difference in antenna heights.

SD-5
This set was keyed continuously while on surface in the area at night. No plane contacts were made however, land ranges made up to 60 miles on 5,000 foot peaks. Only two troubles were encountered:

1. Random Pulzing -- Faulty transmitter tubes.
2. Loss of Half of Sweep -- R938 in indicator open.

DAS-3
This new Loran receiver was very reliable. The only critical adjustment which affected everything was the voltage regulator adjust-ment.

It was determined that with the gain turned up, shifting the amplitude balance from one extreme position to the other causes a signal of 103 MC to appear on the APR.

- 29 -

— page 78 —
(N) SOUND GEAR & SOUND CONDITIONS
The QB sound gear was manned continuously while making slow
speed on the surface and while submerge. No sound con-
tacts wer made before radar contact. Sound conditions were generally
good but back-ground noise was always high.

Two ping ranges were attempted on Russian ships. One showed no
return at 2200 yards; one gave an echo at 1300 yards. Between tor-
pedo attacks One and Two while running at 2/3 speed on the surface
a small escort vessel was picked up and tracked at 1500 yards on QB.

The only defect on the sound gear was in the QB sound training
motor generator which developed arcing at the brushes. Frequent
cleaning kept the trouble at a minimum but a thorough check failed
to reveal the cause.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS AND BATHYTHERMOGRAPH
Bathythermograph cards showed either an isothermal condition or
a slight negative gradient. No sharp layers were present. Average
water temperature was 33°.

The fathometer was used to take soundings at 15 minute intervals
off the coast of Sakhalin for a three day period. Average depth of
water was 100 fathoms. Performance of fathometer was satisfactory.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD - HABITABILITY
Recreation period at Midway returned the crew to the boat in
unusually good physical shape and health throughout the patrol was
excellent. One man-day was lost due to acute indigestion, this
being the only sickness during the run.
Food was good with the exception of the poultry which was tough
and untasty. The fowl was foul. Cold weather tripled the normal
coffee consumption, and it recommended that boats contemplating a
trip anticipate this need (we didn't).
The ship was clean and comfortable, except that during the
latter part of the patrol, while conducting all-day dives, CO2
(because of the long days) approached 3% and air became oppressive.
It was found advisable, where low visibility permitted, to surface
at mid-day and take a five minute suction through the boat. Also
the cold climate created such a yen for hot basin baths that it was
necessary for the first time to institute water hours for a
[UNCLEAR: week].

(Q) PERSONNEL
(a) Number of men detached after previous patrol
(b) Number of officers and men (includes a photog-
    rapher) on board during patrol.
(c) Number of men qualified at start of patrol.
(d) Number of men qualified at end of patrol.

(a) [HANDWRITTEN: 5]
(b) [HANDWRITTEN: 87]
(c) [HANDWRITTEN: 61]
(d) [HANDWRITTEN: 61]

- 30 -

— page 79 —
(e) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol 5
(f) Men advanced in rating during patrol 10

The patrol was characterized by an almost complete lack of
friction among personnel, and by the fact that if we had lost
25% of our crew at the end of the run, 75% of that number are
going to have to be drafted.

Especial credit should be given to the lookouts, who are far
above average. Our baker, also has contributed in no small measure
to a happy patrol. Training was conducted for qualifying
Chiefs and first class, all of whom showed great interest in the
program. On the return trip new bow and stern planesmen were trained,
and the new rated Chief Torpedoman's Mate and soon-to-be-rated Chief
Electrician's Mate were broken in on the hydraulic manifold.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED:
Midway to Area | 1680 | miles | 21,155 | gallons
In Area | 6,800 | miles | 43,300 | gallons
Area to Midway | 1,820 | miles | 39,530 | gallons
Midway to Pearl | 1,400 | miles | 10,000 | gallons
| 11,700 | | 114,185 |

(S) DURATION:
Days enroute to Area | 6
Days in Area | 33
Days enroute to Midway | 6
Days enroute Midway to Pearl | 4
Days submerged | 9

(T) FALLS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING
DAYS | Fuel | Provisions | Personnel Factor
32 | [HANDWRITTEN: 20,000] | 20 days | 7 days
34 | | |

Limiting factor this patrol:-
Dispatch orders from ComSubsPac.

- 31 -

— page 80 —
(U) RADAR, COMMUNICATION & SONAR COUNTERMEASURES

(Radar Countermeasures)

1. A continuous watch was stood on the APN/SPA at all times. Very
little Jap Radar was encountered other than expected. Only one doubt-
ful aircraft radar contact was made.
2. The Nip had us on Matsuwa with his 105/500/15 radar as he was
steady on out to 26,000 yards where he apparently lost us as he began
to search back and forth across us never again steadying on for any
length of time.

| Date | Time | Position | Frequency P-W | PRF | Shape | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-7 | 1900 | Onekotan | 105 meg. | 15 | 500 | Square Pulse | Land Based |
| 5-8 | 1930 | Paramushiro | 105 " | 15-20 | 500 | Square Pulse | Land Based |
| 5-10 | 1900 | Matsuwa To | 105 " | 15-20 | 500 | Square Pulse | Land Based (This one |
| | | | | | | | had us out to 26,000 |
| | | | | | | | yards) |
| 6-3 | 0745 | 49°-10'N | 202 " | 10 | 1000 | Square Pulse | Possible Aircraft |
| | | 154°-08'E | | | | | |
| 6-3 | 2000 | Matsuwa To | 192 " | 7 | 1000 | Square Pulse | Land Based |

2 & 3. No jamming or deception was encountered.

(Radio Countermeasures)

1. Fox Skeds: 4515 - Jap traffic and broadcast stations usually
present near this frequency interfered with our reception. Keying some-
times blurred but no interference. 6045 - American broadcast station
made copying unreliable. 9090 - this frequency interfered with reception.
9050, 13655, 16730 - Interference negligible.

2. Ship-Shore: 4235 - Strong Jap jamming by three enemy CW station.
started immediately after we called NPN, and continued until our
transmission was completed. It prevented us from hearing NPN's recep-
tion but did not interfere with NPN's reception, since the message
was retransmitted intact a few hours later on the Fox Skeds.
8470 - Jap jamming also present here but not as persistent nor
effective as on 4235.
12705, 16940 - Interference negligible.

3. Wopaco: Jap CW traffic was always present on all Wopaco fre-
quencies varying in strength from weak to fairly strong. Shifting
standard to alternate frequencies and changing the
frequencies did not help the situation. Whether this was deliberate
jamming or incidental traffic could not be determined. However the
closeness of the boats in the pack insured an easily readable signal
over the interference.

(Sonar Countermeasures)

None encountered.

— page 81 —
(7)

PLAICE
    Sunk        5 Trawlers        1200 tons
    Damaged     2 Trawlers         80 tons

PIPER
    Sunk        1 Unidentified    2000 tons

ST.MLE
    Sunk        2 Medium A.K.
    Damaged     1 Medium A.K.

No enemy contacts were made in the open sea despite two
weeks spent sweeping what I thought, the most logical shipping
routes.

:PLIAVEH (V)
heuh
s bounc
baolo
israaw
J
yovoo
b If shif
a new
tnotl

— page 82 —
```
(7) REMARKS:

Russian shipping during the first part of the patrol was found all over the Sea of Okhotsk. After 20 May it stayed fairly close to designated routes. I have surmised that the ships are using Russian markings and identification signals. It is suggested that communications be requested to leave LA 7th and 8th results in the future. I definitely am a studious and run a precarious position when she has to close in 600 yards on the surface to properly identify the neutral or enemy character of a ship.

I have broadcasted over heard several lines from U.S. stations telling of Army and Navy bombings of "fancy shipping in the vicinity of Jarmanov." No confirmation or information of these shipping strikes were received from Cossack.

Winter clothing furnished from Army supplies was adequate for this first of year. However, development of a foul weather clothing for bridge use in cold weather should be developed. Army heavy quilts are indispensable for a Polar District patrol.

Supply of rations seems to be using small ships, roll escorts, to support their shipping stays close to island chain or east coast of Siberia.

REMARKS AS OF "TASK GROUP 17-17"

Plan for patrol was as follows:
1. First eight days in rotating patrol.
2. Next two weeks sweeping (a) Shipping lanes indicated on
   Navy Ship Directives (U.S. Subs, 1947), (b) along the
   Fifty-second parallel.
3. Return to rotating patrol for last ten days.

Received information of surface strikes on Patrols so
far, including PLANS and SEA COACH in Post Operations
reports. Shipping at this time, POLYARN and MYSTIC hoping
that I should not run my shipping down to my merchant ships.
On 1 May I have ruled out SEA COACH proceeding to review it
further. Directed PATROL to patrol islands south of air-surface
results. On 2 May directed all boats to return to rotating patrol.

[HANDWRITTEN: The following damage inflicted on the]
[HANDWRITTEN: task group.]

| A COACH:          | Sunk | 1 Sea truck  | 800 tons |
|                   |      | 3 Trawlers    | 300 tons |
|                   |      |               |          |
| By Gunfire        | - 33 - |
```

— page 83 —
FB5-43/A16-3
Serial: 041
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS PIPER (SS409) Conf.
Ltr. SS409/A16-3, Serial
001, dated 6/13/45.

From: : The Commander Submarine Division FORTY-THREE.
To : (1) The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron TEN.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Via : (4) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PIPER (SS409) - Report of War Patrol
Number TWO - Comments on.

1. The Second War Patrol of the U.S.S. PIPER was con-
ducted in the KURILE ISLAND - SEA OF OKHOTSK area during
26 April to 10 June 1945. The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. PIPER was
the Crotc Commander of "Mac's Moppers" consisting of the U.S.S.
PIPER, PLAICE, SEA POACHER, POMFRET and STERLET.

2. This patrol was characterized by:
(a) One enemy ship contact, two large and two smaller
pips. On these one successful and one unsucc-
essful torpedo attacks were made. An unident-
ified ship was sunk.
(b) Numerous contacts with Russian Merchantships.
(c) One doubtful aircraft contact.
(d) Excellent performance of LORAN, which the Command-
ing Officer states was most valuable equipment.
(e) As expected, the weather was bad; snow, cold,
drift ice, bad visibility. Winter clothing was
not entirely satisfactory. Binoculars leaked.

3. On 27 May 1945 radar contact was made at 5500 yards
It developed into 2 vessels in column escorted by 2 smaller vessels.
A day time surface radar attack followed in visibility of about 500
yards. The first attack was on a 7000 ton track at 1000 yards,
depth set 3 feet. Four Mark 18 torpedoes fired; no hits.
The target disappeared from the radar screen. The
other large pip was on a 4000 ton track at 1100 yards,
on the second attack two Mark 18 torpedoes were fired; no
hits. One escort was seen at 200 yards and was a
small sub-chaser.

4. The PIPER returned from patrol clean and in good
condition. The refit will be conducted by the Submarine Base, Pearl,
and will include new alterations.

- 1 -
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-THREE
nd
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
13 June 1945.

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

U.S.S. PIPER (SS409) - Report of War Patrol
Number TWO - Comments on.

— page 84 —
FB5-43/A16-3
Serial 041
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
PIPER (SS409) Conf.
USS SS409/A16-3, Serial
Ltr. 40, dated 6/13/45.

Subject:

5.
The Division Commander takes pleasure in con-
gratulating the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the U.S.S.
PIPER upon the completion of this difficult patrol and the destruc-
tion of one enemy vessel, so hard to find these days.

SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY - THREE
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
13 June 1945.

U.S.S. PIPER (SS409) - Report of War Patrol
Number TWO - Comments on.

[SIGNATURE: R.S. BENSON]

- 2 -

— page 85 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TEN
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
11/rkb

14 June 1945

FC5-10/A16-3
Serial: 095
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PIPER (SS409) -
Report of Second War
Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PIPER (SS409) - Report of Second War
Patrol.

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

2. The Commander Submarine Squadron TEN takes
pleasure in congratulating the Commanding Officer,
officers, and crew of the U.S.S. PIPER upon the completion of
a trying but successful patrol.

3. It is recommended the U.S.S. PIPER be credited
with the following:

SUNK
1 - UN (Ship) 4000 tons
Total sunk 4000 tons

[SIGNATURE: G. R. Peterson]
G. R. PETERSON.

— page 86 —
```
FF12-10(A)/A3-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01644
Cores of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
17 June 1945

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
Prior Report of
Second War Patrol.

CUSSING P.C. PATROL REPORT NO. 791
U.S.S. PIER - SECOND WAR PATROL.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
    The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. PIER (SS409) Report of Second War Patrol
         (26 April to 13 June 1945).

1. The second war patrol of the PIER, under the command
of Commander D. R. Hockenson, U. S. Navy, was conducted in the waters
of the East China Sea, and the following officer was assigned to
the command of a contingent of the escort group, which included
U.S.S. PIER, U.S.S. STURGEON, U.S.S. FLINT, and
U.S.S. S3. POTTER.

2. The patrol was marked by a paucity of suitable tor-
pedo or gun targets. Many properly marked Russian ships were en-
countered. No torpedo attacks carried out in a fog resulted in
sinking one unidentifiable ship.

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

The Commander of Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, con-
gratulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew of the PIER
upon the completion of this patrol in the cold waters of the
Okinawa Set. The PIER is credited with having inflicted the fol-
lowing damage upon the enemy:

|  S U M M A R Y  |
|  2,000 tons (Attack No. 1)  |

Distribution and authentication on following page.

B. B. YOUNGANS.
```

— page 87 —
1d

FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01484

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
17 June 1945

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
COMSUBPAC Patrol Report of
U.S.S. PIPER - Second War Patrol.

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

Subject: COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 791
U.S.S. PIPER (SS409) - Report of Second War Patrol
(26 April to 13 June 1945).

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
CNO (7)
CinCUS (5)
CinCPac (6)
CinCLant (1)
ComSubLant (8)
Comdt, S/M School, NL (2)
CC, S/M Base, PH (1)
ComSopac (2)
ComSwpac (2)
Comsowespac (1)
ComSub7thFlt (Fwd Echelon) (2)
ComSub7thFlt (Rear Echelon) (2)
Comnorpac (2)
ComSubnorpac (3)
ComSubpacdComd (40)
SUBAD, MI (2)
ComSubpacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Pacific (2)
CSS 3 (airmail) (5)
Substranpac (2)
All Submarines, Pacific (1)

[SIGNATURE: W. S. Langley]
W. S. LANGLEY,
Asst. Flag Secretary.

— page 88 —
U.S.S. PIPER (SS409)
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.

SS409/A16/jpt
SeDECLASSIFIED

9 September 1945.

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division THREE TWENTY ONE.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron THIRTY TWO.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PIPER (SS409) - Report of War Patrol Number Three.

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

1. Enclosures (A) and (B) covering the THIRD war patrol of this
vessel which was conducted in the Sea of Japan, during the period 19 July 1945
to 9 September 1945 are forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: E. L. Beach]
Edward L. Beach.

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

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 139369]

— page 89 —
U.S.S. PIPER (SS409)
REPORT OF THIRD WAR PATROL

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

A. PROLOGUE:

    Arrived Pearl Harbor 13 June 1945 and was assigned to U.S. Submarine
    Base for refit and to CSD-43 for administration.

    Refit was accomplished by U.S. Submarine Base and Advanced Training and
    Relief Crew #1 of Submarine Division 43 during the period 14 June to 3 July
    inclusive. On 25 June, Lieutenant Commander Edward L. BEACH, U.S. Navy re-
    lieved Commander R.F. MCMAHON, U.S. Navy as Commanding Officer.

    An intensive thirteen-day training period commenced on 4 July and ended
    on 16 July. Loading was accomplished on 17 and 18 July and on 19 July 1945
    departed for third war patrol with following torpedoes: 9 Mark 18's, 15 Mark
    14's and 2 Mark 28's.

    Major work items accomplished during refit included:

    (1) Installation of main engine detached circulating water pumps.
    (2) Installation of one dead reckoning tracer in conning tower.
    (3) Replacement of trim pump drum-type starting controllers with
        magnetic type.
    (4) Installation of whip antenna and short side antennae.
    (5) Installation of deck hatches over FBT vent valves and replacement
        of old type cages around valves with screened enclosure to
        facilitate tank conversion.
    (6) Installation of QLA equipment, mine cables and associated cleat
        guards etc.
    (7) Installation of a second 40MM gun on cigarette deck aft, 3 add-
        itional 50 caliber guns, exchange of single 20MM on main deck
        forward for a twin mount, and addition of following stowages:
        (a) 2 40MM ammunition stowages.
        (b) 2 50 caliber ammunition stowages.
        (c) 1 40MM barrel stowage.
        (d) 2 50 caliber gun stowages.
    (8) Relocation of bridge TBT's from forward and aft to port and
        starboard.
    (9) Installation of two additional torpedo racks in after torpedo room,
        tubes 9 and 10.
    (10) Rearrangement and addition of crews bunks to accomodate 80 men.

Officer Personnel Changes:

Transferred: Commander R.F. MCMAHON, U.S. Navy.
             Lieutenant J.H. DOLAN, U.S.N.R.

Received:    Lt. Comdr. E.L. BEACH, U.S. Navy.
             Lieutenant A.R. CHRISTIANSEN, U.S.N.R.
             Ensign B.E. ENGLUND, U.S.N.R.

- 1 -

— page 90 —
Officers and Chief Petty Officer's attached to U.S.S. PIPER and total
number of patrols including present patrol:

NAME                                        WAR PATROLS
Lieut. Comdr. E.L. BEACH, U.S. Navy.        12
Lieut. G.M. REEVES, U.S. Navy.              3
Lieut. A.R. CHRISTIANSEN, U.S.N.R.          1
Lieut. W.A. BOWMAN, U.S.N.R.                6
Lieut. O.A. HOLT, U.S.N.R.                  3
Lieut. C.F. EBERLE, U.S.N.R.                3
Lieut. (jg) J.K. APPELDOORN, U.S.N.R.       3
Lieut. (jg) W.R. HARRISON, U.S.N.R.         3
Lieut. (jg) L.R. PORTER, U.S. Navy.         3
Ensign R.E. ENGLUND, U.S.N.R.               1

YOUTSEY, J.D. 375 76 44, CTM(T), U.S.N.     2
SMITH, D.T., 381 09 77, CMOM(T), U.S.N.     9
MAYER, R.C., 311 12 78, CMOM(T), U.S.N.     9
KOERNER, D.E. 223 26 58, CEM(T), U.S.N.     9
SCANLON, R.F., 606 61 45, CMOM(AA)(T), U.S.N.R. 7
ZIMMER, M., 311 26 00, CTM(AA)(T), U.S.N.   8
SPENCER, F.D., 311 59 42, CEM(AA)(T), U.S.N. 3
ADAMS, W.H., 668 12 62, CY(AA)(T), U.S.N.R  3

NARRATIVE

19 July to 31 July 1945
Enroute Guam, conducting drills and school of the boat.

1 August to 4 August 1945
Advanced training in special equipment. During this period it was
found necessary to renew seven cylinder liners on main engine Number 3.
(See section II).

5 August 1945
1700 (K) Departed Guam enroute to Sea of Japan pursuant to CTF Op. Order 148-45.

5 August to 15 August 1945
Enroute to area 16A, Sea of Japan, conducting training dives and drills.
Held morning and afternoon school of the boat for unqualified men. All
times in report from this point are Item

10 August 1945
1000 One never knows what to expect at sea anymore. Careful investigation
of a suspicious floating object at 29°-30'N, 137°-00'E showed
it to be a barnacle encrusted 100 percent American football, which we
assume may have been lost from a flight deck carrier game.

2000 Exchanged recognition signals on SJ with USS REDFIN bearing 300°T.

2100 Sent Piper serial one to ComSubPac expressing intention to enter the
Sea of Japan on Twelfth. Answer was forthcoming, for at

- 2 -

— page 91 —
11 August 1945

0100 Received orders to proceed to and patrol the Yellow Sea and await further
orders. This was very disappointing indeed. At
0200 Sent Piper Serial Two to ComSubPac, and, with daylight approaching,
for want of a better patrol area in which to submerge, headed for
south tip of Shimo Koshiki.
0500 Submerged six miles off Shimo Koshiki; spent the day patrolling from
one to three miles offshore, proceeding around south coast and up
west hoping to find a target. Observed two radar and one radio
installations on south side of Shimo Koshiki.
1200 POSITION: 31°36'N, 129°44'E.
2000 Surfaced four miles west of Shimo Koshiki. Picked up, tracked, and shot
up two sailing vessels, believed to be 5 ton fishing boats. Destroyed
one and badly damaged the other.
2100 Proceeded thru Koshiki Kaikyro, headed for Fukae Shima enroute to
Yellow Sea.

12 August 1945

0500 Submerged six miles south of Ose Saki Light, closed beach to 2000 yds
and conducted daylight submerged patrol off Fukae Shima and the Naval
Base around the corner, hoping to find at least one small escort in
the harbor. Observed nothing of interest.
1200 POSITION: 32°32'N, 128°47'E.
2000 Surfaced. Decided to submerge off Saishu Kaikyo on the 13th, but at
2200 received orders from ComSubsPac to proceed to Japan Sea for sched-
uled patrol.
2010 Sent Piper Serial Three, expressing intention to enter Sea of Japan
on 13th, put everything on the line except the washing machine, hoping
to enter the sea before the orders changed again, and at

13 August 1945

0600 Submerged.
0900 Surfaced in Japan Sea, proceeding to Area.
1010 Contacted Stickleback, exchanged recognition signals on SJ radar.

14 August 1945

0600 Submerged for SD contact at 9 miles. This was a strange blurred signal,
giving rise to speculation that it might be one of the wooden "Ersatz"
planes.

- 3 -

— page 92 —
0700 Surfaced.
0736 Sighted high raked mast bearing 139 T. Closed, went to gun stations,
but were again frustrated for at
0900 Found it to be about a one hundred ton wooden combination fishing boat
and landing craft, deserted, well shot up; and half sunk. Expended two
thermite grenades on it and proceeded.

1200 POSITION: 37° 07'N, 132° 18'E.
1500 Sighted and exploded by gunfire one floating, horned-type mine at
37°36'N, 132° 39'E.

1640 Sighted swamped lifeboat with men and women clinging to it. They
both appeared young, the woman quite pretty with her many colored
scarf around her head; the wolves could be heard howling throughout
the boat. Decided to take them aboard. Came alongside three times,
flooded down, bow planes rigged out, trying first to coax them aboard,
and, that failing, to frighten them aboard by a few shots well
overhead. Both methods failed; each time we maneuvered close aboard they
paddled away; it was believed that girl had seen wolves before.
During the procedure the entire boarding party, both first and
second waves, were on deck with guns and equipment. After the third
attempt, it was decided that enough was enough, and the Gunnery Officer,
Lieutenant W. H. BOWMAN and LeCLAIR, R. J., Sic (225 pounds of
gun-striker), stripped to skivvies and with long knives clenched in
their teeth (like John Silver) went over the side after the man.
This ended all argument. The young lady was towed alongside with
her hands clasped in front of her face, praying in Japanese;
followed suit, struggling somewhat.
It was decided to strip and search both prisoners on deck, in
deference to maidenly modesty, a shapely mattress cover with two
head holes was provided. This was quite unnecessary, as with a
scarf and a pair of pants the beautiful she turned out to be.
The other prisoner was suffering from a deep scalp wound close
ling an old bullet crease. Both men were bathed, given medical
and dry clothing.

Before this could be completed, sighted a raft ahead with four more
customers. These were more willing to come aboard under their own power,
with the exception of a serious young man who first tried to swim away,
then deciding this was no good, floated on his back, gazing up at the
riflemen and waiting to be shot. Instead of shooting him, LeCLAIR went
over the side and brought this erring Jap aboard in a manner that left
little doubt in his mind that we wanted him.
Stripped these also on deck, sent them below for medical attention
and baths.

Have succeeded in finding out very little from these six POW's.
The first two were in a lifeboat marked PERSEUS - MARSEILLES. The
second four arrived on an unmarked raft. The first two were in poor
condition, appeared to have been in the water four or five days; the
latter four were in excellent condition. All are merchant mariners
(from their uniforms). We believe, from pantomime conversations (not
very satisfactory) that this was a convoy and that at least one ship

- 4 -

— page 93 —
was sunk by aircraft and possible one or more by submarine.
Sent Piper Fourth to ComSubsPac announcing arrival in the Sea.
Commenced following the radio very closely for final word of Japanese
surrender.

                                15 August 1945

2000      Entered area.
2200      Dived for trim and bathothermograph card. Very interesting 18°
          gradient.
0200      Surfaced.
0500      Sighted aircraft at 040°T, looks like a Piper cub, headed in.
          Surfaced.
0543      Another aircraft, this one using radar. Sighted with small angle on
          the bow and aft.
0608      Dived. Decided to stay down and listen to the news on SD rad.
0757 1200 POSITION: 38° 45'N, 137° 59'E.
0835      Received message from ComSubsPac to remain in Sea for present.
0836      Received word on radio that Japan has surrendered and the war is over.
1307      Surfaced. Decided to remain out of sight of land pending further
          orders. Received the official message from ComSubsPac to sink no more
          Japs.
1930      Sent Piper Fifth to ComSubsPac acknowledging and announcing the Piper
          much alive at war's end.

                                16 August 1945

2000      Sighted a liferaft with a good Jap (a dead one) aboard.
1015 1200 POSITION: 39° 50'N, 135° 47'E.
1840      Strong APR contact at 160 Mag. followed by
1844      SD contact at 4 miles. Dived to 200 feet and at
1847      One bomb and one depth charge about 200 yards away. Went to 400
          feet and made some violent and unprintable remarks on the subject of
          being a target 36 hours after the peace declaration. Stifled an
          urgent impulse to club our six Tojos rescued day before yesterday
          from a salty grave.

                                   - 5 -

— page 94 —
2000 Surfaced. Sent Piper 6th to ComSubSPac informing him of the new
     developments.
2230 Strong APR contact on 180 Meg.
2231 SD contact 24 miles.
2231½ SD contact 12 miles. Dived. At this time we were silhouetted against
     a setting moon. There is no doubt in our minds that we have become a
     target out here.

                                   17 August 1945

1200 POSITION: 38° 56'N, 136° 56'E.
1345 Sank by gunfire, without exploding a horned mine at 39° 11'N,
     136° 57'E.

                                   18 August 1945

1200 POSITION: 39° 52'N, 135° 21'E.
1201 Forced down by sight contact on a high wing patrol plane bearing
     016°T, small angle on the bow.
1400 Surfaced.
1840 Dived again for another sight contact on a plane, unidentified, bearing
     074°T.
1915 Surfaced. Sent Piper Serial Seven to ComSubSPac telling him of the
     Japanese air activity in the sea.

                                   19 August 1945

1200 POSITION: 39° 41'N, 136° 44'E.
1615 Passed our very good friend the dead Jap of 16 August on his raft.

                                   20 August 1945

1200 POSITION: 39° 57'N, 137° 54'E.
1830 Sank by gunfire, without exploding, one horned mine at Lat. 39° 13'N,
     Long. 136° 55'E.
1925 Came alongside and inspected a small, uninteresting capsized,
     waterlogged, fish-smelling sailboat at Lat. 39° 10'N, Long. 136° 55'E.

                                   21 August 1945

1200 POSITION: 39° 35'N, 135° 55'E.

                                     - 6 -

— page 95 —
2000 Enjoyed fifteen minute concert in the Wardroom by the All-Japanese
sextet rendering the Yokohoma version of "God Bless America." This
is guaranteed to drive home to any man the horrors of war.

22 August 1945

1110 Surfaced.

1200 POSITION: 39° 45'N, 137° 10'E.

1800 Read the news and noted with more sorrow that the Piper banner will
not flap in the Tokyo breezes on surrender day.

23 August 1945

0450 Made morning trim dive. To vary the routine, made this an all-stop dive
from the flooded down condition. Noted that this added not one second
to our diving time (31 sec.) which gave us a third subject to
discuss this day.

1155 Dived for sight contact on single engine seaplane, zero on the
bow. Had faintly considered swimming call this afternoon in view of the
past three eventless days, but no more.

1200 POSITION: 39° 48'N, 135° 28'E.

1330 Surfaced.

24 August 1945

1200 POSITION: 39° 39'N, 136° 59'E.

1450 Passed our good friend the dead Jap of 16 and 19 August.

1800 Received little drops of encouragement in the form of message from
ComSubSPac that he will get us out of here as soon as peace is insured.

25 August 1945

1200 POSITION: 39° 45'N, 136° 12'E.

26 August 1945

1200 POSITION: 39° 40'N, 136° 16'E.

27 August 1945

1200 POSITION: 39° 37'N, 135° 44'E.

28 August 1945

1200 POSITION: 39° 46'N, 137° 02'E.

- 7 -

— page 96 —
29 August 1945
1200 POSITION: 40° 01'N, 136° 58'E.
1700 Made rendezvous with JALLAO, exchanged movies, ALNAVS and condolences.

30 August 1945
1100 Sank by gunfire, without exploding, a drifting horned mine at
38° 59'N, 137° 00'E.
1200 POSITION: 38° 59'N, 136° 56'E.

31 August 1945
1200 POSITION: 39° 54'N, 135° 52'E.

1 September 1945
1200 POSITION: 39° 12'N, 136° 39'E.
1600 Received the long-awaited glad tidings to rendezvous and depart.
This news was received on board with an enthusiasm which was exceeded
only by news of the end of hostilities.
1900 Intercepted message from JALLAO to STICKLEBACK arranging rendezvous.
Set course to intercept JALLAO.
2000 Took station on JALLAO.

2 September 1945
1200 POSITION: 37° 23'N, 133° 34'E.
1310 Passed empty raft at 37° 18'N, 133° 27'E.
1550 Exploded by gunfire a drifting horned mine at 36° 50'N, 132° 38'E.
1800 Closed to inspect a small sailboat at 36° 43'N, 132° 11'E, making
surprising speed for such a small and well-loaded craft.
Saw four men, several women and children. Proceeded, wondering
what such a small boat could be doing so far from land with a
typhoon coming up from the south.

3 September 1945
0800 Made rendezvous with STICKLEBACK. Commenced transit of Nishi Suido.
0900 Sighted a large, black-smoking passenger vessel marked with white
crosses. We had been advised by ComSubSPac that just such a vessel,
so marked, had been granted permission to transit Tsushima. We would
have greatly enjoyed meeting this fellow one month sooner. From this
point to Ko To there were always one or more small craft (fishing boats,
etc.) in sight.

- 8 -

— page 97 —
1200
Cleared Nishi Suido. POSITION: 34° 34'N, 128° 26'E.
4 Sept. to 9 Sept. 1945
Enroute area to Guam, conducting drills and exercises enroute.

C. WEATHER:
The weather throughout the time on station was unexpect-
edly good, with seas greater than force two only three times and then
for short duration.

D. TIDAL INFORMATION:
Current within the Sea of Japan was negligible. No set was
encountered on exit via Nishi Suido, west of Ko To on the morning
of 3 September.

E. NAVIGATION AIDS:
No navigational aids were sighted except those shown on
HO and V series charts. Soundings, where taken, agreed with
charts. The Loran stations on Okinawa and Iwo Jima were used
in obtaining latitude within the sea, and were checked several
times with celestial fixes and no discrepancies noted.

- 9 -

— page 98 —
F. SHIP CONTACTS:
No. | Time
Date | Lat.
Long. | Type | Initial
Range | Est. Course
& Speed | How
Contact | Remarks
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1. | 2000(I)
8/11/45 | 31° 52'N
129° 49'E | Two 5 ton fishing
boats - Wooden, sail | 6,000 yds. | Lying to | Radar
Sight | & Gun Action #1
2. | 0900(I)
8/14/45 | 36° 40'N
131° 55'E | 100 ton combination
fishing boat &
landing craft | 24,000 yds | Lying to | Sight | Had been shot up, stove in
and abandoned. Decks awash
Expended 2 thermite grenades.
3. | 1700(I)
8/14/45 | 38° 01'N
133° 18'E | Swamped lifeboat
and raft. | 7,000 yds. | Lying to | Sight | Took aboard 6 survivors.
4. | 1800(I)
9/2/45 | 36° 23'N
132° 11'E | 2 ton sailboat | 8,000 yds. | 290°
5 kts. | Sight | 4 men, some women & children
5. | 0500(I)
9/3/45 | 35° 22'N
130° 07'E | Large Passenger
ship. | 15,000 yds. | 270°
10 kts. | Sight | Properly marked, passage
granted by CinCPac

- 10 -

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS:

The most exasperating was the fact that ninety percent of all aircraft contacts made in the area
were made in the period of five days immediately following ComSubSPac's no-attack orders when we had reasons
to expect to be left alone.
These contacts were usually in the morning and evening periods, and were invariably proceeded by APR
signals. Every indication was that our presence was known and a careful search was being conducted for us.
On 16 August, in poor visibility, made SD contact at 4 miles. Dived, and on passing 200 feet took one
bomb and one depth charge at an estimated distance of 200 yards.

— page 99 —
```
H. ATTACK DATA:
U.S.S. EPPER (SS409) Gun attack No. 1 Patrol No. 3
Time 2000 Date 9/11/45 Lat. 31° 52' N Long. 129° 19' E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE SUSTAINED
Sunk: One 5 ton sailing vessel, probably a fisher, at range of about 10 yards.

Dragged or
Probably Sunk: One 5 ton sailing vessel, probably a fisher, at a range of about 50 yards.

Damage determined by: Skid. Action was conducted precisely alongside. One target was seen to sink while the crew was able to abandon the other and its condition was such that sinking is almost certain.

DETAILS OF ACTION
Patrols were made with a broadside of two 40MM guns, three 20MM guns and five .50 caliber. Ranges varied between 300 and 500 yards. Performances of all guns excellent.

I. THE ENEMY:
Floating, hulked, topside under water sunk in the following positions:
Only the first and last ones exploded; all were sunk by forward 30 caliber rifle fire.

(1) Lat. 37° 36' N, Long. 132° 39' E.
(2) Lat. 39° 11' N, Long. 136° 57' E.
(3) Lat. 39° 31' N, Long. 136° 59' E.
(4) Lat. 35° 39' N, Long. 137° 00' E.
(5) Lat. 36° 50' N, Long. 132° 39' E.

J. NEW SURFACE AND AIR STRIKES AND VISUAL OBSERVATIONS:
The PBY and the dry-dock equipped search planes were the only anti-submarine measures encountered, of which only one attacked (16 August, 1 boat and 1 depth charge).
```

— page 100 —
K. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE ENGINEERING

1 August to 3 August 1945: In July 1945 a leak was discovered in #4
Main Engine fresh water cooler. This cooler was removed from the
ship and one leaky tube was discovered when cooler was tested hydraulically; this tube was
silver soldered and thus closed completely. The cooler was tested to 300#
sq. in. and reinstalled; performance has been satisfactory. Work done by
U.S.S. HOLLAND.

2 August 1945: The exhaust from #1 main engine was colored excessively
and upon inspection of the air box it was found to contain an abnormal amount
of lubrication oil. The seal rings were removed and renewed on both rotors
in the forward end of the blower, by ship's force. In the forward end of the
blower, angle-cut rings were installed; in the after end of the blower angle-
cut rings were installed as they were only type available. The seal oil rings
removed had been renewed in Pearl Harbor during the last refit of the ship; these
rings were found to be very rough and had excessive butt clearance and were
replaced with angle cut rings.

4 August 1945: Liners #4,5,6,7,8,9 and 10 on #3 main engine were renewed.
along with all liner adapters and upper and lower piston rings. Leaks were
found on outside of water jackets on #4, 5 and 10 liners, and a leak located
outboard in air start check valve adapter; small cracks were found. Previously,
liners #1, 2 and 3 had been renewed for identical reasons. These water jackets
became cracked as a result of salt water entering the fresh water system through
a leaky fresh water cooler as reported previously in war patrol report No. 1.
Engine hours at time of renewal of these liners - 1813.8.

8 August 1945: An inspection of #1 main engine showed blower lobos hitting
after engine had been secured because of unusual noise. Upon disassembling
the blower it was found that the timing flange was slipping; also, the factory
match marks on the timing flange were incorrect. The timing flange coupling
bolts had excessive clearance.
While at sea the ship's force scraped the scored area from the lobos,
both upper and lower rotors. Also, the timing flange was turned in the oppo-
site direction of rotation approximately 0.012 inches; the timing flange
coupling bolts holes were reamed and new oversized coupling bolts (body bound)
were made aboard ship and were installed.
The blower was reassembled and clearances were taken; these clearances
between 0.029 - 0.033 which are within the prescribed limits. There has
been no noticeable vibration in the blower to indicate the rotors are out of
balance as a result of the scraping. The engine has run satisfactorily since
this work was completed.
This engine blower has been a continuous source of trouble; therefore, it
is considered proper to give a condensed review of all troubles occurring since
commissioning of the ship:

(1) 23 September 1944: A loud rumble and vibrational noise was
heard, apparently in the blower end of the engine. The Fairbanks-
Morse engine representative inspected the engine and found nothing
incorrect; after 14 hours of additional operation clearances
taken which are tabulated:

- 12 -

— page 101 —
Lobes to casing: 0.026 - 0.027
Between Lobes: 0.031
End Clearances Fwd: Upper 0.029 - Lower 0.030
End Clearances Aft: Upper 0.020 - Lower 0.021

The company representatives pronounced the engine in good working
order.

(1) 1 October 1944: A noise similar to that mentioned above was
heard. Fairbanks-Morse representative, Mr. Elliot, recommended the
blower be dismantled and inspected.

(2) 12 October to 15 October 1944: The blower was disassembled and
it was discovered that the lobes were gouged in places and had started
to wipe. The blower was reassembled with the following new parts:

    Impeller, right hand upper and left hand lower.
    Impeller shaft bearings, inner and outer.
    Blower timing gear, driver and driven.

    Clearances taken were within allowance and are given in the
    October 1944 Engineering Performance Report along with complete in-
    formation and details.

(3) 29 March to 15 April 1945: During the refit conducted this period
this engine was given a 1500 hour overhaul; clearances taken at this
time are listed below and are not within the allowances. No corrective
action was taken at this overhaul.

    Between rotors: 0.020
    Between rotors and housing: 0.027
    End Clearance (thrust end): 0.025
    End Clearance (fwd. end): 0.028
    End play (upper and lower) 0.002
    Backlash: 0.005

(4) 3 May 1945: This same familiar noise was again heard and sub-
sequent inspection showed the lobes were hitting.

(5) 30 June 1945: The Submarine Base personnel inspected the blower
of this engine and renewed the following parts:

    (a) Impeller, right hand upper and left hand lower.
    (b) Impeller shaft bearings, inner and outer.
    (c) Blower timing gear, driver and driven.

    All clearances taken were within limits: For details see the
    June 1945 Engineering Performance Report.

In conclusion, the engine has had three sets of impellers, bearings, and ti-
ming gears installed. It is recommended that this blower be disassembled and
inspected by experts with the hope that the source of trouble can be found and eliminated;
this should be possible now that the war is over and the ship will have more time
available for repair work.

- 13 -

— page 102 —
HULL

General condition of hull and performance of auxiliaries was excellent.
Installation of zincs in circulating water system of high pressure air compressors
is recommended as electrolytic action on bolts was very evident and renewal was
necessitated underway.
Although periscope operation was very satisfactory, recommend that lubbers
line be filled completely with permanent black metal.
Upholstered manifolds, keep difficulties with present Portsmouth unplated valves, more
hatch stripping, etc., makes us look forward to the return of monel and CRS to
the boat as soon as available.

)RADIO: Defects and Damage: - No major defects or casualties were encountered.

Eight messages were transmitted to ComSubSFac thru NPN (Radio Guam). No
difficulties were encountered in either the initial call up or disposition of traffic.
Reception on 13750 kcs was excellent throughout the patrol; Fox skods were received
and 16530 kcs during daylight, 6045 and 9050 kcs at night. The new ship antenna
is superior to the former horizontal antennas for both transmitting and receiving,
but the shrot side antennas are definitely inferior.

)RADAR: SJ-1 - This unit was keyed for two sweeps every five minutes
The reason for this was to minimize enemy DFing in case the enemy has
ment for this frequency.
There was some casualty which has taken place for two successive patrols, loss of
gain in the radar frequency plumbing and the T-R cavity caused the major trouble
for the SJ-1. The unit was never completely out of commission, however,
maximum ranges were greatly reduced. Cleaning out the RF plumbing and changing
TR tubes and retuning solved the problem for very short periods, but the trouble
was recurrent.

This SJ set has never produced satisfactory results. Its performance con-
sistently has been below par, and has compared unfavorably with that of other
submarine SJ radar units. This vessel has compromised with this unsatisfactory
condition, now, for three successive war patrols. Western Electric field engineers
have worked on it during every refit but have been unable to fix it. Replacement
of the entire transmitter unit is requested. Given time to experiment in their
laboratory, the technical experts may be able to raise the performance of our unit
to an acceptable level, but they cannot do so when the equipment is at sea.

R-4/B - No other failures
encountered.

ST - 1 - This unit proved very dependable throughout the patrol. The high voltage
load in in the PPI unit and the main power switch were the only other
than minor tube changes. T-R tubes showed much greater life than before
tuning was stable throughout the entire patrol. Only ranges obtained were those
during training period with 7 feet of scope exposed, ranges averaged around
10,000 to 12,000 yard on destroyers.

- 14 -

— page 103 —
SD-5 - This set was keyed three times in succession with duration
about one second every two minutes during daylight hours. No troubles
occurred during the run but several 8014-M's had to be tried before the run to
obtain good operation. Good ranges were obtained on all contacts. However several
came in on blind spots probably due to the many blind spots in the antenna
pattern. One P-29 was followed in from 64 miles while ranges averaged
15 and 20 miles on all contacts.

SPR-2 - This set is practically useless when the SJ is in operation with
out a wave trap as the SJ transmission blocks out the SPR-2. No wave trap
came in with this unit. However, the set was still useful because of keying our
SJ.

The Tuning unit should be redesigned with an automatic tuner or a
different gear ratio as continuous tuning of the unit while hunting for enemy
radar is very tiresome to the operator. Only major trouble was caused by filing
off in the tuning unit which shorted out the input to the receiver.

SOUND AND CONDITIONS:

1. The micro switch in fwd. room which keys the stylus on the TDM recorder
broke repeatedly. After all spares were used a jury rig was installed
which gave satisfactory performance. A more rugged design seems desirable.

2. The hand training gears in the QB training mechanism were so noisy that
they had to be removed, even after extensive efforts to repair.

3.
HEALTH, FOOD, HABITABILITY:

The general health of the crew was excellent. Not a single man was
lost due to sickness. Quality of provisions was satisfactory. Meals were well
prepared. The ship was clean and comfortable.

PERSONNEL:

(a) Number of men detached after previous patrol                               15
(b) Number of officers and men on board during                                 94
patrol (includes a photographer)
(c) Number of men qualified at start of patrol                                 65
(d) Number of men qualified at end of patrol                                   70
(e) Number of unqualified men making first patrol                              15
(f) Number of men advanced in rating during patrol                             14

The patrol was a great disappointment, taken as a whole, because, after
making extraordinary efforts to reach a lush patrol area, the war ended ten
hours later, without an opportunity having presented itself to destroy a single
worthwhile target.

- 15 -

— page 104 —
(R) MILES STEAMED, FUEL USED:
| | Miles | Gallons |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl to Guam | 3543 | 46,930 |
| Guam to Area | 2095 | 25,480 |
| In Area | 3390 | 25,130 |
| Area to Guam | 2105 | 35,000 |
| Total | 11,133 | Total | 132,540 |

(S) DURATION:
| | |
|---|---|
| Days enroute to Guam | 12 |
| Days in Guam to Area | 8 |
| Days in Area | 21 |
| Days in Area to Guam | 6 |
| Total Duration | 47 |
| Days Submerged | 2 |

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING:
| Torpedoes | Fuel | Provisions | Personnel Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| All | 25,300 | 20 days | 30 days |

Limiting factor this patrol:
Despatch orders from ComSubPac.

(U) RADAR COUNTERMEASURES
1. A continuous watch was stood on the APR-1 and SPR-2 at all times. All
radar activity encountered fell in the band of frequencies between 80 and 300
megacycles.
Several contacts were made on planes carrying 180/250/3-4 which was the
only enemy radar not listed in current information bulletins. The pulse rate of
this radar was varied from around 180 to 250.
See section H for SPR-2 difficulties.

| Date | Time | Position | Frequency | P-W | PRF | SHAPE | REMARKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-10 | 1340 | 29-51'N | 155 Mcgs. | 10 | 500 | | Land based |
| | | 132-00'E | | | | | |
| 3-10 | 1540 | 29-53'N | 160 Mcgs. | 10 | 550 | | Land based |
| | | 131-43'E | | | | | |
| 3-10 | 1800 | 29-55'N | 160 Mcgs. | 4 | 750 | | Land based |
| | | 131-10'E | | | | | |
| 3-10 | 1830 | 29-54'N | 98 Mcgs. | 12 | 500 | | Land based |
| | | 130-50'E | | | | | |
| 3-10 | 2100 | 30-10'N | 99 Mcgs. | 35 | 350 | | Land based |
| | | 130-12'E | | | | | |
| 3-11 | 0030 | 30-40'N | 112 Mcgs. | 15 | 500 | | Land based |
| | | 129-24'E | | | | | |

- 16 -

— page 105 —
Date | Time | Position | Frequency | P-W | PRF | Remarks
-11 | 0130 | 30-49'N | 180 Mcgs. | 10 | 200 | Possibly Airborne
    |      | 129-11'E |           |     |     |
-11 | 0200 | 31-20'N | 177 Mcgs. | 6 | 200 | ?
    |      | 129-06'E |           |     |     |
-11 | 0500 | 31-30'N | 78 Mcgs. | 35 | 500 | Land based
    |      | 129-19'E |           |     |     |
-11 | 0820 | 31-54'N | 179 Mcgs. | 7.5 | 350 | Land based
    |      | 129-50'E |           |     |     |
-11 | 0820 | 31-54'N | 150 Mcgs. | 6 | 450 | Land based
    |      | 129-50'E |           |     |     |
-11 | 2300 | 31-50'N | 96 Mcgs. | 15-20 | 600 | Land based
    |      | 129-50'E |           |     |     |
-12 | 0115 | 32-20'N | 183 Mcgs. | 18 | 250 | Land based
    |      | 128-43'E |           |     |     |
-12 | 0500 | Fukoe Shima | 77 Mcgs. | 35 | 400 | Land based
    |      |           | 96 Mcgs. | 15 | 700 | Land based
    |      |           | 150 Mcgs. | 7 | 500 | Land based
-16 | 1803 | 39-47'N | 157 Mcgs. | 7 | 1000 | Plane - Received
    |      | 135-26'E |           |     |     | 1 bomb & 1 depth ch
    |      |           |           |     |     | from this one.
-16 | 1950 | 39-48'N | 177 Mcgs. | 4 | 180 | Plane - SD contact
    |      | 135-37'E |           |     |     | followed
-18 | 1930 | 39-39'N | 158 Mcgs. | 6 | 1000 | Aircraft
    |      | 136-00'E |           |     |     |
-20 |      | 39-50'N | 157 Mcgs. | 6 | 500 | Nearest land was S
    |      | 136-54'E |           |     |     | at 125 miles.
    |      |           |           |     |     | This radar came in
    |      |           |           |     |     | several days, but no
    |      |           |           |     |     | gaining strength.

No jamming or deception was encountered.

COMMUNICATIONS COUNTERMEASURES

The only enemy jamming encountered was on the Honaco Frequencies. This was
usually random-keyed CW which was not very effective due to the short distances
between both ships and the fact that the interference was at a minimum
for the entire patrol.

SONAR COUNTERMEASURES

None

- 17 -

— page 106 —
(V) REMARKS:

          The Commanding Officer may be pardoned, surely, for feeling a little
disappointment at the fact that, after eleven War Patrols in subordinate
capacities, he finally achieved command, and entered one of the last areas
considered potentially productive with a ship and crew trained to a high
condition of readiness, only to have the war end ten hours after he
arrived in the area.

          It is, however, with a soul full of emotion that he adds these final
remarks to what may well be the last War Patrol of the Submarine War.
Having served in Submarines Pacific since the start of the war, since the
dark days of 1942 when disaster appeared to be pressing steadily closer and
closer, having seen (and been a part of) that thin grey wall which held the
enemy back--having grieved at those men who laughed at futility, who spit in the face of the dragon,
who quietly and gaily interposed their puny bodies athwart the course of the
Beast--having grieved at those names who inspired us and left their legacy--
SEAWOLF, WAHOO, TRIGGER, GUDGEON, TANG, TROUT, BONEFISH, GRUNION,
HARDER--that he may be forgiven for a bit of sentimentality.

          The realization is growing swiftly that no more will the warheads of
our steel chariots announce to the barbarians; no more will the loins quiver and the
spine tingle at the chase; no more will the heady champagne of conflict steady our aim; nor
will we experience the fierce joy of a sturdy hull, a steady hand on the helm,
four engines roaring a bit more than their rated full power, of riding our steel
bridge right into the teeth of the huge foe, tearing out his vitals while
he vainly shoots his guns and helplessly tries to get away.

          Never again the blind groping of the water mole, listening, always
and often finding it quite unnecessary to listen--nor the steaming, sweating,
drenching, dripping, running down your chest and back, soaking the rags and towels you vainly throw
around you, soaking your trousers and shoes--while you pay no attention, act unconcerned (if
they only knew), keep reliefs going to the planes and steering, keep checking all
compartments after each salvo, keep the best soundman on--he's dead tired but you
couldn't get rid of him anyway--and you listen, and guess, and maneuver, and
wait....

          And now, the small perspective grows large. It wasn't just one sub against
Japan. In that cloudy sky, there are no longer enemy planes, out to get that sub,
in those white-capped waves are no longer the periscopes of the foe, but only our
own. In these contested waters floats a mighty fleet, but it flies the stars and
stripes. On that distant shore is a great army, but it calls itself "G.I." instead
of "Son of Heaven". Suddenly the truth stands as high and broad as the free air
we breathe. We were never alone! Japan, poor fool, you never had a chance! The
thin grey line never faltered--couldn't falter--as long as we had faith. And never
was faith more fully, more gloriously justified. Our thin grey line has suddenly ex-
ploded with the accumulated wrath of years of toil and patience, becoming overnight
the great grey juggernaut of revenge, and it ground, slowly at first, then faster
and faster, more audaciously, finally with breath-taking speed, but always exceed-
ingly fine.

- 18 -

— page 107 —
Pearl Harbor, you will never be forgotten. The day of infamy will live
in the memories of men who gazed, with shocked eyes, on the pride of our Navy
sprawled in the mud. It will never be forgotten by a people who suddenly
found that their vaunted steel walls had been betrayed by a complacent public,
and all but destroyed by a vicious enemy. But that day welded our country into
a force, backed by outraged reason, righteous indignation, and burning shame,
which has not rested until the debt has been paid. Yes, Pearl Harbor, you have
been amply and truly avenged. And, as we dwell upon the destruction wrought
upon the perpetrators of that crime, we may well give thanks to Almighty
God that, although the price was heavy, we have reaffirmed the faith of our fathers
in the founders of this great nation. The flag of our country stands, now more than
ever, as a symbol of liberty, and the everlasting triumph of a free people against
the outracent hordes of the Beast. Long may it wave on high!

— page 108 —
COMMANDER SUBMARINE DIVISION THREE SIXTY ONE
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
9 September 1945.

FB5-361/A16-3
Serial: (014)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS PIPER (SS409) - Report of
War Patrol No. 3, ser.
(34-46) dated 9 September
1945.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PIPER (SS409) - Report of War Patrol
Number THREE.

1. The third war patrol of the U.S.S. PIPER (19 July 1945
to 9 September 1945) was conducted in the Sea of Japan. Twenty-one
days were spent in the area with only one day in the area prior to
cessation of hostilities.

2. Only two enemy ship contacts were made prior to ending
of hostilities. When in the Yellow Sea (11 August 1945), the PIPER
destroyed two five-ton fishing boats by gunfire. One was seen to
sink and the other was left in a sinking condition. On 14 August
1945, a deserted one hundred ton combination fishing boat and landing
craft was seen. Two thermite grenades were thrown aboard and the
PIPER proceeded on patrol.

3. On 14 August 1945 a man and woman were seen clinging
to a swamped life boat. They were made to come aboard and were
prisoners. The woman turned out to be a young man. A little later
the same day four other men were sighted on a raft and brought aboard
as prisoners.

4. On 16 August 1945 a SD plane contact at four miles
preceded by a 160 megocycle APR signal was made. The PIPER dived
to two hundred feet when she received one bomb and depth charge.
This was thirty-six hours after peace declaration. Ninety per cent
of all aircraft contacts made in the area by the PIPER were made in
the period five days immediately following ComSubS Pac's no-
attack orders. The contacts were usually in the morning and evening periods
and were preceded by APR signals.

- 1 -

— page 109 —
COMMANDER SUBMARINE DIVISION THREE SIXTY ONE

FDS-361/                                        Care of Fleet Post Office,
Serial: (014)                                   San Francisco, California.
                                                9 September 1945.
Q-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS PIPER - Report of
War Patrol No. 3, ser.
(34-46), dated 9 September
1945.

Subject: U.S.S. PIPER (SS409) - Report of War Patrol
         Number THREE.

5.
Five mines were sunk by thirty caliber rifle fire.
Two of the mines exploded.

6.
The U.S.S. PIPER returned clean and ship-
shape. No casualties were incurred. All major
defects will be given normal voyage repairs in which all major
defects will be corrected. Excellent work was done by the
crew in the repair of number one main engine blower
which had been a continuous source of trouble and it
is recommended that it be thoroughly checked during the next over-
haul.

7.
The Administrative Commander Submarine Division
THREE SIXTY ONE congratulates the commanding officer, officers and
crew for a well conducted aggressive patrol in the Sea of Japan.
The remarks made by the Commanding Officer at the end of the
report are inspiring and should be read by every submariner.

[SIGNATURE: D. F. WILLIAMSON]

— page 110 —
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

FF12-10/A16-3
Serial: 0311
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
PIPER Report of
Third War Patrol.

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

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

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

COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 911
U.S.S. PIPER - 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. PIPER (SS-409) - Report of Third War Patrol
(19 July to 9 September 1945).

1. The Third War Patrol of the PIPER, under the command of
Lieutenant Commander E. L. Beach, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the Sea of
Japan.

2. PIPER transitted Tsushima Straits on 13 August and entered
the Japan Sea at night. While transitting this Strait, PIPER located minefields
which were later confirmed by the Japanese charts surrendered at Manila. The
cessation of hostilities on 15 August deprived PIPER an opportunity to
attack enemy shipping. Patrol station was maintained until 3 September. It
is noted that on 16 August some thirty-six hours after the cease fire order
was received, the PIPER was bombed by a Japanese plane.

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

4. Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the PIPER for the completion of
this patrol, and sincerely regrets that no opportunity was afforded the
ship to inflict damage on the enemy.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Patrol Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
JICPOA (1)
AdJICPOA (1)
Comservpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Consubslay (3)
CO, S/M. Base, PH (1)
S/M School, NL (2)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (2)
Comsubs7thFlt (Fwd Echelon) (1)
Comsubs7thFlt (Rear Echelon) (2)

Comnorpac (1)
Comsubspec (3)
ComsubspecadComd (20)
SUBAD, MI (2)
ComsubspacSubordCom (3)
All Squadron and Division
Commanders, Pacific (2)
ComSubOpTragBalboa (Airmail) (5)
Substrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Pacific (1)

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

[SIGNATURE: J. J. AUER]
J. J. AUER,
Assistant Flag Secretary.

[HANDWRITTEN: 10 0449]

— page 111 —
END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: E-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-381-94]

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THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[SEAL: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with eagle emblem]

MICROFILMED BY
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