U.S.S. RATON (SS-270) — war patrol report SS-270_RATON_Part2.pdf

— page 3 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

1200 Lat. - 37-27 N
     Long. - 123-42 E
1502 Surfaced.
1521 10 Cent. radar interference to the south - Jap!

9 May 1945

0521 Dove.
0708 Sighted smoke. Soon identified it as small ship heading for SHAN-
     TUNG Promontory (Ship Contact #15).
0800 After attempting to close track, found it impossible; he is too far
     away, making about 8 knots. Decided not to chase - he would be in
     shallow water before we could get to him. May have had escort,
     from visual observation and pinging.
0820 Sighted small tug, commenced approach. (Ship Contact #16).
0900 He turned directly toward us - don't believe he saw us.
0902 Went to battle stations - went deep.
1036 Surfaced.
1115 Too many junks in sight; can't identify our Tug.

1200 Lat. - 37-10 N
     Long. - 123-20 E

1650 Sighted DAISEI TO bearing 069°T, about 35 miles.

10 May 1945

0522 Dove.

1200 Lat. - 37-45 N
     Long. - 123-51 E

1501 Surfaced.

11 May 1945

0526 Dove.
0936 Sighted CHOSEN KAN

1200 Lat. - 37-34 N
     Long. - 123-54 E

- 12 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 7 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

2116 Setup looks good; 70° port angle on bow; 3000 yards, easing in at
     2/3 speed watching these junks as well as the target.

2116-30 Range 2100 yards, commenced firing fish forward, swung to the right
     to get out.
2118 No explosions.
2121 Secured forward tubes - looks as if we have missed again. Those
     fish were set on six feet, and this fellow must be drawing less than
     that. The torpedoes all ran okey, and the setup on the TDC was very,
     very good. (Did we by any chance sell any of those "Frisco" fer-
     ries to the Japs? With his high stack, lack of bridge, and shallow
     draft, this target looks exactly like one. He sure gives a good
     radar pip while tracking.)
2128 Decided to forget this fellow - as not deep enough in the water to
     hit. Commenced return trip through those numberless junks.
2135 Secured from battle stations, headed back toward DAISEI GUNTO.
     Enough of this shallow water stuff for tonight!

14 May 1945

0455 SJ contact on DAISEI TO bearing 103°T, 30 miles.
0513 Dove.

1200 Lat. - 37-46 N
     Long. - 124-06 E

1550 Surfaced.
1600 Picked up floating life jacket.
1912 Picked up floating life ring.
2100 Received instructions from ComWolf to patrol off DAISEI GUNTO -
     we are now on station.

15 May 1945

0512 Dove.

1200 Lat. - 37-29 N
     Long. - 124-11 E

1845 Surfaced
2047 Exchanged calls on SJ with USS SCABBARDFISH.

- 16 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 8 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.
16 May 1945
0107 Exchanged calls with SCABBARDFISH again.
0112 SJ contact on SCABBARDFISH 23000 yards.
0512 Dove
0710 Sighted two ships bearing 078°T, about 12000 yards, as they broke
through haze. Went to battle stations and commenced approach.
(Ship Contacts #22 & #23).
0721 Small Coaster has gone by; we are concentrating on the larger fel-
low. He has a very small angle on bow, and we head toward him,
slightly divergent from his track.
0729 Swung left to fire stern tubes. Perissope is pretty hazy, fog seems
to be drifting in - making observation of target extremely diffi-
cult - raining also.
0742 Took several single ping ranges - they check to within 50 yards to
stadimeter ranges (ST isn't working, as usual). Everything seems
to be checking nicely, so at
0745-30 With 90° starboard angle on bow, 1500 yard torpedo run commenced
firing aft
0746-30 With exactly one minute of run elapsed, saw first hit in stern.
0746-46 Another hit, in the bow this time.
0749 Ship completely gone. The only pictures we shall get this time will
be of smoke and haze. (Ship was similar to BATAVIA MARU, page 248
ONI-208-J Revised). This ship was an Able Peter. He had a large
caliber gun on a mushroom on his stern and many Japs were visible
lining the rails.
0750 The other MARU accompanying this poor character has turned around,
and is heading for the barn at top speed. He has 60° Port angle on
bow, about 6000 yards, so commenced approach on him (Similar to
KURAMASAN MARU, page 165, O.N.I. 208-J Revised).
0753 Those torpedo hits were just the thing for the ST - it is working
nicely now. Amazing what two hits will do for the morale of this
ship. He is now 4170 yards away, 80° port angle. We are making
high speed, on normal approach course, but don't see much chance of
pickling him, unless he zigs across our bow - which is very doubt-
ful.
0759 Still not getting anywhere - he is much smaller than previous target.
0801 Small aerial bomb - rather close - which convinced me that we would
not be able to get this fellow. That bomb came as a considerable
surprise - not having seen any but ot own "fly-flys" since entering
area. So we go down to 100 feet, and head away from this vicinity.
Fortunately, we didn't surface to pick up souvenirs!
0806 Secured from battle stations.
0900 Periscope depth - nothing in sight, visibility about 8000 yards.

-17- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 10 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270), Report of War Patrol Number Seven

2325 Sent position again to SCABBARDFISH, in reply to her request.
2342 As the angle on bow approaches 90°, his pip becomes smaller, can't
     explain why.

18 May 1945

0021 Slowed down to wait for the moon to go down. We have 55° starboard
     angle, a right leg of zig plan. We will go in as soon as dark
     enough.
0022 Went to battle stations.
0028 Headed in toward target, hoping to be able to shoot when he comes
     back to his right leg the next time.
0034 Made tubes ready.
0037 3200 yard torpedo run; angle on bow 070° starboard (target has
     steadied on base course temporarily). He now looks like an escort
     vessel, probably a small Frigate or PC. Decided to fire from out
     here, and not mess with this fellow from too close a range, so at
0038 Commenced firing forward at about 3100 yard torpedo run.
0040 Torpedo in No. 5 tube fired again. This time it left the tube
     (Firing order was 6, 5, 4, 3). When fired initially, the stop bolt
     failed to lift.
0043 No hits, may have run under. He hasn't changed course to avoid.
0052 Secured from battle stations.
0245 He must have seen torpedo tracks, as he is now firing his gun, some-
     what haphazardly however. Headed for southern part of area.
0515 Sent out RATON Serial One to ComSubPac.
0515 Dove.

1200 Lat. - 36-20 N
     Long. - 124-28 E

1358 Surfaced.
2140 Received instructions from ComSubPac to proceed to GUAM.
2250 Received dispatch from BALAO that they had contacted the small group
     of four ships, we had avoided prior last attack, in the morning,
     and that they were members of a Hunter-Killer group.

19 May 1945

0253 Heavy vibration in port screw. Apparently cable of some sort, pos-
     sibly sea weed fouled in screw. Backing cleared them, and proceeded.

- 19 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 12 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270), Report of War. Patrol Number Seven.

(C) WEATHER

Visibility was very poor, varying between fog and Haze for more than
90% of the time in the YELLOW SEA. The sky was overcast during the major portion'
of the Patrol.

Weather agrees, in general, with the coast pilots.
TIDAL INFORMATION
(D)
Tides and currents were found to agree with charts and tables for
this area.
(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

None noted.
:
Approx.
(F) Time | Lat. | Initial | Course, How |
No. Date | Long. | Type | Range | Speed | Contact | Remarks
0945(K) | 15-24 N | | | 120 T | |
1. 21 Apr. | 141-42 E | Sub. | 9000 | 15K | Sighted | U.S.S. FLOUNDER
2315 (K) | 16-33 N | | | 120 T | |
1458(K) | | | | | |
2. 21 Apr. | 140-38 E | Sub. | 9050 | 15K | Radar | USS ROCK
18-33. N | | | | 120 T | |
3. 22 Apr. | 137-20 E | Sub. | 16000 | 15K | Surf. |
0025 (1) | 20-20 N | | | 120 T | peris. | Friendly Sub
4. 23 Apr. | 137-23 E | Convoy | 19000 | 140 T | |
0037(1) | 25-00 N | | | 12K | Radar | 5 or 6 Ships and Escorts
5. 24 Apr. | 137-20 E | Unident | 6000 | 180 T | |
2014(1) | 32-05 N | | | 15K | Radar | Probably Friendly Sub
6. 27 Apr. | 128-38 E | Sub. | 9000 | 180 T | |
1535(1) | 34-30 N | | | 15K | Radar | USS CREVALLE
7. 30 Apr. | 123-00 E | Junks | 8000 | 180 T | |
1650(1) | 34-30 N | | | 050 T | Sighted | Very Hazy, Poor Visibility
8. 30 Apr. | 123-06 E | Frigate | 8000 | 4K | | Fog and Haze, SJ
1252(1) | 35-28 N | | | 245 T | Sighted | not Working Properly.
9. 1 May | 122-52 E | Junks | 10000 | 10K | | First of about 15 Contacted
0950(1) | 36-22 N | Chinese | | | 220 T | Sighted | that Afternoon.
10. 2 May | 123-00 E | Junks | 10000 | 3K | |
1530 (1) | 37-10 N | Chinese | | Stopped | Sighted | Fishing
11. 2 May | 123-11 E | AO | 46000 | 060 T | |
1530 (1) | 37-10 N | Medium | | 7K | Radar | Sank this one.
12. 2 May | 123-11 E | PC, or | | 060 T | |
2137 (1) | 35-37 N | Frigate | 46000 | 7K | Radar | Escort for Above.
13. 3 May | 124-14 E | Junk | 21000 | | |
| | | | | Unkn. | Radar | Avoided.

-21-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 13 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

(F) Time       | Lat.      | Long.     | Type     | Approx. | Initial Course, | How      | Remarks
No. Date       |           |           |          | Range   | Speed           | Contact  |
14. 4 May      | 34-59 N   | 123-44 E  | Junks    | 14000   | 120 T           | Peris.   |
    1107(I)    |           |           |          |         | 4K              | Surf.    |
15. 9 May      | 37-16 N   | 123-43 E  | Unknown  | 24000   | 240 T           | Peris.   | Could not Close to Attack
    0708(I)    |           |           |          |         | 8K              | Subm     |
16. 9 May      | 37-16 N   | 123-40 E  | Small    | 9000    | 250 T           | Peris.   |
    0820(I)    |           |           | Tug      |         | 4K              | Subm     |
17. 11 May     | 37-35 N   | 123-56 E  | Medium   | 13000   | 240 T           | Peris.   | Could not Close to Attack
    1252(I)    |           |           | AK       |         | 9K              | Subm     | Saw four columns smoke,
18. 11 May     | 37-29 N   | 124-15 E  | Unknown  | 40000   | 060 T           | Peris.   | no ships.
    1722(I)    |           |           |          |         | Unkn.           | Surf.    |
19. 12 May     | 37-21 N   | 124-41 E  | Medium   | 18000   | 250 T           | Peris    | Sank him!
    0758(I)    |           |           | AK       |         | 8K              | Subm     |
20. 12 May     | 37-21 N   | 124-34 E  | SAS      | 18000   | 250 T           | Peris    | Missed with Three ,
    1103(I)    |           |           | Type TS  |         | 9K              | Subm     | Two Erratics.
21. 13 May     | 37-56 N   | 124-03 E  | Coastal  | 20000   | 250 T           | Peris    | Missed with Four,
    1210(I)    |           |           | Freighter|         | 9K              | Subm     | (Shallow Draft).
22. 16 May     | 37-36 N   | 124-11 E  | Medium   | 12000   | 250 T           | Peris    | Sank him!
    0710(I)    |           |           | AP       |         | 8K              | Subm     |
23. 16 May     | 37-55 N   | 124-11 E  | Coastal  | 29000   | 090 T           | Peris    | In company with above ship.
    2008(I)    |           |           | Frigate  |         | 12K             | Radar    |
24. 17 May     |           | 124-02 E  | or PC    |         |                 |          | Missed with Four

(G)
AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

The total absence of enemy aircraft contacts in the YELLOW SEA area,
with one exception, was noted. We did, however, see quite a few of our own PBM's
on Patrol.

The one Jap sighted was apparently a part of an A-S sweep between
SHANTUNG PROMONTORY, and DIATO WAN.

- 22 -                                                      ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 15 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject:
U.S.S. RATON (SS270), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.
darkness. At dark, with a range of the night of 12,000 yards,
tracked him on course 064 at 7.25 knots, and when the angle on bow
was 20° starboard, turned in for attack. This angle proved to be
too sharp, so had to dawdle along the way. When range was 4,000
yards and angle on bow 70° starboard, made ready tubes 3, 4, 5, and
6, set depth on 4 feet and went in for the kill. Commenced firing
bow tubes at range of 1940 yards, torpedo run 2030. Saw three hits
from bridge. Firing interval was 8 seconds.

ATTACK NO. 1
Tubes fired | No. 3 | No. 4 | No. 5 | No. 6
Track angle | 116 S | 117 S | 118 S | 120 S
Gyro angle | 010 | 010 | 011 | 016
Depth set | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4
Speed used in TDC | 45.9 | 45.9 | 45.9 | 45.9
Hit or miss | miss | hit | hit | hit
Erratic (yes or no) | no | no | no | no
Mark torpedo | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A
Serial No. | 39334 | 39616 | 64373 | 66625
MK exploder | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5
Serial no. | 32921 | 25313 | 26378 | 26951
Actuation set | contact | contact | contact | contact
Actuation actual | - - - - | contact | contact | contact
MK warhead | 16-1 | 16-0 | 16-1 | 16-1
Serial No. | 16557 | 1315 | 20970 | 12132
Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX
Firing interval | 8
Type spread | 1°R | 1°L | 3°R | 3°L
Sea conditions | Force three
Overhaul activity | Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T. H.
Remarks - (a) Miss one of spread. First torpedo hit 1 minute and 28 seconds
after firing, others followed at 8 second intervals.

-24-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 19 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

ATTACK NO. 3

Tubes fired             No. 7   No. 9   No. 10
| Characteristic      | No. 7   | No. 9   | No. 10  |
|||||
| Track angle         | 84 S    | 86 S    | 88 S    |
| Gyro angles         | 171     | 174     | 176     |
| Depth set           | 4       | 4       | 4       |
| Speed used in TDC   | 45.9    | 45.9    | 45.9    |
| Hit or miss         | miss    | miss    | miss    |
| Erratic (yes or no) | yes     | yes     | no      |
| Mark torpedo        | 14-3A   | 14-3A   | 14-3A   |
| Serial No.          | 25651   | 64372   | 40000   |
| Mark exploder       | 6-5     | 6-5     | 6-5     |
| Serial no.          | 25933   | 26541   | 33069   |
| Actuation set       | contact | contact | contact |
| Actuation actual    | ---     | ---     | ---     |
| Mark warhead        | 16-1    | 16-1    | 16-1    |
| Serial no.          | 20933   | 12356   | 14315   |
| Explosive           | TPX.    |         |         |
| Firing interval     | 8       |         |         |
| Sea condition       | Force two |         |         |
| Overhaul activity   | Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T. H. |         |         |
| Type spread         | 2       | 2° L    | 2° R    |

Remarks: (a) First two torpedoes of the spread, Serial No.'s 25651 and
         64372 broached 1000 yards down the range causing misses.

- 28 -                               ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 21 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

ATTACK NO. 4

| | No. 6 | No. 5 | No. 2 | No. 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes fired | No. 6 | No. 5 | No. 2 | No. 1 |
| Track angle | 88 P | 88 P | 89 P | 90 P |
| Gyro angle | 007 | 007 | 002 | 008 |
| Depth set | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Speed in TDC | 45.9 | 45.9 | 45.9 | 45.9 |
| Hit or miss | miss | miss | miss | miss |
| Erratic (yes or no) | no | no | no | no |
| Mark torpedo | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A |
| Serial no. | 66125 | 66389 | 64351 | 66721 |
| Mark exploder | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 |
| Serial No. | 26432 | 33029 | 25960 | 26666 |
| Actuation set | contact | contact | contact | contact |
| Actuation actual | - - - - - | - - - - - | - - - - - | - - - - - |
| Mark Warhead | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 |
| Serial No. | 17347 | 16249 | 17035 | 9566 |
| Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX |
| Firing interval | 8 | | | |
| Spread | 1°L | 1°R | 3°L | 3°R |
| Sea conditions | Calm | | | |
| Overhaul activity | Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T. H. | | | |

- 30 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 23 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

                                        ATTACK NO. 5

Tubes fired                             No. 7     No. 9     No. 10
Track angle                             96 S      97 S      98 S
Gyro angle                              176       177       181
Depth set                               4         4         4
Power                                   high      high      high
Hit or miss                             hit       miss      hit
Erratic (yes or no)                     no        no        no
Mark torpedo                            14-3A     14-3A     14-3A
Serial No.                              66959     22184     26500
Mark exploder                           6-5       6-5       6-5
Serial No.                              26748     26924     3505
Actuation set                           contact   contact   contact
Actuation actual                        contact   -----     contact
Mark warhead                            16-1      16-1      16-1
Serial No.                              20962     16716     11950
Explosive                               TPX       TPX       TPX
Firing interval                         8
Type spread                             0         2°L       2°R
Sea condition                           calm
Overhaul activity                       Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T. H.
Remarks: (a) Torpedo run of first torpedo was 1500 yards. It hit 1 minute
             after firing. Third torpedo hit 1 minute and 16 seconds after
             firing.

                                        - 32 -                  ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 27 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

2. Periscopes
    (a) Hydraulic Packing:
        The hydraulic rams, especially the starboard, number 2 peris-
        cope, leaked badly after leaving the Navy Yard. They were repacked in PEARL, and
        were somewhat better for a short period. Inspection showed that the hoisting rods,
        and the hydraulic cylinders were misaligned when installed. This misalignment
        badly scored hoist rod, causing considerable leakage.

        Threads on packing gland (stbd. ram, #2 scope) are stripped.
        This was due to faulty installation at Yard.

    (b) No. 2 periscope was fuzzy, and hazy continually. As the
        internal pressure was maintained to standard, suspect that the atmosphere condi-
        tions may have been trouble. However, the scope should be thoroughly dried.

3. Drain Pump
    The pistons of this pump were improperly packed by the Yard.
    Subsequent flooding of the gear casing resulted, necessitating complete overhaul at
    sea.

4. Air Compressors
    The motor of No. 1 H.P. air compressor was flooded out on two
    separate occasions. The blast of air from negative vent blowing bilge water up into
    the motor was found responsible. Since this submarine went into commission, various
    baffles have been tried, none of which have been found very effective.

    On both occasions, the bottom interpole was the grounded member.
    The first time it was dried and replaced; the second, it was found necessary to re-
    place this interpole with a spare.

5. Vapor Compressors
    No. 1 and No. 2 Vapor Compression Stills would not make battery
    water, after only 285 hours of operation since installation. No cause for leaks
    was found. As the supply of battery water on hand when this casualty took place
    was sufficient, no work other than inspection was undertaken.

    The distiller feed pump was found to have a zero ground in the
    rheostat. Washing with alcohol and baking were found sufficient to place it in
    service again.

- 36 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 31 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject:
U.S.S. RATON (SS270), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.
(T)
FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING
Torpedoes | Fuel | Provisions | Personnel Factor
0 | 50,000 | 20 Days | 10 Days.
Limiting factor this patrol - expenditure of torpedoes.
(U)
COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR, AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES
COMMUNICATIONS
Sub Fox schedules were received very well during the entire
Patrol. 9090 KCS was the clearest frequency during the evening and night with
16738 KCS, proving most satisfactory during the day. The lower Sub Fox frequencies
were nearly always badly jammed and not to be compared with the higher frequencies
for ease of reception.
In a few instances, a message was repeated over sub fox with a
different number than previously used for the same message, and an occasional six
letter group was transmitted.
Both standard and alternate WoPac frequencies were used during
the Patrol, and the standard frequencies proved much better as far as freedom from
jamming was concerned. We found it easier to transmit on the alternate frequencies,
however, probably because they are not as close to the lower range of the transmit-
ter as are the standard. Whether difficulty to transmit on 2006 KCS is a fault of
our particular installation or if it is experienced by all subs, we do not know.
At times it was difficult to carry on inter-pack communications because of the
aircraft traffic being sent over the WoPac frequencies, and occasionally two or more
boats could be heard attempting to transmit at the same time.
Although C.W. was used exclusively while in the area, recep-
tion on both V.H.F. and SCR-610 up to fifteen miles was fairly reliable during
tests conducted enroute to the area.
Attempts were made to communicate using the SD mast while at
radar depth on the way to area, but were given up as impractical on orders from
ComWolf.
RADAR
Very few different types of radar gear were detected during
this short Patrol. To the best of our knowledge, no contacts were had on Japanese
aircraft radar sets. In substance, there were four general contacts present in all
parts of the YELLOW SEA area. They are as follows:

-40--
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 34 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE SIXTY ONE

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,

FB5 -161/A16
26 May 1945.
Serial: 016

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to:
C.O. U.S.S. RATON letter
SS270/A9, Serial 024
of 25 May 1945.

From : The Commander Submarine Division ONE SIXTY ONE.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270) - Report of seventh War Patrol -
Comments on.

1.
The Seventh war patrol of the U.S.S. RATON under the
command of Lieutenant Commander M.W. SHEA, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the
Yellow Sea. The RATON was a unit of a coordinated attack group composed of
the U.S.S. SPRINGER, U.S.S. TREPANG and U.S.S. RATON with the commanding
officer of the U.S.S. SPRINGER in command of the group. The patrol was of
fifty (50) days duration with twenty-two (22) days being spent in assigned
area.

2.
Area coverage was excellent. Nine contacts worthy of
torpedo fire were encountered. Six of these contacts were developed into
torpedo attacks. Two smoke contacts could not be closed. A submerged approach
on a frigate ended with no attack when U.S.S. RATON got too close to fire and
was detected.

ATTACK NO. 1.
On the afternoon of 2 May a group of three ships were contacted at
44,000 yards by radar. Targets were tracked until about 2200 and were
identified as a medium AK with two small escorts. In a night surface radar
attack, four steam torpedoes were fired from the bow tubes, set on four (4)
foot depth, with torpedo run of 2,000 yards, 120° starboard track, 10° to
15° right gyro angles. Three hits were observed. The tanker blew up and
disappeared in 1 3/4 minutes after the attack. The larger of the two escorts
was either equipped with radar or radar detector, opened fire with
about a 3" caliber gun, firing 12 rounds which were on in range but not in
deflection. The Raton retired on the surface without damage.

ATTACK NO. 2.
On the morning of 12 May a lightly laden AK similar to OSKI MARU,
was sighted while submerged. Target was proceeding unescorted on a straight
course, at 9 kts. 51 minutes later, RATON from excellent position, fired 4
steam torpedoes from the bow tubes, on an 85 port track; 1,500 yard torpedo
run; small gyro angles; torpedoes set at four (4) foot depth. First torpedo
hit just abaft stack, blowing stern off target. Four minutes later she sank
stern first. Fifteen survivors were seen in water.

- 1 -

— page 35 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE SIXTY ONE

FB5-161/A16
Serial: 016

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

Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270) - Report of Seventh War Patrol -
         Comments on.

— page 37 —
FC5-20/A16

Serial: 0122

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

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
30 May 1945.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO U.S.S. RATON ltr.
SS270/A16/P-14, Ser. 024
of 25 May 1945.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Administration.
(2) The Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270) - Report of Seventh War Patrol -
Comments on.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks and recommendations
of damage assessment by Commander Submarine Division TWENTY ONE.

2. The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY congratulates
the Commanding Officer, officers and men of the U.S.S. RATON upon this
aggressively executed and fruitful patrol.

L. S. PARKS.

— page 38 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01353 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
CONFIDENTIAL 4 June 1945.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
RATON Report - DESTROYED PRIOR TO
Seventh War Patrol. ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBPAC RATON REPORT NO. 775 Ga.
U.S.S. RATON - SEVENTH 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. RATON (SS270) - Report of Seventh War Patrol
(6 April to 25 May 1945).

1. The seventh war patrol of the RATON, under the command of Lieutenant-
Commander M. W. Shea, U. S. Navy, was conducted in the Yellow Sea areas. The RATON
along with the U.S.S. SPRINGER and U.S.S. TREPANG formed a coordinated attack group
with the commanding officer of the SPRINGER as group commander.

2. This aggressive patrol was the first for the RATON after return from
navy yard overhaul and is in keeping with her already established fighting record.
Six torpedo attacks were made and three ships were sent to the bottom.

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 RATON for another excellent patrol.
The RATON is credited with having inflicted the following damage upon the enemy
during this patrol:

S U N K

1 - AO (EC) - 6,000 tons (Attack No. 1)
1 - Medium AK (OSAKA MARU Type) (EC) - 4,100 tons (Attack No. 2)
1 - Medium AP (BATAVIA MARU Type) (EC) - 4,400 tons (Attack No. 5)

TOTAL SUNK - 14,500 tons

[SIGNATURE: MERRILL COMSTOCK]

[STAMP: RECEIVED SUB FILES]
[STAMP: 23 JUN 1945]
[STAMP: ROOM 2055]
Distribution & Authentication [STAMP: FILE NO. 17 JUN 1945]
next page. [STAMP: Op File No. (A)/A16-3(23)/SS270]
[HANDWRITTEN: 80] - 1 - [STAMP: See No. 174230]
[STAMP: Copy No. 5]
[STAMP: Fw. No. ]

— page 39 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 01353.
CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
Report of
Seventh War Patrol.

COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 775
U.S.S. RATON - SEVENTH WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270) - Report of Seventh War Patrol
(6 April to 25 May 1945).

— page 40 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]

SS270/A16/A9
Serial 026
C O N F I D E N T I A L
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

U.S.S. RATON (SS270)
% Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

23 July 1945

From : The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. RATON.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division TWO SIXTY TWO.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY SIX.
(3) The Commander Submarines, Seventh Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

Enclosures: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track chart.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the eighth war patrol of this vessel
conducted in the HONG KONG area during the period 22 June 1945 to 23 July
1945, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: J. J. Guigliotta]
G. F. GUIGLIOTTA

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP 09D9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/1/72]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: Filmed]
[HANDWRITTEN: 137066]

— page 50 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

13 July 1945

0630 Trim dive,
0915 Surfaced. Headed for lifeguard station.
1000 Manned lifeguard frequency and VHF.
1200 On station, sighted and exchanged calls with air cover. Sighted
     four P-38's in company.
1213 Sighted two junks in blind bombing zone bearing 309T (Ship Contact
     #3).
1248 Sighted 21 B-24's on a northwesterly course.
1300 Air cover left to return to base.
1400 Secured lifeguard frequency and VHF. No report of casualties.
     Commenced surface patrol to northward.
2325 Received Fifth Air Force rescue message directing us to proceed to
     lifeguard station east of HAINAN. Headed for station.

14 July 1945

1200 Lat. - 20-23 N
     Long. - 113-03 E

0330 SJ radar contact on plane bearing 320T, range 12000 yards. Closed
     to 4 miles. No IFF, dived.
0403 SD depth, contact at 5 miles,
0416 All clear, surfaced.
0700 Manned lifeguard frequency and VHF.
0900 On station, could not raise photo recco plane we were lifeguarding.
1130 Secured lifeguard frequency and VHF. Since we are well out of our
     area anyway, decided to make a sweep along the coast enroute north
     to our own area. May possibly see something in the vicinity of
     ST. JOHN ISLAND.

1515 Placed ORBOVICH, Michael MacAllen, TM2c(T)(SS), 258 50 07, USN, on
     sick list with tonsillitis, acute, follicular.
1545 Received CTF 71 serial 91 concerning Hospital Ship.
1650 Sighted ST. JOHN ISLAND bearing 000T, range 33 miles.
1815 Sighted Junk Fleet among islands near coast (Ship Contact #4).
1825 Headed east to look Hospital Ship over. Should intercept him
     about 2300.
2300 Patrolling on hourly legs at 2/3 speed across the track of Hos-
     pital Ship. His estimated course leads to HONG KONG.
2315 Received Fifth Air Force rescue message requesting us to be on
     lifeguard station off HONG KONG for strike on CANTON by B-24's.
2330 Received Fifth Air Force rescue message to be on lookout for
     special flight of planes from LUZON to LULIANG while we were life-
     guarding for B-24's.

15 July 1945

1200 Lat. - 21-30 N
     Long. - 114-38 E

- 10 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 51 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

0100 Looks like we've missed Hospital Ship, will continue patrolling
     across his track.
0600 Broke off search, headed east for lifeguard station.
0607 Sighted REEF ISLAND bearing 020T, range 45000 yards.
0610 IFF out of commission.
0627 Trim dive.
0709 Surfaced.
0908 Saw and heard explosion accompanied by large volumes of black smoke
     on port quarter, distant about 2 miles. Explosion was not heavy
     but sounded similar to an aircraft marker bomb.
0910 SD contact 4 miles, dived.
0940 At 50 feet, SD contacts at 8 and 9 miles.
1000 All clear, surfaced. Manned lifeguard frequency and VHF. Made
     contact with our cover and asked him if he knew anything about bomb
     we had previously heard. He replied in the negative.
1100 On station, VHF not working properly, tested several times with
     cover, no results. Commenced patrolling on lifeguard station.
1200 Cover returned to base.
1230 Secured lifeguard frequency and VHF.
1725 SD contact 5 miles, dived.
1748 All clear, surfaced.
2200 Headed north.

16 July 1945
1200 Lat. - 21-43 N
     Long. - 114-31 E

0028 Hoard and saw plane about 1 mile away, dived.
0113 Surfaced.
0250 SD contact 8 miles, closing.
0303 Closed to 3 miles, dived, IFF still out of commission. No reply on
     VHF. Plane flashed red light several times while closing.
0325 Surfaced. We had missed Fifth Air Force lifeguard schedule while
     submerged so at
0630 Sent request for traffic by "Q" signal.
0635 Sighted REEF ISLAND bearing 335T, range 50000 yards.
0645 Fifth Air Force replied no traffic for RATON.
0715 Dived for submerged patrol along blind bombing zone boundary.
1845 Sighted plane bearing 341T, range 10 miles, a BETTY or SALLY.
2108 Surfaced.
2345 Received Fifth Air Force rescue message requesting us to be at
     20-30 N, 114-00 E, from 1100 to 1500 tomorrow to lifeguard for a
     flight of planes from LULIANG to LUZON.
2350 Headed for lifeguard station.

- 11 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 53 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject:
U.S.S. RATON (SS270), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

0720
SD contact 1 mile, dived.
0745
All clear, surfaced.
0958
Dived to give officers qualifying this patrol a chance to make
simulated approaches during battle problems.
1200
Surfaced. Headed north to be in position for submerged patrol
along northern boundary of area tomorrow.

20 July 1945
1200
Lat. - 21-36 N
Long. - 114-08 E
0630
Sighted KAIPONG ISLAND bearing 330T, range 40 miles. Lack of
sights and poor visibility caused us to be much further south than
had been planned.
0637
Dived for submerged patrol.
2051
Surfaced, headed for southeast corner area,
2215
Received message from CROAKER on WOPAC frequency requesting
rendezvous to transfer mail and information on area. Headed for
rendezvous point.

21 July 1945
Lat. - 19-40 N
1200
Long. - 115-39 E
0258
SJ Radar interference bearing 197T, probably CROAKER.
0330
Exchanged recognition signals and call signs with CROAKER.
0415
Rendezvoused with CROAKER. Effected transfer of mail. Exchanged
dope on Fifth Air Force rescue lifeguard frequencies and on the
area in general.
0515
Completed exchange of information, headed east.
0600
Transmitted RATON Serial No. 4 to CTF 71 giving ETA point dunk and
speed in safety lane.
0630
Left area.
0715
Test fired 40 MM and 5" Gun.
1815
Received CTF Serial 32 designating our escort as ROMBACH (DE364).

22 July 1945
1200
Lat. - 17-52 N
Long. - 118-20 E
0445
Radar and sight contact on PBY bearing 280T, 2 miles. Exchanged
recognition signals.
0650
Dived - conducted simulated approaches.
0824
Surfaced.
0955
Sighted plane bearing 170T, range 20 miles.
2200
Received storm warning concerning bad weather southeast of us
moving our way.

-13-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 54 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

2300 Struck by strong wind and heavy seas

23 July 1945
0107 Sighted escort bearing 150T, 14000 yards. Exchanged recognition
signals with ROMBACH (DE 364).
0950 Sighted land 030T, 30 miles.
1042 Moored alongside USS ANTHEDON , SUBIC BAY.

- 14 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 58 —
C-O-N-E-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject:
U.S.S. RATON (SS270), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.
(3) SJ RADAR
(a) Performance
Except for a ten day period, 28 June - 8 July, performance was
average or slightly above, however, it was well below the standard of the previous
patrol. Maximum range on land, 100000 yards; on planes 20000 yards. During the
period of low response, operation was at 60-75% of normal.
(b) Casualties
22 June 1945: "B" regulated rectifier output too low. Trouble was
remedied by replacing gassy 5U4G tubes.
24 June 1945: Lost sweeps on "A" scope. Failure was remedied by
replacing 2 X 2 tube and correcting poor 115V connection on CR tube socket.
28 June 1945: Low overall response, low ringing time, gear never
out of commission but efficiency of the set was down to 60-75% of normal. Tried
new magnetrom, new TR tube, new crystal assembly, interchanged IF tubes, retuned
RF section - all to no avail. Replaced bad resistor (R-29, 3900 ohms) in video
tube socket. This improved grass but was no help to echo strength. Finally gave
all RF sections, TR cavity, and crystal assembly a major overhaul and remedied
trouble bringing echoes up to normal. Still do not know exactly where the trouble
was.
2 July 1945: Lobe switching motor stuck or jammed in antenna head..
Opened up head to take a look but was surprised by a plane before a diagnosis could
be made. Secured head and made no further attempts to remedy defect.
(4) ST RADAR
(a) Performance
Performance was good at all times when gear was tested. No oppor-
tunity arose to use it for an attack,
(b) Casualties
None.
(5) APR
(a) Performance
Performance good at all times.
(b) Casualties
None.
- 18 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 60 —
C-O-N-E-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject:
U.S.S. RATON (SS270), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

Food was excellent and well prepared. Baking by F. C. DUNN, SCle,
was especially notable.
Habitability, good.
(Q) PERSONNEL
Number of men detached after last patrol
11
Number of men on board during patrol
77
Number of men qualified on start of patrol
58
Number of men qualified at end of patrol
65
Number of unqualified men making their 1st run
3
The performance of duty and high morale of both officers and men,
in spite of the lack of offensive action, were gratifying. Much time was available
and was used advantageously by unqualified personnel to "learn the boat".
(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED
GUAM to area | 2118 | mi. | 25115 | gals.
In area | 5487 | mi. | 59456 | gals.
Area to SUBIC | 811 | mi. | 10613 | gals.
(s) DURATION
Days enroute area
7
Days in area
22
Days enroute SUBIC
3
Days submerged
6
(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING
Torpedoes
22
Fuel
19640 gals.
Provisions
30 days
Personnel
30 days
Limiting Factor this patrol Terminated by CTF 71 dispatch order.
(U) COMMUNICATION, RADAR, AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES
COMMUNICATIONS
(1) No intercept of enemy signals were made on radio gear.
(2) A moderate amount of jamming was present on the FOX schedule
frequencies, but only on rare occasions did it become serious enough to prevent
reception. Heavy CW jamming was encountered on the WOPAC and lifeguard frequencies.
(3) No deceptive tactics were employed. The jamming noted on the
WOPAC frequencies took the form of deceptive messages on two occasions, but this
was considered not very skillfully done.
-20-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 62 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

Date | Posit | Freq. | PRF | Pulse Width | Sweep | Remarks
Time | | MC | CPS | Micro Sec | Range |
7/7 | 21-38 E | 98 | 290 | 7 | | SEE NOTE #
1645 | 114-03 E | | | | |
7/10 | 21-41 N | 100 | 750 | 30 | | Sweeping
1700 | 114-25 E | | | | |

NOTE: # This station was possibly used for aircraft vectoring. On one day during
very poor weather conditions, "OBOE NINE MIKE" was repeatedly transmitted.

(2) Jamming

None noted and none attempted.

(3) Deception

Irregular keying is the only attempt at deception attempted by
either RATON or by the enemy.

SONAR

No remarks.

(V) REMARKS

Lifeguard communications were greatly improved by the changes in-
stituted on 11 July.

It is suggested that, on conclusion of each day's lifeguard duty,
the lifeguard submarine be informed by Air Sea Rescue Control Network that there
have been no casualties, if such is the case. This procedure would eliminate the
question that arises in the C.O.'s mind when, as was usually the case this time,
no such report could be obtained from the striking force or the covering planes.
It is further suggested that submarines having no lifeguard duty for the following
day be so informed, preferably in the evening broadcast.

VHF was very unsatisfactory for communication with aircraft. On one occasion
fair contact was held up to ranges of 15 miles. Usually, however, this equipment
was useless even at ranges of 3 - 4 miles.

Morale remains very high but the lack of offensive action has resulted in
a general feeling of disappointment and all hands of the RATON hope for a productive
area for the next patrol.

- 22 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 63 —
Rn
T05-26, A16-3
Serial (0242 )

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-SIX
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
27 July 1945

CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS RATON (SS270) - Report
of Eighth War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-SIX.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
 (2) The Commander, SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270) - Report of Eighth War Patrol.

1. The eighth war patrol of the RATON, the first for her
commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander G.F. Gugliotta, U. S. Navy,
as such, was conducted in the HONGKONG area. Thirty-two (32) days
were spent at sea of which twenty-two (22) days were spent in the
assigned area.

2. The entire patrol was primarily spent rendering life-
guard services. There were no opportunities to effect a rescue
although the RATON assisted in a search for a downed plane. There
were no ship contacts, except for several fishing junks sighted in
the blind bombing zone around HONGKONG.

3. It is noted that lifeguard communications were improved
after the changes put in effect on 11 July, although the results with
the VHF were disappointing.

4. Full advantage was taken of the opportunity to train
and qualify both officers and enlisted personnel. The ship was clean
and in good condition. The major defect was noisy propellor shafts
while dry docked. An effort will be made to correct the fault during
the next normal refit. It is expected that the RATON will be ready for sea after a normal refit,
to be conducted by the ANTHEDON and Submarine Division TWO SIXTY-TWO
Relief Crew.

5. The Squadron Commander welcomes the officers and crew
to this area and regrets their lack of opportunity to inflict
damages on the enemy.

[SIGNATURE: B. E. Bacon Jr.]
B. E. BACON, Jr.

— page 64 —
FE24-71/A16-3
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

UNITED STATES NAVY
12/hn
2 August 1945.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS RATON Conf Ltr. A16/A9
Serial 026, dated 23 July
1945. Report of Eighth War
Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarines SEVENTH FLEET.
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270) - Report of Eighth War
Patrol - Comment on.

1. The Eighth War Patrol of U.S.S. RATON was the
first for her Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander G. F.
GUGLIOTTA, U.S.N., as such. The entire patrol was spent on
Lifeguard Duty in the area south of HONG KONG.

2. There were no worthy ship contacts. Planes
rescued the crew of the one aircraft reported downed in RATON'S
area.

3. The award of the Submarine Combat Insignia is
not authorized for this patrol.

4. The Force Commander welcomes RATON back to the
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC and hopes she may have the opportunity to
repeat her past exploits in this area.

[SIGNATURE: W. L. Wright]
W. L. WRIGHT
A. Chief of Staff.
ORGINAL COPY

- 1 -

8 03904

— page 66 —
[HANDWRITTEN: REG. NO F-2643]
[HANDWRITTEN: R. S. NO 8 03904]
[HANDWRITTEN: REG. SHEET NO 247]

UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET

A16-3(8) (F-3c/ob)

Serial: 05611

[HANDWRITTEN: 17 AUG 1945]

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

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to:
CO, USS RATON conf ltr
SS270/A16/A9, serial 026,
dated 23 July 1945.

From: Commander Seventh Fleet.
To : Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. RATON (SS270) - Report of War Patrol Number
Eight - comment on.

1. Forwarded.

[SIGNATURE: J. H. Long]
J. H. LONG
By direction

Copy to:
ComSubS7th
ComSubRon 26
CO USS RATON (SS270)

[HANDWRITTEN: 18 AUG 38 11 30]
[STAMP: RECEIVED]
[STAMP: U. S. FLEET]
[STAMP: COMMANDER IN CHIEF]

— page 67 —
END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: F-108] [HANDWRITTEN: AR-89-78]
||||| 1.0 ||||| 4.5 ||||| 2.8 ||||| 2.5
||||| 5.0 ||||| 3.2 ||||| 2.2
||||| 5.6 ||||| 3.6 ||||| 2.0
||||| 6.3 ||||| 4.0 ||||| 1.8
||||| 7.1
||||| 1.1 ||||| 8.0
||||| 1.25 ||||| 1.4 ||||| 1.6

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

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

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

D-82264