U.S.S. BALAO (SS-285) — war patrol report SS-285_BALAO.pdf

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START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: E-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-51-78]
[HANDWRITTEN: Balao (55285)]

OPERATOR [SIGNATURE: R. M. W. J.]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 4-10-78]

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THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[SEAL: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

— page 2 —
[HANDWRITTEN: BALAO (SS-285)
WWII PATROL FILE
FOR DECK LOGS FEBRUARY 1943 - JUNE 1945
CONSULT NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY
ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED]

[SIGNATURE: J.A. KOONTZ]

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3
Division of Naval History
Ships' Histories Section
Navy Department

HISTORY OF USS BALAO (SS 285)

During her World War II career, the submarine USS BALAO made
ten war patrols throughout the hostile waters of the Pacific, sink-
ing an estimated 57,000 tons of merchant shipping so desperately
needed by the Japanese to supply her far-flung war effort.

The keel for BALAO, first of her class, was laid at the
Portsmouth, New Hampshire Navy Yard on 26 June 1942. She was
launched on 27 October 1942 and christened by Mrs. Theodore C.
Aylward. The new submarine was put in commission on 4 February
1943 and placed under the command of Lieutenant Commander R. H.
Crane, USN.

After a six week training period in New London, Connecticut,
the new submarine proceeded to Brisbane, Australia, arriving on
10 July. After a brief refit by USS FULTON, she got underway for
her first war patrol on the 25th.

The first sortie proved disappointing. BALAO stayed at sea
for 51 days with only five enemy contacts, none of which could be
developed. She patrolled the Truk - Bismarck shipping lanes until
26 August, when she switched to the Palau - Rabaul route. The
patrol ended in Brisbane on 13 September 1943.

The second patrol, beginning on 4 October, gave BALAO her
first chance to draw blood. After missing one convoy enroute to
Rabaul due to firing at excess range, BALAO joined forces with
the submarine SILVERSIDES to ambush a Palau-bound convoy.

The convoy arrived on schedule, and BALAO made contact at
dusk, on 22 October. Tracking the convoy from a position ahead,
she waited until midnight, when she fired ten torpedoes at three
ships which almost overlapped each other.

Six of the deadly missiles hit their targets, sinking one
almost immediately and leaving the other two low in the water.
Shell fire from an escort forced BALAO to dive and take evasive
action before she could begin a second attack, and the ensuing
depth charging caused her to lose contact with the convoy.

Communications between BALAO and SILVERSIDES then failed,
so BALAO could not receive information as to the convoy's where-
abouts. It was later learned that SILVERSIDES was credited with
sinking three of the seven-ship convoy.

Recalled to Tulagi to replenish fuel and torpedoes, BALAO
set out again on 28 October. This half of the patrol was not as
successful as the first, with only one attack being made. A
convoy of two ships bound for Truk was sighted on 4 November, and
six torpedoes were fired with undetermined results. The patrol

— page 4 —
-2 USS BALAO (SS 285)

ended alongside FULTON in Milne Bay, New Guinea on 16 November
1943. The patrol earned the Submarine Combat Insignia.

During the refit, Lieutenant Commander C. C. Cole, USN,
assumed command on 25 November 1943.

The area for BALAO's third patrol was north of the Bismarck-
Archipelago. Good targets appeared but air activity and con-
sistently bad weather hampered operations.

Two days after Christmas, BALAO's lookouts sighted two
heavy cruisers escorted by two destroyers. The submarine's
position was poor, but four torpedoes were fired anyway, as the
target's speed was such that BALAO could not hope to regain a
firing position. All of the torpedoes evidently missed, leaving
BALAO to bewail her luck.

Her next chance came on New Year's day when a cargo ship,
together with two escorts, crossed her sights. After an all day
chase to get into position, BALAO closed under cover of a rain
squall and sent six torpedoes after the freighter. Three smashed
home, and BALAO went deep, preparing for the inevitable pounding
of the depth charges. Nine depth charge attacks kept the sub
busy until early the next morning. When she surfaced to search
the area, no trace could be found of the convoy.

Sure that the freighter had been sunk, BALAO did not press
the search, but returned to her patrol of the shipping lanes.
Sighting another convoy consisting of two escorts and a damaged
freighter, she moved in for a shot, only to find to her chagrin
that the freighter was her target of the 1st. The defensive
maneuvers of the escorts caused her to break off the approach, and
she was ordered back to Brisbane, Australia on 7 January.

Anxious to make up for bad luck on her previous patrol,
BALAO slipped out on her fourth war patrol on 6 February. That
she did accomplish her mission is attested by her record of sink-
ing four freighters for 20,194 tons total. Lieutenant Commander
Cole was awarded the Navy Cross for the highly successful war
patrol.

Her first opportunity came in the early morning of 23
February 1944 when she moved in for an attack on an escorted convoy.
Firing six torpedoes at the last ship in the convoy, BALAO heard
and saw three hits as she turned away to avoid the charging escort.

Determined to positively authenticate her sinking, the sub-
marine returned that night, finding a great deal of debris and
picking up one survivor who told through sign language how the
freighter, NIKKI MARU, 5857 tons, had gone down immediately after
being hit.

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-3- USS BALAO (SS 285)

The submarine began her next successful attack on 28 Feb-
ruary, after two approaches which had proved fruitless. Falling
in with a convoy with one large ship and one nondescript escort, BALAO tracked
the group until shortly after midnight, when "Battle Stations"
rang out, and she closed in for the kill.

Heading for the point of the V-shaped formation, BALAO sent
her bow torpedoes at the leading ship. Swinging sharply even
before the torpedoes had reached their target, she fired the stern
torpedoes at the wing ships, which presented an overlapping target.

Right on schedule, the submariners heard the satisfying
explosions as torpedo after torpedo struck home. One of the trail-
ing ships opened fire with a three-inch gun, which was quickly
silenced by a heavy internal explosion. Soon one ship faded from
the radar screen, to be followed to the bottom a minute later by
another. With only the pips of one merchantman and the small
escort left on the screen, BALAO pulled off to await developments.
Ten minutes later there was no trace of the merchantman, leaving
only one small escort with practically no "face" left.

On 3 March BALAO picked up a motley convoy of cargo ships,
described as "the dregs of the harbor", after having spent four
torpedoes in an unsuccessful attack that morning. Nevertheless,
BALAO began tracking the group, running on their estimated course
when contact was lost in a weather front. Coming out of the squall
after three hours, the sub found the convoy right where it should
be, and submerged for a "dream" attack at 1802 on 4 March, having
trailed the convoy all night. Everything was perfect, until the
four torpedoes hit the leading ship. There was a faint explosion
as the air flasks blew up, and nothing more. The torpedoes were
duds, and a perfect attack together with a day's work in tracking
was wasted.

The ensuing depth charge attack did nothing to relieve the crew's
frayed tempers, but no damage was done to BALAO. With all her
torpedoes gone, the submarine was forced to return to Langemak
Bay, from where she was routed to Pearl Harbor, arriving on 19
March 1944. The Submarine Combat Insignia was awarded for the
successful patrol.

Lieutenant Commander M. F. R. de Arellano assumed command
of BALAO on 13 April 1944.

The sub set forth under her new commanding officer on 25
April for her patrol area around Palau, only to find herself
hampered by the breakdown of the radar gear and finally recalled
after only 24 days when her fuel ran low.

BALAO patrolled her area, making several bootless attempts
on convoys until 2 June, when she made a run on a four-ship convoy
in the early morning. Using a submerged approach, she worked in
until she could fire six bow tubes at a 5000-ton passenger freight

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-4- USS BALAO (SS 285)

from 2600 yards. Two explosions were heard, but an aggressive
escort made it unwise to stay in the area to assess the damage.

A nice approach was ruined the next day when a patrol boat
stationed itself directly between BALAO and her intended target,
forcing her to abandon any hope of scoring. On the same day she
was ordered back to Majuro because of a fuel shortage.

After a refit, BALAO put to sea again for her sixth patrol
on 5 July. Her primary duty on this patrol was to act as life-
guard for the air strikes on Palau and this duty kept her from
actively hunting enemy ships. During her time on station she
rescued three Naval aviators and engaged one 100-ton Japanese
trawler with 50 Japanese marines on board in a surface engagement,
sinking the trawler handily.

The submarine was ordered back to the United States for a
complete overhaul following her patrol, and entered the Mare Island
Navy Yard, on 20 August 1944. She rejoined the fighting forces
at Pearl Harbor on 15 November.

The seventh war patrol of BALAO was conducted in the Yellow
Sea. BALAO, along with USS SPOT and USS ICEFISH formed a coordi-
nated attack group with the commanding officer of SPOT as group
commander. Targets proved to be practically non-existent, but
BALAO wound up the cruise with two ships to her credit nevertheless.

The patrol started on 4 December 1944. Only contacts
throughout December were fishing boats, one floating mine and a
few airplanes. During the night of 2 January 1945, BALAO sighted
the masts of a sailing vessel and closed to look him over. The
vessel proved to be a large three masted schooner of about 700
tons, and it was decided to test the shallow depth setting on the
torpedoes by firing on the surface.

The first torpedo, fired from 485 yards, broached several
times and drifted to starboard, missing the target astern. The
second did no better, again broaching and missing astern. Finally,
the #3 tube was fired from 910 yards, and after broaching three
times, the torpedo hit amidships, sending up a huge plume of
black smoke.

When the smoke cleared away, the poop deck and the fore-
castle could be seen, separated by 200 feet of water. The remains
sank quickly, and no survivors were found.

The submarine continued her restless prowling throughout the
Yellow Sea until contacting a large unescorted tanker shortly
before midnight on 7 January. The tanker was a sitting duck, as
BALAO pumped three torpedoes into her at 0115.

Sure that she had seen the last of her target BALAO circled
around her position, only to find that the ship was still afloat.

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-5- USS BALAO (SS 285)

After three more hits, the sub drew off, only to find the target
actually underway after taking six solid torpedo hits.

Submerging once more, BALAO again closed to 1085 yards,
determined to sink the stubborn Japanese ship. Two more torpedoes
missed, due to errors in the tubes, but a third, smashing into the
tanker amidships, finally sent her down.

After several more days of patrolling, BALAO set course for
Guam, arriving on 19 January 1945. On 7 February Lieutenant Com-
mander R. K. R. Worthington, USN, relieved Lieutenant Commander de
Arellano as commanding officer of BALAO.

Her most successful patrol began on 3 May, when BALAO set
course for her patrol area in the East China and Yellow Seas.
When it terminated, she had sent 20,238 tons of shipping to the
bottom and had damaged one 1000-ton escort.

BALAO was again part of a coordinated attack group, which
included TENCH, GUARDFISH, and SEA DEVIL. Thirty-three ship
contacts were made, eight of which were suitable torpedo targets.
However, only three could be developed into attacks.

Her first chance came on 9 March 1945, as BALAO was conduct-
ing a submerged patrol off Kyushu. A small tanker, in company
with two escorts, was sighted hugging the coast line. Because of
the hazy view and the blending of the target with the shore line,
BALAO could not get good ranges, but fired four torpedoes anyway.
The torpedo wakes were evident, sighted, as all three ships
turned to paralled the wakes, causing the torpedoes to miss en-
tirely.

After waiting out an ineffectual depth charge attack BALAO
continued her patrol with numerous contacts which were not worth
developing until 18 March, when she caught a 188-ton trawler alone
and sank her with gunfire, rescuing three survivors.

BALAO's next big contact came early on the next day, when a
convoy was picked up on the radar screen, inside the ten-fathom
curve. An aggressive attack from 2000 yards produced four hits.
The early-morning darkness made it impossible to assess the damage
completely, but as BALAO headed for deep water one ship blew up,
temporarily blinding the lookouts. On her last look, one of the
convoy was still burning and BALAO received official credit for
sinking HAKOZAKI MARU, a 10,413-ton transport.

In the afternoon, BALAO surfaced near some trawlers to put
in some gunnery practice. When the session was over, one had been
sunk and three were burning fiercely. An 18-year old Chinese
crewman was rescued from one of the trawlers, and survivors from
the others were given a rubber boat.

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-6- USS BALAO (SS 285)

Shortly before dawn on 21 March, BALAO began tracking a convoy
of two ships and four escorts. The escorts seemed to detect her,
and approach after approach was ruined by their evasive tactics.
Finally, the submarine slipped in to 1400 yards and fired four
torpedoes. Before she could see any results, however, a charging
destroyer forced her to run for deeper water, making smoke to
cover her surface retreat.

A small cargo ship ventured across BALAO's path five days
later, and did not stay afloat much longer to regret it. The
submarine sounded "Battle Surface" and proceeded to lob five-inch
shells into the target until she sank. A small escort appeared
after BALAO had submerged, but did not press an attack.

With only four rounds of five-inch ammunition and no
torpedoes for the stern tubes, BALAO began the long trek to Guam
for a refit. A faulty hatch which refused to close while diving
resulted in her radar being put out of commission, and she sighted
several hostile airplanes and one Japanese submarine while enroute.
She reached Guam safely on 8 April 1945.

BALAO's ninth war patrol proved relatively futile, as she
covered her area in the East China and Yellow Seas thoroughly in
conjunction with USS DRAGONET, USS SHAD and USS SPIKEFISH. Only
one sampan was sunk, largely due to the scarcity of targets and
the shortening of the patrol because of material difficulties.

The patrol began on 3 May 1945, when BALAO left Guam. She
had to put in at Saipan for further repairs, heading for her
patrol area on the 7th. Her only target worthy of torpedoes showed
up on 19 May. A small freighter rounded a point of land into
BALAO's firing lane, and she sent three torpedoes after her.

Just as it seemed one must hit, the target turned to avoid
a junk, and in so doing, let her take the hit instead. BALAO, to
her chagrin, could claim credit only for a 30-ton junk.

On 23 May the stern planes stuck, and BALAO was forced to
leave the area. They had been giving trouble since the first of
the patrol, and now could not be operated at all. On her way back
to Pearl Harbor for a refit, BALAO took aboard an appendicitis
case from USS TORSK and a man with an amputated finger from USS
SANDLANCE for transportation.

During the night of 29 May, BALAO was suddenly attacked by
torpedoes, which were avoided. No enemy radar could be detected
and no other submarines sighted in the vicinity. She continued
on her course and reached Midway on 3 June, when she transferred
her hospital cases and continued to Pearl Harbor, arriving on the
7th.

The tenth and final war patrol for BALAO was conducted in
the vicinity of Nanpo Shoto and in waters east of Honshu. Her
primary duty during this cruise was lifeguard services for United

— page 9 —
-7- USS BALAO (SS 285)

States planes, but she did seize an opportunity to sink one picket
boat and damage another in addition to rescuing four aviators.

She got underway on 7 July from Pearl Harbor and made a two-
day stop at Saipan for further repairs before reaching her patrol
area. The patrol was largely routine, since Japanese resistance
had been materially weakened by the constant carrier strikes.
BALAO had air cover most of the time while on station, and made
her only contact worth developing one day before the formal
surrender. Four aviators had been picked up previously.

On 14 August she picked up two luggers and engaged them with
surface fire. The fight was quickly over, with one sunk and one
beached.

On 16 August BALAO received orders to return to Pearl Harbor,
her job in World War II well done. Shortly after her arrival on
25 August 1945, Lieutenant Commander H. E. Davey assumed command.

The ship departed for the east coast on 31 August 1945 and
arrived at Staten Island, New York on 27 September.

By a Directive of January 1947, BALAO was placed in reserve,
out of commission in reserve in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet,
New London, Connecticut Group.

She was reactivated in accordance with a directive of March
1952, and as of December 1952, was attached to the U. S. Atlantic
Fleet.

USS BALAO (SS 285) earned nine Battle Stars on the Asiatic-
Pacific Area Service Ribbon for participation in the following
operations:

1 Star/Finschhafen Occupation -- 4 October - 16 November 1943
1 Star/Third War Patrol -- 8 December 1943 to 15 January 1944
1 Star/Fourth War Patrol -- 6 February - 19 March 1944
1 Star/Biak Island Operation -- 27 May - 12 June 1944
1 Star/Seventh War Patrol -- 4 December 1944 to 19 January 1945
1 Star/Fourth Bonins Raid -- 4 - 5 August 1944
1 Star/Assault and Occupation of Iwo Jima -- 6 - 16 March 1945
1 Star/Assault and Occupation of Okinawa Gunto -- 17 March - 8
June 1945
1 Star/THIRD Fleet Operations Against Japan -- 25 July - 15
August 1945.

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-8- USS BALAO (SS 285)

STATISTICS

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

* * * * * *

Compiled: December 1952

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[HANDWRITTEN: 13 COPY]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
DECLASSIFIED - DOD DIR. 5200.9
of 27 Sep 58
BY [HANDWRITTEN: FJC] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 4/14/71]

U.S.S. BALAO

REPORT OF

FIRST WAR PATROL

From: 25 July 1943 - To: 13 September 1943

(Not to be taken to sea by submarine - BURN)

[HANDWRITTEN: 46145]

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7

(A) PROLOGUE
Arrived at BRISBANE from BALBOA on July 10, 1943 and commenced
brief refit period, during which the following was accomplished by the
repair force of the USS FULTON: (1) Pulled #1 periscope and adjusted
bearing clearances making periscope usable. (2) Removed both sound
heads and corrected chattering noise by decreasing guide clearances.
(3) Repaired Bendix Log. (4) Renewed leaky gasket in main induction
line. (5) Installed ARC and MN equipment and KINGSLEY radio receiver
(MN equipment later removed after tests). (6) Checked ship's magnetic
signature and wiped ship. (7) Smoothed up small nick in one blade of
port propellor and inspected both propellor shafts. Both shafts were
found to have an excessive amount of pitting and should be inspected in
dock after returning from patrol. (8) Miscellaneous routine inspect-
ions and tests of equipment including radars. Conducted training exer-
cises from July 12 - 17. During this period both the SJ Radar and sound
apparatus were being continuously worked on by ship's force attempting
to complete repairs commenced by FULTON. Due to this fact, valuable
training of radar and sound operators was lost and upon return to FULTON
repairs on the SJ radar and sound gear were completed. Underway from
21 - 25 July for training exercises. Conducted deep dive, night gun
firing during which one clearing charge and 5 rounds of 4" ammunition
were expended. The second round would not seat properly and when re-
moved from the breech, the projectile remained in the gun and was re-
moved by a clearing charge. One depth charge was dropped for indoctri-
nation. Upon return from these exercises the radars and sound gear
were operating satisfactorily. The repair force of the USS FULTON ad-
justed the converter unit of the SJ Radar to give 1.1 kilovolts instead
of .6 kilovolts and adjusted the antenna stubs.

(B) NARRATIVE (All times are zone -10 unless noted otherwise)

July 25
1355 Underway from alongside USS FULTON with pilot aboard.
Conducted sound tests in vicinity of PILE LIGHT. On departure
from FULTON all indications were that the SJ radar was in ex-
cellent condition as it was upon return from training exercises
earlier in the day. However, upon arrival in vicinity of PILE
LIGHT, where more distant targets were available, it was found
that the radar was not operating correctly. Upon completion of
sound tests, and after about an hours check of the equipment,
the trouble was still undetermined and it was decided to return
to the FULTON to have the defect remedied. However, just at
this time, the trouble was remedied by adjusting converter unit
voltage back to the previous setting of .6 kilovolts and the
radar was considered to be operating satisfactorily. Proceeded
to CALOUNDRA checking radar enroute. Disembarked pilot at
noted in section (L) of this report. Disembarked pilot at
CALOUNDRA HEAD and proceeded via swept channel to sea.

- 1 -

— page 14 —
July 26

Proceeding at 17 knots on three engines.
0310 Exchanged recognition signals and calls with USS DRUM.
0823 Made training dive, conducted fire control and emergency
drills.
0903 Surfaced and proceeded at 17 knots.

July 27-28

Proceeding at 17 knots; conducting training dives, fire con-
trol and emergency drills, and school daily enroute to area.
Conducted battle surface drills and fired 4" and all machine
guns. Expended 5 rounds of 4" ammunition.

July 29

0547 Dived on course 351°T.
0630 Sighted masts on horizon bearing 005°T. in approximate
location of designated rendezvous with USS COUCAL. Identified
ship as COUCAL by rigging on main mast, range about 11 miles.
Went to 100 feet to repair handle to #2 periscope and leaky
safety tank blow valve.
0840 Repairs completed; keeping 60-80 feet depth making observations
of COUCAL.
1140 Surfaced and rendezvoused with the USS COUCAL.
1145 Escorted by COUCAL, proceeding through JOMARD ENTRANCE for fuel-
ing.
1503 Commenced fueling.
1615 Plane was sighted by lookouts of BALAO and COUCAL (Plane contact
#1). Went to battle stations, unrigged fuel connection and
stood by to cast off. The plane was not identified and was not
seen again.
1622 Secured from battle stations and resumed fueling.
1715 SD contact at 8 miles (Plane Contact #2). Plane was not
sighted and range did not decrease below 8 miles. Completed
fueling, having received 15,040 gallons of diesel oil.

- 2 -

— page 15 —
July 29 (continued)

1719    Cast off from COUCAL and proceeded at 4 engine speed
        to clear area and pass through islands before dark.
1955    Made trim dive.
2022    Surfaced and proceeded on route prescribed. Using
        SD Radar at irregular intervals.

July 30

0524    Dived for the day, proceeding to station at 3 knots
        making periscope observations every 20 minutes, 80 feet
        between observations.
        Held fire control drills.
1830    Surfaced, proceeding at standard speed 15 knots, on #3
        and 4 main engines on course 000°T. SD manned at
        intervals.

July 31

0000    Changed course to 351°T.
0135    SD contact at 3 miles (Plane Contact #3); dived to 100
        feet and at
0152    Surfaced and proceeded as before.
0515    Dived for the day, proceeding to station at 3 knots
        making periscope observations every 20 minutes, 100 feet
        between observations.
0825    Went to 400 feet to check for leaks; no bad leaks found
        and at
0845    Resumed periscope observations.
0912    Sighted unidentified plane (plane contact #4), bearing
        073°T, distance about 15 miles.
0956    Changed course to 343°T.
1233    Battle stations, fire control and emergency drills.
1302    Secured from battle stations.
1500    Sighted several columns of black smoke resembling oil
        fires rising from BUKA ISLAND.
1847    Surfaced and proceeded at 15 knots.
2017    Changed course to 061°T passing between BUKA ISLAND and
        GREEN ISLAND.
2056    Changed speed to 16.5 knots.
2345    Changed speed to 17.3 knots, clearing vicinity of GREEN
        ISLAND.

- 3 -

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August 1
0000 Changed course to 029°T.
0255 Changed speed to 15 knots.
0455 Dived, proceeding at 3 knots submerged, making observations every
     20 minutes, 100 feet between observations.
0757 Changed course to 329°T. Held battle stations, fire control and
     emergency drills.
1751 Surfaced, proceeding at 15 knots to station.

August 2
0320 Changed course to 270°T.
0545 Dived for the day, proceeding at 3 knots, making observations every
     20 minutes. Battle stations and fire control drills.
1851 Surfaced and proceeded at 15 knots.
2145 Changed course to 274°T and changed speed to 16 knots proceeding
     to arrive at Latitude 0°-30'S, Longitude 150°-12'E at dawn.
2235 Changed speed to full power on 4 engines.
2300 Changed course to 288°T.

August 3
0435 Changed course to 020°T.
0450 Changed speed to 9 knots on #4 engine.
0507 Sighted what appeared to be three ships on the horizon, hull up,
     bearing 066°T; changed course to 066°T. Thought we had spotted
     what we were looking for so at
0508 Dived, anticipating air coverage, and went to battle stations.
0535 Targets turned out to be clouds; secured from battle stations and
     commenced patrolling on line 110°T - 290°T, on hour and a half
     legs, observations every 5 minutes.
1200 No signs of any target so gave up search and changed course to
     330°T, heading for area. Continued 5 minute observations.
1851 Surfaced and proceeded toward area at 15 knots, zig-zagging during
     moonlight.
2129 Changed speed to 9 knots.
2140 Changed speed to 15 knots.

August 4
0200 Changed course to 307°T and changed speed to 9 knots. Arrived in
     assigned area. Patrolling along Pelew - Rabaul shipping lanes. Zig-
     zagging during daylight and during bright moonlight. Training dives,
     fire control and emergency drills. Went to 400 feet to check for
     leaks. Bathythermograph indicated 6° temperature drop between 260
     and 400 feet. Making observations thru periscope every 15 minutes
     on the surface during good visibility.
1600 Changed course to 295°T to head for western part of area, patrolling
     along Pelew - Rabaul shipping routes enroute.

- 4 -

— page 17 —
August 5
0658 Dived to check trim and went to 400 feet to check for leaks.
     Temperature dropped 6° from 100 feet to 400 feet.
0750 Surfaced and commenced surface patrol at 9 knots; patrolling
     across Pelews - Rabaul shipping routes on courses 250°T and
     340°T on four hour legs. Making periscope observations every 15
     minutes.
2039 Changed course to 095°T to head for eastern part of our area.
2113 Exercised at battle stations and fire control drills.

August 6
0535 Dived to check trim and at
0600 Surfaced and commenced patrol at 9 knots on base course 095°T.
1400 Changed course to 062°T and changed speed to 17.5 knots proceed-
     ing to position on scouting line.
2135 Sighted lights of a ship bearing 134°T, distant about 8 miles
     (Ship contact #1). Battle stations. Ship appeared in a light
     rainfall as a blur of white light and a red glow was visible.
     Commenced maneuvering to close at 4 engine speed.
2201 Lost ship in rain squall.
2211 SJ contact at 5600 yards bearing 116°T. This is first SJ contact
     since leaving the COUCAL.
2220 Ship in sight.
2225 Positively identified ship as a large hospital ship with band of
     green lights along side and a brilliant red cross on funnel. Ship
     was on course 030°T, speed 13 knots. Secured from battle stations
     and resumed course to station.

August 7
0000 Steaming on course 051°T at 17 knots on four main engines enroute
     to station on scouting line.
0100 On station; changed course to 090°T and changed speed to 9 knots;
     patrolling in vicinity of station.
0200 Changed course to 270°T.
0400 Changed course to 090°T.
0430 Changed course to 270°T.
0519 Dived; obtained trim; nothing in sight and at
0600 surfaced and changed course to 279°T. Patrolling on the surface.
0709 Sighted smoke on the horizon bearing 342°T.
0711 Changed course to head for smoke and at
0714 increased speed to 17 knots on 4 main engines.
0720 Smoke drawing to the left and at
0723 sighted masts of a ship (Ship contact #2), bearing 337°T and at
0724 changed to normal approach course and commenced chasing on sur-
     face, keeping smoke and tops of masts in sight.
0738 Battle stations and tracked enemy on courses between 255 and 185,
     base course 220°T.
0845 Estimated base course as 210°T and maneuvered to get ahead of
     targets on base course undetected. By this time the masts of three
     ships could be seen estimated to be in no special formation.
     Targets were as follows:

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— page 18 —
One similar TATUWAMARU class, page 77, ONI 208-J.
One similar to KOGYO MARUE class, page 75, ONI 208-J.
One similar to BAIKAL MARU class, page 86, ONI 208-J.
0923 Slowed to 9 knots to allow range to close and better observe targets
     and at
0938 changed course to 035⁰T and increased speed to 15 knots to close
     targets until
0941 with target bearing 036⁰T, angle on the bow of nearest ship 0⁰ and
     range 14-16 thousand yards, dived and commenced submerged approach.
0956 Enemy zigged away showing 80⁰ starboard angle on the bow. Attempted
     to close at high speed on normal approach course until
1103 at which time it was seen that a firing range could not be obtained.
     The smallest angle on the bow was 50⁰ starboard after commencing
     submerged attack and enemy was estimated to have changed base course
     to 155⁰T shortly after the submerged approach was started. The
     shortest range obtained was about 12,000 yards. Pinging was heard
     on about 17.2 KCS. Masts of two escorts could be seen astern and on
     the far side of the targets. At 55 feet only masts, stacks and king-
     posts were visible. Considered surfacing and chasing to obtain favor-
     able position ahead; however, after carefully considering the contents
     of orders received the previous day, it appeared that it was con-
     sidered most urgent to be on station on scouting line. It was de-
     cided that that was the intent of the orders and so most reluctantly
     broke off the attack.
1231 Surfaced and set course to return to scouting line at 14 knots and
     sent BALAO Serial ONE to COMMANDER TASK FORCE SEVENTY TWO. Position:
     Latitude 4-35N; Longitude 151-1E.
1600 On scouting line, changed course to 090⁰T.
1800 Changed speed to 9 knots; proceeding to new position on scouting
     line, course 090⁰T.

August 8

0430 On new station, changed course to 270⁰T.
0515 Made morning dive and checked trim. Went to 400 feet to check for
     leaks. Temperature dropped 10⁰ from 100 feet to 400 feet.
0611 Surfaced and conducted surface patrol.
0942 Lookout sighted single wing plane (Plane contact #5) bearing about
     340⁰T, elevation 12⁰. Dived and went to 200 feet. Do not believe
     we were sighted - no bombs were dropped. Changed course to 180⁰T.
1055 Nothing in sight so surfaced and resumed surface patrol at 9 knots.
1335 Changed course to 090⁰T.
2000 Changed course to 065⁰T and commenced patrolling up and down moon
     on courses 065⁰T - 245⁰T in vicinity of station.

August 9

0000 Changed course to 180⁰T proceeding to new scouting station.
0320 On station, began patrolling on courses 090⁰T - 270⁰T.
0506 Dived; checked trim; went to 300 feet. Temperature dropped 6⁰ from
     160 feet to 300 feet.
0614 Surfaced; conducting surface patrol on course 262⁰T, speed 9 knots.
1300 Changed course to 091⁰T. Conducted emergency and fire control drills.
2000 Changed course to 290⁰T to proceed to new scouting station.
2133 Dived; Exercised at battle stations.
2150 Surfaced.

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— page 19 —
August 10
0153 Heard dull explosion and thought possibly a plane had
     dropped a depth charge in the near vicinity; started to
     clear bridge and dive but control reported fire in the
     after engine room. Also remained on surface. Cause of fire
     was a crankcase explosion in #4 main engine. The crankcase
     manhole covers on the outboard side of the engine blew
     off and flames shot up to the overhead. A few rags out-
     board of the engine started to smoulder but the fire put
     out by CO₂ extinguishers by
0155 Shifted to #1 main engine. Nobody was injured and the
     cause was later determined to be insufficient lubricating
     oil to the engine causing #6 cylinder connecting rod bear-
     ing to overheat and ignite the fumes in the crank case
     (See details under section (K) of this report).
0210 Secured from fire quarters.
0520 Changed course to 270°T.
0526 Dived and nothing being in sight by
0557 Surfaced.
0610 Changed course to 020°T to head in direction of what
     appeared to be either a dark cloud or smoke.
0613 Definitely determined smoke over the horizon bearing 020°T
     and by
0634 the true bearing of the smoke had changed to the right to 030°T.
     Changed course to 030°T. The visibility being excellent,
     the targets were probably at least 15 miles away and
     decided to close until tops could be seen and investigate.
0640 Battle Stations.
0650 Secured from battle stations except for tracking party and com-
     menced tracking.
0651 Could see tops of three vessels thru the periscope (Ship con-
     tact #3), two a little larger than the other and estimated angle
     on the bow from masts to be either about 50°S or 130°S, range
     about 14 miles. At
0655 nearest target zigged to 0° or 180° angle on the bow. Range
     had been closing rapidly, but due, no doubt to own speed and not
     the enemys. Assumed angle on bow to be 0°.
0710 Dived to commence approach and at
0714 Masts indicated were making so much smoke, as they had been since sighting, it
     was difficult to see tops most of the time. Came to normal
     approach and at high speed until
0731 when only smoke could be seen and indications were that range was
     opening and angle on the bow must have been about 130°S. Obser-
     vations continued to indicate targets opening range so at
0740 Surfaced to close range and again track targets. Could not under-
     stand targets making so much smoke; at not over 5 minute intervals
     large clouds of black smoke would be seen from all three targets.
     Possibility of three small vessels being out there as a trap.
     None of the targets as yet had seemed large. Started to
     maneuver by moon board to keep at least 10 miles from tops;
     however, targets seemed to getting farther away so changed course
     to close in order to determine what targets were, realizing that
     if targets were large enough and surface chase was warranted, it
     should be started without delay due to enemy course leading in

- 7 -

— page 20 —
direction of TRUK and the almost certain aircraft patrols that would
be encountered as we approached TRUK with the result of forcing us
down and preventing attack. Also wanted to decide whether departure
from scouting line would be warranted.
0749 Angle on the bow appeared to be 150° Stbd. Could see tops and stacks
of smallest vessel and one of the others. Suspected enemy might sight
us any time now but decided to close a little more on the surface in
order to determine type of ships as they all appeared small and possi-
bly a searching or patrol group.
0756 Angle on the bow of smallest vessel was now zero and he was heading in
our direction. Thru periscope he appeared the size of a small tug,
sweep or escort vessel and could see his hull plainly. The other two
targets also now seemed very small. The nearest one had a high bow
and stern with gun platforms, and others appeared to be of same type
only slightly larger.
0810 Suspected smallest vessel had sighted us; also convinced other targets
were not large enough to warrant an attack. Dived and at
0815 Smallest vessel was much closer, estimated range about 12,000 yards,
angle on bow about 70°S.
0818 Broke off attack and changed course to 215°T.
0821 Changed course to 249°T to return to scouting line. Went to 200 feet
and at
0845 Two depth charges, not too close; rigged for depth charge and went to
400 feet; silent running.
0850 Two depth charges about same distance away. Steering evasive courses.
0857 Two depth charges - not closer.
0900 Two depth charges.
0914 Two depth charges.
0949 One depth charge farther away.
0950 The rollers on drift stop pins of the port sound gear carried away due
to reduced hydraulic pressure tending to hold head down and the pressure
at 400 feet tending to push head up. New rollers of increased strength
should be installed. Head can still be used without the rollers.
1055 Started to 350 feet with no change in speed and at
1115 One depth charge.
1120 One depth charge. The last two seemed to be farther away. Went to
400 feet.
1250 Started up and at
1410 reached 65 feet; nothing in sight.
1415 Secured from depth charge attack. It is estimated a total of 13
charges were dropped, none closer than a thousand yards. No damage
resulted. At no time during the depth charge attack was pinging
heard and screws were not heard loud at any time. Bathythermograph
indicated a 15° change in temperature between periscope depth and 400
feet. A decided density layer was indicated at 300 feet and speed
had to be increased by 20 RPM to get up thru it. Remained submerged,
conducting periscope patrol at 60 feet.
1829 Surfaced and set course 165°T to 15 knots. Obtained fix and at
1930 Changed course to 110°T to return to station.
2030 On station, commenced patrolling up and down moon at 9 knots.
2130 Changed course to 174°T, proceeding to new position to southward.

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— page 21 —
August 11
0400 On station, changed course to 270°T.
0523 Dived, conducting periscope patrol submerged to remain undetected.
   Making observations from 50-60 feet.
1305 Changed course to 080°T.
1415 Went to 320 feet to test for leaks and determine density layer.
1836 Surfaced and went ahead at 9 knots on course 080°T.
1937 Changed course to 175°T proceeding to new position on scouting
   line.
2120 Commenced running at 130 RPM and carrying zero ampere float on
Aug.12 same engine to conserve fuel.
0430 At new position and changed course to 270°T.
0529 Dived; checked trim and at
0607 Changed course to 275°T.
0711 Surfaced.
0905 Thru the periscope sighted smoke and the masts of a ship (Ship
   contact #4) on the horizon bearing 212°T; changed course to 212°T.
0906 Battle Stations.
0911 Changed course to 032°T and speed to 15.5 knots in order to open
   range to remain undetected and still keep tops in sight to track
   target. (#4 main engine still out of commission). At
0918 Base course was estimated as 010°T and target was still closing.
   Sea was a flat calm and surface like a mirror. Could now see
   stack and upper works so in order remain undetected dived at
0920 True bearing was increasing and so at
0922 Went to normal approach course at 7 knots, until at
1004 Target showed a 90° port angle at a range of 10,000 yards. Sound
   had target at this range. Target had goal post - stack - goal
   post, similar to TARUSIMA MARU, page 101, ONI 208-J, estimated
   tonnage about 4800. One two stack destroyer escort hot pinging or
   patrolling, about 1500 to 2000 yards ahead of target and a little
   on target's starboard bow. Target had been zigging at about 11
   minute intervals and was checking by plot and TDC at 11 knots. At
1035 Target had 90° port angle on bow and had zigged to base course
   010°T; range 7000 yards. All his zigs having been to right of
   base course since time we submerged, felt sure his next leg would
   be left, so paralleled him at 6 knots. However, at
1046 Target zigged away showing a 160° port angle on the bow. At
1114 angle on the bow was 90° port but range had increased to about
   19000 yards and only masts could be seen, escort was out of sight.
   Continued on course 000°T hoping that he might zig radically to
   left again, but target went out of sight, so at
1148 Secured from battle stations. This was hard to take, as it looked
   like a sure kill for both the destroyer and the maru until a
   radical zig was prevented. There was no indication of having
   been sighted and the destroyer was never heard to ping. Again
   maintaining the scouting line prevented a surface chase and
   another attack so at
1226 Surfaced and continued surface patrol on scouting line at 9 knots.
1500 Changed course to 090°T.
1905 Changed course to 240°T.
2030 On station and commenced patrolling up and down moon.
2225 Changed course to 268°T proceeding to new position.

- 9 -

— page 22 —
August 13
0537 Dived and at
0723 Surfaced; patrolling on base course 270°T.
1307 Changed course to 090°T.
1935 Changed course to 343°T, proceeding to new position.

August 14
0240 #4 Main Engine back in commission on 15 cylinders.
0300 On station; changed course to 090°T.
0512 Dived.
0600 Changed course to 102°T.
0700 Surfaced. Decided that in order to cover the distance on the scouting
     line and still remain undetected, the best plan would be to patrol at
     15 knots while on the surface, using periscope to increase range of
     visibility and remainder of time submerged taking observations from
     50-60 feet. It seems well established now that a plane makes a sweep
     along the patrol line at about 1000 KING daily. Patrolling at stand-
     ard speed, 15 knots.
0802 Dived. Periscope observations from 50-60 feet.
1205 Changed course to 270°T.
1248 Surfaced and changed speed to 15 knots.
1530 Submerged.
1832 Surfaced.
1932 Changed course to 217°T.
2050 Commenced patrolling up and down moon in vicinity of station.

August 15
0505 Changed course to 090°T and changed speed to 15 knots.
0530 Dived, and at
0557 Surfaced and changed speed to 15 knots.
0802 Dived; making observations from 50-60 feet.
1254 Surfaced and changed speed to 15 knots.
1300 Changed course to 270°T.
1530 Dived;
1821 Surfaced and changed speed to 9 knots.
1947 Changed course to 090°T and commenced
2045 patrolling in vicinity of station.

August 16
0100 Changed course to 180°T and changed speed to 15 knots proceeding to
     new position.
0529 On station; changed course to 090°T.
0537 Dived and at
0613 Surfaced; changed speed to 15 knots.
0626 Changed course to 100°T.
0832 Dived.
1014 Sighted float plane bearing 080°T, distant about 3 miles. Plane was
     flying low and on course about 270°T. (Plane Contact No. 6).

- 10 -

— page 23 —
1204 Changed course to 270°T.
1258 Surfaced and changed speed to 15 knots.
1322 SD Radar contact with plane at 14 miles, closing to eight miles at
1325 100 feet. Plane was not sighted, and upon investi-
      gation, it appeared that some circuit disturbance had possibly
      caused an indication on the screen. The operator stated that it
      did not look like a regular "pip", but range was closing and de-
      cided to get out of sight. The reasons for these indications
      are unexplained so far and it is hoped that a correct explanation
      of the cause of the "false pips" can be found in the near future.
1350 Nothing in sight; surfaced.
1733 Changed speed to 9 knots.
1819 Changed course to 090°T.
1955 Changed course to 090°T, proceeding to new station.

August 17

0523 Dived and at speed to 15 knots.
0548 Surfaced; changed speed to 15 knots.
0740 Dived.
0752 Went to 350 feet to test for leaks and density layer. Temperature
      decreased 5° from 100 feet to 350 feet.
0807 Commenced periscope patrol from 50-60 feet.
1200 Changed course to 270°T.
1247 Exercised at Battle Stations and fire control drill.
1306 Surfaced and changed speed to 9 knots.
2232 Changed course to 355°T, proceeding to new station.

August 18

0000 Submerged.
0614 Surfaced and changed course to 273°T, speed 13 knots.
1200 Changed course to 090°T, until
2100 Commenced patrolling on station, hourly legs up and down moon.
      Held battle stations and fire control drill.
2330 Proceeding on course 270°T, speed 13 knots, to new station.

August 19

0430 Slowed to 9 knots and commenced patrolling on station until dawn.
0542 Passed through several oil slicks, running roughly north and south.
      Appeared to be light oil.
0546 Submerged.
0608 Surfaced; changed speed to 9 knots, commencing forenoon run
      through intermittent rain squalls.
1048 Sighted single wing land plane (Aircraft Contact #7) bearing
      030°T, distance 6 miles, on course about 270°T. Submerged to
      100 feet.
1200 Changed course to 090°T, and at
1205 Surfaced and commenced return to station at 9 knots. Observed
      occasional white caps today.
1900 Changed course to 270°T.
2130 Changed course to 000°T, proceeding to new station.

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— page 24 —
August 20
0500 Commenced patrol to westward, course 270°T.
0552 Submerged.
0632 Surfaced, changed speed to 11 knots.
1200 Reversed course and slowed to 9 knots.
2000 Changed course to 090°T. Commenced patrolling 090°T - 270°T on
     hourly legs at 9 knots.

August 21
     Patrolling on station until
0505 Commenced run to westward.
0543 Submerged to 100 feet and went to 400 feet. Observation temperature
     drop of 12° at 400 feet.
0721 Surfaced; resumed westward patrol at 11 knots.
1200 Reversed course to 090°T and changed speed to 9 knots.
1905 Changed course to 155°T adjusting position, until on station at
2000 Changed course to 270°T.
2100 Changed course to 090°T and commenced two hour legs on 090°T - 270°T.

August 22
0554 Submerged. Nothing in sight, so at
0621 Surfaced and commenced run to eastward, course 086°T, speed 11 knots.
1011 Submerged, conducting Battle Stations and fire control drill until
1047 Surfaced.
1145 Reversed course to 270°T.
2100 Changed course to 180°T, speed 8 knots, proceeding to new position.

August 23
0430 On station, patrolling in vicinity.
0552 Submerged.
0617 Surfaced. Circled back through wake to investigate possible oil slick
     from us. Found none, so at
0630 Steadied on course 270°T, speed 9 knots.
1015 Submerged, checking for air leaks.
1115 Surfaced; changed speed to 12.5 knots.
1200 Reversed to 090°T and slowed to 9 knots.
1603 Changed course to 000°T, adjusting position.
1700 On station, changed course to 090°T, patrolling in vicinity.
2000 Changed course to 182°T, proceeding to new station.
2034 Exercised at Battle Stations and fire control drill until 2045.

August 24
0315 On station, changed course to 270°T.
0415 Reverse course.
0545 Submerged, and at
0605 Surfaced and changed course to 090°T at 8.5 knots.
0645 Changed course to 225°T, speed 13 knots investigating suspicious
     looking blur on horizon, which
0704 developed into nothing but clouds, so reversed course returning to
     line.

- 12 -

— page 25 —
August 24 (continued)

0725 Changed course to 095°T, speed 8.5 knots, resuming patrol.
1200 Reversed course.
1945 Changed course to 350°T, proceeding to new station.

August 25

0200 On station, patrolling 090°T - 270°T on hour and a half legs.
0530 Commenced forenoon run to the westward.
0558 Submerged.
0626 Surfaced, changed speed to 11 knots.
1200 Changed course to 090°T, and changed speed to 9 knots.
1525 Submerged. Exercised at Battle Stations, Fire Control and
Emergency Drills. Secured from drills, and at
1610 Surfaced.
2030 Patrolling in vicinity of station.

August 26

0202 While on course 090°T, speed 7.5 knots, Officer of the Deck and
Junior Officer of the Deck sighted submarine bearing 100°T,
distance about 1500 yards (Ship Contact #5). Could not distinguish
any features due to poor visibility shortly before moonrise;
having obtained a fix last evening there was a possibility of it
being a friendly submarine, so submerged to 100 feet; and at
0203 sound bearings indicated a close range and course to the south-
southwest, passing down starboard side. Turn count 100 RPM.
There was a possibility of it not being a submarine but a patrol
vessel of some kind, so went to 200 feet, and steered evasive
courses. Sound lost contact thereafter, so at
0254 Went to Battle Stations and periscope depth. Moon was now up,
but low lying clouds on eastern horizon made poor visibility.
However, nothing was in sight so surfaced at
0304 and went ahead at 13 knots on course 270°T, and secured from
Battle Stations.
0342 Reversed course and slowed to 8.5 knots.
0445 Sighted blur on eastern horizon. Went to standard speed on
engines.
0447 Could distinguish wake of one ship now, and possibly there were
two more, so swung right to commence tracking. But at
0450 the formation was seen to be in a cloud bank one or two degrees
above the variable horizon, so resumed patrol on course 090°T at
13 knots.
0500 Changed course to 000°T.
0525 Obtained fix, circled and commenced sending BALAO's Serial Two.
Position: Lat. 4-09.0 N; Long. 150-58.5 E.
0615 Transmission completed. Steadi ed on course 219°T, speed 16 knots,
heading for new area.
1015 Slowed to 9 knots.
1320 Entered area. Made trim dive. Changed course to 255°T to patrol
across Pelew-Rabaul and Pelew-Empire routes.
1347 Surfaced; speed 9 knots.
2000 Slowed to 7.5 knots.
2051 Exercised at Battle Stations and Fire Control drill.

- 13 -

— page 26 —
August 27.

0553 Submerged.
0801 With nothing in sight, surfaced and changed speed to 9 knots.
     Patrolling across Pelew-Rabaul routes.
1800 Changed course to 045°T.

August 28

0400 Changed course to 270°T; patrolling across Pelew-Rabaul and Pelew-
     Empire routes.
0600 Submerged.
0625 Went deep to test for leaks, and obtain Bathythermograph card.
     Temperature dropped 5° from 100 to 400 feet. Another small dip in
     the temperature-depth curve indicated an intermediate density layer
     at 195 feet.
0652 Surfaced, and changed course to 225°T, cutting back across shipping
     lanes.
1339 Submerged; exercised at Battle Stations and Fire Control Drill.
1400 Surfaced; speed 8.5 knots.
1430 Received DRUM despatch - which was garbled. Estimated course 182°T,
     speed 16 knots would give best chance of locating convoy which had
     been attacked by DRUM at 0000 K August 28th; arriving at desired
     position at dusk.
1530 Changed course to 182°T. Changed speed to 16 knots on three engines.
     Visibility excellent.
1915 Changed speed to 8 knots and commenced patrolling across target's
     estimated track on one hour legs. Nothing sighted, so at
2115 Changed course to 330°T, patrolling along enemy's estimated course
     in hopes of contacting during the night, or at dawn the twenty-ninth.

August 29

0632 Submerged; no sign of the expected contact so at
0650 Surfaced; changed course to 240°T at 13 knots.
0800 Changed course to 045°T.
1404 Changed speed to 7.5 knots.
1500 Increased speed to 9 knots; changed course to 140°T.
2055 Battle Stations, conducting fire control drill.
2106 Secured from Battle Stations, changed course to 095°T.

August 30

0300 Changed course to 190°T.
0618 Submerged for trim dive.
0644 Surfaced. Course 190°T, speed 8 knots, patrolling Rabaul-Pelew
     routes.
0743 Sighted large land plane on true bearing 235°T, course northwest,
     elevation 6°, distance 8 miles. (Aircraft Contact #8). Submerged to
     periscope depth. Feel sure we were not sighted.
0810 Surfaced.
1300 Changed course to 120°T.
1415 Received SILVERSIDES Serial Four, so changed course to 133°T, speed
     17 knots on four engines (main engine firing on 15 cylinders) to
     intercept enemy at 1900. Sky overcast, sea fairly choppy with some
     whitecaps today.

- 14 -

— page 27 —
August 30 (Continued)
1845 Slowed to 8.5 knots. Changed course to 100°T and commenced
      patrolling across convoys estimated track.
1930 Changed course to 280°T.
2030 Changed course to 197°T and increased speed to 13 knots, still
      attempting to intercept SILVERSIDES' convoy.
2200 Had planned to patrol submerged across Pelew-Rabaul routes in
      latitude 0°-20'S for next few days, but received new area assign-
      ment, so changed course to 000°T and slowed to 8.5 knots proceeding
      to new area.

August 31
0559 Submerged.
0614 Surfaced, continuing to new area on course 000°T at 10 knots.
0930 In new area, changed course to 270°T, slowed to 8.5 knots.
1200 Sighted large bomber plane bearing 260°T, distance 12 miles, ele-
      vation 2°, on northerly course. (Aircraft Contact #9).
1202 Submerged; was not sighted.
1225 Exercised at Battle Stations and Fire Control Drill.
1308 Secured from drills and surfaced.
1930 Changed course to 030°T.
      Sky was overcast all day, seas choppy; numerous rain squalls
      throughout the night.

September 1
0554 Submerged.
0623 Surfaced.
0627 Changed course to 245°T, speed 8.5 knots, patrolling across
      intersection of Pelew-Rabaul routes.
1300 Changed course to 335°T, shifting the line northward 8 miles.
1400 Changed course to 065°T, patrolling back across the Pelew-Rabaul
      shipping lanes.
2044 Exercised at Battle Stations and Fire Control Drill.
2100 Changed course to 335°T.
2117 Secured from drills.
2130 Changed course to 245°T.

September 2
0610 Submerged.
0630 Changed course to 270°T.
0637 Surfaced. Changed speed to 13 knots.
1200 Changed course to 240°T.
1300 Reversed course to 060°T.
1500 Reversed course to 240°T.
1653 Submerged, conducting Battle Stations, Fire Control Drill and
      emergency drills.
1719 Changed course to 060°T, and secured from drills.
1723 Surfaced, changed speed to 8.5 knots.
2100 Changed course to 025°T, heading for intersection of general
      shipping routes, Pelew-Rabaul and Empire-Rabaul.

- 15 -

— page 28 —
September 3
0602 Submerged.
0634 Surfaced and changed course to 270°T. Exercised at collision drill.
0651 Changed speed to 8.5 knots.
1600 Changed course to 123°T, cutting back to southeast corner of area.
2010 Received Serial Three. Changed speed to 15 knots.

September 4
0600 Slowed to 13 knots.
0755 Submerged and conducted Battle Problem.
0840 Secured from drills and at
0847 Surfaced, and changed speed to 13 knots.
0930 Left our patrol area; returning to base.
1037 Sighted unidentified plane bearing 140°T, distance 8 miles, elevation
     3° on southerly course (Aircraft Contact #10). Submerged. Was not
     sighted.
1057 Surfaced.
1705 Sighted large object in water bearing 355°T near horizon. Closed to
     investigate.
1725 Identified as huge tree stump. Went to Battle Stations - Gun Action,
     and exercised both 20 mm crews and pointer drill for 4"/50.
     Expended 300 rounds 20 mm ammunition. Circling target. SJ Radar
     picked up target at 1100 yards for its first "pip" since the hospital
     ship on August 6th.
1742 Resumed former course of 123°T.
2330 Sent BALAO's Serial Three. Position 0°-05'N, 152°-00'E, changing
     course to northward during transmission.

September 5
0655 Submerged for the day. Conducting high periscope patrol with obser-
     vations every 15 minutes. Course 123°T.
1810 Surfaced; changed speed to 14 knots.
1843 Changed course to 136°T.
1910 Changed course to 130°T.
2130 Slowed to one third speed in order to renew packing in port stern
     tube gland.
2216 Completed packing job and changed speed to 14 knots.
2300 Circling while transmitting BALAO Serial Four. Position:Lat. 1°-10'S;
     Long. 154°-05'E.
2315 Resumed course 130°T at 14 knots.

September 6
0559 Submerged for the day, conducting high periscope patrol.
0602 Changed course to 157°T.
1250 Exercised at Battle Stations and Fire Control Drills.
1759 Surfaced. Changed speed to 14 knots, course 157°T.
2030 Increased speed to 15 knots on #3 and #4 main engines.

- 16 -

— page 29 —
September 7
0430 Changed course to 122°T.
0520 Submerged for the day. Went to 400 feet to test for leaks. Found
     a temperature change of 2° from 100 feet to 400 feet, with an
     intermediate increase of 1/2° at 300 feet.
0600 Periscope depth.
0755 Surfaced for five minutes to obtain sun line.
1125 Surfaced for five minutes for a noon sun sight. Observed heavy
     clouds during forenoon which resembled peaks of Bougainville,
     causing some doubt as to our position. Running fix at noon
     established position on track, and the clouds dissolved.
1800 Surfaced, set speed at 15 knots.
2000 Changed course to 137°T.

September 8
0000 Changed course to 122°T.
0511 Submerged. Morning fix put us on the axis of bombing restriction
     lane, so at
0530 Changed course to 212°T in order to give wider berth to Scamp and
     PETO.
0730 Changed course to 125°T. Sighted unidentified peaks of SANTA
     ISABEL IS., bearing 208°T.
1320 Exercised at Battle Stations, Fire Control and emergency drills.
1744 Surfaced. Set speed 14 knots.
1957 Changed speed to 8 knots.
2155 Changed course to 155°T.
Sept 9 0105 Sighted RAMOS ISLAND bearing 197°T, distance 5 miles.
0256 Sighted and exchanged recognition signals with New Zealand mine-
     sweeper KIWI, escorted by KIWI, proceeding to TULAGI.
1024 Moored alongside YOG 41 in TULAGI HARBOR.
1246 Underway, fueling completed. Received 11,000 gallons. Proceeding
     to POINT WIND, escorted by KIWI.
1900 Passed POINT WIND, left escort, set course 245°T at 17.5 knots.
2030 Sent BALAO's Serial FIVE. Had previously handed this encipherment
     to KIWI for relay through GUADALCANAL shore station. However,
     since KIWI would not reach there before about 2300, the message
     would have been delayed too long in reaching proper authorities.
     Asked KIWI to destroy his copy.
2330 At POINT RED, changed course to 185°T.

September 10
0734 Sighted unidentified plane bearing 320°T, 1° elevation on
     southerly course. (Aircraft Contact #11).
0738 Submerged.
0755 Exercised at Battle Stations and fire control drill.
0809 Surfaced.
2030 Commenced battery discharge, speed 8 knots.

- 17 -

— page 30 —
September 11
0310 Completed battery discharge. Changed speed to 15 knots.
2330 Changed course to 207°.

September 12
1700 Sighted HMAS VENDETTA bearing 215°T, distance about 12 miles on
course 035°T. Challenged with major warship identification signal
and received the incorrect answer. Finally established identifi-
cation by his ship's call. During this time a merchant ship was
sighted bearing 190°T, distance about 13 miles on course 300°T.
Merchant ship identification signals were properly exchanged, and
the ship determined to be the British Merchant ship CUTTY SARK.
1730 Resumed course to Point Van.

September 13
0110 Exchanged calls with POMPON and escorts atPoint VAN.
0450 Passed CALOUNDRA HEAD, embarked pilot and proceeded.
0805 Moored alongside U.S.S. FULTON at NEW FARM HARF, BRISBANE,
AUSTRALIA.

- 18 -

— page 31 —
(c) WEATHER

The Pilot Chart indicates 3% to 5% calms, and the Sound-Ranging
Chart indicates 30% days with winds of force 4 or greater in the area
0° to 5°N, 145° to 155°E. At no time was the wind observed to be
greater than force 2, nor did the sea exceed force 2, in that area.
The average and almost constant condition was a slight glassy swell
no white caps. The frequency of rain squalls conformed to the Pilots.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

The Pilot and Current Charts give little information covering
area 0° to 5°N, 145° to 155°E. The following current was observed:

DATE         NORTH        EAST         SET          DRIFT
             LAT.         LONG.                     (knots)

August 11    4°-00        151-45       357°         1.1
     12      4°-30        152-00       065°         1.0
     13      3°-00        150-45       065°         1.0
     14      4°-00        151-00       010°         0.4
     14-15   4°-00        151-00       070°         0.7
     16      3°-00        150-45       040°         0.8
     17      3°-15        152-00       035°         1.0
     17-18   3°-50        151-50       120°         0.7
     18      4°-00        151-40       075°         1.2
     19-20   4°-30        150-45       100°         1.0
     20      5°-00        150-45       235°         0.4
     20-21   5°-00        150-45       170°         1.2
     21      5°-00        151-00       000°         0.8
     21-22   5°-00        151-00       140°         0.4
     22      5°-00        151-00       000°         0.8
     22-24   3°-05        151-00       020°         0.4
     25      4°-00        150-30       082°         1.2
     27      2°-15        148-20       115°         0.9
     28      3°-00        148-00       080°         0.9
     28      1°-00        147-00       150°         0.7
     29      2°-30        148-00       120°         0.5
     31      1°-10        148-00       288°         0.5
Sept. 1      2°-30        149-00       105°         1.0
     2       2°-00        148-00       105°         0.9
     3       3°-00        148-00       140°         0.8
     4       1°-40        151-00       293°         1.1
             South Lat.
     5       0°-15        153-00       007°         0.6
     6       3°-05        155-30       153°         1.0
     8       7°-00        159-15       331°         1.4

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

None.

- 19 -

— page 32 —
(F) SHIP CONTACTS (All times Zone -10)

NO. DATE | TIME | LAT. | TYPE(s) | INITIAL | EST. | HOW | REMARKS
| | LONG. | | RANGE | COURSE | CONTACTED |
| | | | | | SPEED | |

1 | 2140 | 4-30 N | Hospital Ship | 16000 yds | 030 | SN | Properly
| Aug 6 | 150-50 E | | | 13 | | Marked.

2a | 0710 | 4-59 N | Cargo | 40000 yds | 210 | SD | Contact by
| Aug 7 | 151-25 E | | | 9 | | Smoke.

2b | 0725 | 4-59 N | Cargo | 35000 yds | 210 | SD |
| Aug 7 | 151-15 E | | | 9 | |

2c | 0900 | 4-40 N | Cargo | 19000 yds | 210 | SD (P) |
| Aug 7 | 151-18 E | | | 9 | |

2d | 1000 | 4-30 N | DD | 16000 yds | 155 | P |
| Aug 7 | 151-22E | | | 9 | |

2e | 1730 | 4-30 N | DD | 16000 yds | 155 | P |
| Aug 7 | 151-22 E | | | 9 | |

3a | 0633 | 5-06 N | Escort or | 40000 yds | Northerly | SD | Contact by
| Aug 10 | 151-38 E | Minesweep | | 9 | | Smoke.

3b | 0700 | | Escort or | 25000 yds | Northerly | SD | Contact by
| Aug 10 | SAME | Minesweep | | 9 | | Smoke.

3c | 0745 | | Tug or | 20000 yds | 020-200 | SD |
| Aug 10 | SAME | Minesweep | | 9-15 | |

4a | 0905 | 3-05 N | 4800 T Cargo | 35000 yds | 010 | SD(P) | Contact by
| Aug 12 | 151-26 E | | | 12 | | SMOKE

4b | 1000 | | 2 Stack DD | 16000 yds | 010 | P |
| Aug 12 | SAME | | | 12 | |

5 | 0202 | 4-09 N | SS | 1500 yds | 225 | SN |
| Aug 26 | 150-50 E | | | 8 | |

6 | 1700 | 25-20 S | HMAS | 12 miles | 035 | SD |
| Sept 12 | 154-40 E | VENDETA | | 13 | |

7 | 1710 | 25-20S | British | 13 miles | 300 | SD |
| Sept 12 | 154-40 E | Merchant | | 9 | |
| | | GDJQ | | | | |

Key to Ship Contacts: P-Periscope R-Radar SD-Surface Day
SN-Surface Night S-Sound

- 20 -

— page 33 —
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (All Times Zone -10)

NO. | TIME/DATE | LAT./LONG. | TYPE        | EST. INITIAL | COURSE | SPEED | HOW       | REMARKS
    |           |            |             | RANGE        |        |       | CONTACTED |
--- | | | | | ------ | ----- | | -------
1   | 1615/July 29 | 11-08 N   | Unident.    | 10 miles     | 110°   | ?     | SD        | -
    |           | 152-11 E   |             |              |        |       |           |
2   | 1715/July 29 | 11-08 S   | Unident.    | 8 mi.        | -      | -     | R         | -
    |           | 152-11 E   |             |              |        |       |           |
3   | 0135/July 31 | 15-00 S   | Unident.    | 3 mi.        | 130°   | ?     | R         | Dived.
    |           | 152-37 E   |             |              |        |       |           |
4   | 0912/July 31 | 14-10 E   | Unident.    | 15 mi.       | ?      | ?     | P         | -
    |           | 152-58 N   |             |              |        |       |           |
5   | 0942/Aug 8 | 4-58 N    | Seaplane    | 4-6 mi.      | 145°   | ?     | SD        | Dived.
    |           | 152-15 E   |             |              |        |       |           |
6   | 1014/Aug 16 | 0-01 N    | Float       | 3 mi.        | 270°   | ?     | P         | -
    |           | 151-32 E   |             |              |        |       |           |
7   | 1048/Aug 19 | 1-00 N    | Single wing | 6 mi.        | 270°   | ?     | SD        | Dived.
    |           | 150-04 E   |             |              |        |       |           |
8   | 0743/Aug 30 | 1-28 N    | Landplane   | 8 mi.        | ?      | ?     | SD        | Dived.
    |           | 148-47 E   |             |              |        |       |           |
9   | 1200/Aug 31 | 1-17 N    | Large       | N            | N      | ?     | SD        | Dived.
    |           | 149-05 E   |             |              |        |       |           |
10  | 1037/Sept 4 | 0-55 N    | Bomber      | 12 mi.       | S      | S     | SD        | Dived.
    |           | 150-10 E   |             |              |        |       |           |
11  | 0734/Sept 10 | 1-12 S    | Unident.    | 14 mi        | ?      | ?     | SD        | Dived.
    |           | 157-28 E   |             |              |        |       |           |

Key to Aircraft Contacts.
P - periscope
R - Radar
SD - Surface day
SN - Surface night

- 21 -

— page 34 —
**(H) ATTACK DATA**
None.

**(I) MINES**
None.

**(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS**

1. Destroyer escorts of Ship Contact #2 on August 7, pinged on
17.2 KCS. First heard pinging at range of about 14,000 yards. Occasionally
heard a double ping, but there was no evidence that we were detected. The
merchant ships being in a loose formation resembling our cruising formation
DOG, one escort trailed almost astern or slightly on starboard quarter
about 1 1/2 miles behind, while the other was about 2 miles astern of last
ship well on port quarter.

2. Contact #3, August 10, a small tug or gunboat seemed to be just
milling around in the vicinity of two very small cargo ships, escort vessels
or minesweeps. All ships were smoke screening heavily at intervals, giving the im-
pression that it was done deliberately. It appeared almost as though they
were anti-submarine vessels trying to lure us on. The smallest vessel broke
off from the others, headed toward us and dropped about 13 depth charges in
general vicinity in salvos of 2 and 3 over a period of two and a half hours.
There was no pinging, and his screws came in only faintly and irregularly.
We were at 400 feet under a 15° temperature knuckle which started at about
200 feet.

3. Ship Contact #4 (August 12). Single DD stationed dead ahead,
sometimes slightly on starboard bow of single 4800 ton Maru, distance about
2000 yards. He was not pinging.

**(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE**

NUMBER 4 MAIN ENGINE
At 0153, August 10, 1943 while making 130 shaft RPM, 500 KW, 500
Engine RPM on #4 main engine, a crankcase explosion occurred, blowing off
all but four crankcase doors and catching fire to some rags stowed out-
board of the engine. There were no personnel casualties and fire was
extinguished by 0155. Number 6 crank bearing was wiped badly and the
journal scored so that after 72 hours work, the engine could be run on only
15 cylinders. There was a restriction of lube oil to the engine, caused
by a rag in the lube oil strainer. A more thorough inspection by ship's
force on completion of the refit period would have detected the presence
of the rag and prevented the restriction of lube oil to the engine. A
separate report of this casualty is being made to Commander Task Force 72.
During the remainder of the patrol, #4 main engine operated for a period
of over 100 hours with number six piston riding on the shaft with no fuel
to number six cylinder.

- 22 -

— page 35 —
(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (Continued)

PORT STERN TUBE
At 1000, September 5, while running submerged at 1/3 speed
(70 RPM) a bad leak was reported from the port stern tube. Attempts
to take up on the collar and tighten the packing failed to reduce the
leak. After surfacing, the collar was slipped forward and one new ring
of packing was inserted in the gland. At this time it was noticed that
the packing was frayed and the shaft was rough. The gland was tightened
up with the new ring of packing and the leak was materially reduced.
Three days later it was found necessary to renew this piece of packing
for continued satisfactory operation. A thorough inspection in port
will be made to determine the trouble.

T.B.T. SYSTEM
Due to salt water entering "water tight case" of Forward Bridge
transmitter, a salt crust formed around contacts and in selsyn generator.
The salt crust in building up, first created a "zero" ground, then later,
a short circuit. The short circuit caused Bakelite shaft of armature to
burn off and one coil of field to break down in forward transmitter. The
type of gasket and packing gland in use do not insure watertightness at
depths encountered. If different type of gasket and packing prove un-
satisfactory, it is suggested that the generator or case be remodeled
to aid in removal of generator from case for cleaning. The forward T.B.T.
was disassembled several times during the patrol and a selsyn generator
from the engine order telegraph spares was used to replace the damage
one.

(L) RADIO

RECEPTION
Reception in general was very good except on August 8, during daylight,
when the schedule could not be copied on any frequency. Reception of
the schedule at night on 440 KCS was possible with the loop antenna
provided the ship (antenna loop is fixed in position) was swung to give
a maximum signal.
All serials were received, the last being

TRANSMISSION
Five transmissions were made and no difficulty was experienced in
getting these messages through. During daylight hours 8470 KCS was
used and during darkness 4235 KCS.

MATERIAL
(a) On August 31, the antenna trunk was flooded during a dive to
400 feet. The trunk was tested on the surface; new gaskets inserted on
one handhole inspection plate and around the antenna insulator. One
antenna insulator was found cracked and was replaced with a spare. No
further leaks during the remainder of the patrol.
(b) The RBO receiver failed when the power transformer burned out.
A replacement for the transformer will be required.

- 23 -

— page 36 —
(M) RADAR
(a) The SD radar gave satisfactory performance throughout the
patrol. Land echoes were picked up at 32 miles and plane contacts were
picked up at 15 miles.
(b) The SJ Radar was a big question mark for a major part of the
patrol. The SJ was operating very satisfactorily upon return to the USS
FULTON from training exercises on 25 July. The repair force of the FULTON,
however, changed the converter unit to give 1.1. kilovolts instead of .6
kilovolts and adjusted the antenna stubs. The set was considered to be
operating as well as it had been upon arrival. However, upon reaching the
vicinity of PILE LIGHT, it was found that operation was not satisfactory.
The ship's radio technician and radioman attempted repairs and as a last
resort reset the converter unit back to the original setting of .6 kilo-
volts and this seemed to be the answer. Ship targets were tracked out to
14,000 yards and land echoes were picked up at 16,000 yards while enroute
to COLOUNDRA HEAD. The next good opportunity for test was on a large
hospital ship and in this case contact was not made until the SJ was put
on the bearing from the bridge. This target was first picked up by radar
at 5200 yards and was tracked out to only 9,100 yards. While on station,
not even wave pips were available for a check of the equipment. There is
real need for some way of checking of the equipment without an actual
target.
Upon rendezvous with a corvette, the SJ failed to pick up the
target until at a range of 1200 yards and when coached on the bearing.
It is felt that a new converter unit is necessary to put the SJ
radar back in satisfactory operating condition.

(N) UNDERWATER SOUND GEAR
(a) There were few opportunities to prove this equipment. However,
screws of large ship were picked up at 14,000 yards and enemy echo-ranging
heard at 16,000 yards. Sound conditions appeared to be excellent.
(b) The roller castings of the drift pin stops on the port sound
head were broken due to sea pressure at 400 feet with the hydraulic plant
secured. The port sound gear could still be used satisfactorily at
normal depths.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS
Very definite density layers were observed while in the area south
of TRUCK. The bathythermograph indicated temperature changes as much as
16° when going to 400 feet.
12 bathythermograph cards are forwarded for information.
Valuable information on density layers and best depths for evasion were
indicated.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY
(a) Health - Excellent. There were three cases of catarrhal fever.
(b) Food - Very good.
(c) Habitability - Excellent.

- 24 -

— page 37 —
**(Q) PERSONNEL**
State of training is progressing satisfactorily for both officers
and enlisted personnel. It is felt that all hands gained valuable ex-
perience and that they performed their duties in a commendable manner.

**(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED**
Brisbane to area 2180 miles, 29,215 gallons.
In area 6717 miles, 50,490 gallons.
Area to Brisbane 2293 miles, 30,030 gallons.
Total 11,190 miles 109,735 gallons

**(S) DURATION**
Days enroute to area 10
Days in area 31
Days enroute to base 10
Days submerged (all day dives) 8

**(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING**
| Torpedoes | Fuel | Provisions | Personnel Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 10,000 | 40 | Undetermined. |

Limiting factor this patrol: Orders of COLTASKFOR 72.

**(U) REMARKS**
It is recommended that a simple binocular repair kit be provided
submarines to facilitate opening, drying out and resealing binoculars.
Five pair of binoculars, made useless by weather, were dried out and
resealed by the ship's force permitting their continued use. Had
suitable tools been on hand, repairs could have been made much quicker
and easier.

Only the initiative and excellent workmanship demonstrated by
MILLER, Edward L., FClc, USN., kept the forward TBT in operation during
this patrol.

After about ten days at sea, the ship's washing machine decided
it was due for a permanent rest; however, as a result of the initiative,
ingenuity and many hours of hard work on the part of POWELL, James L.,
EMlc, USNR., the laundry was put back in commission with a new dolly
manufactured from an empty 4"/50 cartridge case.

- 25 -

— page 38 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON LIGHT
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
14 September 1943

FC5-3/A16-3

Serial 0145

CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO BALAO Report of
First War Patrol.

From: Commander Submarine Squadron LIGHT.
To: Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285), First War Patrol;
Report of.

1. The first war patrol of the BALAO was of
fifty-one days duration, of which thirty-one days were
in the combat area. Five contacts were made, one of
which was a hospital ship. None of the contacts were
developed into attacks.

2. While on patrol a crankcase explosion
occurred in number four main engine. Investigation
showed that number six main bearing was badly wiped
and the journal scored. A rag was found in the lube
oil strainer which no doubt restricted the lube oil flow
and caused the bearing failure. The heat from this
bearing was apparently the cause of the crankcase ex-
plosion. The ship's force is to be complimented on the
grinding and stoning of the journal and the fitting of a
new bearing which resulted in the engine running in
seventy-two hours. A further grinding of this journal
and the installation of an under-sized bearing is in
process. The trouble experienced with the port stern
tube is under investigation and a further report will be
submitted.

3. The BALAO will be given a regular normal
refit by the FULTON.

W. H. DOWNES.

— page 39 —
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk

Serial 0283

CONFIDENTIAL

2nd ENDORSEMENT to
CO BALAO Report of
FIRST War Patrol

From: The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
To : The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : (1) The Commander, THIRD FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - FIRST War Patrol; comments
on.

1. BALAO's First War Patrol commenced on her depart-
ure from BRISBANE 25 July 1943, and ended with her return to
the same port on 13 September 1943, after 50 days at sea.
She topped off with fuel from COUCAL in the LOUISIADES on 29
July, then proceeded to patrol the TRUK - BISMARCKS routes,
and on 7 August took station in the submarine scouting line
south of TRUK. When the scouting line was discontinued on 26
August she proceeded to patrol the PELEWS - RABAUL routes.
She had few opportunities and made no attacks.

2. On two occasions BALAO, after having sighted ships
at ranges over 40,000 yards, approached them on the surface so
closely that she was evidently sighted. In one case the ships
were suitable torpedo targets. They avoided BALAO by radical
change of course.

3. The patrol narratives of adjacent submarines on
the scouting line indicate that BALAO's night contact of 26
August was not with a friendly submarine. Although BALAO was
not certain that the contact was with a submarine, our other
submarines on the scouting line reported definite contacts
with submarines which must have been enemy. Under the cir-
cumstances the proper action on contact was to avoid rather
than to attack, and our submarines took the proper action in
each instance.

4. BALAO's decision to maintain the scouting line in-
stead of pursuing her targets on 7 August was in accordance
with the orders which assigned to submarines on the scouting
line the primary task of detecting and reporting southward
movements of enemy combatant units from TRUK.

5. No damage having been inflicted upon the enemy,

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

15 September 1943.

— page 41 —
[HANDWRITTEN: Reg # None]
A16-3/(11)
Serial 01757
[HANDWRITTEN: mws] 01982 [HANDWRITTEN: (1)]
SOUTH PACIFIC FORCE
OF THE UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER
[STAMP: RECEIVED]
[STAMP: 1 OCT 1943]
[STAMP: Com Task for]
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
27 SEP 1943

3rd Endorsement on
U.S.S. BALAO Report
of First War Patrol.

From: The Commander South Pacific.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of War Patrol
Number One.

1. Forwarded.

I. H. MAYFIELD,
Acting Chief of Staff.

Copy to:
CTF 72
CO BALAO
CSD 82
CSS 8

— page 42 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]
1 01337

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL-A-L]

U.S.S. BALAO
Report of
SECOND WAR PATROL

From: 4 October 1943
To : 16 November 1943

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

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY OP-09B9C DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/29/72]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 60380]

— page 43 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1-OP-1]

U.S.S. BALAO (SS285)

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

SS285/A16-3

Serial 054

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
16 November 1943.

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. BALAO.
To : Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : Commander Submarine Division Eighty-Two.
Commander Submarine Squadron Eight.
Commander Task Force Seventy-Two.

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO, Report of War Patrol Number Two.

Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart.
(C) Table of Noon Position.
(D) Navigational Time Plot.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the second war patrol of this
vessel conducted in Bismarck, Solomons, New Guinea Area during the period
October 4, 1943 to November 16, 1943.

[SIGNATURE: R. H. CRANE.]
R. H. CRANE.

— page 44 —
ENCLOSURE (A): NOON POSITIONS

| | LATITUDE | LONGITUDE |
|---|---|---|
| OCT 5 | 25 - 18 S. | 154 - 57 E. |
| 6 | 21 - 47 S. | 156 - 35 E. |
| 7 | 18 - 21 S. | 157 - 04 E. |
| 8 | 15 - 08 S. | 157 - 37 E. |
| 9 | 10 - 59 S. | 158 - 05 E. |
| 10 | AT TULAGI | |
| 11 | AT TULAGI - DEPARTED 1300 | |
| 12 | 6 - 07 S. | 158 - 24 E. |
| 13 | 2 - 26 S. | 155 - 20 E. |
| 14 | 0 - 00 | 153 - 36 E. |
| 15 | 0 - 01 N. | 148 - 23 E. |
| 16 | 0 - 02 N. | 144 - 08 E. |
| 17 | 0 - 26 N. | 141 - 12 E. |
| 18 | 0 - 10 S. | 144 - 17 E. |
| 19 | 0 - 33 S. | 146 - 34 E. |
| 20 | 0 - 35 N. | 147 - 32 E. |
| 21 | 1 - 02 N. | 144 - 39 E. |
| 22 | 0 - 16 S. | 146 - 25 E. |
| 23 | 1 - 19 N. | 147 - 02 E. |
| 24 | 3 - 19 N. | 144 - 01 E. |
| 25 | 1 - 12 N. | 149 - 30 E. |
| 26 | 1 - 38 S. | 154 - 30 E. |
| 27 | 6 - 19 S. | 157 - 59 E. |
| 28 | AT TULAGI | |
| 29 | 6 - 25 S. | 158 - 47 E. |
| 30 | 2 - 00 S. | 155 - 03 E. |
| 31 | 2 - 19 N. | 153 - 07 E. |
| NOV 1 | 3 - 46 N. | 152 - 30 E. |
| 2 | 3 - 38 N. | 152 - 29 E. |
| 3 | 3 - 11 N. | 152 - 56 E. |
| 4 | 2 - 09 N. | 150 - 38 E. |
| 5 | 1 - 31 S. | 150 - 19 E. |
| 6 | 2 - 52 S. | 150 - 46 E. |
| 7 | 1 - 55 S. | 150 - 20 E. |
| 8 | 2 - 43 S. | 153 - 10 E. |
| 9 | 3 - 02 S. | 153 - 49 E. |
| 10 | 3 - 18 S. | 153 - 34 E. |
| 11 | 3 - 04 S. | 154 - 14 E. |
| 12 | 4 - 34 S. | 156 - 07 E. |
| 13 | 6 - 37 S. | 159 - 05 E. |
| 14 | 9 - 12 S. | 159 - 45 E. |
| 15 | 12 - 28 S. | 155 - 02 E. |

— page 45 —
ENCLOSURE (A)

(A) PROLOGUE
          During the period 13 September - 4 October received regular
refit along side USS FULTON. The ship was docked to inspect the con-
dition of pitting on the propeller shafts. The pitting was found to
be much deeper than when previously inspected by divers prior to the
first patrol. Both shafts were wrapped. The guide on the starboard
sound head was found cracked and temporary repairs were made by
placing a clamp on the guide to prevent widening of the crack. AN
receiver and transmitter was installed.

(B) NARRATIVE (all times are zone - 11)

OCTOBER 4
0836 Underway from USS FULTON. Conducted sound survey and gun shoot
          in lower MORRISON BAY. Rendezvoused with USS COUCAL and GROWLER,
          proceeded via swept channel to POINT VAN.

OCTOBER 5 to OCTOBER 8
          Conducted training exercises and deep dive in company with USS
          COUCAL, GROWLER and SILVERSIDES in accordance with Commander
          Task Force SEVENTY-TWO Operation Order.

OCTOBER 8
1300 Released COUCAL from training exercises, and proceeded in com-
          pany with SILVERSIDES. Conducting training approaches and
          training dives enroute.

OCTOBER 10
1208 Moored alongside YOG 41 in TULAGI HARBOR. Received 30,000
          gallons fuel oil and 550 gallons lube oil. Upon completion
          fueling, anchored in BERTH 12, TULAGI. Continued repair to #1
          main engine, repacked port stern tube while waiting for spare
          parts to arrive.

OCTOBER 11
0150 Air raid alarm - Red alert, standing by to dive.
0245 Secured from air raid.
0355 Air raid alarm - Red alert, standing by to dive.
0400 - 0420 Sighted brilliant flashes, suggesting explosion, bearing
          169°T on horizon. Later information indicated a ship had been
          bombed by JAPS at GUADALCANAL.
0435 Secured from air raid.
0930 Spare parts arrived by boat from GUADALCANAL.
1156 Underway with escort, proceeding to POINT WHITE. Exercised at
          fire control drill. Saw heavy smoke in direction of GUADAL-
          CANAL.
1930 Passed POINT WHITE. Proceeding via prescribed route.
2100 Made trim dive.

- 1 -

— page 46 —
OCTOBER 12

0555 Made trim dive.
0802 Aircraft contact #1 by SD, range 3 miles. Heavy rain squall on
     starboard quarter, closing in, with what appeared to be a water
     spout. Submerged to 100 feet.
0822 Surfaced. Sighted B-24 simultaneously with SD contact, approach-
     ing on port bow, distant 5 miles. Just about to dive, when plane
     crossed ahead then turned away on course 320°T. Rain squall had
     now passed.
1046 Submerged, sighted unidentified plane bearing 340°T, distant 10
     miles on course 080°T flying very low. (Aircraft Contact #2). Do
     not believe he sighted us.
1107 Surfaced.
1619 SD contact at 12 miles increasing (Aircraft Contact #3).
1629 SD contact has increased to 22 miles.
1703 Sighted small low wing land plane bearing 125°T on course 030°T,
     distant 8 miles, closing.
1704 Submerged to 100 feet.
1725 All clear, surfaced.

OCTOBER 13

0310 Sighted what appeared to be a white flare or rocket bearing 340°T,
     almost dead ahead, on the horizon; nothing seen later near this
     bearing.
0900 Submerged, conducting periscope patrol, observations - 15
     minutes, going to 100 feet between observations.
1017 Went to 400 feet to test for leaks. Antenna trunk flooded.
1300 Exercised at battle stations and emergency drills.
1800 Surfaced.
2115 Passed POINT ODOR.

OCTOBER 14

0700 Made trim dive.
1020 Changed course to 270°T, along Equator.
1122 Aircraft contact #4. Sighted large bomber or transport, plane
     bearing 240°T, course 020°T, distant 6 miles. Submerged.
1142 Surfaced.
1540 Aircraft contact #5. Sighted unidentified plane bearing 050°T,
     distant 7 miles on southeasterly course. Submerged.
1607 Surfaced.

OCTOBER 15

0607 Ship Contact #1. Sighted submarine bearing 225°T, range 7 miles on
     easterly course, probably GUARDFISH. Changed course right to
     025°T, and at
0612 Submerged. Submarine still in sight. Changed course to 270°T.
     Bearing drawing aft rapidly.
0620 Lost sight of submarine, may have submerged. There was no indi-
     cation that he sighted us.
0659 Surfaced.
1825 Entered assigned area.

- 2 -

— page 47 —
OCTOBER 16
0700 Made trim dive, and went to 400 feet to test for leaks.
Antenna trunk flooded again in spite of repairs; circulating
water line to air conditioning refrigerator, and air com-
pressors leaks.
0749 Surfaced.
1830 Made trim dive and checked for air leaks. Exercised at battle
stations.
1917 Surfaced.

OCTOBER 17
0647 Made trim dive and went to 400 feet to check on leaks and obtain
bathymothermograph card.
0803 Surfaced.
0957 Sighted smoke over horizon, bearing 006°T, distant 20 to 30
miles. Changed course to 006°T, found true bearing drawing to
the right, so at
1004 changed course to 105°T, and commenced tracking. Using high
speed to gain position ahead and on track. Heard pinging.
1358 Submerged, went to battle stations, commencing approach, still
only smoke in sight.
1429 Sighted masts of one ship bearing 290°T, distance about 16,000
yards. Smoke columns indicate at least four ships. Several
ships in sight (Ship Contact #2) in no special formation. One
escort is on starboard beam, the other not sighted, but bearing
of his pinging put him on port beam of formation. The sea is
like a table top. Making approach on nearest ship.(Attack #1)
1530 Fired six torpedoes at a range of 2400 yards. We were dead
ahead of escort, about 1200 yards. Just as we fired, convoy
zigged toward us presenting about a 10° starboard angle on the
bow. Started to 400 feet and rigged for depth charge.
1534 Six explosions, probably our torpedoes at the end of their run.
1542 - Four depth charges all of which were very close as we were
passing 400 feet. Experienced difficulty with depth control
due to excessive water in forward torpedo room as a result of
holding poppets open for 8 seconds. Dropped down to 490 feet,
then leveled off at 400 feet. Suffered some minor damage which
on later inspection proved to be: (1) Both sound training
motors, and Bendix Log flooded from water in forward torpedo
room. (2) Casting at the junction of the trim manifold sea
valve and magazine flood line cracked, causing some leakage.
(3) Outboard vent valve on forward tubes was seen to spin open.
(4) Periscope packing glands leaked continuously. Conning Tower
drain does not properly drain off water and thus water poured
through the lower conning tower hatch and flooded the ARC unit.
(5) Steering block in conning tower lifted visibly, but later
operated satisfactorily. Steering was in the control room at
the time. (6) Several cables were pushed in one or two inches,
but did not leak.
1730 Rigged sound gear for hand training, heard nothing all around.
JP sound gear was manned throughout the submerged approach, but
did not detect anything.

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— page 48 —
OCTOBER 17 (CONTINUED)

1805 65 feet, nothing in sight; secured from depth charge attack;
     adjusted trim and at
1947 Surfaced; inspected boat carefully and commenced repairs.
2105 Sent BALAO serial three, and set course to regain contact with
     enemy. Throughout the night attempted unsuccessfully to raise
     the SILVERSIDES on the MN.

OCTOBER 18

0700 Should be within ten miles of enemy's position, but nothing is
     in sight.
0717 Made trim dive, and went to 100 feet to check on leaks. Cannot
     use trim manifold sea valve. Sound training motors and Bendix
     Log still out of commission.
0853 Surfaced. Running down enemy's track at 17 knots toward his
     1900 estimated position, still attempting to raise SILVERSIDES
     on the MN.
1400 Commenced patrolling on one hour legs to the northward, in con-
     voy's estimated 1900 position. Bendix Log in commission.
1805 Sighted SILVERSIDES on surface bearing 013°T, range 10 miles,
     course about 130°T. Closed to 4 miles, established communication
     by MN after some difficulty with equipment. Received SILVERSIDES
     report of her 0600 attack for relay to CTF 72 in case we should
     transmit.
1841 On a basis of exchange of information, formed scouting line on
     course 110°T with 4 mile interval, speed 17 knots.
1925 Changed course to 025°T following SILVERSIDES, who has possible
     contact.
2124 Simultaneous sighting and SJ contact with convoy at 14,000 yards.
     SILVERSIDES not in sight. Sky is overcast with occasional rain
     squalls. Commenced tracking enemy. No contact with SILVERSIDES
     on MN.
2142 Maneuvering to gain position ahead of enemy.
2218 Heard pinging.
2239 Crossed ahead and took position on port beam of convoy.

OCTOBER 19

0013 Had not gained desired position, so with the moon about to rise
     backed on reverse of formation and paralleled the enemy
     behind us, crossed astern of convoy with him on base course of
     on his starboard beam for a dawn attack.
0256 Sighted two flashes which looked as if he had sighted us or
     SILVERSIDES. (Later determined by MN that SILVERSIDES was in
     closer and dived at this time).
0432 Estimated we were ahead of convoy with him on base course of
     095°T. Dived for dawn attack.
0442 Taking observations of what appeared to be two ships of the con-
     voy;pinging, however, was drawing to the northward while obser-
     vation showed targets drawing to the southward. Many rain squalls
     were appearing around the horizon and it was becoming difficult
     to make anything out of the set-up. It seems now that convoy
     must have zigged radically to the northward after the gun firing
     mentioned above. Remained on reverse of target's base course,
     but pinging became fainter and drew to the northward.
     - 4 -

— page 49 —
OCTOBER 19 (CONTINUED)

0650 Light enough to see, nothing, not even smoke in sight, so at
0735 Surfaced, and proceeded on course 100°T to regain position ahead.
1130 Changed course to 020°T.
1214 Received last 12 of 32 groups on 2880 KCs presumably from SILVER-
     SIDES. On a basis of longitude, course and speed, commenced
     searching in area covering convoy's possible positions.
1400 Sighted float plane (Plane Contact #6) bearing 340°T, distant 5
     miles as he emerged from cloud, on opposite course. Submerged.
1405 Float plane has reversed course. Possibly he saw us.
1415 Changed course to 145°T.
1535 Surfaced. Broadcast to SILVERSIDES on 2880, asking for more
     information and giving him our position.
1720 Sighted MANUS ISLAND bearing 212°T, distant about 50 miles. This
     put us about twenty miles south of DR position.
1731 Changed course to 035°T.
1940 Obtained doubtful star fix, Lat 0-54.5 S; Long 147-40.0 E with
     possible error of 15 miles.
2021 Slowed to 10 knots, planning to proceed on course 118°T until
     moonrise.
2400 Heard two simultaneous transmissions on 2880 kcs, but could not
     copy either.

OCTOBER 20

0000 Changed course to 000°T.
0125 Obtained star fix in Lat 1-05.0S and Long. 148-09.0E. Decided
     it would be impossible to reach enemy's 1100 scheduled position
     by daylight, so broke off chase and continued on course north at
     standard speed.
0705 Changed course to 315°T.
0708 Made trim dive and went to 400 feet. The trim manifold sea valve
     casting, which the ship's force had silver soldered, tested
     satisfactorily. Antenna trunk still leaks.
0756 Surfaced and proceeded to area.
1900 Patrolling Pelew - Rabaul routes.

OCTOBER 21

0720 Made trim dive and went to 400 feet to test antenna trunk. It
     started leaking at 300 feet.
0812 Surfaced and resumed patrol.

OCTOBER 22

     Proceeding easterly along RABAUL - PELEW route.
0707 Made trim dive.
1100 Changed course to 070°T, speed 16 knots to intercept 1900 position
     of reported convoy.
1601 Sighted SILVERSIDES bearing 191°T, distant 10 miles. Maneuvered
     to close SILVERSIDES and exchange information of convoy.

- 5 -

— page 50 —
OCTOBER 22 (CONTINUED)
1717 Sighted float plane (Aircraft Contact #7) bearing 080°T, distant
     5 miles on course 010°T. Submerged.
1802 Surfaced, continued toward interception point.
1907 Sighted smoke bearing 127°T. Changed course to close.
1928 Changed course to 320°T, commenced tracking. Planned with SILVER-
     SIDES to fire about midnight on 40 to 60 tracks, SILVERSIDES to
     attack. MN developed trouble.
2335 Reversed course, going in for an attack. LN developed trouble.
2351 Found ourselves heading for eastern column instead of western, so
     sheered off to right and made an approach on the convoy's port column.
     SJ Radar contact at 6000 yards.

OCTOBER 23
0002 Sighted small escort on our starboard bow, on opposite course.
     Passed him abeam at a radar range of 2400 yards, but he did not see
     us. Targets were zigging.
0017 Fired six bow tubes with 006°R-gyro angles, 24-43 port track,
     at a torpedo run of 2000 yards. Three ships were in the binocular
     field at the time of firing. Used center of the three for point of
     aim, then as we swung left, gave check bearings on the middle and
     leading ships. (Attack #2)
0117-25 Swinging left for stern shots. Port escort now in excellent
     position for a shot, but we continued swinging and brought stern
     tubes to bear on the same three ships.
0017-45 First explosion.
0018-00 Second explosion.
0018-10 Fired stern tubes with 163° - 179° gyros, port track, torpedo
     firing run of 1500 - 2500 yards.
0019-15 Third explosion.
0020 Changed course to 330°T, all ahead full.
0020-00 Fourth explosion.
0020-07 Fifth explosion.
0020-14 Sixth explosion.
0025 Bow tubes reloaded.
0037 Stern tubes reloaded, except for #7 on which the stop bolt carried
     away during firing. The next forty-five minutes was spent in
     maneuvering for a second attack and dodging the escort. So far,
     only one escort, a PC Type, had been spotted. It turned out later
     that the starboard escort had been driven the SILVERSIDES down as she
     was about to fire. One escort opened up with his gun, and fired
     more or less at random. There was much signalling (decipherable as
     the letters "COW" followed by two slant signs of our code), tooting
     of whistles, changes of course, firing of two red flares, a great
     deal of smoke, and general confusion. Bridge personnel observed
     one ship with a thirty degree down angle with stern in the air.
     A later look showed only a large cloud of smoke where the ship had been.
     Another ship carried a heavy list, and a third lay low in the water.
     Both were smoking furiously. The Chief Quartermaster stated that
     he saw four lifeboats in the water.

     - 6 -

— page 51 —
OCTOBER 23 (CONTINUED)
Believe first two torpedoes hit the leading ship of column and that
all four stern shots hit. The formation by now had changed course
to 090°T - 100°T and was reforming. SILVERSIDES reported by MN
later that she saw two of our torpedoes hit. All torpedoes were
set to run at 10 feet. A total of seven ships was counted after
the attack.
0127 Commenced second attack, picking out the largest ship, which was
not a target of the first attack.
0132 Escort came up from astern and opened fire from our port quarter.
Went ahead emergency, changed course to put him astern. This
maneuver caused us to close on the large Maru.
0135 Escort was now closing the range to 2400 yards by radar, and we
presented our broadside to the Maru who fired a few rounds. The
escort's fire was close, but ineffective. However, when one shell
hit over the bridge, we submerged to 450 feet in one of the fastest
dives this ship has made. Rigged for depth charge, and at
0140 Received three small depth charges not very close. Escort faded in and
out as though searching, and we finally heard the second escort
pinging.
0150 Changed course toward the convoy, and a few minutes later, heavy
screws passed overhead. Antenna trunk did not leak.
0420 Surfaced, commenced battery charge and set course to overtake
convoy.
0632 Sighted smoke bearing 299°T, distant about 20 miles. Commenced
tracking to gain position ahead, making 80/90 on all engines.
1300 Passed about twenty oil drums close aboard in Lat 2-12 N. Long.
146-22 E.
1400 Made short trim dive.
1740 Sighted empty life boat in Lat. 2-08 N, Long. 145-56 E with "TOKIO"
painted on bow. Could not distinguish the partially obliterated
name on the stern, and did not have time to investigate.
1805 Broadcast on 2880 kcs giving our position and bearing of smoke.
1817 Changed course to 133°T heading for smoke.
1904 Seemed to be getting too close so reversed course. Many rain
squalls closing in all directions.
1920 Reversed course heading for smoke.
1940 Lost sight of smoke.
2100 MN contact with SILVERSIDES who reports sight contact with convoy.
Cannot see SILVERSIDES, MN fading out and radar could not detect
SILVERSIDES.
2136 Changed course to 330°T hoping to close range on SILVERSIDES.
2150 Steering various courses in search of convoy.

OCTOBER 24
0033 Developed search plan for the night covering a sector from
290°T to 320°T.
0041-0046 Heard ten explosions, but could not determine bearing.
0642 Daylight, nothing in sight, continuing search plan.
1040 Broadcast to SILVERSIDES on 2880 kcs giving our position and
stating that we had lost contact.

- 7 -

— page 52 —
OCTOBER 24 (CONTINUED)
1200 Sent BALAO serial Four.
1220 Set course 140°T returning to area.
1610 Received Serial Twenty Three, and set course 108°T and speed 17
     knots.

OCTOBER 25

0643 Made trim dive.
1336 Sighted four transport or bomber planes (Aircraft Contact #8) bear-
     ing 160°T, distant 20 miles on course 150°T.

OCTOBER 26

1020 Sighted large bomber (Aircraft Contact #9) bearing 180°T, distant
     8-10 miles, on course 270°T. Submerged.
1050 Surfaced.
1147 Sighted three four-engine bombers (Aircraft Contact #10) bearing
     320°T, distant 6 miles, on course 140°T. Submerged.
1219 Surfaced.

OCTOBER 27

     Proceeding along prescribed route to TULAGI.
1458 Sighted unidentified plane bearing 270°T, distant 12 miles on course
     130°T. Submerged. (Aircraft Contact #11).
1530 Surfaced.

OCTOBER 28

0415 Heard pinging bearing 153°T, changed course to 153°T.
0445 Sighted escort, exchanged signals, and proceeded with the escort to
     TULAGI at 16 knots. Training radar and sound operators enroute.
1015 Moored alongside YOG 41. Received 74,000 gallons fuel oil, 1100
     gallons lube oil, 4 torpedoes. Repaired stop bolt rod for #7 tube.
     Services of Naval Base Tulagi and 27th Batt. C.B.'s were used to
     effect repairs to stop bolt rod and all main engine exhaust muffler
     elbows which had corroded thru leaving holes about 8" in diameter.
     These had caused much sparking and made us sound like a four engine
     bomber while enroute to TULAGI.
1808 Air Compressor parts arrived from GUADALCANAL, having arrived there
     at noon.
1809 Underway, escorted by USS TUMULT, proceeding to POINT WHITE.
2355 Passed POINT WHITE, proceeding along prescribed route to area.

OCTOBER 29

0528 Made trim dive.
0738 Sighted bomber plane (Aircraft Contact #12) bearing 080°T, distant
     13 miles, on course 350°T. Submerged. Plane headed toward us and
     hovered near by for about one hour. Believe it was a B-24.

- 8 -

— page 53 —
OCTOBER 29 (CONTINUED)

0908 Surfaced.
1504 Submerged on SD contact at 7 miles. (Aircraft contact #13) Plane
not seen.
1520 Surfaced.

OCTOBER 30

0709 Made trim dive.
1152 Sighted bomber plane (Aircraft Contact #14) probably a NELL,
bearing 210°T, distant 8 miles, on course 030°T. Submerged.
1215 Passed POINT ODOR.
1228 Surfaced.

OCTOBER 31

0700 Submerged, commencing periscope patrol.
1851 Surfaced.

NOVEMBER 1

0045 Arrived in area, patrolling east and west.
0600 Submerged, commencing periscope patrol.
1852 Surfaced.

NOVEMBER 2

0610 Submerged. Commenced periscope patrol. Heavy rain squalls
throughout the day.
1855 Surfaced.
2200 Changed course to 023°T, proceeding to new area.

NOVEMBER 3

0556 FIX put us in Lat. 5-21.0 N., Long. 153-01.8 E., indicating a
set of 040°T and drift of 1.6 knots during the past twenty
four hours.
0600 Submerged, commencing periscope patrol. Returning to assigned
area.

- 9 -

— page 54 —
NOVEMBER 3 (CONTINUED)

1140 Sighted smoke on horizon bearing 160°T. Changed course to 160°T.
1226 Bearing has drawn to right, so changed course to 230°T.
1230 Changed course to normal approach course 275°T and changed speed
     to 2/3.
1347 Smoke has almost disappeared; continued on normal approach course
     at 5 knots.
1427 Convoy made radical change of course toward us. Sighted masts of
     two ships. (Ship Contact #4). Commencing approach. (Attack #3)
1446 Tracked enemy on course about 30°T, speed 8.5 knots. Formation
     consists of two 5000-6000 ton cargo ships and one small escort on
     port bow of the target. Selected nearest ship as target.
1509 Changed course to 242°T. Escort is now well on our starboard bow.
1521 Fired six torpedoes with 9½ L 3 R gyros, track angle 95°-108°,
     starboard; torpedo run 2100 yards, 2° spread, depth 10 feet. Three
     of the torpedo tracks were seen, one going ahead and two of them
     heading for target.
1523 Heard one explosion. Did not see torpedoes hit, but saw a column
     of water shoot up just off the port bow of the target. Both ships
     turned toward us. Escort is still ahead of formation. No pining
     was heard.
1524 Started deep and changed course to 155°T.
1525 First of about 10 depth charges.
1540 Last depth charge. Escort did not use echo ranging at any time.
     He oftened stopped to listen, but after last depth charge, he
     apparently did not regain contact. We remained at 400-435 feet
     throughout.
1825 Periscope depth. Nothing in sight, except possibly smoke bearing
     315°T, which soon dissipated; it may have been a cloud.
1856 Surfaced. Obtained fix in Lat. 5-03.9N Long. 153-08.0E, and set
     course to center of area.
2141 Changed course to 219°T to intercept Task Force's track. Estimated
     his speed at 15 knots. If it is greater than that, we can't catch
     him.
2201 Sighted smoke (Ship Contact #5) bearing 209°T, distant about 12
     miles. This is within an hour of transport's 2200 position. Did
     not make contact report because we had no useful information to
     add to data already at hand.
2250 Changed course to 200°T to be sure of clearing transports, and
     proceeded to close Task Force's track, hoping to intercept his
     estimated 1400 position, making 80/90 on all main engines.

NOVEMBER 4

0050 Changed course to 213°T.
0608 Made short trim dive.
2245 Arrived in new area.

- 10 -

— page 55 —
NOVEMBER 5
0120 Started repacking starboard stern tube gland.
0300 Sent BALIO serial seven.
0310 Set course 168°T heading for new area at 75/90 on all main
     engines. Had to reduce speed due to stern tube overheating as
     result of new packing. Increased speed gradually as conditions
     permitted.
0615 Sighted MUSSAU Is. bearing 286°T.
0630 Submerged commencing periscope patrol.
1353 Changed course to 200°T.
1710 Changed course to 238°T.
1917 Surfaced.
2015 Changed course to 270°T, 75/90 on three engines.
2115 Changed course to 210°T.

NOVEMBER 6
0035 Changed course to 180°T.
0335 Changed course to 060°T.
0545 Submerged conducting periscope patrol south of TINGWON Is. on course
     north; reversed course at 1045.
1920 Surfaced, changed course to 090°T, 75/90 on two engines.
2020 Changed course to 050°T; working toward South coast of NEW
     IRELAND.
2042 Received new area assignment so changed course to 270°T, 75/90
     on three engines. Bright moonlight with haze at times.
2100 Changed course to 300°T.
2155 Changed course to 320°T.

NOVEMBER 7
0000 Changed course to 000°T.
0119 Sighted two yellowish lights almost astern, bearing 200°T,
     estimated distance one mile; nothing on surface could be seen.
     Suspected aircraft flares.
0120 Submerged. Lat. 2-30 S. Long. 149-26 E.
0146 Heard screws bearing 230°T. Changed course to 270°T (Ship Con-
     tact #6). Rigged for depth charge.
0150 Changed course to 060°T. Sound bearing 235°T, about 160 RPM.
     There are two sets of screws, no pinging.
0155 Bearing 255°T and 268°T, making about 180 RPM. One set stopped,
     then started up almost immediately.
0157 Both stopped.
0158 - 0200 Bearing changed from 273°T to 290°T.
0206 Listened all around; could not hear screws again.
0218 No contacts.
0305 Came to SJ Radar depth, no contacts, nothing in sight. The moon
     has set, leaving a haze all around the horizon.
0315 Surfaced; nothing in sight, visibility poor. Making 75/90 on
     all main engines, clearing area.
0400 Changed course to 045°T.

- 11 -

— page 56 —
NOVEMBER 7 (CONTINUED)

0530 Changed course to 070°T.
0620 Submerged, conducting periscope patrol. MUSSAU IS., EMIRAU IS.,
     and NEW HANOVER in sight. Changed course to 090°T.
1912 Surfaced.
1922 Sighted three or four anti-aircraft searchlight beams bearing 160°T
     in direction of KAVIENG.
NOTE: CTF 72 reports a CL sighted at 0130 Nov. 7 in Lat. 2-31 S.
     Long. 149-31 E., course 000°T, speed 18 knots. Were we the CL?
     And if so, was the sound contact spurious? If it was a CL why did
     he show lights?

NOVEMBER 8

0202 Sighted SIMBERI IS. bearing 207°T, distant about 40 miles.
0546 Submerged, conducting periscope patrol.
1235 Sighted TANGA IS. bearing 181°T.
1911 Surfaced. Changed course to 070°T, patrolling line between TANGA
     and NUGURIA IS. on legs 070° - 150°T.

NOVEMBER 9

0550 Submerged, conducting periscope patrol.
1905 Surfaced.

NOVEMBER 10

0646 Submerged, conducting periscope patrol.
0838 Sighted two MAVIS Planes, bearing 300°T, distant about two miles,
     on course 060°T. (Aircraft Contact #15).
1900 Surfaced.

NOVEMBER 11

0555 Submerged, conducting periscope patrol.
1638 Sighted patrol plane bearing 285°T, distant 6 miles on course 200°T.
     (Aircraft Contact #16).
1900 Surfaced. Visibility in TANGA-NUGURIA area varied from 0 to 30
     miles. Many rain squalls and considerable surface haze during
     moonlight.
2200 Changed course to 090°T, standard speed on two engines.
2300 Changed course to 106°T, 75/90 on three engines.

- 12 -

— page 57 —
NOVEMBER 12

0004 Entered bombing restriction lane, changed course to 143°T.
0830 Submerged, conducting periscope patrol.
1430 Sighted plane bearing 278°T, distant 12 miles, on course
     020°T. (Aircraft Contact #17).
1820 Exercised at general quarters drills.
1822 Surfaced.

NOVEMBER 13

0812 Submerged; conducted drills.
0845 Surfaced.
0904 Sighted patrol plane bearing 225°T, distant 14 miles, on course
     000°T, range increasing. (Aircraft Contact #18).
1100 Sighted plane bearing 270°T, distant 20 miles, on course 000°T.
     (Aircraft Contact #19).
1420 Sighted bombing plane bearing 122°T, distant 18 miles on course
     350°T. (Aircraft Contact #20).
1548 SD contact at 6 miles. (Aircraft Contact #21). Plane was not
     seen. Submerged.
1826 Surfaced.

NOVEMBER 14

0205 Sighted escort, exchanged recognition signals and calls, and
     proceeded in company to TULAGI.
0738 Moored alongside YCG 41. Received 550 gallons of lube oil and
     delivered BALAO serial nine to RADIO TULAGI.
0935 Underway; proceeding in company with escort.
1440 Released escort, proceeding via prescribed route.
2020 Conducted drills.

NOVEMBER 15

0714 SD contact at 9 miles, range decreasing to 6 miles. (Aircraft
     Contact #22). Submerged. Made deep dive to 400 feet to test
     for leaks. Conducted drills, and it
0822 Surfaced.

NOVEMBER 16

0615 Sighted escort, exchanged recognition signals and calls. Pro-
     ceeding to Milne Bay in company with escort.
0715 Sighted escort plane, exchanged recognition signals.
1200 Moored alongside USS FULTON at Milne Bay, New Guinea.

- 13 -

— page 58 —
(C) WEATHER
Sea generally calm, moderate percentage of overcast skies and
and rain squalls. Occasional thunder squalls, and considerable light-
ning.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

Along the equator, experienced a westerly set of about 1 knot.
In 5°N - 152°E experienced a northeasterly set of 1.6 knots. Between
TANGA and NUGURIA IS. the current set to the southward at 0.5 knots.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

None observed.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS

No. | Time | Lat. | Type(s) | Initial | Est. Course | How Con- | Remarks
    | Date | Long. |         | Range   | Speed       | tacted   |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1   | 0607 | 0-00N | SS      | 14000 yds | 090°T       | SD       | Probably
    | Oct 15 | 149-32E |         |         | 18 kts      |          | GUARDFISH.
2   | 1429 | 0-36N | 4 Cargo | 16000 yds | 105°T       | P        | Sighted smoke at
    | Oct 17 | 141-33E | 2 DD    |         | 9 kts       |          | 1000, Range 20-
    |        |         |         |         |             |          | 30 miles.
3   | 2330 | 0-34N | 6 or 7 Marus | 10000 yds | 320°T       | SN       | Sighted smoke at
    | Oct 22 | 147-40E | 2 Escorts |         | 10 kts      |          | 1907, about 20 mi.
4   | 1427 | 5-09N | 2 Marus | 15000 yds | 330°T       | P        | Sighted smoke
    | Nov 3  | 153-06E | 1 Escort |         | 8.5 kts     |          | at 1140.
5   | 2201 | 4-36N | ?       | 12 miles | Southerly   | SN       | Smoke only.
    | Nov 3  | 152-31E |         |         | ?           |          |
6   | 0146 | 2-30S | ?       | ?         | Northwesterly | S        | Lights at 0119
    | Nov 7  | 149-26E |         |         | ?           |          | Possibly aircraft
    |        |         |         |         |             |          | flares. Heard
    |        |         |         |         |             |          | screws at 0146.
    | Later believe
    |        |         |         |         |             |          | screws were actual
    |        |         |         |         |             |          | fish noises.

KEY:
P - Periscope
R - Radar
SD - Day Surface
SN - Night surface
S - Sound

- 14 -

— page 59 —
(G). AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

No. | Time | Lat. | Type(s) | Initial Range | Est.Crs. Speed | How Contacted | Remarks
    | Date | Long. |         |               |                |               |
1.  | 0802 | 6-34S | B-24    | 3 miles       | 320°T          | R             | Saw him heading
    | Oct 12 | 159-05E |         |               | ?              |               | away after sur-
    |        |         |         |               |                |               | facing.
2.  | 1046 | 6-14S | ?       | 10 miles      | 080°T          | SD & R        | Submerged.
    | Oct 12 | 158-32E |         |               | ?              |               |
3.  | 1619 | 5-50S | Low wing| 12 miles      | 030°T          | R & SD        | Submerged
    | Oct 12 | 157-35E | landplane |               | ?              |               |
4.  | 1122 | 0       | Large bomber | 6 mi. | 020°T          | SD            | Submerged.
    | Oct 14 | 153-41E | or transport |       | ?              |               |
5.  | 1560 | 0       | ?       | 7 miles       | 050°T          | SD            | Submerged
    | Oct 14 | 152-47E |         |               | ?              |               |
6.  | 1400 | 0-30S | Float   | 7 miles       | 260°T & 080°T  | SD            | Submerged
    | Oct 19 | 147-45E | Plane   |               | 120 kts        |               |
7.  | 1717 | 0-09N | Float   | 5 miles       | 010°T          | SD            | Submerged
    | Oct 22 | 147-32E | Plane   |               | 120 kts        |               |
8.  | 1336 | 1-05N | 4 bombers or | 20 miles | 150°T          | SD & R.       |
    | Oct 25 | 149-55E | Transports |          | ?              |               |
9.  | 1020 | 1-26S | Bomber  | 8-10 miles    | 270°T          | SD            | Submerged
    | Oct 26 | 154-21E |         |               | ?              |               |
10. | 1147 | 1-38S | 3 Bombers | 6 miles       | 140°T          | SD            | Submerged
    | Oct 26 | 154-30E |           |               | ?              |               |
11. | 1458 | 6-38S | ?       | 12 miles      | 130°T          | SD            | Submerged
    | Oct 27 | 158-39E |         |               | ?              |               |
12. | 0738 | 6-52S | B-24    | 13 miles      | 350°-200°T     | SD            | Submerged
    | Oct 29 | 159-27E |         |               | ?              |               |
13. | 1504 | 6-04S | ?       | 7 miles       | ?              | R             | Not seen,
    | Oct 29 | 158-08E |         |               |                |               | Submerged.
14. | 1152 | 2-03S | NELL    | 8 miles       | 030°T          | SD            | Submerged.
    | Oct 30 | 155-05E |         |               | ?              |               |
15. | 0838 | 3-18S | 2 MAVIS | 2 miles       | 060°T          | P             | -
    | Nov 10 | 153-28E |         |               | ?              |               |
16. | 1638 | 2-57S | Patrol  | 6 miles       | 200°T          | P             | -
    | Nov 11 | 154-03E |         |               | ?              |               |
17. | 1430 | 4-40S | ?       | 12 miles      | 020°T          | P             | -
    | Nov 12 | 156-09E |         |               | ?              |               |

- 15 -

— page 60 —
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (CONTINUED)

No. | Time   | Lat.    | Type(s) | Initial  | Est. Course | How       | Remarks
    | Date   | Long.   |         | Range    | Speed       | Contacted |
    |        |         |         |          |             |           |
18. | 0904   | 6-20S   | Patrol  | 14 miles | ?           | SD        | -
    | Nov 13 | 158-37E |         |          |             |           |
19. | 1100   | 6-40S   | ?       | 20 miles | 000°T       | SD        | -
    | Nov 13 | 158-54E |         |          | ?           |           |
20. | 1420   | 6-56S   | Bomber  | 18 miles | 350°T       | SD        | .
    | Nov 13 | 159-22E |         |          | ?           |           |
21. | 1548   | 7-05S   | ?       | 6 miles  | ?           | R         | Visibility 4 miles
    | Nov 13 | 159-36E |         |          |             |           | Submerged
22. | 0712   | 11-42S  | ?       | 9 miles  | ?           | R         | .
    | Nov 15 | 156-04E |         |          |             |           |

KEY:

P - Periscope.
R - Radar
SD - Day Surface.

- 16 -

— page 61 —
(H) ATTACK DATA

U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 2

Time 1530 L Date 17 October 1943 Lat. 0°-36'N. Long. 141°-33'E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description Four or five 5000-7000 ton loaded AKs with two
destroyer escorts. Ships were loosely grouped
with DD on either side. Visibility was excellent,
the sea was dead calm, contact was first made by
sighting smoke.

Ships Sunk None.

Ships Damaged None.

Target Draft 20' Course 070°T Turning Right Speed 9 Range 2400

Own Ship Data

Speed 3 Course 330 Depth 65 Angle 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Periscope attack. Target speed of 9 knots
checked with TDC set up. Target remained on
just prior to firing for a very short time
and the unexpected zig towards just at point
of firing, caused torpedoes to miss ahead.

- 17 -

— page 62 —
Tubes Fired | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6
Track Angle | 63S | 68S | 67S | 70S | 69S | 75S
Gyro Angle | 17 L | 12 L | 13 L | 10 L | 11 L | 5 L
Depth Set | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12
Power | High | High | High | High | High | High
Hit or Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss
Erratic | No | No | No | No | No | No
Mark Torpedo | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A
Serial No. | 24798 | 23203 | 24804 | 24787 | 24817 | 23778
Mark Exploder | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1
Serial No. | 14862 | 10306 | 11479 | 5691 | 5629 | 12017
Actuation Set | C&M | C&M | C&M | C&M | C&M | C&M
Actuation Actual | None | None | None | None | None | None
Mark Warhead | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16
Serial No. | 5369 | 711 | 5635 | 1467 | 1285 | 774
Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX
Firing Interval | 8 Seconds.
Type Spread | 2° divergent
Sea Conditions | Dead Calm
Overhaul Activity | USS FULTON
Remarks | Target zigged while firing. Torpedoes were heard to
| explode at end of run.

- 18 -

— page 63 —
U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 PATROL NO. 2
Time 0017 L Date 23 October 1943 Lat. 0-34'N. Long. 147-40'E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description Six 4000-7000 ton marus with two small PC or
similar type escorts. Ships were in two columns
with escort on either side. Night was very dark
with poor visibility. Contact first made by
sight; then by sight; followed by radar contact
at 6000 yards.

Ships Sunk One (4000-5000 Tons)

Ships Damaged or) Two damaged (Estimate two ships hit by two
Probably Sunk ) torpedoes each).

Damage determined by: One ship seen with 30° down angle, stern high;
a large cloud of smoke and then no longer
seen. Total of six explosions heard. Two
torpedoes seen to hit.

Target Draft 10'-20' Course 310°-000° Speed 10 Range 1500-2500 .
(Stern Tubes)
Range 2400(Bow Tubes)

Own Ship Data

Speed 10-16 Course 100°- 261°T. Depth Surface Angle 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack Night surface attack. At least six merchant ships
with two escorts were counted before firing and
only a total of seven ships counted after attack.
Firing position was between port column of three
ships and the port screen. Bow tubes fired first
then turned ahead of column and away from escort.
Escort had made no move while brining stern tubes
on him; so continued swinging and obtained
favorable set-up on the same three ships used as
target with bow tubes. TBT bearings and SJ Radar
Ranges were used. Check bearings were used.

| | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired | | | | | | |
| Track Angle | 24 P | 23½ P | 25½ P | 23 P | 35 P | 42½ P |
| Gyro Angle | 6 R | 6½ R | 4½ R | 7 R | 5 R | 7½ R |
| Depth Set | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Power | High | High | High | High | High | High |

- 19 -

— page 64 —
Hit or Miss           Hit     Hit     Miss    Miss    Miss    Miss
Erratic               No      No      No      No      No      No
Mark Torpedo          14-3A   14-3A   14-3A   14-3A   14-3A   14-3A
Serial No.            39378   22911   24544   22430   23503   24816
Mark Exploder         6-1     6-1     6-1     6-1     6-1     6-1
Serial No.            9748    12026   12043   11465   12042   11512
Actuation Set         C&M     C&M     C&M     C&M     C&M     C&M
Actuation Actual Contact Contact   Contact   Miss    Miss    Miss    Miss
Mark Warhead          16      16      16      16      16      16
Serial No.            1181    2005    5450    10118   700     1002
Explosive             TPX     TPX     TPX     TPX     TPX     TPX

Firing Interval       8 seconds
Type Spread           Divergent; 2° for bow tubes; 3° for stern tubes.
Sea Conditions        Flat Calm
Overhaul Activity     USS FULTON
Remarks               Good set up, spread used and swinging ship probably
                      caused the four misses with the bow tubes. Rudder
                      was put over just prior to firing number 4 and ship
                      was almost steady on course when stern tubes were
                      fired. Point of aim was 3 grouped ships.

Tubes Fired           #7      #8      #9      #10
Track Angle           90 P    97 P    100 P   100 P
Gyro Angle            17 L    11 L    7 L     1 L
Depth Set             10      10      10      10
Power                 High    High    High    High
Hit or Miss           Hit     Hit     Hit     Hit
Erratic               No      No      No      No
Mark Torpedo          14-3A   14-3A   14-3A   14-3A
Serial No.            23141   23207   24812   25069
Mark Exploder         6-1     6-1     6-1     6-1
Serial No.            11473   14854   11469   2493
Actuation Set         C&M     C&M     C&M     C&M
Actuation Actual Contact Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact
Mark Warhead          16      16      16      16
Serial No.            5812    870     1401    5206
Explosive             TPX     TPX     TPX     TPX

- 20 -

— page 65 —
U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3 PATROL NO. 2
Time 1521 Date 3 November 1943 Lat. 5°-09'N. Long. 153°-06'E.

Target Data Damage Inflicted

Description Two 6000-7000 Ton Marus within about 40° of being
abeam of each other and far ship leading; one PC
or similar type escort. Attack was made on nearest
ship. Sea was flat calm with few ripples, excellent
visibility, contact was made by sighting smoke.

Ships Sunk None

Ships Damage or) One possibly damaged.
Probably Sunk )

Damage Determined Time of explosion of 2 minutes checked closely
by: with time of explosion heard. Also sound reported
hearing crackling and strange noises while at deep
depth and using evasive tactics.

Own Ships Data

Speed 2 Course 255°T Depth 65 Angle 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack Daylight submerged. Target had just completed a
zig, giving a good set up and about an average
track of 95° Starboard. This zig away prevented
further closing the range.

- 21 -

— page 66 —
Tubes Fired | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6
Track Angle | 96½ S | 96 S | 101½ S | 95½ S | 108 S | 96 S
Gyro Angle | 8½ L | 9 L | 3½ L | 9½ L | 3 R | 9 L
Depth Set | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10
Power | High | High | High | High | High | High
Hit or Miss | Miss | Miss (Possible Hit) | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss
Erratic | No | No | No | No | No | No
Mark Torpedoes | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A
Serial No. | 39281 | 39393 | 22232 | 23036 | 24780 | 39391
Mark Exploder | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1
Serial No. | 11482 | 12015 | 12027 | 9755 | 11973 | 12106
Actuation Set | C&M | C&M | C&M | C&M | C&M | C&M
Actuation Actual | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss
Mark Warhead | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16
Serial No. | 9564 | 9659 | 694 | 5441 | 10081 | 11001
Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX

Firing Interval | 8 seconds.
Type Spread | Divergent 2°
Sea Conditions | Flat Calm
Overhaul Activity | USS FULTON
Remarks | Reason for misses cannot be explained unless a range
| error due to an estimated masthead height was
| the cause. Three torpedo tracks were observed, two
| looked particularly good, target did not maneuver
| for about two minutes after firing. Targets observed
| to be not entirely empty.

- 22 -

— page 67 —
(I) MINES
No observations.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS
Following attack #1, one destroyer counter-attacked with only
one salvo of four depth charges, which were close, even though we were
at 400 feet. While searching, one escort used single pings, the other
double pings, which had no difficulty in penetrating the 7° temper-
ature gradient.
Attack #2. It was obvious that the escort, probably a small PC,
did not have, or at least was not using radar. She passed within 2400
yards abeam of us on the surface without our being detected. Escort made
no move for some minutes after we fired, then scurried around trying
to find us or the SILVERSIDES, whom the other escort had driven down
within two minutes after we fired. He fired a small caliber gun wildly.
About one hour after the attack, our escort finally found us and opened
fire again, more carefully than this time and in our general direction, all
shots falling short. We maneuvered to put him astern, increased speed
to emergency, and, in so doing, commenced closing the large maru which
this maneuver presented our broadside to the escort on our stern meanwhile attempting
to get the range, with increasing success. We still hoped to torpedo
the maru, but one shell whistling overhead obliged us to submerge to
450 feet, whereupon the escort proceeded to drop three charges, either
light weight or at an ineffective range. He used single pinging, but
apparently could not find us again. We had meanwhile changed course
toward the convoy, and soon heard heavy screws passing overhead.
During the confusion following our attack, the enemy made several
signals with a greenish light. The only distinguishable characters were
"CO" followed by several slant signs. This possibly means "Submarine Sighted".
fired from the convoy, which
Attack #3. One small escort was about 3000 yards ahead or
slightly on port bow of farthest ship. He was not pinging, and we were
not detected until after firing. Escort dropped about 10 depth charges.
He stopped to listen frequently. Sound heard strange crackling and
popping noises off and on for about an hour after firing in the general
direction of the scene of attack.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE
1. On October 5, 1943 while starting #1 main engine, heard an
unusual noise coming from the lube oil pump. Stopped the engine to
investigate, and disassembled the pump. Found needle bearings in the
pump housing and in the lube oil pressure relief valve; and the pump
housing was cracked. Needle bearings were also found in the after
strainer to the pump. Disassembled #8 unit and found the following
defects: piston pin badly scored; no needle bearings present. In-
spected #9 and #12 units and found the wrist pins scored. Proceeded to
inspect all units and remove new piston, piston pins and assembly on all
units. All spares were used up while completely overhauling this
engine and replacements were requested by radio. Engine was back in
commission on October 11, 1943 at 1800.

- 23 -

— page 68 —
(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (CONTINUED)

2. Port stern tube leaked at the rate of 10 gallons per minute
at 60 feet following the test dive on October 5. At TULAGI, five rings
of semi-metallic packing were removed from gland and found badly shredded
and torn apart. Four of these were replaced with the same type packing,
and the inboard ring was made up from 1/2" braided cotton packing. November
5, 1943, at 0200 the starboard stern tube was leaking excessively and
the port also leaking abnormally. It was decided necessary to repack
both stern tubes prior to making any further deep dives. The starboard
stern tube could not be taken up any further. Due to necessity for
changing areas and in as much as the port tube could still be taken up
some it was decided to repack only the starboard stern tube. Removed
one ring of semi metallic packing and inserted two rings of braided 1"
cotton packing. The metallic packing removed was partly shredded.
Experience on this vessel indicates that the semi-metallic packing is
not suitable for use in the stern tubes.

3. On October 5, the port main motor circulating water strainer
box cover gasket blew out at 350 feet. Gasket was renewed.

4. Exhaust elbows to all four main engine mufflers blew out
during the patrol.

5. On October 17, excessive water was taken aboard through
poppet valves during firing. When an up angle was taken on the boat,
the training motors for both JK-QC and QB sound heads were flooded and
completely submerged in salt water for approximately two hours. Steps
to repair by washing motors in hot water, carbon tetrachloride, followed
by baking. Only the QC motor could be repaired and it was in commission
on October 19. Damage to the JK-QB motor necessitates rewinding of
armature. The QC motor was placed on the port side for operating the
JK-QB sound head, and the QC head was operated by hand for the remainder
of the patrol.

6. On 23 October 1943 immediately after torpedo tube no.7
was fired a reload was begun. An inboard slug was fired to check operation
of the stop bolt and it was found that the bolt would not lift. Upon
examination it was found that the trigger which fits in a slot in the
stop bolt, and whose function is to lift the stop bolt, was not moving
when the tube was fired. The stop bolt was also found to be sheared
off. Before firing, the tail buffer had been backed off a quarter of
a turn. The ejection of the torpedo had appeared normal. Since the
trouble was in after trim the tube was secured. On 28 October, 1943
at the pin which secures the telescopic joint just aft of the after
torpedo room bulkhead. The stop rod was braized together and replaced.
A new stop bolt was installed and the tube put back in commission. The
failure was due to faulty material.

7. On October 26, 1943 at 1054 upon surfacing the men on
watch heard a cracking noise in #1 main engine. Noticed immediately
that there was no water in expansion tank. The engine was immediately
stopped. It was realized that there was a cracked liner. Pulled #1

- 24 -

— page 69 —
(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (CONTINUED)
unit and found that it had three holes (one on inside and two on the
outside). Also there were two broken piston rings, and two pieces of
rings imbeded in piston itself. Renewed piston, liner, piston pin,
and assembly. Put water test on engine and found it to be satis-
factory. Started engine and everything was normal. Reason for
the cracked liner was due to the fact that #1 unit had water in it.

(L) RADIO
Radio reception and transmission was normal. Belconnen
could be heard well at all times except submerged. The inter ship
frequency of 2880 kcs was guarded and one partial message received
on October 19. Our transmission on 2880 kcs apparently were not
heard. The radio trunk was flooding constantly through leaky gaskets.
It was used with a zero ground on all antennas with no apparent
handicap. On October 10, we heard the following message repeated
over the MN: "88 from 89". Believe this was conversation between
B-24's which were in sight near GUADALCANAL.

(M) RADAR
SJ radar operated normal with exception of one casualty. On
October 11, the range indicator was run out to 16,000 yards and
became jammed. The repair force disassembled the range unit and found
that the cable to the receiver crystal was twisted around the shaft of
the crystal carriage. The cable was straightened and operation
continued normally.
SD radar operation normal. On October 12, with a plane in
sight and SD tracking him at ranges from 12-22 miles, it is interesting
to note that SD sometimes lost it when it entered clouds, and regained
contact as soon as he emerged.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS
While operating sound heads by hand, the need of a volume
control station in the forward torpedo room was felt. Present system
is controlled in conning tower.
Sound conditions were normal. Screws and pinging was heard
up to ranges of 14,000 yards.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS
On all cases of deep submergence a thermal layer of approxi-
mately five degrees was found at an average depth of three hundred feet.
Only on one occasion, October 17, 1943, was a positive thermal layer
found; a increase of two degrees at three hundred feet.

- 25 -

— page 70 —
(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY
Health: Three suspected gonorrhea cases were discovered after
four days at sea, and were treated effectively by the pharmacist's mate.
Upon examination by a medical officer at TULAGI all three were declared
cured. However, on November 3, one of these cases developed a case of
bubo and had to be removed from the watch list. One sprained ankle
suffered by a lookout when clearing the bridge necessitated his being
removed from the watch list. One slight concussion of the skull suffered
by a MoMM when a heavy wrench fell on his head, and one sprained back
suffered by a MoMM. Both of these were incurred while repairing #1
main engine during heavy weather, and were examined by a medical officer
at TULAGI on October 11.
Food and Habitability: Excellent.

(Q) PERSONNEL

Satisfactory.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED

Brisbane to area | 3054 mi. | 34,310 gals.
In area | 2729 mi. | 35,700 gals.
Enroute Tulagi | 1217 mi. | 17,100 gals.
Enroute Tulagi to 2nd area | 983 mi. | 14,200 gals.
In 2nd area | 2209 mi. | 29,400 gals.
2nd area to Milne Bay | 1367 mi. | 16,300 gals.
Total | 11559 mi. | 147,010 gals.

(S) DURATION

Days enroute area | 12
Days in area | 9
Days enroute to Tulagi | 3
Days enroute Tulagi to 2nd area | 3
Days in 2nd area | 11
Days enroute 2nd area to Milne Bay | 5
Total | 43
Days submerged | 13

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

Torpedoes | Fuel | Provisions | Personnel Factor
6 | 34,000 gals. | 40 days | Undetermined.

Limiting factor this patrol | Orders of CTF 72

- 26 -

— page 71 —
(U) REMARKS
1. Officers and crew performed their duties in a most
creditable manner, and special credit is due to Ensign L.D. RUSSELL
for maintaining depth control at 400 feet during the depth charge attack
on October 17, 1943. The poppets on the forward tubes were held open
for eight seconds and water in the forward torpedo room was almost
up to the floor plates causing depth control to become most difficult.
Ensign RUSSEL did an excellent job in maintaining depth in spite of
these conditions.

2. Much credit is due to the engineer's force for accom-
plishing a practically complete overhaul of #1 main engine, underway,
working day and night for a period of five days in rough seas while
conducting training exercises enroute to patrol station.

3. The use of 2880 KCS, for communication between ships
in the same area did not prove to be successful during this patrol.
A total of three transmissions on this frequency were made and it is
believed that none were received by the SILVERSIDES operating in the
same area.

4. The MN equipment proved to be very valuable in making
a coordinated attack with another submarine. It is believed that an
increased range, such that boats could have effective communication
while on different sides of a convoy would be of great value. Some
difficulty was experienced with the equipment, causing loss of
communications at critical times. The maximum effective range of
communication with the MN during this patrol was about 10,000 - 14,000
yards. A set of prearranged plans for coordinated attacks for use
when ships have MN contact would do much toward facilitating and
expediting attacks.

- 27 -

— page 72 —
CONFIDENTIAL SUBMARINE DIVISION EIGHTY-TWO
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to c/o Fleet Post Office,
CO BALAO, Report of San Francisco, Calif.,
Second War Patrol.
16 November 1943.

FB5-82/A16-3

Serial

From: The Commander Submarine Division EIGHTY-TWO.
To : The Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT.
(2) The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285), Second War Patrol -
Report of.

1. The subject war patrol was of forty-four days
duration of which twenty days were spent in assigned patrol
areas. This patrol was terminated by order of the Task Force
Commander.

2. Three attacks were made, one of which was
successful. Of the twenty-two torpedoes fired, six hit and
exploded, all apparently with high order detonations. While there
is no concrete evidence of erratic torpedo performance on
either of the first two attacks, on the third attack only three
torpedo wakes were sighted and one explosion was seen off the bow
of the target. This is believed to have been explosion of a tor-
pedo, and not of a depth charge due to its location relative to
the target and to the escort. No air screen was sighted during
this approach and attack.

3. A brief analysis of attacks follows:

Attack No. 1.
All torpedoes missed due to excessive firing
range and an unexpected course change of the target during fir-
ing. The plot of the approach indicates that had the target
track been closed at moderate or high speed on a 90° or larger
track during the early part of the approach, the firing range
could have been reduced considerably. When the target changed
course during the firing, fire should have been checked until
the target steadied on its new course and then resumed immediate-
ly with the new set-up, with the spread reduced to correspond to
the sharp track.

Attack No. 2.
This was a well executed night surface attack
on multiple overlapping targets. Four of the bow tubes missed

- 1 -

— page 73 —
SUBMAIRNE DIVISION EIGHTY TWO
FB5-82/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO BALAO, Report of
Second War Patrol.

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
November 16, 1943.

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285), Second War Patrol -
Report of.

— page 74 —
FB5-82/A16-3 SUBMARINE DIVISION EIGHTY TWO
CONFIDENTIAL
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
November 16, 1943.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO BALAO, Report of
Second War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285), Second War Patrol -
Report of.

6. The Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew are
to be congratulated for the damage inflicted upon the enemy
during this patrol, which, it is recommended, be assessed as
follows:

SUNK
One unidentified merchant ship 5000 tons.

DAMAGED
One unidentified merchant ship 5000 tons.
One unidentified merchant ship 5000 tons.

H.C. BRUTON.

— page 75 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON EIGHT
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
November 16, 1943.

FC5-S/A16-3

Serial: 0171

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO BALAO Report of
Second War Patrol.

From: Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT.
To: Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
SUBJECT: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285), Second War Patrol;
Comments on.

1. BALAO's Second War Patrol, of 44 days duration,
began on her departure from MIDWAY, October 4, 1943, and ended
with her arrival at FULTON for refit by FULTON on November
16, 1943. Except for a week spent in replenishing
torpedoes and fuel BALAO spent the period October 13th to Nov-
ember 12th patrolling the routes from RABAUL to TRUK and the
PALAU.

2. BALAO made three attacks and fired a total of
twenty-two torpedoes. Her only successful attack was delivered
on the night of 22-23 October against a six ship convoy firing
at three ships which were overlapping. This attack was aggres-
sively conducted. Ten torpedoes were fired and six hits were
heard. Damage is difficult to assess because of meager infor-
mation, but it is believed that at least two ships were severely
damaged and that one of them sank.

3. When SILVERSIDES and BALAO formed scouting line
on October 13th to search for the southeast-bound convoy with
which they had lost contact, they employed a scouting distance
of four miles. Even with poor communications it is considered
that this distance could have been doubled. Both ships were
using FM radio equipment for tactical communications.

4. After BALAO had regained contact during the night
of 18-19 October with the above convoy she shadowed for five
hours waiting for a dawn attack, only to lose contact about
three o'clock in the morning when the convoy apparently made
a radical change of base course. While it is probable that this
action by the enemy was the result of his sighting either BALAO
or SILVERSIDES, it is a well known ruse of the enemy to make
a radical change of base course prior to dawn when submarines

- 1 -

— page 76 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON EIGHT
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
November 16, 1943

FC5-3/A16-3
Serial: 0171
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SUBJECT: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285), Second War Patrol;
Comments on.

— page 77 —
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Fk
Serial 0348
CONFIDENTIAL
3rd ENDORSEMENT to
CO BALAO Report of
Second War Patrol

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

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Second War Patrol; comments
on.

1. Leaving BRISBANE on her Second War Patrol 4 October
1943, BALAO proceeded in company with SILVERSIDES to TULAGI
conducting three days training in day and night tracking and
approaches with COUCAL enroute. Refueled in TULAGI 10 October
and made emergency repairs to main engines. Continued on to
patrol area north of Bismarck covering FELEW - RABAUL routes
on 11th. Her first contact on 17 October was an escorted con-
voy of four, possibly five medium freighters enroute RABAUL.
Made submerged approach firing full salvo six torpedoes, all
missed due excess range and target made large zig just after
firing. Heavily depth-charged with minor damage at 400 feet.
Searched during night but could not regain contact. Late in
afternoon of 18th joined SILVERSIDES and formed a scouting line
searching for convoy. Contact was made after dark of 18th but
attack position not reached. Lost contact at dawn. On 22
October again BALAO joined SILVERSIDES and laid plans for coord-
inated attack on expected FELEW bound convoy. Made contact with
seven ship convoy at dusk and after tracking from ahead at 0017,
23 October, fired ten torpedoes at three ship target in line of
bearing almost overlapping. Latitude 0º-34' N., Longitude 147º-
40' E. Six explosions at expected time of torpedo run were
heard. One ship seen 30º down by bow with stern in air. An-
other heavily listed and third apparently low in water. Re-
mained on surface evading escort endeavoring obtain second at-
tack position, but was forced down by shell-fire from escort
before firing. Ineffectual depth-charging with only result,
loss of contact with convoy. Searched next day but contact not
regained. Failure of communication with SILVERSIDES prevented
interchange of information. Recalled to TULAGI on 24 October
to replenish fuel and torpedoes. Arrived 28 October TULAGI,
loaded four torpedoes, refueled, made minor repairs and depart-
ed same day for scouting line south of TRUK, covering operations
of SOUTH PACIFIC FORCES. November 1 - 3 on scouting line. 4
November sighted TRUK bound convoy of two ships. Made sub-
merged approach firing six torpedoes. One explosion ahead of
target was seen, no evidence of damage, subsequent depth-charging
preventing chase of convoy. Uneventful patrol TRUK - NEW HANOVER

- 1 -

— page 78 —
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 0348
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Second War Patrol; comments
on.

— page 79 —
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial [HANDWRITTEN: 0348]
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Second War Patrol; comments
         on.

DAMAGED
1 Unidentified freighter 4,000 tons.

                                                  JAMES FIFE.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (Advance copy - 2)
VCNO
VOPNAV (Op-23c)
Com 1st Flt
Com 2nd Flt
Com 3rd Flt
Comsubs 1st Flt
Comsubs 2nd Flt
Comsubs 7th Flt
CSS 6, 8, 10, 16, 18
CSD 81, 82
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 must be destroyed by
     BURNING prior to passing 5° South).
CO BALAO (File).

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

                                                  23 November 1943.

                                                  - 3 -

— page 80 —
UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET

Reg. No. 152
1 01337

A16-3/(F-6-mk)

Serial: 052

9 JAN 1944

CONFIDENTIAL

FOURTH ENDORSEMENT to:
CO BALAO Report of
Second War Patrol.

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

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

1. Forwarded.

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

[STAMP: COMMANDER IN CHIEF]
[STAMP: U.S. FLEET]
[STAMP: RECEIVED]
[STAMP: 44 JAN 17 22 00]

— page 81 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

U.S.S. BALAO (SS285)

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
15 January 1944.

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

SS285/A16-3
Serial ( 04 )

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. BALAO.
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Division EIGHTY-TWO.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT.
(3) The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.

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

Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart.
(C) Navigational Time Plot.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the Third War Patrol of
this vessel conducted in Bismarck, Solomons, New Guinea area
during the period 8 December, 1943 to 15 January, 1944, is for-
warded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: C. C. COLE.]
C. C. COLE.

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

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

(9)
[HANDWRITTEN: 64551] [STAMP: FILMED]

— page 82 —
(A) PROLOGUE.
BALAO returned from Second War Patrol on 16 November, 1943,
mooring alongside FULTON in MILNE BAY, NEW GUINEA. Tender carried
out normal refit of two weeks. On 25 November, 1943, Commander
Richard H. Crane, U.S. Navy was relieved as Commanding Officer by
Lieut. Comdr. Cyrus C. Cole, U.S. Navy on orders from Commander Task
Force SEVENTY-TWO. Regular crew took over ship from relief crew on
1 December; conducted sound test, gun firing and independent train-
ing operations in MILNE BAY on 2 December; conducted training exer-
cises and practice approaches with COUCAL in MILNE BAY on 4 and 5
December.

(B) NARRATIVE: (All times "LOVE")

8 December:
1100: Underway from FULTON, standing out of MILNE BAY in company with
COUCAL for training at sea. Commander Submarine Division EIGHTY-
TWO embarked to conduct exercises.
1600: Cleared CHINA STRAIT. Commenced training exercises.
1200 Position: MILNE BAY

9 December:
0700: Continued training exercises with COUCAL.
Transferred ComSubDiv 82 to COUCAL.
1200 Position: 11°-59'S, 151°-39'E.

10 December:
1700: Continued training exercises with COUCAL.
Received log of exercises from COUCAL, parted company at POINT
BALL. Set course for TULAGI via prescribed route.
1200 Position: 12°-19'S, 154°-16'E.

11 December:
Training dives and drills enroute TULAGI.
0644: Sighted GUADALCANAL search plane (Aircraft Contact #1), played
him safe at 150 feet when he was about 5 miles off. A 20°
angle on his bow aided the decision. Lat: 10°-52'S; Long:
156°-37'E.
1200 Position: 10°-20'S, 157°-22'E.

- 1 -
[HANDWRITTEN: (10)]

— page 83 —
12 December:
0403: Made contact with escort (AM61, USS SHELDRAKE) after closing him
from 9,000 yards to 2300 yards. Escort did not sight us until
we challenged him, in spite of bright moonlight. The gray paint
seems to work. Fell in astern of him and headed for TULAGI.
0910: Anchored in Berth 16, TULAGI HARBOR.
1114: Shifted berth to GOVERNMENT WHARF. Fueled ship, took on 400 gal.
lube oil and left four torpedoes on dock for GATO. Made arrange-
ments with aviators for tests of radio equipment with planes on
the way up to station.
1622: Underway from TULAGI in company with escort.
1900: Released escort, proceeding independently in accordance with
operation order.
1200 Position: TULAGI.

13 December:
Proceeding to area via bombing restriction lane. Carried out
communications tests with planes.
0850: Discovered ground on shunt field of auxiliary generator; commenced
repairs.
1600: Auxiliary generator back in commission.
1200 Position: 6°-12.5'N; 158°-30'E.

14 December:
Proceeding to area.
0605: Made trim dive for an hour, going to 300 feet to take bathythermo-
graph card and check for noise and leaks.
0903: Sighted aircraft (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #2), went to 100 feet. Back
to periscope depth and watched plane go out, so at
0914: Surfaced and continued on our way.
1200 Position: 2°-27.5'S, 155°-19'E.

15 December:
0800: Set course 330°T to cross TRUK-KAVIENG routes obliquely, hoping
to pick up a target. Made a short training dive during each
watch.
1200 Position: 1°-23'N, 152°-28'E

16 December:
0000: Changed course to 000°T to work up toward TRUK.
0620: Changed course to 315°T, dived for submerged patrol. Went to
350 feet for bathythermograph card which showed constant
temperature to 310 feet (86°F) then a 2°F drop between 310 and
330 feet. Returned to periscope depth and started continuous
observation.

[HANDWRITTEN: (11)]
- 2 -

— page 84 —
16 December (continued)
1805: Surfaced, having sighted nothing. Started surface patrol.
1930: Commenced scouting on 3 engines to try to find enemy CA TRUK-
       bound.
2345: Slowed to two engine speed to conserve fuel, scouting across
       estimated track.
       1200 Position: 4°-58'N, 151°-22'E
       L.O. P.M.L. 1. 1. 79.8. 1.

17 December:
       Continued scouting.
0830: Made 10 minute trim dive.
1125: Nothing sighted or heard, abandoned scouting for CA as he is
       probably in TRUK by now. Continued southward on one engine
       along TRUK-AUSAU route for a look at the southern part of our
       area.
       1200 Position: 3°-11'N, 150°-53'E
       L.O. P.M.L. 1. 1. 79.8. 1.

18 December:
0856: Having nothing in sight and good weather for enemy planes,
       dived for submerged patrol and submerged training. Went to
       400 feet for bathythermograph card which showed constant
       temperature (86°F) to 380 feet, then a drop of 6°F in the
       following 30 feet.
1045: Surfaced. Skies have cleared and BLUE planes might have some
       dope for us. Patrolling along equator to pick up MUSSAU-TRUK
       shipping.
1647: Sighted three objects, either masts or periscopes on the
       horizon, when they appeared to be one vertical tree stump and
       two vertical broom handles or metallic markers. Shot at all
       three from about two hundred yards trying to explode any
       surface mines, then called off small arms practice and con-
       tinued on our way.
       1200 Position: 0°-01'S, 149°-47.5'E
       L.O. P.M.L. 1. 1. 79.8. 1.

19 December:
0900: Sky became overcast with some breaks, started using SD radar
       for 5 seconds each minute. This paid a dividend at
1100: when the screen showed a 4 1/2 mile pip closing. It reached
       four miles and we remained forty feet about together. Plane
       was not sighted and probably in one of the nearby thunderheads.
       (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #3).
1205: Surfaced, everything apparently clear.
1208: Sighted a twin-engine medium bomber bearing 110°T, distant 9
       miles, northerly course. He turned toward at that time, so
       decided to watch him from 150 feet. Back to periscope depth
       until at
       (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #4)

[HANDWRITTEN: (12)]
- 3 -

— page 85 —
19 December (continued)
1534: Surfaced. Since our position probably known by now, decided to
work to the northward in our area, keeping south of PETO's lane.
1200 Position: 0°-06'N, 150°-22'E

20 December:
0600: Arrived at 2°-30'N, commenced patrolling east and west, looking
for TRUK-MUSSAU traffic.
1930: Sighted red flare or rocket bearing 225°T, estimated distance
10 miles. Nothing in sight (position 2°-28.5'N, 149°-20'E) so
headed over at full speed hoping for a convoy.
2026: Radar contact at 1550 yards. The Executive Officer had been
looking on the same bearing and had seen nothing, even at such
close range, so put it astern and ran out four minutes to open
the range of an escort or submarine. Radar lost contact immedi-
ately, no sight or sound contact so headed back in the hope of
finding a lifeboat.
2044: Radar picked up a momentary pip at 1200 yards, then lost it;
decided it was either a wave or a periscope; in the first case
we were wasting time hanging around and if the second he had
too much advantage in submergence. Resumed chase of our flare
at high speed.
2116: Had chased more than 25 miles toward our "flare" and found
nothing; changed course 90° to left on the chance of picking
up something, slowed to let him catch up with us.
2358: Still nothing so changed to northerly course to work to north
of our area and patrol western detours of TRUK-MUSSAU lane.
In the light of later information, the flare may have come from
GATO's convoy - if we had been given timely news we could have
gone over to lend a hand since we were about fifty miles away
when we turned back to the northward.
1200 Position: 2°-37'.3 N, 149°-51' E
[HANDWRITTEN: 7,11,18 cal.]

21 December:
1430: Commenced patrolling 4°-10'N, east and west to pick up TRUK-
MUSSAU traffic. Keeping west of 150°E to pick up westward-
detoured traffic.
1715: Plot showed we could intercept a
target in South Channel, TRUK, if we could make 22 knots and
his speed 18 instead of estimated 20. Again, if we had gotten
the dope even three hours earlier, or two hours after the air
sighting, we could have gotten over in position. The combi-
nation of the aircraft search radio frequency and the inter-
submarine operational frequency would be a tremendous boon
to people looking for targets.
1200 Position: 3°-45.5' N, 149°-00' E
[HANDWRITTEN: 7,11,18 cal.]

- 4 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 13]

— page 86 —
22 December:
Worked over to northeast during night and at
0729: Submerged for periscope patrol.
1733: Surfaced, having sighted nothing.
1200 Position: 3°-45.0'N, 150°-30'E.

23 December:
0616: Weather being too bad for effective sight detection
of planes, dived on TRUK-KAVIENG lane for periscope patrol.
1900: Surfaced, having sighted nothing. Continued surface patrol.
1200 Position: 3°-30'N, 150°-52.5'E

24 December:
Still in the weather front, working to northward.
0610: Submerged for periscope patrol.
1056: Weather getting some better; surfaced.
1500: Weather closed in again - submerged.
1956: Surfaced and continued SJ patrol.
1200 Position: 3°-51'N, 151°-39'E.

25 December:
0644: Trim dive, down 26 minutes.
1930: Christmas dinner on station. Added fourteen ounces of brandy
to the mince pie but all hands decided a big juicy convoy
would have tasted better. Still having weather trouble and
seeing nothing.
1200 Position: 5°-06'N, 150°-24'E.

26 December:
0635: Trim dive for a half hour.
0730: Sighted plane, "RUFE" diving on us, so we followed his lead.
Came out of a cloud and apparently hadn't seen us, then dove
in. Must have been unarmed because he neither shot nor dropped
on us. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #5). Since we were so definitely
spotted, decided to pass on information of bad weather and
negative information of sightings.
0750: Surfaced and headed off to northeast.
0827: Changed course to northwest. Sent BALAO Serial 2.
0918: Message receipted for, changed course to southwest, started
surface patrol.
1428: Business picking up - sighted another float plane, "DAVE" at
eight miles. Submerged to avoid detection. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT
#6).
1538: Surfaced, all clear. Continued patrol.
1200 Position: 5°-06'N, 149°-56'E.

- 5 -
[HANDWRITTEN: (14)]

— page 87 —
27 December:

0645: Trim dive, 1/2 hour.
0719: Three minutes after surfacing, sighted float plane, "RUFE",
       distant 8 miles. Dove to avoid detection. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #7).
0806: Surfaced and continued patrol.
0858: Unidentified plane at 6 miles, may have sighted us. Submerged.
       (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #8).
1000: Surfaced. At-sea-training to the southeast as our northern
       weather front has followed us down from 5°-15'N where we left it.
1415: Sighted float plane (JAKE or DAVE) at 8 miles to southward,
       about 1500 feet high. Went to 150 feet. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #9).
1505: Plane no longer in sight through the periscope. Surfaced.
1506: Sighted plane to southward about 8 miles. Started deep, but
       since he was on roughly parallel course stayed at periscope
       depth to watch him. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #10). He was on easterly
       and westerly headings, bearing between 180°T and 200°T from us,
       and seemed to be working closer. Decided he was looking for us
       or protecting some ships, so at
1525: Changed course to 190°T and went to 150 feet to get under his
       observant eye.
1540: Sound heard peculiar noises bearing about 020° relative, came
       up to periscope depth for a look. (SHIP CONTACT NO. 1).
1601: Sighted what was first taken for a pair of trawlers or PC's
       just over the horizon. Sound had a turn count of 180 rpm by
       then; went to battle stations just in case they turned out to
       be destroyers and we could get a shot. Successive looks upped
       the ante and we soon knew we had two MOGAMI class heavy cruisers
       escorted by two ASASHIO class destroyers. Speed was above 20
       knots and the formation was employing a radical zig plan; every
       look (about three to five minutes apart) gave a different angle
       on the bow and a completely changed picture. No pinging by
       the destroyers. DD's on either bow of leading CA, about 3000
       yards and CA's in column about 1500 yards apart. The port
       screen gave us a 5° angle on the bow which made it look a
       little awkward; his true bearing started drawing rapidly to
       the right in the sound gear, though, and it was assumed he had
       not seen us - he passed about 200 yards abeam to starboard and
       went blithely on his way. By the time we could take another
       look, the leading CA had gotten by; the second bore 320°
       relative with a 70° port track. Decided to turn right to get
       a stern tube shot at the second since the bow tubes never would
       have had less than 100° gyro angles. Finally got around and at
1616:00 Fired tube #7 (ATTACK NO. 1)
1616:08 Fired tube #8
1616:16 Fired tube #9
1616:24 Fired tube #10

[HANDWRITTEN: (13)]
- 6 -

— page 88 —
27 December (continued)

Had to accept a long torpedo run and a poor track but it was a
case of fire or relinquish the fowling piece as we could never
have reestablished contact at that speed. Since the destroyers
were out in the bleachers, stayed up to see what happened;
noticed both ships flying red flags at main truck, leader
flying an additional red flag at fore truck. The port screen
had several white stripes around the top of his #1 stack.
Torpedoes were heard running and were not seen to smoke; the
impulse bubble aft was indistinguishable from the propeller
wash on speeding run.
1620: Formation changed course to left, heading across torpedo
wakes which were apparently not seen yet.
1620:30 Port screen turned around and presented zero angle on the
bow. Assumed that torpedoes had missed although they were
still heard running and decided to go deep rather than take
the DD, since he would have been over us
before we could have presented a bow tube. Rigged for depth
charge attack.
1621:10 Heard first explosion.
1621:18 Heard second explosion.
1621:28 Heard third explosion.
These were definitely torpedo explosions and not depth charges,
but it is not known whether they were hits or explosions in
the wake; the timing was the most encouraging point. Sound
had a destroyer's screws mixed up with our own but there was
no evidence of prolonged counter-attack. It is remarked in
passing that a search plane circling ahead of a convoy is
sometimes a better marker than smoke - had we continued on
our way instead of heading for the plane he would have gotten
completely clear.
1725: Came up for a look - nothing in sight, secured from depth
charge stations and went to 150 feet to reload and stay away
from any planes looking about. Sent out BALAO Serial 3.
1842: Surfaced and sent out BALAO Serial 3.
1918: Commenced clearing the area to east at two-engine speed.
1200 Position: 4°-20.5 N, 150°-28' E.

28 December:

0000: Took up new patrol station to east of attack position, slowed
to one engine.
0639: Made 25-minute trim dive.
0907: Sighted plane at 4 miles (RUFE) and went to 150 feet (AIRCRAFT
CONTACT NO. 11)
1015: Surfaced and continued patrol.
1115: Medium bomber NEIL came out of a cloud nearby overhead - again
got below periscope depth. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 12).
1316: Surfaced and started to clear area.
1200 Position: 4°-13.5 N, 151°-41.5 E.

- 7 -

[HANDWRITTEN: (16)]

— page 89 —
29 December:
0645: Trim dive (28 minutes).
0916: Another plane (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 13) sighted 5 miles away -
      down we go again.
1033: Surfaced and continued patrol.
      1200 Position: 4°-11'N, 148°-38'E.

30 December:
0258: Sighted possible flare to northeastward - headed over to investi-
      gate with negative results. Continued on to our new patrol area.
0645: Submerged for periscope patrol of TRUK - KAVLING route, sky being
      too overcast for efficient sight spotting of planes.
1854: Surfaced, having made no contact.
2115: Received orders to head west - started off at four-engine speed.
      1200 Position: 5°-04'N, 149°-31'E.

31 December:
0925: Sighted unidentified plane, probably RUFE, at 5 miles - down we
      go again. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 14).
0958: No time to be playing around with airplanes - surfaced and on the
      horse again.
1455: Sighted GATO bearing 315° distant about 15 miles. Closed to ex-
      change (negative) information. GATO suggested we take northerly
      section of area - agreed. (SHIP CONTACT NO. 2).
1545: Parted company, heading northeastward, GATO disappearing to
      south. Started patrol of RABAUL-PALAU convoy routes. On GATO's
      departure, our SJ radar got a small pip on him at 12,000 yards
      when put on bearing by bridge - at least seems to be working
      properly.
1905: Reversed search course, searching to east and south.
2400: Another year completed, at least in this time zone. Changed
      calendars and continued search.
      1200 Position: 3°-55'N, 146°-20'E.

1 January, 1944:
      Continuing searching.
0704: Trim dive (34 minutes).
0840: Sighted smoke on horizon (SHIP CONTACT NO. 3). Started
      maneuvering to get ahead on an estimated southeasterly course
      and found, to our surprise, that he must have been heading to
      north.
1015: Transmitted preliminary contact report on aircraft frequency
      and continued efforts to get into attack position. Sky becoming
      more overcast, sea beginning to get good for periscopes.
1150: Weather began closing in, with frequent rain squalls. Kept SJ
      radar manned to assure he didn't zig toward us when going through
      rain. Had him tagged as headed for PALAU at this point.

- 8 -
[HANDWRITTEN: ⑰]

— page 90 —
1 January (continued)

1215: Periscope watch and watch on periscope shears platform saw
     him coming at us out of a squall - much too close to prevent
     discovery and shoot on proper bearing if he were going to
     Palau as supposed.

1232: Squall cleared, sighted him through periscope; went to battle
     stations and started approach. Closest range during this
     approach was about 10,000 yards, his base course being 60° to
     the right of our last guess. Got several good looks at him
     through periscope - did not see water line but sized him up
     as a very large fairly new motorship similar to KINKA MARU
     (pg. 44, ONI 208-J). The convoy was thought at this time to
     consist of an escort ahead, then KINKA and a small, smoking
     AK astern. Target was only one zig-zagging appreciably and
     he was using 90° - 130° changes of course.

1412: Became evident we could not close; secured from battle stations
     and continued tracking until we could come up.

1453: Determined he could not see our shears on the surface by
     coming up slowly to 40' keel depth - with 29 feet of periscope
     out we could just make out the top few feet of his mast - at
     this point the smoke of the third ship came to our aid and
     maintained the contact. Surfaced and resumed trailing. During
     the dive sound had heard pinging of very sporadic and
     inexperienced nature.

1853: Sun dropping behind clouds on our quarter, we were in front of
     a particularly black squall and he was just about to enter
     one. Went up to full speed and started closing in to keep
     from losing contact. Moon was still high although obscured
     by frequent clouds, and just bright enough to kill some of
     the phosphorescence of the water. Planned to take position
     just forward of his starboard beam (side away from the moon
     and up-wind) and go in from abeam to keep abaft the escorts
     beam.

2016: Went to battle stations. Shortly thereafter it looked as though
     it would be some time until shooting so had men stand easy
     until we started approach.

2332: At this time we were approaching a heavy rain squall, the moon
     was nearly down and a heavy squall was behind the target. One
     had excellent information on course, speed and zig plan. Our
     back to his quarter, but it seemed too good to wait for one
     escort to improve the position, especially since the escort
     was making no move to follow our wishes. Swung to lead
     target by about 10° and increased speed to full.

- 9 -

[HANDWRITTEN: (18)]

— page 91 —
1 January (continued):

2342: Slowed to standard speed (14 knots).
2345:40 Fired #3 tube.
2345:50 Fired #4 tube.
2345:58 Fired #5 tube.
2346:09 Fired #6 tube.
2346:17 Fired #1 tube.
2346:25 Fired #2 tube. Started swinging left, increased to flank
 speed. Torpedo tracks were brilliant in the darkness, all tor-
 pedoes seen to start true, wakes lost when about 800 yards
 distant.
2347:30 Heard and saw first explosion between bow and foremast.
2347:35 Heard and saw second explosion just forward of bridge structure.
2348:04 Heard third explosion, OOD saw hit out of corner of his eye,
 between after part of bridge structure and after goalposts.
 At this time the port battle lookout reported a ship on the
 port bow coming out of a rain squall - our friend the near
 escort. From the rate of swing it looked as though we would
 be in good position to be rammed - shifted rudder and backed
 emergency, bow starting to swing back toward his stern but
 not very rapidly.
2348:30 Cleared the bridge and started down. (He was so close he
 probably cleared his bridge on our order.) He was quite
 large for a PC type escort, more nearly resembling the
 destroyer-hulled minesweeper type. Ordered test depth.
 Immediately after submerging heard very loud crackling noises
 as though he were being broken up by our periscope shears or
 conning tower; to protect personnel if conning tower were
 holed by him or by gunfire, ordered it abandoned until we
 got well down. During this time the Executive Officer, Lieut.
 Comdr. Jack M. Seymour, U.S. Navy, was trying to close the
 conning tower upper hatch which had jammed. With complete
 disregard for his personal safety and with great coolness he
 ordered the other personnel out of the conning tower and
 completed the proper securing of the hatch. His conduct at
 this time is being made the subject of separate correspondence.
2349: Reached 150 feet on the way down; reentered the conning tower,
 rigged for depth charge attack.
2350: First depth charge.
2350:20 Second depth charge.
2351: Third depth charge. These three were not too close and
 merely made solitude more desirable. For the next hour
 or more sound kept reporting loud crackling noises from the
 direction of the target, most of which were audible through
 the hull. During the entire time submerged no more than
 two sets of screws were heard, both light.
 1200 Position: 33°-00'N, 146°-36'E

- 10 -

— page 92 —
2 January:
0009: Fourth depth charge; knocked JP sound gear out of commission,
"opened" forward torpedo room hatch on the Christmas tree.
Only one escort seemed to be working on us, listening rather
than pinging; got below a density layer in case he started
pinging and set course away from the target area and into
listening as difficult as possible during
runs and to prevent his taking station above and going along
our course. Fish-tailed with very little rudder.
0015: Changed rudder and received fifth depth charge, fairly close.
Jarred starboard sound head up, breaking lugs and putting it
out of commission.
0018: Sixth depth charge, quite close and set deep. He started
hunting, and nothing happened until
0055: Seventh depth charge, farther out, which jarred JP gear back
into commission.
0057: Eighth depth charge.
0227: Nothing but screws for an hour and a half, started hydraulic
plant to charge accumulator and at
0230: Ninth depth charge, by way of reply.
0338: Another hour hearing very little, surfaced and headed for the
nearest rain squall at flank speed. Secured from battle
stations and re-loaded bow tubes.
0542: Changed course to transmit report of action, had great deal of
trouble getting it through.
0723: Ceased efforts to get report out, changed course to clear last
position and head for a rain squall.
0753: Dived to 150 feet to cool off. Made continuous periscope
observations (from 62 feet) after rain ceased.
1728: Surfaced. Evidence pointed so strongly to sinking decided
not to go back to attack area. Commenced surface patrol of
TRUK-RABAUL lanes.
1200 Position: 2°-55'N, 146°-55'E.

3 January:
0653: Made trim dive.
1020: Started northward at full speed.
1850: Commenced searching area.
1200 Position: 1°-58'N, 146°-20'E.

4 January:
0615: Made trim dive to avoid being sighted at dawn.
0725: Surfaced and continued search.
2000: Decided remaining possibility on basis of information at
hand was PULUSUK ISLAND; started northward to reconnoiter.
Transmitted report to Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.
1200 Position: 4°-25'N, 147°-47'E.

- 11 -
[HANDWRITTEN: (20)]

— page 93 —
5 January:
1210: Sighted PULUSUK ISLAND distant 15 miles bearing 015°T. Closed
to have a look.
1248: Submerged to go in for a better look. Approached to about 4
miles, found nothing worth shooting at, took some pictures and
retired. Saw several small fishing boats on the beach, which
is sandy and about 50 yards wide. Fairly heavy growth of palms
and coconut trees, but should provide land for a landing strip
if trees cleared - island does not look hilly.
1610: Surfaced and started clearing area for TULAGI and some more fuel.
2231: Had small pip in SJ radar at 11,000 yards, started maneuvering
to investigate. Developed into two ships and two escorts in
confusing array. The escorts apparently circling the convoyed
ships. Started working for tracking and attack position, but
at (SHIP CONTACT NO. 4)
2323: Lookout sighted plane crossing a lighted cloud coming toward us
so went to 150 feet. (PLANE CONTACT NO. 15)
2330: Went to battle stations, hoping to get in for a shot.
2345: Escort headed in pinging as though he had us - went to 400 feet
and rigged for depth charges.
1200 Position: 6°-24'N, 149°-10'E.

6 January:
0130: Started up to have a look, got up above density layer and heard
loud pinging on the starboard bow. Returned to 400 feet. Evi-
dently a very slow convoy or a very persistent escort with nothing
much to do.
0235: Started up again, this time all clear.
0305: Surfaced and hauled clear to dope out what goes on. On way up
noted a brilliant wake from the periscope at slow speed and 80
feet - wonder if that was how the escort of a few nights ago
held on so long.
0325: Set course to regain contact and yet stay clear of HELENE SHOALS.
Had not had a sight or fix since leaving PULUSUK and enemy course
seemed to carry him right over the shoals.
0844: Sighted a light cruiser (SENDAI CLASS) and large MARU through a
rain squall, course about 060° speed 5 knots or less. Started
tracking and maneuvering to attain attack position. Sent infor-
mation to ComTaskFor 72. Seas continue quite heavy, frequent
squalls of a well-developed weather front made tracking a bit
rugged.
1305: After having lost contact for a good two hours, saw him through
a rain squall looking very close. Dived to avoid detection.
Went to battle stations. Attempted submerged approach but sea
made it impossible to get a bearing unless at 60 feet keel depth,
while periscope would break through occasional troughs at a
depth gauge reading of 70 to 72 feet. At least a 20 or 25 foot
depth setting would be required on torpedoes.

- 12 -
[HANDWRITTEN: ⑳]

— page 94 —
6 January (continued)
1345: Range 8,000 yards, angle on the bow 110° port. Destroyer on the
     port bow of convoy has become suspicious and moved back to a
     position between us and the MARU. MARU is very high out of
     the water forward and resembles our target of the first - could she
     have survived three doses of Torpex, distributed as those were?
     If so, the breaking-up noises have yet to be explained.
1410: As destroyer's angle on the bow started decreasing, decided
     this was no fit afternoon to try to make an attack by peri-
     scope so went deep to keep from alerting him.
1542: Surfaced; contact lost in the weather front. Started hauling
     clear.
1612: Started maneuvering to regain contact when he crossed LADY ELGIN
     BANK, which he was headed for.
          1200 Position: 6°-11.6 N, 149°-13.3 E.

7 January:
     Continuing search.
0830: With about 18,000 gallons of fuel we could definitely be sure of
     a long trip to the nearest gas station and no contact, broke off
     search and headed for TULAGI.
1015: Reported conditions and action taken to ComTaskFor 72.
2320: Received notice of change of routing with mixed feelings -
     Brisbane sounds fine but another crack at a convoy sounds
     mighty fine too.
          1200 Position: 6°-12'N, 150°-18'E.

8 January:
0657: Made trim dive.
          1200 Position: 2° - 24'N, 153°-05'E.

9 January:
0950: Contacted plane by radar at 6 miles, closing. Went to 150 feet
     without sighting him. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 16).
1023: Surfaced; all clear.
1345: Radar picked up another plane, distance 2 miles, never seen on
     the bridge. Submerged. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 17).
1413: Surfaced; all clear.
          1200 Position: 3°-16.5'S, 155°-34'E.

- 13 -

[HANDWRITTEN: 22]

— page 95 —
10 January:
0615: Dived for submerged periscope patrol off MANNING STRAIT.
1835: Surfaced, having sighted nothing.
1200 Position: 6°-21'S, 158°-22'E.

11 January:
0401: Sighted land, CAPE ASTROLABE, MALAITA ISLAND.
0722: Exchanged calls with our escort, SC 1268. Headed for TULAGI.
1131: Moored starboard side to YOG 41 in TULAGI HARBOR. Commenced
fueling.
1530: Completed fueling, taking enough fuel to reach BRISBANE. Got
underway for BRISBANE, under escort.
1900: Released escort and proceeded on our way.
1200 Position: TULAGI HARBOR.

12 January - 15 January:
Enroute to BRISBANE via prescribed routing. Conducted training
dives and live to test depth enroute.

(C) WEATHER

Without sounding like a Californian, the weather encountered
was uniformly foul. During the period 16 December - 8 January the
sky was generally overcast, wind northeast to east at 10 to 30
knots and the accompanying heavy seas and whitecaps whenever we
were north of 5°N. The last week in the area near TRUK was by
far the worst encountered in this region, with frequent heavy
rain squalls, seas 12 to 20 feet from trough to crest and high
winds. On leaving the area, the weather cleared like passing a
fence at about 3°N. Operations were conducted in the TRUK-
KAVIENG area.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

No new information.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

No new information.

- 14 -
[HANDWRITTEN: (23)]

— page 96 —
(F) SHIP CONTACTS
| No. | Time/ Date | Lat Long | Type(s) | Initial Range | Est. Course and Speed | How Contacted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [HANDWRITTEN: 17] | | | | | | | |
| 1. | 1540/27 | 4-10 N 150-29 E . | 2 CA 2 DD | 15,000 yds. | 010/20-25 | Sound . | Attack #1 |
| [HANDWRITTEN: too] | | | | | | | |
| 2. | 1455/31 | 4-35 N 145-40 E | GATO | 30,000 yds | - | Sight | Spoke and ex- changed infor- mation. |
| 3. | 0840/1 | 2-34 N 146-47 E | 2 PC or DE 1 MARU | 40,000 yds. | 010/10 - | Sight (smoke) | Attack #2 |
| 4. | 2231/5 | 5-30 N 148-40 E | 2 MARU 2 PC or DD | 11,000 yds. | 045/5 | SJ Radar | [HANDWRITTEN: (24)] | - 15 - | [HANDWRITTEN: H] | | |

— page 97 —
(G) AIR CONTACTS

| No. | Time Date | Lat Long | Type(s) | Initial Range | Est. Course and Speed | How Contacted | Remarks |
|-----||||||||
| 1.  | 0644/13   | 10-25 S 156-37 E | M.B.    | 10 miles      | 240/150               | Sight         | Ventura, 1500 feet. |
| 2.  | 0903/14   | 3-10 S 155-40 E  | B-24    | 10 miles      | 045/150               | Sight         | Liberator, 3000 feet. Radar picked up at 8 mi. |
| 3.  | 1100/19   | 0-02 N 150-20 E  | Unknown | 4½ miles      | -                     | Radar         | Not seen. |
| 4.  | 1208/19   | 0-02 N 150-25 E  | Med.B.(BETTY) | 9 miles       | 000/150               | Sight         | Changed course toward. 5,000 feet. |
| 5.  | 0730/26   | 5-10 N 150-25 E  | RUFE    | 2 miles       | - /300                | Sight         | Dived for attack. |
| 6.  | 1428/26   | 4-38 N 150-03 E  | DAVE    | 8 miles       | 315/150               | Sight         | 1500 feet. |
| 7.  | 0719/27   | 4-25 N 150-09 E  | RUFE    | 8 miles       | 150/200               | Sight         | 1500 feet. |
| 8.  | 0858/27   | 4-25 N 150-10 E  | Unknown | 6 miles       | 300/150               | Sight         | 1000 feet. |
| 9.  | 1415/27   | 4-06 N 150-29 E  | DAVE or JAKE | 8 miles       | 090/150               | Sight         | 1500 feet. |

- 16 - (continued on next page)

[HANDWRITTEN: (25)]
[HANDWRITTEN: 7]
[HANDWRITTEN: 1X5cc]

— page 98 —
(G) AIR CRAFT CONTACTS (CONTINUED)

No. | Time
Date | Lat
Long | Type(s) | Initial Range | Est. Course
and Speed | How
Contacted | Remarks
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
10. | 1506/27 | 4-06 N
150-30 E | JAKE | 8 miles | 090
270/150 | Sight | 1500 feet.
11. | 0907/28 | 4-13 N
151-32 E | RUFE | 4 miles | 290/200 | Sight | 800 feet.
12. | 1115/28 | 4-13 N
151-35 E | NELL | 2 miles | 330/200 | Sight | Came out of cloud at
40° position angle.
13. | 0916/29 | 4-08 N
148-48 E | RUFE | 5 miles | 300/200 | Sight | -
14. | 0925/31 | 4-05 N
146-45 E | RUFE (?) | 5 miles | 090/200 | Sight | 1000 feet.
15. | 2323/5 | 5-30 N
148-40 E | UNKNOWN | 2 miles | - | Sight | Headed in, seen crossing
cloud.
16. | 0950/9 | 2-40 S
155-25 E | UNKNOWN | 6 miles | - | Radar | Closing. Not seen.
17. | 1345/9 | 3-40 S
155-55 E | UNKNOWN | 2 miles | - | Radar | Closing. Not seen.

- 17 -

[HANDWRITTEN: ⑯]
[HANDWRITTEN: I]

— page 99 —
U.S.S. BALAO TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 3
Time: 1616 (L) Date: Dec. 27, 1943. Lat. 4°-10'N. Long. 150°-20'E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description:- Two MOGAMI Class heavy cruisers escorted by two
ASASHIO Class destroyers. Ship attacked was second
CA in column. Contact made by sound after BALAO
had headed for mean bearing of aircraft believed on
anti-submarine patrol. Visibility unlimited, sea
glassy with gentle swells.

Ships Sunk: None.

Ships damaged or
Probably Sunk: Unknown.

Damaged Determined
By: Heard three explosions at 8 and 10 second intervals,
sounding very definitely like torpedo explosions and
not depth charges. JP sound gear heard one set of
screws stop. Target changed course to cross torpedo
tracks just before explosions. Time between ex-
plosions and firing proper for range. Magnetic
fuzes or exploder inactivated making eng-of- run
explosions highly improbable.

Target Draft 20 feet Course 075°T Speed 24 Knots Range 1800 yds.

Own Ship Data

Speed 3 Knots Course 265°T Depth 65 feet Angle 0°

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Submerged periscope attack. During attack (and
subsequently) the rangefinder unit of the attack
periscope was out of commission. In the sea con-
ditions prevailing it was determined to use the attack
periscope and accept this shortcoming rather than use
the large #1 periscope.

Tubes Fired | #7 | #8 | #9 | #10
Track Angle | 167 P | 168 P | 168 P | 177 P
Gyro Angle | 181 | 181 | 182 | 189
Depth Set | 15 ft. | 15 ft. | 15 ft. | 15 ft.
Power | High | High | High | High

- 18 -

[HANDWRITTEN: 27]

— page 100 —
(H) ATTACK DATA (CONTINUED)
                                                              #7          #8          #9          #10
                                                              3 explosions
Hit or Miss                                                   -           -           -           Miss
Erratic                                                       No          No          No          No
Mark Torpedo                                                  XIV-3A      XIV-3A      XIV-3A      XIV-3A
Serial No.                                                    39805       22636       23188       39668
Mark Exploder                                                 VI-1        VI-1        VI-1        VI-1
Serial No.                                                    6866        12226       6952        17486
Actuation Set                                                 Contact     Contact     Contact     Contact
Actuation Actual                                              Contact     Contact     Contact     None
Mark Warhead                                                  XVI         XVI         XVI         XVI
Serial No.                                                    -           -           -           -
Explosive                                                     Torpex      Torpex      Torpex      Torpex
Firing Interval                                               -           8 sec.      8 sec.      8 sec.
Type Spread                                                   One degree divergent.
Sea Conditions                                                Gentle swells, glassy surface.
Overhaul Activity                                             U.S.S. FULTON

REMARKS:                                                      Impulse bubble indistinguishable from wake
                                                              after firing; torpedoes did not smoke.
                                                              Torpedoes set slightly deeper than normal
                                                              due to swells.

                                                              - 19 -

[HANDWRITTEN: (28)]

— page 101 —
U.S.S. BALAO TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 PATROL NO. 3
Time: 2346 (L). Date: 1 January, 1944. Lat. 4°-32.5'N. Long. 147°-23'E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Single large motorship similar to KINKA MARU (pg.
  44, ONI - 208-J), escorted by two DMS or PC. Con-
  tact made by sighting smoke on one of the escorts
  beyond the horizon. Visibility conditions unlimited
  at first sighting (morning) deteriorating to frequent
  rain squalls at time of attack.

Ships Sunk: None.

Ship Damaged or One cargo motorship, 9305 tons, similar to
Probably Sunk: KINKA MARU.

Damaged Determined
By: Commanding Officer, Officer of the Deck and star-
  board lookout saw two torpedoes hit, one between bow
  and foremast, other just forward of bridge structure.
  OCD saw third hit between bridge structure and after
  goalposts. All hits heard by personnel below decks.
  Sound heard of screws stop. Sound and other
  personnel reported much loud crackling noise of ship
  breaking up for next hour. Only one escort delivered
  counter-attack; other heard from time to time in
  vicinity of attack.

Target Draft: 25 feet. Course: 026°T. Speed: 11 Knots. Range: 2500 yds.

Own Ship Data

Speed: 14 Knots. Course: 300°T. Depth: 21 feet. Angle: 0°.

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

  Night surface attack using TBT bearings and SJ radar
  ranges. Tracked target from 0840 to 2345 attaining
  position and favorable condition, obtaining course,
  speed and zig-zag plan. Came in at high speed from
  just forward of his beam keeping bow within ten
  degrees of his bearing; in this way approached to
  firing range with no indication of having been sighted.
  Slowed to 14 knots just before firing. With infor-
  mation on course and speed believed quite accurate,
  fired from long range to avoid sighting and consequent
  maneuvers to avoid torpedoes.

[HANDWRITTEN: (29)]
- 20 -

— page 102 —
(H) ATTACK DATA (CONTINUED)

Tubes Fired             #3      #4      #5      #6      #1      #2
Track Angles            105 S   108 S   108 S   107 S   110 S   109 S
Gyro Angle              012     014     014     013     016     014
Depth Set               12 ft.  12 ft.  12 ft.  12 ft.  12 ft.  12 ft.
Power                   High    High    High    High    High    High
Hit or Miss             Hit     Hit     Miss    Miss    Hit     Miss
Erratic                 No      No      No      No      No      No
Mark Torpedo            XIV-3A  XIV-3A  XIV-3A  XIV-3A  XIV-3A  XIV-3A
Serial No.              12308   6656    12122   12229   17514   6666
Mark Exploder           VI-1    VI-1    VI-1    VI-1    VI-1    VI-1
Serial No.              39647   33957   23351   24839   24876   39650
Actuation Set           Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual        Contact Contact None    None    Contact None
Mark Warhead            XVI     XVI     XVI     XVI     XVI     XVI
Serial No.              5873    10443   10257   10260   3867    10252
Explosive               Torpex  Torpex  Torpex  Torpex  Torpex  Torpex
Firing Interval         -       10 Sec  8 Sec   11 Sec  8 Sec   8 Sec

Type Spread             150 foot divergent spread.
Sea Conditions          Moderate swells, whitecaps.
Overhaul Activity       USS FULTON.
Remarks                 Torpedoes left brilliant wakes, seen for at
                        least 800 yards. All torpedoes seen to take
                        gyro angles and start true. Misses were
                        expected due to spread plan used.

[HANDWRITTEN: 30]
- 21 -

— page 103 —
(I) MINES

No remarks.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

The escort vessel encountered after attack on 1 January resembled
the SARUSIMA Class minelayer, although identification was hurried.
Escort used listening entirely during hunt, using echo ranging
from time to time during tracking operations and for a few minutes
after contact had been lost (nearly an hour since last depth
charge.) Evasive tactics consisted in getting below density layer
(which started at 360 feet), fish-tailing with very little rudder,
adopting a general course into the wind and sea and running at
sufficient speed to force him to work into the sea. It was found
that most of his drops were immediately after a rudder change,
hence less rudder was used. Depth charges were dropped singly
rather than in salvo.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

#2 Periscope: Rangefinder commenced binding during first week at sea
and finally became too stiff to use during attack. Greasing
failed to relieve the stiffness, as did working it. Had been
greased in stiff in previous patrol but had not been touched during
refit because of lack of experienced periscope repair force in
Tender. Proved to be a rather serious defect during attack.
[HANDWRITTEN: D] Propellers and Shafting: Are extremely noisy at deep submergence.
Part of this noise comes from the counter gear, and it is
recommended that means be provided to disengage the counter
gear during silent-running periods.
Steering System: Evidence gathered during depth-charge attack indi-
cates that the steering gear is definitely noisy in hand power -
every depth-charge but one came after a rudder-change.
Drain System: Lack of a drain pump overboard discharge necessitates
pumping bilges into expansion tank. All of the grease and dirty
lubricating oil in the bilge water thus finds its way into the
fuel system, causing excessive engine smoke. This defect is
covered by an authorized alteration and is awaiting next docking
for accomplishment.
Heat: The air conditioning system is inadequate to carry off the
heat in the boat when diving in tropical waters after four engines
have been running. It is recommended that careful consideration
be given to methods for circulating water in the engines after
diving, allowing the heat to be carried off to sea. It is
felt that marked improvement would be noted in health and
efficiency of personnel if this were done.

- 22 -

[HANDWRITTEN: 1X5a]
[HANDWRITTEN: 3]

— page 104 —
(L) RADIO
No casualties or damage experienced. During the last week in
the area, transmission was difficult due to weather. Communications
between aircraft and submarine were uniformly good, and use of air-
craft frequencies and base in general expedited clearing of
messages. SD radar gave considerable and excessive interference
to reception. There was no occasion to use voice-modulation on
the transmitter.

(M) RADAR
No casualties or damage experienced. In general, operation was
good, but SD radar gave excessive interference in radio receiver.
The range at which planes could be picked up by SD radar seemed to
be greatly reduced by low heavy clouds on some occasions, planes
coming out of these clouds at two miles with no previous indication
in the radar screen. The installation of the plan-position indicator
in conjunction with SJ radar is considered most desireable.
The ABK unit installed at TULAGI for work with aircraft burned
out a resistor three days after installation. Since no instruction
book was at hand and the resistor was too badly charred to permit
reading its "name plate data", the unit was out of action from
then on.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS
Operation of sound gear quite satisfactory and sound conditions
were normal. On a clear day, smooth sea, sound picked up enemy
screws at about 15,000 yards (2 CA, 2 DD); however on a rough sea
sound could not hear a DD at about 6000 yards away. Only casualty was
breaking of lower drift stops of starboard head, due to pressure
while deep and depth charging.
Sonic gear, JP, obtained its first contact since installation,
due probably to installation of a larger power filter during last re-
fit.
All enemy echo ranging was heard on 17.2 KC.
All operations were in TRUK-KAVIENG-PELEWS area.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS
It is felt that the bathythermograph is one of the most useful
items of the evasive machinery. Density layers encountered were some-
what deeper than expected, usually starting at about 350 feet. In all
cases an isothermal line existed down to the thermocline. The
density layers were, in general, more intense than normal, a change
of 6° to 10° being encountered in each case. The iso-ballast lines
on the BT card were used to find balancing points and proved fairly
accurate - during one dive we expected to balance at 290 feet and
finally came to rest at 275 feet.

[HANDWRITTEN: 32]
- 23 -

— page 105 —
(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY
    Health was generally good. A few colds were noted, especially
    among bridge personnel. One case of possible malaria developed
    after departing TULAGI outbound but responded to treatment. There
    were the usual cuts and bruises, none very serious.
    Food was generally good but not up to the standard of previous
    patrols due to the lack of fresh or frozen foods. Some of the meat
    barely escaped a tire factory but that is becoming normal and not
    unexpected. Credit is reflected on the Commissary Officer and his
    department for doing as well as they did with the supplies at hand.
    Habitability of the vessel was uniformly good. A definite
    improvement would result, however, from providing means for circu-
    lating cooling water through the main engines after diving.

(Q) PERSONNEL
    The Commanding Officer has only the highest praise for the
    manner of performing duties, the fighting spirit and the coolness
    under attack of all hands on board. Two incidents are being made
    the subject of special recommendation, but they reflect the standard
    rather than the exception.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED
    MILNE BAY to area | 1201.5 mi. | 24,450 gals.
    In area           | 5700.2 mi. | 63,555 gals.
    Area to BRISBANE  | 2392.9 mi. | 21,730 gals.

(S) DURATION
    Days enroute to area | - 6
    Days in area         | - 24
    Days enroute to base | - 8
    Days submerged       | - 6

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING
    | Torpedoes | Fuel        | Provisions | Personnel Factor |
    | [UNCLEAR: 20]     | 3,000 gals. | 30 days    | 30 days.         |
    Limiting factor this patrol Fuel

(U) REMARKS
    The training exercise with COUCAL was very profitable. During
    the period (two days and one night) of independent chasing, we
    were sighted but once except at firing point, a fact that reflects
    great credit on the diligence and judgment of the watch officers.
    During this time contact was maintained continuously with the ex-
    ception of one one-hour period.
    Airoperational intelligence is considered to be of primary im-
    portance, allowing us to get information in some cases twelve hours
    or more before it is received over the regular submarine schedule.

- 24 -
[HANDWRITTEN: (33)]

— page 106 —
(U) REMARKS (CONTINUED)

It is suggested that submarines stand split-phone watches on
regular ship-shore frequency and on AOIR frequency, and that
notices of operation, etc. rather than being transmitted on
S/M operational frequency be sent in as plane reports
being rebroadcast by AOIR. Instructions to shift to S/M oper-
ational frequency could be included in the dispatch to AOIR.

- 25 -

[HANDWRITTEN: (30)]

— page 107 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION EIGHTY-TWO

                                                c/o Fleet Post Office,
                                                San Francisco, California,
                                                January 19, 1944.

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT:
FB5-82/A16-3

Serial: 01

From: The Commander Submarine Division EIGHTY-TWO.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT.
      (2) The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-TWO.

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

Enclosure: (A) Subject Patrol Report.

      1. The third war patrol of the U.S.S. BALAO, the first
of her present commanding officer in command, was of 38 days
duration. It was terminated early by order of the Task Force
Commander. There were three contacts with enemy convoys during
the relatively brief period in the area and two attacks were made,
one of which was successful.

      2. The following analyses and comment are submitted on
the two attacks:

                                                Attack No. 1

      Submerged stern tube attack on one of two escorted MOGAMI
class cruisers. Estimated speed twenty-four (24) knots. Four (4)
torpedoes fired on 170° (average) track; three (3) explosions
heard about five (5) minutes after firing. One degree (1°) diverg-
ent spread.

      Comment: From the track chart and approach data available,
it appears that this high speed target group got by the most
favorable attack position. This having occurred, firing the bow
tubes immediately, or swinging the bow toward the target and
firing the bow tubes with a gyro angle around 90° might
have proved a better decision. This would have permitted a spread
of six (6) torpedoes to be fired at this valuable target, with a
much shorter torpedo run and a much more favorable track, and it
is believed, with a considerably better chance of hitting. The
average torpedo run in this attack was about 3500 yards due to the
unfavorable track and high target speed. This being the case, the
1° divergent spread used was too great, as the target could have
passed between adjacent torpedoes of the spread without being hit.
The explosions heard about five (5) minutes after firing occurred
long after the torpedoes would have passed the target and are
believed to have been either depth charges or end-of-run explos-
ions. It should be mentioned that the commanding officer had no
opportunity to exercise with a high speed target during the train-
ing period preceding this patrol, due to nonavailability of
destroyers.

[HANDWRITTEN: ⑥]                                                -1-

— page 108 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION EIGHTY-TWO
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Serial 01
Subject: U.S.S. BALAO, Report of War Patrol Number Three
(Continued)

— page 110 —
FC5-8/A16-3

Serial 08

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO U.S.S. BALAO report
of 3rd War Patrol.

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

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

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Third War Patrol -
Comments on.

1. The third war patrol of the U.S.S. BALAO was of
thirty-eight (38) days duration of which twenty-four (24) days
were in the combat area. Only three (3) contacts with enemy
surface craft were made, two of which were developed into attacks.
Numerous plane contacts were encountered, and consistently bad weather in the area
was encountered. A total of ten (10) torpedoes were fired and no
erratic performances observed. One (1) AK of 9,305 tons similar
to the KINKA MARU was damaged.

2. The material condition of the BALAO upon return
from patrol was very good. She will be given a regular standard
refit including docking by the Submarine Repair Unit.

W. H. DOWNES.

[HANDWRITTEN: G]
SUBMARINE SQUADRON EIGHT
Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
19 January 1944.

— page 111 —
TASK FORCE SEVENTY-TWO,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,

F F12-15(72)/A16-3/Fk
Serial 015

CONFIDENTIAL

3rd ENDORSEMENT to
CO BALAO Report of
Third War Patrol

21 January 1944.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of Third War Patrol,
comments on.

1. BALAO departed MILNE BAY for Third War Patrol on 8
December 1943. After two days training, with COUCAL as target,
proceeded TULAGI, arriving 12th. Transferred four torpedoes to
GATO, topped off fuel and departed same day for patrol in area
north of BISMARCK Archipelago. Conducted communication and
identification tests with search plane from South Pacific Air
Force on 13 December. Sighted several planes on 26 December,
followed by contact with two Mogami class heavy cruisers, es-
corted by two Asashio class destroyers. Formation on northerly
course making high speed near 04°-10' N., 150°-20' E. Fired
four torpedoes with large track angle from stern tubes, after
target had gotten by firing position for bow tubes. All missed,
no counter attack. Contacted GATO on 31 December and exchanged
information and made search plans for covering area. Sighted
northbound convoy of one freighter and two escorts on 1 Janu-
ary 1944, and after all day chase made night attack on freighter.
Fired six torpedoes, observed three hits, position 04°-37' N.,
147°-23' E. Dived immediately and went deep to avoid counter
attack. Depth charged, no damage. Heard noises thought to be
ship breaking up. On 5 January made night radar contact with
light cruiser towing a damaged freighter, escorted by two des-
troyers or P.C. boats, headed for TRUK. The damaged freighter
was presumably the ship attacked by BALAO on 1 January. Forced
down by plane and kept down four hours by searching escort.
Regained contact morning of 6 January and had intermittent
contact in bad weather throughout day. Poor visibility and
rough seas prevented gaining attack position. Lost contact in
late afternoon and low fuel prevented further search. Proceed-
ed TULAGI for fuel and on 7 January was ordered to BRISBANE
for refit in order to provide better distribution schedule of
patrol and overhaul of submarines this Task Force. Arrived
TULAGI 11 January and departed same day after having partially
refueled. Arrived BRISBANE 15 January. Thirty-eight days on
patrol, twenty-four in area. Ten torpedoes fired for three
hits.

2. BALAO had three contacts of which two were devel-

- 1 -

— page 112 —
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 015

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of Third War Patrol,
           comments on.

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

21 January 1944.

oped into attacks, one successfully. The Task Force Commander
concurs with the comments of Commander Submarine Division
EIGHTY-TWO contained in the first endorsement, regarding the
attacks made by BALAO. The ship damaged in attack #2 was a
valuable one and demonstrated enemy capabilities in damage
control. Further aggressiveness should have been displayed
by BALAO to insure that she sank. It is unfortunate that the
two cruiser contacts were not made by a more experienced com-
manding officer. A mere conjecture over enemy counter measures
permitted these valuable targets to escape. Two golden oppor-
tunities were missed.

3. The comments of the Commanding Officer regarding
the undesirability of pumping bilges into expansion tank are
not concurred in. The ability to pump bilges without leaving
an oil slick is a tremendous military advantage and the piping,
as installed, was deliberately designed to accomplish this.

4. The communication plan for cooperation between
planes and submarines, now in effect in this area, is expected
to result in more rapid dissemination of contact reports and
increased mutual cooperation. Full effectiveness will not be
reached until the installation of IFF and
VHF equipment in all submarines of this Task Force, which work
is being pushed forward as rapidly as equipment is received.

5. The BALAO will be given a normal refit including
docking by the Submarine Repair Unit, BRISBANE. Estimated
readiness for sea 4 February 1944.

6. This is not designated as a successful patrol for
purposes of the Submarine Combat Insignia award.

7. The BALAO is credited with inflicting the follow-
ing damage on the enemy:

DAMAGED

1 Freighter 8,500 tons.

[SIGNATURE: James Fife]
JAMES FIFE.

Distribution on
following page
- 2 -

— page 113 —
FF12-15(72)/A16-3/Pk
Serial 015
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of Third War Patrol,
           comments on.

— page 114 —
[STAMP: 3550]
[STAMP: 06747]

COMSOPAC FILE
A16-3/(11)

Serial 0350

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

afj

[STAMP: 7 FEB 1944]

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

4TH ENDORSEMENT on
CO USS BALAO (SS285)
Conf. ltr. SS285/A16-3,
Serial 04, dated 15
January, 1944.

From: The Commander Third Fleet.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS 285), Third War Patrol,
Comments on.

1. Forwarded.

2. The remarks of the Task Force Commander, regard-
ing the attacks made, are concurred in and it is hoped that
the experience gained by the commanding officer on his first
patrol will result in a more productive effort on succeeding
ones.

[SIGNATURE: J.H. Mayfield]
[UNCLEAR: T. L. MAYFIELD]
Acting Chief of Staff.

[HANDWRITTEN: Recorded]

Copy to: CinCPac
CTF 72
ComSubPac
CO USS BALAO (SS 285)

[HANDWRITTEN: Original]
[HANDWRITTEN: Has been]
[STAMP: Received by C.O.P.F. for]
[STAMP: Action]
[STAMP: Information]
[STAMP: Comment]
[STAMP: Retain]
[STAMP: Return]
[STAMP: See Attached]
[STAMP: Memorandum]

— page 115 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

U.S.S. BALAO (SS285)

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
19 March 1944.

[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL (crossed out)]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS285/A16-3

Serial ( 09 )

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division EIGHTY-TWO.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT.
(3) The Commander Submarines, PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO, Report of War Patrol number Four.

Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart.
(C) Navigational Time Plot.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the fourth war patrol of
this vessel conducted in the Bismarck, New Guinea area during
the period 6 February, 1944 to 19 March, 1944 is forwarded
herewith.

C. C. COLE.

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/23/22]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 70103]

— page 116 —
(A) PROLOGUE
BALAO returned from Third War Patrol on 15 January, 1944, mooring
at Submarine Repair Unit, Brisbane, Queensland. Repair Unit carried out
normal two-week refit. Ship docked and wiped during refit. Regular crew
took over from relief crew on 29 January, conducted sound test and gun
firing in MORETON BAY on 1 February, conducted training exercises with
PETO, PC1134 and HMAS DELORAINE on 1, 2 and 3 February. Returned to
SMRU on 3 February and completed loading and preparations for patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (All times "LOVE" - 11 )

6 February
1300 Got underway and stood out.
1645 Effected rendezvous with HMAS BENDIGO at Pilot Examination Vessel,
MORETON BAY. Stood out of MORETON BAY in company with BENDIGO to
conduct training exercises enroute in accordance with ComTaskFor
72 Memorandum Operation Order No. 46.
2100 Commenced training exercises with BENDIGO.
1200 Position: BRISBANE.

7 February
Continued training exercises with BENDIGO.
0430 USS CONNYNGHAM joined training group. Conducted day torpedo
approaches, sound training and night tracking and attack exercises.
1200 Position: 25°- 45'S, 154°- 35'E.

8 February
0030 CONNYNGHAM left formation.
0045 Released BENDIGO and speeded up to reach our dawn position, pro-
ceeding in accordance with ComTaskFor 72 Operation Order S6-44.
During day conducted training dives and submerged training of
crew.
1200 Position: 22°- 17'S, 156°- 21'E.

9 February
Continued surface and submerged training.
1200 Position: 17°- 15'S, 157°- 33.9 E.

10 February
Continued surface and submerged training. Simulated casualty to
hydraulic plant and got boat under in 62 seconds operating every-
thing by hand.
1200 Position: 12°- 01'S, 158°- 08'E.

- 1 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 117 —
11 February
0350 Rendovous effected with USS CONSTANT (AM86), proceeded TULAGI under
       escort.
0859 Moored to port side YOG 41, TULAGI HARBOR. Fueled, took on lube
       oil, fresh provisions. WHITNEY obligingly turned out a new
       hydraulic control valve piston to replace our present piston which
       is not in conformance with blueprint. Sent BALAO serial 1 to
       CTF 72 via base radio. Attempted test of VHF receiver with air
       base but they were unable to comply with our request.
1550 Departed TULAGI in company with CONSTANT, headed for POINT WHITE.
2020 Released escort and proceeded.
1200 Position: TULAGI HARBOR.

12 February
       Proceeding as before. Made dawn trim dive.
0715 Had plane contact at 14 miles, IFF showed friendly. Attempted
       test of VHF transmitter by telling him to cut out IFF for 10
       seconds - no results, but he might not have been manning VHF.
       (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 1)
0755 Sighted B-24 search plane at 15 miles, course 030°T, passed well
       clear. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 2)
1545 Sighted B-24 search plane heading south, range 14 miles; passed
       well clear. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 3)
1636 After lookout sighted a tree that looked very much like
       a periscope, put it astern until satisfied it was a branch.
1200 Position: 5°- 51.5'S, 157°- 55.5'E.

13 February
       Proceeding to area. Made dawn trim dive.
0805 Sighted B-24, distant 15 miles, northwesterly course, passed well
       clear. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 4)
1358 Sighted returning B-24 search plane at 15 to 20 miles. (AIRCRAFT
       CONTACT NO. 5)
2205 Crossed Equator and entered our assigned operating area. Commenced
       patrolling along southern edge.
1200 Position: 1°- 46.5'S, 154°- 48'E.

14 February
       Patrolling on station; made dawn trim dive. On going to 100 feet,
       the outboard exhaust valve of #2 main engine leaks badly - will
       have to look at the gasket at the first opportunity.
0600 Changed course to 070°T to work northward gradually.
0815 Approaching the area marked "SHOAL" southwest of GREENWICH ISLAND -
       took "single ping" soundings at 5-7 minute intervals to try to spot
       the shoal - least reading 1100 fathoms when within about 1 mile of
       reported spot (by DRAI).

- 2 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 118 —
14 February (Continued)
1019 Sighted unidentified plane at about 20 miles, northerly course.
     Plane was in and out of clouds and disappeared drawing away.
     (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 6)
1436 Sighted JAKE float plane about 10 miles off, angle on the bow
     zero - submerged. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 7)
1506 Surfaced, nothing in sight except our ever - present weather
     front.
1956 Slowed to 5 knots, put wind and sea on the quarter and started
     a wrestling match with No. 2 main engine exhaust valve. Finally
     got it below and found the lower edge of the gasket badly chewed
     up. Renewed gasket and reinstalled valve, patrolling at two
     engine speed except when men were on deck. A nice bit of work
     on the part of HALL, CHOMM and HUFFMAN, MOMMlc, accomplishing
     the task in coal-cellar blackness.
     1200 Position: 0°- 40'N, 153°- 07'E.

15 February
     Patrolling area; made dawn trim dive.
     1200 Position: 0°- 55'N, 153°- 00'E.

16 February
     Patrolling area; made dawn trim dive.
0810 Sighted an oil drum at four miles - tested Cal. 30 Carbine and
     Thompson gun, drum sinking dutifully.
1015 Sighted plane at six miles, submerged and watched him get back
     positive - a 30° angle on the bow does not lend itself to engine
     counting. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 8)
1025 Surfaced and continued trying to clear weather front and still
     stay in our area.
1715 Sighted oil drum, empty like the last, also sunk.
1730 Nearly at the northern edge of our area, no more rain squalls
     but forbidding skies and sea picking up. Patrolling northern
     boundary to keep clear of the rain as much as possible, and
     also cross TRUK - GREEN track.
2100 Received new area assignments - headed west.
     1200 Position: 0°- 45'N, 153°- 02'E.

17 February
     Proceeding to new area.
0415 SJ radar had pip at 2200 yards bearing 270° relative. Put
     scope opened out, ranges and bearings indicating
     object astern and
     very little, if any, speed on contacted object. Radar lost
     pip at about 3600 yards. Since moon was well up and night
     quite clear, nothing sighted by binocular, decided it was either
     an oil drum (most probable) or a periscope (considered unlikely).
     Did not return to investigate since we would have been a sitting
     duck if it had been a periscope. With visibility conditions
     existing, believe anything as large as a lifeboat would have
     been seen with no trouble.

- 3 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 119 —
17 February (Continued)
0640 Made dawn trim dive.
1200 Position: 1°- 50'N, 149° - 50'E.

18 February
Proceeding to new area. Made
0300 Entered new area, heading for traffic focal point.
0845 Submerged for periscope patrol to avoid planes (spotty clouds
giving good cover) and to effect minor repairs.
1323 Surfaced. Headed north to try to clear weather front, and cross
traffic lanes.
1625 Getting nowhere with the weather front, headed west a few miles
and then back down to the Equator.
2215 On the Equator, weather greatly improved. Started search of
traffic lanes, working northward slowly.
1200 Position: 0°- 37.8 N, 145°- 04'E.

19 February
0055 Received new area assignment - changed course to west to have a
look at MANOKWARI.
0705 Made dawn trim dive.
1400 Have been experiencing a westerly set; changed course to south
to check Bendix Log and D.R.A.I.
1935 Sighted land (MOUNT SOR) bearing 205°T, distant about 50 miles.
2000 Changed course to 270°T. Decided to dive north of KOEMAMBA ISLANDS
tomorrow morning for submerged patrol unless the weather improves
from a plane - spotting standpoint. Slowed to one engine speed
to be in position at dawn and also to conserve fuel.
1200 Position: 0°- 03.3 S, 141°- 57.3 E.

20 February
0250 Collided with water-logged tree trunk which passed under boat,
striking Bendix log sword arm. Subsequent efforts to raise sword
arm failed, so at
0625 CLARKE, CTM, went over side with diving mask to investigate. Found
part of tree wedged in sword arm and arm bent back about 10° from
vertical. As it was getting light decided to leave arm in place
and try to use log as-is since pressure will have little effect on
driving it into the boat anyway. No spare sword arm on board or
we could replace it and let the bent one fall.
0725 Submerged for periscope patrol.

- 4 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 120 —
20 February (Continued)
0930 Went to test depth to check leaks forward (no new ones) and
     obtain BT card - not much in the way of knuckles or temperature
     gradients out here, most of the changes being quite gradual.
     Returned to periscope depth for patrol. Made "approaches" on
     several tree trunks, each of which looked very much like a mast
2024 until fairly close and no ship showed beneath.
     1200 Position: 1°- 15'S, 138°- 45'E.

21 February
0734 Dived for periscope patrol.
2022 Surfaced, having sighted nothing. Surface patrol of same area
     during night.
     1200 Position: 0°- 47'S, 136°- 30'E.

22 February
0845 Dived for periscope patrol.
1415 Surfaced, nothing sighted. Started surface search to north and
     west.
2005 Sighted smoke bearing 080°T. Shortly thereafter sighted hull
     of ship to left of smoke - opened range and then closed in at
     dark and reestablished contact. (SHIP CONTACT NO. 1). Commenced
     tracking and maneuvering for attack.
2300 Had course and speed of large escort leader showed convoy to consist
     of large escort leading two MRUs. Planned to go in from abeam
     on leading MRU and give him bow nest, then turn away and give
     stern nest to trailing MRU.
2350 Went to battle stations.
     1200 Position: 0°- 25'S, 136°- 36'E.

23 February
0013 Fired six torpedoes at last ship in convoy. On establishing
     sight contact going in, middle MRU proved to be smaller than
     escort, trailing MRU only ship present that a six foot depth
     setting would hit. Night was absolutely black, and we had to
     go through a rain squall to get him. RC equipment had given no
     indication of enemy radar - believe his first knowledge of our
     presence was torpedo hit. Turned away.
0015 Heard and saw three torpedo hits on target, first amidships,
     second and third aft. Escort changed course toward us, leading
     MRU belched smoke and headed off for MANOKWARI.
0018 Heard three end-of-run explosions.

[HANDWRITTEN: (11)]
                                   - 5 -
                                                      ENCLOSURE (A)
[HANDWRITTEN: 6]

— page 121 —
23 February (Continued)

0019 Heard and felt very heavy muffled explosion, probably bulkheads
     or boilers going up. Target fired two or three rounds of 3" or
     smaller at us; did not see splashes. Fired two white rockets
     trying to illuminate us, but no results for his pains. Escort
     fired several long bursts of 20 m.m. tracer at us, not too close.
     Radar at this time showed little MARU heading off, target stopped
     and escort losing out in his race with Mr. TINTON. Range finally
     opened to 5 miles on escort, could not pick him up on next sweep.
     Changed course and slowed to 5 knots to see what happens.
0026 First of 14 depth charges dropped by our frantic friend. For
     once, all hands enjoyed hearing pings and depth charges.
0300 Started back to the scene to get information. Then within 3 miles
     of attack position, found escort (radar range 7,000 yds.) working
     among bobbing surface lights, evidently picking up survivors, could
     find no trace of target in radar screen.
0335 Cleared area to north and east.
0353 Heard last two depth charges and saw flashes of light, probably
     gunfire, from direction of escort.
0735 Dived for periscope patrol - too close to land and air fields to
     stay up today.
1648 Surfaced, having sighted nothing. Although quite sure of sinking,
     decided to go back once more since we got burned on last patrol.
     Headed back, planning to arrive an hour before sunset to forestall
     a plane contact being able to call out A/S craft from ILANOKARI.
1855 Sighted life boat about 1 mile south of attack position. Headed
     over and steamed around in wreckage. Found much debris including
     20 foot section of large mast, one empty lifeboat from which
     recovered life jackets, a gas mask and the name-plate. Found a
     survivor on a raft, apparently by the side of a deck house, holding
     arms aloft - went alongside and took him aboard as prisoner.
     Made him undress before rescue, leaving his coat, bearing army
     shoulder marks, and rest of uniform on raft. Seemed quite
     tractable, but shackled before being taken below. Found two
     other survivors in army uniform on another raft.
     On arrival in torpedo room, P.O. pointed to torpedo, made
     motions of going through water, then explosion, then rapid sinking.
     P.O. later identified target as NIKKI MARU, 5857 tons (Page 409
     ONI 209), giving name and writing down the Japanese characters
     for name, and indicated she sank with even fore-and-aft trim,
     sinking rapidly. Identification agreed with type of target
     observed. Target is believed to have been loaded when hit.
2034 Getting dark, nothing in sight but debris, headed out and set
     course for tomorrow's patrol area off CAPE D'URVILLE.
1200 Position: 0°- 04'S, 136°- 28'E.

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24 February
0740 Dived for periscope patrol.
1953 Surfaced, having sighted nothing. Patrolling across traffic
     lanes north of CAPE D'URVILLE.
     1200 Position: 0°- 53'S, 137°- 51'E.

25 February
     Continuing patrol off CAPE D'URVILLE. Made dawn trim dive.
0903 Sighted three smoke columns bearing south; (SHIP CONTACT NO. 2)
     started end-around for attack. Convoy headed inside passage
     between KOEMAMBA ISLAND and NEW GUINEA while we had to keep out-
     side KOEMAMBA to keep from being sighted. Smoke went behind
     KOEMAMBA and did not reappear to eastward. Since we were about
     12 miles from WAKDE ISLAND and had no smoke contacts for three
     hours, at
1648 Broke off chase and headed out for a new patrol spot. Evidently
     MARUS going along the coast of NEW GUINEA stay well inside of a
     line five miles off shore.
     1200 Position: 1°- 18'S, 138°- 02'E.

26 February
     Made dawn trim dive. Searching in area.
1653 Sighted smoke bearing 273°T. Commenced maneuvering for attack
     position. (SHIP CONTACT NO. 3)
1925 Dived and commenced approach. Chose largest MARU as target,
     position second in left hand (near) column,
2020 Ships changed formation, all going into one column with one
     escort about 2000 yards, 30° on starboard bow. (This started
     about 15 minutes after sunset, visibility quite poor).
2028 Escort either had a radar pip on our periscope or heard us;
     dropped two depth charges and headed over. Went deep and rigged
     for depth charge attack. At this time sound reported hearing
     torpedoes running - thought they had changed escort design
     radically or brought a PT boat along. Torpedoes crossed from
     starboard to port, well ahead. Learned later it was GATO firing
     across our bow, and first two explosions must have been her
     torpedo hits. Many strange and new noises heard during the
     next hour, believed a combination of noises from our ship, gun-
     fire and possible new type of A/S device. Later decided this
     was part of confusion from GATO attack.
2032 First escort joined by another, not previously observed, and
     to the pair proceeded to hold us down, apparently deserting the
2115 convoy. Dropped 17 more depth charges, all but five or six
     being in error only with regard to depth setting. No question
     that he knew where we were - every charge was laid with care
     and deliberation. Stayed in the near vicinity until

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— page 123 —
26 February (Continued)
2230 when the range had increased to about 8000 yards and we lost
     contact with his screws. He continued searching by echo ranging
     until after we surfaced. Only damage sustained was minor (trim
     manifold started leaking to auxiliary, letting in 9000 pounds
     of water, loud whistling noise set up in both shafts which
     persisted until we got up to 300 feet, #2 auxiliary manhole
     gasket started a leak, conning tower deep gauge started leak,
     considerable paint flaked off). Started up but had considerable
     difficulty bringing her up without using excessive speed.
2356 Surfaced, nothing in sight or contacted by radar. Since we were
     driven down about 50 miles from WAKDE ISLAND and about 130 miles
     from HOLLANDIA, decided there was little use in trying to re-
     establish contact, so headed off to investigate information in
     CTF 72 serial 47.
     1200 Position: 00- 33'S, 139- 02'E.

27 February
0743 Made dawn trim dive.
0940 Renewed gasket on #2 auxiliary manhole.
2200 Commenced shift of search area to westward, having sighted
     nothing.
     1200 Position: 00- 35'N, 1360- 11'E.

28 February
0045 Received rebroadcast of GATO dispatch clarifying many points of
     doubt in the fiasco of 26 February. Any indication of GATO's
     presence would have allowed us to change tactics and would very
     probably have led to the elimination of the convoy rather than
     the sinking of only one MARU; furthermore GATO's firing across
     our bow and subsequent maneuvering submerged might well have
     been very costly. The need for a foolproof communication system
     for boats working in close proximity to each other seems very
     clearly demonstrated.
0740 Made dawn trim dive.
1218 Sighted smoke on the horizon, distant about 40 miles (SHIP CONTACT
     NO. 4). Commenced closing and maneuvering for attack position.
1318 Submerged for approach. Went to battle stations. Did not fire
     on this run - a zig away gave a minimum torpedo run of 4000 yards
     on the largest ship in the formation, and with the glassy sea
     prevailing it would have been too easy to avoid. Had no doubts
     of being able to maintain the contact and getting in for a night
     attack, so took the opportunity to inspect and identify the
     targets and check his base course and zig plane. Convoy was in
     "column open order" formation, a non-descript escort, resembling
     a Chinese junk with engines and no fancy work, leading the for-
     mation, first ship (AKAGANE MARU class) about 1500 yards on port

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28 February (Continued)

quarter of escort, second ship (AKIURA MARU class) 1000 yards
astern and to starboard, and last ship (MACASSAR MARU class)
bringing up the rear about 2000 yards astern of AKIURA.
1604 Sighted plane circling over target group just before we in-
tended to surface. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 9). Stayed down and
watched him searching, keeping smoke well in sight.
1720 Smoke still clearly visible, plane searching over convoy and
staying about 15 miles ahead of us. Surfaced and took station
in convoy at formation speed - easier to watch this plane through
binoculars than through periscope, and he seemed to be moving to
fast for a very effective search astern.
1800 With the greatest punctuality and in the middle of a sweep over
the convoy, our birdman headed south and disappeared in the
clouds. Went to full speed to close up the formation.
2020 Sun going down, masts again visible through periscope but not
from high lookout platform. Slowed to let it get a bit darker.
2040 Dark enough now, back to full speed to close to radar range.
2108 Radar contact on two ships, ranges 19,100 and 19,800 yards.
Commenced tracking, staying astern for a while to check speed
and then moving out to a beam position to get course information.
Tracked until moon was down, maintaining 13,000 to 15,000 yard
range on our target, getting pin-point dope.
1200 Position: 0°- 40'N, 132°- 00'E.

29 February

0005 Went to battle stations and started closing in to pick up the
escort by radar. Found him in the same place as before, but
the MARUS had changed formation to a shallow V, AKIURA leading
the center, other two about 15° abaft his beam on either side,
interval about 1000 yards. Picked up targets through binoculars
at about 8,000 to 10,000 yards.
0056 Headed in with a 60° port angle on the bow, range to center ship
about 8,000 yards, own speed 14 knots. Kept bow pointing at
target at all times.
0109 Commenced firing bow nest at leading ship (AKIURA). The separate
ships were clearly distinguishable by now and targets properly
selected. Third torpedo hooked sharply left then circled to the
right - last seen hunting for a target on our unengaged quarter.
0109:44 Firing of bow nest completed; "right full rudder all ahead
flank shift to the after TBT open the outer doors aft secure
the tubes forward stand by aft". The communication system
stood up.
0110:25 First of two torpedo hits, seen and heard.
0111:30 Commenced firing stern nest at wing ships which were over-
lapping, own ship steady, good set-up on TDC.
0112 Heard and saw a very loud explosion on AKIURA MARU, which re-
mained on even fore-and-aft trim, however.

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29 February (Continued)

0113:20 First of three more torpedo explosions, seen and heard.
          AKAGANE MARU had apparently moved ahead enough to take a
          torpedo intended to lead MACASSAR MARU. Heavy explosion.
          MACASSAR MARU took two hits, followed by a heavy explosion, and
          started to burn. He started firing a 3" gun at us (one shell
          whistled over periscopes and exploded in the water 1000 yards
          over) but after the second shot a tremendous internal explosion
          silenced the gun and put out the fire.
0114:40 Heard and saw another loud explosion from the target group.
          Under new AKIURA MARU pip fade out at 4000 yards - only three
          pips left.
0115      Two more very heavy explosions, throwing large column of smoke
          and flame. Getting to be like a bonfire in a powder plant,
          with the escort adding his share with 20 m.m. tracers across
          our bow every few seconds - none close enough for worry.
0115:30 Radar reported MACASSAR MARU pip increased to saturation and
          then rapidly disappeared. Could see nothing but heavy smoke
          in the target area at this time. Radar range at disappearance
          about 6000 yards. Only pips corresponding to escort and
          AKAGANE remain in the screen, escort falling astern slowly,
          thanks again to Mr. WINTON.
0126      Lost escort in radar screen, still having AKAGANE at 12,500
          yards. Stopped to listen for escort.
0126:35 Three tremendous flashes from target area, followed by sound
          report of heavy explosions, and by hearing heavy explosions
          through water then through air. SJ radar was trained away
          from AKAGANE at this time, but shifted back to proper bearing
          to find any pip, although TDC
          and searched area but failed to find AKAGANE to facilitate future
          tracking) showed generated range of 12,800 yards, 7000 yards
          inside initial contact range. Contact was not reestablished
          and area was searched for all speeds
          with AKAGANE although the area was searched for all speeds,
          0 to 11 knots.
0134      Picked up escort chasing us still, headed off to lead him
          away from target area so we can go back for a look.
0151      Plot showed escort probably far enough in right field. Headed
          back for attack area at high speed to look for AKAGANE if he
          is still afloat and moving off. Radar and sight search rest
          of night failed to establish contact with either AKAGANE or
          escort.
0747      Having failed to find AKAGANE, submerged off TANJONG MEMORI to
          catch him if he comes through to MANOKWARI.
2031      Surfaced, having sighted nothing. Started working to eastward
          in our area. Reported results to date to CTF 72, BALAO serial 2.
          1200 Position: 0°- 22'S, 134°- 17'E.

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— page 126 —
1 March
0742: Weather bad, submerged for periscope patrol.
2015 Surfaced, having sighted nothing. Continued surface patrol.
     1200 Position: 0°- 08'S, 136°- 50'E.

2 March
0752 Still running in scattered showers and nearby clouds, good for
     aircraft "sneak-ups". Submerged for periscope patrol.
1959 Surfaced, having sighted nothing, weather beginning to improve
     slowly. Patrolling area.
     1200 Position: 1°- 00'S, 137°- 11'E.

3 March
0023 Sighted ship heading across moon slick. (SHIP CONTACT NO. 5).
     Closed to radar range and started tracking.
0235 Went to battle stations. Commenced closing to pick up the
     escort. Ship had appeared quite large when in moon path and
     radar held him to about 14,000 to 16,000 yards. On closing he
     appeared smaller but was over 2500 tons and might have been loaded to sufficient
     draft to hit. (ATTACK NO. 3).
0317 Fired four torpedoes from bow nest, turned away at flank speed.
     No explosions at proper time, four end of run explosions, target
     continued to check on TDC after firing - only explanation is
     belief that he was too shallow for the eight foot depth setting
     and the torpedoes ran under him. He started firing a 3" gun or
     larger, along the torpedo tracks, shortly after the torpedoes
     ran under him. Cleared the area and broke off the
     attack - he was certainly not large enough for another nest.
0740 Made dawn trim dive.
0803 When nearly ready to surface, sighted smoke bearing 270°T. (SHIP
     CONTACT NO. 6).
0825 Masts coming in sight - went to battle stations. Convoy proved
     to be smoking AK's, but went over the hill with a minimum
     range of 9,000 yards.
1109 Surfaced and started end around.
1616 Ahead of convoy on base course, submerged for attack. Shortly
     after we went down the convoy must have changed course to head
     for CAPE D'URVILLE, going away from us. Could not get in for a
     stern tube attack. Convoy consisted of a completely non-descript
     group, four MARUS of 2500 - 4000 tons, the dregs of the worst of
     harbors. Ships could not be completely identified - one engine
     aft freighter and three mast-funnel-mast type. Going around the
     end for another try at them would have led us inside the "Bombs"
     Keep Out" zone of the Fifth Air Force, so decided to surface and
     send out the dope on them for the airmen to have a try.

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— page 127 —
3 March (Continued)

1942 Surfaced and sent out BALAO serial 3. Headed up to northward
     to lend a hand with SKATE - PETO convoy.
2045 Received orders to go to LANGEMAK BAY via 1°N. Continued
     northward.
     1200 Position: 0°- 28'S, 136°- 58'E.

4 March

     Proceeding to LANGEMAK BAY on surface.
0916 Sighted smoke on the horizon - closed to investigate (SHIP CONTACT
     NO. 7). Smoke proved to be coming from 2 AK's northwesterly course,
     speed nine. Sent information on 2880 KCS in case PETO near
     enough to lend a hand. Commenced tracking from ahead, weather
     bad (frequent showers) for periscope work.
1243 Ran into a real weather front, torrential rains and all. Steadied
     on target's base course at his speed hoping to find him when
     weather cleared. Sent revised estimate of contact to PETO on 2880.
1558 Weather cleared and there was our target - our estimates were
     confirmed. Commenced checking his zigzag plan, finding to our
     surprise and some chagrin that it was the same one we have been in
     the habit of using.
1802 With all information cold, submerged for attack (ATTACK NO. 4).
     This was one of the attacks you dream about - information perfect.
     Every periscope bearing checked with TDC, the periscope was put
     up only at time he should zig and got him in the process every
     time. Twenty-four minutes before firing we were able to pick the
     leg we would fire on and started adjusting our position accordingly
     for a 90° stbd. track and 180° gyros, stern tubes. Even the
     appearance of an unexpected escort between us and the target did
     not hamper the approach - he was on steady bearing heading toward
     us until he got about 1500 yards away and then, at the exact time
     the target should turn to the firing course, he turned too and
     his bearing drew aft. Sun was setting at this time and we had
     target group against a good horizon, angles on the bow clear.
1957 Fired four torpedoes aft at leading AK, staying up to watch escorts
     and explosions. Sound heard torpedoes running hot straight and
     normal.
1959 Saw two high columns of water along side target, eight seconds
     apart. Sound and maneuvering room reported hearing faint ex-
     plosions, probably air flasks - there were no torpex explosions.
     If ever a heartbreaking sight was seen, that was it. Target turned
     away soon afterward. Stayed at periscope depth four more minutes -
     could not believe he was still afloat.
2004 Both escorts heading over at best speed, flags flying. Sought
     solitude at test depth, heading away, to make a few well-chosen
     remarks about torpedoes in general and ours in particular.

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— page 128 —
4 March (Continued)
2005 The first of 16 depth charges, none close enough for damage -
heavy shaking but nothing broken. They tried listening
about an hour and then started to "ping" - when they did that
we said, "to hell with them", and steadied on a normal escape
course, staying under a temperature knuckle.
2130 Last escort gave up and headed off pinging for all he was
worth. Started coming up to periscope depth, a slow process
without speeding up.
2230 At periscope depth, then radar depth - searches showed nothing
nearby. Made preparations to surface; secured from silent
running.
2246 Surfaced and cleared the area, setting course for our lane,
all torpedoes gone and no friends nearby.
1200 Position: 1°- 33'N, 138°- 20'E.

5 March
1015 Proceeding from area to LANGEMAK BAY.
Sent BALAO serial 4 to ComTaskFor 72, giving dawn-dusk
positions.
1200 Position: 0°- 46'N, 140°- 51'E.

6 March
1200 Position: 0°- 50'S, 146°- 05'E.

7 March
0943 Effected rendezvous with escort, PC 1134; commenced transit
of VITIAZ STRAIT. During the day had aircraft in sight at
all times, sometimes as many as 18 at once; all friendly and
not logged.
1757 Moored alongside USS COUCAL in LANGEMAK BAY, NEW GUINEA. Found
COUCAL had made all arrangements for fuel provisions, etc.
with her usual high degree of thoroughness. Transferred
our prisoner to COMDR. ADVANCED BASE, LANGEMAK BAY for inter-
rogation and further transfer.
1200 Position: 6°- 12'S, 147°- 53'E.

8 March
1052 Got underway from alongside COUCAL, commenced passage LANGE-
MAK BAY to PEARL HARBOR, T.H. escorted by PC 1134.
1715 Released escort and proceeded alone.
1850 Made trim dive.
1200 Position: 6°- 20'S, 147°- 55'E.

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— page 129 —
9 March
0957 Had radar contact on unidentified plane (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 10),
     no friendly signal in IFF. Dived to 150 feet to avoid detection
     in bombing restriction lane.
1039 Surfaced, all clear. Continued on our way.
     1200 Position: 1°- 03'S, 145°- 50'E.

10 March
1540 Sighted smoke on the horizon bearing 031°T. Headed over and
     commenced tracking: (SHIP CON-
1621 Sighted 3 aircraft over our convoy, patrolling. (AIRCRAFT CON-
     TACT NO. 11). Two of the aircraft headed almost due west soon
     after sighting, apparently having been relieved by the third.
     Sent out information to ComSubPac.
1645 Convoy, now made out to be three ships, changed course to
     northward, course and speed determined to be about 350°T at 8
     knots. Continued station keeping about 12 miles astern, hoping
     our aviators see more than the Japanese convoy-protectors.
1815 Remaining aircraft departed.
1820 Relief aircraft joined convoy from northeast and continued patrol
     until after dark.
2100 Convoy apparently changed course to 330°T, speed 6.5 to 7.
     1200 Position: 5°- 26.5'N, 145°- 04'E.

11 March
0100 Convoy apparently changed base course to 270°T. Continued
     trailing. In the bright moonlight prevailing, it was con-
     sidered unnecessary and unwise to close the range to less than
     10 - 12 miles.
0510 Convoy apparently changed course to 225°T.
0620 Morning fix and course of the convoy indicate he is heading
     into WOLEAI, which, judging from plane cover yesterday, is very
     probably a float-plane base. Decided we would be cluttering
     up the area to stay around and be held down by planes, so in-
     formed ComSubPac of our action and withdrew. Had WOLEAI ISLAND
     in sight for an hour after putting it astern at four-engine
     speed.
1525 Had SD radar contact at 20 miles, closing rapidly. Submerged
     to avoid detection. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 12).
1645 Surfaced, all clear. Continued on our way.
     1200 Position: 9°- 05.5'N, 144°- 51'E.

12 March
0947 Had radar contact with enemy plane at 28 miles, closed to 26
     miles and then left. Not sighted. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 13).

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— page 130 —
12 March (Continued)

1641 Sighted BETTY type bomber distant 10 miles - submerged to
     avoid detection and followed him out into a cloud bank.
     (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 14)
1655 Surfaced and watched plane disappear.
     1200 Position: 13°- 18'N, 149°- 07'E.

13 March

1127 Sighted BETTY type bomber at 10 miles - just about time of
     our sighting he changed the angle on the bow from 45° star-
     board to zero. Sought solitude at 150 feet. (AIRCRAFT CON-
     TACT NO. 15)
1130 First depth charge. Increased depth and speeded up to get
     farther away from our previous track.
1134 Second depth charge. Neither of these were close enough
     to do serious damage, but he either saw us or we were
     leaving a wake. No noticeable air or oil leaks just before
     surfacing.
1320 Returned to periscope depth - our pugnacious friend no longer
     in sight.
1325 Surfaced and continued on our way.
     1200 Position: 14°- 47'N, 155°- 27'E.

14 March

     1200 Position: 16°- 28'N, 161°- 57'E.

15 March

     1200 Position: 17°- 53'N, 168°- 39'E.

16 March

0200(L) Changed time zone to "MIKE"
     1200 (M) Position: 18°- 40'N, 174°- 50'E.
2400(H) Changed time zone to "NAN"
     1200 (N) Position: 19°- 57'N, 178°- 22.5'W.

17 March

0430 Changed time zone to "OBOE".
     1200 (O) Position: 20°- 30'N, 171°- 28'W.

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— page 131 —
18 March
1200 (0) Position: 20° - 57'N, 164° - 42'W.

19 March
Arrived PEARL HARBOR, T.H.

(C) WEATHER
No new information.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
No new information.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
No new information.

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— page 132 —
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(F) SHIP CONTACTS

NO. TIME/DATE LAT. TYPE(S) INITIAL EST. CS HOW REMARKS
LONG. RANGE AND SPD CONTACTED

1. 2005/22 Feb. 0°- 15'S 1 AMS 30,000 yds. 285/9 Sight Bridge watch sighted smoke.
   136°- 18'E 2 MARU Attack No. 1

2. 0903/25 Feb. 1°- 05'S 3 Smoke 20 miles 105/11 Sight Bridge watch sighted smoke.
   137°- 50'E Unidentified.

3. 1653/26 Feb. 0°- 32'S 2 PC 30 miles 150/9 Sight Bridge watch sighted smoke.
   139°- 05'E 4 MARU GATO attacked, we got the
   depth charges.

4. 1218/28 Feb. 0°- 42'N 1 Escort 40 miles 120/9 Sight Bridge watch sighted smoke.
   131°- 57'E 3 MARU Attack No. 2.

5. 0023/3 Mar. 0°- 17'S 1 PC 12 miles 140/9 Sight Sighted ship crossing moon
   136°- 55'E 1 MARU path. Attack No. 3.

6. 0803/3 Mar. 0°- 11'S 3 PC 20 miles 140/9 Submerged -
   136°- 35'E 4 MARU Periscope

7. 0916/4 Mar. 1°- 00'N 2 PC 30 miles 320/9 Sight Bridge watch sighted smoke.
   138°- 30'E 2 AK Attack No. 4.

8. 1540/10 Mar. 6°- 25'N 3 MARU 30 miles Var/7 Sight Bridge watch sighted smoke.
   144°- 45'E Trailed.

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— page 133 —
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

NO. | TIME/DATE | LATITUDE | TYPE(S) | INITIAL | EST. CS. | HOW | REMARKS
    |           | LONGITUDE|         | RANGE   | & SPEED  | CONTACTED |
--- | | | | | | |
1.  | 0715/12 Feb.| 06°- 32'S | B-24    | 14 mi.  | 000/150  | Radar     | IFF identified as friendly.
    |           | 158°- 52'E|         |         |          |           |
2.  | 0755/12 Feb.| 06°- 29'S | B-24    | 15 mi.  | 030/150  | Sight     |
    |           | 158°- 48'E|         |         |          |           |
3.  | 1545/12 Feb.| 05°- 27'S | B-24    | 14 mi.  | 180/150  | Sight     |
    |           | 157°- 00'E|         |         |          |           |
4.  | 0805/13 Feb.| 02°- 35'S | B-24    | 15 mi.  | 315/150  | Sight     |
    |           | 155°- 10'E|         |         |          |           |
5.  | 1358/13 Feb.| 01°- 20'S | B-24    | 15-20   | 135/150  | Sight     |
    |           | 154°- 37'E|         | miles   |          |           |
6.  | 1019/14 Feb.| 00°- 35'N | Unident.| 20 mi.  | 000/-    | Sight     |
    |           | 153°- 00'E|         |         |          |           |
7.  | 1436/14 Feb.| 00°- 50'N | JAKE    | 10 mi.  | 200/150  | Sight     |
    |           | 152°- 37'E|         |         |          |           |
8.  | 1015/16 Feb.| 00°- 20'N | B-24(?) | 6 mi.   | 010/150  | Sight     |
    |           | 152°- 50'E|         |         |          |           |
9.  | 1604/28 Feb.| 00°- 37'N | BETTY   | 10 mi.  | Var/200  | Periscope | Plane was patrolling over
    |           | 132°- 00'E|         |         |          |           | convoy.
10. | 0957/ 9 Mar.| 01°- 20'S | Unident.| 12 mi.  | -        | Radar     |
    |           | 145°- 55'E|         |         |          |           |

(Continued on next page)
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— page 134 —
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (CONTINUED)

NO. | TIME/DATE | LATITUDE | TYPE(S) | INITIAL | EST. CS. | HOW | REMARKS
    |           | LONGITUDE |         | RANGE   | & SPEED  | CONTACTED |
----|||||||
11. | 1621/10 Mar.| 06°- 25'N | 4 RUFE  | 20 mi.  | Var/200  | Sight     | Air cover for convoy.
    |           | 144°- 45'E|         |         |          |           |
12. | 1525/11 Mar.| 09°- 58'N | Unident.| 20 mi.  | -        | Radar     | -
    |           | 145°- 00'E|         |         |          |           |
13. | 0947/12 Mar.| 13°- 10'N | Unident.| 26 mi.  | -        | Radar     | Not sighted.
    |           | 148°- 36'E|         |         |          |           |
14. | 1641/12 Mar.| 13°- 36'N | BETTY   | 14 mi.  | 290/200  | Sight     | Nearest approach 6 miles.
    |           | 150°- 30'E|         |         |          |           |
15. | 1127/13   | 14°- 45'N | BETTY   | 10 mi.  | 075/200  | Sight     | Attacked with depth charges.
    |           | 155°- 25'E|         |         |          |           |

[HANDWRITTEN: 1x tra]

- 19 -                                                              ENCLOSURE (A)

[HANDWRITTEN: 20]

— page 135 —
U.S.S. BALAO
Time: 0013 (L) Date: 23 February, 1944.

TORPEDO ATTCK NO. ONE
PATROL NO. 4
Lat.0° - 07'S Long. 135° - 42'E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Target was third ship in column, convoy consisting
of escort (AMS type), small [UNCLEAR: LURU], and target. Con-
tacted by O.O.D. sighting smoke from bridge. Sighted
at dusk (5 min after sunset), picked up in darkness
at 14,000 yards by SJ radar. Night partially
cloudy, no moon, very dark, occasional showers.

Ship Sunk: One cargo vessel, NIKKI MARU, 5857 tons.

Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.

Damaged Determined
by: Saw three torpedo hits; heard internal explosion;
observed ship dead in water; on returning to scene
found escort surrounded by many small bobbing
lights (survivors); next afternoon found much
debris, large section of mast, one abandoned life-
boat, three survivors at scene; one survivor,
prisoner-of-war, declared ship sank and gave name.

Target Draft: 27' Course; 285°T. Speed: 9 knots Firing Range: 3100 yds.

Own Ship Data

Speed: 14 knots Course: 185°T. Depth: Surface Angle at Firing: [HANDWRITTEN: 0°]

Type Attack: Tracked for four hours, using plot and TDC on
radar range and bearing. Crossed astern of con-
voy to check speed accurately. Headed in when
angle on bow was 60°S, heading directly at target
at all times, sight contact (6,000 yards) since original target
too small for torpedoes, started using TBT bearings
and radar range. Fired with long torpedo run
because of accuracy of tracking information and
desire to have torpedoes reach target before he
sighted us and started to evade. Slowed to 14
knots before firing, evaded at full power on
surface. From "Battle Stations" to firing took
23 minutes; from starting in to attack until
firing took 12 minutes.

[HANDWRITTEN: (26)]
- 20 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 21]

— page 136 —
TORPEDO ATTACK #1 (CONTINUED)

Tubes Fired: .#3 #4 #5 #6 #1 #2
Track Angle: 90°S 91°S 92°S 93°S 91°S 91°S
Gyro Angle: 10 11 12 13 11 11
Depth Set: 8' 10' 8' 10' 8' 10'
Power: High High High High High High
Hit or Miss: Hit Hit Hit Miss Miss Miss
Erratic: No No No No No No
Mark Torpedo: 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A
Serial Number: 24374 26124 25261 23344 26058 23193
Mark Exploder: 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4
Serial Number: 12910 867 491 42 12929 699
Actuation Set: Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual: Contact Contact Contact - - -
Mark Warhead: XVI-1 XVI-1 XVI-1 XVI-1 XVI-1 XVI-1
Serial Number: 2247 10101 9265 5777 2087 9910
Explosive: Torpex Torpex Torpex Torpex Torpex Torpex
Firing Interval: - 10 10 10 10 10
Type Spread: 1° Divergent
Sea Conditions: Light swell (astern), slight chop.
Overhaul Activity: Submarine Repair Unit, Navy No. 89.
Remarks: Hot straight and normal. Normal number of
hits for spread used (150 foot spacing along
target).

- 21 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 27]
[HANDWRITTEN: 22]

— page 137 —
USS BALAO TORPEDO ATTACK NO. TWO PATROL NO. 4
Time: 0109 (L) Date: 29 February, 1944 Lat. 0°- 06'N.
Long. 132°- 53'E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Contact originally established by Officer of the
Deck sighting smoke on the horizon. Convoy con-
sisted of three AP-AK and one non-descript escort
vessel. Visibility conditions very good, night very black at time
of attack, largest ship visible about 9,000 yards.

Ships Sunk: One AP-AK similar to AKIURA MARU class (7150 tons)
Page 170, ONI - 208(J) Revised.
One AP-AK similar to MACCASSAR MARU class (4050 tons)
Page 131, ONI - 208(J) Revised; Numeral "3" on
stack.
One AP-AK similar to AKAGANE MARU class (3130 tons)
Page 104, ONI-208(J) Revised.

Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.

Damaged Determined
By: Saw five torpedo explosions. Each ship seen to suffer
at least one torpedo hit. Saw one ship start to
burn and then explode internally. Heard many very
heavy underwater explosions, neither torpedoes nor
depth charges. SJ radar saw pip of AKIURA MARU
disappear at 4000 yard range (escort vessel pip
4800, other MARU 5200). SJ radar saw pip corre-
sponding to MACCASSAR MARU increase to saturation
and then disappear, range 6000 yards. Subse-
quent search of area by SJ radar gave escort vessel
(chasing us) at 5000 yards remaining MARU at 5600
yards; all three MARUS had been previously tracked
by SJ radar at ranges up to 19,000 yards, and
remaining MARU was tracked out on SJ searches to
12,500 yards. Saw three tremendous flashes from
target area, followed by sound report of heavy ex-
plosions and by hearing heavy explosions through
water then through air. SJ radar was trained away
from AKAGANE at this time, but shifted back to
proper bearing and searched area but failed to find
any pip, although the TDC (still running and set up for
AKAGANE to facilitate future tracking) showed
generated range. of 12,800 yards, 7,000 yards in-
contact range. Contact was not re-
established with AKAGANE although the area was
searched for all speeds, 0 to 11 knots.

- 22 -

[HANDWRITTEN: (28)] [HANDWRITTEN: 23]

— page 138 —
TORPEDO ATTACK NO. T-10 (Continued)

Target Draft: 12' Course: 115°T Speed: 9 knots Firing
                                                Range
                                                3100 yds.(Bow Tubes)
                                                2700 yds.(Stern ")

                                Own Ship Data

Speed: 14 knots Course: 230°T Depth: Surface Angle at Firing 0°(Bow)
Speed: 20 knots Course: 325°T Depth: Surface Angle at Firing 0°(Stern)

                            Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack:                Night surface attack, using SJ radar ranges
                            and TBT bearings. Target group steering steady
                            course, formation a very shallow V, escort
                            leading. Attacked from a position 8,000
                            yards, 300° relative from center ship, pointing
                            bow at target at all times when closing range
                            at 14 knots. After firing bow nest changed
                            course to right with full rudder, increased
                            speed to 20 knots, and fired stern nest at
                            the far wing ship. Near wing ship overlapped
                            target and believed to have been hit with the
                            torpedo which would have passed ahead of
                            target during this phase.

                            - 23 -

[HANDWRITTEN: (29)]                                                    [HANDWRITTEN: 24.]

— page 139 —
TORPEDO ATTACK #2 (Continued)

| Tubes Fired:        | #1      | #2      | #3      | #4      | #5      | #6      | #7      | #8      | #9      | #10     |
| :| :------ |
| Track Angle:        | 79°S    | 82°S    | 82°S    | 87°S    | 84°S    | 86°S    | 110°S   | 112°S   | 114°S   | 115°S   |
| Gyro Angle:         | 346     | 343     | 343     | 338     | 341     | 339     | 220     | 218     | 216     | 217     |
| Depth Set:          | 8'      |
| Power:              | High    |
| Hit or Miss:        | Miss    | Hit     | Miss    | Hit     | Miss    | Miss    | Hit     | Hit     | Hit     | Miss    |
| Erratic:            | No      | No      | Yes     | No      | No      | No      | No      | No      | No      | No      |
| Mark Torpedo:       | 14-3A   |
| Serial Number:      | 22424   | 24430   | 25208   | 25447   | 25241   | 25397   | 26148   | 25268   | 25251   | 24378   |
| Mark Exploder:      | 6-4     |
| Serial Number:      | 6393    | 12908   | 624     | 12861   | 837     | 12916   | 6081    | 12900   | 6552    | 877     |
| Actuation Set:      | Contact |
| Actuation Actual:   | -       | Contact | -       | Contact | -       | -       | Contact | Contact | Contact | -       |
| Mark Warhead:       | XVI-1   |
| Serial Number:      | 2240    | 11802   | 5712    | 10997   | 1895    | 1262    | 10307   | 11000   | 10550   | 5081    |

- 24 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 25]

— page 140 —
TORPEDO ATTACK #2 (Continued)

Tube Number: | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 | #7 | #8 | #9 | #10
Explosive: | Torpex
Firing Interval: | - | 10 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | - | 8 | 9 |
Type Spread: | 1° Divergent | 1° Divergent

Sea Conditions: Moderate swells, slight surface chop.

Overhaul Activity: Submarine Repair Unit, Navy No. 89.

Remarks: Torpedoes fired from #1 and #2 tubes took a violent hook to left and then gyro took
charge. Torpedo from #3 tube broached on firing and then curved erratically to the
right. Erratic run on #3 believed due to flooded afterbody and gyro, which has
happened on two other torpedoes on this patrol after flooding tubes and not subjecting
torpedoes to sea pressure. Other torpedoes hot straight and normal, normal number
of hits for spread used (150 feet along target).

- 25 -

[HANDWRITTEN: 26]

— page 141 —
U.S.S. BALAO TORPEDO ATTACK NO. THREE PATROL NO. 4
Time: 0317 (L) Date: 3 March, 1944 Lat. 0°- 35'S Long. 137°- 05'E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Single AK and one PC type escort. AK estimated
about 2500 tons or over, unidentified. Ship
was sighted heading across a moon slick, visi-
bility excellent, overcast. Moon was up when
sighted but set before attack.

Ships Sunk: None.

Ship(s) Damaged or None.
Probably Sunk:

Damage Determined -
By:

Target Draft: Est. 10 ft, probably 6 Course 160°T Speed: 9.0 knots
Range at Firing: 3100 yards.

Own Ship Data

Speed: 10 knots Course: 260°T Depth: Surface Angle at Firing: 0°

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Night surface, radar ranges and TBT bearings.
Failure to secure hits can only be ascribed
to insufficient draft of the target.

- 26 -

[HANDWRITTEN: (32)]
[HANDWRITTEN: 27]

— page 142 —
TORPEDO ATTACK #3 (Continued).

Tubes Fired:             #6        #5        #4        #3
Track Angle:             90°P      90°P      87°P      90°P
Gyro Angle:              350       350       347       350
Depth Set:               8'        8'        8'        8'
Power:                   High      High      High      High
Hit or Miss:             Miss      Miss      Miss      Miss
Erratic:                 No        No        No        No
Mark Torpedo:            XIV-3A    XIV-3A    XIV-3A    XIV-3A
Serial Number:           25906     25903     25210     25700
Mark Exploder:           VI-4      VI-4      VI-4      VI-4
Serial Number:           304       12313     6553      862
Actuation Set:           Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact
Actuation Actual:        -         -         -         -
Mark Warhead:            XVI-1     XVI-1     XVI-1     XVI-1
Serial Number:           2099      2218      3885      11927
Explosive:               Torpex    Torpex    Torpex    Torpex
Firing Interval:                   10        8         9

Type Spread:             1° Divergent
Sea Conditions:          Slight swell.
Overhaul Activity:       Submarine Repair Unit, Navy No. 89.
Remarks:                 Hot straight and normal, believe
                         torpedoes ran under small target.

[HANDWRITTEN: (33)]                               - 27 -                               [HANDWRITTEN: 28]

— page 143 —
U.S.S. BALAO TORPEDO ATTACK NO. FOUR PATROL NO. 4.
Time: 1957 (L) Date: 4 March, 1944 Lat. 2°- 00'N Long. 137°- 48'E.

[HANDWRITTEN: No hits observed]
Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Two AK's and 2 PC type escorts. Ship attacked
was leading AK, one escort well ahead on port
bow, other escort about 10° forward of star-
board beam. Both ships resembled BANDOENG
MARU class (4000 tons), Page 130, ONI-208-J
(Revised). Contacted by sighting smoke on
horizon - visibility unlimited on sighting
and during attack.

Ships Sunk: None.

Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.

Damage Determined
By: -

Target Draft: 10 feet Course 320°T Speed: 9 knots Range at
                                                                Firing: 2400 yds.

Own Ship Data

Speed: 1.7 knots Course: 050°T Depth: 65 feet Angle at
                                                                Firing: 0°

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Day periscope attack. Target tracked for 10
    hours before submerging, obtaining course,
    speed and zigzag plan to the "fourth decimal
    place". Used periscope mainly to check zig
    plan functioning and to supply ranges and
    information on escorts - did not raise it ex-
    cept at times target should change course, and
    caught him on each one. Continuous bearings
    to TDC during firing.

- 28 -

[HANDWRITTEN: (34)] [HANDWRITTEN: 29]

— page 144 —
TORPEDO ATTACK #4 (Continued)

| Tubes Fired:      | #7      | #8        | #9      | #10     |
| :| :------ | :| :------ | :------ |
| Track Angle:      | 97°S    | 97½°S     | 98°S    | 99°S    |
| Gyro Angle:       | 187     | 187½      | 188     | 189     |
| Depth Set:        | 8'      | 8'        | 8'      | 8'      |
| Power:            | High    | High      | High    | High    |
| Hit or Miss:      | Hit     | Hit       | Miss    | Miss    |
| Erratic:          | Dud     | Dud       | No      | No      |
| Mark Torpedo:     | XIV-3A  | XIV-3A    | XIV-3A  | XIV-3A  |
| Serial Number:    | 25464   | 26069     | 39646   | 24874   |
| Mark Exploder:    | VI-4    | VI-4      | VI-4    | VI-4    |
| Serial Number:    | 843     | 14866     | 18220   | 7299    |
| Actuation Set:    | Contact | Contact   | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual: | Dud     | Dud       | -       | -       |
| Mark Warhead:     | XVI-1   | XVI-1     | XVI-1   | XVI-1   |
| Serial Number:    | 9562    | 9582      | 11418   | 11776   |
| Explosive:        | TPX     | TPX       | TPX     | TPX     |
| Firing Interval:  | -       | 8         | 8       | 9       |

Type Spread: 1° Divergent
Sea Conditions: Slight swell.
Overhaul Activity: Submarine Repair Unit, Navy No. 89.
Remarks: Torpedoes ran hot straight and normal, two
hitting the side of the target. Exploders
failed to function and air flasks caused
only disturbance.

- 29 -

[HANDWRITTEN: (35)]
[HANDWRITTEN: 30]

— page 145 —
(I) MINES
None encountered. [HANDWRITTEN: Balas 4th Pat]
[HANDWRITTEN: 6 Feb-19 Mar '44.]

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

Escort in attack on 23 February dropped 14 depth charges on false
contacts or no contact - we were on surface about 7 miles away. Escort
would ping for about 15 seconds, then listen for about 5 minutes,
allowing us to maintain contact. Escort was pinging during approach
and attack phases, searching. Fired deck gun and several white
rockets.
Two escorts with convoy contacted 26 February employed both
listening and pinging. From the number of depth charges that went off
directly overhead it is thought highly possible that some sort of
magnetic release gear is being used by the Japs. They still seem to
set their charges at 250 feet or less, most of them sounding nearer
100-150 feet. Evaded by fish-tailing at silent (?) speed along
reverse of previous base course, staying under temperature layers. [HANDWRITTEN: Dossland]
Escort with convoy attacked 28-29 February did not use echo [HANDWRITTEN: 10th Flot]
ranging at any time. Evidently had sound gear (listening only) since
he trailed us rather well. Evaded on surface, fired deck guns and 20 m.m., apparently
fired deck guns and 20 m.m. apparently along torpedo tracks, since
many of the shells arched along over where we were.

Target of 3 March fired deck gun along torpedo wakes, escort
chased shadows dropping depth charges at random. Evaded on surface.
Escorts of 4 March maintained initial contact by listening, did
not start echo ranging until after 16th depth charge. Slow fish-tail-
ing at silent speed, while at test depth proved successful. Kept
escorts bearing between 150° and 210° relative. Slight temperature
gradient just above us helped when he started echo ranging. From
sound of splash, estimate that all depth charges were set between
150 and 250 feet.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

Bendix Log: Collision with a waterlogged tree trunk on the
morning of 20 February bent the sword arm about 10° from the vertical,
making it impossible to house the sword arm or close the lower gate
valve. No spare sword arm on board.
Torpedoes: Nippon still has two ships that would have been sunk
if we had a magnetic exploder we could use or a contact exploder that
was sure.

- 30 -

[HANDWRITTEN: (36)]
[HANDWRITTEN: 2 X Thu]
[HANDWRITTEN: 31]

— page 146 —
(L) RADIO

Transmitter (TBL) performance was satisfactory, transmitting
times ranging from six to forty minutes.
Receiver performance was in general, good. Considerable inter-
ference was generated by SD radar when in use and some interference
from shipborne DC motors was encountered. Reception of BELCONNEN
schedules was always possible; of the HAIKU broadcasts, difficulty
was experienced in receiving 9090, 14390 and 17370 KCS during day-
light.
The VHF equipment was never placed in operation by SMRU,
BRISBANE. Attempted tests with PETO and AIR ST.TION, TULAGI, gave
no satisfactory or conclusive results, and thereafter no friendly
units were within range.

(M) RADAR

SD - General performance fair, used only outside the patrol
area. On occasion SD has spotted planes at 26 miles and shortly
thereafter a plane has gone to within 8 miles without contact. The
IFF equipment was found quite effective, giving indication of friendly
planes long before the SD alone would pick up the plane.
SJ - Performance was most satisfactory, with only routine up-
keep and continuous reliability. The ranges obtained were, in general
25% to 50% higher than normally expected for each type of target.
ARC - No contacts during the patrol.
It is believed that operation of the SJ radar would be im-
proved by the substitution of a "relative-true bearing indicator" for
the bearing indicator now installed. The primary advantage of having
true bearings available would lie in increased ease of tracking a
target during high speed maneuvering.
The installation of plan-position indicator is still most
strongly desired.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

Operation of sound gear was satisfactory during the patrol.
Both sound heads developed considerable noise in training, possibly
caused by misalignment of reduction and bevel gears on the training
shaft at test depth.
Full value of the JP sound gear has never been fully realized.
Experimentation and adjustment by ship's personnel has failed to
produce the expected results, and all repair activities encountered
to date have been unfamiliar with the equipment to the extent of
being unable to offer advice. The training gear is considered
inadequate, belonging in the general category of "man-killer".

- 31 -

[HANDWRITTEN: (37)]
[HANDWRITTEN: 32]

— page 148 —
(S) DURATION
Days enroute to area: 7
Days in area: 20
Days enroute to base: 15
Days submerged: 8

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING
| Torpedoes | Fuel | Provisions | Personnel Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 7150 gal. | 20 days | 30 days |

Limiting factor this patrol: Torpedoes; orders from CTF 72.

(U) REMARKS
The lack of air activity in the WAKDE-MANOKWARI sector
was a matter of considerable surprise. Only one plane was sighted
during the period 16 February to 5 March, when on at least two
occasions we were within 15 miles of land on the surface during
daylight, and gave other indications of a submarine being in the
vicinity.

- 33 -

[HANDWRITTEN: (39)]
[HANDWRITTEN: 34]

— page 149 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE TWENTY TWO
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
24 March 1944.

CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS BALAO (SS285) - Report
of Fourth War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Division One Twenty Two.
To : The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron Twelve.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO, Report of War Patrol number Four.

1. This patrol occupied a period of 42 days from
BRISBANE to PEARL with refueling stops at TULAGI and LANGEMAK
Bay, New Guinea. The greater part of the 20 days in area were
spent in areas north of New Guinea before the patrol was
terminated by expenditure of all torpedoes.

2. BALAO succeeded in making contacts with eight
groups of enemy ships and conducted four skillful attacks.
Three of these were night radar attacks and one a day periscope
attack. The attacks were well described in the report. It is
noted that the first two convoys struck were steering straight
courses on moonless nights.

3. Ten hits were obtained, two of which were "duds".
Three other torpedoes ran erratically.

4. Refit is expected to require the normal time and
is being accomplished by GRIFFIN and Submarine Division 122
Relief Crew.

5. The recommendation of the Commanding Officer that
a portable air conditioning unit be installed in the Forward
Battery Room possesses great merit. It has been noted that the
ships of Squadron TWELVE are also insufficiently cooled when
operating in tropical waters.

6. Commander Submarine Division One Twenty Two
congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers and crew for
this aggressive patrol which is believed to have resulted in
the following damage to the enemy:
SUNK
1 AK (NIKKI Maru) 5,857 tons
1 Freighter Transport (AKIURA Maru Class) 7,150 tons
1 Freighter Transport (MACASSAR Maru Class) 4,050 tons
1 Freighter Transport (AKAGANE Maru Class) 3,130 tons
TOTAL 20,187 tons

F.B. LAUDER.
[HANDWRITTEN: (5)] [HANDWRITTEN: 35]

— page 150 —
FC5-12/A16-3                                SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWELVE
Serial 035                                        Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                                  San Francisco, California,
CONFIDENTIAL                                      27 March 1944.
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) Report
of Fourth War Patrol.

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

Subject:      U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

              1.    Forwarded, concurring in the remarks and summation of
damage made by the Commander Submarine Division One Twenty Two.

              2.    An investigation will be made to determine the feasi-
bility of installing additional air conditioning in the Forward Battery
Room. It is believed that some additional cooling can be affected
during this refit period dependent upon available material. A separate
report of accomplishment shall be made by the Commanding Officer.

              3.    It is regretted that the attack of 4 March failed because
of two apparent duds especially since the attack on this vessel was
planned and conducted skillfully.

              4.    The Commander Submarine Squadron Twelve heartily con-
gratulates the Captain, Officers, and Crew of the BALAO for having
conducted a fine and aggressive patrol which resulted in damaging the
enemy severely.

                                                  J. B. GRIGGS.

[HANDWRITTEN: (14)]                                                              [HANDWRITTEN: 36]

— page 151 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 4253 (3)]
4 01380

FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Care of Fleet Post Office,
Serial 0593 San Francisco, California,
28 March 1944.

CONFIDENTIAL
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to DESTROYED PRIOR TO
BALAO Report of ENTERING PATROL AREA.
FOURTH WAR PATROL.

CONSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 395
U.S.S. BALAO - FOURTH WAR PATROL.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.
(6 February to 19 March 1944).

1. The fourth war patrol of the BALAO was conducted in the Bismarck-
New Guinea area and enroute Pearl Harbor.

2. Excellent area coverage was maintained. Four aggressive attacks
were conducted, two of which resulted in severe damage to the enemy. Attack No. 2,
in the early morning hours of 29 February, was exceptionally well conducted and
aggressive.

3. One more enemy ship would probably have been sunk except for
faulty torpedo performance. As the torpedoes were prepared outside of this Force,
it is not definitely known what modifications were made to the exploders and,
therefore, the cause of the two duds (Attack No. 4) cannot be ascertained at this
time.

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

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

S U N K
1 - Freighter (NIKKI MARU class) - 5,857 tons (Attack No. 1)
1 - Freighter-Transport (AKIURA MARU class) - 7,156 tons (Attack No. 2)
1 - Freighter-Transport (MACASSAR MARU class) - 4,051 tons (Attack No. 2)
1 - Freighter-Transport (AKAGANE MARU class) - 3,130 tons (Attack No. 2)
TOTAL 20,194 tons

NOTE: Since the above damage was done in areas under the operational control
of Commander Task Force Seventy-Two, he is requested to assume credit
accordingly.

[STAMP: FILMED]
Distribution and authentication C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr. [HANDWRITTEN: Enter
on following page. Rando
[HANDWRITTEN: (2)] 37]

— page 152 —
[STAMP: 004.10 I]
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

Serial 0593 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
CONFIDENTIAL 28 March 1944.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
BALAO Report of DESTROYED PRIOR TO
FOURTH WAR PATROL. ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 395
U.S.S. BALAO - FOURTH WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.
(6 February to 19 March 1944).

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (5)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
Intel. Cen. Pac. Ocean Areas (1)
Comservpac
(Adv. Base Plan. Unit) (1)
Cinclant (2)
Comsublant (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (1)
Comsubsowespac (2)
CTF 72 (2)
Comnorpac (1)
Comsubspac (40)
SUBD, ML (2)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
Comsubstrainpac (2)
All Squadron and Division
Commanders, Subspac (2)
All Submarines, Subspac (1)

[SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes Ind]
E. L. HYNES, II,
Flag Secretary.

[HANDWRITTEN: (3)]
[HANDWRITTEN: 38]

— page 153 —
1 ST COPY

U.S.S. BALAO (SS285)

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
CONFIDENTIAL
SS285/A16-3
Serial (010)

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division EIGHTY-TWO.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHT.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO, Report of War Patrol Number Five.

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the fifth war patrol of
this vessel conducted in PALAU area during the period of 24
April, 1944 to 12 June, 1944 is forwarded herewith.

M. F. RAMIREZ de ARELLANO.

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

[HANDWRITTEN: 79366]

— page 154 —
(A) PROLOGUE

                 Arrived Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T. H., 19 March 1944
                 from 4th War Patrol. Refit conducted by GRIFFIN. Past GRIFFIN re-
                 fit conducted by Sub Base, P. H., T.H. Major alterations accom-
                 plished:
                       (a) Conversion of #4 MBT to fuel ballast tank.
                       (b) Installation of heater and charging panels for Mk 18
                           torpedoes.
                       (c) Installation of PPI screen.
                       (d) Installation of Gould type trim pump.

                 Refit completed 12 April. Sound tested April 13. Lieut.
                 Comdr. C. C. COLE, USN., relieved by Lieut. Comdr. M. F. R. de
                 ARELLANO, USN., on 18 April, 1944. Trained 14 - 22 April inclusive.
                 Loaded 23 and 24 April. Readiness for sea April 25, 1944.

(B) NARRATIVE

25 APRIL

1330 (VW) Underway on Fifth War Patrol, enroute MIDWAY IS.
1415 (VW) Escort, PC 1077 joined.
2000 (VW) Detached escort. Made trim dive.

26 - 29 APRIL

                 Enroute MIDWAY IS. Conducted daily fire control problems
                 and training dives.

29 APRIL

0530 (Y) Rendezvoused with escort planes.
0625 (Y) Sighted MIDWAY IS. bearing 225°T, distant 17 miles.
0800 (Y) Moored starboard side to Submarine Base Pier, MIDWAY IS.
                 Voyage repairs consisted of grinding in H.P. air manifold
                 (ship's force); installation of bridge RCA type pressure
                 proof speakers; repairs to Bendix Log and SD radar.
                 (We are indebted to Sub Supply Center, P.H., T.H. for
                 sending us the bridge speaker).
1620 (Y) Departed MIDWAY, set course to area. Made first of daily
                 training dives and conducted fire control problem upon
                 departure of escorting planes.

30 APRIL

0800 (M) Set clocks ahead 24 hours; changed date to May 1, 1944.

- 1 -

— page 155 —
3 MAY
1755 (L) Upon surfacing from training dive, periscope watch sighted
     what appeared to be a friendly submarine on the surface
     bearing 310°T, distant 22,000 yards. Went to battle
     stations; commenced maneuvering to gain station ahead.
     I intended to positively identify prior to making my
     presence known. At
1823 (L) Identified submarine, and exchanged calls with HADDOCK;
     then proceeded on course to area.

7 MAY
2058 (K) SJ made contact on PAGAN IS. 270°T, 65,000 yards.
2214 (K) Sighted PAGAN IS. and ALAMAGAN IS.
2300 (K) Passed PAGAN IS. and ALAMAGAN IS. equi-distant on either
     beam. Made a search on the CUO; no contacts. SD unable
     to contact either island. Found mast grounded out.
2335 (K) Changed course to 245°T.

11 MAY
0230 (I) Entered area 10-C. I am approaching in a vacant area hoping
     to intercept any traffic bound for the Philippine Islands.
     [HANDWRITTEN: Patrolled across PALAU-MINDANAO traffic lanes.]

14 MAY
1405 (I) Sighted smoke over the horizon bearing 080°T; changed
     course to 080°T, increased speed to 15 knots. (SHIP
     CONTACT #1).
1425 (I) Sighted float plane bearing 070°T, distant 10 miles.
     (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #1). He appeared to be coming in so at
1426 (I) submerged to 150 feet, changed course to the left to
     260°T.
1445 (I) Came to periscope depth; no plane in sight. Changed course
     to 300°T. At
1455 (I) changed course to 000°T. Was unable to close smoke
     sufficiently to determine composition of convoy. At
1913 (I) Surfaced, changed course to 300°T and closed convoy.
1918 (I) SJ made contact 010°T, range 21,000 yards. Commenced
     end around to gain station ahead. Considerable radar
     interference was noted, so manned CUO. At
2015 (I) CUO had radar contact on 550 megacycles. SJ reported
     strong interference bearing 130° relative; at this time
     our target bore 112° relative. At
2155 (I) SJ reported a new contact bearing 161°T, range 8900 yards.
     Range closed to 8100 yards, so at

- 2 -

— page 156 —
14 MAY (continued)
2200 (I) went ahead full on four engines. New target gradually
faded out as he drew astern; we lost him at 12,000 yards.
At
2250 (I) slowed to 5 knots on one engine to finish tracking main
target. During preliminary tracking we had determined
his base course as 320°T, speed 9 knots. He was zigging
30 degrees on either side of this base course. At one
time we were closed in to 16,000 yards, and still had
just one target on the screen. At
2303 (I) SJ picked up our shadow bearing 175°T, range 9,000 yards.
Sound reported pinging on this bearing, so at
2304 (I) went ahead 19 knots on four engines, and changed course
to 355°T to bring the shadow astern. He closed to 7800
yards before we started to open out.
This contact was most unfortunate, as I had been on the
point of going in for the attack. After opening out the
range to 12,000 yards, started coming right in small steps
to keep him astern and head in for the attack. Thought
we were succeeding, but at
2322 (I) with main target bearing 080°T about 20,000 yards, SJ
picked up an escort bearing 065° relative, range 9500
yards. We were then on course 065°T. Could not under-
stand how the original escort could have [UNCLEAR: got] over there
so quickly from his position astern, so had SJ sweep astern
to see if the original shadow was still there. SJ reported
him at 190° relative, range about 12,000 yards. Decided
we were boxed in by two radar equipped escorts, so at
2322 (I) changed course to the left at 19 knots, steadying down
on 340°T. Slowly drew ahead of the two escorts. At
ranges in excess of 11,000 yards, they appeared to lose
us, as we could see their beams sweeping sadly across
the screen. At
2350 (I) Commenced easing around to the right, steadying on course
100°T. The main target, apparently warned of our presence
had made a radical change of course; I
by the escorts,
believe to the southwest. Contact was not regained,
In view of the willingness of these escorts to leave their
station to hunt for a submarine, I began to believe these
ships were a decoy group. This was substantiated at the
time by the very small size of the main target as shown
on the screen. We have tracked FLORIKAN consistently to
24,000 yards, but lost this target whenever range opened
over 20,000 yards. Held this course to get in my own area.
This decision was a serious error in judgment on my part;
as at

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— page 157 —
15 MAY
0430 (I) Received BOWFIN's report of attack on this convoy. This
despatch was then four hours old. It is most unfortunate
we did not know of BOWFIN's attack sooner as we could have
invited her to join us in a wolf pack attack. It would
have been simple for her to attack the target while we led
the escorts a merry chase in the van.
In view of our distance from the scene, coupled with the
probability of air coverage at dawn, held course for my
area; patrolling on the surface enroute.

16 MAY
0300 (I) Entered area 10 EASY. At
0517 (I) Dove. We are patrolling across the YAP - PALAU traffic
lane. We are 50 miles bearing 240° from YAP.
1829 (I) Surfaced. Decided to patrol YAP - ULITHI - GUAM probable
traffic lane. At

17 MAY
0155 (I) Made SJ contact on YAP IS. bearing 290°T, distant 39,350
yards. At
0503 (I) Dove. Patrolled on east west legs in center of area
between YAP and ULITHI.
1833 (I) Surfaced. Patrolled on east west courses. At

18 MAY
0210 (I) CUO made a contact on 625 megacycles. No interference
noted on SJ.
0310 (I) CUO contact had disappeared.
0350 (I) CUO contact on 625 megacycles.
0443 (I) Dove. Patrolled as before on east west courses.
1826 (I) Surfaced. No contact on CUO.

19 MAY
0452 (I) Dove. Changed course to head for southern part of area.
1834 (I) Surfaced on course 180°T. No contact on CUO.

20 MAY
0448 (I) Dove. Changed course to 200°T to head for area 10 FOX.
1837 (I) Surfaced. No contact on CUO.

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— page 158 —
21 MAY
0203 (I) Changed course to 260°T.
0517 (I) Dove to shift MK 18 torpedoes.
1217 (I) Surfaced. Patrolled on surface.
1400 (I) Entered area 10 FOX.
1620 (I) Changed course to 280°T.

22 MAY
0300 (I) Changed course to 180°T. We are now thirty miles off the
PALAU coast.
0455 (I) Dove. Changed course to 090°T to patrol YOO CHANNEL - YAP
traffic lane.
1025 (I) Heard distant explosions.
1330 (I) Sound heard pinging bearing 275°T. Pinging appeared to
be single pings with large interval of time between
pings. (SHIP CONTACT NO. 2)
1345 (I) Sighted single mast bearing 305°T, range about 12,000
yards. Changed course to 000°T.
1414 (I) Sighted another single mast bearing 339°T. Both these
vessels were now pinging on the long scale.
1437 (I) Identified vessels as escorts similar to our PC boats.
Changed course to 330°T in order to intercept any ships
for whom they might be sweeping ahead.
1452 (I) Sighted "BETTY" type two engine bomber over the PC boats.
(AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 2). He did not appear to be
working in conjunction with the PC's as he flew off in
the direction of YAP. I had not seen him before, in spite
of several careful plane sweep with the periscope.
1843 (I) Surfaced. Changed course to 050°T. This was the base
course the two PC's had followed.

23 MAY
0000 (I) Changed course to 140°T to patrol across YAP-YOO line.
No contact on CUO.
0219 (I) Sound picked up screws bearing 210°T. SJ simultaneously
made contact bearing 212°T, range 8,000 yards. (SHIP CON-
TACT NO. 3). CUO reported contact on 600 megacycles. It
is noteworthy that at 0215, CUO had no contact. Changed
course to put our stern at the target and increased speed
to 17 knots. Range closed, so at 0228 increased speed to
19 knots. We are now on course 025°T. Range opened
slowly. Target was very small, so commenced to ease off
to the right in order to evade. Target appeared to follow
on course changes, but after opening out until we lost
him on the SJ, he seemed to lose us; as his radar could be

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— page 159 —
23 MAY (continued)
seen sweeping across the "A" scope and PPI screen.
Decided that we had been detected, so after shaking
the shadow, steadied on 160°T and slowed to 13 knots. I
intended to run south and then ease back up on the traffic
lane. At
0255 (I) SJ picked up our shadow bearing 260°T, range 10,600 yards.
Increased speed to 18 knots, came left to 110°T, and re-
peated the end around process; finally steadying on course
170°T at
0337 (I) and slowed to 13 knots.
0405 (I) CUO contact on 585 megacycles.
0445 (I) CUO contact had disappeared.
0456 (I) Slowed to 10 knots.
0501 (I) Dove. Changed course to 260°T.
1850 (I) Surfaced, changed course to 000°T. No contact on CUO.
Patrolled to the north.

24 MAY

0007 (I) Changed course to 090°T.
0117 (I) Changed course to 070°T.
0135 (I) Sound heard a single ping bearing 053°T. CUO made contact
at 600 megacycles. Changed course to put the pinging astern.
(SHIP CONTACT NO. 4).
0136 (I) SJ made contact on small vessel bearing approximately
050°T, range 15,000 yards.
0140 (I) Steadied on 250°T. Original target was now seen to be
two small craft. Their bearings opened out until they
had a separation of about 10 degrees on the SJ. The second
vessel was to the spread at 13,000 yards. Sound reported
both these ships were echo ranging; SJ reported radar
interference on "A" scope and PPI screen. We were tracking
them, so maneuvered to stay ahead of them about 12,000
yards. They headed for YOO CHANNEL on course 240°T, speed
16 knots. At this speed they would be off the channel
entrance 65 minutes before sunrise. Apparently they are
sweeping the YAP-YOO line. Thinking this might be a sweep
preparatory to a convoy run, we eased over to the east and ran
around them to the north. They were definitely not escorting
any ships. CUO had a constant reading of 610 megacycles.
0459 (I) Dove. We are sitting right on the YAP-YOO line. Changed
course to 250°T to patrol along this line.
1851 (I) Surfaced. Changed course to 180°T.
2059 (I) SJ made contact bearing 260°T, range 13,000 yards. (SHIP
CONTACT NO. 5). CUO measured the usual 610 megacycles;
although 30 minutes before hand no contact was heard on
CUO. SJ reported the usual interference on "A" scope and

- 6 -

— page 160 —
24 MAY (Continued)
PPI screen. This lad was definitely after us; he
would carefully center his "radar" on our radar beam.
When we trained away slightly, he would sweep back
and forth trying to recenter our SJ beam. The instant
we trained on him again, the centering motion would
appear again until he was satisfied with the bearing.
This feeling out process could best be seen on the PPI
screen. At
2111 (I) had eased around to 090°T at 18 knots, and was just
beginning to shake him. He very definitely kept heading
for us; our TDC plot showed a zig very shortly after each
one of ours. Kept opening out and finally at
2225 (I) his beam could be seen sweeping disconsolately across the
screen. Decided to head for the southern part of this
area and send off a despatch to inform the other submarines
of conditions encountered. At
2246 (I) Changed course to 180°T. At

25 MAY
0042 (I) slowed to 16 knots and resumed battery charge on one
engine.
0505 (I) Dove, changed course to 270°T. Did not send out message
as CUO had strong continuous 610 megacycle reading.
1015 (I) Heard distant underwater explosions.
1851 (I) Surfaced, changed course to 180°T. CUO contact on 610
megacycles. At
2000 (I) Sent BALAO Serial #1 to ComSubPac. Transmission required
only 21 minutes. Could not raise NPM so gave it to Port
Moresby. At
2021 (I) Changed course to 290°T.

26 MAY
0515 (I) Dove and changed course to 000°T.
1855 (I) Surfaced, changed course to 270°T. CUO reading of 610
megacycles throughout the night.

27 MAY
0120 (I) Small SJ contact bearing 040°T, range 17,000 yards.
(SHIP CONTACT NO. 6) Range decreased rapidly so speeded
up to keep position ahead while tracking. Target was
on base course 265°T, speed 20 knots by plot and TDC.
He was using a 30 degree zig to the right and left of
the base course with 7 minutes on each leg. By the time
we had his speed and zig plan, his true bearing was
300°T. The closest we could get was 12,000 yards.

- 7 -

— page 161 —
27 MAY (Continued)

No radar interference was noted, although CUO had our old
standby of 610 megacycles. I believe this target was a
small destroyer as he was traveling at high speed, but
gave too small a pip for a large destroyer.
0310 (I) Steadied on 270°T, and slowed to 5 knots.
0519 (I) Dove.
1014 (I) Surfaced; commenced surface patrol on 140°T and reverse.
1149 (I) Sighted "DAVE" single engine, biwing float plane, bearing
090°T, distant 5 miles, elevation 10 degrees. (AIRCRAFT
CONTACT NO. 3). Dove and changed course to 180°, then
changed to 270°T.
1155 (I) At and slowed to 4 knots. Plane did not drop any bombs,
so thought he may not have seen us.
1408 (I) Surfaced. Changed course to 320°T.
1412 (I) Sighted "DAVE" bearing 095°T, distant 8 miles, elevation
10 degrees. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 4). Dove and at
1413 (I) steadied on course 200°T. At
1500 (I) Changed course to 270°T. At
1600 (I) Changed course to 320°T.
1902 (I) Surfaced.
1920 (I) Changed course to 000°T to head for northern boundary. At
2146 (I) Changed course to 310°T.

28 MAY

0400 (I) Changed course to 265°T.& pgc. At
0539 (I) Dove. During forenoon heard distant underwater explosions.
1443 (I) Sighted tops of a ship bearing 189°T, dead ahead. (SHIP
CONTACT NO. 7) Went to battle stations; but track soon
revealed target's base course was 265°T. Accordingly, at
1616 (I) after target was lost to view in the periscope, surfaced
and commenced end around. SJ and SD are both out of
commission, the former temporarily, the SD permanently.
SD has not worked since departure Midway, which is a
considerable handicap in view of the low ceiling and plane
coverage prevailing in this area.
1659 (I) Sighted mast of our target bearing 235°T. Changed course
from 250°T to 270°T to draw ahead undiscovered. Mast
seemed to draw closer so maneuvered to keep him at the
same distance by altering course to the right. At
1713 (I) Mast was smaller, so commenced easing left again, at
1745 (I) steadying on course 270°T. Target is headed for DAVAO
at about 10 knots. We were pulling ahead nicely, when at

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— page 162 —
28 MAY (Continued)

1755 (I) periscope watch in his routine sweep around sighted a
small escort vessel coming out of a rain squall. (SHIP
CONTACT NO. 8). His true bearing was 000°T, distant
about 12,000 yards. His angle on the bow was about 50
port, but this immediately decreased to zero as we changed
course to 170°T at
1755-15 (I) and went ahead flank speed. He chased us for about 20
minutes; but gradually fell astern. At
1830 (I) SJ back in commission, so at
1835 (I) when shadow could just be seen through the periscope,
changed course to 190°T and commenced run around to the
south of the target. At
1902 (I) Changed course to 260°T.
1939 (I) Strong radar interference bearing 020° relative, 280°T.
1940 (I) Changed course to 235°T to pull around escort. Radar
interference steadily drew aft, and by
2230 (I) we were back on course 270°T, having eased around the
escort.
2315 (I) Changed course to 280°T.
2331 (I) Changed course to 290°T. SJ suddenly reported a contact
dead ahead range 6700 yards closing fast. Cursing all
Jap spit kits, swung right at flank speed to put him
astern and run around him. SJ now eased the tension by
reporting this was a plane contact, apparently radar
equipped as they had very strong interference all around
the dial. They tracked him out, finally losing him at
12,600 yards on true bearing of 000°T. Plane came out
of a very heavy rain squall, and I believe the echoes
from this squall prevented him from detecting us. I
did not consider it possible for us to gain station
ahead undetected under these conditions, so abandoned
chase and set course for the area. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 5).

29 MAY

0225 (I) Heard two underwater explosions one right after the other.
0540 (I) Dove.
1225 (I) Surfaced. Patrolling on surface on PALAU-DAVAO traffic
lane.

30 MAY

0513 (I) Dove. Changed course to 140°T to get back in my area.
1834 (I) Surfaced.
2118 (I) Changed course to 030°T.
2125 (I) Sighted what appeared to be either a submarine or a PC
bearing 330°T (SHIP CONTACT NO. 9). SJ could not pick
him up at first, but finally crashed through with a range
of 12,000 yards. We paralleled his course 225°T at best

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— page 163 —
20 MAY (Continued)
speed for an hour, but he had the speed and left us astern.
He disappeared into a rain squall on a bearing of 270°T.
2221 (I) Changed course to 040°T, and headed for northern portion
of the area.

31 MAY
0430 (I) Changed course to 110°T.
0522 (I) Dove.
1820 (I) Went deep to check for layers. At
1840 (I) Sound heard screws bearing 065°T; started coming up from
425 feet.
1843 (I) Periscope depth, saw TUNA bearing 080°T, range about
2,000 yards, angle on bow 45 starboard. (SHIP CONTACT NO. 10)
TUNA fired recognition signal from Buck Rogers gun, so at
1851 (I) answered with the proper smoke bomb. This one didn't go
off, so fired another, TUNA turned away, so came right,
put him astern and surfaced. TUNA had dived, so sent
recognition signal on sound gear and by flashing light.
As usually happens when we need it, the SJ blew a fuse.

1902 (I) SJ was back in commission and reported heavy radar inter-
ference - SJ type. Presumed TUNA at radar depth, but
opened quickly to 7,000 yards in case it was not TUNA.
Receiving no further signal from TUNA, cleared area.
2030 (I) Steadied on base course 120°T.
2215 (I) Changed course to 045°T.
2318 (I) SJ interference dead ahead - appears to be one of our
subs. Interference is weak.
2357 (I) Changed course to 140°T.

1 JUNE
0100 (I) Strong SJ radar interference dead ahead. It is another one
of our subs.
Since situation to south appeared to be in hand, decided to
head west at slow speed. At
0103 (I) Changed course to 280°T, slowed to 5 knots.
0243 (I) Changed course to 230°T.
0514 (I) Dove.
0610 (I) Changed course to 045°T.

- 10 -

— page 164 —
1 JUNE (Continued)
1903 (I) Surfaced: to 20 feet.
2101 (I) SJ made contact bearing 285° relative, 340°T;
range 16,500 yards. (SHIP CONTACT NO. 11). Bridge
then made sight contact. Target group consists of
4 or 5 ships. Came right, and paralleled convoy at
10 knots. Commenced tracking. At
2147 (I) We had target taped on course 245°T; speed 7.5 knots.
Increased speed to 17 knots to pull ahead. Intend to
make a moonlight submerged approach, as the escort
or escorts are using radar.
2349 (I) Dove; commenced approach. At

2 JUNE
0030 (I) Main target group is in sight. Three targets are
in column; escort is a pinging CHIDORI torpedo boat.
He crossed ahead from port to starboard at a range
of about 700 yards. He must have heard us make
ready the tubes, because he double pinged on our
bearing several times. He then resumed normal ping-
ing, and gave no indication of having received an echo.
We are going to attack the largest of the three
targets, the next to last in column. Our solution
excellent.
0055 (I) Fired six bow tubes at estimated 5,000 ton passenger
freighter at a 95° starboard track angle. Torpedo
run 2600 yards. Went ahead full with left rudder
and went deep. Fired all six tubes at one ship 150
foot spacing as I thought it better to make sure of
one ship rather than take a chance my moonlight ranges
and angles on the bow were correct enough to split
two ships. Heard two torpedo ex-
plosions on JP and through the hull. Official timer
timed these at 1 minute and 47 seconds and 1 minute
and 55 seconds after firing torpedo.
0102 (I) Barrage of 4 depth charges; however, we are under a
20 degree layer, and have been running away at 9
knots. These four sounded like a child playing with
a toy hammer, very weak and mild.
0230 (I) Started up; escort is still in vicinity of attack,
distant 5 miles; He never had us.
0300 (I) Radar depth (moon had set) no contact on SJ. Sound
still hears the escort pinging disconsolately.

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— page 165 —
2 JUNE (Continued)

0305 (I) Surfaced; commenced end around for moonlight attack
          tonight. Due to air coverage and glassy sea, day-
          light approaches are hardly practical in this area.
0522 (I) Dove to let air patrol go by.
0917 (I) Surfaced.
1817 (I) Sighted tops of our convoy bearing 035°T. Peri-
          scope can only see three ships. (SHIP CONTACT #11 B).
          Commenced tracking. Convoy apparently convinced;
          they are zigzagging radically every eight minutes,
          with a 12 minute leg on 270°T.
2320 (I) Dove; commenced approach.
          Their zig plan never took them over 1500 yards from
          the track, so simply ran up the reverse of their
          base course (230°T.) It was with considerable
          satisfaction I saw only two targets. Escort now
          consisted of our CHIDORI friend and a PC boat.
          The former is pinging, and the latter is listening
          only. CHIDORI is patrolling up and down the star-
          board side, while the PC is doing the same up and
          down the port side. I went in on an 80 port track
          just after the group zigged to 270°T as TDC pre-
          dicted. I am going to fire at 1200 yards range.
          With about 9 minutes to go prior to firing, the
          PC boat came up and sat on our beam. At first it
          looked as if he were going to pass clear down our
          starboard side, but he changed around from a 120°
          starboard angle on the bow to a 70° port. He de-
          creased this slowly and closed until he was right
          on top of us, when he came right and paralleled us.
          I was reminded of Eddy's cartoon, where the conning
          officer looks through the periscope and says "If
          we don't have any destroyers with only two numbers,
          we're too close!" This bird completely filled the
          eyepiece in high power, and almost stretched from
          edge to edge in low power. As we still had about
          5 minutes left, eased down slowly to 100 feet,
          hoping he would pass over us. Unfortunately for us,
          he sat there right on the beam not only while the
          convoy went by, but for some 10 minutes afterwards.

3 JUNE

0012 (I) Eased back up to periscope depth. Convoy had 180°
          angle on the bow. Our PC friend was still on our
          beam, but had opened out a good 500 yards, so we
          crept away into the night facing another end around.
          This one will have to be a dawn attack.
          o i o i i ?

- 12 -

— page 166 —
3 JUNE (Continued)

                                  I do not know whether the PC thought he had
                                  something, or whether he was merely waiting
                                  on the bow of the leading ship for the second
                                  ship in column to go by prior to speeding up
                                  and pulling up on the bow of the leading
                                  ship again. In any case, he ruined my approach,
                                  although this was probably my fault for going
                                  between the screen and the target. However,
                                  in last night's approach I had fired from
                                  such a range that I was anxious to get in
                                  close for this one.
0200 (I) Convoy disappeared.
0230 (I) Surfaced. Commenced end around on course
          205°T. Sent BALAO Serial Two to ComSubPac.
0330 (I) Changed course to 225°T.
0432 (I) Changed course to 250°T.
0435 (I) SJ out of commission, so slowed from 18 knots
          to 5 knots and manned sound.
0439 (I) Sound reported pinging bearing 023° relative.
          (SHIP CONTACT NO. 11 C).
0440 (I) SJ back in commission. SJ contact bearing
          017°T, range 12,000 yards. It certainly is
          fortunate we slowed as otherwise we would
          have bumped into the radar escort very
          shortly.
0441 (I) Reversed course to clear convoy. Morning
          twilight has begun, and dawn will really
          break in about 35 minutes. There is not
          enough time to gain station ahead before the
          planes will force us down.
0458 (I) Steadied on 020°T.
0542 (I) Dove.
1040 (I) Sighted morning plane patrol (AIRCRAFT CONTACT
          NO. 6) bearing 330°T, distant 4 miles, ele-
          vation 40°. Identified as "BETTY".
1847 (I) Surfaced. Enroute area off PALAU.
2300 (I) Received authority leave area due to low fuel
          remaining on hand. Set course for MAJURO.

4 JUNE

0531 (I) Dove.
1325 (I) Surfaced.

5 JUNE

0521 (I) Dove.
0808 (I) Sighted "BETTY" bomber bearing 010°T, distant
          8 miles. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 7).

- 13 -

— page 167 —
5 JUNE (Continued)
1010 (I) Surfaced.
1340 (I) Dove for "BETTY" bomber bearing 100°T, 5 miles
distant. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #8).
1344 (I) Plane dropped three bombs none close.
1849 (I) Surfaced.

6 JUNE
0943 (I) Dove for "BETTY" bomber bearing 195°T, distant 8
miles. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 9).
1406 (I) Surfaced.

7 JUNE
1200 (I) Set clocks ahead one hour to minus 10 zone time.
1620 (K) Dove for "ZERO" float plane bearing 270°T, distant
6 miles. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 10).
1847 (K) Surfaced.

8 JUNE
0007 (K) Slowed to 5 knots while sending serial three to
ComSubPac.
0950 (K) Dove for "BETTY" bomber bearing 230°T, distant 4
miles coming in. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 11). Oh for
an SD radar!
1850 (K) Surfaced.

10 JUNE
1435 (K) Sighted KUSAIE IS. bearing 140°T, distant 40 miles.

11 JUNE
0314 (L) Made sight and SJ contact on CASSIN (DD372) bearing
032°T, distant 20,000 yards. Sound heard pinging on
CASSIN on base course 260°T, speed
24 knots. CASSIN gave no sign of having picked us up,
although his radar interference was bearing on the
screen whenever it swept our way.
0331 (L) SJ lost contact at 24,000 yards. This is more like it
should be. I cannot understand why our set is so
erratic. Convoy attacked was picked up broadside on
at 16,000 yards. Any one of the merchant vessels
would have made four CASSINS. When detected, CASSIN
only had an angle on the bow of 48° port.
1400 (L) Sighted escort bearing 052°T, distant 19,000 yards
(by SJ). Changed course to 052°T.
1412 (L) Exchanged calls with escort HASTINGS (DE 19). Fell
in astern; proceeded enroute MAJURO.

12 JUNE
1126 (L) Moored starboard side to port USS SPERRY at MAJURO.

= 14 -

— page 168 —
**(C) WEATHER**
Normal to the time of year - overcast with frequent rain
squalls, sea generally flat calm.

**(D) TIDAL INFORMATION**
The following currents were encountered:
100 to 150 miles northwest of P.LAU - 1 knot toward 320°.
Between YAP and ULITHI - .5 knots toward 000°.
Vicinity of SONSORAL - 1 knot toward 180°.

**(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS**
None encountered.

**(F) SHIP CONTACTS**

NO. TIME LATITUDE TYPE INITIAL EST.COURSE HOW CON- REMARKS
    DATE LONGITUDE      RANGE SPEED TACTED

1.  1405 09-06-45 N UN- 20,000 320 SD SMOKE
    5/14/44 132-49-45E KNOWN Yards 9

2.  1330 07-33-45 N PC 12,000 050 SOUND
    5/22/44 135-33-00 E Yards 12

3.  0219 07-46-45 N PC 8,000 065 SOUND
    5/23/44 135-51-00 E Yards 16

4.  0135 07-48-30 N PC 15,000 240 SOUND
    5/24/44 135-30-00 E Yards 16

5.  2059 07-24-00 N PC 13,000 080 R
    5/24/44 135-24-00 E Yards 16

6.  0120 06-24-45 N A/S 17,000 265 R
    5/27/44 132-10-15E VESSEL Yards 20

7.  1440 06-53-30 N UN- 15,000 265 SOUND
    5/28/44 130-10-00 E KNOWN Yards 12

8.  1755 06-53-00 N DE 12,000 170 SD P
    5/28/44 129-43-00 E Yards 16

9.  2125 05-55-30 N A/S 12,000 225 SN
    5/30/44 132-46-15 E VESSEL Yards 18

10. 1843 05-44-50 N USS 2,000 225 P
    5/31/44 130-01-00 E TUNA Yards 15

-15-

— page 169 —
(F) SHIP CONTACTS (CONTINUED)

NO.   TIME    LATITUDE      TYPE      INITIAL   EST. CRS.   HOW CON-   REMARKS
-
11.   2101    05-48-30 E    3 AK      16,500    225         R          ATTACKED
      6/1/44  133-27-45 N   1 PC      Yards     9
                            1 CHIDORI
11 B. 1817    03-51-00 N    2 AK      16,000    225         P
      6/2/44  131-30-45 E   1 PC      Yards     9
                            1 CHIDORI
11 C. 0438    02-38-00 N    1 CHIDORI 12,000    225         SOUND
      6/3/44  130-42-45 E             Yards     9

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

NO.   TIME    LATITUDE      TYPE      INITIAL   EST. CRS.   HOW CON-   REMARKS
-
1.    1425    09-06-45 N    FLOAT     20,000    Patrolling  SD         A/S
      5/14/44 132-49-45 E             Yards     ahead of convoy        SWEEP
2.    1452    07-33-45 N    "BETTY"   12,000    100°T       P          Long Range
      5/22/44 135-33-00 E             Yards                            Reconnaissance.
3.    1149    06-08-45 N    "DAVE"    10,000    225°T       SD         Short Range
      5/27/44 131-48-15 E             Yards                            Reconnaissance.
4.    1412    06-07-30 N    "DAVE"    16,000    A/S         SD         A/S SWEEP
      5/27/44 131-29-45 E             Yards     SWEEP
5.    2325    06-28-00 N    UNKNOWN   6,000     Patrolling  R          Radar A/S
      5/28/44 128-42-30 E             Yards     ahead of convoy.       Sweep
6.    1040    03-28-45 N    "BETTY"   8,000     050°T       P          A/S SWEEP
      6/3/44  130-56-45 E             Yards
7.    0808    05-00-00 N    "BETTY"   16,000    110°T       SD         Long Range
      6/5/44  136-04-00 E             Yards.                           Reconnaissance
8.    1340    05-00-00 N    "BETTY"   10,000    290°T       SD         Long Range
      6/5/44  136-55-15 E             Yards.                           Reconnaissance
9.    0943    04-22-45 N    "BETTY"   16,000    110°T       SD         Long Range
      6/6/44  141-19-00 E             Yards                            Reconnaissance.
10.   1545    04-42-00 N    "ZEKE"    12,000    000°T       SD         A/S SWEEP
      6/7/44  148-10-00 E             Yards
11.   0944    04-33-00 N    "BETTY"   8,000     090°T       SD         Long Range
      6/8/44  151-15-00 E             Yards                            Reconnaissance.

- 16 -

— page 170 —
(H) ATTACK DATA

U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. [HANDWRITTEN: 1] PATROL NO. [HANDWRITTEN: 5].
Time 0055 (I) Date 6/2/44 Lat. 05-40 N. Long. 133-00 E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description Convoy of three cargo ships, one CHIDORI and
one PC escorts. Contact by sight and radar.
Visibility good (bright moonlight).

Ship(s) Sunk One - passenger freighter - 5,000 tons
unidentified; similar to KENYO MARU.

Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk None.

Damage Determined
by Heard two torpedo explosions at correct time
for run to target. Third ship was missing
from convoy when re-engaged next night.

Target Draft 10 Course 245 Speed 8 Range 2600 (at firing)
Own Ship Data
Speed 2 Course 160 Depth 60 feet Angle zero (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack Routine submerged attack using periscope and
radar solution obtained during surface
tracking. Solution at firing was excellent.

- 17 -

— page 171 —
(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued)

Tubes Fired             #1      #2      #3      #4      #5      #6
Track Angle             97      99      100.5   102     99      98.5
Gyro Angle              002     004     005.5   007     004     003.5
Depth Set               8 ft.   8 ft.   8 ft.   8 ft.   8 ft.   8 ft.
Power                   High    High    High    High    High    High
Hit or Miss             Hit     Hit     Miss    Miss    Miss    Miss
Erratic                 No      No      No      No      No      No
Mark Torpedo            Mk 23   Mk 23   Mk 23   Mk 23   Mk 14-3A Mk 14-3A
Serial No.              40990   41250   41270   41146   40297   40850
Mark Exploder           Mk 6    Mk 6    Mk 6    Mk 6    Mk 6    Mk 6
                        Mod 1-A Mod 4   Mod 4   Mod 1   Mod 1-A Mod 1-A
Serial No.              8689    726     3922    11978   8847
Actuation Set           Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual        Contact Contact -       -       -       -
Mark Warhead            Mk 16   Mk 16   Mk 16   Mk 16   Mk 16   Mk 16
                        Mod 1   Mod 1   Mod 1   Mod 1   Mod 1   Mod 1
Serial No.              12525   13244   3455    13240   13984   13098
Explosive               Torpex  Torpex  Torpex  Torpex  Torpex  Torpex

Firing Interval         8 seconds
Type Spread             150 foot spacing (1°)
Sea Conditions          Glassy sea.
Overhaul Activity       Sub Base, Pearl Harbor, T. H.
Remarks                 Misses due to large spread used to cover error
                        apparent in moonlight approach.

-18-

— page 172 —
**(I) MINES**
None encountered.

**(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS**

This patrol was my first experience with Jap radar equipped
escorts and aircraft. Having had no previous brushes with these
gentry, the method evolved of frustrating their attention was
necessarily crude. This consisted mainly of running around the
routine A/S sweeps. When escorts were guarding a convoy, I kept
outside the presumed effective range of their radar while track-
ing, pulled ahead and made a
ing. Upon completion of tracking, pulled ahead and made a
normal submerged periscope approach.

In area 10 FOX, Japs made a nightly sweep along the YOO-YAP
traffic lane. Sweeps invariably pinged for all they were worth.
Their pingers are very powerful and could be heard broadcasting
for 15 to 20 miles. Escorts always had radar; but I seriously
doubt if they can get a pip at ranges in excess of 8,000 yards.
It is quite possible their gear consists only of a "search re-
ceiver". This would account for the peculiar centering pro-
cess which took place whenever we trained right on them at
ranges under 12,000 yards. It would follow that they chase
down this bearing until sight contact is made.

Sweeps by single escorts were also made in area 10 FOX.
Fortunately, we were able to outrun each one of these lads. We
were in this area during the dark of the moon, which prevented
any submerged attacks at night. I do not hink a radar depth
attack can be successfully made if this type of escort is pre-
sent.

The night flying radar plane caused the abandonment of one
end around run. If I had owned an SD the chase would have been
interrupted but not broken off. It is noteworthy this plane
appeared after we had been sighted and chased by what may have
been a roving escort.

Plane coverage of the area was marked. This extended even
east and south for considerable distances; we were forced down
daily enroute MAJURO until we were east of SATAVAN.

During the approach on 1 - 2 June, sound conditions were
excellent, but we were not detected at any time prior to firing.
This in spite of presenting our broadside to a pinging CHIDORI
who passed ahead about 800 yards distant. Full speed and rudder,
plus a 20 degree layer left them so completely baffled that only
four charges in one pattern were dropped.

- 19 -

— page 173 —
(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

MACHINERY:
1. Auxiliary engine flexible coupling carried away.
There is definite misalignment between engine and generator.
This was called to the attention of the refit activity, (USS GRIFFIN)
who was unable to effect repairs.
2. No. 8 unit of #4 main engine seized. Broken rings
caused failure. Repairs completed in six hours.

BENDIX LOG:
1. Failure of personnel to guard base leads when rigging
in rodmeter carried away hoses causing bellows to rupture.
2. Speed motor failed because of improper tension
against friction disc.

(L) RADIO
Our CUO set is operated in conjunction with a KINGSLEY
short wave radio set. Frequent readings taken led us to believe

Jap escorts in PALAU area were using 610 megacycle radar. However,
this reading of 610, with occasional variants of 550, 585, and 612
persisted throughout the area, and is still present although we are
only 500 miles from MAJURO. I now believe this reading is caused
by some electrical disturbance inside the ship. No reading is ob-
tained with the CUO antennae disconnected and the set connected to
ship's regular aerials.

A CUO set capable of reading 3600 megacycles would be of
great help on station. The present set has served only to inform
us we are broadcasting a 610 megacycle signal of unknown strength.
I believe DF'ing this signal from the beach may account for some
of our A/S sweeps in area 10 FOX.

(M) RADAR
The SD radar mast developed grounds early in the patrol.
The megger readings on each line were 250 and 500,000 ohms re-
spectively to ground. No water ran from the drain at the bottom
of the mast when opened. This radar was out of commission from the
first week of the patrol. Its lack was keenly felt throughout the
entire patrol.

- 20 -

— page 174 —
(M) RADAR (Continued)
The PPI went out of commission because of high
voltage shorts at the base of the 705A tube, the base of
the power transformer (Term 3) and around the neon bulbs.
The insulation around some of the wiring broke down be-
cause of condensation. The tachometer cable began to un-
wind, putting the bearing indicator out of phase. As no
spare cables were aboard the PPI was out of commission
permanently on the patrol.

The SJ radar continually blew fuses when put
into operation. This radar was unavoidably subjected to
sudden voltage rises. While in the patrol area the
maximum ranges of this unit were approximately 50% of those
at the beginning of the patrol. The reason for this de-
crease in efficiency is not known.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS
Sound conditions in all areas covered by this
patrol were excellent. There were considerable background
noises caused by fish, but these noises were easily
distinguished from contacts. Screws were consistently
heard at ranges varying from 7,000 to 10,000 yards. Ping-
ing was picked up at 25,000 yards.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS
The PALAU area continued to produce amazing tem-
perature gradients. In Latitude 8-16 N, Longitude 131-06 E
the following was encountered:

| Depth             | Temperature |
|||
| Surface to 180 feet | 84          |
| 200 feet          | 81          |
| 220 feet          | 77          |
| 240 feet          | 73          |
| 260 feet          | 71          |

From 260 feet to 450 feet, the temperature
followed an iso-ballast line. Total change in temperature
from surface to 450 feet was 24 degrees. In other
localities in the PALAU district knuckles were usually
found beginning around 250 feet and the average temperature
change at 400 feet was 10 degrees.

- 21 -

— page 175 —
(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY

     Health of the crew was good. There were no cases of
infectious diseases. One man cut his hand slightly opening a
can of sardines.

     The food was of excellent quality and well prepared.
The provision of a baker in the complement has done much to
relieve the previously unavoidable monotony of pies and canned
deserts. I consider the commissary department's efforts as
contributing considerably to the high morale of the crew.

     Habitability was fair. I think this class of boat
could stand more ventilation forward of the dinette. Provision
of an extra set of air conditioning coils in the forward battery
was deeply appreciated.

(Q) PERSONNEL

     The performance of duty of officers and men was excel-
lent. Inexperienced planesmen gave us a daily thrill with
their "V" for victory" dives (20° down angle followed by a 20°
up angle); but this was overcome with practice.

     In accordance with ComSubPac Ltr. FF12/10/A16-3/(60)
of 8 February 1944, the following data is submitted:

     (a) Number of men on board during patrol - 75
     (b) Number of men qualified at start of patrol - 46
     (c) Number of men qualified at end of patrol - 55
     (d) Number of unqualified men making their
                                        first patrol - 15
     (e) Number of men advanced in rating during
                                        patrol - 19

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED

     (Base to area           4377 mi. 54,040 gals.)
     (In area                3489 mi. 33,460 gals.)
     (Area to base           2627 mi. 28,300 gals.)

(S) DURATION

     (Days enroute to area   16 .)
     (Days in area           24 .)
     (Days enroute to base    9 .)
     (Days submerged         13 .)

- 22 -

— page 176 —
(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

Torpedos 18
Fuel 2,000 gals.
Provisions 10 days
Personnel Factor 10 days
Limiting Factor this patrol Fuel .

(U) REMARKS

The RCA type of bridge speaker is all that can be de-
sired. We are particularly appreciative of these speakers,
as our training period was spent screaming up and down the
hatch. I again thank Commander SHANE of Sub Supply Center,
P. H. T.H. for his successful efforts in supplying us
with these speakers.

The performance of the SJa left much to be desired.
Having been shipmates with two excellent radars in SKATE, I
was astonished to find the lookouts sighting ships prior to
SJ contact. In the one successful attack, SJ picked up the
convoy at a range of only 16,000 yards. I am sure SKATE's
radar would have had these ships at a minimum range of
27,000 yards. It is particularly puzzling to have SJ pick
up the CASSIN (DD372) at 20,000 yards on 11 June almost
bows on. Again, although YIP IS. was picked up at 39,000
yards, KUSIAE IS. was tracked to 90,000 yards. The per-
formance of this set is definitely erratic. This is most
confusing, as I have been in the habit of considering
contacts 15,000 yards or under to be very small craft about
the size of our PC's. In the Pearl area, contact with
FLORIKAN, ALLEN and CHEW was easily made repeatedly at
ranges over 24,000 yards.

Our efforts to fix the SD came to naught. Lack of
this equipment caused the abandonment of two attacks. With
the overcast prevailing in the PALAU area, surface running
was very hazardous due to the air coverage encountered. We
were particularly embarrassed enroute MAJURO, being forced
down at least once daily by sight contact on planes which
came out of the clouds.

- 23 -

— page 177 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE HUNDRED TWO

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
13 June 1944.

FB5-102/A16-3

Serial 037

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
BALAO Fifth War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Division ONE HUNDRED TWO.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron TEN.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Fifth War Patrol - Comment on.

1. The fifth war patrol of the U.S.S. BALAO, the first of
her commanding officer as such, was conducted in the areas around
Palau. Depletion of fuel caused the vessel to be recalled after
24 days on station.

2. Good area coverage was maintained in spite of the
breakdown of the SD radar which imposed a severe handicap upon
surface operations. The sense of blindness resulting therefrom
was accentuated by inconsistent performance of the SJ radar and
by the misleading indications heard on the CUO equipment. This
combination of material deficiencies plus the presence of radar
equipped air and surface escorts, caused the BALAO to break off
two promising contacts. It appears probable that in analyzing
the contact of 14 May, inordinate emphasis was placed on the size
and range of SJ pips as criteria of the size of target. In the
final analysis, the only certain means of determining the character-
istics of a target is to close it to within visual range.

3. The approach and submerged attack by moonlight on the
three ship convoy encountered on the night of 1-2 June was well
executed and the salvo of six torpedoes fired at the AK present-
ing the most favorable track angle, resulted in two solid hits.
Observation of damage was precluded by the quick counter attack
which ensued. The escape tactics of BALAO on this occasion are
of interest in view of the high speed employed.

4. The attack on the two remaining ships of this convoy
on the following night was frustrated when the eagerness of the
Commanding Officer to obtain an optimum firing position led him
into close proximity to the screen which hovered overhead and
kept the BALAO below periscope depth. It is considered that
sound shots would have had an excellent chance of hitting due to
the good solution obtained on the T.D.C. and the time of run re-
maining on that leg of the zig-zag plan when the BALAO was forced
down.

- 1 -

[HANDWRITTEN: 25]

— page 178 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE HUNDRED TWO
                                                                Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                                                San Francisco, California,
                                                                13 June 1944

FB5-102/A16-3

Serial 037

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
BALAO Fifth War Patrol.

Subject:        U.S.S. BALAO, (SS285) - Fifth War Patrol - Comment on.

        5.      In connection with the false data obtained from the
CUO, the Commanding Officer now desires that the information trans-
mitted in BALAO's despatch serial #1 be disregarded.

        6.      Commander Submarine Division 102 congratulates the
Commanding Officer and ship's company of the BALAO upon the
damage inflicted upon the enemy and upon the conclusion of an
arduous patrol.

                                        Estimate of damage:

                                        1 A.K. (EU) - probably sunk - 4000 tons.

                                        [SIGNATURE: T. B. Klakring]
                                        T. B. KLAKRING

[HANDWRITTEN: 26]

— page 179 —
FC5-10/A16-3
Serial C144

CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
BALAO Fifth War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron Ten.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285), Fifth War Patrol - Comments on.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of Commander
Submarine Division One Hundred Two.

2. The CUO equipment in this instance proved to be a
handicap, with its false indications which were not so recog-
nized until after leaving the area. The apparently radar-
equipped plane on the night of 28 May showed no indication of
having made radar contact on BALAO and a successful attack
could probably have been made if it had been attempted.

3. Experience gained on this patrol, combined with
properly functioning radar equipment should pay bigger dividends
on next patrol.

4. The Commander Submarine Squadron Ten congratulates
BALAO on having damaged one medium AK (EU) - 4,000 tons.

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TEN
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
14 June 1944.

[SIGNATURE: J. A. LOWE]
K. G. HENSEL.

Copy to:
Comsubdiv 102.
CO BALAO.

[HANDWRITTEN: 27]

— page 180 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01288 [STAMP: RECEIVED S-C FILES] Care of Fleet Post Office,
[HANDWRITTEN: 23C Room 2055] San Francisco, California.
CONFIDENTIAL 24 June 1944.
ROUTE TO: [HANDWRITTEN: 19 JUL 1944]
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to File No. [HANDWRITTEN: (34) P10-4/S2-3/23)/S285] NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
BALAO Report of Des. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 128157] DESTROYED PRIOR TO
Fifth War Patrol. Copy No. [HANDWRITTEN: 2] of [HANDWRITTEN: 5] ENTERING PATROL AREA.
Pks No. [HANDWRITTEN: 5]
COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. [HANDWRITTEN: 456]
U.S.S. BALAO - FIFTH WAR PATROL.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.
(25 April to 12 June 1944).

1. The fifth war patrol of the BALAO was the first for the
new Commanding Officer, as such. The patrol was conducted in the
Palau Area.

2. Good area coverage was maintained despite poor perfor-
mance of radar equipment, including the CUO detector equipment. This
type detector was installed as an expedient and is being replaced.
Two contacts, and possibly a third, worthy of torpedo fire were made.
The BALAO was able to close and deliver one excellent night periscope
attack.

3. This patrol is not designated as "Successful" for pur-
poses of award of Combat Insignia.

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the Commanding Officer, officers, and crew for having inflicted
the following damage upon the enemy:

D A M A G E D
1 - Freighter (class unknown) - 5,000 tons (Attack No. 1).

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Comnorpac (1)
Comsubspac (20)
SUBAD, MI (2)
[HANDWRITTEN: 192]

[STAMP: C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.
NAVY DEPARTMENT
JUL 20 1944
CENTRAL FILES]
ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Division
Commanders, Subspac (2)
Comsubstrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Subspac (1)

[SIGNATURE: E. V. TUTTLE]
E. V. TUTTLE,
Flag Secretary.

— page 181 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS285/A16-3
Serial 014

U.S.S. BALAO (SS285)

Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
22 August 1944

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

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO, Report of Sixth War Patrol.

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the Sixth war patrol of this vessel con-
ducted in the Palau area during the period 5 July 1944 to 22 August 1944, is
forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: (illegible)]
M. F. RAMIREZ de ARELLANO.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B9C DATE 5/23/22]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

— page 182 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. BALAO SIXTH WAR PATROL

PROLOGUE

12 June 1944: Arrived Majuro from Fifth War Patrol. Normal refit conducted
by SPERRY. No major alterations were undertaken. Refit completed
27 June. Post repair 27 - 1 July. Trained 2 - 3 July. Fired 3
torpedoes. Topped off 3 & 4 July. We thank SPERRY for an
excellent refit; the best this vessel has had.

1400 (L) 5 July. Underway on Sixth War Patrol in company with escort
AMS 255 headed for eastern entrance of safety lane.
1815 (L) Manned SJ radar and commenced radar tracking run on escort.
1825 (L) SJ out of commission. Fell in astern of escort.
0611 (L) 6 July. Made first of daily training dives.
1400 (L) SEAWOLF rendezvoused with escort. (Ship contact #1). Radar
still out of commission, but we think we can fix it now, so set
course for area.
1615 (L) SJ radar in commission.
0945 (L) 7 July. SJ contact 70,000 yards, 201° T.
1005 Sighted Kusiae Is. bearing 200° T distant 33 miles.
0225 (L) 8 July. SJ contact 6,800 yards, 257° T.
0233 Rendezvoused with STINGRAY. (Ship contact #2).
1955 (L) SJ contact 2,800 yards, 180 relative, closing very rapidly,
apparently a plane. Dove.
2020 (L) Surfaced.
0818 (K) 9 July. Usual training dive.
0852 (K) Sighted plane 7 miles bearing 160° elevation 3 degrees
(Aircraft contact #1).
1114 (K) Surfaced on course 263° T.
1320 (K) Sighted Satawan Is. bearing 334° T.
1559 (K) C/C to 270° T.
0540 (K) 10 July. Sighted "ZEKE" 4 miles, 280° relative, elevation 2
degrees. (Aircraft contact #2). Dove and routined torpedoes aft.
1153 (K) Surfaced.
2330 (K) C/C to 275° T.
1200 (K) 11 July. Sighted "HAP" float plane, 4 miles bearing 230°
relative. Dove. (Aircraft contact #3).
1507 (K) Surfaced.
1523 (K) Contact on SD, 3 miles. Dove. (Aircraft contact #4).
1854 (K) Surfaced.
0701 (K) 12 July. Sighted single engine fighter 5 miles bearing 045°
relative, elevation 2 degrees. (Aircraft contact #5).
0730 (K) Periscope depth, all clear. Noted very large air bubbles
escaping from vents. Decided to repair prior to surfacing.
Commenced working on H.P. manifold. MBT blows to 600 lb. mani-
fold are leaking badly.
(K) Repairs completed. Valve seat was out of round, valve and
spindle bent.
1850 (K) Surfaced.
1854 (I) 13 July. SD contact at 9 miles. Dove. (Aircraft contact
#6). Commenced repairing IMO pump.
0935 (I) IMO pump repairs completed. Non-return valve required
seating.
1153 (I) Surfaced.

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. BALAO SIXTH WAR PATROL

1400 (I) Entered area 10 Fox. Patrolled closing PALAU coast.
0200 (I) 14 July. C/C to 000° T. By DR we should be 30 miles off
     the coast of PALAU, but we have had no fix for five days.
0411 (I) C/C to 040° T. Increased speed to 17 knots. Am headed for
     position given by downed Liberator.
0618 (I) Sighted "RUFE" 8 miles, 270° relative, elevation 2 degrees.
     Watched him for some minutes until he seemed to head over for us.
     Dove. (Aircraft contact #7).
0815 (I) Surfaced.
0837 (I) Sighted "ZEKE" 8 miles, bearing 340° T on course 060° T.
     (Aircraft contact #8)
0845 (I) Sighted unidentified aircraft coming out of overcast 5 miles
     bearing 105° T. Dove. (Aircraft contact #9).
1254 (I) Sighted "RUFE" bearing 220° T distant 7 miles. (Aircraft
     contact #10).
1411 (I) Surfaced.
1529 (I) C/C to 070° T.
2005 (I) C/C to 050° T.
2304 (I) C/C to 030° T.
0006 (I) 15 July. C/C to 000° T. Slowed to 5 knots. Commenced
     searching for downed aviators.
0432 (I) Received word aviators rescued; changed course and headed
     for area at 13 knots.
0000 (I) 16 July. Entered area 10 George. C/C to 270° T.
0304 (I) Sighted searchlight bearing 350° T distant 25 miles.
0330 (I) Sighted searchlight bearing 340° T distant 20 miles.
0526 (I) Dove to shift torpedoes aft, and repair sound gear.
0852 (I) Surfaced. QC back in commission. Patrolling to westward.
0600 (I) 17 July. Made deep dive to check density layers.
0715 (I) Surfaced. Patrolled on north, south courses across PALAU-
     DAVAO and HALMAHERA traffic lanes.
0535 (I) 19 July. Training dive. Made minor repairs.
1040 (I) Surfaced.
2000 (I) Converted #4 F.O.B.T. to a M.B.T. Time required, 20 minutes.
     Dove and carried out flushing routine.
2153 (I) Surfaced.
0542 (I) 20 July. Training dive. Commenced repairs to H.P. air
     manifold.
1226 (I) Surfaced.
0000 (I) 21 July. Entered area 10 Able.
0540 (I) Dove.
1216 (I) Surfaced.
1219 (I) SD contact 8 miles. Dove. (Aircraft contact #11).
1420 (I) Sound heard pinging bearing 140° T. (Ship contact #3).
     Bearing drew to the right so came to 180° T and maneuvered to
     close. Could see nothing, so preparatory to surfacing for a
     quick look, was going up to 50 feet when at 60 feet and at
1445 (I) Sighted "RUFE" (Aircraft contact #12) 4 miles bearing 140° T
     elevation 3°, so eased back down to 100 feet. Kept trying to
     head off pingers, but bearing steadily drew right.
1715 (I) We are now on 250° T and have seen nothing. Our "RUFE" is
     still with us. He is sweeping across the front of the pingers.
1745 (I) "RUFE" may be leaving. At least, he is headed for PALAU, in
     spite of occasional circles in the air.

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U.S.S. BALAO SIXTH WAR PATROL

1808 (I) Surfaced on course 245° T. Believe outfit is bound for KAOUB
Bay or DAVAO. Chased at 17 knots.
2007 (I) SJ radar interference bearing 310° T. Believe this
is DRUM. This interference drew steadily right.
2300 (I) Unless pingers made a radical zig to the south, we should have
picked them up. If they had zigged to the north, either the DRUM
or this vessel would have detected them. Accordingly, changed
course to 090° T to search to the east and south of their pre-
sumed track of 240° T.
0037 (I) 22 July. C/C to 260° T.
0253 (I) Received message from DRUM stating he had missed with 4
torpedoes in attack on cargo vessel. We had searched through
position he gave, but not having had a sight for 13 days, it is
probable that our navigational guesses do not coincide. Fortu-
nately DRUM's radar interference is still on our screen, so we
are headed right for him at best speed, expecting to make con-
tact any minute with the convoy.
0411 (I) SJ contact at 9500 yds. bearing 260° T (dead ahead). Be-
lieve this is DRUM. Closed to 5500 yards; sighted DRUM. (Ship
contact #4)
0418 (I) Received message from DRUM stating target was peculiar. He
planned a dawn attack and said he was ahead of the convoy which
was on base course 250° T.
Having double searched area to east, north, and south of this
position, could not imagine DRUM was ahead of anything except
us. In order to clarify the situation and still be in position
to assist DRUM if she regained contact, at
to the south, then searched to the westward.
0509 (I) Cleared DRUM to 070° T.
0530 (I) Periscope and SJ surface patrol, nothing sighted. Heard
nothing on sound gear.
0803 (I) Reversed course to 070° T.
0835 (I) Sighted unidentified aircraft 10 miles bearing 160° T., 5°
elevation. (Aircraft contact #13).
1039 (I) SD contact, 12 miles (Aircraft contact #14). Dove. Maybe
we are on the right track at last.
1205 (I) Nothing seen or heard, so surfaced.
1710 (I) C/C to 050° T. heading for area.
0030 (I) 23 July. C/C to 095° T.
0535 (I) Dove. C/C to 240° T.
1522 (I) Surfaced.
0539 (I) 24 July. Dove. C/C to 090° T.
1154 (I) C/C to 000° T.
1507 (I) Surfaced. Patrolled western half of 50 mile circle from
PELELIU Is.
0600 (I) 25 July. C/C to 090° T. to take up life guard position.
0617 (I) No land in sight yet, increased speed to 18 knots.
0830 (I) Sun line, our first in sixteen days, shows we are 60 miles
farther west than we thought.
1030 (I) Another sun line shows we are also south of our DR.
1035 (I) C/C to 000° T.
1300 (I) L.A.N. sight and sun line fix say we should sight ANGUAR Is.
at 1400 bearing 315° T.
1355 (I) Periscope sighted land bearing 320° T distant about 20 miles.
C/C to 315° T. SJ cannot pick it up.

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U.S.S. BALAO SIXTH WAR PATROL

1530 (I) On station; no business for us. SJ definitely can't pick up
land at 5 miles. Commenced repairs.
1700 (I) Opened to westward. Patrolled north south courses 20 miles
due west of ANGAUR Is.
0400 (I) 26 July. C/C to head for life guard station.
0530 (I) On station 5 miles west of PELELIU Is. Sighted DRUM 3 miles
bearing 050° T. (Ship contact #5)
0615 (I) Dove for aircraft contact.
0630 (I) Observed bombs bursting on island; surfaced.
0700 (I) DRUM shoved off to rescue pilot down off entrance to MALAKAL
Harbor.
0821 (I) Combat air patrol of 2 Hellcat fighters reported for duty.
Detached one plane to report to DRUM (designated "HOLLYCODDLE")
as air escort and "information center". Took over VHF guard for
DRUM.
1120 (I) Intercepted message on VHF stating downed pilot had been
picked up by a destroyer. Was unable to raise DRUM on 6740 kcs.
so sent this information on 450 kcs. and suggested she remain
east of ANGAUR Is. for remainder of air strikes. I considered
this quite safe as long as she had combat air patrol protection.
Informed OTC of DRUM's position by voice radio.
1125 (I) A lull in the bombing has ensued. Decided to put in our two
cents, so went to battle stations surface, and bombarded light-
house and phosphate loading docks on ANGAUR Is. at ranges varying
from 4500 to 6000 yards. Our CAP very amiably spotted for us
and gave us an excellent spot between each round. Got one nice
hit in house at base of lighthouse which started a merry blaze.
Two direct hits on automatic loading machine; remainder of shots
into the warehouse area around the loading dock. Expended 35
rounds of high capacity. There was no return fire.
1200 (I) Two fighters approached and relieved the watch. Our old CAP
zoomed us and informed me they had been relieved. Released these
two, and requested one of relieving planes guard DRUM. The senior
pilot, (Lt. Cdr. AURAND, C.O. of BUNKER HILL Night Fighter
Squadron) informed me that two additional fighters had taken over
combat air patrol over the DRUM; presumably at the OTC's request.
Lt. Cdr. AURAND suggested we move 5 miles north in expectation
of business for us. Went ahead 18 knots.
1300 (I) CAP said we were far enough north so slowed to 10 knots and
circled on station.
1330 (I) Hellcat Fighter zoomed down starboard side and crashed into
water 300 yards dead ahead of us. Went ahead flank.
1333 (I) Trimmed down, backed down, and picked up Lieutenant Warren
Leo GIBBS, A-VN, USNR, file number 106793, of Fighting Squadron
EIGHT, U.S.S. BUNKER HILL. Sank plane remnants and belly tank
with 20 MM and rifle fire. Notified OTC of rescue.
1420 (I) CAP stated no more strikes; released them after obtaining
assurances no more pilots were down in water anywhere, and headed
west.
1557 (I) Commenced north south patrol 20 miles west of ANGAUR Is.
2112 (I) Converted #3 F.O.B.T. to a M.B.T. Time required, 32 minutes.
2205 (I) Dove, carried out flushing routine.
2255 (I) Surfaced.

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CONFIDENTIAL                                        U.S.S. BALAO SIXTH WAR PATROL

0400            (I) 27 July. C/C to 090° T to head for life guard position.
0530            (I) On station.
0630            (I) CAP reported for duty.
0900            (I) Left station at OTC's orders to rendezvous with destroyer
                and transfer Lt. GIBBS.
1000            (I) Transferred Lt. GIBBS to U.S.S. DORTCH (DD 670), (Ship con-
                tact #6) then headed back to life guard station. DORTCH kindly
                offered us provisions and said she would take our mail; refused
                with thanks.
1005            (I) Returned to life guard station.
1135            (I) On station.
1322            (I) Dive bomber cleared PELELIU Is. with sputtering engine. Got
                ready on 4 engines. Plane flew down our port side with flaps
                and landing hook down, so went ahead flank with right full rudder
                to avoid this aircraft to crash into the water between
                PELELIU and ANGAUR Is.
1325            (I) Picked up Lt. James E. KEEFE, A-VN, USNR, file number 117096,
                and Roy J. WHITAKER, #268 83 75, ARM1c, USN, from Bombing Squad-
                ron EIGHT, U.S.S. BUNKER HILL.
1335            WHITAKER had severe lacerations of the scalp and a 4 inch bone
                deep gash over the left eye. Injury caused by his machine guns
                bouncing off his forehead during the water landing. These injuries
                were incurred in line of duty.
1336            (I) Cleared this area; crash occured 4000 yards off right
                tangent of PELELIU Is. which bore 090° T.
1400            (I) Circled on station and notified OTC of rescue and reported
                condition of both aviators. Our quack administered medical aid
                to WHITAKER and put him to bed.
1433            (I) CAP reported completion of strikes; released after assurances
                there were no pilots in water.
1434            (I) Cleared area to westward.
2100            (I) C/C to 000° T.
0000            (I) 28 July. C/C to 180° T.
0300            (I) C/C to 100° T to head in for life guard station in case of
                an Army Liberator strike.
0527            (I) Exchanged calls with DRUM. (Ship contact #7). Her SD was
                out, so she fell in astern of us.
0530            (I) Patrolled north south courses about 30 miles due west of
                PELELIU Is.
1837            (I) C/C to 317° T. We are enroute to new patrol stations, DRUM
                leading. Her SJ is still out, but our radar technician has that
                glassy stare in his eyes so success can't be too far away.
2300            (I) C/C to 350° T.
0600            (I) 29 July. DRUM took departure for her area; we followed in
                order to give the technician a target to tune on.
0901            (I) SJ back in commission.
1250            (I) C/C to 270° T, parted company with DRUM.
1255            (I) DRUM called us on voice and said he had two spitkits in
                sight. He also said he would keep his SJ trained in our direc-
                tion so that we could run down the bearing and join up. C/C to
                090° T and increased speed to 17 knots.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO SIXTH WAR PATROL

1420 (I) Sighted DRUM bearing 065° T range 8000 yards. (Ship contact
#8). DRUM could not identify targets, and said she was going to
dive and look them over. I suggested if gun attack possible she
attack from the rear and we would charge in from the van clear of
her line of fire.
1518 (I) DRUM dove. C/C to 140° T to head at targets at 5 knots.
1539 (I) Periscope sighted two sampans bearing 090° T, distant 8 miles.
(Ship contact #9). Visibility has been and is poor with scatter-
ed rain squalls.
1540 (I) Reversed course to keep station ahead of sampans.
1556 (I) C/C to 000° T. Increased speed to 12 knots.
1604 (I) SJ radar interference bearing 140° T. DRUM then called and
said gun attack feasible.
1634 (I) Sighted DRUM bearing 140° T.
1635 (I) Battle stations surface; increased speed to 18 knots, steer-
ing easterly course heading for left hand sampan.
1640 (I) DRUM engaging right hand sampan.
1650 (I) Commenced firing at 7000 yards, spotting with eye and radar
between successive shots. At 6000 yards our target is burning
slightly, apparently from splinter effect of near misses.
1700 (I) 20 MM commenced firing at 1000 yards range. Saw sampan crew
abandon ship.
1705 (I) Put the .50 calibers to work on the sampan with the 20 MM.
I want no "colored gents in the woodpile" when we board.
1720 (I) Put the bow against starboard counter of the sampan. Board-
ing party of Lieutenant (jg) J. L. GAMMON, USN, and ADAMS, J.H.,
GM1c, USN boarded the sampan. Found no charts or radio gear
aboard, so secured all the ditty boxes in sight.
Sampan was about 100 tons displacement with a 2 cylinder diesel
engine. Cylinders had radiation fins on them similar to those
of an aircraft engine.
Having removed everything that appeared to be of any value,
backed off and put a high capacity shell into the oil drums
which were stacked alongside the gunwale port and starboard
from bow to stern. A thoroughly satisfactory explosion followed
by a bow to stern fire was heard and seen. Shortly after the
craft was enveloped in flames, we were greatly surprised to see
6 more men tumble out of the bunkhouse astern into the water.
Detailed the Executive Officer to count the number of Nips in
the water. The men in the water were wearing the uniform of the
Naval Landing Force and all were thoroughly scared. None showed
any willingness to come aboard, so put over a 5 gallon can filled
with water and 6 loaves of bread. They were so frightened that
they refused to touch the stuff, and the can finally capsized.
Having cast our bread upon the waters, at
1750 (I) withdrew on course 350° T to head for area. DRUM reported
2 prisoners.
1800 (I) Shook hands with DRUM by telephone; she departed for her area.
1829 (I) Lost sight of DRUM.
1840 (I) Two severe explosions noted over our sampan. Saw one explo-
sion over DRUM's victim.
A critique of our "battle" revealed that 50 Nips were counted by
the Executive Officer. There were 36 swimming in the water, the
remainder were corpses in the bunkhouse, on deck and below decks.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO SIXTH WAR PATROL

The bunkhouse in particular was described as a charnel house by
the boarding party. The ditty boxes contained pay accounts,
fishing gear, diaries, opium pipes, money and photographs of
parents and relatives.
2252 (I) C/C to 270° T.
0530 (I) 30 July. Dove for training and repairs to H.P. and 600 lb.
air manifolds.
1400 (I) Repairs completed. Went deep to search for density layers.
1444 (I) Surfaced.
2003 (I) C/C to 120° T.
0633 (I) 31 July. C/C to 075° T.
0802 (I) Sighted first of many pieces of debris; most of this was
charred wood. We are trying to find the remains of the sampans.
1300 (I) C/C to 270° T.
2000 (I) C/C to 030° T.
0000 (I) 1 August. Entered area 10 Dog.
0800 (I) C/C to 090° T.
0300 (I) 2 August. C/C to 270° T.
0527 (I) Submerged to grind in 600 lb. air manifold and H.P. air
manifold.
1920 (I) Surfaced, C/C to 300° T.
0000 (I) 3 August. C/C to 090° T.
1205 (I) C/C to 150° T.
1320 (I) Dove.
1512 (I) Surfaced.
0300 (I) 4 August. C/C to 000° T.
1700 (I) C/C to 180° T.
0000 (I) 5 August. C/C to 270° T.
1330 (I) C/C to 000° T.
1500 (I) C/C to 090° T.
0000 (I) 6 August. Entered area 10 Easy.
0505 (I) C/C to 125° T.
1611 (I) Sighted Ngulu Is. 200° T distant 15 miles. C/C to 090° T.
2000 (I) C/C to 180° T. Commenced grinding in H.P. and 600 lb. air
manifolds.
2345 (I) Secured work on H.P. air manifold.
0610 (I) 7 August. 600 lb. air manifold in commission.
0700 (I) Commenced running a square, one hour's run to a side.
1015 (I) Sighted aircraft bearing 200° T distant 5 miles. Dove.
(Aircraft contact #15).
1031 (I) Surfaced. Our planes aren't supposed to bomb today, but we
have no accurate information. Lookout said this plane was too
small to be a Liberator.
1818 (I) C/C to 020° T.
0004 (I) 8 August. C/C to 180° T.
0808 (I) C/C to 045° T.
2000 (I) C/C to 220° T.
0700 (I) 9 August. C/C to 270° T. Commenced running a rectangle, one
hour's run to a side, around the reference point for this life-
guard duty.
2028 (I) Radar interference bearing 255° T. C/C to 255° T.
2048 (I) Exchanged recognition signals with BURRFISH.
2208 (I) SJ contact on BURRFISH, range 9600 yards dead ahead. (Ship
contact #10).

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. BALAO SIXTH WAR PATROL

2215 (I) Stopped.
2300 (I) Rendezvoused with BURRFISH, who put over his rubber boat.
2315 (I) Received a package from BURRFISH and a dead SJ modulator.
     Gave them our spare modulator.
2340 (I) Rubber boat clear; went ahead 18 knots on course 020° T.
0300 (I) 10 August. C/C to 030° T. We are trying to miss ramming
     ULITHI. No sights for eight days.
0550 (I) Sighted aircraft bearing 020° T distant 8 miles elevation 7
     degrees. Maybe one of our planes, but none are supposed to be
     here today.
0707 (I) Surfaced on course 000° T.
0800 (I) C/C to 015° T.
1000 (I) We were wrong; Army Liberators are going to be here today.
1015 (I) SJ aircraft contact 37000 yards - bless its fickle little
     heart.
1150 (I) Sighted numerous Liberators on various bearings. We ignored
     each other with no strain on their part. Fired up the ABK and BN.
2357 (I) C/C to 000° T.
1150 (I) 11 August. Sighted float type plane bearing 340° T distant
     5 miles, elevation 5 degrees. Dove. The port lookout was the
     only man who saw this plane, and he has a record of reporting
     birds as aircraft, so at
1220 (I) Surfaced. C/C to 020° T.
1303 (I) C/C to 000° T.
1610 (I) C/C to 115° T. We hope we are in entrance to safety lane; a
     welcome just now.
1618 (I) Periscope sighted object identified as submarine bearing
     267° T distant 18,000 yards. Dove. C/C to 267° T, went ahead
     6 knots.
1624 (I) Went to battle stations. It looks like and probably is
     BATFISH or PERCH, but not going to be caught with my trousers
     at the dip. Commenced constant periscope patrol with 12 feet of
     periscope exposed.
1727 (I) Nothing seen or heard, so C/C to 115° T and surfaced. Who-
     ever it was must have dived when we did. Sent message reporting
     incident.
1755 (I) C/C to 120° T.
0600 (I) 12 August. C/C to 090° T.
0726 (I) Sighted Martin "MARINER" aircraft bearing 120° T distant 15
     miles. SD picked this plane up a minute later at 14 miles.
     (Aircraft contact #16).
0734 (I) Exchanged calls with this plane.
0750 (I) Sighted first of 4 Japanese Army corpses floating in the
     water. Closed and stopped alongside each one in order to make
     sure bodies were Nips.
1104 (I) Periscope sighted mast over the horizon bearing 036° T, range
     33,000 yards. C/C to 036° T. (Ship contact #12).
1110 (I) Radar contact 036° T range 28, 650 yards.
1143 (I) Rendezvoused with USS CONYNGHAM (DD 372) and headed for
     TANAPAG HARBOR, Saipan.
1200 (I) Set clocks ahead to minus 10 zone time.
1415 (K) Sighted land bearing 091.5° T distant 25 miles. Identified
     as Saipan Island.
1625 (K) Entered TANAPAG HARBOR anchorage.

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U.S.S. BALAO SIXTH WAR PATROL

1710 (K) Moored port side to in nest with U.S.S. YAKUTAT (AVP 32)
     alongside starboard side of U.S.S. HOLLAND, TANAPAG HARBOR,
     Saipan. Fueled.
1715 (K) Transferred BURRFISH package to HOLLAND.
1140 (K) 13 August. Got underway, stood out TANAPAG HARBOR channel.
1225 (K) Rendezvoused with CONYNGHAM; set course for safety lane.
1918 (K) Escort left with our thanks for services rendered.
0530 (K) 14 August. Dove to check trim and flush off fuel connections.
0738 (K) Surfaced on course 076° T.
0000 (K) 16 August. Set clocks ahead to minus 11 zone time (L).
1307 (L) C/C to 060° T.
2000 (L) C/C to 088° T.
1055 (L) 18 August. Training dive. Blank flange on main motor
     circulating water system carried away at 100 feet. Shut off
     circulating water, manufactured and installed blank flange.
1312 (L) Repairs completed. Surfaced.
0400 (L) 19 August. Set clocks ahead to minus 12 zone time.
1800 (M) Commenced 6 hour battery discharge.
2000 (Y) Set clocks back 24 hours to plus 12 zone time.
0018 (Y) 19 August. Discharge completed. C/C to 090° T.
1645 (Y) Training dive.
1738 (Y) Surfaced.
0400 (Y) 21 August. Set clocks ahead to plus eleven zone time.
0100 (X) 22 August. Set clocks ahead to plus ten zone time.
0700 (W) 22 August. Set clocks ahead to plus nine and one-half zone
     time.
0700 (V) 22 August. Rendezvoused with escort.
1100 (V) 22 August. Moored at Submarine Base, P.H.T.H.

- 9 -

— page 191 —
CONFIDENTIAL                               U.S.S. BALAO SIXTH WAR PATROL

(C) Weather:
          In keeping with the JICPOA BULLETIN comment that there are usually 24
          cloudy days per month during this season in this area, frequent rain
          squalls and prevailing overcast resulted in no navigational fixes for
          a period of sixteen days (July 8 - 24).

(D) Tidal Information:
          Lack of navigational fixes precluded any general tidal information.
          Visual observation indicated small range of tide at ANGUAR and PELELIU
          Is.; drift 0.5 knots, set - 070⁰ T.

(E) Navigational Aids:
          None encountered.

(F) Ship Contacts:

1. 1400/5 July         06-30N         USS SEAWOLF
                      167-30E

2. 0233/8 July         05-35N         USS STINGRAY
                      160-25E

3. 1420/21 July        07-26N         Not            40,000 yds 250⁰ T Sound
                      132-54E         Observed                      10 kts

4. 0411/22 July        06-35N         USS DRUM       9,600 yds        R
                      131-36N

5. 0530/26 July        07-01N         USS DRUM       12,000 yds       SD
                      134-05E

6. 1000/ 27 July       06-34N         USS DORTCH     28,000 yds       P
                      134-05E

7. 0527/28 July        06-53N         USS DRUM       8,000 yds        SD
                      133-37E

8. 1420/29 July        09-17N         USS DRUM       9,600 yds        R
                      133-06E

9. 1539/29 July        09-20N         100 ton Sampan 16,000 yds 320⁰ T P
                      133-08E                                         6 kts

10. 2208/9 Aug.        07-03N         USS BURRFISH   9,600 yds        R
                      132-47E

11. 1623/11 Aug.       16-45N         Unidentified   18,000 yds 140⁰ T P
                      139-58E         Submarine                       15 kts

12. 1110/12 Aug.       15-10N         USS CONYNGHAM  28,000           P
                      144-30E

(G) Aircraft Contacts:
          (See attached form).

- 10 -

— page 192 —
CONFIDENTIAL                                                              AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (REVISED)

Contact Number                                        1         2         3         4         5         6         7

Date                                                  July 9    July 10   July 11   July 11   July 12   July 13   July 14
S U B M A R I N E
  Time (Zone)                                         0852 L    0540 L    1200 K    1523 K    0701 K    0940 I    0620 I
  Position: Lat.                                      04-49N    04-49N    05-09N    05-10N    05-25N    05-37N    06-19N
  Long.                                               154-15E   150-55E   145-18E   145-15E   142-50E   139-38E   135-51E
  Speed                                               14 Kts    14 Kts    14 Kts    14 Kts    14 Kts    14 Kts    14 Kts
  Course                                              270       270       275       275       275       275       040
  Trim                                                Surf      Surf      Surf      Surf      Surf      Surf      Surf
  Minutes since last                                  50        50        0         50        0         50        0
  SD Radar Search                                     Secs      Secs                Secs                Secs

A I R C R A F T
  Number                                              1         1         1         1         1         1         1
  Type                                                Zeke      Zeke      Hap       Unk       Zero      Unk       Rufe
  Probable Mission                                    Unk       Unk       Unk       Unk       Unk       Unk       Unk
  How Contacted                                       Sighted   Sighted   Sighted SD Sighted SD Sighted SD Sighted   Sighted
  Initial Range                                       7 mis     4 mis     3 mis     5 mis     9 mis     8 mis     8 mis
  Elevation Angle                                     5°        3°        -         4°        -         5°        -
  Range & Relative                                    N.D.      N.D.      N.D.      N.D.      N.D.      N.D.      N.D.
  Bearing of Plane
  When it Detected
  S/M

C O N D I T I O N S
  Sea: (State (Beau-                                  4         4         4         4         4         4         4
        fort)
       (Direction (Rel)                              140       120       120       120       120       090       000
  Visibility (Miles)                                  20        10        20        20        25        20        30
  Clouds: (Height in                                  6500      2000      6500      6500      9000      1500      3000
        Ft.
       (Percent                                      50        70        70        60        70        90        70
        Overcast)
  Moon: (Bearing (Rel)
       (Angle
       (Percent
        Illum.

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol                 Haze Gray.

- 11 -

— page 193 —
CONFIDENTIAL

AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (REVISED)

Contact Number | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14
|---|---|----|----|----|----|----
Date           | 14 July | 14 July | 14 July | 21 July | 21 July | 22 July | 24 July
S Time (Zone)  | 0837 I | 0837 I | 1254 I | 1219 I | 1445 I | 0835 I | 11039 I
U              |
B Position: Lat. | 06-28N | 06-28N | 06-47N | 07-26N | 07-26N | 06-03N | 06-12N
M              |
A Long.        | 136-03E | 136-03E | 136-10E | 132-50E | 132-54E | 131-47E | 131-39E
R              |
I Speed        | 14 Kts | 14 Kts | 10 Kts | 2 Kts | 14 Kts |

— page 194 —
CONFIDENTIAL
AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (REVISED)

Contact Number                                | 15        | 16        |
Date                                          | 7 Aug.    | 12 Aug.   |           |           |           |
S Time (Zone)                                 | 1015 I    | 0726 I    |           |           |           |
U Position Lat.                               | 07-06N    | 15-07N    |           |           |           |
B                                             |           |           |           |           |           |
M Long.                                       | 138-03E   | 143-32E   |           |           |           |
A                                             |           |           |           |           |           |
R Speed                                       | 18 Kts    | 16 Kts    |           |           |           |
I                                             |           |           |           |           |           |
N Course                                      | 030       | 090       |           |           |           |
E                                             |
Trim                                          | Surf      | Surf      |
Minutes Since Last                            | 50        | 50        |           |           |           |
SD Radar Search                               | Secs      | Secs      |
Number                                        | 1         | 1         |
A Type                                        | Unk       | Mariner   |           |           |           |
I                                             |           |           |           |           |           |
R Probable Mission                            | Unk       | Unk       |           |           |           |
C                                             |           |           |           |           |           |
R How Contacted                               | Sighted   | Sighted   |           |           |           |
A                                             |           |           |           |           |           |
F Initial Range                               | 8 Mis     | 15 mis    |           |           |           |
T                                             |
Elevation Angle                               | 7°        | 7°        |
Range & Relative                              |           |           |           |           |           |
Bearing of Plane                              | N.D.      |           |           |           |           |
When it Detected                              |           |           |           |           |           |
S/M                                           |
C Sea: (State (Beau-                          | 0         | 4         |           |           |           |
O fort                                        |           |           |           |           |           |
N (Direction (Rel)                            | 345       | 270       |           |           |           |
D Visibility (Miles)                          | 20        | 30        |           |           |           |
I                                             |           |           |           |           |           |
T Clouds: (Height in                          | 1500      | 8000      |           |           |           |
I Ft.                                         |           |           |           |           |           |
O (Percent                                    | 100       | 70        |           |           |           |
N Overcast)                                   |           |           |           |           |           |
S (Bearing (Rel)                              |           |           |           |           |           |
  Moon: (Angle                                |           |           |           |           |           |
  (Percent                                    |           |           |           |           |           |
  Illum.                                      |
Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: Haze Gray.

- 13 -

— page 195 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BALAO
Time 1650

Sunk
Damaged or
Probably sunk

(Gun Attack Report Form)

GUN ATTACK NO. 1
Date 29 July 1944

Patrol No. 6
Lat. 09-27N Long. 133-19 E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

(Type, tonnage, name if known, and how identity was established)

Jap lugger, name unknown, 100 tons displacement. Identified as
type described in O.N.I. Weekly Bulletins. 50 Nip Marine (Naval
Landing Force) were on board.

Damage determined by: (Give all possible details when there is any doubt)

Target repeatedly holed at very close range with 4 inch high
capacity and common projectiles, 20 MM and 0.50 caliber. Envel-
oped in flames fed by 20 diesel oil drums stored on deck.
These later exploded. Search of area two days later revealed only
charred pieces of timber and other burned debris.

DETAILS OF ACTION

(Include type guns used, rounds and type ammunition fired, effectiveness of fire,
average range, pertinent comment on fire control used, and details of any erratic
performances)

The deck gun (4"), 20 MM guns and 0.50 caliber machine guns were
used with excellent effect. 42 rounds of high capacity and 3
rounds of 4" common projectiles were expended. Used 360 rounds
of 20 MM and 300 rounds of 0.50 caliber ammunition. The latter
ventilated the target thoroughly, while the 20 MM blasted holes
with devastating effect on the personnel hidden below decks.
The 4" common simply made a 4" hole where it went in and came
out.

Radar and visual spotting used with excellent results.

Opened fire at 7,000 yards, and had him burning at 6,000 yards
(splinter effect from near misses). First hit at 3,500 yards.
About 60% of 4" and all of other ammunition fired at ranges
under 1,000 yards.

One 0.50 caliber machine gun had an extractor casualty which
caused a stoppage for 5 minutes.

- 14 -

— page 196 —
CONFIDENTIAL                                        U.S.S. BALAO SIXTH WAR PATROL

(I) Mines:

          Six explosions were noted in the eight fathom bank area between Anguar
          and Peleliu Islands. Two of these explosions occured just prior to the
          passage of Hellcat fighters over this area at an estimated altitude of 200
          feet. The other explosions were noted right after our other fighters
          flew over this area, one plane per explosion.
          Lieutenant KEEFE (a dive bomber pilot) stated he knew of no countermining
          operations to be executed by our aircraft.
          Our impression was the Nip was using controlled mines as an emergency
          anti-aircraft measure; or else the explosions were caused by these
          planes flying over a field of influence mines.
          At no time were these aircraft observed to drop bombs in this area.

(J) Anti-Submarine Measures:

          None encountered.

(K) Major Defects and Damage:

                                                  Main Engines

          1. At 1418 on 1 July 1944, while making a battle surface, Main Engines
             #1, #3, and #4 were flooded. In the attempt to start the engines,
             liners were cracked on units 5, 8, 9, and 13 on #1 engine, and units
             5 and 12 on #4 engine. At the same time, the corresponding connecting
             rods, connecting rod bearings, and pistons were distorted or broken
             beyond repair. Number 3 Main Engine, although flooded, suffered no
             material casualty and operated normally when placed under load after
             the water was blown from the engine.
                  Number 5 unit on #4 Main Engine was completely renewed and the
             liner of #12 unit was replaced using spares on board. All sixteen
             units of #1 engine were replaced with used parts from an engine under
             overhaul on the U.S.S. SPERRY. The replaced liners, pistons, con-
             necting rods, connecting rod bearings and heads belonged to the U.S.S.
             SPERRY and were from one of her own engines. A complete set of oil
             and compression rings were put in each unit repaired. This inexcusable
             casualty was caused entirely by personnel error. Steps have been
             taken to prevent its reoccurance.

          2. During routine inspection of number 3 Main Engine on 25 July, it was
             noticed that a crack was developing on the head of #1 unit between
             the main body of the head and the web surrounding the micrometer rod
             drain passage. The crack was caused by an uneven tension on the web.
             A cork gasket was found improperly set between the head and the upper
             deck plate of the engine. Tightening up on the holding down bolts put
             an uneven load on the web causing it to crack. The head was removed
             and replaced. No further trouble was encountered thereafter.

                                                  - 15 -

— page 197 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO SIXTH WAR PATROL
Auxiliary Engine

1. At 0610 on 6 July, the auxiliary engine was secured normally during
   a routine dive. When attempt was made to start it at 1310 the same
   day, it was found the engine would not turn over with starting air,
   nor could it be moved with the hand jacking gear. Subsequent inspec-
   tion showed that the spring leaves of the flexible coupling between
   the engine and generator had broken and fallen into the coupling in
   such a manner that it was impossible to turn the engine over. This
   is the third consecutive patrol that the same casualty has occurred.
   Breakage of the spring leaves was probably due to misalignment of the
   engine and generator.
   Prior to securing the engine at 0610, it had been running normally
   at 700 rpm carrying a 53 KW load.

No. 1 Evaporator

1. Number 1 evaporator was secured on 24 July because of excessive
   leakage of the rotary seal and vapor seal rings. The compressor
   unit was removed from the evaporator and disassemble. Inspection
   showed no unusual wear of lobes or casing, but it was found necessary
   to renew the following parts: 4 impeller bearings, 4 rotary seals,
   4 vapor seal springs, and 4 vapor seal rings. After reassembly,
   the compressor turned over easily enough by hand but when run at
   operating speed, a loud clattering noise developed. The compressor
   was disassembled again and the lobes and drive gears were replaced
   with a new set. The unit was reassembled a second time and was
   put back into operation on 27 July. Subsequent performance was
   satisfactory.

C & R

1. High Pressure Manifold.

   *(a) After group blow valve ground in on 7 July, 2 August, and 5 August.
   *(b) Bow Buoyancy blow valve ground in on 7 July and 2 August.
   (c) Negative Tank blow valve ground in 7 July.

2. 600# Manifold.

   (a) Forward group blow valve ground in on 2 August and 8 August.
   *(b) After group blow valve ground in on 6 August.

   * The seats of these valves have bad flaws which appear to be due to either
     a faulty casting or a sand hole which was built up. Replacement of both
     these manifolds has been requested.

3. On 15 July a leak developed around the silver solder fitting on the stern
   planes hand and emergency line in the Maneuvering Room head. The normal
   leakage per day is about a gallon with an increase when submerged and
   the planes are in use. Cause of leak probably due to fatigue of silver
   solder.

4. On 29 July, #1 MBT external salvage air connection carried away due to
   concussion of our own gun fire while firing on a Jap Sampan. It was
   blanked off with a blank flange.

- 16 -

— page 198 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO SIXTH WAR PATROL

5. On July 11, excessive noise, vibration and leakage was noted on hydraulic
plant non-return valve. Inspection revealed poor machining of valve
during refit. A cut was taken on the seat and on the disk and all burrs
on the stem and the body were removed, resulting in satisfactory operation
throughout remainder of patrol.

Torpedoes

1. Electric torpedo, number 54230, was found to have a full battery
ground - 165 volts. Inspection of the battery revealed that the tops
of cells #1 and #80 had been pulled up and electrolyte had run down
the cells causing ground. The tops of these cells were pulled up due
to excessive strain of the battery cables. These cables had been instal-
led without slack between the packing glands on the after bulkhead of
the battery compartment and the terminals on cells #1 and #80. This
casualty was remedied by slacking off the battery cables, recementing
the cell tops, and reducing the ground to 1 volt.

(L) Radio:

The reception of Haiku schedule frequencies were generally good. The
frequencies found best for reception were 9090 kcs., 14,390 kcs., and
6,330 kcs.
Haiku 16.68 kcs. was unreadable outside of the Pearl 2000 mile circle.
The best hours for receiving 4525 kcs. on station were between 1100 and
1800 GCT. The signal sounded "fuzzy" at times. Reception of 6,380 kcs.
was good but faded out completely from 1800 2030 GCT. Considerable
interference by other stations was heard during these hours.
The best all around frequency proved to be 9090 kcs., however, be-
tween 1800 and 2030 GCT this frequency faded out badly. 14,390 kcs. was
substituted for 9090 kcs. when it faded out. 17,370 kcs. was used very
little, but reception was found to be good at times used.
Transmitting conditions were excellent this patrol. Five out of
eight transmissions were given directly to NPM with no difficulty. Two
messages were cleared through the Australian stations, Radio Port Moresby
and VHJ. On July 24, atmospheric conditions were bad and we could not
raise NPM or NQQ. This message, which was sent blind, was never receipt-
ed for.

(M) Radar:

* The SJ Radar performed very well this patrol with maximum ranges of
120,000 yards on land, 28,600 yards on a DD, and 14,100 yards on a sub-
marine. On the first day of the patrol, the main and precision sweep
failed and there was no synchronizing pulse. It was found that tube
V2-(6SN7) had burned out and R34 was shorted to ground.
* Again the SJ went out of commission when an A.C. switch on the I.C.
board was pulled and instantly thrown back again. The high voltage fuse
and the following tubes were burned out: V3-(6AG7), V5-(6AG7), V8-(6AG7),
the high voltage rectifier tube and the cathode ray tube.

- 17 -

— page 199 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO SIXTH WAR PATROL

The SJ, although in all appearances was working properly, failed to
pick up land at 10,000 yards. Upon investigation, it was found that the
mechanical capacitor in the B.O. out jack was shorted out. As we had
no spare aboard, one was ingeniously manufactured by JOHNSON, RTlc and
LEMON, RT2c out of an old type SJ converter, a small piece of bakelite,
and a sheet of mica.
The performance of the SD radar was fair this patrol with a maximum
range of 20 miles on aircraft and 30 miles on land. The only operational
difficulty was excessive arcing in the upper mast assembly and in the
transmitter.

(N) Sound:
Sound conditions were fairly good in the patrol area. A great deal of
background noise was heard. Fish noises were prominent, and rain squalls
were very easily detected.
There were two pinging contacts at 17.8 kcs., and 19 kcs. respectively
at approximate ranges of 40,000 yards.
The port training motor went out of commission. It was found that
both field coils were open and shorted out internally. No spares were
on board. JOHNSON, RTlc and POWELL, CEM wound two new coils out of odd
lengths of wire. Operations since has been normal.

(O) Density Layers:

1. 29 June 1944 - 07°-02' N Minus 3° gradient
                          171°-02' E to 430 feet.

2. 1 July 1944 - 07°-02' N Minus 8° gradient
                          170°-59' E to 400 feet.

3. 10 July 1944 - 05°-03' N Isothermal
                          151°-30' E to 430 feet.

4. 11 July 1944 - 04°-15' N Isothermal
                          146°-00' E to 340 feet

5. 11 July 1944 - 04°-51' N Isothermal
                          145°-51' E to 340 feet

6. 17 July 1944 - 06°-05' N Minus 3° gradient
                          130°-47' E to 405 feet.

7. 30 July 1944 - 10°-04'-30" N Minus 8° gradient
                          132°-36' E to 440 feet.

(P) Health, Food, and Habitability:

1. Habitability was in general good for this class boat operating in
   tropical waters. There is much to be desired, however, in the ventila-
   tion system and air conditioning system of this type boat.
   A grim battle was waged throughout the patrol between the crew and
   cockroaches. At many times, the decision was in doubt, especially when
   copra bugs (from the enemy sampan loot) reenforced the roaches. A
   thorough fumigation is mandatory during this refit.

- 18 -

— page 200 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BALAO SIXTH WAR PATROL

2. Food was good - a considerable stock of fresh frozen vegatables and fruit
being available from the tender. Root beer is fast becoming the most pop-
ular soft drink aboard and a larger available stock is desirable.

3. Health in general was good. The anti-climax of the patrol was a latent
outbreak of Pediculas Pubis (Crabs) amongst the crew. The little beasts
responded to treatment however, and only four cases were noted by U.S.S.
HOLLAND's medico prior to departure of this vessel from alongside.
A fine job was turned in by FLUELLEN, G.I., PHM1c, in the handling of
the head laceration suffered by WHITAKER, R.J., ARM1c, when the dive
bomber in which he was rear seat man crashed into the sea off Peleliu Is.
FLUELLEN took five sutures in the wound which was never infected and
healing nicely when WHITAKER left this vessel.

Cists 1
Boils 2
Rash 2
Crabs 7
Lacerations 2

(Q) Personnel:

The bombardment of Anguar Is., the gun action with the enemy sampan and
our operations with fleet aircraft were a welcome break to an otherwise
wet and monotonous patrol, providing an excellent morale booster for
all hands.
School was conducted daily for unqualified men, classes being super-
vised by the Executive Officer and officers seeking qualification at the
termination of this patrol. As a result, twenty-one men were qualified
during this patrol.

(a) Number of men on board during patrol 75
(b) Number of men qualified at start of patrol 41
(c) Number of men qualified at end of patrol 62
(d) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol 11
(e) Number of men advanced in rating during patrol 20

(R) Miles Steamed - Fuel Used.

Majuro to area 2092 Miles 22540 Gals.
In area 5427 Miles 53180 Gals.
Area to P.H.T.H. 3649 Miles 74020 Gals.
[HANDWRITTEN: 11168]

(S) Duration:

Days enroute to area 7.5
Days in area 29
Days enroute to base 12.5
Days submerged 4 9.0

(T) Factors of Endurance Remaining:

Torpedoes Fuel Provisions Personnel Factor
Number Gals. Days Days
24 15,000 5 5
Limiting factor This Patrol: Terminated upon orders from CTF 17.

- 19 -

— page 201 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BALAO SIXTH WAR PATROL

(U) Remarks:

Communications with our naval pilots and surface craft (6740 kcs. voice)
was excellent. It was noticed the antennae out-put on 2880 kcs. voice
was almost zero, whereas on 6740 kcs. we were getting a good 5 amperes.
Inasmuch as 2880 is almost at the lower end of the TBL high
frequency band (it starts at 2000 kcs.) I believe a higher frequency
would be better area voice communications. This was born out by our
operations with the DRUM, the DORTCH, and the aircraft.
4475 kcs. was also excellent for voice communications. We could hear
the Army chattering away for 3 to 5 hours before they were over the tar-
get (doubtless the Japs could also).
Radio discipline was excellent amongst the naval aviators. Their
presence was usually disclosed by a dive bomber hurling himself at the
target. It was only after the actual attack had commenced that the cir-
cuit carried any traffic. In sharp contrast, the Army flights made them-
selves heard from 3 to 5 hours before they were over the target. Most
of this traffic originated with their OTC, who was continuously receiving
and giving a radio check of the "I hear you five by five" variety.
The SJ signal key is a great help. BURRFISH and BALAO exchanged
recognition signals one hour and twenty minutes before radar contact
at 9600 yards was made. Assuming BURRFISH was running at us at the
same speed we were making heading for him (15 knots), our exchange of
signals was made at a range of 45 miles.

- 20 -

— page 202 —
FB5-222/A16-3 SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO

                                                Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                                San Francisco, California.

                                                23 August 1944.

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT: To
CO BALAO Conf. ltr. SS285/
A16-3, Serial 014 of 22
August 1944.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of War Patrol No. SIX.

      1. The sixth war patrol of the U.S.S. BALAO was conducted in the PALAU
Area. It was of 49 days duration of which 29 days was spent in the area.

      2. Only one enemy contact was made which was attacked by gun fire.
The U.S.S. DRUM and U.S.S. BALAO made a coordinated gun attack on two sampans; the
DRUM sinking one and the BALAO sinking the other (a 100 ton sampan).

      3. While on station the BALAO performed life guard duty, rescuing 3
aviators.

      4. During a lull while on life guard duty, U.S.S. BALAO fired 35
rounds causing some damage on ANGAUR ISLAND. This fire was not returned.

      5. U.S.S. BALAO returned from patrol with officer and crew in fine
spirits. The BALAO will proceed to Navy Yard (West Coast) for complete overhaul.

      6. The Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew are congratulated on
their successful life guard duty and damage inflicted upon the enemy.

[SIGNATURE: D. F. Williamson]
D. F. WILLIAMSON.

— page 203 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-TWO ck
Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
23 August 1944.

FC5-22/A16-3
Serial 027
CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO USS BALAO Conf. Ltr.
SS285/A16-3, Serial 014 of
22 Aug. 1944.

From: Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-TWO.
To : Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(2) Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of War Patrol No. 6.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks made in first endorse-
ment.

2. Attention is invited to BALAO remarks made in paragraph "U".
The value of radio silence should be universally appreciated. Failure to
maintain it prior to a strike may not only alert the enemy but unduly
hazard submarines on life guard duty.

3. The Commanding Officer, officers, and crew of the BALAO are
congratulated on the successful accomplishment of her mission and damage in-
flicted on the enemy.

[SIGNATURE: J.A. Connolly]
J.A. CONNOLLY.

Copy to:
CO BALAO.

— page 204 —
[STAMP: 9 02598]
[HANDWRITTEN: hch]

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16)
Serial 01843
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
BALAO Report of
Sixth War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 508.
U.S.S. BALAO - SIXTH WAR PATROL.

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
30 August 1944.

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

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

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.
(5 July to 22 August 1944).

1. The BALAO's sixth war patrol was conducted in the Palau
Area with a primary task of lifeguard duty.

2. The single enemy contact made, a Jap Lugger loaded with
about fifty marines, was sunk by a very effective gun attack. The
BALAO also had the great pleasure of rescuing three aviation personnel
from the U.S.S. BUNKERHILL.

3. The BALAO's alert, skillful manner of performing life-
guard duty and the fine display of teamwork between the air forces,
the DORICH (DD670), and the BALAO are noted with great pleasure.

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

5. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this successful
patrol which resulted in the saving of three of our gallant air force,
and the following damage to the enemy:

S U N K
1 - MIS. (Jap Lugger) (EC) - 100 tons (Gun Attack No. 1).

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

Distribution and authentication
on following page.

- 1 -

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

— page 205 —
The provided text is a list of distribution recipients for a submarine patrol report. I will transcribe it as such, noting the parenthetical numbers next to each entry.

[STAMP: 80250 P]

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

— page 206 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

U.S.S. BALAO (SS285)

Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
19 January 1945

SS285/A16-3

Serial (01)

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division T O EIGHTY-ONE.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron T WENTY-EIGHT.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO, Report of War Patrol number Seven.

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the Seventh war patrol of this vessel
conducted in Yellow Sea during the period 4 December 1944 to 19 January 1945 is
forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: M. F. Ramirez de Rellano]
M. F. RAMIREZ de RELLANO.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/23/77]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 106262]

— page 207 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. BALAO SEVENTH WAR PATROL

PROLOGUE

A. Arrived Pearl Harbor, T.H., 22 August 1944 from Sixth War Patrol. Voyage
repairs by U.S.S. GILMORE. Departed 24 August 1944 for Navy Yard, Mare Island,
California, U.S.A. Arrived N.Y., M.I. 30 August 1944. Commenced Navy Yard
overhaul 31 August. Granted 30 days leave to all hands in two sections.

Major repairs and alterations included overhaul of all engines, installation
of ST periscope, hydraulic hoists on periscopes and SD mast, relocation of SD
mast abaft conning tower, installation of 7 MC (Type III "BALAO" design), grid
type SJ head, 5" gun forward with scuttle aft, 40 MM gun on cigarette deck.

Departed Navy Yard, Mare Island 7 November 1944, enroute Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Arrived 15 November. Voyage repairs by E & R, Sub Base, Training and adminis-
tration by ComSubRon FOUR. Received eight days of training, fired six torpedoes.
Loaded with Mk. 18-1 fore and aft.

B. NARRATIVE

4 December 1944
1330 (VW) Got underway in accordance with ComTaskFor 17 operation order 401-44;
stood out Pearl Harbor channel for rendezvous with U.S.S. SPOT
(Group Commander) and escort PC 571.
1430 (VW) Rendezvoused with SPOT and PC 571, proceeded in accordance with
prescribed routing.
2000 (VW) Escort took departure, we opened out and took station on SPOT's
port beam distant 10 miles.

5 December 1944
0530 (W) Rendezvoused with SPOT, proceeded in column formation zigzagging
independently. Conducted first of daily training dives and fire
control problems with SPOT as target.
0955 (V) Sighted PV-2 aircraft, bearing 150° T distant 6 miles.
1137 (V) Sighted B-24 bearing 330° T distant 12 miles.
2029 (M) 10 December 1944. ICEFISH rendezvoused and took station ahead of
SPOT.

15 December 1944
0600 (K) 15 December 1944. Escort joined, proceeded in column formation at
best speed, zigzagging independently.
1130 (K) 15 December 1944. Moored starboard side to alongside ICEFISH in nest
alongside port side of FULTON. Port courtesies were rendered by
ComSubRon EIGHT and staff. Topped off fuel, water and provisions.
Set clocks back to -9 zone time. Following time groups are all -9
zone time.

17 December 1944
1350 Got underway, cleared TANAPAG Harbor.
1455 17 December. Fell in astern of ICEFISH, SPOT leading column.
Proceeded along prescribed routing.

18 December
0530 18 December. Dove.
0550 Surfaced, proceeded to station 10 miles abeam of SPOT on eastern
flank.
1038 Sighted B-24 310° T distant 8 miles (Aircraft Contact #1).
1123 Dove.
1129 Surfaced.
1647 Dove.
1707 Surfaced.

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— page 208 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. BALAO SEVENTH WAR PATROL

0903 21 December. Dove. Formation broke up as ICEFISH opened out to
transit KUSEKI JIMA. We follow SPOT through at a distance of 30
miles, so submerged for training rather than loiter on surface at
slow speed. C/C to 263° T.
1533 At 45 feet took a quick SD reading prior to surfacing. Contact at
4.5 miles, closing, (Aircraft contact #2) went to 300 feet and at
1535 4.5 miles, closing, (Aircraft contact #2) went to 300 feet and
1956 received one heavy bomb.
0157 Surfaced, all clear.
0305 22 December. SJ picked up land bearing 255° T distant 65,000 yards.
APR contact 155 megacycles. No SD contact - must be ship or shore
based. He is right on us, so commenced zigzagging. This threw him
off stride considerably, but he still stayed with us for another two
hours, apparently tracking.
0340 Completed transit of KUSEKI JIMA strait.
0610 Dove on course 340° T.
1843 Surfaced, C/C to 000° T.
2004 SJ interference bearing 040° T.
2111 Exchanged recognition signals and calls with PIRANHA.
2245 C/C to 305° T.
0100 23 December. C/C to 290° T.
0151 SJ interference at 325° T. It appeared to be one of our sets, so
challenged repeatedly with no answer. Bearing changed rapidly aft;
at one point we had interference all around the dial.
0330 Entered area, C/C to 250° T.
0450 SJ contact 040° T distant 9,000 yds. Exchanged recognition signals
with SPOT, who I think made a radar depth practice approach on us,
thereby causing the strong all around the dial interference.
0515 Sighted lights of two small fishing sampans. This same type of
fisherman was found day and night in all the areas patrolled, and in
such numbers that they are omitted as ship contacts.
0615 Dove, C/C to 270° T.
0950 Sighted single engine monoplane on westerly course, bearing 223° T
elevation 4°, distant 10 miles (Aircraft contact #3).
1902 Surfaced.

From 23 December to 0000, 29 December patrolled this area (HEAD) in
accordance with Group Commander's operation order. Only contacts were fishing
craft and one floating mine.

0000 29 December. Commenced patrol of area CLAY in accordance with
Group Commander's operation order. During the night we made high
speed sweeps in the shallow coastal waters and retired to the "deep"
water for submerged daylight patrol. A super abundance of fishing
craft made the coastal sweep a matter of almost continuous radar
contacts; we would pick them up at ranges varying from 3,000 to
10,000 yards. Brilliant moonlight made identification positive and
easy. Drilled tracking party nightly on these contacts.
1407 1 January 1945. Sighted single engine monoplane bearing 300° T,
elevation 10°, distant 10 miles on course 240° T. (Aircraft contact
#4).
1353 2 January. Sighted masts of sailing vessel (Ship contact #1) bearing
120° T distant about 14,000 yards. Maneuvered to close and look him
over.

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— page 209 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. BALAO SEVENTH WAR PATROL

0903 21 December. Dove. Formation broke up as ICEFISH opened out to
     transit KUSEKI JIMA. We follow SPOT through at a distance of 30
     miles, so submerged for training rather than loiter on surface at
     slow speed. Went deep for test purposes. C/C to 263° T.
1533 At 45 feet took a quick SD reading prior to surfacing. Contact at
     4.5 miles, closing, (Aircraft contact #2) went to 300 feet and at
1535
1956 Surfaced, all clear.
0157 22 December. SJ picked up land bearing 255° T distant 65,000 yards.
0305 APR contact 155 megacycles. No SD contact - must be ship or shore
     based. He is right on us, so commenced zigzagging. This threw him
     off stride considerably, but he still stayed with us for another two
     hours, apparently tracking.
0340 Completed transit of KUSEKI JIMA strait.
0610 Dove on course 340° T.
1843 Surfaced, C/C to 000° T.
2004 SJ interference bearing 040° T.
2111 Exchanged recognition signals and calls with PIRANHA.
2245 C/C to 305° T.
0100 23 December. C/C to 290° T.
0151 SJ interference at 325° T. It appeared to be one of our sets, so
     challenged repeatedly with no answer. Bearing changed rapidly aft;
     at one point we had this interference all around the dial.
0330 Entered area, C/C to 250° T.
0450 SJ contact 040° T distant 9,000 yds. Exchanged recognition signals
     with SPOT, who I think made a radar depth practice approach on us,
     thereby causing the strong all around the dial interference.
0515 Sighted lights of two small fishing sampans. This same type of
     fisherman was found day and night in all the areas patrolled, and in
     such numbers that they are omitted as ship contacts.
0615 Dove, C/C to 270° T.
0950 Sighted single engine monoplane on westerly course, bearing 223° T
     elevation 4°, distant 10 miles (Aircraft contact #3).
1902 Surfaced.

     From 23 December to 0000, 29 December patrolled this area (HEAD) in
     accordance with Group Commander's operation order. Only contacts were fishing
     craft and one floating mine.

0000 29 December. Commenced patrol of area CLAW in accordance with
     Group Commander's operation order. During the night we made high
     speed sweeps in the shallow coastal waters and retired to the "deep"
     water for submerged daylight patrol. A super abundance of fishing
     craft made the coastal sweep a matter of almost continuous radar
     contacts; we would pick them up at ranges varying from 3,000 to
     10,000 yards. Brilliant moonlight made identification positive and
     easy. Drilled tracking party nightly on these contacts.
1407 1 January 1945. Sighted single engine monoplane bearing 300° T,
     elevation 10°, distant 10 miles on course 240° T. (Aircraft contact
     #4).
1353 2 January. Sighted masts of sailing vessel (Ship contact #1) bearing
     120° T distant about 14,000 yards. Maneuvered to close and look him
     over.

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— page 210 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALO SEVENTH WAR PATROL

1540 Vessel is a large three masted schooner painted a shocking salmon
color or else is very much rusted. He appears to be about 700 tons
displacement. Decided to test shallow depth setting on our Mk. 18-1
Torpedoes when fired from the surface.
1830 Target gives an excellent pip on ST radar at 6,000 yards and 4 feet
of periscope out.
1855 Maneuvered to firing position. At 1,000 yards, target
just fails to fill TBT field.
1946 Fired #5 tube, torpedo run 485 yards, 90° port track angle, zero
gyro, depth set zero feet, zero gyro. Torpedo broached several times, condition
of sea, slight swell. Sound tracked this torpedo out about 008°
relative, showing that torpedo had drifted off to the right, and
consequently missed astern.
2016 Went ahead standard and got in position for another try.
Fired #6 tube, torpedo run 870 yards, depth set zero feet, zero gyro
angle, 90° port track. This torpedo broached several times, then
drifted off to the right 10° and missed astern. Considerably
irritated, set #3 tube on two feet, zero gyro angle and disengaged
the spindle. Kept TDC going as a check.
Maneuvered into position for the third and last try before manning
the deck gun. (We are only 10 miles from the beach, so want to avoid
having to use the gun if possible to do so.)
2042 Fired #3 tube with torpedo run 910 yards and a 90° port trackangle,
and a lead angle of 10° (TBT). TDC generated gyro also zero.
Torpedo broached three times. At
2043 midships, sending up a huge plume of very
dense black smoke. When this cleared away, saw the poop and the
forecastle separated by about two hundred feet of water. Shortly
afterwards, the forecastle sank. Closed and inspected remnants
of target - no survivors.
See Section "V" for remarks on this attack.
2100 Continued patrolling.
0000 5 January. Commenced patrolling area "T.I.L" in accordance with
Group Commander's operation order.
0331 6 January. SJ aircraft contact, range 12,800 yards, bearing 290° T.
(Aircraft contact #5).
0332 Range is now 6,000 yards; dove.
0338 Navigator just informed me we are in 66 feet of water. Maneuvered
to head for "deep" water and tried to clear a sampan who seems to
be following us.
0520 Surfaced and went ahead full on 4 engines to reach the 15 fathom
curve.
0627 Dove.
2300 7 January. SJ temporarily out.
2325 SJ back in commission; first sweep made contact at 17,000 yards
bearing 165° T, (Ship Contact #2). It must be a large ship, as the
pip is 1½ inches high at 17,000 yards. Maneuvered to close, commenc
ed tracking. At 11,000 we have a full saturation pip. Target is
unescorted.
0003 8 January. Went to battle stations.
0113 Fired 6 torpedoes, depth set 4 feet on 70° starboard track angle.
Torpedo run 2710 to 2400 yards.

-3-

— page 211 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. BALAO SEVENTH WAR PATROL

@15 Saw, heard and felt 3 torpedo explosions. First three missed. (Tubes
    #6, #5, #4). Circled to port of target expecting to see him sink any
    minute now. Target refused to oblige, so at
0131-44 Fired one torpedo (Tube #4) and at
0132 Fired one torpedo (Tube #2). Target appeared to be dead in water giv-
    ing us a 90° starboard track angle. Torpedo run 1810 and 1740 yards,
    depth set 4 feet, gyro angles on zero.
0134-20 Saw, heard and felt one hit. Circled around port hand of target.
    Heard machine gun fire and target fired 4 flares attempting to
    illuminate his starboard hand. No signs of fire, and he is not sink-
    ing, so circled around at
0143 Fired one torpedo from #3 tube, depth set 4 feet, gyro angle zero.
    Gyro spindle disengaged, torpedo run 1850 yards. No hit. Circled
    around on his starboard hand and at
0153 Fired 4 torpedoes from tubes #7, #8, #9, and #10, torpedo run 2740
    yards, 80° starboard track angle.
0156 Saw, heard and felt two hits. Target now has six good hits in him, so
    was convinced he would sink. Retired to northward.
0222 At 10,000 yards range, target still has an enormous echo, and TDC and
    DRT plot him at six knots. C/C to 240° T, and headed for target at
    best speed. This ship must be loaded with ping-pong balls or else our
    torpedoes are loaded with avocet.
0249 Dove at 4,000 yards, and headed for target at standard speed.
0300 At 2175 yards range, target can be seen clearly thru our ST periscope.
    He is a very large engine aft tanker with a raked bow and cruiser
    stern. His bridge is placed about one-third of his length aft of the
    bow. At this range, he subtends an arc of 5°, and has an angle on the
    bow of about 60-80°. He is listed over to starboard, but not badly so.
    His deck from the bridge to the poop structure is completely under
    water, while the bow appears to be almost out of the water.
0308-47 Fired #6 tube, depth set 6 feet, gyro angle zero, 85° starboard track
    angle, torpedo run 1580 yards. Sound tracked torpedo out on a rela-
    tive bearing of 10°, so it must have drifted to the right. See Sec-
    tion "V" for comment.
0311-35 Fired #5 tube; same condition, same result. Torpedo run was only 1300
    yards. See Section "V" for comment.
0314-23 Fired #4 tube, torpedo run 1085 yards. Torpedo hit exactly where it
    was aimed, right under his bridge. As the smoke cleared away, I could
    see the target sinking and it was an eerie feeling to hear the ST
    radar operator sing out "He's going, going and gone", just as the
    target vanished.
0320 Surfaced about 400 yards from spot where target sank. Could see no
    survivors; radar couldn't pick up a thing.
0325 Secured from battle stations; cleared area.
1313 Periscope saw plane bearing 350° T distant 3 miles elevation 70°
    (Aircraft contact #6).
2230 C/C to 180° T, and headed for coordinated patrol area.
2221 11 January. Sent rendezvous message to SPOT.
1015 12 January. Sighted object bearing 319° T, which upon closing proved
    to be the periscope and shears of the SPOT, (Ship contact #3), who
    was patrolling on the surface. Decided it wasn't good form to scare
    the Group Commander, (he's bigger than I am), so withdrew quietly.

- 4 -

— page 212 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO SEVENTH WAR PATROL

1857 Surfaced, proceeded to rendezvous point.
2044 Radar interference bearing 020° T. C/C to 020° T.
2135 Exchanged recognition signals with SPOT.
2155 Radar contact on SPOT 329° T, range 5,000 yards. (Ship contact #4)
2200 Paralleled SPOT on course 270° T, speed 10 knots. Gave him results
     to date including dope on special restricted area. As result of
     torpedo expenditures, we have one salvo left, so requested permission
     to patrol independently. Received orders to take station 10 miles
     on port beam, and proceed at 16 kts. on course 195° T. Also received
     morning rendezvous position.
2241 Opened out to 10 miles and went ahead 16 kts. on course 195° T.
1027 13 January. Sighted submarine bearing 314° T (Ship contact #5).
     Closed at full speed on 4 engines.
1043 Rendezvoused with SPOT and received orders to patrol to eastward of
     rendezvous point. Patrolled to eastward at 4 engine speed.
1400 Perfect plane weather, solid overcast, so dove.
1841 Surfaced. Patrolled to east and south.
1900 Our first star sights in two weeks.
2220 Received orders to leave station from ComSubPac, so C/C to 020° T
     and went ahead full speed on 4 engines.
0036 14 January. Sent serial one to ComSubPac and CHINA. Australia
     took the message.
1000 Dove.
1816 Surfaced. C/C to 090° T.
2030 APR contact 94-98 megacycles. Large pip. This is believed to be
     radar on DANJO GUNTO.
2330 C/C to 150° T.
0315 15 January. Radar contact on land 144° T. 60,000 yards.
0318 C/C to 180° T.
0430 APR contact 150-155 megacycles. Shore based radar.
0603 C/C to 160° T.
0604 Dove. We are headed for AKUSEKI JIMA PASS.
0740 C/C to 115° T.
1500 C/C to 090° T.
1853 Surfaced.
1900 APR contact 156 megacycles, apparently shore based on KIIII O SHIMA.
1917 Exchanged calls with GREENLING.
2327 SJ interference 075° T.
0032 16 January. Interference is at 020° T. It is one of ours, but no
     answer to our signals, so eased around to the southward.
0627 Dove.
1840 Surfaced. Pooped by two heavy seas in spite of a very big blow
     which opened room breakers, motors and generators; master
     gyro out of commission. Full voltage ground on battery. Started
     auxiliary gyro, shifted steering to control room. After room
     sending rudder angles by sound powered phone. Steered by magnetic
     compass.
2230 While repairing damaged electrical gear, forward distribution panel
     breakers opened. (At the same time, the DC power cable to #3-IC
     motor generator burned in half, and the IC breaker opened, leaving
     the ship with no AC power.

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— page 213 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BILO SEVENTH LR P.TROL

Cause of the cable burning in half was due to the wet asbestos
insulated cable coming in contact with salt water in the metal
waterway behind the forward distribution board.

Repairs accomplished by splicing a new section of rubber covered
cable across the burned section.
Have IC power, put power on SJ radar, rudder angle indicator, 7 MC
and radio circuits.
2315
1355
19 January. Rendezvoused with escort U.S.S. BOYD (DD 544). Proceed-
ed in company to GUAM.
1942
19 January. Moored starboard side to port side of U.S.S. APOLLO,
APRA. HARBOR, GUAM, M.I.

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— page 214 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. B.L.O. SEVENTH WAR PATROL

C. Weather
    In general, weather in the Yellow Sea was characterized by a cold, biting
    wind whose temperature varied from 24° F to 45° F. A solid overcast was the
    rule, which made navigation in the open areas a dead reckoning proposition.
    Seas and wind were from the north west, and fairly heavy seas made a very
    uncomfortable patrol.

D. Tidal Information
    as noted in Coast Pilots.

E. Navigational Aids.
    The only navigational light observed burning was Shantung Promontory Light.

F. Ship Contacts.
    Time | Lat. Long. | Type | Initial Range | Est. Course Speed | How Contacted
    -----||------|||
    1353 | 38-30N     | 3 masted | 14,000        | 000° T            | P
    2 Jan. | 122-45 E   | Schooner | yds.          | 3-3/4 kts.        |
         |            |      |               |                   |
    2325 | 34-30 N    | Large    | 17,000        | 275° T            | R
    7 Jan. | 123-00 E   | Tanker   | yds.          | 8-1/4 kts.        |
         |            |      |               |                   |
    1015 | 32-34 N    | USS SPOT | 5,000         | 270° T            | P
    12 Jan. | 123-40 E   |          | yds.          | 10 kts.           |
         |            |      |               |                   |
    2155 | 32-55 N    | USS SPOT | 5,000 yards   |                   | R
    12 Jan. | 124-01 E   |          |               |                   |
         |            |      |               |                   |
    1027 | 30-03 N    | USS SPOT | 12,000        | 195°              | P
    13 Jan. | 123-06 E   |          | yds.          | 10 kts.           |

G. Aircraft Contacts
    See attached sheet.

H. Attack Data
    See attached sheets.

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— page 215 —
CONFIDENTIAL

AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (REVISED)
Contact No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
Date | 8 Dec. | 21 Dec. | 23 Dec. | 1 Jan. | 6 Jan. | 8 Jan. |
S Time (Zone) | 1038 I | 1533 I | 0950 I | 1407 I | 0330 I | 1313I |
U | | | | | | |
B Position; Lat. | 18-38 N | 29-25N | 31-27 N | 37-50 N | 36-30 N | 35-20 N |
M | | | | | | |
A Long. | 141-31E | 131-44E | 126-34E | 123-53E | 123-20E | 123-16E |
R | | | | | | |
I Speed | 13 kts. | 6 kts. | 2 kts. | 2 kts. | 2 kts. | 2 kts. |
N | | | | | | |
E Course | 310 | 263 | 270 | 263 | 270 | 030 |
Trim | Surf | Surf | Sub. | Sub. | Surf. | Sub. |
Minutes since last | - | 0 | - | - | - | - |
SD Radar Search | | | | | | |
N Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
A Type | B-24 | Unk | Rufe | Rufe | Unk | Unk |
I | | | | | | |
R Probable mission | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk |
C | | | | | | |
R How contacted | sighted | SD | Per | Per | SJ | Per |
A | | | | | | |
F Initial range | 3 mi. | 4.5 mi. | 10 mi. | 10 mi. | 12,500yd | 3 mi. |
T | | | 4° | 3° | - | 70° |
Elevation angle | - | - |
Range and Relative | | | | | | |
Bearing of plane | - | Unk | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. |
when S/M detected | | | | | | |
C (State Beauf- | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
O ort) | | | | | | |
N Sea: (direction Rel | 070 | 045 | 045 | 315 | 270 | 000 |
D Visibility-Miles | 30 | 30 | 20 | 20 | 10 | 10 |
I | | | | | | |
T Height in | 4000 | 2500 | 3000 | 2000 | 4000 | 3000 |
H Clouds ft. | | | | | | |
E | | | | | | |
R Percent | 60 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
S Overcast |
Bearing Rel | Day | Day | Day | Day | 185 | Day |
Moon Angle | Day | Day | Day | Day | 50° | Day |
Percent Illum | Day | Day | Day | Day | 100 | Day |

Type of S/M camouflage this patrol
Haze Gray.

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— page 216 —
CONFIDENTIAL
                                                              TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT FORM

U.S.S. B.L.AO (SS285)                 Torpedo Attack Nos. 1, 2, 3                 Patrol No. 7

Time      1944                        Date 1-2-45                 Lat. 38°-45'N Long. 122°-56'E
          2016
          2042

                                                      TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: Three masted schooner sailing independently from Korea to Manchuria.
             Clear dark night. Sighted during daylight.

Ship sunk:   One schooner, three masted, estimated 700 tons. At 1,000 yards,
             target just failed to fill the field of the binoculars. Estimated
             length, 275 feet.

Ship damaged: -

Damage determined by: Saw ship sink after one torpedo hit.

Target draft: 12 feet Course 090° T Speed 5½ kts. Range 910
                                                                                             (at firing)

                                                              OWN SHIP DATA

Speed     0 kts.         Course 090°       Depth Surface       Angle zero (at firing)
          6 kts.                090°             Surface             zero
          0 kts.                090°             Surface             zero

                                                      FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack: Night surface attack using SJ ranges and TBT bearing. Fired using
             lead angle of 10° set on the TBT.

                                                              - 9 -

— page 217 —
CONFIDENTIAL
ATTACK #1

Tubes fired: #5
Track Angle 90°
Gyro Angle 0
Depth Set 0
Power electric
Hit or Miss Miss
Erratic No
Mark Torpedo 18-1
Registered No. 57097
Mark Exploder 8-5
Serial No. 8109
Actuation Set contact
Actuation Actual -
Mark Warhead 18-2
Serial No. 3491
Explosive Torpex
Firing Interval -
Type Spread -
Sea conditions Calm, force 2, direction from 250° T.
Overhaul Activity Submarine Base, P.H.T.H.
Remarks: See Attack #3

- 10 -

— page 218 —
CONFIDENTIAL
ATTACK #2

Tubes fired                               #6
Track Angle                               90
Gyro Angle                                0
Depth Set                                 0
Power                                     electric
Hit or Miss                               Miss
Erratic                                   No
Mark Torpedo                              18-1
Registered No.                            57114
Mark Exploder                             6-5
Serial No.                                8471
Actuation Set                             contact
Actuation Actual                          -
Mark Warhead                              18-2
Serial No.                                1796
Explosive                                 Torpex
Firing Interval                           -
Type Spread                               -
Sea conditions                            calm, force 2, direction from 250° T.
Overhaul Activity                         Submarine Base, P.H.T.H.
Remarks                                   See Attack #3

- 11 -

— page 219 —
CONFIDENTIAL
ATTACK #3
Tubes fired | [HANDWRITTEN: #]3
Track Angle | 90
Gyro Angle | 0
Depth Set | 0
Power | electric
Hit or Miss | Hit
Erratic | No
Mark Torpedo | 18-1
Registered No. | 57113
Mark Exploder | 4-7
Serial No. | 57125
Actuation Set | contact
Actuation Actual | contact
Mark Warhead | 18
Serial No. | 1204
Explosive | Torpex
Firing Interval | -
Type Spread | -
Sea conditions | calm, force 2, direction from 250° T.
Overhaul Activity | Submarine Base, P.H.T.H.
Remarks: All three fish broached but ran straight according to position of their
broaching. The first and second torpedoes fired missed astern evidently
due to using target speed of 3½ knots which checked both on DRT and TDC.
The third torpedo hit. M.O.D. This torpedo was fired from the bridge
when relative bearing was 10 degrees thus using a target speed of 5½ knots.
The speed of the torpedo was corrected for temperature of 50° F and
torpedo run with additional speed reduction of 2 kts., based on a depth
set of 0 and 2 ft. due to cavitation of propellors. Speed set on TDC
was 26.74, 26.6 and 26.6 respectively for 520, 870, and 960 yds.
The torpedo that hit ran 61 seconds for 910 yds. giving a torpedo
speed of 27 knots.

- 12 -

— page 220 —
CONFIDENTIAL

TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT FORM

U.S.S. B.L.L.O (SS285) Torpedo Attack Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Patrol No. 7

Time 0113 Date 1-8-45 Lat. 34°-28'N Long. 122°-39'E
     0131-44
     0143
     0153
     0308-47

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: Unescorted large tanker sailing from Korea to Shanghai. Tanker was
             skimming along boundary of a suspected mine field which may
             be why he was unescorted. Contact was made by radar at 17,000 yards.
             Very dark and hazy night.

Ship sunk One large engines aft tanker. Closely observed through night peris-
           cope at ranges from 4,000 to 600 yards. He had a raked bow, a cruiser
           stern, one mast forward of bridge and one between bridge and his poop
           deck. Stack was located in center of poop structure. His bridge ap-
           peared to be one-third of the distance from the bow to the stern. From
           2,175 yards (ST radar range) with an angle on the bow of 60°-80°,
           this ship subtended an angle of 5 degrees, giving him a length of 510-
           530 feet. His large size was evidenced by a full scale saturation of
           pip at 14,000 yards. Seven hits required to sink him. This vessel
           identified as the NISSHO MARU type, 10526 tons.

Damage determined by: Saw ship sink at range of 600 yards.
[HANDWRITTEN: #4] Target draft 30 feet Course 265 Speed 8½ (TDC) Range at firing
[HANDWRITTEN: #5]                               326       0             3,150-2760
[HANDWRITTEN: #6]                               235       0             1810-1740
[HANDWRITTEN: #7]                               235       0             1850
[HANDWRITTEN: #8]                               275       1             2610-2850
                                                                        1620-1125

Own ship data
[HANDWRITTEN: #4] Speed 10 Course 152½ Depth Surface Angle 0 (at firing)
[HANDWRITTEN: #5]       7        236        Surface       0
[HANDWRITTEN: #6]       6        128        Surface       0
[HANDWRITTEN: #7]       3        314        Surface       0
[HANDWRITTEN: #8]       1½-3     178½       55 feet       1° down

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack: Made four surface and one submerged attack. Hits as follows: 3, 1,
             0, 2, and 1.
             Surface attacks using SJ ranges and TBT bearings. Submerged attack
             using ST ranges and visual bearings.

- 13 -

— page 221 —
CONFIDENTIAL
ATTACK #4

Tubes fired | #6 | #5 | #4 | #3 | #2 | #1
Track Angle | 67½S | 70½S | 71S | 72½S | 74½S | 76½S
Gyro Angle | 347½ | 349½ | 351 | 353 | 354½ | 356½
Depth Set | 4 ft. | 4 ft. | 4 ft. | 4 ft. | 4 ft. | 4 ft.
Power | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric
Hit or Miss | miss | miss | miss | hit | hit | hit
Erratic
Mark Torpedo | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1
Register No. | 55991 | 57073 | 57112 | 56471 | 57216 | 57085
Actuation Set | contact | contact | contact | contact | contact | contact
Actuation actual | | | | contact | contact | contact
Mark Warhead | 18 | 18-2 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18
Serial No. | 1317 | 1909 | 973 | 9301 | 997 | 972
Explosive | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex
Firing Interval | 10 seconds.
Type Spread | L 3° | L 1½° | 0° | R 1½° | R 3° | R 4½°
Sea condition | Choppy sea, force 3, direction from 060° T.
Overhaul Activity | Submarine Base, P.H.T.H.
Remarks:

- 14 -

— page 222 —
CONFIDENTIAL
ATTACK #5

Tubes fired             #4          #2
Track Angle             90 S        90 S
Gyro Angle              000         000
Depth Set               4ft.        4 ft.
Power                   electric    electric
Hit or miss             miss        hit
Erratic
Mark Torpedo            18-1        18-1
Register No.            57100       57087
Mark Exploder           4-7         4-7
Serial No.              16336       17082
Actuation Set           Contact     Contact
Actuation Actual                    Contact
Mark Warhead            18          18
Serial No.              105         709
Explosive               Torpex      Torpex
Firing interval         17½ seconds
Type Spread
Sea Condition           Choppy sea, force 3, direction from 000° T.
Overhaul Activity       Submarine Base, P.H.T.H.
Remarks:

- 15 -

— page 223 —
CONFIDENTIAL
ATTACK #6

Tubes fired #3
Track Angle 73 S
Gyro Angle 0
Depth Set 4 ft.
Power electric
Hit or miss miss
Erratic
Mark Torpedo 18-1
Register No. 57194
Mark Exploder 4-7
Serial No. 16998
Actuation Set contact
Actuation Actual -
Mark Warhead 18
Serial No. 890
Explosive Torpex
Firing Interval -
Type Spread -
Sea Condition Choppy, force 3, direction from 000° T.
Overhaul Activity Submarine Base, P.H.T.H.

Remarks: Gyro spindle not engaged, fired with TBT on bridge. Miss due to torpedo
delay in firing; boat started to swing and was fired when bearing was
not zero.

- 16 -

— page 224 —
CONFIDENTIAL
ATTACK #7

Tubes fired         | #7       | #9       | #10      | #8
Track Angle         | 78 S     | 79 S     | 80 S     | 81 S
Gyro Angle          | 178      | 179      | 180      | 181
Depth Set           | 4 ft.    | 4 ft.    | 4 ft.    | 4 ft.
Power               | electric | electric | electric | electric
Hit or Miss         | Miss     | Hit      | Hit      | Miss
Erratic             |          |          |          |
Mark torpedo        | 13-1     | 13-1     | 13-1     | 13-1
Register No.        | 56998    | 57096    | 57101    | 57090
Mark Exploder       | 4-7      | 4-7      | 8-5      | 8-5
Serial No.          | 17008    | 16399    | 8432     | 8497
Actuation Set       | contact  | contact  | contact  | contact
Actuation Actual    |          | contact  | contact  | contact
Mark Warhead        | 18       | 18       | 18-2     | 18-2
Serial No.          | 645      | 664      | 1630     | 3433
Explosive           | Torpex   | Torpex   | Torpex   | Torpex
Firing Interval     | 10 seconds |          |          |
Type Spread         | 2 L      | 1 L      | 0        | 1 R
Sea Conditions      | Choppy sea, force 3. |          |          |
Remarks:            |          |          |          |

- 17 -

— page 225 —
CONFIDENTIAL
ATTACK #8

Tubes fired             #6              #5              #4
Track Angle             84½S            88½S            91S
Gyro Angle              1 R             5 R             7½ R
Depth Set               6 ft.           6 ft.           4 ft.
Power                   electric        electric        electric
Hit or Miss             miss            miss            hit
Erratic                 yes             yes             no
Mark Torpedo            18-1            18-1            18-1
Register No.            57047           57082           57077
Mark Exploder           8-5             4-7             4-7
Serial No.              8352            16983           17267
Actuation Set           contact         contact         contact
Actuation Actual                                        contact
Mark Warhead            18-2            18              18
Serial No.              3319            778             1664
Explosive               Torpex          Torpex          Torpex
Firing Interval                         1'47"           3'50"
Type Spread

Sea Condition           Choppy sea, force 3, direction from 000° T.
Overhaul Activity       Submarine Base, P.H.T.H.
Remarks:                Speed on one knot probably due to drift as no screws heard. Fired
                        with speed set of 27 kts. First 2 torpedoes fired with 1 degree down
                        angle; last torpedo fired with 4° down angle. Torpedo in tube 6 ran
                        10° to the right of its course. Torpedo in tube 5 ran 10° to the right
                        of its course. Torpedo in tube 4 ran straight with a possible 1° to
                        right of course as tracked by sound. Changed point of aim to left on
                        last shot.

- 1 -

— page 226 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. B.L. [UNCLEAR: AKE] O SEVENTH WAR PATROL

I. Mines.

One drifting mine was sighted Lat. 32-22N, Longitude 124-25.5E.

The area bounded by the following points is believed to be a Japanese restrict-
ed area:
(1) 33-10 N - 122-00 E
(2) 34-20 N - 122-00 E
(3) 33-10 N - 125-30 E
(4) 34-20 N - 125-30 E

This area is the ONLY area where we didn't have to fight our way through a
conglomeration of fishing craft. Not one was sighted in this area. It is
noteworthy our large tanker was headed westward just to the north of this
area, and it is believed he was unescorted due to the protection he thought
he'd receive from this restricted area.

J. Anti-Submarine Measures.

Only passive anti-submarine measures were encountered: mine fields, drifting
mines and occasional aircraft.

K. Major defects and damage.

None. Heavy sea pooped us and caused electrical circuits to fail.

It is recommended separate breakers be installed on each IC motor generator;
at present with a ground on one machine, neither of the others can be used.

— page 227 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. B.L.O SEVENTH LR PATROL

The following points were noted:

a. General performance: SJ

The general performance of the SJ has been good. Ranges on targets of var-
ious sizes and descriptions have been good. The equipment could be depended
upon to pick up objects at a reasonable range. The equipment is easily
tuned and drifts just a little bit untill it warms up. All operating
personnel are familiar with the equipment and can get the maximum results
out of the equipment.

This equipment has PPI and targets are readily discernible and are clear
and persistent.

b. Interference encountered:

Very little interference was encountered, and that was due to the collector
rings being dirty. The lobing motor causes interference on the scope while
lobing. The collector rings were cleaned and this remedied the small amount
of interference that they were causing.

c. Operational difficulties:

The trace was very jumpy, and sometimes had a double trace. Found a loose
IF coax to Receiver Indicator. This was tightened and trouble stopped.

The gain was getting low. Found that the 991's were getting bad. Replaced
these and the gain was back up to normal.

The trace started jumping and was very jittery. Found that C19 and C39 were
open.

Trace keeps fading out. Found that the Cathode Ray tube 5 HP1 was bad.
Replaced it with a new one and operation was again normal.

Tubes F9 and F10 have been blowing. Found that the Modulation Network was
bad. After it was replaced, operation was again normal.

The 5D21 was bad, causing the H.V. current to get unstable. Also replaced
the Magnetron after about 350 hours of operation and also the TR tube at
the same time, due to low output and bad transmitter pulse. Retuned gear
and operation was normal.

Again the 5D21 went bad and had to be replaced. H.V. current could not be
adjusted due to this.

A new magnetron again had to be put in due to no output. Also replaced
the TR tube. This magnetron and TR tube had been in about 50 hours.

a. General performance: ST
The general performance of the ST has been fair. Thisradar cannot be relied
upon to pick up any target due to the drift in froquency; with consequent

- 20 -

— page 228 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. B.L.O SEVENTH WAR PATROL

tuning drift. The equipment has to be on for a considerable length of time
before it is entirely ready for use, but it can be used when cold if
necessary, but in that case the tuning has to be varied almost constantly
till the equipment is warmed up. It is very reliable as to range, but
echoes are very unsteady and the equipment is difficult to put into
operation.

b. Interference encountered:

None.

c. Operational difficulties:

Operational difficulties have been few. Replaced one magnetron and a TR
and anti-TR tube. Had to return ST several times during this run. Life of
magnetron is about 50 hours.

O. Density Layers.

In this shallow water our only density layer consisted of a mud bottom at
66 feet off Tsingtao.

P. Health, Food, and Habitability.

One man was ill for one week with a severe pain in the back, apparently
something wrong internally as he had not been injured.

Food, as usual, was excellent in quality and deftly prepared by our chefs.

Habitability was excellent. Provision of a booster blower in the forward
battery has improved living conditions forward considerably.

Q. Personnel.

Not enough praise can be given to the performance of duty by the officers and
enlisted men. Always willing to do a little more than their share, it is a
privilege and an honor to sail with them.

Our new men are excellent submarine material. The best example of this is
shown by CARPER, D.S.N., Slc, USNR. As a
quartermaster striker on his first war patrol, Carper's quick thinking kept
the Conning Tower from flooding when we were pooped by the seas. In spite of
a solid stream of water coming down the hatch, Carper held on to the hatch
and finally succeeded in closing it.

(a) Number of men on board during patrol. 75
(b) Number of men qualified at start of patrol. 48
(c) Number of men qualified at end of patrol. 55
(d) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol. 15
(e) Number of men advanced in rating during patrol. 8

- 21 -

— page 229 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BILO SEVENTH WAR PATROL

R. Miles Steamed - Fuel Used

    Pearl Harbor to area           5,160 miles     81,970 gallons
    In area                        3,168 miles     38,600 gallons
    Area to Guam                   1,835 miles     27,190 gallons

S. Duration.

    Days enroute to area           19
    Days in area                   23
    Days enroute to base           5
    Days submerged                 28

T. Factors of endurance remaining:

    Torpedoes      Fuel        Provisions      Personnel Factor
    (number)       Gals.       days            days

    5              13,000      30              10

U. Radio and Radar Countermeasures.

    Japanese land based radars were found on the following islands.

    TOKARA JIMA - 95 mc., pulse width, 20 micro seconds; PRF., 750; dial
                  reading 5½ (SPA.)

    DANJO GUNTO - 145 mc., pulse width, 12½ micro seconds; dial reading, 14
                  (SPA.)

    KOKUZAN TO - 116 mc., no PRF; pulse width, 2½ micro seconds; dial reading,
                 8-7/8 (SPA.)

    AMAMI O SHIMA - 160 mc., PRF, 500; pulse width, 7 and 5 micro seconds; dial
                    reading 14½ (SPA.)

V. Remarks.

    The following analysis of torpedo performance is submitted:

    (a) Attack #1: Torpedo fired from #5 tube jogged off to right about 10° and
                   missed astern. Zero gyro angle.

    (b) Attack #2: Torpedo fired from #6 tube jogged off to the right 10° and
                   missed astern. Zero gyro angle.

    (c) Attack #3: This torpedo was fired from #3 tube with a zero gyro angle
                   using a TBT lead angle of 10°. At instant of firing, TDC
                   generated gyro angle was zero, thus clearing the TDC of
                   complicity in the first two misses. This torpedo hit exactly
                   where it was aimed, squarely amidships.

- 22 -

— page 230 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BILOXI SEVENTH WAR PATROL

(d) Attack #4 Fired six torpedoes from tubes #6, #5, #4, #3, #2, and #1.
First three torpedoes missed, last three hit well aft. This
target was a very large tanker, engines aft, and subtended
five degrees at two thousand yards with a 60°-80° angle on the
bow. If tubes #6 and #5 ejected torpedoes which again ran right,
their gyro angles after application of the spread would be 7° L
and 8½ right respectively. In view of the fact the three hits
were aft, I believe our TDC target speed solution was too slow
but not enough so to prevent tubes #6 and #5 from missing AHEAD.
#4 tube had a zero gyro, and again considering the location of
the hits obtained, it is logical to presume this torpedo missed
aft due to our error in estimating target speed. I charge two
misses ahead to the fire control party (although if #5 and #6
had ejected properly, these fish naturally would have missed aft).

(e) Attack #5 Fired two torpedoes from #4 and #2 tubes. Gyros set on zero
and spindles disengaged. #4 missed due to the swing of the
ship, #2 hit aft. I charge this miss to myself; if I had let
TDC keep control, swing of the ship would have been compensated
for by the corrected gyro angle.

(f) Attack #6 Fired #3 tube with gyro set on zero and spindle disengaged.
This miss was caused primarily by a communications snarl,
which resulted in the outer door not being opened. The few
seconds delay was sufficient to swing the torpedo just aft
of the target. Again, TDC control would have obviated this
miss, and I charge myself accordingly with this miss.

(g) Attack #7 Fired tubes #7, #9, #10 and #8 at the target. #9 and #10
hit; #7 and #8 tubes missed. Torpedo run was close to the
limit at the existing temperature, outside of the possibility
of an erratic run, it is believed tubes #7, #9, #10, and #8
should have hit, as the spread was 2 L, 1 L, 0, and 1 R
respectively. Both hits were aft of the center of the target.

(h) Attack #8 This was a submerged attack under perfect conditions; visual
bearings, ST ranges and a perfect TDC solution. Fired three
torpedoes independently, #6, #5, and #4 tubes. The first
two drifted off and were tracked out at 10° to the right of
their proper course. #4 hit exactly where aimed, right under
target's bridge, and sank him in twenty-five seconds.

Conclusions: I believe #5 and #6 tubes must be checked for bore sight and
and any conditions which will damage torpedoes when fired.
It is noteworthy that tubes #5 and #6 have NEVER made a hit
during seven war patrols, according to statements of the old
timers on board.

- 23 -

— page 231 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. B.L.A.O. SEVENTH WAR PATROL

Contact reports by B-29 search planes were of great potential
value; however, the only worth while targets were invariably
in area Nine. Seas were too rough to use the SD submerged,
and consequently, we received the reports during the
Chungking broadcasts.

The Mk. 13-1 torpedoes functioned beautifully. In a very
slight swell, three torpedoes set at zero feet, zero feet
and two feet respectively, broached several times as could
easily be expected. It is noteworthy these torpedoes could
be easily tracked by radar. There were no end of run or
premature explosions; in short, these torpedoes behaved
exactly as they should. The Gun Club can be proud of this
torpedo. Torpedoes set at 4 feet and deeper did not broach
at any time even when fired on the surface.

Materiel under cognizance of the Bureau of Ships gave out-
standing performance. There were no casualties to any part
of the engineering plant, the hull or hull fittings. The
hydraulic periscope hoists are deserving of special praise.
It is recommended the ST periscope be made the same length
as the attack periscope, to facilitate depth control in
heavy seas. The consensus of opinion of all officers
favored the ST periscope over 7 X 50 binoculars for night
observation of a target.

- 24 -

— page 232 —
FB5-281/A16 SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO EIGHTY ONE
% Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, Calif.

Serial (01) 21 January 1945.

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO BALAO Conf. Ltr.
SS285/A16-3, Serial (01)
of 19 January 1945.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of SEVENTH War Patrol.

1. On her seventh war patrol the U.S.S. BALAO was a
member of a coordinated attack group which also included U.S.S.
SPOT (Commander W. S. POST, Jr., U. S. Navy, Group Commander) and
U.S.S. ICEFISH. The patrol was of forty seven days duration of
which twenty three were spent in the assigned YELLOW SEA area.

2. This patrol was characterized by a paucity of
contacts. But two enemy ships, other than fishing craft, were
seen and both of these were engaged and sunk. More remarkable, per-
haps, is the fact that only five hostile aircraft were encountered.

3. On the afternoon of 2 January a large schooner was
sighted. The commanding officer elected to attack with torpedoes.
Three separate attacks were made on this
target, a single torpedo being fired on each, from perfect firing
position. The first two attacks resulted in misses, the third
torpedo hit the point of aim and demolished the target.

4. On the night of 7 January radar contact was made
with a single target unescorted, which subsequently proved to be
a large tanker. At 0113, 8 January the enemy was attacked with
six torpedoes, three of which hit and stopped him. However he
obstinately refused to sink. In all it required a total of 16 tor-
pedoes, seven of which hit, fired on five attacks to put this ship
on the bottom.

5. The accuracy of fire, 42% hits, is below expectation
especially since the torpedo control problems involved were not
difficult. In his remarks the commanding officer has carefully
analyzed the torpedo performance and arrived at the conclusion
that tubes 5 and 6 do not eject properly; that torpedoes fired
from these tubes are consistently deflected to the right. These
tubes will be thoroughly investigated in the course of the forth-
coming refit and necessary remedial action will be taken.

-1-

— page 234 —
FC5-28/A16
Serial No. (020)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO BALAO Conf. Ltr.
SS285/A16-3, Serial (01)
of 19 January 1945.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of SEVENTH War Patrol.

1. Forwarded concurring in the remarks of the Commander Sub-
marine Division TWO EIGHTY TWO.

2. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer,
officers and crew on the successful completion of the BALAO'S seventh war
patrol, during which the following damage is considered to have been in-
flicted upon the enemy.

SUNK

1 Schooner, three masted (EC) - 700 tons (Attack #3)
1 Tanker, NISSHO MARU, Class (EU) - 10,000 tons (Attack #8)

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY EIGHT
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
23 January 1945

[SIGNATURE: J. M. Will]
J. M. WILL

— page 235 —
[HANDWRITTEN: SORA]
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(1C) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET Ga
Serial 0112
                                                Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                                San Francisco, California,
                                                5 February 1945.
CONFIDENTIAL
                                                NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to                            DESTROYED PRIOR TO
BALAO Report of                                 ENTERING PATROL AREA.
Seventh War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 655
U.S.S. BALAO - SEVENTH WAR PATROL.

From : The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of Seventh War Patrol
         (4 December 1944 to 19 January 1945).

1. The seventh war patrol of the BALAO, under the command
of Commander H. F. Ramirez de Arellano, U.S. Navy, was conducted in
the Yellow Sea areas. The BALAO, along with the SPOT and ICEFISH,
formed a coordinated attack group with the commanding officer of the
SPOT, Commander W. S. Post, Jr., U.S. Navy, as group commander.

2. Despite thorough area coverage only two ships other
than small fishing craft were contacted. One was a large schooner,
and the other a large tanker, both of which were sunk by torpedo fire.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the commanding officer, officers, and crew of the BALAO for this
aggressive patrol, and for having inflicted the following damage upon
the enemy:

                                  SUNK

1 - SMC (Schooner) (EC)           - 700 tons (Torpedo Attacks No.
                                                1, 2, & 3)
1 - Large AO (NISSHO MARU Type)   - 10,500 tons (Torpedo Attacks No.
    (EC)                                        4, 5, 6, 7, & 8)

TOTAL SUNK                        - 11,200 tons

                                                J. H. BROWN, Jr.,
                                                Deputy ComSubSPac.

Distribution & authentication
on next page.
                                  - 1 -

— page 237 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st COPY]
[HANDWRITTEN: 12/2004]
[HANDWRITTEN: 41]

CONFIDENTIAL
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

SS285/A16-3                                U.S.S. BALAO (SS285)
Serial 04

                                          Care of Fleet Post Office
                                          San Francisco, California
                                          8 April 1945

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

Subject:          U.S.S. BALAO, Report of War Patrol number 8.

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the 8th war patrol of this vessel
conducted in East China Sea and Yellow Sea during the period 27 February 1945
to 8 April 1945, is forwarded herewith.

                                          R. K. R. WORTHINGTON

DECLASSIFIED-NLT 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/23/72]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 117927]

— page 238 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO EIGHTH WAR PATROL

(A) PROLOGUE

Arrived Apra Harbor, Guam on 19 Jan. 1945 from 7th War Patrol. Commenced
refit, alongside U.S.S. APOLLO, by SubDiv 282 Relief Crew on 20 Jan. 1945.
Routine refit, no major items, was completed 3 Feb. 1945. Comdr. M.F. Ramirez
de Arellano, USN, was relieved as Commanding Officer by Lt. Cdr. R.K.R. Worthington,
USN, on 7 Feb. 1945. Underway training period from 8 Feb., 1945 to 19 Feb., 1945,
comprised eight days and two nights underway. Fired 7 exercise torpedoes and one
tube test shot.

On 21 February, underway in company with U.S.S. GUARD FISH and LCI escort
for Tanapag Harbor, Saipan. Moored alongside U.S.S. FULTON same date. Under-
way 22 Feb., 1945, in company with U.S.S. TENCH, SEA DEVIL and two DD's for
day and night wolf pack training. Returned to port on 23 February. The master
gyro compass had been completely overhauled and rotors renewed by
U.S.S. FULTON. We thank the FULTON for this work and many odd jobs performed
for BALAO, one of seven subs alongside. Mail received at Saipan was really ap-
preciated, also. Lt.(jg) S.D. Saska, USN, was transferred to SubDiv 31 relief crew
for medical treatment. Lt.(jg) C. Bostrom, USN, and Ensign P.J. Hannifin, USN,
reported on board for duty on the day prior to departure on war patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE

Feb. 27/1645 (K) Underway from alongside U.S.S. FULTON at Tanapag Harbor, Saipan,
in accordance with Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet Opord No. 43-45 in
Task group 17.22 composed of U.S.S. TENCH
(17.22.1), U.S.S. GUADFISH (17.1.1), U.S.S. SEA DEVIL (17.22.3), and
U.S.S. BALAO (17.22.4). Officer personnel in mess hall until
we enter area, Balao will hold daily training dives and drills.
2400 (K) Escort returned to port. Pack formed a 'Laing diamond defense'
formation.

Feb. 28/0800 (K) Decoded message for Bums regarding ditched B-29. Attempted
to raise Bums on 4155 kcs. to check receipt of message by remainder of
pack. No luck.
0830 Tried again and received answer at
1000 from TENCH that she is decoded now. Wonder why the dead time?
1045 Instructed to close SEA DEVIL to verify above receipt.
1315 Completed verification by searchlight, could not contact on SJ.
1745 Shifted radio watch from 4155 kcs. to Safplan frequency.
1904 Sighted PARGO and HAKE on opposite course, passing 300 yards to port.
Unable to get them to exchange recognition signals by SJ but immediately
afterwards succeeded with GUADFISH.

March 1/0700 (K) Bow buoyancy blow is leaking and there is an air leak from the
bank in 2A or B main ballast. This is not surprising after being subjected
to the daily blasting in Apra Harbor.
1200 Lat. 17°-20.5'N Long. 138°-47'E.
1625 Decoded instructions for Bums to proceed into Cistern to search for men
in 2 life boats sighted by plane. Message called us "Barney's Boxers".
They can't do that to Bums like us!
1629 Decoded orders to close "Wolf Pack #1". We are behind position due to long
dives checking the leaks and gyro error (2° E). Am making 80-90 on 4
engines.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO EIGHTH WAR PATROL

1732 Decoded orders to form scouting line bearing 045° T, interval 10,000 yds.
1837 Ordered to rendezvous by 0100 K.
2300 SJ interference on 290°T. Exchanged identification with TENCH.
2 March/0106 K Pack Comdr. ordered change of scouting line in accordance with
Comsubspac 011241.
0107 SJ interference on 310° T; but,every time we call him,the TENCH, bearing
290° T, answers.
0212 Radar contact bearing 310° T, 13,000 yds. Lost contact at 13,900 yds.
0330 Supposed to be on scouting line at 0400 but will have 15 miles to go.
TENCH is making a fast 13 kts. I have been on 3 or 4 engines since 1625
yesterday and can't catch up. Was actually 9 miles ahead of designated
0100 rendezvous.
0410 Green Very's star bearing 270° T. The pack is commencing search for the
downed aviators.
0415 Commenced shooting green Very's star every 15 minutes.
0420 Radar contact 310° T, 9,000 yds., and 320° T, 14,000 yds., GUARDFISH and
TENCH no doubt. Only TENCH answers SJ recognition.
0750 SD contact 6 miles, sighted TBF and PBM. Can hear them on VHF but cannot
contact them. With both planes beam on, close together, obtained
saturation SJ pip at 19,000 yards. Planes in sight almost continuously
for rest of day.
1200 Lat. 20°-37'N Long. 135°-36'E.
1451 OOD dove on sighting single engine plane closing, distant 4 miles.
1510 Surfaced.
1520 Sighted 2 single engine planes at 5 miles, no IFF. One gave zero angle
and came in fast so at
1521 Dove. As we passed 60 ft. the C.O. (with #1 periscope at maximum
elevation) had a broadside view of a TBF so at
1526 Surfaced. Thanks for the drill, pal!
1600 Finally attained station on search line, having been end man all day
long, always behind and making best speed.
1805 Sighted friendly DD, 015° T, 7½ miles, with 6 aircraft overhead.
1913 Pack abandoned search and formed cruising disposition.
1920 Sighted 2 friendly DD's, 000° T, 3 miles, looking tremendous as they
loomed out of the darkness. Held tracking drill.
1952 SD contact 6 miles, coming in from 150° T to 165° T and continuous
a municipal X-mas tree. No
2137 Star shells and gun fire seen from 150° T to 165° T and continuous
heavy rumbling of gunfire heard. Force returning from Okinawa raid
evidently passed astern of us except for flank escorts. Wonder what
is cooking off there.
2147 Sighted lighted plane, 150° T; SD contact 5 miles showing IFF.
3 March/0418 K APR contact 103 mc.
0730 Decoded orders for Boxers to continue search today for remaining survivor
and telling us other 7 had been rescued. Have been making 15 kts. away
from area all night.
0900 Pack headed back for search area.
1040 Pack reversed course again to head for patrol area, GUARDFISH proceeding
independently to conduct search.
1103 Closed TENCH for voice communication. Pack Cmdr. says we will wait for
SEA DEVIL to catch up (not even in sight now).
1130 Took advantage of wait and made trim dive.

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. BALAO EIGHTH WAR PATROL

1156 Surfaced. SEA DEVIL joined up. Pack in column open order.
1200 Lat. 26°-21.7'N Long. 137°-23'E.
1455 Having difficulty going slow enough to stay astern of DEVIL so engaged
     in mine sinking drill with wooden box "mine". C.O. discovered to his
     amazement (when gun platform life line was shot away) that forward 20 MM
     had no depression stops. No casualties. C.O. was in most likely position
     to be #1 casualty but merely got dust in his eyes.
1907 OOD sighted a possible impulse bubble on starboard bow; C/C toward; C/S
     doubtful, since OOD says bubble splashed up into the air. C.O. is pleased
     that prompt action was taken even if bubble was not of Jap origin.
1953 SJ contact 195° T, 19,050 yds. clear, but contact apparently aircraft.
1957 Lost contact at 240° T. SJ best time to date.
4 March/0655 K Trim dive in 43 secs.
0717 Surfaced.
1121 Dove. Stayed down to shift fish in #2 tube with reload. Hydrogen burner
     wires burn out regularly and can't be renewed without removing fish all
     the way from tube.
1202 Surfaced.
1923 SJ contact 327° T, 21,000 yds. Commenced tracking.
1942 SEA DEVIL blinking AA AA. Wonder what the gag is. Darkness just closed
     down, and we are still in same relative positions. Can dimly make her
     out. Blinked that she is "proceeding on one" - then stopped transmitting,-
     very interesting.
1944 SJ out of commission. Ceased tracking a 10,000 ton rain squall.
1945 C/S to 80/90 on one engine to keep from passing DEVIL. Sure enough,
     her "one" was an engine.
2001 SJ in.
2012 SJ out.
2024 SJ in. This time the RT says "temporarily in"; earlier he was saying
     "temporarily out".
2115 Commenced converting #3 FBT to MBT.
2215 Completed conversion.
2315 OOD heard plane at same time as large plane turned on lights directly over-
     head. No indications on SJ or SD. Plane rapidly disappeared on course
     300° T as we sighted green grenade in direction of SEA DEVIL. Maybe this
     figure why radar missed this one. SD had been secured in order to copy so
     we have picked up plane at about 5 miles when turned on.
5 March/0015 SEA DEVIL blinking again. Asked her to use SJ, which she did.
0312 Slowed and opened range.
0417 C/O to 270, in Corridor.
0540 SD out.
0608 SJ 025° T, 14,000 yds. SEA DEVIL.
0648 Dove for trim and to permit DEVIL to open range.
1000 Surfaced.
1006 SEA DEVIL range had closed to visual distance. Can't seem to stay apart.
     Stb'd lookout sighted periscope dead ahead, range reported as "2 miles"
     (S.C. #1). SEA DEVIL bore 045° relative at about 5,000 yds. Lat. 29°-23'N
     Long. 135°-45'E. Took avoiding action and attempted to warn DEVIL by
     light. No success, so used radio and Opaco. At DEVIL's request, manned
     VHF; but could not raise him.

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CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BLAO EIGHTH WAR PATROL

1200 Lat. 29°-20.5'N Long. 135°-19'E. SEA DEVIL finally blasted through on
     VHF that our station was 20 miles astern. Slowed to open range and
     determine range of losing VHF contact.
1223 VHF test rudely interrupted by plane, possibly PBM, white or silver colored,
     closing from North, sighted at about 6 miles. SD and BM out. Dove. C.O.,
     OOD, and lookouts all disagreed on identification of plane, but it did
     not resemble any Jap type we know.
1333 Surfaced all clear. SEA DEVIL well to North. Reckon she dove and headed
     north while we turned south.
1530 Decoded A/C contact report of destroying anchored enemy yacht at 1350,
     some 70 miles astern. Charted depth 2,000 fathoms.
2245 SJ interference bearing 095° T. Exchanged calls with TWCH. Thought she
     was ahead. Was it TWCH periscope we sighted or did she investigate the
     yacht?
2252 SJ 095° T, 9,000 yds. So hot!
2310 Pack commander SJ-ed us to take posit 20 miles astern and asked posit of
     wolf 3. Told him Wolf 3 about 20 miles ahead.
     Lost contact at 11,000 yds.
2400 SJ back in commission after about 16 hours work by RT.
6 March/0711 K Put sea on quarter and dove. Sea building up for past 12 hours,
     now about force six. Made only 6 knots at 80/90 on one engine on surface.
     Periscope exposures at 2/3 waves anyway. Speed very difficult and couldn't see over
     waves.
1200 Lat. 29°-35'N Long. 131°-45'E.
1200 Set clocks back 1 hour to -9 (I) time.
1900 Surfaced and headed 290° T for Tokara Kaikyo (best guess).
     SD expired once more.
1940 Weak APR contact 142 mc.
2035 Weak SJ interference 240° T.
2040 SD in. Land pip 30 miles.
2042 SJ land 320° T, 60,000 yds. Haku Shima (I hope).
2127 APR 155 mc., 300 PRF, weak.
2133 Sea moderated in lee of islands, C/S to 2 engines.
2200 APR 143 mc., weak.
2240 APR 154 mc., weak.
2300 SJ 11,000 yds., 235° T. Finally exchanged recognition with our inseparable
     ally, the SEA DEVIL. TWCH radar operator fouled the system, used
     recognition improperly and transmitted both his visual call and
     Subscall (I) call.
2350 SJ interference, 265° T, followed by contact at 12,000 yds. Unable to
     exchange recognition signal, and interference didn't look quite right.
     Pip very small from vessel headed south. Weather too rough to play with
     him. Possibly US sub anyway. Four due to leave areas 9 and 12.
7 March/0000 (I) Entered area 9, assigned for first part of war patrol. The
     large expenditure of fuel enroute to area is not viewed happily. The
     day of high speed search for zoomies and the position of end man on the
     team burned it up fast. Expended from Saipan to area - 29,000 gal.
0014 SEA DEVIL has fallen back, bears 170° T, 11,000 yds.
0103 APR 145 mc., PRF 400.
0110 APR 136 mc., PRF 400.
     We will have continuous APR contacts in this area, so will omit most of
     them from the narrative.

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. BLO EIGHTH LR PATROL

0453 Interference on SJ all around the dial, but very faint "picket fence"
0558 through 360° seems strange.
0604 First APR contact on aircraft frequency, 155 mc., 1000 PRF.
     Dove to patrol between Kuro Shima and Iwo Jima. Visibility poor, sea
     rough. Continuous periscope patrol at 3 kts., in constant danger of
     broaching.
1200 Lat. 30°-45.15'N Long. 130°-02.5'E.
1923 Surfaced with saturated APR at 152 mc., 450 PRF., possibly Kuro or
     Kusakaki Shima.
2140 SJ 330° T, 13,000 yds. Tsukura Se. We shall run up between Taka and
     Tsukura and patrol between Noma Misaki and Shimo Koshiki for remainder
     of the night. Hope to find a submerged patrol tomorrow.
2200 APR saturated at 158 mc., 400 PRF, very broad pulse. Probably Uji or
     Koshiki.
2315 Jap radar out of commission.
8 March/0100 APR saturated at 152 mc., 450 PRF. Shimo Koshiki.
0418 Sighted bright white light 8° above horizon. Nearest land on same bearing
     Sakata Saki on Kyushu, 20 miles distant. Light probably at 32°-00'N,
     130°-10.6'E. This light remained on some time, was extinguished, and
     later came on again. Could be a navigational range for transit of
     Koshiki Kaikyo, but nothing went through. Maybe it was turned on for us.
     Almost accepted the invitation.
0556 Dove to conduct continuous periscope patrol in lee of Shimo Koshiki Shima.
1100 The measured mile markers on Shimo Koshiki Shima are far better than any
     between here and Cape Cod.
1200 The summit of Tsurikake Saki looked like
     Camp Catlin-by-the-Sea. On the hill above the light at 31°-37.3'N,
     129°-41.7'E, there appeared to be at least two bedspring and two yagi
     type radar arrays and a couple of masts. (Chart H.O. 5677). Around these
     were a number of green painted buildings. Also, about 31°-39.2'N,
     129°-40.5'E, is a high lattice structure with a small bedspring alongside
     (could be at 31°-38.2'N, 129°-41.2'E).
1205 Lat. 31°-35.1'N Long. 129°-43.2'E.
     Took photographs of doubtful value. Light poor and distance greater than
     intended due to sampan (S.C. 42) between us and beach. Besides, my
     photo officer was turned in just prior to departure and didn't have us
     the proper diopter settings.
1919 Surfaced. APR busy all night with 150 mc. band, 400-500 PRF. Plan to
     patrol at slow speed to reduce highly phosphorescent wake and remain in
     vicinity of Tsukura Se to confuse any radar aircraft. (I hope!)
     Sea greatly moderated.
2245 APR 152 mc., 400 PRF, appears to be on Bono Misaki.
9 March/0546 Dove to conduct submerged patrol off S' corner of Kyushu, between
     Noma and Bono Misaki.
0907 Ship Contact #3. Masts and smoke 129° T, about 3,000 yds.
0910 Battle stations.
0914 C/C 080 to close beach. Unable to tell whether target is worthwhile or
     not. Cannot use periscope ranges due to hazy view, blending of target
     with beach, and impossibility of estimating masthead height. Can only
     assume target running parallel to coast on track to pass between Sengan
     Se shoal and coast and use navigational ranges. Should have planned on
     this and constructed a chart of the coast line on the DRT scale.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALO EIGHTH WAR PATROL

0920 Sighted one escort well ahead of target as he passed across the mouth of
a bay; then he blended into the beach again. How nice for the escort
to run off by himself! Shifted to ST periscope and finally picked up
target at 4,000 yds. to track. Sound reported target's screws
about to speed up to close track when periscope sighted escort, 1,000 yds.
distant with 100° stbd. AOB. Rigged for silent running and stayed at 1/3
speed. No use letting him hear our noisy screws. Don't know how he missed
seeing our ST scope.

0930 Target appears to be a small tanker, very pronounced clipper bow, catwalk
back to the island which is on after third of length, tall thin stack aft,
kingposts forward of bridge. Nothing like it in our books. Very clean
lines and new looking, but appears to be going
very slowly in spite of much black smoke. Later identified as
ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 tons.

0944 Not satisfied with way target is tracking but commenced firing four fish,
AOB 90° port, track 117P, gyro 320, speed 6 knots. Set in a check bearing on
A quick look at near escort which has passed
200 yards astern shows the 20 MM atop his deck house has a 120° stbd
AOB. Swung back to target. Black smoke increased, and
was rising. Impression was turning toward. Lost depth
control so kept on going down, rigging for
depth charge. No hits heard but sound reported hearing a couple of dull
thuds. All compartments hull" or a "chain or cable
scraping along the hull".

0951 2 depth charges astern and 2 depth charges above (estimated).
Leading escort came back and commenced pinging at frequency below 14 kcs
Sounded like a sharp thump. Had started to load an
NIC beacon but shifted to false target shells. Don't know whether these
caused all charges to be astern or not, but they were. Spit one out
on us. Nip shifted to short scale each time
he seemed to get ahead. The pinging was certainly detection
charge projectors firing gear and not a sonic torpedo sweep, for we could
tell whether it was steady on or searching.

1016 3 D.C., fairly close.
1038 1 D.C., " "
1155 1 D.C., probably a mile away.
1200 1 D.C., " "
Lat. 31°-13.4'N Long. 130°-06'E.

1205 1 explosion, well clear and sounded shallow, unlike anything the C.O.
has heard before, but hard to describe.

1225 Finally back at periscope depth. Ping had steadied on us each of the
previous attempts to come up. Nothin in sight. The current added to
our own speed had moved us seven miles from the scene of the attempted
crime.

1228 Secured from battle stations and headed in for Bono Misaki to try again.

1250 Last 070° T, 15,000 yds. (S.C. #4).

1252 4 float planes sweeping the area in formation 50 feet above the water,
back and forth in an ever approaching shuttle.

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. B.LL.O EIGHTH WAR PATROL

1305 Sampan picked up by sound, 155° T, 1,500 yds.
     Don't like the set up. I can't get in to Bono in time even if the mast
     is target material; and, at present, it looks very small.
     Commenced opening out to the south to be clear of Bono radar at surfacing.

1920 Surfaced.
1957 Received contact report from JALLAO, 4 ships and 2 escorts. Posit is 60
     miles, 253° T, enemy course 235° T, speed 8.
     Commenced chase, making 13 kts. on 3 engines. A wet bridge and a wet
     engine room in this sea.

2300 Asked JALLAO for more dope and gave my posit. No receipt. No dope.
10 March/0000 (I) Again attempted to raise JALLAO. Only Japs on circuit.
0010 SJ interference 250° T. Attempted recognition.
0210 SJ interference 250° T. He asked if we witnessed his
0244 Exchanged recognition with JALLAO on 338° T.
     attack and said KETE now has contact about 20 miles ahead. Must be our
     0210 interference.
     Ran into a recognition cul-de-sac at this point. Our Subscall "U" is
     same as second reply. This nonplused the JALLAO operator who came back
     with his visual call.

0403 Explosion and tremendous ball of flame 220° T. SJ contact 28,000 yds. on
     same bearing for about two minutes. Chalk up some Nip gasoline for the
     KETE. (S.C. #5).

0444 SJ 10,000 yds. on stbd. bow, small. Battle stations. Came left to work
     around escort and made SJ contact 8,500 yds. ahead. SJ reported this
     might be KETE. Radar interference through 360°. Tracked this contact
     at 7 knots and then circling, so decided it was not KETE. This forced
     me further to left to get around this escort. Should have come back to
     right and chanced the other contact being KETE. Now had intermittent con-
     tact on three ships in main group, 16,000 yds., bearing 230° T, course
     225° T. Believe this to be the three of reported 4 ships. Later evidence
     indicated it to be one ship and 2 DD of convoy perhaps originally composed
     of 3 ships and 3 escorts, JALLAO and KETE each having eliminated one.

0457 Nothing flashless about gunfire over horizon in direction of target
     group. At least two ships firing for twelve minutes or longer. Must
     be at least DD to put out such a volume of fire.

0528 Exec. in conn insists near escort is a damaged ship giving a large pip
     to join cripple and was circling faster on port bow than cripple on
     starboard bow. Didn't care for a tie race. With dawn coming fast, we
     headed to end around on the main group, passing the escort coming back
     5,500 yds. to starboard. Low lying black clouds on the horizon are
     blessedly delaying the dawn, and end around was working fine, but KETE was
     also hard at work cutting our throat.

0637 Transmitted contact report. No receipts.
0658 Explosion on target at 310° T. C.O. dropped to conn and reached periscope
     just in time to witness one ship in little pieces at 1,500 feet altitude.
     Could see one DD rushing around depth charging the area, depth charges
     audible. SJ reported strange interference, a pair of pickets moving
     across the A-scope.

0711 A pillar of spray or smoke several hundred feet high shot up from bearing
     of DD. A freak depth charge or a torpedo hit. Shortly thereafter we
     lost sight contact due to the hazy visibility. Headed toward to attempt
     drawing off the dogs from the KETE and sighted three escort vessels

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BILOXI EIGHTH WAR PATROL

heading 225° T at 18,000 yds. Still figuring on two escorts and one
cripple, tracked to get ahead on one course, losing contact, and regaining on
another course. Finally realized group consisted of 3 DD or 2 DD ND
smaller escort and that in the three hours they had only moved four miles from
the position at the sinking. Visibility varied from 15,000 to 18,000 yds.
Radar ranges about the same. At least one of DD had very large bedspring
antenna on foremast. Wasted three hours, headed toward on 010° T.
1108 Dove with range to nearest DD 15,000 yards; closed at 2/3 speed.
1153 Much echo ranging ahead (2 sets).
1200 Being in the midst of wreckage, (remarkably small pieces!) and having
1326 lost sight of the escort group, surfaced and commenced search for north
bound convoy, believing DD's would join this convoy.
1344 Sighted DD, 051° T. This haze is against us. Visibility and radar ranges
are about the same and so in short (7-8 miles) that one sights the whole ship
at a range which puts us in full view. Turned tail. Believed to be same
group.
1447 Sighted DD at 330° T. Same song, same dance.
1445 APR 155 mc., 1000 PRF. Wondered where the zoomies were.
1525 Sighted "Dave", 7 miles on 100° T. OOD dove.
1605 Surfaced.
1610 Sighted "Dave", 8 miles on 291° T, elevation 1°, headed south. Put him
astern, slowed and watched through scope. He reversed course to north
without sighting us.
1644 APR 158 mc., 1000 PRF. Keyed on us, increasing to saturation rapidly.
1655 Dove.
1747 Surfaced. Resumed search.
1820 APR 158 mc., 1000 PRF, weak.
1934 SJ interference 320° T.
2025 Succeeded in exchanging recognition with a SUPER. Estimate he will make
contact if convoy is to west. We will continue search to east.
2321 Uji Gunto on SJ 063° T, 51,000 yds. No APR contacts. This shows us 16
2325 Kusakaki on SJ, 117° T, 47,000 yds.
miles east of DR. Commenced searching small on 345° T, 9,000 yds., course 060,
11 March/0212 SJ contact on something speed 3 kts. Avoided.
0300 APR 95 mc., 400 PRF, - Danjo Gunto.
0315 Danjo Gunto on SJ, 003° T, 52,000 yds.
0549 Dove to conduct submerged patrol on convoy track. The fuel wasted in
this past 36 hours is dismaying, bringing us down to 70,000 gallons after
5 days in area.
1200 Lat. 31°-45'N Long. 128°-35'E.
1925 Surfaced. Convoy undoubtedly rerouted because of [UNCLEAR: MITE'S] depredations,
perhaps into restricted area. Patrol tonight between Danjo Gunto and
Shimo Koshiki Shima.
12 March/0514 Lighted sampan bearing 300° T.
0520 Lighted sampan 190° T.
0527 SJ, 350° relative, 3,000 yds. Avoided.
0551 Dove 5 miles NW of Kami Koshiki Shima and headed for coast of Kyushu.
Flat calm.
1045 Sound contact, screws on 332° T. (S.C. #7).

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BILLFISH EIGHTH WAR PATROL

1105 Masts bearing 051° T, moving north.
1118 Sighted masts of 1045 sound contact. Usual surface mirage and haze
     conditions exist. Looks like two big ships, but probably small.
1145 [HANDWRITTEN: - confirmed belief that we had two 90 ton]
     luggers on course 130° T at 4 kts., 150 RPM.
1200 Lat. 31°-59.5'N Long. 130°-02.4'E.
1211 Photographed at 1,500 yards. Six men working topside on one.
1249 Sighted 3 vessels milling around on bearing 138° T. Looked like ship
     with 2 escorts, more probably 3 luggers. These seemed to draw closer
     (probably illusion caused by the fluctuating visibility), then pulled
     well beyond our two luggers during our
     approach on them.
1314 One of our luggers has taken other in tow. Explains their slow speed
     previously. For rest of afternoon we had luggers in view, close and
     distant. Lovely gun targets, but have other plans for this spot.
1929 Surfaced. Opening coast while charging. Immediately upon surfacing,
     sighted searchlight sweeping clouds to the northeast.
2200 Headed back in for surface coverage of Koshiki Kaikyo.
2343 Doping fishing sampans (S.C. #3) burning very bright white lights and
     side lights. Most of them on an E-W line to the northward. Sea very
     calm. Extreme phosphorescence demands 1/3 speed.
13 March/0008 SJ 064°, 6,300 yds. Very small. Worked around this one.
0054 SJ 3200 T, 12,000 yds. Tracked enemy rain squall pursuing us at 19 knots.
     Wind almost nil. Went the weatherman to explain this one to me.
0306 approximate location as upon surfacing.
0341 Searchlight sweeping in same.
0434 SJ 270° T, 2,800 yds. Radar doesn't do so well on these sampans.
     SJ 318° T, 8,000 yds. (S.C. #9) Tracked at 8 kts. on 160° T. Very
     faint pip. Likely a lugger or small sub. Too dark to identify and we
     are only a mile from SE DEVIL area. Tracking shows him to be Jap but
     an awfully small target. Continued to close coast.
0538 Dove, 8 miles east of Kyushu in 35 fathoms. From track of luggers
     yesterday, this spot looks likely.
0832 Sighted first lugger of the day 051° T, two to five in sight all day.
0941 Commenced approach on target which developed into 100 ton sea truck.
1136 Distant explosions.
1200 Lat. 31°-58.5'N Long. 130°-01.6'E.
1246 "Sally" or "Betty" passed close aboard at 1,000 feet altitude on course
     260° T.
1410 Commenced approach on vessel bearing 140° T. (S.C. #10)
1424 ST range - doubtful - 4,650 yds.
1430 Tubes ready.
1437 Screw count reported up from 138 RPM to 234, not definite.
1440 AOB looks 120 P, but ST range check 60 port says TDC.
1450 Target got by; minimum range 3,100 yds. Until that course change to
     conform to coastline, we were sitting pretty. May have sighted us, but
     don't believe so. This, our first worthwhile target on this location,
     is also the first observed to make this course change. Will go in
     closer tomorrow.
     Unable to identify target. Flared raked bow, boxlike bridge, stick mast,
     two high thin straight stacks, onelifeboat in davits, the only thing
     abaft stacks except for some kind of framework along deck - could be
     mine racks. No guns visible. Smoked heavily at 11 knots. Painted

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dark grey with three small white numerals on #1 stack. About as big as
U.S. 1,500 ton DD, but did not resemble any known Jap DD. Sketch #1
[HANDWRITTEN: 5.6.5]
[HANDWRITTEN: racks?]

1725 Mast and smoke 142° T. Commenced tracking.
1814 Battle stations.
1830 Zero gyro, 90 P track, 1,000 yds. What a temptation to shoot at this
300 ton junk! Resembled sea trucks, except the poop was built up to
at least 3 deck levels, causing my early estimate to be excessive.
He came right through our morning dive position.
1833 Secured. Forward fish house is going to wear out these fish if I don't
shoot them after flooding the tubes one of these days.
1950 Surfaced. Spoiled by worst phosphorescence we have
ever seen. Sighted Nagasaki Hana Lt. with normal characteristics.
Intend to patrol same area tomorrow.
14 March/0541 Dove, 5 miles from beach.
0631 OOD sighted two "luggers" bearing 002° T and 011° T. Visibility poor.
These developed into an aft freighter of about 4,000 tons (see
#2 sketch) escorted by one SCS-1. Best position attained was 4,000 yds.
on target's beam, with escort midway between. Target close in to beach.
I'm fed up with always being just out of reach. Will spend rest of day in
close. Noted peculiar antenna on deck of SCS escort abaft deck house
(see #3 sketch). Or maybe it was a trick clothesline!

[HANDWRITTEN: Sketch #2]
[HANDWRITTEN: 168 RPM - 11 kts.]
[HANDWRITTEN: Sketch #3.]

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U.S.S. BONEFISH
10 EIGHTH PATROL

0945 Sighted first of day's lugger fleet.
1015 Aircraft - 2 Zekes, 3 miles on 195° T.
1200 Lat. 31°-59.4'N Long. 130°-06'E.
1439 Sighted 2 SCS-1 escort vessels to south. These passed about 1,200 yards
inshore. The trailing one carried the radar antenna previously noted
and might have been the same one.
1915 Searchlight on clouds 070° T.
1955 At 45 feet taking APR sweep prior to surfacing. Contact 153 mc., 1000 PRF,
saturated.
2012 PR clear.
2013 Surfaced.
2125 APR 153 mc., 245 PRF, weak - Our first contact with the reported new Jap
airborne radar.
2225 SJ interference 345° T.
2227 SJ contact, 345° T, 10,050 yds. Exchanged recognition with SEA DEVIL and
gave her the dope on ship activity in this section. Our areas abut at
this point.
15 March/0100 Decoded TENCH dispatch ordering us to make weather report from area
12 north of 34 on 16th. Forced to abandon plans for tomorrow's patrol
off Bono Misaki.
0133 SJ 060° T, 9,450. Interference present.
0155 Recognition with SEA DEVIL.
0212 SJ out of commission.
0225 Informed all the world of SJ difficulty. Nobody cared.
0334 SJ O.K.
0345 SJ 290° T, 60,000 - Danjo Gunto.
0651 Dove for submerged patrol north of Danjo.
1200 Lat. 32°-15.4'N Long. 128°-19'E.
1846 Surfaced.
2347 SJ 330° T, 80,000 - Seishu To, S-2 - nearest land Kokuzan To 42 miles.
16 March/1035 APR 159 mc., 450 PRF, as again contacted at long
range upon leaving area. Pip was shaped as
follows:
[Drawing of a small wavy line]

1110 Visibility is about 8,000 yards.
Sighted plane close aboard emerging from haze, bearing 185° T. Radar
reported a very small pip at 270° T, 10,000 yds. - not identified.
1200 Lat. 33°-26'N Long. 124°-45.7'E.
1220 Surfaced.
1455 Sighted 2 floating mines. Held rifle practice. Needed practice. None
sunk. Mines very red, - maybe rust, maybe red lead.
1613 Sighted mine and exploded with one rifle hit. No dud. Will use rifles
at 100 yds. in the future for quickest results.
1908 Transmitted BILBO #1 to ComSubPac.
2236 Numerous fishing boat lights in sight for most of night. Maximum radar
contact 6,000 yds.
17 March/0032 SJ contact 3,200 yds. Close bogie contacts were made nightly in
this area and believed to be principally on birds, as a similar pip was
obtained by day on a bevy of wild ducks skimming the wave tops.
0105 Dove for trim.
0140 Surfaced. Searching for reported convoy.

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0703 Aircraft (2 engines) sighted at 6 miles. Dove. Watched it pass out of
     range through periscope and at
0727 Surfaced.
1200 Lat. 35°-22.1'N Long. 123°-32.6'E.
1326 Smoke bearing 126° T. Bearing changed slowly to right so assumed smoke
     to be from convoy for which we were searching. Dashed over to get ahead
     of it, assuming course 270°, then discovered target heading 330° T and
     dashed back again. Commence [UNCLEAR: damned] fiasco.
1805 Dove with target bearing 152° T, coming in and out of haze and looking
     big. Planned to shoot out of the sunset. Target, zigging radically at
     short intervals, did not close at plotted speed, with the result that
     twilight found us foxed, visual contact lost and with a bright horizon
     behind us.
1939 ST range 6,750. Can't be our target, should have had it at 12,000.
     Tracked at zero speed.
2014 Surfaced and maneuvered to put contact in moonslick.
2053 At 4,000 yds target looks like an SCS. Has our tracking target pulled
     to west, assuming target changed course
     for Tsingtao.
2240 Transmitted BILLO #2 to Comsubpac.
13 March/0100 Broke off search and headed back for lost contact.
0453 SJ 080° T, 8,100 yds. Target has drifted south at .7 kts. since last
     night.
0606 Dove to look target over. Closed range to 3,150 yds. Then target belched
     black smoke and headed away. Identified as the target for which we had
     been searching. It has shape of a large engines aft ship but is only
     about 250 tons. (See sketch #4).

0656 Battle surfaced.
0706 Commenced firing. Target is steel, 20 M. ricochet off sides. 5"
     misfired after first round. This first shot detonated as it cleared the
     side, showering the topside with inky water and holing the superstructure
     in a number of places. Apparently the projectile exploded on hitting a
     wave which splashed up at the instant of firing. First round should
     have been on safe anyway.
0720 5" firing, 8 rounds fired.
0723 Target capsized and sank. Counted nine men in water. Commenced
     maneuvering to pick up survivors. There is little joy in seeing one's

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EIGHTH PATROL

0703 Aircraft (2 engines) sighted at 6 miles. Dove. Watched it pass out of
     range through periscope and at
0727 Surfaced.
1200 Lat. 35°-22.1'N Long. 123°-32.6'E.
1326 Smoke bearing 126° T. Bearing changed slowly to right so assumed smoke
     to be from convoy for which we were searching. Dashed over to get ahead
     of it, assuming course 270°, then discovered target heading 330° T and
     dashed back again. Commence fiasco.
1805 Dove with target bearing 152° T, coming in and out of haze and looking
     big. Planned to shoot out of the sunset. Target, zigging radically at
     short intervals, did not close at plotted speed, with the result that
     contact lost and with a bright horizon twilight found us foxed, visual
     behind us.
1939 ST range 6,750. Can't be our target, should have had it at 12,000.
     Tracked at zero speed.
2014 Surfaced and maneuvered to put contact in moonslick.
2053 At 4,000 yds target looks like an SOS. Has our tracking target pulled
     to west, assuming target changed course for Tsingtao.
2240 Transmitted BILLO #2 to Comsubpac.
13 March/0100 Broke off search and headed back for lost contact.
0453 SJ 060° T, 8,100 yds. Target has drifted south at .7 kts. since last
     night.
0606 Dove to look target over. Closed range to 3,150 yds. Then target belched
     black smoke and headed away. Identified as the target for which we had
     been searching. It has large engines aft ship but is only
     about 250 tons. (See sketch #4).

0656 Battle surfaced.
0706 Commenced firing. Target is steel, 20 MM ricochet off sides. 5"
     misfired after first round. This first shot detonated as it cleared the
     wave which splashed up at the instant of firing. First round should
     have been on safe anyway.
0720 5" firing, 8 rounds fired.
0723 Target capsized and sank. Counted nine men in water. Commenced
     maneuvering to pick up survivors. There is little joy in seeing one's

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enemies freezing to death. First man would not come, but when we put
away the Tommy gun, several began to clamor to come on board. Marked
one much younger than rest and determined to get him. Picked up four
frozen Japs. Two still afloat would not or could not lift a hand to
grab our life ring.
0825 One POW died.
0837 Smoke and masts of fishing craft to northward.
0848 In process of jettisoning the stiff when CM reported aircraft. Dove.
Unable to sight in scope and believe sighting to be formation of ducks.
1000 Our P.O.W. were well chosen. One is the captain and speaks a little
English. (More, I believe, than he admits.) Claims his craft, the
Daitomaru #2, 188 tons, was fishing for whales, out of Daikokuzan Gunto.
No Jap flag painted on dark grey hull of Daitomaru #2. The 19 year old
POW, an apprentice mate, surprises the men by his savvy. He doesn't
speak English but writes a little and proudly displays his knowledge of
math. Should be an apt pupil. Right now a very scared boy. Won't be
able to keep the men from spoiling him, so will put him in crew's mess
and the others in separate torpedo rooms.
Daitomaru #2 came from East coast of Honshu via Inland Sea and Straits
of Tsushima. Was built 7 months ago.
1058 Surfaced with nothing in sight. Headed south to intercept reported
convoy.
1200 Lat. 34°-59'N Long. 123°-50'E.
1400 Smoke bearing 110° T. Headed toward.
1421 Sighted Dinah 110° T, 7 miles. He did not close.
1422 Dove with plane in periscope.
1432 Echo ranging (3 sets), 16 kds.
1538 Four large ships and 2 escorts 160° T, 18,000 yards. J.P. has contact
on screws. (S.C. #15).
Ships are in two columns abreast with one large escort ahead and smaller
escort patrolling (maybe others on far side). First ship in stbd.
column is very large AK-P, KKFKK (all goalposts), nothing similar in
ONI 208-J except Awazisan Maru (9,800 tons), p. 85, and Arimasan Maru
class (8,700 tons), p. 86. The second ship was a large MFM type, the
second mast being very thin (very high, wide spread masts). Leading
the port column was a medium MFM. Second ship was a large AK-P, KKFKK.
There are no ships in ONI 208-J coded thus.
1557 Low flying Rufe kept a date with Dinah.
1716 Standing-by to surface, when a periscope look at 50 feet showed masts
of a medium sized ship 045° T, on course 260° T (S.C. #16). Cannot
surface and am losing ground rapidly.
1854 Surfaced with masts of our heckler in sight and commenced pursuit of
convoy.
19 March/0020 SJ 290° T, 21,150 yds. Hooray! Convoy tracked on 180°, no zigzag,
speed 13. As expected, they had run in and then turned south to skirt
the 10 fathom curve. Radar reports two targets and four escorts. Other
two targets not on screen. One escort is close to starboard beam
of convoy, other three patrolling on port side. Original plan was to
attack from port in order to remain on deep (!) water side. Changed
this when one escort patrolled out to 6,000 yards, maneuvering radically.
0230 Eased over to stbd. bow to determine if he had radar (no APR indications
faint possible indications on SJ), and then started in from shoal side.
Night very dark. Sighted targets about 6,000 yards. At 4,000 yds.,

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                                                                U.S.S. BALLO EIGHTH WLR PATROL

            realized all four original ships were present. Radar had not been able
            to discriminate in range sufficiently to separate them. This caused
            some confusion due to TBT not being able to tell which were near ships
            and which far. SJ could not find near escort. C.O. saw him merge
            with leading near ship prior firing.
0252        Commenced firing forward, depth set 6', track angle 100 S, gyro 30 R,
            run 2,000 yards. Lat. 33°-05'N, Long. 122°-11'E. Fired four at
            leading ship in near column and two at leading ship in far column.
            Swung left and fired stern tubes at trailing ship in near column.
            Helmsman did not take rudder off in time, so we were still swinging
            when firing aft, a cardinal sin.
            First hit observed while firing aft (near escort?), followed after a
            lag by three more. No time were recorded for these hits, to the C.O.'s
            chagrin, and the last three were not observed due to concentration on
            other sectors. The night was so dark that it was not possible to tell
            who was hit by the first ones. The trailing ship of the near column
            blew up, temporarily blinding us. Ejected a bubble target for the
            escorts to ping on and a beacon to listen to (if so inclined) and opened
            out, reloading in record time. One ship burning merrily, with
            continuous small explosions, augmented the jolly scene. Believe this
            was leading ship of near column. Radar now has three ships and three
            escorts. Gunfire is flashing all over the lot but not at us. Somebody
            is making 80-90 on 500 kcs, and somebody else is making 80-90 for
            water that will cover our periscope shears. Would love to get in
            another attack but will sit on this one out. Wish to reach 20 fathom
            curve before daylight. Our DR is not far from 5 fathom spots and our
            position is in doubt. Hope to contact reported north bound convoy.
0322        Transmitted contact report. No receipt.
0410        Transmitted B.L.O serial three to Comsubpac.
0542        Lost sight of flames and accompanying explosions - 43 miles away.
0635        Dove in 29 fathoms by DR, 18 fathoms by fathometer. Stars showed us
            15 miles to the west of DR.
1200        Lat. 34°-03'N. Long. 122°-53'E.
1535        Sighted 2 sets of masts on 053° T. Headed toward. (S.C. #18)
1729        Identified as trawlers, about 150 tons, with Jap flag painted on bow.
            (See sketch #5).

1743        With 5" range 1,000 yds., battle surfaced. Sighted 2 more targets
            7,000 yds. to northward.
1745        Commenced firing, 5" at left target, 40 MM at right target. Forward
            5" ideal for this job.
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1757 One target sunk, other burning. Last two 5" pooped her, blowing away
the stern, so left her and at
1800 Headed for other 2 trawlers 4 miles to NE.
1813 Commenced firing at third target. This one a bit smaller, about 75 tons.
1818 Ceased firing, Target burning furiously from 20 MM, 40 MM, and 5" hits
at 500 yds.
1830 Commenced firing at fourth target, similar to third:
1832 Ceased firing. Target a mass of flames, superstructure shot away. Four
men were blown over the side by last 5" round. Don't want any more POW.
Broke out one rubber boat and traded it for battered lifering. Two men
climbed in it while we took on board an 18 year old lad who swam to us.
Other man going down. Men in liferaft yelled pitiably as we went by.
Poor devils probably would have been better drowned than dying of
exposure. As we opened out, it suddenly came to me what he had
yelled over and over was "Me Chinesieman", so sent word below to
ascertain nationality of prisoner.
1847 Secured from battle surface.
1903 Sighted four more trawlers ahead. Manned guns. Sun has set.
1915 Prisoner identified as Chinese. On this, decided against sinking the
other four. Later, between picture language and our Jap skipper, we
discovered that two craft sunk were manned by Japs, two by Japs and
destroyed other four. Hate to think of all the
Chinese. Should have destroyed
targets I've let slip through my fingers this run.
2108 Transmitted BALAO serial #4. Forgot the "postran", but the "postatt"
is near enough. Don't suppose this nightly weather transmission is
helping us make contact. Am using a lot of fuel shifting scenes. Still
searching for northbound convoy.
20 March/0835 Our Jap Skipper proved himself. The Navigator showed him an
endless tangent sextant, and he was delighted. Without a second's
hesitation he turned it over and checked the adjustment. After a few
seconds inspection he wrote down the reading. He knows his navigation
in English. Dreisenstock made a big hit; the Almanac was a bit out
of order. In showing us his route from Shimonoseki west, he indicated
a course WN to a point 2 miles south of Ko Saki, thus transiting
Tsushima. Complete track of the Daito Maru #2 will be submitted.
0845 Masts of sailing vessel 210° T on westerly course. Not interested
today.
0900 Navigator is now cleaning up the crew's mess! He's attempting to give
the Jap lad the idea, but the latter suddenly became very unhappy.
The Chinese boy is helping willingly. We aren't going to like giving
him up. His name, Too Win, has been corrupted into "Biplane"!
0905 Both ship's boys at work. Navigator has last laugh. Subsequently,
all POW showed themselves willing workers at any job.
1200 Lat. 35°-38'N Long. 123°-31'E.
1648 Sighted fishing vessel 002° T. Avoided.
1825 Sighted fishing vessel 100° T. Avoided.
1958 OOD dove when QM sighted aircraft lights - believed to be setting star.
2055 Surfaced.
2110 Commenced Transmitting BALAO fifth to Comsubpac.
21 March/0015 APR 158 mc., 450 PRF - weak, no land near.
0112 SJ interference - momentary flashes - 280° T. probably internal cause.
0120 SJ out.

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0131 SJ in.
0139 SJ out.
0147 Completed long overdue conversion of #5 FBT.
0220 SJ in.
0220 SJ out.
0258 APR 154 mc., 450 PRF, - S-3.
0300 Sighted light 315° T, believed fishing vessel.
0306 Sound reports pinging 295° T, 1,900 yds. (S.C. #19).
0310 APR 159 mc., 450 PRF, very weak.
0311 SJ in. Contact 315° T, 19,000.
0312 APR 150 mc., 450 PRF.
0318 SJ has three targets 330° T, 18,000.
0320 SJ out.
0327 SJ in. Power difficulties resulting in continual blowing of fuses has
become a major defect. The above performance is a nightly occurence.
Still have flashes of interference which seem to be in the equipment.
Tracked convoy of two ships and four escorts on base course 140° T, 9
kts.
0438 Zig plan solved. Commenced approach.
0445 Convoy changed base course to 090°, putting us out on a limb. Starboard
escort opened well out on beam of target group (believe we had been
picked up by radar). Time's a'wasting, but must track a bit longer
and regain position. Targets' courses are easily solved, but movements
of escort keep us from going in. One port escort has shifted to our
side. Several times we start in but have to break off and open out.
I'm nearly positive we've been picked up now. Targets must be valuable
to be so well guarded. Leading target is reported much larger than
others by radar. If we dive, they will certainly change course and
keep us out of position. Dawn is coming fast.
0545 Decided it's now or never. Started in.
0548 Close-in starboard escort is heading in our direction. Called on the
Wintons to cross the bow of the convoy and shoot from far side. May
take them by surprise. Crossed 3,000 yards ahead.
0612 In position, - target group has not changed course. Turned in for bow
shot. Getting very light now, but fog is keeping visibility low.
Have not seen a thing yet.
0614 Only 1,000 off track, - changed course for stern shot.
0615 Sighted DE 1,400 yds. astern AOB 40 P; must be the one that chased us
across. For a few seconds it looked like he would go by, but then he
turned toward, swinging by to a 30 starboard AOB. Shifted stern tube
setup and commenced firing DD, so left
tubes on six feet. Fired 4 stern tubes, changing AOB during shooting
as escort came back to present a zero AOB. Should have held fire until
he settled down.
0616-00 Fired #7.
-14 Fired #8.
-22 Fired #9.
-43 Fired #10.
0617 Scrammed!
0618-12 Explosion.
-14 Explosion.
-40 Explosion.
-42 Explosion.

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U.S.S. BALAO EIGHTH WAR PATROL

0651 Believe these to be from escort's #1 gun. Saw one gun flash and splash
     400 yds. abeam to port. Below decks, two of these explosions were felt
     as a good solid jolt and believed to be torpedoes. Plot shows that
     leading target was in line of fire and elapsed time checked with range.
     Radar reported large target no longer on screen, but all this was in
     the confusion that existed in the convoy as well as in conn as we
     attempted to escape under cover of a Winton white smoke screen that
     blended beautifully with the fog. Range opened rapidly to 2,000 yds.,
     then more and more slowly, until, at
     5,000 yds., it was almost steady. By now it was broad daylight,
     visibility about 2,000 yds. DE was quite apparently chasing us by

0710 radar.
     Wondered how long before he'd use his head and resume fire. Splashes
     to port, walking toward us. Cleared the bridge and completed releasing
     radar decoy.

0712 Dove, C/C into the wind; released bubble target and NAC beacon. Sounding
     showed 40 fathoms. Went to 200 ft. No gradient. Sound conditions much
     too good, but we are in largest 40 fathom region in our shallow water
     area.

0759 Appear to have evaded. Lost contact with screws and pinging.
0820 Oh, Oh! Here comes bad news again.
0905 He really has us cold. Released beacon and bubble target, but these
     delayed him only briefly, if at all. Never heard the beacons run, tho'
     we had them set for D.E.'s frequency.

0915 Short scale pinging.
0917 Screws overhead. C/S to standard.
0919 21 explosions in rapid succession. These were close and awesome but not
     block busters. Seemed above and astern and gave us a 10° rise bubble
     instanter. Pinging resumed immediately and seemed right on us.

1020 Lost sound contact. It cannot was! Shifted listening frequency from
     14 to 16 kc. and picked up this cagey customer again.

1105 Pinging strong. Sounds like he's coming in.
1111 He's lost contact again. I don't get it. Pinging is drawing off in
     the direction of the convoy.

1146 I think we're clear, but there may be a sleeper waiting up there for us.
     Several times the ship commenced to vibrate as tho' running too close to
     the bottom. Vibration ceased when I eased up fifteen feet each time.

1200 Lat. 35°-43'N Long. 124°-14'E. Set ST watch at 55 feet.
1240 At 60', all clear, visibility 2,000 yds. Set ST watch at 55 feet.
     Continued running to northward to check torpedoes in flooded tubes and
     full battery ground. Only have 6 fish left, all forward.

1918 Surfaced. Shifting area to north of 36° in accordance with Pack
     instructions. Discovered #1 MBT venting off thru' broken external
     salvage line, probably caused by shock of 5" yesterday and not discovered
     until search for damage to BALAO before. Installed blank flange. This has
     happened to BALAO before.

2220 Commenced transmitting weather report, BALAO sixth.
22 March/0248 APR 227 mc., 1000 PRF, S-1.(?).

0614 Dove. Sea making up.
1200 Lat. 36°-33'N Long. 123°-58'E.
1415 Sighted vessel, 004° T. Closed and identified as very small fishing
     craft, no Jap colors.

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1600 Introduced prisoners to "Maisie" Sothern. Prisoners noncommittal.
     Forward Torpedo room P.O.W., intrigued by "Bluejacket's Manual",
     proceeded to hold instruction in knot tying.
1907 Surfaced. Sea rough.
     Usual "off again - on again" SJ troubles. Intend to run submerged
     tomorrow off western entrance to Daito Wan which seems to be usual
     overnight anchorage for traffic from and to Dairen.
23 March/0623 Sea too rough for efficient submerged patrol. Stayed on surface.
     Daylight brought 1,000 yard visibility with clear sky. Thought we
     were in fog until sun showed up the yellow color of the haze and
     revealed the topside and lookouts to be covered with dust. We were in
     a dust storm with nearest wind land 100 miles distant. Yellow Sea
     indeed!
1200 Lat. 37°-58'N Long. 123°-58'E.
1223 Heading to cover southern entrance to Daito Wan.
1250 SD in commission for first time in days, but no land pip on scope.
1255 SJ - 070° T, 40,100 yds. Daisei Gunto.
1425 Lookout reported positive periscope sighting, 600 yds., 340 relative.
     Avoided. Not observed by C.O.D. or C.C.
1636 SJ, 120° T, 12,000 yds (S.C. #20). Commenced tracking. Pip unsteady.
     Dust haze decreased; visibility now 7,000 yds.
2006 Target on easterly courses at speeds 0-5 kts. Range closed to 5,600 yds.
     and target just visible in bright moonlight. Appeared to be trawler,
     and movements substantiated this. Broke off approach and headed up
     toward Daito Wan.
2222 Transmitted BALAO seventh weather report.
24 March/ Heading for Osei To in order to fix our position. This island,
     according to P.O.W., is fishing center.
0827 Small fishing boat at 124° T. Avoided. )
0842 Small fishing craft, 045° T. Avoided. )
0926 Sail, 070° T. Avoided. ) S.C. #21
1026 Sail, 055° T. Avoided. )
1053 Small fishing vessel, 2500 T, avoided )
1110 Sail, 130° T. This looked like a 3 masted schooner worth shooting.
     Made end run.
1200 Lat. 36°-08'N. Long. 125°-10'E. First observation submerged showed vessel
1209 Dove ahead for better look at 6 kts. On next look, our schooner had
     had tacked away, so closed to 0.8 mi. On next look, our schooner had
     disappeared. All I could see was a small one masted fishing craft.
     Finally realized this was our "schooner" and he had unstepped his masts
     to fish. Area 9 had its mirage conditions; area 12 has its haze. Will
     run submerged for a breath of fishing spell.
1545 Fishing vessel 110° T. weather perfect, (but not for
1908 Surfaced. Barometer high, sea flat.
     submarines) - moon bright. (S.C. #22).
25 March/0104 Sighted ship 206° T. Commenced tracking.
0109 SJ, 210° T, 11,250 yds.
0133 Pinging from target. He is steering very erratic zigzag to NE, and is
     definitely alone. We are in SEA DEVIL's area, having intercepted her
     weather report saying she was pursuing 1 AO with 4 escorts.
     Target increased speed and went over the hill.
0229 APR 158 mc., 400 PRF, strength 3. I wonder what connection there is
0231

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between this and ship we have been tracking. Contact persisted some
time, reaching strength 4 and steadying in our direction for 7 minutes,
then continued sweeping.
0550 Transmitted message to SEA DEVIL that we would patrol in her area today.
     No receipt.
0816 Sound reported pinging 236° T. about 9 miles (S.C. #23).
0818 Sighted DD mast 250° T, about 9 miles (S.C. #23).
0855 Dove on track. Had difficulty getting a trim and discovered bow
     buoyancy blow leaking. Closed emergency stop, but this leaked too.
     Will not attack an A/S vessel under these
0931 Commenced opening track. existing conditions: (1) Sea is glassy and we're leaving a bubble
     trail. (2) Sound conditions are such that pinging was heard at an
     estimated 9 miles and screws at 6 miles on JK. (3) No fish aft.

1145 Distant explosion. Sounded like torpedo.
1200 Lat. 35°-17'N Long. 124°-08'E.
1303 Six distant explosions. Sounded like depth charges.
1635 Surfaced, having completed grinding in leaky valves in H.P. air manifold.
1744 Sighted sighting plane, 285° T, 5 miles. Kept him in view in periscope.
     Passed clear.
1902 Surfaced.
2003 Several flashes on horizon, 050° T.
2117 Completed transmitting BALAO 8th weather report. Sighted ship 055° T.
     No radar contact. Fishermen or A/S craft. (S.C. #24).
2130 Sighted ship 215° T. Another of same.
2302 Sighted ship 105° T. Ditto.
2312 APR 160 mc., 500 PRF. May be all of this activity is A/S.
26 March/0128 Pinging on 265° T. Attempted to develop contact but forced to
     avoid lighted vessel sighted shortly thereafter. Every ping could be
     heard over a wide bearing, but nothing could be seen in the bright
     moonlight except the above. Pinging ceased abruptly. Light
     seemed to close for a while, then blinked, and disappeared. Are the
     Nips using echo-ranging to find fish or fishermen to find us?
0400 Headed north to clear SEA DEVIL area.
0610 Sails 270° T and 340° T. Avoided to east.
0652 Smoke 055° T. Small engine aft ship in sight in periscope. (S.C. #26)
0730 Dove on track.
0831 Battle stations torpedo. Looked like tanker; but, after Daitomaru #2
     error, am calling this one small.
0900 Target is small AK, bridge and stack aft, heavy mast with long steel
     girder type booms horizontal over 2 large cargo hatches, raised
     clipper bow, chopped off stern, heavy winch on forecastle. Similar to
     2,300 ton "Type D Modified" (p. 4 USF & POA Weekly Intelligence of 12
     Feb. 1945).

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0938 Battle surfaced. Took pictures.
0942 Commenced firing 5", 40 MM, #1 20 MM. Fourth shot and 90% thereafter
  were hits.
0953 Ceased firing. Target burning and well vented.
0956 Dove.
1010 Target sank. We have 4 rounds of 5" left for a very rainy day. Two
  men made beautiful dives over the side just before target sank. Did
  not surface to pick them up because radio heard signals on 500 kc. at
  beginning of attack.
1133 Sighted vessel (S.C. #27) similar to whale killer type, 020° T, AOB 20°
  5", - -! Too little, too late. If we had more
1200 Lat. 35°-18'N Long. 123°-43'E.
1223 Above vessel stopped in vicinity of sinking, probably recovering
  personnel.
1231 One depth charge - loud, not near. O.O.D. went deep in belief that
  plane had dropped bomb, but it is believed that this was a "pull-in-your-
  ears" charge dropped by the killer vessel as he shoved off. Sound
  reported pinging.
1349 Aircraft 270° T, 5 miles, AOB 90 S.
1929 Surfaced. Will run up for patrol off Daito Wan entrance tomorrow.
27 March/ Radar fix shows us 20 miles north of DR. Headed south for spot off
1130 Chosan Kan.
1145 O.O.D. sighted plane through opening in clouds, 4 miles distant,
  elevation angle 50°. Dove.
1200 Lat. 38°-20'N Long. 124°-24'E.
1252 Surfaced to reach better position.
1324 Dove 8 miles off Chosan Kan.
1415 Sighted smoke 069° T (S.C. #28). Resolved into small coastal freighter
  which passed close to Chosan Kan and then turned into narrow channel
  north of shoal instead of wide southern channel as expected. Looks
  like he plans anchoring in Daito Wan for night.
1925 Surfaced. Am supposed to shift to south of latitude 32° tonight, but
  must loaf to conserve fuel. Fuel consumption has been governing our
  movements since we entered the area; but, even so, we are very low.
2100 Converted #4 FBT.
2135 Transmitted B.L.A.O 9th weather report.
28 March/0053 Wind shifted 180° and fog set in, so transmitted BALAO 10th
  weather report.
0428 Sighted vessel, 246° T, in moonslick. Looked like sail. Avoided.
  (S.C. #29).
0850 Heard distant explosions for remainder of morning.
1200 Lat. 36°-19'N Long. 124°-18'E.
1225 APR 159 mc., 400 PRF, weak. This continued intermittently all after-
  noon, never above strength 2.
1850 Dove upon sighting plane at 3 miles, 100° T.
1851 Bomb explosion while passing 110'. Sounded a mile distant.
2007 Surfaced in bright moonlite. Will not transmit weather report as
  TENCH will have to transmit tonite.
2340 APR 159 mc., 400 PRF again.
29 March/0141 Sighted small vessel 175° T, 8,500 yds. SJ contact immediately
  thereafter. Avoided. (S.C. #30).

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0330 Master gyrocompass out of commission, steering by Mk. 9 gyro. With
     only one torpedo salvo remaining, we will not seek targets until gyro
     is operative.
0502 Light, 100° T.
0533 Two lights, 040° T.
0614 Dove for day to work on gyro.
1200 Lat. 34°-19'N Long. 122°-48'E.
1231 Auxiliary gyro out. Steering by magnetic compass.
1927 Surfaced.
2025 Light, 075° T.
2209 Transmitted BALAO eleventh weather report.
2228 Sighted 2 low vessels in moonslick. SJ contact at 5,200 yds. Avoided.
30 March/0039 APR 159 mc., 400 PRF, strength 1.
0219 Gyro in operation with last spare rotor bearing installed, first spare
     having burned out on trial yesterday afternoon. See Major Defects.
0243 SJ, 335° T, 5,200 yds. Avoided.
0305 Our APR friend again.
0605 APR contact reached strength 4. Land is 70 miles distant.
0839 Dove in heavy fog to save fuel and give SJ a rest.
1200 Lat. 34°-36.3'N Long. 128°-39.3'E.
1908 Surfaced; fog still persists.
2009 APR 161 mc., 400 PRF, small secondary pip.
2027 APR 156 mc. Lost 161 mc.
2035 Attempted transmit BALAO 12th weather report.
2330 Finally succeeded in delivering msg.
31 March/0353 APR 160 mc., 400 PRF, acting strangely. Seems to be sweeping
     normally with strength of 2 when suddenly it pops up to S4. Thought
     it might be on Daikokuzan Gunto; but, as we closed land, we lost the
     contact. The 156 mc. contact was lost three hours ago. All in all,
     I think they're out looking for the scoundrel who has not been
     observing radio silence hereabouts. Have based our movements on this
     assumption as well as 1/3 and 2/3 speed permits.
0412 SJ, 128° T, 60,000 yds. The landfall we've been looking for. Still
     heavy fog.
0629 Dove. Came in to get a look at Daikokuzan To, but 200 yard visibility
     not conducive. Will wait for a break and conduct a continuous ST radar
     patrol in meantime.
1435 Visibility increased just enough to make out land.
1927 Surfaced. APR 154 mc., 1000 PRF, S-2. There now followed a 24 hr.
     period of radar activity new to this area. Will list first contact on
     each frequency. Many appeared to be saturation and had double pulses.
     Later, came to believe that, due to abnormal atmospheric conditions,
     we were picking up every radar for 200 miles or more. At the time, it
     drove us stark nutty.
1955 APR 152 mc., 1000 PRF, S-5. Flash of 1 second duration followed by 2
     flashes S-3.
2006 APR 162 mc., 400 PRF, S-1.
2100 Decoded instructions to proceed to Midway for refit. Added dope on
     low fuel to weather report, already encoded.
2142 APR 164 mc., 450 PRF, double pulse, reached S-4.
2344 Completed transmitting BALAO serial 13.

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1 April/0105 SJ interference 250° T.
0118 APR 160 mc., 400 PRF, S-5.
0121 SJ recognition with SE DEVIL - praying that our jury power rig would
hold up.
0241 APR 387 mc., 1000 PRF, S-1.
0248 SJ, 070° T, 11,000 yds. SJ interference faint on same bearing. Lost
contact immediately. TENC?
0354 SJ land contact 50,000 yds. where none exists. Second echo does not
check. Must be cloud.
0445 SJ interference 160° T, attempting recognition - not completed. Maybe
this is GROUPER.
0604 Floating mine. Lat. 33°-28'N, Long 124°-05'E.
0608 Floating mine.
0705 Floating mine. Exploded by rifle. Lat. 33°-23'N, Long. 124°-12'E
0720 APR 166 mc., 450 PRF, S-1.
0915 Floating mine exploded. Lat. 33°-12'N, Long. 124°-34'E.
0923 APR 95 mc., 500 PRF, S-1.
1150 APR 200 mc., 1000 PRF, S-1.
1154 APR 152 mc., 400 PRF, S-1.
1200 Lat. 32°-59'N Long. 125°-07'E.
1240 APR 150 mc., 400 PRF, S-1.
1255 Floating mine - no success. Lat. 32°-54'N, Long. 125°-11'E
1515 APR 104 mc., weak.
1552 Sighted plane, 280° T, 10 miles, did not close.
1603 Floating mine - exploded by rifle. Lat. 32°-36'N, Long 125°-42'E.
1651 APR 145 mc., 1000 PRF, S-4.
1655 Floating mine - no success. Lat. 32°-32'N, Long. 125°-48'E.
1740 Floating mine - no success. Lat. 32°-27'N, Long. 125°-55'E.
1749 Floating mine - no success. Lat. 32°-26'N, Long. 125°-56'E.
1823 Floating mine - no success. Lat. 32°-23'N, Long. 125°-59'E.
Since it is now getting dark, I hope we have passed the last "Easter
Egg".
2000 SJ contact to northward, 12,000 yds., land. This is a second echo
indication on Saishu To, 102,000 yds. distant by DR. Finally, it
dawned on me that the numerous APR indications were probably due to an
atmospheric trapping effect.
2006 Possible SJ interference 280° T.
2042 Transmitted BALAO serial #14 regarding radar activity and atmospheric
conditions.
2048 APR 96 mc., 750 PRF, S-5.
2053 APR 103 mc., 450 PRF, S-3.
2115 APR 103 mc., 250 PRF, S-1.
2130 Received instructions from Comsubpac to proceed to Guam for refit.
2145 APR 112 mc., 750 PRF, S-2.
2226 APR 165 mc., 400 PRF, double pip.
2322 SJ interference, 285° T.
2 April/0040 SJ contact 273° T, 9,600 yds. Aircraft. It appears to be source of
SJ interference and is circling us. Commenced radical maneuvers.
0109 APR 159 mc., 400 PRF, S-2.
0111 Plane turned on a yellow light about a mile astern. Dove.

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0225 Surfaced.
0230 APR 98 mc., 550 PRF, S-2.
0247 Sighted small vessel in moonlight, 090° T, 10,000 yds. (S.C. #32).
0249 APR 203 mc., 1000 PRF, S-2.
0316 APR 100 mc., 600 PRF, S-2.
0318 SJ interference on 110° T for next 1½ hours with occasional flashes
on other bearings.
0325 APR 150 mc., 950 PRF, S-2.
0718 APR 157 mc., 400 PRF, S-1.
0800 Dove to patrol SW of Kusakaki Jima.
1000 Lat. 30°-52'N, Long. 128°-59'E.
1902 Surfaced, fat, dumb, and happily ignorant of the night ahead.
1935 APR 148 mc., 400 PRF, S-2.
1936 APR 78 mc., 250 PRF, S-1.
2017 SJ plane contact 11,000 yds. Dove at 7,000 yds.
2100 Surfaced.
2120 SJ plane contact 6,000 yds. Dove at 4,500 yds.
2216 Surfaced. Turned on ABK.
2255 APR 97 mc., 800 PRF, S-1.
3 April/0042 APR 203 mc., 1000 PRF, S-2, Gaja Shima.
0058 SJ contact 124° T, 42,650 yds.
0146 APR 150 mc., 900 PRF, S-2.
0202 SJ plane contact 315° T, 5,800 yds. Dove at 4,200 yds.
0302 Surfaced.
0310 APR 155 mc., 400 PRF, S-1.
0325 Sighted brilliant flashing light, not recognized as signalling, on
144° T. Nothing visible on very bright horizon. Avoided. Decided
against investigating because of air activity. Land on that bearing
at 18 miles seems too far for brilliance of light. Seemed too bright
for liferaft signal. I gave up.
0429 OOD sighted large plane passing down port side at about 1½ miles.
Dove when C.O. lost sight of plane on bearing 240° T at same range.
0509 Surfaced.
0542 SJ plane contact 11,000 yds. Dove immediately since we were at the
desired diving point for transit of Akuseki Strait. Hatch failed to
close. Took several feet of water in conning tower, grounding out
radar, sound, and TDC as well as minor electrical equipment. Immed-
iately commenced repairs.
0838 2 fighter planes headed south at terrific speed, skimming the water at
6 miles distance.
1000 2 Mavis patrol planes headed south at 4 miles distance.
1832 3 float planes, 310° T, 8 miles.
2000 Surfaced. Sound gear in commission. SJ, ST, and TDC still grounded
out. APR 169 mc., 400 PRF, S-1.
2230 Transmitted message in W/T to ComPaco informing listeners of our SJ-less
condition.
4 April/0010 APR 155 mc., 400 PRF, 12.5 Ms pulse width.
0017 Sighted ship dead ahead, 070° T, AOB 30 S. Turned away and waited
for him to cross the moonslick. (S.C. #33).
0020 Recognized as large submarine, about 3,000 yds. distant. Looks like
a Nip. Here are we with no radar, no TDC, sound gear doubtful, and
most important - no fish aft. Pretty sure I can make out typical

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0022 bridge shape and hump on deck abaft bridge (midgets?).
Sub dove before he reached moonslick. Opened range on four engines.
APR later reported saturation pip on 155 mc. Contact disappeared
suddenly at this time. It had reached saturation at about 4,000 yards
and steadied on us, yet he did not change course and did not dive
until range was down to about 2,500. One certainly feels unprotected
without SJ. Thank God for the moonlight tonite! The C.O. feels
awfully chicken at not having gotten this baby.
0230 C.O. was summoned to the bridge to be dazzled by the most brilliant and
peculiar phosphorescence he has ever seen. In an oily sea, with a long
heavy swell running, the bow wave was crisply limned as by a blue green
electric arc. This effect occurred only at the very edge of the surface
disturbance. Our wake was just a dull bubbly turmoil in the bright
moonlight. A peculiar odor, as of sea weed, was strongly evident.
0723 Sighted what at first appeared to be a large oil slick. Closer
investigation revealed it was caused by marine matter suspended in
the water and giving it a reddish hue. The odor associated with the
extraordinary phosphorescence previously noted was present.
0945 APR 116 mc., 60 PRF, An SD?
1237 Sighted drifting mine. Unable to explode this one, but it sank after
several rifle hits.
1324 Lookout reported mast or periscope 325° T on horizon, but periscope
could see nothing.
2230 Transmitted BALAO Serial #15 telling Comsubpac our radar out of
commission for rest of trip.
5 April/0012 APR 225 mc., very weak. A quick flash every 10 seconds or so.
0920 APR 162 mc., 60 PRF, S-2. Would another ABK do this?
0923 SD contact 5 miles, a very large pip with 3/8" base, no BN indication.
0924 Dove - SD range 3 miles. Went to 450' to test for leaks, the first
dive below 200' since 9 March.
1045 Surfaced. Commenced routine use of SD.
1200 Lat. 27°-08'N Long. 134°-17'E.
1350 Sight and SD contact on 2 B-24's, on northerly course, bearing 270° T,
flashed identification by searchlight. APR could hear the pilots
talking us over on 140 mc. No IFF indication and they apparently
weren't receiving ours. Finally, one pilot said, "It's one of ours,
let's go on", and we breathed easy again - if such be possible in the
smoke screen of a recognition flare.
2133 SD 5 miles, opening. Showed IFF.
2237 SD 4 miles, negative pip on searchlight. This stayed at a constant range, disap-
pearing several times and then reappearing. Had visions of U.S. sub
tailing us, but was unable to raise anyone on wolf pack circuit. When
range closed to 2½ miles, fired a red rocket and made a radical course
change. The negative pipphenomena lasted for an hour and then was lost.
6 April/1200 Lat. 21°-13'N Long. 137°-27'E.
1437 SD, 9 miles. Showed IFF.
1517 APR 225 mc., PRF 60, S-1.
2008 Commenced APR contacts on what was believed to be a number of U.S. air
search radars.

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U.S.S. BILO EIGHTH WAR PATROL

7 April/0737 BN indication 20 Miles.
0850 Dove for trim and to check cavitation. Cavitated at 40 RPM at 60',
65 RPM at 100'.
1145 Surfaced.
1355 SD 7 miles, IFF
1403 Sighted plane 4 miles ("Privateer"). Plane came in while we blinked
and fired a bridge flare. He didn't seem satisfied
and his challenge didn't check. Found the QM using the GCT as LZT -
wrong signals! And nobody would have believed the poor zoomie, either!
1605 APR contact on an SD.
1620 Sighted U.S. sub 220° T on opposite course.
1918 Single flashing white light, 130° T over the horizon.
SD and APR contacts on U.S. frequencies all nite.
8 April/0615 Sighted U.S.S. POMPON 10 miles to south. Rendezvoused with her
and SC 1070. and proceeded to Guam for refit.

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(C) WEATHER
Weather enroute to area was moderate. In passage through Colnett
Strait, sea increased to condition 4 and wind to force 7. Rough seas and
strong NW winds on March 7 and 8 made torpedo firing impossible. A haven
was found in lee of Koshiki Retto.

In area 12, sea averaged condition 2 and 3, the wind was principally
from NNW and never over force 4. On night of 27-28 March, wind shifted
180° in an hour and thereafter blew from SE to SSW, accompanied by heavy
fog. On March 21, 22, 23, 28, 30, and 31, fog varied visibility from 200
yds to 8,000 yds. On 23 March, we experienced a heavy dust storm at Lat.
38° N, Long. 124° E, moving SE, 120 miles from land. Air temperature averaged
about 44° F. by thermometer but generally seemed to be bitter cold.

In area 12, the weather followed the barometer remarkably. A high glass
indicated light airs, clear skies and smooth seas. Highest barometer was
30.52. When glass dropped below 30.00, rising winds brought rougher seas
and cloudy weather.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
No unusual tidal information noted.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
Nagasaki Hana Light burned with charted characteristics.

A bright fixed white light in approximate position 32°-00'N, 130°-11.5'E,
visible at least 20 miles, is turned on at times, possibly for passage of
ships through Koshiki Kaikyo. Several times when we approached the
southern end of this strait, the light suddenly appeared as if radar-
monitored to be turned on for vessels passing through.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS
| No. | Time Lat. Date Long. | Types | Initial Est. Range Bearing Speed | How Contacted | Remarks - many fishing craft not entered. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 1006 I 29-23N Mar. 5 135-45E | SS | 1500 ? 320° T | Binoculars | Lookout reported periscope dead ahead. |
| 2. | 1205 I 31-36N Mar. 8 129-46E | Sampan | 6000 ? 000° T | JK | |
| 3. | 0907 I 31-20N Mar. 9 130-05E | AO, 2 SCS-1 escorts | 8000 330° 130° T 6½ kts. | Periscope | Torpedo Attack #1 - Missed. Target close to beach with one escort well ahead and other 2500 yds. on starboard beam. |

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No. | Time | Lat. | Types | Initial Est. | course | How | Remarks
    | Date | Long. |       | range        | Bearing | Speed | Contacted |
4.  | 1250 I | 31-10N | P.C.? | 10,000 | 270° | Periscope | Probably coming to
    | Mar. 9 | 130-20E |       | 075° T ? |        |           | search for BILAO con-
    |        |        |       |          |        |           | sequent to attack on
    |        |        |       |          |        |           | S.C. #3
5.  | 0403 I | 29-40N | 2 Unident | 28,000 | 215° | Sight & | Explosion of KETE's tar-
    | Mar. 10 | 128-08E | 3 DD | 220° T | 8 kts. | SJ | get showed on radar
    |        |        |       |          |        |           | screen for 2 minutes.
    |        |        |       |          |        |           | Other ships contacted
    |        |        |       |          |        |           | by SJ at 18,000 to
    |        |

— page 266 —
CONFIDENTIAL

| No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Types | Initial Est. range Bearing | Course Speed | How Contacted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15. | 1400 I Mar.18 | 34-33N 123-56E | Convoy 4 AP 3 escorts | 20,000 110° T | 230° 13 kts | JK heard Echo- ranging | JP detected screws at 18,000 yds., before masts were sighted. |
| 16. | 1716 I Mar.18 | 34-14N 123-52E | Unident. | 14,000 045° T | 260° T 6 kts. | Periscope at 50' | |
| 17. | 0020 I Mar.19 | 33-32N 122-27E | Convoy (S.C. #15) | 21,150 290° T | 180° 13 kts | SJ | Same as #15. |
| 18. | 1535 I Mar.19 | 34-07N 122-55E | Trawlers (8) | 10,000 050° T | Various | Periscope | 75 to 150 tons. Sank 2 small and 2 large. Crew mostly Jap, some Chinese. |
| 19. | 0312 I Mar.21 | 35-34N 124-12E | Convoy 2 unident | 19,000 315° T | 140° T 9 kts | SJ contact | just after JK had re- ported pinging. APR had 159 mc., 450 PRF tact. Radar detected us probably at 8000 yds but not definitely un- til 6000. |
| 20. | 1636 I Mar.23 | 38-37N 125-08E | Trawler | 12,000 120° | 090° T 0-5 kts | SJ | Dust haze reduced visi- bility to 6000 yds. |
| 21 | 0827- 1110 Mar.24 | 3600N 125-16E | 6 fishing craft | 12,000 - | - | Binoculars | |
| 22. | 0133 I Mar.25 | 35-55N 124-16E | A/S ? | 11,250 210° T | 045° T | SJ | |
| 23. | 0816 I Mar.25 | 35-17N 123-59E | DD | 18,000 055° T | ? | JK heard pinging | JK heard screws at about 12,000 yds. No ing on JP. |
| 24. | 2117 I 25 Mar. | 34-47N 123-57E | 3 Trawlers or A/S | 10,000 055° T | ? | Binoculars | Sighted in moonlight. No radar contact. |
| 25. | 0120 I 26 Mar. | 34-40N 123-27E | A/S | ? ? | ? | JK | Heard loud pinging. No SJ contact. Nothing visible except fishing craft light in bright moon. |
| 26. | 0652 I 26 Mar. | 35-02N 123-48E | 2,300 ton AK | 16,000 055° T | 310° 8 | Binoculars | Sighted smoke, then masts. Sank with 5" gun. | - 28 - |

— page 267 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Initial Est.
range course How
No. Time Lat. Types Bearing Speed contacted Remarks
Date Long

27. 1133 I 35-17N Steam 10,000 190° Periscope Came to rescue of S.C.
    26 Mar. 123-43E trawler 020° T 10kts. #26. Too little, too
                                                                late.

28. 1415 I 38-0'N Small AK 10,000 235° Periscope Rounded Chosan Kan ½
    27 Mar. 124-35E 069° T 7 kts. mile from beach and
                                                                headed for Daito Wan.

29. 0428 I 37-17N Unident. 12,000 - Binoculars On moonlit horizon.
    28 Mar. 124-22E (Sail?) 246° T

30. 0141 I 34-46N A/S or 8,000 - Binoculars
    29 Mar. 123-03E Trawler 175°

31. 2228 I 34-12N 2 6,000 - Binoculars Sighted in moonslick;
    29 Mar. 122-45N Sampans? 5,200 yds. max. SJ.

32. 0247 I 31-35N A/S or 10,000 - Binoculars Sighted in moonlight.
    2 Apr. 127-49E Trawler 090° T

33. 0017 I 29-09N I class 8,000 220° Binoculars Radar 155 mc., 400 PRF
    4 Apr. 130-39E SS 070° T Very (SJ out of 12.5 Ms.; saturated AP
                                    fast commission) indication disappeared
                                                                when he dove.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

The dearth of aircraft contacts, particularly night radar planes, in
area 9 was remarkable. This change from previous trends was probably a
result of the recent carrier and B-29 raids. In area 12, also, there were
few scouting aircraft, though it is probably that all convoys had daylight
air cover similar to the one observed on 18 March. The only plane that
definitely sighted us and made an attack (28 March) missed wide with his
single bomb.

The four plane wave-hopping search after our attack on 9 March is
notable.

Numerous indications of aircraft radar were had on the 150 mc., 1000
PRF, band. Existence of the suspected 150 mc., 250 PRF airborne radar was
indicated once and 10 cm. was indicated several times.

The experience of 3 April in area Abuse and Abandon, when we were
forced down 5 times at night by planes, most of which were undoubtedly
friendly, is indicative of a problem which must be solved immediately if
submarine operations are to be maintained with continuous U.S. air opera-
tions over the Empire. Positive S/M-aircraft mutual identification by day
and night must be obtained without revelation of S/M's presence to the
Enemy.

(H) ATTACK DATA

- 29 -

— page 268 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO Torpedo Attack No. 1 Patrol No. 8
Time 0945 I Date 3/9/45 Lat. 31°-19'N Long. 130°-06'E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: AO of standardized hull design, size unknown, very pronounced
clipper bow, catwalk from forecastle to bridge - poop structure on after 1/3
of length, tall, thin stack aft, stubby foremast, kingposts just forward of
bridge. Two escorts of SCS-1 type, one 2,000 yards ahead, one 2,000 yds on
offshore beam. Target was sighted by periscope but could not be identified
as to size or type or ranged on until almost at the firing point due to land
background, foggy periscope, and mirage conditions.

Ships Sunk: None

Ships damaged: None

Damage determined by: No hits heard or seen. Sound reported 2 dull thuds at
approximately proper time. All compartments reported very audible sounds "like
gravel thrown against the hull" or " like a chain rattling along the hull".

Target draft ? Course 335° Speed 6½ kts. Range 1870

OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 2.2 kts. Course 080° Depth 64' Angle 0°

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type attack: Day periscope. Unable to get periscope ranges due to visibility
conditions so used navigational ranges, estimating his track along the coast. An
advance plot of the coast on the DRT scale would have been invaluable at this
time. Got an ST range at 4,700 yds, but could use ST no longer due to
proximity of escort. Wished to close track further, but feared escort would hear
our noisy screws if we speeded up. Fired late due to TDC setup not checking.

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— page 269 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BALAO Torpedo Attack No. 1 Patrol No. 8
Time 0945 I Date 3/9/45 Lat. 31°-19'N Long. 130°-06'E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: AO of standardized hull design, size unknown, very pronounced
clipper bow, catwalk from forecastle to bridge - poop structure on after 1/3
of length, tall, thin stack aft, stubby foremast, kingposts just forward of
bridge. Two escorts of SCS-1 type, one 2,000 yards ahead, one 2,000 yds on
offshore beam. Target was sighted by periscope but could not be identified
as to size or type or ranged on until almost at the firing point due to land
background, foggy periscope, and mirage conditions.

Ships Sunk: None

Ships damaged: None

Damage determined by: No hits heard or seen. Sound reported 2 dull thuds at
approximately proper time. All compartments reported very audible sounds "like
gravel thrown against the hull" or "like a chain rattling along the hull".

Target draft ? Course 335° Speed 6½ kts. Range 1870

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed 2.2 kts. Course 080° Depth 64' Angle 0°

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type attack: Day periscope. Unable to get periscope ranges due to visibility
conditions so used navigational ranges, estimating his track along the coast. An
advance plot of the coast on the DRT scale would have been invaluable at this
time. Got an ST range at 4,700 yds. but could use ST no longer due to
proximity of escort. Wished to close track further, but feared escort would hear
our noisy screws if we speeded up. Fired late due to TDC setup not checking.

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— page 270 —
CONFIDENTIAL                                        ATTACK #1
                                        1         2         3         4
Tubes Fired                             1         2         3         4
Track Angle                             113 P     117 P     121 P     117 P
Gyro Angle                              322       318       314       318
Depth Set                               5         5         5         5
Speed Used                              28        28        28        28
Hit or Miss                             Possibly two duds
Erratic                                 no        no        no        no
Mark Torpedo                            18-1      18-1      18-1      18-1
Serial No.                              57054     56993     56654     56516
Mark Exploder                           8-5       4-7       8-5       8-5
Serial No.                              17276     16949     16953     8402
Actuation Set                           Contact   -         -         -
Actuation Actual                        none      -         -         -
Mark Warhead                            18        18        18-2      18-2
Serial No.                              1209      1148      369       3184
Explosive                               Torpex    -         -         -
Firing Interval                         -         15        15        20
Type Spread                             1° R      1° L      3° L      3° R
Sea Conditions - moderate, numerous whitecaps, from 340° T.
Overhaul Activity                       PHTH      SPERRY    SPERRY    SPERRY
Temp. of Electrolyte                    70° F.
Temp. of Injection                      63° F.
Remarks: - Torpedoes were actually received from APOLLO.

                                        - 31 -

— page 271 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO Torpedo Attack #2 Patrol No. 8
Time 0252 I Date 3/19/45 Lat. 33°-09'N Long. 122°-08'E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: 4 ship convoy with 4 escorts - 1 large AP (MMFM), 1 medium AP (MFM),
2 large AK-AP, (KMFKMK and KKFKK). The KMFKMK was similar to Awazisan Maru (9800
tons) p. 85 ONI 208-J and Arimasan Maru (8700 tons) p. 86 ONI 208-J (EC) Other
ships EU. The MMFM AP looked as big as the above identified vessel. The MFM AP
was further away and looked a little smaller. The KKFKK AK-AP also was in the far
column and looked a little smaller than the other AK-AP, but still very large.
Smoke from the bridge, visibility being excel-
lent for one of the few times in Area 12. Contact was regained after dark by SJ
radar at 21,150 yds., night very black.

Ships sunk: 1 AK-AP(EC) Awazisan Maru class 9600 tons or Arimasan Maru class 8700
tons.

Ships damaged or - possibly one hit on escort (a DE or DD judging from radar range
probably sunk: obtained).

Damage determined by: One hit was observed, followed after a short delay by three
more being heard and felt while attention was concentrated in firing after tubes.
Target was seen in flames with continuous explosions for succeeding three hours.
One hit was apparently registered on some vessel nearer than the target fired
at, and it is believed possible this was the near escort who was in line with
target. The only other explanation is that only one hit was made on largest AK-AP
and three hits on medium AP. Failure to record times of hits makes this difficult
to determine. SJ was unable to locate near escort during retirement.

Target draft 24' Course 180° T Speed 13 kts. Range 2250-2300

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed 9 kts. Course 075° T Depth Surface Angle 0°

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack: Night surface radar using TBT bearings inside 4,000 yds. During
tracking, SJ had not been able to discriminate between targets, reporting 2 with
4 escorts. Plot tracked all six continuously. Only one escort was inshore of
targets, so we crossed ahead and attacked from shallow water. Don't think they
even guessed we fired from that side. First sighted targets about 6,000 yds. At
4,000 yds., we realized all 4 targets were present, instead of just 2. TBT got
4 tubes at leading ship of near column, (largest
AK-AP) then shifted setup and fired 2 at leading ship of far column (medium AP
who was overlapping ahead of #1 target by this time).

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— page 272 —
CONFIDENTIAL

ATTACK #2
Tubes Fired | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1
Track Angle | 98 S | 101 S | 104 S | 102 S | 111 S | 115 S
Gyro Angle | 023 | 026 | 029 | 027 | 036 | 040
Depth Set | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6
Speed Used | 27.2 | 27.2 | 27.2 | 27.2 | 27.2 | 27.2
Hit or Miss | 4 Hits | - | - | - | - | -
Erratic | no | no | no | no | no | no
Mk. Torpedo | 18-1 | - | - | - | - | -
Serial No | 55404 | 56715 | 56636 | 56941 | 54951 | 54926
Mk. Exploder | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5
Serial No. | 9244 | 9943 | 9224 | 2672 | 8271 | 8811
Actuation Set | Contact | - | - | - | - | -
Actuation Actual | 4 contact | - | - | - | - | -
Mk Warhead | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-1 | 18-2
Serial No. | 1578 | 1435 | 4103 | 3645 | 2240 | 2703
Explosive | Torpex | - | - | - | - | -
Firing Interval | - | 12 | 9 | 9 | 17 | 10
Spread | 3/4 L | 3/4 R | 2½ R | 2½ L | 1 L | 1 R
Length of run | 2105 | 2080 | 2080 | 2005 | 2950 | 2950
Duration of run |
Sea conditions: Smooth
Temp. Electrolyte | 55° F.
Temp. Injection | 50° F.
Overhaul Activity | U.S.S. APOLLO.
Remarks: Failure to record times of hits renders it impossible to tell which were
hits.

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— page 273 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO Torpedo Attack #3 Patrol #8
Time 0254 (I) Date 3/19/45 Lat. 33°-09'N Long. 122°-08'E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: See attack #2.

Ships sunk: 1 AP (Large)

Ships damaged or None
probably sunk:

Damage determined by: Target observed to blow up.

Target draft 25' Course 180° T Speed 13 kts. Range 2000

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed 12 kts. Course Swinging Depth Surface Angle 0°

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type attack: Night surface radar. This was a continuation of attack #2. The
ship was swung to bring the stern tubes to bear on the second ship of the near
column. The helmsman didn't get the word to steady down, with the result that
the ship was swinging fast during the firing.

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— page 274 —
Confidential
ATTACK #3

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7
| Track Angle | 97 S | 99 S | 100 S | 101 S
| Gyro Angle | 159 | 179 | 201 | 208
| Depth Set | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6
| Speed Used | 27.2 | 27.2 | 27.2 | 27.2
| Hit or miss | 1 hit | | |
| Erratic | no | no | no | no
| Mk. Torpedo | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1
| Serial No. | 55321 | 56412 | 55937 | 55652
| Mk. Exploder | 8-5 | 8-5 | 4-7 | 8-5
| Serial No. | 8760 | 9708 | 16819 | 9920
| Actuation Set | contact | - | - | -
| Actuation Actual | 1 contact | | |
| Mk. Warhead | 18-1 | 18-2 | 18 | 18-2
| Serial No. | 3766 . | 1874 | 405 | 4073
| Explosive | Torpex | - | - | -
| Firing Interval | | 12 | 11 | 12
| Spread | 1 L | 1 R | 3 R | 3 L
| Length of run | | | 2100 yards |
| Duration of run | | | |
| Temp. Electrolyte | 55° F. | | |
| Temp. Injection | 50° F. | | |
| Sea Conditions: | Smooth. | | |
| Overhaul Activity | U.S.S. APOLLO. | | |
| Remarks: | Failure to record time of explosion renders it impossible to determine
| | which hit.

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— page 275 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BILLAO
Time 0616 (I)

Torpedo Attack #4
Date: 3/21/45

Lat. 35°-30'N
Long. 124°-23'E
Patrol #8

TARGET DATA - DAMIGE INFLICTED

Description: Convoy of one very large ship, one smaller ship and four escorts.
First contacted by radar at 19,000 yds. at night in a heavy fog; fired in daylight,
visibility 1500 yds.

Ships sunk: None on target at which fired.

Ships sunk or None - unless hits were made as below on target we had been
Probably sunk tracking.

Damage determined by: Undetermined. Two explosions heard and felt may have been
from hits on largest target which was in line at the time or concussion of gun
fire from escorting DE or DD at which we fired.

Target fired at Draft 8' Course 300° T Speed 8-3/4 kts. Range 1480
Target tracked Draft 22' Course 040° T Speed 8-3/4 kts. Range 2100

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed 12 kts. Course 321° Depth Surface Angle 00

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type attack: Surface, using radar and TBT. Attack on large ship was foiled by
escort who sighted us in fog. Torpedoes were fired down the throat on this
target, missed, and may possibly have hit target we had been tracking. Plot
shows he was in line. Should have fired two at him and then two at DE after he
settled down instead of while he was still swinging toward us.

- 36 -

— page 276 —
CONFIDENTIAL                                                              ATTACK #4
Tubes Fired                 7         | 8         | 9         | 10
Track Angle                 33 S      | 34 S      | 35 S      | 8 P
Gyro Angle                  192       | 193       | 194       | 185
Depth Set                   6         | 6         | 6         | 6
Speed Used                  27.3      | 27.3      | 27.3      | 27.3
Hit or Miss                 Hit       | possible  | Hit       | miss
Erratic                     no        | no        | no        | no
Mk. Torpedo                 18-1      | 18-1      | 18-1      | 18-1
Serial No.                  56490     | 56109     | 55650     | 56911
Mk. Exploder                8-5       | 8-5       | 8-5       | 8-5
Serial No.                  8572      | 9385      | 10239     | 10526
Actuation Set               Contact   |           |           |
Actuation Actual            contact   | contact   |           |
Mk. Warhead                 18-2      | 18-2      | 18-2      | 18-2
Serial No.                  2105      | 2425      | 4072      | 2759
Explosive                   Torpex    | -         | -         | -
Firing Interval             -         | 10        | 10        | 19
Type spread                 none set - target swinging
Length of run               1950      | 2000
Duration of run             2M 10S    | 2M 25S
Sea conditions:             Smooth with small white caps.
Temp. Electrolyte           55° F.
Temp. Injection             47° F.
Overhaul Activity           SPERRY    | APOLLO    | APOLLO    | SPERRY
Remarks: Torpedoes received from APOLLO. Hits, if explosions were such, were
          not on DE fired at.

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— page 277 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BALAO Gun Attack #1
Time 0706 (I) Date 3/18/45 Patrol #8
Lat. Long.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Sunk: 1 Trawler, Daitomaru #2. 188 tons. Identity established by 3 POW
     recovered of crew of 20.

Damaged or None
Probably sunk:

Damage determined by: Visual observation.

DETAILS OF ACTION

     Closed target submerged, let him go by, and battle surfaced. Opened fire
10 minutes later with #1 20 MM, 40 MM, and 5" from 2000 yards. First 5" deton-
ated as it cleared the side and hit a wave which splashed up. Holed our super-
structure in numerous places, none serious, and showered the topside with inky
water. Second 5" misfired. 24 minutes after surfacing the 5" commenced effec-
tive fire. After 5 salvos, all hits, ceased fire. Target capsized and sank 27
minutes after we surfaced. Had to jettison 5 valuable 5" rounds in the ammo
train, the tanks already having been jettisoned. 20 MM H.E. bounced off the
steel hull. The 40 MM did a good bit of damage, but the 5" did the trick at 1,000
yards. The 20 MM forward was valuable in maintaining fire while the 5" was out
of commission and the 40 MM could not bear.

     Direct control of the 40 MM and 20 MM was maintained by the C.O. on bridge.
The 5" was controlled by the C.O. through the Exec. spotting at the periscope.
Setup was maintained on the TDC and orders sent to gun by means of our 2 MC sys-
tem which has a VoyCall beside the TDC and a reproducer at the gun.

AMMUNITION EXPENDED

5" 12 rounds, H.C. 1 premature
                         1 Misfire
                         5 Normal
                         5 Jettisoned

40 MM 96 rounds 120 H.E.T.
20 MM 360 rounds 240 H.E.I.

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— page 278 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO Gun Attack #2 Patrol #8
Time 1745 (I) Date 3/19/45 Lat. 340-11'N Long. 123°-01'E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Sunk: 1 trawler 150 tons
1 trawler 150 tons
1 trawler 75 tons
1 trawler 75 tons

Damaged or None
probably sunk:

Damage determined by: Observed two sink and left the other two shattered and a
mass of flames.

DETAILS OF ACTION

Closed submerged, identified Jap flags on bows, and battle surfaced between
two of the vessels. Used divided fire, 5" at forward target, 40 MM and 20 MM
at after target. After 12 minutes of fire, one target sank, other was burning
furiously with stern shot away. Gave chase to other 2 trawlers. Fired 5
minutes at one before he sank. Fired two minutes at other and left him a flaming
mass of wreckage.

AMMUNITION EXPENDED

5" 55 rounds, H.C. 1 misfire
50 normal
4 jettisoned

40 MM 116 rounds 180 H.E.T.
20 MM 540 rounds 360 H.E.I.

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— page 279 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO
Time 0942 (I) Date 3/26/45 Gun Attack #3 Patrol #8
Lat. 35-14N Long. 123-44E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Sunk: 1 AK of standardized "Type 2,300 ton D, modified".
Damaged or
probably sunk None

Damage determined by: Saw target sink.

DETAILS OF ACTION

Sighted target on surface, dove for torpedo approach. Since target was run-
ning in ballast, decided not to waste our torpedoes under her. Battle surfaced.
Radar out of commission so had to estimate range. Opened fire at about 4,000 yds.
Hit on fourth salvo, putting her steering out of commission. 90% of 5" there-
fore tore large holes in her plating. Base fuse
detonation did the internal damage. Heard signals on 500 kc; so, after 11
minutes, ceased fire and dove. Target was well shot up and burning nicely.
Stood by to finish him off, but this wasn't necessary. Target sank 38 minutes
after fire was commenced. Spotting was done from periscope, using 2 MC for
communications with the gun.

AMMUNITION EXPENDED

5" 36 rounds, H.C. 1 missfire
                       35 normal
40 MM 98 rounds 100 H.E.T.
20 MM 300 rounds 200 H.E.I.

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— page 280 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO EIGHTH WAR PATROL

(I) MINES

Mines were sighted as follows:

Date | No. | Location | Condition | Results
---|---|---|---|---
3/16 | 2 | 33-44N, 124-20E | Rusty or red lead | None
3/16 | 1 | 33-53N, 124-10E | " " " " | Exploded by rifle
4/1 | 1 | 33-28N, 124-05E | Rusty - Type 93 | None
4/1 | 2 | 33-23N, 124-12E | " | Exploded by rifle
4/1 | 1 | 33-12N, 124-34E | " | None
4/1 | 1 | 32-54N, 125-11E | " | None
4/1 | 1 | 32-36N, 125-42E | " | Exploded by rifle
4/1 | 1 | 32-32N, 125-48E | " | None
4/1 | 2 | 32-27N- 125-55E | " | None
4/1 | 1 | 32-23N, 125-59E | " | None
4/4 | 1 | * 29-11N, 133-39E | " | Sunk by rifle

Several of the above mines were hit repeatedly with .30 cal. bullets without
noticeable effect. One exploded with one hit. The other two exploded after being
hit so many times that we were becoming disgusted. The mine on 4 April came as a
distinct surprise so far from the usual mine areas. After several .30 cal. rifle
hits, it sank while we were coming around for another crack at it. This encourages
me to believe that many of those left afloat sank later as a result of the hits
registered on them.

The five mines sighted 40 miles NE of Socotra Rock are worthy of special note
since it is believed that floaters have not been reported previously in that
vicinity by us or Japs.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASIVE TACTICS

A/S activity in Area 9 had definitely decreased since January, the
reduction in radar aircraft contacts being a great relief. The practice
of escorting ships running close to the beach with one or two SC escorts
is of note, as is the echoranging on about 12 kc. by one of these escorts.
A probably radar array was seen on one of the SCS-1 type. Three hours
after the unsuccessful attack near Bono Misaki, 4 fighter planes made a
wave hopping shuttle search for us.

In area 12, a large number of contacts were made with small craft,
but there is no way of determining which were bonafide fisherman and

- 41 -

— page 281 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BILAO EIGHTH WAR PATROL

which A/S craft. Aircraft contacts were few, and little difficulty was
experienced in surface running in daylight despite our frequent radio
transmissions. Only once were we sighted by a plane, and his bombing
was P-poor. Convoys were heavily escorted, some escorts being radar
equiped, but radar apparently was not effective at ranges over 6,000.
One convoy had no radar or weak and ineffective 10 cm. radar.

The 21 March affair was unique. Notable was our ability to get up
speed faster than the chasing DE, tho' we were unable to open the range
after he built up speed. The effectiveness of the radar decoy balloon
used is questionable. DE had no trouble finding us after he finished
playing around our diving spot where we had released all three of these
countermeasures. Which ones delayed him, I do not know. Sound conditions
were much too good in this shallow, isothermal area. At one time we
thought he had stopped pinging, but a shift from 14 kc. to 16 kc. re-
discovered him. Later, he returned to 14 kc.

Of evasive value second only to the sound gear was the DRT. The
manual speed input installed by the APOLLO in accordance with Sub Base,
Pearl instructions functioned perfectly, enabling the C.O. to keep
track of the picture infinitely better, and made it possible to keep
the DRAI in operation. This is particularly important in areas where the
exact location must be kept in mind during evasion due to the proximity
of shoal spots or coastal areas.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

HULL AND MACHINERY

1. L.P. blower - is vitally in need of a snubber. The terrific racket
produced while blowing tanks is a definite hazard in that it greatly
impairs communications between the bridge, conn, and control, as well as
making it impossible to hear aircraft and difficult to hear lookouts on
bridge.

2. External salvage line to #1 MBT was broken off due to the shock of
gunfire, allowing #1 MBT to vent off. This has happened once before, and
the fitting was expeditiously blanked.

3. Propellors were dangerously noisy. Sound tests after last refit re-
vealed cavitation at about 20 RPM lower than normal. Since then, they
have become increasingly noisier, cavitation existing at 1/3 speed at
periscope depth and 65 RPM at 100 feet.

4. Gyrocompass - Mk. 7 - gave considerable trouble. The apparent cause
was the burning out of a rotor bearing due to failure to fill oil reservoir
during last refit. The first spare bearing installed immediately burned
out. Our last spare was a very poor example of a ball bearing, but it
worked when installed with spring and wicking assembly reversed from the
position in which found. The inferior quality of the spare rotor bearings
manufactured by Gurney Co. is noted.

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— page 282 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BALAO EIGHTH WAR PATROL

5. Gyrocompass - Mk. 9 would not settle on meridian until spare rotor
was installed and phase shifting condensers renewed.

6. Battery air flowmeters are useless and must be replaced. All attempts
to make them operate satisfactorily by Navy Yard, Subase, and tender
forces have been unsuccessful. As a result, to be on the safe side,
ventilation is kept well above normal. This makes battery water consumption
excessive.

7. Hydrogen detectors are in the same category with item 6. Their
readings fluctuate and are completely unreliable, despite all attempts of
repair forces.

8. It is recommended to all subs that checks be made after every refit
to insure that below decks electrical gear is as watertight as possible,
particularly in conn and the control room. Many of the electrical grounds
after partially flooding the conning tower would have been avoided if
TDC drain plugs had been in place, gasketed covers had been tight, and
stuffing tubes in interior equipment merely holes for entrance of a
cable rather than as an arrangement for making the entrance watertight.

ORDNANCE AND GUNNERY

1. Guide stud of Mk. 18-1 torpedo #56652 was 1/8" too short and had to
be replaced.

2. Hydrogen explosion in Mk. 18-1 torpedo #55321 occurred at some
unknown time, blowing off 34 vent caps. Hydrogen burner was on at
all times except when fish was charged, ventilated, and routined in
accordance with existing instructions.

(L) RADIO

1. Major defect is still lack of sufficient high frequency receivers
to maintain watch on all necessary frequencies.

2. VHF tests were unsuccessful except at 4,000 yds. when signals came
in very loud.

3. Reception was as follows:

9090 and 9050 - could not be heard.

6045 - best for HAIKU FOX.

13655 - best from 1900 Z to 2100 Z.

China schedules were copied without difficulty.

4. Transmissions were as follows:

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— page 283 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO EIGHTH WAR PATROL

Serial | Date | Freq. | Station | Time required
---|---|---|---|---
1 | 3/16 | 8470 | NPM | 70 min. (1010-1120 GCT)
2 | 3/17 | 8470 | NPM | 60 min. (1015-1115 GCT)
3. | 3/18 | 8470 | VH-1 |
4. | 3/19 | 8470 | NPM | 17 min. (1215-1232 GCT)
5. | 3/20 | 8470 | NPM | 30 min. (1210-1240 GCT)
6. | 3/21 | 8470 | VH-1 | 45 min. (1325-1410 GCT)
7. | 3/23 | 8470 | NPM | 15 min. (1328-1343 GCT)
8. | 3/25 | 8470 | NPM | 30 min. (1145-1215 GCT)
9. | 3/27 | 8470 | NPM | 13 min. (1235-1248 GCT)
10. | 3/27 | 8470 | NPM | 8 min. (1553-1601 GCT)
11. | 3/29 | 8470 | NPM | 22 min. (1322-1344 GCT)
12. | 3/30 | 8470 | ZAN | 46 min. (1326-1413 GCT)
13. | 3/31 | 8470 | NPM | 34 min. (1144-1218 GCT)
  | | | NPM | 41 min. (1402-1443 GCT)
14. | 4/1 | 8470 | NPN | 12 min. (1148-1200 GCT)
Contact | 4/3 | 8470 | NPN | 16 min. (1608-1624 GCT)
Report | | | |
15. | 4/4 | 8470 | NPM | 37 min. (1349-1426 GCT)
16. | 4/5 | 4155 | NDP4 | 59 min. (1149-1248) GCT

(M) RADAR
1. SJ Major defect was continual breakdowns due to overloading of H.V.
   rectifier because of internal shorting of Choke Ll to ground and faulty
   operation of modulation network until spare was installed.

   Partial flooding of conning tower enroute to refit resulted in comple-
   tely covering the selector units and 1/3 covering PPI, range receiver
   indicator, and main control units. All attempts to effect repairs were
   unsuccessful due to shorting of main transformer coils in control unit.
   <u>Relocation of main control and selector units to a higher position will be</u>
   <u>requested at forthcoming refit.</u>

- 44 -

— page 284 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BALAO EIGHTH WAR PATROL

2. ST performance could not be relied on, and the equipment required
constant care. Desspite this, the ST is very valuable, and it is strongly
recommended that it be completely divorced from the SJ equipment so that
breakdown in one will not affect the other.

Due to flooding the conning tower, the ST periscope adapter window
was broken and adapter partially flooded.

3. SD was out of commission most of the patrol due to various potentiometers
and resistors burning out and 2014A tubes burning out in the transmitter.
Even when operating, this obsolete piece of equipment is entirely unreliable.
Its principle value is as a receiver for the BN.

(N) SONAR GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

1. Major defect - JK-QC head shifted 20° from zero alignment due to failure
set screws to hold.

2. Sound conditions in northern part of area 12 were fair. In the southern
part, they were excellent. Convoy screws were heard at about 18,000 yards
and pinging further. Sound conditions in area 9 are fair, but do not
have the shallow water extension of area 12.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

Only isothermal conditions were experienced in areas 19 and 12.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY

Health - as a whole was fair. Ailments treated were as follows:

Jaundice 2
Colds 50
Ear Fungus 5
Foot fungus 10

Sick Days Officers 4 Crew 20

No difficulties were experienced with our four prisoners, once they
were thawed out. All efforts were to no avail to save the other prisoner
picked up from the Daitomaru. He died a short time after being picked up,
probably from shock.

Food was good and made very enjoyable by excellent baking. An effort
should be made to provide all submarines with a good baker for the morale
factor. This is the first time the C.O. has had consistently good bread
on a patrol and he greatly appreciated it. The baker was a seaman first.

Habitability - was excellent despite the cold and dampness. Condensation
on the periscope eyepiece and all uncorked metal attached to the hull was
a nuisance submerged, the air conditioning not being able to cope with
the humidity in this cold atmosphere.

- 45 -

— page 285 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO EIGHTH WAR PATROL

(Q) PERSONNEL

(a) Men detached after seventh patrol 15
(b) Men on board during eighth patrol 75
(c) Men qualified at start of patrol 48
(d) Men qualified at end of patrol 62
(e) Unqualified men making their first patrol 9

Comment: - The performance of duty of all hands was very satisfactory on this
short but trying patrol. Particularly commended is HILIBRAND, D.J., RM3c for
his performance as soundman.

The principal morale factor was, of course, the knowledge of having accomplish-
ed damage to the enemy. Movies, the excellent baking of SUMNER, L.E. Slc, USNR,
and the perpetual amusement over our young prisoners highlighted the BALAO
hostess-less USO.

The prisoners were most tractable and worked with a will, doing the best job
of mess cooking and keeping the best looking washroom I have seen. The question
is how to get along without them next run, particularly Too Wing, our Chinese boy
whose sole English is still "Chow down!". The latter is the hardest working
individual on board - with the exception of the C.O. of course!

(R) MILES & FUEL USED.

Saipan to area 2112 mi. 28,940 gal.
In area 9 & 12 4755 mi. 47,670 gal.
Area to Guam 1700 mi. 24,920 Gal.

(S) DURATION

Days enroute Saipan to area 9 7½
Days in area 27
Days enroute to Guam 5½
Total 40

Days submerged 19.5

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

Torpedoes Fuel Provisions Personnel
(number) (gals) (days) (days)
6 7,500 14

Limiting factor - This patrol was terminated by order of Comsubpac due to
materiel conditions and low supply of fuel, torpedoes, and ammunition.

(U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES

- 46 -

— page 286 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO F- AR PATROL

Radar Countermeasures
(1) Intercept of enemy signals.

Date | Lat. | Long. | Freq | PRF | Pulse width | Type radar Remarks
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
3-2-45 | 20-41N | 135-50E | 523 | 300 | 4.5 | Possible unknown Jap shipborne
3-3-45 | 21.27.5N | 137-11E | 103 | weak | | Possible aircraft
3-6-45 | 39-34.9N | 131-13.3E | 150 | 450 | 10 | Possible Yaku-Shima
| 29-34N | 131-08E | 142 | 450 | 7.5 | " " "
| 29-35N | 131-10E | 154 | 1000 | 9 | modified airborne
3-7-45 | 30-00N | 130-18.5E | 156 | 450 | 10 | Land based
| 30-08.5N | 130-12.3E | 145 | 400 | 15 | Yaku-Shima
| 30-08.5N | 130-12.3E | 136 | 400 | 10 | " "
3-8-45 | 30-31N | 129-46E | 152 | 400 | 5 | " ", possibly Iwo or Kusakaki?
| 30-40N | 129-51E | 156 | 100 | 20 | Aircraft.
| 31-01N | 129-59E | 152 | 400 | 10 | Iwo or Kusakaki
| Same | | 148 | 400 | 10 | " " "
| 31-37N | 130-05.5E | 155 | 400 | 10 | Mk 12K air search Shimo Koshiki
| 31-40N | 130-05.8E | 159 | 400 | 25 | Land based [HANDWRITTEN: [UNCLEAR: in]]
| 31-19N | 129-49E | 76 | 400 | 32 | Possible Bono Misaki [HANDWRITTEN: [UNCLEAR: in]]
| Same | | 152 | 400 | 10 | " " " [HANDWRITTEN: First picked up [UNCLEAR: in]]
| 30-50N | 130-07E | 152 | 100 | 10 | Airborne - low PRF
| 30-51N | 130-07E | 70 | 400 | 35 | Land based search.
3-11-45 | 31-33.2N | 128-17.2E | 95 | 600 | 17.5 | Danjo Gunto.
| 31-41.8N | 128-47E | 158 | (300) | 15 | Land based - very weak
| 31-41N | 129-08.4E | 153 | 500 | 13 | air search [HANDWRITTEN: [drawing of a square wave]]

- 47 -

— page 287 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. BALI EIGHTH MAR. PATROL

Date | Lat | Long. | Freq. | PRF | Pulse width | Type radar Remarks
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
3-11-45 | 31-41N | 129.14E | 153 | 1000 | 10 | Airborne
3-12-45 | 31-49.9N | 129-16E | 158 | 400 | 12.5 | Land based
| 31.49.9N | 129-16E | 96 | 400 | 12.5 | very weak
| 32-00N | 129-50E | 168 | 450 | 5 | Steady (may be beacon)
3-13-45 | 32-01N | 129-44.5E | 153 | 450 | 20 | Air search
| Same | | 155 | 450 | 15 | Shore based
| 32-02N | 129-27.6E | 100 | 800 | | Unknown - ?
3-14-45 | 32-02N | 130-00E | 96 | 550 | | Weak
| 32-00N | 130-30E | 153 | 300 | 12 | Shore based
| 31-57N | 130-59.7E | 158 | 500 | 6 | Shore based
| 32-01N | 129-36.5E | 153 | 400 | 20 | Shore based
| 31-59N | 130-04E | 149 | 1000 | 10 | Airborne
| 32-01N | 129-54E | 153 | 250 | 12 | Airborne Mk. 6 Type 4
3-15-45 | 32-00N | 129-30E | 154 | 450 | 11 |
| 31-51.7N | 129.21.5E | 154 | 400 | | very jerky pip.
| 31-52.8N | 128-59.0E | 95 | 600 | 17.5 | Danjo Gunto
| 31-53N | 128-58.3E | | 157 | 450 | 8 |
| 32-07N | 128-36E | 195 | 550 | 10 | Surface search Danjo Gunto
| Same | | 96 | 550 | 15 | Pass. [HANDWRITTEN: " "]
3-16-45 | 32-59.8N | 126-15E | 156 | 450 | 4 | Possible Mara To.
| 33-21N | 124-49E | 159 | 500 | 10 | Sweep every minute with double pip. [HANDWRITTEN: Pass. KOKUSAN]
3-17-45 | 32-53.7N | 126-44E | 076 | 400 | 15 | possible Saishu To
| 32-59.8N | 126-15E | 078 | 450 | 5 | Steady - possible Saishu To
3-18-45 | 33-44.4N | 123-24.4E | 205 | 500 | 3 | weak sweep
3-21-45 | 35-38.6N | 124-21.9E | 158 | 450 | 10 | shipborne

- 48 -

— page 288 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO EIGHTH WAR PATROL

Date       Lat.       Long        Freq. PRF Pulse Type radar
                                        width Remarks

3-21-45    35-33.1N   124-12E     153   450 10    shipborne - never steadied
                                                  down but from later action
                                                  of convoy - escorts believe
                                                  we were picked up.

3-22-45    35-20N     124-15E     227   1000 1.5  Air [HANDWRITTEN: ^]

3-25-45    35-43.9N   124-16.5E   158   400 7.5   shore based
           34-43.9N   123-45E     158   450 5     believe shipborne

3-28-45    36-14.5N   124-16.8E   159   400 2.5   shore based
           34-33.7N   123-26.8E   159   400 2.5   ? possibly Kokusan

3-30-45    34-58.5N   123-39N     160   400 1     Kokusan
           35-01.5N   123-39.1E   156   400 1.5   shore based

3-31-45    34-57.2N   124-32.2E   159   [HANDWRITTEN: ^]400 3     Possibly shipborne, increased
                                                  at various headings.
           34-40N     124-47.5E   154   1000 2.5  Airborne
           34-40.1N   124-47.5E   152   1000 3    Airborne [HANDWRITTEN: ^]
           34-39N     124-30.4E   162   400 1     land based
           34-33.5N   124-16.6E   164   400 10    land
           34-30.7N   124-07.9E   159   400 5     Kokusan

4-1-45     33-22N     124-14E     166   450 5     possible airsearch
           33-19N     124-25.7E   161   400 10    Land
           33-12.2N   124-33E     95    500 18    Mk. II air search
           33-10.2N   124-44.7E   164   400 10    land
           33-07.1N   124-55.5E   166   400 5     lobing, strenght 1
           33-04.4N   124-55.5E   152   400 10    pass Saishu To
           32-59N     125-00.9E   200   1000 8    Mk. II Mod. I airborne
           32-56N     125-06.5E   150   400 95    land
           32-30N     125-10E     78    400 25    poss. Saishu To.

- 49 -

— page 289 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BILO EIGHTH WAR PATROL
Date | Lat | Long | Frew | PRF | Pulse Width | Type radar Remarks
4-1-45 | 32-33.7N | 125-44E | 97 | 300 | 30 | Air search
| 32-33.7N | 125-44E | 154 | 400 | 17.5 | land
| 32-33N | 125-44E | 95 | 400 | 15 | Air search
| Same | | 154 | 1000 | 10 | Aircraft - trace jumped every
| | | | | | sec.
| same | | 154 | 400 | 8 | Unknown sweep
| 32-38.5N | 125-52E | 97 | 550 | 30 | Unknown
| Same | | 82 | 250 | 30 | possible air search
| 32-14N | 126-15E | 165 | 400 | 5 | Shorebased
| Same | | 154 | 400 | 15 | shore based
| 32-16N | 126-21.1E | 148 | 400 | 8 | shore based
| Same | | 96 | 750 | 12-15 | air search [HANDWRITTEN: a small wave-like drawing]
| 32-58.6N | 126-40.2E | 103 | 225 | 40 | air search
| 32-56.2N | 126-47.2E | 112 | 750 | 10 | air search
| 31-53N | 126-57E | 96 | 300 | 50 | land based
| 31-50.8N | 127-04E | 95 | 600 | 15 | Land based
4-2-45 | 31-42.6 | 127-29E | 165 | 400 | 5-3 | Land based search [HANDWRITTEN: -> 5m 163N]
| 31-40N | 129-35E | 159 | 400 | 7.5 | Land based.
| 31-38.2N | 127-49E | 98 | 550 | | land based
| 31-33.2N | 127-49E | 203 | 1000 | | airborne
| 31-31N | 127-52E | 160 | 400 | 7.5 | prob. land based
| 31-30.1N | 127-57.9E | 100 | 600 | 18 | prob. land based
| 31-30.0N | 127-580E | 153 | 950 | | Airborne Flashed strong
| | | | | | then out [HANDWRITTEN: a drawing of two peaks]
| 31-25N | 128-03E | 150 | 650 | 10 | Unknown - keyed twice [HANDWRITTEN: a drawing of a vertical line with a small hook at the top]
| 31-04N | 128-46E | 157 | 400 | 5 | poss. shipborne.
| 30-36.6N | 129-03.6E | 148 | 450 | 8 | Danjo Gunto or Koshiki
- 50

— page 290 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BILO EIGHTH WAR PATROL
Date      Lat.       Long       Freq  PRF   Pulse   Type radar
                                            width   Remarks
4-2-45    30-32N     129-10E    155   400   13      Koshiki Shima possibly
          30-26.5N   128-57E    95    300   40-60   Koshiki Shima
          30-04.9N   128-59.8E  203   1000          airborne
          30-00N     129-13.5E  149   900           Airborne keying
          29-56.4N   129-13.9E  155   400   5       prob. land based
          29-50N     129-16E    152   900   10      airborne
          29-41.8N   129-15.3E  212   850   20      possible land based
          29-35N     129-17E    160   400   10      possible land based - al-
                                                    though SJ had plane contact
                                                    at 11,000 yds.
          29-10N     129-38.8E  160   400   8       Land based - uneven at sat-
                                                    uration
4-4-45    29-09N     130-40.8E  155   400   12½     I class Jap sub sighted at
                                                    estimated 6,000 yds (our SJ
                                                    out of commission) when pip
                                                    appeared on SPA-APR. When
                                                    pip reached saturation the
                                                    range was about 5,000 yds.
                                                    Pip disappeared when Jap
                                                    dove. Pip at saturation
4-5-45    29-11.5N   136-39E    225   6075  5       Possibly U.S. shipborne
                                                    air search

(2) Jamming, own and enemy.
Date      Lat.       Long.      Type  Freq.   Effectiveness.
None

(3) Deception - own and enemy.
- While being chased by an enemy DD or DE in a heavy fog, a radar decoy
balloon was released as we dived. range 5,300 yds. This may have delayed
him, for some time elapsed during which contact was lost before he returned
picked us up on sonar, and delivered a depth charge attack.

(4) Photographs of extensive radar installations on southern end of Shimo Koshiki
Shima were made.

An extraordinary number of APR contacts on enemy radar were made on
1 April. This is believed to be due to extended ranges resulting from an
atmospheric trapping effect. During the same period of time a second trace
- 51 -

— page 291 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO EIGHTH WAR PATROL

SJ indication was received on land at 160,000 yards.

Communications Countermeasures

1. During the gun attack on 26 March, two-way signals on 500 kc. were
heard, believed to be our target's distress signal. Radio did not jam
because they had no express orders to do so.

2. Jamming, own and enemy.

Considerable enemy interference existed on all frequencies guarded
From 1200-1500 GCT each day, there was severe "bagpipe" jamming of HAIKU
FOX; while, from 1600-1800 GCT, frequent bagpipe and C.W. jamming
to six Japs on the circuit. A broadcast carrier interfered with reception on
of 4155 kc. occurred. A broadcast carrier interfered with reception on
6045 kc., starting at 1445 GCT each day. Safplan frequencies were relatively
free of jamming since they were seldom used. Jamming was severe in both
areas 9 and 12 and particularly effective in northern part of area 12.

All our sixteen transmissions on 8470 were jammed. List of trans-
missions is included under section (L).

3. Deception - own and enemy.

Frequency shifts were resorted to, but 8470 kc. was always found to be
best for clearing our traffic.

Sonar Countermeasures

1. Intercept of enemy signals.

The greater reliance that the enemy is now placing on echo-ranging
in lieu of listening, is more and more evident.

On the attack by subchaser types on 9 March, one resorted to listening
and the other used an echo ranging frequency below that of our supersonic gear
so that signals were heard as a loud thump at 4 second intervals, speeding
up as he came in to drop. All drops were astern.

The DE or DD attacking on 21 March was hot. He picked us up after I
thought we were clear, made a very cautious approach, and delivered one
powerful attack astern, ranging on 14 kc. and shifting to short scale as
he came in. Then, a shift to 16 kc fooled us for a while, since we could
no longer hear him.

2. Jamming and deception

On both evasions, NAC beacons and bubble targets were released whenever
I was sure attacker had picked us up. We did not hear any of the beacons.
They probably confused the first outfit but merely delayed the DD-DE temp-
orarily. Why he did not continue his attacks when he had us spotted in
240 feet of water is unknown.

- 52 -

— page 292 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BLACKTHREAD WAR PATROL

(V) REMARKS

1. The experience of diving five times in one night for unidentified
aircraft was rather tiresome and is indicative of the immediate necessity
for positive submarine-aircraft mutual identification without revelation
of sub's presence to an enemy.

2.

3. Along this same line, it is recommended that the feasibility of develop-
ment of a very small, high-speed torpedo be considered. These would be
capable of damaging the screws of A/S vessels to the extent that their
activities would be greatly limited and make them a comparatively easy prey.

They could be carried in fairly large numbers, stowed throughout the boat,
and fired from a special tube of small dimensions.

4. The increased topside armament of submarines has not been accompanied
by an increase in GM allowance. It is recommended that the allowance be
changed to one GM1c, one GM2c, and one GM3c or striker.

5. It is recommended to all subs that checks be made after every refit
to insure that below decks electrical gear is as watertight as possible,
particularly in conn and the control room. Many of the electrical grounds
which occurred in flooding the conning tower would have been avoided if the TDC
drain plugs had been in place, gasketed covers had been tight, and stuffing
tubes packed. There is an unfortunate tendency to consider stuffing tubes
as interior equipment merely holes for entrance of a cable rather than as
an arrangement for making the entrance watertight.

6. The effectiveness of the manual speed input from the Bendix Log
to DRT and DRAI installed by APOLLO in accordance with instructions contained
in Subron 4 Monthly Information Bulletin for January 1945 is notable. This
arrangement can be made in one or two days at a cost of a few dollars and
provide all the advantages of the expensive dummy log provided for by
Shipalt (for which material is not yet available) and has the further
advantage of requiring no additional space. Because of this and the very
great usefulness of this input when the log is out of commission and
particularly when rigged for depth charge, it is recommended that the
Pearl Harbor alteration be made immediately on all boats and the contract
for the dummy logs be cancelled.

— page 293 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED ONE jrw
Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California
9 April, 1945.

FB5-201/A16-3
Serial: (012)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO BALAO Report of War Patrol
Number EIGHT.

From: The Commander Submarine Division TWO HUNDRED ONE.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of War Patrol Number EIGHT.

1. The eighth war patrol of the U.S.S. BALAO was conducted in the
East China and Yellow Sea Areas. It was the first patrol of Lieutenant
Commander R. K. R. WORTHINGTON as Commanding Officer.

2. The BALAO formed a coordinated attack group with the TENCH,
(GUARDFISH), and SEA DEVIL, with the Commanding Officer of the TENCH as
group commander. The patrol was of forty (40) days duration, of which,
twenty-seven (27) days were spent on station. The patrol was terminated
by order of Comsubspac due to material casualties and low supply of fuel,
ammunition and torpedoes.

3. The Area was well covered. Thirty-three ship contacts were
made. Of these, eight were suitable torpedo targets, but only three could
be developed into attacks. A summary of attacks follows:

TORPEDO ATTACK NUMBER ONE - 9 March, 1945.

This day periscope attack was made on a tanker escorted by two SCS-1
Type craft. Due to visibility conditions and blending of ship outlines
against the coast line, the Commanding Officer had difficulty in estimating
size of the target and the range. From estimated range of 1870 yards, four
Mark 18 torpedoes were fired. The target turned towards the submarine after
firing was completed, causing all torpedoes to miss.

TORPEDO ATTACK NUMBER TWO - 19 March, 1945.

This was an aggressive surface attack on a convoy of four ships with
four escorts, delivered in water whose depth was less than ten fathoms. Four
torpedoes were fired at the leading ship of the near column at a range of
2,000 yards, and two were fired at the leading ship of the far column at a
range of 2,900 yards. One hit was observed, followed after a short delay,
by three others being heard and felt, while the after tubes were being fired.

- 1 -

— page 294 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED ONE jrw
Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California
9 April, 1945.

FB5-201/A16-3

Serial (012)

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

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of War Patrol Number EIGHT.

Unfortunately, times of hits were not recorded, so length of torpedo runs
could not be accurately determined. The Commanding Officer believes that the
first hit was on a DE or DD type escort, and the three hits were on an AK-AP
of the Awazisan Maru Class of 9,600 tons. This latter ship burned con-
tinuously for three hours after the attack. The fires were accompanied by
continuous explosions, and it is believed by the Commanding Officer that this
ship sank. As the result of this attack, it is recommended that the BALAO
be credited with sinking one AK-AP (BC) Awazisan Maru Class of 9,600 tons,
and damaging an escort of the DE (EU) Class.

TORPEDO ATTACK NUMBER THREE - 19 March, 1945.

This attack was a continuation of Attack Number Two. After firing the
bow tubes, the ship was swung toward the rear of the convoy and the four
stern tubes were fired at the rear ship of the near column at 2,000 yards
range. One hit was observed and the target blew up. It is recommended that
credit be given for sinking an unidentified transport of 8,000 tons. This
tonnage is recommended since the Commanding Officer states that this ship
was as large as those he could definitely identify, which were of 8,700
and 9,800 tons respectively.

TORPEDO ATTACK NUMBER FOUR - 21 March, 1945.

After making an aggressive approach on the surface and obtaining an
excellent position 1,000 yards from the track of the prize ship in a convoy
of two ships and four escorts, the BALAO was detected by the closest escort,
which foiled the attack. The attack was shifted from the large ship to the
meddlesome escort, a DE or DD, and four torpedoes were fired from the stern
tubes at a range of 1,500 yards at this escort, who was now chasing. No hits
resulted and no credit for damage to the enemy as the result of this attack
is recommended.

4. A large number of contacts were made on the small craft which
abound in this area. The BALAO made three aggressive gun attacks which
resulted in the sinking of six ships. A summary of gun engagements follows:

GUN ATTACK NUMBER ONE - 18 March, 1945.

During the morning of 18 March, after closing the target submerged, the
BALAO surfaced and sunk a trawler, Daitomaru #2 of 188 tons. Trouble was
experienced at first with 5" misfires and it was twenty-four minutes before
effective fire was maintained by the 5" gun. The target capsized after five
hits from the 5" gun. Three prisoners were taken.

- 2 -

— page 295 —
jrw
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED ONE
FB5-201/R16-3 Fleet Post Office,
Serial (012) San Francisco, California
9 April, 1945.
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of War Patrol Number EIGHT.

GUN ATTACK NUMBER TWO - 19 March, 1945.

During the afternoon, the BALAO closed two trawlers of about 150 tons
each, battle surfaced at a range of 1,700 yards, and opened fire at both
targets, using the 5" gun on one, and the 40 MM on the other. Within 12
minutes, both trawlers were destroyed. Sighting two more trawlers of
about 75 tons each to the northward, the BALAO closed them and gave them
the same treatment. A Chinaman was recovered from one of the latter vessels.
This prisoner offered the information that the vessels were manned pre-
dominantly by Japs. As the result of this action, it is recommended that the
BALAO be credited with destroying two trawlers of 150 tons each and two of
75 tons each.

GUN ATTACK NUMBER THREE - 26 March, 1945.

This attack was an aggressive attack on a ship which might well have
justified the use of torpedoes. Having sighted the ship, an AK of standard-
ized "Type 2,300 tons D, modified", the BALAO dove and commenced an approach.
After carefully looking the target over, the Commanding Officer decided that
he would attack with guns, since the ship was running in ballast and the
shallow draft might allow torpedoes to pass under the ship. The BALAO
battle surfaced and opened fire at a range of 4,000 yards. The target sank
after thirty-eight minutes. It is recommended that the BALAO be given
credit for sinking an AK (EC) of 2,300 tons.

It is regretted that no attack could be made on the Jap submarine
sighted on 4 April, 1945. The sub spoiled a possible attack by diving.

5. The BALAO returned in an exceptionally clean condition. There
are no major defects which will prevent the completion of her refit in the
normal period.

6. The Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the BALAO are
congratulated on the completion of this most aggressive and fruitful patrol.

[SIGNATURE: E. J. Sands]
E. T. SANDS.

— page 296 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
10 April 1945.

F05-20/A16-3

Serial: 075

CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO BALAO Report of 8th
War Patrol (Serial 04)
of 8 April 1945.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of EIGHTH War Patrol.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks and recommenda-
tions of damage assessment by Commander Submarine Division TWO
HUNDRED ONE.

2. The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY congratu-
lates the Commanding Officer, officers and men of the BALAO on
this daring and productive patrol.

[SIGNATURE: L. S. PARKS.]

— page 297 —
FF12-10(L)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
[HANDWRITTEN: F4354]
Serial 0860 Care of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California,
18 April 1945.

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
BALAO Report of
Eighth War Patrol. NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 723 [HANDWRITTEN: 4 03983]
U.S.S. BALAO - EIGHTH WAR PATROL

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

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of Eighth War Patrol
(27 February to 3 April 1945).

1. The eighth war patrol of the U.S.S. BALAO, conducted
in the East China and Yellow Sea areas, was the first patrol for
Lieutenant Commander R. K. R. Worthington, U.S. Navy, as commanding
officer. This vessel formed a coordinated attack group with the
U.S.S. TENCH (SS417), the U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS217), and the U.S.S.
SEA DEVIL (SS400), with the commanding officer of the TENCH, Comman-
der W. B. Sieglauff, U.S. Navy, as the group commander.

2. This was a splendid, aggressive patrol resulting in
the sinking of two large ships by torpedo fire and five trawlers and
one small ship by gunfire. The excellent marksmanship of the gun
crew is of special note.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congra-
tulates the commanding officer, officers and crew for this aggressive
and interesting patrol resulting in the following damage to the enemy:

S U N K

1 - Large AK (HEIZISAN MARU Type)(EC) - 9,800 tons (Attack No. 2)
1 - Medium AP (EU) - 7,500 tons (Attack No. 3)
1 - Small AK ("Type D Modified")(EC) - 2,300 tons (Gun Attack No. 3)
1 - Trawler (DAITO MARU #2) (EC) - 188 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)
2 - Trawlers (EU) (150 Tons each) - 300 tons (Gun Attack No. 2)
2 - Trawlers (EU) (75 Tons each) - 150 tons (Gun Attack No. 2)

TOTAL SUNK 20,238 tons

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

— page 299 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

U.S.S. BALAO (SS285)

SS285/A16-3
Serial 7

Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
7 June 1945

[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Fleet.
Via : (a) The Commander Submarine Division 104.
(b) The Commander Submarine Squadron 10.

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO, Report of War Patrol Number 9.

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the 9th war patrol of this vessel conducted
in East China and Yellow Seas during the period 3 May, 1945 to 7 June, 1945, is
forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: R.K.R. Worthington]
R.K.R. WORTHINGTON.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

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

[HANDWRITTEN: 128282]

— page 300 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL

(A) PROLOGUE

Arrived Guam on 8 April, 1945, from 8th War Patrol. Commenced refit by Subdiv
201 relief crew alongside U.S.S. PROTEUS on 9 April, 1945. Routine refit by this
exceedingly well organized and cooperative refit organization was completed on 23
April, 1945. Major items were repair of radar, TDC, and sound gear damaged by
flooding conning tower on previous patrol. Underway training period from 25
April to 1 May, 1945, comprised 5 days and one night of operations. Fired 6
exercise torpedoes. The following officers were detached: Lieut. J.L. GAMMON,
USN (Executive Officer); and Lieut. C.W. GUPTIL, (DE) USNR, (First Lieut. & Gun.
Off). The following officers reported for duty and relieved above officers:
Lieut. W.A. SHONERD, USN and Lieut.(jg) S.D. SASKA, USN. 11 men were transferred
and 14 men received.

The following officers and CPO's will make the 9th War Patrol of U.S.S. BALAO:

Name | Rank | Prior War Patrols
WORTHINGTON, R.K.R. | Lt.Comdr,USN | 11
SHONERD, W.A. | Lieut., USN | 8
WILLS, J.K. | Lieut., USNR | 3
RICHARDSON, J.F. | Lieut., USNR | 7
SQUIRE, M.L. | Lieut., USNR | 6
SASKA, S.D. | Lieut.(jg) USN | 4 (1 enlisted)
STOVROFF, M.H. | Lieut.(jg) USNR | 3
BOSTROM, E.E. | Lieut.(jg) USN | 8 (6 enlisted)
GRAYSON, A.M. | Ensign, USNR | 2
HANNIFIN, P.J. | Ensign, USN | 1
DYBA, R.P. | CMOMM | 5
POWELL, J.L. | CEM | 7
BOONE, W.B. | CMOMM | 8
NOWAKOWSKI, W.R. | CTM | 8
WOOLLEY, W.H. | CEM | 5
JOHNSON, J.D. | CRT | 8

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— page 301 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL

(B) NARRATIVE

3 May 1945

1500 (K) Underway from alongside U.S.S. PROTEUS at Apra Harbor, Guam, in
accordance with Comsubpac Opord No. 93-45, in company with escort
SC 1096, U.S.S. DRAGONET (17.14.1), U.S.S. SHAD (17.14.3), and
U.S.S. SPIKEFISH. The task group will be called Lewis Legions.
BALAO is 17.14.4.

1718 Trim dive. Bad rattles in superstructure.

1813 Surfaced.

1910 Escort returned to port. Opened to cruising disposition.

2051 SJ contact 265° T, 12,000 yds. For next 1½ hours tracked and
avoided about four subs. Unable to tell which were part of our
group and which returning subs due to pass. No attempt made to
exchange recognition on SJ.

4 May 1945

0540 Small boat, drifting, empty.

0700 Received our sub notice by light from DRAGONET. Don't know how come
we didn't receive it prior departure from Operations. Should have
checked.

0803 Deep dive to test for leaks and noise. Rattles still present and
there is an air leak, location undetermined. BN inoperative.

0920 Surfaced.

1200 Lat. 15-33N Long. 141-20E.

1455 Dove. #1 tube outer door leaks worse each dive.

1715 Informed SHAD by light that am returning to port and requested relay
to DRAGONET at first opportunity.

1730 Transmitted BALAO First requesting permission to return to port for
repairs.

1759 Dove. Attempted again to stop door leak. No luck.

1827 Surfaced.

1902 Plane 210° T, 11 mi.

1917 Reversed course to return to port.

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— page 302 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL
5 May 1945

0135 Transmitted BALAO Second giving ETA, Guam rendezvous as 1430 (K).
0945 Directed to proceed to Saipan.
1200 Lat. 14°-24N Long. 143°-42E.
1210 Rendezvous instructions received from CTG 17.7. We would have
    entered Guam at 1730 today. Have 18 hours to make 96 miles to
    Saipan rendezvous tomorrow morning.
1220 Dove.
1330 Surfaced.
1335 Dove.
1350 Surfaced.
1524 SD and sight contact on four F6F at 5 mi. Numerous planes in
    sight until dark.
1638 Dove.
1732 Surfaced. Aircraft across 22,000 yds. bearing 235° T. Decided
    to delay training dives in her vicinity after watching TBF with
    bomb racks loaded fly overhead on last dive.
1741 Held tracking drill on the carrier.
2020 SJ contact 115° T; 8,250 yds; and exchanged SJ recognition with
    U.S.S. BUMPER outbound.
2300 SJ contact 115° T; 12,800 yds; unident.
2347 A/C on course 100°, bearing 225° T, turned on running lights. SD
    contact 4 miles.
2348 OCD fired green flare.

6 May 1945

0019 SJ interference 040° T. Unident.
0146 SD contact 4 miles. OCD fired green flare.
0150 SJ interference very strong. No recognition.
0158 RPR 210 mc, 2500 PRF.
0257 SJ contact, 2 unident., 055° T; 28,000 yds.

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— page 303 —
CONFIDENTIAL
                                                                U.S.S. BILAO NINTH WAR PATROL

0328            SD contact 3 miles.
0330            A/C dropped 2 green flares overhead. OOD fired green flare.
0441            SJ contact 281° T; 12,000 yds. Unident.
1114            Rendezvoused with SENNET, TORO, BILLFISH, and LCI 1098 and headed
                for Saipan.
1117            Moored alongside U.S.S. ORION at Tanapag Harbor, Saipan. Submarines
                that have been here before will appreciate mooring to the stbd.
                side of the tender.

                Subron 16 treated us royally and performed the following work
                for us:

                1. Removed #1 tube door, renewed gasket and replaced.

                2. Replaced BN.

                3. Replaced two Mk. 18 torpedoes.

                4. Removed QB sound head, renewed oil soaked leads, and one broken
                   lead, replaced.

                5. Performed bracketing and welding to remove sources of rattles
                   in superstructure.

                6. Took cut on bow buoyancy blow seat.
                                                                7 May 1945
1615            Underway in company with LCI 1098, U.S.S. BILLFISH, and U.S.S.
                SENNET.
1843            Test dive. All OK.
1905            Surfaced.
2100            Escort returned to port, SENNET headed for Pearl, BILLFISH and
                BILAO headed for patrol. Held tracking drill.
                                                                8 May 1945
0001            SJ recognition with U.S.S. BANG on route Guam.
0426            PBM closed to 4 mi. on course 330° T.
0640            Sighted A/C at 8 mi.
0642            SD contact 5½ mi. SD still not good.
                                                                - 4 -

— page 304 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL

0937 Training dive.
1003 Surfaced.
1200 Lat. 15°-22N Long. 142°-32E.
1502 Training dive.
1534 Surfaced.
1819 Training dive.
1848 Surfaced. Bow buoyancy blow leaks again and #5 tube has flooded.
     "Woe is us! Examination reveals B.B. valve cut taken in Saipan is
     cockeyed. Pulled fish from #5 tube and found bow door gasket
     cocked for about ½". Door has not been operated since leaving Guam
     and has held for 10 dives, including 2 to deep submergence. Will
     somebody call off the gremlins? Secured fish in the room and let
     tube flood. Sea is too rough for diving. Something must be done
     to keep these gaskets in place. BALAO has experienced this difficulty
     before.

2000 Negative pip on SD, 24 miles.
2003 Sighted plane 305° T, 10° elevation, no SD pip.

9 May 1945

0050 SJ contact 335° T; 14,500 yds. (BILLFISH)
0245 APR 199 mc, 60 PRF, S-2.
0250 SJ recognition with PICUDA, southbound.
0332 APR 195 mc, 60 PRF, S-2.
0407 BN pip, 9 mi.
0409 SD pip, 5½ mi.
0410 Lighted plane on westerly course.
0605 BN pip, 25 mi.
0607 Sighted plane 065° T, 10 mi.
0631 Sighted plane 080° T, 20 mi, BN pip.
0715 APR 220 mc.
0725 BN pip, 26 mi.

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— page 305 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL

0730 Sighted plane, 10 mi.
1200 Lat. 17-56N Long. 138-00E.
1205 C/C to North in "Gullet".
1305 APR 117 mc, 60 PRF, S-1.
1555 BN pip 26 mi.
1632 APR 196 mc.
1700 SD cut.
1750 Sighted plane, 210° T, 10 mi., headed east.
1914 SD in.
2027 SJ recognition with BILLFISH.
2028 Training dive.
2052 Surfaced.
2343 SJ contact 340° T; 1,500 yds. Avoided to East at flank speed.
     Did not appear to be birds but may well have been debris. Lost
     at 2,300 yds.

                                                              10 May 1945

0308 Training dive.
0356 Surfaced.
0417 Training dive.
0436 Surfaced.
0730 Set clocks back 1 hour to Item time (-9).
0832 (I) Sighted B-29, 060° T; BN pip at 9 miles.
1200 Lat. 22-46N Long. 137-52E.
1247 APR contact on an SD.
1351 Sighted object on horizon 330° T, probably BILLFISH.
1452 Sighted B-29, 230° T, BN and SD pip at 11 miles.
1526 Sighted unidentified object on horizon 002° T for short time.
     Could have been sub conning tower, so changed base course to left.

                                                              - 6 -

— page 306 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL

1532 APR, 100 mc, PRF 500, S-2.
1558 APR, 78 mc, PRF 500, S-1.
1630 APR, 80 mc, & 83 mc.
Do not savvy all these gap radar contacts with nearest land Iwo
Jima at 200 miles.
1658 Last training dive.
1726 Surfaced with all APR contacts present and probable BILLFISH shears
006° T.
2349 APR 140 mc, S-2, Sweeping 12 sec.

11 May 1945

0355 SJ interference, direction indeterminate.
0410 APR 200 mc.
0640 APR 196 mc.
0921 Sighted B-24, bearing 240° T, BN pip at 8 mi.
0950 Sighted B-29, bearing 090° T, BN pip at 9 mi.
1200 Lat. 27-17N Long. 137-18E.
1246 APR 106 mc, 250 PRF, S-1.
1310 APR 210 mc, 250 PRF, S-1.
1454 APR 79 mc, 450 PRF, S-2.
1644 APR 169 mc, 1000 PRF, S-3 and SD contact 6 and 10 miles.
1645 Dove.
1710 SD clear, APR contact very weak at 169 mc., started to surface.
SD contact 9 mi., so went back down. Still could see nothing
thro' scope. Large low cumulus clouds overhead.
1725 SD clear, APR weak at 169 mc., started to surface. SD contact at
2 mi. Down again.
1757 Surfaced. All clear.
2030 Sounded two short blasts and turned left into "CORRIDOR".

- 7 -

— page 307 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BILAO NINTH WAR PATROL

12 May 1945

1115        APR 180 mc, 60 PRF, S-2.
1200        Lat. 29-01N Long. 133-05E.
1840        APR 200 mc, 60 PRF, S-2.
1954        Flashes of interference on SJ, 177° T. Not SJ.
2003        APR 225 mc, 100 PRF, S-2, increased to saturation.
2024        Unintelligible voice (VHF) on APR at 140 mc startled the APR
            watch.
2025        SJ contact on 2 planes at 10,000 yds., closing to 6,500. SD
            contact 4 miles. Dove.
2110        All clear. Surfaced. Turned on ABK. Using SD & BN every 1½ to
            2 minutes. SJ continuous. These APR contacts don't exactly match
            anything on the list but I attribute them to U.S. forces on the
            prowl in view of tomorrow's carrier strike on Kyushu. Shall try
            to get through the Nansel Shoto tonite and have done with this
            running the gauntlet of own and Nip forces. Everybody except BILAO
            Feel like the forgotten man. Hope we
            haven't been completely forgotten!
2156        BN pip, 10 miles, closing.
2158        Dove on SJ plane contact at 4,200 yds.
2230        About to surface. Could hear planes talking on VHF but could not
            raise them. SD contact 2 miles. Down again.
2300        SD & BN pips 5 and 20 miles, opening.
2303        Surfaced with same APR contacts 200 and 225 mc, 60 PRF, S-1. VHF
            manned. VHF talk sounds like these planes are returning from a
            strike. One said he had made several hits and started fires. Would
            like to know location of our carrier task force to aid our estimate
            of situation.
2306        APR 200 mc, 60 PRF, S-1.
2313        APR 225 mc, 60 PRF, S-1.
2355        APR 195 mc, 75 PRF, 10us, S-3.

13 May 1945

0015        APR 158 mc, 500 PRF, S-1. (Suwanose Suido?)

- 8 -

— page 308 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BILAO NINTH WAR PATROL
(Suwanose Suido?)

0025 APR 82 mc, 500 PRF, S-1.
0041 APR 109 mc, 250 PRF, S-1, 24 us.
0055 SJ interference 225° T, very rapid sweep, looks like 3 different
radars, - 2 with PRF same as SJ but with an entirely different
railing, one with a sinusoidal indication without railing and with a
much lower pulse rate.
0055 SJ contact 294° T, 75,000 yds. - Suwanose.
0228 SD contact 18 miles, Suwanose.
0233 APR 200 mc, 60 PRF, S-5.
0246 APR 150 mc, 500 PRF, 11 us, S-1.
0254 APR 160 mc, 500 PRF, S-1.
0306 APR 210 mc, 400 PRF, 2 us, S-1.
0307 APR 215 mc, 250 PRF, 3 us, S-3.
0325 APR 109 mc, 600 PRF, S-1.
0326 Started thro' Suwanose Suido on 4 engines.
0330 APR 155 mc, 250 PRF, S-1 - should be Jap A/C.
0345 APR 200 mc, 60 PRF, S-5.
0354 APR 207 mc, 60 PRF, S-1.
0404 SD 3 mi., might be land or plane.
0410 APR 190 mc, 60 PRF, S-5.
APR ad infinitum.
0451 Dove for day. Gets light too early these days.
1200 Lat. 29°-41N Long. 129°-14 E.
1910 Sighted first plane of day. Expected more. This was a low wing
float plane headed south.
1958 Surfaced.
2012 APR 150 mc, 500 PRF, S-1.
2026 SD & BN contact 6 miles. Turned on ABK.

- 9 -

— page 309 —
CONFIDENTIAL

                                                                U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL.

2028          Dove. - SJ bearing steady and range 5,500.
2050          Surfaced. Usual APR contacts.
2150          10 cm. interference 349° T. Not SJ.
2204          SJ contact 245° T; 2,000 yds. - gremlin.

                                                                14 May 1945

0509          Dove. Since we are only 40 miles from SHAD's lifeguard station
              for today's carrier strike, shall listen on 4475 kcs. on SD
              antenna half hourly.
1200          Lat. 32°-04N Long. 128°-57E.
1210          Still not able to understand chatter on 4475; asked SHAD by CW if
              we could be of any help. No definite receipt but could faintly
              hear somebody transmitting the time/date group of our message.
1334          Surfaced under low overcast to call SHAD again. R.Y attempted to
              raise SHAD for us. Jap took over circuit. using SHAD's call and
              attempting to get repeats - then jammed the circuit.
1404          Gave up. Dove.
1929          Surfaced between Fukae and Danjo.
              APR 96 mc, 750 PRF, S-1.
2120          APR 94 mc, 750 PRF, S-5. (Danjo).

                                                                15 May 1945

0030          Attempted to locate loud thumping in superstructure near bow planes.
              Will have to wait for drier night to investigate.
0045          Decoded DRAGONET Fourth gathering the clan off Shantung Promontory.
              Abandoned plans for investigating Korean Archipelago and Saishu
              Kaikyo and headed west.
0047          APR phenomena resembling S-4 pip covering entire range from 80 to
              1000 mc, 1500 PRF, 5 us. Strangely, the audible signal was weak.
              If it is jamming, it is completely successful. Lasted about 5
              minutes. Unable to locate possible source inside the ship.
0704          Mine #1. Hit several times with Garand without effect. Lost
              contact.
0822          Mine #2. Target got by.
0928          Sighted 2 PBM at 5 miles. Turned on IFF and they went away. BN
              inoperative.

                                                                - 10 -

— page 310 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO
NINTH WAR PATROL

0952 APR 200 mc, 600 PRF, S-1.
0958 Mine #3. Unable to hit it in increasing sea.
1014 APR 140 mc, 250 PRF, S-1.
1020 Mine #4. Didn't even try to hit this baby. Sea now quite rough.
1055 Dove on sighting 2 large planes coming in astern. ABK secured this
time. APR heard conversation on VHF, "I have target 7 miles ahead".
COD says he's sensitive about being referred to as a "target".

1128 Surfaced. All clear.
1200 Lat. 32-45N. Long. 125-25E.
Weather extremely variable all day, from crystal clear to complete
overcast and heavy rain.

1712 SD contact 9 miles, opened to 10 and disappeared. No BN pip.

2100 Received word of two PBM's down just two hours after we dove at 1055,
160 miles east of us at time of ditching. SHAD, RAY, and DRAGONET
should be in position to conduct search.

Two DD reported at anchor off Kyobun To. Our original plans for
today's patrol would have taken us there and we'd now be fairly near
the PBM survivors. Such is life!

16 May 1945

0015 SJ interference 010° T.
0135 SJ interference 015° T now fairly strong, also weaker interference
on 080° T. PRF about same as SJ. Attempted recognition on 015° T.
No response. Believe these are Japs.

0340 SJ interference 175° T in addition to other two, our course 345° T.

0450 SJ interference now also on 270° T. Looks suspiciously as tho' we
are surrounded. Maybe the SONNET's tale is making me imagine things
and this is a simple case of just two radars. But they smell like
Japs and the true bearing things have changed but little since original
contact. Strength has increased considerably. Every time we key
the SJ they steady on our bearing, then go off the air, but will not
answer our challenge. One responded once incorrectly. We are using
listening and sweeping SJ occasionally. Their
indication varies from wide spaced pickets dashing madly across the
scope to close pickets similar to SJ with heavy tops. Don't know
whether to take evasive action or just wait for dawn. Intend to
stay on surface today. Decided to make trim dive and get a look
around by daylight from periscope depth. Also, this will give
search planes time to get up here in case we need them.

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CONFIDENTIAL
                                                              U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL

0518                                          Dove and changed course to 215°.

0745                                          Surfaced. All clear on SJ, SD, & APR. Headed north again.

0822                                          APR 140 mc, 500 PRF, S-1.

0828                                          APR 200 mc, 300 PRF, S-1.

0832                                          S. C. #1. Small sailing vessel, 286° T, on easterly course. Avoided.

0833                                          S.C. #2, small trawler or sampan, 315° T, on course 100°. Sea
                                              too rough for gun or torpedo action against small stuff. Avoided.

1000                                          Passed bloated corpse wearing khaki trou., a grey life vest, and
                                              what resembled a parachute harness of the back type.

1019                                          OOD sighted very large unidentified plane, elevation 1/2°, 8 miles
                                              distant on bearing 045° T. Did not sight us. No. I.F.F.

1115                                          APR 143 mc, 100 PRF, S-1.

1200                                          Lat. 35-19N Long. 123-38E.

1207                                          OOD dove on sighting very large plane, 6 miles on bearing 030° T,
                                              turn towards. No I.F.F. Lookout reported a second one after
                                              diving. OOD says looked like B-24's, twin tail. In the existing
                                              usual Yellow Sea hazy visibility, objects just come into sight at
                                              5 or 6 miles.

                                              Negative vent gasket blew out on the dive. This must be
                                              altered to latest type. Blew out on 8th patrol when diving to
                                              evade pursuit. First Lieutenant could not obtain spare gasket
                                              from four tenders in Guam and Saipan.

1447                                          Gasket back in place; surfaced. Barometer down to 29.50"; seas
                                              now from north, force 5; sky clear. Rapid shifts of wind and sea
                                              and extremely variable weather seems typical of this area.

                                                                            17 May 1945

                                              Had intended to investigate Shitao Wan, reported anchorage, as
                                              per Pack Commander's general assignment. Heavy seas having
                                              slowed down my advance, could not now get in early enough.
                                              Besides I want to convert #3 FBT for the extra speed before I go
                                              motor torpedo boating. Unfortunately, each night's delay reduces
                                              the length of darkness. Tonite was not dark until 2100 and the
                                              moon is up until 0030. Shitao Wan is 2 hours run from what
                                              passes for decent diving depth in Yellow Sea.

0200                                          Sea calmed down; converted #3 FBT and greased topside.

0400                                          Compensated GOC magnetic compass.

                                                                            - 12 -

— page 312 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALLAO NINTH WAR PATROL

0958 Dove to 140' on sighting twin float plane headed in, 255° T, 5
     miles.

1009 One depth bomb.

1140 Sighted plane, zero A.O.B., 4 miles, single float.

1200 Lat. 37-16N Long. 123-40E.

1230 Pinging on 300° T, 14.5 kcs.

1243 JP & JK reported screws 170° T. Nothing in sight at any time on
     this contact, tho' sound reported contact almost continuously
     until lost at 105° T. If it was a submerged sub, he passed rather
     close and should have seen our 'scope.

1245 S.C. #3, 307° T, about 14,000 yds., unidentified, probably PC, on
     course N.E., pinging continuously. Heavy mast abaft bridge.

1408 Lost visual and pinging contact on 008° T.

1423 Distant explosion.

1445 Distant depth charge.

1446 " " "

1457 " " "

1458 " " "

1518 (S.C. #4), 318° T; 14,000 yds., course N.E., small patrol boat.
     No pinging. No mast seen.

1547 Plane 0100 T, 5 miles, single float.

1601 Plane disappeared, 249° T.

1621 Distant depth charge.

1711 6 " " "

1840 8 " " ", shaking the boat slightly. S.C. #4 was
     intermittently in sight to N. until after sunset at near limit of
     visibility. Could not ascertain that he was depth charging.

2015 Attempted copy Skod on SD mast at 48'. Signals strength 1, un-
     readable.

2020 Surfaced.

2047 Decoded R.T.ON report of radar contact 25 miles bearing 030° T at
     2030. Clc to 030° T.

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— page 313 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BILO NINTH WAR PATROL

2051 PR 260 mc, 150 PRF, S-1. Unlisted frequency.

2300 At posit of RATON's contact; no further word from RATON. Have been
sweeping with ST and listening on SJ. Interference on SJ to SE so
attempted challenge on SJ. Improper reply once, after that nothing.
RT says it's SJ with possibly "furriners" around too.

2325 Asked RATON and SCABBERDFISH for posits and told them of radar
interference. Received word SCABBERDFISH 40 miles 225° from us.
RATON 26 miles 085°. RATON asked if we had anything for him.

18 May 1945

Encoded dope on todays' contacts and was about to transmit when
at

0138 (S.C. #5). ST contact 004° T; 14,500 yds; 4 small pips. Sent
contact report and commenced end run, target base course 000°, speed
7 kts. SCABBERDFISH had been submerged but RATON had just said she was diving.
Now had strong non-SJ interference at 240° T and 140° T.

0305 Battle stations, commenced approach.

0328 In position 2400 yds. from track of stbd. flanker, OB 40° S.
Targets in line abreast. At range of 3,600 yds. could barely see
targets. Looked very small. This and not knowing the location of
other boats caused change of plan.

0329 Came right and went ahead full to gain station for submerged attack
at dawn. Secured SJ and used ST ranges to check setup. Targets
have been steady on 000° T. for a half hour now.

0407 Dove.

0440 Sighted targets in first light of dawn. They were in port quarter
echelon about 1200 yards apart. We were 5° on stbd. bow of #3 from
stbd. Ranges about 4500 yards, but ST had no contact. Must be
smaller even than I had thought. Planned to cross bow of #3 and
shoot aft at him, fwd. at #4. This progressed nicely. OB #3 20°
OB #4 30° S. Then, foremasthead blinker from #2, RRR from others
zig to right. Now down ahead of #4. Prepared to go deep for down
the-throat shot. More blinker. 60° zig further to right. This
would have been fine if targets large. As it was, targets too
small for a zero depth shot at indefinite range. Could just make
out gun on forecastle of #4 and possible small bedspring antenna
on foremast. All four were large trawlers, - #1, 2, 3, miniature
AK's and #4 an overgrown sampan, each with two abnormally high
masts. Decided against a battle surface only 20 miles from Daiso
Gunto since the odds smelled bad. At this point, commenced sight-
ing small craft (S.C. #6) on the hazy horizon until we had 9 more
when, in the logical Jap fashion, it went left to 180°. Not until

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full daylight could it be ascertained that our additional nine
were fishing craft, mostly sail and probably Koreans. Resumed
breathing and followed our target group as it ran S, E, N, E,
and slowly pulling away. Maybe they were honestly fishing, but I've
never seen it done in formation by signal. Could not get close
enough to see if minelaying or sweeping was being conducted.

1200 Lat. 37-42N Long. 124-06E.

1600 Lost sight of target group; gave up operation observant and headed
     out dodging fishing craft. Sea has been table top glassy all day.

1700 Korean "avis non rara" decided to build its nest on #2 scope. Ran
     up #1 and mugged him for future submission to War Criminals Commis-
     sion.

1931 Surfaced.

2200 Transmitted dope to pack (using Item time in time group!).

2230 SJ interference 220° T.

2250 SJ 240° T; 6,700 yds. Put contact astern and was challenged by SJ.
     Exchanged recognition with SCIBB'RDFISH. (She came up first with
     the first challenge instead of second reply).

                                19 May 1945

     Received rotating patrol plan from R.Y and relayed to pack upon
     his request. Our station is off Shantung promontory, but I will
     continue with plans to submerge off Chosan Kan tomorrow. That
     station is assigned to RATON who started home today.

0204 SJ interference 145° T.

0207 (S.C. #7). Sighted first of Korean fishing fleet lights to east-
     ward. For rest of night, avoided a couple of dozen of these.

0238 Exchanged SJ recognition with R.Y, 150° T.

0415 Dove 8 miles NW of Chosan Kan for a busy day. Desired to reach a
     spot 2 miles NNW of Chosan. From this point we could close the
     range as desired for any loaded target southing down from Heijo
     and would be able to sight target in plenty of time. Would not be
     able to track northbound ships, but they would be empty anyway.
     Traffic was observed on last patrol closely rounding Chosan.

0535 The charted warning of 4 knot currents off Chosan is not an idle
     one, already having difficulty. Looks like a monkey wrench in
     my plans. A table smooth sea and the dozens of sampans and junks
     won't help either.

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1200 Lat. 38-06N Long. 124-35E.

1201 S.C. #8. Sighted 1200 ton AK proceeding south according to plan,
but we are 5 miles out of planned position. Commenced dash and
dodge routine to obtain firing position.

1240 S.C. #9. Small standardized engines aft vessel whipped around
Chosan Kan from South.

1259 Current too much for us, could not close target sufficiently before
she rounded point. Target has gun on high platform f'w'd.

1309 My! My! here comes another one down (S.C. #10). Keeping naviga-
tional plot on chart; and it shows stack height of 40'. Had
guessed 60'.

1412 Best position we'll have - run 2000 yds., gyro 349, track 115 stbd.
Not good enough, but will chance it.

1412-30 Fired #1. Depth set 4'.
42 Fired #2.
53 Fired #3.

1415 #1 hit a large fishing junk well to right of target. Target had
started to turn left to avoid junk or to round Chosan.

1420-15 #2 exploded well beyond and to right of target.

1420-20 #3 end of run explosion - not observed. Sound reports continuous
popping sounds not heard prior to firing. Now, if we had been
forced deep we'd probably be congratulating ourselves on 2 hits and
believe sounds to be marine life stirred up by
explosions.

1421 Headed west to open coast, reload, and hash over this affair.
Obviously we missed because of faulty speed estimate caused by
tracking target which was not in full set of current. Just about
time of firing, the full set of current hit him, and we missed
ahead. Except for this small swing away and our insufficient
spread coverage we would probably hit with last fish.

1453 Small explosion heard thro' hull.

1740 Plane, single float, 110° T, 5 miles, conducting low altitude
search.

1830 Discovered we were being followed! Had hooked a fisherman's
lighted net float. Junks and sampans within 1000 yds. While
pondering this sad state of affairs in 29 fathoms of water, at.

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                                                                U.S.S. BLAO NINTH WAR PATROL

1832                Sighted our Jap air contact, 085° T, 5 miles. Headed for clearest
                    spot in this forest of masts, eased down to 150' and went ahead
                    standard.

1910                Eased up to periscope depth at 1/3 speed with all fingers crossed.
                    It worked!

1937                OOD reported he dood it again. He can darn well undo it! He did.

2040                Surfaced.

2050                SJ interference 154° T. Exchanged recognition with R.Y and gave
                    him dope on southbound traffic.

                                                                20 May 1945

0027                SJ recognition with R.Y, 150° T.

0042                SJ interference 130° T. Does not look like R.Y. This became very
                    strong and did all sorts of tricks. At various times it looked
                    like a sine wave picket, pickets with ¼" balls on top, etc. May
                    have been more than one radar but could not be determined. Only
                    one form on screen at a time, and R.Y interference disappeared
                    when this second interference became strong. Proximity to R.Y's
                    bearing indicated she should have contact on source, but have
                    heard nothing from her. Another peculiarity is that the interfer-
                    ence form sometimes varied greatly depending on whether we were
                    listening or keying SJ, but not always. These fancy forms were
                    observed over an interval, the R.Y's pattern was observed
                    again on 135° T. Best explanation is aircraft, particularly since
                    at one time interference existed thro' 360°.

0342                (S.C. #11): SJ 095° T, 2300 yds. Put contact astern.

0354                SJ contact 130° T, 1600 yds., very small. Lost contact shortly.
                    Circled back and regained contact. Larger target is stopped.
                    Sight contact revealed what looked like a junk.

0447                Dove with range 3500 yds., target in the east the morning light.
                    Could soon make out as a Chinese junk. Passed at 300 yds.,
                    observing crew at morning rice. Sea so flat that 3" of scope is
                    sufficient. Insufficient light for movies for Captain Parks.

                    Due to the utterly glassy sea in which our wake stands out for
                    miles, we will run submerged today to south.

1200                Lat. 37-16N Long. 123-30E.

1700                Junk 251° T. These junks are undoubtedly Chinese, due to proximity
                    of Shantung and lack of Jap colors on side. Yesterday's fleet off
                    Korea had very small Jap flags on side of hull.

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U.S.S. BILOXI NINTH WAR PATROL

1935         Surfaced, flat calm persists.

2031         SJ interference 175° T. looks like SJ. Soon had one or more at
             several points. Could not get one to steady on and signal was
             barely audible. Believe source quite distant, visible because of
             trapping effect.

                                   21 May 1945

             Intend stay on surface today, running to south and back up in
             time for shallow water sweep off Shantung if moon is obscured tonite.
             Okinawa reports Sugar Jibles to the SE in SHID's territory and
             believes movement of tankers to S underway.

0550         Passed 2 corpses close aboard, fully clothed and life jacketed. Our
             bow wave rolled one over on its back. A clean picked yellow skull
             gave us what might be called a vacant stare and little appetite for
             breakfast.

             We also have a more pleasant visitor, a very weary little barred
             owl who has gone to sleep under the breech block of the 5" gun.

0630         Search plane reported FTD close to beach off Mui Tao headed for
             Tsingtao. Too bad 7 fathoms isn't quite enough for a submerged
             patrol!

0637         APR 255 mc, S-1 (?).

1025         (S.C. #12). Mast 076° T. Closed until identified as a sailing
             craft.of small size, not going any place much in this dead flat
             calm and glassy sea. Observed four more similar craft in same
             direction. Will not shoot these up now. Probably Koreans working
             for Jap fishing syndicate.

1150         4 more sail to east, similar to S.C. #12.

1200         Lat. 35°-44N Long. 123°-48E.

1325         OOD maneuvered to avoid periscope sighted 3500 yds. bearing 080° T.
             C.O. picked it up astern on reaching bridge and concurred in ident-
             ification until a definite rake to it was noticed. No feather from
             it was seen at any time. It seemed to come up farther and farther
             until an estimated 5 feet protruded. The assumption that it was a
             floating spar or branch didn't jibe with the fact that it was first
             reported as sticking up a few inches and several times was lost from
             sight. There was no trace of swell to affect it and a milk can
             could be seen a couple thousand yards on this surface. One guess
             is the whip antenna of a U.S. sub was unlatched and projecting while
             they watched us with 2" of scope out and thought it all very amusing,
             not knowing they were waving a flag above them. Could see it to
             about 6000 yds. Shortly after losing it, we sighted a number of
             black objects rise above the surface on the same bearing, appearing

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and disappearing several times. First thought, of course, was a
midget sub, but the shapes didn't support this. Probably sharks
or porpoise. Sighted a tremendous shark close aboard at this time,
moving very lazily - maybe a killer whale.

1336 APR, 78 mc, 500 PRF, 15 us, S-1.

1358 APR, 100 mc, 300 PRF, S-1.
Seems strangely coincidental that these should follow so closely
on possible periscope sighting, but it's possible that our change
of course and the APR antenna pattern brought in these contacts
from distant land.

1705 Trim dive. Hope our owl got clear.

1733 Surfaced. The BALAO Bird Refuge became host again when an
exhausted swallow landed on the OOD's hand, hopped to the shelf,
breathed a long sigh, tucked his head under one wing, and turned
in for a nap.

So far, all our movie cameraman is getting is still photos for
a volume of "Bird Life in the Yellow Sea".

1950 Sighted Shantung 300° T.

2017 SJ 314° T, 75,000 yds. - land.

2100 After an all day 100% overcast definitely on the unpleasant side,
out comes the moon and the sky clears up. Looks like we're foxed
again in that beach sweep. No soap with this visibility.

2152 SJ interference 123° T.

2154 APR 340 mc, 400 PRF, S-1. (Fire Control).

22 May 1945

2209 SJ interference 047° T.

0005 Sighted dark object 320° T, 3900 yds. radar range - probable sampan.

0115 SJ recognition with SEGUNDO on 140° T.

0225 Investigated and sighted junk lying to at
2300 yds. Lost ST contact at 2900 yds, SJ at 4900 yds., showing
the sacrifice involved in the necessity of sweeping with ST on the
surface.

0231 Junk 080° T.

0330 (S.C. #13) SJ 350° T, 7100 yds. Maneuvered to investigate.

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0441        Dove to close target.
0507        Target made sail and slowly opened range.
0514        Target identified as junk, so headed south to get clear.
0635        Surfaced and commenced running a gauntlet of junks to southward.
0706        APR contact on another SD.
0905        Dove for day because of hazy visibility and low, broken overcast.
1200        Lat. 36°-55N Long. 123°-33E.
1915        Surfaced.
2047        SJ interference 355° T. Exchanged recognition with R.Y.
2100        SJ interference 035° T.
2247        (S.C. #14) SJ contact 330° T; 24,300 yds. Several ships. Sent
            contact report to SEGURDO and R.Y and commenced tracking. Plot
            reports convoy apparently headed westward, bad news. Shallow water
            moon, clear sky, smooth sea.
2308        SJ contact at 7000 yds. on new small target. Forced us out farther
            on our end around. Target group now at 17,000 yds. In answer to
            RAY's request, sent rough estimate of course and speed.
2339        Lost contact on target group while tracking new contact, so headed
            in.
2352        Sent message, "lost contact". Gradually worked up to estimated
            track without contact; then, on a hunch headed for location of
            original contact.

23 May 1945

            At 6,000 yds from plot's original spot, made contact at 7,000
            yds. ahead on several junks.
0019        Manned 40 mm and 20 mm and closed largest junk to look him over.
0032        APR 165 mc, S-1.
0047        All hands quiet as nice on the junk, no antennas or suspicious
            objects in sight. SJ interference all around.
0054        APR 165 mc, now S-3, flashing so quickly we can't even get a PRF
            reading.
0055        SJ contact 325° T, 7,700 yds., closing rapidly to 5,600.

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U.S.S. B.L.L.O. NINTH WAR PATROL

0056 . Dove. Stern planes have been going bad again and are now almost
useless. Wonder if it will take another bomb to clear them. Dead
and emergency won't budge them, 900# pressure barely makes them
creep.

0250 Surfaced.

0543 SJ interference 100° T.

Sky clear overhead, but broken fog made the visibility vary from
a couple hundred yards to several thousand. This made junk avoid-
ing quite a game and one that lasted all day, tho' by noon the day
was clear and warm with a rising breeze from the south, a slowly
falling barometer and a perfect periscope sea after a week of run-
ning around on a mirror.

1200 Lat. 36-10N Long. 123-04E.

1300 Heard 2 Jap stations sending short code messages on 500 Kc. One
was very loud and transmitted every five minutes for a while.
Transmissions too short to DF by swinging ship.

1730 Dove for trim and try stern planes again. At 5° dive, could not
move them one way or the other with 1200# pressure. Watered bat-
teries, and worked on engines.

1921 Surfaced.

1922 APR 118 mc, 60 PRF, S-5. SEGUNDO must be around.

1928 Sighted sub on surface, 050°, T on horizon. Turned toward. SEGUNDO
not having the benefit of an SD indication on APR, turned away.

1944 Exchanged recognition via SJ and closed to exchange dope and tell
him about stern plane casualty.

2041 APR 155 mc, 500 PRF, S-1. SEGUNDO and B.L.L.O; having completed
conversing by VHF and light, separated in some hurry.

2115 Lost SJ contact with SEGUNDO 000° T; 12,000 yds.

2135 APR 153 mc, 300 PRF, S-1.

2232 Completed transmitting dope on stern planes to Comsubpac.

2252 Completed transmitting dope to Pack.

2305 (S.C. #15) 162° T, 11,750 yds. Closed and inspected from 25 yds.
one very large Chinese junk with bamboo sails. Deck load seemed
also to be bamboo. The previous junks sighted were mere fishing
sampans beside this fellow; must run about 400 tons.

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2358 Put away our shooting irons and resumed our southward course.

24 May 1945

0024 SJ 090° T, 10,800 yds. Another large junk.

0034 IPR 160 mc, 500 PRF, S-1.

0149 SJ 098° T, 10,000 yds. Another large junk. Strange that we have
     never seen cargo junks like those before. They are all on westerly
     course, headed for Shantung apparently.

0318 Received orders to proceed to Pearl via Midway.

0322 SJ interference 042° T and 000°. Unable to exchange recognition,
     but it's probably our pack shifting sub areas. Not close.

0427 SJ 160° T, 6,300 yds. Nothing in sight. Avoided.

0718 Sighted junk 060° T, 6 miles.

0721 SJ interference 000° T. Looks like an SJ.

0828 Lost SJ interference.

0853 (S.C. #16) Sighted four sailing junks 220° T. Closed two of these
     for a look. Typical Chinese junks, not nearly so large as last
     night's big fellows. These were painted barn red, had the usual
     Chinese and English "license numbers" on the bows and quarters.
     As we came close, they doused canvas sails and lay to. Held up a
     bag of goods to one, whereupon the Chinese fell all over themselves.
     They didn't know what was in it, but they sure did want it. As
     soon as they had it on board, they, without the contents, began to
     throw fish on deck. About half of the fish skidded across the deck
     and over the other side. Then we ran up our colors, the Chinese
     really looked happy tho' they must have already known our
     nationality. Or maybe they don't know there's a war on!

1116 Mine #5. 34°-32N 123-49E. Exploded with Garand and .30 cal.
     M.G. fire.

1142 Mine #6. 34-28N 123-26E. Exploded.

1155 Mine #7. " Sunk.

1200 Lat. 34-29N Long. 123-24E.

1321 Mine #8. 34-15N 123-09E. Exploded.

1458 Mine #9. 33-57N 123-01E. Exploded.
     Mine #10 and 11, hit but left floating.

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U.S.S. BILAO NINTH WAR PATROL

1537 APR 160 mc, 200 PRF, S-1.
1622 Mine #12. 33-45N 123-24E. Hit but left floating.
1713 Mine #13. 33-37N 123-31E. Hit but left floating.
1837 Mine #14. 33-22N 123-45E. Let it go.
1954 APR 155 mc, 250 PRF, S-1.
2033 SJ interference 010° T. Must be BILLFISH.
2038 APR 96 mc, 250 PRF, S-1.
2045 SJ 030° T; 156,000 yds. - Kukuzen To, 1865 feet high.
2055 APR 163 mc, 500 PRF, S-1.
25 May 1945

0150 Converted #5 FBT.
0300 Making 1/3 speed in dense fog.
0430 SJ out.
0457 SJ in.
0604 Dove for trim and to wash out #5 FBT.
0658 Surfaced.
0925 Sighted 2 PBM, elevation ½°, BN indication 9 miles. Did not close.
Nothing on VHF.

1005 APR 96 mc, 450 PRF, S-1, steady.
1025 Received SEA CAT contact report on small freighter where we would
be except for our stern plane casualty.

1200 Lat. 32-28N Long. 125-05E.

1354 Sighted 2 planes, 000° T, elevation 1°, BN indication 10 miles.
Did not close, but called us on VHF. Apparently, they could not
hear us calling them, for they disappeared without further word.

1534 Mine #15. Lat 32-54N Long 126-41E. Did not sink.

1605 Commenced numerous APR contacts on Danjo Gunto, Fukao Shima, and
some probable aircraft frequencies.

2008 SJ out of commission.

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U.S.S. BLAD NINTH WAR PATROL

2115 Received SEA CAT's dope on attack failures on target reported this
     morning and on additional large AK. Ah, me! and we should have been
     there to back her up.

2145 Sighted Danjo Gunto 200° T and Fukae Jima 010° T in moonlight,
     distant 20 miles.

26 May 1945

0005 Transmitted BLAD serial four to Comsubpac reporting departure from
     area.

0435 Dove off Kusakaki Jima. SJ still out. Apparently any radar on
     Kusakaki and Uji Gunto also out of commission because we had only
     one very weak APR contact at 160 mc.

1200 Lat. 30-56N Long. 129-32E.

     Ran north and east of Kusakaki looking over the radio station
     and light. Very poorly sited for short range bombardment, being
     in the center of the high level part of the island. Took pictures
     and let it go at that.

1951 Surfaced with APR quota a bit low at first.

2330 Completed transit of Colnett Strait in bright moonlight, unmolested
     thanks to our carrier raids of the last five days, no doubt.

27 May 1945

0139

— page 324 —
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                                                                U.S.S. BILAO NINTH WAR PATROL.

2127            APR 156 mc, 500 PRF, S-1.
2135            SJ 358° T, 13,500 yds. Did not close. Nothing on SD.
2144            Lighted plane 245° T, SD contact 4 miles, no BN pip.
                                                                28 May 1945

0230            APR 200 mc, 60 PRF, S-1.
0255            SJ interference 090° T. Our course 080.
0405            SJ interference now 265° T, does not look like SJ.
0645            Received instructions from Comsubpac to rendezvous with TORSK to
                receive appendicitis case.
0830            Transmitted serial 5 to Comsubpac in acknowledgement of instructions.
0930            Attempted to raise TORSK on Safplan to arrange rendezvous. No luck.
1010            APR 152 mc, 500 PRF, S-1.
1055            APR 89 mc, 60 PRF, S-1.
1110            Sighted Tori Shima 075° T, 46,000 yds.
1117            APR 200 mc, 65 PRF, S-2.
1200            Lat. 30-45N Long 139-49E.
1230            Sighted 2 B-29's, BN indication 7 and 8 miles.
1307            Picked up one Jap life ring marked 0/20, in good condition.
1320            APR 180 mc, 250 PRF, S-2.
1417            3 BN pips at 20 miles.
1424            SD 7 miles, no BN pip. Mavis. Dove.
1450            Dispatch info BILAO indicates SANDLANCE also has a man to transfer
                to us. No other dope on this.
1513            Surfaced.
1516            APR 180 mc, contact back again.
1610            APR 150 mc, 400 PRF.
1615            APR 89 mc, 800 PRF, S-1.

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U.S.S. BILAO
NINTH WAR PATROL

1620 APR 158 mc, S-1.
1655 APR 200 mc, 60 PRF, S-3.
1815 Attempted to raise TORSK and SANDLANCE. No luck.
1932 Could hear TORSK on Safplan but static great. She could not
hear us. Degarbled encode L. guess she will reach rendezvous
at 1315 (K) tomorrow. Have been trying to tell her we will be
there at 1300 (I). Coincidence par excellence. Hope she means
the same rendezvous!

2220 Have tried several more times to reach TORSK and SANDLANCE.
Something must be wrong with our gear. Tried to raise SEGUNDO
on 200 mc strength 5, but without success. Radioman went
into superstructure, removed handhole plate from trunk, discovered
a length of bailing wire grounding the leadins. Thereafter, all
O.K.
2230 SJ interference 340° T.

29 May 1945

1150 Sighted TORSK and SANDLANCE bearing 050° T. Not bad for a 1200
rendezvous.
1200 Lat. 33-52N Long. 144-53E.
1215 Lay to across wind and flooded down. TORSK made a bow to beam
approach from windward and SANDLANCE beam to beam from leeward.
Received lines by line throwing gun from each side. SANDLANCE
sedately launched their boat over the side. The TORSK "Catapulted"
her boat over the side. The TORSK vented everything except #7, and the boat
filled at the forecastle. Her bow must have been 10' under.
Received appendicitis case for TORSK and 300,000 units of
penicillin. Gave them log sheets and a line and 6 projectiles for
line throwing gun. Received man with amputated finger from
SANDLANCE and gave them 8 cans of flour. Fine horse traders we'd
make!

1258 Set course for Midway on 3 engines.
1446 SJ, ST, APR out of commission.
1830 SJ, ST, APR in commission.
1940 OOD, Lt.(jg) S.D. SISKA, USN, sighted and skillfully evaded four
torpedo wakes in the highly phosphorescent sea, two to port, 2 to
starboard. First on port beam, then one was sighted on stbd. beam, bearing 150° T.
We were zigzagging on base course 095° T. Night was very dark and
overcast. There had been no indications of another radar in the
vicinity. Must have been a sound shot, or using a radar we can't
detect.

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... U.S.S. B.L.C NINTH R PATROL

Headed north and northwost conducting radar search to south. No
indications, so headed northeast again. He has the advantage of knowing
which way we are headed and our initial posit! We are in a patrol
zone and don't know if any US subs might be in the vicinity.
Decided to scram.

2000 Completed transmitting serial six to Comsubpac reporting patients
received.

2200 Set clocks ahead one hour to plus 10 (K) time.

30 May 1945

0918 Dove for trim. Discovered periscope depth control not so simple
with no stern plane control in rough sea. Had no difficulty in
smooth water.

0951 Surfaced.

1200 Lat. 33°-12N Long. 151° - 11E.

2059 SJ interference 210° T, weak. Headed towards to investigate.

2156 Interference strong but have not been able to get an answer to our
recognition signals. Sent Topaco message asking any boat nearby
to give us her posit. No answer.

2205 Finally exchanged recognition with STERLET. Some friend is going
to take a pot shot at her one of these days.

2207 Headed east again.

2300 Transmitted dope to STERLET re our torpedo evasion exercise last
nite, but could not raise her.

31 May 1945

1132 APR 98 mc, very weak. This should be land based Jap but we are 540
miles from Marcus.

1145 Periscope lookout reported possible mast 030° T. No one else could
spot it, but turned toward to investigate, using SJ as visibility
closed in.

1200 Lat. 32°-52N Long. 157°-58E.

1231 No contact, visibility fairly good. Resumed course.

1400 Set clocks ahead to -11 (L) time.

1843 Dove for trim,
...
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U.S.S. BILO NINTH WAR PATROL

1912 Surfaced.
2000 APR 78 mc, weak. Another shorebased Jap frequency.

1 June 1945

1200 Lat. 32-02N Long. 165-07E.
1532 Dove for trim.
1620 Surfaced.

2 June 1945

0000 Set clocks ahead one hour to - 12 (M) time.
1200 Lat. 30-53N Long. 171-29E.
1842 Dove for trim.
1901 Surfaced.
2040 Fire in Fwd. Eng. Rm! Apparently an explosion in the air box caused by luboil leaking
into the blower filled the boat with smoke. No apparent damage.

3 June 1945

1200 Lat. 29-18N Long. 178-01E.
1433 Dove.
1455 Surfaced.
1538 Man overboard and controller drills.
1732 Completed drills.
1845 Dove.
1927 Surfaced.
2158 Crossed 180th meridian, changed date to 2 June.

3 June 1945

0600 At rendezvous.
0618 Sighted escort planes.
0841 Moored at Midway Island, T.H.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL

Unloaded all except 2 torpedoes, took off 40 mm gun and ammo.,
Mk. 27 charging panel. Transferred 2 hospital cases and received
3 passengers. Fueled to 30,000 gal.

1601 Underway for Pearl Harbor.
1813 Trim dive. Escort planes departed.
1849 Surfaced.

4 June 1945

0247 SJ 064° T, 21,000 yds.
0255 SJ 194° T, 19,450 yds.
      Held trackin, drill and kept well clear of this shipping.

1100 Dove.
1124 Surfaced.
1200 Lat. 24-26N Long 174-09W.

1511 Dove.
2100 Surfaced.
2100 Set clocks ahead to plus 11 time.

5 June 1945

1103 Dove.
1150 Surfaced.
1200 Lat. 22-16N Long. 168-49W.
1300 Set clocks ahead one hour to plus 10 time.
1803 Dove.
1828 Surfaced.

2040 SJ interference 000° T. Proper recognition signals exchanged but in
      mixed up order; and sub would not give her call. Interference
      disappeared immediately thereafter. No sub known to be in vicinity,
      so advised Comsubpacand and changed course 60° away for one
      hour. Running into heavy head seas now, so could not speed up.
      Rec'd word that no sub should be in vicinity and asking if we still
      had contact. Answered on the negative.

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U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL
6 June 1945

1200 Lat. 21-01N Long. 163-52W.
1940 Seas moderated sufficiently for 4 engine speed. Now 45 miles
      behind.
2238 SJ, 090° T, 20,000 yds. Commenced tracking. Target is right on
      our track. Our course 094°, target constant helming from 090° to
      110° at 7 kts.
2342 APR 200 mc, 60 PRF, S-5. Looks like he just picked us up and
      turned on IFF. Now 7,000 yds. on his port beam, making end around.
2345 APR 109 mc, 600 PRF, S-1.
2400 APR 225 mc, 60 PRF, S-5.
      Had not been able to get off contact report due to transmitter
      trouble. In view of 20,000 yd. radar range and U.S. radar
      frequency intercepts, do not now think target could possibly be
      sub.

7 June 1945

0030 Advised Comsubpacacdco. would be 2 hours late at rendezvous.
0100 Lost SJ contact 250° T, 20,300 yds.
0720 Rendezvoused with SC 1077 and proceeded into Pearl Harbor, T.H.,
      for refit.

The End.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BILOXI NINTH WAR PATROL

(C) WEATHER

    The first days on station were fairly rough and cold. This was followed
    by the longest period of weather we've ever seen in the Yellow Sea.
    The surface was flat, frequently glassy, during this period and the early morn-
    ing was frequently foggy. Except for the penetrating dampness of the fog, the
    air was not uncomfortably cold, averaging 57° F.

    Good weather was experienced to and from station. Intermittent fog was
    encountered en route to Midway.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

    Westward transit of Suwanose Suido must be made on the surface. We dove
    after clearing the passage and steered 300° at 2.5 kts. to make 340° good,
    current reaching 1.7 kts. on 055° T.

    Strong currents off Chosan Ko make an approach very difficult to plan.
    Ebbs to south, floods to north at velocities up to 3 kts. affect the submarine.
    Approaching targets probably experience a much different set when running down
    close to the beach from the North.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

    None sighted.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS

No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Type | Range Bearing | Est. Course Speed | How Contacted | Remarks
--- | | | ---- | | | | -------
1. | 0832 5/16 | 34-52 123-35 | Small Sailing Vessel | 286°T 10000 yds | 090° | Binoculars | Man. to avoid.
2. | 0933 5/16 | 35-00 123-35 | Small Trawler | 315°T 10000 yds | 100° | Binoculars | Man. to avoid.
3. | 1245 5/17 | 37-15 123-39 | P.C. escort (prob.) | 307°T 14000 yds | NE course | JP and periscope | Heavy mast abaft bridge
4. | 1518 5/17 | 37-14 123-42 | Small patrol vessel | 318°T 14000 yds | NE course | Periscope |
5. | 0138 5/18 | 37-20 124-07 | 4 small AK or large trawlers | 004°T 14500 yds | 000° 6 | ST radar | All had high masts one had possible spring antenna

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U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL

No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Type | Range Bearing | Est. Course Speed | How contacted | Remarks
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
6. | 0440 5/18 | 37-20 124-15.6 | 9 small fish boat | all directions | | Periscope | Probably Korean
7. | 0207 5/19 | 37-59 124-04 | fleet of about 42 fishing vessels | all directions | | Binoculars ST radar | Man. to avoid.
8. | 1201 5/19 | 38-06 124-35 | 1200 ton AK | 090°T 10000 yds | | Periscope | Rounded Chosan Kan from south.
9. | 1240 5/19 | 38-06 124-35 | Small Eng. aft vessel | 012° T 10000 yds | 240° T 8.5 kts. | Periscope | Fired three torpedoes no hits. Rounded Chosan Kan from N.
10. | 1309 5/19 | 38-06 124-35 | Small AK | 063° T 10000 yds | | SJ radar | Fishing - closed submerged.
11. | 0342 5/20 | 37-28 123--29 | Junk | 095° T 2300 yds | | Binoculars | Fishermen.
12. | 1025 5/21 | 35-37 123-49 | 8 small sailing craft | 076° T 10000 yds | | SJ radar | Closed submerged - fishermen.
13. | 0330 5/22 | 37-20 123-25 | Junk | 350° T 7100 yds | | SJ radar | Radar freak range on fishing sampans.
14. | 2247 5/22 | 36-49 123-18 | Large sampans | 330° T 24300 yds | | SJ radar | Came alongside, nothing suspicious.
15. | 2305 5/23 | 36-32 123-34 | Very large junks (2) | 162° T 11750 | West 3 | Binoculars | Came alongside, nothing suspicious.
16. | 0853 5/24 | 34-54 123-46 | 4 sailing craft | 220° T 12000 yds | | Binoculars | Came alongside, nothing suspicious.

NOTE: Dozens of junks not listed above were sighted also.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

The fact that sightings of our own search planes over the Yellow Sea
exceeded the number of hostiles is remarkable. The plane that looked for us
after our torpedo attack off Chosan Kan didn't appear until 3½ hours later
and searched only close to the beach.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BILO NINTH WAR PATROL

It is of note that we spent 6½ days on the surface of 12 days in areas
9 and 12 and only sighted one Jap plane while so running.

(H) ATTACK DATA

See attached sheets.

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— page 333 —
CONFIDENTIAL
TORPEDO ATTACK FORM
U.S.S. BILAO (SS285) Torpedo Attack No. 1 Patrol No. 9
Time 1413 (I) Date 5/19/45 Lat. 38°-09'N Long. 124°-39.5'E
RESULT OF DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: Sagawa Maru - 1200 tons - was sighted by periscope hugging the
beach in shallow water coming from the north to round Chosan Kan.

Ships sunk: 1 Fishing Junk (30 tons).

Ships damaged:

Damage determined by: Torpedo exploded abeam of target for no apparent reason
except that it must have run shallow enough to hit fishing junk which vanished.

Target draft 15 ft. Course 236° Speed 8-3/4 kts. Range 2038

OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 2 kts. Course 182° Depth 65 ft. Angle 0

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type attack: Submerged periscope. This attack was complicated by a number of
unhappy conditions. Surface was glassy and flat and we had numerous sailing sam-
pans and junks around us at all times. We had at least a two knot current to buck
and 3 miles to go to reach desired position. Target, being in a bight, was un-
doubtedly experiencing quite a different set, imposing errors in our target speed
computation, particularly as the full current hit her at the firing point. Topo-
graphy is such that ST could not separate target from land echoes. Target made
change of course after we fired, to avoid the sailing junk we hit. This coupled
with the errors due to the current, too long run, short target, (220'), and
insufficient spread coverage (100%) caused all torpedoes to miss the target.

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— page 334 —
CONFIDENTIAL
TORPEDO ATTACK FORM
U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) Torped. Attack No. 1 Patrol No. 9
Time 1413 (I) Date 5/19/45 Lat. 38°-09'N Long. 124°-39.5'E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: Sagawa Maru - 1200 tons - was sighted by periscope hugging the
beach in shallow water coming from the north to round Chosan Kan.

Ships sunk: 1 Fishing Junk (30 tons).

Ships damaged:

Damage determined by: Torpedo exploded abeam of target for no apparent reason
except that it must have run shallow enough to hit fishing junk which vanished.

Target draft 15 ft. Course 236° Speed 8-3/4 kts. Range 2038

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed 2 kts. Course 182° Depth 65 ft. Angle 0

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type attack: Submerged periscope. This attack was complicated by a number of
unhappy conditions. Surface was glassy and flat and we had numerous sailing sam-
pans and junks around us at all times. We had at least a two knot current to buck
and 3 miles to go to reach desired position. Target, being in a bight, was un-
doubtedly experiencing quite a different set, imposing errors in our target speed
computation, particularly as the full current hit her at the firing point. Topo-
graphy is such that ST could not separate target from land echoes. Target made
change of course after we fired, to avoid the sailing junk we hit. This coupled
with the errors due to the current, too long run, short target, (220'), and
insufficient spread coverage (100%) caused all torpedoes to miss the target.

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— page 335 —
CONFIDENTIAL | | ATTACK # 1
Tubes Fired | #1 | #2 | #3
Gyro Angle | 348.20 | 349 | 349.10
Track Angle | 114 S | 115 S | 115 S
Depth Set | 4 ft. | 4 ft. | 4 ft.
Speed Used | 27.3 | 27.3 | 27.3
Hit or Miss | (One hit on sampan.) | |
Erratic | - | - | -
Mk. Torpedo | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2
Serial No. | 58053 | 99165 | 99133
Mk. Exploder | 8-7 | 8-5 | 8-7
Serial No. | 11405 | 9295 | 15890
Actuation Set | Contact | - | -
Actuation Actual | (one hit contact) | |
Mk Warhead | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2
Serial No. | 3373 | 440 | 5597
Explosive | Torpex | - | -
Firing Interval | - | 12 | 11
Spread | 1 R | 0 | 1 L
Length of Run | - | - | -
Duration of Run | 3'17" | 6'28" | 7'24"
Sea Conditions: | 0 | 0 | Currents 2 to 5 kts.
Temp. Electrolyte | 55° | |
Temp. Injection | 50° | |
Overhaul Activity | PHTH | PROTEUS | PROTEUS
Remarks: | None | |

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U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL

(I) MINES
Sighted as follows:

| Date | No. | Location      | Action Taken             |
|------|-----|||
| 5/15 | 1   | 33-29N, 126-16E | Several .30 cal. hits.   |
|      | 2   | 32-39N, 126-02E | None - too rough.        |
|      | 3   | 32-38N, 125-40E | None.                    |
|      | 4   | 32-38N, 125-36E | None.                    |
| 5/16 | 5   | 34-32N, 123-29E | Exploded.                |
|      | 6   | 34-28N, 123-26E | Exploded.                |
|      | 7   | 34-26N, 123-26E | Sunk.                    |
|      | 8   | 34-15N, 123-09E | Exploded.                |
|      | 9   | 33-57N, 123-01E | Exploded.                |
|      | 10  | 33-57N, 123-01E | Hit but left floating.   |
|      | 11  | 33-57N, 123-01E | Hit but left floating.   |
|      | 12  | 33-45N, 123-24E | Hit but left floating.   |
|      | 13  | 33-37N, 123-31E | Hit but left floating.   |
|      | 14  | 33-22N, 123-45E | None.                    |
| 5/17 | 15  | 32-54N, 126-41E | None.                    |
|      | 16  | 29-48N, 132-25E | Sunk.                    |
|      | 17  | 29-48N, 132-59E | Exploded.                |
|      | 18  | 29-47N, 134-16E | Exploded.                |

Outside of these routine sweeping operations, no evidence of mining
activity was noted.

(J) ANTI SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASIVE TACTICS

Anti-sub measures were comparatively weak. The A/C that dropped one
bomb on 17 May, 11 minutes after we dove, apparently made visual contact with-
out benefit of radar. He stayed around for 2 hours. Two hours after his
departure, a FC or DD passed pinging to the north and apparently depth charge
a false contact, 4 explosions being heard. An hour later an SC, not pinging,

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U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL

passed to the north; another plane was sighted, and 15 depth charges heard.
Division tactics consisted of watching thro' the periscope and guessing who or
what was taking our medicine.

The 4 large trawlers we made an approach on the morning of 18 May bore all
the appearance of an A/S group.
All one was observed to have a gun on the forecastle and a bedspring on the
foremast. It is difficult to see why they didn't make sound or radar contact
with us. We certainly gave them plenty of opportunity.

After our torpedo attack off Chosan Kan, 3½ hours elapsed before a single
plane appeared and made a low level search near the coast. We evaded through
the fishing fleet, several times towing large net floats without any sign that
the fishermen observed us - in a glassy calm, at that.

The large fleet of fishing sampans off Shantung was a nuisance and a
hazard. There is always the likelihood that some of them are A/S observers.
No sign of radio antennas was seen on any of those observed from short range.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

HULL AND MACHINERY

1. Stern planes - The second day on station it was observed that over 900#
pressure was required to move the planes. After a close aircraft bomb, the
planes again operated with almost normal pressures. Several days later, action
became increasingly sluggish until they would not move with 1200# pressure.
Greasing, slacking the glands, and other obvious measures had no effect; and
there were no indications of undue friction. Patrol was terminated on order
of Comsubpac due to this casualty.

2. Negative tank vent gasket blew out on venting after blowing at 120'.
This happened on the last patrol when under enemy counterattack. The present
gasket retention is poor, not of the latest type. In Guam and Saipan, four
tenders were canvassed without finding a single spare gasket of our type.

3. Air conditioning, either because of insufficient capacity or maladjustment,
will not keep the temperature down in warm weather or the moisture down in
cold waters.

ORDNANCE AND GUNNERY

1. The outer door gaskets - after leaving port #1 outer door commenced
leaking, necessitating return to port for replacement. At sea again, #5
commenced leaking; and inspection revealed the gasket to be the cause again.
It was necessary to remove the torpedo from the tube and run with the tube
flooded. This gasket trouble has been an every patrol occurrence, always
following any period during which torpedoes or water slugs are fired. Some
method of gasket retention other than gluing it into slightly tapered groove
is urgently required.

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U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL

(K) HULL AND MACHINERY (Additional)

At 2029 on 2 June, 1945, #1 M.E. was started and, after a normal warm
up, was put on battery charge. Load was built up to 3500 amps at 300 volts
with the engine running at 750 rpm. At 2035, throttleman observed relief
valves of units #3 and #9 lifting. Immediately started to secure the engine.
He was cutting out the generator emergency switch, the scavenge air box
explosion plates lifted, spraying lube oil over the full length of the main
engine. At the same time the engine began to run away, even though
the hand throttle lever was pushed over to the stop position.

The throttleman then lifted the overspeed trip plunger, and the engine
began to slow down and finally stopped. By this time, the engine room was so
full of smoke it was impossible to see. However, the engine was completely
secured and the outboard exhaust valve closed before the room had to be aban-
doned.

A crankcase inspection after the smoke was cleared from the room revealed
no damage to pistons or liners. Removal of the air silencer and inspection
of the scavenge air blower revealed a heavy film of lube oil on the blower
lobes and throughout the blower casing with small pools of oil trapped between
structural ribs of the blower. The blower casing drain was opened and about
3 pints of lube oil drawn off.

Inspection of all unit relief valves revealed the valve stem broken on
#9 unit. This was replaced. The blower lobes and housing were thoroughly
cleaned of all lube oil and the engine was put back in service.

Cause of the explosion was determined to be the excessive amount of lube
oil in the blower and scavenge air box. The crankcase, as a source of the
excessive lube oil, was eliminated as the drains were clear on inspection
immediately following the explosion and the sump gauge read 350 gallons, the
normal level at which it is kept. This leaves only one other source of lube
oil. It is believed that the oil seal rings of the blower drive are worn or
damaged and that lube oil entered the blower casing through the faulty rings.
This will be investigated when the engine is overhauled at the end of the
patrol.

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CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL

(L) RADIO

1. No major defects.

2. Serials transmitted were as follows:

Serial | Date | Freq. | Station | Time required
-------|------|-------||
1.     | 5/4  | 4155  | NDP4    | 12 min. (0835 to 0847 GCT)
2.     | 5/4  | 4155  | NDP4    | 17 min. (1518 to 1535 GCT)
3.     | 5/23 | 8470  | NPN     | 38 min. (1254 to 1332 GCT)
4.     | 5/25 | 8470  | NPN     | 7 min. (1628 to 1635 GCT)
5.     | 5/27 | 8470  | NPN     | 39 min. (2330 to 0009 GCT)
6.     | 5/29 | 8470  | NPN     | 7 min. (1101 to 1108 GCT)
7.     | 5/29 | 8470  | NPN     | 37 min. (1237 to 1314 GCT)

3. Reception:

9090 and 9050 were found to be the best frequencies for copying skeds.
This in contrast to previous patrol in same area when 6045 was best and 9090
and 9050 could not be used.

13655 and 16730 were better between 2100 GCT and 0200 GCT than the above
frequencies.

(M) RADAR

1. SD radar was used by keying at intervals varying from 1 to 3 minutes
except in clear weather with no low clouds. At night and at all other times
it was kept in standby condition and used when APR or SJ gave indications of
planes in the vicinity. Ranges obtained were very poor, about 5½ miles
reliable on large planes. Ranges given were one mile greater than SD range
at the same instant. Will trade this piece of gear for an car trumpet. The
pre-amplifier has not improved performance in the least.

Operational difficulties:-

Two days out of port enroute to station the SD was unable to make
contacts with nearby planes. Retuning the receiver did little to improve
the performance. The 8014's in the transmitter were replaced and an over-
all tune job was done. Planes were then picked up at 8 to 10 miles.

A few days later, no echoes on SD. Found a cold solder joint on the
Pre-amp output cable (a slight tug on the cable pulled it loose from the
terminal) and a bad 9001 RF tube in the receiver. After resoldering the
cable, replacing the 9001, and retuning the receiver, planes were contacted
at ranges from 4 to 10 miles.

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CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL

Turned on SD but no trace present; just a bright spot on the CR tube.
Found a gaseous 2X2 rectifier tube in the CR tube power supply. Replaced
2X2 and operation returned to normal.

A week from port on our return from patrol the SD first made contact with
2 B-29's at a range of 4 miles. Land was nearby but no SD contact. Found
more cold solder joints in Pre-amp, so cut it out of circuit. Lowered the
freq. to the SD to 109 mc. and retuned the entire equipment. Land contact was
made at a range of 20 miles.

2. SJ was used at all times during darkness, reduced visibility, or when low
clouds prevailed, being keyed at intervals of two to four minutes. It is
still the best plane detector we have and performed with better than usual
reliability this run. There is still the major defect of loss of radar search
while keying SJ for recognition or communication purposes. ST and SJ should
be separated. There is also the defect of being detected by working in a band
used by the enemy, making continuous sweep a hazard to security of your own
position.

Operational difficulties:-

The PPI unit arced-over severely while the other units of the SJ operated
satisfactorily. The PPI units was removed from its case and cleaned. R-44,
the 7 meg. resistor in the High-voltage filter circuit, was open causing C-17
to arc to the chassis. When R-44 was replaced, operation returned to normal.

No sweeps present on any range scale of the PPI. Replaced 5FP7 and
operation returned to normal.

The High-voltage Rectifier Current increased from 160 ma. to 250 ma. The
plate of the 5D21 in the transmitter unit glowed red, and the tube became
gassy. The transmitted pulse and the 1500 cps. tone were greatly distorted.
The 721A TR tube operated intermittently. The "A" Regulated Rectifier voltage
had dropped to 250 volts and could not be adjusted to the normal 300 volts.
Replaced 5D21, and 721A tubes in the transmitter. Also replaced the 5U4G's,
the VR-150, and the VR-105 tubes in the "A" Regulated Rect. The "A" Regulated
Rect. was adjusted to the normal 300 volts, and the transmitter was retuned.
In order to obtain any crystal current, a new crystal was inserted. The SJ
operated normally.

3. ST radar was used for sweeping in the interims between successive keying
of SJ. On station, SJ was keyed each fifth minute. This worked fairly well
but ST lacks reliability. Sometimes it will fail to pick up a target at
short range and it always suffers a 40% to 60% reduction in effective range
compared to SJ.

Operational difficulties:-

Once during the patrol, low sensitivity necessitated the replacement of
the TR and ATR tubes in the RF assembly of the ST transmitter. After instal-
ling new TR and ATR tubes and retuning, the echoes were strong and clear.

The High-voltage Rectifier Current was extremely high when operating

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. NINTH MR PATROL

the ST radar. The trouble was due to the faulty operation of V-4 (6V6/GT),
the cathode follow tube of the Modulation Generator in the Selector unit.
After replacing this tube and readjusting the "ON-TIME" control, operation
was normal.

4. SPA-APR - The old cry appears again - frequency coverage insufficient and
inefficient, band coverage unwieldy, directional measurement an urgent need.
The Lord knows how many of the APR contacts we made could have been resolved
into attack possibilities if we had bearing measurement.

(N) SONAR GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

1. On our departure from Guam, we found the QB to have no sensitivity. At
Saipan, the ORION pulled the head, discovered oil soaked leads and one parted
lead and renewed them all. Our thanks for a good job in record time.

2. There was little opportunity to observe sound conditions due to lack of
contacts. Conditions were fairly good though much poorer than the phenomenal
conditions of winter when the Yellow Sea is isothermal throughout.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

Date | Time (I) | Lat. | Long. | Depth | Temp. | Change
-----||||-------|-------|
5/5 | 0645 | 14-32N | 144-08E | 118 | 80 | -1
5/8 | 0500 | 15-49.6N | 141-50E | 260 | 79 | -3 (90' to 260')
5/10 | 1800 | 21-02.2N | 137-58.8E | 100 | 76 | 0
5/10 | 0800 | 23-46.5N | 137-45.6E | 90 | 72 | 0
5/11 | 0600 | 28-17N | 137-11E | 95 | 67 | -1
5/12 | 1830 | 29-30N | 129-22E | ? | 68 | [HANDWRITTEN: 4]
5/13 | 2100 | 29-55N | 128-57E | 60 | 61 | [HANDWRITTEN: 4]3 (50' to 60')
5/14 | 0530 | 32-18N | 128-57E | 65 | 60 | -1
5/15 | 0400 | 32-41N | 125-29.5E | 120 | 52 | 0
5/15 | 2145 | 34-34N | 123-40E | 60 | 47 | 0
5/16 | 0430 | 35-23N | 123-37E | 120 | 47 | -5 (115' to 120')
5/16 | 1800 | 36-36N | 123-32.2E | 95 | 46 | -1
5/17 | 0100 | 37-15.8N | 123-37E | 140 | 44 | -9 (120' to 140')
5/18 | 0000 | 37-46.5N | 125-12E | 90 | 40 | -3 (40')

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U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL

Date | Time (I) | Lat. | Long. | Depth | Temp. | Change
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
5/18 | 1915 | 38-12N | 124-31E | 130 | 41 | -1½
5/19 | 1945 | 37-26N | 123-27E | 55 | 47 | -4½ (20' to 45')
5/21 | 0800 | 36-14.5N | 123-32.9E | 45 | 51 | -5
5/21 | 2100 | 37-23.5N | 123-23E | 42 | 47 | -4 (20' to 40')
5/22 | 0000 | 37-01N | 123-34.9E | 80 | 49½ | 05 (10' to 30')
5/22 | 1600 | 37-04N | 123-10E | 110 | 49 | -12½
5/23 | 0530 | 36-52N | 123-15E | 95 | 49 | -9
5/24 | 2100 | 32-20.8N | 125-27E | 95 | 54 | -7 (80' to 95')
5/25 | 1930 | 32-55N | 129-15E | 180 | 64 | -1½ (60' to 80')

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY

     Health of crew was excellent although colds were prevalent, particularly
among the bridge watches. The most serious case was cellulitis of the ankle
of a man who was on the officers' mess. This was cause for grave concern and resulted
in his removal from bridge watches for five days under his protest. Only one
other sick day was experienced.

     Food was good and well prepared with a good supply of fresh meat, ice cream,
fresh oranges, and apples being especially welcome. As usual, butter became
unpalatable. A special sealed wrapper should be provided for butter to pre-
vent its absorption of all the odors in the refrigeration spaces.

     Habitability was good tho' moisture condensed even on painted cork sur-
faces while submerged. The air conditioning did some good but only one plant
could be run without having the system freeze-up. The air conditioning seems
unable to maintain a comfortable temperature with high injection or comfort-
able humidity with low injection.

(Q) PERSONNEL

     (a) Men detached after 8th patrol. | 11
     (b) Men on board during 9th patrol. | 78
     (c) Men qualified at start of patrol. | 60
     (d) Men qualified at end of patrol. | 67
     (e) Unqualified men making their first patrol | 8

- 41 -

— page 343 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BILAO NINTH WAR PATROL

Comment: Performance of duty of all hands was at its usual high level, but
it is apparent that successive refits in an advanced base is not as good
for morale as alternate ones.

(R) MILES - FUEL USED.

Guam to Saipan                                866 mi., 12,930 gal.
Saipan to Area 9                             1859 mi., 24,800 gal.
In area 9 & 12                               2433 mi., 25,190 gal.
Area 9 to P.H.                               4198 mi., 68,540 gal.
TOTAL                                9356 mi., 131,460 gal.

(S) DURATION

Days enroute Guam to Saipan                     3
Days enroute Saipan to Area 9                   7
Days in areas 9 & 12                           12
Days enroute Area 9 to P.H.                    12
TOTAL                                34 (plus 1 day in Saipan for
                                                repairs)
Days submerged                                 7½

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

Torpedoes             Fuel             Provisions             Personnel
18 and 5              11,320 gal. Midway 50 days                 30 days
Limiting factor - stern plane casualty.

(U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR, AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES

Communications:

1. Intercept of enemy signals

Strong enemy signals were heard on 500 kc. on May 23 and 24 in the
vicinity of 36°-30N, 123°-30E. We were able to copy little of this.

2. Jamming

Much less jamming was experienced than on the last patrol in the same
area. Only one of our serials on 8470 kc. was jammed and that unsuccessful.
Safplan frequencies had some interference from adjacent Jap frequencies but
greatest trouble was with atmospherics.

- 42 -

— page 344 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. B.L.L.O NINTH IR PATROL

3. Deception

On 14 May, we tried to raise the lifeguarding SHLD on 4475. A Jap came
up using SHLD's call. When we were not fooled, he jammed the circuit with
[UNCLEAR: CT].

Radar:

1. Intercept of enemy signals

(a) SPI- IR Log.

Date | Time | Location | Freq. | PRF | Pulse Width | Type and Remarks
-----|------||-------|-----||
5/10 | 1620 | 23-34.2N\n137-49.6E | 78 | 500 | 30 | Shipborne Airsearch
     | 1620 | 23-34.2N\n137-49.6E | 100 | 450 | 15 | Shipborne\nTop of pulse\nvery active
     | 1630 | 23-41.2N\n137-46.5E | 95 | 300 | 15 | Shipborne
     | 1650 | 23-46.5N\n137-46.2E | 83 | 450 | 45 | Believed shipborne
     | 1650 | 23-46.5N\n137-46.2N | 80 | 450 | 30 | Airsearch
5/13 | 0025 | 29-25.3N\n130-20E | 82 | 500 | 24 | Land based airsearch
     | 0042 | 29-25.7N\n130-15E | 109 | 250 | 24 | Land based airsearch.
     | 0245 | 29-30N\n129-57.8E | 150 | 500 | 11 | Land based airsearch
     | 0245 | 29-30N\n129-57.8E | 160 | 500 | 10 | Land based airsearch.
     | 0330 | 29-30N\n129-45E | 109 | 600 | 12 | Yaku Shima
     | 0330 | 29-30N\n129-45.8E | 155 | 250 | 10 | Suwanose or Akuseki
     | 0400 | 29-30N\n129-45.8E | 208 | 300 | 5 | Airsearch

- 43 -

— page 345 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL

Date     Time   Location      Freq. PRF Pulse
                                          width Type and Remarks
         0415   29-30N        108   450   20    Yaku Shima (possibly)
                129-45.8E

         0415   29-30N        81    500   40    Akuseki
                129-45.8

5/13     2020   30-00N        156   500   5     Gaja Shima
                129-15.5E

         2145   30-15N        153   500   10    Nakano Shima
                129-09E

         2210   30-24N        160   500   10    Airsearch, Kuchino Shima
                129-05.5E

5/14     0110   30-55N        78    500   25    Kusukaki
                128-58E

         0210   31-13.5N      96    750   50    Danjo Gunto
                128-58.2E

         0222   31-20N        102   750         Land based, surface search
                128-59E

         0300   31-20N        97    300         Danjo or Koshiki
                128-59E

         0425   31-44.9N      152   450   10    Danjo Gunto
                128-58E

         1345   31-44.9N      165   500   3     Bono Misaki?
                128-58E

         1400   32-18N        157   500   3     Danjo Gunto (Steady)
                128-55E

         1930   32-18N        155   500   10    Danjo Gunto
                128-45.6E

         2125   32-20.9N      94    750   15    Fukae Shima, Ose Saki
                128-21.5E

5/15     1000   32-38.2N      200   750         Poss. Saishu To
                125-39.5E

- 44 -

— page 346 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL

Date | Time | Location | Freq. | PRF | Pulse | Type and Remarks
     |      |          |       |     | Width |
-----|------||-------|-----|-------|
5/16 | 0830 | 34-40.2N | 200 | 250 | 15 | Possible Kokusan
     |      | 123-36.4E |     |     |       |
     |      | 35-00N | 142 | 500 | 15 | Kokusan
     |      | 123-35E |     |     |       |
5/21 |      | 35-16.5N | 78 | 500 | 15 | Airsearch Mod. "CHI"
     |      | 123-34E |     |     |       |
     |      | 36-00N | 100 | 300 | 10 | Land based airsearch
     |      | 123-30E |     |     |       |
     |      | 36-00N | 80 | 500- | 12 | Rapid sweep, A/C search
     |      | 123-30E |     | 1000 |       |
5/23 |      | 36-50N | 160 | 200 | 5 | Possible aircraft
     |      | 123-21E |     |     |       |
     |      | 37-57N | 155 | 500 | 7 | Land based on Shantung Promontory
     |      | 123-38.5E |     |     |       |
5/24 |      | 33-00N | 160 | 500 | 3 | Land based, surface search
     |      | 123-20E |     |     |       |
     |      | 33-54N | 168 | 250 | 8 | Mk. 10, airborne
     |      | 123-16.8E |     |     |       |
5/25 |      | 32-14.4N | 96 | 450 | 25 | Saishu To
     |      | 125-28E |     |     |       |
     |      | 32-33N | 110 | 250 |       | Land based
     |      | 127-01E |     |     |       |
     |      | 32-23N | 100 | 500 | 20 | Saishu To
     |      | 128-01.8E |     |     |       |
5/26 |      | 30-44N | 160 | 500 | 7 | Uji Gunto
     |      | 129-36.4E |     |     |       |
     |      | 31-41N | 155 | 450 | 7½ |
     |      | 128-57E |     |     |       |

- 45 -

— page 347 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL

Date | Time | Location | Freq. | PRF | Pulse | Type and Remarks
     |      |          |       |     | Width |
-----|------||-------|-----|-------|
5/26 |      | 30-44N   | 147   | 500 | 7     | Uji Gunto
     |      | 129-36E  |       |     |       |
     |      | 30-44N   | 77    | 500 | 25    | Kuchinoyerabu Shima
     |      | 129-36E  |       |     |       |
     |      | 30-44N   | 98    | 500 | 25    |
     |      | 129-36E  |       |     |       |
     |      | 30-39.3N | 153   | 500 | 8     | Nakano Jima
     |      | 129-41.5E|       |     |       |
     |      | 30-17.6N | 160   | 1100| 8     | Iwo Shima
     |      | 129-57E  |       |     |       |
     |      | 30-12N   | 103   | 750 | 30    | Land based
     |      | 129-56E  |       |     |       |
[HANDWRITTEN: NRL]
[HANDWRITTEN: ORI]
[HANDWRITTEN: BUSHIPS]
5/27 |      | 29-50.5N | 94    | 400 | 20    | Yaku Shima
     |      | 130-51E  |       |     |       |
[HANDWRITTEN: 3-XTRA-]
     |      | 29-52N   | 175   | 150 | 7     | Flash - Weak trace
     |      | 130-55E  |       |     |       |
     |      | 29-48N   | 98    | 250 | 20    | Land based
     |      | 132-00E  |       |     |       |
     |      | 29-48N   | 155   | 500 | 10    | Tanega Shima
     |      | 132-00E  |       |     |       |
     |      | 29-47N   | 80    | 500 | 20    | Yakara Shima
     |      | 134-05E  |       |     |       |
     |      | 29-47N   | 101   | 350 |       | Probably land based
     |      | 134-15E  |       |     |       |
     |      | 29-46N   | 151   | 450 | 5     | Probably land based
     |      | 134-23E  |       |     |       |
     |      | 29-44N   | 162   | 450 | 7     | Probably land based
     |      | 135-02E  |       |     |       |
     |      | 29-39.4N | 157   | 500 | 12    | Similar to definite Jap sub contact
     |      | 136-39.5E|       |     |       | last patrol

- 46 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 873]
[HANDWRITTEN: 48]

— page 348 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO NINTH WAR PATROL

(1) A single unit covering the frequency range of both TN2 and TN3 would be
a great asset, or even a method of switching from one to the other instead of
shifting units would be a great help. Further need for a directional radar
detector extending up to the 10 cm. band becomes more and more apparent each
patrol.

2. Jamming
    In the morning of 15 May, at 0047 (I), at 32°-36N, 127°-47E, a continuous
    signal of strength 4 appeared on the SPA scope from 80 to 1000 mc, 1500 PRF,
    5 us. If this was jamming, it was completely successful for 5 minutes when
    the enemy radar was weak. No internal source could be
    located.

3. Deception
    None.
[HANDWRITTEN: 3-XRA NRL
ORI
BUSHIPS]

Sonar
1. Intercept of enemy signals
    Distant pinging was heard on 16 kc. on May 19 in the vicinity of 38°-00N,
    124°-00E. No further enemy sonar activity was observed.

(V) REMARKS
1. The L.P. blower silencer installed by PROTEUS is a wonderful contribution to
    safety and nerves during the critical period just after surfacing. Should
    be a rush job for all boats afflicted by an unsilenced Roots-Connersville
    blower.

2. The additional RBH receiver solved our receiving difficulties. It is by far
    the best we have. Now we can guard Safplan, Skeds, Lifeguard, 500 kc, and
    VHF all at once. Maybe that can't keep a radioman hopping!

3. The allowance of 200,000 units of penicillin and sufficient dried blood plasma
    for three transfusions are insufficient. A greater allowance should be made
    if it can be spared.

4. The greatest aid for subs to be able to locate the fast thinning enemy targets
    would be a directional radar detector capable of quickly sweeping all bands
    down to 10 cm. But we need it now. A temporary stopgap of great value would
    be a directional detector operating in the common 150 mc. band.

5. Of major importance to submarine safety would be installation of additional
    conning tower equipment to render SJ and SJ completely separable. A number
    of boats have been caught with trouble at the dip and severely damaged because
    casualty to SJ left them blind until they effected repairs. Some boats may
    well have been lost for that reason.

- 47 -
[UNCLEAR: 893]
[HANDWRITTEN: 49]

— page 349 —
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to CO USS BALAO
Conf ltr SS285/A16-3 Serial (7),
dated 7 June 1945

FB5-104/A16-3(2) Serial (09)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

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

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS 285) - Report of War Patrol Number Nine.

1. The ninth war patrol of the U.S.S. BALAO was conducted in the Yel-
low Sea area. This patrol was of thirty-four (34) days duration. BALAO was a
member of a coordinated attack group consisting of DRAGONET, SHAD, and BALAO.

2. While in the area only three targets worthy of torpedo fire were
sighted despite thorough and aggressive coverage of the area. Two of these could
not be closed to a firing position. The third was unsuccessfully attacked. One
possible A/S group consisting of four small AKs or trawlers, was contacted by ra-
dar and after attaining position for a dawn attack, their small size was disclosed.
Attack with torpedoes was not feasible and a battle surface was correctly deemed
impracticable.

3. On 19 May 1945, a small AK of the SAGAWA MARU type was sighted
about 1300 hugging the Korean coast. A daylight submerged attack was delivered.
Three Mk 18-2 torpedoes were fired at a range of 2030 yards, track angle 115°, and
depth set four feet. All missed the target but one hit and sank a fishing junk
that interposed herself across the track. ST radar could not be used because tar-
get return was blanked out by the land return since the target was rounding a
point closer to the BALAO than it was, and the bearing discrimination was too large
to separate the returns. The target and BALAO were probably influenced by differ-
ent currents which introduced errors sufficient to cause the misses. Misses also
could have been caused by the target changing course to avoid the junk which was
sunk.

Eight floating mines were sunk.

4. On 23 May the stern planes became inoperative so BALAO had to leave
the area. The cause of this unfortunate casualty is at present unknown. After
two days in the area the operation of the planes stiffened to the point where their
operation was very difficult. An aircraft bomb freed them for a few days. How-
ever, on the 23rd, they could not be operated so that BALAO had to depart from the
area.

5. The transfer of patients from the SANDLANCE and TORSK was smartly
and expeditiously handled.

6. Four torpedoes were sighted and avoided by the Officer-of-the-Deck.
BALAO did not dive. A TDM will be installed during this refit.

7. On her return from patrol BALAO was clean and shipshape. During
this refit she will be brought as up to date as availability of new equipment per-
mits.
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE HUNDRED FOUR,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

8 June 1945.

— page 350 —
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to CO USS BALAO
Conf ltr SS285/A16-3 Serial (7),
dated 7 June 1945

FB5-104/A16-3(2) Serial (09)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS 285) - Report of War Patrol Number Nine.

— page 351 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TEN
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California 11/rhb

FC5-10/A16-3

Serial: 082

10 June 1945.

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) Re-
port of Ninth War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of Ninth
War Patrol.

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

2. The Squadron Commander congratulates the
Commanding Officer, Officers, and crew of the U.S.S. BALAO
upon completion of her Ninth War Patrol.

3. It is recommended that the U.S.S. BALAO be
credited with the following:

SUNK

1 - (EC) Misc. (Fishing junk) 30 tons
Total sunk 30 ton

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

— page 352 —
[STAMP: 0385]
Ga

FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

Serial 01498

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
BALAO Report of
Ninth War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 784
U.S.S. BALAO - NINTH WAR PATROL.

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
19 June 1945

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

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

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of Ninth War Patrol
(3 May to 7 June 1945).

1. The ninth war patrol of the BALAO, under the command of Lieutenant-
Commander R. K. Worthington, U. S. Navy, was conducted in the East China and
Yellow Seas. The BALAO was a member of a coordinated attack group consisting of
U.S.S. DRAGONET, U.S.S. SHAD, U.S.S. SPIKEFISH, and BALAO, with the
commanding officer of the DRAGONET as task group commander.

2. Areas assigned were thoroughly covered but suitable torpedo and
gun targets proved to be scarce. Three torpedoes were fired at a small freighter.
One torpedo sank a sampan, and the other two missed the freighter.
The termination of the patrol was caused by stern planes failure. Enroute Midway
the BALAO received sick men from the U.S.S. SANDLANCE and U.S.S. TORSK.

3. In using the SJ radar to establish the friendly character of other
submarines, strict compliance with procedures laid down in the Recognition
Manual is essential to insure that the recognition signals do not become
compromised.

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

5. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
commanding officer, officers, and crew of the BALAO upon the completion of this
patrol. The BALAO is credited with inflicting the following damage to the enemy:

S U N K

1 - Sampan (SC) 30 tons (Attack No. 1)

E. B. YEOMANS.

Distribution & Authentication
next page.

- 1 -

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

— page 353 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET Ga
Serial 01498
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
19 June 1945.

CONFIDENTIAL
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to DESTROYED PRIOR TO
BALAO Report of ENTERING PATROL AREA.
Ninth War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 784
U.S.S. BALAO - NINTH WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of Ninth War Patrol
(3 May to 7 June 1945).

— page 354 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

U.S.S. BALAO (SS285).

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

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS285/A16-3

Serial (12)

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S. Fleet.
To : The Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division 104.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron 10.

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO, Report of War Patrol Number 10.

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

1. Enclosure (A) covering the 10th war patrol of this vessel conducted
in Northern Nanpo Shoto and east of Honshu during the period 7 July 1945, to
25 August 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: R.K.R. Worthington]
R.K.R. WORTHINGTON.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-0989C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/23/72]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 140259]

— page 355 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BALAO TENTH WAR PATROL
(A) PROLOGUE

Arrived Pearl Harbor, T.H. on 7 June 1945, from 9th War Patrol. Commenced
refit by Subdiv 104 relief crew and Submarine Base on 8 June. Refit was com-
pleted on 24 June, and crew returned to a very clean boat on 25 June. Major
refit items were installation of TDM, JT, NLM, SD-5 pulser and receiver,
installation of a second 5"-25 and 40 mm gun, and repair of stern plane casualty
which enforced early termination of 9th patrol. Underway training period from
29 June to 4 July comprised 6 days and 2 nights of operations, including day
and night lifeguard, TDM training, Mk. 27 and Mk. 28 torpedo firing. The
solicitous cooperation of CSD 104, Capt. Lowell T. Stone, USN, and the Division
Engineer, Lieut.(jg) Stanley Mandekic, USN, is gratefully acknowledged.

The following officers were detached:
Lieut. J.F. RICHARDSON, USNR,
Lieut. M.L. SQUIRE, USNR,
Lieut.(jg) M.H. STOVROFF, USNR.

21 men were transferred and 23 received.
The following officers and CPO's will make the 10th war patrol of BALAO:

Name | Rank | Prior war patrols
WORTHINGTON, R.K.R. | Lt.Cmdr, USN | 12
SHONERD, W.A. | Lieut., USN | 9
WILLS, J.K. | Lieut., USNR | 4
JONES, J.R. | Lieut.(jg), USNR | 5
BALCKEN, W.H. | Lieut.(jg), USNR | 2
BOSTROM, E.E. | Lieut.(jg), USN | 9
SASKA, S.D. | Lieut.(jg), USN | 5
FLACK, R.F. | Lieut.(jg), USNR | 2
GRAYSON, A.M., Jr. | Lieut.(jg), USNR | 3
HANNIFIN, P.J. | Ensign, USN | 2
DYBA, R.P. | CMOMM | 6
POWDERLY, J.H. | CMOMM | 4
HOLLES, J.R. | CEM | 3

- 1 -

— page 356 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BALAO TENTH WAR PATROL

Name                               Rank          Prior war patrols
HURTT, K.M., Jr.                   CGM           5
WOOLLEY, W.H.                      CEM           6

(B) NARRATIVE

July 7, 1945
1330 (W)     Underway from Subase, P.I. in accordance with Comsubspac Opord No.
             133-A-45.
1407         Cleared channel and proceeded in company with escort PC 603 enroute
             Saipan.
1730         Trim dive.                               1752         Surfaced.
1759         Escort left company.
2240         SJ contact 240° T, 9400 yds. Exchanged calls by SJ with USS BERGALL
             after recognition failed due to BERGALL's using yesterdays signals.

July 8, 1945
0800         Compensated magnetic compass.
0940         Dove.                                    1005         Surfaced.
1030         Set clocks back ½ hour to + 10 time (W).
1200 (W)     Lat. 20°-36N Long. 162°-47W.
1434         Dove.                                    1457         Surfaced.
1750         Dove.                                    1815         Surfaced.
1911         Unknown APR contact 230 mc, 100 PRF.
2130         Weak SJ interference 065° T - PIRANHA?

July 9, 1945
0200         Set clocks back 1 hour to + 11 time (X).
0700 (X)     Dove. Discovered bow buoyancy blow leaking badly. Requested seat
             inserts were not installed during refit. Have had this trouble
             every run.
0829         Surfaced.
1021         Dove.                                    1103         Surfaced.

- 2 -

— page 357 —
CONFIDENTIAL
                                                              U.S.S. B.L.O. TENTH W.R. PATROL
1200             Lat. 21-09N     Long. 168-35W.
1524             Dove.                                         1550             Surfaced.
1715             Dove.                                         1742             Surfaced.

July 10, 1945
0306             OOD sighted possible green flare on 340° T. C/C toward.
0350             Nothing further. Abandoned search.
0715             Dove.                                         0749             Surfaced.
0800             Dove.                                         0808             Surfaced.
1124             Dove.                                         1154             Surfaced.
1200             Lat. 21-33N     Long. 174-05W.
1410             Dove.                                         1439             Surfaced.
1812             Dove.                                         1834             Surfaced.
1900 (Y)         Set clocks back 1 hour to + 12 time (Y).

July 11, 1945
0945             Crossed 180th meridian, - 12 time (M).

July 12, 1945
1110 (M)         Dove.                                         1152             Surfaced.
1153             Dove.                                         1158             Surfaced.
1200             Lat. 21-31N     Long. 179-31E.
1518             Dove.                                         1555             Surfaced.
1836             Dove.                                         1912             Surfaced.

July 13, 1945 (FRIDAY!)
0340             SJ contact 20,000 yds., 290° T. Sighted white light on same bearing
                 C/C to 220° to pass 13,000 yds. clear and held tracking drill on
                 this lone, lighted, non zigzagging ship headed NE. No hospital ship
                 lights in evidence from closest range.
0419             Dove.
0446             #1 scope sighted dark object on 250° T, 340° Rel. No ST or SJ
                 contact, so at

                                                               - 3 -

— page 358 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BULLHEAD TENTH WAR PATROL

0448 Surfaced and C/C to N. Could now make out ship with 100 P. M.O.B.
0450 SJ contact at 5000 yds. Range not opening fast enough.
0455 Dove to periscope depth. Lat. 21-26N, Long. 175-40E.
0500 Target C/C 1400 away to a 160 P. M.O.B. At 13,000 yds., he returned
       to NE course.
0545 Surfaced with target 21,000 yds. on ST at 48', bearing 0950 T.
0602 Lost ST contact at 30,000 yds., best range to date by far.
       Apparently, the failure to contact prior to surfacing at 0448 was
       purely fault of operator, a radarman third class, to tune set
       properly. We had just decoded instructions to avoid being sighted
       by our merchant vessels in this area!
1200 Lat. 21-25N Long. 174-02E.
1840 Dove. 1932 Surfaced.
2048 Dove. 2141 Surfaced.
2350 Avoided possible SJ contact 3600 yds., 0050 T.

July 14, 1945
0400 Avoided possible SJ contact 1800 yds., 2350 T.
0409 Weak APR contact, 500 mcs.
0900 Set clocks back one hour to -11 time (L).
1010 (L) Dove. 1053 Surfaced.
1055 Dove. 1100 Surfaced.
1200 Lat. 21-29N Long. 168-03E.
1505 Dove. 1529 Surfaced.
1530 Dove.
1542 Battle Surface (training). Fired all guns.
1906 Dove. 1924 Surfaced.

July 15, 1945
1103 Dove.
1200 Lat. 20-42N Long. 162-32E.

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                                                                U.S.S. BLAO TENTH WAR PATROL

1210            Surfaced.
1211            Dove.                                           1216            Surfaced.
1518            Dove.                                           1545            Surfaced.
2215            Avoided possible TDM contact 020° T.
July 16, 1945
0737            Dove.                                           0750            Surfaced.
0920            Dove.                                           0937            Surfaced.
1200            Lat. 18-10N Long. 157-02E.
1230            Dove.                                           1250            Surfaced.
1251            Dove.                                           1254            Surfaced.
1819            Dove.                                           1834            Surfaced.
1836            Dove.                                           1947            Surfaced.
July 17, 1945
0200            Avoided possible TDM contact.
0407            SJ interference 315° T.
0440            Exchanged recognition with L.PON on opposite course.
0600            Set clocks back one hour to -10 time (K).
1000 (K)        Compensated magnetic compasses.
1114            Dove.                                           1146            Surfaced.
1200            Lat. 18-20N Long. 151-49E.
1451            Dove.                                           1513            Surfaced.
1804            Held gun drill and sank belly tank.
1833            Dove.                                           1842            Surfaced.
1847            Dove.                                           1853            Surfaced.
July 18, 1945
0204            SJ interference 233° T.

                                                                - 5 -

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U.S.S. BILO TENTH WAR PATROL

0220        Exchanged recognition signals but could not get an answer to our [UNCLEAR: call]
            probably RONQUIL on opposite course.
0223        SJ contact 190° T, 11,000 yds. Tracked.
0715        Dove.
0730        Surfaced.
0933        First SD contact on B-29, 15 mi, 270° T. These continued until
            reaching Saipan.
1108        Dove.
1145        Surfaced.
1150        Sighted Alamagan Island 275° T.
1200        Lat. 17-34N Long. 146-37E.
1252        Sighted Guguan Island 249° T. Will pass between Guguan and Alamagan.
1500        Witnessed demonstration of B-29 bombing as flight after flight let
            go on the NE tip of Guguan.
1521        Dove.
1542        Surfaced.
1812        Dove.
1822        Surfaced.
1824        Dove.
1830        Surfaced.
2332        Passed Anatahan Is. abeam to port, 095° T, 76000 yds.

July 19, 1945

0325        SJ 103° T, 19000 yds.
0437        Rendezvoused with YMS 374 and headed for Saipan.
0920        Moored alongside USS ORION, Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, and commenced
            a minor refit. Tender supplied 16 Mk. 18's, replaced #2 periscope,
            installed DU loop, repaired BN, JT, TDM chemical recorder, auxiliary
            engine outboard exhaust valve, #4 engine exhaust line to muffler,
            and did numerous minor jobs in splendid fashion. C.O. flew to Guam
            for briefing.

July 21, 1945

1300        Set clocks back one hour to -9 time.
1330 (I)    Underway in accordance with Comsubpac Opord 162-45.
1400        Proceeding in company with USS HADDOCK and escort SC 995.
1758        Trim dive.
1820        Surfaced.

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U.S.S. BILLFISH TENTH WAR PATROL

1820 Possible TDM contact; evaded.
1822 Escort departed.
1845 SJ contact on 4 ships 350° T, 18000 yds., on southeast course.
     Tracked and avoided.

July 22, 1945
0046 APR 180/500/? S-3.
0208 SJ contact 013° T, 11,000 yds.
0229 APR 230/100/? S-2.
0232 Exchanged first challenge and reply by SJ. Contact would not answer
     second challenge.
0236 Received SCR message from SEA FOX "We are probably your contact".
     It surely would be nice to find someone who would follow proper
     procedure.
0250 APR 203/75/? S-3.
0633 HADDOCK reported by SCR "Sighted two possible torpedo wakes." Turned
     away.
0646 C.O. HADDOCK believes contacts false.
1016 Sighted raft of timbers and 2 oil drums. Lat. 17-56N, Long 143-03E.
1200 Lat. 18-11N Long. 142-44E.
1308 Dove for practice approach on HADDOCK.
1345 Surfaced.
1746 Sighted oil drum and ventilated with rifle fire.
1943 APR 98 mc.
2156 APR 120/60/ - S-5.
2213 SCR msg. from HADDOCK "We have friendly boat bearing 270° T".
2228 SJ interference 005° T.
2229 SCR msg. from HADDOCK "Contact with GUNNEL".

July 23, 1945
Glassy sea reflecting stars and moon kept C.O. busy with reports of blinker
lights, gunfire, disturbance in the water, etc.

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U.S.S. BILO TENTH W.R. PATROL

0830 C/C to 000° T in "Nock"

1200 Lat. 21-57N Long. 139-29E.

1300 Commenced tracking drill with HADDOCK.

1420 Dove for practice approach.

1445 Surfaced.

1703 Sighted object at first thought to be a mine but actually a steel
buoy about 40" in diameter, cylindrical, large padeye on upper end.
.30 cal. bounced off. .50 cal. holed it. Left floating high, not
wishing to expend more ammo on it.

1956 Dove. 2024 Surfaced.

TDM back in commission after 12 hours of work installing a F.M.
pump bearing in place of -B motor generator bearing that burned
out with no spare on board B.I.L.O or HADDOCK. No allowance.
A switching arrangement should be provided so that either sound
M/G could be used on T.D.M.

July 24, 1945

0645 Planes started passing over bound for largest strike to date. Good
hunting, lads; you don't have to leave any planes for us to shoot
down. We're not greedy!

1200 Lat. 27-21N Long. 139-37E.

1531 Periscope sighted masts 316° T (S.C. #1). Believed to be US force
refueling. Looked like 2 CVE, 2 DD, and one AP.

1718 Sighted ship 090° T, 20,000 yds. (S.C. #2).

1721 Trim dive. S.C. #2 developed into an unidentified AH on course 250°T
Believed Jap, and in any case desired to avoid being sighted.

1838 Surfaced with AH 186° T, 21,000 yds.

1901 SD 22 miles, showing IFF.

1934 APR 140/100/-.

2218 SD 11 miles, showing IFF.

July 25, 1945

0115 SD 6 miles, IFF.

0125 APR 180/200/-.

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U.S.S. BALAO
TENTH WAR PATROL
Have no assigned lifeguard station

0135 as yet.
0300 SD 6 Miles.
0307 APR 140/250/- Japs still flying!
0312 SJ contact on Tori Shima, 60,000 yds, 003° T.
0323 APR 152/400/- Jap landbased.
0621 APR 185/200/- S-5.
0715 Large log. Lat. 30-57N, Long. 139-38E.
0740 SD 9-10 miles, IFF.
0810 APR 152/1000/- S-3. Jap airborne.
0855 In view of today's Mustang strike headed for 33°N, 138°-15E.
Am missing Comsubpac serials 34 and 38, but HADDOCK has and says
they do not concern us.
0915 HADDOCK left company, desiring to stay farther south and east of
our selected spot while awaiting assignment.
1005 Mine #1. Lat. 31-26N, Long. 139-27E. Sunk.
1030 Received word Mustang strike cancelled.
1200 Lat. 31-42N Long. 139-17E.
1546 Sighted periscope shears bearing 005°. Exchanged calls by SJ
with STERLET.
1550 Decoded lifeguard instructions for tonite. HADDOCK was right and
we are off base to NW. 4 engines and ceased zigzagging to get on
the line.
1700 APR 228/125/-
1932 SJ contact on Sumisu Shima, 135° T, 43,900 yds.
2049 Commenced SD contacts on northbound B-29's.
2325 APR 170/400/- S-1.
2340 Arrived lifeguard station right on time. (Lat. 31°N, Long. 140°-50E).

July 26, 1945

0005 VHF contact with "Playmate 52", our dumbo. Visual contact maintained

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U.S.S. B.L.O TENTH WAR PATROL

as he orbited with running lights on. Homeward bound B-29's
streaming south.

0153 Dumbo requested permission to return to base. Departed.

0330 Received lifeguard assignments for tonite. Can make it easily on
one engine.

0447 Evaded possible TDM contact. Believed false.

0645 SD 7 miles, IFF. Frequent contact by SD, BN, VHF, and PR on
B-29's, B-24's, and PBM's. Will log only the doubtful and enemy
contacts for duration of lifeguarding.
0826 Surfaced.

0720 Trim dive.

1010 Sank belly tank with Garand.

1124 Sighted Aoga Shima 290° T.

1200 Lat. 32-08N Long. 140-24E.

1338 APR 160/500/- S-1.

1354 Periscope sighted Bayonnaise Rocks 208° T.

1513 APR 109/250/- S-2.

1739 APR 153/-/-

1900 Trim dive.

1919 Surfaced on lifeguard station (32°N, 139°E).

1955 Weak SJ interference 180° T. Headed toward but lost contact.

2053 Strike cancelled.

July 27, 1945

0621 Evaded false TDM contact.

0646 Sighted Hachijo Shima 053° T, 30 miles.

0705 Sighted Aoga Shima 110° T, 38 Miles.

0731 APR 160/500/- S-4.

0805 APR 83/150/- S-1.

0830 Sank oil drum with rifle fire.

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U.S.S. B.L.L.O TENTH W.R PATROL

1002 APR 158/450/- S-1.
1033 Trim dive.
1112 Surfaced with APR 160/500/- S-3.
1200 Lat. 32-06N Long 139-10E.
1426 Training dive.
1455 Surfaced
1610 Sighted Bayonnaise Rocks 086° T, 10 miles.
1625 APR 160/500/- S-4.
1637 APR 152/500/7.5 S-1.
1656 Approached to 3 miles from rocks and examined through long glass.
absolutely barren. Don't believe our APR contacts could possibly
emanate from here.
1728 Training dive.
1754 Surfaced.
1800 Talked to a Privateer on VHF. Like most of these boys he used
general call instead of plane call. A short time later we called
another sighting and were told we had same plane. These birds would
blaze a better rescue trail behind them if they would tell us who
they are.
1945 Received station assignment for tomorrow's Mustang strike.
2008 Two SD indications with IFF winged northward followed by smaller
one without IFF closing on steady bearing.
2010 Dove with SJ range 3750 yds.
2042 Surfaced.
2104 SD and SJ contact on large plane closed to 7000 yds, no IFF.
About to pull the plug when he came up on VHF. Told him we had
him on screen but could not hear his cockerel. He checked cockerel
and then we heard it. He sounded a bit embarrassed on his "Out".
2200 Converted #3 FBT and greased topside.

July 28, 1945.
0131 SD contact 5 miles, no IFF. No VHF. Contact opened rapidly. Sure
scared him!
0137 APR 159/200/- S-1.
0510 APR 150/500/- S-5. (Ioga Shima).

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0633 APR 108/1000/- S-2.
     Passed between Aoga Shima and Hachijo Jima: Latter's radars having
     great fun.

0900 On lifeguard station for Mustang strike at 33°N, 140-15E. Dumbo
     not around.

1100 Lifeguard Liaison Iwo says Mitchell with call 5V585 missing. He
     Spoke him on VHF at 0000 at which time he seemed OK. Heard 12V585
     ask him how his engines were, but did not hear his reply. Had SD
     contacts 5 and 12 miles with no IFF until we told them to make
     cockerel crow. 5V585 crowed audibly over VHF and both then gave
     negative pips.

1125 SD & IFF contact on group of planes at 24 miles, probably northbound
     Mustangs.

1133 Playmate 72, our Dumbo, arrived almost three hours later than time
     specified in Comsubpac dispatch.

1145 Playmate 72 disappeared at 340° T.

1200 Lat. 33-10N Long 140-17E.

1202 Tried to call Iwo regarding plane 5V585.

1330 Unable to raise Iwo. Gave msg. to Playmate to relay for us.

1345 Playmate 72 left for base.

1500 Set course for night lifeguard station.

1543 Heavy rain, manned SJ.

1607 SJ interference 190° T.

1614 SJ contact 200° T; 12,500 yds.

1617 Sighted shears of gun-aft US Sub. Rain closed in as we attempted
     to exchange recognition. Apparently our phones were bad. Sub
     passed at 9600 yds. on course 015° at 14.4 knots without further
     sighting, both trying madly to exchange identification without
     success.

1735 Trim dive.                               1800 Surfaced.

1846 APR 160/400/6 S-3. (Passing between Aoga and Hachijo.)

1925 APR 108/100/20 S-1.

2015 APR 83/400/45 S-1.

2325 APR 164/-/8 S-1. SD contact 12 miles.

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U.S.S. B.L.L.O TENTH W.R PATROL

2331 VHF contact with Airdale 32, our dumbo. Then ensued a period of
     trying to home him visually and by radar. He just couldn't seem to
     find us.

July 29, 1945

0000 On lifeguard station 32°N, 139°E. Many planes passing, headed north.

0050 Southbound schedule started.

0125 Nordic 29 giving his posit every few minutes by 4475 and VHF as he
     headed south. No dope on his difficulty.

0130 Gave him our posit by VHF. He has passed us now. No indication of
     emergency IFF.

0210 Decoded msg. from 6LV180 or 33V130 to Iwo giving posit close to ours
     and saying two engines lost power. Lone plane passed over about
     five minutes ago on heading given (166°). No emergency IFF.

0320 Dumbo departed for base tho' planes are still returning from strike.
     Heard LIONFISH dumbo do likewise. The boys up near the coast are
     still quite busy. Looks like we're mostly a morale factor, but could
     do more good closer to the scene of action.

     Frequent contacts every day henceforth, mostly with search and
     SAR planes, will not be mentioned in the narrative since they are
     purely routine exchange of "hello, have you any dope" - "No". Most
     planes show IFF, but many are identified by VHF. At night we ask
     the Rockerel crew so we can check their IFF against
     SD pips. The VHF is a godsend, saving us countless dives.

0400 Gave up on this deal and departed lifeguard station.

0720 APR 160/450/6 S-5.

0802 Contacted first search plane of day looking for lost Mitchell 5V35.
     Am searching between Bayonnaise Rocks and Sumisu Shima and will
     inspect both closely in case survivors landed there.

0900 Nothing on Bayonnaise Rocks. Listed Radar installation is a pipe
     dream. Barren rocks with spray flying high over them even in this
     calm sea. Radar must be 60 miles to north on Aoga Shima.

1055 Trim dive.
                                            1145 Surfaced.

1200 Lat. 31-36N Long. 140-11E.

1306 Transmitted B.L.L.O serial 3 to Comsubpac requesting Comsubpac serial
     50.

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U.S.S. BILAO TENTH WAR PATROL

1600 Closed to 7500 yds. from Sumisu and examined through 16 power glass.
Just a big rock with vertical sides, one possible landing place.
Uninhabited except by birds. Listed radar does not exist here either.
Inspected from south and west also to make sure. Must be 60 miles
south on Tori Shima. Asiatic Pilot says waters to south and
southwest of Sumisu possibly dangerous. Took sounding at 3 min.
intervals, 400 fathom minimum. A 95 fm. pinnacle was observed about
8 miles 273° from Sumisu. An eleven star fix showed Sumisu to be
properly located, not 5 miles further east as rumored in the "Pilot".

No assignment except to stay east of 139°, keeping clear of
surface bombardment forces. Am staying on surface to get lifeguard
dope at earliest possible time, but even at 2/3 speed, the fuel
problem is already rearing its ugly head. Why not a lifeguard
refueling tanker at Iwo?

1824 Trim dive. 1854 Surfaced.
1932 SJ interference 075° T - weak.
2330 SJ interference 280° T, changing to 311° in 17 minutes and
disappearing. Possibly US surface forces, in view of tonite's
bombardment of Hamamatsu.

July 30, 1945

0100 SJ contact on Aoga Shima 085° T, 54,000 yds.
0125 APR 82/400/50 S-1.
0212 APR 109/400/25 S-2.
0220 SJ contact on Hachijo Jima 038°, 75,000 yds.
0310 SJ interference 290° T, could not exchange recognition but know
LIONFISH is in area.
0532 Two TBF's passed overhead. Spoke them on VHF. A carrier strike
is underway today.
0708 APR contact on an SD radar.
1200 Lat. 31-56N Long. 139-04E.
1212 Trim dive. 1224 Surfaced.
1423 Sighted flight of carrier planes at 17 miles, IFF, bearing 330° T.
1445 Four F6F's came over to investigate us, "look us over" as they
put it.
1500 Heard somebody very faintly on VHF talking about "Goodyear".

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U.S.S. B.L.O. TENTH WAR PATROL

1514 Training dive.
1536 Surfaced.

1510 B-29 came in with zero OB. Finally raised him on VHF at 3 miles
and asked him for dope. He said PBYO was picking up survivors about
"4 hours distant" (?) up near coast and didn't think we could get
there in time to help. Check!

1802 Sighted at least 40 carrier planes to NW on southerly heading,
distant 15 miles.

1808 Training dive.
1851 Surfaced.

1857 Sighted smoke on horizon to north. Turned towards.

1900 S.C. #3. Periscope sighted 4 probable DD on bearing of smoke.
Turned away and amassed all recognition signals. Ships are on
course about 210° T, gave no indication of sighting us. Zone is
joint.

1905 SJ radar out of commission.

Encoded contact report. Firmly believe these DD's to be part
of tonite's sweep along coast but cannot take a chance on their
enemy identity since their present heading is toward our carriers.

2005 Transmitted contact report. No serial.

2007 SJ back in commission. Am going ahead with my plans to look into
anchorages on SW side of Hachijo. With present heavy swell running
from east, small craft would be having a tough time in principal
anchorage on NE side.

2120 APR 90/50/5 S-1.

2135 APR 193/50/7 S-1.

2145 APR 82/450/85 S-5.

2157 Received word from Comsubpac that reported DD's are probably
friendly.

2200 Manned battle stations and inspected lee anchorage by radar from
4900 yards. A few lights visible on the beach, no craft or other
signs of life. Clear by SJ. Skirted 100 fathom curve.

2220 Commenced opening out at 2/3 speed. SJ interference 240° T.

2230 APR 108/1000/20 S-5.

2241 APR 168/400/25 S-5.

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U.S.S. B.L.A.O TENTH M.R PATROL

July 31, 1945

0000 Still no lifeguard assignment. Decided to reconnoiter Ioga Shima.
Do not intend to expend ammo on bombardment until I give up hope
of the promised shift to Area 12, but am casing the likely joints
anyway.

0300 Ran around Ioga Shima at range of 2500 to 4000 yds. in minimum of
350 fathoms of water. No signs of life. Island very precipitous
and rugged. Believe several massive radar arrays located in a pocket
high up near center of island. These were visible in silhouette
only when they bore 270 T. It is interesting to note that, as
we approached, the APR indications weakened and disappeared entirely.
We were in a shadow zone below the radar beams.

0416 Commenced opening to SW.

0629 Mine #2, 32°-19'N, 139°-32'E. Sank with .30 cal.

0808 Sank belly tank with carbine.

0930 Ditto.

0945 Ditto.

1018 Trim dive.
1101 Surfaced.

1200 Lat. 32-21N Long. 138-55E.

1334 Sank belly tank. Maybe we should take assignment as junk man and
haul these in. Any scrap, old rags, bottles today!

1630 Aircraft 10X091 called "Any Wildbeast" on 4475. HADDOCK answered
and was given posit of goodyear in plane language. HADDOCK gave
shackled posit 43 miles from survivor. ATULE called HADDOCK and
said, "This is fishy". Then ATULE called plane and asked for
authentication. Plane 10X091 asked ATULE "What are you? We will
not authenticate until we know what you are". Plane then called
HADDOCK and asked "Do you know what 703V6 is?" HADDOCK replied
affirmative and the plane said in that case she would authenticate
finally did so correctly. ATULE gave her posit 40 miles from
survivor. B.L.A.O is 100 miles distant. Will head toward but not
get on our horse unless ATULE and HADDOCK have difficulty.

1730 HADDOCK called ATULE "Survivor in sight". Hooray! The broken down
HADDOCK copped the sweepstakes.

1843 Trim dive.
1907 Surfaced.

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CONFIDENTI.L                               U.S.S. B.L.L.O TENTH WAR PATROL

1941         SJ interference 065° T. Probably PETO. Attempted to exchange
             recognition. Could plainly read his first challenge sent minutes
             after we challenged him. Gave him first reply but he would not go
             on from there. Looked like SJ. Don't know why 90% of all boats
             are difficult to get to exchange recognition properly.

2015         Asked PETO on 3310 kcs. if any worthwhile bombardment targets
             observed on NE coast of Hachijo, having intercepted her msg. to
             PERCH at 1310 (I) with information that she intended making submerged
             reconnaissance of area. Also, had A/C contact report of one DD
             in NE anchorage of Hachijo at 1240 (I) (Received on sched at 1451).

2137         Exchanged recognition with PETO.

2145         Decoded PETO reply to the effect that two separate A/C had reported
             the anchored DD to her, but she had been unable to see target from
             outside restricted area (5miles off beach, 4 miles outside 100 fathom
             curve). Furthermore, PETO was patrolling 15 miles north of Hachijo
             awaiting the DD.

2155         B.L.L.O patrolling 25 miles north of Hachijo.

2250         SJ contact 095° T, 10,000 yds.

2254         Battle stations, commenced tracking. (S.C. #4) Second target is at
             16,000 yds. on same bearing. Suspect one is PETO and other the
             awaited DD, don't know which is which.

2305         Near target closing rapidly forcing us to turn away. Called PETO
             on 4475 voice and verified that she was near target. Realized this
             circuit not to be so used, but could not raise her on VHF and needed
             dope in a hurry.

2318         Asked PETO about identity of target and received reply "Dog-dog".

2322         PETO closed in rapidly with small angle on bow, forcing us to turn
             to SW. DD is on northerly and NW course at 25 kts, rapidly
             drawing ahead.

2334         PETO requests we keep clear. Had no intention of stealing her gravy
             but wanted to be on hand if needed. Neither of us will be able to
             get in.

2343         Lost contact on DD at 18,000 yds., 040° T. PETO now headed directly
             away from us. Cannot savvy her previous course change directly
             toward us. Asked PETO her intentions.

2359         Gave up and headed south of Mikura Shima. DD will undoubtedly finish
             his dash.

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— page 372 —
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U.S.S. BALAO TENTH TLR PATROL

August 1, 1945

0015 PETO replied that she gave up chase.

0025 Received PETO'S contact report of DD via NPM.

0139 Lost SJ contact on PETO 247° T; 14,000 yds.

0230 Msg. from PETO saying she had been trying to work around me to
     investigate Mikura anchorages, requesting dope, and suggesting we
     shoot each other. Wonder whom she's working around since we lost
     contact 23 min. before her msg. was originated. Told PETO my plans,
     dope on Hachijo reconnaissance, and that we would not shoot him if
     he'd use SJ recognition properly.

0323 Lost PETO's interference on 300° T.

0605 APR 157/430/12 S-5. Nip sub?

0815 Sank belly tank.

0825 APR 159/450/8 S-5. Nothing in sight except Hachijo Jima.

1000 Sighted possible periscope 300° T, 6000 yds. (Probably a belly tank.)
     Headed to SE to pass between Hachijo and Aoga to tonite's lifeguard
     station.

1114 Trim dive.
1153 Surfaced.

1200 Lat. 33-00N Long. 139-21E.

1231 Sank belly tank. Great sport this!

1331 Avoided belly tank at flank speed.

1336 Ventilated belly tank. That'll larn him not to scare us bold
     submariners.

1622 Sank one ammo can. ...accumulating tonnage fast.

2241 Established VHF contact with Dumbo. First impression - we have a
     good one this time. He's ahead of time by 45 minutes. Night is
     dark but he came right in and sighted our phosphorescent 9 knot
     wake on first try.

2255 On station for B-29 strike at 33°-10N, 141-05E.

2328 B-29's going north, scads of 'em.

August 2, 1945

0105 Dumbo asked permission to return to base, his time on station
     having elapsed. Planes will be coming back for another 1½ hours

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U.S.S. BILO TENTH MR PATROL
at least. Asked him to stay another hour. Said he would.

0140 Dumbo asked if we had received a distress signal, said she had a
clear "Mayday". Asked her to check. Dumbo later said all she could
get from plane was "Im bailing out. Am I over the coast?".

0145 Intercepted msg. from a plane to Iwo that she had sighted two red
flares at 32°-10N, 140°-50E (60 miles from us, 15 from HADDOCK), had
circled and observed no more.

Told Dumbo to investigate, report back on 4475 and return to
base. After carefully checking shackled posit and asking for a re-
peat (we found it in error), he informed us that HADDOCK was
investigating same contacts and that he would carry out our instruc-
tions. This guy in his Privateer flying machine is on the beam.

0215 Playmate departed. Strike planes still returning.

0300 Asked HADDOCK if she desired our assistance. Answer "not yet".
HADDOCK then called to ask if shackled posit of flares given her
by our Playmate was correct. Incorrect. Set her straight. Don't
like to leave station yet since many planes still returning. Wish
we still had Playmate 23.

0335 HADDOCK wants to know if we see the plane 14 miles north of her
showing emergency lights. No! HADDOCK is 60 miles south of us.
Low overcast. Besides, we wouldn't know emergency lights from
the Staten Island Ferry.

0340 Heard HADDOCK telling Agate Base she had red flares to west of her
on the crystal ball. Now jive talk for
and emergency lights
emergency IFF? A plane went by a short time ago with a wider
negative pip than normal but nothing like the emergency signal we
observed when our Playmate gave us a request performance earlier
this evening.

0345 Looks like the lad with the wide IFF pip is tail-end Charlie of the
raid. No more. Headed for HADDOCK's posit.

0420 From HADDOCK "Best posit flares 32°-01, 141°-18. Searching to south
until 0900". Shall check this posit first then search flare posit
reported by plane.

0813 Sighted HADDOCK bearing 150° T.

0900 After some chase, managed to contact her on VHF. Asked for dope on
search and suggesting she coordinate search, knowing what area was
already covered.

0915 Gave us best posit of flares as 32°N, 141°-30E. HADDOCK has already
searched south and is now searching to N. Recommends B.L.O search
to east. Since that is direction of set and wind is from south, we
will search to N and E.

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CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BALAO TENTH WAR PATROL

Heard HADDOCK talking to a plane who finally said he had us both
at 28 miles. Our SD out of commission.

1045 Sighted a plane who informed us there were supposed to be survivors
in vicinity and asked us to keep an eye out for them! Told him that
we were searching for them and asked for help, whereupon he said he
was searching for them, too. Suppose this is the assistance we radioed
Okinawa for.

1157 APR 162/450/7 S-1 ?

1200 Lat. 32-12N Long. 141-37E.

1230 Contacted search plane for second and last time. Said he was going
to search 100 miles further south. Don't know what he considers area
coverage but he hasn't been in sight of us except these two times
while we've been covering the most logical area.

1634 Sighted periscop sheen 188° T. We have now covered the possible
drift sector from HADDOCK's "most likely" posit. HADDOCK has covered
the other directions. BALAO has no other assignment so will cruise
around this area in hopes of a break. What we need for this job is
an autogiro.

1912 Trim dive. 1943 Surfaced.

Continued search to northward. Star sights show set today due north
instead of NW as per the stream chart.

1953 Fired green Verys shell.

2042 Fired green Verys shell.

2113 APR 159/450/S S-1.

2139 Fired green Verys shell.

2238 Fired green Verys shell.

2336 Fired green Verys shell.

August 3, 1945

0029 Fired green Verys shell.

0130 Fired green Verys shell.

0230 Fired green Verys shell.

0518 Set course for lifeguard station.

0930 On station for Tokyo fighter strike. 32°N,140°E

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. B.L.O. TENTH WAR PATROL

0931         Cashier 1 called on VHF and asked if we are on station. Replied
             on the affirmative. Did not see him.

0953         Numerous IFF contacts, no fighters seen.

0953         Sighted unident on course north, bearing 120°. Called on VHF and
             raised Playmate 71, a Privateer, coming in from 180° T. Should be
             ASPRO's cover but he seems to think he belongs to us. Told him about
             other plane and he said he would investigate. Disappeared to North.

1155         Mica 564 called us on VHF and asked for Uncle Dog. Gave it to him
             and then he said he could see us. Could see nothing, but he said
             not to worry for he was at angels 9 in the sun, Gulp!

1200         Lat. 33-29N Long. 140-07E.

1204         Mica 564 asked Playmate 72 and then LIONFISH for Uncle Dog. No
             answer.

1221         Intercepted message "Fighter down. 35°-04, 140°-47'". (ASPRO's
             pigeon).

1236         Intercepted message "Second fighter down 35°-37N, 140°-43E.

1241         Intercepted message about survivor in Sagami Nada.

1330         Playmate 71 called us and gave us dope, apparently on the 1236 sur-
             vivor. Said "he had a good parachute out so should not drift much, but
             wind is 150°. Playmate 71 dropped flares, provisions, and another
             raft. An enemy DE about 17 miles SW fired on me, so watch out."
             Asked him if ASPRO was taking action and was informed ASPRO was
             picking up the lad who splashed in the bay. Asked if all airborne
             friendlies had gone south and was told a superdumbo was over his
             survivor but would have to leave soon.

1343         Headed for survivors posit on 4 engines, and attempted to raise
             ASPRO on 4475 kcs.

1345         Playmate 71 said he had informed base we had the dope and he would
             request air cover for us.

1409         Sighted mine #3, 34°-00N, 140°-08E. No time to play with it.

1442         Intercepted word that fighters strafed survivor at 35°-37N and
             enemy DD closing on survivor at 35-04N.

1545         Attempted to raise ASPRO on 7945 kcs. to give dope on posit and
             course and request instructions. No luck. She's probably down.

1715         Contacted Airdales 1 and 2 (superdumbos) by VHF. Airdale one said
             he thought we could now get in after survivor at 35°-04. Some
             confusion resulted due to "now" sounding like "not". Sent Airdale

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. B.L.L.O TENTH WAR PATROL

One to search and kept Airdale Two for cover.
1725 Sighted Honshu 310° T. Many Jap APR contacts.

1730 Jukebox 73 (B-17 Dumbo) joined the search. Felt pretty cocky with
our own air armada.

1830 Airdale One told us DD bore 350° at 23 miles and appeared to be
searching in vicinity. Oh, air cover!

1838 Airdale One low on gas and must leave in 15 minutes.

1845 Airdale One now has an additional 4 DD's at 270°, 25 miles. Migawd,
did Admiral Halsey miss that many?

1850 Airdale One in reply to my questioning, informed that the one sur-
vivor was definitely strafed but that second one (for whom we are
now searching) should be OK unless the DD got him. Last seen at
1310.

1900 The sun having set gloriously behind Fujiyama, Airdale One left us.

1915 Fast getting dark. Vectored Jukebox 73 in direction of probable
drift.

1935 Jukebox 73 reported no luck, departed for base. Airdale Two can
remain another hour. Oh, the evanescence of air power!

1947 Fired green Verys shell.

1956 Searchlight beam in sky 280° T.

1957 Red flare 355° T.

1958 Fired green Verys shell. Told Airdale Two to find out if DD was
near the red flare. Received word all clear.

2006 Sighted white light 345° T. SJ contact on two small objects at 3200
yds. on bearing of light. These then drew aft to 1300 yds on 270° T.
Probably birds, but they had us on the mark.

2015 SJ contact 3000 yds. dead ahead. This was the raft without corner
reflector. Sea calm with moderate swell.

2030 Welcomed Lieut. Howard L. Baccus, Serial 0805546, USMC, Mustang
pilot out of Iwo, on board. Condition outwardly calm, cool, and
collected, no structural damage. This guy traveled in style in
his 5 man yacht with his one man dinghy trailing astern. Used a
butcher knife on these since I desired to get going. Lat. 35°-24N,
Long. 140°-50E.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BILAO
TENTH WAR PATROL

2040 Airdale Two wagged his tail in joy at the recovery, gave us last
posit of DD as 20 miles bearing 240° T (right on the beach), and
departed for base. So all alone!

From dope given by Airdale One and Licut. Baccus, there appears
to be no hope for the survivor near the coast. Abandoned search.

If the single DD is just moving down the coast, we can't reach
him. If he's waiting for our air cover to depart, he'll probably
bring along his air cover and his four buddies.

Headed south at 2/3 speed to conserve fuel and execute CSP orders
to patrol today's station tomorrow.

2043 Possible 10 cm. interference 310° T.

2100 Of lifeguard interest are following facts gleaned from conversation
with pilot. He was sick from a combination of seasickness and shock
for several hours and so weak he could hardly pick up the floating
gear expertly dropped near him by the Dumbo. He was under belief
he had gone down north of Inubo Sako and was sure he had been
drifting south from observations of the land. Actually, he went
down 60 miles south of original Dumbo report and drifted due north at 2.5 knots (if
original Dumbo report was correct, and it probably was since he had
land in sight at the time). I had anticipated a 1 knot drift on
about 030° T, so it was just Providence that I had run well north
before turning east to search that sector. Pilot had seen DD at a
distance and attempted to signal it, thinking it probably U.S. (new
on 9 previous missions). He heard our search
planes but could not see them flying back and forth at about 1500'
altitude! He had looked at the Gibson Girl dropped to him but found
it too complicated, so decided he would figure it out tomorrow. Pilot
didn't know the term "corner reflector" but said he'd looked for some
thing like that in his gear and couldn't find any. He heard Airdale
Two and saw our green flare before he fired red flare and turned on
his flashlight. Did not see us until we were on top of him.

2132 Beautiful TDM contact, looked like one torpedo wake. Exec conned
comb the wakes, head toward. Captain reached the bridge to see
faint wake coming in on 330° T with another behind and spread left.
Too late to avoid, but tried. Saw wakes pass under bow as we awaited
the B.I.L.A.O to faw up and go boom! Then with a tremendous relief, saw
the water come alive with twisting turning wakes of a million porpoise.
Well, a dozen or two anyway. The noise in TDM phones sounded
like high speed screws but not like a torpedo. The TDM trace was
perfect.

2140 They dood it again. Manouvered evasively, but we weren't so good
this time. Will forward the TDM trace to the Sanctuary in Subase
Pearl for kibitzing.

2200 APR 108/450/24 S-5

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— page 378 —
CONFIDENTIALL
U.S.S. BILA O TENTH WAR PATROL

2217 APR 150/450/12 S-3.
2258 Evaded another TDM contact. Don't care for those in conjunction
with possible Jap sub .PR contact.

August 4, 1945
0710 Trim dive. 0727 Surfaced.
0732 Sank floating drum.
0749 Sank belly tank.
0926 Sank powder tank.
1200 Lat. 33-53N Long. 140-33E.
1250 Spoke to 2 Privateers to NW and a Privateer and B-17 to NE, all
headed south. Said they had not seen ASPRO in their search, but
had shot down 4 fighters, and to be on lookout for one that had been
trailing them.
1456 Trim dive. 1525 Surfaced.
1615 APR 158/450/7 S-5.
1628 Investigated an empty Jap liferaft; fired at it but could not sink.
Will patrol between Hachijo and Mikura all night.

August 5, 1945
0041 Probably SJ interference on 257° T.
0505 APR 155/450/7 S-5.
0530 SD contact 6 miles.
0550 Dove on sighting probable IRVING at 5½ miles, bearing 280° T,
heading south.
0621 Surfaced.
0711 APR 156/450/15 S-5.
0923 Mine #4, 34°-11', 140°-02'. Exploded with .30 M.G. fire.
1055 Sank oil drum.
1105 SD contact 6 miles.
1107 VHF contact with cover plane Airdale 70 (B-29).

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— page 379 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BILLFISH PATROL

1130 On station for Mustang strike on Tokyo area, 34°-30N, 140° E.
1145 VHF contact with cover planes, Carter 24 (?) (B-29) and Pearl
     flight (5 fighters).
1200 Lat. 34-32N Long. 139-57E.
1210 Jukebox 71 & 72 (B-17's) reported.
1212 Airdale 70 reported 5 gunboats 20 miles bearing 315° T, dropping
     depth charges.
1225 Amplifying report "Gunboats are whales".
1250 Jukebox 71 reported Mustang splashed 12 miles on 340° T, and dropped
     smoke floats. Got on our horse, set course 345°.
1315 Sighted raft between the two smoke floats, dead ahead at 4000 yds.
     Our air cover is now impressive - three B-29's, 2 B-17's, our 5
     P-51's, plus the downed pilot's own section mates and two B-24's
     which suddenly joined the circle from nowhere. B-24's and one
     B-29 took movies which would go well in Project Three.
1323 Shame on us! Dashed spectacularly up, backed full, and our prop
     wash capsized the one man raft. Lieut. John M. Wyles, Serial
     0770510, USAAF, came on board, damp but grinning. Posit 34°-32N,
     139°-56'E.
1325 Headed to open coast prior to setting course for night lifeguard
     station.
1328 Fighter cover departed. No other planes down.
1358 Airdale 70 and remaining tank, of which we have
     been sighting many.
1738 Evaded possible periscope 265° T, 4000 yds. Probably an ammunition
     tank, of which we have been sighting many.
1836 APR 207/1000/10 S-5.
1837 Sighted Fuji Yama 300° T, 80 miles.
1950 Converted #5 FBT.
2008 SJ contact 015° T, 5000 yds. Good pip, stayed up several minutes
     then disappeared. Evaded.
2105 Dove to flush tank.
2137 Surfaced.
2150 SJ contact (brief) 000° T, 40,000 yds.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. B.L.O TENTH WAR PATROL

2151 APR 170/100/12 S-1.
2155 SD contact 5 miles, no IFF.
2156 Dove with SD contacts at 3, 8, & 11 miles. No IFF. Cover planes not
due for 1½ hours.
2226 SD depth, still have three planes circling us, nearest 3 miles.
2230 Commenced calling Rootbeer on VHF from 45 feet.
2242 Contacted our Dumbo, Airdale 65, on VHF.
2244 Surfaced on lifeguard station, 35°-10'N, 141°E. Could contact
only our Airdale on VHF. Had him and his IFF on screen. Still
had our bogies coming in to 2½ miles occasionally but Airdale
thought they were friendly. He also thought the planes that forced
us down were friendlies and wasn't at all worried. Can't say the
same for us.
2300 Could see the glow of B-29 kindled fires at 345° T and 260° T.
Something exploded beautifully in the 345° fire, hurling flaming
debris high into the sky.
2332 Emergency IFF at 12 miles. Could not contact plane. Airdale 65
had no indication. Range opened and indication disappeared. No
report now or later of a B-29 in distress.

August 6, 1945

0021 Airdale 65 is sleepy and would like a cup of java to go with his
sandwiches.
0105 Airdale 65 took a run up to the scene of the crime and reported
all friendlies departed. Told him if he was sure of that to
return to base but to let us know immediately if he found out
anything about that missing cockerel.
0125 Departed lifeguard station.
0145 Transmitted B.L.O serial #5 to Comsubpac with dope on survivor.
Added we would stand by for today's strike since we have no
station.
0205 APR 176/175/7 S-4.
0212 BN contact 36 miles.
0254 APR 150/500/12 S-2.
0315 SJ interference 120° T; 3 radars; one looks like SJ but will not
answer our challenge. Headed toward. Still have BN pip varying
from 20 to 40 miles.

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— page 381 —
CONFIDENTI L.
U.S.S. B.A.L.L.O TENTH WAR PATROL

0400 Received orders to proceed 300 miles north for carrier strike
     lifeguard on 8th and 9th. Decided the 10 cm interference
     emanates from U.S. surface units, and headed north.

0538 APR 156/500/5 S-2.

0640 SD contact 12 miles. Not sighted.

0817 APR 154/450/4 S-1.

0900 These waters abound in whales, porpoise, and other marine life. Here
     is much of the food Japan is not getting, and it's only a few miles
     off the coast, at that.

1030 asked PETO if we could be of any assistance.

1045 Received special invitation from Comsubpac to shift to new lifeguard
     station, adjusting speed to arrive at 0400 on 8th.

1057 PETO says "Who is in distress?".

1130 Explained to PETO that I referred to possible lifeguard services.

1200 Lat. 36-12N Long. 141-27E.

1220 PETO says no dope on any planes in trouble.

1311 Transmitted B.A.L.L.O serial #6 to Comsubpac acknowledging orders as
     required.

1448 Trim dive. Periscope fogged horribly due to 60° water and 90°
     air. First impression is that a submerged patrol would be plenty
     tough up here.

1544 Battle surfaced for training. Fired 40 mm's. #1 would not fire
     jamming but performed OK in rapid fire.

1630 APR 160/500/5 S-5.

1745 Trim dive.                               1818 Surfaced.

1855 SJ interference 116° T.

2021 APR 78/400/60 S-3.

2225 APR 200/1000/10 S-2.

2325 SJ interference 140° T.

August 7, 1945

0014 SJ contact 020° T, 3000 yds. Avoided probable gremlin. Disappeared
     shortly.

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— page 382 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO TENTH WAR PATROL

0028 APR 77/450/35 S-1.
0121 APR 98/300/30 S-1.
0400 SJ contact 095° T, 3700 yds. Avoided. Pip vanished before I got
opened appreciably. Fog limits visibility to about 1000 yds.
0810 Fog has lifted, sky is clear, sea perfect. Dove to grind in leaky
H.P. blow manifold.
1200 Lat. 39-09N Long. 142-35E.
1417 Surfaced, having completed work on manifold.
1430 APR 202/1000/7½ S-1.
1443 SJ interference 120° T. Have had this between 1100 and 145° for
past 36 hours. Wonder how far away our task force is.
1505 APR contact on numerous Mk. 3 IFF.
1704 Sank a belly tank.
1755 Our APR indications of U.S. radars now S-5. We will use SJ tonite
with occasional SJ.

August 8, 1945
0400 On station for carrier lifeguard at 39°-58N, 142°-30E. Commenced
"orbiting".
0510 APR 94/50/15 S-4. British airsearch.
1108 SD contact 6 miles with IFF. Brief.
1108 APR 176/750/15 S-3.
1200 Lat. 39-59N Long. 142-29E.
1520 Received word that strike cancelled because of weather. Day has
been beautiful, marred only by a haze that makes land indistinct
at 25 miles. C.O. took a two hour sunbath. Myriad sharks, sleeping
with dorsal fin and vertical rudder exposed in the still water.
Only excitement all day has been potting them with a rifle.
Certainly would like to have spent the day near the beach, looking
for a target.
1910 Trim dive. 2017 Surfaced.

August 9, 1945
0339 On station again for carrier strike.
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— page 383 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BILO TENTH WAR PATROL

0520
VHF contact with 9 Vulture 7 in company with another Vulture who are
apparently our CAP. Visibility is hazy, considerable overcast,
sea flat.

0538
Sighted first strike planes, 16 in number.

0620
After one hour of vectoring, CAP finally found us, having meanwhile
expended their rockets on a Sugar Dog.

0700
Vultures relieved by Spartan 53 and friend.

0750
Spartans requested permission to make a trip to beach to expend
ammo. Gave them our blessing.

0810
Bobcats, relief CAP, contacted on VHF.

0830
Russia has declared war on Nips.

0850
Bobcats found us.

1030
Bobcats relieved by 9 Vulture 7 and pal.

1115
9 Vulture 11 found us after 45 minute search. Here we sit on our
spot. The CAP comes over from their carrier, looks for a half hour
without success, then goes in to the reference point and comes out
to us.

1200
Lat. 39-54N Long. 142-28E.

1230
Vultures requested permission to go to beach to find something to
shoot up. Granted. Told him to find an escort type. Spartan
CAP due in 15 minutes.

1330
Ulysses 163 called Christopher, "Limey in water 85 miles 260° from
Kings Row point option". Location meant nothing to us.

1335
Spartan 43 and 44 found us. Asked them if we could help Limey
and received word that he'd be taken care of, presumably by surface
craft.

1415
Spartans asked permission to jettison their rockets so they could
stay on station longer. Told them to jettison on the beach, and off
they went like kids to a picnic.

1448
Bobcats arrived overhead.

1500
Spartans reported having shot up a "fair sized freighter" in a bay
just to the south containing a lot of ships.

1615
Bobcats think all planes have returned but will hang around a while
longer.

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CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. B.L.O TENTH WAR PATROL

1630          About 47 more planes passed over returning to base. Had CAP call
              PETO (90 miles south) to ascertain if 2 survivors reported to them
              earlier on VHF had been recovered. No answer. We had intercepted
              report so figured maybe they could hear our CAP.

1645          Bobcat thinks rescue completed because he hasn't heard PETO'S CAP
              for 3/4 hour.

1655          Called PETO on 4475, told them no business and asked them how they
              made out, thinking they might need help in searching.

1658          PETO replied, no business there either. Sounds funny in light of
              the ditching reports, but guess we're not needed.

1700          Decided to run south of the minefield and in to the beach south
              of Toda Saki to see if any traffic was sneaking along in an attempt
              to shift anchorages.

1706          Trim dive.                                        1747          Surfaced.

2049          APR 155/450/17 S-1, brief.

2121          Sighted fires on SE slope of Toda Saki.

2153          Battle stations. Closed to less than 2 miles from Okama Saki at
              1/3 speed. Shifted from ST to SJ radar and searched for targets.
              No APR contacts. The zoomies must have shot the radar stations
              to bits.

2252          Plotting party became bored and commenced tracking drill.
              One of our zoomies is thrilled at getting this close to Japan.
              He only strafes from 50 feet!

August 10, 1945

0015          Headed out to return to our lifeguard spot, having received word
              that attacks would be continued.

0030          Decoded PETO's despatch to CSF that yellow jackets reported
              yesterday were in air-surface zone and had not been investigated.

0300          Joint zone extended east to 143° in our area to facilitate rescue
              operations.

0400          On lifeguard station again.

0505          VHF contact with CAP, 9 Vulture 33 & 34. Attempted to vector him
              visually and by radar, but each time we had the wrong outfit. He
              just couldn't find us, tho' the strike planes were all passing
              nearby.

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— page 385 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BILAO TENTH AIR PATROL

0623 Relief CAP, 9 Spartan 81, reported by VHF, 9 Vulture 33 said he
would head into beach to unload rockets. He then passed directly
over us to his surprise and ours.

0705 Emergency IFF on contact 210° T, 20,000 yds. Asked CAP to check.
IFF disappeared and CAP said it apparently came from one of a
group of planes, apparently not in trouble.

0725 9 Spartan 81 & 82 found us.

0830 9 Bobcat 51 & 52 relieved the watch.

0935 CAP informed us of pilot down with GATO on the way and said he
would keep in touch with developments.

1025 CAP reported relief not having arrived.

1045 9 Vulture 43 & 44 arrived.

1200 Lat. 39-55N Long. 142-28E.

1220 CAP informed us of Yellowjacket reported down by 4107 Irish. Posit
is well in trailer, tho' Irish said man was 15 miles from beach.
Asked for recheck.

1228 Received corrected position - in restricted area. Headed toward and
prepared our rescue boat, a 5 man Goodyear with two canoe paddles,
for voyage.

1300 CAP 9 Spartan 83 & 84 reported for duty.

1330 Informed that Angel plane would attempt rescue. CAP had summoned
the Kingfisher when we told him we couldn't reach man on time by
our rubber boat.

1350 Angel plane completed rescue. Set course for our station.

1405 CAP informed us of a SB2C in trouble and looking for a sub. One
plane came over to us, and other circled us.

1430 SB2C made a perfect ditching in the calm sea. Pilot and radioman with
their abandoned plane, provided and equipped. This
was their third ditching!

1437 Rescued Ensign Kenneth E. Moore, 364135, USNR and Charles R. Lux,
820 94 16, RM3c from USS RANDOLPH. Lat. 40°-09N, 142°-16'E.

1445 CAP relayed word on rescue to carrier. Gave them permission to
find a rocket target on the beach.

1655 CAP reported strike completed and departed.

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— page 386 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BLOWFISH TENTH WAR PATROL

1821 Trim dive. 1858 Surfaced.
1905 Numerous 10 cm. interferences to S & SE.

August 11, 1945
No strike today in our area.
0406 Dove 8 miles from beach off Kamaishi Wan and closed beach to conduct
patrol 1000 yds. from beach. Foggy.

1200 Lat. 39 21N Long. 142-06E.
1905 Surfaced. Set course for lifeguard station.
1910 APR 155/500/15 S-1.
1930 News reports of Japanese peace offers.
2115 Strike tomorrow cancelled because of typhoon threat. Consulted with
our carrier pilot who had viewed coast rather closely but could find
no good bombardment target. He says there are no ships along coast.
Will go in for another check tomorrow, nevertheless.
There is still a war on!
2252 SJ interference 180° T. Attempted to exchange recognition.
2307 Headed toward SJ interference. Cannot get proper answer. In
response to our first challenge we got an IMI and then a repetition
of the challenge. Tried second challenge with same result. Very
phony.
2342 Finally exchanged signals properly with PETO.

August 12, 1945
0045 Lost PETO interference 175° T.
0110 APR 155/500/15 S-1.
0200 Lookout reported flash of light 170° T. Turned toward.
0220 No further indications. Decided to skirt this area and search
it by daylight.
0430 APR contact on another SD.
0438 Periscope sighted U.S. submarine bearing 179° T on course 090° T.
Intermittent flashes of SJ interference.
0547 APR 161/500/13 S-2. 155 mc. contact now S-4.

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— page 387 —
CONFIDENTIAL
                                                              U.S.S. BILLO TENTH WAR PATROL

0623        APR contacts getting weaker. Changed course and attempted to close
            source but without success.
0715        Trim dive.
                                        0826        Surfaced in fog.
1047        Sank one barrel.
1200        Lat. 39-14N Long 142-35E.
1535        Trim dive.
                                        1615        Surfaced.
2130        Carrier strike is on for tomorrow. Ordered to shift south to
            station 30 miles east of Kinkasan.

August 13, 1945

0200        APR 154/450/4 S-1. Kinkasan?
            This later reached strength 2 and had a second radar of 15 pulse
            width superimposed on it of same strength.
0304        APR 200/750/7 S-1.
0400        On station for lifeguard duty.
0415        Strike cancelled.
0600        Strike is on again. Luckily, we were on surface and not too far
            away from our spot.
0715        On lifeguard station. No sign of planes.
1200        Lat. 38-11N Long 142-17E.
1800        No air activity all day. Communications on 4475 kcs. show that
            carriers struck further south, in the Tokyo area.
1845        APR 200/1000/8 S-2.
1851        Trim dive.
                                        1905        Surfaced.
            Closed beach to fix deposit by radar on Kinkasan and headed out again.
            Decided on submerged patrol tomorrow to northward off Kobe Zaki.
            Lifeguard assignment do not include B.L.O. We can really sympathize
            with the off-shore patrol destroyers.

August 14, 1945

0223        SD contact 28 miles (land).
0242        SD contact 6 miles. Dove.
0328        Surfaced. Shore based radars on 155 mc., which we had on APR prior
            to diving, have apparently been secured.

                                        -32-

— page 388 —
CONFIDENTI.L

U.S.S. BALAO TENTH WAR PATROL

0529        Dove and headed northward to skirt hundred fathom curve while
            working on ST radar and trim pump.

1050        Repairs completed. Changed course to close beach and patrol 6000
            yds. off.

1200        Lat. 39-21N Long. 142-05E.

1445        (S.C. #5). Sighted 2 small luggers or picket vessels on 239° T
            hugging the coast on northerly course. Each appeared to have a
            small gun on forecastle. Closed to 5000 yds. from beach.

1528        Battle surfaced.

1531        Commenced firing. Both targets gave 180° AOB heading for Toni Wan
            and beach. Followed them in. Right hand target under fire until she
            ran behind a large rock and beached herself. Extent of damage
            undetermined. Shifted fire to left target which turned broadside
            and lay to, apparently out of control. A 5" short apparently did
            extensive underwater damage because target immediately began to
            sink on an even keel.

[HANDWRITTEN: ->] 1541 Ceased firing. #1 target inaccessible. #2 target now diminished
            to a deck house and still submerging. Looked around for
            something else to shoot at.

1544        Sortied from Toni Wan. A small point of land lies between us and
            Kamaishi.

1552        Dove and opened coast.

1912        Surfaced 13,000 yds. from coast.

1930        Heard unofficial news that Japan has accepted peace terms. Decided
            to call off the BALAO war unless we find a Jap man-o-war, preferably
            a sub.

August 15, 1945.

0654        Trim dive.                     0712        Surfaced.

1000        Received cease firing order from Comsubpac.

1100        SJ contact 3800 yds., SD contact 2½ miles. Plane flying above
            the 1000 foot ceiling. No IFF or APR contacts. ABK triggered.
            Range opened to west.

1200        Lat. 37-05N Long. 141-39E.

1527        Trim dive.                     1557        Surfaced.

1737        APR contact on 2 possible SD radars.

2029        SJ contact 240° T, 4600 yds., weak. Avoided, but fired green
            mortar just in case it might be a raft. No reply.
                                            -33-

— page 389 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO TENTH WAR PATROL

August 16, 1945

0045 Received orders to rendezvous with PETO at 38°N, 142° E, to transfer
     our survivors.

0130 Called PETO with message that we had four survivors and would reach
     37°N, 142° E at 0300 I.

0150 PETO designated rendezvous 25 miles farther south for 0630 I.

0215 PETO cancelled rendezvous.

0225 PETO asked if we had her SJ interference. Negative. Told us she
     was S.W. of us, please close.

0235 PETO gave her posit, course, and speed. 30 miles bearing 200 from us.
     Seems like too much chatter merely for effecting a rendezvous.

0236 SJ interference 193° T.

0303 Exchanged recognition by SJ with PETO after the usual flail, our
     challenge being answered with the same challenge and the PETO
     operator failing to change his signals at 0300.

0315 SJ contact at 11,000 yds., 162° T.

0319 APR 160/500/3 S-1.

0330 Spoke PETO on SCH.

0442 PETO getting very impatient. We have been making 10 knots in the
     direction she wants to go, awaiting sufficient light to take movies.

0512 Transferred zoomies and exchanged movies. Zoomies didn't want to
     go and we didn't want to lose them. Guess submarines didn't get all
     the best lads.

0703 Trim dive.
0749 Surfaced.

0824 APR 154/450/5 S-1.

0954 APR 100/350/30 S-2.

1045 Transmitted BALAO serial #6 with dope on zoomie transfer and
     destruction of pickets.

1200 Lat. 37-18N Long. 142-14E.

1415 Transmitted BALAO serial #9 acknowledging receipt of CSP serial #2.

1543 Trim dive.
1552 Surfaced.

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— page 390 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO TENTH WAR PATROL

1730 Received orders to proceed to Pearl via Midway. Loud cheers
throughout boat. C.O. has been having a great time publishing
proclamations, congratulations, warnings, etc., over the 1 MC.

1930 APR 154/450/15 S-1. Almost surely a Nip sub. Will sink him
if we can make contact and he's outward bound.

2030 Transmitted BALAO Serial #10 to CSP acknowledging orders.

August 17, 1945

0549 Dove. 0610 Surfaced.
1007 Dove. 1023 Surfaced.
1200 Lat. 37-07N Long. 148-49E.
1458 Dove. 1515 Surfaced.
1530 APR 100/400/- S-1.
1535 APR 86/450/- S-1.
1806 Mine #5. Lat. 37-03N, Long. 150-36E. Exploded with .30 cal MG.
2100 Converted #4 FBT.
Set clocks ahead one hour to -10 (K) time.

August 18, 1945

1020 (K) Dove. 1033 Surfaced.
1200 Lat. 36-45N Long. 155-53E.
1539 Dove. 1544 Surfaced.
1548 Evaded perfect TDM trace. Only one, no other signs. Probably
porpoise.
1815 Dove. 1830 Surfaced.

August 19, 1945

0000 Set clocks ahead one hour to -11 (L) time.
1020 (L) Mine #6. Lat. 36-23N, Long 162-34'E. Exploded with .30 cal. MG.
C.O. got this one and wonders if a hunk of Jap mine landing on his
head comes under the category of enemy action for a Purple Heart!
1200 Lat. 36-22N Long. 163-07E.
1927 Dove. 1948 Surfaced.

-35-

— page 391 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO TENTH WAR PATROL

1957 Evaded possible TDM contact.
August 20, 1945
1200 Lat. 33-58N Long. 170-07E.
1515 Dove.
1520 Surfaced.
2003 SJ interference 160° T.
2012 APR 230/50/8 S-5.
2015 SJ contact 160° T, 24,000 yds. 4 Ships. Tracked 2 CVE and 2 DD on
course 025° T, at 15 kts., no zigging. Turned on IFF and ran around
their sterns at 9,000 yds. while they snootily ignored us. Several
APR contacts on U.S. frequencies.
2324 Completed transmitting request for Midway rendezvous.
2331 APR 202/70/7 S-2.

August 21, 1945
0400 Set clocks ahead one hour to -12 (M) time.
1033 Dove
1045 Surfaced.
1128 CTG 17.5 says to get out of Air-surface zone.
1143 Comsubpacadcomd says same. A check reveals we are outside the
submarine patrol zone instead of just inside as we thought. Ran
south for an hour to get over the border. The carriers must have
been in the submarine patrol zone when we first picked up their
interference.
1200 Lat. 30-52N Long. 176-33E.
1332 Transmitted BALAO Serial #11 to Comsubpacadcomd and CTG 17.5 giving
1300 (M) posit and requesting rendezvous be advanced one hour to
1100 (Y) tomorrow.
1648 Coding officer found error in encoding Serial #11. Re-encoded and
transmitted.

August 22, 1945
0130 Crossed Date Line, changed time to + 12 (Y).

August 21, 1945
0715 Test fired 40 mm guns.
0735 Sighted Kure Island 135° T.

-36-

— page 392 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO TENTH WAR PATROL

0739 Trim dive.
0806 Surfaced.
1100 Rendezvoused with air escort.
1300 Moored berth S2, Midway, T.H.
     Fueled ship. Lt.Cmdr. H.E. DAVEY, USN, reported on board as
     prospective Commanding Officer of this vessel.
1801 Underway for Pearl Harbor, T.H.
1945 Trim dive.
2000 Surfaced.

August 22, 1945
0107 SJ contact 150° T; 27,000 yds., on lighted ship on course 050° T,
     18 kts. Tracked and ran around her stern.
0226 SJ lost contact 050° T; 28,400 yds.
1105 Mine #7. Lat 24°-48'N, Long. 174°-34'W. Exploded with .30 cal. MG.
1200 Lat. 24°-39'N Long. 174°-23'W.
1854 SJ interference 090° T. Could not exchange recognition.
2200 Set clocks ahead one hour to +11 (X) time.

August 23, 1945
1016 (X) Trim dive.
1037 Surfaced.
1200 Lat. 22°-25'N Long. 168°-47'W

August 24, 1945
0330 SJ interference 100° T. No recognition. ATULE again.
0547 Sighted ATULE's snare 099° T, 20,000 yds.
1200 Lat. 20°-50N Long. 162°-48W.
1455 Dove. Went deep to check for leaks. Cavitation at 100 RPM started
     at 80' coming up.
1551 Surfaced.
1844 SJ interference 000° T. No recognition.
1914 SJ interference 265° T. Attempted at intervals all night to
     exchange recognition with these two and a third SJ on 270° T (ATULE,
     WHALE, SCABBARDFISH). They wouldn't play.

-37-

— page 393 —
CONFIDENTIAL
                                                                U.S.S. BALAO TENTH WAR PATROL

August 25, 1945

0000        Set clocks ahead one hour to +10 (W) time.

0441        SJ contact 272° T; 15,000 yds.

0515        SJ contact 050° T; 16,000 yds.

0545        Arrived at rendezvous with ATULE, PC 485, and PC 483.

0612        Headed for port, leaving PC 483 to bring in SCABBARDFISH and WHALE.
            Moored Subase Pearl.

THE END

-37-A

— page 394 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO TENTH WAR PATROL

(C) WEATHER
Pearl to Saipan - perfect, clear, calm.
Saipan to Nanpo Shoto - smooth sailing.
Nanpo Shoto - clear and calm, heavy swells.
Areas 2 & 3 - calm, moderate swells, frequent fog and generally hazy.
Area 2 to Midway - still excellent with occasional patches of fog.
Midway to Pearl - weather good; bucked usual force 4 seas.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
In the northern Nanpo Shoto, the current generally ran NE with a set of 1.5
to 3 kts. being about 3 kts. when in the center of the island chain.

Along the east coast of Honshu the current generally ran south conforming to
the coast and varying from 0.5 to 2 kts., being greatest when submerged close to
the beach. This current is not confined to the area close in to the beach, as
stated in JICPOA Bulletin 38-44, but is felt as far as a hundred miles or more from
the beach. The Kuroshio temperature rise from 68° to 78° was encountered at
37°-15N when passing 146°-39'E when headed east and it dropped off again to 70°
at 153°-45E.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
Bayonnaise Rocks and Sumisu Shima were carefully scouted from seaward. Both
completely uninhabited. Sumisu (Asiatic Pilot, Vol. II, p.166) determined to be
correctly charted by 11 star fix and simultaneous radar plot, not 5 miles in error
as rumored. Passed 4 miles south of Sumisu with minimum sounding 400 fm. No
uncharted islets, rocks, or shoals in evidence. A 95 fm. pinnacle was detected
about 8 miles 273° T from Sumisu.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS
| No. | Time (I) | Date | Lat. Long. | Type | Range Bearing | Course Speed | How Contacted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 1531 | 7/24 | 28-00N 139-38E | 2DD,2CVE 1 AP | 24,000 316° T | 200 - | High Periscope | Probably fueling task group. |
| 2. | 1718 | 7/24 | 28-19N 139-40E | 1H | 20,000 090° T | 250 14 | High Periscope | Probably Jap from Wake routed by US forces. |
| 3. | 1900 | 7/30 | 32-49N 139-10E | 4 DD | 30,000 000° T | 210 ? | Binoculars | Probably U.S. out of to- nite's ship- ping sweep. |
| 4. | 2254 | 7/31 | 33-32N 139-22E | 1 DD | 16,000 095° T | 340 25 | SJ | PETO tracked be- tween us and re- ported contact, 1 Jap DD. Neither of us could close. |
- 38 -

— page 395 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO TENTH WAR PATROL

(F) SHIP CONTACTS
No. | Time (I) | Date | Lat. Long. | Type | Range Bearing | Course Speed | How Contacted | Remarks
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
5. | 1445 | 8/14 | 39-04N 142-16E | 2 pickets | 14,000 239° T | 020 8 | High Periscope | Sank one and forced other to beach. Battle Sur.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

Patrol very restful on this as well as other scores. Forced down once by
sighted enemy plane which did not sight us, twice by single SD contacts, once
by three SD contacts, probably U.S. planes without IFF showing, which closed
to 3,6, and 9 miles. No difficulty was experienced with hundreds of carrier
and U.S. land based planes encountered on lifeguard duty.

(H) ATTACK DATA

See attached sheet.

-39-

— page 396 —
CONFIDENTIAL

                                                                GUN ATTACK DATA
U.S.S. BALAO (SS285)                                            Gun Attack # 1                  Patrol # 10
Time    1528 (I)        Date    8/14/45     Lat.    39-12N      Long.   141-36E

                                        TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Sunk:           1 picket boat.          125 tons.

Damaged or      1 picket boat.          125 tons.
Probably sunk:

Damage determined by:   One target beached itself in lee of a large rock. The
                        other was seen to sink.

                                        DETAILS OF ACTION

        Targets were hugging coast. When BALAO surfaced at 4800 yds., both
gave a 180° A.O.B. and headed into Toni Wan, making no effort to man the small
gun in view on each forecastle. Took right hand target under fire until he
beached in lee of a rock. Then shifted fire and sank left hand target, clos-
ing to 1700 yds.

                                        AMMUNITION EXPENDED

        5"                                      48 rounds

        40 mm                                   192 rounds.

                                                -39-A-

— page 397 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BILAO TENTH WAR PATROL

(I) MINES

| Date | NO. | Location | Disposition |
| :--- | :-- | :------- | :|
| 7/25 | 1 | 31-26N, 139-27E | Sunk with rifle. |
| 7/31 | 2 | 32-19N, 139-31.8E | Sunk with .30 cal. MG. |
| 8/3 | 3 | 34-00N, 140-08E | None. Too busy lifeguarding. |
| 8/5 | 4 | 34-11N, 140-02E | Exploded with .30 cal. MG. |
| 8/17 | 5 | 37-03N, 150-36E | Exploded with .30 cal. MG. |
| 8/19 | 6 | 36-23N, 162-34E | Exploded with .30 cal. MG. |
| 8/22 | 7 | 24-48N, 174-34W | Exploded with .30 cal. MG. |

Our nomination for most effective and economical mine sinker is .30 cal. MG.

(J) A/S MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

None encountered, tho' a very few APR contacts were made on Jap aircraft
frequencies. The one apparent hold down was probably by U.S. aircraft. Dove
once for Jap plane by daylight sighting and twice more for unidentified single
SD contacts.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

HULL AND MACHINERY

1. Periscope #2 had slight reticule separation, giving a double image, and a
   dirty lens, giving poor light transmission. Replaced by USS ORION at
   Saipan prior to leaving on patrol.

2. Bow buoyancy blow valve seat in high pressure manifold has been cut to
   the limit and nothing can be done to prevent leaks thru the porous casting.
   This manifold must be renewed at next refit.

3. Auxiliary engine is incapable of handling the finishing rate on the charge.
   A 450 KW auxiliary should replace the present 300 KW Winton.

ORDNANCE AND GUNNERY

1. 40 mm sights must be replaced with regular telescopic sights or at least a
   finer open sight with a longer sight base.

-40-

— page 398 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BALAO TENTH WAR PATROL
(L) RADIO

SHIP TO SHORE TRANSMISSIONS 10th WAR PATROL

GCT | D.TE | FROM | TO | FREQUENCY | *TIME | POSITION
----|||-----|||-------|-------
    |        |        |     |           |          | N.    | E.
0229 | 140200 | BALAO  | NDJ | 8470      | 29 min.  | 21-29 | 168-40
0802 | 150645 | BALAO  | NPN | 8470      | 14 min.  | 20-30 | 161-51
0512 | 290428 | BALAO  | NPN | 12705     | 13 min.  | 29-20 | 139-47
0125 | 301021 | BALAO  | NPN | 8470      | 10 min.  | 31-59 | 139-33
1747 | 051715 | BALAO  | NPN | 8470      | 12 min.  | 35-03 | 141-03
0411 | 060201 | BALAO  | NPN | 12705     | 51 min.  | 36-27 | 141-47
1722 | 111415 | BALAO  | NPN | 8470      | 1 hr. 52 min. | 39-13 | 142-32
0146 | 152245 | BALAO  | NPN | 12705     | 2 hr. 7 min. | 37-05 | 141-39
0517 | 160430 | BALAO  | NPN | 12705     | 27 min.  | 37-27 | 141-31
1132 | 160830 | BALAO  | NPN | 12705     | 19 min.  | 37-32 | 142-31
1225 | 201001 | BALAO  | NPN | 12705     | 31 min.  | 32-27 | 173-19
0132 | 210014 | BALAO  | NPN | 12705     | 33 min.  | 30-36 | 176-40
0448 | 210345 | BALAO  | NPN | 12705     | 13 min.  | 30-11 | 177-43

* Total time from initial call-up until "Roger" for the message.

With the exception of material failures and occasional poor circuit discipline,
all of our Ship to Shore transmissions were made with no difficulty. No effective
jamming was experienced.

Reception was generally good. Sub Fox schedules were received on 13655, 16730,
and 9050 kcs. There was no effective jamming and atmospheric conditions were
normal.

The VHF was used almost entirely for ship to plane transmissions and proved
to be very satisfactory in our Lifeguard communications. Little use was made of
the ASR frequencies - our transmissions were sent to Comsubpac and relayed to
Iwo Jima. On one occasion, transmission was made direct to ASR station.

The SCR 610 on the whip antenna was very useful in short range work with
other subs, much superior to the VHF.

-41-

— page 399 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO TENTH WAR PATROL

(L) RADIO

It was necessary to replace the master oscillator and all tubes in the TBL-12
due to exceeding life hours. The only other casualty was a faulty speed regulator
on the TBL motor-generator.

(M) RADAR

SJ Performance was uniformly excellent, the best to date. Ranges on land were
consistent at 80,000 yds., and low flying planes were frequently picked up
at 20,000 yds. and greater. Aircraft were also picked up at surprising
elevation angles, once at 3800 yds. when a plane was above the low clouds.
No troubles were experienced other than normal tube failures. A total of
about 3 hours operational time was lost.

ST Performance was, as usual, only fair due to the impossibility of keeping the
ST properly tuned while using it for searching. At one time, 3 hours were
spent replacing beat oscillator, crystal, and T-R tubes with the result that
land was contacted at 50,000 yds. on the surface. When patrolling close to
land, ST and SJ were used alternately. Due to the tuning drift, however, we
were loth to place much reliance in the ST. Tuning must be made more stable.

SD Subase Pearl installed, at last refit, an SD-5 receiver and indicator along
with a pulse timer unit. Later this unit was not used upon advice of the radar
shop when it was discovered that the transmitter arcced at a setting of 50 or
the high voltage variac. One second sweeps at approximately one minute
intervals were used and results were gratifying. Performance of the SD was
reliable for the first time in the C.O.'s 13 war patrols. Only occasionally
did a plane get in without being picked up by the SD. Of note is the fact
that it demonstrated ability to retain contact on B-29's passing over head
at altitudes of 2 or 3 miles.

(N) SONAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

Sound conditions were in general good, and performance of all gear was
satisfactory. During the early part of the patrol a bearing on the QB motor-
generator froze due to improper lubrication. Since no spare bearing was available,
a makeshift bearing with suitable spacers was installed and proved satisfactory for
the remainder of the patrol. It is requested that during this refit, the JK-QC
and QB motor-generators be wired so that they may be cross-connected to operate
either sound head.

The TDM was operated at all times when on the surface. Its performance was
satisfactory except for the magnetic clutch shaft in the chemical recorder which
broke enroute to Saipan from Pearl Harbor, and the magnetic clutch cord which
parted and had to be repaired three or four times. The shaft was replaced in
Saipan and no further difficulty was encountered. Although many traces were
recorded which appeared to be torpedoes and evasive action taken, it cannot be
definitely stated that any of these were actual torpedoes.

Sound conditions were not observed on other vessels but fish noises were
extensive.

-42-

— page 400 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BALAO TENTH WAR PATROL

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

Date | Time GCT | Lat. | Long. | Temp. | Depth | Change
7/9/45 | 1800 | 21-06.7N | 167-59.5W | 82.5 | 100-240 | -4½
7/9/45 | 2221 | 21-08.6N | 168-19.5W | 82.5 | 120-125 | -2
7/10/45 | 0200 | 21-14.5N | 169-39W | 82 | 100-105 | -2
7/10/45 | 0230 | 21-15N | 169-43W | 83 | 120-125 | -2½
7/10/45 | 0900 | 21-15N | 173-13W | 84 | No change to 100'
7/11/45 | 0100 | 21-15N | 173-40W | 82.5 | No change to 100'
7/11/45 | 0530 | 21-20N | 175-39W | 82 | | -10
7/11/45 | 2000 | 21-31N | 176-08E | 83 | 120-130 | -5
7/12/45 | 0636 | 21-50.3N | 178-01E | 82 | 100-105 | -3
7/12/45 | 1610 | 21-59N | 179-39E | 83.5 | No change to 125'
7/13/45 | 0300 | 21-22N | 179-01E | 84 | 125-340 | -8
7/13/45 | 2400 | 21-30N | 169-40E | 83.5 | 120-122 | -2
7/14/45 | 0500 | 21-30N | 168-40E | 84 | At 40' | +½
7/15/45 | 0220 | 20-10N | 163-00E | 84 | No change to 100'
7/16/45 | 0400 | 19-32N | 158-06E | 85 | No change to 65'
7/16/45 | 0730 | 18-49N | 155-31E | 84.5 | 120-400 | -14
7/17/45 | 0015 | 17-46N | 147-34.5E | 86 | At 20' | +½
7/18/45 | 0000 | 16-22N | 147-06E | 85 | No change to 60'
7/21/45 | 0300 | 15-28N | 144-53E | 84.5 | No change to 80'
7/22/45 | 0100 | 18-25N | 143-17E | 86 | At 40' | -2
7/23/45 | 1130 | 23-29.7N | 139-34.8E | 85 | 60-80 | -8
7/26/45 | 0010 | 31-36N | 139-45E | 79 | 140-190 | -6
7/27/45 | 0100 | 32-13N | 139-36E | 80 | No change to 100'
7/27/45 | 0830 | 31-46N | 140-01E | 80 | No change to 100'

-43-

— page 401 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO TENTH WAR PATROL
(O) DENSITY LAYERS

Date | Time GCT | Lat. | Long. | Temp. | Depth | Change
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
7/27/45 | 1110 | 31-47N | 139-55E | 79 | No change to 100' |
7/28/45 | 0840 | 32-14N | 140-06E | 80 | No change to 100' |
7/29/45 | 0924 | 31-36.8N | 139-48.8E | 80 | At 125' | -½
7/30/45 | 0620 | 32-34N | 139-03E | 82 | No change to 135' |
7/30/45 | 0918 | 32-45.2N | 139-08.4E | 82 | 100-285 | -9
7/31/45 | 0130 | 32-17N | 138-54E | 81.5 | No change to 100' |
7/31/45 | 1000 | 33-03N | 139-06E | 81 | No change to 100' |
8/1/45 | 0214 | 33-01N | 139-21E | 80 | No change to 100' |
8/2/45 | 1012 | 33-17N | 140-59E | 79 | 60-100 | -½
8/3/45 | 2200 | 33-59.8N | 141-04E | 82 | 40-80 | -2½
8/4/45 | 0600 | 33-39N | 140-22E | 83 | 65-105 | -7
8/4/45 | 2100 | 33-44.9N | 139-53.5E | 82 | 80-100 | -3
8/5/45 | 1255 | 37-10N | 142-01E | 79 | 40-125 | -11
8/6/45 | 0600 | 36-42N | 141-29E | 76 | 0-105 | -23
8/6/45 | 0900 | 37-04N | 141-32E | 76 | 0-85 | -20
8/7/45 | 0000 | 39-10N | 142-35E | 70 | 0-100 | -22
8/8/45 | 1000 | 39-59N | 142-48E | 69 | 0-85 | -15
8/9/45 | 0905 | 39-46N | 142-27E | 68 | 0-105 | -16
8/10/45 | 0921 | 39-57N | 142-25E | 69 | 14-20 | -17
8/10/45 | 1906 | 39-22N | 142-15.4E | 68 | 25-60 | -9
8/11/45 | 2215 | 29-04.1N | 142-33E | 68 | 20-90 | -1
8/12/45 | 0700 | 39-41.3N | 142-34.7E | 71 | 40-90 | -15
8/12/45 | 0951 | 38-14N | 141-57.5E | 71 | 35-80 | -13
8/12/45 | 1543 | 38-56N | 142-03E | 69 | 45-110 | -9

-44-

— page 402 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BALAO TENTH WAR PATROL
[HANDWRITTEN: (doodle)]

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

| Date | Time GCT | Lat. | Long. | Temp. | Depth | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/14/45 | 0647 | 39-11.3N | 142-01.6E | 67 | 45-110 | -8 |
| 3/14/45 | 2154 | 37-39.4N | 142-07.8E | 68 | 40-90 | -16 |
| 3/15/45 | 0427 | 36-44.8N | 141-54.2E | 73 | 20-110 | -20 |
| 3/15/45 | 2203 | 36-50.5N | 141-44.2E | 71 | 20-85 | -21 |

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY

Health of crew was good. Of the four aviators picked up, only one was injured
at all, and his was a case of bruises which resulted in cellulitis of the forearm.

| | No. | Sick Days |
|---|---|---|
| Otitis, media, acute | 1 | 4 |
| Otitis, externa | 3 | - |
| Colds | 5 | - |
| Tonsillitis, acute | 1 | 6 |
| Gastro-enteritis | 10 | - |
| Cysts | 5 | - |

Food was wholesome and well prepared, but the increased quantity of pork
carried was not appreciated.

Habitability was excellent. Use of CO₂ absorbent was necessary on an all
day dive with 93 men on board. At end of 15 hours, oxygen would have been very
low if we had not used some from our flasks.

(Q) PERSONNEL

(a) Men detached after 9th patrol. | 21 |
(b) Men on board during 10th patrol. | 81 |
(c) Men qualified at start of patrol. | 62 |
(d) Men qualified at end of patrol | 73 |
(e) Unqualified men making their first patrol. | 12 |

-45-

— page 403 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO TENTH WAR PATROL
(Q) PERSONNEL

Comment: The BALAO crew turned in its customary cheerful performance of duty.
The C.O. is highly gratified to observe further improvement on each successive
patrol. He is proud of his officers and men as submariners and the best of
shipmates.

The prospect of demobilization, when 69 men out of 80 are reserves, is
truly dismaying. It is hoped that the Navy will be able to offer sufficient
inducements for many hands to enlist in the Regular Navy.

(R) MILES - FUEL USED

| | MILES | GALLONS |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl to Saipan | 4,637 mi. | 58,010 gal. |
| Saipan to Lifeguard | 1,148 mi. | 17,260 gal. |
| Lifeguarding | 5,163 mi. | 45,100 gal. |
| Area to Midway | 2,528 mi. | 41,250 gal. |
| Midway to Pearl | 1,300 mi. | 23,270 gal. |
| TOTAL | 14,806 mi. | 184,890 gal. |

(S) DURATION

| Days enroute Pearl to Saipan | 11 |
| Days Saipan | 2 |
| Days Saipan to Lifeguard | 4 |
| Days lifeguard | 23 |
| Days lifeguard to Pearl | 9 |
| TOTAL | 49 |
| Days Submerged | 2½ |

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

| Torpedoes | Fuel (Midway) | Provisions | Personnel |
|---|---|---|---|
| All | 6,400 gal. | 20 days | 20 days |

Limiting factor - No more war to fight!

-46-

— page 404 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO TENTH WAR PATROL
(U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR, & SONAR COUNTERMEASURES

Communications
     No effective jamming was experienced tho' we heard Jap jamming on 4475
several times during our air raids. Se Section (L).

Radar
     Close examination of Bayonnaise Rocks and Sumisu Shima in the Nanpo Shoto
reveals that listed radar installations are non-existent.

APR CONTACTS

Date       Time     Characteristics     Probable Location

July 27    0730     160/500/8           All three contacts in
                                        vicinity of Aoga Shima.
           0800     80/150/10

           1000     153/450/5

July 28    0500     160/500/4½          Contacts obtained on morning
                                        of 28th, 0500-0800. Course
                    108/100/12          was between Aoga Shima and
                                        Hachijo Jima, so transmitters
                    163/500/7           could have been located on
                                        either island.
                    160/450/45

                    83/400/11

                    150/500/30

                    100/300/12

                    168/200/6-20

July 30    2000     153/500/8           Kozu Jima vicinity.

                    163/500/11

Aug. 6     1600     95/750/13           East coast of Honshu from
                                        Inubo Saki to Oshika Hanto.
                    118/400/70          Contact strength varied, and
                                        it was impossible to deter-
                    98/350/30           mine when one contact faded
                                        out and another similar con-
                    82/450/50           tact came in. Signals dif-
                                        fering only in one or two
                    155/450/15          megacycles frequency or one

-47-

— page 405 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BALAO TENTH WAR PATROL
(U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES

APR CONTACTS
Date Time Characteristics Probable Location
202/1000/10 or two micro-seconds pulse
width were obtained all along
162/425/12 the coast.

Sonar
TDM contacts were all evaluated as false, but evasive maneuvers were invari-
ably made "just in case". A porpoise coming straight in was found to give a
beautiful trace which could be identified only by listening. The porpoise sounds
like a fast, small boat screw rather than like a torpedo.

No enemy use of sound was encountered and no sound countermeasures were
employed.

(V) REMARKS

The prospect of demobilization is truly dismaying. 69 out of my 81 men are
Reserves and 5 of my 10 officers. In the latter category BALAO is remarkably
well off. It is sincerely hoped that inducements will be made to keep men in the
Navy that will at least equal the rewards offered them for getting out.

-48-

— page 406 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE HUNDRED FOUR
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

FB5-104/A16-3(2)
28 August 1945.
Serial (045)

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to CO, USS BALAO's
Conf ltr SS285/A16-3 Serial 12,
dated 25 August 1945.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS 285) - Report of War Patrol Number TEN.

1. The Tenth war patrol of the U.S.S. BALAO, in the northern NANPO
SHOTO and east of HONSHU, was of forty-nine days duration broken by a two day stop
at SAIPAN enroute area. Twenty-three days were spent on station, of which two and
a half were submerged. The patrol was terminated by orders from Commander Sub-
marines, Pacific Fleet.

2. The patrol was entirely devoted to lifeguard services which were
smartly performed and BALAO had the satisfaction of rescuing three officers and
one enlisted man. There was small chance to inflict damage on the enemy. On
31 July, radar contact was established on a Japanese destroyer but BALAO was unable
to close. Later, while patrolling submerged, two (2) armed small craft were
discovered. BALAO surfaced and engaged both with deck
armament, destroying one and forcing the other to beach (Gun Attack #1). There was
no return fire.

3. Upon her return to base BALAO was clean, shipshape and in good mater-
ial condition. Her appearance as well as her distinguished record clearly mark her
as a taut, efficient submarine.

4. The Division Commander congratulates BALAO on the assistance she
rendered our air force and on the damage she inflicted on the enemy.

[SIGNATURE: L. H. CHAPPELL]
L. H. CHAPPELL.

— page 407 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TEN
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California 11/rhb

FC5-10/A16-3

Serial: 0267 30 August 1945.

CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. BALAO (SS285)-
Report of War Patrol
Number Ten.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of War Patrol
Number Ten.

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

2. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Commanding
Officer, officers and crew of the U.S.S. BALAO upon the com-
pletion of that vessels Tenth War Patrol.

3. It is recommended that the U.S.S. BALAO be credited
with the following:

SUNK
1 - Misc. (Picket Boat) 125 tons
Total Sunk 125 tons

DAMAGED
1 - Misc. (Picket Boat) 125 tons
Total damaged 125 tons

Total Sunk and damaged 250 tons

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

— page 408 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 02301
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
BALAO Report of
Tenth War Patrol.
COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 874
U.S.S. BALAO - TENTH WAR PATROL.

From:
To:
Via:
Subject:

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

The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) - Report of Tenth War Patrol
(7 July to 25 August 1945).

1. The tenth war patrol of the U.S.S. BALAO, under the command of
Lieutenant Commander R. K. R. Worthington, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the
vicinity of the Nanpo Shoto and in waters east of Honshu.

2. While the patrol was primarily devoted to lifeguard services,
BALAO seized such opportunity as was presented to inflict damage on the enemy
and succeeded in sinking one and damaging one picket boat in a smartly conducted
gun action. Lifeguard services were well performed and four aviators were re-
covered in three efficiently conducted rescues.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
commanding officer, officers, and crew of the BALAO on the long and honorable
combat record of their ship and on the completion of a successful final patrol
during which, in addition to the assistance rendered our Air Force, the following
damage was inflicted on the enemy:

SUNK
1 - MIS (Picket Boat) (EC) | 125 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)

DAMAGED
1 - MIS (Picket Boat) (EC) | 125 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)

TOTAL SUNK & DAMAGED | 250 tons

G. C. CRAWFORD,
Chief of Staff.

Distribution and authentication
on next page.
- 1 -

— page 410 —
END OF REEL
[HANDWRITTEN: E-108]
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: AR-51-78]

||||| 1.0
||||| 1.1
||||| 1.25

||||| 2.8
||||| 3.2
||||| 3.6
||||| 1.4

||||| 2.5
||||| 2.2
||||| 2.0
||||| 1.8
||||| 1.6

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[STAMP: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE]
[STAMP: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

D-62264