U.S.S. S-23 (SS-128) — war patrol report SS-128_S-23.pdf

— page 1 —
START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: 8-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-39-78]
[HANDWRITTEN: S-23 (SS-128)]

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OPERATOR [SIGNATURE: R. Munch Jr.]

DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 2-3-78]

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

REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

— page 2 —
[HANDWRITTEN: S-23 (SS-128)
WWII PATROL FILE
FOR DECK LOG JANUARY 1944 - NOVEMBER 1945
CONSULT NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY
J.A. KOONTZ]

— page 3 —
Dictionary of

American Naval
Fighting Ships

VOLUME VI

Historical Sketches—Letters R through S
Appendices—Submarine Chasers (SC)
Eagle-Class Patrol Craft (PE)

WITH A FOREWORD BY
ADMIRAL JAMES L. HOLLOWAY III, United States Navy,
THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS

AND AN INTRODUCTION BY
VICE ADMIRAL EDWIN B. HOOPER, United States Navy, Retired,
THE DIRECTOR OF NAVAL HISTORY

NAVAL HISTORY DIVISION,
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON: 1976

— page 4 —
S-23
(S-23 (SS-128) was laid down on 18 January 1919 by
the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corp., Quincy, Mass.;
launched on 27 October 1920; sponsored by Miss Bar-
bara Sears; and commissioned on 30 October 1923, Lt.
Joseph Y. Dreisonstok in command.

Initially assigned to Submarine Division 11, Control
Force, S-23 was based at New London, Conn., through
the 1920's. During that time, she operated off the New
England coast from late spring until early winter;
then moved south for winter and spring exercises.
From 1925 on, her annual deployments included partic-
ipation in fleet problems; and those maneuvers occa-
sionally took her from the Caribbean into the Pacific.
With the new decade, however, the submarine was
transferred to the Pacific; and, on 5 January 1931, she
departed New London for the Panama Canal, Califor-
nia, and Hawaii. En route, she participated in Fleet
Problem XII and, on 25 April, she arrived at her new
homeport, Pearl Harbor, whence she operated, with
Division 7, for the next ten years. In June 1941,
Division 7 became Division 41; and, on 1 September,
S-23 departed the Hawaiian Islands for California. An
overhaul and operations off the west coast took her
into December when the United States entered World
War II.

The crew of the World War I-design submarine then
prepared for service in the Aleutians. Radiant-type
heaters were purchased in San Diego to augment the
heat provided by the galley range. Heavier and more
waterproof clothing, including ski masks, were added
to the regular issue provided to submarine crews. The
boat itself was fitted out for wartime service and, in
January 1942, S-23 moved north to Dutch Harbor,
Unalaska.

On the afternoon of 7 February, she departed Dutch
Harbor on her first war patrol. Within hours, she
encountered the heavy seas and poor visibility which
characterized the Aleutians. Waves broke over the
bridge, battering those on duty there; and sent water
cascading down the conning tower hatch. On the 10th,
west of Unalaska to hinder an anticipated Japanese
attack. On 2 June, however, 20-foot waves broke over
the bridge and seriously injured two men. The boat
headed for Dutch Harbor to transfer the men for
medical treatment. Arriving the same day, she was
still in the harbor the following morning when Japa-
nese carrier planes attacked the base.

After the first raid, S-23 cleared the harbor and
within hours arrived in her assigned patrol area,
where she remained until the 11th. She was then or-
dered back to Dutch Harbor; replenished; and sent to
patrol southeast of Attu, which the Japanese had occu-
pied, along with Kiska, a few days earlier.

For the next 19 days, she hunted for Japanese logis-
tic and warships en route to Attu and reconnoitered
that island's bays and harbors. Several attempts were
made to close targets, but fog, slow speed, and poor
maneuverability precluded attacks in all but one case.
On the 17th, she fired on a tanker, but did not score.
On 20 June, she headed back to Unalaska and arrived at
Dutch Harbor early on the morning of the 24th.

During her third war patrol, 15 July to 18 August,
S-23 again patrolled primarily in the Attu area. On 6
August, however, she was diverted closer to Kiska to
support the bombardment of the island; and, on 9
August, she returned to her patrol area, where her
previous experiences in closing enemy targets were
repeated.

Eight days after her return to Dutch Harbor, S-23
was again in her assigned area to serve as a protective scout during
the occupation of Adak. During most of her time on
station, the weather was overcast, but it proved to be
the most favorable she had experienced in eight
months of Alaskan operations. On 16 September, she
was recalled from patrol to meet her 20 September
scheduled date of departure for San Diego for upkeep
and sound school duty.

On 7 December, S-23 returned to Unalaska; and, on
the 17th, she got underway on her fifth war patrol. By
the 22d, she was off western Attu; and, on the 23d, she
received orders to take up station off Paramushiro. On
the 24th, she headed for the Kurils. Two days later,
200 miles from her destination, her stern plane operat-
ing gear outside the hull broke. Since submerging and
depth control became difficult, she turned back for
Dutch Harbor. Moving east, her mechanical difficulties
increased; her stern planes damaged her propellers;
and fouled rudder resulted in a damaged gear train.
Nature added severe snow and ice storms after 3
January 1943. But, on the 6th, S-23 made it into Dutch
Harbor.

Using equipment and parts from S-35, S-23 was
repaired at Dutch Harbor and at Kodiak; and, on 28
January, she departed her Unalaska base for another
patrol in the Attu area. She spent 21 days on station,
185
Feb-
ruary.
On 8 March. Moving west, she arrived off the
Kamchatka Peninsula on the 14th and encountered
ice with ice 2½ to 3 feet thick. Her progress down
the coast in search of the Japanese fishing fleet
slowed; and, initially limited to moving during day-
light hours, she rounded Cape Kronotski on the after-
noon of the 16th and Cape Lopatka on the morning of
the 19th. She then set a course back to the Aleutians
which would take her across Japanese Kuril-Aleutian
supply lanes. On the 26th, she took up patrol duty in
the Attu area; and, on the 31st, she turned her bow
toward Dutch Harbor.

In April 1943, S-23 returned to San Diego. During
the summer, she underwent an extensive overhaul; and,
in the fall, she began providing training services to the
sound school which she continued through the end of
185

— page 5 —
hostilities. On 11 September 1945, she sailed for San
Francisco where she was decommissioned on 2 Novem-
ber. Fourteen days later, her name was struck from
the Navy list. Her hulk was subsequently sold for
scrapping and was delivered to the purchaser, Salco
Iron and Metal Co., San Francisco, on 15 November
1946.
S-23 was awarded one battle star for her World
War II service.

— page 6 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st Copy]
[STAMP: RECEIVED MAY 18 1942 PM]

SUBMARINES, PACIFIC FLEET
Di
Care of Postmaster,
San Francisco, California,
April 24, 1942.

FF12-10/
A16-3(5)

Serial 0476

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[CROSSED OUT TYPED: CONFIDENTIAL]
COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 25
U.S.S. S-23 - FIRST WAR PATROL.

From: The Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
To : Submarines, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. S-23 (SS128) - First War Patrol.

Enclosure: (A) Copy of C.O., S-23, Conf. ltr. SS128/A
Serial 03 of February 21, 1942.
(B) Copy of Comsubdiv 41 1st End. FB41/A4-3
Serial 019 of March 17, 1942.
(C) Copy of Comsubron 4 2nd End. FC5-4/A16-
3 Serial 0104 of April 7, 1942.

1. The Force Commander notes with pleasure the
excellent performance of the subject vessel during an eleven
day war patrol in Alaskan waters under extremely unfavorable
conditions for this type of submarine.

2. Special submarine clothing, woolen; special
submarine clothing, balloon cloth; wool lined leather mit-
tens; arctics and heavy underwear are now stocked by both
Navy Yard, Mare Island, and Navy Yard, Pearl Harbor. A new
experimental type of submarine clothing made of heavy water
resistant blue duck fabric interlined with sponge rubber has
been tested by units of this force and found to be excellent.
It has been recommended that each fleet type submarine be
furnished eighteen of these suits.

3. The use of transparent ski-masks for protec-
tion against driving rain, snow, and sleet, is noted. The
Bureau of Ships will be requested to add this item to spe-
cial submarine winter clothing.

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B2C DATE 6/1/72]

T. WITHERS.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

Distribution
Pacific List 7CM-41
List I, Case 2
P1(5), SSF
Atlantic List 11CM-41
SO(2)
Special:
EN3(5); EN10(1); EN28(5);
Subschool, NL(8); ComsubSWPac (2);
Cominch (5); Combat Intel (1).

[SIGNATURE: E. R. Swinburne]
E. R. SWINBURNE,
Flag Secretary.

[STAMP: 40407 FILMED]

— page 7 —
SS128/A4-3
Serial ( 03 )
CONFIDENTIAL

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander Submarines, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division FOUR-ONE.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.

Subject: Patrol Report 7 - 17 February 1942.

Reference: (a) Comsubscofor Conf. Ltr. No. 12-41 of Dec. 9,
1941.

Enclosure: (A) Patrol Report, U.S.S. S-23, for period 7 - 17
February 1942.

1. In accordance with the provisions of reference (a),
Enclosure (A) is forwarded herewith.

J. R. PIERCE.

Copy to:
CO NAS Dutch Harbor (plus encl)
ComAlScc. (plus encl)

- 1 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 8 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. S-23

U.S.S. S-23 Report of War Patrol
Period from 7 February to 17 February 1942
Area - South of Aleutian Islands, Alaska
Zone Time -- Plus eleven

Operations for this patrol were conducted in accordance
with memorandum instructions from the Commanding Officer, Naval
Air Station, Dutch Harbor, Alaska which are quoted in part:
"Underway from Dutch Harbor, at 1500, February 7, 1942. Pro-
ceed via Unalga Pass southward on southwest course to great
circle course to great circle course shipping lane.
Operate surface and submerged on great circle course shipping
lane. Return to Dutch Harbor, if circumstances warrant, on
February 17, 1942."

Following is brief of War Diary:

February 7, 1942.

1500 Underway.
1730 Passed through Unalga Pass at maximum flood.
     Current encountered estimated 6 knots.
1900 Set course 135°T.
2300 Changed course to 225°T.

February 8, 1942.

0000 Seas breaking over bridge and down conning tower
     hatch.
0420 Changed course to 180° to put sea on port bow.
     Barometer falling rapidly.
0655 Dived, course 180°.
0800 DR Latitude 52°-25.5'N.
     DR Longitude 166°-18.0'W.
0900 Surfaced on course 180°. Underway at 2/3 speed
     due to heavy seas.
1200 Latitude 52°-21.1'N.
     Longitude 166°-18.0'W.
2000 Latitude 51°-39.0'N.
     Longitude 165°-59.0'W.

February 9, 1942.

0420 Changed course to 200° as direction of sea shifted.
0630 Dived, changed course to 270°T. Maintained sub-
     merged patrol at 80 feet, coming to periscope
     depth each hour. Necessary to run in normal series
     due to heavy seas.
1200 Latitude 50°-53.0'N.
     Longitude 166°-23.0'W.
1750 Surfaced, changed course to 240°. Sea moderating
     sky clearing, barometer rising.
2000 Latitude 50°-37'N.
     Longitude 167°-39'W.

- 2 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 9 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. S-23 - Report of War Patrol.
February 10, 1942
0640 Dived on course 240°, changed course to 270°.
0900 Surfaced, lying to jottisoning torn sections of
superstructure.
1200 DR Latitude 50°-20.0'N.
DR Longitude 169°-11.0'.
1400 Made training dive on course 270°.
1430 Surfaced, changed course to 240°.
2000 DR Latitude 50°-18.0'N.
DR Longitude 169°-13.0'W.
February 11, 1942
0000 Changed course to 200°. Barometer falling 10 points
per hour; at 0600 barometer read 28.20.
0600 Dived on course 160°, changed course to 270°. Conducted
all day submerged sound patrol, coming to periscope
depth hourly.
1530 Surfaced, changed course to 115°T. Barometer 28.32.
1630 Changed course to 125°.
2000 DR Latitude 49°-59.
DR Longitude 169°-30.0'W.
February 12, 1942
0630 Dived on course 125°, changed course to 270°.
1000 Surfaced.
1300 Wind freshening, shifting from south to west. Sea
rising. Barometer steady.
1610 Changed course to 280°.
1900 Changed course to 310°.
2000 Latitude 49°-23.0' First reliable position for two days.
Longitude 170°-27.0
February 13, 1942
0700 Dived on course 310°, changed course to 045°.
0800 Latitude 49°-43.0'.
Longitude 170°-47.5'.
1000 Surfaced, changed course to 000°.
1200 Latitude 49°-47.5.
Longitude 170°-48.0'.
Barometer 29.60, 30 knot wind from North West.
1800 Shipped heavy sea over bridge. All hands on bridge
bruised and battered, Officer of Deck suffered broken
nose. Solid stream of water down hatch for 65 seconds.
Put high pressure pump on control room bilges, dry after
two hours, slowed to 1/3 speed on one engine.
2000 Latitude 50°33.0'N.
Longitude 170°-44.0'W.
-3- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 12 —
[HANDWRITTEN: Calls 15-16 a]
[HANDWRITTEN: Call 2]
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. S-23 - Report of War Patrol.
Several electrical casualties have resulted from
taking large quantities of water down the conning tower hatch.
After flooding the engine order telegraph circuits on several
occasions, ship's force designed and the air station contract-
ors are installing a water tight junction box in the conning
tower which it is believed will solve this difficulty.

Grounds on the periscope motors are common occur-
rences, due to their location under the control room deck
plates. There seems to be no solution to this problem.

Low temperatures and continuous condensation within
the ship make battery grounds of 50 and 60 volts common place
occurrences. Every conceivable measure has been taken to
reduce these grounds, but little success has been obtained.

Insulation and ground readings throughout the ship
are generally low and will probably get lower. Main motor
contactor panels are baked out with lamp banks during each
period in port, and main rotor fields are energized for 16
hours each day. No serious casualties of any nature have been
experienced to date.

10. Remarks:

(a) Radio reception: No difficulties were experienced
other than a high noise level which seems to bo characteristic
of the locality.
(b) Density layers: None encountered.
(c) Sound conditions: No opportunity for observation.
(d) Habitability: Very poor.

Large quantities of water enter the ship via the
conning tower hatch or each patrol and there is in addition
continuous condensation within the ship. Fan type electric
heaters which were requisitioned in June of 1941 have never
arrived, and the only heat on the ship is that furnished by
the galley range and eleven 1000 - 1500 watt radiant type
heaters purchased from Sears Roebuck in San Diego at the
outset of the war. It may be added parenthetically that it
has not been necessary to operate the ship's air conditioning
system since leaving Pearl Harbor.

All compartments are extremely cold and damp.
Radiomen, controllermon, and machinist's mates all stand their
watch in sheepskin coats. Officers and crew sleep in sub-
marine clothing to keep warm.

- 6 - ENCLOSURE (Α)

— page 14 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. S-23 - Report of War Patrol.

which fact is made to the Officer of Deck, and no further
difficulty has been experienced.

(i) Clothing:
     Through devious and sundry means, as a result
of which the Commanding Officer and First Lieutenant expect
to go to jail at the end of the war, an adequate supply of
cold-weather and foul weather clothing is now on board.
Reading from inside out, topside watchstanders are equipped
as follows:
     1. Woolen underwear (some individuals prefer
        two suits)
     2. Two to four pair of woolen socks.
     3. Woolen CPO shirt or woolen sweater.
     4. Submarine trousers and coat. (woolen)
     5. Knee-height rubber boots, with laces.
     6. Aviation helmets or watch caps.
     7. Water proofed trousers and jumpers, with
        hoods and face draw-string. This is the
        only satisfactory outer clothing.
Oil skins are absolutely useless when green seas come over the
bridge. The clothing in question is special submarine issue
and is carried in quantity by the Supply Department, Navy Yard,
Mare Island. It is old issue, and invoiced
at 64 cents per suit. The Army has a similar outfit which
they refer to as "parkas, rubberized", and "trousers, rubber-
ized" which is even better. It is strongly recommended that
large quantities of these latter articles be procured for
issue to submarines operating in northern waters.

     8. Transparent ski-masks made of plastic, for use in
driving rain, snow, and sleet.

(j) Health:
     No difficulties have been experienced to date.
500 vitamin capsules are on board for use during the first
30 day patrol.

(k) Routine:
     Normal routine has been kept to date, except
that during all day dives a light lunch is served at 1600,
and a hot dinner after surfacing.

11. Addendum:
     While no contacts were made in this patrol, the
following information is submitted as a matter of information:

     January 28, 1942. Underway on surface with U.S.S.
S-18, enroute Kodiak to Dutch Harbor, 10 miles southeast

- 8 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 16 —
FB41/A4-3/A16-3 SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-ONE
Serial ( 019 ) Care of Postmaster,
San Francisco, Calif.,
March 17, 1942.

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO S-23 conf ltr SS128/
A4-3 Serial (03) dated
February 21, 1942.

From : The Commander Submarine Division Forty-One.
To : The Commander Submarines, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron Four.

Subject: Patrol Report 7 - 17 February 1942.

1. Forwarded.

W. S. STOVALL, Jr.,
Acting.

Copy to:
C.O. S-23

ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 17 —
FC5-4/A16-3
Serial 0104
CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO S-23 Conf ltr S3128/
A4-3 Serial (03) dated
February 21, 1942.

SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
% Fleet Post Office
Pearl Harbor, T. H.
April 7, 1942.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
To : The Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. S-23 Patrol Report, Feb. 7-17, 1942.

1. This report of the S-23 is of interest as it
is the first report of a war patrol conducted in the Alaskan
Area since the beginning of the war.

2. Weather conditions encountered in the Alaskan
Area, especially during the winter months, make it difficult for
the S-class submarine to maintain an efficient patrol. It is
recommended that consideration be given to assigning more modern
submarines to this area during this period.

3. The commanding officer showed initiative in
obtaining heaters, winter clothing, and a welding outfit for his
ship. The latter has been obtained and issued to all submarines
of this squadron basing at Pearl Harbor.

4. The non-receipt of the fan type electric
heaters, which were ordered in June 1941, is being investigated
by the Supply Officer of the Submarine Base.

5. The recommendation that the Army type "parkas
rubberized" and "trousers rubberized", as well as transparent
ski-masks, be obtained for use in submarines operating in northern
waters, is concurred in. The whole problem of submarine winter
clothing has not been completely solved. It is felt that the best
material available should be obtained and tried out.

6. This report contains very little information
on facilities at Dutch Harbor for submarines. A complete report
on this is expected from Commander Submarine Division Forty-One
on his return from that area, in the S-34, in the near future.

R. H. ENGLISH.

Copy to:
CSD 41
S-23
S-18

ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 21 —
Subjet: Subject: U.S.S. S-23 - Report of Second War Petroll.

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— page 31 —
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CONFIDENTSE AAT3
Company: Bntimer Laboratoryc Rbte .
Date: 2 Jan, 1942.

Against Government Agencies: The Concord ThrUng efect Five.
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Time &cev ed. a p ovll: Firsti.
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— page 34 —
U.S.S.Converted to:

**U.S.S. ***

|-REFORT|OF|
|--|----|
|40||

|WAR PATROL|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|-1|R846||
||-1||

-80|

-65|

-160|

-200|

-284|
|

-15. Factors of endurance remaining:

**Torpedoes** **Field** **Provisions** **Fresh Water** **Personnel**

**12** **15000 gallons** **114 days** **Unlimited** **10 days**

**16. Factor of endurance ending patrol.**
**Orders of Commander Task Gr-up 8.5.**

**17. Remarks.**

**None.**

**No.**
**449**

**0**

**-J».**

**ENCLOSURI! "B".ER

— page 36 —
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.-1-- ENCLOSURE 171

— page 40 —
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— page 42 —
5/A-3 Single Line Diagrams
Serial # 03
January 9, 1943

CONFIDENTIAL
From: The Commander Task Group Eight Point Five (Commander Submarine Squadron Forty-Five).
To: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. S-23 - Fifth War Patrol.

1.... Informtateely this patrol was cut short by a casualty to the stern planes. This is the second boat to return from patrol with stern plane trouble. On this vessel the casualty was caused by the pin connecting the stern plane yoke connecting rod to the port plane after sheering or dropping out. This allowed the plane to swing free and eventually become pushed free and snatched from the strap on the starboard side and sailed to one side or to the starboard side crashing over the propellers. None of the propellers damaged and pilots were scared and punched the sea and air force and a floating and circling and ready to storm the grid was obtained C3.16. The frigate. The boat could not jump the

strike, but the ship's man over the world. By the end of the patrol was damaged and in fact preliminarily developed something that we investigated Worst million shells and a high defense and added this to the sea of the charge. If we had been in the merciless way where we'd flyers' shells. On the day these owned in patrol, we all took off, and we knew that we were likely to be again right away. Thank goodness for this engagement.

[ ... ]
If we could do anything in his own home province near the sea gas thrown across it underwater when we did have some issue we had to pull out or in such a situation.

2.... Another hour and one helicopter makes 3 hull problems and then you say yeah it looks like the tank has the same size sensor, signaling a bad problem.

[ ... ]
Not including the problems wrong. Now Tiro. Things are very sensitive, and we finalize this has the chance that we're going to handle the dimensions. One mother screw string that’s loaded down with stress until it is the last cargo and up to 45 percent load. For some of the problem, they are discounted the radar.

[ ... ]
I know we'll be just a bit loose. It’s still an hour ago we are quite fine. I’m recommending it next. Inside you should take a picture when we would make this with an idea that we're getting clear again. Generally, the possibility isn't environment friendly in the Kussala base.

— page 43 —
01289.

Id File TFF12-10/Al6-3(5)/(16).

Posted to: Sacramento, Pinole, PG1C Flow

Ser35 04/52.
Gave of Fleet Admin Office
Form23 ("Last. show our report",
Entries in
Submarines Force, Factful Fleet.
From:
To: Pacific Navy
Ports in
Attachments:

Details:
380 47 CNull.
  4, 01289.

On paper No. WP55.

Individual Word INF.
Subject:
01/06/21 Wr. D Electron:
Series 5t.
1/12/19 Wr. B Pilot.

— page 47 —
1943(cont’d), large shells. From what we could see of, any of,. Governor, Mr. Vessels had apparently flown in safety From fort’, and although there were too far How only Regret to an intelligent transmission toward Curran, etc. To Co-ordinator of the Talks, nothing from your director assisted him, and the specialist... Nevertheless and.... Held to make then his, Mr. this if... as opposite by the were telegrams, [unclear] had they sent me. Mobile... Conservative... for the the system. On the wireless he interrupted what he felt was course, we won't...yer.” know. I didn't know the resistant to accept the report. .Mr. does newspapers for transmitted or “CBS.” Mr. of hospital, World and, had he had to Mr. I was trained to sympathized [unclear] the contents of letter The Lions Club. Mr. Mr. Beavointment. is Mr. He told me that for an official every year. to the under drill the point... He Bellvin, (Telephone answered the Director—Mr. The file this. to reported was there, the by mentioned office Commander of mentioned has he Mr. a recent. letter dated two large ones was being dropped. divisions from. I’d hanged from Staff Chief; I was not or reaction in the very order... But 1943, he appeared I replied composed. I thought ut. the... Mr. This Naval. us detailed Lesson\r...and Me almost this morning; in the

483

— page 48 —
1943.

: U.S.S. S-23 - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

: February 14, 1943.

<110) 2: : Sent out "Badger Bay" reporting sighting of above planes.

lar area at dusk for Dutch Harbor, remaine of 170ºF until daylight of 2lst in accord

nce with Commander Task Group 8, 5 "R"ee Point".

s consisted of 10 miles.

inch old coiled hook was in it

2143.

Set rockets left at high noon.

so. 1943.

1000(Y) Set clocks to plus 10 time zone.

 Ito weather was very hot.

4142 ABSTRACT.

e wre _Re thoshs.

f 204Y.F4 -U 800 my former tforo20oate (kwmtge ne kind of second eng.) One

— page 50 —
101

' **Ut S -: - - are?®»U.S.$. S-23 J

**XII Sound conditions and density layers.**

No comment.

XIII He alth and Habtability.

**Within inherent limitation of an 3-type submarine, good.**

XIV Miles steamed.

**To station 680 miles, From station 890 miles.**

XV Fuel expended.

25,500 gallons.

**XVI Factors of endurance remaining.**

Torpedoes | 12 | Fuel || Provisions | 5 days | Fresh Water Unlimited ' || Personnel | 5 days |

XVI I Reason for ending patrol.

Orders of Commander Task Group S .5«

XVIII Remarks.

None.

**i**

-  6 -

— page 51 —
5 0950
1d

FFP L.-1O/Jf.:i-3(5](16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PAClPlll(57 OUT. .':
Ser:.iil :L. ;?

Care or Fleet Post Office,
Serial :3

San Francisco, California,

usp 0500,3A14ZI IS.95
窿LO1#9 FRMAT O.RET MONIQUE 1712 PRATT,TO.
U.S.S. 5-23 -- SVENTEWAR PATROL.
From:

[ jc3X)] 6k:"
Submarine Force, Pocific Fleet.

RO

,

Subject:
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

k
t:;
o::

\. ...
r '2;
s;) O:\jK\c.fl.) (Si!<218) - ~ -
Dis.iiIJ S~U

Enclosure: ORg or edt~Under Suba.nsm...
blerer..ft
(The .t N

I. The Commander Submarine Force, Pocific Fleet, occurs in
the remarks coeoosed by the Commander Task} Crown:..

— page 57 —
6. Merchant 51-21 N 04o0T? 11I .l0 (continued) do.
~157~E 2257(Y)

o ; aol o aol

V DESCRIPTION OF SAI~ SPECIALT~~f

6. Merchant 51-21 N DOOET ~I . 247(Y)

1i ? l0 .lO ac~ .

', . .
' 3 2 i

VI i DESCRIPTION OF ALL AIRCRAFT S~CHt~ED

Type Position !Guid ~ irc~ $
PBY i '53-55 N 27o a ~U 3000 ft. , Zeaa 25, FZA:(Y)- .
f7 3-46 E

# v HOLtlz Bay 2 700T 1000 gt. HorR27' . 2849(X}.
PBY ~53-34 N ~OEOIl ft . Bras ~7, 17~1(X)
i7b~~QE
VIl . PRIJUlI~Y OF SSULI'JUNINE ATTACKS.
None. Mag. .

11N 6 J A/S 1-0..~.~ U'

xim~y MIatJE s: `(1-OUT) O] \(\Dig\cdot 0\))
None: None Accumiled' /

X . . .
j MAJOR HIEC>NH ORG'. ....~ -~~_ .
x"e co.~i1g ../ ~A~.~8~ S~Zl~~f Opinion - ~_av ~*mlg~_~~ ~w~
J~841!~~-.~:W do~ps. boy of the: _O~~b~~c. ~.~~Cy'~~'
~e ~S~loo.~0 riflisa.1~-*3-~t ricwq ate ~t.-y ,-g~v~re - ~g";~
I ~~ nband -" .;.1 1 s P~nilt-on ~ _i f pgg!lg- ~p4t~-
The tearing of th ...... f ig. of -~~cLi~.p-utc ! --~
_ . -  .' 'eifi. ~hl~; 'uw-s~l--~~ls-- --~._ .'wq~~d.;,;?.;.1,s-ay-
Tags in? I<_R<l<u d;. t.45 I-reL s~reL"'1"~.1.
ibid"; o;l, , ( 13. 6
ne R',L - .~~ /w~~d. . , . \~v-NEgt~te~1~~ --~_ll# U~"q1

x'"\\ ... RA PREITION (CGM`Umao1ts)

~ ~
,~
'a-

b .e t~1g ~~ly ~.11 f . ,~-.ao~l~'"T~~\\/~,~'.~~'~ ""~1t-~'
na'~- g ~aa~ts ~~o ~

— page 58 —
0>
Subject: 1 U.S.S. S-23 - Report of Seventh Mar Patrol.

XI RADIO RECEPTICK (COMMUNICATIONS) (Continued)
Radio oh obscr kommoun High Radio hop

similar to enemy instils.

Yi). Our Core Rock had been sent on! sighted
for by Nep when Radio Dutch Harbor came in asking if we had anything
for them. : See to sending the message to RFG we had sent it twic
to Radio Ruth Harbor with no response.

It was not posile to hear their signal on our transmission
of april s cond.

Ne cerics were miss.

NoMOl- - Last message sent - Holls Hallo
Lm watching ears. ["Without Imn to Dick

of Cape Africa, Hamada E* unnecessary to

close to 1000 yards before they could be peeled u) by said.

XIII HEALTH AND HEALTHABILITY In the navigator was have 16

hou signals of eight other types of COz carecnt grrat

conditions."

XIV

To Station 958 milos.

seat under 600

XV FuEL REExpended

11 20,000 gallons.

XVI FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

Tee'reduo Generics Cuviinans fed sur

12 Fresh water 3 Days,

7,000 gal.

Command Radio Procedures. Ordinary

e

de

MILES STAMED,
to Station by amundertrail . Un

Radio twenty

Orders of Commander Task Group 16.5

XVII RHzRdS From our encounter with the Russians, it sees

a well in
they apparently: that they fort

-7[-] RM OUTFIRE [of America] indicate

— page 59 —
1.,ENSE("El-.)S') ~

Subject: U.S.S. S-23 ~ Report of Seventh War Patrol,.

XVIII REMIICTS (Continued)

The recognition of veselels is going to prove dif!!Oult i
this area during the sum! different [ow visibility cond!ltions a-'"

prevail and the presumption tb~ t~ lessl is japessice cannot be make tnith any ':9+~ [v1'rance than the one that nL is Russian}

This ]LifrIi)I.Y will rcately h:raper omc.tons.

~ 2 lnologousure (1)

— page 61 —
END OF REEL

JOB NO.

AR-39-78.

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