U.S.S. LAPON (SS-260) — war patrol report SS-260_LAPON.pdf

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1969

VOLUME IV • 1969

NAVY DEPARTMENT

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS

NAVAL HISTORY DIVISION • WASHINGTON

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1. The keel of Lapon (SS-200) was laid 21 February 1942 by Electric Boat Co, Groton, Conn.; launched 27 October 1942; sponsored by Mrs. J. B. Oldendorf, wife of Rear Admiral Oldendorf; and commissioned 23 January 1943; Comdr. O. G. Kirk in command.
: 2. Completed trials and training in Long Island Sound. Lapon departed New London for the Pacific 4 May 1943, arriving at Pearl Harbor 1 June. She departed 21 June for her first war patrol which was spent in the Sea of Okinawa. Sea of Japan, and off the east coast of Hokkaido and Honshu. Lapon was the first U.S. submarine to slip through a mined strait into the Sea of Japan, the enemy's own backyard, on 3 July.
: 3. The submarine, Comdr. L. T. Stone in command, departed 26 September for a close inshore patrol off the south coast of Honshu. After sinking cargo ship Taichi Maru 19 October, Lapon returned to Pearl Harbor 4 November 1943 and departed for the west coast 7 November for an overhaul at Mare Island Navy Yard.
: 4. Battles with four new engines, the submarine departed for the South China Sea via Pearl Harbor 22 January 1944. Lapon relentlessly sought out torpedo targets and inflicted heavy damage on the enemy. In well-planned and skillful execution attacks, she sank cargo ships Taguchi Maru 5 March, Nishi Maru 9 March, and Hokuriku Maru 15 March; and inflicted heavy damage to several small craft. Lapon departed for Fremantle, Australia, arriving 1 April 1944.
: 5. Departing 23 April, Lapon arrived in the South China Sea and on 23 May detected and tracked a convoy. During the early hours of 24 May, the submarine sank cargo ships Wales Maru, and Bisen Maru. Lapon cleared the area at flank speed chased by an escort and returned to Fremantle 6 June for refit.
: 6. Underway for the eastern part of the South China Sea 29 June, Lapon spotted a cruiser and destroyer, the latter escaping at high speed. Four days later she sent cargo ship Kiyodo Maru No. 36 to the bottom. In the early evening of 31 July 1944, a convoy was sighted in Palawan Passage. Hunger for the kill. Lapon closed in on a night submerged radar attack and sent tanker Tinshin Maru to Dary Jones's Locker and damaged two other vessels. Lapon headed for Australia and moored at Fremantle 10 August.
: 7. Lapon sailed for the South China Sea on 4 September, LC. Comdr. D. G. Baer in command. She rendezvoused with submarines Finsher and Bonefish and became a member of a dangerous wolfpack. Early in the morning of 21 September, the submarine contacted an enemy hospital ship and allowed the ship to pass unharmed. That afternoon Lapon spotted smoke on rounding Palau point and commenced closing. As she neared attack position U.S. carrier-based planes attacked this convoy, inflicting heavy damage on the enemy. Lapon attacked remnants of the convoy 22 September and sank the cargo ship Shin Yuen. The next day Finsher and Lapon made a coordinated attack on several ships. Lapon sailing the tanker Hokki Maru. Trailing off the coast of Luzon 10 October 1944, Lapon intercepted a Manila-bound convoy and sank the cargo ship Ejiri Maru. Assigned lifeguard duty, the submarine was on station during the air attacks preliminary to the invasion of the Philippines; and 21 October departed for Australia, arriving at Fremantle 31 October.
: 8. Lapon left port for her seventh patrol 23 November and took position on a scouting line to prevent enemy reinforcements from reaching Mindoro and Leyte. Aircraft contacts were many and ship contacts few. Lapon was the last submarine to prowl Lingayen Gulf before the invasion, and was ordered out of the area at high speed the day of the first landings. She headed for Pearl Harbor, arriving 21 January 1945. Departing for the west coast 4 days later, Lapon moored at Mare Island Navy Yard 31 January.
: 9. Bound on her last patrol, Lapon arrived at Pearl Harbor 22 April, stayed there for a month, then headed for Guam, arriving 5 June. Next day she sailed on a special mission of lifeguarding for a British carrier strike force and for N-24 and B-29 bombers striking the Japanese homeland. Returning to Guam 20 June, she headed for Salpan 4 days later to join submarines for a picket boat sweep ahead of Admiral Halsey's forces which were to attack Tokyo area radar. Upon completion of sweep, Lapon went on lifeguard duty off Torri Shima until 7 July when she steamed for Midway, briefly stopping at Saipan for temporary repairs, mooring 23 July at the mid-Pacific island. The day she was to sail for another war patrol, hostilities ended. She departed for the Atlantic coast 26 August and arrived at New Orleans, La., 20 September 1945. She remained there until she departed 24 October for the Texas coast, arriving Galveston 25 October. Two days later she berthed at Houston. Lapon got underway for Staten Island, N.Y., 30 October, arriving 4 November. She remained at New York until 5 January 1946, when she sailed for New London, arriving the same day. Lapon was placed out of commission in reserve 25 July 1946.
: 10. Recommissioned at Portsmouth, N.H., 13 April 1957, Lapon remained in the Portsmouth vicinity until 10 August, when she was decommissioned and struck from the Navy list. On 8 August 1957 she was transferred to Greece under the Military Assistance Program and serves the Greek Navy as Poseidon (S-78).
: 11. Lapon was awarded the Navy Unit Citation for her brilliantly successful third, fourth, fifth, and sixth patrols and received four battle stars for World War II service.

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35260/16-3
Serial No. 024

DECLASSIFIED

From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. IAPON
To: Commander-in-Chief, U.S. FLEET
Via: (1) Commander Submarine Division GNE TENTY-TU
       (2) Commander Submarine Squadron TANEV
       (3) Commander Submarine Force, P.CIFIC FLEET

Subject: U.S.S. IAPON, Report of 'Far Patrol Number ONE

Enclosure: (1) Subject Report
       (2) Special Report of radio Reception, NPG, for
          Consubsparco

1. Enclosure (1) covering the first war patrol of this vessel
   conducted in the Japan Sea and along Eastern Coasts of Hokkaido and Honshu
   during the period 24 June to 31 July, 1943, is forwarded herewith.

O. G. KIRK

DECLASSIFIED ART. 044, CPNAVINST 5510.10
BY 02-0929C DATE 5/31/72

53761

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195-122/A16-3/
Serial 033

CONTINUATION:
FIRST ADDRESS TO:
U.S.S. LAFOR FIRST AR TARTOL.

From: The Commander Submarine Division ONS TARTY T.O.
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron T.S.L.V.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. LAFOR (SS260) - Report of First Air Patrol - Ocean.

1. Patrol was of 42 days' duration (HIDAY to PEARL) of which 26 days were spent in sea of OCHOSTK, sea of JAPAN and in ESTAR waters. Patrol was terminated by the provisions of the Operation Order.

2. Results were disappointing. 22 days of foggy weather and the failure of the fathometer early in the patrol did much to render operations difficult.

3. The radar contacts of July 3 and July 4 were not developed because of the provisions of the Operation Order which directed that no attacks would be made after passing a certain line of position until 1500 & July 6 (except in case of contact with GV or BB). This was to avoid disclosing evidence of the campaign until all units were in position to start offensive patrols in the sea of JAPAN.

4. Contacts were made. The first ship, sighted at about 20,000 yards just before surfacing, was attacked unsuccessfully by RADAR at 1590 yards. Two torpedoes of the four fired exploded at the ends of their runs. There is no evidence as to the performance of the others. LATCH was bombed from the air and depth charged by destroyers for about four hours just subsequent to sighting the carrier - destroyer formation on July 23. Many fishing scampers were sighted during the patrol and one was attacked by gunfire.

5. The material condition of the ship is good and refit is being performed by GRIFFIN. Although LAPORT returned with all four engines operating it is fully expected that a large percentage of engine gears will show cracks and that most of the engine coupling springs bundles will show the weakness characteristic of all E.O.K. engines examined to date. Replacement of these springs and gears will be the controlling item of the refit.

F.B. MARDER.

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(B) NARRATIVES (Cont'd)

June 30 Morning - totally overcast - no sights. Fog - shifting heavy mists. Seas gentle. Rain at intervals. Wind is from North. 1030K Fire in After Engine Room at terminal outlets, #4 Main Generators. Fire extinguished without difficulty. Cause: Salt water from leaky cooling line dropped across terminals causing flash over. Insulation burned - more smoke than fire. 1230K Weather cleared during late morning - got several sun lines and L.H. From these we feel fairly certain of position as Lat, 430 - 44 N., Long, 1530 - 42.5 E. Visibility closed in during afternoon - from 100 to 7000 yards, shifting. Specular condition of a bright sun overhead with heavy surface mist and fog. 1830K SD Radar stream picked up possible indications of other radar - observed for 8 to 10 minutes, then secured SD Radar. Posit at this time was Lat, 440 - 26 N., Long, 1510 - 40 E. The distance to nearest land by D.R. is 112 miles to Uruppu To. (Kuriles). Evening - Low, heavy fog - heavy mists. Made decision at 2000K to attempt passage Ysterofu Strait this night. Changed speed to three engines, 80/90 - 17.5 knots, and changed course to 305° T. to make landfall on Uruppu To depending on fathometer and 3D Radar. Visibility at this time 100 to 500 yards - at times 0.0.D. reported he couldn't see own bow or stern.

July 1 0034K By D.R. we figure we are about 18 miles from Uruppu To. Took sounding - 240 fathoms. This confirmed fact we were entering shoal water of Ysterofu Strait. 0036K 3D Radar reported "land pipes" on starboard bow, estimated range 40,000 yards. 0120K 3D Radar commenced continuous ranging and bearing. Getting fathometer readings every 10 minutes. Experienced first difficulties with fathometer - had to stop to get reliable reading. 0156K Established position from Radar data and fathometer readings as 2 miles north, 4 miles east of D.R. Changed course to 2450 T. to parallel coast and continue Radar tracking of southeast end of Uruppu To. 0213K Changed course to 2700 T. skirting south end of island. 0255K Being assured of position from Radar pilot, changed course to 3150 T., changed speed to four engines, 80/90 - 18.5 knots, and made passage Ysterofu Strait. Visibility all during landfall on Uruppu To and passage Ysterofu Strait varied from zero to 500 yards. Heavy mists and rain. Prior to changing course to 3150 T., 3D Radar picked up cliffs off of Rakibetsu Misaki on Ysterofu Jima at range of 40,000 yards. 0408K Submerged in Sea of Okhotsk. Just prior to submerging weather cleared. Could make out the cliffs off Rakibetsu Misaki, and noted snow on peaks on Ysterofu Jima. 2035K Surfaced. Stars out. Got fix which checked well with D.R. 2130K Visibility closed in. Fog and mists. Visibility less than 1000 yards all night. No noted unusual amount of phosphorescent matter in water in this Okhotsk Sea. Some concern is felt over large wake we are leaving due to this effect.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)
July 2 0249K Radar contact. Bearing 2910 T., range 9300 yards. Changed course to north and avoided. Lost contact very soon after.
0400K Submerged on 2700 T., proceeding to approaches to La Ferouse.
Strait.
210K Surfaced - visibility poor, fog and mists. 200 to 1000 yard visibility. Proceeded on 2700 T., estimate 48 miles from Naka Shiretoko.
Haskal. Made decision to proceed on, hoping to pick up Shiretoko by Radar. Proceeding trimmed down, the engines, 80/90 - 13 knots. We are concerned about reported Radar station on Naka Shiretoko Haskal. In this regard we are making one minute observations with 3D Radar at approximately 15 minute intervals to try to detect presence of other Radar in screen. Using fathometer to check progress.
2330K Radar reports definite "land pips" at 3063 T., range 58000 yards. This is hard to believe, but it checks well with D.R. Radar kept continuous ranges and bearings coming from here on. Navigator has identified "pips" as bearings on peaks on Naka Shiretoko Haskal. Ranges and bearings decreased in proportion with D.R. track - very close agreement has us amazed - much the same as making passage through Yaterofu Strait a few nights ago.

July 3 0058K Changed speed to four engines, 80/90 - 17% knots. 0100K Passed Naka Shiretoko Haskal abeam to bottom there and lay just to the eastward of throat of strait - Internet to bottom there and lay low until 10TE Night as outlined in Operation Order.
O1SK Visibility cleared, stars overhead, horizon is hazy.
0221K Changed course to 2500 T. to head for bottoming spot. We are somewhat worried about Hojgan Rock (or Dangerous Rock as the Russians have it). It's quite a thrill to be blasting through this area at 17.5 knots, trimmed down, not having sighted a thing for days - either ship, or land, or light.
0235K Radar contact. Range 9300 yards, bearing 1930 T. Changed course to avoid - we can't afford to be sighted. Lost contact soon after this.
0255K After resuming base course Radar has contact, range 1C,300 yards, bearing 1820 T. - must be same target as before. Changed course to 300 and tracked target.
0305K Radar lost target. Radar operator thought target was a fair size ship from size of "pip".
0310K 0.0.D. sighted flashing light on starboard tow. This light is lighted and seems to show characteristics as per light lists.
0325K Sounding showed 48 fathoms.
0327K Visibility is improving fast, sky is tightening - we must go down soon.
0335K Submerged and started to bottom.
0408K On the bottom at 210 feet. Boat took a quick initial swing to right after bottoming and then settled on 0370 T. She is resting.

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2021 Surface, 1st Lt. 440 - 57 N., Long. 1330 - 58.2 E. 3 Radar reported probable presence of other 3J Radar being detected on screen. Radar officer thinks characteristics are very similar to 3J. The possible presence of PLUNGER is indicated. At same time noted small target bearing 0590 T., range 5250 yards - lost target very soon after this. Other Radar evidence perorated.

2104 Radar contact, 1750 T, 8600 yards, traced target on course 0620 T., speed 12 knots. This checks for shipping bound from Vladivostok to La Perouse - probably a Russian - good size ship indicated, lost target at 13,850 yards, 1120 T. Visibility continued very bad - heavy fog, mist - less than 500 yards - smooth sea. Proceeding on 4 engines, 80/90 - 19.2 knots.

July 4 (Continued)
02001 Then assured we were well clear of 100 fathom curve, changed course to 2250 T. to proceed south to assigned area in Japan Sea. Changed speed to four engines, 80/90 - 18.5 knots. 03201 Visibility improving, sky lightening. 03301 Submerged Visibility during day from 200 to 2000 yards. Fog, mist - very smooth sea.

20151 Surface.
20281 At 2028 in D.R. Position - Lat. 440 - 57 N., Long. 1330 - 58.2 E. 3 Radar reported probable presence of other 3J Radar being detected on screen. Radar officer thinks characteristics are very similar to 3J. The possible presence of PLUNGER is indicated. At same time noted small target bearing 0590 T., range 5250 yards - lost target very soon after this. Other Radar evidence perorated.

2104 Radar contact, 1750 T, 8600 yards, traced target on course 0620 T., speed 12 knots. This checks for shipping bound from Vladivostok to La Perouse - probably a Russian - good size ship indicated, lost target at 13,850 yards, 1120 T. Visibility continued very bad - heavy fog, mist - less than 500 yards - smooth sea. Proceeding on 4 engines, 80/90 - 19.2 knots.

July 5 03/31 Radar contact 3200 T., 8200 yards. Tracked target, course 0900 T., speed 7 knots. Radar reported small ships, probably fishing boat - could not sight this target. Lost target at 9500 yards. 05141 Submerged 60 miles south of entrance to Vladivostok in Japan Sea.

20251 Surface. Kitsy, visibility about 2000 yards. Overcast, position doubtful, proceeding towards northern part of area. 22001 Fathometer is out of commission - loads from projector head show grounded readings. The loss of this device will be sorely felt.

July 7 00001 Entered area and in accordance with Operation Order commenced offensive patrol across probable steamer lanes out of Seishin and Rauhin, Northern Korea. 00451 Sighted light, 1420 T., about 8000 yards. Radar unable to pick up target.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)
July 7 (Continued)
03331 Sighted another light, bearing 0840 T.
04081 Submerged, when light seemed to draw closer and dawn began to break.
Ollll Lights sighted turned out to be sailing junk, 1830 T., and fishing sampan, 2930 T. Both boats small.
During day sighted numerous sailing and motor fishing sampans.
Visibility varied from 1000 to 10,000 yards. Sky overcast. No signs of any shipping - great disappointment felt by all hands.
20501 Surfaced - overcast, visibility zero to 2000 yards - mostly zero. Position doubtful. Proceeding on southerly courses dodging sampans as picked up by Radar. Radar has land pipe - Navigator working to fit them in for a position.
23151 Navigator assured of position. Visibility is practically zero, sky totally overcast. Radar ranges up to 60,000 yards being received. Radar has been in and out of commission twice this night - but due to the efforts of the Radar officer and technician she runs when we need her most.
No signs of shipping in the northern part of area; proceeding south with hopes of improvement.

July 8 02151 Passed Buzul Tan light abeam to starboard, six miles.
04171 Submerged. During morning saw numerous fishing sampans - 70 shipping. Visibility during day variable - 1000 to unlimited.
16001 Weather leared, visibility unlimited. Sun is out.
16081 Surfaced for sun line.
16291 Submerged.
20001 Just prior to surfacing, Captain sighted a target - 2 masts and a stack bearing 2900 T., range approximately 20,000 yards.
20351 Surfaced. Closed estimated target track to approximately 10,000 yards on target port beam.
21071 Radar picked up target. Visibility is poor - sky overcast, horizon hazy, estimate 3000-4000 yards. Range by Radar 11,270 yards, bearing 2700 T. Started tracing target.
22181 Completed plot of target - had very good check on target course as 1830 T., speed 8-1/4 knots. Altered course to gain position ahead.
23201 When about 30 degrees on target's port bow, range 10,000 yards, submerged and came to 2750 for a 900 port track. Running at Radar depth of 40 feet, trying to pick target up in periscope.
23311 Radar has target at range of 7220 yards, bearing 0540 relative. Could not see target in periscope. Kept continuous track with Radar bearings and ranges. No positive data on size or type of target. Sound could not pick up target. Visibility very uncertain. Dark and overcast - then stars out - then overcast. Never sighted target in periscope.
2351-521 Fire four torpedoes, range 1590 yards.
2357-181 Heard explosion. Thirty seconds later heard another
Bridgetly two torpedoes went off at end of run. D.R. posit at time of this attack. Lat. 390 - 22 N., Long. 1290 - 48 E. - at head of Gulf of Chosen.

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00161  Surfaced on 0650 T.  No sign of target.  Radar could not pick up target.
    00561  Altered course to 270° T. to close Nigate track to Konan, 04031  Surfaced and changed source to approach Konan in Korean Gulf.
    Patrolling Nigate and Taugaru shipping lanes
    16241  Surfaced for sun line
    16451  Submerged, resumed patrol.
    20001  Surfaced, set course south. Proceeding towards southern end of area, patrolling shipping lanes.  No sightings, no contacts by Radar.  Made decision to patrol on surface the next day.

Jul 10  Patrolled to southward until reaching position, Lat. 380 - 03 N., Long. 129° - 59 E. (about 50 miles bearing 3050 T. from Utsuryo To).
    05001  Than reversed course to north, patrolling on surface.
    SD Radar watching.  Visibility fairly fair - shifting mist.
    12221  Sighted fishing trap with bamboo pole and flag attached.  Closed and investigated at close range.
    14511  Sighted first of a series of sampans - heard transmissions on 300 kcs.
    15261  After sighting numerous sampans and avoiding, decided to submerge to gain way northward.  Submerged.
    20071  Surfaced.  Visibility less than 600 yards.  Totally overcast.  Changed course to close Bauri Tan Light - closing forerun coast - position is doubtful - we are totally dependent on Radar for navigation.
    21051  SD Radar picked up land, dead ahead, range 55,000 yards.  By Radar, we closed coast and when about 17000 yards abeam Bauri Tan Light changed course to north, slowed and patrolled up Korean coast.  Made numerous Radar contacts with sampans - no big "pip" contacts noted.  Visibility remained atrocious.  We investigated several of these Radar "pips" at very close range and definitely know they were fishing sampans.  This while coast seems to be one big fishing ground.

Jul 11  02251  Passed Gyoro Tan Light abeam to port, 11,000 yards.  We have yet to see the coast of Korea.  Visibility precludes seeing the beach unless we run up on it as on a surf board.
    03001  Changed course to 0600 T. and decided to patrol submerged off Seishin and Rashin.
    04471  Submerged, with several sampans close by.
    Visibility at morning twilight - totally overcast - foggy, heavy mist.  Weather cleared just prior to diving.
    During morning sighted numerous sampans, no shipping.
    14211  Surfaced - Battle Stations Surface.
    14371  Closed on two sampans and opened fire with .30 cal., .50 cal., and 20 a.m. on one of them which was tending a large fishing net.

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1. (Continued)
July 11 (Continued)
14391 Ceased firing. Believe all occupants of sampan casualties (about 8 to 10). Another sampan, motor drives, hauled clear to southward. Heard urgent distress call on 500 kcs from very close by, evidently from other sampan. He lost him in fog and decided to let him go as evidence of enemy submarine presence in area.
14571 Submerged as overheard cleared.
15001 Charged course to 0730 T. to leave area - heading for Siberian coast
20171 Surfaced. Made several Radar contacts with small fishing boats. Manoeuvered to avoid and stood out of area. He feel very disappointed in our results, and wonder about the value of the rather lengthy intelligence data studied prior to entering area.

July 12 00001 Proceeding up coast of Siberia. Dense mist, visibility 100 to 500 yards. Totally overcast. Position doubtful.
02451 Radar picked up land - later identified as Povorotni Point and mountains inland. Ranges 55,000 to 75,000 yards.
04351 Established position approximately. Changed course to close Siberian coast to check.
05131 Paralleled coast again, continued Radar plot of land pips.
06301 Established position 15 miles, bearing 1160 T., from Cape Stolbovoi
08381 Changed course to 0560 T., making run for In Pervouse Strait
Weather during day - foggy, mist, rain. Visibility zero to 2300 yards, varying from minute to minute. Seas and wind freshened in afternoon - getting colder. He believe we are beginning to feel effects of Arctic winds. Overhead totally overcast.
11241 Radar contact 0950 T., 10,000 yarcs. Lost target at 12,000 yards. Probably a Russian.
20301 Made decision to approach La Pervouse Strait from a point 100 miles due west of the throat. Dodged this to insure against being swept by unknown currents and to afford ample safety in making Radar landfall on entrance to strait.

July 13 04031 Position is doubtful, but by D.R. we are 100 miles due west of La Pervouse.
04051 Submerged. Changed course to 0900 T.
Weather during day - misty, clearing for short periods then closing in. Overhead totally overcast. Visibility 400 to 4000 yards. Seas building up.
19021 Surfaced in heavy rain. Seas force 4-5 from south. Radar has wave pips, 2000-2500 yards. Position doubtful. Proceeding on course 0900 hoping to pick up land on Radar.
19381 Radar contact, 0750 T., 8000 yards. Tracked target, course 2130 T., speed 4 knots. Target is either a patrol idling on station or a steamer heading into sea. Visibility is less than 2000 yards. Raining very hard in short bursts, everything then going very black. Altered course to south and ran around contact.

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2018 Radar has land pips, 134° T., 42,000 yards. After later analysis of data, this proved to be Reban Shima, the island off southwestern entrance to La Perouse. D.H. was not much in error (about 18 miles)
: 22021 Radar picked up Hishiri Shima Peak, 176° T, 55,000 yards. This checks our position. Increased to three engines, 80/90 - 17 knots, and continued on 0900 T. We are approaching western entrance to south channel as layed out by Japs.
: 22031 Radar contact, 103° T., 11,000 yards. Target approaching. Changed course to south and avoided. Target closed to 5,500 - seemed to be a patrol from size of "pip".
: 22231 Changed course to 0900, proceeding as before to transit strait.
: 22361 Radar contact, 0640 T., 10,750 yards.
: 22411 Radar contact, 0620 T., 9900 yards.
: From our pilot we have patrols on either bow closing fairly quick. Radar operator reports smaller pips at intervals between the larger ones.
: 22471 Slowed to check contacts. Targets closing fast. Abandoned idea of going between them.
: 22501 Reversed course and changed speed to flank and put targets astern.
: 23081 Having avoided patrols, changed course to 0900 and resumed transit of strait at 19 knots.
: 23561 Now in throat of strait. Land pips from radar checks
: Navigation position very well.

July 14 00001 Proceeding through La Perouse Strait. We believe the strait from western entrance is now heavily patrolled. Probably this is due to the known presence of our submarines in the Japan Sea.
: 01131 Changed course to 0750 T. to make Radar landfall on Naka Shiretoko [H] Island - proceeding across anima Wan.
: 02441 Radar landfall Naka Shiretoko [H] Island, 0450 T., 55,000 yards.
: 03001 Submerged.
: 10401 Weather cleared. Brightest day we've seen in weeks.
: Sighted Naka Shiretoko [H] Island - position checks with Radar plotted position. We are now in Sea of Okhotsk proceeding towards Ystorofu Strait.
: Yesterday, the upper periscope became almost useless from fogging. We have rigged up the auxiliary gyro compass vacuum pump on it and are trying to dry it out to refill with dry nitrogen. Held a 30° vacuum for about 5 hours and then refilled with dry nitrogen. After this periscope proved to be very much improved - not entirely clear, but it is usable.
: 11001 Set clocks ahead to minus 10 time (KIND)
: 2025K Surfaced. Weather overcast, foggy, calm seas.

July 15 00001 Proceeding toward Ystorofu Strait. On two engines, 80/90.
: 03001 3J Radar picked up Chiririppu Hauto - the northwest promontory on Ystorofu Island, range 55,000 yards. Established position.
: 0350K Submerged.

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2023 5 (Continued)
July 15 (Continued)
0922K Sighted land - cut in on mountain peaks of Vitorofu Shima, Visibility during morning picked up to unlimited and then closed in during afternoon. Sea is flat - haze and fog occurring and re-occurring.
2020K Surfaced
2020K Closed land on Vitorofu Island to establish position by Radar out. Approaching north entrance Vitorofu Strait.
2107K Position established. Reliable ranges up to 65,000 yards were given by SJ Radar on this run.
2306K Entered strait from northwest. Changed speed to three engines, 80/90, Visibility variable from zero to 4000 yards. Moon trying to break through. We are experiencing a pronounced drop in temperature as we move into the Pacific. The engineers report a sudden drop of 50 in injection temperature. Kind has freshened - we see the fog shifting by in clouds - only to be replaced by other fog.

July 16 0030K Cleared Vitorofu Strait, in Pacific Ocean.
0100K Sent out despatch 151215 to Comsubspac
0130K Changed course to 1550 T., heading for return point designated in Operation Order, Lat. 45° N, Long. 1520 E.
6600K Received Comsubspac instructions to continue patrol for seven days working south and east along coasts of Hokkaido and Honshu as far as 360 N. Changed course to 2550 T., heading for Hokkaido coast.
0738K Changed course to 2550 T., heading for Shikotan T.
Weather has us guessing! Since leaving Vitorofu Strait heavy fog has set in - sometimes we can see the bow! Remaining on surface for days' run as long as fog persists.
2035K SJ Radar has land pipes.
2045K Established position of Shikotan T. to parallel coast, proceeding down coast in dense fog - sea flat, zero visibility.

July 17 0C29K, 0110K, 0140K Radar contacts with small targets heading up coast on about parallel opposite courses. Suspect they are fishing boats.
0544K Changed course to 2708 T. to close coast for position check. 0750K Checked position by Radar as about 8 miles due south. Deikoku Shima at head of Joketsui Nam - Lat. 42° - 48 N, Long. 1440 - 55 E. Fog is still very thick - visibility 4-500 yards.
C630K Set 3D watch
0645K SD Radar detected definite evidence of presence of other Radar - we secured the 3D at this time.
0327K Visibility cleared to 5-5000 yards. Overhead cleared, Submerged. Patrolling off Kushiro - no signs of shipping of any kind.
2040K Surfaced - proceeding down southeast coast of Hokkaido - about 10 miles off shore - visibility closing in very tight.
2105K Radar contact 0810 T., 2000 yards. Very small pip - probably fishing boat. Visibility closed into less than 100 yards. Dense fog - flat seas.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Continued)

July 17 (Continued)
2220K Radar got good "pips" from Erimo Saki Peninsula

July 18 0335K Erimo Saki light abeam to starboard, 11 miles
0334K Changed course to 3040 T. Patrolling up western end of Erimo Saki
0335K Visibility opening out to 4000-5000 yards. Beam breaking with good light.
0336K Submerged
0335K Changed course to 263° T. Made decision to patrol line Erimo Saki to Tsugaru Strait entrance - this to cover any possible traffic and to get us into position off Shiriya Saki tonight. Visibility during day cleared - complete all around horizon. Sky is overcast.
1000K Sighted small seaman.
1223K Sighted small ship - possible patrol - range 8000 yards, could not close.
2047K Surfaced. Weather uncertain - hazy horizon, visibility 4000-5000 yards.
2115K Sky cleared, moon out bright. Horizon partially cleared.
2221K Observed lunar rainbow bearing 3180 T., very distinct and colorless - within in appearance. Distant about 2000 yards.

July 19 0130K Established position by Radar off Shiriya Saki. We noted a 3/4 to one knot current, direction of set 070° T. in run from Erimo Saki to Shiriya Saki.
0135K 3D Radar detected evidence of other radar on screen. From later observations, it is our guess that there may be Radar on Shiriya Saki.
0138K Changed course to 2000 T. and closed the beach to about nine miles just south of Shiriya Saki.
0135K Submerged.
0848K Sighted seaman.
0909K Changed course to 3200 and closed beach to 3 miles, just south of Shiriya Saki. Patrolling north and south along coast - about 3 miles off beach.
1635K Sighted small one stack patrol ship about 750 tons, close onto beach, range about 5 miles. Sighted numerous sampan off this beach. Caused much maneuvering to avoid disclosing presence.
2050K Surfaced
(No navigational lights have been noted off the coasts of Japan so far - coast entirely blacked out. Could see Shiriya Saki lighthouse very clearly. We got our first good navigational cuts since this patrol started. Today the weather has been good - visibility very good - land very easy to make out. The sea has been flat as a mill pond, however.)
Proceeding down coast of Honshu - about 25 miles off shore.
Visibility excellent - bright moonlight. Got sextant sights and fair fix.
2300K Fog mists coming up. Visibility closing in to less than 500 yards.

— page 17 —
2025K Changed course to 1950 T., standing down towards Todo Saki. 0/44K Submerged, Patrolling off Todo Saki. Visibility about 2000 to 8000 yards, varying. Position doubtful because of known currents off this point.
2027K Surfaced. Radar has land "pips". Proceeding down coast, trying to adjust position from Radar gates. Visibility has closed to less than 300 yards - heavy fog and mists. Overhead totally overcast.
2125K Radar contact 0400 T., 7000 yards. Tracked target course 0270 T., speed 10 knots. Consider target a small fishing boat or patrol. Visibility less than 200 yards - broke off tracking and continued down coast.
2918K Established position off Hirota Yan, Lat. 38° - 55 N., Long. 142° - 04 E.

July 21 0240K Kinka San Light abeam to port, distant 11/2 miles. Fog still persists at sunrise - Visibility less than 500 yards.
Standing down coast.
0610K Visibility clearing. Overhead clear.
0615K Submerged. Patrolling line Kinka San to Shioya Saki.
Visibility remained good during day.
2025K Surfaced. Sky partially clear. Got stern sights. Fixed position and changed course to close Shioya Saki.
2208K SJ Radar has land pips at 45/000 yards.
2343K Shioya Saki Light abeam to starboard, 8 miles.

July 22 0000K Standing down coast on course 1870 T., to close Imubo Saki Light. Visibility is unlimited, moon is bright. This is first real clear dark night we have had since patrol started.
0430K Got morning stars for fix.
0455K Sighted amoks on horizon, 2200 T.
0457K Submerged. Changed course to 2200 T. Battle Stations. 0600K Nothing sighted - either smoke was a cloud or ship was headed otherwise. Changed course to 1750 and patrolled line Shioya Saki to Imubo Saki.
1133K Sighted Imubo Saki Lighthouse bearing 2100 T., distant nine miles. During day sighted numerous sampans - none appeared to be of patrol variety.
1945K Established position as 11 miles, 2900 from Imubo Saki Light.
2037K Surfaced - standing to southward to head for position in area FOUR assigned by Consubspaes despatch.
2108K Sighted Imubo Saki Light bearing 3060 T. Believe light was dimmed and characteristics altered - on 5 minutes, off 5 minutes.
2201K Sighted anti-aircraft searchlights on 2800 T. Believe these lights to be over Tokyo.

July 23 0000K Standing to southward to cover lanes approaching Tokyo from the southeast and east.
0100K Sighted a bright light bearing 2140 T. on horizon - could not make any other details - probably a fishing boat or a patrol.
Visibility good - bright moon, clear skies.

— page 18 —
3. (3) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)
July 23 (Cont'd)
0402K Star fix shows a 2.3 knot current setting 030° T. This is in general agreement with Pilot Charts but we didn't expect as much set as far off the beach as we are. Position - Lat. 34° - 40 N., Long. 141° - 16 E.
0454K Submerged. Changed course to 225° T. to hold our own against current and patrol across lanes to Tokyo.
1439K Slightest destroyer, bearing 240° T. Range approximately 6000 yards. Battle Stations.
1440K Slightest second destroyer and one large aircraft carrier.
Ranges 5000 yards, speed 20, course southeast. Destroyers patrolling.
1440-30K One aircraft bomb landed close by.
1442K 1st pariscoop depth. Second aircraft bomb landed fairly close. Rigged for depth charge.
1443K First depth charge landed not very close.
1445K Vent deep, 250 to 280 feet.
1447K Groups of depth charges being dropped - some we guess at 1000 to 1500 yards - others may be a little closer - none closer than the usual 400 yard indoctrination charges.
Starboard evasive manoeuvres.
About 20 charges dropped - pinging is heard intermittently. High speed scores at least 300 RPMs heard.
1600K Deep - still hear searching vessels close by.
1700K Deep - still hear searching vessels close by.
1807K Screws fairly close - pinging on slow scale.
1857K About 6 depth charges dropped - appear to be distant - 3000 yards.
2005K Came to pariscoop depth. Nothing sighted. Visibility hazy.
2045K Surfaced. Sighted destroyer distant about 4000 yards bearing 1650 T. Another destroyer or patrol bearing 1800 T. at about same distance.
Changed course to 330° T. Cut in all engines and cleared area to northward.
Heard heavy explosion from astern, source unknown.
2143K Sighted two yellow flares on port beam - apparently from patrol craft.
2150K Changed course to 090° - Believe we have shaken patrol craft.
Made decision to stand to eastward in view of being unable to reach assigned position and to cover alternatetrack assigned by Consubspac dispatch.

July 24 015K Sent contact report regarding aircraft carrier to Consubspac.
0149K Sighted patrol craft, possibly small destroyer, bearing 0820T.
distant 6000 yards. Changed course and evaded.
0215K Radar reports contact - small "pip" on starboard bow. Range 6000 yards. Changed course and avoided.
0230K Back on 090° T., having evaded both patrols. Believe the Japs DF1d. our transmissions. They seemed to be headed for us when sighted.
0450K Submerged.
0608K Sighted type 97 heavy bomber, on parallel course on starboard beam, 2000-3000 feet high.
Patrolled all day on course east - weather at - weather

— page 21 —
3. The charts available for passage through La Perouse are inadequate.
   : 7a had on board all Hydrographic Office charts of 26, 28, and 28a. portfolios,
   : and also two confidential charts issued with the Operation Order. Recommend
   : a larger scale chart be made up and furnished any boats making the passage
   : in the future.

(5) SHIP COUNTIES

| NO. | TIME  | L.TITUDE- | INTITL. | EST. COURSE | HOI- |
|-----|-------||||------|
|     | DATE  | LONGITUDE | TYPE (3) | RANGE     | SPEED | CONT. | CODE |
| 1. | 2000T | 39° - 49' N. | Unknown | 20,000    | 183° T. | Periscope |
|     | July 8 | 130° - 02' E. |         | 20,000    | 8-1/4 kts |      |
| 2. | 1439K | 34° - 28' N. | 2 DD'5  | 6000 yds  | 3.E.  | Periscope |
|     | July 23 | 140° - 58' E. |         | 20 kts.   |      |      |
| 3. | 1440K | 34° - 28' N. | 1 CV   | 5000 yds  | 3.E.  | Periscope |
|     | July 23 | 140° - 58' E. |         | 20 kts.   |      |      |

(6) AIRCRAFT COUNT

| NO. | TIME  | L.TITUDE- | TYPE | INTITL. | EST. COURSE | HOI- |
|-----|-------||------|||------|
|     | DATE  | LONGITUDE | TYPE | RANGE     | SPEED | CONT. | CODE |
| 1. | 0608K | 34° - 58' N. | 97 Heavy | 6000 yds. | East | Periscope |
|     | July 24 | 143° - 44' E | Bomber | 200 kts |      |      |
| 2. | 0900K | 35° - 45' N. | 97 Heavy | 6 miles | 2100 T. | Periscope |
|     | July 25 | 147° - 05' E. | Bomber | 175-200 kts. |      |      |
| 3. | 1947K | 36° - 09' N. | 97 Heavy | 10 miles | 180° T. | S.D. |
|     | 147° - 18' E. | Bomber | 175-200 kts. |      |      |      |

— page 22 —
1. ATTACK DATA
   - Attack: 1. Attack
   - Time/Date (G.C.T.) 1. 1451 - July 8, 1943
   - Location - Latitude 1. 390 - 22' 17" N.
   - Longitude 1. 1290 - 48' 8" E.
   - Number and type Torpedoes 1. 4 - Mark XIV-3A
   - Fired on each Attack 1. 0
   - Number Sunk (Tonnage) 1. 0
   - Number Damaged or Probably Sunk (Tonnage) 1. 0
   - Type of Target 1. Unknown - Saw smoke and two masts beyond horizon
   - Range 1. 1590 - 1550 - 1510 - 1480
   - Type of Attack: Periscope (P) 1. (P) (R)
   - Surface(S) Hight (H) Radar (R) 1. 15 feet
   - Torpedo Depth Setting 1. 1/ feet
   - Bow or Stern Show 1. Bow
   - Gyro' Angle 1. 30 R. - 50 R. - 60 R. - 80 R.
   - Track Angle 1. 900 P.
   - Estimated Target Speed 1. 8-1/4 knots
   - Firing Interval 1. 11 seconds
   - Spread - Amount and Kind 1. 40 L. - 140 L. - 140 R. - 140 R. divergent.
   - Was Torpedo Performance Satisfactory Yes

Remark: Plot and T.D.C. data agreed perfectly. This being our first attack, was careful to an extreme to make it a perfect one. Immediately after the attack, checked for any possible error. Ran problem over us.

— page 23 —
1. This vessel made two passages of La Porous Strait through the middle of the Jap reportod mined area. It is believed this proves the fact the strait is not mined.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE NER SURFAS AND EVASIVE TACTICS

It is believed that most motor sampan fishing boats in the Sea of Japan have radio. Since we were underbteady sighted many times, and nothing happened, I do not believe they were organized.

Areas ONE, TWO, and THREE seemed to be free of the patrol craft expected, although numerous fishing sampans were encountered.

In depth charging and bombing attacks to which LAPON was subjected to on July 23, nothing of unusual interest can be reported, except that air coverage was offensive, be it luck or alertness. We were sighted and bombed immediately after two poriscope observations about a minute apart, neither one of which can have been over ten seconds duration. Destroyer performance was poor, howaver sound conditions may also have been poor.

(K) HIJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

1. Engine induction leaked during deep submorgance when subject to depth charge attack on July 23. The drains had to be closed to prevent filling bilges, on surfacing took suction through conning tower hatch. Freed induction through drains and by cracking inboard hull valves. Induction was partially flooded. Believe depth charging caused induction to leak more than formerly.

2. Fathometer out of commission - projector head leads show almost complete ground.

3. Periscopes fogged up to point where high periscope became practically useless. Attempts to dry out on board were only partially successful. Low periscope was almost as bad, as we moved south into warmer weather the periscopes improved.

4. Main generator terminal blocks at casings are not adequately protected from salt water spray or other foreign matter. Ship has experienced two fires caused by "flash-overs" at these blocks as a result of salt water drip. Recommend installation of adequate terminal block shielding.

5. The Negative tank leaked at deep submergence. The gasket on the flood valve is probably damaged. This hampered depth control during the depth charge attack and caused high pressures in the boat because of continuous venting and blowing of negative to control amount in tank.

— page 24 —
35 RADAR
The equipment on board is highly satisfactory. No casualties were sustained. SD Radar interference on low frequencies (16,168 kcs) is very great. There is moderate 3D Radar interference from 10 to 14 megacycles.

Information required by Consubscope despatches 200927 and 090739 is being forwarded in detail under seperate cover.

(M) RADAR

3D RADAR - Performance of 3D Radar is considered outstanding. Without 3D Radar the navigation of Tetorofu Strait in fog would have been highly dangerous. The passage of La Forouso Strait in the visibility that obtained is considered almost impossible without Radar. As goes up to 70,000 yards on 6000 foot mountain peaks were obtained.

It was invaluable in avoiding and escape tactics.

The 3D motor generator did not operate satisfactorily. The set will not maintain proper operating voltage. Ship's force has not been able to correct this trouble. A switch was installed to operate the 3D Radar on the ship's I.C. supply and it was necessary to use this voltage source most of the time.

It was necessary to dry the insulation bottom on the slip rings on the lower antenna housing with a hot air blower before starting the 3D Radar upon surfacing. Most of the moisture on the insulators was due to condensation.

One of the impeller blades on the magnetron blower fan broke. A new fan was constructed from sheet brass and operated satisfactorily.

The heater circuit on the 3D Radar is connected to the ship's lighting circuit. The lighting motor generator is connected for silent running. After securing from silent running, it is necessary to give the Radar at least twenty minutes for heating to become stable in tuning.

It was found that the filtering circuit provided was not sufficient to eliminate the "blower noise". It is suggested that the blower motors be placed on an isolated circuit.

Prior to our departure from Pearl Harbor the following units were removed: Motor generator, receiver indicator, wave guide from receiver indicator to lower antenna housing, lower antenna housing, and lobing motor assembly.

3D RADAR - Performance of the 3D Radar was considered satisfactory. The one enemy aircraft sighted while on the surface was not picked up on the 3D. The range of this aircraft was approximately ten miles and position angle loss than five degrees. The 3D Radar gave no trouble.

— page 25 —
1. SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

Sound conditions were poor in the Sea of Okinawa and the Sea of Japan, and off the coasts of Hokkaido and eastern Honshu, due undoubtedly to the density layers and temperature gradients noted in paragraph (0) below. Of the innumerable motor sampans sighted in these areas, not one was heard.

Southwest of Imbo Sakai sound conditions appeared to be somewhat better. Destroyers evidently were able to maintain listening, but not echo ranging contact.

Pinging was heard best with the Beat Frequency Oscillator in "off" position. That on 14.7 kcs. sounded flat and mushy; on 15.5 kcs clear and sharp.

Flexible couplings between training motors and reduction gears for both sound heads are extremely noisy.

(0) DESIGNATION: 1.1213

Bathytomograph cards down to 300 feet were obtained almost every day in every area.

Testbound, Yeterofu to La Perous a definite layer existed anywhere down to 100 feet, with a sudden temperature drop of 10°; below this layer a perfectly uniform temperature of 40° was recorded to 300 feet. Eastbound, 10 days later, the layer was noted again, but the deep water temperature got as low as 27°.

In the Sea of Japan, one, and sometimes two layers, could always be found down to 150 feet, with a temperature drop of from 10° to 25°. Invariably, the temperature below this layer was uniform at 40°.

Off the southeast coast of Hokkaido there was a definite layer at 85 feet.

Off the eastern coast of Honshu layers could usually be found at 100 feet or less, but they were not so well defined as those noted above.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HEALTH-BILITY

The best in general was comfortable. The long submergence periods in northern latitudes resulted in high CO2 percentages late in submerged day. Maximum percentage of CO2 noted was 2°. This figure was noted at the close of a 17.3 hour submergence. No attempt was made to use CO2 absorbant. Breathing became somewhat forced with high CO2 content but not markedly so.

— page 28 —
155-122/AL6-3/
Serial 033

CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST ADDRESS TO:
U.S.S. LAPORT FIRST AR TATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. LAPORT (SS-260) - Report of First Air Patrol - Ocean.

1. Patrol was of 42 days' duration (INDIAY to PEARL) or which 26 days were spent in sea of OCHOTSK, sea of JAPAN and in ENTRANCE waters. Patrol was terminated by the provisions of the Operation Order.

2. Results were disappointing. 22 days of foggy weather and the failure of the fathometer early in the patrol did much to render operations difficult.

3. The radar contacts of July 3 and July 4 were not developed because of the provisions of the Operation Order which directed that no attacks would be made after passing a certain line of position until 1500 3 July 6 (except in case of contact with CV or BB). This was to avoid disclosing evidence of the campaign until all units were in position to start offensive patrols in the sea of JAPAN.

4. Contacts were made. The first ship, sighted at about 20,000 yards just before surfacing, was attacked unsuccessfully by RADAR at 1590 yards. Two torpedoes of the four fired exploded at the ends of their runs. There is no evidence as to the performance of the others. LAPORT was bombed from the air and depth charged by destroyers for about four hours just subsequent to sighting the carrier - destroyer formation on July 23. Many fishing scampers were sighted during the patrol and one was attacked by gunfire.

5. The material condition of the ship is good and refit is being performed by GRIFFIN. Although LAPORT returned with all four cruisers operating it is fully expected that a large percentage of cruiser gear will show cracks and that most of the cruiser coupling springs bundles will show the weakness characteristic of all H.O.K. cruisers examined to date. Replacement of these springs and gears will be the controlling item of the refit.

F.B. HARDER.

— page 29 —
33260/16-3
Serial No. 024

CONFIDENTIAL

From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. L.PON
To: Commander-in-Chief, U.S. PLEET
Via: (1) Commander Submarine Division ONE TENTY-T-O
       (2) Commander Submarine Squadron THELVES
       (3) Commander Submarine Force, P.CIPFIC FLEET

Subject: U.S.S. L.PON, Report of 'Far Patrol Number ONE

Enclosure: (1) Subject Report
       (2) Special Report of Radio Reception, NPL, for
          Consubspace

1. Enclosure (1) covering the first war patrol of this vessel
conducted in the Japan Sea and along Eastem Seas of Hokkaido and Honshu
during the period 24 June to 31 July, 1943, is forwarded herewith.

O. G. KIRK

— page 31 —
12-10/26-3(5)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial C1089
Confidential
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
LAPON report of first
PATROL dated 7-31-43.

COMSURSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 234
U.S.S. LAPON - FIRST WAR PATROL.
From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Fleet.
Via: The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. LAPON (SS260) - Report of First War Patrol.
(June 17 to August 4, 1943).

Enclosure:
(A) Copy of subject war patrol report.
(B) Copy of CO.subudiv 121 Conf. 1st. end. FB5-122/A16-3, Serial 033 dated 9 August 1943.
(C) Copy of CO.subron 12 Conf. 2nd. end. FB5-12/A16-3/FB5-122, Serial 047 dated 10 August 1943.

1. This was the first war patrol for the LAPON and was carried out in the Japan Sea.

2. The patrol was handicapped somewhat by fog and derangement of the father motor. The lack of use of the fathometer should not, however, prevent a reconnaissance from approaching the coast in foggy weather to search for shipping, since the S1 radar can be used efficiently for navigational purposes. As a matter of fact the S1 radar was well used to navigate through La Perouse Strait.

3. For contacts were made. It is believed that more contacts would have been made had a patrol closer to the beach been conducted.

4. This patrol is not considered successful for Combat Insignia award.

5. The LAPON is credited with having inflicted the following damage to the enemy:

SUNK
1 - Sempan
75 tons
C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

Distribution and authentication on following page.
-1-

— page 32 —
12-10/16-3(5)/16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01089
CONFIDENTIAL
CARE OF Fleet Post Office,
Sen Francisco, California,
13 August 1943.

THIRD EMERGENCY TO
SUBJECT: report of first
peritol dated 7-21-43.

UNSUBSCRIBED PATROL REPORT NO. 234
U.S.S. LAPON - FIRST WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. LAPON (SS260) - Report of First War Patrol,
(June 17 to August 4, 1943).

DISTRIBUTION:
360. Naval Sea, Fleet,

— page 33 —
15/1 Copy

SS260/16-3
Serial No. 025
DECLASSIFIED

From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. L.PON
To: Commander in Chief, United States Fleet
Via: (1) Commander Submarine Division ONE T.DIVI-T-TO
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron T.SW3
(3) Commander Submarine Force, P.CIFIC FLIGHT

Subject: U.S.S. L.PON, Report of "Air Patrol number T.O

Enclosure: (1) Subject report.
    (B) Track chart

1. Enclosure (1), covering the second war patrol of this vessel conducted in area FIVE (off south coast of Honshu) during the period 26 September to 4 November, 1943, is forwarded herewith.

L. T. STONE

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPM/AVINST 5510.1C

BY 00-09092 DATE 5/21/42

59653

— page 34 —
1943, from first war patrol. Commenced refit on August 5, 1943, by tender (USS GRIFFIN). On August 19, 1943, Commander Lowell T. STONE, U.S.N., relieved Commander Oliver G. KIRK U.S.N., as commanding officer. Relief crew left ship on August 19; the reassembly of engines continued by ship's force assisted by tender. Drydocked in AD-1 during this period August 20 to August 23. During refit all main engine timing and accessory gears were removed and magnified and No. 1 periscope moved to the conning tower. Last outstanding minor alterations within the capacity of the tender force and time available were completed during the refit. Completed refit on two main engines on August 27. Conducted two days independent operations on August 28 and 29. Reported to Commander Destroyers, PACIFIC FLEET, as Destroyer Sound School Training Vessel on August 30. Completed engine refit of remaining engines on September 4, 1943. Detached as Sound School Training Vessel on September 21. During this period conducted seventeen practice approaches. Sound tested and inspected for oil and air leaks. Magnetic keel signature was taken at Beckoning Point and was satisfactory for expected operating area. Conducted training period of two days and one night consisting of eight practice approaches, the firing of three practice torpedoes, and the firing of deck and machine guns. Readiness for sea September 26, 1943.

(B) NARRATIVE:

September 26:
1240(W) Departed Pearl Harbor enroute area via lido way in company U.S.S. CDRO and GULF. KWH surface escort.
1856(W) Made trim dive.
Escort dismissed by CDRO at dark. Proceeded independently.

September 27:
0638(X) Sighted two Army B-26 numbers. Exchanged recognition signals.
Lt. 23-58 N., Long. 160-37 W.
1355(X) Sighted FBI seplame. Exchanged recognition signals. Lt.
24-56 N., Long. 161-40 W.
1420(X) Exchanged recognition signals with B-24 bomber. Lt. 24-58 N., Long. 161-46 W.
Enroute to area conducted daily fire control drills and trim
divos; compensated magnetic compasses; held emergency drills.
Fired 20 mm. and machine guns.

September 30:
0230(Y) Rader contact 3340 T., range 12,000 yards. Thought to be CDRO or GULF. KWH. Continued radar tracking. CONT. CT #1. (Lt. 23-44 N., Long. 176-20 W.)
0445(Y) Sighted and exchanged recognition signals with USS CDRO, con-
irming radar contact.

— page 35 —
0547(Y) Rendezvous with air escort from Midway.
0837(Y) Arrived Midway. Fueled to capacity.
1527(Y) Underway from Midway enroute to patrol area. Air escort until dark. On surface except for daily training dives. Conducted one or two fire control problems daily enroute to area. Continued tests for underwater receptions from NPS until outside 3000 mile distant. (See Section L)
2400(H) Crossed international date line. Dropped Friday, October 1 from calendar.

October 2:
Uneventful cruising at standard speed of 15 knots (two engines), using constant helm, steering 20° on each side of base course. Sighted several glass not floats. Seas moderate.

October 3:
SD radar reported fairly strong indications of other radar on screen.
1437(H) Indications of radar at maximum.
1500(H) Indications of radar disappeared.

October 5:
Sighted four-motorboard aircraft broad on port bow, distance 16,000 yards closing. |IRCR.FT CONT.OT #5. No radar contact. Dove to 250 feet, position Latitude 33-57N., Longitude 158-33E.
1350(L) Surfaced. Rounded course and speed.
1850(K) Sighted patrol boat or sampan dead ahead (Lat. 34-02N., Long. 157-09E.). CONT.OT #2. Radar contact 3000 yards at same time. Maneuvered to avoid at flank speed. This contact is approximately on the 800 mile circle from Tokyo.

October 6 and 7:
Uneventful cruising in moderate seas, with low ceiling at 15 knots.

October 8:
1210(K) Dove to continue patrol across Empire-Seapan routes since weather had cleared with high broken clouds.
1800(I) Surfaced.
2030(I) Hachijo shima Island aboam to sterboard, distant 16,000 yards. Weather was equally with a moderate northeasterly sea running. No lights were observed on Hachijo Shima, or were there indications of any patrol vessels.

October 9:
Entered southeast corner of operating area. Prior to entering area a study of the various traffic routes and a plot of previous contacts had revealed that the intersection of the Onai-Saki-Kashino Sakki and the Nagoya-Saipan routes had been productive of many large ship contacts. The coastal traffic apparently stayed near the 100 fathom curve during daylight and on

— page 37 —
0507(I) Dov and continued patrol off Shiono lissaki and Kashino Sakii.
0703(I) CONT.OT #4. Sighted small motor trewler patrolling off coast.
(Let. 33-30 N., Long. 136-02 E.)

— page 38 —
15 (Cont'd):
    0505(T) Dovo and bogan pariscopo patrol with Omaï Seki light bearing 0700 T., distance 20 miles.
    0612(I) Sighted stacks of steamer bearing 0800 T. Sounded bettle stations, came to course north. CONT.CT #6. (Let. 34-32.5 N., Long. 137-55 E.) Convoy consisted of five ships escorted by armed traveler and numerous sampans. Did not see air escort until later. Ships in two columns with traveler escort to seaward. TT.CK #2.
    0655(I) Forced to go deep when bomber land plane observed making diving turn ending on a heading for my poriscope, No bombs.
    0714(I) Fired four torpedoes at last target in inner column, track 1350, range 600 yards, torpedo run 750 yards. After torpedo room reported minor explosions or thuds about thirty-two and forty-two seconds after firing first torpedo.
    Forced deep by escort and plane coverage, did not observe results, if any.
    0810(I) Two depth charges, not close.
    0813(I) One explosion; sounded like aerial bomb. "as pleasantly surprised at few counter measures taken in view of number of escorts available in area. Cleared area.
    Patrolload at poriscope depth for remainder of day in southerly courses.
    1810(I) Surfaced and set course for area between Ichie Saki and Shiono Hisaaki. At one engine speed.

October 14:
    0305(I) Dovo to radar depth while closing coast line between Ichie Saki and Shiono Hisaaki. Noon very bright.
    0439(I) Sighted patrol boat. CONT.CT #7. .voided and continued patrol. 0637(I) Petrol craft,identified as traveler or catcher type, observed following us. Rigged for silent running and evaded. CONT.CT #8.
    1029(I) Two masted sailing sampan sighted apparently patrolling. .gain we avoided. CONT.CT #9.
    Reminder of day closely observed coast line, especially the area in vicinity of Shiono Hisaaki and Kashino Saki. Nothing sighted.
    1818(I) Surfaced and headed for outer lane of traffic 20 miles off Kashino Saki.

October 15:
    0255(I) Plane sighted on starboard quarter. Running lights on. .IRCR.PT CONT.CT #9. (Let. 33-31 N., Long. 136-54 E.). Dove.
    0354(I) Surfaced and continued opening coast.
    0435(I) Dove on possible plane contact.
    Patrolload outer lane during day. Instead of the expected northeasterly set during the day, a southwesterly current of about one (1) knot was encountered.
    1815(I) Surfaced and stood in toward Hiki Saki at one engine speed while e harping.

— page 39 —
0509(I) Dove four miles east of Hiki Seki. Patrolling off 100 fathom curve.
: 0630(I) CONT.CT #10 (Lat. 34-04 N., Long. 136-25 E.). Sighted masts and stack of small XB bearing north. Comes to normal approach course. Could not close.
: 0723(I) CC.TCT #11. (Lat. 33-58 N., Long. 136-19 E.) Sighted convoy of five (5) small XBs. Looked like vessels similar to lumber schooners found on the west coast of the United States. Comes to normal approach course and tried to close at standard speed. Went to battle stations. Could not close because this convoy, instead of following 100 fathom curve, apparently was following contour of the shore line very closely.
: 1204(I) Sighted two small steamers. CONT.CT #12 (Lat. 34-06 N., Long. 136-27 E.). Steamer's standing down the coast on course 160°. Since angle on bow was large and range was 12,000, could not close the range.
: 1340(I) CONT.CT #13. (Lat. 34-01 N., Long. 136-21 E.). Observed a small armed vessel that looked like a minesweep to seaward. To small to attack. During night patrolled Deio Seki-Kantori Saki line of traffic without contact. Everyone is awaiting the day when the moon starts to wane. The calm sea and clear sky do not land to confortable patrolling at night. Intend to try this Iiki Seki area again tomorrow.

October 17:
: 0500(I) Submerged on 100 fathom curve halfway between Hiki Seki and Deio Saki.
: Apparently we are in the number one local fishing area for we were soon surrounded by fishermen. Then 8 vessel nots were observed being set it was considered that a judicious move would be to vacate that spot.
: 1227(I) CONT.CT #14 (Lat. 34-08 N., Long. 136-35 E.). Sighted four small coastal steamers to the northwest heading for Deio Seki. angle on bow 900 starboard and could not close the range.
: Patrolled Deio Saki-Kantori Saki line again during the night.

October 18:
: 0449(I) Dove off Iiki Seki and continued closing the coast.
: 0540(I) CONT.CT #15. (Lat. 33-59 N., Long. 136-20 E.) Traveler type patrol boat aboard standing out from vicinity of Iiki Saki in easterly course. Then it got to the northeast of us it changed course and disappeared on course 160° T.
: 0715(I) Sighted small steamer on southerly course rounding Iiki Saki, very close to the beach, bearing 2200 T. CONT.CT #16 (Lat. 34-02 N., Long. 136-20 E.).
: 0808(I) Two engine monoplane similar to "SILKY" seen patrolling, bearing 150° T. Suspected something might be on its way up the coast.
: 0813(I) Sighted two steamers bearing 150° T., distance 7 miles. Kea-cuversed to close the range until it was apparent they were milling around in one small area so headed at the group. Escorts were at least two large sampans.
: CONT.CT #17. (Lat. 33-54.5 N., Long. 136-22 E.)

— page 40 —
0959(I) ATTACK #3. Fired three torpedoes at 1.5-2.5 miles. Second torpedo hit forward stack aft cargo ship (GOSKI KARU or TAGA KARU type). Second torpedo hit forward of engine room. Then cloud of smoke cleared steamer was sinking rapidly by the stern. The after deck house was going under and forefoot could be seen. Tried to swing to attack other freighter but observed large seaman headed at us and steamer swinging astern. Went deep. Rigged for depth charge.

1006(I) Two depth charges. Search has been started by at least two patrol vessels. A deliberate search was being made. Passing over us once.

1038(I) Two depth charges closer than first.

1300(I) Could no longer hear screws.

1350(I) Periscope depth. Sighted three trawler type patrol vessels bearing 1900 relative, searching on course 1200 T., formed in line of bearing. Changed course to east to clear area. CONTACT #18 (Lat. 34-02 N., Long. 136-21 E.)

1404(I) AIRCRAFT CONTACT #11. Two SAILY aircraft patrolling east toward Miki Saki.

1815(I) Surfaced and began battery charge.

1831(I) Radar picked up small target on starboard bow, range 3000 yards. Too small to attack with torpedoes, probably an offshore patrol. Avoided.

JONLACT #19. (Lat. 34-00 N., Long. 136-51 E.)

October 19:

Patrolled intersection of Nagoya-Saipan and Kentori Saki-Iro Saki routes during day while submerged.

1210(I) Heard first of series of eight distant explosions.

1340(I) Sighted formation of ten (10) BERTY bombers, course 1000 T., altitude about 1500 feet. AIRCRAFT CONTACT #12. (Lat. 33-54 N., Long. 137-47 E.) During night proceeded to southward.

October 20:

0524(I) Submerged and commenced patrol.

0825(I) Sighted two destroyers bearing 2100 T., range 14,000 yards, course about north. CONTACT #20 (Lat. 31-29 N., Long. 137-28 E.)

0838(I) Masts and stack of large vessel bearing 2060 T. sighted. Went to battle stations.

0834(I) Began to close track on normal approach course at standard speed. Vessel identified as being of HELM LARU class. Seas glassy smooth. Destroyers of FUEUKI class patrolling on either bow of steamer.

0913(I) ATTACK #4. Fired four torpedoes from stern tubes, track angle 150° port, range 1700 yards. About one minute and forty-five seconds after firing first torpedo observed large splash alongside target. Considered to be a torpedo hitting that did not explode. Other torpedoes missed.

0919(I) Two explosions, probably torpedoes at end of run. One destroyer stood on with the target while the other was observed searching for us to the southeast. He began dropping depth charges more or less at random until eight had been expended.

Set course to east in the hope that it would be possible to get in an attack when the destroyer gave up the chase.

— page 41 —
1045(I) Destroyer passed on northerly course at high speed, 16,000 yards to the east of us.
Commencd submerged patrol on a northerly course.

October 21:
During night closed Kontori Seki for daylight submerged patrol.
0516(I) Submerged and continued to close the east. During the night we had experienced a very decided south easterly set so that when a fix was obtained it was found we would be twelve miles off the coast at dawn.
Petrolled area off Kontori Seki after closing the coast.
0912(I) Sighted airdraft float monoplano similar to JAKI patrolling along shoreline. [AIRCRAFT CONTACT #13. (Lst. 33-26 N., Long. 136-11 E.)]
0939(I) Sighted another aircraft similar to JAKI patrolling. [AIRCRAFT CONTACT #14. (Lst. 33-30 N., Long. 136-07 E.)]
1433(I) [Aircraft similar to JAKI, probably some one reported above sighted. [AIRCRAFT CONTACT #15. (Lst. 33-30 N., Long. 136-07 E.)]
1625(I) CONTACT #21 (Lst. 33-35 N., Long. 135-59.5 E.) Sighted small diesel trawler, range 14,000 yards.
1824(I) Surfaced. Started surface patrol until moonrise.
2022(I) CONTACT #22 (Lst. 33-32 N., Long. 135-58 E.) Rader contact bearing 283° T., range 9700 yards. Began tracking while closing range. Two targets with small escort to seaward. Convoy apparently staying within 3000 to 4000 yards from the beach.
2137(I) Began [AIRCRAFT CONTACT #5. (Lst. 33-32 N., Long. 135-58 E.)] on oil tanker, 540 feet long, as determined by binoculars. Loaded ship was on oil tanker, 540 feet long,

— page 42 —
1117(I)  Sighted two steamers bearing 2750 T.  CONT. CT #24. (Lat. 34-34 N., Long. 137-39 E).  Began approach, went to bottle stations.  CHIDORI destroyer patrolling to seaward.  ATLACE #6.  Pired five torpedoes at vessel to seaward identified as KAGISHI NARU class.  Range 1200 yards, track angle 300 starboard, no hits.  Other steamer was abaft the beam on the far side of target at time of firing, range about 3500 yards.  First explosion two minutes and ten seconds after firing last torpedo; considered to be probable hit on second steamer.  Results not observed because close approach of CHIDORI.  Went deep and rigged for depth charge.

1205(I)  First depth charge very close
1207(I)  Second depth charge closer
1212(I)  Third depth charge closer
1219(I)  Fourth depth charge close
1222(I)  Fifth depth charge close.

Apparently we evaded them although they continued the search around about very diligently using sonic and supersonic equipment.  The ten degree gradient was very reassuring when echo ranging started.

1402(I)  First of a series of forty-two extremely pusillanimous explosions lasting until dark.  None close.  Those explosions sounded like extremely heavy depth charges.  Called "block busters" by the crew.  The noise started out with a deep rumble similar to a freight train building up until the vibration could be felt throughout the boat.

1815(I)  Surfaced and cleared the area.
1825(I)  Set course for Hachijo Shima Island.

October 24:
0318(I)  CONTACT #25.  (Lat. 32-43 N., Long. 139-39 E.)  Sighted patrol or fishing boat between Hachijo Shima and Joga Shima.  In darkness looked similar to PC boat.

— page 43 —
1330(1) AIRCRAFT CONTACT #16. (Lat. 30-31 N., Long. 175-56 E.) Sighted and exchanged recognition signals with U.S. Navy PV type patrol plane.

: 1142(T) AIRCRAFT CONTACT #17 (Lat. 28-30 N., Long. 177-57 W.) Exchanged recognition signals with U.S. Navy PV type patrol plane.

: 1255(T) Contacted air escort, U.S. Navy SED type planes. AIRCRAFT CONTACT #18 (Lat. 28-23 N., Long. 177-42 W.) Moored alongside U.S.S. SAFFISH at Midway Island. Took on fuel for passage to Pearl Harbor, T.H.

: 1445(T) Underway for Pearl Harbor, T.H. Made trim dive

: 0822(T) Underway for Pearl Harbor, T.H. Made trim dive

: 1643(T) Made trim dive

: 1243(X) Made trim dive

: 0535(X) CONT-OT #28 (Lat. 21-00 N., Long. 158-57 W.) P0549, escort into Pearl Harbor.

: 0543(X) AIRCRAFT CONTACT #19. (Lat. 21-00 N., Long. 158-50 W.) U.S. Navy SED type plane patrolling.

: 1110(WW) Moored Pearl Harbor, T.H.

- 10 -

— page 44 —
10/14/43 33-35 N. 135-57 E. 147 1.6
10/15/43 (..N.) 33-20 N. 136-30 E. 227 0.5
10/15/43(P.M.) 33-30 N. 137-00 E. 159 1.0
10/17/43(P.M.) 34-00 N. 136-45 E. 155 0.5
10/19/43(..N. 34-00 N. 137-30 E. 325 0.5
10/21/43 33-00 N. 136-40 E. 120 3.6
10/22/43 (..N.) 34-00 N. 137-15 E. 298 0.5
10/23/43 34-10 N. 137-45 E. 130 1.1

The following currents were noted:

| Date | Latitude | Longitude | Set | Drift |
|------|||-----|-------|
| 10/14/43 | 33-35 N. | 135-57 E. | 147 | 1.6 |
| 10/15/43 (..N.) | 33-20 N. | 136-30 E. | 227 | 0.5 |
| 10/15/43(P.M.) | 33-30 N. | 137-00 E. | 159 | 1.0 |
| 10/17/43(P.M.) | 34-00 N. | 136-45 E. | 155 | 0.5 |
| 10/19/43(..N. | 34-00 N. | 137-30 E. | 325 | 0.5 |
| 10/21/43 | 33-00 N. | 136-40 E. | 120 | 3.6 |
| 10/22/43 (..N.) | 34-00 N. | 137-15 E. | 298 | 0.5 |
| 10/23/43 | 34-10 N. | 137-45 E. | 130 | 1.1 |

— page 49 —
1. 0633(X) 23-28 N. US B-26 5 mi. 1,000 SD Patrolling. 9/27/43 160.37 N. 1. 1355(X) 24-56 N. US PEY 6 mi. 110 1,500 SD exchanged Recognition 9/27/43 161-40 N. 3. 1420(X) 24-58 N. US B-24 6 mi. 1,500 SD exchanged Recognition 9/27/43 161-46 N. 4. 0547(Y) 28-28 N. US SDB 5 mi. 1,000 SD Air escort 9/30/43 176-46 N. 5. 1210(II) 33-57 N. 4 mi. 2,500 SD Unidentified (4 motors) 10/5/43 158-33 E. 6. 1100(I) 33-32 N. Scout 6 mi. 030 2,000 P Patrolling along coast 10/11/43 136-01 E. monoplane, float 7. 1633(I) 33-34 N. "RUF'S" or 7 mi. 000 2,500 P Patrolling along coast 10/11/43 135-56 E. "U.K.B" 8. 0700 34-32 N. Ionoplane, 1/2 mi. 500 P Escorting convoy 10/13/43 137-49 E. landplane 9. 0255 33-31 N. 2 mi. 1,000 SN Unidentified. Running lights on. 10/15/43 136-54 E. 10. 0808 34-05 N. "SILTY" 2 mi. 000 1,000 P Petrolling traffic lane 10/18/43 136-28 E 11. 1404 34-06 N. Two (2) 5 mi. 045 2,500 P Cruising off shore line 10/18/43 136-29-E. "SILYS" 12. 1340 33-54 N. Ten (10) 6 mi. 000 1,500 P In formation 10/19/43 137-47 E "BETTY'S" 13. 0912 33-26 N. "J.K.E" 5 mi. 045 1,000 P Patrolling 10/21/43 136-11 E 14. 0939 33-27 N. "J.K.S" 5 mi. 225 1,000 P Patrolling 10/21/43 136-11 E. 15. 1433 33-30 N. "J.K.E" 4 mi. 045 2,500 P Patrolling 10/21/43 136-07 E

— page 50 —
16. 1330(N) 30-31 N. US PV 8 mi. 100 1,500 R Patrolling. Exchanged re-cogn. 10/30/43 175-56 E.
17. 1142(Y) 28-30 N. US PV 19 mi. 090 500 R Patrolling. Exchanged re-cogn- nition signals
18. 1255(Y) 28-23 N. US SBD 7 mi. 700 3D Air escort 10/30/43 177-42 N.
19. 0543(X) 21-00 N. US 3BD 8 mi. 500 R Patrolling 11/4/43

— page 51 —
1. ATTACK DATA:
   - U.S.S. LAPON (33260)
   - TIDE: 0600
   - DATE: 10/12/43
   - TARGET DATA - Damage Inflicted

Description:
Convoy consisting of three large vessels and one tanker. Escort—one trawler and large sampan. Convoy formed in two columns with small cargo vessel leading each. Tanker second ship in inboard column. Initial contact on this attack made by radar just prior to dawn. Ten minutes after initial contact convoy was visible in periscope so dove and continued attack at periscope depth. The larger cargo ship (second in seaward column) was selected as target. At a range of 2000 yards a sig towards gave a zero angle on the bow so decision was made to cross track and fire stern tubes. Soon after this time depth control was lost and sound bearings indicated target had passed firing bearing before periscope depth could be reached. Next observation revealed range to tanker too close to attack, so reversed course and fired four torpedoes at tanker 1390 track, range 2000 yards, depth set 6 feet. The shallow depth setting being used because this tanker was light.

Ship(s) Sunk: None
Ship(s) Damaged or Probably sunk None
Damage determined by: No damage
Target Draft: 12 ft. Course: 252 Speed: 10.5 kts Range: 2000
Owl Ship Data
Speed: 3 kts. Course: 120 Depth: 65 ft. Angle: 0
Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type attack: Initial contact by radar. Attack completed by periscope.

— page 52 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd):
U.S.S. LAPON (SS260)    TORPEDO .T.T.L.CK NO. 2    F.TROL NO. 2
DATE: 10/13/43    L.TITUDE: 34-32 N.    LONGITUDE: 137-49 E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description:
Initial contact was made at range of about 15,000 yards. Convoy consisted of five vessels, a trewler acting as escort plus two or three large sampans preceeding the formation. Trawler escort maintained station about 1800 yards to seaward. Outer column consisted of two small .K's similar to HEAVY MLRU class, (page 159, ONI 208-J), inner column consisted of small passenger vessel similar to N.TT MLRU (page 28, ONI 208-J), followed by two .K's similar to HONTRB.L MLRU (page 187, ONI 208-J). Convoy was closed, attack being made on second ship in inbord column since these two vessels were by far the largest in the formation. Just prior to reaching firing point was forced deep when an aircrew was observed diving at periscope. Shifted to third ship in column and fired four torpedoes on 1350 track, range 600 y'rd. Depth set at six feet as target was in ballast. After torpedo room reported definite minor explosions or "thuds" 32 and 42 seconds after firing which indicates the torpedoes hit but did not explode.

Ship(s) Sunk: None
Ship(s) Damaged or Probably Sunk: None
Damage Determined By: None
Target Draft: 9 ft. Course: 270 Speed: 9 kts Range: 600

Own Ship Data
Speed: 3 kts. Course: 315 Depth: 65 ft. Angle:

Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type .ttreck: .ttreck made entirely by periscope.

— page 53 —
0958 D.T.E: 10/18/43 L.TITUDE: 34-00.5 N. LONGITUDE: 136-24.5 E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description:
Convoy consisting of one X, stack aft, similar to T.L.C. L.RU (page 251, ONI 208-J) and one very small X similar to HEATRO L.RU (page 159, ONI 208-J) was sighted at range of about 12,000 yards. Approach was made and three torpedoes fired at the stack aft freighter. Track angle 700 port, range 2100 yards, depth set 6 feet. Hit was observed just forward of stack.

Ship(s) Sunk:
Onc, 2,000 tons.

Ship(s) Damaged or Probably Sunk:
Saw ship sinking. Soon after explosion after deck house was going under and bow was elevated so forfoot could be seen. Counter measures prevented further observation.

Target Draft: 12 ft. Course: 060 Speed: 7-3/4 kts. Range: 2100

Own Ship Data

Speed: 3 kts. Course: 167 Depth: 65 ft. Angle: 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack:
This attack was made entirely by periscope. The second torpedo hit aft on the target which would indicate an error in the estimate of target speed.

— page 54 —
0913 D.TE: 10/20/43 TORPEDO D.TE: 31-37 N. LONGITUDE: 137-30 E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Sighted HELM N.MRU (page 68, ONI 208-J) escorted by two (2) FUEUKI class destroyers, at range of approximately 14,000 yards. While closing the track we must have been sighted since the target had changed course toward us on the observation just prior to firing. The movements of the target during the next ten minutes did not in any way conform to his previous zig zag plan. The range was too short for a down the alley shot so crossed his track. Target changed course to parallel us after crossing the channel. We changed course again, opened the track and fired with stern tubes with a torpedo track of 150° and 55° left gyro. Observed large splash alongside target at one minute forty-five seconds after firing first torpedo which indicates second torpedo hit but was a dud. The forward torpedo room reported "thuds" at about this time. The sea during this approach was glassy smooth.

Ship(s) Sunk: None

Ship(s) Damaged or Probably Sunk: None

Damage Determined By:

Target Draft: 20 ft. Course: 340 Speed: 17 kts. Range: 1600

Own Ship Data

Speed: 3 kts. Course: 243 Depth: 65 ft. Angle: 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Entire attack was conducted by periscope. The large gyro angles used had to be accepted in order to keep range from becoming excessive.

- 20 -

— page 57 —
1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2
TUBES FIRED 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4
TR.CK ANGLE 139 140 142 141 145 145 150 155
GYRO ANGLE BL 9L 11L 10L 10L 10L 15L 20L
DEPTH SET 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft.
POWER High High High High High High High High
HIT OR MISS Miss Miss Miss Miss Hit Hit Miss Miss
ERR. TIC No No No No No No No No
L.RK TORPEDO 14-3-1 14-3-1 14-3-1 14-3-1 14-3-1 14-3-1 14-3-1
SERIAL NO. 39520 25696 25686 25385 25211 39285 25259 39421
L.RK EXPLODER 6-14 6-14 6-14 6-14 6-14 6-14 6-14
SERIAL NO. 7152 7080 6479 6328 6124 11867 6288 11884
ACTUATION SET Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont.
ACTUATION ACTUAL ? ? ? ? Jud Jud ? ?
L.RK TARHEAD 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16
SERIAL NO. 9561 9814 10267 878 1615 5767 930 344
EXPLOSIVE TPX TPX TPX TPX TPX TPX TPX
FIRING INTERVAL 8s 8s 8s 0 8s 8s 8s
TYPE SPREAD Div. Div. Div. Div. Div. Div. Div.
SE. CONDITIONS 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1
OVERHAUL ACTIVITY SB,PH SB,PH SB,PH SB,PH SB,PH SB,PH SB,PH

- 23 -

— page 58 —
3 3 3 4 4 4 4
TUBES FIRED 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TR.CK INHLS 66 71 65 150.5 152 152 150
GYRO INGLE 7R 2R 8R 54.5L 56L 56L 54B
DEPTH SET 7 ft. 7 ft. 7 ft. 15 15 15 15
PO.ER High High High High High High High
HIT OR MISS Miss Hit Miss Miss Hit Miss Miss
ERRATIC No No No No No No No
MRK TORPEO 114-3.1 114-3.1 114-3.1 114-3.1 114-3.1 114-3.1
SERIAL NO. 25240 39521 25697 24867 39231 25707 25657
MRK EXPLODER 6-1.1 6-1.1 6-1.1 6-1.1 6-1.1 6-1.1
SERIAL NO. 11868 1346 17789 11874 11851 6309 1327
ACTUATION SET. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont.
ACTUATION ACTUAL ? Expl. ? Dud ? ?
MRK HIRE 16 16 16 16 16 16 16
SERIAL NO. 6142 6231 315 6237 6256 1612 1569
EXPLOSIVE TPX TPX TPX TPX TPX TPX
FIRING INTERVAL 8s 8s 8s 8s 8s 8s
TYPE SPREAD Div. Div. Div. Div. Div. Div.
SER. CONDITIONS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
OVERH. L. ACTIVITY SB,PH SB,PH SB,PH SB,PH SB,PH SB,PH

- 24 -

— page 59 —
5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6
TUBES FIRED 1 2 3 4 5 2 1 3 4
TUBE ANGLE 122 121 126 122 26 18 26 15 30
GYRO ANGLE 21 11 61 21 358 352 000 348 005
DEPTH SET 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 10 ft. 10 ft. 10 ft. 10 ft. 10 ft. 10 ft.
POWER HIGH High High High High High High High High
HIT OR MISS Miss Miss Miss Miss Miss Miss Miss Hit
EMULTION No No No No No No No No No
H.RK TORPEDO 14-3-1 14-3-1 14-3-1 14-3-1 14-3-1 14-3-1 14-3-1 14-3-1
SERIAL NO. 23117 23212 24465 25551 25250 39324 39564 42002 25175
H.RK EXPLOSIVE 6-1-1 6-1-1 6-1-1 6-1-1 6-1-1 6-1-1 6-1-1 6-1-1
SERIAL NO. 11516 11288 7065 10858 7037 7069 11513 11230 7046
ACTUATION SET Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont.
ACTUATION ACTUAL 8s 8s 8s 8s 8s 8s 8s 8s 8s
TYPED SPEED 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16
SERIAL NO. 10011 1627 680 1560 353 1169 10469 1638 1631
EXPLOSIVE TPX TPX TPX TPX TPX TPX TPX TPX
FILLING INTERVAL 8s 8s 8s 8s 8s 8s 8s 8s 8s
TYPE SPEED Div. Div. Div. Div. Div. Div. Div. Div.
SERIAL CONDITIONS 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
OVERALL ACTIVITY SB,FH SB,FH SB,FH SB,FH SB,FH SB,FH SB,FH SB,FH SB,FH

- 25 -

— page 60 —
1. HINTS - No information.
2. ANTI-SUBMARINE M.S.S. N.E.S.S. VISION TACTICS.

All shipping along the south coast of Honshu except large trawlers and small motor ships (700 tons or less) is escorted. Escort vessels encountered consisted of small and large motor sampans, steam and motor trawlers, small freighters, CHLORI class TEBs, JTs and aircraft. Typical example was that of a convoy off Omi Saki. It was preceded by two small motor sampans swarming with lookouts (some in white uniforms) patrolling about 4000 yards ahead of the convoy; and it was accompanied by a steam trawler on the off shore quarter and a medium bomber air escort low overhead.

Most escorts appeared to have sonic listening gear only. Supersonic echo ranging was encountered only on one large trawler, TB.1's and JTs. Vessels equipped with echo ranging gear apparently used it only after failing to establish contact by listening. None of the echo ranging encountered located this ship, possibly because of the temperature gradients—although after the attack on the HEIN H.KHU, the L.PON reminiscent of periscope depth trying to get a shot at the FUBUKI 33 who was pinging and depth charging the area.

The functions of the small sampans seemed to be that of advance periscope lookout and of preventing periscope exposures. The ship passed several of those close aboard without being detected by sound or sighting. The large escort on the beam of the convoy is the boy that coasts in with the depth charges.

In two instances, it was very wise to have cleared the area of the attack expeditiously. In the first instance, two hours after clearing the attack area, a formation of three large trawlers was observed systematically searching in line of bearing. The other instance is more unusual. Three hours and twenty minutes after an attack on a convoy there began a series of thirty extremely heavy underwater explosions which occurred in groups of from 2 to 4 over a period of two and a half hours. These explosions were sufficiently heavy to shake the ship slowly even when an estimated 10 to 18 miles from the source. The explosion was preceded by a rumble similar to a freight train and culminated in shaking force of comparatively low frequency. Those charges were promptly labeled "block busters" by the crew.

Evasion tactics consisted essentially of running silent below a temperature gradient. The course was adjusted to clear the area of attack endeavoring to keep J/S vessels abaft the beam. As soon as the range opened, speed was increased to 60 Z.P.H. to accelerate this desirable process.

Experience on this vessel places CHLORI TB.1's as definitely first team; trawlers and large sampans, second team; and JTs third raters.

— page 62 —
1. RADIO:
   - Reception on the high frequency bands was good throughout the entire patrol, except between 1900 and 2130 GMT when all bands became unreadable while in the area. Low frequency reception became unreadable at about Long. 155 E. The 8000 kcs. band was best until 2130, then the 12,000 kcs. band was most readable.

   - The ship to shore frequency (3.70) was subject to a lot of interference and obvious "jamming". However, messages got through with little difficulty. The perseverance of the "jammer" was poor. Underwater reception with the "DQ" loop impossible below poriscope depth and unreadable beyond 1000 mile circle. No material casualties were suffered.

(H) RADAR:
   - The performance of both radars was satisfactory with only normal maintenance being necessary to keep them in operation. This consisted of the following:

      (a) Replacement of converter-oscillator in SJ
      (b) Replaced voltage regulator bulbs in SJ receiver-indicator.
      (c) Daily cleaning of slip ring assembly.

   - The best range obtained was 19,000 yards on ships in a convoy. A marked decrease in range was experienced during a very light misty rain when a large ship was picked up at only 10,500 yards.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS:
   - Sound conditions were generally good in the area. Initial contact was made on light scows at ranges of 3-4000 yards on poorest days. A slight reduction in ranges was noticed when ship was close to the beach, but exceptional ranges were obtained offshore. The most outstanding range was 16,000 yards on a destroyer.

   - The best frequency oscillator of the QB receiver developed an intermittent trouble which could not be rapidly located. The auxiliary receiver was substituted from the forward torpedo room.

   - The lower drift stops on both projectors were a source of incessant trouble. At each deep submergence several of the counterbank screws retaining the roller with would carry away, creating an extraneously noisy condition. It is our belief that the brass path under only two rollers is overloaded and the heads of the screws are subject to flaure until they fail. Possible remedy is the addition of two more drift stops and the substitution of a harder material in the roller path.

— page 64 —
0) ENSITY LAYERS:

Pronounced density layers were found consistently in the area off the south coast of Honshu between Longitudes 136 E. and 138 E. The temperature gradients were in general rather sharp, I.E., a temperature change of about 60 F. in 50 feet change of depth. These gradients occurred at depths of from 180 to 290 feet. Inshore along the 100 fathom curve, the gradients tended to be shallower than in deep water.

In the center of the Kurosho (Japan Stream) about 90 miles off the coast of Honshu, the temperature gradient was small (30 F.) and gradual and located deep—about 300 feet. This was as expected.

The bethithermograph was used religiously in the petrol area. The position of the temperature gradient was determined each morning immediately after submerging. This information was utilized in evasion tactics, i.e., to sit in a heavy layer at slow speed and to escape from supersonic echo ringing.

The presence of cross currents in the density layers was mentioned under Section (2). These were encountered several times while coming up through a sharp temperature gradient at slow speed. It slow speed these currents would spin the ship around regardless of the amount of rudder used.

It was noted that the bethithermograph faithfully recorded the depths of the ship as each depth charge exploded—as vary fine graphical record(?)

It is considered that relocation of the bethithermograph in the control room adjacent to the diving controls would prove to be more readily useful.

(F) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY:

The patrol area assigned required continual daytime submergence and there were frequent periods of silent running with all ventilation secured. Habitability was satisfactory despite this. The amount and verity of food were adequate. Fresh fruit was available for 26 days. Quick frozen foods are excellent. Two long "island" evasion periods allowed the meat room temperature to increase to freezing; as a result about 150 lbs of frozen chickens and 200 lbs. of beef had to be surveyed. Considering the period that the refrigerating plant was secured, this was not excessive spoilage. Health was in general excellent.

From comments made to the commanding officer by visiting medical officers, it is considered advisable that a study be made of submarine medical requirements with a view toward revision and expansions of medical supplies and instruments.

— page 65 —
1. PERSONNEL:
The status of training was satisfactory—time enroute to and from the area was utilized in general submarine and technical training. Officers and men during the return voyage to further this training program. Officers and men carried out their duties with efficiency and excellent morale during this patrol in a very busy sector of the coast of Honshu. This state of morale is very gratifying considering the several disappointments occasioned by failures of torpedo exploders.

(T) MISS STRAKED - FUEL USED:
Pearl Harbor to Area FIVE - 3580 miles; 46,220 gallons
In area 1953 miles; 18,335 gallons
Area FIVE to Highway 2380 miles; 37,390 gallons
Midway to Pearl Harbor 1255 miles; 18,000 gallons

(S) DURATION:
Days enroute to area 12
Days in area 15
Days enroute to Pearl 12
Days submerged 17

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING:
Torpedoes Fuel Provisions Personnel Factor
None 21,000 25 days 25 days
L,mitting factor this patrol - Torpedoes

(U) RANKING:
Contacts were plentiful in area five. Observations from this patrol confirm previous reports that shipping travels close inshore, that air and surface escorts are used, and that there is a general air coverage of shipping lanes by day and by moonlight. Further, it was observed that convoys followed along the hundred fathom curve, or even inshore of it, with small escorts ahead and at least one large escort on the seaward beam or quarter. Shipping passed Kashino Seik by night and Miki and Onai Saiki during the daytime.

The preponderance of shipping encountered was small to medium size vessels, 1500 to 370 tons. Only one contact contained a ship of over 5000 tons—but there are plenty of smaller targets.

It is considered essential to patrol adjacent to the hundred fathom curve during the day, which calls for perpetually dodging sampans—fishing and otherwise.

— page 69 —
5-12/416-3/F55-122
Serial 098
CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS LAPON Report of
Second War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. LAPON (S5260) - Report of Second War Patrol.

1. The remarks and summation of damage made by the Commander Submarine Division One Twenty Two are concurred in.

2. The Commander Submarine Squadron Twelve continues to have the responsibility of the Commanding Officer, Officer, and Crew of the LAPON for having inflicted damage to the enemy.

J. B. GRIGGS.

— page 70 —
1-5847
FF12-10/116-3(8)/(15) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01648
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
10 November 1943.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
L.PON Report of
Second War Petrol.

COMUSBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 305
U.S.S. L.PON - SECOND WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. L.PON (SS260) - Report of Second War Patrol.
(26 September to 4 November 1943).

1. The second war patrol of the L.PON was the first for the new
   commending officer.

2. Good crew coverage was maintained and aggressive attacks carried
   out. The L.PON's torpedoes carried the old obsolete type exploder. Duds probably saved the J.p.s at least one and possibly two ships.

3. Again it is noted that after submarine attacks near the Empire
   the enemy dropped what appeared to be "blockbuster" bombs. This random
   dropping may be done with a view to counter-mining any possible mine fields
   laid when U.S. submarines are known to be present in the area.

4. This patrol is considered successful for the purpose of Combat
   Insignia Award.

5. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
   commanding officer, officers, and crew for having inflicted the following damage
   upon the enemy:

SUNK
1 - Freighter (T.G.M.RU class) - 2,566 tons
DAMAGED
1 - Freighter (A.K.G.SIN M.RU class) - 4,634 tons

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

Distribution and authentication
on following page.

— page 71 —
12/10/46-3(6)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, P.CIFIC FLEET
Seriel 01643
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
L.FON Report of
Second War Patrol.
CONSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 205
U.S.S. L.FON - SECOND WAR PATROL.
Subject: U.S.S. L.FON (SS260) - Report of Second War Patrol.
(26 September to 4 November 1943).

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Report)
Cominch (5)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
Intel. Cen. Pac.
Ocean areas. (1)
Conservpac
(Ad. Base Flan.Unit (1)
Cinclear (2)
Consubplanet (6)
S/N School, NL (2)
Consopac (2)
Consowespac (1)
Consubowespac (2)
CTF 72 (2)
CTF 16 (1)
Consubspace (20)
SUED, MI (2)
ConsubspaceSubordcon (3)
.11 Squadron and Div.
Correnders, Subspace (2)
.11 Submarines, Subspace(1).

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

J. A. WOODRUFF, Jr.
Flag Secretary.

— page 72 —
1/1/1944
SS260/A16-3
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIRMED
From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. LAPON (SS260)
To: Commander in Chief, United States Fleet
Via: (1) official Channels

Subject: U.S.S. LAPON, Report of War Patrol Number Three

Enclosure: (A) - subj. is report.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the third war patrol of this vessel conducted in South China Sea Area during the period 13 February 1944 to 1 April 1944, is forwarded herewith.

[Signature]
L. T. STONE

DECLASSIFIED
BY: OP-00002
DATE: 5/31/42

[Handwritten notes and annotations]

— page 73 —
1943, LAION Third War Patrol

(A) PROLOGUE:

LAION arrived Pearl from Midway after second war patrol on 4 November 1943. Completed necessary voyage repairs and departed for Mare Island Navy Yard on 7 November 1943. Arrived Mare Island Navy Yard on 13 November 1943. Composed overhaul; re-engining being the governing job.

The following major alterations were completed:

1. Installation of Winton type engines.
2. Installation of ballistic protection on bridge.
3. Replaced #1 and #7 vent risers with steel piping.
4. Conversion of #4 main ballast tank to fuel ballast tank.
5. Installation of IDD pump in hydraulic system.
6. Installation of Berkeley type trim pump.
7. Installation of magnetic clutches in bow and stern plane shaving.
8. Installation of P.F.I. and high power transmitter on radar.
9. Installation of charging and heating panels for Merk 18 torpedoes.
10. Modified shutters to permit firing of Merk 18 torpedoes and facilitate opening outer doors.
11. Replaced after battery with U.S.S. JACK's after battery and fitted batteries for nickel content in electrolyte.
12. Depermed at San Francisco.

Completed overhaul on 12 January 1944. Commenced post repair trials. Completed post repair trials on 21 January 1944 and departed for Pearl on 22 January 1944. Arrived Pearl 29 January 1944 and commenced voyage repairs. Completed voyage repairs on 2 February 1944 and commenced training operations. Completed training period on 10 February 1944 and deported for patrol via Midway on 13 February 1944.

(B) NARRATIVE:

13 February:
1300V Underway for Midway.
1352V Rendezvoused with escort, P0580, and set course for Midway via Kauci Channel.
1400V Set clocks to Plus 11 zone time.
1625V Mado trim dive.
1825V Reloascd escort.

14 February:
0730V Sighted and was ch.llenged by B-24 Army bomber. Mado trim dive, escorted crew at emergency drills, hold control drill.
1200V Positt: 1. t., 25-01 N,1,1ang. 162-27 W. Kilos steamed 415.

15 February:
Mado trim dive, exercised crew at emergency drills, hold control drill.
Firod 20 mm. and 50 cal. guns at balloon targets.
1200V Positt: 1. t., 27-00.1 N.,1,1ang. 168-10 W. Kilos steamed 332.

— page 74 —
16 February:
    Mode section dive, compensated armored vehicle compasses. Hold emergency drills; hold control drill.
    1200Y Positi: 7 t: 28-46 N, 1Lags: 174-00 W, Miles stonmod: 336

: 17 February:
    0810X Sighted and chalkinged air escort.
    1020X Moorst starboard side to U.S.S. ARCHERFISH at Midway Island. Commenced voyage repairs and fueling ship. Locky outmone trunk was governing job and on-tailed delay of one day to complete repairs.

: 18 February:
    0940Y Voyage repairs completed.
    0950Y Underway for patrol station.
    2400M Crossed Inbomintional Dnto Line. Set clocks to zone Minus 12 time.

: 20 February:
    Section dive, exercised control party.
    1200M Positi: 7 t: 27-31 N, 1Lags: 177-02 E, Miles stonmod: 300 Fuel used 4295 gal.

: 21 February:
    1530M Sct clocks to Minus 11 zone time.
    2205L SJ Redar had indication of other radar, Lct: 27-28, Long. 174-47.
    1200M Lat. 27-21.2 N, Long. 171-24 E. Miles stonmod 300 Fuel used 4045 gal.

: 22 February:
    Section dive, compensated armored vehicle compasses, exercised control party.
    1200L Positi: Lat. 27-03.5 N., Long. 166-11.2 E, Miles stonmod: 283 Fuel used 3635 gal.

: 23 February:
    Section dive, exercised control party.
    1200L Positi: Lat. 26-40 N., Long. 162-01 E. Miles stonmod: 257 Fuel used 3585 gal.

: 24 February:
    1530 L Sct clocks to Minus 10 zone time.
    S.ction dive, exercised control party.
    1200K Positi: Lct 26-24.5, Long. 156-40.5 Miles stonmod: 257 Fuel used 3395 gal.

: 25 February:
    Section dive, exercised control party.
    1200K Positi: Lct. 25-46 N., Long. 151-34 E. Miles stonmod 295 Fuel used 3490 gal.

— page 75 —
26 February:
1200K: Section dive. Aerrisod control party.
    Posit: Lat. 24-27.5 N., Long. 146-42.2 E. Kilos steamed: 282 Fuel
    used: 3375

27 February:
0747K: SD radar contact, nine miles, L.t. 24-39.5, Long. 147-09 E., Plane
    Contact #1. Dove.
0843K: Sighted single engine plane in periscope.
1040K: Surfaced.
1045K: SD contact 22 miles.
1051K: Lost redr contact.
1052K: SD radar contact 13 miles. Dove
    Held control drill.
1845K: Surfaced.
1200K: Posit: L.t. 23-13, Long. 142-10. Kilos steamed: 257 Fuel used:
    3067 gal.

28 February:
1200K: Section dive. Converted 448B Fuel Ballast Tank and flushed tanks.
    Posit: L.t. 22-23.2 N., Long. 139-05 E. Kilos steamed: 244 Fuel
    used: 2710 gal.

29 February:
1200J: Section dive. Aerrisod control party. Not complete.
    Posit: L.t. 19-53 N., Long. 128-07.5 E. Kilos steamed: 263 Fuel
    used: 3805 gal.

1 March:
1200J: Section dive. Aerrisod control party.
    Posit: Lat. 19-53 N., Long. 128-07.5 E. Kilos steamed: 253 Fuel
    used: 2540 gal.

2 March:
0129I: Sighted brilliant green flare close aboard. Dove
0150I: Surfaced.
    Aerrisod control party.
1921I: Radar picked up land bearing 2500 T., 75,000 yards, probably Babuyan Island.
2010I: 3 started passage of Balantang Channel
2300I: Completed passage. Land was never sighted. Not complete.
focal point.
1200I: Posit: Lat. 19-58 N., Long. 123-54.1 E. Kilos steamed: 243 Fuel
    used: 1960 gal.

3 March:
0645I: Submerged, commanded periscope patrol near focal point.
1200I: Sct clocks to Kinus 8 Zone Time
1815I: Surfaced. Commenced surface patrol of Takao-Singapore traffic lane.
H adding for focal point of Macclisfield Bank
1200H: Posit: Lat. 19-16 N., Long. 119-47 E. Kilos steamed: 239 Fuel
    used: 2395 gal.

— page 76 —
4 March
0552H Trim dive
0630H Surfacod. Continued patrolling Takao traffic lano.
1200H Posit: Lat. 15-57 N., Long. 115-14.7 E. Miles steamed: 197 Fuel used: 1510 gal.

5 March
0555H Mado trim dive
0615H Surfacod. Continued patrolling aeross focal point of Macclesfield Bank
1200H Posit: Lat. 15-07 N., Long. 115-14.7 E. Miles steamed: 177 Fuel used: 735 gal.

6 March
0844H Mado trim dive - routed torpedoes
0941H Surfacod. Continued surface patrol off Macclesfield Bank
1300H Set course for northeast corner of area to patrol Hongkong-Kanila and Takao-Singapore lanes.
Exorcised control party.
1200H Posit: Lat. 15-21 N., Long. 115-40 E. Miles steamed: 103 Fuel used: 860

7 March
1127H Sighted four engine aircraft (Mavic) bearing 0708 T., range about 6000 yards. AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 3. Dove to 150 feet. Rigged for death charge.
1200H Came up to 60 feet. Began to routine torpedoes.
1301H Routing completed.
1305H Sighted masts and smoke bearing 0750 T. SHIP CONTACT #1. BEGIN ATTACK #1
Sounded Battle Stations.
1311H Charged course to 1400 T. Target selected was an oil tanker on the
str:board hand of the convoy. The remainder of the convoy consisted of four AK's,
one of which was 1:rger than the rest--similar to HITTO KENU (page 66, ONT 208J),
and three very small AK's acting as escorts. The latter were disposed as follows,
one leading and one on either bow:
AK AK
stern AK bow
AD AK

The target was very much the largest of any ship in the convoy and was apparently
running light. The leading escort was painted war color and had Japanese charac-
teres painted on the sides.
1322H The target zigged to his right, presenting a 50 port angle, so turned to
head for him while slowing.

— page 77 —
8 March (Coast'd)
: 13L/H  Sighted Mavis patrolling over convoy.
: 1342H  Decided to fire stern tubes at AO since the angle was now 50 starboard
  and the range 3500 yards. This planned to swing for bow tube shot at senter AK
  if possible.
: 1350-26H  H  First first of four after tubes at target. After firing last torpedo
  a careful shock showed target as two thirds of field at 1900 yards. This vessel
  was apparently on oil tanker although mast arrangement was similar to TAISTO MARU.
  However, stack of TAISTO MARU was not as squat as that of the target. There was
  no indication that the target was a coal burner.
: 1351-52H  H  First of two torpedo explosions.
: 1352-00H  H  Second torpedo explosion. These explosions were not observed since
  the rapid approach of Mavis was being observed with interest. Want deep, Rigged
  for depth charge and silent running.
: 1353H  First depth charge, quite close.
: 1356H  The hunt is on and the hunt is running silent at 350 feet while depth
  charge are being dropped.
: 1413H  Escort passed overhand and the next few minutes were tense.
: 1510H  Scenes all clear. The last of 32 charges have been dropped.
: 1640H  Portion of close. Escort sighted bearing 1800 T., range about 12,000 yards.
: 1745H  Sighted target being towed by HEITO MARU. War color escort patrolling
  ahead. Planned to open out, surfaco, and make and around for night attack.
: 1939H  Surfaco.
: 1935H  Radar his target, range 15,000 yards, began and around.
: 2310H  Targets visible at 3200 T., 5000 yards. Began and around.
: 2310

— page 78 —
9 Inch (Cont'd)
0052H Swung to the right in order to fire storm tubes at the AO sinoo sho
apparently would not sink.
0053H Fired four storm tubes at the tonkarr. The HIKITO's storm is almost com
pletely submerged. Target (40) intercepted about two thirds of poriscoop field
t: 2000 yards, giving a length of about 500 feet.
0054H Observed one or two hits in tankarr. The observers in the control room
reported two distinct explosions. The escort is now taking a marked intercost
in our activities, so decided to go deep.
CLOCH One of the targets reported as breaking up by the sound operators as the
depth charging began.
Rosario of the time of firing and explosions on ATTACK #2:

| Tube | 6  | 5  | 4  | 3  | 2  | 1  | 7  | 8  | 9  | 10 |
|------|
| Fired | 0045-03 | 4512 | 4520 | 4635 | 4643 | 4651 | 5137 | 5145 | 5153 | 5210 |
| Hit  | 0046-08 | 4617 | 4736 | 5253 | 5320 | 5321 | 5320 | 5320 | 5320 | 5320 |

0217H The last of thirty depth charges has gone off.
0230H The torpedoes were fired, and the escort was now in the
horizon. The torpedoes were fired, and the escort

— page 79 —
11 March
0338H Mude trin divo. Wont dcop to detoraine if a gradion existed.
0745H Surfneod
0939H 3D radar has plano at 19 milas. AIRCRAFT CONTACT #.
0854H Plane oponed to 20 milos, having elosed to 17.
0655H Radar has two airreaft at 19 milos and two at 25 milos.
0856H Radar has airreaft at 10 milos. Dove to 150 foot.
0927H Jt perisoeop doph.
1036H Surfneod.
1128H High perisoeop spotted two large masts bearing about 0750 T. SHIP
CONTACT #. Masts apparently of large vessels and elosing rapidly. Those vessels
apparently hoavy combatant ships, so decided to dive prior to being picked up by
their radar.
1130H Dove to 50 foot.
1136H Two hoavy pagode masts in sight bearing 0750 T.
1143H Cano to normal approach course, wont ahood full.
1143H Want to bottlo stations
1150H Two battlohips (Y.M.S.H.TRO) in sight. We are on starboard side of
task force, elosing as rapidly as possible. The swells are about eight foot high,
since only an intermittent view can be had of those ships when running at 60 foot.
1157H Ono carrier and one heavy cruiser sighted on starboard quarter of battlo-
ships. Ono or two destroyers sighted with CV and C.N. Angle on tho bow is 158,
range about 9000 yards.
1159H This group siqged away forty dogroos. Rosunod high spcod to eloso track.
1213H Range to C. 3200 yards, to CV 5000 yards. Bodied to swing right 10
dogroos and ghost.
1214H Target observed swinging to thoir loft, prosonting ovantually a 1800
track. Thus, was lost a submarine officer's droon since tho task force continued
on over tho horizon.
In retrospecot, tho situation could have boon novided had an observation
boon made at about 1210, but tho state of son in which a groat deal of perisoeop
h.d to bo exposed to seo at all, ando it imporetive to hold tho exposuros to a
minimum, and tho neososity for high spood running also limited tho exposuros.
With this opportunity irrotrovably lost, gloon settled on tho L.PON after our
vory fine start.
1500H Surfneod and sent L.PON #2. Continued patrol on surfneo.
1510H High perisoeop sighted smoke booring 3000 T. SHIP CONTACT #. Could
make out two or throo A.K's. Since it was so elose to dark, a perisoeop approach
was impracticable, so submorgod and bogon to open out. Trackod target as long
as light permitted.
1900H Cane to radar depth and obtained rango and boring. It was impossible
to hold tho bot at this depth since tho son had inerensed during tho late
aftornoon.
1918H Sound has serows on tho starboard boon drawing aft so decided to come
up and soo what was thoro.
1920H Medo out a small A.K at a rango of about 1200 yards. Boforo anything
could be done, wo started to brnob, cought tho bont at 30 foot. Since it was
hard to soo how sighting could hryo boon avoided in tho sami-darknoss, wo wont
doop.

-7-

— page 80 —
11 March (Cont'd)
1930s: No more apparently seen; since, as the remainder of the convoy passed over us, light and heavy scows were hoard conducting what was evidently an inoffensive search. No depth charges were dropped.
2100h: Surfaced. Commenced and around.
Moon Positi: Lst. 19-45 N., Long. 120-34 E. Miles steamed: 134
Fuel used: 1565

12 March:
0128h: In position on base course of convoy. Changed course to close convoy. The convoy consisted of five or six ships with one escort that could be spotted on the radar screen as on the convoy's sternboard bow. Convoy's base course 165° T, speed 9 knots.
0215h: Sighted escort from bridge.
0235h: Dov. The escort had closed to about 3700 yards. Although the sky was overcast, it was quite light. Could not maintain radar depth so had to run at 60 feet.
0315h: Sighted small stack aft coastal steamer in the position of the escort, range 3000 yards.
0330h: Sighted medium sized J, angle on the bow 180°. Continued search for targets, but none could be found.
0350h: Sound and periscope picked up small escort with fast escorts trailing the convoy.
0426h: No apparently passed between the convoy and the sternboard escort without sighting the larger ships. Again held lost. So we surfaced. There was insufficient time for an end around prior to dawn while heading into the heavy seas, so continued patrol.
0555h: I.C. board out of commission due to fire on the board. This proved to be embarrassing as all indicators and alarms were inoperative, necessitating jury rigs throughout the boat. Steering by magnetic compass.
0718h: Reports to I.C. board completed (See report of damages for further details)
0805h: Sighted small fishing boat.
1030h: Sighted small fishing boat.
1222h: Gyro back in commission.
Noon Positi: Lst: 19-33 N., Long. 118-34 E. Miles steamed: 128
Fuel used: 2350

13 March:
0200h: Picked up light on small fishing boat, distant 5 miles.
0617h: Sighted what appeared to be a patrol boat. Avoided.
0903h: Trim dive.
1000h: Surfaced.
Noon Positi: Lst: 19-42 N., Long. 119-07 E. Miles steamed: 135
Fuel used: 1515

14 March:
0215h: After finding in two attempts to land on lookouts had, large albatross came aboard and settled down on bullnose.
0538h: Albatross shoved off.

— page 81 —
14 March (Cont'd)
0545H  Sub_rigad for trim divo.
0744H  Radar has indication of aircraft at 17 miles.  AIRCRAFT CONTACT #5
0820H  Sighted four aircraft, single wing.  AIRCRAFT CONTACT #6.  Devo, rigad for depth charge.
0845H  Scoured from depth charge.
1000H  Surfaced.
1203H  Rear has aircraft at 23 miles, closing.  AIRCRAFT CONTACT #7.  Devo to sixty foot.
1238H  Port shut out of commission.
1321H  Port shaft back in commission.
1330H  Surfaced.
Noon Posit:  Lt. 19-53.8 N.,  Long. 120-23 E.  Miles steamed: 135
Fuel used: 1030

15 March:
0511H  Nado trim divo.  Front doop to doormino location of gradient.
0626H  Surfaced and resumed high periscope surface petrol at economical spood.
0937H  High periscope sighted fishing vessel bearing 270° T.  Went to two engines to close.
0950H  Fishing boat was found to be medium sized, about 75 tons, power driven, with out radio, and carrying a large Japanese flag painted on the side.
0958H  Bottle stations for surface action.
1012H  Commenced firing with 20 man, guns.
1013H  Commenced firing four inch gun.
1014H  Radar plane contact at 25 miles.  Plane closed to 23 miles and we donied to clear area at flank spood.  Scoured 20 man, hits wore seen but no four inch hits.
1016H  Plane opened to 25 miles and dispproved.  Resumed attack.
1028H  Commenced firing with main and secondary battery.
1030H  Two four inch hits in hull a little fit of anchiships under pilot house, plus many 20 man, and 50 cell, hits, wore the cause of a brisk fire.  Shortly followed by an explosion.  Crossed fire.
1035H  Scoured from bottle stations.  Fishing boat now employed in flames with a rapidly rising column of black smoke.  The boat was settling by the storm.
1100H  ...mother explosion on this fishing boat was noted as we wore leaving it astern on the horizon.  Resumed low speed high periscope patrol.
1720H  Sighted plane on starboard bow coming in fast.  Devo, rigad for depth charge.  PLANE CONTACT #5.
1733H  Port scope depth.  All clear.
1826H  Surfaced.  Resumed patrol.
2008H  Sighted bobbing white light bearing 200° T.  Since we are in area where several fishing boats have been found an' since radar has no indications, avoided.
2315H  Sighted small fishing boat, avoid.  The remainder of the night was spent dodging small fishing boats not worthy of a night attack.
Noon Posit:  Lt: 19-58 N.,  Long. 119-26 E.  Miles steamed: 110
Fuel used: 1160

— page 82 —
16 March:
0555H: Dove for trim en? grntion dctornintion
0647H: Surtace. Rosumed low spoel patrol.
1425H: Sighte! small patrol boat, or large fishing boat in high periscope, ?
bearing 199? T. Kopt beyond visual range of vussol an? aerial astorn,
1525H: Sighte! amnko on the horison. Innerase! spcel to clnso,
1600H: Me to out two A'k's in high periscope. One with four geal posts an? the
other a East-Punnel-Mast. Both look large. Decided to try another night ettecl:
before morntise, tracking from chead in the meantime. This tadaion was reonhcd
sinao a successful submerged attack wdl! probably be impossible before ark with
the existing glassy soo onc I wante to make sure of this ono. Continue! track-
ing in high periscope from chead.
1917H: Harr has target at 27,000 yards. Continue! tracking while closing
rno o.
1930H: Ant to battle stations.
2000H: Sighted targets. Plnnee! to firo from the starboard hnal of the convoy
at the largest ship which was similar to the L.S.K. M.R.U. (page 186, ONI 208J). The
other A's was similar to the L.S.K. M.R.U. (page 186, ONI 208J). An escort was
soon sighted bottomon those two ships. Close! target while ajusting my course
so that on annll angle on the bow was always present.
2106H: Piro! first of six torpe loos at A.K.O. M.R.U at a man range of 3000 yards.
2108H: .t 2 minutes, 47 seconds, after firing the first torpedo, hoard the
first of three explosions which wore time! at about 8 second intervals. .at this
time we wore turning to starboard! and spooding up so that the hits wore not ob-
servo! by any officer on the bridge because of engine smoke. However, a most
reliable bottle lookout time! timely report! three hits, one aft, one amidships,
an? one a little forward of midships.
2131H: Opono! to westward and then northwesterward at flank spoed while escort,
which looke! similar to a destroyer astorn, was shooting about 600 off our
bearing. Target almost hit escort with 20 m.m.'s while flashing green light.
2136H: Radar last targets at 18,000 yards, just about our run in 26 minutes
after having previously lost escort at 16,000 yards. The targets are opp:rontly
stopped.
2137H: Stortel working back to area of cttack on course 1600 T.
2150H: Escort picked up at 10,000 yards. From this point we made good as much
ground to eastward as possible to search for targets, the escort roaming on the
astron at radar most of the time. At first, the escort was tracked on course
oast for two hours at about 9 knots. Then ho changed to northward until at
midnight he was heading back for tho scene of tho attack. When tho escort turned
north we supposed he was looking for his convoy and followed but his change of
course to the west and so suspicious that he was actually looking for us. During
the early stages of tho chao it did not seem probable that the escort would
leave one or two valuable ships f r f ur hure so wo kept him on tho screen
hoping he w uld loes us to an: running ship or ships.
It is ena!tored that the A.K.O. M.R.U sank abut the time we lost the
targets, since tho larger of those ships was originally picked up at 27,000 yards
with small angle on the bow and the target group was last after firing at
18,000 yards, in approximately the same spot as when we fired. The other ship
must hwo pro:coodd independently while the escort searched for us.
Hon Posit: Lt: 19-01 N., Long, 117-44 E. Miles steamed: 138
Fuel used: 1080

-10-

— page 83 —
17 M. reht
0042H Gave up search because of consideration of fuel and the fact that a very long run would be involved to overtake either vessel of the convoy.
0249H Hound two distant depth charges. Patrolling at economical speed to north-west.
1648H Sighted aircraft broad on starboard beam, closing. IRGET CONT. CT #9.
D.vo.
1651H One bomb, not close.
1730H Porisopos depth, all clear.
1903H Surfaced. Soon after surfacing, SD radar had an indication at 9 miles.
D.vo.
1935H Surfaced.
1939H 3R radar has contact at 23,000 yards. Started tracking. This was probably SD contact at 1903.
1940H Started to close range. Convoy apparently consisted of six ships, on base course 085° T., speed 12 knots. After range had closed it was apparent that the convoy was disposed as shown below:

|    | Escort    |

— page 84 —
16 March (Cont'd)
0014H  Bow of the tanker was observed pointing skyward as we cleared the area
and the escorts started firing and dropping depth charges.
0020H  Cleared area and set course for Ballantine Channel.
2030H  Sent L/R N#3
Noon Roast:  Lt: 20-10 N., Long. 117-15 E.  Kills steamed: 278
Fuel used: 2375

19 March:
17LGH  Lo vina patrol area, heading for Ballantine Channel.
1800H  Slight direct, distance 8 miles.  ALGIFT C. N. D.  Dov, R.
rigged for depth charge.
1815H  Scurred from depth charge.
1900H  Surf.rod; established position and commenced passage of Ballantine
Channel.
2300H  Completed passage of Ballantine Channel.
Noon Roast:  Lt: 20-14 N., Long. 119-53 E.  Kills steamed: 277
Fuel used: 2950

20 March:
Enroute from patrol area.  Converted #3 and #5 Fuel Ballast Tanks to
ballast tanks.
Noon Roast:  Lt: 17-57 N., Long. 123-54 E.  Kills steamed: 277
Fuel used: 3790

21 March:
Enroute from area.  Kido trim d'ivo.
Noon Roast:  Lt. 13-55 N., Long. 126-05 E.  Kills steamed: 277
Fuel used: 1955

22 March:
Enroute from area.  Trim d'ivo.
Noon Roast:  Lt. 10-03 N., Long. 127-50 E.  Miles steamed: 265
Fuel used: 1955

23 March:
Enroute from area.  Trim d'ivo.
Noon Roast:  Lt. 5-32 N., Long 128-13 E.  Miles steamed: 271
Fuel used: 1910

24 March:
Enroute from area.  Trim d'ivo.
0245H  MC'der picked up land bearing 138° T., range 85,000 yards, North Lolo n
Islands.
0500H  Commenced passage through Molukka Strait.
0711H  Trim d'ivo
0733H  Surfacod.

-12-

— page 85 —
24 March (Cont'd)
0815H 3R radar has plane contact at 27 miles. Closed to 10. Dove, rigged for depth charge. 1HOLIFT CNLT. #11
0835H Scurred from depth charge.
0942H Surfaced.
1013H Sighted aircraft. 1HOLIFT CNLT. #12. Dove, rigged for depth charge.
1030H Scurred from depth charge.
1128H Surfaced.
1620H Lookout reported spot on sun. Officer-of-the-Dock and Junior Officer-of-the-dock observed spot and decided it was not a plane. However, the quartermaster who was on high parissoo reported spot as single onginic, high wing, monoplane, and further stated plane had done wingover and was headed at LnL. The officer-of-the-dock, looking 'insertion the better part of volor,' dove.
1705H Porisoco depth. Observed 'roported plane still in sun. Began to suspect that plane was plane.
1745H So called aircraft disappeared with the setting sun. Many focus'red.
1805H Surfaced.
1929H Crossed quarter.
Hoon Roast: Lt. 1-14,5 N., Lng. 126-49 E. Kilos stonmod: 230
Foul used: 2850

25 March:
0000H Commenced passage between Stilin Island and Boroo Island.
0521H Submerged in channel.
1316H Surfaced, continued passage.
1326H Sighted light on port beam, probably on beach.
1340H Radar picked up small target on starboard quarter, range 6700 yards.
1300H Completed passage, set course for notel Island.
Hoon Roast: Lt. 1-09 S., Lng. 126-32 E. Kilos stonmod: 147
Foul used: 2420

26 March:
0722H Trim dive.
0745H Surfaced.
It was decided to pass out of Timor in order to head for Darwin as one of the officers had developed a beddy infected vesical tooth. Trostant was limited and the patient was in great continual pain. By passing out of Timor it was possible to head into Darwin if the tooth did not respond to treatment. Fortunately the phoniatrist's mate was able to feed on the pain by the following morning, so decided to head for Enoughta via Timor Sea.
1330H Radar picked up land boring 1170 T., range 79,000 yards, Goanoong Island.
1323H Sighted Goanoong Island.
1400H Sighted Notr Island.
1601H Submerged.
1820H Surfaced, commenced passage out of Timor.
Hoon Roast: Lt. 6-14 3., Lng. 126-12 E. Kilos stonmod: 262
Foul used: 2630

— page 86 —
27 March:
0100H: Completed passage. Set course for Exmouth Gulf
0503H: Train dive
0549H: Surfaced
0555H: SJ radar contact 30 miles. LIGHT CTNT 013
0919H: Sighted plane, 13 miles. Submerged
1030H: Surfaced
Foon Iosist: Lat. 10-03S, Long. 126-00 E. Miles Steamed 220
Fuel used: 3165

28 March:
1030H: Sighted periscope, turned away, went ahead flank and opened range.
Foon Iosist: Lat. 13-45 S., Long. 120-30 S. Miles steamed: 385
Fuel used: 4850

29 March:
Trian dive.
Hoon Iosist: Lat. 18-05 S., Long. 116-43 E. Miles steamed: 374
Fuel used: 3925

30 March:
Enroute from area.
Noon Posist: Lat. 22-06 S., Long. 112-45 E. Miles steamed: 303
Fuel used: 5055

31 March:
Enroute from area.
Noon Posist: Lat. 27-05 S., Long. 112-30 E. Miles steamed: 303
Fuel used: 4325

1 April:
1300H: Sighted Duck point lighthouse, Rotnest Island, bearing 1570 T., distance 13 miles.
1325H: Exchanged calls with 3C739, our escort, and set course for Fremantle Harbor.
1600H: Moored, Fremantle Harbor, alongside USS PELLIS, outboard of USS HOE.
Noon Posist: Lat. 31-31 S., Long. 115-13 E. Miles steamed: 312
Fuel used: 5170

— page 87 —
1. Encountered northerly set of about one to two knots west of Balentang Channel and southerly set in Channel of one to two knots.
2. Encountered northwesterly set of two to three knots while submerged between Buru and Sanana Sula Island.

(B) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS:
No navigational aids were sighted.

-15-

— page 89 —
U.S.S. LIPON Third War Patrol

(G) ATTACHED CONTACTS

| NO. | DATE  | LENGTH | TYPE  | RANGE | COURSE | HOW CONTACTED |
|-----|-------||-------|-------|||
| 1. | 08/3k | 24-39.5 N | 1 Eng., single wing | 9 mi. | --     | Radar & Periscope |
| 2. | 10/5k | 24-39.5 N | --     | 13 mi. | --     | Radar        |
| 3. | 11/7h | 19-28 N | M.VIS | 8 mi. | Circling | Lookout      |
| 4. | 08/3h | 19-45 N | --     | 19 mi. | --     | Radar        |
| 5. | 07/4h | 19-58 N | --     | 17 mi. | --     | Radar        |
| 6. | 08/2h | 19-56 N | 4 single wing, single engine | 12 mi. | --     | Lookout      |
| 7. | 12/3h | 19-51 | --     | 23 mi. | --     | Radar        |
| 8. | 17/2h | 19-58 N | --     | 10 mi. | --     | Lookout      |
| 9. | 16/4h | 19-20 N | BETTY | 10 mi. | 270    | Lookout      |
| 10. | 18/0h | 20-11 | J.KE | 10 mi. | 045    | Lookout      |
| 11. | 08/5h | 01-30 N | --     | 27 to 10 mi. | --     | Radar        |
| 12. | 10/3h | 01-28 N | --     | 10 mi. | --     | Lookout      |
| 13. | 05/5h | 11-35 8 | --     | 30 mi. | --     | Radar        |
| 14. | 09/9h | 11-37 8 | --     | 13 mi. | --     | Radar        |

-17-

— page 90 —
3.4 kts. 330° 63 ft. 10 down

This attack was conducted by periscope. The initial range was 14,000 yards with a large angle on the bow. A zigzag turned at the end of the approach necessitated firing the stern tubes. Before ship could be swung to fire bow tubes, two more forced down by aircraft.

-18-

— page 92 —
0.045(H) D.T.T. 9 M reh 1944 Lt. 10-47 H., Long. 115-56 H.

TARGET D.T.T. - D.M.G. INFLICTION

DESCRIPTION:
Pariseano c.n.tact, 500 ft. 10, dragged by first attack, being towed by an AK (similar to HIIITO M.R.U.(page 89, ONI 2083, revised), escorted by a small unidentified ship (probably a converted 1000-1500 ton AK. Contact made at 1700 on 8 March. Visibility good.

SHIP SINK:
One AK (similar to HIIITO M.R.U., 4466 tons)
One unidentified 500 ft. 10 of approximately 10,000 tons.

D.M.G. DISTRACTION BY:
Two torpedo explosions on the AK seen through periscope, then lost soon. AK's docks were completely awash and settling rapidly; sound detected noises similar to those of ship brooding up. Two and possibly three torpedo explosions on the AK were observed through the periscope. Ship was later found to be burning. Fire remained visible at twelve miles from our bridge. Two torpedo explosions timed for hittings on the AK. Thru torpedo explosions (one from bow tubes, two from stern tubes) timed for hitting on AK.

TARGET NO. 1
Draft: 12 ft.
Course: 320
Speed: 4
Range: 1500
Depth: 1700

TARGET NO. 2
Draft: 25 ft.
Course: 320 (bow tubes) 335 (stern tubes) 2
Speed: 4
Range: 2000

ON SHIP DATA:

| DISTRACTION | COMBAT | DETR. | MTLS (at firing) |
|||-------||
| 35-12      | 3.4    | 034   | 63 ft. 10' 10' |
| 35-12      | 6      | 045   | 63 ft. 10' 10' |
| 35-12      | 6      | 024   | 63 ft. 10' 10' |

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO D.T.T.

TIPS OF MTLS:
When periscope contact, surface, and end current are riding rather during which time we charged batteries and air. Upon completion of the contact, submerged at 11,800 yds and started closing on a 1400 port track. 10045(H) fired tubes #5, #5, #4 at the towing ship; then, swung to the right and fired tubes #3, #2, #1 at the AK. Crew had right rudder, intending to fire the stern tubes at the escort, but seeing the AK still afloat on the escort well away on the far side, fired the stern tubes at the AK, during which time the 1000-1500 ton AK was sunk at the periscope. As forced deep when the escort approached at high speed.

-20-

— page 93 —
1. TUBES FLASH 6 5 4 3 2 1
TUBES FLASH 116#P 115P 119T 118F 117#P 119P
GYRO ANGLE 022# 024 019 022 023# 019
DASH SET 8 ft. 8 ft. 8 ft. 8 ft. 8 ft. 8 ft.
O.EH High High High High High
KIT OR CLASS Hlt Hlt Miss Hlt Miss Miss
BEAUTIC No No No No No No
MARK TORPEDO 14-3. 14-3. 14-1. 14-3. 14-3. 14-3.
SERIAL NO. 26672 22724 19159 40646 40774 26395
H.MK KILOGRAM 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4
SERIAL NO. 919 1545 6951 14780 10552 12668
CUTTION SET Contact Cont act Contact Contact Contact Contact
CUTTION .CTUL Contact Contact Miss Miss Miss
LINK AHEAD 16 16 16-1 16-1 16-1 16-1
SERIAL NO. 5949 359 12200 11887 3439 12398
ACTIVE TEX TEX TEX TEX TEX
PLUG IN TAVL 0 98 88 0 88 88
TITZ SPALD None 5 & 4 Divergent Nonc 2 & 1 Divergent
SEL CONDITIONS 6 6 6 6 6 6
OVAL HIL .CITIVITY 3/4 B.So., Pearl Harbor, T.H. (all torpedoes)
DETRUS

— page 94 —
7
TUBES FIELD
TUBE NO. 7
TUBE NO. 137P
GUN NO. 186
DECK SET
6 ft.
HIGH
HIT ON HISS
Hit
No
14-3-1
S.S. NO.
24302
TANK KILDER
6-4
S.S. NO.
12846
CTU. TION SET
Cont. Cont.
16-1
S.S. NO.
12153
EL. LOAD
TX
0
TNT SIZED
Divergent for all torpedoes
6
S.S. CONDITIONS
6
OVERALL ACTIVITY
3/4 B.S., P.arl Harbor, T.H. (all torpedoes)

: -22-

— page 95 —
2106(H)    TIDE: 16 March 1944    Lt. 18-21.5 N., Long. 117-21.5 E.

TARGET: D.T.T. - D.M.G. INFLATION

DESCRIPTION:
Initial contact with convoy made on surface with high periscope. Convoy consisted of one AK similar to AK.3G. (p.g. 186, ONI 208J); one AK similar to AK.3G. KID (p.g. 186, ONI 208J); and one escort similar to a Destroyer Escort. One AK similar to AK.3G. KID, 7390 tons.

SHIP SINK:
SHIPS D.C.G.ED OIL
TIDE.HEY SINK:
D.L.G. DEATHSTROKE BY: None

Target Draft: 12 ft.    Course: 190    Speed: 12    Range: 3200

UN SHIP DATA

Speed: 13-15    Course: 125    Depth: Surface    Range: 3200

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO D.T.T.

TIDE.HEY:
Initial contact made on surface with high periscope. The target was tracked from about 10 miles away. The high periscope until dark when the range was closed and the target was tracked. The target was tracked until dark when the range was closed and the target

— page 96 —
4 3 2 1 6 5
TUBE PLUG 129 8 129 8 130 8 131 8 132 8 133 8
TUBE NOLE 014 014 015 016 017 018
DET SHT 10 ft. 10 ft. 10 ft. 10 ft. 10 ft. 10 ft.
20.2H High High High High High High
HIT ON MISS Miss Miss Hit Hit Hit
EXCITIO No No No No No No
KLAK TUNNEL 14-3 14-3 14-3 14-3 14-3 14-3
SERIAL NO. 40791 40457 40618 40423 40304 40434
MAK EXIT LENGTH 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4
S.S.T.L. NO. 10516 1294 17809 789 12221 12553
CUTTION SHT Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact
CUTTION ACTUAL Miss Miss Miss Contact Contact Contact
TUNK TUNKED 16-1 16-1 16-1 16 16 16
SERIAL NO. 12464 2548 11822 3198 2809 2469
SURVIVE TX TX TX TX TX TX
PLUG INTRV.L 0 9s 10s 8s 8s 8s
TITZ SPRAY None None None None None
ST. CONDITIONS 1 1 1 1 1 1
OV SHLD. LC. VLTY S/6 Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. (all torpedoes)
NEL 1K3:

— page 97 —
0.3, S. L.PON Third War Patrol

U.S.S. L.PON TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4 PATROL NO. 3

TIME: 0000(H) DATE: 16 March 1944 Lct. 19-22,5 N., Long 116-52 E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

DESCRIPTION:
Initial contact made on rear at 23,000 yards with convoy consisting of one 10, four 1K's, and three small escorts. Contact at 19,000 at 17 March. 10 was identified as being similar to MISSION MUR (page 261, OMT 208J). The other ships were identified as small and medium 1K's. The night was dark but cloudless. One looked 10 similar to MISSION MUR, 10,200 tons.

SHIP SINK: SHIP PROBE. L.M. GED OR SINK: One 1K (unidentified)

D.M.G. DISTINGUISHED BY: Two torpedo explosions observed in 10 immediately followed by explosion in which the tanker broke up and sank in flames. Two additional explosions were reported following the second torpedo explosion at about the correct interval for torpedoes hitting an 1K leaving the 10. The assistant approach officer and a lookout reported a fire ahead of the 10, but this was not confirmed by an officer detailed to observe hits.

TARGET DRAFT: 25 ft. COURSE: 085 SPEED: 12 kts. RANGE: 3000 yds

O.N SHIP DATA

SHIP: 16.3 knots COURSE: 125 DISTH: Surf. co ANGLE: 0

FIR- CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Convoy was located by radar at 23,000 yards at surfacing. Command was taking while anti-timing position ahead and slightly on starboard bow of convoy. A 10 range had closed, noted two escorts on starboard hand of convoy in PFI range while one escort and 1K ship were observed on port flank. Front aft of convoy and ahead from astern. Conducted night periscope radar approach using TBT bearings inside of 10,000 yards. Fired when convoy had completed a left zig to be so course at a range of 3000 yards. Visibility did not warrant closing further. At time of firing, the ships of the convoy overlapped the target, at either end, presenting a target about three ship lengths wide. The first torpedo fired took an initial course to the left but then straightened out.

— page 99 —
0836(H)    TEL: 10 March 1944    Lt. 19-27 N., Long. 118-23 E

TARGET DATA - DANGER INFILTRATION

SUNK:    None

D. G. GID:    One small fishing vessel, 50 ft. long, of about 25 tons.

D. G. GID DETAILED BY:    Numerous observed 20 mm. and .30 c.1. mach. gun hits.

DETAILS OF ACTION

Type guns - 4"/50 cal., 20 mm., .30 cal. Browning .30.

Immersion - 4 rounds H.C. joint loton-ting 4 inch shells, 495 rounds of 20 mm., 800 rounds .30 cal.

Contact target with high periscope. Closed and observed to be a 50 ft. fishing vessel. .0836(H) opened fire with 20 mm., .30 cal., and 4" gun at range of 900 yards. Too rough to aim. 50 cal. machine guns. Broke off action when after lookout reported a periscope fired astern.

The four inch crew was just getting range, having shaken the target with 5000 miles.

-27-

— page 100 —
3.3, LON (33260) U.S.S. LION (33260) GUN T.C.K. NO. 2 P.TROL NO. 3
TIGER 0958(H) D.T.: 15 March 1944 Ent. 19-57 N., Long. 119-45.5 E.

T. HUNT D.T. - D.D.T. - D.D.T. INFLITTER

SUNK:
T. HUNT
One small discopar fired fishing vassal, 70 ft. long of about 75 tons.
P. HUNT DET. DET. DET. BY:
Num. rous observed 20 mm. on. on. 50 crl. machine gun hits, two four inch high capacity hits which disallished the cabin started a fire

— page 101 —
1. Anti-submarine measures were not very persistent nor accurate. On the occasion of LAPON's first and second attacks, 64 depth charges were dropped and possibly one bomb. None were close enough to do any damage. The escort passed directly overhead when LAPON was at 340 feet. A turn count could easily be taken through our hull. Fortunately, escort did not make contact. One significant factor in this area was observed in that every convoy except one was preceded by air coverage.

(K) M.J. HARRIS AND D.M. LEE

1. Main actions: Number 1 developed a loud knocking in after end. Inspected gear train and found [erroneous] crankshaft idler and camshaft idler gears had been slightly damaged by the passage of nut-loading wires through the train. Filed and stowed the damaged tooth. Inspected generator and found all air baffle bolts loose. Five more pulled out and two were snapped. Rebolted baffle plate. No luck washers had been installed.

Number 2 snapped two cylinder head holding down studs and cracked exhaust elbow of number 10 unit. Studs were removed and elbow welded. Crush bilobed to be excessive tension at installation.

2. Auxiliary engine: The foul pump failed because of a cracked gear. The shaft ported at splined end. Spline bushing was unchanged. The cause of failure is uncertain.

3. [Unclear: The I.C. motor [unclear: motor 30 amp-reo out out switches (motor on)] burned out. They were replaced by double pole, double throw switches, in forty-five minutes. Overloading the circuit was directly responsible for the failure. The use of I.C. power supply for 3R r-r-r is necessitated by the unreliability of its own power source, the amplifier motor generator set. This unit has never operated correctly since installation, despite the incessant efforts of ship's force, NRO Island Navy Yard, S/S B-25 B

— page 102 —
6. Negative Tank Flood. Our one major hull casualty, occurring to negative flood valve, proved to be troublesome throughout the patrol, whenever submerged operations were required. On [Wednesday, 23 February, upon diving, and after blowing negative tank and closing the flood valve, a loud chattering noise was heard upon equalising the pressure in the tank and observation of the gauge showed that water was entering the tank. The flood valve was not holding. After inspection of negative flood valve operating gear in the pump room, it was found that the cutter pin, supposedly securing and locking the adjusting nut to the operating shaft, was not even keyed in to the nut, as is customary, allowing the shaft and valve assembly to unscrew. The adjusting nut had reached the pin and had commenced to shear and bend it. Had the cutter pin worn down, twist-d, or bent sufficiently, shaft and valve would have been broken off the boat. Through the yoke and packing glands and drop through the bottom of the boat. The shaft was taken up as far as possible, but the same casualty re-occurred. The shaft was then taken up to its fullest, in the yoke. This was useless, as water still entered. It was apparent that either the flood valve was missing or the gasket worn beyond operative limits. Due to the lightness of the shaft it is believed that the flood valve is missing. The new "Type" gasket was installed at our recent navy yard overhaul.

7. Camouflage. Prior to departure on patrol, the deck and surfaces visible from above coming tower were painted dark grey, the deck and surfaces visible from shore being left black. Inasmuch as there were no indications of our having been sighted on night surface approaches, it is bollivod that the grey painting was somewhat affective.

— page 103 —
1. Failure of Power Transformer, T-201, in now RAL-7 Rotifiler Power Pack. Symptoms: No high voltage on tubos. Bad heating of power unit and smoking of transformer. Remodded by installing an inferior replacement normally carried as spare for 25 M.C. system. No other failures.

2. Radio reception while on patrol during daytime was almost impossible due to weak signals of Perth and much interference from Jap radio stations. Radio Perth during daytime was usually Strongth Zero to Strongth Two or Three. At night Perth had good loud signals, but much interferance was encountered on both 4370 and 9250 kcs. When Perth starts to send, two or three Jap stations also open up on practically the same frequency. Would suggest use of higher than 12,630 kcs during daytime. Received all traffic sent, although sometimes it took three or four different transmissions of message to get it.

(2) RADAR

1. Faulty Coupling Condensor in SJ Transmitter, Item #200, 0(17), which is used between multi-vibrator and oscillator tube and bias generator. Symptoms of failure were improper and intermittent keying of transmitter due to opening of con donor when hot. This failure appeared to be caused by weakening of soldering lugs on inside of condensor due to short lead soldering. Condition was remedied by installing new condensor.

2. Failure of Electric Bearing Repeater in conning tower. (This is the new Micro Island design of ring gear on lower antenna assembly.) Trouble was insufficient clearance between ring gear and soldered contacts for lobing ring assembly, causing arcing which caused fusos to blow in lobing circuit and therefore cut out lobing. Condition remedied by making a new snarf for bovel gear which drives master gyro generator, and allowing more clearance between ring gear and lobing ring assembly.

3. Failure of Coaxial Cables from Video to PPI. Symptoms were intermittent PPI operation, and intermittent swoop on "IF" range indicator "H" scoopo. Cable appeared to open due to heat and old age. Remodded by ropl-cing with new coaxial cable.

4. On deep dives, due to greater amount of condensation, arcing across high voltage rostrifier, tube contacts to ground was noticed in PPI unit. This was remedied by careful drying out bofore surfacing. Suggest different type of socket to installed for high voltage rostrifier. Suggest also, periodic re-coating of all units where high amount of heat is present on installations having present type of coax in use.

— page 104 —
1. The operation of both S/S and SD radars was at all times satisfactory. The new S/S transmitter and PPI unit/g/vu gratifying results. Under good conditions, we can expect a range of at least 24,000 yards on large ships. The extraordinary range of 95,000 yards was obtained on an 1,800 foot volcanic peak. The PPI was especially valuable for determining the disposition of convoy and escorts; and in piloting within restricted waters.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

1. The operation of all sound gear was satisfactory. Sound conditions were poor in the area. There were no casualties.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

1. A Bathytomograph card reading was taken every day to establish a gradient. The following unusual gradients were found:

| Date | Latitude | Longitude | High Temp. | Low Temp. | Amount |
|------||||||
| 3/8/44| 19-38 N. | 116-16 E. | 640        | 550       | 90      |
|      |          |           |            |           |         |
| 3/11/44| 19-47 N. | 120-50 E. | 660        | 520       | 140     |
|      |          |           |            |           |         |
| 3/14/44| 20-04 N. | 120-14 E. | 650        | 520       | 130     |

(P) HEAVY FLIGHT, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY

1. Health was generally excellent. No serious ailments were reported. One case of an infected wisdom tooth was very painful, but fortunately occurred near one of patrol so that it was not necessary to pull the tooth. In this connection, it is recommended that a pair of dental forceps be added to allowance list.

2. Habitability. The installation of a large hopper under afficor's head was a source of great relief and convenience to all hands during all day submorgonco.

3. Food. Food was varied and generally excellent. The installation of an ice cream mixer by Navy Yard Mare Island has paid great dividends and was a welcome addition to the menu.

Meat spoiled to the extent of 400 lbs. occurred on this patrol. The same spoilage occurred on the previous patrols to a greater extent. The installation of two fans for additional ventilation helped the situation, but did not solve the problem.

-32-

— page 105 —
1. PERSONNEL:
   - The manner in which the officers and men performed their duties during this patrol leaves little to be desired. The Navy Yard overhaul and the on-vehicle transfers after the soond patrol necessitated that an intensive training program be undertaken. This was done and carried along throughout the patrol with the exception of a few days while in the area.
   - The transfer of two officers after the soond patrol nonassisted the organization of the entire control party. Then, at the beginning of the training period, the transfer of the executive officer made another reorganization necessary. The smooth running of the control party may be attributed to the hard work and zeal with which all members applied themselves to the learning of their new jobs.
   - The morale of the crew is not it's highest peak, since this is the first patrol that the LIPON has sunk it's shore of J.p.nose shipping.

2. NOTES:
   - MIDWAY to area: 3692 miles, 42,233 gallons
   - In area: 3039 miles, 30,869 gallons
   - Area to North: 3495 miles, 39,898 gallons

3. DURATION:
   - Days on route, Midway to area: 13
   - Days in area: 17
   - Days on route to base: 13
   - Days submerged (more than eight hours): 4

4. FACTORS OF ENDURANCE RELATING TO:
   - Torpedoes: 3,000 gal.
   - Provisions: 35 days
   - Personnel Factor: 30 Days

Limiting factor this patrol: all torpedoes expended.

5. REMARKS:
   - Iron is too large to be completely covered efficiently by one boat. In view of number of focal points and amount of traffic through area, it is believed that two boats could be employed offensively.
   - Comments on Black Lightning: More Island installed black lighting on this periscope, sound repeaters, and T.D.C. The lighting is excellent on sound repeaters and T.D.C. and answers a former perplexing problem. On the periscope, it is worthless in its present state as no means of keeping the scribe on the periscope filled with native material could be devised. Water continually shorted out lighting elements.

— page 106 —
5-16/416-3
Serial 0225

Q-0-7-7-1-D-1-7-1-A-L

U.S. NAVY
C. April 1944.

The Co. renders Task Group SEALY-ONE FORT PIERCE.
The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
The Commander, Submarines, SILVERT. PLANT.
The Commander, SUBWATER PLANT.

Subject: U.S.S. LAPORT (SS260) - Report of 3rd War Patrol.

1. The third war patrol of the LAPORT enroute from PALAU TAIWAN to PHILIPPINES, covered a period of 49 days, from February 13 to April 1, 1944, of which 17 days were spent in the patrol area in the SOUTH CHINA SEA. This a. -recessive and well conducted patrol was terminated early due to the expendi- ture of all torpedoes.

2. Four torpedo attacks upon enemy ships were made as well as two un-attacks on small fishing craft. The first torpedo attack upon a tanker in a 5 ship convoy, escorted by 3 surface craft was broken and the tanker resulted in 2 hits which damaged the tanker. Following this attack, escorts dropped 32 depth charges, while one of the AK's was taking the damaged A0 in tow. LAPORT surfaced after dark, claimed position ahead of convoy and delivered a successful submerged attack upon the towing AK and the damaged A0. The first un-attack against a fishing craft was broken off when a lookout reported the sinking of a periscope. On March 11, 1944, LAPORT made contact with an enemy task force consisting of 2 BUs, 1 CV, 1 CA, and 2 DD's. It was most unfortunate that the maneuverers of this formation frustrated the attempted attack as LAPORT's presence was evidently not detected by the enemy. A small convoy fishing boat was sunk by surface attack upon a convoy consisting of 2 AK's was a night surface attack upon a convoy consisting of 2 AK's, which was not considered in the marking of the tanker.

3. The material condition of the LAPORT is very good and it is expected that the refit will be completed in the scheduled period. The naval characteristics will be corrected. The casualty to reactive tank flood valve was caused by breaking of the 1/4" rivet pin which scours the valve stem head to the valve stem, resulting in the loss of the valve cover. This pin was soft iron and not Cu alloy as specified. This is the second reactive flood valve loss here lately. The hatch having broken the valve stem just at the upper end of the threaded portion where a severe shoulder exists.

-1-

— page 107 —
4. The morale, health of the crew, and the state of cleanliness of the ship are excellent.

5. The 5.5-ton Cramcandor takes pleasure in welcoming crew on this very successful patrol and on the important change initiated upon the enemy.

SIGNATURE: [Signature]
S. A. HILL, CMD

— page 108 —
1/2/44
Serial 0346
April 14, 1944.
C-O-N-F-I-D-R-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS LAPON Conf. Ltr. A16-3
Serial 010, dated 1 April,
1944. Report of 3rd War
Patrol.
FRO: The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE.
TO: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.
Subject: U.S.S. LAPON (83260) - Report of Third War Patrol -
Comment on.
1. The remarks of the Commander Submarine Squadron
SIXTEEN are concurred in.
2. LAPON, though relatively unfamiliar with SOUTH CHINA
SEA areas on reporting to this Task Force, relentlessly sought
out torpedo targets and inflicted heavy damage on the enemy.
Fourteen hits from twenty-four torpedoes fired on well escorted
convoyes bespeaks well planned and executed attacks, capable fire,
control, and the necessary will to severely damage the enemy.
3. This patrol is designated as "successful" for
purpose of award of the Submarine Combat Insignia.
4. The Force Commander takes pleasure in congratulating
the Commanding Officer, officers, and Crew on a fine patrol in
which the following damage was inflicted on the enemy:
SUIK
1 - 40 (LARGE UNDETIPPED) - - - - - 10,000 Tons.
1 - 40 (HICHIHEI I-RU) - - - - - 3,000 "
1 - 4P-4K (HOKOROKU I-RU) - - - - - 8,360 "
1 - 4K (HOKOKU I-RU) - - - - - 6,300 "
Total 32,660 Tons.

— page 109 —
12/bt
Serial 0546
Ar 11 17, 1944.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS LAPON Conf. Ltr. 16-3
Serial 010, dated 1 April,
1944. Report of 3rd War
Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. LAPON (SS260) - Report of Third War Patrol -
Document on.

DANGER
1 - XCVS (KUNIKAWA) - 6,863 Tons.
+1 - SALPANI - 75 "
+1 - SALPANI - 25 "

Total 6,963 Tons.
Grand Total 39,623 Tons.

+ By gunfire.

H. H. McLEAN

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (3) - (Direct)
Vice O.nav (2) - (Direct)
Vice O.nav Op-23c (1)
ComlastFlt (1)
Com2ndFlt (1)
Com3rdFlt (1)
Co.7thFlt (2)
Consubs1stFlt (4)
Consubs2ndFlt (4)
Co.TaskFor-71 (4)
ComTaskFor-72 (2)
ComSubRon-12 (1)
CoSubRcu-16 (1)
DivcoS Ron-12 (1)
DivCoS Ron-16 (1)
8/M School, H.L. Conv. (2)
Each 8/M V.b. (1)

P. P. STRAUB, J.S.,
Flag Secretary.

- 2 -

— page 110 —
844
: 3084
UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET
A16-3/(F-3/OW)
Serial: 0973
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to:
CO USS LAPON (SS260)
Conf. Ltr. Serial 010
dated 1 April 1944.
From: The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Subject: USS LAPON (SS260) - Report of Third War Patrol.
1. Forwarded.
O.L. LIVDALL,
By direction.

— page 111 —
8268/16-3
Serial 033

DECLASSIFIED: L
From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. L.PON (S-3260)
To: Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Vla: Official C.C. rank.

Subject: U.S.S. L.PON, Report of "Mr Patrol Number FOUR

Enclosure: (1) Subj.ct report
(2) Track Chart (for Commander Submarine, 7th Fleet)

1. Enclosure (1), covering the fourth war patrol of this vessel, conducted in the South China Sea, south of Den.rous Ground, during the period 25 April 1944 to 6 June 1944, is forwarded herewith.

L. T. STONE

DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED-AKT. 0643, OFFAMINST 5510.C
BY.OC-0969C-DATE 3/2/72

82089 FILMED

— page 112 —
1. Installation of voice radio modulator.
2. Drydocked
3. Sound tested, magnetic signature checked.

The refit was complete and well done; very few loose ends were found. The C commanding Officer is very appreciative of the cooperation and excellent work done by the PELIAS and Submarine Division 121 Relief Crew.

On April 16 commenced training p-riod which included a day and night convoy xorecise; also practice approaches and gun firing. Completed training period on April 22, 1944.

(B) NARRATIVE

25 April 1944:
1300H Underway from alongside U.S.S. PELIAS for fourth war patrol in company with U.S.S. BONFIN via Exmouth Gulf.

26 - 28 April:
Enroute Exmouth Gulf. Held daily control drills, battles problems, trim divos and general drills.

28 April:
0443H Radar picked up Northwast Cape.
1020H Hooded alongside fuel barge, Exmouth Gulf. Took on 11,000 gallons fuel.
1440H Underway for patrol station.

29 April - 1 May:
Undersway enroute patrol station. Held daily training divos, control drills, and battle problems.

1 May:
0500H Radar picked up land at 028 relative, 56,000 yards, Nossa Boar.
0531H Submerged.
1900H Surfacd. Radar has land at 45,000 yards, Nossa Boar.
2100H Commenced passage of Lombok Strait.
2246H Picked up small patrol bct on radar bearing 013 relative, range 9500 yards. Changed course to right and finally ran around him after range closed to 3100 yards.
2344H Radar picked up target bearing 271 true, range 11,000 yards. Target closed and was seen to be a fairly large patrol boat. Range opened and lost target.

— page 113 —
US LAPON (SS260) 4th War Patrol

2 May:
The first of these patrol boats was in the convoy of the strait north of the point on the south coast of Lombok Island. He was avoided by heading for the Lombok shore at flank speed. The second and larger patrol boat was lurking in the shadow of the Bali coast, close to the beach near the north entrance, where a submarine would be dispatched to transit, incrusting the moon had not set. He was not sighted until brief the boat at a range of 11,000 yards. Both patrol boats steamed at twelve knots.

0200H Clear approach to Lombok.
0530H Submerged.
1855H Surfaced.
2045H Picked up small craft--provided.

3 May:
Thru which night continued to run through numerous small patrol boats. Radar picked up target bearing 206 true, range 11,300 yards. Towed target at 19 knots. Bearing drew ahead and range opened. Could not see.

0545H Submerged. Hold central drill.
1845H Surfaced.
1905H Radar picked up land bearing 030 true, 49,000 yards--from island.
2005H Cemanooed picking up small fishing boats--provided.

4 May:
Continued av iding small craft on route.

0545H Submerged on new station.
1847H Surf. headed for Bawun Island, continuing to dive small craft.
2220H Radar has land bearing 267 true, 50,000 yards--from island.

5 May:
O-50H Submerged.
1855H Surf.ced, t k course for Krimita Strait.

6 May:
0600H Submerged in entrance of Krimita Strait
1855H Surf.ced.
2155H Radar picked up land bearing 335 true, 95,000 yards--Krimita Island.

7 May:
0130H Completed passage of strait with out incident. Soreto Island was passed nine miles down to starboard.
0618H Submerged.
1513H Exerised at bottle statn, held on trial drill.
1905H Surf.ced. Cemanooed wriding small craft.

8 May:
0245H Look up picked up land bearing 070 true--St. Julius Island.
0305H Picked up land--Cumolis Hang.
0400H Picked up land--Saddle Rock. 3st clocks to minus seven zone time.
0507G Submerged.
1817G Surf.ced, closed Saddle Rock to tune radar.
2015G Tuned radar. Sot course for Soobi Boar.

- 2 -

— page 114 —
9 May:
   0415G  Sighted Soobi Bcsar Light (White group flashing—twice at interval of 10 seconds.)
   0500G  Submerged.
   0600  Surfaced.
   07280  SD radr contact 10 miles.  LHRCFT CONTACT #1.  Submerged.
   0830G  Periscope depth; commenced submerged p:trl: if Scubi Bcsar.
   16190  Surfaced, commenced patrolling along Singapore-Enpiro traffic lane.

10 May:
   0508G  Submerged for trim.
   05350  Surfaced, continued patrl: across traffic lanes s:uth of Dangerous Ground.
   2240G  C:n:verted #4 fuel bell:ast tank to: main bell:ast tank and flushed tank.

11 May:
   0507G  Continuing patrol across traffic lanes s:uth of Dangerous Ground.
   05320  Surfaced.
   1408G  Submerged to: routine torpedoes.  Excercised control party at: bottle:st:t:l:ins.
   17250  Surfaced.

12 May:
   0504G  Continuing patrol across traffic lanes s:uth of Danger:us Gr:und.
   05250  Surfaced.  Set c:urse f:r:f:cel: point a:r:th:roast: f: 3:obi Bcsar.

13 May:
   05000  Sct: cur:se f:or f:cel: point: off North Natunc: Island.
   05130  Surf:ar:ed.
   06050  Sight:d:ir:er:ft (BETTY), ran:se ab:ut 9 miles.  LHRCFT CONT:CT #2.
   07120  Surf:ar:ed.
   07210  Sight:d:tw: small: single: on:g:ine: planes, distance 8 miles.  LHRCFT CONT:CT #3.
   08000  C:n:se up to: perisc:pe: depth.
   06110  Sight:d:w:ht: c:pp:rc:rd: t:o: be: an: en:u:ny t:sk: f:r:ce hull: down, bearing: 265 tr:u:s.
   06140  Boring drawing t:o: th:o: loft.  C:n:se t:o: ra:r:al: approach c:ur:se: and inc:r:es:ed: speed t:o: standard.  Th:u: angle: on: the b:w: f: th:o: nearest ship is: ab:ut 90 P:r:t.
   08180  T:ont:ified this f:r:ce as: c:nsisting: f:th:ro: air:er:aft: carriers, f:iv:h:avy: r:light: cru:isors, f:nd:th:ro: plus: Cost:ray:rs.  Fl:ans: w:ro: in: th:o: cir: un: air:eling: all: vessels.

— page 115 —
13 May (c n'td):
During the next thirty minutes this free changed course in small increments to the s.uthc st. mnt.ining high spccd, ab ut 20 knrs. The mini-mum. range nt.rt.inod n a cruiser ws. s.but 5000 yards with a 90° prt engle on the bow.

One of the crirrent carriers had an unique silhouette never seen before. A sk.tch is given below:

The raked stack ws. very similar to the t.ht. bserved on Japanese cruisers, all the carriers seemed to have masts that l.owered outward while c.udding pl.ces. Then was observed when one carrier turned away and presented a 180° angle in the s.ur. at a range of about 10,000 y.rs., apparently t. take pl.anes nearer.

0846G. S.w. two carrier fighter or s.ort. p.lanes. On. a. c.ame turn. turned, the other away—apparently part of an air. s.creen.

0857G. H.ard. two. depth charges or bombs.

0900G. Task. f.ree. going aw.y, range at least 18,000.

0906G. W.ait. t. 150. foot, rigged f. r. depth charge. During the n.ext fifty minutes a. series of. fifteen. large under.ter.er. expl.osi.ns. were. ho.ard. Most of. these were. t. same distance, but no. series of. fur. were. very much. el.oser. than. the. rest.

1025G. Poriscapo. 30. p.orth, n.thing in. sight. C.ntinued pr.t.rl.

1503G. Surf.road.

2030G. Sent. L.P.ON. T.W.O.

14 May:
P. tr.r.ulling. f.cel. point. n.orth.est of. North. A.t.tuna.

0515G. Submerged. for. trim.

0555G. Surf.road.

2227G. Set. o. ur.se. f.er. f.cel. point. n.orth.est of. Incumb. s. Islands.

15 May:
Pet.r.r.ulling. traffic. l.ine. to. Singapore. on. ur. to. f.er. point. n.orth.est of. Incumb. s. Islands.

2000G. On. station.

— page 116 —
16 KAY
: 0530G
: 0615G
: 0735G
: 0917G
: 1015G
: 1230G
: 1300G
: 1350G
: 1415G
: 1520G
: 1711G
: 17 MAY
: 0530G
: 0630
: 1500G
: 1725G
: 1825G
: 1920G
:

— page 117 —
20 May:
    Patroling fleet point southeast of Amabos Island.
    Radar picked up target bearing 225 relative, 10,850 yards, and close
    to the US carrier. Concluded target was T.S. Sub. with us. U.S.
    Submerged.
    0735G SD radar contact at 20 miles. IRCFL CONT.CF #9. Closed to 18
    miles and then opened out and disappeared.
    1013G Sighted aircraft 10 miles, large transport. IRCFL CONT.CF #9.
    Submerged.
    1125G Surfaced.
    1330G Sighted object on horizon resembling tops of combatant ship.
    Submerged and tracked.
    1550G Surfaced. Commenced closing target which proved to be a seaplane.
    1620G Picked up land in periscope—Amabos Islands.
    1635G Apprehended seaplane. Crew consisted of three men, active and
    in half-cast. Gave them some bread and cigarettes and slaved off.
    1840G Set course for Scoboi Bear.
    2050G Radar picked up land, 50,000 yards—Lt. Lt. Israel.
    2245G Picked up Scroja Island.

21 May:
    Enroute to fleet point northeast of Scoboi Bear.
    0100G Sighted Scoboi Bear.
    0357G A-7 picked up small boat, 4,500 yards.
    0455G Submerged. Commenced patrolling close aboard.
    1824G Surfaced. Set course for Kati-Sarosen pass.

22 May:
    Patrolling across Kati-Sarosen pass.
    0100G Set course for Scoboi Bear.
    0507G Submerged off Scoboi Bear. Commenced submerged patrol close aboard.
    Light.
    1835G Surfaced.
    1845G Set course for Apli pass.

23 May:
    0000G Reached northern edge of Apli Pass. Set course for now station.
    1700G On new station.
    1708G Submerged for train. Just as but submerged, picked up trace of
    smoke bearing 310 trucks. Quick train.
    1718G Surfaced in hot pursuit of four aedin engines at flank speed.
    1748G Kare smoke; n: doubt now. Five distinct columns are visible.
    Apparently on course 310 trucks, headed for Saigon.
    1847G Radar contact bearing 000 relative, 28,000 yards.

— page 118 —
23 May (Cont'd)
1850G Started trac&ing targets
1930G Went to battle stations. STANDBY TLCK #1. As we closed the convoy from directly astern, three large ships were counted and at first only one sank in the starboard quarter could be located. This led to the decision to attack in the enemy's port beam. However, as the end of the convoy was continued up the port quarter, another as yet was spotted on the port quarter. The approach was continued on the port beam, since the port escort seemed to maintain a position in little further aft than the starboard escort.
2146G We were 50 degrees on the targets port bow, range 9500 yards, seemed to make an attack in 90° port track, keeping bow pointed at target at 11 times. This speed was adjusted to prevent range closing too rapidly and to permit opening of 'after' darts.
2157G First first of six torpedoes on an 800 p.p. track, range 2900 yards.
2150C Came last on what the flank.
2203G All torpedoes released aft. Target was smoking heavily and blowing whistle. Escort commenced closing. There was no apparent reason for missing, since all darts checked. Angle on bow as sent down from bridge checked with T.D.C., course and speed were exact. No more very disheartened.
2210G Clearing range for 'next attack'. 1st targets on escorts arm speed apparently but at 17 knots. The starboard escort has now dropped astern, so the ship has missed in attack #1 because of error in setting angle on T.D.C.
Target was reported to be of peculiar construction. It seemed to have an island and stack forward with a long flush deck. It was very high out of the water which indicates it was running light or has a very high main deck line. Length by binoculars' frame 4'75 to 5'25 feet. The bow was a curved in by two experienced officers in the bridge and looks as to hope it might have been a GVA.
2300C Commented tracking for TLCK #2. 1st targets on escorts arm present, but a course unknown. The starboard escort has now dropped astern, so the ship has missed in attack #1. LON is now 7000 yards ahead of enemy on their track.

24 May
0012G The zigzag plan was determined to be about the same as on attack #1. Base course unchange. Target speed increased to 10 knots. Turned in to attack with bow tubes using same method as in attack #1. All hands had their fingers crossed.
0020-30G First first of four torpedoes at the same vessel attack in the first attempt. Range 2950 at cannon firing, track about 60° starboard.
0022-22G First of four hits. Storn was blown off the target and it was seen on the deck.
0024G Completed swing for storm tubes relay to sonar ship in column, but it was obscured by smoke from first target. The description of the target as 'obtainable' on attack #1 was confirmed by one officer and the other considered that it was a bit of a hit with lines similar to our in 45 class. The letter was the description in own by two battles lookouts. The son in the definitely about 500 feet. Closed to the northwest with the port escort in the pursuit.

— page 120 —
935 LEPON (SS260) 4th War Patrol

24 May (Cont'd):
04:57G Submerged.
After daylight saw a clear cloud of smoke in direction of target,
a vina to north west at an estimated speed of 3 knots. Parallel smoke.

1615G Surfaced. Sat course toward Sizig to search for airships. No luck.
21500 Continued search to long track after exhausting all apparent
possibilities.

25 May:
01:15G Sat course for focal point northeast of Tambas Island.
1410G Sighted smoke bearing 174 true, changed course to 174 true.
1631G Sighted masts flur ship. Changed tracking in high periscope
at flank speed.
1925G In position ahead of target.
1950G Identified target as hospital ship. Probably the HMS

— page 121 —
27 May (C ntd):
1. 1550G 3rd radar detected traces of other radar.
1. 1550G Slight submarine-escorted toward it. 3rd radar picked it up at 14,000 yards. Submarine determined to be U.S.

— page 122 —
31 kg (C-n't'd)
1821H Surfaced
2155H Radar picked up land bearing 182.5 true, 106,000 yards. This range is a record for L.PON's radar. Land was Lombok Island.

1 June:
0100H Commenced passage of Lombok Strait.
0135H Radar picked up transit, patrol boat, commenced aviating to east.
0152H Radar picked up sound patrol boat on starboard bow; continued aviating.
0240H Wielded patrols and cleared Strait (See anti-submarine measures)
0542H Submerged.
1825H Surfaced.
1835H Radar has indication of other SJ radar bearing about 020.

1. 1945H Radar picked up target bearing 095 relative, 16,000 yards. Target was off.

2 June:
En route North
0631H Submerged
0647H Surfaced.
1501H Sent T.O.C. 60...
2043H Received report that we had suspected case of submarine, heard condition of man serious. Changed course for Eastward at five miles to avoid. Decided to check anch's progress on surface during night, later requesting medical aid.

3 June:
En route Eastward
0600H Progress of patient was favorable, but hostile medical officer's attention was desirable; continued on to Eastward.
0930H Sent S.O.S. 1...
1122H Sighted Northwest Coast bearing 196 true, distance 20 miles.
1351H Lying to off fuel barge, Eastward Gulf, received d'actor' report.
1420H Radar' alar's fuel barge. Transferred patient and five gallons of ice cream. Commenced delivery of fuel to barge.
1530H Completed delivery. Delivered 9,600 gallons fuel to oil barge.
1642H Unloading, cleaning Eastward Gulf.
The personnel at Eastward are especially cooperative and endeavor to render all possible assistance to visiting submarines. It is suggested that whoever practicable, submarines make a batch of ice cream for the station, inasmuch as this seems to be their chief wish in the way of food.
1845H Northwest Cape Light aboard to port, distance seven miles. Set course for North via bombing restriction line.
2200 Sent L.PON SWEN.

— page 123 —
3 - 5 June:
Enro te Perth via bombing restriction lane. Held daily trim dive and ship standing drills.

6 June:
0200H Contacted t-q U.S. Strr. rinos. . . on radar

0315H Picked up Rotnest Light bearing 3450 relative, distance 30 miles.

0945H Moored alongside U.S.S. GRIFFIN.

— page 125 —
5/2/44 2200H 05-15 3 115-32.5 3 Unknown 11,000 19 kts. 1200 T
2. 5/13/44 06110 05-34.3 N. 10-37.2 3 CV, 3 C. or Cl, 3 plus 3D 12,000 20 kts 12,000 South.rif. 20 kts
3. 5/29/44 0425G 02-49.5 N. 105-57.5 3 US Subr.rine 11,000 15 kts 11,000
4. 5/23/44 1700G 05-21.8 N. 110-07.3 3. 3.3, 2 escort, (convoy) 28,000 9.5 kts. 3100 9.5 kts. 3100
5. 5/25/44 1400G 107-29.5 3 107-29.5 3 30,000 17 kts 30,000 17 kts 30,000
6. 5/27/44 0500G 7-45 N. 108-30 3 53 (1156) 5,000 15 kts 5,

— page 127 —
1910 D.T.B. 23 May 1944  Lot. 86--50 W.  Long. 109 - 35.5 E.

Target Depth - Damage Inflicted:

Description: Convoy consisted of three large AK's and two escorts. Slight enemy visually (smoke) in high paraspecs on pursuit until dark. Target attack was leading ship of convoy and escorts were situated in either quarter. Target was 475 to 500 feet in length according to binocular formula. Visibility was limited due to intermittent rain squalls.

Ship Sunk or Damaged: N no

Damage determined by: Torpedoes ran aft of target.

Target Draft: 15 ft. Course: 335 (rig-sac) Speed: 9 knots Range: 2870 yds

Own Ship Data:

Speed: 16 kts. Course: 065-30 Depth: Surface and Angle: 0°

Fire Control and T. radio Data:

This was a night surface radar approach and attack at ranges of 16,000 to 3,000 yards. Target was tracked by TDC, plot, and relative plot for two hours. Bearings and ranges were obtained from radar until range closed to 3,300 yards, when bearings were taken from TBT, ranges from radar. Six bow tubes were fired with divergent spread, average torpedo run 2,500 yards. Average track 61° Part, average gyro 008°.

The most likely reason for missing was a ton degree error in setting the relative bearing of the target as obtained for the TBT report on the T.D.C. The target's course and speed checked very accurately on the ton degree error while improbable, would cause the torpedoes to miss at the same time as they did.

-16-

— page 129 —
1. USS LAPON (35260) 4th War Patrol
(H) ATTACK DATA
J.S.3. LAPON (35260) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 P.TROL NO. 4
T.E.B.: 2304 D.T.E: 23 May 1944 Lat. 07 - 16 N. Long. 109 - 04.3
Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description: Same details as attack #1. Same ship attacked.
Ships Sunk: One unidentified large.K, approximate length 475 - 525 ft.
Damage Determined By: Four torpedo hits observed from bridge. Stern was seen to disintegrate and wreakage was thrown high in the air. As the remaining ships stood on, the target stopped and disappeared from radar screen at 9,000 yards. One escort stood by target and then rejoined remaining ships before next attack.
Target Draft: 15 ft. Course: 335 T. (zig-zag) Speed: 10 kts. Range: 2950 yds
J.W. Ship Data
Speed: 6.3 kts. Course: 210 T. Depth: Surface Angle: 0°
Fire Control and Torpedo Data
This attack was a night surface radar approach and attack at ranges of 7,000 to 2,500 yards. Radar was tracked by TDC, plot, and relative plot for one hour and thirty minutes. Bearings and ranges obtained by radar until range closed to 4,000 yards, when bearings were taken from bridge TBT. Four bow tubes fired using a diver-gun, average torpedo run 2400 yards. Average track 0570 S., average goro 0020. Four torpedo hits both heard and observed. St.regd setup on next target, the second in column.

— page 130 —
1. USS LION (S3260) 4th War Patrol
2. TUBE D.T. - 1st: 6
3. TUBE FIXED
4. TUBE NO. 555
5. TUBE 57S
6. TUBE 57S
7. TUBE 58S
8. GYRO ANGLE 001-40
9. D.D.TH SET 6 ft.
10. D.D.TH SET 6 ft.
11. D.D.TH SET 6 ft.
12. D.D.TH SET 6 ft.
13. HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH
14. HIT ON HIT HIT HIT HIT
15. BATTIC NO NO NO NO
16. TUBE TUBE 23 23 23 23
17. S.S. NO. 41216 41212 41291 41232
18. TUBE NO. 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4
19. S.S. NO. 8173 8717 6177 8480
20. CTU. TION SET CONT. CT CONT. CONT. CONT.
21. TUBE NO. 16-1 16-1 16-1 16-1
22. S.S. NO. 12947 12603 12953 12930
23. EXPLOSIVE TEX TEX TEX TEX
24. FIRING IMPERIAL 0 8 8 8
25. TUBE SETUP DIV. 0
26. CONDITIONS FOCE 30
27. OV. SHALL ACTIVITY U.S.S. F.I.L.S. - all torpedoes.

- 19 -

— page 133 —
U33 LION (SS260) 4th Tor Patrol

(H) :TT.CK D.T.

U.S.S. LION (SS260)  TUNED AT: LOCK NO. 4  RATAL NO. 4

TDC: 0306  D.T.S:  24 May 1944  Lt. 07-27.2 N.  Long. 106-42 S.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description:  Same general details as torpedo attacks of 3, 2, and 3. Target attacked was remaining large K in the convoy.

Ship's Sunk:  N/A

Ship Damaged:  One large .K, 475 tc 525 feet long determined by binocular formula.

Damage Determined By:  One torpedo hit was observed on another hard frame bridge. After attack target was struck at 3 knots.

T-riget Draft:  15 ft.  C-urse:  060 T.  Speed:  9 knots  Range: 3000 yards.

Own Ship Data:

Course:  160  Speed:  15.5  Depth:  Surface  Angle:  0°

Fire Control and T. prodo Data

Night surface radar approach and attack at runs of 8,000 to 3,000 yards. TDC, plot, and relative plot tracked target for thirty minutes. Bearing is on ranges were obtained from radar until range closed to 4,000 yards, when TBT bearings were used. Six bow tubes fired resulting in two torpedo hits. Average zero 340, average track 100F, average range 2900 yards.

— page 134 —
U.S. LION (S3260) 4th War Patrol

| U.S. LION | # | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 |
||----|----|----|----|----|----|
| TUCK ANGLE | 102-15P | 101-45P | 101P | 100-30P | 100F | 098F |
| TWO ANGLE | 335-10 | 341 | 337-20 | 341-50 | 341-40 | 342-20 |
| 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. |
| Ht. | High | High | High | High | High | High |
| Ht | Miss | Hit | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss |
| NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO |
| 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A |
| 26482 | 26753 | 26119 | 25963 | 26756 | 40048 | 40048 |
| 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 |
| 8546 | 8587 | 8718 | 8707 | 8687 | 8172 | 8172 |
| CONT. CT | CONT. CT | CONT. CT | CONT. CT | CONT. CT | CONT. CT | CONT. CT |
| 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 |
| 12439 | 12222 | 12952 | 12935 | 12923 | 9338 | 9338 |
| TX | TX | TX | TX | TX | TX | TX |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| DIV | DIV | DIV | DIV | DIV | DIV | DIV |
| 3C | 3C | 3C | 3C | 3C | 3C | 3C |
| U.S.S. PULLS - all torpedoes

— page 135 —
1. U.S.S. LUTON (SS250) 2. TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 5 3. FATTOL NO. 4 4. TIDE: 0510 5. D.T.S. 27 JULY 1944 6. Lt. 07-46.3 H. 108-30.2 Z.

Target Data - Destroyed

Description: This submarine identified as of the I-58 class as found in CHI-14

Ships Sunk or Destroyed: N/A

Damage Determined By: Explosion (one) occurring five minutes after firing—appeared to be the end of run explosion.

Target Draft: 17 ft.  Cursor: 325 T.  Speed: 12 kts.  Range: 1400 yards

2m Ship Data:

Cursor: 257 T.  Speed: 2.8 kts.  Draft: 65 ft.  Angle: 0°

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

This was a submerged portico-pipe attack. The opening ran to was approximately 4,000 yards, target was tracked on TDC for five minutes. The stern tubes were fired of an intended four. Fire was checked as the assurance that this was an enemy submarine lessened in the mind of the Commanding Officer. During the final stages of the air attack the target changed course slowly to its left, increasing the inherent inaccuracies of a snap setup. The speed was estimated at about five knots less than actual.

— page 142 —
80512/ALO-3/PF5-122 SUMMARINE SQUADRON TELEV
Seria: 093
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
15 June 1944.

CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST SECRET
U.S.S. LAPON - Report
of Fourth War Petrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron TELEV.
To: The Commander in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarines SEVENTH FLEET.
    (2) The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. LAPON (S3760) - Report of Fourth War Petrol.

1. This patrol occupied a period of 13 days of which 32 were spent north of the barrier in the JAVAS Sea, KARIVATA Strait and SOUTH CHINA Sea.

2. There were two contacts with enemy ship groups worthy of torpedo fire. The first of these was a sizeable southbound Task Force which went south at too high a speed for LAPON to intercept. The second group was a northbound convoy which LAPON attacked for times in ten hours as follows:

(a) Attack No. 1 - An aggressive pursuit to deliver a night surface attack with six torpedoes fired from 270 yards and an average track of 61°. All torpedoes missed astern, due to (1) probable introduction of 100° error in relative bearing from TTP or (2) alerting of convoy.

(b) Attack No. 2 - LAPON overhauled the convoy again and two hours after the first attempt (convoy still on same base course and same zig plan) fired four torpedoes in a night surface attack with average run of 2000 yards and track of 5°. Four hits were obtained and a large AK destroyed.

(c) Attack No. 3 - LAPON attacked the convoy again and three torpedoes were fired at 300 yards and a track of 60° and a torpedo run of 2500 yards for three hits in a second large zig plan. The target was sunk.

(d) Attack No. 4 - A night surface approach on the remaining 1/4 of the convoy resulted in a torpedo attack at 300 yards and a track of 3° and a torpedo run of 2500 yards for three hits in a second large zig plan. The target was sunk.

(e) Attack No. 5 - A night surface attack on the remaining 1/4 of the convoy resulted in a torpedo attack at 300 yards and a track of 3° and a torpedo run of 2500 yards for three hits in a second large zig plan. The target was sunk.

-1-

— page 143 —
5-12/16-3/25-12 JUNKART SQUADRON TELVIS
Serial 093
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
19 June 19/4.

COUNTERFEIT:
FIRST INCHES ITT to
U.S.S. LAPON - Report
of Fourth War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. LAPON (SS260) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

3. The U.S.S. LAPON returned from patrol in very good
material condition and the roft will be accomplished by the U.S.S.
CRITICAL and 122 Relief crew in the next per's - 11.1 main on-line
will be overhauled and all control runs - 11.1 be installed on all
four main enrines. After bearing on 0.1 main motor is apparently
source of reduction nears comment in patrol report and will be checked
thoroughly. For plane clute's sol- and -11.1 be removed. Murfiers on
Vos 3 and 4 main enrines will be replaced or replaced.

4. Horale is high and the ship presented an excellent
appearance.

5. The Captain, his Officers, and Crew are constituted
for inflicting sever damage on the enemy.

J.R. CAGGS, 5/3/5

— page 144 —
12/7/1944
Serial 0683
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT:
USS LAPON Conf.,Ltr; A16-3
Serial 033, dated 6 June, 1944.
Report of 4th 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. LAPON (SS260) - Report of Fourth War Patrol
- Comment on.

TWELVE are concurred in.

2. On two successive patrols LAPON has had the bitter disappointment of being unable to close a large high speed Task Force. The increasing number of contacts with high speed targets in areas assigned this Force emphasizes the need for high speed targets being made available during training periods.

3. The decision of the Commanding Officer to hold up firing the last two of a four torpedo salvo, in view of his lessening confidence as to the enemy character of the submarine attacked on 27 May, is approved. Under similar circumstances any enemy submarine operating within range of 5J intercepting the enemy's torpedo signals by means of the 5J keying arrangement now being installed.

4. This patrol is designated as "successful" for purpose of award of the Submarine Conduct Insignia.

5. The Force Commander Congratulates the Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew for inflicting the following damage on the enemy:

SINK
1 - AK (Large) (EU) 7500 tons (2nd Attack)
1 - AK (Large) (EU) 7500 tons (3rd Attack)
TOTAL 15000 tons

DMAGDP
1 - AK (Large) (EU) 7500 tons (4th Attack)
GRAND TOTAL 22500 tons

P. F. STRUB, Jt., Flag Secretary,
DISTRIBUTION
ComInch
Vice Opnav
Vice Opnav Op-23c
Com1stFlt
Com2ndFlt
Com3rdFlt
Com7thFlt
ComSubalstFlt
Each S/M W.A.
(3) Direct.
(2) Direct.
(1)

— page 145 —
6 AUG1944
Al6-3 (F-3/egh)
Serial: 62/46

C-O-N-F-I-D-Z-N-T-I-A-L
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
CO USS LAPON (SS260) Conv.
1tr Al6-3 Serial 033 dated
6 June 1944 Report of
Fourth War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. LAPON (SS260) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.
2. The Commanding Officer, Orficers, and Men of the U.S.S. LAPON are congratulated for having conducted a successful patrol during which 15,000 tons of enemy ship-ping were sunk.

H. W. GRAP,
Chief of Staff.

Copy to:
ComSubRon-12
ComSubs?thFLt
CO U.S.S. LAPON

— page 146 —
53260/16-3
Serial No. 023
DECLASSIFIED

From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. LAPON (SS260)
To: Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: [Official Channels]

Subject: U.S.S. LAPON (SS260) - "e.ort of -or Patrol number 2T"

Enclosure: (a) Subject report
(B) Track Chart

1. Enclosure (a), cover the fifth war patrol of this vessel conducted in eastern part of South China sea south of Jeju, ground during period 29 June 1944 to 10 August 1944, is submitted herewith.

DECLASSIFIED-NT. 0445, OFFRAVINGT 5510.C
BY GP-0989 DATE 1/1/42

93563

— page 147 —
USN 1APON (SS200) 6th  War Patrol

(A) PROLOGUE

Returned to Fremantle, Western Australia, from fourth war patrol on 6 June 1944. Ordered alongside USS GRIPPIN for refit. Ship's officers and crew left for two weeks recreational leave. Refit completed 20 June. Ship's officers and crew returned to ship. The following work was completed during refit.

(a) Dr.docked
(b) Installed Barr t.pe tar et bearin. transmitters on bridge.
(c) Overhauled all main en.ine.
(d) Installed rin. t.anders in all en.ines.
(e) Made sound tests, but static and underway.
(f) Installed kevin. relay on 3U radar.

Commended training period on 21 June 1944. Durin. trainin. period conducted practice a.ronces, fired two exercise torpedoes, conducted convoy problem in conan. with U.S.S. S.ARLING, U.S.S. C.ARLING.

(B) NARRATIVE (NOTE: All times shown are Zone HON)

June 29:
1300H Underw. from alon. side U.S.S. GRIPPIN on 6th war Patrol.
1500 Sendeysoused with U.S.S. C.ARLING and U.S.S. S.ARLING and commenced convoy exercise.
2300 Completed convoy exercise. Set course for E.outh Gulf.

June 29 - July 2:
Underw. for E.outh. Carried out dull battle problems, section dives, emer. ener drills.

July 2:
0-20 Radar Aiked u. land, Northmast Cape, et 50,000 yards.
0746 Stood down E.outh Gulf.
0952 Honr. alon. side U.S.S. ARLING and fuel bar. e. E.outh Gulf.
1615 Completed fueling, received 1200 al. all available)
1621 Underw. for patrol area.

July 3 - July 5:
Underw. for patrol area, heading for Lombok Strait. Held cal. battle problems, section dives, ener. ener drills.

July 5:
2045 Radar has land bearin. 02y T., ran e 67,000 yards, Lombok Island.
2080 Commenced transit of Lombok Strait.

— page 148 —
03360 1st War Patrol
July 8:
0010 Radar contact on small craft, 12,000 yards. Fr.,at drew aft and
disa. p.rod.
0150 Conduct transit of Lanook at. Set cours. to pass east of
Sokala Island.
0937 Submer. ad.
1831 Surfaced, set course up lakassar str it to pass east of Lina Islands.

July 7:
0600 Submer. ad.
1845 Surf. ad, set course up lakassar str it, skirting shallow water off
C. e. illia. Si. htd several small craft, avoided.

July 8:
0549 Underw. in lakassar str it he can. for Cape N.ngk.lik.t
0528 S. r. c. ad.
150 Crossed fr.outer
1488 Adr. cont. on land be.rin. 010 true, r.nto 79,000 r.rd.---C. p.
1903 Converted. 4. Fusl. allast tank to Main E.ll. st. Tank, flushed tank.
Closed C. p. k.ngk.lith. th. on. st. course. for Abutu Str. it.

July 9:
0543 Underw. for P.trl. r.ra., he. can. for Abutu str. it.
0617 Surf. ad.
0705 Si. htd single e.ained pl. no on port bow, distance 8 miles. TRICRAFT
0800 Surf. ad.
1500 Submer. ad. to ---.c. ch. Sibu. und. out. out. d. Ac. r. is. d. to. b. st. t. s. t.

— page 149 —
10 (Cat.1d):
1851 A.d.r. eont. et on lnd b.r. tri. 301 trus, 94,000 rds.=P lwn in Isl.nd.
2100 Cons. no.d tr.nset of Resubutr Ch.nnel.
2355 Complet.ed p.ss. of Nrsubutr Ch.nnel. Now on st.tion in y.trol area.

July 11:
P.trollin, line betw.on B.lsb a Isl nd anc n.wor Isl nd.
Submar. ed, clossin, B.nuey Isl.nd.
Surf. nod, commenc.ed p.troll.ng.

July 12:
Submar. ed
Surf. nod, set cous.se to .ss thru.h foc.l .oint off Palawan Ch.nnel.
entr.no.n on thn set cours. for w.storn side of arc..

July 13:
Submar. ed for crin.
Surf. nod
On .c. cours.se to hod. for now foc l .oint off Kiri.

July 14:
A.d.r. to foc. to .c. c

— page 152 —
21: 0610
: 21: 0715
: 21: 0730
: 21: 1055
: 21: 1126
: 21: 1454
: 21: 1537
: 21: 1605

: 22: 0612
: 22: 0634
: 22: 1123
: 22: 1405

: 23: 0620
: 23: 0723

: 24: 0615
: 24: 0700
: 24: 0941
: 24: 1430

: 25: 0622
: 25: 0700
: 25: 1210
: 25: 2200

: 26: 0515
: 26: 0706

:

— page 153 —
0000 S.t. course for fuel p.int south of Dan rus Ground between Investi- : ter Sh.i. n. Commander J.off : 0620 Sub.rad for trim : 0722 Surf.ord : 1936 In.ot. tr. str.

— page 155 —
1957 CONFINEMENT - USS L.PON (53260) 5th War Patrol

July 31 (Cont.)

1957 Commenced firing at the TONN K.HU. During firing the AK following the TONN K.HU was noticed on the port quarter of it with about one quarter ship length of open water visible between them. It was not considered feasible to delay firing since the next zig was probably to 'he convey's starboard, which would put the TONN K.HU ri.ht over us. The tor.odocs fired with left spread appeared to be going aft while the ones with ri.ht s'read looked good.

1959 Got a setup on the SINKOKU Y.HU for the stern tubes, 750 yards, range, 145 degree .ort track. Ca.and.and .and . Durin. this firing explosions started forward; and after firing two after tubes, swung the sco.le for a look at the TON.N K.HU and saw one beautiful hit anidships. Swing back at the SINKOKU in t.le to see a sheet of flas. start risin, in after part of ship. In high power the entire conning tower was lighted through the periscoe. and the whole target was rapidly engulfed in rolling flames that scanned to almost cover the periscoe.

2000 While returning, the periscoe to the TON.N K.HU, an escort as sighted H. dead out way with a small angle on the bow. It looked close, so went deep and rigged for depth charge and silent running.

An analysis of torpedo explosions is given below.

| Time of | Time of Torpedo |
|||
| Table  | Firing        |
| 1957-12 | 1959-14        |
| 1957-20 | 1959-21        |
| 1957-36 | 1959-29        |
| 1957-42 | 1959-45        |
| 1959-12 | 1959-49        |
| 1959-22 | 1959-52        |
| 1959-30 | 1959-52        |

SINKOKU (Observed)
" (NOTE: These may have been SINKOKU or .K tow tubes hit ting AK astern of TONAN)"

Another unsuccessful for hit was timed at 1959-40. It is belived three hits were obtained in the TON.N K.HU, one was observed, two or three in the SINKOKU Y.HU with possible hits in the .K following the TON.N K.HU. The most reliable sound ran on the L.PON re.ported breaking up sounds from for.ard boforo the first hit on the SINKOKU Y.HU chain in turn was disfinitel. obs.rved to break up during the .asoline explosion. The sound operator is very familiar with those so characteristic sounds of a ship breaking up. Any hits on the .K were made by the torpedoes fired at the TON.N K.HU and spread to the loft.

During, the counter attack that followed, breaking up noises could be heard through the hull for an hour after the attack. The .P sound operator also reported two or three ships breaking up.

— page 156 —
2300 Sounded reported all clear. The counter attack consisted of a listening echo ranging search conducted by two escorts. Eighty-sixth depth charges were dropped, none were too close. Evasion tactics consisted of setting under a 100 gradient and standing away from the scene of attack at 60 rpm. After the torpedoes started hitting, and the ships breaking up, the noises and shocks below were the equivalent or worse than the depth charging that followed.

2323 Surfaced, set course for Sobi Bear and Frumentio.

August 1:
Enroute Frumentio via Sobi Bear

0700 Submerged for trim.
0730 Surfaced
1925 Converted #3 and 5 Fuel Ballast Tanks to Main Ballast Tanks. Flushed tanks.

August 2:
Enroute Frumentio, heading for Sobi Bear
1030 Radar picked up land at 064 reliability, 75,000 rds-Gr. Lt. Nutna Island.
1110 Sited Sobi Bear bearing, 164 true, range 22,000.
1310 Set course for Karimata, passing east of Tabelin Island.
1930 Radar contacted land 207 true, 50,000 rds, Tabelin Island.

August 3:
0627 Submerged in approaches to Karimata Strait.
0850 Sited Lr. No. 1 auxiliary resubmitting seaplane tender or large minelayer. Could he no more or very low level transit if he had torpedoes. Avoided.
1600 Picked up land dvd shore, Sarcos Island.
1920 Surfaced, commenced transit of Karimata Strait.

— page 158 —
0703  Submerged for trim.
0730  Surfaced
0735  Laster...ro follow-up s. stem back in noonision, oommeased steerin. by
master...ro
0916  Sighted and spoke to frimolli- submarine.
1440  Sighted and spoke to frimolli- submarine.

August 9
0956  Radar contact 200 T., 8700 m. per. Ter. st. was sued to be friendly
submarine.
0710  Xochan ed calls with frimolli- submarine.
0955  ...he...e calls with frimolli- submarine.

August 10
0410  Sighted...submarine...at it.
2405  Somet...aboard...the...sub...at the...sub...f...

— page 159 —
1. USS L.P.ON (SS260) with her Patrol

(c) OTHER
We, the undersigned, being overcast continually in vicinity of Riffleman Bank. This area may be in the nature of a constant low pressure area. Calls prevailed in the F.Lown-Belch area.

(d) TIDAL INFORMATION
Current and tidal information conformed with Coast Pilots of the area. 1. southerly set, 1 - 2 knots, was experienced between different Bank and inboard area.

(e) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
No navigational aids were encountered during patrol. British, Admiralty charts were used to navigate in Dangerous Ground and were most satisfactory. The following reefs and islands were observed in the Den, grounds Ground.

Investigator School—This reef appeared as an area of light green water, no projecting rocks were observed. The position appeared with British Admiralty charts. Comodore Reef—This reef appeared as a succession of low rocks, none being higher than 3 to 4 feet. Breakers were seen throughout reef. Location crossed with British Admiralty charts. Nanyit Island—This island has a white sand beach extending up to green undergrowth topped by sixteen palm trees. Island was 25 feet high; the trees gave it a height of 70 feet. A small rock bore about 030 true from the island. It, but Island could be made out in distance, north and slightly east of Nanyit Island. British Reef—A peepered as a string of breakers. Half Moon Shoal—One rock about four feet high, observed and considerable amount of breakers.

In Falken Island and eastern part of Dangerous Ground a reef amount of debris was encountered. Debris consisted of large logs, floating islands, and branches. The size and amount of this debris made it but surf less operators almost hazardous and was reasonably for be doing pit log, rodmaster.

— page 161 —
3.3. L.PON (33260)  TORPEDO ATT.CK NO. 1  PTROL NO. 5
Time: 2035H  Date: July 17, 1944  Lat: 08-22 N., Long. 116-40 E.
T.pt. Date: 3.3. L.PON (33260)  TORPEDO ATT.CK NO. 1  PTROL NO. 5
Description: Convoy consisted of two medium 1/2" with one escort. Contacted by Radar at 16,000 yards, visibilities poor, no moon, consider bln hse. All three ships wer. in a line of bearing, 500 yards apart. Target solotest was nearest one on port hand of convoy. It was a coil burning medium sized 1/2" with split superstructure, about 400 foot long.
Ships: Sunk or Damaged: N/A
Target Draft: 6 ft. Course: 185 true. Speed: 6.5 kts. Ean.: 2900 yds.
Orm. Ship Date
Speed: 17 kts. Course: 285 true. Depth: 18 ft. Depth: 0
Fire Control and Torpedo Data
T.po. attack: Night surface radar attack. Using radar ranges and bearings until range closed to 3500 yards, at which time bearings were taken from forward T.P.T. and ranges from radar and introduced into T.D.C. Target was tracked by T.D.C., Plot, and Relative Plot. First six b.c. tubes at tarr.ot on a 8A.6c.rec.port track, torpedoes appear to run under t.arr.t. Depth set on torpedoes is four foot.

TUBES FLUID  #1  #2  #3  #4  #5  #6
TR.CK ANGLE  #86F  #06F  #08F  #08F  #08F  #08F
GYRO ANGLE  #3-2-3  #3-8  #3-4-30  #3-7-50  #3-6-1-3  #3-7-50
DEFTH SHT  #4 ft  #4 ft  #4 ft  #4 ft  #4 ft  #4 ft
PO.AR  H.Hh  H.Hh  H.Hh  H.Hh  H.Hh  H.Hh
HIT O2 HISS  all misses
EAR.TIC  NO  NO  NO  NO  NO  NO
M.RK TORP.SDO 23  23  23  23  14-3-1  14-3-1
SERIAL NO.  41210  49498  41421  61907  24984  23900
N.RK EXPLODER 3-5  =5  =5  =5  =5  =5
SERIAL NO.  174-2  14260  -3-2  171.5  1682  17220
ACTU.TION SHT  all contact
ACTU.TION .CTUL  all misses
K.RK L.HH.A.D  16-1  16-1  16-1  16-1  16-1  16-1
SERIAL NO.  13152  13701  13222  13156  11608  2916
EXPLOSIVE  TPX  TPX  TPX  TPX  TPX  TPX
FIRING INTERVAL 9  24  8  8  9  0
SPREAD  #4 L  2#R  1#L  1#R  1#L  1#R
SE. CONDITIONS  Calm
OV.RH.UL.ACT/TTY U.S.S. GAFFIN

-15-

— page 163 —
0013 H  Date: July 16, 1944  Lt: 08-22 N. Ion. 116-40 J.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description: After completion of attack, escort departed from remaining ship of convoy. This remains. In the radicall change in course and headed for nearest land which was approximately 40 miles from our present position. Ship attacked had some description as in it. (U)
Ship's Sunk: 1 Keldun sized. (U)
Pursued Detonated by: Observed, timed and heard two torpedo explosions; lost simultaneously target was observed to explode and dies. (U)

Target drift: 6 ft. Course: 08; true speed: 8.5 kts. Icn: 2100 yds.

On Ship Data:
Speed: 17 kts. Course: 009-30 true Drift: 18 ft. n.l.: 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type attack: 3 use general det. as attack. T. ret. vs. struck from 8000 yds; when range decreased to 2100 yds, torpedo trck. 110 strbrd, fired four bow tubes, with 5 degree right gyro and one n. three foot depth setting. The explosions were timed, observ, and heard and target dies. pered from view.

TUBES FILED
T. CR. ROLLS 112 3 111 3 110 3 110 3
GTWO. NGL 005 005 005 006-30
DEPTH 5 FT 1 ft 3 ft 1 ft 3 ft
POR. Ht. h on. 11
HIT. OIL. MTS 110 1.189 Ht. Ht
BAT. TIC 23 23 23
BANK. TORP. DO 41373 41381 41187 41365
Serial No. 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-5
BANK. EXPLOITS 17269 29274 17403 22075
GUL. NO. Cont. on. 11
GUL. TION. GUL. 16-1 16-1 16-1 16-1
BANK. HED 13147 1.189 13681 945C
EXPLOSIVE. TNT. TNT. TNT. TNT
PILING. INPS. N.L 8 8 8 0
SPL. D. 3 L 3 A 1 L 1 A
SIT. CONDITIONS C. E.
OV. H. UL. ACTIVITY U. S. C. CUFFIN

-17-

— page 164 —
1.5.3. L.PON (SS260) TONNO ATTACK NO. 4 FATTOL NO. 5
Time: 1853H Date: July 31, 1944 Lt. 0-22 N., Inq. 116-40 Z.
Target Data -- Damage Inflated

Description: While running submerged, sighted smoke on horizon which developed into convoy consisting of three (3) large tankers, 3 medium .1/4s and three escorts. Tar.ets selected were a var. large tanker situated inside of convoy's riht flank for the low tubes with one .1 overle. in aft .1vin. 90 degree st rbo rd track, and a lar.o tanker on .1w/o's rih flank for the stern tubes, both tankers were lead ng ships of a column of two ships each. (See Narr tive for disposition of convoy. The lr.regt tanker was identit. in the HIN
NAU No. 2, pa.e 26), .1 W. The other tanker was identit. as being very similar to the SINKOKU H.RU, a.e 26), .1 206J. Visibility was iir, but nightfall and a 3/4 moon were limiting factors.

Ships Sunk: 1.0 - TON H.RU No. 2, 19,400 tons (30), ra.e 260, 206J
1.0 - 10,000 t.t.s, similar to TONOU H.RU (30), Pa.e 26, CNI 208J

Ship's Possibly Sunk or Damaged: 1.1, 5000-6000 tons (unidentified)

Damage Determined B: TON H.RU - Observed one, and tinsed two additional hits on ship, followed by very loud and distant breaching up masses and explosions which were heard on sound and throughout the boat.
SINKOKU H.RU t.p. tanker - One observed hit followed by periscope observation of target exploded and examined to s.k.
Medium R (Overlap in aft of TON H.RU) - observed wakes of missing, torpedoes on bow tubes heading in g.c. rotation of .1. Possibility of this due to extensive breaching up noises and explosions when followed.

Tar.ot (TON H.RU) dr.ft: 35 ft. Course 090 true Speed: 5 kts. Inq.er 2700
(SINKOKU H.RU T.p. Tanker) Dr.ft: 30 ft. Course: 067 true Speed: 5 kts. Inq.er 2700
(Medium R) Dr.ft: 17 ft. Course: 330 true Speed: 5 kts. Inq.er: 300 de.

Own Ship Data

Bow Tube: (TON H.RU .NT 7K) - Own course 25. true Speed: 4.5 kts.
Depth: 65 ft. Angle: 0

Storn Tube: (SINKOKU H.RU .NT.OR) - Own course 266 true. Speed: 4.5 kts.
Depth: 63 ft. Angle: 40 Dvo

— page 165 —
3. CONFIRMATION: U.S.S. L.PON (38260) 5th MCR Patrol

TROT 3D. CT. OK 14

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Two 11-inch Submerged periscope antenna was made. Tor. ct was tr eked b. Plot and T.D.O. Own spad was introduced into T.D.O. b. into tr. e. but approach due to pit lo, e. e. e. Fired six bow tubes at TDN in Ln 33 e. e

— page 166 —
35th Torpedo Patrol

TOR: DO .TT.CK 44

TUBES P.I: 47 P 147 P 144 P 143 P

CTRO. NGL: 187-50 201-30 194-40 200

DEPTH SET 0 ft 6 ft 0 ft

PO: SR 11 Hi Hi

HIT: CR MISS Hi.88 Hit Hit Hit

ERR: TIC NO NO NO

M.RK TOR: DO 23 23 23 23

S.RL L NO. 49486 61841 49439 49362

M.RK E: LODER 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-5

S.RL L NO. 25001 25235 25248 17397

CTU: TION SET 11 Contact

CTU: TION .TUL -- CO: LT CO: LT CO: LT

X.RH: RHD 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-1

S.RL L NO. 16891 1542 13192 1516

X: LOSSIVE T.L T.L T.L T.L

FIRING INT: R L C C C

TTE S.T.D S L 6 R 2 L 2 R

S.L. CONDITIONS S: DOTH

OV: RUL. CT: VITY U.S.S. GRIFFIN

-2-

— page 169 —
0000
CONFIDENTIAL - USS L.PON (SS260) 5th Tor Patrol

(K) M.JOE DEFICITS AND D.I.C.GE (Cont'd)

2. Firing Circuits—On departing on p.trol a reading of 11 mazes, was obtained on the firing circuit. Three d.a.s later this racing dropped to 400,000 chms. All interlooks, 3r.s. 2n. 2nd. switches, junction boxes and firing panels were checked. All were in satisfactory, but 1.

— page 172 —
1. APPENDICES, CHRONICLES
2. 3. SEABEES
3. 1. DERMATITIS HOSPITALIS

Food was good and a great improvement was found in the quality of meals. The forward battery door and blocking off ducts to control room heat temperature could be dropped 10 degrees in the forward battery. Some of this drop was due to the small airconditioning unit mounted in the forward battery during last refit. The habitability of forward battery was many times more comfortable than on any previous patrol.

(2) PERSONNEL

The state of training attained by the end of this patrol was a mixed one. The high standard of the previous patrols by daily instruction periods of a month was the chief reason for the high standard of the training. The most efficient method of instructing now was on the basis of the lessons learned from the previous patrols. The high standard of the training was due to the fact that the lessons learned from the previous patrols were not repeated. The training of the less experienced men was not satisfactory.

The ingenuity and many fortifications of the crew of the submarine were the main reason for the high standard of the training. The crew of the submarine was well trained and had a high standard of training. The crew of the submarine was well trained and had a high

— page 173 —
U.S.S. LAMPION (33260) 5th war F-trol

(R) NILES STEAMER - FUEL USED

Hiles steamed, Perth to area with 2938 miles, 30,365 gallons

Hiles steared in area 3560 miles, 35,899 gallons

Hiles steamed area to Perth 2770 miles, 36,595 gallons

(3) DURATION:

Days enroute to area: 11
Days north of Barrier: 32
Days enroute base: 8
Days submerged: 8
Length of Patrol: 42 days

(T) FACTORS OF ENSURE NO. 2/INVASION:

Torpedoes: Fuel: Provisions: Personnel:

N-No: 6,000 gal.: 30 days: 30 1/2

Including factor: Exposed all torpedoes.

(U) RELAYS:

The 1st raft by the Submarine Division 122 relief crew maintained the high standard set by the Submarine Division 121 relief crew after our third war patrol.

More than two weeks were spent patrolling the southern and south western approaches to the Dungeness Ground. No contacts were made at those focal points which was unusual in view of the rather heavy traffic encountered by other submarines in these areas.

The Palawan passage, during the first part of the patrol, was strewn with many large logs and other debris. Several small islands consisting of palm trees and debris were found floating in the Balboa-Falwan area. Inasmuch as the logs were practically invisible on dark nights, a distinct hazard to high speed night running existed.

The vibration on No. 1, onarator has increased to the point where it is very noticeable. The brushes on this generator were renewed soon after leaving Anchouth on the way north. This time readings were taken on the commutators and it was found to be .012 inches out of round.

— page 174 —
5-12/16-3/75-122
Serial 0159
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. LAPON (SS26)
Report of Fifty War Patrol

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron TWELVE.
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
(2) The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. LAPON (SS26O), Report of Fifth War Patrol.
Comments on:

1. The fifth war patrol of LAPON was carried out in the Eastern part of the South China Sea and acquired forty-two days of which thirty-two were spent North of the Barrier.

2. The first contact with a KUWA class cruiser could not be closed to obtain firing range and in attempting to reach this position the last carrier was properly disregarded, although a change of brough the latter very close to LAPON with an unfavorable firing set up.

3. The second contact was with 2 medium AIs and an escort at night on the surface. Six torpedoes were fired at one ship, set at four feet, and although all ran apparently hot, straight and normal, no hits were obtained. A second attack was made on the destroyer, but this time the stern tubes with a torpedo were fired at the ship. The first contact was made with a destroyer at night and the sinking of one AIs. Again LAPON attacked and with two hits completely disintegrated the remaining AIs which was presumably loaded with explosives. The escort in the meanwhile turned away and made good his escape without any attempt at counter attack.

4. The last contact resulting in an attack was with a convoy of three AIs, three medium AIs and three escorts. This attack was carried out submerged at night and ten torpedoes were fired to cover three ships. One observed and two timed hits were obtained in TONAN HARI No. 2 and the other, lapping AIs, followed by breaking-up noises and explosions. The observed hit in the AIs similar to SINKOKO HARI was seen to sink that vessel with a violent explosion of her cargo.

5. The LAPON will be refitted by the U.S.S. GRUFFIN and Submarine Division 121-1 relief crew during the normal period. The LAPON experienced considerable engineering defects and casualties on patrol and is to be congratulated on their success in accomplishing repairs. Four new main engine mufflers will be installed. The vibration of #1 main generator was caused by the fan; several bolts had carried away. The bolts on all main generator fans are checked during each refit.

— page 175 —
0159
Serial: 0159
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. LAPON (SS260)
Report of Fifth War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. LAPON (SS260) - Report of Fifth War Patrol -
Comments on.

6. The Commanding officer is congratulated for a skillfully and
aggressively conducted patrol and all hands are congratulated on the extensive
damage inflicted on the enemy.

/a/ J.F. MADDEN,
Acting.

— page 176 —
12/4-7/416-3
Serial: 0916
C-O-N-F-T-D-R-N-T-L-A-I

SECOND KIDNSERVE TO
USS LAPON Conf. Ltr.
Report of Fifth War
Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. LAPON (SS260) - Report of Fifth War Patrol - Comment on.

1. LAPON's Fifth War Patrol was conducted in the Eastern part of the SOUTH CHINA SEA, South of DANGEROUS GROUND, and in PALAWAN PASSAGE.

2. In three consecutive patrols LAPON has sunk or damaged one hundred thousand tons of enemy shipping. This includes three large tankers sunk for a total of twenty-eight thousand tons, and one damaged for nineteen thousand tons.

3. It is regretted that there is not sufficient evidence to justify adjudging the TONAN HARI No. 2 as sunk, although there is a strong probability that this very valuable target actually did go down.

4. This patrol is designated "successful" for the purpose of the award of the Submarine Combat Insignia.

5. The Force Commander takes great pleasure in congratulating the LAPON Commanding Officer, Officers, and Crew on their continued success, and on inflicting the following heavy damage on the enemy:

SUNK
1 AK (Medium (EU) 4,000 Tons (Attack No. 2.)
1 AK (Medium (EU) 4,000 Tons (Attack No. 3.)
1 AO (SINKOKU HARI Type (EC) 10,000 Tons (Attack No. 4.)

Total 18,000 Tons

DAMAGED
1 AO (TONAN HARI No. 2 (EC) 19,400 Tons (Attack No. 4.)
1 AK (Medium (EU) 4,000 Tons

Total 23,400 Tons

Grand Total 41,400 Tons

R. W. CHRISTIE.

/s/
P. F. STRAUB, Jr.,
Flag Secretary

— page 177 —
12a/bt
FE24-71/A16-3
UNITED STATES NAVY
Serial 0916
C-O-N-F-I-D-F-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS LAPON Conf. Ltr.
Report of Fifth War
Patrol.
Subject: U.S.S. LAPON (SS260) - Report of Fifth War Patrol
Comment on.

---

**Distributions:**
- Cominch (3) - (Direct) CTF-72 (2)
- Vice Opnav (2) - (Direct) CSS-12 (1)
- Vice Opnav (Op-23c) (1) CSS-13 (1)
- Com2ndPIt (1) CSS-16 (1)
- Com3rdPIt (1) DivComSubRon-12 (1)
- Com7thPIt (2) DivComSubRon-16 (1)
- ComSub1stPIt (30) DivComSubRon-18 (1)
- ComSub2ndPIt (4) S/M School N.L. Conn. (2)
- CTF-71 (4) Subad, Mare Island. (2)
- CTG-71.5 (1) S/3s 7thPIt. (1)

THIS REPORT WILL BE DISPOSED PRIOR TO ENTRY INTO ENEMY CONTROLLED WATER.

— page 178 —
53250/15-3
Serial: 4
DECLASSIFIED

Fr: 1
To: 1
Via: 1

Subject: U.S.S. L.PON (SS260)
Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
(Office 1 Channels).

Subject: U.S.S. L.PON, Report of War Patrol
Number Six

Resolution: (A) Subject Report
(B) Track Chart (for Cantask.ruf 71.1)
(C) Cross Section Time Flots of .ttacks
(For Cantask.ruf 71.1)

1. Nucleosur (.), covering sixth war patrol of this vessel conducted in South China Sea, North Manila area, during period 4 September to 31 October, 1944, is forwarded herewith.

D. G. B. B.

— page 179 —
USLAPL  Sixth War Patrol

(A)  EROLOGUE

Arrived Fremantle, Western Australia, from Fifth -ar Patrol on 10 August 1944. Transferred sixteen men to relief crew, officers and crew departed on two weeks rest and recreation period. Relief crew, Submarine Division 122, and U.S.S. GRIFFIN commenced refit. During refit following work was accomplished.

1. Overhauled 2 and 4 main engines.
2. Drydocked.
3. Sound tested, both underway and static.

On 22 August 1944, Lieutenant-Commander Donald G. BARR, U.S.N. relieved Commander Lowell T. STONE, U.S.N., as commanding officer. On 24 August, officers and crew returned from rest period. Transferred Ensign LALAR L. OODARD, U.S.N., to relief crew; received Ensign Herman KRAINZ, U.S.N.R., aboard for duty. On 26 August commenced training period under supervision of Commander A. LENT, U.S.N., Commander Submarine Division 121. During training period, fired two exercise torpedoes, held four convoy problems. Ready for sea on 30 August 1944.

(B)  HABITATIVE

Officers and chief petty officers on board this patrol:

| Patrols | Number |
|||
|         | 9      |
|         | 6      |
|         | 5      |
|         | 4      |
|         | 3      |
|         | 1      |
|         | 6      |
|         | 6      |
|         | 6      |
|         | 5      |
|         | 11     |
|         | 6      |
|         | 6      |

(C)  LIEUTENANT COMMANDER
- LIEUTENANT Commander Donald MCH BARR, USN
- LIEUTENANT Commander JOBERT C. CHILETTE, USN
- LIEUTENANT James O. HOUST, JR., E-V(RS), USNR
- LIEUTENANT (jg) JILLIAN C. COLENAU, D-V(G), USNR
- Ensign Sidney ROSE, USN
- Ensign Edwin R. HACUS, USN
- Ensign Everett E. BROWN, D-V(G), USNR
- Ensign Herman F. KRAINTZ, O-V(S), USNR

(C)  LIEUTENANT COMMANDER
- LIEUTENANT James EDWARD, CDR(A), V-6, USNR
- GRIENNER, William Reinhold, CDR(A), V-6, USNR
- HENDERSON, James Frank, CY, V-6, USNR
- LIEBEL, Robert Browning, CDR(A), USN
- LUPTON, Murt Reinhridge, CDR(F), USN
- SMITH, Walter John, CDR(A), USN
- SPENCER, Cecil Perle, CDR(F), USN

(NOTE: all time is Zone HO.)
4 Sept.
1300 Deported Fremantle, ... for patrol area via Exmouth Gulf. During afternoon and night held torpedo approaches on H.M.A.S. MILIDRO until 2300. Completed approaches and set course for Exmouth.

— page 180 —
5 to 7 Sept.
Undestroy for patrol stint via Exmouth Gulf. Held daily section dives, control drills, and emergency drills. On 6 Sept., all 2 engines out of commission. Sent L.HON ONE requesting sprs. (See material casualties)

7 Sept.
0930 Honored partisdo to starboard side of fuel oil barge, Exmouth Gulf, commenced fueling. Attend of damage to #2 main engine and doubtful condition of engine no.1. Chocked all units on #2 main engine. Pulled forward barring, #1 generator, and end ball to chock for excessive vibr. Chocked all bu rings on #3 and 4 main engines. Completed repairs and inspections at 0600

8 Sept.
0630 Undestroy for patrol stint via Lombok. Exercised control p.r.t. and held section dives.

1840 Submerged

— page 181 —
12 Sept. (Cont'd)
2058 Radar has single target bearing 340 true, range 17,000 yards.
SHP CONT. CT #1. Commenced tracking and approach. Target commenced circling. Closed target. Target turned away, increased his speed to 13 knots, headed into Kangaroo Islands. Actions of this target are very suspicious. Making flank speed to close. Tubes ready.
2358 Range had closed to 2800 yards and target not visible from bridge when a generator lost load and reported out of commission. By this time target was close aboard reefs with tail towards us. Broke off attack. Suspect target was small patrol boat fitted as radar decoy, because of range at which he was picked up by radar and the fact that he was not seen at such close range in good visibility. Only gain was tracking experience, with a considerable loss of time and mileage.

13 Sept.
0000 Set course for Mckasser Strait.
0515 Picked up Lima Islands on radar, 308 true, 35,000 yards.
0556 Submerged.
1407 Sighted small scuttle.

1840 Surfaced
1931 Radar picked up target bearing 161 true, 12,950 yards, then lost it. Suspect airer-fit. LHR/RT CONT. CT #2
1942 Radar contact, 002 true, 10,200 yards, bearing and range changing rapidly.
2000 Radar has target bearing 239 true, 9000 yards, closing across our storm. Be ring than changed rapidly. Submerged. Rapid bearing and range change indicated airer-fit.
2116 Surfaced. Set course for Cape Mander.

14 Sept.
0300 Radar has land bearing 051.5 true, 85,000 yards, Cape Mander.
0521 Submerged.
1740 Sighted small scuttle. Avoided.
1902 Surfaced. Set course for Cape Manganhlint. Passed numerous small craft in vicinity of Cape Gilliam. Some with shaded lights, some without. Those were probably for the most part fishermen, as several were passed close by and with no indications of any warning signals.

15 Sept.
Enroute are heading for Cape Manganhlint
0206 Radar has other radar interference.
0247 Exchanged calls by radar with U.S.S. GUINELL. SHIP CONT. CT #2. Avoided numerous small craft.
0531 Submerged.
1218 Surfaced.
1328 Lookout sighted aircraft on starboard bow. AIRCRAFT CONT. CT #3. Submerged.
1615 Sighted several small craft. Avoided.

— page 182 —
15 Sept. (Cont'd)
1815 Surf. cod.
21.00 Crossed quarter

16 Sept.
Enroute arro, heading for Cno. Mangahili.
000 Clerod Cno. Mangahili, set course for Sibutu Passage. Passed enside. 0843 SD radar has interfered 12 miles. Closed to 10. Dov.
.INCL. FT QNT. CT #4.
1010 Surf. cod.
1033 SD radar contact. .INCL. FT QNT. CT #5. 14 miles, closing.
Dov.
1115 Surf. cod.
1304 SD contact 12 miles, closing. .INCL. FT QNT. CT #6. Dov.
1422 Surf. cod.
1730 Submerged to approach Sibutu undetected.
1815 Surf. cod. set course for Sibutu.
2043 Rad. has land, 000 true, 66,000 yards—Bongo Peak.
2147 Command transit of Sibutu.
2215 3J radar has other 3J interference.
2240 Radar contact bearing 314 true, 12,000 yards, on source of int. infr. range.
2245 Exchanged calls by radar with USS H.R.DER. SHIP QNT. CT #3
2310 Clerod Sibutu. Set course for Doc-Cn Island.

17 Sept.
Enroute arro, heading for Doc-Cn Island.
0103 Commenced approach to Leporano-Doc-Cn Pass-go.
0140 Completed transit, set course for Point Pancy.
0345 Radar has interfered 000 true, possibly USS H.R.DER.
0500 Interf. range disap. rad.
0528 Submerged.
0624 Surf. cod.
0738 3D has interfered at 18 miles. .INCL. FT QNT. CT #7
0740 SD lost interfered at 17 miles.
1712 Sighted sailboat. Closed to inv.stg. to. Crew consisted of n.tivos, one who spoke pidgin English, and who claimed secrecy of J.p ships since air strikes started. Crew then some food and cigarettes. Took pictures of ship.
1940 Radar has land bearing 028 true, 115,000 yards—Naso Point.
1951 C.n.v.rtod #4 fuel ballast tank to main ballast tank.
Submerged to flush. it out.
2015 Surf. cod.
2033 3J has radar interfer. no.
2100 Exchanged calls with USS GROWLER. SHIP QNT. CT #4.
2107 Picked up GROWLER on radar, 11,600 yards.
2125 Last target at 13,000 yards.
2220 Command running up coast of Pancy.
2345 Picked up B.tbctrn Isl. nd, 010 true, 40,000 yards.

— page 183 —
18 Sept.
Enroute area, he ding for Hindoro Strait.
0405 Submerged off Pnny, patrolling inshore ncr Tibiio point.
1858 Surfscad, set course for Hindoro Strait.
1942 Passed Brttbnten Isl. and abeam to starboard, distance 7 mils.
2225 Heardistinct ping. Le ord sound heard but could detect nothing. The ping w.s.v.rr distinct and w.s. heard on bridge and in after torpedo room. Raised sound heard because of rocfs, but kept it turned on in hopes of detecting further pinging.

19 Sept.
Enroute area, via Hindoro Strait.
0004 Passed, unboling Isl. and robm to starboard, 10 mils, set course for Cepo Celavite.
0410 Rdrr has single target, 10,000 yards, boring 323 truc, closing fst. SHIP CONT.CT #5.
0412 Submerged when target continue to close at high speed. T.rag passed close abeard. Commancd submerged patrol off Cepo Celavite. Could see Cepo Celavite Lighthouse very clearly.
2200 Attorad area. Commancd sending mass.ge by voice to U.S.S. FL.SHAR. Set course for Hormana Major as per instructions.

20 Sept.
Enroute Hormana Major
0451 Submerged off Hormana Major for inshore patrol.
0920 Sighted M.VIS. 1INORLPT CONT.CT #8. Close robmrd, zero angle
1635 Sighted Cape Bolinaco Lighthouse.
1905 Surfscad
1906 SI interference bearing 020 truc, probably USS FL.SHAR.
2034 Starboard shift out of commission.
2100 Starboard shift back in commission. Opened coast to charge batteries.
2300 Commancd closing coast for inshore patrol.

21 Sept.
0500 Submerged 12 mils west of Berani Point. Closed coast.
0632 JP sound has serows bearing 340 truc.
0640 Smoke visible in periscope. Commancd approach.
0650 Target in sight, a nosirl ship-tho Stugare Mrru. JP picked up target. t.about 16,000 yrs. SHIP CONT.CT #6. Properly marked, but making more smoke than sound necessary for a more ship of this size, as if to attract attention. Broke off approach t.10,000 yards.
1217 Sighted four fighter planes be ring 210 truc, on course 300 truc, altitude 1000 foot, type undetermined. 1ARLPT CONT.CT #9.

B.T.T.D. OF P.L.WIG POINT
1320 Sighted smoke b.r.ing 126 truc. SHIP CONT.CT #7. L.PON position 8 mils from P.L.WIG RAMP, bearing 126 truc; he.led to rds reef to intercept traffic rounding Palauig Point before it could head inshore around Hormana Major.

— page 184 —
21 Sept. (Cont'd)
1324. Changed course to 090 true to close track, heavy swells, visibility poor, sky overcast.
1333. Named battle stations.
1352. Made out two masts and a plume of smoke aft of it. Smoke is running P-laugh Point.
1352. Came to normal approach course and increased speed to 2/3.
1409. Sighted masts and smoke from several ships bearing 127 true. Decided this was main body of convoy and other was advance guard. Masts of one were small and only smoke seen from other.
1420. Changed course to 109 true, speed still 2/3, to intercept main body. This looks like a big outfit and we are about on its track.
1421. Hard series of explosions but could not believe that we had been picked up by escorts.
1421. Raised periscope and saw sky cover over with anti-aircraft bursts and splashes round ships we were closing. Convoy scattered in all directions. The first two ships that we had picked up in cross speed and continued towards Japan Island. Rigged for depth charge and continued closing main body.
1429. Observed seven dive bombers attacking ship in main body.
1429. [UNCLUT CONTRACT #10. Splashes. All close or hits on target. Large billows of black smoke from this target, followed at 1434 by a very loud explosion on! flames.
Ship bearing 105 true has exploded and is burning. From this time until 1449, bomb explosions were so rapid and numerous it was impossible to count them. Each stack continued six or seven bombs.
1435. Changed course to 140 true, two rads masts of two burning ships, range about 11,000 yards. It this time three ships were observed to be on fire, giving off great clouds of black smoke.
1450. It seemed as though air attack had ended. Closest ship was destroyer bearing 089 true, 9000 yards, course south, speed 22 knots. Light rain set in and visibility was reduced considerably in direction of targets.
Our initial approach was now completely thwarted. The initial targets had increased speed and were well to northward, definitely by us now. The navigator was left us with three damaged ships, all of good size and we should be able to close them just before dark. Continued at 2/3 speed.
1535. More explosions. Raised periscope to see much anti-aircraft fire again and more planes than there were before. The second wave of the third attacks from nearly vertical views and pulled out close.
1577. One of the damaged ships was more closing was hit when several planes attacked her. There was a very loud explosion and debris and smoke flow high in the air. Smoke stopped.

— page 185 —
21 Sept. (Cont'd)
1545 The ship that was previously bearing 105 true (new 061 true) was under attack again and at 1545 this ship blew up in a cloud of white smoke at least 400 feet high, and an explosion was heard that shook the IAPON violently.
Bombs continued to drop and a second ship close to the above burst into flame and smoke.
1551 A destroyer was seen putting up rapid fire from bow and stern anti-aircraft guns. Almost as fast as we selected a new target and headed towards, it blew up or commenced burning.
1553 Planes attacked this destroyer and a high sheet of yellow flame shot skyward from destroyer followed by the loudest explosion yet heard. Must have set off his depth charges. Destroyer was enveloped in flames and commenced sinking by the stern. A bed spring type radar was observed on his foremast. A second destroyer was now seen closing his sinking carrade and jettisoning his depth charges from throwers. All were apparently set on safe as only one was seen and heard to explode. IAPON still closing damaged ships off Palaug Point.
1600 Air attack seems to be over. Still closing sinking destroyer and burning ship off Palaug Point. Doubtful if we can close before dark, but will at least try to get a torpedo into the damaged destroyer.
1602 Another destroyer is headed our direction and it looks as though we might get a shot at a live target after all. Commenced approach on destroyer. Range closed to 9000 yards, 5 degree starboard angle on the bow, target course 305 true, speed 21 knots.
1607 Left full rudder to open track for stern tubes.
1609 Destroyer has zigged to his left and headed south towards sinking destroyer. Closest range 8600 yards.
1625 Changed course to 138 true to close damaged destroyer and burning ship again. Changed speed to full. Range to damaged destroyer now about 9800 yards. The other destroyer and a patrol vessel are milling around south of him about 11,000 yards from us at various speeds on various courses; pinging on sound. Continued closing damaged destroyer in hopes of firing at the destroyer standing by her, and to finish off damaged destroyer.
1645 We are not going to be able to close before dark, so decided to head out undetected and go after these cripples after dark. Gravity is well down. Took bearings on all burning or sinking ships (DD - 142 true, burning ship - 031 true, burning ship - 138 true)
1700 Slowed to 2/3 and saw four destroyers (radar equipped) and escort vessel all headed approximately north. One destroyer hoisted a flag hoist and sent "WHEN" "WHEN" on searchlight. Took battery gravity (1170) and decided we should leave immediate vicinity, surface, start charge, and settle down to a good night's destruction of damaged ships. Changed course to 357 true.

— page 186 —
21 Sept. (Cont'd)
1722 Destroyers and patrol vessel were now in rough line of bearing, course north, interval 1800 yards. Rain starting again. LAPON came to 347 true, rigged for silent running.
1751 It was evident that the western flank of the formation would pass over us. Commenced swinging left to 301 true.
1758 Formation now making high speed, sound hours screws and much pinging. All ships have bows in their teeth. LAPON is almost dead ahead of patrol vessel, angle on bow 10 starboard, range closing rapidly in low power.
1759 Loud explosion like depth charge. Started to 265 feet and negative gradient.
1807 First of formation has passed over or around us. Sound has screws and pinging at 357 relative, 315 relative, 193 relative, 095 relative, and 020 relative. Looks as though we are the hub of quite a wheel. Continued evasive action; hoped to get all ships forward of beam and than rovers course. They did not feel the same way about it and maintained approximately same relative position on us.
2045 All clear on sound. No pinging and no screws. Changed course to 191 true and commenced easing up through gradient. Tested radar. Fire in radar. Radar out of commission. As we passed 125 foot and out of gradient, pinging started and two sets of screws commenced closing fast, one from starboard bow and one from port quarter. One ship passed directly over our entire length, but made no drops. Went back to 270 feet, changed course to 280 true. Twelve men were vomiting and complaining of headaches. 002 content only 1.5%. but put out three cans of 00 gallons. Boat was very hot. Tried to repair radar.
2122 All clear again on sound.
2128 Changed course to 200 true.
2143 Changed course to 180 true.
2154 One distant explosion.
2222 All clear for an hour now, so decided to try again. At 200 feet sound reported very heavy rain. Radar operator believes gear might be capable of making one complete sweep.
2235 At 150 feet and still no pinging.
2345 Surface in blinding rain, full speed on four main engines, course 270 true. Radar satisfactory until 2300, so commenced work on it at this time to put it in proper operating condition and prevent burning it up completely. Our chances in this rain are as good as an others. Seaward from silent running and depth charge. Set watch on 500 kcs to intercept any messages from downed aviators. Command battery charge and slowed to standard speed.
2313 Rain has slackened, visibility is improving. Large glow or fire on horizon bearing 082 true. Slowed to standard on one engine, decided to get in part of a charge and when radar was reliable to close coast and search for cripples.
2345 The glow on the horizon loomed red and high in three explosions and then disappeared. Probably the damaged ship last soon in a huge column of black smoke.

— page 187 —
22 September
0133  Cl. roc. mess. to FL.SHOR warning him of presence of r. a. equipped destroyers.

SUMMARY OF THE ENCOUNTER WITH FL. SHOR

1. One destroyer (large). Last seen with decks awash up to bridge and bow protruding from water at about 40 degree angle. It is known that no other ship remained with this ship and probably the explosion at 1759 was not a depth charge, but that she was blown up by one of the other ships. Pictures were taken.

2. One large ship (type unknown). Hit by bombs and commenced burning at 1429. Exploded when attacked at 1545 and threw white smoke and debris 400 feet in the air.

3. One large ship (type unkno n). Blow up at 1537 and smoke from it ceased almost immediately.

4. One large ship (type unknown). Hit and straddled by many bombs. It was sinking up a large column of ice by black smoke. It is believed that the glow sighted at 2313 and which disappeared at 2345 was this ship burning.

5. One ship (type unknown). Hit and straddled by bombs. Last seen burning 138 true, with column of dense black smoke rising.

No precise can be too great for the aviators who executed this attack. Their accuracy was remarkable and the swiftness with which the second wave followed was surprising. LEFON is not great for the four destroyers escorted by the single patrol vessel that they left behind.

0238  Redar has three targets bearing 226 true, range 28,000 yards. SHIP CONT. CT #8. Commenced approach.
0248  Ch.ngod course to 220 true to close on 3 engines, still
ch.ngod on one.
0320  Redar now shows three very large targets and three, possibly four small escorts. Heavy rain, so turned away to await passing of squall and better visibility.
0325  Tarj.s c.ri.ce is currently north, so change c. ri.ce to 000 true for accurate tracking. There are numerous heavy rain squalls and visibility is poor. We will have to close this convoy very close before we can possibly see enough to fire.
0350  Squ.ll has passed, visibility is 3000 yards. Scoured charge and went after full on 4 engines. Targets' base course now determined as 315 true, speed 8.5 knots. Closing for the attack.
0355  Hode ready six two tubes.
0400  Ch.ngod course to 255 true, ran e is now 2800 yards. The are not going to see these targets. Decided to close to 2000 yards and fire by r. dar bearings.
0403  Slowed to 2/3 and checked set up on PPI and TDC.

— page 188 —
22 Sept.
0405 Put film in TDC at 1800 yards and commenced firing six bow tubes. Last torpedo was fired at 1550 yards, average track 90 starbar, gyro zero.
0406 Executiv officer, on bridge, reported two hits on large tanker, target disintegrating. Lookout reported one hit to right of tanker. Harder reported target exploding and PPI screen is one solid illuminated screen. No telling where the escorts are. Comancad swinging right for storm tube shot at next target check of tanker, hoping burning tanker would illuminate rest of convoy. Coming tower was now lighted up from glow on the surface. Target is sinking and is a large stack aft tanker. Doubtful if anyone survived from this ship as the sea is a mass of flames. Three torpedo hits were heard by personnel below docks. . . storm tube shot is impossible as bridge a- not see through flames on water, beyond burning ship and radar screen is obscured.
0415 Depth charging commenced. Continued opening out for a reload.
0423 Bridge reports stack of target now going under, and radar is beginning to clear again. Shows two large pipes. Continued tracking. Tabs see and ship at the convoy, now track at a reduced speed of 3 knots and had changed course to northward. It is believed probable that this ship suffered the third hit which was reported by the lookout at north by personnel below decks.
0425 Scoured from battle station, except for plotting party. After seventeen hours of continuous tracking and approach crew was exhausted and many sick either from COs poisoning or some other cause. Decided to pull ship at 6 a.m. on tracks to refuel from submarine cuttack as visibility precluded high periscope tracking at dawn. This was not a radio decision and ultimately led to losing contact.
0430 Comancad relieved forward.
0433 Last radar contact in range, came off to close track on last course of targets.
0527 Submerged for train dive.
0655 Surfaced, continued searching across track. Visibility low on spot.
0825 Picked up trawls on rad. Turned on hooded down tube bridge. Targets proved to be rain squall. Decided trawls must have retired to southward. Continued search over 300 miles.
1030 Submerged all sailing boat.
0455 Submerged all miles off ship (P-int Berani)
1025 Closed to four miles from beach, then paralleled east. Two swells in to depth control difficult at 63 feet.
1837 Surfaced. Opened beach to cargo buttress.

— page 189 —
24 Sept.
0040 Commenced closing beach for inshore patrol
0514 Submerged 11 miles off beach—Farani Point.
1003 Three to four miles off beach. Changed course to parallel coastline.
1843 Surfaced, opened coast to charge batteries

25 Sept.
0000 Commenced closing coast.
0509 Submerged 16 miles off coast. Commenced routing torpedoes.
0115 Completed routine.
0630 Changed course to parallel coast.
0645 Sighted three small craft, anti-submarine vessels or fishing boats.
0915 Sighted possible smoke bearing 128 true. Went ahead 2/3 to close.
0925 Three or four miles of coast. Can now make out 11 trawlers with freight on deck preceding north, about 500 to 1000 yards off beach. SHIP CONTACT #9. Slowed and avoided, too small for torpedo fire, gunfire here would be foolish.
1018 Sighted MARIS. AIRCRAFT CONTACT #1. Soa has long continual ground swell which makes depth control under 63 foot impossible. This sea condition coupled with usual calm, and land background, makes inshore patrol very difficult.
1635 Sighted aircraft—RUFF, AIRCRAFT CONTACT #12. Bearing 027 T.
1645 Surfaced, opened coast to charge batteries
2250 Set course for now patrol station as per orders

26 Sept.
0436 SJ radar out of commission.
0600 Sighted mast, possibly USS FLASHER. Commenced tracking.
0715 Identified mast as USS FLASHER.
0725 On station, commenced patrolling as per instructions.
0930 Radar back in commission, operation doubtful.
1800 SJ radar out of commission.
2040 Radar back in commission. Requested rendezvous with FLASHER to calibrate.
2245 Picked up FLASHER, commenced tuning radar.
2300 Completed tuning, set course for patrol station.

27 Sept.
0541 Submerged for trim.
0551 Surfaced
0555 Sighted smoke and received message from FLASHER that she had sighted ship be ring 328 true. SHIP CONTACT #10. Changed course to head over on four main engines.
0958 Now have three definite columns of smoke. Commenced periscope tracking.

— page 190 —
27 Sept. (Cont'd)
0611    Sighted masts of AK, targets tracking on course 320 true. Started and
around on starboard flank to await developments as it was assumed FLASHER had sub-
merged for attack.
0726    Target we had been tracking blow up.
0728    Saw another possible explosion to loft of target. Hord many depth
charges.
0730    Commanded working further ahead of targets to get into position for
attack.

Targets' courses vary erratic, now making tracking difficult. They
reversed course three times, each time another and around was necessary. Continued
tracking with high periscope, keeping tops of ships in sight continually.
1026    Finally determined now base course as 060 true.
1026    Submerged on calculated track. Echo ranging now dead ahead, 260 true.
1043    Heard another explosion. Explosions similar to depth charging heard
continuously.
1047    Picked up masts again in periscope.
1047A    Annaged course to 160 true. Depth charges continue, seem distant.
Closing target group at full speed between observations.
1113    Still closing target group at full speed.
T regt group can be seen now and is a convoy of one large AO, four large
and two medium AK's. There are three escorts, but only their tops can be seen.
Convoy base course is still 080, zigzag 30 degrees to right and left, ships main-
tining a rough line of bearing with escorts changing positions on convoy with
each zig. The leading ship is the large tanker, so selected him as a target and
commenced approach. At a range of about 6000 yards convoy zigged away. Large
angle on bow and excessive range will put leading ships by us, so shifted to fifth
ship in column (a large AK, well loaded). Will try to get him on the next zig to
the left.
1142    Made tubes ready.
1152    Convoy is str-rtng a zig to the left. Formation is ragged. One escort
is out ahead, one is on either flank ahead. Flank escorts are DD's and ahead.
The zig is a minisweeper. LIFON is now in a position on third ship's port quarter.
If they zig far enough, we should be in good firing position for the fifth ship
and escorts will be well out of position. Continued closing at standard speed.
1154    Fourth and fifth ships, two large AK's are going to overlap. The fifth
ship will cover about 1/3 of the fourth ship's after section.
1156    At a range of 2750 yards to main target (fifth ship), commenced firing
a six torpedo spread from bow tubes. Angle on bow 90 port, average gyro 14 right.
The fourth ship was now overlapped by the fifth and is 500 yards more distant,
with about 100 port angle on the bow. Convoy right flank, escort is swinging to
left to take position ahead and on flank, and minesweeper is coming through line
of ships to take position ahead. Third escort not observed. Commenced swinging
right for storm tubes at escort.
1158    Much smoke from torpedoes. Observed two torpedoes hitting the fifth
ship in column, under the stack. Smoke, flame, debris, and water went high into
the air and completely obscured the midships section of the ship. Shifted to
fourth ship in time to see torpedo hit midway between bridge and stack. Right

— page 191 —
27 Sept. (Cont'd)
flank escort not closing fast with zero angle on bow and no zero
swinging very slowly. Gyros are very large and we will not get
around for stern tubes. Shifted periscope to first target which
cope. read to hve broken in the middle. Bow and stern were clev.ted
about 20 degrees and she was sinking fast andiships. Four torpedo
explosions were heard and tried.
1201. 1ent deep and ri. god for depth ch.rge and silent running.
1204. Recived 19 very close and very heavy depth charges in quick
succession from destroyer which crossed from port quarter to star.cr.rd.
1209. Heard very loud explosion, not a depth charge.
1211. Six ho.vy depth charges, but not so close this time. Con-
tinued evasive action. Two escorts remained in vicinity echo ranging
and third moved off with rest of convoy.
1340. Pinging and scrowe soon to be remaining about the same
bearing and not closing us.
1451. Escaped up to periscope depth.
1505. Can make out escort and crippled ship, plus one aircraft-
RUF. 1RCRAFT CONT. CT #13
1631. Cripple began soaking heavily. Escorts are evidently taking
off survivors.
1715. Completed role.d. Surf.ood.
1820. Closing cri.pt.1c.
4980

— page 192 —
1st SEPT. (Cont'd)
0754 Surfaced. Continued patrolling.
0824 Sighted ship b. erin. 062 true, range about 14,000 yds

— page 193 —
1 Oct. (Cont'd)
0955   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1010   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1030   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1040   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1050   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1060   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1070   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1080   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1090   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1100   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1110   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1120   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1130   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1140   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1150   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1160   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1170   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1180   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1190   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1200   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1210   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1220   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1230   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1240   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1250   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1260   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1270   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1280   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1290   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1300   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1310   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1320   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1330   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1340   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1350   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1360   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1370   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1380   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1390   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1400   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1410   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1420   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1430   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1440   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1450   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1460   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1470   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1480   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1490   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1500   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1510   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1520   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1530   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1540   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1550   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1560   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1570   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1580   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1590   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1600   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1610   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1620   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1630   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1640   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1650   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1660   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1670   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1680   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1690   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1700   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1710   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1720   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1730   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1740   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1750   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1760   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1770   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1780   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1790   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1800   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1810   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1820   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1830   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1840   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1850   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1860   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1870   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1880   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1890   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1900   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1910   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1920   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1930   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1940   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1950   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1960   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1970   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1980   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
1990   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
2000   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
2010   2:00 to 2:50 feet.
2020   2:00 to 2:50 feet.

2 Oct.
    : 2:00 to 2:50 feet.
    : 2

— page 194 —
4 Oct.

Commenc'd closing corse for inshore patrol. Charging boat.
C515 Submerged 12 nils off corse-Berni Point. Closing coast
0600 Depth charges (2o), b.ning 165 true. Very distant.
0606 Scum picked up pinings at 127 true.
0840 Can make out masts of vessel at 116 true. SHIP COMTT.CT
#14
C855 Ship now looks like tanker. Crew left and went aboard 2/3.
0905 Can char. 1/3. Target in close to be. and well by,
ranges 10,000. Continued in overhanged course.
0915 Target at 2.5d further away and faded out.
1018 Sighted plane. LIRGT.PT COMTT.CT #26. RUFE.
1325 Pit log out of conssion.
1330 Sighted two sribots, also three subcherses close to berth
handel south, our range to beach six to eight thousand yards. SHIP
COMT CT #15.
1335 Pit log back in commission.
1423 Sighted traveler bearing 109-3/4 true; small. Close to berth
1535 Sound has pinging 020 true. Nothing in sight.
1535 Sighted submarine at 064 true, range about 4,000 yards.
No other ships in sight. At good for silent running. Commenced avoiding.
SHIP COMTT.CT #16
1612 Unble to see subchersor.
1904 Surf.aced. Opened crest to charge bttories.

5 Oct.

Ocanding corse, charging bttories.
047 Charged corse to close beach for inshore patrol.
0507 Submerged 11 miles off corse.
0716 Sighted four eolumns of smoke bearing 124 true. Commenced tracking and progress. SHIP COMTTCT #17
0723 Went to 2/3 to close track.
0743 C in over nake cut five sets of masts. Believe we are on
convoy breach.
0602 Three two-cn line bombs reported from over corse on
commenced circling convoy. LIRC.PT COMTT.CT #17.
0807 One bomber commenced shallow dive at prriscope. Went to
150 feet. Riggcd for depth charge.
0810 No bombs, returned to corseope depth.
0818 Prriscope depth. Convoy has scattered. Changed course
60 degrees to right and is headed for berth. One more MILVISIBLE.
Bombard diving to scope. Went to 150 feet.
0820 No bombs; returning to prriscope depth. Convoy will inshore on marking more scope. The action of the aircraft is puzzling.
They dropped no bombs, but definitely dove at the scope twice. In
a hit, they left convoy after it scattered towards the corse. The
surface occurs did not attack, so there is some doubt as to whether
or not the planes actually saw us.

— page 195 —
5 Oct. (Cont’l)
The son had the customary heavy smooth ground swell running
that made depth control very difficult under 63 feet and height of
swells not good purpose for observations at this depth very few.
0832 Plot plan (WIFE) in sight over convoy. LAC. FT CONT. CT
#28. Convoy now strung out all along east.
0900 Scour: from bottle stations. Continue closing east.
1037 Sighted two NMLS bu.ring 144 true. LAC. FT CONT. CT #29.
Heading north.
1045 sighted float plane (WIFE). LAC. FT CONT. CT #30. E. ring
069 true.
1115 Comanoce raining. Visibility to north very poor. So
are now about 8,000 yrs off east harbor north.
1135 Sighted three NMLS and column of smoke bearing 017 true.
LAC. FT CONT. CT #31.
1145 More smoke to north SHIP CONT. CT #18. Comanoce approaching.
Son conditions still very bad. Smooth with long heavy swells. Visibility to north poor with intermittent rain squalls.
1204 Depth charge explosions in direction of convoy. BONEFISH
has a rocket attack. Sound has continual pinging. Escorts seem
to be situated to the left, starboard bow, beam, and quarter, with one
stern of center column. Convoy in three columns. Five NMLS were
airlin, convoy about 50 feet off surface and two NUFTS were circling
over center.

CONVOY DISPOSITION

COAST LINE
LARGE SHIPS
X X X X
MEDIUM SHIPS
X X X
E
X X
A
X
A
L A F O L V

-17-

— page 196 —
5 Oct. (Cont'd)
LtCol was on starboard bow. Decided to let escorts #2 and 3 go by and convoy to cross ahead of us.
12:27 Escorts pinging and passing "oar starboard side close to r," estimated 400 yrs. One escort turned on us with sound gear, sent "mm mm mm," Other escorts immediately stopped pinging.
12:30 Beak-ers started shl low dive t scope, sent to 150 foot.
12:36 No bombs. Back to periscope depth.
12:36 Escort trained sound ho-lr right on us and nearly deafened sound man. Sound commenced sounding "mm mm mm" all other escorts stopped pinging. Escort thion trained off on chorus of pinging commenced again.
12:42 Periscope depth. Noll dove t scope. Started deep. No bombs.
12:45 Cargo back to periscope depth.
13:00 Changed course to 070 true. Sent to 2/3 t close inbound columns.
13:14 Rine now 5200 yrs. Prt of convoy in rain squall. Went to 70 foot, 2/3 speed. Changed course to 140 true. Targets selected were last two ships in inboard column as rest of ships were going by.
13:42 Genoetic torpedo run down to 3600 yrs. Slowed for set-up prior to firing.
13:45 Targets have zigged away, torpedo run now 4900 yrs. Continued closing t 2/3, hoping for a lucky zig.
13:50 Targets have gone by. Tug on to lose. Scud'd hwo gone to standard for full, but at time, with sea conditions and coverage, thought we would be sighted. In addition, prior to zig away, we had his bearing under control and would have fired at about 3300 yard run he'd they not zig good. Inboard column was now only about 1000 yrs from beach. Changed course to open out from beach a little. Gunoy form tian was very effective for naking a difficult sub-mine approach.
14:40 Sighted MHL bearing 350 true in shallow dive hc. Led for scope. Started for 150 foot. No bombs. Believed he must have dropped fl-ro as anti-submarine vessels wore not detected prior to seeing plane and they came directly to our position.
14:59 Two sets of scows; light night. Also pinging. No chance not to come up for a look round. SHIP CONT.OT #19.
15:00 Pingers commenced searching all around us. One on each quarter and one on starboard bow. Sent to 300 foot on silent running.
15:50 Pingers moving out.
16:27 Pingers gone.
17:20 Commenced using up to periscope depth.
18:43 Surf co', commenced opening coast, charging batteries. No change to catch this convoy before it gets to Santa Cruz. USS PL-SHAT may get it tomorrow so will send him a message.

— page 197 —
6 Oct.
Patrolling off Brann Point, 30 miles. Charging batteries, routing torpedoes
0048 Comancao! closing coast.
0502 Subargo; closing coast.
0722 Slight time NELS has no south. Possible smoke to south. Incluft CONTACT #32. Ss going glassy with heavy swell. Can see JP sound he'd rising; and it is possible to count the strips of docking from riscope at 63 feet.
0958 Pinging at 140 true. No smoke now.
1025 Finging getting closer. Nothing in sight.
1030 Lost depth control. Finally caught at 90 feet.
1035 Sound has two sets of light fast screws. Decided to stay deep as depth control was erratic.
1100 Fast screws at 150 true and 060 true.
1300 Periscope depth. Ill clear.
1853 Surfaced. Opened coast to charge batteries. Anti-submarine activity off Brann Point has increased considerably since we started operating there.

7 Oct.
0000 Sat course for new patrol station.
0746 On station patrolling east and west.
2023 Slight light on horizon bearing 135 true. Headed for it.
SHIP CONTACT #20.
2035 Light is hospital ship.
2038 R.dr picked up ship at 19,000 y. rds.
2050 Closed hospital ship and verified her markings. ...assumed patrol.

8 Oct.
0006 Submerged for trim.
0030 Surfaced.
1155 Slight traverse or paravane type float for sweeping.
2311 Set course for inshore patrol near Brann Point.

9 Oct.
0500 Brooute inshore patrol station off Brann Point.
0535 Submerged 12 miles offshore.
0635 JP picked up scows bearing 079 true. Nothing in sight in periscope.
0645 Picked up small mast inshore bearing 046 true.
0855 Sighted smoke at 138 true. Changed course to close smoke.
1145 Picked up object in scope.
1154 Object is tr.water.
1203 Commenced voiding.
1207 Picked up scows bearing 047 true on sound.
1213 Sighted two small craft bearing 104 true. Continued voiding.

- 19 -

— page 198 —
9 Oct. (Cont'd)
1850: Surfaced. Opened beach, charging batteries.
Throo ore two watches and probable li$sioners along this section of coast. Ono is a small schloot that is daily just a short distance south of from Point in aine Bay. The other is a trawler type off Claim Point that lowers sail, and gets on his engine as you approach him.

10 Oct.
: Patroling off shore, charging batteries.
0335: Ginn, ed course to close co.ch for inshore patrol off
Brenn Point.
0500: Submerged.
0700: Smoke and v ry small mast bo ring 075 true. Troh. bly another small patrol craft fr a.m. ago By.
1013: Sighted smoke behind Cargo Bolino L.h.t. SHIP CONTACT #21
1030: Two columns of smoke drifting left. Evidently ships round in C pe Belinno. We are 3 to 4 nills off coast.
1040: S- und h s pining be rig 030 true.
1105: Sighted flot plrno-HUFF. INCMPT CONTACT #33. Fl-nc to north over smoke.
1109: Horrd series of explosions.
1114: Commanded closing coast, determined that this outfit will not get pst us unless it has wincois.
1115: Manned bottle stations.
1122: Sighted two flot plrno-HUFF. INCMPT CONTACT #34.
Over convoy.
1124: Still nothing in sight except smoke so we are using the pings of the escorts to guide us onto track.
1132: C.n.god course to 020 true.
1142: Convoy has now definitively set rted into two groups.
One group is well offshore, and a second group is well inshore. This division is probably the result of the BOMBTH attack which we estimate to 1109. The second group is slower and will bchind the other and is yet en not to clrly made out.
In column and two escorts.
1145: Pcided to attack the inshore group and changed course to 040 true, r ngo now bout 14,000 yards.
1156: C.n.god course to 090 true. Lead. ship c.n now bo s.sn clrly and is a lrro nk. Selected his a target.
1205: We are now between the two groups of ships and the inshore group cannot get by us. The seaward group of ships can now be made out as three nK's, cll smoking h.willy, with two unidentified escorts. Sound reports fast scrows and pinging drawing chood along the column of ships we are attack, c.nnot see him yet.
1210: M.de tubes ready, three set t 8 foot and one at 6 foot for an escort.
1220: Our target is transporting planes and her weather docks are well locked. In addition to the aircraft, large crates are piled high, both four and rft.

— page 199 —
10 Oct. (Cont'd)
On now see the escort moving up. Looks like a DZ and he is painted brown or olive green, making him very hard to soo. He is painted pass this side of and or rap our target. Ch.noed course to 000 T. 1228

— page 200 —
10 Oct. (Cent'd)
1829: Ch'ing news to 220 true.
1832: Sound report of a firing at 110 true, getting louder.
1640: D.R. enough now to see glow of fire from burning ship.
1854: Surfaced, opened coast to the rigs batteries. Target is now
  el sing vigorously.
1910: .licked up target on rdr, also 5J interference. Prob. bly
USS BONAPISI. Koyed and exchanged a lds dth BONAPISI.
2010: K-jor explosion on ship was left burning.
2057: .nothr ex losion on trr at, sending fires high in air which
lasted about 3 minutes then died out completely. It is possible
that the Nips were able to burn this ship, but it is doubtful that
there is much loft of it judging from the fires and explosions that
have gone on for at hthours.

11 October
Petrollin' offshores, ch'ing batteries.
0318: Gannoned closing bch to rl. Lueig Point to be in position
for attack on convoy in morning, assuming tht it hd anchored for
night.
So: Loosy; visibility hry hry hry hry.
0410: Ch'ing d course to 150 true, 14500 yards. Unable
0413: Red hry two t'rats t lll true, 14500 yards. Unable
to close before dwn so commenced trc taking. SHIR CONT. CT #22
0435: Lost t'rats on rdr, so lowered sound he d and hd. rdr
picking. Target course appears to be southo starly (Ltr infr-
ation shows this was south bound convoy tht passed FLSHIR t
0500)
0500: Submerged (position doubtful). So were four miles
south of BONAPISI when she submerged.
0711: S'ing scores t 170 true. Kething in sight. Hry b
PLISH. Ch'ing course to 270 true. 4th BONAPISI to north
in FLSHIR to south, these quarters rc lltls close.
0610: Point one ringing and across at 085 true. Kething
in sight and be ring dratin left very rapidly.
0915: S'ings one course to 320 true.
1000: Ch'ing score to 332 true, nothin in sight, probably
1300: S'ing score to 150 true.
BONAPISI. Ch'ing course to 150 true.
1314: Lost s'ings.
1408: S'ings on sound only true, nothing in sight.
1427: Sound has pin'ng t 030 true.
1429: Sound has s'ings t 123 true, nothing visible.
Prob blr FLSHIR.
1430: Possible smoke t 049 true with pin'ng and s'ings.
How h've two sets of s'ings.
1601: Two columns of smoke visible in three sets of p'ings.
Be ring is stc.cy, we seem to be right on tr.ck. SHIR CONT. CT #23

- 22 -

— page 201 —
11 Oct. (C. atl'd)
1616: Fingr shift.d to short sc.le and scanned to make run on scanting. Fingers hwo just nbut row.rscd course and soaa to be hcadd nartherly. Fin.in. was on 14.8 kcs. Second time we hvc noted this low frequancy.
1842: Surf.recd, c.unned be.ch to ch.rge betteries.

12 Oct.
F.trelling 30 miles offshore oar r.llauig foint.
0500: naceivd a'cillation to Quar.tion Order.
0311: Sent ness ge to 20LPT3H tellin.hor th.t to w uld move to offs.ore patrol st.tion until to ving for new st.tion. Hoad to get rid of stern tubo tor.ceas at our previous cod luck point.
0335: Sat.curse for point 50 miles north of Sc.borrough neof.
1100: On st.tion, co.anc.ced e.st-wast patrol.
1734: Master gyre following s.rst. on to routine torpedoes.

13 Oct.
Patrolling w.st.rwost, north of Sc.borrough neof.
0019: Master gyre b.c.k in co.mission.
0835: Subsergei for train and to routine torpedoes.
1024: Surf.rad
1810: F.sed through 1.5 fuel bill st. Tanks to hin Ballast Tran.
117-20 7. 011 sc.med to be bubbling up from one point, but this is deep water.

14 Oct.
Patrolling e.st.-ost on line 50.miles north of Sc.borrough neof.
1437: Sub.curse for new st.tion in unco.rence with O.p.r.tion Order ch.n.e.
2055: Converted #3 on 5 Fuel Bill st. Tanks to hin Ballast Tran.
Flushed tanks.

15 Oct.
Inroute now st.tion.
0122: Ncdr has lnd b.u.r.in 092 trus, Lumberg Isl. nd.
0507: Submerged about 15.miles due west of Cape Clavite
1859: Surf.ced, set.curse to.rrd Hin'c.rro Str.it.
2338: S.hited driver ft. burning tvo shine lights an c red li.hit.
LINC.PT COMT.OT #36
2340: Hino sc.med to c.alesin, so sub.merged about 15.miles northeast of 'nbulong Isl. nd.

16 Oct.
Submerged in Hincoro str.it off sub.ulong Isl. nd.
0040: Plane still in s.hit in cr.isso.c. He must have ra.de contact on us.

— page 202 —
16 Oct. (Cont.)
13th: Surf out, set course for trel station.
0306: Hr a nai der blu voice refr-flic, mostly consisting of frequency checks. Hr rdn ov voice s.y, m n your battles st tions."
0517: Submarin on st.tion, subr in all prisacope.
0602: Caulotd rapirs to al risarose. It joriscope coth. Iron is very rastrnted for manouverin. Lnd is nearby. Visibility ooc, any air strike on Coron would be vislble. Decided to remain submergoed to y nd see how much air and cnti-submarine activity was presant.
1111: 3D rdr dryth to listen for voice assys. No results.
1245: 3D rdr depth to listen on voice circuits. No results.
1845: Surf out, command b.t.tn y chrs. frtrolling 15 miles northeast of quiniluban Island cst and west.

17 Oct.
0235: Hrvc 3J rdr interferance bearinr 171 true, unable to raise him.
0935: ktrolling on surf co thrugh initil point.
0730: Stranr interferance on 3D rdr, not cther 3D (See rdr section)
0625: .irorft on 3D, clossi, 11 miles. LnCAPT CNT.CNT.#37. Could not s.e hin thruuh h.y clous so ovo. Don't believe he was friendly as init tions sinceed only one mne.
0935: Sound has servs bearinr 26h truo. Cnn noke out tho sall subh.sors. Hired to run silent. Sarcinac at periscope depth.
0940: Third subh.sor joined party. They a.ue ue the rowerse of our course in ccluun. Know no. but t pl no was not frianly.
SHI' CmLT.CNT.#24.

a crs ro llr in c. bi.ht s so h v four subh.sors storn, lass th n 4000 r.rds, a 3 f.thon sont on str.bro.r bor (.aurire Bank), and rrotc Sho1 on jort bow. Lst position vs good, but need it axct. Doidle. to he a 160 true c.nr run betrcon banks, than came o.st when clor of rrotc Bank. wi.ontly plno trnked us this normin. n't c.rllod out thc dors. The subh.sors h'd s.sothing d.finite in nind cs thay scorched round over our initil point, than forne's soreh line to o.starr.
1530: Subh.sors ll h.ws fl.s. s.nted on sicas, n.flying in-of-er fl.s, d.th a.nr lookouts on top of cck huse.
1045: C n h.r surf nois.s on both bo.s. ill continue on presnt course, 190 true, as sound conditions in vicinity of sho1s are very poor.
1201: Between rrotc Sho 1 (5 f.thons) n' quirre Roof (3 f.thons) commenced running into long line of fishing not buoys. Dropped do.n co 75 feet in' inrse sed speed to 50 rap to press uner or break thruugh.

— page 203 —
17 Oct. (Cont'd)
Back to periscope depth and towing two buoys with us.
1400 H.vo broken away and are clear of nets. Lost score, s,
c n no longer see subcharts.
1457 Cleared both reefs, came to 120 true to clear Quindliben
Island. Visibility dense sing.
1600 Visibility 500 yards
1850 Surfaced. Quindliben Isl.nr 9600 y-rs on strbro.rb bana.
Commenced patrolling o.st nw west 15 miles, 040 true from Quindliben Isl.and.
1910 No. 3 ncin engine cut of commission. Circulating w.tor
pump out.

18 Oct.
i.trolling o.st and west. H.vo hsc no information as to
strikes, other thru from Tokyo fosc and dose Quicroro. It would be
n.reat help to know just when the strike is intended, as a surface
patrol traugh initial point is impossible with radar equip.
pl.nos so lantiful in this spot.
0515 Submerged about 5 miles south of Palmath Bank. Commenced
patrolling northeast-southwest.
0600 Sighted HMI beabcr about 5 miles, flying low. HMCAT
QAT.OT 1350.
1122 Visibility corr, commenced perr rations to surf ne.
1247 D.r.r.1.oth. 35 h.s strong interference, ths sands
previous dry. Decided to remain subar.r.ed.
1430 c.ther bcnning progressively worse. Commenced raining.
Visibility zero.
1828 Surf oed in 1. Visibility 2.ro. S.s very h.h.
Decided to haul out to southward between Chinan and Sultan
Sho.ls to sand current w.r.ther as air oper.tions under present conditions impossible, and it ar.s ve soae dire.rft.
2000 No. 3.rain on line b.ck in comdission.
2300 In position, 10.0 miles northwest of Subbro. rocks
2315 Ch.ned cou.s to 235 true. Commenced sending L.A.ON Trail.

19 Oct.
015 Completed transmittin. Ch.n.ed course to h.s.b.c to
r.trol station.
0511 n.reeft cont at cn 30, 1f miles. HMCAT COT.OT 139.
0531 Submerged on st.tion. Commenced submerged p.trol 5.mils
south of F.louth Bank. c.ther and se. has moderate, sky tot.llly
ow.rost. Visibility f.ar.
1855 Surfaced. Commenced o.st-west patrol 15 miles northo.st
of Quindliben Isl.and.

— page 205 —
23 Oct. (Cont'd)
0600    Naval news of interest, air strike, code to radio
in car to transfer to radio assistance to LCDR. It rolled 0400-
2200 fifty miles off Balikapan
1430    Jet course for C-130
1600   3. 1st C-130 flight
1748    Submerged to rear of C-130, still in contact
1830   3t. red to surface for star sights, carrier's all clear.
1831   3t. hit object to 248 true, possibly sub range. 1t
    rdr. 1st, 1t. 1st. 1

— page 206 —
1. FID. T1 - USS L. 100 (33200) Sixth m.r. trcl

2. Oct. 4 (Oct. 4)
   - 02:00 Inadr picked up trcl to ring 267 true, ran 4800 grls.
   - 03:12 Con. 2c. or assist at L. lock, set course for north.
   - 15:10 3D radar it out to A. Isles. Subarc. ILC.PT
   - 14:40 Surf. cod
   - 19:25 3d r. r. inf. frncs on port bow.
   - 20:15 4c. in c. calls with USG Col. Lin. Gvc h r infr.
   - 21:00 t. in on trcl or ft in z. bd.

27 to 31 October
   - 31 Oct. or
   - 07:30 Arrived Fr. 2nd. mcrred alon side USS E. I., outboard of
   - 11:33, Fl. 35-34.

- 28 -

— page 222 —
35-12N (S.S. Sixth Rat Patrol)

TORPEDO ATT. CR 1/2

TUBE FIRED #4 #5 #6

TR.CR. A.GLE 095 P 095 P 096P

GYRO A.GLE 012-30 016-00 010-00

DEEP SET 10 ft. 6 ft. 10 ft.

P.OAR High High High

BIT OR LISS 1st Hlt Miss

EXIT. TIC No No No

LIGHT TORPEDO 23 14-3. 23

SHELL NO. 49297 22564 50231

SHELL NO. 6-5 6-5 6-5

C.T. TION SET Contact Contact Contact

ACTION. CTUAL Contact C.ntact None

EX. TIRED 16 16 16

SHELL NO. 12726 12558 13607

EXPLOSIVE TPX TPX TPX

FIRST ITEM. 8 sec. 8 sec. 8 sec.

TYPE SPIR. D 12 L 22 R 22 L

(DIVERSION)

SEA. CONDITIONS Ch.ppy

OVERALL ACTIVITY U.S.S. GULFPEN

NEAR: None

-44-

— page 223 —
USN L.PON (33260) Sixth Air Patrol

USN L.PON  TORP.AT.CK #3  P.TROL H., 6

Time: 1231(H)  Date: 10/10/44  Lat. 16-10 N., Long.119-44E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description:  Snake from this convoy was picked up in the periscope while patrolling submerged close to Lono Bay, eastern Coast of Japan. Early tracking showed that ships were rounding Cape Bolinio and on a southeasterly course. USS HOMPSH was patrolling b - 20 miles north of L.PON and it is estimated that she attacked about 1109.

This attack apparently divided convoy,  man ships ware sighted, one group was headed close into the coast. It consisted of four XM's, one DC escort and one minesweeper or killer type escort. The other group was slower and to seaward. It was escorted by two unidentified echo range in vessels. Two XMP's type planes circled convoy continually at about 1500 - 2000 feet. The target selected was the largest and leading vessel of the inshore column of ships. The ship was similar to the TAHOIHU NIU, pte 196, OIL 208J ROVS. It was heavily laden and carried an unusually large amount of dock cargo. Visible echo consisted of several aircraft and large cargoes. Just before reaching a firing position, a camouflaged destroyer escort was on an ovoid, long the column of ships and would pass between L.PON and the target. Column of ships at this time were range and parallel to 500 to 1000 yards off the beach, almost opposite Lono Bay. Four out tubes were fired at the target then the DE and d started to ovoid p. Visibility was good and sea was smooth.

Ships sunk: 1 L rge. (small r to TAHOIHU NIU, pte 196, OIL 208J ROVS) (x2)

1 Escort vessel, 500 tons (X1)

Damage determined by:  (X1)—Too torpedo hits were timed into this vessel. Four hours later periscope obs.rt. tions slowed ship at same position, burning furiously with frequent and numerous explosions. The attack took place t 1 1/2 1

— page 226 —
1. USS L. F. (SS260) Sixth Fr Patrol

(1) 1. USS L. F. (SS260) Sixth Fr Patrol

Anti-submarine activity at this patrol was varied and, as a result of other patrols, much more vigorous.

At first planes were not under frequently and were continued a source of concern especially on merchant ships near, the east. These planes were flown in and carried running flights but 50 percent of the time. The only warning was a sudden sharp or flash of exhausts. The 3D never picked up a single one. In this a nonstop, no plane was observed to fly very low over the water than a mile up and then back down. It is so spaced that this may be their doctrine. It is, to pick up their target on their radar, start down the boring very low. It interferes with up for another chance, then down the boring very low. It interferes with up

— page 230 —
1. USS L.P.ON (35260) Sixth Patrol.

Mr. K.7. Cdr. C. C. Crass. On 26 September, I flew up operation crossed enemy patrol, found 06th, reactifier tubas with sproa and replaced 6,6m. T.

— page 235 —
0:00
Fool on this patrol was not as vivid as in past. Fresh frozen
vomit blos wore unvividly on their obscene wcs deeply felt as was
the ruckus rtion on ice ocean. Most wcs typically australian (tough
not testoloss). Quantity was ample.

H:bit bility was cool. The forward part of the hot was
overly hot, but a small airconditioning plant in the forward battery
has helped considerably.

Cookroaches were for the first time an will necessi-
tate thorough fumigation.

(Q) PERSONNEL

(a) Number of men on board during patrol: 70
(b) Number of qualified at start of patrol: 53
(c) Number of qualified at end of patrol: 62
(d) Number of unqualified men making third
    first patrol: 13
(e) Number of unqualified in retiring
    patrol: 7

Officers and non personnel that duties in accordance with
the historical traditions of the U.S. Naval Service during a long and
rigorous patrol, under constant contact with the enemy.

(R) TACTICAL STATION - FULL USED

Base to nor: 3,600 miles, 36,805 fathoms.
In nor: 5,178 miles, 36,105 fathoms.
Run to base: 2,930 miles, 33,762 fathoms.

(S) DUTY TIME

Days on route (north of barrier): 8
Days in area (north of barrier): 44
Days on route base: 6
Days on area: 29

(T) EQUIPMENT

Torpedoes: 8
Fool: 8,000
Provisions: 10 tons
Personnel Factor: 15 days

Latitude factor this patrol: 0.0
Duration or hour: -57-

— page 238 —
FCS-12/A16-3/FB5-122  SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWELVE
Serial 0372
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENCRYPTION to
U.S.S. LAPON - Report
of Sixth War Patrol.

From:  The Commander Submarine Squadron TWELVE.
To:  The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via:  (1) The Commander Submarines, SEWARTH FLEET.
    (2) The Commander SEVANTH FLEET.

Subject:  U.S.S. LAPON (SS260) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

1. The sixth war patrol of the U.S.S. LAPON was conducted in the SOUTH CHINA SEA in the NORTH HATTAI AREA. The patrol lasted fifty-eight days, forty-four of which were spent north of the BARRIER.

2. LAPON was able to close three separate convoys for torpedo attack:

Attack No. 1: This was a north radar approach on a convoy of three large ships with three or four escorts. Visibility was poor and torpedoes were fired by radar. Two hits were obtained on a tanker which exploded and sank and a third hit was seen and heard on a second unidentified ship. After opening out for a load, contact was lost and no further attack was made.

Attack No. 2: After receiving a contact report from FLASHER, position was taken ahead of a convoy consisting of 1 large AO and 6 AK's escorted by 2 DD's and 1 minesweeper. A submerged approach was made and two hits were made in one AK and one in a second. Both ships were soon to sink.

Attack No. 3: Another submerged approach was made on a convoy of four AK's with two surface escorts and two planes. One hit was made on the DE escort but further observation of damage was not wanted by depth charge attack by another escort. Two timed hits were made in the AK which was transporting planes and she was still burning ten hours later.

3. The LAPON's general material condition showed above-average effect of depth-charging. However, all damage will be repaired and all major defects mentioned in the patrol report will be corrected. No, 1 main gunnorotor armature should be replaced by one with a satisfactory commutator design, but none is available. Therefore, satisfactory operating conditions will be restored by taking a cut on the present commutator.

— page 240 —
22 - 71/A16-3 UNITED STATES NAVY 12a/pr
Serial_ 01405 21 November 1944

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT TO:
USS LAPON Conf. Lt: A16-3
Serial 44, dated 31 October
1944. Report of Sixth 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. LAPON (SC260) - Report of Sixth War Patrol - Comment on.

1. LAPON's Sixth War Patrol was conducted in the SOUTH CHINA SEA as one of a coordinated attack group which consisted of LAPON, BUNJISH and MASTER (UTC). This very active and successful patrol was the first in command for Commander D. G. EBER, U.S.N.

2. On the twenty first of September, the Commanding Officer had the rare experience of seeing our own aircraft completely destroy a convoy just as LAPON was about to deliver an attack. The account of this action is very interesting, and the Commanding Officer expresses high praise for the aviators who executed the attack.

3. LAPON made her first attack at night in very poor visibility using radar data alone. From a range of 1,600 yards she delivered a six torpedo attack and observed an unidentified ship. LAPON was unable to follow up its damage on the damaged ship and press home additional attacks because, after seventeen hours contact with the enemy, a majority of LAPON's crew was suddenly seized with nausea which the Commanding Officer considers to be a result of extreme fatigue and carbon dioxide poisoning.

4. The second attack was made submerged, following an "end-around" on a convoy which FLASH had reported and which she was then torpedoing. Commander EBER maintained sight contact with the enemy until he had observed two targets in a sinking condition. On the latter attack LAPON closed the escort until the enemy could not get by, and was justly rewarded when his resulting attacks sank one of the escort and set a Japanese aircraft on fire. All three attacks were skilfully, successfully and cautiously executed, and, in each case, the enemy was sustained until extensive damage to the enemy was assured and observed.

— page 241 —
7-7/-16-3 UNITED STATES NAVY 12a/pr
Serial_01405 21 November 1944.

C-U-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS LAPON Conf. 1tr. A16-3
Serial 44, dated 31 October
1944. Report of Sixth War
Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. LAPON (35260) - Report of Sixth War Patrol -
Comment on.

5. Excellent coordination between LAPON and FLASHER
augmented the effectiveness of the individual boats.

6. The award of the Submarine Combat Insignia is
authorized for this patrol.

7. The Force Commander is very proud of LAPON, for
her previous imposing total of damage to the enemy, and for her
splendid performance on this first patrol under her present
Commanding Officer. The new Commander's office and crew
are heartily congratulated on this aggressive and effective patrol
in which the following damage was inflicted on the enemy:

SUAK
1 - AO (Large EU) 10,000 Tons (Attack No. 1)
1 - AK (Large, similar HAWAII HAU 20) 9,500 Tons (Attack No. 2)
1 - AK (Large, similar HAWAII HAU 20) 5,500 Tons (Attack No. 2)
1 - Escort (EU) 5,000 Tons (Attack No. 3)

Total 25,600 Tons

DALAGED
1 - Unidentified MARU 4,000 Tons (Attack No. 11)
1 - AK (Similar TEIHOU MARU) 5,800 Tons (Attack No. 12)

Total 9,800 Tons

GRAND TOTAL 35,400 Tons

R. W. CHRISTIE.

— page 242 —
1/1/41-3
Serial_01405
C-U-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND INDORSEMENT tc:
USS LAPON Conf. Ltr. A16-3
Serial 44, dated 31 October
1944. Report of Sixth War
Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. LAPON (SS260) - Report of Sixth War
Patrol - Comment on.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (3) - Direct CTG-71.5
Vice Opnav (2) - Direct CTG-71.8
Vice Opnav Op-23c (1) CTG-71.9
Com1stPIt (1) ComSubRon-12
Com2ndPIt (1) DivComSubRon-12
Com3tPIt (1) DivComSubRon-16
ComSubs1stPIt (30) DivComSubRon-26
ComSubs2ndPIt (4) ComSubDIt-16E
CTF-71 (7) S/M School, N.L. Conn.
CTG-71.3 (2) SubId, iare Island.
CTG-71.4 (2) S/Ms, 7thPIt.

P. F. STRAUB, Jr.,
Flag Secretary.

THIS REPORT WILL BE DESTROYED PRIOR
TO ENTRY INTO ENEMY CONTROL AND WATERS.

— page 243 —
21 January 1945.
From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. L.PON (SS260).
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet, San Francisco, Calif.
Via: Official Channels.

Subject: U.S.S. L.PON (SS260), Report of War Patrol Number SZV2N.

Enclosures: (.) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart (for ComTaskGroup 17)

1. Enclosure (.), covering SZV2NTH W.R PATROL of this vessel conducted in: South China Sea, during period 25 November 1944, to 4 January 1945, is forwarded herewith.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C D. G. PAER
W. O. P-09832 DATE 5/21/42

DECLASSIFIED

— page 244 —
1944 - Returned from SIXTH MAR PATROL. Moored alongside the U.S.S. EURYAL. Transferred fourteen men to relief crews 182 and 122.

Nov. 15, 1944 - Office and crew departed for two weeks' recreation. During the refit the following major items were accomplished:

1. Installation of APR.
2. Installation of VHP.
3. Installation of Iron Receiver.
4. Overhauled #3 Main Engine.
5. Drydocked.
6. Sound test static and underway.
7. Installed XFP Hk.III.

Nov. 16, 1944 - Commenced training period, Commander C.C. BURLINGAME, U.S. NAVY, Commander Submarine Division 182, observing, during which 3 exercise torpedoes and four inch gun were fired, conducted two convoy exercises, deep dive and cavitation tests. Readiness for sea Nov. 24, 1944.

OFFICERS
Lieut. Comdr. Donald G. BAKER, USN.
Lieut. Comdr. Robert C. CILLETTE, USN.
Lieut. James O. HOUSE, jr., E-VR(S), USNR.
Lieut. (jg) William C. COLLEANI, D-V(G), USNR.
Lieut. (jg) Sidney HOSE, USN.
Lieut. (jg) Everett E. BROWN, D-V(G), USNR.
Ens. Herman F. KRAHNZ, O-V(S), USNR.
Ens. James F. HENDERSON, D-V(2), USNR.
Mach. Cecil P. SPENCER, USN.

NO. OF PATROLS
10
7
7
6
5
5
2
7
7

— page 245 —
1240 Underway from alongside U.S.S. BURNABY for SEVENTH WAR PATROL.
1328 Anchored Cage Roads in accordance with visual orders from CSS-18
1540 Underway in accord with operation order.
1600 Joined company with U.S.S. HOE. Commenced firing 4" gun at towed target.
1731 Ceased firing - noted that SJ lobbing motor went out of commission on first salvo.
1900 Commenced Joint exercise with U.S.S. HOE and escort. Radar casualty was isolated in lower mast assembly.
2250 Concluded Joint exercise. Released escort.
2300 Made decision to return to Fremantle for radar repairs as casualty was beyond shipboard repair facilities. Set course for Retinest light.

Nov. 24, 1944 -
0135 Picked up Rotnest light.
0735 Moored alongside U.S.S. DACE alongside U.S.S. BURNABY. Commenced repairs to radar.

Nov. 25, 1944 -
1241 Underway on SIRIUS WAR PATROL from alongside U.S.S. BURNABY.
1500 Fired four rounds from 4" gun. Commenced joint exercise with U.S.S. HAMMERHEAD and U.S.S. PADDLE.

- 2 -

— page 246 —
2346 Joint exercise completed. Set course for Exmouth Gulf in company with U.S.S. PADDLE and HAMMERHEAD.

Nov. 26 and 27, 1944.

Enroute Exmouth Gulf. Exercised plotting and control parties, section dives, and communication drills.

Nov. 28, 1944.

0045 Picked up land on radar L-101, 95,000 yds., Northwest Cape.
0630 Entered Exmouth Gulf.
0700 Sighted and exchanged calls with H.M.S. TANTIV, SOFA, standing into Exmouth Gulf.
0850 Moored alongside fuel barge Exmouth. Commenced fueling. Held "Wolf-Pack" conference in U.S.S. HAMMERHEAD. Decided that HAMMERHEAD and DULE would transit Lombok night of Dec. 1, and LHPON to transit Dec. 2. FADDLES and HAMMERHEAD rendezvous at . . . 6 - 00 N, Long. 109 - 00 E, midnight of 8 Dec., and if LHPON not there same place next night. Broke down of barge fuel pumps at Exmouth prevented departure this date as planned.

Nov. 29, 1944.

0200 Completed fueling, received 19,000 gals. fuel oil.
0400 Underway from fuel barge enroute area via Lombok Strait. Held control drills, routine dives.
2218 Radar picked up target 0780T, 12,000 yds. Commenced tracking. Target was identified as British Submarine, probably HMS TANTIV, SOFA.

Nov. 30, 1944.

Enroute Lombok Strait. Held control drills and section dives.
0820 Sighted U.S. submarine southbound, SOFA. Unable to exchange calls.

Nov. 31, 1944.

Enroute Lombok Strait. Exercised control party, held section dives.

— page 247 —
1944

Enroute Lombok Strait.
Submerged to compensate magnetic compasses and routine torpedoes.
Finished compensating compasses. Three torpedoes found to have faulty solder connections between reducer and air flask. Unable to repair. See report of casualties.
Surfaced.
SJ radar has target at 20,200 yds. bearing and range changed rapidly. Believe target was aircraft, A/C#1. Lost target at 23,000 yds.

Dec. 2, 1944.

Enroute Lombok.
Radar has land 165,000 yds, 030°T.
Submerged to approach Lombok undetected.
Routined torpedoes, continued attempts to repair faulty reducers.
Sighted land, Musa Besar, 007°T.
Surfaced.
Commenced passaro Lombok Strait, continual radar indications 190 yds., 1200 pulse rate on AFR.

Dec. 3, 1944.

Transmitting Lombok Strait.
Radar has target 3490T, 11,500 yds, SC#4. Chared course to right to avoid.
Commenced hearing series of explosions similar to depth charges.
Radar has anchored target 3550T, 30/5, range 9,900 yds.
Came further to right heading for Northwest tip of Lombok.
Radar has third target, SC#6, on same bearing and range as second. Targets were on-course about 180°, closing rapidly. Decided to attempt to run around them to East. Targets changed course to East continued closing; range to beach 8,000 yds.
Targets in sight from bridge.
Sighted red flares near beach off Northwest tip of Lombok. Situation fast becoming serious. Decided to abandon ship.

- 4 -

— page 248 —
0177
to reverse field and attempt to get into rain squall
to Northwest, hoping original target had continued
to Northwest, came to course 270°. Targets to North
did not pick up our course c. 1/2 immediately, so was
able to get them abaft the boat.

0177
Picked up original target bearing 3090°, 10,750 yds.
Came right to 3400 to run between targets. All tar-
gets now visible from bridge.

0158
Ran into welcome rain squall; targets bearings drop-
ping aft, range closing.

0204
Picked up fourth target bearing 0550T, range 9,700 yds.,
SO37.

0220
Range opening on all targets. During entire passage
all frequency bands on 4P were jammed, pulse rate
400 cycles, 15 microseconds.

0400
Cleared Ionibok. Set course for Sekala Island.

0528
Submerged.

1914
Surfaced. Set course for Sekala.

2020
Radar picked up Sekala Island bearing 3400T, 26,000 yds.
Set course for Northern limit of Kangean Islands.

2330
Changed course to 3050 to head for Great Masalambo Is.

Dec. 4, 1944.

Enroute area via Java Sea. Heading for Great Masalambo
Island.

0528
Submerged. Decided to transit Java Sea submerged in
order to work on three faulty torpedoes before reach-
ing station.

1125
Sighted sailboat bearing 230°; avoided.

1530
Sighted second sailboat; avoided.

1918
Surfaced. Set course for Great Masalambo Island.

2020
Picked up Great Masalambo Island on radar, bearing
3060T, 45,000 yds. Set course for Baween Island.

Dec. 5, 1944.

Enroute area via Java Sea, heading for Baween Island.

0334
Radar picked up land 205°, 42,000 yds, Baween Island.
Set course for Karimata Strait.

0538
Submerged.

1911
Surfaced. Set course for Discovery Best light and
Karimata Strait.

— page 249 —
6. 1944.

0559 Unable to pick up light. Submerged.
1911 Surfaced. Sky is soon overcast since night before
Lombok. No stars since then. Decided to start through
Kerimata on Deli, as it was thought to be pretty good,
so headed north on three courses to pick up Karimata Is.
1956 SJ radar interior use 321ft. Exchanged calls with
U.S.S. HOLMUR, SC8. Our positions checked closely
so continued on.

Dec. 7. 1944.

0145 Radar picked up land 327ft, 96,000 yds., Karimata Is.
0430 Passed Scrote Island abeam to starboard, direct on
10 miles.
0600 Submerged. Continued torpedo work, still no success
with locks.
1931 Surfaced. Set course for Pengkli Island. Sky still
overcast.

Dec. 8. 1944.

0113 Radar picked up land 038ft, 52,000 yds. Pengkli Island.
0130 Crossed Engr.
0425 Sighted Pambelen Island, 300ft.
0530 APR has indications of Jap radar.
0614 Sighted sailboat 020ft; avoided, but certain it was
were sighted.
0619 Sighted second sailboat 005ft; avoided.
1012 Aircraft 6 miles on SD radar. Submerged, A/.
1217 Surfaced.
1247 Aircrew 7 mile on SD radar. Submerged, A/.
BuIove it most -obable that plane was coached on
by sailboats.
1802 Surfaced. Set course for Midi Island.
1805 Land in sight, Midi Island. Set course to pass be-
tween Great Nootona and Soobi Besar.

Dec. 9. 1944.

0405 Passed through Soobi Besar Great Nootona Pass.
Soobi Besar lit not burning. Set course for

— page 250 —
1000 Entered area. Set course for Focal Point Southwest of Rifleman Bank, in accordance with instructions from HAMMERHEAD.
: 2010 Commenced East-Test patrol across Focal Point.

Dec. 10, 1944.

Patrolling on station.
0645 Received orders to take offensive reconnaissance position Northwest of Fiery Cross Shoal, from CTF-71.1. Set course for new station to pass between Rifleman and Alexandria Banks. Weather is still bad, sea building up.
2020 Sea and wind now full fledged gale. Slowed to one engine.

Dec. 11, 1944.

Enroute new station. Gale still blowing.
1200 Tether eased off, sea calmed down to about force 5.
1235 Submerged for trim.
1412 Surfaced. Commenced patrolling 300° - 120° on new station. Gale commenced afresh.
2300 Exchanged calls with U.S.S. LITTLE OAK on SJ, SC#9.

Dec. 12, 1944.

Patrolling on station.
1822 Gale subsided. Got first celestial fix since Dec.5.

Dec. 13, 1944.

Patrolling 300° - 120° on station.
1432 Picked up smoke in high periscope bearing 239°.
Sunt voice message to HAMMERHEAD and LITTLE OAK. Commenced tracking.
1453 Ship in sight, is two massed, two stack passenger liner, no escorts, not zig-zagging, suspect hostile

— page 251 —
1900 Target definitely hospital ship, probably Talimago Maru.
Cleared track and observed correct markings, advised
MHNO and HEAD of target identity.
1941 Picked up target on radar, U.S.S. HINO, SC/11. Commenced testing VHF with her.
2206 Converted U.P.F.T. to H.B.T and flushed tank. Set course to return to station.

Dec. 14, 1941 - Patrolling 2000 - 1200 on station, Northwest of Fiery Cross Shoal.

Dec. 15, 1941 - Patrolling 3000 - 1200 on station Northwest of Fiery Cross Shoal.
0255 Set course for now station on 200 mile circle from San Jose, Hinkler on over engines, for offensive reconnaissance, on orders from CFF 71-1, 55' N, Lat. 1130
1230 Sighted low light object, Long. 115 - 55' N, Lat. 1130
    and six man - as of 20th. Left it in a sinking condition. Could not decide what object was.
1725 Sighted U.S.S. HAMMERHEAD and exchanged calls, SC/12. Maneuvered alongside and exchanged messages by line through gun.
1825 Resumed course for now station.

Dec. 16, 1941 - Enroute patrol station on 200 mile circle from San Jose, Mindoro.
0844 Submerged for trim and to routine torpedoes.
1118 Surfaced.
1200 SD has aircraft 9 miles, AC/4. Submerged.
1235 Surfaced.
1405 SD has aircraft at 14 miles, AC/5.
1406 Lost aircraft.
1750 Sighted shore of submarine U.S.S. HALBERHIND, SC/13.
1835 Exchanged calls.
1905 On station. Commenced patrolling 2000 - 0200.

- 8 -

— page 252 —
1337
Patrolling on station 208° - 022°.
Sighted aircraft 270°, distance 3 miles, AOG, (NELL). Submerged.
1510 Surfaced.

Dec. 18, 1944.

Patrolling on station 208° - 022°.
Sighted smoke from bridge 045°T, commenced tracking (lat. 14-08-00 N, long. 115-03-00 E). Sent contact report to HAMMERHEAD, HAMMERHEAD.
1450 Picked up target in high sea. Target is mast, funnel, mast ship, SOF14.
1516 Amplifying report estimated 240°T, speed 15, sent to HAMMERHEAD.
1548 Target believed to be hospital ship, has no escort or zig plan.
1559 Informed HAMMERHEAD diving on target track.
1645 Target may not be hospital ship as it seems to be zigging, range now about 18,000 yds.
1650 Picked up echo ranging, continued closing at standard speed between observations. Thoru must be more ships as ping bearings are not from target, although nothing else in sight.
1715 Picked up two escorts and another ship possibly 40, by changing depth to 57 feet, manned battle stations.
1745 Made ready bow tubes, plan to shoot at X. Targets zigged away at range 44,400 yds. so decided to trail submerged until dark enough to surface and make night surf. 30 attack. Group consists of 1 medium .K unidentified (KPH), composite, gun forward, rako bow, counter storm, with small cage signal mast on bridge), 1 small .O (similar to KWO TOMA LANG, Page 264 ONI-208 J); 2 Chidori Torpedo Boat Escorts.
1759 Secured torpedo tubes, drained tubes, inspected after bodies and gyro pots, secured from battle stations.

— page 253 —
1835
Surfaced on course 250°, standard on 2 engines, charging on 2 with target group at 10,000 yds. by r-r-lar, commenced at round to starboard, take 1st at 1/2 mile, 1

— page 254 —
0020 Escort moving up again and if we are to have a favorable track at all must shoot at him. A 5'3 track will put three ships in line and still have a reasonable torpedo run to last target. Targets are in sight from bridge at 2,500 yds., so commenced using T.B.T. bearings and radar ranges, shifted set-up to starboard. Chidori and changed depths to 6-4-6-4-6-4 ft.

: 0015 Message from HADENHEAD that he is returning to station.

: 0028 Slowed to 2/3 speed and commenced firing 6 bow tubes at range of 1,700 yds. Picture then as follows:

: 2 1/2" 1/2"

: 1 1/2"

: 1 1/2"

: 1 1/2"

: 1 1/2"

Range to escort when last bow tube fired was 1400 yds; swung right and fired three stern tubes depth set 6 ft., range 1700 yds. Bridge reported bow tubes running erratic and broaching. Largest gyro set was 1400 L. One torpedo started out with about a 90° left run circling; one went about 900° right circling; three broadside ahead and the sixth was not observed. None of the stern tubes were observed in the wake, One minute and 55 seconds after first stern tube was fired, an explosion was heard and a flash of light observed in the direction of the target. The commanding officer does not believe this was a torpedo hit as subsequent tracking showed no change in convoy speed or disposition.

— page 255 —
0040 Paralleled convoy at 10,000 yds. and started reload. Continued tracking and maintaining position on starboard bow of convoy.
: 0100 Numerous explosions, like depth charges, and sighted flare from bridge, rushed SD and made a search, all clear. Reload is very difficult on surface due to heavy seas, but to not want to dive and lose targets.
: 0103 Sent message to HAMMERHEAD requesting what depth settings he had used. Reply was 7 feet.
: 0317 Reload completed, commenced another approach going to use 8 feet depth settings.
: 0400 Manned battle stations, closing targets.
: 0422 At range of 1000 yds. broke off attack. Seas are too heavy to fire at hallow depth and believe a 10 feet setting would under run all of these targets. Fifteen torpedoes have been expended on them already. No are over 100 yds from our assigned scouting line and seas are still building up. Set course for assigned scouting station. A hard one to let go after so much work.
Dec. 19, 1944.

: 0638 Submerged for trim.
: 0658 Surfaced.
: 0712 Aircraft on SD radar 5 miles, 4/07. Submerged.
: 0833 Surfaced.
: 1630 On station, c.m. named patrolling 208° - 028°.

Dec. 20, 1944.

: 0025 Set course for now station, 70 miles North of Scarborough. Shot a Shell, to wolfpack with CALIAN and HENNY, upon receipt of orders from CTF-71.1.
: 0622 Aircraft on SD radar 5 miles, 4/08. Submerged.
: 0655 Routing and repairing torpedoes, three bad torpedoes are now in good shape.
: 1340 Completed routine and repairs.
: 1400 Surfaced.

Dec. 21, 1944.

: Enroute to now station.

- 12 -

— page 256 —
1338  Sighted U.S.S. CAIMAN, 3/C#15.
: 1508  On station, commenced patrolling East and West.
: 2320  Target on radar 093°, 6,500 yds, U.S.S. CAIMAN.

Dec. 22, 1944.

Patrolling on station East and West.
: 1400  Sighted aircraft, three two engine bombers, 1/C#9. Submerged.
: 1424  Surfaced.
: 1921  Set course to rendezvous with U.S.S. CAIMAN.
: 1926  Radar has target at 204°, 8,000 yds, U.S.S. CAIMAN, 3/C#16.
: 1948  Manoeuvring to come alongside U.S.S. CAIMAN. Received Nautical 1,Immediate 1945 from U.S.S. CAIMAN.
: 2001  Set course for now patrol station, upon orders from CTF-71.1.
: 2155  Exchanged e.lls with U.S.S. REDFIN, 3/C#17.

Dec. 23, 1944.

Enroute to new station.
: 0737  Aircraft on SD radar, 10-mils, 1/C#10.
: 0738  Aircraft closed to 9 miles. Submerged.
: 0900  Surfaced.
: 1118  Sighted submarine U.S.S. HAMMERHEAD, 3/C#18.
: 1135  Exchanged cell signs with U.S.S. HAMMERHEAD.
: 1205  On station, commenced patrolling 315° - 135°. Wolfpack; HAMMERHEAD, L.PON, P.DDLE.
: 1343  SD radar has aircraft 6 miles, 1/C#11.

Dec. 24, 1944.

Patrolling on station.
: 0445  Radar has target 14,800 yds, 302°T, 3/C#19. Commenced tracking. Radar has two targets.
: 0515  Target course about 140°, spaced 22 knots. Sent contact report to HAMMERHEAD, P.DDLE.
: 0540  Dawn breaking, range 10,000 yds. Submerged ahead of targets to radar depth; unable to pick up targets by radar or periscope. One single ping was heard.

- 13 -

— page 257 —
0705  Surfaced, resumed patrol.
: 0820  Sighted U.S. MURDERED in high scope.
: 0834  SD radar contact 7 miles, /C#12, Submerged.
: 1200  Surfaced. Course for new patrol station.
: 1400  Sighted aircraft dead ahead, /C#13, Submerged.
: 1514  Surfaced.
: 1700  On station, on anchored patrolling 315° - 135°.

Dec. 25, 1944.

Patrolling on station 315° - 135°.
0000  Commenced celebrating Christmas.
2357  Sighted a report (J.KK), /C#14, Submerged.

Dec. 26, 1944.

0100  Surfaced.
0843  SD radar contact, /C#15, six miles, Submerged.
1013  Surfaced.
1418  Sighted periscope, SO#20, 30°T, about 4,000 yds.
  - 1voided. Clamped area to North, sent message to
  - 1516  SD radar contact at 12 miles, /C#16.
1517  Closed to 10 miles. Submerged. Rounded torpedoes.
1638  'Surfaced.
1738  Sighted aircraft, -/C#17, 065°, 4 miles. Submerged.
1815  Surfaced. Compared patrolling Northwest and South-east 10 miles north of periscope sighting.
1918  Set course for new patrol station, 20 miles south
  - in accordance with instructions of H.MURDERED.
2300  Set course to intercept convoy off Rena Point, Luzon,
  - reported by C.I.N. in accordance with instructions
  - from H.MURDERED.

Dec. 27, 1944.

Enroute to patrol station off Rena Point, Luzon.
0158  Radar has indications of land (Luzon) 139,000 yds,
  106°T.
0544  Submerged 15 miles off Rena Point, Luzon. Commenced
  - closing coast.

- 14 -

— page 258 —
1015 JP sound has screws bearing 0270T, nothing in sight in periscope.
: 1023 Sighted single ship, SC/21, bearing 0370T, range about 15,000 yds, angle on bow 4.0 S.
: 1033 Target believed to be DE or ID, speed about 22 knots, course 1900T. No chance to get target as range and speed was too great to close.
: 1113 Lost target in periscope.
: 1140 Lost target on sound. Continued closing coast.
: 1153 Heard several explosions similar to depth charges.
: 1838 Surfaced. Commenced opening coast to charge batteries.
: 2000 Picked up U.S.S. CAIMAN, S/C/22, range 10,000 yds, bearing 2540T, exchanged calls and incursion on target. CAIMAN was not visible at 4,800 yds. T. tough night was bright. Her bow wave showed up first.
: 2246 Set course for now patrol station on 200 mile circle from San Jose, Mindoro, in accordance with instructions from CTF-71-1.

Dec. 28, 1944.

Enroute new patrol station.
: 0051 SJ radar has target, A/C/11, 17,900 yds. bearing 0930T. Target changed range and bearing rapidly then disappeared. Believe target was aircraft.
: 0531 SJ has target 12,000 yds., 0750T, aircraft, A/C/19, 0533 SD has aircraft 8 miles, A/C/20.
: 0537 SD radar lost target.
: 0732 Sighted aircraft, A/C/21, range about 6 miles, bearing 2000T. Submerged.
: 0828 Surfaced.
: 1100 On station, commenced patrolling 0250 - 2150T.

Dec. 29, 1944.

: Patrolling on station 2150 - 0250 on 200 mile circle from San Jose, Mindoro.
: 0857 Sighted aircraft, A/C/22, 0300T, 4 miles. Submerged.
: 1007 Surfaced.
: 1120 Fired three magazines of 20mm at floating oil drum.

- 15 -

— page 259 —
30, 1944

Patrolling as before.
0653 Sighted aircraft, A/C/23 (NAVIS). Submerged.
0758 Surface.
1430 Sighted well constructed bamboo raft. Investigated, found no markings or anything of interest.

Dec. 31, 1944.

Patrolling as before.
0722 Sighted aircraft, A/C/24, large plane on horizon. Submerged.
0842 Surface.
1038 Sighted aircraft, A/C/25, 5 miles. Submerged.
Commended routing torpedoes.
1210 Surface.
1326 Sighted life bolt, Lat. 14-12 N, Long.118 -14 S. Attempted to pick it up but sea would not permit. Attached to pick life belt. Life bolts were in form of pneumatic seats, probably aircraft. Searched down carefully for possibility of our own aircraft.
1415 SD hit aircraft at 12 miles, A/C/26.
1416 SD has second aircraft at 12 miles, A/C/27. Range closed to 10 miles than opened out finally disappearing.
1437 Sighted white life ring.
1455 Picked up life ring. It was large, hard filled, and had several small Jap markings, possibly manufacture name. Gave us evidence that other life jackets were not from one of our planes.

Jan. 1, 1945.

2130 Sent LROPN 3 concerning shortage of fuel to meet now routing conditions as prescribed by CDR-71.1.
2131 Sut course for new patrol station in accordance with orders from CTP-71.1.

Jan. 2, 1945.

Enroute now station.

— page 260 —
0130 Received serial 38 from CTG-71.1 in reply to LAPON 3, changing routing and terminating patrol. Changed course to head for Balintang Channel.
: 0907 SD radar picked up aircraft, .C# 28, distance 3 miles, Submerged.
: 1018 Surfaced.

Jan. 3, 1945.

: Enroute Balintang Channel.
: 0600 SD radar has aircraft 6 miles, .C#29. Submerged.
: 0820 Surfaced.
: 1040 Radar has indications of land at 121,300 yds., bearing 164°T, (Luzon).
: 1115 Radar has land 118°T, 60,000 yds., Calayan Is.
: 1117 Submerged to approach strait undetected.
: 1400 Sighted land in periscope, Calayan Island, bearing 116°T.
: 1825 Surfaced. Set course for Balintang Channel.
: 2000 Commenced passage of Balintang Channel.

Jan. 4, 1945.

: 0030 Completed passage.
: 0043 Sent L.PON 1 to ComSubsPac.
: 0115 Set course for S.I.P.N via prescribed routing.
: 0800 Submerged about 20 miles No. 1.1

— page 261 —
0413 SD has aircraft at 8 miles, 30.
: 0416 SD lost target.
: 1118 SD has aircraft at 4 miles, 31. Plane visible from bridge & some time, similar to Liberator.
: 1215 Surfaced.
: 1530(I) Set clocks to minus nine (-9) zone time.

Jan. 6, 1945.

: Enroute Saipan. Held school of the boat.
: 0300(I) Received dispatch 051625 from ComSubSpa, changing routing from SAILIN to GUAM.

Jan. 7, 1945.

: Enroute GUAM. Held school of the boat.
: 1025(I) .aircraft contact on SD radar 8 miles, 32. Submerged.
: 1113(I) Surfaced.
: 2030(I) Exchanged cells with U.S.S. BOARFISH, 34.

Jan. 8, 1945.

: Enroute GUAM. Held school of the boat.
: 1102(I) .aircraft on SD radar 8 miles, 33. Submerged.
: 1143(I) Surfaced.
: 1930(K) Set clocks to minus ten (-10) zone time.

Jan. 9, 1945.

: Enroute GUAM. Held school of the boat.
: 1731(K) .aircraft on SD radar 19 miles, 34.
: 1803(K) Sighted aircraft, PB4Y2.

Jan. 10, 1945.

: Enroute GUAM. Held school of the boat.
: 0440(K) Picked up target on S radar bearing 1710T, 20,000 yds., probably escort.
: 0519(K) Exchanged cells with U.S.S. BOYD(DD544), our escort.
: 1145(K) Moored alongside U.S.S. POLLO, Port Ipra, GUAM. Commenced fueling, minor voyage repairs, and removal of eleven torpedoes.

- 18 -

— page 262 —
0925(K) Underway from alongside U.S.S. APOLLO, enroute Pearl Harbor, having received a great deal of cooperation and anticipated services from SubRon-28 and the U.S.S. APOLLO, Rendezvoused with escort U.S.S. PC-1126, and set course for Pearl Harbor via proscribed routing. Numerous friendly planes contacts throughout day. 2215(K) Released escort. 0210(K) Picked up target on SJ radar 128.5°, 13,000 yds., strong SJ interference on that bearing, unable to exchange calls.

: Jan. 12 to 21, 1945. Enroute Pearl Harbor. Held school of boat, section dives, and routine drills. Repeated Jan. 17, having crossed International Date Line.

: Jan. 21, 1945. 0850 Moored alongside Perth S-3, Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, 11.

- 19 -

— page 263 —
20 -

CONFIDENTIAL

(c) WEATHER

The patrol was scattered by continual bad weather marked by heavy seas and strong winds. Typhoon weather was encountered during two periods. From time to time LAPON transited Lombok until leaving area only seven days could be considered good weather.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

A current of about 2 - 3 knots setting Northward in Balintang Channel, current of about 2 knots setting South was found in Lombok.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.

No navigational aids were observed.

— page 271 —
1835 surfaced in fairly heavy seas and strong wind and commenced starboard and croud, this would also give H.MORPHY the port flank which he was closer to. Targets are now at 10,000 yds. and visible as dark blots on horizon. .t 2052 L.PON had gained p- tion ahead and started in for a starboard beam attack.

- 28 -

— page 278 —
35 -

CONFIDENTIAL

(K) H.J.OR DEFECTS AND LOSSES

CONSTANT FREQUENCY MOTOR GENERATOR SET

C.S.U.L.I.Y - Output of constant frequency motor generator set was not stable.
C.USE - Faulty bearings and worn slip rings.
REMEDY - Replaced faulty bearings, took a cut on the slip rings. Reinstalled an. adjusted settings.

M.I.C. MOTOR GENERATOR SET

C.S.U.L.I.Y - M.I.C. motor gear. rotor set was unstable and would not hold changes of load.
C.USE - Faulty bearing in the speed regulator.
REMEDY - Pulled speed valve or and replaced three bearings.

FIT LOG

C.S.U.L.I.Y - Pit log for fit.
C.USE - Platinum diaphragm run turned due to air bubble on the static side of the rod to the outside of the bellow.
REMEDY - Reroved plat in diaphragm since no spares are carried on board.

C.30.I.Y - Pit log failed.
C.USE - Bad bearing on rod valve pump, leakage around gland sleeves in bellows ho. in, deteriorated neoprene gasket.
REMEDY - Reroved bearing on rotary pump, removed neoprene sleeves and gaskets, removed bellows and bellows gasket complete, reroved the brushes in the transat. Reassembled and adjusted. Pit log has been very erratic and undependable. For this last our runs pit log has not been used on any approaches due to frequent casualties. All attempts by refit crew in situations to repair have only temporarily remedied. It is desired to replace pit log at Navy Yard (cerihual.

STEEL PLATES

C.S.U.L.I.Y - Stern plates failed in power.
C.USE - Broken overlock riv lay in the stern planes electrical panel allowed permanent contact which short circuited the pilot circuit and cause the stern plane pencil to become inoperative.
REMEDY - Reroved contactor arm and contactors.

— page 280 —
1. Major Defects and 2. Minor Defects

42. LNF Engine

C.S.U.L.TY - Excessive smoke in the scavenging air blower housing. Enough oil leaks to the blower housing to cause a steady drip from the blower drain. After investigation we decided that it was passing by a faulty oil seal around the fittings. Several crankcase explosions occurred in this engine. The explosions probably weakened the piston skirt. The leak just developed at the beginning of this period.

R.E.MY - The smoky exhaust partially corrected by adjusting the butterfly valve in the 3" line from the crankcase to the blower housing. It is almost closed being careful to keep from closing the valve completely so as not to build up an explosive mixture in the crankcase. The blower should be removed and the oil seal replaced at the first opportunity.

C.S.U.L.TY - Fresh water leak long liner of #9 unit of #2 main engine into the air lock.

C.USE - Both liner grommets, deteriorated due to heat and corrosion.

RADIO - Piloted the unit and replaced the liner grommets.

(1) RADIO

Signals from VIXO were strong at night on 9250 kcs. This frequency was unstable requiring constant tuning. Signal strength on all VIX frequencies fell off to zero a few hours before sunrise. In the South China Sea with signals becoming read at about sunrise. All serials were decoded from VIXO, sight of 24 December, VIXO was shifted from 9250 frequency to about 9258 kcs. From 2000 to 2300 hours. Signal was not stable, and there was no interference. On 23 December, the 9250 kcs. frequency was jammed very effectively during the night by GI keying exactly on frequency. Receiver was shifted to 16150 kcs. in order to continue coverage.

NKI reception was at on and clear. L.PON was unable to take action on any of the NKI messages due to her operating away from area referred to in despatches.

- 31 -

— page 281 —
1. RADIO
Voice frequency communications were good once established. The night of December, LaFON could not raise the HAMMER-READ or FALB on 2880 kcs, although to... were heard strength fit at its time. After communications were established on December they remained good on the voice frequency the remainder of the time in the patrol areas. Transmitter power was cut down for communications with nearby boats. The voice frequency was used to warn other boats in the patrol line of aircraft contacts. "Diving for aircraft" followed by boats call was transmitted in code. No jamming was encountered on 2880. 2102 voice frequency were used by a bug night of 22-23 December. 2160 was detected during a voice transmission by the GURNARD, December, 28, 0020 HOUR. The jamming ceased at the end of the transmission. This C... jamming was stronger than the voice in on frequency. In both cases of jamming on voice frequency it is the voice messages were understandable.

2. LAFON serial T.O. to NF-1.1 was sent blind as VIZO could not be heard. Serial FUR transmission was delayed four hours due to inability to raise VIZO until evening.

C. SULITIES
Silver plated spring clip on rotating wheel of 2nd, amplification stage on TEL 6 fell off and could not be located. TEL could not be tuned until clip was replaced by temporary clip of brass manufactured by ship's force.

(M) EAR
Operation of SJ receiver is satisfactory and normal, while in the patrol area.
On 23 November, while holding practice firing on 4th June, SJ losing became erratic. By nightfall loading was cut off commission. Investigation revealed that the insulation was not in the collector ring to the mast ring gear had broken, (Dare Island Installator), a king it necessary to take entire feeder assembly apart to repair. Ship returned to port and tender took a cut on ring gear and bevel drive gear to electric bearing transfer. Repair force reinstated collector ring assembly.

— page 283 —
(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HEALTHY

Food was varied and adequate. Habitability was the same as previous patrols; toward part of the boat is still too 'hot.

(Q) PERSONNEL

(a) Number of men on board during patrol 72
(b) Number of men qualified at start of patrol 55
(c) Number of men qualified at end of patrol 8
(d) Number of men unqualified making first run 12
(e) Number of men advanced in rating 6

Officers and men performed their duties in accordance with highest traditions of the U.S. naval service.

(R) HITS STRAIGHT - FULL 32

Base to area (Perth via Lannouth) 2911 mi, 42,515 cal.
In area 5884 mi, 60,550 cal.
Area to Guam 1344 mi, 16,120 cal.
Guam to Pearl Harbor 3750 mi, 44,400 cal.

(S) DURATION

Days enroute (Area via Exmouth) 14
Days in Area (North of barrier) 32
Days enroute base, Pearl Harbor via Guam 16
Days submerged 8

(T) FACTORS OF ENDUCEMENT

TORPEDOES 15
FULL 4000 cal.
PROVISIONS 20 days
PERSONNEL FACTOR 20 days

Limiting factor this patrol was terminated by
despatch orders from Co man or Task Force 7/11.

(V) REMARKS

A patrol so devoid of ship contacts as this one immediately following one of many it did contacts as was the SIXTH patrol of this vessel is a great disappointment. It is regretted that the nature of duties performed did not permit more than one day to be spent close to the western coast of LUZON. The morale of the crew has remained exceptionally high through this non-productive patrol and they are still eager to go out and get the Nips. The small number of serious casualties speaks well for the relief given the 1st SubDiv-182 (Relief Crew), and the U.S.S. BURNABLE.

— page 287 —
12-10(A)/16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial: 096
Confidential
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
LAPON Report of
Seventh War Patrol.

CONSULAR PATROL REPORT NO. 652
U.S.S. LAPON - SEVENTH WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. LAPON (SS260) - Report of Seventh War Patrol (23 November, 1944, to 21 January 1945).

1. The seventh war patrol of the LAPON, under the command of Lieutenant Commander D. G. Baer, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the South China Sea in areas under the operational control of CTF 71. The LAPON, along with the U.S.S. PADDLE (SS263) and the U.S.S. HAMMERHEAD (SS364), formed a coordinated attack group.

2. Despite thorough, aggressive area coverage the LAPON made only three contacts worthy of torpedo fire. Two of the contacts were DD's or DE's which could not be closed, and the third a convoy of one AO, one AK, and two Chidori Escorts. The determined attack on this convoy failed due to the extremely rough weather causing erratic torpedo performance.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew of the LAPON for this aggressive patrol. The LAPON in her seven war patrols has the outstanding record of fourteen ships sunk for 94,203 tons and seven damaged for 52,297 tons, and is now proceeding to the Navy Yard for overhaul.

J. H. BROWN, Jr.
Deputy ComSubsFac.

Distribution & authentication
on following page.

— page 288 —
12/10(A)/16-3(18) SUBMERSIVE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 096
CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT TO
L.PON Report of
Seventh War Patrol.
CO/SUB/SC PATROL REPORT NO. 652
U.S.S. L.PON - SEVENTH WAR PATROL.
Subject: U.S.S. L.PON (SS260) - Report of Seventh War Patrol
(23 November, 1944, to 21 January, 1945).

DISTRIBUTION:
(Compiled by Reports)
(7)
(5)
(6)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(8)
(2)
(1)
(20)
(3)
(2)
(3)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(2)
(1)
(2)

— page 289 —
33260/AL6-3
Serial: 56
U.S.S. LAPON (SS260)
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
23 July 1945

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

Subject: U.S.S. LAPON (SS260) - Report of War Patrol
Number 1: 1
Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart (First Part).
(C) Track Chart (Second Part).

1. Enclosure (A) covering the EIGHTEEN WAR PATROL of this vessel during period 23 May 1945 to 23 July 1945, is forwarded herewith. Part (A) was conducted in TRUCK area as a Lifeguard Submarine. Part (B) was spent in Lifeguard League in vicinity of NAVPO SHOOT.

D.G. HARR

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY QP-0928E DATE 5/9/42.

— page 290 —
1945 from seventh war patrol began at Parth, Australia. Departed Pearl Harbor on January 21, 1945, enroute Mare Island Navy Yard for overhaul. Commenced overhaul on January 31, 1945. On 18 March 1945, Lieutenant F.W. ALLOORN, USN, relieved Lieutenant Commander R.C. GILLETTE, USN, as Executive Officer.

The following major alterations were accomplished during the overhaul:

(1) Installed 5"/25 caliber gun aft in place of 4"/50 caliber forward.
(2) Installed 40 mm gun on after cignarate deck.
(3) Installed with 20 MM on forward gun sponsor.
(4) Installed double hatches in after battery, engine room, and after torpedo room.
(5) Installed 3T radar and type 4 pariscope.
(6) Installed 40mm security securing dogs on all external hatches.
(7) Rearrange control tower to new plan.
(8) Rearrange ciffcaterl antenna.
(9) Installed ammunition satellite.
(10) Installed Arma type D.R.T. in conning tower.
(11) Changed bow planes to "rig in" on 15 degrees dive, modified interlocks.
(12) Installed signal ejector in after torpedo room.
(13) Installed 26" cable trunk between conning tower and control room.
(14) Welded all flanges of main induction.
(15) Installed D.O.D.I.
(16) Installed fiberglass board over main control cubicle.
(17) Installed T-shaped molded gasket unit retaining ring in exterior hatches, doors, and outboard induction valves, torpedo tube outer doors, and negative and safety valves.
(18) Installed cut down bridge.
(19) Removed gear drives and installed V-belt drives for shaft revolution transmitter.
(20) Installed hand powered telephone outlets on bridge.
(21) Installed dummy log.
(22) Replaced main generator armature with new design commutators.
(23) Installed Mark 8 T.B.T.'s (Binoculars installed in Pearl).
(24) Installed 15 KV motor generator.
(25) Installed torpedo designation system.
(26) Installed new type Mark 18 torpedo charging panels, and hydrogen burning panels.

Departed Mare Island April 22, 1945. Enroute Pearl Harbor, held daily training. Arrived Pearl Harbor April 30, 1945. Installed APR-5A, and APR-1, TM1, LOA: HMS and SDR-620(PM) radar receivers. Original readings for sea data delayed first; to complete work left unfinished by U.S.S. GRIFFIN (AS13), and second; to repair and correct misalignment of stern plane tilting mechanism. Assigned

-1-

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 291 —
1700(W) Underway Pearl Harbor, T.H., anroute patrol via Guam in accordance with ComSubPacAdCom operation order 97-A-45. LAPON designation task unit 17.3.32. Escorted by PC 782 until darkness. Enroute Guam conducted daily section dives, held emergency drills, and exercised plot and control party daily.

24 May 1945

1200(W) Position: Lat. 21-01 N Long. 161-58 W

25 May 1945

1200(W) Position: Lat. 21-00.5 N Long. 167-37.5 W

26 May 1945

1200(X) Position: Lat. 21-02 N Long. 173-56.1 W

27 May 1945

1200(X) Position: Lat. 21-01.5 N Long. 179-26.2 W

- 2 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 292 —
28 May 1945
: 26 May 1945
: 0625 Entered rain squall.
: 0640 While in heavy rain squall, radar target bearing 300°T, range 24,000 yards.
: 0650 Emerged from rain squall and picked up target in high periscope. Only the tops could be seen, but identified as merchant ship. Began tracking and as we had been told all shipping would pass to southward. At
: 0750 Sent LAPON 241925 and tracked from HAVEN.
: 0912 Lost target on 3T radar at 34,000 yards.
: 0924 Sent second report LAPON 281930. Target was heading toward ENIWESTOK ATL. Secured tracking as felt certain it was friendly.
: 1032 Hold battle surface; firing on raft made from boxes and crates. Pired all guns.
: 1115 Scoured battle surface.
: 1116 Received message from SubPacAIDom saying ship was friendly.
: 1200(M) Position: Lat. 21-05.6 N Long. 17L-58.5 E
: 1220 Sighted merchant vessel bearing 249T. Apparently was in a new shipping lane. Avoided and exchanged calls. He informed us he was from ENIWESTOK anotwice SAN FRANCISCO.
: 1452 Sent LAPON's 29020 acknowledging ComSubFaaDCom's despatch.

: 30 May 1945
: 1200(M) Position: Lat. 21-09 N Long. 169-37 E
: 2140 Rechanged calls on SJ radar with U.S.S. PERCH (SS313).

: 31 May 1945
: 1200(M) Position: Lat. 20-47 N Long. 163-57 E
: 2050 Sent report of entry into lanes near Guam and requested rendezvous.

: 1 June 1945
: 0330 Received acknowledgment of previous messages.
: 1200(L) Position: Lat. 19-30.5 N Long. 158-30 E

: 2 June 1945
: 1200(L) Position: Lat. 18-08 N Long. 152-28 E

: 3 June 1945
: 1200(K) Position: Lat. 16-44 N Long 116-37 E
: 1318 Sighted SIRIUS STAND bearing 2650T, distance; 31 miles.
: 1420 Began to pick up numerous aircraft on radar with IPF. Own GUAM and SAIPAN based aircraft.

: -3- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 293 —
4 June 1945

0520 Exchanged cells with PC 1069; our escort.
0946 Moored alongside U.S.S. HOLLAND (A83) in PRAL HLRBOR, GUARD.
Commenced fueling, voyage repairs, and removal of two torpedoes.
Repair force of HOLLAND and Relief Crew 281 offered excellent
services. Received Model DU-1 Plane RDF.

5 June 1945

0060 Underway from alongside U.S.S. HOLLAND for Lifeguard Duty off
TRUK in accordance with ConsubHapE Operation Order No. 120-45.
L.PON now task unit 17.1.6.
1140 Randozoussed with escort U.S.S. SP.NGLER (DE696) and set pre-
scribed course for area.
1200(K) Position: Let. 13-22 N Long. 144-36 E
1452 Made trim dive.
1535 Surfaced.

7 June 1945

0038 Picked up APR indications from another radar, 150 MCS.
0045 Picked up target on radar, bearing 145°T, range 22,000 yards.
Ship Contact No. 1.
0100 After tracking, suspected by reason of manoeuvre and 159 MC radar,
possibility existed of enemy submarine contact, so at
0150 Commenced closing. Escort sent message. He also had contact.
0130 Lost contact. Went flank speed with escort to try to gain good
position if contact did turn out enemy.
0220 Regained contact on radar. Escort attempted challenge by search-
light.
0300 From target course and fact that escort now has 2 targets, de-
cided that targets were friendly ships on Wartime Route ROLLINS.
Cessad tracking and increased speed to rendezvous on time.
0555 Received message from SubHapE stating units previously tracked
were friendly.
1000 Signed tows of ships bearing 085°T.
1003 Signed STEAMHEAD in escort with DE. Turned toward. Ship
Contact No. 2.
1040 Closed and paralleled STEAMHEAD. Exchanged information on area.
1045 Released escort. Noted for area.
1200(K) Position: Let. 10-24 N Long. 148-21 E
1610 Signed. Liberator bomber. Aircraft Contact No. 1.
1800 Signed. Fravigator search plane. Aircraft Contact No. 2.
1828 Received message of plane being attacked at Let. 07-20 N Long.
151-10 E, evidently the Privateer seen at 1800 as there were no
further indications. We are now guarding 140.58 KCS, 4475 KCS,
500 KCS, 4155 KCS, and NMS Fox.
2110 Entered area at 09-00 N - 150-31 E. Headed for Lifeguard Sta-
tion.

- 4 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 294 —
7 June 1945
North of NORTH PASS, TRUK ISLANDS.

2139 Received message advising of single B-29 in area at 0300 tomorrow.

8 June 1945
0413 Aircraft on radar, 18 miles. Expected lone B-29. No. IFF. Aircraft Contact No. 3.
0506 Made trim dive since no further contact with plane.
0548 Surfaced and continued to station No. 3.
1020 Sighted MORN ISLAND. Position: Lat. 08-05 N Long. 151-41 E
1200(K) Placed up radar interference on APR.
1423 Plane on radar, 20 miles. IFF. Aircraft Contact No. 4.
1520 APR has 100 KC radar on port side. See section (4).

9 June 1945
1033 New position for today; Station No. 1.
1200(K) Sighted liberator bomber. Had radar contact but no IFF. Plane closed then headed toward islands. Aircraft Contact No. 5.
1504 Position: Lat. 07-57 N Long. 151-22
1531 Lost plane on radar. IFF. Aircraft Contact No. 6.
1630 Picked up land based radar. Looks the same as that of yesterday. Section (U)
2230 Received message of two plane B-29 strike. Closed island.

10 June 1945
0253 On station No. 2.
0258 Radar contact on plane, 16 miles. No IFF. Aircraft Contact No. 7.
0450 Lost contact.
0455 Received message on B-29 delayed 3 hours.
0500 Radar contact at 15 miles, low clouds, visibility poor. No. IFF. Tried interrogator but no response. Started to dive at six miles as he was closing fast and still could not identify when IFF came on. Aircraft Contact No. 8.
0506 Lost aircraft.
0537 Aircraft at 23 miles. No IFF. Aircraft Contact No. 9.
0628 Made trim dive. Greased all vents.
0725 Surfaced.
1200(K) Position: Lat. 07-30.1 N Long. 151-24.3 E
1203 APR interference. Aircraft on radar at 23 miles. No. IFF. Aircraft Contact No. 10.
1207 Plane sighted on starboard bow; low. Radar range seven miles; closing fast, headed towards. Could not identify so dived. Captain watched him through periscope as he passed close aboard. Kithter a Liberator or Privater.

- 5 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 295 —
10 June 1945 (Cont'd)
1220    Surfaoed.
: 11 June 1945
0901    On Station No. 3.
1200(1)    Sighted H.I.L. ISL.NBS. Closed for fix.
    Position:    Int. 07-50 N  Long. 151-49.3 E
: 12 June 1945
0522    On Station No. 1.
0559    Made trim dive enroute Station No. 1.
1000    Aircraft at 12 miles, closed to 10 miles.  IFF. Sighted Liberator at 8 miles.  Aircraft Contact No. 11.
1200(K)    Position:    Int. 07-42.5 N Long. 151-32.2 E
1537    Aircraft on SD; 12 miles.  Closed to 8, then lost again at 12 miles.  Aircraft Contact No. 12.
2217    Received message of British Carrier strike on TRUK on 14 and 15 June 1945 giving our position for lifeguard.

: 13 June 1945
0258    On Station No. 2.
1200(K)    Position:    Int. 07-40 N  Long. 151-17.4 E
1348    Aircraft on SD at 28 miles.  Two pips.  IFF.  Heard voices on VHF.  Aircraft Contact No. 13.
1351    Aircraft on SD at 40,000 yards.  Same time sighted from bridge.  Three Liberators.  Aircraft Contact No. 14.
1420    Lost aircraft on radar.  Weather for this strike was very bad, with low clouds and frequent squalls.  Visibility on the surface ranged from 500 yards to 20 miles.
1440    Suspect target on T.D.N.  Good trace.  Turned away.  On close observation; probable rain squall or fish noise.
1845    Made trim dive.
107    Surfaoed.  Headed for tencrew's position for Carrier Strike.

: 14 June 1945
0124    "Phanton" on the SD radar.  Steady pip, but lost before tracking.  Looks like some of those iron-"Goonies" flying around.
0900    On station for Carrier Strike.
0625    Aircraft at 20 miles, lost at 19-1/2.  Aircraft Contact No. 15.
0735    Heard voices of English Pilots on VHF.
0911    SD contact 11 miles.  Aircraft Contact No. 16.
0915    Sighted 5 TH's heading for TRUK.
0924    Aircraft on radar at 15 miles, closing.  IFF.  Aircraft Contact No. 17.
0929    Four British SeaFires followed two minutes later by a fifth, flew overhead.  Headed away from TRUK.

-6-    ENCLOSURE (...)

— page 296 —
14 June 1945 (Cont'd)

1037: Begin to get numerous radar contacts on aircraft at ranges of 14 to 30 miles. None sighted.

1200(K): Position: Lat. 07-08 N Long. 151-25.2 E

1340: After having radar contacts on numerous aircraft, sighted PBY through high periscope, flying low over reef of islands. Aircraft Contact No. 18.

1535: Sew two THM's and one SeaFire escort flying away from island. They turned and came toward us after forming up and exchanging calls by VHF. Aircraft Contact No. 19.

1545: Heard Jap using call "iddia" trying to break in on the aircraft voice circuit. Our Dumbo came through with "You dirty yellow voice circuit. Our dits are concerned are terrible. (See remarks).

1550: Signals PBY; headed toward. Fired flares. Aircraft Contact No. 20. Established voice communication. PBY called us by name "L.PON" telling us he saw us and asking if we saw him. Acknowledged recognition and tried to send message requesting next days calls for us to today's calls were apparently wrong. Finally got all the dope over VHF by code, except our new call, asked him if there was any business for us. Reply "Negativie." PBY left vicinity. As we were also leaving for night heaving been informed there was no business. Got SD contact at 14 miles, low heavy clouds, no IFF. He closed fast to six and 14 miles, low heavy clouds

— page 297 —
16 June 1945 (Cont'd)
1035    Sighted Iaborator after having on SD at 14 miles. Aircraft contact No. 23.
1200(K)    Position: Lat. 08-01 N Long. 151-50.1 E
2110    Message received of 49-plane Liberator strike for tomorrow.
2215    Received ComSubPac serial 89 telling us to depart area the
    eighteent and return to GUAM.

17 June 1945

Enroute to Station No. 1 for B-29 strike.
0250    Aircraft on SD, 20 miles. Began to have several contacts at a
    time closing to as close as 3 miles as they flew over to TRUK.
    Aircraft Contact No. 24.
0340    Aircraft on SD, 4 to 22 miles. They seem to be making practice
    runs.
0411    Began to observe and hear multiple strings of bombs hitting TRUK.
    Hard fliers talking on WIF.
0420    Departing aircraft showing running lights began passing directly
    overhead going home.
0433    Lots of bombs. What a passing that island took! Ifeugarding is
    not so bad when you can see what the fliers can "dish out."
0535    Received message Liberator strike delayed another 24 hours by
    weather.
1200(K)    Position: Lat. 07-45.5 N Long. 151-20.5 E
1442    Sighted long-flying B-24 over TRUK.
1453    Lost sight of B-24.
1541    Sighted B-24 bearing 670°T about sown miles distant. Ho came
    in to three miles and we fired flare. Ho turned away and flew on.

18 June 1945

0149    Received message Liberator strike cancelled by weather.
0155    Received message from ComSubPac designating our escort to GUAM.

19 June 1945

2240    Departed area.

20 June 1945

0715    Rendezvoused with escort DD297 for escort to GUAM. Spoke to
    P&I.P.N and told her "dope," on area.
1200(K)    Position: Lat.10-45 N Long. 148-02 E
1450    Sighted ship bearing 276°T through high periscope. Friendly.
1540    Sighted 2-ships steering 285°T. Friendly.
1630    Made trim dive.
1648    Surfaced.
0346    Sighted lights of GUAM.
0902    Moored alongside U.S.S. HOLLAND. PR. HARBOR, GUAM.

- 8 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 298 —
20 June - 24 June 1945

Moored alongside U.S.S. HOLLAND (AS3) APRA HARBOR, GUAM.
While in GUAM, crew went to rest camp by sections for two-day
rest, and repairs were affected to No. 1 periscope, mufflers,
wardroom icebox, in addition to other small items, the HOLLAND,
PHOTELUS, and APOLLO all contributing their part to repairs.

24 June 1945

For sake of brevity, groups of planes or formations are logged
as single contacts.
Departed GUAM in company with OSUUS, DD701, enroute SAIPAN in
accordance with ComSubPac despatch 230625 of June 1945.
Made trim dive.
Surfaced.
Position:
Lat. 14-38.4 N Long. 145-08 E
Moored TAMPAG HARBOR, SAIPAN alongside U.S.S. ORION(AS18),
awaiting orders.
While in SAIPAN, ORION repaired APR-5 and "toned down" the bright
paint job given us in GUAM. The rest we had here during the
three days in was excellent. The ORION did her best to give you
that "at home" feeling, and the stay was enjoyed by all hands.

27 June 1945

Undergo from S.I.PAN in company with CAPT. J.NGLER, MORI, CEHO,
and SEA POLICER in accordance with ComSubPac operation order
No. 143-45. In formation with escort.
Made trim dive.
Surfaced, rejoined formation.
Escort departed. Changed course to head for area. Changed all
clocks to (I zone) time. From here on all times will be (I
zone).

28 June 1945

Began to sight and have radar contact on numerous B-29's until
0845. Aircraft Contact No. 1.
Made trim dive.
Surfaced.
Position:
Lat. 17-52.5 N Long. 143-15 E
During afternoon sighted numerous aircraft; Aircraft Contact
No. 2. Heard voices on WIF and had numerous radar contacts on
planes not sighted.

29 June 1945

Began to have aircraft on radar. They continued to pass over
until after 0600. Had total of 24 separate contacts. Aircraft
Contact No. 3.
Made trim dive.
Surfaced.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 299 —
29 June 1945 Cont'd

1200(I) Position: Lat. 21-16 N Long. 139-48.5 E
1659 Received notice of passing of TIGRONE. Friendly planes sighted at various intervals during afternoon. Aircraft contact No. 4.

: 30 June 1945

0613 Aircraft on radar. Had six contacts during next forty-five minutes. Aircraft Contact No. 5.
0900 Made trim dive.
1006 Surfaced.
1125 Auxiliary gyro compass and air conditioning plant out. (See major defects).
1200(I) Position: Lat. 25-37.8 N Long. 139-45 E
1500 Air Conditioning plant repaired temporarily.
1607 Sighted nine bearing 230°T, about 2000 yards. Manned 40 MM. Expanded 116 rounds before getting a beautiful explosion! Lat. 26-38.2 N Long. 139-38.2 E.
1855 Came alongside. MAKER to get replacement part for 15 KVA machine (See major defects).
1911 Departed MAKER; transfer being completed.
1937 Submerged. Went deep to test air conditioning repairs.
2011 Surfaced.
2356 Aircraft on SJ, bearing 105°T, range 19,000 yards. Aircraft Contact No. 6.

1 July 1945

0627 First plane of the day, has IFF. Aircraft Contact No. 7.
0814 Aircraft on radar, closing fast. No IFF and could not see so submerged at 4 miles. Visibility poor. Aircraft Contact No.8.
0904 Surfaced.
0930 Entered area. Came to 270 degrees on orders of HORAY.
1010 Radar contact on aircraft. Weather improving. Aircraft Contact No. 9.
1200(I) Position: Lat. 27-57.5 N Long. 159-09.5 E

2 July 1945

0051 Plane on radar, 17 miles, 150 MC radar interference on PR.
0132 Radar contact aircraft, 4 miles, IFF. Aircraft contact No.13.
0520 Aircraft 17 miles on SD. No IFF. Aircraft contact No. 14.
Closed to 8 miles, not seen, submerged.
0555 Rigged for silent running to attempt to remedy shaft and storage noise.
0650 Surfaced.
0927 Aircraft 17 miles, no IFF. Aircraft Contact No. 15.
0930 Aircraft 8 miles, no IFF, closed to 6 miles.
1200(I) Position: Lat. 30-05.5 N Long. 140-36 E.

- 10 - ENCLOSURE (.)

— page 300 —
2 July 1945 (Cont'd)
: 1400 Many aircraft on SD and in sight, 9 to 16 miles for next forty minutes. Aircraft contact No. 16.
: 1508 WIF contact with 2 B-24's. Aircraft contact No. 17.
: 1630 Submerged for more work on steering gear.
: 1720 Surfaced.
: 2040 SU contact 060°T, 1600 yards, avoided. Received message that fighter strike was postponed 24 hours. Received message on strike and stations for tomorrow.

: 3 July 1945
: 0117 SU contact on plane, 10,000 yards. Aircraft Contact No. 18.
: 0120 SD contact, 4 miles, no IFF, submerged.
: 0149 Surfaced. This fellow is becoming a nuisance. Each night at about same time. Aircraft Contact No. 19.
: 0420 Aircraft on SD, 2N miles, IFF response.
: 0653 Sighted unidentified object on horizon in high periscope. Visibility poor, frequent rain squalls, no contact on SD.
: 0654 Object is mast of a ship as he cleared a ruin squall. Tops look like a E or LPE, target course about south, commenced gaining position ahead of him.
: 0713 Target course 160°T, speed 14.
: 0730 Aircraft on SD at 10 miles with IFF. Contacted by WIF. Planes were some ones we talked to yesterday. Asked if they could see target, reply was negative and that they were on routine patrol and not our dumb, but would help if they could. Told them we might have possible strafing target. Gave plane our position and turned toward target to run down track as he is lost in rain squalls. Aircraft contact No. 20.
: 0810 Commenced trying to clear contact report. No answers in an hour and at.
: 0924 We are in position to attack, so submerged, ahead of target.
: 0943 Battle stations.
: 0950 Dead ahead of target, no range on ST yet, no pinging and target is a hospital ship.
: 0953 Turned to open track and take pictures. Target is properly marked and is a ship still in position. WARNING: 19 OCT 2005 J. Scoured from battle stations in a perfect firing position.
: 1015 Took periscope movies at range 1000 yards.
: 1102 Hospital ship hull down, surfaced and returned to lifeguard station.
: 1200(I) Position: Lat. 29-50 N Long. 140-52 E
: 1450 Aircraft on SU, IFF, closed to 4 miles, not sighted. Aircraft Contact No. 21.
: 1515 Two aircraft on SD, 18 and 20 miles. Aircraft contact No. 22.
: 1620 T.D.M. contact dead ahead, all ahead flank.
: 2034 Transmitted report of hospital ship thinking perhaps a surface lifeguard and planes could intercept him as he left CHICAGO JIMA. No. 4 main engine out of commission.
: 2045 Received message from ConsubPac asking for amplified contact report on hospital ship.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 301 —
3 July 1945 (Cont'd)
2100 Aircraft on SU, 310°T, 23,000 yards, aircraft on SD 23 miles, Only 23 mile contact has IFF. Aircraft contact No. 23.
2105 SU plane contact, closed to 3 miles, submerged. Aircraft contact No. 24.
2208 Surfaced.
2314 Transmitted amplifying report on hospital ship.

4 July 1945
0212 Aircraft on SD, 6 miles, IFF. Aircraft contact No. 25.
0219 Received message concerning recon planes and to watch for them.
0341 Aircraft on SD, 4 miles, closing fast, no IFF, submerged. He is a little late tonight! Aircraft contact No. 26.
0450 Surfaced.
0530 Numerous plane contacts for next hour. Aircraft contact No. 27.
0557 No. 4 main engine out of commission again.
0600 Aircraft contacts commenced and continued throughout morning; at ranges from 26 to 3 miles. Aircraft Contact No. 28.
1024 No. 4 main engine in commission again.
1200 (I) Position: Lat. 2°-51.5 N Long. 140-52.5 E
1205 95 MC radar on IFR, portside (TORI SHIL).
1300 SD contact 20 miles, IFF. Aircraft contact No. 29.
1318 Talked to B-24 on WIF, he is our dumbo.
1339 Picked up raft, constructed of numerous small disc floats, probably Jap.
1412 Sighted B-29, PSI groups returning from raid. Aircraft contact No. 30.
1515 Our dumbo dropped smoke floats and reported object looking like rolled up life raft. Turned towards to investigate.
1525 Missile object. Yellow wooden end of box. Easily mistaken from air. Plane did excellent job of marking and gave us a smoke float range to close object.
1530 Dumbo departed.
1535 Numerous aircraft contacts throughout afternoon, presumed friendly. Aircraft contact No. 31.
1630 No. 4 main engine out against.
1700 Have now replaced 8 injectors on main engines. 5 of them today. Seven spares left and at this rate they will soon be exhausted. Investigation shows filter element of sintered bronze type. It 75/90 combination their deterioration is rapid. Pieces carry through and freeze injectors. No sooner get one engine started than another goes!
1800 Sent message to ComSubPac, advising of engine condition and requested delivery of new filter elements by plane. Sea is like a table top. PBY delivery should be simple or failing that our own Dumbo could drop them on a raft.
1830 Witnessed eruption of TORI SHIL, quiescent volcano. Last reported eruption 1939.
1915 Made trim dive, working on steering gear.

- 12 - ENCLOSURE (i)

— page 302 —
4 July 1945 (Cont'd)
1954: Surfaced.
2027: Received message: changing times for tomorrow fighter strike.
2115: Received message from ComSubPac telling four of our pack to move to position for sweep. We will lifeguard another day.
2340: Received message from ComSubPac telling KINGFISH to prepare to take over our duties and taking for more information on engines. Four more injectors have gone since sending message at 1800. Believe we can keep three engines operational be using sprocs from fourth if they send us the filter elements. We will use reduced fuel oil pressure, double purify the oil, and use reduced speed, 75/90 combination, full and flank are impossible. Conducting a test on 1 unit now with no filters, recording temperature each fifteen minutes and taking indicator cards every four hours. Our fighting ability is greatly reduced and assigns mission calls for maximum speed. Not much time to experiment and make up our minds what to do.
2353: Light on the horizon 135°T.
2400: Identified light as properly marked hospital ship on course 353°T; same as seen third probably. Avoided.

5 July 1945

C018: No, 2 main engine out of commission.
C015: Sent message telling SubPac of inability to guarantee maximum speed after sweep and doubtful ability to make polar circuit patrol upon completion of special mission, and again urgently requested plane delivery of filters.
C024: Number 4 main engine out of commission.
C0240: Aircraft on SJ, 12,000 yards, 020 - Watched him on PFI. Aircraft Contact No. 32. He made several circles as if to decide where we were and then flew straight in. No IFF and no .PR indications. Evidently homing in on SJ. He is right on time tonight.
C0242: Range 10,000 yards closing fast - submerged.
C0316: Surfaced.
C0713: Commenced usual daily daylight friendly plane sightings and SD contacts. Aircraft contact No. 33.
C0928: Received messages calling us KINGFISH would relieve us in .BBS .BOLISHERS.
C1200(I): Position: 1200(I) Light on the horizon 135°T.
C1227: Sighted our dumbo. Contacted him by VHF and he told us he was coming in on bearing 180°T. Visibility is not good. Have various SD contacts with IFF indicating return of fighters. .aircraft contact No. 34.
C1415: Our dumbo departed.
C1437: SD contact at 14 miles with IFF. Contacted by VHF and learned he was dumbo 42. He advised us that Bogoy (our dumbo) was friendly. Even though we knew it, such action does much to make for better feeling on lifeguard station. .aircraft Contact No. 35.

- 13 -

— page 304 —
6 July 1945 (Cont'd)
1411    Sighted and contacted our dambo by VHF. Aircraft contact No.42.
1530    Dambo depart'd.
1600    Set course for bomber strike station.
1650    Hear two aircraft, both dunbos for today on VHF. Playmates 40
    and 41. One reported to us that he was crippled and being accom-
    panied by other and asked if we could see him. Could not but
    give him his range from us by 3D and told him we were 20 miles
    north of today's station enroute station for next strike, but
    that we were standing by to render assistance. Out of VHF range
    now so continued listening to them on 44/75. When last heard
    they said they were going to try to reach base and should
    arrive about 2045.
1837    Number four main engine has been out of commission for sticking
    injectors and frozen fuel metering block. System was purged,
    new block installed and engine jacked free and rolled with air.
    Engine room requested permission to test No. 4 engine. When
    engine started an air header box explosion occurred. Commanding
    Officer was on bridge and felt blast of explosion through con-
    ning tower hatch. "All Stop." The explosion had blown off all
    but two cover plates and filled engine room with flame and smoke.
    Six men in the engine room. Four were burned about the face
    and arms, and lost hair and eyebrows. One man with clothing
    afire had the presence of mind to jump into forward engine room
    before rolling on deck to extinguish flames. One man was blown
    from after anism from into maneuvering room, and the men in
    forward engine room were knocked to the deck. After engine
    room temporarily secured for fire. Entered compartment with
    rescue breather and determined that all personnel were clear.
    It is fortunate that no one was behind engine and that injuries
    were not more serious. Two men are pretty badly burned about
    the face, rung, and back, but none beyond the capabilities of
    the Pharnauist into (for complete report of explosion and
    causes, see note of facts). The action of the watch in engine-
    ering and all critical operations was prompt and in accordance
    with all company rules.
2056    Transmitted Navy 5th to ConsShipC. Informed him of explosion
    and burned man, but that man's was beyond capabilities of Phar-
    mauist late, that condition of remaining engines was dangerous
    and reliability doubtful, that we will proceed towards joint
    zone upon completion tonight's bomber mission unless otherwise
    directed.
2242    Aircraft began to come in all over SD screen. During next five
    hours had too much contact. Some had lights and
    could be soon from bridge.
2324    Received message giving our station for fighter strike on
    eighth.

7 July 1945

0000    Received ConsShipC serial 54 telling us to proceed to Karainas,
    and telling ASPRO to relieve us of duties.

    ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 305 —
7 July 1945 (Cont'd)

0112 Contacted another sub's playmate on VHF. He came in to 16 miles then headed away. Aircraft contact No. 46.
0130 Contacted playmate again on VHF. SD has contact at 13 miles.
0207 Sent LIPON six acknowledging orders to return to port.
0208 Playmate asked to be vectored in to get position. Vectored him in to us, using SJ, SD, and IFF. He passed over us and departed. Necessary to have him turn off IFF to identify from others.
0335 SD screen finally lost all aircraft.
0822 Received massage of passing of SCHEARDFISH.
0900 Begun to get aircraft contacts which continued through morning. Aircraft contact No. 47.
1200(I) Position: Lat. 30-46 N Long. 139-22.2 E
1345 Received CTN 17.7 message telling us to proceed to HIDWAY for refit via S.IPAN after transferring patients. Transferring patients not understood because it was made clear in our serial five that none were beyond capacity of pharmacist's mate. Received message to change speed of advance and inform CTG 17.7 of change so as to arrive S.IP.M rendezvous at dawn.

8 July 1945

0024 Sent message changing speed of advance in lane and requesting rendezvous on twelfth.
0817 Plane on radar, 11 miles, talked to on VHF.
0820 Surfaced.
0940 Aircraft on SD. Sighted "Privateer" from bridge.
1200(I) Position: Lat. 26-55 N Long. 139-16.5 E
1610 Exchanged calls with SC.B.B.R. DIPISH going north in lane.
1939 Submerged for training.
2023 Surfaced.

9 July 1945

0810 Sighted empty life raft.
0934 Submerged for trim.
1023 Surfaced.
1200(I) Position: Lat. 22-51 N Long. 139-35 E
1444 Submerged for training.
1515 Surfaced.
1837 SD contact, 19 miles.

10 July 1945

0700 Submerged for trim.
0804 Surfaced.
1200(I) Position: Lat. 19-26.7 N Long. 141-16 E
1520 Sighted E-29 from bridge, about ten miles away.
2108 Contact on SJ, 2100 yards bearing 160°T; drawing forward; avoided.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 306 —
11 July 1945

0240 Picked up plane on SJ, range 15,000 yards. IFF at 7 miles.
0455 Aircraft at 14 miles.
1718 Began to sight numerous aircraft through remainder of morning and afternoon.
1012 Radar interferance bearing 300°T. Exchanged calls with HACKLEBACK. Visibility poor, with frequent rain squalls.
1200(I) Position: Let. 17-20 N Long. 143-5E
1300 Made trim dive.
1409 Surfaced
1420 Radar contact 030°T, 30,000 yards.
1430 Sighted masts of ship in high periscope. Small Convoy.
2213 Exchanged calls with POMPFEST and ARGONAUT.

12 July 1945

0105 Large convoy contacted on SJ, range 27,000 yards, bearing 245°T. Estimated 15 ships. Slowed and kept clear of it.
0150 Aircraft have been sighted continually through night.
0510 Made rendezvous with escort SIC1064 and proceeded to SAIPAN.
1207 Koored alongside U.S.S. OHIO, TAMPAK HARBOR, SAIPAN.

12 July to 14 July 1945

At SAIPAN for voyage repairs. Decided to overhaul 32 inje-tors so as to put 2 engines in a running condition for the tri-jet to MIDWAY. In view of the amount of dirt already in the engine it was also decided a speed of advance of about 10 knots would be used enroute MIDWAY, to avoid any further damage to the engines. On 15 July the Commanding Officer flew to GUAM for conference with ComSubSpaC regarding engine casualty. Again the U.S.S. OHIO did a speedy, efficient job of overhaul and had us ready to leave in a minimum of time. All hands agreed to the great amount of courtesy and cooperation given the LAPON by the OHIO and her relief crews.

14 July 1945 (ZONE TIME K)

1000 Underway escorted by PCL223 from U.S.S. ORION, enroute MIDWAY in accordance with CTG 17,7 despatch.
1200(K) Position: Let. 15-15 N Long. 145-26 E
1400 Sighted CVB and escort.
1535 Reloaded escort.
1600 Again, aircraft contacts were too numerous to log as individual.
1706 Made trim dive.
1724 Surfaced.

15 July 1945

0535 Sighted PAGAN and ACRITAN ISLANDS. Aircraft contacts numerous starting with daylight.
1200(K) Position: Let. 17-44 N Long. 146-28 E
1755 Sighted mast bearing 140°T.
1802 Exchanged recognition with DES01 escorting a CVE, and changed course to keep well clear. From here to MIDWAY made frequent training dive; instructed all hands in use and firing of small arms. All qualified officers of the deck completed two days work in Navigation.

16 July 1945

1200(K) Position: Let. 18-09.5 N Long. 150-51 E

— page 307 —
15 July 1945 (Cont'd)
2050 Radar interference bearing 110°T. Probably MACABI unable to exchange recognition on SJ. : 17 July 1945
0250 SJ interference 105°T.
0340 Exchanged recognition with BALAO.
1106 Held battle surface drill. Fired all guns at improvised target.
1200(K) Position: Lat. 18-56 N Long. 154-57.5 E
1500 Sighted and exchanged signals with RAY.

: 18 July 1945
0410 Set all clocks to (L) time.
1200(L) Exchanged recognition with TENC and BILLFISH on SJ.
2218 SJ interference 070°T.
2245 Target on SJ bearing 040°T, 13,000 yards. Target would not answer keying. He closed and when at 8,200 yards, we fired a flare, and target turned away. Still no recognition. From course and SJ interference assumed him to be friendly sub. Again it is emphasized that commanding officers must instruct and compel radar operators to properly read, key and train on other interference. With JAP use of 10 CM radar increasing, failure to do so raises a suspicion as to friendly character.

: 19 July 1945
1200(L) Position: Lat. 20-29 N Long. 163-13 E
1950 Exchanged recognition with PIPERISH.
2145 Sighted green rocket bearing 155°T inside horizon (estimated 4 miles). Lat. 20-50 N Long. 165-08 E. Turned down bearing of rocket and made triangular search. Fired very's pistol. In view of air strike on RAME 18th, considered downed plane possible. After P-ing very's pistols with no results decided to resume course s. 10C it was unlikely that GATO who was life-guarding here should have moved on if there was a plane down. Possibly a JAP sub trap although no radar interrupted on APR and no contacts or SJ. ODD said rocket resembled a very's pistol or Huck Rogers rocket. Resumed course. Decided to include this in message tonight, just in case.

: 2230
2400 Sant messages to CTG 17.5 asking for rendezvous.
20 July 1945
1200(L) Position: Lat. 21-56 N Long. 167-16 E
21 July 1945
1200(L) Position: Lat. 23-47 N Long. 171-31 E
22 July 1945
1200(L) Position: Lat. 25-16.2 N Long. 175-34 E
Crossed 180th meridian; reported this date.
1200(L) Position: Lat. 26-51 N Long. 179-16 E
23 July 1945
0745 Made rendezvous with air craft.
1126 Moored alongside BATTLE S-9, at MIDWAY ISLAND.

— page 309 —
526 1540 11-31.5N AK 26,000 285PT High Friendly
6/19 147-03E yards 16 Periscope Merchantman

7 0653 30-01N AH 25,000 158PT High Properly
7/3 140-45E yards 14 Periscope Marked Hos-
pital ship

8 0000 30-05N JH 20,000 338PT Lookout Properly
7/5 140-35B yards 14 Marked Hos-
pital ship.

9 1610 26-15N SS 15,000 117PT High SCALEANDFISH
7/8 139-18E yards 12 Periscope

10 1139 17-30N SS 16,000 268PT High HALCKLEBOK
7/11 144-05E yards 13.5 Periscope

11 1420 17-11.5N CONVOY 24,000 135PT High 2 Marchantman
7/11 144-20E yards 14 Periscope 1 Escort
Friendly

- 20 - ENCLOSURE (.)

— page 310 —
1. No JAP aircraft that could be identified as each were encountered in the TRUK area. Two unidentified SD contacts were made. The day of entry into the area, received a report from a plane he was being attacked by a plane about twenty miles west of TRUK. TOLL. Our own aircraft were numerous.

Part B: In Lifeguard Leagues and enroute to and from station, aircraft were numerous and always around. Nearly all were friendly. Our only "malisson" was possibly a Jap Snooper, who used the same tactics night after night in the vicinity of TORI SULM. The usual GHENT tactic and then homing on the radar would bring him in fast. He never had IPF.

(H) ATTACK DATA

Mono.

(I) MINUS

Part A: None encountered in TRUK area.

Part B: Two encountered in Lifeguard Leagues.

| Time | Type(s) | Remarks |
|------|||
| 1    | 1607/6/30 | 26-33.2 N 139-30.2 E | Type 93 Horn Spherical | Exploded |
| 2    | 1325/7/6 | 30-03 N 140-30.4 E | Type 93 Horn Spherical | Exploded |

(J) ANTISUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS.

Part A: None in TRUK area.

Part B: In Lifeguard Leagues, had what apparently was a night snooper. He would come in low, and we would contact on SJ. He would "home" on SJ beam. He never had IPF.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

Ordnance and Gunnery

Torpedo Charging Panel - Mark XVIII - Now Werd-Leonard charging panels were installed in forward and after torpedo room during overhaul period at Mare Island Navy Yard. Upon arrival at Pearl Harbor, a full load of Mark XVIII torpedoes were taken aboard and panels

— page 311 —
6/28/45: The injector on No. 10 unit, No. 4 main engine froze with the plunger all the way down.

7/1/45: The injector on No. 7 unit, No. 4 main engine froze with the plunger all the way down. Upon disassembling the injector the plunger bushing and plunger were found to be badly scored. Further inspection showed that bronze particles had detached themselves from the sintered bronze filters and worked in between the plunger and plunger bushing causing the plunger to stick. Decided to run one unit with no filter elements, taking temperature every 15 minutes, indicator cards every 4 hours. Puel was double purified and engine was run at reduced speed, 550 R.P.M. Fuel oil pressure was cut down. This unit functioned perfectly for 48 hours and we believed we had a solution for emergency use when all the spares were gone.

7/4/45: This was our unlucky day! Two injectors stuck on No. 4 main engine, two stuck on No. 1 main engine and one on No. 3 main engine. When the first one stuck the filters were examined and found to be partly deteriorated. Our first passage was sent asking for stacked washer-type filters to be sent out to us. From the time our first message was sent until we sent our second message (5 hours) stating that we would not be able to continue our patrol as planned, four more injectors failed due to the same cause. At the rate the failures were occurring our spares would only last about two days. The injector on No. 4 unit was operating normally without filters. We decided to try running No. 4 engine with all the filters on the injectors removed if

— page 312 —
7/5/45: Injector stuck on No. 8 unit, No. 2 main engine filters eaten away similar to others.

7/6/45: Injectors stuck on No. 1 and No. 2 units, No. 4 main engine, The fuel oil system was cleaned and flushed out and the old sintered bronze type filters in all the injectors were removed. The metering block valve seats were scored, so the metering block was replaced with a sparo. The engine was started and run for about ten minutes at no load, then secured to check the freeness of operation of injectors (racks and plungers) on all units, all injectors seemed to be working properly. The engine was rolled over several times with starting air. Upon attempting to start the engine again a violent explosion occurred in the air box, flames shot out from the cylinder and all except two of the air box cover were blown off. Four men in the after engine room were burned, two severely, and the force of the explosion knocked one man from just aft of the throttles back through the water-tight door and against the quibble. It also knocked the throttles in the forward engine room off his feet.

All the injectors were taken out, disassembled and inspected. One injector, a new one from our spares, which had been installed on the last had stacked war-type filters and was found to be in good condition. All of the other injectors showed the same general symptoms. The check valve seats were carboned and scored, the plunger and plunger bushing were scored and the plunger bushing, plunger and spherical check valve seat were discolored as if they had been very hot. Brass particles were found in all the injectors. Filters in one injector had started to deteriorate after only 36 hours operation.

Apparently the explosion was caused from an accumulation of fuel oil in the cylinders, some passing into the air box when the engine was rolled over with starting air. It is believed that the fuel oil flowed directly into the cylinder through leaky check valves in the injectors when a pressure was applied to the system by the standby fuel oil pump. Since the injector filters on the other engines were breaking down we decided that any of the other engines might explode when starting due to the same cause as that on No. 4 main engine.

We shifted to No. 7 N.F.O. tank which contained fuel oil we had taken on at Pearl Harbor.

7/9/45: Two injectors stuck, No. 13 unit, No. 1 main engine and No. 15 unit, No. 2 main engine. Nos. 1 and 2 main engine had been used for propulsion since the accident on the 6th and had not been run at any

— page 313 —
1. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (CONT'D)
spread over standard. It was noted that the injectors failed when the fuel oil tanks had been "topped off" with fuel from the U.S.S. HOLLAND. Running the engines under usual load conditions, 75/90 combination, second to cause the filters to break down faster than when running at standard speed. The Commanding Officer decided to terminate patrol because of engine failure and the L.P.O. proceeded to S.I.P.N at 9.5 knots. Inexpeability of making normal cruising speed without engine failure and danger to personnel prompted his decision.

No. 3 I.C. Motor Generator.

The slip rings on No. 3 I.C. machine were themselves out of round preventing the copper brushes from making good contact. The slip rings were removed, cut down on the lathe and replaced. A spare set of slip rings was borrowed from the U.S.S. HOLLAND because no spares were available to us in MUNY or PEARL HARBOR.

G. & R. Defects

Part A: None.

Part B: The air conditioning circulating water suction piping developed leaks around the nipples on the 90° flanged elbows to both pumps. To remedy these leaks it was necessary to secure both air conditioning units and the refrigeration plant since the circulating water to all units is supplied through a common strainer. On pulling the elbows it was found that galvanic action had caused holes to be eaten into both nipples and their overall thickness to be reduced to 1/32". Since no replacement parts were available these nipples were built up with silver solder flush with the elbow diameter and upon reinstallation successfully withstood their designed pressure.

On July 2, 1945 while attempting to detect a shaft noise, after torpedo room reported rudder making excessive noise. Silent running at 65 feet was resorted to to locate the source. Grease was pumped into the after bulkhead glands with rudder in use. Stuffing glands on the ram wore backed off 1/4". The stuffing gland at the after torpedo room after bulkhead was trued up to give .008 clearance all around shaft. Noise was considerably reduced when ship operated at 150 feet, but little change could be noticed at 65 feet. Above procedure was carried out for several ensuing days with little improvement. It is believed that the noise originates in the rudder carrier bearing or cross head and that it can be eliminated while the ship is dry docked. It is a serious handicap to silent running as it is more noticeable with steering in hard than when steering is in power.

On July 4, 1945, JP sound reported a shaft noise. Tests were conducted and a loud shaft wipe was detected. It starts at about 50 RPM and increases to a steady wipe and squeal at 2/3 speed. While such noises are hard to locate from inside ship, it is believed that it's source is the starboard strut bearing. While ship is dry docked it is requested that clearances be taken and that they be increased as necessary.

- 24 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 314 —
1. RADIO
Part A: None.
Part B: ComSubPac serials 38 and 66 were missed. July 3, 1945, at 0800 (I) was unable to pass contact report on unidentified ship on ship-shore frequencies. 8470 and 12705 KOs. Forced to secure transmitting, to submerge for attack on the target which was later identified as a hospital ship. No other difficulty was encountered in transmitting the LPNV'S six serials to NPN.

(M) RADAR
Part A: SJ radar ranges normal. One unusual performance was picking up B-29 at range of 50,000 yards and bringing it in to 10,000 yards. ST radar ranges up to 27,000 yards on surface vessels. However, SJ is more efficient in picking up lend echoes. ST cannot pick up high land at 30,000 yards. SD performance good. Ranges up to 34 miles. IFF and .PR operation normal.

Part B: SJ proved especially valuable in picking up low flying aircraft.
ST radar ranges were normal but on first switching from SJ to ST considerable drifting was noticed in ST local oscillator. This condition should be corrected.
SD radar performance was good. Ranges as high as 40 miles were obtained. Most aircraft were detected between 20 and 30 miles. Gear operated with very good stability.

APR-5 operation quite noisy (electronically) pre-bly due to blower motor.

CSU/LTBS
Part A: On June 6th, arcing was noticed while tuning. Investigation revealed that Inductance I(1) in the bias generator circuit was arcing. Replaced with spore.
On June 9th, noticed absence of grass on "I" scope. No signals could be received. Found two bad IP tubes in selector unit. Replaced with spares.
June 11th, heard noise coming from coupling between training motor and gear box. Examination showed poor design in coupling unit. Repaired by running octter pins through holding nuts.

Part B: July 7, SJ radar sweep developed a decided jitter. This was found to be caused by a faulty negative SYNC pulse COiX cable at its termination at the transmitter and was repaired.

ENCLOSURE (i)

— page 316 —
7/1/45 Lat. 29-37 N Long 139-24 E 6° at 150 feet
7/2/45 Lat. 30-54 N Long 141-04 E 7° at 120 feet
7/4/45 Sharp gradient commencing at 100 foot, 6° at 125 feet
Lat. 29-23.5N Long 149-06 E
7/6/45 Lat. 29-39 N Long 140-41.2E 6° at 150 feet
Bathymorograph record cards are being forwarded as directed.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HEALTH: HEALTH

Health, food, and healthability in the THUK area were excellent. Two numbers of the crew lost parts of days due to heat upon arrival in the area. The chief item so far as food is concerned is the rancid butter Pearl Harbor continues to issue.

In the second part of the patrol food and healthability were excellent. The boat was cool at all times except during casualty to air conditioning unit. Food was varied and well prepared. The excellent pastry of our OCS and frequent ice cream was enthusiastic, typically received. Fresh vegetable issues at GUAM are not sufficiently to supply the chill box of a modern submarines. These items are considered necessary and should be supplied. Four men suffered burns from an engine explosion, and two of them lost working days because of it. A recurrent case of Malaria resulted in five lost days. Cute tonsillitis and Vincent's angina caused another man to lose five days.

(Q) PERSONNEL

(a) No. of men attached after previous patrol

— page 317 —
1. TORPEDOES
Part A: Torpedoes
Number: 26
Fuel Gals: 51,555
Provisions days: 75
Personnel Factor days: 50

Limiting factor: TRUK assignment: Terminated by despatch orders from Commander Task Force SEVENTEEN.

Part B: Torpedoes
Number: 26
Fuel Gals: 75,642
Provisions days: 75
Personnel Factor days: 50

Limiting factor: Engine failures.

(U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR, AND SONAR COUNTERFEASURES

Part A: 141700 King in position 07-04 N, 151-33.4 E dr.ring the British Carrier strikes on TRUK. A Jap transmitter jammed station "Newcomber" on 4475 KCs. Newcomber was prevented from transmitting a coded message to station 23 V 89o a lifeguard plane. "Newcomber" attempted to transmit by voice, then C.W., and then voice over a period of three hours. The Jap transmitter effectively prevented the transmission until the British Station, "Newcomber" gave up and cancelled the message. From 160900 Z to 161130 Z June heavy C.W. interference from a transmitter probably located on TRUK jammed the aircraft frequency 4475 KC's.

During the British Carrier strike station "Eddy" broke into the 4475 KC's circuit loud, clear, and very British. He proceeded to radio check with "Phenton" also British, until "Phenton" called Eddy a Jap and ordered him off the circuit.

Part B: At 2200 King, 5 July, excessive interference and howling, apparently emanating from two powerful nearby stations, prevented establishment of communications with the U.S.S. KINGFISH. The KINGFISH was calling at the same time on the 3130 KC's SAFFLAN frequency, and her call was heard astrongh one. The Jap howler successfully prevented communication with the KINGFISH.

— page 320 —
1. Communications with planes is very poor. Navy Dumbos were cooperative and our only source of information. With poor visibility and planes not using IFF, communications must be established if planes are going to close to three miles or less and submarines are to remain on surface. This can only be accomplished if planes are advised of calls submarine may use and submarine is advised of call of flight leader, plus Dumbos. It must be realized that planes at quite a distance are heard on these circuits and it is impossible to surmise which planes are yours and what call sign your planes are using. No planes would answer our call to "any or all aircraft" from "any or all submarines" which is the call we are directed to use. This call was used upon several occasions on WIF and 4475 with planes within a radius of three miles with no results. A liaison officer or coordinator is needed to make certain that planes and submarine got all the dope there is to be had.

2. The problems of the English Carrier Strike were almost as great, the news as vague and mixed up as was the first lifeguard Mission observed by this Commanding Officer in the early CHLENTZ ISLAND invasion. Reference point designations were not changed at the required GCT time. Planes used reference points to establish their own position to other planes in direct violation of Paragraph 6(a) SOP 2i. Planes did not seem to know our call, we did not know theirs, they did not know each others. U.S. DUMBO (C.TALIN.) called "LAPON", I see you, do you see me", while we were calling him by WIF and voice 4475. He proved to be our only method of getting any information at all, although we had no information that he was to be there and he would not answer when called with proper radio call until after he had contacted us visually. Planes did not even understand each other using the fighter director vocabulary. British planes were not heard on designated WIF frequency Band A 140.58, but were picked up on .PR at 116 H0's., much to our own surprise. So far as we know, the striking force was unaware of our presence except for five planes that passed close aboard.

3. A stated above in conditions of low visibility some methods of identification must be used for close planes for efficient lifeguarding. Most planes on this station showed IFF and when one closed to one, two, three miles with none he had to be guarded as suspicious so long as he could not be seen. Our only method of deciding whether to stay on the surface or dive upon several occasions was that we did not believe the Japs had any large planes in this area and we could normally expect to pick up a PEF at 18-20 miles. B-24 at 20-25 miles, a B-29 at 28-35 miles. If we had those long range pips we stayed on the surface while they closed.

4. No difficulty from Jap planes or surface craft was experienced in maintaining a position 7 and 10 miles off the reef at this station. The greatest concern being caused by low visibility requiring radar and Loran navigation. This is not too dependable using an island 26 miles

— page 321 —
5. The roof prevented observing results of raids and no explosions or smoke were seen except from the B-29 raid on the early morning of 12 June. This Lifeguard Duty while not very active was beneficial. Lookouts improved greatly, made greater efforts to identify planes. The duty gave all hands a better idea of the possibility of a submarine being able to take an active part in modern bombing missions, hence dispelling the idea that lifeguarding is drudge duty.

6. Method of patrol was dependant upon whether we know of a proposed strike for the day. If no strike was contemplated a fan-like pattern was used with the assigned station as a pivot, the L.PON passing through it every two hours and forty minutes and pre-trolling along the edge of planes flying from GUIs. If a strike was anticipated L.PON steamed in a 20 minute triangle, vertex the assigned point. During daylight speeds of 14 knots with a course clock zig, T.D.M., SD (5 seconds per minute search), high periscope watch were used, it might speed used was ten knots, slowing to two or three to reduce wake when unidentified aircraft were in vicinity.

Part B:

1. Submarine and planes on Enjire Lifeguard are correctly named members of the League. The overall difference so far as coordination, communication, and purpose between lifeguard duty in the League and in the TRUK area is almost unbelievable. Dunbo aircraft was on the job and in event of planes down in vicinity undoubtedly would have assisted badly. Dissemination of information by despatch was good. It is believed that our nightly snooper forced us down each night was a Jap. If he was one of our own he should be warned that such tactics chase a submarine under when she might be in the act of aiding planes from a passing strike. VHF communications were much improved after the calls were simplified. It is believed that the Lifeguard Liaison Officer's despatches are a great step in aiding pickups and saving fuel.

2. Radio Saipan is a welcome addition to submarines with its news and musical programs.

3. It is regretted that it was not deemed necessary or that it was impracticable to furnish the needed engine spares by plane. Their delivery would have permitted us to carry out our assigned mission and hoped for successful patrol. With exception of short stops for voyage repairs this ship has been underway since April 22 and the crew is eager to make it worthwhile period. Korale is still high and it is hoped that a good area can be assigned for the next patrol.

— page 322 —
195-122/A16-3
Serial No. 024
C-O-I-P-I-D-T-I-T-I-A-L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT TO USS LAPON B.S. 1st Year Patrol dated 23 July 1945.
From: The Commander Submarine Division O.E.T. TENTY TWO.
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron TRAVEL.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC NEXT, Administration.
(3) The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. LAPON (35260) - report of B.S. 1st Year Patrol.

1. The B.S. 1st Year Patrol of the LAPON under the command of Lieutenant Commander D. G. EARN, U. S. NAVY, was of two parts: the first part from 6-19 June was spent in lifeguard duty of the vicinity of HANPO SHOCO. An en-ine casualty caused early termination of the patrol.

2. No opportunity to rescue aviators was afforded LAPON and the only enemy surface contact was a properly marked hospital ship on 4 July in the HANPO SHOCO area.

3. The patrol was conducted in an efficient and intelligent manner. It is noted that LAPON did not respond to her 3rd recognition signal on 16 July with supposedly friendly submarine. The commanding officer's statement that all commanding officers should instruct and compel their radar operators to become proficient in exchanging recognition signals by 3rd is fully concurred in. Attention is invited to the remarks on communications with planes during air strikes in the Truk area.

4. The LAPON returned from patrol in a clean and ship-shape condition and in fair material condition. It is expected that refit will be accomplished in the normal time.

5. The Division Commander congratulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew of the LAPON upon the completion of a well conducted patrol and wishes them better health on the next patrol.

V. L. LAPON.

— page 324 —
712-10(A)/416-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01977
CORPORAL
THIRD REPORTER TO
LAPD Report of
Eighth War Patrol.

COUSSEY, PACIFIC REPORT TO, 842
U.S.S. LAPD - EIGHTH WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. LAPD (SS266) - Report of Eighth War Patrol
(23 May to 23 July 1945).

1. The eighth war patrol of the LAPD, under the command of Lieutenant Commander D. G. Ener, U.S. Navy, consisted of two parts. Both parts were devoted to lifeguard duties, the first part in the Truk area and the second part in the Tampo Sea area.

2. Unfortunately the LAPD was afforded no opportunity to inflict damage upon the enemy or to effect rescue during this patrol which was terminated by an engine casualty.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for completion of this arduous patrol. The runner in which the serious engine casualty was handled is indicative of a splendid state of training and discipline characteristic of the fighting ship LAPD. The Force Commander wishes the LAPD better hunting next patrol.

DISCRIMINATE:
(Complate Report)
Corr. (7)
C/O (5)
C/O (6)
JIPOA (1)
ADCPOA (1)
Conservapc (1)
Cincant (1)
Consubelant (2)
S/4 School, II (2)
CO, S/4 Base, PE (1)
Consopac (2)
Consovespac (1)
Consubef7thILT (2nd Echelon) (2)
Consubef7thILT (2nd Echelon) (2)
Comarpac (1)
Consubspac (3)
ConsubspacAdCond (20)
SUBAD, KI (2)

NICHOLAS COHOSTOCK,
Deputy.

(3)
(2)
(2)
(1)
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