U.S.S. APOGON (SS-308) — war patrol report SS-308_APOGON.pdf

— page 1 —
START OF REEL
H-108
JOB NO. AR-195-77
USS APOGON (55308)
1.0
45 2.8 2.5
3.2 50
122
2.2
3.6
OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: R Murch]
4.0 2.0
1.8
1.25
1.4
1.6
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 4-29-77]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

PARTMENT OF DEFENSE
D
MEED STATES OF AMERICA.
MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION
REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

— page 3 —
Ship's Section
Office of Public Information
Navy Department

HISTORY OF USS APOGON (SS 308)

FIRST PATROL

Left Pearl Harbor, November 3, 1943, for Patrol, stopped by Johnson
Island, for fuel, then proceeded to the Truk Island area for patrol. During
thirty days in its assigned Patrol Area, APOGON made three submerged torpedo
attacks firing twelve torpedoes. Four hits were obtained sinking one small
Naval auxiliary and damaging two merchant vessels. APOGON received depth
charging after each attack, but none was very severe. Ship returned to
Midway, after 45 day patrol. Storm at Midway necessitated that APOGON'S
refit be completed in Pearl Harbor.

SECOND PATROL

On January 15, 1944, the ship left Pearl Harbor for patrol in the
Marianas Islands, (Guam, Saipan) area. The night of January 31, 1944,
APOGON attacked a convoy of six ships with four escorts just southeast of
Saipan Island. The attack was made on the surface after moonset. Approach-
ing from ahead of the convoy, the APOGON fired ten torpedoes at three ships,
resulting in the sinking of a 17,537-ton passenger ship and a 6,500-ton
cargo ship. Both enemy ships were seen to explode and sink. Japanese
escorts exhibited their confusion by firing their guns wildly and dropping
depth charges at the same time - not knowing whether the attacking sub
was above or below the surface, a most pleasing situation to submarine
personnel. The APOGON's Life Guard duty off Saipan on February 29, 1944,
did not offer any opportunity for rescuing aviators but ships personnel
enjoyed the thundering of American bombs falling on the Jap Islands. On
March 9, 1944, the ship entered Pearl Harbor for refit and the usual two
weeks rest and recuperation period for officers and crew at the Royal
Hawaiian Hotel in Honolulu.

THIRD PATROL

Leaving Pearl Harbor on April 2, 1944, the ship stopped at Johnson
Island a few days later for fuel, then headed for the Coast of Japan.
Thirty days searching the edges of Kyushu, Shikoku and Honshu did not find
a single Japanese vessel. At the end of this long dull patrol the ship
was ordered to Injupe Lagoon in the Marshall Islands for refit. Arriving
on May 22, 1944, after two months off Japanese Shores, we were astounded by
the presence of hundreds of U. S. warships, lines of carriers, cruisers,
battleships and all other types - ten times as many ships as we had ever
seen together before. Those ships were being poised for the coming Marianas
Islands campaign.

FOURTH PATROL

Departing Injupe, June 19, 1944, the APOGON set course for her
assigned patrol between the Philippine Islands and Formosa, together
with the USS CROFISH, the USS THRESHER, and the USS PIRANHA.

— page 4 —
-2-

The APOGON spent twelve days on station searching for Jap ships before a
convoy was located. On July 12, 1944, about 0200, on a bright moonlight
night, the APOGON made a submerged attack on a convoy of at least
twelve ships consisting mostly of transports heading for Manila. Six
torpedoes were fired from the bow tubes of the APOGON damaging one enemy
ship. While turning to bring the stern tubes to bear on an enemy destroyer,
the APOGON was rammed by an enemy transport. Instantly the ship heeled to
port about 20° and water began pouring into the conning tower. The APOGON
started down rapidly. Standing in a steady shower of sea water from above the
Diving Officer, Lieutenant (junior grade) Marshal Sanderman, of Portland,
Oregon, skillfully handled his pumps and blew ballast tanks sufficiently to
offset the added weight of sea water and regain control of the boat. After
the boat. Staying deep after control was regained, the APOGON soon lost
contact on the escaping convoy. Without any periscopes, radar, or much
sound equipment to rely upon, the APOGON took to Pearl Harbor for repairs.
USN, lost no time in bringing the boat back to Pearl Harbor for repairs.
After two weeks of sunshine and rest at Pearl, July 26, 1944, the officers and
the Royal Hawaiian, the officers and crew returned to the ship to see her
got a new Commanding Officer as Commander Schoeni turned the boat over to
Commander A. C. House, Jr., USN.

FIFTH PATROL

Having completed two weeks of intensive training with her new Captain,
on September 12, 1944, APOGON departed Pearl for patrol in the Kurile
Islands area. A brief stop was made at Midway for fuel and provisions.
On September 23, 1944, while still enroute to the area, a Jap Armed Trawler
was engaged with gunfire and sunk. APOGON suffered no casualties. On the
morning of September 26, and almost simultaneously with her arrival in the
Patrol area, APOGON made contact with a single unescorted merchantman.
Three torpedoes were fired for two hits, and the target rapidly
disintegrated. Two prisoners were taken. The remainder of the patrol was
uneventful except for the foul weather usually encountered in those far
northern regions. This was the first of three patrols APOGON was to make
in the Kuriles, and subsequent experience showed that weather conditions
could be much more worse.

SIXTH PATROL

After refit and recuperation in Midway, APOGON again headed for the
northern reaches of "The Empire" on the 20th of November 1944. Bad weather
characterized this patrol and was encountered almost immediately upon
departure. At times, only two knots speed could be made good on the surface
because of heavy seas. On Thanksgiving all hands were grateful when it was
decided to dive for dinner. At 120 feet, things were reasonably stable,
and the turkey and trimmings were a pleasant respite from the wrath of the
storm. Only one enemy contact was made during this patrol; it consisted of
a medium sized tanker with two escorts. Contact was made with the group at
2200 on the 23rd of December and was a welcome Christmas present to the
APOGON. A surface attack was delivered, four torpedoes being fired.
Unfortunately only one hit was obtained, and the target managed to keep going.
Contact was regained the following morning when a submerged attack was
thwarted by planes and the target's wild zigging. After a month of keen
anticipation for all hands, on December 26, the APOGON turned southeast and

— page 5 —
-3-
headed for the United States. After brief stops at Midway and Pearl, the
cherished goal - The Golden Gate - was realized early on the morning of
January 15, 1945. The period January 15, 1945, to May 4, 1945, was spent
in routine overhaul at the Navy Yard, Mare Island, California. During this
period the entire ship and all its equipage was given a thorough overhaul
and all new equipment and modifications of existing equipment were installed
in the ship. Officers and crew were given a month's rehabilitation leave.
On the fourth of May, 1945, the APCCON set to sea once again, with her first
stop Pearl Harbor. After a brief period of reconditioning, and two weeks of
intensive training, APCCON set course once again for the Kurile Islands area
via Midway.

SEVENTH PATROL

Arriving once again in the Kurile Islands area on June 10, 1945,
APCCON was in a coordinated patrol with the USS DICE, the USS C.BEZON, and
the USS M.M.L. After two weeks of fruitless searching for ships, the
APCCON, with the C.BEZON conducted a lifeguard search for a downed
Liberator Plane crew off of the West Coast of Paramushiru Island on
June 25, 1945. Surfacing when nightfall came after another unsuccessful
search, the APCCON almost immediately contacted a six-ship enemy convoy
moving southwest out of Paramushiru in a heavy fog. The DICE and C.BEZON
were informed of the presence of the enemy group, and as soon as the DICE
arrived in the vicinity, the APCCON attacked the convoy on the surface,
firing nine torpedoes into the closely grouped enemy ships. Shortly there
came the resounding thunder of seven torpedo explosions from the convoy.
One escort vessel and three ships of the convoy sank as a result of
APCCON's attack. The fourth was damaged by the C.BEZON, while the DICE
spent many long hours in battle with the only remaining vessel of the convoy,
somewhat shaken up but undamaged, a few days later. No further action was
encountered until July 2, 1945, when APCCON, on the surface, engaged two
small enemy vessels with gunfire. Believing the small vessels to be supply
or fishing craft, the APCCON was met by a withering return fire from two
heavily armed enemy subchasers. Realizing the danger to totally
unprotected sub's gunners and also the proximity of enemy airfields, deemed
it wise to withdraw. On the 10th of July 1945, the APCCON left patrol area
for Midway for refit and crew's recuperation.

EIGHTH PATROL

On August 7, 1945, the APCCON left Midway Island for Lifeguard duty
in connection with air strikes on Marcus Island. Arriving the day that the
Japanese Government first asked for peace, August 15, 1945, the APCCON saw
only a regular search plane for several days. When surrender arrangements
had been made in Tokyo, a destroyer escort appeared off Marcus and proceeded
in to receive the surrender of the Island. On deck, the APCCON's crew
watched the little Jap"surrender launch intently until with great shouts
of joy all hands learned that the APCCON had been ordered to leave for
the U. S. at once. On the 4th of September, the APCCON saw Pearl Harbor
drop behind and on the 11th, the ship approached San Diego harbor escorted
by the USS PC 815. Entering the San Diego Channel in a heavy fog the little
escort vessel was suddenly struck by a destroyer heading out to sea. In
just a few minutes, in plain sight of the APCCON's

— page 6 —
-4-

crew, the PC 815 caught fire and sank, leaving her officers and crew
scrambling into the water. Immediately the APOGON'S Skipper brought her into
the Survivors area and helping hands brought 28 of the patrol crafts crew
to safety, while the balance were rescued by the destroyer. Although
APOGON had seen destruction of the enemy for two years, this was her first
experience in witnessing the loss of a friendly ship. Back in the United
States once more the ship at once began to see her officers and crew leave
for home, many on leave and some to join the ranks of civilian life, with
hope forever. However, if the call to arms, they will find their former
shipmates in the regulars, and the APOGON
ready to take them aboard and quickly set to sea.

SHIPS SUNK
First patrol AK 2962 tons
Second patrol AK 17597 "
Second patrol AK 6500 "
Fifth patrol Misc. 5900 "
Seventh patrol 3 AK's 400 "
Seventh patrol Escort 12000 "
Seventh patrol Misc. 600 "
Total 45,999 tons

SHIPS DAMAGED
First patrol AK 2000 tons
First patrol AK 3200 "
Fourth patrol AK 7500 "
Fourth patrol AK 4000 "
Sixth patrol AK 6000 "
Seventh patrol Misc. 100 "
Total 22,800 tons
45,999 "

Total sunk and damaged 71,799 tons

Keel laid - December 10, 1942, in Navy Yard, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Launched - March 10, 1943, sponsored by Mrs. Helen S. Withers, wife of
Rear Admiral Thomas Withers, USN
Commissioned - July 16, 1943.
Commanding Officer - Lieutenant Commander W. P. Schoeni, USN.
Officers - Lieutenant Commander P. P. Crumer, Jr., USN
Lieutenant Commander W. R. Crutcher, USNR
Lieutenant R. T. Fahy, USN
Lieutenant (junior grade) J. R. Hart, USNR
Ensign P. L. Smither, USN
Ensign J. G. Now, USNR

Shakedown and trials were held around Portsmouth, New Hampshire,
Newport, Rhode Island, and New London, Connecticut, from August 2, 1943,
until about October 2, 1943. Arrived Pearl Harbor about the middle of
October 1943, and departed on first War Patrol November 3, 1943. Completed
8 War Patrols, sank 10 enemy vessels totalling 46,000 tons and damaged 6
vessels totalling 27,000 tons. Participated in first fleet attack on Saipan
Island on February 23, 1944, as a Lifeguard Submarine.
***

— page 7 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

U.S.S. APOGON
(SS308)

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
18 December 1943.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. APOGON.
To : Commander in Chief, U. S. Fleet.
Via : Commander Submarine Division 142.
Commander Submarine Squadron 14.
Commander Submarines Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. APOGON, Report of War Patrol Number One.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track Chart. (To COMSUBSFAC only)

1. Enclosure (A) covering the first war patrol of this
vessel conducted in the area with a 60 mile radius of MOEN IS., TRUK
ATOLL between bearings 045° T and 135° T of MOEN IS. and along the
shipping lanes between TRUK and KWAJALEIN between longitudes 156° to
160° East during the period from 3 November 1943 to 18 December 1943,
is forwarded herewith.

W. F. SCHOENI.

DECLASSIFIED-NLT. 0145, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: JP-0989C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/22/72]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

— page 8 —
U.S.S. APOGON

CONFIDENTIAL

A. PROLOGUE.

This vessel was placed in commission at Navy Yard, PORTSMOUTH, N.H.
on July 16, 1943 and was completed on August 6, 1943. Training commenced
9 August 1943 in the PORTSMOUTH, NEW LONDON area. During this
period conducted engineering tests and trials, fired 30 Mark XIV and 6
MK XVIII torpedoes at NEWPORT for test of tubes, made modified mine
plant, was depermed, conducted torpedo approaches and fired four exercise
torpedoes. As a result of sound tests, both propellers were replaced
during docking at Electric Boat Co. Marine Railway during period 7-9
August.

Departed NEW LONDON 13 September 1943 and arrived COCO SOLO, C.Z.,
21 September 1943. Made transit of canal on 25 September 1943 and re-
ported to CINCPAC and COMSUBPAC for duty.

Departed BALBOA, C.Z., 26 September 1943 and arrived PEARL HARBOR
11 October 1943. Voyage repairs 11-15 October. Commenced final training
October 16. Conducted torpedo approaches, night and day radar runs,
participated in one outgoing convoy exercise, fired six exercise torpedoes
and all guns, was depermed and sound tested. Major work done consisted
of replacement of 4" 50 cal. gun with 3" 50 cal. gun of SNOOK and re-
placement of SJ radar transmitter. Ship was painted with gray camou-
flage color on vertical surfaces. Moved C.P.O. quarters to after battery.
Received one additional officer on board - qualified in radar.

Training was completed 31 October 1943 and loading completed
2 November 1943.

B. NARRATIVE.

3 November 1943

1144 VW Underway from PEARL HARBOR in accordance with CTF 17 Operation
Order 252-43 in company with SEARAVEN and escort PC 584.

1845 VW Escort left formation - proceeding independently.

1922 VW Radar contact on ship bearing 300° T 8000 yards. Commenced
tracking. Ship contact No. 1.

1926 VW Sighted ship which appeared to be small patrol craft or sub-
marine on course 180° T - 6 kts.

1932 VW Ship sighted proved to be submarine which dove at 3000 yards.
Maneuvered to avoid at high speed on surface. Sent blinker
message to SEARAVEN which I learned later had also made radar
contact. Sent contact report to NPM in plain language to in-
sure that PC 584 would get it.

- 1 -

— page 9 —
U.S.S. APOGON

CONFIDENTIAL
B. NARRATIVE Cont.

1950 VW Set course 250° T - 3 engine speed enroute JOHNSTON ISLAND.

4 November 1943.

0639 VW Made SJ radar contact 320° T - 9600 yards on opposite and
         parallel course. Assume it was friendly submarine.
0656 VW Made dawn dive for trim and training.
0743 VW Surfaced.
1230 VW Set clocks back to zone plus 11 time.

5 November 1943.

0630 Y Sighted PBY plane escort about 25 miles east of JOHNSTON
         ISLAND.
0738 Y Sighted JOHNSTON ISLAND 285° T - 14 miles.
0857 Y Moored to pier at JOHNSTON ISLAND. Received 11,921 gals. fuel
         oil. This proved a pleasant stopover point as ship was given
         ice cream, refreshments, fresh fish and had swimming party.
         The commanding officer took a physical exam. and accepted
         appointment as Commander, U.S. Navy. The band was down on
         dock for our departure and SEARAVEN arrival.
1345 Y SEARAVEN moored alongside.
1355 Y Underway from JOHNSTON ISLAND enroute patrol area with plane
         escort.
1730 Y Escort plane departed.

6 November 1943.

1140 Y Sighted U.S. NAVY PV VENTURA type patrol plane and exchanged
         recognition signals. Aircraft contact No. 1.

7 - 13 November 1943.

         Enroute patrol area at two engine speeds. Made daily dives for
         training and drills. Fired 3" deck gun, machine guns and small
         arms.

2120 L 13 November entered patrol area.

14 November 1943.

0145 L Set course 080° T - two engine speed.

- 2 -

— page 10 —
U.S.S. APOGON
CONFIDENTIAL

B. NARRATIVE Cont.

0720 L Dove, c/c to 040° T.

1004 L Sighted smoke bearing 058° T. Commenced approach. Attack No. 1.

1032 L Sighted masts of 2 AKs zig zagging on courses between 190° T
       and 260° T. Lat. 8°- 12' N. Long. 154°- 10' E. Ship contact
       No. 2.

1059 L Sighted FUBUKI class destroyer patrolling astern and on quarters
       of AKs.

1127-16L Commenced firing torpedoes - 3 torpedoes at leading AK and 3
       torpedoes at second AK from bow tubes. Sea was glassy calm
       and torpedo wakes were very plain with quite a bit of smoke.
       Leading AK was seen to turn away to avoid. Destroyer speeded
       up and turned toward me. Went deep.

1130-00L One explosion heard on JP and by men in all compartments. Not
       heard in conning tower due to venting negative tank.

1131-30L 1st group of depth charges. Pattern of 7 or 8 not very close.
       Destroyer slowed to listen. He didn't use echoranging at any
       time.

1140-30L 2nd group of 8 depth charges spaced about 12 seconds apart.
       Those were closer.

1148-20L 3rd pattern of depth charges - still closer - about 200 yards
       away in comparison to the indoctrination charges dropped during
       training. We were hung up on a layer at 310'. DD stayed
       fairly close overhead, slowing, listening and then making runs
       but no more charges were dropped.

1240 L Sound heard one set of heavy screws and five minutes later
       heard the second set of heavy screws start up as if from a
       stopped position. This bearing was 250° T which was about
       bearing of the attack. DD could be heard off and on getting
       further away.

1301 L Sound lost contact with heavy screws. DD still up there.

1428 L Periscope depth. Sighted DD 180° T - 6 miles on various courses.
       Commenced reload forward.

1455 L Lost sight of DD.

1903 L Surfaced. Sent contact report to NPM and on 450 Kcs.

1940 L Sighted searchlight beam twice below horizon 230° T. c/c to
       235° T full speed. No further contact.

- 3 -

— page 11 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. APOGON

B. NARRATIVE Cont.

15 November 1943.

0500 L Entered patrol area in position 60 miles 085° T. from MOEN
ISLAND.

0545 L Single engine plane crossed bow at altitude of 50 feet. Plane
on SD which had been operated at
periods of 5 seconds at intervals of about one minute beginning
at 0530. It was an hour before sunrise but there was a fair
moon. Pilot was either as surprised as we were or his bomb
release failed. We dove immediately and at

0546½ L heard explosion of one depth bomb - not very close. Continued
submerged patrol.

1919 L Surfaced.

1932 L Made SJ Radar contact 189° T., 21,900 yards, which later proved
to be NAMA ISLAND.

1935 L Sighted searchlight below horizon 285° T. which was probably
from MOEN ISLAND.

2000 L Sighted NAMA ISLAND, 15,000 yards.

2044 L Again sighted searchlight beam in direction of MOEN ISLAND.

16 - 18 November 1943.

Patrolled in area submerged during daylight. Closed to sight
contact with islands each day.

19 November 1943.

Underway on course 025° T.

0411 L Encountered SJ Radar interference bearing about 315° T. -
probably from friendly submarine.

0556 L Dove.

1850 L Surfaced - 035° T. - 10 knots.

1932 L Made SJ contact 343° T., 12,000 yards. Reversed course and
commenced tracking. Ship contact No. 3. Lat. 09° - 42' N.
Long. 153° - 28' E.

1945 L Ahead 4 engine full speed, c/c to 230° T. From size of pip
target was destroyer on course 215° T., speed 28 knots, which

- 4 -

— page 12 —
CONFIDENTIAL
B. NARRATIVE Cont.

                                                                U.S.S. APOGON

                                was a direct course for NORTH PASS. Not sighted except for
                                occassional dimmed light on deck. Closest range 8500 yards.

2010 L          Lost contact - c/c to 035° T.

                                20 November 1943.

0600 L          Dove. Maintained high periscope patrol.

1855 L          Surfaced. Patrolling on various courses and speeds.

                                21 November 1943.

0559 L          Dove.

1835 L          Surfaced 205° T. Weather was fully overcast, rain squalls,
                                no sights.

                                22 November 1943.

0543 L.         Dove.

1854 L          Surfaced. Still no sights due to rain and overcast.

2315 L          Sighted searchlight beam below horizon 220° T. - probably on
                                one of TRUK ISLANDS.

                                23 November 1943.

0553 L          Dove.

1340 L          Heard several distant explosions.

1344 L          Heard 2 distant explosions.

1401 L          Sighted 3 - 2 engine bombers in close formation 252° T, five
                                miles on southerly course. Heard 2 more explosions.

1423 L          Sighted 3 - 2 engine bombers similar to above 269° T, four
                                miles on southerly course. Plane contacts 3 & 4.

1859 L          Surfaced. Fix showed we had been set to northern tip of area.

2110 L          Heard 2 single pings on either echo ranging gear or fathometer
                                which was repeated 10 minutes later. Fairly distant. Nothing
                                in sight.

                                24 November 1943.

0203 L          Made SJ Radar contact bearing 190°, 11,000 yards - c/c to
                                190° T. and commenced tracking. Ship contact No. 4.

                                                                - 5 -

— page 13 —
U.S.S. APOGON

CONFIDENTIAL

B. NARRATIVE Cont.

0235 L Sighted target which looked like very small DD or large patrol
boat. He was patrolling at 8 to 9 knots. Closed to 5,000
yards. Too small to attack. He was steering various courses
between 030° T. and 190° T. Maintained radar contact until
0500. His position was about Lat. 07° - 21' N, Long. 152° -
38' E. Decided to cover southern approaches.

0531 L Dove.

1045 L Sighted NAMA ISLAND, 200° T. - 12 miles.

1500 L NAMA ISLAND 150° T. - 4 miles - c/c to 315° T.

1919 L At 40' depth cut in SD Radar preparatory to surfacing. 30
seconds later sighted searchlight trained in our direction
from MOEN ISLAND.

1921 L Surfaced.

2212 L SJ Radar contact 240° T., 7500 yards. Commenced tracking.
Ship contact No. 5. Target was zigging between 100° T. and
070° T. at 14 knots. Closed to 5,000 yards. From size of
silhouette and pip target appeared similar to PC boat.

2317 L Ceased tracking.

25 November 1943.

0407 L SJ radar contact 054° T., 20,300 yards. From range and size
of pip believed we had a large vessel. Commenced approach.
Ship contact No. 6.

0430 L Sound picked up heavy screws and one set of light fast screws.
Target now bearing 044° T., 8,500 yards, speed 9.5 knots and
zig zagging on about 10 minute legs, courses 250° T, 270° T,
300° T.

0435 L Sighted smoke and target.

0450 L Fired 3 torpedoes from bow tubes. Attack No. 2. Range 1800
yards. Target now appeared to be 2500 ton AK light.

0452 L Saw one hit about 40 feet inside of bow. Saw red glow followed
by large cloud of grey smoke. Target swung about 100° to
starboard. I turned away and at

0453 L Sound picked up high speed screws - verified by radar range of
3000 yards on starboard beam. Escort had evidently been on
opposite side of target. Turned away at 4 engine full speed
and at

- 6 -

— page 14 —
U.S.S. APOGON

CONFIDENTIAL

B. NARRATIVE Cont.

0455 L heard six explosions - probably depth charges. This was
probably escort that had headed out earlier in evening.

0506 L c/c to 310° T. to trail target which had resumed course 290° T.
Sighted target at range of 9,000 yards, still smoking. In
view of approaching daylight and proximity to TRUK decided I
could not get ahead for another attack and at

0525 L dove and made reload. Between 0700 and 0800 heard several
distant explosions and at

0848 L when coming up for another periscope sweep heard two explosions
much closer which sounded like aircraft bombs about 500 yards
away. Went to 150 feet to clear area and remained down to
enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in peace and quiet. Came up to
periscope depth at 1300. All clear.

1917 L Surfaced.

26 November 1943.

0543 L Dove.

1240 L TRUK ISLANDS bearing 270° - 282° T., 20 miles.

1910 L Surfaced.

1918 L Searchlight beam from direction of MOEN ISLAND trained in our
direction for 15 seconds.

27 November 1943.

0545 L Dove.

1155 L MOEN ISLAND bearing 255° T., 20 miles.

1911 L Surfaced.

28 November 1943.

0546 L Dove.

1032 L Sound reported small high speed screws 085° T. Nothing sighted
although sound maintained contact for 15 minutes.

1141 L Sighted single engine light bomber "KATE" type, 138° T., 5
miles on westerly course. Aircraft contact No. 6.

29 November 1943.

0535 L Made SJ contact on NAMA ISLAND 232° T., 28,000 yards.

- 7 -

— page 15 —
U.S.S. POGON

CONFIDENTIAL

B. NARRATIVE Cont.

0549 L Dove.
1100 L NAMA ISLAND 130° T., 4 miles.
1917 L Surfaced.

30 November 1943.

0540 L Dove.
0648 L Sighted MOEN ISLAND 253° T., 18 miles.
1922 L Surfaced.
2330 L Received CTF 17 300402. Set course 085° T. to head for new
       rendezvous passing north of OROLUK LAGOON.

1 December 1943.

0607 L Dove.
0711 L Surfaced - full speed 2 engines on 085° T. Wind had increased
       to force 6 from ENE with rough seas and fairly heavy swells.
0832 L SD plane contact 18 miles. Not sighted.
1227 L SD plane contact 9 miles closing. Dove. Lat. 7° - 55' N.
       Long. 154° - 48' E. Plane contact No. 7.
1330 L Surfaced.
2050 L Increased to 3 engine full speed.
2200 L Increased to 4 engine full speed.

2 December 1943.

0600 L c/c to 105° T, c/s to 2 engine heading for rendezvous point.
0915 L Received CTF 17 012124 cancelling rendezvous and assigning new
       patrol area.
1107 L Dove for trim. c/c to 270° T.
1911 L Picked up radar interference on SJ bearing 315° T., Lat. 08° - 08'N
       Long. 158° - 45' E. Assumed it was probably SEARAVEN who had
       not received message changing area assignment. Interference
       continued until 0100 when it bore 031° T.
2211 L c/c to 250° T.

- 8 -

— page 16 —
U.S.S. APOGON

CONFIDENTIAL

B. NARRATIVE Cont.

3 December 1943.

0533 L Dove.

1845 L Surfaced. Patrolling lanes between TRUK and KWAJALIEN.

4 December 1943.

0647 L Dove for trim and to routine torpedoes. Rough seas.

0910 L Surfaced.

1611 L SJ radar contact picked up ship in middle of rain squall 255° T.,
         18,200 yards.

1613 L Sighted ship in rain squall.

1615 L Dove and commenced approach. Attack No. 3.

1630 L Sighted masts of AK bearing 260° T.

1650 L Sighted 2nd AK, both about 3,000 tons.

1722 L Sighted escort, patrolling astern and on quarters of AK.
         AKs were about 2,000 yards apart,
         appeared similar to FC boat.
         zig zagging on wide zigs, short legs and at different times -
         speed 7 knots. Leading AK painted grey war color, similar to ship on page 114, O.N.I.
         208J with No. 82 painted on side. Foremost had been altered
         to give wide yardarms with signal halyards. At 1730 he hoisted
         about 3 - 4 letter signals and yardarms. Swells up to 6 feet
         made periscope observations difficult.

1745 L Fired 3 torpedoes from stern tubes at leading AK. Range 1150
         yards. Heard and saw two hits. First hit seemed to blow off
         stern with smoke and debris flying 200 feet in air. 2nd hit
         about foremast. At this time escorts screws speeding up. Sound heard
         2nd AK had a zero angle on bow,
         range about 1500 yards on my beam. Started down. Heard one
         heavy internal explosion followed by crackling noise of target
         breaking up and sinking which lasted for about 8 minutes.

1751 L Heard first of a series of 16 depth charges being dropped singly
         or in pairs at irregular intervals. None were close and two
         charges were duds.

1827 L Last depth charge.

1845 L Started up.

- 9 -

— page 17 —
U.S.S.
APOGON

CONFIDENTIAL
B. NARRATIVE Cont.

1920 L Broached to 35 feet for radar sweep. Nothing sighted. Stayed
         submerged to reload aft and drain tubes and check torpedoes
         forward.

2100 L Surfaced. All clear. Set course 085° T. full speed to inter-
         cept remaining AK.

         5 December 1943.

0100 L Commenced patrolling normal to probable track of enemy.

0500 L Sent contact report on 450 Kcs. c/c to 265° T.

0710 L Dove.

0944 L Sighted "CATCHER" type patrol vessel bearing 310° T., 5,000
         yards. Ship contact No. 9. Had 3" gun forward, high large
         crows nest on foremast. He passed about 2,000 yards abeam,
         steaming on various courses and speeds either looking for us
         or for survivors.

1019 L Sighted single float seaplane "PETE" type 300° T., 3 miles,
         searching area. Decided to clear area and not return to "scene
         of the crime."

1839 L Surfaced.

         6 December 1943.

         Patrolling along traffic lanes. Decided to cover western
         approaches of area for anything passing between OROLUK LAGOON
         and MINTO REEF.

1308 L Lookout made doubtful sighting of periscope. Evaded on surface
         at flank speed. Lat. 08° - 45' N. Long. 157° - 15' E.

         7 December 1943.

0800 L Lookout sighted periscope bearing 350° T., 1500 yards. Evaded
         on surface at flank speed. Ship contact No. 10.

1059 L SD contact 4 miles closing. Dove. Plane not sighted. Air-
         craft contact No. 9.

1855 L Surfaced.

         8 December 1943.

0600 L Dove.

- 10 -

— page 18 —
CONFIDENTLL
B. NARRATIVE Cont.
U.S.S. APGGON

0920 L
Surfaced,
1230 L
SD contact 8 miles. Dove. Plane not sighted. Airereft
contact No. 10.
1835 L
Surfaced,
9 December 1943.
Patrolling TRUK - KWAJALIEN route working to eastward.
0927 L
Made trim dive.
1050 L
Surfaced.
10 December 1943.
0550 L
Dove.
0840 L
Surfaced.
11 December 1943.
0542 L
Dove.
0940 L
Surfaced.
0956 L
SD contact 18-19 miles. Not sighted and did not dive.
Lat. 07° - 52' N. Long. 159°-46' E.
1215 L
Sighted floating oil drum.
1520 L
Sighted floating oil drum.
12 December 1943.
0556 L
Dove.
0854 L
Surfaced.
1530 L
Passed several floating logs and one yellow vertical floating
spar. Lat. 08° - 50' N. Long. 159°-42' E.
13 December 1943.
0538 L
Dove.
0850 L
Surfaced.
0946 L
Sighted wooden barrel.

-11-

— page 19 —
U.S.S. APOGON

CONFIDENTIAL
B. NARRATIVE Cont.

1840 Went to 3 engine full speed, c/c to 010° T. Departed area
     enroute MIDWAY. Received routing instructions from COMSUBSPAC.

14 - 18 December 1943.

     Enroute MIDWAY at 3 engine speed. Ran into heavy weather on
     15 and 16th. Pit log went out of commission on 15th. At
     0730 Y, 18 December sighted escort planes at rendezvous and
     proceeded to moor at MIDWAY.

- 12 -

— page 20 —
U.S.S. APOGON

CONFIDENTIAL

C. WEATHER

Enroute area weather was excellent. About .5 clouds, occasional
scattered rain squalls. Winds ENE average force 3. Moderate and light
swells.

In area off TRUK clouds about .7, more frequent rain squalls, wind
ENE average force 4, moderate to choppy sea and moderate swells. Had
two days of calm, glassy water on November 13 and 14. Managed to get
stars at some time each night except during period 21 - 23 November,
when skies were completely overcast.

In area between 156° - 160° E, Latitude 8° N clouds averaged close
to .8, frequent rain squalls, wind ENE average force 5 rising to force
7 at times. Rough choppy seas with swells up to 14 feet.

Enroute area to MIDWAY weather improved. About .5 clouds, only
occasional rain squalls, wind ENE, force 4 - 5. Moderate to choppy
seas and moderate swells south of Lat. 15° N. Then heavy seas and
swells with NE winds up to force 6 and 7 were encountered the rest of
the way into MIDWAY.

D. TIDAL INFORMATION

No exceptional currents were noted. Average currents in area were
about 270° T. .5 knots. Closer in to east side of TRUK current had a
northerly set, about 340° T .3 knots.

E. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

No navigational aids were sighted. Peaks on ISLANDS of TRUK
ATOLL and NAMA IS. gave good positions and appeared to be correctly
charted.

- 13 -

— page 21 —
U.S.S. APOGON

CONFIDENTL

F. SHIP CONTACTS

No. | Time | Lat. | Type | Bearing | Est.Course | Contacts | Remarks
    | Date | Long. |      | Init.Range | & Speed    |          |
1   | 1922 VW | 20°-33'N | UNIDENTIFIED | 300° T | 180° T | SJ | Sighted at
    | Nov. 3  | 159°-37'W | SS           | 8,000 yd. | 6 kts. |    | 3500 - Dove
    |         |          |              |            |        |    | at 3000
    |         |          |              |            |        |    | Evaded on surface

2   | 1004 L | 08°-12'N | 1 - 7000 AK | 080° T | 215° T | Peris- | Made attack.
    | Nov. 14 | 154°-10'E | 1 - 5200 AK | 20,000 | 12.5 kts. | cope | 1 probable
    |         |          | 1-DD-FUBUKI | yds.   |        |        | hit on 5200
    |         |          |             | smoke  |        |        | ton AK.
    |         |          |             |        |        |        | Attack #1.

3   | 1932 L | 09°-42'N | DD           | 343° T | 215° T | SJ     | Never sighted
    | Nov. 19 | 153°-28'E |              | 12,000 yds. | 28 kts. | radar  | closest range
    |         |          |              |            |        |        | 8500 yds.

4   | 0203L | 07°-21'N | Patrol       | 190° T | Various | SJ     | Apparently sub-
    | Nov. 24 | 152°-38'E | Boat         | 11,000 yd. | 8 - 9 kts. | Visual | chaser - about
    |         |          |              |            |        |        | size of PC boat.

5   | 2212 L | 07°-22N | Patrol       | 240° T | 020° T | SJ     |
    | Nov. 24 | 152°-36'E | Boat         | 7500 yd. | 14 kts. |        |

6   | 0407 L | 07°-38'N | 2500 ton     | 054° T | 270° Zig | SJ     | Made attack -
    | Nov. 25 | 152°-39'E | AK           | 20,300 yd. | 9.5 kts. | radar  | 1 hit. See
    |         |          |              |            |        |        | attack No. 2.

7   | 0454 L | 07°-42'N | Small        | 310° T | -      | Sound  | Escort. for #6.
    | Nov. 25 | 152°-41'E | Patrol       | 300 yds. |        | SJ radar | Not seen. May
    |         |          |              |            |        |        | be same as 5.

8   | 1613 L | 08°-15'N | 1-3000 AP    | 255° T | 085° T zig | SJ     | Sank 1 - 3000
    | Dec. 4  | 159°-06'E | 1-3000 AK    | 18,000 yd. | 7.0 kts. | radar  | AP. Attack #3.
    |         |          | 1-Patrol     |            |        |        |

9   | 0944 L | 08°-23'N | 250 ton      | 310° T | Various | Peris- | Searching for
    | Dec. 5  | 159°-27'E | Patrol       | 5000 yd. | 8 kts. | cope   | us or survivors

10  | 0800 L | 08°-15'N | Periscope    | 350° T | -      | Visual | Sighted by
    | Dec. 7  | 157°-29'E |              | 1200 yd. |        |        | lookout. Evaded
    |         |          |              |            |        |        | on surface.

- 14 -

— page 22 —
U.S.S. APOGON
CONFIDENTI L

G. AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

No. | Time | Lat. | Type | Init. | Course | Contact | Remarks
    | Date | Long. |      | Range |        |         |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1   | 1140 Y | 16°-02'N | USN | 8 miles | 260° | Visual | JOHNSTON IS.
    | Nov. 6 | 174°-12'W | PV |       |        |         | Patrol

2   | 0545 L | 07°-27'N | Jap | 500 yds. | --- | Visual | Crossed bow - Alt.
    | Nov. 15 | 152°-43'E | Unident. |       |        |         | 50 ft.-Dove-
    |        |         | Single Eng. |       |        |         | Received 1 bomb
    |        |         |             |       |        |         | 1½ minutes later

3   | 1401 L | 07°-45'N | 3 Jap | 2520 T | 150° | Peris- | ) May be same.
    | Nov. 23 | 152°-13'E | 2 Eng. Bomber | 5 Mi. |        | cope | ) Flying in close
    |        |         |             |       |        |         | ) formation.

4   | 1423 L | same | 3 Jap | 2620 T | 150° | Peris- | )
    | Nov. 23 |         | 2 Eng. Bomber | 6 Mi. |        | cope | )

5   | 0848 L | 07°-37'N | --- | --- | --- | --- | Not sighted -
    | Nov. 25 | 152°-31'E |     |       |        |         | Dropped two bombs
    |        |         |     |       |        |         | when coming up to
    |        |         |     |       |        |         | look. 500 yds. away.

6   | 1141 L | 07°-30'N | "KATE" | 138° T | 270° | Peris- |
    | Nov. 28 | 152°-34'E |       | 5 miles |        | cope |

7   | 1227 L | 07°-55'N | --- | 9 miles | --- | Radar | Dove. Plane not
    | Dec. 1 | 154°-48'E |     |       |        |         | sighted

8   | 1019 L | 08°-23'N | Jap | 3 miles | Various | Periscope | Searching with
    | Dec. 5 | 159°-26'E | "PETE" |       |        |         | Patrol boat.

9   | 1059 L | 08°-09'N | --- | 4 miles | --- | Radar | Dove. Not sighted
    | Dec. 7 | 156°-59'E |     |       |        |         |

10  | 1230 L | 08°-20'N | --- | 8 miles | --- | Radar | Dove. Not sighted
    | Dec. 8 | 156°-43'E |     |       |        |         |

- 15 -

— page 23 —
U.S.S. APOGON
CONFIDENTI L
H. (Torpedo Attack Report Form)
U.S.S. APOGON TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 1
Time 1127 L Date 14 November 1943 Lat. 08° - 14' N Long. 154° - 05' E

Target Damage Inflicted
Description: Target No. 1 — Similar to TATUTAKE MARU - 7065 tons.
Page 271, O.N.I. 208J.
Target No. 2 — Similar to CALCUTTA MARU - 5200 tons.
Page 237, O.N.I. 208J.

Ship(s) Sunk: None.

Ship(s) damaged or 1 hit on CALCUTTA MARU type — target No. 2.
Probably Sunk:

Damage Determined by: 1 explosion heard 2 min. 20 secs. after firing. 4th
torpedo heard 10 secs. after 3rd. Screws but heard
them start up about 1 hour and 10 minutes later on
bearing of attack point.

#1 Target Draft 14 Course 220° Speed 12 Range 2100 (at firing)
#2 " " 12 " 220° " 12 " 2300

Own Ship Data
Speed 2.5 Course 130° Depth 65 Angle ½° (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type Attack: Smoke of targets picked up bearing 058° T at 1004 while
submerged. Commenced approach. Targets were zigging between 190° T.
and 260° T. which gave angles on bow from 10° P. to 60° starboard. Calm
glassy sea made use of high speeds inadvisable and track was not closed
sufficiently. At time of firing second AK was on port quarter of leading
AK and gave little change in setup so that 2nd AK had a 6° torpedo spread
to avoid. Torpedoes appeared to smoke excessively and tracks stood out
very plainly in glassy sea. All torpedoes were seen to run straight and
normal and leading AK was seen to turn away to avoid just before we went
deep to evade subsequent depth charge attack by FUBUKI class DD escort.

- 16 A -

— page 24 —
U.S.S. APOGON
CONFI ENTIAL

H.

Tubes Fired --
#
1
#
2
#3
4
#
11
5
#
6
(Target No. 1)
(Target No. 2.)
*Trask Angle --
86 S
87 S 88 S
85 S
86 S
86.5 s
*Gyro Angle --
357
000
357
355.5 357.5
356.5
*Depth Set --
10
10
10
10
10
10
*Power --
High
High
High
High
High High
*Hit or Miss --
Miss
Miss
Miss
?
1 Hit
?
*Erratic --
No
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
(Yes or no)
*Mark Torpodo --
Mk. 14-34 Mk. 14-3A Mk. 14-3A Mk.14-3A Mk.14-3A Mk.14-3A
*Serial No. --
39854
24782 39848 23031 39727 39461
*Mark Exploder --
Mk.6-1. Mk.6-1A 1.6-14 ik.6-14 Mk.6-li k.6-11
*Serial No. --
1780
12401 18217
2566
6638
3830
*Actuation Set --
Contact Contact Contact
Contact Contact Contact
*Actuation Actual --
Not observed
Not cbssrved
*Merk Warhead --
Mk. 16 Mk. 16 Mk. 16
k. 16 Mk. 16 Mk. 16
*Serial NO. --
1640
348
9185
11058 10400 6258
*Explosive-
Torpex
Torp ex
Torpex
Torpex Torpex Torpex
Firing Interval -
Ol
81
8"
26" 115 81
Type Spread --
0
Divergent
2R
2L
0
ivergent
1R
1L
Sea Conditions --
Flat, Celm, Glassy Sea
Overhaul Activity --
U.S.S. BUSHNELL
Remarks - First three torpedoes fired at target No. 1 and 2nd three at
target No. 2. Saw target 1 turn away to avoid tracks which were very visible
in glassy sea. Mont deep to avoid escort. Believe one hit was obtained on
second target which had to evade a spread of six torpedoes as it was on quarter
of leading target.

* Enter for each torpede fired.
*#Enter whether set for contact and magnetic or only contact actuation when
applicable and on next hine, your best estimate of type actuations actually
resulting.

- 16 в -

— page 25 —
CONFIDENTIAL

H.
U.S.S. APOGON
U.S.S. APOGON (Torpedo Attack Report Form)
TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 PATROL NO. 1
Time 0450 L Date 25 November 1943 Lat. 07°-38' N Long. 152° - 39' E
Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description: 2500-3000 ton AK. Two masted well deck coal burner.
Not clearly indentified due to Harkness.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or One (1) 2500-3000 ton AK.
Probably Sunk:
Damage Determined by: Saw one torpedo hit about 40 feet inside of bow. Saw
flash of explosion followed by large cloud of gray-
black smoke. Target was swung about 90° off course
to starboard.
Target Draft 12 Course 250 Speed 9.5 Range 1950 (at firing)
Own Ship Data
Speed 8 Course 355° T. Depth Surface Angle (at firing)
Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type Attack: Target was first picked up by SJ Radar bearing 054° T, range
20,300 yards at 0410. Dark night, no moon. Commenced approach. Target
was zigging on ten minute legs on courses between 250° T and 300° T. Ship
was sighted at range of 5000 yards and firing was done from surface using
visual TBT bearings and radar ranges. From initial range and size of pip
target was first thought to be much larger but just prior to firing it was
seen to be a typical small freighter, lightly loaded. Torpedo depth had
been set at 10 feet and it is believed that one of the torpedoes may have
passed underneath target. After evading escort on surface target was seen
to resume course. Approaching daylight and proximity to TRUK prevented
further attack.

- 17 A -

— page 26 —
U.S.S. APOGON
CONFIDENTIAL
H.
Tubes Fired -- | # 2 | # 3 | # 4 |
*Track Angle - | 92 P | 90.5 F | 96.5 F |
*Gyro Angle - | 343 | 344.5 | 338 |
*Depth Set -- | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. |
*Power - | High | High | High |
*Hit or Miss - | | | Hit |
*Erratic | No | No | No |
(Yes or no) | | | |
*Mark Torpedo - | Mk. 14-3A | Mk. 14-3A | Mk. 14-3A |
*Serial No. - | 39674 | 39936 | 39736 |
*Mark Exploder - | 6-1A | 6-1A | 6-1A |
*Serial No. - | 12396 | 456 | 11340 |
*Actuation Set -- | ..... | • Contact | ..... |
*Actuation Actual - | | Contact | Contact |
*Mark Warhead - | 16 | 16 | 16 |
*Serial No. - | 2060 | 2633 | 1696 |
*Explosive - | TTX | TTX | TFX |
Firing Interval - | 0 | 8" | 8" |
Type Spread -- | 0 | 2 3/4 R | 2 3/4 L | Divergent |
Sea Conditions - | Moderate Chop | Medium Swell | |
Overhaul Activity -- | U.S.S. BUSHNELL | |
Remarks - | Explosion heard below decks but not on bridge. There was |
| large amount of smoke but no flame other than flash of explosion. |
| Evaded small escort on surface. He dropped 6 depth charges |
| about 3000 yards distant. |
* Enter for each torpedo fired.
*# Enter whether set for contact and magnetic or only contact actuation when
applicable and on next line, your best estimate of type actuations actually
resulting.

- 17 B -

— page 27 —
U.S.S.
CONFIDENTIAL

H. (Torpedo Attack Report Form)

U.S.S. APOGON TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3 PATROL NO. 1
Time 1745 L Date 4 December 1943 Lat. 08° - 15' N Long. 159° - 06' E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: 2962 ton AK similar to DAIDO MARU, page 114 of O.N.I. 208J.
Painted gray, had 4" guns mounted on bow and stern. Had
No. 82 painted on side. Forenast had yardarm with signal
halyards. Appeared to be Naval Auxiliary heavily loaded.

Ship(s) Sunk: One (1) 2962 ton AK or AF - same as above.

Ship(s) Damaged or None.
Probably Sunk:

Damage Determined by: First hit was observed to explode 50' inside stern
and literally blew off stern. Debris and smoke rose 200' in air. Second
hit was between foremast and bridge. Heard ship breaking up and sinking
for next eight minutes. Also one large internal explosion.

Target Draft 20' Course 035° T. Speed 7 Range 1150 (at firing)

Own Ship Data

Speed 3 Course 335° T. Depth 66' Angle 0 (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: The target was picked up while on surface patrol by SJ contact
in rain squall bearing 255° T., 18,200 yards at 1611. Ship was sighted
shortly after and dove at 1615 to commence approach. At 1650 a second
AK was sighted about 2000 yards away from first AK and zigging on different
courses and speeds. Most of small escort patrolling astern was sighted
1722. Rough seas and 8 foot swells made periscope work difficult. Had
tubes ready forward and aft and target zigged to give stern tube shot on
50° track. After observing hits on first AK swung periscope and 2nd AK
had zero angle on bow, range about 1500 yards. Escort had speeded up. Went
Escort made ineffective depth charge attack, dropping sixteen
charges all at least a 1000 yards distant. Lost contact when a radar
sweep was made at 1920.

- 18 A -

— page 28 —
CONFIDENTIAL                                                U.S.S. APOGON
H.

Tubes Fired --                                      # 7         # 8         # 9
*Track Angle --                                     51 P        54½ P       51 P
*Gyro Angle --                                      193         189½        193
*Depth Set --                                       10'         10'         10'
*Power --                                           High        High        High
*Hit or Miss --                                     Hit         Hit         Miss
*Erratic --                                         No          No          No
(Yes or no)
*Mark Torpedo --                                    14-3A       14-3A       14-3A
*Serial No. --                                      39690       23835       39756
*Mark Exploder --                                   6-1A        6-1A        6-1A
*Serial No. --                                      467         10770       4737
*Actuation Set --                                    Contact
*Actuation Actual --                                 Contact
*Mark Warhead --                                    16          16          16
*Serial No. --                                      1599        11324       1623
*Explosive --                                       TPX         TPX         TPX
Firing Interval --                                  0           8s          8s
Type Spread --                                      0           2½ L        2½ R        Divergent
Sea Conditions --
                                                    Moderate Rough - 6 foot swells

Overhaul Activity --                                U.S.S. BUSHNELL
Remarks: Both hits gave very good explosions. A loud internal explosion
was heard shortly thereafter and the crackling noises and minor explosions
of a ship sinking were heard for a period of about eight minutes.

*   Enter for each torpedo fired.
**  Enter whether set for contact and magnetic or only contact actuation when
    applicable and on next line, your best estimate of type actuations actually
    resulting.

                                                    - 18 B -

— page 29 —
U.S.S. APCGCN

CONFIDENTIAL

I. MINES

No evidence of minesweeping or minelaying noted.

J. ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

The Japanese appear to have a defeatist attitude toward anti-submarine
warfare. On all three attacks escorts remained astern or patrolled on
quarters so that submarine was not molested until attack was completed.
None of the escorts used echo ranging. The DD escort of Attack No. 1
launched his depth charges in patterns of eight charges, spaced 10 to 12
seconds apart. The first pattern was launched visually as the torpedo
tracks were very clear. The second and third patterns were launched nine
and eighteen minutes later after DD had run out and slowed to listen. These were closer
and more deliberate. No more charges were dropped but DD would listen and
then speed up to simulate runs for next hour and half. He may have been
out of depth charges, but remained in vicinity for three hours. Any in-
formation as to the total number of depth charges carried by various types
of escort vessels would be valuable to the submarine. On attack No. 2 and
3 the escorts were small and ineffective. On the night attack six depth
charges were dropped but this vessel was on surface and charges were far
away. On attack No. 3 single charges were dropped and all were quite
distant. It is believed that escort was probably rolling too much in
heavy swells to make his listening gear effective.

There was very little anti-submarine activity in the area just east
of TRUK. Activity increased after an attack. Aircraft contacts north of
ECNOFE may have been patrols or plane reinforcements enroute to MARSHALLS
from TRUK.

It is believed that TRUK has a very efficient radar and also D/Fs
the SD radar within 60 MILES even though it is being used only for 5
second periods. Practically everytime we surfaced at night within 30
miles of TRUK a searchlight was trained in our direction for periods of
10 to 15 seconds. It was felt that the Japanese knew we were out there but did
nothing about it except perhaps route shipping clear of us. The pro-
bable aircraft contact on November 15 has no explanation
unless SD radar was tracked and plane coached on.

In both of the two-ship convoys, wide zigs on short legs or constant
helm was used. The second AK kept about 1500 to 2000 yards away from
leading AK but appeared to use different zig plan, zigging at different
times and on different courses so that a true bearing was never main-
tained on leading AK. This made planning a two ship attack difficult
and a matter of luck.

- 19 -

— page 30 —
U.S.S. APOGON

CONFIDENTIAL
K. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE.

There were no major defects or damage sustained which prevented
the ship from carrying out her mission.

On the equalizing charge just prior to start of patrol cell No.
42 aft was found to have low voltage and gravity. An overcharge was
given for several hours prior to getting underway and while enroute to
area but this cell failed to respond to treatment. The cell was jumped
out along with 43A and 33F and 34F during remainder of patrol. It is
believed that cell 42A will require replacement during refit period.

Damage as a result of depth charging on November 14th was confined
to sylphon bellows in Bendix log being elongated and the ammeter for
#2 main generator armature in maneuvering room going out of commission.

Other defects occurring were confined mostly to grounds which were
all corrected except for the bridge microphone for the 7 MC system
which was flooded.

Several sea valves, trim manifold valves, etc., are leaking. Main
induction has small leak at deep depth. Stern tubes on both shafts
leak excessively and will require additional rings of packing. Leaks
around #1 periscope flooded out night lighting. The Bendix
log went out of commission on December 14th and will require replace-
ment of speed and distance transmitter.

Torpedo #24675 was found to have two small pinholes leaks through
forward bulkhead flange of air flask and was losing between 600 and
1000# pressure per day. It was noted that the torpedo had been fired
twenty times previously.

L. RADIO.

Radio reception enroute to and from the area was good. In the
area reception was only fair due to static, fading, and jamming.
From 1000 to 1400 GCT, 14,390 kcs was best frequency. After 1400 this
frequency was subject to fading and 4525 kcs was used. Jamming on the
latter frequency seemed to be of medium power and emanated from TRUK
and PONAPE as jamming faded out when more than one hundred fifty miles from t
these places. 9090 and 17370 kcs were not heard. 16.68 kcs was re-
liable up to 2000 miles from PEARL when static on this frequency pre-
vented copying. The DQ loop antenna was no good at all submerged and
could be used only up to about 1500 miles on surface. The following
serials were missed:
No. 33 of November 4, 1943
No. 84 N of November 14, 1943
No. 87 of November 14, 1943
No. 45 L of November 24, 1943
No messages were received on either 450 kcs or any of the Wolfpack
frequencies used.

- 20 -

— page 31 —
U.S.S. APOGON
CONFIDENTIAL
L. RADIO Cont.
Two messages were transmitted on low frequencies. Four scrials
were transmitted without undue difficulty on 8470 kcs. AUSTRALIAN
stations receipted promptly for the two sent while in the area.
All radio equipment performed satisfactorily with exception of
DQ loop.
M. RADAR
The SD-2 Rader operated satisfactorily except for arcing on antenna
when wet or during rain squalls. It will not pick up low flying air-
craft and the plane which flow over us on November 15th was never picked
up. It is believed that the Japanese are D/F ing the SD reder within
a radius of 80-90 miles, even though it is operated on 5 second
sweeps. It is also believed that a 5 second sweep is insufficient to
pick up planes reliably. Pips were obtained on planes up to 18 miles.
This vessel received the improved type trensmitter for the SJ
rader and this gave excellent results throughout most of the patrol.
Small freighters were picked up at 18,000 and 20,000 yards, destroyers
at 14,000 yards and smaller patrol boets and submarines at 8,000 yards.
NAMA ISLAND was picked up at 28,000 yards and good pips were obtained
on the frequent rain squalis up to 20,000 yards.
On November 30th the modulation network in the transmitter failed
as a result of an oil leak. The radar personnel did an excellent job
of locating the trouble and replacing this unit while working with
red lights in a darkened conning tower.
Echo response dropped off during the last two days on station but
this was rectified by replacement of magnetion and other tubes.
Radar interference, on SJ from a 10 cm. radar, was encountered on
the 19th of November and again on the 2nd of December. These are be-
lieved to have emanated from friendly "ubmarines. On the latter occasion
it was evident that he picked up our interference also as he stayed on
our bezring for several minutes at a time and varied his pulse repetition
frequency. This interference lasted almost six hours doing which time
bearings accurate to within two or three degrees were obtained. The
possibility of using timed changes of pulse repetition frequency for
recognition purposes in the absence of I.F.F. might be worthy of consi-
deration.
N. SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS
Sound conditions in the area off TRUK were good to excellent both
on the supersonic and the soni JP gear. Screws of heavier ships were
picked up at ranges of 8000 to 12,000 yards, Distant pinging was heard
on three occasions when nothing was in sight. None of the excort vessels
encountered used echo ranging. The sound geer performed satisfactorily
throughout although the JP gear becomes quite stiff in train at depths
below 200 foot.
-21-

— page 32 —
U.S.S. APOGON

CONFIDENTIAL
N. SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS Cont.
     Bathrthermograph cards were taken frequently and showed straight
isotherms down to depths varying between 180 feet and 290 feet before
any temperature drop. Usual fish noises and interference from rain
squalls were encountered frequently.

O. DENSITY LAYERS.
     All bathythermograph cards showed straight isothermals down to
between 180 and 290 feet depths after which the temperature dropped
off in a fairly sharp break, dropping from 6 to 12 degrees in the next
100 feet. This gave a good density layer which made it necessary to
flood in order to go down through.

     On two occasions in approximate Lat. 8° N, Long. 154° E the boat
was found to be heavy and hydrometer gave density of 1.023 in comparison
to a density of 1.025 normally found in remainder of areas.

     There is practically no compression found in this heavy hull class
of boats and at most a weight change of 500 lbs. per 100 feet was found.
As a result, when going to deep depth, approximately 40 feet below first
break in temperature, it was necessary to merely flood in 3000 to 5000
pounds at periscope depth to get trim at desired deep depth. No pumping
was ever required going down. The one disadvantage of the stiffness of
these hulls is that pumping and high speed were required to get back up
and this usually took considerable time. The bathythermograph was of
great assistance to the diving officer. It is believed that BT cards
should be prepared for this class vessel having 180-ballast lines of
such slope that the compression diving rule is equal to 500 lbs. per
100 feet.

P. HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY.

     The health of the crew was excellent. The number of minor casualties
including lacerations and contusions did not exceed ten and only three
man days were lost due to sickness. Colds and stomach ailments were com-
paratively rare.

     The food was well prepared and of good variety and quantity.
Vitamin tablets were used to apparently good purpose.

     The boat was relatively comfortable at all times despite normal
injection temperatures of 83 to 84° F. The double air-conditioning unit
in the conning tower made this the coolest spot on the ship while sub-
merged.

     When running on the surface at 3 or 4 engine full speed, the venti-
lation supply is robbed by the engines so that insufficient circulation
is obtained in the ends of the ship. As a recommendation for future
design it is believed that better circulation would be obtained if the
hull induction was led into some compartment other than the engine room.

- 22 -

— page 34 —
FB5-142/A16-3/FE142 SUBICARINE DIVISION 142
Serial 029
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST E DORSET to
CO APOGOL's Report of
First Var Patrol.
From:
To :
Via:
Subject:
1.
Care of Fleet Post Office,'
San Francisco, California,
21 December 1943.
The Commander Submarine Division 142.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
The Commander Submarine Squadron Fourteen.
U.S.S. APOGOIN (SS303) - Report of First War
Patrol comments on.
ture. Of
The first war patrol of the APOGON lasted for a
period of forty-five days of which thirty were spent in the
assigned areas. While good area coverage was maintained, the
APOGON had but four contacts worthy of torpedo expendi-
the four contacts, three presented opportunity for attack and
all were attacked. Twelve torpedoes were fired for three certain
and one probable hits. It is evident from the repeated instances
noted in the report that the enemy was aware of APOGOIN's presence
which probably accounts for the scarcity of ship contacts in her
first area.
2.
ATTACKS
(a) Attack Number 1 - This was a day periscope attack on two
AK's which were making wide zigs and escorted by one FUBUKI Class.
Destroyer. 'Three torpedoes were fired at each AK at a range of
2,100 and 2,600 yards respectively. Tracks were favorable and.
gyro angles small, but spread did not give sufficient coverage at
target track. The glassy sea condition abetted by smoking of the
torpedoes enabled the first target to sight the tracks in time to
avoid. One explosion was heard at time of run for a possible hit
on the second target identified as similar to the CALCUTTA MARU.
(b) Attack Number 2 - A well executed night surface attack
following Radar contact and tracking. Target was a 2,500 - 3,000
ton AK with one escort. Three torpedoes were fired from bow tubes
at a range of 1,950 yards. Tracks and gyro angles were favorable
and spread gave adequate coverage. One hit was observed. Time
remaining until daylight and close proximity to Truk prevented
attaining position ahead for a follow-up attack.

-1-

— page 35 —
F35-142/A16-3/FB142
Serial 029
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST DORSET to
CO POGO's Report of
First Car Patrol.
Subject:
SUBMARILE DIVISIC 142
Care of Fleet Post Office,'
San Francisco, California,
21 December 1943.
U.S.S. POGOIT (SS305) - Report of First Mar
Patrol - comments on.

(c) Attack Number 3 - This was another well executed day
periscope attack following Radar and sight contact on the surface.
Targets were two A's with one escort. Formation was zigging
widely on short legs. The leading ship was identified as similar
to the DIDO RU and appeared to be a naval auxiliary. Three
torpedoes from the stern tubes were fired at the leading target
at range of 1,150 yards. Tracks were sharp, but gyro angles were
small and a good spread was used. Two hits were observed before
APOGON was forced to take evasive action. From the typical
noises of a sinking ship heard after going deep it is believed
this ship sank.
3.
TERLAL
(a) The APOGON returned from patrol in very good material
condition. The BUSINELL will conduct the refit which will be
accomplished in the normal period. The remarks in sub-paragraph
(o) concerning a change in the iso-ballast lines of the bathythermo-
graph cards, applicable to the heavy hull submarines, will be made
the subject of further investigation. It is expected that a
P.P.I. unit will be available for installation during the refit
period.
4.
The health and morale of officers and men appeared
to be excellent. The cleanliness existing throughout the ship
upon return from patrol was particularly noted.
5.
The Commanding Officer, officers and crew are con-
gratulated on a well conducted first patrol and for the damage
done to the enemy.

Copy to:
CO POGON
[SIGNATURE: W.D. ILKIN]

— page 36 —
FC5-14/A16-3
Serial 070.
CONFIDENTIAL

SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOURTEEN
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
22 December 1943.

SECOND ENDORSEI ENT to
CO APOGON'S Report of
First War Patrol.

From:
To :
Subject:

The Commander Submarine Squadron FOURTEEN.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
U.S.S. APOGON(SS308) - Report of First War
Patrol.

1.
Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the
Cormander Submarine Division 142.

2.
The Squadron Commander congratulates the
Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the APOGON on the
damage to the enemy on their first war patrol and feels con-
fident that the AFOGON will become an increasing menace to
Japanese ship ing.

J. B. LONGSTAFF.

Copy to:
Comsubdiv 142
CO, USS APOGON

— page 37 —
FF12-10/A16-3(S)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial S1994 1d
Care of Fleet Post Office,
CONFIDENTIAL San Francisco, California,
28 December 1943.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
APOGON Report of
First War Patrol. NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE DESTROYED

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 340 PRIOR TO ENTERING PATROL AREA.
U.S.S. APOGON - 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. APOGON (SS308) - Report of First War Patrol.
(3 November to 18 December 1943).

1. The first war patrol of the APOGON was conducted in the Truk area.

2. Area coverage was excellent and attacks were aggressively con-
ducted. It is considered advisable, when daytime periscope attacks are
made and a flat glassy sea condition exists, to refrain from firing
torpedoes when ranges are excessive and it is sure that the torpedoes,
or the exhaust smoke from them, will certainly be seen. This is definitely
true when firing at a single target who has no difficulty in evading the
sighted torpedoes.

3. It is of note that the enemy in the Truk area appears to have
very efficient means of D/Fing our SD radar. It is of note also that the
Japanese jamming of radio, which was effective, faded out when more than 150
miles from Truk or Ponape, which seems to be the location from which the jamming
emanates.

4. This patrol is considered successful for Combat Insignia award.

5. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
Commanding Officer, officers, and crew for this aggressive and successful patrol.
The APOGON is credited with inflicting the following damage upon the enemy:

S U N K
1 - Freighter (DAIDO MARU class) - 2,962 tons

D A M A G E D
1 - Freighter (class unknown) - 3,000 tons
1 - Freighter (CAICUTTA MARU class) - 5,200 tons
TOTAL: 8,200 tons

Distribution and authentication C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.
on following page
- 1 -

— page 38 —
FF12-10/A16-3(8)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01994
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
APOGON Report of
First War Patrol.
COMSUBSPAC P. TROL REPORT NO. 340
U.S.S. AFOGON - FIRST W.R. PATROL.
Subject:
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
28 December 1943.
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE DESTROYED
PRIOR TO ENTERING PATROL AREA.
U.S.S. AFOGON (SS308) - Report of First War Patrol.
(3 November to 18 December 1943).
DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch
(5)
CNO
(5)
Cincpac
(6)
Intel. Cen. Pac.
Ocean Areas
(1)
Comservpac
(Adv.Base Plan.Unit
(1)
Cinclant
(2)
Comsubslant
(8)
S/M School, NI
(2)
Comsopac
(2)
Comsowespac
(1)
Comsubsowespac
(2)
CTF 72
(2)
Comnorpac
(1)
Comsubspac
(20)
SUB..D, MI
(2)
ComsubspacSubordcom
(3)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Subspac
(2)
Comsubstreinpac
(2)
All Submarines, Subspac (1).
[SIGNATURE: J. A. Woodruff]
J. A. WOODRUF, Jr.,
Flag Secretary.
[HANDWRITTEN: Exth]

— page 39 —
I COPY

U.S.S. APOGON (SS308)
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
Bz
DEGONALSSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
9 March 1944.
From:
The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. APOGON (SS308).
To:
The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via:
(1) Commander Submarine Division 142..
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron 14.
(3) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet.
Subject:
U.S.S. AFOGON (SS308) - Report of Second War Patrol.
Enclosures:
(A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart. (To Comsubpac only)
(C) Analysis of Radio Reception. (To Comsubpac only)
1. Enclosure (A), covering the Second War Patrol of this vessel,
çonducted in the MARIANAS area between latitudes 13° N to 16° N and
longitudes 140° E to 147°, during the period from 15 January 1944 to 9 March
1944, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: W. P. SCHOENI.]

DLCLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
DECLASSIFIED
BY OP-0989C DATE 5/22/72

70056

— page 40 —
FB5-142/A16-3
Serial 012
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. APOGON Report
of Second War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. APOGON - Report of Second War Patrol;
Comments on.

is noted and remedial steps will be taken to prevent recurrence.

4. The Commanding Officer, officers and crew are con-
gratulated for the damage done to the enemy.

Copy to:
CO APOGON

SUBMARINE DIVISION 142
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
11 March 1944.

[SIGNATURE: W. B. WILKIN]
W. B. WILKIN.

— page 41 —
FB5-142/A16-3
Serial 012
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. APOGON Report
of Second War Patrol.
From:
To :
Via:
SUBMARINE DIVISION 142
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
11 March 1944.
The Commander Submarine Division 142.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
The Commander Submarine Squadron Fourteen.
Subject:
U.S.S. APOGON - Report of Second War Patrol;
Comments on.

1.
The second war patrol of the APOGON lasted for a
period of fifty-five days of which thirty-one were spent in the
assigned area. The patrol was disappointing in that the above
period produced only one worthwhile contact with the enemy. Two
good attacks were made which resulted in severe losses to the enemy.
An opportunity to inflict further damage on the enemy was lost by
not attempting another night surface attack on the convoy.

2.
ATTACKS

Attack Number 1 - A night surface attack following Radar con-
tact on a convoy consisting of five ships and four escorts. Convoy
was tracked from ahead until moonset. Position was then gained on
leading ship of port column and at range of 2,600 yards three tor-
pedoes from bow tubes were fired on a 55° track. First torpedo hit
and target went up in a tremendous explosion. This target was a
very large ship and closely resembled the TEIA MARU.

Attack Number 2 - After firing bow tubes at leading target,
ship was swung to bring stern tubes to bear on second ship of port
column. At range of 2,700 yards, four torpedoes were fired on a 60°
track. Due to ship making flank speed and one escort dropping depth
charges, no torpedo explosions were heard. At 27 minutes after fir-
ing a bright explosion was seen in direction of this target, followed
11 minutes later by another explosion. This target was an unidenti-
fied AK of about 6,000 tons.

3.
MATERIAL

The APOGON returned from patrol in good material condition.
There are no items of work which cannot be accomplished in the normal
refit period. The defects listed in sub-paragraph (k) will be cor-
rected during this period. The contamination of the battery water
through redistillation of potable water which was heavily chlorinated

-1-

— page 42 —
FC5-14/A16-3
Serial 035.

CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS APOGON Report of
Second War Patrol.

From:
To :
Subject:

SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOURTEEN
Hrw.

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
12 March 1944.

The Commander Submarine Squadron Fourteen.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

U.S.S. APOGON - Report of Second War Patrol;
Comments on.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of Commander
Submarine Division One Hundred Forty-Two.

2. In spite of good area coverage the APOGON had few
contacts. Air coverage and search from Marianas by Japanese planes
continue to be active.

3. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Command-
ing Officer, officers, and crew of the APOGON on the damage done
the enemy.

J. B. LONGSTAFF.

Copy to:
Comsubdiv 142.
CO APOGON.

— page 43 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Second War Patrol.
Period from 15 January 1944 to 9 March 1944. ComTask
For Seventeen Operation Order 24-44.

(A) PROLOGUE

Arrived MIDWAY from First War Patrol on 18 December 1943.
Commenced refit 19 December 1943, by U.S.S. BUSHNELL and Subdiv
142 relief crew. On 24 December 1943, port propellor was damaged
by another vessel coming alongside in rough weather. On December
26, departed MIDWAY for PEARL HARBOR. Arrived PEARL HARBOR
December 31st and again commenced refit on 1 January 1944. Major
items of work included docking, painting bottom, replacement of
port propellor, installation of high powered SJ Radar and P.P.I.
Installed additional RAK receiver. Replaced cell No. 42A.
During this period, Lt. Comdr. W.P. GRUNER, U.S.N., executive
officer was detached and Ensign M.S. SANDERMAN, E-V(G), U.S.N.R.
and Ensign W.H. KNULL, U.S.N., reported aboard. Was not depermed.
Had surface sound test only. Three day training period during
which conducted night and day radar and periscope approaches.
Fired three torpedoes. Readiness for sea 15 January 1944.

(B) NARRATIVE

15 January 1944

1257(VW) Underway from PEARL HARBOR, T.H. in company with escort until
dark, enroute patrol area via MIDWAY.
1613(VW) Made trim dive.

16 January

0745-0830(VW) Sighted 3 Coronado patrol planes and exchanged recognition
signals.
Made daily dives for trim and training. Weather getting rough.

19 January

1220(Y) Made SJ radar contact with MIDWAY 238° T, 39,000 yards.
1450(Y) Exchanged signals with tower on MIDWAY. Was informed weather
conditions prevented entry today. Decided to wait outside in hope
of entering tomorrow. Patrolled area 25 miles 210° T from tower
during night.

20 January

0730(Y) Closed MIDWAY and exchanged signals. Was informed channel
would be blocked all day. Decided to continue to area at one
engine speed. Fuel on hand 78,000 gals. Had dumped part of fresh
water as it was badly chlorinated in hopes of filling up today.

- 1 -

— page 44 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Second War Patrol.
0840(Y) Took departure from MIDWAY enroute patrol area at one engine
speed. Made daily training dives and held drills enroute.
21 January 1944
Dropped this day, crossing 180° meridian.
22 January
Rough head seas and heavy swells continue. Have developed a
few rattles in superstructure and a "noise" bearing 190° relative
from JP sound gear which could not be located. See section K for
details. SD radar out of commission due to burned out transformer
on 26 January. See section M for details.
30 January
Made first all day dive and entered area limits. Decided to
patrol eastern side of SAIPAN to keep clear of TULLIBEE which was
scheduled to leave area next night.
31 January 1944
0117(K) Made SJ Radar contact with SAIPAN ISLAND 280° T - 80,000 yards.
0547(K) Dove.
0655(K) Sighted SAIPAN ISLAND 296° T 30 miles.
1110(K). Sighted TENIAN ISLAND.
1348(K) As periscope was lowered, heard one underwater explosion.
Sounded like a 250# depth bomb 500 to 1,000 yards away. Went deep
and changed course.
1500(K) All clear on periscope.
1858(K) Surfaced.
1907(K) SJ radar contact (Ship contact No. 1.) five or six pips close
together bearing 317° T, 28,000 yards. At first thought it was
land but picked up SAIPAN bearing 305° T, 45,000 yards. Commenced
tracking from ahead. This appeared to be a six ship convoy on base
course 115° T, zigging between 080° T and 150° T, about ten minute
legs. They were making about 7.5 knots good and 9.0 knots pit. As
moon was very bright, decided to track from 16,000 to 18,000 yards
ahead, and attack after moonset about 2340.
2300(K) Convoy apparently steadied on 115° T.
1 February 1944
0005(K) Moon had set and scattered rain squalls made a dark night.
Went to battle stations and commenced approach. Convoy apparently
changed base course to 165° T at midnight so found myself on port
quarter at 6,000 yards. Broke off approach and went up ahead again.
-2-

— page 48 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject;
U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Second War Patrol.
0550(K)
Dove.
0655(K) Sighted SAIPAN ISLAND 100° T - 33 miles.
1500(K) Heard distant echo ranging which continued till 1830.
1530(K) Chimney at southern end of SAIPAN smoked heavily for 15
Nothing sighted.
minutes.
1904(K)
Surfaced. Decided to close ANATAHAN ISLAND tomorrow to tune
and check our modified SD radar.
12 February 1944
0417(K)
0558(K)
0604(K)
0725(K)
1900(K)
1910(K)
SJ radar contact ANATAHAN ISLAND 058° T - 40 miles.
Sighted ANATAHAN ISLAND bearing 060° T.
Dove.
Sighted SARIGAN ISLAND 050° T - 40 miles.
Surfaced.
Tuned SD and calibrated range scale. Lost contact ANATAHAN
at 16 miles (2580 feet elevation)
13 February 1944
0549(K)
0844(K)
0940(K)
1245(K)
1335(K)
1340(K)
1530(K)
1910(K)
1917(K)
2017(K)
2034(K)
2106(K)
14 February
0550(K)
1035(K)
1132(K)
1908(K)
Dove.
Picked up SAIPAN 125° T.
Sighted TENIAN ISLAND 150° T.
Picked up echo ranging - long scale, land, bearing 180° T.
Sighted one medium AK in TANAPAG HARBOR. Nothing in GARAPAN
anchorage.
Sighted PC type patrol vessel 180° T 4 miles echo ranging.
He was patrolling on East West courses about 5 miles off GARAPAN.
Lost echo ranging.
Surfaced.
Simultaneous SD and SJ radar contacts two planes 4 and 6 miles
closing - Dove.
Surfaced.
Simultaneous SD and SJ radar contact one plane 3½ miles
closing. Dove - At this time I had been using SD with 5 second
sweep every 80 to 90 seconds. Was about 20 miles from SAIPAN and
18 miles from TENIAN.
Surfaced.
Dove.
Sighted ROTA ISLAND 168° T - 38 miles.
Sighted AGUIJAN ISLAND 083° T.
Surfaced 2 engine speed passing north of ROTA to east side
of chain.
-6-

— page 49 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Second War Patrol.
14 February Con't.
1945(K) Sighted searchlight sweeping sky from TENIAN ISLAND.
2310(K) Received BURRFISH contact report. Out of position to inter-
⚫ept on course given so decided to patrol southeastern approaches
to SAIPAN in case he changed course to take advantage of MARIANAS
air coverage.
15 February 1944
0556(K) Dove for submerged patrol.
1905(K) Surfaced.
16 February 1944
*
0400(K) SJ contact with ROTA ISLAND 293° T 70,000 yards.
0551(K) Dove.
0636(K) Sighted ROTA ISLAND 314° T - 22 miles.
1400(K) Closed entrance to SOS/NJAYA BAY. No shipping present. Tall
chimney at head of bay good landmark.
1906(K) Surfaced.
2245(K) Went to 2 engine speed proceeding to cover northwesterly
approaches to SAIPAN.
17 February 1944
0550(K) Dove.
0638(K) Sighted SAIPAN 300° T - 26 miles.
1202(K) Sighted 4 engine patrol bomber (MAVIS) 150° T - 3 miles on
easterly course.
1909(K) Surfaced.
2000(K) Radar contact F/R/LLON DE MEDINILLA 335° T - 20 miles.
2040(K) Radar contact ANATAHAN 325° T - 40 miles.
2130(K) Sighted searchlight beam from SAIPAN.
2200(K) Sighted searchlight beam from SAIPAN.
2250(K) Slowed to 10 knots patrolling approaches to SAIPAN.
2255(K) Sighted 3 bright parachute flares dropped from plane bearing
235° T about 10 miles.
2300(K) Sighted another parachute flare in same area. No radar
contact.
2330(K) Patrolling at 2 engine speed.
18 February 1944
0430(K) SD radar contact 7 miles closing. Dove and commenced sub-
merged patrol.
0653(K) Sighted ANATAHAN 028° T - 32 miles.

-7-

— page 50 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Second War Patrol.

0918(K) Sighted 2 engine bomber (BETTY) 290° T - 3 miles.
1038(K) Sighted 2 engine bomber (BETTY) circling range 1,000 yards.
Went to 150 feet for an hour.
1906(K) Surfaced. Decided to proceed to southeast to cover TRUK
SAIPAN traffic lanes.
1928(K) Sighted searchlight beam below horizon from SAIPAN.
2155(K) Went to 3 engine full speed and changed course to head for
western approaches to SAIPAN.

19 February 1944
0013(K) Sighted searchlight beam 196° T from SAIPAN ISLAND.
0428(K) SJ contact on plane 024° T 15,000 yards. Did not dive.
0507(K) SD contact on plane 6 miles. Dove and commenced submerged
patrol.
0556(K) Heard 4 distant explosions.
1911(K) Surfaced - ROTA ISLAND 137° T 80,000 yards.

20 February 1944
0540(K) Dove for submerged patrol.
1915(K) Surfaced.

21 February 1944
0550(K) Dove for submerged patrol.
0935(K) Sighted 2 engine Jap bomber BETTY 080° T - 3 miles.
1902(K) Surfaced - patrolling northwestern approaches to SAIPAN.
2350(K) Received assignment for new stations off SAIP/N.

22 February 1944
0552(K) Dove for submerged patrol.
1904(K) Surfaced. ANATAHAN ISLAND bearing 027° T 65,000 yards.
Proceeding to assigned position.
2258(K) SJ radar contact 16,500 yards bearing 257° T, single small
pip. Went to two engines full speed and commenced tracking.
Target evidently patrol vessel on course 300° T at 15 knots.
2352(K) Broke off tracking, proceeding to assigned position.

23 February 1944
0115(K) Picked up radar interference on SJ bearing 196° T. Probably
friendly submarine.
0558(K) Dove at assigned position on 30 mile circle from SAIPAN and
closed island.
0721(K) Heard first of series of explosions lasting until 0755.

-8-

— page 52 —
C O N F I D E N T I A L
U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Second War Patrol.

0649(K) Heard 6 distant explosions, nothing sighted.
1250(K) Heard series of 10 distant explosions, nothing sighted.
1907(K) Surfaced.
1930(K) Made SJ radar contact on plane bearing 240° T - 7,000 yards.
        Range had closed to 2,100 yards before SJ went under.
2019(K) Surfaced.
        Received authority to spend three additional days on stations.
        Fuel and torpedoes are satisfactory. Have only 1,800 gallons
        potable water and 900 gallons battery water.

26 February 1944

0005(K) Put No. 2 main engine out of commission due to crack in
        exhaust nozzle. Was losing about 12 gallons of fresh water per
        hour when running.
0035(K) Made SJ radar contact on plane bearing 224° T 7,000 yards.
        Closed to 3,000 yards when radar went under. This is the seventh
        night aircraft contact since 13 February. Five of these contacts
        were picked up by SJ radar. SJ has only been used for a single 5
        second sweep on surfacing. Most of these contacts have been outside
        of the 25 mile circle from SAIPAN.
0156(K) Surfaced.
0540(K) Dove for submerged patrol.
1029(K) Heard about 10 distant explosions.
1140(K) Heard 2 distant explosions.
1225(K) Heard 2 distant explosions.
1910(K) Surfaced.
2010(K) SJ contact SAIPAN 135° T 37 miles.
2217(K) Sighted searchlight beam on SAIPAN.
        Water situation improved. Can make potable water by running
        distillers with by-pass valve open.

27 February 1944

0540(K) Dove for submerged patrol.
0649(K) Sighted SAIPAN 128° T - 23 miles.
0930(K) Sighted 2 engine bomber "BETTY" 125° T - 6 miles.
1005(K) Sighted 2 engine bomber "BETTY" 133° T - 6 miles.
1110(K) Sighted 2 engine bomber "BETTY" 225° T - 2.5 miles
1206(K) Sighted 2 engine bomber "BETTY" 145° T - 2 miles.
1300(K) Sighted masts of one medium or small AK in TANAPAG HARBOR.
        Nothing in GARAPAN anchorage. No surface patrol vessels sighted.
        Constant air patrol.
1435(K) Sighted single float seaplane "PETE" flying over harbor.
1911(K) Surfaced. Patrolling west and northwest approaches to SAIPAN.

- 10 -

— page 53 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Second War Patrol.

28 February 1944

0520(K) Made SJ radar contact, two small pips at 22,050 yards bearing
        146° T. Commenced tracking. Targets on course 120° T 10 knots
        headed for SAIPAN. As I was 11 miles astern, 32 miles from SAIPAN
        and daylight approaching, could not attack.
0540(K) Dove for submerged patrol.
1240(K) Sighted SAIPAN bearing 160° T.
1636(K) Heard 6 distant explosions.
1643(K) Heard 3 distant explosions.
1728(K) Heard 3 distant explosions.
1844(K) Heard 10 distant explosions. Nothing was ever sighted.
1915(K) Surfaced 20 miles north of SAIPAN.
        Decided to depart area tomorrow morning. Proceeding eastward.
2020(K) Made SJ radar contact on MEDINILLA 020° T - 17 miles.
2130(K) c/c to 160° T.

29 February 1944

0100(K) c/c to 071° T.
0415(K) Departed area and set great circle course for PEARL HARBOR at
        two engine speed.
1133(K) Sighted 4 engine patrol plane (MAVIS) distance 7 to 8 miles
        heading towards us. Not picked up by SD or SJ radar. Dove and
        received two bombs as we were passing 100 feet. Bombs evidently
        set shallow and missed by two or three hundred yards. Decided to
        spend rest of day submerged.
1805(K) Surfaced. Set course for PEARL HARBOR at two engine speed.

3 March 1944

1250(L) Sighted abandoned life raft in Lat. 19° 42' N - Long. 163° 38' E.
        Raft was covered with barnacles, apparently of metal construction,
        about 15 feet long and 7 feet wide.

5 March 1944

0700(Y) Crossed 180th meridian.

8 March 1944

1026(X) Sighted PB2Y CORONADO patrol bomber bearing 090° T distance 12
        miles on course 100° T Lat. 21° 05' N,Long. 161° 30' W. Exchanged
        recognition signals.

9 March 1944

0645(VW) Rendezoused with escort PC 578 and proceeded into PEARL HARBOR.
1024(VW) Moored at SUBMARINE BASE, PEARL HARBOR, T.H.

- 11 -

— page 54 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Second War Patrol.
(c) WEATHER
Bad weather with strong west northwest to southwest winds and rough
head seas and heavy swells was encountered enroute the area from January
16 to January 27, 1944. During entire period in area weather was very
good with northeasterly winds average force 4, moderate seas and swell.
Scattered rain squalls and from .4 to .6 cloud cover were encountered almost
daily. Good weather was encountered returning to PEARL HARBOR.
(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
Currents were generally westerly in area averaging about one-half
knot. Direction of currents changed close to shore lines. Enroute to and
from area, conditions agreed fairly well with Pilot Chart.
(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
No navigational lights were burning. Bearings on peaks, tangents and
landmarks indicated on the chart all gave good cuts. A sounding of 850
fathoms was obtained between ROTA and TENIAN in Lat. 14 - 33 - 15 N, Long.
145 - 25 - 30 E.

- 12 -

— page 56 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

NO. : TIME : LAT. : : INITIAL : HOW :
: DATE : LONG. : TYPE : RANGE : COURSE : CONTACTED : REMARKS
: : : : : : : :
1. :1348(K) : 15° 03' N : : Unknown : Unknown : Bombed : Bombed at Periscope depth.
:31 Jan. : 146° 04' E : Unknown : Unknown : Unknown : Bombed : 500 - 1,000 yards away.
2. :1447(K) : : : : : : :
:8 Feb. : I/PRA. GUAM : PETE : 5 miles : Circling : Periscope : Patrolling Harbor.
:1917(K) : 15° 15' N : 2 Planes : 4 - 6 : : SD and SJ : Night Dove. Picked up
:13 Feb. : 145° 24' E : unknown : miles : : Radar : simultaneously.
3. :2034(K) : 15° 14' N : 1 Plane : 3½ : : SD and SJ : Night Dove.
:13 Feb. : 145° 19' E : unknown : miles : : Radar :
4. :1202(K) : 15° 17' N : : : : : Periscope :
:17 Feb. : 146° 10' E : MAVIS : 3 miles : East : submerged :
5. :2255(K) : 15° 52' N : : : : : Night : Plane dropped 4 parachute
:17 Feb. : 145° 30' E : Unknown : 8 miles : : surface : flares
6. :0430(K) : 15° 53' N : : : : : :
:18 Feb. : 145° 19' E : Unknown : 7 miles : : SD Radar : Night - Dove.
7. :1918(K) : 15° 51' N : : : : : Periscope :
:18 Feb. : 145° 32' E : BETTY : 4 miles : South : submerged :
8. :1038(K) : 15° 51' N : : : 1,000 : : Periscope :
:18 Feb. : 145° 34' E : BETTY : yards : Circling : submerged : Went deep
9. :0428(K) : 15° 20' N : : : 7.5 : : :
:19 Feb. : 144° 52' E : Unknown : miles : Unknown : SJ Radar : Night - Dove.
10. :0507(K) : 15° 11' N : : : : : Periscope :
:19 Feb. : 144° 45' E : Unknown : 6 miles : Closing : SD Radar : submerged :
11. :0935(K) : 14° 57' N : : : : : Periscope :
:21 Feb. : 144° 30' E : BETTY : 4 miles : West : submerged :
12. :0806(K) : : : : : : Periscope :
:23 Feb. : Off SAIPAN : BETTY : 2 miles : N.W. : submerged : Flying low.

Note: Sighted many planes - various types U.S. and Japanese 23 February. During U.S.
raid on SAIPAN and TINIAN.

- 14 -

— page 57 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS Con't.

NO. : TIME : LAT. : :INITIAL : HOW : REMARKS
: DATE : LONG. : TYPE : RANGE : CONTACTED :
14. :1025(K) : 15° 25' N : : :Periscope :
Feb. : 145° 30' E : BETTY :1 mile :N.E. :submerged :
:1647(K) : : : :Periscope :
Feb. : Off SAIPAN : BETTY :8 miles :Circling :submerged : Patrolling off Harbor.
15. :1930(K) : 15° 02' N : : : : Night - Closed to 2,100 yards.
Feb. : 144° 53' E : Unknown :7,000 :SJ Radar :Dove.
16. :0035(K) : 15° 04' N : : : : Night - Closed to 3,000 yards.
Feb. : 144° 49' E : Unknown :7,000 :SJ Radar :Dove.
17. :0930(K) : : : :Periscope :
Feb. : Off SAIPAN : BETTY :6 miles :submerged : Patrolling off SAIPAN.
18. :1005(K) : : : :Periscope :
Feb. : Off SAIPAN : BETTY :6 miles :submerged : Patrolling off SAIPAN.
19. :1110(K) : : : :Periscope :
Feb. : Off SAIPAN : BETTY :2½ miles :submerged : Patrolling off SAIPAN.
20. :1206(K) : : : :Periscope :
Feb. : Off SAIPAN : BETTY :2 miles :submerged : Patrolling off SAIPAN.
21. :1435(K) : : : :Periscope :
Feb. : Off SAIPAN : PETE :6 miles :submerged : Patrolling off SAIPAN.
22. :1733(K) : 15° 35' N : : :Surface :
Feb. : 148° 48' E : MAVIS :8 miles :lookout :Closing : Dove and received 2 bombs.

- 15 -

— page 58 —
C O N F I D E N T I A L
(H) ATTACK DATA
U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. [HANDWRITTEN: 1] PATROL NO. [HANDWRITTEN: 2]
Time [HANDWRITTEN: 0146-20] Date [HANDWRITTEN: 1 Feb. 1944] Zone [HANDWRITTEN: -10] Lat. [HANDWRITTEN: 14° 40'] N Long. [HANDWRITTEN: 146° 42'] E

Target Data -- Damage Inflicted
Description: Very large AP. Not definitely identified stacks not seen
but from high superstructure and flat top. Similar to
TEIA MARU (EX ARAMIS) 17,537 tons or possibly TAIGEI,
submarine tender.

Ship(s) Sunk: 1 AP - As above.

Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk:

Damage Determined by: Ship appeared to blow up with tremendous explosion.
Pink to red colored flame. Ten minutes later lookout
saw about 50 feet of stern sticking out of water.
Red glow around it. This soon disappeared.

Target Draft [HANDWRITTEN: 20] Course [HANDWRITTEN: 155] Speed [HANDWRITTEN: 8.5] Range [HANDWRITTEN: 2,700] (at firing)

Own Ship Data
Speed [HANDWRITTEN: 9 knots] Course [HANDWRITTEN: 270°] Depth [HANDWRITTEN: Surface] Angle [HANDWRITTEN: ] (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type Attack: Night surface attack on 9 ship convoy. (5 ships and 4 escorts
or 6 ships and 3 escorts.) Target was leading ship of near
column. Convoy zigging on base course 165° T. Had planned to
fire three torpedoes at second but short distance to track
and proximity of escorts made me turn away without firing.

- 16 -

— page 59 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Tubes Fired | # 1 | # 2 | # 3 # |
*Track Angle - | 45P | 46P | 44P |
*Gyro Angle - | 20R | 19R | 21R |
*Depth Set - | 10' | 10' | 10' |
*Power - | High | High | High |
*Hit or Miss - | Hit plus 1 additional probable_hit |
*Erratic - | No | No | No |
(Yes or no) | | | |
*Mark Torpedo - | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A |
*Serial No. - | 24893 | 26642 | 40108 |
*Mark Exploder - | 6-1A | 6-1A | 6-1 |
*Serial No. - | 10584 | 6861 | 4742 |
*#Actuation Set - | Contact | | |
*#Actuation Actual - | | | |
*Mark Warhead - | 16 | 16 | 16 |
*Serial No. - | 2710 | 10123 | 2906 |
*Explosive - | Tpx | Tpx | Tpx |
Firing Interval - | - | 12 sec. | 10 sec. |
Type Spread - | Divergent (0 - 1L - 1R) | | |
Sea Conditions - | Choppy | | |
Overhaul Activity - U.S.S. BUSHNELL
Remarks - Ship appeared to explode immediately after first torpedo hit.
Sound of explosion drowned out noise of second hit.

* Enter for each torpedo fired.
*# Enter whether set for contact and magnetic or only contact actuation
when applicable and on next line, your best estimate of type actuations
actually resulting.

- 17 -

— page 60 —
C O N F I D E N T I A L
(H) ATTACK DATA Con't.

U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 PATROL NO. 2
Time 0153 Date 1 Feb. 1944 Zone -10 Lat. 14° 40' N Long. 146° 42' E

Target Data — Damage Inflicted

Description: 1 unidentified AK about 6,000 to 7,000 tons.

Ship(s) Sunk: Same as above.

Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk:

Damage Determined by: Sighting large explosions. Absence of target next
morning. Maneuvers of escort, picking up survivors
and disappearance of target on radar.

Target Draft 20' Course 080° T Speed 10 Range 2,900 (at firing)

Own Ship Data

Speed 10 Course 130° T Depth Surface Angle (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: This was continuation of first attack on convoy. Target was
second ship in near column. After leading vessel exploded
target swung about 90° to port. Submarine swung to 130° T
to put target astern and fired four torpedoes on about 60°
track. No hits were heard because escort commenced dropping
about 14 depth charges in our wake about 1,700 yards astern.
Target fired red rocket 3½ minutes after firing. 23 minutes
later explosion was seen in direction of target and 34
minutes after firing a tremendous explosion yellow flame was
seen from range of 12,000 yards. It is believed this target
sank.

- 18 -

— page 61 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Tubes Fired
# 7 | # 8 | # 9 | # 10
*Track ingle
60s | 59S | 615 | 58S
*Gyro Angle
10R | 9R | 11R | 8R
*Depth Set-
10' | 10' | 10' | 10'
*Power
High | High | High | High
*Hit on Miss
1 or 2 hits
*Erratic -
(Yes or no)
Not observed
*Mark Torpedo --
14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A
*Serial No.
40159 | 39927 | 26165 | 40091
*Mark Exploder -
6-1A | 6-1A | 6-1A | 6-1
*Serial No.
7440 | 12054 | 12085 | 1530
*#Actuation Set -
Contact
*#Actuation Actual -
*Mark Warhead
16 | 16 | 16 | 16
*Serial No.
10170 | 11006 | 11379 | 11192
*Explosive
Tpx | Tpx | Tpx | Tpx
Firing Interval
8 sec. | 10 sec. | 12 sec. |
Type Spread
Divergent (½R, ½L, 1½R, 1½L)
Sea Conditions
Choppy
Overhaul Activity
U.S.S. BUSHNELL
Remarks
* Enter for each torpedo fired.
*# Enter whether set for contact and magnetic or only contact actuation
when applicable and on next line, your best estimate of type actuations
actually resulting.

- 19 -

— page 65 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Second War Patrol.
RADAR Con't.
Dumont 208 oscilloscope with reasonable satisfactory results. The antenna
insulation began to fail early in the patrol, so that antenna resistance
readings varied from 50,000 ohms to 40 megohms depending upon weather and
length of time after surfacing. The only other troubles were the failures
of two R.F. tubes and one mixer tube. Ensign J.R. Masson, USNR, radar
officer and H.F. Rusch, RTlc, USNR are deserving of great credit for their
industry and ingenuity in making and keeping equipment operative.
(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONTIONS
Sound conditions were fair to very good in area. Screws could be
heard between 6,000 and 8,000 yards and echo ranging up to 16,000 yards.
Fish noises were heard frequently. The "noise at 190" and its reflected
noise at 01.0 reduced the sensitivety of the JP sound gear. There were
practically no density layers to 400 feet.
The insulation on cable to JK broke down due to oil soaking. No
spare was aboard so cable to OB was used and QB put out of commission.
(0) DENSITY LAYERS
The temperature of the water was practically isothermal throughout
area down to depths of 400 feet. Again it was, noted that ballast change
in going deep was quite small, not greater than 700 to 800 pounds per 100
feet. Results of Bathythermograph observations are tabulated below. BT
cards are being forwarded to Hydrographic Office. Thermal element of BT is
located 25 feet above keel line. Depths are keel depths.

TIME GCT:LAT. | :SURF.: GREATEST : | REMARKS
DATE | :LONG. | :TEMP.: DEPTH : |
1830(2):24° 24' N | : 74 : 300 : | : Isothermal - 73.5 F at 300'.
16 Jan. :161° 06' W: | : : | :
0330(2):27° 04' N | : : : | : Isothermal - 73.5 F at 405'.
18 Jan, :168° 14' W: 74 : 405 : | : Isothermal to 340' - 3°F drop
0600(7):17° 20' N | : : : | : between 340' and 380'.
29 Jan. :150° 35' E: 81 : 380 : | :
0700(2):16° 07' N | : : : | : Isothermal - 81.5 F at 400'.
30 Jan. :147° 17' E: 82 : 400 : | : Isothermal to 3801 - 1° F drop
2030(2):15° 09' N | : : : | : between 380' and 400'.
30 Jan. :146° 20' E: 81 : 400 : | :
0100(2):14° 24' N. | : : : | : Isothermal 810 F at 400'.
3 Feb. :145° 26' E: 81.5: 400 : | : Isothermal to 320' gradual 3º F
0630(2):14° 02' N | : : : | : drop between 320' and 400'.
6 Feb. :14° 02' E: 80 : 400 : | :
0600(2):13° 32' N | : : : | : Isothermal to 380'.
8 Feb. :144° 30' E: 79 : 380 : | :

- 23 -

— page 67 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Second War Patrol.
(S) DURATION
Days enroute area - 14
Days in area - 30
Days enroute base - 10
Days submerged - 30
(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING
TORPEDOES FUEL PROVISIONS FR. WATER PERSONNEL
17 5300 15 days 500 gals. 10 days
This patrol was terminated by provision of the operation plus an
additional three days authorized by despatch. However, shortage of fresh
water would have necessitated ending the patrol at the same time.
(U) REMARKS
The TDC lighting on this vessel was installed by representatives of
the Sylvania Corp. during the building period. It has proved very satis-
factory in all respects except for the range dials which are inset so that
insufficient light reaches them. This same type lighting was installed on
the periscopes but has not proved wholly satisfactory there. Water leakage
tends to ruin the paint and the painted lubbers line becomes covered with
grease.
It is believed that the range dial of the TDC should be modified to
give le range coverage of at least 24,000 yards instead of the present 8,000
yards. This would materially assist the operator when tracking targets by
radar during daylight or bright moonlight. Tracking ranges in excess of
16,000 yards are not only feasible with the improved SJ radar but are some-
times necessary. The continuous mental calculation of multiplying ranges
and dividing speed by three or vice versa makes exact determination of
target speed difficult.
No daylight surface patrol in area was attempted. This was due to
fuel limitations, unreliability of SD radar, and the evident air coverage
of the area.
On 7 March 1944 sustained following casualty to SJ radar not in-
cluded in paragraph (M). Range unit casualty - The cord which guides the
lead to the moveable range crystal broke so that the unit jams to either
side of ranges from 700 to 13,000 yards.

- 25 -

— page 68 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(12) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET [HANDWRITTEN: mr]

Serial 0514 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
16 March 1944.

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
APOGON Report of DESTROYED PRIOR TO
Second War Patrol. ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 389
U.S.S. APOGON - SECOND WAR PATROL.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Second War Patrol.
(15 January to 9 March 1944).

1. The second war patrol of the APOGON was conducted in
the Marianas Islands.

2. This patrol was well conducted and the area coverage
was good. Unfortunately, not many targets were sighted. The first
contact worthy of torpedoes, made on the first night in the area, was
developed by an aggressive surface attack and resulted in sinking two
enemy vessels.

3. This patrol is designated as successful for Combat
Insignia Award.

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congra-
tulates the Commanding Officer, officers, and crew for having inflicted
the following damage upon the enemy:

S U N K

1 - Passenger Freighter (Similar
to TEIA MARU) - 17,537 tons (Attack No. 1)
1 - Freighter (class unknown) - 6,500 tons (Attack No. 2)
TOTAL 24,037 tons

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (5) Comsubspac (40)
CNO (5) SUBAD, MI (2)
Cincpac (6) ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1) All Squadron and Div.
Comservpac Commanders, Subspac (2)
(Adv.Base Plan.Unit) (1) Comsubstrainpac (2)
Cincslant (2) All Submarines, Subspac (1)
Comsubslant (8)
S/M School, NL (2) [HANDWRITTEN: (2) E. L. Hynes II]
Comsopac (2)
Comsubsopac (2) [SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes II]
CTF 72 (2) E. L. HYNES, II,
Comnorpac (1) Flag Secretary

— page 69 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

U.S.S. APOGON (SS308)
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

Bz

22 May 1944.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED] A L
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. APOGON (SS308)
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) Commander Submarine Division 142.
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron 14.
(3) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of War Patrol number Three.

Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart. (to Comsubpac only)

1. Enclosure (A) covering the Third War Patrol of this vessel
conducted in the Empire rotating patrol areas between Lats. 30° and 35° N
and Long. 131° and 142-30 E during the period 2 April to 22 May 1944, is
forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: W. P. Schoeni]
W. P. SCHOENI.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B9C DATE 5/24/76]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 76112]

— page 70 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Third War Patrol. Period
from 2 April 1944 to 22 May 1944. ComTaskFor Seventeen
Operation Order 113-44.

(A) PROLOGUE

Arrived Submarine Base, PEARL HARBOR, T.H. from Second War
Patrol on 9 March 1944. Normal refit commenced 10 March-1944 by
U.S.S. BUSHNELL and Subdiv 142 relief crew. Dry docked at NAVY
YARD, PEARL HARBOR, T.H. 15 - 19 March. Major work done - In-
stalled two new propellors, converted MBT 4A and B to fuel ballast
tank.
Had four day training period including special sound test, day
and night approaches. Received two indoctrination depth charges,
fired three torpedoes, 4", 50 cal. and .20 millimeter guns. Was
depermed 1 April 1944. Lieut. R.T. FAHY, USN was detached and Lieut.
H.L. GRANT, III, USN reported aboard. Readiness for sea 2 April
1944.

(B) NARATIVE

2 April 1944
1105(VW) Underway from PEARL HARBOR, T.H. enroute patrol area via
JOHNSTON ISLAND in accordance with ComTaskFor Seventeen Operation
Order 113-44 of 1 April 1944.
1616(VW) Made trim dive.
1945(VW) Released escort, PC 603, and went to 4 engine speed.

4 April 1944
0651(X) Sighted two escort planes.
0655(X) SJ radar contact with JOHNSTON ISLAND 153° T 33,400 yards.
1022(X) Moored at dock in JOHNSTON ISLAND. Received 12,306 gallons
fuel, topped off on fresh frozen fruits and fruit juices which we
had been unable to get at PEARL.
1435(X) Underway from JOHNSTON ISLAND enroute patrol area with air
escort.
1635(X) Made trim and training dive. Air escort departed.

5 April 1944
0912(X) Made training dive.
1250(Y) Held training in firing all small arms and .30 cal. machine
guns.
1257(Y) On completion of firing, one live cartridge was accidentally
left in .30 cal. machine gun. In preparing to clean guns, this
bullet was discharged striking deck and ricochetting into leg of
COLLINS, Clement Calvin, 244 29 26, Slc, USN. Although no bones or
major arteries appeared cut, a large amount of skin tissue was de-
stroyed. Armand Vezina, CPhM, USNR administered plasma and morphine
and dressed wound in a very efficient manner.

-1-

— page 71 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
1300(Y)
U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Third War Patrol.
Set course for JOHNSTON ISLAND at 4 engine speed. Sent APOGON
serial ONE informing Comsubpac and JOHNSTON ISLAND of decision.
6 April 1944
0730'Y)
Sighted escort planes.
0941(Y) Moored at JOHNSTON ISLAND. Transferred COLLINS to dispensary
for treatment. Received 7860 gallons fuel. BURCH, H., S2c, USN
reported aboard for duty having been left here for treatment from
U.S.S. STEELHED about ten days ago.
1309(Y) Underway enroute patrol area.
Air escort departed.
1435(Y)
1615(Y)
Sighted ship bearing 320° T 8 miles. Closed and exchanged calls
and information with U.S.S. GUDGEON, who was enroute JOHNSTON ISLAND.
7-12 April 1944
Enroute area at two engine speed making daily triming dives and
conducting drills. Skipped April 9th, Easter day, when crossing
180th meridian. Renewed No. 1 periscope hoist cables which were be-
coming frayed. Overhauled DRAI and torpedo run dial of TDC both of
which gave us trouble for several days.
13 April 1944
1239(1) Sighted floating spherical contact mine dead ahead distant 700
yards. Steered off and circled at 400 yards. Mine was covered with
barnacles. Several hits with .30 cal. did no damage but knock off
barnacles. Closed to 200 yards and one good hit detonated mine with
a tremendous explosion. Bits of shrapnel or mine casing fell on both
sides of us. Proceeded on our way, more sober men, and lookouts
needed no urging to be alert. Posit 27° 10'N 158° 55' E.
14 April 1944
1815(K)
1910(K)
Sighted several floating oil drums during next two days. Sank
two of them with .30 cal. and .20 mm. machine gun.
Stopped. Decided to take advantage of relatively smooth water
to convert #4AB FBT to BT.
Conversion completed. Went ahead. Will finish fuel tonight
and flush out in morning.
15 April 1944
1600(1)
Used last of fuel in 4A and B. Flushed out.
Set clocks back to Zone -9 time. All times mentioned hereafter
will be -9 (I) unless otherwise designated.
-2-

— page 73 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Third War Patrol.
1010 Sighted 2 planes BETTYS, 270° T 2 miles. c/c to 020° T to
patrol along 100 fathom curve.
1050 Sighted 1 plane BETTY 155° T - 2 miles.
1720 Light fog or haze set in, lost sight of land - Opened out.
1937 Surfaced - Rough sea and swells.

26 April 1944
0432 Dove.
0505 Sighted land identified as MIYAZAKI 250° T - 23 miles.
0550 Heard two distant rumbling explosions. May have been so called
block-busters at great range.
0855 Sighted 3 planes BETTY type 260° T 4½ miles on southeasterly
course.
0930 Changed course to 020° T to parallel 100 fathom curve.
1055 Sighted 1 unidentified plane 250° T on westerly course.
1940 Surfaced. Sighted blinking bright light 075° T. Thought it was
a challenge at first but then decided it was sampan with light
bobbing horizon. Sea was glassy smooth, bright first quarter moon.
Water very phosphorescent.
1945 Radar interference SJ bearing 353° T - No friends there.
1950 Had broad pip on SJ 046° T 12,000 yards. Tracked for a while on
various courses while trying to avoid three lighted sampans to sea-
ward. Finally determined pip to be a reflection echo on land, probab-
ly OKINO SHIMA at ranges of 107,000 to 115,000 yards. During remain-
der of patrol we picked up land echo reflections at ranges varying
between 110,000 to 160,000 yards. These were found only during
smooth sea conditions with light surface haze.
2035 Had radar interference on SJ bearing 190° T. Could be a friendly
submarine but there was also a lighted sampan or patrol boat visible
on this bearing.
2038 SJ Radar contact on plane bearing 080° T 6,000 yards. It moved
out. Would appreciate a radar detector unit on a night like this.
2159 SJ Radar contact on plane 313° T 12,000 yards. This plane was
then picked up visually as we saw his white light or engine exhaust.
He was on southerly course.
2207 Sighted another lighted plane 305° T on southerly course.
2320 Sighted 2 lights from plane(s) - Maybe a 2 engine plane bearing
130° T 13,750 yards on southerly course - 32° 01' N 132° 09' E.
2330 Lost sight contact with lighted sampans. None of these were
picked up by radar.

27 April 1944
0058 Sighted darkened sampan or patrol vessel 140° T 4,000 yards.
Not picked up by radar. Evaded.
0422 Dove.
1347 Sighted small sampan 040° T 3,000 yards. 31° 54' N 132° 52' E.
Avoided at periscope depth. He was on northwesterly course speed
about eight knots.
1926 Surfaced.
-4-

— page 75 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Third War Patrol.

3 May 1944
2223 Sighted darkened patrol vessel or sampan 250° T 6,000 yards
     32° 25' N 135° 24' E. Reversed course to avoid.
2345 Sighted flashing light from another patrol vessel or sampan
     bearing 090° T 8,000 yards. Not picked up by SJ. Again changed
     course to avoid.

4 May 1944
0400 Dove for submerged patrol.
1345 Sighted land 015° T distant 30 miles - off SHIONA MISAKI.
1926 Surfaced.
2100 Received ROCK contact report of convoy possibly headed my area.
     Set course 150° T to intercept.
2350 Received SKATE contact report of another convoy also possibly
     headed my area. Proceeding to 0300 position circle of ROCK convoy
     with possibility of also contacting SKATE convoy. Weather clouding
     up. Wind and sea increasing.

5 May 1944
0300 On position circle of ROCK convoy - c/c to 090° T completely
     overcast, no sights.
0400 Dove. No contacts. These convoys may have made large change of
     base course at sunset and headed for NAGOYA or YOKOHAMA instead of
     KII SUIDO.
1900. Surfaced. Heavy wind and seas. No sights.

6 May 1944
0401 Weather still bad. No sights.
0357 Dove.
1912 Surfaced. Heavy seas, overcast.

7 May 1944
0300 Wind increasing to above gale force. Very rough seas.
0357 Dove. Ran at 100 feet with hourly looks. Bad depth control.
1929 Surfaced. Seas moderating. Scattered clouds.

8 May 1944
0206 SJ radar interference 120° T. Should be no friends very close
     in that direction.
0220 Sighted darkened patrol boat or sampan 075° T - 5,000 yards
     33° 28' N 137° 39' E.
0349 SJ radar interference 230° T. Could be friendly submarine.
0355 Dove.
0452-0457 Heard 7 distant explosions.

- 6 -

— page 77 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Third War Patrol.

1720 Sighted land identified as KO SHIMA bearing 100° T distant 2½
     miles. Took sounding and c/c to 290° T 2/3 speed to clear land.
     Current today was about 065° T - 2.8 to 3 knots shifting to north
     close to islands.
1916 Surfaced.
2049 SJ radar interference bearing 245° T. Could be friendly sub-
     marine.

12 May 1944

0053 Made SJ land contact on MIKURA SHIMA bearing 043° T 78,000
     yards.
0350 Dove.
1919 Surfaced.
1958 Made SJ land contacts on HACHIJO SHIMA 065° T 80,000 yards and
     AOGA SHIMA 111° T 74,000 yards. Current today was 112° T 1.3 knots.
     Set course between islands shifting areas.
2055 Sighted lighted sampan 169° T 8,000 yards on NW course.
2115 Lost sight of sampan. Not picked up on radar.

13 May 1944

0044 Sighted lighted sampan 125° T 8,000 yards. Not picked up on
     radar. 32° 55' N 140° 24' E.
0335 Dove 30 miles east of HACHIJO SHIMA on course 315° T.
1927 Surfaced. Current kept us almost stationary today.

14 May 1944

0212 Made SJ land contact on MIYAKE SHIMA 262° T 78,000 yards and on
     MIKURA SHIMA 251° T 80,000 yards.
0321 Lookout sighted darkened patrol vessel 265° T 5,000 yards. At
     same time SJ made plane contact 304° T 5,800 yards which closed to
     5,200 as we dove. 34° 18' N 140° 09' E.
0330 c/c to 090° T. Went deep for BT card. Nothing heard on sound.
0428 Periscope depth - sight large yacht or trawler type patrol vessel
     bearing 266° T - 5,000 yards. Two masts clipper bow, gun forward. He
     was apparently stopped listening. May have been working with plane.
0615 Lost contact with patrol vessel.
1922 Surfaced. Set course 080° T - 3 engine speed.

15 May 1944

0000 Sent APOGON serial 2 reporting departure from area in accordance
     with Operation Order.
0034 c/c to 090° T - departed area at 4 engine speed.
0500 c/c to 110° T to follow prescribed routing to MAJURO.

     - 8 -

— page 79 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Third War Patrol.
(C) WEATHER
Weather was excellent enroute area. In area south of JAPAN encoun-
tered several storms of short duration with days of relative calm and
glassy water between. Temperatures were mild. Weather enroute MAJURO was
again very good with steady trade winds from ENE to ESE about force three
average. Had five days of poor visibility due to rain or mist while in
area.
(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
Currents agreed in general with charts, coast pilots and digests of
previous patrols. However they did vary from day to day and could not be
predicted with any accuracy. Injection temperatures gave good indications
of limits of KUROSHIC. Current reversals were noted as follows:

DATE | MEAN POSIT | SET | DRIFT
---|---|---|---
4-21-44 | 30° 00' N | 239° T | 1.7 Knots
| 134° 20' E | |
4-29-44 | 31° 10' N | 156° T | 2.5 Knots
| 135° 00' E | |
5-1-44 | 32° 30' N | 064° T | 2.7 Knots
| 134° 00' E | |
5-3-44 | 33° 00' N | 130° T | 1.4 Knots
| 135° 30' E | |

The KUROSHIRO appeared to split around HACHIJO SHIMA, one branch
heading 110° T, other 065° T both over 2.5 knots. This was noted on 10 and
11 May when diving in about same spot each day. Water was very murky and
full of marine life. Very bright phosphorescence was noted on several
occasions, especially east of KYUSHU.
(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
None sighted. SJ radar gave good fixes on islands and higher peaks
on mainland.

- 10 -

— page 80 —
CONFIDENTIAL

SHIP CONTACTS

        TIME :      LAT.      :                 :INITIAL : SPEED :   HOW   :
        : DATE :      LONG.     :      TYPES      : :RANGE  : :COURSE : :CONTACTED : REMARKS
NO.     :      :              :                 :         :       :         :           :
1.      : 0550(I): 32° 07' N  : Patrol          : 5,000   :       :         : Periscope : Appeared to chase us. Had
        : 2 May  : 135° 20' E :                 : yards   :       :         :           : contact for 3.5 hours.
2.      : 2303(I): 33° 27' N  : Trawler type;   : 5,200   : 10 kts.: Various : Lookout   : Chased us at 12 knots.
        : 8 May  : 137° 39' E : Unidentified;   : yards   :       :         :           : Challenged.
3.      : 1132(I): 33° 47' N  : Patrol          : 6,000   : 10 kts.: 330° T. : Periscope : Evaded at Periscope depth.
        : 9 May  : 137° 39' E :                 : yards   :       :         :           :
4.      : 0321(I): 34° 18' N  : Yacht type      : 5,000   : stopped :         : Periscope : Dove. Lost contact at 0615.
        : 14 May : 140° 09' E : Patrol vessel   : yards   :       :         :           :

Note: In addition to above sighted quite a few unidentified sampans, patrol vessels and/or
submarines. About half of the night contacts burned steady white lights.

- 11 -

— page 81 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACT

NO.:
NO.:
TIME:
DATE
LAT.
LONG.
1.:2040(1): 30° 26' N
1, 16 Apr.: 141° 44' E
:0122(1): 30° 36' N
2.:17 Apr.: 141° 04' Ε
: 0835(1):31 50 N
3.:25 Apr.: 131° 36' E
11010(1): 31° 521 N
4.25 Apr.: 131
32' E
:1050(1): 31° 53' N
5.:25 Apr.: 131° 34' Ε
0855(1): 31° 59' N
6:26 Apr.: 131° 40' E
:1055(1): 320 02 N
7.:26 Apr.: 131° 40′ E
:2038(1): 320 04' N
8,26 Apr.: 131° 58' E
:2159(1): 320 07 N
9.26 pr.: 132° 12' E
:2207(1): 329 061 N
10, 26 Apr.: 132° 13' E
:2320(1): 32° 01 N
11. :26 Apr, : 132° 18' E
:0321(1): 34° 18' N
12. 14 May : 140°09' E
:
: INITIAL :
:
TYPE
:
:
:
:
: EMILY
:
: 2 BETTYS
:
: 1 BETTY
:
: 3 BETTYS
:
: 1 Unknown
:

— page 84 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Third War Patrol.
MAIN MOTORS CONT
definite cause of the trouble was ascertained. The entire cubicle and all
motors should be thoroughly cleaned and checked during coming refit and time
should be allowed during training period for a four hour full power run to
test motor operation.
(L) RADIO
Radio reception was good to excellent throughout patrol. Enroute to
area 16.68 and 4525 Kcs were used exclusively. On station 6380 and 9090 Kcs
were the best frequencies. Jamming was almost continuous on 4525 Kcs while
in area. Some fading was noted on 6380 and 9090 Kcs between 0200 and 0400
(I). No serials were missed. Four transmissions were made without diffi-
culty. There were no material casualties.
(M) RADAR
SJ-2 Operation was satisfactory. Excellent ranges were obtained on air-
craft and on mountain ranges. Fishing sampans close enough to be picked up
visually on dark nights could not be detected on the radar.
Sample ranges obtained were:
TYPE OF TARGET | MAXIMUM RINGE
4045 ft. (max.) mt. range | 172,000 Yards
2800 ft. island | 115,000 Yards
Aircraft (alt. unknown) | 20,150 Yards
Aircraft (alt. approx. 2000 ft.) | 18,000 Yards (min. range 12,000)
JOHNSTON ISLAND | 33,000 Yards
U.S. Submarine | 10,000 Yards

The long ranges obtained on land masses continually checked well with
navigational fixes and were verified in range by changing the pulse repeti-
tion rate of the transmitter. These reflection echoes beyond range of main
sweep were obtained only when sea was smooth with light surface haze.
TROUBLES
(1) Sweep inverter amplifier (V4) in Range Indicator failed.
(2) Rectifier in transmitter 300 volt power supply failed.
(3) Condensation caused fuse to High Voltage Rectifier plate transformer to
blow. Trouble was eliminated by keeping conning tower air conditioning
cut in at all times.
(4) PPI sweeps failed. All tubes in sweep circuit were replaced.

It is of interest that the magnetron now in use has been in operation
for about 1,000 hours and is apparently as powerful as ever.

- 15 -

— page 85 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(M) RADAR CONT
SD-2 The only enemy plane contact made was at a range of three miles on a
five second sweep, so that little can be said about operation. While in
area, SD was used only on bright nights and then for 5 second sweeps at
intervals varying from 2 to 15 minutes.

Frequency was shifted while on station in accordance with COMSUBPAC'S
suggestion. A good echo was obtained from a 1,600 foot island at a range of
about 12 miles after retuning, but a 2,800 foot island could not be detected
at twenty miles.

Intermittent interference was observed about 350 miles northwest of
WAKE enroute to and from station. This interference was definitely not
another SD and had some appearances of jamming, but the possibility that it
was from some source inside the boat could not be definitely eliminated.
(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

Sound conditions in the Empire area were mostly poor to fair. There
were many fish noises and perhaps some volcanic disturbances. On only one
occassion was a patrol vessel heard and that was at a maximum range of 5,000
yards. There were many sharp temperature breaks at varying depths which
should have helped evasion tactics.
(0) DENSITY LAYERS

No statement can be made regarding any definite density layers in the
Empire areas. After a period of rough weather, water was isothermal down to
400 feet. When operating near edge of KUROSHIO current, temperature at
periscope depth would vary between 71° F and 64° F during one dive and tem-
perature breaks of one or two degrees might occur at any depth between 65
feet and 350 feet. Unless weather had been rough for a couple days a break or
thermocline of 2 - 4° F negative was usually found between 100 and 250 foot
depth. Bathythermograph cards are being forwarded to Hydrographic Office.
(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY

The health of the crew in general was excellent. There were few colds,
the normal amount of minor ailments cuts and bruises. Eleven man sick days
were lost. One case of (D.U.) appendicitis chronic, 6 days, one case of
cellulitis 4 days, one gunshot wound, lower left leg 1 day. This last patient
was transferred to N.A.S., JOHNSTON ISLAND for treatment.

The food was excellent, well prepared, abundant, and varied.

The boat was comfortable at all times despite the fact that twenty-nine
consecutive all day dives were made which averaged 15.5 hours per dive. One
can of CO2 absorbent was used one day but that was for instructional purposes
only.

- 16 -

— page 87 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION 142
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
24 May 1944.

FB5-142/A16-3
Serial 025
CONFIDENTI L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO APOGON Report of
Third War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Division 142.
To : The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron 14.

Subject: U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Third War Patrol;
Comments on.

1. The third war patrol of the APOGON was conducted in
the Empire rotating patrol areas. The patrol was of fifty days
duration of which twenty-nine days were spent in assigned areas.
The APOGON had no contacts with the enemy which were worthy of tor-
pedo fire.

2. It is noted that over the past several months the
areas in which the APOGON was patrolling have not been too produc-
tive. In view of the severe losses which have been inflicted on the
enemy we may expect a decrease in the average number of contacts
and in tonnage sunk and damaged per patrol. Greater use of the
Inland Sea must also be considered as a possible cause for the de-
crease in contacts in the areas covered by the rotating patrol.
Whether the APOGON would have had more success in contacting the
enemy had she conducted a close in patrol during the periods spent
in the inner areas is open to question.

3. Material

The APOGON returned from patrol in good material condition.
Docking will probably be required to effect repairs to No. 10 tor-
pedo tube. The defects noted in subparagraph (K) will be corrected
during the refit period. Refit will be accomplished by the BUSHNELL
in the normal time.

4. Despite a long and arduous patrol with no opportunity
to inflict damage on the enemy, the morale of officers and crew is
high and indicative of their spirit and determination to come to
grips with the enemy and produce the results of which this ship is
capable.

[SIGNATURE: W. D. Wilkin]
W. D. WILKIN.

Copy to: CO APOGON.

— page 88 —
C5-14/A16-3
Serial 055.

CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
APOGON Report of
Third War Patrol.

From:
To:
Subject:

1.
Submarine Division One Hundred FORTY-TWO.

2.
the Empire areas is not measured alone by the tonnage sunk. That
they cause extreme measures to be taken by the enemy in diverting
shipping is of some advantage to us. A patrol which results in no
material damage to the enemy does not, however, give a crew that
"lift" which comes with certain knowledge of sinkings.

Copy to:
Comsubdiv 142.
CO APOGON.
SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOURTEEN

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

The Commander Submarine Squadron Fourteen.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Third War Patrol;
Comments on.

Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of Commander

The effect of the presence of our submarines in

J. B. LONGSTAFF.

— page 90 —
ISI COPY
U.S.S. APOGON (SS308)
Care of Fleet Post office
Bz
San Francisco, California
DECLASSIFIED A L
26 July 1944.
From:
To:
Via:
Subject:
Enclosures:
The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. APOGON (SS308).
The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) Commander Submarine Division 42.
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron 4.
(3) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet.
U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.
(A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart. (Comsubpac only)
(C) Radio Log CHUNKING. (Comsubpac only)
1. Enclosure (A), covering the Fourth War Patrol of this vessel,
conducted in the areas between FORMOSA and the PHILIPINES during the period
19 June 1944 (East Long. date) and 26 July 1944 is forwarded herewith.
[SIGNATURE: W. P. Schoeni]
W. P. SCHOENI.
DECLASSIFIED-ART. 045, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY OP-09B9C DATE 5/22/72
84194
DECLASSIFIED

— page 91 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Fourth War Patrol. Period
from 19 June 1944 to July 1944.

(A) PROLOGUE

Arrived MAJURO from 3rd War Patrol on 22 May 1944. Refit by
U.S.S. BUSHNELL and Subdiv 142 relief crew commenced 23 May 1944.
APR radar complications, installed APR radar detector and IFF
equipment. Renewed brushes on #1 main motor and balanced #1 and 3
motor load. On 8 June underway for deep dive and postrepair trials,
port shaft showed excessive vibration. Inspection showed one blade
bent and one badly nicked. No dry dock was available and decision
was made to replace propeller while waterborne. This was finally
accomplished by divers from U.S.S. BUSHNELL on 12 June after using
three charges of dynamite in breaking screw loose. 13 June got
underway but noticed loud knock in port reduction gear so came back
alongside. All efforts to locate cause and remedy knock were
unavailing despite around the clock work by ship's force and tender.
On 15 June got underway for one day of training. On 18 June made a
4 hour full power test inside lagoon. Noise still persisted. No
torpedoes were fired, was not sound tested nor depermed. Ensign
P.L. SMITHER, USN, was detached and Ensign Delbert E. DAWSON, USN
reported aboard for duty. Lieut. Comdr. Arthur C. HOUSE, USN,
reported aboard for duty on 18 June as P.C.O.

(B) NARRATIVE

19 June 1944

0545(L) Underway for Fourth War Patrol in accordance with ComTask group
17.6 mailgram 181152 of June 1944 with orders to rendezvous with
coordinated attack group consisting of Captain T.V. O'REGAN, O.T.C.
in GUARDFISH plus THRESHER and PIRANHA in position 25° N 165° E at
dawn on 23 June 1944. U.S.S. GILLOUES (DE265) acting as target and
escort.

0845(L) Arrived submarine operating area off MAJURO, made trim and deep
dive, held drills, made two zero and two radar approaches. Held
battle surface and fired 4 inch and 20 MM guns.

1400(L) Completed training, set course for north safety lane and ren-
dezvous point at two engine full speed.

1825(L) Entered safety lane in company with escort.

20 June 1944

0028(L) Made SJ contact 333° 17,000 yards, and lost contact at
0055(L) bearing 262° T 20,000 yards. This was evidently destroyer
patrol off WOTJE.

0300(L) Detached escort. SJ showed good performance by tracking this
DE out to 18,000 yards.

0400(L) Increased speed to 3 engines. Held daily dives and fire
control drills enroute.

- 1 -

— page 92 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

21 June 1944
0300(L) Left western end of safety lane.
1300(L) Test fired all machine guns.
1503(L) Noted radar interference on SD, 18-33N 168-57E.

22 June 1944
1851(L) Noted weak radar interference on SD, 23-26N 166-09E.
2330(L) Stopped to inspect port reduction gear. Noise still same. No
visual marks on gear except pitting maybe slightly increased.

23 June 1944
0133(L) SJ radar interference 343° Τ.
0352(L) SJ contact 300° T, 11,000 yards. Stationed radar tracking party
for drill.
0416(L) Sighted and exchanged calls with GUARDFISH. Closed and received
Operation Order 204-44 and additional instructions from group
commander.
0445(L) Cleared GUARDFISH to form scouting line 15 mile interval. Order
of ships, North to South, PIRANHA, GUARDFISH, APOGON, THRESHER.
Calibrated and tested assigned frequencies. Enroute area, made three
dives daily, Held drills, tested SJ recognition at night successfully.

24 June 1944
". Uneventful. Set clocks to zone -10 time (K)

25 June 1944
1849(K) Made sight contact with GUARDFISH.
2200(K) c/c to 229° т - line of bearing 319° T interval 10 miles pro-
ceeding to area of downed aviator.

26 June 1944
0916(K) Made sight contact with GUARDFISH to exercise radar tracking
party.
1605(K) Received search plan for next day. Took advantage of smooth water
to remove vent blanks from #4 M.Β.Τ.

27 June 1944
0530(K) Commenced search plan - course 013° T - 15 knots - scouting
distance 12,000 yards.
0630(K) c/c to 283° т.
0718(K) Lookout sighted large landplane (BETTY) 028° T 25,000 yards,
21-26N 145-03E. Not picked up by SD. SJ coached on and obtained range
of 25,000 yards. Air Con No. 1. No dive.
0806(K) c/c to 1930 т.
-2-

— page 93 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.
0920(K) Sighted land PAJAROS ISLAND 184° T - 45 miles. Volcano was
smoking.
0925(K) 0.0.D. sighted plane 103° T 18 miles. Looked like CORONADO or
EMILY. No contact on SD, slight response on I.F.F. SJ coached on
picked it up at 33,000 yards. Air Con No. 2. Did not dive.
1006(K) c/c to 283° T.
1142(K) c/c to 013º T.
1330(K) Passed several oil drums.
1442(K) c/c to 2830 T.
1618(K) c/c to 193° T.
1717(K) Sighted object looking like raft with one man aboard. Sent con-
tact report and closed raft, 21-47N 144-12E.
1725(K) Raft was made of planks lashed to oil drums. A piece of canvas
was rigged as small awning. There were 4 Japs aboard, all believed to
be alive although three were stretched flat hiding faces. None would
answer hail or look up. They had probably been afloat for at least
three days. Position was 85-90 miles NW of PAJAROS ISLAND and their
chance of survival small. Did not desire to take any prisoners this
early in patrol so closed GUARDFISH and made report by visual.
1850(K) Sighted another object bearing 240° T - 4 miles. Closed and
found another raft lashed to oil drums. Two men had been seen sitting
up but on closer approach there were four Japs, all now lying flat with
heads under canvas. No sigh of provisions or water. None would
acknowledge hail or move or show faces. At this time lookout sighted
another raft about 3 miles farther south.
1940(K) Closed 3rd raft. This was in bad shape as one of supporting oil
drums had evidently flooded and raft was on a 30° angle. It was
beginning to get dark by this time but one Jap could be seen hanging in
water alongside of raft and there were about four more clinging flat on
top of raft and trying to hide under a small piece of canvas. None
would answer hail or show face. Their uniforms were nondescript al-
though one was seen to have a hat similar to baseball cap (army hat?)
Two had on what looked like long winter underwear. Decided to abandon
them all as their chances for survival were very slim.
1947(K) Proceeding to form new scouting line - bearing 180° T interval 15
mile - base course 271° T.
Fully converted #4 M.B.T. and flushed out.

28 June 1944
0516(K) Made dawn dive.
0646(K) Lookout sighted 2 engine landplane (BETTY) 035° T 10 miles. When
it turned toward, sent contact message and dove. Received plane contact
message from THRESHER at the same time. Air Con No. 3 - 21-16N 141-44E.
0725(K) Surfaced.
0905(K) Lookout sighted unidentified plane bearing 185° T distant about 15
miles. Did not dive. Air Con No. 4.
1035(K) Received "aircraft - diving" from GUARDFISH. Nothing sighted.

-3-

— page 94 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

28 June 1944 Con't.
Sighted several oil drums this date.
Shifted clocks to zone -9 (I) time. All times hereafter will be
zone -9 unless otherwise noted.

29 June 1944
1100
Sighted small white object in water dead ahead. Picked it up and
it appeared to be a life belt with no identifying marks. Looked to be
designed as seat and back cushion for an aviator. Kept it aboard.
Posit 21-30N 135-30E.

30 June 1944
Uneventful.

1 July 1944
0301
0800
1352
2100
SJ radar contact bearing 269° T 11,000 yards. Weak pip. Thought
this might be GROWLER but target tracked on wide zigs between 330° and
030° T at 18 knots. Was evidently a submarine or patrol boat. Could
not get ahead and lost contact at 0352. Sent contact message.
Received reference position from O.T.C. Am almost 70 miles ahead
of position.
Made sight contact with THRESHER through high periscope. He
gradually closed and asked us to remain within 8,000 yards so that he
could tune his SJ radar which was giving trouble.
Entered patrol area.

2 July 1944
0200
0522
1949
THRESHER pulled clear proceeding to assigned position.
Dove for submerged patrol.
Surfaced.

3 July 1944
0522
0525
0526
1404
1606
1700
*2013
Received message "THRESHER diving".
O.O.D. sighted exhaust of plane 200° T 8 miles. Posit 21-32N
122-22 E. Air Con No. 5.
Dove for submerged patrol.
Sighted NORTH ISLAND and Y'AMI ISLAND of BATAN group 240° T - 35
miles.
Sighted SIOGO ISLAND.
Sighted BATAN ISLAND 207° T - 53 miles.
Surfaced.

-4-

— page 95 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

4 July 1944

0540 Dove for submerged patrol.
0836 Sighted 10 Type A (Navy) landing barges (see ONI 41-42) proceeding
       on southerly course in ragged formation. Bearing 035° distant 4 miles.
       Posit 21-07N 121-23E.
0843 Heard faint echo ranging.
0925 With barges still in sight, picked up masts of 4 trawler type
       patrol vessels following about 5 miles astern of barges. One was echo
       ranging. Leading escort had two masts, rest only one. Went to battle
       stations in case they were leading something bigger.
0954 Range to leading escort was about 4,000 yards - no heavy ships seen.
       Echo ranging closer and escort turned towards. Took a quick sweep
       around and sighted EMILY patrol plane circling about one mile distant.
       Went deep to evade.
1125 All clear on sound except distant echo ranging bearing 115° T, came
       up to periscope depth.
1137 At periscope depth, a quick sweep showed at least 6 sampans and
       patrol boats on bearings between 030° T and 120° T, closest about 2,000
       yards. Echo ranging getting closer again. Realized they might be
       looking for me so went to 150 feet to get below a 4° negative gradient.
1152 Fast light screws coming in close.
1210 Echo ranging getting close. Could now hear several sets of screws
       on various bearings, two were light and very fast like a sampan, others
       were slightly heavier and about 230 RPM, probably trawler patrols.
1219 Echo ranging very close went to 275 feet below another layer.
       Could hear 5 sets of screws milling around. Some would stop to listen,
       loud pounding noises all around dial.
       Commenced evading to NW. From this time on heard 3 to 6 sets of screws
       almost constantly. Ships would make runs directly overhead but nothing
       was ever dropped unless the occasional pounding noise heard was some-
       thing new.
1345 Echo ranging getting weak but screws still close.
1447 Picked up a new set of screws sounding about like our DE. This
       fellow started a run overhead so rigged fully for depth charge and
       went deep. Began to wonder if we had air or oil leak or if knock in
       port shaft was too loud.
1545 All quiet and started up to 300 feet.
1612 Several screws heard again.
1640 Again making runs overhead. Began to wonder if this was a new hold
       down tactic or if they were waiting for somebody with depth charges.
       They kept making runs till
1840 when all screws stopped. Had been working NW all day but now made
       a slow turn to 120° T heading into what slight wind there was.
1920 Still all clear - started easing up and increased speed.
2010 Periscope depth all clear on sound and sight. Secured from depth
       charge. Bright moon, calm sea and clear sky. Also a very hot boat.
2059 Surfaced.
2104 SJ contact on land 010° T 65,000 yards, KOTO SHO.

- 5 -

— page 100 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. APOGON (SS308) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

0703 heard two distant explosions - maybe bombs.
0850 heard two distant explosions.
0903 heard 26 depth charges. Someone probably hit something. Explosions
did not sound over 10 miles away.
0914 JP heard distant echo ranging bearing 195° T.
0921 JP now clearing area at 100 feet on north-
easterly course. Leaks had slowed to 8-10 gals/minute and drain pump
handled it OK by pumping about 25 minutes out of each hour.
1054-58 Heard 24 distant explosions.
1102 Heard 2 distant explosions - Convoy hasn't traveled very far during
last eight hours.
1222 Heard 3 distant explosions.
1700 QB back in commission.
2042 Surfaced - Periscope shears, periscopes and radar masts all bent
to port at an angle of 47°, all out of commission. All holding down
bolts on shears were sheared off. About 6 or 8 feet of No. 1 periscope
cut off cleanly. See section (K) for damage. Decided to proceed
direct to PEARL, making best speed when I could during smooth weather.
Was afraid rough seas might cause periscopes and masts to snap off and
topple shears overboard. Realized SJ mast fitting outboard with marlin
and flax packing and wedged with wood. Made up tie rods to help hold
shears in place. Sent message to OTC reporting damage. Went ahead 3
engine full speed.

13 July 1944

0030 Sent Serial One to Comsubpac reporting damage and departure from
area.
0921 Sighted 2 engine bomber (BETTY) 280° T - 7 miles - 20-04N 126-34E.
Air Con No. 18.
0921 Dove. Ran at 80 - 100 feet all day. Do not feel it safe to
surface during daylight with no periscopes or radar. Leaks in conning
tower had slowed to two small pencil streams.
2020 Surfaced - proceeding at 3 engine speed.
2332 Went to 4 engine speed.

14 July 1944

Enroute PEARL at 4 engine full speed. Weather excellent with
smooth sea and clear skies except few low clouds on horizon.

15 July 1944

Enroute PEARL at 4 engine full speed.
0700 Slowed to 2 engine speed. Was afraid shears would not stand a
high speed dive if necessary.
1000 Entered SAIPAN 600 mile circle.
1131 Sighted 2 engine bomber (probably Jap) 040° T - 8 miles. Posit
21-50N 137-52E. Air Con No. 19. Dove and ran at 80 feet all day.
1921 Surfaced, went ahead at 3 engine speed.

- 10 -