U.S.S. TORSK (SS-423) — war patrol report SS-423_TORSK.pdf

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START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: H108] [HANDWRITTEN: AR 251-77]

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OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: J.M.M.]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 7-20-77]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

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

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

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[HANDWRITTEN: TORSK (SS-423)
FOR SHIPS LOG DECEMBER 1944 - DECEMBER 1945
CONSULT NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY.
ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED.]

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NAVY DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
DIVISION OF NAVAL HISTORY (OP 09B9)
SHIPS' HISTORIES SECTION

HISTORY OF USS TORSK (SS 423)

USS TORSK (SS 423) is named for a gadoid fish, allied to the
codfish. Also known as the cusk, this fish is found throughout the
North Atlantic waters its namesake now knows well.

TORSK's keel was laid at the Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Naval
Shipyard 7 June 1944, and under the pace of the accelerated wartime
building program she was ready for launching 6 September 1944.
Mrs. Allen B. Reed, wife of Captain Allen B. Reed, USN, served as
sponsor at the launching ceremonies. TORSK was placed in commission
16 December 1944, with Commander Bafford E. Lewellen, USN, as her
first commanding officer, and by 31 December, the submarine was
ready for sea.

After training off Portsmouth and New London, TORSK sailed by
way of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and the Panama Canal for Pearl
Harbor, where she arrived 23 March 1945. Final preparations com-
pleted, she stood out of Pearl Harbor 15 April on her first war
patrol. Her primary assignment was to serve as lifeguard for the
men conducting the almost daily B-29 raids against the Japanese
home islands, and on 3 May she arrived on her station in Kii Suido.

During the next week, she made several contacts, but was pre-
vented from making an attack by her orders to avoid being detected.
On 11 May 1945, with her lifeguard duty completed, she set course for
a patrol area off the northeast coast of Honshu. Here TORSK was
joined by SANDLANCE (SS 381) and CERO (SS 225) in a wolfpack com-
manded by TORSK's captain. Nine days later GARDFISH (SS 217)
joined the pack as it patrolled off Honshu in a scouting line.
The Japanese merchant marine provided few targets in those days,
due to the success of United States submarines in the months that
had preceded, and only two small targets were contacted by the
wolfpack. Because of the size and position of these, a successful
attack was impossible. TORSK returned to Pearl Harbor from this first
war patrol 16 June.

Her second war patrol began when she cleared Hawaiian waters 17
July 1945, bound for Guam, where she moored 30 July. She sailed for
her patrol area 2 August, and on 10 August, slipped through the mine-
fields of Tsushima Strait to enter the Sea of Japan. Her first action
here, on 11 August, was the rescue of seven Japanese merchantmen, whose
freighter had been sunk by an American fighter plane. The next day,
TORSK sighted a small freighter in 36°23' N., 133°35' E., and fired
two torpedoes at the target from her stern tubes. One hit, and the
freighter was seen to sink with a large down angle. TORSK's next

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USS TORSK (SS 423)

contact was another small freighter, KAIHO MARU, sighted 13 August
1945 in 36°11' N., 136°22' E. Three torpedoes were fired from the
bow tubes, one of which hit and sank the target.

As the day wore on, other targets, which TORSK was unable to
close, were sighted. At 1919, the last of this series of contacts
was made, when TORSK picked up a medium cargo ship following the
coast on a southerly course, and making for Wakasa Wan. TORSK
began the pursuit on the surface, hoping to make a submerged attack
before the target entered the harbor. Everything happened at once
as time for the attack ran out; first, TORSK found herself in a
fleet of about 75 small fishing vessels, through which she had to
zig-zag to reach her attacking position, and second, an escort
ship was sighted at 2500 yards on the starboard beam. As the escort
picked up TORSK's scent, the submarine fired four torpedoes from her
bow tubes at her original target, at a range of 3000 yards. None
hit. With the beach only two miles distant, TORSK turned, and
outran the pursuing escort through the fleet of fisherman back to
deep water.

Unaware that she was beginning her last and most successful
day of war, TORSK was off Amarubi Saki in the morning of 14 August
1945. She sighted and closed a freighter accompanied by two
escort ships, and began her chase. Plans for the attack developed
quickly as the freighter entered Kasumiko, since TORSK had to
avoid entering the harbor. Two torpedoes were
fired, one of which exploded either on a shoal, or on the harbor's
entrance nets. Already the two escorts began their counterattack,
and TORSK defended herself by polishing them off, one with one and
the other with two. As another anti-submarine ship and an airplane
came out to continue the attack, TORSK made for deep water.

In this action, TORSK earned the distinction of sinking the last
Japanese combatants to go down in World War II. She had sunk Coastal
Defense Vessels No. 13 and 47 in 35°42' N., 134°35' E., and 35°42' N.,
134°36' E., respectively. Her confirmed war-time total of enemy
tonnage sunk was 2473.

On 15 August 1945, TORSK received word of the cease fire, and
began an off-shore patrol until 9 September, when she returned to
Guam. A few days later, she sailed on to Pearl Harbor, from which
she cleared 20 September for the Panama Canal and New London, arriving
15 October.

At New London, home of the Submarine School, TORSK was assigned
to duty as school ship, and for the next ten years, her major em-
ployment was in the training of officers and men to join the select
group which mans our modern submarines. Many of the men in the crews
of today's nuclear and fleet ballistic missile submarines made their
first dives in TORSK, who soon earned the reputation of being the

2

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USS TORSK (SS 423)

"divingist" submarine in the fleet. Her operations took her along the
entire Atlantic coast of the United States and Canada, and on occasion,
she joined the large-scale exercises in the Caribbean. From 9 September
to 14 November 1950, she performed her first tour of duty in the
Mediterranean, then returned to New London to resume her duties as
school ship.

TORSK returned to the yard where she was built, at Portsmouth,
New Hampshire on 6 November 1951 to begin conversion to a snorkel-
equipped submarine. Leaving the yard 13 March 1952, she conducted
training operations with her new equipment, and from 26 August to
27 November 1952, served in the Mediterranean again. During this tour
of duty, she participated in joint training exercises with submarines
of the British, Italian, French, and Turkish navies.

Early in 1955, TORSK received orders to prepare for transfer to
Submarine Squadron SIX, based at Norfolk, Virginia. She arrived at
her new home port 1 July 1955, and began operations designed to
develop and maintain her fighting readiness. In addition, she
provides services to destroyers, aircraft, and anti-submarine groups
as they train to heighten their effectiveness against submarines,
and to develop new techniques and doctrines in this crucial form
of warfare. While her operations are primarily along the Atlantic
seaboard, and in the Caribbean, she has in recent years operated on
a schedule which calls for more distant deployments.

From 19 August to 23 October 1957, TORSK cruised to Portland,
England, and Le Havre, France, taking part in exercises of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization, and exercising with submarines of the
Royal Navy. In the summer of 1959, she joined the forces commemorating
the opening of the Saint Lawrence Seaway in Operation Inland Sea. She
sailed for this cruise 15 June 1959, and when she returned to Norfolk
20 August, she had called at a number of Great Lakes ports, including
Milwaukee, Chicago, and Buffalo. Here she had been visited by
thousands, many of whom had never before had the opportunity to see
one of our Navy's modern fleet submarines.

TORSK's most recent lengthy deployment was with the Sixth Fleet
in the Mediterranean, duty for which she sailed 12 January 1960.
After training operations throughout the Mediterranean, and visits
to a number of ports in Italy, Greece, France, and Spain, she re-
turned to Norfolk 30 April 1960.

TORSK received the following engagement stars and other awards
for her service in the Pacific and in European waters:

1 Star/Assault and Occupation of Okinawa Gunto: 6 May-5 Jun 1945
1 Star/Second War Patrol: 17 Jul-9 Sep 1945
Navy Occupation Service Medal:
  Asiatic Clasp: 2-3 Sep 1945
  European Clasp: 22 Sep-31 Oct 1950, 12 Sep-15 Nov 1952

3

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USS TORSK (SS 423)

LIST OF COMMANDING OFFICERS

Commander Bafford E. Lewellen, USN 16 Dec 1944 - 23 Sep 1945
Commander Harley K. Nauman, USN 23 Sep 1945 - 7 Jan 1946
Commander Richard Holden, USN 7 Jan 1946 - 10 Jan 1948
Lieutenant Commander George W. Forbes, USN 10 Jan 1948 - 29 May 1950
Lieutenant Commander James A. Ford, USN 29 May 1950 - 9 Aug 1952
Lieutenant Commander Max C. Duncan, USN 9 Aug 1952 - 16 Jul 1953
Lieutenant Commander Ray F. Smith, USN 16 Jul 1953 - 8 Aug 1955
Lieutenant Commander William L. Siple, USN 8 Aug 1955 - 27 Aug 1957
Lieutenant Commander Evans P. K. King, USN 27 Aug 1957 - 15 Aug 1959
Lieutenant Commander Robert S. Lichtenberg, USN 15 Aug 1959 - present

ORIGINAL STATISTICS

Length Overall: 311'8"

Extreme Beam: 27'2"

Standard Displacement:
  Tons: 1570
  Mean Draft: 15'3"

Submerged Displacement:
  Tons: 2416

Designed Complement:
  Officers: 6
  Enlisted Men: 60

Designed Speed:
  Surfaced, knots: 20.25
  Submerged, knots: 8.75

Armament:
  Torpedo Tubes: (10)
  Secondary: (1) 5"/25
           (1) 40mm
           (1) 20mm
           (2) .50 caliber
Torpedoes: 24

Compiled and Stenciled/eh 6/6/60

4

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[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

U.S.S. TORSK (SS423)
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY C.R.G.M.A. DATE 9/20/77]

16 June 1945.

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. TORSK (SS423).
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (Official Channels).

Subject: U.S.S. TORSK (SS423), Report of War Patrol number ONE.

Enclosures: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track Chart.
(C) TDM Trace.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the first war patrol of this vessel
conducted in KII SUIDO and off the Northeastern Coast of HONSHU during the
period 15 April 1945 to 16 June 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: B. E. Lewellen]
B. E. LEWELLEN.

[HANDWRITTEN: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 130198]

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CONFIDENTIAL
(A) PROLOGUE

The U.S.S. TORSK was commissioned on 16 December 1944 at the Navy Yard,
Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She was completed on 31 December 1944, and reported
for duty on the same date. On 21 January 1945, completed 17 days training off
Portsmouth, N.H., and made passage to Newport, R.I., for contact torpedo firings.
Arrived at Submarine Base, New London, Conn. on 23 January and commenced 16 day
period of training and "reconstruction". On 11 February departed New London for
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 16 February arrived Fort Lauderdale for five days services
to AsDevLant. On 20 February departed Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for Balboa, C.Z.
On 25 February arrived Balboa, C.Z. and commenced 4 days of training. This
training was very well conducted and extremely beneficial. A progressive attitude
on the part of Captain JOHNS and his staff, adequate target services, a flexible
operating schedule, and favorable weather conditions combined to make this a very
profitable training period. On 6 March departed Balboa for Pearl Harbor in company
with the U.S.S. LIZARDFISH. Reported to ComSubPac same date for duty. Held daily
training and drills with LIZARDFISH enroute. On 23 March arrived at Pearl Harbor
after a 17 days voyage repairs and training under the administrative command
of ComSubDiv 46. Excellent training was received in all types of approaches,
torpedo firings, and evasive measures with Comdr. V.L. LOWRANCE acting as training
officer. The splendid cooperation and assistance of the Submarine Base was
especially appreciated in the matter of numerous alterations and small repairs.

(B) NARRATIVE

On 15 April left Pearl Harbor for Guam and patrol.

List of Officers on Board 1st Patrol
| | | |
| LEWELLEN, B. E. | Comdr. | Commanding | 5 Patrols
| HOOPER, G. L. | Lt-Comdr. | Exec. & Nav. | 6 Patrols
| MULLER, G. P. | Lieut. | Asst. Eng. | 0 Patrols
| MULLER, R. W. F. | Lieut. | Gun. & Torp. | 0 Patrols
| MULLER, A. E. | Lieut. | Engineering | 4 Patrols
| BUSH, H. W. | Lt(jg) | Communications | 0 Patrols
| YOUNG, C. M. | Lt(jg) | Radar & Sound | 1 Patrol
| HOWARD, L. | Lt(jg) | 1st Lieutenant | 10 Patrols
| ROSS, R. S. | Ens. | Commissary | 0 Patrols
| SNELL, L. W., Jr. | Ens. | Asst. 1st Lt.&Gun. | 0 Patrols

* Reported on board 9 February 1945.
# Reported on board April, 1945 at Pearl Harbor.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

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CONFIDENTIAL

List of Chief Petty Officers on Board 1st Patrol

ELLIS, R. W.             CEM(PA)(SS)             5 Patrols
ROGERS, K. G.            CMoM(PA)(SS)            7 Patrols
HAHN, T.                 CMoM(T)(SS)             0 Patrols
WAUGH, C. L.             CR(T)(SS)               7 Patrols
LEWIS, V. E.             CMoM(T)(SS)             6 Patrols
HYND, J. W.              CPhM(T)(SS)             0 Patrols
STRONG, L. E.            CCS(T)(SS)              2 Patrols

15 April to 27 April 1945

     Enroute from Pearl Harbor, T.H., to Guam, conducting daily drills and
training dives.

28 April          (All times King)

     1500          Underway from alongside U.S.S. HOLLAND in Apra Harbor, Guam for
                   patrol area.
     1850          Released escort.

29 April

     0908          Numerous APR and SD radar contacts during night.
                   Sighted U.S.S. BLACKFISH, inbound. Exchanged recognition signals
                   and calls. Swung ship for APR calibration on BLACKFISH's SD radar
                   signal.
     1200          Noon Posit: 16° 09' N.
                             141° 05' E.

30 April

     1200          Noon Posit: 19° 29.6' N.
                             137° 37.3' E.

1 May 1945

     1200          Noon Posit: 24° 24' N.
                             137° 43' E.
     1347          Sighted U. S. Submarine bearing 257° T., inbound. Too distant to
                   exchange calls.

2 May

     0406          Sighted green flare bearing 025° T. No further contact.
     0800          Headed for new patrol area in KII SUIDO.
     0900          Plane contact 7 miles on SD radar. No answer on IFF or VHF. Dove
                   at 5 miles with plane in sight headed for us.
     0920          Surfaced and placed 4 main engines on propulsion to reach lifeguard
                   station on time.

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                                                           ENCLOSURE (A)

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CONFIDENTIAL

1045 Same plane back again. Dove at 7½ miles on radar contact. No
IFF. No answer on VHF.
1142 Surfaced.
1200 Noon Posit: 29° 01' N.
137° 16' E.

3 May

0705 SJ radar contact on land, bearing 028° T., range 80,000 yards.
Believed to be SHIONO MISAKI headland.
0735 Sighted land bearing 026° T.
0755 SD radar and sight contact on plane at 8 miles. Dove and remained
submerged for rest of day.
1200 Noon Posit. (estimated): 33° 17.3' N.
135° 22.9' E.
2008 Surfaced and headed for lifeguard station.
2242 On station.

4 May

0042 SJ contact 2700 yards closing fast, possibly a plane. Dove.
0100 At periscope depth made several short range contacts on SJ.
0113 Contact with friendly plane who reported the area clear.
0139 He told us we could come up now - he would take care of us.
0205 Resumed patrolling lifeguard station. Numerous SD and
SJ contacts, avoided phantom torpedo.
0213 The contact party was over and he was headed for home. No planes
down.
0420 Contact on SJ radar 2,000 yards, closing fast. Dove to 150 feet.
These short range contacts do not seem very plausible, but they are,
nonetheless, disconcerting. Commenced submerged patrol.
1200 Noon Posit: 33° 21' N.
135° 00' E.
2013 Surfaced.
2040 Exchanged recognition with U.S.S. RAY on SJ radar.
2050 SJ radar contact 5000 yards, closing fast. Maneuvered to avoid
suspected plane, bird, or phantom.
2106 SJ radar contact 2700 yards, same as above.

5 May

0008 SJ contact, range 4250 yards. Maneuvered to avoid our phantom
friend again.
0552 Surfaced and headed for SHIONO MISAKI.
1200 Noon Posit: 33° 22.1' N.
135° 40' E. By land fix.
1409 Sighted small sampan, apparently fishing.
2015 On station.
2214 Headed for newly assigned lifeguard station.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

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CONFIDENTIAL
6 May
0035 Established contact with air cover by VHF.
0215 On lifeguard station, patrolling.
0304 Heard RAY's plane say he was leaving early. We made contact with
     "RAY'S" air cover.
0348 Heard RAY's plane say he was leaving. Started back for patrol area.
0520 Submerged.
1200 Estimated Noon Posit: 32° 41' N.
                      134° 49' E.
1217 Sighted Patrol Bomber, believed to be Bavis, about 10 miles away to
     the Southeast of us.
1942 Sighted floating mine very close to periscope. Went to 150 feet to
     avoid any cable.
2005 Surfaced and started hunt for mine.
2030 Exploded mine with 40mm A.P.
2041 Lookout sighted plane with running lights. Dove.
2116 Surfaced.

7 May
0106 SJ contact on plane, range 26,000 yards.
0118 SD and SJ contact 8 miles on plane. Range opened slowly, so did not
     dive.
0125 SJ contact on plane, 14,700 yards. Disappeared at 18,000 yards.
0225 SD and SJ contact 3 miles. Submerged.
0300 Surfaced.
0343 SJ contact 2300 yards, maneuvered to avoid. Lost contact.
0348 SJ contact 1400 yards, maneuvered to avoid. Lost contact.
0425 SJ contact 1400 yards with radar interference. Maneuvered to avoid
     suspected submarine.
0515 SD contact 9 miles closing. Submerged.
1200 Estimated Noon Posit: 33° 16.2' N.
                      134° 42.8' E.
1847 Sighted two floating mines through periscope.
2009 Surfaced.
2030 TD trace. Maneuvered to avoid blowing of #1 sanitary tank. We
     now pass word when tanks are to be blown.
2105 TD trace. Maneuvered to avoid. Believed to be fish noises.

8 May
0043 SJ interference bearing 090° T. - may have been jamming.
0528 Submerged.
1200 Noon Posit: 33° 28.8' N.
              134° 49.0' E.
2010 Surfaced.
2213 TD trace, maneuvered to avoid. A school of fish can make a very
     realistic trace on the recorder. With more training, the operators
     should be able to differentiate the sound.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

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CONFIDENTIAL

9 May
0125 Sighted flare close aboard. Submerged.
0215 Surfaced. No further contact.
0520 Submerged.
1200 Noon Posit: 33° 25' N.
          135° 43' E.
1332 Sighted patrol bomber flying low, headed north toward SHIONO MISAKI.
     Type unknown.
1337 Same plane headed south from SHIONO MISAKI.
2020 Surfaced.

10 May
0517 Submerged.
1200 Noon Posit: 33° 07.6' N.
          135° 40' E.
2024 Surfaced.

11 May
0518 Plane contact on SD 9½ miles, closing.
0519 Submerged.
1200 Noon Posit: 33° 18' N.
          134° 46' E.
2022 Surfaced and headed for original patrol area off Northeastern Coast
     of HONSHU.

12 May
     Enroute patrol area.
0535 Trim dive.
0600 Surfaced.
1200 Noon Posit: 33° 07' N.
          138° 27' E.
1445 Sighted FUJI SAN bearing 356° T., distance about 80 miles.
1525 Sighted INAMBA SHIMA.
1614 SD contact 4½ miles. Submerged.
1659 Surfaced. #1 M.E. out of commission for the remainder of the
     patrol with a broken vertical drive lock plate.
1950 Sighted floating mine.

13 May
0727 Enroute to area.
1200 Sighted gray life raft. Went alongside and determined to be empty.
     Noon Posit: 35° 03' N.
          142° 02' E.
1345 Sighted plane 8 miles; did not close.
1702 Sighted periscope, maneuvered to avoid.

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                                                      ENCLOSURE (A)

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CONFIDENTIAL

1726    Maneuvered to pick up large white rubber balloons about four feet
        in diameter floating on the surface, partially inflated. It
        burst when struck by the bow, so all we got for our trouble was
        a large handful of thin, white latex.
2030    Converted #5 FBT to ballast tank.
2350    Entered area.

14 May

0110    Made trim dive.
0125    Surfaced, headed for rendezvous with "LOOTERS", CERO and SANDLANCE.
Noon    Posit: 38° 57' N.
                143° 27' E.
2000    At rendezvous position.

15 May

        Still at rendezvous position, no "LOOTERS" in sight. They probably
        did not get the word due to NPN's having relayed the rendezvous
        message minus 10 groups on the first two transmissions. This error
        was not corrected until the next morning.
0230    Sent new rendezvous position for night of 15 May on area frequency.
        Japs requested us to repeat and give their signal strength.
0435    Submerged.
Noon    Posit: 40° 25' N.
                143° 27' E.
1520    Surfaced. Set course for rendezvous.
2050    Exchanged recognition signals with SANDLANCE on SJ radar.

16 May

0542    Radar contact, no answer to radar (SJ) challenge. At 4000 yards
        submerged to radar depth and went to battle stations. SANDLANCE
        appeared out of fog, but promptly turned away.
0600    Surfaced and exchanged recognition signals by SJ radar with SAND-
        LANCE.
0638    SANDLANCE in sight.
0702    Sent wolfpack orders by messenger line to SANDLANCE. Learned from
        SANDLANCE that she had been patrolling South Coast of HOKKAIDO and
        that CERO was working the East Coast of HONSHU. I had divided the
        area into three parts, and had originally planned to establish a
        scouting patrol until 0500(K), 19 May. At that time I proposed to
        establish a scouting line to intercept traffic which might be en-
        route to or from the KURILES as a result of the strike by our
        surface forces in that area. Due, however, to the delay in making
        contact with the other "LOOTERS", I directed SANDLANCE to return
        to the area south of HOKKAIDO until time to take up her position
        on the scouting line. Informed her that I would remain in the open
        sea area until such time as I could contact the CERO.
1200    Noon Posit: 39° 38.5' N.
                143° 05.0' E.

                                - 6 -

                                                        ENCLOSURE (A)

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CONFIDENTIAL

1730           SJ interference and contact on CERO.
1800           CERO in sight. Maneuvered close aboard and got line across.
               CERO sent us a copy of their track chart and ship contacts along
               the coast of PARCHE. Agreed that we would both work the coast
               of HONSHU the next day and then take up positions on the scouting
               line a day early so as to be sure not to miss anything.
1911           No further contact.
2240           Radar contact on TODO SAKI, 30 miles.

17 May

0430           Submerged.
1200           Noon Posit: 39° 09.4' N.
                         142° 08.8' E.
2007           Surfaced and headed for position on scouting line bearing 150° T.,
               distance seventy miles from ERIMO SAKI. SANDLANCE's position thirty
               miles and CERO's position one hundred and ten miles from ERIMO SAKI
               on the same bearing. This should catch anything passing through the
               area except shipping very close offshore around ERIMO SAKI.

18 May

1200           Noon Posit: 40° 54.4' N.
                         144° 02.0' E.
1859           Sighted floating mine.

19 May

1025           Sighted CERO, who was apparently to the northward of her assigned
               position.
1200           Noon Posit: 40° 54.4' N.
                         144° 02.0' E.
1336           Sighted contact with CERO who was shooting at a mine.
1700           CERO gave up. TORSK took over and exploded mine with 40mm A.P.
2345           Radar contact on SANDLANCE, 10000 yards.

20 May

0005           Closed SANDLANCE to VHF range to compare notes. It looks like pretty
               dull business; but decided to maintain line for two more days. Left
               SANDLANCE in center position and went on down and took position
               occupied by CERO, who had left area.
1200           Noon Posit: 40° 15.2' N.
                         144° 22.5' E.
2040           Exchanged recognition signals on SJ radar with GUARDFISH who had
               come up to join the "LOOTERS".
2055           GUARDFISH came close aboard and passed a line to receive patrol
               dope. Assigned her to the northern position on the scouting line
               until sunset, 21 May, at which time the "LOOTERS" were to take up a
               rotating patrol. Also passed her copies of the dope received from
               CERO.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

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CONFIDENTIAL

21 May
1200 Noon Posit: 40° 33.7' N.
          144° 55.6' E.
1846 Made rendezvous with SANDLANCE and passed her schedule for rotating
     patrol and copies of information received from CERO.
2130 Converted #3 FBT to a ballast tank.

22 May
0110 Enroute to TODO SAKI.
0423 Exchanged signals on SJ radar with U.S.S. TENCH.
0500 Submerged off TODO SAKI.
1200 Noon Posit: 39° 26.8' N.
          142° 06.3' E.
2017 Surfaced. Had sighted no activity except for a few fishing sampans.
2045 SJ radar interference bearing 015° T. Believed it to be the TENCH.

23 May
0426 Submerged off KOBE SAKI.
0930 Sighted Sugar Charlie on opposite course, close inshore. Not able
     to close.
1102 Sighted small patrol yacht on southerly course.
1200 Noon Posit: 39° 12.3' N.
          142° 01.1' E.
2041 Surfaced.
2139 Exchanged recognition and call signs with SANDLANCE on SJ radar.

24 May
0438 Sighted sampan from bridge while approaching O SAKI.
0440 Submerged, approaching O SAKI.
0830 In middle of small fleet of fishing sampans.
1200 Noon Posit: 39° 15.5' N.
          142° 05' E.
1355 Sighted small sailing vessel bearing 202° T., coming up the coast.
     Looked her over hopefully as she sailed by. Too small.
2026 Surfaced. Headed for next area as per schedule.

25 May
0025 SJ radar contact 6900 yards, closing fast. Nothing sighted.
     Contact disappeared in the wave returns.
0239 SJ radar contact 2600 yards. Closed rapidly and was lost in the
     wave returns.
0446 Submerged for trim dive.
0510 Surfaced, continued surface patrol.
0630 SD contact 6 and 15 miles, closing. Submerged.

- 8 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 16 —
CONFIDENTIAL

0919 Surfaced and continued patrol.
1200 Noon Posit: 38° 17' N.
          142° 51.5' E.
1237 Sighted periscope. Maneuvered to avoid.
2200 SJ radar out of commission. Because of heavy fog submerged.
2236 SJ radar back in commission. Surfaced.
2335 SJ radar out of commission.

26 May

0235 TDM contact - possibly a torpedo. Sound man said the screw noises
          were much slower than our steam torpedoes. The TDM trace if for-
          warded herewith as enclosure (C).
0255 SJ still out of commission. Submerged.
0605 SJ radar back in commission.
0932 Surfaced.
1200 Noon Posit: 37° 46' N.
          143° 22.2' E.

27 May

0200 WOLFE, B.D., 556 05 83, GM2c(SS), USNR, reported ill.
0900 WOLFE's condition worse. Diagnosed as acute appendicitis.
1005 Submerged.
1200 Noon Posit: 40° 27.2' N.
          144° 09' E.
1834 Surfaced.

28 May

0947 Received orders to transfer WOLFE to U.S.S. BALAO. Headed for
          rendezvous.
1200 Noon position: 39° 02' N.
          145° 01' E.

29 May

1200 Noon Posit: 34° 08.1' N.
          145° 01.9' E.
1200 Sighted the SANDLANCE, also headed for the BALAO to put over a man.
1250 Sighted BALAO.
1310 Commenced maneuvering close aboard BALAO and effected transfer of
          patient by means of the rubber boat. It was rather a rough ride,
          and certainly not calculated to improve the patient's condition.
          The transfer of a badly injured man by this means would be a most
          doubtful procedure.
1402 Set course back to area.

- 9 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 17 —
CONFIDENTIAL

30 May

0953    Submerged for trim dive.
1025    Surfaced.
'1200   Noon Posit: 37° 31.5' N.
                143° 46.2' E.
1247    Sighted periscope over horizon, bearing 356° T., later identified
        as the SANDLANCE.
1310    SANDLANCE said she had smoke on the horizon and was making an end
        around. Target course estimated to be about 230° T.
1312    Started our own end around on same smoke. Instructed SANDLANCE to
        try to gain position on the further bow of the target as she was
        closer and had more speed.
1510    SANDLANCE disappeared.
1531    Lost smoke contact and turned to last true bearing.
1552    Regained smoke and mast bearing 240° T. Target had gotten around
        us somehow. Changed course to close.
1615    Identified target as a patrol vessel with a very high and prominent
        foremast similar to the one previously sighted by the CERO in this
        vicinity. Apparently patrolling on an east and west line.
1645    Set course back to patrol area.
1850    Sighted what appeared to be gunfire to the westward. Changed course
        toward and increased speed. Surmised that the SANDLANCE might have
        become engaged with the patrol vessel, but received no answer from
        her on WOPACO.
1951    Could make out no further firing or any sign of ships, so resumed
        course to area.

31 May

0450    Heading for patrol area south of HOKKAIDO and west of ERIMO SAKI.
0506    Submerged for trim dive.
0626    Surfaced.
1200    Noon Posit: 40° 30.8' N.
                143° 29.8' E.
1545    Sighted twin engine bomber at 3 - 4 miles, coming in. No SD contact..
        Submerged.
2015    Surfaced. Set course for close in patrol on HOKKAIDO in the morning.

1 June 1945

0045    SJ radar contact 300° T., range 15,000 yards.
0050    Stationed radar tracking party. Tracked target on course 075° T.,
        speed 8 knots.
0101    Lost contact, so changed course to the northward to close the range
        and at the same time work into a position down from the target.
0129    Contact not regained, so turned and ran down the generated bearing
        from the target.
0138    Still no contact, so headed for the last known position of the
        target. Search unsuccessful.

- 10 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 18 —
CONFIDENTIAL

0425 Submerged on course 000° T., 20 miles south of HOKKAIDO.
0950 Sighted "Rufe" class airplane 218° T., distance 3-4 miles.
1200 Noon Posit: 42° 13' N.
           142° 27' E.
1257 Same type plane back again.
1338 Sighted lonesome sampan in toward the shore.
1350 Heard several very distant explosions.
2028 Surfaced.
2315 Received word from TENCH of two tankers coming up the coast of
           HONSHU. Decided to try to intercept just north of SHIRIYA SAKI,
           while TENCH worked south of SHIRIYA SAKI.

2 June

0345 Sighted flashing white light bearing 255° T. - believed to be
           SHIRIYA SAKI light. Visibility very poor.
0355 SJ radar contact 340° T., 3500 yards. Turned away.
0400 Submerged.
0445 Sighted what was believed to be the radar contact - a small SC type
           patrol boat, apparently running a listening patrol.
0446 Rigged for silent running and continued to close coast.
0540 Boat out of sight. Secured from silent running.
0548 Sighted smoke bearing 090° T. Changed course to intercept.
0605 Went to battle stations.
0630 Identified target as a TOSHIMA class coastal mine layer. Decided
           to have a try; despite his small size he was the biggest yet seen.
0644 Fired four Mark 18 torpedoes from the bow tubes (Attack #1-A).
           All missed. Target zigged toward, so at
0650 Fired two remaining tubes forward (Attack #1-B).
0651½ First of six end of run explosions.
0652 Angle on the bow zero. Went deep and rigged for depth charge.
0653 Target plane passed overhead; but, oddly enough, did not drop on us.
0830 Secured from battle stations.
0837 Secured from depth charge and silent running; came up for a look.
           He was still there, but well out of range and going away.
0957 Sighted mine layer again, bearing 308° T., headed south.
1005 Turned back toward - with no hope of getting him, but with the idea
           that he might be going to meet something big.
1018 Sighted small trawler type patrol vessel, 305° T., distance about 4
           miles. Changed course to head for him.
1055 Went to battle stations submerged. Commenced approach.
1058 Rigged for silent running, went deep.
1148 Secured from battle stations.
1200 Noon Posit: 41° 29' N.
           142° 04' E.
1225 Came back up for a look.
1233 All clear. Secured from silent running.
1743 Surfaced. Set course for TODO SAKI.

- 11 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 19 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
3 June
0200  SJ radar interference.  Exchanged recognition signals and call signs with TENCH.
0443  Submerged off TOBO SAKI.
0509  Surfaced - too foggy to close coast.  Decided off coast down toward KINKASAN.
1200  Noon Posit:  39° 19.7' N.
       142° 07.5' E.
2026  Fog lifted.  Submerged and headed in for KINKASAN.
       Surfaced and headed for KOBE SAKI.

4 June
0425  Off KOBE SAKI.  Sighted small sampan near shore.
0430  Submerged.
0850  Sighted small sailing vessel northbound.  Too small and too far.
       Sighted numerous fishing sampans.
1200  Noon Posit:  39° 06.4' N.
       141° 57.4' E.
1250  Sighted smoke bearing 219° T.
1255  Went to battle stations submerged.
1300  Lost target in haze against the shore.
1343  When we had just about given him up, he appeared bearing about
       240° T, well inshore.  He was small and the range was too great,
       but it was a target - Sugar Charlie type freighter of about 700
       tons.
1410  Fired 4 Mark 18 torpedoes forward (Attack #2).  All missed.  No
       end of run explosions.
2018  Surfaced.

5 June
       Planned to try O SAKI today.
0450  Submerged and started closing the coast, hoping thick fog would
       lift.
1200  Noon Posit:  39° 11' N.
       142° 11.5' E.
1257  Fog still too thick to close coast further, so reversed course.
1505  Surfaced.
2130  Departed area in accordance with patrol instructions.

6 June
1200  Noon Posit:  36° 14.2' N.
       145° 00' E.

7 June
1200  Noon Posit:  37° 37' N.
       152° 51' E.
- 12 -
```

— page 20 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL

8 June
    1200  Noon Posit: 36° 52.1' N.
           157° 37.1' E.

9 June
    1200  Noon Posit: 35° 16.2' N.
           164° 15.7' E.

10 June
    1200  Noon Posit: 32° 51.3' N.
           172° 07.8' E.

11 June
    1200  Noon Posit: 30° 56.5' N.
           177° 16.2' E.

11 June
    1200  Noon Posit: 27° 58.5' N.
           177° 56' W.
           1425  Made contact with escort planes.
           1634  Arrived Midway.

12 June to 16 June
    Enroute from Midway to Pearl Harbor.

- 13 -
ENCLOSURE (A)
```

— page 22 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
                             TITLE & DATE
NO.  |  TIME & DATE  |  LATITUDE  |  LONGITUDE  |  TYPE  |  SHIP CONTACTS
-----|||||
  12 |               |            |             |        |
  11 |  10          |  9         |  8          |  7     |  6
     |  0045       |  0045      |  1237      |  5     |  4
     |  1026      |  5/25      |  5/30      |  5/24  |  5/23
     |  1535      |  5/25      |  5/30      |  5/24  |  5/23
     |  2200      |  6/1       |  6/2       |  12° 2'  |  12° 3.5' E

— page 23 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

Frequent contacts were made with night flying planes in the KII SUIDO area. Their nuisance value is high, but otherwise they do not appear to be particularly effective.

Daytime air patrols appear to be infrequent; and very few aircraft were encountered, day or night, in areas one, two, and three.

(H) ATTACK DATA

U.S.S. TORSK (SS423) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1-A PATROL NO. 1
Time: 0642 Date: 6/2/45 Lat: 410 27' N Long: 1410 41' E.

                       TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: Contact on an unescorted minelayer of the TOSHIMA class was made by periscope. Visibility was about 10,000 yards.

Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or Probably sunk: None.
TARGET DRAFT: 7 feet. COURSE: 350° T. SPEED: 9 knots. RANGE: 1910 yards.

                       OWN SHIP DATA

SPEED: 3.5 knots. COURSE: 055° T. DEPTH: 60 feet. ANGLE: 2° down.

                       FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack: Target was tracked using periscope bearings and ranges. An attempt was made to obtain ST radar ranges without success. Firing was by the hold bearing method for first torpedo. A check bearing was introduced after the second torpedo.

Tubes Fired -  | #1      | #2      | #3      | #4      |
Track Angle    | 124° P  | 125° P  | 129° P  | 131° P  |
Gyro Angle     | 350     | 350     | 346     | 343     |
Depth Set      | 4       | 4       | 4       | 4       |
Temp. of       |         |         |         |         |
electrolyte    | 60      | 60      | 60      | 60      |
Temp. of       |         |         |         |         |
Injection      | 48      | 48      | 48      | 48      |
Hit or miss    | Miss    | Miss    | Miss    | Miss    |
Torpedo Speed  | 27.0    | 27.0    | 27.0    | 27.0    |
Beryl          | 10      | 10      | 10      | 10      |
No. Torpedo    | 18-2    | 18-2    | 18-2    | 18-2    |
Serial No.     | 99447   | 99773   | 99632   | 99559   |
Max. Culoider   | 8-7     | 8-7     | 8-7     | 8-7     |
Serial No.     | 15820   | 15963   | 11144    | 15959   |
Actuation Set  | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
Actuation Actual | --    | --      | --      | --      |

- 16 -

ENCLOSURE (A)
```

— page 24 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL

Duration of Run - 6 min. 55 sec.  6 min. 48 sec.  6 min. 57 sec.  6 min. 57 sec. -
Mark Warned - 18-2  18-2  18-2  18-2
Serial No. - 5255  5430  5404  5234
Explosive - Torpex  Torpex  Torpex  Torpex
Firing interval - 14  13  12
Type Spread - Divergent  Divergent  Divergent
Amount Spread - 20 L  20 R  20 R
Sea Condition - 2  2  2
Overall Activity - Pearl Harbor  Pearl Harbor  Pearl Harbor  Pearl Harbor
Remarks - Torpedoes were tracked by sound and ran straight. Misses were probably due to the use of too high a target speed.

U.S.S. TORSK (SS423) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1-B PATROL NO. 1
Time: 0649 Date: 6/2/45 Lat: 410 27' N Long: 1400 41' E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: Same as Torpedo Attack No. 1-4.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or sunk: None.
TURB DRAFT: 7 feet. COURSE: 2400. SPEED: 6 knots. RANGE: 1550 yards.

CNN SHIP DATA

SPEED: 3.5 knots. COURSE: 0180. DEPTH: 60 feet. ANGLE: 20 down.

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack: Target zigged toward after attack 1-A. Estimate of target speed was reduced after first four torpedoes missed. First torpedo fired on hold bearing method.

Tubes Fired - #5  P  #6
Track Angle - 402 P  402F
Gyro Angle - 001  001
D. R. - 4  4
Number of Electrolyte - 60  60
Number of Injection - 48  48
Torpedo Miss - miss  miss
Torpedo Speed - 27.3  27.3
Evasive - No  No
Mark Torpedo - 18-2  18-2
Coastal No. - 999894  995554
Mark Exploder - 8-7  8-7
Serial No. - 15947  11604
Actuation Set - Contact  Contact
Actuation Actual -
Duration of Run - 6 min. 52 sec.  7 min. 22 sec.
Mark Warned - 18-2  18-2
Serial No. - 5271  5516
- 17 -
ENCLOSURE (A)
```

— page 25 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
Explosive -                Torpex                     Torpex
Firing Interval -          13                         None
Type Spread -              None                       None
Sea Condition -            2                          2
Overhaul Activity -        Pearl Harbor               Pearl Harbor
Remarks -                 Torpedoes ran straight. Reason for misses not
                          known.

U.S.S. TORSK (SS423)      TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2       PATROL NO. 1
Time: 1332                Date: 6/4/45                Lat: 39° 13.5' N
                                                       Long: 141° 57.5' E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: A column of smoke was sighted by periscope. Target proved
to be a small, unescorted, coastal freighter of about 700 tons.
Visibility was 11,000 yards in direction of first sighting, but was
very hazy in toward the shore. None.

Ship(s) Sunk:              None.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably sunk:            None.
TARGET DRAFT: 8 feet.    COURSE: 010° T.  SPEED: 6 knots. RANGE: 3150 yards.

OWN SHIP DATA

SPEED: 3.5 knots.        COURSE: 320° T.  DEPTH: 60 feet.  ANGLE: 10° down.

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack: The approach was made by periscope ranges and bearings. After
sighting at about 12,000 yards, the target was lost in the haze next to
the shore and not seen again until the range had closed to 4000 yards.
It was not possible to close to less than 3100 yards. Firing was by the
hold bearing method for first torpedo and check bearing method for
subsequent torpedoes.

Tubes Fired -              #1          #2          #3          #4
Track Angle -              110 S      112 S      111 S      113 S
Gyro Angle -               340        343½       340        343½
Depth Set -                6 feet     6 feet     6 feet     6 feet
Temp. of
  electrolyte -            60         60         60         60
Temp. of
  injection -              48         48         48         48
Hit or Miss -             Miss       Miss       Miss       Miss
Torpedo Speed -           27.2      27.2       27.2      27.2
Erratic -                 No         No         No         No
Mark Torpedo -            18-2      18-2       18-2      18-2
S. mal No. -              99367      99571      99645      99931
Actuation Set -           Contact    Contact     Contact    Contact
Actuation Actual -        None       None       None       None
Mark Exploder -           8-7        8-7        8-7        8-7
- 18 -
ENCLSOURE (A)
```

— page 30 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL

Its use as a TDM throws a heavy strain on this equipment and this installation has not stood up under it too well.

No unusual sound conditions were encountered.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS.

Bathythermograph data taken in KII SUIDO and on the East Coast of HONSHU, from 34° 08.5' N to 42° 01' N, from 3 May 1945 to 5 June 1945, indicate that during this period the water along the Coast is generally isothermal to 400 feet. Two notable exceptions were encountered: (1) 1900 Z, 24 May, Latitude 38° 34.6' N, Longitude 142° 48.2' E, temperature drop from 57° F. to 42° F. between 140 feet and 280 feet, and (2) 1850 Z, 4 June, Latitude 39° 17.6' N, Longitude 142° 22.1' E, temperature drop from 50° F. to 41° F. between 60 feet and 200 feet.

An unusual condition worthy of note was encountered on a dive made at 1330 Z, 3 June, at Latitude 39° 05.5' N, Longitude 142° 14.81' E. The temperature dropped from 49° F. at 60 feet to 43.5° F. at 180 feet, increased to 46° F. at 250 feet, and dropped again to 41° F. at 390 feet. This layer of warmer water between 200 feet and 250 feet strongly indicated a stratum of more saline water at this depth.

(Q) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY.

The health of the crew was very good. Only two cases involved any loss of time:
1 Alveolar Abscess - 5 days.
1 Appendicitis Acute - Transferred to U.S.S. BALAo after 3 days.

Food and habitability were satisfactory.

(Q) PERSONNEL.
a. Men detached after previous patrol - 0
b. Men on board during patrol - 80 *
c. Men qualified at start of patrol - 45
d. Men qualified at end of patrol - 78
e. Unqualified men making 1st patrol - 35

All officers and enlisted men were competent, and their performance of duty under combat conditions was satisfactory.

-23- ENCLOSURE (4)
```

— page 31 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
(R) LILES STALLED - FUEL USED.                       LILES (R.P.)
                                                      FUEL USED
Pearl to Guam                                      3857          54020
Guan to area                                       1474          20890
In area                                            6438          52375
Area to Midway                                     2516          30600
Midway to Pearl                                    1261          18900

(S) DURATION.
Days enroute to area  18
Days in area  34
Days enroute to base 12
Days submerged 19

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING.
Torpedoes                                         Fuel          Provisions     Personnel
15 and 4                                         7700 gal.     20 days       10 days
Limiting factor this patrol - Operation Order.

(U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR, AND SOUND COUNTERMEASURES.
RADAR COUNTERMEASURES
(1) A tabulation of radar signals intercepted follows:

- 24 -  ENCLOSURE (A)
```

— page 34 —
```
JUBILEE SQUADRON TEN
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
11/rhb

18 June 1945

FC5-10/16-3
Serial: 0105
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. TORSK (SS423) -
Report of War Patrol
Number ONE.

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

Subject: U.S.S. TORSK (SS423) - Report of First War Patrol.

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

2. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers, and crew upon the completion of that vessel's First War Patrol.

[G. H. PETERSON]
```

— page 35 —
```
COMMANDER SUBMARINE DIVISION: ONE HUNDRED ONE
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.
18 June 1945

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

End-1 to U.S.S. TORSK
War Patrol No. ONR.

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

Subject: U.S.S. TORSK (SS342), Report of War Patrol number ONR.

1. The first war patrol of the U.S.S. TORSK was conducted in KII SUIDO and off the Northeastern Coast of HONSHU, and was of 64 days duration, 34 days being spent in the straits.

2. The Torsk spent several days in KII SUIDO on life guard services but was afforded no rescue opportunities.

3. The Commanding Officer of the Torsk acted as group commander of several submarines while off the Northeast Coast of HONSHU. Although area coverages was through very few contacts worthy of torpedo fire resulted.

4. On 2 June a TOSHIMA class mine layer was contacted and a submerged attack made. Four Mk.18-2 torpedoes were fired from a range of 1910 yards on an average track of 1260 port with error of about 3470. Unfortunately all torpedoes missed. Shortly thereafter the enemy ship zigged toward and the two remaining torpedoes were fired at a range of 1550 yards, track angle 140° port, and angle 001°. Again all torpedoes missed.

5. About midday on 4 June sight contact was made on an SC type freighter of about 700 tons and a submerged attack made. Four Mk.18-2 torpedoes were fired on an average track of 110°, true angle 341°, range 3150 yards. All torpedoes missed probably due to the long range and small size of enemy ship.

6. The Torsk returned from patrol clean, shipshape and in very good material condition. The ST radar will be thoroughly checked. The failure of the lock plate of the vertical drive shaft of #1 main engine is considered to have been due to personnel. Certain new equipment will be installed on the Torsk which will probably lengthen her refit somewhat.

7. The Commander Submarine Division One Hundred One congratulates the Commanding Officer, Officers, and crew on the completion of this long patrol and regrets the lack of more suitable enemy targets. He wishes the Torsk better hunting next time.

L.D. McGREGOR, Jr.
```

— page 36 —
```
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)  SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01637
CONFIDENTIAL
RELEASED  N/A
TORPEDO Report of
First War Patrol.
COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 795
U.S.S. TORSK - 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. TORSK (SS423) - Report of First War Patrol
(15 April to 16 June 1945).

1.  The first war patrol of the TORSK, under the command of Commander E.
Z. Levellen, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the Hii Suido and off the northeastern
coast of Honshu. The TORSK, U.S.S. CERO, and U.S.S. SANDLANCE formed a coordinated
attack group during part of the patrol, with the commanding officer of the TORSK
as the group commander.

2.  But two contacts worthy of torpedo fire were made during this long,
arduous patrol, one a TOSHIHA mine layer, and the other a small freighter. Un-
fortunately, the attacks delivered on these small targets were unsuccessful.
During her several days of lifeguard duty in Hii Suido the TORSK was afforded no
opportunity to effect rescue. The Force Commander wishes the TORSK better luck
next time.

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

[MERRILL CO:STOCK]

DISTRIBUTION:  (Complete Roster)
Cominch                     (7)
CNO                         (6)
Cincpac                     (5)
J1FQOA                      (1)
AdFQOA                      (1)
Comsubpac                   (1)
Cinclant                    (1)
Comsublant                  (2)
S/S School, NL             (2)
CO, S/M Base, PE           (2)
Comspace                    (1)
Comsubpac                   (1)
Comsub'br'tl (Fwd Echelon)  (2)
Comsub'br'tl (Rear Echelon) (2)
Comrotnac                   (1)
Comsubpac                   (3)
Comsub'br'addComd          (20)

[SIGNATURE: W. S. LANGLEY]
Asst. Flag Secretary.
```

— page 37 —
```
U.S.S. TORSK (SS423)
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.
9 September 1945

SBL23/116-3
Serial (018)
DECLASSIFIED
BY: [STAMP: G. A. G. L. M. K.]
DATE: [HANDWRITTEN: 6/10/45]

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. TORSK (SS423).
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (Official Channels).

Subject: U.S.S. TORSK (SS423), Report of War Patrol Number TWO.
Enclosures:
(A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the second war patrol of this vessel conducted in the JAPAN SEA during the period 17 July 1945 to 9 September 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: B. E. L. M. L.]
```

— page 39 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL

3 August
  1123(K) Sighted B-29 on a southerly course with one engine stopped and smoking. No response on VHF.
  1230(K) Position: Lat. 17° 02' N.
                Long. 144° 19' E.

4 August
  1200(K) Position: Lat. 20° 51' N.
                Long. 140° 18' E.
  1750(K) Sighted U. S. Submarine on southerly course. Unable to exchange calls.

5 August
  1200(K) Position: Lat. 24° 36' N.
                Long. 193° 24' E.
  1305(K) Submerged for QLA training.
  1358(K) Surfaced.

6 August
  1011(K) Parted company with U.S.S. DEVILFISH.
  1200(K) Position: Lat. 29° 13' N.
                Long. 138° 36' E.
  1306(K) Submerged for QLA training.
  1408(K) Surfaced.
  1730(K) Sighted U.S.S. HADDOCK on northerly course. Held radar tracking drill.

7 August
  1200(K) Position: Lat. 29° 12' N.
                Long. 133° 10' E.

8 August
  0240(K) SD contact 3 miles. Submerged.
  0305(K) Surfaced.
  0428(K) SD contact 3½ miles. Submerged.
  0449(K) Surfaced.
  0809(K) Maneuvered to avoid TME contact.
  1134(K) SD contact 6 miles, closing. Submerged.
  1200(K) Position: Lat. 30° 35' N.
                Long. 128° 49' E.
  1230(K) Surfaced.
  1325(K) SD contact 5 miles, closing. Submerged. Held QLA training.
  Surfaced. Heard report of downed aviators northwest of TAKARA Island, on lifeguard frequency (4475 kc's). Also heard U.S.S. BLACKFISH directed to that location. Asked BLACKFISH if we could be of any assistance. Aviators were soon rescued by "DULABO", so continued on toward patrol area.
- 2 -
ENCLOSURE (A)
```

— page 40 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL

1857(K) Sighted unidentified U. S. Submarine on the horizon. Probably U.S.S. POLIFRET proceeding to lifeguard station.
1950(K) San floating mine with 30 caliber rifle and 50 caliber machine gun fire.
2257(K) SD contact, 4 miles, closing. Submerged.
2318(K) Surfaced.

9 August
0615(K) Commenced submerged patrol.
1200(K) Position: Lat. 33° 30' H; Long. 127° 54' E.
1328(K) Surfaced and put over sonar target.
1531(K) Submerged for PLA dress rehearsal.
1568(K) Surfaced and retrieved sonar target.
1809(K) Resumed submerged patrol. Good TDM contact on diving. Went deep to avoid possible torpedo.
2000(K) Changed time to minus nine zone's time. All following times are ZT(1) unless otherwise noted.
1959 Surfaced.
2032

10 August
0007 SD contact 5 miles. Submerged.
0055 Surfaced.
0123 SD contact 10 miles. Closed to 4 miles. Submerged.
0140 Surfaced.
0420 Surfaced. 'See Special Report for details.'
1326 Surfaced to fix position.
1335 Submerged.
2000 ST and sight contact on unidentified ship (Ship Contact No. 1) on course 357° T., speed 9 knots. This fellow should have been complimented on having such a good helmsman; his course plotted in a perfectly straight line, with great reluctance, avoided in accordance with OpOrd.
2055 Surfaced and set course for new area.
2059 SD contact 18 miles.

11 August
0140 SD contact 7½ miles. Closed to 5 miles. Submerged.
0210 Surfaced.
0230 Picked up SJ radar interference bearing 042° T. No contact.
0545 Submerged.
0614 Sighted object bearing 096° T., range 6,000 yards, and commenced to close.
0735 Object identified as [UNCLEAR: best guess]. Surfaced and picked up six Japanese merchant seamen (as they said), survivors from a small incident, the KOUDAI MARU, which had been sunk four days before by four U. S. fighter planes north of Christmas Island.
0815 Picked up one additional survivor from the same ship, on a piece
```

— page 41 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
of wreckage.  Prisoners all seemed to be in a remarkably good
physical condition for having been adrift for four days.
Position:  Lat.  360 26' N.
          Long.  1320 001' E.
1200
Explored floating mine with 20 rounds of 40MM.
1320
Entered area and submerged to routine torpedoes.
1932
Surfaced.
2313
Cleared TORSK Serial One and set course for DOGO Island.

12 August
0432
Submerged 10 miles East of DOGO Island.  Set course for SAIGO KO.
0629
Sighted smoke bearing 226° T.  Smoke soon disappeared and nothing
more sighted.
0752
Sighted masts and stack of small freighter (Ship Contact No. 2),
bearing 326° T., range 12,000 yards, standing southward along the
East Coast of DOGO Island.
0809
Went to battle stations.  Sea glassy, calm.
0827
Fired two torpedoes aft for one hit (Attack No. 1).
0830
Target sank with a large down angle.  A number of survivors were
seen on a piece of wreckage after the target had gone down.  Took
pictures and opted to seaward without opposition or retribution.
1200
Position:  Lat.  360 23.5' N.
          Long.  133° 351' 3.
1715
Surfaced and set course for ANDO SAKI.

13 August
0930
Sighted YEHIZE SAKI light bearing 150° T., distant 30 miles.
0445
Submerged for patrol off ANDO SAKI.  Sighted numerous small
fishing boats during the morning.
1125
Sighted enemy fuel/oil barge on a northerly course.
1200
Position:  Lat.  360 11' N.
          Long.  136° 22' E.
1400
Sighted small freighter (Ship Contact No. 3) bearing 193° T., hull
down, on a northerly course.
1418
Went to battle stations and commenced approach, target closely
hugging the shore.
1444
Fired three torpedoes from the bow tubes for one hit (Attack No. 2).
Took pictures until
1449
Target sank.  Commenced opening to seaward.
1543
Sighted smoke on the horizon bearing 060° T., believed to be from
KOMATSU.
1556
Sighted enemy aircraft on course 100° T.
1642
Sighted medium freighter (Ship Contact No. 4) bearing 143° T., on
a southerly course, escorted by a "HEAVY" bomber.  Now too far off
shore to close this target.
1836
Sighted smoke on the horizon bearing 121° T.
1850
Sighted masts of a medium AK (Ship Contact #5) following the Coast
on a southerly course.
```

— page 42 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL

1919 Surfaced and set out, in pursuit of second AK, hoping to intercept him at YICHIEZ SAKI. Commenced jamming in charge with one engine and the auxiliary, and going ahead full on the other three engines.
2000 Target bearing 155° T., range 18,000 yards, huge; the Coast.
2020 Sighted seven white lights with laser proved to be the light of about seventy-five fishing boats off YICHIEZ SAKI.
2054 Went to battle stations and commenced surface approach, madly zig-zagging through the fishing fleet. Had hoped to be able to make a submerged approach, as a first quarter moon had not yet set and visibility (in our direction) was altogether too good; but time did not permit, if the attack was to be made before the target entered YAKASA WAN.
2104 Made radar contact on a second target bearing 180° T., range 9,800 yards.
2106 Sighted second target (Ship Contact No. 6), an escort vessel, closing rapidly on the starboard bow.
2106 SD radar contact at two miles. This was a separate "pip" from the land which blanked out the SD screen from four to sixteen miles.
2111 With the escort at 2500 yards just forward of the starboard beam, fired four torpedoes from the bow tubes with a run of 3,200 yards (Attack No. 3). No hits. With the beach two miles away, turned to see if we could outrun the escort, and get back out to deep water again.
2137 After laying run through the fishing fleet again, outdistanced the escort, and circled back to see if we could pick up our target. No sign of the target, which must have gone on into YAKASA WAN. Set course for ALAMBI SAKI.

14 August
0435 Submerged 10 miles off ALAMBI SAKI and commenced closing the Coast.
0728 Sighted smoke bearing 229° T.
0801 Sighted two small coastal freighters (Ship Contacts No. 7 and 8) starting eastward along the Coast. Still too far off the show to close these ships.
1205 Heard echo ranging on the "J" bearing 109° T.
1006 Sighted medium freighter (Ship Contact No. 9) and escort frigate (Ship Contact No. 10), bearing 109° T., range 12,000 yards, on a westerly course. The freighter appeared to be on the target of the night before. The escort was on the starboard bow of the freighter and will to starboard. Commenced closing freighter.
1021 Went to battle stations and commenced attack. The freighter turned to enter NASHI KO, bending on all possible speed. Continued on in after the freighter.
1103 The freighter appeared to have stopped at the entrance to the harbor. Thought we might set him for a sitting duck; but just as we were getting ready to shoot, he was headed slowly again, entering the harbor.
1106 Fired two torpedoes from the bow tubes (Attack No. 4).
1108 One torpedo exploded prematurely. It probably struck the shoal spot at harbor entrance, or possibly a torpedo net, if there was one. No hits.

- 5 -
ENCLOSURE (A)
```

— page 43 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL

1109  Turned to open to seaward slightly, before we also entered port.
1126  The freighter turned broadside to. Commenced working around into
       position to line him up with the entrance channel to the harbor.
1136  The freighter swung on around with his bow pointed toward the
       entrance. There was no chance of getting him not until he came
       around. Turned to open to seaward and a little more water.
1150  Echo ranging on the JK at 290° T. Apparently reinforcements were
       arriving.
1200  Position: Lat. 35° 41' N.
       Long. 134° 32' 5.5" E.
1209  Sighted a second frigate (Ship Contact No. 11) and commenced
       approach.
1214  Escort appeared to make contact with echo ranging and turned
       toward.
1220  Went to deep submergence and rigged for depth charge and silent
       running.
1245  JK picked up more echo ranging at 090° T. Reinforcements were
       still arriving.
1305  Commenced evasive tactics to avoid the A/S vessel which appeared
       to have made contact with echo ranging.
1327  Came to periscope depth. Sighted single-float seaplane circling
       close to our position, turn to 150 feet.
1349  Came to periscope depth. Sighted small patrol vessel still
       searching in the vicinity of our last attack (Ship Contact No. 12).
1355  Secured from battle stations and silent running.
1454  Heard seven distant depth charges, apparently a fee saving
       gesture. Patrol vessel no longer in sight.
1816  Sighted two-engine bomber on westerly course.
1940  Surfaced and set course for HOTO Peninsula.

15 August
0950  Received "Cease Firing" order and commenced off shore patrol.
       Sighted abandoned life boat, tentatively identified as having
       belonged to the USS TEMERAL, removed name plate for positive
       identification.
1200  Position: Lat. 38° 16' 5.5" N.
       Long. 135° 19' 5.2" E.
1302  Held trawler notice on life boat, which refused to sink although
       very much damaged.
1402  Submerged.
1455  Surfaced.
2215  Fitting in hydraulic line to negative flood carried away in the
       magazine. (See material defects).

16 August
0811  Sighted drifting mine and sank same with .30 caliber rifle fire.
0926  Submerged.
1200  Position: Lat. 36° 00' 2" N.
       Long. 136° 16' 8" E.
1500  Surfaced.
1805  Exploded drifting mine.
- 6 -
ENCLOSURE (A)
```

— page 44 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL

17 August
0916    Submerged.
1200    Position: 36° 26' N. (Lat.)
        135° 19' E. (Long.)
1533    Surfaced.
1564    SD contact 5 miles, closing. Submerged.
1547    Surfaced.
1900    SD contact 5 miles. Submerged.
1922    Surfaced.

18 August
0907    Submerged.
1200    Position: Lat. 36° 21' N.
        Long. 136° 57' E.
1503    Surfaced and set course for LITUNZ ZAKI on NICOT Peninsula.

19 August
0046    SJ contact on three ships bearing 180° T., distance 16000 yards (Ship Contact No. 13).
0410    Submerged off NICOT Peninsula to conduct submerged patrol to investigate enemy activity. The ships contacted by radar were two freighters and an escort on course 340° T., speed 10.
1300    Sighted medium freighter bearing 310° T. (Ship Contact No. 14).
1045    Sighted DE bearing 177° T. (Ship Contact No. 15).
1200    Position: Lat. 37° 25' N.
        Long. 137° 51' E.
1403    Sighted three small freighters and escort hull down, bearing 310° T. (Ship Contact No. 16). One of the small AK's closed to 4000 yards, then stopped for about five minutes during which time we took pictures of him.
1815    Surfaced.
1842    Sighted smoke bearing 253° T.
1855    Sighted masts of two ships bearing 210° T. (Ship Contact No. 17).

20 August
0706    Master gyro follow-up system out of commission. Commence steering by auxiliary (See Material Defects).
0715    Gyro back in commission.
1200    Position: Lat. 39° 25' N.
        Long. 135° 06' E.
1515    Sighted boat on horizon which was later identified as another lifeboat of the TENZIN MARU. Destroyed boat with 50 caliber fire.
1555    Exploded drifting mine.
2313    Sighted empty lifeboat. Decided to return tomorrow to investigate.
```

— page 45 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
21 August
0658    Exploded drifting mine.
1200    Position: Lat. 37° 43' N.
        Long. 135° 43' E.
1320    Sighted large drifting buoy. Sunk same with 5" and 40MM guns.
1627    Exploded drifting mine.
1800    Sighted empty lifeboat which was seen last night. No identification marks were found. Sank same width fire axe.

22 August
0558    Exploded drifting mine.
1200    Position: Lat. 39° 46' N.
        Long. 136° 40' E.

23 August
0307    SJ contact bearing 310° T., range 17300 yards (Ship Contact No. 18).
        Tracked target at course 070° T., speed 12.
0424    Lost contact at 16000 yards.
1200    Position: Lat. 37° 51' N.
        Long. 135° 27' E.

24 August
0745    Submerged.
1200    Position: 38° 06' W. (Lat.)
        136° 15' E. (Long.)
1658    Surfaced.

25 August
0540    Sighted masts bearing 209° T. (Ship Contact No. 19).
0832    Submerged.
1200    Position: Lat. 36° 59' N.
        Long. 135° 10' E.
1513    Surfaced.

26 August
0607    Submerged.
1200    Position: Lat. 37° 22' N.
        Long: 135° 11' E.
1500    Surfaced.

27 August
0401    SD contact 4 miles, closing. Submerged for patrol off [HANDWRITTEN: ZOHIZEN] SAKI.
- 8 -
ENCLOSURE (A)
```

— page 46 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL

1200  Position: Lat: 35° 56' N
      Long: 135° 17' E.
1450  Surfaced and proceeded up coast to a point three miles off
      ANDO SAKI. Saw nothing except a couple of sharpens and a good
      view of the beach which was recorded on several rolls of film.
2320  SD contact. Submerged.
2344  Surfaced.

26 August
0833  Submerged.
1200  Position: Lat: 36° 29' N.
      Long: 135° 33' E.
1455  Surfaced.

29 August
0505  Exploded drifting mine.
0900  Submerged.
1200  Position: Lat: 38° 27' N.
      Long: 137° 17' E.
1500  Surfaced.

30 August
0811  Submerged.
1200  Position: Lat: 36° 38' N.
      Long: 135° 07' E.
1500  Surfaced.

31 August
0057  Submerged.
1200  Position: Lat: 37° 00' N.
      Long: 135° 11' E.
1505  Surfaced.
1906  Sighted torpedo wake bearing 250° Relative. Maneuvered to avoid.
      End TDL contact.

1 September
0710  Submerged.
1200  Position: Lat: 37° 00' N.
      Long: 135° 11' E.
1500  Surfaced.
      Received message directing return to GUAM.

2 September
0530  Sighted piece of wreckage of sen truck. Salvaged half of the
      steering wheel.

- 9 -
ENCLSOURE (A)
```

— page 47 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
0806    Sighted drifting mine.
1001    Sighted PBY plane and established recognition by VHF.
1200    Position: Lat. 360 33' N.
        Long. 1320 19' E.
1619    Sighted U.S.S. PARGO and joined company.
1708    Submerged for trim dive.
        Surfaced.

3 September
0320    SJ contact bearing 215° T., range 8500 yards. Changed course to avoid.
0445    SJ contact bearing 280° T., range 3300 yards. Changed course to avoid.
0520    Sighted submarine bearing 016° T., range 12,400 yards. Exchanged calls with U.S.S. STICKLEBACK (SS-415).
0616    Sighted sea truck bearing 267° T., range 9000 yards, heading for FUSAI HARBOR. Closed to investigate and found it loaded with men in uniform and several women and children.
0700    Commenced transit of TSUSHIMA STRAIT through channel between NORI SCHU, TOKA DO, DAIKMYOSHI TO, AND KOREA Mainland.
        Position: Lat. 3446 06' N.
        Long: 128° 13' E.
1200    Position: Lat. 290 48' N.
        Long. 125° 13' E.

4 September
1200    Position: Lat. 290 48' N.
        Long. 125° 13' E.

5 September
1200    Position: Lat. 240 56' N.
        Long. 126° 10' E.

6 September
1200    Position: Lat. 200 15' N.
        Long: 128° 51' E.

7 September
1200    Position: Lat. 170 29' N.
        Long: 134° 10' E.

8 September
1200    Position: Lat. 140 45' R.
        Long: 139° 35' E.

9 September
        Arrived APIA HARBOR, GUAL.
- 10
```

— page 48 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL

(C) WEATHER

The weather during the first two weeks off the West Coast of HONSHU was characterized by calm seas, cloudless skies, and light north-easterly winds. On August 26, 27, and 28 a south-westerly wind caused rough seas reaching condition 4.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

Tides and currents observed along the West Coast of HONSHU in the vicinity of MOTO Peninsula were generally negligible. The small current encountered was northeasterly in direction.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

During most of the patrol, celestial fixes could be obtained. On the few days this was not possible, Loran Station 441 was of great help in determining the longitude. This station could be received every night in the area.

The following navigational lights were observed burning with their normal characteristics as shown in the Light List:

YOCHIZEN SAKI
HAIDO KO
SAHAYAMA SAKI
KYOGA MISAKI
HEGURA

The following lights were observed to be extinguished:

MITSU SHIEA
LAKINO SHIEA
YOTO JARSU
SHERA SAKI
LAIKINO KO
AJINO KO
SHIBAYAMA KO

- 11 -
ENCLOSURE (A)
```

— page 50 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL

(C) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

Enroute to the Area, we were forced to dive eight times by unidentified SD contacts. In the Area, only eight aircraft were contacted, four by SD and four visually. One of the four sighted visually was a B-17 escorting a freighter, one a four-engine bomber on patrol, and the other two, a B-24 and a single-float plane, appeared after an attack.

(H) ATTACK DATA

U.S.S. TORSK (SS423) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 2
Time: 0830(I) Date: 12 August 1945 Lat: 36° 15' 30" N Long: 123° 27' E

                       TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: Target was a single unescorted "Sugar Charlie" coastal freighter. Contact was made by periscope. Visibility was fair to good, hazy on horizon.
Ship(s) sunk: One small Ak (1500 tons) (30).
Ship(s) damaged or probably sunk: None.
Damage determined by: Saw torpedo hit and ship sink.

                       TARGET DRAFT: 8 feet. COURSE: 156° T. SPEED: 6 Kts. RANGE: 1100 (at firing).

                       CHT SHIP DATA
SPEED: 2.5 Kts. COURSE: 070° T. DEPTH: 65 feet. ANGLE: 0°

                       FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack: Submerged daylight periscope attack. Ranges by ST radar from 2700 yards to 1300 yards. Fired on check bearings.

- 13 -
EXCLUSION (A)
```

— page 51 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL

Tubes Fired -                       #8                     #9
Track Angle -                      364° P                 364° P
Gyro Angle -                       191°                   193°
Torpedo run -                      1050 (38 secs.)        1050
Depth Set -                        4 feet                 4 feet
Power -                            High                   High
Hit or Miss -                      Hit                    Miss
Erratic -                          No                     No
Mark Torpedo -                     14-3A                  14-3A
Serial No. -                       667747                 648886
Mark Exploder -                    6-6                    6-5
Serial No. -                       33569                  37309
Actuation Set -                    Contact                Contact
Actuation Actual -                 Contact                Contact
Mark Warhead -                     16-1                   16-1
Serial No. -                       20327                  29295
Explosive -                        Torpex                 Torpex
Firing Interval -                  11 sec.               11 sec.
Type Spread -                      Divergent              Divergent
Amount Spread -                    1° L                   1° R
Sea Condition -                    0                      Glassy - no swell

(overhauling Activity -            U. S. Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

Remarks: The first torpedo was, through error, fired about a ship's length ahead of the Mof, in addition to the one degree spread. Since this torpedo hit in the bow, it would appear that the target was making slightly higher speed, although it tracked perfectly at six knots.
```

— page 52 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. TORSK (SS423)  TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2  PATROL NO. 2
Time: 1444(I)  Date: 13 August 1945  Lat: 36° 16' N  Long: 136° 08' E

                             TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description:  Target was a single unescorted "Sugar Charlie" coastal
freighter.  It was picked up by periscope while submerged.
Visibility was good, but target was hard to see against
the land background.
One small AK (1500 tons)(EX).

Ship(s) sunk:  None.
Ship(s) damaged or probably sunk:  None.
Damage inflicted by:  Torpedo was seen to hit and ship later seen to sink.

TARGET DRAFT:  10 feet.  COURSE:  055° T.  SPEED:  7 knots.  RANGE:  2530 (at firing)

                             OTHER SHIP DATA
SPEED:  3.5 knots.  COURSE:  110° T.  DEPTH:  65 feet.  ANGLE:  0°

                             FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack:  Submerged daylight attack using periscope bearings and ranges.
Fired first torpedo on a hold bearing with a check bearing
between second and third torpedoes.

- 15 -  ENCLOSURE (A)
```

— page 53 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL

Tubes Fired -                #6          #5          #4
Track Angle -                100° P      990° P      100° P
Gyro Angle -                 025°        020°        025°
Torpedo run -                2550        2550        2550 (Min. 42 sec.)
Depth Set -                  6 feet      6 feet      6 feet
Power -                      High        high        high
Hit or Miss -                Miss        Miss        Hit
Erratic -                    No          No          No
Mark Torpedo -               14-3A       14-3A       14-3A
Serial No. -                 64890       63528       66787
Mark Exploder -              10-3        10-3        6-5
Serv. No. -                  695         791         13834
Acquisition -                Contact & Influence  Contact & Influence  Contact
Marking Method -             16-1        16-1        16-1
Serial No. -                 20022       20145       22927
Beryl -                      Torpex      Torpex      Torpex
Firing Interval -            ---         8 Sec.      14 Sec.
Type Spread -                ---         Divergent    Divergent
Amount Spread -              0°          10° L       10° R
Sea Condition -              1          1
Overhauling Activity -       U. S. Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T. H.

Remarks: Target speeded up and turned to avoid. Torpedo hit
warships.
```

— page 54 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. TORSK (SS423)      TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3    PATROL NO. 2
Time: 2113(1)            Date: 13 August 1945     Lat: 36° 00.0' N
Long: 135° 57' E

                       TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description:
Target was a single unescorted medium AK sighted while submerged, but too distant to close. Upon surfacing, an end around run and night surface attack were made. Assigné escort appeared during the attack. First quarter moon had not yet set and visibility was good, although target could not be seen against the land background.
None.

Ship(s) sunk:
Ship(s) damaged or probably sunk: None

TARGET DRAFT: 18 feet.  COURSE: 208° T.  SPEED: 9.5 knots.  RANGE: 2900
(At firing)

                       ENEMY SHIP DATA
SPEED: 16.5 knots.
COURSE: 140° T.  DEPTH: Surfaced.  ANGLE: 0°

                       FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack: Night Radar Attack; using 3" Radar ranges and bearings. First three torpedoes fired on generated bearings, and check bearing introduced between third and fourth torpedo.

- 17. --
```

— page 55 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL

Tubes Fired -        #4         #3         #2         #1
Track Angle -        120° S     120° S     120° S     121° S
Gyro Angle -         11° 6      11° 6      11° 6      12° 6
Torpedo Run -        3050       3050       3050       3050
Depth Set -          10 feet    10 feet    10 feet    10 feet
Power -              High       High       High       High
Hit or Miss -        Miss       Miss       Miss       Miss
Erratic -            No         No         No         No
Mark Torpedo -       14-3A     14-3A     14-3A     14-3A
Serial No. -         95344      66855      66706      61476
Mark Exploder -      5-5       5-5        5-6        5-6
Serial No. -         28072      25498      43237      33152
Actuation Set -      Contact     Contact     Contact     Contact
Actuation Actual -   -           -           -           -
Mark Warhead -       16-1      16-1      16-1      16-1
Serial No. -         20036      20182      29271      29137
Explosive -          Torpex      Torpex      Torpex      Torpex
Firing Interval -    8 Sec.     8 Sec.     10 Sec.    10 Sec.
Type Spread -        Divergent   Divergent   Divergent   Divergent
Amount Spread -      1° R       1° R       1° L       1° L
Sea Condition -      One        One        One        One
Overhaul Activity -   U. S. Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T. H.

Remarks: Misses were probably caused by hurried firing due to close presence of the escort, by insufficient spread, and possibly by target maneuvers to avoid.

- 18 - ENCLSOURE (A)
```

— page 56 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. TORSK (SS423)                TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4      PATROL NO. 2
Time: 1106(I)                       Date: 14 August 1945      Let: 35° 41' N  Long: 134° 36' E

                                   TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description:                       Target was a medium AK escorted by a FF. This vessel
                                  was sighted by periscope while submerged. Visibility
                                  Good. The target had altered course and was entering
                                  KASUMI KO at the time of the attack.
Ship(s) sunk:                      None.
Ship(s) damaged or                 None.
probably sunk:

                                   TARGET DRAFT: 18 feet.   COURSE: 200° T.  SPEED: 3 knots.  RANGE: 3000 (at firing)

                                   ONSHORE DATA
SPEED: 3.5 knots   COURSE: 160° T.   DEPTH: 65 feet.   AIMED: 0°

                                   FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack:                       Submerged attack, using periscope bearings and ranges.
                                  Fired first torpedo on a local bearing and second torpedo
                                  fired on a generated bearing.

- 19 -
```

— page 57 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL

Tubes Fired -                #2                     #1
Track Angle -                139° S                 140° S
Gyro Angle -                 359°                   000°
Torpedo Run -                3250                   3250
Depth Set -                  10 feet                10 feet
Power -                      High                   High
Hit or Miss -                Miss                   Miss
Erratic -                    No                     No
Mark Torpedo -               11-3A                  11-3A
Serial No. -                 63835                  64456
Mark Exploder -              6-5                    6-5
Serial No. -                 43253                  43331
Actuation Set -              Contact                Contact
Actuation Actual -           [UNCLEAR: best guess]  [UNCLEAR: best guess]
Mark Warhed -                16-1                   16-1
Serial No. -                 20367                  20144
Explosive -                  Torpex                 Torpex
Firing Interval -            [UNCLEAR: best guess]  10 Sec.
Type Spread -                [UNCLEAR: best guess]  Divergent
Amount Spread -              0°                     140° R
Sea Condition -              One                    One
Overhaul Activity -          U. S. Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T. H.

Remarks: One torpedo exploded prematurely after a run of 1 minute and 21 seconds. it is believed that it may have struck a shoal spot at the entrance to the harbor. The target maneuvered to avoid.

- 20 -
ENCLOSURE (A)
```

— page 58 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL

(1) MINES

Twelve drifting mines were sighted during the patrol. All of these were sunk or exploded by 30 caliber rifle using AP ammunition.

(3) ANTISUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASIVE TACTICS.

Evasive tactics were employed against an enemy patrol vessel (Ship Contact No. 12) at about 1300 on 14 August. The conditions existing at the time were as follows: Air temperature 80° F., surface water temperature 82° F., negative temperature gradient of 12 degrees between periscope depth and 200 feet, an isothermal to 310 feet, sea state one, depth of water 420 feet, character of bottom sand and mud. The patrol vessel was aware of the submarine's presence and was searching with echo ranging on 15.6 kcs. At an estimated range of 1000 to 2000 yards, the patrol vessel appeared to make contact. After several thrusts and turns failed to shake our pursuer, course was changed to bring him almost directly astern and two NaC beacons set on the low frequency band with no time delay were fired. Two minutes later one NaC beacon (Ik. II) was ejected, followed by four false target shells at 3 second intervals. Six minutes after the first NaC beacon, a second NaC (Ik. I) was ejected, the submarine was at 400 feet during this period, and all beacons were heard to function properly. It is not known whether or not the false target shells functioned.

Speed was increased to standard (120 rpm) as soon as the first NaC beacon commenced to function. Four minutes after the last beacon was firing, course was changed 40° to the right in an attempt to keep the beacons between the submarine and the A/S vessel. Five minutes later, speed was reduced to two-thirds (60 rpm), and this speed was maintained until well clear.

The beacons were very effective and sound to completely elapse the sound operator on the patrol vessel. He never again regained contact, nor did the search again come close to the submarine; so depth charges dropped until some two and a half hours later, at which time the submarine was a good six miles away.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE.

HULL AND MACHINERY

The upper hydraulic supply and return line to negative flood valve operating cylinder carried away. Negative flood control valve was placed in the emergency position, sealing off both lines to the operating cylinder and preventing the leakage of oil from the main hydraulic system.

Examination showed that the ¼ to 3/8 reducing bushing which threads into the cylinder had been fractured. The broken fitting was removed and replaced.

This failure was caused by a five inch ammunition case striking this fitting during the handling of ammunition in the magazine earlier in the day.

- 21 -
ENCLOSURE (A)
```

— page 61 —
```
(1) DENSITY ANALYSIS
Larger respective gradients were invariably encountered in Japan Sea.

| Date         | Time   | CFT   | Latitude & Longitude         | Depth (Fathoms) |
|||-------|||
| 11 August    | 2255   |       | 35° 44.1' N                 | 200              |
| 12 August    | 1030   |       | 36° 10.1' N                 | 150              |
| 13 August    | 0090   |       | 36° 36.8' N                 | 150              |
| 14 August    | 395    |       | 37° 45.1' N                 | 200              |
| 15 August    | 396    |       | 36° 57.1' N                 | 150              |
| 16 August    | 0600   | 388   | 37° 36.7' N                 | 150              |
| 17 August    | 392    |       | 36° 50.1' N                 | 150              |
| 18 August    | 0600   | 392   | 36° 57.1' N                 | 150              |
| 24 August    | 1035   |       | 36° 57.1' N                 | 150              |
| 25 August    | 396    |       | 36° 10.1' N                 | 150              |
| 26 August    | 0600   | 397   | 37° 45.1' N                 | 200              |-------|

— page 62 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY.

The health of all hands was excellent throughout the patrol.

The food was eaten; everyone said it was terrible; but even the prisoners put on weight, so it must have been all right.

(C) PERSONNEL.
a. Number of men detached after previous patrol - 17
b. Number of men on board during patrol - 81
c. Number of men qualified at start of patrol - 67
d. Number of men qualified at end of patrol - 67
e. Number of unqualified men making their first patrol - 14

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED.
| MILES (R.P.M.) | FUEL USED |
|||
| PEARL HARBOR TO GUAM | 4218 | 50355 Gallons |
| GUAM to AREA | 2336 | 24595 Gallons |
| In AREA | 4933 | 34620 Gallons |
| AREA TO GUAM | 2077 | 28845 Gallons |

(S) DURATION.
Days enroute to area

— page 64 —
```
CONFIDENTIAL
(2) No jamming was encountered.
(3) No deception was encountered nor attempted.
(4) Photographs were taken of Ship Contacts Nos. 2, 3, and 10.

COMMUNICATION COUNTERMEASURES
(1) No enemy signals were intercepted.
(2) Enemy jamming was encountered prior to August 15. It was not effective since the Fox could be copied through it, and we had little difficulty transmitting.
(3) No deception was encountered nor attempted.

SONAR COUNTERMEASURES
Enemy echo ranging at frequencies of 16.5 and 15.2 kcs. was intercepted. No enemy sonar countermeasures were encountered.

(V) REMARKS
The TCRSK hereby lays claim not only to having sunk the last ship of the war, but to being the only ship to sink two enemy men-of-war on the last day before the final gong. Substantiation of these claims would be appreciated.

- 27 -
ENCLOSURE (A)
```

— page 65 —
```
SUBMARINE DIVISION: ONE HUNDRED ONE
T35-161/16-3
Serial: (019)
Caro of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California,
9 September 1945

C-O-M-M-U-N-I-C-A-T-I-O-N

FIRST THOROUGH to
U.S.S. TORSK (SS243)
Report of Second War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. TORSK (SS243), Report of Second War Patrol.

1. The second war patrol of the U.S.S. TORSK under the command of Commander J. K. Lowellen was conducted in the period from 17 July 1945 to 9 September 1945. It was a well conducted, successful patrol.

2. The TORSK made twelve significant attacks before the war patrol was received on 15 September 1945. The TORSK was able to choose and make four torpedo attacks.

TARGET NO. 1 - 12 JULY 1945. - This was a daylight submerged attack on a small disoriented sub. Two torpedoes were fired from the storm tubes from a favorable firing position. One hit was made and the target was soon to sink.

TARGET NO. 2 - 13 AUGUST 1945. - This was another daylight submerged attack on a small unescorted ... Three hits were observed and target was seen to sink.

TARGET NO. 3 - 13 AUGUST 1945. - This was a daylight surface attack on a freighter which picked up one escort from a distance. Four torpedoes were fired from the bow tubes with a favorable firing position. A miss was probably due to ... This issue was caused in the close proximity of the escort.

TARGET NO. A - 18 AUGUST 1945. - This target was attacked just as it started to enter the harbor EISU 100. Two torpedoes were fired from the bow tubes. One penetrated, possibly caused by hitting a roof or not; the other missed.

- 1 -
```

— page 66 —
```
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE HUNDRED ONE
FB5-181/16-3
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

Serial: (019)
C-O-M-M-U-N-I-C-A-T-I-O-N
Subject: U.S.S. TORSEK (SS-243), Report of Second War Patrol.

3. The TORSEK captured 7 prisoners, apparently survivors from a merchant ship sunk by our own aircraft.
4. The torpedo wake and TDI contact on 31 August 1945 seems to indicate that some of the ships haven't got the news.
5. The TORSEK returned to port in a ship-shape condition, and morale of the officers and men was high.
6. The Administrative Division Commander congratulates the officers and men of the TORSEK upon the completion of this arduous and successful patrol.
7. Recommended assessment of damage to the enemy:

                      SUNK
                     | 1 AK  | 1,500 tons (attack #1)
                     | 1 AK  | 1,500 tons (attack #2)
                     | Total sunk | 3,000 tons

J. T. STEVENS.
```

— page 67 —
```
P05-16/16-3/(OC)
Serial: 0376
C-O-M-M-A-N-D-A-L

SECOND ENDORSEMENT To
U.S.S. TORSK (SS-423)
Report of Second War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. TORSK (SS-423), Report of Second War Patrol.

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

2. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, the officers and crew on the completion of the second patrol of this ship and on the damage inflicted on the enemy.

Recommended assessment of damage to the enemy:

| SHIP          | Tonnage   |
|||
| 1 AK (C)     | 1500 tons |
| 1 AK (X)     | 1500 tons |
| Total:       | 3000 tons |

[SIGNATURE: STANLEY P. HOSKINS]
```

— page 68 —
```
FT 12-10/16-3
SURFACE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 0310
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
TO: Report of
U.S.S. TONGA (Sal 423) - Report of War Patrol Number 10
(17 July to 9 September 1945)

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. Tonga (Sal 423) - Report of War Patrol Number 10
(17 July to 9 September 1945)

1. The second war patrol of the TONGA, commanded by Commander
B. E. Lovell, U. S. Navy, was of thirty-nine days duration, thirty-three
days of which were spent in the Japan Sea. Due to cessation of hostilities,
TONGA had only the days of Otober, period in run.

2. TONGA entered the Japan Sea via Tsushima Strait on 10 August
1945. During the patrol only two enemy mine contacts were made that could verify
or torpedo fine. Two of those, all in coastal waters, were sunk in the
subject of separate contact reports. Two torpedo attacks on medium freighters
were unsuccessful. TONGA reported no other sighting and not with English Small.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, contributes
the commanding officer, officers and men of the TONGA upon their daring
transits of the Tsushima mine fields and for their success in inflicting
the following damage on the enemy:

| ITEM | TYPE | TONS |
|------|------|------|
| 1 Small mi (30 type) | (C) | 1500 tons |
| 1 Arm. mi (30 type) | (C) | 1500 tons |
| 2 FF (Mine type) | (C) | 3000 tons |
| TOTAL | | 6000 tons |

C. A. LONCOD, Jr.

10 0445
```

— page 69 —
```
FT12-10/16-9                       SUBJ:  U.S.S. TOLCK (SS843)  Nr
Serial 0310                       Care of Pilot Post Office,
CONFIDENTIAL                      San Francisco, California,
                                  16 September 1945

THIRD READING to                  NOTE: THIS REPORT IS
TO:  Report of                  DESTROYED PRIOR TO
S.2000 War Patrol.              MILITARY PATROL.

CC:  SUBJ:  F.M.R.L. REPORT NO. 203
      U.S.S. TOLCK and P.H.M.L.

Subject:  U.S. S. TOLCK (SS843) - Report of War Patrol Number T.O.
          (17 July 'to 9 September 1945)

DISTRIBUTION:                    (Complete Reports)
                                  | Cadinch  (7)                | Consubsoowspec (2)
                                  | CNO      (6)                | Comorppec (1)
                                  | JICPO.   (1)                | Consuspec (3)
                                  | AIDPO.   (1)                | Consuspec.d.comd (20)
                                  | Corsvrp.c (1)                | SUBD. I (2)
                                  | Cinclant  (1)                | All Squadron and Div.
                                  | Consult.  (1)                | Comandero, Pacific (2)
                                  | CDR. School, HI (2)         | ConsubOpTrnsLoad(in mail) (5)
                                  | CO, S.F. Base, PH (1)       | Submarine (2)
                                  | Conspec.  (2)                | All Submarines, Pacific (2)
                                  | Consowasp.c (1)

                                  [SIGNATURE: J.H. MUNN, Assistant Fl. Secretary.]
```

— page 70 —
```
END OF REEL
JOB NO.  H108  AR-251-77

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO—NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION
```