U.S.S. RAY (SS-271) — war patrol report SS-271_RAY_Part1.pdf

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START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: G-108]
OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: M. Monroe]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 3/4/80]

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

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[HANDWRITTEN: RAY (SS-271)
WORLD WAR II:
PATROL FILE
REPORTS

ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED.

FOR DECK LOGS JULY 1943 - JUNE 1945 CONSULT
NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS COVERAGE.

J.A. KOONTZ]

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NAVY DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
DIVISION OF NAVAL HISTORY (OP 0989)
SHIPS' HISTORIES SECTION

HISTORY OF USS RAY (SS 271)

USS RAY (SS 271), a fleet submarine, is named for fish of the
family Rajaidae, especially abundant in the North Pacific and North
Atlantic oceans, some growing to a large size and attaining a weight
of over three hundred pounds. Most of them, however, are shorefishes,
which lie concealed in the sand or mud at the bottom of the water and
from that hidden point dart suddenly upon unsuspecting prey.

USS RAY (SS 271) was built by the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company
of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Her keel was laid 20 July 1942 and she was
launched 28 February 1943 under the sponsorship of Mrs. Sam C. Loomis,
wife of Captain Sam C. Loomis, USN. The submarine was placed in
commission at Manitowoc on 27 July 1943, Lieutenant Commander Brooks J.
Harral, USN, in command.

RAY conducted training exercises on Lake Michigan until 15 August
1943 when she cleared Manitowoc for New Orleans, Louisiana, where she
took on stores and torpedoes, and on 31 August she reported at Coco
Solo, Panama, for intensive training in the area. Underway from Coco
Solo 5 October, RAY arrived at Brisbane, Australia, on the 30th, and
three days later was sent to Milne Bay, New Guinea, for minor repairs.

On her first war patrol, RAY cleared Milne Bay 13 November 1943
for the area north of the Bismarcks. Patrolling the Truk-New Hanover
traffic lanes on 26 November, she made radar contact on a three-ship
convoy, and after three hours of tracking, attacked just before dawn,
scoring three hits for the unconfirmed sinking of an enemy freighter
(02°-27' N; 147°-50' E). Evading the counter-attack, she pursued the
convoy and that evening fired six torpedoes for four hits which
disintegrated the 2,562-ton converted gunboat NIKKAI MARU in a matter
of seconds (04°-00' N; 147°-50' E). The next evening RAY was ordered
to intercept a southbound convoy with which she made contact on the
morning of the 29th, and upon commencing her suomerged approach, an
attack by GATO so radically changed the convoy's course, that the
opportunity was lost. She stayed with the convoy and that evening
began a surface approach but was detected and forced to retire under
fire. RAY regained contact on the convoy 1 December and began a
submerged approach but was again detected and this time severely depth
charged. Finally surfacing, she closed the escorts to 6,000 yards, and
running at seventeen knots on opposite courses, fired thirty roundsin
twelve minutes for no direct hits. The escort fire became more accurate
and RAY retired. The next day she was ordered back to Milne Bay where
she arrived 7 December 1943.

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USS RAY (SS 271)

RAY steamed out of Milne Bay on 11 December 1943 for her second war
patrol which began uneventfully as she searched in the Celebes-Ambon-
Timor area without contact. Near midnight on 26 December, however, she
sighted an unescorted tanker standing out of Tioro and waited for the
ship to get farther out to sea. She fired six torpedoes shortly after
midnight and saw the first hit near the foremast, stopping the engines
and raising a great sheet of water. Four more torpedoes hit and a
huge column of orange flames rose hundreds of feet into the air as the
5,792-ton KYOKO MARU blew apart (05°-00' S; 121°-22' E). On the morning
of 1 January 1944 she intercepted two ships with escorts in the mouth of
Ambon Bay and half an hour later attacked and sank the 2,904-ton converted
gunboat OKUYO MARU with three hits (03°-51' S; 128°-04' E). A cargo ship
passed over RAY in an attempt to ram, and soon after twelve bombs were
dropped near her firing point, followed by a half hour depth charging in
which thirty-four were dropped without success. Three days later, while
patrolling a few miles off Kapang Bay, RAY closed two escorted merchantmen,
fired four torpedoes, and while diving deep to avoid an oncoming destroyer,
heard two hits on the target (10°-01' S; 123°-25' E). When she finally
came to periscope depth, nothing was in sight. This patrol was terminated
at Fremantle, Australia, 12 January 1944.

RAY cleared Fremantle 6 February 1944 on her third war patrol. On
the night of the 16th she began passage through Balabac Strait, and when
with only three miles to go, she encountered two patrol craft whose course
brought them so close to her that she could see the entire outline of the
larger craft, but was herself never spotted. She safely entered the South
China Sea for patrol and a special mission on 22 February 1944 when she
laid a minefield off the coast of Saigon, French Indochina.

In the evening of 2 March 1944 RAY sighted a nine-ship convoy and
waited until moonset for the attack. At 0245, 3 March, she fired four
torpedoes at a tanker for one hit. The target, smoking heavily,
momentarily lost speed, and then quickly entered the formation. RAY
lined up another tanker, and just as she was about to fire, radar
interference was reported directly in line with the tanker and the
attack was abandoned. It was learned the next day that the "radar
interference" was BLUEFISH. On the afternoon of 18 March she sighted
two destroyers and a patrol craft, closed to fire six torpedoes, and
dived deep. A hit was heard on target and soon after began the counter-
attack in which forty-four depth charges churned the sea. Three and
a half hours later RAY surfaced and escaped from the enemy ships still
searching for her. On 27 March 1944 she arrived at Fremantle,
terminating her patrol.

RAY put to sea from Fremantle 23 April 1944 and headed for the Davao
Gulf-Mollukka Passage area on her fourth war patrol. On the afternoon of
21 May she sighted a nine-ship convoy with surface and air escort, and
shortly after midnight made the attack which resulted in damage to
overlapping targets, the unconfirmed sinking of a minelayer, and the
sinking of the 6,094-ton cargo ship TEMPEI MARU (05°-43' N; 127°-37'E).
Maintaining contact, on the morning of the 23rd, she made a radar attack

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USS RAY (SS 271)

on the convoy moving through a rain squall, scoring six hits on two
"pips". Almost an hour later the rain squall suddenly cleared and RAY
saw one ship with the stack going under and the bow up, and the other
ship in a pall of smoke with decks awash (02°-51' N; 128°-00' E). She
then dived deep to evade enemy aircraft which kept her down the rest of
the day. No further suitable firing set-ups developed, and RAY
terminated her patrol at Fremantle 14 June 1944.

On 9 July 1944 RAY was underway from Fremantle on her fifth war
patrol, to be conducted in the South China Sea and Philippine area.
She closed her first target on 18 July, and in a series of six
determined attacks in which twenty-two torpedoes were fired for eight
hits, and herself once taken under fire by the target, sank the unescorted
5,244-ton tanker JANBI MARU (05°-21' S; 112°-30' E). RAY returned to
Fremantle to reload and on 28 July again put to sea. While patrolling
the south entrance of Makassar Strait, she attacked a two-ship
convoy and sank the 2,612-ton cargo ship KOSHU MARU (03°-59' S; 117°-
54' E). Nine days later RAY attacked another convoy and with four
torpedoes scored a damaging hit on a transport and sent 5,286-ton cargo
ship ZUISHO MARU to the bottom of the sea (03°-52' N; 112°-56' E). On
18 August 1944, while patrolling off north Balabac Strait, RAY closed a
large convoy with surface and air screen, fired six torpedoes at a large
tanker, and dived deep as a destroyer headed her way. Two minutes later
she heard three hits on the target and one hit on a cargo ship which was
in the line of fire. Two minutes later began the counter-attack which
lasted some two and a half hours and in which forty-three depth charges
were dropped. During this time RAY heard a tremendous explosion and
breaking up noises as the tanker, 5,878-ton NANSEI MARU sank (08°-48' N;
116°-58' E). RAY surfaced at 1917 and headed up Palawan Channel. She
regained contact with the convoy on the morning of the 20th, but air
cover prevented her from making an attack, and the convoy reached the
safety of night anchorage in Palawan Bay. That night RAY, HARDER, and
HADDOCK planned a coordinated attack on the convoy, RAY taking a position
a mile off the coast and three miles south of Cape Calavite Light. Early
the next morning the convoy came out of the bay and RAY attacked, firing
the last four of her torpedoes forward. The first three missed but the
fourth slammed into the target amidstships with a terrific explosion. The
escorts forced RAY down but she heard the breaking up noises of the 6,965-
ton passenger-cargo ship TAKETOYO MARU as that enemy sank (13°-23' N; 120°-
19' E). RAY underwent a severe depth charging, and the first forty of
sixty-four charges gave her a violent shaking, but she escaped serious
damage. The patrol was terminated at Fremantle on 31 August 1944.

RAY's sixth war patrol began 23 September 1944 when she set sail
from Fremantle for the South China Sea. On the night of 6 October 1944
she attacked an escorted tanker and scored one hit. Regaining contact
the next morning, she fired six torpedoes at the tanker for three hits
which further damaged but did not sink the target. RAY had better luck
five days later when with two torpedoes she disintegrated the 4,180-ton
cargo ship TOKO MARU (13°-02' N; 120°-17' E) and escaped a subsequent
depth charging. On 14 October, while making a quick dive to avoid

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USS RAY (SS 271)

aircraft detection, the conning tower was flooded because of a quarter-
master's failure to close the upper hatch. The submarine was brought
under control before reaching eighty-five feet, but flooding caused
damage. RAY put into Mios Woendi on 20 October for repairs, and was
again underway on patrol a week later.

On the afternoon of 1 November RAY closed a five-ship convoy and
fired three torpedoes at two overlapping targets for a hit on one target
and two hits on the other, blowing up the 865-ton cargo ship HORAI MARU
NO. 7 (13°-02' N; 120°-17' E). The escorts dropped twenty-four depth
charges which RAY evaded. That night she landed men and supplies on the
west coast of Mindoro, Philippine Islands, and picked up two downed
naval aviators, two army prisoners-of-war who had escaped from the
Japanese on Corregidor Island, and an escaped Filipino political
prisoner.

On the night of 4 November 1944, RAY sighted a large cargo ship
burning throughout its superstructure, the result of a previous attack
by BREAM, and fired two torpedoes for a hit amidships and a hit which
blew the bow off. Within three minutes the 6,806-ton KAGU MARU went
under (15°-54' N; 119°-45' E). On the morning of 6 November RAY
approached a convoy of two cruisers and several transports which were
under heavy air and surface escorts. She selected as her target the
Japanese heavy cruiser KUMANO, still afloat after having been damaged
in the battle off Samar by torpedoes from GUITARRO, BREAM, and RATON.
She fired six torpedoes for two timed hits, and while maneuvering for
a second attack, was forced deep by aerial bombs and the approaching
escorts. RAY grounded in rapidly shallowing water, wiping off the
starboard sound head, while the cable to the sound head blew into the
torpedo room forcing RAY to come to periscope depth before the water
could be stopped. She saw the cruiser with the bow blown off being
taken into tow by a transport, and had to abandon the attack because
of her inability to go deep should she be detected by the escorts.
KUMANO was towed into Luzon beach where on 25 November our carrier planes
found and destroyed her.

On the night of 14 November 1944 RAY made a surface attack on an
escorted three-ship convoy and scored four hits which disintegrated the
800-ton frigate Coastal Defense Vessel No. 7 (17°-46' N; 117°-57' E)
with explosions so bright that RAY had to dive to avoid detection, when
she heard another hit, possibly on an escort. On the 16th she fired two
torpedoes at a grounded transport but strong currents caused them to miss,
and the attack was abandoned because minefields and shallow water prevented
closing the range.

On 19 November, while heading for her lifeguard station off Cape
Bolin ao, RAY rescued a downed pilot from the COWPENS. On 8 December 1944
she terminated her patrol at Pearl Harbor.

4

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USS RAY (SS 271)

RAY cleared Pearl Harbor 10 December 1944 and entered the Mare
Island Navy Yard six days later for major overhaul. She departed Mare
Island 26 March 1945 for Pearl Harbor where she conducted training
until 19 April when she set sail for Guam, arriving ten days later.

RAY cleared Guam 30 April 1945 on her seventh war patrol. On
lifeguard duty off the eastern coast of Kyushu, on 7 May, she rescued
ten men from a downed B-29, later transferring them to LIONFISH. On
the night of 15-16 May 1945, she rescued ten men from a downed PBM
in seas so heavy that two of her own men were washed overboard during
the rescue, but they were quickly recovered. The rescued flyers were
transferred to POMPON on the 17th.

On 19 May 1945 RAY sighted the tops of three small coastal
freighters and gave chase, taking out time to sink one of eight sea
trucks which passed between RAY and her targets. When the targets
turned towards her she submerged for the attack, and fired three
torpedoes which apparently passed under the target. The other two
salvos ran towards her and six depth charges exploded nearby, shaking
her considerably and removing all doubt as to the true nature of these
"freighters", in reality, a hunter-killer group. At length RAY
managed to surface and open out at flank speed with her gun firing.
Her patrol through the rest of May was confined to a series of gun
actions in which she sank two patrol boats, a sea truck, a small diesel
tanker, and fifteen well-outfitted four masted schooners which were
carrying rice from Korea to Japan. RAY worked out a system whereby
she first forced the crew to abandon ship, then set fire to the vessel,
ventilating it at the waterline with gunfire. On 2 June 1945 and again
on the 4th RAY made an attack on a freighter but failed because of
erratic torpedoes. Her patrol was terminated 16 June 1945 when she
arrived at Midway Island.

RAY cleared Midway 11 July 1945 on her eighth and last war patrol,
and after reporting to Subic Bay for assignment by Commander Task Force
71, headed for her patrol area in the Gulf of Siam. About sunset of 7
August 1945 she sighted sixteen enemy vessels at anchor in the harbor
off Bank Saponnoi, and one by one sank them with gunfire. That night
two boarding parties from the submarine set fire to seven junks
anchored just north of Lem Chong Pra. She returned to Subic Bay 13
August 1945 for more ammunition, but instead her patrol was terminated.

RAY departed Subic Bay 14 August 1945 and eight days later put
into Tanapag Harbor, Saipan. Following normal refit, she got underway
from Saipan 1 September 1945 and steamed by way of Pearl Harbor and
the Panama Canal for New London, Connecticut, where she arrived, 5
October 1945.

Following duty as a training ship with the Submarine School at
New London, RAY underwent overhaul at the Electric Boat Company, Groton,
Connecticut (17 May until 2 August) and then returned to New London
where on 31 August 1946 she was placed in commission in reserve. On
12 February 1947 she was placed out of commission in reserve.

5

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USS RAY (SS 271)

In December of 1950 RAY was towed to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard
for conversion to a radar picket submarine. Her hull was cut in two and
a thirty foot section of double hulled construction added between the
forward battery and control room. The upper half of this new section
became a combat information center and the lower half provided room for
electronic equipment storage, a sonar room, and an air conditioning
plant. The old bridge was replaced by a streamline sail, aft of which
a large pressure dome was built to support a specialized radar antenna
equipment. She was equipped with newly developed snorkel equipment, her com-
munication facilities were greatly expanded, her fuel capacity was sub-
stantially increased, and her after torpedo tubes were removed to permit the
expansion of berthing space.

USS RAY (SSR 271), a radar picket submarine, was recommissioned
in the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard on 13 August 1952, Lieutenant
Commander Albert C. Burley, USN, in command.

RAY cleared Philadelphia 27 March 1953 for New London, Connecticut,
and on 3 April, reported at her home port of Norfolk, Virginia, joining
Submarine Division Sixty-Two, Submarine Squadron Six. Eleven days later
she got underway from Norfolk for shakedown training at Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba, returning to base on 5 May 1953. Training operations off the
coast of Virginia were intervened by exercises on the mine test range
off Port Everglades, Florida, from 5 to 6 October, and again from 2 to
24 November, and by a week's training cruise from Norfolk to Quonset
Point, Rhode Island, and return to Norfolk.

On 1 March 1954 RAY set sail from Norfolk, and arriving at Gibraltar
on the 13th, joined the Sixth Fleet for maneuvers in the Mediterranean
Sea. She served as picket submarine and visited Naples and Genoa, Italy;
Barcelona, Spain; and Cannes, France. On 16 May she touched at Gibraltar
enroute to Norfolk where she arrived on 26 May 1954, for training in
local waters. She cleared Norfolk on 29 July 1954 and joined Canadian
Task Group 301.1 at Halifax, Nova Scotia, for maneuvers until 22 August,
returning to Norfolk three days later.

On 26 October 1954 RAY got underway from Norfolk to join in
exercise LantFlex as picket submarine, finally sailing into Bermuda
20 November. Underway two days later, she arrived at Fort Lauderdale
24th, and continued local operations until 28 February 1955 when she
got underway for exercises with the Canadian ships NCOOTKA and PENETANG
off Bermuda, returning to Norfolk 26 March 1955.

RAY set sail from Norfolk 4 April 1955 for Exercise Intex in which
she served as picket submarine, followed by public visiting at thirteen
Port Pierce, Florida. She arrived at Norfolk 15 April 1955 and
three days later entered the Charleston Naval Shipyard for overhaul until
3 November 1955, and following torpedo test firing at Newport, Rhode
Island, returned to Norfolk on 10 November 1955.

6

USS RAY (SS 271)

RAY trained in the Virginia Capes until 5 March 1956 when she again
sailed from Norfolk for the Mediterranean, calling at Gibraltar on the
16th, and joined the Sixth Fleet for NATO exercises, serving primarily as
picket submarine. She visited Cannes, France; Monaco; Leghorn, Italy;
Valletta, Malta; and Piraeus and Rhodes, Greece. In addition,
RAY was the sole representative of the United States Naval Forces in
the ceremonial, six-nation "steam past" for SHAPE. Homeward bound, she
cleared Gibraltar 26 May and arrived at Norfolk on 4 June 1956.

RAY cleared Norfolk 16 July 1956 for exercises with SEA LEOPARD,
LEWIN, and GRAMPUS in the Virginia Capes, and midshipman indoctrination
exercises off Guantanamo Bay. She then entered the Naval Shipyard at
Charleston on 2 August, returning to Norfolk 27 September 1956.

On 24 October 1956 she got underway from Norfolk to participate
in Fleet exercises as picket submarine, called at Onslow Bay, North
Carolina (2-5 November), and following submarine division tactics,
returned to Norfolk 8 November 1956 for local operations.

RAY departed Norfolk 28 January 1957 for exercises in the
Jacksonville, Florida Operating Area and at St. Thomas, Virgin Islands,
and returned to Norfolk 7 March 1957. She got underway again on 1 April
in Exercise "DesAirDex", returning to her home port on the 12th.

From 11 to 13 June 1957 RAY served as one of the four United
States submarines representing the Submarine Force, Atlantic Fleet,
in the International Naval Review at Hampton Roads, celebrating the
350th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown, Virginia.

RAY departed Norfolk 3 September 1957, and with POMPON and REDFIN,
participated in NATO operation "Strikeback" in northern European waters
and called at Clyde, Scotland; Lorient, France; and Portland, England.
On 13 January 1958 she cleared Norfolk to resume local training and
picket submarine, returning to base on 22 January. Five days later she
set sail from Norfolk for "Springboard" operations in the Caribbean
calls to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. She
returned from this duty to Norfolk on 6 March 1958.

RAY departed Norfolk 30 June 1958 and on 1 July reported to the
Charleston Naval Shipyard for inactivation. She was placed out of
commission in reserve on 30 September 1958 and her name was stricken
from the Navy List, effective 1 April 1960, with a view towards disposal.

RAY earned seven battle stars, the Navy Unit Commendation, and
other awards for the operations listed below:

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USS RAY (SS 271)

1 Star/EASTERN NEW GUINEA OPERATION:
     Finschafen Occupation: 13 Nov-7 Dec 1943

1 Star/SECOND WAR PATROL-PACIFIC: 11 Dec 1943 - 12 Jan 1944

1 Star/THIRD WAR PATROL-PACIFIC: 6 Feb-27 Mar 1944

1 Star/FOURTH WAR PATROL-PACIFIC: 23 Apr-14 Jun 1944

1 Star/FIFTH WAR PATROL-PACIFIC: 9 Jul 1944 - 31 Aug 1944

1 Star/LEYTE OPERATION:
     Leyte Landings: 10 Oct 1944 - 19 Jan 1945

1 Star/OKINAWA GUNTO OPERATION:
     Assault and Occupation of Okinawa Gunto: 6 May-5 Jun 1945

1 Star/EIGHTH WAR PATROL-PACIFIC: 21 Jul-22 Aug 1945

NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION:
     9 Jul-31 Aug 1944 - 5th War Patrol, Pacific
     23 Sep-8 Dec 1944 - 6th War Patrol, Pacific

PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION BADGE:
     26 Oct - 1 Nov 1944

LIST OF COMMANDING OFFICERS

Lieutenant Commander Brooks J. Harral, USN: 27 Jul 1943 - 28 Jun 1944
Commander William T. Kinsella, USN: 28 Jun 1944 - 9 Jan 1946
Lieutenant Commander Leonard Erb, USN: 9 Jan 1946 - 25 Jun 1946
Commander James G. Andrews, USN: 25 Jun 1946 - 31 Jul 1946
Commander John M. Bowers, USN: 31 Jul 1946 - 18 Oct 1946
Commander Guy F. Gugliotta, USN: 18 Oct 1946 - 12 Feb 1947
Lieutenant Commander Albert C. Burley, USN: 13 Aug 1952 - 17 Dec 1954
Lieutenant Commander Michael M. Elliott, USN: 17 Dec 1954 - 24 Dec 1956
Lieutenant Commander Charles Priest, Jr., USN: 24 Dec 1956 - 25 Apr 1958
Lieutenant Commander Carl F. Turk, USN: 25 Apr 1958 - 18 Jul 1958
Lieutenant Commander Jeremiah D. Reilley, Jr., USN: 18 Jul 1958 - 30 Sep 1958

8

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USS RAY (SS 271)

ORIGINAL STATISTICS

LENGTH OVERALL:                               311 feet, 9 inches

EXTREME BEAM:                                 27 feet, 3 inches

STANDARD DISPLACEMENT:
  Tons:                                       1526
  Mean Draft:                                 15 feet, 3 inches

SUBMERGED DISPLACEMENT:
  Tons:                                       2424

DESIGNED DEPTH:                               300 feet

DESIGNED SPEED:
  Surfaced:                                   20.25 knots
  Submerged:                                  8.75 knots

DESIGNED COMPLEMENT:
  Officer:                                    6
  Enlisted:                                   54

ARMAMENT:
  Torpedo Tubes:                              (10) 21-inch
  Secondary:                                  (1) 3-inch .50 caliber
                                              (2) .50 caliber
                                              (2) .30 caliber

TORPEDOES:                                    24

9

Compiled & stenciled 26 Apr 1960 (ks)

— page 11 —
DATE 26 November 1943
FROM Commanding Officer USS RAY(SS-271)
NAME RAY
SERIAL 024
DATE 10 December 1943
SUBJECT SUBMARINE ACTION REPORT, Forwarding of
Forwards torpedo firing reports (2) for FIRST WAR PATROL
in Caroline Islands area. Claims two merchant ships
sunk.
(CENPAC: SUB OPS)
FILED: War Diary

Separately as ORIGINAL

MICROSERIAL NO.
A
| ACTION REPORT OPNAV FORM 3480-13 (11-55) B-28882

DATE 26 November 1943
FROM Commanding Officer USS RAY(SS-271)
NAME RAY
SERIAL 024
DATE 10 December 1943
SUBJECT SUBMARINE ACTION REPORT
Two torpedo firing reports for FIRST WAR PATROL in
Caroline Islands area. Claims two merchant ships sunk.
(CENPAC: SUB OPS)
FILED: War Diary

Separately
as enc. to RAY ser 024 of 10 Dec 43

MICROSERIAL NO.
A
| ACTION REPORT OPNAV FORM 3480-13 (11-55) B-28882

21 February 1944
CROSS INDEX CARD
RAY
Laid field of 12 mines off Indo-China on THIRD WAR PATROL.

Separately under TF 71 ser 00126 of 13 Apr 44

— page 12 —
DATE 5-14 October 1944
FROM CROSS INDEX CARD
NAME RAY
SERIAL
DATE
SUBJECT Coordinated Attack Group
Report of Coordinated Attack Group of USS COD & USS RAY
operations off west coasts of LUZON & MINDORO. Ships
coordinated patrols but attacked separately in most
cases. (SOWESPAC: SUB OPS)
FILED: War Diary

Separately under COD ser 05 of 11 Nov 44

MICROSERIAL NO. | ACTION REPORT OPNAV FORM 3480-13 (11-55) B-28682

DATE 9-15 November 1944
FROM Commanding Officer USS RAY(SS-271)
C
NAME RAY
SERIAL 014
DATE none
SUBJECT Coordinated Attack Group
Report of coordinated attack operations of USS RAY, USS
RATON, and USS BATFISH off northwest coast of LUZON.
Boats formed scouting line, located and attacked a convoy.

(SOWESPAC: SUB OPS)
FILED: War Diary

Separately as ORIGINAL; as PHOTOSTAT(O)

MICROSERIAL NO. 108543 | ACTION REPORT OPNAV FORM 3480-13 (11-55) B-28682

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[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]
[STAMP: Reg. No. Q.2.2.6.6.
File No. 1 0115]

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

U.S.S. RAY (SS271)
REPORT OF
FIRST WAR PATROL

From: 13 November 1943
To : 7 December 1943

NOTE:- May be taken to sea by submarines, but must be
destroyed by BURNING prior to passing 5° South.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0446, CRNAVNST 5510.1C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/1/72]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[STAMP: 62135 FILMED]

— page 14 —
1 0115

ENCLOSURE (A)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U. S. S. RAY (SS271) - Report of First War Patrol.
(A) PROLOGUE

27 JULY Commissioned at MANITOWOC, WISCONSIN.

29 JULY Commenced training and Builder's Trials on LAKE
MICHIGAN.

13 AUG. Commenced re-ballasting for salt water operations;
and dis-assembly of radars, periscopes and periscope
shears preparatory to transit.

15 AUG. Departed for transit via CHICAGO RIVER and
MISSISSIPPI WATERWAY to tidewater.

22 AUG. Arrived NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA. Undocked at
CHALMETTE SLIP, degaussed, re-assembled and loaded
stores and torpedoes.

26 AUG. Departed NOLA for PANAMA.

31 AUG. Arrived COCO SOLO.

2 SEPT. Commenced five (5) weeks Preliminary and Final Train-
ing under the personal supervision of Commander
JESSE L. HULL, U.S.N. ComSubRon THREE. This period
was most productive of results primarily because of
the expert and painstaking instruction provided by
Commander HULL.

5 OCT. Departed COCO SOLO for BALTRA ISLAND, GALAPAGOS
ISLANDS.

8 OCT. Received 23,000 gallons of fuel from BALTRA ISLAND
NAVAL BASE. Departed for BRISBANE, training enroute.
Held two dives and one fire control problem daily.

30 OCT. Arrived BRISBANE.

2 NOV. Departed BRISBANE for MILNE BAY pursuant to CTF 72
OpOrd S77-43, conducting training enroute. Held
sound survey and fired all guns in MORETON BAY.
The sound survey indicated RAY to be somewhat quiet-
er than the average.

1700 Passed COLUNDRA HEAD in company with H.M.A.S.
LITHGOW. During the next two days we were intensive-
ly trained by Commander CHESTER BRUTON, U.S.N.,
ComSubDiv 82. The LITHGOW simulated a depth charge

-1-

— page 15 —
attack by dropping a hand grenade, and the result
was a most realistic exercise, because close ones
sound close. The excellent results of this period
are further proof of the soundness of a training
system whereby the novice submarine skipper is
personally instructed by a successful submarine
commander of this war. I wish to here express my
thanks to Commanders HULL and BRUTON.

4 NOV. Parted company with LITHGOW and headed for CHINA
       STRAIT.

8 NOV. PC 479 challenged RAY at a range of 9000 yards.
       Coached SJ on and got first range at 3500 yards.
       It is my opinion that the RAY is capable of
       carrying a radar at least as effective as that
       of a PC (this performance is typical as shown
       later in the patrol when a range of 17,000 yards
       on a large maru was taken shortly before SJ
       fired on both a Jap PC at 6,000 yards, when bow
       angle was small).

       Transit CHINA STRAIT, which presents no piloting
       difficulty in day light, and tied up to U.S.S.
       FULTON at 1008.

       Conducting a minor re-fit alongside FULTON. The
       work consisted mainly of grinding scores from
       #16 journal of #2 engine which had been damaged
       when a steel backed SATCO bearing failed. (This
       job was remarkably well done in the short period
       of four days, and both the FULTON and the RELIEF
       CREWS were commended for it). Several minor jobs
       were performed, but being on 24 hour notice pre-
       vented complete silencing of bow and stern plane
       shafting, which remained noisy.

                                -2-

[HANDWRITTEN: (1)]

[HAND

— page 17 —
LV
RABAUL
01 OON 158E
01 OON 157E:
RETURN RABAUL
TIME..
0915
1130
1200
1400
COURSE
1
050
270
220

This plane flys about 250 feet altitude when pass-
ing ODOR.
POSITION 1030
01° 42' S
154° 55' E
POSITION 1237
01° 15' S
154° 49' E
19 NOV.
2008
Sent weather message as ordered, included data
on SALLY.
20 NOV. Sent weather message as ordered, then headed west
to commence a search of RABAUL-TRUK routes.
21 NOV. Assigned coverage of TRUK-NEW HANOVER route be-
tween 2N & 5N.
2100
22 NOV. Sighted a three plane medium bomber or transport
formation in echelon, range 25 miles, altitude
considerable, headed for TRUK, at 1039 Dive.
Surface at 1102.
POSITION 1039
03° 52' N
150° 34' E
[HANDWRITTEN: RH]
[HANDWRITTEN: a]
23 NOV. No remarks. General search.
24 NOV. At 1330 sighted smoke and commenced end-around.
At about 1600 I began to suspect this fast two
stacker of being ASASHI MARU, a hospital ship be-
cause he wasn't zig-zagging. Dove at 1749 when
angle on the bow was 200 port, and headed in.
See Enclosure H for details of approach. Suffice
it to say here that he went by my periscope at
1,000 yarès range, angle on the bow 90°, and I
will never make a more perfect approach unless
it be on another hospital ship. As it was now
dusk I allowed the crew to look, six in a group,
at our first Jap ship.
NOTES AND COMMENTS:-
Speed 15, course 018, not zigging. She was
painted white with black hats on the stacks. Red
crosses were on either stack and the green line
and cross on the hull. At night a single large
red cross, outlined in red light bulbs was rigged
between the stacks. Cross was about 30-36 feet
overall. A single line of green bulbs extended
-4-
[HANDWRITTEN: 5]

— page 18 —
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[HANDWRITTEN: AH violation]
along the green hull line below the superstructure.
She was very high in the water but painted white to
the green hull line. Many booms and much cargo-handling
gear were in evidence, (could handle a lot of
cargo). As night drew on her upper decks very
well lighted. If merely painting a ship, without
altering any of her cargo-handling facilities, makes
a hospital ship, then the ASASHI MARU certainly in
one. A picture was taken but the light had commenc-
ed to fail.

POSITION 1330 03° 40' N
150° 14' E

1920 Surface.

25 NOV. Patrolling.

26 NOV. At 0141 radar reported two pips at range 13,500
yards, bearing 281°(T). At 0321 his zig-zag plan
and speed had been determined so headed in from a
position dead ahead to locate escorts and attack.
Flooded down to 24 feet, motors ahead 1/3. At
formation range 8000 the escorts were sighted and
radar gave their range 5500. The marus were in
column, and so were the escorts, and on my side.
It appeared too risky to turn around, so I de-
cided to try to thread my way in. Formation
zigged simultaneously 30 left on schedule. However
we were getting too close for comfort.
Kept headed for #1 PC by slowly twisting at 1/3
speed. He passed 3050 yards ahead and his position
was on the bow of maru "A" distance 3000 yards,
so I was still 6,000 yards out. When #1 opened
range to 3,500 it was time to head for #2 who was
on the bow of maru "B". I must have been drifting
in because the gauge was wrong again because here
on my port bow, range 3350 yards here comes #3 escort.
Gave him the same treatment and all seemed well (but looked
like no attack) as he, too, passed ahead. At this
point things began to warm up; the O.O.D. said
"pardon me, Captain, but do you see that escort on
the stbd. bow". I looked and sure enough #1 was
drifting back toward us looking mighty suspicious;
range slowly closing to 4000 yards. While contem-
plating my three horned dilemma the sound man report-
screws on 310°. I couldn't believe it, but I looked
the gauge was wrong again because here
came a single stack straggler. He wasn't very big
(4000-5000) tons, but he'd do, bless him. Ordered:
all ahead 2/3, head for sound target, make ready
four tubes fwd, depth 9 feet, target length 400
feet, cover one and half target length, get ready
to fire, sound stay on the target, radar get me a
range. TDC commence plotting, angle on the bow

-5-

— page 19 —
ENCLOSURE (B)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of First War Patrol.

17 stbd. Since all this dope was digested with-
out a hitch it is easy to understand why I like
my fire control group under Lieut-Comdr., J.H.
TURNER. Within three minutes from sound contact
the first shot was fired and I observed the
first hit inside the bow as we were turning
away, standard run up on 4 engines.
The rest of the problem was an anti-climax.

The 20mm gunners saw three hits before I order-
ed all hands below except the quartermaster,
GOSSETT, QMC. Escort #3 commenced to bear
down on the firing point and the range closed
to 1300, 1200, 1100, 1050, 1000 as the engines
commenced to take hold. At about 1000 yards he
fired a burst of 20mm tracer but he was fully
30° off in deflection. It was evident then
that he had lost us, so came left 30°, shift
to batteries, all ahead 2/3. At a range of
880 yards he was seen to swing to right and
drop six depth charges. Shifted to target
but he was gone. Radar unable to locate him
although range was about 2400 yards. This
ship looked like BANDOENG MARU OR BRISBANE
MARU class before it disappeared. Character-
istics observed:-single stack, vertical bow,
counter stern, low superstructure with high-
er bridge, forward well deck (I don't remem-
ber looking aft for a well). He was from
4000-5000 tons but no larger.

Headed away and started after remainder of
convoy.

POSITION 0141
02° 02' N
148° 01' E

0515 Radar contact on two targets, range 13,500
yards, bearing 055° (T). It was near dawn so
decided to end around to eastward.

POSITION 0515
02° 27' N
147° 49' E

0650 Sighted an escort near point of attack in rain
squall. Dove and headed in to investigate.
Escort must have left, because didn't see him
again. Headed out submerged and surfaced at
0828. Commenced end-around.

[HANDWRITTEN: (11)]
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ENCLOSURE (B)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of First War Patrol.

POSITION 0650 02° 22' N
                 148° 04' E

1004 Smoke; ran around convoy and dove at 1616 ahead
     on base course.
     Convoy speed has been 12K since sinking of the
     slow BANDOENG. The formation found a rain squall
     about this time, and slowed to stay in it. Most
     of the approach was made on sound bearings of the
     pinging escort. A glimpse of the targets about
     5,000 yards away showed two large marus in line,
     and the ping bearing showed escort to be in-between.
     Rain came in torrents so headed up to get between
     the targets. At 2800 yards the big smoker came
     out, angle on the bow zero, turning left. No
     escorts sighted. With angle on the bow 15 or 20
     degrees stbd. At 2800 yards he steadied on. We
     went in on 180° track, high parallax and fired six
     at 1855, torpedo run 1200 to 1000 yards; right gyro
     angles of 23 to 34, spread 1-1/2 lengths at 450
     feet target length. Ship looked exactly like his
     picture, except that a high gun platform and gun
     were mounted fore and aft. I judge from the size
     of three Nips standing near the forward gun that it
     was a 4". The first torpedo prematurely but the
     next four hit. #1 inside bow under gun, #2 under
     bridge, #3 under after bulkhead of superstructure,
     and #4 between stern and main mast. All were
     observed by the spell-bound C.O.

     The effect on a 10,000 ton maru of four evenly
     spaced torpex warheads is devastating. The first hit
     threw up a great sheet of water out of which rose
     some debris (and maybe three Nips on a gun). As
     this sheet descended the second fish hit, and as
     its sheet of water rose up the debris of #1 could be
     seen arching over and falling. The third hit
     seemed to blow up through the fireroom into the
     superstructure and hurl huge ship's beams high into
     the air.

     The effects seemed to be almost cumulative, and
     when #4 hit, the ship seemed to suddenly erupt its
     innards. Down came masts, stacks and the topside
     seemed to blow off. A quick search around revealed
     no escorts, so we went down I took a last look.
     Spray and smoke were settling and the ship seemed to
     be in three parts. She was heeled over fully 40°
     already awash. The stack mast and
     superstructure were all missing.

-7-

— page 21 —
ENCLOSURE (B)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of First War Patrol.

Take her to 275 feet. The three escorts soon came
in and unloaded. Counted eleven depth charges and
numberless sono-bombs, none close, all aft.

POSITION 1004
02° 35' N
148° 14' E

2012 Screws faded out.

2020 Plane up.

2043 Surface and chase.

This looked too easy. We suspected that we had
played the scrub team, and, as the rest of the
patrol proved, so we had.

27 NOV. Reported contact and attacks.
0100 By daybreak the 9.5K speed circle for courses to
TRUK from 032 to 048 had been searched. No con-
tacts. It was therefore assumed that the remain-
ing maru was following the weather front, and
further search was not permissable in view of
orders to new station, and at which we will be
nearly 24 hours late arriving as it is.

1050 Sighted a surfaced submarine bearing 277° (T)
distance six miles, coming out of a rain squall.
Dive and commence approach. No further contact
or sound from battle stations, head
out and surface at 1226. It was assumed that
this was the CORVINA searching for the maru, but
no positive identification was made. When last
seen through the periscope the submarine was
still surfaced, but was swinging left.

POSITION 1050
05° 02' N
150° 03' E

2239 Ahead full on the three good engines.

28 NOV. RATON announced contact so put the remaining
half-engine (#4) on the line at 500KW (Its
maximum power).

29 NOV. RATON reported enemy on NE heading, so changed
0417 course to NW to intercept.

[HANDWRITTEN: -8-]
[HANDWRITTEN: 13]
[HANDWRITTEN: 9]

— page 22 —
ENCLOSURE (B)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of First War Patrol

0842 Sighted GATO in high periscope bearing 215° (T)
     distant 10 miles. Closed to exchange information
     and found that we were both in possession of RATON
     dope. We decided GATO search 9K curves and RAY 7K.
     GATO out of sight in haze for 7K circle.
     Commenced search at 1015.

POSITION 0842 01° 54' N
             143° 28' E

1323 Sighted smoke bearing 013(T). It soon appeared from
     the track that the convoy must be heading directly
     for GATO's Position.

POSITION 1323 02° 32' N
             143° 40' E

1650 Ahead of convoy. Dive. After 20 minutes the first
1711 of a series of 24 depth charges exploded, so we
     knew that GATO was there first. As soon as the
     counter-attack commenced the three marus headed
     south at various courses, distance from RAY about
1720 14,000 yards. All attempts to head them off at
     high speed submerged did not prevent the true
     bearing from slowly increasing; so at 1918 we sur-
     faced and picked up smoke immediately.

1925 Headed for convoy at high speed as dusk closed in.

2037 Radar contact at 13,000 yards. Opened to maximum
     radar range 17,000 yards and commenced tracking.

2130 Target speed, course and zig-zag plan were pretty
     well solved so commenced closing to locate escorts.
     At 12,000 yards one escort was located ahead, and
     one astern.

2155 Range now 9,000 yards but the escorts had somehow
2158 been lost so we paralleled the formation at 9,000
     yards, assuming 6,000 the minimum broad-angle range
     in the prevailing light. Sighted the little fellows
     in column, parallel to formation, angle on the bow
     70 port. They had drifted out about 3,000 yards and
     had been in the shadow of the big center maru. They
     drew ahead when they drew ahead of him. Our
     relative bearing was 104° and radar picked them up
     at 6,000 yards. Left full rudder to decrease our
     silhouette, but it was just a little too late.

2200 Escorts made simultaneous turn toward us and a minute
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— page 24 —
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heading out with escort on the quarter, relative
bearing 150 or 210. They are not radar equipped.

30 NOV. Sent contact at 1730 the 29th.
0018

0320 The SJ reported interference by another SJ bearing
195°(T). The bearing changed considerably in the
next half hour so it was assumed to be another
U.S. submarine, close by.

0842 Sighted PETO and exchanged information. He report-
ed a contact at 2200. An error (discovered later)
whereby the 1730 contact was reported, but the 2330
contact was not, caused us to fail to make clear
to the PETO that RAY had lost contact so recently
as 2330. We decided RAY search south, PETO north
on 9.5K circle.

POSITION 0842 00° 57' N
146° 03' E

1452 Passed a large 50' empty life boat. Tiller was
idly flapping and the outside paint looked blister-
ed. It was deserted and was half full of water.
Passed very close aboard, but its contents did not
look interesting. Looked suspiciously like a
booby trap to me.

1715 A very unusual incident occured at this time. The
SJ was manned because of squally weather, but
visibility was unlimited from 350 to about 120
relative. The quartermaster suddenly dashed up
from the conning tower and announced "radar has a
pip bearing 035 relative, range 1400 yards".
Captain ordered "left full rudder, tail up to
true bearing", and the quartermaster went below
to see that the order was properly executed. He
returned with the pip on an approximate true
bearing while ship swung nearly 55 degrees, then
saw it disappear. No periscope was sighted. Back
to base course at 1721.

POSITION 1715 02° 35' N
144° 21' E

1 DEC. Continuing search on 9.5K circles from RAY position
2330 of 29 Nov.

0300 GATC gives convoy position:-

01° 57' N
147° 24' E
Course 090
Speed 9.5

-11-

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ENCLOSURE (B)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of First War Patrol

1304 Contact on smoke column bearing 330° (T) range
     35,000 yards, just emerging from the rain clouds.

     POSITION 1304 00° 23' N
                       148° 56' E

1334 Dive and commence approach. Base course 150°(T).

1500 Port escort of formation angle on the bow 00 range
     5,000 yards, true bearing on pings dropping aft.

1504 Formation zigged right, pings commenced drawing
     left. Small AMLs are most difficult to see at range
     over 4000 yards. Periscope now shows small angle on
     this pinging escort. Range on the target is 6000
     yards, angle on the bow 30 port. Decided to go to
     90 feet and speed up to get inside of this screen,
     and be in position for next zig back.

1510 Bearing on ping became constant, so slowed to 1/3
     speed (slow combination), left full rudder, run
     silent, in order to let escort pass ahead.
     Estimated target range 4200 yards, angle 40-50
     port. Escort range estimated 2000 yards, angle
     on the bow 10-15 port. It is now time for a
     20° (est) zig back.

1512 Sound bearings now indicate two things:-
     1. Target had zigged back about 20°.
     2. Escort had zigged back also because his bearing
        became constant again after a short surge to
        left from 1510 to 1511.

1513 Escort's bearing now became really constant and
     the ping became more solid. We suspected that he
     made contact about this time, but he did not give
     himself away by shifting his keying, or by speeding
     up (yet). He just kept that old constant bearing.

1514-30 He speeded up his screws, and so we speeded down.
     He started now to slam the pings in fast. Rig
     for depth charge.

1516 Depth 190 feet he unloaded six (in two groups) and
     the following effects were noted:
     1. Down bubble suddenly jumped from 7 to 12 degrees.
     2. All depth gages in control room out of order.
     3. Caisson gage in conning tower indicated a loss of
        12 feet in depth (used this gage from here on).

-13-

— page 27 —
ENCLOSURE (B)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of First War Patrol.

4. TDC jumped fully one inch from bulkhead, and
   snapped back. Barometer jumped clear of its
   mounting.
5. Electrician securing maneuvering room bilges
   was thrown across the reduction gear casing,
   but wasn't hurt.
6. Numerous shock mounted light bulbs in after
   torpedo room and engine room broke.
7. Steering gear took on a violent growl, which
   is still there.
8. Main motors commenced a banshee howl as a
   result of many brushes failing to re-seat
   after having been knocked out of their holders.

No one reported seeing "red" so I don't think
these were very close, however I do think that one
or two depth charges went off under the stern
probably partially blew #7 M.B.T. The vent
was open so the effect was short lived. My only
comment here is that there is at least one Jap
who sets his pretty depth charges to be
dropped close together. No sono-bombs.

1516-30 Maneuvering reports - starboard motors making a
   "great noise". "Port ahead 2/3, starboard stop".
   Maneuvering reports port motors "very noisy".
   "Starboard ahead 2/3, port stop". No further
   word from maneuvering. The CEM, C.R. MOORE now
   went below and pounded the brushes on #4 motor
   back into place with the handle of a screw
   driver and advised shifting back to port motors.
   However the escorts seemed to have lost solid
   contact so it was decided to leave well enough
   alone.

1525 When things calmed down we were found to be on
   a southerly course with the two pingers aft.
   A few degrees left, then right, on the rudder
   in hand, kept us slowly swinging 20° left, then
   20° right of base course.

The bathythemograph is a splendid instrument.
When it shows a clean break, then you have a
good low altitude "fox hole". However, when
the scribe is vertical you had best "look out".
While waiting for our convoy to come up we had
gone to 310 feet to get a good slow deep trim
and to look for a fox hole, but that "bathy"
card showed a mark from 0 to 330 which looked
-14-
[HANDWRITTEN: 19]
[HANDWRITTEN: 15]

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ENCLOSURE (B)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of First War Patrol.

like a carpenter's plumb line. (Incidentally the
"bathy" was violently affected by the D.C.s and
the card showed a design which somehow resembled
two oyster crabs on an ebony bar; the explanation
of this design remains obscure).

1617 The escorts ceased pinging and abandoned the search.
They speeded up and passed close aboard, one on
either side.

1624 Screws faded out.

1632 Plane up. Periscope depth at 1641.

1648 Surface. Rain; indicating that the front has come
south. Built up to two engines ahead full and motors
seem O.K. except for noise on all four. Head for
convoy position in the rain.

Decided to estimate the situation in our best War
College manner!

Submerged attack is not possible until at least one
motor is quieted down. The noisy rudder and lack
of control-room deep gages (except for deep gage
which is now working again after it was discovered
that D.C. had jarred its valve closed) are a
problem. The after torpedo room reports a bent gyro
setting spindle on #10 tube which was the final
blow not secured because of lack of time on rig for
depth charge. TDC has not been checked for proper
operation and the torpedo tubes were flooded for
about two hours. By the time we are ready for a
submerged torpedo attack the convoy may get away.

However we do have a fine gun's crew. These escorts
are small and the RATON corroborates our observation
that their gun fire is neither heavy nor effective.
If we could take the escorts on, one at a time, we
could choose the range, the wind and the sea. We
could flood down to protect the pressure hull and
after sinking them the marus would be easy.

1655 Pass the word "prepare for 4" gun action". All
ahead flank on four engines.

1702 Contact dead ahead. One escort wide on either bow
of convoy.

[HANDWRITTEN: 20]
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[HANDWRITTEN: 16]

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ENCLOSURE (B)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of First War Patrol.

                                                projectile, which seemed nearly spent, enter
                                                the water and travel about 15 or 20 feet on a
                                                20° or 30° down angle, and then dive. It
                                                appeared now that a lucky hit was possible
                                                which might disable a vent, so ordered "take
                                                her down".

                                                The escorts seemed a little chary and refused
                                                to close. Thus ended the BATTLE OF MUSSAU.
                                                Score:- RAY Expended 33 rounds of ammunition,
                                                no casualties to gun or men.
                                                TOJO expended about 150 rounds of 2 pounder
                                                and evidently lost one gun's crew.

1905                                            Escorts faded out.

1917                                            Planed up. Stations for surfacing at 1927.

1938                                            Surface.

                                                There was now no choice but to repair depth
                                                charge damage and attempt to regain contact
                                                tonight because we are ordered back to
                                                MILNE BAY. The main motors must be stopped,
                                                one at a time, and all brushes pounded back
                                                in place. The port motor was now stopped
                                                24 minutes, the starboard motor for 28. The
                                                steering seems beyond repair.

2200                                            At this time "Doctor" SMITH, the Engineer
                                                Officer, reported that his stethoscope indi-
                                                cated the motors were now quiet. All ahead
                                                flank.

                                                We had lost a lot of ground by now and there
                                                remained time for one search, either west of
                                                MUSSAU for RABAUL courses, or east for
                                                KAVIENG courses. The west side was chosen as
                                                most likely.

2 DEC.                                          Search 9.5K circle for expected courses
0100                                            proved barren of contact, so concluded
to                                              that he must have gone east. No time remain-
0400                                            ed for further search because my orders had
                                                specified departure for home at 2000 last
                                                night.

0400                                            Headed back for MILNE BAY and the FUZZY WUZZY
                                                REST CAMP.

                                                -17-

[HANDWRITTEN: 22]

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ENCLOSURE (B).
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U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of First War Patrol
[HANDWRITTEN: - 1 0115]

— page 41 —
ENCLOSURES (J) (L) (M) (N)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

U. S. S. RAY (SS271) - Report of First War Patrol.

— page 43 —
ENCLOSURE (R)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

U. S. S. RAY (SS271) - Report of First War Patrol.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED

MILNE BAY to area 1612 miles 20,600 gallons
In area 4056 miles 50,040 gallons
Area to MILNE BAY 1811 miles 24,220 gallons

(S) DURATION

Days enroute to area 5-1/2
Days in area 13
Days enroute to base 5-1/2
Days submerged 1

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

Torpedoes - Fuel - Provisions - Personnel Factor
Number Gallons Days Days
14 5,000 30 21

(U) REMARKS

The work of the building yard (Manitowoc) continues to show up
in an excellent light. Both minor and major machinery performed satisfactorily
except for the main engines. The General Motors engines are unsatisfactory
for the usual reasons; excessive smokiness and inability to produce high
power for long periods.

[HANDWRITTEN: 35] - 29 - [HANDWRITTEN: 31]
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— page 44 —
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COMMANDER SUBMARINE SQUADRON EIGHT

16 December 1943.

A16-3
Serial
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
First War Patrol of
U.S.S. RAY.

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

Subject: First War Patrol - U.S.S. RAY.

1. The first war patrol of the U.S.S. RAY was
characterized by its short duration and aggressiveness. The
whole patrol was of 24 days duration of which 13 days were in
the combat area. During this time 4 contacts with enemy
surface vessels were made, 1 of which was a hospital ship
properly marked. Two successful attacks were developed out
of the 3 remaining contacts during which the U.S.S. RAY sank
1 freighter of 9,800 tons and 1 freighter of 4,500 tons,
and engaged in a gun battle with the escorts. All contacts
were aggressively developed.

2. Upon return from patrol the material condition
of the U.S.S. RAY was very good. The only defects encountered
were directly due to depth charging received. None of these
were serious. The U.S.S. RAY left for this patrol with a crank
journal on number 4 engine which should have been ground if
time permitted. No trouble was experienced with this journal
on this patrol; however, the engine was limited to reduced
power. It is recommended that the journal be ground at the
earliest time available. The U.S.S. RAY will be given a short
refit by the U.S.S. FULTON.

3. The Commanding Officer, officers and crew
are congratulated on the completion of a highly successful
first war patrol.

W. M. DOWNES.

— page 45 —
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 0405
CONFIDENTIAL
2nd ENDORSELENT to
CO RAY Report of
First War Patrol
Fron:
To :
Via:
Subject:

1.
TASK FORCE SEVENTY-TWO,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
16 December 1943.

The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
The Cormander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
The Commander, THIRD FLEET.
U.S.S. RAY (SS271), Report of First War Patrol;
comments on.
The RAY departed for her first war patrol from
MILNE BAY on 13 November 1943, following a five day refit
for voyage repairs by FULTON. Topped off fuel in TULAGI on
16th and proceeded same day for patrol north of the BISMARCKS.
Patrolling TRUK - NEW HANOVER traffic lanes 20 - 23 November,
no contacts. Sighted northbound Japanesé hospital ship on
24th. Observed at close range. At 0141 26th, made radar
contact three marus escorted by three IC's, northbound.
Tracked and at 0431 made surface radar attack firing at rear
ship of column, near 020-27' N., 1479-50' E. Three hits.
Target 4,500 ton freighter, sunk. Evaded counter attack on
surface, watching escort dropping depth charges at 800 yards
range. Pursued remainder of convoy during the day and at
1855 fired six torpedoes range 1,400 yards at 10,000 ton
maru. Four hits evenly spaced along target which disintegra-
ted in a matter of seconds near 40-00' N., 1470-50 E., one
prenature explosion. Escorts delivered depth charge attack,
none close, no damage. Searched for remaining ship of the
convoy 27th, no contact. 1050 sighted surfaced unidentified
submarine. Started approach but could not close to establish
iGontity. Assumed friendly. Night of 27th, sent to inter-
cept southbound convoy being trailed by RATÓN. At 0842 29th
closed GATO and exchanged information. Lade smoke contact
with expected convoy and started submerged approach. GATO
attacked first, causing radical course change by convoy, RAY
had no opportunity to attack. Tracked by radar until 2130
when started surface approach. Detected by escorts at 6,000
yards, retired under fire and temporarily lost contact.
0842 30th sighted PETO and set up search plan. December 1
made contact with remaining two ships of convoy, started sub-
merged approach. Detected at 5,000 yards and severely depth
charged. Handicapped in evasive efforts by loud squealing
noises developed in main motor brushes and growl in rudder
caused by first depth charge salvo. Other minor damage.
Decided to get troublesome escorts out of the way, so at
1648 surfaced and closed escorts to 6,000 yards. Running at
seventeen knots on opposite courses, fired thirty rounds at

- 1 -

— page 46 —
FF12-15(72),16-3/Pk
Serial 0405
CONFIDENTIAL
TASK FORCE WENTY-TWO,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
16 December 1943.
Subject: U.S.3. RAY (SS271), Report of First War Patrol;
comments on.
escorts in twelve minutes, no direct hits. As escort fire
was getting more accurate, prudently retired. Made further
search after dark but no further contact. Ordered to MILNE
BAY on 2 December for short refit and transfer to operation-
al control Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE. Arrived 7 Dec-
ember 1943. Twenty-four days on patrol, twelve days in area.
Fired ten torpedoes, seven hits, one premature explosion.

2. RAY's performance on her abbreviated first patrol
gives promise of future heavy destruction to en my shipping.
Attacks were deliberate, coolly executed and pressed home to
conclusion. The Commanding Officers graphic description of
the effect of four solia Torpex hits on a 10,000 ton maru,
page 7, represents what must have been a marvelous sight.
The tracking and persistent contact with both convoys was
the result of careful analysis of all factors by the Command-
ing Officer.

3. The gun attack on convoy escorts was well plan-
ned, but results were negative. The installation of a 40 mm
gun in place of the after 20 mm gun with its attendant ammun-
ition supply will be given further study with local solution
in mind. While the effective range of the 40 mm would not have
guaranteed success in this encounter, the more rapid rate of
fire would have greatly increased the probability of hits.
This incident further exemplifies that we have permitted the
Jap to effectively escort his convoys and keep submarines
away from valuable ships by use of small inexpensive escort
vessels. The use of NARWHAL and NAUTILUS from the beginning
of the war to appear on the various enemy convoy routes
throughout the Pacific and attack convoys with 6" gunfire
was one of the original concepts in the design of those
vessels in order to force the enemy to build and employ
heavier escorts. This would have resulted in fewer of them.

4. The comments on page 4 relative to the cargo
handling equipment of the hospital ship ASAHI HARU, is note-
worthy and substantiates previous reports.

5. The RAY will be given a three day refit along-
side FULTON, after which she will be transferred to the op-
erational control of Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE.

-2-

— page 47 —
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 0405
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271), Report of First War Patrol;
           comments on.

TASK FORCE SEVENTY-TWO,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,

16 December 1943.

6. This patrol is designated as successful for
purposes of award of the Submarine Combat Insignia.

7. The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO regrets
the necessity to recall the RAY early in her patrol while
in contact with the enemy with great chances of adding to
their score and congratulates the Commanding Officer, offi-
cers and crew on inflicting the following damage on the
enemy:

SUNK
1 Unidentified freighter 4,500 tons
1 Unidentified freighter-transport .. 9,800 tons
TOTAL 14,300 tons.

[SIGNATURE: James Fife]
JAMES FIFE.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (Advance copy - 2)
VCNO
VOPNAV (Op-23c)
Com 1st Flt
Com 2nd Flt
Com 7th Flt (2)
Comsubs 1st Flt
Comsubs 2nd Flt
Comsubs 7th Flt
CSS 6, 8, 10, 16, 18
CSD 81, 82, 162
CTF 72 War Patrol Summary
OinC, S/M School, N.L. Conn. (2)
Flt Radio Unit, MELBOURNE
All SS TF-72 (May be taken to sea but
BURN prior passing 5° South)
CO RAY (File)

— page 48 —
[HANDWRITTEN: A16-3/S5(1)]

COMSOPAC FILE

A16-3(6)/(11)

Serial: [CROSSED OUT: 0061] 061

SOUTH PACIFIC FORCE
OF THE UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER

6 JAN 1944

[STAMP: SR RECEIVED JAN 13 1944 549]

CONFIDENTIAL

3rd Endorsement on
COMSOPAC File
First War Patrol
[STAMP: Reg. No. 19295 E.R. No. 04580]

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

Subject: First War Patrol - U.S.S. RAY.

1. Forwarded.

2. The Commanding Officer and Crew are to be
congratulated on their successful first patrol.

[SIGNATURE: illegible, likely for Carney]
ROBT. B. CARNEY,
Chief of Staff.

Copy to:
CTF 72
CO RAY

18 JAN 1944

4th Endorsement
CINC Pacific Fleet
To: [HANDWRITTEN: Cominch]
Via:

1. Forwarded.

[SIGNATURE: P. V. Mercer]
P. V. MERCER,
By direction.

[HANDWRITTEN: Filmed
62135]

[STAMP: COMMANDER IN CHIEF U.S. FLEET RECEIVED 1944 JAN 31 22 01]

— page 49 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]

U. S. S. RAY (SS271)

Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
12 January 1944

SS271/A16-3
Serial 025

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

From : The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. RAY (SS271).
To : The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : The Official Channels.

Subject: U. S. S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number TWO.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the second war patrol of this
vessel, conducted in the CELEBES, AMBONIA, TIMOR AREA, during the period
11 December 1943 to 12 January 1944, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: Brooks Harral]
BROOKS HARRAL.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-04B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/1/72]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[STAMP: 65597 FILMED]

— page 50 —
C-Q-N-E-I-D-E-N-T-1-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of Second War Patrol.
(A) PROLOGUE
8-10 December 1943
Hoored alongside U.S.S. FULTON in: MILNE BAY, PAPUA. Fueled,
loaded stores and provisions. The short time available be-
tween patrols prevented the accomplishment of any normal
refit work, but depth charge damage to rudder rams, to depth
gages and to #1 periscope was repaired, and several PELIAS
modifications to universal joints on shafting of bow and stern
planes were installed. One unit each of #1 main engine and #3
main engine was inspected. Sound survey was satisfactory.
11 December 1943
1315 Underway pursuant to CTF-72 Operation Order $85-43 in company
with U.S.S. RATON and P.C. 746. Transited CHINA STRAIT and
fell in with U.S.S. COUCAL.
1800 Commenced training runs enroute TORRES STRAIT with RAY north
of track, RATON south, alternating attacks on U.S.S. COUCAL
(target), and P.C. 746 (escort).
12 December 1943
0421 Simulated submerged attack on COUCAL.
Surface and commence end-around.
1730 Simulated second submerged attack.
Surface and commence end-around.
2200 Simulated third submerged attack.
Surface and commence end-around.
13 December 1943
0430 Simulated fourth submerged attack.
Surface and commence end-around.
1048 Simulated fifth submerged attack,
Secure.
All attacks were completed submerged because of brilliant moon-
light. Apparently the now camouflage is effective beyond 8000
yards even with a full moon. P.C. 746 provided a very effective
screen and succeeded in making sound contact prior to firing
on the first two runs, once at 2500 yards, and again at 4500
yards. With these very disconcerting experiences in mind the
last three approaches were conducted in such a manner that the
P.C. was presented with only the submarine's bow or stern until
abaft his beam. The results were most gratifying because no
-1-

— page 51 —
further sound contacts resulted prior to firing, although on
one run the range decreased to a minimum of 1200 yards.

Training without effective sound screen tends to develop
careless habits on the part of the approach officer. My
suggestion for training procedure to meet the above
actually develop his contacts and drop hand grenades to
simulate depth charges (as is done by COMDR. BRUTON). A
searchlight might well be trained on a sighted periscope to
indicated to the approach officer exactly when he is detected.

1220 In formation heading for a landfall on SAND CAY REEF.

1725 Sighted a line of breakers 4500 yards on the starboard bow.
     Identified as SAND CAY REEF. Sounding 44 fathoms.

1825 COUCAL parted company and headed east. Speed 14K on course NW
     heading for anchorage in the lee of BRAMBLE CAY. It had been
     deemed advisable to anchor all night and commence transit of
     TORRES STRAIT in daylight because PORT MORESBY PILOTS had re-
     fused a request for services with the statement that "no pilots
     would accept the assignment".

2057 Picked up BRAMBLE CAY and anchored 4000 yards in lee of island
     in 30 fathoms of water. The anchorage is satisfactory and
     affords a moderate lee and fair holding ground in 30 to 40
     fathoms of water.

The western CORAL SEA approaches to GREAT NORTH EAST channel are
incompletely charted except on the regular marked steamer lane.
However all reefs are steep-to and show discolored water and
have a clear line of breakers as a result of the moderate sea
which prevails in this season. Before entering G.N.E. CHANNEL
it is advisable to make a land fall on DARNLEY ISLAND which is
visible well out.

14 December 1943

0615 Commenced transit of TORRES STRAIT.

1805 Completed transit. Headed out toward BOOBY ISLAND.

Notes on TORRES STRAIT (GREAT NORTH EAST CHANNEL).

The transit is best commenced at dawn, but there are numerous
anchorages along the channel. The water is all coral-washed so
reefs are not indicated by distinctive surface discoloration,
but the main channel is a mile wide and swept to six fathoms
throughout. Landmarks are numerous, easily recognized and
apparently correctly charted. Adverse currents present no
problem except on the final run down the range to WEDNESDAY
ISLAND.where some allowance for an easterly set should be
made. Unlimited speed may be used throughout the transit,
except on the WEDNESDAY ISLAND range where a moderate speed
is advisable. The distance from BRAMBLE CAY to THURSDAY

-2-

— page 52 —
ISLAND is approximately 130 miles.

Transit is a simple matter of routine chart piloting.
The services of a licensed pilot are unnecessary except
for sailing vessels. At night or during extremely low
visibility a ship should anchor.

1930 BOOBY ISLAND abeam to port. Proceeding independently to
     PORT DARWIN.

15-17 December 1943

Enroute PORT DARWIN.

At 1405, on 15 December, unit #15 of #1 engine commenced to
make a rattling noise. Secured the engine and opened up
the unit. The valves were all leaking and some were heavily
pitted. The cylinder head was cracked at a point opposite
one particularly large valve pit. This engine had a total
of 1350 engine-hours since overhaul so a bad valve condition
was understandable, and was doubtless general throughout the
engine.

Commenced a complete engine overhaul by ship's force enroute.
Requested two head and thirty two valves from CTF-72 to be
available in DARWIN, so that overhaul of #1 engine and #3
engine could both be undertaken enroute and on station.
Total engine hours on #3 main engine was near that of #1
main engine.

18 December 1943

0601 Sighted BATHURST ISLAND.

0825 Exchanged recognition signals with R.A.N. ML 814 and pro-
     ceeded under escort into PORT DARWIN.

1108 Moored to STOKES HILL FUEL JETTY and commenced fueling.
     Received instructions, spare parts and patrol orders from
     COMMANDER M.L. JENSEN, U.S.N.

-3-

— page 53 —
(B) NARRATIVE

19 December 1943

0737 Underway from PORT DARWIN pursuant to CTF-71 Operation Order
     48-43.
1606 Secured SD radar for duration of patrol to insure undetected
     movements in the patrol area.

20 December 1943

0545 Completed overhaul and test of #1 main engine.
0600 Position forty miles south of SERMATA PASS. Decided to save
     time by attempting transit of BARRIER in daylight on the surface.
0608 Sighted SERMATA ISLAND bearing 240°(T) distant 10 miles.
0725 Sighted BABAR ISLAND bearing 022°(T) distant 30 miles.

     The transit was made at a speed of 15 knots with an 85% zig-
     zag plan. The track in general lay between SERMATA and BABAR
     ISLANDS, then NW between DAMAR and ROMANG ISLANDS. For the
     most part the range to nearest land is from 20 to 25 miles,
     but S. TREPANG was passed about 10 miles away.

     Two rather unusual objects were sighted floating in the water,
     one in the forenoon, one in the afternoon. They were similar
     in aspect to one another and appeared to be square in cross
     section, painted yellow and free of marine growth. They were
     four to six feet long and from eight to twelve inches on a
     side and floated low in the water.

OBSERVATIONS

[HANDWRITTEN: I] SERMATA ISLAND shows no sign of activity. There are two white
     structures located on the eastern tip of the island, about two
     thirds of the way up the hill. They are probably not watch
     towers because the more prominent one is shielded by trees from
     a northerly bearing. There are no radar towers or other structures
     on top of the various hills. No smoke was sighted but there are
     a few cultivated patches.

     BABAR ISLAND: There may be an active mill located in or near
     TELA as indicated by considerable brown smoke. No towers on
     the hill tops. General appearance similar to SERMATA.

     MASULA, WETAN, DAMAR, ROMANG and adjacent small islands showed
     no signs of activity. During the transit only one fishing
     vessel was sighted and the whole SERMATA GROUP conveyed an
     impression of undisturbed peace and quiet.

-4-
[HANDWRITTEN: The]

— page 54 —
1800 Transit of BARRIER completed. Headed on NW course to scout
     trade route from KABOJA-AMBON.

1844 Secured #3 main engine. Commenced overhaul of units #9 and #10
     which were indicating high pyrometer readings.

21 December 1943

0600 Main engine #3 back in commission. The condition of this engine
     appears to be similar to #1, so plans have been made to overhaul
     it unit by unit during daily submergence. Bearings as well as
     valves are apparently in need of overhaul.

0620 Trim dive to 310 feet, water glassy calm. Found to my conster-
     nation that we were leaving a trail of numerous bubbles. Spent
     the next six hours locating and correcting a series of small
     air leaks. These minor troubles are occasionally cropping up
     as SUBRAY needs her first upkeep period soon.

     Disconnected all sea chest blow lines to prevent the formation
     of a bubble trail should a sea chest blow valve be opened by a
     close depth charge.

1248 All air leaks located and stopped. Surface.

     Spent the remainder of the day searching the area at 16.5K.
     Sighted and identified several fishing craft. Finally decided
     that the total lack of air and patrol activity indicated poor
     prospects in the SE part of the area.

1949 Set course 235°(T) speed 17.3K to round MORO MAHO and commence
     close-in patrol of southern approaches to TIORO STRAIT and BUTON
     STRAIT.

22 December 1943

0347 Visibility good. Sighted BUTON ISLAND, range 20 miles. Ran
     parallel to BUTON ISLAND and rounded SIUMPU ISLAND at radar
     range of 14,000 yards. Numerous native fishing lights are
     always visible close-in to this island. The loom of a steady
     powerful white light, similar to an aircraft beacon, was sighted
     on BUTON ISLAND. It has been since located near RONDTOP. It
     apparently burns only during a few hours before sunrise and
     after dark.

0535 Arrived at a point five miles bearing 270°(T) from SW tip of
     SIUMPU ISLAND. Dive to 310 feet for trim, and head in. No
     current was observed in the southern approaches to BUTON, but
     a sharp 6° thermal break at 300 feet seems characteristic of
     this area.

1708 Arrived at a position 6,000 yards from the 100 fathom curve
     and ten miles from BUTON jetty. Took a series of pictures and
     commenced retirement.

-5-

— page 55 —
2023 Surfaced six miles off KADOTA ISLAND and headed for SALIER
STRAIT. Searched the area during the night at 16K.

OBSERVATIONS

There were no signs of enemy activity in BUTON ROADS. At the
head of LASORI BAY there was considerable light brown smoke which
looked like mill smoke. Several bare spots spaced about a mile
apart along the shore lines of KADOTA ISLAND and between WAMBOLI
BAY and LASORI BAY look similar to native clearings but may re-
present enemy activity. A road was seen cutting into clearings,
and parallel to the beach, but the outcropping cliff structure
is such that no positive identification of the road could be
made.
[HANDWRITTEN: I]
Two items of interest were noted, however. A structure, re-
sembling a radar tower or high water tank is located on top of
the cliff one mile east of WAMBOLI BAY. A new road cut, very
clearly distinguishable, has been made in the side of the cliffs
about six miles west of LASORI. It runs from the beach up to
the top of the cliff with a fairly good grade. There were no
SJ indications of a ship radar in the area.

23 December 1943

0422 Sighted SALIER ISLAND.

0534 Position four miles east of SALIER STRAIT. Dive to 310 feet.

During the day PASI TANETTE light was closed to 6000 yards and
appeared to be painted and well kept. Area was very quiet.
Water was such a dead flat glass calm that the sky and clouds
were perfectly clear when observed from a depth of 75 feet.
This area looks like unfavorable submarine water. A 7° thermal
break exists at 310 feet.

My impression is that traffic would not use SALIER STRAIT, but
would prefer to round TANJOUNG LASSA close aboard.

2004 Surface. Visibility good. Heading for northern approaches to
TIORO STRAIT. Speed 16K running a search curve.

2341 Sighted KABAENA ISLAND. KAMEELBERG shows up clearly with a
three turreted crest, and the range of hills along the coast
are excellent radar targets. However, a low coastal plain
extends out 10,000 yards from the hillside and a reef (with-
out breakers in this calm water) extends 7000 yards beyond
the shore. We found out that it was possible to pass within
3000 yards of the reef and have radar ranges of 20,000 yards
on land.

24 December 1943

0544 Position six miles NW of the mouth of PISING BAY. Dive to 310
feet. Characteristic break of 8° at 300 feet.

[HANDWRITTEN: J thru]
[HANDWRITTEN: -6-]
[HANDWRITTEN: 6]

— page 56 —
Headed in to a point three miles from 100 fathom curve, looked
carefully into PISING BAY for evidence of an air base and found
none.

1956 Surface. Visibility fair with characteristic post-sunset haze.
     Decided to run down and round BUTON ISLAND and inspect area of
     BUTON PASSAGE, off WANGI WANGI. Speed 16.5K.

25 December 1943

     A mystery was solved this Christmas Morn. For three nights we
     had been puzzled by the multitude of pairs of vertical, steady
     white lights, always low in the water, near the beach. Finally
     it dawned on us that a fishing light, and its reflection in the
     glassy sea, must look like a pair of vertical lights.

0538 Position nine miles west of WANGI WANGI light. Dive to 320 feet
     Break of 6° at 310 feet.

2003 Surface. Water is very calm and clear in this area.

2336 Decided to go back to TIORO STRAIT. Headed south-west to round
     BUTON ISLAND again. Visibility about 4,000 yards due to dense,
     low haze. Speed 16.5K. The coast of BUTON ISLAND is rapidly
     becoming a very familiar stretch of land (at night).

26 December 1943

0544 Position twelve miles SE of SIUMPU ISLAND. Routine deep dive.
     Held fire control drills and checked equipment.

2001 Position twenty miles SE of KABAENA. Headed north to the mouth
     of TIORO STRAIT to patrol the entrance for the next few days.

[HANDWRITTEN: I]
     It is now my conviction from observation and chart study that
     traffic around the southeastern arm of CELEBES is routed as
     follows:-
          (a) Through TIORO STRAIT:
          (b) Thence direct to Kg. LIMPACEH and into the dangerous
              ground which is impossible submarine water. Thence:
              (1) North to POMALAA inside reefs;
              (2) South and west inside reefs, down the coast, and
                  round Tg. LASSA close aboard.

     It appears that SALIER STRAIT, BUTON STRAIT and BUTON PASSAGE
     are unlikely routes. Observation indicates their lack of use
     at present.

     There are no indications of ship radar in this area. It also
     appears that the area is not patrolled by aircraft or surface
     craft when the Japs have no reason to believe submarines present.

2140 Headed toward the approaches of TIORO STRAIT. This entrance is
     particularly favorable to a submarine. For eleven miles the
     100 fathom curves are parallel, seven miles apart, and are within

[HANDWRITTEN: I xtra]

-7-

— page 57 —
a half mile of either beach. No shipping can slip by a submarine
even in very poor visibility.

2245 Contact. Sighted a large ship standing out of TIORO, range 7000
yards, angle on the bow twenty degrees, a background of land
pips apparently hid the ship contact until radar was coached on.
Reversed course, increased speed and opened distance to maximum
sight range, about 12,000 yards. Presumed a base course of 270°
(T), direct to Kg. LIIAGEH and took tracking station 2500 yards
north of his track, target relative bearing 195°. Our speed was
adjusted to hold the range constant.

The position looked very favorable for an early attack except for
the proximity of land. A damaged ship could beach itself too
easily with land five miles away, so it was decided to draw him
out to sea before attacking.

At the end of one hour and fifty minutes of tracking he was
seventeen miles from land, his speed solved at nine and one
half knots, his base course checked on 270°(T), and he appeared
to be unescorted. His zig-zag plan appeared to be a non-repeat-
ing type and resembled our solution of a previous Japanese
night zig-zag plan. Its characteristics:-

(1) Indiscriminate use of base course legs of varying
length, introduced arbitrarily and apparently at the
discretion of the O.O.D. Length from five to fourteen
minutes.
(2) Zigs right or left were either 10 degrees or 30 degrees.
(3) Length of leg out was same as length of leg back.
The course out and the course back were each the
same angle from the base course.
EXAMPLE:- Base course 270°. Go out on 300°, then
return on 240°. Length of leg out to be five
minutes, then length of leg back to be five minutes.
If desired, a base course leg of any length may be
introduced between the course out and the course
back. (See plot for example).

Target characteristics were as follows:-

(a) A large ship, probably a tanker, with very broad
beam and low superstructure.
(b) Engines aft, and probably a diesel drive because
of low stack and no smoke.
(c) Speed 8.5K, base course 270.

27 December 1943

0025 Flooded down to 18" freeboard, reversed course and headed for
target, speed 8K.

0030 Range 7800 yards, submerged to 45 feet, continued radar plot.

0035 Made sound contact, single screw, 97 RPM.

-8-
[HANDWRITTEN: 8]

— page 58 —
0042 Range 4500 yards, increased depth to 65 feet. TDC solution
     checking.

0046-15 Sighted target in periscope. Used constant periscope bear-
     ings. Course changes on the TDC were made in accordance with
     the solved zig-zag plan and then the generated angle on the bow
     was verified by periscope. Solution checks right on.

     Range 1500 yards identified as a tanker similar to SINKOKU
     MARU or NISSYU MARU. Two stick masts, small bridge structure,
     engines aft, low stack, single screw, kingpost abaft the bridge,
     pretty well loaded down, not smoking, and a large ship.

0049-23 Range 1400 yards. Torpedo run 1175 yards, gyro angle 6°L.
     Track angle 60 S. Commenced firing.
     Set alternate depths 9 and 12 feet. Used 8 second intervals,
     arrowhead spread, and one and one half target lengths of 450
     feet, six tubes forward. (The ship was assumed to be 510 feet
     long, but the data appeared sufficiently accurate to try for
     five hits by setting the spread for a shorter target).

0050-21 Observed first hit near foremast. Engines stopped. Sheet
     of water, no flames.

0050-31 Second hit abaft the bridge. Similar effect to the first.

0050-39 Third hit under the bridge produced a dramatic effect. A
     huge billowing column of orange flames arose and ascended
     out of the field of the periscope before the next hit. This
     column was fully 75 feet wide and mushroomed out like a
     thunder head as it rose hundreds of feet in the air.

0050-48 Fourth hit aft near engine spaces. More fire and flames but
     they were dwarfed by the huge explosions from #3. At this
     time I stepped back from the periscope to check the depth
     and all hands in the conning tower observed the glare from
     the exploding ship focussed on my chest by the periscope.

     Fifth torpedo apparently missed ahead.

0051-03 Sixth torpedo, fifth hit, aft.

     Searched all around the illuminated ocean. No escorts in sight.
     No screws were heard but the burning and exploding target was
     making such a din that sound could have heard nothing else.

     Decided to reverse course and open out preparatory to surfacing.

     Down periscope, ninety feet. Two tremendous explosions close
     together shook the ship. Presumed that they were depth charges
     and ordered 310 feet. It was immediately realized that the
     target had blown itself apart because although the explosions
     were extremely potent they were mushier and more prolonged than
     depth charges. They came from the direction of the exploding
     ship which, thereafter, rapidly became quiet.

     -9-

— page 59 —
At 310 feet opening target. All clear on sound.
0150 Surfaced in position 4500 yards from attack. All was again
clear and quiet. Headed south.
0337 Simultaneous sight and radar contact with a PC range 4500 yards
bearing 020 relative. Dove to 310 feet and ran silent. He
passed down the port hand at an estimated sound range of 3000 yards.
No pings, screws light, medium speed, apparently not sighted.
0503 Surface to complete charge and ventilate boat.
0530 Submerged for daylight patrol.
2012 Surface. Decided to work east toward AMBON by way of KENDARI.
Use of high speed will enable one day patrol off Tg.KASSOLANATULBI,
one day off KENDARI and then east toward MANIPA STRAIT. Speed
16K visibility fair with light haze.

28 December 1943

0506 Position in middle of BUTON PASSAGE. Passed small vessel close
aboard to port, range 1400 yards. Sails down, showing no lights.
He saw us if he was looking.
0509 A small canoe passed down the starboard hand distant 400 yards.

I think that these were harmless fishing vessels. No evidence
of enemy activity was noted after this episode and we have yet
to see our first aircraft.
0548 Position six miles NE of Tg. KASSOLANTULBI. Dive to 310 feet.
Commenced overhaul of units #11 and #12 of #3 main engine.
1930 Engine #3 back in commission. Replaced #12 upper conn rod
bearing.
2009 Surface. Headed for approaches to KENDARI searching eastern
entrance to TIORO STRAIT enroute. Speed 16K.

29 December 1943

0330 Headed in toward KENDARI to pass between MANUI and WOWONI
ISLANDS speed 12K.
0505 Position 10 miles N of WOWONI.
Radar contact 4500 yards bearing 045 relative. Sighted a small
ship identified as a PT boat. Dive to 310 feet and run silent.
0508 Depth 310 feet, all ahead 1/3(slow). Apparently sighted. Light
fast screws closed rapidly to a position nearly overhead and
moved back and forth, true bearing shifting right then left,
no pinging. Sound man used "output limiter" setting which im-
pressed him as indicating remarkable proximity of PT screws.
Kept him astern and he commenced to fade out about fifteen
minutes later.

-10-
[HANDWRITTEN: 10]

— page 60 —
Decided to remain submerged for daylight patrol.
Commenced overhauling units #13, #14 and #16 of #3 main engine
today. Units look progressively worse each day.

1940 Main engine #3 back in commission.

2001 Surface. Headed out expecting trouble. Nothing sighted.

OBSERVATIONS
There is little to report concerning WOWONI STRAIT, STARING BAY
or KENDARI. All quiet. Full sky periscope searches failed to
reveal aircraft patrol. No daylight surface patrol is maintained.
No evidence of surface radar.

2200 Clear of entrance. Headed for a daylight surface-submerged
patrol between SANANA and BURU. Decided to test the reported
presence of a ship radar on SANANA by surfacing during the day
and observing the results.

30 December 1943

0531 Position thirty miles SW of northwest cape of BURU. Sighted
a very small boat, range 2000 yards, in the brightening eastern
horizon. Put him astern for ten minutes and resumed course.
It looked like a prau with sails down. No indications of
sighting.

0558 Position twenty five miles west of northwest cape of BURU.
Dive to 310 feet for trim.

0712 Surface. Course NE speed 12K. All clear.

0827 Dive. All clear.

1221 Surface. Sighted and investigated a sailing vessel near
SANANA. Course NE speed 12K. All clear except for small
prau well away.

1309 Position midway between SANANA and BURU. Dive. Area seems
quiet.

1927 Surface in bright twilight. Course east, speed 16K heading
for surface patrol across trade routes in CERAM SEA. Bright
moonlight, considerable surface haze.

2009 O.O.D. sighted a white flare close aboard on the port quarter
which illuminated the bridge. No ship sighted. Dive. No
screws heard.

2052 Surface. Speed 16K heading east again. Same visibility, poor.

2310 Radar contact bearing 200 range 900 yards. Not sighted. Dive.
Range closed to 800 yards as radar went under. Went to 310
feet, ran silent. High speed light screws closed and commenced

[HANDWRITTEN: (15)]
-11-
[HANDWRITTEN: 11]

— page 61 —
searching area of submergence, very similar to experience off
KENDARI.

31 December 1943

0020 Screws slowly died out as we ran clear.

0157 Surface. By now I was not so sure about absence of radar. It
     looked suspiciously like a radar directed PT search. However,
     high speed in the moonlight makes a submarine visible at con-
     siderable distance and contact might have been sightings. De-
     cided to flood well down, run slow, change course to SE, abandon
     CERAM SEA patrol and plan to patrol MANIPA STRAIT. If we were
     flooded down running slow on an altered course it would certainly
     tend to indicate a shore radar. However, for three and one half
     hours we were unmolested as we approached MANIPA ISLAND.

0527 Position six miles NW of MANIPA ISLAND. Dive to 310 feet for
     trim and headed into the STRAIT.

1942 Surface. Position twenty miles NW of AMBON. Course W speed
     12K heading for AMBELAU ISLAND for a target to enable the
     radar techincian to make certain adjustments which he had
     been advised for several days.

OBSERVATIONS

Nothing of interest except lack of aircraft patrols in MANIPA
STRAIT.

2338 Radar tuning completed. Speeded up to 16.0 K and ran a "Z"
     shaped search plan, approaching AMBON.

1 January 1944

0427 Sighted AMBON ISLAND. Flooded down, slowed to one engine,
     headed in.

0512 Position six miles SW of POINT LIA at the mouth of AMBON BAY.
     Dive to 330 feet for a deep trim and for the first time the
     bathythermograph showed no break.

0700 On station patrolling from a point three miles off POINT
     ALANG, across the mouth of AMBON BAY to a point three miles
     off POINT NUSANIIWI. No traffic can get by. Sea glassy calm,
     no haze.

0758 On the initial routine aircraft sweep at 70 feet prior to
     horizon search the O.O.D. sighted six type 99 DB "VAL's" Mk2,
     with wheels down, coming over the hill in formation, headed
     out on course 235C. From periscope, eased the boat to 90
     feet without speed change lest it swirl the glassy sea. A
     target was expected soon.

0810 Back at periscope depth. No planes.

-12-

— page 62 —
0823 Sighted marus in formation, range estimated 12,000 yards,
heading in on course 030. Formation appeared to be two
marus, one smoking; one not. Battle stations, headed over
toward their track.
0830 Formation consisted of two marus in line. One on the left
a medium sized AK with goal posts, smoking heavily. One on
the right was gray, had cut-off stick masts, was not smoking
and was considerably larger. Small starboard angle.
0833 Observed a third ship of the formation coming over the horizon.
His appearance was similar to à merchantt ship,, but suspiciously
different. He was small and apparently dressed up to look
larger. He was inmediately assumed to be AMBON CHARLIE the
famous Q ship about whom we had been warned. He apparently
was assisted by a FC which, was heard later on when the depth
charging started, but was not sighted prior to firing. Since
the formation plotted a straight 'course, and the escorts were
to seaward, it appears that our presence inside the mouth of
AMBON BAY was a surprise to CHARLIE.
0853 Range 2600 yards. Due to flat sea and presence of six planes
the periscope looks were held to a minimum length. Ten seconds
were allowed for an all around sweep, but other looks were
timed at four to six seconds. Speed on looks 2.5K. The chosen
target was observed as follows: Painted with a clean coat of
warship gray and without rust streaks. His masts were cut off
at the yardarms and the forward yardarm was rigged with signál
halyards upon which two six-or eight-flag hoists were flying.
His lines, his masts, his bridge structure, his deck lines and
his general size and appearance were that of a U.S. Liberty
ship. There is no similar type in ONI 208J. The ship was
medium loaded and made a small bow wave. Used 90 on the
foreyardarm which gave a very clear mark for ranging. He was
towing a landing barge painted red. His naval ensign was not
sighted but his crew was. They were lined up shoulder to
shoulder along the deck line and were all over the small super-
structure like rooks in a rookery, It seemed that there were
at least 75 to 90 men, all in white uniforms and blue collars,
and all looking right at the periscope. He was obviously a
Navy ship, but he had no radar on hier masts por DF loop on
top of his bridge.
0356 Up periscope. Range 1400 yards, angle on the bow 60° starboard,
gyro angle near zero, run 1300 yards. Time to shoot because I
could see the whites of their eyes,
0856-20 Fire one. Fed bearings into TDC during firing. Run 1300
yards, gyro angle zero, track 75° starboard, spread 8 sconds,
1-1/2 target lengths of 450 feet, speed 9K depth 12 feet.
0857-08 Last shct. Torpedoos were running in good shape but bubbles
were making considerable wake in glassy water. Torpedoes were
not smoking. Target had not yet commenced to turn or blow his
whistle.
-13-
[HANDWRITTEN: 13]
[HANDWRITTEN: 17]

— page 63 —
0857-13First hit amidships. Screws stopped.
0857-29 Second hit.
0857-37 Third hit.

Sound heard misses still running. Ordered 320 feet. Left
20° rudder. As we were passing 210 feet the medium AK passed
overhead, apparently he attempted ram. However he continued
on in to AMEON. Shortly after this a string of twelve aircraft
bombs landed in rapid succession in the direction of the firing
point.

0902 At 320 feet running at 2/3(slow). With great joy it was noted
that since our routine early morning deep dive a sharp 12°
break at 280 feet had appeared. Heading away from firing point.

0902 Miscellaneous depth charges, total of thirty four, all aft.
0937 About this time a light fast screw came up on relative bearing
150° and commenced a sound search. No pings. These charges
were large and deep. They weren't especially close, but they
threw the ship a round considerably and sent water rushing back
and forth through the superstructure at a great rate. No small
PC depth charges were distinguished. Headed out on general
course 235 speed 1/3 normal. The escorts seemed to stay near
the area of the attack after the first ten minutes and seemed
to speed up, drop a few charges, then go back to the scene of
the attack.

1100 Screws now faint. Occasional depth charges. Tried to come up
through the layer with a 9° up for a look but couldn't get the
bubble. Being unwilling to run faster than 1/3 normal, and not
being willing to pump, was forced to settle back down and run
farther out.

1330 Speed 2/3 penetrated layer, pumped out 14,000 pounds and came
up for a look. All clear. Went to 90 feet pumped bilges,
reloaded forward and checked torpedoes aft. These tubes had
now been flooded for five hours. It was a pleasure to find
three torpedoes completely dry, and one with about a quart of
water in the afterbody. All could have been successfully
fired.

1430 All clear. Depth charges continued well into the evening
until a total of 49 had been counted. It was decided to leave
AMEON for the present. Our target had sunk and there would
doubtless be poor hunting for a couple of days. With but
two days remaining on station it was decided to devote them
to a daylight surface patrol on the AMEON-SOERABAJA and
AMEON-KOPANG routes.

1956 Surface. Course S. Running on one engine, charging on two.

2225 Charge completed. Speed 16K. Visibility good.

[HANDWRITTEN: -14-]

— page 64 —
2 January 1944
0609 Dive. Overhauling #7 and #8 units of #3 main engine. Replaced
     upper conn rod bearing in #7, and found a fractured head stud
     in the same unit.
1612 Surface.
1642 Dive. All clear.
1919 Surface. Course SW speed 12K.
1930 #3 main engine back in commission.
2244 Decided to head south at FULL speed and complete patrol off
     KOPANG harbor. Speed 17.3K on four main engines. Visibility
     fair.
2330 Poor visibility. Light rain.
2345 Torrential rain. Visibility 300 yards. Slow to 14K.
3 January 1944
0000 Rain slacked off. Visibility 2000 yards. Speed 17.3K.
0200 Visibility improved to 6000 yards. Horizon still not visible.
0535 Dawn. Position still thirty one miles from middle of OMBAL
     PASSAGE. Decided to ride through the dawn at 14K to insure
     arrival off KOPANG next morning.
0630 Sunrise. Dive. Overhaul only one unit (#6) today to insure
     engine back in commission upon surfacing.
1945 Surface. Misty, cloudy, visibility spotty. Speed 15.0 K on
     three engines FULL.
2100 Four engines on the line. Speed 17.0 K. Visibility poor.
2330 Visibility terrible. Mist, drizzle, rain and cloud shadows
     enough to represent whole fleets. Full dependence on radar.
4 January 1944
0323 Arrived on normal FLORES STRAIT-KOPANG track. Crossed track
     for ten miles and commenced a retiring search into KOPANG.
0332 Radar contact on port bow 2000 yards. Right full rudder.
     Small shadow sighted. Put the presumed sail boat astern and
     lost him at 2600 yards.
0533 Position ten miles off mouth of KOPANG BAY. Visibility
     4000 to 6000 this rainy morning.

-15-

— page 65 —
0932 Position five miles off mouth of BAY. Sighted two ships,
    bearing 096°(T) coming out of the rain. Distant about 7000
    yards headed out. One was large, smoking heavily, with
    extensive superstructure, single stack, stick masts. Starboard
    side. Second was much smaller and smoke much less. A destroyer
    accompanied the formation and was observed moving back and forth
    searching but not pinging. All ahead standard. Headed in.

0935 Formation observed to be two ships in line about 1200 to 1500
    yards apart, zigging simultaneously. Angle on the bow port.
    Left full rudder, all ahead standard. Range now estimated at
    8000 yards. The DD was identified as a CHIDORI class DD.
    Angle on the bow was about 45° port with small ship nearer than
    large.

0950 Used standard speed between looks, and estimated base course
    310° for FLORES STRAIT. Distance from the track 2500 yards.
    Range estimated 3500 yards. Angle on the bow small port.
    Plan seemed to be legs of moderate length, course changes up
    to 40°. The larger ship now was about 1000 yards beyond the
    smaller ship and looked like an unlikely target. Continued
    the approach on the smaller ship. DD searching wide.

0955 Formation zigged away and gave an estimated angle of 30° port.
    The DD was now over in right field searching an area about
    4000 yards away. The smaller ship was characterized by two
    stick masts, minor superstructure, high stack, counter stern,
    perpendicular bow, untidy structure around the stack (funnels
    etc.) and two wells. He was riding very high and looked like
    KASAGISAN MARU (P.224). The larger ship was seen to have two
    stick masts, single funnel making heavy smoke, king posts
    forward but no goal posts, considerable composite superstructure
    and quite large. No other details could be seen but he looked
    in general like HUSIMI MARU (P. 83).

1000 Range now 1640 yards with HUSIMI beyond and in line, but slightly
    ahead of KASAGISAN. Angle on the bow 95° port, generated torpedo
    angle near zero, torpedo run 1740 yards, set
    depth 9 feet, spread 1-1/2 ships length 450 feet, 8 second in-
    terval, arrowhead spread.

1000-45 Up periscope. Commenced feeding bearings into TDC and ordered
    fire.

1000-55 First shot.

1001-05 Second shot.

1001-13 Third shot.

1001-21 Fourth Shot.

    Sweep around showed CHIDORI swinging towards us and speeding up.
    Torpedoes were running towards the target but rain splashes made
    wakes hard to see. No smoke. They looked a little ahead, but
    this was only a flash impression. Look back showed a most sus-
    picious DD. Ordered 310 [UNCLEAR: feet].

[HANDWRITTEN: -16-]

[HANDWRITTEN: 16]

— page 66 —
1002-57 First hit.
1003-04 Second hit.

The small targets screws did not stop. Since one sound man had
been on these screws, and no sound man on the DD, the large
targets screws (well out and behind the KASAGISAN) had not been
observed. The hits timed into the large AP.

1007-00 The CHIDORI arrived and dropped four. All aft. He commenced
to pinging and searching around but would not leave the area of
1007-06 the hit ship. KASAGISAN continued to hover in the
vicinity of the torpedoed ship.

1015 The CHIDORI suddenly headed over for us and dropped his best
one for the series. This one made quite a noise and increased
our depth five feet. It pushed in the conning tower telephone
ringing cable and started a considerable leak.

1017 CHIDOR I ran out and dropped one. Not such a good guess as the
first one.

1021 Another dash out, drop, and back. Poor guess.

1025 The heavy slow screws of KASIGISAN were heard to go back and
1050 forth, then stop for a few minutes, then back and forth. The
CHIDORI, commenced to stop and go just like the KASAGISAN.

1100 Decided to come up to see if they were picking up survivors.
CHIDORI would ping while underway and listen while stopped.

The RAY refused to penetrate the 250' layer at 2/3 ahead normal
and with a 9° up bubble. Retired again to 320 feet where she
held her own at 1/3 normal.

1230 Estimated 8,000 yards from scene of torpedoing. The DD and
to KASAGISAN got together and died out rapidly.
1245

1245 All ahead standard. Penetrated layer finally and at:

1300 Periscope depth. Estimated position 12,000 yards from
scene of torpedoing. Nothing there. Nothing in KOPANG BAY.
It appears that the HUSIMI MARU sank before 1230 when the
KASAGISAN and CHIDORI speeded up and went away. The HUSIMI
screws did not start up and certainly she couldn't have been
towed clear in this short time. The destructive effect of
these large torpex heads on an old ship is very extensive, as
was witnessed at close range when KATORI MARU (a similar ship)
was sunk on RAY first patrol.

2016 Surface. No further activity this afternoon. Headed over
for WAINGAPU for a look.

2145 Completed overhaul of #5 unit of #3 engine. The 1000 episode
had delayed the engine overhaul work to some extent. Re-
placed upper and lower conn rod bearings.

-17-

— page 67 —
5 January 1944
0632 Dive and head into WAINGAPU.
0710 Sighted two zero fighters over the tableland south of town.
     They appeared to be dogfighting rather than searching.
0815 Sighted and kept well clear of a small vessel which appeared
     to be a sea truck. He was standing east, close in to the
     coast, flying a Japanese merchant flag.
2000 Completed overhaul of #3 and #4 units of #3 main engine.
2012 Surface and headed east to round SUMBA ISLAND and head for
     rendezvous.

OBSERVATION
All quiet at WAINGAPU. Harbor deserted.

6 January 1944
0909 Dive. Commenced overhaul of last two units of #3 main engine.
     It was found that the upper conn rod bearing of #1 unit was
     in very bad shape, just ready to let go. The whole overhaul
     has been completed. This is apparently a record one.
     The engineering force on this patrol has done a fine job. The
     overhaul of 4 main engines was accomplished without inter-
     ference with operations on a single occasion. It is a fine
     thing to be able to thus overhaul an engine, unit by unit on
     patrol. In fact, it has caused me to have some affection
     for my GM engines. I might even prefer them if they were
     more powerful and didn't smoke so considerably.

     Junior officers, in rotation, solved three fire control problems
     on the T.D.C. The problems are plotted in the control room as
     the ship is maneuvered by the approach officer.

1130 Surface. Used 85% zig-zag plan with a slow change from leg to
     leg for all daylight running during the remainder of the patrol.
     Fuel available will permit use of four engine speed.

1330 Dive. Junior officers fire control problems.
1554 Surface.
2145 Commenced practice night radar approach. Procedure similar
     to submerged T.D.C. problems. The ship is maneuvered and the
     problem solved using data sent up from control room running
     plot.
2258 Secure.

7-9 January 1944
Routine training similar to 6 January.

[HANDWRITTEN: P1]
-18-
[HANDWRITTEN: 18]

— page 68 —
On 9 January at 1757 in position
23° 10' S
112° 15' E

Sea rough with white caps, bright sunlight, speed 13K, ahead 2/3
on four main engines, heading 127°(T) having three minutes pre-
viously changed course from 149°(T) with 1° left rudder.

The Commanding Officer was standing near the after 20mm mount
when the O.O.D. called his attention to a marked discoloration
of the water about 200 yards ahead. It appeared to be a streak
of greenish water in the prevailing blue, and was normal to our
course, extending from the port bow to ahead and off to starboard.
The sea was too rough to make any positive identification possible
but for the sake of caution the helm was immediately ordered left
full and course was changed to parallel the suspected disturbance.
All ahead flank.

The ship steadied on course parallel to the streak about seventy
five yards from it. During the turn a second streak had formed,
about 25 yards beyond the first.

Things began to look more definite now, but a careful study aft
showed no submarine. However a glance to starboard showed a
third parallel streak forming.

All hands alert, could see no periscopes. As the fourth wake made
up the order to dive was given. At depth 160 feet sound reported
all clear.

Ordered base course and periscope depth. Search revealed the
wakes breaking up, leaving a very light oil slick.

It appears from post-firing analysis that a long range divergent
spread was used because wakes were apparently parallel. In this
sea the torpedo slick is rapidly broken up, and it would be most
difficult to spot a hit if it were the first of a spread. These
torpedoes did not smoke.

At 13K our advance was 108 yards between his torpedoes which
apparently were 15 seconds apart. The lateral displacement of
his spread was estimated at 25 yards as it crossed normal to
our track. Had no course change been made it appears that:-
#1 passed 200 yds. ahead.
#2 (would have) passed (200 - 83) 127 yds. ahead.
#3 (would have) passed (127 - 83) 44 yds. ahead.
#4 (would have) passed (44-83) 39 yds. aft

The reader may draw his own conclusions.

10-11 January 1944

Training routine.

On 11 January conducted a 10 hour battery discharge submerged.
Capacity 105%.

12 January 1944
Moored in FREEMANTLE.

[HANDWRITTEN: 23]
-19-
[HANDWRITTEN: 19]

— page 69 —
(C) WEATHER
    Weather was as indicated in the pilot book for this area at this
    season. A low heavy haze exists at night until just before dawn causing
    deceivingly poor visibility.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
    Heavy tide rips were encountered between ALOR and KAMBING ISLANDS,
    within four miles of east end of ALOR. Pilot indicates rips are only in
    vicinity of KALBING.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
    Light structures are still present on PASI TANETTE, SUANGGI and
    WANGI WANGI in positions as indicated in the light list, but none of
    the lights were observed to operate. Light structures are well kept
    and painted.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS
NO.|TIME|LAT.|TYPE(S)|INITIAL EST.|HOW|REMARKS
|DATE|LONG.| |RANGE|COURSE|CON-|
| | | |SPEED|TACTED
1.|2240|5-00S|Large|7000yds|270°T|SN|Attacked AO
|Dec.26|121-40E|AO| |9kts
2.|0335|5-21S|Medium|5400yds|135°T|R|Avoided
|Dec.27|121-24E|PC| |12kts
3.|0505|3-50S|Small|3500yds|Unknown|R|Avoided
|Dec.29|123-08E|PC| |
4.|0531|3-13S|Small|4000yds|Lying|SN|Avoided
|Dec.30|125-31E|PC| |to
5.|2310|2-32S|Small|300yds|Unknown|R|Avoided
|Dec.30|126-54E|PC| |
6.|0823|3-50S|Convoy|8000yds|030°T|P|Attacked AK
|Jan.1|128-05E|1 "Q"ship| |9kts.
| | |1 PC, 2| |
| | |AKs| |
7.|0932|10-00S|Convoy|6000yds|330°T|P|Attacked AK-AP
|Jan.4|123-26E|1 AK, 1| |11kts.
| | |AP-AK, 1| |
| | |DD| |
8.|0815|9-35S|1 "Sea-|9000yds|050|P|
|Jan.5|120-19E|truck"| |10kts.
| | |500 ton| |

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
NO.|TIME|LAT.|TYPE(S)|INITIAL EST.|HOW|REMARKS
|DATE|LONG.| |RANGE|COURSE|CON-|
| | | |SPEED|TACTED
1.|1629|12-00S|PBY|17|180°T|SD|
|Dec.19|129-00E| |miles|150kts.
2.|1748|12-00S|PBY|10|180°T|SD|
|Dec.19|129-00E| |miles|150kts.
3.|0748|3-49S|Six|4|Southerly|P|
|Jan.1|128-05E|fighters|miles|Unknown|
4.|0710|9-34S|Two|3|Various|P|Dog-fighting
|Jan.5|120-21E|Fighters|miles|

-20-
[HANDWRITTEN: 20]

— page 70 —
(H) ATTACK DATA
U. S. S. RAY (SS271) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. ONE PATROL NO. TWO
TIME:- 0049 DATE:- 27 December 1943 LAT.:- 5°S LONG.:- 121°22'E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

DESCRIPTION
Single ship - AO type - No escorts.
Contact made by sight, approximate
range 7000 yards. Maximum visibility
12,000 yards. Clear overhead, no
moon, light haze around horizon.

SHIP SUNK
One (1) - length 500', beam 65',
tonnage 10,200 - SINKOKU MARU
characteristics.

DAMAGE DETERMINED BY
Captain observed five (5) torpedo
hits through periscope.

TARGET DRAFT:- 20' COURSE:- 271° SPEED:- 8-1/2 knots

RANGE (at firing) 1400 yards

OWN SHIP DATA

SPEED:- 3 knots COURSE:- 157°T DEPTH:- 68 feet ANGLE:- 0°

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Visual contact was made with the enemy ship against a dark
land background. We immediately "tailed up" to the target and
established radar contact. The target was tracked by the use of
radar ranges and visual bearings fed into the T.B.T. After tracking by
these means for one hour and fifty minutes, headed up for target
and dove. Stayed at radar depth (45') until range closed to 4500
yards, maintaining constant sound contact.
Captain picked up the target through the periscope at T.D.C,
generated range of 2400 yards. Periscope bearings were fed into
the T.D.C. before and through the firing period. A divergent
arrowhead spread covering one and one half times target length
was imposed upon the generated gyro angle at the time of firing.
The Captain observed five (5) torpedo hits. The third torpedo
caused a large column of flame and smoke to rise several hundred
feet into the air. All torpedoes ran hot, straight and normal.

-21-

— page 71 —
(H) ATTACK DATA - TORPEDO ATTACK NO. ONE

| TUBES FIRED       | # 1     | # 2     | # 3     | # 4     | # 5     | # 6     | TRACK ANGLE       | 6CS     | 61S     | 63S     | 64S     | 65S     | 66S     |
| GYRO ANGLE        | 6°L     | 5½°L    | 5°L     | 4½°L    | 4°L     | 3°L     |
| DEPTH SET         | 9 ft.   | 12 ft.  | 9 ft.   | 12 ft.  | 9 ft.   | 12 ft.  |
| POWER             | High    | High    | High    | High    | High    | High    |
| HIT or MISS       | Hit     | Hit     | Hit     | Hit     | Miss    | Hit     |
| ERRATIC           | No      | No      | No      | No      | No      | No      |
| MARK TORPEDOES    | Mk14-3A | Mk14-3A | Mk14-3A | Mk14-3A | Mk14-3A | Mk14-3A |
| SERIAL NO.        | 23131   | 24864   | 22572   | 24069   | 39280   | 25645   |
| MARK EXPLODER     | Mk6-4   | Mk6-4   | Mk6-4   | Mk6-4   | Mk6-4   | Mk6-4   |
| SERIAL NO.        | 7273    | 7269    | 6964    | 6310    | 1158    | 12102   |
| ACTUATION SET     | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| ACTUATION ACTUAL  | Contact | Contact | Contact | ---     | ---     | Contact |
| MARK WARHEAD      | Mk16    | Mk16    | Mk16    | Mk16    | Mk16    | Mk16    |
| SERIAL NO.        | 318     | 10402   | 2652    | 10202   | 1928    | 1611    |
| EXPLOSIVE         | TPX     | TPX     | TPX     | TPX     | TPX     | TPX     |
| FIRING INTERVAL **|         | 8 sec.  | 8 sec.  | 8 sec.  | 10 sec  | 12 sec. |
| TYPE SPREAD       | DIVERGENT| DIVERGENT| DIVERGENT| DIVERGENT| DIVERGENT| DIVERGENT|
| OVERHAUL ACTIVITY | FULTON  | FULTON  | FULTON  | FULTON  | FULTON  | FULTON  |
| REMARKS           | HSN     | H SN    | HSN     | HSN     | HSN     | HSN     |

-22-

[HANDWRITTEN: E2]
[HANDWRITTEN: 22]

— page 72 —
(H) ATTACK DATA
U. S. S. RAY (SS271) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. TWO PATROL NO. TWO
TIME:- 0856 DATE:- 1 January 1944 LAT.:- 3°51'S LONG.:- 128°4'E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

DESCRIPTION Target was one of two ship convoy
escorted by a "Q" ship and a small
patrol craft. Contact was by
periscope while making submerged
patrol at estimated range of 8,000
yards. The sea was flat calm and
visibility unlimited. Six airplanes
gave convoy air coverage.

SHIP SUNK One (1) - Type similar to U.S.
Liberty ship - Length 500',
tonnage 10,300.

DAMAGE DETERMINED BY Heard three torpedo hits. Sound
reported screws of target stopped and
never started again.

TARGET DRAFT:- 18' COURSE-032° SPEED:- 9 knots

RANGE (at firing) 1460 yards.

OWN SHIP DATA

SPEED:- 2-1/2 knots COURSE:- 285°T DEPTH:- 63 feet ANGLE:1/2° up

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Normal periscope attack. Periscope ranges, bearings, and
angles on the bow were placed in T.D.C. Short periscope exposures
were used (from 4 seconds to 10 seconds). A divergent arrowhead
spread one and one half times estimated target length was imposed
upon the generated T.D.C. gyro angle at the time of firing. A
firing interval of 8 seconds was used between torpedoes. All
torpedoes ran hot straight and normal.

-23-

— page 73 —
(H) ATTACK DATA - TORPEDO ATTACK NO TWO

| | # 1 | # 2 | # 3 | # 4 | # 5 | # 6 |
| :| :------ | :------ | :------ | :------ | :------ | :------ |
| TUBES FIRED | | | | | | |
| TRACK ANGLE | 75S | 78S | 81S | 81S | 86S | 86S |
| GYRO ANGLE | 1½°R | 2½°R | 8°R | 6°R | 11°R | 10°R |
| DEPTH SET | 9 ft. | 9 ft. | 9 ft. | 9 ft. | 9 ft. | 9 ft. |
| POWER | High | High | High | High | High | High |
| HIT or MISS | Hit | Hit | Miss | Hit | Miss | Miss |
| ERRATIC | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| MARK TORPEDOES | Mk14-3A | Mk14-3A | Mk14-3A | Mk14-3A | Mk14-3A | Mk14-3A |
| SERIAL NO. | 24054 | 39234 | 39779 | 39123 | 39267 | 24051 |
| MARK EXPLODER | Mk6-4 | Mk6-4 | Mk6-4 | Mk6-4 | Mk6-4 | Mk6-4 |
| SERIAL NO. | 8100 | 6674 | 7265 | 6310 | 6691 | 7267 |
| ACTUATION SET | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| ACTUATION ACTUAL | Contact | Contact | - - - - - | Contact | - - - - - | - - - - - |
| MARK WARHEAD | Mk16 | Mk16 | Mk16 | Mk16 | Mk16 | Mk16 |
| SERIAL NO. | 5896 | 5986 | 1903 | 2215 | 2537 | 2130 |
| EXPLOSIVE | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX |
| FIRING INTERVAL | - - - | 10 sec. | 9 sec. | 11 sec. | 10 sec. | 8 sec. |
| TYPE SPREAD | Divergent | Divergent | Divergent | Divergent | Divergent | Divergent |
| SEA CONDITION | Calm | Calm | Calm | Calm | Calm | Calm |
| OVERHAUL ACTIVITY | FULTON | FULTON | FULTON | FULTON | FULTON | FULTON |
| REMARKS | HSN | HSN | HSN | HSN | HSN | HSN |

-24-
[HANDWRITTEN: 24]

— page 74 —
(H) ATTACK DATA
U. S. S. RAY (SS271) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. THREE PATROL NO. TWO
TIME:- 1001 DATE:- 4 January 1944 LAT.:- 10°1'S LONG.:- 123°25'E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

DESCRIPTION
Target was one of two ship convoy
escorted by one destroyer of CHIDORI
class. Target hit was larger of two
vessels HUSIMI MARU. Other ship iden-
tified as KASAGISAN MARU. Contact by
periscope during submerged patrol.
Visibility: poor, rain squalls and over-
cast.

SHIP SUNK
One (1) - HUSIMI MARU, type AP-AK
tonnage 10,800.

DAMAGE DETERMINED BY:
Two torpedo hits heard at proper
time interval.

TARGET DRAFT:- 26' COURSE:- 314° SPEED:- 11 knots
RANGE (at firing):- 3200 yards.

OWN SHIP DATA
SPEED:- 2-1/2 knots COURSE:- 017-1/2°T DEPTH:* 68 feet ANGLE:- 6°

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Normal periscope attack. Periscope bearings, ranges and
angles on the bow were placed in T.D.C. throughout the approach.
At the time of firing the two merchant ships overlapped, the
KASAGISAN MARU was at a range of 1640 yards; the HUSIMI MARU was
at a range of 3200 yards. Continuous bearings from periscope
were fed into T.D.C. just prior to and during firing. A divergent
arrowhead spread covering one and one half time target length was
imposed upon the generated gyro angle at the time of firing. A
firing interval of 8 seconds was used between torpedoes. All
torpedoes ran hot, straight and normal.

-25-

— page 75 —
(H) ATTACK DATA - TORPEDO ATTACK NO. THREE

TUBES FIRED             # 1         #2          #3          #4
TRACK ANGLE             117P        119P        120P        121P
GYRO ANGLE              1°L         1°L         4°L         4°L
DEPTH SET               8 ft.       8 ft.       8 ft.       8 ft.
POWER                   High        High        High        High
HIT or Miss             Miss        Hit         Hit         Miss
ERRATIC                 No          No          No          No
MARK TORPEDOES          Mk14-3A     Mk14-3A     Mk14-3A     Mk14-3A
SERIAL NO.              39657       39360       22427       39645
MARK EXPLODER           Mk6-4       Mk6-4       Mk6-4       Mk6-4
SERIAL NO.              6267        7270        7076        6611
ACTUATION SET           Contact     Contact     Contact     Contact
ACTUATION ACTUAL        -----       Contact     Contact     -----
MARK WARHEAD            Mk16        Mk16        Mk16        Mk16
SERIAL NO.              1064        1930        2153        3735
EXPLOSIVE               TPX         TPX         TPX         TPX
FIRING INTERVAL         -----       8 sec.      8 sec.      10 sec.
TYPE SPREAD             Divergent   Divergent   Divergent   Divergent
SEA CONDITION           Calm        Calm        Calm        Calm
OVERHAUL ACTIVITY       FULTON      FULTON      FULTON      FULTON
REMARKS                 H SN        HSN         HSN         HSN

-26-
[HANDWRITTEN: 26]

— page 76 —
(I) MINES

None observed.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

No anti-submarine measures were encountered on the first
attack.

After second attack on convoy of one AK (possibly a Q ship)
dropped forty nine JUMBO charges, none close. Charges were dropped
in vicinity of the attack about eight hours after attack.
Fighter planes dropped surface bombs immediately after attack was
made. These were ineffective. Evasion tactics consisted of running
slow and quiet at deep submergence keeping the attacking ship astern.
[HANDWRITTEN: Delat]
[HANDWRITTEN: 10F]

In the third attack the escorting destroyer was not pinging in
low visibility caused by rain. After firing, he dropped seven small
charges, none close, and commenced a supersonic search, passing close
astern twice but not picking us up. Evasion tactics consisted of
running slow and quiet at deep submergence keeping the destroyers
screws or pin (which ever could be heard) bearing 180° relative.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

The only damage received during this patrol was the driving
in and subsequent leak of cable C-7-E in the control room during
depth charging. This 20 conductor cable, the largest through the
pressure hull furnishes ringing circuits for the conning tower
telephone.

(L) RADIO

Radio equipment in general gave satisfactory performance with
the exception that the Kingsley Receivers is practically useless
when the SD Radar is in operation due to strong interference from
the radar.

(M) RADAR

The SJ Radar gave very satisfactory and dependable service
within its limited range.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

During the last refit period there were strong indications
of deterioration of the cables in the sound heads due to hydraulic
leaks. No difficulties were experienced in this patrol. Almost
invariably when patrolling near land a "pounding" noise was heard
in the sound gear. The noise can best be described as sounding like
beating rocks together.
[HANDWRITTEN: extra]

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

Heavy density layers were found from 150 to 300 feet in all
portions of this area, especially in the mouth of the GULF OF BONI,
off TIORO STRAIT south entrance, in BUTON STRAIT, off AMBON and off
KOEPANG.

[HANDWRITTEN: 31]
-27-
[HANDWRITTEN: 27]

— page 77 —
(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY
Health of the crew was excellent. No sick days lost this patrol.
Food was good and well prepared. Australian yeast as provided by
the U.S.S. FULTON does not keep well and produces a strange variety of
palitable bread.
Habitability good with air conditioning.

(Q) PERSONNEL
The state of training of the officers and crew is excellent with
particular emphasis on the torpedo and fire control personnel.
The performance of duty of all hands under combat conditions was
excellent.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED
MILNE BAY to DARWIN | 1822 miles | 24,430 gallons
DARWIN to AREA | 191 miles | 2,860 gallons
In AREA | 3334 miles | 37,130 gallons
AREA to FREMANTLE | 1660 miles | 26,100 gallons
TOTALS | 7007 miles | 90520 gallons

(S) DURATION
Days enroute MILNE BAY to DARWIN | 8
Days enroute DARWIN to AREA | 1
Days in AREA | 17
Days enroute AREA to FREMANTLE | 7
Days submerged | 13

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING
TORPEDOES | FUEL | PROVISIONS | PERSONNEL FACTOR
Number | Gals. | Days | Days
8 (all aft) | 23,000 | 22 | 21

LIMITING FACTOR THIS PATROL:- None, patrol terminated by
operation order.

(U) REMARKS
Torpedo performance has been most satisfactory. Of the first
twenty six torpedoes fired by the RAY all have run hot, straight,
normal; and none have smoked. There have been no duds, only one
premature and seventeen hits.

Whenever we went in the area the Japs seemed caught completely
by surprise. This is partly attributed to the fact that the SD
radar was secured while north of the BARRIER.

-28-
[HANDWRITTEN: 28]

— page 78 —
(U) REMARKS

I am convinced that there are no ship radars in the areas worked,
although there seems to be no doubt of the reported presence of
aircraft warning radars. It is believed that the SD registers
on these Jap aircraft radars, and even when used sparingly it
gives warning of a submarine in the general area.

Air coverage was completely lacking in the whole area except at
AMBON when the convoy arrived.

The SJ radar has given an excellent performance this patrol within
its limited power. Ranges on land up to 40,000 yards were record-
ed, and we consistently worked land at 20,000 to 30,000 yards. On
our night attack it easily held a large tanker at 12,000 yards
with sharp bow angles. Our SJ is in good shape. However the
SJ Radar does not give adequate warning of small craft like PC,
PT and sail boats. On several occasions it has proven itself
inferior to the radar mounted on U.S. patrol craft and I believe
the RAY capable of carrying a radar as sensitive as that mounted
on an American PC.

As for guns. A single 40mm gun (similar to that mounted on U.S.
sub-chasers) would be mounted in place of the after 20mm to
give us a more powerful stern chaser.

The material performance of the RAY is a tribute to her builders;
MANITOWOC SHIPBUILDING COMPANY. She has been in commission for
six months and has never had more than five consecutive days in
port. Her total is 29,000 miles, 440 dives and several depth
chargings without a post-refit, but is nevertheless in excellent
material condition, with good insulation readings, negligible
air and oil leaks, and no alignment troubles.

-29-

— page 79 —
CONFIDENTIAL
FC5-16/A16-3
Serial 045

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
RAY Second War Patrol
SS271/A16-3 dated 12
January 1944. Ser. 025

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

Subject: U.S.S. RAY - Report of 2nd War Patrol.

1. The second war patrol of U.S.S. RAY was conducted in the
CELEBES, AMBONIA, AND TIMOR SEA area during the period 11 December 1943
to 12 January 1944. The period 20 December to 6 January was spent north
of the BARRIER. The period 11 December 1943 to 19 December was spent
enroute MILNE BAY, PAPUA to DARWIN, AUSTRALIA.

2. In this well conducted and aggressive short patrol only
three contacts worthy of torpedo firing were made. All attacks were
pressed home until the enemy vessels were either sunk or damaged. It
is unfortunate that on attacks number two and three the RAY was forced
to deep submergence, by anti-submarine measures, before results could
be observed.

3. The patrol report is characterized by the clarity with
which different situations are described. Attention is particularly
invited to pages 11-12 of the patrol report which contain indications
that the Japanese are using PT boats for anti-submarine measures.

4. The Material condition of the U.S.S. RAY is excellent
considering the mileage steamed (29,000) without benefit of a major
refit, and speaks highly for the operating and maintenance organization
of the ship.

5. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Commanding
Officer, Officers, and Crew of the U.S.S. RAY on the successful completion
of their second patrol, and for the damage inflicted upon the enemy.

SUBMARINE SQUADRON SIXTEEN

U.S.S. RASHER, Flagship,
15 January 1944.

[SIGNATURE: J. M. Haines]
J. M. HAINES.

[HANDWRITTEN: (4)]
[HANDWRITTEN: 30]

— page 80 —
FE24-71/A16-3
Serial: 0110
UNITED STATES NAVY
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND INDORSEMENT to:
RAY Report of Second
War Patrol Conf. Ltr.
Serial 025 of 12
January, 1944.
From:
To:
Via:
F4253 02270
12/gms
9 February 1944.
The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE.
The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.
U.S.S.RAY - Report of Second War Patrol
Comment on.
-
Subject:
1.
The remarks of the Commander Submarine Squadron
SIXTEEN are concurred in.
2.
In the areas assigned the RAY, the enemy traffic
follows restricted waters wherever possible and considerable
surface and air escort is provided at points of probable sub-
marine attack. By judicious action, aggressiveness, and deter-
mination to inflict all possible damage, RAY did a splendid job
and made the most of every contact.
3.
It is very probable that the HUSIMI MARU type
AP - AK hit with two torpedoes on 4 January, 1944, sank. It is
regretted that lack of conclusive evidence precludes crediting
this as a definite sinking.
4.
This patrol is designated as successful for
award of the Submarine Combat Insignia.
5.
The Task Force Commander congratulates the
Commanding Officer, Officers, and Crew of the RAY on inflict-
ing the following damage to the enemy:

SUNK
1 - AO (SINKOKU MARU TYPE) -----10,020. Tons
1 - NAVAL AUXILIARY (LIBERTY SHIP
TYPE)-
Total 17,906 Tons
7,886 Tons
-1-
[HANDWRITTEN: Recorded]
[HANDWRITTEN: Interual]
[HANDWRITTEN: pass]
[HANDWRITTEN: 31]
FILMED
2

— page 81 —
FE24-71/A16-3
Serial: 0110
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S.RAY - Report of Second War Patrol -
Comment on.
UNITED STATES NAVY
12/gms
9 February 1944.

— page 82 —
UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET

A16-3/(F-6/cw)
Serial: [HANDWRITTEN: 0870]

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

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to:
CO USS RAY Conf.Ltr.
Serial 025 dated
12 January 1944.

From: The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject: USS RAY - Report of Second War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

[SIGNATURE: R. W. Cruzen]
R. W. CRUZEN,
By direction.

[HANDWRITTEN: Filmed]
[HANDWRITTEN: 65597]

[HANDWRITTEN: original]

[STAMP: 844]
[STAMP: Reg. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 2847]]
[STAMP: R.S. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 018174]]
[STAMP: 18 APR 1944]

— page 83 —
U. S. S. RAY (SS271)
1st copy
SS271/A16-3
Serial 01
DECLASSIFIED
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
From:
Το:
Via:
Subject:
Enclosure:
1.
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
27 March 1944
The Commanding Officer, U. S. S. RAY (SS271).
The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Official Channels.
U. S. S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number THREE.
(A) Subject Report.
Enclosure (A), covering the THIRD war patrol of this vessel,
conducted in the SOUTH CHINA and JAVA SEAS during the period 6 February
1944 to 27 March 1944, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: Brooks Harral]
BROOKS HARRAL.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY OP-0989C DATE 6/1/72

DECLASSIFIED

[HANDWRITTEN: Filmed
71147]

— page 84 —
ENCLOSURE (A) - U. S. S. RAY (SS271) - Report of Third War Patrol.
(A) PROLOGUE

Arrived in FREMANTLE, W.A. from second war patrol of 12 January 1944.

During this refit, the U.S.S. ORION'S first, the bridge silhouette
was reduced, and the M.I. turbine type trim pump was installed.
Both items proved to be eminently satisfactory on patrol.

The RAY project of eliminating perforations of the pressure hull by
large cables was furthered by re-location of the conning tower LMC
cable in the hatch trunk and by elimination of the conning tower
telephone ringing circuit. Total cable perforations eliminated now
amounts to thirty five (35); and on this patrol no pushing-in of
remaining small cables resulted even when heavily depth charged at
depths of from 380 to 398 feet.

The ship was dry-docked, and all engines were overhauled.

On 30 and 31 January proceed to sea and conducted sound tests and
training exercises.

On 1 and 2 February loaded stores.

On 3 and 4 February conducted training exercises and fired torpedoes.
These exercises were held under the supervision of Commander E. S.
HUTCHINSON, U.S.N., C.S.D. 162. A series of careful observations
during night surface approaches indicated that the lowered bridge
silhouette materially reduces the range at which the submarine is
sighted.

On 5 February loaded torpedoes.

— page 85 —
**(B) NARRATIVE**
**6 February (All times HOW)**
    Departed FREMANTLE for patrol area. Conducted night approaches on
    U. S. S. ISABEL until 2300 this date.

**7-9 February**
    Made an uneventful trip to EXMOUTH GULF conducting drills enroute.
    Entered the GULF before sunrise and moored to fuel barge at 0700.
    Completed fueling at 1129, having taken on 15,000 gallons, and
    departed for LOMBOK STRAIT.

**10 February**
    Enroute LOMBOK STRAIT.

**11 February**
1930 Dark. As a safety measure, secured SD radar for the remainder of
    the patrol north of the BARRIER, where it is used only at special
    times, such as upon surfacing for a few minutes, and occasionally
    when our presence is so obviously well known by the Japs so that DF
    is inconsequential. It may be of interest to note here that despite
    the fact that our SJ invariably gets a good O.K. from inspecting
    base personnel, we rarely picked up a Jap plane, and on the occasions when
    they have bothered us, we have had no pips. On the other hand, for
    three patrols we have never been molested by Jap planes provided
    the SD was secured. In general I should say that the SD was designed
    for large planes, and is insufficiently sensitive for small, fast
    moving, low flying Japs, although friendly CATALINAS show up at twenty
    five miles.

2235 Sighted land on the starboard bow forty (40) miles distant. The
    moon-light was very bright.

**12 February**
0005 Entered mid-point of LOMBOK STRAIT. Speed 18.5K. The changing
    tide caused heavy rips.

0155 Cleared LOMBOK STRAIT.

0210 Sighted a PC type escort sharp on the port bow, range 7000 yards,
    standing south in the middle of the strait; and almost simultaneously
    the SJ reported interference from another radar which seemed to be
    holding us. Right full rudder, put him astern and headed for
    TREWAN ISLAND about eight miles away. (This is a small outlying
    island in LOMBOK STRAIT). Shortly thereafter the enemy radar
    seemed to lose contact and to commence sweeping again, and it was
    supposed that the diminished RADAY echo was lost in the land pips.

-2-

— page 86 —
The patrol vessel was set up on the TDC and the problem solved to
run around him at a constant range of 8000 yards. No further
sight contact.

Set course 080°(T) to run south and east of POSTILLON ISLANDS in
order to search an area rarely visited by U.S. submarines.

0456 Sighted, tracked and identified a small sea truck.

Spent the day surface and submerged standing along track.

13 February

Surface all day heading up to pass west of reefs off of MAKASSAR
CITY about two hours after dark. Expected to patrol off CAPE MANDAR
the next day.

14 February

0335 Sighted CAPE MANDAR in the moonlight.

0457 Sighted a PC sharp on the starboard bow, range 7000 yards coming out
of the shadow of CAPE MANDAR and heading south. Ran around him, but
in doing so we found ourselves in a poor position for daylight sub-
merged operations (at least we made no contacts this day). Not
sighted. No SJ contact. No evidence of radar.

0550 Submerged.

1847 Surfaced and headed north to pass CAPE WILLIAM close abeam. Search-
ing for coast-hugging ships.

15 February

0637 Dive. Decided to remain undetected in this area today in order to
be in position to search for PUFFER'S tanker tonight, assuming a
ten hour turn around for tankers in BALIKPAPEN.

1846 Surface and commenced a two engine search curve on BALIK - N.WATCHER
line until 0100, then on BALIKPANGALIHAT line until daybreak.
Assumptions as above mentioned.

16 February

0106 Sighted a small patrol vessel on course 093°(T) speed 6. Commenced
run around at 12000 yards constant range.

0147 Sighted an aircraft on the port bow (SD secured). His engine ex-
haust gave him away.

0149 The plane was headed across the bow and did not seem suspicious,
but the moonlight made sighting possible. Dive.

-3-

— page 87 —
0210 Sighted the patrol vessel through the periscope, range 3000 yards.
     No pinging, no sound contact. His plot showed a track of 093° and
     TURNING speed 6K.

0253 Surfaced with patrol vessel at a generated range of 7000 yards, aft.

0256 Visual contact. Ran around at constant range of 12000 yards on
     four engines. Not sighted. No SJ contact. No evidence of radar.
     POSIT: Lat. 0° 45' N
            Long. 119° 10' E

0629 Submerged for daylight patrol off CAPE MANGALIHAT. Expect to
     transit SIBUTU tomorrow night.

1845 Surfaced. Ran on one engine all night and next day to save fuel.

17 February

1515 Sighted SIBUTU ISLAND.

1638 Dive in position eight miles south of SIBUTU.

1845 Surfaced and headed in PASS.

2025 Sighted a PC on the port bow, range 6000 yards in position 14000
     yards, bearing 250°(T) from TALPAT POINT; heading east at slow speed.
     Set up TDCand ran around to westward of him at constant range of
     10000 yards. Not sighted. No SJ contact. No evidence of radar.

2115 Cleared SIBUTU. Course 020°(T) heading up to pass PEARL BANK to
     port, speed two engines. Expect to transit BALBAC tonight.

18 February

0116 Passed PEARL BANK abeam to port. SJ radar continues to work poorly,
     land ranges of only 8500 yards. Ever since shortly after leaving
     FREMANTLE the radar technician has been taking bugs out of the SJ,
     but to date no ship contacts have been made. Decided to replace
     the magnetron tube, and expected to test it on BANCORAN ISLAND.

0400 Decided to use SD radar on five second, out of each thirty seconds
     period, when transiting SULU SEA, because no traffic was expected.
     SD gave excellent land pips while transiting SIBUTU.

1037 A small float plane, RUFE, sneaked in out of the low clouds and dropped
     two bombs, well aft. Sighted him about 1500 feet away, after the
     bombs had fallen. Dive immediately. No SD indication, before, during,
     or after bombing.

1239 A heavy rain came on, so surfaced and headed north to pass BANCORAN
     ISLAND abeam. Keeping in weather front as much as possible.

-4-

— page 88 —
1530 Rain slacked off. Misty and showery.
1700 BANCORAN ISLAND abeam. The spare magnetron tube failed to function
     at all. Therefore there remained no choice but to re-install the
     old magnetron, and continue to attempt to locate SJ trouble else-
     where. Replacement of magnetron tubes takes several hours,
     and the transit of BALABAC would have to be made without radar.
1715 Headed for BALABAC STRAIT. Speed standard on two engines, course 285°.
1830 No stars. Headed for BALABAC on D.R.
2030 Rain ceased. Skies cleared somewhat.
2345 Having a pretty good fix on the various bumps of BALABAC ISLAND and
     having only ninety minutes until moonrise, decided to head in immedi-
     ately, and not wait for radar. Flooded down to eighteen feet, two
     engines ahead 1/3.

19 February

     After a little backing and filling and identifying islands as ships,
     we entered at 0014 on course 260°(T), speed 1/3 on two engines.
0045 A large patrol boat, with a small one under his bow, came out of the
     shadow of an island on relative bearing 080°, range about 3500 yards
     (est.), course opposite. We were too close to DANGER ISLAND on the
     port hand to permit changing course away, and there remained three
     miles to go before the normal course change to southward. No evid-
     ence of having been sighted, so pulled lookouts below, herded all
     hands into the covered wagon, and held course and speed.

     The range closed slowly and inexorably, as the patrol changed course
     about thirty degrees toward, until the two sticks of his mast could
     be clearly seen in the glasses, and his whole outline was visible to
     the unaided eye. Sighting seemed inevitable, but he still made no
     move. His relative bearing slowly changed to 90° and then to 110°.

0120 Finally, at long last, the three miles were run, the admirable Jap was
     on relative bearing 135° (distance still startingly inadequate), and
     we slowly came left to 210° as the range commenced to open. Speed
     was slowly built up to four engines flank.
     How we are able to get away with such things will always remain a
     mystery to me. Some Japs must be blind or sleepy or reluctant. It
     may have been just as well that the SJ was out of commission, be-
     cause if someone had kept reminding me of the range I might have
     found the temptation to dive overpowering.
0210 Radar finally back in commission, and the performance for the re-
     mainder of the patrol was up to its former very high standard. The
     amount of work, and the number of adjustments, which the radar
     technician, MINAKER, R.S., RT2c, has performed to achieve this,

- 5 -

— page 89 —
fills two pages, and reflects great credit opon his talent and energy.
It is needless to catalogue them here, but it is unfortunately and
undeniably true that the set (Which has always worked well before)
was carelessly and improperly overhauled during the last refit period.
0225 Cleared BALABAC STRAIT. On this trip out we have a perfect score on
patrol boats. Sighted one at every pass, with two to boot.
0320 Ahead two engine speed heading for PULO CECIR DE MER via south of
DANGEROUS GROUND
20 February
Same as 19 February
22 February
Heading on course 270°(T) speed standard on two engines to search
area.
1200 POSIT: Lat. 10° 05' N
Long. 109° 44' E
23 February
Heading north for close-in submerged patrol off CAMBRANH BÀY.
1200 POS IT: Lat. 11° 13' N
Long. 109° 31' E
In position ten miles off CAMRANH BAY; spent the night Fatrolling
N-S line at 1/3 on one engine.
24 February
0536 Position fourteen miles from entrance. Changed course to 280°(T)
and headed in.
0645 Sixteen minutes until sunrise. Position six miles from entrance.
Dive and continued in, making allowance for expected two knot
southerly set.
The morning was well enough advanced before diving so that a good
view up CAMRÁNH BAY as far as LO HONGEL (eleven miles away) was
afforded. There were no evidence of shipping or patrol craft in
the lower bay, Numerous large and medium sailboats, near the
coast and hull down, were standing in and out. There were no
structures or indications of activity evident on either MUI DAVAICH
or ILE TANGE.
0756 Sighted first float plane searching the area. Distant four miles,
flying very low. Ninety feet for fifteen minutes.
0815 Sighted a land plane apparently searching. Ninety feet for fifteen
minutes.
-6-

— page 90 —
0828 Sound reported pinging as we were coming up to periscope depth.
0830 Up periscope. Sighted the following:
    (1) A small (600 ton) single stack, two masted, very smokey maru
        standing out. Angle 90° port, range 7000 yards, true bearing
        160°(T).
    (2) A small vessel which resembled a net tender, with characteristic
        beak-bow, angle 60° starboard, range 5000 yards, true bearing
        000°(T).
    (3) A CHIDORI (source of pinging) angle 20° port, range 12,000 yards,
        well astern of small maru.

    Sounded battle stations and commenced approach on CHIDORI.

0845 Distant bomb.

0847 Sighted a second CHIDORI standing out, searching and pinging. His
    position was approximately four thousand yards north of the first
    one, and on his port beam.

0905 The chosen target continued to close, searching carefully. Range
    had now closed to an estimated 6000 yards. Made ready the bow and
    stern tubes. Both the net-tender and maru had stood on out to sea-
    ward for several thousand yards. The net-tender passed within a
    thousand yards, but seemed unaware of our presence. The second
    CHIDORI was out in right field, some distance away.

0910 Sighted a third CHIDORI heading in from seaward, range approximately
    8000 yards, angle zero. Slowly searching and pinging. Continued
    approach on chosen target, range now 4000 yards.

0917 Chosen target had turned away and commenced searching on southerly
    course.

    The situation had been gradually deteriorating. The three CHIDORI'S
    seemed to start and stop and in general gave an impression of per-
    forming a careful area search.

0928 On this look the observed situation was considered completely out of
    hand:
    (1) The chosen target was observed off to southward stopped, range
        8000 yards.
    (2) CHIDORIS number two and three were commencing a sweep toward us
        from the NW, range 10,000 yards.
    (3) The small net tender was coming back, range now 3000, angle 5°
        starboard, speed slow.
    (4) The maru was off to SE, stopped and smoking heavily, range
        6-8,000 yards.
    (5) One float plane was close aboard, giving a distinct impression
        of circling the periscope.

    This look did it. It now definitely appeared that the reported
    CAMRANH BAY submarine detector must be detecting, or having recently
    detected; because everybody seemed to think that we were in general
    where we were.

-7-

— page 91 —
1002 Sighted CHIDORIS number two and three commence a co-ordinated search
on a line of bearing, and shortly afterward CHIDORI number one
joined the line. The middle CHIDORI had a zero angle, and the others
were on either side. Range to line about 8,000 yards.

1002 Routine evasion tactics. Search was continued by three pinging
to CHIDORIS and two listening patrol craft. On several occasions the
1340 listeners came very close, but it was easy enough to avoid the
pingers. No depth charges.

1508 Three distant aircraft bombs.

The events of this day have been catalogued at some length because
they seem to give evidence of the general location and characteristic
of a detecting device. During the day we were apparently not sighted,
or detected by patrols, because no bombs or depth charges were
dropped close aboard.

The initial search appeared to be a specific sector search. Judging
by apparently simultaneous commencement of aircraft, and surface
sector search, we may have passed over a loop located 10,000 yards
bearing 090° from HON CHUIT light at sometime near 0730. This
search apparently failed to locate us in its sector.

However, as a result of approach maneuvering, and current set (2K),
we again may have passed over the loop at about the time retirement
commenced (0940). Position 10,000 yards bearing 110°(T) from HON
CHUIT light.

This second assumption is based upon the commencement of a second
sector search instituted by the three CHIDORIS in a line headed
directly at us, and assisted by the small patrols and aircraft. The
search was maintained in this secotr very persistently.

The reason why a loop, rather than a microphone-type, is presumed,
lies in the fact that search tactics seemed based not upon continuous
general indications of our presence, but rather upon two distinct
and definite locations, first at 0730 when we passed the loop going
in, and then again at 0940 when we passed the loop going out.

1912 Surface. Star sights confirmed the assumed two knot southerly set.

Set course 120°(T) speed 2/3 on one engine. Searching area.

25-26-27 February

Searching area.

2130 Secured main engine. Proceeding on auxiliary engine.

28 February

Course 111°(T) heading over at slow speed to search south of
DANGEROUS GROUND.

-8-

— page 92 —
1700 Commenced three engine search of likely routes between DANGEROUS
     GROUND and SINGAPORE.

29 February - 1 March

0800 Secured search.

          POSIT: Lat. 6° 17' N
                 Long. 110° 53' E

     Commenced heading back north on one engine to search inside the
     DANGEROUS GROUNDS.

2 March

0849 Sighted PEARSON REEF bearing 150°(T).

1030 Commenced three engine search of the middle of DANGEROUS GROUND
     south of UNION SHOAL.

1531 Sighted USS BLUEFISH.

1724 Sighted sticks of large convoy consisting of nine ships including
     four or five large tankers.

          POSIT: Lat. 9° 44' N
                 Long. 113° 57' E

     Commenced tracking at estimated range of fifteen miles.

1915 Closed and made SJ contact at 17,500 yards. The moon was very
     bright in a nearly cloudless sky, so decided to await moonset for
     attack.

2100 Speed checked at 13.6K, course 212°. No escorts yet located. The
     formation consisted apparently of five marus in a line of bearing
     240°-060°, distance 500-800 yards between ships, with a large AK on
     the right or leading flank. The remaining marus were apparently
     spaced irregularly astern of the leading and middle ships.

3 March

0121 Twenty minutes before moonset a very dark cloud came over the face
     of the moon and the formation zigged thirty degrees right.

0145 The moon had now set, and the formation resumed its base course.
     Built up to four engine speed and took station 70° on the starboard
     bow of large AK, range 9000 yards, and headed in at flank speed.

     Shortly thereafter the first escort was reported by SJ dead ahead,
     range 7800 yards, between us and target. Ordered right full rudder,
     and kept tail-up to escort and allowed him to go by, then all ahead
     flank and headed back in.

                                  -9-

— page 93 —
This forced maneuver displaced us to a point slightly abaft the beam
of the chosen target, at range 7000 yards, which was unfavorable for
attack on a fourteen knot ship, because resulting track would be
about 150°. Nevertheless, kept heading in, hoping for a straggler.

At 6000 yards a large tanker was identified dead ahead. Word was
sent below, "here is a target" and bearings and data were sent
below. At 5000 yards stopped and opened outer doors on four tubes.
(It seems odd at this writing that only four torpedoes were allotted
to a tanker, but such parsimony is explained by the fact that when
nine targets are present, a single ship assumes a lesser stature
when the C.O. greedily thinks of all targets available and wants to
make twenty one torpedoes go for nine targets. This is a pitfall to
be avoided).

Outer doors open. All ahead flank. The tanker now appeared to be
very long and have a single stack. Angle on the bow 120° starboard.
Ordered all stop, commence firing when range reached 2700 yards.

Range approached 2000 yards as last torpedo was fired. One torpedo
seemed to run slightly erratic to right before settling on its
course, but ejection appeared otherwise normal.

Left full rudder, all ahead flank, and range closed to 1800 yards
on the turn. It appears that we may have been sighted on this
turn because tanker appeared to turn slowly away. One hit was
observed and heard below.

As soon as he was hit he yawed sharply left, then slowly came back
to his course. He slowed for a short period, then seemed to re-
sume speed. He commenced to smoke violently and it was believed
that he was on fire.

The rudder was put hard over and we again headed in, his angle on
the bow was now 160-170 and he was heading into the middle of the
formation, now about 1000 yards ahead of him. His smoke commenced
to diminish, but at a range of 3500 yards we were assailed by a
stench like that of a smoking kerosene heater.

His speed was back to approximately 14K. When we had slowly closed
him to 2000 yards, angle on the bow 175° starboard he was entering
the formation.

0312 Another tanker now appeared ahead of us, range 6500, riding on the
starboard flank of the formation. Decided to attack this one prior
to daybreak and not follow our damaged tanker into the formation.
Forward tubes were now being re-loaded.

0425 In position for attack on second tanker, 70° on his starboard bow,
range 7000 yards. An escorting DD had been observed by SJ to be
riding first on one bow, then on the other bow of the tanker, but
at this time he had drifted to the off bow, and attack opportunity
was excellent. However now radar reported radar interference dir-
ectly in line with the tanker, and until it was necessary to open
out at daybreak to send a contact message we were unable to get a
clear run at our target.

-10-

— page 94 —
0600 Sent out contact report. Lost contact with convoy, so commenced a
     sweep to south and east.
0700 Sighted USS BLUEFISH bearing 090°. Headed over to speak.
0720 BLUEFISH alongside. Exchanged information and discovered that she
     had probably been the mysterious escort between us and the target.
     It is unfortunate that the RAY is not yet equipped with voice radio,
     as the BLUEFISH is, because the lack prevented our launching an
     attack this morning.
0740 Parted company with BLUEFISH, after having decided to search indep-
     endently. Four engine speed searching south and east.
1258 No contact.

POSIT: Lat. 6° 21' N
     Long. 112° 14' E

     Decided that convoy must have passed astern, or else have changed
     course to 090° and headed for BORNEO COAST. The first assumption
     seemed most likely, so changed course to 272°(T) and commenced
     searching back to westward. Four engine standard.
1845 Made quick dive for first time since yesterday.
1905 Surfaced and commenced working southwestern two engines full speed,
     searching toward 13.5(K) daylight circle north of NORTH NATUNA
     ISLAND.
2115 Made radar contact and exchanged recognition signals with USS PUFFER,
     range 7000 yards.

4 March
0731 No contact. Headed on course 355°(T) on assumption that convoy might
     be running outside to the north of the island.
     Just before daybreak on this morning the BLUEFISH made contact and
     attack a remnant (three tankers and three escorts) of the convoy.
     This was not learned until dusk when it was discovered that her
     attack position had been thirty miles astern of RAY, and somewhat
     south. We missed this convoy by heading north at 0731.
     No voice radio had again cost the RAY an attack. In desperation we
     investigated all of our radio equipment and decided that by using the
     KINGSLEY set for reception, and by keying on the TBL low power on
     2880 Kcs we could work the voice circuit. This was successfully
     tested with the PUFFER and the set-up was maintained for the
     remainder of the patrol.
1510 Changed course to 080° and continued to search the general area on
     one engine.
     -11-

— page 95 —
5 March
0651 Trim dive.
0722 Surface and continue to search area on one engine.
1800 POSIT: Lat. 6° 51' N
Long. 111° 52' E
Commenced a two engine search for traffic southbound from DANGEROUS
GROUND.

6 March
1624 Sighted USS PUFFER and headed over to exchange information.
1725 PUFFER alongside. Tested voice set-up. Told PUFFER that fuel was
beginning to run low and that we would be unable to return to our
area for that reason, and planned to patrol west of GREAT NATOENA
for five days and then return via KARIMATA STRAIT. Fuel was now
about 25,000 gallons.
1750 Underway at standard speed on one engine heading for new patrol
area, searching enroute.

7 March
0156 Sighted PUFFER in the moonlight.
0900 POSIT: Lat. 4° 35' N
Long. 107° 21' E
Sent serial three explaining low fuel and requesting permission to
return by short route via KARIMATA. Expected to hold out until
fourteenth.

8 to 13 March
Stationary patrol west of GREAT NATOENA using from three to four
hundred gallons fuel per day.
No contacts, air or surface.

14 March
0600 Commenced drifting southward across SINGAPORE routes to the east.
1200 POSIT: Lat. 0° 18' N
Long. 106° 45' E
1800 Departed area, headed for KARIMATA STRAIT, One engine speed.

15 March
0622 Sighted KARIMATA ISLANDS distant twenty miles.

-12-

— page 96 —
0758 Submerged and headed for KARIHATA STRAITS.
0915 Sighted small round white buoy moored with 21 thread line; position
     12,000 yards bearing 040°(T) from ONTARIO REEF. Passed close aboard
     to southward (unwittingly). Its nature could not be ascertained
     but since we passed safely to southward it was decided to inform the
     PUFFER lest there be a danger to northward.
1900 Surface. Speed one engine.

16 March
0401 Sighted and identified two small native sail boats.
1200 POSIT: Lat. 4° 38' S
               Long. 110° 28' E
1900 Secured main engine. Commenced patrolling on auxiliary engine,
     having been granted five day extention to patrol JAVA SEA area.

17 March
0615 Sighted BAWEAN ISLAND. Numerous small sailboats in area.
0745 Sighted two sailboats larger than the average, so headed over to
     investigate.
0905 Close aboard first sailboat. It was smaller than expected, had
     one sail and a regular house in which the crew lived. Two small
     white flags were displayed. See sketch. On the bow appeared the
     words:-
     MITSUI DAI 197.
     However this did not appear sufficient reason to destroy the vessel
     which was manned by natives, and obviously fishermen. He obediently
     hove to and shortened sail. Few natives appeared on deck, however.
     The second boat was similar to the first, and the native crew came
     on deck and bowed and saluted.
0944 Headed away on course 155°(T). Speed 1/3 on one engine.
1200 POSIT: Lat. 5° 37' S
               Long. 113° 03' E
     Sighted numerous sailboats all day, but in conformity with orders
     did not molest them,nor allowed them to get closer than 10,000
     yards.

18 March
0036 Sighted KANGEAN ISLAND.
0230 KANGEAN ISLAND abeam to port, course 147°, heading south for patrol
     of eastern approaches to SOERABAJA.
0331 Shifted to auxiliary engine.

-13-

— page 97 —
[HANDWRITTEN: Star is white
Crosshatching
is red]

[HANDWRITTEN: Pennants flown by small
Javanese Schooner
when challenged]

[HANDWRITTEN: Device on bow
MITSUI DAI 197]

— page 98 —
0550 Sighted a ship bearing 093° distant 12,000 yards on the brightening
horizon.
0558 Dive and commence approach. Manned battle stations.
0640 Identified as a PC and allowed him to passaabout 2000 yards away.
Secured from battle stations. His course was 265°(T) speed 8.
0650 Went to 320 feet for deep trim.
0711 On the way up, sound reported pinging ahead.
0720 Up periscope. Sighted considerable smoke and stick on bearing
indicated. Manned battle stations and commenced approach.
0740 Identified as a single stack coal burning patrol vessel, tonnage
estimated at 800. This type is new to me. He was allowed to pass
within 1000 yards but he made no contact. His course was the same
as the first one, speed similar. The smoke looked like a "come-on".
0800 Secured from battle stations.
1011 Surfaced. Operated SD for one minute prior to surfacing.
1017 Secured SD. All clear.
1031 Sighted a small single engine, float biplane at a range of six miles.
Dive to 160 feet.
1035 Two depth charges. Not closer than 300 yards.
1643 O.O.D. sighted a stick on the horizon bearing 000°(T). Battle stations.
1650 Identified stick as a CHIDORI CLASS torpedo boat, angle on the bow
5° port. Range 10 or 12,000 yards.
1652 Commenced a routine horizon sweep to right and sighted a second
CHIDORI bearing 020° relative, range 4800 yards, angle on the bow
30 port. This sweep was never completed, and the sound gear was
depended upon to discover any additional close-in ships. For this
reason the PC which later joined the attack was not located until
depth charging began.
Battle stations and commence approach. Made ready six tubes
forward.
1700 At 3800 yards he changed course and headed directly for us. It
was considered a normal zig because he did not speed up. Kept the
relative bearing zero and prepared for a down-the-throat shot. We
were running slow ahead 1/3, ship silenced, exposures six to eight
seconds.
1706 Range 1900, angle zero. Desired a range of 1000 to 1100 yards for
this shot.
1708-30 Range 1200. Just as we were ready to fire he zigged 60° to star-
board. Kept headed up to him and awaited a better shot. During
this time he pinged intermittently.

— page 99 —
1711-50 Track 90° part, range 1000 yards, ready to fire, but TDC set up
was not checking well. Made three short (six seconds) observations
spaced thirty seconds apart, and at:
1714-00 TDC operator reported the solution checking, so commenced to shoot:
range 1400 yards, track 120, six second interval, depth zero and
two feet alternately, spread 1-1/4 target lengths of 275 feet,
speed 8.5K. Own course 267°, gyro angle near zero.
1714-30 All torpedoes fired and running at target. All ahead standard,
right full rudder.
-ii-
1714-50 The target had not yet speeded up or changed course. The torpedoes
were headed at him and he was in the middle of the spread. This
was easy to see because the torpedoes smoked somewhat. I decided
that I had seen all I needed to see.
1714-55 All ahead full. Flooded negative, ordered 365 feet.

The hit (or hits) were heard a few seconds thereafter throughout
the ship, except in the control room and conning tower, where the
venting negative tank, and the lowering periscope blanked out the
sound of the very shallow hit.

1720 At depth 365 feet, negative blown and vented, and at slow ahead 2/3.

1723 The second CHIDORI was now heard coming up from the north very fast,
and about this time a slower heavier screw came in from the eastward.
(We had fired on course 267° and had then reversed course after
firing. The depth 365 feet was chosen so that we would be below
charges set on an even 100 meters).

1725 First string of four. Above and aft.

1725-30 Second string of five. Above and much closer.

1726 Very loud screws came through the hull. Depth 380 feet,

NOTE:- It appears well substantiated that the total attack amounted to
forty four live charges, and possibly one dud, because several
observers gave the same figure. Other facts are beclouded, and the
remainder of the account is largely impressionistic.

1726-50 We were heavily and accurately depth charged by a string of nine,
spaced evenly along our length, directly overhead. The stern planes
jammed for a short time, steering acted strangely and most of the
usual effects were noted.

Sometime later four more exploded. Well aft. Decided to run at 395
feet.

Until 1824 all sorts of evasive measures were used, and a few depth
charges came down, but not very close. We were unable to get quite
clear, as they seemed to remain one on the port quarter, one on the
starboard quarter, tracking and probably exchanging information.
One pinged continuously.

-15-

— page 100 —
1824 Their tracking was apparently complete. We heard one on the port
hand speed up and head in. He put full rudder and turned inside
of him. However, the starboard man diagnosed this and came
barreling in just as we finished the maneuver. He came in on the
port beam, turned perfectly and ran up our length. Just as he did
this the other man came up on the quarter. Their solution was
excellent, and both screws echoed from one end of the boat to the
other.

Two things were now clear:
(1) We were not winning and had better change our tactics.
(2) We were going to get thoroughly worked over.

Ordered "steady as you go", and waited.

The first nine hit in as many seconds and were shortly thereafter
followed by nine more. I have never encountered such a dense
barrage. The little brown men must have been really rolling them
over. These were directly overhead and very close. The conning
tower hatch lifted on the closet one and spilled a quart or so of
water. Everything jammed during the barrage and the ship humped
and jumped in a most alarming manner. It was probably during this
barrage that the heavy glass top to the bridge pelorus was smashed
in and the pointer gun sight top cap was knocked loose. No need
to catalogue the blown fuzes, lifting relief valves, broken bulbs
and falling paint, these effects are well enough known. It is
obvious, however, that the boat withstands close depth charging from
above far better than from the side or below.

Only one genuinely startling incident took place, and there is no
assurance of its credibility, except that several men and one
officer observed it. Toward the end of this string something hit
the deck over the after torpedo room, and bounced twice on the
pressure hull. They think that it sounded like a dud. I don't
know.

Following this best effort they both dropped aft and rolled the
remainder of the attack in the spot we had just
vacated. They never again left this spot and it is possible that
the last close ones shook some bubbles and oil out of us. Certainly
bubbles came out of the bridge pelorus.

We now pulled slowly clear at 2/3 slow, steady course east (magnetic)
gyro acting up badly, and left them pinging, listening and searching.

They closed us once or twice and even speeded up, but not fast
enough to be making a run, so no change in course, speed or depth
was made.

1832 Sunset.

2030 The sound operator, TABLAS, G., CRM, gave his opinion that the near-
est pinging patrol was not less than 8000 yards away. This man's
judgement has been unfailingly sound, so planed up to 45 feet and
surfaced when radar reported clear.

-16-

— page 101 —
We had two bad minutes when the dog locking device on the bridge
hatch jammed and had to be worked loose before the hatch would
open.

2048 Surfaced on course 075 magnetic. Pinging aft, but no radar or
sight contact. Ahead full on two engines. Charging on two.

2150 Sighted escort on starboard bow, range 7600 yards. Ran around him.

19 March

Spent the day patrolling the area surfaced and submerged.

1200 POSIT Lat. 7°25'S
Long. 116°20'E

20 March

0640 Sighted a small patrol vessel bearing 266°(T) range 10,000 yards.
Dive.

0746 Sighted PC patrolling. Avoided.

1200 POSIT: Lat. 7° 29' S
Long. 115° 49' E

21 March

Underway at 1/3 on one engine heading toward coast of BALI.

POSIT: Lat. 8° 15' S
Long. 115° 43' E

0435 Headed into LOMBOK STRAIT.

0539 Sighted and made radar contact on an escort, dead ahead, range
7,500 yards. Dawn had commenced to break. Dive.

POSIT: Lat. 8° 25' N
Long. 115° 50' E

0550 Escort came into about 2500 yards, then reversed course and
opened out beyond horizon. He was pinging ahead only.

0658 Heard pinging and picked up a CHIDORI (probably the same one)
bearing 080. Avoided.

0750 Lost sight of him.

0828 Picked him up again. He stayed very persistently in our area this
time. For the next hour we had difficulty in avoiding him.

0938 He came very close. Screws heard through the hull. Rigged for
depth charge and eased down to a layer at 256 feet which we were
unable to penetrate at 2/3 slow. No attack.

0957 Sound lost him. Kept heading east, then south in the STRAIT.

-17-

— page 102 —
1330 Planed up for a look. All clear, and we found that we had been
     set south by a two knot current.
1600 Cleared LOMBOK.
1853 Surface. Headed south.
22-23-24 March
     Heading for EXMOUTH GULF. Training enroute.
25 March
0415 Radar contact on land.
0619 Entered EXMOUTH GULF.
0820 Moored to fuel Barge.
1145, Underway for FREMANTLE. Took on 9,000 gallons fuel.
1336 Cleared EXMOUTH GULF
26 March
     Enroute FREMANTLE.
27 March
1000 Arrived rendezvous.

-18-

— page 103 —
(C) WEATHER
    As noted in the Pilot Book for the areas covered for this time of
    the year.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

1. INDIAN OCEAN, South of the BARRIER.
   (a) During mid-February a set of 090 and drift of 1/2 knot was
       noted.
   (b) During the later part of March a set of 180 drift 1/2 knot
       was noted.

2. MAKASSAR STRAIT.
   (a) Southerly current of about 1/2 knot in all of strait, however
       off CAPE WILLIAM while patrolling submerged at 2-1/2 knots we
       were just able to hold our own against a strong southerly current.

3. SOUTH CHINA SEA
   (a) South of the DANGEROUS GROUND a northerly current of .7 knots
       was found.
   (b) Within 75 miles of coast of INDO CHINA a steady current 190°(T)
       2 to 2-1/2 knots was noted during period February 25-March 1.
   (c) Close to coast, about 10 miles off (under lee of CAPE PABARAN)
       a 1 knot northerly set was noted, assumed to be the counter
       current mentioned in H.O. 125.

4. Java Sea
   (a) Set 090°(T) drift 1/2 knot.

5. LOMBOK STRAIT.
   (a) As noted in the pilot book for surface current. In the
       northern part of the strait a layer was found at 250 feet and
       this proved to be caused by a current of greater intensity
       than the surface current, setting south through the strait,
       estimated to be about 2 knots 210°(T) at the north end. It is
       believed that this current is persistent and can be put to good
       use to ride throughout a southerly transit submerged if surface
       transit in that direction is frustrated.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

    None observed.

-19-

— page 104 —
(F) SHIP CONTACTS

NO. TIME LAT. TYPE(S) INITIAL EST.COURSE HOW CON- REMARKS
DATE LONG. RANGE SPEED TACTED
1. 0210 8-15S PC 7500yds Southerly SN Patrolling
   2/12/44 115-57E Unknown LOMBOK STRAIT
2. 0454 6-55S Seatruck 9000yds West SN Sea Truck
   2/12 116-48E 10 kts
3. 0457 3-35S PC 9000yds Southwest SN
   2/14 118-40E Unknown
4. 0106 00-38N PC 8000yds East-West SN Patrolling
   2/16 118-53E Slow
5. 2/17 5-00N PC 9000yds Patrolling SN
   119-37E
6. 2/18 7-50N PC 8000yds Easterly SN
   117-08E Slow
7. 2/24 11-48N 3 DDs 9000yds Patrolling P
   109-15E 1 Net Tender
   1 AM
8. 3/2 9-44N 4 AKs 25000yds 212°(T) SD
   113-57E 5 AOs 13.7kts
   3 DDs
9. 3/18 7-18S 2 PCs 10000yds 255 P
   115-15E Slow
10. 3/18 7-27S 2DD(CHIDORI) 9000yds Patrolling P
    115-25E 1 Unknown Slow
11. 3/19 7-30S PC 8000yds Unknown SN
    116-13E
12. 3/20 7-25S DD 9000yds Patrolling P
    115-53E CHIDORI
13. 3/21 8-27S DD 7500yds North R
    115-45E CHIDORI Slow

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

NO. TIME LAT. TYPE(S) INITIAL EST.COURSE HOW CON- REMARKS
DATE LONG. RANGE SPEED TACTED
1. 2/16 0-40N Unknown 2 miles East SN
   112-00E
2. 2/18 7-01N Float 1 mile Various SD Dropped 2
   118-35E Zero bombs in wake
3. 2/24 1-50N Float 4 miles Various P
   109-15E Patrolling
4. 3/18 7-22S Float 6 miles Northerly SD Dropped 2
   115-20E ZERO depth charges

P - Periscope.
R - Radar.
SD - Day surface sighting.
SN - Night surface sighting.

-20-

— page 105 —
(H) ATTACK DATA
•TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT
U. S. S. RAY (SS271) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 3
TIME:- 0245(H) DATE:- 4 March 1944 LAT. 06° 00'N LONG. 110° 21' E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

DESCRIPTION:- Convoy nine ships - three escorts. One AK, four tankers,
four unknown. Tanker attacked, visual contact - night
radar attack - ship visible 1400 yards.

SHIP DAMAGED:- One (1) tanker, 10,000 tons.

DAMAGE DETER- One hit - proper interval for torpedo run.
MINED BY:-

TARGET DRAFT:- 15' COURSE:- 212°(T) SPEED:- 13.7K RANGE:- 3000 yards.

OWN SHIP DATA

SPEED:- 16K COURSE:- 151°(T) DEPTH:- Surface ANGLE:- 0°

FIRE CONTROL

TYPE ATTACK:- Made visual contact at 1724 on 3 March 1944. Tracked by
radar from ahead until moonset. Attack was radar, visual
ranges and visual bearings from TBT. Arrow
head spread imposed upon TDC solution at time of firing.

| TUBES FIRED | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Track Angle | 126°S | 124½°S | 129°S | 128°S |
| Gyro Angle | 8½°R | 7½°R | 8°R | 6½°R |
| Depth set | 10' | 10' | 10' | 10' |
| Power | High | High | High | High |
| Hit or Miss | Hit | Miss | Miss | Miss |
| Erratic | No | Yes | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | Mk14-3 | Mk14-3 | Mk14-3 | Mk14-3 |
| Serial No. | 40218 | 26084 | 40577 | 40582 |
| Mark Exploder | Mk 6-5 | Mk 6-5 | Mk 6-5 | Mk 6-5 |
| Serial No. | 13100 | 3524 | 7789 | 7602 |
| Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual | Contact | ----- | ----- | ----- |
| Mark Warhead | Mk 16-1 | Mk 16-1 | Mk 16-1 | Mk 16-1 |
| Serial No. | 11004 | 11625 | 5380 | 11685 |
| Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX |
| Firing interval | ----- | 9 secs. | 8 secs. | 8 secs. |
| Type spread | Divergent | Divergent | Divergent | Divergent |
| Sea Conditions | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Overhaul activity | USS ORION | USS ORION | USS ORION | USS ORION |

REMARKS:- Torpedo was ejected from #2 tube when tube was above surface. This
caused torpedo to run erratic and off its course. Other torpedoes
HSN.

-21-

— page 106 —
(H) ATTACK DATA
                                                                TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT
U. S. S. RAY (SS271)                                             TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2             PATROL NO. 3
TIME:- 1716(H) DATE:- 18 March 1944 LAT. 07°25'N LONG. 115° 20' E

                                                                TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
DESCRIPTION:- Two patrolling CHIDORI class destroyers. One PETER CHARLIE.
            CHIDORI attacked sighted while submerged, range 4800 yards.
            Submerged attack.

SHIP DAMAGED:- One CHIDORI class destroyer - 900 tons.

DAMAGE DETER- One hit- proper interval for torpedo run.
MINED BY:-

TARGET DRAFT:- 4-1/2' COURSE:- 220°(T) SPEED:- 7-1/2 K RANGE:- 1450 yards.

                                                                OWN SHIP DATA
SPEED:- 2-1/2 K COURSE:- 278°(T) DEPTH:- 66 feet ANGLE:- 1/2° up.

                                                                FIRE CONTROL
TYPE OF ATTACK:- Made visual contact while submerged at 1643(H) on 18 March
            1944. Attack was submerged. Ranges, bearings, angles on
            bow, from periscope. Arrowhead spread imposed upon TDC
            solution at time of firing.

TUBES FIRED   | #1      | #2      | #3      | #4      | #5      | #6
Track angle   | 128°P   | 129°P   | 128°P   | 138°P   | 128°P   | 128°P
Gyro angle    | 6°L     | 6°L     | 6°L     | 6°L     | 6°L     | 6°L
Depth set     | 5'      | 6'      | 5'      | 6'      | 5'      | 6'
Power         | High    | High    | High    | High    | High    | High
Hit or Miss   | Miss    | Miss    | Miss    | Miss    | Hitt    | Miss
Erratic       | No      | No      | No      | No      | No      | No
Mark Torpedo  | Mk14-3  | Mk14-3  | Mk14-3  | Mk14-3  | Mk14-3  | Mk14-3
Serial No.    | 32435   | 39343   | 40533   | 39659   | 40338   | 26082
Mark Exploder | Mk 6-5  | Mk 6-5  | Mk 6-5  | Mk 6-5  | Mk 6-5  | Mk 6-5
Serial No.    | 6 912   | 7563    | 7831    | 7804    | 7600    | 6630
Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact
Actuation Actual| - - - - | - - - - | - - - - | - - - - | - - - - | - - - -
Mark Warhead  | Mk 16-1 | Mk 16-1 | Mk 16-1 | Mk 16-1 | Mk 16-1 | Mk 16-1
Serial No.    | 11137   | 10956   | 11721   | 6233    | 2019    | 11858
Explosive     | TPX     | TPX     | TPX     | TPX     | TPX     | TPX
Firing Interval | - - - - | 8 secs. | 6 secs. | 6 secs. | 8 secs. | 6 secs.
Type Spread   | Divergent | Divergent | Divergent | Divergent | Divergent | Divergent
Sea Conditions| Calm    | Calm    | Calm    | Calm    | Calm    | Calm
Overhaul Activity| USS ORION | USS ORION | USS ORION | USS ORION | USS ORION | USS ORION
Remarks       | HSN     | HSN     | HSN     | HSN     | HSN     | HSN

-22-

— page 107 —
(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS
Nothing new was discovered on this patrol. The best evasive measure
still appears to be to run slow and quiet keeping the attacking ship aft,
and attempting to make a way in one general direction. It is firmly believed
that we should bend every effort to silence our submarines as the Japs
still appear to rely largely on their listening rather than pinging equip-
ment.
It appears that anti-submarine patrols are increasing very markedly;
including one at every narrow pass or strait; thirteen (13) ship contacts
were made, eleven (11) with patrol craft and four (4) with patrolling
aircraft.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE
During a vigorous depth charging the following damage resulted:-
(a) Bridge pelorus glass shattered completely with hole in center.
(b) 4" gun telescope case broken, telescope flooded.
(c) Auxiliary engine outboard exhaust valve jammed shut, unable to
open by hydraulic or hand power.
(d) Whistle horn broken loose from mounting.
(e) Hydraulic steering by-pass valve nipple broken.
(f) Stern planes jammed twice in hand power, after switching clutch
operation resumed, but planes noisy.
(g) Safety tank gauge needle bent.
(h) Pit log gate valve operating gear hold pin sheared.
(i) Five steam tight lighting fixtures broken.
(j) Twenty five standard lamps broken.
(k) Fuses blown on all gyro repeaters.
(l) TP and TR indicator switches jarred from normal position.
(m) Three fans knocked off bulkhead.
(n) Rudder angle indicator gears jumped 6° out of alignment.
(o) Fresh water gauge glasses on #1 and #2 Main Engines broken.

(L) RADIO
Moderate radio interference was encountered from Japanese radio
stations. Radio reception poor during daylight, improving after dark and
becoming excellent from midnight until dawn. No difficulties were en-
countered in transmission.

(M) RADAR
SJ - During the patrol the following casualties occurred:- SJ radar
motor generator failed to hold a constant voltage for more than a few hours
at a time. This M.G. set was giving the same difficulty on the last patrol
and although overhauled to correct this defect by the tender, the trouble
showed up again two days out of port. Overhaul by ships force was attempted
but no permanent improvement could be made. Power for normal operation
was taken from emergency supply (I.C. motor generator) and
during radar tracking from the I.C. motor generator set not being used to
supply the I.C. Board.

-23-

— page 108 —
(M) RADAR (Continued)

Lead to heater relay in the converter unit parted, probably due to
improper connection. In the spare converter the grid connection to the
converter tube was not properly made. Spare converter was tested along-
isde tender but the faulty connection did not show up until rough weather
was encountered.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

All twelve screws which hold the bearing ring in which locking wheels
ride, were sheared on both sound heads during deep submergence and depth
charge attack. If screws were put in from bottom, leaving bearing sur-
faced smooth, [UNCLEAR: huthosf] the stress would be eliminated.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

Layers were noted in the following regions.

DATE | LAT. | POSITION | °F. TEMP. | DEPTH
     |      | LONG.    | CHANGE    |
2/12/44 | 7-59S | 116-39E | 7 | 160
2/13/44 | 7-08S | 118-58E | 4 | 250
2/13/44 | 5-57S | 119-10E | 12 (very sharp) | 260
2/14/44 | 3-03S | 118-14E | 7 | 300
2/15/44 | 0-03S | 119-58E | 7 | 300
2/16/44 | Off MANGALAHAT | 2 | 200
2/17/44 | 3-24N | 120-19E | 11 | 200-210
2/22/44 | 10-10N | 114-32E | 4 | 180
2/23/44 | 11-02N | 109-44E | 4 (very sharp) | 170
2/25/44 | 10-51N | 110-51E | 4 | 200
2/26/44 | 9-52N | 110-20E | 6 (very sharp) | 200
2/27/44 | 8-54N | 110-10E | 6 (very sharp) | 200
2/28/44 | 8-26N | 111-27E | 4 | 170
        |      |         | 2 (double layer) | 260
3/5/44 | 7-09N | 111-24E | 5 | 140
3/6/44 | 6-31N | 111-45E | 13 | 150-320
3/7/44 | 5-10N | 108-06E | 0 | 0-280
3/15/44 to 3/17/44 JAVA SEA. | No layers. |
3/18/44 EASTERN APPROACHES MADOERA | 5 | 260
3/21/44 LOMBOK STRAIT | 5 | 250

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY

(a) HEALTH:- In general excellent. The following cases were treated:-
NO. CASES | DIAGNOSIS | SICK DAYS LOST
1 | Dysentary | 0
1 | Rash, upper abdomen | 2
1 | Sprained ankle | 2
1 | Laceration, thumb | 0
1 | Cystitis, acute | 3
1 | Abdominal cramps | 1
          | TOTAL8

2.1
-24-

— page 109 —
(b) FOOD:- In general good and well prepared. Toward the end of the
patrol we were rather tired of roast beef, string beans and diced carrots.
The USS PUFFER design potato locker allowed us to carry about 50% extra
fresh potatoes.

(c) HABITABILITY:- Excellent - except when rigged for silent running.

(Q) PERSONNEL

Conduct of all hands was at all times in complete conformity with the
highest traditions of the service. This is a very sound crew.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED

Base to EXMOUTH GULF | 860 miles | 15,600 gallons.
EXMOUTH GULF to AREA | 3238 Miles | 29,840 gallons.
In AREA | 5010 miles | 46,290 gallons.
AREA to EXMOUTH GULF | 800 miles | 8,560 gallons.
EXMOUTH GULF to BASE | 780 miles | 14,500 gallons.
TOTALS | 10,688 miles | 114,790 gallons.

(S) DURATION

Days enroute to area | 14
Days in area | 30
Days enroute to base | 7
Days submerged | 5

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

TORPEDOES | FUEL (Gals.) | PROVISIONS | PERSONNEL FACTOR
11 | 4,000 at EXMOUTH GULF | 12 days | 10 days

(U) REMARKS

None other than noted above.

-25-

— page 110 —
UNITED STATES NAVY

7 April 1944.

CONFIDENTIAL
FC5-16/A16-3
Serial 0219
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS RAY - Report of
3rd War Patrol.

From : The Commander Submarine Squadron SIXTEEN.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : The Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of THIRD War
Patrol - comment on.

1. The third war patrol of the RAY was conducted
in the SOUTH CHINA and JAVA SEAS during the period 6 February
1944 to 27 March 1944. Out of a total of fifty-one days on
patrol, thirty-eight days were spent north of the BARRIER.

2. Although the area coverage was excellent, the
RAY had only one contact on a convoy and that consisted of
nine ships with three destroyer escorts. Twelve other contacts
were made with patrol craft, consisting of DD's, PC's, an AM,
and one net tender. In the attack on the convoy, the RAY
obtained one hit on a large tanker. After reloading and while
making a second attack, radar interference was noticed directly
in line between RAY and target. The RAY broke off the attack,
not being able to get a clear run at target. It is unfortun-
ate that this attack occurred just before daylight, thereby
not allowing the RAY another chance to attack.

Later on the RAY sighted the BLUEFISH and
formed a plan of search for the convoy, but it was never
located again.

In the second attack on a 'CHIDORI', the RAY
was forced deep, thereby not observing results. A very
determined and accurate depth charging followed this attack.

It is noted that all passes the RAY used
were being patrolled.

A special mission was also successfully
completed.

3. The RAY successfully withstood severe depth
charging. It is expected that all deficiencies will be
corrected in the normal time.

4. The Squadron Commander congratulates the
Commanding Officer, officers and crew, on the damage inflicted
on the enemy.

[SIGNATURE: H. H. MCLEAN]
H. H. MCLEAN.

— page 111 —
FE24-71/A16-3 UNITED STATES NAVY 12/bt
Serial 0337 April 17, 1944.

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS RAY Conf. Ltr. A16-3
Serial 01, dated 27 March,
1944. Report of 3rd War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of Third War Patrol -
Comment on.

1. The remarks of the Commander Submarine Squadron
SIXTEEN are concurred in.

2. RAY expeditiously and successfully completed
her special mission the night of 21 February, 1944.

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

4. The Force Commander congratulates the Commanding
Officer, Officers, and Crew of the RAY on the successful com-
pletion of a special mission and for inflicting the following
damage on the enemy:

DAMAGED

1 - AO (LARGE UNIDENTIFIED) - - - - 10,000 Tons.

1 - TB (CHIDORI CLASS) - - - - - - 527 Tons.
Total 10,527 Tons.

H. H. MCLEAN

DISTRIBUTION:
(on next page.)

- 1 -

— page 113 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 844]
[HANDWRITTEN: Reg. No. 3084]
[HANDWRITTEN: R.S. No. 019857]

UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET

A16-3/(F-3/cw)

Serial: [HANDWRITTEN: 0975]

28 APR 1944

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

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to: [HANDWRITTEN: ✓]
CO USS RAY (SS271)
Conf. Ltr. Serial 01
dated 27 March 1944.

From: The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject: USS RAY (SS271) - Report of Third War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

[SIGNATURE: O.L. Livdahl]
O.L. LIVDAHL,
By direction.

[HANDWRITTEN: Recorded]

[HANDWRITTEN: 5-0250]

— page 114 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st Copy]

U. S. S. RAY (SS271)

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

SS271/A16-3
Serial 06
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED] [STRUCK THROUGH: C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L]

From: The Commanding Officer, U. S. S. RAY (SS271).
To : The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.

Via : The Official Channels.

Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the FOURTH WAR PATROL of this
vessel, conducted in DAVAC GULF - MOLUKKA PASSAGE AREA, during the period
23 April 1944 to 14 June 1944, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: Brooks Harral]
BROOKS HARRAL.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP 09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/1/72]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: Filmed]
[HANDWRITTEN: 82096]

— page 115 —
ENCLOSURE (A)
Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
(A) PROLOGUE

— page 116 —
INCLOSURE (A)
Subject:
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L.
U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.
2 May (continued)
1345 Sighted BABAR ISLAND bearing 025°(T).
2245 Sighted DALAR ISLAND bearing 327°(T), distant 30 miles.
3 May
0000
0500
BARRIER transit completed. Nothing was sight ed and there were no
signs of activity in this area.
Radar contact on GOENOENG API, range 72,000 yards, bearing 344° (Т).
0645 Aircraft contact on SD radar.
0745 Trim dive
1027 Surface. Headed over to be in position to search south of MORO LAHO
tonight.
2201
4 May
Made radar contact on MORO LAHO bearing 261°(T) distant 27,000 yards.
Spent the remainder of the night patrolling south of this island.
0405
Secured patrol in this area.
Headed north on four engines standard.
0829 Daily deep trim dive for forty five minutes.
1621
2245
5 May
Rain and poor visibility. SD radar reported aircraft at four miles.
Dive. As we were going down the SJ radar located the plane at 170°
relative, distant 5,500 yards.
Sight ed BOEROE ISLAND bearing 118° (T) distant 15 miles.
0105
Sight ed SANANA ISLAND bearing 004°(T) distant thirty miles.
1027
Made daily deep trim dive.
2000 Entered area.[HANDWRITTEN: ✓]
6 May
1110
1551
SD radar contact 24 miles. Made daily deep trim dive.
SD contact 20 miles.
Identified as BETTY heading in at 1552. Dive.
Headed over to western part of area to search for eastbound traffic
entering the area via either SIAOE PASSAGE or ROEANG PASSAGE.
Brilliant moonlight night.
-2-

— page 117 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

ENCLOSURE (A)
Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR

— page 118 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

ENCLOSURE (A)

Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR
9 May

0210 Tracking completed.

Base course 085.
Speed 8 knots.
Constant helm 30 degrees right and left of base course.
Enemy radar interference was indicated and its characteristics were
noted on the SJ screen.

FORMATION:-

[HANDWRITTEN: N]
DD
DD
DD
E
E
E
[HANDWRITTEN: CONFIDENTIAL]
[HANDWRITTEN: 1150]

0215 All AHEAD FULL on four engines taking station dead ahead of convoy in
order to make a submerged approach. The brilliant moonlight neces-
sitated going well ahead (14,000 yards) before heading across the bows
of the convoy. The moonlight was sufficiently bright so that no dif-
ficulty with a periscope was anticipated, and in any case, there was
no choice of type of attack. It had to be submerged.

0240 Dive at 12,000 yards ahead of convoy heading in.

-4-

— page 120 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

ENCLOSURE (A)

Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

— page 121 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

INCLOSURE (A)
Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

— page 122 —
ENCLOSURE (A)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

— page 124 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

ENCLOSURE (A)
Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

— page 125 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

ENCLOSURE (A)
Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

— page 126 —
ENCLOSURE (A)
Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

— page 128 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

ENCLOSURE (A)

Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

— page 131 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

ENCLOSURE (A)

Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

21 May (Continued)

NOTE:- The number of pulses appearing on the screen will vary accord-
ing to the pulse rate of the opposing transmitter.

Japanese radar shows up as follows:-

[Image of two radar screen displays, one labeled "MAIN or EXPANDED" showing multiple vertical pulses of varying height, and the other labeled "PRECISION" showing a jagged line resembling mountains.]

NOTE:- These pulses seem to appear about twice a minute on the
precision sweep.

This pattern of interference does not hinder operation of own radar.

COMMENT:-

Enemy radar is unstable as compared with ours. This characteristic
results in a distinctive pattern of interference (as shown) which is
its best means of identification.

The maximum range on a submarine is not over 9,000 yards when pre-
sented with the submarine's beam, and with sharper target angles the
range falls off very considerably. When a submarine is flooded down,
and presents a sharp angle, it becomes ineffective at ranges down to
2,800 yards (maybe less). Even at 9,000 yards the indications would
appear to be weak and uncertain.

For some reason the Jap radar is frequently completely ineffective
abaft the beam. Whether this is a result of equipment limitations
or operator ineptitude is, of course, not known.

The effectiveness varies so materially from occasion to occasion, on
the same set, that it can only be assumed that skilled operators are
so lacking that the set is completely worthless unless the number
one operator is on watch. This characteristic was especially
noticeable during the night of May 21-22, when the same ship gave
out interference continually, but gave indications of effectiveness
only in the early evening (several hours prior to the attack) and
then again following the attack. The second night it was effective
during our period of contact, from three A.M. to dawn.

-17-

— page 132 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

ENCLOSURE (A)
Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

— page 133 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

ENCLOSURE (A)

Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

— page 135 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
DISCLOSURE (A)
Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

— page 139 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

ENCLOSURE (A)
Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

— page 141 —
ENCLOSURE (A)
Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

— page 144 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

ENCLOSURE (A)
Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.
31 May (Continued)

1159 Planed up to sixty feet. Sighted tops of a BB bearing 137°(T).
     Headed in at standard speed. Range 32,000 yards.

1230 Minimum range of 14,000 yards.
     Identified formation as:-

     YAMASHIRO 1 BB
     Unidentified 3 DDs

     Speed:- 19 knots, R.P.M. 174.
     Course:- 015 heading up to DAVAO.

1440 Sighted NELL.

1630 Sighted BETTY.

1911 Surface. Sent contact report.

1 June

0640 In position bearing 015°(T) distant 14 miles from CAPE SAN AUGUSTIN.
     Dive in mouth of DAVAO GULF.

1038 Sighted BETTY.

1125 Sighted RUFE.

1205 Sighted RUFE.

1332 JP reported screws bearing 123°(T).

1342 Sighted RUFE.

1343 At depth sixty feet sighted tops of cruisers, range 25,000 yards,
     bearing 119°(T). Headed in.

     Task Force consisting of one AOBA class CA and one NATORI class CL.
     Minimum range 8,000 yards. Air escort only sighted. Course 020,
     Speed 18K. Turn counts:- CA - 215 RPM; CL - 240 RPM.

1415 Sighted BETTY.

1642 Sighted NELL apparently circling us at range five miles.

1700 NELL went away.

1833 Surfaced and sent contact report. Headed west for search of traffic.

2317 Sighted small enemy ship bearing 255°(T). High visibility in moonlight.
     Headed up and slowly closed to enable radar to make contact.

-30-

— page 146 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

ENCLOSURE (A)
Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

— page 148 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

ENCLOSURE (A)

Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

— page 149 —
(ENCLOSURE (A)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

— page 150 —
ENCLOSURE (A)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

NO. | TILE DATE | LAT. LONG. | TYPE(S) | INITIAL RANGE | EST.COURSE SPEED | HOW CON- TACTED | REMARKS
1 | 4 May | 3-30S | Not seen | 4 miles | 015? | R | Rain, low
| 1621 | 124-46E | | 5500yds | | | visibility 4000yds
2 | 6 May | 2-30N | Not seen | 24 miles | | R | Rain, low
| 1110 | 126-25E | | | | | visibility
3 | 6 lay | 2-38N | BETTY | 20 miles | 270(T) | SD, R | Overcast
| 1555 | 126-57E | | | | |
4 | 7 hay | 2-52N | BETTY | 14 | 265(T) | R, SD | Cloudy
| 0647 | 126-39E | | Liles | 200mph | |
5 | 7 lay | 2-56N | RUFE | 1 | Search | P | Cloudy
| 0956 | 126-42E | | mile | | |
6 | 8 May | 3-27N | BETTY | 24 | | R | Clear
| 1108 | 127-39E | | miles | | |
7 | 8 May | 3-12N | BETTY | 16 | | R | Clear, scattered
| 1414 | 127-22E | | miles | | | clouds
8 | 8 lay | 2-25N | BETTY | 8 | 030(T) | SD | Cloudy
| 1832 | 126-54E | | miles | | |
9 | 9 May | 2-00N | JAKE | 16 | | SD | Cloudy
| 0602 | 127-15E | | miles | | |
10 | 9 May | 2-07N | JAKE | 16 | | SD | Cloudy, before
| 0710 | 127-20E | | miles | | | sunrise, rain
11 | 10 Lay | 3-17N | Not seen | 2 | | R | Clear, in sun
| 1115 | 127-323 | | miles | | |
12 | 12 hay | 1-29N | JAKE | 2 | 010(T) | P | Hazy sun, high
| 0927 | 127-24E | | miles | | | clouds
13 | 13 May | 4-40N | PETE | 10 | 000(T) | SD | Air coverage
| 1259 | 127-24E | | miles | | | for convoy
14 | 13 May | 5-00N | BETTY | 4 | 090(T) | SD | Overcast
| 1728 | 127-24E | | miles | | | Rain, overcast
15 | 14 May | 6-17N | BETTY | 15 | 090(T) | P | Overcast
| 0834 | 125-56E | | miles | | |
16 | 14 May | 6-28N | PETE | 5 | 000(T) | P | Overcast
| 1557 | 125-52 | | miles | | |
17 | 16 May | 6-15N | PETE | 6 | 165(T) | P | Overcast
| 0743 | 126-05E | | miles | | |
18 | 16 May | 6-12N | PETE | 8 | 340(T) | P | Overcast
| 1050 | 126-06E | | miles | | |
19 | 16 May | 6-10N | RUFE | 16 | | SN | Dark, cloudy
| 1950 | 126-09E | | miles | | |
20 | 17 May | 6-14N | PETE | 3 | 160(T) | P | Clear, ght
| 0715 | 126-06E | | miles | | | searching
21 | 17 May | 6-13N | PETE | 5 | | P | Clear, bright
| 0955 | 126-04E | | miles | | | searching
22 | 18 May | 6-13N | SALLY | 5 | | P |
| 0815 | 126-04E | | miles | | |
23 | 18 May | 6-14N | NELL | 5 | | P |
| 1456 | 126-03E | | miles | | |
24 | 19 May | 6-11N | BETTY | 10 | | P |
| 0845 | 126-06E | | miles | | |
25 | 20 May | 6-09N | BETTY | 8 | | P | Overcast
| 1606 | 126-04E | | miles | | |

-36-

— page 151 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

ENCLOSURE (A)

Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

— page 152 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

ENCLOSURE (A)

Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

— page 153 —
LINCLOSURE (A)
SUBJECT:
(H) ATTACK DATA
C-O-M-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-L
U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.
TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT
U. S. S. RAY (SS271)
THE:- 0047(ITEM)
TORPEDO ATTACK NO.:- ONE PATROL NUMBER:- FOUR
DATE:- 22 May 1944 LAT.:- 5° 42' N. LONG.:- 127° 37' E.
TARGET DATA - DALLAGE INFLICTED
DESCRIPTION:- Japanese conwy consisting of nine ships with six escorts.
Eight of the nine ships were merchant ships. The ninth
ship a tanker. Three of the escorts were DDs and three
were minelayers (CM-3).
SHIPS SUNK:- (1) KANU MARU
(2) ADEN MARU
(3) AKEBONO
(4) CM-3
AP
- AK
TANKER
CM
8572 tons
5839 tons
10200 tons
1700 tons
draft 28' 11-1/2"
draft 27' 8"
draft 29' 11"
draft 9' 6"
DAMAGE DETERMINED BY:- Heard four (4) hits at correct time for forward six
torpedoes, saw after two torpedoes hit. Saw three
ships burning exploding and sinking.
TARGET COURSE:- 200°(T) SPEED:- 8 knots RANGE:- Fwd torpedoes; 3,300 yards
Aft torpedoes; 5,200 yards
OWN SHIP DATA
WHILE FIRING FORWARD TUBES:-
SPEED:- 9 knots
COURSE:- 150°(T)
DEPTH:- Surface ANGLE:- Zero
WHILE FIRING AFTER TUBES:-
SPEED:- 9 knots
COURSE:- 300°(T)
DEPTH:- Surface
ANGLE:- Zero
ТУРЕ ATTACK: The attack was night attack after several hours of radar
tracking. By plotting the positions of the ships in the
convoy the best attack position was determined. The PPI
was used to attack at this position. A divergent arrow
head spread was superimposed upon the generated gyro
angles at the time of firing. Both forward and after
torpedoes were fired at multiple targets. T.B.Τ.
bearings and radar ranges were used in the T.D.C.
during tracking and the attack.

-39-

— page 154 —
ENCLOSURE (A)
Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued)
Torpedo Attack Number One

| | # 1 | # 2 | # 3 | # 4 | # 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TUBES FIRED | | | | | |
| TRACK ANGLE | 128½S | 129½S | 131½S | 131S | 131S |
| GYRO ANGLE | 357½ | 358½ | 001½ | 001 | 003 |
| DEPTH SET | 6 feet | 6 feet | 6 feet | 6 feet | 6 feet |
| POWER | High | High | High | High | High |
| HIT or MISS | Hit | Hit | Hit | Miss | Miss |
| ERRATIC | No | No | No | No | No |
| MARK TORPEDO | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A |
| SERIAL NO. | 40571 | 25956 | 40278 | 40280 | 24875 |
| MARK EXPLODER | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 |
| SERIAL NO. | 8697 | 6906 | 7507 | 12950 | 11437 |
| ACTUATION SET | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| ACTUATION ACTUAL | Contact | Contact | Contact | ----- | ----- |
| MARK WARHEAD | 16 | 16-1 | 16 | 16-1 | 16-1 |
| SERIAL NO. | 3841 | 10945 | 772 | 11280 | 11602 |
| EXPLOSIVE | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX |
| FIRING INTERVAL | ----- | 5 secs. | 8 secs. | 8 secs. | 7 secs. |
| THE SPREAD | Divergent | Divergent | Divergent | Divergent | Divergent |
| SEA CONDITIONS | Calm | Calm | Calm | Calm | Calm |
| OVERHAUL ACTIVITY | USS ORION | USS ORION | USS ORION | USS ORION | USS ORION |
| REMARKS | HSN | HSN | HSN | HSN | HSN |

-40-

— page 156 —
ENCLOSURE (A)
Subject, U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.
(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued)

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

TORPEDO ATTACK DATA

U. S. S. RAY (SS271) TORPEDO ATTACK NO.:- TWO PATROL NUMBER:- FOUR
TIME:- 0527(ITEM) DATE:- 23 May 1944 LAT.:- 2° 51' N. LONG.:- 128° 00' E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

DESCRIPTION :- Japanese convoy (same convoy as attacked night 21-22 May)
Five merchant ships and five escorts. Three DDs and two
CMs.
SHIPS SUNK:- (1) HOKKAI MARU - AP - 8360 tons - draft - 28' 11"
(2) HAKUSIKA MARU - AK - 8150 tons - draft - 28' 9-1/2"
DAMAGE DETERMINED BY:- Both ships seen sinking by Captain and bridge
personnel.
TARGET COURSE:- 230°(T) SPEED:- 8-1/4 knots RANGE:- Fwd torpedoes; 3000 yds
Aft torpedoes; 4300 yds

OWN SHIP DATA

WHILE FIRING FORWARD TUBES:-
SPEED:- 12 knots COURSE:- 215°(T) DEPTH:- Surface ANGLE:- Zero
WHILE FIRING AFTER TUBES:-
SPEED:- 9 knots COURSE:- 009°(T) DEPTH:- Surface ANGLE:- Zero
TYPE ATTACK:- Night radar approach and attack similar to attack #1 on
22 May 1944. T.B.T. bearings and radar ranges were used
during the tracking period. Radar bearings and ranges
were used during the attack. Visibility was zero at
the attack time because of rain. A divergent arrow-
head spread was superimposed upon the generated gyro
angle at the time of firing for both the forward and
after tubes.

-42-

— page 157 —
ENCLOSURE (A)                                                C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject:        U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

— page 158 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
ENCLOSURE (A)
Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

— page 162 —
FC5-16/A16-3
Serial # 0357
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO USS RAY Conf. ltr.
SS271/A16-3 Serial 06
dated 14 June 1944,
Report of 4th War Patrol.
From:
To:
Via:
SUBMARINE SQUADRON SIXTEEN
(Es)
U.S.S. RASHER, Flagship,
27 June 1944.
The Commander Submarine Squadron SIXTEEN.
The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
The Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.
Subject:
U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of Fourth War Patrol -
Comment on.
1.
The fourth war patrol of the U.S.S. RAY during the period
23 April 1944 to 14 June 1944 was conducted in TARÃO GULF - MOLUKKA
PASSAGE area. Fifty-four days were spent on patrol with thirty-eight
days spent north of the Barrier.
2.
The patrol was aggressively conducted with area coverage
excellent. Seventy-one airplane contacts were made and twenty-four ship
contacts. Eighteen torpedoes were fired in two attacks resulting in
twelve hits.
ATTACK NO. 1 - This attack was on a nine ship convoy with three
DD and three Minelayer escorts. Unable to gain attack position for
a daylight submerged approach RAY surfaced at dark, located convoy
and delivered a surface attack. Six bow tubes were used on two
different ships. RAY then turned and fired two low power torpedoes
from stern tubes at a large Tanker, range 5,200 yards. One torpedo
hit the Tanker and a CM very nicely walked into the other. Out of
eight torpedoes fired six hits were obtained.
1
ATTACK NO. 2 - This attack was on the same convoy as attack No. 1.
Ten torpedoes were fired in a night surface attack. Two ships
observed sinking.
3.
The material condition of the RAY is excellent. It is
hoped that the aggravating smoke condition on the RAY will be overcome
by the installation of new piston and ring assemblies now on order. Other
existing deficiencies will be corrected during the current refit.
4.
The morale of the RAY was excellent and the ship was
exceptionally clean.
5.
The Squadron Commander takes pleasure in congratulating
- the Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew on the completion of a well
conducted patrol and on the great damage inflicted upon the enemy.
(
C. S. ISGRIG,
By direction.
[SIGNATURE]
guy

— page 163 —
FE24-71/A16-3 [HANDWRITTEN: 0]
Serial: 0684

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to USS RAY
Conf.Ltr.A16-3 Ser.06 dated 14
June,1944.Report of 4th War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of Fourth War
Patrol - Comment on.

1. RAY's Fourth War Patrol was conducted in the
DAVAO GULF - MOLUKKA PASSAGE Area. The remarks of the Commander
Submarine Squadron SIXTEEN are concurred in.

2. In addition to obtaining important reconnaissance
information, RAY tenaciously clung to a large enemy convoy and in
two well conducted surface attacks succeeded in destroying an
imposing amount of enemy shipping.

3. This patrol is designated as successful for pur-
pose of award of the Submarine Combat Insignia.

4. The Force Commander takes great pleasure in con-
gratulating the Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew on this
excellent patrol in which the following damage was inflicted on
the enemy:

SUNK
1 - AO (AKEBONO MARU Class-EC) 10,200 Tons (Attack No.1)
1 - AK (ADEN MARU Class-EC) 5,850 Tons (Attack No.1)
1 - AP (KANO MARU Class-EC) 8,600 Tons (Attack No.1)
1 - CM (SHIRATAKA Class-EC) 1,350 Tons (Attack No.1)
1 - AK (HAKUSIKA MARU Class-EC) 8,150 Tons (Attack No.2)
1 - AP (HOKKAI MARU Class-EC) 8,350 Tons (Attack No.2)
TOTAL 42,500 Tons

[SIGNATURE: P.F.Straub, Jr.]
P.F.STRAUB,Jr.
Flag Secretary.

DISTRIBUTION:
CominCh (3) - (Direct) CTF-71 (4)
Vice Opnav (2) - (Direct) CTF-72 (2)
Vice Opnav Op-23c (1) CSS-12 (1)
ComlstFlt (1) CSS-16 (1)
Com2ndFlt (1) DivComs Ron-12 (1)
Com3rdFlt (1) DivComs Ron-16 (1)
Com7thFlt (2) S/M School,N.L.Conn. (2)
ComSubs1stFlt (4) *Each S/M W.A. (1)
ComSubs2ndFlt (4) *NOT TO BE TAKEN TO SEA - BURN.

[HANDWRITTEN: X]

UNITED STATES NAVY
11 1/2/gr.
14 July 1944.

[HANDWRITTEN: 01440]

[HANDWRITTEN: 8-0372]

[SIGNATURE: R. W. Christie]
R. W. CHRISTIE.

ORIGINAL COPY

8 03514

— page 164 —
[STAMP: Reg. No. 11375]
[STAMP: R. S. No.]

UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET

A16-3(F-3/roj)

Serial: 02296

17 AUG 1944

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

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
USS RAY conf. ltr.
A16-3, Serial 06
of 14 June 1944. Report
of Fourth War Patrol.

8 03514

From: Commander Seventh Fleet.
To : Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of Fourth War
Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

2. Commander Seventh Fleet congratulates the
Commanding Officer, Officers, and Men of the U.S.S. RAY
upon the completion of an extremely successful War Patrol
during which 42,500 tons of enemy shipping were sunk.

[SIGNATURE: H. W. Graf]
H. W. GRAF,
Chief of Staff.

Copy to:
ComSubs7th
ComSubRon-16
CO USS RAY

[HANDWRITTEN: X]

— page 165 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st Copy]

SS271/A16-3
Serial 08
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[UNCLEAR: N-A-L]

U.S.S. RAY (SS271)
31 August 1944

From: Commanding Officer.
To : Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : Official Channels.

Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the fifth war patrol of
this vessel conducted in the SOUTH CHINA SEA and Philippine area,
during the period 9 July 1944 to 31 August 1944 is forwarded
herewith.

W.T. KINSHELLA.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-984C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/1/72]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: Filmed]
[HANDWRITTEN: 90621]

— page 166 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)
7
(A) PROLOGUE.
Completed normal two-week refit by U.S. S. ORION (AS18) and Submarine
Division 162 relief crew on 26 June 1944. Lieutenant Commander W.T. KINSELLA
U.S.N. relieved Commander B.J. HARRAL, U.S.N., as commanding officer that
date.
On 29 June 1944, conducted underway exercises, had sound test, and
received Flash D degaussing.
On 1 July 1944 conducted underway exercises and made deep dive.
During period 3-7 July 1944, conducted five days of intensive training
in day and night approach work. Participated in convoy exercise with H.M.A.S.
ADIJAIDE as target, four escorts, and air screen. Fired two exercise torpedoes
on 7 July 1944. Much benefit was derived from this training period and the
help and suggestions of Commander F.B. WARDER, U.S.N., the training officer
were greatly appreciated.
Completed loading ship with fuel, stores, and torpedoes 8 July 1944.
(B) NARRATIVE.
1300
1500
2100
All times HOW.
9 July 1944.
Underway in company with U.S.S. ASPRO from FREMANTLE, W.A. in accordance
Commander Task Group 71.1 Operation Order No. 90-44.
Conducted day and night approach work with H.M.A.S. DUBBO and U.S.S.
ASTRO. Upon completion set course up bombing restriction lane in
company with ASPRO.
10 July 1944
Heading north.
Hade training dives and conducted radar tracking
exercises with ASPRO.
1145
Sighted HAKE southbound. Exchanged recognition and calls. (Ship
Contact #1).
Noon position Lat. 29-02 S, Long. 112-49 Ε.
Miles steamed 344 Fuel used 4150.
11 July 1944.
Made dives for training. Battle surfaced and fired 5 rounds from
4" gun and 100 rounds from 20 mm guns for training purposes. Con-
ducted tracking exercises with ASPRO.
Noon position Lat. 24-00.S, Long. 112-23 E.
Miles steamed 342 Fuel us ed 4816.
-1-

— page 167 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U. S. S. RAY (SS271)

12 July 1944.
0035 Parted company with ASPRO, and headed east for EXMOUTH GULF.
0400 Radar contact with land.
1012 Moored to Fuel Barge, EXMOUTH GULF, W.A.
1350 Completed fueling. Underway.
1530 Fired 20 rounds from 4" gun for training purposes, using wrecked
merchantman as target.
1600 Cleared EXMOUTH GULF.
Noon position - EXMOUTH GULF.
Miles steamed 260 Fuel used 3030.

13 July 1944.
Enroute LOMBOK STRAIT. Conducting training dives and fire control
drills.
Noon position - Lat. 10-41 S, Long. 113-31 E.
Miles steamed 317.2 Fuel used 3290.

14 July 1944.
Enroute LOMBOK STRAIT. Conducting training dives and fire control
drills.
Noon position - Lat. 14-17 S, Long. 114-53 E.
Miles steamed 275.5 Fuel used 3090.

15 July 1944.
Enroute LOMBOK STRAIT.
0614 Submerged. Being 58 miles from LOMBOK STRAIT decided to run submerged
for day to eliminate possibility of detection.
1859 Surfaced, headed for LOMBOK STRAIT. A light haze persisted making
visibility very poor.
1901 Radar contact on land 21 miles bearing 019 T. Decided this was
LOMBOK ISLAND. By
2150 we had closed to within 4000 yards of land. Visibility was such that
with binoculars the dim form of land could be seen, but no disting-
uishing points could be seen for identification or obtaining a fix.
2225 A small passage opened to the west, commenced running east on four engines. About,
a much wider passage to the northeast. In PPI followed by an island that
had approached TAF LHOAL and were now picking up BANDUNG STRAIT and
NUSA BESAR with LOMBOK STRAIT to eastward. At
2335 commenced entering what we thought was LOMBOK STRAIT. Visibility
still poor.
Noon position - Lat. 9-35 S, Long. 115-34.5 E.
Miles steamed 304 Fuel used 4310.

- 2 -

— page 168 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

16 July 1944.
0030 Radar picked up small island bearing 010 T, 7 miles. This had us
puzzled. Up to this time, I was positive we were in LOMBOK STRAIT.
Picture on PPI looked perfect even though visibility was still poor.
Inasmuch as there was no island so situated in LOMBOK STRAIT con-
firmed this. It was ALAS STRAIT. A sounding of 62 fathoms
Viewing the situation, decided that aided by poor visibility and
being able to navigate by that "magic crystal ball" the PPI, we
would go through ALAS STRAIT.
Our progress indicated we were bucking a 3 - 4 knot current which
didn't help matters.
0100 Visibility cleared. We were half way through with two hours to
moonrise.
0127 Sighted much signalling (blinker) in vicinity of LOMBOK BAY, ahead
on west side of strait and on SUMBA on east side of strait. Al-
though I was positive we were not detected, in view of definite
activity at north end of strait, the now perfect visibility, and
fact that north entrance was only 4½ miles wide, decided to pull
out to south, spend another day submerged and transit LOMBOK STRAIT
tonight.
0216 Cleared ALAS STRAIT and headed west for entrance to LOMBOK STRAIT.
at
0542 Submerged in entrance to LOMBOK STRAIT.
1933 Surfaced. Engines commencing transit of LOMBOK STRAIT.
2032 Radar contact dead ahead 10,000 yards (Ship contact Number 2). Stopped
and commenced tracking. Determined him to be patrol craft heading at
us on course 190 T, speed 9.
2034 Went ahead flank speed on 4 engines, changed course to 080 T
and commenced avoiding. Succeeded in running around him and at
2055 Radar contacted another patrol vessel dead ahead 032 T, 5000 yards
(Ship contact #3). Changed course to 290 T to avoid. Doubtful
this vessel possibly equipped with SJ indicated interference on SJ
radar. Both patrol vessels slowly changed course to their right
until they were headed for us. They did not speed up and we easily
outran them. No further contacts and at
2218 Completed transit of LOMBOK STRAIT.
Noon position - Lat. 8-54 S, Long. 115-41 E.
Miles steamed 217 Fuel used 2980.

17 July 1944.
Enroute patrol area via JAVA SEA. Conducted training dives and
fire control drills.
2000 Radar contact 205 T, 650 yards.
2002 Passed canoe with four natives close aboard to port.
Noon position - Lat. 6-20 S, Long. 116-04 E.

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— page 169 —
CONFIDENTIAL U. S. S. RAY (SS271)

18 July 1944.
0330 Enroute patrol area via JAVA SEA.
Radar contact 316 T, range 21,000 yards (Ship Contact Number 4).
Manned battle stations and commenced tracking. Determined target
to be on base course 220 T, speed 12 knots, so at
0335 Commenced end around at 18 knots gaining attack position.
0445 With target bearing 010 T, range 13,000 yards commenced closing for
attack.
0452 Sight contact with target. She was large loaded tanker, estimated
10,000 tons, 500 feet length. No escorts.
0507-50 Commenced firing six torpedoes forward on 80 P track, range 3000
yards (Attack #1).
0509-44 Commanding officer and entire bridge watch observed, heard, and
timed three hits at 01-54, 02-03 and 02-20 after firing indicating
these were torpedoes 1, 2 and 4. First hit was in bow, second
under bridge, third just aft of MOT. Hits threw columns of flame
and smoke 200 feet into air. Target took slight down angle but
did not appear to slow or change course.
0510 Came around for stern tube shot.
0514 With target checking on same course at same speed, commenced
firing four torpedoes aft on 120 P track, range 3500 yards (Attack
#2). After first torpedo was fired indications on TDC were that
target was slowing. Speed was dropped 2 knots for remaining three
torpedoes. This proved to be a conservative change as target
eventually stopped and all torpedoes passed ahead.
0517 Commenced reload all tubes. Turned and
headed at him for another attack. At,
0530-21 With reload completed of three torpedoes forward and four aft,
commenced firing three torpedoes forward at target now dead in
water 120 P track, range 2900 yards (Attack #3). Although ship
was steady on heading for middle of target, and gyros were matched
and checked on 0 first torpedo curved left about 2 - 3 degrees,
second and third torpedo appeared to go
straight. Result - torpedoes #1 and #2 missed ahead. At
0532-33 Torpedo #3 was observed, heard, and timed to hit in bow. Commenced
turning for stern tube attack. Target opened up with 4" or 5"
gun aft.
0535 Commenced firing four torpedoes aft (Attack #4). As first torpedo
went out target dropped a shell about 150 yards off starboard beam.
Went ahead flank with full rudder to get out of that spot. He
had the range and deflection, this was not helping TDC so
steadied while remaining torpedoes were
fired. Apparently too late. Realized
During firing of last torpedoes two more shells hit off starboard
beam. Went ahead flank speed. It was now getting light, the moon
had already been up almost an hour, and we had expended 17 torpedoes
with four hits, and target was still afloat. We just had to get
him, so at
0543 Submerged to radar depth and headed for target. Commenced reloading
torpedoes forward.

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— page 170 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

0558 Reload of three torpedoes completed. With range 2870 yards went
to periscope depth. Target now
to give bearings and estimated
0604 Fired three torpedoes forward
to hit (Attack #5).
0605-19 Observed, heard, and timed first hit, followed in 10 seconds by
second hit. Third torpedo missed. Although bearings were on
center of target torpedoes hit forward blowing bow off clean at
bridge. This may have been reason third torpedo missed. Com-
menced circling while reloading. Target was completely
enveloped in smoke and flame. Believed she would sink eventually
in present condition, as she was now well down forward, but inas-
much as we were only 110 miles from SURABAYA and felt sure planes
would arrive any minute and anti-submarine vessels soon after,
decided to finish job quickly. At
0620 Fired two torpedoes forward, 120 P track, range 1800 yards, one
to hit between bridge and poop and one to hit under stack.
(Attack #6). These torpedoes ran straight and at,
0621-16 Observed, heard, and timed first hit where aimed, followed 10
seconds later by second hit where aimed. What was left of target
broke in two and commenced sinking.
0623 Poop deck now under water. Target was finished, so went to 120
feet and started hailing out. Sound heard breaking up noises -
also pinging.
0700 All clear on sound, came up to periscope depth. Target sunk,
nothing in sight.
Prior to attack #6, determined length of what remained of target
to be approximately 400 feet, indicating target length of about
500 - 550 feet. Target very similar to SINKOFU MARU, page 275,
CML 200-J. Inasmuch as I felt sure Japs would be looking for us,
decided to remain submerged for remainder of day. Headed east for
LOMBOK STRAIT and DARWIN for fuel and torpedoes. Although our
percentage of hits was just average, felt gratified that we sank
him, and much wiser for the experience.
1904 Surfaced.

2120 Sent RAY serial.
2234 Radar contact with small boat. Avoided.
2248 Radar contact with two more. Avoided.
Noon position - Lat. 5-21 S, Long. 112-51 E.
Miles steamed 272 Fuel used 3490.

19 July 1944.
Enroute LOMBOK STRAIT. Made many radar contacts with small craft
during night. Avoided.
0049 Received Serial.
0559 Made training dive, routined.
Decided to spend tomorrow patrolling in MACCASSAR STRAIT searching
for a target for our remaining torpedoes. Spent part of day submerged
so as not be spotted heading north.
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— page 171 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

1612 Surfaced.
2056 Headed north into MACASSAR STRAIT.
     Noon position - Lat. 5-47 S, Long. 115-48 E.
     Miles steamed 222 Fuel used 1940.

20 July 1944.
Patrolling in south end of MACASSAR STRAIT in vicinity of Lat.
4-20S, Long. 117-20E.
0648 Sighted U.S.S. NAUTILUS bearing 128 T, 10 miles (Ship Contact #5).
     Commenced closing to exchange calls and information.
0610 Commenced searching area to northeast.
1120 Sighted masts bearing 340 T (Ship contact #6). Radar got doubtful
     range of 23,000 yards. Inasmuch as it looked like a MARU did not
     rely on this range and at
1147 with bearing constant at 340 T, submerged for approach. Sent
     contact report to NAUTILUS.
1225 Sighted two masted sailing vessel. Turned away.
1420 Surfaced and opened out. Target was worthy of a gun attack. Felt
     that if larger targets might be in vicinity, gun fire would give us
     away, so decided to search to southeast, then come back to attack
     sailing vessel at sunset.
1739 Sighted masts bearing 312 T (Ship contact #7). Believed this to be
     sailing vessel.
1904 Identified contact as a MARU and escort. Opened out. It was now
     sunset and feeling there was not enough daylight left for submerged
     approach decided to stay up ahead until dark, then close for night
     surface attack.
1934 Commenced closing on reverse of targets base course. At
2022 No contact so commenced modified retiring search at four engine speed.
     Noon position - Lat. 4-10 S, Long. 117-48 E.
     Miles steamed 239 Fuel used 4310.

21 July 1944.
0400 Having covered entire area for target, gave up search and headed
     for LOMBOK STRAIT. Believed he might have sighted us and reversed
     course after sunset.
2018 Contact on SJ radar, 6000 yards closing fast (Aircraft contact #1).
2019 Submerged as plane dropped flares about 3000 yards on port beam.
2030 Surfaced. Continued heading for LOMBOK STRAIT.
2130 Radar contact on patrol vessel. Traced and avoided (Ship contact
     #8).
2156 Radar contact on another patrol vessel. Tracked and avoided (Ship
     contact #9).
2319 Commenced transit of LOMBOK STRAIT.
     Noon position - Lat. 5-40 S, Long. 116-50 E.
     Miles steamed 315 Fuel used 4790.

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— page 172 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

22 July 1944.
0020 Transiting LOMBOK STRAIT.
     Radar contact bearing 147 T, range 40,000 yards (Ship contact #10).
     Went to battle stations and turned toward for attack. At range
     25,000 yards could not see target. Plot was of good size, so went
     in that direction and tracking showed he had radar interference in his
     tracking. Believed this was NAUTILUS. Reversed course and
     cleared at flank speed. Attempted unsuccessfully to communicate
     by keying SJ radar.
0050 Radar contact 158 T, 8000 yards (Ship contact #11), also more
     radar interference. Tracked and avoided to westward. Believed
     this to be PUFFER.
0245 Completed transit LOMBOK STRAIT. Heading down bombing restriction
     lane for FREMANTLE.
1330 Sighted submarine bearing 234 T, range 25,000 yards. Submerged
     for approach. He apparently submerged too, because we did not
     sight again.
1350 Surfaced. Continued south.
     Noon position - Lat. 11-23 S, Long. 115-21 E.
     Miles steamed 378 Fuel used 5920.

23 July 1944.
     Enroute FREMANTLE, W.A.
     Noon position - Lat. 11-23 S, Long. 115-21 E.
     Miles steamed 378 Fuel used 5920.

24 July 1944.
     Enroute FREMANTLE, W.A.
1330 Received RASHET serial **.

1545 Submerged. No contact, so at
1850 Surfaced, continued south.
     Noon position - Lat. 24-06 S, Long. 112-31.5 E
     Miles steamed 407 Fuel used 6770.

25 July 1944.
     Enroute FREMANTLE, W.A.
0317 O.O.D. sighted flare ahead 3000 yards. Submerged.
0330 All clear on sound, SD and SJ radars, surfaced.

     Noon position - Lat. 29-44 S, Long. 113-34 E.
     Miles steamed 343 Fuel used 5200.

26 July 1944.
     Arrived FREMANTLE, W.A.
     Commenced reloading ship. Effected all necessary repairs.
     Miles steamed - 227.9 Fuel used 2690.

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— page 173 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

28 July 1944
1250 Underway from FREMANTLE, W.A. to continue patrol in accordance
     with Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE Mailgram

1500-2300 Conducted convoy exercise with NARWHAL. Set course up bombing
     restriction lane.

29 July 1944
     Enroute EXMOUTH GULF. Conducted training dives and fire con-
     trol drills.
     Noon position - Lat. 28-44 S, Long. 112-57 E.
     Miles Steamed - 262. Fuel used - 4180.

30 July 1944
     Enroute EXMOUTH GULF. Conducted training dives and fire con-
     trol drills.
     Noon position - Lat. 23-15 S, Long. 112-36 E.
     Miles steamed - 371. Fuel used - 5420.

31 July 1944
0530 Commenced entering EXMOUTH GULF.
0832 Moored to fuel barge. Commenced fueling.
1140 Completed fueling.
1306 Underway.
1425 Fired 20 rounds from 4" gun for training. Used old wreck
     as target.
1455 Headed out bombing lane, enroute LOMBOK STRAIT.
     Noon position - EXMOUTH GULF.
     Miles steamed - 308. Fuel used 4190.

1 August 1944
     Enroute LOMBOK STRAIT. Conducted training dives and fire con-
     trol drills.
     Noon position - Lat. 18-12 S, Long. 113-41 E.
     Miles steamed - 321. Fuel used - 4730.

2 August 1944
     Enroute LOMBOK STRAIT. Conducted training dives and fire con-
     trol drills.
     Noon position - Lat. 12-50 S, Long. 115-05 E.
     Miles steamed - 375. Fuel used 5121.

3 August 1944
0053 Radar contact with LOMBOK ISLAND bearing 031 T, 45 miles.
0305 Commenced transit LOMBOK STRAIT in very bright moonlight.
0355 Radar and sight contact with patrol vessel (Ship contact
     #13) bearing 357 T, 5 miles. Ran around to eastward. Al-
     though I felt sure he could not see us, he kept headed at
     us all the time, but did not speed up above the 5 knots
     tracked. We were bucking a 3 to 4 knot current and pro-
     gress seemed slow.
0500 Moonset.

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— page 174 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

0515 3 August 1944 (Continued)
     Radar contact 355 T, range 6.5 miles (Ship contact #14).
     Radar interference from this target. Commenced run around
     to eastward. At range 5.5 miles, target evidently
     made radar contact with us because he headed at us and speeded
     up. Went to battle stations. With target bearing 320 T
     headed at us at 15 knots, our course 090 T, speed 20, and
     land 7 miles dead ahead, began to think maybe we were in a
     spot. At
0520 Target conveniently disappeared from radar screen, indicat-
     ing that he was a submarine. Headed north and out of strait.
0622 Sighted sailboat to westward. Avoided.
0828 Sighted plane (Aircraft contact #2). Submerged.
0911 All clear. Surfaced. Heading north, decided to spend one
     day in south entrance MACCASSAR STRAITS.
2314 Sight and radar contact with small boat 045 T, 4 miles (Ship
     contact #15). No sails but was making about 7 knots to
     westward. Avoided.
     Noon position - Lat. 6-53 S, Long. 116-36 E.
     Miles steamed - 411.5 Fuel used - 7129.

     4 August 1944
     Patrolling south entrance MACCASSAR STRAIT.
0330 Radar contact 300 T, 10.5 miles (Ship contact #16). Com-
     menced tracking.
0331 Sighted convoy of two ships. Went to battle stations. De-
     termined we were on targets base course. Moon was full and
     although sky was overcast, visibility was excellent.
0340 Submerged to radar depth. Commenced approach.
0356 Went to periscope depth. Range 8000 yards. Did not feel we
     could get much closer at radar depth. Convoy consisted of
     one large maru and one small maru type escort. Chose large
     maru as target. Maneuvered for stern tube attack.
0426 Sighted small PC type escort, 120 Relative, 2000 yards,
     lingering on starboard quarter of convoy. Escort maru was
     on port bow.
0427 Commenced firing four torpedoes aft at large maru (Attack
     #7) on 70 S track, 700 yard torpedo run 0 gyro.
0427-49 Observed and heard first hit under after edge of super-
     structure. Target crews stopped.
0427-56 Observed and heard second hit under stack. Target broke
     in two.
0428 Observed starboard escort heading at us with bone in his
     teeth. Started rigged for depth charge.
0428-12 Heard third hit at time for fourth torpedo fired.
0429 First depth charge at 150 feet. Not too close thanks to the
     Mark 18 torpedoes. Escort dropped total of 9 depth charges.
     First was closest with others gradually getting further away.
     A nice layer at 200 feet helped us evade escort. Sound heard
     breaking up noises in direction of target for a period of

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— page 175 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

4 August 1944 (Continued)
about 10-15 minutes after going deep. After first depth
charge escort stopped to listen then commenced usin' so no-
bombs.
0530 Lost contact with escort screws. Came up to periscope depth.
Nothing in sight. Went to 150 feet. Dawn breaking, moon low
in west.
0630 Came up to periscope depth. Sun now up. Nothing in sight.
Inasmuch as I felt we would be the object of a hunt, decided
to stay submerged for the day. Headed south at 150 feet,
coming to periscope depth at frequent intervals for observation.
0908 Sighted float plane bearing 256 T, distance 4 miles, on course
135 T (Aircraft contact #3). Went to 150 feet. Do not be-
lieve he saw us.
2019 Surfaced. Cleared area to southward.
2052 Radar and sight contact with sailboat. Avoided.
2153 Radar and sight contact with another sailboat. Avoided.
Noon position - Lat. 4-19 S, Long. 117-44 E.
Miles steamed - 250.2 Fuel used - 3570.

5 August 1944
Enroute patrol area via JAVA SEA.
0315 Sighted ship bearing 240 T, 5 miles, commenced tracking. In
bright moonlight ship appeared to be large Nip submarine zig-
zagging on base course 080 T, speed 16 knots. Ran to position
ahead of him on base course.
0417 Submerged to radar depth for approach.
0430 Range 7800 yards, went to periscope depth.
0444 Ship identified as large Jap landing craft about the size of
our LST, with ramp bow, bridge and stack amidships. Had
beautiful shot at him, but believed torpedoes would have passed
under so did not shoot. In view of his speed, did not chase
for gun attack. At
0520 Surfaced. Headed west across JAVA SEA. With possibility
that hunt would still be on for us, and not wanting to be
sighted heading for KARIMATA STRAIT decided to spend day
submerged. Had to check all torpedoes inasmuch as all tubes
had been flooded. At
0615 Submerged.
2005 Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 5-44 S, Long. 116-17 E.
Miles steamed - 191.0 Fuel used - 2390.

6 August 1944
Enroute KARIMATA STRAIT.
0620 Submerged.
1506 Sighted small trawler, bearing 345 T, 8700 yards. (Ship
contact #18). He appeared to be searching area.
1619 Lost contact to southward.
1925 Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 5-21 S, Long. 113-05 E.
Miles steamed - 210.5 Fuel used - 2490.

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— page 176 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

7 August 1944
Enroute K.RIMATA STRAIT.
0618 Submerged.
1913 Surfaced. Commenced transit K.RIMATA STRAIT. Radar contact
with numerous sail boats.
Noon position - Lat. 4-08 S, Long. 110-00 E.
Miles steamed - 228.0 Fuel used - 2570.

8 August 1944
Transitting K.RIMATA STRAIT.
0826 Submerged.
1933 Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 1-27 S, Long. 108-35 E.
Miles steamed - 244.1 Fuel used - 3080.

9 August 1944
Enroute patrol area along west coast BORNEO. Numerous
radar contacts on sailing vessels.
Crossed equator into North Latitude.
0014 Submerged
0648 Surfaced.
1945 Noon position - Lat. 1-56 N, Long. 107-52 E.
Miles steamed - 233.0 Fuel used - 2900.

10 August 1944
Underway in patrol area passing between GREAT NATUNA and
SOUTH NATUNA ISLANDS.
0618 Submerged.
0930 Surfaced. Patrolling on surface north of NATUNAS.
2100 Set course to pass between NATUNAS to patrol vicinity of
ST. PIERRE LIGHT.
Noon position - Lat. 4-38 N, Long. 109-45 E.
Miles steamed - 253 Fuel used - 2850.

11 August 1944
Underway between GREAT and SOUTH NATUNA ISLANDS patrolling
area.
0613 Submerged.
0918 Surfaced. Patrolling on surface.
1855 Submerged.
1917 Surfaced.
2112 Sighted ST. PIERRE ISLAND LIGHT bearing 117 T, 30 miles.
Noon position - Lat. 3-37 N, Long. 109-04 E.
Miles steamed - 329.0 Fuel used - 3990.

12 August 1944
Patrolling area vicinity of ST. PIERRE LIGHT.
0318 Set course for pass between NATUNA ISLANDS enroute to patrol
east end of API PASS.
1006 SD radar contact 11 miles (Aircraft contact #4). Submerged.
1050 Surfaced.
1645 Sight contact with two sail boats. Avoided.
2049 Commenced search of traffic lanes emerging from API PASS.
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— page 177 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

12 August 1944 (Continued)
Noon position - Lat. 3-29 N, Long. 109-01 E.
Miles steamed - 372.4 Fuel used - 5450.

13 August 1944
0200         Searching traffic lanes east of API PASS.
             Completed search. No luck. Set course to eastward to
             patrol west of MIRI.
0945         SD radar contact 12 miles (Aircraft contact #5). Submerged.
1024         Sighted smoke bearing 153 T, 20 miles (Ship contact #19).
             Tracked. Determined he was headed for MIRI.
1128         SD radar contact 28 miles (Aircraft contact #6). This was
             probably convoy air screen.
1141         Range on plane closed quickly to 16 miles. Submerged. Con-
             sidered situation. Convoy was in a position not more than 5
             miles from coast in less than 10 fathoms of water. We had no
             air screen. I considered a submerged approach out of the
             question. Decided to run well around and get him at night.
             Surfaced. Commenced end around.
1309         Radar contact with convoy bearing 226 T, range 18,350 yards.
2224         Commenced tracking. As range closed determined convoy to con-
             sist of 12 ships, 5 of which were escorts. Size of escort
             pips indicated destroyers and CHIDORIS. Leading DD appeared
             to have radar. Escorts favored seaward side with one slightly
             on starboard bow, one slightly on port bow, one
             30-40 degrees on port bow, one 20 degrees abaft port beam
             of convoy, and one astern of convoy. Escorts varying position 3000 to
             5000 yards from center targets, port quarter escort
             which only made the situation more grim.
2310         Went to battle stations and commenced approach. Flooded
             down. Sea glassy, visibility in our favor however.
2347         At range 5000 yards from center targets, port quarter escort
             was 30 degrees relative 2700 yards, small angle. Headed at
             him to pass astern. Escort turned away about 40 degrees. He
             was a NATSUHIMA class minelayer, although at the time I be-
             lieved him to be a KEMIKAE class DD due to similarity in
             appearance. Came about for stern tube shot.
2350         Commenced firing four torpedoes aft at escort on 110 T track,
             range 2000 yards (attack #8). No hits, and I'll never know
             why. This was a sitting duck if I ever saw one. At
             this time I still believed him to be a DD. The torpedo was
             seen to breach about 300 yards astern. There are only two
             explanations for missing; (1) our wake threw torpedoes off,
             or (2) torpedoes ran under target, although depth was set
             at 3 feet. After firing he was positively identified and
             inasmuch as the listed draft for the NATSUHIMA class mine-
             layer is 5' 8", torpedoes undoubtedly ran under. Fortunat cl

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

13 August 1944 (Continued)
the escort did not know how lucky
they were mark 18's and
he was headed in direction of convoy so
they did damage. However nothing
was seen nor heard because we were busy clearing the
vicinity in a cloud of smoke at flank speed. Felt quite
discouraged and damned mad at our bad luck, so started
end around.
Noon position - Lat. 3-23 N, Long. 111-32 E.
Miles steamed - 358.9 Fuel used 4350.

14 August 1944
Underway making end around on convoy.
0044 Commenced making approach on port bow of convoy. Knowing
that their radar mustn't be too good, and believing that
they hadn't been alerted, decided to go in astern of escort
30 degrees on port bow. Our friend the minelayer obliged
us by dropping aft about 1000 yards. We selected a very
large tanker as our target. He was by far the largest ship
in the convoy and was at least a very conservative 10,000
tons. A large AK or medium AP almost overlapped the tankers
bow about 800 yards nearer. With range 4000 yards to tanker
we were just crossing the ring of escorts, our friend the
quartering escort was on our beam heading at us 3500 yards
away. Being in 12 fathoms of water, I had to allow some
means of escape, so at
0100 Commenced firing six torpedoes forward 95 P track, 4000 yard
run, 5 L gyro, spread 800 feet (Attack #9).
0101 Turned away at flank speed, 2800 yards to near escort. Why
he didn't see us, I'll never know, but fortunately he kept
on his merry way and
0102-07 First hit in AK to left of tanker by No. 6 torpedo which was
mistakenly spread 1/4 degree too much to left.
0102-09 First hit in tanker just about in MCT. Quite a large ex-
plosion.
0102-17 Second hit about 120 feet forward of MOT.
0102-25 Third hit just forward of leading edge of poop deck. This
was one of the most terrific explosions I've ever seen. A
huge ball of flame about 150 feet wide shot into the air
about 250 feet. I turned to look at the near escort and
fully 45 seconds later the ball of flame had not decreased
in size or intensity. I do not believe it possible for any
ship to survive an explosion like that. Tanker appeared to
be broken in two by last hit, and was burning and smoking
furiously. The AP was smoking heavily also. With range to
tanker 8000 yards, at
0111 Radar reported two ships disappeared from screen and their
positions were those of the tanker and AP. Every other ship
in the convoy was checked and found to be in place, but there
was indeed a large gap in the center where these two ships

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S. S. RAY (SS271)

14 August 1944
had been. I am convinced both sank at this time. Headed
north to clear area and get out of this 12 fathom water.
The moon would be up by time we could make another attack.
Lost radar contact with remnants of convoy.
0140 Submerged.
0606 Surfaced. Headed for PALAWAN PASSAGE to endeavor to intercept
1823 convoy reported by PUFFER and MUSKALLUNGE.
Noon position - Lat. 6-30 N, Long. 113-15 E.
Miles steamed - 270.6 Fuel used - 3060.

15 August 1944.
Enroute PALAWAN PASSAGE.
0100 Commenced patrolling on east-west line off VERNON BANK our
only chance to intercept PUFFER convoy.
0552 Submerged.
0800 Surfaced. Decided to head north to patrol west end of
BALABAC STRAIT.
1743 SD Radar contact 18 miles (Aircraft contact #7).
1745 Closed to 12 miles. Submerged.
1904 Surfaced.
2347 Commenced patrolling east-west line in west entrance
BALABAC STRAIT.
Noon position - Lat. 6-26.5 N, Long. 115-05 E.
Miles steamed - 240 Fuel used - 2260.

16 August 1944
Patrolling west end BALABAC STRAIT.
0530 Submerged.
1930 Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 7-43 N, Long. 117-46 E.
Miles steamed - 219.1 Fuel used - 1440.

17 August 1944
Patrolling west end BALABAC STRAIT.
0526 Submerged.
1914 Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 7-32 N, Long. 116-48 E.
Miles steamed - 154.1 Fuel used 840.

18 August 1944.
Patrolling west end BALABAC STRAIT.
0400 Headed north to patrol off NORTH BALABAC STRAIT.
0700 Submerged.
0943 Sighted medium bomber SALLY bearing 199 T (Aircraft
contact #8).
1049 Picked up pinging on sound gear, bearing 167 T.
1056 Sighted smoke bearing 182 T (Ship contact #20). Plane was
circling over smoke. Commenced approach. There were a few
white caps on water but day was clear, so ran at 120 feet
in between observations to avoid detection by air screen.
Convoy consisted of 11 to 13 ships, 5 of which were tankers

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— page 180 —
CONFIDENT LIL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

18 August 1944 (Continued).
1 or 2 medium AK's and the remainder AK's. At least 5
escorts. Convoy was in 3 columns with the big ships in
center column. 3 DD's or DE's formed outer sound screen
ahead with 2 CM's forming inner screen on seaward side of
convoy.
1250-32 Commenced firing 6 torpedoes forward at large tanker in
middle of center column (Attack #10). He was biggest ship
in convoy. 110 P track, 1800 yards range, spread 600 feet.
at
1251-40 Near escort 1000 yards astern of us speeded up and came for
us. Took last look, torpedoes were nicely intercepting
target and just about to hit. Started to 370 feet at flank
speed.
1251-50 First hit in tanker, #1 torpedo.
1252-00 Second hit #2 torpedo.
1252-20 Third hit #4 torpedo.
1253-40 Fourth hit #6 torpedo in AK in far column. This was definitely
a torpedo hit at correct running time to a medium AK directly
in line of fire in far column. I feel confident one hit would
sink this ship.
1254-40 First of 43 depth charges. We had a nice layer at 270 feet,
so although the first ones were close they got progressively
further away. Tanker stopped and commenced breaking up.
1340 Heard tremendously heavy explosion definitely not a depth
charge or bomb. Sounded like boiler explosion in tanker.
Believe tanker sank at this time. Heavy breaking up noises.
1526 Last depth charges. Three escorts remained in vicinity all
afternoon.
1917 Surfaced. Headed north to catch convoy.
1930 Passed through huge patches of diesel oil, so strong it burned
the eyes of bridge personnel. Further evidence tanker sank.
1946 Radar contact on 3 ships, 040 T, 12000 yards. Tracked.
2000 Sight contact. They are 3 DE escorts patrolling on anti-
submarine sweep in line of bearing 2000 yards apart. Could
get perfect shot with all 3 in line, but decided to save
last 4 torpedoes for convoy. Unable to figure out why the
3 best escorts of convoy remained behind unless convoy proceeded
to anchor close to shoal water. Did not consider this feasible
because of so much shoal water in vicinity, so commenced run
around and chase up P.J.N. PASSAGE.
Noon position - Lat. 8-55 N, Long. 117-01 E.
Miles steamed - 189.1 Fuel used - 1860.

19 August 1944
0015 Heading up PALAWAN PASSAGE chasing convoy.
Hit submerged object, damaging pit log rod motor. Replaced
with spare.
0528 Submerged. No contacts. Feel positive now that convoy
anchored.

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— page 181 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

19 August 1944
1008 Surfaced. Patrolling to intercept convoy.
1159 Sighted plane 125 T, 12 miles (Aircraft contact #9).
Submerged.
1842 Surfaced. Headed north to intercept convoy as he began
transit of MINDORO STR IT.
Noon position - Lat. 10-48 N, Long. 118-34 E.
Miles steamed - 171.9 Fuel used - 3130.

20 August 1944
0000 Heading for MINDORO STR.IT to intercept convoy.
0520 Sighted smoke of convoy 095 T, 13 miles.
0525 Submerged. Unable to close convoy.
0725 Surfaced. Commenced end around.
0730 Sighted RUFE circling over convoy, 17 miles away (Aircraft
contact #10).
0731 RUFE headed our way. Submerged.
0745 Surfaced. Sent contact report to VIXY and GUITARRO.
Unable to obtain receipt.
0751 Sighted medium bomber SALLY circling over convoy too.
(Aircraft contact #11). We had planes in sight off and on
all morning. We were aided in avoiding detection by heavy
rain squalls and if our luck held out, we would intercept
convoy as it entered P.LUAN BAY for night anchorage.
1338 SALLY headed our way. Submerged.
1356 Surfaced.
1400 SD contact 12 miles. Submerged.
1409 Surfaced.
1412 Sighted RUFE dead ahead 115 T, 7 miles heading into rain
squall, decided to take no chances on a surprise. Submerged.
By running at 2/3 speed we could intercept convoy at es-
timated 1700 position. Decided to do this. We were now 10
miles west C.LIE WHITE.
1615 Picked up echo ranging 143 T.
1700 Sighted convoy entering P.LUAN BAY about 1 mile off coast.
Unable to close.
1931 Surfaced. DE escort was patrolling off bay, 3600 yards
astern of us.
2036 Radar contact 090 T, 11,500 yards (Ship contact #21). Radar
interference in his direction. Communicated by SJ radar
keying. Identified as U.S.S. HARDER. Commenced closing to
pass information on convoy.
2141 Sighted hospital ship bearing 000 T, 15 miles (Ship Contact
#22).
2200 Conversed via megaphone with SAM DEALY in HARDER. Unofficially
joined his wolfpack for dawn attack on convoy. We would
approach from northwest, HADDO from west, HARDER from south-
west.

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— page 182 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

20 August 1944
2210 Headed north at slow speed.
2245 Radar contact 318 T, 11,000 yards (Ship contact #23).
SJ radar interference. Believe him to be GUITTARRO.
Attempted to communicate by keying SJ radar. No answer.
Noon position - Lat. 13-20 N, Long. 119-46 E.
Miles steamed - 237.1. Fuel used - 2210.
Fuel used - 2210.

21 August 1944
0437 Patrolling off CAPE CALAVITE.
Submerged. We were 1 mile off coast, 3 miles south of
CAPE CALAVITE LIGHT, waiting for convoy.
0545 Sound picked up pinging 160 T.
0551 Sighted convoy standing out of PALUAN BAY.
0555 Heard 3 explosions in direction of convoy that sounded
like torpedo hits from HARDER.
0557 First of 13 depth charges. Looked to see results of
attack, but was unable because of necessity of making my
observations short. Water was like glass with light swell.
HARDER apparently drew attention of all escorts except
one DE which was about 4000 yards to
seaward of convoy and was 1 mile off coast and a
7000 ton ship was leading the pack
coming down our alley. I had my eye on him on the 18th but
identified him as TEIYO MARU (ex-
208-J).
was unable to close.
SAURLAND page 69, ONI
0618-41 Commenced firing last 4 torpedoes forward, 60 F track,
1300 yards range, spread 600 feet. Target changed course
away 20 degrees to coast line during firing,
causing first 3 torpedoes to miss ahead, I could see
tracks.
0620-00 Fourth torpedo hit amidships right under stack causing
terrific explosion (undoubtedly boiler explosion).
Target stopped. Escorts coming in fast. Went to 380 feet.
0623-20 First of 126 depth charges, 64 of which were definitely
intended for us. First forty were extremely close, forcing
us down to 425 feet. No layer to help us. Breaking up
noises in direction of target.
0730 Heard some other boats getting depth charged heavily to north
of us.
0743 Started up to periscope depth to have a look.
0809 All clear. Got out. We were 3 miles from scene of attack.
One DE was seen bearing 050 T just milling around close to
shore. Believe he was picking up survivors. Convoy was
bearing 000 T, 10 miles, rounding north coast MINDORO.
Feel positive target sank. I am certain that one hit, of
the tremendous force observed, right under the stack of a
steam powered vessel would immediately stop the ship (which
sound verified), and inasmuch as she was not in sight now,
loss until 2 hours after attack, target undoubtedly sank.

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— page 183 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

21 August 1944
0820 Went to 150 feet for remainder of day and cleared area.
1421 Heard seven very distant depth charges.
1905 Surfaced. Sent message to C.O.M. 7th F.L.E.E.T.
and then proceeded south through MINDORO STRAIT.
Noon position - Lat. 13-08 N, Long. 121-03 E.
Miles steamed - 171.6 Fuel used - 1370.

22 August 1944
Enroute FREMANTLE, W.A., southbound in SULU SEA.
0527 Submerged.
1906 Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 10-54 N, Long. 121-23 E.
Miles steamed - 219.4 Fuel used - 2290.

23 August 1944
Enroute FREMANTLE, W.A., southbound in SULU SEA.
0527 Submerged.
0637 Surfaced.
0810 SD contact 28 miles (Aircraft contact #12). Did not see plane.
0935 Sighted medium bomber 290 T, 20 miles (Aircraft contact #13).
0936 Submerged.
1015 Surfaced.
1135 SD contact 12 miles (Aircraft contact #14). Submerged.
1237 Surfaced.
1623 Submerged for remainder of day in order not to be detected
approaching SIBUTU PASSAGE.
1903 Surfaced. Commenced transit SIBUTU PASSAGE, entering west
of DOC CAN ISLAND.
2213 Completed transit SIBUTU PASSAGE.
Noon position - Lat. 7-04 N, Long. 120-06 E.
Miles steamed - 269.2 Fuel used - 3290.

24 August 1944.
Enroute FREMANTLE, W.A., southbound in CELEBES SEA.
0537 Submerged.
1837 Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 2-45 N, Long. 119-37 E.
Miles steamed - 261.5 Fuel used - 3750.

25 August 1944
Enroute FREMANTLE, W.A., southbound in MACCASSAR STRAIT.
0545 Submerged.
1849 Surfaced.
2331 Radar contact 167 T, 10,200 yards (Ship contact #23).
Tracked and determined him to be patrol vessel patrolling
north of CAPE WILLIAM. Avoided.
Noon position - Lat. 0-56 S, Long. 118-53 E.
Miles steamed - 229 Fuel used - 2880.

- 18 -

— page 184 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

26 August 1944
Enroute FREMANTLE, W.A., southbound in SOUTH MACASSAR STRAIT.
0030 Radar contact 140 T, 4200 yards (Ship contact #24). Determined
him to be small patrol boat. Avoided.
1551 SD Contact 14 miles (aircraft contact #15). Submerged.
1614 Surfaced. Sighted sailing prau 190 T, 5 miles. Avoided.
2129 Radar contact 317 T, 7500 yards (Ship contact #25). Believed
him to be patrol vessel patrolling north approaches Lombok
STRAIT. Avoided.
Noon position - Lat. 5-32 S., Long. 117-02 E.
Miles steamed - 312 Fuel used - 4630.

27 August 1944
Enroute FREMANTLE, W.A., southbound in JAVA SEA.
0002 Commenced transit LOMBOK STRAIT.
0045 Radar contact 217 T, 9150 yards. This was patrol vessel.
Avoided and run to westward.
0216 Completed transit LOMBOK STRAIT.
Noon position - Lat. 11-43 S., Long. 115-01 E.
Miles steamed - 411 Fuel used - 6700.

28 August 1944.
Enroute FREMANTLE, W.A.
0100 Sent RAY serial.
Noon position - Lat. 17-29 S., Long. 113-24 E.
Miles steamed - 388.5 Fuel used - 4100.

29 August 1944
Enroute FREMANTLE, W.A.
Noon position - Lat. 21-32 S., Long. 112-20 E.
Miles steamed - 392.2 Fuel used - 5380.

30 August 1944
Enroute FREMANTLE, W.A.
Noon position - Lat. 25-19.5 S., Long. 112-52.5 E.
Miles steamed - 386.2 Fuel used - 5200.

31 August 1944
Arrived FREMANTLE, W.A.

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— page 185 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

(C) WEATHER

     1. SOUTH CHINA SEA area exhibited characteristic southwest
        monsoon visibility. Fogs were no exception. Heavy clouds
        near horizon with haze all day.

     2. Partial eclipse of the sun was observed on 20 July 1944.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION.

     No comments.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.

     1. ST. PIERRE LIGHT in SOUTH NATUNA ISLAND group is burning
        with proper characteristics.

(F), (G), (H), See separate sheets.

(I) MINES.

     No comments.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS.

     1. On three submerged attacks Japanese used sono-bombs prior
        to dropping first pattern of depth charges.

     2. North of LOMBOK STRAIT a night low flying plane was en-
        countered during darkness. Dropped flare that ignited on water
        contact.

     3. Usual patrol craft present in all transits of LOMBOK STRAIT.
        SIFUTU and WINDOJO were not patrolled. One craft in LOMBOK gave
        radar interference.

     4. Numerous sail boats were observed south of MASOLOHMBA BESAR
        in JAVA SEA.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE.

     1. Master gyro failed. Repaired by cleaning, replenishing mercury in
        collector rings, removal of excessive mercury on sensitive element
        around damping tanks; general cleaning necessary.

     2. Pitometer log failure the third day out from base. Pump
        becoming frozen. Sword arm struck submerged object, replaced by
        spare.

- 20 -

— page 186 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (CONTINUED)

     3. Hydrogen detector failed; units worn out, no spares
        available on board or by tender overhaul activities.

(L) RADIO

     1. No material casualties.

     2. Reception satisfactory; transmissions from SOUTH CHINA SEA
        area on August 14th and 20th were firmly sent blind, no receipt
        or contact acknowledged from shore based radio. NPM received
        message transmitted 21 August.

     3. Code name calls should be assigned to each boat for use in
        the area for voice transmission. This would facilitate commun-
        ications with boats encountered outside of own area while chasing
        convoys.

(M) RADAR

     1. Radar, both SJ and SD, performed satisfactorily, due in a
        great part to competent operation and adjustments by technicians.

     2. Five second keying of SD is a satisfactory operating procedure.
        SD mast grounded. Will necessitate removal.

     3. SJ keying was successful with U.S.S. HARDER but not in
        exercise areas or on two other occasions. This is indeed an
        important feature with such frequent encounters with our own
        forces.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS.

     1. JP sound gear burned out coil and filter unit, no spares;
        gear inoperative during latter part of patrol.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

     1. PALAWAN PASSAGE afforded density layer of 16 degrees below
        220 feet.

     2. Encountered similar density layer in SOUTH MACCASSAR STRAIT.

     3. B.T. cards will be forwarded to Hydrographic Office.

- 21 -

— page 187 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

(P) HEALTH FOOD AND HABIT.BILITY.

1. The health of all hands was excellent. Colds cleared up
quickly. Several minor cases of boils were treated by the
pharmacist's mate. Fumigation eliminated all roaches.

2. Food this patrol was definitely improved by better preparation,
variation of meats, and availability of frozen foods. The "potable"
water filter, a new feature, definitely made the water unpalatable
during the first week, but the filter taste disappeared after this
period. Insufficient insulation of this unit rendered the cooling
coils ineffective.

3. Air conditioning units were not up to standard. The addition of
a coil for the forward battery compartment is a necessary and
desirable feature and will be requested this refit.

(Q) PERSONNEL.

1. All personnel carried out their duties in a highly capable
manner. The training period afforded time and opportunity for
assimilating the nineteen new men into the ship's organization.
A successful attack was conducted nine days after leaving port.

2. Total number of men aboard 74
Qualified in submarine 43
Non-qualified S/M school graduates 20
Non-qualified 11

3. During patrol following changes were effected.
Men qualified (S/M school graduates) - 9
Men qualified (Non-graduates) 3

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED.

Fremantle to area 3919 Miles 44,090 Gallons
In area 7258 Miles 93,380 Gallons
Area to Fremantle 3060 Miles 46,200 Gallons
[HANDWRITTEN: 14237]

(S) DURATION.

Days enroute to area 10
Days in area 33
Days enroute to base 8
Days submerged 16

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING.
Torpedoes 0 Provisions 30
Fuel 4,000 Personnel 31
Limiting factor - Torpedoes.

— page 188 —
S H I P C O N T A C T S

No. : Time : Latitude : Longitude : Type (s) : Initial : Est. : Course : How : Remarks
    : Date :           :           :           : Range   : Speed:        : Contacted :
1   : 1145 : 11-49 S   : 113-49 E  : 1 - SS    : 5 Mi.   : 7 knots: 090 T  : SD        : U.S.S. HAKE
    : 19 Jul :           :           :           :         :      :        :           :
2   : 0326 : 11-43 S   : 113-43 E  : Patrol Vessel : 5 Mi.   : 9 knots: 190 T  : R         : Did not sight
    : 19 Jul :           :           :           :         :      :        :           :
3   : 2054 : 11-40 S   : 113-40 E  : Patrol Vessel : 2.5 Mi. : 9 knots: 220 T  : R         : Did not sight
    : 19 Jul :           :           :           :         :      :        :           :
4   : 0300 : 11-22 S   : 113-22 E  : 1 - Large AO : 10.5 Mi.: 7 knots: 200 T  : R         : Attacks #1, 2, 3,
    : 20 Jul :           :           :           :         :      :        :           : 4, 5, 6.
5   : 0820 : 11-22 S   : 113-22 E  : 1 - SS    : 10 Mi.  : 10 knots: 140 T  : SD        : U.S.S. NAUTILUS
    : 20 Jul :           :           :           :         :      :        :           :
6   : 1550 : 11-09 S   : 113-09 E  : Two Masted : 11.5 Mi.: 5 knots: 130 T  : SD        :
    : 20 Jul :           :           : Sailing Vessel:         :      :        :           :
7   : 2130 : 11-08 S   : 113-08 E  : 1 - Maru  : 15 Mi.  : 7 knots: 190 T  : SD        :
    : 20 Jul :           :           :           :         :      :        :           :
8   : 0256 : 11-06 S   : 113-06 E  : 1 - Escort : 5 Mi.   : 7 knots: 120 T  : R         : Did not sight
    : 21 Jul :           :           :           :         :      :        :           :
9   : 0030 : 11-08 S   : 113-08 E  : Patrol Vessel : 4 Mi.   : 7 knots: 020 T  : R         : Did not sight
    : 21 Jul :           :           :           :         :      :        :           :
10  : 0050 : 11-41 S   : 115-41 E  : 1 - SS (?) : 5 Mi.   : 8 knots: 040 T  : R         : Believed to be PUFFIN
    : 22 Jul :           :           :           :         :      :        :           :
11  : 1330 : 11-46 S   : 115-44 E  : 1 - SS (?) : 4 Mi.   : 13 knots: 080 T (?) : R         : SJ interference.
    : 22 Jul :           :           :           :         :      :        :           :
12  : 0955 : 11-51 S   : 115-49 E  : 1 - SS    : 12.5 Mi.: 10 knots: 190 T  : SD        : We both submerged
    : 22 Jul :           :           :           :         :      :        :           :
13  : 0550 : 11-49 S   : 116-49 E  : Patrol Vessel : 5 Mi.   : 5 knots: 170 T  : R         :
    : 3 Aug  :           :           :           :         :      :        :           :
14  : 2314 : 11-52 S   : 116-52 E  : 1 - SS (?) : 6.5 Mi. : 10 knots: 270 T  : R         : Headed at us, speeded up
    : 3 Aug  :           :           :           :         :      :        :           : then submerged.
15  : 0000 : 11-53 S   : 117-33 E  : Patrol Vessel : 4 Mi.   : 7 knots: 090 T  : SN and R  :
    : 4 Aug  :           :           :           :         :      :        :           :

- 23 -

— page 189 —
S-H-I-P C-O-N-T-A-C-T-S

No. | Date | Time | Lat. | Long. | Type (s) | Initial Est. Course | How |
    |      |      |      |       |          | Range : and Speed   | Contacted | Remarks
----|------|------|------|-------||||
16  | 4 Aug. | 0930(H) |      |       | 1 - Large AK 1-FC |       : 119 T       | R         | Attack # 7
17  | 5 Aug. | 0500(H) |      |       | 1 - Maru-Escort | 10.5 Mi. : 8.5 knots   |           | Ramp Bow, Bridge and
    |      |      |      |       |          |       : 080 T       |           | : 1 Stack amidships.
18  | 6 Aug. | 1122(H) |      |       | 1 - IST          | 5 Mi. : 16 knots    | SN        | Appeared to be on Anti-
    |      |      |      |       |          |       : 170 T       |           | : submarine search.
19  | 13 Aug. | 1055(H) |      |       | 1 - Trawler      | 4.5 Mi. : 7 knots     | P         | Miri Bound Convoy.
    |      |      |      |       |          |       : 060 T       |           |
20  | 14 Aug. | 0100(H) |      |       | 12 Ship Convoy   | 20 Mi. : 7 knots     | SD        | Attacks #8 and #9.
    |      |      |      |       |          |       : 005 T       |           |
21  | 20 Aug. | 1200(H) |      |       | 5-AK's 3-DE's    | 15 Mi. : 7 knots     | Per       | Attacks #10 and 11.
    |      |      |      |       | 2-AP's 2-CM's |       : 000 T       |           |
22  | 20 Aug. | 1200(H) |      |       | 1 - SS           | 6 Mi. : 10 knots    | D         | U.S.S. HARDER
    |      |      |      |       |          |       : 160 T       |           |
23  | 25 Aug. | 0530(H) |      |       | Patrol Vessel    | 10 Mi. : 7 knots     | SN        | Properly lighted
    |      |      |      |       |          |       : 010 T       |           | : Patrolling off Cape
    |      |      |      |       |          |                     |           | : William, Celebes
24  | 26 Aug. | 2139(H) |      |       | Patrol Vessel    | 2 Mi. : 7 knots     | R         | Patrolling off Cape
    |      |      |      |       |          |       : 340 T       |           | : William, Celebes
25  | 26 Aug. | 2005(H) |      |       | Patrol Vessel    | 4 Mi. : 5 knots     | R         | LOMBOK, north
    |      |      |      |       |          |       : 270 T       |           | : entrance
26  | 27 Aug. | 1530(H) |      |       | Patrol Vessel    | 5 Mi. : 8 knots     | R         | LOMBOK, Center.
    |      |      |      |       |          |       : 100 T       |           |

[HANDWRITTEN: - 24 -]

— page 190 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS-271)

AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (REVISED)

| CONTACT NUMBER        | One       | Two       | Three     | Four      | Five      |
|||||||
| S Date                | 21 July   | 3 Aug     | 4 Aug     | 12 Aug    | 13 Aug    |
| U Time (Zone)         | 2018(H)   | 0828(H)   | 0908(H)   | 1006(H)   | 0915(H)   |
| B Position: Lat.      | 7-40 S    | 7-30 S    | 4-11 S    | 8-23 N    | 3-40 N    |
| M Position: Long.     | 116-15 E  | 116-15 E  | 117-50 E  | 108-40 E  | 111-20 E  |
| A Speed               | 17        | 16        | 3         | 16        | 12        |
| R Course              | 210       | 020       | 205       | 100       | 090       |
| I Trim                | Surf      | Por.      | Surf      | Surf      | Surf      |
| N Minutes Since Last  | 1         | Not in    | 0         | 0         | 0         |
| E SD Radar Search     | Use       | Use       | 0         | 0         | 0         |
|||||||
| A Number              | 1         | 1         | 1         | 1         | 1         |
| I Type                | ?         | ?         | ?         | ?         | ?         |
| R Probable Mission    | Pat       | RUFE      | H         | Pat       | Pat       |
| C How contacted       | SJ Rad    | Vis.      | Por.      | SD Rad    | SD Rad    |
| R Initial Range       | 6000      | 10 Mi.    | 4 Mi.     | 12 Mi.    | 12 Mi.    |
| A Elevation Angle     | ?         | 3         | 4         | ?         | ?         |
| F Range & Relative    |           |           |           |           |           |
| T Bearing of Plane    |           |           |           |           |           |
|   When It Detected    |           |           |           |           |           |
|   Submarine           | ND        | ND        | ND        | ND        | ND        |
|||||||
| C Sea: (State (Beaufort)) | 4         | 2         | 1         | 1         | 2         |
| O Sea: (Direction (Rel)) | 330       | 090       | 200       | 180       | 150       |
| N Visibility (Miles)  | 5         | 20        | 20        | 30        | 25        |
| D Clouds (Height in   | 1000      | 0         | 3000      | 5000      | 3000      |
| I Clouds (Percent     | 0         | 0         | 70        | 120       | 60        |
| T Overcast)           |           |           |           |           |           |
| I Moon (Bearing (Rel)) | 0         | 0         | 0         | 0         | 0         |
| O Moon (Angle)        | 0         | 0         | 0         | 0         | 0         |
| N Moon (Percent Illum) | 0         | 0         | 0         | 0         | 0         |
| S                     |           |           |           |           |           |

Type of Submarine Camouflage on this patrol - Haze Grey

- 25 -

— page 191 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS-271)

AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (REVISED)

| CONTACT NUMBER | Six | Seven | Eight | Nine | Ten |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S Date | 13 Aug. | 15 Aug. | 18 Aug. | 19 Aug. | 20 Aug. |
| U Time (Zone) | 1743(H) | 0943(H) | 1549(H) | 0730(H) | 1030(H) |
| B Position: Lat. | 7-23 N | 7-23 N | 8-47 N | 10-55 N | 12-15 N |
| L Long. | 111-25 E | 113-43 E | 116-57 E | 118-45 E | 120-05 E |
| A Speed | 14 | 13 | 14 | 17 | 17 |
| R Course | 040 | 030 | 180 | 155 | 240 |
| I Trim | Surf. | Surf. | Per. | Surf. | Surf. |
| N Minutes Since Last | 0 | 0 | Not in | Use | 0 |
| E SD Radar Search | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1/2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| I Type | ? | SALLY | SALLY | POPE | ? |
| R Probable Mission | Pat | H | Pat | H | Pat |
| C How contacted | SD Rad | SD Rad | Per. | Vis. | Vis. |
| R Initial range | 28 Mi. | 18 Mi. | 12 Mi. | 12 Mi. | 17 Mi. |
| F Elevation Angle | ? | ? | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| T Range and Relative | | | | | |
| H Bearing of Plane | | | | | |
| E When It Detected | | | | | |
| T Submarine | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C Sea (State(Beaufort)) | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| O (Direction(Rel)) | 150 | 150 | 320 | 320 | 340 |
| N Visibility (Miles) | 25 | 30 | 25 | 30 | 20 |
| D Clouds (Height in Feet) | 3000 | 5000 | 3000 | 3000 | 2000 |
| I (Percent Overcast) | 60 | 10 | 20 | 90 | 100 |
| T (Bearing (Rel)) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| I Moon (Angle) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| O (Percent Illum) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| N (Bearing (Rel)) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| S Sun (Angle) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| U (Bearing (Rel)) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |

Type of Submarine Camouflage on this patrol - Haze Grey.

- 26 -

— page 192 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (REVISED)

CONTACT NUMBER | !Eleven | !Twelve | !Thirteen | !Fourteen | !Fifteen
---|---|---|---|---|---
S Date | 20 August | 23 August | 23 August | 23 August | 26 August
U Time (Zone) | 0751(H) | 0810(H) | 0935(H) | 1135(H) | 1551(H)
B Position: Lat. | 12-17 N | 12-17 N | 7-26 N | 7-05 N | 6-35 S
M Long. | 119-30 E | 120-23 E | 120-16 E | 120-07 E | 116-42 E
A Speed | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17
R Course | 340 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 195
I Trim | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf
N Minutes Since Last | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0
E SD radar search | 2 |
A Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
I Type | SALLY | ? | ? | ? | ?
R Probable Mission | H | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat
C How contacted | Vis. | SD Rad | Vis | SD Rad | SD Rad
R Initial Range | 20 Mi. | 28 Mi. | 20 Mi. | 12 Mi. | 14 Mi.
A Elevation angle | 1 | ? | 2 | ? | ?
F Range and Relative | | | | |
T Bearing of Plane | | | | |
When It Detected | | | | |
Submarine | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND
| | | | |
C (State (Beau- | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
O Sea( fort) | | | | |
N (Direction (Rel) | 340 | 090 | 090 | 090 | 000
D Visibility (Miles) | 20 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 30
I (Height in | | | | |
T Clouds(Feet | 2000 | 3000 | 6000 | 6000 | 0
I (Percent | | | | |
O (Overcast | 100 | 60 | 30 | 30 | 0
N (Bearing (Rel) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
S Moon(Angle | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
(Percent Illum | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0

Type of Submarine Camouflage on this patrol - Haze Grey.

- 27 -

— page 193 —
CONFIDENTIAL                               U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

(H) ATTACK DATA.

                                               TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT

U.S.S. RAY (SS271)                             Torpedo Attack #1 - 6             Patrol #5

Time: 0506 (HOW)                               Date: 18 July 1944 Lat. 5-21 S, Long. 112-30 E.

                                               Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description - Unescorted 10,020 ton tanker similar to SINKOKU MARU
(pp 275 OPI 208-J). Original contact obtained by SJ Radar at 21,000
yards. At the time maximum visibility was 6,000 yards.

Ship Sunk - One tanker, 10,020 tons - Similar to SINKOKU MARU (EC).

Ships Damaged - None.

Damage Determined By - After eight torpedo hits, ship was seen to break
in three sections and sink. Sound heard breaking up noises, and 35
minutes after last hit, target was no longer in sight.

Target Draft - 29' 6".

Course - 1st, 2nd and 3rd attack - 220 T
         4th, 5th and 6th attack - 205 T

Speed - 1st attack - 12 knots.
        2nd attack - 10 knots.
        3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th attacks - 0 knots.

                                               Own Ship Data

Range - Attack #1 - 3000 yards                 Attack #4 - 3600 yards
        Attack #2 - 3500 yards                 Attack #5 - 2000 yards
        Attack #3 - 2900 yards                 Attack #6 - 1800 yards

Speed - #1 attack - 6.6 knots                  Course - #1 attack - 320
        #2 attack - 4.7 knots                           #2 attack - 100
        #3 attack - 4.5 knots                           #3 attack - 274
        #4 attack - 10.5 knots                          #4 attack - 085
        #5 attack - 5.8 knots                           #5 attack - 265
        #6 attack - 4.7 knots                           #6 attack - 280

Depth - 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th attack - surface.
        5th and 6th attack - 63 feet.

Angle - 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th attack - 0
        5th and 6th attack - 1 degree down.

                                               - 28 -

— page 194 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

(H) ATTACK DATA (CONT'D).

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack - Original contact on SJ Radar range 21,000 yards. Closed
to 8,000 yards and commenced tracking. Did not have visual contact.
Fed radar ranges and bearings into T.D.C. and plot. When correct
solution obtained headed in for attack. At 5,000 yards gained visual
contact and fed T.B.T. bearings and angles on the bow into the T.D.C.
for six trials. At 3000 yards range, 2800 yard torpedo run fired six
torpedoes forward on average 120 F track 0 gyros, spread 600 feet.
Commanding officer and entire bridge personnel observed, heard and
timed three hits 01-54, 02-03 and 02-20 after firing, correct run for
torpedoes No. 1, 2 and 4. First hit was in bow, second under bridge,
third just aft of MOT. No. 6 torpedo should have hit but was not
observed or heard. However, with possibility of it being obscured by
smoke and flame caused by other hits, and not heard because of orders
being given while turning for stern tube shot, there is a great reason
to believe No. 6 did hit because target stopped and commenced burning
well aft. After turning target was tracked on same course and speed
for 5 minutes, so four torpedoes were fired aft at range 3500 yards,
120 P track, spread 50 feet. Target slowed and eventually stopped.
Torpedoes ran ahead. Turned toward target, which was stopped, and
fired three torpedoes forward at 120 P track 2900 yards range, spread 200
feet. First two torpedoes curved left 3 to 5 degrees indicating erratic
run, third ran almost straight and hit target in bow. Gyros had been
checked on zero. Swung and fired four stern tubes 120 P track range
3600 yards. Target opened fire with 4" or 5" gun. Shells landed close.
Torpedoes were thrown off by maneuvering ship to avoid shell fire and
all missed.

Then dove for radar approach. At 2300 yards with daylight setting
in went to periscope depth. Fired three torpedoes forward at 2000 yards,
120 P track, all to hit. First two hit under bridge blowing entire
bow off. Third missed probably because bow was no longer there.
Fired two more bow torpedoes to finish target, 120 P track,
1800 yards range. One torpedo was aimed at MOT, the other under stack.
Both hit where aimed. What remained of target broke in half and sank.

- 29 -

— page 195 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

(H) ATTACK DATA (CONT'D). FIRST ATTACK

| | NO. 1 | NO. 2 | NO. 3 | NO. 4 | NO. 5 | NO. 6 |
| :| :| :| :| :| :| :|
| TUBES FIRED | | | | | | |
| TRACK ANGLE | 82 P | 80 P | 82½ P | 81½ P | 85 P | 81½ P |
| GYRO ANGLE | 000 | 001 | 357½ | 358½ | 355 | 358½ |
| DEPTH SET | 6 ft | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| POWER | — | — | HI | — | — | — |
| HIT or MISS | HIT | HIT | MISS | HIT | MISS | HIT(?) |
| ERRATIC | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| MARK TORPEDO | 23 | 23 | 14-3A | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| SERIAL NO. | 49595 | 49434 | 25937 | 33760 | 53011 | 53129 |
| MARK EXPLODER | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 |
| SERIAL NO. | 13121 | 14424 | 5953 | 9389 | 227 | 2402 |
| ACTUATION SET | CONTACT | CON | CON | CON | CON | CON |
| ACTUATION ACTUAL | CONTACT | CONTACT | — | CONTACT | — | CONTACT(?) |
| MARK WARHEAD | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 |
| SERIAL NO. | 13721 | 13716 | 12619 | 12067 | 10575 | 4144 |
| EXPLOSIVE | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX |
| FIRING INTERVAL | — | 6 Sec | 8 Sec | 8 Sec | 8 Sec | 8 Sec |
| TYPE SPREAD | Divergent | Div | Div | Div | Div | Div |
| SEA CONDITIONS | CALM | CALM | CALM | CALM | CALM | CALM |
| OVERHAUL ACTIVITY | ORION | ORION | ORION | ORION | ORION | ORION |
| REMARKS | HIT | HIT | HSN | HIT | HSN | HIT(?) |

- 30 -

— page 196 —
CONFIDENTIAL                                        U.S.S. RAY (SS271)
(H) ATTACK DATA (CONT'D).

                                                    SECOND ATTACK
TUBES FIRED             NO. 7     NO. 3     NO. 9     NO. 10
TRACK ANGLE             129 P     127 P     127 P     126½ P
GYRO ANGLE              171       173       173       173 3/4
DEPTH SET               6         6         6         6
POWER                   —         —         —         —
HIT OR MISS             MISS      MISS      MISS      MISS
ERRATIC                 —         —         —         —
MARK TORPEDO            23        23        23        23
SERIAL NO.              49316     49548     49327     41158
MARK EXPLODER           6-5       6-5       6-5       6-5
SERIAL NO.              25250     25249     25258     25269
ACTUATION SET           CONTACT   CONTACT   CONTACT   CONTACT
ACTUATION ACTUAL        —         —         —         —
MARK WARHEAD            16-1      16-1      16-1      16-1
SERIAL NO.              12133     12260     12121     11817
EXPLOSIVE               TPX       TPX       TPX       TPX
FIRING INTERVAL         —         6 Sec     8 Sec     8 Sec
TYPE SPREAD             DIVERGENT DIV       DIV       DIV
SEA CONDITIONS          CALM      CALM      CALM      CALM
OVERHAUL ACTIVITY       ORION     ORION     ORION     ORION
REMARKS                 HSN       HSN       HSN       HSN

                                  - 31 -

— page 197 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

(H) ATTACK DATA (CONT'D).

THIRD ATTACK
| | NUMBER ONE | NUMBER TWO | NUMBER THREE |
|:|:|:|:|
| TUBES FIRED | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| TRACK ANGLE | 126 P | 126 P | 128 P |
| GYRO ANGLE | 000 | 001 | 359 |
| DEPTH SET | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| POWER | — | — | — |
| HIT OR MISS | MISS | MISS | HIT |
| ERRATIC | — | — | — |
| MARK TORPEDO | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| SERIAL NUMBER | 49433 | 49459 | 41611 |
| MARK EXPLODER | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 |
| SERIAL NUMBER | 25070 | 17272 | 17270 |
| ACTUATION SET | CONTACT | CONTACT | CONTACT |
| ACTUATION ACTUAL | — | — | CONTACT |
| MARK WARHEAD | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 |
| SERIAL NUMBER | 9438 | 9431 | 9393 |
| EXPLOSIVE | TPX | TPX | TPX |
| FIRING INTERVAL | — | 6 Sec | 8 Sec |
| TYPE SPREAD | DIVERGENT | DIVERGENT | DIVERGENT |
| SEA CONDITIONS | CALM | CALM | CALM |
| OVERHAUL ACTIVITY | ORION | ORION | ORION |
| REMARKS | ERRATIC (Both ran to left of set course) | ERRATIC | HIT |

- 32 -

— page 198 —
CONFIDENTIAL                                                U.S. S. RAY (SS271)

(H) ATTACK DATA (CONT'D).                                       FOURTH ATTACK

                                                                NO. 7   NO. 8   NO. 9   NO. 10

TUBES FIRED                                                     NO. 7   NO. 8   NO. 9   NO. 10

TRACK ANGLE                                                     124 P   113 P   124 P   123 P

GYRO ANGLE                                                      176     130½    133     134½

DEPTH SET                                                       6       6       6       6

POWER                                                           --      --      --      --

HIT OR MISS                                                     MISS    MISS    MISS    MISS

TRIMATIC                                                        --      --      --      --

MARK TORPEDOES                                                  23      23      23      23

SERIAL NUMBER                                                   53205   49350   49645   49773

MARK EXPLODER                                                   6-5     6-5     6-5     6-5

SERIAL NUMBER                                                   25246   17230   25127   25240

ACTUATION SET                                                   CONTACT CONTACT CONTACT CONTACT

ACTUATION ACTUAL                                                --      --      --      --

MARK WARHEAD                                                    16-1    16-1    16-1    16-1

SERIAL NUMBER                                                   12169   11803   11327   11301

EXPLOSIVE                                                       TPX     TPX     TPX     TPX

FIRING INTERVAL                                                 --      7 Sec   7 Sec   7 Sec

TYPE SPREAD                                                     DIVERGENT DIV   DIV     DIV

SEA CONDITIONS                                                  CALM    CALM    CALM    CALM

OVERHAUL ACTIVITY                                               ORION   ORION   ORION   ORION

REMARKS                                                         HSN     HSN     HSN     HSN

                                                                - 33 -

— page 199 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

(H) ATTACK DATA (CONT'D).

                                        FIFTH ATTACK                               SIXTH ATTACK
TUBES FIRED             NO. 4      NO. 5      NO. 6                      NO. 1      NO. 2
TRACK ANGLE             118 P      118 P      118 P                      103 P      103 P
GYRO ANGLE              002        002        003                        003        003
DEPTH SET               6          6          6                          6          6
POWER                   #1         --         --                         --         --
HIT OR MISS             HIT        HIT        MISS                       HIT        HIT
ERRATIC                 -
MARK TORPEDOES          14-3A      23         23                         23         23
SERIAL NUMBER           26543      53141      33868                      49322      49304
MARK EXPLODER           6-5        6-5        6-5                        6-5        6-5
SERIAL NUMBER           25069      7567       1046                       14074      25094
ACTUATION SET           CONTACT    CONTACT    CONTACT                    CONTACT    CONTACT
ACTUATION ACTUAL        CONTACT    CONTACT    --                         CONTACT    CONTACT
MARK WARHEAD            16-1       16-1       16-1                       16-1       16-1
SERIAL NUMBER           9388       11738      13561                      9401       9424
EXPLOSIVE               TPX        TPX        TPX                        TPX        TPX
FIRING INTERVAL         --         11 Sec     10 Sec                     --         10 Sec
TYPE SPREAD             NONE       NONE       NONE                       NONE       NONE
SEA CONDITIONS          CALM       CALM       CALM                       CALM       CALM
OVERHAUL ACTIVITY       ORION      ORION      ORION                      ORION      ORION
REMARKS                 HIT        HIT        HSN                        HIT        HIT

                                        - 34 -

— page 200 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

Torpedo Attack No. 7 Patrol No. 5
Time: 0427(H) 4 August 1944 Lat. 3-59 S Long. 117-54 E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description Convoy consisting of one large AK or AP, one small maru
(possibly escort type) and one PC type escort. Zigzagging
20 degrees right and left of base course, 6-10 minute legs.

Ships Sunk 1 - Large AK or AP, very similar to URAL MARU, 6374 tons
page 32 of ONI 207-J (IC).

Ships Damaged None.

Damage Deter- Three hits heard and timed. The Commanding Officer ob-
mined by served the first hit under the after edge of the center
island of superstructure, and the second hit under the
stack. Forced deep by escort, but third hit timed for
fourth torpedo fired which should have hit in bow. Target
was never heard to start up again, although
one sound heard was kept trained on it at all times.
Heard heavy breaking up noises for period 10-15 minutes
after hitting ship. Sound continued to hear small maru
and escort until they were lost one hour later, at which
time we came to periscope depth and observed nothing to
be in sight.

Target draft 23 Feet. Course 119 T, Speed 8.5 knots, Range 900 yards.

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed 3 knots, Course 170 T, Depth 65 feet, Angle 0.

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack This was a periscope attack in bright moonlight. Sub-
merged at 13000 yards to radar depth. Went to periscope
depth at 800 yards due to visibility. Spread torpedoes
for 500 feet.

- 35 -

— page 201 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)
TORPEDO ATTACK DATA - Attack Number Seven
Tubes Fired | No. 7 | No. 8 | No. 9 | No. 10
Track Angle | 67½ S | 71½ S | 68½ S | 78½ S
Gyro Angle | 197 | 201 | 198 | 208
Depth Set | 4 ft. | 4 ft. | 4 ft. | 4 ft.
Power | -- | -- | -- | --
Hit or Miss | HIT | HIT | MISS | HIT
Erratic (Yes or No) | No | No | No | No
Mark Torpedo | 13 | 13 | 18 | 18
Serial No. | 53961 | 53688 | 54132 | 53738
Mark Exploder | 4-7 | 4-7 | 4-7 | 4-7
Serial No. | 17026 | 16553 | 16473 | 16383
Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact
Actuation Actual | Contact | Contact | -- | Contact
Mark Head | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18
Serial No. | 161 | 887 | 903 | 1121
Explosive | Tpx | Tpx | Tpx | Tpx
Firing Interval | -- | 6 Sec. | 6 Sec. | 6 Sec.
Type Spread | Divergent | Divergent | Divergent | Divergent
Sea Conditions | Slight | Slight | Slight | Slight
Overhaul Activity | Navy 137 | Navy 137 | Navy 137 | Navy 137
Remarks | HSN | HSN | HSN | HSN

- 36 -

— page 202 —
CONFIDEELL
U.S.S. RAY (88271)
Torpedo Attack No. 8
Patrol No. 5
Time: 0427(H)
13 August 1944
Lat. 3-47 N.
Long. 112-47 Ε.
TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description
1- NATSUSHIMA class CM which was mistaken for WAKETAKE
Class DD at time of firing because of similarity. CM
was port quarter escort of convoy attack No. 9.
Ships sunk
None.
Ships damaged None
Target draft
5' 8". Course 065 T, speed 8 knots, range 2000 yards.
OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 5-12 knots, Course 331, Depth - Surface, Angle 0.
FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack
Night surface using TBT bearings and radar ranges.
Excellent check of problem in TDC. Torpedoes set at
3 feet (Mk 18) spread for 500 feet, undoubtedly ran
under target.

- 37-

— page 203 —
CONFIDENTIAL                               U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

                                 TORPEDO ATTACK DATA - Attack Number Eight

Tubes Fired        | No. 7      | No. 8      | No. 9      | No. 10
Track Angle        | 103 P      | 106 P      | 108 P      | 106 P
Gyro Angle         | 161        | 157        | 156        | 158
Depth Set          | 3 ft.      | 3 ft.      | 3 ft.      | 3 ft.
Power              | --         | --         | --         | --
Hit or Miss        | Miss       | Miss       | Miss       | Miss
Erratic (Yes or No)| Yes        | No         | No         | No
Mark Torpedo       | 18         | 18         | 18         | 18
Serial No.         | 53532      | 53710      | 53915      | 54011
Mark Exploder      | 4-7        | 4-7        | 4-7        | 4-7
Serial No.         | 16870      | 16403      | 16809      | 16479
Actuation Set      | Contact    | Contact    | Contact    | Contact
Actuation Actual   | --         | --         | --         | --
Mark Warhead       | 18         | 18         | 18         | 18
Serial No.         | 419        | 652        | 1124       | 765
Firing Interval    |            | 36 Sec.    | 6 Sec.     | 8 Sec.
Type Spread        | Divergent  | Divergent  | Divergent  | Divergent
Sea Conditions     | Slight     | Slight     | Slight     | Slight
Overhaul Activity  | Navy 137   | Navy 137   | Navy 137   | Navy 137
Remarks            | Erratic    | HSN        | HSN        | HSN

No. 7 torpedo was seen to breach about 300 yards astern, apparently
going astern of target. Believe torpedoes ran under target.

- 38 -

— page 204 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

Torpedo Attack No. 9
Patrol No. 5

Time: 0100(H) 14 August 1944 Lat. 3-52 N., Long. 112-56 E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description Convoy consisted of 12 ships with at least 5 escorts.
Convoy was close to shore in shallow water and escorts
formed ring around convoy on seaward side. Escorts consisted of
3 DE's, 1 of which was suspected of having radar, and
2 CH's. Contact made by radar. Night very dark. Convoy
was grouped very close together with escorts well out.

Ships sunk 1 - Large AO, 10,000 tons. (EU).
1 - Medium AP or AK - 7500 tons (EU).

Ships damaged None

Damage Deter- Commanding officer and bridge personnel observed almost
mined by. simultaneous hits in AP and AO followed by two additional
hits in AO. Third hit in AO caused terrific explosion
250 feet high, 150 feet wide that continued in intensity
for about 1 minute and which broke ship in two. Both AO
and AP last seen smoking furiously and stopped. Eleven
minutes after first hit both pips disappeared from radar
screen. Entire convoy was still seen on screen, but there
was a large "hole" in the center where these two ships
had been and they were not to be found elsewhere.

AO - Target draft 25 feet, course 055 T, speed 7 knots, range 4000 yds.
AP - Target draft 20 feet, course 055 T, speed 7 knots, range 3200 yds.

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed 4-6 knots, course 160 T, Depth - Surface, Angle 0.

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack Night surface attack using TSF bearings and radar ranges.
Targets almost overlapped at firing. Six Mk. 23's spread
at 800 feet.

- 39 -

— page 205 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)
TORPEDO ATTACK DATA - Attack Number Nine

| | No. 1 | No. 2 | No. 3 | No. 4 | No. 5 | No. 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired | No. 1 | No. 2 | No. 3 | No. 4 | No. 5 | No. 6 |
| Track Angle | 80½ P | 81½ P | 80 P | 82 P | 79½ P | 81½ P |
| Gyro Angle | 354½ | 353½ | 355 | 353 | 355½ | 353 |
| Depth Set | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. |
| Power | Hi | Hi | Hi | Hi | Hi | Hi |
| Hit or Miss | Hit | Hit | Miss | Miss | Miss | Hit |
| Erratic (Yes or No) | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Serial No. | 61912 | 61826 | 41494 | 49516 | 53245 | 49579 |
| Mark Exploder | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 |
| Serial No. | 17360 | 25046 | 25273 | 14315 | 10657 | 11629 |
| Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual | Contact | Contact | Contact | -- | -- | Contact |
| Mark Warhead | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 |
| Serial No. | 16964 | 9485 | 11799 | 9418 | 17433 | 17332 |
| Explosive | Tpx | Tpx | Tpx | Tpx | Tpx | Tpx |
| Firing Interval | -- | 6 Sec. | 8 Sec. | 8 Sec. | 8 Sec. | 8 Sec. |
| Type Spread | | | D I V E R G E N T | |
| Sea Conditions | | | S L I G H T | |
| Overhaul Activity | Navy 137 | ORION | ORION | ORION | ORION | ORION |
| Remarks | HSN | HSN | HSN | HSN | HSN | HSN |

- 40 -

— page 206 —
CONFIDENT L.L
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

Torpedo Attack No. 10 Patrol No. 5

Time: 1250(H) 18 August 1944 Lat: 8-48 N. Long. 116-58 E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description Convoy consisted of at least 12 ships of which 5 were
tankers, 2 AP's, 5 or more AK's, 3 DE and 2 CM escorts
were seen. Convoy was close to reefs of NORTH BALABAC
STRAIT steaming in line of three columns with largest
ships in center column. Escorts favored seaward side.
Convoy had SALLY type air cover. Sea calm with few
white caps.

Ships Sunk 1 - Large AO, 10,000 tons (EU). Nothing could be found
in ONI 208-J that appeared to be this vessel. She was
very similar in appearance to HUZISAN MARU page 285 ONI
208-J but she was steam powered.

Ships Damaged 1 - Medium AK - 4000 tons (EU).
or Probably
Sunk

Damage Deter- Although forced deep by escorts torpedoes were last seen
mined by by Commanding Officer just about to hit AO. Ten seconds
later first of three correctly timed hits was heard.
Target was heard to stop. Loud breaking up noises were
heard and 50 minutes after hitting a terrific explosion
was believed to be AO's boiler exploding. That night
upon surfacing while chasing convoy, huge patches of diesel
oil were passed in vicinity of attack, which were so
heavy that oil burned the eyes of bridge personnel.
A fourth hit (definitely a torpedo explosion and one
first depth charge) was timed as No. 6
minute before first torpedo hitting a medium AK in the far column. One hit
should easily sink this ship.

AO - Target draft 28 feet, Course 005 T, speed 7 knots, range 1800 yards.
AK - Target draft 18 feet, course 005 T, speed 7 knots, range 4000 yards.

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed 3 knots, Course 080 T., Depth 65 feet, Angle 0.

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack This was normal periscope attack running at 120 feet in
between observations to escape detection by air cover.
Spread was 600 feet, but range was in error making actual
spread 90 feet. Actual range 1800 yds, estimated 1200 yds.

— page 207 —
CONFIDENTIAL                                U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

                                TORPEDO ATTACK DATA - Attack Number Ten

| Tubes Fired       | No. 1    | No. 2    | No. 3    | No. 4    | No. 5    | No. 6    | Track Angle       | 117½ P   | 118 P    | 122 P    | 118½ P   | 128 P    | 121 P    |
| Gyro Angle        | 347.5    | 347      | 343      | 346.5    | 337      | 344      |
| Depth Set         | 6 Ft.    | 6 Ft.    | 6 Ft.    | 6 Ft.    | 6 Ft.    | 6 Ft.    |
| Power             | Hi       | Hi       | Hi       | Hi       | Hi       | Hi       |
| Hit or Miss       | Hit      | Hit      | Miss     | Hit      | Miss     | Hit      |
| Erratic (Yes or No)| No       | No       | No       | No       | No       | No       |
| Mark Torpedo      | 14-3A    | 23       | 23       | 23       | 23       | 23       |
| Serial No.        | 26386    | 61919    | 53079    | 49715    | 53211    | 49893    |
| Mark Exploder     | 6-5      | 6-5      | 6-5      | 6-5      | 6-5      | 6-5      |
| Serial No.        | 17362    | 25051    | 17377    | 17354    | 25427    | 12390    |
| Actuation Set     | Contact  | Contact  | Contact  | Contact  | Contact  | Contact  |
| Actuation Actual  | Contact  | --       | Contact  | --       | Contact  | --       |
| Mark Warhead      | 16-1     | 16-1     | 16-1     | 16-1     | 16-1     | 16-1     |
| Serial No.        | 9484     | 16976    | 9483     | 16972    | 17334    | 17346    |
| Firing Interval   |          | 6 Sec.   | 8 Sec.   | 8 Sec.   | 8 Sec.   | 8 Sec.   |
| Explosive         | Tpx      | Tpx      | Tpx      | Tpx      | Tpx      | Tpx      |
Type Spread                                 D I V E R G E N T
Sea Conditions                              M O D E R A T E
| Overhaul Activity | Navy 137 | Navy 137 | Navy 137 | Navy 137 | ORION    | ORION    |
| Remarks           | HSN      | HSN      | HSN      | HSN      | HSN      | HSN      |

                                                                 - 42 -

— page 208 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

Torpedo Attack No. 11 Patrol No. 5

Time: 0618(H) 21 August 1944 Lat. 13-23 N. Long. 120-19 E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description Same convoy as Attack No. 10. Convoy had anchored for
night in P.I.UAN BAY, MINDORO, P.I. and was making morning
sortie, rounding CAPE CALAVITE LIGHT hugging coast.
HARDIR, ELADO, and GUITT.RRO were in vicinity and made
attacks. Target selected was leader, a medium AP.

Ships sunk 1 - Medium AP, 6870 tons, identified as TLIYO MARU (ex-
SAARLAND) page 69, ONI 208-J (EC). Because the sea was
like glass observations had to be extremely short and not
too frequent. However, this ship best fits the Commanding
Officer's recollection of what he saw in those few seconds.

Ships damaged None.

Damage deter- Commanding Officer saw fourth torpedo hit target squarely
mined by amidships causing terrific explosion which sounded like
boilers exploding. Target stopped and was never heard to
start up again. Breaking up noises were heard.
One hour and fifty minutes after attack we came to peri-
scope depth. Obtained navigational fix and determined
position 3 miles from attack. A DE was observed at scene
apparently picking up survivors, but target was
not in sight. Inasmuch as three other submarines are known
to have attacked convoy during this period, time certainly
would not be taken to tow ship in tow. Target sank. Q.E.D.

Target Draft 26 feet, course 330 T, speed 6 knots, range 1300 yards.

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed 3.0 knots, Course 100 T, Depth 65 feet, angle 0.

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack Normal periscope attack. Target zigged 20 degrees away
just at firing to conform to coast. First 3 torpedoes
passed ahead. Fourth hit. Spread 600 feet. No. 2
torpedo should have hit in bow, but didn't.

- 43 -

— page 209 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

TORPEDO ATTACK DATA - Attack Number Eleven

Tubes Fired             No. 3     No. 4     No. 5     No. 6
Track Angle             85 P      83 P      90 P      82 P
Gyro Angle              345       347       340       348
Depth set               6 ft.     6 ft.     6 ft.     6 ft.
Power                   Hi        Hi        Hi        Hi
Hit or Miss             Miss      Miss      Miss      Hit
Erratic (yes or No)     No        No        No        No
Mark Torpedo            23        23        23        23
Serial No.              61913     49890     61874     53125
Mark Exploder           6-5       6-5       6-5       6-5
Serial No.              24500     17353     25355     17358
Actuation Set           Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact
Actuation Actual        --        --        --        Contact
Mark Warhead            16-1      16-1      16-1      16-1
Serial No.              17002     9485      17006     16963
Explosive               Tpx       Tpx       Tpx       Tpx
Firing Interval         --        6 Sec     8 Sec.    8 Sec.
Type Spread             Divergent Divergent Divergent Divergent
Sea Conditions          Slight    Slight    Slight    Slight
Overhaul Activity       Navy 137  Navy 137  Navy 137  Navy 137
Remarks                 HSN       HSN       HSN       HSN

- 44 -

— page 210 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

(U) REMARKS.

1. Radar was evidenced on one of the destroyer escorts of the
MIRI bound convoy attacked 13-14 August. The evidence was in
the form of interference on our own SJ radar screen. It appeared
to be a fixed radar transmitting ahead from about 60 degrees on
each bow. We apparently were not detected by it.

2. As is probably known, Japanese convoys from SINGAPORE to
MIRI, MIRI to MANILA and reverse are hugging the coast whenever
possible using channels protected from seaward by reefs and
shoals. They anchor at night whenever in waters where they
feel submarines might penetrate.

ST. PIERRE LIGHT in the SOUTH NATUNA ISLAND group was found
to be burning and it is believed to be used for the purpose of a
decoy. The Japs apparently want our submarines to wait in the
vicinity of the light to intercept convoys while they make land
fall further south hugging the west coast of BORNEO thence tran-
sitting API PASS. This was evidenced on 11 August by our failure
to contact the convoy later intercepted and attacked on 13-14
August.

The convoy attacked 18 August appeared to have passed to
the eastward of BALABAC ISLAND passing through NORTH BALABAC
STRAIT.

3. A very practical demonstration of the effectiveness of our
haze grey paint "jobs" was had the night of 20 August when closing
the HARDER. At 1800 yards nothing could be seen using 7 x 50
binoculars even though a 140 degree starboard angle was given
us. At 1600 yards we could begin to see the HARDER's wake. He
was making about 6-10 knots. At 1000 yards the full outline of
the ship could be seen with a 110 degree starboard angle, but
then I believe it would not have been detected had we not known
exactly where he was.

4. On 2 August, we received a news broadcast via short wave from
San Francisco, stating that the building program of U.S. submarines
had been slowed down because submarine losses in the war have not
been as high as anticipated.
Such a statement has a considerable effect upon the personnel
of a submarine patrolling in the heart of Japanese controlled
waters. The Commanding Officer shares this feeling that it is
wise to allow the Japanese to think whatever their imaginative
minds will let them, and not openly and deliberately inform them
that their anti-submarine measures are not as effective as they
might be, thus stirring them to greater effort. Let us remain
the "Silent Service".

— page 211 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON SIXTEEN

FC5-16/A16-3
Serial (025)

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

Subject: U.S.S. RAY(SS271) - Report of Fifth War Patrol - Comments on.

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
2 September 1944.

Attack No. 10 - A daylight submerged attack on an air screened convoy
of eleven to thirteen large ships with at least five escorts. Fired
six torpedoes at a large tanker with three hits in the tanker and one
hit in an AK heard.

Attack No. 11 - Three days later a daylight submerged attack coordinated
with HARDER and HADDO on the same convoy. Three of the four torpedoes
fired at an AK missed due to a course change of the target. One torpedo
was seen to hit amidships with a tremendous explosion. A depth charging
with 126 depth charges followed.

3. There were no material casualties of any consequence and the
refit will be completed in the normal period. The Ship's Force is commended
for the excellent maintenance routine accomplished while at sea.

4. The health and morale of the crew was excellent on return from
patrol. The two day break in the patrol while taking a second load of torpedoes
was most beneficial.

5. The Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew are congratulated for
conducting a most aggressive patrol and for the great damage inflicted on the
enemy.

[SIGNATURE: G. W. PATTERSON, Jr.]
G. W. PATTERSON, Jr.

Copy to:
CSS-16

— page 212 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON SIXTEEN
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
2 September 1944.

FC5-16/FB5-161/A16-3
Serial (025)

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to:
USS RAY War Patrol Report,
No. 5 dated 31 August 1944.

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

From: Commander Submarine Squadron SIXTEEN (Administrative).
To : Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Fleet.
Via : (1) Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
(2) Commander, SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of Fifth War Patrol - Comments on.

1. The fifth war patrol of the U.S.S. RAY was conducted in the South
China Sea and Philippine area. It was of fifty-one days duration with thirty-
three days spent North of the Barrier.

2. Eleven very aggressive torpedo attacks were made on this patrol.
Forty-six torpedoes were fired and twenty hits were made.

Attack Nos. 1-6 - A series of attacks on a large loaded tanker unes-
corted. The first attack was a night surface attack with six torpedoes
at a range of 3000 yards. Three hits were seen. A follow-up attack
four minutes later with four torpedoes missed due to speed error. An-
other attack with three torpedoes produced one hit. Five minutes
later four more torpedoes were fired while under gunfire from the tar-
get and no hits were made. Since it was now getting light RAY submerged
and made periscope attack with three torpedoes. All were fired to hit
and two did. Two more torpedoes were fired to finish off the target.
They both hit and the target sank.

Attack No. 7 - A night submerged attack on a large AK with two escorts.
Three hits were made out of four torpedoes fired from an excellent fir-
ing position. Sinking was not observed due to the inevitable depth
charging.

Attack No. 8 - A night surface attack in very shallow water on a convoy
of twelve enemy ships, five of which were escorts. Missed a minelayer
escort with four torpedoes. Depth setting three feet.

Attack No. 9 - After an end around on the same convoy RAY made another
night surface attack on a large tanker. With a torpedo run of 4000 yards,
fired six torpedoes, one of which hit an AP or AK. Three hits were seen
on the tanker which was set afire. Both the AP and the AO disappeared
from the radar screen. Depth of water only twelve fathoms.

- 1 -

— page 213 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 54253]
FE24-71/A16-3
UNITED STATES NAVY 12a/gt.
Serial: 01035
14 September 1944.

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
[HANDWRITTEN: R-uss, L]
[HANDWRITTEN: 10-24-44. 9 03620 L44]
[HANDWRITTEN: 30 Sep 44]

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS RAY Conf. Ltr. A16-3
Serial 08, dated 31
August, 1944. Report of
Fifth War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of Fifth War Patrol -
Comment on.

1. RAY's Fifth War Patrol was conducted in the SOUTH
CHINA SEA. It was the first war patrol for the new Commanding
Officer, Lieutenant Commander W.T. KINSELLA, USN., in command of a
Fleet Type submarine, and it was extremely active and successful.

2. Enroute to the area twenty-two torpedoes were expend-
ed in sinking a large tanker in JAVA SEA. RAY was directed to re-
turn to FREMANTLE and reload torpedoes. A large transport was sunk
in MAKASSAR STRAIT during the return passage to the area.

3. The outstanding feature of the patrol was the daring
night surface attack in shallow water on a heavily escorted convoy
off the West Coast of BORNEO. RAY sighted this convoy near noon on
August 13 and realized that a submerged attack was out of the ques-
tion. A night surface attack prior to moonrise, while extremely
hazardous, offered the only possible chance of inflicting damage on
this convoy. No doubt the commander of the convoy had already con-
gratulated himself on safely bringing his ships into MIRI the next
day, since the remainder of the voyage could be made inside the
twenty fathom curve in waters into which no submarine could safely
venture. RAY was out to sink ships, and here were ships to be sunk.
The Commanding Officer accepted the attendant risks and made two
skillful and undetected attacks in twelve fathoms of water. On the
first approach an opportunity to fire at an escort resembling a
WAKATAKE DD was presented. Unfortunately, the Mark 18 torpedoes ran
under this ship which was subsequently identified as a shallow draft
NATSUSHIMA class minelayer. RAY pulled out on the surface undetected,
worked ahead again; and about an hour later, still in water of
twelve fathoms or less, delivered another attack. This resulted in
the sinking of a large tanker, and the damaging and probable sinking
of a larger freighter.

[STAMP: FILMED]
- 1 -
[STAMP: EXTRA - ORIGINAL]
[STAMP: SORG. MICRO]
[STAMP: PHOTO-LAB OP-16]
[STAMP: RETURN TO F-4253]
[HANDWRITTEN: 49]

— page 214 —
FE24-71/A16-3

Serial: 01035

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS RAY Conf. Ltr. A16-3
Serial 08, dated 31
August, 1944. Report of
Fifth War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of Fifth War Patrol -
Comment on.

4. Early in the afternoon on August 18, another large
heavily escorted and air screened convoy was attacked submerged in
the Southern end of PALAWAN PASSAGE. One tanker was sunk and a
freighter damaged. Forty-three depth charges followed this attack.
Contact was not regained until morning August 20, near MINDORO
STRAIT. An end around run was made during the day, in spite of con-
tinuous air cover, but RAY was unable to make another attack prior
to the time the convoy anchored for the night in LABUAN BAY.

5. During the night RAY joined the Coordinated Attack
Group consisting of HARDER and HADDO. The next morning she was re-
warded for her persistent three day chase by an opportunity to fire
her last four torpedoes at a large transport as it sorted from the
night anchorage. Forty of the ensuing one hundred twenty-six depth
charges were close.

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

7. The Force Commander is very proud of RAY, of her
previous fine record, and of her brilliant performance on this patrol.
The new Commanding Officer, Officers, and Crew, are heartily con-
gratulated on this aggressive and outstanding patrol in which the
following heavy damage was inflicted on the enemy:

SUNK

1 - AO (SINKOKU MARU Type - EC) - - - 10,000 Tons (Attacks No.
1-6)
1 - AP (URAL MARU Type - EC) - - - 6,400 Tons (Attack No. 7)
1 - AO (Large - EU) - - - - - - 10,000 Tons (Attack No. 9)
1 - AO (Large - EU) - - - - - - 10,000 Tons (Attack No.10)

TOTAL - - 36,400 Tons

- 2 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 50]

— page 215 —
F24-71/A16-3 UNITED STATES NAVY 12a/gr.
Serial: 01035 14 September 1944.

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS RAY Conf. Ltr. A16-3
Serial 0S, dated 31
August, 1944. Report of
Fifth War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. RAY (SS271) - Report of Fifth War Patrol -
Comment on.

DAMAGED
1 - AK (Large - EU) - - - - - - - 7,500 Tons (Attack No. 9)
1 - AK (Medium - EU) - - - - - - - 4,000 Tons (Attack No.10)
1 - AP (TEIYO MARU Type - EC) - - - 6,900 Tons (Attack No.11)
[HANDWRITTEN: Sunk]
TOTAL - - 18,400 Tons

GRAND TOTAL - 54,800 Tons

R. W. CHRISTIE.

DISTRIBUTION:
CominCh (3) - (Direct) CTG-71.3 (2)
Vice Opnav (2) - (Direct) CTG-71.4 (2)
Vice Opnav Op-23c (1) CTG-71.5 (2)
ComSubPac (1) CTF-72 (2)
ComlstFlt (1) DivComSubRon-12 (1)
Com2ndFlt (1) DivComSubRon-16 (1)
Com3rdFlt (1) DivComSubRon-18 (1)
Com7thFlt (2) S/M School N.L. Conn. (2)
ComSubslstFlt (30) SubAd, Mare Island (2)
ComSubs2ndFlt (4) S/Ms 7TH FLT (1)
CTF-71 (4)

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

[SIGNATURE: P. F. Straub, Jr.]
P. F. STRAUB, JR.,
Flag Secretary.

- 3 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 51]

— page 216 —
In reply refer to Initials
and No.

[HANDWRITTEN: Bay]
[HANDWRITTEN: 5th]
NAVY DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
WASHINGTON 25, D. C.
[STAMP: FOR VICTORY BUY UNITED STATES WAR BONDS AND STAMPS]

18 March 1946

REASSESSMENT OF DAMAGE BY SUBMARINES

Reference: (a) ComSubPac ltr. FF12-10/L11(1) of
21 February 1946.

USS RAY (SS271) 5th War Patrol
Date of Attack: 21 August 1944
Position: Vicinity PALAWAN BAY

Of a convoy standing out of PALAWAN BAY
on the morning of 21 August 1944 RAY selected an AP
of an estimated 6900 tons and delivered a salvo of
four torpedoes from the bow tubes for one hit which
stopped the target and caused a tremendous explo-
sion. RAY was forced deep and did not obtain visual
of evidence of results. Credit for damage to this
target was assessed.

DNI credits RAY with the sinking, as a
result of this attack, of the AP TAKETOYO MARU
(6965 tons). Japanese lists verify the loss.

Credit assessment should be changed
from DAMAGED to SUNK. Commanding Officer, Comdr.
W. T. Kinsella, U.S. Navy.

Copy to:
ComSubLant
SubSchool New London
CO SS271
Op-23E
Op-414C3

— page 217 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st Copy]

SS271/A16-3                                                U.S.S. RAY (SS271)
Serial (018)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]                                       8 December 1944
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED - DOD DIR. 5200.9]
[STAMP: of 27 Sep 58]
[STAMP: BY TZC DATE 4/21/59]

From:             Commanding Officer.
To :             Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via :             Official Channels.

Subject:          U.S.S. RAY (SS271), Report of War Patrol
                  Number Six.

Enclosure:        (A) Subject Report.

                  1.        Enclosure (A), covering the sixth war patrol of
                  this vessel conducted in the South China Sea during the period
                  of 23 September 1944 to 8 December 1944, is forwarded herewith.

                                                [SIGNATURE: W. T. Kinsella]
                                                W. T. KINSELLA.

[HANDWRITTEN: Filmed]
[HANDWRITTEN: 100828]

— page 218 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

(A) PROLOGUE.

Returned from fifth war patrol 31 August 1944. Had normal
two week refit by U.S.S. EURYALE and SubDiv 181 relief crew.

Lieutenant Commander W.R. SMITH, Jr., U.S. N. and Lieut(jg)
R.E. JACOBSEN, U.S.N.R., were transferred with regret having performed
outstanding duty aboard this vessel.

Had normal readiness for sea period with three days training
exercises. Fired three exercise torpedoes and 20 rounds from 4" gun.

(B) NARRATIVE ( All times HOW unless indicated ).

The following officers and chief petty officers are attached
to this vessel upon departure on sixth war patrol, with number of pre-
vious patrols:

Lieut.Comdr. W.T. KINSELLA, USN, #73579 - 3 patrols.
Lieutenant Leonard ERB, USN, #123763 - 4 patrols.
Lieut(jg) H.C. MOYER, DE-V(G), USNR, #161480 - 3 patrols.
Lieut(jg) C.A. GODSELL, Jr., E-V(G), USNR, #187765 - 5 patrols.
Lieut(jg) C.A. HILL, Jr., USN, #282867 - 2 patrols.
Ensign A.R. GREEN, E-V(G), USNR, #270702 - 1 patrol.
Ensign R.G. BLAKELY, USN, #196715 - 9 patrols.
Ensign G.M. BABBE, D-V(G), USNR #341528 - 0 patrols.
Ensign C.A. ROUSH, Jr., D-V(G), USNR #331518 - 0 patrols.

EMBRY, H.G., 272 00 89, CMOMM(PA), USN - 10 patrols.
SUNDERLIN, R.C., 392 71 71, CMOMM(PA), USN - 10 patrols.
MORGAN, C.F., 258 07 93, CMOMM(A)(T), USN - 7 patrols.
WEBER, R.P., 660 19 76, CMOMM(A)(T), V6, USNR - 5 patrols.
NAGLE, J.A., 372 03 14, CMOMM(A)(S), V6, USNR - 4 patrols.

23 Sept. 1944.
1335 Departed FREMANTLE, W.A. on sixth war patrol in accordance
with CTG 71.1 OpOrd 136-44 to patrol areas A-4 and A-5 con-
ducting coordinated search and attack as directed by the
Commanding Officer U.S.S. COD.
1500 - Conducted training exercises with H.M.A.S. MILDURA as target.
2300 Set course up bombing restriction lane headed for EXMOUTH
GULF.

24 Sept. 1944
Enroute EXMOUTH GULF. Conducting training dives and fire
control drills.
Noon position - Lat. 29-59 S., Long. 112-22 E.
Fuel used - 2450
Miles steamed - 215.8

- 1 -

— page 219 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

25 Sept. 1944
Enroute EXMOUTH GULF. Conducting training dives and fire
control drills.
Noon position - Lat. 20-54S., Long. 110-32 E.
Miles steamed - 378.8 Fuel used - 5720.

26 Sept. 1944
Enroute EXMOUTH GULF.
0909 Moored fuel barge EXMOUTH GULF.
1320 Underway, stood out of EXMOUTH GULF.
1454 Fired 20 rounds of 4" ammunition for training using old
wreck as target.
Noon position - EXMOUTH GULF.
Miles steamed - 351 Fuel used - 6222.

27 Sept. 1944
Enroute LOMBOK STRAIT, conducting training dives and fire
control drills.
Noon position - Lat. 17-13 S., Long. 114-07 E.
Miles steamed - 341 Fuel used - 4580.

28 Sept. 1944
Enroute LOMBOK STRAIT, conducting training dives and fire
control drills.
2217 Radar contact on BALI ISLAND.
Noon position - Lat. 11-41 S., Long. 115-16 E.
Miles steamed - 374.7 Fuel used - 4740.

29 September 1944
Enroute LOMBOK STRAIT.
0032 Made trim dive prior entering LOMBOK STRAIT to kill time
waiting for moonset.
0054 Surfaced.
0110 SJ and SD radar contact 5 miles (Aircraft contact #1).
Submerged. Plane passed at 2 miles down starboard side.
0125 No evidence of plane having radar.
0158 Surfaced.
SJ and SD radar contact 4 miles (Aircraft contact #2).
Stayed on surface as plane passed down starboard side
at 4 miles. Commenced transit of LOMBOK STRAIT at 4
engine speed. The moon conveniently went behind a cloud
0316 and stayed there until moonset.
Radar contact on patrol vessel 259 T, 5.5 miles. (Ship
0410 contact #1). He was abaft our beam and we soon lost him.
0535 Completed transit LOMBOK STRAIT.
Interference on SJ Radar, identified as U.S.S. REDFIN
(Ship contact #2). Exchanged greetings.
1030 Submerged.
1055 Surfaced.

- 2 -

— page 220 —
CONFIDENTIAL                                U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

                                            29 Sept. 1944 (Cont'd).
1605                                        Submerged. Held battle problem.
1701                                        Surfaced.
                                            Contact with numerous sailboats all through the night.
                                            Noon position - Lat. 6-57 S., Long. 116-39.5 E.
                                            Miles steamed - 348.5     Fuel used - 4310.

                                            30 Sept. 1944
                                            Enroute area in MAKASSAR STRAIT.
0746                                        SD Radar contact 7.5 miles (Aircraft contact #4).
                                            Submerged.
0819                                        Submerged on SD contact on land at 30 miles which was
                                            mistakenly reported as aircraft at 13 miles.
0825                                        Surfaced.
0850                                        Sighted masts and smoke 010 T, 14 miles (Ship contact #5).
0900                                        Submerged for attack. Target turned out to be sea truck
                                            with range to target 4500 yards, and about to merge.
                                            Had SD radar contact 7.5 miles (Aircraft contact #5)
                                            merged. Gave up idea of shooting at sea truck as we were
                                            only 14 miles from west coast of CELEBES and target was
                                            heading for it.
1205                                        Sighted what appeared to be AIRCRAFT LANDING FIELD on
                                            CELEBES. Report of location and description will be in
                                            radar section of this report.
1552                                        Sighted plane 035 T, 2 miles (Aircraft contact #6).
                                            Submerged.
1600                                        Surfaced.
1613                                        Sighted plane 080 T, 12 miles (Aircraft contact #7).
                                            Submerged.
1701                                        Surfaced.
2100                                        SJ Radar contact 020 T, 5.5 miles (Ship contact #4). Target
                                            was large two masted sailboat, definitely not a native
                                            craft. It was bright moonlight, sea glassy calm. Decided
                                            to come into 2000 yards at flank speed on 4 engines, using
                                            20 mm's to clear his topside then use 4" to sink him. I
                                            did not want to be surprised by a night plane, knowing they
                                            would be in vicinity because of raid on BALIKPAPAN, so chose
                                            this procedure, hoping to finish him with 4" ammunition in
                                            ready locker at short range. Flooded down.
2215                                        Gave order to 20 mm's to commence firing. Both guns
                                            jammed. Turned away, cleared jam on after gun. Firing pin
                                            for another try, just using after gun. Firing pin broke.

- 3 -

CONFIDENTIAL                                U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

                                            30 Sept. 1944 (Cont'd).
                                            By this time target was firing red flares madly, so
                                            decided to give up entire project as a "poor show".
                                            Headed north to clear area. From now on, we will stick
                                            to shooting torpedoes.
                                            Noon position - Lat. 3-18 S., Long. 118-30 S.
                                            Miles steamed - 315     Fuel used - 3200.

                                            1 Oct. 1944
                                            Northbound in MAKASSAR STRAIT.
0115                                        SJ Radar interference 000 T. Identified as U.S.S. BINGO
                                            and exchanged greetings by keying radar. (Ship contact #5).
0857                                        SD Radar contact 13 miles closing (Aircraft contact #8).
                                            Submerged.
0923                                        Crossed Equator at 119-06' E.
0939                                        Surfaced.
1044                                        SD Radar contact 17 miles closing (Aircraft contact #9).
                                            Submerged.
                                            Surfaced.
                                            Noon position - Lat. 0-14 N., Long. 119-12 E.
                                            Miles steamed - 305     Fuel used - 3610.

                                            2 October 1944
                                            Northbound in CELEBES SEA.
1205                                        Sighted floating mine bearing 120 T, 1500 yards. Lat.
                                            3-47.5 N., Long. 119-34.5 E. Exploded mine with 20 mm
                                            gunfire. We are now "mine conscious".
1552                                        SIBUTU ISLAND in sight and not wishing to be detected
                                            submerged.
1600                                        In routining torpedoes, a battery explosion was found to
                                            have occured in tubes No. 9 and 10, sometime in the past
                                            six hours. Indications are that it was quite recent as
                                            batteries were still smoking. Cause - dirty vent plugs.
                                            We will have to check and clean all plugs on all electric
                                            torpedoes.
1905                                        Surfaced. Commenced transit SIBUTU PASSAGE.
1910                                        Lookout reported another floating mine passing down star-
                                            board side about 50 yards. Stationed mine lookouts until
                                            through SIBUTU PASSAGE.
2144                                        Fired torpedo from No. 10 tube which was damaged by ex-
                                            plosion. Warhead bulkhead badly dished in and battery
                                            acid in the torpex. Decided torpedo was in too dangerous
                                            condition to be carried aboard. Believe we can save the
                                            other one.
2150                                        Completed transit SIBUTU PASSAGE.
                                            Noon position - Lat. 3-47 N., Long. 119-34 E.
                                            Miles steamed - 256     Fuel used - 2910.

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— page 221 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

3 Oct. 1944.
Northbound heading for DOC CAN ISLAND PASSAGE.
0245 Completed transit DOC CAN, heading north in SULU SEA.
0329 SJ Radar contact 342 T, 5 miles (Ship contact #6) Tracked.
0335 Determined target to be on course 100 T, speed 17 knots.
Went ahead flank speed on 4 engines to gain position ahead.
Manned battle stations. Target seen to be a large DD or CL.
No evidence of radar.
0417 Lost contact on target and with him on right leg of zig
plan 120 T, closed to 5500 yards and submerged to radar
depth. We had only two miles to shoal water.
0420 Target zigged to 070 to conform to 100 fathom curve and
opened range quickly. He was apparently headed for PANGU-
TARAN PASSAGE and never came back our way.
0430 Surfaced. Chased on 4 engines hoping he would turn back
our way.
0500 Gave up chase and headed north. It was now getting light.
0800 Sent RAY serial ONE. Unable to contact any stations so sent
it blind three times.
1130 Submerged for trim and to routine torpedoes.
1502 Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 7-19 N., Long 120-07 E.
Miles steamed - 276.1 Fuel used - 3690.

4 Oct. 1944.
Northbound to area in SULU SEA.
1200 Submerged for remainder of day to patrol 7 miles southwest
of APO REEF LIGHT.
1843 Surfaced.
2200 Reported "On station" to the COD and commenced patrolling
areas A-4 and A-5 as directed by Commanding Officer COD.
2315 Submerged to flush out No. 4 main ballast tank of fuel.
2335 Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 12-33 N., Long. 120-23 E.
Miles steamed - 348.2 Fuel used - 3810.

5 Oct. 1944.
Patrolling in MINDORO STRAIT.
0545 Submerged for patrol off CAPE CALAVITE.
1327 First of 30 or more distant explosions. This was the COD
attacking southbound convoy that had evidently gotten by
us in one of the frequent rain squalls. Inasmuch as we
were only 5 miles off CAPE CALAVITE and had heard no echo
to believe he came our way.
1604 Surfaced and commenced search to south for remainder of
convoy.
2318 Broke off search inasmuch as convoy had undoubtedly reached
night anchorage. Headed north.
Noon position - Lat. 13-25 N., Long. 120-11 E.
Miles steamed - 154.9 Fuel used - 1070.

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— page 222 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271).

6 Oct. 1944
Northbound to daylight patrol station 20 miles west of
CAPE CALAVITE.
0535 Submerged.
0600 Routine of torpedoes revealed battery explosions in
tubes No. 8 and 10. Damage to torpedoes and warheads
was considerable and is covered in another section of
this report. Inasmuch as acid had entered the warhead
decided to save the torpedoes but dispose of the warheads.
In order to prevent further explosions settled on a
routine of ventilating the torpedoes in the tubes every
four hours with 200 lbs. air for a period of 15 minutes
each.
1012 Sighted three float planes (Aircraft contact #10).
1815 Surfaced. Commenced heading north to patrol north of
CABRA ISLAND.
2105 SJ Radar contact 020 T, 9 miles (Ship contact #7) Com-
menced tracking. Went to battle stations. Convoy con-
sisted of a very large tanker, and two destroyer escorts.
No evidence of radar. (Later comparison showed the C.O.
CCO and myself in agreement that this tanker was at least
15,000 tons). Sent contact report to COD.
2136 Having determined target to be zigzagging 30 R & L of base
course 280 T, speed 8, commenced closing for attack.
2142 The set-up was beautiful. Both escorts were well
up on the bow. At range 5000 yards from target, 3100 yds.
from near escort, came to course for 70 degree port track,
moving in astern of escort. At 4400 yards range from target
however, the near escort turned and headed at us at 2500
yards range. I did not believe we had been detected, but a
closing destroyer is no one to argue with, so, believing
our TDC solution to be correct, at
2145 Commenced firing six torpedoes forward on a 75 degree port
track, gyro 355 degrees, torpedo run 4200 yards, spread
800 feet.
2146 Commenced retiring at flank speed. Escort had turned away
and was again on same course as target.
2148-5 Heard one hit which should have been #5 torpedo. Could
not see because of smoke from engines. Target immediately
turned on a red-over-white masthead light and fired a
white flare. Also commenced firing 5" gun at us. Shell
splashes were well astern and to port of us. Escorts were
now running about madly shooting guns and dropping depth
charges. Target speeded up to 12 knots and continued on
same course.
I could not understand why we failed to get more hits.
I realize the range was excessive and the spread inadequate
but the set-up looked good. The answer was found the next
day when the forward TB was found to have 1½ degrees lost
motion due to shaft binding in stuffing tube.

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

6 Oct. 1944 (Cont'd).
Opened out to 7000 yards from target, commenced end-
around and reload. Range to nearest escort 4900 yards. At
Near escort had opened out on target and closed range to us
to 3900 yds. when suddenly he turned his searchlight on us.
Ordered radar down, I raised #1 periscope to see
off searchlight. All was black.
Ordered radar depth and swung left for stern tube attack
Submerged. Commenced dropping depth charges as he came in. While swinging, stern planes
went out and we came up to 30 feet. After such a fine ad-
vertisement, escort could no longer ignore us. At
[HANDWRITTEN: ✓] 2213 Went to 370 feet and rigged for depth charge. Last range to
destroyer as we went down 1800 yards. Strangely enough, he
stopped dropping after he went deep, although he went right
over the top of us.
2222 Came up to periscope depth. All
clear, moon now up.
2329 Escort rejoined convoy.
2337 Surfaced. Commenced charging on 4 main engines.
2330 Radio transmitter went out.
Noon position - Lat. 13-22.5 N., Long. 120-00 E.
Miles steamed - 178.4 Fuel used - 1860.

7 Oct. 1944
Chasing convoy at 4 engine speed.
0018 Regained radar contact with convoy 246 T, 11 miles. Re-
sumed tracking and end-around on starboard flank. COD
was working ahead on port flank. Target base course 230 T.
0150 COD sent message he was diving to attack.
0237 Heard and observed two torpedo hits in tanker from COD.
0257 Tanker reversed course to northward.
Target came to 150 T and commenced 40 R & L zigzag, speed
10 knots, he was heading for BUSUANGA ISLAND. Continued
to work ahead.
0448 Up ahead of target. Commenced closing for attack. Bright
moonlight.
0452 At range 8000 yards submerged to radar depth.
0500 At range 5000 yards, near escort was 020 relative, 4000
yards. Went to periscope depth.
0505 Convoy zigzagged 60 degrees away. Came left for a 85 F track.
Escort passed ahead.
0510 Commenced firing six torpedoes forward on 100 - 105 F track,
15 - 20 L gyro, torpedo run 3500 yards, spread 800 feet.
0513 Near escort turned on a red-over-white masthead light and
headed for us. Went to 370 feet and rigged for depth charge.
0514-10 First of three explosions 16 to 20 seconds apart that sounded
like torpedo hits.
At this point it should be said that I am not trying to claim
hits we did not get, but merely trying to give an account of
what happened. The target was later seen by the COD to make

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— page 224 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

7 Oct. 1944 (Cont'd).
his anchorage at BUSUANGA ISLAND. We didn't sink him, so
the actual number of hits is immaterial.
I do feel however, that some hits were obtained. The
basis of this lies in the fact that when the COD later saw
the target making his anchorage, he was low in the water,
had a heavy list and was smoking heavily, yet when we fired
he looked normal in every respect and was not burning or
smoking.
All in all, it was a very discouraging night and I
feel that in the future, we must fire from shorter ranges.
First of 25 depth charges, none too close.
0517 All clear. Came to periscope depth.
0607 Surfaced. Sighted destroyer bearing 262 T, 7 miles.
0701 Submerged for approach on destroyer.
0703 At 3500 yards destroyer turned 60 degrees away and went over
0727 horizon to rejoin convoy. Knowing he would anchor before I
could catch up, we did not chase.
0751 Surfaced and headed north.
0949 Submerged. Heard torpedoes.
1835 Surfaced. Reported results to COD and proceeded to rendezvous
with him at dawn tomorrow.
Noon position - Lat. 13-26 N., Long. 119-57 E.
Miles steamed - 178.3 Fuel used - 2480.

8 Oct. 1944.
Proceeding to rendezvous with COD in Lat. 13-05 N.,
119-20 E.
0440 Radar contact with COD (Ship contact #8). Exchanged
recognition signals by SJ keying.
0620 Went close aboard COD. Exchanged ideas with CATTY ADKINS
and transferred secret mail.
0630 Headed north to patrol area west of LUBANG and CABRA ISLANDS.
0930 Sighted plane 015 T, 8 miles (Aircraft contact #11).
1000 Submerged.
1200 Surfaced.
1237 Submerged.
1244 Surfaced.
1840 Submerged.
Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 14-03 N., Long. 119-41 E.
Miles steamed 234.1 Fuel used - 2300.

9 Oct. 1944.
Patrolling west of LUBANG ISLAND.
1300 Submerged. Held drills and battle problems.
1743 Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 13-39 N., Long. 119-10 E.
Miles steamed - 190.5 Fuel used - 1130.

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— page 225 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

10 Oct. 1944.
Patrolling west of LUBANG ISLAND.
0500 Submerged.
0825 Sighted medium bomber over LUBANG ISLAND. (Aircraft contact
#12).
0858 Sighted another plane over LUBANG ISLAND. (Aircraft contact
#13).
1100 Sighted plane over LUBANG ISLAND (Aircraft contact #14).
1837 Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 13-56.5 N., Long. 119-54 E.
Miles steamed - 121 Fuel used - 680.

11 October 1944.
Patrolling off CAPE CALAVITE.
0230 Sighted destroyer 192 T, 6000 yards. (Ship contact #9).
Our SJ radar out of commission. Commenced running ahead
to gain position for attack. We were 2 miles from land
and destroyer had us boxed in. By
0300 Range 4000 yards and now out bright, submerged to
escape detection and to attempt to close for attack.
0313 Unable to close and target now by us.
0327 Surfaced. Sent contact report to COD who was patrolling
north of LUBANG and might be able to intercept.
0508 Sighted ship 156 T, which proved to be a small sea truck.
(Ship contact #10).
0555 Submerged 3 miles west of CALAVITE.
0825 Sighted float plane 045 T, 5 miles (Aircraft contact #15).
1456 Sighted medium bomber 080 T, 10 miles (Aircraft contact #16).
1525 Sighted 2 medium bombers 080 T and 144 T, 10 miles
(Aircraft contact #17).
1850 Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 13-33 N., Long. 120-20 E.
Miles steamed - 137.8 Fuel used - 970.

12 October 1944.
Patrolling off CAPE CALAVITE.
0512 Submerged.
0622 Sighted ship 069 T, 7 miles (Ship contact #11). Commenced
approach.
0644 Target was small mine layer not worth torpedoes.
0646 Sighted 4 ships 200 T (Ship contact #12) Commenced approach.
0653 Sighted float plane over ships (Aircraft contact #18). I
began to think this an important convoy.
0712 Ships now plainly visible. They are large sea trucks. Let
them go by.
1215 Sighted smoke 051 T (Ship contact #13) Commenced approach.
1302 Convoy consists of one large AK and two CHIDORI escorts.
Escorts patrolling on each bow. Starboard escort using
echo-ranging. Port escort apparently just listening. They

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— page 226 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

12 Oct. 1944 (Cont'd).
are closing the coast to round CAPE CALAVITE. As the
target closed the coast, the port escort conveniently
dropped astern and moved out on starboard quarter. The
starboard escort was also obliging, he dropped aft of
the beam, turned 90 degrees away, and made a sweep to
northward. So with the starboard bow wide open, we
closed in, and at
1339 Commenced firing 4 torpedoes forward 50 S. track, 5 L
gyro, 1200 yard torpedo run, spread 600 feet. At
1339-53 First hit followed by a terrific explosion which rocked
the entire boat. Up periscope.
1340-01 Second hit followed by another rocking explosion. At this
time, periscope broke water and I observed target to be
completely disintegrated by these two terrific explosions,
which threw smoke, flame, ship, and Japs 1000 feet in the
air. The escorts looked as surprised at the results of the
attack as I was. They came at us. We snapped
out of it too, and went to 370 feet.
1343 Escorts stopped to range.
1347 First of 30 very heavy depth charges, too close for comfort
although ship took it well.
1356 For the next hour, the two escorts stayed right with us,
but did not drop any more depth charges. Then at
1511 They commenced to drop astern.
1530 Came to periscope depth. Could not see escorts in direction
of pinging, but did not get much of a look due to sighting
a float plane 030 T, 1 mile (Aircraft contact #19). Went to
150 feet.
1847 Surfaced. Reported results to COD.
1910 SJ radar contact 055 T, 13 miles (Ship contact #14).
Commenced tracking. Sent contact report to COD. For
the next two hours, this supposed convoy (believed to be
one large ship and destroyer or cruiser because of range
picked up by SJ and pinging on bearing of leader) led us
and the COD a merry chase, changing base course from 190 T
to 230 T to 270 T to 330 T to 000 T and altering speed
between 10 and 16 knots. Finally at
2100 A little applied intelligence enlightened us to fact that
these were the two CHIDORI escorts searching for us.
Closed to verify.
2106 At range 4500 yards identified targets as our two CHIDORIS.
Sent message informing COD. Opened out to south east as
they changed base course to 030 T and disappeared in the
direction of CALAVITE PASS.
Noon position - Lat. 13-31 N., Long. 120-19 E.
Miles steamed - 113.3 Fuel used - 660.

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— page 227 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

13 October 1944
Patrolling north of LUBANG ISLAND and in VERDE ISLAND
PASSAGE.
[HANDWRITTEN: ✓] 0511 Submerged for patrol of CAPE SANTIAGO.
1842 Surfaced. Headed north.
Noon position - Lat. 13-44 N., Long. 120-38 E.
Miles steamed - 115 Fuel used - 1330

14 Oct. 1944.
Patrolling north of LUBANG ISLAND.
0155 SJ Radar contact 056 T, 6500 yards. (Aircraft contact #20).

0156 By bearing to 3400 yards, indicating con-
Range closed on steady bearing to 3400 yards, indicating con-
tact was a plane. Submerged. About 20 seconds after clearing
bridge, I started down the lower hatch to control room to witness
dive. I suddenly realized I had not received report "hatch
closed" nor was there a pressure in the boat. A red light
was directed on the hatch showing it to be open about 6".
The quartermaster in closing hatch had started to turn the
wheel too soon and had jammed wheel hard against the weighted
lock. His attention centered on freeing the lock he failed to
realize the hatch was open and not on the lower latch. The
executive officer made a quick attempt to help the quartermaster
close the hatch, but both were washed away by the rush of
water.
In the meantime, I had already dropped to control room
gave order to blow everything and closed the lower hatch, as
a terrific rush of water came down.
We went to 80 feet before starting up, but quickly re-
ached the surface. Stopped so plane would not detect us on sur-
face. This apparently helped because no bombs dropped on us.
Upon surfacing immediately sent an officer up through
the engine room hatch to report condition of conning tower
personnel. He was met at the hatch by the J.O.O.D. who in-
formed us that all hands topside were alright but that
conning tower was two thirds flooded. Both the trim and drain
pump were put on the pump room bilges to keep the water down
as the conning tower was drained. It was a slow process but
luck was with us and all hands were saved.
0320 Opened lower conning tower hatch. At
0325 Went ahead on 3 main engines opening out to westward so that
we could stay on surface after daylight and repair damage.
Inspection revealed everything in conning tower to have
been flooded and grounded. This means we have no SJ Radar,
no TDC, no sound gear, no periscopes - nothing.
We were more fortunate below, however, Although considerable
water had come down lower hatch in the few seconds it took to
close it, the water had only risen to the deck plates in the
pump room. Only the follow-up system on the master gyro, the
bow planes and one turbo-blower motor were grounded.

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— page 228 —
CONFIDENTIAL U. S. S. RAY (SS271)

14 Oct. 1944 (Cont'd).
Immediately began to effect repairs to the best of
our ability.
0545 Sent RAY serial TWO to CTF 71 reporting casualty and re-
questing to proceed to BIAK for repairs.
0945 Received answer directing us to proceed to BIAK.
0950 Submerged for remainder of day.
2042 Commenced passage through MINDORO STRAIT. By the time
we surfaced, everything in the conning tower had been
flushed with fresh water, cleaned, and started drying.
Steering, annunciator, gyro repeater, rudder angle in-
dicator and diving alarm were restored to operation.
We now were pretty well off.
Noon position - Lat. 13-05 N., Long. 119-41 E.
Miles steamed - 186.5 Fuel used - 2290.

15 October 1944.
Enroute BIAK transitting MINDORO STRAIT.
1008 SD radar and sight contact with plane 325 T, 4 miles.
(Aircraft contact #21). Submerged.
1030 Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 9-57 N., Long. 120-53 E.
Miles steamed - 261.3 Fuel used - 3690.

16 October 1944.
Enroute BIAK southbound in SULU SEA.
0305 Commenced transit DOC CAN PASS at very slow speed. Our
position doubtful and visibility not too good.
0507 Surfaced. Went ahead on 4 engines making a dash
for SIBUTU PASSAGE.
0620 Submerged. By
1205 No. 1 periscope hoist motor was placed in temporary
operating condition. Came to periscope depth for a look.
The current was helping us nicely through the PASS.
1550 Transit of SIBUTU PASSAGE completed.
1817 Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 5-10 N., Long. 119-40 E.
Miles steamed - 299 Fuel used-4200

17 October 1944.
Enroute BIAK eastbound in CELEBES SEA.
1600 Submerged. Commenced transit SIAOE PASS.
1803 Surfaced.
1835 SD radar contact 4 miles (Aircraft contact #22). Submerged.
1908 Surfaced.
2129 Completed transit SIAOE PASS.
Noon position - Lat. 2-45 N., Long. 124-14 E.
Miles steamed - 340 Fuel used - 5380.

— page 229 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

18 October 1944.
Enroute BIAK north of HALMAHERA.
0440 SD Radar contact 10 miles (Aircraft contact #23).
0505 Submerged.
0518 Surfaced.
SD Radar contact and sight contact 14 miles (Aircraft
contact #24). Plane crossed astern at 8 miles and opened
out to southward.
0616 Sighted plane 140 T, 10 miles (Aircraft contact #25).
Submerged.
0659 Surfaced.
0815 SD radar and sight contact 060 T, 8 miles (Aircraft
contact #26). Plane opened out to northward.
0947 SD Radar contact 7 miles (Aircraft contact #27).
Submerged.
1012 Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 2-55 N., Long. 129-31 E.
Miles steamed - 343 Fuel used - 4180.

19 October 1944.
Enroute BIAK.
0642 SD radar and sight contact 025 T, 10 miles. (Aircraft
contact #28). Plane opened out to northward.
1311 SD Radar contact 8 miles (Aircraft contact #29).
Submerged.
1400 Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 1-22 N., Long. 135-07 E.
Miles steamed - 388 Fuel used - 5020.

20 October 1944.
Arrived MIOS WOENDI.

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— page 230 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

21 - 26 October 1944
Moored alongside U.S.S. ORION at MIOS WCENDI effecting
repairs in conning tower and undergoing a limited refit.
During this period the following work was accomplished.
1. SJ radar was removed from conning tower and
thoroughly overhauled.
2. TDC was cleaned, cycled, and repacked.
3. Sound gear overhauled, replacing defective parts
as spares were available.
4. Periscope hoist motors and panels removed and
overhauled.
5. 1 MC and 7 MC systems overhauled.
6. Conning tower lighting and telephone systems cleared
of grounds.
7. Pit log and gyro installations overhauled.
8. Both periscopes cleaned, cycled, and repacked.
9. SD mast pulled, cleaned, and new insulator installed.
10. T.B.T.'s overhauled.
11. SJ radar motor generator removed and sheared coupling
repaired.
12. Grounds removed from bow plane control box and cables,
in control room.
13. Renewed leads to both sound heads.
14. Repaired hydraulic leak in starboard sound shaft by
replacing improper gasket which had been installed.
15. Routined air-conditioning and refrigerating systems,
which had not been giving satisfactory performance.
16. Routined H.P. air compressors and L.P. blowers.
17. Removed heavy ground from forward main battery, re-
sulting from water in ventilation system resulting
from flooding conning tower.
18. Completely overhauled auxiliary engine, which now
operates properly for the first time in two patrols.
19. Routined evaporators.
20. Repaired damage to TBL transmitter caused by welding
flux which had been carelessly dropped when the
antenna was installed.
21. Welded patch on rusted exhaust elbow on No. 1 main
engine which was supposedly renewed during last refit.
22. Completely painted top side and superstructure.
23. Numerous other small jobs necessary to place ship in
complete readiness for sea.

Too much praise cannot be given to the U.S.S. ORION and
SubDiv 162 relief crew for the excellent work done on this vessel.
They not only worked day and night for seven days repairing
the extensive damage caused by flooding our conning tower, but
actually gave us an almost complete refit in half the regularly
allotted time, remedying defects which have persisted since
the fifth patrol. They did everything within their power to

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— page 231 —
CONFIDENTIAL                                U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

afford the officers and crew of this vessel the rest and
relaxation necessary for continuing the patrol.
In short, by their perseverance and "don't know the
word 'can't!'" spirit, they placed a badly crippled sub-
marine into fighting condition, and we take the RAY to
sea with complete confidence.

27 October 1944
1002        Departed MIOS HOENDI.
1115        Passed BLUEGILL southbound (Ship contact No. 15).
            Noon position - Lat. 1-10 S., Long. 136-29 E.
            Miles steamed - 24        Fuel used - 740

28 October 1944
            Enroute SIAOE PASS.
0900        Submerged.
0911        Surfaced.
            Had numerous plane contacts through out the day.
            Noon position - Lat. 1-51 N., Long. 132-06 E.
            Miles steamed - 399.8     Fuel used - 5100.

29 October 1944
            Enroute SIAOE PASS. Numerous aircraft contacts all day.
1610        Commenced transit SIAOE PASS.
1830        Completed transit.
            Noon position - Lat. 2-28 N., Long. 126-30 E.
            Miles steamed - 382       Fuel used - 5000.

30 October 1944
            Enroute SIBUTU PASSAGE in CELEBES SEA.
1030        Submerged.
1112        Surfaced.
1143        Sighted plane bearing 250 T which turned toward us
            (Aircraft contact No. 50). Submerged.
1203        Surfaced.
1815        Commenced transit of SIBUTU PASSAGE.
2035        Transit completed.
2250        Commenced transit DOC O'KEEFE PASS.
2348        Transit completed.
            Noon position - Lat. 3-56 N., Long. 121-03 E.
            Miles steamed - 377       Fuel used - 4810.

31 October 1944
            Enroute patrol area via SULU SEA.
0956        Sighted a LIBERATOR 200 T, 18 miles (Aircraft contact
            No. 51).
1720        Sighted floating mine in 10-31 N., 120-54 E. Attempted to sink
            or detonate with 20 mm gunfire. Scored numerous hits with no
            apparent results.
1755        Continued northward.
2243        SJ Radar contact with ANGLER (Ship contact No. 16).
            Noon position - Lat. 9-09 N., Long. 120-26 E.
            Miles steamed - 396       Fuel used - 5430

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— page 232 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

1 November 1944
0043 Enroute patrol area in CUYO EAST PASS.
Sighted ship 345 T, 7.5 miles (Ship contact No. 17).
Commenced tracking.
0113 Target identified as small patrol craft. Broke off chase.
Headed into MINDORO STRAIT.
0535 Sighted medium bomber 065 T, 15 miles (Aircraft contact
No. 52).
0553 Sighted smoke 190 T (Ship contact No. 18). Commenced
working ahead for attack.
0626 Sighted plane 350 T, 10 miles (Aircraft contact No. 53).
Submerged. Commenced approach on convoy.
0810 Convoy seen to consist of one large merchant ship, four
small tankers, three or four escorts. Manned battle stations.
0819 Sighted two float planes air cover (Aircraft contact No. 54).
0825 Some other submarine (Unknown at time of writing) got two hits
in "our" large freighter, causing terrific explosion and
large column of smoke 1000 ft. in the air. Later information
indicates this was BLACKFIN.
0828 First of about 25 to 30 depth charges. Felt rather discouraged
as nothing else in convoy looked worth shooting except the
escorts and they were milling around madly.
0910 Remaining four small tankers headed our way with one escort.
Remaining escorts stayed behind to work over other submarine.
Targets began to look larger, and more worthy of torpedoes.
0917 Targets now seen to be small diesel tankers, 2500 tons, 300
feet long, decks loaded with oil drums. Swung left for stern
tube attack.
0922 With two tankers almost overlapping about 1000 yards apart,
fired three torpedoes aft at nearest one on 125 S track, 15 R
gyro, 900 yard torpedo run, spread 400 feet.
0922-50 First hit in near tanker two thirds length aft.
0923-00 Second hit in bow. Tanker blow up, throwing oil drums and
Japs high into air.
0924 Escort and planes now coming our way. Went to 370 feet.
0924-36 Third torpedo heard to hit second tanker followed immediately
by loud explosion and rumbling noises exactly the same as
those occurring when first torpedo was seen to hit first tanker.
Screws stopped and were never heard again.
Second tankers screws stopped and were never heard again.
This was a 2 min. 20 sec. torpedo run, or 2100 yards, which is
exactly correct for second tanker. Positive both tankers
sank at this time, inasmuch as we were between them and re-
mainder of convoy, and couldn't possibly been mistaken about
the third explosion or stopping of the screws and breaking
up noises.
0929 First of 12 depth charges. Heavy but not too close. Had
good layer.
0945 Escort joined by second escort from the south.
0954 Although escorts were not too far away, they remained astern.
Decided to come up for a look.

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

     1 November 1944 (Cont'd).
0956 At 250 ft. escorts came in. Started down. Twelve close
     depth charges. Do not believe they knew they were so close
     because escorts opened out astern.
1042 Came to periscope depth. Two escorts astern of us about
     8000 yards. Also the air cover. Commenced closing vicinity
     for special mission.
1652 Sighted float plane 170 T, 6 miles (Aircraft contact No. 55).
1814 Surfaced. Carried out special mission.
1928 Mission completed. Headed north west.
2023 SJ radar contact with NAUTILUS (Ship contact No. 19).
     Exchanged calls.
2355 Reversed course to southward to rendezvous with NAUTILUS to
     transfer mail.
     Noon position - Lat. 13-08 N., Long. 120-23 E.
     Miles steamed - 313 Fuel used - 5330

     2 November 1944
0100 SJ Radar contact with SHAKE (Ship contact No. 20) Exchanged
     calls.
0155 Sight and radar contact with RATON (Ship contact No. 21)
     Exchanged calls.
0220 Regained contact with NAUTILUS. Went close aboard and
     transferred top secret mail.
0254 Headed north for patrol area.
0547 Submerged for days patrol off CAPE CALAVITE.
1815 Surfaced. Headed north for 2nd serial four reporting
     completion of special mission.
     Noon position - Lat. 13-27 N., Long. 120-10 E.
     Miles steamed - 174 Fuel used - 1460

     3 November 1944
     Northbound enroute patrol area.
0031 Submerged to flush out No. 4 M.B.T.
0047 Surfaced.
0521 Submerged for a days patrol off SUBIC BAY.
1519 Sighted masts 093 T (Ship contact No. 22). Went to
     battle stations.
1548 Target definitely identified as a hospital ship.
     Secured from battle stations.
1823 Surfaced.
2000 Radar contact with BREM and GUITTARRO (Ship Contact No. 23).
     Noon position - Lat. 14-39 N., Long. 120-00 E.
     Miles steamed - 155 Fuel used - 1230

     4 November 1944
     Northbound enroute patrol area.
0527 Submerged for patrol off CAPE BOLINAO.
0923 Sighted plane 169 T, 10 miles (Aircraft contact No. 56).
1120 Sighted 3 NILL bombers, 160 T, 10 miles (Aircraft contact
     No. 57).
1149 Sighted plane 077 T, 11 miles (Aircraft contact No. 58).

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

1316 4 November 1944 (Cont'd).
1352 Sound heard echo-ranging 054 T.
1353 Sighted convoy 079 T (Ship contact No. 24).
Sighted air cover for convoy, consisting of 2 very low
flying medium bombers, 3 float planes, and 1 small
1356 "Piper Cub" type (Aircraft contact No. 59).
1407 Went to battle stations.
Convoy had "feinted" us well out of position. When sighted
off LINGAYEN GULF. From the way the
air cover swept ahead of him, felt sure he was definitely
northbound. Now he zigged and is heading south. We are
1430 after him running at 120 ft. between looks.
Convoy zigged away to conform to coast line. Closest we
got to him was 5200 yards from large AP we had selected as
1435 our target.
Came to 270 T to open out for end around. We were 5 miles
from coast.
1531 Heard explosions to southward. This later proved to be
RATON getting bombed and depth charged.
1632 Surfaced and commenced charging.
1737 Sighted smoke 160 T. (Ship contact No. 25)
1745 Bearing 110 T, 1200 yards.
1830 Target seen to be large transport on fire. Continued
closing.
1855 One escort in sight bearing 270 T, 6 miles. Another heard
pinging at 180 T. Target was large transport apparently
bombed this afternoon. He was on fire and burning
throughout his superstructure, but his hull seemed intact.
Believe he might have been bombed. Inasmuch as he was
1902 quite salvageable, decided to give him two torpedoes. At
Target apparently sighted us and commenced signaling for
help to one of the escorts, so commenced firing two torpedoes
1903-45 to hit at 2800 yards range.
1904-00 First hit, which blew off bow.
Second hit, amidships. Target took 45 degree down angle
and sank in about 3 minutes. Commenced opening out to
2012 west at flank speed.
Radar contact with escort 251 T, 5 miles. Escort commenced
2016 chasing. Turned north at high speed.
Escort let out puff of smoke and increased speed to 19 knots,
range 5500 yards. He chased us until
2132 At which time he gave up at 8000 yards range. All during
chase he kept signaling with a shore station, and after each
time he would head at us. Believe we were being tracked by
shore based radar and they were sending dope to him. He
fired his gun at us once as a parting gesture.
Noon position - Lat. 16-24 N., Long. 119-43 E.
Miles steamed - 180 Fuel used - 1560

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— page 235 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

5 November 1944
0159 Patrolling area A-2 off west coast LUZON.
0522 Radar contact with BATFISH (Ship contact No. 26).
Submerged for patrol off SAN FERNANDO. Sighted nothing
worthy of torpedo fire. All day there were countless
numbers of small sea trucks and fishing boats moving up
and down the coast.
1833 Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 16-44 N., Long. 120-12 E.
Miles steamed - 215 Fuel used - 2610

6 November 1944
0500 Submerged for patrol off CAPE BOLINAO.
0604 Sighted float plane 168 T, 7 miles (Aircraft contact No. 60).
0847 Heard distant explosions.
0849 More distant explosions ranging 190 T.
0850 Sound picked up echo ranging 190 T. Sighted smoke 170 T. (Ship contact
No. 27) and float plane air cover (Aircraft contact No. 61).
0909 Sighted masts of two heavy cruisers. Went to battle stations.
0910 More explosions. Getting closer.
0915 Rigged for depth charge and silent running. Inasmuch as sea
was glassy, made approach at 120 ft., coming to 65 ft. for
observations.
Convoy consisted of two heavy cruisers, several transports
of which I saw two, three DE's, with evidence of about three
more escorts. Chose the leading cruiser as our target, pos-
itively identified as a MOGAMI CLASS CRUISER. Convoy close
to coast.
0935 Leading DE crossing astern about 1000 yards.
0941 Loud explosions, sounded like bombs.
0942 Sound reports torpedoes running astern. Observed target to
be turning to his left and speeding up. He now has zero angle
on bow. Second cruiser already turned with broad starboard
angle. Commenced firing 4 Mark 18 torpedoes
track passing close aboard down our
starboard side. Heard another go down port side. Bombs and
depth charges now being dropped all over the place. Ship
being shaken quite a bit. Commenced swing left for stern
tube shot.
0943 Target now passing down starboard side at 450 yards. Saw
explosions ahead of us, believed torpedoes exploded on beach.
0946 With target now steady on course, commenced firing 4 Mark 18 torpedoes
aft on 160 S track; speed 15, range 1550, 10 degrees to 16
degrees right gyro, 3000 yard torpedo run, spread 800 feet.
0947 Bombs dropped close aboard, observed splashes ahead of us.
Went to 370 feet. It is impossible to describe the pande-
monium that was taking place during these last 6 minutes.
Bombs, torpedoes, and depth charges were exploding constantly
and although several bombs were observed close to us, I
imagine they were all intended for the boat who shot astern
of us.

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

0949 6 November 1944 (Cont'd).
0949-07 All is now quiet. We are waiting to hear our hits.
First hit in cruiser, timed to the exact second (No. 1
torpedo).
0949-26 Second hit, followed by loud rumbling explosion. (No. 3
torpedo). Sound reported as cruiser stopped and breaking
up noises. Although I ridiculed this idea, cruiser was
later seen stopped with bow blown off. We were kept
down by escorts for the next hour although no further
depth charges were dropped.
1041 Came to periscope depth, curiosity getting the best of
me. Observed cruiser, 7000 yards away, stopped with bow
blown off forward of #2 turret. As I analyze it, No. 1
torpedo hit him in the stopping him and No. 3 in
the bow, blowing up No. 1 turret. This conforms to the
escorts, three DE escorts standing by. Commenced closing
for kill.
1049 While observing target, received a very close aircraft bomb.
Went deep, escorts spooked and came at us. Turned away
and ordered 370 ft. Two escorts passed very close down our
starboard side but didn't drop anything.
1232 Came to periscope depth. Sighted escort bearing 020 T,
8000 yards. Also float plane circling toward us. Went
to 130 ft. Started ventilation and got boat ready to start
in again.
1311 Came to periscope depth. Cruiser still stopped with escorts
and plane cover. Commenced closing again.
1508 Heard loud explosion overhead. We were at 120 ft. Came to
periscope depth to see what was going on.
1511 Sighted float plane who had apparently just bombed us. Two
escorts coming to spot to investigate. Went to 370 feet.
Turned away.
1543 Escorts passed over us but did not drop. Decided to work
around to eastward close to shore and get between cruiser
and beach for kill. Escorts seemed to search only to sea-
ward and after 1700 plane could not see us. Turned and
headed in.
1652 Ran aground at 370 ft. ripping off starboard sound head (our
only one - port receiver out) which I foolishly left down
because escorts remained close. Backed down. Cable to
sound head blown out by pressure. Salt water commenced
leaking in forward room. Unable to stop leak, must come to
periscope depth to stop it.
1716 At periscope depth. Stopped leak with wooden plug but will
not take any pressure. Unable to raise sound shaft and get
trunk door closed.
1718 Sighted cruiser 270 T, 1000 yards with escorts close aboard.
A medium tanker is about to take him in tow. Escorts are
very inquisitive and head at us now and then but fortunately
do not close too much.

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— page 237 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U. S. S. RAY (SS271)

6 November 1944 (Cont'd)
This is the most heart-breaking experience I have ever
had or hope to have in my naval career. We are in perfect
position for a kill on the cruiser and the tanker, but not
being able to go deep with the damage and with the
escorts only 800 yards away. As it is, I don't see why they
don't get echos back from us when they ping in our direction.
We are trying to get a metal plug in the hole, but it is a
slow process. Turned south and hoping to get out of the
only opening there is.
1819 It is now quite dark. Tanker has cruiser in tow by the
stern and has turned around and appears to be heading west.
Installed temporary plug in sound shaft completely stopping
leak. We will surface, fire and retire on the surface.
1900 SJ radar found to be out due to bombing.
1940 Surfaced. Retired to south west at flank speed to charge
our low batteries and repair our damage. We will try to
contact cruiser later. Sent contact report to RATON wolf
pack. RATON received it.
2258 Commenced closing coast to search for cruiser.
Noon position - Lat. 16-09 N., Long. 119-43 E.
Miles steamed - 154 Fuel used - 1090.

7 November 1944
0054 Radar contact 131 T, 7 miles (Ship contact No. 23).
Turned out to be hospital ship.
0523 No further contact with cruiser. Submerged for patrol
off CAPE BOLINAO.
1253 Sighted float plane 102 T, 10 miles (Aircraft contact No.62).
1438 Sighted float plane 110 T, 10 miles (Aircraft contact No.63).
1621 Sighted float plane 235 T, 8 miles, coming at us (Aircraft
contact No. 64). Submerged.
1627 Surfaced.
1719 Noon position - Lat. 16-10 N., Long. 119-43 E.
Miles steamed - 151 Fuel used - 1300

8 November 1944
Patrolling off VIGAN, LUZON, P.I.
0515 SD contact 5 miles (Aircraft contact No. 65). Submerged.
0608 Sighted bomber 145 T, 10 miles (Aircraft contact No. 66).
0749 Sighted 3 float planes 105 T, 7 miles (Aircraft Contact
No. 67).
1514 Sighted 3 bombers 070 T, 8 miles (Aircraft contact No. 68).
1832 Surfaced.
2300 Received message directing RAY to co-ordinate search and
attack with RATON and BATFISH in Area A-2.
Noon position - Lat. 17-51 N., Long. 120-19 E.
Miles steamed - 224 Fuel used - 2820

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— page 238 —
CONFIDENTIAL
0531
1539-
1813
2221
9 November 1944
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)
Patrolling off VIGAN. Typhoon brewing with wind and sea
getting stronger.
Submerged.
Seas so rough it is impossible to maintain depth control
at periscope depth. Headed west to open cut on coast and
went to 145 ft. to ride out storm.
Surfaced in heavy rain, high winds, and mountainous seas.
With a full battery, a boat full of fresh air, and a vory
miserable crew, submerged to ride out typhoon. At 145 ft.
the ship rolled 18 degrees almost constantly.
Noon position - Lat. 17-25 N., Long. 120-14 E.
Miles steamed - 140
Fuel used - 800

10 November 1944
Submerged riding out typhoon west of VIGAN.
1542
Surfaced to charge batteries and freshen the air in the
boat. Conditions not improved.
1800
With wind and sea moderating slightly the typhoon showed
promise of quieting down. Submerged to enablo all hands
to have dinner and some what digest it, before surfacing
to copy schedules and resume search.
2255
Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 17-50 N., Long. 119-35 E.
Miles steamed - 71
Fuel used - 540.

11 November 1944
Patrolling west of VIGAN,
2221
SD contact 8 miles (Aircraft contact No. 69).
2222
Contact closed to 4½ miles. Submerged.
2304
Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 17-24 N., Long. 118-26 E.
Miles steamed - 137
Fuel used - 950.

12 November 1944
Patrolling area A-2 in co-ordinated scarch with RATON
and BATFISH.
SD contact 12 miles closing (Aircraft cont act No. 70).
1455
Submerged.
1542
Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 17-32 N., Long. 118-56 E.
Miles steamo d - 234
Fuel used - 1560.

1122
1612
1709
2024
2045
13 November 1944
Patrolling area A-2
Commenced high speed search to southward for reported convoy.
Sighted plane 300 T, 12 miles (Aircraft contact No. 71).
Submerged.
Surfaced.
BATFISH reported radar contact. Headed to close.
Contact developed to be hospital ship. Commenced soarching
to northward.
Noon position - Lat. 17-30.5 S., Long. 118-09 Ε.
Miles steamed - 216
Fuel used - 1690

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— page 239 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

14 November 1944
Patrolling area A-2
0605 . Sighted bomber 140 T, 15 miles (Aircraft contact No. 72).
0702 SD contact 4½ miles (Aircraft contact No. 73). Submerged.
0753. Surfaced.
1034 Increased speed and headed west to search for reported convoy.
1620 RATON reports being in contact. Headed east to intercept.
2000 . Radar contact with convoy 130 T, 9 miles (Ship contact No.29).
Manned battle stations and commenced tracking. Visibility
conditions are perfect for night attack, sky partly cloudy,
no moon, light chop on water. At 5000 yards only the large
ships of convoy could be made out. Convoy appeared to con-
sist of 3 large AK's and 4 escorts, although RATON reports
indicate 1 more AK. Tracking at 8000 yards.
2033 Commenced closing slowly for attack on port flank. RATON
was attacking on starboard flank and BATTFISH was still
tracking up ahead. Selected largest ship as our target.
He was leading ship in convoy. Inasmuch as our time was
getting short in area, and because the scattered formation
of convoy made a divided attack inadvisable, I decided to
concentrate on 1 target and use 6 torpedoes to be sure he
sank.
2057 At range 5000 yards from target, the near escort patrolling
on port bow commenced closing us. At 3300 yards from him,
turned our tail to him and opened out a little. Decided
he was patrolling out on flank prior to sweeping ahead to
cover next zig which should be away. This is just what
happened, and at
2105 Reversed course and closed to attack. At this point it was
found that the second ship of the convoy had apparently
missed the zig, was late turning, and therefore closer to us.
Shifted to this target. He was not quite as large as the
"big" fellow, but was seen to be a large passenger freighter
similar to our Liberty ships and definitely no target to turn
one's nose up at. Range to him was 4100 yards whereas range
to our original target was 6000 yards. Closed on course for
100 P track. TBT's were out so had to fire on radar bearings
which came in very nicely.
2112 With range 2660 yards target zigged toward us giving better set-
up. At
2114 Commenced firing six torpedoes forward, on 90 to 95 P track,
gyros 17 L, torpedo run 2500 yards, spread 800 ft. Near
escort was about 320 Rel. 3400 yards, another about 030 Rel.
4800 yards. Commenced turning away to right.
2115-40 Four hits which completely disintegrated target with terrific
to explosions which lit us up so clearly that I elected to dive
2116-04 to escape detection and gun fire from escorts. Went to 370
feet.
2117-23 Heard another torpedo hit. (RATON later was unable to add
anything to the mystery of what we hit with this torpedo.
If it was anything it was about 1500 yards beyond our target.
An escort was seen there by JOD just prior to diving.

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— page 240 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

14 November 1944 (Cont'd)
2131 Depth charges (6) - none close.
2154 More explosions (10) - some are definitely depth charges
to others might be hits. Quite distant (8 to 10 thousand
2212 yards.)
2252 Surfaced. Had two escorts astern at 8400 and 9500 yards.
Opened out to westward for reload.
Noon position - Lat. 17-36.5 N., Long. 118-26 E.
Miles steamed - 291 Fuel used - 3850.

15 November 1944
Working northward to regain contact. Passed through large
patches of gasoline at scene of attack.
0005 Received message from RATON saying there were no ships re-
maining in convoy.
0105 Received message from BATFISH saying he had sunk last two
ships in convoy. We were still in contact with two escorts.
Their movements were so erratic that we gave up idea of
trying to attack. Size of pips indicated they were about
size of CHIDORIS. They were searching area and frequently
dropped depth charges.
0232 Commenced opening out to eastward.
0529 Submerged.
1735 Surfaced. Sent RAY serial 6 reporting results.
Noon position - Lat. 18-15 N., Long. 118-56 E.
Miles steamed - 243 Fuel used - 3220.

16 November 1944
Patrolling area A-2.
0523 Submerged for patrol off VIGAN.
1318 Sighted ship 095 T (Ship contact No. 30). Commenced
closing as ship appeared to be anchored.
1450 Ship determined to be a crippled transport, victim of air
attack who had grounded himself on a small reef. Inasmuch
as he was quite salvageable decided to fire 1 or 2 torpedoes
at him. His stern was in good water and would easily sink.
1457 Sighted bomber 000 T, 4 miles (Aircraft contact No. 74).
Fired 1 torpedo at target on 85 S track range 4200 yards.
Did not consider it wise to close range anymore because of
shallow water and possibility of mine fields. Strong cur-
rents on the surface caused torpedo to miss which was seen
to pass to southward of target.
1525 Decided to try one more torpedo. At,
1532 Fired 1 torpedo, off set by amount first was seen to miss,
on 85 S track, 4000 yards. Currents also caused this one to
miss. Inasmuch as I now had 6 torpedoes forward (one full
salvo) decided against firing any more. Opened out to west.
1824 Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 17-33 N., Long. 120-15 E.
Miles steamed - 153 Fuel used - 900

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— page 241 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

17 November 1944
Patrolling area A-2
0530 Submerged.
[HANDWRITTEN: ✓] 1235 Sighted 2 planes 124 T, 10 miles (Aircraft contact No. 75).
1823 Surfaced.
Noon position - Lat. 18-29 N., Long. 120-30 E.
Miles steamed - 135 Fuel used - 980.

18 November 1944
Patrolling area A-2
0530 Submerged.
1615 Surfaced.
1815 Noon position - Lat. 18-40 N., Long. 120-30 E.
Miles steamed - 130 Fuel used - 950.

19 November 1944
Patrolling area A-2 proceeding to vicinity CAPE BOLINAC
to lifeguard station.
Continuous plane contacts all day.
0645 Submerged for rapidly closing bomber (Aircraft contact
No. 78).
0723 Surfaced.
0739 Commenced search for reported downed flyer. Fighters led
us to him.
0855 Recovered Lieut. J.A. BRYCE, USNR from COWPENS.
[HANDWRITTEN: ✓] 1506 Submerged for rapidly closing plane (Aircraft contact
No. 84).
1554 Surfaced.
1555 Submerged for another plane (Aircraft contact No. 86).
[HANDWRITTEN: ✓] 1601 Surfaced.
1622 Submerged for closing formation 5 bombers (Aircraft
contact No. 87).
It is easy to see that the raids are over and all the Nip
planes are flying back to their bases.
1758 Surfaced. Commenced high speed sweep to northward along
coast, hoping to intercept remnants of convoy attacked by
planes.
Noon position - Lat. 18-34 N., Long. 119-43 E.
Miles steamed - 264 Fuel used - 2670.

20 November 1944
Patrolling area A-2 searching for remnants of convoy
attacked yesterday by planes.
0252 SD contact closing 5 miles (Aircraft contact No. 88)
Submerged.
0315 Surfaced.
0540 SD contact closing 6 miles (Aircraft contact No. 89)
Submerged.
0608 Surfaced.

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— page 242 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)
20 November 1944 (Cont'd).
0715
Submerged for rapidly closing bomber, 4 miles (Aircraft
contact No. 90).
0747
Surfaced. On lifeguard station.
1507
Sighted 4 bombers heading at us 10 miles (Aircraft
contact No. 91). Submerged.
1745
Surfaced. Headed north to leave area. Lifeguard duties
completed.
Noon position - Lat. 16-37 N., Long. 119-37 E.
Miles steamed - 299 Fuel used - 4050.
0400
0604
0728
1739
2245
21 November 1944
Passed to OpControl CTF 17 and sent message requesting
routing instructions to PEARL. Heading north for Convoy
College Safety Lanc.
Sighted bomber 080 T, 15 miles (Aircraft contact No. 92).
SD contact 10 miles (Aircraft contact No. 93). Submerged.
Decided to remain submerged for day because of heavy seas
and inability to dive quickly for aircraft.
Surfaced.
Exchanged calls with POMFRET (ship contact No. 31).
Noon position - Lat. 19-20 N., Long. 119-12 E.
Miles steamed - 193 Fuel used - 2000.
22 November - 4 December 1944
Enroute MIDWAY in accordance with routing instructions
received from COMSUBPAC. Uneventful voyage.
4 December 1944
Arrived MIDWAY. Fueled, provisioned, and renewed some
pleasant acquaintances.
Departed MIDWAY for PEARL.
0845(Y)
1400(Y)
5-7 December 1944
Enroute PEARL.
8 December 1944
Arrived PEARL HARBOR, T.H.

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— page 243 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

(C) WEATHER.

The weather in general was as would be expected during this
period of the year in the areas traversed during the patrol. A
severe typhoon was encountered in the South China Sea off the
Northwestern Luzon Coast during the period from 9 November to
12 November. Wind velocities reached as high as 100 knots with
extremely mountainous seas.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION.

Tidal currents encountered generally were similar to those
discussed in the Sailing Directions and shown on the charts.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.

No navigational aids were noted.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS (Separate sheets).

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Separate sheets).

(H) ATTACK DATA (Separate sheets).

(I) MINES.

Two floating mines were encountered during this patrol. They
were located in the following positions: (a) Lat. 3-47.5 N., Long.
119-34.5 E. (b) Lat. 9-30 N., Long. 120-30 E. They were both of
the same general type, spherical in shape, approximately 3 to 4 feet
in diameter and about 3/4 submerged. Both apparently were contact
type and the horns were plainly visible. The mine in position (a)
was exploded by firing on it with the 20mm gun. Although numerous
direct hits were obtained with the 20mm gun on the mine in position
(b) it neither exploded nor sank.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASIVE TACTICS.

No new weapons or methods were encountered.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE.

I - Torpedoes and Torpedo Tubes

1. Sixteen Mk. 14-3A torpedoes (loaded forward) and 8 Mk. 18
torpedoes (loaded aft) were received from the U.S.S. EURYALE. Of
these the following defects were found:

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— page 244 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (Continued).

(a) Torpedo #23563 Mk. 14-3A came aboard without an
igniter. The deficiency was remedied.
(b) Torpedo #39662 Mk. 14-3A came aboard with the speed
change socket assembled incorrectly - the socket was
reversed. The defect was remedied.
Sixteen Mk. 14-3A torpedoes were fired for six hits. No electric
torpedoes were fired.

2. Ten days out of port torpedo #54045 in No. 9 tube and torpedo
#54175 in No. 10 tube had battery explosions. Upon inspection torpedo
#54045 showed evidence of explosion and fire in the battery compartment.
The after bulkhead of the battery was pushed aft by the explosion but
was not ruptured. The battery showed a 75 volt ground on both positive
and negative sides. Other than that the battery and torpedo were in
serviceable condition and could have been fired if necessary. The ground
was never located and consequently this torpedo required more frequent
charging.

3. At the same time as torpedo #54045 had its explosion; a battery
explosion occurred in torpedo #54175 in tube No. 10. This torpedo was
in the tube with the hydrogen burner operating properly. It had been
ventilated in the twenty-four hour period prior to the explosion. The
torpedo room watch thought he hear an explosion in the tube and when
the torpedo was pulled from the tube and examined the following results
were observed.
(a) Evidence of fire in the battery compartment.
(b) Several (about 10-12) vent caps were blown off and smashed.
(c) Battery was cracked with acid leaking freely to the
compartment.
(d) After bulkhead of torpex warhead was battered and
torn loose with small pieces of torpex jarred free from
the casting. Acid was running into the torpex.
(e) After bulkhead of the battery compartment was ruptured
and pushed into the motor.
The torpedo was in such a poor and dangerous condition, the
exploder was removed from the warhead and the torpedo was fired from
the after tube nest with the stop valve closed.
Immediately, all hydrogen burner circuits were checked and
found satisfactory. However, with the possibility that the ammeter
used might have been out of calibration and that insufficient current
was passing through the burner, the burner elements on all torpedoes
were shortened to permit a higher current to pass through with a
better burning effect. This was done knowing that the only damage
that could be done with excess current passing through the element would
be to burn out the element. The vent plugs on the other torpedoes
were checked and cleaned. Several were found to be dirty. The torpedoes
from then on were ventilated every twenty four hours until the next
explosions occurred. The cause of the explosion was uncertain at the
time, but was thought to have been the result of sticky vent plugs which
would prohibit the proper ventilation of the individual cells.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (Continued).

4. Four days after the first set of explosions, battery ex-
plosions occurred in torpedoes #53519 and #54280 in tubes No. 8 and
10 respectively. During a morning dive, as negative tank was vented
the torpedo room watch heard two almost simultaneous explosions in
the tubes which also woke up other personnel sleeping in the compart-
ment. The occurrence of the battery explosions as negative tank was
vented may have been a coincidence, but is interesting to note. The
torpedoes were immediately pulled from the tubes and examined with the
following results on each torpedo:
(a) Batteries of both torpedoes split in several places
and leaking acid.
(b) After bulkhead of warhead ruptured and torn from its
seat, allowing acid to contact the torpex.
(c) Small pieces of torpex jarred free from casting.
(d) After bulkhead of battery compartment ruptured and
pushed against the motor. This also pulled the
positive and negative leads to the motor clear of
the battery.
(e) Several vent plugs blown off.
(f) Evidence of fire in the battery compartment.
The exploders were removed from the warheads, the warheads de-
tached from the torpedoes and fired from #10 tube because they were un-
safe to keep in the room. The remainder of each torpedo was saved and
turned in to the U.S.S. ORION at the completion of the first half of
the patrol.

These explosions occurred four days after the original explosions
and the torpedoes had been ventilated daily since that time. The burner
circuits were previously checked satisfactorily and all safety precautions
were adhered to.
The burner elements of these torpedoes were shortened after the
previous explosions. At this time the original size elements were re-
installed and the remaining torpedoes were ventilated every four hours
without further explosions.

5. While at BIAK for voyage repairs, all our remaining torpedoes
were unloaded and we took aboard sixteen Mk. 23 torpedoes forward and
eight Mk. 18-1 torpedoes aft. During voyage repairs, the burner cir-
cuit was checked by tender personnel. A high ground was found in one
of the tube circuits and remedied. (Note: this tube never had an ex-
plosion)
Five days after the torpedoes were loaded, torpedo #54955 in
tube No. 9 had a battery explosion. Upon examining the following was
found:
(a) Evidence of fire in the battery compartment.
(b) Many cell caps were blown off.
(c) After bulkhead of the battery compartment was ruptured
and pushed into the motor.
(d) After bulkhead of the warhead was torn from its seat
and small pieces of torpex were scattered over the
battery.

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (Continued).

    The tender technicians again inspected the burner circuit
and the following defects were found:
    (a) When each tube circuit was tested individually, the
        proper amount of current was passing.
    (b) As each additional tube circuit was cut in, the total
        current was found to be less than the sum of the proper
        individual currents, indicating that each individual
        tube circuit was not getting sufficient current. This
        was due partially to power loss and partially to a
        defective and poorly constructed transformer.
    A new transformer was installed and the shunts around the
    lights on the indicator panel were adjusted so that when all four
    burners were in operation each tube would receive about 4.75 amperes.
    An ammeter was then installed in the circuit and a close check of
    the current was kept throughout the remainder of the patrol. For
    safety's sake all torpedoes in the tubes were ventilated every four
    hours. Throughout the remainder of the patrol no further trouble
    was had.

    6. These explosions indicated approximately 20% hydrogen content
    in the battery compartment at the time of the explosion. It is be-
    lieved the insufficient current passing through the burner allowed the
    hydrogen to build up to this point, but the explosion was caused by
    a momentary fluctuation of the voltage which increased the current
    passing through the burner enough to ignite the hydrogen.

    7. It was expected that the excess ventilation would necessitate
    frequent watering of batteries but only one battery had to be watered
    throughout the whole patrol.

    8. During the second half of the patrol, seven electrics were
    fired for five hits.

    9. Despite the unthoughtful activity of the electric torpedoes
    during the first half of the patrol and the few sorry hours they gave
    the torpedo personnel, we are practically 100% in favor of electric
    torpedoes - mainly because of their wakeless feature and the lack of
    depth charges noticeable after an attack. We're hoping to be able to
    take a full load on our next patrol.

II - Engineering

    The following equipment was rendered inoperative through flooding
the conning tower.
    1. All periscope hoist motors, panels, and accessory switches.
    2. All lighting, power and I.C. circuits in conning tower.
    3. T.B.T. repeater.
    4. 1 M.C. and 7 M.C. systems.
    5. Torpedo Data Computer.
    6. Bow plane selector switch in control room.

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— page 247 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (Continued).

    Additional Defects:

        On 31 October the Mk IX auxiliary gyro went out of
        commission due to frozen bearings in both rotors. The
        compass had been in intermittent service with 60 hours service
        since routine refit. The south rotor bearings had been re-
        newed 15 September 1944 and had 252 hours service.
        Poor design which affords no cooling for the high speed
        rotors renders this gyro undependable even for limited aux-
        iliary service.

(L) RADIO.

    1. Radio reception during this patrol, was in general, good.
    9250 kcs was used at night and 12630 kcs during the day while op-
    erating north of the barrier. All VIXØ schedules were received
    satisfactorily and no BAKER serials were missed. However some
    difficulty was experienced in receiving the schedule from 2100 Zebra
    to 0000 Zebra due to poor atmospheric conditions. Interference from
    Jap stations was prevalent from about 1200 Zebra to 2000 Zebra.

    2. Establishing ship-shore communications with VIXØ was always
    a problem. A total of eight messages were transmitted to VIXØ, one
    of them in two parts. RAY serial one was sent blind three times
    after attempts to raise VIXØ on all three harmonics of the 4235 kcs
    series had been unsuccessful, but there was never any indication
    that it was received by anyone. The most alert and effective radio
    guard for the area was ZLO (radio guard for NWZ) which twice an-
    swered us after the first call and relayed our messages.

    3. Radio guard was shifted to NPM at 2000 Zebra, 20 November.
    6045 kcs and 13655 kcs proved to be the best frequencies for re-
    ception of the submarine schedule. An excessive amount of atmos-
    pheric interference made 9515 kcs undesirable while nothing was
    ever heard on either 9515 kcs or 9090 kcs. Interference from
    commercial broadcast was frequently encountered in the early morning
    hours on 6045 kcs. 13655 kcs was used at that time.

    4. Transmission to NPM was accomplished without difficulty using
    12705 kcs exclusively.

(M) RADAR.

    1. SJ radar operation during the first phase of the patrol was
    very satisfactory. Three tubes required renewal (2-No. 836 type
    rectifier, 1-No. 721A type TR tubes).

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

(M) RADAR (Continued)

2. On 14 October the conning tower was flooded and all SJ
equipment thoroughly immersed in salt water. Immediately following,
all units were completely disassembled, washed in fresh water,
cleaned and baked dry. Efforts to repair the equipment were halted
when it was found that the 800 MH retardation coil was burned out
and no spare coil was available on board. Upon arrival MIOS VOENDI
the U.S.S. ORION thoroughly overhauled all units, replacing defective
parts as available.

3. During the second half of the patrol, numerous casualties
occurred, but a very industrious radar "gang" kept the SJ in operation
when needed. It is recommended that new equipment be installed during
next refit or yard overhaul.

4. The results obtained from the AN/APR-1 radar detection equip-
ment were far below expectations. Maximum range obtained on land
based search radar was 20 miles.

5. No enemy or friendly aircraft radars were heard.

6. Following is a list of AFR contacts.

DATE Latitude Longitude Frequency PRF Rotation
10/9/44 14-5 N 119-27 E 800 Too weak to determine
11/4/44 16-48-30N 120-06 E 153 1200 2 - R.P.M.
11/13/44 17-16-30N 118-30 E 113 60 U.S.S. RATON
11/15/44 17-39-30N 120-02 E 100 1200 1½ - R.P.M.

7. Enemy Radar Locations - A large search type radar was seen
at 3-27 S., 119-00 E. The bed spring type antenna was approximately
50 feet square mounted on a large steel tower. The APR was out of
commission and no other data was obtained.

8. It is believed that other land based search radars are in
the vicinity of DASOL BAY, CAPE BOLINAO, and VIGAN, LUZON, P.I.

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— page 249 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. RAY, (SS271)
(N) SOUND.
1. Pinging was detected at a range of 20,000 yards and screws
were picked up at about 5,000 yards excepth where beach noises
interfered,
2. All conning tower sound gear was put out of commission when
the conning tower was flooded. All units were washed out with fresh
water and alcohol and thoroughly dried as soon thereafter as pos-
sible. A large percent of the switches, condensers, resistors, and
meters were replaced by the tender during the short refit.
3. The starboard soundhead was torn off when ship ran aground on
6 November 1944 and a serious leak resulted where the lead that enters
the azimuth circle was blown out by sea pressure. Wooden depth-charge
plugs were of no use in stopping the flow of water and the leak was
partially stopped by cutting off and shaping a broom handle, and bring-
ing the ship to periscope depth. The threaded sleeve through which the
lead had passed was then withdrawn and tapped. A solid plug was in-
serted and the sleeve replaced completely stopping the leak. In
attempt was made to raise the head hydraulicly to close the sea chest
valve but the bent shaft prevented it from going up any more than a
third of the way. The following day raising the head was accomplished
with hydraulic power and aid of a chain fall. A thorough inspection
of the port soundhead revealed that the leads had been installed with
no packing.
(0) DENSITY LAYERS.
1. Negative temperature gradients were encountered on all deep
dives with an isothermal layer extending from the surface to the top
of the break.

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CONFIDENTIAL                                         U.S.S. RAY (SS271)

(O) DENSITY LAYERS (Continued)

          2. Ballast Changes - Cards graduated to 2000 # per hundred feet
displacement change were used and ballast changes indicated agreed
very nearly with those actually required. Test dives from periscope
depth to 350 feet required flooding in about 5000 #.

          3. Effect on sound conditions - In spite of the deep isothermal
layers that were usually found above the negative gradient, the
"breaks" were sufficiently sharp to materially decrease listening
ranges. This was noted by the sound operators on passing through
the gradients. Most of the volume and intensity changes reported
by sound were noticed in the upper part of the layers.

          4. Data taken from Bathythermograph Cards.

| Date     | Surface Temp. (°F.) | Depth to top of Gradient | Gradient(neg) Extent | Temp. Change 1st 20' | Position Latitude | Longitude | 10/1/44  | 84                  | 300'                     | 1° in 40'            | 1°                   | 12-40 N           | 120-20 E  |
| 10/7/44  | 83                  | 200'                     | 15° in 150'          | 3°                   | 13-00 N           | 119-49 E  |
| 10/12/44 | 82                  | 300'                     | 6° in 60'            | 3°                   | 13-31 N           | 120-19 E  |
| 11/1/44  | 84                  | 200'                     | 9° in 100'           | 3°                   | 13-02 N           | 120-17 E  |
| 11/14/44 | 80                  | 100'                     | 4° in 20'            | 4°                   | 17-46 N           | 117-57 E  |
| 11/14/44 | 79                  | 200'                     | 6° in 20'            | 6°                   | 17-47 N           | 118-00 E  |
| 11/7/44  | 84                  | 200'                     | 3° in 20'            | 3°                   | 13-10 N           | 119-37 E  |
| 11/6/44  | 84                  | 150'                     | 12° in 200'          | 2°                   | 13-10 N           | 119-45 E  |
| 11/3/44  | 84                  | 100'                     | 7° in 200'           | 1°                   | 13-40 N           | 120-00 E  |
| 10/6/44  | 84                  | 100'                     | 6° in 200'           | 1°                   | 13-39 N           | 119-42 E  |

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY

          1. The health of the crew was excellent. There were a few minor
colds. However, no working days were lost.

          2. Lieut. James A. BRYCE, U.S.N.R., fighter pilot from the U.S.S.
COLLINS was rescued after making a water landing. His condition was
good, although somewhat shaken up by the crash and he had suffered a
few minor wounds.

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