U.S.S. MORAY (SS-300) — war patrol report SS-300_MORAY.pdf

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JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: G-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR 202-79]

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OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: EDWARDS]

DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 1/9/80]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

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

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

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

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[HANDWRITTEN: MORAY (SS-300)]
[HANDWRITTEN: WORLD WAR II PATROL FILE]
[HANDWRITTEN: ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: FOR DECK LOG JANUARY - JUNE 1945 CONSULT]
[HANDWRITTEN: NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY]

[HANDWRITTEN: J.B. KOONTZ]

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Navy Department
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Division of Naval History (Op-29)
Ship's Histories Section

HISTORY OF USS MORAY (SS-300)

USS MORAY (SS-300) is named for the Moray species of eels
which are voracious, savage and often brightly colored. Their
gill openings are small and round, the pectoral fins as well as
the pelvics are wanting, the back of the head is elevated, the
jaws are usually narrow and bear strong knifelike teeth. They
occur in all warm seas and are especially common in crevices
about coral reefs.

USS MORAY (SS-300), first ship of the Fleet to bear the
name, was authorized by Act of Congress, approved 23 December
1941. She was built by the Cramp Shipbuilding Company of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her keel was laid 21 April 1943,
and she was launched on 14 May 1944 under the sponsorship of
Mrs. Styles Bridges, wife of The Honorable Styles Bridges,
United States Senator from the State of New Hampshire.

MORAY was placed in commission at the Navy Yard, Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania, on 26 January 1945, when Commander
Frank L. Barrows, USN assumed command. She departed
Philadelphia on 31 January for shakedown training, arriving
at Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut, on 1 February
1945. On 17 February 1945, while returning from local
operations to New London, MORAY collided with coal barge
ANNAPOLIS of 2100 tons which sank after rescue of her crew of
three. MORAY underwent repairs at New London and after brief
operations at that port and Newport, Rhode Island, departed
New London on 14 April, conducting daily training operations
enroute with two other submarines and a destroyer escort vessel
to Submarine Base, Balboa, Panama Canal Zone, arriving 25 April
1945 for further training exercises.

On 5 May 1945, MORAY departed Balboa for Pearl Harbor,
arriving 21 May. She underwent voyage repairs and conducted
final training in the Hawaiian area prior to departure on 7
June 1945 for Saipan, Marianas Island where she arrived 20
June 1945.

On the afternoon of 27 June 1945, MORAY departed Saipan
on her first war patrol as the senior unit of a coordinated
attack group which also included submarines SEA POACHER, ANGLER,
CERO, LAPON and CARP. The first phase of this patrol was
lifeguard station near Tokyo. Commander Barrows in MORAY
assumed tactical command of the group and assigned patrol
stations when the patrol area was reached on 1 July 1945.

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USS MORAY (SS-300)

Her first lifeguard assignment was on 3 July but there
was no need for her services and only friendly planes were
sighted. On 4 July she observed the sky clouded with B-29
bombers going to and from Honshu. Until 9 July, the only
enemy encountered were radar contact with several enemy planes
but MORAY escaped their notice.

Early in the evening of 10 July 1945, off Kinkazan,
Honshu, Japan, radar contact was made with three ships in
convoy going tracked by KINGFISH who had reported the convoy
to MORAY. She waited until KINGFISH completed her attack then
moved in to fire six torpedoes and pulled out to rearm
and permit KINGFISH to make a second attack. A few moments
later, one of MORAY's torpedoes hit and one ship disintegrated
in a burst of smoke and flame. The enemy target was later
identified as whaler FUMI MARU NUMBER 5 of 384 tons. A minute
or so later, another explosion was heard and seen but no
positive evidence was present as to a second hit. However,
KINGFISH on her second attack could find only one target,
and for a time, thought MORAY to be the other. Fortunately,
she discovered the error in time. Except for this one contact
with the enemy, other shipping was not sighted during this
patrol.

On 16 July 1945, patrol station was shifted to an area
around the Kurile Islands with no contact being made with the
enemy. MORAY departed her patrol area on 1 August, returning
to Midway Atoll on 6 August 1945.

On 1 September 1945, MORAY departed Midway for deactivation
at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, San Francisco,
California, on 11 September and proceeded to Mare Island Naval
Shipyard for minor overhaul, preparatory to being placed out
of commission. On 11 October 1945, she shifted to Tiburon
Bay alongside USS GRIFFIN where work was continued. Lieu-
tenant Commander Hugh E. Wright, USN, relieved Commander F.
L. Barrows of command on 13 December and on this same day
MORAY returned to Mare Island for final phases of preservation
work. She was placed out of commission in reserve on 12 April
1946 and has remained in reserve status to the present date
of 16 April 1958. She is assigned to the Mare Island Group,
U. S. Pacific Reserve Fleet, berthed at Mare Island, California.

MORAY earned one battle star for operations listed below:

1 Star/THIRD FLEET OPERATIONS AGAINST JAPAN: 10-16 July 1945

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USS MORAY (SS-300)

ORIGINAL STATISTICS

LENGTH OVER-ALL:                               311'8"
EXTREME BEAM:                                  27'3"
STANDARD DISPLACEMENT:
  Tons:                                        1526
  Mean Draft:                                  15'3"
SUBMERGED DISPLACEMENT:
  Tons:                                        2424
DESIGN SPEED:
  Surface:                                     20.25 knots
  Submerged:                                   8.75 knots
DESIGN COMPLEMENT:
  Officers:                                    6
  Enlisted:                                    60
ARMAMENT:
  Main:                                        (10) Torpedo Tubes
  Secondary:                                   (1) 5-inch .25 caliber
                                               (1) 40 mm
                                               (2) .50 caliber machine
                                                     guns

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[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

U.S.S. MORAY (SS300)
SS300/A16-3
Serial: 019-45

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
6 August 1945.

S-E-C-R-E-T-D-E-C-L-A-S-S-I-F-I-E-D

From:
To : The Commanding Officer.
Via : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Official Channels.

Subject: U.S.S. MORAY (SS300) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart (ComSubPac only).

1. Enclosure (A) covering the First War Patrol of this
vessel conducted in the Polar Circuit, KURILE ISLANDS during the period
from 27 June to 6 August 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: F. L. BARROWS]
F. L. BARROWS.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 045, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/31/72]
DECLASSIFIED

[HANDWRITTEN: 137391]

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U.S.S. MORAY (SS300)

(A) PROLOGUE:

This vessel was commissioned at Navy Yard, Philadelphia, Penna.
on 26 January 1945 and departed for training at New London, Connecticut
on 31 January 1945. Training period in New London was delayed by
repairs to collision damage (Sunk by ramming; one 2,100 ton coal barge
on 17 February 1945; not the first new construction boat to get tonnage
during training period, but the highest tonnage) and by failure to
satisfactorily complete contract torpedo trials on the first attempt.
Tubes were finally tested satisfactorily and training completed.
Incidentally, much other work was done by Submarine Base, New London
during this period to complete this vessel.

14 April to 25 April 1945: Enroute Balboa, Canal Zone in company
with USS CARP and DE Escort (GILLETTE). Daily training dives, approaches,
tracking, etc.

26 April to 4 May 1945: Training at Balboa, Canal Zone. This was
the best training period that any of us have ever encountered. Fired
twenty-seven (27) exercise shots for twenty (20) hits. We have a good
torpedo gang. No erratics and no losses while firing and retaining
nine (9) torpedoes for those twenty-seven (27) shots.

5 May to 21 May 1945: Enroute Balboa, Canal Zone to Submarine Base,
Pearl Harbor, T.H. in company with USS CARP, USS RUNNER, and USS
WOODFORD (DE100). Daily diving, approaches, etc., and some WOPAC drill.

22 May to 7 June 1945: Voyage repairs and training at Submarine
Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. Our SJ radar never worked reliably until
Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor worked on it. It's good now and we hope
it continues so. Installed the following equipment: APR, SPA, keying
system on SJ, additional RBL, SCR - 610 radio, and DC supply for diving
alarm. Increased complement by one (1) officer and six (6) enlisted
men, totaling nine (9) officers and eighty-four (84) men.

8 June to 20 June 1945: Enroute Saipan in company with USS CARP.
21 June to 26 June 1945: At Saipan for voyage repairs and waiting
for patrol assignment. Installed APR, SAX, and Loran navigation
equipment.

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U.S.S. MORAY (SS300)

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

(B) NARRATIVE:

OFFICERS ATTACHED

NAME                               RANK                               TOTAL WAR PATROLS *
BARROWS, Frank L.                  Commander, USN.                    9
ZULLINGER, John R.                 Lieut-Comdr., USN.                 9
STROUP, Ralph F.                   Lieutenant, USNR.                  10
FINCH, Donald E.                   Lieutenant, USN.                   6
ADAMS, Frank W.                    Lieutenant, USNR.                  3
WYATT, Robert K.                   Lieutenant, USNR.                  1
SCHLOSSMAN, Lawrence A.            Ensign, USNR.                      1
KERBER, Harold E.                  Ensign, USNR.                      1
MAYER, Bill W.                     Ensign, USN.                       1

CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS ATTACHED

NAME                               RATE                               TOTAL WAR PATROLS *
SZERBIAK, Robert (n)               CTM (AA) (T)                       8
HARMAN, Wilbert H.                 COM (AA)                           9
BERG, Andrew H.                    CRM (T)                            3
ABREU, Edward D. Jr.               CRT (T)                            2
DAY, Joel V.                       CRT (AA) (T)                       2
WALDA, John (n)                    CMOM (T)                           3
TAVIS, Ernest (n)                  CMOM (T)                           5
PARSLEY, Dean R.                   CMOM (T)                           1
RUGGLY, Dean R.                    CPhM (T)                           4

* Includes this patrol.

27 June 1945.

1500 (K) Underway for patrol. Departed Saipan for lifeguard
         station in company with USS SEMPOACHER, USS CERO,
         USS LAPON, and USS CARP. Had radar contact on
         two (2) friendly ships, (Ship Contact #1) and USS TIGRONE (Ship
         Contact #2) in joint zone. Radar and visual contacts on
         various friendly aircraft.

(All times will be ITEM unless otherwise specified.)

1 July 1945.

0930     Sent MORAY #1 requesting instructions for boats in
         company. Assigned patrol stations to all boats while
         awaiting instructions.
1647     Received ComSubPac despatch with lifeguard instructions (NTM 21).
1919     Radar contact on TORI SHIMA. Range 22 1/2 miles.

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                                                           ENCLOSURE (A)

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

U.S.S. MORAY (SS300)

2 July 1945.

1856        Received ComSubPac despatch with lifeguard assignment for
            3 July. (NM 97)
2200        On lifeguard station.
2240        Exchanged recognition and calls via SJ with USS DEVILFISH.
            (Ship Contact #3).

3 July 1945.

0010        In communication with our DUMBO for tonight. Had contact
            with only one (1) other aircraft on this station. He was
            friendly.
            DUMBO departed.
0242        Arrived on lifeguard station.
2245        Friendly aircraft began passing overhead to celebrate the
2246        4th of July over HONSHU.

4 July 1945.

0106        Our PLAYMATE for tonight arrived. This is quite a show to
            us newcomers. An endless stream of own aircraft (B-29) heading
            North. They soon began to return and were so numerous in
            both directions that we believed they must be making shuttle
            trips. They continued to pass Southward until about 0600.
            We highly approve of this method of celebrating the 4th of July.
            PLAYMATE departed.
0347        Received word relayed from an unknown PLAYMATE by USS THREADFIN
0440        that four (4) red flares had been sighted Lat. 31-14 N. Long.
            136-40 E. Headed toward.
0645        Sighted half of a Kapok type life raft. Uninhabited.
0754        Arrived at reported location of flares and began search.
0825        USS THREADFIN arrived. (Ship Contact #4). He searched to South
            while we took North of reported point. Sighted miscellaneous
            debris, but nothing definite during day's search.
1312        Sighted and attempted to sink a mine. Unsuccessful, but did
            see that we put a few holes in it. (We will get a Springfield).
1930        Dark. Discontinued search. ComSubPac despatch (NM 194) says
            no plane down in this area. This search cost us a lot of fuel,
            but the chance was worth it.
2125        Suddenly several close SJ contacts. They must be aircraft.
            Most uncomfortable feeling. Dove. There must be something
            wrong with the SD.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

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

U.S.S: MORAY (SS300)

5 July 1945.
0419         Surfaced. Discovered a low insulation reading on SD mast.
1940         Dove for SJ contact closing fast. No sound contact after
             diving.
2015         Surfaced.
2038         More close SJ contacts. Dove.
2204         Surfaced.
2215         More close SJ contacts. Dove. Could these be Gremlins?
             Decided to stay on surface and find out.
2301         Surfaced.

6 July 1945.
0007         Sighted aircraft overhead. His engine was heard by three (3)
             of bridge personnel. This is NOT a Gremlin. Dove. Will give
             him time to go away.
0830         Surfaced very late. The "MORAY Hotel" call book got snafu.
2049         Sent MORAY #2 requesting missing serials.

7 July 1945.
1107         Sighted USS KINGFISH. (Ship Contact #5). Exchanged recognition
             and calls.
1205         Sighted USS THORNBACK. (Ship Contact #6). Exchanged
             recognition and calls. Rendezvoused to exchange data.
1700         Commenced Special Mission.

8 July 1945.
1734         Sighted mine. Fired and hit, but did not detonate or sink.

9 July 1945.
0431         O.O.D. dove from friendly aircraft. (Mistaken identity).
0515         Surfaced.
0626         Dove as before. This one was boring in on us.
0718         Surfaced. Communicated with one (1) aircraft who agreed not
             to approach within six (6) miles. Heard him tell four (4)
             other aircraft to do
             the same data.
1515         Sighted aircraft wheel. Too big and heavy to salvage.
1647         Completed Special Mission.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

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

U.S.S. MORAY (SS300)

10 July 1945.

0724 Dove.
0910 Surfaced.
0911 Sighted USS CERO. (Ship Contact #7).
1100 Exchanged missing serials with CERC. Gave CERO instructions
for rotating patrol in Polar Circuit.
1435 On patrol station.

1648 Received USS KINGFISH contact report on area frequency.
No course or speed given. What the hell?
2120 Radar contact. SJ interference on same bearing. (Ship Contact
#8). KINGFISH is still tracking his contact of this afternoon.
Coordinated activities on SCR - 610. He took first attack
giving us a bad minute or two by tracking us.
2223 Heard end of run explosions after KINGFISH attack on three (3)
targets (?). One of the three (3) targets moved to his right.
We'll let him go and get the other two. Just prior to firing
on a 120 port track at 2,420 yards, the third target came back
on our starboard beam closing slowly.
2328 Fired one (1) torpedo and turned away. Third target is not in good attack
position. Pulled out to reload and let KINGFISH go in again.
Waiting for hits. Time of run three (3) minutes and fifty-five
(55) seconds.
2333 Observed and heard one (1) hit. One (1) ship disintegrated in
a burst of flame and smoke. Saw explosion on PPI and then
lost him from radar screen.
2335 Heard and saw another explosion. Maybe we damaged other target
or maybe it was still the first one burning though it was
separated from the first explosion which was still smoking.
Timing shows one (1) hit and four (4) end of run explosions.
KINGFISH on his second attack could find only one (1) target so
he assumed that we were the other target and we had a bad minute
persuading him that we should not be tracked. He fired
again and missed. Targets were never definitely identified, but
believe they were luggers (?) about six hundred (600) tons.
Depth setting of four (4) feet hit one (1) target. Radar pips
at 12,000 yards. This attack was good for morale and all hands
deserve a lot of credit for a good performance.

11 July 1945.

0334 Dove.
1725 Surfaced.

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U.S.S. MORAY (SS300)

12 July 1945.

0424         Dove.
1253         Surfaced.
1312         Dove.
1848         Surfaced.

13 July 1945.

0345         Dove.
1830         Surfaced.

14 July 1945.

1229         High periscope contact. (Ship Contact #9). Unidentified.
             Tracked on 140° T., speed 13.
1320         Sent contact report on WOPACO.
1500         Lost contact and could not regain. Might have been submarine.
1700         Sent message to KINGFISH on WOPACO to determine if she could
             have been our contact. She was not.
1724         Sighted friendly submarine identified as USS KINGFISH. (Ship
             Contact #10).
1803         Rendezvoused with KINGFISH to exchange information.
1850         Broadcast MORAY #140931 to ABOLISHERS on WOPACO frequency to
             see if any of them could have been our contact. No reply.

15 July 1945.

1453         Sighted USS KINGFISH. (Ship Contact #11). Rendezvoused to
             receive a little extra canned vegetables. Accomplished this
             under friendly air cover (PRIVATER).
1700         Commenced Special Mission.
1703         Dove for friendly aircraft coming in. He would not talk.
1733         Surfaced.

16 July 1945.

1025         Dove for friendly aircraft. He would talk, but continued
             to close contrary to request.
1102         Surfaced.
1409         Detonated a mine with 50 Cal.
1443         Sank a mine with 50 Cal.
1448         Detonated a mine with 40MM. You have to poke these mines hard
             to make them explode.
1635         Sighted USS KINGFISH. (Ship Contact #12).
1720         Sighted USS THORNBACK. (Ship Contact #13).
1830         Completed Special Mission. Clearing area proceeding to
             Polar Circuit.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

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

U.S.S. MORAY (SS300)

17 July 1945.
0230 Sent MORAY #4 to ComSubPac.
0335 Dove.
0426 Surfaced.
1611 Sank emergency detachable aircraft gasoline tank with 50 Cal.
1646 Sank same with carbine.

18 July 1945.
1007 Dove.
1053 Surfaced.
1200 On station in "CLUBCAR". Headed for ETOROFU STRAIT.

19 July 1945.
0300 Received report of USS CERO bombing near ETOROFU.
0912 Dove.
0940 Surfaced.
1416 Dove.
1500 Surfaced.
2048 Made a dove for unidentified close sight contact. "Nuttin'
on periscope, nuttin' on sound, nuttin' on radar, nuttin'
all around."
2355 Surfaced.

20 July 1945.
0128 Received word that USS CERO was returning to Midway.
2126 Sent MORAY #5 reassigning areas for BARNSTON-ERS.

21 July 1945.
0305 Dove.
0352 Surfaced.
0649 Dove.
1416 Surfaced.
1920 Set clocks ahead one (1) hour to zone -10 (KING) time.

All times will be KING unless otherwise specified.

22 July 1945.
0747 Dove.
1820 Surfaced.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

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U.S.S. MORAY (SS300)

23 July 1945.

0034 Sent MORAY #221222 to USS KINGFISH and USS CARP asking how
       they were making out.
0130 Received messages from USS KINGFISH and USS CARP that they
       did no better than we. Proceeding to PARAMUSHIRU TO.

24 July 1945.

0244 APR contact. Probably on MATSUA TO.
0425 Dove.
0552 Surfaced.

25 July 1945.

0336 Dove.
1834 Surfaced.

26 July 1945.

1400 Dove.
1446 Surfaced.

27 July 1945.

0631 Received lifeguard assignment off PARAMUSHIRU TO (ConSubPac
       261607). Headed toward.

28 July 1945.

0217 Received ConSubPac serial fifty-one (51). We are now the
       NorPac Lifeguard League.
0303 Dove. Repairing SJ radar.
0509 Surfaced.
1410 Dove for unidentified aircraft.
1719 Surfaced.
1955 Radar contact 30,000 yards (See radar remarks).

29 July 1945.

0947 Received lifeguard assignment for 1000 this date.
1304 Received cancellation of above.
1710 Dove.
1738 Surfaced.

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U.S.S. MORAY (SS300)

30 July 1945.

1014 Received lifeguard assignment for 1000 this date.
1453 Received cancellation of the above assignment.

31 July 1945.

0320 Received lifeguard assignment for 1000 this date.
1020 APR contact. Probably enemy aircraft search radar located
in vicinity of South entrance to PARAMUSHIRU KAIKYO.
1045 On lifeguard station. No signals on lifeguard circuit since
0430. Strike was probably cancelled because of fog.

1 August 1945.

0250 Received word that there would be no air strike today.
1914 Departed station in accordance with OpOrd.

2 August 1945.

Enroute MIDWAY.

6 August 1945.

2100 Changed date to 5 August 1945 and set clocks ahead one (1)
hour to zone #12 (YOKE) time.

6 August 1945.

Arrived MIDWAY.

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C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. MORAY (SS300)
(H) ATTACK DATA:
TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 1

U.S.S. MORAY (SS300)
Time Date Lat. Long.
2325 (I) 10 July 1945 38 - 11 N. 142 - 15 E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description : Targets were a convoy of three (3) ships. Contact was
made by radar at a range of 12,000 yards. Night visibility
conditions were good with no moon. Targets were sighted
from bridge at 3,600 yards.

Ship(s) Sunk: One (1) small AK (600 tons) possibly loaded with gasoline
or oil. Size determined by radar contact at 12,000 yards
and hit with four (4) foot depth setting.

Ship(s) Dama- : None.
ged or Probably
Sunk

Damage Deter- : Explosion with flame and smoke seen from bridge. PPI
mined by showed large blot at target on explosion and complete
disappearance of target in fifty (50) seconds.

Target Draft Course Speed Range (at firing)
Unknown 274 11 2,300 for #1
2,900 for #2

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed Course Depth Angle (at firing)
12.5 330 Surface 1° D.

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack: Targets tracked by radar bearings and ranges on TDC, DRT, and
relative plot from a range of 7000-8000 yards on the surface.
Targets were approached at high speed from forward of the beam.
TBT bearings were used for tracking inside of 3600 yards and
firing bearings. Divided fire was used, with three (3)
torpedoes at first target and two (2) at the second. Offset
spread of 1° was used between torpedoes.

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U.S.S. MORAY (SS300)

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS:

No anti-submarine measures were encountered.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE:

HULL AND MACHINERY

1. Number 2 I.C. motor generator set could not be used due to a soft
spot in the slip ring. Two (2) cuts were taken on this slip ring by rigging
an arbor on the machine and turning armature by hand. The machine was
thus placed in operating condition for emergency use only due to the fact
that the copper was so thin at one point on the slip ring that it was
felt it should not be used. It is recommended that the number 3 I.C.
motor generator set (radar motor generator) be replaced at the earliest
opportunity with a 15 KVA machine in accordance with ShipAlt SS280K10,
File SS/S65-5(81) of 7 March 1945.

2. The rotary switch of the hydrogen detector motor failed. No spares
are carried on board. Ship's force repaired same. It is strongly
recommended that one (1) spare unit be carried on board.

3. MORAY confidential letter SS300/S8, serial 018-45 of 30 June 1945
reported that this vessel could not complete a four (4) hour full power
run with injection temperature in excess of 80° F. because of excessive
main motor air temperatures. It is felt that this constitutes a military
deficiency by limiting the areas in which this vessel should operate.

4. The stern plane drift stop is so located that when the stern is in
position, the stern plane indicator shows 2° dive. Then making speeds
in excess of fourteen (14) knots, this vessel tends to ride down by the
bow. At full power this effect is very noticeable. Dive angles up to
1/2° have been repeatedly noted on inclinometer then at high speed. It
is felt that this condition results in a loss of propellor efficiency and
that the stern plane drift stop should be relocated to allow securing
the stern planes on 0° or possibly with a slight rise angle. Prior to the
war, extensive tests were conducted by Submarines of the Submarine Force
to determine the best securing position of stern planes with regards to
propulsion efficiency. It was determined that stern planes should be
secured on about 2° dive.

5. Number 1 periscope could not be used during the entire period of
patrol because of progressively increasing leakage past the hoisting
piston. This leakage eventually exceeds the capacity of the drain tank
causing rough surfaces which tear the packing rings causing them to leak.
Sea water leakage was discovered and remedied on those cylinders last
March. It is recommended that these cylinders be replaced. Leakage past
the piston of number 2 periscope is very minor.

- 13 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 20 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. MORAY (SS300)

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (Continued)

6. This vessel has been sound tested four (4) times by different
testing crews. Results are as follows:

LOCATION             DATE         40 R.P.M.   50 R.P.M.   60 R.P.M.
New London, Conn.    8 Feb. 1945  77 DB       79 DB       79 DB
Panama, C.Z.         27 Apr. 1945 81 DB       83 DB       90 DB
Pearl Harbor, T.H.   29 May 1945  92 DB       94 DB       92 DB
Pearl Harbor, T.H.   4 June 1945  92 DB       93 DB       102 DB

Reduction gear noise can be clearly heard on own JP equipment as slow
submerged speeds. A further sound test is requested to determine
whether main reduction gear noise is still increasing.

(L) RADIO:

No major casualties occurred. Reception of the Submarine Fox
Schedules was satisfactory except for daytime reception in the Polar
Circuit where signals were frequently weak. Ship to shore transmissions
were made at night on the 12,000 kc band and were satisfactory in
all cases.

Safplan frequencies were generally crowded, but no difficulty
was encountered in carrying out successful communication with other
boats.

VHF communication with aircraft was very satisfactory and effective
up to thirty (30) miles.

SCR - 610 was used to advantage with other submarines at ranges
up to seven (7) miles.

(M) RADAR:

SJ: The SJ radar was very dependable throughout the entire patrol.
Second sweep return echoes at ranges of approximately 130,000 yards were
obtained. The character of the echo was determined by varying the pulse
rate, thus causing the target to disappear and to ascertain it as a
second sweep return echo. There were no major casualties to this radar
and none that caused the loss of any operational time. Had been to
Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor for this. Our SJ never worked reliably
prior to arrival Pearl.

- 14 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 21 —
U.S.S. MORAY (SS300)

(M) RADAR (Continued)

ST: The ST radar was used very little during this patrol, but when
used, was of value. When submerged in the vicinity of land, it proved
useful for navigational purposes. Ranges of up to 35,000 yards with
eight (8) feet of periscope exposed on land targets (4,000 feet above
sea level) were obtained. There were no casualties to this radar during
this patrol.

SD: The SD radar was valueless during the entire patrol. The antenna
mast became grounded. An attempt was made to seal the mast from topside
and then "dry out" the ground with a "jury rig" heater circuit, but to
no avail. Tube V101 (8014A) in the transmitter failed. Tube V101 and
V102 were replaced, but not broken in because of the likelihood that we
would be detected while doing so. Prior to the above casualties, this
radar proved of little value. Large aircraft were visually detected
without SD contact.

APR - SPA EQUIPMENT: This equipment was manned continually. Intercepts
of radar signals are given in the APR log. The cathode ray tube in the
SPA pulse analyzer failed. As no spare was aboard, the identification
of other radar signals was hampered. The only contact made on the APR/
SAX was the SV radar in the CARP. The blower motor of the SAX caused
much interference until it and the spare failed completely. An exterior
cooling arrangement was made. The beat oscillator tuning bars of the
SAX shorted out intermittently due to the misalignment of the tuning bars
which caused binding and scraping within the tank. The result being that
the metal filings intermittently shorted out the beat oscillator plate.

(N) SONAR CLEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS:

No sound contacts were made. QB or JK was manned continually on
the surface at speeds under ten (10) knots. Noise level was generally
high and the advantage of this type of watch was not proved (fortunately).

(O) DENSITY LAYERS:

Negative gradients were generally encountered and extremely sharp
negative gradients were found in the vicinity of 38 N. 144 E.

Bathythermograph cards will be forwarded to the Hydrographic
Office.

- 15 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 22 —
U.S.S. MORAY (SS300)

CONFIDENTIAL

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY:

The general health of the crew was good with the usual amount of
constipation and headaches. Numerous colds were caused by foul weather
in which we were operating. There were two (2) cases of Cyst, Pilonidal,
causing two (2) days disability that had uneventful recovery, and one (1)
case of D.U. Fungus infection causing eleven (11) days disability.

With the assistance of the KINGFISH there was enough food which
was adequately prepared. Sanitary conditions were good.

Habitability was good.

(Q) PERSONNEL:

(a) Number of men on board this patrol - - - - 84
(b) Number of men qualified at start of patrol - 32
(c) Number of men qualified at end of patrol - - 64
(d) Number of men making first patrol - - - - 63

The performance of duty of all hands was very satisfactory.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED:

PEARL HARBOR to SAIPAN 3,700 miles 35,000 gallons
SAIPAN to area 1,200 miles 9,165 gallons
In area 7,000 miles 61,731 gallons
Area to MIDWAY 2,000 miles 31,000 gallons

(S) DURATION:

Days enroute PEARL HARBOR to SAIPAN - 12
Days at SAIPAN 7
Days enroute SAIPAN to area - - - - - 4
Days in area 31
Days enroute area to MIDWAY - - - - - 6
Days submerged 7

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING:

Torpedoes Fuel Provisions Personnel Factor Days

16 Mk. XVIII 38,000 gallons 14 days 20 days
(leaving area)

Limiting factors this patrol - Patrol terminated in accordance with
Operation Order.

- 16 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 23 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

U.S.S. MORAY (SS300)

(U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR, AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES:

COMMUNICATIONS:

Very little interference with Fox Schedules was encountered,

Safeguard frequencies were interfered with practically every time
that a submarine was called or was called. Interference was not sufficient
to nullify communications.

RADAR COUNTERMEASURES:

| Time | Lat.        | Long.         | Freq. Mcs. | PRF Cps. | Pulse Width | Remarks

— page 24 —
FB5-142/A16-3
SUBMARINE DIVISION 142
Fn

Serial: 026
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
MORAY First War
Report.

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

Subject: U.S.S. MORAY (SS300) - Report of War Patrol
Number ONE.

1. The first war patrol of the U.S.S. MORAY was spent
performing lifeguard duties off the Japanese Empire and offensive
operations in the Kurile Islands area. During the latter part of
the sixty days patrol, thirty-one of which were spent in the assi-
gned areas, the MORAY acted as a member of a coordinated attack group
which included the U.S.S. CERO, U.S.S. KINGFISH, and U.S.S. CARP.
The Commanding officer of the MORAY as group commander. Life-
guard duties in the North Pacific area were also tendered and two
special missions were accomplished.

2. Only two contacts worthy of torpedo fire were en-
countered. The first was a convoy of three small AK's or luggers
which was aggressively attacked and the second was never closed
to a range where it could be positively identified.

ATTACK NO. 1.
Early in the evening of 10 July 1945, radar contact was made on
a three ship convoy which was being tracked by the KINGFISH who had
previously reported it. After the KINGFISH had delivered an un-
successful attack, the MORAY closed and with a range of 2300 yards
and an average track of 122° port, fired three MK 18 torpedoes set
on 4 feet at one target and then fired two more torpedoes at a
second ship. One hit was heard and seen and one of the targets dis-
integrated. A later explosion indicated that another vessel may
possibly have been hit and the KINGFISH who subsequently made anoth-
attack could only locate one target, but claim is made for sinking
only one ship. No further attacks were delivered.

RECOMMENDED ASSESSMENT

SUNK

1 (UN) - 600 tons.

- 1 -
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
7 August 1945.

— page 25 —
FB5-142/A16-3
Serial: 026

SUBMARINE DIVISION 142
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
7 August 1945.

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
MORAY First War Patrol
Report.

Subject: U.S.S. MORAY (SS300) - Report of War Patrol
Number ONE.

3. The MORAY while on lifeguard station had the usual
experience of being unable to identify friendly planes in time to
prevent diving, but it is noted that her cover during strikes was
consistently contacted and communications on the whole were good.

4. Because of a ground in the mast which could not be
cleared, the SD radar was of little value on this patrol. The per-
formance of the ST and SJ radars was highly satisfactory, however,
and second sweep echoes on the SJ at ranges of 130,000 yards were
obtained. The spotty performance of the APR-SPA will be investigat-
ed and corrected.

5. With the exception of their number one periscope, the
MORAY returned from patrol in good material condition and will be
refitted by Squadron FOURTEEN in the regularly assigned period.

6. The Commanding Officer, officers and crew are to be
congratulated on the successful completion of their first patrol
and for the damage inflicted upon the enemy.

[SIGNATURE: D.L. Welchel]
D.L. WELCHEL.

— page 26 —
FC5-14/.16-3
Serial: 094
CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS MORAY report of
First War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron FOURTEEN.
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
Administrative Command.
(2) The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. MORAY (SS300) - Report of First War Patrol -
Comments on.

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

2. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Commanding
Officer, officers and crew on the completion of the MORAY's first
patrol, and for the damage inflicted on the enemy.

3. It is recommended that the following be credited to
the MORAY:

S U N K
1 (UN) - 600 tons.

[SIGNATURE: H. C. Fish]
H. C. FISH.

Copy to:
Comsubdiv-142
MORAY

— page 27 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 02102
CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
MORAY Report of
First War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 860
U.S.S. MORAY - 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. MORAY (SS300) - Report of First War Patrol
(27 June to 6 August 1945).

1. The first war patrol of the MORAY, under the command of Commander
F. L. Barrows, U.S. Navy, was conducted off the Honshu Coast and in the vicinity
of the Kurile Islands.

2. The first part of this patrol, which was conducted off the Honshu
Coast, was devoted mainly to lifeguard duties. During this time the MORAY was
also a member of a coordinated submarine group which conducted anti-picket boat
surface sweeps ahead of the Third Fleet prior to the time the Third Fleet closed
the Honshu Coast for gun bombardments. During her offensive patrol in the Kuriles,
the MORAY was also assigned lifeguard duties. There were no opportunities to re-
cover aviators. Only two contacts with enemy ships were made during this patrol.
One of these contacts the MORAY was unable to close for identification. The other
contact consisted of three small luggers or similar type craft which the MORAY was
unable to definitely identify. One of these ships the MORAY sank with torpedoes.
Another of those may have been sunk in the same attack by the MORAY. However, the
commanding officer does not consider the evidence sufficient to substantiate a
claim.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
commanding officer, officers, and crew of the MORAY for the completion of this
successful and arduous patrol and for the following damage inflicted upon the
enemy:

S U N K

1 - UN 600 tons (Attack No. 1)

Distribution and authentication
on following page.

- 1 - SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
mr
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
21 August 1945.

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

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

G. C. CRAWFORD,
Chief of Staff.

— page 28 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 02102
CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
MORAY Report of
First War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 860
U.S.S. MORAY - FIRST WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. MORAY (SS300) - Report of First War Patrol
(27 June to 6 August 1945).

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
JIC-OA (1)
ADICPOA (1)
Comservpac (1)
CincLant (1)
Comsubslent (8)
S/W School, IL (2)
CO S/M Base, PE (1)
Comsopac (2)
ComsouwesPac (1)
ComsubphibPac (Fwd Echelon) (2)
ComsubphibPac (Rear Echelon) (2)
Comnorpac (2)
Comsubspac (3)
ComsubspacAdCond (40)
SUBAD, EE (2)
ComsubspacSubordComd (3)
All Squadron and Division (2)
Commanders, Pacific Fleet (5)
ComsubopTraGrBalboa (2)
Substroinpac (1)
All Submarines, Pacific (1)

[HANDWRITTEN: For the Commander]
[SIGNATURE: illegible]
E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
21 August 1945
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

— page 29 —
END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: G-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR 202-79]

||||| 1.0
||||| 1.1
||||| 1.25

||||| 2.8
||||| 2.5
||||| 3.2
||||| 2.2
||||| 3.6
||||| 2.0
||||| 4.0
||||| 1.8

||||| 1.4
||||| 1.6

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

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

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION