U.S.S. BANG (SS-385) — war patrol report SS-385_BANG.pdf

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START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: E-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-51-18]
[HANDWRITTEN: Bang (55385)]

OPERATOR [SIGNATURE: R. Murch Jr.]

DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 4-7-78]

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THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

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

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

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```
BANG(55-383)

WWII PATROL FILE

For Deck Logs December 1943 - December 1945
Consult National Archives which has custody.

All Material On This Reel Is DECLASSIFIED,

J.A. Kauffetz
```

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3

Office Of Naval Records and History
Ships' Histories Section
Navy Department

HISTORY OF USS BANG (SS 385)

In dual launching ceremonies at the Portsmouth (New Hampshire)
Navy Yard on 30 August 1943, the United States underwater fleet was
augmented by two brand new submarines, USS BANG and USS PILOTFISH.
Sponsor for the 311-foot BANG was Mrs. Robert W. Neblett, Virginia
mother of an Army Air Force private captured by the Japanese at
Corregidor.

Submarine BANG (name derived from a type of sardine found in
warm waters off the West Indies) was duly commissioned after some
three months of fittingout on 4 December 1943, and her first Command-
ing Officer, Lt. Commander Antone R. Gallaher, USN, embarked to
assume his station.

Skipper Gallaher put his boat and the 85 men who were to man
her through their nautical paces during a subsequent 4-week shakedown
cruise in choppy North Atlantic waters off Portsmouth. Compass
calibrations, practice torpedo approaches and submerged evasive
maneuvers were all effected and, as the shakedown progressed, it was
evident that USS BANG had been brought into being by skilled and
eager hands.

On 8 February 1944 a sea-seasoned BANG and her indoctrinated
crew sailed from the New London Submarine Base and proceeded south
through the Atlantic to the Panama Canal Zone, transited and nosed in-
to the blue Pacific.

During the period spent exercising at Pearl Harbor, BANG sailors
were given their final taste of simulated warfare, made to feel at
home at their respective battle stations. From then on it would be
the real thing.

In the waning days of March 1944, boneless fresh meat by the ton,
hundreds of pounds of bacon, butter and coffee, multi-gallon drums of
fruit juices were all stowed in already-cramped storage spaces -
nourishment for bodies that would be strongly taxed in the strenuous
forward area days to come. Provisioning did not end with the men,
however, since something more than a vigorous crew was required to
sink enemy vessels.

As food for BANG's six bow and four stern torpedo tubes, lean,
lethal fish, each tipping the scales at some 3000 pounds, were hauled
aboard almost reverently and fitted into steel girderage on the
arching bulkheads. Her magazines filled with a generous amount of
5-inch and smaller calibre shells, the boat topped off with petroleum
for her rhythmically humming diesels and sailed majestically out of
Pearl Harbor on 29 March in company with sister subs PARCHE and TINOSA.

With a 1-day stop-over at Midway Island, BANG and her running
mates made the trans-Pacific trek to the designated patrol area in
two and one half weeks.

— page 4 —
```
-2-  USS BAIG

Southwest of Jap-held Formosa in the Luzon Straits, Jap vessels sailed to replenish and re-garrison their fast-dwindling Pacific bastions as the American wolf-pack began furtively combing the area on 16 April 1944.

For two weeks the submarine trio skimmed through the Luzon Straits, at all times keeping in close radio contact with one another so that an attack would be coordinated when and if a worthwhile target materialized. Late at night on 29 April one did.

Information was received from the wolf-pack Commander (Captain Peterson in BAHC) regarding an ill-sling money convoy chugging south and submarine BAHC plunged into the icy depths, immediately began hunting with activity. Crew members scrambled to their battle stations, most of them having worn baseball caps and the hats of combinations of Navy dungarees. Army shirts and other items calculated to give a “putt-polish” surface credit to the commander in attack of apocalypse. Officers juggled figures gibberish from the torpedo data computer and target bearing transmitter and commands echoed through the headsets.

On the surface the zig-zagging Jap vessels suddenly scurried in confusion as torpedoes from BAHC’s sister subs began detonating on target. Finally, BANG vessel had nudged into favorable position, checked her bearings, checked her radar, loosed her tin fish. The bizarre hide-and-seek battle was on.

All night long and well into the morning of the 30th the three submarines tracked floating Nipponese surface craft of all types. In an unrelenting series of approaches, FRENCH torpedoes ripped one freighter apart sending her to the bottom, TINOSA chalked up two freighters and re-named USS BANG first blood as her torpedoes blew large transport to pieces, damaged one freighter and one tanker.

Anticipated counter-measures came as BANG crash-dived to hug the bottom, her sound gear picking up the panicky whirring of escort destroyer scows on the surface. Depth charges tumbled from the aft racks to the destroyers and plummeted below the surface to explode as BANG’s first combat underwater approaches met with success and the escorts remained unable to flush their quarry.

Submarine TINOSA sighted another convoy travelling north on the 3rd of May, quickly relayed news of her find to the others. Skipper Gallegher gazed longingly through the eye-piece of the periscope as 10 Jap vessels in normal convoy procedure and BANG swept in for the kill.
```

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-3- USS BANG

Attempting to surface and charge the convoy from the rear,
BANG was forced below the surface once by an enemy plane and again
by naval escorts. It was an annoying game of cat-and-mouse in
which until darkness by effective Jap tactics, boldly broke the
surface and vented her wrath on one of the sleek enemy destroyers.
Metal plates and iron decks were smashed like so much waste paper by
the subsequent explosion and the burning hulk of the enemy destroyer
disappeared amid bright apricot-colored flames to her sub-surface
sepulchre. She was soon joined at the bottom by another BANG victim-
a 7500-ton cargo carrier.

Much miscellaneous depth charging characterized the entire
attack but none scored. On the 6th of May, with all torpedoes
expended, a combat-wise USS BANG departed the patrol area in company
with TINOSA, arrived at Midway on the 14th.

Sub tender PROTEUS refitted the boat as crew and officers en-
joyed a few weeks of rest and recreation at Midway. With a brief
period of refresher training, USS BANG put to sea for her assigned
second war patrol area on 6 June 1944.

With the launching of the Mid-1944 American spearhead into
Jap-held Marianas bases, BANG was commissioned to patrol the open
sea area westward of those islands and intercept any reinforcing
Japanese Fleet units.

Enroute to her station the boat encountered a lone Jap tanker
between the Bonins and the Marianas on 14 June. Hampered by heavy
squalls and turbulent, rolling seas BANG loosed a three torpedo
salvo at 3000 yards which damaged the tanker as one of the trio
exploded against her side. Upon receipt of orders from her force
commander to proceed immediately to the assigned station, BANG
reluctantly broke off the attack and continued her journey.

After spending an uneventful week off the Marianas, high-lighted
only by the occasional contact with friendly aircraft, BANG rendezvous-
ed with submarine GROWLER and SEAHORSE off southeastern Formosa, her
initial stamping ground.

BANG was back in business on the 29th as her periscope picked up
a 14-knot convoy plodding into the South China sea with an aerial
cover. Slicing the glassy seas beneath a bright sun were five new
merchantmen, five surface escorts and one air escort - fertile field
for conquest.

When readings on the periscope indicated that the boat was in a
favorable position she began shooting. Whooshing from their tubes,
the first set of torpedoes cut through the surface, each leaving a
thin, white bubbly wake like fluid ice, cold as the death they pre-
saged. Disaster struck the Japs.

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```
- 4 -  USS BANG

There was a deep, metallic rap and a rising column of black smoke plumed out from a hit ship. Charge flames licked their way over the water as USS BANG sailors scampered across the burning decks of one of the gunboat freighters. As another of the number was struck by BANG torpedoes the vessels quickly dispersed, leaving the escorts to carry on the fight. Tracers rattled through the air as BANG's periscope saw MIP sub-killers skimmed in to do their work.

Depth charges began dropping down around the boat as she zigged for the attack and sped through depth in a silent run. Behind her on the surface the convoy had been depleted to the tune of three vessels totaling 24,000 tons. Building her pursuers after a prolonged depth-charge counter-attack, BANG returned to periscope depth to see the destroyers as mere dots on the horizon.

One Hong Kong-bound medium cargo ship surrounded by four escort destroyers was contacted on the 4th of July and BANG made a light surface approach in preparation for an appropriate pyrotechnic display. At a range of 1300 yards the boat fired three torpedoes "down the throat" of the convoy at one of the screeching destroyers but all were nimbly combed by the elder J5K skipper. Further attempts to attack this group were thwarted by air and surface escort, BANG getting nothing but a sound depth charge drubbing for her trouble.

Patrol completed, USS BANG departed her Lizon Straits area on 17 July and made the long transit to Pearl Harbor's Submarine Base in approximately two weeks. Refit was completed in the shadow of looming Diamond Head during the month of August and her crew returned to their boat and time duties newlyjewed. Capable Captain Gallaway still in command, BANG left Pearl Harbor on her third war patrol on 27 August 1944.

Topping off with fuel at Midway on the 1st of September, the submaring continued on to her designated area - ship- closed waterways northeast of Porosus off the Mansed Shoot.

Passing northwest of the Bonins to take up her station BANG encountered and promptly attacked an enemy convoy on 9 September. A divided torpedo attack was sent swishing toward two loaded freighters, each fish running true, straight and normal to cycle with a gentle turn at both running targets. Steel backs broken, two vessels began blowing up and sank almost simultaneously. BANG immediately found herself in a far from enviable position and rigged to endure what was to constitute the closest call in her career.

All eyes were focused on the depth control indicators as the gray, tubeshaped BANG submerged and kept submerging. Pressure on the vessel's outer skin rose in direct proportion to the needle on the glass enclosed depth gauge; humidity within the narrow, machinery-cluttered interior left men feeling as if they were standing in a hot shower; air grew foul and sticky in the nostrils. Motion ceased and all grew silent.
```

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-5- USS BANG

Like quick rolls on a giant kettle drum, muffled explosions
reached the ears of BANG sailors as ash cans dropped dangerously
close. With each detonation BANG shuddered as if rammed, shattered
light bulbs tinkled where they fell and men grabbed for bulkhead
supports to keep from sprawling. Steel seams creaked ominously
under the added pressure from the outside. Culmination of the attack
came when a pattern of sixteen charges went off directly over the
boat as she lay helpless in the hands of Providence. Providence was
not to fail such a gallant U.S. Naval unit.

With much minor damage (but none so serious as to force a
return to port) submarine BANG limped away as her surface attackers
retired to report another submarine kill to their command. Five days
later, necessary repairs having been made by the crew, USS BANG
entered her assigned area off the Nansei Shoto.

As dawn broke on 19 September BANG made a submerged approach on
a convoy, unleashed her torpedoes and saw one cargo carrier disappear
in a billow of smoke while another suffered damage from a hit. Three
escorts working as a team began systematically throwing the first of
80 depth charges down around the sub. Not until mid-afternoon was
BANG able to shake the would-be subkillers.

Riding at periscope depth in the vicinity of remote Yonakum
Island late the following afternoon BANG sighted another zig-zagging
enemy convoy, shadowed it until she might operate under cover of
darkness. Surfacing the night the boat accurately shot all her
remaining torpedoes in a multiple attack, was duly rewarded as one
large tanker and a medium freighter took direct hits and sank.
Having had enough of Jap counter-measures, the sub made haste to
depart the scene.

Midway was reached and war patrol No. 3 terminated on 29
September. Repaired, refueled and otherwise replenished, BANG
returned to the same area for a repeat performance off Nansei Shoto,
this time with submarines REDFISH and SHAD as co-stars. Curtain went
up on 25 October 1944.

Leaving Midway on that date the trio stopped at newly-annexed
Saipan on 2 November, entered assigned area on the 6th. Typhoon
weather precluded any successful operation for the bulk of this 42-
day patrol, the three submarines vainly scanning storm-tossed seas in
eerie mid-day darkness for any enemy vessels foolish enough to venture
forth under such conditions.

Weather conditions had become more favorable by 22 November
and REDFISH messaged her team-mates regarding a convoy sighted
churning eastward from northern Formosa, hulls low in the water.

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-6- USS BANG

For three hours beginning midnight the battle raged as the
wolf-pack coordinated their efforts. In seven surface radar attacks,
BANG fired all 24 of her torpedoes at the enemy ships sending
three freighters and a minelayer escort to the bottom. Together, the
three American submarines battered the convoy into obliteration
leaving nothing but many square miles of wreckage-strewn seas dotted
with survivors like a bobbing host of shiny seals in the oil-coated
waters--this where once a cargo-rich convoy had sailed with hulls
low in the water.

Torpedo racks empty, BANG departed the area for Pearl Harbor
on 27 November -- a successfully accomplished fourth war patrol and
18,400 more tons of precious enemy war material to her credit.

Pearl Harbor refit completed, Skipper Gallaher took veteran
sub to Saipan two days after the new year 1945 had made its bow and
there joined with submarines SPADEFISH, ATULE and POMPON on 15
January.

Entering the East China and Yellow Seas patrol area the wolf-
pack again encountered unfavorable weather, and targets, in consequence
were practically non-existent. Day after day the group skulked
through icy waters without contact, the monotony only being relieved
on one occasion.

While submerged on 10 February, BANG shot three torpedoes at
a snap set-up-- a squat, tubbish steamer which suddenly emerged from
a snow squall. All missed and the ship scurried away at her top
speed.

On 19 February a disgruntled USS BANG sped to Guam arrived 5
days later. As maintenance and repair experts from sub tender
PROTEUS clambered over the sub's steel body and squeezed in between
her compact superstructure, officers and men vacationed from the
rigors of undersea warfare.

During this refit period, Executive Officer Lt. Commander O.W.
Bagby was elevated to the command of USS BANG as Commander Gallaher
went on to further duties in connection with Uncle Sam's highly
effective silent service.

BANG's sixth and last patrol began on 25 March 1945, took her
to the Luzon Straits where she received orders on 9 April to occupy
lifeguard station northeast of Formosa.

This was the time of gigantic air slashes at Jap home islands
delivered by Navy carrier planes plus Marianas-based B-29s. BANG's
job was to patrol the sea off the strike points rescuing downed pilots.

— page 9 —
-7- USS BANG

Hellcat pilot Ensign Donald E. Corzine, after bombing and
strafing enemy installations on 21 April, had been forced to water
land his flak-riddled plane in the vicinity of Sakishima Gunto.
Fourteen hours of coordination between observation planes and
rescue submarine BANG elapsed before grateful Ensign Corzine was
rescued from his drifting rubber boat.

On 3 May BANG was on her way back to Pearl Harbor, made a 1-
day fueling stop at Saipan and arrived at our most formidable Pacific
base on 18 May 1945. It was evident that a major navy yard overhaul
would be required before submarine BANG could proceed on wartime
patrol and the boat departed for the west coast on the 28th of May.

Pausing at Hunter's Point, California, BANG received orders
to proceed to the place of her origin, the Portsmouth Navy Yard.
Doughty BANG passed through the Panama Canal and up the Atlantic to
Portsmouth, arrived on 22 June 1945.

With Japan's 15 August decision to accept the terms of the
Potsdam Ultimatum, BANG was still undergoing yard overhaul in the
hands of Portsmouth technicians. With the exception of a mid-1946
trip to the Panama Canal Zone, BANG remained at the New London
Submarine Base in the immediate post-war period and was placed out
of commission at the Base on 12 February 1947.

By Directive dated January 1947, USS BANG (SS 385) was later
placed out of commission, in reserve, attached to the U.S. Atlantic
Reserve Fleet.

***

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

1 Star/Marianas Operation
    Battle of Philippine Sea -- 19 to 20 June 1944

1 Star/Leyte Operation -- 10 October to 16 December 1944

1 Star/Iwo Jima Operation
    Assault and Occupation of Iwo Jima -- 15 February to 16 March
    1945

1 Star/Okinawa Gunto Operation
    Assault and Occupation of Okinawa Gunto -- 24 March to 30 June
    1945

1 Star/Submarine War Patrol - Pacific -- 29 March to 14 May 1944

1 Star/Submarine War Patrol - Pacific -- 27 August to 29 September
    1944

* * *

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-8-                                        USS BANG

OVERALL LENGTH                                  312 feet
BEAM                                            27 feet
SPEED                                           20 knots
DISPLACEMENT                                    1,525 tons

                                        ***

                                        Restenciled July 1951

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[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

U.S.S. BANG (SS385)

Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
14 May 1944

SS385/A16-3
Serial (017-44)
DECLASSIFIED
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Division 202.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron 20.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) The Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BANG - Report of War Patrol No. One.

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the first war patrol of this vessel
conducted in the area around the southern half and south of Formosa during
period March 29, 1944 to May 14, 1944, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: A.R. GALLAHER.]
A.R. GALLAHER.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/23/72]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 76113]

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```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:  U.S.S. BANG - Report of First War Patrol.

2105
SJ radar contact; distinct but small pings, range 100 yards. Set up on TDC and determined speed to be 19 knots. Maneuvered to put astern and soon found two more pings to be range about 500 yards on port bow. Thought these might be small patrol boats, so attempted to maneuver to avoid detection. Could not avoid range closing to 2000 yards. Nothing could be seen from bridge although visibility was clear, moonless with good starlight visibility. Finally opened range to 5000 yards when all pings were lost. Stopped and listened for screws, no contacts. A few minutes later a bird was heard squawking overhead. It is believed that these contacts were on large birds flying close to the surface of the water. Resumed patrol.

19-29 April
Patrolling submerged during daylight and on surface at night in accordance with instructions from coordinated patrol.

24 April
0050
SJ radar contact range 4000 yards. Maneuvered to put astern. TDC determined speed to be 6 knots, course 170°. Numerous other small pings were picked up at ranges 2500 to 5000 yards and bridge sighted one small boat at 2700 yards. It is believed that this was a small fishing fleet since course 170° would be taking them direct from Ramosed to a fish bank. Maneuvered to avoid detection.

0655
Submerged.
0802
Sighted plane, distance 3 miles with small angle on the bow. (Plane contact No. 1.) Went to 110 ft.
0825
Back to periscope depth. Plane not in sight.
2042
Surfaced.

25-27 April
Patrolling submerged in daylight, on surface at night.

28 April
0720
Submerged.
1335
Sighted plane, distance 1½ miles. (Plane contact No. 2.) Went to 100 ft.
1345
Back to periscope depth. Plane not in sight.
2047
Surfaced.

29 April
0715
Submerged.
```

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```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:          U.S.S. BANG - Report of First War Patrol.

2254 - tubes to bear on the most likely target.
          on course 070°T, closing the track, and waiting for the tanker to come on. While sweeping around I found a fleet type destroyer bearing 030° relative, angle on the bow 90 starboard, range 1500 yards. Where she came from I don't know, unless she had dropped back from ahead, and my previous sweep I had seen her for the escort on the bow of the leading ship. She looked so big now that at first glance I thought she was a heavy cruiser. She was slowly overtaking and overlapping the leading item in the starboard column. I swung right to 090° and fired 2 torpedoes at the destroyer, then in perfect line with the Mart. Shifted target and fired 2 torpedoes at the tanker originally selected as my first target. Between the firing of the second and fourth torpedoes I had swung around to locate the tanker and be ready to shift my set-up as soon as possible. I came back on the destroyer just as the fourth torpedo left the tube, and to my dismay observed that she had sighted away and was presenting a 150 starboard angle on the bow. I thought at first that she had seen the torpedo wake or my periscope, but since she had balanced her offensive action against me during the torpedo run, it is believed that she was merely changing course as she patrolled. Torpedo explosions occurred at 2-10, 22-12, and 2-9. On first hit the DD turned on her own and went hard lighting. The first hit was observed in the bow of the Mart which had been in line with the DD at the time of firing. It is believed that the second hit was also on this target, but smoke resulting from first hit prevented definite visibility. The third hit, timed in to be in the tanker, was not observed due to the urgency of continuing the attack with the stern tubes.

2300 I swung left after firing at the tanker and began searching for a target for my stern tubes. I was getting lined up to fire on the hear stern the tanker when a heard series of depth charges - scrounged around again and found a fleet type destroyer bearing 200 relative, angle on the bow 70 starboard, range 1500 yards. I was swinging slowly left to the immediate port and gave sight for firing on the destroyer. The destroyer was gaining bearing faster than I could swing, and the DD kept reaching around on the port and two-thirds. I tried to catch up by going ahead at the destroyer, who was swinging slowly toward me on the starboard, but the destroyer, who was swinging slowly toward me on the

— page 18 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BANG - Report of First War Patrol.

A plot showed that she had made good a course of about 150°T since my
first attack. Began end around.
0740 Received message to take position as trailer. Sent my
position relative to convoy, and received message to trail ahead
until after PARCHE and TINOSA attack.
1013 In position 12 miles ahead of convoy. Sighted plane to left of
convoy. (Plane contact No. 3.) Submerged. Not sighted by plane.
1050 Heard series of explosions that lasted until 1126.
1140 Convoy had zigged left after attack by PARCHE and TINOSA and had run
for almost an hour perpendicular to my initial bearing from her.
Range to near ship of convoy was now 9 miles and the angle on the
bow was about 120 starboard. If the convoy came back immediately
to her base course I would still have no chance to get in for an
attack. Furthermore, my target to be making good, since my first
attack, a course directly for Lingayen Gulf, and she was at this time
only 90 miles from the gulf. With her plane escort it seemed highly
improbable that a daytime surface end around could be made, and,
unless diverted, the convoy would make port very soon after dark.
1142 Surfaced and set course to intercept track to Lingayen, flank speed.
1145 Periscope watch saw one ship of convoy sinking.
1215 Sighted plane coming in toward me. (Plane contact No. 4.) Submerged.
No attack by plane.
1350 Convoy was now drawing away on a northerly course. Surfaced and began
trailing about 15 miles astern.
1440 Sighted plane over convoy. (Plane contact No. 5.)
1453 Submerged when plane headed toward me.
1652 Smoke barely visible. Surfaced and began overtaking convoy. Convoy
had now changed course from 150°T to 085°T.
1750 Sighted plane over convoy. (Plane contact No. 6.)
1820 Sighted masts of two ships (Ships contact No. 2.)
1830 Plane heading toward me, submerged.
1900 Two ships identified as MINEKAZE class destroyers. They plotted to
be coming down from the direction of Takao to join the convoy.
2050 Surfaced. Smoke of convoy barely visible, bearing 080°T.
2110 SJ radar contact bearing 081°T, range 12100 yards. Began approach.
2112 Bridge sighted two destroyers coming in fast with 0° angle on the bow.
2114 Leading destroyer fired two rounds from her forward gun. Submerged.
Range 7800 yards. I had tried to stay up, hoping that the destroyers
had not seen me and were just searching around.
2117 At 100 ft., trying to get plot from sound bearings when two depth
charges exploded. Went to 400 ft. About 20 more depth charges within
the next three hours. The first few were small charges but the remain-
der were definitely jumbo size. None very close. The last three
charges were single charges one-half hour apart. I believe that these
were the same two destroyers I had first picked up at 1820 and that
they were not a part of the regular escort group but had been called
down from Takao just to get us. Decided to remain down until after
moonset. Unfortunately I had not been able to get out my report on

-7- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 30 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:  U.S.S. BANG - Report of First War Patrol.
U.S.S. BANG  TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1  PATROL NO. 1
Time:  0356(K)  Date:  30 APRIL 1944  Lat:  19° 22'  Long:  119° 00'

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description:  Same as for Attack No. 2.
Ship(s) Sunk:  None.
Ship(s) Damaged or Probably Sunk:  None.
Target Draft:  29 ft.  Course:  180°T.  Speed:  9.5 knots  Range:  3200 yds.

OWN SHIP DATA:
Speed:  11 knots  Course:  340°T.  Depth:  Surface Angle:  0° (at firing)

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack:  Night surface radar attack, using constant radar ranges and constant TBT bearings to IDC.  Used 1° spread between torpedoes applied from forward aft by means of the offset knob on the IDC.

-19-
ENCLOSURE (A)
```

— page 35 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL          U.S.S. BANG - Report of First War Patrol
Subject:                                   ATTACK No. 5

Tubes Fired          #9       #10      #11
Tank Angle           95°      95°      95°
Gyro Angle           169      159      170
Depth Set (ft)      7        7        7
Power                Hi       Hi       Hi
Hit or Miss          Hit      Hit      No
Torpedo             23       14-3A    23
Mark Torpedo        23       4107     25305
Serial No.          53066    59941    4107
Mark Exploder       36       54       67
Serial No.          29336    123     8430     11267
Actuation Set       Contact   Contact   Contact
Actuation Actual    16-1     16-1     16-1
Mark Watched        10161    10161    11385
Serial No.          13714    10161    11385
Expedient           TORPEX   16       25
Firing Interval      8        18       18
Type Spread          14       8        14
Sea Conditions       MODERATELY CHOPPY
Overhaul Activity    U.S. Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor.

Remarks: Target group was lined up as shown in below sketch at time of firing.

The time of hits were recorded as 2m 15s, 2m 21s, and 2m 15s after first torpedo was fired. The time of run, and plot of data, indicates that the first torpedo fired hit the DD, and the second and third torpedoes hit the AP.

-2-
[STAMP: ENCLOSURE (A)]
```

— page 39 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BANG - Report of First War Patrol.

(0) DENSITY LAYERS

| Date       | Time GCT | Position         | Isothermal to feet | degrees | Negative Gradient to feet | degrees | Apr 4 to   |          | Midway Area      | 100                 |         |                          |         |
| Apr 5      |          |                  |                     |         |                          |         |
| 6          | 2303     | 27-12N           | 65                  | 69      | 400                      | 63      |
| 7          | 1729     | 87-05N           | 80                  | 68      | 400                      | 60      |
| 8          | 1653     | 27-07N           | 120                 | 68      | 220                      | 66      |
|            | 1711     | 26-12.5N         | 220                 | 65      | 130                      | 64      |
| 10         | 1822     | 26-06N           | 80                  | 66      | 220                      | 64      |
| 13         | 1846     | 21-01N           | None                | None    | 229                      | 71-68   |
| 15         | 2003     | 22-22N           | 210-400             | 70      | 210                      | 73-70   |
| 16         | 1932     | 12-00N           | 150                 | 71      | 400                      | 67      |
| 17         | 1943     | 13-16N           | 80                  | 70      | 400                      | 67      |
| 18         | 1950     | 12-08N           | 80                  | 70      | 400                      | 67      |
| 19         | 1955     | 23-00N           | 80                  | 76      | 400                      | 69      |
| 20         | 1955     | 12-47N           | 80                  | 74      | 400                      | 71      |
| 21         | 1958     | 22-17N           | 80                  | 73      | 400                      | 68      |
| 22         | 2000     | 21-11N           | 80                  | 74      | 400                      | 68      |

— page 41 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BANG - Report of First War Patrol.

HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY (Continued)

capacity. The after battery compartment, on the other hand, was so
cool as to require the use of blankets in some instances. This con-
dition was remedied to a certain extent by the use of restrictor rings
in certain supply ventilation louvers, but it is proposed that a more
satisfactory solution might lie in the installation of an auxiliary
air cooling unit in the supply ventilation line in the forward end
of the control room.

(Q) PERSONNEL

The performance of duty by officers and men was excellent, showing the
results of the concentrated training at Portsmouth, New London, and
Pearl Harbor. In particular, it is desired to commend the lookouts
for a fine job.

(a) Number of men on board during patrol 72
(b) Number of men qualified at start of patrol 31
(c) Number of men qualified at end of patrol 54
(d) Number of unqualified men making their first
patrol 18
(e) Number of men advanced in rating during patrol 14

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED

                    MILES     FUEL
Pearl to Midway     1150      13,140
Midway to area      3340      31,800
In area             3243      31,770
Area to Midway      3380      45,430

(S) DURATION

Days enroute area           17
Days in area                21
Days enroute to base         9
Days submerged              17

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

Torpedoes                   0
Fuel                        8000 gals.
Provisions                  30 days
Personnel factor            25 days
Limiting factor this patrol Torpedoes

(U) REMARKS: None.

                                -30-                                ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 42 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED TWO

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

FF5/202/A16-3

Serial: (025) 15 May 1944.

CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO BANG Conf ltr. SS385/
A16-3 Serial (017-44) dated 5-14-44.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of War Patrol Number One.

1. The first war patrol of the U.S.S. BANG covered a period of
46 days of which 20 days were spent in the assigned area. The patrol was
terminated by expenditure of torpedoes. BANG was a member of a "wolf pack"
consisting of two additional submarines, PARCHE and TINOSA.

2. Although this was the first war patrol which the Commanding
Officer has ever made, it was characterized throughout by determination and
aggressiveness. The U.S.S. BANG had the distinction of having been shelled,
bombed and depth charged as well as having inflicted heavy losses to the
enemy on its first war mission.

3. ATTACK NUMBER ONE.

Four torpedoes were fired at a fleet type DD in line with an
AK at a range of 1800 yards. Shortly after firing, the DD changed course
resulting in the torpedoes missing this ship and at least one and possibly
two of them hitting the AK. The two remaining torpedoes in the bow tubes
were then fired at an AO at a range of 2800 yards. The third hit which was
heard was probably in this tanker. An unsuccessful attempt was then made to
swing the submarine into position for an attack on a DD which had started
dropping depth charges about 1500 yards away. The Commanding Officer tried
to remain at periscope depth and thus maintain the initiative but he was
forced to go to deep submergence when the DD turned toward him at a range of
1200 yards.

ATTACK NUMBER TWO.

Six torpedoes were fired on a 160 degree track at a range of
2300 yards at a large AP with three DD escorts. The target zigged 50 degrees
immediately after firing and all torpedoes missed.

- 1 -

— page 44 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED TWO

A16-3
(025)
Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of War Patrol Number One.

— page 45 —
FC5-20/A16-3
Serial 030

CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO BANG Conf. Ltr. SS385/
A16-3, Serial 017-44 dated
14 May, 1944.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of War Patrol Number One.

1. The remarks of Commander Submarine Division 202 in his
endorsement are concurred in.

2. The development and execution of night attacks was
especially well done; full advantage being taken of light conditions,
rain squalls and giving the enemy a small silhouette.

3. Lookouts showed outstanding ability and alertness. On
many occasions they picked up planes that were not picked up by
radar. A modification to the SD antenna, which it is believed may
overcome the present disadvantage of the blind spots in the
radiation pattern transmitted by the SD, is now being developed
by the personnel of this Squadron.

4. Investigation of the loud thumps in the bow plane
tilting shaft has shown the cause to be lack of lubrication.
Additional lubrication lines are being installed.

5. Inspection of main induction piping brought to light
several loose bolts on flanges.

6. The thought has been advanced that an underwater JP
would be of great advantage to a submarine on the surface. In-
vestigation and development is recommended.

7. Installation of an auxiliary air cooling unit in the
supply ventilation line forward is recommended for all submarines.

8. The Commanding Officer, officers and crew are con-
gratulated on an outstanding first patrol and for the serious
damage they so ably inflicted on the enemy.

LEO L. PACE.

Copy to: CO BANG
CSD-202
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
16 May, 1944.

— page 46 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16)
Serial 01055
CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
BANG Report of
First War Patrol.

CCMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 430.
U.S.S. BANG - FIRST WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of First War Patrol.
(29 March to 14 May 1944).

1. The first war patrol of the BANG was the first for the
new Commanding Officer, as such. The BANG conducted its patrol in the
Luzon Strait Areas, and was one of three submarines forming a coord-
inated attack group.

2. The BANG made five aggressive attacks on the two large
convoys contacted. The morning attacks on the 29-30 of April were
particularly tenacious and aggressive.

3. Of note is the 20 degree temperature gradient that the
BANG located and used in evading anti-submarine vessels successfully.

4. This patrol is designated as successful for Combat
Insignia Award.

5. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the Commanding Officer, officers, and crew for this aggressive
and successful first war patrol. The BANG is credited with having
inflicted the following damage upon the enemy:

S-U-N-K
1 - Transport (HAKONE MARU class) - 10,400 tons (Attack No. 4).
1 - Passenger-Freighter (class unknown) - 7,500 tons (Attack No. 5).
1 - Destroyer (UN-1 class) - 2,300 tons (Attack No. 5).

TOTAL - 20,200 tons

D-A-M-A-G-E-D
1 - Freighter (class unknown) - 7,000 tons (Attack No. 1).
1 - Tanker (class unknown) - 8,000 tons (Attack No. 1).

TOTAL - 15,000 tons
GRAND TOTAL - 35,200 tons

[STAMP: FILMED]
Distribution and authentication
on following page.

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
, hch
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
29 May 1944.

[HANDWRITTEN: 6 01561] NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.
[HANDWRITTEN: 36]
- 1 -

— page 47 —
```
DECLASSIFIED - DOD DIR 5200.9
U.S.S. BAIL (SS395)
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

2 August 1944

From: The Commander Officer.
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Division 42.
      (2) The Commander Submarine Squadron 4.
      (3) The Commander in Chief, United States PACIFIC Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BAIL (SS395) - Report of War Patrol Number 10.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
            (B) Track Chart (for ComSubPac only).

1. Enclosure (A) covering the second war patrol of this vessel conducted in the South China Sea area north of Formosa during the period 6 June 1944 to 2 August 1944, is forwarded herewith.

A.F. CALLIER.
```

— page 50 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. RING (SS385) - Report of SECOND War Patrol.

- Supposed. Surfaced 20 minutes later.
0654(K) Submitted one unidentified plane, 10-12 miles. (Plane Contact No. 8)
0704(K) Sighted two medium bombers, 8-10 miles.
0724(K) Sighted reduced ComSubPac's orders to new aircraft spotting, 100 miles to south, just before diving.
0756(K) Surfaced. Set course for new station. Up to now I had been diving in plain sight, was now diving regardless of distance or enemy planes, considering it of prime importance to avoid detection; both lookouts were stationed, three with binoculars scanning the horizon, three lookouts with binoculars, and two by lookouts with binoculars. In addition, a continuous high frequency watch was maintained. The SD radar was not used at all because of the chance that it might afford a means of our detection, and because it was unavailable in picking up new flying plans. From information available, enemy force might know my station shortly after dark. I would not be able to make if planes continued to keep me down, so decided to remain on surface until planes were headed towards me or until they had covered up to eight miles.
0812(K) Sighted two SBD's, 10-12 miles. (Plane Contact No. 10). Submerged at
[HANDWRITTEN: 8 miles.]
0815(K) Sighted one SBD by periscope, 5 miles. (Plane Contact No. 11.)
0900(K) 9 miles. Was not sighted.
1037(K) Sighted one SBD, 10-12 miles. (Plane Contact No. 12.) Minimum range
[HANDWRITTEN: 10 miles. Was not sighted.]
1358(K) Sighted two SBD's, 8-10 miles. (Plane Contact No. 13.) Planes hostile,
[HANDWRITTEN: toward us. Submerged. Surfaced 15 minutes later.]
1524(K) Sighted one SBD, 8-10 miles. (Plane Contact No. 15.) Plane headed
[HANDWRITTEN: toward us. Submerged. Surfaced 35 minutes later.]

19 June
0540(K) Sighted unidentified plane in dim twilight, range 1 mile. (Plane
Contact No. 16.) Submerged.
[HANDWRITTEN: Heard two distinct depth charges. Considering the possibility of enemy
force in vicinity with thick air coverage, decided to proceed submerged
to avoid periscope observations.]
1303(K) Surfaced.
1110(K) Sighted two unidentified planes, 10-12 miles. (Plane Contact No. 17.)
[HANDWRITTEN: Submerged. Surfaced 25 minutes later.]
1445(K) Sighted one unidentified plane, 10-12 miles. (Plane Contact No. 18.)
Submerged. Surfaced 15 minutes later.
1730(K) Sighted one SBD, 8 miles. (Plane Contact No. 19.) Submerged. Surfaced
one hour later.
```

— page 60 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:  U.S.S. BAJA (SS385) - Report of SLOCND War Patrol.

          (G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

CONTACT NO.  1     2     3     4     5     6

DATE       6/16  6/17  6/17  6/17  6/17  6/17
ZONE       -10   -10   -10   -10   -10   -10
LATI       11.0  01.8  09.36  15.00  15.30  17.2
LONG       15-20N  15-28E  15-26E  15-36E  15-36E  15-37E

SPEED      13    10    10    10    10    10
COURSE     265   205   180
ERR        Surf  Surf  Surf  Surf  Surf  Surf

* MINUTES   2     2     2     1     2

NUMBER
A          TYPE      Betty   Unk    Unk    Unk
R          PROBABLE  Pat     Pat    Pat    Pat
A          HISTORY   Pat     Pat    Pat    Pat
C          COMPILED  Lookout Lookout Lookout Lookout
A          INITIAL   7      3-10   10-12  16-12  10  10-12
T          ELEVATION 10     3      2      2

B          RANGE AND BEARING  ND     ND     ND     ND     ND
C          SEA STATE: 4     2      2      2      2
D          DIRECTION  270   220    040    040    000    640
D          RELATIVE   270   220    040    040    000    640
V          VISIBILITY 30    30     30     30     30
I          HEIGHT FT. 2000  2000   2000   2400   2100
M          MERCHANT   0     50     50     40     40
O          OVERCAST   0     50     50     40     40

LEADING (RED) DAY  DAY  DAY  DAY  DAY  DAY

% Marks since last SD radar search.
% Range and relative bearing of plane when it detected submarine.
```

— page 62 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subj: U.S.S. BANG (SS985) - Report of SLCOND War Patrol.
Aircraft Contacts (Continued)

CONTACT NO.  13  14  15  16  17  18
DATE        6/18  6/18  6/19  6/19  6/19  6/17
ZONE        -10   -10   -10   -10   -10   -10
SUM        35-35  1501  1554  0540  2140  1555
LAT.       11-46N  11-46N  11-20N  11-20N  11-20N  11-20N
LONG.      138-58E  138-58E  138-51E  138-51E  138-51E  138-51E
SPEED      3     9     10    9     9     9
COURSE     180   180   180   270   090   020
TRIM       Surf  Surf  Surf  Surf  Surf  Surf
* MINUTES

NUMBERS    1     2     1     2
TYPE       SBD   SBD   SBD   Urk   Urk   Urk
PROBABLE   Pat   Pat   Fat   Fat   Fat   Fat
HISTORIC   ND    ND    ND    ND    ND    ND
CONTACTED  Lookout Lookout Lookout Lookout Lookout Lookout
INITIAL    10-12  2-10  8-10  10-12  10-12  10-12
FLIGHT     10    5     4     10    5     5
ELEVATION   3     3     3     3     3     3
ALONE      6 mi  4 mi  1 mi  1 mi  1 mi  1 mi
RANGE AND  ND    270   240   056   ND    [HANDWRITTEN: P...]
FRAME      2     2     2     2     2     2
DIRECTION  200   200   200   180   180   180
RELATIVE   30    30    30    30    30    30
VISIBILITY 30    30    30    30    30    30
CLOUDS     (CLOUD) (CLOUD) (CLOUD) (CLOUD) (CLOUD) (CLOUD)
HEIGHT FT. 12000  15000  15000  10000  15000  15000
PCT        60    60    60    70    50    50
WIND       [UNCLEAR: best guess] [UNCLEAR: best guess] [UNCLEAR: best guess] [UNCLEAR: best guess] [UNCLEAR: best guess] [UNCLEAR: best guess]
MOON       [UNCLEAR: best guess] [UNCLEAR: best guess] [UNCLEAR: best guess] [UNCLEAR: best guess] [UNCLEAR: best guess] [UNCLEAR: best guess]
BEARING (REL) DAY  DAY  DAY  DAY  DAY  DAY

* 5 Minutes since last SD radar search.
* Range and relative bearing of plane when it detected submarine.
```

— page 64 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. HMD (S938) - Report of SECOND War Patrol.
AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Continued)

CONTACT NO.  25  26  27  28  29  30
DAY         6/22  6/22  6/22  6/25  6/25
ZONE        10    10    10    10    10
LAT.        36-29N  35-30N  35-39N  35-39N  35-39N
LONG.       136-48E  136-48E  137-28E  137-28E  137-28E
SPEED       14    14    14    14    14
COURSE      265   265   285   285   270
REMARKS     Surf  Surf  Surf  Per  Per
MINUTES

NUMBERED    1     1     6     1     2
TYPE        FAF   TBF   SBD   Utk  TOFSY  Pusher
PROBLEM     Pat   Pat   Pat   Trns  Pat
LOCATION    Lookout  lookout  Lookout  For  For
LATITUDE    10-12  10-12  12    12    8-10  20
ANIMATION   3     4     1     1     2
% RANGE AND 8 mi  8 mi  5 mi  ND    ND
BEARING     270   250   ND    ND    ND
SEA STATE   2     2     2     2     2
DIRECTION   110   110   120   150   140   600
RELATIVE    110   110   120   150   140   600
VISIBILITY   22    26    30    30    25    20
CLOUDS      1     1     1     1     1
HEIGHT FT.  15000  18000  25000  25000  15000  26000
SURFACE     40    20    20    20    70
(UNON)

# Minutes since last SD radar search,
% Range and relative bearing of plane when it detected submarine.
-17-
```

— page 66 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. B.M.C. (SS395) - Report of 3200nd War Patrol.

AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Continued)

CONTACT NO.  37    38    39    40    41    42
S  D  A Y  7/2   7/7   7/7   7/18  7/21  7/23
S  Z  O N E  -7    -9    -7    -7    -0    -10
T  I  M E  0600  1500  1600  2050  2130  [UNCLEAR: 2300]
L  A  T.  21-13.5N  21-20N  21-11N  20-54N  [UNCLEAR: 20-54N]
L  O  N G.  118-08E  119-38E  119-38E  121-35E  139-20E  [UNCLEAR: 1547]
M  A  R  I  N  S  P  E  E  D  5    2.5  2.5  10   15   14
C  O  U  R  S  E  180  150  150  090  093  099
T  I  R  E  Surf  Per  Per  Surf  Surf  [UNCLEAR: ]
*  M I N U T E S  0    5    5    5    5    5

N  U  M  B  E  R  Unk  1    3    2    2    1
A  T  Y  P  E  Unk  NAVIS  Unk  B out  Bomber
R  P  R  O  B  A  B  L  E  Unk  Fat  Fat  Fat
M  I  S  S  I  O  N  Unk  SD  [UNCLEAR: ]
A  C  T  A  C  T  E  D  Radar  Per  For  Lookout  Lookout
P  T  I  N  T  I  L  7    6    10   5    7
T  A  B  L  E  [UNCLEAR: ]
E  L  A  V  A  T  I  O  N  20   20   20   [UNCLEAR: ]
S  E  A  S  T  A  T  E  ND   ND   ND   ND   ND   [UNCLEAR: ]
C  (B E A R T)  3    2    2    2    3    2
D  I  R  E  C  T  I  O  N  990  120  120  090  100  100
D  I  S  T  A  N  C  E  5    25   25   30   30   30
L  I  G  H  T  5    25   25   30   30   30
C  L  O  U  D  S  1000  20000 20000 800  600  1000
H  I  G  H  T  50   40   40   50   50   40
( C O R N )  D I Y  D I Y  D I Y  D I Y  D I Y

* Minutes since last SD radar search,
% Range and relative bearing of plane when it detected submarine.
Type of S/A Camouflage on this patrol - Light Grey.
[STAMP: 19]
```

— page 67 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of SECOND War Patrol.

AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Continued)

NOTES:- Abbreviations used in the above forms are:

     Surf - Fully Surfaced.
     Per - Periscope Depth.
     O   - (Under Radar) - Plane was initially picked up by SD Radar.
     Pat - Patrol.
     H   - Hunt for Submarine.
     Esc - Escort for convoy.
     Trans- In Transit.
     Unk - Unknown.
     ND  - Not Detected.

Terminology of ONI 249 (JAPANESE AIRCRAFT MANUAL) is used to describe Japanese
aircraft.

-20-                                                ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 72 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of SECOND War Patrol.
U.S.S. BANG (SS385) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2(b) PATROL NO. 2
Time: 1508(I) Date: 29 June 1944 Lat: 17°-13'N Long: 118°-24.5'E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: Large passenger freighter of convoy of attack No. 2(a). This
ship was selected early in the approach as the best target of
the group with the exception of a possible CVS astern of her.
She was very long with two goal posts forward and two aft.
Estimate uncertain.

Ship Sunk: One large passenger freighter.

Damage Determined By: Heard two hits in this MARU. Saw large hole under bridge
that had blown up through deck and blown port half of
bridge away. Target listed 20° to port, deck line under
and going down.

Target Draft: 29' Course: 225° Speed: 14.0 Range: 750 yds.

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed: 2.0 Course: 320° Depth: 66' Angle: 0°

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack: Day periscope attack. This ship selected as primary target of
convoy - TDC kept set up on her and one sound head trained con-
stantly on her with bearings coming in continuously until just
before firing, when set-up was shifted to target at greater
range (attack No. 2(a)), then back to her. Fired two torpedoes
spread 2° aft and 2° forward of MOT with offset knob on TDC.
Kept continuous periscope bearings to TDC during firing.

-25- ENCLOSURE (L)

— page 76 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of SECOND War Patrol.

The below sketch shows the formation of the convoy as well as I could make
out at the time of firing:

[HANDWRITTEN: 1]
[HANDWRITTEN: 2]
[HANDWRITTEN: 3]
[HANDWRITTEN: 4]
[HANDWRITTEN: 5]
[HANDWRITTEN: 6]
[HANDWRITTEN: 7]
[HANDWRITTEN: 8]
[HANDWRITTEN: 9]
[HANDWRITTEN: 10]
[HANDWRITTEN: 11]

1 - Attack 2(a)                               4 - Fired at periscope        7&8 - Escorts
2 - Attack 2(b)                               5 - Possible CVS              9-10-11 - Probable
3 - Attack 2(c)                               6 - BANG                      location of
                                                                            other escorts

-29-                                                                        ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 80 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of SECOND War Patrol.

supported by: (a) The occurrence of only two like casualties among the brushes
in the twenty degree leading position, (b) Excessive wear of steel brush clips
at point where tension is applied to brushes in the twenty degree trailing
position as contrasted with the lack of wear on the brush clips in the leading
position, (c) Non-occurrence of like casualties in the main generators, whose
trailing brushes are set at ten degrees with the radial of the commutator.
After a few months, the result of this up-and-down motion is a wearing away of
the carbon around the brush rivet which results in turn in excessive play of the
steel brush clip and rivet, which either breaks off the upper part of the brush
or wears off the rivet head, allowing the steel clip and rivet to drop onto
the commutator, with potential scoring and serious damage to the commutator
bars.

There is reason to believe that these casualties were not occasioned
by a defect in the design of brush used or by eccentricity of the commutators, as
these defects would show up in damage to all brushes instead of to only those
in one specific location. The suggested remedies to eliminate this brush move-
ment are: (a) To decrease the angle of the trailing brushes with the radial of
the commutator, and (b) To move the point of application of the tension from the
bottom to the center or upper part of the brushes.

2. Portsmouth drum type motor controllers: So much trouble has been
experienced with the drum type motor controllers installed on board, particularly
those used in starting trim pump, drain pump, hydraulic plants, and low pressure
blower, that it is considered that they are a detriment to military efficiency.
Principal faults are as follows:

(a) Necessity for constant instruction and supervision of operating
personnel to avoid excessive starting current and flashing and burning of the
starter contact fingers. In spite of repeated and comprehensive instruction,
this condition persists. It is particularly serious when starting with high
voltage, during a battery charge.

(b) Controllers are extremely noisy, constituting a menace during
depth charge attack (particularly applicable in the case of trim pump and
hydraulic plants). None of the air check bumpers operates properly.

(c) Installation in most cases is unfavorable for accessibility,
necessitating complete removal for even minor repairs.

(d) Dripping lubricants from the various moving parts cause insulation
deterioration and frequent grounds or short circuits.

(e) Constant loosening, cracking, and breaking of the carbon contacts,
breaking or loss of tension of the numerous springs, and wearing of other moving
parts cause frequent minor breakdowns which sometimes require complete disassembly,
thereby decommissioning the unit for appreciable lengths of time.

It is considered that the substitution of Cutler-Hammer controllers
would be a decided advantage, in the following order of desirability: trim pump,
hydraulic plants, low pressure blower, drain pump.

-33- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 84 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of SECOND War Patrol.
(O) DENSITY LAYERS (Continued)

Date and Time (GCT) | Position | ISOTHERMAL | NEGATIVE GRADIENT
                    |          | feet       | degrees to feet | feet | degrees
June 28 2105        | 17-16N   | 120        | 82              | [HANDWRITTEN: 450] | [HANDWRITTEN: 62]
                    | 118-30E  |            |                 |      |
29 2107             | 19-48N   | 100        | 82              | -    | -
                    | 118-04E  |            |                 |      |
30 2105             | 19-53N   | 60         | 82              | -    | -
                    | 117-45E  |            |                 |      |
July 1 2107         | 18-51N   | 110        | 82              | -    | -
                    | 117-00E  |            |                 |      |
2 2120              | 19-20N   | 100        | 82              | [HANDWRITTEN: 450] | [HANDWRITTEN: 60]
                    | 115-23E  |            |                 |      |
3 2005              | 19-20N   | 40         | 82              | [HANDWRITTEN: 450] | [HANDWRITTEN: 56]
                    | 115-20E  |            |                 |      |
4 2108              | 19-27N   | 60         | 82              | 100  | [HANDWRITTEN: 79]
                    | 115-50E  |            |                 |      |
5 2117              | 19-30N   | 110        | 83              | 150  | [HANDWRITTEN: 76]
                    | 116-48E  |            |                 |      |
6 2117              | 20-49N   | 90         | 81              | 150  | [HANDWRITTEN: 78]
                    | 117-23E  |            |                 |      |
7 2100              | 20-44N   | 100        | 81              | 260  | [HANDWRITTEN: 74]
                    | 118-04E  |            |                 |      |
8 2106              | 20-22N   | 60         | 82              | 120  | [HANDWRITTEN: 78]
                    | 117-10E  |            |                 |      |
9 2113              | 20-24N   | 60         | 80              | 120  | [HANDWRITTEN: 76]
                    | 117-13E  |            |                 |      |
10 2105             | 21-20N   | 100        | 81              | -    | -
                    | 118-07E  |            |                 |      |
11 2102             | 21-06N   | 80         | 80              | 100  | [HANDWRITTEN: 78]
                    | 118-07E  |            |                 |      |

-37-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 87 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-TWO,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
3 August 1944.

FB5-42/A16-3
Serial ( 048 )
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

1st Endorsement to
Report of War Patrol
No. 2 - U.S.S. BANG.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of
War Patrol Number Two.

1. The Second War Patrol of the BANG was conducted
in the South China Sea, south of Formosa. The patrol was of 58
days duration in which 31 days were spent in the areas.

2. The Commanding Officer of the BANG commanded a
Wolf Pack consisting of the U.S.S. BANG, SEAHORSE, and GROWLER.
The GROWLER remained with the pack only four days when required
to leave due to fuel shortage.

3. The BANG made seven contacts.

Contact 1- Attack (1). Empty tanker unescorted, 3 bow tor-
pedoes fired, one hit.

Contact 2- U.S. task force, exchanged recognition signals.

Contact 3- Four U.S. DD's, exchanged recognition signals.

Contact 4- U.S. task force, exchanged recognition signals.

Contact 5- Enemy hospital ship.

Contact 6- At least an eleven ship convoy heavily escorted in
which 3 ships were attacked.
Attack (2a). 4 bow torpedoes fired, two hits on
large engine aft Maru.
Attack (2b). 2 bow torpedoes fired, two hits on
large passenger freighter.
Attack (2c). 4 stern torpedoes fired, three hits
on Terukawa type freighter.

Contact 7- Attack (3). 3 torpedoes were fired down the throat
at Wakatuke destroyer. No hits. This destroyer
was an escort of a convoy consisting of two escorts
and an AK. Destroyer probably had doubtful Radar
contact which caused him to close the BANG.

- 1 -

— page 88 —
FB5-42/A16-3

Serial ( 048 )

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

1st Endorsement to
Report of War Patrol
No. 2 - U.S.S. BANG.

Subject:

SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-TWO,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
3 August 1944.

U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of
War Patrol Number Two.

4. It is recommended that damage inflicted on the
enemy be assessed as follows:

SUN K
Attack 2(a) 1 large AK or AO (EU)
" 2(b) 1 large AK (EU)
" 2(c) 1 AK similar to
Terukawa Maru (EU)

DAMAGED
Attack 1. 1 AO similar to
Syoyo Maru (EU)

5. The health and morale of the officers and crew
on arrival was excellent. Material defects and repairs will
be accomplished during a normal refit.

6. The Commanding Officer, officers and crew of
the BANG are congratulated on the results of their aggressive
patrol, i.e., the damage the BANG rendered the enemy, and the
assist given a sister ship when several enemy escorts left
their convoy to depth charge her thus leaving the convoy poorly
protected which resulted in a very damaging attack made by the
SEAHORSE.

[SIGNATURE: illegible]
D. F. WILLIAMSON.

- 2 -

— page 89 —
FC5-4/A16-3
Serial: 0297

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BANG - Report of
Second War Patrol.

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

Subject:          U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of War Patrol
                  Number TWO.

1.                Forwarded.

2.                Excellent coordination of the fire control party
gave the BANG eight hits from ten torpedoes fired at three dif-
ferent ships in one hundred (100) seconds (attack #2); an envi-
able record. The Commanding Officer has spent most of his sub-
marine service studying methods of torpedo fire. He has made
this subject a specialized hobby and he is now reaping well-
deserved benefits in practical application, resulting in sunken
enemy tonnage.

3.                The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR adds his
congratulations to the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of
the BANG for this second excellent and aggressive patrol.

[SIGNATURE: J. F. ERICK]
J. F. ERICK.
SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR 11/rg
Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
7 August 1944.

— page 90 —
[HANDWRITTEN: Bio-hist]

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET hch
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16)
Serial: 01673
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
11 August 1944.
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to 14 AUG 1944
BANG Report of
Second War Patrol.
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.
COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 492.
U.S.S. BANG - 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. BANG (SS385) - Report of Second War
Patrol. (6 June to 2 August 1944).

1. The second war patrol of the BANG was conducted
in the South China Sea Area around Formosa. Part of the patrol
was also spent in the area surrounding the Battle of the
Philippine Sea. About 10 days were spent patrolling
with two other submarines as a coordinated attack group.

2. The BANG conducted three aggressive torpedo attacks.
The second attack consisted of an excellent end-around run on a
large and heavily escorted convoy which resulted in the BANG
gaining an opportune attack position. After careful planning
the BANG delivered a 10 torpedo attack which sank three enemy
vessels. Attacks attempted later on a convoy, which had been
successfully attacked by the U.S.S. SEAHORSE (SS304), were
frustrated in each attempt by enemy air screens and escort
vessels. These attempts undoubtedly drew off some of the
escorts convoying vessels that were attacked and sunk by the
SEAHORSE.

3. The entire patrol of the BANG was exceptionally
well conducted and results gratifying in spite of intense enemy
anti-submarine activity.

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

5. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers, and crew for
this highly aggressive and successful war patrol. The BANG
is credited with having inflicted the following damage upon
the enemy:

- 1 -

— page 92 —
1ST COPY
DECLASSIFIED - DOD DIR. 5200.8
of 27 Sep 58
BY [HANDWRITTEN: 720] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 4/22/71]

U.S.S. BANG (SS385)
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

SS385/A16
Serial (030-44)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

29 September 1944.

From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander in Chief, U.S. FLEET.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Division 61.
     (2) The Commander Task Group 17.5.
     (3) The Commander Submarine Force, U.S. PACIFIC Fleet.
     (4) The Commander in Chief, U.S. PACIFIC Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BANG - Report of THIRD War Patrol.

Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
            (B) Track Chart (for ComSubPac only).

     1. Enclosure (A) covering the third war patrol of this vessel
conducted in the area to the Northeast of Formosa and the Southern part of
the Nansei Shoto during the period 27 August 1944 to 29 September 1944, is
forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: A.R. Gallaher]
A.R. GALLAHER.

[HANDWRITTEN: 90958]

— page 103 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:  U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of THIRD War Patrol.
(c) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Continued)

CONTACT NO.  7         8         9
          9/24      9/24      9/24
S  DATE    9/24      9/24      9/24
U  TIME    0853      1251      1559
B  LAT     22-09N    22-09N    22-15N
M  LONG    142-09E   142-15E   142-58E
A  SPEED   17.5      15       17
R  COURSE  090       095      090
I  TAIL    Surf      Surf      Surf
N  "MILES" 1         0.0      0.0
E

NUMBER     1         1         1
A  TYPE    B24       B24       1 Engine
R  PROBABLE  Bomber   Unk      Unk
C  HISTORY  Fat      Unk      Unk
R  CONTACTED Lookout  SD       Lookout
A  INITIAL  1        22       12
F  ELEVATION  3       3        3
T  AVERAGE  ND       ND       ND
S  SEAL STATE  2     2        2
C  DISTANCE  210     000      000
M  RELATIVE  210     000      000
D  VISIBILITY  25     25       25
I  CLOUDS    CA      Cu       Ch
T  FLIGHT PT. 1000   1000     1000
O  PERCENT   100     100      100
R  OVERCAST  (1000)

*Minutes since last SD radar search.
Airing and relative bearing of plane when it detected submarine.

Type camouflage this patrol - Light Gray.

-10-
```

— page 115 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:  U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of THIRD War Patrol.

                       ATTACK NO. 6.
Tube Fired                     #10      #9      #8      #7
Track Angle                   100P    102P    104P    106P
Gyro Angle                     190      188      186      184
Depth Set (ft.)                 6        6        6        6
Power

Hit or Miss                     2 Hits
Erratic                          No       No       No       No
Mark Torpedo                  23       23       23       23
Serial No.                     50016   50473   50400   50020
Mark Exploder                  6-4      6-4      6-4      6-4
Serial No.                     2174    13180   8342    1275
Actuation Set                  CONTACT
Actuation Actual               CONTACT
Mark Warhead                   16       16       16       16
Serial No.                     18096   20882   14260   12305
Explosive                       TORPEX
Firing Interval                 0        8        8        8
Type Spread                     Divergent, 10° between torpedoes
Sea Conditions                  Slightly choppy
Overall Activity                U.S. Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor.
Remarks:                       Misses due to target continuing to swing during torpedo run. On
                               attacks 5 and 6 fired lower tubes first because I believe they afford
                               less chance of detection on launching.
-22-                             ENCLOSURE (A)
```

— page 122 —
```
MARINE DIVISION STINY-OPB
TBS-61/A16-3
Serial: 013
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

FLINT REPORTSENT to
U.S.S. EAG (S3355) - Report of
War Patrol No. 3.

From: The Commander Submarine Division STINY-OPB.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: [1] The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
      [2] Subordinate Command, Navy 150.
      [3] The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. EAG (S3355) - Report of THIRD War Patrol.

1. The third war patrol of the U.S.S. EAG was conducted in the area between Northwest Borneo and the Southern part of the Tansia Sitoo. This was a short patrol lasting thirty-three days of which ten days were spent in the area.

2. Three contacts with enemy convoys were made all of which resulted in successful attacks.

ATTACK No. 1 & 2 - On 9 September a smoke contact developed into a convoy consisting of 1 AO and 2 AKs protected by two escorts. The first attempt at a submerged attack was unsuccessful due to distance from the track. The EAG surfaced, improved her position and course. An attack at periscope depth ruined the latter's use of sound to avoid escorts and attain a favorable firing position. Six torpedoes were fired, three at the AO and three at the AK. Two hits were obtained in each target. The AK was seen to break in half and the AO was enveloped in dense black smoke and soon to settle.

This attack was followed by very severe depth charging by the escorts, causing considerable damage as we dove, the staunchness of the ship and skillful tactics avoided serious damage.

ATTACK No. 3 & 4 - On 19 September a pre-dawn radar contact was developed into a submerged attack on a slight ship convoy with five escorts. Again excellent use was made of sound to avoid escorts and reach a favorable position for attack on two AKs after a 215 and 180 degree favorable track on the first target selected, an AO. Four torpedoes were fired for two timed hits on each target. The stern target is believed sunk and the other damaged.

Heavy depth charging also followed this attack; the wakes (17 MK torpedoes) took both and stern tubes undoubtedly gave the escorts excellent interruption of the submarine's position. The charges were accurately placed but fortunately were set too shallow and no damage was sustained.
```

— page 123 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION SIXTY-ONE

FB5-61/A16-3                                    Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                                San Francisco, California,
Serial: 0113                                    1 October 1944.

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

Subject:        U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of THIRD War Patrol.

                ATTACKS No. 5 & 6 - A late afternoon contact on a convoy of
six ships with three or more escorts was followed by a night radar
attack. In spite of maneuvers by the escorts, a good position
for attack was reached. The six bow tubes were fired at three
overlapping ships and the ship swung to fire the stern tubes at
a large AO. Three hits were obtained in two ships from the bow
tube torpedoes and two hits in the AO from the stern tube torpedoes.
This resulted in an AK sunk, an AK damaged and the large AO sunk.
Confusion of the enemy assisted in successful evasion on the surface.
                3.      In all attacks the situations were correctly analyzed
and brilliant execution of the attack plans resulted in maximum
practicable damage being inflicted on the enemy. The use of the
sound gear on the submerged attacks is a striking example of what
can be done with this equipment.

                4.      The maneuvers of the escorts on the night surface
attack is evidence that the enemy escorts vary their stations and
tactics to suit visibility conditions.

                5.      The numerous small explosions noted on the first
attack may have been sono-bombs or hedge hogs or the result of
the enemy's well known indiscriminate gun firing. The ability of
the escorts in tracking for attacks is believed attributable to
sonic listening. The BANG was attempting evasion at 70-80 rpm.
While this speed is well below cavitation speeds and therefore the
super sonic noise level is low, it is possible that the sonic noise
level may have been high. As the enemy is particularly adept at
sonic listening, the effect of speeds in excess of quietest creep-
ing speed on the sonic noise level is considered an excellent
subject for investigation by the research detail. It is believed
that a distinction should be made in all sound surveys and cal-
culation between sonic and super sonic noises particularly in
view of the fact that the enemy almost invariably achieves his
best results sonically.

                6.      This brilliant and highly successful patrol is in-
dicative of a ship that is beautifully organized, trained and
handled in all departments. The ability and perseverance of the
ship's personnel in overcoming the handicap of foul weather through-
out the patrol and in repairing the damage incident to shipping
water in the storm encountered early in the patrol was again
demonstrated in the repair of the damage resulting from the severe
depth charging following the first attack.

                7.      The BANG returned from patrol in very good shape
with all repairs within the capacity of the ship's force completed.
All defects will be corrected during the period of a normal refit.

- 2 -

— page 124 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION SIXTY-ONE

FB5-61/A16-3
Serial: 0113
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of THIRD War Patrol.

Care of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California,
1 October 1944.

8. The Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the
BANG are sincerely congratulated on this outstanding and aggressive
patrol. Refitting of this ship is considered an honor and a
pleasure.

9. It is recommended that the BANG be credited with
having inflicted the following damage on the enemy:

SUNK

1 - AK (Myogi Maru Type) (EU) - - - - 4,000 tons (Attack #1)
1 - AO (Hokko Maru Type) (EU) - - - - 7,600 tons (Attack #2)
1 - AK (Arden Maru Type) (EU) - - - - 4,000 tons (Attack #4)
1 - Medium AK (EU) - - - - - - - 4,000 tons (Attack #5)
1 - AO (Rikko Maru Type) (EU) - - - - 10,000 tons (Attack #6)
Total Sunk - 29,600

DAMAGED

1 - AK (Arden Maru Type) (EU) - - - - 4,000 tons (Attack #3)
1 - AK (Arden Maru Type) (EU) - - - - 4,000 tons (Attack #5)
Total Damaged 8,000 tons
Total sunk and damaged 37,600 tons.

[SIGNATURE: J. C. Broach]
J. C. BROACH.

— page 125 —
COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET, (jc)
SUBORDINATE COMMAND, NAVY NO. 1504.

A16-3 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
Serial: 0162 1 October 1944.

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO, USS BANG(SS385) re-
port of Third War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
Subordinate Command, Navy No. 1504.
To : The Commander in Chief, U. S. Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BANG(SS385) - Report of THIRD War Patrol.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks contained in
the first endorsement and adding most hearty congratulations to
the Commanding Officer, officers and crew upon the completion of
this third successive outstanding war patrol.

[SIGNATURE: J. M. WILL]

— page 127 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)

Serial 02264

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
BANG Report of
Third War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 543.
U.S.S. BANG - THIRD WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of Third War Patrol.
(27 August to 29 September 1944).

1. The third war patrol of the BANG was conducted in the
area to the northeast of Formosa and the southern part of Nansei Shoto.

2. This outstanding patrol is the third in succession for
the BANG. Three convoys were contacted and six aggressive, expert
attacks made. The ability, courage and perseverance displayed by the
BANG, both in the attacks and the evasion, including successful
evasion of two very severe depth chargings, either of which might have
been fatal, are object lessons for all. It is noted that the often
reported "numerous small explosions" accompanying the anti-submarine
attacks was again encountered by the BANG. No definite explanation
of their cause has yet been advanced.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this brilliant
and highly successful patrol. In three patrols the BANG has built up
the remarkable record of 11 ships sunk including one destroyer, for
75,600 tons and five ships damaged for 32,300 tons. The BANG is
credited with having inflicted the following damage upon the enemy
during this patrol:

S U N K
1 - AK (MYOGI or HOKUYO MARU Type) (LC) - 4,000 tons (Attack No. 1)
1 - Medium AO (HOKKO MARU Type) (LC) - 7,600 tons (Attack No. 2)
1 - AK (ADEN MARU Type) (EC) - 5,800 tons (Attack No. 4)
1 - Medium AK (EU) - 4,000 tons (Attack No. 5)
1 - Large AO (EU) - 10,000 tons (Attack No. 6)

TOTAL SUNK 31,400 tons

- 1 -
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET hch
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
October 15, 1944.
16 OCT 1944

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

— page 128 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]
U.S.S. BANG (SS385)
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

DECLASSIFIED - DOD DIR. 5200.9
of 27 Sep 58
BY [UNCLEAR: 92C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 4/22/71]

SS385/A16
Serial 036
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

5 December 1944.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of FOURTH War Patrol.

Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart (for ComSubPac only).

1. Enclosure (A) covering the FOURTH War Patrol of this vessel
conducted in the area to the Northeast of Formosa and the Southern part of
the Nansei Shoto during the period 25 October 1944 to 5 December 1944, is
forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: allgallaher]
A. R. GALLAHER.

— page 129 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: - U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of FOURTH War Patrol.
(A) PROLOGUE

Arrived midway on 29 September 1944, from THIRD War Patrol. From 30 September to 24 October, went training and loading. Report to Submarine Base Midway and Submarine Division 61. Relief Crew was embarked. Ready for sea 25 October.

(B) NARRATIVE

25 October
1530(X) Departed Midway enroute to station in accordance with comSubForce 17's Cap Instruction Order No. 755. U.S.S. REDFISH and U.S.S. CHUB in company.

Crossed Equator 1721 October

Normal auditing, training dives and drills. All times KING unless otherwise stated.

1 November
0855 Sighted plane (Plane Contact No. 1) with zero angle on the bow. Submerged when range closed to 8 miles.
0918 Surfaced.
0930 Sighted plane (Plane Contact No. 2) with zero angle on the bow. Submerged when range closed to 8 miles.
1315 Surfaced. Sighted submarine (Plane Contact No. 3) a few minutes later with large angle and very distance 17 miles. Plane did not close.

2 November
Numerous friendly plane contacts during the morning.
1135 Arrived Saipan, moored to U.S.S. FULTON. Received fuel and effected minor voyage repairs.

3 November
0816 Underway enroute area in company with U.S.S. REDFISH and U.S.S. SHAD.

4 November
1115 Passed U.S.S. ESTIVO on opposite course. Exchanged recognition signals and calls.
1820 Passed U.S.S. COD on opposite course. Exchanged recognition signals and calls.

5 November
1320 Sighted plane (Plane Contact No. 4) distance 12 miles. Submerged.
1340 Surfaced.
-1-
```

— page 131 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:  U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of FOURTH War Patrol

                             13 November

0810    Submerged.
1530    Surfaced.  Low visibility and state 4 sea, made periscope patrol ineffective.
1621    Sighted plane (Plane Contact No. 6) distance 7 miles.  Submerged.
1640    Surfaced.

                             14 November

0735    Submerged.
1830    Surfaced.
2100    SJ radar contact at 26,500 yards (Ship Contact No. 1).  Headed for target at standard speed.  Only one pip.  Soon made out mast lights and then "two red crosses and a lighted green band along ship's entire length.  This was a properly marked hospital ship on steady course 055°, speed 11 knots.  Exercised both radar tracking parties for one hour.

                             15 November

0737    Submerged.
1200    Sighted plane (Plane Contact No. 7) distance 8 miles.
1902    Surfaced.

                             16-17 November

Patrolled submerged during daylight.

                             18 November

0715    Submerged.
1340    Sighted plane (Plane Contact No. 8) distance 8 miles.
1396    Surfaced.
2005    Sighted HOKA SHO light, bearing 350°T, distance 18 miles.

                             19 November

0730    Submerged.
1937    Surfaced.

                             20 November

0728    Submerged.
0950    Sighted plane (Plane Contact No. 9) distance 9 miles.
1530    Sighted plane (Plane Contact No. 10) distance 8 miles.
1612    Sighted formation of 3 planes (Plane Contact No. 11) distance 10 miles.
1974    Surfaced.
```

— page 136 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of FOURTH War Patrol.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

CONTACT NO. | 1      | 2      | 3      | 4      | 5      | 6      | 7
|||||||
DATE         | 11/1   | 11/1   | 11/1   | 11/5   | 11/7   | 11/13  | 11/13
S ZONE       | -10    | -10    | -10    | -10    | -10    | -10    | -10
U TIME       | 0855   | 1300   | 1420   | 1320   | 0520   | 1621   | 1200
B LAT.       | 17-40N | 17-27N | 17-25N | 21-02N | 26-41N | 25-17N | 25-30N
M LONG.      | 149-40E| 148-50E| 148-45E| 135-58E| 132-51E| 123-14E| 122-20E
A            |        |        |        |        |        |        |
R SPEED      | 15     | 15     | 15     | 15     | 8      | 8      | 2
I            |        |        |        |        |        |        |
N COURSE     | 256    | 255    | 250    | 302    | 303    | 070    | 200
E.           |        |        |        |        |        |        |
TRIM         | Surf   | Surf   | Surf   | Surf   | Surf   | Surf   | Per
*MINUTES     | 0.0    | 0.0    | 0.0    | 0.0    | 0.0    | 0.0    | 0.0
|||||||
NUMBER       | 1      | 1      | 1      | 1      | 1      | 3      | 1
A TYPE       | PB2Y   | PB2Y   | PB2Y   | Unk    | Unk    | Unk    | TOPSY
I PROBABLE   |        |        |        |        |        |        |
R MISSION    | Pat    | Pat    | Pat    | Pat    | Pat    | Pat    | Trans
C HOW        |        |        |        |        |        |        |
R CONTACTED  | Lookout| Lookout| Lookout| Lookout| Lookout| Lookout| Per
A INITIAL    |        |        |        |        |        |        |
F RANGE      | 15     | 16     | 17     | 12     | 3.5    | 7      | 8
T ELEVATION  |        |        |        |        |        |        |
ANGLE        | 3      | 4      | 5      | 3      | 3      | 3      | 5
%RANGE AND   |        |        |        |        | 267R   | UNK    | ND
BEARING      | UNK    | UNK    | UNK    | ND     | 3.5    |        |
|||||||
SEA STATE:   |        |        |        |        |        |        |
C (BEAUFORT):| 3      | 2      | 1      | 2      | 3      | 3      | 2
O DIRECTION, |        |        |        |        |        |        |
N RELATIVE   | 090    | 090    | 032    | 020    | 000    | 345    | 290
D VISIBILITY,|        |        |        |        |        |        |
I MILES      | 30     | 30     | 30     | 20     | 5      | 10     | 6
T (CLOUDS)   |        |        |        |        |        |        |
O HEIGHT FT. | 1600   | 1600   | 1600   | 4000   | 10,000 | 600    | 600
N PERCENT    |        |        |        |        |        |        |
S OVERCAST   | 30     | 30     | 30     | 80     | 10     | 100    | 90
(MOON)       |        |        |        |        |        |        |
BEARING (R)  | -      | -      | -      | -      | -      | -      | -
|||||||

*Minutes since last SD radar search.
%Range and relative bearing of plane when it detected submarine.

Type camouflage this patrol - Light Gray.

-8-                                                       ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 159 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
11/jfs

FC5-4/A16-3
14 December 1944.
Serial: 0550
C O N F I D E N T I A L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS BANG (SS385) Report
of Fourth War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of Fourth War
Patrol.

1. Following a refit at Midway, the U.S.S. BANG,
on 25 October 1944, departed to conduct a War Patrol as a
unit of a coordinated attack group along with the U.S.S. RED-
FISH and U.S.S. SHAD, Commander L. D. McGREGOR, JR.,
U.S.N., Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. REDFISH, as Task
Group Commander. The patrol, in the area northeast of Formosa,
was of forty-two days' duration, and terminated by expenditure
of all torpedoes.

2. On 23 November 1944, upon receipt of contact
reports from the U.S.S. REDFISH and U.S.S. SHAD, the U.S.S.
BANG closed a convoy which consisted of five Marus and three
escorts, and, during the night, made seven surface attacks
for ten hits, out of a total of twenty-four Mark 18 torpedoes
fired.

Attacks Nos. 1 and 2 were classic examples
of the divided fire problem that were beautifully
executed. Three torpedoes from the bow tubes were
fired at a medium AK (Attack No. 1), and three more
torpedoes from bow tubes were fired at a large AK
(Attack No. 2). Two hits were observed on each tar-
get. Both targets were observed to sink.

Attack No. 3. After firing three bow
tubes at the large AK in Attack No. 2, the U.S.S.
BANG swung around to bring her stern tubes to bear
to finish off this important target. Four stern

- 1 -

— page 160 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

FC5-4/A16-3
Serial: 0550
C O N F I D E N T I A L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS BANG (SS385) Report
of Fourth War Patrol. (Cont'd.)

14 December 1944.

tubes were fired, but the target was observed to
sink prior to the first torpedo reaching the target.
However, a lucky hit was made in an overlapping
medium AK.

Attack No. 4. A firing set-up was made
on a merchantman, but a zig toward by an escort
necessitated a quick change. Set-up was shifted to
the escort and three torpedoes were fired at
what was believed to be a Chidori-type escort. All
missed, probably due to the six-foot depth setting
that was intended for the Maru.

Attack No. 5. Immediately after Attack
No. 4, the U.S.S. BANG shifted set-up to target
originally intended for Attack No. 4, a medium AK.
Three bow tubes were fired. All missed.

Attack No. 6. Following rapidly Attack No.
5, the U.S.S. BANG swung left to bring her stern
tubes to bear, and fired the nest at a medium AK.
Three hits were observed, and the target sank in
less than one minute. Following this attack the
escorts closed in on the U.S.S. BANG, so she retired
at flank speed to reload. Three radar pips remained.
Never out of contact, the U.S.S. BANG then turned
back and commenced an approach on what was believed
to be an Itsukushima class minelayer.

Attack No. 7. Fired the remaining four
torpedoes from the bow tubes at the minelayer for two
hits. Target sank rapidly.

It is noteworthy that these seven attacks were
all made within a period of two hours and forty-five minutes.

3. The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR heartily
congratulates the Commanding Officer, Officers, and crew of

- 2 -

— page 161 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

FC5-4/A16-3

Serial: 0550
14 December 1944.

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

— page 162 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)
Serial 02827
CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
BANG Report of Fourth
War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 606.
U.S.S. BANG - FOURTH WAR PATROL.

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET.
hch
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
13 December 1944.

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

From : The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.
(25 October to 5 December 1944).

1. The fourth war patrol of the BANG was conducted in areas
northeast of Formosa and in the southern part of Nansei Shoto. The
BANG was one of three submarines forming a coordinated attack group.

2. This was the fourth successive and highly successful
war patrol for the BANG. In typical BANG fashion this fighting sub-
marine attacked an enemy convoy of five freighters and three or four
escort vessels, the first contact worthy of torpedoes, and in less
than three hours made seven night radar torpedo attacks in which all
torpedoes were expended. These extremely aggressive and well planned
attacks eliminated the better part of the convoy. The BANG had the
unique experience of firing torpedoes at a ship which she had prev-
iously damaged, only to have the ship sink prior to the arrival of
the torpedoes. One of these torpedoes, however, hit another target
in the far column. The BANG also damaged a sampan by gun fire.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this highly suc-
cessful patrol, another in the outstanding record of the BANG. In
four patrols she has sunk fifteen vessels for a total of 94,000 tons
and damaged six for a total of 36,350 tons. For this fourth patrol,
the BANG is credited with having inflicted the following damage upon
the enemy:

S U N K
1 - Medium Freighter (EU) - 4,000 tons (Attack No. 1)
1 - Large Freighter (NANKAI MARU Class) - 8,400 tons (Attack No. 2)
(EC)
1 - Medium Freighter (EU) - 4,000 tons (Attack No. 3)
1 - Minelayer (ITSUKUSHIMA Class)(EC) - 2,000 tons (Attack No. 7)

TOTAL SUNK 18,400 tons

- 1 -

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

— page 164 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st COPY]

SS385/A16
Serial (01-45)

U.S.S. BANG (SS385)
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

24 February 1945.

From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Division 202.
     (2) The Commander Submarine Squadron 20.
     (3) The Commander Submarine Force, U.S. PACIFIC Fleet.
     (4) The Commander in Chief, U.S. PACIFIC Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of FIFTH War Patrol.

Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
           (B) Track Chart (ComSubPac only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the FIFTH War Patrol of this vessel
conducted in the East China Sea and Yellow Sea area during the period
2 January 1945 to 24 February 1945 is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: A. R. Gallaher]
A. R. GALLAHER.
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/23/72]

[HANDWRITTEN: 110808]

— page 168 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of FIFTH War Patrol.

1545  Came up to periscope depth. Nothing in sight.
1912  Surfaced.

13-18 February
Patrolling submerged during daylight.
Sighted planes as follows:
1005/15  Plane Contact No. 5, distance 8 miles.
1317/15  Plane Contact No. 6, distance 8 miles.
1355/15  Plane Contact No. 7, distance 9 miles.
0645/17  Plane Contact No. 8, distance 10 miles.

19 February
0645  Submerged.
1857  Surfaced.
2230  Departed area.

20-21 February
Enroute Guam.
1403/21  Sighted plane (Plane Contact No. 9), distance 3 miles. Plane
spread in a break in the clouds for a few seconds with a large
angle on the bow; tracked out by SD radar.

22 February
Enroute Guam.
1240  SD radar contact on plane (Plane Contact No. 10), distance 5 miles.
1311  Submerged.
Surfaced.

23 February

24 February
Moored Guam.
```

— page 170 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of FIFTH War Patrol.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

CONTACT NO. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

DATE | 1/21 | 2/6 | 2/9 | 2/12 | 2/15 | 2/15
SUBMARINE
TIME | 1410 | 0755 | 1508 | 0950 | 1005 | 1317
LAT. | 30-48N | 33-58N | 34-41N | 37-44N | 33-08N | 33-05N
LONG. | 128-35E | 123-59E | 124-20E | 124-26E | 124-20E | 124-26E
AIRCRAFT
SPEED | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5
COURSE | 000 | 330 | 030 | 180 | 125 | 125
TRIM | Per | Per | Per | Per | Per | Per
*MINUTES | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0
NUMBER | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
TYPE | Bomber | BETTY | NELL | Unk | OSCAR | BETTY
PROBABLE
MISSION | Unk | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat
HOW
CONTACTED | Per | Per | Per | Per | Per | Per
INITIAL
RANGE | 8 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8
ELEVATION
ANGLE | 6 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3
RANGE AND
BEARING | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND
CONDITIONS
SEA STATE:
(BEAUFORT) | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3
DIRECTION,
RELATIVE | 330 | 000 | 300 | 030 | 000 | 000
VISIBILITY,
MILES | 20 | 20 | 30 | 12 | 15 | 15
CLOUDS
HEIGHT FT. | 1200 | 5000 | 3000 | 8000 | 10,000 | 10,000
PERCENT
OVERCAST | 90 | 100 | 80 | 60 | 50 | 60
MOON
BEARING (REL) | DAY | DAY | DAY | DAY | DAY | DAY

*Minutes since last SD radar search.
%Range and relative bearing of plane when it detected submarine.

Type camouflage this patrol - Light Grey.

-6-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 173 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:  U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of FIFTH War Patrol.
ATTACK NO. 1

| Tubes Fired          | 7    | 8    | 10   |
| Track Angle          | 148° | 148° | 152° |
| Gyro Angle           | 182  | 184  | 187  |
| Depth Set (ft)      | 4    | 4    | 4    |
| Power                | High | High | High  |
| Hit or Miss          | Miss | Miss | Miss  |
| Erratic              | No   | No   | No    |
| Mark Torpedo         | L-34A| L-34A| L-34A |
| Serial No.           | 40751| 64077| 40282 |
| Mark Exploder        | 6-5  | 6-5  | 6-5   |
| Serial No.           | 26896| 14299| 26796 |
| Actuation Set        | CONTACT | CONTACT | CONT.CT |
| Actuation Actual     | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1  |
| Mark Warhead         | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1  |
| Serial No.           | 16705| 15202| 19389 |
| Expiration           | TOREX | TOREX | TOREX |
| Firing Interval      | 0    | 8    | 16   |
| Type Spread          | 14'  | 0    | 18'  |
| Sea Conditions       | Moderate Swell |
| Overhaul Activity     | U.S. Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor. |
| REMARKS: Please due to unknown control errors, or torpedoes under
| jumping the target.

-9-
ENCLOSURE (A)
```

— page 177 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of FIFTH War Patrol.

same condition occurred. Disassembly revealed the fan to be
extremely out of balance. All attempts to balance the fan proved
futile, with the result that this valuable asset to the health and
comfort of the forward compartments was out of commission during
the patrol.

(f) Vapor Distillers:

Discharge pressure of #1 vapor still reached 7# per square inch on
6 February. Temperature could not be raised above 140° without
cutting down overflow to less than 12 gallons per hour. Still was
disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled in 36 hours, due to the
perserverance and skill of the members of the engineering force.
Several glassy layers of scale were chipped off, apparently the
residue from previous acid cleanings. After cleaning, still operated
satisfactorily in all respects.

(g) Reduction Gears and Thrust Bearings:

1. The apparent noise level of the reduction gears increased markedly,
   continuing the trend of previous patrols. Noise level is now such
   that the term "silent running" has lost most of its meaning. The
   last sound test of the ship showed a 91 db. noise level at 60 turns.
2. When diving and changing speed, severe vibration of the starboard
   shaft is apparent, together with loud knocking noises from the
   vicinity of the thrust bearings and reduction gears. This condition
   also exists to a smaller degree in the port shaft.

(h) Drum Type Controllers:

The drum type controllers were more than usually unreliable on this
patrol. The trim pump controller was almost totally inoperative during
the last ten days of the patrol during which time the drain pump was
used for compensation. This condition might easily jeopardize the
safety of the boat, since when attacked the boat becomes heavy and
going deep to escape depth charge attack the boat becomes heavy and
depth control cannot be maintained without running at a speed far
in excess of quietest running speed. With our noisy reduction gears
on this ship. #1 hydraulic controller was also extremely hard to
operate due to tripping out. It is hoped that the drum type con-
troller will be replaced during the next refit.

C & R
(a) High Pressure Air Compressors:

The third stage inter coolers of both high pressure air compressors
cracked loose from the cooler to twice during this patrol. Coolers were
removed and rebrazed, and cracks in coolers repaired by silver solder-
ing. This defect has been found every previous patrol.

-12- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 180 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of FIFTH War Patrol.

(a) Replaced horizontal centering and RF gain controls in Receiver unit.
(b) Installed new 724-A, crystal, and retuned RF assembly.
(c) Adjusted the transmitter delay by means of the Pre-Knock due to the fact that the range step would not service. Changed faulty tube in that range unit.
(d) Tuned the standing wave ratio of the wave guide to eliminate the double nodding effect of tube pulling of the insulator. On certain bearings, the wave-guide bag has the appearance of being replaced off center.

Maximum ranges obtained are 14,000 yards on a submarine and 90,000 yards on land.

SD-41: Aircraft were picked up from 20 to 30 miles. After retuning the RF section, land was picked up at 48 miles.

The major failures are listed below:
(a) Replaced two RF tubes, defective because of arcing of the trans-
    mitter without proper loading of the antenna.
(b) Replaced two defective tubes in IF strip. Sensitivity was
    increased to a great extent.
(c) Installed two 60A1K oscillation tubes and retuned the RF lines.
    Tubes failed due to excessive hours.

ARK-71: This gear operated satisfactorily.

SN: The only failure experienced was that the 1.5-E transmitter tube became
    gaseous and ceased to oscillate. This was replaced and the set tuned by means
    of the OAP inventor.

AFR-SPA: Very satisfactory operation.

(H) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

Sound gear performance was satisfactory. Sound conditions were bad
due to hull background noise caused by rough seas and shallow water, except
for one calm day. On this day, high-speed screws were picked up at about
1,000 yards by the 1-K, and shortly thereafter by the 1-K. These screws
were tracked out to approximately 23,000 yards.

-15-
ENCLOSURE (A)
```

— page 182 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of FIFTH War Patrol.

(S) DURATION

    Days Pearl to Saipan                                  11
    Days Saipan to Area                                    7
    Days in Area                                          29
    Days Area to Guam                                      4
    Days Submerged                                        31

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

    Torpedoes                                             19
    Fuel                                              19,660 gallons
    Provisions                                            16 days
    Personnel                                         Indeterminate

    Limiting factor this patrol - Orders from ComSubPac

(U) RADIO AND RADAR COUNTERMEASURES

    No radio countermeasures were attempted by this vessel on this patrol.

    The radar countermeasures taken consisted entirely of interception of
    Japanese radar signals by the APR intercept receiver. Upon completion of the
    refit at Pearl Harbor, received the new B type tuning units, covering a
    frequency range from 37 mc to 1000 mc., and a TN-4A unit covering the centimeter
    range. The B type units were found to be superior to the A series units both
    in range of reception and sensitivity. The incorporation of the automatic
    tuning feature made for easier operation. There was a great deal of distortion
    encountered when the drive motors were operated from the VHF motor generator,
    but this was overcome by the use of dry cells.

    The TN-4 tuning unit was not of much use for interception. Although there
    was a coaxial cable supplied with the unit to be connected into the SJ wave
    guide, the attenuation of this cable prevented any weak signal from reaching
    the receiver. The mounted APR antenna was of no use. The fact that the SJ had
    to be secured during its operation was another reason for its disuse.

    A continuous watch was kept on the surface.

    The log of intercepts follow, all times ITEM:

-17-                                                      ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 186 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: - U.S.S. BANG (5835) - Report of PTFN War Patrol.

DATE:          SHIP:            FREQUENCY    PRF     PULSE WIDTH    ANTENNA
TIME:          POSITION:        IN MC       CPS     IN µ SEC       ROTATION
20 Feb        21-0-0"N         75           450     18             Random
0000          128-48-18
Remarks: This signal was medium in strength but the pulse width was about half of that of the other 75 mc radars encountered so far.
Sketch:

20 Feb        30-0-3"N         155          400     13             None
1930          129-59-18
Remarks: This signal was strong and steady.
Sketch:

20 Feb        30-0-3"N         Same intercept as 0300, 31 January.
1930          129-59-18
20 Feb        30-0-3"N         75           400     36             Irregular
1930          129-59-18
Remarks: This signal was weak when first picked up but reached saturation at 2000.
Sketch:

20 Feb        30-0-0"N         390          400     12             Random
2030          130-21-18
Remarks: Very weak. This signal may be a harmonic of a 155 mc radar.
Sketch:

-21-
[STAMP: ENCL. (4)]
```

— page 189 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED TWO
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
24 February 1945.

FB5-202/A16-3
Serial: 08
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to:
CO BANG 1tr. SS385/A16
Ser: (01-45) of 24 February 1945
Report of 5th War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of War Patrol Number FIVE.

1. On her fifth war patrol the U.S.S. BANG was a member of a
coordinated attack group which included the U.S.S. SPADEFISH, ATULE and POMPON.
The Commanding Officer of the SPADEFISH was the Group Commander. The patrol
was of fifty three days duration of which twenty eight were spent in the
assigned East China Sea and Yellow Sea area.

2. Despite thorough area coverage the BANG could close but one
contact worthy of torpedo fire and seas were too rough for gun engagements.
The encountering of but ten hostile aircraft is a further indication that
the enemy has, at least temporarily, discontinued his traffic through these
waters.

3. On submerged patrol the afternoon of 10 February, a small
steamer of about 1000 tons was sighted coming out of a snow squall, initial
range 2400 yards. The BANG fired three steam torpedoes on a large track
shortly thereafter. Adequate time had not been available for correct solu-
tion of the attack problem and no hits resulted. With the present paucity
of large targets the expenditure of three torpedoes on this attack is
considered definitely warranted.

4. During the morning of 12 February the BANG was unable to
close two DD's (or DE's) for a submerged attack. An enemy aircraft then
intervened to prevent a possible surface end around. Shortly thereafter
the BANG wisely and successfully evaded what appeared to be an anti subma-
rine group consisting of an SC type patrol boat and a peculiarly interesting
broad flat bottomed craft of about 800 tons, heavily armed.

5. The BANG arrived from patrol clean but in poor material
condition. Her reduction gears are excessively noisy and necessary steps
to silence them should be taken during a navy yard overhaul. This overhaul
should follow her next patrol. Every facility of the Squadron is being
directed to the successful accomplishment of this refit in the normal period.
The generally poor condition of the engineering and electrical plants may,
however, cause a short delay.

-1-

— page 190 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED TWO

FB5-202/A16-3
Serial: 08

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of War Patrol Number FIVE.

— page 191 —
FC5-20/A16-3
Serial: (026)
CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO BANG ltr. SS385/A16
Ser: (01-45) of 24 Feb. 1945.
Report of 5th War Patrol.

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
28 February 1945.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of War Patrol Number FIVE.

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

2. It is regretted that the BANG, through lack of ship contacts,
was unable to repeat her previous brilliant performances. However, the
commanding officer, officers and crew may take enduring satisfaction and
just pride from the splendid record of 94,000 tons sunk and over 36,000 tons
damaged in less than a year.

L. S. PARKS.

— page 192 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET Ca
Serial 0446 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
CONFIDENTIAL 10 MAR 1945 9 March 1945.
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
BANG Report of DESTROYED PRIOR TO
Fifth War Patrol. ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 686
U.S.S. BANG - FIFTH 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. BANG (SS385) - Report of Fifth War Patrol
(2 January to 24 February 1945).

1. The fifth war patrol of the BANG, under the command of
Commander A. R. Gallaher, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the East China
Sea - Yellow Sea areas. The BANG, U.S.S. SPADEFISH (SS411), U.S.S.
ATULE (SS403), and U.S.S. PONTON (SS267) formed a coordinated attack
group with the commanding officer of the SPADEFISH as the group
commander.

2. Unfortunately during this patrol the BANG, with her
splendid fighting record and despite thorough and aggressive area
coverage, was afforded but one opportunity to inflict damage upon the
enemy. This was a hurried attack on a small steamer, sighted coming
out of a snow squall, and no hits were obtained.

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

J. H. BROWN, Jr.,
Deputy ComSubPac.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7) ComsubspacAd (20)
CNO (5) SUBAD, IT (2)
Cincpac (1) ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
JICPOA (1) All Squadron and Div.
AdJICPOA (1) Commanders, Pacific (2)
Comservpac (1) Substrainpac (2)
Cinclant (1) All Submarines, Pacific (1)
Comsubslant (8)
S/M School, NL (2) [SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes 2nd]
CO, S/M Base, PH (1)
Comsopac (2) E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Comsowespac (1) Flag Secretary.
Comsubsowespac (2)
CTG 71.9 (2)
Comnorpac (1)
Comsubspac (3)

— page 193 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

SS385/A16
Serial: (07-45)

U.S.S. BANG (SS385)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

18 May 1945.

DECLASSIFIED-A-L

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

Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
 (B) Track Chart (ComSubPac only).

 1. Enclosure (A), covering the SIXTH War Patrol of this vessel
conducted in the Luzon Straits and East Formosa areas during the period
25 March 1945 to 18 May 1945 is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: C.W. Bagby]
O. W. BAGBY.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/23/72]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 123800]

— page 195 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:      U.S.S. RING, Report of War Patrol Number Six.

1830  Escort released.  Proceeding to area, conducting dives,
       training, and radar tracking drills enroute.

2040  Contacted friendly submarine on opposite course (SC #1).
       Unable to get her call by SJ.  Had been warned of numerous
       friendly subs during briefing.

2318  Received message from SNOOK informing pack that she was
       returning to base for repairs and telling BURFISH to take
       charge.  SNOOK left formation.

26 March
1200  Posit Lat. 15-55N, Long. 140-00E.
       SD contact, 20 miles.  Showed IFF.  Did not close.

27 March
1200  Posit Lat. 18-49N, Long. 136-41E.
1405  SD contact, 17 miles.  Showed IFF.  Did not close.

28 March
0330  Radar interference to southward, followed by nip at 11,000 yds.
       (SC #2).  Attempted to identify, but was unable to read her call.
       Evidently friendly submarine on opposite course.

0905  SD contact, 10 miles.  Exchanged recognition by flashing light
       with B-24.

1145  Three ships on horizon, bearing 320°T (SC #3), on approximately
       opposite course.  Identified as one DD and two DE's.  Exchanged
       recognition signals with DD.

1200  Posit Lat. 20-45N, Long. 131-30E.
1500  SD contact, 10 miles.  Showed IFF.  Did not close.

29 March
1020  Sighted ship on horizon, bearing 238°T (SC #4).  Recognized
       friendly submarine shares, on opposite courses.  Passed too far
       for exchange of calls.

1200  Posit Lat. 21-51N, Long. 126-51E.
```

— page 199 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:  U.S.S. B.N.G., Report of War Patrol Number Six.

1933  Surfaced.  Proceeding up east coast of Formosa.  Wind and sea picking up from NNE to force 5.

11 April
0600  On lifeguard station for scheduled strikes.  Sea rough, sky heavily overcast with squalls and general low visibility.
1200  Posit Lat.  23-19N, Long.  121-55E.
1400  Assigned strikes were called off.  Submerged to re-stow gear and got some rest.
1935  Surfaced.  Wind and seas moderating.
2300  Received word that air strikes had been postponed until the following two days.

12 April
0613  Submerged.  We were being plagued by several different types of Jap radar, and considered it advisable to be submerged during morning twilight in view of the heavy overcast.
0900  Surfaced.  Sea state 3; visibility poor to fair, but improving.
1200  Posit Lat.  23-35N, Long.  121-47E.
1517  Sighted large plane resembling B-29 at great range on northerly course.  Evidently did not see us.
1600  Submerged.
1935  Surfaced.

13 April
0615  Submerged.
0900  Surfaced.  Sea fairly calm, weather clear.  Overcast soon closed in, however, in typical east-of-Formosa style.
1200  Posit Lat.  23-18N, Long.  121-55E.
1400  Received the sad news of the death of the Commander-in-Chief.  This news came as a tragic shock to all on board.

-6-
ENCLOSURES (1)
```

— page 201 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BANG, Report of War Patrol Number 51.

1729 Submerged.
1942 Surfaced.
2300 Received orders shifting our lifeguard station to the northeast of Formosa.

14 April
0612 Submerged.
1200 Post lat. 23°45'N, Long. 122°00'E.
1229 Sighted possible life raft through periscope; with two figures on it. Proceeded to investigate. One of the figures soon spread its arms and fled off.
1300 Surfaced. Floating object appeared to be wreckage of a small boat.
1325 Submerged.
1922 Surfaced.

15 April
0505 Submerged; main induction failed to show closed at 30 feet, so an investigation revealed that a casualty had occurred in the second hydraulic pump, which he had been giving alarm (one major defect and two minor defects caused by low pressure regime).
[UNCLEAR: text here] too much for one pump to handle, and we were forced to close rapidly. No damage was sus-
[UNCLEAR: text here] fully concur in all the unpleasant things said about drum type controllers.

0610
0830 Sighted 1-2-4 on northerly course, apparently on routine patrol.
1200
[UNCLEAR: text here] Long. 122°31'E.
1248 Sighted 1-2-4 on southerly course.
1432 Surfaced.
1440 Submerged.
1923 Surfaced.
```

— page 202 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BANG, Report of War Patrol Number Six.

16 April
0603 Submerged.
1200 Posit Lat. 25-05N, Long. 122-39E.
1455 Surfaced.
1535 Submerged.
1927 Surfaced.
2300 Received orders to lifeguard the next day for 5th Air Force
     east of central Formosa. Proceeding south to this point.

17 April
0605 Submerged.
0932 Surfaced. Wind and sea force 2, weather fairly clear.
1200 Posit Lat. 23-02N, Long. 121-52E.
1210 Made rendezvous with our PBY cover.
1250 Sighted PB4Y about 12 miles to westward, on southerly course.
     He nosed over to investigate, then proceeded on his way.
1300 PBY departed, strike completed.
1309 Submerged.
1552 Surfaced to guard air rescue schedule.
1710 Submerged.
1925 Surfaced.

18 April
0610 Submerged.
1200 Posit Lat. 24-35N, Long. 122-38E.
1221 Sighted group of nine P-38's on easterly course.
1514 Surfaced.

-8- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 207 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BANG, Report of War Patrol Number Six.

1200 Posit Lat. 24-11N, Long. 122-23E.

1448 Surfaced.

1507 Submerged.

1925 Surfaced.

2350 Jap 150 mc airborne radar detected on APR, coming in strong.
     When signal reached saturation at half-gain, keyed SD, but no
     contact. Signal continued strong, being keyed intermittently,
     for about 15 minutes, then gradually faded out.

28 April

0553 Submerged.

1200 Posit Lat. 24-24N, Long. 122-36E.

1405 Sighted unidentified single engine plane about seven miles away,
     circling. He disappeared shortly.

1526 Surfaced.

1553 Submerged.

1740 Sighted unidentified plane on northeasterly course.

1745 As periscope was being swung in low power sweep, QM saw plane
     on our port bow, distance estimated 1½ miles, in the act of letting
     a bomb go. Plane believed to be Val. Heard bomb through hull, and
     a minute later another as we went to 150 feet. This plane was not
     the same one sighted five minutes earlier, since he had disappeared
     on a bearing fifty degrees away. An all-around periscope sweep had
     been made in the interim, but the second plane must have dived from
     high altitude. Sea was state 2 to 3, our speed 2.5 knots with 6
     feet of periscope exposed, taking alternate low and high-power sweeps.

1807 Returned to periscope depth. All clear.

1817 Sighted six single engine planes, distance three miles, zero angle,
     flying low. Went deep. These boys are really earnest.

1919 Returned to periscope depth. All clear. Decided that during the
     several days we had inhabited this part of the area (northwest of
     Yonakuni Jima), we must have been sighted on the surface during
     daylight while up for the afternoon fix or the evening Air Operation
     Intelligence Circuit schedule, or else our SD had been D-F'd.

-13-                               ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 208 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:          U.S.S. BANG, Report of War Patrol Number Six.

...had been using the SD intermittently on account of the usually heavy overcast. I do not know why our dive bomber friend should have been so far off unless he never saw us at all.

1947 Surfaced. In view of stepped up air activity in this vicinity during the past several days, and the full moon, decided to move southwestward toward the Formosa coast.

2230 Received ComSubPac Serial five five directing BANG to remain on station until sunset May 3rd.

29 April
0556 Submerged.
1200 Posit Lat. 22-48N, Long. 121-37E.
1930 Surfaced. Using SD intermittently since it is just beginning to get dark and a heavy overcast prevails.
1949 SD contact, 6 miles.
1950 SD contact closed to 4 miles. Dove. It has become impossible to count the first A.O.I.C. schedule unless it is shifted at least ½ hour later. However, none of our lifeguard assignments so far has been received on that schedule.
2016 Surfaced. All Clear.

30 April
0552 Submerged.
1200 Posit Lat. 22-49N, Long. 121-32E.
1950 Surfaced.

1 May
0550 Submerged.
1200 Posit Lat. 22-32N, Long. 121-29E.
1355 Sighted B-24 on southerly course.

1918 Surfaced, low barometer with force two wind and seas from south, built up to state five from north. Frequent squalls and lighting. St. King’s fire on radio entrance caused APR signals all over the dial.
-1-
```

— page 210 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BANG, Report of War Patrol Number Six.

7 May
2045 Passed friendly submarine at 10,000 yds. on opposite course. From advance information, assumed to be RUPERT, although we were unable to establish communication by SJ-keys. He expected to be attempting to communicate with us also, but we could not read signals.

0530-0600 Sighted four B-29's apparently nearing the end of their China - Marianas flight on which we had advance information.
0620 Bird train dive.
0631 Surfaced.
1200 Posit Lit. 14-45N, 142-10E.
1400-1800 Sighted many friendly planes.
1826 Exchanged calls and greetings with U.S.S. SLC.T on opposite course.
2320 Exchanged calls with U.S.S. BILLFISH on opposite course.

8 May
0335 Exchanged calls with Saipan escort, PC 1591.
0440 SEGUNDO, JACK and JEREMIAH joined up. Proceeding to Saipan.
1058 Moored in not alongside CRON. We received very efficient service during our brief sojourn here. Facilities worthy of particular note were co-day laundry service, and recreation periods for the men arranged with an absolute minimum of effort on our part. During this period our SD mast was pulled to replace damaged mast in JEREMIAH. JEREMIAH's SD mast was installed in BANG to take back to Pearl. From this point BANG will be without an SD radar, but will be able to use the ARK unit of the IFF to indicate our friendly nature to planes leaving IFF.

9 May
1829 X Underway in company with SEGUNDO and JACK. Picked up escort, LCI 1098, at harbor entrance.
2330 X Escort ordered, SEGUNDO and JACK proceeded on patrol and BANG set course for Pearl. Sighted many friendly planes using running lights during remainder of night.
-16-
ENCLOSURE (4)
```

— page 218 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:  U.S.S. BAKERS, Report of War Patrol Number Six.

(o) DENSITY LAYERS

DATE & TIME (GCT)      POSITION                     ISOTHERMAL                NEGATIVE GRADIENT
                       TO FEET     DEGREES        TO FEET     DEGREES
29 March 2100          20° 11'N   60              78°          -            -
                       122° 09'W
1 April 2100          19° 10'N   60              79°          400          69°
                       120° 56'W
6 April 2100          19° 45'N   220             82°          330          77°
                       121° 45'W
24 April 2100         24° 29'N   200             80°          300          77°
                       122° 34'W
26 April 0500         24° 32'N   200             79°          350          75°
                       122° 38'W

Daily dives in vicinity Lat. 25° 00'N, Long. 122° 30'W showed isothermal to 100 feet with temperature changes from 69° to 81° at periscope depth.

(p) HEALTH, FOOD & HABITABILITY
Good.

(q) PERSONNEL
(a) Number of men detached after previous patrol.  12
(b) Number of men on board during patrol.          75
(c) Number of men qualified at start of patrol.    69
(d) Number of men qualified at end of patrol.       72
(e) Number of unqualified men making their 1st patrol.  6

(h) MILES TRAVELED - FUEL USED

                       Miles        Gallons
Guns to rock          471         15,130
In area              5555        40,820
Arrive to Saipan     1584        22,824
Saipan to Pearl      3520        56,000

-24-  ENCLOSURE (a)
```

— page 232 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-FOUR
                                                                Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                                                San Francisco, California.
                                                                22 May 1945

FB5-44/A16-3/(1)

Serial ( 056 )

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. BANG SIXTH WAR
PATROL.

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

Subject:        U.S.S. BANG (SS 385) SIXTH WAR PATROL - Comments on.

          1.    The Sixth War Patrol of the U.S.S. BANG was conducted
in the LUZON Straits and East FORMOSA areas. The patrol was the
first for the new Commanding Officer as such. The patrol was of
fifty-five days duration.

          2.    No contacts were made worthy of torpedo fire and thus
no torpedo attacks were conducted. Much of the time was spent
performing life guard duty and on 22 April the BANG had the
pleasure of rescuing a Naval pilot who had been in the water for
fourteen hours.

          3.    The modification made to the SJ radar by Lieut-
enant (jg) W. E. Spangler, U.S.N.R., is of note. This modificat-
ion enabled the BANG to take extremely long ranges on land marks
and improved the efficiency of their navigation particularly dur-
ing the many overcast days in their area.

          4.    The BANG returned from patrol in a most shipshape
condition and with morale high. The BANG now returns to the West
Coast for a modernization overhaul.

          5.    The Commander Submarine Division Forty-four con-
gratulates the Commanding Officer, Officers and crew of this fine
outstanding submarine for the efficient manner in which its patrol
was conducted and for the rescue of one of our carrier pilots.

                                                                [SIGNATURE: E. W. Grenfell]
                                                                E. W. GRENFELL

— page 233 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
11/ft

FC5-4/A16-3
Serial: 0390

24 May 1945.

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS BANG (SS385) - Re-
port of Sixth War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BANG (SS385) - Report of Sixth War
Patrol.

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

2. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Com-
manding Officer, officers and crew of the BANG upon the comple-
tion of that vessel's Sixth War Patrol.

[SIGNATURE: W. V. O'Regan]
W. V. O'REGAN.

— page 234 —
```
FT12-10(A)/116-318  SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial:  01241  Care of Fleet Post Office,
         San Francisco, California,
         26 May 1945.

CONFIDENTIAL

[STAMP: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PER TO
LITERARY PATROL AREA.]

U.S.S. LAFF (SS385)
U.S.S. LAFF - SIXTH WAR PATROL

From:  The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To:    The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
       The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject:  U.S.S. LAFF (SS385) - Report of Sixth War Patrol
          (26 March to 18 May 1945).

1.  The sixth war patrol of the LAFF, under the command of Lieutenant
Commander C. W. Taylor, U. S. Navy, was conducted in the Luzon Straits and area off
the east coast of Formosa.  The LAFF, along with the LURFSISH and GILOO, formed a
coordinated attack group with the commanding officer of the LAFF as group com-
mander.  Logistic services were rendered in addition to offensive patrol.

2.  The well conducted patrol produced no contacts.  However, the LAFF
had the privilege of rescuing one downed carrier pilot.

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

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

DISTRIBUTION:
C.  A.  (1)  [UNCLEAR: 7]
C.  B.  (5)  Commander Submarines
C.  D.  (6)  All - Forward Div.
J.  T.  (1)  Commander, Pacific
A.  D.  (1)  Submarine
G.  M.  (1)  All Submarines, Pacific

[HANDWRITTEN:  L. H. MYERS, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.]

MERL-ILL CONSTRUCT.
EXTRA.  ORIGINAL
SORG.  MICRO
PHOTO-LAB - OP-16
RETURN TO F-243
```

— page 235 —
END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: E-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-51-78]

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THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

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

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

D-62264