U.S.S. POMPANO (SS-181) — war patrol report SS-181_POMPANO.pdf

— page 1 —
START OF REEL
JOB NO. H-108
AR-63-80
45
1.0
2.8 2.5
50
56 3.2
2.2
OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: M. Monroe]
3.6
4.0
2.0
1.8
1.251.4
1.6
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: May 16, 1980]
THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION
REEL TARGET - START AND END
NDW-NPPSO-5210/1 (6-78)

— page 2 —
POMPANO (SS-181)
WORLD WAR II
PATROL FILE
ACTION REPORTS
ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED
FOR DECK LOG THROUGH JULY 1943 CONSULT
NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY.

[SIGNATURE: J.A.KOONTZ]

— page 4 —
-2- USS POMPANO (SS 181)
Steaming to Maloelap, the POMPANO could see a merchantman, a small man-
of-war and four patrol vessels at anchor in the harbor. After thoroughly
recconnoitering the area, the submarine left on 24 January, arriving at base on
the 31st. On the same day, aided by the reports the POMPANO had made, the
fast carriers of the Pacific Fleet raided the Marshalls.

Her next patrol, undertaken in Japanese home waters, proved vastly
different. Instead of being hampered by continual breakdowns, faulty torpedoes
and special missions, the sub was able to attack five vessels successfully,
sinking a total of 16,500 tons.

The POMPANO left Pearl Harbor on 20 April 1942, refueled at Midway, and
entered her area on 7 May, patrolling the steamer lanes west of Okinawa and in
the East China Sea. Shipping was scarce, but on 24 May she caught a large
sampan and sent it down with gunfire. The next morning, however, a prime target
in the form of a tanker appeared, later identified as the TOKO MARU.

Diving, the boat tried a submerged approach, only to find that she could
not reach a firing position. Shortly before 0900 she surfaced and began a
seven hour pursuit, broken by a fire which disabled one main generator and an
airplane sighting which forced her to run submerged for an hour before she was
able to send two torpedoes crashing into the oiler, which exploded and sank
immediately. The POMPANO came to the surface among the survivors, but was
forced to dive immediately by another plane contact.

Shifting her patrol to a point on the main route between Japan and the
Indies, the smoke from a large transport escorted by one destroyer caught
her eye on 30 May. Running to a position ahead of the convoy, the marauder
waited until her victim was only 750 yards away before scoring two solid hits
which sank the transport, the 7,983-ton ATSUTA MARU, two and a half hours later.
By firing with her tubes and then taking a quick evasive maneuvers, the sub
fooled the Japanese destroyer into thinking that she had gone the other way,
and escaped the 22 depth charges which he kicked overboard without damage.

With her fuel getting low and a strong possibility of not being able to
refuel at Midway on the way back because of the Japanese attempt to invade the
island, the POMPANO began to work eastward. On 2 June she sighted a fishing
vessel and prusued it unsuccessfully on the surface for two hours. Then on the
next morning, she found a small inter-island steamèr.

Surfacing close aboard, she opened fire on the surprised vessel with her
with her deck guns. A projectile jammed in her deck gun after a few rounds,
leaving her with only .30 and .50 caliber machine guns. Since the Japanese
refused to abandon ship, she fired one torpedo from 500 yards, which ran under
the target. Closing, she resumed fire with her machine guns, setting the vessel
afire. Two dozen Japanese then took to the water, and one was hauled on board
for intelligence purposes. Two hours later she observed the survivors being
rescued by a boat from Kita Iwo Jima, only 10 miles to the southeast.

On 5 June, while on the shipping route between Japan and the Marianas,
the submarine caught a trawler and sank it with gunfire. Two days later word
was that the Japanese fleet, decisively defeated in the Battle of Midway, was
fleeing toward Japan. The POMPANO took up a position to intercept them, but

— page 5 —
-3- USS POMPANO (SS 181)
could make no contact. On 13 June 1942 she put into Midway for refueling, and
on the 18th arrived in Pearl Harbor, where the submarine combat insignia was
awarded.

Under a new commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander W.M. Thomas, USN,
the submarine left Pearl Harbor again on 19 July, bound for Japan and her third
war patrol. At Midway she received minor repairs and fuel, even filling one
safety tank to capacity in order to remain at sea as long as possible. This
enabled her to set a record for her type; 55 days on patrol.

By 3 August she was in her area, and began patrolling within four miles
of the coast line. Several small boats and patrol craft were sighted, but
since it was felt that their draft was too shallow to permit a successful attack,
they were avoided.

Her first attack was made a few minutes past midnight on the morning of
7 August. Four torpedoes were fired at a large freighter, but each one missed
and the target escaped. The same ship was sighted again at 0146, but eluded
pursuit in the rain. When next sighted, the target was too far ahead for an
attack with dawn close at hand.

Two days later a cruiser or a large destroyer sighted the POMPANO, and
promptly opened fire. As she ducked under the sea, the shells could be heard
hitting the water, followed by a heavy barrage of depth charges close aboard..
Twice the sweating crew could hear objects striking the hull of the submarine
as they tried to work away from the coast. After being submerged for an hour
and a half, water began rising over the floor plates in the engine room from a
leaky exhaust valve. Going almost to the limits of her depth, the sub put
on more speed to maintain depth control, although doing so meant more noises,
making it easier for her assailants to find her.

The constantly-rising water forced the skipper to take the chance of
starting the pumps when it seemed that all of the enemy vessels were resonably
far away, but she was immediately subjected to a heavy barrage of depth charges
close aboard. Securing her pumps, she could hear one heavy ship with a four-
ship escort passing to port. Then, at 2330, she ran aground, putting her
sound gear out of commission. Coming up to 150 feet, she ran aground again ten
minutes later. Finally, with her battery almost exhausted, she was able to
surface at 2355, only a 1000 yards from shore, and clear the area.

Undaunted, the ship drove in for her second attack at noon on 12
August 1942. A freighter was coming into position when an enemy destroyer
was sighted coming down between the sub and her target. Firing two torpedoes,
the POMPANO's men could hear two very loud explosions, and a huge column of
spray and water could be seen through the periscope, blotting out the destroy-
er's bow at 700 yards distance. Both sets of screws stopped immediately,
and nine minutes later the destroyer disappeared. As the POMPANO closed the
freighter, it too settled below.

Another attack on 21 August failed when an organized convoy escort kept
the POMPANO down while three freighters passed. On the morning of the 23rd she
launched another three-torpedo attack on a large passenger freighter, only to

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-4- USS POMPANO (SS 181)
see all three miss. The target replied with his deck gun and 16 projectiles
could be heard striking the water, followed by two bombs close abcard. Thirty-
three more distant underwater explosions were heard through the rest of the
morning.

Surfacing after night-fall, the sub sighted a destroyer 7000 yards away
but could not attack when the destroyer sighted her in turn, and launched 18
depth charges close aboard.

The last attack of the patrol came while enroute to Midway, when, on the
500 mile circle from Tokyo, a patrol ship, naval auxiliary 163, was sighted
lying to. Since the vessel was of shallow draft, and since there were no
other enemy forces vixible, the submarine commander ordered battle surface, and
engaged with deck guns. The third shell put the enemy's only 20 mm gun out of
action, and an hour later she sank. The first loader, H.A. Calcatattera,
MoMMlc, was hit during the action, however, and died that night. After the
sinking, one prisoner was taken on board.

An unidentified periscope was sighted the next morning, but disappeared
before an attack could be made. The ship arrived in Midway on 8 September and
in Pearl Harbor four days later. The submarine combat insignia was awarded
for the patrol.

A Navy Yard overhaul at Mare Island, including the installation of new
main engines, kept the ship in the yard until 18 December 1942. Sailing back
to Pearl Harbor, she sailed on her fourth war patrol on 16 January 1943. The
Marshalls were her first objective, and at dawn on the 25th she was off
Kwajalein. After recconnoitering the area, she steamed on to Truk to begin
patrolling.

Catching a tanker with only one escort on 30 January, the sub pumped
her forward torpedoes into her from 850 yards, going deep as two of them hit.
Five minutes later the tanker's propellors stopped turning over, and half an
hour later breaking-up noises echoed through the sub. When she came up to
periscope depth, nothing could be seen.

Another tanker came in view on 4 February, but only one of the stern
torpedoes hit. A premature explosion by one torpedo clearly marked the sub's
position, ruining any chance for a second attack. Although damaged, the tanker
managed to make it into port. Moving back to the Marshalls, the POMPANO sighted
another tanker on the morning of 18 February. Unable to close to less than
10,000 yards, she trailed the prime target all day submerged, coming to the
surface shortly before sunset to begin an end around approach. Gambling the
last of her fuel on station, she overtook the tanker and got ahead of him after
sunrise on the 19th.

Two hits only slowed the Japanese down, however, and the subsequent depth
charging held the POMPANO down until her target had gotten away. After
recorinoitering Rongerik, Rongelap and Bikini, she returned home, mooring at
Midway on 28 February.

Wearing the combat insignia for her fourth patrol, the submarine left
Midway again on 19 March 1943, bound for Tokyo. During the entire patrol, with

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-5- USS POMPANO (SS 181)
26 days on station, only four torpedo targets were sighted, and only two
attacks could be launched, both under adverse conditions. Two-thirds of the
time the ship had to fight extremely rough and stormy weather.

Early in the morning on 9 April, the POMPANO made her first worth-while
contact, a group of two cruisers, four destroyers and one carrier. Already
far astern and with only a one and a half knot speed advantage, her only hope
was to overhaul the force as much as possible before daylight and fire long
range torpedoes, With her bow plunging into the force 5 sea and throwing up
highly visible spray, the sub ran after the targets until she had closed to
maximum firing range. Coming to a firing course, she backed down to give her
torpedoes a smooth start, and at 0302 fired four doses of torpex. Swinging
around, she added two more from her stern tubes.

Three of the six exploded prematurely, but two distinct explosions could
be flet at the correct time for the two after torpedoes to hit. With further
hope of attack gone, the submarine retired. No record of any damage inflicted
could be found after the war, however.

Five days later a large ship with one escort was attacked, but the rough
seas forced the sub to fire at extreme short range, spoiling her run. Leaving
the area, she arrived in Midway on 5 May and in Pearl Harbor five days later.
The combat insignia was again awarded.

On 6 June 1942 the submarine was underway again from Pearl Harbor for the
Nagoya, Japan area. Stopping briefly at Midway, she entered her area on 19
June, patrolling across traffic lanes from the Empire to the South. She
celebrated the Fourth of July by putting two more torpedoes into a grounded
ship, damaged by an earlier attack by the HARDER. The next day a convoy of
three small freighters, one large freighter-passenger, one medium tanker and one
destroyer was sighted and the POMPANO began an approach on the passenger-freighte.

She was still at 10,000 yards when the convoy began to change formation
to enter port. In doing so, they made what amounted to an end-around the sub-
marine's position, constantly changing course and speed. Finally, after an
hour's wait, the hunter found herself within range, and fired her four bow
tubes. The target had speeded up, however, and all four missed astern.

Two days later at 0100 the radar screen showed one large and one small
pip. Running ahead, the submarine got set for a bow shot on the surface, and
at 0155 fired a spread of three torpedoes. As she swung around, it became clear
that both vessels were destroyers and that her torpedoes would run under. The
two surface ships, now alerted, began a search for the American, who, having
lost the element of surprise, cleared the area.

Three ships, a passenger-freighter, a tanker and a destroyer escort,
were contacted by radar on the night of 9 July, and the POMPANO began her fourth
attack of the patrol. Unable to get close for a good firing position she fired
a spread of her last two bow torpedoes at extreme range only to see both of
them miss because of gyro errors. One exploded prematurely a scant 120 yards
away.

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-6- USS POMPANO (SS 181)
Another tanker appeared on the next night and was pursued 30 miles up
the coast into the next submarine area. Getting into position for a stern shot
on the surface, she fired both stern torpedoes. Inexplicably, both took an
erratic course and missed ahead. When they exploded against the shore, the
tanker began sending out cries for help and changed course to tun up into
Tanabe Wan. Cursing her luck, the POMPANO withdrew.

A good-sized sampan, sighted just before surfacing at 2000 on 17 July,
gave the sub's gun crews a chance to vent their rages by pounding it to bits
with 18 rounds of 3-inch ammunition, together with 20mm and .50 caliber machine
gun fire.

Her last two torpedoes were spent on a bootless attack on three freight-
ers, 20 July. Working in as close as she could, the sub fired her stern tubes
at extreme range for two clean misses. Withdrawing, she ended the unsuccessful
patrol at Midway on 28 July 1943.

Smarting from her unsuccessful sixth patrol, the POMPANO left Midway
on 20 August 1943, bound for the coasts of Hokkaido and Honshu. She was never
heard from again, and when she failed to return, was presumed lost.

The Japanese knew that she was in her area, however, for two ships fell
to her torpedoes during September; AKAMA MARU, a 5,600 ton cargo carrier, on
the 3rd, and TAKIO MARU, a 2,958 ton cargo carrier on the 25th. No anti-
submarine attacks were made by the enemy during this period in the POMPANO's
area, and it is felt that the veteran was destroyed by enemy mines.

USS POMPANO earned seven battle stars on the Asiaitc-Pacific Area Service
Medal for participating in the following operations:

1 Star/Pearl Harbor - 7 December 1941
1 Star/Midway - 3-6 June 1942
1 Star/First submarine war patrol - 18 December 1941 - 31 January 1942
1 Star/Third submarine war patrol - 19 July - 12 September 1942
1 Star/Fourth submarine war patrol - 16 January - 23 February 1943
1 Star/Fifth submarine war patrol - 19 March - 10 May 1943
1 Star/Sixth submarine war patrol - 6 June - 28 July 1943
******
**
STATISTICS
OVERALL LENGTH
DISPLACEMENT
COMPLEMENT
300 feet
1330 tons
8 officers and 72 men
BEAM
SPEED
25 feet
20 knots
**
Compiled: 1 February 1954

— page 9 —
1st capy
FF12-10/A16-3(5) SUBMARINES, PACIFIC FLEET Ps
Serial 0136 U.S. Submarine Base,
Pearl Harbor, T.H.,
COECLASSIFIEDNO. 6 February 4, 1942.
POMPANO FIRST WAR PATROL
CONFIDENTIAL
From: The Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
Το : Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. POMPANO - War Patrol - Report of.
Enclosure: (A) Copy of subject patrol report.
(B) Copy of Comsubron Four Comments, Conf. File
FF12-10(4)/A16-3 Serial 044 of February 3,
1942.
(C) Copy of Comsubdiv Forty-Three Comments,
Conf. file FB43/A16-3 Serial 003 of
February 2, 1942.
1. Enclosures (A), (B) and (C) are forwarded here-
with for information and guidance.
2. Comments of the Force Commander on the subject
report follow.
3. The attacks made on POMPANO on December 20 have
been studied with the view to ascertaining whether or not these
were by own planes. From the Type, it is improbable that they
were planes from Oahu. The type of plane operating from Johns-
ton Island, which at that time was 190 miles from the POMPANO,
is not known. It is possible that they were involved in this
attack. Task Force EIGHT was 300 miles from POMPANO; it is
therefore believed that planes from this task force were not
involved. No mention is made of making emergency identifica-
tion signals by POMPANO, which in this case would have been
appropriate. It is believed that United States planes have
now been adequately instructed concerning proper procedure
when sighting submarines near reported positions of United
States submarines.
4. The decision of the Commanding Officer on Janu-
ary 1l to refrain from attacking a small patrol craft in order
to wait for the more valuable target inside the lagoon is con-
sidered entirely correct, the decision being rewarded by the
sinking of a YAWATA class vessel of 16,500 tons on January 12.
DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09/BPC] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/1/72]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: Filmed
42306]
-1-

— page 10 —
FF12-10/A16-3(5) SUBMARINES, PACIFIC FLEET. Ps
Serial 0136
U. S. Submarine Base,
Pearl Harbor, T.H.,
February 4, 1942,
COMSUBPAC REPORT NO.6
POMPANO FIRST WAR PATROL
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPANO - War Patrol - Report of.
5. It is unfortunate that during the attack on the
patrol vessel on January 17, the first two torpedoes exploded
prematurely, as evidenced by the time of explosions - 15 seconds
and 25 seconds after firing. Corrective measures have been
taken to avoid future premature explosions. It is considered
that one of the second group of two torpedoes fired was fired
magnetically near the patrol vessel. This is borne out by the
range to target and interval after firing that the explosion
took place. The Commanding Officer is commended for his
aggressive action in retaining the offensive as long as possible
after the failure of the first attack due to premature explo-
sions. Attention is invited to the remarks on depth charging
which followed this attack.
6. While not brought out in the report, it is
understood that the bubble octant was used extensively and was
considered to be indispensable in a patrol area such as this,
with low-lying reefs and extremely variable currents.
7. Steps are being taken to supply each submarine
with a small nitrogen flask to correct the condition of the
fogged periscope as reported on January 11.
8. Main engine exhaust valves. Experience in
Fleet submarines has shown that it is absolutely necessary to
turn exhaust valves on their seats about every third day when
underway, in order to free carbon.
9. Main engines. Despite the remarks of the
Commanding Officer and the Division Commander concerning the
unreliability of these engines, this report indicates that the
performance of the engines is vastly improved over what it was
a year ago. Stuffers and piston cooling tubes, two bad offen-
ders up to about. February, 1941, gave little trouble. There
were only three stuffer failures, and no piston cooling tube
failures. Breaking of piston rings was caused by excessive
wear in cylinders. Once the metal in cylinder walls wears
through flame hardening the rate of wear is greatly accelerated.
All H.O.R. engines are inherently weak in this respect.
The reengining of the POMPANO is being studied
now. There may not be space available in the engine room to
accommodate any of the standard Fairbanks-Morse of Winton
submarine engines.

- 2 -

— page 11 —
FF12-10/A16-3(5)
Serial 0136
COMSUBPAC REPORT NO. 6
POMPANO FIRST WAR PATROL
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject:
U.S. Submarine Base,
Pearl Harbor, T.H.,
Ps
U.S.S. POMPANO - War Patrol - Report of.
10.
The Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet, concurs
in the remarks of the Squadron Commander regarding remaining on
station after fuel tanks are damaged to such an extent that
loss of fuel betrays position or submarine, and considers it
poor judgment to do so.

11.
The reconnaissance conducted by the POMPANO
was excellent, and contributed materially to the success of
the raid on January 31. The entire patrol was conducted under
the most trying conditions, due to the many repairs necessi-
tated while on station.

12.
The Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet,
credits the POMPANO with the following enemy losses inflicted:

1 - Auxiliary - 16,500 tons.

T. WITHERS.

DISTRIBUTION:
Facific List, 7CM-41
List I. Case 2:
P1(5); SSF
Atlantic List 11CM-41: SO(2)
Asiatic List: Comsubaf (2)
Special:
EN3(5); EN10(1); EN28(5);
ND14(2); NYI(1); NY9(1)/
NY10(2)/ Subschool Now London (8).

E. R. SWINBURNE,
Flag Secretary.

— page 12 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. POMPANO (SS181) - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 18, 1941, TO JANUARY 31, 1942
AREA: WAKE AND EASTERN MARSHALL ISLANDS (AREA #20)
Paragraphs are numbered as follows:
1. Brief narrative including time and position of any
incident of note.
2. Weather.
3. Tidal information (if abnormal).
4. Navigational aids.
5. Description of all enemy warships or merchant
Vessels sighted, including position, course and
speed, and time of sighting.
6. Description of all aircraft sighted.
7. Particulars of attacks; - number of torpedoes
fired, firing interval, point of aim, track angle,
and enemy estimated speed.
8. Enemy A/S measures.
9. Major defects experienced.
10. Remarks - Radio reception, density layers, sound
conditions, habitability, potable and battery
water endurance, etc.

- 1 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 13 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPANO - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
December 18, 1941. Zone Plus 10-1/2
1 Underway 0900 enroute Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor to
patrol station with destroyer escort until dark, zig-
zagging on base course 2610 true - Had several engine
casualties of a minor nature, mostly involving breaking
of small lines.
-
2. Northeast trade winds force 5, weather clear.
3, 4, 5.
-
6. Only friendly aircraft patrols sighted.
7, 8.
9. 1715 made trim dive and experienced serious leakage
around after battery hatch soft patch (similar to
U.S.S. PLUNGER) which had been repaired by Base prior
to start of patrol. 1728 surfaced and ship's force
made repairs. LITCHFIELD requested to circle submarine
while lying to. 1844 dove to 250 feet and found that
leakage had decreased. 1910 surfaced and completed
repairs at 1944.
#3 main engine out of commission. From appearance of
exhaust supercharge valve trouble appears likely.
Serious leakage of main and auxiliary engine exhaust
valves necessitating frequent pumping of bilges and
possibility of flooding engines.
10.- -
December 19, 1941. Zone Plus 10-1/2 and 11
1. Made five quick dives between 0928 and 1704 to escape
planes which is delaying progress to patrol station.
changed zone time to plus ll at 1500.
2. Usual trade winds force 5 - 5, direction East.
3, 4, 5.
-
- 2 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 14 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO (SS181) - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL.
December 19, 1941. Zone Plus 10-1/2 and 11
(Continued)
Ps

6. Made following quick dives to escape unidentified
aircraft:
Dived
0928
1415
1524
1612
1704
[HANDWRITTEN: i.e.]
[HANDWRITTEN: i.e.]
Surfaced
0948
1440
1543
1645
1747

All planes dark in color except one sighted at 1524 which
was silver.
7, 3. - -
9. 1505 [UNCLEAR: #4] engine due unusual. noise from
[UNCLEAR: undetected] cause. 2308 #3 engine in commission;
supercharge valve shear pin found to have been broken.
Sent men in superstructure after two dives to work on
after battery hatch soft patch which is still leaking.
Engine exhaust in before dawn. This is a serious war time
condition. It is also necessary to close these valves
by hand as power operation has failed.
10. - -
December 20, 1941. Zone time Plus 11
1. 0705 made quick dive to escape plane and was bombed or
depth charged just after submerging; one explosion fairly
close - no apparent serious damage. At this time we were
400 miles, 261 true, from Pearl Harbor. This did not
appear to be an Oahu based plane as the first VP of those
searching this sector was not scheduled to take off until
one hour and twenty minutes prior to the attack and would
therefore not have sufficient speed to cover the distance.

1410 made quick dive to escape three planes in attack
formation and was dive bombed or depth charged while
passing 100 feet (in a hurry); explosions were very close.
No apparent serious damage. At this time sky was overcast
and planes were not observed until they broke through a
cloud at a range of 2000-2500 yards. One was peeling off
for the attack when sighted.

- 3 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 17 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPANO (SS181) - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
December 23, 1941. Zone Time Plus 12
(Continued)
1. (b) Have been forced down by planes every day when on the
surface since leaving the base and attacked twice. Light
colored plane sighted yesterday afternoon indicates that
an enemy cari er may be nearby.

(c) Sky 40 - 50% cloudy which makes early plano detection
difficult and gives the dive bomber an additional advantago
over a submarino on the surface.

(d) Disclosure of destination by further continuous
sighting.

(e) Possibility of one or more submarines nearby returning
to bases in Mandatod Islands as underwater supersonic signals
were heard after submorging yesterday afternoon and again
today. One enemy submarine reported about 160 miles away.

At 2230 changed course for new destination assigned by
radio and put a second main engine on propulsion to
expedite arrival.

2. Wind SH force 4, 40 - 50% clouds, rain squalls during
night with low visibility.

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. - -

9. Still working on leaking main engine oxhaust valves and
after battery hatch soft patch during darkness.

10. Heard "pings" on JK when submerged which apparently were
produced by a supersonic projector at about 18 KCS
frequency. No surface ships visible through the periscope
at the time.

December 24, 1941 - Zone Timo Plus 12
1. At about 1600 while submerged, and at irregular intervals,
heard short distinct "grunts" in the Je rocciver over a
range of 10 to 30 KCS. Course was changed 30 degrees but
the relative bearing of the sound source remained unchanged
at 41-44 degrees relativo. When the QCC projector was
trained on the bearing and a single "ping" omitted the
occasional grunt changed to a series of rapid grunts.
After about a fifteen minute interval this procedure was
repeated with the same result. It is believed that the
submarine was being escorted by a large fish whose
auditory system found the supersonic beam to be painful or
annoying. A recent bulletin reported that a British
submarine also heard "grunts" and attributed it to an echo
ranger outside the frequency range of their receiver.
- 6 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 18 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO (SS181) - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
-
December 24, 1941. Zone Time Plus 12
(Continued)
2. Weather clear, wind east, force 4.
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. --
9. Leaking engine exhaust valves.
10. At 2400 changed from Zono Plus 12 to Minus 12 time.

December 26, 1941. Zone Time Minus 12
1. No remarks.
2. Weather clear, wind east, force 3.
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. - -
9. 2013 stopped #4 main engine due to broken piston rings and
burned babbit band. Rings are being broken by a chipped
cylinder block which will require renewal after return to
base. Unable to obtain any spare piston fire rings prior
to departure on patrol. A supply ordered a year ago arrived
while this ship was on the coast and was given to HOLLAND..
2200 stopped #2 main engine due to casualty to piston
cooling oil grasshopper gear. Main and auxiliary engine
exhaust valves leaking.

Either the liquidometer guages have become unreliable or
leaks have developed in #1 and #2 normal fuel oil tanks as
a result of the two attacks previously experienced. Believe
the latter to be the case as a heavy oil slick was observed
at dawn before submerging. Readings show a loss of 7700
gallons.
10. Water temperature constant at 80° F from periscope depth to
200 feet; no sound temperature gradient.

December 27, 1941. Zone Time Minus 12
1. Have decided to stop the charging engine upon completion
of charge instead of putting it on propulsion as has been
the practice since modification of orders on December 22,
1941. Wish to conserve both engines and fuel oil due to
derangements of the former and evidence of loss of the
latter.
2. Weather clear, wind east, force 3.
3, 4, 5. -
ENCLOSURE (A)
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CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPANO (SS181) - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
December 27, 1941. Zone Time Minus 12
(Continued)
6. Unidentified low wing monoplane sighted just as the diving
alarm was sounded at daybreak. Probably carrier based
judging from the type of plane and the fact that we were
640 miles east of Wake.
7, 8. - -
9. Still grinding in main engine exhaust valves from the top -
side during darkness. Today was the first time that they
hafe not leaked submerged.
Observed large oil slicks after coming to periscope depth
for observation from deep submergence. Suspected negative.
tank which was confirmed when some fuel oil was drawn from
the vent into a bowl after surfacing. Probably a leak from
#3 reserve fuel tank into negative which had developed as
a result of the attacks previously mentioned.
Stuffing box and piston rod seizure occured on #1 unit of
#3 main engine about ten minutes after surfacing.
10. - -
December 28, 1941. Zone Time Minus 12
1. At 0230 the 0.0.D. and two lookouts heard one short blast
on a whistle on the starboard bow. Simultaneously the
sound operator reported hearing sounds which might be
propellers bearing 070° relative. Unidentified sounds
disappeared and no ships were signted. A rain squall had
just passed and the visibility was low at the time.
2. Rain squall during the night. Sind east, force 2, calm
sea.
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. - -
9. Transferred fuel from #3 reserve F.O. tank to #5 because
of leaks in #3. Used two engines on propulsion during the
night in order to use more fuel out of #2 normal F.O. tank.
Might have to blow remaining oil in both #1 and #2 normal
F.O. tanks to sea if unable to stop fuel loss from these
tanks and resulting heavy slicks.
Discovered evidence of some fuel loss from the forward fueling
connection upon inspecting it during the night. The internal
valve seemed tight but the external cap was loose and there
was a fuel oil order in the vicinity.
10. - -
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CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO (SS181) REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
1.
No remarks.
2.
Wind, east by south, force 2, weather clear.
3.
4, 5, 6, 7, 9. --
9.
Noted a strong order of fuel oil upon opening #1 main
ballast tank vents before daylight this morning. Possible
that there is a fuel leakage between this tank and #1
normal F.O. tank. Liquidometer of latter tank unrelia-
ble due to shock as it showed a gain of 600 gallons after
1100 gallons had been used. Shiften fuel from this
tank to #3 reserve as all forward fuel tanks are under
suspicion.
10. Changed from minus 12 to zone minus 11 at 1400.

December 30, 1941. Zone Time Minus 11
1.
At 1325 commenced hearing loud "pings" at intervals of
1 to 6 seconds which sounded like a modulated type
supersonic projector. The average was about 1½ seconds
and the frequency range 18 to 20 kilocycles. Changing
the submarine course altered the relative bearings of
the sound source a corresponding amount but the true
bearing changed only slightly during the interval of
nearly two hours during which it was heard. At 1520
commenced hearing an almost continuous sound from the
same true bearing which resembled a reciprocating pump
and continued until surfacing at 1825. No ships or
periscopes were sighted although the submarine course
was directed toward the sound source. A single ping
from the QCC was projected toward each of the noises
described but no return echo was heard. Position at
this time: Wake bearing 280° true, distance 200 miles.
2.
Weather clear, wind east by south, force 2.
3, 5, 6, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. - -
December 31, 1941. Zone Time Minus 11
1.
Enroute assigned area, submarged during daylight and on
surface at night.
2.
Weather clear. Sea calm, wind south east, force 2.
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. - -

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CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO (SS181) - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
January 1, 1942, Zone Time Minus 11
1.
At 0200 arrived at Lat. 180 - 30' N, Long..1660 - 45' E,
which is the station selected for commencement of the
patrol. This should be a focal point for shipping
proceeding direct to Wake Island from the Marshalls
as the routes from the following principal islands pass
within a 9 mile radius of this point; Maloclap, Wotje,
Jaluit, Ailinglapalap, Kwajelein, Rongelab, etc. Intend
to close Wake Island slowly from this position until the
situation regarding the effectiveness of the surface and
air patrol is determined.
2.
Wind south east, force 2, sea calm.
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. --
10.
Received a radio despatch after surfacing addressed to
this ship. It is enciphered by a method used for secret
operation orders which we were required to turn in prior
to departure on patrol. Taking no action for the present
as it is hoped that the originator will discover his
mistake before we are forced to use our transmitter.
January 2, 1942. Zone Time Minus 11
1.
After surfacing, reported by radio the receipt of a
despatch in a secret system not held. Received a prior-
ity reply asking what the situation was on Wake Island.
Proceeded immediately to close Wake Island in order to
make a close inspection at dawn. With the present full
moon and the clear horizon the navigator was able to obtain
excellent fixes at intervals during the night.
2.
Weather clear, sea very calm, wind south east, force 1.
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. --
January 3, 1942. Zone Time Minus 11
1.
At 0422 submerged on course 090° true about 10 miles
from Wake. At 0600 sighted Wake (half hour before sun-
rise) between bearings 087° and 092° true. No activity
observed and the improvements and public works appeared
to be undamaged. Noted wrecks of two beached destroyers
but was prevented from photographing them by the appear-
ance of a large seaplane.
2.
Weather clear, sea very calm, wind south east, force 1,
excellent night visibility due to a full moon.
3, 4, 5. --

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CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPANO (SS181) - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL

January 3, 1942. Zone Time Minus 11
(Continued)
6. 0833 sighted large seaplane over Wake Island. It started
a turn in the direction of the submarine so went to deep
submergence (200 fect) without waiting to study details
of construction. t was a high wing monoplane type and
appeared to be much larger than our PBV patrol boats. It
is not included in our copy of "Japanese Air Craft
Silhouettes - 1940".
7, 8. --
9. Upper rings of #6 piston of #2 engine broken. No spare
rings available for this new type piston with single rings
in cach groove so renewal of the entire unit is necessary.

Burned out air starting valve #1 Main engine. No spares
available on board or at base duc to design modifications
being carried out by the manufacturer.
The H.O.R. engines installed in this submarinó aro entire-
ly unreliable and unsuited to wa r tinc operations. Althou-
gh only two weeks of the patrol have clapsed, the engineers
are almost cxhausted from standing watch and watch and making
continuous repairs of both a major and minor nature.
10. Wator temperaturé has remained constant at 80° F. in
this locality from periscope depth to 250 fact. Water
is clearer than in the Hawaiian area and greater depths
arc necessary to escape plane detection.

January 4, 1942. Zone Time Minus 11
1. Patrolling off Wake Island. Upon surfacing received
radio instructions to procced to arca #20 in Marshall
Islands.
2. Weather clear, wind east south cast, force 0, sca glassy calm.
3, 4, 5. - -
6. At 1059 sighted seaplane when about 4 miles off Western
side of Wake Island. Went to doop submorgence without
making any offort to obtain details of construction as
plane was heading directly for submarino when sighted.
7, 8. - -
9. Auxiliary engine out of commission duc to břokon lub oil
line. #2 main engine still out of commission.
10. - -

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— page 23 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO (SS181) - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
Jaunary 5, 1942. Zone Time Minus 11
1. Enroute Wake Island to area #20 in the Marshall Islands.
2. Weather clear, wind cast south cast, force 1, moderate swells.
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. - -
9. Completed repairs to düžiliárý čngine. #2 näin engine
still out of commission. Most of the engineōrs force
worë pëřmitted to sleep during the dive today as they
were too fatigued to properly continuc repair work on
the engines.
10. Water temperature constant at 81° F. between 225 feet
and periscope depth.
January 6, 1942. Zone Time Minus 11.
1. Enroute Wake Island to area"#20 in Marshall Islands.
Passed Toongi Atoll abean at midnight. Fron available
reports, this atoll is of no importance and it would
have delayed progress to the assigned area to wait
until morning and reconnoiter it.
2. Weather clear, wind cast, force 2.
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. - - - -
January 7, 1942. Zone Tine linus 11
1. Enroute Wake Island to area #20, Marshall Islands.
Will be able to reconnoiter Bikar Atoll in the Morning
by increasing speed during the night so placed
a second main engine on propulsion upon completion
of the battery charge at 2145.
2. Weather cicar, wind changed to ENE and increased
to force 4.
3. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. - -
January 8, 1942. Zone Tine Minus 11
1. Enroute Wake Island to arca #20, Marshall Islands.
At 0510 (1-1/4 hours before sunrisc) sighted Bikar
Island bearing 3000trúc. At 0530 submergod. A
heavy rain, with overcast sky, set in aboût sunrise
making observation of the atoll difficult.

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CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO (SS181) - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL

January 8, 1942. Zone Time Minus 11

HOWEVER, there was no indication of any activity in BIKAR,
Arumenii and Jäböbrukku Islands nor presence of ships in
the lagoon. H.O. 165 states that there are no permanent
inhabitants and the numerous sea birds sighted over the islands
tends to confirm this information.

2. Weather unsettled, sky övercast with heavy rain in the
morning, wind cast, force 4 to 5.

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. --

10. Temperature of sea water constant at 81° F. Between
200 feet and periscope depth.

January 9, 1942. Zone Time Minus 11.

1. Arrived in patrol area #20 at 0000. At 0952-sighted
Ailuk Atoll. Approached from the Southward to within
three miles. No ships present in the lagoon and no
activity observed on the shore.

2. Weather mostly overcast with occasional rain squalls,
wind cast force 5, with heavy seas. Swells cause the
submarine to roll 6 degrees onchy side when heading into
the sea at 200 feet.

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.--
:
January 10, 1942. Zone Time Minus 11

1. Patrolling in area #20, Marshall Islands. At 0226
sighted northeast part of Wotje Atoll although it was
believed that the submarine position was 20 - 25 miles
eastward at that time. This is the first time on this
patrol that a marked set has been exporienced. It had
been planned to take a position 15 miles southeast of
Wotje Atoll during darkness and then proceed submerged
during daylight to a point south of Rue Island in order
to obtain a close view of the Wotje anchorage uñobstruct-
ed by trees or islands. Instead of carrying out this plan,
remained to the eastward of the Atoll in order to
determine the current conditions before making a close
approach.

2. Weather mostly overcast, wind cast north east, force 5.

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— page 25 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U. S.S. POMPANO (SS181) - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
3. It appears that most of the set mentioned in paragraph 1
was experienced when within 15 miles of Wotje enrouto
from Ailuk Atoll. II.O. INo. 165 statos that "the west-
crly current is strongest between Likiop and Wotje Atolls,"
which scens to be truc. However, strong casterly winds
more than doubled the naxinun value of 12 knots given in
this publication.
4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
9. Water entered #1 and 12 main engines throūgh leaking in-
board éxhaust valves while grinding in outboard cxhaust
valves. Drains were open at the time.
10.
January 11, 1942. Zone Tine Minus 11
1. Patrolling off Wotje Atoll. 0932 sighted the masts, 'stack
and top of the bridge of a steamer bearing 330° trúc, angle
on the bow 1200 starboard, range 18,000 yards, proccoding
close inshore between Enc Cherutakku and Jotjė Islands:
It evidently had departed through Schischnarev Channel.
After passing Wotjc Island it changed to a north or north-
westerly course and disappeared. An attcript had been made
to be in a position about 5 miles fron the Atoll upon
diving at dawn but the ship had been set considerably to
the southward during darkness with the result that we woro
too far from the steamcr to attack. 115 sighted ship
of the KAMUKURA or YAMATA Haru class (16,500 ton) with
two other ships of about 6000 8000 tons at anchor
1 mile west of Wotje Island. At this time was two miles
off Egnedio Island. 1420 sighted nåsts and stack of a
ship which later proved to be conducting a patrol of the
approaches to Lagedisk and Schischnarev Straits. Its
speed of about six knots indicated that it was probably
making a microphone (hydrophone) search. Rofrained
from sinking it upon learning its identity although had
attained a firing position 600 yards on its bean. Did
not consider a ship of about 1300 tons of sufficient military
importance to warrant disclosing the presence of a submarinc

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— page 26 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO (66181) - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
[HANDWRITTEN: L]
[HANDWRITTEN: orene apr]
when more valuable target's were in the harbor.
2. Weather partly cloudy, wind east force 4, rough seas making
depth control difficult.
3, 4.
....
5. Large merchantman sighted at anchor 2200 yards bearing
2730 from observation point (Lat. 9-27-31 N, Long 170-14-
32 E) on Wotje Island. By comparison with copy of "Recog-
nition of Japanese Merchantmen", it appears to be one of
the YAWATA Maru Class although there is a possibility that
it may be the KAMAKURA. Two other merchantmen anchored
nearby were not identified but seemed to be of about
6000 - 8000 tons.

Patrol vessel of about 1300 tons displacement, high bow
and stern, short forecastle and poop decks, low waiste,
bridge and single stack amidships, large circular crow's
nest on high foremast capable of holding numerous lookouts,
painted dark color with white numerals or letters on side
of bridge.
6, 7, 8.------
9. Lost of fuel oil, with resultant surface slick, continues
from an undetermined source. Rough weather is causing high
lub oil consumption due to spilling out of the cam shaft
housing when the ship rolls. Have consumed 43% of lub
oil but only 35% of fuel (excluding loss due to leakage).

periscope is beginning to fog due to loss of nitrogen
although refilled by Base prior to departure. All sub-
marines should carry nitrogen and a charging connection;
we were unable to obtain delivery of a bottle before leaving.
10. A seaman incurred bruises and injuries, when struck by a
wave which will confine him to his bunk for several days.
He had been sent on deck to locate and secure a loose rail
or other object which had been causing a noise disturbance
when submerged.
January 12, 1942. Zone Time Minus 11
1. Submerged at 0514, 5 miles south east of Wotje Atoll, and
proceeded toward Schischmarev Strait. 0554 sighted patrol
ship bearing 065° true, distance 3 miles, on course 257,

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— page 27 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPANO (SS181) - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL

standing toward channel straits. Passed it about 1000
yards abeam. 0923 commenced cirgling off Schischmarev
Straits three miles from reef. 1019 saw a plane quite
close. 1058 sighted YAWATA class ship standing out of channel
on southerly course at slow speed. Just a few minutes
previous the sound operator had reported an increase in
the noise level of the surf in the direction of the
channel entrance. 1123 fired four torpedoes at enemy and
made 2 hits.

2. Weather partly cloudy, rain squalls in afternoon, wind
ENE force 5 - 6, rough sea and high waves.
3, 4. - - -
5. See paragraph 1.
6. Type of aircraft sighted not known. Wave broke over
periscope just as it was picked up. Immediately housed
periscope and went to deep submergence.

7. Fired 4 torpedoes at about 7 seconds interval. First point
of aim was 1/4 target length ahead; remaining three equally
spaced on the target 1/4 length apart. First torpedo
fired ahead to allow for target acceleration. Average
track angle 100 degrees starboard, range 1600 yards.
Maximum gyro angle 10 right. Enemy speed accelerated from
about 6 knots at start of approach to an estimated 15 at
time of firing. Firing done by "white light" method.
The first hit was observed through the periscope. A
small tongue of water, only a few feet high, appeared moment-
arily at the waterline accompanied by a muffled explosion and
a slight jar to the submarine. Three explosions were
heard separated from each other by several seconds. The
first two were fuffled but the last was a sharp crack like
a depth charge and it is possible that it was caused by a
premature torpedo explosion instead of a hit on the target.
Depth setting was 20 feet. Housed the periscope and went
to deep submergence after observing the first hit as there
was a strong possibility of planes still being in the vic-
inity. Sound operator reported that the high propeller
revolutions fell off rapidly to zero after the attack,
finally stopped altogether and never started again.
Fifteen minutes after firing came to periscope depth and saw
the target lying to about three miles away with a heavy
sea on her port beam and apparently settling. Went to deep
submergence and set a course for a position 1000 yards
abeam of the target, making a torpedo reload forward enroute.
Twelve minutes later the sound operators heard a loud dis-
turbance in the direction of the target, evidently caused

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— page 28 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. POMPANO - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
by her sinking. Came to periscope depth 20 minutes after
hearing this noise and the target was no longer visible.
9. One torpedo exploded prematurely. Heavy fuel leakage
causing visible track still persists.
10.
January 13, 1942. Zone Time Minus 11
1. Patrolling east of Wotje Atoll. Did not close the
channel entrance today due to heavy fuel leakage and
the probability that there would be an intensive sub-
marine search by surface ships and aircraft after
yesterday's attack on a Japanese ship. Heavy seas
prevented sending anyone on deck before diving at
dawn to look for fuel leaking. After surfacing at
dark, sent men into the superstructure to tighten the
man hole covers on #2 and #3 reserve fuel tanks.
Impossible to check those on #5 and #6 due to the rough
seas. Firing of 4 torpedoes forward enabled all fuel
to be shifted to after tanks.
2. Occasional rain squalls, wind ENE, force 5-6, rough seas.
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
January 14, 1942. Zone Time Minus 11
1. Patrolling Wotje Atoll. 0807 sighted the patrol ship,
which had been observed on previous days, and a gun boat
or mine layer, similar in general appearance to the
KATSURIKI, near the entrance to Schischarev Strait.
Commenced an approach on the latter. Discontinued approach
at 1307 due to battery being about three quarters discharged
and necessity for remaining submerged another six hours.
The unsuccessful chase was due to these ships changing
course and speed almost constantly and their close proximity
to the coral reefs. Could obtain but little assistance from
the sound operators as the surf breaking on the nearby reefs
drowned out the sound of the targer's propellers. The
Japanese have now become quite cautious since the
attack on their ship.

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CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
2. Ocasional rain squalls, wind ENE, force 5 -6, sea rough.
3, 4, 5. - - -
6. At 1700 sighted a sea plane near the channel entrance.
7, 8. - - - -
9. Fuel leaks appeared to have been stopped by transferring
all fuel to after tanks.
Commenced renewing another burned piston with broken
rings in #2 main engine.
10. - - - -

January 15, 1942. Zone Time Minus 11
1. Patrolling off Wotje. Due to very low visibility last
night and today it was impossible to fix the ship's
position with sufficient accuracy to find the Atoll.
Visibility was frequently lowered to about 1000 yards
by tropical rain storms. Conditions would be ideal for
the departure of the two enemy ships in the harbor.
2. Weather overcast with low visibility due to rain storms,
wind east, force 5 to 6 with heavy seas.
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. - - - -

January 16, 1942 - Zone Time Minus 11
1. Patrollin [UNCLEAR: Wotje]. Due to continued low visibility
had diffi[UNCLEAR: culty] in finding the Atoll again today.
Sighted [UNCLEAR: Atoll] at 1200 and was 2 miles off Ene Cherutakku
Island [UNCLEAR: at] 1600. Believe that one merchantman has
left the harbor as only one could be seen through the
coconut trees.
2. Weather overcast with rain squalls, wind ENE, force 5.
3. Experienced very strong south east set during the night.
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. - - -

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— page 30 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S, POMPANO - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
January 17, 1942, Zone Time Minus ll
1. Patrolling Wotje Atoll, 0830 approached within 1500 yards
of the shore line to observe ships in the anchorage. 1252
sighted a gun boat or mine layer patrolling in the entrance
to Schischmarev Strait. 1345 observed patrolling vessel
leave channel on a southerly course, Subsequent plots of
its position on the chart indicated that it plemned to make
a sweep through a six mile radius and then reti n to the
channel. Proceeded to close the target, but k ping be-
tween it and the channel, 1514 fired two torpedoes from
bow tubes. After hearing explosions raised periscope again
and saw the water discolored brown near the submarine from
two premature explosions and the enemy turning toward the sub-
marine at a range of 1300 yards with a 5 degree angle on
the bow with intentions of attacking. When angle on the
bow was zero and range 1000 yards fired two torpedoes, one
at the port beam and the other at the starboard beam. By
firing the last two torpedoes hoped to accomplish one of
the following: (1) A direct hit, although difficult
with large gyro angles and the present cam installed in
T.D.C. (2) A near-miss which would be exploded by the
magnetic feature and cause sufficient damage to hamper
effective pursuit. (3) Disconcert the enemy by retaining
the offensive as long as possible and "doing the unexpected"
in order to reduce the accuracy of his first attack and
gain time to go to deep submergence with a course change..
The first attack would have normally offered the enemy his
best chance of success since he was headed for the sub-
marine at close range
Between 1520 and 1550 enemy made 6 depth charge attacks,
dropping from one to three charges each time, while submarine
was maneuvered to keep him from coming in on a constant
bearing or from dropping them ahead. After the first
explosion the starboard shaft developed a shrill howling
noise which was louder in volume than the sound generated
by full speed on both propellers. This no doubt assisted the
enemy as it continued until some time after the attacks were
over, even though the stern tube gland was slacked as
quickly as possible. After dropping the last charge the
sound of the enemy's screws disappeared very quickly and
were not heard again. This is difficult to understand as
it was fully expected that he would attack until all depth
charges had been expended and would then trail us by means
of the howling noise from the starboard shaft. It is poss-
ible that one of the last two torpedoes may have exploded
magnetically near by and caused some damage as the sound
officer reported a muffled explosion 65 seconds after the
third torpedo was fired or 58 seconds after the fourth.

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CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL

January 17, 1942. Zone Time Minus 11 (Cont'd)

Steered zig zag course until dark in case fuel slicks were
being left on the surface. Surfaced at 1908 and
cleared Wotje on the two forward engines (equipped with
sparkless mufflers) to inspect for damage received.

2. Wind ENE force 4 with rain squalls at night.

3. 4

— page 32 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
January 17, 1942. Zone Time Minus ll (Cont'd)
Enemy seemed to have at least as much accuracy in placing
the charges as the average U.S. Destroyer when attacking
singly. His error appeared to be in not leading us quite
enough.
9. The major defect experienced was the utter unreliability
of the torpedoes.
10. This is the third time on the patrol that this ship has
been attacked and in each instance the conduct and perform-
ance of duty of all officers and men has been of the highest
order and in keeping with the traditions of the submarine
service.

January 18, 1942. Zone Time Minus 11.
1. Enroute Wotje to Maloelap Atoll. Inspected top side last
night and secured rails, decking, etc., loosened by depth
charge attack. It was too rough the previous night to go
on deck. Proceeding at slow speed in order to conserve
fuel which is very low, due to large losses, and to allow
time for a thorough internal inspection. Some of the damage
from a previous depth bomb attack was not noticed until
several days later.
2. Weather overcast, wind ENE force 4-5, during day, and
force 3 at night.
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. - - - - -
9. Believe that starboard shaft strut bearing is causing
vibration of that shaft which is especially noticeable
when the ship rolls at periscope depth.
10. - - - -

January 19, 1942, Zone Time Minus 11.
1. Enroute Wotje to Maloelap. 1418 sighted Maloelap Atoll.
1700 two miles off Taroa Island. Saw YAWATA or NITTA Maru
and small man-of-war with a plane on stern at Taroa
anchorage together with three armed ships (of the type
normally used for patrol purposes) and a fourth standing
in. Saw lights in harbor during night and occasional
signalling between ships by blinker. Remained to eastward
of Atoll during darkness with intention of passing through
channel between Aur and Maloelap during daylight on account

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CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. POMPANO (SS181) - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL.

January 19, 1942, Zone Time Minus ll (Cont'd)
of a strong current which is usually experienced there.
Wish to be off the channel on the southwest part of the
Atoll tomorrow.

2. Weather cloudy with rain squalls, wind NE by E force 5,
seas rough.
3, 4, - - - - -
5. Saw NITTA Maru class ship and 3500 ton ship with a single
plane on poop at Tarca Island anchorage, together with three
armed ships and a fourth standing in of the gun boat type
used for patrol purposes in the islands. Noted that the
large ship had a gun mounted on the forecastel and another
on the stern but could see few other details due to low visi-
bility and proximity to sunset.

6, 7, 8, 9, 10. - - - - -

January 20, 1942. Zone Time Minus 11.

1. Patrolling Maloelap Atoll. Submarged at dawn at an estima-
ted position Airik Island bearing 077° true, distance
15 miles, and set course for channel between Maloelap and
Aur Atolls. When land was sighted and identified at noon
it was found that the current had set the submarine to a
point near the southern end of Aur Atoll. Changed course
to a northward in order to observe the anchorage at Aur
and Tabal Islands. No ships or activities seen. Proceeded
through channel at night on the surface to a position off
Enijun Channel.

Received radio despatch asking for date of departure from
area #20. Postponed reply due to close proximity to enemy
channel and necessity of conserving fuel. It would have
been prudent to have cleared the patrol position before
using the transmitter.

2. Weather overcast with rain squalls, wind ENE force 5.
3. Southerly set off east coast of Maloelap and Aur Atolls.

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. - - - - - - -

- 22 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 34 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. POI PANO (SS181) - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL.

IV

January 21, 1942. Zone Time Minus ll.

1.
Patrolling West side Malgelap Atoll of Enijun and South
Opening Channels. 1525 sighted very small ship at northwest
end of Enibin Island and close to the beach. Changed course
toward it to investigate and determine if or sufficient value
to warrant a torpedo. 1711 about 2500 yards from this ship
and headed toward it (and the beach) when two masts were
sighted moving past the coconut trees on the south east or
lagoon side of Enijun Island. Moment later a patrol ship
stood out Enijun Channel, distance 3000 yards, and changed
course from south west to a north westerly course paralleling
the coast line, thus placing the submarine between it and the
shore in close proximity to the surf and with little maneu-
vering room. 1716 changed course to 310 true, 2/3 speed,
to clear area by running close to shore line as loud roar of
surf would make sound detection very difficult. 1741 commen-
cing changing course to westward and slowed to 1/3 speed to
reduce rattles and knocks in superstructure which have devel-
oped since the various attacks experienced. Patrol ship
remained close to submarine until 1930. (Sunset at 1739).

It is believed that Enijun is the channel in current use by
the Japanese, the dangers to navigation mentioned in H.O.
165 having probably been removed or buoyed.

There is a tower on Enijun Island which is almost hidden by
the coconut trees.
1
Again postponed reply to radio regarding departure date due
to neairess of enemy patrol. Intend to visit east side.
tomorrow and will send it enroute.

2.
Weather overcast, wind NE force 5. The rough seas east of
Malcelap are not encountered on the west side due to the
sheltering effect of the Atoll.

3, 4. - - - - - -

5.
Unable to obtain a good view of the small ship anchored off
Enibin Island due to overcast sky, proximity to sunset,
dark background of coconut trees and interruption by patrol
ship. Seemed to be a steamer of about 500 tons displacement.

Patrol ship was the same type seen at Wotje and Taroa Island
with short high forcastle and poop and about 1500 tons dis-
placement.

6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

- 23 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 35 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPANO - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL
January 22, 1942. Zone Time Minus 11.
1. Patrolling west side of Maloelap Atoll. 1235 sound operator
reported hearing screws and saw ship reported yesterday stand-
ing out from its anchorage at northwest end of Enibin Island
and headed toward submarine at about 15 to 17 knots. This
ship steamed up and down the coast about 4 miles off Enijun
Channel until 1433, at one time passing within about 1000
yards of the submarine. Made periscope observation whenever
the range was opened as it was thought that a merchantman
might be approaching or standing out of the channel but none
sighted. Refrained from attacking patrol ship in order not
to disclose presence at a new station or to give warning to
a more valuable target which might be approaching. Also
am now allergic to attacks on patrol vessels carrying depth
charges until such time as the present war heads prove to
be reliable. 1811 surfaced and proceed through channel
between Aur and Maloelap Atolls during darkness in order to
be off Taroa Island during daylight next day.
2. Weather partly cloudly with usual rain squalls during night.
Wind NE force 5, seas rough on eastern side of Atoll.
3, 4, - - - - - -
5. Ship mentioned in first paragraph was about 250 feet long,
clipper bow, twin screw, two masts with a signal yardarm on
the foremast, probably diesel driven, painted dark war color
but white awnings spread forward. It might have been a
converted yacht. Appeared to be much smaller when sighted
the previous day at anchor.
6, 7, 8, 9, - - - - - -
January 23, 1942. Zone Time Minus 11.
1. Patrolling east side of Maloelap Atoll. 0542 submerged and
approached Taroa Island on course 250 true. 1400 obtained
fix on land which showed submarine to be 5 miles due east of
Airik Island. No ships present at the anchorage northwest
of this Island. Changed course to north but one hour later
was in same position although making 4 1/4 knots, showing a
strong set to the south. Increased speed to 6 1/2 knots and
finally averaged 9 1/2 knots after getting into a strong
northerly counter-current near the coast. 1630 two miles
off Reuter and Taroa Islands Saw three ships at the Taroa
anchorage shown on chart No. 5428. Five long single-story
buildings have been erected at the south west end of Taroa
Island of a type which might be used for hangers, barracks
- 24 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 37 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. POMPANO (SS181) - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL.
Iw

January 24, 1942, Zone Time Minus 11, (Cont'd)
#3 main vent could not be opened by hand or power. Same
vent could not be opened previously on a torpedo practice
and submarine was unable to dive for twenty minutes.
Buships directed Navy Yard, Pearl Harbor, to investigate.
10.
January 25, 1942, Zone Time Minus 11 and Minus 12.
1. Enroute area #20 Marshall Islands to Submarine Base, Pearl
Harbor. 0300 changed zone description from Minus 11 to
Minus 12. 0732 made quick dive. 1845 surfaced and pro-
ceeded on one engine at 8 knots. Completed repairs to
radio transmitter.
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
1. Enroute area #20 Marshall Islands to Submarine Base,
Pearl Harbor, speed 9 knots on one main engine. 1806
sighted plane at high elevation and make quick dive.
1901 surfaced and proceeded on surface at 9 knots.
2. Weather clear, sea calm, wind east by north force 3.
3, 4, 5.
6. Light colored plane sighted 1806 at elevation of about
10,000 feet by two look outs but too far away to identify.
Position Lat. 13-07 N, Long. 176-48 E, Maloelap 420 miles
bearing 231 true, sunset 1812.
7, 8, 9, 10.
January 27, 1942, Zone Time Plus 12.
1. Enroute area #20 Marshall Islands to Submarine Base,
Pearl Harbor at 12 knots. 0808 sighted plane and made
quick dive. Remained submerged as overcast sky with
heavy cloud banks made it impossible to sight a plane at
a safe distance. 1545 surfaced when sky was clear.
2. Sky overcast with heavy cloud banks, wind ENE force 3.
3, 4, 5.
- 26 -
CLOSURE (A)

— page 38 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. POMPANO (SS181) - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL.
January 27, 1942, Zone Time Plus 12, (Cont'd)

6. Unidentified sea plane broke through low clouds only a
few thousand yards from the submarine. Position Lat.
16-50N, Long. 177-50 W, Pearl Harbor bearing 073 true,
distance 1180 miles.

7, 8, 9, 10.

— page 39 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. POMPANO (SS181) - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL.
January 30, 1942, Zone Time Plus 11.
-
1.
Enroute Area #20 Marshall Islands to Pearl Harbor. Re-
ceive orders to rendevous with U.S.S. GUDGEON AND LITCHFIELD
at position near 100 mile circle at daybreak January
31, 1942. 1938 made surprise dive for purposes of
(a) keeping personnel alert (b) flushing empty reserve
fuel tanks and (c) checking the trim. 2035 surfaced on
course 070, proceeding toward rendevous.
2.
Weather clear, wind ESE force 1 - 2, sea calm.
3, 4, 5. --
-
6.
Sighted west bound two motor patrol plane on starboard
hand at 0950. Did not dive as plane was about 10 miles
away and apparently did not see the submarine. Pearl
Harbor 340 miles bearing 077 at this time.
7, 8. --
-
9.
#4 engine disabled due to broken piston rings on #3 Unit.
#2 engine disabled due to stuffing box seizure which
occurred upon starting the engine after a dive.
Janyary 31, 1942, Zone Time Plus 11.
1.
0507 sighted U.S.S. LITCHFIELD. 0533 sighted U.S.S.
GUDGEON. 1000 two additional destroyers took station
as anti-submarine screen. 1351 moored at Submarine
Base, Pearl Harbor.
2.
Weather clear, wind SE force 1, sea calm.
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
9.
Another stuffing box seizure on #2 engine.
10.
- 28 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 40 —
FF12-10/A16-3
Serial 044
SUBMARINE 3 UADRON FOUR
U.S.S. ARGONAUT, Flagship
Submarine Base, Fearl Harbor, TH

CONFIDENTIAL
February 3, 1942.
From:
To :
Subject:
The Commander Submarine s uadron Four.
The Commander Submarines, acific Fleet.
U.3.5. 1OMPANO (SS181) War Hatrol comments on.

1.
The following comments on the war patrol of the
U.S.S. POΪΤΑΝΟ are submitted.

2.
M-IN ENGINES. The main engines of the OMPANO
were found to be very unreliable during this atrol. Only two
stuffer failures occurred and it would look as if some headway
was being made in solving this problem. A total of five cylin-
der blocks on four engines will have to be renewed because of
excessive wear (over 030"). Others may have to be renewed.
This is a major job and will require at least a month. It should
be accomplished by the Navy Yard. These blocks are flame hardened
to a depth of about .012". The wear on the flame hardened sur-
face is very gradual but once it has penetrated this surface the
wear on the soft part of the block is rapid. The blacks in the
other H.O.R. engines with a high degree of success. The only
person qualified to do this is a factory man who carries the
necessary equipment with him. If some arrangement could be made
to have the blocks refame-hardened during refit periods much
could be saved in money, time and the reliability of the engines.
Otherwise the blocks will have to be renewed from time to time
and the engines will be unreliable.

3.
RINGS. Spare fire rings were not available when
the FOMPANO left on atrol. Sufficient rins have been received
since then.

4.
MIN AD UILIARY OUTBOARD SAHAUST VALVES. The
usual trouble was experienced with leaky outboard exhaust valves
except more so in this case. They will be overhauled and put in
shape prior to leaving on patrol but the same trouble will a gain
be experienced until a change in design has been made.

5.
13 ALAIN VENT. INOPERATIVE. All vents will be over-
hauled and operated during the refit period.

6.
CAMSHAFT HOUSING. It was noted that an excess
amount of lubricatin oil was used during rough weather due to
lubricating oil being lost out of the camshaft housing when the
ship rolled. This will be investigated to see if some means of
diverting this oil to the crankcase instead of the bilges can
be devised.

-1-
ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 41 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO (SS181) War Patrol; Comments on.
7.
LIQUIDOMETER. The liquidometer will be repair-
ed and calibrated during the refit period.
8.
PERISCOPE FOGGING. All submarines going on
patrol should be equipped with a small flask of nitrogen with
the necessary fittings to dry out the periscope.
9.
STARBOARD SHAFT. The starboard shaft will be
checked for alignment and the woods and bearings will be checked
during the refit period as the ship has to be docked for tank
work.
10.
TORPEDOES. Paragraph 9 for 17 January 1942
comments as to the "Utter Unreliability" of the torpedoes. The
history of the torpedoes fired are as follows:
MARK 14 | OVERHAULED | ISSUED
13791 | Feb. 4, 1941 | August 11, 1941
13790 | March 28, 1941 | August 29, 1941
14378 | May 15, 1941 | Sept. 29, 1941
14376 | April 29, 1941 | August 29, 1941
14362 | May 20, 1941 | Sept 29, 1941.
14360 | April 24, 1941 | Sept. 29, 1941
14356 | April 9, 1941 | August 29, 1941
14355 | April 11, 1941 | August 29, 1941.

If the above torpedoes were unreliable, the POMPANO had ample
time to find it out before the torpedoes were fired. After the
torpedoes were issued, the POMPANO gave the torpedo shop no in-
dication that the torpedoes were found to be unreliable. The
Torpedo Officer of the POMPANO commented to the effect that the
torpedoes were fine, but that there were two and possibly three
premature explosions. The shop is taking steps to prevent pre-
mature explosions of the exploders.
11.
GENERAL. The Squadron Commander is pleased
with the actions of the Commanding Officer in conducting this
patrol under so many difficulties. Repairs were made to engines
and exhaust valves under difficult working conditions. The crew
deserves commendation for their performance of duty involving
working over-time many additional hours.

The decision of whether to remain on station or return to
Base after fuel tanks have been damaged by attacks should be
weighed carefully by the Commanding Officer. The loss of a
submarine in war time is very serious matter. The fact the
POMPANO was successful in accomplishing her mission after being
damaged in this instance, should not encourage other Commanding
Officers to take unnecessary risks.
Copy to: Comsubdiv 43
CO POMPANO
- 2-
F. A. DAUBIN.
ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 42 —
FB43/A16-3
Serial

CONFIDENTIAL
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-THREE
U.S.S. PLUNGER, Flagship
Pearl Harbor, T.H.
February 2, 1942,

From:
To :
Subject:
Commander Submarine Division FOURTY-THREE.
Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
Comments on POMPANO War Patrol.

1.
This report is particularly interesting in that
the POMPANO is the first of our submarines to return from patrol,
having been dive bombed by aircraft and depth charged by enemy
anti-submarine vessels. The dive bombing on 20 December appears
to have been done by own carrier aircraft although this cannot
be varified at this time. This bombing, two days out of Pearl
Harbor, caused oil leaks which reduced endurance but were not
serious enough to prevent a successful patrol. The depth charge
attacks did not seriously damage the ship. The liquidometer
gauges proved too delicate to withstand depth charging.

2.
History repeated itself in the performance of the
main engines. The first casualty occurred the afternoon of the
day she left and from that time onward repairs were in progress
almost daily. The fact that later H.O.R. engine installations
are proving more satisfactory is due to improvement in design.
The POMPANO engines have eight cylinders and later ships have
complete overhauls and judging from past performances the same
difficulties will recur on the next patrol. Steps should be
taken now to procure new engines for this ship. The electrical
installation is excellent.

3.
The comments on weather, currents, and submerged
navigation by listening for water noises in vicinity of reefs are
worthy of note.

4.
The premature explosions of warheads was most
unfortunate and discouraging and might have caused disaster.
The exploder used were of low serial numbers and it is under-
stood that defects have now been corrected.

5.
The sinking of the YAWATA is in itself enough
to make this patrol a highly successful one. In addition the
commanding officer's reports on observations of WOTJE and
MALOELAP were in the light of events on 31 January equally
important. The skill employed in avoiding serious damage or
loss of ship during depth charging and dive bombing attacks
merits highest praise. The division commander considers that
the POMPANO accomplished all that could have been expected of her.
The morale of the officers and men reflects highest credit on the
commanding officer. The award of a Navy Cross to the Commanding
Officer is the most strongly recommended.

Copy to: Comsubron 4
CO POMPANO
- 2 -
N. S. IVES.
ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 43 —
1st copy

FF12-10/A16-3(5)
Serial 0719
DECLASSIFIED
SUBMARINES, PACIFIC FLEET
CONSUBPAC. PATROL REPORT
NO. 38
U.S.S. POMPANO - SECOND WAR PATROL.
From: The Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
To : Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. POMPANO (SS181) - Report of Second
War Patrol.
Enclosure: (A) Copy of subject report.
(B) Copy of Comsubdiv. 43 Conf. ltr. FB5-43/
A16-3, Serial 019 of June 19, 1943.
(C) Copy of Comsubron. 4 Conf. ltr. FC5-4/
A16-3, Serial 0199 of June 20, 1942.
1. The Force Commander is especially pleased with
the fine aggressive spirit exhibited by the Commanding Officer,
POMPANO, on this patrol and congratulates the ship on an ex-
cellent performance.
2. POMPANO was carrying Mark 10-3 torpedoes and
obtained very good performance. A gyro setting indicator
regulator was installed in the forward torpedo room and proved
very satisfactory. It has been recommended that similar in-
struments be installed in both forward and after torpedo rooms
of all submarines now equipped with "follow the pointer gyro
setting control mechanisms."
3. The POMPANO is credited with inflicting the
following damage on the enemy:

| | SUNK | |
| 1 Transport | - | 10,935 tons |
| 1 Tanker | - | 5,000 tons. |
| 1 Inter-Island Vessel | - | 400 tons |
| 1 Trawler | - | 100 tons. |
| 1 Sampan | - | 50 tons. |
| | Total | | 16,485 tons |

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.10
BY [HANDWRITTEN: GP-0989C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/1/72]

Distribution and Authentication
on following page.

- 1 -
[HANDWRITTEN: Filmed
41479]
DECLASSIFIED
Rs
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
June 24, 1942.

— page 44 —
FF12-10/A16-3(5)
Serial 0719
SUBMARINES, PACIFIC FLEET
COMSUBPAC. PATROL REPORT
NO. 38
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
June 24, 1942.
U.S.S. POMPANO - SECOND WAR PATROL.
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO (SS181) - Report of Second
War Patrol.
DISTRIBUTION:
(21CM-42)
List I;. Case 2:
Pl(5), SSs
Special:
EN3(5); EN10(1); EN28(5);
Comsublant (2); Subschool, NL(8);
ComsubS Pac (2); Cominch (5);
Combat Intel (1).
[SIGNATURE: ER Swinburne]
E. R. SWINBURNE,
Flag Secretary.
Rs

— page 45 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO - Report of Second War Patrol.
Period from April 20 to June 18, 1942.
April 20
0900 (VW)
Underway enroute Pearl Harbor to area (). Task
Force Seven Operation Order No. 40-42 of April
17, 1942.
April 24
1307 (X)
Arrived Midway. Received fuel and water from station,
lube oil from THRESHER. Departed 1913.
May 2
1225 (K)
Sighted land or carrier based biplane 98 miles from
Marcus. Submerged for 6 hours in hope of intercepting
a carrier. Lay to for 6 hours after darkness for
underwater repairs; submarine unable to dive.
May 7
Entered area ().
1200 (I)
May 9
Patrolled steamer lanes west of Okinawa Gunto during 12
day and entered East China Sea at night.
May 9-11
Patrolled shipping routes in middle of East China Sea.
May 12-15
Patrolled coastal routes in vicinity of Tungyung Tao
Light. Sighted smoke May 12. Ship disappeared into
fog after sighting masts and top of stack.
May 16-22 Patrolled shipping routes through Formosa Strait
including vicinity of Turnabout Light and Hoka Sho
Light.
[HANDWRITTEN: MC]
May 22-24 Patrolled shipping route passing east of Formosa. Sank
sampan May 24.
May 25 (H) Commenced working to eastward after receiving infor-
mation that it might be impossible to fuel at Midway
as planned.
0617
Sighted tanker. Submerged. Unable to close to firing
range. 0844 Surfaced and pursued target. 1419 fire in
engine room - #2 main generator, disabled. 1447 Airplane
- submerged. 1601 Sank tanker - violent explosion.
1612 Surfaced among survivors. 1614 Airplane -
submerged.
May 25-27 Patrolled west side of Okinawa Gunto (Southwestern
Islands of Japan).

- 1 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 46 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POLPANO - Report of Second War Patrol.

May 28-29 Patrolled east side of Okinawa Gunto along route
between Kii Suido and Balintang Channel.

May 29-30 Patrolled route connecting points 20-10 N, 122-00 E
and 31-00 N, 134-37 E; normally a main route between
Tokyo; Yokohama, Kobe and Inland Sea to Manila, Indo-
China, Singapore, Sumatra, Burma, India, etc.

May 30 Sighted smoke; surfaced and took position ahead of
1510 (I) target.
1725 Fired two torpedoes at large transport, destroyer
escorted, range 750 yards, both hit, sank 2-1/2 hours
later. Received 22 depth charges. Target similar to
Husimi Maru Class of about 13,000 tons.

May 31 - Patrolling to eastward due to low fuel, heading toward
June 3 southern part of area ( ) which has probably been
vacated. June 2 Sighted fishing vessel and pursued
it unsuccessfully on the surface for two hours.

June 3 Entered southern part area ( ).
0500 (I)
0848 to Surfaced and opened fire with deck gun, .30 and .50
1040 cal. M.G. 's on small interisland vessel. Projectile
jammed in bore of deck gun after few hits and Japs
refused abandon ship so fired torpedo at 500 yards
which ran deep and passed under. Closed and resumed
fire with M.G. until target set afire. 24 Japs in
water, one prisoner, 20 lost. 1245 Survivors
rescued by boat from Kita Iwo Jima, 9-1/2 miles to
southeast.

June 4-5 Patrolling route Japan-Bonins-Saipan-Guam.

June 5 (K) Sighted ship, took position ahead and submerged.
0441-0812 Identified as Jap trawler. Surfaced, shelled and
sank it. It tried to escape. No survivors.

June 6-7 Patrolling direct route from Tokyo and Yokohama to
New Britain, New Zealand, Solomon Island, E. and S.E.
Australian ports, etc.

June 7 Intercepted information indicating large Jap force near
0100 (K) Midway had been defeated and was retiring westward.
Proceeded at 13 knots on N.E. course to intercept enemy.
Informed Comsubpac of action taken and requested assign-
ment. Directed proceed to 33-00 N, 150-00 E. and thence
eastward to point bearing 335 distance 250 miles from
Midway; opposite direction to enemy.

- 2 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 47 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPANO - Report of Second War Patrol.
June 7 Cleared area ( ).
0500
June 7-13 Scouting for enemy along assigned course enroute Midway.
June 13 Arrived Midway. Received fuel, lube and water.
1457 (Y)
1900 Departed Midway.
June 18 Arrived Pearl Harbor.
1051
2. Weather
Heavy head seas were encountered between Pearl Harbor and
Midway and again on the return trip. Calm seas and clear weather
prevailed until passing the Southwestern Islands. Both calm and
rough seas were encountered in the East China Sea and usually
overcast skies with rain, fog and low visibility. For a period
of 10 days no sights were obtainable.
3. Tidal Information
No abnormal conditions observed.
4. Navigational Aids
The following lights were found to be in use: Hoka Sho,
Turnabout Island, Tungehuan, and Tungyung Tao. The period of the
latter was 17 seconds instead of 20 as given in the Light List.

-3-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 48 —
Hn
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO - Report of Second War Patrol.
5. Ship's Sighted
Con-
tact: Date : Time: Position *: Course: Speed: Type : Remarks
1 : May 5 :1900:25-10N,140-30E: 345 : 9 : Sampan : Sighted 19000
: : : : : : :yds.angle bow
: : : : : : : 140 stb'd
: : : : : : :
2 : May 6:2115:25-35N,137-40番: - : - : Fishing : Lighted
: : : : : : : vessel :
: : : : : : :
3 : May 7:1813:26-08N,133-59E: 150 : 9 : " " : Lighted
: : : : : : :
4 : May 10:0147:25-47N,126-00E: - : - : Sampan : Disappeared
: : : : : : : : in dark
: : : : : : :
5 :May 12:0930:26-26N,121-26E: 040 : ? : Only Ma-:Disappeared
: : : : : : :sts & : in fog.
: : : : : : : stack seen :
: : : : : : :
6 : May 12:2000:26-44N,121-17萬: - : - :2 sampans Lighted
: : : : : : :
7 : May 14:0553:3 Mi.E.Tung-: 215 : 10 : Trawler :
: : : : : yung Lt. :
8 :May 14:2245:9 Mi.E.Tung- : - : - : Sampan: Lighted
: : : : : yung Lt. :
9 :May 15:0603:2 Mi.E. Tung- : East: Sail-: Sampan : Chinese type
: : : : : yung Lt. : : ing : :
: : : : : : :
10 : May 15:1637:12 Mi.E.Tung- : - : 0 :4 sampans Japanese typ
: : : : :yung Lt. : " " : " " " " : - : 0 :Subchaser Modern desig
11 : May 16:0635:25-55N,120-55E: - : - :2 sampans Range 12,000
: : : : : : : : yds.
12 : May 18:1207:25-52.5N, 122-: - : 0 : Patrol : Patrol boat
: : : : : 20E. : : :boat, sam: Lying to,
: : : : : : : : pan, & 5 others fish-
: : : : : : : :row boats: ing
: : : : : : :
13 : May 19:1304:25-54N, 122-00E: 050 : 15 :2 small :
: : : : : : :DD or PG:
-4-
ENCLOSURE (Α)

— page 49 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPANO - Report of Second War Patrol.
Con-
tact: Date |: Time: Position |: Course: Speed: Type |: Remarks
14 :May 20:0808:25-50N,120-51E:030 |: 2 |: Patrol |:Same vessel
: |: |: |: |:boat or |:or similar
: |: |: |: |:subchaser:type seen
: |: |: |: |: |:May 15
: |: |: |: |: |:
15 :May 21:0432:25-36N,120-21E: Fishing - |: |:2 sampans: Probably
: |: |: |: |: |: Chinese
16 :May 21:0708:25-36N,120-21E: North- 4 |: |:Small |: Chinese type
: |: |: |:erly |: |: junk |:
17 :May 24:0013:25-16-30N, |:110 |: 9 |:Large sam: Burned - No
: |: |:122-41E |: |: |:pan |:survivors
18 :May 25:0617:25-56-15N |:050 |: 11 : Tanker |:Sank at 1601
: |: |:125-21-30E |: |: |: |:27-03-30N
: |: |: |: |: |: |:127-03-30E
: |: |: |: |: |: |:
19 :May 30:1725:26-07N,129-06E:220 |: 10 : Transport: Sank - 2 hits [HANDWRITTEN: B]
20 : June 2:1417:26N, 139E |:335 |: 13 : Fishing : Unsuccesssful
: |: |: |: |: |:vessel |: surface
: |: |: |: |: |: |: pursuit [HANDWRITTEN: L]
: |: |: |: |: |: |:
: |: |: |: |: |: |:
21 : June 3:0848:25-35N, 141-12E:330 |: 10 : Small in-: Destroyed by [HANDWRITTEN: -]
: |: |: |: |: |:ter island gunfire
: |: |: |: |: |: vessel |:
22 : June 5:0441:25-04N,143-02E:180 |: 5 |:Trawler : Destroyed by
: |: |: |: |: |: |:gunfire
: |: |: |: |: |: |:

- 5 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 50 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO - Report of Second War Patrol.
6.
Aircraft Sighted
Date
April 20-24
May 2
: Time
: Various
: 1225(K)
: Position
: Enroute Midway
: 25-14N,155-30E
: Type
: Various
: Remarks
: Friendly
: Land or car-: Not detected
: rier biplane: by radar; fly-
:ing low
:
:
:
:
May 11
: 0746
:
26-43N,122-56E
: Large bomber: Radar In-
: or seaplane : operative
May 11.
: 1304
:
26-35N,122-55E
: 2 bombers
:
May 15
: 1414
:
25-50N,120-53E
: Bomber.
:
:
:
:SE course at
:high speed
May 19
: 1453
:
24-55N,121-50E
: Bomber
: Course 200
May 20
: 0516
:
25-50N,120-50E
: Picked up by: Distance 4
:
:
:
:
: radar; not seen miles
due heavy
:
: clouds
:
::
May 25
: 1447
: 27-04-30N,127- : Biplane
:
:
:
02E
:
May 25
: 1614
:
:
:
27-03-30N,127- : Biplane
03-30E
:
:
:
June 13-18
: Various
:
Enroute Midway
: Various
: Friendly
:
to Pearl
:
- 6 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 51 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO - Report of Second War Patrol.
8. Enemy A/S Measures
Anti-submarine ships were sighted as listed under (5). On
.two occasions patrol craft were seen lying to in the vicinity of
Japanese fishing craft.

22 depth charges were dropped following the transport attack
on May 30 and the search was conducted by a modern destroyer using
a combination of both echo-ranging and listening methods. As
soon as the stern tubes were fired, speed was increased to full
and a quick 45 degree turn made in a direction toward the tar-
get's reverse course. This appeared to fool the enemy as the
first depth charges were dropped where the submarine might have
been had the bow tubes been used. Due to the short range the
destroyer had but a short distance to travel to the firing point
and the torpedo wakes and surface disturbance was probably still
visible. Prior to the attack the destroyer.was patrolling sta-
tion about 750 yards ahead, constantly crossing from one bow to
the other.
9. Major Defects
4" copper discharge line from attached lube oil pump #1
engine cracked around flange - 3rd casualty this nature (Re-
paired by ships' force, re-brazed at Midway).

Piston cooling oil swivel pipe on cross head of #4 unit,
#2 engine loosened and broke. Bent ribs on guide, bent division
cover and scored rod. (Found score in new cylinder block which
may be cracked.) Three more swivel pipes broke later on patrol.
#8 main bearing, #1 engine wiped while running (Heard by
sound).
#6 main bearing, #3 engine wiped (Found on examination).
Piston rod and stuffing box seizure on #3 unit of #1 engine
causing temporary loss of power while going alongside pier at
Midway.
Cracked upper cylinder head #3 unit, #4 engine (2-1/2 days
to find because leaky lubricators found thought to have been
trouble - 1-1/2 days to hone spare head and install).

Armature busses, #2 generator, shorted by water leak caus-
ing fire. No damage to main cables. Temporary busses made and
burnt terminal block rendered satisfactory by ship's force.
Salt water leak caused by hole developing in auxiliary engine
overboard discharge line.

-7-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 52 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPANO - Report of Second War Patrol
9. MAJOR DEFECTS (Cont'd)

Although a total of 37 casualties of major and minor nature
occurred to the main engines during this patrol, their perform-
ance was better than at any previous time since commissioning.
Credit for this improvement is due the Squadron and Force Engi-
neers for making the arrangements and obtaining the necessary
authorizations, and to the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard for accomplish-
ing the work in a highly satisfactory manner.

Improperly installed gasket blew out in forward crew's head
discharge line during dive. Inaccessibility precluded proper
repairs and use of head was lost for patrol. Required nearly 6
hours to stop leak, including sending a swimmer underwater to
plug discharge. Submarine was unable to dive during this period.

Projectile stuck in bore of 3 inch gun when misfired cart-
ridge was extracted on June 3 attack. Efforts of 2 nights failed
to remove it as the hot gun had cooled and shrunk around it. Re-
moved on June 5 attack by using a shell from which the projectile
and three quarters of the charge had been removed and the case
shortened with a hack saw.
10. Radio
In the East China Sea some fading was experienced on the
1800-0600 schedules when NPM shifted from 4115 and 8230 Kcs. to
12345 and 16460 Kcs. It is recommended that NPM remain on the
former bands an additional three hours.

The submerged antenna proved to be unsatisfactory and steps
will be taken during the next refit period to affect an improve-
ment.

NPM was copied on the vertical antenna and the radar opera-
ted simultaneously for experimental purposes when submerged near
the Volcano Islands.

As has been the experience of other submarines, the radar
proved to be reliable in operation for only about 69 hours of
which the first 40 hours were expended during installation tests.
It was maintained in an operating condition for occasional use
through the efforts of Lieutenant (jg) McGrath who proved to be
quite proficient in making repairs and adjustments as a result
of having spent considerable time on his own volition at the
radar laboratory in the Navy Yard. No instruction in the sub-
marine type was given to a radioman who was sent to the radar ma-
terial school at Bellevue and completed the course last November.

Last despatch transmitted "Oscar" 160200; last received
Comsubpac "Peoria" 160535.

-8-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 53 —
Hn
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO - Report of Second War Patrol.
11. Sound Conditions
Sound bearings were obtained on a tanker west of the South-
western Islands at about 16,000 yards range.
12. Health
Excellent. Two cases of sores on penis, probably non-
venereal, and a constipated Jap.
13. Factors of endurance remaining:
Torpedoes | Fuel | Provisions (days) | Personnel (days).
9 | 1050 gal (Midway) | 32 | 10
14. Factor ending patrol.
Shifted patrol to eastward when informed that fuel might
not be obtainable at Midway. Discontinued patrol in area
on June 7 to attempt intercept retreating enemy forces. Required
to leave area
on June 4 by operation orders.

- 9 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 54 —
TB5-43/A16-3
Serial (019)

Hn
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY THREE
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
June 19, 1942.

CONFIDENTIAL
From:
To :
Subject:

Commander Submarine Division FORTY-THREE.
Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
U.S.S. POMPANO, Second War Patrol, Report of.

1. On this patrol the POMPANO sighted two reasonably
large ships. The fact these ships were both sunk with a total
expenditure of five torpedoes speaks well for the ability of the
Commanding Officer to inflict damage to the enemy when the opport-
unity presents itself. The pursuit and final sinking of the tank-
er on 25 May is to be highly commended. Only by resolute determ-
ination on the part of the officers and crew was it possible to
continue this attack to successful accomplishment. Motion pic-
tures taken of the sinking of the inter-island ship on June 3rd
and the trawler on June 5th shows possibilities of the deck gun.
The destruction of these ships by gun fire was complete.

2. It will be noted that Mark X torpedoes were used on
'this patrol and no difficulty was encountered in sinking one 5000
ton tanker and one 13000 ton transport with this type torpedo in
which only contact exploders are installed.

3. Unless unforseen casualties are disclosed during
past patrol inspection and refit it is considered the ship is
capable of completing one more patrol before being re-engined.
The material performance on this patrol was very good consider-
ing the previous general unsatisfactory performance of the engines
now installed in the POMPANO.

4. The morale of the officers and crew is exception-
ally high. The enthusiasm and aggressive spirit of the Command-
ing Officer is reflected throughout the ship.

Copy to:
Comsubron 4
CO. POMPANO

G. C. CRAWFORD.

— page 55 —
FC5-4/A16-3
Serial 0199
SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
Care of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California,
20 June 1942.
CONFIDENTIAL
From:
To
:
Subject:
1.
The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
The Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
Comments on U.S.S. POMPANO War Patrol.
It is considered that on this patrol every oppor-
tunity of inflicting damage on the enemy was exploited to the
fullest extent and it is to be regretted that further contacts
with the enemy were not made. It is particularly gratifying to
note the aggressiveness and efficiency displayed by the command-
ing officer in conducting both his torpedo and his gun attacks.
2.
The improved material condition of the POMPANO as
indicated by the subject report, is noted, with particular refer-
ence to the performance of the main engines. It is considered,
however, that re-engining of this vessel should be accomplished.

J. N. HAJNES.

— page 56 —
1st copy
FF12-10/A16-3(5) SUBMARINES, PACIFIC FLEET W1
Serial 01092 Care of Fleet Fost Office,
San Francisco, California,
COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 70 September 18, 1942.
U.S.S. POMPANO - THIRD WAR PATROL.
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
From: The Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
To : Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. POMANO (SS181) - Report of Third
War Patrol.
Enclosure: (A) Copy of Comsubron 4 Conf ltr FC5-4/
A16-3. Serial 0283 of Sept. 13, 1942.
(B) Copy of Comsubdiv 43 Conf 1tr FB5-43/
A16-3 Serial 041 of Sept. 13, 1942.
(C) Copy of subject war patrol.

1. The area assigned for this patrol was covered in
a thorough manner. The Commanding Officer's failure to attack
two small destroyers or torpedo boats was probably due to in-
structions then existent that torpedoes could not be set at
less than ten feet, while it was known they ran ten feet deeper
than set. This information, later corrected, caused a lack of
confidence in the performance of the Mark 6 exploder against
shallow draft vessels. However, this patrol of the POMPANO
was highlighted by two outstanding events: the double sinking
of a destroyer and freighter on August 12, and the gun engage-
ment with a patrol vessel on September 4. The Commanding
Officer planned to first attack the destroyer and to swing for
a second attack on the freighter when he noted a torpedo of his
first spread had hit each vessel. The Commanding Officer de-
cided to surface and attack the patrol craft by gun-fire, be-
lieving the shallow draft would not explode the torpedo. He
is to be commended for his aggressiveness. The loss of a member
of the gun crew is regretted but casualties in war must be ex-
pected and accepted. Damage cannot be inflicted on the enemy
without taking a calculated risk.

2. The Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet, concurs
with the remarks of Commander Submarine Division 43 and Com-
mander Submarine Squadron 4 in connection with carrying fuel oil
in the safety tank.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.10
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-0989C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/1/72] - 1 -
[HANDWRITTEN: Filmed
42972]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

— page 57 —
FF12-10/A16-3(5)
Serial 01092
SUBMARINES, PACIFIC FLEET
COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 70
U.S.S. COMPANO - THIRD WAR PATROL.
Subject:
3.
to the enemy:
U.S.S. POMFANO (SS181) - Report of Third
War Patrol.
The FOMPANO is credited with the following damage

SUNK
1 Freighter
.1 Destroyer
1 Patrol Vessel
Total
DISTRIBUTION
(21CM-42)
List I, Case 2:
P1(5); SSs.
Special:
EN3(5); Comsublant(2);
Comsubsowespac(2);
Cominch(5).
JR Swinbume
[SIGNATURE: E. R. Swinburne]
E. R. SINBURNE,
Flag Secretary.
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
September 18, 1942.
R. H. ENGLISH,
6,900 tons
1,215 tons
900 tons
.... 9,015 tons
......
[HANDWRITTEN: #1]

— page 58 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. POMPANO
Areas
and
1.
Narrative.
July 19
'0900 VW)
July 19-23
July 23
(05.37 Y)
U.S.S. POΜΡΑΝΟ - Report of Third War Patröl.
Period from July 19, 1942 to September 12, 1942.
Operation Order No. 63-42.
All times are Item unless otherwise noted.
Departed PEARL HARBOR for Area via MIDWAY.
१
Enroute MIDWAY. Conducted ship and gunnery drills
and training dives.
Arrived, MIDWAY. Received fuel, lub oil and water from
FULTON. Repaired fire control system - time required
16 hours.
July 24
(0730 Y)
Departed MIDWAY for Area.
July 24-31
Enroute Area. July 26 received instructions routing
us through point
to
•
Aug 1
Sighted sampan and small trawler on 500 mile circle
from JAPAN. Avoided as wished to enter area unsighted.
Aug 2
(0909 K)
Submerged on radar contact at 7 miles. Lat. 33-51 N,
Long. 146-00 E. 1002 surfaced.
Aug 3
(0600 K.)
Entered Area. 0700 submerged.
aug 3-4
Submerged patrol, Crossed shipping lanes down eastern
and western side of SOUTHERN ISLANDS.
Aug 5
Patrol off SHIONO MISAKI. 0657, 1240, 1405, 4 to 5
miles off SHIONO MISAKI sighted single float Type 95
biplane. 1127, 3 miles SE of SHIONO MISAKI sighted
Torpedo Boat of TOMOZURA: class, in sight for 3 hours.
Made no attempt to close since torpedoes cannot be set
shallow enough to insure detonation.

-1-
ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 59 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
-
U.S.S. POMPANO - Report of Third War Patrol.
Narrative (Cont'd)
Aug 6
Aug 7
Aug 8
Aug 9
1240 sighted TOMOZURA class Torpedo Boat coming out
of O SHIMA KO. 1505 sighted same Torpedo Boat closing
us at high speed. Torpedo Boat stayed in our close
vicinity alternately echo ranging and possibly listeni
for 4-1/2 hours. We had been 1-1/2 to 2 miles off sho
in the vicinity of sampans and small craft and may have
been sighted by them, by a plane or from a land lookout
station. 2250 sighted ship 6 miles E. of KANTORI SAKI,
paced and closed for attack.
0015 fired 4 torpedoes at large freighter (Attack #1).
Missed. Sighted after firing and target escaped in low
visibility. 0146 sighted same or another freighter.
Swung in astern to check course and speed and were
sighted. While running up ahead to attain attack
position rain set in and target was lost. When next
sighted target was too far ahead for attack and it was
too light for further surface chase. 1319 heard 2
distant underwater explosions.
1529 20 miles NE of DAIO SAKI sighted small armed
trawler. 1939 set course for point 8 miles S. of
MIKOMOTO SHIMA to intercept ship due to arrive TOKYO
next day.
0309 10 miles S. of IRO SAKI encountered numerous:
sampans and small trawlers at close interval on line
from MIKOMOTO SHIMA to O SHÍMA. Saw shore station
signalling to a trawler. Noted increased activity
by sampans and trawlers who turned on lights, started
signalling and moving in our direction. 0407 sub-
merged. During day sighted smoke to N. hauling to
right on 4 occasions. We were apparently picked up
coming in and shipping routed clear. 1928 surfaced
10 miles SE of MIKOMOTO SHIMA. 1937 sighted cruiser
or large destroyer on port quarter, 1939 cruiser or
destroyer turned on searchlight across astern of us
and fired director control broadsides from turrets
forward, amidships and aft. Submerged, heard shells
hitting water. 2001, heavy barrage of depth charges
close aboard. Heard object strike hull or deck at
least twice. Tried to work to W. as knew current
was setting us up into NAGAMI NADA, 2130 heard one
distant depth charge. 2135 water in engine room
rising over floor plates from a leaky exhaust valve.
-2-
ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 60 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
-
U.S.S. POMPANO - Report of Third War Patrol.
Narrative (Cont'd)
Aug 9
(Cont'd)
Reached 403 feet using more speed to maintain depth.
Started pumping erzin room bilges. 2140 Heavy barrag
of depth charges close aboard. Secured pumping, Heavy
ship with 4 ship escort passed to port. 2330 on course
2400 T. ran aground in 294 feet of water 1500 yards NE
of MIKOMOTO SHIMA. Prior to sound gear going out could
still hear searching ships astern. Came up to 150 feet.
2340 ran aground in 145 feet of water. Came to peri-
scope depth, battery almost exhausted. 2355 surfaced
1000 yards SE of MIKOMOTO SHIMA. Set course to clear
locality.
Aug 10
1100 Lat. 34-16 N, Long 138-29 E. sighted masts of ship
to N, unable to close for attack. 1634 Lat. 34-13 N,
Long. 138-30 E. sighted destroyer to S. on various
courses and speeds echo ranging gradually closing us.
Avoided contact. Made repairs to flooded machinery in
engine room.
Aug 11
Rested crew. Inspected ship topside and below decks and
found no damage due to depth charging.
Aug 12
Patrol off KANTORI SAKI. 0630 sighted freighter 12-1/2
miles E. of O SHIMA Light. Unable to reach attack
position. 1135 sighted freighter 4-1/2 miles SE of
KANTORI SAKI. 1155 heard propellers 480 to left of
target. 1157 sighted destroyer on reverse of freighter's
course coming down between us and freighter. 1158 fired
2 torpedoes (attack #2). Heard first torpedo explosion.
45 seconds after firing first torpedo and second
explosion (very heavy) 30 seconds after firing second
torpedo. At second explosion, as periscope was dippin
under, saw huge column of spray and water blotting out
destroyer's bow at about 700 yards. Both sets of enemy
propellers stopped immediately. 1200 heard noises of
ships breaking up. 1207 destroyer had sunk, freighter
down by stern and listed to port, sinking. Closed
freighter. 1240 freighter had sunk. 1525 heard 2
distant explosions. May have been bombs as second was
much closer than first.
Aug 13-14
Enroute to and patrolling to W. of OMAI ZAKI.
Lat. 34-30 N, Long. 137-55 E. sighted torpedo boat or
small destroyer 4000 yards on port bow heading in our
direction. Evaded him since his draft was likely too
shallow for a torpedo detonation. During next 3 hours
sighted 5 small coastal vessels or trawlers too small
for suitable targets and 2 other torpedo boats or small
2311/13
-3-
ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 61 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPANO - Report of Third War Patrol.
Narrative (Cont'd)

Aug 13-14
(Cont'd)
destroyers, both echo ranging. Decided to shift
operations to eastern area for a week or ten days
then return to the coast along KUMANO NADA.

Aug 15-17
Patrol SW of MIKURA SHIMA and off NOJIMA SAKI.
0907/17 4 miles E of NOJIMA SAKI sighted large
freighter to S (Seaward of us), on a W course..
Unable to close for attack. 0943 sighted freighter
to SW on a NW course. Unable to close for attack.
These ships sighted in the fog after we were on or
abaft their beam at excessive range. Moved to S.
to get in ship lane.

Aug 18-20
Closing coast off INUBO SAKI. Riding out storm.
Position doubtful until 20th.

Aug 21
Patrol off INUBO SAKI. 0444 15 miles N. of INUBO
SAKI sighted small freighter. 0456 sighted large
freighter astern of first. Shifted approach to
second freighter. 0501 sighted destroyer 1000 yards
on other side of first freighter. 0510 sighted
tripod mast of ship astern and on other side of
second freighter. 0530 sighted patrol vessel
1000 yards sharp on port bow heading for us. Kept
periscope down until he passed over us. Heard echo
ranging 200 on starboard bow. 0550 sighted trawler
800 yards on starboard bow heading for us at high
speed. Sighted third freighter astern of second.
Increased depth. Depth of water about 20 to 30
fathoms. We were inshore of targets. Periscope may
have been sighted by first freighter as we passed
him 800 yards abeam. Trawler and 2 small vessels
remained close aboard, bearings changing around us,
apparently searching and succeeding very well in
blanking out propeller sounds or targets until 0634
at which time all suitable targets were well out of
range. 0720 sampan passed overhead.

Aug 22-23
Patrol off NOJIMA SAKI: 0000-0130 maneuvered to avoid
10 small boats. 0604 18 miles E. of NOJIMA SAKI
sighted large freighter-passenger. 0643 fired 3
torpedoes (Attack #3). Missed. 0647 target started
firing at us with after deck gun. Heard 16 projectiles
strike the water. 0648 2 bombs exploded close aboard.
0700 to 0900 heard 11 distant underwater explosions,
1220 to 1320 heard 22 distant underwater explosions,

ENCLOSURE (C)
--- OCR End ---

— page 62 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO - Report of Third War Patrol
Narrative. (Cont'd)
Aug 22-23
(Cont'd)
Aug 24-26
1952 surfaced. 2122 sighted destroyer 7000 yards on
starboard quarter down moon. Came left to get out
of moons path and open track to firing range. 2124
destroyer headed for us at high speed, submerged.
2130 to 2142 heard 18 depth charges close aboard.
2235 while coming up to periscope depth heard propellers
sharp on starboard bow. Destroyer passed overhead at
about 18 knots, not echo ranging. Propellers could be
heard through the hull. 0230/23 heard 1 distant under-
water explosion. 0435 after it was light enough to see
no ships in the vicinity surfaced to complete battery
charge. 0510 submerged after sunrise. 0700 to 0720
heard 7 very distant underwater explosions, no ships
in sight. Crew was tired and somewhat jittery.
During past 25 hours had heard 16 projectiles, 2 bombs
and 59 depth charges or bombs. Decided to operate in
southern part of area for a few days.
Patrol in lanes down E. and W. of side of SOUTHERN
ISLANDS. 2027/24 26 miles NE of HACHIJO SHIMA
submerged on radar contact from 18 in to 12 miles.
Tilting mechanism of #2 (high) periscope inoperative
and stuck at maximum depression. With 3 feet of #1
periscope exposed have only 6 feet of water over the
periscope supports. 2030/25 Lat. 33-36-45 N, Long.
139-52-30 E. submerged on radar contact from 12 in to
10 miles. 2137 sighted small trawler. 0051/26 sub-
merged on radar contact 5 to 6 miles. 0232 surfaced
with INIMBU SHIMA (rock 246 feet high) astern, radar
range 5 miles. 0745 Lat. 33-26-45 N, Long. 139-04-30
E. sighted patrol plane close aboard.
Aug 27-30
Closing coast and patrolling off MIKI SAKI. Wind
force 8 sea condition 8 unable to maintain periscope
patrol during day due to broaching when using low
periscope. Aug 28 endeavoured to make emergency
repairs to high periscope, repairs unsatisfactory
and periscope was useless for remainder of patrol.
0615/29 6 miles SE of MIKI SAKI sighted freighter
in low visibility. Unable to close for attack.
Aug 1
Sept 2
Enroute to and in eastern area. Wind force 8 an
sea condition 8 continued.

-5-
ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 63 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPANO - Third War Patrol.
Narrative (Cont'd)
Sept 2 Departed operating area enroute MIDWAY via INUBO
SAKI in hopes of finding one more target, even a
trawler or sampan.
Sept 3 Enroute MIDWAY. Submerged on radar contact 14 miles
(1046 K) in to 12.
Sept 4 0533 (K) Lat. 35-24N, Long. 151-37 E. (500 mile
circle) sighted ship 6 miles on port beam lying to.
0604 submerged. Circled ship at 1500 to 2000 yards
and identified it as a patrol ship, naval auxiliary
#163 on bow, 1 20 MM cannon, machine guns, 2 Y guns
and depth charges. Draft probably too shallow for
torpedo detonation. 0938 battle surface, closed
target (Attack #4). 0953 opened fire at 2700 yards
with 3 inch, 20 MM and .50 cal. guns. Third shell
hit and put enemy 20 MM gun out of action. 1006
first loader hit in left shoulder by .30 cal. bullet.
Enemy on fire. 1030 ceased fire. 1045 enemy sunk
with three successively deeper detonations of her
depth charges. Closed area to pick anytiming of value.
1116 took one prisoner (reguler navy deck rating)
aboard with rubber boat. Prisoner states most of crew
were below eating and first hit destroyed radio. 2125
CALCATERRA, H. A., MoMMlc died of internal hemorrage
resulting from bullct wound.
Sept 5 0439 (0) Lat. 34-57 N, Long. 156-08 E. lay to and
buried CALCATERRA, H.A., MoMMlc at sca. 1500 Lat.
35 N, Long. 159-19 E. sighted periscope with square
top at 1500 yards 290° relative making considorable
feather. Swung stern towards periscope but it
disappeared as we started to swing so unable to fire.
Sept 5-8 Enroute MIDWAY.
Sept 8 0940 (Y) moored MIDWAY. Received fuel and lub oil from
FULTON. 1410 (Y) departed MIDWAY for PEAL H.RBOR.
Sept 9-12 Enroute PEARL HARBOR,
Sept 12 1022 (W) moored Submarine Base, PEARL HARBOR.
-6-
ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 64 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Suject:
2.
Weather.
U.S.S. POMPANO - Report of Third War Patrol.
Weather enroute to and from station was generally good.
For four days enroute to area speed on one engine was reduced to
9 knots. Visibility was usually poor along the coast from DAIO
SAKI to SHIONO MISAKI. The hazy atmosphere and background of high
unlighted hills probably pernitted shipping to pass undetected at
night in this vicinity. The area between NOJIMA SAKI and KATSUURA
WAN was generally foggy with glassy seas. A storm fron August 18
to 20 set us to seaward off INUBO SAKI. A storm from August 27 to
September 2 with rain, force 8 wind and condition 8 sea plus a
useless attack periscope ruined our last week on station.
3.
Tidal Information.
Currents encountered were generally as indicated on charts
of the area and as described in the Asiatic Pilot. The strong
easterly set between the islands of IZU SHOTO are especially
troublesome. Variable on shore sets were noted in close to the
shore line which nade navigation hazardous. This was particularly
true along the shore of EUSKU HADA west of OMAI ZAKI and off HIKI
SAKI. Hydrostatic density layers were encountered at 65 and 90
feet off INUBO SAKI, at 65 and 120 feet off SHIONO MISAKI and at
230 feet off MIKOMOTO SHIMA.
4.
Navigational Aids.
All navigational lights along the coast of both areas were
lighted and normal as to characteristics with the exception of
MIKOMOTO SHIMA which showed a steady white light. Small white
lights were located at fairly regular intervals along the coast
between SHIONO MISAKI and DAIO SAKI. At hose lights were all
high enough to prevent silhouetting a passing ship and were
observed on prominent headlands it is possible that they were
installed to facilitate navigating close to shore at night.

-7-
ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 65 —
CONFIDENTIAL
5. Ships Sighted.
Con-
tact Date Time
Position
Course Speed Type
Remarks
1
Aug 1 0435
33-45N,153-43E.
SE
-
Sampan 500 mile
(K)
circle
2
Aug 1 1542
33-48N,150-00E.
N
-
Small
(K)
Trawler
"
√ 3
Aug 5 1127
3 miles of SHIONO
MISAKI
Various 10- Torpedo TOMOZURA
15 Boat
CLASS
4
Aug 6 1240
Leaving O SHIMA
ΚΦ
NE
15
"
"
5
Aug 6 1505
2 mi.E.of O SHIMA
SW
20
"
"
6
Aug 6 Vari- Off SHIONO MISAKI
-
-
Small
ous
trawlers &
coastal vessels
7
Aug 6 2250
6 mi.E of KANTORI
SAKI
040
7
Large Attack #1
Freighter
8
Aug 7 0146
10 mi.SE of DAIO
SAKI
065
8
"
9 Aug 8 1528
20 mi.NE of DAIO
SAKI
070
6
Armed Gun forward.
Trawler Depth charg
racks aft.
10
Aug 9 0309
10 mi.S of IRO
SAKI
S
-
Trawlers On line
& Sampans from MIKO-
MOTO SHIMA to O
SHIMA
11
Aug 9 1937
10 mi.SE of
MIKOMOTO SHIMA
NE
-
Cruiser or
Destroyer
12
Aug10 1100
34-16N,138-29E
E
-
Masts sighted
13 Aug10 1634
34-13N,138-30E
Vari-
-
Destroyer Echo
ous
ranging and
searching
14 Aug12 0630 12-1/2 Mi.E of
O SHIMA
240
15 Large
Freighter
- 8 -
ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 66 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPANO - Report of Third War Patrol.
"Ships sighted (continued)
| Contact | DateTime | Position | Course | Speed | Type | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Aug 12 1135 | 4½ mi.SE of KATORI | 220 | 10½ | Freighter | Similar to photos #10 |
| | | ZAKI | | | | 116 & 199 in |
| | | | | | | "Recognition of |
| | | | | | | Japanese Merchant |
| | | | | | | men". Attack #2 |
| 16 | Aug 12 1157 | " " " | 020 | 17 | Destroyer | WAKETAKE |
| | | | | | | HIEKAZE or KI |
| | | | | | | KAZE Class. |
| | | | | | | Attack #2. |
| 17 | Aug 13 2311 | 34-30N,137-55E | 200. | - | Torpedo | |
| | | | | | Boat or small | |
| | | | | | destroyer | |
| 18 | Aug 13 2311- | 34-30N,137-55E | E&W | - | 5 small coastal | |
| | Aug 14 0230 | | | | vessels or trawler | |
| | | | | | & 2 torpedo boats | |
| | | | | | or destroyers. | |
| 19 | Aug 17 0907 | 4 mi.SE of | W | 15 | Large Freighter | |
| | | NOJIMA SAKI | | | | |
| 20 | Aug 17 0943 | " " | NW | - | Freighter | |
| 21 | Aug 21 0444- | 15 mi. N of | N | 10 | 3 freighters | |
| | 0550 | INUBO SAKI | | | 1 destroyer: Convo | |
| | | | | | 1 Trawler | |
| | | | | | 1 Patrol boat | |
| | | | | | 1 Unidentified sh | |
| 22 | Aug 22 0604 | 18 mi. E of | 245 | 12 | Large | |
| | | NOJIMA SAKI | | | freighter- Attack | |
| | | | | | passenger No.3 | |
| 23 | Aug 29 0615 | 6 mi. SE of | - | - | Freighter | |
| | | NIKI SAKI | | | | |

-9-

ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 67 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. POMPANO - Report of Third War Patrol.
Ships sighted (continued)
| Con- | | | | | | |
| tact. | Date | Time | Position | Course | Speed | Type | Remarks |
| 18 24 | Aug 22 | 2122 | 34-40N,141-10E | 270 | 30 | Destroyer | |
| 19 25 | Sept. 4 | 1533 | 35-22N,151-40E | - | - | 200 ft. | Attack #4. |
| | | (K) | | | | patrol | Naval Auxiliary |
| | | | | | | ship | with #163 on L |
| | | | | | | | 1-20mm gun, |
| | | | | | | | machine guns, |
| | | | | | | | 2 Y-guns and |
| | | | | | | | depth charges. |
| 20 26 | Sept.5 | 1500 | 35N,159-19E | W | - | Submarine | Periscope |
| | | (K) | | | | | with square to |
| | | | | | | | sighted. |
| 21 - | - | Various Patrol Areas | - | - | Sampans | Sighted many o |
| | | | | | | trawlers | and small these in |
| | | | | | | | patrol areas |
| | | | | | | | especially in |
| | | | | | | | close to shore. |

- 10 -

ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 68 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
"U.S.S. POMPANO - Report of Third War Patrol.
6. Aircraft Sighted.
Date Time Position Course Alt. Type Remarks
July 19- Various Enroute Midway - - Various Friendly
23
July 24, Various Enroute Midway - - Various Friendly
25
Aug 2 0909(K) 33-51N,146-00E - - Radar con
act 7 mi.
Aug 5&6 Various 45 mi.S of SHIONO - 500- 95 Single f.
MISAKI 1000 biplane
Aug 7 1319 13 mi.E of LIKI - 1000 -
SAKI
Aug 22 0647 18 mi.E of NOJIMA - - - Bombed
SAKI
Aug 24 2027 26 mi. NE of - - - Radar 18
HACHIJO SHIMA miles to 12
miles.
Aug 25 2030 33-36-45N,139-52- - - - Radar.12 mil
30E. to 10 miles.
Aug 26 0745 33-26-45N,139-04- - 500- Patrol Close aboard
30E. 1000 plane
Sept.3 1046(K) 35-25N,144-50E. - - - Radar. 14 to
12 miles.
Sept.8 1800(M) 29-14N, 179-30W. - - Patrol FBY
Sept.8 - (Y) Vicinity MIDWAY - - Various Friendly
Sept. 10, Various Enroute PEARL - - 2 Patrol PBY
11
Sept 12 Various Vicinity PEARL - - Various Friend

- 11 -
ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 69 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Sübject:
8.
U.S.S. POMPANO - Third War Patrol.
Enemy A/S Measures.
The only organized convoy noted was the north bound one
off INUBO SKI. Most of the shipping sighted was close inshore
except ships rounding NOJIMAS.KI. The inshore lanes aro patroll
by aircraft, destroyers, patrol boats and armed trawlers. These
last three have echo ranging equipment and from their actions,
probably some listening gear.

Off the entrance to each port and off each important
navigational light numerous sampans, trawlers and small vessels
wore encountered, many not lighted at night.

Destroyer echo ranging was on 16 KCS. One armed trawlor
was heard echo ranging on 24 KCS. On one occasion what appeared
to be modulated echo ranging was heard with regular ocho ranging.
Another time only modulated echo renging was heard. Destroyers
that searched by echo ranging also seemed to make a curious
regular crackle. Echo ranging interval was usually from 6 to 8
seconds though what appeared to be manual keying was heard at an
interval from 3 to 4 seconds.
(
During the depth charge attack on August 9 we were hunted
by never less than 2, usually 3 or 4 and as many as 5 vessels.
The echo ranging ship kept astern and the listening vessels ahoad
and on both beams. At one time when propeller noises seemed
relatively far away our starting the drain pump was immediately
answered by depth charges close aboard. Apparently comparatively
silent running vessels with listening equipment were nearby. We
ran at our most silent set up at 300 feet but were not able to
shake the anti-submarine vessels until we ran aground. We had
no great difficulty evading searches on other occasions farther
out at sca which might indicate the presence of small boats with
sensitive listening equipment operating close inshore.

9. Major Defects Experienced.

Various grounds and opon circuits in fire control system
required 16 hours to repair with the aid of FULTON at MIDWAY.

Drain line and compensating water linc have both corroded
through. Trim line to after trim leaking.

The JK shaft was bent and forced up on grounding on Aug-
ust 9. It was jacked down 6 or 8 inches and could be trained
through 320° at slow specds through the water until September 1
when it could no longer be turned.

- 12 - ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 70 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: - - U.S.S. POMPANO - Third War Patrol.
Major Defects Experienced (Cont'd).

The rudder struck the bottom on August 9 while in hand
steering, causing the wheel to spin out of the helmsman's hands.
It has become increasingly noisy since that time.

The attack periscope (#2) was foggy throughout the patrol
and had to be recharged 5 times in order to be at all usuable.
The tilting mechanism of this periscope bocamo inoporative with the
prism at maximum depression. Attempts to repair this resulted in
a flooded periscope.

#1 periscope becamo foggy after two days use.

T.D.C. solution anglo follow up heads had low mogger
readings and did not follow correctly. This caused miss on first
attack. Inspection revealted dirty heads which caused load angle
to equal target speed in all cases. At times a change in bearing
caused no change in gyro angle.

Main bearing #2 engine wiped.

Swivel pipes on two main engine crossheads broke.

Main engino piston unit had to be removed to drive out
lower fuel nozzle to renew blown gasket.

Two stuffing box seizures (#1 and #4 engines).

Leaky water gland of indicator cock on #3 engine required
removing water jacket and cutting out sleeve.

Twenty minor casualtics required taking engine off pro-
pulsion.

Auxiliary generator and both fuel transfer pumps flooded
during depth charge attack on August 9. One transfer pump repaired.
Auxiliary generator dried out enough in 6 days to permit it to be
used.

Faulty brushes of follow up mochanism of gyro caused
sticking on several occasions.

#1 vapor compression still not tight enough to make
battery water. Oil seals on #2 still leak.

- 13 - ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 71 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO - Third War Patrol.
-
10.
Radio Reception..
NPM was copied when on the surface throughout the patrol.
Reception at all times was good.
450 KCS was guarded when on station. No messages were
sent on this frequency and none were received from submarines in
adjacent areas. Two Japanese stations work on 450 KCS. Traffic on
this frequency was heavy after the unsuccessful attack on August 7.
Excellent results were obtained from the SD radar. Planes
were picked up from 18 to 7 miles. Ranges were obtained on mount-
ains higher than 3000 feet t 40 miles and on a 246 foot rock
(INAMBA JIMA) at 5 miles both on the surface and submerged. Along
the coast between DAIO SKI and SHIONO MIS KI and when passing:
through the SOUTHERN ISLANDS the radar was a valuable aid to nav-
igation in checking position. Transmitter oscillator tubes had to
be renewed about every 75 hours of use.
Last consecutive serial sent - OCEAN
Last consecutive serial received- MERCY (PEORIA not
received).
11.:
Sound Conditions.
Sound conditions were gencrally poor. In the western
approach to SAGAMI NADA bearings were taken on sampan screws at
ranges from 4000 to 8000 yards. At all other times heavy screws
could not be heard at ranges in excess of from 3000 to 4000 yards.
In shallow water off INUBO SKI no screws could be heard at 1500
yards.
On three occasions surf noises were picked up when we were
being set in too close to the coast during low visibility.
12.
Health and Habitability.
In general cxcellent. On July 23 one radioman was trans-
ferred to the FULTON at MIDWAY for an appendectomy and two officers
developed colds lasting about three days. One ship's cook developco.
pneumonia on September 3 and ran a temporature of 103 to 105 for tw
days then gradually improved. in X-ray on Septemoor 8 showed that
this man had lobarpneumonia and the appendectomy on the radioman
showed that his appendix had burst some 48 to 60 hours prior to the
oporation. The Medical Officer of the FULTON stated that the propor
administration of sulfathiozle by the ship's Pharmacist's Mate un-
doubtedly saved the lives of these two mon. On August 11 after th
depth charging on the 9th and the evasion of a searching destroyer
on the 10th 23 men developed moderate cases of nausea and vomiting.
16 of these men wore on their third war patrol. These cases
cleared up in a dyror two.

- 14 -
ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 72 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO - Third War Patrol.
Health and Habitability (Cont'a).
In addition to the two ship's cooks we had a baker aboar
and his nightly production of bakery products was highly relished.
"Dry Pack Potatoes" were found to be the most palatable of the
various brands of dehydrated potatoes.
The ship was comfortable during the entire patrol. In the
oporating area on the surface at night it was a bit warm and humid
but during submerged hours it was cool and dry.
13.
Miles Steamed.
Enroute to station
-
3592
On station
-
3460
Enroute from station
-
3647
Total
-
10699
14.
Fuel Oil Expended..
Enroute to station
-
36186 (1 to 2 engines)
On Station
-
22114
Enroute from station
-
65173 (4 engines)
Total
-
123473
15
Factors of Endurance Remaining September 2, 1942.
Torpedoes Fuel Provisions (days) Fresh Water Personnel (days
7
46080 gal.
20
5450 gal
10
16.
Factor Ending Patrol.
Provisions of operation order.
Lub cil would have been the limiting factor otherwise.

- 15 -
ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 73 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
17.
U.S.S. POMPANO - Third War. Patrol.
Remarks.
When sighted by merchant ships at night it was noted that
they endeavour to exchange recognition signals prior to taking any
evasive action.

Small trawlers and sampans in the areas were not fired o
as they were usually inshore and we did not wish to disclose our
position when there might be larger ships nearby. From August 31
to Septomber 3 when we were clearing the areas we sighted no
sampans or trawlers. Heavy weather during that time probably kopt
them in port.

The best hunting areas appear to be those between lights
close inshore along the coast between DAIO SKI and SHIONO MISAKI
and between NOJIM SAKI and KATSUUR. WN. No large ships were
sighted. between OMAI ZAKI and the entrance to SAGAMI NADA. Off
INUPO SAKI and the entrance to NAGOYA shallow water prevents
getting in close enough for torpcão attacks with a reasonable
chance of evading depth charge attacks.
Even with a proper installation of red lights Jark
adaption goggles are invaluable.

A small telescope with a vertical wire for use with the
night peloruses is desirable.

Three inch anti-aircraft projectiles have more destruct-
ive effect than common projectiles on targets normally fired on by
submarines.

The performance of Cuty of the following is especially
commendable; the gun crew who calmly and methodically maintained
an accurate rate of fire on September 4 at an exposed station in
the face of accurate onomy machine gun firë which fatally wounded
the first loader and twice struck the 3" gun; the diving officer
Licutenant Connole, USN, who very capably maintained depth control,
on August 9 auring depth charge attack and in working the ship off
the bottom after we had gone aground; the Pharmacist's Mate for
his efficient care of sick and wounded during the patrol.

- 16 - ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 74 —
FIRST ENDORSEMENT
FC5-4/A16-3
Serial (0283)
CONFIDENTIAL
From:
To :
Subject:
SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
September 13, 1942.
The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
The Commander Submarines, Pacific Flect.
U.3.S. POMPANO Third War Patrol - comments on.
1.
The Squadron Commander concurs with the recom-
mendations of Commander Submarine Division FORTY-THREE that the
Hark 1 T.D.C. be replaced with a lark 2 or Mark 3 T.D.C. This
should be accomplished on the PONPANO during the forthcoming over-
haul.
2.
Carrying oil in the safety tank is not good
practice. It requires repeated blowings to clear the oil traces
and eliminate the slick.
3.
This patrol was conducted aggressively and with
intelligence. The Commanding Officer, officers and crew are to be
congratulated for their determined effort to carry the war home to
the enemy despite the casualties that occurred.
4.
The morale of the officers and crew appeared to
be exceptionally high upon return from patrol. It is interesting
to note that the nausea and vomiting reported by the Commanding
Officer occurred mostly among the men that were on their third war
patrol. This may be some form of nervous exhaustion and every ef-
fort will be made to ensure that no man makes more than three suc-
cessive patrols.
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 75 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY THREE
TD5-43/16-3
Serial (041)
CONFIDENTIAL
From:
TO :
Via:
Subject:
1.
Care of Floct Post Office;
San Francisco, California,
September 13, 1942.
The Commander Submarine Division FORTY-THREE.
The Commander Submarinos, Pacific Fleet.
The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
U.S.S. POMPANO - Third War Patrol, Report on.
This is the longest war patrol to be made by
a POMPANO type submarine. Fifty-five days on patrol was nado
possible by filling safety tank with fuel oil in Midway.
Mereas the desire of the Commanding Officer to romain on
station a maximum length of time is to be commended, the
practice followed on this patrol of carrying fucl oil in
safety is not considered good submaring practice.
2.
It is considered that the sinking of the patrol
vessel on September 4 by deck guns was well carried out. Assuring
himself that the element of surprise would be present in his
favor, the Commanding Officer very properly surfaced and destroyed
the enemy vessel by gun fire. Although the loss of one man in
this action is to be regretted, it is gratifying to learn that
his loss in no way interferred with the services at the gun.
Firing continued uninterrupted and without confusion.
3.
Submarines of this division are equipped with the
Hark I T.D.C. which are old, complicated, difficult to operate,
and are subject to frequent breakdowns. This instrument requires
constant attention and maintenance in order to be kept in proper
operating condition while on patrol. The Mark III T.D.C. which
is being installed in the now submarines is considerably improved
and has the added advantage of being sufficiently compact to permit
installation in the conning tower where it would be of material
assistance to the Commanding Officer while conducting an approach.
It is recommended that the simplified and improved Mark III T.D.C.
be installed in vessels of this division in place of the old Mark I
Type instrument.
4.
Because of a leaking exhaust valve considerable water
was taken into the engineroom during the depth charge attack on
9 August, and caused the ship to submerge to a depth of 403 foct.
The mater taken into the engineroom reached a level above the floor
plates and might readily have caused the loss of the ship had vital
machinery been damaged so as to prevent escape from the enemy after
surfacing.

ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 76 —
TD5-43/416-3
Serial (041)

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY THREE

U.S.S. POMPANO - Third War Patrol, report on.
Care of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California,
September 13, 1942.

The cause of the leak through the valve is attributed to carbon
deposited on the valve seat. The disc type exhaust valves in-
stalled in the POMPANO can be kept free of carbon only by a daily
grinding in of the valve from on deck, which can not be done readily
while operating in enemy controlled waters. It is believed that
installation of flapper type valves similar to those installed in
the NAUTILUS would improve this most unsatisfactory condition.

5. The Commanding Officer is to be commended on
the smart appearance of his ship, the high morale of his officers
and crew and the success obtained on his first war patrol.

ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 77 —
1st Copy

116910
F
FF12-10/A16-3(5)/ SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
(12)
Serial 0357
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
March 16, 1943..
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED
COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 153
U.S.S. POMPANO - FOURTH WAR PATROL.

From:
To :
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
[HANDWRITTEN: FILED]
Subject:
U.S.S. POMPANO(SS181) - Report of Fourth War
Patrol..
Enclosure:
(A) Copy of Subject War Patrol Report..
(B) Division and Squadron comments..

1.
This was the fourth war patrol of U.S.S. POMPANO
and the second for its present Commanding Officer, The Commanding
Officer continued to display the aggressiveness and ability of
his former patrol.

2.
It is unfortunate that of the twenty-one ship
contacts made, all but four were patrol vessels. Of the four
other contacts, three were tankers which were attacked..

3.
The areas in which POMPANO worked were covered by
both extensive air and surface craft patrol. The Commanding
Officers of submarines working in such areas must ever be alert
to avoid being sighted by both patrol vessels and aircraft in
order that traffic shall not be routed around them. This means
constant and efficient use of Radar and alert lookouts. In addit-
ion, careful operational planning must be carried out when close
to enemy shores keeping in mind that the enemy probably has shore-
based Radar.

4.
Because of lack of sufficient evidence in the three
attacks made by the POMPANO, sinkings can not be credited. The
POMPANO is therefore credited with inflicting the following damage
on the enemy:
[HANDWRITTEN: RECEIVED SC FILES
Room 4155
MAR 31 1943
ROUTE TO:-
Up File No. (SC)
Dac: No.
Copy No. 1 of 5
DRN 10204]
DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY OP-09BGC [UNCLEAR: DALAGDATE] 6/1/72
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
1 Tanker (KENYO MARU Class) - - - 10,022 tons.
1 Tanker (SAN CLEMENTE Class)- - 7,300 tons.

TOTAL - - 17,322 tons.

[HANDWRITTEN: Filmed 1
132434]
[HANDWRITTEN: Finished-Nuna-File]

— page 78 —
FF12-10/A16-3(5)/ SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
(12)
Serial 0357
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
-
5:
F
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
March 16, 1943.
U.S.S. FOMPANO - Report of Fourth War Patrol.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
congratulates the Commanding Officer, Officers, and Crew on
another successful patrol.

DISTRIBUTION
(1M-43)
List III, SS
Special:
P1(5), EN3(5), Z1(5),
Comsublant (2), X3(1),
Comsubsowespac (2), CTF 42 (2),
Subschool, N.L. (2), CSS 50 (2).
[SIGNATURE: AR Swinburne]
E.R. SINBURNE,
Flag Secretary.
C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

— page 79 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. POMPANO. Report of Fourth War Patrol.
Period from January 16, 1943 to Feb. 28, 1943.
Operation Order 8-43.

PROLOGUE

Arrived Pearl Harbor on September 12, 1943, from Third War
Patrol. Departed September 15, 1942. Arrived Navy Yard, Mare
Island September 22, 1942. Commenced yard overhaul on September
23, 1942, controlling job installation of new main engines.
Completed overhaul on December 18, 1942. Major items accomplished:
Installation of new ma in engines and new battery, forward bridge
structure cut away and 20 mm mount installed forward, 3" gun
moved forward of bridge, installation of IIMO hydraulic pump, SJ
Radar, U type antenna on SD Radar and NL sonic gear, outstanding
alterations completed, depermed. Readiness for sea and departed
Mare Island on December 30, 1942. Arrived Pearl Harbor on January
7, 1943. Refit completed by Submarine personnel on January
9, 1943. New 50 cal. mounts installed on deck abreast of bridge.
Ready for sea on January 15, 1943. Training period of four days,
18 practice approaches, no exercise torpedoes fired.
1.
January 16-
0300 (W)
January 23-
0800 (M)
1357 (M)
January 24-
0152 (M)
0624 (M)
January 25-
0245 (L)
NARRATIVE
Departed Pearl for assigned areas. Conducted
training dives and drills daily. Expended
training ammunition in battle surface and night
firing. Fired all guns: Sighted various
friendly planes first two days.
Changed course to right to be 20 miles north of
present track. by sunset well south of return
track of friendly submarine. Wish to avoid
possible ambush during bright moonlight tonight
north of WOTJE in case Japs have tracked us by
our radio transmissions on the 17th, 18th and
22nd.
Lat. 11-46 N Long. 174-04 E Plane Radar signal
9 to 8-1/2 miles faded out. Did not dive.
Entored Marshall Areas.
Submerged 70 miles N.E. of WOTJE. Submerged
today and surface run tonight will put us off
S. tip of KVAJALEIN at dawn.
Lat. 09-04 N Long. 168-33 E sighted sampan
or small fishing vessel at 6000 yards. Avoided.
Submerged patrol S. of KWAJALEIN Is. to within
4 miles of reef. Sighted smoke and possibly
upper works of ship inside lagoon.

- 1 - ENCLOSURE (A)