U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS-286) — war patrol report SS-286_BILLFISH.pdf

— page 1 —
START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: F-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-94-78]

1.0
2.8
3.15
3.5
4.0
4.5
2.5
2.2
2.0
OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: HARRIS]
1.1
1.8
1.25
1.4
1.6
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5-22-78]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

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

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

— page 2 —
[HANDWRITTEN: BILLFISH (SS-286)
WWII PATROL FILE

ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED

FOR DECK LOG- APRIL 1943 - DECEMBER 1945
CONSULT NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY.

J.A.KOONTZ]

— page 3 —
Billfish

Billfish is any fish, such as gar or spearfish, with bill-
shaped jaws.

(SS-286: dp. 1526; l. 311'8''; b. 27'3''; dr. 16'10''; s.
20.3 k.; cpl. 66; a. 15'', 10 21'' TT.; cl. Balao)

Billfish (SS-286) was launched 12 November 1942 by
Portsmouth Navy Yard; sponsored by Mrs. Lewis S. Parks,
wife of Lieutenant Commander Parks; and commissioned
20 April 1943, Lieutenant Commander F. C. Lucas, Jr., in
command.

Between 12 August 1943 and 27 August 1945, Billfish
made eight war patrols out of Pearl Harbor. During
these patrols she sank three freighters totaling 4074 tons
and five smaller craft. Part of her seventh and eighth
patrols were spent on plane guard duty off Japan.

Billfish arrived at Pearl Harbor 27 August 1945 from
her last war patrol and was ordered to the Atlantic. She
arrived at New Orleans, La., 19 September and spent the
next nine months in maneuvers and training. Following
inactivation at Portsmouth Navy Yard (June-October
1946) she was towed to New London, Conn., by ATR-61
and went out of commission in reserve there 1 November
1946.

Billfish received seven battle stars for her World War II
service.

— page 4 —
Dictionary of
American Naval
Fighting Ships

VOLUME I . 1959
REPRINT WITH CORRECTIONS 1970

[SEAL: DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

NAVY DEPARTMENT

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS

NAVAL HISTORY DIVISION . WASHINGTON

— page 5 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 157 COPY]

S286/A16-3
Serial 0201
DECLASSIFIED

U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286)

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
10 October 1943.

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. BILLFISH.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarines, Seventh Fleet.
(2) The Commander in Chief, Seventh Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH, Report of War Patrol Number One.
Enclosure: X(A) Subject Report.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the first war patrol of this vessel,
conducted in the South China Sea during the period 12 August 1943 to
10 October 1943, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: F. C. Lucas]
F. C. LUCAS, Jr.

DECLASSIFIED

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/24/72]

[STAMP: 58687 FILMED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 11 01311]
[HANDWRITTEN: 1]

— page 6 —
ENCLOSURE (A)

U.S.S. BILLFISH, Report of War Patrol Number One.

(A) PROLOGUE.

Arrived Brisbane, Australia from Balboa, C.Z. on 1 August 1943. Six
days availability for minor repairs and preparation for First War Patrol. Three
days training in day and night attacks under supervision of Commander Submarine
Division Eighty-two. Wiped and sound tested. Ready for sea 12 August 1943.

(B) NARRATIVE.

12 August 1943.

0300 K Underway from Brisbane, Australia, for First War Patrol. Proceeding at
15 knots via passage inside Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait to
Port Darwin.

16 August 1943.

0945 K Arrived off Thursday Island, Torres Strait and discharged pilot.
Proceeding across Arafoera Sea to Port Darwin at 15 knots.

18 August 1943.

1500 K Met escort vessel, H.M.A.S. ML815, at entrance to swept channel,
Port Darwin, and proceeded into harbor.
1825 K Moored alongside fuel dock at Port Darwin and received 32,000 gallons
fuel. Reported to representative of Commander Task Force Seventy One
and received orders for the patrol.

19 August 1943.

0830 K Underway from Port Darwin proceeding on the surface at 15 knots.
1230 K Set clocks back one hour to zone minus 9.

20 August 1943.

0514 I Submerged 70 miles southeast of eastern tip of Timor.
0630 I Set clocks back one hour to zone minus 8.
1335 H Surfaced and proceeded into Banda Sea at 15 knots.

21 August 1943.

0509 H Submerged in position 6-05S; 126-06E and patrolled across Surabaya-Ambon
shipping route.
1805 H Surfaced and proceeded on course 342°T at fifteen knots. [HANDWRITTEN: 11 01311]

22 August 1943.

0505 H Submerged in position 3-20S; 125-20E and patrolled along Surabaya-Babo
shipping route. Sighted two native sailing vessels during the day.
1810 H Surfaced and proceeded at 15 knots west of Boeroe Island and east of
Mangoli Island into the Molukka Sea.

- 1 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 2]

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23 August 1943.
0521 H Submerged.
1321 H Surfaced and proceeded at 17 knots to gain likely position for submerged
          patrol on following day.

24 August 1943.
0500 H Submerged in Molukka Passage 25 miles east of Boeroe Island and patrolled
          shipping route from Makassar Strait and Sibutu Passage to Rabaul and Truk.
1830 H Surfaced and proceeded north of Siaoa Island into Celebes Sea, at
          15 knots.
2220 H Slowed to 5 knots for three hours to work on bow plane rigging arm which
          was binding on superstructure framing.

25 August 1943.
0516 H Submerged in position 3-23N; 123-50E and patrolled across intersection
          of Makassar-Palau and Sibutu-Rabaul and Truk shipping routes.
1822 H Surfaced and proceeded toward Sibutu Passage at 17 knots.

26 August 1943.
0526 H Submerged in position 3-58N; 120-42E.
1831 H Surfaced and proceeded toward Sibutu Passage at 15 knots. Found
          Saluag Island light apparently not burning and landmarks obscured by
          heavy rain squalls. Unable to satisfactorily fix position in time to
          clear the passage and restricted waters during remaining darkness.
          Decided to spend remainder of the night and next day patrolling south of
          Sibutu Passage.

27 August 1943.
0525 H Submerged and patrolled south of Sibutu Passage. Sighted one native
          sailing vessel.
1749 H Surfaced and proceeded through Sibutu Passage into Sulu Sea at 17 knots.
          Tanjong Trang Light was burning with normal characteristics and full
          brilliancy.

28 August 1943.
0536 H Submerged in position 6-48N; 118-57E.
1840 H Surfaced 15 miles east of Cagayan Sulu Island and proceeded toward
          Balabac Strait at 15 knots.

29 August 1943.
0325 H Unable to pick up Comiran Island light (not burning) or otherwise fix
          position due to a succession of rain squalls. Changed course to 090°T
          at 5 knots and decided to patrol eastern entrance to Nasubata Channel,
          Balabac Strait, during the remainder of the day and make passage through
          the strait next night.

- 2 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 3]

— page 8 —
29 August 1943. (Cont'd)

0442 H Submerged in approximate position 7-58N; 117-25E, patrolling eastern
        entrance to Balabac Strait.
1215 H Sighted unescorted tanker similar to Sinkoku Maru (p265, ONI 208J)
        on bow 90° starboard.
        (Attack No. 1). Target had apparently come out in one of frequent rain
        squall which made visibility mediocre. Went to battle stations and high
        speed and attempted to stay with him. Target made frequent zigs but was
        tracked out on base course 075°T, speed 16, by both plot and TDC. This
        put him on recommended route to Iloilo, Cebu, through Mindanao Sea.
1403 H Surfaced and began chase at 19 knots on four main engines. Picked up
        rain squall going in general direction and stayed under it most of the
        afternoon as protection against possible air attack. SJ Radar manned.
1630 H Picked up target through periscope and kept him in sight by periscope
        from high lookout platform until dark. Tracked him on base course
        075°T, making good 15 knots. We were able to drop him back in bearing
        continuously.
1829 H Changed course to 060°T to close to Radar range. Was aware that he
        might make a radical change in base course after dark but only other
        likely destination appeared to be toward Basilan Strait, in which case
        we should contact him sooner than expected.
2003 H SJ Radar picked up contact at 5000 yards. This was at approximate time
        and bearing that we had expected but at much shorter range. Tracked
        target at course 075-080, speed 16, which dispelled all doubt that we
        had the same target. Commenced working around him for attack. The
        night was very dark, no moon, and rain varying from steady drizzle to a
        heavy downpour. Sea choppy and water extremely phosphorescent.
2118 H Having gained position 5000 yards sharp on the starboard bow of the
        target, stopped and then pulled out from the track at bare steerageway,
        keeping the stern just ahead of his bearing. Had a pitch black cloud
        for a background.
2122 H Sighted highly phosphorescent bow wake of target. Could not make out
        details but the set-up looked approximately correct. Used continuous
        TBT bearings and Radar ranges which checked well.
2127 H Commenced firing four stern tubes. (Attack No. 1). Position 8-28N;
        119-36E (20 mi. SW of South Islet, Tubbataha Reefs). At firing commenced
        building up to full speed. As torpedoes crossed target track he wheeled
        toward us and it then became apparent that he was not the big tanker we
        had been tracking, but a small escort or patrol vessel. The torpedoes,
        which were set for 20 feet against the loaded tanker, undoubtedly ran
        under this ship. Went to full power on four main engines and evaded
        on the surface. While being chased made doubtful Radar contact at
        18-20000 yards, which may have been the tanker. By the time we had
        shaken the ship at which we fired decided it was futile to further chase
        the tanker as we had little or no speed margin and if he had been in the
        vicinity he was now fully aware of our presence and going away. Set
        course for Balabac Strait.

ENCLOSURE (A)
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11 01311
[HANDWRITTEN: 4]

— page 9 —
29 August 1943 (Cont'd).
Three officers viewed the tanker by periscope on first contact and
the same three saw the ship by periscope and from the high lookout
platform during the surface chase. There is no doubt that the ship
originally seen was a big tanker such as described, and practically no
doubt that the ship we had in sight during the afternoon was the same
ship. Whether it was coincidence or a trick that brought us into con-
tact with the smaller vessel on the same course and at the same speed,
or whether he was an escort which had joined the tanker, is not known.

30 August 1943.
0535 H Submerged 3 miles north of Bancoran Island and patrolled that area
         during the day.
1837 H Surfaced and proceeded toward Balabac Strait at 15 knots. Had some
         difficulty in approaching Balabac, in low visibility with no lights
         burning and a 2 knot current setting to the eastward. SJ Radar not
         functioning normally.

31 August 1943.
0505 H Submerged 5 miles south of Cape Melville, Balabac Island.
1907 H Surfaced and proceeded toward area, south of Dangerous Ground. Slowed
         to 11 knots because of rough sea from southwest monsoon.

1 September 1943.
0910 H Intended to run on surface all day but at
         SD Radar contact at 4 miles. Submerged to 200 feet. Was using inter-
         mittent sweeps on SD at the time, and in view of later false contacts
         in rain squalls in this area it is believed that this contact may also
         have been false. Decided to remain submerged during the day to get
         SJ Radar back in commission before arriving in area, it being too rough
         for this work on the surface.
1836 H Surfaced and proceeded toward area at 12 knots.

2 September 1943.
         Proceeding toward area on the surface at 13 knots. SJ Radar back in
         commission.
0900 H Set clocks back one hour to zone minus 7.
1535 G Entered area at 8-00N; 111-00E, proceeding toward Cape Padaran.

3 September 1943.
0454 G Submerged in position 10-36N; 109-27E.
0741 G Sighted mountains on Cape Padaran bearing 382°T, 50 miles.
1839 G Surfaced and proceeded toward Cape Padaran at 15 knots.

ENCLOSURE (A)
         - 4 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 5]

— page 10 —
4 September 1943.

0447 G Submerged in position 11-27N; 109-33E and ran during the day toward
Camranh Bay. Rough seas made periscope observations difficult.
1830 G Surfaced 6 miles east of Mui Davaich. Proceeded north along the coast at
10 knots. No navigational lights were burning along the coast.

5 September 1943.

0000 G Commenced patrolling east of Hongom Peninsula.
0445 G Submerged in position 12-24N; 109-34E.
1436 G Sighted small escort sampan at 6000 yards, heading toward Camranh Bay,
and pinging on 18 Kcs. Closed to see if he was escorting anything and
then avoided.
1831 G Surfaced and patrolled along the coast between Van Fong Bay and Cape
Varella at 6 knots.
2200 G Made radar contact and then sighted a sampan and one other small vessel.
Avoided.

6 September 1943.

0436 G Submerged in position 12-23N; 109-27E. The combination of current,
no navigational lights and mist which obscures all prominent landmarks
on the shore from late afternoon until the following morning makes it
difficult to hit the desired spot for submerged patrol.
0534 G Sighted two small coastal steamers or patrol craft close inshore,
distance 5000 yards (Contact No. 4). Several small native sailing
vessels in sight throughout the day.
0632 G Sighted single float seaplane, distance 3 miles, on northwesterly course.
1535 G Sighted single float seaplane, possibly same as morning contact, distance
4 miles, on southeasterly course.
1838 G Surfaced. Patrolled to southward toward Cape Padaran at 10 knots.

7 September 1943.

0125 G Made Radar contact at 5600 yards. Investigated and found small patrol
craft and sampan. This looked like same pair that were sighted on
previous night and were in approximately the same position. Since our
presence on the coast had not yet been disclosed, avoided and proceeded
south.
0449 G • Submerged and patrolled off the coast between Camranh Bay and Cape Padaran.
Was convinced that traffic was not being routed along the coast between
Cape Padaran and Cape Varella so decided to go out and work the outside
sector for a few days, then return to the coast after the full of the moon.
1832 G Surfaced in position 10-25N; 109-20E and proceeded on course 060°T at
10 knots. The monsoon which had been blowing steadily since our arrival
in the area completely died out during the night.

ENCLOSURE (A)
- 5 -
11 01311
[HANDWRITTEN: 6]

— page 11 —
8 September 1943.

0516 G    Submerged in approximate position 12-15N; 111-20E and patrolled on
          course 090°T.
0624 G    Sighted smoke bearing 079°T which was soon identified as a convoy of
          five Marus, four of a type similar to Chile Maru class, 5900 gross tons
          (pl79 ONI 208J) and one unidentified type of around 1500 tons. (Contact
          No. 5). The convoy was observed to be in a loose line of bearing normal
          to the base course, 200°T, and executing simultaneous zigs. The only
          escort visible was a sampan with lines similar to a large landing boat,
          except for the typical sampan bow, which was patrolling off the right
          flank of the convoy. Assumed that there was probably another similar
          craft on the left flank, although suspected that the small maru, which
          was on the left flank might also be an escort. The speed checked at
          nine knots. The sea was glassy.
0808 G    Unable to reach a firing position with a torpedo run of less than 3000
          yards on the nearest (right flank) ship, secured from battle stations and
          tracked submerged until
1021 G    Surfaced and commenced chase for position ahead at 19 knots. All the
          ships were coal burners and at intervals emmitted large clouds of black
          smoke which made it easy to keep them in sight without danger of being
          sighted. Had had a good opportunity to observe their formation and
          maneuvers and decided that the most favorable position was in the middle
          of the formation.
1522 G    Having reached the desired position ahead submerged and commenced approach
          although it was not realized at once, the formation apparently soon
          thereafter stopped zig-zagging and commenced closing distance on the
          right flank ship.
1637 G    The formation, still in line abreast, had now closed in to 600-700 yards
          between ships, with the two on the left flank still closing so that we
          were now in the following undesirable position:
          (a) 50° on the port bow of the right flank ship, range 1800 yards.
          (b) About the same angle on the port bow of the next ship, range about
          1200 yards.
          (c) Sharp on the port bow of the center ship, range about 1000 yards.
          (d) Dead ahead of the next ship, which was still steering to the right
          of the formation course to close distance, about 1000 yards.
          (e) Sharp on the starboard bow of the left flank ship (correctly suspected
          of being an escort) which was also still closing distance, about 1100
          yards. The sampan was pulling away from this ship and crossing ahead
          of the formation, and appeared to be dragging two cables over the
          stern.
          All ships had a three pennant flag hoist flying (the right flank ship
          had two) which was hoped might indicate a change for the better but at

ENCLOSURE (A)

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[HANDWRITTEN: 7]

— page 12 —
8 September 1943. (Cont'd)

1638-40 G Being able to wait no longer, took final set-up on right flank ship
           and commenced firing four torpedoes from the bow tubes. (Attack No. 2)
           Position: 11-04N; 110-23E. At the final bearing the next ship inboard
           was commencing to overlap the target. Immediately after firing went
           deep and rigged for depth charge attack. Thirty-three seconds after
           firing first torpedo heard one torpedo explosion believed to be hit on
           ship next inboard of target. Sound reported screws of that bearing
           stopped within 10 seconds. Heard screws of center ship through the hull
           on the way to deep submergence.
1812-15 G First of a series of 15 depth charges. Then approaching 300 feet, going
           to 400 feet. Between 300 and 400 feet heard the frequently reported
           scraping, sounding like a grapnel, along the port side. The sampan
           and the small converted merchantman were working as a team. In going
           to 400 feet the diving officer noted a sharp density layer starting at
           300 feet which was confirmed by the bathythermograph. He therefore
           did not blow negative and had a good trim at 300 feet. In going from
           300 to 350 feet, however, we broke through the layer and as the escort
           was close and getting ready for another run it was not practicable to
           blow at this time. The ship settled, gradually, becoming heavier with
           the depth and as a result of leakage through the stern tubes, and
           reached 500 feet where it held with a 10° up angle until circumstances
           permitted blowing water from negative.
1710 G     Last depth charge.
2040 G     Surfaced and cleared area to inspect for and repair damage which was
           limited to:
           (a) Leak in H.P. air piping in #4A MB tank.
           (b) After engine air induction and hull supply ventilation piping
               flooded through leaky flanges.
           (c) Radio antenna trunk flooded through blown out gasket under access
               plate.
           (d) Several small soft and hard patch leaks.

                               9 September 1943.

0449 G     Submerged in position 12-00N; 111-47E.
1803 G     Surfaced and proceeded north at 7 knots.

                               10 September 1943.

           Conducting surface patrol at 7 knots east and west across traffic
           routes leading west of Macclesfield Bank.
1900 G     Headed southeast to patrol traffic routes leading east of Macclesfield
           Bank.

                               11 September 1943.

           Conducting surface patrol about 100 miles south of Macclesfield across
           traffic route leading east of that bank.
1026 G     Sighted smoke bearing 090°T. Own position then 13-08N; 114-07E.
           Headed for it and found bearing changing to the right so commenced working
           for position ahead at 19 knots. Tracked target on approximately course
           210°T. (Contact No. 6.)

ENCLOSURE (A)                               - 7 -
                                                                      11 01311 [HANDWRITTEN: 8]

— page 13 —
11 September 1943 (Cont'd)
1420 G Having reached position ahead, submerged.
1533 G Target was identified as properly marked hospital ship. Pulled out to
about 2000 yards from track and took photographs.
1620 G Went to 400 feet to test for leaks. It was necessary to flood in
2500 lbs. to reach 400 feet.
1756 G Surfaced, headed north at 7 knots.

12 September 1943.

Conducting surface patrol to westward at 7 knots 100 miles south of
Macclesfield Bank. Continued to westward throughout the night to try
possible routes leading west of Paracel Islands on the following day.

13 September 1943.

514 G Submerged in position 13-57N; 111-03E.
757 G Surfaced and patrolled to the westward at 7 knots.

14 September 1943.

Conducting surface patrol at 7 knots about 120 miles southwest of
Macclesfield Bank.

15 September 1943.

Conducting surface patrol at 7 knots about 150 miles southwest of
Macclesfield Bank. Strong winds and heavy seas from the west with
frequent rain squalls and generally low visibility. Headed west to
close the coast.

16 September 1943.

0445 G Submerged 17 miles east of Cape Varella and patrolled to the southward.
1809 G Surfaced and headed north at 10 knots.

17 September 1943.

0431 G Submerged 12 miles east of Cape Varella and closed the coast. Receiving
set of 3 knots to southward. Heavy swells from southwest made depth
control difficult.
0735 G Sighted smoke bearing 205°T. Position then 12-44N; 109-35E.
Commenced approach.
0950 G Target identified as decrepit trawler, 500-600 tons, not worth torpedoes
shallow draft for minimum practicable torpedo depth settings in
the heavy sea. Abandoned approach.
1824 G Surfaced. Wind had increased during the afternoon and built up such high
seas in the shallow water along the coast that depth control at depths
which permitted periscope observation was extremely difficult. Decided
to head to sea to work the outer routes until weather moderated.

ENCLOSURE (A)
- 8 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 9]

— page 14 —
18 September 1943.
0508 G Submerged in Position 12-45N; 110-46E.
0753 G Surfaced in position 12-38N; 111-42E and proceeded on course 060°T at
          nine knots.

19 September 1943.
1615 G Conducting surface patrol to the northeastward across shipping routes
          about 100 miles south of Macclesfield Bank.
          In position 14-00N; 114-42E, changed course to 220°T.

20 September 1943.
0605 G Submerged in position 12-43N; 113-21E to make adjustments to master
          gyro compass.
1200 G Surfaced and continued patrolling to the southeastward.

21 September 1943.
0054 G Changed course to 290°T at 14 knots, proceeding toward Cape Varella.
1458 G Submerged in position 12-44N; 110-13 E to approach the coast undetected.
1753 G Surfaced and closed the coast at 14 knots. Passed through severe
          electrical storm.
2012 G In position 7 miles east of Hongom Peninsula, slowed to 5 knots and
          commenced patrol to the northward. Low visibility due to rain was broken
          occasionally by brilliant lightning flashes.
2130 G Sighted several flashes of a bright light on the beach south of Cape
          Varella which appeared to be a signal of some kind.

22 September 1943.
0447 G Submerged and conducted submerged patrol about 12 miles east of
          Cape Varella.
0817 G Surfaced and headed south at 10 knots.

23 September 1943.
0024 G Increased speed to 14 knots and changed course to 210°T to head for
          Poulo Cecir de Mer.
0527 G Submerged 12 miles northeast of Poulo Cecir de Mer and patrolled to the
          southeastward.
1747 G Surfaced with Poulo Sapata bearing 210°T, 19 miles. Set course 135°T,
          15 knots.
2106 G Changed course to 033°T and increased speed to 17 knots.

ENCLOSURE (A)
                                                              -9-

11 01311
                                                                                                [HANDWRITTEN: 10]

— page 15 —
24 September 1943.

0318 G SJ Radar reported indication of another SJ bearing 348°T. This was
          surmised to be the BOWFIN, known to be in the area.
0610 G Slowed to 8 knots and commenced surface patrol in the vicinity of
          11-38N; 111-20E.
0715 G Sighted BOWFIN bearing 260°T, about 8 miles.
0740 G Closed BOWFIN and received instructions for coordinating attack in case
          of contact, then drew off to the northeast and resumed surface patrol.
0930 G SD Radar contact at 12½ miles. Submerged and commenced submerged patrol.
1747 G Surfaced and set course 180°T at 10 knots.
2135 G Picked up BOWFIN's SJ Radar to the northeastward. Changed course to
          190°T to open out.

25 September 1943.

0825 G Sighted masts of five ships bearing 202°T. As all had small port angles
          and appeared to be coming up over the horizon fast submerged at once.
          Position 9-38N; 111-38E. The convoy was observed to consist of the
          following ships, in column formation, making simultaneous zigs, base
          course 040°T, speed 9. (Contact No.8.)
          (1) 8000-9000 AK, AP or AO unidentified but with distinctive goalpost
              masts.
          (2) AK-AP similar to SEIWA MARU, page 161, ONI 208J.
          (3) AK-AP not well observed but believed to be similar to (2).
          (4) Two stack AF, about 10,000 tons, not shown in any available ONI
              publications. The most distinctive feature of this ship was that
              the after funnel was of smaller diameter than the forward funnel.
          (5) AO or AK, with engines aft, similar to RIKKO MARU, p270, or
              KIYOTADO MARU, p252, ONI 208J. These two ships, though very different
              in size, have similar lines. The first estimate was that it was a
              big AO but when seen in the same field with the two stacker, it was
              so dwarfed that it was believed to be the smaller type. However,
              during subsequent night attack on this vessel, its length as measured
              by binocular field and radar range was close to 500 feet. It is
              believed that photographs obtained after the convoy got by on the
              submerged approach may settle the identity of this ship.
          The escort was one torpedo boat, believed to be of the Chidori class,
          which patrolled 1000-1500 yards off the port side of the leading ship.
          The two stack transport (No. 4) which was the next to the last ship
          in the formation was selected as the first target but it was soon
          apparent that we had submerged too early and were going to have trouble
          getting in.
0943 G With the target at a range of 4300 yards the formation zigged away, from
          030 to 060, leaving us 95° on the port bow of the target. Shifted to
          the last ship (No. 5) but 3 minutes later another zig of 20° away made it
          impossible to get within firing range of this target either. Tracked the
          convoy submerged watching for BOWFIN to attack.
1030 G Sound reported screws bearing 035°T, and fairly close. Periscope
          observation showed no ship on this bearing.

[HANDWRITTEN: CLOSURE (A)]

-10-
[HANDWRITTEN: 11]

— page 16 —
25 September 1943 (Cont'd)

1200 G Surfaced and commenced working around the right flank of the formation
1210 G for position ahead at 18 knots. Only occasional puffs of smoke were
        visible.
        BONEFISH surfaced bearing 030°T, 3 miles. She had been expected in the
        area but this was the first indication that she had joined the wolfpack,
        and accounted for the screws heard at 1030 G. BONEFISH promptly stood
        off to the northward at high speed, apparently to work around the left
        flank.
1214 G Sighted terrific explosion bearing 356°T about 12 miles with flames
        leaping several hundred feet into the air. BOWFIN had hit tanker. The
        fire burned for about 1½ hours, with dense black smoke. Took photographs.
        During the next half hour heard and felt 20 explosions believed to be
        depth charges dropped on BOWFIN. Observed some columns of water in the
        air during this period.

1350 G (about) BOWFIN surfaced about 3 miles to the northward and stood off in
        that direction at high speed. The remainder of the convoy had scattered
        on the explosion and stack smoke could be seen on three different bearings.
        We were chasing the one furthest to the eastward.
1400 G Made out masts and tops of stacks of the two stack AP (No. 4) just to the
        right (ahead) of the smoke we were chasing. The vessel that was smoking
        was later identified as the AO or AK (No. 5). Kept the AP in sight, and
        the other vessel intermittently in sight during the remainder of the
        afternoon as we continued to work ahead. Tracked them on base course
        045°T, speed 14.
1720 G As visibility decreased commenced closing targets to radar range. Shortly
        after dark observed what appeared to be gun fire to the northward.
1815 G Made radar contact at 8200 yards, at first believed to be No. 4, but
        which later proved to be No. 5. Commenced radar tracking and continued to
        work ahead to firing position. The target was zig-zagging on base course
        045°T at 13.5 knots.
1912 G Having attained position 10,000 yards ahead of target pulled out from
        track, turned toward, stopped and waited for him. However, two successive
        zigs away left us with too long a torpedo run, so we
        commenced working ahead again.
2003 G Fired 5 torpedoes from the bow tubes (Attack No.3.) Position: 10-49N;
        113-18E. All torpedoes were seen running normally as we followed down
        the track. Built up to full speed after firing and about one minute
        later turned away. As we were completing turn one torpedo was seen to
        hit well aft. There was a bright flash and a column of water but the
        explosion was not distinctly felt by those on the bridge and not by all
        below. The target appeared to be out of control and settling; he slowed
        and then stopped. Plot and TDC both tracked him to stop and he remained
        dead ahead, though with large angle on the bow, as we pulled away.
        Intended to run just out of sight and then approach from another bearing,
        but the target commenced firing a 4" or 5" gun, firing two about 90° from
        our bearing and then three in the correct general direction. Splashes
        were not observed. Ran out to 14,000 yards at 18 knots, maintaining

ENCLOSURE (A)                               - 11 -                               11 01311
                                                                               [HANDWRITTEN: 12]

— page 17 —
25 September 1943 (Cont'd)
radar contact, then as radar contact was lost reversed course and ran
down his bearing at the same speed, but contact was never regained.
The target was heard to transmit on 500 kcs. after the attack and the
transmission was answered.
2113 G Made radar contact bearing 330°T, 13,500 yards on single stack AP-AK
(No. 2). Commenced working ahead and tracking. The target tracked
perfectly on base course 000°T, speed 14, making moderate zigs.
2345 G Having gained position 4000 yards ahead on target's base course track,
slowed and prepared for a stern tube attack believing that we had his
zig-zag plan solved so accurately as to insure being able to attain good
firing position on this type of attack, with less chance of being
sighted.

26 September 1943.

0035 G At a range of 4000 yards the target made a big zig to the right, farther
than any in the 3½ hours we had been tracking him, leaving us too far from
the track. In attempting to come around for bow tube shots and close the
track, we may have been sighted as the target very shortly thereafter
changed course directly away. Trailed him for awhile and then decided
there was not enough darkness left, and he was too alert, for another
close approach so kept him in radar contact while working ahead to gain
position for dawn attack.
0120 G Made second radar contact which from his actions and the strength of the
pip is believed to have been the escort. This ship seemed to patrol
across the stern of the target.
0312 C Increased speed to 19 knots to get outside target's range of visibility
by dawn. Shortly thereafter lost radar contact.
0330 G Sighted green rocket dead astern (258°T) which was close to the last
radar bearing of the escort. The significance of this signal is not known.
Position 12-04N, 113-53E.
0444 G In the morning twilight sighted the dark shape of a ship on the port beam
on parallel course which appeared to be the escort fairly close aboard.
Submerged immediately to avoid detection.
0507 G Dawn light enough for periscope observation could not see the escort but
observed the masts and stacks of the two stack AP (No. 4) bearing 270°T
and going away. Whether it was the escort that had been sighted, or the
superstructure of the AP was mistaken for the escort is not known, but it
is believed that the escort joined that ship as his bearings were drawing
over in that direction at last contact.
0610 G Sighted smoke on the horizon bearing 205°T. This was the single stack
AP (No. 2) with which we had been in contact until 0312. Ran on normal
approach course at full speed, slowing only for observations, until
it was apparent we could not get in closer than 9000 yards. Secured from
battle stations.
0631 G battle stations.

ENCLOSURE (A)
- 12 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 13]

— page 18 —
26 September 1943. (Cont'd)

0641 G Target had changed course and presented zero angle on the bow. Went to
         battle stations again but ten minutes later target had reversed course
         and disappeared over the horizon bearing 130°. Did not now consider fuel
         on board sufficient for another all day chase. Expected also that air
         coverage would now prevent daylight chase, which proved to be the case
         as BOFIN was forced down by aircraft in the chase and we were later
         forced down by aircraft while retiring.
0940 G Surfaced and set course 205°T.
1300 G Set clocks ahead to zone minus 8.
1431 H Sighted 4 engined Kawanishi patrol bomber bearing 195°T, 6 miles.
         Position 11-35N; 113-51E. Submerged.
1632 H Surfaced, leaving the area. Decided to take sounded route across
         Dangerous Ground in order to conserve fuel.

27 September 1943.

2200 H Proceeding across Dangerous Ground at 14 knots, enroute Fremantle.
         Sighted Cape Melville and headed for Balabac Strait.

28 September 1943.

0143 H Completed passage of Balabac Strait and set course for Sibutu Passage.
1415 H Submerged.
1640 H Surfaced and proceeded toward Sibutu Passage at 14 knots.
2348 H Sighted Tanjong Irang light and passed through Sibutu Passage.

29 September 1943.

Proceeding across Celebes Sea from Sibutu Passage to Makassar Strait
on the surface at 10 knots.

30 September 1943.

0525 H Submerged in Makassar Strait with South Watcher bearing 140°T, 9 miles.
1828 H Surfaced and set course 195°T, 14 knots.

1 October 1943.

0522 H Submerged with Cape William bearing 145°T, 18 miles. Closed the coast
         during the day.
1835 H Surfaced and continued to the southward at 14 knots.

2 October 1943.

0713 H Submerged 15 miles east of Sibaru Island.
1735 H Surfaced and set course for Lombok Strait at 14 knots.

ENCLOSURE (A)
                                                                 - 13 -
                                                                 [HANDWRITTEN: 11 01311]
                                                                 [HANDWRITTEN: 14]

— page 19 —
3 October 1943

0528 H Submerged in position 7-24S; 116-14 E.
1600 H Sighted Bali and Lombok peaks.
1849 H Surfaced and proceeded through Lombok Strait. During passage made radar
        contact and avoided two small darkened vessels which may have been
        anti submarine patrols. Set course for Fremantle.

4-6 October 1943.

Proceeding to Fremantle via Exmouth Gulf on the surface.

7 October 1943.

1012 H Moored alongside H.S. Ondina in Exmouth Gulf and received 12,000 gallons
        of fuel oil.
1235 H Underway from Exmouth Gulf, proceeding to Fremantle.

10 October 1943.

0730 H Arrived Fremantle, Western Australia, completing First War Patrol.

(C) WEATHER

        Weather in the South China Sea was generally good. The southwest monsoon
prevailed, force 3-4, but was interrupted by periods of light variable winds and
flat calm seas, and one short period of westerly gales. Visibility was generally
excellent, except close inshore where heavy rains usually obscured all landmarks
from late afternoon to the following morning. This condition did not, however,
extend any distance to seaward.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

        A regular southerly set of 2-3 knots was found along the coast between
Cape Varella and Cape Padaran which is not indicated for this season by information
in the Sailing Directions. This was the only regular current experienced in the
South China Sea, the set varying in direction and amount according to the strength
of the wind, as indicated on the charts and in the Sailing Directions.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

        (a) Tanjong Trang Light, north of Sibutu Passage, was the only navigation-
al aid found burning north of the Barrier and was much appreciated in making the
passage.
        (b) A bright light flashed irregularly from a point on the beach south
of Cape Varella was suspected of being a navigational aid for coastwise shipping.

ENCLOSURE (A)

- 14 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 15]

— page 20 —
(P) SHIP CONTACTS
No. | Time | Lat. | Types | Initial | How con- | Remarks
    | Date | Long. |       | Range | tacted |
    |      |       |       | Est. |        |
    |      |       |       | Speed |        |
    |      |       |       | Course |       |
1   | 1215 H | 7-58N | Similar | 5000 | P | Coming out of Balabac
    | Aug. 29 | 117-18E | Sinkoku Maru | 10 | | Strait in rain squall.
    |       | (Balabac | (base course | 220 | |
    |       | Strait) | 030°T) | | |
2   | 2003 H | 8-28N | Unidentified | 5000 | R | Fired 4 torps. in belief
    | Aug. 29 | 119-36E | patrol vessel | 10 | | this was ship of
    |       | A/S Sampan | 220 | | contact No.1. Heading
    |       | | | | | toward Camranh Bay.
3   | 1436 G | 8-08N | 2 small coastal | 8000 | P | Pinged on 18

— page 21 —
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.

| No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Type | Initial Range | Est. Course and speed. | How contacted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 0910 H Sept.1 | 7-13N 114-14E | --- | 4 mi. | --- | R | Not sighted Submerged. Possibly false contact on rain squall. |
| 2. | 0632 G Sept.6 | 12-23N 109-27E | Single Float seaplane | 3 mi. | C330 | P | --- |
| 3. | 1535 G Sept.6 | 12-29N 109-29E | " | 5 mi. | C220 | P | --- |
| 4. | 0930 G Sept.26 | 11-51N 111-20E | --- | 12½ mi. | --- | R | Not sighted. Submerged. |
| 5. | 1431 H Sept.26 | 11-35N 113-51E | 4 engine Kawanishi Patrol Bomber | 6 mi. | C270 | SD | --- |

R - Radar
P - Periscope
SD - Surface day sighting.

ENCLOSURE: (A)

- 16 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 17]

— page 22 —
(H) ATTACK DATA
U.S.S. BILLFISH                               TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1                               PATROL NO. 1.
Time 2127 H                                   Date 29 August 1943                                Lat. 8-28N Long. 119-36E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Tanker similar to Sinkoku Maru (p265, ONI 208J), unescorted when
first contacted while patrolling submerged east of Balabac Strait. Unable to
reach firing position at this time, chased during daylight, keeping target in
sight, and closed in to make radar contact after dark. Made radar contact in
very poor visibility with ship whose course and speed checked perfectly with
the course and speed of tanker as tracked during afternoon. Attacked with
only bow wave visible and target turned out to be a small escort or patrol vessel.
Depth set for 20 feet against loaded tanker, undoubtedly ran under.
Ship(s) Sunk: None
Ship(s) Damaged or Probably Sunk: None
Damage Determined by: ---
Target Draft 10       Course 075       Speed 16       Range 1350 (at firing)

Own Ship Data

Speed 5       Course 156½       Depth surface       Angle 0 (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type attack: Night surface, stern tubes, extremely low visibility.

|                       | No. 7      | No. 8      | No. 9      | No. 10     |
| :| :| :| :| :|
| Tubes Fired           | No. 7      | No. 8      | No. 9      | No. 10     |
| Track Angle           | 70° S      | 72° S      | 79° S      | 78° S      |
| Gyro Angle            | 11°50'L    | 9°L        | 2°10'L     | 3°20'L     |
| Depth Set             | 20'        | 20'        | 20'        | 20'        |
| 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.            | 22569      | 22645      | 22643      | 41907      |
| Mark Exploder         | 6-1        | 6-1        | 6-1        | 6-1        |
| Serial No.            | 17836      | 9812       | 17884      | 9655       |
| Actuation Set         | Magnetic   | Magnetic   | Magnetic   | Magnetic   |
| Actuation Actual      | ---        | ---        | ---        | ---        |
| Mark Warhead          | 16         | 16         | 16         | 16         |
| Serial No.            | 5204       | 5660       | 773        | 5756       |
| Explosive             | Torpex     | Torpex     | Torpex     | Torpex     |
| Firing Interval       | ---        | 10 Secs.   | 11 Secs.   | 10 Secs.   |
| Type Spread           | Speed      | Speed      | Speed      | Speed      |
| Sea Conditions        | Cond. 2    | Cond. 2    | Cond. 2    | Cond. 2    |
| Overhaul Activity     | USS FULTON | USS FULTON | USS FULTON | USS FULTON |

ENCLOSURE(A)
                                                              -17-
                                                              [STAMP: 11 01311]
                                                              [HANDWRITTEN: 18]

— page 23 —
U.S.S. BILLFISH
Time 1639 G

TORPEDO ATTACK No. 2
Date 8 September 1943
Lat. 11-04N

PATROL NO. 1.
Long 110-27E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description.
AK similar to Chile Maru class, 5900 tons, p179, ONI 208J, one of four
similar ships in convoy escorted by one converted AK of about 1500 tons and one
small sampan. Contacted by smoke at great range while patrolling submerged but
failed to gain favorable firing position so made long chase for position ahead,
followed by submerged attack.
Ship(s) Sunk:
Ship(s) Damaged or Probably Sunk: 1 AK, similar to Chile Maru, 5900 tons.
Damage determined by: Heard torpedo hit which timed perfectly and sound heard
screws stop, but unable to observe due to immediate counter measures. Tokyo
radio was heard to admit, in English language broadcast, the loss of one ship
of convoy in South China Sea on 7 September with 7 missing. Since it is not
believed any other submarine made an attack in this area 7 or 8 Sept. it is
believed this may have referred to our attack.
Target Draft: 18 | Course 200T | Speed 9½ | Range 950 (at firing)

Own Ship Data

Speed 2.5 | Course 336 | Depth 64 | Angle 1/2 D (At firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data.

Type attack: Submerged attack, periscope depth, from position about dead ahead
of center of convoy in close line formation. Fired with right flank ship and
ship next inboard almost in line and obtained one hit on the nearer ship.

| | No. 1 | No. 2 | No. 3 | No. 4
Tubes fired | 76°P | 75°P | 82°P | 75°P
Track Angle | 32°L | 29°20'L | 34°30'L | 27°L
Gyro Angle | 12' | 12' | 12' | 12'
Depth Set | High | High | High | High
Power | Hit | Miss | Miss | Miss
Hit or miss. | No | No | No | No
Erratic | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A
Mark Torpedo | 22637 | 22642 | 22680 | 23800
Serial No. | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1
Mark Exploder | 8055 | 18002 | 18006 | 17759
Serial No. | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic
Actuation Set | Contact | - - - | - - - | - - -
Actuation Actual | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16
Mark Warhead | 6108 | 10466 | 9710 | 934
Serial No. | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex
Explosive | - - - | 9 Secs. | 8 Secs. | 8 Secs.
Firing Interval | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed
Type Spread | Cond. O | Cond. O | Cond. O | Cond. O
Sea Conditions | USS FULTON | USS FULTON | USS FULTON | USS FULTON.
Overhaul Activity

Enclosure (A)

- 18 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 19]

— page 24 —
J.S.S. BILLFISH
Time 2003 G
TORPEDO ATTACK NO.3
Date 25 September 1943 Lat. 10-49N Long. 113-18E
PATROL NO. 1.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description. AO, similar Rikko Maru, p270,ONI208J, 9182 tons (though there is pos-
sibility it may have been smaller AK similar to Kiyotado Maru,p252) one of five
ship convoy escorted by one Chidori class torpedo boat. Contacted on surface dur-
ing daylight but failed to gain firing position submerged. BOWFIN and BONEFISH
also attacked this convoy and former was seen to hit one AO causing tremendous
explosion and fire. It is believed BOWFIN may also have scored two hits in this
ship. Chase during daylight, after convoy scattered, and attacked at night.
Target fired 5 rounds with 4" or 5" gun after being hit and made transmission on
500 kcs.
Ship(s) Sunk:
Ship(s) Damaged or Probably Sunk: 1 AO, 9800 tons.
Damage determined by: Saw one torpedo hit aft, abreast the stack, and observed
target, apparently out of control, settle, slow and stop. Lost and could not
regain radar contact. Not seen with other two surviving ships next morning.
Target Draft: 28 Course 032 Speed 13.5 Range 2350 (at firing)

Own Ship Data
Speed 6 (av) Course 313½ Depth Surface Angle 0 (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type Attack: Night surface attack, bow tubes, with target zig-zagging or using con-
stant helm superimposed on zig-zag plan. Night was dark but clear, considered too
dark for submerged attack in view of target's maneuvers. Made two approaches
before gaining satisfactory firing position.

| | No. 1 | No. 2 | No. 3 | No. 4 | No. 5 | No. 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired | 104S | 104S | 110S | 108S | 114S | 114S |
| Track angle | 4°30'R | 4°30'R | 6°00'R | 5°30'R | 13°R | 10°R |
| Gyro Angle | 12' | 12' | 12' | 12' | 12' | 12' |
| Depth Set | High | High | High | High | High | High |
| Power | High | High | High | High | High | High |
| Hit or miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Hit |
| Erratic | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A |
| Serial No. | 22570 | 22893 | 42107 | 19447 | 23109 | 23109 |
| Mark Exploder | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 |
| Serial No. | 13056 | 18005 | 17904 | 17642 | 6428 | 6428 |
| Actuation Set | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Actuation Actual | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | Contact |
| Mark Warhead | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Serial No. | 3930 | 1058 | 1011 | 9525 | 5302 | 5302 |
| Explosive | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex |
| Firing Interval | --- | 8 Secs. | 8 Secs. | 13 Secs. | 19 Secs. | 19 Secs. |
| Type Spread | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed |
| Sea Conditions | Choppy | Choppy | Choppy | Choppy | Choppy | Choppy |
| Overhaul Activity | USS FULTON | USS FULTON | USS FULTON | USS FULTON | USS FULTON | USS FULTON |

ENCLOSURE (A)
- 19 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 11 01311]
[HANDWRITTEN: 20]

— page 25 —
**(I) MINES**
No Data.

**(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES**

The convoy attacked on September 8 was escorted by one small converted
merchantman and a sampan which appeared to be designed for this work. The latter
had somewhat the appearance of a large landing boat and was observed to be trailing
two cables over the stern, the purpose of which is not known. The normal stations
of these vessels seemed to be one on each flank of the formation which was a line
abreast on the base course. The converted merchantman apparently acts as tender
for the smaller vessel and it is believed that the sampan had been alongside the
other escort just before the attack.
The two vessels cooperated in listening during the depth charge attack.
However, it is believed that the sampan dropped all the charges even though the
number (15) appeared to be more than her capacity, and it is doubtful that there
was a sufficient interval for transfer from the larger ship.
The attack was not particularly effective considering the favorable
initial position of the A/S vessels, all charges appearing to be set much too
shallow and not too close.
While at a depth of approximately 300 feet, during the depth charge
attack, a distinct scraping down the port side of the hull was heard. This same
phenomenon has been reported in other patrol reports. No explanation for it can
be offered.
Echo ranging was not resorted to by either vessel.

**(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE**

(a) Engineering. At 1837 on 20 August started #4 main engine. When a
load was put on the engine four minutes later, the fresh water pressure dropped to
7 pounds. Venting of the fresh water pump failed to increase pressure so stopped
engine. An inspection showed #9 cylinder to be flooded with fresh water. Dis-
assembly of cylinder revealed a crack in the top of the liner, a bent piston rod
and a small piece broken from the bottom of the liner by the bent piston rod.
Piston was not damaged. Renewed all defective parts, took required readings, and
completed work at 1300 on 21 August. Tested engine satisfactorily upon surfacing
at 1805.

(b) Hull. Vibration of the periscope shears at submerged speeds above
5½ knots causes such a loud noise as to be at least a mental hazard to the approach
officer. This is believed to be a design defect, common to other ships of the
class.

**(L) RADIO**

Radio reception in the area (South China Sea) was excellent at night and
poor during the day, with moderate enemy interference. No difficulty was experienced
in clearing any of the three transmissions made from the area.

ENCLOSURE (A)

- 20 -

[HANDWRITTEN: 21]

— page 26 —
(M) RADAR

The SJ Radar was kept in excellent operating condition throughout the
patrol, except for one or two brief periods, largely through the technical skill
of C. H. HOPKINS, RTlc, and the use of the Western Electric DL50925 wavemeter.
Checks with this instrument on several occasions showed that the SJ equipment
was not getting normal response when, due to the calm sea and lack of land targets,
there was no other method of determining that the equipment was not in normal
operating condition.
An epidemic of failures of the 8014A tubes of SD Radar was experienced
until the plate setting was reduced so that the plate voltage was approximately
10,000 volts.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

Sound conditions in the area (South China Sea) were generally poor,
both close inshore and well out to sea. One exception to these conditions was
noted during an approach on the convoy on 25 September, when screws were heard
at about 10,000 yards.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS:

The bathythermograph installed in the conning tower was found very useful
as an aid to depth control. Density layers were not necessarily consistent at any
given depths in the same area but sometimes varied a great deal during the day.
This was expected as it is pointed out in the large volume of reading matter on the
subject that wind and sea conditions and air temperatures during the day combine to
vary the amount of mixing which takes place. Consequently the diving officer was
kept regularly informed of indications of density layers rather than attempting to
act all day on a survey taken early in the day.
As an example on one occasion during the morning the ship could not be
taken from periscope depth at 1/3 speed with a good trim to 80 feet without
increasing speed to 2/3 and flooding in. When this was done the ship was too
heavy to bring back up to, and keep at periscope depth at 1/3 speed. The
bathythermograph showed a temperature decrease of 14 degrees from 70 to 80 feet.
During the afternoon of the same day no difficulty was experienced in going from
periscope depth to 80 feet and back up again with no change in speed or trim.
On the one occasion of seeking deep depth while being depth charged the
diving officer was informed of a sharp density layer starting at 200 feet. At the
same time the ship slowed noticeably in speed of descent. Acting on this informa-
tion, the diving officer left 12,000 extra pounds in negative tank and had a good
trim at 300 feet at 1/3 speed. In going from 300 feet to 400 feet the ship passed
through the layer and became heavy and as time went on became considerably heavier
out of all proportion to the amount of water leaking in. It seems quite evident
that after passing through a density layer and the water in the ballast tanks has
a chance to cool and equalize with the temperature of the surrounding water, that
the ship will become very heavy.

ENCLOSURE (A)
- 21 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 11 01311]
[HANDWRITTEN: 22]

— page 27 —
(F) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY.
(a) Health of the crew was excellent. There were only two admissions to
the sick list, as follows:

Diagnosis | Sick days
Cellulitis, left foot | 5 days
Catarrhal fever, acute | 7 days

(b) Food was adequate as to quantity and variety, and well prepared.
Lunches were limited to soup and sandwiches, with soup again at 1600, and the
evening meal at 1930. This arrangement proved popular.
(c) Habitability was in general very good. Ventilation forward of the
control room is not entirely adequate, a defect believed caused by the rearrange-
ment of ventilation piping necessitated by the installation of the Gun Access Trunk.
The small air conditioning unit installed in the conning tower proved very effective
in keeping that compartment cool and dry at all times.

(Q) PERSONNEL

(a) The rapidity with which the large percentage of inexperienced
personnel adjusted themselves to wartime conditions and became proficient and
thoroughly dependable submarine men demonstrated the soundness of the training
system as well as the high calibre of the personnel being received.
(b) One reserve officer, Ensign F. D. Hess, E-V(G), USNR, was received
abroad from the Submarine School just prior to departure from Brisbane, and
immediately became a definite asset to the ship.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED

(Brisbane, Australia to area | 5,063 miles | 59,000 gals.)
(In area | 4,250 miles | 33,000 gals.)
(Area to Fremantle, Australia | 3,089 miles | 34,000 gals.)
Total | 12,402 miles | 126,000 gals.*)
*Received 32,000 gals. at Port Darwin and
12,000 gals. at Exmouth Gulf.

(S) DURATION

(Days enroute to area | 22 )
(Days in area | 24 )
(Days enroute to base | 13 )
(Days submerged | 34 )

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

Torpedoes | Fuel | Provisions | Personnel Factor
11 No. | 8000 Gal.(At Exmouth) | 20 days | 21 days
Limiting factor this patrol - Fuel.

(U) REMARKS

The performance of the officers, the crew, and the ship itself on this
patrol was all that the Commanding Officer could desire.
ENCLOSURE (A) | - 22 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 23]

— page 28 —
TASK GROUP SEVENTY ONE POINT THREE
U.S.S. RASHER, Flagship

CONFIDENTIAL
FC5-16/A16-3( 09 )                                                14 October 1943.
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
BILLFISH First War Patrol
Report SS286/A16-3(0201)
dated 10 October 1943.

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

Subject:     U.S.S. BILLFISH - First War Patrol - comment on.

             1. The first war patrol of the U.S.S. BILLFISH
covered a period of fifty-nine days, from 12 August to 10 October
1943, and was conducted in the North China Sea. Eight contacts
were made, four on worth-while targets and two on multi-ship
convoys. Three torpedo attacks were made.

             2. Area coverage was very good, surface cruising
being used a large percentage of the time.

             3. It is unfortunate that the attacks on the two
convoys were not more productive of visible results. After the
attack on 25 September, further action had to be governed by the
fuel situation in BILLFISH. The teamwork between BOWFIN and
BILLFISH in this attack contributed materially to damaging vessels
of this convoy.

             4. Material condition of BILLFISH on completion of
patrol is excellent. Consideration will be given to welding
stiffeners around unbroken surfaces of periscope shear foundation
in an attempt to eliminate the "drumming" effect known to exist
in vessels of the "285" class.

             5. It is recommended that BILLFISH be credited with
inflicting the following damage to the enemy:

             SUNK

             None.

             DAMAGED

             1 AK (Chita Maru Type) | 5900 tons
             1 AO (Rikko Maru Type) | 9182 tons
             TOTAL                | 15,082 tons

                                   [SIGNATURE: J. M. HAINES]

                                                                 [HANDWRITTEN: 24]

— page 29 —
FE24-71/A16
Serial 0865
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

UNITED STATES NAVY
12-bt
26 October, 1943.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS BILLFISH 1st War Patrol
Report SS286/A16-3(0201) of
10 October, 1943.

From: Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE.
To: Commander in Chief, U.S. FLEET.
Via: Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH - First War Patrol - comment on.

1. The remarks of the Commander Task Group SEVENTY-
ONE point THREE are complete and are concurred in.

2. After study of the attack on the night of 25 Sep-
tember, comparison of the BILLFISH reports, and con-
sultation with the Commanding Officers, it is considered that the
second vessel damaged by the BILLFISH was a freighter of about
6,000 tons.

3. This patrol is considered successful for purpose
of awarding the Submarine Combat Insignia.

4. The Task Force Commander congratulates the Com-
manding Officer, Officers, and crew of the BILLFISH upon an
"Assist" in the group attack on the convoy on 25 September, and
upon inflicting the following damage on the enemy:

DAMAGED
1 AK (Chile MARU Type) 5,360 tons.
1 AK 6,000 tons.
Total 11,360 tons.

R. W. CHRISTIE.

B. L. CARR,
Lieut-Comdr., U. S. Navy,
Flag Secretary.

DISTRIBUTION:
(On other side)

- 1 -

11 01311
[HANDWRITTEN: 25]

— page 31 —
[STAMP: U.S. No. 9158]
[STAMP: L.S. No. 11 01311] [HANDWRITTEN: 1]

UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET

11/Web.

A16-3
Serial: 0.2241
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL

[STAMP: 10 NOV 1943]

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
USS BILLFISH 1st War
Patrol Report SS286/
A16-3 (0201) dated
10 October 1943.

From: The Commander Seventh Fleet.
To : [HANDWRITTEN: X] The Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH - First War Patrol - comment on.

1. Forwarded.

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

Copy to:
CNO

[HANDWRITTEN: 27]

— page 32 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY.]

SS286/ A16-3
Serial 0205

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: G/L] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 10-31-66]
U.S.S. BILIFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
24 December 1943.

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. BILLFISH.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander Task Group SEVENTY ONE POINT THREE.
The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE.
The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH, Report of War Patrol Number two.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.

1.
Enclosure (A), covering the second war patrol of this vessel,
conducted in the South China Sea during the period 1 November 1943 to
24 December 1943, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: F. C. LUCAS, Jr.]
F. C. LUCAS, Jr.

3 086

— page 33 —
ENCLOSURE (A) USS BILLFISH, Report of War Patrol No. 2.

(A) PROLOGUE.

First War Patrol. Underwent two week refit by Submarine Repair Unit, four
days training, and three days loading and post-refit repairs. Model MN
voice radio equipment and voice modulator for TBL equipment were installed
in preparation for joint operations with BOWFIN. Ready for sea
1 November 1943.

(B) NARRATIVE.

All times are zone minus eight (HOW).

1 November 1943.

1350 Departed Fremantle, Western Australia for Second War Patrol.
     Proceeding to Exmouth Gulf in company with U.S.S. BOWFIN
     and U.S.S. PRESTON, conducting training in coordinated attacks
     and tests of voice radio communications enroute.

4 November 1943.

0950 Moored alongside M.S. ONDINA in Exmouth Gulf. BOWFIN came
     alongside, fueled and departed at 1420.
1640 Completed fueling and anchored in Exmouth Gulf overnight.

5 November 1943.

0535 Underway from Exmouth Gulf, proceeding toward Lombok Strait,
     conducting training enroute.

8 November 1943.

0524 Submerged in position 9-42S; 115-50E to approach Lombok Strait
     undetected.
1847 Surfaced and proceeded toward Lombok Strait.

9 November 1943.

0330 Moonset. Entered Lombok Strait at 18 knots.
0451 Submerged in Lombok Strait in position 8-30S; 115-49E.
1851 Surfaced and headed north into Macassar Strait at 14 knots.

10 November 1943.

0706 SD Radar contact at 8 miles. Submerged to 200 feet. Position:
     5-22S; 117-12E.
0932 Surfaced and continued northward at 14 knots.

ENCLOSURE (A)
(1)
3 006

— page 34 —
10 November 1943 (Cont'd)

1715 Approaching Hoek Mandar in the early evening, and northward
to Cape William during bright moonlight, sighted many native
sailing craft, all of which appeared to be plying to
fishing grounds, but in light of later events it is believed
there may be some "spotters" in this group.

11 November 1943.

0920 Proceeding through Macassar Strait, north of Cape William,
on the surface at 14 knots.
Sighted ship bearing 051°T, about 8 miles, which appeared to
be a destroyer or smaller anti-submarine vessel, angle on the
bow zero. (Contact No. 1). Position: 0-22S; 118-42E.
1407 Submerged immediately. The target maintained a steady course
at high speed toward our diving point and was identified as
a torpedo boat of about 225 feet in length, 3 stacks (the
forward one split). Decided against torpedo attack due to
small size and glassy sea which made periscope observations
hazardous.
1450 Sighted smoke bearing 071°T (Contact No. 2). Commenced
approach and target was made out to be another torpedo boat,
probably Otori or Chidori class, making high speed.
1500 At a range of 3600, target appeared to have got by so
abandoned approach. At this point he commenced pinging and
turned toward us to present a 10 degree angle on the bow, at
slow speed.
1505 Target showed zero angle, still pinging, so ordered 300 feet
without increasing speed or using negative as it was still not
believed that he had actual contact. Rigged ship for silent
running and depth charge attack.
1640 While trying to get through layer at 200 feet heard screws pass
overhead followed shortly by a barrage of 6 heavy charges which
did considerable minor damage. Went to 400 feet and commenced
evasion.
1900 After much leisurely listening and pinging during which the
torpedo boat stayed right on top of us, received 6 more charges,
apparently set deeper than the first, but we were then at 465
feet and they were less effective. Again heard screws through
the hull before the charges. Shortly thereafter another A/S
vessel joined in the hunt.
Eight charges delivered by the two ships in a joint effort.
After these reversed course through the disturbance and they
lost contact for the first time.

12 November 1943.

0025 Surfaced in full moon and glassy sea and cleared the area.
0453 Submerged in position 0-39N; 119-17E.
1834 Surfaced 20 miles southeast of Tg. Mangalihat. Received dispatch
from CTF 71 warning of anti-submarine activity in this vicinity.
Set course for Sibutu Passage.

ENCLOSURE (A) (2)
[HANDWRITTEN: 2 480]

— page 35 —
13 November 1943.
0607 BLUEFISH surfaced bearing 045°T, 4 miles. Closed and exchanged
greetings and information by megaphone.
0654 Submerged in position: 3-10N; 120-00E.
1810 Surfaced and continued toward Sibutu Passage at 10 knots.
2143 Passed through 25-30 floating empty oil drums, probably from two
small tankers sunk by BOWFIN gunfire two days before.

14 November 1943.
0510 Submerged and patrolled south of Sibutu Passage during the day.
1825 Surfaced and passed through Sibutu Passage and between Pearl Bank
and Doc Can Island. Full moon but nothing sighted.

15 November 1943.
2008 Proceeding across Sulu Sea toward Balabac Strait at 14 knots.
Passed through Nasubata Channel, Balabac Strait, at 18 knots.

16 November 1943.
Proceeding toward area in South China Sea, south of Dangerous
Ground, on the surface at 10 knots.
1501 Submerged for training.
1532 Surfaced.

17 November 1943.
0300 Entered area at 8-00N; 112-22E proceeding toward rendezvous
with BOWFIN at Lat. 11-00N; Long. 112-00E.
2335 Arrived at rendezvous and failed to contact BOWFIN. Patrolled
in area.

18 November 1943.
Patrolling on the surface in vicinity of Lat. 11-00N; Long.
112-00E, awaiting arrival of BOWFIN at the rendezvous.
0747 Submerged for training.
0832 Surfaced.
1501 Submerged to replace mercury in master gyro compass, lost
during depth charging.
1806 Surfaced.

19 November 1943.
Patrolling on the surface at Lat. 11-00N; Long. 112-00E
awaiting arrival of BOWFIN.

ENCLOSURE (A)
(3)
3 [STAMP: 086]

— page 36 —
20 November 1943.
0615 Sighted BOWFIN bearing 160°T, 4 miles.
0700 BOWFIN came close aboard and final arrangements for the conduct
     of the joint patrol were made by megaphone.
0720 Commenced joint surface patrol with BOWFIN, as follows:
     Patrol origin: 11-00N; 112-00E.
     Patrolling courses: 310°T and 130°T, reversing every two hours.
     Scouting distance: 20 miles during daylight; 14 miles during
                       darkness or low visibility.
1048 Scouting speed: 9 knots during daylight; 7 knots during darkness.
1135 Submerged for training.
     Surfaced.

21 November 1943.

     Conducting joint surface patrol with BOWFIN as before. Wind
     and sea increasing from the northeast, and generally poor
     visibility limits the effectiveness of the patrol.
1900 Changed Patrol Origin to 11-35N; 111-11E by signal (Voice radio).

22 November 1943.

     Conducting joint surface patrol as before. Wind and sea still
     increasing. Visibility generally poor.

23 November 1943.

     Conducting joint surface patrol as before. Heavy seas from
     the north.
0945 BOWFIN closed to visual signal distance and arrangements were
     made for joint patrol on the coast commencing 25 November.
     Resumed patrol.

24 November 1943.

     Conducting joint surface patrol as before.
1100 Set course for Pulo Gambir. BOWFIN proceeding to vicinity of
     Hon Kan Island, about 20 miles north. Steady rain and rough sea.

25 November 1943.

0423 Made SJ Radar contact on single ship, bearing 310°T, 10,000 yards.
     Approximate position 30 miles southeast of Cape Varella. Tracked
     briefly on course 170°T at 10 knots. It was still raining, and
     visibility was very poor. Decided to wait for daylight as firing
     blind was impracticable for the following reasons: (a) Possibility
     of contact being BOWFIN. (b) Radar indicated target was of small
     size and it was estimated that 15 feet was the minimum practicable
     depth setting in the existing heavy sea. Therefore worked for
     position ahead, but at daybreak the rain, which had showed signs of
     letting up, increased so that visibility was practically zero.
     Patrolled across the estimated track of the target using radar
     search but never regained contact.

ENCLOSURE (A)
(4)
[HANDWRITTEN: 2 480]

— page 37 —
25 November 1943 (Cont'd)
1305 Submerged to routine torpedoes and water battery. Too rough for
this work on the surface for several days.
1826 Surfaced and headed north along the coast between Camranh Bay and
Cape Varella. Position very much in doubt as have had no fix
for 36 hours, but planned to make prearranged rendezvous with
BOWFIN off Cape Varella at midnight.

26 November 1943.
0700 Still raining and no fix obtainable and no contact with BOWFIN.
Estimated position off Cape Varella, and headed west to close
the coast.
0920 With a temporary improvement in the visibility, sighted one small
sailing vessel. Changed course to 330°T to avoid.
1054 Sighted streak of bright green water ahead which sharply contrasted
with the dark blue of the surrounding water and gave all indications
of shoal water. Reversed course at once and obtained fathometer
soundings of 70-90 fathoms. Could find no place on the chart where
shoal water could be found alongside these soundings but headed to
seaward to await improvement in weather. At the time had SD radar
land contacts on peaks at 24 and 31 miles but no contacts on SJ Radar.
Rain stopped but sky remained completely overcast. Wind and sea
again increasing from the northeast. Submerged.
1230 Submerged, still unable to fix position, set course to the south
eastward at 6 knots toward prearranged rendezvous with BOWFIN, 100
miles, 130°T, from Cape Varella.
1830 Surfaced and, still unable to fix position, set course to the south
eastward at 6 knots toward prearranged rendezvous with BOWFIN, 100
miles, 130°T, from Cape Varella.

27 November 1943.
0710 Fixed position at 11-02N; 110-27E. Set and drift for the 72 hours
without sights: 194°T, 1.4 miles, 1.6 knots. Headed north toward
rendezvous point. Sea had moderated.
1230 Passed through rendezvous and not making contact with BOWFIN,
assumed that she would be patrolling off Cape Varella. Set course
for that position.
2100 (about) BOWFIN called on voice radio. Said approximate position
was off Cape Varella and that she would head north 7-8 miles off
coast. Replied that we were coming in on Cape Varella from the
eastward and would remain to seaward of her track. Exchanged
other information.
2217 15 miles east of Cape Varella, changed course to 000°T at
9 knots.

28 November 1943.
●124 SJ Radar contact at 290°T, 14,000 yards. Five ships indicated.
Commenced tracking and working for position ahead at 18 knots.
Shortly thereafter picked up indications of BOWFIN's radar and at
first believed she was also tracking convoy. However, after
obtaining estimate of course, speed and composition of convoy asked
BOWFIN by voice radio if she was on them. She replied that she had

ENCLOSURE (A)
(5)
3 026

— page 39 —
30 November 1943.

Conducting surface patrol across Manila-Singapore traffic route
about 50 miles northwest of N. Danger.

1 December 1943.

0610 Submerged in position 12-47N; 114-21E.
1355 Surfaced and set course 240°T, at 9 knots.
2000 Changed course to 300°T to return to the coast, north of
     Cape Varella.

2 December 1943.

Conducting surface patrol to the westward toward Kulao Rai.

3 December 1943.

0618 Submerged approximately 30 miles east of Kulao Rai.
1027 Surfaced and commenced surface patrol to the northward.
1038 SD Radar contact at 9 miles, decreasing. Submerged. Position 15-33N;
     109-51E.
1830 Surfaced and set course 300°T to make landfall on Kulao Rai.

4 December 1943.

0153 From position 15 miles east of Kulao Rai patrolled to the north-
     eastward.
0615 Submerged in position 15-17N; 109-40E.
1834 Surfaced and patrolled to the southward along the coast.

5 December 1943.

0619 Submerged in position 13-54N; 109-36E.
1838 Surfaced and patrolled the coast between Pulo Gambir and Cape Varella.

6 December 1943.

0200 Set course to the eastward to patrol routes away from the coast
     during daylight. Heavy seas have limited effectiveness of submerged
     daylight patrol along the coast during past two days.
1300 Reversed course to return to the coast.
2139 From position 10 miles east of Cape Varella commenced patrolling
     the coast to the northward.

7 December 1943.

0200 Set course 090°T. Sea very rough and increasing.
1430 Changed course to 180°T. Intend to patrol the Singapore-Manila and
     Singapore-Empire routes in the vicinity of Lat. 10°N, returning to
     the coast at Cape Padaran if the weather moderates prior to departure
     from the area.

ENCLOSURE (A)                               (7)
                                                              3 026

— page 40 —
8 December 1943.
1643 Conducting surface patrol in the vicinity of 10°N; 111°E. Very
rough sea from the north.
Ensign F. A. RYAN, USNR, J.O.O.D., was swept overboard from the
after TBT platform by a heavy sea. He was dressed in a full set
of foul weather clothing but fortunately is a strong swimmer.
Maneuvered and successfully recovered him when Lieutenant
M. H. OSTRANDER, USN., went over the side on a tended line, at great
risk to himself, and swam the 15-20 yards that Ens. Ryan was then too
exhausted to swim. Resumed patrol.

9 December 1943.
0745 Conducting surface patrol as before. Seas still very high so decided
to move to Palawan Passage for remainder of time in the area.
Set course to the southward. Seas moderated gradually throughout the
day.
1753 Submerged for trim and training. Ventilation supply inboard valve
failed to close. Cause was found to be a piece of wood about
10" x 12" x 2" in the induction piping.
1822 Surfaced and set course 180°T, passing to the westward of
Rifleman Bank.

10 December 1943.
1303 Proceeding south of Dangerous Ground to Palawan Passage.
Submerged to routine torpedoes.
1517 Surfaced.
1704 Passed 4 miles south of Swallow Reef.
2207 Sighted a light bearing 035°T. Position 7-28N; 115-02E. It appeared
to be the masthead light of a vessel hull down. Believed it probably
a hospital ship but changed course toward it to investigate. Lost
sight contact in rain squall.
2235 Radar made contact at 1950 yards and immediately thereafter sighted
the lights which proved to be on a small vessel, 50-75 feet in length,
apparently fishing. It was brightly lighted in deck-house and on deck
and had what appeared to be an extraordinarily bright masthead light.
Turned away to avoid being sighted in the bright moonlight. Then,
after noting that his position was due south of the British route
through Dangerous Ground between Investigator Shoal and Commodore
Reef and considering his peculiarly bright masthead light, decided
that he might be acting as a navigational aid for traffic along that
route, so decided to patrol south and southeast of his position
during the night and following day. Meanwhile had lost sight of his
light, and contact was not regained. It is believed that his lights
were extinguished.

ENCLOSURE (A)
(8)
[HANDWRITTEN: 2 480]

— page 41 —
.11 December 1943.

0900        Patrolling south of Dangerous Ground.
            Noted indications of another radar equipment in the SD radar.
            (Description of these indications is contained under Section (U)
            REMARKS).
1217        Submerged in position 7-25N; 115-45E.
1822        Surfaced and set course for Balabac Strait.
2245        Entered Balabac Strait and passed through Nasubata Channel.
            Full moon and clear sky.

.12 December 1943.

0545        Proceeding from Balabac Strait toward Sibutu Passage on the surface.
0851        Passed 12 miles east of Bancoran Island.
1104        Submerged for trim and training.
1215        Surfaced and proceeded toward Sibutu Passage.
            Noted indications of enemy radar on SD radar, similiar to those
            observed yesterday.
1509        Sighted what appeared to be a small boat and closed to investigate.
            It proved to be a abandoned boat of about 20 feet in length, similiar
            in construction to a small dry-dock caisson, with a single hatch
            in the center surrounded by a coaming. It appeared to have been
            adrift for a long time.
2200        Passed 5 miles west of Pearl Bank.

.13 December 1943.

0300        Proceeding through Sibutu Passage in bright moonlight.
0535        Commenced patrolling about 10 miles south of Sibutu Passage.
1825        Submerged in position: 4-35N; 119-40E.
2325        Surfaced and continued patrolling south of Sibutu Passage.
            Set course 160°T at 10 knots.

.14 December 1943.

            Patrolling on the surface in Celebes Sea in the vicinity of
            4-00N; 120-00E.
0745        SD radar contact at 8 miles. Submerged to 200 feet. Lookout sighted
            plane as bridge was cleared. Position 4-12N; 120-00E.
0747        One bomb explosion with loud noise but no damage. Went to 350 feet.
0749        Loud crash heard by sound operator. Possibly a dud bomb or a
            position marker.
1055        First of about 8 depth charges extending over forty minutes. None
            were close, but some were considerably farther than others. As no
            screws or pinging were heard it is believed these were dropped by a
            plane or planes. The sea was absolutely glassy so remained deep.
1839        Surfaced and set course to the southward.

ENCLOSURE (A)
(9)
3 026

— page 42 —
15 December 1943.
0524
1830 Submerged in position 2-32N; 121-01E.
     Surfaced and set course for Macassar Strait.

16 December 1943.
0508 Submerged in position 1-15N; 120-10E.
1845 Surfaced and headed southeastward into Macassar Strait.

17 December 1943.
0518 Submerged in position 0-40S; 119-08E.
1844 Surfaced and continued southward through Macassar Strait.

18 December 1943.
0032 Passed 12 miles east of Cape William.
0603 Sighted plane at about 8 miles, headed toward us. Submerged to
     200 feet. Position: 3-34S; 118-25E.
1620 Surfaced.

19 December 1943.
0536 Sighted Lombok Peak bearing 185°T, 85 miles.
0608 Submerged in position 7-06S; 116-19E.
1736 Surfaced and headed for Lombok Strait.
2218 Entered Lombok Strait at 18 knots.
2348 Completed passage of Lombok Strait. Set course for Fremantle.

20-23 December 1943.
Enroute Fremantle. Had one SD Radar contact, probably friendly,
at 0958, 21 December, at 16-50S; 113-05E. Submerged for 1 hour
and 45 minutes.

24 December 1943.
Arrived Fremantle, completing Second War Patrol.

(c) WEATHER.

     The weather in the area (South China Sea) was very poor. The
northeast monsoon prevailed, force 3-5, with almost continuous overcast and
heavy showers, but was reinforced during two separate prolonged periods by
barometric disturbances which resulted in heavy seas and much rain. Visibility
was generally poor.

ENCLOSURE (A)                                            (10)

                                                              2 480

— page 43 —
(D) TIDAL INFORMATION.
The currents in the South China Sea were found to vary greatly in
strength and direction according to the strength of the monsoon, as indicated
on the charts and in the Sailing Directions.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
No navigational aids were found in operation north of the Barrier.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS.
(See page 15 at end of ENCLOSURE (A))

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.
(See page 15 at end of ENCLOSURE (A))

(H) ATTACK DATA.
(See page 16 at end of ENCLOSURE (A))

(I) MINES.
No data.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS.

The Otori or Chidori torpedo boat encountered on 11 November in
Macassar Strait was remarkably effective both in original detection and in
staying right on top of us for four hours.
Apparently he was aware of our presence in the vicinity, probably
having been informed by aircraft, "spotters" on small sailing vessels, or by
the first torpedo boat which we thought we had evaded without being detected.
It is believed that he sighted our periscope at a range of approximately 3600
yards even though it was being used with extreme care because of the calm sea.
All attacks were very deliberate, unhurried, and well executed. He
did not waste a charge. He sat for long periods almost directly over us, so
that his auxiliaries could be plainly heard on the JP Sound Equipment,
alternantly listening and pinging, just kicking ahead occasionally to stay with
us. All evasive maneuvers at silent speed were futile.
When entirely satisfied of our position he would start in for a run,
but several times he apparently lost echo-ranging contact, probably he
expected because of our deep submergence (465-480 feet) and would stop and start
the procedure all over again. This was especially aggravating as we had by this
time become very heavy, requiring a 15° up angle to maintain depth, and were
waiting for him to make so that we could blow water free safely.
On each of the three dropping runs his screws were plainly heard
through the hull 15-20 seconds before the charges.
The effectiveness of the attack seemed to be reduced rather than en-
hanced by the arrival of the second A/S vessel and contact was finally broken by
doubling back through the disturbance caused by 8 charges dropped in a
coordinated attack.

ENCLOSURE (A) (11)
3 006

— page 44 —
(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE.
Major Defects - None.
Damage - The only important damage from the depth charge attack on
11 November was the chipping and specking of the upper prism of number two
periscope which made this periscope almost useless for the remainder of the
patrol.

(L) RADIO.
Radio reception in the area (South China Sea) was generally very good
at night on 9250 kcs. but interference from NPG (San Francisco) was constant and
on one occasion, 17 November 1943, it was impossible to copy VIXO through NPG
on either 9250 kcs. or 4370 kcs.
Daylight reception in the area was very poor or impossible.
Japanese interference was continuous but never very effective.
No success was had in three attempts to work VIXO on the 16000 and
12000 bands but on each occasion communication was established without
difficulty after shifting to 8470 kcs.

(M) RADAR.
Both the SD and SJ Radar equipment gave excellent results throughout
the patrol.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS.
JK-QC projector is noisy in training due to some external cause,
believed to be in the spider assembly.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS.
Density layers in the area (South China Sea) varied with the location,
weather, and time of day, but there was almost invariably one starting near 100
feet with an abrupt drop of about 10 degrees which required the flooding in of
10-12,000 lbs. to get through. The Bathythermograph was again used to excellent
advantage.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY.
Health: The health of the crew was excellent. There were five
admissions to the sick list with diagnosis and number of sick days as follows:
1 (officer) submersion 3 sick days.
1 (officer) intercranial injury 5 sick days.
3 Gonococcus infection, urethra 0 sick days.
Total 8 sick days.
Food: The food was exceptionally well prepared and this compensated
to a large degree for the absence of the fresh frozen and special foods which
were available on the first patrol, having been obtained in the United States,
but which were not available in Fremantle.
Habitability: Excellent.

ENCLOSURE (A).
(12)

[HANDWRITTEN: 2 480]

— page 45 —
**(Q) PERSONNEL.**
Twenty three new men were received prior to the start of this patrol,
of which 20 had never before been to sea on a submarine except at submarine
school. The performance of these men, considering their inexperience, was
outstanding.

**(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED.**
Fremantle, Australia to area - 4070 miles, 32,500 gals.
In area - 4817 miles, 28,200 gals.
Area to Fremantle, Australia - 3970 miles, 40,000 gals.
Total 12857 miles;100,700 gals.

**(S) DURATION.**
Days enroute to area - 15½
Days in area - 23½
Days enroute to base - 14
Days submerged - 18

**(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING.**
Torpedoes Fuel Provisions Personnel
20 2000 gals. 10 days 14 days.

**(U) REMARKS.**
(a) Conduct of Joint Patrol.
No opportunity was had to conclusively test the effectiveness of
the joint patrol due to lack of contacts in the open sea where full advantage of
the chase could be taken. On the occasion of the one contact when the
two submarines were in contact BOWFIN completed a highly successful attack and
expended the last of her torpedoes, but after one attack we were forced to sub-
merge before obtaining satisfactory position for further attacks by the coming
of daylight and the proximity of the shore and anti-submarine craft and aircraft.
The MN voice radio equipment was highly satisfactory for exchanging
information on this contact. However, plain language was used and it is doubtful
whether this procedure could be used as freely, after the enemy discovers this
equipment is being used, as it was on this occasion.

(b) Enemy Radar.
While approaching Balabac Strait from the eastward on
11 December 1943 in the vicinity of 7-20N; 115-00E interference was noted in
the SD Radar equipment which was at first thought to be from another SD
equipment but later determined as definitely not from this source. The same
interference was noted the following day while enroute southward through the
Sulu Sea. It is roughly estimated from the distances involved that the source
of this interference was on one of the high peaks on Palawan Island or the
northern tip of Borneo. The interference had the following characteristics.

ENCLOSURE (A) (13)

3 086

— page 46 —
(U) REMARKS. (Cont'd)
[HANDWRITTEN: 9]

Pulses of saturation strength and moving either way across the screen,
were witnessed at irregular intervals. Some intervals were as close as two
seconds and some as far apart as five minutes, the pulse being slightly wider
than one mile of range. Upon first appearance, the pulse reached saturation by
slightly detuning the equipment, whereas on the following day it was sharply
on frequency, any variation on either side of the SD frequency decreasing the
amplitude of the pulses. At most times of appearance, the length of time on
the screen was very short, but at the times it lingered on the screen there
was a positive effort to synchronize the pulse rate with that of the SD.

ENCLOSURE (A)
(14)
2 433

— page 47 —
(F) SHIP CONTACTS.

| No. | Time | Date | Lat. Long. | Type(s) | Initial Range | Est.Course Speed | How contacted. | Remarks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 0920H | 11 Nov. | 0-22S 118-42E | Torpedo Boat (Unident class) | 16000 | C 230 S 18 | SD | Lost. |
| 2. | 1407H | 11 Nov. | 0-21S 118-43E | Torpedo Boat (Otori or Chidori Class) | 16000 | C 170 S 20 | P | Detected and heavily depth charged by this ship, later assis- ted by another, probably contact No. 1. |
| 3. | 0423H | 25 Nov. | 12-36N 109-58E | Unident (Apparently small) | 10000 | C 170T S 10 | R | Lost in attempt- ing to gain posit- ion for daylight attack and not regained. |
| 4. | 0124H | 28 Nov. | (off Cape Varella) | 5 ship convoy Unidentified | 14000 | C 170 S 8.5 | R | Gave contact to BOWFIN who attack- ed first obtaining hits in three ships. Attacked one of remainder at 0504. One hit probable. |

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.

| No. | Time | Date | Lat. Long. | Type(s) | Initial Range | Est.Course Speed | How contacted. | Remarks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 0706H | 10 Nov. | 5-22S 117-12E | -- | 8 miles | | R | Not sighted. Submerged. |
| 2. | 1310H | 28 Nov. | 11-53N 109-58E | "Pete" or "Dave" | 6 miles | | P | |
| 3. | 1038H | 3 Dec. | 15-33N 109-51E | | 9 miles | | R | Not sighted. Submerged. |
| 4. | 0745H | 14 Dec. | 4-12N 120-00E | Unident | 8 miles | | R | Submerged. Dropped one bomb 2 min. after con- tact while at 200 feet. |
| 5. | 0603H | 18 Dec. | 3-34S 118-25E | Unident | 8 miles | | SD | Submerged. |
| 6. | 0958H | 21 Dec. | 16-50S 113-05E | -- | 6½ miles | | R | Submerged. May have been friendly. |

R - Radar.
P - Periscope.
SD - Surface day sighting.

ENCLOSURE (A)
(15)
3 086

— page 48 —
(H) ATTACK DATA.
U.S.S. BILLFISH TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 2.
Time 0504 H Date 28 November 1943 Lat. 12-33N Long 109-36E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted.

Description. Target was AK of about 6000 tons, one of five ship convoy with two
or three escorts of unidentified type. BOWFIN and BILLFISH were patrolling
off Cape Varella. Original contact was made by this vessel by radar at
14,000 yards and given by voice radio to BOWFIN which was inshore and to
seaward. BOWFIN made two attacks. Target of this attack was one of
two undamaged ships which scattered after BOWFIN'S attacks. Visibility
was good, but target was against land and dark cloud background which made
it difficult to see.

Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged: 1 AK, approximately 6000 tons.
Damage Determined By: One torpedo explosion at correct time for torpedo run.
Target was at that time obscured by smoke from engines.
Target Draft 20 feet Course 185 Speed 10.5 Range 3600

Own Ship Data.

Speed 5.6 Course 080 Depth Surface Angle 0°

Fire Control and Torpedo Data.

Type attack: Night surface, radar and visual.

Tubes fired No. 7 No. 8 No. 9 No. 10.
Track Angle 80 P 82 P 82 P 85 P
Gyro Angle 4°L 5°L 4°L 5°15'L
Depth Set 15' 15' 15' 15'
Power High High High High
Hit or Miss Miss Miss Miss Hit
Erratic No No No No
Mark Torpedo 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A
Serial No. 24245 22959 22965 23091
Mark Exploder 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-1
Serial No. 6345 6172 6161 6501
Actuation Set Magnetic Magnetic Magnetic Magnetic
Actuation Actual - - - - - - - Contact.
Mark Warhead 16 16 16 16
Serial No. 9604 1395 2562 1448
Explosive Torpex Torpex Torpex Torpex
Firing Interval - - - 15" 12" 10"
Type Spread Speed Speed Speed Speed
Sea Conditions Cond. 1 Cond. 1 Cond. 1 Cond. 1
Overhaul Activity ACTS 80 ACTS 80 ACTS 80 ACTS 80.

ENCLOSURE (A) (16)

2 480

— page 49 —
FC5-16/A16-3 07
Serial #

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED I-A-L]

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
BILLFISH Second War Patrol
Report FC5-16 Serial 0205
dated 24 December 1943.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH - Report of Second War Patrol -
Comments on.

1. The second war patrol of the BILLFISH covered a
period of 54 days of which 40 days were spent in enemy-controlled
waters and in her assigned areas in the SOUTH CHINA SEA and
CELEBES SEA. The coverage of these areas although unfruitful was
thorough and deserving of better results. Particular note is taken
of the manner in which contact information furnished by the BILLFISH
was capitalized upon by the BOWFIN, even though the former was un-
able from her position to profit by the contact.

2. The description of the anti-submarine measures em-
ployed by the enemy is particularly interesting and indicates not
only an increased awareness on their part of the potency of anti-
submarine aviation but also in the case of the attack by the
torpedo boat on 11 November increased ability to locate the sub-
marine in plan even through a marked density layer. Effective
depth determination by the enemy however, appears fortunately,
to prove as much a mystery as ever.

3. The material condition and state of cleanliness of
the ship, and the morale of the ship's company, is excellent and
bespeaks a high state of battle efficiency which it is felt will
be amply demonstrated when opportunity finally presents itself to
come to grips with the enemy.

UNITED STATES NAVY
(1/Es)

3 January 1944.

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

— page 50 —
FE24-71/A16-3
Serial: 071
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L (struck through)]

UNITED STATES NAVY
12a/gms
22 January, 1944.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BILLFISH Report of
Second War Patrol
SS286 A16-3/Serial 0205
dated 24 December, 1943.

06441

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

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH - Report of Second War Patrol -
Comments on.

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

2. For the greater part of the time in Area the
BILLFISH was handicapped by extremely bad weather which unquestion-
ably hampered making contacts in an area normally productive of
torpedo targets. On the one occasion of contact with a convoy,
BILLFISH, on in her First Patrol, was destined to coach the BOWFIN
on and be left with no targets in a favorable attack position.
This excellent cooperation was instrumental in the infliction of
tremendous damage on the enemy without the stimulating pleasure
of having actually fired the torpedoes that did the work.

3. This patrol is considered successful for purpose
of award of the Submarine Combat Insignia.

4. The Force Commander congratulates the Commanding
Officer, Officers and Crew on their "Assist" to the BOWFIN and for
inflicting the following damage on the enemy:

DAMAGED
1 AK (UNIDENTIFIED) - - - - - - - 6,000 tons.

R. W. CHRISTIE.

P. F. STRAUB, Jr.,
Flag Secretary.

DISTRIBUTION
(Second page)
- 1 -

— page 51 —
FE24-71/A16-3
Serial: 071
DECLASSIFIED [HANDWRITTEN: -A-L]

UNITED STATES NAVY
12a/gms
22 January, 1944.

Subject: U.S.S.BILLFISH - Report of Second War Patrol -
Comments on.

DISTRIBUTION
Cominch
Vice Opnav
Vice Opnav
Op-23C
ComlstFlt
Com2ndFlt
Com3rdFlt
Com7thFlt
ComsubslstFlt
Comsubs2ndFlt
CTF-71
CTF-72
CSS-16
Divcoms Ron-16
Each S/M W.A.

(2)-Via Com7thFlt
(2)-Via Com7thFlt
(1)

— page 52 —
[STAMP: Reg. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 849]]
[STAMP: S.E. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 05441]]

UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET

[STAMP: Reg. No

— page 53 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY.]

SS286/A16-3
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]T I A L
U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286)

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

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

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number
         Three.

Enclosure: (A) Report of Third War Patrol - 19 January 1944 to
               24 March 1944.

1. Enclosure (A) covering the Third War Patrol of this
vessel conducted in area Malay Barrier to 5° South and 115° East to
119° East, and area in South China Sea during the period 19 January
1944 to 24 March 1944, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: C. Turner]
V. C. TURNER.

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: JIC] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 10-2-66]

82081 [STAMP: FILMED]

— page 54 —
ENCLOSURE (A) U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of Third War Patrol.
Period from 19 January 1944 to 24 March 1944. Operation
Order No. 10-44.

(A) PROLOGUE.

December 24, 1943, arrived Fremantle, Western Australia, completing
second war patrol and commenced normal refit by Submarine Repair Unit,
Service Squadron Sixteen. Routine dry docking was not undertaken.
Trim pump was replaced with a new rotary type pump.

January 8, 1944, Commander F. C. Lucas, USN, was relieved by
Lieutenant Commander V. C. Turner, USN, as commanding officer.

January 9, 1944, refit completed and regular ships company took
over the ship.

January 10, 1944, Made training dives and conducted deep submergence
test to 420 feet. Test satisfactory with a few minor leaks. Gun sights
flooded.

January 11, 1944, Made North and South runs on degaussing range Gage
Roads; and conducted sound test in Cockburn Sound in 35 feet of water.
Periscope hoisting unusually noisy. Conducted gunnery practice at towed
target using open sights on 4" gun. Fired 8 rounds of 4" and 120 rounds
of 20 mm ammunition.

January 13-15, 1944, Conducted A/S exercises with USS ISABEL and made
practice submerged and surface periscope and radar approaches (day and
night).

January 15-16, 1944, Conducted A/S exercise with USS CHANTICLEER and
made night radar approaches and day periscope approaches. Fired 3
exercise torpedoes.

(B) NARRATIVE.

All times HOW 19 January 1944

1315 H Departed Fremantle for exercise area. Made submerged and
surface (day and night) approaches on USS ISABEL.

2318 H Submerged to 375 feet to give main induction line a final
test. Test satisfactory.

20 January 1944

0000 H Surfaced. Proceeding to Exmouth Gulf via Bombing Res-
triction Lane.

21 January 1944

Enroute Exmouth Gulf conducting practice dives and drills.
Made a Battle Surface and fired 5 rounds of 4" plus two
pans of 20 mm ammunition.
-1-

— page 57 —
Subject:
U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of Third
War Patrol.

(B)
NARRATIVE (Continued)

29 January 1944 (Cont.)
that general direction when last seen. The visi-
bility was about 2000 yards. Opened the range on
course 000°.

30 January 1944

0544 H Submerged on course 000° t & pgc.

0800 H posit. 01-34 S; 118-07 E. Fuel remaining 76,583
gallons.

1700 H In position 01-05S; 118-14 E came up to 50 feet pre-
paring to surface. Sighted patrol boat bearing 110° T
distance about 4 miles. (Ship contact #3). He was on
course North.

1900 H Surfaced. Proceeding to patrol area.

31 January 1944

0545 H Submerged on course 040° t on route between Balik popou
and North Watcher Light.

0800 H posit. 0-21 N; 119-22 E. Fuel remaining 74,948 gallons.

1920 H Surfaced on course 040°.

2147 H Sighted a ship bearing 270° relative. It could be a
large ship hull down. (Ship contact #4). SJ unable
to pick up the target. Changed course to 310° to close
the range. posit. 00-57 N; 119-42 E.

2156 H The target was made out to be a small patrol craft this
side of the horizon. At this time the SJ picked him up
at range 5000 yards. It looked like a TSUBAME class
minelayer. Changed course to 100°. Opening the range
on three main engines.

2210 H Changed course to 130°. The patrol vessel changed course
toward about 70° but his angle on bow was still about 40°
starboard. If he had sighted us or heard our screws, I
should think he would have headed directly toward .

2223 H Changed course to 180°.

2238 H Changed course to 270°.

2255 H Changed course to 330°.

-4-

— page 64 —
subject; J.S.S. BILLFISH (Ss286) - Report o. Third War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Continued)

1028 H Three depth charges; closer.
1029 H One depth charge; closer.
1034 H Three depth charges; closer.
1101 H Two depth charges; farther away.
1135 H One depth charge; farther away.
For a while, I thought we were probably leaving an oil
slick, explaining the persistence of the enemy. I be-
lieve instead of an escort he was a patrol boat.

1215 H One depth charge; far away.
1315 H Two depth charges; far away.
1445 H One depth charge; far away.
1724 H Five depth charges; distant.
1725 H One depth charge; distant.
1736 H Two depth charges; distant.
1737 H One depth charge; distant.
1738 H One depth charge; distant.
1940 H Surfaced.

14 February 1944

Patrolling on the surface in Eastern part of the area.
I believe that not all of the convoys are hugging the
coast. posit. 12-19 N; 111-31 E. Fuel remaining 50,248
gallons. Worked on the deck gun again but was unable
to locate the trouble.

15 February 1944

Patrolling on the surface. posit. 12-34 N; 111-16 E.
Fuel remaining 48,903 gallons.

1540 H Made trim dive and held drills. Worked on torpedoes.

16 February 1944

0606 H Submerged off Virella.

0800 H posit. 13-04 N; 109-32 E. Fuel remaining 47,703 gallons.
-11-

— page 68 —
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of Third War patrol.

2 March 1944
0800 H Posit. 12-27 N; 117-00 E. Fuel remaining 28,518 gallons.
1100 H SD contact at 4 miles. (Plane contact #5). Posit.
         12-25 N; 117-35 E. Dove.
1145 H Surfaced.

3 March 1944
0100 H Entered Mindoro strait.
0557 H Submerged.
0800 H Posit 11-57 N; 121-45 E. Fuel remaining 26,500 gallons.
1904 H Surfaced.

4 March 1944
0547 H Submerged.
1900 H Surfaced.

5 March 1944
0600 H Submerged.
0642 H Surfaced.
0800 H Posit. 09-33 N; 120-26 E. Fuel remaining 24,000 gallons.
0812 H SD contact at 4 miles (plane contact #6). Dove.
0814 H Two bombs heard.
1109 H Two distant pings at 215° T. Nothing in sight.
1207 H Two distant pings at 243° T. Nothing in sight.
1855 H Surfaced.

6 March 1944
0800 H Posit. 06-58 N; 119-39 E. Fuel remaining 23,000 gallons.
1004 H Submerged so that we would enter Sibutu passage just
         before moonset.
1900 H Surfaced.

-15-

— page 72 —
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of third war patrol.

(C) WEATHER.
Throughout the patrol the weather was excellent. From
Lombok strait to Mindoro strait, the sea was very smooth.
Winds were negligible.

In the south China Sea, the seas were choppy. Winds were
light. Very little rain was experienced.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION.
The currents off Cape Varella within 10 miles of the coast
ran in a southerly direction at an average strength of 2.5
knots. North of Varella the strength was 1 knot. Currents
in the straits were normal.

The bathythermograph was used to advantage on every dive
below 100 feet. Within 15 miles of the coast of Indo-
China the gradient was small, usually about 3 degrees.
Elsewhere in the China sea the gradient averaged 10 degrees.
10 to 30 miles north of Lombok strait a very large gradient
of 17 degrees was found at 400 feet. Conditions at this
depth were unstable with the water temperature suddenly
shifting as much as 4 degrees.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
No navigational lights were sighted. Twice, a light similar
to a searchlight was seen on the northwestern end of Pulo
Gambir Island. It is believed that this light was shown for
the benefit of shipping traveling very close to the coast.

-19-

— page 79 —
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS.

     All sound equipment and operators gave a very satisfactory
performance.

     In the South China Sea, sound conditions were excellent.
On two occassions echo ranging was picked up at a range of
20,000 yards. Screws were heard clearly at 7,000 yards. Along
the coast the temperature gradient was very small while further
out to sea it increased to 8-10 degrees.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

     This item was covered under paragraph (D).

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY

     The health of all hands was very good throughout the
patrol even though it covered a period of 65 days and we were
submerged 32 days. The pharmacists mate had only one patient.
He was on the sick list for two days with excessive sunburn.
The food was very well prepared. I think the meat supply
could be improved considerably by issuing the submarines better
beef. A good steak occassionally is a big morale booster. The
habitability of the ship was normal due to satisfactory operation
of the air conditioning system.

(Q) PERSONNEL

     This was the first patrol on the BILLFISH for 15 men, of
which 11 had made no previous patrols on any submarine. All
of these men as well as the "old timers" performed their duties
in a very satisfactory manner. The percentage of submarine
qualifications was higher than on previous patrols. At gun
action stations the gun crews functioned smoothly and efficiently.
During depth charging all hands were calm and collected.

     Considering the relatively non-productive patrols that the
BILLFISH has made, I consider the morale of the officers and
crew to be exceptionally high. For the state of training and
excellent performance of duty of all hands, commendable credit
is due the Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander G. G.
Matheson, U. S. Navy.

-27-

— page 80 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
CONFIDENTIAL
FC5-16/A16-3
Serial 0179
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS BILLFISH - Report
of 3rd WAR PATROL.

From:
To :
Via :

Subject:

SUBMARINE SQUADRON SIXTEEN.
U.S.S. RASHER, FLAGSHIP.

20 March 1944.

The Commander Submarine Squadron SIXTEEN.
The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
The Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of THIRD
War Patrol - comment on.

1. The third war patrol of the BILLFISH covered
a period of sixty-five days. Twenty one days were spent in
assigned areas and fifty days were spent north of the BARRIER.

2. Area coverage was good and days submerged in
the area were spent from two to two and one-half miles from
the coastline in order to contact any shipping following the
coast. Only two contacts worthy of torpedoes were made. In
the first contact, just before reaching a favorable firing
position, the BILLFISH received two close aircraft bombs
while running at 75 feet, and then a depth charge. The
second contact was made while the BILLFISH was submerged
trying to correct air leaks. Unable to gain a favorable
position for firing, the BILLFISH surfaced and trailed the
convoy until dark. Before an attack position could be reached
the target zigged 90 degrees and headed into DANGEROUS GROUND
thereby making it impossible for a favorable firing position
to be reached.

3. On 1 February, the attack, by gunfire, on
two sea-trucks was well executed: Unfortunately the breech
jammed after the nineteenth shot, thereby spoiling the chances
of sinking both sea-trucks.

4. On February 13th, an enemy minesweeper with
very accurate gunfire at a range of 4700 yards forced the
BILLFISH to dive. During the next 15 hours more than sixty-six
depth charges were dropped in persistent attacks.

5. The BILLFISH returned in very good material
condition. It is expected that all defects will be corrected
in the normal refit time. The source of poor gaskets is being
investigated and all will be replaced. The number of spare
tubes for the SD radar will be increased as soon as more
become available. The cause of the jammed projectile case
is still being investigated.

-1-

— page 81 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON SIX
U.S.S. RASHER, FLAGSHIP

30 March 1944.

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of THIRD
War Patrol - Comment on.

— page 82 —
FE24-71/A16-3
UNITED STATES NAVY
Serial 0301
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED I-A-L]
12-bt
April 5, 1944.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BILLFISH Conf. Ltr.
FE24-71/Serial 0179 dated
30 March 1944.
Report of 3rd War Patrol

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

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of Third War
Patrol - Comment on.

1. The remarks of the Commander Submarine Squadron
SIXTEEN are thorough, complete, and are concurred in.

2. This patrol is designated as "not successful"
for purpose of award of the Submarine Combat Insignia.

3. The Force Commander congratulates the Commanding
Officer, Officers, and Crew on inflicting the following damage
on the enemy by gunfire:

SUNK
+ 1 - Sea Truck (KEIBU MARU TYPE) - - - 950 Tons

DAMAGED
+ 1 - Sea Truck (KEIBU MARU TYPE) - - - 950 Tons
Grand Total 1,900 Tons
+ By gunfire.

R. W. CHRISTIE.

DISTRIBUTION:
(On other side.)

- 1 -

— page 83 —
FE24-71/A16-3 UNITED STATES NAVY 12-bt
Serial 0301 April 5, 1944.
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
NND 740011
BY NARA, DATE 1-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BILLFISH (SS286) ltr.
A16-3 ser 0179 dated
30 March 1944.
Report of 3rd War Patrol

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of Third War
Patrol - Comment on.

— page 84 —
[STAMP: 844]
UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET

A16-3/(F-6/cw)
Serial: [HANDWRITTEN: 0875]

Reg. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 2F47]
R.S. No. 018173

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
18 APR 1944

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to:
CO USS BILLFISH (SS286)
Conf.Ltr. Serial 02
dated 24 March 1944.

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

Subject: USS BILLFISH - Report of Third War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

[SIGNATURE: R. E. Cruzen]
R. E. CRUZEN
By direction.

— page 85 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L [crossed out]
[HANDWRITTEN: E/C]
[HANDWRITTEN: 9/C]

U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286)
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

13 June 1944

SS286/A16-3
Serial: (05)

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

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Patrol.

1. Enclosure (A) covering the Fourth War Patrol of this
vessel conducted in area west of Marianas Islands during the period
April 18, 1944 to June 13, 1944, is forwarded herewith.

[HANDWRITTEN: V. C. Turner]
V. C. TURNER,
Lieutenant Commander, USN,
Commanding.

[HANDWRITTEN: 11-3-6F]

[HANDWRITTEN: 77543]

— page 86 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3
(05)

Subject: . U.S.S. BILLFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

— page 88 —
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
SS286/A16-3 (05)

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

— page 90 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (03)

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

— page 91 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS236/A16-3 (05)

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

— page 92 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (05)

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

— page 93 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: (05)]
SS286/A16-3

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISU - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

— page 95 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3
(05)

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

21 May, 1944. (Continued)

                                  like a hand grenade and then a few seconds later a re-
                                  verberating rumble like a series of four depth charges
                                  can be heard. Two more explosions in succession of
                                  less intensity and at equal intervals can then be heard,
                                  which sound like echoes of the first rumbling explosion.

1200(I) - Pinging on various bearings and at different intensities.
1300(I) - Coming up to periscope depth.
1353(I) - Pinging getting louder and on constant bearing.
1407(I) - Went deep again.
1412(I) - Pinging getting weaker.
1530(I) - Periscope depth. All clear. Since 1030 both sound head
          motors have been out of commission due to flood-
          ing out by water in the forward torpedo room bilge.
          This water ran aft when a 10 degree up angle was necessary
          to hold proper depth. Shifted to hand training on the
          port sound head. The JP sound gear has been out of com-
          mission since 1100.
1600(I) - Surfaced.

1851(I) - Surfaced.

22 May, 1944. 0800. Posit. 14-08(N); 139-03(E).

0450(I) - Submerged on course 310 degrees.
0625(I) - Sound reported noise at 000 relative. Nothing sighted
          through periscope.
0636(I) - Sound reported screws at 340 degrees relative. Sighted
          a submarine at estimated range of 4000 yards, angle on
          bow zero. Estimated course 140 degrees. Started swing-
          ing to the right to course 050 degrees to open the
          track and get the stern tubes to bear. Can't identify
          the submarine yet. (Ship contact #5).
0640(I) - Manned battle stations. Making ready the stern tubes.
0643(I) - Target zigged to his right showing 30 port angle on the
          bow. It's definitely a Jap sub with flag painted on
          conning tower, two guns.
0650(I) - Matching gyro angles aft. Estimated speed, 12 knots.
          Estimated range, 2000 yards. Something is definitely
          wrong in the T.D.C. The gyro angles aren't following
          properly although the angle set light is on. The
          torpedo run doesn't check.
0655(I) - T.D.C. looks all right but we got another zig away.
          range estimated to be 3500 yards opening. Made out
          "I-43" painted on his conning tower.
0717(I) - Secured from battle stations.
0745(I) - Surfaced and started end around run on 4 engines.
1400(I) - Six hours of full power running have been necessary to
[HANDWRITTEN: 6]

                                                                -10-
                                                                ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 98 —
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
SS286/A16-3 (05)

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

— page 99 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3
(05)

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.

No navigational aids were sighted.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS.

Number | Time    | Date   | Lat.   | Long.   | Type(s)     | Initial Range | How Contacted | Course  | Speed   | Remarks
-------|
#1     | 2015(H) | 1 May  | 01-40N | 127-05E | Patrol boat | 4500 yards    | Sight         | 300°    | 13 kts  | Minimum range
       |         |        |        |         | SC type     |               |               |         |         | obtained 10,000
       |         |        |        |         | 1 CM        |               |               |         |         | yds due to con-
       | voy 90° change
       | of course.
#2     | 0610(I) | 2 May  | 03-11N | 127-06E | 1 AK        | 15000 yards   | Sight         | 250°    | 13 kts  | USS BLUEGILL
#3     | 1705(H) | 3 May  | 08-22N | 129-38E | Friendly SS | 18000 yards   | Sight         | Unknown | Unknown | Similar to
       | ASAKASAN MARU
       | (8600 tons)
#4     | 0310(I) | 21 May | 13-09N | 140-07E | 1 AP-AK     | 20000 yards   | SJ            | 090°    | 10 kts  | Similar to
       | GOSYU MARU
       | (8500 tons)
#5     | 0636(I) | 22 May | 14-10N | 139-01E | 1 AK        | 19000 yards   | P             | 090°    | 10 kts  | Similar to
       | GOSYU MARU
       | (3500 tons)
#6     | 1255(I) | 26 May | 16-01N | 140-28E | 1 SS        | 18000 yards   | P             | 090°    | 10 kts  | Similar to
       | TARUSIMA MARU
       | (4800 tons)
       |         |        |        |         | 1 AP-AK     | 13000 yards   | P             | 150°    | 13 kts  | Similar to
       | GOSYU MARU
       | (3500 tons)
       |         |        |        |         | 4 Escorts   | 7000 yards    | Sound         | 300°    | 10 kts  | SS type
       | "I-43"
       |         |        |        |         | 1 SS        | 6000 yards    | Sight         | 100°    | 10 kts  | Apparently an
       | enemy SS, smaller
       | than the I-43.

-14-
ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 102 —
DECLASSIFIED
SS286/A16-3 (05)
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

(H) ATTACK DATA.

U.S.S. BILLFISH Torpedo Attack No. 1 - Patrol No. 4.
Time: 0922 Date: 21 May, 1944. Lat. 13-39N; Long. 140-45(E).

Target Data - Damage Inflicted.

Description:

The target consisted of a convoy made up of four (4)
ships escorted by four (4) escorts of the SO type. The con-
voy was picked up before daylight by the SJ radar at which
time only one target was visible on the screen, range 20,000
yards. The convoy was tracked until after sunrise and was
attacked at periscope depth. The visibility was about 10
miles. The sea was smooth with a slight chop and white caps.
At the time of firing, the convoy was on its base course of
100°, making 9.5 knots speed. The four ships were on a 150-
200°(true) line of bearing, with distance between ships (approx.)
800 yards. Looking West, toward the convoy, the first ship
on the left is an AP-AK (similar to GOSYU MARU - 8500 tons);
the next ship is an AP-AK (similar to ASAKASAN MARU - 8600
tons); the next ship is an AP-AK (similar to GOSYU MARU);
and the last one is a small freighter (similar to the
TARUSIMA MARU - 4800 tons). There were two escorts in column
on each flank of the line of bearing. A total of six (6)
torpedoes were fired from the bow tubes. Three (3) were
fired on a 62 degree track at the second ship from the left;
and then three (3) were fired on a 30 degree track at the
third ship from the left. One hit was obtained in the first
target and three hits in the second target.

SHIP SUNK: One (1) passenger-freighter (similar to
the GOSYU MARU), 8500 tons. 2nd target.

SHIP DAMAGED: One (1) passenger-freighter (similar to
ASAKASAN MARU), 8600 tons, 1st target.

Damage determined by:
One hit in the first target and three hits in the
second target were heard and recorded both in the conning
tower and the forward torpedo room. The times of the four
explosions agree with the times of the predicted torpedo
runs as follows: #1 2m - 02s
#4 2m - 10s
#5 2m - 14s
#6 2m - 12s

-17-

ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 103 —
DECLASSIFIED
SS286/A16-3
(05)
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

(H) ATTACK DATA. (Continued)

The four explosions definitely had the sound of torpedo hits.
Torpedoes #4, 5 and 6 were followed by the JK sound operator un-
til they hit the target. For fifteen minutes, over the JK and
JP sound gear, the characteristic breaking up noises and dull
interval explosions of a sinking ship could be heard on the
bearing of the second target. This was from 0935 to 0950.

Target draft: 24 feet. Course: 100° Speed: 9.5 kts
Range: 2800 yards

Own Ship Data:
Speed: 3.0 kts Course: 202°
Depth: 65 feet Angle: 1° dive

Fire Control and Torpedo Data:

This was a periscope attack which worked out as planned ex-
cept that the stern tubes could not be brought to bear on a
suitable set-up on the third target, the 4800 ton AK on the en-
gaged flank. While firing the bow tubes, the track on this ship
was almost zero and the two escorts on that side were getting close.
A 1 1/4 degree divergent (offset) spread was used on the first
target and a 1 degree divergent (offset) spread was used on the
second target. A 1 degree spread should have been used on the
first target. Firing should have been held up for a few minutes
to allow the range to decrease and the tracks to increase, but at
the time the two near escorts seemed to be closing too fast with
the 1/2 degree starboard track. Also the possibility of the
targets zigging away was apparent.

-18- ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 104 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A,6-3 (05)

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

— page 110 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
SS286/A16-3
(05)

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

— page 111 —
DECLASSIFIED
SS286/A16-3
(05)

Subject: U.S.S. BILIFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS.

No pronounced density layer was found in the area. A gradient
of 2 degrees at 350 feet was prevalent throughout the area.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY.

One man had catarrhal fever for a period of three days. There
was no other sickness on board. The food was well prepared but the
meat, especially the beef, was below average. The habitability was
very good. The air conditioning system functioned very well.

(Q) PERSONNEL.

Upon the completion of this patrol all members of the crew are
qualified except twelve. This was the first patrol for nine of these
men. I consider the morale of the crew to be very high. Credit
for this as well as for the very satisfactory state of training of
personnel is due the Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander G. G.
MATHESON, U. S. Navy. During two attacks and during depth charge
evasion, all hands performed their duties in a very commendable
manner.

In maneuvering the ship to evade three aircraft bombs on the
night of 15 May, Lieutenant Max H. OSTRANDER, U. S. Navy, demon-
strated exceptional good judgment and ability as officer of the
deck. In separate correspondence he is being recommended for
award of the Silver Star Medal.

On this as well as the previous patrol, HOLICK, George (n),
642-08-56, RM2c, U. S. Naval Reserve, V-6, showed exceptional
ability and attention to duty. By picking up an aircraft on the
night of 15 May with the SJ radar and following it in to 1200
yards, he assisted in saving this ship from a bomb hit. On the
night of 20 May, he picked up an enemy ship, which turned out
to be a convoy, at the exceptional range of 20,000 yards. Had
he not be especially alert, the small pip would probably not have
been noticed. In separate correspondence he is being recommended
for award of the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.

-26- ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 112 —
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
SS286/A16-3 (05)

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

— page 113 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-FOUR
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
14 June 1944.

FB5-44/A16-3
Serial: O-54
[STAMP: UNCLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: C-O-M-F-L-E-E-T]
[HANDWRITTEN: 1944 JUN 20 PM 12 00]

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. BILLFISH Fourth
War Patrol Report.

From: The Commander Submarine Division FORTY-FOUR.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. FLEET.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH Fourth War Patrol - comments on.

1. The fourth war patrol of the BILLFISH was conducted in the
area west of the MARIANAS and through the western CAROLINE ISLANDS while
enroute from FREMANTLE to PEARL. Of the 56 days on patrol, 27 were spent
in the assigned area and 19 days were spent submerged.

2. Sixteen aircraft contacts were made, three on probable U.S.
planes; six contacts were made by sight, eight contacts by SD radar and one
each were combined SD-sight and SD-SJ contacts. Three submarine contacts were
made - two enemy and one with BLUEGILL. One patrol craft (SC type) was
avoided. One AK escorted by a DD and a CH avoided contact by changing course
radically, presumably because of escorting aircraft informing the convoy of
BILLFISH location. The remaining ship contact was developed into a
successful attack.

3. Torpedo Attacks.
(a) Attack No. 1. On 21 May, SJ radar contact was made at ten miles
on a zigzagging four ship convoy escorted by four SC type vessels. The leading
three ships in convoy were passenger-freighters, and the fourth, a freighter.
These well-laden vessels were proceeding toward GUAM in line of bearing 150° -
330°. Escorts were disposed, two on each flank. The commanding officer
maneuvered skillfully to a daytime periscope attack position and fired bow
tubes at the second and third ships, the choicest of the group. Three
torpedoes were fired at each ship, range 2800 yards, using divergent spread;
one hit was heard on the first target and three on the second target. The
port flank escorts were approaching on a small track too rapidly to observe
damage and BILLFISH wisely sought a deep haven. During the ensuing depth
charge attack, the commanding officer heard many explosions of "sonic bombs".

- 1 -

— page 114 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-FOUR

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

FB5-44/A16-3

Serial: 0-54
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH Fourth War Patrol - comments on.

— page 115 —
FC5-4/A16-3
Serial: 0237
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED N-T-I-A-L]

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BILLFISH Report of
Fourth War Patrol.

From:
To:
Via:

Subject:

1.
Submarine Division FORTY-FOUR.

2.
congratulated on this well and aggressively conducted patrol. SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
11/jak
Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

18 June 1944.

The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. FLEET.
(1) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. PACIFIC FLEET.

U.S.S. BILLFISH Fourth War Patrol - comments on.

Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of Commander

The Commanding Officer, officers and crew are

C. E. ALDRICH.

— page 116 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Serial 01249

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
BILLFISH Report of
Fourth War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 455.
U.S.S. BILLFISH - FOURTH WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.
(18 April to 13 June 1944).

1. The fourth war patrol of the BILLFISH was conducted in
waters west of the Marianas Islands.

2. Four contacts worthy of torpedo fire were made, two
convoys and two enemy submarines. The first convoy was able to evade
the BILLFISH but a well planned attack was made on the second one,
resulting in one ship being sunk and another damaged. The failure of
the attack on the first submarine contacted was a heart-breaker. The
other submarine contact dove before an attack could be delivered.

3. The possibility that the peculiar noises heard during
the depth charging on 21 May may have been gunfire noises suggests
itself. This matter is under study by the Commander Training Command,
Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

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

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

S U N K

1 - Passenger Freighter (similar to GOSYU MARU) - 8,500 tons
(Attack No.1)

D A M A G E D

1 - Passenger Freighter (similar to ASAKASAN - 8,600 tons
MARU) (Attack No.1)

GRAND TOTAL 17,100 tons

Distribution and authentication
on following page. - 1 - C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET hch
Care of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California,
June 20, 1944

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

— page 117 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16)
Serial 01249
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[CROSSED OUT: SECRET]
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
BILLFISH Report of
Fourth War Patrol.

COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 455.
U.S.S. BILLFISH - FOURTH WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.
(18 April to 13 June 1944).

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
CominCh (7)
CNO (5)
CinCpac (6)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
ComServPac (1)
CinClant (1)
ComSubLant (2)
S/M School, NL (8)
ComSoPac (2)
ComSolWesPac (1)
ComSubSoWesPac (2)
CTF 72 (2)
ComNorPac (1)
ComSubPac (40)
SUBAD, MI (2)
ComSubsPacSubOrdCom (3)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Subspac (2)
ComSubsTrainPac (2)
All Submarines, Subspac (1)

[SIGNATURE: E. V. TUTTLE]
E. V. TUTTLE
Flag Secretary. SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
hch
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
June 19, 1944

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

— page 118 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY 911 DATE 10-3-CC]
U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286)
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

SS286/A16-3
Serial: (068)                                                13 September 1944.

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

Subject:     USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

Enclosure:   (A) Subject Report.

1.           Enclosure (A) covering the Fifth War Patrol of this vessel
conducted in the general area south of NANSEI SHOTO and between TAIWAN and
LUZON during the period July 9, 1944 to September 13, 1944, is forwarded
herewith.

                                                      [SIGNATURE: V. C. Turner]
                                                      V. C. TURNER,
                                                      Lieutenant Commander, USN,
                                                      Commanding.

— page 120 —
DECLASSIFIED
SS286/A16-3 (068)
0311241330

Subject: * USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

— page 121 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (068)
[STAMP: 031712A1930]

Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

— page 122 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (068)

Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

— page 123 —
DECLASSIFIED
SS286/A16-3 (068)

[STAMP: 0313:2241JSD]

Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

3 August, 1944.

0621 Submerged for trim dive.
0657 Surfaced, patrolling north and south on longitude 120-30E.
1203 SD contact 12 miles. Submerged. (Plane contact #5).
1403 Surfaced.

4 August, 1944.

0621 Submerged for trim dive.
0634 Surfaced. Patrolling north and south on longitude 119-30E.

5 August, 1944.

0621 Submerged for trim dive and work on SD radar. Running
north and south on longitude 120-30E.
1117 Sighted a 4 engine patrol bomber through the periscope.
(Plane contact #6).
1250 Sighted a patrol bomber through the periscope. (Plane
contact #7). This is probably the same plane that was
sighted at 1117. This plane was sighted again at 1305
and at 13

— page 124 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (C)
Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

— page 125 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (068)
Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

— page 126 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (007)

Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

— page 127 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (068)
[UNCLEAR: 03172241940]

Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

17 August, 1944.

Patrolling on the surface on longitude 115-30E.

18 August, 1944.

0058 Received contact report from the SAILFISH. One ship
         with three escorts. Enemy course 220 T.
0115 Changed course to 150 T, in order to intercept.
0126 Changed course to 180 T.
0135 Answering bells on 3 main engines.
0200 Answering bells on 4 main engines.
0149 SAILFISH reported that he had attacked and obtained
         two hits.
0153 SAILFISH reported enemy speed 18 knots.
0202 SAILFISH reported enemy course 220 T, speed 20 knots.
         SAILFISH reported that large ship was either battle-
         ship or cruiser.
0224 SAILFISH reported losing contact.
0256 SAILFISH reported sinking one escort, probably a DD.
0300 Slowed to one engine speed. Patrolling north and
         south on longitude 116-30E.

19 August, 1944.

Patrolling on the surface north and south on longitude
117-30E. Group Commander sent message to Comsubpac
reporting results to date and requested a five day
extension of patrol.

20 August, 1944.

Patrolling on the surface north and south on longitude
117-30E. Comsubpac granted patrol extension to 29 Aug.

21 August, 1944.

Patrolling on the surface north and south.

22 August, 1944.

Patrolling on longitude 120-30E just south of FORMOSA.
0609 Submerged for trim dive.
0620 Surfaced.
0704 Sighted a "M.VIS" bomber at 7 miles. Submerged. (Plane
         contact #25).

-9-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 128 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (068)

Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

— page 129 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS266/A16-3 (068)

Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

— page 130 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (068)

Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

25 August, 1944.

0515 Sighted plane with running lights on. Submerged. (Plane
       contact #44). Patrolling on longitude 120-30E, 15-25
       miles off southern tip of FORMOSA.
0800 Sighted aircraft, range 5 miles. (Plane contact #45).
1050 Heard echo ranging bearing 105 T. Nothing in sight.
1235 Heard pinging bearing 090 T. Nothing sighted.
1330 Heard depth charges (distant) during the rest of the day.
2003 Surfaced.
2115 SD contact 6 miles. Submerged. (Plane contact #46).
2202 Surfaced.

26 August, 1944.

0549 Submerged. Patrolling 15-30 miles from southern tip of
       FORMOSA on longitude 121-00E.
2007 Surfaced.
2016 SD contact 6 miles. Submerged. (Plane contact #47).
2057 Surfaced.

27 August, 1944.

0545 Submerged. Patrolling same as yesterday.
1535 Heard distant depth charges.
1959 Surfaced.
2144 SD contact and sighted plane with running lights at
       2 miles. Submerged. (Plane contact #48).
2313 Surfaced.

28 August, 1944.

0547 Submerged. Patrolling same as yesterday.
1448 Sighted two engine medium bomber at 8 miles. (Plane
       contact #49).
1720 Sighted aircraft, (MAVIS) at 6 miles. (Plane contact #50).
2004 Surfaced.

29 August, 1944.

0603 Submerged. Patrolling same as yesterday.
0800 Sighted aircraft (MAVIS) at 8 miles. (Plane contact #51).
2003 Surfaced. Leaving the area proceeding to MAJURO.

-12- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 131 —
**DECLASSIFIED**

SS286/A16-3 (068)

Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

— page 132 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (058)

Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

13 September, 1944.

Arrived MAJURO for refit.

(C) WEATHER

In the area, the weather was generally calm with considerable
overcast and rain squalls.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

Currents in the vicinity of Luzon Strait vary greatly and are
difficult to predict. A maximum current velocity of 2 knots setting in
a general northerly direction was encountered off the southern coast of
Formosa.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

None observed.

-14- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 134 —
DECLASSIFIED
SS286/A16-3
Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
Contact Number | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
Date | 7/26 | 7/27 | 7/27 | 7/27 | 8/3 | 8/5 | 8/5
S Time (Zone) (-9) | 1000 | 1100 | 1503 | 1905 | 1203 | 1117 | 1250
U Posit: Lat. | 28-20N | 27-33N | 27-34N | 27-34N | 20-27N | 20-29N | 20-34N
B Long. | 128-20E | 127-26E | 127-26E | 127-26E | 120-30E | 120-31E | 120-30E
M Speed | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3
A Course | 180 | 000 | 180 | 180 | 000 | 000 | 000
R Trim | Per | Per | Per | Per | Surf | Per | Per
I Minutes Since Last | | | | | | |
N SD Radar Search | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 0 | 15 | 110
E | | | | | | |
Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
A Type | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | MAVIS | MAVIS
I Probable Mission | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Pat. | Pat.
R How Contacted | SD | SD | SD | SD | SD | Per. | Per.
C Initial Range | 8 Mi | 6 Mi | 10 Mi | 12 Mi | 12 Mi | 2 Mi | 8 Mi
R Elevation Angle | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | 30 | 1/2
A Range & Relative | | | | | | |
F Bearing of Plane | | | | | | |
T When It Detected | | | | | | |
S/M | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D.
C (State(Beaufort) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
O Sea: ( | | | | | | |
N (Direction(Rel) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | NWW | 0 | 0
D Visibility (Miles) | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 10 | 50 | 25
I (Height in | | | | | | |
T Clouds: Ft. | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 3500 | 4000 | 4000
I (Percent | | | | | | |
O Overcast | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 95 | 50 | 75
N (Bearing Rel) | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | --
S Moon: (Angle | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | --
(Percent | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | --
Illum. | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | --

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: DARK GREY.

-16-
ENCLOSURE (A):

— page 135 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (068)

Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

| Contact Number | 8          | 9          | 10         | 11         | 12         | 13         | 14         |
| :| :| :| :| :| :| :| :|
| S Date         | 8/6        | 8/6        | 8/6        | 8/6        | 8/7        | 8/8        | 8/8        |
| U Time (Zone)(-9) | 1000       | 1050       | 1050       | 1303       | 1020       | 1006       | 1155       |
| B Posit: Lat.  | 19-16N     | 19-16N     | 18-59N     | 18-48N     | 19-51N     | 20-22N     | 20-14N     |
| M          Long. | 122-17E    | 122-17E    | 122-15E    | 122-13E    | 121-34E    | 120-30E    | 120-30E    |
| A Speed        | 110        | 110        | 110        | 130        | 3          | 11         | 11         |
| R Course       | Per        | Per        | Per        | Per        | 160        | 000        | 130        |
| I Trim         |            |            |            |            | Per        | Surf       | Surf       |
| N Minutes Since Last | 60         | 110        | 230        | 303        | 15         | 0          | 0          |
| E SD Radar Search | A Number       | 1          | 1          | 1          | 1          | 1          | 1          | 1          |
| I Type         | MAVIS      | MAVIS      | MAVIS      | Unk.       | RUFE       | Unk.       | Unk.       |
| R Probable Mission | Pat.       | Pat.       | Pat.       | Pat.       | Pat.       | Pat.       | Pat.       |
| C How Contacted | Per        | Per        | Per        | Per        | SD         | SD         | SD         |
| R Initial Range | 7 Mi       | 7 Mi       | 8 Mi       | 6 Mi       | 5 Mi       | 14 Mi      | 14 Mi      |
| A Elevation Angle | 1          | 3          | 1          | Unk.       | 2          | Unk.       | Unk.       |
| F Range & Relative | Same       | Seen       |            |            |            |            |            |
| T Bearing of Plane | as         | 15         |            |            |            |            |            |
| When It Detected | #8         | min        | N.D.       | N.D.       | N.D.       | N.D.       | N.D.       |
| S/M            | N.D.       | later      |            |            |            |            |            |

| C (State (Beaufort) | 2    | 2    | 1    | 1    | 1    | 0    | 0    |
| :| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| O Sea: (Direction Rel) | NW   | NW   | NW   | NW   | NW   | 0    | 0    |
| N (Visibility (Mile) | 30   | 30   | 30   | 30   | 30   | 30   | 30   |
| D (Height in ft.    | 5000 | 5000 | 3000 | 3000 | 6000 | 6000 | 6000 |
| I Clouds: (Percent Overcast | 50   | 50   | 50   | 50   | 50   | 50   | 50   |
| T (Bearing Rel)     | ---  | ---  | ---  | ---  | ---  | ---  | ---  |
| I Moon: (Angle      | ---  | ---  | ---  | ---  | ---  | ---  | ---  |
| O (Percent Illum.   | ---  | ---  | ---  | ---  | ---  | ---  | ---  |
| N                   |      |      |      |      |      |      |      |
| S                   |      |      |      |      |      |      |      |

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: DARK GREY.

-17-

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 136 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 071312241970]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (068)
Subject: USS BILFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
| | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contact Number | | | | | | | |
| S Date | 8/8 | 8/8 | 8/8 | 8/9 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/11 |
| U Time (Zone)(-9) | 1311 | 1433 | 1545 | 1623 | 1000 | 1534 | 1040 |
| B Posit: Lat. | 20-07N | 19-58N | 19-13N | 19-13N | 18-32N | 19-06N | 19-50N |
| M Long. | 120-31E | 120-32E | 120-36E | 119-29E | 118-32E | 118-32E | 119-49E |
| A Speed | 17 | 10.5 | 3.5 | 10.5 | 10 | 10 | 14 |
| R Course | 170 | 170 | 170 | 180 | 180 | 000 | 060 |
| I Trim | Surf | Surf | Por | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf |
| N Minutes Since Last | | | | | | | |
| E SD Radar Search | 0 | 0 | 75 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | A Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| I Type | Unk. | Unk. | BETTY | MAVIS | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. |
| R Probable Mission | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. |
| C How Contacted | SD | SD | Por | Sight | Sight | Sight | SD |
| R Initial Range | 14 Mi | 8 Mi | 8 Mi | 8 Mi | 10 Mi | 8 Mi | 12 Mi |
| A Elevation Angle | Unk. | Unk. | 5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | Unk. |
| F Range & Relative | | | | | | | |
| T Bearing of Plane | When It Detected | | | | | | |
| | S/M | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | C (State(Beau | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| O Sea:( (fort) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 050 | 270 | 045 | 010 |
| N Direction(Rel) | 30 | 30 | 30 | 35 | 30 | 30 | 15 |
| D Visibility (Miles) | | | | | | | |
| I (Height | | | | | | | |
| T Clouds:( (in ft | 6000 | 6000 | 6000 | 2000 | 5000 | 5000 | 2000 |
| I (Percent | | | | | | | |
| O Overcast) | 50 | 50 | 40 | 30 | 20 | 50 | 75 |
| N (Bearing Rel) | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| S Moon:(Angle | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | (Percent | Illum. | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: DARK GREY.

-18-

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 137 —
DECLASSIFIED
SS286/A16-3 (068)

Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
Contact Number | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28
S Date | 8/11 | 8/11 | 8/13 | 8/22 | 8/22 | 8/22 | 8/22
U Time (Zone)(-9) | 1257 | 1415 | 1639 | 0704 | 1005 | 1100 | 1500
B Posit: Lat. | 20-07N | 20-10N | 20-13N | 21-50N | 21-50N | 21-46N | 21-30N
       Long. | 120-21E | 120-23E | 117-27E | 120-20E | 120-30N | 120-30E | 120-31E
M Speed | 13.5 | 12 | 7 | 9.5 | 3 | 3 | 3
A Course | 060 | 060 | 180 | 045 | 180 | 180 | 180
R Trim | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf | Per | Per | Per
I Minutes Since Last | | | | | 5 | 60 | 60
N SD Radar Search | 30" | 30" | 30" | 30" | | |

A Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
I Type | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | MAVIS | TOPSPY | DAVE | Unk.
R Probable Mission | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat.
C How Contacted | SD | SD | SD | Sight | Per | Per | SD
R Initial Range | 8 Mi | 6 Mi | 8 Mi | 7 Mi | 6 Mi | 5 Mi | 3 Mi
A Elevation Angle | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | 1 | 2 | 2 | Unk.
F Range & Relative | | | | | | |
T Bearing of Plane | | | | | | |
  When It Detected | | | | | | |
  S/M | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D.

C (State(Beau | 3 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
O Sea: (Fort) | | | | | | |
N (Direction Rel)010 | | 010 | 350 | -- | S | S | S
D Visibility (Miles) 20 | | 20 | 8 | 15 | 50 | 50 | 30
I Height | | | | | | |
T Clouds: (in ft. | 4000 | 4000 | 2000 | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 | 3500
I Percent | | | | | | |
O Overcast | 95 | 95 | 80 | 20 | 10 | 10 | 40
N (Bearing Rel | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | --
S Moon: (Angle | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | --
  (Percent | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | --
  Illum. | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | --

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: DARK GREY.

-19-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 138 —
[STAMP: 031722 1330]
DECLASSIFIED
SS286/A16-3 (068)
Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
Contact Number | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35
S Date | 8/23 | 8/23 | 8/23 | 8/23 | 8/23 | 8/23 | 8/24
U Time (Zone)(-9) | 0427 | 0900 | 0935 | 1100 | 1400 | 1918 | 0511
B Posit: Lat. | 21-30N | 21-26N | 21-27N | 21-33N | 21-44N | 21-51N | 21-28N
M Long. | 120-31E | 120-29E | 120-29E | 120-29E | 120-29E | 120-29E | 121-01E
A Speed | 9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 17
R Course | 172 | 000 | 000 | 000 | 000 | 320 | 115
I Trim | Surf | Per | Per | Per | Per | Per | Surf
N Minutes Since Last | | | | | | |
E SD Radar Search | 1 | 60 | 30 | 60 | 60 | 13 | 1

A Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
I Type | Unk. | Unk. | BETTY | Unk. | Unk. | DAVE | Unk.
R Probable Mission | Unk. | Unk. | Pat. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk.
C How Contacted | SD | SD | Por | SD | SD | Per | SD
R Initial Range | 10 Mi | 5 Mi | 6 Mi | 4 Mi | 10 Mi | 6 Mi | 3 Mi
A Elevation Angle | Unk. | Unk. | 2 | Unk. | Unk. | 6 | Unk.
F Range & Relative | | | | | | |
T Bearing of Plane | | | | | | |
  When It Detected | | | | | | |
  S/M | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D.

C (State(Beau) | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
O Sea:( Force) | 1 | 0 | S | S | S | S | NW
N (Direction(Rel) | 5 | 30 | 30 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 8
D Visibility(Miles) | | | | | | |
I (Height | | | | | | |
T Clouds:(in ft | 2000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 3000 | 4000 | 3000
I (Percent | | | | | | |
O Overcast | 40 | 40 | 30 | 10 | 30 | 50 | 20
N (Bearing Rel | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | --
S Moon:(Angle | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | --
  (Percent | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | --
  Illum. | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | --

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: D.RK GREY.

-20-

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 139 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (068)

Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286)- Report of War Patrol Number Five.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
| Contact Number | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S Date | 8/24 | 8/24 | 8/24 | 8/24 | 8/24 | 8/24 | 8/24 |
| U Time (Zone)(-9) | 0605 | 1014 | 1110 | 1200 | 1355 | 1540 | 1747 |
| B Posit: Lat. | 21-23N | 21-14N | 21-15N | 21-16N | 21-20N | 21-25N | 21-21N |
| M Long. | 121-15E | 121-15E | 121-12E | 121-14E | 121-07E | 121-02E | 120-56E |
| A Speed | 17 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| R Course | 119 | 120 | 310 | 310 | 310 | 310 | 180 |
| I Trim | Surf | Awash | Per | Per | Per | Per | Per |
| N Minutes Since Last | | | | | | | |
| E SD Radar Search | 30" | 0 | 45 | 95 | 210 | 45 | 10 |

| | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| I Type | MAVIS | Unk. | BETTY | Unk. | MAVIS | BETTY | DAVE |
| R Probable Mission | A/S Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat |
| C How Contacted | Sight | SD | Per | SD | Per | Per | Per |
| R Initial Range | 6 Mi | 6 Mi | 6 Mi | 1/2Mi | 7 Mi | 7 Mi | 3 Mi |
| A Elevation Angle | 2 | Unk. | 2 | Unk. | 2 | 2 1/2 | 3 |
| F Range & Relative | | | | | | | |
| T Bearing When It | | | | | | | |
| Detected S/M | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. |

CONDITIONS
| | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C (State(Beau | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| O Sea: ( Fort) | | | | | | | |
| N (Direction Rel)NW | NW | NW | NW | NW | NW | NW | NW |
| D Visibility(Miles) | 20 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 40 | 20 |
| I (Height | | | | | | | |
| T Clouds:( in ft. | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 12000 | 12000 | 3000 | 3000 |
| I (Percent | | | | | | | |
| O Overcast | 40 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 40 | 90 | 90 |
| N (Bearing Rel | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| S Moon: (Angle | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| (Percent | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Illum. | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: DARK GREY.

-21-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 140 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (060)

Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

— page 141 —
DECLASSIFIED
SS286/A16-3
(068)
Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
| | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contact Number | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 |
| S Date | 8/28 | 8/29 | 9/1 | 9/2 | 9/3 | 9/3 | 9/6 | 9/8 |
| U Time (Zono) | 1720 | 0800 | 1130 | 0920 | 1340 | 1003K | 1400K | 0930K |
| B Posit: Lat. | 21-37N | 21-16N | 18-51N | 17-28N | 17-14N | 15-39N | --- | --- |
| M Long. | 120-56E | 121-05E | 133-11E | 136-36E | 137-16E | 140-47E | --- | --- |
| A Speed | 3 | 3 | 14 | 3 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 |
| R Course | 210 | 180 | 113 | 112 | 116 | 116 | 076 | 076 |
| I Trim | Por | Por | Surf | Per | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf |
| N Minutes Since Last | E SD Radar Search | 110 | 60 | 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |

| | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| I Type | MAVIS | MAVIS | PBY | B-24 | Mod. | Libby | Patrol | PBM |
| R | | | | | Bomber | | Bomber | |
| C Probable Mission | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. |
| R How Contacted | Sight | Sight | Sight | Per | Sight | Sight | Sight | SD |
| A Initial Range | 6 Mi | 8 Mi | 7 Mi | 4 Mi | 9 Mi | 11 Mi | 20 Mi | 8 Mi |
| F Elevation Range | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1/4 | 4 | 5 1/2 | 5 |
| T Range & Bearing | S of Plane When |   It Detected S/M | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. | N.D. |

CONDITIONS
| | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C (State(Beau) | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| O Sea: (Port) | 0 | NE | N | 0 | 0 | 0 | 045 | 045 |
| N (Direction Rel) | 300 | 50 | 50 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 5 |
| D Visibility (Miles) | 30 Mi | | | | | | | |
| I (Height | T Clouds:(in ft. | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 8000 | 5000 | 8000 | 8000 | 1000 |
| I (Percent | O Overcast | 30 | 05 | 05 | 05 | 20 | 30 | 30 | 100 |
| N (Bearing Rel | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| S Moon:(Angle | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|   (Percent |   Illum. | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol: DARK GREY.

-23-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 142 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3
(068)
034

Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

— page 143 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/L16-3 (068)
Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.
0313122A

(H) ATTACK DATA
                  #1        #2        #3        #4
Tubes Fired
Track Angle       92P       92P       95P       94P
Gyro Angle        3 1/2L    4L        .7L       7 1/2L
Depth Set         6'        6'        6'        6'
Power             High      High      High      High
Hit or Miss       Miss      Miss      Miss      Miss
Erratic (Yes or No) No      No        No        No
Mark Torpedo      23        23        23        23
Serial Number     41646     49279     41223     61723
Mark Exploder     6-5       6-5       6-5       6-5
Serial Number     25325     25234     25316     25599
Actuation Set     Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact
Actuation Actual  -
Mark Warhead      16-1      16-1      16-1      16-1
Serial Number     17056     17068     17095     10483
Explosive         TPX       TPX       TPX       TPX
Firing Interval   ---       12"       10"       10"
Type Spread       ---       -D I V E R G E N T      ---
Sea Conditions    ---       - Flat and glassy-      ---
Overhaul Activity ---       -Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor- ---
Remarks:          None.

-25-                                        ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 145 —
DECLASSIFIED
286/A16-3 (068)

Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS and DAMAGE

Talk-back System:

        The talk-back (2MC) is entirely unsatisfactory. It
was built almost completely by the ships force with such
parts as were available at various refit bases. Its power
output is inadequate, the tubes being rated at only 1 1/2
watts. It is understood that later submarines have a 7MC
system with outlets in both torpedo rooms, control room,
conning tower and the bridge. It is highly desirable that
a talk-back of this nature be installed in this vessel.

SD Radar Mast:

        During the patrol the SD radar operated in a very
satisfactory manner. At SAIPAN, the HOLLAND exchanged the
BILLFISH and PICUDA masts. The HOLLAND had been unsuccessful
in repairing the PICUDA mast which is bent. At present in
order to lower the mast, the lower packing gland has to be
slackened. The mast could not be straightened on the HOLLAND.
A complete new mast is required.

#2 Battery Ventilation Blower:

        This blower runs with excessive vibration and noise.
This unit was overhauled by the Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor,
but the mis-alignment was not corrected. This mis-alignment
causes excessive wear in the impellor bearing.

Drum-type Electric Motor Starters:

        These starters (Portsmouth type) are used on the
hydraulic pump motor, drain and trim pump motors, low pressure
and high pressure air compressor motors. This type starter
has never been entirely satisfactory in that they are very
erratic and require continuous maintenance to keep them in
operation. The contacts are excessively and require frequent
resetting. The installation of Cutler-Hammer type starters
at the first opportunity is desirable.

-27-

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 146 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3

Subject: USS BILIFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

(L) RADIO

The radio reception during this patrol was in general very good.
Difficulty was encountered in the transmission of one message while
in the area, requiring two hours, due to static and jamming on the
circuit. While enroute to Saipan one transmission required three
hours, and was finally cleared through Attu due mainly to the
crowded NPM circuit.

(M) RADAR

Both the SJ and the SD radar gave an excellent performance
throughout the patrol. Credit for this high state of efficiency
is due the Radar Officer, Lieutenant (jg) A. J. GARON, USNR. The
present SD mast defect, former PICUDA mast, is covered under
paragraph (K) above.

(N) SOUND GEAR and SOUND CONDITIONS

No major failures of sound gear were experienced. Sound conditions
were generally poor due to prevalent calm seas.

During the submerged approach of August 7th, the target's screws
were not detected until the range had closed to 2,000 yards, with a
sea state of zero.

Subsequently, on August 24th, the movements of the two SC's
(Ship contact #5) were tracked without difficulty on the JK sound
gear. Sea state was 2.

Echo ranging was heard at an estimated range greater than 12
miles.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

In the vicinity of Luzon Straits no pronounced density layers
were encountered. The normal condition was one of gradually in-
creasing negative gradient, about isoballast to approximately 200
feet then increasing negative to 300 feet. Total temperature
drop about 8 degrees. On 24 August at 21-15N; 121-20E, a 5 degree
layer was found between 240 and 250 feet. On 7 August during a
period of 3 hours the temperature varied as much as 5 degrees at
370 feet.

-28- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 147 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (068)
Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

— page 148 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 31]
DECLASSIFIED
SS286/A16-3 (068)

Subject: USS BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

— page 149 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION 142
FB5-142/A16-3
Serial 048
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: FIRST ENDORSEMENT to]
[HANDWRITTEN: CO BILLFISH Conf ltr]
[HANDWRITTEN: SS286/A16-3 Serial 068]
[HANDWRITTEN: of 13 September 1944.]
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
14 September 1944.

From: The Commander Submarine Division 142.
To : The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron FOURTEEN.

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of Fifth War
Patrol; Comments on.

1. The fifth war patrol of the BILLFISH was conducted
in the LUZON Strait area as part of a coordinated attack group
consisting of the SAILFISH, GREENLING and BILLFISH, with Captain
Stanley P. MOSELEY, U. S. Navy, in BILLFISH as Task Group Commander.
The patrol covered a period of sixty-six days of which thirty-five
were spent in the assigned area.

2. The BILLFISH had only two contacts with targets
worthy of torpedo fire. The first contact consisted of a small AK
with a small CM as escort. In a day submerged attack four tor-
pedoes were fired at the AK at range of 2,000 yards. Due to the
glassy sea condition, the torpedo tracks were sighted in time for
the target to avoid. The second contact was with two AK's but
BILLFISH was driven down by planes before attack position could be
reached.

3. The BILLFISH returned from patrol in fair material
condition. The defects noted in sub-paragraph (K) will be cor-
rected during the current refit which will be accomplished in the
normal period.

[SIGNATURE: W. B. Wilkin]
W. B. WILKIN.

Copy to:
CO BILLFISH

— page 150 —
FC5-14/A16-3
Serial 097
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO BILLFISH conf ltr.
SS286/A16-3 Serial 068
of 13 September 1944.

From:
To :
Via :

Subject:

1.
Commander Submarine Division One Hundred FORTY-TWO.

Copy to:
Comsubdiv 142.
CO BILLFISH. SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOURTEEN

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
14 September 1944.

The Commander Submarine Squadron Fourteen.
The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of Fifth
War Patrol; Comments on.

Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the

W. D. WILKIN.

— page 151 —
FF12-10/16-3(15)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 02097 10 0723 Care of Fleet Post Office;
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED] San Francisco, California,
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to 26 September 1944.
REPORT OF FIFTH NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
War Patrol. DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 533
U.S.S. BILLFISH - FIFTH WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.
(9 July to 13 September 1944).

1. The fifth war patrol of the BILLFISH was conducted in
the general area south of Nansei Shoto and between Taiwan and Luzon.
The BILLFISH, along with the U.S.S. GREENLING (SS209) and the U.S.S.
SAILFISH (SS192), formed an attack group with Captain S. P. Moseley,
U.S. Navy, as group commander in the BILLFISH.

2. The BILLFISH, despite thorough area coverage, was re-
warded with only two contacts worthy of torpedo fire. One contact
was developed into an attack but the target was able to avoid the tor-
pedoes, the tracks of which were plainly visible in the glassy sea
conditions which prevailed at the time.

3. This patrol is not designated as "Successful" for
Combat Insignia Award.

DISTRIBUTION: C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
Intel.Gen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
Comservpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Comsubslnt (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (2)
Comsubsowespac (1)
CTF 72 (2)
Cincpac (1)
Comsubpac (20)
SUBAD, MI (2)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3) [SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes]
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Pacific (2) E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Substrainpac (2) Flag Secretary.
All Submarines, Pacific (1)

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

— page 152 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286)
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0415, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: 916] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 11-3-66]

[HANDWRITTEN: 1st COPY]

SS286/A16-3

Serial: (088)

27 November 1944

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

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.

1. Enclosure (A) covering the sixth war patrol of this vessel
conducted in the Bonin Island and Nansei Shoto areas during the period
of 6 October 1944, to 27 November 1944, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: V. C. TURNER]

— page 153 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (088)

Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

(A) PROLOGUE

13 September, 1944.

     Arrived Submarine Advanced Base, Majuro, and moored alongside
     USS BUSHNELL for routine refit. Assigned to Submarine
     Division 142 for administrative purposes.

28 September, 1944.

     Completed refit during which the following items of note
     were accomplished.

     (1) #1 and #2 main engines were completely overhauled,
     cast iron pistons were installed, oil scraper rings in-
     stalled, also larger lube oil pumps.
     (2) All brushes were renewed in the main motors.
     (3) VHF radio equipment was installed in the radio room.
     (4) SD radar mast was replaced. New grid type antenna
     was installed on the SJ radar mast.
     Docking was not undertaken during this refit.

29 September, 1944.

     Conducted deep submergence test and independent ship exercises
     including section dives.

1 - 3 October, 1944.

     Conducted training exercises which included periscope
     approaches, radar surface and submerged approaches, and
     battle surface firing on a towed target. Two Mark 14-1
     torpedoes and one Mark 18 exercise torpedo were fired.

4 - 5 October, 1944.

     Final loading and readiness for sea.

6 October, 1944.

     Underway proceeding to BONIN ISLAND area.

(B) NARRATIVE

6 October, 1944.

0800(L) Underway departing Majuro with USS CROUTER as escort, pro-
     ceeding to Northern Safety Lane.

-1-

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(088)

Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

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SS286/A16-3 (088)
Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

— page 157 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
[STAMP: SS286/A16-3 (088)]

Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

— page 158 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: (088)]
SS286/A16-3

Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

— page 159 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
SS286/A16-3 (088)

Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

— page 160 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (088)
Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

— page 161 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (088)
Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

4 November, 1944. (Continued):

    especially since the target has been alerted.

5 November, 1944.

0109    Submerged 10,000 yards ahead of target on his
        base course which is 095. Target speed through
        the water is now 8 knots, apparently headed for
        YAKIUICHI WAN in AMAMI O SHIMA.
0210    At range of approximately 3,000 yards the target
        turned away presenting a 90 port angle on the
        bow. He either executed a radical zig or changed
        his base course. Decided not to shoot at long
        range due to small size of the target. He is
        hard to hit as proved by our unsuccessful attack
        last night. The target looks awfully small, but
        I will still say its tonnage is approximately
        2,000 tons. It must be worth something to rate
        two escorts although the escorts are of the same
        pan class. Since we have been submerged I have
        seen only one escort, however sound has just
        reported more screws on bearing 100.
0212    On bearing 100 relative, the second escort just
        presented itself close aboard with a zero angle
        on bow. Starting casing down to deep depth and
        swung stern toward the escort.
0215    Both escorts have stopped and apparently listening.
0320    Back to periscope depth.
0334    Surfaced. The target is too close to port for
        another end around run.
0530    Submerged.
0800    Heard distant explosions. Nothing in sight.
1247    Sighted three sea-planes at 5 miles. (Aircraft
        contact #11).
1604    Sighted one sea-plane at 7 miles. (Aircraft
        contact #12).
1835    Surfaced.
1840    APR contact on 157 mcs.
[HANDWRITTEN: D]
6 November, 1944.

0552    Submerged for trim dive.
0616    Surfaced.
1029    Submerged on sighting four planes at 10 miles.
        (Aircraft contact #13).

-9-

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[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (088)
Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

— page 165 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (088)

Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

— page 170 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (088)
Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
Contact Number | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
S Date | 10-12-44 | 10-15-44 | 10-19-44 | 10-21-44
U Time (Zone) | 1055(K) | 1252(K) | 1544(I) | 1420(I)
B Posit: Lat. | 22N | 24-13N | 29-35N | 26-51N
M Long. | 152E | 140-45E | 131-40E | 131-01E
A Speed | 13 | 13 | 10 | 10
R Course | 270 | 040 | 270 | 220
I Trim | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf
N Minutes Since Last | 20 sec | 0 | Secured | 30 sec
E SD Radar Search

A Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
I Type | Seaplane | Unk | Bomber | Unk
R Probable Mission | Patrol | Unk | Patrol | Unk
C How Contacted | Sight | SD | Sight | SD
R Initial Range | 10 mi | 8 mi | 10 mi | 10 mi
A Elevation Angle | 2° | Unk | 3° | Unk
F Range & Relative Bearing
T Of Plane When It | ND | ND | ND | ND
Detected S/M

(State
C Sea: Beaufort) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2
O Direction (Rel) | 315 | 010 | 250 | 030
N Visibility: Miles | 20 | 50 | 50 | 2
D
I Clouds: Height(ft) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 3000
T % overcast | 10% | 15% | 25% | 80%
I Rel. Bearing | -- | -- | -- | --
O
N Moon: Angle | -- | -- | -- | --
S % Illum. | -- | -- | -- | --

Type of Submarine Camouflage this patrol: 32/3SS-3

-18-

— page 171 —
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
SS286/A16-3 (086)

Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

— page 175 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
CONFIDENTIAL
SS286/A16-3 (088)
Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

— page 177 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[UNCLEAR: CONFIDENTIAL]
SS286/A16-3 (088)

Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

— page 179 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (088)

Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

(H) ATTACK DATA

USS BILLFISH Torpedo Attack No. 3 War Patrol No. 6
Time: 2318(I) Date: 7 November 1944
Latitude: 29-38N Longitude: 127-47E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description:

This ship was believed to be one of the ships that was damaged
in attack number 2. Due to the heavy smoke from this target and the
low visibility, it was not possible to get a good look at the ship
until after the torpedoes were fired. The tonnage is estimated at
about 2,500 tons. It has a high stack and two masts. The details
of the deck line could not be made out.

SHIPS SUNK: None
SHIPS DAMAGED: None (4 torpedoes missed)

Target draft: 10 feet Course: 332
Speed: 7 knots Range: 1,200 yards

Own Ship Data:

Speed: 12 knots Course: 300
Depth: Surface Angle: 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

This was a night surface attack on a single ship. The visi-
bility was low and due to heavy smoke from the target, TBT bearings
were not used. Four torpedoes were fired from bow tubes on a
large track (140 starboard). Apparently the target started turning
to port (away) at about the time we commenced firing. Had I
realized that the track was going to be so large, we would not
have fired on this run. Just prior to firing the TDC set-up
showed 120 track. Due to poor visibility and heavy smoke from
the target, I did not catch his change of course to the left
soon enough.

-27-

— page 181 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED] (088)
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL] (crossed out)
SS286/A16-3

Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

— page 182 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (086)

Subject: USS BILIFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

— page 183 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
CONFIDENTIAL
SS286/A16-3 (088)

Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

— page 185 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
SS286/A16-3 (088)

Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

— page 186 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
CONFIDENTIAL
SS286/A16-3 (088)

Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

(N) SOUND
SOUND GEAR LISTENING RANGES

Sound Contact No.   1           2           3           4           5           6

Date                10-23-44    10-27-44    10-28-44    11-5-44     11-7-44     11-13-44
Time (Zone)         1630(I)     2110(I)     1120(I)     0110(I)     0810(I)     1600(I)
Water Depth         300-400     700         400         700         500         400
S (Latitude         26-55N      27-00N      26-24N      28-20N      28-28N      29-30N
U
B (Longitude        128-19E     126-35E     127-31E     128-15E     128-56E     129-55

— page 187 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (088)
Subject: USS BILIFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

— page 188 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL (faded, partially obscured)]
SS286/A16-3 (088)

Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

— page 189 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
CONFIDENTIAL
SS286/A16-3
(088)

Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

(U) RADIO AND RADAR COUNTERMEASURES

INTERCEPTION OF ENEMY RADAR TRANSMITTIONS

1. Ship or Station: USS BILLFISH(SS286) Date: 22 Oct 1944 Report No 2

2. Area covered on this mission (give dates): Begun 20 October 1944
until 14 November 1944. NANSEI SHOTO Chain.

3. Was enemy radar: Shipborne.....Airborne.....Landbased..X..Unkn.....
(a) Describe enemy installation: Not known.

4. Intercept Equipment: APR - AN/SPA-1

5. (a) Frequency 98 mc Dial Readings ----
(b) PRF 800 pps How measured Pulse meter - SPA
(c) Pulse Width 6 ms How measured To scale of scope on SPA
(d) Sketch Pulse
(e) Was Lobe Switching Used.....Rate.....How determined.....X.....
(f) Polarization of enemy signal: ----
(g) Sweep Rate: Not known - About a minute or longer.

6. (a) Was radar used for surface or air search, GL.SL.GCI, or AI.
Probably both.
(b) Evidence for this conclusion: Low frequency would indicate
short ground wave range, but same is probably on a peak
near a pass in the NANSEI SHOTO chain. Possibly anti-
submarine sweep also.

7. Action of enemy radar, including distances and bearings at which
he searched, tracked, faded, etc.
----

8. Narrative:
Position about 26-33N; 128-31E. On 28 October picked up
98 mc contact at 26-54N; 126-52E, for very short time. Pulse
strengthened as land was approached. Pulse to weak for
accurate data but thought to be same as that of 22 October.
(Pulse rate - 800 pps).

-37-

— page 190 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (088)

Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

— page 191 —
- The provided image is a page from a WWII submarine patrol report. I will transcribe all text, distinguishing between typed and stamped text, and preserving formatting.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
CONFIDENTIAL
SS286/A16-3 (088)

Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

— page 192 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (088)

Subject: USS BILIFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

— page 194 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS286/A16-3 (088)

Subject: USS BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

— page 195 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-FOUR

Care of Fleet
San Francisco, California,
28 November 1944.

FB5-44/A16-3

Serial 0116
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS BILLFISH
Sixth War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH Sixth War Patrol, comments on.

1. The Sixth War Patrol of the BILLFISH, conducted in the BONIN
ISLAND and NANSEI SHOTO covered a period of 54 days, 30 of which were spent
in the assigned areas.

2. Only three contacts were made with targets worthy of torpedo
fire. The first of these was a submerged daylight contact with a convoy of
ten ships with numerous escorts standing out of NAHA Harbor. They could not
be closed closer than 10,000 yards. The other contacts were on single small
AK with two escorts on the 4th of November and a five ship convoy with four
escorts on 7 November. Both of these contacts were developed into attacks.

3. TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 - This was a night surface attack on a
small AK. Four torpedoes were fired for no hits due to a misunder-
standing as to amount of spread to be used. An end around was
made after this attack and a night periscope attack was frustrated
when the target made a radical zig away.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 - This was a night surface attack developed
after a periscope sighting followed by an end around on a convoy of
five medium AKs. Two hits were observed, one in each of two ships.
Only three bow torpedoes were fired as a turn away was made before
completion of firing due to an approaching escort. The stern tubes
were then fired at another large AK. Two hits were observed. One
of the torpedoes fired from the stern tubes may have prematured after
35 seconds, but this may have been the escort dropping an embarassing
depth charge. The third ship hit probably sank but there is no de-
finite evidence to that effect.

Recommended assessment:

Damaged 3 AK (EU) 12,000 tons

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3 and 4 - Were made on what was thought to
be a cripple from attack No. 2 but probably was on an escort of the
convoy previously attacked. Seven torpedoes were fired for no hits.
In attack No. 3 the target maneuvered to avoid and in attack No. 4
two torpedoes set for six feet apparently underran the target and
the third torpedo was erratic.

- 1 -

— page 196 —
FB5-44/A16-3
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-FOUR

Serial 0116
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
28 November 1944.

Subject:
U.S.S. BILLFISH Sixth War Patrol, comments on.

GUN ATTACK NO. 1 - The BILLFISH made a battle surface on a 50
ton sampan sinking it after obtaining 13 hits with the 4"-50 and
numerous hits with 20mm and 50 caliber.

4. The BILLFISH will return to Mare Island for overhaul.

5. The commanding officer, officers and crew are heartily con-
gratulated for this very aggressive patrol and for the damage inflicted upon
the enemy.

[SIGNATURE: JESSE L. HULL.] (.

— page 197 —
MARINE SQUADRON FOUR
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

FC5-4/A16-3
Serial: 0499
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: SECRET]
30 November 1944.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS BILLFISH Report of
Sixth War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH Sixth War Patrol, Comments on.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of Com-
mander Submarine Division FORTY-FOUR.

2. The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR congrat-
ulates the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the U.S.S.
BILLFISH upon completion of this patrol, resulting in heavy
damage to the enemy.

3. It is recommended that the U.S.S. BILLFISH be
credited with the following:

SUNK DAMAGED
1 - MIS, 50 tons 1 - AK(EU), 4,000 tons
1 - AK(EU), 4,000 tons
1 - AK(EU), 4,000 tons
Total Damaged 12,000 tons

Total Sunk or Damaged 12,100 tons

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

— page 198 —
12 0380
hch
FF12-10/A16-3(15)
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET.
SERIAL 02783
Care of Fleet Post Office,
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
San Francisco, California,
9 December 1944.
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
BILLFISH Report of
Sixth War Patrol.
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 590.
U.S.S. BILLFISH - SIXTH WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.
(6 October to 27 November 1944).

1. The sixth war patrol of the BILLFISH was conducted
around the islands of the Nansei Shoto Area.

2. During the first part of the patrol in the Bonin Is-
lands Area, the BILLFISH conducted lifeguard duty.

3. In the Nansei Shoto, the area was covered thoroughly
by the BILLFISH. All attacks were aggressively conducted. The attack
made on the night of November 7 in which three freighters were hit un-
doubtedly caused some of those to sink, but because of poor visibility
results were unobserved. The BILLFISH used its guns effectively in
the sinking of the cargo carrying sampan.

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

5. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this aggressive
patrol and for having inflicted the following damage upon the enemy:

S U N K

1 - Sampan (MS) - 50 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)

D A M A G E D

1 - Freighter (EU) - 4,000 tons (Attack No. 2)
1 - Freighter (EU) - 4,000 tons (Attack No. 2)
1 - Freighter (EU) - 4,000 tons (Attack No. 2)

TOTAL DAMAGED 12,000 tons EXTRA - ORIGINAL
SORG. MICRO
TOTAL SUNK AND DAMAGED 12,050 tons PHOTO-LAB OP-16
RETURN TO F-4253
Distribution and authenti-
cation on following page.
- 1 - C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

— page 199 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)
Serial 02763
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
hch
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
9 December 1944.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
BILLFISH Report of
Sixth War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 590.
U.S.S. BILLFISH - SIXTH WAR PATROL.

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

Subject:

— page 200 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286)
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0145, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: JIC] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 11-4-66]

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286).
To: Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (Official Channels).

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

Enclosures: (A) Subject report.
            (B) Track Charts.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the seventh war patrol of this vessel
in Nanpo Shoto, East China Sea and Yellow Sea areas during the period of
2 April 1945 to 17 June 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[HANDWRITTEN: F.C.F. Jr.]

L.C. FARLEY, Jr.,
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Naval Reserve.

— page 201 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
DECLASSIFIED

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 202 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 203 —
SS285/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 204 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 205 —
SS286/A16-9
Serial: (053)
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 206 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 207 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 208 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 209 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 210 —
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
SS236/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 211 —
---
This is a detailed transcription of the provided image, including typed text, and preserving formatting as accurately as possible.

SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 212 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 213 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (023)
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 214 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 215 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 216 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 217 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 218 —
-18-

SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

Subject: U.S.S. BILIFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 219 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BULLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 220 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial (052)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 221 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 222 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: 0317122AJ330]

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

(C) WEATHER

     In both the East China Sea and Yellow Sea it was generally
calm at night and the wind picked up after daylight working up
force one to two seas. On 4 June off CHO DA in Yellow Sea, the
sea was glass smooth until 1600 when force one breeze sprang up
from the South. In Yellow Sea in vicinity of CHOSAN KAN from
29 May to 5 June, there was a continual fog bank lying along the
Korean Coast. Injection temperature off CHOSAN KAN averaged around
52° F.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

     Strong tidal currents were experience in vicinity of CHOSAN
KAN obtaining a maximum velocity of six knots off CHOSAN KAN. The
set and drift were considerably affected by the islands and reefs
and made it difficult to maintain position submerged. These
currents tended to lag the tide by about three hours.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

     The light houses at KOSHIKI SHIMA, KUROMO SE, and SEI TO were
observed and none were lighted. SEI TO light has a number of radio
antenna but no sign of radar could be seen or detected on APR.

-22-
ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 223 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

Subject: U.S.S. BILIFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS

| No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Type(s) | Initial Range | Est. Cse. & Speed | How Conts. | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | 1000(R) 23 May | 33-15N 139-41E | Trawler, patrol craft | 12,000 | 155°T | Look out | Patrolling along the island chain. |
| #2 | 0033(I) 23 May | 33-50N 128-53E | Patrol | 10,500 | 140° T 8 kts | OOD | Apparently a patrol boat. Pinging on 14 kc. |
| #3 | 0029(I) 23 May | 33-37N 129-10E | Patrol | 9,000 | -- | OOD | Patrolling. Echo-ranging. |
| #4 | 0617(I) 23 May | 33-19N 129-19E | Engine aft Freighter (2000 tons) | 12,000 | 180° T 8 kts | Per. | Type D. (Modified) SCL(pg 8 sup #3 ONI 208-J) |
| #5 | 0722(I) 23 May | 33-17N 129-12E | Small diesel eng. tanker. (850-1000 tons) | 10,000 | 180° T 8 kts | Per. | Type E. (pg 9 Sup #3, ONI 208-J |
| #6 | 1118(I) 23 May | 33-18N 129-22E | Freighter (2700 ton ) | 4,000 | 140° T 7 kts | Per. | Similar Type C. F.T.C. (pg 6, Sup #3, ONI 208-J) SUNK - Torp Atk #1 |

-23-

ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 224 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS (Continued)

| No. | Time | Date | Lat. Long. | Type(s) | Initial Est. Range | Cse How & Speed Cont. | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #7 | 0520 | 29 May | (I) 38-04N 124-33E | (1) 4 masted Schooner (1) 3 masted Schooner | 6,000 | 350° T. Per. 2 kts | Schooner traffic passes West of DAISEI GUNTO. |
| #8 | 0641 | 30 May | (I) 38-04N 124-40E | Small Freighter about 1000 tons | 8,000 | 310° T. Per. 8 kts | Proceeding thru channel inside DAISEI GUNTO. Missed Torp Atk #2 & #3. |
| #9 | 1406 | 30 May | (I) 38-06N 124-33E | (1) 4 masted Schooner (1) 3 masted Schooner | | Per. | 3" guns on bow and fantail. Zig-zagging radically and echo ranging. |
| #10 | 1003 | 31 May | (I) 38-02N 124-40E | (2) Trawler type (250 tons) | 6,000 | 010° T. Per. 6 kts | Came out of channel along South shore CHOSAN KAN rounded the point and came to cse 020° T for CHO TO. |
| #11 | 1720 | 31 May | (I) 38-06N 124-42E | Three island MFM Freighter | 12,000 | | |

-24-
ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 225 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS (Continued)

| No. | Time | Date | Lat. | Long. | Type(s) | Initial Range | Est. Cse. | & Speed | Cont. | Remarks |
|---|
| #12 | 0956(I) | 1 June | 38-32N | 124-44E | Three island MFM freighter | 18,000 | 010° T | | Per | |
| #13 | 1000(I) | 1 June | 38-30N | 124-46E | Small engine atfdiesel freighter | 6,000 | 020° T | | Per | Similar to Type E, (pg 9 Sup #3, ONI 208-J) wedge shape bow clearly showed. |
| #14 | 0846(I) | 2 June | 38-17N | 124-34E | 2 Schooners | 4,000 8,000 | 180° T | 2 kts | Per | |
| #15 | 0045(I) | 3 June | 37-58N | 124-05E | 3 Schooners | 26,000 | | | Radar | Sighted 0144 lying to sails down - hoisted sails after moonrise. |
| #16 | 0955(I) | 3 June | 38-07N | 124-38E | Small engines af diesel freighter | 6,000 | 050° T | 6 kts | Per | Similar Type E. (pg 9 Sup #3, ONI 208-J |

-25-
ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 226 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
DECLASSIFIED
[STAMP: 0317122A.1930]
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS (Continued)

| No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Type(s) | Initial Tgt Cse Range & Speed | How Cont. | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #17 | 1020(I) 3 June | 38-09N 124-39E | MFM medium freighter | 070° 8 Kts | Per | Rounded CHOSAN KAN and ducked backed inside reef. |
| 18 | 1441(I) 4 June | 38-32N 124-45E | 1LKF engines & bridge aft freighter | 340° 8 kts | Per | SUNK - Torpedo Attack #4 |
| #19 | 1535(I) 4 June | 38-31N 124-43E | 3 four-masted schooners | 4,000 | Per | Gun Attack #1 |
| #20 | 1105(I) 5 June | 38-08N 124-38E | MFM engines and bridge aft tanker or freighter | 250° 9 kts | Per | Missed - Torpedo Attack #5 |

-26-
ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 227 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
DECLASSIFIED

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol No. seven.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

Enemy aircraft contacts during this patrol were remarkable
for their scarcity. During six days in NANPO SHOTO, no enemy
aircraft contacts were made. Enroute to COLNETT STRAIT, one "BETTY"
was sighted and three unidentified night search planes believed
enemy were contacted. Several "JAKE's" were sighted patrolling the
vicinity of TSUSHIMA STRAIT. In the Yellow Sea three enemy planes
were encountered; a float bi-plane, a two engine bomber, and an
unidentified night search plane with 154 mc radar. A "JAKE"
delivered two well placed bombs in vicinity of DANJO GUNTO and
several unidentified planes were contacted that night which may
have been friendly.

(H) ATTACK DATA

U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 7

Time 1134(I) Date 26 May 1945 Lat. 33-18.5N Long. 126-20.6E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: (EC)Type C Fox Tare Charlie (Page 6, Supplement #3, ONI
             208-J (Revised) three island freighter. 2700 tons. Single ship,
             periscope contact, unescorted, visibility twenty miles.

Ship Sunk: 1 Type C FTC 3 island freighter. 2700 tons.

Damaged Determined by: Saw ship sink.

Target Draft: 8' Course: 255° T Speed: 7 Range: 850 yards

Own Ship Data

Speed: 3 Course: 150° T Depth: 64' Angle: 0°

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Submerged daylight attack using #2 periscope.
             Initial setup using ST ranges.

-27- ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 228 —
This looks like a page from a WWII submarine patrol report, specifically detailing an attack. Let's break down the transcription:

**SS236/A16-3**
**Serial: (053)'**
**[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]**

**Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.**
**

— page 229 —
-29- ENCLOSURE "A" SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 230 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued)

                                        #7              #10             #9

Tubes Fired
Track Angle                             5 S             S               43° S
Gyro Angle                              173°            176°            181°
Depth Set                               4'              4'              4'
Power                                   27.5 kts        27.5 kts        27.5 kts
Hit or Miss                             Miss            Miss            Miss
Erratic                                 No              No              No
Mark Torpedo                            18-2            18-2            18-2
Serial No.                              99668           99702           99587
Mark Exploder                           8-7             8-7             8-7
Serial No.                              15868           15953           15874
Actuation Set                           Contact         Contact         Contact
Actuation Actual                        ---             ---             ---
Mark Warhead                            18-2            18-2            18-2
Serial No.                              5247            5233            5202
Explosive                               TPX             TPX             TPX
Firing Interval                         0               11 sec          9 sec
Type Spread                             0               100' L          100' R
Sea Conditions                          1               1               1

Overhaul Activity       U.S.S. BUSHNELL(AS15), Submarine Base, P.H.,T.H.
Remarks:                Temperature of electrolyte      62° F
                        Injection                       60° F
                        After gyro regulater would not regulate.
                        Matched gyros by hand.

                                        -30-
                                                                        ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 231 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued)

U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3 PATROL NO. 7
Time 0741(I) Date 30 May 1945 Lat 38-03.6N Long 124-38.9E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: (EU)

Same target as Torpedo Attack #2

Ship Sunk None
Damage Determined by: None

Target Draft: 8' Course: 025° T Speed: 8 Range: 1650

Own Ship Data

Speed: 4 Course: 321° T Depth: 64' Angle: 0°

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Submerged daylight attack. Multiple fire attack
developed when attack #2 was unsuccessful.

-31-

ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 232 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: 034722A1930]
Subject: U.S.S. BILIFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued)

                  #1        #2        #3
Tubes Fired     ---       ---       ---
Track Angle     133° S    137° S    136° S
Gyro Angle      018°      020°      018°
Depth Set       2'        2'        2'
Power           High      High      High
Hit or Miss     Miss      Miss      Miss
Erratic         No        No        No
Mark Torpedo    14-3A     14-3A     14-3A
Serial No       64858     40599     40342
Mark Exploser   6-4       6-4       6-4
Serial No.      6925      7931      8137
Actuation Set   Contact   Contact   Contact
Actuation Actual ---      ---       ---
Mark Warhead    16-1      16-1      16-1
Serial No       13550     13504     13535
Explosive       TPX       TPX       TPX
Firing Interval 0         10 sec    10 sec
Type Spread     0         100' R    100' L
Sea Conditions  1         1         1

Overhaul Activity • U.S.S. BUSHNELL(AS15), Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, TH
Remarks:          Mark 14's broached and target turned away to avoid.

                                  -32-
                                                    ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 233 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued)

U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4. PATROL NO. 7
Time: 1508(I) Date: 4 June 1945 Lat: 38-32.4N Long: 124-45.5E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: (EU) Single ship unescorted. Engine and bridge aft
freighter MMKF. First mast about 40 feet aft of break of fore-
castle. Second about in center of well deck; goal-post at for-
ward edge of bridge had a heavy cross-bar. Tall straight stack
set about 30 feet aft of bridge. Very wide beam and economy type
freighter. Estimated 4000 to 5000 tons. Resembled none of the
standard classes showing in ONI 208-J (Revised) Supplement #3.
Type D (Modified) is the nearest in appearance but this ship was
definitely larger, had an extra mast indicating two more holds,
the goal-post was heavier and the posts extended further from the deck,
and stack was spaced further aft of the bridge.

Ship Sunk: 1 - 4000 ton engines aft freighter.
Damage Determined by: Saw ship sink.
Target Draft: 12' Course: 000° Speed: 8 Range: 730 yards

Own Ship Data

Speed: 3 Course: 078° Depth: 64' Angle: 0°

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Submerged daylight attack. Initial setup using
ST range.

-33-
ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 234 —
- The following table shows the number of men (in thousands) employed in agriculture in a particular country from 2000 to 2005.

| Year | Number of Men (in thousands) |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 120 |
| 2001 | 115 |
| 2002 | 110 |
| 2003 | 105 |
| 2004 | 100 |
| 2005 | 95 |

a) Plot the data on a graph.
b) Describe the trend in the number of men employed in agriculture.
c) Predict the number of men employed in agriculture in 2007 if the trend continues.

**Solution:**

**a) Plot the data on a graph.**

To plot the data, we'll use the Year on the x-axis and the Number of Men (in thousands) on the y-axis.

*   **x-axis (Year):** Label from 2000 to 2005 (and potentially 2007 for prediction).
*   **y-axis (Number of Men in thousands):** Label from 90 to 125, with increments of 5 or 10.

Here are the points to plot:
(2000, 120)
(2001, 115)
(2

— page 235 —
SS286/L16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Subject: U.S.S. BILIFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 236 —
## The Power of the Human Spirit: A Story of Resilience and Triumph

The human spirit, a beacon of resilience and an unwavering force, has consistently demonstrated its extraordinary capacity to overcome adversity. Throughout history, countless individuals have faced unimaginable challenges, yet emerged victorious, their stories serving as enduring testaments to the indomitable nature of the human will. This essay will explore the multifaceted power of the human spirit, illustrating its ability to inspire hope, foster perseverance, and ultimately lead to triumph, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

One of the most profound aspects of the human spirit is its inherent ability to inspire hope. In times of despair, when darkness threatens to engulf all light, it is the human spirit that ignites a flicker of optimism, reminding us that even the longest night will eventually yield to dawn. Consider the story of Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist. Despite enduring the horrors of concentration camps, witnessing unimaginable suffering and loss, Frankl found meaning and purpose in his experiences. He observed that those who maintained a sense of purpose, a reason to live, were more likely to survive. His work, "Man's Search for Meaning," became a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity to find hope and meaning even in the most desolate circumstances, inspiring generations to seek purpose beyond suffering.

Beyond hope, the human spirit fuels an unyielding perseverance. It is the inner strength that compels individuals to continue striving, even when faced with repeated setbacks and failures. Think of the countless athletes who dedicate years to rigorous training, enduring injuries and disappointments, all for the chance to achieve their

— page 237 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 238 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven

(I) MINES

The following drifting mines were sighted. All appeared to
be Type 93 spherical moored mines with three or four horns showing
and were rusty and fouled with marine growth.

14 May 1945 Posit. 32-56N; 138-23E
19 May 1945 Posit. 30-40N; 133-31E
27 May 1945 Posit. 32-49N; 125-00E
Posit. 32-53N; 124-24E
Posit. 33-08N; 124-19E
Posit. 33-13N; 124-15E
6 June 1945 Posit. 33-50N; 124-14E
Posit. 33-48N; 124-13E
7 June 1945 Posit. 32-50N; 126-22E
Posit. 32-48N; 126-41E
Posit. 32-10N; 128-32E
Posit. 31-57N; 128-55E

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

Patrol boats work in the vicinity of TSUSHIMA STRAIT echo-
ranging on 16.5 kc., and this area is also patrolled by "JAKE" float-
planes.

In the Yellow Sea two trawler type patrol boats were observed
to make a sweep from CHOSAN KAN to CHOYLA and return. They were zig-
zagging radically and apparently echo-ranging on a frequency above
and below the range of the JK as a sharp clicking noise could
be clearly heard on both of these equipments. This sound came in as
a distinct click, click-click, click, click-click repeated every two
seconds. Every few minutes they would stop for about thirty seconds
probably to listen.

In vicinity of DANJO GUNTO a "JAKE" float plane delivered two
well placed bombs.

All traffic encountered consisted of single ships unescorted
running as close to the beach as possible.

-38-
ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 239 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
DECLASSIFIED

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 240 —
[STAMP: 031322A46]
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 241 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

(M) RADAR (Continued)

(4) Horizontal jitter on all sweeps of "A" scope; 5U4G tubes
in regulated rectifiers defective.
(5) Very little grass, no echoes on "A" scope; 1st I.F. tube
type 717A defective.
(6) Fuses F1 & F2 continually blew and the fuse panel burnt
in vicinity of above fuses. Poor connections between line and
fuse clip terminals. As a temporary repair the clips were re-
moved from panel, screwed down to the line cables and taped
against ends of fuses. Replacement of panel will be effected
during current refit.

In the Yellow Sea phenomenal ranges were experienced during
the early hours of the night and then shortly prior to dawn ranges
would fall way below normal expectancy. The weather was uniformly
calm, more or less foggy and sheet lightening was apparentall around
the horizon. Injection temperature in this area ran around 52° F and
at night the lower atmosphere was very chilly with high humidity.
Three schooners were picked up at a range of 31,000 yards and the
pips were somewhat similar to gull (radar decoy), exhibiting a rapid
flutter effect and the range varied several hundred yards. Secondary
echoes on peaks were frequently obtained over 100,000 yards and on
three occasions a friendly submarine was tracked out to ranges of
22, 29, and 50 thousand yards.

ST radar - This radar gave excellent service during the entire
patrol. Phenomenal ranges were obtained at the same times they were
experienced on the SJ. The T.R. box was changed every two weeks as
a matter of routine. This radar was of valuable assistance as a search
radar during poor visibility conditions submerged and as an accurate
source of ranges during the early stages of approach. Due to its
wide beam width it was sometimes impossible to distinguish a ship
target close to land, especially when nearest land was closer than
the target. This proved most misleading in attack #5. The ST periscope
should be modified to incorporate a stadimeter as this would greatly
facilitate solution for masthead height during the initial stages of
a periscope approach. The only materiel failures experiences were:

[HANDWRITTEN: -41-]

ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 242 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
DECLASSIFIED
[STAMP: 1930 MAR 22]
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 243 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
DECLASSIFIED

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 244 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 245 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.
[STAMP: 131M22AJ930]

(U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES (Continued)

were detected at ranges of 20,000 and 15,000 yards. The ST radar
was frequently used on the surface alternate ST and SJ sweeps being
utilized in these cases. The ST was also used submerged during
poor visibility conditions and was used during the early stages of
periscope approaches.

The APR was manned constantly while on surface at night. The
following interceptions were definitely determined to be airborne.

Mc | Pps | Location
---|---|---
158 | 1000 | Nanpo Shoto
145 | --- | " "
150 | 500 | Approache to Tsushima Straits
152 | 1000 | " "
151 | 500 | " "
153 | 500 | " "
156 | 500 | " "
159 | 500 | " "

During the night of 26 May 1945 following our first successful
torpedo attack from one to three airborne radar signals were on the
APR scope and at no time did they appear to have used their search
one plane closed to 7 miles on the SD and then, just as we were about
to dive, he opened out again and faded from SD screen at 16,000 yards.
All airborne contacts appeared to be using intermittent operation and
seemed to keep switching between presumably fixed antennas.

The following land based radars which were not listed in RCM
"Japanese Shore Based Radar Locations" were noted:

Date | Freq. | Pulse Rate | Pulse Length | Approx. Location
---|---|---|---|---
14 May '45 | 208 | 1400 | 4 | 32-19N; 139-47E
14 May '45 | 400 | 200 | --- | 32-19N; 139-47E
14 May '45 | 301 | 200 | 7 | 32-19N; 139-47E
16 May '45 | 100 | 300 | --- | 33-22N; 139-45E
20 May '45 | 102 | 500 | 20 | 33-00N; 130-38E
24 May '45 | 101 | 750 | 15 | 33-28N; 129-09E

-45-
ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 246 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

— page 247 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (053)
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH(SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

(V) REMARKS (Continued)

Schedule Serial No.        TDG        TOR        Delay

P-696                      May 110538   111406     8 1/2 hr.
821                        "   130003   131144     11 3/4 hr.
926                        "   150450   151125     6 1/2 hr.
983                        "   160523   161129     6 hr.

Every effort should be made to eliminate this delay as it resulted
in needless expenditure of fuel and in one case late arrival on
station. It would be very helpful to lifeguard submarines to be
provided with complete information on 21st Bomber Command calls.

It is noted that messages of importance to all submarines,
usually pertaining to effective communications publications and
changes thereto, were assigned no serial number while serials often
consisted of interesting but non-essential news. This weakens the
value of serial numbers as a check on receipt of important messages.
As Comsubpacdcomd originates most of these important non-serial
messages, it is suggested that two sets of serials be used, say
1-99 for Comsubpac and 101-199 for Comsubpacdcomd.

                                                -47-
                                                ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 248 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE TWENTY ONE
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
16 June 1945.

F35-121/A16-3
Serial: 026
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO USS BILLFISH
Ltr. SS286/A16-3, ser.
053 dated 17 June 1945.

From: The Commander Submarine Division ONE TWENTY ONE.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron TWELVE.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol Number Seven.

1. The Seventh war patrol of the U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286)
was conducted in the Tenpo Shoto, East China Sea and Yellow Sea areas.
Twenty-eight days were spent in the patrol area of which fifteen days
were spent submerged.

2. The area was covered in a thorough, intelligent and
aggressive manner and this resulted in quite a few worthwhile torpedo
target contacts.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1. On 26 May 1945, off Ikitsuki Shima,
a target resembling a type C, Box Fere Charlie was sunk by one hit from
a salvo of four Mk 14-3A torpedoes.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2. On 30 May 1945, an attack was
made on a small coastal freighter. Three Mk 18 torpedoes, depth set
on four feet, were fired from the stern tubes from an excellent firing
position and produced negative results. A gyro regulator casualty
necessitated matching gyros by hand during this attack. Two bow tubes were
brought to bear and three Mk 14-3A torpedoes were fired on 135° track
and 1700 yard range, depth set two feet in calm sea. These torpedoes
broached repeatedly; target turned away and avoided.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3. On 4 June 1945, a medium coastal
aft freighter was sunk by two hits from a salvo of four Mk 14-3A torpedoes.
Depth set eight feet in a calm sea, range 750 yards.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4. On 5 June 1945, an attack was made
on a medium freighter with four Mk 14-3A torpedoes at a range of 1500
yards, track angle 114°S but was frustrated by target zigzagging away just
after last torpedo was fired.

GUN ACTION NO. 1. On 4 June 1945, three four masted
schooners were destroyed by combined gunfire from the 5" gun and 40 MM's.
Unfortunately, OLIVER, Robert Vidal, QM1c, USNR, was fatally wounded
by rifle fire from one of the schooners during this gun action. The
Administrative Division Commander extends his deepest sympathy to the
BILLFISH on the loss of a splendid shipmate and submariner.

- 1 -

— page 249 —
F25-121/A16-3
Serial: 026
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO USS BILLFISH Conf.
Ltr. SS286/A16-3 ser.
053 dated 17 June 1945.

SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE TWENTY ONE
Comd of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
18 June 1945
[STAMP: 0313122AJ30]

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of Per Patrol Number Seven.

— page 250 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWELVE
Hn

FC5-12/A16-3
Serial 0115
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
20 June 1945.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS BILIFISH (SS286) Conf.
ltr. SS286/A16-3 serial
053, dated 17 June 1945.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BILIFISH (SS286) - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

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

2. Sincere sympathy is extended to the personnel of the BILI-
FISH upon the loss in action of their gallant shipmate Robert Vidal Oliver,
QMC, USNR.

3. The lack of escorts for shipping and scarcity of enemy air
patrols in the Yellow Sea Area is an encouraging sign of the enemy's wan-
ing strength.

4. It is noted that on the night of 28 May the BILIFISH ex-
changed recognition signals by SJ with the USS SEGUNDA talking through the
interference of a third unidentified SJ radar. This brings the question
of security of keyed radar communications to the fore. It is pretty certain
that the enemy now have 10 CM radar with characteristics similar to our SJ.
With such equipment he can very probably intercept our keyed SJ radar com-
munications if in the vicinity. This probability must be considered care-
fully by Commanding Officers when transmitting recognition signals and
plain language messages by radar keying.

5. Attention is invited to the Commanding Officer's remarks
in paragraph (V) concerning communication difficulties while performing
life guard duties.

6. It is recommended that the BILIFISH be credited with the
following damage inflicted on the enemy:

S U N K
1 Medium AK (EC) Type C - FTC 2700 tons (Torp. Attack #1)
1 Medium AK (EU) 4000 tons (Torp. Attack #4)
3 Four masted schooners
*(350 tons each) 1050 tons (Gun Attack #1)
Total Sunk 7750 tons

- 1 -

— page 251 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWELVE

FC5-12/A16-3                                        Care of Fleet Post Office,
Serial 0115                                         San Francisco, California,
DECLASSIFIED                                        20 June 1945.
                                                    [STAMP: DECLASSIFIED 12 JAN 1970]

Subject:      U.S.S. BILIFISH (SS286) - Report of Seventh War Patrol.

— page 252 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(1) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01628
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 7 02057]
[HANDWRITTEN: ET]
[HANDWRITTEN: 1d]
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
29 June 1945.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
BILLFISH Report of
Seventh War Patrol.
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 805
U.S.S. BILLFISH - SEVENTH WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of Seventh War
Patrol (24 April to 17 June 1945).

1. The seventh war patrol of the BILLFISH, under the com-
mand of Lieutenant Commander L. C. Farley, Jr., U. S. Naval Reserve,
was conducted in the Nanpo Shoto--East China Sea--Yellow Sea areas.

2. This smart, aggressive patrol resulted in several
contacts worthy of torpedo fire. Five torpedo attacks and one gun
attack were delivered, resulting in the sinking of two medium
freighters and three four-masted schooners, losses the enemy can
ill afford. The Force Commander joins the BILLFISH in their grief
at the loss in action, during the gun battle, of Robert Vidal Oliver,
Quartermaster First Class, U. S. Naval Reserve.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congra-
tulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew of the BILLFISH
for this fighting, successful patrol. The BILLFISH is credited with
having inflicted the following damage upon the enemy:

S U N K
1-Medium AK (Type C--FTC) (EC) - 2,700 tons (Attack No. 1)
1-Medium AK (EU) - 4,000 tons (Attack No. 4)
3-MIS (Four-Masted Schooners) (EC) - 1,050 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)
TOTAL SUNK - 7,750 tons

Distribution and authentication
on following page.
- 1 -
[HANDWRITTEN: EXTRA : ORIGINAL]
[HANDWRITTEN: SORG. MICRO]
[HANDWRITTEN: PHOTO LAB OP-16]
[HANDWRITTEN: RETURN TO F-4253]
MERRILL COMSTOCK.

— page 253 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01628
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
BILLFISH Report of
Seventh War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 805
U.S.S. BILLFISH - SEVENTH WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of Seventh War
Patrol (24 April to 17 June 1945).

— page 254 —
U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286)
                                                                                                [HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

SS286/16-3
Serial (0106)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]                                                                      Fleet Post Office,
                                                                                                San Francisco, Calif.
                                                                                                27 August 1945.

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

Subject:          U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

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

                  1. Enclosure (A), covering the eighth war patrol of this vessel
conducted in the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and South of the Empire during
the period from 12 July 1945 to 27 August 1945, is forwarded herewith.

                                                                                                [SIGNATURE: L. C. Farley]
                                                                                                L. C. FARLEY, Jr.
                                                                                                Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Naval Reserve.

— page 255 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (0106)
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

— page 256 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (0106)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

(B) NARRATIVE (Continued)

12 July 1945 (Continued)
2400(N) Set clocks ahead 24 hours dropping Friday the Thirteenth from the
         calander - a good day to miss.

14 July 1945
1200(M) Posit. 26-16N; 173-29E.

15 July 1945
1200(L) Posit. 24-00N; 172-52E.

16 July 1945
0800(L) Forward bridge TMC selector switch box found partially flooded and
         grounded out. This equipment has been a continual source of trouble
         since its installation. SJ bearing repeater system out of action.
         This is another continuously failing piece of vitally important
         gear. Poor mechanical design of the gears and shafting is con-
         sidered the basic cause of the trouble.
1200(L) Posit. 21-56N; 167-24E.

17 July 1945
(L) Sighted type 93 spherical mine and exploded
         it with .50 cal.
         machine gun fire. Posit. 20-25N; 162-51E.
1200(L) Posit. 20-12N; 162-02E.

18 July 1945
0335(K) Exchanged recognition and calls by SJ radar with USS LIPON (SS260).
1200(K) Posit. 16-52N; 156-16E.

19 July 1945
0015(K) Exchanged calls with USS RONQUIL (SS396).
1200(K) Posit. 18-04N; 150-56E.

20 July 1945
0315(K) Exchanged calls with USS SEA OWL (SS405).
1200(K) Posit. 17-35N; 146-22E.

21 July 1945
0955(K) Moored in nest alongside USS ORION in Tanapag Harbor, Saipan.

22 July 1945
         Moored as before.

                                     - 2 -                               ENCLOSURE "A"

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CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

(B) NARRATIVE (Continued)

23 July 1945
0926(K) Underway enroute to patrol area in company with USS TENCH, USS
LIONFISH and USS SEAFOX.
1500(K) Released escort, USS SEAFOX proceeding independently.
1800(K) Exchanged calls with USS QUILLBACK (SS424).

24 July 1945
0840(K) Exchanged calls with USS STEELHEAD (SS280).
1200(K) Posit. 18-26N; 142-40E.

25 July 1945
1155(I) Exchanged calls with USS SPRINGER (SS414).
1200(I) Posit. 22-15N; 139-39E.
1847(I) Exchanged calls with USS THREADFIN (SS410).

26 July 1945
0525(I) Exchanged calls with USS DENTUDA (SS337).
1200(I) Posit. 27-00N; 139-36E.
1630(I) Sighted many ships to westward. We are apparently being run down
by Task Force 38.
1740(I) Exchanged calls with DD650 who will escort us clear of task force.
2000(I) Clear of task force.

27 July 1945
0035(I) Received orders from ComSubPac to proceed to area 12 north of 33N.
0100(I) USS LIONFISH proceeding independently.
0700(I) Exchanged calls with USS ATULE (SS403).
1200(I) Posit. 29-24N; 139-43E.

28 July 1945
0015(I) Exchanged calls with USS SEA ROBIN (SS407).
1200(I) Posit. 29-19N; 133-59E.
1610(I) Sighted PBM search plane and contacted on VHF. Nothing for us.
2200(I) SJ Radar landfall on YAKU SHIMA bearing 355°T, distance 37 miles.
Commenced transit COLNETT STRAIT. Numerous APR contacts,
APR contacts will be mentioned in narrative only where of interest.

29 July 1945
1050(I) Sighted approximately 40 B-29's headed for KYUSHU.
1130(I) Sighted one Coronado and eight fighters apparently searching about
for trouble.
1200(I) Posit. 31-34N; 129-00E.
1308(I) Sighted DANJO GUNTO bearing 290°T, distant 30 miles.

- 3 - ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 258 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (0106)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

— page 259 —
SS236/16-3
Serial: (0106)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS236), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

— page 260 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (0106)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

(B) NARRATIVE (Continued)

5 August 1945 (Continued)
1030(I) Sighted second freighter following first one with a PC escort,
        believe trawler also escort as he is about 2000 yards abeam leading
        freighter and PC in same position on second. Went to battle
        stations. Scope leaves a wake like a PT boat so using 1 to 1 foot
        scope and very brief looks. First freighter is only half loaded
        and estimated to be 2,000 tons. Second freighter is 4,000 to 5,000
        yards astern of the first and looks larger and loaded so will try
        for him.
1046(I) Sound reports PC has speeded up now making 200 turns, freighters
        estimated at 8 knots. Looks like PC is pulling ahead and closing
        target's track slightly so decided to let him cross our bow and
        then close target taking a larger track if necessary.
1049:50(I) First freighter crossed bow range approximately 3,500 yards. The
        trawler now appears to be a wooden sea truck not loaded and appears
        to be making about 6 knots.
1053(I) PC crossed bow range about 800 yards, he is not pinging. Started
        swing right to course 100 starboard track on second freighter and
        went ahead 2/3.
1055(I) PC bears 045 so eased down to 75 feet and went ahead standard as
        figure we must get a short run on target likely to avoid steam fish.
        Estimate target 4,000 tons similar to AKITAMARU, Page 129 ONI 208J.
        First freighter estimated 2,000 tons.
1103:28(I) Commenced firing four Mk 14-3A's on 90 starboard track, gyros 352 to
        356, divergent spread 100 feet between torpedoes.
1104:30(I) Hit at base of foremast.
1104:37(I) Hit amidships.
1104:43(I) Hit astern.
1106(I) PC is turning to seaward, rigged for depth charge and silent running
        and went a head standard turning left to parallel coast and pull off
        those telltale torpedo wakes. We are in 15 to 20 fathoms so there
        is no use going deep. Target has sunk.
1109(I) Slowed to 1/3 and came left to 220°T.
1111(I) Escort bears 300° relative, range about 2000 yards. Has small angle
        on the bow and is turning right.
1115(I) Escort apparently running down torpedo wakes toward the beach.
1118(I) Escort milling around scene of sinking. If there are any survivors,
        they should be thoroughly shell shocked as three hits disintegrated
        the target.
1120(I) Secured from silent running and rig for depth charge. We surely
        were lucky to get out of this one without a working over.
1200(I) Posit. 38-48N; 121-33E.
1353(I) Sighted smoke close to the beach bearing 290°T. Ship contact #2.

- 6 - ENCLOSURE "A"

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CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

— page 262 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (0106)

CONFIDENTI L

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

— page 263 —
SS336/A16-3
Serial: (0106)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

— page 264 —
SS266/A16-3
Serial: (0106)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

(B) NARRATIVE (Continued)

9 August 1945
1115(I) • Heard distant explosion from the bridge.
1154(I) Sighted life raft; about six feet square, black cork; covered with
  bird droppings.
1200(I) Posit. 32-36N; 127-16E.
1424(I) Sighted FUKIE S.L. bearing 074°T, distant 30 miles.
1432(I) Sighted DANJO GUNTO bearing 151°T, distant 28 miles.
1535(I) Sighted PBM with three escorting fighters, he is looking for PO FRET
  to pick up their injured zoomie.
1819(I) Sighted mine, posit. 32-06N; 129-47E.
1845(I) Sighted friendly submarine. Unable to establish communication by
  light or VHF, probably POMFRET.
2148(I) First of numerous APR contacts from 153 mc to 160 mc. No aircraft
  contacted during the night though we had practically continuous APR
  contacts - believe they may be shore based early warning radars.

10 August 1945
0457(I) Submerged. Will patrol 100 fathom curve off IONO MISAKI listening
  periodically on the SD antenna, as we have no information on business
  for Texas League.
1137(I) Sighted two Mitchells, range about 6 miles.
1200(I) Posit. 31-19N; 130-07E.
2024(I) Surfaced - SJ radar out of commission. High voltage transformer for
  regulator rectifier shorted out.

11 August 1945
0230(I) SJ radar transformer burned out beyond possibility of repair. Sent
  BILLFISH sixth advising ComSubPac that SJ and ST radar out of
  commission and requesting air delivery of spare transformer.
0449(I) Sighted ship bearing 135°T, range about 4,000 yards (Snap contact #5)
  and submerged.
0451(I) Picked up contact in #1 periscope. Believe it is a submarine,
  probably REDFIN. Turned toward to try to maintain contact until
  daylight.
0456(I) Lost contact both by scope and sound.
1200(I) Posit. 31-27N; 129-55E.
1237(I) Sighted PBM escorted by 4 mustangs. Could hear them on VHF while
  running at 55 feet but unable to raise them.
2010(I) Surfaced.
2121(I) Received message ordering us to proceed to Saipan.
2130(I) Radar back in commission using TBL motor generator and lamp bank
  resistance. Attempted to clear BILLFISH 7th informing ComSubPac.
  Finally sent message blind.

- 10 -
ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 265 —
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Serial: (0106)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

(B) NARRATIVE (Continued)

12 August 1945
0613(I) Sighted aircraft at 12 miles coming in, unable to contact on VIF
    and no IFF. So at
0622(I) Submerged SD range 4 miles. O.O.D. identified plane as Irving and
    is sure it was not a Mitchell.
1115(I) Surfaced. Since we were unable to clear message saying we were
    remaining in Area and it is now too late to stop the ARGONAUT from
    relieving us, decided to run south and get in position to transit
    COLNETT STRAIT tonight.
1200(I) Posit. 31-03N; 129-53E.
1715(I) Submerged.
2000(I) Surfaced and commenced transit COLNETT STRAIT.

13 August 1945
0402(I) Sent BILLFISH 6th stating radar back in operation and requesting
    continuation of patrol.
0853(I) Received message from ComSubPac to continue patrol in national
    League.
1200(I) Posit. 29-29N; 133-40E.
1637(I) Received message assigning lifeguard station for 14 August.
2400(I) Set clocks ahead one hour to (-) 10 zone time.

14 August 1945
1115(K) Sighted first wave of B-29's.
1200(K) Posit. 31-16N; 134-36E.
1200(K) Sighted and established contact with DULBO, a Liberator.
1331(K) Sighted floating mine posit. 31-19N; 134-32E, and informed DULBO
    we would dispose of it. After numerous .50 cal. machine gun hits
    produced no results finally exploded mine with 40 mm.
1431(K) .50 cal. ceased action.
1535(K) Sighted floating mine posit. 31-03N; 134-34E. Attempts to sink
    with 40 mm unsuccessful.
1900(K)

15 August 1945
1200(K) Posit. 31-10N; 135E.

16 August 1945
1200(K) Posit. 30-43N; 134-13E.
1655(K) Received message to proceed to Pearl via MID H. ILLCO.

17 August 1945
1200(K) Posit. 29-20N; 136-44E

- 11 -
ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 266 —
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Serial (0106)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

— page 267 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (0106)
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

— page 268 —
SS236/A16-3
Serial: (0106)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

— page 269 —
SS286/A16-3
Serial: (0106)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

— page 270 —
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Serial: (0106)

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

— page 271 —
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Serial: (0106)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued)

U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 WAR PATROL NO. 8
Time: 0943 (I) Date: 7 August 1945 Lat: 38-48.4N Lon: 121-23.2E

Target Data

Description: EJ - Small two masted freighter; estimated 1200 tons. PC
escort. Periscope smoke contact, visibility 10,000 yards.
Thin fog bank off coast. Sea calm with slight swell.

Ship Sunk: 1 small freighter - 1200 tons
Damage Determined by: Saw ship sink.
Target Draft: 12' Course: 235°T Speed: 6 knots Range: 1650 yds.

Own Ship Data

Speed: 3 Course: 297° T Depth: 65' Angle: 0°

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Day Periscope Attack.

- 17 - ENCLOSURE "A"

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Serial: (0106)
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Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS236), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued)

| | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired | 125° P | 125° P | 155° P | 160° P * |
| Track angle | 352° | 352° | 352° | 352° |
| Gyro Angle | 4' | 4' | 4' | 4' |
| Depth Set | High | High | High | High |
| Power | High | High | High | High |
| Hit or Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Hit |
| | (One of these two broached several times) | | |
| Erratic | | | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A |
| Serial No. | 2417 | 40638 | 26127 | 67356 |
| Mark Exploder | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 |
| Serial No

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Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

— page 275 —
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Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

— page 276 —
SS236/A16-3
Serial: (0106)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS236), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (Continued)

(a) Hull and Machinery (Continued):

be preferable to the authorized installation of an additional IMO
pump. This would permit securing the main plant when submerged and the present
auxiliary system for operating the main plant from the capstan Waterbury
would provide insurance in case of failure of the IMO pump.

Master Gyro Compass: Upon getting underway from Saipan it was
observed that the compass was processing steadily to the West. Examination
showed the sensitive element out of balance which was corrected by NS level adjustment but the
compass continued to process. The compass was secured and torn down for a
thorough check. Everything appeared in order except the mercury level was
1/16 inch low and the mercury dirty. Upon reassembly the gyro settled out
normally and has operated satisfactorily during the patrol.

(b) Ordnance and Gunnery:

None.

(L) RADIO

No defects or damage.

(M) RADAR

S.J.: (1) PPI scope failed to show echos soon on "A" scope. Replaced
PPI tube, V7 in the video amplifier and V8.

(2) Synchro pulse shorted to ground due to defective coaxial
cable at the range indicator.

(3) High voltage transformer of the "A" regulated rectifier
failed. Examination showed wiring insulation burned beyond hope of repair.
The voltage of the 2000 volt winding of the TBL motor generator was reduced
to 850V by backing the field variac down to its minimum setting. The
voltage was further reduced to 425V by two 100 watt, three 50 watt lamp and
a heavy duty variac in series. The rectifier tubes in the "A" unit were
removed and terminal 1 of L1 was supplied with positive DC voltage. The
variac was decreased in resistance until 300 volts regulated out put was
obtained from the "A" unit. This system worked satisfactorily.

(4) S.T. Radar - No casualties except #3 above which also placed ST
out of operation. ST tuning is so critical that it will change when peri-
scope is rotated. Some sort of automatic tuning unit would greatly im-
prove operation of this radar.

- 22 -

ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 277 —
SS236/A16-3
Serial: (0106)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number Eight.

— page 279 —
S-286/A-3
Serial: (0106)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286), Report of War Patrol Number 24

— page 280 —
FB5-104/A16-3(2)
Serial ( 048 )
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to CO, USS BILLFISH
Conf. ltr SS286/A16-3 Serial (0106),
dated 27 August 1945.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS 286) - Report of War Patrol Number EIGHT.

1. The Eighth war patrol of the U.S.S. BILLFISH, in the EAST-CHINA
and YELLOW SEAS and on lifeguard duty south of the Japanese Empire, was of
forty-seven days duration broken by a two day stop at SAIPAN enroute. Twenty
days were spent on station, seven of them in submerged patrol. The patrol was
terminated by order of Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.

2. The patrol followed the usual pattern of the last days of the
Pacific War. Enemy air and surface opposition was non-existent. By careful
planning and persistently guarding selected focal points, in spite of the fact
that it was necessary to penetrate shoal water to do so, BILLFISH did discover
some merchant shipping which was promptly attacked. Enemy counter action was
frantic but ineffective, clearly indicating his desperation. Proceeding from
the YELLOW SEA to lifeguard station BILLFISH collided with what is presumed
to have been a fishing boat, thus qualifying for that select group of sub-
marines which have inflicted damage on the enemy by ramming. While on life-
guard station there was no opportunity to effect rescues. A total of thir-
teen floating mines were encountered, three of which were destroyed.

3. On 5 August, while patrolling submerged off DAIREN two freighters,
one escorted by a trawler the other by a PC, were sighted close inshore. Se-
lecting the larger and more heavily loaded freighter as the primary target,
BILLFISH conducted a smart approach and at 1103 from an excellent position
(track angles 80-90°, gyro angles near zero, torpedo run 1300-1250 yards,
adequate spread) the chosen target was attacked with four Mark 14-3A torpedoes
set to run at six feet (Torpedo Attack #1). Three hits were obtained and the
target was seen to sink. The escort threatened but did not make a counter-
attack.

4. Two days later while patrolling submerged in the same general
vicinity, a freighter escorted by a PC was sighted and approach commenced.
Matters were complicated by a late zig on the part of the target and by as-
sorted minor shipping in the vicinity but at 0951 from an acceptable firing
position (track angle about 125°, gyro angles near zero, torpedo run 1275
yards, adequate spread) the target was attacked with four Mark 14-3A torpedoes
set to run at four feet. The shallow depth setting, used on the chance that
it might be necessary to attack the escort, caused two torpedoes to broach and
the alerted target attempted to avoid. Despite his maneuvers one torpedo was
-1-
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE HUNDRED FOUR.
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
30 August 1945.

— page 281 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE HUNDRED FOUR

FB5-104/A16-3(2)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
Serial (P48 )
San Francisco, California.

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
30 August 1945.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to CO, USS BILLFISH
Conf. ltr SS286/A16-3 Serial (0106),
dated 27 August 1945.

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS 286) - Report of War Patrol Number EIGHT.

(Torpedo Attack #2)
and the target sank until her stern bottomed leaving about 30
feet of bow exposed. A long but aimless counter attack
followed.

5.
On her return to base BILLFISH was clean and shipshape, def-
initely and obviously a taut ship. Material condition was good. The en-
ergy and ingenuity of the ship's company in effecting complicated repairs,
without spare parts, to the hydraulic plant and SJ radar is deserving of
high praise. These installations and the propellers will be inspected and
necessary corrective action taken before the ship departs for her peacetime
station.

6.
BILLFISH's eighth patrol is a fitting finale to her honorable
war record. The Division Commander takes pleasure in congratulating her on
a seamanlike job, and on the damage inflicted on the enemy.

[SIGNATURE: L. H. Chappell]
L. H. CHAPPELL

-2-

— page 282 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TEN
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

FC5-10/A16-3 11/rhb
Serial: ( 0272 ) 2 September 1945.

CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) -
Report of War Patrol
Number Eight.

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. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of War Patrol
Number Eight.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the
Commander Submarine Division ONE HUNDRED FOUR.

2. The Squadron Commander congratulates the
Commanding Officer, officers and the crew of the U.S.S.
BILLFISH upon the successful completion of that vessels
Eighth War Patrol.

3. It is recommended that the U.S.S. BILLFISH
be credited with the following:

SUNK

1 - AK(EU) 4000 tons
1 - AK(EU) 1200 tons
Total sunk 5200 tons

[SIGNATURE: G. E. Peterson]
G. E. PETERSON

— page 283 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)                                  SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET mr
Serial 02303                                                              Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                        EXTRA - ORIGINAL                  San Francisco, California,
                                        SORG.       MICRO                 15 September 1945.
CONFIDENTIAL                            PHOTO-LAB   OP-16
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to [STAMP: RETURN TO F-4253]
FIFTH REPORT of                                         NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
Eighth War Patrol.                                            DESTROYED PRIOR TO
                                                              ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 879
U.S.S. BILLFISH - EIGHTH WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of Eighth War
         Patrol (12 July to 27 August 1945).

         1. The eighth war patrol of the U.S.S. BILLFISH, under
the command of Lieutenant Commander L. C. Farley, Jr., U.S. Naval
Reserve, was conducted in the East China and Yellow Seas and in
waters south of the Japanese Empire.

         2. It was primarily devoted to offensive patrolling alon
the enemy's last line of communication with the Asiatic mainland. B
careful planning and courageous penetration into restricted waters
the BILLFISH succeeded in discovering the Japanese shipping lanes.
Two aggressive torpedo attacks were made, each of which accounted fo
one enemy merchantman. The BILLFISH was assigned limited amount of
lifeguard duty but there was no call for her services; hence, no
rescues were made.

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

         4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congra-
tulates the commanding officer, officers and crew of the BILLFISH on
the completion of an alert and successful final war patrol in which
the following damage was inflicted on the enemy:

                                        S U N K

         1 - AK (EU)                    - 4,000 tons (Attack No. 1)
         1 - AK (EU)                    - 1,200 tons (Attack No. 2)

         TOTAL SUNK                       5,200 tons

Authentication & distribution                               G. C. CRAWFORD,
on next page. - 1 -                                         Chief of Staff.
                                                            [HANDWRITTEN: 10 0572]

— page 284 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 02305

1d
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
15 September 1945.

CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
BILLFISH Report of
Eighth War Patrol

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 879
U.S.S. BILLFISH - EIGHTH WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. BILLFISH (SS286) - Report of Eighth War
Patrol (12 July to 27 August 1945).

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

— page 285 —
END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: F-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-94-78]

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