U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS-383) — war patrol report SS-383_PAMPANITO.pdf

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START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: 1975-43]
[HANDWRITTEN: Pampanito]

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OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: A-Lee]

DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 26-Oct 1965]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[EMBLEM: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with eagle]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

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

— page 3 —
START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: NRS-450]
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE MICROPHOTOGRAPHS
APPEARING ON THIS REEL ARE TRUE COPIES.

DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 27 OCT 1965] OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: Arthur L. Poe]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[IMAGE: Department of Defense Seal with text "DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA"]

MICROFILMED BY
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

PRNC-NRMC-3 (REV. 4-52)

— page 4 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st COPY]

U. S. S. PAMPANITO (SS383)

SS383/A16
Serial 1

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
2 May 1944.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383), Report of War Patrol
Number One.

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

1.
Enclosure (A), covering the first war patrol of
this vessel conducted in area covering southwestern approaches to
Saipan and Guan during the period 15 March 1944 to 2 May 1944
is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: P. E. SUMMERS]

[STAMP: 76927 FILMED]

— page 16 —
Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO - Report of First War Patrol.

#9 torpedo tube indicating sea pressure. Evidently outer door
is leaking from last depth charging.

2203 (K) Pattern of 3 depth charges, fairly close.

2203 (K) Another depth charge. Only two of the four screens seem to be
searching for us. There is still much noise coming from direction
of the target. One escort seems to be circling target.

2205 (K) Had to close the hull induction drains in engine rooms and
maneuvering room as water is coming in too fast. Boat is getting
very heavy. One of the poppet valves on the forward torpedo
tubes stuck open on firing causing flooding of the forward
torpedo room bilges.

2207 - 0030 (K) Intermittent depth charges. None very close. A total of about
25 were dropped. Am having to use between 90 and 100 shaft
turns with a 12° - 15° rise bubble to keep the boat from going
any deeper. Have not been able to find an injection temperature
gradient.

2315 (K) Both sound head training motors grounded out due to bilge water
running over the forward torpedo room deck with a 15° rise
bubble.

Tried using a bubble in safety twice to hold my depth, and each
time it brought the DD's over again.

Excessive noise being caused by the pressure forcing water into
main induction piping around the leaky flange rubber gaskets.

11 April 1944

0015 (K) Destroyer screws going away.

0043 (K) Surfaced. All clear.

After careful consideration of the following casualties, decided
it would be wise to pull clear and try to effect repairs rather
than pursue convoy:

(1) Outboard air induction piping completely flooded.
(2) Both sound head training motors grounded out.
(3) A flooded MK. 18 torpedo in #9 torpedo tube, having been
subjected to sea pressure while evacuating - due to leaky
outer door gasket.

0300 (K) Sent contact report on 450 hoping HARDER will receive it; also
sent PAMPANITO second dispatch to Comsubpac.

Since I did not see our target sink, I am hoping HARDER will
make contact with same convoy, and verify my belief that the
target we hit did sink and was missing from convoy.

- 12 -

— page 24 —
Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO - Report of First Patrol.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS
NO. | TIME | LATITUDE | TYPES | INIT'L | ESTIMATED | HOW | REMARKS
    | DATE | LONGITUDE |       | RANGE  | COURSE &  | CONTACTED |
    |      |           |       |        | SPEED     |           |
----|------||-------||||
1.  | 1239(K) | 12°-46.2'N. | 2 Small AK's | 20,000 yards | 240° T.   | Periscope | Attack
    | 7 April | 143°-49'E. | 2 Escorts    |              | Zig-zagging |           | thwarted by
    |      |           |       |        | 12 Knots  |           | depth
    |      |           |       |        |           |           | charging
----|------||-------||||
2.  | 0325(K) | 11°-47' N. | 2 Large AK's | 24,000 yards | 195° T.   | Radar     | Torpedo
    | 10 April | 143°-26' E. | 3 DD's       |              | Zig-zagging |           | Attack
    |      |           | 1 Subchaser |        | 9 Knots   |           | #1
----|------||-------||||
3.  | 1936 (K) | 9°-40' N. | Same convoy as | 22,700 yards | 125° T.   | Radar     | Avoided
    | 10 April | 143°-30' E. | above        |              | Zig-zagging |           |
    |      |           |       |        | 9 Knots   |           |
----|------||-------||||
4.  | 2008(K) | 12°-47' N. | 2 PC Type Patrol Boats | 12,000 yards | 325° T.   | Radar     |
    | 23 April | 143°-47' E. |       |        | Zig-zagging |           |
    |      |           |       |        | 12 Knots  |           |

[HANDWRITTEN: - 20 -]

— page 25 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY TWO

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS PAMPANITO Report of
First War Patrol.

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

Subject:        U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of first
                war patrol - Comments on.

        1.      The first war patrol of the PAMPANITO covered a
period of fifty-five days, of which thirty were spent in the
assigned area and on Special Lifeguard Mission. The patrol
was terminated because of fuel limitations.

        2.      Only two contacts worthy of torpedo fire were
made.
                Contact 1 - Consisted of two small AKs of about 4,000 tons
        zigging radically with one escort, Chidori type, ranging ahead
        and one escort ranging astern. A submerged day periscope ap-
        proach was made and a good firing position obtained. On rais-
        ing periscope for final check the Chidori was observed less
        than 500 yards range headed directly for submarine. Depth
        charging forced the submarine to evade at deep submergence.
        Subsequent pursuit was made but contact was not regained.

                Attack 1 - Consisted of two 7,000 ton AKs with three Fubuki
        type destroyer escorts, one constant-holming ahead of the
        convoy 1,500 to 3,000 yards and one on either flank. A submerged
        day periscope approach was made but good firing position was not
        attained because of alert escorts and evasive measures taken by
        convoy. An end-around was made during the night and a submerged
        night radar approach begun from ahead. Four bow torpedoes fired,
        range 2,400 yards, on leading target, 200 percent target cover-
        age. Two timed hits, one of which was a very violent explosion.
        The target's screws were reported stopped by sound. The remain-
        ing two bow torpedoes were fired at one of the escorts, range
        2,400 yards. No hits were heard or observed. Depth charging
        forced the submarine to deep submergence.
                Damage assessment - One AK, 7,000 tons, damage.

        3.      Thirty four air contacts were made which gave the
PAMPANITO considerable training in diving the boat. The skill
manifested by the crew in the repair of casualties sustained as

                                                -1-

— page 26 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY TWO

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

Subject:        U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of first
                war patrol - Comments on.

— page 27 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR

                                                                11/jsk

FCo-4 / A16-3                                   Fleet Post Office,
                                                San Francisco, Calif.,
                                                16 May 1943.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS PAMPANITO Report of
First War Patrol.

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

Subject:        U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of FIRST War
                Patrol - Comments on.

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

2.      Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR congratulates
the Commanding Officer, officers, and crew on this aggressive
patrol conducted in the face of persistent anti-submarine
measures. The ingenuity and skill shown in correcting the battle
damage and hull defects is praiseworthy.

                                                C. L. MOMSEN.

— page 28 —
6 0886
hch
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
17 May 1944

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

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PAMPANITO Report of
First War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 419
U.S.S. PAMPANITO - FIRST WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of First War Patrol.
(15 March to 2 May 1944).

1. The first war patrol of the PAMPANITO was the first
for the new Commanding Officer, as such. The patrol was conducted
in the Saipan-Guam Area.

2. The area assigned was thoroughly patrolled by the
PAMPANITO and close coverage of important harbors was maintained. Of
the two contacts made worthy of torpedoes the PAMPANITO was able to
carry out a successful attack on one of them. In addition to normal
patrol duties, the PAMPANITO performed lifeguard duty.

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

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

D A M A G E D

1 - Freighter (TUYAMA MARU class) - 7,000 tons (Attack No. 1).

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

Distribution and authentication
on following page.

[STAMP: FILMED]
- 1 -

— page 29 —
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
17 May 1944.

hch

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PAMPANITO Report of
First War Patrol.

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

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 419
U.S.S. PAMPANITO - FIRST WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of First War Patrol.
(15 March to 2 May 1944).

— page 30 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 157 copy]

SS383/A16

U. S. S. PAMPANITO (SS383)

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
23 July 1944.

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

Subject: USS PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of War
           Patrol Number Two.

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

1. Enclosure (A) covering the Second War Patrol
of this ship conducted in the Empire stating patrol areas
south of and adjacent to Kyushu, Shikoku and Honshu during
the period 3 June 1944 to 23 July 1944 is forwarded
herewith.

[SIGNATURE: F. E. Summers]
F. E. SUMMERS.

83282 [STAMP: FILMED]
1

— page 50 —
Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO - Report of Second War Patrol.

Moving out on a 90 track from our port beam. Immediately came
left at flank speed to parallel track. In the meantime,
searched the horizon for any possible ships or periscopes and
could see none, although it would have been difficult with
lighting conditions as they were to have seen a periscope
very far out to starboard. We were zig-zagging at the time,
and I am firmly convinced that this saved us from an almost
certain torpedo hit from a possible enemy submarine, who
was probably on the flank or astern of a convoy and had
picked us up by his radar. By computation, if this torpedo
was set for 10 feet and considering we were making 19 knots,
the torpedo actually missed ahead of us about 3 to 5 yards.
Quite close! After giving a good visual sweep, decided to
dive and listen for possible screws.

0342 (I)
Dived. Could hear nothing on sound nor could I see anything
with periscope after dawn.

1221 (I)
Decided to surface and make a retiring search at full speed
to the south and southwest to cover possible routes if there
were an enemy convoy moving in that direction.

1222 (I)
Having advanced to the probable dusk positions of a convoy,
decided to dive and conduct submerged patrol.

1352 (I)
Sighted MAVIS Type bomber bearing 010° T., distant about 4
miles.

1909 (I)
Surfaced. Commenced retiring search covering possible traffic
routes.

1913 (I)
SJ radar interference bearing about 230° T. Commenced closing
to investigate. At this time, I am in doubt as to whether
interference is friendly or enemy so have decided to cut out
my SJ radar transmitter entirely, and use the radar for
receiving bearings of the radar interference. It is very
possible that the enemy DF'd my radar last night. Will use
transmitter intermittently to see if we have any pips.

2037 (I)
SJ radar picked up very small pip bearing 275° T. - range
12,000 yards. Closed to 7000 yards and could see nothing, so
decided to put my stern toward him and wait for developments.
In the meantime, endeavored to establish identity of contact,
thinking it possibly a friendly submarine, by sending a signal
on SJ, also by using echo-ranging. No luck. Target moving
out. This is either a submarine or a very small escort as he
gives a very small pip at relatively close range. He has
radar and knows we are definitely in the vicinity.
Commenced closing again, until it looked as though he were
trying to lure us away from bigger game, so at

- 21 -

— page 55 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED ONE

Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California
24 July 1944.

FB5-201/A16-3

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO PAMPANITO Rept. of 2nd
War Patrol serial (015)

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

Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of War Patrol Number TWO,
         Comments on.

         1. The second war patrol of the U.S.S. PAMPANITO was in areas
off the Japanese Empire. Thirty-two days were spent in the areas during
which period the PAMPANITO made seven contacts with surface ships worthy
of torpedo attack, but on only one was she able to close within torpedo
range. Three torpedoes were fired on this attack and one hit was heard in
a 5100 ton freighter. Area coverage was good in spite of heavy surface
and air patrol. Surface patrol was strong off the 100 fathom curve, and
caused the PAMPANITO considerable trouble when closing the Coast. Strong
currents in these coastal areas made navigation difficult and submerged
patrol treacherous.

         2. ATTACK NUMBER ONE.

         This was a periscope attack on July 6th on a convoy consist-
ing of two medium AK's and one small AC with three escorts. Three Mark
18-1 torpedoes were fired from the stern tubes at one of the escorts, an
Otari type torpedo boat, but the target believed hit was a 5100 ton AK
similar to the Toyokawa Maru class. All three torpedoes were fired with a
2° divergent spread on tracks between 60°s and 67° respectively. Depth settings
were eight feet on numbers 7 and 8 tubes and 10 feet on number 9 tube.
One torpedo explosion was heard about six and one-half minutes after firing
the first torpedo. Sound tracked the torpedoes to the screws of a ship
which stopped after the explosion. Breaking-up noises and popping noises
were heard for forty-five minutes after the explosion. A depth charge attack
prevented making an observation until an hour and a quarter after firing.
At this time only the torpedo boat and a float plane were in sight circling
the area in which the ship was last seen and heard. The length of the tor-
pedo run is exceptionally long for a Mark 18-1 torpedo and coincides very
closely with the time for an end of run explosion. However, since the
Commanding Officer insists that he heard the torpedo hit a ship and the
ship screws stopped, after which breaking-up noises were heard it is be-
lieved that the ship was either sunk or damaged.

- 1 -

— page 57 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
25 July 1944.

FC5-20/A16-3

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
C.O. U.S.S. PAMPANITO Conf. Ltr.
SS383/A16 Serial (015) dated
23 July 1944.

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, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of War Patrol
Number Two, comments on.

1. The comments of Commander Submarine Division 201
are concurred in excepting that it is recommended that the
PAMPANITO be credited with inflicting the following damage to the
enemy:

DAMAGED
1 AK (EU) 5100 tons

2. It is desired to re-emphasize the enemy's use of
submarines, especially in the areas in which PAMPANITO operated,
as anti-submarine vessels. PAMPANITO undoubtedly avoided being
torpedoed by zig zagging while on the surface and keeping a sharp
and efficient lookout.

3. The increasing efficiency of the enemy shore radars
is noteworthy.

4. The Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the
PAMPANITO are congratulated upon the completion of a very arduous
patrol and the damage inflicted on the enemy.

[SIGNATURE: J. L. Pace]
LEO L. PACE

Copy to:
Comsubdiv 201
CO PAMPANITO

— page 58 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16)
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

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

8 02843
hch

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PAMPANITO Report of
Second War Patrol.

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

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 486.
U.S.S. PAMPANITO - SECOND WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of Second War Patrol.
(3 June to 23 July 1944).

1. The second war patrol of the PAMPANITO was conducted in
areas south of the Empire.

2. Of the seven contacts worthy of torpedo fire, the PAM-
PANITO was able to close but one to make a torpedo attack.

3. In addition to the normal anti-submarine activity in
these areas, the PAMPANITO had torpedoes fired at her on two occa-
sions. The great increase in number of torpedo attacks made by enemy
submarines on our own during the last few months indicates that the
enemy may well be using some of its submarines and particularly its
"midgets" in an attempt to destroy our submarines. Zig-zag tactics,
as employed by the PAMPANITO, are therefore a mandatory counter-
measure when in area or when in the presence of submarines DFed enroute

4. This patrol is designated as "Not Successful" for Com-
bat Insignia Award.

5. The PAMPANITO is credited with having inflicted the
following damage upon the enemy:

D A M A G E D

1 - Freighter (TOYOKAWA MARU class) (EC) - 5,100 tons (Attack No. 1).

[STAMP: FILMED
83282]

Distribution and authentication
on following page.

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

- 1 -

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

— page 60 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

U. S. S. PAMPANITO (SS383)

SS383/A16

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
28 September 1944.

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

Subject: U. S. S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of War Patrol
Number THREE.

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

1. Enclosure (A) covering the Third War Patrol of
this ship conducted in area of South China Sea between latitudes
23° N. and 18° 30' N. and between the South China Coast and
Hainan Island and Longitude 125° E., during the period 17 August
1944 to 28 September 1944 is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: P. E. Summers]
P. E. SUMMERS,

— page 64 —
Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO - Report of Third War Patrol.

31 August 1944

0200 (I) SJ radar interference on bearing 250° T.
0330 (I) OOD and JOOD sighted fire over horizon bearing 340° T.
         Changed course to investigate. Another submarine has already
         contacted and attacked convoy.
0335 (I) Fire now very bright with big column of smoke and flames
         billowing many hundred feet in the air. Moon was down, and
         the sight was something for those seeing their first
         torpedoed ship.
0400 (I) Saw plane circling burning ship.
0402 (I) When planes discovered circling over burning ship, decided
         to patrol on east and west course just south of him at full
         speed and attempt to make contact with remaining ships.
0430 (I) SJ contacts at 6000 yards and 3180 yards. Proved to be false.
0435 (I) SJ contact bearing 349° T., range 9600 yards.
0440 (I) Trying to identify contact.
0445 (I) Contact identified as GROWLER.
0446 (I) Gun flashes on starboard bow on horizon indicate quite a gun
         battle.
0450 (I) Plane sighted close aboard (Plane Contact #5).
0455 (I) Made quick dive.
0500 (I) Surfaced and all clear.
0542 (I) SD contact, 6 miles (Plane Contact #6).
0545 (I) SJ contact on plane, range 8550 yards, bearing 300° T.;
         appears to be two planes. Sighted planes coming in from west
         with first break of dawn in east.
0547 (I) Dived on course 140° T. Decided to proceed southeast to
         clear immediate vicinity. Believe convoy must have headed
         eastward although we have been unable to make contact nor
         have we received any contact report.
0647 (I) Plane sighted by periscope bearing 020° T., range about 3
         miles. (Plane Contact #7).
0727 (I) Distant depth charges.
0730 (I) Depth charges closer. Rigged ship for depth charge. 17
         heavy charges dropped in next half hour. Somebody getting
         a heavy working over very nearby.
         - 4 -

— page 65 —
Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO - Report of Third War Patrol.

0926 (I) 46 charges dropped up to now all big and heavy; two patterns
         of 6 or 7 charges. Still wondering what happened last night.
         No contact report and no SJ contacts in spite of all our
         searching.

1000 (I) While at deep submergence, sound reported a loud air noise
         forward. Made a good check for air leaks and found none.
         Diving Officer then found that Forward Trim had taken on about
         2000 lbs. Suspected small spurt of water impinging on metal
         made the noise. This will severly hamper any evasive tactics.
         All hands attempted to locate trouble.

1144 (I) Periscope observation and all clear. Secured from depth charge.

1227 (I) Sighted mast bearing 146° T. (Ship Contact #1, range about
         10,000 yards. Changed course to close.

1240 (I) Battle stations submerged. Hoped this was convoy we'd been
         hunting.

1310 (I) Target identified as a small trawler too small for torpedo
         attack. He had a small angle on bow and held it. Avoided
         due to possibility of convoy and planes in vicinity.

1407 (I) Secured from Battle Stations Submerged.

1420 (I) Made periscope observation and found all clear.

1444 (I) Another look and found trawler bearing 302° T., distance
         6000 yards.

1505 (I) Surfaced early in hopes of finding convoy to south of us.
         ITEAYAT ISLAND clearly visible as well as others in same group.

1604 (I) High periscope watch sighted trawler bearing 008° T., distance
         about 20,000 yards, angle on bow 270° T., heading in northerly
         direction.

1711 (I) After lookout saw a large plane (BETTY Type) (Plane Contact
         #8) crossing our stern at very low altitude. Possibility
         that he saw us so at

1712 (I) Dived. Went to 150 feet but no bombs.

1827 (I) First of nine distant depth charges.

2002 (I) Surfaced west of ITEAYAT ISLAND. Decided to cover possible
         courses to south for convoy.

2151 (I) Sighted plane from bridge distant about 3 miles (Plane Contact
         #9).

2154 (I) Dived.

- 5 -

— page 74 —
Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO - Report of Third War Patrol.
S.S. PAMPANITO - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 80 —
B5-281/A16

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO PAMPANITO Conf. Ltr.
SS383/A16, Serial (023)
of 28 September 1944.

From: The Commander Submarine Division TWO EIGHTY ONE.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Via : The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
      The Commander Submarine Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
      The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.

Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of THIRD War Patrol.

1. The third war patrol of PAMPANITO, as a member of a coordinated
attack group which also included U.S.S. GROWLER (Lieutenant Commander T.B. OAKLEY
O.T.C.) and U.S.S. SEA LION, was brief, spectacular and effective. Of forty-two
(42) days on patrol seventeen (17) were spent in the assigned area, LUZON STRAITS
and SOUTH CHINA SEAS.

2. The only contact worthy of torpedo fire was encountered on
12 September. The group made radar contact with a large convoy at 0130. While
maneuvering for position PAMPANITO observed attacks by GROWLER at 0155 and SEA
LION at 0527. Evasive action on the part of the enemy made a long day light
chase necessary. Air cover forced PAMPANITO to submerge at 1339 and again at
1936. As a consequence contact was lost at a very critical moment in view of
the enemy's established habit of making a radical alteration of base course at
dusk. However, thoughtful estimate of enemy's probably movement resulted in
contact being established at 2106. At this time the remnant of the convoy
consisted of one large transport, two large and one medium cargo ships and an
undetermined number of escorts.

3. PAMPANITO maneuvered to obtain a position which afforded favorable
track angles with moderate torpedo run and small gyro angles and attacked all
principal ships with nine torpedoes. Hits were observed in three of the targets
and a timed hit was heard but not seen in the fourth. The large transport and
one large cargo ship were seen to sink. The second large cargo ship caught fire
and was observed, abandoned and still burning on 14 September.

4. After reloading PAMPANITO closed the scene of action and made
radar contact with two widely separated targets. One of these, identified as
an escort, was unsuccessfully attacked with three torpedoes from a firing
position that cannot be called the best. Torpedo run was nearly extreme, and
the spread used was excessive. It is probable that these factors rather than
faulty depth performance caused the miss.

-1-
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO EIGHTY ONE
Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, Calif.

3 October 1944.

— page 81 —
FB5-281/A16

SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO EIGHTY ONE
Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, Calif.

3 October 1944.

Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of THIRD War Patrol.

— page 82 —
FC5-4/A16-3

SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
11/tel
Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
6 October 1944.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
U.S.S. PAMPANITO Report
of Third War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO - Report of Third War Patrol.

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

2. It is a pleasure to congratulate the Commanding
Officer, officers, and crew on this fine patrol. The devotion to
duty of all hands was of the highest order. It is considered that
the following officer and men are deserving of special recognition:

(a) Lieutenant H. T. FULTON, D-V(G), USNR, and E. W.
STOCKSLADER, MoMM2c, V-6, USNR, for their volun-
tary entry into the Forward Trim Tank and their
remaining there during a dive to locate a leak
in that tank.

(b) A. C. H. UPTMAN, GM1c, USN, for his outstanding
work acting as a diver to stop the leak into
Forward Trim Tank.

(c) M. L. DEMERS, PH1c, USN, for his skill and
devotion to duty in inspiringly caring for the
rescued prisoners of war.

3. It is recommended that the PAMPANITO be credited
with inflicting the following damage upon the enemy:

SUNK
1 AP (Similar to KOKOKU MARU) (EU) 10,500 tons
1 AK (Similar to BORDEAUX MARU) (EU) 6,600 tons
1 AK (Similar to WALES MARU) (EU) 6,500 tons
TOTAL SUNK 23,600 tons

DAMAGED
1 AK (UN) 4,000 tons

[SIGNATURE: C. F. ERICK]
C. F. ERICK.

— page 83 —
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
hch
FF12-10/A16-3(15)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
12 October 1944.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PAMPANITO Report of
Third War Patrol.
to 13 OCT 1944
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.
COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 539.
U.S.S. PAMPANITO - THIRD WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of Third War Patrol.
(17 August to 28 September 1944).

1. The third war patrol of the PAMPANITO was conducted in
the South China Sea Area. The PAMPANITO along with the U.S.S. SEALION
(SS315) and the U.S.S. GROWLER (SS215) formed an attack group with
Lieutenant Commander T. B. Oakley, Jr., U.S. Navy, as group commander
and commanding officer of the GROWLER.

2. This splendid patrol, as well as resulting in severe
damage to the enemy, is marked with outstanding resourcefulness and
ingenuity in the repair of a serious leak in the forward trim tank
and a rescue mission unique in submarine history. The PAMPANITO res-
cued 73 British and Australian prisoners of war when the Japanese ship
in which they were being transported from Singapore to the Empire was
sunk.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this outstanding
patrol. The entire Submarine Force is proud of each officer and man
in the PAMPANITO for his kindness and unselfish devotion to the res-
cued nationals of our Allies in their desperate need. The PAMPANITO
is credited with having inflicted the following damage upon the enemy
during this patrol:

S U N K

1 - Large AP - PRESIDENT HARRISON (EC) - 10,500 tons (Attack No. 1)
1 - Large AK (BORDEAUX MARU Type) (EU) - 6,600 tons (Attack No. 1)
1 - Large AK (WAKASU MARU Type) (EU) - 6,500 tons (Attack No. 1)
TOTAL SUNK 23,600 tons

- 1 -

— page 85 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

U. S. S. PAMPANITO (SS383)

SS383/A16

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
30 December 1944.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of War Patrol
Number FOUR.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart (To Commander Submarine Force,
U.S. Pacific Fleet Only).

1.
Enclosure (A), covering the Fourth War Patrol
of this vessel conducted in the South China Sea, west of
Longitude 116° E. and north of Latitude 18° 30' N., during the
period 28 October to 30 December 1944, is submitted herewith.

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

— page 102 —
Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Continued)

2220 SD contact 16 miles closed to 15, opened to 16 miles and
     disappeared. Did not dive.
2305 Challenged in direction of SJ interference. Identified SEARAVEN,
     which was sighted at 2340.
2345 Re-entered area and resumed patrol in lane as before.

1 December 1944
0913 (-8) SD contact 28 miles. Closed to 25 miles during dive.
1030 Surfaced.
1105 SD contact 10 miles. Dived.
1437 Surfaced.

2 December 1944
0917 (-8) SD contact 24 miles which soon disappeared.
1243 Sighted an empty life raft, Lat. 18° 50' N., Long. 111° 50' E.
     No identifying marks and no passengers.

3 December 1944
0040 (-8) Received report of radar contact by SEARAVEN, and proceeded as
     necessary to close, based on this and later information. The
     weather, from its flat calm and gentle breezes of two days ago,
     had developed yesterday into a force 7 sea and strong northerly
     wind; the waves were mountainous. SEARAVEN had contacted a
     convoy of 4 large AO's, 1 AP, 1 AK and 1 unidentified large
     ships plus 4 escorts, on base course about 220° T., speed 12 to
     13 knots.
0342 SEARAVEN reported commencing first attack, and at
0410 She reported completion of this attack and 1 AP probably sunk
     with 2 hits.
     - 17 -

— page 109 —
Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Continued)

between Longitudes 110° 51' and 111° 33' E.
2245 Arrived on station and commenced patrol on courses east and west.

15 December 1944
0010 (-8) Set course for new pack patrol line further southwest, on
Latitude 17° 20' N. between Longitudes 110° 34' and 111° 15' E.
0427 Arrived on station and commenced east-west patrol, one hour legs.
1314 SD contact 10 miles. Dived.
1437 Surfaced, commenced return to area.

16 December 1944
0135 Exchanged challenges and calls with PIPEFISH by SJ.
1342 SD contacts 21 and 10 miles. Dived.
1522 Surfaced.
1900 Reassigned lanes: SEACAT on western boundary of area, PIPEFISH
and PAMPANITO 20 and 40 miles east of boundary, and commenced
sweep to northeast.

17 December 1944
0200 (-8) Ordered SEACAT and PIPEFISH to reverse course. PAMPANITO opened
out and made a sweep to southeastward at such speed as to rejoin
patrol line near southwest corner of area.
0455 PIPEFISH reported a radar contact; his position Lat. 18° 40' N.
Long. 111° 12' E. This developed into a single large freighter,
making 11 knots along southeast coast of HAINAN. PIPEFISH made
an unsuccessful attack about 0600. SEACAT and PAMPANITO were
never able to get into position for attack during a chase which
terminated off the south coast of HAINAN at 1120 with the target
headed into GULF LONG BAY.
- 24 -

— page 112 —
DOC-10/176-2

SUBMARINE SQUADRON EIGHTEEN hy
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
31 December 1944.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to

U.S.S. PAMPANITO - Report
of Fourth War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of War Patrol No. Four.

1. During the fourth war patrol of the PAMPANITO the Commanding
Officer, Captain F. FENNO, U.S. Navy, acted as commander of a coordinated search
and attack group operating off Hainan. During the patrol three torpedo attacks
were made, all with Mark 18 torpedoes.

2. Attack No. 1 was made on 17 November 1944 on a convoy consisting
of 2 large freighters and an escort. Six bow tubes were fired at the leading
freighter in a night surface radar attack, from good position. Two hits were
observed which finished off this ship. The PAMPANITO swung and fired four stern
shots at the second freighter. One hit was heard which caused a small fire.
Spreads used insured coverage of 800 feet and 425 feet respectively. The second
freighter was subsequently attacked by another submarine of the pack but the
attack was unsuccessful and the freighter and escort made for the coast.

3. Attack No. 2 on 30 November was a periscope attack at dawn after
a five hour end around in bright moonlight against a high speed convoy of four
ships and three escorts. A change in base course put the PAMPANITO well off the
track and an estimated 4000 yard range had to be accepted. Three torpedoes were
fired at the leading ship, and three at the second ship in column, both medium
torpedo. Spread used covered 900 feet in both cases. There were no visible
results of the attack, but five explosions were heard which could have been hits
at extreme range or end of run explosions.

4. Attack No. 3 on 3 December was a coordinated attack on a convoy
of 4 large tankers. The convoy was successfully attacked by other submarines of the
pack during the night. PAMPANITO tracked for one and one half hours and made a
periscope attack at dawn. The four after tubes were fired at a large tanker.
The PAMPANITO was forced deep by escorts before the bow tubes could be brought
to bear and before results of the attack could be observed. Again explosions
were heard which could have been hits at extreme range or end of run explosions.
This attack was made in very heavy seas, but attack No. 2 was made in a dead
calm sea. In attack No. 3 the range was estimated as 2960 yards, 85° track;
spread covered 900 feet.

- 1 -

— page 113 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON EIGHTEEN
                                                                by
                                                Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                                San Francisco, California,
                                                31 December 1944
1.
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PAMPANITO - Report
of Fourth War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of War Patrol No. Four.

— page 114 —
FE24-71/A16-3                               UNITED STATES NAVY                               14/pr
                                                                                               15 January 1945.

SECOND INDORSEMENT to
USS PAMPANITO (SS395)
A16, Serial 034, dated
30 December 1944. Report
of Fourth War Patrol.

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

Subject:      U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS395) - Report of Fourth War
              Patrol - Comments on.

              1. The Fourth War Patrol of the PAMPANITO was conducted
in Commander Submarines Pacific Area east of Luzon, as a member
of a coordinated search and attack group consisting of PAMPANITO
(OTC), SEACAT and PINTADO.

              2. PAMPANITO is the fourth submarine to be commended
in this war by Captain P. W. FENNO, and this patrol was conducted
in the well planned and effective manner which has characterized
all of this veteran commanding officer's previous patrols. After
observing the apparent ineffectiveness of enemy aircraft in this
Area, the Commanding Officer decided to fully exploit the advantages
of surface patrol during daylight. Although fifty aircraft contacts
were made and PAMPANITO was forced down forty-two times, the
prevailing high state of training and its resulting alertness
prevented her from being bombed a single time.

              3. The first attack on the eighteenth of November, was
a night radar attack on a three ship convoy which was not zig-
zagging. Six bow and two stern tubes were fired and two hits were
observed to sink one ship and one hit was observed to damage
another. The second attack was made on 20 November during bright
moonlight which necessitated a submerged periscope approach. Six
torpedoes were fired at two targets, but no hits were observed.
The third attack, on 5 December was conducted submerged in very
rough seas upon a convoy which consisted of four ships and several
escorts. The four stern tubes were fired at a large AO and one hit
damaged the target.

              4. All of the assessed damage took place in Areas under
the Operational Control of Commander Submarines Pacific Fleet.

                                                              - 1 -

— page 116 —
In reply refer to Initials
and No.

NAVY DEPARTMENT 13 March 1946
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
REASSESSMENT OF DAMAGE BY SUBMARINES

Reference: (a) ComSubPac ltr. FF12-10/L11(1) of
21 February 1946.

USS PAMPANITO (SS383) 4th War Patrol
Date of Attack: 18 November 1944
Position: East of HAINAN

PAMPANITO attacked two AK's on 18 Nov-
ember 1944 with six bow tube torpedoes and four from
the stern tubes as a result one of the AK's was seen
to sink and one hit was seen and heard in the second.
Credit for sinking one AK and damaging another was
assigned.

Japanese verification lists show that
the SAINKO MARU No. 1 and the BANSHU MARU No. 17
(tonnage unknown) were sunk at the time and in the
position of the PAMPANITO attacks. Credit assess-
ments should be revised, therefore, to show:

SUNK

1 AK (SHINKO MARU #1) 7500 tons est.
1 AK (BANSHU MARU #17) 1000 tons est.
8500 tons est.

DAMAGED

1 AO 10000 tons

Commanding Officer, Capt. F. W. Fenno, U. S. Navy.

Copy to:
ComSubLant
SubSchool New London
CO SS383
Op-23E
Op-414C3

— page 117 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]
[HANDWRITTEN: i]

DECLASSIFIED - OPNAV INST. 5500.30 U. S. S. PAMPANITO (SS383)
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B91C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 28 JAN 95]

SS383/A16

Serial No. 040

DECLASSIFIED

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division 122.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron 12.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, U.S. SEVENTH FLEET.
(4) The Commander in Chief, U.S. SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of War Patrol
No. 5.

Enclosure: (1) Subject Report.
(2) Track Chart (To Commander Submarine Force,
U.S. SEVENTH FLEET only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the Fifth War Patrol of this
vessel conducted in the South China Sea, west of Longitude 107° E. and
between Latitudes 5° and 7° N., during the period 23 January 1945 to
12 February 1945, is submitted herewith.

C/C Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
12 February 1945.

[SIGNATURE: P. E. Summers]
P. E. SUMMERS.

— page 139 —
FC5-12/A16-3
Serial 026
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: CONFIDENTIAL]
FIRST ENDORSEMENT
U.S.S. PAMPANITO Report
of Fifth War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of Fifth
War Patrol.

1. PAMPANITO's fifth war patrol was of 20 days duration, 10
of which were spent in the assigned area in the South China Sea. During
this period 5 night surface radar torpedo attacks were made firing a
total of 23 torpedoes.

2. Area coverage on this patrol was excellent; only part of
1 day was spent submerged.

3. The first three attacks were made on a convoy consisting
of one large AK or AP, one large AK or AO and one medium AK being escorted
by 4 escorts one of which was a CHIDORI type. The fourth and fifth attack
was made on a medium sized AK or AO which had one escort with her at time
attacks were made, the second escort being away from the formation.

(a) Attack No. 1: The first convoy was picked up in the late
afternoon by smoke being sighted in high periscope. Course
was set to gain position for night attack. PAMPANITO sub-
merged for about an hour after noting plane over convoy at
low altitude. Position was gained ahead about four and half
hours after contact and an attack was made firing a total of
six torpedoes at the two nearest ships in formation. Two
hits were observed in the nearest and apparently largest ship
and ship went down by the stern. Radar pip decreased and
finally disappeared.

(b) Attack No. 2: After the first attack and subsequent evading
tactics which necessitated an end around run, an approach was
made on the two remaining ships which now had two of the
original four escorts with them. A total of six torpedoes
were again fired at these two ships and all missed due to
long range which allowed ships to maneuver and avoid.

- 1 -

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWELVE

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
17 February 1945.

— page 140 —
FC5-12/A16-3

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PAMPANITO Report
of Fifth War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of Fifth
War Patrol.

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWELVE

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
17 February 1945.

— page 141 —
F324-71/A16-3
UNITED STATES NAVY
14/lb
Serial 0563
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
21 March 1945.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS PAMPANITO Conf. Ltr. A16
Serial 040, dated 12 February
1945. Report of Fifth War
Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of Fifth War
Patrol - Comment on.

1. The Fifth War Patrol of the PAMPANITO under the command
of Commander P. E. SUMMERS, U.S.N., was of only twenty days total dur-
ation, but ten days in the SOUTH CHINA SEA were sufficient for her to
expend her torpedo load.

2. On 6 February, three night attacks were made on a convoy
consisting of three AKs and four A/J vessels. The first attack was
pressed home to the minimum possible range that excellent visibility
conditions permitted, and six torpedoes produced two hits which sank
a large AK. The PAMPANITO was able to elude the gun-firing escort. Two
more attacks were made that night, and every attempt to further exploit
the existing unfavorable submarine attack conditions was made, but ten
torpedoes produced no additional hits. The following night PAMPANITO
combined with [HANDWRITTEN: SUMMERS] to execute a very clever stratagem. When
PAMPANITO was in position for attack, [HANDWRITTEN: SUMMERS] fired a Very's Star. In
the ensuing confusion, which commenced when the starboard escort in-
vestigated, PAMPANITO scored two hits and blew up a medium AO. Again
a gun-firing escort was evaded on the surface.

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

4. The Force Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer,
Officers and Crew of the PAMPANITO on a short, smart and aggressive
patrol during which the following damage was inflicted upon the enemy:

SUNK

1 - AK (Large - EU) 7,500 Tons
1 - AO (Medium - EU) 5,000 Tons
Total 12,500 Tons

[SIGNATURE: Eliot H. Bryant]
ELIOT H. BRYANT,
Chief of Staff.
- 1 -
JAMES FIFE.
[STAMP: ORIGINAL COPY.]

— page 143 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 06F1]
UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET
[STAMP: REC'D No.
R.S. No. 4 03:83]

A16-3(8)(F-3-4/bc)
Serial: [HANDWRITTEN: 01569]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to:
USS PAMPANITO Conf. ltr. A16
Serial 040, dated 12 February
1945. Report of Fifth War
Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of Fifth War
Patrol - Comment on.

1. Forwarded.

2. The Commander Seventh Fleet congratulates the
PAMPANITO on this successful patrol and notes with satisfaction
the excellent teamwork displayed during the coordinated attacks.

[SIGNATURE: T.G. Kinkaid]

cc:
ComSubs7thFlt
ComSubRon 12
USS PAMPANITO (SS383)

— page 144 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED - CPNAV INST. 5500.30]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY 91C DATE 1-22-65]

U. S. S. PAMPANITO (SS383)

o/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,

24 April 1945

SS383/A16
Serial No. 043

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) The Commander Submarine Division 103.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron 10.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, U.S. PACIFIC FLEET.
(4) The Commander in Chief, U.S. PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: U. S. S. PAMPANITO - Report of War Patrol
Number SIX.

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the Sixth War Patrol
of this vessel conducted in the South China Sea between Longitudes
102° 30' E. and 106° 30' E. and Latitudes 5° N. and 8° N. (Mouth
of the Gulf of Siam), during the period 25 February 1945 to 24
April 1945, is submitted herewith.

2. Until time of departure from area on 24 March
1945, the Commanding Officer was Wolf Pack Commander of a group
of four (4) submarines, the PAMPANITO, CAIMAN, SEAHORSE and
MINGO; the CAIMAN having joined up with us on 14 March 1945.
This war patrol report contains also the report of Pack Commander
during the period on station. Upon leaving the area, Pack
Command was turned over to the CAIMAN.

3. The directives of Commander Submarines, U.S.
SEVENTH FLEET letter Serial 0243 of 2 February 1945, concerning
security of classified information, have been complied with.

P. E. SUMMERS.
[HANDWRITTEN: 1 ST COPY]

— page 156 —
Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

27 March 1945
1520 (H)         Reported to Comsubpac.

28 March 1945
0200 (H)         Received instructions from Comsubpac to proceed to Pearl Harbor
                 stopping at Saipan for fuel.

29 March 1945
                 Enroute Saipan. I.F.F. out of commission.
0705 (H)         SD contact 10 miles.
0922 (H)         SD contact 8 miles; large formation of friendly planes heading
                 north, probably for FORMOSA.
1147 (H)         SD contact 4 miles, dived.
1208 (H)         Surfaced.
1225 (H)         SD contact 18 miles, more formations of planes heading north.
1637 (H)         Contacted ITBAYAT Island 90,000 yards.
1639 (H)         Dived.
1715 (H)         Surfaced.
1822 (H)         Dived.
1917 (H)         Surfaced. Commenced transit of passage between ITBAYAT and BATAAN
                 Islands.
2022 (H)         Completed transit of passage.
                 Cloudy day with wind and sea from northeast, force 4.

30 March 1945
                 Enroute Saipan. Cloudy day with wind and sea from northeast,
                 force 4.

31 March 1945
                 Enroute Saipan. Storm set in heavy seas and high winds from northeast
134 (H)          Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. SNOOK.

1 April 1945
                 Enroute Saipan. Still heavy weather shifting to the east. Complete
                 overcast.
1914 (I)         Contacted two ships at 21,000 yards by radar. APR showed them to
                 be friendly. Avoided in accordance with instructions.

2 - 5 April 1945
                 Enroute Saipan. Heavy seas, high winds from southeast, moderating
                 a little in the evening.

5 April 1945
0810 (I)         Arrived Saipan.

- 12 -

— page 166 —
FB5-103/A16-3
Serial 027
DECLASSIFIED
Authority NND 735012
By NARA, Date 10/1/03
FIRST ENDORSEMENT
CO PAMPANITO'S Report of
Sixth War Patrol.

From: The Administrative Commander.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
      (2) The Commander Submarine Force, U.S. PACIFIC FLEET.
      (3) The Commander in Chief, U.S. PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO - Report of Sixth War Patrol; Comments on.

      1. The Sixth War Patrol of the U.S.S. PAMPANITO was conducted
in the Gulf of Siam during the period 25 February - 2 April 1945.
Twenty-seven days were spent in the area, one day submerged. The Command-
ing Officer was also in command of a group consisting of Pampanito, Caiman,
Sealion and Mingo.

      2. This patrol was characterized by almost complete lack of
targets. Only one possibly suitable target was encountered. She was
making 22 knots and the Pampanito was unable to attain a firing position.
She was not seen; may have been a destroyer. Thirty plane contacts were
made but the submarine not attacked. No plane contacts were made at night.
There was only one indication of airborne radar. Eight floating mines were
sighted.

      3. The SD radar was used by keying about 5 seconds every 2 to
3 minutes. The C.O. stated that the SD was fine for detecting planes but
undoubtedly kept the Japs advised of the Submarine's approximate location.
The evidence is rather conclusive that this is precisely what happens when
either the SD or SJ is used very much. They are detected on DF'd. Though
the Japs cannot actually home, traffic will not be routed through that area
and search planes will annoy the submarine. The instantaneous keyed SD
with persistent scan partially solves the SD problem. Possibly the Japs
cannot even detect ST yet and its use as a search radar might be indicated.
It does not, however, have the range of the SJ. When SD or SJ are used
for search purposes the keying must be at irregular intervals, as done by
the Pampanito.

1
SUBMARINE DIVISION 103

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

— page 168 —
11/jfs

SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

FC5-4/A16-3
Serial: 0320
DECLASSIFIEDIAL
26 April 1945.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS PAMPANITO (SS383) - Re-
port of Sixth War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of Sixth War
Patrol.

1.
Forwarded, concurring with the remarks of the
Administrative Commander Submarine Division ONE HUNDRED THREE.

2.
The Squadron Commander congratulates the Com-
manding Officer, officers and crew of the PAMPANITO upon
completion of this patrol.

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

— page 169 —
FF12-10(.)/.16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET 10
Serial 01000 [HANDWRITTEN: B. 7/C -22-6] Care of Fleet Post Office,
DECLASSIFIED San Francisco, California,
1 May 1945.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT
P.M.P.NITO Report NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
Sixth War Patrol. DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL RE..

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. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of Sixth War
Patrol (25 February to 24 April 1945).

1. The sixth war patrol of the PAMPANITO, under the com-
mand of Commander P.E. Summers, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the
South China Sea areas. The commanding officer was also in command of
a coordinated attack group consisting of PAMPANITO, C.T.L.N, SE.LION,
and I.N.GO.

2. This well conducted patrol netted only one possible
fast target, which could not be closed. The Force Commander wishes
the PAMPANITO better luck next time.

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

MERRILL COMSTOCK.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7) [STAMP: RECEIVED 16 MAY 1945]
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6) [STAMP: 169346]
JICPO (1)
AdICPO (1)
Comservpac (1)
CincLant (1)
Comsubslnt (8) Comsubspacsubord (3)
S/M School, NL (2) All Squadron and Div. (2)
CO, S/M Base, PH (1) Commanders, Pacific (2)
Comsopac (2) Substrainpac (2)
Comsowespac (1) All Submarines, Pacific (1)
ComsubsoWespac (2)
[HANDWRITTEN: 268] CTG 71.9 (2) [SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes]
Comnorpac (1)
Comsubspac (3) E. L. HYNES, 2nd.,
ComsubspacComd (20) Flag Secretary.
SUB.D, MI (2)

— page 170 —
5 02899
1d
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
1 May 1945.

Serial 01000
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
CONFIDENTIAL

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

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PAMPANITO Report of
Sixth War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL NO. 731
U.S.S. PAMPANITO - SIXTH 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. PAMPANITO (SS383) - Report of Sixth War
Patrol (25 February to 24 April 1945).

1. The sixth war patrol of the PAMPANITO, under the com-
mand of Commander P. E. Summers, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the
South China Sea area. The commanding officer was also in command of
a coordinated attack group consisting of PAMPANITO, CAIMAN, SEALLION,
and INGO.

2. This well conducted patrol netted only one possible
fast target, which could not be closed. The Force Commander wishes
the PAMPANITO better luck next time.

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

MERRILL COMSTOCK.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
JICPOA (1)
AdICPOA (1)
Comservpac (1)
CincLant (1)
Comsubslnt (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
CO, S/M Base, PH (1)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (1)
Comsubsowespac (2)
CTG 71.9 (2)
Comnorpac (1)
Comsubspac (3)
ComsubspacAdComd (20)
SUB.D, MI (2)

ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Pacific (2)
Substrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Pacific (1)
[SIGNATURE: C. T. Hynes]
[HANDWRITTEN: Cmd]
E. L. HYNES, 2nd.,
Flag Secretary.

EXTRA - ORIGINAL
SORG MICRO
PHOTO-LAB OP-16
RETURN TO F-4253

— page 171 —
[HANDWRITTEN: NARS 1975-43]

[HANDWRITTEN: PAMPANITO (SS-383)]

[HANDWRITTEN: WORLD WAR II REPORT FILE]

[HANDWRITTEN: ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: FOR DECK LOG NOVEMBER 1943 - DECEMBER 1945]
[HANDWRITTEN: CONSULT NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY]

[HANDWRITTEN: 16 MM]

— page 172 —
DATE 29 Aug-14 Sep 1944 NAME PAMPANITO
FROM CROSS INDEX CARD SERIAL
DATE
SUBJECT Coordinated Patrol Report

Report of THIRTEENTH Coordinated Attack Group under Cdr.T.
P.OAKLEY(BEN'S BUSTERS) in Luzon Straits area. Sank or
damaged 117,100 tons of enemy shipping.

FILED: War Diary
Separately under TASK GROUP 17.17 no ser of 20 Sep 44

MICROSERIAL NO. ACTION REPORT OPNAN FORM 3480-13 (11-55)
R.81013

DATE 12-17 September 1944 NAME PAMPANITO
FROM CO - USSPAMPANITO(SS-383)
SERIAL 024
DATE 28 September 1944
SUBJECT Rescue of Allied POWs, Report of

Narrative report of rescue of British & Australian POWs
when Japanese RAKUYO MARU was torpedoed & sunk by USS PAM-
PANITO in company with USS SEALION. Ship was in convoy in
CHINA SEA en route SINGAPORE to JAPAN.(COMPAC: US SUB OPS)

FILED: War Diary
Separately as ORIGINAL

MICROSERIAL NO. ACTION REPORT OPNAN FORM 3480-13 (11-55)
R.81013

DATE 17 Nov-18 Dec 1944 NAME PAMPANITO
FROM CROSS INDEX CARD SERIAL
DATE
SUBJECT Coordinated Patrol Report

Report of Coordinated Attack Group under Cdr.W.W.Fenno
(FENNO'S MINTS) in SOUTH CHINA SEA. Sank or damaged 56,300
tons of enemy shipping.

(COMPAC: US SUB OPS)
FILED: War Diary
Separately under TASK GROUP 17.23 no ser of 1 Jan 45

MICROSERIAL NO. ACTION REPORT OPNAN FORM 3480-13 (11-55)
R.81013

— page 173 —
DATE 6-18 April 1945
FROM CROSS INDEX CARD
NAME PAMPANITO
SERIAL
DATE

SUBJECT Coordinated Patrol Report
Report of Coordinated Attack Group under Cdr.C.L.Bennett
(BENNETT'S BLAZERS II) in SOUTH CHINA SEA.

FILED: War Diary
Separately under TASK GROUP 17.14 no ser of 24 Apr 45

MICROSERIAL NO.
ACTION REPORT OPNAV FORM 3840-13 (10-43)
N-81010

— page 174 —
[HANDWRITTEN: Original 203]
C-O-D-E-C-L-A-S-S-I-F-I-E-D 20 September 1944.

From: Commander Task Group 17.17.
To : Commander-in-Chief U. S. Fleet.
Via : (1) Commander Task Force 17.
 (2) Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: Patrol Report of Task Group 17.17.

Reference: (a) Task Force Seventeen Operation Order 272-44.
 (b) Task Group 17.17 Supplementary Patrol
 Instructions.
 (c) Report of U.S.S. GROWLER TENTH WAR PATROL.
 (d) Report of U.S.S. SEALION SECOND WAR PATROL.
 (e) Report of U.S.S. PAMPANITO THIRD WAR PATROL.

Enclosure: (A) Revised Communication Plan.(To ComSubsPac only).
 (B) Grid of Rotating Area showing Patrol Stations.
 (To ComSubsFac only).

 1. In as much as the destinations of the submarines
upon completion of patrol vary, no attempt at a complete report
will be made. Some of the pertinent points will be covered mainly
from the standpoint of communications. Enclosures (A) and (B)
are forwarded herewith.

 2. During the two day period which was required to
effect renewal of GROWLER'S fathometer head, many discussions were
held. Enclosures (D) to (G) inc. of the Task Group Commander's
Supplementary Patrol Instructions were promulgated. All three of
the important areas of the Rotating Patrol were blocked out in
squares 20 miles on a side. The squares in each area were given
horizontal and vertical coordinates in grid form - See Enclosure
(B).

 3. This group, known as "Bons Busters", departed Midway
17 August 1944 and operated in accordance with references (A) and
(B). Communication drills were held and some changes to the plan
were made. Only the 2,000 Kc band will be used for communication
within this Group. The VHF was found to be effective to 7,500
yards maximum. Recognition by radar interference keying is supple-
mented by individual ship identification within this Group. Com-
munication by radar may be resorted to during coordinated attacks.
It is necessary for each unit to have four high frequency receivers
in order to guard HAIKU, CHINA, AREA FREQUENCY and the Group
frequency.

 4. Speed of advance was increased to 12 knots as sea
was light and two-engine speed would put us in our individual
areas on the twenty-ninth in accordance with serial 37. Interval
was changed to 10 miles to facilitate communication. Changed
PAMPANITO 29 August position to FOX.TWO.

93543 [STAMP: FILMED] - 1 -

— page 176 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L Task Group 17.17 Patrol Report.

2150 SEALION reported results of attacks: 1 AP - Sunk;
     1 DD "UN-1" - Sunk; 1 AO - damaged and possibly sunk.
     19 torpedoes fired. SEALION should have sent a
     contact report.

7.   ComSubPac gave SEALION permission to get more torpedoes
     at SAIPAN and rejoin us. After many attempts sent a
     rendezvous message to PAIPANITO "blind".

8. 2 September 1944.

     After many attempts sent two GROWLER daily patrol
     stations to PAMPANITO "blind".

     2325 Sent above message to PAMPANITO by SJ radar.

9. 3 September 1944.

     Experienced usual static and jamming on the
     2,000 Kc band - could not raise PAMPANITO.

10. 9 September 1944.

     Attempted to contact PAMPANITO for two hours on
     various frequencies.

11. 10 September 1944.

     0212 Requested ComSubPac to have PAIPANITO rendezvous
          with GROWLER. SEALION also got rendezvous from
          ComSubPac.

12. 11 September 1944.

     SEALION and PAIPANITO rendezvous.

     1955 GROWLER and SEALION made rendezvous. Orally instruc-
          ted him as follows: "Use 2006 Kcs until zero hours
          Zebra 14th. If jammed, shift to 2880 Kcs. Use
          channel 144 for contact reports. Course 213(T),
          speed 13 knots until 0200; then reverse. SEALION
          open out 8 miles to the east, PAMPANITO 8 miles to
          the west of GROWLER. Spend the 12th as follows:
          GROWLER-George 23, SEALION-How 23, PAMPANITO - Fox
          23. Rendezvous 1400 Zebra 13th at 20-30 N, 117-40 W.
          Whoever makes contact send contact report and attack!
          Good luck." He has 24 torpedoes.

     - 3 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 3]

— page 180 —
[HANDWRITTEN: F4254]
hch
FF12-10/A16-3(15)
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
[HANDWRITTEN: R-W-19] Care of Fleet
Serial 02457
San Francisco,
6 November 1944.
CONFIDENTIAL
[HANDWRITTEN: 11-20-44.] 11 02718
FIRST ENDORSEMENT TO
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
Patrol Report of Thirteenth
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
Coordinated Attack Group.
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: Report of Thirteenth Coordinated Attack Group Consist-
ing of the U.S.S. SEALION (SS315), the U.S.S. PAMPANITO
(SS383) and the U.S.S. GROWLER (SS215).

1. The thirteenth coordinated attack group consisted of
the U.S.S. SEALION, the U.S.S. PAMPANITO, and the U.S.S. GROWLER, with
Commander T. B. Oakley, Jr., U.S. Navy, as group commander and com-
manding officer of the GROWLER. The patrol was conducted in areas be-
tween Luzon and Formosa. Further details are contained in the
GROWLER's tenth, the SEALION's second, and the PAMPANITO's third war
patrol reports.

2. This splendid patrol included the memorable attacks on
convoys on 31 August and 12 September, and the rescue of British and
Australian prisoners of war who were being transported from Singapore
to the Empire when they were embarked in which they were embarked
was sunk. The performances of all three of these submarines during
this group patrol are among the outstanding performances of the sub-
marine warfare to date.

3. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the group commander, the commanding officers, officers, and
crews of the GROWLER, SEALION, and PAMPANITO for this outstanding
patrol. The following damage was inflicted upon the enemy by this
group:

S U N K
1 - Large AP (PRESIDENT HARRISON) - 10,500 tons (PAMPANITO Attack
(EC) No. 1)
1 - Large AK (BORDEAUX MARU Type) - 6,600 tons (PAMPANITO Attack
(EU) No. 1)
1 - Large AK (WALES MARU Type)(EU) - 6,500 tons (PAMPANITO Attack
No. 1)
1 - Large AO (NIPPON MARU Type) - 10,000 tons (SEALION Attack
(EU) No. 2)
1 - DD (UN-1 Class) (EC) - 2,300 tons (SEALION Attack
No. 3)
1 - Large AP (RAKUYO MARU Type)(EU) - 10,000 tons (SEALION Attack
No. 3)
[STAMP: EXTRA - ORIGINAL]
1 - Large AP (RAKUYO Type) (EC) - 9,400 tons (SEALION Attack
[STAMP: MICRO]
No. 3)
[STAMP: FILMED]
[STAMP: PHOTO-LAB OP-16]
- 1 -
[STAMP: RETURN TO F-4253] [HANDWRITTEN: 7]

— page 183 —
In reply refer to:
SS383/ A16
Serial: (024)

[HANDWRITTEN: 383]
U. S. S. PAMPANITO (SS383)
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.

[HANDWRITTEN: Dmyval Bch]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

28 September 1944.

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Public Relations Officer, Staff, Commander in Chief,
 U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarines, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: British and Australian Prisoner-of-War Survivors -
 Rescue of.
Enclosure: (A) Detailed Report of subject rescue.
 1. Enclosure (A) is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: P. E. Summers]
P. E. SUMMERS.

[HANDWRITTEN: X]

[HANDWRITTEN: 10 02712]

— page 184 —
In reply refer to:
SS383/

Serial:
Subject: British and Australian Prisoner-of-War Survivors - Rescue of.

(A) NARRATIVE

On the afternoon of 15 September 1944, while patrolling on the surface on an
easterly heading from HAINAN ISLAND in the South China Sea, at Latitude 18° 42' N.,
Longitude 114° 00' E., the O.O.D. and bridge lookouts sighted a lifeboat and a large
quantity of debris floating on the surface of a calm sea. This spot was a little to
the north of where an enemy convoy had been intercepted and attacked by our [HANDWRITTEN: submarines]
on the night of 11-12 September 1944. There was a possibility of the lifeboat being
occupied so course was altered to go alongside, only to find it abandoned. At this time,
however, a lookout reported that there were two rafts on the horizon with men on them.
It was naturally believed that these would be Japanese, so small arms were broken out
and preparations made for taking prisoners.

On the approach to the first raft, which was a makeshift affair of hatch covers and
timbers, it was noted that the fifteen men it contained were thickly covered with crude
oil and were sick and were scantily, though some had nondescript hats and a few wore the
regulation Japanese soldier's caps. They were waving frantically and all shouting at
will so that no words could be distinguished, although one voice was finally heard to
speak distinctly in English. While getting the raft alongside, orders were given to
bring aboard the English speaking man, and by the time the first line was over the
amazing announcement came to the bridge, "They are British and Australian Prisoner-of-
War shipwreck survivors."

All hands went into action immediately; those below decks sent up bales of rags
and began preparing hot soup and tea in quantities; the pharmacist's mate assembled his
gear for immediate treatment, and the rescue party commenced bringing the survivors
aboard. The poor fellows were so frantic with joy at this unbelievable piece of good
fortune that they began jumping from the raft and trying to clamber up the sides of the
ship. Members of the rescue party dived over the side to make the raft fast, needed the
survivors back onto the raft and aided them up to the ship's deck. The weakened condition
of these men, as well as their covering of slippery crude-oil, made the actual recovery
quite difficult. Some of them could help themselves, but the majority had to be lifted
and dragged aboard bodily.

The next problem was to clean some of the oil from their bodies and to treat their
immediate needs before sending them below. While this job was being done the second raft
was reached and the true bearings taken of three others within sight. The second raft
contained nine men who fortunately were comparatively free from oil, making the problem
of bringing them aboard much easier. While heading for the next group, a small raft
was passed close aboard with its single occupant dead with part of his head gone (Probably
by a shark). Recovered third and fourth raft-loads of eleven emaciated ex-prisoners-of-
war. Another small raft was sighted with one figure lying motionless on his back. He
seemed to be still alive and when one of the ship's crew dived into the water with a
line, he sat up startled and started to go over the side. The man in the water persuaded
him to remain seated until he could be helped aboard. This man was almost blind and in
a semi-conscious condition when brought aboard and remained unconscious almost continu-
ously until he died the following evening.

- 1 -
1C C2712

U. S. S. PAMPANITO (SS383)
Care of Fleet Post Office
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

— page 185 —
In reply refer to:
SS383/
Serial:
Subject: British and Australian Prisoner-of-War Survivors - Rescue of.

U. S. S. PAMPANITO (SS383)
Care of Fleet Post Office
[HANDWRITTEN: 10 02712]

(A) NARRATIVE (Continued)

While the eleven men from the next raft were being brought aboard the after lookout
reported "Three planes in formation astern". There were approximately fifty men topside
at this time including bridge personnel and the rescue squad as well as many survivors
who had as yet not been lowered down the hatch. Fortunately one of the planes was seen
to flap its wings proving the formation to be large birds gliding in perfect order.

This completed the rescue of all survivors in the immediate vicinity, but a bearing
had been taken on a mast and was out of sight to the south, so the ship was headed in that
direction at high speed. At 1810, two rafts were sighted ahead and soon thirteen more
survivors were being rescued. While getting the men from the last of these two rafts the
high periscope watch sighted another raft at 020° T. and also what appeared to be a ship's
masts bearing 027° T. at the extreme range of vision. While headed toward the bearing of
the rafts the ship was identified as a submarine that appeared to have a gun aft, making
us very suspicious, since one of the survivors had stated that a German submarine was
somewhere in this area (later proved to be SEALION with men on deck aft) [HANDWRITTEN: and since it did]
[HANDWRITTEN: not reply to an SJ radar challenge], we dived to periscope depth to investigate. After
watching the submarine for a few minutes through the periscope and noting that it was
practically dead in the water, decided that it must be the SEALION rescuing survivors,
since we had sent a message to her earlier requesting that she come over and assist in
rescue. So surfaced and resumed searching. It was almost completely dark by this time.
A single man on a small raft was seen waving what appeared to be a white hat at the time,
but later proved to be his "bleached hand". He was recovered and course was set for the
last raft that had been seen at the time. This raft was luckily located in the
dark and another twelve men were rescued and stowed below making a total of seven-three
(73) survivors on board.

Once below decks the main problem was the examination to determine the injuries and
sicknesses. In this respect, DEMERS, M.L., PHM1c, USN. showed tireless energy and out-
standing professional knowledge of the highest order. The survivors most acute need was
water, which they were given in small quantities through wet rags followed by hot tea,
soup or broth for those who were conscious. As all these men were suffering from acute
starvation, dehydration and skin sores, they were given treatment for exhaustion, exposure, shock,
many, but since the ship had not been designed to retain its military efficiency, and since it
was not known what contagious diseases some of them might have, it was decided to place
all but six of the most critical cases in the after torpedo room (the six were put on
bunks in one corner of the after battery compartment) where, even though it was more
difficult to tend their needs, they could be isolated until given a more thorough examina-
tion. One head was set aside for the use of the survivors; they were given separate eating
utensils which were washed and stowed apart from those of the crew, and two officers and
several crew members were assigned the nursing detail. The entire crew showed an exemplary
attitude and volunteered cheerfully to do all tasks and make any sacrifices that would
help the survivors in any way.

The PAMPANITO was now headed East and stayed on the surface until the next afternoon
when a four engined bomber was sighted. A short dive was made and when the bomber had

- 2 -

— page 186 —
In reply refer to:
SS383/

U. S. S. PAMPANITO (SS383)
Care of Fleet Post Office

Serial:
Subject: British and Australian Prisoner-of-War Survivors - Rescue of.

— page 187 —
In reply refer to:
SS383/

U. S. S. PAMPANITO (SS383)
Care of Fleet Post Office
[HANDWRITTEN: 10 C2712]

Serial:
Subject: British and Australian Prisoner-of-War Survivors - Rescue of.

(B) TREATMENT OF SURVIVORS WHILE ON BOARD

The general condition of the survivors when rescued was critical, with every man
suffering from acute exhaustion, exposure, shock, starvation, dehydration and skin sores.
About seventy percent of these men had drunk sea water, urine or blood during their four
days on the rafts, and nearly all were covered with thick crude-oil.

As the survivors were brought aboard they were treated on deck as follows: the crude-
oil was wiped and then sponged off with diesel oil, and morphine was administered to those
suffering from extreme shock (15 syrettes being used at this time). As soon as emergency
cleaning and shock treatment were given, the men were lowered through the after battery
hatch, given a cup of hot tea and a bowl of hot vegetable soup, after which each was given
an eye irrigation followed by Butyn Sulfate and Boric Acid Ointment was applied to ease
the irritation on the skin of each man's scrotum. This irritation being caused by the
crude-oil.

Six of the more critical cases, who were given bunks in the after battery compartment,
had their sores and ulcerations cleaned with Azochloramide in Triacetin 1:500 and dressed
with Sulfathiazole Ointment 5%.

About one quarter of the survivors were given sedatives of Phenobarbital or Sodium
Amytal, depending upon each one's condition. Three men had rather severe cases of
malaria, one of whom was in a state of delirium for four hours after being rescued.
These men were given quinine Hydrochloride grs. XX followed by grs. X every four hours.
Two men found to have severe Cellulitis infections were placed in bunks with parts
elevated and dosed with Sulfadiazine grs. XV with Sodium Bicarbonate at four hour inter-
vals rather than the prescribed dose of 4 gm. of Sulfa, because of their condition. One
man was found to have an injured back and a broken rib, but due to the acute tropical
dermatitis infection which covered fifty percent of his body no strapping was done. This
dermatitis infection was treated with Sulfathiazole Ointment covered with cotton dressings
so as to make the man more comfortable in his bunk.

By twelve hours after the rescue every man had received an examination and had had
his worse sores cleaned with Azochloramide in Triacetin 1:500 and dressed with Sulfa-
diazine powder depending on each individual's condition.
Upon questioning the men, it was found that during their two and a half years of impri-
sonment all had had some degree of malaria; seventy percent had suffered from Pallagra
Pallagra or Beri Beri; fifty percent were affected by tropical dermatitis infections and
all but three or four had Gingivitis or Vicents Angina. It was also learned that all had
been exposed to Cholera, Dysentery, Typhus Fever, and other types of contagious diseases,
so that although, during their time on board, no one showed any signs of having contracted
any of these diseases, precautions were taken to keep isolated all cups, utensils, the
head, etc. Within three hours after examination each survivor was receiving one cup of
either water, tea with sugar and milk, cocoa or soup every hour for twenty-four hours.

The only casualty occurred the day following the rescue. This man died of acute ex-
haustion, exposure, shock, dehydration and possible internal hemorrhage. He had been in
a state of delirium almost continuously since being brought aboard. Intravenous injections
of Dextrose and Saline Solution were attempted, but without success due to the failure
to locate a vein or even a drop of blood; the injections finally being given in the

- 4 -

— page 188 —
In reply refer to:
SS383/
Serial:
Subject: British and Australian Prisoner-of-War Survivors - Rescue of.

U. S. S. PAMPANITO (SS383)
Care of Fleet Post Office

(B) TREATMENT OF SURVIVORS WHILE ON BOARD (Continued)
buttocks, but to no avail.
     From the second through the fourth day all but the six men who were critically ill
were given baths, shampoos and shaves by members of the crew, while the six bed cases were
bathed in their bunks. The officers and crew all donated clothing so that every survivor
had underwear, trousers, shirt and socks and most had shoes or sandals.
     The diet was gradually increased to include beef bouillon, bread and butter, chicken
broth and crackers, tomato consomme, egg-nog, canned fruit and finally soft-boiled eggs and
hash. Two multiple vitamin pills were given every fifteen hours, as well as a small amount
of soft chocolate. Fruit juices, although given at first, were discontinued when they
proved to be irritating.
     On the final days aboard, those men with the most aggravated eye conditions were given
more frequent eye irrigations followed by Sulfathiazole Ophthalmic Ointment, and all
patients were given 1½ gr. of Atabrin.
                                                              [HANDWRITTEN: our base]
     By the time of transfer at [HANDWRITTEN: SAIPAN], the morning of September 20, five stretcher cases
remained, although every survivor showed great improvement and was well on the way to
complete recovery.

[STAMP: 1C C2712]

- 3 -

— page 191 —
In reply refer to:
SS383/
Serial:
Subject: British and Australian Prisoner-of-War Survivors - Rescue of.

U. S. S. PAMPANITO (SS383)
Care of Fleet Post Office

(c) EXPERIENCES OF THE WAR AS WRITTEN BY TWO OF THE SURVIVORS (Continued)

In March we moved further up the river to a smaller camp known as Tenchun Springs,
where we had to go through stinking slime and mud, barefooted and barelegged to our thighs
and with very scanty clothing. It was here that the cholera epidemic caught us and men
died by the dozens. Still the work carried on with men starving to death, being beaten
to death, and worked to death; but the Japs did not worry as the trains had to get through.
By December 1943, the combined death total of English, Dutch, and Australian Prisoners-
of-War was approximately 22,000. The railway was finished within the 12 months, and then
all the P.O.W.s. were moved down to a base called Tamuang. In February 1944, a large
ship sailed for Singapore for embarkation to Japan. We arrived in Singapore in May
and as ships had not arrived yet, we worked as dock laborers, amongst civilian prisoners
and other native P.O.W.s. On September 5, 1944, the boats arrived and we proceeded to the
Land of Cherry Blossoms, as they called it. We were sailing well, until two o'clock on
the 12th of September 1944, when we were awakened by a shattering explosion, and when
investigating we saw a destroyer, one of our escorts, torpedoed and swiftly sunk. Every-
thing was quiet again until 4 o'clock, when our boat the KACHIDOKI MARU gave one big shudder
and we knew what had happened - she had been torpedoed. On reaching the top deck, all
that we could see around us were sinking and flaming ships. We took to the rafts and
hoped to be picked up by our friends, the dirty yellow devils, but no hope. They were
only concerned about their own race of animals. We knew the end and we laughed and joked at
the Japs great loss, although somewhere in that sea were hundreds
of our own flesh and blood floating around, praying to be saved or to be taken to God's
home peacefully. At approximately 1730 on the third day afloat, we had our prayers
answered when we were picked up by the submarine, PAMPANITO.
[HANDWRITTEN: TRAKUYO]

- 7 -
[STAMP: 10 C2712]

— page 192 —
In reply refer to:
SS383/

[HANDWRITTEN: 1C C2712]

U. S. S. PAMPANITO (SS383)
Care of Fleet Post Office

Serial:
Subject: British and Australian Prisoner-of-War Survivors - Rescue of.

— page 194 —
In reply refer to:

SS383/

Serial:

Subject: British and Australian Prisoner-of-War Survivors - Rescue of.
U. S. S. PAMPANITO (SS383)
Care of Fleet Post Office
[HANDWRITTEN: 1C 02712]

— page 195 —
In reply refer to:
SS383/
[HANDWRITTEN: 1C C2712]

Serial:
Subject: British and Australian Prisoner-of-War Survivors - Rescue of.

U. S. S. PAMPANITO (SS383)
Care of Fleet Post Office

(D) NAMES AND NEXT OF KIN OF SURVIVORS
English - Twenty-Five (25).

ANDERSON, C., #5949038, Lance Corporal, 5th Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Reg.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. C. Anderson
14 Corncastle Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, England.

BALDWIN, G., #5952591, Private, 5th Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Reg.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. A.J. Baldwin
84 Road Lane, London, England.

BARKER, H.J., #5774196, Private, 4th Royal Norfolk Reg.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. C. Barker
Brassinghan, Diss, Norfolk, England.

BRIERLEY, T.B., Gunner, 32nd Coast Battery, 9th Coast Reg.
(Next of Kin) c/o Mrs. E. Hodgkinson
Graveny Lodge, Meophan Green, Near Gravesend, Kent, England.

COSTELLO, S., #1103020, Gunner, 148th Field Reg., Royal Artillery.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. Harriet Costello
35 Cambridge St., South Elmsall, York, England.

CRAY, W., #1787132, Private, 16th Advance Reg., Royal Artillery.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. E.R. Cray
15 Merton Grove, Preston Road, Hull, England.

CRESSWELL, D.A., Gunner, 148th Field Reg., Royal Artillery.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. R. Coldbreath
58 Gordon's Way, Oxstead, Surrey, England.

EVERITT, W., (Man in bad condition, could not get more information).
(Next of Kin) Mrs. C. Everitt
45 Clure Cresent, Harrow, London, England.

FIELDHOUSE, E., #872495, Gunner, 9th Coast Reg., Royal Artillery.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. Clara Fieldhouse
Dry Close Cottage, Sulby Bridge, Isle of Man, United Kingdom.

HARRISON, J., #4865705, Private, 1st Batt., Leicestershire, Reg.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. H. Harrison
17 Plum Tree Way, New Brumby, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, England.

HUGHES, E., #4204143, Private, #16 M.B.U., Sherwood Foresters.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. J.T. Hughes
#5 Council Houses, Bradley, Near Wrexham, North Wales, England.

JAY, C., #1110409, Gunner, 148th Field Reg., Royal Artillery.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. D.W. Jay
7 Rainsford Way, Romford, Essex, England.

JONES, H., #2323445, Sergeant, Royal Corp. of Signals.
(Next of Kin) Mr. Albert Jones
35 Richmond Ave., Chadderton, Near Oldham, Lancashire, England.

KIDMAN, W., #5830966, Private, 5th Suffolks, Royal Infantry.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. W. Kidman
The Pitts, Isleham, Near Ely, Cambridgeshire, England.

- 11 -

— page 197 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1C 02712]

In reply refer to:

SS383/

Serial:
Subject: British and Australian Prisoner-of-War Survivors - Rescue of.

U. S. S. PAMPANITO (SS383)
Care of Fleet Post Office

(D) NAMES AND NEXT OF KIN OF SURVIVORS (Continued)
Australians - Forty-Seven (47)

BOULTER, J.L., #VX43575, Private, 2/2 M.T. Reg., Australian Infantry Force.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. L. Boulter
52 Park Street, South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

BROWNE, J.P.M., #WX50497, Private, 65th Batt., 2/15 Field Reg., A.I.F.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. M. Browne
158 Tennant St., Parramatta, N.S.W., Australia.

BULLOCK, R.C., #X9591, Private, 8th Aux. Div., Provost Co., A.I.F.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. V. Bullock
22 Evelyn St., Paddington, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

CHIVARS, H.C., #VX26028, Private, 2/2 Pioneers, A.I.F.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. H.C. Chivars
184 Roslyn St., West Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

COCKING, A.J., #WX16369, Private 2/4 M.G., A.I.F.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. A.J. Cocking
35 Dundix Road, West Australia.

COOMBES, F.D., #VX2111, Private, 2/3 Res. M.T. Co., A.I.F.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. L.M. Coombes
41 Waldron St., Sandringham, N.S.W., Australia.

CORNFORD, R., #WX44955, Private, 2/19 Batt., 8th Div., 5th I.T.B., Malaya, A.I.F.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. R. Cornford
26 Ebden St., Nowlongong, N.S.W., Australia.

CUNNEEN, D.W., #VX32993, Sergeant, 13th Batt., 4th A.T. Reg., A.I.F.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. A. Cunneen
Goulburn Weir Via Nagambia, Victoria, Australia.

CURRAN, H.H., #WX37529, Private, 2/19 Batt., A.I.F.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. K. Curran
336 Bourke St., Zetland, N.S.W., Australia.

FARLOW, C.L., #WX35756, Corporal, 2/19 Batt., A.I.F.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. L.M. Farlow
P.O. Box 125 Hay, N.S.W., Australia.

FARMER, F.B., #VX60993, Private, 2/10 Ord. Work Shops, A.I.F.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. Mary Farmer
"O" Bluff Road, Black Rock, S9, Victoria, Australia.

FARRANDS, M.R., #WX36050, Corporal, 2/19 Batt., A.I.F.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. L.M. Farrands
Genmain, N.S.W., Australia.

FLYNN, D.A., #SX10228, Driver, 2/2 Res. M.T. Co., Malaya, A.I.F.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. D.A. Flynn
82 Couger St., Adelaide, South Australia.

GAINER, R.J., #VX61502, Private, 2/10 Ord. Work Shops, A.I.F.
(Next of Kin) Mrs. E.F. Gainer
10 Conard Ave., Geelong West, Victoria, Australia.

- 13 -

— page 199 —
In reply refer to:
SS383/

U. S. S. PAMPANITO (SS383)
Care of Fleet Post Office

[HANDWRITTEN: 1C C2712]

Serial:
Subject: British and Australian Prisoner-of-War Survivors - Rescue of.

— page 202 —
FF12-10/A10/P6/
A16-2/(16)

COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE
UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
[UNCLEAR: HLT]

Serial 02142
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
[STAMP: 2 OCT 1944]

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS PAPANITO (SS383)
Conf. Ltr. SS383/
Serial (024) of 28 September 1944.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Public Relations Officer, Staff, Commander-
in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: Narrative of Rescue of British and Australian
Prisoners of War Survivors by the U.S.S. PAN-
PANITO on 15 September 1944.

Reference: (a) PacFleet Letter 4S1-44.

1. Forwarded. Suggested operational censorship
deletions are indicated by red pencil markings.

2. Motion and still pictures taken at the time of
this incident are now being developed. If they are of possible
publicity value, copies will be forwarded as soon as received.

3. Three copies of the basic narrative were delivered
to Captain Tufnell, R. N., the British Intelligence Liaison Of-
ficer, attached to the Staff of the Commander-in-Chief, U. S.
Pacific Fleet. By copy of this endorsement the Officer-in-Charge,
Intelligence Center, Pacific Ocean Area, is so advised.

[SIGNATURE: C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.]
C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

Copy to:
CO, USS PAPANITO.
C-in-C, IC, POA.

[HANDWRITTEN: X]
[HANDWRITTEN: 1C C12]

— page 203 —
FF12-10/A10/P6/
A16-2/(16)

Serial 0214
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS PAMPANITO (SS383)
Conf. ltr. SS383/A16,
Serial (024) of 28 September 1944.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Public Relations Officer, Staff, Commander-
in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: Narrative of Rescue of British and Australian
Prisoners of War Survivors by the U.S.S. PAM-
PANITO on 15 September 1944.

Reference: (a) PacFleet Letter 48L-44.

1. Forwarded. Suggested operational censorship
deletions are indicated by red pencil markings.

2. Motion and still pictures taken at the time of
this incident are now being developed. If they are of possible
publicity value, copies will be forwarded as soon as received.

3. Three copies of the basic narrative were delivered
to Captain Tufnell, R. N., the British Intelligence Liaison Of-
ficer, attached to the Staff of the Commander-in-Chief, U. S.
Pacific Fleet. By copy of this endorsement the Officer-in-Charge,
Intelligence Center, Pacific Ocean Area, is so advised.

G. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

Copy to:
CO, USS PAMPANITO.
O-in-C, IC, POA.

MT
COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE
UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
2 OCT 1944

10 C2712

— page 204 —
Cinepac File

A7-1(P)
Serial 05572

FILED

UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
AND PACIFIC OCEAN AREAS
HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF

CONFIDENTIAL

From:
To:
Via:
Subject:

Reference:

1.

Reg. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 39766]
S. No. [HANDWRITTEN: IC C2712]

13 OCT 1944

2nd Endorsement on
USS PAMPANITO (SS383)
Conf.Ltr.SS383/A16,
Serial (024) of 28
September 1944.

Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
The Secretary of the Navy, (Director of
Public Relations).
Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Narrative of Rescue of British and
Australian Prisoners of War Survivors
by the U.S.S.PAMPANITO on 15 September
1944.

(a) SECNAV Secret Dispatch #032008
of October 1944.

Forwarded for possible future use.

[SIGNATURE: H. F. Kingman]
By direction

Copy to:
ComSubPac
CO,USS PAMPANITO
O-in-C, JICPOA

[STAMP: RECEIVED S-C FILES]
[HANDWRITTEN: Room 2055]
[HANDWRITTEN: JUL 9 1945]
[HANDWRITTEN: 7-10-2 (3) EFB]
[HANDWRITTEN: [UNCLEAR: [illegible]]]
[HANDWRITTEN: [UNCLEAR: [illegible]]]

[STAMP: FINISHED FILE (SO)]
[SIGNATURE: L. R. [UNCLEAR: [illegible]]]

[HANDWRITTEN: JD 10-2-13 / 2712]

— page 205 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 313]
[HANDWRITTEN: Original]

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

[HANDWRITTEN: 7]
DECLASSIFIED
11-3

ComTask Group 17.23
C/O Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
1 January 1945.

From: The Commander Task Group 17.23 (ComSubDiv. 201).
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
      (2) The Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: War Patrol of Coordinated Attack Group 17.23 from
         28 October 1944 to 7 December 1944.

Reference: (a) War Patrol Report No. 1 of U.S.S. SEACAT.
           (b) War Patrol Report No. 2 of U.S.S. PAMPANITO.
           (c) War Patrol Report No. 3 of U.S.S. PARCHE.
           (d) War Patrol Report No. 4 of U.S.S. SNOOK.

Enclosure: (e) Group Commanders' Report of War Patrol.

1. Enclosure (A), covering subject War Patrol, is submitted
herewith.

[SIGNATURE: F. W. Fenno, Jr.]
F. W. FENNO, JR.

[HANDWRITTEN: OK / 48]

[STAMP: 110451 FILMED]

— page 206 —
GROUP COMMANDER'S REPORT OF WAR PATROL

NARRATIVE
28 October 1944
1330 (H) USS PAMPANITO, PIPEFISH and SEACAT underway from Pearl Harbor, T.H.
to Midway in accordance with ComTaskForce Seventeen Operation
Order No. 362-44. Conducted independent training and exercised
at communication drills enroute.

1 November 1944
0900 (H) Arrived Midway. Fueled to capacity. All boats effected minor
repairs. U.S.S. SEACAT delayed in departing until 2 November 1944
due to extensive repairs to "Sail Dog" radar. U.S.S. SEARAVEN
joined the pack. Orders for pack changed by Comsubpac despatch
021022 of November, 1944, directing us to proceed to Saipan for
fuel and thence to patrol Convoy College. Assigned area destroy
west of longitude 116° E.
1530 (H) U.S.S. PAMPANITO, PIPEFISH and SEARAVEN underway for Saipan.
Exercised at communications and held independent training enroute.

5 November 1944
1100 (H) U.S.S. PIPEFISH reported a case of acute appendicitis on board;
left group and proceeded to Saipan at maximum sustained speed.

7 November 1944
0637 (H) U.S.S. ARCHERFISH joined up for remainder of trip to Saipan.

9 November 1944
1330 (H) U.S.S. PAMPANITO and SEARAVEN arrived Saipan. Commanding Officer,
U.S.S. PIPEFISH reported cracked liners on No. 4 main engine,
estimated repairs would be effected by 1100, 11 November 1944.
Boats fueled to capacity and effected minor repairs.

- 1 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 2]

— page 207 —
GROUP COMMANDER'S REPORT OF WAR PATROL

10 November 1944
1100 (H) U.S.S. SEACAT arrived Saipan, fueled to capacity and effected
         minor voyage repairs.

11 November 1944
1345 (H) U.S.S. PAMPANITO, SEACAT, PIKEFISH and SEARAVEN underway for
         patrol area at two engine speed.

15 November 1944
0638 (H) Increased speed to standard speed on four main engines to intercept
         a reported convoy. Assigned other boats to stations across track
         of expected convoy.

16 November 1944
         Patrolled submerged on assigned station.
1750 (H) No contact developed, so set course for [UNCLEAR: patrol] at two engine speed.

17 November 1944
0800 (H) Entered assigned patrol area at 19° 20' N., 116° E. Conducting
         surface patrol on course 240° T., using high periscope watch. This
         method of patrol was employed enroute to and in the area.
2100 (H) Commenced patrol on course 220° - 040° T. at one engine speed in
         a lane which roughly parallels the eastern coast of HAINAN. Other
         boats in pack are to patrol in parallel lanes on arrival tonight
         or tomorrow. SEARAVEN to westward along the area boundary,
         PIKEFISH and SEACAT to eastward of PAMPANITO.

18 November 1944
1940 (H) U.S.S. PIKEFISH reported a radar contact at Lat. 19° 32' N.,
         Long. 111° 50' E. Ordered all boats to proceed to intercept and
         attack.
2047 (H) U.S.S. PAMPANITO had SJ contact, 10,000 yards and proceeded to
                                   - 2 -
                                                                         [HANDWRITTEN: 3]

— page 208 —
GROUP COMMANDER'S REPORT OF WAR PATROL
track convoy. Radar indicates three ships, two large ones and an
escort. PIPEFISH reported she was attacking. Enemy course 220° T.,
speed 10 knots. SEARAVEN closed and took position 6000 yards on
beam of PAMPANITO.

2230 (H) Received report from PIPEFISH that she had broken off attack due
to SJ radar interference on bearing of target and suspected it to
be a submarine. No boat was challenged however.

2232 (H) Sent out message PAMPANITO attacking and headed in.
2323 (H) At a range of 2700 yards, using a 1° divergent spread, gyro angle
about 340°, and on 60 port track, commenced firing bow tubes on
radar bearings. Fired six torpedoes at the leading ship which was
the largest. Since it was very rough, spread torpedoes in depth
8 ft. - 6 ft. alternately. Position Lat. 19°03'N., Long.111°28'E.

2324 (H) Completed firing bow tubes, swung right with full rudder.
2326 (H) Commenced firing stern tubes on 100 port track on second target.
Range 2700 yards.

2326-30 (H) Heard and saw two hits in the first target. One at MOT and the
second near the stern. A bright orange flame accompanied the hits,
followed immediately by an enormous pillar of black smoke about
500 ft. high. The fire subsided and went out in almost two
minutes at which time target disappeared from sight and radar
screen.

2326-10 (H) Completed firing the stern tubes at the second ship.
2327 (H) Heard and felt one more hit and saw flash on bearing of second
target. As second ship did not disappear from radar screen ordered
SEARAVEN to attack. PAMPANITO trailed and made reload. Target
group changed course to 300° T. and headed for the coast of HAINAN
- 3 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 4]

— page 209 —
GROUP COMMANDER'S REPORT OF WAR PATROL
at speed of about 10 knots, group now consisting of one freighter
and escort.

0205 (H) SEARAVEN reported she had completed two attacks but had made no
hits. Believe misses were due to high seas and shallow depth
settings used by SEARAVEN. At this point no boat was in position
to make an attack before the target could reach the beach south of
TONKIN POINT on HAINAN, so ordered boats to return to patrol
stations previously assigned. It was extremely rough and dark,
making identification difficult, but it is believed that the
results of the attack were: Sunk by PAMPANITO: one large freighter
about 6,000 tons. Damaged by PAMPANITO: one freighter about
5,000 tons.

0211 (H) Felt two heavy explosions but no one else in the pack claimed
making any attacks. Possibly the cripple had more difficulty.

20 November to 28 November 1944
Pack continued to patrol in lanes parallel to HAINAN coast with
PAMPANITO patrolling along western boundary of Area and the other
boats in lanes parallel twenty-five miles apart respectively to
the eastward. During this period the only contacts were with
patrol planes; from three to four daily and an occasional plane
contact during the nights of bright moonlight. Six patrol boats,
trawler type were contacted on several occasions near the northwest
corner of the area. Those furnished no strain however.

29 November 1944
2102 (H) PAMPANITO had SJ contact bearing 094° T., range 24,000 yards.
Just started to track and develop this when, at 2110, SD contact
- 4 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 5]

— page 210 —
GROUP COMMANDER'S REPORT OF WAR PATROL
4 miles. Dived. (A clear night, flat calm, and full moon).
2130 (H) Surfaced. Sent out contact report to other ships.
2200 (H) Regained radar contact at 25,000 yards.
2210 (H) SD contact 8 miles, which closed to 5 miles. Dived.
2238 (H) Surfaced.
2252 (H) Regained SJ contact and commenced five hour end around in bright
moonlight. None of the other boats were in a position to get in
an attack at this time.

30 November 1944
0419 (H) Dived for dawn submerged attack.
0500-30 (H) PAMPANITO fired six torpedoes from bow tubes. Three each at the
two leading ships, identified as tankers, on track angles of 110° P.
Range 4000 yards, Speed 16 knots, with a 2° divergent spread,
depth setting 4 feet. Five torpedo explosions were heard about
8 minutes after firing. These must have been end of run explosions
as no evidence of hits was seen. This was an exceptionally large
percentage of end of run explosions however, as none were experienc-
ed with the first ten torpedoes fired by this submarine. Position
of attack Lat. 17° 47' N., Long. 110° 30' E. PAMPANITO was forced
deep and on surfacing an hour and a half later was unable to
relocate the convoy before being forced down by planes. A search
of the vicinity of this attack rendered no evidence of hits.
PAMPANITO returned to patrol station.

30 November to 3 December 1944
Patrolling area. No contacts except with planes. Weather turned
bad and by 2 December 1944 we were in the throes of a northeast
monsoon with high seas and continuous rain.
- 5 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 6]

— page 211 —
GROUP COMMANDER'S REPORT OF WAR PATROL

3 December 1944

0040 (H) SEARAVEN reported radar contact from estimated position Lat. 19°
          30' N., Long. 112° 14' E. Ordered all boats to close and attack.
          SEARAVEN'S reported convoy consisted of 4 large AO's, 1 AP, 1 AK,
          and 1 unidentified ship plus 4 escorts, base course 220° T.,
          speed 12 to 15 knots.

0410 (H) SEARAVEN reported completion of 1st attack, position 18° 45' N.,
          111° 57' E., and reported one AP sunk with two hits.

0440 (H) SEACAT reported completion of attack with one AO sunk with two
          hits from 700 yards range, position Lat. 18° 42' N., Long. 111°
          55' E.

0537 (H) SEARAVEN completed second attack and reported sinking a large AO
          and damaging another, position Lat. 18° 40' N., Long. 111° 52' E.
          PAMPANITO saw flash as SEARAVEN'S first AO blew up.

0544 (H) PIPEFISH reported attack completed with one timed hit in an AK,
          position Lat. 18° 35' N., Long. 111° 45' E. PIPEFISH reported
          that there were four ships altogether in convoy plus two escorts
          when she made her attack. An hour later when PAMPANITO made an
          attack there were only three ships left so believe PIPEFISH sank
          the AK. At any rate in the PAMPANITO attack there were two AO's
          plus one unidentified ship.

0655 (H) PAMPANITO made submerged attack and fired four torpedoes at the
          leading AO, position Lat. 18° 25' N., Long. 111° 35' E. Both
          AO's were close together but not quite over-lapping. PAMPANITO
          had much difficulty to keep from broaching as the waves were 30
          feet high. Four torpedo explosions were heard one of which is

- 6 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 7]

— page 212 —
GROUP COMMANDER'S REPORT OF WAR PATROL
believed to have been a hit. The target group zigged away prior
to firing and a firing range of 3200 yards was estimated. Escorts
forced PAMPANITO down so that results were not observed and by
the time the ensuing depth charging was over, target group was
out of sight. The PAMPANITO used eight foot depth settings.
Three of these torpedo explosions were within 10 seconds of each
other at the end of the run. The first explosion was 6 minutes
after firing with the other three 8 minutes after firing. Again
the Commanding Officer of the PAMPANITO points out the high
percentage of end of run explosions. This now made eight out of
ten end or run explosions out of the last ten torpedoes, while
none were experienced with the first ten torpedoes.

Contact with the enemy was not regained. The SEARAVEN and the
SEACAT remained in contact with the SEARAVEN's cripple which had
two escorts. The SEACAT reported one ship with two escorts,
speed 12 knots which was believed at first to be the remains of
the convoy, this ship later slowed to 4 knots and turned out to
be the damaged AO from the SEARAVEN's second attack. The SEACAT
sank this cripple during the night, position Lat. 17° 45' N.,
Long. 111° 20' E. Results from this combined attack appear to
be; for the SEARAVEN, sunk 1 AP and 1 AO and damaged another AO.
For the SEACAT; sunk 2 AO's. For the PIPEFISH, sunk 1 AK. For
the PAMPANITO, damaged 1 AO.

4 December to 16 December 1944

Continued to patrol in lanes off HAINAN coast. Weather continued
- 7 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 8]

— page 213 —
GROUP COMMANDER'S REPORT OF WAR PATROL

foul, seas high with wind from the northeast. On 5 December 1944
ordered SEARAVEN who was out of torpedoes to return to base. No
contacts were developed but numerous mines, life rafts, trees and
debris was sighted at various times. Much ammunition was expended
trying to explode floating mines but because of high seas no
success was had. Pack was granted one week extension in area
by Comsubpac. No contacts other than with planes were made
during this entire period.

17 December 1944
0455 (H) PIPEFISH reported radar contact Lat. 18° 40' N., Long. 111° 12' E.
This developed into a single large freighter making 11 knots along
the southeast coast of HAINAN. The PIPEFISH made an unsuccessful
attack about 0600 but was unable to make an end around before the
target entered GULLONG BAY. Neither the SEACAT nor PAMPANITO
were able to get into the picture.

18 December 1944
Because of low fuel the PAMPANITO departed the area for
Fremantle in accordance with Comsubpac's serial 180121 of
December, 1944 after turning over command of the Pack to Commander
R. R. MCGREGOR, U.S. Navy, Commanding Officer of the U.S.S.
SEACAT. The Groupo Commander wishes to express at this time, his
appreciation to the Commanding Officers of the SEACAT, PIPEFISH,
and SEARAVEN for their wholehearted cooperation and for the
aggressive manner in which they conducted this arduous patrol.
At this point it is believed that the following damaged was
inflicted on the enemy during this patrol:
- 8 -

[HANDWRITTEN: 9]

— page 214 —
GROUP COMMANDER'S REPORT OF WAR PATROL

By the PAMPANITO:
SUNK                                        DAMAGED
1 AK - 6,000 Tons (EC)                      1 AK - 5,000 Tons (EU)
                                            1 AO - 10,000 Tons (EC)

By the SEACAT:
SUNK                                        DAMAGED
1 AO - 10,000 Tons (EC)                     -
1 AO - 10,000 Tons (EC)

By the PIPEFISH:
SUNK                                        DAMAGED
1 AK - 6,000 Tons (EC)                      -

By the SEAR.VEN:
SUNK                                        DAMAGED
1 AK - 10,000 Tons (EC)                     1 AO - 10,000 Tons (EC)
1 AO - 10,000 Tons (EC)                     (Later sunk by SEACAT)

GRAND TOTAL
SUNK                                        DAMAGED
6 Ships - 52,000 Tons.                      3 Ships - 25,000 Tons

- 9 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 10]

— page 215 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON EIGHTEEN
by
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
8 January 1945.

FCS-18/A16-3
Serial # 028

[STRUCK THROUGH: CONFIDENTIAL]

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CTG 17.23 Conf. Itr.
A16-3 dated 1 Jan 1945

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN.
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarines SEVENTH FLEET.
(2) The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: War Patrol of Coordinated Attack Group consisting of U.S.S.
PAMPANITO (SS383), U.S.S. SEACAT (SS399), U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS358), and
U.S.S. SEARAVEN (SS196) - Report of.

1. Forwarded, readdressed via The Commander Submarines SEVENTH FLEET
and The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

2. This attack group under the command of Captain F.W. FENNO, Jr.
operated in the area adjacent to the east coast of Hainan. The group entered
the area on 17 November and operated most effectively to develop contacts and
make a series of attacks. SEARAVEN was returned to base on 5 December after
expending all torpedoes. PAMPANITO departed from the group on 18 December.
Final results obtained by the SEACAT and PIPEFISH are not yet known.

3. On 18 November a contact was developed by PIPEFISH which enabled
PAMPANITO to attack an escorted convoy and to destroy one AK while damaging an-
other AK. SEARAVEN then made two attacks but obtained no hits. Again on 30
November PAMPANITO was able to complete an end around on a convoy and make an
attack on the two leading ships which were identified as AO. No hits were in
evidence. On 3 December SEARAVEN contacted a seven ship convoy with four escorts
and delivered two attacks to dispose of 1 AP, 1 AO and to damage another AO. In
the meantime SEACAT attacked from very short range to obtain two hits for the
sinking of 1 AO. Shortly thereafter PIPEFISH delivered her attack and probably
sank 1 AK. This event was quickly followed by a PAMPANITO attack at two over-
lapping AO's which damaged one of the AO's. In a night attack SEACAT regained
attack position and polished off the AO previously damaged by SEARAVEN.

4. The only other contact and attack was made by PIPEFISH on 17
December which resulted in no hits.

5. The Squadron Commander heartily congratulates the Group Commander
and the three commanding officers with him upon the close working unit which they
developed to produce very severe damage upon enemy shipping. Their fine courage,
aggressiveness and teamwork is inspirational.

[SIGNATURE: C. Burlingame]
C. BURLINGAME
Acting.

11

— page 216 —
[HANDWRITTEN: F-4253]
3 02114

FE24-71/A16-3
Serial 0318
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L [HANDWRITTEN: R-ust.]
UNITED STATES NAVY 14 February 1945. [HANDWRITTEN: LAH
14 Mar 45]

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to: [HANDWRITTEN: 3-19-45.]
ComTaskGroup 17.23
Conf Ltr. A16-3 dated
1 January 1945.

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

Subject: Report of War Patrol of Coordinated Search and
Attack Group consisting of U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383),
U.S.S. SEACAT (SS399), U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS387), and
U.S.S. SEARAVEN (SS196) - Comment on.

1. The Coordinated Search and Attack Group consisting
of PAMPANITO, SEACAT, PIPEFISH and SEARAVEN operated in the SOUTH
CHINA SEA east of HAINAN from 17 November to 18 December 1944, under
the able direction of Captain F. A. PIERNO, Jr., U.S.N., Commanding
Officer of PAMPANITO.

2. This group had two opportunities to make coordinated
attacks. The first occurred on the night of 19 November. PIPEFISH
sighted a convoy at 1710 but was unable to get off a contact report
to the Group Commander before being driven down by a plane.
PIPEFISH made radar contact when she surfaced at 1852 and sent a
contact report at 1930. PAMPANITO made contact at 2047 and
commenced tracking. PIPEFISH had already started in for the first
attack, but broke off this approach when unidentified SJ
interference was observed in the direction of the convoy. By so
doing, without further attempts at identification, she lost her
only opportunity to attack this convoy. PAMPANITO made the first
attack at 2326 on the convoy which contained two AK's and one escort.
One large AK was sunk and a medium AK was damaged. SEARAVEN, who
had been tracking the convoy since 2107, was then ordered to attack
the damaged ship. Two attacks were made, but both were unsuccessful
probably due to the heavy seas. No further attacks were attempted
because the target had entered shallow water within the Blind Bombing
Zone.

3. The second coordinated attack began at 0040 December
3rd, with a contact by SEARAVEN on a convoy consisting of seven ships
and four escorts. At 0410 SEARAVEN sank a large AP on the initial
attack. SEACAT attacked thirty minutes later, sinking a large AO.
She was forced down by close small arms fire after her first
depth charge attack by two escorts. At 0507 SEARAVEN completed a second
surface attack, sinking a large AO and damaging a large AP.

[STAMP: FILMED]
- 1 - [STAMP: ORIGINAL]
[STAMP: RETURN TO F4253]
[HANDWRITTEN: 12]

— page 218 —
FE24-71/A16-3
Serial 0313
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

UNITED STATES NAVY

14/pr
14 February 1945.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
ComTaskGroup 17.23
Conf. Ltr. A16-3 dated
1 January 1945.

Subject: Report of War Patrol of Coordinated Search and
Attack Group consisting of U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383),
U.S.S. SEACAT (SS309), U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS388) and
U.S.S. SEARAVEN (SS196) - Comment on.

— page 219 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 200 3]
SS405/.16-3

U.S.S. S. O L (SS405)
% Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.

[HANDWRITTEN: original]

24 April 1945.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
From: Commander Task Group Seventeen Point Fourteen
To : (The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. S. O L (SS405)
The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.

Via : Official Channels.

Subject: Report of Coordinated War Patrol of TASK GROUP
SEV NTEE N POINT FOURTEEN. [HANDWRITTEN: 17.14]

Reference: (a) USS S. C.L, Report of Second War Patrol.
(b) USS FILINH, " " Fourth " "
(c) USS PUFFER, " " Seventh " "
(d) USS THRESHER " " Fifteenth War Patrol.
(e) USS P.R.NITO " " Fifth War Patrol.

1. The War Patrol of Coordinated Attack Group SEVENTEEN POINT
FOURTEEN, extended from February 11, 1945 to April 21, 1945. The Group
was composed throughout of SS. C.L, FILINH, and PUFFER. The THRESHER
was attached to the Group from March 16 to March 24, 1945 and from April 6
to April 18, 1945. The P.R.NITO was attached to the Group from April 6
to April 10.

2. The nature of the patrol and operation order preclude the
usual preliminary planning and promulgation of directives. However, since
all commanding officers had had previous experience in coordinated attack
groups this did not prove a serious handicap and operations were planned
and directed by usual patrol communications channels with no difficulty.

3. This report makes no pretense of being a complete report of
the activities of the Group, and is designed only to supplement references
(a) to (e) and outline the directives under which the patrol was conducted.

C.L. BENNETT.

[STAMP: 120554 FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: /]

— page 220 —
U.S.S. SEA OWL (SS405)

CONFIDENTIAL

REPORT OF COORDINATED ATTACK GROUP 17.14

(A) PROLOGUE:

ComSubPac Operation Order #43-45 of 10 February 1945 formed a
Coordinated attack group to be known as BENNETT'S BLAZERS, consisting of the
SEA OWL (SS405), PIRANHA (SS389) and PUFFER (SS268) with task unit designations
17.14.1, 17.14.2, and 17.14.3 respectively. Commanding Officer SEA OWL was
designated C.T.G. 17.14. All units of the group were refitting at Guam on
dates of February 9-11. Advantage was taken of an opportunity to hold the first
session in the new Convoy College at Camp Dealoy, followed by a conference of
C.O.'s and communications personnel in which it was determined that all of the group
saw eye-to-eye on the principles of group operations. Since the operation order
directed the group to proceed to CONVOY COLLEGE and "conduct offensive patrol in
accordance with despatch instructions to be furnished" the usual detailed advance
planning was not considered feasible.

(B) NARRATIVE

11 February

1500 I Underway from APRA HARBOR, GUAM, rendezvoused with DRUM (SS228) and
        escort U.S.S. ROE (DD418) at channel entrance, and set course for
        local operating area S-3.

1720 I SEA OWL left formation to conduct gun practice on target towed by
        GREENLET while remainder of group patrolled to Northward. This delay
        proved ill-advised as it lead to our becoming involved with a surface
        task force and entering safety lane well behind our schedule. It would
        have been preferable to have had the ship involved proceed ahead to
        conduct practice and then join up with group on schedule.

2153    Entered safety lane some three hours behind submarine notice. Escort
        DRUM pulled ahead to maintain 15 knots speed of advance.
        PIRANHA was assigned lane 12 miles to starboard and PUFFER to port of
        OWL which SEA OWL was proceeding at thirteen knots speed of
        advance en route to area. Concentrated daily for radar tracking and
        communications.

        Sent SEA OWL serial one informing C.T.G. 17.7 of our position - barely
        within our submarine notice - and cruising disposition. Also warned
        other boats to remain on or ahead of schedule in view of possible
        confusion of submarine notice.

February 14

1435 I After radar tracking exercise, PUFFER reported appendicitis case on
        board. Directed her to arrange through C.T.G. 17.7 for rendezvous
        with ARCHERFISH to effect transfer, and detached her from formation
        to effect this.

-1-
[HANDWRITTEN: 2]

— page 221 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SEA OWL (SS405)
REPORT OF COORDINATED ATTACK GROUP 17.14

February 15
0050 I Received ARCHERFISH report of radar contact ahead on our track requesting
our position. Complied immediately and directed rest of group to do
likewise.
0838 I SEA OWL and PUFFER made rendezvous with ARCHERFISH, whose tardiness was
explained by his having loitered around to sink a Nip sub last night in
our 1600 I scheduled posit. He was forgiven. SEA OWL circled ARCHER-
FISH and PUFFER on the battery maintaining sound watch while they lay to
for effecting transfer. PUFFER then proceeded toward area while SEA OWL
paralleled ARCHERFISH to obtain area information by semaphore. ARCHER-
FISH asked that we take a look for identifying evidence on his Nip sub.
1540 I SEA OWL and PUFFER reached vicinity of ARCHERFISH SINKING and commenced
a systematic search of 8 mile square centered on given position. Seas
had kicked up to about state 3-4, considerably hampering the search,
and nothing was found but a 5" powder can - definitely U.S. Proceeded
on course after searching over two hours.

Since we were not due to enter our area until seventeenth assigned
submerged patrol stations in DECALF for tomorrow with orders to clear
that area immediately on surfacing and proceed to assigned sectors,
this info to JUG HEADS.

February 16 (All subsequent times are HOW (Zone - 8)
2115 H Received CSF serial six-four assigning lifeguard station. Sent pack a
revised patrol plan, designating PUFFER lifeguard.

17 February
0535 SEA OWL in BASHI CHANNEL made the first of many fast dives for friendly
planes. We soon learned that this extremely high range rate and
negligible bearing rate was to be a distinguishing characteristic of
friendly aircraft.

18 February
Received CSF serial seven-one giving MOBSTERS LUZON STRAIT South of
20° 30' N. Sent pack new patrol and rotation plan conforming to this
change, placing two boats in BASHI CHANNEL and one lifeguard SW of TAKAO.

19 February
1444 SEA OWL sighted faint smoke and closed at flank speed. PUFFER receipted
for contact.

-2-
[HANDWRITTEN: 3]

— page 222 —
U.S.S. SEA OWL (SS405)

CONFIDENTIAL
REPORT OF COORDINATED ATTACK GROUP 17.14

1546 Smoke disappeared into BASCO, BATAN IS. Nothing sighted at estimated
     range 14 miles. Notified HOBSTERS and BLAZERS.
1915 Received PIRANHA report of chasing smoke toward TAKAO.- PUFFER also got
     this. Since no further reports assume contact could not be developed.

20 February

1508 SEA OWL evaded two torpedoes shortly after surfacing in BASHI CHANNEL,
     and sighted about ten feet of the periscope of the firing submarine while
     pulling clear at flank speed. Sent contact to BLAZERS and HOBSTERS but
     could raise no one until after dark.
1930 Rotated station. Ordered PIRANHA to search BASHI CHANNEL, PUFFER to
     assist SEA OWL in search for our submarine contact in case he retired
     to TAKAO on surfacing, since seas had risen to state six or higher.
     Also directed BLAZERS to patrol submerged during daylight in BASHI
     CHANNEL. For this search specified that a lone target should not be
     attacked without permission.

21 February

     PIRANHA and PUFFER searched without success for downed airmen as per
     CSP despatch; SEA OWL had missed the despatch but was tied down by life-
     guard assignment and could not have assisted in search.

23 February

     PIRANHA, PUFFER, and THRESHER assisted by several planes conducted
     unsuccessful search in heavy seas for downed aviator.
2300 PUFFER had probable APR and radar contact which disappeared at 7500
     yards between them,- presumably an enemy submarine that dived.

24 February

     Shifted stations as per patrol plan, - PIRANHA now BLAZER lifeguard.

25 February

     Made combined report on unsuccessful searches and of our inability to
     communicate with planes possibly due in part to the overloading of
     lifeguard frequency with routine administrative and operational traffic.

-3-
[HANDWRITTEN: 4]

— page 223 —
U.S.S. SEA OWL (SS405)

CONFIDENTIAL
REPORT OF COORDINATED ATTACK GROUP 17.14

26 February
0320 Received CSP despatch reporting aviator down about 3 miles South of
BARAN BI, "drifting South". Since our patrol in this region has shown
a strong and consistent set to NNE, SEA OWL searched along that drift
line, ordering PUFFER to search South. Declined HOBSTERS offer of
assistance in this search since they could not make it in daylight
today and by tomorrow search was considered futile.

1730 SEA OWL heard plane "PLAYMATE TWO" report on 4475 that he was abandoning
search and returning to base. Unable to raise him on that frequency and
no other intercepts indicated that he was searching this vicinity.
Apparently they have instructions to answer up only to known calls.

27 February
0330 PUFFER reported results of search negative and was ordered to patrol
according to plan.

0900 PILANHA sank a sailing vessel, suspected of being anti-submarine or
aircraft picket off RYUKYU SHO while observing an air raid by friendly
planes on the nearby coast of FORMOSA. One prisoner was taken.

1900 Received CSP serial nine nine moving HOBSTERS West and giving BLAZERS
all of LUZON STRAITS.

Requested permission from HOBSTERS to use LEG JOINT East of 199° longi-
tude in order to enable BLAZER lifeguard to cover full sector assigned
and avail himself of the lee afforded by FORMOSA against the heavy seas
out of the Northeast.

28 February
1730 Sent serial three to CSP reporting weather and results of searches, and a
reiterative report of our difficulties in communicating with planes.

Sent new patrol plan to BLAZERS for rotating stations between BALINGTANG
CHANNEL, lifeguard, and BASHI CHANNEL.

Received warning of possible contact with CHUB and a flight of CHINA
B-29's. Manned 4475, but had no contact with either.

1 March
2112 Received CSP serial 13 ordering PUFFER to continue on present lifeguard
station and SEA OWL and PILANHA to proceed to Northern LEG JOINT at 115°
East for special job.

Ordered BLAZERS to acknowledge new orders, which they did, and set course
for new station.
[HANDWRITTEN: 5]
[HANDWRITTEN: -L-]

— page 225 —
U.S.S. SEA OWL (SS405)

CONFIDENTIAL
REPORT OF COORDINATED ATTACK GROUP 17.14

of specific strikes. Sent FILNH a likely sounding
that he had probably missed, since we were unable to raise him at the
time it was coming out.

6 March
2240        Received CSP despatch clarifying lifeguard duties and giving us first
            specific job. PUFFER fired a harassing salvo of three torpedoes
            at an unidentified small radar contact that pursued and fired torpedoes
            at her.

7 March
1900        Received CSP serial thirty-seven further amplifying our instructions and
            authorizing patrol within twelve hours run of our spot in absence of
            specific instructions. This was a big help as the area was rapidly
            becoming full of grooves in these little thirty mile semi-circles, and
            we were beginning to call some of the junk men by their first names.
            This extension of freedom of action was used in search for the few
            aircraft contacts which sounded as though they might pass into accessible
            area.

            FILNH suggested forming scouting line near HONG KONG. Did not consider
            this feasible due to our depth limitations. Suggested he patrol off
            CHILANG IT. while we kept watch off PEDRO BLANCO RK.

8 March
2030        Intercepted a contact report that sounded juicy for LOBSTERS and offered
            our services to assist in search, but before this was answered received
            orders for lifeguard on a liberator strike. At 2100 recalled our
            proposal and returned to lifeguard station.

10 March
1930        Rec'd orders for lifeguard duties for all boats.

11 March
1220        Received CSP despatch requesting amplification of reports of interference
            on lifeguard frequency. Drafted reply from available intercepts in our
            radio log although we had found it beyond the capacity of our radio
            gang to keep a complete log on that crowded circuit.

            Intercepted CSP serial 52 to the PUFFER relieving her of lifeguard
            station off TAKAO and ordering her to rejoin BLAZERS near 115° E.

-6-
[HANDWRITTEN: 7]

— page 226 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SEA OWL (SS405)
REPORT OF COORDINATED ATTACK GROUP 17.14
[HANDWRITTEN: I TARA]

2205 Received orders for lifeguard duties tomorrow. PIRANHA entered blind
     bombing zone to attack two patrol craft, possibly CHIDORIS. Shortly
     after missing with ten torpedoes and while gaining position for another
     attack he [CROSSED OUT: was not molested] which apparently did not molest
     his two erstwhile targets.

12 March

2300 PIRANHA suggested search for reported contact near HAINAN, but considered
     this too far from our ordered positions as well as being in the MONSTERS'
     area.

     Asked PIRANHA and PUFFER their fuel situation and their reaction to
     requesting a five day extension with some improvement in prospects for
     shooting torpedoes. Received favorable replies from both.

13 March

1400 SEA OWL hold VHF conference with PIRANHA.

1850 Received despatch from Number One LOBSTER reporting a heartbreaking
     frustrated attack on TATUTA MARU and generously offering to change
     area allocation and in general giving us a free hand to "poach" at
     will. Thanked him.

     Sent PUFFER orders to rendezvous with SEA OWL near her spot for VHF
     conference.

2247 Received CSP despatch regarding survivors in rubber boat near CHINA
     COAST. Cancelled rendezvous with PUFFER and sent orders for a search
     along 25 fathom curve.

14 March

0100 Sent SEA OWL seventh, requesting five day extension.

     Received lifeguard orders for today.

0130 Intercepted CSP despatch giving PIRANHA fighter cover and assistance in
     further search for life raft.

0648 SEA OWL sighted and made a submerged approach on a vessel which was
     identified at 5000 yards as BAIKAL MARU, AH-13, properly marked and
     on a straight course.

1900 Received CSP despatch deferring final answer on extension request.

-7-
[HANDWRITTEN: 8]

— page 228 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. SEA OWL (SS405)
REPORT OF COORDINATED ATTACK GROUP 17.14

16 March
     BLAZERS departed lifeguard stations at sunset and set course for new
     area, running before state six seas.

17 March
2300 Held VHF conference with THRESHER to obtain information on area, as she
     had been patrolling these waters for some two weeks.

18 March
     Received CSP despatch forwarding CINCPAC's message in appreciation of
     lifeguard efforts of BLAZERS and SEA ARCHER. These kind words were
     doubly appreciated in view of the feelings of frustration and futility
     growing out of our initial difficulties in communications and
     cooperation.

     Received CSP serial 90 ordering BLAZERS to hold on to their BEM's but
     opening up quite considerable new horizons between the 25-fathom and
     20-fathom curves. This relaxation of restrictions permits patrol
     practically anywhere outside the blind-bombing zone. In consequence
     of this change, authorized boats in two Northern sub-areas to forego
     the nightly scouting line for independent patrol in areas, warning
     them again to keep clear of blind bombing zones.

20 March
1900 Received CSP despatch concerning aircraft mining activities in our area;
     warned all boats - particularly PIR.NHA who was in that vicinity. Also
     directed all boats to originate own departure message and start for home
     when they reached minimum fuel allowance.

2223 SEA OWL had first of three brief encounters with small but fast craft -
     probably LTB - 12 miles East of MIDDLE CHANNEL, HAINAN. Sent
     warning to all boats but unable to raise PIR.NHA, until she opened up
     later and reported she had been bombed by friendly plane at a point
     14 miles inside submarine patrol zone.

21 March
     Sent message to PIR.NHA and PUFFER requesting their reaction to a group
     bombardment on PRATAS IS. radio station or on BATAN IS. Received
     enthusiastic replies and sent SEA OWL eighth to CSP requesting authority
     to bombard these targets, since we were not sure of their present status
     or desirability as targets. Also reported PIR.NHA's being bombed.

2300 Received CSP despatch giving lifeguard orders.
     -9-
                                                                  [HANDWRITTEN: 10]

— page 233 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SEA OWL (SS405).
REPORT OF COORDINATED ATTACK GROUP 17.14

21-B April
0013 BLAZERS arrived MIDWAY and commenced refit, whereupon the Coordinated
     Attack Group is considered disbanded.

[HANDWRITTEN: I - XTRA]

(V) REMARKS

1. Interpack communications were extremely satisfactory, although the
changing character of the patrol and the impossibility of doing any advance
planning before departure made an excessive amount of transmissions necessary.
Since all boats had ECM, that channel was used almost exclusively in promulgating
patrol plans and area assignments,- the use of the WOPACO Code for these purposes
is extremely awkward and unsatisfactory. Frequent conferences were held by VHF
and were conducted with a full realization of the insecurity of this channel.

2. Communications with PHILLIPINE-based aircraft were very unsatisfactory
at first but improved rapidly during the patrol. In several cases we failed to
get reports of downed aviators until 12-24 hours after ditching,- the intelligence
having come via PHILLIPINES-COMSUBPAC-NFA FOX, whereas we had a submarine on
lifeguard duty nearby as well as one or more others usually also guarding that
frequency with spare receivers. We cannot escape the conviction that had the
planes communicated directly with us at the time and given us full and complete
information at least some of those searches would have been successful. Happily
this situation was well on the way to being cleared up before we left the area.

3. Communications with aircraft could have been immensely improved if we
had access to their frequency plans and calls used. We were given calls for
specific strikes, but friendly planes were with us almost constantly in addition
to those strikes. PIRANA accidentally intercepted transmissions from and
established contact with search planes on 2274 kc. and this proved to be a useful
channel. The lifeguard from day at first was so cluttered with routine admini-
strative and operational traffic that it was essentially useless for its primary
purpose, but this situation too was showing rapid improvement.

4. Four definite and other possible encounters with enemy submarines or
torpedo-firing small craft emphasizes the enhanced danger from that source as our
aviators are driving the surface anti-submarine craft out of the "doctor" areas.

5. The almost universal tendency of our night flying aircraft to come
directly in on a bombing run made the patrol almost as unpleasant as the J.F.S
could have, and furthermore its purpose is not understood. Presumably they will
not attack an unidentified target in a submarine patrol zone, so apparently they
make this approach to see if the contact will dive. Would they attack if the
contact did not dive? On the whole there is a crying need for a clear-cut and
and strictly enforced operating policy for these "shared" areas that will
relieve the submarine of the rather gruelling necessity of fronting our extensive
night air search as enemy.

-14-
[HANDWRITTEN: 15]

— page 234 —
U.S.S. SEA OEL (SS405)

CONFIDENTIAL
REPORT OF COORDINATED ATTACK GROUP 17.14

```
U.S.S. SEA OEL (SS405)

CONFIDENTIAL
REPORT OF COORDINATED ATTACK GROUP 17.14

— page 235 —
FB5-241/A16-3
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO FORTY ONE

Serial # 016
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
25 April 1945.
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CTG 17.14 (CO. USS SEA
OWL) Conf. Report of
Coordinated War Patrol of
Task Group 17.14, SS405/
A16-3 dated 24 April 1945.

From: The Commander Submarine Division TWO-FORTY-ONE.
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: Report of Coordinated War Patrol of TASK GROUP
SEVENTEEN POINT FOURTEEN.

1. Forwarded.

[SIGNATURE: D. F. WILLIAMSON.]

[HANDWRITTEN: 17]

— page 236 —
FCS-24/A16-3
Serial: 084
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR
11/dn
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
27 April 1945.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CTG 17.14 (CO, USS SEAWOLF)
Conf. Report of
Coordinated War Patrol of
Task Group 17.14, SS405,
A16-3 dated 24 April 1945.

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

Subject: Report of Coordinated War Patrol of TASK GROUP
SEVENTEEN POINT FOURTEEN.

[HANDWRITTEN: I-XTRA]

1. Forwarded.

2. The remarks of the Commander Task Group SEVENTEEN POINT
FOURTEEN regarding lifeguard communications and the need for a more rigidly
enforced doctrine for friendly planes flying over submarines in patrol zones
are concurred in.

3. The coordination of this group was well planned and
sufficiently flexible to take care of the numerous changes and problems
which arose. The use of ECM for promulgation of plans is believed to be far
superior to using MORCO and avoids compromising the effective MORCO
unnecessarily.

4. The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-FOUR concurs in the
group commander's estimate of the damage inflicted by the group and joins
him in his regrets that an opportunity was not afforded these "heads up"
submarines to conduct a coordinated attack against a worthy enemy target.

[SIGNATURE: F. W. PENNO.]
[HANDWRITTEN: t.u.]

[HANDWRITTEN: 18]

— page 237 —
[HANDWRITTEN: F4254]
5 02898
Ga

FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01051 [HANDWRITTEN: R-uss] Care of Fleet Post Office,
CONFIDENTIAL [HANDWRITTEN: 5-20-45] San Francisco, California,
6 May, 1945.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
Patrol Report of Forty-Seventh DESTROYED PRIOR TO
Coordinated Attack Group. 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: War Patrol Report of Coordinated Attack Group 17.14 Composed of
U.S.S. SEA OWL (SS405), U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389), U.S.S. PUFFER
(SS268); Attached to Group for brief intervals were U.S.S. THRESHER
(SS200), and U.S.S. PAMPANITO (SS383).

1. Forwarded. Further details of the activities of this group are
contained in the SEA OWL's second, PIRANHA's fourth, PUFFER's seventh, THRESHER's
fifteenth, and PAMPANITO's fifth war patrol reports.

2. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
Commanding Officer of the SEA OWL, Commander C. L. Bennett, U.S. Navy, for his
smart, aggressive handling of this group.

[HANDWRITTEN: Leg m llc.
Yes]

DISTRIBUTION: MERRILL COMSTOCK.
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6) Substrainpac (3)
JICPOA (1) All Submarines, Pacific (1)
AdICPOA (1) ComFleetAirWingTWO (1)
Comservpac (1) Cinc, ASWTU, FltAirWing (1)
Cinclant (1)
Comsublant (8) [SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes]
S/M School, TL (2) E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
CO, S/M Base, PH (1) Flag Secretary.
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (1)
Comsubsovespac (2)
CTG 71.5 (2)
Comnorpac (1)
Comsubpac (3)
ComsubspacdComd (40) EXTRA ORIGINAL
SUBAD, MI (2) SORG. MICRO
ComsubspacSubordcom (3) PHOTO-LAB OP-16
All Squadron and Div. RETURN TO F-4253
Commanders, Pacific (2) [STAMP: FILMED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 19]

— page 238 —
END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: E108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-102-81]
[HANDWRITTEN: Rev]

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