U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS-388) — war patrol report SS-388_PIPEFISH.pdf

— page 1 —
START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: H-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-63-80]

||||| 1.0
||||| 1.1
||||| 1.25
||||| 1.4
||||| 1.6

||||| 2.8
||||| 3.2
||||| 3.6
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||||| 2.2
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||||| 1.8

OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: M. Monroe]

DATE [HANDWRITTEN: May 16, 1980]

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

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

— page 2 —
START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: H-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-63-80]

||| 1.0
||| 2.8 ||| 2.5
||| 5.0 ||| 3.2 ||| 2.2
OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: M. Monroe]
||| 1.1
||| 5.6 ||| 3.6
||| 6.3 ||| 4.0 ||| 2.0
||| 1.25
||| 1.8
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: May 16, 1980]
||| 1.4 ||| 1.6

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

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

— page 3 —
[HANDWRITTEN: PIPEFISH (SS-388)]
[HANDWRITTEN: WORLD WAR II]
[HANDWRITTEN: PATROL FILE]
[HANDWRITTEN: ACTION REPORT]
[HANDWRITTEN: ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: FOR DECK LOG JANUARY 1944 - JUNE 1945]
[HANDWRITTEN: CONSULT NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS]
[HANDWRITTEN: CUSTODY.]

[HANDWRITTEN: J.A. KOONTZ]

— page 4 —
Pipefish

A long, narrow fish with straight, tubular snout; bony-
scaled; has extraordinary powers of concealment in vegeta-
tion; found in Panama.

I

(SS-388: dp. 1,526 (surf.), 2,391 (subm.); l. 311'8"; b. 27'3";
dr. 15'3"; s. 20 k. (surf.), 9 k. (subm.); cpl. 66; a. 10 21"
tt., 1 5", 1 40mm.; cl. Balao)

Pipefish (SS-388) was laid down 31 May 1943 by the
Navy Yard, Portsmouth, N.H.; launched 12 October 1943;
sponsored by Mrs. George J. Bates; and commissioned 22
January 1944, Lt. Comdr. William N. Deragon in command.
Following training off the east coast, Pipefish proceeded
via the Panama Canal to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where she
arrived 3 May 1944.

On her first war patrol, 24 May to 16 July, Pipefish cruised
west of the Marianas, as a rescue submarine for pre-invasion
carrier strikes on Saipan, saving one pilot 12 June. She also
cruised in the Surigao Straits sector, P.I., to block Japanese
escape from the Battle of the Philippine Sea. She moored at
Majuro, 16 July.

On her second war patrol, 6 August to 27 September, she
patrolled off the southeastern coast of Honshu, Japan. Pipefish
sank Hakutetsu Maru No. 7, 1,018 tons, 12 September. While
evading escorts after that attack, she struck bottom three
times. She returned to Pearl Harbor 27 September.

On her third war patrol, 28 October 1944 to 6 January 1945,
Pipefish roamed southwest of Taiwan and off the east coast
of Hainan Island, China, operating with Pampanito (SS-383),
Sea Cat (SS-399), and Sea Raven (SS-196). Attacking a con-
voy, Pipefish sank Japanese Coastal Defense Vessel No. 64,
800 tons, 3 December. She arrived at Majuro 6 January.

On her fourth war patrol, 31 January to 26 March, Pipefish
provided rescue capability for downed aviators in the Nansei
Shoto area.

During her fifth war patrol, 28 April to 16 June, she per-
formed lifeguard duty for B-29 aviators off Honshu Island,
Japan, and in the Nanpo Shoto area. Pipefish saved eight
aviators on 26 and 29 May and 10 June. She moored at
Midway 16 June.

Her sixth war patrol, 15 July to 28 August, called for life-
guard duty in the Nanpo Shoto area and off the east coast of
Kyushu Island, Japan. On patrol she destroyed eight mines.
Following termination of hostilities with Japan, she arrived
at Pearl Harbor 28 August, and then proceeded to the west
coast.

Pipefish decommissioned 19 March 1946, and joined the
Pacific Reserve Fleet. She was reclassified AGSS-388 on 1
December 1962. She was struck from the Naval Vessel
Register 1 March 1967.
Pipefish received six battle stars for World War II service.

— page 5 —
Dictionary of
American Naval
Fighting Ships

VOLUME V • 1970
Historical Sketches—Letters N through Q

Appendices—Stone Fleet
Minecraft
New Ships
Aircraft

WITH A FOREWORD BY
THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS ADMIRAL ELMO R. ZUMWALT, Jr., U.S. Navy

AND AN INTRODUCTION BY
THE DIRECTOR OF NAVAL HISTORY REAR ADMIRAL ERNEST McNEILL ELLER,
U.S. Navy (Ret.)

NAVY DEPARTMENT

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS

NAVAL HISTORY DIVISION • WASHINGTON

— page 6 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st Copy]

U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388)
In care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

16 July 1944.

SS388/A16-3
Serial (030)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

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

Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - 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 Pontathlon and Surigao Strait areas during the period 24 May
1944 to 16 July 1944 is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: W. N. DERAGON]
W. N. DERAGON.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/31/72]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 83283]

— page 7 —
Subject: . U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of FIRST War Patrol.

(A) PROLOGUE

On 3 May 1944 arrived Pearl Harbor, T.H., from Balboa,
C.Z. Received two (2) days voyage repairs and on 6 May 1944
commenced intensive training period. On 16 May 1944 in
accordance with ComSubPac orders serial 12809 of 15 May 1944,
Ensign (T) John (n) Yasinski, U.S.N. was transferred to the
Submarine Base. On the same day in accordance with ComSubPac
orders serial O-1286 of 15 May 1944 Ensign William E. Spengler,
E-V(RS), U.S.N.R. reported aboard this vessel for duty. Train-
ing was completed on 20 May 1944. 21 and 23 May 1944 were
devoted to loading. Special rescue exercises were carried out
with the aviators on 22 May 1944.

-1-

— page 24 —
Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of FIRST War Patrol.

(C) WEATHER
In general the weather in the area was very good.
Frequent light rain squalls were encountered.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
At Surigao Strait the currents followed the tides very
closely, however, at about five miles off the 100 fathom
curve the set was toward the Northwest. Close to the
Northern tip of Siargao Island the current flows East
and West depending upon the tide, the same holds true
close to Suluan Island.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
Suluan Island Light sets very prominently on top of
Suluan Island and can be seen for miles. It appears
to have a new coat of paint but is not lighted. Cauit
Point Light on the Island of Mindanao was not seen.

-18-

— page 35 —
Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of FIRST War Patrol.
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

| Contact No. | #55 | #56 | #57 | #58 | #59 | #60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | 9 July | 9 July | 10 July | 10 July | 10 July | 10 July |
| Time (Zone) | -10 | -10 | -10 | -10 | -10 | -10 |
| | 0919 | 0936 | 0636 | 0644 | 0853 | 1130 |
| S | Lat. | 04-56(N) | 04-56(N) | 05-03(N) | 05-01(N) | 05-01(N) | 05-00(N) |
| U | Position: | | | | | | |
| B | Long. | 141-08(E) | 141-11(E) | 144-46(E) | 144-48(E) | 145-56(E) | 146-22(E) |
| M | | | | | | | |
| A | Speed | 10 knots | 10 knots | 13 knots | 13 knots | 13 knots | 13 knots |
| R | | | | | | | |
| I | Course | 090°T | 090°T | 090°T | 090°T | 090°T | 090°T |
| N | | | | | | | |
| E | Trim | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. |
| | Minutes Since Last | | | | | | |
| | SD Radar Search | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Number | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| I | | | | | | | |
| R | Type | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Mavis |
| C | | | | | | | |
| R | Probable Mission | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. |
| A | | | | | | | |
| F | How Contacted | Radar | Radar | Radar | Radar | Radar | Lookout |
| T | Initial Range | 28, 31 & | 43 miles | 31 miles | 26 miles | 21 & | 12 miles |
| | | 39 miles | | | | 22 miles | |
| | Elevation Range | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | 1° |
| | Range and Relative | | | | | | |
| | Bearing og Plane | | | | | | |
| | When it Dectected S/M | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | (State (Beaufort) | One | One | One | One | One | One |
| O | Sea: ( | | | | | | |
| N | (Direction (Rel.) | SE | SE | SE | SE | SE | SE |
| D | | | | | | | |
| I | Visibility (Miles) | 10 | 10 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| T | (Height in Ft. | 10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| I | Clouds (Percent | | | | | | |
| O | (Overcast | 7 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| N | (Bearing (Rel) | | | | | | |
| S | Moon: (Angle | | | | | | |
| | (Percent Illum. | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|

Type of S/M Camouflage on this Patrol - Gray.

-29-

— page 42 —
FB5-102/A16-3
Serial (045)

Submarine Division 102
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
18 July 1944.

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO PIPEFISH Report of
First War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Division ONE HUNDRED TWO.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron TEN.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH - First War Patrol - Comment on.

1. This patrol of the PIPEFISH, the first for a new
ship and captain, started in the Marianas where seven days were
devoted largely to life-guard missions. The remaining twenty-
three days on station were spent further West, first in searching
for the Jap Task Force and later in patrolling the Siargao Strait
sector of the Philippine Islands.

2. On the night of June 10, an encounter with a convoy
of five vessels North of Saipan was developed into a night peri-
scope attack during which a bow salvo of four shots was fired at
the largest target from a favorable firing position. The torpedoes,
set for ten feet depth, apparently ran under the ship which was
observed later to be a small vessel of light draft. This experience
exemplifies the fallacy of setting torpedoes for any depth greater
than six feet, sea conditions permitting, when firing at unidenti-
fied targets at night.

3. Lieutenant (jg) C. L. Null, A-V(N), of the U.S.S.
LEXINGTON, was rescued on June 12, after his plane had been shot
down. The remains of two other LEXINGTON fliers were committed
to the deep after all attempts at resuscitation failed. Their
recovery and identification have been made the subject of a
separate report. Communications between the submarine and air-
craft was excellent and on one occasion, PIPEFISH was able to
inform the latter of the presence of a Jap bomber which, it is
believed, was destroyed by our fighters shortly thereafter.

4. PIPEFISH's coverage of the area off the Philippines
and her attempted development of the contact obtained on July 1,
were hampered by the restriction of remaining outside the 100-
fathom curve. The apparent contact of July 4 which was tracked
onto the land was undoubtedly an electronic phenomenon.

- 1 -

— page 43 —
Submarine Division 102
                                                                Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                                                San Francisco, California,
                                                                18 July 1944.

FB5-102/A16-3

Serial (048)

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

— page 44 —
FC5-10/A16-3
Serial 0177

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TEN

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
18 July 1944.

CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO PIPEFISH report of
First War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH - First War Patrol - Comment on.

1. Forwarded concurring in first endorsement.

2. In connection with the Convoy contact on 10 June,
there were two factors which a Commanding Officer might use to
assist him in determining the approximate size of the targets:

(a) Initial radar range less than 14,000 yards, with
due consideration to probable radar efficiency.

(b) The last radar range (2600 yds) five minutes be-
fore firing, combined with degrees of target
length (by periscope) and with generated or
observed angle on the bow, would give a simple
solution of target length in time to be of value,
i.e., to set torpedoes shallow and to change the
spread plan.

[SIGNATURE: K. G. HENSEL]
K. G. HENSEL.

Copy to:
Comsubdiv 102.
CO PIPEFISH.

— page 45 —
8 01736
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET mr
Serial 01550 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
CONFIDENTIAL 29 July 1944
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
PIPEFISH Report of DESTROYED PRIOR TO
First War Patrol. ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. [HANDWRITTEN: 484]
U.S.S. PIPEFISH - 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. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of First War Patrol.
(24 May to 16 July 1944).

1. The first patrol of the PIPEFISH was the first for the
new Commanding Officer, as such. The patrol was spent in areas west
of the Marianas, and also in Surigao Straits sector in the Philippines.

2. Only one contact was made and that was a convoy of
small freighters. This convoy was aggressively attacked, but apparent-
ly the draft of the vessels was such that the torpedoes ran under.

3. The PIPEFISH also conducted lifeguard duty in the
Saipan area and was successful in rescuing one Naval aviator. Two
other aviators were rescued but both were dead when recovered. The
latter part of the patrol was spent guarding Surigao Straits covering
a possible route of escape for the Japanese Fleet after the Battle of
the Philippine Sea.

4. This patrol is designated as "Successful" for Combat
Insignia Award.

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
Intel.Gen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
Comservpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Comsubslant (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (1)
Comsubsowespac (2)
CTF 72 [STAMP: FILMED] (2)
Comnorpac (1)
Comsubspac (40)
SUBAD, MI (2)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Subspac (2)
Comsubstrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Subspac (1)

[SIGNATURE: E. L. HYNES, 2nd,] [HANDWRITTEN: Zud 40]
Flag Secretary.
[STAMP: EXTRA : ORIGINAL]
[STAMP: SORG. MICRO]
[STAMP: PHOTO-LAB OP-16]
[STAMP: RETURN TO F-4253]

— page 46 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

SS388/A16-3
Serial ( 037 )

U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388)

In Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

27 September 1944.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division FORTY SIX.
      (2) The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
      (3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
      (4) The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of SECOND War Patrol.

Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
            (B) Track Chart (ComSubsPac Only)

1. Enclosures (A) and (B) covering the SECOND war patrol of
this vessel conducted in areas south of Honshu during the period 6 August,
1944 to 27 September 1944 are forwarded herewith.

W. N. DERAGON.

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09D9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/31/72]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

90640 [STAMP: FILMED]

— page 56 —
Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS338) - Report of SECOND War Patrol.

23 August 1944
0352 (I) Submerged.
1030 (I) Surfaced.

29 August 1944
0015 (I) SJ contact bearing 027°T, distant 12,000 yards, appears
         to be a small ship with two escorts. Called away radar
         tracking party.
0117 (I) Went to battle stations.
0125 (I) Sound reported two (2) ships pinging.
0154 (I) Ready to shoot with bow tubes when target zigged
         toward us. Changed course to the right to fire
         with the stern tubes.
0201 (I) Fired four (4) torpedoes from the stern tubes. Target
         appears to be a small ship, possibly 900 tons.
0208 (I) Torpedoes exploded at end of run. Two escorts closed
         in on the larger ship and now they are all pinging.
         Decided not to shoot any more torpedoes at this target.
         Target was probably a large type P.C. boat. (Ship con-
         tact No. 10 )
0209 (I) Secured from battle stations.
0431 (I) Submerged.
1946 (I) Surfaced. Decided to patrol the next day in the
         vicinity of Nojima Zaki.

30 August 1944
0402 (I) Submerged.
0413 (I) Sighted a Sapan covered with lookouts.
1034 (I) Sighted a small patrol boat.
1040 (I) Surfaced.
1955 (I) Plane contact on SJ radar bearing 115°T, distant
         8,000 yards, closing.
1955.5(I) Submerged.

-10-

— page 59 —
Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of SECOND War Patrol.

0428.20 (I) One explosion, HIT. Targets screws stopped.

0530 (I) Escorts commenced dropping depth charges, one,
          Chidori, pinging, other listening.

0545 (I) Small escort left us.

0550 (I) Targets screws started turning, sound operator
          said they did not sound right.

0551 (I) Targets screws stopped.

0600 (I) Targets screws started, still having trouble.

0602 (I) Targets screws stopped and remain stopped.
          All this time the Chidori was working on us.
          Apparently they do not have a tilting head on
          their sound gear as he would have us until he
          was close in at which time he would lose con-
          tact.

0700 (I) Chidori had lost us, but he was still in the im-
          mediate vicinity. We received a total of seven-
          teen depth charges. Every one's spirits are up
          500 percent.

0730 (I) Chidori's screws and pinging are very faint.

0750 (I) Returned to 65 feet. All clear except for an
          unidentified airplane, distant five miles, bearing
          280°T. This should be in the general vicinity of
          the target.

0800 (I) Target identified as the Koshu-AGS-1 (Ship con-
          tact No. 12) I cannot say that the target sank.
          I know that it was badly damaged and I feel sure
          that we would have heard the screws for at least
          an hour after 0602 had they started, as sound
          conditions were excellent. Secured from battle
          stations.

0850 (I) Sound reported light fast screws and pinging on
          bearing 200°T.

0900 (I) Sound lost contact.

2037 (I) Surfaced.

2250 (I) SJ contact bearing 270°T, range 10,000 yards. Three
          small patrol boats on a southerly course, avoided.

-13-

— page 60 —
Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of SECOND War Patrol.

3 September 1944
0427 (I) Submerged.
1946 (I) Surfaced.

4 September 1944
0420 (I) Submerged.
1926 (I) Surfaced.

5 September 1944
0425 (I) Submerged.
0653 (I) Sighted masts of a ship bearing 284°T, distant about
          10,000 yards, angle on the bow large, 70 to 80° port.
          (Ship contact No. 13)
0702 (I) Went to battle stations torpedo.
0715 (I) Ship identified as a Chidori torpedo boat.
0719 (I) Approach looked hopeless, range is 2,700 yards
          and angle on the bow is 110° port. Holding on in
          hopes that he will come back our way.
0805 (I) Secured from battle stations.
0905 (I) Sighted unidentified plane over Tori Shima.
1923 (I) Surfaced.

6 September 1944
0442 (I) Submerged.
1923 (I) Surfaced.

7 September 1944
0010 (I) A.P.R. contact on 80 megacycles, steady on us.
          Believe sig. 1 from Ao a Shima.
0443 (I) Submerged.
1905 (I) Surfaced.

8 September 1944
0454 (I) Submerged.
1846 (I) Surfaced.

- 14 -

— page 69 —
Report of SECOND War Patrol.
U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388)
Subject: (T) SHIP CONTACTS

| No. | Latitude | Time & | Type | Range in | Course & | How | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | & Longitude | Date | | yards | speed | Contacted | |
| 1 | 32-08(N) | 1313 (I) | P.C. Boat | 10,000 | 180°T. | Sound | Minimum Range |
| | 139-50(E) | 8/14/44 | | | 10 kts. | Pinging | 8,000 yards. |
| 2 | 33-36(N) | 1207(I) | Small P.C. | 8,000 | 005°T. | Periscope | |
| | 136-05(E) | 8/16/44 | | | 7 kts. | | |
| 3 | 33-36(N) | 1508(I) | Wakatake DD, | 8,500 | 200°T. | Sound, ping | Freighter of medium |
| | 136-05(E) | 8/16/44 | Eng. Aft. | | 11 kts. | ing & Peri | size. Engine & |
| | | | Freighter | | | scope. | Bridge Aft. |
| 4 | 33-40(N) | 1238 (I) | Convoy | 8,000 | 350°T. | Periscope | 3 AK's; 2 small patrol |
| | 136-04(E) | 8/18/44 | | | 8 kts. | | boats; 1 P.C. |
| 5 | 33-55 (N) | 0545 (I) | Small AK | 8,000 | 210°T. | Sound & | |
| | 136-19(E) | 8/19/44 | P.C. Boat | | 8 kts. | Periscope | |
| 6 | 34-33(N) | 1721 (I) | Small AK | 6,000 | 090°T. | Periscope | 1 escort |
| | 138-44(E) | 8/20/44 | | | 8 kts. | | |
| 7 | 34-31(N) | 0259 (I) | Medium Tanker | 22,350 | 262°T. | Radar | |
| | 139-39(E) | 8/23/44 | | | 10 kts. | | |
| 8 | 34-19(N) | 1522 (I) | Medium Tanker | 3,000 | 010°T. | Sound | |
| | 139-23(E) | 8/24/44 | | | 9 kts. | | |
| 9 | 34-19(N) | 1538 (I) | Small AK | 4,800 | 010°T. | Periscope | 2 P.C. type escorts |
| | 139-23(E) | 8/24/44 | | | 9 kts. | | |
| 10 | 34-09(N) | 0015 (I) | Large P.C. | 12,000 | 260°T. | Radar | 2 small escorts. |
| | 139-42(E) | 8/29/44 | | | 9.5 kts. | | |
| 11 | 33-10(N) | 1610 (I) | Medium AK | 11,000 | 160°T. | Periscope | 1 large escort. |
| | 139-52(E) | 9/1/44 | | | 8 kts. | | |
| 12 | 31-50(N) | 0206 (I) | GS | 15,100 | 340°T. | Radar | 2 escorts; 1 P.C. |
| | 139-57(E) | 9/2/44 | | | 9 kts. | | |
| 13 | 30-26(N) | 0653 (I) | Chidori | 10,000 | 140°T. | Pinging | 1 Chidori. |
| | 140-13(E) | 9/5/44 | | | 10 kts. | Periscope | |
| 14 | 33-33.8(N) | 0850 (I) | Convoy | 9,000 | 220°T. | Periscope | |
| | 135-58(E) | 9/12/44 | | | 7 kts. | | |
| 15 | 33-13.5(N) | 1224 (K) | Large passenger | 21,750 | Various | Radar | Possible Q Ship |
| | 152-37.5(E) | 9/17/44 | Freighter | | | | |

— page 90 —
C5-4/A16-3
Serial 0378
CONFIDENTIAL

UBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR 1/tel
Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
3 October 1944.

FIRST INDORSEMENT to:
.S.S. PIPEFISH Report
f Second War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH - Report of Second War Patrol.

1. The second war patrol of the PIPEFISH was conducted
in the area along the southeastern coast of Honshu. The area, par-
ticularly close inshore, was well covered.

2. The PIPEFISH made six (6) attacks, three of which
resulted in hits.

ATTACK #1 This was a night surface radar attack on
a medium sized tanker. Four air torpedoes were fired on an average
track of 73° port, gyros 349½° to 350°, at an initial firing range
of 3100 yards. Radical target maneuvers, including backing, caused
all torpedoes to miss. Detection by the escort prevented a second
attack.

ATTACK #2 This, also a night surface radar attack,
was made on what later determined to be a large P.C. of about 900
tons. Four Mk. 18 torpedoes were fired with depth settings of 5
feet, average track 87½° port, gyros 189° to 180°, at an initial
firing range of 2590 yards. All torpedoes appeared to run beneath
the target.

ATTACK #3 This attack was made submerged after an
end around run during the early morning. The target, an AGS-1
similar to the Koshu was escorted by one Chidori type DD and one
small P.C. boat. Four air torpedoes were fired for one hit, with
a depth setting of 5 feet on an average track of 124° starboard,
gyros 045° to 051½°, range 900 yards. The target is believed to
have been badly damaged.

ATTACK #4 The target of this attack, a medium,
engine aft AK, was accompanied by a small AK and one escort. Four
air torpedoes were fired from periscope depth with torpedo setting
of 5 feet on an average track of 92½° port, gyros 347° to 349°, at
an initial range of 2040 yards. Two hits sank the target. This
attack was made at a distance of only 4000 yards from the beach.
Following the attack, while evading the escorts, the PIPEFISH
struck bottom three times causing damage to both propeller and
the woods of the stern tubes and strut bearings.

- 1 -

— page 91 —
C5-4/A16-3                                        SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
Serial 0378                                                               11/tel
CONFIDENTIAL                                      Fleet Post Office,
                                                  San Francisco, California,
                                                  3 October 1944.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to:
U.S.S. PIPEFISH Report
of Second War Patrol.

Subject:         U.S.S. PIPEFISH - Report of Second War Patrol.

                 ATTACK #5 The target a medium well-deck MF AK, was
first attacked on the surface at night using radar and TBT bearings.
Four air torpedoes were fired for one hit on an average track of
109° starboard, gyros 002° to 000°, depth set ten feet, initial
range 2740 yards. The target was apparently damaged but continued
on at good speed.

5.               ATTACK #6 This attack was a continuation of attack
made after an end around run a night-surface-radar attack was made
firing four Mk 18 s. The track in this attack was very shallow
(38° to 44° port) with gyros of 219½° to 217½° and depth set ten feet.
All torpedoes missed. The target did not maneuver as it is believed
the torpedoes ran under.

3.               The PIPEFISH arrived in fairly good condition and
was very clean.

4.               No major hull damage resulted from the grounding
but both propellers will have to be replaced and the after stern
tube bearings and strut bearings on both shafts will need rewooding.
All sound equipment will be thoroughly checked during the refit.

5.               The broken stern plane motor armature shaft has been
determined not to have been the result of sabotage.

6.               The Commanding Officer, officers, and crew are con-
gratulated on this aggressive patrol. It is unfortunate that the
contacts were all of greater tonnage.

7.               It is recommended that the PIPEFISH be credited with
inflicting the following damage on the enemy:

SUNK:            1 Medium AK (EU) [HANDWRITTEN: 3,500] 3,500 tons
DAMAGED:         1 AGS-1          [HANDWRITTEN: 2,270] 2,270 tons
                 1 Medium AK      [HANDWRITTEN: 2,600] 2,600 tons
                                  [HANDWRITTEN: TOTAL]
                                  [HANDWRITTEN: 4,870]
                 TOTAL [HANDWRITTEN: (strike-through)] 4,870 tons
                                  [SIGNATURE: (illegible handwritten signature)]
                                  C. F. ERCK.

— page 92 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)
Serial 02187
CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
PIPEFISH Report of
Second War Patrol.

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET mr
10 02968 Care of FPO Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
6 October 1944.
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.
[HANDWRITTEN: 4f.]

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 538
U.S.S. PIPEFISH - SECOND WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of Second War Patrol.
(6 August to 27 September 1944).

1. The second war patrol of the PIPEFISH was conducted in
the area south of Honshu.

2. Excellent area coverage was maintained and numerous
contacts were made, most of which were small ships. The PIPEFISH was
plagued with a foggy periscope throughout most of the patrol, but was
able to deliver six torpedo attacks, three of which resulted in damage
to the enemy.

3. This patrol is designated as "Successful" for Combat
Insignia Award.

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congra-
tulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this successful
patrol during which the following damage was inflicted upon the enemy:

S U N K
1 - Medium AK (EU) - 4,000 tons (Attack No. 4)

D A M A G E D
1 - KOSHU-AGS-1 (EC) - 2,100 tons (Attack No. 3)
1 - Small AK (ANSHU MARU Type) (EU) - 2,600 tons (Attack No. 5)
TOTAL DAMAGED 4,700 tons
TOTAL SUNK & DAMAGED 8,700 tons

J. H. BROWN, Jr.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7) Comorрас
CNO (5) Comsubspac
Cincpac (6) SUBAD, MI
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1) ComsubspacSubordcom
Comservpac (1) All Squadron and Div.
Cinclant (1) Commanders, Pacific (2)
Comsubslant (8) Substrainpac (2)
S/M School, NL (2) All Submarines, Pacific(1)
Comsopac (2) [SIGNATURE: C. K. Hynes]
Comsowespac (1) E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Comsubsowespac (2) Flag Secretary.
CTF 72 (2)

EXTRA - ORIGINAL
SORG. MICRO
PHOTO-LAB OP-16
RETURN TO F-4253

— page 93 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st Copy]

U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388)
In Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

6 January 1945.

SS388/A16-3
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

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

Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of THIRD War Patrol.

Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart. (ComSubsPac Only)

1. Enclosures (A) and (B) covering the THIRD War Patrol of this
vessel conducted to the westward of one one six degrees East Longitude in area
eleven Destroy during the period 28 October, 1944 to 6 January 1945 is forwarded
herewith.

[SIGNATURE: W.N. Deragon]
W.N. DERAGON.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B2] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/31/72]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

103668 [STAMP: FILMED]

— page 106 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of THIRD War Patrol.

14 December 1944
1200             S.D. contact, distant 9 miles.
1201             Submerged.
1315             Surfaced.
1335             S.D. contact, distant 3 miles.
1336             Submerged.
1430             Surfaced.
1530             S.D. contact, distant 24 miles.
1801             Received message from Pack Commander to be in position 18° N
                 111-12 E by midnight and conduct stationary patrol.
2105             Received ComSubsPac's 141039 changing date of departure from
                 15 December to 22 December 1944.

15 December 1944
0028             Received message from Pack Commander to be in position 17-20N
                 110-55E by 0500.
1300             S.D. contact, distant 15 miles.
1605             Received message from Pack Commander to start North at 1800
                 and head for 18-30N 30 miles East of Western boundary.

16 December 1944
0800             Commenced patrol on station on course 045°T and reverse.
1835             Received Comnavgroup China's 161003 reporting a plane con-
                 tact with a convoy which was passing through our area.
                 Commenced easing over toward western boundary of area to
                 intercept convoy.
1942             Received message from Pack Commander to close western boundary
                 five (5) miles and proceed to intercept convoy.

17 December 1944
0215             Received message from Pack Commander to change course to 220°T,
                 speed 20 knots.
0400             S.J. radar contact bearing 212°T, distant 24,890 yards. Appears
                 to be one (1) ship. Called away radar tracking party.

-13-

— page 113 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of THIRD War Patrol.
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

No. | Time & Date | Latitude & Longitude | Type | Initial Range | Course & Speed | How Contacted
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
1 | (-9) 1130 11/13/44 | 13-38 N | Bomber | 8 Miles | 281 T | Lookout
| | | 137-04 E | | | 14 knots |
2 | (-9) 1005 11/15/44 | 20-38 N | "Rufe" | 10 Miles | 283 T | Lookout
| | | 125-54 E | | | 16 knots |
3 | (-8) 1232 11/15/44 | 20-47 N | Float Plane | 9 Miles | 283 T | Lookout
| | | 125-08 E | | | 16 knots |
4 | (-8) 1232 11/15/44 | 20-47 N | Float Plane | 9 Miles | 283 T | Lookout
| | | 125-08 E | | | 16 knots |
5 | (-8) 0816 11/16/44 | 21-12 N | "Nell" | 8 Miles | 090 T | Lookout
| | | 120-09 E | | | 12 knots |
6 | (-8) 1350 11/16/44 | 21-12 N | "Betty" | 4 Miles | 180 T | Periscope
| | | 120-09 E | | | 1½ knots |
7 | (-8) 0800 11/17/44 | 20-00 N | Unknown | 20 Miles | 270 T | SD Radar
| | | 117-05 E | | | 12 knots |
8 | (-8) 1030 11/18/44 | 19-11 N | Unknown | 19 Miles | 315 T | SD Radar
| | | 112-11 E | | | 16 knots |
9 | (-8) 1335 11/18/44 | 19-05 N | Unknown | 18 Miles | 175 T | SD Radar
| | | 112-01 E | | | 12 knots |
10 | (-8) 1356 11/18/44 | 19-26 N | "Betty" | 10 Miles | 175 T | Lookout
| | | 111-58 E | | | 12 knots |
11 | (-8) 1728 11/18/44 | 19-35 N | "Betty" | 10 Miles | 220 T | Lookout
| | | 112-00 E | | | 12 knots |
12 | (-8) 1004 11/19/44 | 19-23 N | Unknown | 10 Miles | 340 T | SD Radar
| | | 113-24 E | | | 12 knots |
13 | (-8) 1104 11/19/44 | 19-25 N | Unknown | 13 Miles | 180 T | SD Radar
| | | 113-23 E | | | 12 knots |
14 | (-8) 1750 11/19/44 | 19-24 N | Unknown | 28 Miles | 000 T | SD Radar
| | | 113-25 E | | | 12 knots |
15 | (-8) 0700 11/20/44 | 19-40 N | Unknown | 10 Miles | 220 T | Lookout
| | | 112-34 E | | | 8 knots |
16 | (-8) 1350 11/20/44 | 19-13 N | Flying Boat | 10 Miles | 220 T | Lookout
| | | 113-27 E | | | 8 knots |
17 | (-8) 1629 11/20/44 | 19-08 N | Unknown | 19 Miles | 220 T | SD Radar
| | | 113-21 E | | | 8 knots |
18 | (-8) 0645 11/21/44 | 19-12 N | Unknown | 60 Miles | 040 T | SD Radar
| | | 113-18 E | | | 8 knots |
19 | (-8) 1017 11/21/44 | 19-18 N | Unknown | 20 Miles | 040 T | SD Radar
| | | 113-29 E | | | 8 knots |
20 | (-8) 1230 11/21/44 | 19-24 N | Unknown | 26 Miles | 040 T | SD Radar
| | | 113-05 E | | | 8 knots |
21 | (-8) 1517 11/21/44 | 19-12 N | Unknown | 15 Miles | 040 T | SD Radar
| | | 113-28 E | | | 8 knots |
22 | (-8) 0930 11/22/44 | 19-12 N | Unknown | 17 Miles | 040 T | SD Radar
| | | 113-26 E | | | 8 knots |
23 | (-8) 2103 11/22/44 | 19-08 N | Unknown | 9 Miles | 090 T | SJ Radar
| | | 113-38 E | | | 8 knots |
24 | (-8) 1045 11/23/44 | 19-22 N | Unknown | 26 Miles | 040 T | SD Radar
| | | 113-33 E | | | 12 knots |

-20-

— page 115 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of THIRD War Patrol.

No. | Time & Date | Latitude & Longitude | Type | Initial Range | Course & Speed | How Contacted
49 | (-8) 1530 12/14/44 | 20-39 N 113-55 E | Unknown | 24 Miles | 220 T 10 Knots | SD Radar
50 | (-8) 1300 12/15/44 | 20-45 N 113-02 E | Unknown | 15 Miles | 060 T 10 knots | SD Radar
51 | (-8) 1105 12/18/44 | 18-48 N 111-28 E | Unknown | 20 Miles | 045 T 10 knots | SD Radar
52 | (-8) 1125 12/18/44 | 18-46 N 111-30 E | Unknown | 27 Miles | 100 T 10 knots | SD Radar
53 | (-8) 1141 12/18/44 | 18-48 N 111-32 E | Bomber | 6 Miles | 045 T 10 knots | Lookout
54 | (-8) 1424 12/18/44 | 18-56 N 111-38 E | Unknown | 14 Miles | 045 T 10 knots | SD Radar
55 | (-8) 1607 12/18/44 | 18-45 N 111-31 E | Unknown | 10 Miles | 040 T 10 knots | SD Radar
56 | (-8) 0905 12/19/44 | 19-36 N 111-54 E | Unknown | 7 Miles | 045 T 10 knots | SD Radar
57 | (-8) 1223 12/19/44 | 19-37 N 111-58 E | Unknown | 14 Miles | 090 T 10 knots | SD Radar
58 | (-8) 1415 12/19/44 | 19-43 N 112-02 E | Unknown | 9 Miles | 090 T 10 knots | SD Radar
59 | (-8) 0830 12/20/44 | 19-41 N 111-57 E | Unknown | 11 Miles | 300 T 10 knots | SD Radar
60 | (-8) 1205 12/20/44 | 19-42 N 111-51 E | Unknown | 6 Miles | 300 T 10 knots | SD Radar
61 | (-8) 1104 12/21/44 | 19-40 N 111-57 E | Unknown | 19 Miles | 140 T 10 knots | SD Radar
62 | (-8) 1114 12/21/44 | 19-40 N 111-58 E | Large Bomber | 10 Miles | 140 T 10 knots | Lookout
63 | (-8) 1215 12/21/44 | 19-38 N 112-52 E | Unknown | 21 Miles | 320 T 10 knots | SD Radar
64 | (-8) 1245 12/21/44 | 19-38 N 112-52 E | Unknown | 7 Miles | 320 T 10 knots | SD Radar
65 | (-8) 1022 12/22/44 | 20-15 N 113-50 E | Unknown | 25 Miles | 082 T 10 knots | SD Radar
66 | (-8) 1101 12/22/44 | 20-20 N 113-53 E | Unknown | 25 Miles | 082 T 10 knots | SD Radar
67 | (-8) 0847 12/23/44 | 20-11 N 117-48 E | Unknown | 18 Miles | 082 T 15 knots | SD Radar
68 | (-8) 0908 12/23/44 | 20-11 N 117-50 E | Unknown | 18 Miles | 082 T 15 knots | SD Radar
69 | (-8) 1121 12/23/44 | 20-18 N 118-18 E | Unknown | 17 Miles | 060 T 15 knots | SD Radar
70 | (-8) 1400 12/23/44 | 20-28 N 118-34 E | Unknown | 12 Miles | 090 T 15 knots | SD Radar
71 | (-8) 1034 12/24/44 | 21-30 N 123-00 E | Unknown | 12 Miles | 090 T 15 knots | SD Radar

-22-

— page 124 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION 142
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
7 January 1945.

FB5-142/A16-3

Serial: 01

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO USS PIPEFISH Conf. ltr.
SS388/A16-3, Ser. 03 dated
6 January 1945.

From: The Commander Submarine Division 142.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron FOURTEEN.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of Third War Patrol,
Comments on.

1. The third war patrol of the PIPEFISH covered a period
of sixty-nine (69) days of which thirty-six (36) were spent in her
assigned area Southwest of FORMOSA and off the East Coast of HAINAN.
PIPEFISH was a member of a coordinated attack group consisting of
PAMPANITO, SEACAT, SEARAVEN, and PIPEFISH, under the tactical command
of Captain F. W. Fenno, Jr. in PAMPANITO. Area coverage by this
group was thorough but few worthy contacts were made. It is noted
that the PIPEFISH spent only one (1) day submerged in her area though
forced down many times by enemy aircraft.

2. Of the three contacts justifying torpedo attack two
were fired upon and the third pursued, but the PIPEFISH was unable to
gain a favorable position prior to being driven down by air escorts.

TORPEDO ATTACK #1
Following a contact report by SEARAVEN on 3 December, PIPEFISH
closed and in a night surface attack just before dawn fired three
Mark 18-1 torpedoes from her stern tubes at a large AK in a convoy of
four (4) ships and two (2) escorts. Four minutes later an explosion
was heard but unobserved. It is believed one of the ships in the
convoy was hit, particularly since PAMPANITO reported only three ships
in the convoy a short time later. Further attacks on this convoy were
frustrated by daylight and enemy aircraft.

TORPEDO ATTACK #2
Another pre-dawn surface attack was made on an unescorted
freighter on the morning of 17 December. An excellent position was
obtained and five (5) Mark 18-1 torpedoes fired at a range of 1850
yards. Submarine was apparently sighted for target turned away shortly
after firing and all torpedoes missed. An attempted daylight end
around for a second attack was finally thwarted by the proximity of
HAINAN ISLAND.

- 1 -

— page 125 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION 142
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
7 January 1945.

FB5-142/A16-3
Serial: 01

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO USS PIPEFISH Conf. ltr.
SS388/A16-3, Ser. 03 dated
6 January 1945.

Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of Third War Patrol,
Comments on.

— page 126 —
FC5-14/A16 - 3
Serial 03.
CONFIDENTIAL

SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOURTEEN

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
8 January 1945.

SECOND INDORSEMENT to
USS PIPEFISH (SS388) -
Report of Third War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of Third War
Patrol; comments on.

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

2. Unfortunately the results of the attack on 3 December
are too inconclusive to warrant the assessment of damage.

3. The Commanding Officer, officers and crew are congratu-
lated on the completion of a long and arduous patrol. It is hoped
that the fighting spirit of this ship will pay dividends on the next
patrol.

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

Copy to:
CSD 142
PIPEFISH

— page 127 —
[HANDWRITTEN: _12-10/A16-3(15)]
serial 0210

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PIPEFISH Report of
Third War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 643
U.S.S. PIPEFISH - THIRD 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. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of Third War Patrol
 (28 October, 1944, to 6 January, 1945).

 1.
 The third war patrol of the PIPEFISH, under the com-
mand of Commander W. N. Deragon, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the
areas southwest of Formosa and off the East Coast of Hainan. The
PIPEFISH, along with the U.S.S. SEA CAT (SS399), the U.S.S. SEARAVEN
(SS196), and the U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383), formed a coordinated at-
tack group with Captain F. W. Fenno, Jr., U.S. Navy, as group com-
mander and commanding officer of the PAMPANITO.

 2.
 The PIPEFISH encountered very bad weather conditions
and was molested by numerous enemy aircraft throughout this patrol.
Out of the three worthwhile contacts made, two aggressive attacks
were developed. In one attack, the target avoided by turning away.
The other resulted in a timed hit in an unidentified ship.

 3.
 Award of the Submarine Combat Insignia for this pa-
trol is not authorized.

 4.
 The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, con-
gratulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this ag-
gressive patrol in the face of most adverse weather conditions. The
PIPEFISH is credited with having inflicted the following damage upon
the enemy:

 D A M A G E D

 1 - UN - 4,000 tons (Attack No. 1)

DISTRIBUTION: C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7) CTG 71.9 (2)
CNO (5) Comnorpac (1)
Cincpac (6) Comsubspac (20)
ICPOA (1) SUBAD, TI (2)
Comservpac (1) ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
Cinclant (1) All Squadron and Div.
Comsubslant (2) Commanders, Pacific (2)
S/M School, NL (1) Substrainpac (2)
CO, S/M Base, PH (1) All Submarines, Pacific (1)
Comsopac (2) [HANDWRITTEN: (C. A. Lockwood)]
Comsowespac (1) E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Comsubsowespac (2) Flag Secretary.

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET [HANDWRITTEN: mr]
Care of Fleet Post Office,
25 JAN 1945 San Francisco, California,
24 January 1945.

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

— page 128 —
[UNCLEAR: INVERTED TEXT: DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY]
[UNCLEAR: INVERTED TEXT: OFFICE OF NAVAL RECORDS AND HISTORY]

COPY

COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE
UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

FF4-11/wht
P15/A16-3
Ser: 2954

25 July 1951

From: Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
To: Chief of Naval Operations
Via: Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet

Subj: Submarine War Patrol - Change in designation as "successful" for the
      purpose of awarding the Submarine Combat Insignia

Ref: (a) U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of Third War Patrol Serial 03,
         dated 6 Jan 1945 and endorsements thereto
     (b) NavExs P-468 - "Japanese Naval and Merchant Shipping Losses During
         World War II By All Causes"

1. The third war patrol of the submarine PIPEFISH (SS388) was originally
assessed as "not successful" for the purpose of awarding the Submarine
Combat Insignia. Subsequent to this evaluation, information was received
that credited the PIPEFISH with sinking Coastal Defense Vessel No. 64 of
an estimated 800 tons. This sinking is substantiated by reference (b).

2. Inasmuch as the sinking of an enemy vessel fulfills the requirements
for the Submarine Combat Insignia award, and since reference (b), the
official and final assessment of all Japanese Naval and Merchant Shipping
Losses in World War II, indicates that the PIPEFISH IS CREDITED with
sinking Coastal Defense Vessel No. 64, it is requested that paragraph
three of the third endorsement to reference (a) be changed to read:

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

C. B. MOMSEN

— page 129 —
COPY

CINCPACFLT FILE
FF1-1
P15
Ser: 4691

1 August 1951

FIRST ENDORSEMENT ON COMSUBPAC ltr FF4-11/wht P15/A16-3 ser 2954 of 25
July 1951

From: Commander in Chief U. S. Pacific Fleet
To: Chief of Naval Operations

Subj: Submarine War Patrol - Change to designation as "successful" for
     the purpose of awarding the Submarine Combat Insignia

1. Forwarded.

W. R. HOLLINGSWORTH
Assistat Chief of Staff
for Operations

Copy to:
COMSUBPAC

— page 130 —
COPY

Op-311D/pb
Ser 457P31

13 Aug 1951

MEMORANDUM

From: Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (Undersea Warfare)
To: Director, Training Plans, Decorations & Awards, Legislative
Liaison Division OpXII

Subj: Submarine War Patrol - Change to designation as "Successful"
for the purpose of awarding the Submarine Combat Insignia

Ref: (a) NavExos P-468 - Japanese Naval and Merchant Shipping
Losses during World War II by All Causes

Encl: (1) ComSubPac ltr ser 2954 of 25 July 1951 with
CinCPacFlt endorsement ser 4691 of 1 Aug. 1951

1. Enclosure (1) is forwarded herewith for consideration.

2. As noted in paragraph 2 of enclosure (1), the USS PIPEFISH should
be credited with sinking the Japanese Coastal Defense Vessel No. 65 (should
be 64). Reference (a), Appendix, pp 29, indicates the PIPEFISH sunk this
vessel on 3 December 1944 while on her Third War Patrol.

3. It is recommended that paragraph 3 of the third endorsement to the
USS PIPEFISH (SS388) Report of Third War Patrol, serial 03 dated 6
January 1945, be changed to read:

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

Signed Frank Akers
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
Assistant Chief of Naval Operations
(Undersea

Copy to:
Op-311

— page 131 —
[SEAL: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
WASHINGTON 25, D. C.

IN REPLY REFER TO
Op-11/hg
Ser 869P11
[STAMP: 23 AUG 1951]

MEMORANDUM

From: Op-01B
To: Op-29
Subj: Submarine War Patrol - Change to designation as "successful"
     for the purpose of awarding the Submarine Combat Insignia
Encl: (1) ComSubPac ltr ser 2954 of 25 July 1951 with CinCPacFlt
         endorsement ser 4691 of 1 Aug 1951
     (2) Op-31 memo Op-311D/pb Ser 457P31 of 13 Aug 1951

1. The request contained in paragraph 2 of enclosure (1) is
   approved.
2. Op-29 is authorized to modify reference (a) to enclosure (1)
   accordingly and to so inform ComSubPac.

[SIGNATURE: C. L. GREEN]
Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy,
Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (Personnel)

— page 132 —
OP-292D(LM)

30 August 1951

From: Director of Naval Records and History
To: Commander Submarine Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet

Subj: Submarine War Patrol - Change to designation as "successful" for the
     purpose of awarding the Submarine Combat Insignia

Ref: (a) U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of Third War Patrol Serial 03,
     dated 6 Jan 1945 and endorsements thereto
     (b) NavExos P-468 - "Japanese Naval and Merchant Shipping Losses
     during World War II By All Causes"

1. Op-29 is authorized by the Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (Per-
   sonnel) to change the 3rd paragraph of the Third Endorsement of reference
   (a) to read:

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

Accordingly notation of this change has been recorded on the War Patrol
Report in these archives.

Prepared and typed
by LMACC Aug 30/51

John B. Heffernan

— page 133 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

SS388/A16-3
Serial: (05)

U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

26 March 1945.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) Commander Submarine Division FORTY-SIX.
 (2) Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.

Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of FOURTH War Patrol.

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the FOURTH War Patrol of this
vessel conducted in the Nansei Shoto area during the period 31 January 1945
to 26 March 1945 is forwarded herewith.

W. N. DERAGON.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/31/72]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[STAMP: 20 APR
115154
FILMED]

— page 141 —
Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of FOURTH War Patrol.

28 February 1945
1845 (I) Surfaced.
1925 (I) Transmitted my 270945.
2145 (I) O.O.D. sighted two (2) small objects on the horizon.
2153 (I) Radar contact bearing 206°T., distance 11,400 yards. Closed
          range to 8,000 yards. Contacts determined to be two (2)
          small patrol boats heading in a south westerly direction.
          Decided to leave them alone. (Ship contact No. 1).

0608 (I) Submerged.
1200 (I) Position Lat. 27-38.5 N. Long. 128-53 E.
1930 (I) Surfaced.

1 March 1945
0639 (I) Submerged.
1200 (I) Position Lat. 28-10 N. Long. 128-43 E.
1924 (I) Surfaced.

2 March 1945
0725 (I) S.D. contact, distance 8 miles closing. Possibly one of our
          planes but did not wait to find out. Submerged. (Aircraft
          contact No. 8).
1200 (I) Position Lat. 28-13 N. Long. 128-48 E.
1915 (I) Surfaced.

3 March 1945
0840 (I) S.D. contact, distance 8 miles closing. Submerged. (Aircraft
          contact No. 9).
1122 (I) Surfaced.
1200 (I) Position Lat. 27-45 N. Long. 127-15 E.
1204 (I) Lookout sighted plane bearing 110°T., distance 8 miles closing.
          Submerged. Plane believed to be Jap Zero. (Aircraft contact
          No. 10).
1808 (I) Surfaced. S.J. Radar is not working properly.

- 8 -

— page 151 —
Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of FOURTH War Patrol.

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING
| Torpedoes Number | Fuel Gallons | Provisions Days | Personnel Factor Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 At Midway | 6,000 | 12 | 12 |

Limiting factor this patrol - Terminated by orders from ComSubPac.

(U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR, AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES

(1) Equipment: TN2/APR1, TN3/APR1, AN/SPA1:

| Date & Time | Position of Ship | Freq. MC | PRF CPS | PW USEC | Tuning Unit | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Feb. 27-00 N. 2153 Z | 129-15 E. | 159 | 900 | 15-18 | TN2 | Sweeps every 30 seconds. Screen showed double pips. |
| 18 Feb. 28-00 N. 1020 Z | 128-30 E. | 159 | 400 | 9 | TN2 | Sweep varied from once every 30 seconds to once per minute. Two different types of pips observed, i.e. |
| | | | | | | [Drawing of two square pips] |
| 19 Feb. 28-04 N. 1030 Z | 128-33 E. | 158 | 400 | 20 | TN2 | Sweeps about 1 R.P.M. |
| | | | | | | [Drawing of a square pip] |
| 3 March 28-07 N. 1900 Z | 128-30 E. | 159 | 500 | 15-18 | TN2 | None |
| | | | | | | (Above contacts are all believed to be land based on Amamio Shima) |
| 12 March 31-50 N. 0945 Z | 140-00 E. | 158 | 470 | 8 | TN2 | Sweeping about 2 R.P.M. |
| | | | | | | [Drawing of a square pip] |
| 14 March 33-15 N. 1100 | 139-15 E. | 158 | 470 | 8 | TN2 | [Drawing of a triangular pip] |

(2) Jamming, own and Enemy.
None observed

- 18 -

— page 153 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

FCS-4/A16-3

Serial: 0253
C O N F I D E N T I A L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS PIPEFISH (SS388) - Re-
port of Fourth War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC
FLEET, Administration.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of FOURTH
War Patrol.

1. The Fourth War Patrol of the U.S.S. PIPEFISH
was conducted in the Nansci Shoto area from 31 January to
26 March 1945. Thirty days were spent in the area, twenty-
nine submerged.

2. Only five ship contacts were made, and none of
those were considered suitable for torpedo attack.

3. The PIPEFISH returned from patrol in excellent
material condition, and in a fine state of cleanliness. It is
expected that the refit will be of normal duration.

4. The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR congratu-
lates the Commanding Officer, officers, and crew of the PIPEFISH
upon completion of this patrol, and hopes that the next patrol
will offer more targets.

[SIGNATURE: H. V. O'Regan]
H. V. O'REGAN.
11/jfs

29 March 1945.

— page 154 —
4 02013
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial : 0726

CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
PIREFISH Report of
Fourth War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 702
U.S.S. PIPEFISH - FOURTH WAR PATROL.

From:
To :
Via :
Subject:

1. The fourth war patrol of the PIPEFISH, under the com-
mand of Commander W. N. Deragon, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the
Nansei Shoto area. The PIPEFISH performed lifeguard services as
well as conducting offensive patrol.

2. Despite thorough area coverage and "heads-up" perfor-
mance of lifeguard duty, the PIPEFISH was afforded no opportunity to
attack the enemy or effect rescue of downed aviators. Better luck
next time to this veteran commanding officer with thirteen war pa-
trols to his credit and this fighting ship.

3. Award of Submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol
is not authorized.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Report)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Comopac (6)
JICPOA (1)
AdComPOA (1)
Comservpac (1)
CincLant (1)
Comsubslant (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
CO, S/M Base, PH (1)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (2)
Comsubsowespac (1)
CTG 71.9 (2)
Comorрас (2)
Comsubspac (1)
ComsubspacAdCom (3)
SUBAD, MI (20)
ComsubspacSubor (2)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Pacific (3)
Substrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Pacific (2)
(1)

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
EF
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
6 April 1945.

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

The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of Fourth War Patrol
(31 January to 26 March 1945).

MERRILL COMSTOCK.

[SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes]
E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.

[STAMP: EXTRA - ORIGINAL]
[STAMP: SORG. MICRO]
[STAMP: PHOTO-LAB OP-16]
[STAMP: RETURN TO F-4253]
[HANDWRITTEN: 24]

— page 155 —
SS388/A16-3
Serial: (011)

U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST copy]

16 June 1945

DECLASSIFIED
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) Commander Submarine Division THREE HUNDRED THIRTY TWO.
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron THIRTY TWO.

Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of FIFTH War Patrol.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track Chart.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the FIFTH War Patrol of this
vessel conducted in the Nanpo Shoto area during the period 28 April 1945
to 16 June 1945 is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: W. N. DERAGON]
W. N. DERAGON.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP09B] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/31/22]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 128889]

— page 171 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. PIPERFISH (SS388) - Report of FIFTH War Patrol.

1342 (K) - Submerged.
1436 (K) Surfaced.
2100 (K) Received ComSubPac's 020497 cancelling strike for 3 June.

3 June 1945

1050 (K) S.D. contact distance 11 miles, no I.F.F., Submerged.
1145 (K) Surfaced.
1200 (K) Position. Lat. 29-53 N. Long. 140-17.0 E.
1201 (K) S.D. contact distance 7 miles, closing, submerged.
1233 (K) Surfaced.
1453 (K) Sighted a plane distance 6 miles, submerged.
1543 (K) Surfaced.
2030 (K) Received ComSubPac's 030603 cancelling strike for 4 June.

4 June 1945

0510 (K) Exchanged recognition signals via S.J. radar with U.S.S.
          Tigrone.
0815 (K) Friendly S.D. contact at 20 miles.
1200 (K) Position. Lat. 29-57.4 N. Long. 138-41.1 E.
1406 (K) Sighted "Betty", distance 10 miles, submerged.
1545 (K) Surfaced.
2105 (K) Received ComSubPac's 040807.
2045 (K) Commenced converting No's. 3-4-5 fuel ballast tanks into
          ballast tanks.

5 June 1945

0117 (K) Submerged to flush out fuel ballast tanks.
0143 (K) Surfaced.
0530 (K) S.D. contact distance 10 miles, closing in, submerged.
0700 (K) Surfaced.

- 16 -

— page 182 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of FIFTH War Patrol.
(U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR & SONAR COUNTERMEASURES

Radar Countermeasures.
1. Intercept of enemy signals.
Equipment: TN2/APR1, TN3/APR1, AN/SPA1.

DATE | POSITION | FREQ. | PRF | PW | TUNING | REMARKS
TIME-GCT.OF SHIP | | M.C. | C.P.S. | USEC. | UNIT |
5/3/45 | Lat.29-56 N | 82 | 500 | 35 | TN2 | Loud and steady signals.
1400 | Long.140-12 E | | | | | Pip [HANDWRITTEN: radar signal drawing]

**CONFIDENTIAL**

Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of FIFTH War Patrol.
(U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR & SONAR COUNTERMEASURES

Radar Countermeasures.
1. Intercept of enemy signals.
Equipment: TN2/APR1, TN3/APR1, AN/SPA1.

| DATE | POSITION | FREQ. | PRF | PW | TUNING | REMARKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TIME-GCT.OF SHIP | | M.C. | C.P.S. | USEC. | UNIT | |
| 5/3/45 | Lat.29-56 N | 82 | 500 | 35 | TN2 | Loud and steady signals. |
| 1400 | Long.140-12 E | | | | | Pip [HANDWRITTEN: radar signal drawing] |
| 5/3/45 | Lat. 29-56 N | 100 | 600 | 22 | TN2 | Medium and steady signal |
| 1400 | Long.140-12E | | | | | Pip [HANDWRITTEN: radar signal drawing] |
| 5/21/45 | Lat.33-00 N | 105 | 1000 | 10 | TN2 | Weak signal. Irregular Sweep. |
| 1210 | Long.140-00E | | | | | pip [HANDWRITTEN: radar signal drawing] |
| 5/15/45 | Lat.33-00 N | 148 | 500 | 15 | TN2 | Weak signal. Irregular Sweep |
| 2100 | Long.138-00E | | | | | came in at about five minute |
| | | | | | | intervals. Pip [HANDWRITTEN: radar signal drawing] |
| 6/3/45 | Lat.30-00N | 150 | 450 | 10 | TN2 | Loud signal. Sweeping about |
| 1200 | Long.140-00E | | | | | once per minute. |
| | | | | | | Pip [HANDWRITTEN: radar signal drawing] |
| 6/7/45 | Lat.32-40 N | 153 | 1000 | 15 | TN2 | Medium signal strength. Pip came |
| 1640 | Long.137-34E | | | | | up to saturation for just a few |
| | | | | | | seconds and disappeared quite |
| | | | | | | suddenly probably aircraft. |
| | | | | | | Pip [HANDWRITTEN: radar signal drawing] |
| 5/29/45 | Lat.34-00 N | 155 | 950 | 6 | TN2 | Strong signal. Steady. Gradual |
| 1100 | Long.140-00E | | | | | increase to saturation pip and |
| | | | | | | same rate of decrease. Known |
| | | | | | | to be aircraft. |
| | | | | | | [HANDWRITTEN: radar signal drawing] |
| | | | | | | Pip [HANDWRITTEN: radar signal drawing] |
| 6/3/45 | Lat.29-56N | 157 | 750 | 15 | TN2 | Strong, steady signal. |
| 1400 | Long.140-07 E | | | | | Pip [HANDWRITTEN: radar signal drawing] |
| 6/10/45 | Lat.36-10 N | 162 | 1000 | 8 | TN2 | Appeared on scope and slowly in- |
| 1024 | Long.141-32E | | | | | creased in volume, then faded out. |
| | | | | | | Steady on. Probably aircraft. |
| | | | | | | Pip [HANDWRITTEN: radar signal drawing] |

- 27 -

— page 185 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION THREE TWENTY TWO
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Cal.

FB5-322/A16-3
18 June 1945
Serial: 06
C O N F I D E N T I A L
_______

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to:
U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) Report
of Fifth War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Division THREE TWENTY TWO.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron THIRTY TWO.
     (2) The Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
     (3) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

1. The Fifth War Patrol of the U.S.S. PIPEFISH, con-
ducted in the Nanpo Shoto area during the period 28 April 1945
to 16 June 1945, had as its primary mission the conduct of life
guard duties. These duties were performed in an outstanding
manner and resulted in the rescue of three B-29 officers and
four crewmen as well as one Mustang pilot. Excellent coopera-
tion between submarine and accompanying aircraft assisted greatly
in the successful accomplishment of these rescues. In addition
the bodies of four airmen were recovered and buried at sea with
appropriate ceremonies.

2. There were no surface contacts.

3. The Commanding Officer's comments and suggestions
for improving life saving equipment have merit.

4. The Commanding Officer, officers, and crew of the
U.S.S. PIPEFISH are heartily congratulated on their outstanding
performance of life guard duties, and on the completion of this
patrol.

[SIGNATURE: J.R. Waterman]
J. R. WATERMAN
Acting.

— page 186 —
FC5-32/A16-3
Serial: 074
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

SUBMARINE SQUADRON THIRTY-TWO

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
20 June 1945.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS PIPEFISH (SS388) Report
of Fifth War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron THIRTY-TWO.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the Commander Submarine
Division THREE TWENTY-TWO.

2. The modification permitting the connection of D. Q. loop to
either the RAK or RAL receivers is recommended.

3. The commanding officer, officers, and crew of the U.S.S. PIPEFISH
are congratulated upon the completion of this patrol and upon the excellence
of the lifeguard services rendered.

[SIGNATURE: K. C. HURD]
K. C. HURD

— page 187 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 01612
CONFIDENTIAL

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET 01316 Ga
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
28 June, 1945.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PIPEFISH Report of
Fifth War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 797
U.S.S. PIPEFISH - FIFTH WAR PATROL.

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

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. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of Fifth War Patrol
(28 April to 16 June 1945).

1. The fifth war patrol of the PIPEFISH, under the command of Commander
W. N. Deragon, U. S. Navy, was conducted off the coast of Honshu and in the Nanpo
Shoto areas. The primary mission of the PIPEFISH was lifeguard duty.

2. The success of this outstanding patrol is best told by the fact that
the PIPEFISH had the pleasure of rescuing eight friendly aviators and bringing them
safely into port. The bodies of four additional airmen were recovered and buried
at sea with appropriate ceremonies.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
commanding officer, with 13 war patrols to his credit, the officers, and crew of
the PIPEFISH for this splendid patrol, and says "well done" to all hands.

MERRILL COMSTOCK.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
JICPOA (1)
AdICPOA (1)
Comservpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Comsubslant (8)
S/M School, NL (3)
CO, S/M Base, PH (2)
Comsopac (1)
Comsowespac (2)
Comsubs7thFlt (Fwd Echelon) (2)
Comsubs7thFlt (Rear Echelon) (2)
Comnorpac (1)
Comsubspac (3)
ComsubspacAdComd (40)

SUBAD, MI (2)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Pacific (2)
CSS 3 (Airmail) (5)
Substrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Pacific (1)

[SIGNATURE: W. S. Langley]
W. S. LANGLEY,
Asst. Flag Secretary.

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

— page 188 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

SS388/A16-3

Serial: (015)

U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

28 August 1945.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) Commander Submarine Division FORTY THREE.
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron TEN.

Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of SIXTH War Patrol.

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the SIXTH War Patrol of this
vessel conducted in the Nanpo Shoto and Kyushu areas during the period
15 July 1945 to 28 August 1945 is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: A. L. Redon]
A. L. REDON.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/31/72]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

— page 206 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of SIXTH War Patrol.

0200 (I) Our air cover reports air strike completed no casualties in
our area. Plane departed for base. We departed for our Kyushu
lifeguard station. We are to rendezvous at 0815 (I). Since
our station is fairly close to the beach I have decided to arrive
early and dive after morning stars and surface at rendezvous
time.

0505 (I) The navigator has just finished his morning observations. We
are on station by dead reckoning. It is getting light and the
Kyushu coast line is becoming visible dead ahead to westward.
Just as we were ready to dive the O.O.D. and C.O. sighted
against the silhouette of a vessel almost dead ahead against the land
background. It had the lines of a patrol craft or D.E. She
was on a northerly heading, presenting us with a 90° starboard
angle on the bow. Radar could not make contact. The eastern
sky behind us is getting very bright. Even a Japanese Lookout
should be able to see us.

0510 (I) Dove to periscope depth. Radar gave a range of 17,000 yards
just as we started down. I don't think we can close him but
went to battle stations and headed towards the target, thinking
that he might come over our way. I had one more glimpse of him
through the periscope, still moving right.

0541 (I) Secured from battle stations. We are operating in a joint zone
but I don't believe any of our own surface craft are in this
vicinity.
When the navigator worked out his stars and we were able to get
bearings on the beach, we found that we were five miles past
our rendezvous point. The vessel we had sighted had been
steaming on the 100 fathom curve.
Reversed course and headed for rendezvous point.

0800 (I) Sighted B-29 through the periscope, probably our air cover.

0803 (I) Surfaced. By 0815 had established radio voice communication
with all three of our air cover. (Two B-29's and one PBM).

1000 (I) Air cover reported that strike was completed, that there were
no planes down in our area and that they were returning to their
base. Set course to clear the area to SW.

- 18 -

— page 224 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject:
U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of SIXTH War Patrol.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY

     Health of officers and crew was excellent. High temperature
caused a few cases of heat rash which were checked by medic tions.

     The food was excellent and plentiful and well prepared. Our
cooks and baker deserve alot of credit for the high moral on this
unproductive patrol.

(Q) PERSONNEL

     (a) Number of men transferred after previous patrol18
     (b) Number of men on board this patrol80
     (c) Number of qualified men at start of patrol55
     (d) Number of men qualified at end of patrol67
     (e) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol...... 11

     The conduct of all officers and men was in accordance with
the highest traditions of the Naval Service.

(R) MILES STEAMED, FUEL USED

     Midway to Saipan                 2,438 Miles          28,060 Gals.
     Saipan to Area                   1,070 Miles           9,807 Gals.
     In Area                          3,657 Miles          35,340 Gals.
     Area to Midway                   2,735 Miles          36,000 Gals.
     Midway to Pearl                  1,258 Miles          16,500 Gals.

     Total                           11,158 Miles         125,707 Gals.

(S) DURATION

     Days enroute Midway to Saipan                                8 Days
     Days enroute Saipan to Area                                  3 Days
     Days in Area                                                18 Days
     Days enroute Area to Midway                                  9 Days
     Days enroute to Pearl Harbor                                 4 Days
     Days Submerged                                              16 Days

                                  - 36 -

— page 228 —
FB5-43/A16-3
Serial: N-0111
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-THREE

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) Report
of Sixth War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

1. The Sixth War Patrol of the PIPEFISH under the command of Commander
A. L. REDON, U.S. Naval Reserve, was conducted in the Empire Areas. This patrol
was of forty-four (44) days duration, eighteen of which were spent on station.

2. The first five days in the area were spent performing lifeguard
duties in the Nanpo Shoto area. During this period PIPEFISH expended twenty rounds
of 5 inch ammunition on TORI SHIMA. Unfortunately no worthwhile targets on the
island could be found. The next period from 3 to 16 August was spent enroute to,
and on lifeguard station off the east coast of Kyushu. The reported plane ditching
on 10 August was later proved false. The aviators forced down at sea on 12 August
were recovered by a PBM. No other opportunity for rescue arose.

3. Only one possible enemy ship contact was made. This occurred in
the early morning of 6 August in a joint zone. Unfortunately this contact could
neither be identified nor closed. Eight floating mines were destroyed by PIPEFISH
during the patrol.

4. This patrol was terminated as a result of the cessation of hostili-
ties. The ship was very clean upon return to port and in very good material
condition after six war patrols, reflecting great credit on the Commanding Officer,
officers and crew. It is regretted that PIPEFISH had no opportunity to inflict
damage on the enemy.

[SIGNATURE: W. P. Gruner, Jr.]
W. P. GRUNER, Jr.

— page 229 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TEN
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
3 September 1945.

FC5-10/A16-3/sr
Serial: ( 0278 )

CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND INDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS 388)
Report of War Patrol
Number Six.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron TEN.
To : The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET,
Administration.
(2) The Commander in Chief, U.S. PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS 388) - Report of War
Patrol Number Six.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the
Commander Submarine Division FORTY THREE.

2. The Squadron Commander congratulates the
Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the U.S. PIPEFISH,
upon the completion of that vessel's sixth war patrol.

[SIGNATURE: G. E. Peterson]
G. E. PETERSON

— page 230 —
12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 02306

CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PIPEFISH Report of
Sixth War Patrol.

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
15 September 1945.
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 882
U.S.S. PIPEFISH - SIXTH 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. PIPEFISH (SS388) - Report of Sixth War Patrol
(15 July to 28 August 1945).

1. The sixth war patrol of the U.S.S. PIPEFISH, under the command
of Lieutenant Commander A. L. Rodon, U.S. Naval Reserve, was conducted in the
Nampo Shoto area and off the east coast of Kyushu. The primary mission of this
patrol was life guard duty.

2. Hostilities with Japan were terminated eighteen days after PIPE-
FISH arrived in her assigned patrol areas. No opportunities were offered to
rescue aviation personnel. Except for one vessel which PIPEFISH was unable to
close and which may have been enemy, no enemy shipping was sighted on this patrol.
PIPEFISH sank or exploded eight out of twelve mines which she sighted.

3. Award of Submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol is not
authorized.

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
commanding officer, officers, and crew of the PIPEFISH for the completion of this
patrol.

G. C. CRAWFORD,
Chief of Staff.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
JICPOA (1)
AdICPOA (1)
Comservpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Comsublant (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
CO, S/M Base, PH (1)
Comsopac (1)
Comsovespac (2)
Comsubs7thFlt(Fwd Echelon) (2) ComSubOpTraGrBalboa(Air) (5)
Comsubs7thFlt(Rear Echelon) (2) Substrainpac (2)
Comnorpac (1) All Submarines, Pacific (1)
Comsubspac (3)
ComsubspacAdComd (20) [SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes]
All Squadron and Div. E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Commanders, Pacific (2) Flag Secretary.

— page 231 —
DATE 17 Nov-18 Dec 1944
FROM CROSS INDEX CARD
NAME PIPEFISH
SERIAL
DATE

SUBJECT Coordinated Patrol Report
Report of Coordinated Attack Group under Cdr.F.W.Fenno
(FENNOMINTS) in SOUTH CHINA SEA. Sank or damaged 56,300
tons of enemy shipping.

FILED: War Diary
Separately under TASK GROUP 17.23 no ser of 1 Jan 45

MICROSERIAL NO.
ACTION REPORT OPNAV FORM 3840-13 (10-55)
B.21013

— page 232 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 383]
[HANDWRITTEN: Original]

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

ComTaskGroup 17.23
C/O Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
1 January 1945.

[STAMP: A 3]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

From: The Commander Task Group 17.23 (ComSubDiv. 201).
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: War Patrol of Coordinated Attack Group 17.23 from
28 October 1944 to 18 December 1944.

Reference: (a) War Patrol Report No. 1 of U.S.S. SEACAT.
(b) War Patrol Report No. 4 of U.S.S. PAMPANITO.
(c) War Patrol Report No. 3 of U.S.S. PARFISH.
(d) War Patrol Report No. 2 of U.S.S. SHARK.
(e) Group Commanders' Report of War Patrol.

Enclosure (A), covering subject War Patrol, is submitted
herewith.

[SIGNATURE: F. W. Fenno, Jr.]
F. W. FENNO, JR.

[HANDWRITTEN: O.K.]

110451 FILMED

— page 233 —
GROUP COMMANDER'S REPORT OF WAR PATROL

NARRATIVE

28 October 1944
1330 (H) USS PAMPANITO, PIPEFISH and SEACAT underway from Pearl Harbor, T.H.
to Midway in accordance with ComTaskForce Seventeen Operation
Order No. 362-44. Conducted independent training and exercised
at communication drills enroute.

1 November 1944
0900 (H) Arrived Midway. Fueled to capacity. All boats effected minor
repairs. U.S.S. SEACAT delayed in departing until 2 November 1944
due to extensive repairs to "Sail Dog" radar. U.S.S. SEARAVEN
joined the pack. Orders for pack changed by Comsubpac despatch
081022 of November, 1944, directing us to proceed to Saipan for
fuel and thence to patrol Convoy College. Assigned area destroy
west of longitude 116° E.
1530 (H) U.S.S. PAMPANITO, PIPEFISH and SEARAVEN underway for Saipan.
Exercised at communications and held independent training enroute.

5 November 1944
1100 (H) U.S.S. PIPEFISH reported a case of acute appendicitis on board;
left group and proceeded to Saipan at maximum sustained speed.

7 November 1944
0637 (H) U.S.S. ARCHERFISH joined up for remainder of trip to Saipan.

9 November 1944
1330 (H) U.S.S. PAMPANITO and SEARAVEN arrived Saipan. Commanding Officer,
U.S.S. PIPEFISH reported cracked liners on No. 4 main engine,
estimated repairs would be effected by 1100, 11 November 1944.
Boats fueled to capacity and effected minor repairs.

- 1 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 2]

— page 234 —
GROUP COMMANDER'S REPORT OF WAR PATROL

10 November 1944
1100 (H) U.S.S. SEACAT arrived Saipan, fueled to capacity and effected
          minor voyage repairs.

11 November 1944
1345 (H) U.S.S. PAMPANITO, SEACAT, PIPEFISH and SEARAVEN underway for
          patrol area at two engine speed.

15 November 1944
0638 (H) Increased speed to standard speed on four main engines to intercept
          a reported convoy. Assigned other boats to stations across track
          of expected convoy.

16 November 1944
          Patrolled submerged on assigned station.
1750 (H) No contact developed, so set course for run at two engine speed.

17 November 1944
0800 (H) Entered assigned patrol area at 19° 20' N., 116° E. Conducting
          surface patrol on course 240° T., using high periscope watch. This
          method of patrol was employed enroute to and in the area.
2100 (H) Commenced patrol on course 220° - 040° T. at one engine speed in
          a lane which roughly parallels the eastern coast of HAINAN. Other
          boats in pack are to patrol in parallel lanes on arrival tonight
          or tomorrow. SEARAVEN to westward along the area boundary,
          PIPEFISH and SEACAT to eastward of PAMPANITO.

18 November 1944
1940 (H) U.S.S. PIPEFISH reported a radar contact at Lat. 19° 32' N.,
          Long. 111° 50' E. Ordered all boats to proceed to intercept and
          attack.
2047 (H) U.S.S. PAMPANITO had SJ contact, 10,000 yards and proceeded to
          - 2 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 3]

— page 235 —
GROUP COMMANDER'S REPORT OF WAR PATROL
track convoy. Radar indicates three ships, two large ones and an
escort. PIPEFISH reported she was attacking. Enemy course 220° T.,
speed 10 knots. SEARAVEN closed and took position 6000 yards on
port beam of PAMPANITO.

2230 (H) Received report from PIPEFISH that she had broken off attack due
to SJ radar interference on bearing of target and suspected it to
be a submarine. No boat was challenged however.

2232 (H) Sent out message PAMPANITO attacking and headed in.

2323 (H) At a range of 2700 yards, using a 1° divergent spread, gyro angle
about 340°, and on 60 port track, commenced firing bow tubes on
radar bearings. Fired six torpedoes at the leading ship which was
the largest. Since it was very rough, spread torpedoes in depth
8 ft. - 6 ft. alternately. Position Lat. 19°08'N., Long.111°28'E.

2324 (H) Completed firing bow tubes, swung right with full rudder.

2326 (H) Commenced firing stern tubes on 100 port track on second target.
Range 2700 yards.

2326-30 (H) Heard and saw two hits in the first target. One at MOT and the
second near the stern. A bright orange flame accompanied the hits,
followed immediately by an enormous pillar of black smoke about
500 ft. high. The fire subsided and went out in almost two
minutes at which time target disappeared from sight and radar
screen.

2326-10 (H) Completed firing the stern tubes at the second ship.

2327 (H) Heard and felt one more hit and saw flash on bearing of second
target. As second ship did not disappear from radar screen ordered
SEARAVEN to attack. PAMPANITO trailed and made reload. Target
group changed course to 300° T. and headed for the coast of HAINAN
- 3 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 4]

— page 236 —
GROUP COMMANDER'S REPORT OF WAR PATROL
at speed of about 10 knots, group now consisting of one freighter
and escort.

0205 (H) SEARAVEN reported she had completed two attacks but had made no
hits. Believe misses were due to high seas and shallow depth
settings used by SEARAVEN. At this point no boat was in position
to make an attack before the target could reach the beach south of
TONCON POINT on HAINAN, so ordered boats to return to patrol
stations previously assigned. It was extremely rough and dark,
making identification difficult, but it is believed that the
results of the attack were: Sunk by PAMPANITO: one large freighter
about 6,000 tons. Damaged by PAMPANITO: one freighter about
5,000 tons.

0221 (H) Felt two heavy explosions but no one else in the pack claimed
making any attacks. Possibly the cripple had more difficulty.

20 November to 28 November 1944
Pack continued to patrol in lanes parallel to HAINAN coast with
PAMPANITO patrolling along western boundary of Area and the other
boats in lanes parallel twenty-five miles apart respectively to
the eastward. During this period the only contacts were with
patrol planes; from three to four daily and an occasional plane
contact during the nights of bright moonlight. Six patrol boats,
trawler type were contacted on several occasions near the northwest
corner of the area. Those furnished no strain however.

29 November 1944
2102 (H) PAMPANITO had SJ contact bearing 094° T., range 24,000 yards.
Just started to track and develop this when, at 2110, SD contact
- 4 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 5]

— page 237 —
GROUP COMMANDER'S REPORT OF WAR PATROL
4 miles. Dived. (A clear night, flat calm, and full moon).
Surfaced. Sent out contact report to other ships.
2130 (H) Regained radar contact at 25,000 yards.
2200 (H) SD contact 8 miles, which closed to 5 miles. Dived.
2210 (H) Surfaced.
2238 (H) Regained SJ contact and commenced five hour end around in bright
2252 (H) moonlight. None of the other boats were in a position to get in
an attack at this time.

30 November 1944
0419 (H) Dived for dawn submerged attack.
0500-30 (H) PAMPANITO fired six torpedoes from bow tubes. Three each at the
two loading ships, identified as tankers, on track angles of 110° P.
Range 4000 yards, Speed 16 knots, with a 2° divergent spread,
depth setting 4 feet. Five torpedo explosions were heard about
8 minutes after firing. These must have been end of run explosions
as no evidence of hits was seen. This was an exceptionally large
percentage of end of run explosions however, as none were experien-
ced with the first ten torpedoes fired by this submarine. Position
of attack Lat. 17° 47' N., Long. 110° 30' E. PAMPANITO was forced
deep and on surfacing an hour and a half later was unable to
relocate the convoy before being forced down by planes. A search
of the vicinity of this attack rendered no evidence of hits.
PAMPANITO returned to patrol station.

30 November to 3 December 1944
Patrolling area. No contacts except with planes. Weather turned
bad and by 2 December 1944 we were in the throes of a northeast
monsoon with high seas and continuous rain.
- 5 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 6]

— page 238 —
GROUP COMMANDER'S REPORT OF WAR PATROL

3 December 1944
0040 (H) SEARAVEN reported radar contact from estimated position Lat. 19°
          30' N., Long. 112° 14' E. Ordered all boats to close and attack.
          SEARAVEN's reported convoy consisted of 4 large AO's, 1 AP, 1 AK,
          and 1 unidentified ship plus 4 escorts, base course 220° T.,
          speed 12 to 13 knots..

0410 (H) SEARAVEN reported completion of 1st attack, position 18° 45' N.,
          111° 57' E., and reported one AP sunk with two hits.

0440 (H) SEACAT reported completion of attack with one AO sunk with two
          hits from 700 yards range, position Lat. 18° 42' N., Long. 111°
          55' E.

0507 (H) SEARAVEN completed second attack and reported sinking a large AO
          and damaging another, position Lat. 18° 40' N., Long. 111° 52' E.
          PAMPANITO saw flash as SEARAVEN's first AO blew up.

0544 (H) PIPEFISH reported attack completed with one timed hit in an AK,
          position Lat. 18° 35' N., Long. 111° 45' E. PIPEFISH reported
          that there were four ships altogether in convoy plus two escorts
          when she made her attack. An hour later when PAMPANITO made an
          attack there were only three ships left so believe PIPEFISH sank
          the AK. At any rate in the PAMPANITO attack there were two AO's
          plus one unidentified ship.

0655 (H) PAMPANITO made submerged attack and fired four torpedoes at the
          leading AO; position Lat. 18° 25' N., Long. 111° 35' E. Both
          AO's were close together but not quite over-lapping. PAMPANITO
          had much difficulty to keep from broaching as the waves were 30
          feet high. Four torpedo explosions were heard one of which is

- 6 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 7]

— page 239 —
GROUP COMMANDER'S REPORT OF WAR PATROL

believed to have been a hit. The target group zigged away prior
to firing and a firing range of 3200 yards was estimated. Escorts
forced PAMPANITO down so that results were not observed and by
the time the ensuing depth charging was over, target group was
out of sight. The PAMPANITO used eight foot depth settings.
Three of these torpedo explosions were within 10 seconds of each
other at the end of the run. The first explosion was 6 minutes
after firing with the other three 8 minutes after firing. Again
the Commanding Officer of the PAMPANITO points out the high
percentage of end of run explosions. This now made eight out of
ten end of run explosions out of the last ten torpedoes, while
none were experienced with the first ten torpedoes.

Contact with the enemy was not regained. The SEARAVEN and the
SEACAT remained in contact with the SEARAVEN's cripple which had
two escorts. The SEACAT reported one ship with two escorts,
speed 12 knots which was believed at first to be the remains of
the convoy, this ship later slowed to 4 knots and turned out to
be the damaged AO from the SEARAVEN's second attack. The SEACAT
sank this cripple during the night, position Lat. 17° 45' N.,
Long. 111° 20' E. Results from this combined attack appear to
be; for the SEARAVEN, sunk 1 AP and 1 AO and damaged another AO.
For the SEACAT; sunk 2 AO's. For the PIPEFISH, sunk 1 AK. For
the PAMPANITO, damaged 1 AO.

4 December to 16 December 1944

Continued to patrol in lanes off HAINAN coast. Weather continued
- 7 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 8]

— page 240 —
GROUP COMMANDER'S REPORT OF WAR PATROL

foul, seas high with wind from the northeast. On 5 December 1944
ordered SEARAVEN who was out of torpedoes to return to base. No
contacts were developed but numerous mines, life rafts, trees and
debris was sighted at various times. Much ammunition was expended
trying to explode floating mines but because of high seas no
success was had. Pack was granted one week extension in area
by Comsubpac. No contacts other than with planes were made
during this entire period.

17 December 1944
0455 (H) PIPEFISH reported radar contact Lat. 18° 40' N., Long. 111° 12' E.
This developed into a single large freighter making 11 knots along
the southeast coast of HAINAN. The PIPEFISH made an unsuccessful
attack about 0600 but was unable to make an end around before the
target entered GAALONG BAY. Neither the SEACAT nor PAMPANITO
were able to get into the picture.

18 December 1944
Because of low fuel the PAMPANITO departed the area for
Fremantle in accordance with Comsubpac's serial 180121 of
December, 1944 after turning over command of the Pack to Commander
R. R. MCGREGOR, U.S. Navy, Commanding Officer of the U.S.S.
SEACAT. The Groupe Commander wishes to express at this time, his
appreciation to the Commanding Officers of the SEACAT, PIPEFISH,
and SEARAVEN for their wholehearted cooperation and for the
aggressive manner in which they conducted this arduous patrol.
At this point it is believed that the following damaged was
inflicted on the enemy during this patrol:
- 8 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 9]

— page 241 —
GROUP COMMANDER'S REPORT OF WAR PATROL

By the PAMPANITO:
SUNK                                        DAMAGED
1 AK - 6,000 Tons (EC)                      1 AK - 5,000 Tons (EU)
                                            1 AO - 10,000 Tons (EC)

By the SEACAT:
SUNK                                        DAMAGED
1 AO - 10,000 Tons (EC)                     -
1 AO - 10,000 Tons (EC)

By the PIPEFISH:
SUNK                                        DAMAGED
1 AK - 6,000 Tons (EC)                      -

By the SEARVEN:
SUNK                                        DAMAGED
1 AK - 10,000 Tons (EC)                     1 AO - 10,000 Tons (EC)
1 AO - 10,000 Tons (EC)                     (Later sunk by SEACAT)

GRAND TOTAL
SUNK                                        DAMAGED
6 Ships - 52,000 Tons.                      3 Ships - 25,000 Tons

-> 9 <-
[HANDWRITTEN: 10]

— page 242 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON EIGHTEEN
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
8 January 1945.

FC5-18/A16-3
Serial # 028

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CTG 17.23 Conf. ltr.
A16-3 dated 1 Jan 1945

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

Subject: War Patrol of Coordinated Attack Group consisting of U.S.S.
PAMPANITO (SS383), U.S.S. SEACAT (SS399), U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388), and
U.S.S. SEARAVEN (SS196) - Report of.

1. Forwarded, readdressed via The Commander Submarines SEVENTH FLEET
and The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

2. This attack group under the command of Captain F.W. FENNO, Jr.
operated in the area adjacent to the east coast of Hainan. The group entered
the area on 17 November and operated most effectively to develop contacts and
make a series of attacks. SEARAVEN was returned to base on 5 December after
expending all torpedoes. PAMPANITO departed from the group on 18 December.
Final results obtained by the SEACAT and PIPEFISH are not yet known.

3. On 18 November a contact was developed by PIPEFISH which enabled
PAMPANITO to attack an escorted convoy and to destroy one AK while damaging an-
other AK. SEARAVEN then made two attacks but obtained no hits. Again on 30
November PAMPANITO was able to complete an end around on a convoy and make an
attack on the two leading ships which were identified as AO. No hits were in
evidence. On 3 December SEARAVEN contacted a seven ship convoy with four escorts
and delivered two attacks to dispose of 1 AP, 1 AO and to damage another AO. In
the meantime SEACAT attacked from very short range to obtain two hits for the
sinking of 1 AO. Shortly thereafter PIPEFISH delivered her attack and probably
sank 1 AK. This event was quickly followed by a PAMPANITO attack at two over-
lapping AO's which damaged one of the AO's. In a night attack SEACAT regained
attack position and polished off the AO previously damaged by SEARAVEN.

The only other contact and attack was made by PIPEFISH on 17
December which resulted in no hits.

4. The Squadron Commander heartily congratulates the Group Commander
and the three commanding officers with him upon the close working unit which they
developed to produce very severe damage upon enemy shipping. Their fine courage,
aggressiveness and teamwork is inspirational.

[SIGNATURE: C. C. Burlingame]
C. C. BURLINGAME:
Acting.
[HANDWRITTEN: 11]

— page 243 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 3 02111]
[HANDWRITTEN: F-4284]
[HANDWRITTEN: 14/pr]

FE24-71/A16-3
Serial 0313
UNITED STATES NAVY
[STAMP: C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L]
14 February 1945. [HANDWRITTEN: R-uss]
[HANDWRITTEN: 3-19-45]
[HANDWRITTEN: 14 Mar 45]

SECOND INDORSEMENT to:
ComTaskGroup 17.23
Conf Ltr. A16-3 dated
1 January 1945.

From: The Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via The Commander, SEVENTH FLEET.
Subject: Report of War Patrol of Coordinated Search and
Attack Group consisting of U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383),
U.S.S. SEACAT (SS399), U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388), and
U.S.S. SEARAVEN (SS196) - Comment on.

1. The Coordinated Search and Attack Group consisting
of PAMPANITO, SEACAT, PIPEFISH and SEARAVEN operated in the SOUTH
CHINA SEA east of HAINAN from 17 November to 18 December 1944, under
the able direction of Captain F. W. FENNO, Jr., U.S.N., Commanding
Officer of PAMPANITO.

2. This group had two opportunities to make coordinated
attacks. The first occurred on the night of 19 November. PIPEFISH
sighted a convoy at 1710 but was unable to get a contact report
to the Group Commander before being driven down by a plane.
PIPEFISH made radar contact when she surfaced at 1852 and sent a
contact report at 1930. PAMPANITO made contact at 2047 and
commenced tracking. PIPEFISH had already started in for the first
attack, but broke off this approach when unidentified SJ
interference was observed in the direction of the convoy. By so
doing, without further attempts at identification, she lost her
only opportunity to attack this convoy. PAMPANITO made the first
attack at 2326 on the convoy which contained two AK's and one escort.
One large AK was sunk and a medium AK was damaged. SEARAVEN, who
had been tracking the convoy since 2107, was then ordered to attack
the damaged ship. Two attacks were made, but both were unsuccessful
probably due to the heavy seas. No further attacks were attempted
because the target had entered shallow water within the Blind Bombing
Zone.

3. The second coordinated attack began at 0040 December
3rd, with a contact by SEARAVEN on a convoy consisting of seven ships
and four escorts. At 0410 SEARAVEN sank a large AP on the initial
attack. SEACAT attacked thirty minutes later, sinking a large AO.
She was forced down by close small arms fire after the attack and
depth charged by two escorts. At 0507 SEARAVEN completed her second
surface attack, sinking a large AO and damaging another. PIPEFISH
[STAMP: EXTRA ORIGINAL]
[STAMP: COMPLETED MICRO SECOND]
[STAMP: PHOTO LAB COPY]
[STAMP: RETURN TO F-4253]

[STAMP: FILMED]
- 1 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 12]

— page 244 —
FE24-71/A16-3
UNITED STATES NAVY
14/pr
Serial 0313
14 February 1945.

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
ComTaskGroup 17.23
Conf. Ltr. A16-3 dated
1 January 1945.
Subject: Report of War Patrol of Coordinated Search and
Attack Group consisting of U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383),
U.S.S. SEACAT (SS309), U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS308), and
U.S.S. SEARAVEN (SS196) - Comment on.

— page 245 —
FE24-71/A16-3
Serial 0313

UNITED STATES NAVY

14/pr
14 February 1945.

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
ComTaskGroup 17.23
Conf. Ltr. A16-3 dated
1 January 1945.

Subject:

— page 246 —
END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: H-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-63-80]

|||| 1.0
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|||| 1.25

          4.5 |||| 2.8 |||| 2.5
          5.0
          5.6 |||| 3.2 |||| 2.2
          6.3
          7.1 |||| 3.6 |||| 2.0
          8.0

          9.0
          10
          11
          12
          14
          16

          |||| 4.0 |||| 1.8
          |||| 1.4 |||| 1.6

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