U.S.S. GOLET (SS-361) — war patrol report SS-361_GOLET.pdf

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OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: LEO]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 10-11-78]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

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

MICROFILMED BY
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MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET - START AND END
NDW-NPPSO-5210/1 (6-78)

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[HANDWRITTEN: GOLET (SS-361)
WWII PATROL FILE
ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED

FOR DECK LOG NOVEMBER 1943 - APRIL 1944
CONSULT NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS
CUSTODY.

J.A. KOONTZ]

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Division of Naval History
Ships' Histories Section
Navy Department

HISTORY OF USS GOLET (SS 361)

After making one fruitless patrol in the Northern Pacific, the submarine
USS GOLET left Midway on 28 May 1944 for her second patrol and was never
heard from again.

The submarine was built by the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company of
Manitowoc, Wisconsin, in 1943. She was launched on 1 August 1943, under the
sponsorship of Mrs. Alexander Wiley, whose husband was a member of the Senate
Naval Affairs Committee. USS GOLET was placed in commission on 30 November
1943, under the command of Lieutenant Commander J. M. Clement, USN.

Named for a member of the trout family found in northwestern North
America, the ship began her voyage down the Mississippi to New Orleans on
19 December, arriving nine days later. She then proceeded to Balboa, Canal
Zone, where she received 20 days of training before reporting at Pearl Harbor.

Her first war patrol began on 18 March, when she slipped out of Pearl
Harbor and set her sleek nose toward the Kurile Islands chain. The severe
winter weather, combining fog, rain and ice, handicapped her as she cruised
off the Kuriles, Southern Hokkaido and Eastern Honshu. Only one ship worthy
of torpedoes came into sight, and it could not be closed for an attack.
GOLET left the area on 28 April, and arrived in Midway on 3 May.

Lieutenant Commander J. S. Clark was in command of the sub when she left
Midway for her second patrol off Honshu. She was scheduled to return to base
on 12 July, but when she did not report, she was listed as presumed lost.

After the war Japanese anti-submarine records revealed her probable fate.
It is believed that USS GOLET was destroyed in an attack on an American sub-
marine on 14 June 1944, at 41-04 N, 141-30 E. The attack brought up corks,
rafts and a heavy pool of oil, providing good evidence of a kill.

STATISTICS

OVERALL LENGTH                                312 feet
BEAM                                          27 feet
SPEED                                         20 knots
DISPLACEMENT                                  1525 tons

Compiled: September 1953

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[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

SS361/A16-3
Serial(015)

[HANDWRITTEN: DECLASSIFIED]
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. GOLET.
To : (1) Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Fleet.
Via : (2) Commander Submarine Division SIXTY TWO.
 (3) Commander Submarine Squadron SIX.
 (4) Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
 (5) Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

U.S.S. GOLET(SS361),
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
3 May 1944.

Subject: U.S.S. GOLET, Report of War Patrol number one.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
 (B) Track Chart for subject report. (Comsubpac
 only).

1.
 Enclosure (A), covering the first war patrol of
this vessel conducted in the waters of the KURIL ISLANDS, south-
ern HOKKAIDO and eastern HONSHU, north of 30° north latitude is
forwarded herewith. The patrol was conducted during the period
from 18 March to 3 May, 1944.

2.
 Enclosure (B) is forwarded for disposition to
Commander Submarines, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

[SIGNATURE: P.H. Ross]
P.H. ROSS.

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

[STAMP: 77548]
[STAMP: FILMED]

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C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Enclosure (A) to SS361/A16-3
Serial (015)

U.S.S. GOLET - FIRST WAR PATROL

(A) PROLOGUE

The U.S.S. GOLET was commissioned at MANITOWOC, WISC. on 30
November 1943. Various contract trials and training were con-
ducted in the GREAT LAKES during the period 3 to 16 December 1943.
Passage from MANITOWOC to NEW ORLEANS, LA. was made from 19 to 28
December and from NEW ORLEANS to BALBOA, C.Z. from 3 to 8 January
1944. Training was conducted in the BALBOA area from 13 to 26
January. Passage was made from BALBOA, C.Z. to PEARL HARBOR, T.H.
2 to 17 February. Training was conducted in the PEARL HARBOR area
February to 5 March. The present Commanding Officer relieved on
8 March and an intensive training period was held 9 to 14 March.
The ship was found tested and departed on 15 March and loaded
16-17 March.

(B) NARRATIVE

March 18
1300(VW) Departed Submarine Base PEARL for area in accord-
          ance with Comsubpac Operation Order No. 97-44.
          Rendezvoused with escort (PC1078) off entrance
          buoys.

1644      Made trim dive.
2001      Released escort.

March 19
0703(VW) Made trim dive.

0810(W)   Radar aircraft Contact #1, Did not sight plane.
          Did not dive.

1105      Made training dive.
1522      Made training dive.

March 20
0642(X)   Made trim dive.

1023      Lookout aircraft Contact #2. Exchanged recognition
          signals with PB2Y.

Wind and sea have kicked up considerably during
past 24 hours. Both are force 3 to 4 and are from
NW. Making turns for 15 knots and making good
about 11.5 knots.

A-1

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## The Golet's First War Patrol: A Glimpse into Submarine Warfare

This document provides a fascinating, albeit brief, look into the daily operations and challenges faced by the USS Golet during its first war patrol. It highlights the constant vigilance required in enemy waters, the difficulties posed by the environment, and the ever-present threat of enemy contact.

**March 30, 0541 (L):** The day begins with the Golet submerged, experiencing "heavy seas" and "sleeting and wind" estimated at 35 knots. This immediately sets the scene for the harsh conditions faced by submariners. The mention of "injection 300F" is likely a technical detail related to the submarine's systems, possibly indicating a temperature reading. The crew's ability to maintain a "comfortable submerged" state despite the weather speaks to the resilience of both the vessel and its crew.

**1954:** The Golet surfaces, indicating a change in operational posture, perhaps for battery charging or improved visibility.

**2058:** A significant event occurs with the first radar contact: "ship contact #1 bearing 322°T, range 7330 yards." The contact, described as "very small and appeared only when got up on a wave," suggests a small vessel struggling in the rough seas. The Golet tracks it at a slow speed of "1-2 knots." The decision to "plot it in close to the 100 fathom curve" and the speculation that it "was probably a fisherman though it

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Okay, I understand. You're looking for a transcription of the text from the image.

Here's the transcription:

Subject: U.S.S. GOLET - First War Patrol.

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C O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. GOLET, Report
of War Patrol No. 1
dated 3 May 1944.

SUBMARINE DIVISION SIXTY T O

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
4 May 1944.

From: The Commander Submarine Division SIXTY T O.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron SIX.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
The Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. GOLET, Report of War Patrol No. 1.

1. Forwarded.

2. The first war patrol of the GOLET conducted under disagreeable
weather conditions covered a period of forty-six days thirty-one of which were
spent in thoroughly covering the assigned area. Of these thirty-one days, thirty
were spent patrolling submerged. No traffic was encountered. The only contact
worthy of torpedo attack, a 4-5000 ton coal-burning freighter could not be closed
submerged to firing range.

3. It would seem that with the SD and SJ functioning as well as they
did throughout this patrol a wider area coverage would have justified patrolling
on the surface during daylight on many of the days in the area than weather
conditions permitted.

4. The GOLET returned in excellent material condition except for an
excessive main engine lubricating oil consumption. Heavier oil scraper rings
and expanders will be installed if available in an attempt to rectify this
situation. Refitting will be accomplished by Division SIXTY T O Relief Crew
assisted by the Submarine Base, Midway.

[SIGNATURE: J. R. WILL]

Copy to:
CTG 17.5
USS GOLET.

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FC5-6/A16-3
Serial No. 039
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

SUBMARINE SQUADRON SIX (Mc)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
4 May 1944.

SECOND INDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. GOLLET Report of
War Patrol No. 1.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron SIX.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
      (2) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. GOLLET, Report of War Patrol No. 1.

1. Forwarded concurring in the remarks of Commander
Submarine Division SIXTY-TWO.

[SIGNATURE: C. D. EDMUNDS]
C. D. EDMUNDS.

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FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET mr
Serial 0905 Care o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
CONFIDENTIAL 6 0876 13 May 1944
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
THIRD ENDORSEMENT DESTROYED PRIOR TO
GOLET Report of ENTERING PATROL AREA.
First War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 418
U.S.S. GOLET - FIRST WAR PATROL.

From : The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. GOLET (SS361) - Report of First War Patrol.
(18 March to 3 May 1944).

1. The first war patrol of the GOLET was conducted in
waters around the Kurile Island Chain, Southern Hokkaido, and Eastern
Honshu.

2. The patrol was considerably handicapped by severe win-
ter weather, fog and rain. In addition, ice floes hampered patrol-
ling.

3. While general area coverage was good, it is felt that
Paramushiro might have been examined more closely. Only one contact
worthy of torpedoes was made which the GOLET was unable to close for
attack.

4. This patrol is designated as not successful for Combat
Insignia Award.

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (5)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
Comservpac
(Adv.Base Plan. Unit) (1)
Cinclant (2)
Comsublant (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (2)
Comsubsowespac (1)
CTF 72 (2)
Comnorpac (1)
Comsubspac (20) [STAMP: FILMED] [SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes, 2nd]
SUBAD, MI (2)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3) E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
All Squadron and Div. Flag Secretary.
Commanders, Subspac (2)
Comsubstrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Subspac (1)

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[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
[STAMP: CLASSIFICATION REDUCED TO]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
[STAMP: BY AUTHORITY OF]
[STAMP: OPNAV INT. INST. 5510.1]
[STAMP: DATED 15 JUN 53]
[HANDWRITTEN: ECA] [HANDWRITTEN: Date 3-20-57]
[HANDWRITTEN: 01307]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

FF12-10/A4-1/(12)
COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE
UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET He
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
[STAMP: JUL 26 1944]

Serial 00725
[STAMP: TOP SECRET]

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. GOLET (SS361) - loss of

1. It is with deepest regret that the Commander Sub-
marine Force, Pacific Fleet, announces that the U.S.S. GOLET is
overdue from her second war patrol and must be presumed lost.

2. In accordance with Commander Task Force Seventeen
Operation Order No. 179-44, the GOLET, commanded by Lieutenant
Commander James S. Clark, U. S. Navy, departed Midway on 28 May
1944, with orders to proceed to Areas 1, 2, and 3, which are off
the northeast coast of Honshu. The GOLET was routed via great
circle to area and via great circle back to Midway. No word has
been received from the GOLET since her departure from Midway.

3. The GOLET was scheduled to depart her area on
5 July 1944, and at normal cruising speed she should have arrived
Midway on the 12th or 13th of July. On 9 July 1944, Midway
was sent a message for which she was ordered to acknowledge. No
acknowledgment was received. On 11 July 1944, Midway was directed
to keep a bright lookout for GOLET who might be approaching with-
out being able to transmit by radio.

4. It is impossible to determine if the registered
publications carried by the GOLET were compromised. She carried
publications authorized for use in salvageable waters.

5. This was the second war patrol for the GOLET and
the first with Lieutenant Commander Clark in command. Lieutenant
Commander Clark had previously distinguished himself while serving
on the U.S.S. SWORDFISH and was awarded the Silver Star Medal in
recognition for his outstanding work on the first four war patrols
of this submarine. It is very regrettable that this most promis-
ing officer was deprived further opportunity for displaying his
aggressive spirit and cool nature.

6. The first patrol of the GOLET, conducted in the
Kurile Islands, was designated as not successful.

[STAMP: CONFIDECLASSIFIED]
Copy to: Comsubron 22
Comsubdiv 222

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

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GOLET (SS 361)

Enroute to her second patrol, GOLET (Lt. Cdr. J. S.
Clark) left Midway on 28 May 1944, for the entire
area off the northeast coast of Honshu. No word was
heard from her after she departed Midway.

GOLET was scheduled to depart her area on 5 July
1944, and was expected at Midway about 12 or 13 July.
On 9 July 1944, she was sent a message which required
an acknowledgment, but none came. On 11 July, a sharp
lookout was posted at Midway for a submarine coming
in without being able to transmit. By 26 July 1944, the
ship had not returned, and it was reported as presumed
lost.

In the reports covering Japanese antisubmarine at-
tacks, made since war's end, one is recorded as having
been made on 14 June 1944, at 41° 04'N, 141-30°E. This
attack is considered to explain GOLET's loss, since the
enemy, in his report, states, "On the spot of fighting
we later discovered corks, raft, etc., and a heavy oil
pool of 50 by 5,200 meters." GOLET was credited with
no sinkings or damage to enemy ships on her first pa-
trol, conducted in the Kuriles, and the area south of
Hokkaido and east of Honshu.

J. S. Clark

THIS
FIGHTING SHIP
SPONSORED AND MADE
POSSIBLE BY WAR
BOND PURCHASES
OF THE
PEOPLE
OF
SHREVEPORT

96

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.The U.S.S. Golet (SS-361) was a Gato-class submarine of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1944. She was named after the golet, a type of fish.

The Golet embarked on her first war patrol in April 1944, operating in the waters off the Kuril Islands and Hokkaido, Japan. During this patrol, she sank one Japanese cargo ship.

Her second war patrol began in May 1944, with orders to patrol the area south of Honshu, Japan. On June 14, 1944, the Golet reported sinking a Japanese destroyer. However, this claim was not confirmed by post-war records.

The Golet's last communication was on June 14, 1944, when she reported being under attack by Japanese forces. She was never heard from again. It is believed that the Golet was sunk by a Japanese anti-submarine attack, possibly by a combination of surface ships and aircraft, in the vicinity of the Izu Islands. All 82 crew members aboard the Golet were lost.

The U.S.S. Golet was officially declared lost on July 26, 1944. She received one battle star for her World War II service. Her loss remains one of the many tragic stories of the silent service during the war.

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UNITED STATES
SUBMARINE LOSSES

WORLD WAR II

Reissued with an Appendix of
Axis Submarine Losses, fully indexed,

by

Naval History Division
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Washington: 1963

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END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: AR-172-78]
[HANDWRITTEN: F-108]

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THE PROPERTY OF
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GOVERNMENT

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MICROFILMED BY
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