U.S.S. LIONFISH (SS-298) — war patrol report SS-298_LIONFISH.pdf

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START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: 2108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR 203-75]

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OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: Brooke]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 7-1-75]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[Image of Department of Defense seal with text: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

— page 2 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 2ND CON'T]
bw

SS298/A16-3
Serial 03

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

U.S.S. LIONFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
22 May 1945.

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

Subject: U.S.S. LIONFISH (SS298) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.

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

1. Enclosure (A) and (B), covering the First War Patrol of this
vessel conducted in the Yellow Sea Area during the period from 2 April to
22 May, 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: L.P. Struance]
E.D./STRUANCE.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B9C DATE 5/31/72]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

124921 [STAMP: FILMED]

— page 16 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. LINGFISH (SS296) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.

F. SHIP CONTACTS
No. | Date | Time | Lat. | Long. | Type(s) | Initial Range | How Contacted | Remarks
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1. | Apr. 6 | 1520 I | 13°-00 N | 137°-00 E | Possible | 12,000 yds. | Lookout |
  | | | | | 50 tons | | |
2. | Apr. 10 | 0020 I | 10°-33' N | 296°-33' E | Submarine | Est 35,000 yds. | QB and JK |
  | | | | | | | Sound Gear |
3. | Apr. 14 | 0935 I | 13°-18-45 N | 127°-0-55-30 E | 3 Frigates | 12,000 yds. | Sound Gear |
  | | | | | (2000 tons) | | |
4. | Apr. 18 | 0716 I | 18°-33'-51-25 N | 126°-54-30 E | Small anti- | 6,000 yds. | Periscope |
  | | | | | submarine | | |
5. | Apr. 22 | 0450 I | 14°-34'-0-44 N | 124°-0-29 E | Frigate | 6,000 yds. | Periscope |
  | | | | | | | |
6. | Apr. 26 | 1733 I | 18°-38'-0-03 N | 124°-21 E | Picket | 6,000 yds. | Lookout |
  | | | | | boat | | |
7. | Apr. 27 | 0530 I | 18°-38'-12-52 N | 124°-0-15-45 E | Two small | 4,000 yds. | Lookout |
  | | | | | patrol craft | | |
8. | Apr. 28 | 0953 I | 18°-38'-38-15 N | 124°-0-26-30 E | Two picket | 4,000 yds. | Periscope |
  | | | | | boats | | |
9. | May 1 | 0601 I | 23°-22-30 N | 123°-58 E | Sailing | 14,000 yds. | Periscope |
  | | | | | Schooner | | |
10. | May 1 | 0940 I | 24°-40-15 N | 124°-05 E | Small patrol | 16,000 yds. | Periscope |
  | | | | | boat | | |
11. | May 5 | 1825 I | 31°-07-45 N | 123°-54-30 E | Hospital | 21,000 yds. | SJ Radar |
  | | | | | Ship | | |
12. | May 5 | 0452 I | 30°-49-30 N | 124°-05-30 E | Picket | 38,000 yds. | Periscope |
  | | | | | boat | | |
13. | May 6 | 2020 I | 23°-23-00 N | 123°-50 N | Freighter | 30,000 yds. | Periscope |
  | | | | | (2000 tons) | | |
14. | May 6 | 1619 I | 31°-10-50 N | 126°-31 E | Freighter | 30,000 yds. | Periscope |
  | | | | | (2000 tons) | | |

-1-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 19 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. LIONFISH (SS298) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.

H. ATTACK DATA

U.S.S. LIONFISH (SS298) GUN ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 1
Time 1230 I Date 1 May 1945 Lat. 35-58 N Long. 124-05 E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Probably Sunk: (1) Three-masted schooner (EU) estimated 100 tons,
observed at short range.

Damage Determined by: Observation at close range. Stern and rigging was
on fire. Three large holes in port side which
revealed cargo to be lumber and logs. Holes ex-
tended from water line to gunwale. Destruction
considered certain, although wreckage would not
sink.

DETAILS OF ACTION

5"/25 gun. Scored 15 hits out of 44 rounds fired. HC ammunition was very
effective, starting fires and damaging a large area at each hit.
Average range 3000 yards.

40 mm gun. Scored 12 hits out of 56 rounds fired. Average range 2500
yards. Fire not accurate due to crudeness of sight. Tele-
scopic sights not used.

20 mm gun. Scored numerous hits out of 180 rounds fired. Fire not very
destructive. Average range 2000 yards.

The 5" gun was controlled by using the TDC as a position keeper
and spotting by radar in range and by periscope in deflection.
The trainer's sight was fogged due to loss of pressure.

-17- ENCLOSURE (A) [STAMP: Faded and illegible]
[STAMP: Faded circular mark, illegible]

— page 24 —
FB5-241/A16-3
Serial # 014
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS LIONFISH (SS298)
Report of First War
Patrol dated 5/22/45.

From: The Commander Submarine Division TWO-FORTY-TWO.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-FOUR;
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, Administration.
The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. LIONFISH (SS298) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.

1. The first war patrol of the LIONFISH, conducted in the EAST CHINA -
YELLOW SEA area, was of sixty-five days duration, thirty-three of which were
spent in the patrol area.

2. Only four worthwhile torpedo targets were sighted. One of these
was a properly marked hospital ship. The LIONFISH was unable to reach an attack
position on the other three. One three masted schooner of about 100 tons was
destroyed by gunfire on 1 May 1945.

RECOMMENDED ASSESSMENT

PROBABLY SUNK

One (1) Schooner (EU) - 100 tons.

3. During April, and while the LIONFISH was in the vicinity of NANSEI
SHOTO, numerous aircraft contacts were made, which proved very troublesome. The
Commanding Officer later found out that 75% of these planes were friendly and had
orders to attack all contacts. While this fact is quite disconcerting, it is also
possible that some of these friendly planes were from the FIFTH FLEET. Lack of
planes in the same vicinity, during May, indicated the effectiveness of the air
strikes on KYUSHU.

4. On the early morning of 11 April 1945, the LIONFISH skillfully
avoided the wakes of two torpedoes, probably fired from an enemy "anti-submarine"
submarine.

5. Three days were spent on lifeguard station, but no survivors were
rescued. However, while enroute home, the LIONFISH made a rendezvous with the RAY
and received ten (10) B-29 survivors on board for transportation to SAIPAN.

6. The LIONFISH returned from patrol clean and in fair material
condition. The damaged sound head will be repaired or replaced during routine
docking, and the ship reballasted. It is expected that her refit will be
completed in the normal period. The health of the crew is very good. Morale is
high, despite a long patrol and "lean pickings".

[STAMP: FILMED]
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO FORTY TWO

Care of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California,
24 May 1945.

— page 25 —
FB5-242/A16-3
Serial # 014
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS LIONFISH (SS298)
Report of First War
Patrol dated 5/22/45

Subject: U.S.S. LIONFISH (SS298) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.

— page 26 —
F05-24/A16-3
Serial: (0113)

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR
11/rck

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
25 May 1945.

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. LIONFISH (SS298)
Report of First War Patrol,
dated 22 May 1945.

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

Subject: U.S.S. LIONFISH (SS298) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.

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

2. The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-FOUR congratulates
the Commanding Officer, officers and crew upon the completion of this
patrol, made arduous by numerous aircraft, shallow water and the absence
of worthwhile contacts. It is believed that the experience gained will
enhance the value of the LIONFISH when the opportunity to score is presented.

[SIGNATURE: F. W. FENNO.]
F. W. FENNO.

— page 29 —
SS298/A16-3
Serial (06)

by

U.S.S. LIONFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
22 August 1945.

C-O-N[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]-L

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

Subject: U.S.S. LIONFISH (SS298) - Report of War Patrol
Number TWO.

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

1. Enclosure (A) and (B), covering the Second War Patrol
of this vessel conducted in the Bungo Suido Area and National
Lifeguard League during the period from 20 June to 22 August 1945,
is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: P.M. Ganyard]
B.M. GANYARD.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B7C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/31/72]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 140256]

— page 32 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. LIONFISH (SS298) - Report of War Patrol Number TWO.

25 June 1945
1200(L) Posit. 21-56N 161-18E.
1400(L) Sent LIONFISH SECOND to C.T.G. 17.7 info C.T.F. 17.

26 June 1945
1100(K) Test fired all guns.
1200(K) Posit. 19-22N 156-33E.

27 June 1945
1200(K) Posit. 18-22N 151-21E.
1905(K) Exchanged calls by SJ radar with the U.S.S. MUSKALLUNGE bearing 150°T.

28 June 1945
1200(K) Posit. 17-33N 146-03E.
1305(K) Passed between GUGUAN and ALAMAGAN Islands.
1500(K) Auxiliary engine stalled. Examination showed that the lobes in the
        blower had jammed. (See Major Defects).
1555(K) Exchanged calls by SJ radar with the U.S.S. KINGFISH bearing 050°T.
1855(K) Sighted a high pillar of black smoke on the horizon bearing 150°T.
        Came to course 150°T. and went ahead flank speed to investigate,
        believing it possible a plane had crashed. The smoke persisted for
        about ten minutes. Upon arrival at approximate location of smoke we
        found a Baker two nine circling low over water with landing lights
        on. We contacted him on Lifeguard frequency and he reported he
        thought he had seen a white light such as on a life raft or float
        but did not seem to have any knowledge of any plane being down. He
        guided us to approximate location of his sighting light and then
        departed. We continued to search area until 2100(K), firing
        numerous green very stars and listening on 500 Kcs., with negative
        results. Gasoline odors were noticed several times during search.
2100(K) Secured searching and proceeded on our way. Sent LIONFISH THIRD
        to Comsubpac info to C.T.G. 17.7 telling of search and negative
        results.
2345(K) SJ radar contact, bearing 175°T. range 14,000 yards.

29 June 1945
0000(K) Determined radar contact to be a convoy of six to eight ships on
        course east, speed nine knots. Maneuvered to pass well clear astern.

-3-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 40 —
(A) ENCLOSURE                                                              -S.I-

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject:         U.S.S. LIONFISH (SS298) - Report of War Patrol Number T.O.

— page 52 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: LIONFISH (SS296) - Report of War Patrol Number TWO.

No. 1
CONTACT DATE: 10 July
              0435 (I)
LAT. LONG.:   32-28N
              132-00E
TYPE:         Item
              Class
              Sub
APPROX. SIZE: 2500 yds.
HOW CONTACTED: 280 T. JP sound
               14 kts. Gear
REMARKS:      No attack and
              sunk.

No. 2
CONTACT DATE: 11 July
              0700 (I)
LAT. LONG.:   32-40N
              132-00E
TYPE:         Item
              Class
              Sub
APPROX. SIZE: 3000 yds.
HOW CONTACTED: 310 T. sighted by
               12 kts. periscope
REMARKS:      Made attack and
              missed with
              eight torpedoes.

No. 3
CONTACT DATE: 15 July
              2145 (I)
LAT. LONG.:   31-36N
              132-00E
TYPE:         Item
              Class
              Sub
APPROX. SIZE: 8000 yds.
HOW CONTACTED: 165 T. JJ radar
               15 kts.
REMARKS:      Tracked for two
              hours and attacked.
              Missed with eight
              torpedoes.

-23-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 56 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. LIONFISH (35298) - Report of War Patrol
Number TWO.

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

TORPEDO ATTACK No. 2A and 2B

TIME: 0714(I) DATE: 11 July 1945 LAT: 32-33N
                                                LONG: 132-00E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

DESCRIPTION: A large Itom Class Japanese Submarine with
             square conning tower, no deck gun, flat deck
             and with small antenna or mast (about 3 feet
             high) sticking up from middle of conning tower
             and definitely not a periscope. He also had
             Jap flag painted on side of conning tower plus
             some white lettering believed to be numbers
             above the flag.

SHIP(S) SUNK: None.

SHIP(S) DAMAGED: None.

DAMAGE DETERMINED BY: -

TARGET SPEED: A-12 DRAFT: A-14 COURSE: A-010 RANGE: A-1970
              B-12 B-14 B-005 B-3120

OWN SHIP DATA

SPEED: A-2 COURSE: A-120 DEPTH: A-63' ANGLE: A-0
       B-3 B-195 B-63' B-0

TYPE ATTACK: This was a submerged periscope attack in a very
             calm sea. Believe this target also surfaced close aboard as
             a constant periscope watch was being maintained when target
             was picked up about 4000 yards away heading northwest towards
             western entrance of Bungo Suido. Six bow tubes were fired
             due to lack of confidence in data obtained. Immediately
             swung for stern tube shot, cranked range in a thousand yards
             due to bow tubes apparently passing astern, and fired two
             stern tubes before target was beyond range of Mk. 18's. These
             misses are explained by six knots being set on TDC instead of
             12 as intended.

                                -27-
                                ENCLOSURE (L)

— page 58 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. LIONFISH (SS298) - Report of her Patrol
Number T.O.

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

                                        ATTACK NO. 2B
                                        No. 8   No. 9

Tubes fired
Track angle                             154 P   154 P
Gyro angle                              196     195
Depth set                               10      10
Torpedo speed
used in TDC                             29.1    29.1
Hit or miss                             miss    miss
Erratic (yes or no) no                  no
Mk. torpedo                             18.1    18.2
Serial No.                              55661   57562
Mk. exploder                            8-5     8-5
Serial No.                              8610    9509
Actuation set                           contact contact
Actuation actual                        ---     ---
Mk. warhead                             18-1    18-2
Serial No.                              5013    5738
Explosive                               Torpex  Torpex
Firing interval                                 10
Type spread                             0       1/2 L
Sea conditions                          Force 2
Overhaul activity U.S.S. AEGIR (AS23).

Remarks: 1. Temperature of electrolyte - 82 F.
         2. Temperature of injection - 77 F.
         3. Heard first of two end of run explosions
            7 minutes and 52 seconds after No. 8 was fired.

-29-                                    ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 69 —
FB5-241/A16-3
Serial # 028
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. LIONFISH Report
of War Patrol No. TWO,
dated 22 august 1945.

From:
To :
Via :

SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO FORTY ONE

Care of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California,
25 August 1945.

The Commander Submarine Division TWO FORTY ONE.
The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY FOUR.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, Administration.
The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. LIONFISH (SS298) - Report of War Patrol Number TWO.

1. The SECOND war patrol of the U.S.S. LIONFISH was conducted in two
(2) phases. The first phase of twenty-nine (29) days duration was conducted in
the BUNGO SUIDO area. Both offensive patrolling and life guard duties were
performed during this phase. The second phase was conducted in the KII SUIDO
area and was devoted primarily to life guard duties. Total length of patrol
was sixty-two (62) days, thirty-one (31) days of which were spent in the assigned
areas.

2. During phase I three (3) worthwhile torpedo targets were contacted.
All three (3) contacts were ITEM class submarines and attacks were developed on
each.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 (10 July 1945)
Initial contact was by sound and a submerged periscope approach was made
in the early morning twilight, using ST ranges. Five (5) mark 18-2 torpedoes
were fired from the bow tubes. Range 1000 yards, 98° -168° port track, 45°- 54°
L gyros, depth set on all torpedoes 10 feet. Two (2) properly timed hits
resulted, accompanied by usual breaking up noises. Fifty-eight (58) seconds
after the first hit only a cloud of smoke was visible at the target. Considered
sunk.

TORPEDO ATTACKS NO. 2A & 2B (11 July 1945)
Initial contact was made by periscope at a range of 4-5,000 yards and
a submerged approach was made using periscope ranges and bearings. Six (6) Mark
18-2 torpedoes were fired from the bow tubes (NO. 2 A) Average range 1970 yards,
24° - 27° port track, 16° - 25° L gyros, depth set on all torpedoes 8 feet.
The ship was then swung and two (2) mark 18 torpedoes were fired from the stern
tubes (NO. 2 B). Average range 3120 yards, 155° port track, 15° R gyros, depth
set on torpedoes 10 feet. All torpedoes missed. Two (2) of the torpedoes fired
from the bow tubes were seen to broach. Misses were caused by fire control error
TDC operator had "halfed" the intended speed of target.

TORPEDO ATTACKS NO. 3A & 3B (16 July 1945)
Initial contact was made at night by SJ radar at a range of 7500 yards.
Target was carefully tracked for three hours and fifteen (15) minutes before makin
a night surface attack. Five mark 18-2 torpedoes were fired from the bow tubes
(NO. 3A). Average torpedo run 2200 yards, 44° port track, 25° - 29° L gyros, depth
set on all torpedoes 10 feet. The ship was then swung and three (3) mark 18-1
torpedoes were fired from the stern tubes (NO. 3B). Average torpedo run 2050 yar

— page 70 —
FB5-241/A16-3
Serial # 028
CONFIDENTIAL
_FIRST ENDORSEMENT_ to
_USS LIONFISH_ REPORT OF
_WAR PATROL NO. TWO_
DATED 22 AUGUST 1945.

SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO FORTY ONE

                                                Care of Fleet Post Office;
                                                San Francisco, California,
                                                25 August 1945.

Subject: U.S.S. LIONFISH (SS298) - Report of War Patrol Number TWO.

     124° - 135° port track, 24° - 36° R gyros, depth set on all torpedoes 10 feet.
Torpedo from No. 3 tube was seen to run erratic. All torpedoes missed, probably
due to performance of torpedoes.

     3. Following phase I the LIONFISH returned to SAIPAN for fuel and a
torpedo reload. During phase II, no torpedo targets were contacted and no rescues
were made during the life guard duty.

     4. The LIONFISH returned from patrol clean and in very good material
condition except for the Auxiliary Engine. Refit will be accomplished in the
normal period by the U.S.S AEGIR and Submarine Division 241. The Auxiliary Engine
repair will require renewal of a hard-patch. If the necessary spare-parts arrive
in time, this will be done during the refit period. Health of the crew was good
and morale very high.

     5. The Division Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers
and crew of the LIONFISH upon this well conducted patrol which resulted in the
sinking of a large I-EM class Japanese submarine.

                                                [SIGNATURE: J. W. DAVIS]
                                                J. W. DAVIS.
                                                Acting.

— page 71 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR.
11/wd
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
25 August 1945.

FC5-24/A16-3
Serial: (0158)

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS LIONFISH (SS298) Report
of SECOND War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. LIONFISH (SS298) - Report of War Patrol
Number TWO.

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

2. The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-FOUR congratulates
the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of LIONFISH upon completion of
another long war patrol and upon the sinking of an I-ten Class Japanese
submarine. It is unfortunate that the other two attacks on enemy submarines
were not as successful.

3. Offensive operations were concluded before this aggressive
patrol ended.

[SIGNATURE: F. W. Fenno]
F. W. FENNO.

— page 73 —
END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: 9108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR 203-75]

||||| 1.0 ||||| [4.5] ||||| 2.8 ||||| 2.5
||||| [5.0] ||||| 3.2 ||||| 2.2
||||| [5.6]
||||| [6.3] ||||| 3.6 ||||| 2.0
||||| [7.1]
||||| [8.0] ||||| 4.0 ||||| 1.8
||||| 1.1

||||| 1.25 ||||| 1.4 ||||| 1.6

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[SEAL: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

D-522-14