U.S.S. DARTER (SS-227) — war patrol report SS-227_DARTER.pdf

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2- USS DARTER (SS 227)

But before she completed the maneuver, low uuL tanks warned her skipper that he must refuel, and so the chase was broken off to continue to Tulagi. The sub arrived on 30 January and ten days later left to resume her patrol.

After three days at sea, a 7500-ton vessel with four small escorts appeared, and DARTER began running ahead of him, doubling back to make a perilous approach. Slipping between the two leading escorts, DARTER let fly all six bow tubes, and then swung for a stern sheet as the bow tubes all missed. Twenty-five seconds after firing her first stern tubes an explosion ripped through the tugboat, sending spray and smoke flying from smokestacks. The outraged escorts immediately began a series of depth charges attack, each "growing better with practice." Breckling-up noises entertained the crew, as they listened to their target go down. Two hours later DARTER was able to sweep her periscope over an empty sea.

On 17 February, a carrier strike was in progress on the enemy-held island of Taku, and all through the day bombs could be heard dropping on the Japanese. On the 21st DARTER intercepted a message telling her of a likely target. She soon intercepted a large vessel towing a smaller one with two escorts, but was unable to get off a shot. She then retired, reaching Milne Bay on the 25th.

The submarine, now considered a veteran, began her second patrol on 25 March 1944, and after five days out contacted her first target, a large and unescorted course change and increased speed to 22 knots. Going back to her old area east of Halmsthorpe, the sub patrolled until 29 April when she put in at Darwin for refueling.

Two tankers with two destroyers crossed her path on 6 May, but dawn spoiled her chance for a surface attack, and the targets escaped while she tried to come in at perilous depth. She returned to Manila on 23 May 1944.

Commander Stovall was relieved on 15 June by Lieutenant Commander D. H. McClintock, USN, as commanding officer. A week later DARTER was underway for Halmsthorpe on her third war patrol.

Her first target appeared on the 26th, but a seaplane screening the convoy of two frigates and three escorts kept her down so that she could not attack. Three days later a mine layer with two escorts and a scout plane searching ahead came into view, and the submarine sent six torpedoes after her, scoring two hits. Loud breaking-up noises continued for 24 minutes, as the hunter lay deep, evading heavy depth charges attacks.

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3- USS DARTER (SS 227)

Numerous planes throughout the patrol kept DARTER running submerged most of the time, running her chances for sighting more ships. Only one more was spotted, on 21 July, but it should not be closed or attack. The sub tied up at Manus on 1 August, and then proceeded to Brisbane, Australia, where she arrived on the 8th.

Commander McClintock took his sick command out of Brisbane on her fourth and final patrol on 1 September 1944, pausing at Darwin on the 10th. Operating with USS DACE (SS 247), DARTER set up a reconnaissance line to intercept any enemy forces which might interfere with the Morotai landings. On the 24th she left for Bisk for replenishment and, after four days in port, headed back to her patrol area at Pelawan Passage and Balabeo Strait.

The two "D's" fell in with a rich convoy of seven enemy ships with only three escorts on 12 October in the center of Pelawan Passage. Waiting three hours for the ships to get into position, DARTER fired four torpedoes at two overlapping tankers from 5000 yards, and then dived to escape the air cover. Three hits were heard, as planes dropped seven bombs close by without damage.

The convoy scurried into the safety of Balabeo Strait, where the submarine could not follow. Sending a contact report to DACE, DARTER took up her position to await their position. Finally, near midnight on the morning of the 14th the ships ventured out, being spotted just by DACE. Since DACE had made the first contact, DARTER closed radio to let her make the first attack, seeing her make four hits. By this time, the convoy made it into Kiamais Bay, with the destroyer effectively blocking any chance for further attacks.

The two subs then took up a patrol in Pelawan passage, and on the 15th switched to the west approaches to Balabeo Strait. Their vigilance was rewarded on the morning of the 19th when two destroyers approached, and DARTER found her self between the two when two destroyers approached, and but missed her entirely when a turn to the north the torpedo track cut. The ensuing depth charges did no damage.

As the 21st opened, the radio brought news of the invasion of the Philippines, and immediately the two submarines headed for Balabeo Strait hoping to catch Japanese heavy units from Singapore since the shortest route to the landing beaches lay through the Strait and the Mindanao sea. Just before midnight the first enemy warship came into view, three heavy cruisers headed through the Dangerous Ground raking 23 knots. After six hours the pursuers were miles behind, and so they broke off, heading south to intercept any other units.

The two subs were cruising along close together on the surface, recharging their batteries, when DARTER made radar contact on a group of fast surface ships at 16 minutes past midnight. Grabbing a megaphone the captain of DARTER shouted to DACE, "We have a radar contact. Let's go!"

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5- USS DARTER (SS 227)
been able to get a good position, having been running on a dead reckoning chart during the whole attack.

The submarine shouldered out 0005, and between then and high tide at 0146 the crew worked feverishly, destroying all confidential matter and dumping everything moveable overboard in an effort to lighten the ship. For an hour after the full tide, they worked to get free, but nothing helped. With sunrise expected momentarily, it was decided to abandon the ship, sending the crew aboard DACE, who was standing by.

Drafting charges were planned, and as soon as the last man was safely on board DACE, they were set off. For some reason, however, they failed to explode properly, leaving the submarine in good condition for any Japanese studies. DACE then tried to blow her up with four torpedoes, but the tide had exposed so much of the reef that each of them exploded before hitting the submarine. With dawn making her position more and more vulnerable, DACE then opened fire with her deck gun, putting 21 hits into DARTER along the waterline before a plane forced her to dive.

A Japanese destroyer then appeared, and may have boarded the sub. The submarine ROCK tried to complete the job of firing ten more torpedoes later, but again the torpedoes went off before hitting the target. NAUTILUS finished the job of destruction on the 3rd with 57 six-inch hits.

DARTER's loss was a result of a calculated risk, one of the tactical losses which must be expected in wartime. Her loss was well planned, however, by the discovery of the Japanese task force and loss of two cruisers sunk and one badly damaged. In order to keep the entire crew together, all of the men on board DARTER were ordered to take over the new submarine MENIADEN, then building at Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

USS DARTER earned four Battle Stars on the Asiatic-Pacific Area Service Medal for participating in the following operations:

1. Star/Truk Attack -- 16 - 17 February 1944
2. Star/Battle of Surigao Strait -- 24 October 1944
3. Star/Submarine War Patrol -- 22 March - 23 May 1944
4. Star/Submarine War Patrol -- 21 June - 8 August 1944

The ship also received the following Navy Unit Commendation, Pacific, for her Fourth War Patrol:

"For outstanding heroism in action during a War Patrol against enemy Japanese Fleet units. Aggressive and relentless in tracking her targets, the USS DARTER daringly penetrated hostile waters and succeeded in contacting a Japanese task force. In an excellently planned and brilliantly coordinated

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6- USS DARTER (SS 227)

attack, she opened fire. As a result of these salvoes, launched boldly by the DARTER despite the superior fire power of the hostile concentration, the enemy was forced to retire, thus reducing appreciably the enemy's naval strength subsequently brought to bear against our forces. The splendid combat readiness of the DARTER and the gallant fighting spirit of her officers and men throughout this hazardous action reflect the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service."

STATISTICS

OVERALL LENGTH: 312 feet
BEAM: 27 feet
SPEED: 20 knots
DISPLACEMENT: 1525 tons

Compiled: July 1953

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0
n 1 September 1944, DARTER, commanded by Cdr. D. H. McClintock, left Brisbane for a period of training enroute to her fourth war patrol. She topped off with fuel at Darwin on 10 September and left that place on the same day to perform routine reconnaissance duty in the Celebes Sea from 14 September to 24 September.

Proceeding thence to the South China Sea with DACE commanded by Cdr. B. D. Claggett, DARTER formed a coordinated attack team with that vessel. The period from 12 October to 24 October was productive of many targets and attacks for DARTER, and she sank 9,900 tons of enemy shipping and damaged 19,500 tons in this time.

In the early morning of 23 October 1944 both DARTER and DACE contacted and tracked a large enemy force heading north through Palawan Passage enroute to engage our forces in the Battles for Leyte Gulf. They attacked while the enemy were unable to alter course appreciably, and in brilliant pre-dawn submerged attacks, sank the heavy cruisers ATAQ and MAYA, and so severely damaged the heavy cruiser TAKAO that she was useless for the rest of the war. During daylight, DARTER tried a submerged attack on TAKAO, which had been stopped, but was driven off by screening destroyers. Thus a night coordinated attack plan was drawn up by the two boats.

Since she could not surface to take sights, DARTER was forced to navigate on a 24-hour-old dead reckoning plot. At 2200 TAKAO got underway, and DARTER began

D. H. McClintock

Grooton, 6 June 1943

112

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SS227/A16-3
Serial (01)
C O N D E L A S S I F I E D L
From:  Commanding Officer.
To:  The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via:  (1) Commander Submarine Division ONE EIGHTH ONE.
       (2) Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN.
       (3) Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
       (4) Commander Seventh Fleet.

Subject:  U.S.S. DARTER (SS227) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.

Enclosure:  (A) Subject report.
       (B) Track Chart (To Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the FIRST war patrol of this vessel conducted in areas to South and West of TRUK from latitudes 30 N to 70 - 15' N, longitudes 1460 E to 1520 E during the period December 21, 1943 to February 25, 1944, is forwarded herewith.

W. S. STOVALL, Jr.

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BYQ-0262<DATE>5/2/42
DECLASSIFIED

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1. USS DARTER (SS227) - Report of First War Patrol:

(A) PROLOGUE:

This vessel was commissioned at Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut on September 7, 1943. From September 9 to September 28 conducted training and trials and made post commission-ing repair at New London. September 29 to October 2 enroute Bar Harbor, Haine. October 3 to October 5 fired nineteen war shots at Bald Porcupine Island to test exploder mechanisms for Bureau of Ordnance. October 5 to October 6 enroute Bar Harbor to New London to resume training. October 6 to October 12 installed chrome plated liners in main engines. October 13 to October 30 training and repairs. On October 31 departed New London for Pearl via Panama Canal. On November 26 arrived Pearl and started training and repairs. During the period at Pearl a PPI was installed along with high power antenna for SJ radar. On December 15 armature blower of #3 main generator sheared holding bolts and came off shaft necessitating repair. Inspection of remaining generators revealed that lock washers were improperly installed. Repairs completed and ready for sea on December 21.

(B) NARRATIVES:

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1943:

1300 VV
Dupardot Pearl on first war patrol, enroute Johnston Island, making training dives to 300 feet and holding drills enroute.

2600 VV
Radar (SJ) out of commission. Could not train due to improper alignment of worm and gear at bottom of mast.

2335 VV
Radar (SJ) back in commission and immediately picked up a group of at least four ships at a range of 28000 yards. Those were tracked on course 2150 T, speed 17 knots. These were assumed to be friendly but since this vessel had not been informed of their presence a contact report was made to Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1943:

Enroute Johnston Island.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1943:

1115 VV
Moored to fueling pier at Johnston Island and started taking on board 11008 gallons diesel oil.

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1645 X
Departed Johnston Island, various courses and speeds standing out of channel.

1732 X
Took dcpurture from Johnston Island on course 2630 T to maintain two engine synod on route specified by Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet Operation Order No. 307-43.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1943:
Enroute patrol area making practice dives to 300 feet and holding drills.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1943:
Nade training dive to 300 feet. Look appeared in after trim. Upon surfacing water still leaked into after trim at the rate of about 100 pounds per minute.

0847 Y
After dctormining that leak was beyond capacity of ship's force set course to Pearl for repairs.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1943:
Arrived Pearl and entered dry dock number 1 for repairs. Look was caused by 3/4" pipe plug being blown out of equalizing line between tubes carrying rudder ramps. The plug was stocl, the casting was bronze, thus the threads were eaten away.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 2, 1944:
Undocked and proceeded to Submarine Base, Pearl to top off fuel and stores.

MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 1944:
Undcrway from Pearl in accordance with Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet Operation Order No. 4-44.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1944:
Enroute Johnston Island to top off fuel.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1944:
Moored to fueling pier, Johnston Island to top off fuel. Set clocks to Zone Plus 10 1/2 time.

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1300 X
Departed Johnston Island fuel dock having received 17338 gallons diesel oil and 756 gallons lub oil, also set clocks to Zone Plus 12 time.

1305 Y
Set great circle course 2610 T, at two engine speed for ENIETOCK in accordance with operation order.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 1944:
Cruising as before. Holding drills and practice dives enroute to area. Fired 4" and 20Mi guns for training, both day and night.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 1944:
Cruising as before, making training dives and holding drills.

1014 Y
Crossed 180th Meridian and changed date to January 8, 1944, and zone discription to minus 12.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 1944:
Cruising as before, making training dives and holding drills.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 9, 1944:
Cruising as before, making training dives and holding drills.

MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 1944:
Cruising as before.

0742 L
Sighted 'unidentified plane on starboard quarter, distance 5 miles, and dived. Did not think he saw us. Radar did not get this one which again demonstrated a serious handicap.

0915 L
Surfaced. Nothing in sight. All clear on Radar.

0932 L
Radar contact on plane at 7 miles, closing fast. Dived. He must have seen us the first time and stuck around. Decided to stay down this time till 1300 L and let him wear out his curiosity. Sea is very rough but, fortunately, from astern so that diving time is good.

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1313 L
Surfaced, all clear on radar, nothing in sight.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1944:
Due to overcast and rough weather and fact that we are ahead of schedule decided to submerge for part of the day to facilitate the routing of torpedoes.

0627 L
Sulmerged to periscope depth. It was necessary to make 60 turns to maintain periscope depth due to heavy sea.

1830 L
Surfaced and headed for ENIWETOK to arrive there prior to daylight for one day submerged patrol.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1944:
Dove at point estimated to be about 15 miles east of south end of ENIWETOK ISLAND.

0847 L
Sighted the Island, distant about 8 miles, and steered various westerly and northerly courses to pass 4 1/2 miles south of WIDE PASSAGE.

1200 L
Passed Island about 4 1/2 miles abeam to starboard. This gave a look into WIDE PASSAGE. Also any shipping entering EAST CHANNEL during faronoon could have been seen. Island was low and covered with green vegetation consisting mostly of small palm trees. Rasts of any ships anchored behind the Island would have been visible above the trees. No ships present. Buildings could not be made out. They must have been well camouflaged and hidden by the vegetation.

1847 L
Surfaced on course 2510 T.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 1944:
Cruising as before. Hold training dives and drills.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 1944:
Cruising as before. Decided to patrol on a line between PONAPE and TRUK with...-iting for patrol instructions from Commander Task Force Sovonty-Two since we have order to stay above five north till we hear from him.

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0625 L
Dived for subcargoed patrol due to proximity of enemy air bases, and cloud conditions which make spotting planes very difficult. The absence of an SD radar which can be used for its designed purpose is keenly felt.

1903 L
Surfaced. Cloud conditions having remained the same all day. Reported fuel and torpedoes remaining to Commander Task Force Sevonty-Two.

2300 L
Received patrol instructions from Commander Task Force Sevonty-Two, changed course to 220° T, two engine speed, and headed for designated patrol area (between 1450° E and 1510° E north of 30 north) via route prescribed, through 50 north and 1550 east.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 1944:
Cruising as before heading for patrol area. Cloud conditions still bad for spotting planes. Stop at using radar after warning from Commander Task Force Sevonty-Two that even intermittent use would be detected and cause traffic to be routed clear of us. Had been using it seven out of every thirty seconds prior to this time. Believe we are far enough from air bases now to have fair chance of not encountering planes.

1020 L
At 50° N and 1550° E, changed course to 231° T, heading for area.

1720 L
Changed course to 270° T when 60 miles south of SATAVAR ISLAND.

2300 L
Received BLOCKFISH report of convoy which is cutting across this area. We will try to intercept at it's predicted 1400 L position tomorrow.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 16, 1944:
Cruising as before on 270° T to intercept convoy.

0642 L
Had trim dive to 300 feet.

0652 L
Changed course to 291° T, still planning to intercept at 1400 L.

— page 18 —
0709 L  Surfaced.

1135 L  As result of sun line which shows us behind position, changed course to 3050 T to be on convoy track at 1500 L nine miles ahead of convoy.

1440 L  Changed course to 2200 T on convoy track. Running to meet them. Noon fix indicated us to be on the track at this time 27 miles ahead.

1527 L  As a result of message from BLACKFISH giving now position changed course to 2570 T to get back on convoy track ahead of convoy. Sent radio message stating our intention.

1650 L  On convoy track estimated 35 miles ahead. Changed course to 2200 T to run down track (From later message it was learned BLACKFISH attacked about this time).

1901 L  Should have passed convoy at 1845 L. (At this time we were within sight of position where BLACKFISH fired). Changed course to 3430 T to search to north and west and get ahead again in case they scattered to westward. We had transmitted our intention to intercept while to the northeast of the convoy so if this had been DF'd they would logically try to avoid to the westward.

2100 L  Having reached the furthest possible point of convoy travel changed course to 2220 T to search to southwest, along possible track of convoy.

2300 L  Changed course to 2700 T to search in case they were headed back north after having deviated to westward.

MONDAY, JANUARY 17, 1944:

Searching as before for BLACKFISH convoy. Begins to look like he sank them all. No further word from BLACKFISH.

— page 19 —
0000 L  No contact so changed course to 1800 T to search to south again in case they are heading NE again.

: 0230 L  Changed course to 0000 T still searching.

: 0713 L  Made trim dive to 300 feet. This is routine every morning and will not be entered in the narrative hereafter.

: 0748 L  Surfaced.

: 0800 L  Changed course to 2700 T to head for our new area which is between longitude 1460 E and 1480 E north of latitude 30 north. Started patrolling on various easterly and westerly courses to cover area west of HELENA SHOALS.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 1944:

Still patrolling on easterly and westerly courses west of HELENA SHOALS gradually working northward to cover area weather overcast with considerable rain.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1944:

Patrolling as before.

: 0200 L  Changed course to 2100 T to head for southwest corner of area to intercept convoy, reported by plane, which should pass there at about 1600 L.

: 1700 L  At southwest corner of area and no sign of convoy. Started patrolling on easterly and westerly courses to cover our own area and work back to northward.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 1944:

Received orders from Commander Task Force Seventy-Two to work with LEAKERS to the south on January 23. Can leave southwest corner of this area at 0020 L, January 22, and reach required position at 0600 L on January 23 which is before daylight and also ten hours before required time. Will continue to work this area until time to head south.

— page 20 —
1550 L
FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 1944:
Patroling as before covering area on easterly and westerly courses. With today's patrol will have covered this area from 30 N to 60 N.

: 1530 L
Changed course to 205° T to head for southwest corner of area.

: 2000 L
Sent message giving our plan of operation to Commander Task Force Seventy-Two and ALBACORE.

: SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 1944:
Enroute to join ALBACORE.

: 0055 L
Changed course to 233° T at southwest corner of our area.

: SUNDAY, JANUARY 23, 1944:
Enroute to rendezvous with ALBACORE.

: 0655 L
Made SJ radar contact on target at 10,400 yards range, bearing 187° T and started tracking. This target turned out to be USS ALBACORE with whom we exchanged recognition signals, we told them of our intention to submerge in the vicinity in that we expected plane search over this area and did not wish to chance being sighted.

She signaled her intention of proceeding.

: 0746 L
Submerged.

: 1300 L
Started grinding in blow valve to bow buoyancy tank. This valve leaks so badly that in order to maintain trim, the vent on bow buoyancy must be left open releasing a steady stream of bubbles to the surface. Job completed at 1400 L.

— page 21 —
1600 L  Changed course to 3120 T.

HOLD: JANUARY 24, 1944:
Patroling as before.

0110 L
Radar contact bearing 220° T, range 16,000 yards, moved in rapidly to range 6,100 yards, bearing 320° T, then out to range about 19,000 yards, bearing 320° T, where it was lost. Speed of target about 150 knots.

0113 L
Radar contact range 16,000 yards bearing 012° T which moved at a speed of 150 knots to range 19,000 yards, bearing 072° T and disappear. These were either false contacts which looked exactly like the real thing or a plane on a night search of the area. There was no indication of other radar on our screen.

0735 L
Made dive to check trim and also to grind in blow valve to bow buoyancy tank which is again leaking badly.

0958 L
Changed course to 250° T to cover area further west.

1124 L
Completed work on bow buoyancy blow and surfaced to patrol area on the surface as before. Valve still leaks badly but decided not to spend more time on it. All high pressure air has to be cut off manifold to work on this valve so work is best done submerged.

1435 L
Changed course to 1260 T to search to southeast.

— page 23 —
0603 L
Just prior to reaching the turning point for the attack course the escort on our side, which was hardly visible at 4,700 yards challenged and then disappeared. He could not be seen because he was so small and had presented us with a zero angle on the bow upon challenging. The radar chose this particular instant to go out completely. We turned away from the course 0000 T) to present a small silhouette and develop the situation as well as swear at the radar. The targets turned away from us at the same time. The escort could not be seen again so it was not known whether he was chasing or not.

0608 L
Changed course to 2700 T to avoid being silhouetted against eastern horizon.

0614 L
Changed course to 0950 T to try to get another look at these ships.

0620 L
SJ radar back in commission. The targets were located, range 15,000 yards, but not the escorts so it was assumed the one chasing us had rejoined the formation. There was not time now to try another attack prior to daylight and the size of the targets and our fuel shortage did not justify an end around run for position for periscope approach.

1100 L
Dived for trim and to check leak in bow buoyancy tank blow valve.

1300 L
Surfaced.

— page 24 —
1. 1324 L Sighted masts of tanker and two destroyer escorts through high periscope at a range of about 25,000 yards. One destroyer leading on starboard bow and one trailing on port quarter, each about 1500-2000 yards from tanker. Tanker was bearing 1260 T with a 500' port angle on the bow. We changed course to 0000 T to pull up ahead of him and stay out of sight. He could be seen through high periscope but not from bridge.

: 1333 L Tanker zigged to present a 150' port angle on the bow which gave him a course of 3210 T. His base course should be 3170 T so dived to start periscope approach in what appeared to be a favorable position.

: 1335 L Changed course to right to normal approach course 0520 T.

: 1340 L Could see tankers masts at 55 foot depth. He had zigged to present a 750' port angle on the bow, and never zigged back to present less than 600' port. Continued approach at high speed to wait for a zig toward as we would be sighted if we surfaced now to run ahead. He finally went by at a minimum range of 14,000 yards.

: 1424 L Changed course to 3450 T to pull away to surface out of sight and chase.

: 1455 L Changed course to 3000 T.

: 1509 L Sound picked up intermittent pinging on port beam, very weak. No target could ever be seen in this direction. Sound conditions were unusual. Good bearings could be taken on tanker's sorews in excess of 20,000 yards.

: 1538 L Surfaced and changed course to 0200 T (Bearing tanker dis-appeared on) to chase.

: 1645 L Sighted smoke on bearing 0160 T.

: 1810 L Sighted masts of tanker and one destroyer bearing 3500 T. Tanker still appears to be making radical zigs.

: 1908 L Lost sight of masts. Sunset will be at 1821 L.

— page 25 —
2000 L
Having only 3000-4000 gallons reserve fuel so can not pull ahead for night attack. Changed course to 1800 T to head for equator and continue to TULAGI.
This was a large empty tanker of about 10,000 tons with a silhouette similar to HENRI LARU, except that the mast abaft the stack appeared almost as tall as the other two masts. The two destroyers could not be seen clearly enough to determine the type. Hasts and stacks had the appearance of ASHIO type.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 1944:
Cruising as before, enroute TULAGI.

0130 L Changed course to 0920 T at equator, heading for TULAGI.

2000 L Sent dawn and dusk positions required by Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 1944:
Cruising as before enroute TULAGI.

0905 L Changed course to 1570 T.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 1944:
Enroute TULAGI. From reported GUARDFISH dawn dusk position it appears that we will meet her on opposite course at about 0144 L today.

0140 L SJ radar picked up indication of other radar dead ahead.

0150 L Radar zip bearing 1750 T, range 12,200 yards, started tracking. Target course 3400 T, speed 15.5 knots.

0155 L Changed course to 0900 T to run out from track having decided this was GUARDFISH.

0200 L Changed course to 1610 T.

0203 L GUARDFISH passed aboard, range 3640 yards, and turned away to course about 3000 T.

- 13 -

— page 26 —
0205 L
Received message from Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO that we would probably pass GUARDISH about 0300 L.

: 0215 L
Contact lost on bearing 3250 T, range 13,950 yards. We could never see GUARDISH even when she passed abeam, 3800 yards.

: 0658 L
Changed course to 1230 T following bombing restricted lane.

: 1537 L
Sighted plane, distance about five miles, coming toward. Dived.

: 1707 L
Surfaced, nothing in sight.

SUDAN, JULY 30, 1944:
Enroute TULAGI.

: 0240 L
Changed course to 1540 T.
At point HITL, Escort failed to meet us. Headed for TULAGI on course 2280 T and informed Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.

: 0713 L
Sighted two ships dead ahead.

: 0720 L
Exchanged calls with USS ALBACOS. He had just released his escort to whom we tried to signal to take us back to TULAGI. Our own ap. eared ber re we could catch him.

: 0750 L
Sighted second small vessel dead ahead. Looked like sub-chaser.

: 0811 L
Exchanged calls with and joined SQ-701, our escort to TULAGI. He was late due to engine trouble.

: 1330 L
Moored starboard side to YOG-41 in TULAGI. InHER, with about 2000 gallons of fuel left on board. Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO and Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN came on board.

: 1500 L
Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO and Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN left the ship having ordered us remain TULAGI to make necessary repairs.

— page 27 —
1954: 1st patrol of First War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE - Cont'd.

MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 1944:

In TULAGI harbor.

0852 L Underway from alongside YCG-41, having received 91,000 gallons diesel oil, and anchored in berth 15.

1134 L Underway to shift berths.

1148 L Loored to Government Dock to take on fresh water. Gyro compass out of order. Still working to make radar repairs. Informed Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO of progress.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1944:

In TULAGI.

0706 L Underway to anchor in berth next to USS MUTTY in NURVIS Bay to facilitate work on gyro and radar.

0345 L Anchored in NURVIS BAY.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1944:

In NURVIS BAY.

0330 L Received orders from Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO to proceed ILLBE BAY. MUTTY has gyro on board for repair.

1230 L Gyro reinstalled from MUTTY and underway with escort.

1400 L Race trim dive.

1412 L Master gyro out of order, started steering magnetic, started auxiliary gyro.

1715 L Started steering by auxiliary gyro compass.

1900 L Released escort at point TDD.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1944:

Enroute ILLBE BAY. Both gyro and auxiliary compass and radar still erratic.

— page 28 —
0NFIDENTIAL
USS D-RTR (SS227) - Report of First War Patrol:

(B) NARRATIVE - Cont'd.

FRIDAY, FEBRU-RY 4, 1944:

0517 L SJ radar contact 20,000 yards, bearing 164°T, and changed course toward to see if this was our escort.

0615 L Sighted ship. Not escort. Locked like liberty ship. Resumed course and speed toward rendezvous.

0305 L Picked up escort on high periscope.

0808 L Sighted R.A.F plane and exchanged recognition signals.

0632 L Joined escort H.I.A.S. A.R.A.T, proceeding on various courses to MILNE BAY.

1533 L Moored starboard side to USS FUTON.

SATURDAY, FEBRU-RY 5 to MONDAY, FEBRU-RY 7, 1944:

Undergoing repairs to SJ radar, master and auxiliary gyro alongside USS FUTON. During this time IFF and VHF gear was installed, also a modulator for TBL, a 40mm gun was installed in place of forward 20mm.

TUESDAY, FEBRU-RY 8, 1944:

0700 L Underway in company with PC-1121 enroute DRAG A LABOR to take on fuel. Made training dives, held drills and fired 40mm gun enroute.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRU-RY 9, 1944:

Enroute DRAG A LABOR.

1127 L Moored starboard side to USS FORTUNIS and started taking on fuel.

1518 L Underway with two PT boats for escort through VIT.Z ST., having taken 6500 gallons diesel oil.

2043 L SJ contact bearing 0880 T, range 19,550 yards. This was a large plane sighted later in bright moonlight.

— page 29 —
2340 L Released PT boat escorts at point FIRE.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1944:
Heading for patrol area along route prescribed in Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO operation order No. S7-44.
0715 L Dived for submerged run during daylight.
1954 L Surfaced.
2210 L Received indication of friendly plane by ABC being tripped. No indication on Bk. Plane not sighted.
2225 L Received from Commander: Task Force SEVENTY-TWO our patrol area south of TRUK and routing to enter it.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1944:
Heading for patrol area on course 313° T.
0223 L Sighted HORIZIT ISLAND bearing 028° T, distance about 30 miles.
0255 L Changed course to 000° T to head for equator.
0324 L Received Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO Operation Plan a-44, again giving us our area southwest of TRUK.
0712 L Dived for submerged run till cloud conditions are better for plane detection. We are about 20 miles from nearest islands where float planes may be operating from.
1533 L Surfaced. Cloud conditions having improved to allow early sighting of planes.
1700 L Changed course to 033° T heading along route prescribed to area. Will arrive morning of 13th and be in required position for 14th.

- 17 -

— page 30 —
1142 L
Sighted U.S. Submarine bearing 1420 T on southwesterly course, distance about 8 miles. Could be seen quite clearly through high periscope though not from bridge. Turned toward tall identified then continued our course. Assumed to be PTTO as we were cutting corner of her area at this time.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1944:
Proceeding to area south of TRUK.

0545 L
Changed course to 0500 T at Lat. 60°I to head for area.

0555 L
Sighted what appeared to be large ship and one escort on southerly course, range about 10 miles, bearing 1190 T from us. Sent contact report and started chasing. After a period of tracking it was established that he was on base course about 200° T, speed 8 knots. We went around him to gain a position ahead keeping him at a range of from 26,000 to 27,000 yards. We were able to get an occasional range on periscope for accurate bearings.

1300 L
Having gained a position 26,000 yards dead ahead and established his base course as 2080 T, suburged to make periscope approach. As we closed for attack it was established that this was a large vessel of about 7,500 tons, with one stack and superstructure underships, flush deck, and goal post masts. She was very similar in silhouette to the ATLASAT LRU except the stack seemed slightly taller relative to her goal post masts.

She was escorted by four small escorts, one of which was a modern PC boat and the other three appeared to be converted trawlers. All trawlers had unusually high stick masts in which were lookout platforms. One was outstanding in this respect having masts almost as tall as the large ship. The escorts were situated one on each bow and one on each quarter of the target patrolling so that they gave an over changing picture. Leading escort on port side was echo-ranging continuously.

- 18 -

— page 31 —
1429 L
It was decided in the last stage of the approach to fire all bow tubes from a position just inside the escorts, with a torpedo run of about 1100 yards on an 800 port track. The numerous small escorts and their ever changing positions made the attainment of a desirable firing position very difficult. Sound also experienced difficulties in following their light screws in order to keep the approach officer informed of their positions.

Upon raising the periscope for the firing bearing it was discovered that the target was in the process of zigging toward us to give us a 450 port track and we were also between the two nearest escorts, who were very close to the periscope. It was decided to accept this set up and fire the bow tubes as we would be a depth charge target at any moment. There was no time to maneuver for a more favorable set up and the escorts were very much in the way.

1429 L
Commenced firing six bow tubes, Lat. 50° 16' N, Long. 149° 22' E. As we fired the rapid change in target bearing made us realize that the range was over estimated. After the second shot the range was stepped down for each successive shot but never quite enough. All bow tubes were missing at the moment of any hit they were due to insufficient aiming range. Our firing position was about 200 yards at the moment of one second (the piniger which passed over the top of us) and 700 yards on the starboard bow of the other escort on our side, but any arrently we were not yet discovered due to the choppy sea.

It was decided to correct the TDC set up for range and try for some hits with the stern tubes.

1431 L
Started firing stern tubes. 25 seconds after firing first stern tube heard torpedo explosion and observed spray and smoke from result of this hit about half way between stack and stern. Observed splashes in the water between us and the target which are believed to have resulted from debris blown over the side as no evidence of gunfire was seen on the target. (These splashes were at first believed to be gunfire).

Shortly before the torpedo hit we were discovered by the target which caused much rushing around by her personnel.

— page 32 —
1432 L
The target sounded the whistle and swung right and had started frantic signals to the escorts. It is believed this manoeuvr caused the remaining three stern shots to miss although the act up was corrected for target swing. By this time the two escorts on our side as well as the one from the starboard quarter were converging on our periscope. This target was extremely difficult to get at due to the presence of so many escorts. At least one was invariably in the way, causing danger of collision with periscope.

1435 L
The first of 21 depth charges were dropped in the water. They were dropped in the water

— page 33 —
35-DAYR (F8227) - Report of First War Patrol:

(B) HARDWARE - Cont'd.

2345 L Changed course to 0450 T at southwest corner of area to head for south of TUK.

In patrol area south of TUK. In crcer to get in close and yet avoid radar detection it is planned to dive each day soe place on 30 mile. close from TUK. at run in during the day submerged, and run out again at night.

0659 L Made quick dive for daylight submerged patrol closing southern passes.

1943 L Surfaced.

1945 L Changed course to 2700 T to patrol west and east during night.

TUISDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1944:

Patrolling on east - west courses southwest of TRUK. From previous contacts, it is believed that TRUK traffic going south makes a leg to the southwest before heading south.

0100 L Changed course to 1000 T to patrol into the moon and work back south of TRUK for daylight patrol.

0646 L Made quick dive for submerged patrol during day.

0652 L Changed course to 0000 T to close south passes.

1952 L Surfaced.

1956 L Changed course to 2700 T.

MADISON, FEBRUARY 16, 1944:

Patrolling on east and west courses south of TRUK.

0100 L Changed course to 1000 T.

— page 34 —
0639 L
    (Cable dive for submerged patrol.
    CHANGED COURSE TO 1800 T.
    CHANGED COURSE TO 1800 T.
    THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1944:
    PATROLLING SOUTHWEST OF TRUK. Standing by for big show to start.
    CHANGED COURSE TO 3260 T to be in position with south pass bearing 0800 T, distance 30 miles for dive at daylight.
    If their forces try to escape to west we should be in position to see and intercept them.
    CHANGED COURSE TO 1450 T to close TRUK. We have been set to northwest during night so did not get as close in as expected.
    SIGHTED TWO PLANES BEARING 3550 T on course 2950 T, Flying low. Range about 7 miles. Looked like large planes, could not tell if they were land or sea planes.
    SIGHTED MASTS OF VESSEL BEARING 2260 T, range about 10,000 yards. Turned toward to identify.
    CHANGED COURSE TO 2600 T to avoid this vessel which turned out to be a small trawler type patrol vessel making about 5 knots on easterly courses. He would have been a good gun target, but decided not to disclose my presence since we were in good position to intercept vessels leaving TRUK when bombing starts.

- 22 -

— page 35 —
0951 L
Changed course to 1800 T to cross astern of hin and head south. We are too close to north edge of our area. Started hearing distant explosions believed to be in the direction of TRUK.

: 1005 L
Lost sight of patrol vessel.

: 1230 L
Saw large columns of grey smoke on horizon bearing lll0 T, and headed for it. This should place it a little south of TRUK.

: 1550 L
Sighted smoke from explosions, bearing 0540 T, source of smoke over the horizon. Heard what sounded like bomb explosions throughout entire day in the direction of TRUK. They came periodically in varying numbers with once in a while a great rumbling explosion much heavier than the others. Sounded and locked like our boys gave it a thorough working over.

: 1950 L
Surfaced. Lat. 60 - 55° 1', Long. 1510 - 14' 2'. There was indication of radar activity all around us. Two sources were located to the northward, one to the southwest and one dead ahead (bearing 110° T). This later one soon gave a pip at 16,000 yards and was tracked on course 3200 T, speed about 4 knots. We received the warning at 2006 L that our own forces were in this area. We had already recognized these targets as friendly from their radar patterns on our screen, so we started to work our way out of what seemed to be a considerable portion of the U.S. Fleet on various courses at various speeds, and at the same time got in a battery charge.

: 2018 L
Steadied on course 1800 T pulling away from nearest radar contact.

: 2058 L
Flicked up radar pip on 2350 T, range 25,000 yards. We had been able to detect the presence of other radar in this direction since surfacing. Tracked this target on course 130° T, speed 15 knots and maneuvered to cross astern.

- 23 -

— page 36 —
2144 L
Received indication on PRI of two targets bearing 1500 T, range 42,350 yards. Also received indica-tion that they had several types of radar which could be picked up on our screen. They appeared to be on south-easterly course.

2146 L
Changed course to 270° T to pull away from these ships which must have been other carriers or battle ships from our task force.

2220 L
Strong radar indication to northwest. No pip.

2230 L
Changed course to 180° T to head south again. Our surface forces appear to have this area well covered. The best indication of those ship's friendly character was the appearance of their radar pattern on our screen.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1944:
Patrolling as before southwest of TRUK.

0210 L
Received word that our forces had left the area.

0215 L
Changed course to 0320 T to head back to position for day submerged patrol.

0640 L
Quick dive for submerged patrol.

0643 L
Changed course to 0570 T to close south of TRUK.

0800 L
Corro-nosed hearing occasional distant explosions, not so many as yesterday.

1015 L
Sighted upper works of what appeared to be a large vessel bearing 3430 T, range about 15,000 yards, on westerly course, speed 16 knots. Started suba-raged approach but could never close enough to tell whether this was a friendly or enemy ship.

1115 L
Ship out of sight so changed course to 0560 T to continue to close TRUK.

1596 L
Sighted TOL ISLAND, TRUK bearing 0230 T, distance about 20 miles.

- 24 -

— page 37 —
1630 L  Changed course to 1520 T to be out of radar range of TUNK on surfacing.
: 1953 L  Surfaced.
: 2049 L  Received indication of other radar on our screen, bearing about 3520 T.
: 2130 L  Indication of other radar faded away.
    SALTRAY, NEARLY 15, 1544:
    Patrolling southwest of TUNK.
: 0200 L  Changed course to 0280 T to head for a point southwest of KUOF ISLAND for todays patrol.
: 0635 L  Dived for submerged patrol.
: 1600 L  Changed course to 2300 T.
: 1951 L  Surfaced heading for new area Lat. 50° I to 70° I between Long. 1470° I to 1500° I, in accordance with instructions from Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
    SUBJY, FEARLY 20, 1544:
    Heading for new patrol area, as above.
: 0549 L  Changed course to 2700 T to pass south of INDIAN ISLAND in new area.
: 1210 L  Lade quick clivs for plane bearing 0900 T. distance about 5 miles on a northerly course.
: 1317 L  Surfaced and resumed surface patrol.
: 1730 L  Changed course to 3350 I to intercept seaplane tender reported by plane. (Later reported by Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO).

— page 38 —
0000 L
    CHANGED COURSE TO 0900 T to run down reverse of expected target track.

1 0314 L
    Radar contact at 15,600 yards, bearing 0830 T. This turned out to be a large vessel (apparently the one we are looking for) escorted by two destroyers, one on either bow, both echo ranging. As the range closed a small target was found to be 70 yards astern of the large one. Due to the constancy of its position it is believed the large vessel was towing it. Those targets were tracked on course 2650 T, spool 14 knots. It was decided to attack from a position just outside the screen on the port side. Background was darker on this side. Visibility was good requiring that we submerge for the final stages of the attack.

0427 L
    Submerged to radar depth to complete approach with radar and periscope. Changed course to 2660 T to maintain disablable firing position; range 9,000 yards, 2100 yards to track.

0427:30 L
    CHANGED COURSE TO 2200 T in order to open out and have time to swing for a bow shot just before target comes on a 900 port track.

0437:37 L
    Present set up showed us to be 1400 yards from the track at a range of 6,600 yards. This will put us too close when on firing bearing so changed course to 1800 T for an 850 port track stern shot.

0438:40 L
    Target was found to have changed course to 2400 T (Only a part of which had been caught above) which left us 1,300 yards from the track heading in for a bow shot which would have put us too close by the time he came to firing bearing. So changed course to 3300 T for 900 starboard track stern shot.

0445:40 L
    Target zigged right to 2700 T which left us heading in for a 1200 port bow shot 600 yards from track. This would make him too close again so changed course back to 1800 T.

- 26 -

— page 40 —
0111 L  Received message from Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO to
    start south so changed course to 218° T to head for de-
    parture point at SW corner of area.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1944:
Proceeding to MILNE BAY - Making trim and training dives
enroute.

0100 L  Changed course to 180° to run down to equator along 147° E.

2050 L  Changed course to 270° at equator.

2130 L  Changed course to 206° to head down safety lane.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1944:
Proceed diving down safety lane to MILNE BAY.

0705 L  Div'd fr days submorgod run.

1012 L  Sighted large 2 engine bomber, land plane bearing 354° T,
    distance 3 miles, course 273° T.

2006 L  Surfaced.

2043 L  Started picking up indication of other radar bearing about
    150° T. Probably DACE heading for same rendezvous.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1944:
Proceeding to rondzvous with USS WELLES.

0145 L  Radar contact bearing 181° T, range 13,000 yards. Target
    was tr-ocked on course 150° T, spocd 14 knots.

0220 L  Exchanged recognition signals and calls with target which
    was USS DACE.

0340 L  Passod DACE abcam to starboard, range 1400 yards.

0410 L  Started getting land indications at 95,000 yards.

— page 41 —
0515 L Pickup indication of other radar dead ahead.
: 0600 L Radar contact bearing 1590 T, range 19,000 yards. This was our escort USS WELLES.
: 0617 L Exchanged recognition signals and calls with USS WELLES.
: 0844 L DaOE joined formation and we headed down scafety lane escort-ed by USS WELLES.
: 1505 L Escort, USS WELLES, was released at point LIMB.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1944:
Proceeding MILNE BAY in submarine safety lane in company with USS DAOE.
: 0530 L Radar contact on bearing 1740 T, range 15,000 yards. This target was tracked on course 3400 T, speed 13 knots. Appeared to be about this size and silhouette of a corvette.
: 0536 L Changed course to 2700 T to avoid.
: 0550 L Resumed course 1800 T. Clear of target.
: 0620 L Target out of radar range.
: 1004 L Sighted small ship dead ahead. This was our escort. Started down safety lane to MILNE BAY with escort FC 1124.
: 1537 L Moored to USS FULTON, MILNE BAY.

— page 42 —
1. USS DARTER (SS227) - Report of First War Patrol.

(C) [WRITER: name]

From January 5 to January 15 inclusive, enroute from Lat. 210 N, Long 158° to Lat. 70 N, Long. 1550, weather was clear to partly cloudy 90% of the time.

From January 15 to January 24 inclusive, 6 days of which were spent in area bounded by Latitudes 30 N to 60 N and Longitudes 1460 E to 1480 E, weather was completely overcast 90% of the time and rain was frequent.

From January 25 to January 30 inclusive, enroute from Lat. 00, Long. 1400 E to TULAGI weather was 75% variable cloudiness and with short rain squalls on an average of one each day. Weather during the other 25% of time was clear to partly cloudy. Four days of this time was spent on equator.

On second half of patrol weather enroute to area between February 8 and February 13 averaged about 50% cloudiness and was usually about one out of 3 days. In areas between Lat. 50 and 70 N, Long 1470 E to 1520 E, during period between February 13 and February 22, skies averaged about 70% cloudy with mist or clouds always on horizon. Short squalls occurred about one out of four days. Seas and wind were not heavy.

Returning from area to NINE BAY weather was about 40% cloudy. Rain squalls occurred every other day and sea and wind were moderate.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION:

From January 5 to January 15 inclusive, enroute Lat. 210 N, Long. 1580 N to Lat. 70 N, Long 1550 E, wind and seas were from the eastward and sets averaged about 2500 T with drifts from 1/4 to 3/4 knots most of the time.

From January 16 to January 24 inclusive, 6 days of which were spent in area bounded by Lat. 30 N to 60 N and Long. 1460 E to 1480 E, wind and seas shifted from north-east, to north, to east, to southeast, and back to east remaining from the east during last four days. Sets averaged 0000 T and drifts averaged 3/4 to 1 1/4 knots during first five days. Sets averaged 3400 T and drifts averaged 1 to 1 3/4 knots during last four days.

From January 25 to January 30 inclusive, enroute from Lat. 00, Long. 1400 E to TULAGI wind and seas were from the northeastward most of the time. Sets averaged 2400 T and drifts varied from 1/2 knot to

— page 43 —
1. TIDAL INFORMATION - Cont'd.
2. 2 knots. Drifts near Lat 0°, Long. 1400 W. were largest.

On second half of patrol on passing from LITTLE B.Y. to TRUCK sets
were again as experienced before, the especially strong sets along
JURKUS and just north of it (2400 T drift 2 knots). Sets just north
of VITLAZ STRAIT are 0900 T, 1 to 2 knots.
From February 13 to February 20 sets around TRUCK were as follows:
Directly south of South Pass and for 30 miles to west of South Pass
set was 0100 T and drift was 1/2 knot. Beyond 30 miles west of South
Pass sets were 2300 T and drifts 1/2 to 1 knot. Seas and wind were
from northeast during this period.

On return to LITTLE B.Y. sets were as observed before.

(2) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS:
None.

NOTE: During period from January 15 to January 24 while in area
navigation was very difficult and only indication of position
were gained from occasional sun shining through thin layers of
cloud and several star fixes at night when moon shone through
rifts in clouds to give a moonlight horizon.
During entire patrol visibility was above average and objects
could be seen great distances even on nights the skies were
completely overcast.

— page 44 —
1 0020 VW 20-17'N  UNIDENTIFIED 28650 2150 T  SU  Friendly
2 0650 L 0-51'S  SS- USS 10400 17-kts
3 1/23/44 1400-491W  ALB-CODE 8 kts
4 0450 L 0-23'N 2-Escorts(SC)22400 1300 T  SJ  Enrony
5 1/26/44 1477-111W 2-AK 2000 ton 7 kts
6 1324 L 0-16'N 1-10000 ton 25000 3210 T Day-Surf  Enrony
7 1/26/44 1480-23'W  tanker 13 kts High Poris.
8 2-largo DDs 0000 T
9 150 L 30-48'S  SS 12200 3400 T  SJ  Assumed
10 1/29/44 1550-46'W 15.5 kts GU-RDFISH
11 0713 L 80-27'S  SS- USS 12000 0480 T Day-Look- Identi-
12 1/30/44 1600-23'W  ALB-CODE 15 kts out  fied
13 0615 L 110-40'S  Large Fricfh-20000 3500 T  SJ  Friendly
14 2/4/44 1510-10'W  tor 10 kts
15 1442 L 30-08'N  SS 16000 2250 T Day-Surf Assumed
16 2/12/44 1460-36'W 13 kts HI-Poris. PETO
17 0855 L 50-56'N  Large AK 27000 2080 T Day-Surf Enrony,
18 2/13/44 1490-30'W 4-escorts 8 kts HI-Poris. attacked
19 0825 L 70-02'N  Patrol 10000 2700 T Day-Surf Enrony
20 2/17/44 1500-51'W  vessel 10 kts Poris.
21 1015 L 60-48'N  appeared to 18000 2300 T Day-Sub. Unident.
22 2/18/44 1510-21'W  bo war vessel 16 kts Poris.
23 0314 L 60-33'N 1-Sanpiano 16500 2650 T Nito-Surf.Tried to
24 2/21/44 1470-38'W  tender 14 kts SJ attack
2 DDs & 1 PT

- 32 -

— page 45 —
1. USS D.R.TER (SS227) - Report of First War Patrol:
   - (G) AIRCRAFT CONT.CTS:

| No. | Date | Lat. Long. | Type | Init. Range | Course Speed | How Contacted | Remarks |
|-----|------||------|||||
| 1   | 0825 | 16°-36'N | 1-PBY | 8 mi       | 0400 T 80 kts | SD           | Friendly |
|     | 1/5/44 | 169°-15'W |      |              |              |               |         |
| 2   | 0745 | 130°-30'N | Seacplane | 5 mi       | 0300 T 7 Kts | Lookout Day-Surf | Assured |
|     | 1/10/44 | 169°-28'E |      |              |              |               | Envoy |
| 3   | 0935 | 130°-15'N | Unknown | 7 mi       | 2 T 7 K | SD           | Assured |
|     | 1/10/44 | 169°-00'E |      |              |              |               | Envoy |
| 4   | 0133 | 1°-09'S | Unknown | 8 mi       | 2 T 7 K | SD           | Assured |
|     | 1/24/44 | 140°-57'E |      |              |              |               | Envoy |
| 5   | 1537 | 60°-04'S | Cruiser | 2-Trainer | 2870 T 7 K | Day Lookout | Not |
|     | 1/29/44 | 157°-51'E | "SOC" |              |              |               | Icon. |
| 6   | 0635 | 70°-06'N | Unknown | 6 mi       | 2 T 7 K | SD           | Not |
|     | 2/16/44 | 150°-49'T |      |              |              |               | Icon. |
| 7   | 0726 | 70°-01'N | 2-Trainer | 10 mi | 2700 T 150 K | Day Sub. Periscope | Not |
|     | 2/17/44 | 150°-55'E | planes |              |              |               | Icon. |
| 8   | 1210 | 50°-02'N | PBY Type | 5 mi | 3400 T 7 K | Day Lookout | Not |
|     | 2/20/44 | 148°-41'E |      |              |              |               | Icon. |
| 9   | 0725 | 60°-45'N | Sn. SOC type | 4 mi | 1500 T 7 K | Day Lookout | Not |
|     | 2/21/44 | 147°-16'E | cruiser float |      |              |               | Icon. |
| 10  | 1012 | 20°-28'S | 2 engine | 3 mi | 2730 T 7 K | Day Sub Periscope | Not |
|     | 2/23/44 | 145°-32'E | bonbon |              |              |               | Icon. |
| 11  | 0645 | 50°-01'S | PBY | 4mi       | 1 Circl- ing | Nitc-Surf Lockout | Friendly |
|     | 2/24/44 | 147°-25'E |      |              |              |               |         |

— page 46 —
1 ATTACK DATA:
U.S.S. DATEN (SS227) - TORPEDO ATTACK No. 1 - PATROL No. 1

Description:
Convoy of one 7,500 ton merchantman escorted by one PC boat and three converted trawlers.

Ship(s) Sunk:
One 7,500 ton merchantman similar to the ATTASAN LARU.

Ship(s) Damaged or
probably sunk:
None.

Damage determined by:
Saw and heard torpedo hit. Screws were heard to stop after torpedo hit. Noises similar to ship sinking were then heard by sound. Ship could not be located when searched for later.

Target Draft 22 ft Course 200° T Speed 8 Range 400 to 1200 (At firing).

CIVILIAN SHIP DATA
Speed 2.8 Course 3420 T Depth 62' Angle 281 to 107L (Bow) 86R to 36R (Stern) (At firing).

Type Attack:
Foriscope ap roach.

— page 47 —
1. ATTACK DATA - Cont'd.
TURBOS Fired
Tracks Angle
Kiro Angle
Depth Set
Power
Hit or Miss
Arratic
Mark Torpedo
Serial No.
Mark Exploder
Serial No.
Actuation Set
Actuation Actual
Mark Warhead
Serial No.
Explosive
Firing Intervals
Type Spread
Sea Conditions
Overhaul activity

: 2. TORPEDO APPROACH No. 1
i_1
i_2
i_3
i_4
i_5
i_6
66P
80P
95P
104P
138P
144P
28L
42L
58L
67L
101L
107L
12

— page 48 —
7
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10

- Track Angle
- Y'ro Angle
- Depth Set
- Power
- Hit or Miss
- Strategic
- Mark Torpedo
- Serial No.
- Mark Exploder
- Serial No.
- Actuation Set
- Actuation Actual
- Mark Warhead
- Serial No.
- Explosive
- 'iring Interval
- Type Spread
- Sea Conditions
- Verhaul Activity
- Remarks: First stern tube (No. 7) seen and heard to hit.

- 36 -

— page 49 —
1. (I) MINES:
   - None.
   - (J) ANTI-SUBMARINE ESCORTS AND EVASION TACTICS:

Everything through this area apparently is escorted. Some small escorts are used which are very difficult to sight. The trend appears to be away from destroyers toward more numerous small escorts of PC, SC and trawler types.

Some escorts are provided with echo ranging gear while others seem to depend upon listening. In some cases it appears that those escorts equipped with echo ranging gear coach the others on for their attacks.

After the attack on February 13, 1944, 21 depth charges were drop ed. The first attack was not very accurate. Latter attacks became extremely accurate. Those charges seemed to be small and set sailing. All explosions were above, giving considerable jar and causing us to loose about 5 feet depth with each explosion.

Destroyer screens for target encountered on February 21 were echo ranging at 14 knots. When destroyer detected our presence he ceased echo ranging and resorted to listening.

(K) MAJOR DIRECTIONS AND DELIVERY:

1. Contactor number 175 in the storm planes Cutler-Hamner control panel carried away on two separate occasions. Although the failure of this part is not a major casualty in that the contactor is easily re-laced, the loss of tilting power for either the bow or stern planes during the process of diving or during an up reach may be extremely dangerous. This a weakness in design.

2. Haster gyro would not hold vacuum due to defective vacuum cock and various other leaks caused by increased temperatures resulting from increased speeds at low latitudes. (Repaired by USS FULTON).

3. A restriction in its circulating water overboard discharge line prohibited the use of the auxiliary generator. The restriction was due to overboard discharge sea stop valve coming loose and acting as a check valve. (Repaired by ship's force in TULAFI).

— page 51 —
1. RADA - Cont'd.
2. Due to breakdown, Transmitter defects which caused erratic operation and false pips developed enroute TULAGI, which required almost constant work on the part of the radar personnel to keep the equipment in operation. Although repaired by FULTON, evidence of trouble is reappearing. Radar should have a thorough overhaul prior to next patrol.
3. This equipment picks up U.S. Fleet type submarines from 10,000 to 12,000 yards, small ships up to 20,000 yards, and large ships up to 53,000 yards. The IFF equipment installed during the patrol seems to work properly, although both operation and maintenance are entirely new to ship's personnel.
4. (N) SOUND G.R. AND SOUND CONDITIONS:
   Due to speed used to patrol (two engines at all times) sound gear was used only during submerged periods. During the periscope approach of January 26, sound conditions were unusually good. Good bearings were obtained at ranges in excess of 20,000 yards on tankers across and at firing ranges. During the last patrol the patrol hydraulic oil leaks developed in the QC - JK gear; and in both the QC - JK and QB equipments considerable binding of the shafts in train was experienced, causing an appreciable increase of operating noise.
5. (O) DENSITY LAYERS:
   No density layers were found in these areas. Average temperature drop from 60 to 300 feet was 20° T. Maximum noted was 40° F in area north of HUMBOLT BAY.
6. (P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HEALTH-BILITY:
   Health was excellent. No sickness was experienced by the crew. A few cases of minor bruises and cuts were experienced by inexperience of lookouts in their haste to clear the bridge on diving.
   Food was below par during first period of patrol due to having all inexperience cooks. Constant effort and use of the Navy Cook Book was required on the part of the Commisary Officer to keep the food palatable. It is strongly recommended that each submarine be furnished with at least one experienced cook. This situation has been vastly improved since gaining one experienced cook from FULTON in MINE BAY.
   Habitability was excellent in as much as most of this patrol was made on the surface.

— page 53 —
1st half patrol 2nd Half Patrol
From Pearl From Nilino Bay

Days enroute to area12.83 5.70
Days in area8.90 8.07
Days enroute to Base (Nilino Bay) 10.21 3.67
Days submerged3.08 5.32

(T) FACTORS OF ENTRANCE REPLACEMENTS:

| Phase | Fuel | Provisions | Personnel |
|-------|------|||
| PHASE I | 24   | 2,000 Gal  | Unknown  |
| PHASE II | 14   | 41,800 Gal | Unknown  |

Limiting factor - PHASE I - Fuel expended.
Limiting factor - PHASE II - Terminated on order of Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.

(U) REMARKS:

PHASE I - This patrol was conducted in various areas assigned by despatched by Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO. All areas were north of the SOLOMON ISLAND and NEAR GUAM and south of the CHILDREN ISLANDS. One day was spent patrolling off SHINANOOKI prior to reporting to Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.

In the areas controlled by Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO the patrol was conducted on the surface at two engine speed both, day and night, except for a routine morning dive to 300 feet and other short periods of submergence as the situation demanded.

Only two contacts were made during this patrol. These were both on January 26 while northwest of KAVIANG near the equator enroute TULAGI for fuel. Shortage of fuel prevented chasing either of these targets long enough to gain position for successful attack.

PHASE II - This phase started from MILNE BAY and was conducted in the TRUK area and the area bounded by Lat. 50° N to 70° - 15° N and Long. 147° E to 150° E. Three targets were attacked and located. One could not be closed to torpedo range. The third was successfully closed to torpedo range but a last minute zig prevented an unfavorable set up. It was decided to surface and gain position for another approach by an end around run. During the end around run we were forced down.

— page 55 —
15-18/A16-3
Serial: 016
C-Q-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L-
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO., USS DARTER Report
of 1st War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN.
To: The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.

Subject: U.S.S. DARTER (S3227) - First War Patrol - Comments on.

1. The first war patrol of the DARTER was of 58 days duration with 27 days being spent patrolling various areas assigned by Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO north of the SOLOMON ISLANDS and NEW GUINEA and south of the CAROLINE ISLANDS.

2. Areas were thoroughly patrolled. Torpedo targets were contacted on five occasions, only one of which could be successfully developed into an attack. On 26 January, two small marus escorted by two small escorts were contacted by radar. In the subsequent surface approach DARTER was discovered by one of the escorts before firing position could be obtained. Due to the lack of fuel, a large AO escorted by two DD was contacted and by the merged approach started. A radio channel of base course by the target prevented DARTER from obtaining a suitable firing position. Contact was subsequently regained in the evening but because of lack of fuel chasing could not be carried out.

On 13 February, contacted large maru with four small escorts. Submerged daylight attack was made. Six torpedoes were fired from the bow tubes. All missed due to the range being overestimated. Four torpedoes were fired from the after tube, resulting in one hit, others probably avoided by target maneuvers. Immediate counter-attack by the escorts forced the DARTER to go deep and the results of the hit could not be observed. The high percentage of misses on this attack were probably due to the error in estimated range with its attendant effect on the very large gyro angles set on the torpedoes, but under the circumstances the large gyro angles had to be accepted.

On 18 February, sighted large ship making high speed. Unable to close. Identity unknown. Could have been friendly.

Early on morning of 21 February, sighted enemy seaplane tender escorted by two DD. After tracking for an hour a submerged radar approach was started. When near the firing point, the DARTER was forced deep to avoid an escort. Sound bearings were considered too unreliable to fire torpedoes by this method. This decision is concurred in. The actions of the escort indicated he had de-

— page 56 —
15-18/A16-3
Serial: 016
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. DARTER (SS227) - First War Patrol - Comments on.

tected the DARTER's presence but no depth charges were dropped. About an hour later DARTER surfaced and began chase, but was forced to dive an hour and a half later by a plane. The plane acted as though he had sighted the submarine but no bombs were dropped and plane was not in sight 50 minutes later. DARTER remained submerged for an additional 5 hours thereby precluding any additional opportunity for further contact.

3. The DARTER returned from patrol in good material condition and will be given a normal refit including drydocking at Brisbane.

4. It is regretted that lack of fuel and other atten- dent circumstances prevented the DARTER from being able to deliver more attacks.

Eliot H. Bryant.

— page 57 —
1. The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: The Commander, SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. DARTER (SS227) - First Var Patrol, comments on.

1. DARTER departed PEARL for first patrol, 3 January 1944, topping off with fuel 5th at Johnston Island. Made submerged reconnaissance of ENIWETOK 12 January. No ships, planes or activity noted. Passed to operational control Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO 14 January near 5° N, 157° E. Ordered to patrol TRUK-IWILING convoy routes beteen 1° N and 3° N. Spent next six days patrolling these routes with no contacts. 20 January shifted patrol to the PALAU-WYAK convoy routes. Ordered to proceed TULAGI for fuel 25 January, having made no contacts. At 0450, 26 January made first contact with convoy consisting of two squids, on southeasterly course. While escort, made 1st contact at 1450, and 2nd contact at 1500. Made contact at

— page 58 —
1 Freighter 7500 tons
DAMAGED
1 Freighter 7500 tons

DISTRIBUTION:
COLLECT (Advance copies -3)
VONO (Advance copies-2)
VOPMJV (Op-230)
COM. 1st Flt.
COM. 2nd Flt.
COM. 3rd Flt.
COISUB. 1st Flt.
COISUB. 2nd Flt.
COISUB. 7th Flt.
CSS-4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20.
CSD-81, 82, 181 and 182.
CTF-72 War Patrol Summary
O-in-C, 3/M School, N.L. Conn (2)
Flt. Rad r Unit, Melbourne.
All 55 TF-72 (May be taken to sea, but BURN prior to passing 50° South).
CO USS DARTER (File)

— page 59 —
29 MAR 1944
Al6-3(F-3/roj)
Serial: 0677

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-I
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
CO USS DARTER conf. ltr.
SS227/Al6-3, serial 01
of 25 February 1944.

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

Subject: U.S.S. DARTER (SS227) - Report of FIRST War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

F. W. GRAY
Chief of Staff.

— page 60 —
SS227/A16-3
Serial (03)
DECLASSIFIED

From:  Commanding Officer.
To:  The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via:  (1) Commander Submarine Division OID 3D 3H 3

— page 63 —
0000
USS DUMBO (SS-207) - Report of Sea and Air Patrol:

(B) H.M. WAVES - Cont'd.

0500 K  |  Lost r. car cont. out on SC-117 at 10,500 yards.

0627 K  |  H.eco trim d.ive to doop subm.ergence.

0700 K  |  Surf.acc.

1008 K  |  H.eco quick d.ive for plane, bearing 1800 T on water-
    ly course ho.ado for us, distance 4 miles. Locked
    like 4 engine bomber similar to our B-17.

1130 K  |  Surf.acc., all o.r.

1345 K  |  H.eco quick d.ive for ml. no, bc ring 3400 T, on
    c.starl.y course, distance about 8 miles. Reported
    by lockup as two c.arc. to r.arc. duol.ing in and out
    of cloude.

1448 K  |  Surf.acc.

1824 K  |  H.eco quick d.ive for ml.no. 5r.rd r.cont. at 3
    miles a.n.r.thw.oct.lerly o.urr.  H.o. w.s. above l.w.
    h.n.e.  cl.u.ads and not sighted from br.icego.

1920 K  |  Surf.acc.

H.ocn. F.osit..  Lt., 00 - 27' 8. L.ng. 1400 - 54' 8;
K.il.1os - 3C3; Fuol. 3355 6-1s..

W.AR.OLY, 1.ENCH 23, 1544:

In.rec.ute patrol ar. a.

0200 K  |  Changed. o.urr.ge to 2690 T at. o.urr.er to h.ac. for
    patrol ar. (One thirty to three. c.ec.r.s. north
    between. longit.ude one. two. c.ight. and one. three. four
    c.st.)

0643 K  |  H.eco trim d.ive.

0714 K  |  Surf.acc.

1159 K  |  Lock.ut. ro.y.rt.ced. zossibl.o. r.isco.bo.ring 3250
    rel.ativ.e, dist.ance 3,500 y.arcs. 0.0.0., tur.nd away
    and. in.er.acc.ed. ep.acc. to. c.viol.  Location. Lt., 00 -
    47', Long. 1350 - 45' 4".  Reit.ler. 0.0.0. nor

- 3 -

— page 64 —
1340 K
Changed course to 30°0' T to head for center of our area at eastern edge.

2143 K
Changed course to 264° T at eastern edge of our area.

Noon Posit., Lat. 00 - 40' F, 1.00 - 44' S; Hills 360; Fuel 4362 cals.

THURSDAY, 1ARCH 30, 1544:
Patrolling assigned area.

0107 K
Radar contact bearing 322° relative, 16,200 yards range. Started transmitting. This cover-to-cover of 3450 from this range. We maneuvered for a position to attack from the starboard side, and it did for a rain squall so we could attack on the starboard.

0255 K
Headed in for attack to take advantage of the blackground of rain squall behind us, while the target was silhouetted against a good horizon. With cut the rain squall behind us it is doubtful if a favorable attack position could have been reached before being sighted. With such a ship's horizon the visibility was excellent with a ship's horizon except in the vicinity of sea-skimming squalls. To could see to attack at 10,000 yards and ascertain 4,000 yards, so we decided 2,000 yards was minimum firing range to avoid detection. Headed in slowly keeping bow pointed at target so that we would have him almost close on a 500 starboard track at 2,000 yards.

- 4 -

— page 65 —
0330 T, the first two were fired to hit and the remaining four as a divergent spread to cover a target length ahead and astern. Torpedo run was from 2,400 to 1,900 yards. Four hits were heard and were seen from the bridge. The first one was on the stern which appeared to blow it off-set set it on fire. The second was just forward of the first one, also near the stern. The third one was just forward of the amidships superstructure and bridge, while the fourth one was under the stack which was in the center of the amidships superstructure.

: 0312 K Turned away to course 240° T to put escort astern and went ahead full speed on four generators. Position Lat. 10° - 50' N, Long. 133° - 00' E.

: 0315 K Target sank, radar range 3,050 yards, bearing 185° relative. This was also observed from the bridge. Target sank about 3 minutes and 41 seconds after the first hit. Escort could still be seen searching the vicinity. Radar reported that escort closed the large target as though to reenter assistance but target sank before she could get there. This was a large merchant vessel of about 8,000 tons. Stack and superstructure amidships, and a well for and aft with slightly raised poop. She was similar in silhouette to the MUTAKA MARU.

: 0318 K Escort started depth charging an imaginary target in the vicinity of the sinking, bearing 182° relative, range 5,720 yards. He dropped depth charges in groups of four one to five until 0330 K. A total of fourteen charges were dropped. One of our sound operators remarked during the depth charging "Just a third class trying to make second."

: 0331 K Changed course to 180° T.

: 0344 K Changed course to 090° T.

: 0422 K Radar contact bearing 313° relative, range 10,800 yards. This turned out to be another small vessel about the size of the escort we had just left. He was on course 115° T, speed 10 knots. We avoided

— page 66 —
0634 K
Dived to remain submerged today. Expect air search
end, cloud conditions are most unfavorable for plane
detection.

: 1930 K
Surfaced.

: 1938 K
Changed course to 2700 T.
Noon Posit. Lat. 10 - 44' N. Long. 1330 - 45' E;
Miles 185; Fuel 2154 gal.s.

: 0706 K
Dived. Will remain submerged until cloud conditions
permit plane detection.

: 1950 K
Surfaced. Cloud conditions having remained the same
all day.

: 2300 K
Changed course to 0800 T.
Noon Posit. Lat. 10 - 45' N. Long. 1310 - 05' E;
Miles 192; Fuel 1850 gal.s.

: 0703 K
Made trim dive.

: 0728 K
Surfaced.

: 0800 K
Changed course to 1200 T.

: 0832 K
Sighted a number of rioting oil drums. Taking into
consideration current experienced in this area, they
were probably from ship sunk on thirtieth.

: 0915 K
Hydraulic plant is not functioning properly so sub-
merged to work on same.

: 1111 K
Completed work on hydraulic plant, having cleaned
and adjusted pilot valve. Surfaced.

— page 67 —
1500 K  Changed course to 050° T.
2100 K  Changed course to 090° T.
2300 K  Changed course to 260° T.
    Noon Posit. Lat. 20 - 04' N. Long. 131° - 34' E;
    Miles 316; Fuel 3365 gal.

SUDOKU: 0200 K  Operational control this unit shifted to Commander Task Force SEVENTY-01.
0556 K  Friendly plane incitation.  ADK being triggered.
0600 K  Triggering on ADK ceased.
0655 K  Made trim dive.  Will retain submerged to work on hydraulic plant again.  It is now believed that accumulator must be repacked.  This is about a four hour job.  Proceeding to new patrol station south of D.V.O assigned by Commander Task Force SEVENTY-01.

0800 K  While making routine adjustments to radar it was discovered to be out of order so started work on radar.

1330 K  Radar and hydraulic plant back in commission.  Hydraulic plant again became erratic and old packing was again put in.

1947 K  Surface.  Hydraulic plant working satisfactorily.

2100 K  Changed course to 266° T.
    Noon Posit. Lat. 20 - 36' N. Long 131° - 41' E;
    Miles 153; Fuel 1859 gal.

HYDRAULIC PLANES:
    HYDRAULIC PLANE 3, 1244:
    Enroute to D.V.O area.

0713 K  Made trim dive.  Will retain submerged till clouds clear to make plane catetction possible.

— page 68 —
1955 K  Surtaced.
: 2253 K  Changed course to 3130 T.
: 2306 K  Picked up land (as expected.) Radar bearing 3490 T, range 35 miles.
: 0251 K  Changed course to 3500 T.
: 0709 K  Dived for submerged patrol in assigned area south of D.VAO.
: 1309 K  Changed course to 0240 T.
: 1711 K  Changed course to 0600 T.
: 2036 K  Surface. There was indication of other radar on our ARO. The frequency was 206 rococycles. Believo this to be land based radar on southbound trip of HIDALGO or on BALTIMOR or S. MARGARET ISLAND.

: 2042 K  Changed course to 1200 T.
: 2042

— page 69 —
0 1 30 K  Changed course to 338° T.
0656 K  Dived for submerged patrol.
0707 K  Changed course to 2850 T.
1300 K  Changed course to 1300 T.
2035 K  Surfaced.
2040 K  Changed course to 0500 T.
2104 K  Changed course to 1100 T. Indication of radar from one of our submarines bearing 1200 T. Lost indication at 2245 K.
2315 K  Indication of submarine radar at 0350 T.
2345 K  Lost radar indication at 0350 T.

Noon Point, 50 - 35° N, Long. 125° W, Miles 0; Total 363 gals.

TRAILER: 0 1 36. 1544:

0200 K  Changed course to 3400 T.

0236 K  Radar contact bearing 3500 T, range 25,000 yards. Started tracking. This turned out to be what was believed to be three cruisers and four destroyers on course 150° T, speed 15 knots. Sent contact report, and started approach. Received contact report from D.D.2D too badly garbled to be of any value.

0244 K  Went to 4 engine speed and changed course to 1600 T, expecting them to change course to right also to round southern end of H.M.Delta.

0250 K  Target changed course to 2100 T and increased speed to 22 knots. This put us in a position making it impossible to attack. We could not gain position ahead due to their zig to the right and the increase in speed. The moon was like daylight which enabled us to see them at 20,000, repeat 20,000 yards. I we had run full speed straight in at this time we could have gotten to 7,000 yards on the surface but

— page 70 —
0340 K  Radar contact on a submarine bearing 1900 T, range 10,000 yards.  Believe this was 80,000 yards now in his area.  He was plainly visible at 5,000 yards, and was heading for the target.

: 0345 K  Started steering various courses to avoid submarine and go astern of him and still not come within torpedo range.  Do not know if he saw us or not.

: 0407 K  Changed course to 0060 T.

: 0409 K  Lost contact with target at range 31,000 yards.  Returning to our own area.

: 0417 K  Lost submarine bearing 2050 T, range 12,100 yards.

: 0705 K  Div'd for submerged patrol.

: 0717 K  Changed course to 2700 T.

: 1300 K  Changed course to 1300 T.

: 2033 K  Surfaced.

: 2200 K  Changed course to 0500 T.  Received instructions to depart area to eastward and return to control of Commander Task Force SUBMIT-TTO.

: 0716 K  Noon Posit.  Lat. 50 - 36' N.  Long 1250 - 45' 2';  Miles 115;  Fuol 546 gals.

: 0716 K  Clearing area to eastward.

: 0716 K  Made trim divo.

: 0843 K  Surfaced.

— page 72 —
1129 K
    Surfaced, Visibility very bad. Low clouds and much rain.

: 1131 K
    Changed course to 0550 T.
    Noon Posit. Lat. 10 - 48' N. Long. 1310 - 20' W; Miles 264; Fuel 3059 gals.

: 0000 K
    Changed course to 2650 T.

: 0655 K
    Made trim dive.

: 0729 K
    Surfaced, Weather still bad.

: 1940 K
    Changed course to 0550 T.
    ABK trigercd for about 1 minute.

: 2200 K
    Changed course to 2650 T.

: 2350 K
    Took stars with moonlight horizon. First fix in three days.
    Noon Posit. Lat. 10 - 25' N. Long. 1310 - 50' W; Miles 320; Fuel 3559 gals.

: 0653 K
    Made trim dive.

: 0729 K
    Surfaced.

: 0800 K
    Changed course to 1150 T.

: 1333 K
    Changed course to 1100 T.

: 2000 K
    Changed course to 2140 T.
    Noon Posit. Lat. 10 - 15' N. Long. 1320 - 10' E; Miles 323; Fuel 3466 gals.

: 0700 K
    Radar contact on ASL ISL-ND Bearing 2340 T, range - 12 -

— page 73 —
22,750 yards. Sighted island at same time.

0703 K Dived for submerged patrol in vicinity of ASIA ISLAND today.

0705 K Changed course to 0900 T.

0300 K Changed course to 1400 T.

1200 K Changed course to 1800 T.

1930 K Changed course to 0900 T.

1950 K Surfaced.

2025 K Changed course to 0950 T.

2235 K Radar contact be-ring 0400 T, range 12,000 yards. Closed to identify. This was a small vessel of the size of and silhouette of a IC boat. He was on course 0500 T, making about 6 knots. Nothing else with him. He could be seen quite clearly in bright moon lit.

2350 K Changed course to 2700 T to open range after ascertaining that he was alone and apparently patrolling.

Noon Posit. Lat. 10 - 05' N. Long. 1310 - 35' E; miles 182; Fuel 1841 gal.s.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 1944:

0000 K Changed course to 0000 T.

0200 K Changed course to 2080 T.

0622 K Radar picked up land (NEW GUINEA) bearing 2330 T, range 80,000 yards.

0630 K Changed course to 2400 T.

0652 K Dived to conduct submerged patrol in extreme south western corner of area.

— page 74 —
CONFIDENTIAL

USS DARTER (SS227) - Report of Second War Patrol:

(B) NARRATIVE - Cont'd.

0700 K Changed course to 2250 T.
1100 K Changed course to 2700 T.
1400 K Changed course to 0700 T.
1700 K Changed course to 0000 T.
1953 K Surfaed. Radar out of order. Changed course to 0830 T.
2250 K SJ radar back in commission. Obtained radar fix on lend on Feb. 6th. Charged course to 0810 T.
Noon Posit. Lat. 00 - 02' 1". Long 1310 - 26' 4". Kiles 184; Fuel 1837 gals.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 1944:

0504 K Picked up indications of friendly radar bearing 1450 T.
0630 K Lost friend. - Indication bearing 2160 T. Believe this is a CAG passing through our area. We know she would pass through but did not know when.
0656 K Made trim dive.
0703 K Changed course to 2980 T.
0721 K Surfaced.
1400 K Changed course to 2940 T.
1623 K Sighted small float plane bearing 2000 T, course 1600 T, distance about 10 miles. Lade quick dive to avoid detection.
1900 K Surfaced. All Clear.

Noon Posit. Lat. 00 - 58' N. Long. 1330 - 11' E; Miles 301; Fuel 3214 gals.

- 14 -

— page 76 —
0726 K  Surfaced.
: 0800 K  Changed course to 2420 T to head for southwest
    corner of our area. Fix shows us set south.
: 1540 K  Changed course to 0450 T.
    Noon Posit. Lat. 30 - 35' N., Long. 1300 - 04' S;
    Miles 259; Fuel 1862 gals.
    MONDAY, APRIL 17, 1944:
: 0300 K  Changed course to 2250 T.
: 0652 K  Made trim dive.
: 0626 K  Surfaced.
: 0800 K  Changed course to 2200 T.
: 1131 K  Dived for plane. Large bomber bearing 2360 T,
    distance about 6 (?) miles on course north. Several
    persons heard what they thought was machine gun fire
    hitting surface of water as we passed 55 feet. The
    Commanding Officer heard no unusual noises at this
    time and is inclined to believe that it would have
    been impossible for this plane to reach machine gun
    range in the time (about one minute) that it took
    us to pass 55 feet, although it is almost certain
    we were sighted by this plane.
: 1932 K  Surfaced.
: 2330 K  Changed course to 0460 T.
    Noon Posit. Lat. 30 - 50' N., Long. 1300 - 02' S;
    Miles 193; Fuel 1351 gals.
    TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1944:
: 0653 K  Made trim dive.
: 0723 K  Surfaced.

— page 77 —
0000 K  Changed course to 0530 T.
1145 K  Changed course to 2250 T.
1332 K  Changed course to 2180 T.
2012 K  ABK triggered for five minutes.
    Noon Posit. Lat. 40 - 46' N. Long. 1300 - 47' E;
    -110s 229; Puol 1706 gals.
    FUEL STBY, AFTL 151.1244:
0300 K  Changed course to 2250 T.
0647 K  Made trim dive.
0714 K  Surface.
1400 K  Changed course to 0000 T to get back on patrol line.
1700 K  Changed course to 2200 T.
2103 K  Noon Posit. Lat. 30 - 57' N. Long. 1300 - 27' E;
    Miles 179; Fuel 1150 gals.
    THURSDAY, AFTL 20, 1544:
0650 K  Made trim dive. Will remain submerged today to
    overhaul hydraulics plant.
1200 K  Changed course to 0400 T.
1530 K  Surface.
    Noon Posit. Lat. 30 - 33' N. Long. 1290 - 39' E;
    Miles 84; Fuel 448 gals.
    FRIDAY, AFTL 21, 1544:
0652 K  Made trim dive.
0717 K  Surface.

- 17 -

— page 78 —
0800 K Changcd course to 0600 T.
: 1000 K Changcd course to 2200 T.
: 1025 K Divcd for plane. Large plane, bomber or transport, bcaring 2850 T, distance 5 miles, on course 1050 T, hcadcd for us.
: 1306 K Surfaccd.
: 1710 K Divcd for plane. Bomber bcaring 1600 T, distance 5 miles on course 2500 T.
: 1942 K Surfaccd.

Noon Posit. Lat. 40 - 43' N. Long. 1300 - 39' W; Kiles 139; Fuel 943 gal's.

SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 1944:
: 0653 K Divcd. Will remain submerged today due to increased air activity this area. Cloud conditions and rain squalls make planes very difficult to spot.
: 1700 K Changcd course to 0450 T.
: 1942 K Surfaccd.
: 2200 K Changcd course to 0500 T.
: 2335 K ABK was trigercrd for about one minute.

Noon Posit. Lat. 30 - 31' N. Long. 1290 - 47' E; Kiles 78; Fuel 417 gal's.

SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 1944:
: 0025 K ABK trigercrd for one minute.
: 0652 K Nade trim divc.
: 0721 K Surfaccd.
: 0800 K Changcd course to 2170 T.

— page 79 —
1302 K  ABK was triggered for one minute.
: 1334 K  ABK was triggered for three minutes.
: 1500 K  Changed course to 0400 T.
: 2100 K  Changed course to 0290 T.
: 0316 K  ABK was triggered for three minutes.
: 0618 K  Kado trie clivo.
: 0717 K  Surfaced.
: 0800 K  Changed course to 0450 T.
: 0814 K  Divif for plane. Large bomber bearing 0800 T, distance 5 miles, course 3500 T.
: 1104 K  Surfaced.
: 1330 K  Changed course to 2250 T.
: 1617 K  Divif for plane. Large bomber bearing 0000 T, distance 5 miles on course 0900 T.
: 1933 K  Surfaced.
: 2100 K  Changed course to 2330 T heading for southwest corner of area.
: 2140 K  Noon Posit. Lat. 40 - 31' N. Long. 1300 - 48' B; Miles 183; Fuel 1558 gal's.
: 2140 K  TUSDAY, APRIL 25, 1944:
: 0140 K  Changed course to 2460 T to pass north of HALLER to center LOUISA passage to head for DARWIN for fuel.

- 19 -

— page 80 —
2020 K
USS DARTER (SS227) - Report of Second War Patrol:

(B) TARGET: Cont'd.

0202 K
ABK triggered for 12 minutes.

0400 K
SU radar picked up HAHAHAB bearing 2370 T, distance 65,000 yards.

0635 K
Changed course to 2700 T.

0656 K
Dived 15 miles north of HAHAHA. Will run submerged today due to close proximity of land and air bases. Weather overcast with rain squalls.

2001 K
Surfaceed.

2002 K
Changed course to 2320 T.

Noon Posit. Lat. 20 - 50' N. Long. 1260 - 13' Z; Miles 193; Fuel 1045 gal. Lbs.

HDDSSHAY, APRIL 28, 1944:

Enroute DARTER for Zulul. Picking up occasional land cohos on SU radar; range 35-40 miles (HAHAHA...).

0000 K
Changed course to 1940 T.

C704 K
Made trim dive.

0730 K
Surfaceed.

1250 K
Changed course to 1580 T.

1304 K
Sighted sail of what appeared to be small native sail boat on bearing 0700 T on opposite course, distance about 8 miles.

1352 K
Divod for plane. Bomber on bearing 2700 T, distance 5 miles, on course 0900 T.

1507 K
Surfaceed.

1835 K
Sighted sail of small sail boat through high horizon bearing 0700 T, distance about 10 miles on opposite course.

- 20 -

— page 81 —
2000 K  Changō course to 1640 T to head for HATTAI PASSAGE.

- Noon Posit. Lat. 00 - 17' S. Long. 1260 - 27' E; miles 354; Fuel 4697 gal.s.

TRUMPF, ARIZ. 27, 1544:

0010.K  Started storing various courses proceeding through HATTAI. Received indications on ARIZ of 324 I.C radar operating in this vicinity.

0215 K  Stacad on course 1930 T. Clear of passage.

0700 K  Changed course to 131 T.

0715 K  Radio trin d'ivo.

0746 K  Surface.

1205 K  Divod for plane. Sighted bomber on bearing 2850 T, distance 4 miles; course 1500 T. Turned toward us as we d'ivo.

1312 K  Sighted GUNUNG API bearing 2460 T, distance about 25 miles.

1946 K  Surface.

2057 K  Started to get occasional radar land contact on WATAR and ROLAND ISLAND, range about 90,000 yards.

2238 K  Started storing various courses to go through passage coast of THOR. While passing through here ARIZ picked up radar operating on 324 magazines; strongest nor HATAI ISLAND.

Noon Posit. Lat. 60 - 19' S. Long. 1270 - 04' E; miles 287; Fuel 4776 gal.s.

FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 1944:

Transiting passage coast of THOR.

0144 K  Changed course to 1450 T at southern end of passage.

— page 82 —
0000 K  Changed course to 1530 T.
0722 K  Radio trim dive. We are seven hours ahead of schedule so will remain submerged until back on schedule.
1202 K  Sighted submarine on opposite course, bearing 1370 T, distance about 10,000 yards, speed about 15 knots. This vessel passed about 2,500 yards abeam and was easily identified as one of our own. We had not been notified that we would meet this one.
1316 K  Surfaced. Now back on schedule.
Noon Posit. Lat. 90 - 25' S. Long. 1280 - 12 ½; Miles 271; Fuel 3255 gals.
SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 15:44:
0627 K  Joined escort HL 425 for entrance to DARWIN.
0905 K  Recorded fuel pilot and started taking 87,309 gallons diesel oil. Also took on fresh water and stores and started overhaul of SJ radar and hydraulic plant by ship's force.
Noon Posit. DARWIN; Miles 112; Fuel 1312 gals.
SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 15:44:
1800 K  Underway from DARWIN to return to area, storing various courses to conform to channel.
2040 K  Straddled on course 2700 T at end of swept channel.
2329 K  Sighted ship bringing 3150 T, distance 4 1/2 miles. Believed to be Dutch submarine K-15 who is supposed to pass us here.
2345 K  Changed course to 3320 T.
Noon Posit. DARWIN; Miles 85; Fuel 1072 gals.

- 22 -

— page 84 —
1446 K  Changed course to 0100 T.
: 2255 K  Started steering various courses to transit LANTAP
: 2345 K  Radar contact 0360 T, range 8,000 yards. This
: 2359 K  Lost target on radar at 7,300 yards.
: 0355 K  Noon Posit. Lat. 50 - 58' S. Long. 1270 - 21' E;
: 0355 K  Miles 290; Fuel 3237 gal.s.
: 0355 K  HIDDENAY, HAY 3, 1944:
: 0055 K  Completed run through MANIP and set course 3420 T
: 0055 K  to proceed up 10,000 FADG.GZ.
: 0617 K  ABK triggered until 0625 K.
: 0718 K  Kade trim circ.
: 0746 K  Surfaced.
: 0800 K  Changed course to 3360 T.
: 1400 K  Changed course to 0140 T.
: 0230 K  Changed course to 0520 T.
: 0700 K  Entered area assigned by Commander Task Force SEVENTY-
: 0700 K  TIO, 00 N to 40 N from 1280 E to 1310 E.

— page 86 —
0709 K  Changed course to 2700 T to pull over dead ahead of target. Lookout escorted possible plane over convoy. Commanding officer could not see this plane.

: 0730 K  Divd for submerged approach. Apparently he is not making the usual large course change at dawn. Danger of detection by plane prohibits staying up longer.

: 0743 K  Sighted plane bearing 0340 T over convoy, two engine bomber. Apparently air coverage during daylight. Convoy also changed base course considerably to northward to go around us and it is believed they increased speed as they disappeared quickly thereafter. It appears as though they were aware of our presence. It is possible that the plane detected us but he was never sighted near enough to us, while periscope was exposed, to suspect that he had seen us.

: 1040 K  Convoy went by just over the horizon heading westward with plane coverage.

: 1300 K  Surfaced to try to run ahead again.

: 1449 K  Divd for plane. Two engine bomber coming out of clouds boring 3400 T, distance 5 miles on course 1100 T. This was either same or similar to plane sighted over convoy.

: 1503 K  Changed course to 0000 T.

: 1947 K  Surfaced.

: 2017 K  Radar contact bearing 0560 T, range 5,000 yards. Sighted target at same time. This turned out to be a sub-chaser on southerly course making about 5 knots. Nancuverd to avoid and went by him on the surface. He is heading for where we were this morning.

: 2025 K  Lost contact. During time we had this target, radar experienced what appeared to be intense fire of some kind which disappeared when the target disappeared.

— page 87 —
0000 K Changod course to 2700 T.
: 0100 K Changod course to 0920 T.
: 0703 K Nado trim divo.
: 0726 K Surfaced.
: 0800 K Changod course to 1290 T.
: 1021 K ABK started triggering and continued to do so intermittently till 1112 T.

- 27 -

— page 88 —
1416 K  Div'd for plane. Bomber boraing 0000 T, c. 5 miles, course 2700 T.
: 1430 K  Changed course to 2700 T.
: 1725 K  Surf'ecad.
: 1927 K  Div'd for plane. Bomber boraing 1000 T, distance 5 miles, course 2800 T, hoadad for us.
: 2034 K  Surf'ecad.

Noon Posit. 20 - 25' K. Long. 1300 - 29' 3; Miles 276; Fuel 298 gals.

TUESDAY, 1st Y, 1944:

: 0032 K  Sighted LQKNOTAI ISLAND boraing 2700 T - 3000 T, distance 00 miles.
: 0245 K  When 15 miles east of island, changed course to 0800 T.
: 0656 K  Made trim dive.
: 0726 K  'Surf'ecad. '.
: 1022 K  ABK was trig'ecad for one minute.
: 1217 K  ABK was trig'ecad for 20 minutes.
: 1300 K  Changed course, to 2400 T.
: 1306 K  ABK started trig'ecoring.
: 1315 K  Div'd for plane. Small land plane boraing 2100 T, distance 4 miles, course 0900 T. Turned tow'rd us as we were diving.
: 1320 K  ABK coast'd tri' coring. It had continued to trig'ec after we submerg'd down to 150 feet and for some few minutes after we lowclad off at that depth.

- 28 -

— page 89 —
15:56 K  Surfaced.
2100 K  Changed course to 2540 T.
2219 K  Radar picked up 1nd (Lt. H. H. H.) bearing 340° - 2560 T, range 50,000 yards.
    Noon posit. Lat: 20 - 22° N. Long: 130° - 26° E;
    Hills 303; Fugl 3230 Gels.
    Thurs: 10, 1544:
0000 K  Changed course to 0500 T.
0700 K  Lado trin div.
0727 K  Surfaced.
0900 K  Changed course to 241° N.
1055 K  AK trin div till 1103 K.
2034 K  Chngd course to 2650 T.
    Posit. Lat. 20 - 06° N. Long. 130° - 45° E;
    Hills 338; Fugl 3619 Gels.
    Thurs: 11, 1544:
0100 K  Changed course to 0550 T.
0656 K  Hade trin div.
0727 K  Surfaced.
1000 K  Changed course to 2160 T.
1124 K  AK strtd trin coring and eased at 1134 K.
2100 K  Changed course to 3020 T.
2126 K  Radar picked up 1nd (Lt. H. H. H.) bearing 232°
    to 2970 T, range 55,000 yards.
2329 K  Changed course to 0660 T.

- 29 -

— page 90 —
0342 35-12N 125-45E  USS DETROIT (SS227) - Report of Second War Patrol:

(B) NARRATIVE - Cont'd,
Noon Posit. Lat. 30 - 26' N. Long. 1300 - 31' 4;
Hilos 339; Fuel 3632 gals.

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 1944:
0646 K Nado trim dive.
0709 K Surfacod.
1000 K Changed course to 0000 T.
1200 K Changed course to 2750 T.
1800 K Changed course to 1880 T.
2140 K Radar picked up land (HON TAT ISLAND) be ding
2380 T, distance 95,000 yards.
2200 K Changed course to 1760 T.
Noon Posit. Lat. 30 - 31' N. Long. 1300 - 43' 5;
Hilos 334; Fuel 3610 gals.

SATURDAY, MAY 13, 1944:
0127 K Radar picked up land (HULLHAR) be ding 2260 T,
range 95,000 yards.
0400 K Air was triggered.
0403 K
0412 K Changed course to 1400 T.
0545 K Changed course to 2700 T.
0653 K Nado quick dive.
0700 K Changed course to 0000 T.
0913 K Sighted small sail boat baring 3070 T, distance 4
milos.

► 30 -

— page 91 —
0923 K Change course to 050° T.
0950 K Weather closed to permit sighting land (Full ahead ISL-ND) bearing 2340 T to 2760 T, closest 10 miles.
1000 K Sailing vessel out of sight, changed course to 045° T.
1034 K Sighted 1000 T. ISL-ND bearing 3220 T to 0070 T, distance 52 miles.
2000 K Surface.
2005 K Change course to 160° T.
2030 K Change course to 22° T.
2230 K Radar picked up 1720 T, range 2300 yards. This was a small boat, probably a 20-foot patrol. No coal not but soon until range closed to 500 yards, nothing else with him. He tried to follow us and his speed was 17 knots. After identifying we maneuvered to circle and went about full on four engines to pull away.
2341 K Steadied on course 050° T.
2342 K Contact faded out on radar at 2500 yards indicating this target to be not larger than 20 feet.
Noon 9o'clock. Lat. 10 - 25° N. Long. 125° - 05° W; Hills 167; Tidal 1.61 gals.
SUD-7, 1-7 14h, 15h: 0711 K Lead trim dive.
0735 K Surface.

— page 92 —
0000 K  Changed course to 1600 T.
1031 K  Div'd for plano.  This was NACA 97 float plano.  He was picked up almost directly over the crossing out of the overcast, coming from astern on some course.  He passed over us at an altitude of about 300 feet and started to turn when dead ahead.  His rad disc markings could be clearly seen.  He may have made a strafing run as we devo but nothing was heard to hit.  If any bombs were drov'd they did not explode.  A little luck makes a big differ- once.
1034 K  Changed course to 1000 T.
1100 K  Changed course to 0000 T.
1933 K  Surfaced.
2100 K  Changed course to 3250 T to head for new area which is northwest portion of present area.
    Non Posit.  Lat. 10 - 30' N.  Long. 1300 - 46' 2;  Hills; 331;  FucL 2570 gals.
    NOIDAY, MAY 15, 1944:
0500 K  Changed course to 2700 T in now area.
0651 K  Rad trim d'ivc.
0721 K  Surfaced.
1200 K  Changed course to 0550 T.
1900 K  Changed course to 2400 T.
2108 K  Changed course to 2350 T.
    Noon Posit.  Lat. 40 - 04' N.  Long. 1280 - 15' 2;  Hills 326;  FucL 3592 gals.
TUSDAY, MAY 16, 1944:
0006 K  Undar picked up LONDON ISLAND bearing 2000 T, range 9C,000 yards.

- 32 -

— page 94 —
0000 K Changgoc course to 052° T.
0651 K Nade trim cive.
0723 K Surfacoc.
0900 K Divcd. We usually sighted a plane here between 0900 and 1200 each day. Cloud conditions are very poor for plane detection. Will run submarged till 1300.
0004 K Changgoc course to 250° T.
1257 K Surfacoc.
1600 K Changgoc course to 296° T.
2000 K Changgoc course to 1300 T.
2100 K Changgoc course to 1700 T.
2120 K ABK triggoc until 2136 K.
    Nocn Posit. Lat. 30 - 47' N. Long. 1290 - 24' E;
    Miles 277; Fuel 3150 g.les.
FRIDAY, MAY 19, 1944:
0000 K Changgoc course to 065° T.
0653 K Nade trim cive.
0720 K Surfacoc.
0800 K Changgoc course to 2370 T.
0903 K Divcd to run submarged till cloud conditions improve to permit spotting planes.
1300 K Surfacoc.
1400 K Changgoc course to 0820 T.

— page 95 —
2000 K Changoed course to 0910 T hoafling for S.S.W.L.:
    Necon Posit. Lct. 30 - 53' H. Long. 129° - 07' W.
    Lilos 264; Fuol 3206 gal.s.

: 0212 K Changoed course to 1280 T to get on proper line in
    safety lano.

: 0600 K Changoed course to 1010 T a scafety lano.

: 0643 K Lace trin clivo.

: 0700 K Surfacod.

: 1400 K Changoed course to 100° T.
    Noon Posit. Lct. 20 - 55' N. Long. 1330 - 37' W.
    Kilos 352; Fuol 5429 gal.s.

: 0624 K Nado trin clivo.

: 0642 K Surfacod.

: 1000 K Changoed course to 103° T.

: 1249 K Sighted Voga Ventura bearing 1130 T heading toward
    us, distant about 2 nilos. He came out of a cloud
    and w.s. challenging us when sighted. Considered it
    better to answer challenge and stay on the surface
    with him so close. Pulled flare and exchanged re-
    cognition by flashing light.

: 1321 K Sighted libcrator bomber bearing 2900 T, distant 2
    nilos. Pulled flare and exchanged recognition
    signals. Did not dive due to plane being so close
    when sighted.

: 1330 K Changoed course to 1050 T.

— page 96 —
1800 K  Changed course to 1030 T.
Noon Posit.  Lt. 20 - 00' N.  Long. 1350 - 00' Z;
Elles 393; Fuel 7106 gals.
HONDAY, LaY 22, 1944:

0355 K  aEK trigecrec for 3 minutes.
0604 K  Maco trin divo.
0621 K  Surfaced.
0755 K  Sighted Librator bomber bearing 0250 T, distance
4 milos on course 3300' I.  No 0 no inciction of
socing us so did not cive.  No continued away.

1145 K  aBK trigecrec for 1 minute.
1225 K  Divod for alano.  Unidentitific bomber bearing 1350
T, distance 5 milos, heading for us.  Fulled flare
and cived.

1305 K  Surfaced.
1400 K  Changed course to 1000 T.
1444 K  Divod for alano.  Unidentitific bomber bearing 2700
T, distance 5 milos.  Turned and headed for us.
Fulled flare and cived.

1530 K  Surfaced.
1535 K  Sighted Librator bomber bearing 2400 T, distance
6 milos on parallel course.  aBK w.s trigecrec so
exchanged recognition signals.  Did not cive.

1620 K  Sighted large bomber bo ring 0500 T, distance 6
milos on course 1700 T.  aBK was trigecrec.  Alano
continued on his course.  No cid net cive.  aBK
continued to trigecrec instantly until 1440 K.

Noon Posit.  Lt. 09 - 33' I.  Long. 1450 - 05' Z;
Elles 377; Fuel 6505 gals.

- 36 -

— page 97 —
0155 K  Changoc course to 1700 T.
: 0215 K  Changoc course to 1780 T.
: 0511 K  Red contact boaring 2110 T, range 16,000 yards.
This turnco out to bo our escort USS COOL.
: 0522 K  Joined USS COOL proceeding to S.ADLER on course
2200 T.
: 0700 K  Changoc course to 2030 T.
: 1130 K  Hoored starboard side to U.S.S. COOL in S.ADLER
harbor.
Posit. S.ADLER Harbor; Miles 166; Fuel 2,234 gal.

— page 100 —
1. USS D.R.T.R. (SS227) - Report of Second War Patrol:
(F) SHIP CONT. OTS:

| No. | Lat. | Long. | Type(s) | Course | Init. | Low Cont. | Remarks |
|-----|------|-------||||||
| 1   | 1159 | K     | Submarine | ? T    | 3500   | Lockout   | Sighted |
|     | 29   | 135-45E| (Poriscopo)| 7 K    | yards  | Day Surf. | picis. |
|     |       |       |         |         |        |           | not possible. |
| 2   | 0107 | K     | 7500 Tn AK & | 090 T | 16200  | SJ Night | Sunk AK |
|     | 30   | 132-58E| 1 PC  | 2ig'n | yards  | Surfaco | 4 hits |
| 3   | 0422 | K     | Sm Patrol | 230 T | 10600  | SJ Kicht | *riodad |
|     | 30   | 133-06E| vosscl   | 10 K   | yards  | Surfaco | onemy PC |
| 4   | 0954 | K     | Sn SC or PC | 255 T | 10000  | Fairs.   | Shorey |
|     | 3    | 128-05E| Patrol vosscl | 13 A  | 1'25E | S.S.    |         |
| 5   | 0238 | K     | 5-27N  | 200 T | 25000  | SJ Surf. | Could not |
|     | 6    | 125-59E| 7 Shias (Cru- | 22 K  | yards  | close |         |
|     |       |       | iscrs & DD's) |       |        |         |         |
| 6   | 1055 | K     | 4-45K  | 240 T | Smoko | Lockout | Closed to |
|     | 7    | 128-30E| Patrol vosscl | 12 K  | 30000  | day surf | identify |
| 7   | 2235 | K     | 0-45N  | 050 T | 12000  | Light   | Closed to |
|     | 4    | 132-05E| vosscl   | 8 K   | yards  | Lockout | identify |
| 8   | 1202 | K     | 9-30S  | 330 T | 10000  | Fairs.   | Ident. |
|     | 28   | 128-13E|          | 14 K  | yards  | Surfaco | shorey |
| 9   | 0626 | K     | 12-10S  | 330 T | 10000  | Fairs.   | Ident. |
|     | 29   | 130-22E|          | 5 K   | yards  | Surfaco | shorey |
| 10  | 2329 | K     | 12-10S  | 100 T | 6000   | Light   | Ident. |
|     | 30   | 129-32E|          | 6.5 K  | yards  | Lockout | shorey |
| 11  | 2345 | K     | 3-25S  | 270 T | 8000   | Light   | shorey |
|     | 2    | 127-25E|          | 5 K   | yards  | Lockout | patrol |
| 12  | 0532 | K     | 1-27N  | 210 T | 23600  | SJ      | shorey |
|     | 6    | 130-13E|          | 7 K   | yards  | surfaco | shorey |
| 13  | 2017 | K     | 1-46N  | 160 T | 4650   | SJ      | shorey |
|     | 6    | 129-37E|          | 5 K   | yards  | (SJ like | identification |
| 14  | 0913 | K     | 1-24N  | 180 T | 6000   | Foris.   | Probably |
|     | 13   | 128-56E|          | 2 A   | yards  | Surfaco | Native |
| 15  | 2330 | K     | 1-45N  | 066 T | 2000   | SJ      | Got into |
|     | 13   | 128-50E|          | 17 K  | yards  | 750 yds. | shorey |
|     |       |       |          |        |        |          | shorey |

- 40 -

— page 108 —
1. RADIO:
No difficulties were encountered with radio equipment, and circuit interface was not excessive. It is not understood why our serial three was not received by Commander Task Force GULF-TWO, as a recipient for this message was obtained from Coronavarus, Fort Corregidor, and cvcvr the Dells schedule. The need for a new definition inter-submarine communication plan was shown in the D.V.O. area where submarines of three Task Forces were operating in close proximity without such a plan. In this case the assignment of a common frequency would have permitted more rapid exchange of information; and since arrangements for radio communications were not being established, the submarine was not able to maintain the necessary frequency. The submarine

— page 110 —
1st half patrol 2nd half patrol
from 1st half  from 2nd half
Days in area: 7,57 3,55
Days in area: 26,10 15,52
Days in area: 4,31 3,66
Days in area: 8,32 .80

(T) FACTORS OF DURATION PERIOD:

| Factors of duration period | Period | Duration |
||||
| PHASE I                  | 18      | 3,000 gal. | Provisions | 30 days | 3,000 gal. | Unknown |
| PHASE II                 | 24      | 8,171 gal. | 15 days | Unknown |

Limiting factor - PHASE I - Fuel expended.
Limiting factor - PHASE II - Fuel expended.

— page 112 —
15/18/16-3/(11)    SUBAARINE SQUADRON EIGHTEEN    Wx
Serial 062    U.S.S. DARTER (SS227), Flagship,
    c/o Fleet Post Office
CONFIDENTIAL    San Francisco, California,
    2 June 1944

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. DARTER (SS227)
Report of Second War
Patrol.

From:    The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN.
To:    The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via:    The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.

Subject:    U.S.S. DARTER (SS227) Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN,
    Flagship, Report of Second War Patrol - Comments on.

1. Only three contacts with torpedo targets were made, one of which was developed into a successful attack. On the night of 30 March in a well planned surface attack against a large freighter with one escort, four hits were obtained from a six torpedo salvo, at 2500 yard range and mean track angle 90 starboard. Target was observed to sink three minutes and forty-one seconds after the first hit.

2. The material condition of the DARTER is good. No serious casualties or derangements were experienced during the patrol. All necessary work will be performed during a normal refit by the U.S.S. (SS22) at Scudder Harbor, Manus. The beginning of the refit was delayed five days necessitated by the change of the advance base from Milne Bay, New Guinea to Scudder Harbor between the refits of the FLOUNDER and DARTER.

3. After a longer patrol than average (68 days), the morale of the personnel is high and the state of health excellent, although as remarked by the Commanding Officer, considerable fatigue and over strain was shown by the officers and lookouts during the last week of the patrol.

4. The patrol was well conducted but the targets were scarce. The one contact that was developed into an attack was skillfully and aggressively prosecuted.

5. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, the officers and all concerned over on the conduct of a long arduous patrol and the damage inflicted upon the enemy.

ELIOT H. BRYANT.

— page 113 —
15(72)/A16-3/G1.
Serial 012
C-C-N-P-E-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. DARTER (SS227)
Report of Second War
Patrol.

From: The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: The Commander, SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. DARTER (SS227) - Second War Patrol - Comments on.

1. The remarks of Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN are concurred in.

2. The second war patrol of the DARTER was conducted in areas north of westen NEW GULF, and off HALFMAHITA, and while temporarily under Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE, south of DAVIO.

3. Recommendations regarding the Commanding Officer's remarks concerning inter-submarine communication plan will be the subject of separate correspondence.

4. This patrol is designated as successful for combat insignia award.

5. The Commander's officers and crew are congratulated for the aggressive attack on the only worthwhile target that could be closed. The DARTER is credited with having inflicted the following damage upon the enemy:

JUNK
1 Freighter (Fujikawa Maru)(50)...... 6,804 tons.

J. M. HAINES.

— page 115 —
1 JUL 1944

AL6-3(F-3/roj)
Serial: C136

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-I-T-I-A-L
T.HRD ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. DARTER (SS227)
Report of Second War
Patrol.

From: The Commander, Seventh Fleet.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. DARTER (SS227) - Report of Second War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

J. W. ORT
Chief of Staff.

— page 116 —
33227/-16-3
Serial (05)
DECLASSIFIED: I.I.L

From: Corr.anding Officer.
To: The Corr.ander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) Corr.ander Sub-radio Division OMG-DIGHTY ONE.
       (2) Corr.ander Sub-radio Squadron DECHTEM.
       (3) Corr.ander Task Force SEVENTY TWO.
       (4) Corr.ander Seventh Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. D.P.T.R. (3227) - Report of War Patrol
Number Three.

Enclosure: (a) Subject Report.
       (b) Track Chart (To Corr.ander Task Force
          SEVENTY TWO only).
       (c) Report on actual Track Charts (2)
             (to Corr.ander Task Force SEVENTY TWO,
             2 only).

1. Enclosure (a), covering the THIRD war patrol of this
vessel conducted in area off H.I.H.H.H. and MIND.RO during the
period 21 June to 8 August, 1944, is forwarded herewith.

D. H. McCLINTOCK.

DECLASSIFIED

DCLASSIFIEDPART.0455,OPINIONIST.SS-102
BY: 20-0282- DATE: 12-7-22

— page 117 —
1. USS SHADY (SS227) - Report of Third War Patrol:
   (A) PROTOCOL:
     - Arrived SHADY from second war patrol 23 May, 1944.
     - Ship's Force screened refit. 29 May alongside U.S.S. HURVALE; refit continued by tender and Submarine Division 161 Relief Crew. 11 June refit completed; commenced training. 15 June Corr. under U.S. Navy, was relieved as Comm. Cdr. by Lieutenant Commander D. H. MacLintock, U.S. Navy. Conducted four days training under Commander Submarine Division 161, Corr. under R. J. Foley, U.S. Navy, and assisted by U.S.S. CCCL (Lieutenant Commander D. H. Berry, DD-V(C), USN). Fired four exercises torpedoes. Fainted design 32/3SSB.

(B) ARRIVAL:
     - MDL 250 Y., 21 JUN, 1944:
       - 0900 I. Underway from SHADY. Underway from SHADY for Third War Patrol. Escort is FO 522. Conducting daily drills. Flare not sighted. Contact 91. Fleet for later escort; holds flight and training crews daily. Zig-zag firing carried.

       - 1445 X. Fired all unsafely at floating balloon targets for training.

       - 1713 K. SD radar contact - 20 miles. Flare not sighted. Contact 91.

       - 1643 K. Released escort.

       - No position: Lat 01° - 35' S, Long 147° - 02' E.

       - TURNS: 22 JUN, 1944:
         - No position: Lat 000 - 04' S, Long 142° - 06' E; Miles 191; Fuel 2247 gals.

         - FIRE Y., 22 JUN, 1944:
           - Routined torpedoes this day.

           - No position: Lat 01° - 35' S; Long 137° - 05' E; Miles 314; Fuel 3465 gals.

           - SATURDAY, 24 JUN, 1944:
             - Sighted 4 enemy bomber, distance 1.5 miles; not identified, but resented 3-17. Submerged. Contact 92.

- 1 -

— page 118 —
1123 K  Surfaced.
1706 K  Sliched diesel smoke bearing 0700 S. Smoke came out in 2 horizontal waves from each side of contact.
1720 K  Submer of with scorpio-like mast in sight, steady bearings. Ship contact at 11.
1735 K  At 40 feet, no target in sight.
1736 K  Surf.ced, still no target. Secured it was D.O., WAVE FISH or enemy sub which had sub crash into we did. Searched at 4 engine apocd for 2 1/2 hrs, no contact.
2124 K  Indications of other rad r or sr. Continued for one hour.
0207 K  Moon position: Lt 030 - 05', 1, long 1520 - 25' D; 1iles 333; Fuel 2615 cal. 1.
0213 K  Xebec's crew-nition signals and calls with USS BRUHL. Ship contact 12.
0230 K  Lying to, getting cove on 11. 11. area for Commander Ushy-lie, which rev'd helpful.
0241 K  Resumed course to sea.
0600 K  Passed much cubris for a half hour period; included about 10 life jackets, a 20 feet by 20 foot side of a ship's cabin, boxes, etc. Probably 11-11's work. Position 020 - 35' N, 1250 - 45' W.
0625 K  Sighted TOROTAI ISL, 1st, 20 miles.
0844 K  Submerged, closed cast co at 40 TROT for submerged patrol today.
2013 K  Surf.ced. Patroling e.st of TROT ISL.
Ioon position: Lt 020 - 23', 1, long 1200 - 37' B; 1iles 314; Fuel 3664 gals.

— page 119 —
1. SUBMERSIBLE (SS-227) - Report of Patrol
: (B) NAUT. DIV. - Jost's.
: 101D, 26 JUL. 1944:
: 0629 K Submerged for patrol off northeast end of N. Atlantic.
: 0755 K Sighted port. Battle statins. Ship contact 3.
: 0805 K Target, on southeastly course, made out to be sub-chaser,
: 0806 K Zigged to 5 port angle on the bow.
: 0807 K Went deep to avoid diving away position, the target being
: too small for a torpedo.
: 0855 K At periscope depth, sub-chaser gone over hill, enroute
: NAUT. DIV.
: 1216 K Sighted a.ole bearing 1440 T. Headed for it. Ship contact
: 1226 K Sighted 2 engine bomber ("SALIT").
: 1227 K Three bombs - not close. Went to 50 feet.
: 1239 K At re-close depth, an air for bomb. 90 feet again.
: 1240 K Battle at stations.
: 1245 K Slit 2 float sea-plane ("B-17") searching ahead of smoke.
: 1245 K Ship later made out to be a convoy of one I, split super-
: structure, wall clear fighters, about 6,000 tons; one enemie
: aft two met firefighter, 2,000 tons; two sub-chasers and one
: unencircled "spirit", on northerly course. Targets at
: 1250 T sea-sand to be close to north to center of entrance
: 1250 T. This hit us too far from track; closest range

— page 120 —
1502 K
    Angle on bow 130° starboard, range 15,000 yards; Seaweed from battle station.

: 1521 K
    Sighted anchor 2° to starboard, trailing convoy by 7 miles. Ship contact 5.

: 1521 K
    Sighted (SS-1) plane. Contact 6.

: 2021 K
    Surface, patrolling outposts of ICBM I.S.S.D.

: 2353 K
    Unidentified plane passed low overhead. Submerged. Contact 7.

    Non position: Lat 01° 23', Long 120° 25'; Miles 155; Fuel 2226 gal.

    TASKS:
    1. Surface.
    2. Submarine.
    564. Torpedo.

— page 121 —
06217 K
Submerged for patrol north of IOROTI SC-IT.
1022 K Sighted 2 engine bomber ("EMPTY"), patroling. Cont. at 10.
NTSF ATCK:
1249 K Kept faint echo ranging bearing 1350 T, (bearing of
1020T.1 SM-IT).
1314 K Sighted single engine monoplane ("MUM") with a large bomb
on his belly very close aboard, headed towards us. Went
to 100 feet. Coast at 11.
1324 K Sighted mast or man-of-war. Battle stations. Ship con-
tact at 6.
1326 K Large sea craft signaling from mainstay of target.
1330 K Sighted ("MUM") monoplane sea craft ahead of target.
1335 K Range about 17,000 yards, 200 port armile on bow.
1345 K Range 14,000 yards, 700 starboard armile on bow. Sent to
normal approach course. This will put us in 25-12's area.
1353 K Sighted 2 escort; one 300 in each bow of target. (Both
escorts are 300 ton sub-classer; the show on oolite page
1362, CT. 1.5, 3.1, 1544.)
1400 K Target identified as 4,400 ton mine layer CHICAGO.
(Only one line in the books; 30). Target now presented
starboard armiles on the bow, from 250 to 750, during re-
minder of approach.
1416 K Observed search no on deck. Saw day rain-on-war flags flying
from mainstay and stern. (Without silhouette book would
call her a cruiser.)
1420 K Escorts, both echo ranging, passed ahead of us, starboard
one 1,200 yards away.

— page 122 —
1424-24: Commenced firing six bow tubes, 90 starboard track, 70 right
    gyro, 2,500 yards torpedo run; divergent spread to cover
    150% of target length. Our position 20-19°T, 1270-57°E.

1424-36: Fired 2nd torpedo.

1424-42: Fired 3rd torpedo.

1424-50: Fired 4th torpedo.

1425-00: Fired 5th torpedo.

1425-09: Fired 6th torpedo. All torpedoes observed running normally.
    No impulse but le. Started deep.

1426-30: Torpedo hit (3rd).

1426-37: Torpedo hit (4th).

1427-00: Target narrow stop ed.

1427-25: Loud breaking up noise aroused. Heard on sound gear
    and through hull; Continued for over 24 minutes.

1433-16: First det ch charge. We were at 280 feet.

1433-46: 2nd det ch charge.

1433-50: 3rd det ch charge.

1434-45: Salvo of three charges. Close. Started to 350 feet to get
    under layer.

1435-01: Charge.

1435-03: Charge.

1435-26: Charge.

1436-03: Charge. We were trying to turn to north-east to clear strait.
    With heavy current in strait she would barely turn with full
    rudder.
    One escort just forward of either beam.

1437-00: Escort to west hauled awar in direction of target, stop ing.

— page 123 —
1442-46 Charge.
: 1442-54 Two charges.
: 1442-07 Charge.
: 1442-51 Charge.
: 1442-51 Charge, too close. On that run he came in on steady bearing from the strabord boat. Had to use full speed to make her fast astern.

: 1450 K No finally the escort astern and are running silent again.

: 1451 F Sound still was loud but king up noises. Also heard "snap" in no noise at all at intervals. Sound like crack of strikes, at intervals, further away until:

: 1506 K Depth changes, at intervals, further away until:

: 1517 K Last of the (24th). Search by echo ranging continued another hour.

: 1714 K At distance of the. Sighted single engine bomber ("MAVERICK"), very low and close. Fronted observer, then on bearing of target. 100 feet.

: 1734 K Both at distance of the. Range to scene of attack 12,000 yards, nothing in sight. Target bridge should be visible at 16,000 yards, near time 27,000 yards.

It is of interest to note that OTL - 41-42 lists the OLYMPICHA (C-46) as a "War loss." However, the Commanding Officer had OTL 14 open to pictures of OLYMPICHA during latter part of 1942. He decided all silent features and is reasonably certain it is not the 14th and June's Fighting Ships, 1541. This is no other than the "Off-By" rescaling her in any of our OTL publications.

2040 K Surfed. Patrolling northwest of FORTIT ISLAND tonight.

— page 124 —
0636 K
    Submerged for patrol off north point [NEXT: USN ID]
    Commenced routing torpedoes. Explosions found flooded in four after torpedoes. See major defects.

2020 K
    Surface. Proceeding north to new area as ordered.
    (50 to 70 30' I - 1270 - 30' to 1300 E.)

    Room position: Lat 020 - 51' I, Long 1200 - 37' E; Miles 145; Fuel 125' cals.

    SURFACE: 1, 0,

— page 127 —
1710 K  Submerged.
2016 K  Surface.
Noon position: 1st 060 - 20' E; Long 1270 - 35' E; Miles 104; Fuel 2354 gal. Is.
SURFACE, 6 TUNNEL 1544.
057 K  Submerged. Patroling D.V.O. - F.I.T. route.
058 K  Sighted (W.I.S.) 4 engine flying bo t through periscope.
Contact /21.
1037 K  Sighted 1 I.O.U. through periscope.
2016 K  Surface.
Noon position: 1st 060 - 25' E; Long 1270 - 35' E; Miles 160; Fuel 123 gal. Is.
SURFACE, 5 TUNNEL 1544.
0655 K  Submerge.
0731 K  Surface; patroling D.V.O. - F.I.T. route.
0500 K  Sighted (W.I.S.) bomber. Cost at 22; Submerged.
1303 K  Surface.
1436 K  Sighted 3 (US I-111) bombers. Cost at 23; Submerged.
2005 I  Surface.
Noon position: 1st 070 - 17' E; Long 1250 - 52' W; Miles 144; Fuel 1757 gal. Is.
1031Y, 20 JUN, 1544:
0701 K  Submerged. Attaching on west limit of area within sight of I.I.T.A.
- 11 -

— page 128 —
2016 K
    Surface.  Proceeding to new area (Coast IIDR at 070 - 30' E due east to 1270 - 30' E then due south to 50' E thence west to 53', 1260 - 40', and from there to G.I.I.R. (C.I.T.)

2030 K
    Entered area off southeast coast of INDIA.

Noon position: Lat 070 - 071', Long 1270 - 34' E; Miles 152; Fuel 1507 gals.

TUBSKY, 11 JULY, 1544:
0642 K
    Submerged off CAP SAN JUAN.

0717 K
    Sighted 4 engine flying boat ("H.I.V.S"); Contact 24.

0716 K
    Sighted ("H.D.U.") plane; Contact 25.

1604 K
    Sighted ("H.D.U.") plane; Contact 26.

2043 K
    Surface.  Patrolling south of D.V.O. C.I.T.

    Moon position: Lat 060 - 121' E, Long 1260 - 151' E; Miles 145; Fuel 1071 gals.

DUDD, 12 JULY, 1544:
0622 K
    Submerged off C.I.R. C.I.T. (This is believed to be best spot in area to intercept traffic to and from D.V.O. which seems to have lost contact D.V.O. C.I.T.)

1503 K
    Plane contact 27.  One ("S.I.Y.") bomber.

1542 K
    Plane contact 26.  Two ("S.I.Y.") bombers.

2041 K
    Surface.  Each night oil C.I.I.N. FORT may light were observed on beach which phrase was a sign of normal native activity.  A coastal road across the be on constructed here, cars being seen occasionally during daylight.

    Moon position: Lat 050 - 551' E, Long 1250 - 571' E; Miles 148; Fuel 1125 gals.

THURSDAY, 13 JULY, 1544:
0113 K
    Aircraft contact 29.  Submerged.

- 12 -

— page 129 —
0214 K  Surfaced.

0227 K  S7 radar cont ct on plane 5,000 yards (Contact 30). Closed to 3,000 yards inside one minute. Sub-merged. This plane a parentl7 saw us in moonlight.

0340 K  Surfaced.

0600 K  Submerged for patrol on C.P. 1, 1st USS.

0641 L  Sound radio up fast screws to west.

0641 L  -Although not yet fully light, this contact was seen to be a 10 boat. Angle on bow zero, rnse about 3,000 yards. (Plane must have gone down on our position.) Ship contact 17.

0642 K  Echo ringing, short scale.

0642 L  Going deep and rig ing for det ch range.

0642 K  To passed closestl overhead, then slowed and contacted echo ranging search until about 0745.

0625 K  At periscope de th.

0520 K  Aircraft contact 31. 4 engine flying bo-t.

2043 K  Surfaced, patrolling south of D.V.O. C.U.F.

Icon position: Lat 050 - 55' 7, Long 1260 - 30' 3; Miles 125; Fuel 1163 cals.

PHD.7, 14 JUL, 1544:

0606 K  Submerged off C.U.F. 7 C.T.

Aircraft contacts 32, 33, 34 and 35 this d.te.

2053 K  Surfaced. Proceed to vicinity of P.P.D. E.W for tomorrow's sub-marined patrol.

Icon position: Lat 060 - 00' 7, Long 1250 - 50' 2; Miles 146; Fuel 917 gals.

— page 130 —
0626 Y. 15 JULY. 1544:
    Submerged for patrol in vicinity of YU.D. RAY.
    Heard echo twice. Type echo ranging was tracked and
    seemed to enter Y. S. Y. Probably patrol vessel return-
    ing from night patrol.
    Sliced block echo to earth. Headed for it. Determined
    to be on line from land.
    Heard echo rang again. Patrol vessel standing out of
    YU.D., headed north, according to plot. Not sighted.
    Lost echo running.
    Surface, proceed to C.I.I.A. F.O.T.
    Moon position: Lat 069 - 52' N, Long 1260 - 34' N; Miles
    160; Fuel 1245 gal.s.
    Sunk Y. 16 JULY. 1544:
    Submerged off C.I.I.A. FO.T.
    Sliced three ("S.S.L.Y.") bombers. Aircraft contact 36.
    Surfaced, patrolling south of YU.D. C.U.Y.
    Moon position: Lat 050 - 56' N, Long 1250 - 51' N; Miles
    150; Fuel 1554 gal.s.
    I.C.M.Y. 17 JULY. 1544:
    Radar contact 26,000 yards, visibility poor. After short
    four and one chase this target was made out to be F.I.I.S
    ISL 10, Speed zero.
    Submerged off C.I.I.A. F.O.T.
    Sliced (Y.Y.Y.) plane. Contact 37.
    Surfaced. Proceeded to new area. (C.I.I.A. F.O.T to
    S.I.I.A. F.I.Y.)

— page 132 —
0618 K
: 1030 K
: 1114 I
: 1123 K
: 1131 I
: 1140 K
: 1216 K

Submerged for patrol.
4 and 5 miles from reef.

Kerr four underwater explosions.

Sound heard echo ranging to south.

Sighted aircraft, ship north of. Battle Stations. He died for smoke.

Sighted two planes. These were in sight most of remainder of air raid.

Smoke drawn and against land. Visibility hazy.

Sighted 2 small boats, one on top of the other. D.V.O. actual: the mass seen were the after two of a small 5 torpedo, light tanker, two 2.5 inch torpedoes 3 miles apart. The mass was 200 feet forward of the after torpedo. The mass was 200 feet forward of the

— page 133 —
1431 E
: 1607 F
: 2053 F
: 0616 F
: 1056 F
: 1220 F
: 1232 K
: 1242 K
: 1337 K
: 1722 K
: 1734 K
: 2057 K

: Scoured from battle stations.
: Plan contact 40. C... said it was a B-24.
: Surface, patroling south of D.V.O. CTLF.
: Ton position: Lat 05° - 54' F, Long 125° - 41' E; Tiles 13°; Fuel 1067 gal.
: Submerged on 22 JUN '44:
: Sighted 5 (M-100) fighters. Plane contact #41.
: Sighted smoke burning 3250 ft. Headed for it.
: Heard one underwater explosion.
: Heard noise and explosions. Possible ZIGZAG got one torpedo lit and then was d. struck.

: Smoke closer. Named battle stations. The smoke during the next hour seemed to go back over the hill to the north, suggesting that the HUGHIE had hit a convoy, which turned back to D.V.O.

: Smoke went out of eight in direction of D.V.O. Continued to head towards some of probable at. ok.

: Sighted smoke, which soon disappeared to north at 1750.

: Concluding Officer saw one d. that he was the only one to reach high through airspace. This chance was the only one since 1222. No. who raised hand. Did not believe to have an initialed contact with ZIGZAG. Estimated smoke to be the 70 which crossed and one other.

: Surface, aircraft sighted.

— page 134 —
2216 K
USS D.L.T.R. (C0227) - Report of Third War Patrol:

(B) M.R.R.T.V.S. - Cont'd.

2216 K
3J radar picked up other radar to north. Assumed to be BULGARII.

Non position: Lat 05° - 54' N, Long 125° - 45' E; Miles 148; Fuel 999 gal.s.

SUNDAY, 23 JULY, 1944:

0618 K
Submerged for patrol at west end S.R.N.C.NI STR.LIT.

2059 K
Surf. cod. Proc ding to BUD'S POINT.

Noon position: Lat 05° - 28' N, Long 125° - 12' E; Miles 142; Fuel 1264 gal.s.

MONDAY, 24 JULY, 1944:

0618 K
Sub.urged off B.NO3 POINT.

2057 K
Surf. cod. : curate to southeast corner D.C.D.'s area in accor. of order.

Hoor position: Lat 05° - 48' N, Long 125° - 40' E; Miles 137; Fuel 1077 gal.s.

TUESDAY, 25 JULY, 1944:

0634 K
Sub.urged in southwest corner of own area. (On Zarborne - D.V.O. shipping route).

2007 K
Surf. cod. Procoeding to D.C.D.'s area.

Noon position: Lat 04° - 51' N, Long 125° - 12' E; Miles 158; Fuel 673 gal.s.

WEDNESDAY, 26 JULY, 1944:

0818 K
Sub.urged in south.est corner of D.C.D.'s area. Surf. cod. five times for better look over horizon.

2032 K
Surf. cod. Patrolling south.est corner D.C.D.'s area.

2400 K
Set course for S.T.D.L.T.R. HARBOR.

- 18 -

— page 135 —
055 K
USS D.R. (SS227) - Report of Third War Patrol:

(B) NARRATIVE - Cont'd.

Noon position: Lat 040 - 30' N, Long 1240 - 39' E; Miles 218; Fuel 1305 gals.

THURSDAY, 27 JULY, 1944:

0657 K
Sutmerge6. T.Lind ISL.ND in sight to starboard.

2022 K
Surfaced. Enroute point "R.N.K."

Noon position: Lat 040 - 46' N, Long 1260 - 26' E; Miles 187; Fuel 2667 gals.

FRIDAY, 28 JULY, 1944:

Making daily trim dives at dawn, proceeding on surface remainder of day.

Noon position: Lat 040 - 04' N, Long 1290 - 06' E; Miles 273; Fuel 2116 gals.

SATURDAY, 29 JULY, 1944:

0955 K
Two planes on SD radar, 12 and 18 miles. Aircraft contact #42.

Two B-24s sighted; one passed on each side about 8 miles away. After the one to port reached our quarter, he "sly-like-a-fox" swung around through the clouds and came in on what ap.eared to be a bombing run. So at:

1001 K
Sutmerg'd.

1055 K
Surface.

1206 K
Sighted B-24. Sutmerged. Contact #43.

1258 K
Surfaced.

Noon position: Lat 020 - 30' N, Long 1330 - 38' E; Miles 304; Fuel 3261 gals.

SUNDAY, 30 JULY, 1944:

0850 K
Sighted plane. Submerged. Contact #44.

- 19 -

— page 136 —
0947 K 1318 K 2055 K 2115 K 2224 K 0615 1159

---

**CONFIDENTIAL**

USS DARKER (SS227) - Report of Third War Patrol:

(B) MARATIVE - Cont'd.

0947 K 1318 K 2055 K 2115 K 2224 K 0615 1159

0947 K 1318 K 2055

— page 137 —
1617 K
Underway for BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA, escorted by SC747. Making daily trim dive at dawn.

: 1900 K
Parted company with escort.
Noon position: Rear Admiral Harbor, Miles 138; Fuel 1610 Gals.

: 0900 K
Sighted escort HMS STRAHL. Proceeding through VITI AZ STRAHL.

: 1625 K
Sighted a U.S. CVE, escorting 5 AKs.

: 1930 K
Farted company with escort.
Noon position: Lat 059 - 29' S, 147° - 26' E; Miles 332; Fuel 4367 Gals.

: 0715 K
Sighted one AK escorted by U S C*EAFOP.

: 1507 K
Sighted and exchanged recognition signal with allied AK.
Noon Position: Lat 068 - 05' S, Long 151° - 27' E; Miles 347; Fuel 5335 Gals.

: 0327 K
SJ radar contact 23,700 yards.

: 0341 K
Challenged.

: 0357 K
Exchanged calls with KH54 in company with USS JOUCALT, JLCUDD and LYLIC FISH.
Noon position: Lat 140 - 58' S, 155° - 24' E; Miles 245; Fuel 4217 Gals.

- 20a)

— page 138 —
1.1
USS DARTER (35227) - Report of Third War Patrol:

(B) NARRATIVE - Cont'd.

SUNDAY, 6 AUGUST, 1944:
Noon position: Lat 19° - 04' S, Long 156° - 29' E; Miles 291; Fuel 3532. Gals.

MONDAY, 7 AUGUST, 1944:
Noon position: Lat 23° - 54' S, Long 155° - 39' E; Miles 291; Fuel 4397 Gals.

TUESDAY, 8 AUGUST, 1944:
0250 K Sighted C. J. C. UNDER LIE T.
0630 K Passed pilot vessel. They had no pilots and did not know when one would be available. Proceeding without pilot.
1032 K Moored to New Farm Wharf, Brisbane, Australia.
Fuel 4.6 Gals. Miles 96.

- 20b -

— page 140 —
1707K 3-30H 6/24 131-15:30
: 0207K 3-52F 6/25 125-25:00
: 0755K 1-42F 6/25 126-25:00
: 1210K 1-42F 6/26 126-30:00
: 1321K 1-41F 6/26 126-36:00
: 1245K 2-15F 6/25 127-57:00
: 0641L 6-13.1T 7/15 126-20.5:00
: 1114L 3-52.6C 7/21 125-41.2:00
: 1114L 3-52.6C 7/21 125-41.2:00

- 22 -

— page 141 —
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
S Date 6/21 6/24 6/26 6/26 6/26 6/26 6/26
U Time 1713 1014 1226 1245 1307 1521 2353
R Lat. 21S 07S 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1-
A Long. 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14
I Speed 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14
R Course 26G 26G 27G 27G 27G 27G 27G 27G
T Trim Surf Surf Fer Fer Fer Fer Surf
Minutes -
SD search - - - 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

A Number 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
R Type 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
R Mission 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
R Tow con- 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
R Tasted SD 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
R Range 20 1.5 6 5 5 5 5 5
R Elevation - - - 6 6 6 6 6
R Rel. brg. c 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
R Alt. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

C Sea 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
O Direction 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
N Relative 300 000 350 045 045 200 350
D Visibility 10 6 20 20 20 20 5
D Height cloud 1500 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000
R Over cast 1000 50 30 30 30 30 100
I Room level brg.
O Room level
S Room p. Illum.

- 23 -

— page 142 —
6 0 10 11 12 13 14
: 6/27 6/27 6/26 6/26 6/25 6/25 6/25
: 0:25 1:05 1:02 1:01 1:01 1:01 1:01
: 1- 1- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2-
: 24.2 25.2 25.2 25.2 25.2 25.2 25.2
: 126- 128- 127- 127- 127- 127- 127-
: 51.5 52.5 52.5 52.5 52.5 52.5 52.5
: 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5
: 300 160 180 200 200 200 200
: Per Per Per Per Per Per Per
: 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
: 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
: 1 1 1 1 1 1

— page 143 —
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
S Date 773 773 774 774 775 776 776 775
U F 15 1705 0645 134 1234 0902 0258 0500
F 6- 6- 6- 5- 5- 6- 6- 7-
Lat. 567 123- 123- 123- 123- 123- 123- 123- 123-
R Long. 0- 0- 0- 0- 0- 0- 0- 0- 0-
T Sweed 14 10 14 14 14 14 14 14
Course 340 160 070 040 100 070 160 055
Mtr Sunr Surr Sunr Sunr Sunr Sunr Sunr Sunr
Minutes
3D search 0-0 0-

— page 144 —
23 25 26 27 28 29 30
S Date 7/5 7/11 7/11 7/11 7/12 7/12 7/13
U No 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
T Lat. 10.4 12.1 07.1 05.5 60 57 125 126
I Lon. 52.2 27.6 28.2 06 57 53 42 49
I Speed 14 27 7 2.7 2.7 2.7 11 11
I Course 000 310 600 600 270 270 045 045
T Min 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
T Ruler 0-00 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
I TUBER 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
I TYRO 3 Sail 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
I Fission 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
O How non- 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
I Locks 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
I Elevation 5 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
T Rul. br. c 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
S1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
G Sea 2 3 2 2 2 2 1 1
O Direction 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
I Relative 220 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
I Visibility 10 10 14 14 10 10 10 10
I Height cloud 2000 300 1500 1200 1200 1500 1200
I Over cast 90 40 70 70 70 60 60
I Moon light br. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
I Moon clov. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
I Moon / Illum. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
S 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

- 26 -

— page 145 —
33 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
S Date 7/13 7/14 7/14 7/14 7/16 7/17 7/21
U NRC 05/20 10/4 11/25 11/57 17/50 05/07 15/53 11/31
6- 6- 6- 6- 5- 6- 6- 5-
L Lat. 10/1 02/1 01/1 55/1 05/1 00/1 54/1
12C- 12S- 12S- 12S- 12S- 12S- 12S- 12S-
I Long. 30 50 45 45 50 50 40 40
II Speed 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.8
Course 070 000 160 000 090 180 000 240
V/min 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4
Minutes
3D search 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
Number 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
I Type 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
II Mission 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
III How on- 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
IV Towed 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
I NRC 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5
II Salv. 7 4 2 15 3 2 3
III Kpl. brg. 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
IV Unk. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
CO Sea 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 2
CO Direction 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
C Relativity 160 270 600 270 130 000 330 000
C Visibility 30 15 12 20 20 20 12 10
C Height above 500 1000 1000 1000 1000 700 1000 1000
C Overcast 50 40 40 50 40 70 100 20
C Rain 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
C Moon cloudy 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
C Moon at night 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

— page 148 —
1/2/22/27 - Report of Third War Patrol:
(H) ATTACK D.T.A. - Cont'd.
Tubes Fired
Track Angle
Gyro Angle
Depth Set
Power
Hit or Miss
Barrage
Mark Torpedo
Serial No.
Mark Exploder
Serial No.
Actuation Set
Actuation Actual
Mark Marked
Serial No.
Missile
Torpedo
Tiring Interval
True Spread
Sea Conditions
Corrohault Activity
Remarks:
Torpedoes fired at 1/24-24; 1/24-36; 1/24-42; 1/24-50; 1/25-00; and 1/25-05 K with torpedo run of 2,300 yards. Forloree and sound indicated all shots hot, straight, and normal. Two torpedo explosions heard at 1/26-30 and 1/26-37 K showing actual torpedo run of 2,700 yards.

- 30 -

— page 150 —
1. CHIEF CQ: 1. The port ship's squads at any speeds below 58 RPM from p r i scp c depth to dcp subr rgnc n depth. This notice is supersonic with maximum intensity at 17 kilocycles. This condition developed at 50 RPM after two wks on patrol and has since worked up to 58 RPM. It is believed that trouble is in the strut or internadl to be ring and that a dry docking will be necessary to remedy. This defect necessitates periscope exposures at minimum of 3.3 knots, which is dangerous. Also cvs:ion is difficult with the squeal.

2. #2 ENGINE GROUND: - Humber two main engine nckos an exocssivo amount of white smoke at all engine speeds. This smoke is so bad that it would soon inadvisable to use this engine on nonclight nights on at-tion or for "ond-ground" in the daytime

— page 156 —
15-18/16-3/(11) SUMMARINE SQUADRON EIGHTEEN
Serial 098
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to:
U.S.S. DARTER (SS22-7)
Report of Third War
Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN.
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.

Subject: U.S.S. DARTER (SS22-7) - Third War Patrol, commands on.

1. The third war patrol of the DARTER was the first for the commanding officer as such.

2. Three contacts with targets worthy of torpedoes, was made, only one of which could be developed into an attack. On 29 July after a well conducted approach against a minelayer screened by surface and air escorts, six torpedoes were fired on a 90 track, 2700 yard run, two times, this corresponding to the third and fourth torpedoes were heard. Counter-action by escorts prevented observation of results. Breaking up noises were heard for twenty-four minutes after the torpedo explosion.

3. The tactical condition is in general very good. The port shaft developed a supersonic squall at speeds lower than 58 turns. This condition will be investigated and remedied during the coming period. Likewise the low resistance reading on number 3 main generator will be investigated. It may be necessary to lift the generator. The flooding of five explosive mechanisms is considered serious and will be thoroughly investigated. In view of the thorough inspection of those exploders prior to leading the torpedoes, the commanding officer's remarks regarding the gasket material merits thorough consideration.

4. DARTER will be refitted by the Submarine Repair Unit, Brisbane, Australia.

5. The remarks of the commanding officer under section "U" pertaining to the advantages of having lower power torpedoes is noted and concurred in. A very valuable target escaped attack because DARTER was unable to close to high speed torpedo range. As submarine operations become more and more restricted to close in submerged patrol to carry stores, it is increasingly probable that numerous similar cases will arise where the submarine will be unable to close the range sufficiently for a high speed torpedo shot.

— page 157 —
6. The state of health of the personnel is excellent and their morale high.

7. The Squadron Commander congratulates the commanding officer, his officers and crew on a well conducted patrol and on the damage inflicted to the enemy.

ELIOT H. BRYANT
-2-

— page 158 —
1. The following is a transcript of the submarine patrol report:
   - Serial: 0295
   - Task Force: SBVENTY-T-0
   - Course of Fleet: Post Office, San Francisco, California.
   - Date: 1944.
   - Report of: The Commander: Task Force SBVENTY-T-0.
   - To: The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
   - Via: The Commander, SBVENTY FLEET.
   - Subject: U.S.S. DARTER (SS227) - Third War Patrol - comments on.
   - 1. The marks of Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN are:
     - CORRECTED IN:
       - The DARTER's Third War Patrol was conducted in areas off PALAHAINA and south of PALAHAINA. Of time worthwhile contacts DARTER succeeded in developing one into an attack. A large minelayer similar to the OKINOCHIYA was sunk with two hits from six torpedoes fired in a well executed attack.
       - This patrol is designated "Successful" for purposes of the award of Combat Insignia.
       - The Task Force Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers and crew, of the DARTER for this aggressive and successful patrol. The DARTER is credited with inflicting the following damage upon the enemy:
         - SHIP:
           - 1 CM (Similar to OKINOCHIYA)(EC) ..... 4,400 tons

DISTRIBUTION:
- Commanding (3 - direct)
- WING (2 - direct)
- VORPLEX (top-3)
- Cor-1st Flt.
- Cor-2nd Flt.
- Cor-3rd Flt.
- CorSub-s1st Flt (25)
- CorSubs2nd Flt.
- CorSubs-7th Flt (2)
- CSS-1, 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 18, and 20.
- CSS-53, 181, and 122.
- Oino, S/M School, Y.L. Conv. (2)
- P/L Radio Unit, 1st SUBM.
- ALL SS TP-7 (May be taken to sea, but BURN before entering enemy controlled waters)

CO USS DARTER.
- P. P. HUNRY,
  - Force Secretary.

— page 159 —
SS227/416-3
Serial 020

U.S.S. DARTER (SS227)
Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Cal.
5 November 1944.

DECLASSIFIED - DOD DIR 5200.4
01 27 59 58
BY: [Signature]
DATE: [Date]

DECLASSIFIED

From: [Name]
To: [Name]
Via: [Name]

Subject: [Subject]

Enclosure: [Enclosure]

1. Enclosure (1) covering the fourth war patrol of this vessel, conducted in the Calcasieu and South China Seas, during the period 1 September, 1944 to the date of her loss in action by rounding on 24 October, 1944, is forwarded herewith.

D. F. McGILMICK.

-1-

— page 161 —
5 Sept. 1944, Cont'd.

1600 A: Joined [HANDWRITTEN: name of crew member]
    - [HANDWRITTEN: name of ship, unit, or vessel]
    - [HANDWRITTEN: name of ship, unit, or vessel]

1742 A: 4 Sept. Combat. Crew transferred to U.S.S. W. L. [HANDWRITTEN: ship, unit, or vessel]
1545 A: 5 p.m. Parted company with [HANDWRITTEN: name of ship, unit, or vessel]
     with [HANDWRITTEN: name of ship, unit, or vessel]
     at [HANDWRITTEN: location, e.g., port, anchorage, etc.]
     at [HANDWRITTEN: location, e.g., port, anchorage, etc.]

5 - 9 Sept. 1944

Entrance D.M.I. via U.S.S. [HANDWRITTEN: name of ship, unit, or vessel]
    with U.S.S. [HANDWRITTEN: name of ship, unit, or vessel]
    exercises [HANDWRITTEN: exercises, e.g., drills, maneuvers, etc.]

Sunday, 10 Sept. 1944

0604 A: Set contact 7000 yards with [HANDWRITTEN: name of ship, unit, or vessel]
    607 - our escort into [HANDWRITTEN: name of ship, unit, or vessel]
    607 - our escort into [HANDWRITTEN: name of ship, unit, or vessel]

0630 A: Sighted [HANDWRITTEN: name of ship, unit, or vessel]
    0644 A: [HANDWRITT

— page 162 —
55227/...16-3
Serial 020

CS. FLEET. TITL.
USS HENRY A. REED, COASTAL PATROL
SURFACE, 11 SEPT. 1944

1226 I Submerged 17 miles off HON passag.
1924 I Surface in passage.
Soon point: 1st. 06-37S, 120N. 127-43S;
miles 25S; 1248. 4786.

1501 I Submerged to await clearance before going through
passage - 2th on 20 MCS 1st.

1927 I Surfaced.

2000 I Placed in active times of another radar station.
Protect by radar.

0001 I 34-528, 125-39S; miles
323; 1141 5049.

0002 I 5ft radar contact 0300, 700 yds. Co. armed
trespass. 6ft radar range for position with target. 6ft.

— page 167 —
58227/18-3
Serial 020

OPERATOR: TLL

USS _Marlin_ - Report of fourth patrol
Thursday, 21 Sept. 1944, 00:04

2235 I Surface.
    Don't post: u t. 01-45, Ln. 122-40;
    files 26; fuel 2625.
    Plan: 22 Set t. 1944

0912 I Film on radar 10 miles. Air contact 21.
    Subj: 3. You turn to routine torpedoes.

1300 I Surface.
    Film on 57 radar 13,000 yards. Subj: 3.
    at range 7000 yards. Last range 3600
    jr. files catch was within 5 minutes
    on the time, ran within 10 miles of position
    at last night contact. Air contact 22.

2253 I Surface.
    ...in sight: Lt. 01-54, Ln. 123-01;
    mil. 24-7; ual 2125.
    Subj: 23 Sept. 1944

0625 I Subj: 3. Rain on engine starting air
    film. Fuel valve has curtail away
    circuit. 3. 263 21 3, C.C.H.(...), U.S.
    Contact: 23.

1308 I Surf. contact.
    Don't post: Lt. 01-39, Ln. 122-01;
    mil. 23; fuel 2655.
    Subj: 24 Sept. 1944

0645 I Film on top light. ...air contact 23.
    Subj: 3.

0512 I Surf. contact. Proceeding to EBM in accordance
    with.

150 I Subj: 24. ...air contact 24.

1321 I Plane on radar 24 miles. ...at time.
    ...air contact 25.

-6-

— page 168 —
5/22/41 (CS227)
Seri 1 020
O. Field Title

USS submarine - aircraft carrier Patrol

Sunday, 1 Oct. 1944
So ran a contact on a small ships, course Ss. Once to visual contact. Targets made out to see small ships, (not sub mines). Missed their actual not to enemy. ...V load. . .on point: ant. 01-230; Ltrs. 136-250; rail 2450 gal.

... 2 Oct. 1944
Submarine shore. (U.S. Submarines)
At that time, the planes 2 on 3 Oct.
in point: Lt. 01-29, Ltrs. 134-255;

— page 170 —
55227/416-3
S: 01 02U

CHIEF PILOT:
[Name]

USS Washington - 2nd Lt. (F) Arthur F. Patrel
Subclass: 2d Sqn.
Class: 1st Lt.
Builder: Northrop Aircraft Corporation.
Year: 1944.
Commissioning: 1944.
Status: In service.
Length: 1,000 ft.
Length: 1,000

— page 171 —
5/22/46-3
Serial 020

COMMENTARY:
USS DARTH - Report of Fourth Petrel
Monday, 27 Sept. 1944
0204 I 5U radar contact on BLen Island, 65,000 yds.
0630 I a cord cut into U.S.S. D.C. D.C. LCD mascara
to U.S.S. S.S. 101 at NTC CHIDI, with POW
Guinness. Hull & cap acetyl. CGS-16
(no. R.N. carrier, UFD) came ashore.

1657 I Uncarry.
1750 I I. crew ordered ship to U.S.S. F.D.D.
outboard of U.S.S. C.I.C. Commence minor
repairs on provisioning by U.S.S. CHIC and
rollier crew.
shifted to operational control of CTF
S.V. IV-CIM.
...all electric torpedoes (including two of
factory torpedoes) replaced with 4.2, 2.35
and 4.4. 14-3.5s. (to order of boats).
...on point: six 6" and; full 1331 cal.
25, 25, 30 boats, 1944
entering mines, repairs, and resting crew.
no reports on attritional fire of the DRIER
officers and crew were lost waiting.
setting was low unless by the Oiler of
Sumriran Squid or 16, Commander Submarine
division 162 in the 6" to provide a
maximum of just 2.5 torpedo in during the
4 days in port.

General Cutter 1944
0800 I Uncarry for triplicate, two U.S. frigates
are tetrods.

15.0 I Triplicate complete.
1600 I leave voice communication with U.S.S. D.C.
on 2060 sec.
1600 I report in LCDR 2/3 on correct patrol
area. Patrol area action to be coordinated
with that of U.S.S. D.C.; group Commander:
C.C. U.S.S. NUR.

-10-

— page 172 —
5 Oct. 1944
SS227/16-3
Serial 020

USNAWT - Report of Fourth War Patrol

Thursday, 5 Oct. 1944

020. I
Submerged fire triangle, fired fired.
early missile hitting sea.

0540 I
Submerged fire triangle, fired fired.

1600 I
Submerged fire triangle, fired fired.

1630 H
Submerged fire triangle, fired fired.

...cm post: Lt. O-26, Lcn. 120-145;
mls 24; fuel 3570.

Firing, 6 Oct. 1944

0130 H
Pass. between P-40 and one DOC C. Island.

0535 H
Submerged.

0600 H
Surfaced, producing north through East Sea.

1244 H
CS had deep damage to air range 4 miles;
air contact 20. Submerged.

1510 H
Surfaced.

2225 H
Submerged to flush out 44.3. T.

2304 H
Surfaced.

...cm post: Lt. O-12, Lcn. 120-145;
mls 312; fuel 1441

...turbary, 7 Oct. 1944

1031 H
Submerged south of 200 Island. "Catch
in action, and observed 7.7.44.
while running close to shore.

1039 H
Surfaced. Proceeding north in east pass,
tide west 7.4.44 north and 8.4.44. In
land post: Lt. ill-41, 12-17;
mls 231; fuel 20.

-12-

— page 174 —
52227/16-3
Serial 020

WAR DEPARTMENT
U.S. BATTLESHIP FOURTH PATROL
SUNDAY, 24 SEPT. 1944, CONT'L.

1920 I Proceeded through seas south of S.LOS
    Island. Chilled six tons by light on
    sea Island.

    Non-post: Lt. O2-2lih, wdr. 123-24H;
    miles 32; su1 4259.

    In 24hrs, 22, 22, 1944

015 I Submerged north of COLD Island.

0637 I Surfaced.

0643 I Sighted "Eagle G" to plan. . . .ir contact
    20. From this time until arrival B.D.
    sighted U.S. planes took run.rus to record.

2045 I Ir. o.d. 1st contact. Failed to answer
    air line 26 S.Ft.

2102 I Struck shipboard by whale eating 15 knots.

2200 I Chilled target by blinker gun after
    contact line. T.R.T. was course parallel safety
    line. T.R.T. ROTATED.

Item posi: Lt. O2-42h, 6o.g. 129-17E;
    miles 342; Tull 4987.

Tuesdhr, 26 S.Ft. 1944

0507 I Sd. 1st contact 11,000 y rate carrier.

0520 I Report sent to U.S. Submarine; U.S.T. D.C.

1700 I 1st 16-1.

— page 175 —
52227/16-3
Serial 020

CERTIFICATE

Date: 27 Sept. 1944
Officer: 5th rate entrant on BLN Island, 65,000 yds.
USS S.S. S.S. D.C. D.C. D.C. recorded
to U.S.S. S.S. D.C. at 11:00 CDT, with New
Culver, F. and a 6"

— page 176 —
1522/10-3
Serial 020

G. P. Smith
USS Perch - Report of Fourth War Patrol

Sunday, 1 Oct. 1944
So read a contact on 4 small ships, course Ss. Occas to visual contact. Targets radio out to sea small ships, (not submarines). Acclimatize to actual no to enemy. -Vv. 1aad. 1. 1. 2450 del. 1.

— page 177 —
55227/16-3
Serial: 020

OFFICIAL: U.S. NORTHWESTERN REPORT OF FOURTH WESTERN PATROL
Thursday, 5 Oct. 1944
020 I Stealth line floating mine, loaded ahead.
    carried by missile hitting sea.
0540 I Submerged for approach on SUBTU Pass.
1600 I Set clocks to: 1500 H
1635 H Surface proceeding thru SUBTU Pass.
    I can posit: lat. 0-26°, long. 120-145;
    miles 24; wind 3-7/10.
    Flight, 5 Oct. 1944
0150 R Pass. between Pass and 200 C. S. Island.
0535 R Submerged.
0600 R Surfaced, proceeding north thru SUBTU Pass.
1244 R Submerged 20. Submerged.
    I can posit: 7 Oct. 1944
1510 R Submerged at south of 200 Island. "Catch
    at 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000
    miles, 24; wind 3-7/10.
1639 R Surfaced. Recoiling to south of 200 Pass,
    time west 1-1/2hr, 2-1/2hr, 3-1/2hr, 4-1/2hr, 5-1/2hr,
    utes 23; wind 3-7/10.

-12-

— page 178 —
0554 H
Surgey, E. Set. 1944
0554 H
Submerged per patrol in P.L. 1944 Passage, SS
of B.C.H.Y. Sheal.
Patrol on submerged course: (1) this
point is passage in narrow enough to
permit sighting from midpoint of any convoy
after being passed, (2) Periscopes of
Fleet Submarine are not effective
in this case.

: 1644 H
Surfscout.
From point: 34. 0C-58N, 1. 117-0C;
miles 178; fuel 1961 gal.
Tuesday, 1. 1. 1944
Received contact reports on convoy which was
at 12h in 4th of 1. 1. Passage at 2300 last
night. Received video discussion from B.C.H.
that she was entering area east of
Hawaiian waters.

: 0450 H
Advanced two watch watch. 1. 1. 1944
per patrol. 1. 1. 1944. 1. 1. 1944
of 1. 1. 1944; 1. 1. 1944. 1. 1. 1944
waiting for 1. 1. 1944. 1

— page 179 —
58227/-10-3
Serial 020

COPIER FILE:

USS SPARROW - report of Fourth War Patrol
Indiana, ill Oct. 1944

C231 H: Spruce DD-2, vessel enemy with new anchor
inside the Barfleur. DD-2 will p trl presage
at northern limit arc; tecry an DARTOR
west on E.Ind.6 Ireland.

:130 H: Submerged ... of E.Ind.C Island.

:1636 H: Surf.acc.

:Gen pcst: Lt. Co.-40N, Long. 116-51L;
miles 215; fuel 2063 gal.

Thursday, 12 Oct. 1944

0140 H: Spruce AC. WTR. will patrol northern
limit of arc; in nerrc prt of E.Ind. -"
Passes c tedey. DD-2 to p trl west of
E.Ind.6 Strait.

:0556 H: Submerged.

C319 H: Spruce reported echo ranging bearing 030°t.
Ded. chafed.

C627 H: Sited 7 oculus 8m. 8

— page 180 —
56227/.16-3
Serial 020

CONTINUED:
Use [CONTINUE: report of fourth war patrol]

Thursday, 12 Oct. 1944, Cmdr's
2 Dns - low type, large, no stenciled DD.
Smaller to rectangular without a 2
turbot. (1 other article DD
has plain side in air side of convoy)

0920 R: Starbase Du went by t 4300 y rds.
scienca to ocull. evia torpedoes at that
rate, whorose engine ocul. not.

0924 H: 1lic (fire. two tubes) 4 law gwr mark
14s at tw. vert. patt. tanks, trilling
ships at the convoy. (this two torpedoes
in tubes wor. 23'6') 6000 y rds torpedo run.

0926 H: all torpedoes running merrily. Closest
to steaming as before.

Tent next to escop. air cover. Position
of torpedo: at t. o-4ct, u.s. 10-4ct.

0930 H: met a torpedo hits tmea for two in
form. her than tmea on an in the other.

0934 H: head the sea of run torpedo explosion.

0935 H: seven close serial conde. these l'cadd
the click walon is instinctive of optin'
charges.

0937 H: vertical escorters which e-mutot 45
type cargo ships. 1st. 1st. 1st. 1st. 1st. 1st.
presso clse. 1st. 1st. 1st. 1st. 1st. 1st.
1st. 1st. 1st. 1st.

— page 184 —
5/22/47 (5227)
E-ri 1 020

USS DETROIT (LST-3)
Thursday, 19 Oct. 1944, Gent'!
Visibility poor.

1009 H: Sighted mast to north-east about 10 miles distant.
1010 H: Sent up an in-coming report of mast to
    M.O. on 2500 knots.

1011 H: Sun obscured. Better visibility.
1016 H: Turned west-NS to 20-30 degrees. Turned
    east-30 degrees to

— page 186 —
551227/16-3
Series: 020

COST OF ITLL:
USS MURPHY - 1st CT of Fourth Per Patrol

Sun - 22 Cat. 1944, Cont'1

0507 H 1st r lost targets.

0625 H 1st r of 3rd S. S. 1st r

— page 187 —
65227/16-3
Seal: 1 020
Craft: FLEET
USS MARTIN - Report of Fourth Patrol

MARCH, 23 Oct. 1944, Cont'1

between not on deck, sent out 3 contact reports to CIF-71, [SIGNATURE: name here] to report the following:
- The enemy has been firing on the ship's radar and communications.
-

— page 188 —
55227/1-1-2
A: 0111 020

C: 0111 020

USS TORR. 1st at F. Fourth Perf. 1st

USS TORR. 1st at F. Fourth Perf. 1st

0517 K: 11th month to see a post through
    too. ... too old and ... old sort
    film o.lun of every sli. oul not
    v.t. i.t. slip. Visibility w s better
    to. st war. bett.s. slips o. orules
    oul. be s.s. sov.rl. t.i.us. and y. us
    ow. iv. oust. yars into t. cost,
    t.t. man. litt. ... t.t. w.s. o. oho
    r.n.l.

0517 I: swun r. litt t. p.n tr o. it. l.ckou
    rs. chou t. i.t. h.t. t. t. tir. "a.wn tho
    th. t. "t. t.t. t. oul. 110 it. i. t. ast-
    th. t. t. as. u.lu. tr. t. t. war. bett.lc-
    t.i.s.

0525 I: ... man. r. o. o. l. tubes, o. o. th. 10 f. t.
    c/o r. it. t. r. r. ill. o. l. u. n. t. b. able
    t. tir. i.t. th. t. t. t. t. oul. l. o. k.o.
    l.h. o. w. t. t. tr. ast" sh.t.s.

0527 I: first f. un ships ir. o. l. u. n. i. ast. ir.
    to. s. v. o. o. r. i. o. s. i. t. h. t. i. o. pr. k.o.
    r. o. t. t. v. o. o. r. i. o. s. i. t. h. t. i.

— page 189 —
0522/...16-3
Seri 1 020

C. FIDISH TILL

USS DARTER, report of fourth patrol

Monday 23 Oct. 1944, 6:00 a.m.

0532 7
Sworn her left (t) bring storm tubes to
her) while cutting scupp n see no
cruiser.

0533 7
Larpaqee started hittin, iirst cruiser.
Five hits.

0533 7
C. Lano d'firin storm tubes at second
criser; varroco range 1525, yiros 50°
to 60° (130° left to 120° left) track
90°-100° stern-erd. aprca torpedoes
var con. or 3/4 of his lin th since
hits in first n' s ww thc cop wws
... shippu. curis. epe took tc ths
first target to sc ths sliht of n
lifttino: (Cruiser wss cclsc thrt
all of her coulc not bc seanct cnce
wss c ass of blithing brig. She
no ber on turret to ths stern. He
superstructure coul. to soon. Right
crncc flims shit cut fro. ths slc
cln to rain out. from thc bcw tc ths
after turret. Cruiser wss alrcady
in. sww by ths bcw, which w's dipp-
in unarc. pl turret was t wwter
lwcl. So wss dull iely finished.
Fiv hits had her slmilar cna in
flims. It is stt. tod tntt there
was fow if any suvivrs.

0534 4
Statoa scop. vv... on bso c ursc
220° t.

0534 4
It is lits in scna cruiser. Felt
co. tair that first ite wouls sink this
onc tc. ths furtn hit wss 25 soons
later than it should hvv bcun. This
fouth on cr. y! he wc hit thc third
cruiser, since thwy wro ncw in line
of b. rina frn. ttion. ..tteacr pcstin:
lnt. 05-23h; lnt. 117-11h.

-24- SHIPLOGIST (..)

— page 192 —
23 Oct. 1944, Cent'la
0900 H: Scow a fr n b: ttl stt: ins, f: d:in crow, cna: makin rlca: d: pr:par:tr:y t: stt:ack: in c:cin.
0930 n: en: dag:c:roy:r sh:vo:d: off t: n:rth. it: is: b:ll:vo:a: h: a: b:cn: g:ic:kin:g: up: su:viv:re.
--1160 n: Start: a: in: t:cw:rs: cr:uis:cr.
1200 H: B: stt: st:at:ins: n: a: fr: d:p:th: ch:r:ro:.
1300 n: a: m: a: t: cr:uis:cr:r: 8000 y:rds: C: r:in: in: n: en: 90: port: tr:ck: . I:w: d:c:st:cr:yc:rs: p:tr:cl:lin: c:n: b:tc: a: tr: r:ns: 4000 y:r:ds: fr: n: t: r:g:ct:, t:h: c: x:li: u: r:an: c: t: wh:ich w: cou:ll: fir:o: . t: ur: p:in: os: cir:clin: c:vr:in: a: d: . v:c:la: w: w:cul: a: n:v:r: c:t: t: fir:o: fr: t: b: w:th: D:ds: wh:rc: th:y w:rc:, sc: co: n:c: a: w:cr:kin:g: ar:un: t: b:w: fer: s:all: tr:ck:.
1430 H: Ken: 7000 y:s: t: cr:uis:cr:r: . G: in: in: en: p:it: b:w: a: t: r:st: f:r: s:r:ll: tr:ck: wh:on: d:c:st:cr:ys:r: s: b:oth: h:c:f:au: t:cr:ids: us:.
In: r:n: a: t:but: t: 3500 y: r:de: ch: cl:ss:st: m: , n: st:ill: c:ain: in: w:nt: d:ep: an: v:ca:a: . cou:la: n:ct: st:tr:ec: a:st:tr:ys:r: s:in:c: c:r: c:ix: t:up:da:o: w:cr: i: r: th: cr:uis:cr: . w:cl:a:d: t:o: w:it: unt:ll: w:nl:ht: wh:on: co:bin:c: a: t:ck: os: r: d: f: n: b: c:n: w:cul: a: cu:wit: t: h: s:tr:yc:rs:.
(It: sh:ul: b: r: r:k:u: h:r: th: t: w: c: w:rc: v:ic: t:ca:y w:cl: w:it:hin: th: l:w: p:wc:r (a: k, 14) t:r:pa:dc: r:n: c: a: th: st: sp:g: , 657 t:ct: t: r:ct: ; but: th:sc: a:ro: n: c: l:n: r: n: u: n:f:u:ct:ur:d: in: q:unt:it:is: s:uf:ric:l:nt: t: c: iv: m:or: t: n: n: p: r:it: l: l: c: a: t: n:y b:ct:).
L:W: P:O: SR: T:CA: D:DS: D:ST:II:ITY: A:UT: D:W: W: L:W: T:CA: T:CA: N: A:W: Y: R:UT:SR: C: N: T:H: . O:IT:IC:.

--27--

— page 193 —
35227/16-3
Serial 020

G. FLOTILLA

USS ALBATROSS - Report of Fourth Perf. Patrol

LENGTH: 23 (ct. 1944, Cent.)
1500 H Cruiser soon hitting cut a beat. No
    just have a snag stop a new.
Sunset Ice close to cruiser to surf or for star
    shifts.
1915 H Surfboard. Cruiser in sight on radar.
    Proceed to maneuver with LCD.
    Sent at 20 per cent stop to make sea-
    tinted copeposition of radar if force.
2100 A C-ncoll. rocket was up LCD not yet sighted
    and reduced visibility rendering it difficult
    attack appear favorable. LCD corrected to
    take attack position 10 miles to starboard
    from cruiser. (Thought due would
    0500 from cruiser. (Thought due would
    attack to turn cruiser in our direction
    towards range. BURKER ROF.)
2200 H Cruiser unarmored, course about 2200t.
    Space vrid a firm 4 to 6 knots; course was
    attack through target was striking
    with score. On no particular on each
    boat.
2245 X Start a far surf. attack in very
    poor visibility. Plann to attack from
    star quarter, coming in 1st mile only
    on better. LCD was would not be
    in 90 minutes on to ship hit if we were
    lured down.
2306 H Radar out. detector picked up over radar
    sweep. We decided against surface attack.
    Told D.S. to attack when range, DARTER
    chain round to starboard for attack at
    radar depth. Main around at range
    15,000 yards on target.
2310 We now turn running through heavy fuel
    (but) oil slicks from the armins attacks. Click
    scan and heavy fuels attack at the next
    45 minutes.

-28-

— page 194 —
0005 H (COD on. Captain on bridge, Havi atcr plotting-in continuing tower). Ship grounded on Bebby's cable with tremendous crash. The 200' up until. Storn sub-nerd. Thrust was from torpedoes, rack up over roof and on to rest with about 3' up on the 30 port list. Informed D.D. was worse current. Immediately t.cks sounding; 9 fact fr. bow to abrift on the turret, 18 feet at stern. (to d. to ship except pr.b.b. by boat pilots and nickel screws). Co. and littletown ship; high tide is at 0140.

0005 H Jcp destroyer (cruiser starburst screen) now back on island. He just in for us hit.

0015 H C. .sned burning secret and confidential matter and destroying confidenti1 gear. .ll hrnns not on. .co in destroyer. .cr. .ployed in ll littletown ship.

0030 H Andar range to new 12,100 yards. It (but) steadied her for a few minutes; started to . . . in, uns, but radar s.on report. range opening. slow cover all full oil except enough to keep us in for days; vri.ble water; fresh water; lube oil; anchor; jettisoned ammunition and missiles.

0100 H Lost radar contact on DD.

0140 H Radar contact on DD. 11,000 yards. Challenged by radar.

— page 195 —
56227/16-3
Serial 020

CONTINUED:
USS WINTER - Report of Fourth War Patrol

Tuesday, 24 Oct. 1944, sent:

0146 H: Hi there. Commenced at 4:00 p.m. to get off. Enlisted with 2nd class. 2nd class

— page 196 —
0227/16-3
: 5.ri 1 020

C. FIDITI
USS DART (SS 2227)

Tuesday, 24 Oct. 1944, Cont'd

6. Identify remarks:
7. Cyr.
8. Ship's radiotelegraph.
9. All non-rotating war-damaged.
0245 H DLC operating the within 50 yards of
st. r.

— page 204 —
52227/16-3
carl1 020

- C. FIDELI
- (N) TROOP T. CRK DTC. FTLCT FORM

T.C.S. DARTER
Troop. attack. 3. patrol. 3. 24. 1944
Tact. 0532  oct 23  oct. 1944
Art. 9-24.  Long. 117-118.

T. REGT DTL. - D. REGT FLTCTD

Description: One. three. cl.s.s. heavy cruiser
(9850 tons) (50)
(The. target or the. T.C.K.).

Ship(s) Sunk: one. three. cl.s.s. heavy cruiser
(9850 tons) (50)

Ship(s) damaged or
Fireball sunk: F.N.

Notes:
- Detonated by: Five. til. a torpedo
   hits. One. in. two. later target. S. N.
   a. lightly. enveloped in. a. sea. and. it. s.
   with. bow. submerged. and. it. 1. turned.
   - Until. water. Vi.lont. rubble. explosions.
   and. breaking. up. a. iscs. were. no. r. crashing.
   30. minutes. later. She. could. not. possibly.
   live.

Target. craft. 19'  Course. 350  Speed. 16

Range. 960 yds. (at. firing)

C. E. FTLD. DTL

4.2. Course 226  Depth 62  (at. firing)

FIRE. ON. ROLL. AND. CAPT. 2. 2.

Type. attack: Poris. po. attack. 1. torpedoes
sp. a. to. 'rise. po. a. r. on. ver. r. on. of
95. y. r. s., ver. a. of. 55. right, and
a. ver. a. track. of. 110's.

-39- _CO. 05327 (L)

— page 205 —
227/16-3
Cri-1 020

C. ATTACK
(2) TCRF DO. TRO. CT. ATTACK NO. 3.

Trucks
First I.C. : 1 : 1 : 2 : 3 : 34 : 5 : 6 :

*Tr cr
  - 1.0
  - Gyro
  - 1.0

*Depth
  - not
  - 10 : 10 : 10 : 10 : 10 : 10 : 10
  - Cover
  - : hit fish : -- : -- : -- : -- : --

*Hit cr
  - : it : it : it : Miss : hit : it : it : it
  - *cratic : ic : Ic : Ic : Ic : Ic : Ic : Ic
  - *ark
  - I.p.dc : 14-3... 14-3... : 23 : 23 : 23 : 23
  - *cri
  - explorer : 6-5 : 6-5 : 6-5 : 6-5 : 6-5 : 6-5 : 6-5

*Curation
  - not
  - -- -- -- On ot

— page 208 —
55227/16-3
S: 1 020

CERTIFICATE

(1) TROPDD. TTCK D.T.
U.S.C. D.R.T.A. Torpedo attack I.C. 3b
T: 1 020
L: 4
B: 0533
D: 23
C: 1944.
L: 9-24.
L: 117-118.

T: RIGHT D.T. = D. G. T. F. I. C. T. D.
Description: 1. torpedo class heavy cruiser (9850 t. in.)
(EC) (The. 1. stage or the. 1. T. I. K. C.)

Ship(s) D. T. G. d. c. r.
Prob. by: 1. 1

— page 209 —
6227/16-3
Scri 1 020

C. ATTACHMENT:
(TAPE) 1/2" C.D. Data
truc a. : 3B.

Tubes (circuit) No. : 7 : 6 : 9 : 10
*Depth Set : 10 : 10 : 10 : 10
*Hit r. is : 1it : 1it : 1it : 1it
*Arctic : 1c : 1c : 1c : 1c
*Lark Torpedo : 23 : 23 : 23 : 23
*Rk Exploiter : 6-5 : 6-5 : 6-5 : 6-5
*Cutt. on S. t : C. not at : C. not at : C. not at
*Cutt. on
  : C. not at : C. not at : C. not at : C. not at
*Explosive : TPX : TPX : TPX : TPX
Type Spcrd
Surc Cnuitions:
O nditln On.
Overhaul Activity
U. S. (IIC)
Nursks: Infantry issin is u. to less r
rords.
*Inter r. ckt t rpc. aird.

-42-

— page 213 —
5-227/16-3
S. ri 1 020

C. T. L. T. L. L.

U.S.S. DARTER (55227)

(1) RDR
    Supr D - ... in used the results wore good.
    -24!8 wore picked up at 25 miles; I in was picked
    up at 50 miles. I. is

— page 214 —
227/16-3
: 21 020

USS LIGHTFISHER (SS-227)

USS LIGHTFISHER (SS-227) was a [USS LIGHTFISHER (SS-227)].

(3) PARCELED

Item on board: 72

T.t. qurlifi & tst.rt. i p.t.rl 57

T.t. qurlifi. a tca of rtrcl 69

Naber ri unqurlifi& an cr first pctrol 3

Naber f an rctba n pctrol 2

The pctrols are 1 ll inane curin c cbt
was custshain. The collier ca taw w.rk if
c.v.rj rifle an. an is r.f.l cba in the
results: 9 nite ut of 10 t.p.ropes fire
t taw curisrs in an ctrtca. duri tbs
r.uaain whil in cnt ct with th. cw.,
the t.t. ltrr cbnn nin, tll an 8ww. rct
a lr.65 in prescnoe f ina. It was s
t u.h ustruc.tin n. t.rn. in the
r ubin ctttr. in th. piln if t.c. cana-
i. collor tnie orw w.th. iflore n. n-
is s ita c arow s. cwr w.las b.r.i. c
sn rina.

(4) TITTLE STABILISED

Dtr. lissin..

(5) ULTIMATE

Wye cur.utc tca crca 21
Wye in rca - 26
Wye cur utc t. bsa(li s f.n.n.i) 4
Wye sscnt t i s c.nai 4
Wye subcr.cu 13
Wye cai utc t. tsa (rc. cntl,
in t. u. s t. 11
T.t. l w y p trcl 57

-47-

— page 218 —
5-18/16-3
Serial 0220
Confidential

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. DARTER (SS227)
Report of Fourth War
Patrol.

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: U.S.S. DARTER (SS227), Report of War Patrol Number Four.

1. The fourth war patrol of the DARTER is divided into two parts. The first part, from 1 to 27 September, the DARTER was on a patrol line under operational control of Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO. No contacts were made although aircraft contacts were plentiful. The DARTER returned to Mios Woendi and after four days in port she departed under operational control of Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE joining the DACE in a coordinated attack group under Commander D. H. McClintock, Commanding Officer of the DARTER, for patrol in the vicinity of Palawan Passage. Three torpedo attacks were made.

2. Attack No. 1 was a day periscope attack on 12 October on a large convoy coming down Palawan Passage. It is significant that this convoy was escorted by only two destroyers. A radical change of course toward Balabac Strait left DARTER out on a limb and as a last resort she fired four low power shots at two overlapping tankers at a range of 600 yards using the Mark 8 Angle Solvar. The other torpedoes loaded forward were Mark 23. Three timed hits were made, two in one tanker, one in another. Aerial bombing and supersonic search by escorts followed. Upon return to periscope depth DARTER saw one crippled tanker trailing the convoy but all ships managed to make shallow water. The convoy was contacted the following evening inside Borneo Barrio Reef. A coordinated attack with the DACE was commenced but again the convoy escaped into shallow water after the DACE attacked. The DARTER's attempts to polish off a cripple were frustrated by an alert escort and as the water was too shallow for submerged operations DARTER was forced to withdraw in order to run deep water by dawn.

Attack No. 2 on 18 October was a coordinated attack on one of two Pubuki destroyers probably on anti-submarine search. In a day periscope attack four storm tubes were fired at 3000 yards, six feet depth setting. All torpedoes missed although the spread was ample.

— page 221 —
12b/pr
Serial 01457
30 November 1944.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT:
USS DARTER Conf. 1tr. A16-3
Serial 020, dated 5 November
1944, Report of Fourth War
Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. DARTER (SS227) - Report of Fourth War Patrol - Comment on.

1. DARTER's Fourth War Patrol was conducted in CELEBES SEA; and in SOUTH CHINA SEA in a Coordinated Search and Attack Group composed of DACE and DARTER.

2. Routine reconnaissance duty in the CELEBES SEA from 14 September to 24 September was productive of no torpedo targets.

3. On the morning of 12 October the DARTER was dead ahead of a distant convoy in PALAWAN PASSAGE. At 0705 she observed a large change of base course which indicated that the convoy was heading for NORTH BALABAC STRAIT, and would therefore require a determined high speed effort to close for a reasonable firing range. At 0755 DARTER took time out to send a blind contact report to DACE, who was outside BALABAC STRAIT. At 0804 four low power t*pedoes were fired with 6,000 yards torpedo run. Deep submergence was immediately sought. Three timed hits were heard and one tanker was damaged.

4. At 1700 on 13 October, while submerged, DARTER received DACE contact report concerning a convoy which had passed him at 1100, heading south, inside BLG BONANZA SHOAL, off NW coast of BORNEO. One hour later she saw DACE and surfaced in order to have a megaphone conference. At 2000 she proceeded south inside the SHOAL. At 0035 DARTER was in position 3,000 yards on beam of starboard trailing ship, ready for attack, but he waited until DACE attacked at 0110, according to plan. DARTER apparently thus lost his opportunity to attack, because no attacks were made on this convoy. Coordination should not be exercised in such a manner that regaining enemy contact is considerably delayed by a rendezvous, or attacks opportunities are lost while awaiting execution of a plan.

— page 222 —
1944-71/A16-3
Serial: 01457
C-O-N-F-I-D-B-I-T-I-A-I
SECOND ADDRESS TO:
USS DARTER Conf. Ltr. A16-3
Serial 020, dated 5 November, 1944. Report of Fourth War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. DARTER (SS227) - Report of Fourth War Patrol - Comment on.

5. At 2350 on 21 October, in bright moonlight, contact was made on an enemy task force, range 26,000 yards. DARTER spent the remainder of the night tracking on the eastern flank of the formation, sending out valuable contact reports, and maintaining a position suitable for attacks should the enemy change course to leave DARTER GUARD. Contact was finally lost at 0625 when the enemy had pulled 38,000 yards ahead.

6. At 0025 on the 23rd of October both DARTER and DACL contacted and tracked a large Task Force heading North through ZULMAR ZASOAD. A pre-dawn submerged attack was wisely chosen on the assumption that this was the most effective form of dual submarine attack upon a Task Force which was unlikely to radically alter base course in ZULMAR ZASOAD. The plan worked perfectly. DARTER delivered a bow and stern tube attack at 0632 which sank one cruiser and damaged another. The Task Force was still apparently unwilling to risk a radical change in base course, because it steamed on and was hit by DACL twenty minutes later. In a short period of time this submarine team sank two heavy cruisers and damaged a third.

7. At 0620 DARTER was back at periscope depth and sighted one TACU CLASS 04 (30) at range 12,000 yards, dead in the water, listed slightly to starboard. Attempts by DARTER to make a submerged attack on this cripple were thwarted by two screening destroyers. At 1400 further attempts at daylight attack were considered inadvisable until his very tired crew had been given a short rest period. A night coordinated attack plan by DACL and DARTER was then chosen.

8. DARTER found herself too close to the enemy to surface in time for star sights, and as a result, her DI position was 24 hours old. Cruiser got underway about 2200 and at 2245 DARTER started in for surface attack in very poor visibility. At 2306 the radar detector placed up two radars sweeping, so DARTER

— page 223 —
1 - CA (ATAGO - 130) 9,900 Tons (Attack No. 3b)
1 - AO (TITAN I-NAU Type - 30) 10,000 Tons (Attack No. 1)
Total 19,900 Tons
GRAND TOTAL 29,800 Tons

R. W. CHRISTIE.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (3) - Direct CDG-71.5 (2)
Vice Cpnav (2) - Direct CDG-71.5 (2)
Vice Opnav Op-230 (1) CDG-71.9 (2)
Comistilt (1) ComSubRon-12 (2)
ComandIt (1) DivComSubRon-12 (1 each)
ComThrIt (2) DivComSubRon-16 (1 each)
ComSubStsflt (30) DivComSubRon-26 (1 each)
ComSts &ndIt (4) ComSubDiv-162 (2)
CDG-71.2 (2) 3/4 School Hq., Conn. (2)
CDG-71.2 (2) SubAd, Hqre Island. (2)
CDG-71.4 (2) 3/4 7th Ilt (1)

THIS REPORT WILL BE DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ANY TIME AFTER VI CONTAINED MATTERS.

P. F. WILLIAMS, Jr.,
Flag Secretary.

— page 225 —
1944-71/A16-3
UNITED STATES NAVY
1/2b/pr
Serial... 01569
25 December 1944

From: The Commander Gunderson, SEVENTH LINE.
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES LINE.
Via: The Commander, SHIP'S LINE.

Subject: U.S.S. DETROIT - Rotation of damage inflicted during Fourth War Patrol.

Reference: (a) Combatant: 1st and 2nd. 1944-71/A16-3 (Serial 01407) of 50 November 1944 to U.S.S. DETROIT. Oct. 1. 1944 (Serial 0.0) dated 5 November 1944. (Report of Fourth War Patrol).
(b) CNI 128-7 (a Statistical summary of the Japanese Navy).

1. The assessment of damage inflicted on the enemy during the subject War Patrol, was credited by reference (a) as follows:

SUCK
1 - CA (ATAACO - BC) 9,000 Tons (Attack No. 3a)
DAUGED
1 - CA (ATAACO - BC) 9,000 Tons (Attack No. 3b)
1 - AO (WHITE IARU Type - BT) 10,000 Tons (Attack No. 1)
Total 13,000 Tons
Grand Total 29,000 Tons

2. Reference (b) indicates that the latest Statistical summary of the Japanese Navy estimate of the damage caused by the submarine was based on the 12,500 tons damaged, rather than the 13,000 tons estimated for 9,000 tons. Damage as thereafter revised as follows:

SUCK
1 - CA (ATAACO - BC) 12,500 Tons (Attack No. 3b)
1 - AO (WHITE IARU Type - BU) 10,000 Tons (Attack No. 1)
Total 22,500 Tons
Grand Total 35,000 Tons

2. DAUGED
1 - CA (ATAACO - BC) 12,500 Tons (Attack No. 3b)
1 - AO (WHITE IARU Type - BU) 10,000 Tons (Attack No. 1)
Total 22,500 Tons
Grand Total 35,000 Tons

RECEIVED BY THE NAVY DEPARTMENT
10 JAN 1945
R. W. CHRISTIE.
-1-

— page 226 —
28 December 1944.

Subjeot: U.S. DETACHMENT - Revision of damage inflicted during Fourth War Patrol.

DISTRIBUTION:
- [ ] ComInch
- [ ] Vice Conv
- [ ] Vice Conv Op-23a
- [ ] ComSubLt
- [ ] Com2ndLt
- [ ] Com7thLt
- [ ] ComSubLtLt
- [ ] Com3rdLt
- [ ] Cm3rdLt
- [ ] Cm7-71
- [ ] Cm7-71.5
- [ ] Cm7-71.8
- [ ] Cm7-71.9
- [ ] ComSubLt-12
- [ ] DivComSubLt-12
- [ ] DivComSubLt-13
- [ ] DivComSubLt-14
- [ ] DivComLt-162
- [ ] S/1 School, T.I. Conv.
- [ ] Subac, Base Island.
- [ ] S/1a YthLt

F.B. MILLER,
Flag Secretary.

— page 227 —
1941 NAME: DARTER
FROM: CO - USS DARTER (SS-227)
SERIAL 022
DATE: 5 September 1941
SUBJECT: Coordinated Attack Group

Report of Coordinated Patrol of USS DARTER and USS DACE in SOUTH CHINA SEA. Combined reconnaissance & attack scan or damaged 65,000 tons including three Japanese cruisers in PALAWAN Passage 23 Oct 44. DACE rescued en- PILEUP: War Diary--- (COTER)

Separately as ORIGINAL; as PHOTOSTAT(O)

(SC/NSPSA: SUO OPS) (SOVSPSA: BATTLE FOR LYSY GULF)
MICROSERIAL NO. 101624 ACTION REPORT 1941-09-05 11-11-45

21 October 1941
CROSS INDEX CARD
ex-DARTER

Explosives still aboard hull 7 January 1952 demolished. Report includes PHOTOGRAPHS.

Separately under NAVFORPHIL 172 of 18 Jan 52 in Post 1 Jan 1946 Report File

— page 232 —
5E227/A16-3
Serial 022

CRITICAL:
(C) HEMLKS, Cont'd

4. The cooperation ena aia in planning rendez
by the DACE Commanding Officer, Commander B.D.
CLAGGETT, USN, were outstanding. In addition
this Officer unhesitatingly raised his ship to
rescue the entire crew of the DAKTER.

D. H. McCLINTOCK.

-4- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 233 —
6-3
Serial 022

CO FIREWATER

From: Commanding Officer.
To: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. DACE.

Subject: Coordinated Search and Attack Instructions.

Reference: (a) CTF-71 Cptr. 138-44 and 139-44.
    (b) CTG 71.4 Tentative Coordinated Search and Attack Doctrine
    (serial 0399 of 17 July 1944.)

Enclosure: (a) Supplemental Communication Instructions.

1. Proceed independently to area as ordered by reference (a).

2. Upon arrival in area about 9 Oct., 1944 rendezvous at 115-45E, 7-45N, two hours after sunset. DARTIER will be at this rendezvous each night beginning 9 October until rendezvous is effected.

3. On receipt of information concerning passage of enemy shipping through our area, C.C. DARTIER will specify the search plan to be used. If practicable, a search line will be formed at a position to insure enemy contact two hours after dark. This should minimize effectiveness of air cover.

4. In forming the search line, the point of origin of the line will be the position of the DARTIER; the direction of the line will be the true bearing from that ship. Distance will normally be 20 miles. Speed of advance normal to line, on surface, will normally be 10 knots. If submerged, speed of advance will be 2.5 knots. If line is stationary, remain within 5 miles of assigned station if on surface; remain on station if submerged.

5. Doctrine for attack is as follows: Use reference (b) as a guide. Submarine "A" making first contact, report same, together with probable

— page 236 —
55227/16-3
Serial 022

CC: FIDELITE, LT
Supple. ental Communication instructions, Cont'd

Point    Location
Mike    Eastern most point of area
Option  Northern most point of area
Peter  South most point of area
Sugar  Western most point of area

Example: "260 Mike 20" means, "From Mike bearing 260° 20 miles."

7. Use CW in voice contact fails. If voice frequency fails, set list resort clear message via VIXO Bakers, but use CSP 1247/8, Channel 108 for this.

8. Receipt for all voice messages. Make callup short can wait in interval before repeating a callup. If you want a message authenticated use following authenticators:
   - D.R.TER
   - DAVE
   - Ernie
   - Dennis
   - Ira
   - Walt
   - Ed
   - Don
   - Bill
   - Clag
   - Benny
   - Matt
   - Sam
   - Gus
   - Bill
   - Gerco

Example: D.R.TER wishes to check on D.R.TER.

"Betty from Poppy - Clag. - answer:
"Poppy from Betty - Dave"

Use authenticators consecutively from list. If submerged and if practicable list. for 3 minutes with antenna raised at 0800; 1100; 1400; and 1700 How on voice frequency.

D:CLOSURE (B)

-4- CLOSURE (B)

— page 237 —
9. Recognition:
(a) Right recognition will normally be by radar. If a radar is trained on one sub, she will train h-r radar on bearing of first radar auto-attempt to exoengines major war vessel recognition signals.

(b) In emergency use near war vessel recognitions by blinker.

(c) DARTER radar normally sweeps at 6-8 rpm. DCR 4-5 rpm.

10. Special voice signals which may be used when diving are as follows:
   - Dive: - Diving for plane.
   - Sea Gull: - Diving for attack.
   - Blitz: - Diving for attack.

11. Use Sugar DOs radar at discretion during daylight. Normally DARTER will use it, unless visibility intrudes early plane detection by lookouts probable.

[CLOSURE (A)]
[CLOSURE (B)]

— page 238 —
15/16-3
Serial 0221
CONTINUED
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CONF. 1tr. 116-3 Serial
022 dated 5 November 1944.

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: Report of Coordinated Patrol of U.S.S. DARTER (SS227) and U.S.S. DADE (SS247). (DARTE 4th Patrol, DADE 5th Patrol).

1. This coordinated attack group comprised U.S.S. DARTER whose commanding officer was group commander and U.S.S. DADE. The group covered Palawan Passage and vicinity for a period of fourteen days. Two coordinated attacks were made and each ship made one independent attack as a result of information furnished by the other. The first coordinated attack was delivered on each of two DD's evidently conducting an anti-submarine assault in the vicinity of the Palawan Passage. Both attacks were successful due primarily to radiological maneuvers of the targets. The second was an opic of coordinated attacks. Radar contact was made on a large task force coming up Palawan Passage just after midnight on 23 October. Each submarine took station ahead of a column of enemy ships, submerged before dawn and delivered a periscope attack within fifteen minutes of each other against both columns just at dawn.

2. The DARTER got five hits into an Atago class CA and swung for a storm shot and with gyro angles of 130 to 120 left, fired four torpedoes for three hits in the second cruiser in column, also an Atago, and another hit timed for the third cruiser in column. The DADE got four hits into what was identified as a Kongo class battleship. All evidence points to her sinking.

3. In making a subsequent round on a crippled Atago lying back to the southwest that night, the DARTER ran hard around and could not be saved. DADE rose all officers and men, returning them to Ferauntlo.

4. This group displayed a marked degree of teamwork, aggressiveness and intelligence. The constants of the group commander are well considered.

5. Communications, both within the pack and with the outside were excellent. The contact reports of the group commander on the morning of 23 October furnished our forces with information of the enemy task force which was invaluable and which contributed in large measure to the success of the second battle of the Philippine Seas.

— page 239 —
5-13/16-3 SUBMARINE SQUADRON EIGHTEEN Wx
Serial 0221
CORRECTIVE
Subject: Report of Coordin. Tactical Patrol of U.S.S. DARTER (SS227) and U.S.S. DACE (SS247). (DARTER 4th Patrol, DACE 5th Patrol).

6. The Squadron Commander heartily congratulates the group
councillor, and both ships on an outstanding performance which had far
reaching results. Both ships are well deserving of a "WELL DONE".

ELIOT H. FRYANT.

— page 240 —
15/1/1944
Serial 01518
D-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT:
USS DARTER Conf. I.t.r. al6-3
Serial 032, dated 5 November
1944.

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

Subject: War Patrol of Coordinated Search and Attack Group
Consisting of U.S.S. DARTER and U.S.S. D.CB from
10 October 1944 to 6 November 1944, Comments on.

1. The Coordinated Search and Attack Group consisting of DARTER and D.CB, under the direction of Commander D. H. McCLITLOCK, U.S.N., Commander of the United States Fleet, participated in the victory of PALAWAN P.S.S.G. against the enemy in the vicinity of DARTER grounded on BOMBAY SHOAL.

2. D.CB and DARTER made an attack on a convoy during the night of the 13th of October in the very foul waters inside of N. FURIOUS S.C.I.S., and succeeded in completing one attack which sank a large AO and damaged a large A.P.

3. This group executed one of the most successful coordinated attacks on record during the morning of October 23rd, when DARTER sank one C.A. and damaged another, and D.CB sank a third. It was assumed that this Task Force was unlikely to radically alter base course in the restricted waters of PALAWAN P.S.S.G. until after dawn, and therefore submarine would get in attacks prior to dawn if stationed along the enemy track. This assumption proved correct, and the Task Force came right into the arms of the waiting D.CB despite the very effective DARTER attack twenty minutes earlier.

4. When DARTER grounded D.CB was on hand to assist only one hour and a half after the grounding took place. There was no chance of getting DARTER off, but the feat of saving all of her crew from certain capture by the enemy was of far-reaching importance, and is an example of the type of mutual assistance which is a factor in the high morale of the Submarine Service.

5. The extensive and almost daily use of rendezvous for megaphone conversation is noted. In addition to the time lost, there are two disadvantages of this form of communication: first,

— page 242 —
12a/pr
December 12, 1944.

Serial_01518
C-O-N-P-I-D-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS DARTER Conf. Ltd. A16-3
Serial 022, dated 5 November
1944.

Subject: War Patrol of Coordinated Search and Attack Group
Consisting of U.S.S. DARTER and U.S.S. DACE from
10 October 1944 to 6 November 1944, Comments on.

DISABUTION:
Coninch (3) - Direct CTG-71.5 (2)
Vice Cpnav (2) - Direct CTG-71.5 (2)
Vice Cpnav Cp-23c (1) CTG-71.9 (2)
Com1stPIt (1) Consubron-12 (2)
Com2ndPIt (1) DivConsubron-12 (1 each)
Com7thPIt (2) DivConsubron-18 (1 each)
Consub1stPIt (30) DivConsubron-26 (1 each)
Consub2ndPIt (4) ConsubDiv-162 (1)
CTF-71 (7) S/M School, N.I. Conn. (2)
CTG-71.5 (2) SubAd, Hare Island. (2)
CTG-71.4 (2) C/Mis 7thPIt (1)

THIS REPORT WILL BE DRAFTED PRIOR TO
J.B. MILLER,
Flag Secretary.

— page 244 —
1945, we have with us in the Office of Commander D. H. McClintock, the USS DARTER. The next voice that your hear will be that of Commander McClintock.

Comdr. McClintock:

My World War II experience began on December 7, 1941. I was 4th officer and Officer of the Deck of the submarine FLUNGER returning to Pearl Harbor from San Francisco. The FLUNGER was in company with, and leading two other units of Submarine Division 43, the POLLACK and POMPANO. The Division Commander was embarked in the FLUNGER. We were due to arrive off the Pearl Harbor entrance at eight a.m. on the 7th. Bad weather had delayed us so that at eight we were about 100 miles northeast of Pearl Harbor. I relieved as Officer of the Deck of the FLUNGER (division leader) just before eight.

At approximately 0840 a. radidoman stuck his head up the conning tower hatch and said, "We just received a message. 'Air raid on Pearl Harbor - no drill!' I told him to report it to the Captain, Lt. Comdr. White, and the Division Commander, and then to find out what the message really said. Two minutes later he was back with the radio log which showed the same wording. We then rigged ship for dive, and ordered the POLLACK and POMPANO to do likewise, reporting the contents of the message to them.

I warned the lookouts that we were probably at war with Japan and to be especially "on the ball." By 0900 the FLUNGER was ready to dive. Shortly thereafter the forward lookout sighted a plane which looked to me like a Jap scout. The skipper was on the bridge at this time. The FLUNGER submerged, as did the other ships in the division. The Division Commander was not convinced that the plane was a Jap, and he gave the order to surface. As soon as we got to the bridge, a plane flew over at about 200 feet making a strafing run. The plane then proceeded on a northerly and very steady course, and was in sight for about 10 minutes, on the same bearing. When informed of the strafing, the Division Commander had been below, the Division Commander remarked, "That was probably just one of our planes trying to signal us." The commanding officer, Dave White, then asked and later begged the Division Commander permission to send in a contact report of the planes and the fact that they had disappeared on a steamy northerly course, perhaps indicating the location of the carriers. As it happened, this would have given Pearl Harbor a report which probably would have meant locating the Jap Force. However, the Division Commander refused permission, since he said it would just clutter up the air, when probably the Japs were already being annihilated. Further, he was not convinced that the planes were enemy.

— page 247 —
1. I could assign to this action, was that the DD's were on a sweep to determine the location of submarines for the expected heavy ships to avoid.

At midnight on the 20th, we picked up a news broadcast on the beginning of the Leyte landings. This was the first we knew of the Philippine Invasion. We immediately headed for Balabac Strait, since the shortest route for the Jap Fleet from Singapore to Leyte is via Balabac Strait.

Our estimate on the destroyer sweep was borne out, when, at midnight on the 21st, two northbound heavy ships with one escort were contacted west of Balabac Strait.

They avoided Palawan Passage, where we had fired at the destroyers, and headed north through the "Dangcorous Ground". DARTER was 13 miles east of the initial contact and they got by before we could attain firing position. We were able to maintain contact in spite of their 22 knots and nearly succeeded in coaching the DACE, who was farther north, onto their track. However, the targets made a large pre-dawn zig to the west and evaded the DACE. At dawn we sighted masts to the northwest while radar gave a 38,000 yard range. These may have been two battleships, but from the single escort, I estimate that they were heavy cruisers, which probably later joined the main body.

Shortly after dawn the targets had disappeared and we abandoned the chase. For the remainder of the day DARTER worked her way south through the "Dangcorous Ground" towards Balabac Strait. At midnight we closed the DACE for a short megaphone talk, as she was low on fuel and ready to leave the area.

DARTER and DACE were steaming at 5 knots, 50 yards apart, on battery. Two convoy reports had been received. The DACE was to take one before leaving for base, DARTER the other. This had been decided and we were about ready to part company, when 16 minutes after midnight from our coming tower came the report, "Radar contact, 131ST, 30,000 yards - contact doubtful - probably rain."

"The Jap Fleet" was what flashed through my mind. Almost immediately the radar operator stated that the contact was ships. The DACE was given the range and bearing by megaphone. The answer came back "Let's go get them". By twenty minutes after midnight (it was now October 23rd) both DARTER and DACE were chasing the contact at full power. The ships were in Palawan Passage, headed north. We were on the left flank. DARTER soon drew ahead of DACE, DACE trailing temporarily when her radar went out of commission.

It was now apparent that we had not a convoy, but a large task force, which we assumed was headed for Leyte to interfere with our landing. Three contact reports were sent - the final one estimating that the force included at least eleven heavy ships, the main body of the Jap Fleet, we hoped! I decided that we should not attack before dawn, considering it vital to see and identify the force.

Our initial speed estimate of 22 knots had soon dropped to 15; the targets were not zigging; we could detect their radars sweeping. With this 15 knot speed

— page 248 —
0425, DARTER was 10 miles ahead of the left flank (western) column. We slowed to target speed, waiting for the dawn. By 0500 DACE had passed to port, then crossed our bow, headed for a position ahead of the eastern column.

I went down below to see where radio had delivered our contact reports. I looked in the mess room; it was filled with a large part of the mid-watch. After the previous night's fruitless chase, the crew was not very hopeful of gaining position for an attack. When I told them we would probably be attacking the Jap Fleet in about an hour, they were obviously skeptical. "But I didn't blame them; I wasn't absolutely sure myself. I had a small fear that the ships might be high speed transports, and not the Fleet.

At about 0430 all hands were called for coffee before the expected attack. At about 10 minutes before five we manned battle stations. Ten minutes after five we reversed course, heading down the throat of the western column. It was getting to be faintly light. We submerged to 300 feet to get the depth of density layer, then returned to periscope depth.

The first periscope look showed a huge grey shape. It was the whole column seen bows on. Was it cruisers or battleships? A look to the southeast, where the light was better, showed battleships, cruisers, and destroyers. That column would pass about three miles to the east of us. Two destroyers could be seen part way between the columns. Our sound gear was silent. Weren't they echo ranging at all? As I swung the periscope around to the east I would give something not recordable, an exclamation at every point I sounded the periscope. The Exec would say, "What's there?" and I would say "battleships". "What's there?" "Cruisers" "What's there?" "Battleships" Now back to our own column.

The grey ships kept getting larger. We were a little to the east of the column's track. We would pass on almost parallel courses. At 5:25 the first ships in column could be identified as heavy cruisers, with huge bow waves. There were sighs of disappointment throughout the conning tower that the targets weren't all battleships. A beautiful sight, anyway. They were in close column. We could imagine the Japs at general quarters, water-tight doors closed, the officers in white service pacing the bridge. I hoped the lead ship would be the flag ship. It was! At 5:27 the range to the leading cruiser was under 3,000 yards. All tubes were ready.

— page 249 —
The column zigged west to give a perfect torpedo range of just under one thousand yards. Their profiles could be seen clearly...AIAOO cruisers! The fifth ship in column was observed as she started the turn, and seemed to be a battleship. Where were the rest of the destroyers? I got a setup on the new target course. TDC reported ready. The last thing I saw was the new signalman, "FIRE ONE!!" I had the 'scope up for what seemed like several minutes, watching. The leading cruiser looked huge now. She had a bone in her teeth. The forward slant of her bridge seemed to accentuate her speed. The AIAOO, my favorite target on the attack teacher! Estimating the angles on the bow off her flat bridge face was easy; I had done that many times before on models. Angle on the bow was getting bigger now, 55, 60, 65. Range under a thousand...shooting bearing!..."and"..."FIRE ONE!!"

As the next five forward fish left us, from the bridge of the target came signals from a searchlight pointed to the east. Did she see our torpedoes? She was going by now. No, she wasn't zigging!

"Shift targets to second cruiser"..."bearing mark". "Give me a range...give me a range...give me a range," sang out Dennis Wilkinson, the TDC operator, "I want you to shoot." "You can't shoot without a range!" He finally got it. 1500 yards to the next AIAOO. They were in line of bearing now. "TDC Ready" "Bearing Mark" -- "Fire Seven". The first stern torpedo was on its way. As this torpedo left, heavy explosions started. "Depth Charges!" said Schwab, the Exec. "Depth Charges hell...torpedoes!" said I. "Christ, we're hitting 'em, we're hitting 'em!" from Walter Price, who was punching the torpedo firing keys, and jumping up and down as each torpedo hit.

After the tenth torpedo was on its way, six at the leader and four at the second in column, I swung the periscope back to the first target, which had been hit with five of the bow torpedoes. I will never forget what I saw. She was belching flame from the base of the forward turret to the stern; the dense black smoke of burning oil covered her from forward turret to stern. She was still blowing ahead, but she was also going down by the bow. Number One Turret was cutting the water. She was finished.

As we started deep four more torpedoes hits were heard, the fourth being about 30 seconds late for the 1500 yard torpedo run to the second target. This may have been a hit in the third cruiser, since they were in line of bearing. On the way down we knew we had sunk one, thought probably the second would sink.

The depth charging was sketchy, the destroyers which stopped with the targets apparently searching only in the vicinity of the targets.

At about six o'clock the AIAOE attacked and more explosions were heard. (She sank a battleship or a heavy cruiser). We now tried to reconstruct the picture of the Force. I had seen three battleships, at least one of which was YAVATO class, eight cruisers, and three destroyers. There may well have been more ships astern, since I concentrated only on the western column during the last ten minutes of the approach.

— page 250 —
21, 22 October. These probably joined the main body, so that of what is known as Force A, I estimate we saw ten cruisers, and three battleships. The other two battleships were probably astern or in the east column.

Shortly after 8 a.m., the DARTER was back at periscope depth, where we sighted one stopped and listing ATACO cruiser, about 7 miles to the north, probably the TACAO. A heavy air screen and three destroyers were with her. One destroyer left shortly, probably after picking up survivors.

After two approaches on the cruiser were thwarted by the destroyers, we decided to await night-fall and rest the crew. We had been in contact with the enemy for two nights, and the crew was almost exhausted.

That night, the 24th, we weren't able to get star sights, surfacing after dark within sight of the cruiser. We radioed a report of sinking one ATACO cruiser, and that another was stopped. In addition, we gave the composition of the entire force as we saw it.

DARTER and DACE now proceeded to east side of the target on the assumption that the target would be towed inside the Palawan Barrier Reef. Instead, she got underway making about 5 to 8 knots headed southwest. DACE commenced "ending around" to east and DARTER to west.

During our end around, we passed through a sea of fuel oil. This must have extended for miles, as I believe we were in it for over an hour. The cruiser seemed to be steering a very erratic course as though she had no rudder. Her slow speed and her varying speed, sometimes it would vary as much as four knots, indicated she was in great difficulty.

At about midnight we had about an hour to go to gain position for attack ahead of the cruiser. The Officer of the Deck, Lieutenant Ed Skorupski, and myself were on the bridge. The night was pitch black. Every now and then we could catch a glimpse of the cruiser appearing merely as a black shape to the southeast.

At about five minutes after midnight we were making over 17 knots, trying to attack before the cruiser could pick up more speed. The navigator was plotting in the coming tower, all officers were at their battle stations, most of the crew, except for the watch and the plotting party, was asleep.

At about five minutes after midnight, it was now the 24th, we hit a shoal, rode up over it, taking a large up angle. The officer of the deck and myself thought we were gone. I thought we'd been torpedoed. I watched the stern go under water, went under water as far as the engine room hatch. We seemed to be going down quite rapidly. Then all of a sudden the stern rode on up, and after several seconds we came to rest high and dry. Still we couldn't see the reef. After two or three minutes we were able to make out that the water was very light colored around us.

The navigator came running to the bridge. "What was that?" he said. I

— page 251 —
We are around.  Quick as a flash he disappeared into the conning tower, apparently to check the chart.  Very shortly thereafter he was back up on the bridge.  He said, "Captain, it can't be that we are aground.  The nearest land is 19 miles away."  He was a Dutchman.

At this time the destroyer screen of the cruiser apparently had heard us hit because now the destroyer started closing in.  He got closer and closer and closer until finally the range got into 12,000 yards.  That may not sound close now, but it sounded close then to us sitting there on the reef with no arms but one four-inch gun and a couple of smaller guns.

As soon as we ran aground I had a peculiar feeling, I thought we'd probably get off, but there were so many other sensations on board that we wouldn't, that we immediately commenced burning the confidential publications.  Finally at about one o'clock we lost the destroyer on the radar and could breathe a little easier.  The tide was still coming in and about 0140 was high tide.  We knew it was then or never as far as getting off was concerned.

Down on the main deck there was great activity.  The gunner's mates, with some help from the rest of the crew, were throwing all the ammunition overboard, except for about 20 rounds which we were saving for the destroyer at daylight if he should come back.  The commissary officer, Don Miller, was busy with part of the crew throwing overboard all of the commissary provisions.  The engineer was having all fuel oil and all fresh water blown over the side.  The torpedo officer was trying to get rid of our torpedoes up forward, but we were afraid to fire them in that position for fear they would explode as they hit the reef, as they dropped from the tubes, and our efforts to get off would have been to no avail.  We were not able to get the six torpedoes left out of the tubes.

However, by about 0140 we had done everything that was humanly possible in that time to lighten the ship.  At this time we tried to back off.  The engines would start but the sea suction was plugged, with coral apparently.  We were afraid to run them.  There wouldn't be any use of getting off if we had no engines to run on.  So we tried backing with the battery.  This had no effect.  The compass never moved more than a half degree.

To augment the effect of the propellers we tried salting ship.  The crew was assembled first aft, where they would run forward, then aft.  Then in conjunction with this we had another part of the crew who would assemble on one side and run from side to side in conjunction with the backing.  This did it do any good either.  Several times the white water rushing forward from the propellers would make it look as though we were coming off, and there would be cheers from down on deck, but then looking farther we could see that the water was still and that we weren't moving.

Since we were so close to Palawan we knew that it was either get off by dawn or be discovered by the Jap's.  There was an airfield at Puerto Princesa which was probably less than a hundred miles away.

— page 254 —
1944

That morning the DACE stayed in the vicinity of the DARTER because we had hoped to go aboard that night with the DACE's demolition outfit. However, about ten o'clock a Jeep destroyer showed up and laid to for sometime in the vicinity of the DARTER. Undoubtedly they boarded her, but I'm sure they didn't get much that would be of value to them, except maybe ONI 49, which was nothing but the Japanese monograph which undoubtedly they knew about already.

That night we approached the DARTER with the intention of going aboard if all was clear. It was within about 2,000 yards of the apparently had gone. When we were within about 2,000 yards of the DARTER and east of Bombay Shoal, where she was perched, Captain Claggett of the DACE and myself were on the bridge, from the conning tower all of a sudden we heard heaving beeping as from our own sound gear. Captain Claggett quickly asked if this were our fathometer running and when told that it wasn't and that the sound gear was certainly secured, he immediately reversed course and got out of there because the echo-ranging was so loud that it must have been a submarine very close to us. Since we both had heard the echo ranging and the soundman in the conning tower was certain that it was not anything from our own ship and that it was echo-ranging we decided to get clear because apparently a Jap sub was waiting for us.

Later that night we were ordered to Perth. Our trip to Perth was quite uneventful, in fact, it began to get monotonous with 160-some officers and men on board. Probably the most monotonous part of it was the DACE's larder. They seemed to have nothing but mushroom soup and peanut butter, and I don't care if I never see any of either of those again.

The job that the DACE did certainly will be remembered by everybody on the DARTER, because the DACE gave up a chance to knock off another heavy cruiser to rescue us, and they certainly put up with a lot from us on the long journey to Perth.

Captain Wright: Thank you very much, Captain Mc Clintock for this excellent account of your work with the DARTER.

--- END ---

OFFICE OF NAVAL RECORDS AND LIBRARY

— page 255 —
1. Commander U. S. Naval Forces Philippines
NavPhil-N2-drf
X9/L8-5
Ser 472

RESTRICTED
SECURITY INFORMATION

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

Subj: Explosives on Hulk of U.S.S. DARTER; demolition of

Ref: (a) ComNavPhil Rest. Despatch 2307092 November 1951
(b) ComNavPhil Rest. 1tr serial 8087 of 8 Dec 1951

Encl: (1) 17 Annotated photographs

1. Reference (a) reported the intention of this command to dispose of 7 torpedoes and 4 mines which had been reported to be still on board the hull of the U.S.S. DARTER on Bombay Shoal.

2. On 2 January 1952 a party under the command of the Area Salvage Officer of this command was ordered, among other duties, to proceed to the DARTER to destroy all explosives found on board and to remove all matter of a classified nature or of intelligence value that might be found. The party included a demolition team attached to the 13th AF, Clark AFB under the command of Captain F. H. Stinger, AO-1552804, USAF. The party was transported by the U.S.S. MARK (AKL-12).

3. The following are excerpts of the report made by the Area Salvage Officer relative to this operation:

a. "The U.S.S. MARK and tow (LGM50-107) arrived off Bombay Shoal at dawn, 7 January 1952. The ex-U.S.S. DARTER was found on the Northeast and windward side of the shoal. A heavy sea was running and the MARK proceeded to the leeward side of the shoal to bring the LGM alongside for pumping, loading gear and personnel, etc. Upon reaching the DARTER it was found impossible to take the LGM along-side because of the heavy surf. It was further impossible to take the LGM into the lagoon and approach from the leeward because of the lack of water over the reef."

RESTRICTED

— page 256 —
35-12N-DFR
X9/LB-5
Ser 472

RESRICTED
SECURITY INFORMATION

b. "The party returned to the MARK and obtained a rubber boat and a balsa life raft for transporting gear to the wreck. A landing was then made on the leeward side of the reef, the gear was placed in the boat and raft which were then pulled by the personnel along the mile and a half of reef perimeter to reach the DARTER. The water was waist to shoulder deep with many boulders and coral heads".

c. "The DARTER was reached at 1130 and entry was made by ducking under the starboard bilge keel, amidships, and coming up through a huge hole directly under the conning tower. No one was aboard nor in the vicinity although the wreck bore indications of rather recent visits".

d. "A thorough search was made from stem to stern, and no intelligence or classified matter was found. Torpedoes were found in forward tubes Nos. 1, 3, 5, 2 and 6 and a sixth one on the port side of the forward torpedo room. No other explosives were found in the after torpedo room or tubes".

e. "Sixteen pounds of composition G-3 explosive were packed around the warhead of the accessible torpedo. It was found to be impossible to get at the warheads of the torpedoes in the tubes since access plates and doors in the hull were badly rusted and frozen in place and because of the difficulties involved in working over the side and in the surf. A forced entry was made down through the deck forward of the torpedo room and 6ft pounds of composition C-3 were placed on the platform deck in line with the forward scuppers in the outer hull and along the forward side of the torpedo room bulkhead. An additional 16 pounds were packed around No. 1 tube just abaft the bulkhead. There were a total of four charges laid and tied into a circular prima-cord setup, which in turn was tied to a charge that had been placed on the loose torpedo warhead in the forward torpedo room. A lead was stretched aft to the conning tower where it was in turn attached to a detonator and 4ft feet of miners safety fuzes. A total of 96 pounds of composition C-3, 150 feet of prima-cord, safety fuzes and one non-electric detonator were used."

RESRICTED

— page 259 —
7 January 1952. Photograph of the USS DARTER prior to demollition. View of conning tower and 40mm gun taken from stern.

— page 261 —
7 January 1952. Photograph of the USS DARTER prior to demolition looking forward from the stern and showing rear of conning tower.

— page 263 —
7 January 1952.  Photograph of the USS DARTER prior to demolition.  View of members of demolition team near tripod mount abaft conning tower.

— page 265 —
7 January 1952. View of USS DARTER subsequent to explosion. Note: Although the picture does not clearly show it, there is a definite break in the hull just abaft the davit on the bow.

— page 267 —
7 January 1952.  Photograph of the USS DARTER prior to demolition.  View of conning tower and main battery taken from the bow.

— page 269 —
7 January 1952. Photograph of USS DARTER prior to demolition. View of demolition team on bow preparatory to setting demolition charges.

— page 281 —
7 January 1952. Photograph of the USS DARTER prior to demolition. View from conning tower looking forward.

— page 283 —
7 January 1952. Photograph of the USS DARTER prior to demollition. View taken from conning tower looking aft.

— page 284 —
1943
CINCPACFLT FILE
FFI-1
H3
Ser 81 JAN 1952

RESTRICTED
SECURITY INFORMATION

FIRST ENDORSEMENT on CONNAVPHIL Restricted 1tr NavPhil-N2-drf X9/L8-5
ser 472 of 18 Jan 1952

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

Subj: Explosives on Hulk of U.S.S. DARTER; demolition of

1. Forwarded.

Copy to:
CONNAVPHIL
CONSUBPA

RESTRICTED

— page 285 —
19 FEB 1952
SECURITY INFORMATION

SECOND INDEPENDENT on COMNAVTHL rest 1tr NavPhil-N2-drf X9/18-5
ser 472 of 18 Jan 1952

From: Chief of Naval Operations
To: Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet
Via: Chief, Bureau of Ships
Chief, Bureau of Ordnance

Subj: Explosives on Hull of USS DARTNER; demolition of

1. Forwarded, readdressed for information and return.

4.5.1m.

Copy to:
CINOPAULET
COMNAVTHL
COMSULPAO

F. S. LOW
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Logistics)

RESERVE
RESERVIED

SECURITY INFORMATION

— page 287 —
18MAR 1952
Fd-JQ:bsw
S76-3
FOURTH ENDORSEMENT on GOMNAVPHIL restr 1tr NavPhil-N2-drf X9/L8-5 ser 472 of
18 Jan 1952
From: Chief, Bureau of Ordnance
To: Commander Submarine Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet
Subj: Explosives on Hulk of USS DARTER; demolition of
1. Forwarded, contents noted.

Copy to:
CNO
CINCPACFLT
COMNAVPHIL
COMSUBPAC
BUSHIPS

RESTRICTED SECURITY INFORMATION
Fd-JQ:bsw
S76-3
FOURTH ENDORSEMENT on GOMNAVPHIL restr 1tr NavPhil-N2-drf X9/L8-5 ser 472 of
18 Jan 1952
From: Chief, Bureau of Ordnance
To: Commander Submarine Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet
Subj: Explosives on Hulk of USS DARTER; demolition of
1. Forwarded, contents noted.

RESTRICTED

— page 288 —
1/2/201/ S76
Ser 1821

RESTRICTED SECURITY INFORMATION

FIFTH ENDORSEMENT on CONNAPHILI restr 1tr NevPhil-N2-drf X9/L6-5 ser 472 of 18 Jan 1932

From: Commander Submarine Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet
To: Chief of Naval Operations (Attn: OF-433)

Subj: Explosives on Hulk of USS DARTER; demolition of

1. Returned.

R. J. POLIX
Chief of Staff

— page 289 —
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