U.S.S. STERLET (SS-392) — war patrol report SS-392_STERLET.pdf

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JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: E-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR 367-77]

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OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: HARRIS]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 11-29-77]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

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

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

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JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: E-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR 367-77]

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OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: HARFIS]

DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 11-29-77]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

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

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

— page 2 —
[HANDWRITTEN: STERLET (SS-392)
WWII PATROL REPORT FILE
ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED
FOR DECK LOGS MARCH 1944 - DECEMBER 1945
CONSULT NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY

J.A. KONTZ]

— page 2 —
[HANDWRITTEN: STERLET (SS-392)
WWII PATROL REPORT FILE
ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED
FOR DECK LOGS MARCH 1944 - DECEMBER 1945
CONSULT NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY

J.A. KONTZ]

— page 3 —
HISTORY OF U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)

The keel of the U.S.S. STERLET was laid in the summer of 1943 at the
Portsmouth Nav. Yard, Portsmouth, N.H. The STERLET was launched on Navy Day,
October 27, 1943, with the U.S.S. POMFRET and U.S.S. QUEENFISH in the first
triple launching in submarine construction history. Mrs. Charles A. Plumley,
wife of U. S. Representative Plumley, R., of Vermont was the sponsor. The
ship was commissioned on March 4, 1944, with Commander O.C. ROBBINS, U.S.Navy
as Commanding Officer. After an intensive training period the ship departed
Key West, Florida, on May 1, 1944, enroute Pearl Harbor to join the Pacific
Fleet.

Arriving in Pearl Harbor on June 13, 1944, another training period was
carried out until July 4, 1944, when the STERLET departed on her first war
patrol.

The first war patrol was conducted in the vicinity of Bonin Islands. It
was of 53 days duration, of which 34 days were spent in the assigned area.
Four attacks were made on enemy shipping which resulted in the sinking of
four ships, totaling 14,200 tons. Three of these ships were sunk by torpedoes
and one by gun fire. A prisoner was taken from a raft on August 5, 1944, after
carrier planes had destroyed an enemy convoy north of Bonin Islands. The
STERLET returned to Midway Island for refit on August 26, 1944.

Departing Midway Island on September 18, 1944, the STERLET proceeded to the
Nansei Shoto Islands to conduct her second war patrol. During the first car-
rier strike on October 10, 1944, the STERLET performed lifeguard duty and rescued six
carrier airmen. Five torpedo attacks and two gun attacks were carried out.
Two large tanker and one large freighter were sunk by torpedoes and one
small freighter and a small fishing vessel were sunk by gun fire. One of the
tankers had been previously damaged by the submarines USS TRIGGER and USS
SALMON, following which the SALMON was seriously damaged from counter-measures
of the enemy escorts. Learning of the damaged condition of the SALMON, the
STERLET, U.S.S. SILVERSIDES and TRIGGER escorted the SALMON
safely to Saipan. While transferring ammunition to the SALMON at sea, a
Japanese submarine attacked the STERLET but the torpedo was sighted and suc-
cessfully evaded. The STERLET departed Saipan on 10 November, in company with
six other submarines under the Command of Commander T.R. Klakring, USN, to
conduct a sweep to the westward and northward of the Volcano and Bonin Is-
lands to hunt and destroy patrol and anti-submarine vessels. During this
sweep, which lasted for 10 days, the STERLET sank one submarine chaser by
torpedoes; making the total tonnage 21,900 tons for this patrol. At the
conclusion of this sweep the STERLET returned to Pearl Harbor for refit,
arriving on November 30, 1944.

On December 27, 1944, Commander H.H. Lewis, USNR, assumed command and
took the STERLET out on her third patrol on January 25, 1945. The STERLET
was a unit of a coordinated patrol group, consisting of the USS PIPER, USS
POMFRET, USS BOWFIN and USS TREPANG. This group left Saipan, conducting
a sweep northward to Honshu, ahead of the fleet making the first carrier
strike on Tokyo. Lifeguard services were furnished for 12 days during the
reconnaissance sweeps for major units of the Jap Fleet were made while our
task forces were in the Japanese Empire Area. Two opportunities for
torpedo attack were followed up and resulted in the sinking of a large tanker and large
freighter, for a total of 15,000 tons. At the conclusion of this sixty-
nine day patrol the STERLET returned to Midway Islands on April 4, 1945
for refit.

— page 3 —
HISTORY OF U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)

The keel of the U.S.S. STERLET was laid in the summer of 1943 at the
Portsmouth Navy Yard, Portsmouth, N.H. The STERLET was launched on Navy Day,
October 27, 1943, with the U.S.S. POMFRET and U.S.S. QUEENFISH in the first
triple launching in submarine construction history. Mrs. Charles A. Plumley,
wife of U. S. Representative Plumley, R., of Vermont was the sponsor. The
ship was commissioned on March 4, 1944, with Commander O.C. ROBBINS, U.S.Navy
as Commanding Officer. After an intensive training period the ship departed
Key West, Florida, on May 1, 1944, enroute Pearl Harbor to join the Pacific
Fleet.

Arriving in Pearl Harbor on June 13, 1944, another training period was
carried out until July 4, 1944, when the STERLET departed on her first war
patrol.

The first war patrol was conducted in the vicinity of Bonin Islands. It
was of 53 days duration, of which 34 days were spent in the assigned area.
Four attacks were made on enemy shipping which resulted in the sinking of
four ships, totaling 14,200 tons. Three of these ships were sunk by torpedoes
and one by gun fire. A prisoner was taken from a raft on August 5, 1944, after
carrier planes had destroyed an enemy convoy north of Bonin Islands. The
STERLET returned to Midway Island for refit on August 26, 1944.

Departing Midway Island on September 18, 1944, the STERLET proceeded to the
Nansei Shoto Islands to conduct her second war patrol. During the first car-
rier strike on Okinawa the STERLET performed lifeguard duty and rescued six
carrier airmen. Five torpedo attacks and two gun attacks were carried out.
Two large tanker and one large freighter were sunk by torpedoes and one
small freighter and a small fishing vessel were sunk by gun fire. One of the
tankers had been previously damaged by the submarines USS TRIGGER and USS
SALMON, following which the SALMON was seriously damaged from counter-measures
of the enemy escorts. Learning, several hours later of the damaged condition
of the SALMON, the STERLET, U.S.S. SILVERSIDES and TRIGGER escorted the SALMON
safely to Saipan. While transferring ammunition to the SALMON at sea, a
Japanese submarine attacked the STERLET but the torpedo was sighted and suc-
cessfully evaded. The STERLET departed Saipan on 10 November, 1944, with
Commander Submarine under the Command of Commander T.R. Klakring, USN, to
conduct a sweep to the westward and northward of the Volcano and Bonin Is-
lands to hunt and destroy patrol and anti-submarine vessels. During this
sweep, which lasted for 10 days, the STERLET sank one submarine chaser by
torpedoes; making the total tonnage 21,900 tons for this patrol. At the
conclusion of this sweep the STERLET returned to Pearl Harbor for refit,
arriving on November 30, 1944.

On December 27, 1944, Commander H.H. Lewis, USNR, assumed command and
took the STERLET out on her third patrol on January 25, 1945. The STERLET
was a unit of a coordinated patrol group, consisting of the USS PIPER, USS
POMFRET, USS BOWFIN and USS TREPANG. This group left Saipan, conducting
a sweep northward to Honshu, ahead of the fleet making the first carrier
strike on Tokyo. Lifeguard services were furnished for 12 days during the
reconnaissance sweeps by our carrier fleet and units of the Jap Fleet
sweeps for major units of the Jap Fleet were made while our task forces
were in the Japanese Empire Area. Two opportunities for torpedo attack
were followed up and resulted in the sinking of a large tanker and large
freighter, for a total of 15,000 tons. At the conclusion of this sixty-
nine day patrol the STERLET returned to Midway Islands on April 4, 1945
for refit.

— page 4 —
On April 29, 1945, the STERLET again departed Midway for her fourth war
patrol in the Sea of Okhotsk and Kurile Islands Area as a unit of a coordinated
attack group of five submarines. During this patrol the STERLET attacked a
convoy of two freighters and three escorts, sinking one medium freighter and
damaging the other freighter in a single attack. Attempts to sink the damaged
ship resulted in a running battle with the escorts which lasted for five hours,
before the STERLET managed to shake off a very determined accurate shooting es-
cort vessel. Two days later an attack on a single freighter accompanied by
one escort vessel turned into another close call when the escort vessel turned out
to be a "Q" ship - giving the STERLET another few hours to concern before she
managed to shake him. After 43 days at sea, the STERLET again returned to
Midway Islands for refit, arriving on June 10, 1945.

On 5 July 1945, the STERLET departed Midway for her fifth and last war
patrol. This patrol was conducted in the Kii Suido and Bungo Suido Area.
This entire patrol was spent safeguarding for carrier and B-29 strikes and
patrolling the entrance to the Inland Sea, the home of the remaining Japanese
Fleet. Two British carrier pilots were rescued, one well up in Kii Suido.
A daylight bombardment of the city of Shingu on the main island of Honshu by
the STERLET resulted in the destruction of several oil storage tanks and da-
mage to a power plant. As a result of this, one lone Japanese plane ventured
out and forced the ship to dive. This was the only Japanese plane seen during
the entire patrol. This patrol was terminated by the surrender of Japan and
after 50 days, the STERLET arrived again at Midway Islands on August 23, 1945.

The STERLET remained in Midway until ordered to return to San Diego,
after 15 months in the Pacific. The war record of the STERLET is five suc-
cessful war patrols in which she sank twelve Japanese ships, a total of
54,900 tons; damaged one 5,000 ton ship and rescued eight aviators.

Commanding Officers:
(1) March 1944 to December 1944
Commander Orne C. ROBBINS, U. S. Navy, Selma, Alabama
(2) December 1944 to date
Commander Hugh H. LEWIS, U. S. Naval Reserve
922 Sacramento Street
Vallejo, California

Officers and men who performed outstanding actions and awards received:
Commander Hugh H. LEWIS Awarded Silver Star and Letter of
922 Sacramento Street Commendation with Ribbon while
Vallejo, California serving as Executive Officer of
U.S.S. SEAL (SS183). Awarded a Bronze
Star, Gold Star in lieu of second
Bronze Star, and Letter of
Commendation with Ribbon, while
serving as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S.
STERLET (SS 392).

Lieut. Comdr. Eugene C. BARNHARDT Awarded Silver Star and Letter of
204 North Union Street Commendation with Ribbon while
Concord, North Carolina serving as torpedo data computer
operator in U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392).

-2-

— page 4 —
On April 29, 1945, the STERLET again departed Midway for her fourth war
patrol in the Sea of Okhotsk and Kurile Islands Area as a unit of a coordinated
attack group of five submarines. During this patrol the STERLET attacked a
convoy of two freighters and three escorts, sinking one medium freighter and
damaging the other freighter in a single attack. Attempts to sink the damaged
ship resulted in a running battle with the escorts which lasted for five hours,
before the STERLET managed to shake off a very determined accurate shooting es-
cort vessel. A few days later an attack on a single freighter accompanied by
one escort vessel turned into another close call when the escort vessel turned out
to be a "Q" ship - giving the STERLET another few hours to concern before she
managed to shake him. After 43 days at sea, the STERLET again returned to
Midway Islands for refit, arriving on June 10, 1945.

On 5 July 1945, the STERLET departed Midway for her fifth and last war
patrol. This patrol was conducted in the Kii Suido and Bungo Suido Area.
This entire patrol was spent safeguarding for carrier and B-29 strikes and
patrolling the entrance to the Inland Sea, the home of the remaining Japanese
Fleet. Two British carrier pilots were rescued, one well up in Kii Suido.
A daylight bombardment of the city of Shingu on the main island of Honshu by
the STERLET resulted in the destruction of several oil storage tanks and dam-
age to a power plant. As a result of this, one lone Japanese plane ventured
out and forced the ship to dive. This was the only Japanese plane seen during
the entire patrol. This patrol was terminated by the surrender of Japan and
after 50 days, the STERLET arrived again at Midway Islands on August 23, 1945.

The STERLET remained in Midway until ordered to return to San Diego,
after 15 months in the Pacific. The war record of the STERLET is five suc-
cessful war patrols in which she sank twelve Japanese ships, a total of
54,900 tons; damaged one 5,000 ton ship and rescued eight aviators.

Commanding Officers:
(1) March 1944 to December 1944
    Commander Orne C. ROBBINS, U. S. Navy, Selma, Alabama

(2) December 1944 to date
    Commander Hugh H. LEWIS, U. S. Naval Reserve
    922 Sacramento Street
    Vallejo, California

Officers and men who performed outstanding actions and awards received:
Commander Hugh H. LEWIS                               Awarded Silver Star and Letter of
922 Sacramento Street                                 Commendation with Ribbon while
Vallejo, California                                   serving as Executive Officer of
                                                      U.S.S. SEAL (SS183). Awarded a Bronze
                                                      Star, Gold Star in lieu of second
                                                      Bronze Star, and second Letter of
                                                      Commendation with Ribbon, while
                                                      serving as Commanding Officer of
                                                      STERLET (SS 392).

Lieut. Comdr. Eugene C. BARNHARDT                     Awarded Silver Star and Letter of
204 North Union Street                                Commendation with Ribbon while
Concord, North Carolina                               serving as torpedo data computer
                                                      operator in U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392).

-2-

— page 5 —
Lieut.Comdr. Harry R. BINGHAM
2644 Esplanade Drive
Seattle, Washington

Lieutenant Donald E. HORSE
Route #3
Lebanon, Penna.

Lieut.(jg) Arthur L. PENNY
316 North Street
Tracy, Minnesota

Lieut.(jg) William R. WRIGHT
Miami, Florida

KENNEALLY, Joseph F., Chief
Motor Machinist Mate
29 Lawn Street
Boston, Mass.

GUSTAFSON, Robert T., Chief
Electrician Mate
11 Carlstad Street
Worcester, Mass.

MCDONALD, John M., Chief Steward
198-39 32nd Avenue
Flushing, New York

ROMILLY, Eugene H., Radio Technician
First Class
Route #1, Box 749
Renton, Washington

MCINTOSH, Marion L., Radioman
First Class
118 Howard Street
Live Oak, Florida
Awarded letter of Commendation with
Ribbon for services as Engineer
Officer while serving on board
the STERLET (SS 392)

Awarded Bronze Star for heroic and
meritorious service in action as
Officer of the Deck of the U.S.S.
STERLET (SS 392).

Awarded Letter of Commendation with
Ribbon for distinguishing himself as
member of Fire Control Party of USS
STERLET (SS 392).

Awarded a Silver Star Medal while
serving as torpedo data computer
operator on board the U.S.S. STERLET
(SS 392).

Awarded a Letter of Commendation with
Ribbon for heroic and meritorious
service at his battle station on
board USS STERLET (SS 392).

Awarded a Letter of Commendation
with Ribbon, for heroic and meri-
torious service at his battle
station on board USS STERLET.

Awarded a Letter of Commendation
with Ribbon, for heroic and meri-
torious service at his battle sta-
tion on board USS STERLET.

Awarded a Bronze Star for heroic
and meritorious service as a member
of the Fire Control Party on board
the USS STERLET.

Awarded Letter of Commendation with
Ribbon, for meritorious conduct as
a crew member of USS STERLET while
on war patrol.

-3-

— page 5 —
Lieut.Comdr. Harry R. BINGHAM
2644 Esplanade Drive
Seattle, Washington

Lieutenant Donald E. HORSE
Route #3
Lebanon, Penna.

Lieut.(jg) Arthur L. PENNY
316 North Street
Tracy, Minnesota

Lieut.(jg) William R. WRIGHT
Miami, Florida

KENNEALLY, Joseph F., Chief
Motor Machinist Mate
29 Lawn Street
Boston, Mass.

GUSTAFSON, Robert T., Chief
Electrician Mate
11 Carlstad Street
Worcester, Mass.

MCDONALD, John M., Chief Steward
198-39 32nd Avenue
Flushing, New York

ROMILLY, Eugene H., Radio Technician
First Class
Route #1, Box 749
Renton, Washington

MCINTOSH, Marion L., Radioman
First Class
118 Howard Street
Live Oak, Florida
Awarded letter of Commendation with
Ribbon for services as Engineer
Officer while serving on board
the STERLET (SS 392)

Awarded Bronze Star for heroic and
meritorious service in action as
Officer of the Deck of the U.S.S.
STERLET (SS 392).

Awarded Letter of Commendation with
Ribbon for distinguishing himself as
member of Fire Control Party of USS
STERLET (SS 392).

Awarded a Silver Star Medal while
serving as torpedo data computer
operator on board the U.S.S. STERLET
(SS 392).

Awarded a Letter of Commendation with
Ribbon for heroic and meritorious
service at his battle station on
board USS STERLET (SS 392).

Awarded a Letter of Commendation
with Ribbon, for heroic and meri-
torious service at his battle
station on board USS STERLET.

Awarded a Letter of Commendation
with Ribbon, for heroic and meri-
torious service at his battle sta-
tion on board USS STERLET.

Awarded a Bronze Star for heroic
and meritorious service as a member
of the Fire Control Party on board
the USS STERLET.

Awarded Letter of Commendation with
Ribbon, for meritorious conduct as
a crew member of USS STERLET while
on war patrol.

-3-

— page 6 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ACT. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY G.D. 9/2A]
[HANDWRITTEN: DATE 6/9/72]

U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)

C DECLASSIFIED L

SS392/A16-3
Serial (91)

26 August 1944.

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Division Two Hundred Two.
The Commander Submarine Squadron Twenty.
The Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Subordinate
Command.
The Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of First War Patrol.

Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart. (For ComSubSPac only.)

1. Enclosure (A), covering the First War Patrol of this vessel,
conducted in the vicinity of the BONIN Islands during the period 4 July to 26
August 1944, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: O.C. ROBBINS.]
O.C. ROBBINS.

[HANDWRITTEN: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 87952]

— page 6 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ACT. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: Cho 9/2] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/19/72]

SS392/A16-3
Serial (91)

26 August 1944.

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Division Two Hundred Two.
The Commander Submarine Squadron Twenty.
The Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Subordinate
Command.
The Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of First War Patrol.

Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart. (For ComSubSPac only.)

1. Enclosure (A), covering the First War Patrol of this vessel,
conducted in the vicinity of the BONIN Islands during the period 4 July to 26
August 1944, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: O.C. ROBINS]
O.C. ROBINS.

[HANDWRITTEN: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 87952]

— page 7 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

(A) PROLOGUE.

        The U.S.S. STERLET was completed at Navy Yard, Portsmouth, on 21 March, 1944.
On completion of training in Portsmouth and New London areas, departed New London
on 1 May, 1944, enroute Key West, Florida, for ten days training with the Fleet
Sound School. During this period a Mark 6-3 destroyer type DR Tracer was
installed by the Sound School. Departed Key West on 18 May, 1944, and reported
to CinCPac for duty on 28 May, 1944. Arrived Pearl Harbor on 13 June, 1944, and
commenced training period on 17 June. Convoy exercise 18-20 June. Fired 8
exercise torpedoes, 60 rounds of 4", 2,500 rounds of 20 mm. Installed .50 cal.
guns, twin 20 mm on bridge aft, Voycal voice modulator, APR-1 radar detector and
radar-TBT true bearing repeater. Readiness for sea 4 July, 1944.

- 1 -

— page 7 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)

CONFIDENTIAL                                                Report of First War Patrol

(A) PROLOGUE.

          The U.S.S. STERLET was completed at Navy Yard, Portsmouth, on 21 March, 1944.
On completion of training in Portsmouth and New London areas, departed New London
on 1 May, 1944, enroute Key West, Florida, for ten days training with the Fleet
Sound School. During this period a Mark 6-3 destroyer type DR Tracer was
installed by the Sound School. Departed Key West on 18 May, 1944, and reported
to CinCPac for duty on 28 May, 1944. Arrived Pearl Harbor on 13 June, 1944, and
commenced training period on 17 June. Convoy exercise 18-20 June. Fired 8
exercise torpedoes, 60 rounds of 4", 2,500 rounds of 20 mm. Installed .50 cal.
guns, twin 20 mm on bridge aft, Voycal voice modulator, APR-1 radar detector and
radar-TBT true bearing repeater. Readiness for sea 4 July, 1944.

- 1 -

— page 8 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
                                                                Report of First War Patrol

CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE.

                                                4 to 7 July

1330 VW/4      Enroute Pearl Harbor to Midway, conducting daily training dives
               and fire control drills.

                                                Saturday, 8 July

0843 Y         Arrived Midway. Received fuel and lube to capacity. Set clocks
               back to -11 zone and changed date to 9 July.

                                                9 to 12 July

1430 L/9       Enroute Midway to area on two engine combination making 100 kw on
               each shaft (15 knots through water, 13.0 knots overall speed of
               advance). Conducted daily training dives, fire control drills and
               emergency drills.

                                                Wednesday, 12 July

2220 L         Made radar contact bearing 030°T, range 14,500 yards (Contact #1)
               and went to tracking stations. Commenced receiving interference
               from another SJ.
2306           Decided contact was ARCHERFISH eastbound and resumed course and speed.
               ARCHERFISH departed our area four days previously; we are four days
               from area.

                                                13 to 15 July

               Enroute as before. Weather extremely pleasant, allowing daily
               pointer-trainer-sight setter drills on the 4". Exercised 20 mm
               crew on a large floating cane fender.

                                                Sunday, 16 July

               All subsequent times are Item unless specified otherwise.

0630           Entered area. Continued closing MUKO JIMA on surface.
0715           Riddled and sank floating metal object with 20 mm fire. May have
               been a spare gas tank from a plane. Took photographs. Weather
               still sultry and hot, the sea oily calm.
1140           Submerged 45 miles from MUKO JIMA. Continued to close.
1917           Heard two distant explosions.
1937           Surfaced and headed for the TOKYO - BONINS convoy lane.

                                                Monday, 17 July

               Conducting surface patrol enroute TOKYO - BONINS route.

1617           Aircraft contact on SD, 7 miles, closing fast. (Aircraft contact
               #5) Dove.

                                                - 2 -

— page 8 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE.

                                        4 to 7 July

1330 VW/4      Enroute Pearl Harbor to Midway, conducting daily training dives
               and fire control drills.

                                      Saturday, 8 July

0843 Y         Arrived Midway. Received fuel and lube to capacity. Set clocks
               back to -11 zone and changed date to 9 July.

                                        9 to 12 July

1430 L/9       Enroute Midway to area on two engine combination making 100 kw on
               each shaft (15 knots through water, 13.0 knots overall speed of
               advance). Conducted daily training dives, fire control drills and
               emergency drills.

                                     Wednesday, 12 July

2220 L         Made radar contact bearing 030°T, range 14,500 yards (Contact #1)
               and went to tracking stations. Commenced receiving interference
               from another SJ.
2306           Decided contact was ARCHERFISH eastbound and resumed course and speed.
               ARCHERFISH departed our area four days previously; we are four days
               from area.

                                       13 to 15 July

               Enroute as before. Weather extremely pleasant, allowing daily
               pointer-trainer-sight setter drills on the 4". Exercised 20 mm
               crew on a large floating cane fender.

                                       Sunday, 16 July

               All subsequent times are Item unless specified otherwise.
0630           Entered area. Continued closing MUKO JIMA on surface.
0715           Riddled and sank floating metal object with 20 mm fire. May have
               been a spare gas tank from a plane. Took photographs. Weather
               still sultry and hot, the sea oily calm.

1140           Submerged 45 miles from MUKO JIMA. Continued to close.

1917           Heard two distant explosions.

1937           Surfaced and headed for the TOKYO - BONINS convoy lane.

                                       Monday, 17 July

               Conducting surface patrol enroute TOKYO - BONINS route.
1617           Aircraft contact on SD, 7 miles, closing fast. (Aircraft contact
               #5) Dove.

                                        - 2 -

— page 9 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

1620 Two depth charges, close.
1730 Surfaced.
2000 Sighted white rocket bearing 206°T. Noted intermittent SJ inter-
     ference. All things added together indicated that somebody might
     be working over a convoy nearby. Commenced a retiring search curve
     at three-engine speed covering best estimates of enemy course and
     speed.

                                   Tuesday, 18 July

0400 Received PLAICE contact report indicating that a convoy had passed
     within 15 miles of us two hours ago. Commenced a new search at
     flank speed.

0709 SD contact, 8 miles, closing. (Aircraft contact #6) Again dove,
     wearing two depth charges around our necks. Close!

0713-0830 Nineteen distant depth charges.

0835 Surfaced, started search anew.

1138 SD contact, 8 miles. (Aircraft contact #7) For the third time we
     raced two depth charges for the bottom. Close again!

1309 Surfaced, still trying a retiring search.

1312 SD contact, 12 miles, coming in fast. (Aircraft contact #8) Dove.

1324 Four charges, not close. We are now convinced that they know
     we're here.

1740 Surfaced and once more started our search plan from scratch.

2142 Made landfall on NISHINO JIMA bearing 183°T, distance 18,500 yards.

2300 Received COBIA contact report. For the second time we missed
     contact by a matter of 18 miles. Our search curve now ends off
     CHICHI JIMA. If all else fails we can also collie off FUTAMI KO,
     the destination of the convoy, and wait for them to come to us.
     Sure hope we make contact soon. The night is ideal for an attack -
     moonless and dark as the inside of a goat's stomach.

                                   Wednesday, 19 July

0100 Made landfall on MUKO JIMA bearing 090°T, distance 15 miles.

0315 Dove 25 miles off CHICHI JIMA.

                                   - 3 -

— page 9 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

1620 Two depth charges, close.
1730 Surfaced.
2000 Sighted white rocket bearing 206°T. Noted intermittent SJ inter-
     ference. All things added together indicated that somebody might
     be working over a convoy nearby. Commenced a retiring search curve
     at three-engine speed covering best estimates of enemy course and
     speed.

                                   Tuesday, 18 July

0400 Received PLAICE contact report indicating that a convoy had passed
     within 15 miles of us two hours ago. Commenced a new search at
     flank speed.

0709 SD contact, 8 miles, closing. (Aircraft contact #6) Again dove,
     wearing two depth charges around our necks. Close!

0713-0830 Nineteen distant depth charges.

0835 Surfaced, started search anew.

1138 SD contact, 8 miles. (Aircraft contact #7) For the third time we
     raced two depth charges for the bottom. Close again!

1309 Surfaced, still trying a retiring search.

1312 SD contact, 12 miles, coming in fast. (Aircraft contact #8) Dove.

1324 Four charges, not close. We are now convinced that they know
     we're here.

1740 Surfaced and once more started our search plan from scratch.

2142 Made landfall on NISHINO JIMA bearing 183°T, distance 18,500 yards.

2300 Received COBIA contact report. For the second time we missed
     contact by a matter of 18 miles. Our search curve now ends off
     CHICHI JIMA. If all else fails we can also collie off FUTAMI KO,
     the destination of the convoy, and wait for them to come to us.
     Sure hope we make contact soon. The night is ideal for an attack -
     moonless and dark as the inside of a goat's stomach.

                                   Wednesday, 19 July

0100 Made landfall on MUKO JIMA bearing 090°T, distance 15 miles.

0315 Dove 25 miles off CHICHI JIMA.

                                   - 3 -

— page 10 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

0938         Sighted smoke bearing 297°T. (Contact #2) Went to Battle
             Stations and commenced approach. Navigational plot indicated we
             were well to southward of enemy base course into FUTAMI KO.
             Target at high speed but on observation at 1005, nothing was in
             sight.

1000         Sighted one DAVE bearing 305°T, range 8 miles. (Aircraft contact #9)

1122         Secured from Battle Stations.

1201         Sighted masts of several ships bearing 326°T, distance 12,000 yards.
             Went to Battle Stations. Convoy consisted of one 10,000
             ton tanker and five escorts - one ahead, very similar to a
             DE escort with the stack well aft, a PG on the port bow, a PG(E)-1
             on the port beam and a PG astern. Two DAVES and one MAVIS were
             doing their bit to supply air coverage. (Aircraft contacts #10 & #11)
             The sea was an oily calm, so much so that even at 40 turns the
             periscope left large bubbles on the surface a hundred yards astern.
             The AK was flush decked, NKFM, stick masted, each mast having a
             single crosstree. The foremast was taller than the main and the
             first impression, therefore, was that she had a 2 port angle on the
             bow. Subsequent observation showed it was large starboard, but by
             then many valuable minutes had been lost. Repeatedly came hard
             right to close the track but after an hour and a quarter the minimum
             range which could be reached was 6,100 yards, with a 130° S angle on
             the bow. It was a bitter disappointment to let this one get by. We
             had chased her for three days over a thousand miles of ocean; bombing
             and depth charging had not dulled our enthusiasm for the torpedo-
             shooting debut of the STERLET. The convoy had been joined by
             two or three other submarines and it looked like the last AK was
             meant for us. When she went by in plain sight just 1,000 yards out-
             side of torpedo range life reached a low ebb. On Monday morning
             re-checking this approach later, it was found that the first
             contact was made at the phenomenal range of 29 miles, and JP
             on screws was maintained for five minutes at 20,000 yards -
             this despite the fact that neither sonic nor supersonic sound ever
             heard anything later even when the range closed to 6,100 yards.

1317         Secured from Battle Stations. Commenced submerged patrol.

1455 to 1512 Heard 36 distant explosions.

2000         Surfaced. Headed back to our own section of area.

                                 Thursday, 20 July
                         Submerged patrol east of CHICHI JIMA

0036         Radar contact bearing 050°T, 6,900 yards. (Contact #3) Went to
             Battle Stations, commenced tracking.

                                      - 4 -

— page 10 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

0938
Sighted smoke bearing 297°T. (Contact #2) Went to Battle
Stations and commenced approach. Navigational plot indicated we
were well to southward of enemy base course into FUTAMI KO.
Target at high speed but on observation at 1005, nothing was in
sight.

1000
Sighted one DAVE bearing 305°T, range 8 miles. (Aircraft contact #9)

1122
Secured from Battle Stations.

1201
Sighted masts of several ships bearing 326°T, distance 12,000 yards.
Went to Battle Stations. Convoy consisted of one medium AK, one
1,000 ton tanker and five escorts - one ahead, very similar to a
DE escort with the stack well aft, a PG on the port bow, a PG(E)-1
on each beam and a PG astern. Two DAVES and one MAVIS were doing
their bit to supply air coverage. (Aircraft contacts #10 & #11)
The sea was an oily calm, so much so that even at 40 turns the
periscope left large bubbles on the surface a hundred yards astern.
The AK was flush decked, NKFM, stick masted, each mast having a
single crosstree. The foremast was taller than the main and the
first impression, therefore, was that she had a port angle on the
bow. Subsequent observation showed it was large starboard, but by
then many valuable minutes had been lost. Reluctantly came hard
right to close the track but after an hour and a quarter the minimum
range which could be reached was 6,100 yards, with a 130° S angle on
the bow. It was a bitter disappointment to let this one get by. We
had chased her for three days over a thousand miles of ocean; bombing
and depth charging had not dulled our enthusiasm for the torpedo-
shooting debut of the STERLET. The convoy had been joined by
two or three other submarines and it looked like the last AK was
meant for us. When she went by in plain sight just 1,000 yards out-
side of torpedo range life reached a low ebb. On Monday morning
re-backing this approach later, it was found that the first
smoke contact was made at the phenomenal range of 29 miles, and JP
contact on screws was maintained for five minutes at 20,000 yards -
this despite the fact that neither sonic nor supersonic sound ever
heard anything later even when the range closed to 6,100 yards.

1317
Secured from Battle Stations. Commenced submerged patrol.

1455 to 1512
Heard 36 distant explosions.

2000
Surfaced. Headed back to our own section of area.

Thursday, 20 July
Submerged patrol east of CHICHI JIMA

0036
Radar contact bearing 050°T, 6,900 yards. (Contact #3) Went to
Battle Stations, commenced tracking.

- 4 -

— page 11 —
`CONFIDENTIAL`
`U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) .`
`Report of First War Patrol`

`0109` `Broke off attack. Contact, barely visible at 1,500 yards, is a launch`
`about 70 feet long, much too small for a torpedo. It gave an`
`excellent drill for the fire control party, but all hands sure want`
`to hear some torpedo hits.`

`2340` `Sighted red glow on horizon in direction of CHICHI JIMA which`
`remained visible throughout the night. In view of the subsequently`
`announced Liberator raid on CHICHI, these fires 70 miles away look`
`auspicious. We sincerely hope that the zoomies did what we tried to`
`do to that convoy.`

`Friday, 21 July`
`Patrolling across MARIANAS - BONINS - TOKYO route.`
`0414` `Radar contact bearing 254°T, 14,000 yards. (Contact #4)`
`0414` `Sighted ship which looked like a large destroyer, angle on the bow`
`90° S. Put him astern and commenced end around. He opened fire just`
`as we sighted him, from guns forward and aft. We were zig zagging`
`by Arma course clock, and zigging base course every fifteen minutes in`
`addition. Base course had been changed just before he opened fire`
`and the salvo landed 100 yards short, very close to where we would`
`have been but for the zig. It was just a half hour before sunrise`
`and he probably had us silhouetted on the eastern horizon, but it is`
`hard to tell to where we would have opened fire to accurately without`
`tracking us for quite some time. The splashes convinced us that he`
`had already completed his end-around. Still trying to`
`figure out what kind of a ship it is. We are on the MARIANAS-BONINS-`
`TOKYO route and figure that there might be something coming through.`
`0515` `Surfaced to increase area coverage across route.`
`0930` `SD radar out of commission. Dove and continued patrol submerged.`
`1940` `Surfaced. Headed for KITA IWO JIMA (2,631 ft) and tuned SD radar.`

`Saturday, 22 July`
`Submerged patrol off KITA IWO JIMA. Only contact was three sampans`
`heading for CHICHI JIMA (Contact #5) Weather cloudy and rainy for`
`first time since leaving Midway.`

`Sunday, 23 July`
`Attack No. 1. 662 ton SURUGA MARU class`
`Coastal Cargo ship - SUNK. (EC)`
`2146` `Radar contact bearing 279°T, 9,700 yards. (Contact #6) Went to`

`- 5 -`

— page 11 —
`CONFIDENTIAL`
`U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)`
`Report of First War Patrol`

`0109 Broke off attack. Contact, barely visible at 1,500 yards, is a launch`
` about 70 feet long, much too small for a torpedo. It gave an`
` excellent drill for the fire control party, but all hands sure want`
` to hear some torpedo hits.`

`2340 Sighted red glow on horizon in direction of CHICHI JIMA which`
` remained visible throughout the night. In view of the subsequently`
` announced Liberator raid on CHICHI, these fires 70 miles away look`
` auspicious. We sincerely hope that the zoomies did what we tried to`
` do to that convoy.`

` Friday, 21 July`
` Patrolling across MARIANAS - BONINS - TOKYO route.`

`0414 Radar contact bearing 254°T, 14,000 yards. (Contact #4)`

`0414 Sighted ship which looked like a large destroyer, angle on the bow`
` 90° S. Put him astern and commenced end around. He opened fire just`
` as we sighted him, from guns forward and aft. We were zig zagging`
` by Arma course clock, and zigging base course every fifteen minutes in`
` addition. Base course had been changed just before he opened fire`
` and the salvo landed 100 yards short, very close to where we would`
` have been but for the zig. It was just a half hour before sunrise`
` and he probably had us silhouetted on the eastern horizon, but it is`
` hard to tell to where we would have opened fire so accurately without`
` tracking us for quite some time. The splashes convinced us that he`
` had already completed his end-around, so, at`

`0416 Dove and rigged for depth charge. Nothing happened. Still trying to`
` figure out what kind of a ship it is. We are on the MARIANAS-BONINS-`
` TOKYO route and figure that there might be something coming through.`

`0515 Surfaced to increase area coverage across route.`

`0930 SD radar out of commission. Dove and continued patrol submerged.`

`1940 Surfaced. Headed for KITA IWO JIMA (2,631 ft) and tuned SD radar.`

` Saturday, 22 July`

`Submerged patrol off KITA IWO JIMA. Only contact was three sampans`
` heading for CHICHI JIMA (Contact #5) Weather cloudy and rainy for`
` first time since leaving Midway.`

` Sunday, 23 July`

` Attack No. 1. 662 ton SURUGA MARU class`
` Coastal Cargo ship - SUNK. (EC)`

`2146 Radar contact bearing 279°T, 9,700 yards. (Contact #6) Went to`

`- 5 -`

— page 12 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                                Report of First War Patrol

Battle Stations, commenced approach. Target was a small coastal AK
similar to the SURUGA MARU, enroute HAHA JIMA to IWO JIMA, base
course 210°T, speed 5, zigging 30 degrees each side of base course
every five minutes. Worked around to lee of KITA IWO JIMA at full
speed to put target in brightest section of a very black horizon.

2252        Fired three bow tubes, depth set 4', 90 S track, 1,100 yard run,
            zero gyro. Phosphorescent wakes were easily followed from the
            bridge. First ran under his bow, second under the stack, third
            missed ahead. All ran too deep for his estimated four foot draft.
            All exploded at end of run.

2255        Went to Gun Action stations and opened fire with 4" and 20 mm guns.
            The inky blackness hampered the gunners considerably, but one pan
            of 20 mm found its mark and one 4" holed him aft.

2359        Broke off action because of difficulty in locating the target. The
            gun blast had found a loose tube in the radar, putting it out of
            commission for a few minutes and the trainer still couldn't find
            the target even at a range of 140 feet. At this time the target was
            listed to port and down by the stern. Radar contact was soon lost
            at about half the range of initial contact. Target is believed to
            have sunk. Enemy defense measures consisted of one random shot,
            but not seen, fired in desperation just as he sounded Abandon
            Ship call.

                                        Monday, 24 July

            Submerged patrol on MARIANAS - BONINS - TOKYO routes.

                                        Tuesday, 25 July

            Submerged patrol off IWO JIMA. Sighted 24 planes - 3 transports,
            8 NELLS and 11 fighters on the air field. A mattress type radar
            mast was visible on the north end of the island. Took pictures.
            We have been receiving nightly radar interference (109 megs) in the
            direction of this island. (See RADAR).

1230        Sighted a trawler type patrol vessel with two machine guns forward and
            one aft, depth charge racks aft and a high crows nest. (Contact #7)
            Rigged for silent running and avoided.

            The anchorage northwest of IWO is clear, and in hopes that the
            trawler may be ready for a little escort duty reversed course to
            intercept possible IWO - CHICHI traffic.

1410        One NELL took off from field. (Aircraft contact #12)

1440        Distant explosion.

                                        - 6 -

— page 12 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                                Report of First War Patrol

Battle Stations, commenced approach. Target was a small coastal AK
similar to the SURUGA MARU, enroute HAHA JIMA to IWO JIMA, base
course 210°T, speed 5, zigging 30 degrees each side of base course
every five minutes. Worked around to lee of KITA IWO JIMA at full
speed to put target in brightest section of a very black horizon.

2252        Fired three bow tubes, depth set 4', 90 S track, 1,100 yard run,
            zero gyro. Phosphorescent wakes were easily followed from the
            bridge. First ran under his bow, second under the stack, third
            missed ahead. All ran too deep for his estimated four foot draft.
            All exploded at end of run.

2255        Went to Gun Action stations and opened fire with 4" and 20 mm guns.
            The inky blackness hampered the gunners considerably, but one pan
            of 20 mm found its mark and one 4" holed him aft.

2359        Broke off action because of difficulty in locating the target. The
            gun blast had found a loose tube in the radar, putting it out of
            commission for a few minutes and the trainer still couldn't find
            the target even at a range of 140 feet. At this time the target was
            listed to port and down by the stern. Radar contact was soon lost
            at about half the range of initial contact. Target is believed to
            have sunk. Enemy defense measures consisted of one random shot,
            but not seen, fired in desperation just as he sounded Abandon
            Ship call.

                                        Monday, 24 July

            Submerged patrol on MARIANAS - BONINS - TOKYO routes.

                                        Tuesday, 25 July

            Submerged patrol off IWO JIMA. Sighted 24 planes - 3 transports,
            8 NELLS and 11 fighters on the air field. A mattress type radar
            mast was visible on the north end of the island. Took pictures.
            We have been receiving nightly radar interference (109 megs) in the
            direction of this island. (See RADAR).

1230        Sighted a trawler type patrol vessel with two machine guns forward and
            one aft, depth charge racks aft and a high crows nest. (Contact #7)
            Rigged for silent running and avoided.

            The anchorage northwest of IWO is clear, and in hopes that the
            trawler may be ready for a little escort duty reversed course to
            intercept possible IWO - CHICHI traffic.

1410        One NELL took off from field. (Aircraft contact #12)

1440        Distant explosion.

                                        - 6 -

— page 13 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of First War Patrol

1937 Surfaced northeast of IWO and sent contact report (Serial #1) on the
grounded planes.

Wednesday, 26 July

Submerged patrol off KITA IWO JIMA. Decided to rig #4 FBT as a
Main Ballast Tank after surfacing tonight, and then head in to CHICHI
JIMA for five days submerged patrol off the entrance. Weather was
overcast and rainy on surfacing, visibility very poor, sea force
three with a slight surface chop.

Thursday, 27 July

Weather took a sudden turn for the worse, rain increased to a
torrential downpour in the van of a strong increase in wind and sea.
Fortunately the conversion was just about completed, but, at

0120 Lt. W.R. JAMESON, USNR, was washed overboard by a very heavy sea. A
float light was put over immediately and the ship backed down and
twisted in order to keep the light in sight. When 200 feet from the
light, stopped, turned on the searchlight, and when about 100 feet
away, heard Lt. JAMESON fifty feet to starboard, at which time
W.L. JARVIS, 606 11 61, Coxswain, USNR, went to the rescue. This
officer owes his life to the extreme rapidity with which the float
light was put into the water, and to JARVIS's complete disregard for
his personal safety and his determination to save the life of an
exhausted shipmate in the face of very hopeless odds. JARVIS, in
fact, had to be almost forcibly restrained from going over the side
even before he could be equipped with a life jacket and
a line. By separate correspondence he is being recommended for a
suitable award.

0137 Rescue completed.

Friday, 28 July

0631 Sighted three I-44 class (Identification uncertain) Nip subs on the
surface heading into FUTAMI KO, bearing 352°T, angle on the bow 90 S,
range 8,000 yards. (Contact #8). One PETE or DAVE was giving air
cover. (Aircraft contact #13) Went to Battle Stations and commenced
approach.

0707 Reached a minimum range of 6,700 yards, angle on bow 130 S, and our
juicy target group well inside the 100 fathom curve. Reluctantly
broke off attack and resumed periscope patrol.

0817 Sighted three small trawlers heading out of FUTAMI, bearing 102°T,
range 7,000 yards. (Contact #9) A single JAKE had the escort duty.
(Aircraft contact #14) Rigged for silent running and went deep.

- 7 -

— page 13 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of First War Patrol

1937 Surfaced northeast of IWO and sent contact report (Serial #1) on the
grounded planes.

Wednesday, 26 July

Submerged patrol off KITA IWO JIMA. Decided to rig #4 FBT as a
Main Ballast Tank after surfacing tonight, and then head in to CHICHI
JIMA for five days submerged patrol off the entrance. Weather was
overcast and rainy on surfacing, visibility very poor, sea force
three with a slight surface chop.

Thursday, 27 July

Weather took a sudden turn for the worse, rain increased to a
torrential downpour in the van of a strong increase in wind and sea.
Fortunately the conversion was just about completed, but, at

0120 Lt. W.R. JAMESON, USNR, was washed overboard by a very heavy sea. A
float light was put over immediately and the ship backed down and
twisted in order to keep the light in sight. When 200 feet from the
light, stopped, turned on the searchlight, and when about 100 feet
away, heard Lt. JAMESON fifty feet to starboard, at which time
W.L. JARVIS, 606 11 61, Coxswain, USNR, went to the rescue. This
officer owes his life to the extreme rapidity with which the float
light was put into the water, and to JARVIS's complete disregard for
his personal safety and his determination to save the life of an
exhausted shipmate in the face of very hopeless odds. JARVIS, in
fact, had to be almost forcibly restrained from going over the side
without even a life jacket and a line. By separate correspondence he is being recommended for a
suitable award.

0137 Rescue completed.

Friday, 28 July

0631 Sighted three I-44 class (Identification uncertain) Nip subs on the
surface heading into FUTAMI KO, bearing 352°T, angle on the bow 90 S,
range 8,000 yards. (Contact #8). One PETE or DAVE was giving air
cover. (Aircraft contact #13) Went to Battle Stations and commenced
approach.

0707 Reached a minimum range of 6,700 yards, angle on bow 130 S, and our
juicy target group well inside the 100 fathom curve. Reluctantly
broke off attack and resumed periscope patrol.

0817 Sighted three small trawlers heading out of FUTAMI, bearing 102°T,
range 7,000 yards. (Contact #9) A single JAKE had the escort duty.
(Aircraft contact #14) Rigged for silent running and went deep.

- 7 -

— page 14 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

CONFIDENTIAL

0900 Resumed periscope patrol. Target group had headed south when they
     reached the 100 fathom curve.

1354 Sighted one JAKE over harbor entrance. (Aircraft contact #15)

Saturday, 29 July

0417 Sound reported pinging bearing 162°T.

0427 Sighted three CHIDORI's bearing 185°T, range 17,000 yards, angle on
     the bow 80 P. (Contact #10) Target group was heading into CHICHI
     and disappeared over the hill quite rapidly.

1155 Sound reported pinging in direction of CHICHI but periscope could
     see nothing. This is the third occasion in this area of sound
     contact at ranges in excess of 17,000 yards.

1300 Sighted two planes, unidentified, patrolling north of CHICHI.
     (Aircraft contact #16)

Sunday, 30 July

0850 Sighted armed trawler (Contact #11) heading into CHICHI. This was
     the same trawler seen off IWO JIMA on 25 July.

1400 N. FINLEY, STMIc, and a licensed Minister of the Gospel, held Church
     service in the Forward Torpedo Room. The service was very capably
     conducted and well attended. By request it will become part of the
     regular Sunday patrol routine.

Tuesday, 1 August

Submerged patrol north of MUKO JIMA.

0748 Sighted one PETE bearing 300°T, distance 4 miles. (Aircraft contact
     #17)

2000 Received contact report on southbound convoy. Commenced retiring
     search curve at 17 knots.

2200 Received SHARK contact report. Convoy well to eastward. Reversed
     course and increased speed to 18 knots. Report indicated that
     convoy would hug island chain all the way to CHICHI JIMA.

Wednesday, 2 August

Submerged off CHICHI JIMA.

0045 After perfect performance since departing Pearl, the SJ went out just
     as we expected to make a landfall.

- 8 -

— page 14 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

CONFIDENTIAL

0900 Resumed periscope patrol. Target group had headed south when they
     reached the 100 fathom curve.

1354 Sighted one JAKE over harbor entrance. (Aircraft contact #15)

Saturday, 29 July

0417 Sound reported pinging bearing 162°T.

0427 Sighted three CHIDORI's bearing 185°T, range 17,000 yards, angle on
     the bow 80 P. (Contact #10) Target group was heading into CHICHI
     and disappeared over the hill quite rapidly.

1155 Sound reported pinging in direction of CHICHI but periscope could
     see nothing. This is the third occasion in this area of sound
     contact at ranges in excess of 17,000 yards.

1300 Sighted two planes, unidentified, patrolling north of CHICHI.
     (Aircraft contact #16)

Sunday, 30 July

0850 Sighted armed trawler (Contact #11) heading into CHICHI. This was
     the same trawler seen off IWO JIMA on 25 July.

1400 N. FINLEY, STMIc, and a licensed Minister of the Gospel, held Church
     service in the Forward Torpedo Room. The service was very capably
     conducted and well attended. By request it will become part of the
     regular Sunday patrol routine.

Tuesday, 1 August

Submerged patrol north of MUKO JIMA.

0748 Sighted one PETE bearing 300°T, distance 4 miles. (Aircraft contact
     #17)

2000 Received contact report on southbound convoy. Commenced retiring
     search curve at 17 knots.

2200 Received SHARK contact report. Convoy well to eastward. Reversed
     course and increased speed to 18 knots. Report indicated that
     convoy would hug island chain all the way to CHICHI JIMA.

Wednesday, 2 August

Submerged off CHICHI JIMA.

0045 After perfect performance since departing Pearl, the SJ went out just
     as we expected to make a landfall.

- 8 -

— page 15 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
• CONFIDENTIAL                                        Report of First War Patrol

0149        SD contact 6 miles, closing. (Aircraft contact #18) Spun ship around
            with full rudder (making 18 knots) and headed south. Contact closed
            to 2½ miles and then opened. Not sighted. Although land was now in
            sight 11 miles away, it was very dark and impossible for the plane
            to see us.

0200        SJ back in commission just when we needed it most. With the entire
            island chain on the PPI, a careful search showed no convoy on either
            side. (See RADAR) We are now proceeding down the 100 fathom curve
            on the west side of the islands, heading for our now familiar
            station as goalie off FUTAMI KO.

0209        Sighted flashing white navigational lights on HARINO IWA, MUKO JIMA
            and YOME JIMA. These lights are very bright at 12 miles, although
            they are below the horizon from the bridge.

0314        Plane on the SJ, range 5,000 yards. The plane came up our star-
            board side, passing 4,500 yards abeam. Exhaust flames sighted by
            bridge watch as plane proceeded south. Altitude was estimated to
            be 1,200 feet and pip was very large on the SJ, disappearing at
            10,000 yards. (Aircraft contact #19)

0340        Submerged off CHICHI JIMA.

0910        Sighted masts and four columns of smoke coming around north end of
            CHICHI. (Contact #12) Went to Battle Stations and commenced
            approach. Target group consisted of one good sized passenger
            freighter and three medium sized AK's, with one SC escort ahead,
            one PG(E) on near flank, one ASASHIO type destroyer astern and at
            least one KATE and two JAKES circling overhead. (Aircraft contact
            #20). We are just inside the 100 fathom curve, four miles off the
            beach and the sea is again a flat calm. With no other alternative
            we continued to close the track. We are so close to FUTAMI that
            even if we miss, the torpedoes will go into the harbor.

1014        On the firing course, and had just started making the tubes ready
            when all hell broke loose. An aircraft bomb probably started it,
            quickly followed by a barrage which rattled our eye-teeth like
            machine gun fire and the angle on the bow 30 S. We were 6,500 yards
            from the beach, 10,000 yards from the dock where the convoy expects
            to tie up and a 3¾ knot current is just commencing to flood with a
            set directly onto the beach. Rigged for depth charge and went deep.

1157        Received the last of 39 very capably located depth charges. At the
            height of the first barrage reports were received from various parts
            of the ship - corroborated in the conning tower - of a heavy thud
            on deck. The superstructure commenced rattling very noisily.

                                        - 9 -

— page 15 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

• CONFIDENTIAL

0149
SD contact 6 miles, closing. (Aircraft contact #18) Spun ship around
with full rudder (making 18 knots) and headed south. Contact closed
to 2½ miles and then opened. Not sighted. Although land was now in
sight 11 miles away, it was very dark and impossible for the plane
to see us.

0200
SJ back in commission just when we needed it most. With the entire
island chain on the PPI, a careful search showed no convoy on either
side. (See RADAR) We are now proceeding down the 100 fathom curve
on the west side of the islands, heading for our now familiar
station as goalie off FUTAMI KO.

0209
Sighted flashing white navigational lights on HARINO IWA, MUKO JIMA
and YOME JIMA. These lights are very bright at 12 miles, although
they are below the horizon from the bridge.

0314
Plane on the SJ, range 5,000 yards. The plane came up our star-
board side, passing 4,500 yards abeam. Exhaust flames sighted by
bridge watch as plane proceeded south. Altitude was estimated to
be 1,200 feet and pip was very large on the SJ, disappearing at
10,000 yards. (Aircraft contact #19)

0340
Submerged off CHICHI JIMA.

0910
Sighted masts and four columns of smoke coming around north end of
CHICHI. (Contact #12) Went to Battle Stations and commenced
approach. Target group consisted of one good sized passenger
freighter and three medium sized AK's, with one SC escort ahead,
one PG(E) on near flank, one ASASHIO type destroyer astern and at
least one KATE and two JAKES circling overhead. (Aircraft contact
#20). We are just inside the 100 fathom curve, four miles off the
beach and the sea is again a flat calm. With no other alternative
we continued to close the track. We are so close to FUTAMI that
even if we miss, the torpedoes will go into the harbor.

1014
On the firing course, and had just started making the tubes ready
when all hell broke loose. An aircraft bomb probably started it,
quickly followed by a barrage which rattled our eye-teeth like
marbles, and the angle on the bow 30 S. We were 6,500 yards from the
beach, 10,000 yards from the dock where the convoy expects to tie up and a 3/4 knot current is just
commencing to flood with a set directly onto the beach. Rigged for
depth charge and went deep.

1157
Received the last of 39 very capably located depth charges. At the
height of the first barrage reports were received from various parts
of the ship - corroborated in the conning tower - of a heavy thud
on deck. The superstructure commenced rattling very noisily.

- 9 -

— page 16 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
CONFIDENTIAL Report of First War Patrol

Examination after surfacing revealed the following:

Bridge repeater grounded out, and the glass spider-webbed with
cracks.
Searchlight grounded out.
One muffler drain line in the forward engine room carried away.
One inch of teak gouged out of several slats of decking forward
for a length of about two feet.
About 20 square feet of the deck over the bow planes was dished in
several inches, misaligning the bow buoyancy vent operating rod
and putting the tank out of commission for the remainder of the
patrol.
Forward torpedo room salvage line bent.
Stern planes are rather noisy and bow planes very tempermental,
rigging themselves in at odd moments.

The conduct of a green crew was exemplary throughout this depth
charging, despite the fact that the STERLET is still sterile as far
as torpedo hits is concerned, having received nothing but punishment
for our best efforts to date.

1326 Resumed periscope patrol.

1407 Sighted one small LCI type landing craft heading from CHICHI on
     course 285°T. (Contact #13)
1437 Sighted one PETE northwest of CHICHI. (Aircraft contact #21)
1719 Sighted one JAKE northwest of CHICHI. (Aircraft contact #22)
2000 Surfaced and cleared area to northwest.

Thursday, 3 August

Patrolling off CHICHI JIMA

0120 Sighted three small trawlers on the horizon, bearing 302°T, range
     4½ miles. (Contact #14) Light cirrus clouds and an almost full moon
     combine to make the night extremely bright. Tracked for an hour to
     determine course and speed, but movements of target group were so
     suspiciously erratic that it was decided not worthwhile to attack.

0340 Commenced submerged patrol.

1410 Sighted sampan bearing 240°T, 3 miles. (Contact #15)
2000 Surfaced and headed for north end of area.

- 10 -

— page 16 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

Examination after surfacing revealed the following:
Bridge repeater grounded out, and the glass spider-webbed with
cracks.
Searchlight grounded out.
One muffler drain line in the forward engine room carried away.
One inch of teak gouged out of several slats of decking forward
for a length of about two feet.
About 20 square feet of the deck over the bow planes was dished in
several inches, misaligning the bow buoyancy vent operating rod
and putting the tank out of commission for the remainder of the
patrol.
Forward torpedo room salvage line bent.
Stern planes are rather noisy and bow planes very tempermental,
rigging themselves in at odd moments.

The conduct of a green crew was exemplary throughout this depth
charging, despite the fact that the STERLET is still sterile as far
as torpedo hits is concerned, having received nothing but punishment
for our best efforts to date.

1326 Resumed periscope patrol.
1407 Sighted one small LCI type landing craft heading from CHICHI on
course 285°T. (Contact #13)
1437 Sighted one PETE northwest of CHICHI. (Aircraft contact #21)
1719 Sighted one JAKE northwest of CHICHI. (Aircraft contact #22)
2000 Surfaced and cleared area to northwest.

Thursday, 3 August
Patrolling off CHICHI JIMA

0120 Sighted three small trawlers on the horizon, bearing 302°T, range
4½ miles. (Contact #14) Light cirrus clouds and an almost full moon
combine to make the night extremely bright. Tracked for an hour to
determine course and speed, but movements of target group were so
suspiciously erratic that it was decided not worthwhile to attack.
0340 Commenced submerged patrol.
1410 Sighted sampan bearing 240°T, 3 miles. (Contact #15)
2000 Surfaced and headed for north end of area.

- 10 -

— page 17 —
CONFIDENTIAL
                                                                U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
                                                                Report of First War Patrol

2351        Radar contact bearing 359°T, range 9,000 yards. (Contact #16)
            Target group consisted of one patrol vessel and one trawler escorting
            a small AK. Targets appeared to be too small for torpedoes, but
            commenced approach.

                                        Friday, August 4

0020        Attack No. 2. 2,556 ton BOYACA MARU class AK - SUNK. (EU)
            Having worked around to northeast to put target into moonstreak,
            and commenced attack. Decided to give him three stern tubes
            and in view of his heavy motion in the seaway, the only chance for
            a successful attack depended on a very shallow depth setting and a
            normal torpedo run despite the force four sea. Accordingly, set
            torpedoes on zero feet and hoped for the break.

0055        The final look before firing showed target to be much bigger than
            originally thought, but it was then too late to change, so fired
            three on a 90 S track, range 1,300, speed 6, zero gyros, and held
            our breaths.

0057        Three timed hits disintegrated the target.

0100        Two depth charges, not close, apparently dropped at random. Came
            hard right and took quick set up on lone escort in sight, and fired
            last stern tube using speed 8 on dope from sound. Missed.

0140        Made battle surface but could find nothing but debris. About thirty
            men were clinging to wreckage, and, surprised to see so many
            survivors from a small ship after three torpedx hits, decided to take
            aboard a prisoner. They knew nothing of the thrills of submarine
            life, however, and declined en masse. The entire group had uniformly
            close cropped heads, but little else about them could be observed
            in the moonlight. Cleared area and commenced surface patrol in
            northern end of area, leaving CHICHI area clear for a scheduled
            carrier air strike.

1049        First of fifteen contacts on the SD which continued throughout the
            day at ranges from 2 to 32 miles. (Aircraft contact #23) The weather
            was rainy and overcast, seas moderately rough.

1300        While eavesdropping on aviators frequency, heard contact report on an
            eight ship convoy off MUKO JIMA. Commenced search at flank speed.

1655        Sighted convoy bearing 105°T, range 10,000 yards. (Contact #17) Dove
            and commenced approach. Only target in sight was an ASASHIO type
            destroyer. Commenced approach on him but he was making high speed
            and changing course radically, indicating that he was patrolling

                                        - 11 -

— page 17 —
CONFIDENTIAL
                                                                U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
                                                                Report of First War Patrol

2351        Radar contact bearing 359°T, range 9,000 yards. (Contact #16)
            Target group consisted of one patrol vessel and one trawler escorting
            a small AK. Targets appeared to be too small for torpedoes, but
            commenced approach.

                                        Friday, August 4

0020        Attack No. 2. 2,556 ton BOYACA MARU class AK - SUNK. (EU)
            Having worked around to northeast to put target into moonstreak,
            and commenced attack. Decided to give him three stern tubes
            and in view of his heavy motion in the seaway, the only chance for
            a successful attack depended on a very shallow depth setting and a
            normal torpedo run despite the force four sea. Accordingly, set
            torpedoes on zero feet and hoped for the break.

0055        The final look before firing showed target to be much bigger than
            originally thought, but it was then too late to change, so fired
            three on a 90 S track, range 1,300, speed 6, zero gyros, and held
            our breaths.

0057        Three timed hits disintegrated the target.

0100        Two depth charges, not close, apparently dropped at random. Came
            hard right and took quick set up on lone escort in sight, and fired
            last stern tube using speed 8 on dope from sound. Missed.

0140        Made battle surface but could find nothing but debris. About thirty
            men were clinging to wreckage, and, surprised to see so many
            survivors from a small ship after three torpedx hits, decided to take
            aboard a prisoner. They knew nothing of the thrills of submarine
            life, however, and declined en masse. The entire group had uniformly
            close cropped heads, but little else about them could be observed
            in the moonlight. Cleared area and commenced surface patrol in
            northern end of area, leaving CHICHI area clear for a scheduled
            carrier air strike.

1049        First of fifteen contacts on the SD which continued throughout the
            day at ranges from 2 to 32 miles. (Aircraft contact #23) The weather
            was rainy and overcast, seas moderately rough.

1300        While eavesdropping on aviators frequency, heard contact report on an
            eight ship convoy off MUKO JIMA. Commenced search at flank speed.

1655        Sighted convoy bearing 105°T, range 10,000 yards. (Contact #17) Dove
            and commenced approach. Only target in sight was an ASASHIO type
            destroyer. Commenced approach on him but he was making high speed
            and changing course radically, indicating that he was patrolling

                                        - 11 -

— page 18 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)

CONFIDENTIAL                                                Report of First War Patrol

                                ahead of the main body, and would offer at best a very poor shot.
                                Navigational plot showed we were five miles south of the convoy
                                track so went to 350 feet and closed for 45 minutes at 8 knots.

1814                            Back at periscope depth. JP reported high speed screws, which was
                                probably the port flank screen, but nothing could be seen through
                                the periscope. It was fifteen minutes before sunset and the visi-
                                bility had decreased to less than 5,000 yards.

1825                            JP commenced painting a beautiful sound picture of gunfire, bombs,
                                torpedoes and at least five sets of screws all round the dial. We
                                were a submerged spectator to the zoomies air show with sounds all
                                around and not a thing in sight but tracers, gun flashes, and an
                                occasional plane running light. We are also in the unenviable
                                position of having to positively identify ships before attacking and
                                angle tracers point to the fact that our own were probably
                                engaged in this melee also. We are unable to surface for fear of
                                becoming just one more target for our already busy birdmen, so our
                                only alternative is to hope for somebody to come close enough. Made
                                three approaches on gun flashes but our harried enemy made what we
                                thought were some exceedingly poor Zed runs.

1925                            Heard one heavy explosion which couldn't have been more than half-
                                way between us and the target. Meanwhile, the cacophony of sound
                                was moving off to the north.

                                The performance of JP throughout this, as in our other contacts, was
                                superb. While maintaining keel depth 60 feet, in a force four sea,
                                accurate, continuous and complete information was obtained at ranges
                                out to at least 10,000 yards.

                                Because of area class restrictions on shooting unidentified ships
                                decided to stay down until 2200 and then start a chase. Heavy and
                                light explosions continued until 2145. Secured from Battle Stations
                                and enjoyed our long delayed dinner.

2205                            Surfaced and commenced search.

2258                            Radar contact bearing 221°T, range 35,000 yards. (Contact #18)
                                Commenced tracking. Navigational plot indicated course 240°, speed
                                15, with radar interference on the SJ. Decided contact was friendly
                                since the course headed him nowhere in particular, the radar was
                                apparently one of our own, and also the long range of contact and
                                relative high speed indicated a large ship and therefore the unlike-
                                lihood that she was enemy. Abandoned chase. At flank speed we had
                                closed the range only 5,000 yards in an hour.

                                - 12 -

— page 18 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)

CONFIDENTIAL                                                Report of First War Patrol

                                ahead of the main body, and would offer at best a very poor shot.
                                Navigational plot showed we were five miles south of the convoy
                                track so went to 350 feet and closed for 45 minutes at 8 knots.

1814                            Back at periscope depth. JP reported high speed screws, which was
                                probably the port flank screen, but nothing could be seen through
                                the periscope. It was fifteen minutes before sunset and the visi-
                                bility had decreased to less than 5,000 yards.

1825                            JP commenced painting a beautiful sound picture of gunfire, bombs,
                                torpedoes and at least five sets of screws all round the dial. We
                                were a submerged spectator to the zoomies air show with sounds all
                                around and not a thing in sight but tracers, gun flashes, and an
                                occasional plane running light. We are also in the unenviable
                                position of having to positively identify ships before attacking and
                                angle tracers point to the fact that our own were probably
                                engaged in this melee also. We are unable to surface for fear of
                                becoming just one more target for our already busy birdmen, so our
                                only alternative is to hope for somebody to come close enough. Made
                                three approaches on gun flashes but our harried enemy made what we
                                thought were some exceedingly poor Zed runs.

1925                            Heard one heavy explosion which couldn't have been more than half-
                                way between us and the target. Meanwhile, the cacophony of sound
                                was moving off to the north.

                                The performance of JP throughout this, as in our other contacts, was
                                superb. While maintaining keel depth 60 feet, in a force four sea,
                                accurate, continuous and complete information was obtained at ranges
                                out to at least 10,000 yards.

                                Because of area class restrictions on shooting unidentified ships
                                decided to stay down until 2200 and then start a chase. Heavy and
                                light explosions continued until 2145. Secured from Battle Stations
                                and enjoyed our long delayed dinner.

2205                            Surfaced and commenced search.

2258                            Radar contact bearing 221°T, range 35,000 yards. (Contact #18)
                                Commenced tracking. Navigational plot indicated course 240°, speed
                                15, with radar interference on the SJ. Decided contact was friendly
                                since the course headed him nowhere in particular, the radar was
                                apparently one of our own, and also the long range of contact and
                                relative high speed indicated a large ship and therefore the unlike-
                                lihood that she was enemy. Abandoned chase. At flank speed we had
                                closed the range only 5,000 yards in an hour.

                                - 12 -

— page 19 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
-CONFIDENTIAL Report of First War Patrol

Saturday, 5 August

0140 Received ComSubsPac despatch directing STERLET to hunt for downed
       aviator off MUKO JIMA. Headed for area on 4 engines.

0300 Plane on the SD, 4 miles. (Aircraft contact #25) Plane closed to 2½
       miles but was not sighted.

0514 In area of raft. Commenced search. Radar and visual contact with
       friendly planes continued throughout day. (Aircraft contact #26) One
       of these planes was picked up on the SJ at 31,950 yards and followed
       out to 33,000 yards.

0605 Sighted two ships, probably destroyers, bearing 085°T, range 20,000
       yards. (Contact #19) Headed toward at flank speed. Angle on the
       bow changed from about 70 S to 180 and targets disappeared in morning
       haze. Radar interference was noticed on the bearing, possibly from
       an SG or SJ.

0637 Resumed search.

0737 Rescued one Jap from a raft, believed to be an aviator, but later
       found to be a survivor from an AK sunk by a torpedo plane a few hours
       previously. The prisoner, KIN DANG KEE, who claimed to be a Korean,
       was very frightened and very hungry. Throughout the day we found
       considerable wreckage and debris, plus many Nips, both soldiers and
       civilians, dead and half dead. There are so many Jap rafts floating
       around that perhaps our aviator saw one of these and mistook it for
       one of our own.

1900 Sent serial #2 to ComSubsPac concerning fruitless search for aviator.

Sunday, 6 August

Surface patrol on BONINS - TOKYO route.

Monday, 7 August

Commenced nine days submerged patrol on BONINS - TOKYO route.

Attack No. 3. HIYOSI MARU class AK (EU) - SUNK.

0243 Sighted ship bearing 145°T, range 13,000 yards. (Contact #20)
       Commenced end-around at flank speed, hoping to gain position ahead
       before daylight. Moon is overhead and very bright, sea flat calm. We
       have one hour until dawn.

0347 Sighted second ship bearing 085°T, range 10,000 yards. (Contact #21)
       This ship looks like an ocean going tug and appears to be making a

- 13 -

— page 19 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)

-CONFIDENTIAL Report of First War Patrol

Saturday, 5 August

0140 Received ComSubsPac despatch directing STERLET to hunt for downed
       aviator off MUKO JIMA. Headed for area on 4 engines.

0300 Plane on the SD, 4 miles. (Aircraft contact #25) Plane closed to 2½
       miles but was not sighted.

0514 In area of raft. Commenced search. Radar and visual contact with
       friendly planes continued throughout day. (Aircraft contact #26) One
       of these planes was picked up on the SJ at 31,950 yards and followed
       out to 33,000 yards.

0605 Sighted two ships, probably destroyers, bearing 085°T, range 20,000
       yards. (Contact #19) Headed toward at flank speed. Angle on the
       bow changed from about 70 S to 180 and targets disappeared in morning
       haze. Radar interference was noticed on the bearing, possibly from
       an SG or SJ.

0637 Resumed search.

0737 Rescued one Jap from a raft, believed to be an aviator, but later
       found to be a survivor from an AK sunk by a torpedo plane a few hours
       previously. The prisoner, KIN DANG KEE, who claimed to be a Korean,
       was very frightened and very hungry. Throughout the day we found
       considerable wreckage and debris, plus many Nips, both soldiers and
       civilians, dead and half dead. There are so many Jap rafts floating
       around that perhaps our aviator saw one of these and mistook it for
       one of our own.

1900 Sent serial #2 to ComSubsPac concerning fruitless search for aviator.

Sunday, 6 August

Surface patrol on BONINS - TOKYO route.

Monday, 7 August

Commenced nine days submerged patrol on BONINS - TOKYO route.

Attack No. 3. HIYOSI MARU class AK (EU) - SUNK.

0243 Sighted ship bearing 145°T, range 13,000 yards. (Contact #20)
       Commenced end-around at flank speed, hoping to gain position ahead
       before daylight. Moon is overhead and very bright, sea flat calm. We
       have one hour until dawn.

0347 Sighted second ship bearing 085°T, range 10,000 yards. (Contact #21)
       This ship looks like an ocean going tug and appears to be making a

- 13 -

— page 20 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
CONFIDENTIAL Report of First War Patrol

rendezvous with our AK as an escort. He is on the track for our
target, five miles ahead. Our target meanwhile was on course 030,
speed 8, not zig zagging.

0352 We are still 6,000 yards off the track but detection seems certain
if we stay on the surface any longer. The escort is already just
9,000 yards away and only our fine camouflage and four absolutely
smokeless Fairbanks-Morse engines have protected us this far. Dawn
is breaking all around. Target reached position of the wreckage
seen in the water on two previous days. Though that he might
possibly be searching for survivors and hence feel it only sporting
to sink him in the same water. Escort still has not been seen in
the periscope. Dove. Picked up heavy twin screws of target.
Sounds like a big one, making 140 RPM.

0433 Fired four bow tubes, depth 4 feet, 70 P track, run 2,600 yards,
zero gyro. Two hits observed by periscope. Screws stopped and
were never heard again, although sound had tracked him easily at
ranges up to 10,000 yards. The poor light prevented positive
identification. Almost immediately the escort climbed into the
field and ran down the torpedo tracks. Swung hard right and
made ready the stern tubes.

0435 Received first depth charge. Escort opened fire at periscope with
machine guns.

0436 Fired three "down the throat" with 180 gyros, 10 P track, 800 yard
run.. Time did not allow a change of depth setting so they went out
on four feet. All missed. Rigged for depth charge, came hard left
to get off the track and went deep.

0437 to 0808 Fourteen more depth charges dropped singly. This fellow got an "E"
for effort, but he was definitely on the scrub team. Sound condi-
tions were excellent and we gave him every assistance. After WRT
tank had pressure in it and the stop was leaking noisily enough to
blot out the sound gear all around the dial. The superstructure was
rattling like a tin roof in a hailstorm - the aftermath of the depth
charging on 2 August - and the trim pump started to fail just as we
went deep, necessitating putting pressure in auxiliary to catch the
boat at 560 feet. Nevertheless, he never came close. Oddly enough,
he never used pinging at any time, and possibly made all his runs
in the same water. All charges were well aft.

0815 Resumed periscope patrol.

1005 Sighted one MAVIS astern, range 3 miles. (Aircraft contact #27)

1126 Sighted one TOPSIE ahead, range 1½ miles. (Aircraft contact #28)

- 14 -

— page 20 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
CONFIDENTIAL Report of First War Patrol

rendezvous with our AK as an escort. He is on the track for our
target, five miles ahead. Our target meanwhile was on course 030,
speed 8, not zig zagging.

0352 We are still 6,000 yards off the track but detection seems certain
if we stay on the surface any longer. The escort is already just
9,000 yards away and only our fine camouflage and four absolutely
smokeless Fairbanks-Morse engines have protected us this far. Dawn
is breaking all around. Target reached position of the wreckage
seen in the water on two previous days. Though that he might
possibly be searching for survivors and hence feel it only sporting
to sink him in the same water. Escort still has not been seen in
the periscope. Dove. Picked up heavy twin screws of target.
Sounds like a big one, making 140 RPM.

0433 Fired four bow tubes, depth 4 feet, 70 P track, run 2,600 yards,
zero gyro. Two hits observed by periscope. Screws stopped and
were never heard again, although sound had tracked him easily at
ranges up to 10,000 yards. The poor light prevented positive
identification. Almost immediately the escort climbed into the
field and ran down the torpedo tracks. Swung hard right and
made ready the stern tubes.

0435 Received first depth charge. Escort opened fire at periscope with
machine guns.

0436 Fired three "down the throat" with 180 gyros, 10 P track, 800 yard
run.. Time did not allow a change of depth setting so they went out
on four feet. All missed. Rigged for depth charge, came hard left
to get off the track and went deep.

0437 to 0808 Fourteen more depth charges dropped singly. This fellow got an "E"
for effort, but he was definitely on the scrub team. Sound condi-
tions were excellent and we gave him every assistance. After WRT
tank had pressure in it and the stop was leaking noisily enough to
blot out the sound gear all around the dial. The superstructure was
rattling like a tin roof in a hailstorm - the aftermath of the depth
charging on 2 August - and the trim pump started to fail just as we
went deep, necessitating putting pressure in auxiliary to catch the
boat at 560 feet. Nevertheless, he never came close. Oddly enough,
he never used pinging at any time, and possibly made all his runs
in the same water. All charges were well aft.

0815 Resumed periscope patrol.

1005 Sighted one MAVIS astern, range 3 miles. (Aircraft contact #27)

1126 Sighted one TOPSIE ahead, range 1½ miles. (Aircraft contact #28)

- 14 -

— page 21 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
CONFIDENTIAL Report of First War Patrol

1538 Heard two distant depth charges.

Tuesday, 8 August

1021 Sighted one MARY bearing 310°T, distance 4 miles. (Aircraft contact
#29)

Attack No. 4. MANSEI MARU class AK - SUNK (EU)

2026 Radar contact bearing 355°T, range 10,000 yards. (Contact #22)
Pip was a good sized target. Base course was 260, speed 9, target zigging on 10 minute legs. The
Base was quite large on the radar, indicating a good sized target.
set-up looked suspicious at first - target on a course heading him
for nowhere from nowhere, and an unescorted MANSEI MARU seems like a dream
under any circumstances. Recognized the possibility that it might
be somebody out looking for us since we are still near the position
of yesterday's attack. Also realized that the previous air strike of the
previous days may have run the enemy so short of escorts that he
provided this target through our area all by himself - which
hoped to work this target through our area all by himself - which
the indirect route would substantiate. Hence, the only course of
action was to assume that Lady Luck was with us and events soon
proved she had a real smile for us. Moonrise occurred just as the
plan was solved and the night soon became bright enough to
check zigs and determine angles on the bow at 13,000 yards. To
eliminate small errors in the set-up, the target assisted by keeping
himself in the moonstreak with almost no help from us.

2217 Dove 12,000 yards ahead of target, 3,000 yards off track. JP and
JP made contact immediately and checked turn count at 120 turns.
Sea is the usual flat calm and we felt that a depth setting of 1 foot
was justified - particularly since we still couldn't believe our
good fortune.

2257 With three minutes yet to go on the zig, fired four bow tubes on a
70 S track, zero gyros, 1,800 yard run, 1° divergent spread. Four
perfectly timed hits equally spaced and covering 417' of her length
destroyed the target in about 90 seconds as boilers and everything
else blew up. Two depth charges went off three minutes later which
probably fell off her stern as she sank. All hands in the conning
tower got a look as she went down.

2315 Surfaced in a melee of boxes, barrels, and a strong odor of fuel oil
and carbide. No survivors were seen anywhere.

The target was similar to the MANSEI MARU class, 7,770 tons.

- 15 -

— page 21 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
CONFIDENTIAL Report of First War Patrol

1538 Heard two distant depth charges.

Tuesday, 8 August

1021 Sighted one MARY bearing 310°T, distance 4 miles. (Aircraft contact
#29)

Attack No. 4. MANSEI MARU class AK - SUNK (EU)

2026 Radar contact bearing 355°T, range 10,000 yards. (Contact #22)
Pip was a good sized target. Base course was 260, speed 9, target zigging on 10 minute legs. The
Base was quite large on the radar, indicating a good sized target.
set-up looked suspicious at first - target on a course heading him
for nowhere from nowhere, and an unescorted MANSEI MARU seems like a dream
under any circumstances. Recognized the possibility that it might
be somebody out looking for us since we are still near the position
of yesterday's attack. Also realized that the previous air strike of the
previous days may have run the enemy so short of escorts that he
provided this target through our area all by himself - which
hoped to work this target through our area all by himself - which
the indirect route would substantiate. Hence, the only course of
action was to assume that Lady Luck was with us and events soon
proved she had a real smile for us. Moonrise occurred just as the
plan was solved and the night soon became bright enough to
check zigs and determine angles on the bow at 13,000 yards. To
eliminate small errors in the set-up, the target assisted by keeping
himself in the moonstreak with almost no help from us.

2217 Dove 12,000 yards ahead of target, 3,000 yards off track. JP and
JP made contact immediately and checked turn count at 120 turns.
Sea is the usual flat calm and we felt that a depth setting of 1 foot
was justified - particularly since we still couldn't believe our
good fortune.

2257 With three minutes yet to go on the zig, fired four bow tubes on a
70 S track, zero gyros, 1,800 yard run, 1° divergent spread. Four
perfectly timed hits equally spaced and covering 417' of her length
destroyed the target in about 90 seconds as boilers and everything
else blew up. Two depth charges went off three minutes later which
probably fell off her stern as she sank. All hands in the conning
tower got a look as she went down.

2315 Surfaced in a melee of boxes, barrels, and a strong odor of fuel oil
and carbide. No survivors were seen anywhere.

The target was similar to the MANSEI MARU class, 7,770 tons.

- 15 -

— page 22 —
U.S.S. STELIT (SS392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of First War Patrol.

Wednesday, 9 August

Patrolling YONINS - TOKYO traffic lane until departure area.

1000 Sighted the daily NAVIS patrol plane, range 4 miles. (Aircraft
contact #30)

Thursday, 10 August

1117 Sighted one NAVIS, bearing 352°T, distance 5 miles.(Aircraft
contact #31)

Sunday, 13 August

0314 Plane contact on SD, steady at 8 miles, then moved out, disappearing
at 11 miles. (Aircraft contact #32)

Monday, 14 August

0130 Pip on the SD at 50 miles. (Aircraft contact #33)

Tuesday, 15 August

1200 Set course for Midway.

Wednesday, 16 August

0230 Cleared area.
0911 Sighted a round silvery object in the sky bearing 250°T, position
angle 30°, which remained in sight for over a half hour. Our best
guess is that is a meteorological balloon. The position is 175
miles northeast of CHICHI. (P.S. It was not a planet.)

Thursday, 17 August

Submerged patrol across TOKYO - MARCUS route.

Friday, 18 August

Surface patrol across TOKYO - MARCUS route.

0711 Sighted NAVIS patrol plane on westerly course, bearing 280°T,
distance 7 miles. (Aircraft contact #34) Dove.
1107 Surfaced and resumed patrol.

- 16 -

— page 22 —
U.S.S. STELIT (SS392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of First War Patrol.

Wednesday, 9 August

Patrolling YONINS - TOKYO traffic lane until departure area.

1000 Sighted the daily NAVIS patrol plane, range 4 miles. (Aircraft
contact #30)

Thursday, 10 August

1117 Sighted one NAVIS, bearing 352°T, distance 5 miles.(Aircraft
contact #31)

Sunday, 13 August

0314 Plane contact on SD, steady at 8 miles, then moved out, disappearing
at 11 miles. (Aircraft contact #32)

Monday, 14 August

0130 Pip on the SD at 50 miles. (Aircraft contact #33)

Tuesday, 15 August

1200 Set course for Midway.

Wednesday, 16 August

0230 Cleared area.
0911 Sighted a round silvery object in the sky bearing 250°T, position
angle 30°, which remained in sight for over a half hour. Our best
guess is that is a meteorological balloon. The position is 175
miles northeast of CHICHI. (P.S. It was not a planet.)

Thursday, 17 August

Submerged patrol across TOKYO - MARCUS route.

Friday, 18 August

Surface patrol across TOKYO - MARCUS route.

0711 Sighted NAVIS patrol plane on westerly course, bearing 280°T,
distance 7 miles. (Aircraft contact #34) Dove.
1107 Surfaced and resumed patrol.

- 16 -

— page 23 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
CONFIDENTIAL Report of First War Patrol

1143 Sighted MAVIS patrol plane heading northeast, range 8 miles.
     (Aircraft contact #35) Dove.

1500 Surfaced and resumed patrol.

                         Saturday, 19 August

     Surface patrol across TOKYO - MARCUS route.

0125 Radar contact bearing 004°T, distance 10,000 yards. (Contact #23)
     SJ interference indicated contact was friendly submarine.

0145 Exchanged information with SHARK. Commenced coordinated search
     across convoy tracks.

0925 Sighted two engine land bomber bearing 315°T, range 6 miles.
     (Aircraft contact #36) Dove.

1020 Surfaced and resumed patrol.

1700 Trained in and secured. Headed for the barn on three engines.

2000 Sent serial #3 to ComSubPac.

                         20 to 25 August

     Enroute Midway, making daily dive during evening twilight, speed
     of advance 12 knots.

                         Saturday, 26 August

0930 Moored Submarine Base, Midway.

- 17 -

— page 23 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

1143 Sighted MAVIS patrol plane heading northeast, range 8 miles.
     (Aircraft contact #35) Dove.

1500 Surfaced and resumed patrol.

                     Saturday, 19 August

                     Surface patrol across TOKYO - MARCUS route.

0125 Radar contact bearing 004°T, distance 10,000 yards. (Contact #23)
     SJ interference indicated contact was friendly submarine.

0145 Exchanged information with SHARK. Commenced coordinated search
     across convoy tracks.

0925 Sighted two engine land bomber bearing 315°T, range 6 miles.
     (Aircraft contact #36) Dove.

1020 Surfaced and resumed patrol.

1700 Trained in and secured. Headed for the barn on three engines.

2000 Sent serial #3 to ComSubPac.

                     20 to 25 August

                     Enroute Midway, making daily dive during evening twilight, speed
                     of advance 12 knots.

                     Saturday, 26 August

                     Moored Submarine Base, Midway.

                     - 17 -

— page 24 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392).
Report of First War Patrol.

CONFIDENTIAL

C. WEATHER.
    The weather in the Bonin and Kazan Islands Area during July and August
    was balmy and clear at all times, with the exception of five days of rain,
    haze, low visibility and force four seas. No fog was encountered. The
    prevalent flat calm sea condition made a periscope approach very difficult
    most of the time.

D. TIDAL INFORMATION.
    Currents in the Bonins' Area were consistent and usually predictable. In
    the area south of HAHA JIMA a continuous set and drift of 080, 1.0
    knot, was observed. In the area north of HAHA a northeast set of about
    3/4 knot was encountered until we received the extreme tail end of a
    typhoon on 4 to 6 August, after which the set became northwesterly with
    a drift of about 0.6 knots. This lasted for a week, gradually returning
    to the eastward and decreasing in intensity to about 0.2 knots.

    No southerly set was observed at any time in the area.

    The currents inside the 100 fathom curve were strong and variable and
    apparently in accordance with the pilots.

E. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
    Navigational lights were detected on HARINO IMA, MUKO JIMA and YOME JIMA
    approximately two hours before a convoy came through on 2 August, 1944.
    These lights were all very bright, although below the bridge horizon at
    twelve miles, indicating a height of only about 40 feet. No consistent
    period of any of them could be determined despite several attempts with a
    stop watch. In general they exhibited a single flash every five seconds
    interrupted by occasional and varying dark periods. The ship was proceeding
    west toward the MUKO JIMA chain at the time of sighting and headed south
    on reaching the 100 fathom curve. From the suddenness with which the lights
    disappeared from view, it is believed that all are located on the northern
    ends of the respective islands. No lights on these islands are indicated on
    any Light List or Pilot on board.

    FUTAMI KO light on CHICHI JIMA was not burning, although the tower was used
    in the daytime for fixes. This light appeared to be much farther up the
    hillside than its charted 174 feet would indicate, although its position
    checked accurately for fixes.

    One southbound convoy, after being much harried by three submarines, used
    NISHINO JIMA as a landfall. At least one other southbound and all north-
    bound shipping observed hugged the island chain very closely.

- 18 -

— page 24 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392).
Report of First War Patrol.

CONFIDENTIAL

C. WEATHER.
    The weather in the Bonin and Kazan Islands Area during July and August
    was balmy and clear at all times, with the exception of five days of rain,
    haze, low visibility and force four seas. No fog was encountered. The
    prevalent flat calm sea condition made a periscope approach very difficult
    most of the time.

D. TIDAL INFORMATION.
    Currents in the Bonins' Area were consistent and usually predictable. In
    the area south of HAHA JIMA a continuous set and drift of 080, 1.0
    knot, was observed. In the area north of HAHA a northeast set of about
    3/4 knot was encountered until we received the extreme tail end of a
    typhoon on 4 to 6 August, after which the set became northwesterly with
    a drift of about 0.6 knots. This lasted for a week, gradually returning
    to the eastward and decreasing in intensity to about 0.2 knots.

    No southerly set was observed at any time in the area.

    The currents inside the 100 fathom curve were strong and variable and
    apparently in accordance with the pilots.

E. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
    Navigational lights were detected on HARINO IMA, MUKO JIMA and YOME JIMA
    approximately two hours before a convoy came through on 2 August, 1944.
    These lights were all very bright, although below the bridge horizon at
    twelve miles, indicating a height of only about 40 feet. No consistent
    period of any of them could be determined despite several attempts with a
    stop watch. In general they exhibited a single flash every five seconds
    interrupted by occasional and varying dark periods. The ship was proceeding
    west toward the MUKO JIMA chain at the time of sighting and headed south
    on reaching the 100 fathom curve. From the suddenness with which the lights
    disappeared from view, it is believed that all are located on the northern
    ends of the respective islands. No lights on these islands are indicated on
    any Light List or Pilot on board.

    FUTAMI KO light on CHICHI JIMA was not burning, although the tower was used
    in the daytime for fixes. This light appeared to be much farther up the
    hillside than its charted 174 feet would indicate, although its position
    checked accurately for fixes.

    One southbound convoy, after being much harried by three submarines, used
    NISHINO JIMA as a landfall. At least one other southbound and all north-
    bound shipping observed hugged the island chain very closely.

- 18 -

— page 25 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

SHIP CONTACTS.
No. | Date | Time | Lat. | Long. | Type(s) | Initial Range | Est. Course | Speed | How Contacted | Remarks | Further Remarks
--- | ---
1. | 12 July | 2230 L | 29-53 N | 163-16 E | ARCHERFISH (?) | 11,500 yds. | 090 | 15 | Radar | Closed 6 miles then lost contact until too late to attack.
2. | 19 July | 0938 I | 27-17 N | 141-01 E | 1 mod. AK, 1 small AO, 1 DE type escort, 2 PG(E)-1, 1 PG, & 2 FC. | 58,000 yds. | 110 | 8 | Periscope | See small AO. | avoided.
3. | 20 July | 0035 I | 26-26 N | 141-44 E | 70" launch | 6,900 yds. | 030 | 3 | Radar | Too small for torpedo. | air cover
4. | 21 July | 0414 I | 25-19 N | 142-56 E | Large DD(?) | 14,000 yds. | 340 | High | Radar | Forced down by fire.
5. | 21 July | 0950 I | 25-25 N | 142-56 E | 3 sampans | 5,000 yds. | 020 | 3 | Periscope | Let pass.
6. | 22 July | 2146 I | 25-24 N | 141-34 E | SURUGA MARU type AK | 9,700 yds. | 210 | 4 | Radar | Attack #1.
7. | 23 July | 1230 I | 24-15 N | 141-29 E | Steam trawler | 6,000 yds. | 130 | 3 | S (JK) | Let pass.
8. | 25 July | 0700 I | 27-05 N | 141-09 E | 3 SS, air escort | 8,000 yds. | 110 | 5 | Periscope | Could not close.
9. | 28 July | 0617 I | 27-03 N | 142-04 E | 3 trawlers, air escort | 7,000 yds. | 190 | 4 | Periscope | Let pass.
10. | 28 July | 0127 I | 27-00 N | 142-04 E | 3 CHIDORI's | 7,000 yds. | 070 | 17 | S (JP) | Let pass.
11. | 29 July | 0850 I | 27-03 N | 142-04 E | Same as Contact No. 10 | 5,000 yds. | 090 | 5 | Periscope | Bombed at firing point.
12. | 30 July | 0910 I | 27-12 N | 142-05 E | 1 Passenger AK, 3 AK, 7 FC, 1 FGE, 1 ASASHIO yds. | 20,000 yds. | 160 | 5 | Periscope | Let pass.
13. | 2 Aug. | 1407 I | 27-06 N | 142-11 E | DD, and air cover. | 9,000 yds. | 340 | 3 | Radar | Let pass.
14. | 2 Aug. | 0120 I | 27-59 N | 141-49 E | Small LCI | 6,000 yds. | Varied | Varied | Visual | Let pass.
15. | 3 Aug. | 1410 I | 28-30 N | 141-06 E | 3 trawlers | 6,000 yds. | 285 | 5 | Periscope | Let pass.
16. | 3 Aug. | 0120 I | 27-59 N | 141-06 E | Sampan | 6,000 yds. | 150 | 5 | Periscope | Let pass.

- 19 -

— page 25 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

SHIP CONTACTS.
No. | Date | Time | Lat. | Long. | Type(s) | Initial Range | Est. Course | Speed | How Contacted | Remarks | Further Remarks
--- | ---
1. | 12 July | 2230 L | 29-53 N | 163-16 E | ARCHERFISH (?) | 11,500 yds. | 090 | 15 | Radar | Closed 6 miles then lost contact until too late to attack.
2. | 19 July | 0938 I | 27-17 N | 141-01 E | 1 mod. AK, 1 small AO, 1 DE type escort, 2 PG(E)-1, 1 PG, & 2 FC. | 58,000 yds. | 110 | 8 | Periscope | See small AO. | avoided.
3. | 20 July | 0035 I | 26-26 N | 141-44 E | 70" launch | 6,900 yds. | 030 | 3 | Radar | Too small for torpedo. | air cover
4. | 21 July | 0414 I | 25-19 N | 142-56 E | Large DD(?) | 14,000 yds. | 340 | High | Radar | Forced down by fire.
5. | 21 July | 0950 I | 25-25 N | 142-56 E | 3 sampans | 5,000 yds. | 020 | 3 | Periscope | Let pass.
6. | 22 July | 2146 I | 25-24 N | 141-34 E | SURUGA MARU type AK | 9,700 yds. | 210 | 4 | Radar | Attack #1.
7. | 23 July | 1230 I | 24-15 N | 141-29 E | Steam trawler | 6,000 yds. | 130 | 3 | S (JK) | Let pass.
8. | 25 July | 0700 I | 27-05 N | 141-09 E | 3 SS, air escort | 8,000 yds. | 110 | 5 | Periscope | Could not close.
9. | 28 July | 0617 I | 27-03 N | 142-04 E | 3 trawlers, air escort | 7,000 yds. | 190 | 4 | Periscope | Let pass.
10. | 28 July | 0127 I | 27-00 N | 142-04 E | 3 CHIDORI's | 7,000 yds. | 070 | 17 | S (JP) | Let pass.
11. | 29 July | 0850 I | 27-03 N | 142-04 E | Same as Contact No. 10 | 5,000 yds. | 090 | 5 | Periscope | Bombed at firing point.
12. | 30 July | 0910 I | 27-12 N | 142-05 E | 1 Passenger AK, 3 AK, 7 FC, 1 FGE, 1 ASASHIO yds. | 20,000 yds. | 160 | 5 | Periscope | Let pass.
13. | 2 Aug. | 1407 I | 27-06 N | 142-11 E | DD, and air cover. | 9,000 yds. | 340 | 3 | Radar | Let pass.
14. | 2 Aug. | 0120 I | 27-59 N | 141-49 E | Small LCI | 6,000 yds. | Varied | Varied | Visual | Let pass.
15. | 3 Aug. | 1410 I | 28-30 N | 141-06 E | 3 trawlers | 6,000 yds. | 285 | 5 | Periscope | Let pass.
16. | 3 Aug. | 0120 I | 27-59 N | 141-06 E | Sampan | 6,000 yds. | 150 | 5 | Periscope | Let pass.

- 19 -

— page 26 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

F. SHIP CONTACTS.
No. | Date | Time | Lat. | Long. | Type(s) | Range | Initial | How Contacted | Est. Course | Speed | Remarks | Further Remarks
14. | 2 Aug. | 0605 I | 27-57 N | 141-15 E | Unit | 20,000 yds. | | Visual | Unknown | Unknown | Periscope | Unable to close.
15. | 3 Aug. | 0243 I | 27-57 N | 141-48 E | HISOYI MARU class AK | 13,000 yds. | | Visual | 030 | 6 | Attack #3. |
16. | 3 Aug. | 0347 I | 28-10 N | 141-44 E | Patrol vessel | 10,000 yds. | | Visual | Varied | Varied | Attack #3. |
17. | 3 Aug. | 1655 I | 27-56 N | 141-56 E | 1 ASASHIO DD, | 11,000 yds. | | Periscope | 320 | 6 | Could not gain | Attack #2.
    | | | | | | 1 escorting convoy | | | | | | firing position. |
18. | 3 Aug. | 2351 I | 28-53 N | 140-57 E | 1 BOYAGA MARU | 9,000 yds. | | Radar | 160 | 6 | Attack #2. | Avoided
    | | | | | | 2 small escorts | | | | | | |
19. | 4 Aug. | 0605 I | 27-57 N | 141-15 E | Possibly 2 U.S. DD's | 20,000 yds. | | Visual | Unknown | Unknown | Periscope | Unable to close.
20. | 4 Aug. | 1445 I | 28-39 N | 141-48 E | MANSEI MARU class AK | 10,000 yds. | | Visual | Varied | 6 | Attack #4. |
21. | 5 Aug. | 0225 K | 28-45 N | 141-32 E | SHARK | 10,000 yds. | | Radar | Varied | 9 | Exchanged | Information.
22. | 5 Aug. | 0225 K | 28-45 N | 141-44 E | SHARK | 10,000 yds. | | Radar | Varied | 9 | Exchanged | Information.
23. | 5 Aug. | 0225 K | 28-45 N | 147-55 E | SHARK | 10,000 yds. | | Radar | Varied | 9 | Exchanged | Information.

- 20 -

— page 27 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of First War Patrol

CONFIDENTIAL
G. AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

Contact Number | 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6.
|----|----|----|----|----|----
Date | 4 July | 5 July | 10 July | 10 July | 17 July | 18 July
Time(Zone) | 1530 X | 1230 X | 0634 L | 1617 I | 0709 I | 1138 I
S | Position: Lat. | NW | NW | 28-49N | 28-54N | 28-58N | 28-30N
U | Long. | Oahu | Kauai | 179-13E | 178-58E | 138-23.5E | 138-32E
B | - | - | - | - | - | -
M | Speed | 14 | 14 | 14.8 | 14.8 | 15 | 16
A | Course | 319 | 291 | 277 | 285 | 270 | 135
R | TRIM | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf
I | Minutes Since | - | - | - | 0 | 0 | 0
N | Last SD Search | - | - | - | - | - | -
E | - | - | - | - | - | -
A | Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
I | Type | PBY | PB2Y | PBM | Unk | Unk | Unk
R | Probable Mission | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat
C | How Contacted | Visual | Visual | Visual | Visual | R | R
R | Initial Range | 10 Mi | 11 Mi | 7 Mi | 7 Mi | 7 Mi | 8 Mi
A | Elevation Angle | 2° | 3° | 3½° | Unk | Unk | Unk
F | Range & Relative Bear- | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk
T | ing of Plane when It | - | - | - | - | - | -
  | Detected S/M | - | - | - | - | - | -
C | Sea: State(Beaufort) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2
O | Direction (Rel) | 185° | 185° | - | 125° | 020° | 145°
N | Visibility: (Miles) | 25 | 25 | 8 | Unlim | 31 | 31
D | - | - | - | - | - | -
I | Clouds: Height in Ft. | 20,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 | 7,000 | 2,000 | 2,000
T | Percent over | 30 | 50 | 60 | 15 | 2 | 5
I | cast | - | - | - | - | - | -
O | - | - | - | - | - | -
N | Moon: Bearing (Rel) | - | - | 050°T | - | - | -
S | Angle | - | - | 15 | - | - | -
  | PERCENT Illum. | -

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol - Light Grey (B).

- 21 -

— page 27 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of First War Patrol

CONFIDENTIAL
G. AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

Contact Number | 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6.
|----|----|----|----|----|----
Date | 4 July | 5 July | 10 July | 10 July | 17 July | 18 July
Time(Zone) | 1530 X | 1230 X | 0634 L | 1617 I | 0709 I | 1138 I
S | Position: Lat. | NW | NW | 28-49N | 28-54N | 28-58N | 28-30N
U | Long. | Oahu | Kauai | 179-13E | 178-58E | 138-23.5E | 138-32E
B | - | - | - | - | - | -
M | Speed | 14 | 14 | 14.8 | 14.8 | 15 | 16
A | Course | 319 | 291 | 277 | 285 | 270 | 135
R | TRIM | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf
I | Minutes Since | - | - | - | 0 | 0 | 0
N | Last SD Search | - | - | - | - | - | -
E | - | - | - | - | - | -
A | Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
I | Type | PBY | PB2Y | PBM | Unk | Unk | Unk
R | Probable Mission | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat
C | How Contacted | Visual | Visual | Visual | Visual | R | R
R | Initial Range | 10 Mi | 11 Mi | 7 Mi | 7 Mi | 7 Mi | 8 Mi
A | Elevation Angle | 2° | 3° | 3½° | Unk | Unk | Unk
F | Range & Relative Bear- | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk
T | ing of Plane when It | - | - | - | - | - | -
  | Detected S/M | - | - | - | - | - | -
C | Sea: State(Beaufort) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2
O | Direction (Rel) | 185° | 185° | - | 125° | 020° | 145°
N | Visibility: (Miles) | 25 | 25 | 8 | Unlim | 31 | 31
D | - | - | - | - | - | -
I | Clouds: Height in Ft. | 20,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 | 7,000 | 2,000 | 2,000
T | Percent over | 30 | 50 | 60 | 15 | 2 | 5
I | cast | - | - | - | - | - | -
O | - | - | - | - | - | -
N | Moon: Bearing (Rel) | - | - | 050°T | - | - | -
S | Angle | - | - | 15 | - | - | -
  | PERCENT Illum. | -

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol - Light Grey (B).

- 21 -

— page 29 —
CONFIDENTIAL
                                                                U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
                                                                Report of First War Patrol

G. AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.

— page 29 —
CONFIDENTIAL
                                                                U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
                                                                Report of First War Patrol

G. AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.

— page 33 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

CONFIDENTIAL
H. ATTACK DATA
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Time: 2252 I

Torpedo Attack No. 1.
(See Gun Attack #1)
Patrol No. 1.
Date: 23 July 1944 Lat. 25-30 N Long. 141-41 E

TARGET DATA
Description: The target was a small coastal AK similar to the SURUGA MARU (EC)
(662 tons) proceeding independently. The night was very dark and
moonless, visibility very low, sea flat calm. Contact was made
by radar at 9,700 yards.

Ships Sunk: None. (See Gun Attack on this target.)
Ships Damaged: None.
Target Draft: 4' Course: 210°T Speed: 3 knots Range: 1,260
yards.

OWN SHIP DATA
Course: 130°T Depth: Surface Angle: 0

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Speed: 5 knots
Type Attack: Radar approach and attack. Target was zigging 30° each side of
base course at 5 minute intervals.

- 27 -

— page 33 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

CONFIDENTIAL
H. ATTACK DATA
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Time: 2252 I

Torpedo Attack No. 1.
(See Gun Attack #1)
Patrol No. 1.
Date: 23 July 1944 Lat. 25-30 N Long. 141-41 E

TARGET DATA
Description: The target was a small coastal AK similar to the SURUGA MARU (EC)
(662 tons) proceeding independently. The night was very dark and
moonless, visibility very low, sea flat calm. Contact was made
by radar at 9,700 yards.

Ships Sunk: None. (See Gun Attack on this target.)
Ships Damaged: None.
Target Draft: 4' Course: 210°T Speed: 3 knots Range: 1,260
yards.

OWN SHIP DATA
Course: 130°T Depth: Surface Angle: 0

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Speed: 5 knots
Type Attack: Radar approach and attack. Target was zigging 30° each side of
base course at 5 minute intervals.

- 27 -

— page 34 —
CONFIDENTIAL                               U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)                               Report of First War Patrol

                                                               Attack No. 1.
Tubes Fired                                                    #4             #5             #6
Track Angle                                                    90 S           92 S           92 S
Gyro Angle                                                     004            358            000½
Depth Set                                                      4              4              4
Power                                                          High           High           High
Hit - Miss                                                     Miss           Miss           Miss
Erratic                                                        No             No             No
Mark Torpedo                                                   23             23             23
Serial No.                                                     41355          14478          61983
Mark Exploder                                                  6-4            6-4            6-4
Serial No.                                                     18276          21785          148
Actuation Set                                                  Contact        Contact        Contact
Actuation Actual                                               -              -              -
Mark Warhead                                                   16-1           16-1           16-1
Serial No.                                                     13787          3893           1820
Explosive                                                      TPX            TPX            TPX
Firing Interval                                                8 seconds
Type Spread                                                    1½° Divergent
Sea Conditions                                                 Calm
Overhaul Activity                                              S/M Base, Pearl.
Remarks: Depth set was too deep since phosphorescent wakes indicated one torpedo
          ran under the bow, one under the stack, and the third missed ahead.

                                                               - 28 -

— page 34 —
CONFIDENTIAL                               U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)                               Report of First War Patrol

                                                               Attack No. 1.
Tubes Fired                                                    #4              #5              #6
Track Angle                                                    90 S            92 S            92 S
Gyro Angle                                                     004             358             000½
Depth Set                                                      4               4               4
Power                                                          High            High            High
Hit - Miss                                                     Miss            Miss            Miss
Erratic                                                        No              No              No
Mark Torpedo                                                   23              23              23
Serial No.                                                     41355           14478           61983
Mark Exploder                                                  6-4             6-4             6-4
Serial No.                                                     18276           21785           148
Actuation Set                                                  Contact         Contact         Contact
Actuation Actual                                               -               -               -
Mark Warhead                                                   16-1            16-1            16-1
Serial No.                                                     13787           3893            1820
Explosive                                                      TPX             TPX             TPX
Firing Interval                                                8 seconds
Type Spread                                                    1½° Divergent
Sea Conditions                                                 Calm
Overhaul Activity                                              S/M Base, Pearl.

Remarks: Depth set was too deep since phosphorescent wakes indicated one torpedo
         ran under the bow, one under the stack, and the third missed ahead.

                                                               - 28 -

— page 35 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                                  Report of First War Patrol

U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)                  Torpedo Attack No. 2.                   Patrol No. 1.
Time: 0055 I                            Date: 4 August, 1944    Lat. 28-11N Long. 141-43E

                                                TARGET DATA

Description:   The target group consisted of a small 2,556 ton BOYACA MARU (EU)
               type AK, escorted by a trawler and one smaller escort. Night
               was clear and bright, visibility excellent. A full moon
               silhouetted the target group. Seas were force four. Contact
               was made by radar at 9,000 yards. Three stern tubes were fired
               at the AK and a fourth at the trawler escort.

Ships Sunk:    One BOYACA MARU type AK                         2,556 tons.

Ships Damaged: None.

Damage Determined By: Saw torpedoes hit; saw ship sink. After surfacing, saw
                      over two dozen survivors on a raft in the midst of much
                      wreckage.

Target Draft: 24'     Course: 150°T           Speed: 6                Range: 1,200

                                                OWN SHIP DATA

Speed: 3 knots        Course: 039½°T          Depth: 60 feet          Angle: 0

                                        FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type attack:   Night radar approach and periscope attack.

                                                - 29 -

— page 35 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                                  Report of First War Patrol

U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)                  Torpedo Attack No. 2.                   Patrol No. 1.
Time: 0055 I                            Date: 4 August, 1944    Lat. 28-11N Long. 141-43E

                                                TARGET DATA

Description:   The target group consisted of a small 2,556 ton BOYACA MARU (EU)
               type AK, escorted by a trawler and one smaller escort. Night
               was clear and bright, visibility excellent. A full moon
               silhouetted the target group. Seas were force four. Contact
               was made by radar at 9,000 yards. Three stern tubes were fired
               at the AK and a fourth at the trawler escort.

Ships Sunk:    One BOYACA MARU type AK                         2,556 tons.

Ships Damaged: None.

Damage Determined By: Saw torpedoes hit; saw ship sink. After surfacing, saw
                      over two dozen survivors on a raft in the midst of much
                      wreckage.

Target Draft: 24'     Course: 150°T           Speed: 6                Range: 1,200

                                                OWN SHIP DATA

Speed: 3 knots        Course: 039½°T          Depth: 60 feet          Angle: 0

                                        FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type attack:   Night radar approach and periscope attack.

                                                - 29 -

— page 36 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

| | #7 | #8 | #9 | #10 |
| :| :------- | :------- | :------- | :------- |
| Tubes Fired | | | | |
| Track Angle | 106 P | 108 P | 112 P | 112 S |
| Gyro Angle | 169 | 168 | 168½ | 201 |
| Depth Set | O | O | O | O |
| Power | - | - | - | - |
| Hit - Miss | Hit | Hit | Hit | Miss |
| Erratic | No | No | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 |
| Serial No. | 54838 | 55058 | 54726 | 54809 |
| Mark Exploder | 4-2 | 4-2 | 4-2 | 4-2 |
| Serial No. | 8329 | 8314 | 9625 | 8817 |
| Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual | Contact | Contact | Contact | - |
| Mark Warhead | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Serial No. | 1405 | 1454 | 1808 | 2456 |
| Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX |
| Firing Interval | 8 seconds | | | |
| Type Spread | 1½° Divergent | | | |
| Sea Conditions | Force 4 | | | |
| Overhaul Activity | S/M Base, Pearl. | | | |
| Remarks: | It was gratifying to note that all torpedoes made normal runs despite | | | |
| | the zero depth setting in a force four sea. This setting would not have | | | |
| | been used except the target was first thought to be much smaller, and | | | |
| | no time remained to change depth when the actual size was noted. | | | |

- 30 -

— page 36 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

| | #7 | #8 | #9 | #10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired | | | | |
| Track Angle | 106 P | 108 P | 112 P | 112 S |
| Gyro Angle | 169 | 168 | 168½ | 201 |
| Depth Set | O | O | O | O |
| Power | - | - | - | - |
| Hit - Miss | Hit | Hit | Hit | Miss |
| Erratic | No | No | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 |
| Serial No. | 54838 | 55058 | 54726 | 54809 |
| Mark Exploder | 4-2 | 4-2 | 4-2 | 4-2 |
| Serial No. | 8329 | 8314 | 9625 | 8817 |
| Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Mark Warhead | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Serial No. | 1405 | 1454 | 1808 | 2456 |
| Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX |
| Firing Interval | 8 seconds | | | |
| Type Spread | 1½° Divergent | | | |
| Sea Conditions | Force 4 | | | |
| Overhaul Activity | S/M Base, Pearl. | | | |
| Remarks: | It was gratifying to note that all torpedoes made normal runs despite | | | |
| | the zero depth setting in a force four sea. This setting would not have | | | |
| | been used except the target was first thought to be much smaller, and | | | |
| | no time remained to change depth when the actual size was noted. | | | |

- 30 -

— page 37 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Torpedo Attack No. 3 Patrol No. 1.
Time: 0433 I Date: 7 August 1944 Lat. 28-11 N Long. 141-43 E

TARGET DATA

Description: The target was a medium sized AK similar to the HIYOSI MARU (EU)
(4,046 tons), on course 045, not zig zagging. An hour after
initial contact was made, (visually at 13,000 yards) a sea-going
tug type escort was located visually five miles ahead of the
target, apparently making a rendezvous with the target.

Ship Sunk: One HIYOSI MARU type AK (EU) 4,046 tons.

Ships Damaged: None.

Damaged Determined by: Saw two torpedo hits. Sound reported screws stopped and
were never heard again, although previously tracked from
10,000 yards. Attack on the escort followed immediately
by counter attack necessitating deep submergence prevented
further observation of damage inflicted.

Target Draft: (1) 23' Course: 000 Speed: 9 Range: 2,600
(2) 4' Course: 253 Speed: 9 Range: 800

OWN SHIP DATA

Course: 100 Depth: 63 feet Angle: 0

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Speed: 2 knots

Type of Attack: Radar approach, dawn periscope attack. Fired four bow tubes
at AK, swung hard right as escort headed down the torpedo
wakes, and fired three stern shots "down the throat" at the
escort.

- 31 -

— page 37 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of First War Patrol

Time: 0433 I Torpedo Attack No. 3 Patrol No. 1.
Date: 7 August 1944 Lat. 28-11 N Long. 141-43 E

TARGET DATA

Description: The target was a medium sized AK similar to the HIYOSI MARU (EU)
(4,046 tons), on course 045, not zig zagging. An hour after
initial contact was made, (visually at 13,000 yards) a sea-going
tug type escort was located visually five miles ahead of the
target, apparently making a rendezvous with the target.

Ship Sunk: One HIYOSI MARU type AK (EU) 4,046 tons.

Ships Damaged: None.

Damaged Determined by: Saw two torpedo hits. Sound reported screws stopped and
were never heard again, although previously tracked from
10,000 yards. Attack on the escort followed immediately
by counter attack necessitating deep submergence prevented
further observation of damage inflicted.

Target Draft: (1) 23' Course: 000 Speed: 9 Range: 2,600
(2) 4' Course: 253 Speed: 9 Range: 800

OWN SHIP DATA

Course: 100 Depth: 63 feet Angle: 0

Speed: 2 knots

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type of Attack: Radar approach, dawn periscope attack. Fired four bow tubes
at AK, swung hard right as escort headed down the torpedo
wakes, and fired three stern shots "down the torpedo
throat" at the
escort.

- 31 -

— page 38 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

Tubes Fired | #1 | #3 | #5 | #6 | #7 | #9 | #10
Track Angle | 70 P | 73 P | 76 P | 80 P | 10 P | 10 P | 10 P
Gyro Angle | 005 1/3 | 003 1/3 | 004 1/6 | 000 1/2 | 187 | 183 | 181
Depth Set | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4
Power | High | High | High | High | - | - | -
Hit-Miss | Miss | Miss | Hit | Hit | Miss | Miss | Miss
Erratic | No | No | No | No | No | No | No
Mark Torp. | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1
Serial No. | 52914 | 41017 | 61778 | 61781 | 55569 | 53490 | 55079
Mark Exploder | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 4-2 | 4-2 | 4-2
Serial No. | 18636 | 219 | 2034 | 1746 | 9455 | 9484 | 9422
Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact
Actuation Actual | - | - | Contact | Contact | - | - | -
Mark Warhead | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 18 | 18 | 18
Serial No. | 13833 | 13896 | 16985 | 11453 | 1404 | 1654 | 1807
Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX
Firing Interval | 8 seconds | | | | 4 seconds | |
Type Spread | 1 1/2° Divergent | | | | 1 1/2° Divergent | |
Sea Conditions | Force 1
Overhaul Activity | S/M Base, Pearl.
Remarks: | It is believed that the torpedoes fired at the escort possibly
| ran under him. Shallower depth setting should have been used
| but insufficient time was available to change the four foot
| setting.

- 32 -

— page 38 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

Tubes Fired | #1 | #3 | #5 | #6 | #7 | #9 | #10
Track Angle | 70 P | 73 P | 76 P | 80 P | 10 P | 10 P | 10 P
Gyro Angle | 005 1/3 | 003 1/3 | 004 1/6 | 000 1/2 | 187 | 183 | 181
Depth Set | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4
Power | High | High | High | High | - | - | -
Hit-Miss | Miss | Miss | Hit | Hit | Miss | Miss | Miss
Erratic | No | No | No | No | No | No | No
Mark Torp. | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1
Serial No. | 52914 | 41017 | 61778 | 61781 | 55569 | 53490 | 55079
Mark Exploder | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 4-2 | 4-2 | 4-2
Serial No. | 18636 | 219 | 2034 | 1746 | 9455 | 9484 | 9422
Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact
Actuation Actual | - | - | Contact | Contact | - | - | -
Mark Warhead | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 18 | 18 | 18
Serial No. | 13833 | 13896 | 16985 | 11453 | 1404 | 1654 | 1807
Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX
Firing Interval | 8 seconds | | | | 4 seconds | |
Type Spread | 1 1/2° Divergent | | | | 1 1/2° Divergent | |
Sea Conditions | Force 1
Overhaul Activity | S/M Base, Pearl.
Remarks: | It is believed that the torpedoes fired at the escort possibly
| ran under him. Shallower depth setting should have been used
| but insufficient time was available to change the four foot
| setting.

- 32 -

— page 39 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of First War Patrol

U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Torpedo Attack No. 4. Patrol No. 1.
Time: 2257 I Date: 8 August 1944 Lat. 28-35½ N Long. 141-06½ E

TARGET DATA

Description: The target was a large unescorted AK similar to the MANSEI MARU (EU)
(7,770 tons). The night was bright and clear although the moon
did not rise until we had tracked the target for an hour. Target
zigged on ten or twenty minute legs. Initial contact was made by
radar at 10,000 yards, but he was tracked easily at 13,000 yards.

Ship Sunk: One MANSEI MARU type AK (EU)
7,770 tons.
Damage Determined by: Saw four hits which disintegrated target. Entire conning
tower personnel got a glimpse as she went down. Sound
heard breaking up noises for fifteen minutes. Surfaced
twenty minutes later in a melee of wreckage and a strong
odor of fuel oil and carbide.

Target draft: 9' Course: 260 Speed: 9 Range: 2,000 yards.

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed: 3 knots Course: 152 Depth: 62 feet. Angle: 0

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type of Attack: Radar approach and two hours of surface tracking which gave us
his course and speed exactly. The tracking period allowed time
for the moon to rise and illuminate the scene perfectly. The
attack was delivered submerged with target silhouetted in the
moonstreak.

- 33 -

— page 39 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of First War Patrol

U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Torpedo Attack No. 4. Patrol No. 1.
Time: 2257 I Date: 8 August 1944 Lat. 28-35½ N Long. 141-06½ E

TARGET DATA

Description: The target was a large unescorted AK similar to the MANSEI MARU (EU)
(7,770 tons). The night was bright and clear although the moon
did not rise until we had tracked the target for an hour. Target
zigged on ten or twenty minute legs. Initial contact was made by
radar at 10,000 yards, but he was tracked easily at 13,000 yards.

Ship Sunk: One MANSEI MARU type AK (EU)
7,770 tons.
Damage Determined by: Saw four hits which disintegrated target. Entire conning
tower personnel got a glimpse as she went down. Sound
heard breaking up noises for fifteen minutes. Surfaced
twenty minutes later in a melee of wreckage and a strong
odor of fuel oil and carbide.

Target draft: 9' Course: 260 Speed: 9 Range: 2,000 yards.

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed: 3 knots Course: 152 Depth: 62 feet. Angle: 0

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type of Attack: Radar approach and two hours of surface tracking which gave us
his course and speed exactly. The tracking period allowed time
for the moon to rise and illuminate the scene perfectly. The
attack was delivered submerged with target silhouetted in the
moonstreak.

- 33 -

— page 40 —
CONFIDENTIAL                                         U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
                                                              Report of First War Patrol

Tubes Fired             #1        #2        #3        #4
Track Angle             70 S      71 S      72 S      73 S
Gyro Angle              356       358½      357½      001 5/6
Depth Set               1'        1'        1'        1'
Power                   High      High      High      High
Hit - Miss              Hit       Hit       Hit       Hit
Erratic                 No        No        No        No
Mk Torpedo              23        23        23        23
Serial No.              61810     41424     52887     61771
Mk Exploder             6-4       6-4       6-4       6-4
Serial No.              3972      18194     67        21850
Actuation Set           Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact
Actuation Actual        Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact
Mark Warhead            16-1      16-1      16-1      16-1
Serial                  16503     12806     16357     17197
Explosive               TFX       TFX       TFX       TFX
Firing Interval         8 seconds
Sea Conditions          Calm
Overhaul Activity       S/M Base, Pearl.
Remarks:                This unopposed attack was the type one dreams of. All the
                        breaks were in our favor, and netted us a very fat prize
                        in an attack which couldn't have missed.

                                - 34 -

— page 40 —
CONFIDENTIAL                                         U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
                                                              Report of First War Patrol

Tubes Fired             #1        #2        #3        #4
Track Angle             70 S      71 S      72 S      73 S
Gyro Angle              356       358½      357½      001 5/6
Depth Set               1'        1'        1'        1'
Power                   High      High      High      High
Hit - Miss              Hit       Hit       Hit       Hit
Erratic                 No        No        No        No
Mk Torpedo              23        23        23        23
Serial No.              61810     41424     52887     61771
Mk Exploder             6-4       6-4       6-4       6-4
Serial No.              3972      18194     67        21850
Actuation Set           Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact
Actuation Actual        Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact
Mark Warhead            16-1      16-1      16-1      16-1
Serial                  16503     12806     16357     17197
Explosive               TFX       TFX       TFX       TFX
Firing Interval         8 seconds
Sea Conditions          Calm
Overhaul Activity       S/M Base, Pearl.
Remarks:                This unopposed attack was the type one dreams of. All the
                        breaks were in our favor, and netted us a very fat prize
                        in an attack which couldn't have missed.

                                - 34 -

— page 41 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of First War Patrol

U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Gun Attack No. 1. Patrol No. 1.
Time: 2255 I Date: 23 July 1944 Lat. 25-30 N. Long. 141-41 E

TARGET DATA

Description: This target was the same coastal AK fired at in Torpedo Attack No. 1.

Ship Probably Sunk: One Coastal AK similar to SURUGA MARU (EC) 662 tons.

Damaged Determined by: Observed one devastating pan of 20 mm ammunition and at
least one 4" hit in the stern which caused crew to abandon
ship as target listed to port and settled by the stern.
Radar contact was initially made at 9,700 yards, and the
pip disappeared at half that range a few minutes after the
attack was broken off. Extremely low visibility and inky
darkness prevented further observation of damage.

The action was a Battle Surface after an unsuccessful
torpedo attack, using 4" and 20 mm guns. Nineteen rounds
of 4" and four hundred eighty rounds of 20 mm were fired
at an average range of about 300 yards, using radar
spotting for the 4". Pointer and trainer had difficulty
in keeping on the target.

- 35 -

— page 41 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of First War Patrol

U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Gun Attack No. 1. Patrol No. 1.
Time: 2255 I Date: 23 July 1944 Lat. 25-30 N. Long. 141-41 E

TARGET DATA

Description: This target was the same coastal AK fired at in Torpedo Attack No. 1.

Ship Probably Sunk: One Coastal AK similar to SURUGA MARU (EC) 662 tons.

Damaged Determined by: Observed one devastating pan of 20 mm ammunition and at
least one 4" hit in the stern which caused crew to abandon
ship as target listed to port and settled by the stern.
Radar contact was initially made at 9,700 yards, and the
pip disappeared at half that range a few minutes after the
attack was broken off. Extremely low visibility and inky
darkness prevented further observation of damage.

The action was a Battle Surface after an unsuccessful
torpedo attack, using 4" and 20 mm guns. Nineteen rounds
of 4" and four hundred eighty rounds of 20 mm were fired
at an average range of about 300 yards, using radar
spotting for the 4". Pointer and trainer had difficulty
in keeping on the target.

- 35 -

— page 42 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

CONFIDENTIAL

I. MINES.

No mines or mining activity was observed. Approaches to CHICHI JIMA,
the only important harbor in the BONINS, are almost definitely not mined.
Shipping approached the port on indiscriminate courses. The convoy on
2 August, in fact, rounded the island from the north and stayed within
3,000 yards of the beach all the way to the harbor entrance.

The strong and variable currents inside the 100 fathom curve would also
seem to preclude mining activities.

J. ANTISUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS.

Excellent air coverage is probably the best anti-submarine weapon
employed in the BONIN'S Area, even despite strong offensive air strikes
by our own forces during the same period. While chasing the convoy on
17-18 July, we were forced down and accurately depth charged by planes
four times before we ever made contact. While searching for the convoy on
2 August, two plane contacts were made during extreme darkness but no
submarine was not detected. Air escort was the rule for all valuable
targets in the area, and patrols are apparently called out to assist surface
forces when submarine contact is made. Further, the number of times a
large bomber was seen between 1000 and 1100 seems to indicate a regular
forenoon sweep of the area.

Surface anti-submarine measures were second rate, with the exception of
the CHIDORI, PG(E) and ASHASHIO DD escort group on 2 August who delivered
an exceedingly capable attack. Even this group, however, despite excellent
sound conditions, and despite the fact that their convoy had already
reached port, kept up the attack for less than two hours, apparently losing us
after the first half hour. This group used 17 KC long scale pinging. One
escort apparently attempted to keep station on the quarter while the other
two made runs from the bow and opposite quarter.

The trawler escort with the ship sunk in the night periscope attack on 4
August used counter-measures which were little short of pusillanimous. He
speeded up from 6 to about 8 knots, dropped two charges at random and
disappeared "over the hill", completely ignoring thirty survivors in the
water. He did not ping.

A similar escort with the ship attacked on 7 August also used no pinging
but stopped to listen just before making each drop. He was quite inefficient,
and possibly dropped all of his 14 charges, singly, in the same water.

Evasive measures consisted of silent running and deep submergence with

- 36 -

— page 42 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

CONFIDENTIAL

I. MINES.

No mines or mining activity was observed. Approaches to CHICHI JIMA,
the only important harbor in the BONINS, are almost definitely not mined.
Shipping approached the port on indiscriminate courses. The convoy on
2 August, in fact, rounded the island from the north and stayed within
3,000 yards of the beach all the way to the harbor entrance.

The strong and variable currents inside the 100 fathom curve would also
seem to preclude mining activities.

J. ANTISUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS.

Excellent air coverage is probably the best anti-submarine weapon
employed in the BONIN'S Area, even despite strong offensive air strikes
by our own forces during the same period. While chasing the convoy on
17-18 July, we were forced down and accurately depth charged by planes
four times before we ever made contact. While searching for the convoy on
2 August, two plane contacts were made during extreme darkness but no
submarine was not detected. Air escort was the rule for all valuable
targets in the area, and patrols are apparently called out to assist surface
forces when submarine contact is made. Further, the number of times a
large bomber was seen between 1000 and 1100 seems to indicate a regular
forenoon sweep of the area.

Surface anti-submarine measures were second rate, with the exception of
the CHIDORI, PG(E) and ASHASHIO DD escort group on 2 August who delivered
an exceedingly capable attack. Even this group, however, despite excellent
sound conditions, and despite the fact that their convoy had already
reached port, kept up the attack for less than two hours, apparently losing us
after the first half hour. This group used 17 KC long scale pinging. One
escort apparently attempted to keep station on the quarter while the other
two made runs from the bow and opposite quarter.

The trawler escort with the ship sunk in the night periscope attack on 4
August used counter-measures which were little short of pusillanimous. He
speeded up from 6 to about 8 knots, dropped two charges at random and
disappeared "over the hill", completely ignoring thirty survivors in the
water. He did not ping.

A similar escort with the ship attacked on 7 August also used no pinging
but stopped to listen just before making each drop. He was quite inefficient,
and possibly dropped all of his 14 charges, singly, in the same water.

Evasive measures consisted of silent running and deep submergence with

- 36 -

— page 43 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol.

radical course changes at high speed followed by attempts to keep the attack-
ing group astern. Speeds up to 150 turns were used and succeeded very well in
clearing the area quickly and apparently with little or no added risk of
detection. High speeds are strongly recommended at deep submergence.

F. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE.

1. Main Engine Governor Control.
The main engine governor control panel mounted on the main control cubicle
can be safely reached for repairs only when all power in the main cubicle is
removed. Consequently when even minor repairs are necessary it is well nigh
impossible to effect them on patrol. As a result, engine control can be
effected only by an unsatisfactory word-of-mouth control to the engine room.
Two engines were so controlled during the large part of this patrol.

To remedy this situation it is recommended that the governor panel be mounted
in such a way that it can be pulled out for repairs by providing about four
feet of slack in the cable to the panel and bringing the panel itself to
effect the desired accessibility.

2. Bow Buoyancy Vent Operating Mechanism.
At present bow buoyancy tank vent is inoperable and the vent is carried open.
The vent operating shaft in the superstructure is supported by bearings which
in turn are supported by the superstructure deck framing. This framing is
quite flimsy; depth charges and heavy seas bend it very easily.

To remedy a recurrence of this very common casualty it is suggested that
the building yard either make the supporting frames more rigid or else secure
the operating mechanism bearings to the pressure hull directly.

3. Main Engine Guage Boards.
In the forward engine room the engine guage boards are almost directly under
the main induction inlet with the result that in heavy seas salt spray and
salt water "ground" out all electrical fittings on these boards.

It is recommended that the building yards relocate (at least) those electrical
portions of the boards to a point clear of the induction.

4. Forward Auxiliary Distribution Board.
On the auxiliary distribution board in the control room it is impossible to
safely renew fuses to the small low amperage feeders without completely
securing the forward auxiliary power.

It is recommended that the low amperage fuse board in this panel be
supplied through the spare switch now on the board instead of directly
to the forward auxiliary bus as at present.

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— page 43 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol.

radical course changes at high speed followed by attempts to keep the attack-
ing group astern. Speeds up to 150 turns were used and succeeded very well in
clearing the area quickly and apparently with little or no added risk of
detection. High speeds are strongly recommended at deep submergence.

F. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE.

1. Main Engine Governor Control.
The main engine governor control panel mounted on the main control cubicle
can be safely reached for repairs only when all power in the main cubicle is
removed. Consequently when even minor repairs are necessary it is well nigh
impossible to effect them on patrol. As a result, engine control can be
effected only by an unsatisfactory word-of-mouth control to the engine room.
Two engines were so controlled during the large part of this patrol.

To remedy this situation it is recommended that the governor panel be mounted
in such a way that it can be pulled out for repairs by providing about four
feet of slack in the cable to the panel and bringing the panel itself to
effect the desired accessibility.

2. Bow Buoyancy Vent Operating Mechanism.
At present bow buoyancy tank vent is inoperable and the vent is carried open.
The vent operating shaft in the superstructure is supported by bearings which
in turn are supported by the superstructure deck framing. This framing is
quite flimsy; depth charges and heavy seas bend it very easily.

To remedy a recurrence of this very common casualty it is suggested that
the building yard either make the supporting frames more rigid or else secure
the operating mechanism bearings to the pressure hull directly.

3. Main Engine Guage Boards.
In the forward engine room the engine guage boards are almost directly under
the main induction inlet with the result that in heavy seas salt spray and
salt water "ground" out all electrical fittings on these boards.

It is recommended that the building yards relocate (at least) those electrical
portions of the boards to a point clear of the induction.

4. Forward Auxiliary Distribution Board.
On the auxiliary distribution board in the control room it is impossible to
safely renew fuses to the small low amperage feeders without completely
securing the forward auxiliary power.

It is recommended that the low amperage fuse board in this panel be
supplied through the spare switch now on the board instead of directly
to the forward auxiliary bus as at present.

- 37 -

— page 44 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. STIRLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

L. RADIO.

16.68 Kc was copied the first six days out of Pearl, after which it became
necessary to shift to 17370 Kc in the morning, and 9090 Kc at night. Two
days from the area CW jamming was encountered on 9090 in the early night.
This jamming lasted about 10 minutes at a time and three or four times in
a night. While on station reception on 9090 was excellent.

Serial one was transmitted on 16,940 Kcs after failure to get through on
the 8 to 12 thousand band. Serial two was transmitted on 12,705 Kcs and
serial three on 9090 Kcs with no difficulty; NPM giving the go ahead after
the first call up.

M. RADAR.

The SJ was completely overhauled by Sub Base, Pearl, and was in top operating
condition for the entire patrol, being out of operation a total of only 8
hours. Echoes were picked up on cloud banks at 25,000 yards, appearing as
many small targets on the PPI, and giving an idea of the depth of the clouds.
Other ranges were very gratifying - 105,000 yards on the possible task unit track
(KITA TWO JIMA, 2,631 feet); 35,000 yards on a plane on 6 August. Three other air contacts
were made with the SJ.

The SD was not up to par when we reached Midway, and the Sub Base checked it,
replacing two tubes. On reaching the area some doubt about its performance
still existed so it was checked again on the first all day dive. Subsequent
operation was excellent. One plane contact was made at 50 miles, and many
others at ranges up to 32 miles.

TFI - STEERABLE UNIT.

By far the most valuable improvement yet made on the SJ is the "Steerable"
unit installed on the TFI in New London. This simple unit, cut in or out
of the TFI by an ON-OFF switch, makes the starting time of the sweep
variable by using the range mark pulse instead of the transmitter pulse to
trigger the TFI. This makes it possible, with the "Steerable" unit cut in
and searching on the 8,000 yard sector of the entire calibrated range, to
bring into one pip. This feature is exceedingly valuable in determining the number and disposition of
ships in a convoy at long range where they appear only as one or two large
targets on the PPI. It was used to advantage on the night of 2 August, when
a search was made of the MUKO JIMA island chain to see if a convoy were
passing through. At a range of 25,000 yards, only a blur of land pips could
be seen.

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— page 44 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. STIRLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

L. RADIO.

16.68 Kc was copied the first six days out of Pearl, after which it became
necessary to shift to 17370 Kc in the morning, and 9090 Kc at night. Two
days from the area CW jamming was encountered on 9090 in the early night.
This jamming lasted about 10 minutes at a time and three or four times in
a night. While on station reception on 9090 was excellent.

Serial one was transmitted on 16,940 Kcs after failure to get through on
the 8 to 12 thousand band. Serial two was transmitted on 12,705 Kcs and
serial three on 9090 Kcs with no difficulty; NPM giving the go ahead after
the first call up.

M. RADAR.

The SJ was completely overhauled by Sub Base, Pearl, and was in top operating
condition for the entire patrol, being out of operation a total of only 8
hours. Echoes were picked up on cloud banks at 25,000 yards, appearing as
many small targets on the PPI, and giving an idea of the depth of the clouds.
Other ranges were very gratifying - 105,000 yards on the possible task unit track
(KITA TWO JIMA, 2,631 feet); 35,000 yards on a plane on 6 August. Three other air contacts
were made with the SJ.

The SD was not up to par when we reached Midway, and the Sub Base checked it,
replacing two tubes. On reaching the area some doubt about its performance
still existed so it was checked again on the first all day dive. Subsequent
operation was excellent. One plane contact was made at 50 miles, and many
others at ranges up to 32 miles.

TFI - STEERABLE UNIT.

By far the most valuable improvement yet made on the SJ is the "Steerable"
unit installed on the TFI in New London. This simple unit, cut in or out
of the TFI by an ON-OFF switch, makes the starting time of the sweep
variable by using the range mark pulse instead of the transmitter pulse to
trigger the TFI. This makes it possible, with the "Steerable" unit cut in
and searching on the 8,000 yard sector of the entire calibrated range, to
bring into one pip. This feature is exceedingly valuable in determining the number and disposition of
ships in a convoy at long range where they appear only as one or two large
targets on the PPI. It was used to advantage on the night of 2 August, when
a search was made of the MUKO JIMA island chain to see if a convoy were
passing through. At a range of 25,000 yards, only a blur of land pips could
be seen.

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— page 45 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

be seen on the PPI, but the steerable allowed a search of each island and
gave definite, though negative, information that no convoy was near. For
radar reconnaissance of a harbor or coast line, this unit is of the same
relation to the PPI as a telescopic lens is to a camera.

This steerable unit also makes it possible to add any amount to the calibrat-
ed range to the 40,000 or 80,000 yard sweep on the PPI, thereby increasing
the measurable range to 124,000 yards. This feature proved very helpful in
mountain peak navigation, because otherwise all ranges above 44,000 yards
are by estimate alone.

In view of the simplicity of construction and installation of the steerable
unit, it is strongly recommended as a very valuable aid to the PPI.

APR-1

The APR-1 was installed in Pearl during training period but not in time for
us to become completely familiar with its operation. Enroute Midway frequent
intermittent interference was encountered from 70 mc to 900 mc, which was
eventually found to be caused by emissions from the TBL heater circuit. It
was necessary to secure the power to the heater circuits to eliminate this
interference. A constant signal off the BONINS between 90 and 100 mcs is
believed to be a land based radar rotating at a speed of one revolution
every two minutes.

During the carrier strike on the BONINS on August 2 & 3 jamming was
encountered on the SD radar. On the first day it appeared to be modulated
CW jamming and lasted for about ten minutes. By slightly detuning the
receiver, air targets on the screen were still visible but weak.

On the second day jamming was again encountered on the SD, but this time it
appeared to be noise modulated CW, and lasted for only about four minutes.
No targets were visible on the screen at this time.

The SD-4 radar was tuned to a frequency of 112 mcs throughout.

N. SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS.

Phenomenal ranges with both the sonic and supersonic gear was the order of
the day in the BONINS Area. On the contact on 19 July, JP heard screws at
21,000 yards and maintained contact for 5 minutes, though contact was lost
then and never regained. The WCA equipment never picked up screws but
heard echo ranging at 10,000 yards.

On at least three other occasions JP made and maintained sound contact at
ranges of over 17,000 yards with JK and QB not too far behind. The perform-
ance of the JP gear on 6 August, while we were at 60 feet keel depth in a

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— page 45 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol
CONFIDENN T I A L

be seen on the PPI, but the steerable allowed a search of each island and
gave definite, though negative, information that no convoy was near. For
radar reconnaissance of a harbor or coast line, this unit is of the same
relation to the PPI as a telescopic lens is to a camera.

This steerable unit also makes it possible to add any amount to the calibrat-
ed range to the 40,000 or 80,000 yard sweep on the PPI, thereby increasing
the measurable range to 124,000 yards. This feature proved very helpful in
mountain peak navigation, because otherwise all ranges above 44,000 yards
are by estimate alone.

In view of the simplicity of construction and installation of the steerable
unit, it is strongly recommended as a very valuable aid to the PPI.

APR-1

The APR-1 was installed in Pearl during training period but not in time for
us to become completely familiar with its operation. Enroute Midway frequent
intermittent interference was encountered from 70 mc to 900 mc, which was
eventually found to be caused by emissions from the TBL heater circuit. It
was necessary to secure the power to the heater circuits to eliminate this
interference. A constant signal off the BONINS between 90 and 100 mcs is
believed to be a land based radar rotating at a speed of one revolution
every two minutes.

During the carrier strike on the BONINS on August 2 & 3 jamming was
encountered on the SD radar. On the first day it appeared to be modulated
CW jamming and lasted for about ten minutes. By slightly detuning the
receiver, air targets on the screen were still visible but weak.

On the second day jamming was again encountered on the SD, but this time it
appeared to be noise modulated CW, and lasted for only about four minutes.
No targets were visible on the screen at this time.

The SD-4 radar was tuned to a frequency of 112 mcs throughout.

N. SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS.

Phenomenal ranges with both the sonic and supersonic gear was the order of
the day in the BONINS Area. On the contact on 19 July, JP heard screws at
21,000 yards and maintained contact for 5 minutes, though contact was lost
then and never regained. The WCA equipment never picked up screws but
heard echo ranging at 10,000 yards.

On at least three other occasions JP made and maintained sound contact at
ranges of over 17,000 yards with JK and QB not too far behind. The perform-
ance of the JP gear on 6 August, while we were at 60 feet keel depth in a

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— page 46 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                        Report of First War Patrol

rough sea, in giving a complete and accurate picture of an aircraft attack
on a convoy, was superb.

An isothermal layer near the surface seems to make ideal listening conditions
for both types of sound gear and for the enemy too, apparently, as we learned
to our sorrow during the depth charging on 2 August.

Sparking of the QB training control motor rheostat contacts in the QB
training control equipment. Attempts
became so bad it interfered with reception on the JK-QC
to rectify this, including renewing contacts and contact
circuit, all proved
futile. Later, an armature shaft bearing on the JK-QC motor generator became
frozen, putting this motor generator out of commission for the remainder of
the patrol. It was then decided to lump both casualties into one and put
the more valuable JK-QC back in commission by the simple expedient of wiring
the QB motor generator to the JK-QC training motor, allowing complete normal
use of the JK. The QB was trained by hand the remainder of the patrol.

O. DENSITY LAYERS.

Throughout this patrol in the BONIN Islands area the bathythermograph was
used with excellent results in trimming the ship at various depths and in
various density layers. It was found that for this class submarine the
cards based on a hull compression of 1400 lbs, 1100 ft, were most accurate.
The only recommendation offered would be to place the blister closer to the
center of buoyancy in order to determine more closely the temperature
change at this point.

In general the June 1 - August 31 edition of the North Pacific Sound-Ranging
Chart is correct in predicting density layers. The surface temperatures
during the period of July and August never varied more than 2 degrees from
80°F. Isothermals occurred from the surface down to 30-140 feet. From the
negative break to 200 feet a decrease in temperature from 10 to 16 degrees
was noted. Below 200 feet the tracer usually followed the isoballast lines
(for the 1400 lb. card).

P. HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY.

The health of officers and crew was excellent throughout the patrol. A total
of only two man-days was lost because of minor lacerations, but the three
submarine C's - colds, cat fever and constipation - were conspicuous by their
complete absence.

Food was excellent and well prepared. A fairly large initial stock of fresh
frozen fruits, which had been husbanded carefully since our departure from
Portsmouth, and some fine Argentine beef procured in Panama, were of great

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— page 46 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                        Report of First War Patrol

rough sea, in giving a complete and accurate picture of an aircraft attack
on a convoy, was superb.

An isothermal layer near the surface seems to make ideal listening conditions
for both types of sound gear and for the enemy too, apparently, as we learned
to our sorrow during the depth charging on 2 August.

Sparking of the QB training control motor rheostat contacts in the QB
training control equipment. Attempts
became so bad it interfered with reception on the JK-QC
to rectify this, including renewing contacts and contact
circuit, all proved
futile. Later, an armature shaft bearing on the JK-QC motor generator became
frozen, putting this motor generator out of commission for the remainder of
the patrol. It was then decided to lump both casualties into one and put
the more valuable JK-QC back in commission by the simple expedient of wiring
the QB motor generator to the JK-QC training motor, allowing complete normal
use of the JK. The QB was trained by hand the remainder of the patrol.

O. DENSITY LAYERS.

Throughout this patrol in the BONIN Islands area the bathythermograph was
used with excellent results in trimming the ship at various depths and in
various density layers. It was found that for this class submarine the
cards based on a hull compression of 1400 lbs, 1100 ft, were most accurate.
The only recommendation offered would be to place the blister closer to the
center of buoyancy in order to determine more closely the temperature
change at this point.

In general the June 1 - August 31 edition of the North Pacific Sound-Ranging
Chart is correct in predicting density layers. The surface temperatures
during the period of July and August never varied more than 2 degrees from
80°F. Isothermals occurred from the surface down to 30-140 feet. From the
negative break to 200 feet a decrease in temperature from 10 to 16 degrees
was noted. Below 200 feet the tracer usually followed the isoballast lines
(for the 1400 lb. card).

P. HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY.

The health of officers and crew was excellent throughout the patrol. A total
of only two man-days was lost because of minor lacerations, but the three
submarine C's - colds, cat fever and constipation - were conspicuous by their
complete absence.

Food was excellent and well prepared. A fairly large initial stock of fresh
frozen fruits, which had been husbanded carefully since our departure from
Portsmouth, and some fine Argentine beef procured in Panama, were of great

- 40 -

— page 47 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                          Report of First War Patrol.

assistance in providing a well varied diet. It is regrettable that our
initial stock of frozen foods cannot be replaced at advance bases.

The installation of the air conditioner in the forward battery was a big step
forward in making the forward part of the ship comfortable, even during all
day dives when the injection temperature was high. Battery temperatures were
also much more regular since the installation of the blower, and consumption
of battery water has correspondingly decreased. Praise of this unit cannot
be too high. Sufficient to say that this is the first patrol the forward
battery compartment encountered by the commanding officer that has been cool
and comfortable under all conditions.

Q. PERSONNEL.

The performance of all hands continues to be of the highest order. Our many
green men have come a long way since first coming aboard, partly because of
an excellent nucleus of leading petty officers, but mostly because of their
own individual spirit and ability. Many of the men serving on their first
ship are already key submarine men, able to do their job and the job of the
man next to them. It is gratifying to see that after over two and a half
years of war new crews are able to stand up against the best that peace time
training ever had to offer. The entire training program and training
facilities are believed to be significantly adequate.

(a) Number of men on board during patrol 74
(b) Number of men qualified at start of patrol . . . . . . 33
(c) Number of men qualified at end of patrol . . . . . . . 62
(d) Number of unqualified men making first patrol . . . . 33
(e) Number of men advanced in rating 14

- 41 -

— page 47 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                          Report of First War Patrol.

assistance in providing a well varied diet. It is regrettable that our
initial stock of frozen foods cannot be replaced at advance bases.

The installation of the air conditioner in the forward battery was a big step
forward in making the forward part of the ship comfortable, even during all
day dives when the injection temperature was high. Battery temperatures were
also much more regular since the installation of the blower, and consumption
of battery water has correspondingly decreased. Praise of this unit cannot
be too high. Sufficient to say that this is the first patrol the forward
battery compartment encountered by the commanding officer that has been cool
and comfortable under all conditions.

Q. PERSONNEL.

The performance of all hands continues to be of the highest order. Our many
green men have come a long way since first coming aboard, partly because of
an excellent nucleus of leading petty officers, but mostly because of their
own individual spirit and ability. Many of the men serving on their first
ship are already key submarine men, able to do their job and the job of the
man next to them. It is gratifying to see that after over two and a half
years of war new crews are able to stand up against the best that peace time
training ever had to offer. The entire training program and training
facilities are believed to be significantly adequate.

(a) Number of men on board during patrol 74
(b) Number of men qualified at start of patrol . . . . . . 33
(c) Number of men qualified at end of patrol . . . . . . . 62
(d) Number of unqualified men making first patrol . . . . 33
(e) Number of men advanced in rating 14

- 41 -

— page 48 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

R. MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED.

    Pearl Harbor to Midway      1,285 miles      16,420 gallons
    Midway to Area              2,375 miles      24,950 gallons
    In Area                     5,892 miles      56,520 gallons
    Area to Midway              2,454 miles      26,590 gallons

    Total                      12,006 miles     124,480 gallons

S. DURATION.

    Days enroute Area           11
    Days in Area                34 (Including 3 day search north of MARCUS.)
    Days enroute Base           8
    Days Submerged              28

T. FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING.

    Torpedoes         Fuel             Provisions       Personnel Factor
    6                 9650 gallons     15 days          15 days

    Limiting Factor This Patrol:   Provisions of Operation Order.

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— page 48 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
Report of First War Patrol

R. MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED.

    Pearl Harbor to Midway    1,285 miles    16,420 gallons
    Midway to Area           2,375 miles    24,950 gallons
    In Area                  5,892 miles    56,520 gallons
    Area to Midway           2,454 miles    26,590 gallons

    Total                   12,006 miles   124,480 gallons

S. DURATION.

    Days enroute Area        11
    Days in Area             34 (Including 3 day search north of MARCUS.)
    Days enroute Base        8
    Days Submerged           28

T. FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING.

    Torpedoes                Fuel           Provisions     Personnel Factor
    6                        9650 gallons   15 days        15 days

    Limiting Factor This Patrol: Provisions of Operation Order.

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— page 49 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
CONFIDENTIAL Report of First War Patrol

REPORT ON MARK 18 TORPEDOES.

Seven Mark 18 torpedoes were fired from the stern tubes in three attacks
obtaining three hits which sank one small freighter. Three "Down-the-throat"
shots missed in one attack which probably were set too deep for a shallow
draft target. The fourth miss was a single shot at an escort vessel,
attributable to a control error. This torpedo exploded at the end of an 8½
minute run. It is remarkable to note that the torpedoes making the three
hits were fired in a force 4 sea with zero depth setting.

The specific gravity dropped an average of 2.5 points a day requiring only
a weekly charge to keep the torpedoes up to par.

During the sixth week of the patrol, the battery voltage of torpedo #55252
dropped an average of 2½ volts daily. Several of the cells showed gravities
as low as 1.050, necessitating a bi-weekly charge for this torpedo. The
record book indicated that the same difficulty had been experienced previous-
ly on another submarine.

This ship followed the routine outlined in current SubPac maintenance
instructions with complete success and satisfaction. All hands are well
pleased with the Mk 18's and the Commanding Officer would be entirely
satisfied to carry a full load of these torpedoes.

U. REMARKS.

The air attack on the Jap convoy leaving CHICHI JIMA on 4 August showed the
need for some type of communications between submarines and surface ships
covering the air strike. It is believed that some of our own surface ships
participated in the final annihilation of the Jap convoy, but this is not
definitely known. This ship finally achieved firing position after a long
run at 8 knots submerged only to find that the visibility was too low for
identification of any nature. Some of the surface ship firing was
definitely not at firing, so rather than sink one of our destroyers this
vessel did not fire at the grey shapes (and that is all that could be
distinguished) that were passing by.

It is suggested that instead of guarding the area frequency that submarines
and surface ships guard a joint frequency or else request surface ships closer than,
say 30 miles, to guard the submarine area frequency and inform the submarine
assigned that area of their movements.

In the night melee no pinging was heard so if our own DD's were present they
forgot to send out the recognition signal by sound.

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— page 49 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
CONFIDENTIAL Report of First War Patrol

REPORT ON MARK 18 TORPEDOES.

Seven Mark 18 torpedoes were fired from the stern tubes in three attacks
obtaining three hits which sank one small freighter. Three "Down-the-throat"
shots missed in one attack which probably were set too deep for a shallow
draft target. The fourth miss was a single shot at an escort vessel,
attributable to a control error. This torpedo exploded at the end of an 8½
minute run. It is remarkable to note that the torpedoes making the three
hits were fired in a force 4 sea with zero depth setting.

The specific gravity dropped an average of 2.5 points a day requiring only
a weekly charge to keep the torpedoes up to par.

During the sixth week of the patrol, the battery voltage of torpedo #55252
dropped an average of 2½ volts daily. Several of the cells showed gravities
as low as 1.050, necessitating a bi-weekly charge for this torpedo. The
record book indicated that the same difficulty had been experienced previous-
ly on another submarine.

This ship followed the routine outlined in current SubPac maintenance
instructions with complete success and satisfaction. All hands are well
pleased with the Mk 18's and the Commanding Officer would be entirely
satisfied to carry a full load of these torpedoes.

U. REMARKS.

The air attack on the Jap convoy leaving CHICHI JIMA on 4 August showed the
need for some type of communications between submarines and surface ships
covering the air strike. It is believed that some of our own surface ships
participated in the final annihilation of the Jap convoy, but this is not
definitely known. This ship finally achieved firing position after a long
run at 8 knots submerged only to find that the visibility was too low for
identification of any nature. Some of the surface ship firing was
definitely not at firing, so rather than sink one of our destroyers this
vessel did not fire at the grey shapes (and that is all that could be
distinguished) that were passing by.

It is suggested that instead of guarding the area frequency that submarines
and surface ships guard a joint frequency or else request surface ships closer than,
say 30 miles, to guard the submarine area frequency and inform the submarine
assigned that area of their movements.

In the night melee no pinging was heard so if our own DD's were present they
forgot to send out the recognition signal by sound.

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— page 50 —
FB5/202/A16-3
Serial: (049)

SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED TWO

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

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to:
U.S.S. STERLET First
War Patrol Report.

From: The Commander Submarine Division TWO HUNDRED TWO.
To: The Commander in Chief, U. S. Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, Subordi-
nate Command.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of War Patrol Number One.

Enclosure: (A) 3 sets of photographs showing depth charge damage to
superstructure.

1. The first war patrol of the U.S.S. STERLET was conducted in
the vicinity of the Bonin Islands. It was of 53 days duration of which 34
days were spent in the assigned area.

2. Attack No. 1. Three mark 23 torpedoes with a 4-foot depth
setting were fired from the bow tubes on a 90 degree track at 1100 yards
run in a surface attack at a small coastal vessel similar to the SURUGA
MARU of 992 tons. The phosphorescent wakes were followed from the bridge
and two seen to pass under this shallow draft target. Nineteen rounds of
4" and four hundred eighty rounds of 20mm were then fired at an average
range of 300 yards. When last seen the target was listed 40 degrees to port, down by
the stern, and the crew abandoning ship. The Commanding Officer has
verbally stated that these observations were made at a distance of about
40 feet. From these circumstances, plus the radar disappearance at 5000
yards, it is probable that the target sank.

3. Attack No. 2. This was a night radar and periscope attack
on a small AK similar to the 2556 ton BOYACA MARU class. Three mark 18-1
torpedoes were fired from the stern tubes on 90 degree tracks at 1300
yards range. All hit and the target disintegrated. A fourth torpedo
fired at the escort missed.

4. Attack No. 3. This was a dawn radar and periscope attack
against a medium size AK similar to the HIYOSI MARU. Four mark 23
torpedoes set on 4 feet were fired on 70 degree tracks at 2600 yards run.
Two hits were scored. The target screws were heard to stop and not start
again, under sound conditions which the commanding officer has described
as phenomenal. Although the escort was heading for the submarine, dropping
depth charges, and shooting at the periscope, the commanding officer coolly
and with the aggressiveness which has characterized this whole patrol fired
3 mark 18-1 torpedoes for a "down the throat" shot at 800 yards run. All
missed and a depth charge attack followed.

-1-

— page 50 —
FB5/202/A16-3
Serial: (049)

SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED TWO

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

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to:
U.S.S. STERLET First
War Patrol Report.

From: The Commander Submarine Division TWO HUNDRED TWO.
To: The Commander in Chief, U. S. Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, Subordi-
nate Command.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of War Patrol Number One.

Enclosure: (A) 3 sets of photographs showing depth charge damage to
superstructure.

1. The first war patrol of the U.S.S. STERLET was conducted in
the vicinity of the Bonin Islands. It was of 53 days duration of which 34
days were spent in the assigned area.

2. Attack No. 1. Three mark 23 torpedoes with a 4-foot depth
setting were fired from the bow tubes on a 90 degree track at 1100 yards
run in a surface attack at a small coastal vessel similar to the SURUGA
MARU of 992 tons. The phosphorescent wakes were followed from the bridge
and two seen to pass under this shallow draft target. Nineteen rounds of
4" and four hundred eighty rounds of 20mm were then fired at an average
range of 300 yards. When last seen the target was listed to port, down by
the stern, and the crew abandoning ship. The Commanding Officer has
verbally stated that these observations were made at a distance of about
40 feet. From these circumstances, plus the radar disappearance at 5000
yards, it is probable that the target sank.

3. Attack No. 2. This was a night radar and periscope attack
on a small AK similar to the 2556 ton BOYACA MARU class. Three mark 18-1
torpedoes were fired from the stern tubes on 90 degree tracks at 1300
yards range. All hit and the target disintegrated. A fourth torpedo
fired at the escort missed.

4. Attack No. 3. This was a dawn radar and periscope attack
against a medium size AK similar to the HIYOSI MARU. Four mark 23
torpedoes set on 4 feet were fired on 70 degree tracks at 2600 yards run.
Two hits were heard. The target screws were heard to stop and not start
again, under sound conditions which the commanding officer has described
as phenomenal. Although the escort was heading for the submarine, dropping
depth charges, and shooting at the periscope, the commanding officer coolly
remained on station and with the aggressiveness which has characterized this
whole patrol fired
3 mark 18-1 torpedoes for a "down the throat" shot at 800 yards run. All
missed and a depth charge attack followed.

-1-

— page 52 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED TWO
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
27 August 1944.

FB5/202/A16-3

Serial: (049)

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to:
U.S.S. STERLET First
War Patrol Report.

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of War Patrol Number One.

SUNK
1 AK similar to TOYACA Maru (EU) - 2556 tons - Attack No. 2
1 AK similar to MANSEI Maru (EU) - 7770 tons - Attack No. 4
Total - 10326 tons

DAMAGED - Probably Sunk

1 SMC similar to SURUGA Maru (EU) - 992 tons - Attack No. 1
1 AK similar to HIYOSHI Maru (EU) - 4046 tons - Attack No. 3
Total - 5038 tons

GRAND TOTAL - 15,364 tons.

[SIGNATURE: S. S. Parks]
L. S. Parks.

Copy to:
CO STERLET (with Enc. A)

— page 52 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED TWO
                                                                Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                                                San Francisco, California.
                                                                27 August 1944.

FB5/202/A16-3

Serial: (049)

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to:
U.S.S. STERLET First
War Patrol Report.

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of War Patrol Number One.

                                                                SUNK

1 AK similar to TOYAGA Maru (EU)                                - 2556 tons - Attack No. 2
1 AK similar to MANSEI Maru (EU)                                - 7770 tons - Attack No. 4
                                                                Total - 10326 tons

                                                        DAMAGED - Probably Sunk

1 SMC similar to SURUGA Maru (EU)                               - 992 tons - Attack No. 1
1 AK similar to HIYOSHI Maru (EU)                               - 4046 tons - Attack No. 3
                                                                Total - 5038 tons

GRAND TOTAL                                                     - 15,364 tons.

                                                                [SIGNATURE: S. A. Parks]
                                                                L. S. PARKS.

Copy to:
CO STERLET (with Enc. A)

— page 53 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY
Care of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California,
29 August, 1944.

FGS-20/A16-3
Serial 0136

CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
First War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY.
To : The Commander in Chief, U.S. FLEET.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
Subordinate Command, Navy 1504.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of War Patrol
Number One.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of Commander
Submarine Division 202, excepting for the recommendation of
damage inflicted on the enemy. It is recommended that STERLET be
credited with sinking all four ships.

2. It appears that the gouging of the wooden deck
was caused by a piece of a close depth charge.

3. The first patrol of STERLET is distinguished by
extreme aggressiveness, excellent planning, determined effort and
most gratifying results.

4. All hands of STERLET are congratulated on their
fine performance. It is a special privilege to commend the
Commanding Officer for his high qualities of leadership; and for
the success his ship has attained on her first patrol.

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

Copy to: CSD-202
CO STERLET

— page 53 —
FGS-20/A16-3
Serial 0136

CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
First War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY.
To : The Commander in Chief, U.S. FLEET.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
        Subordinate Command, Navy 1504.
      (2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
      (3) The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of War Patrol
         Number One.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of Commander
Submarine Division 202, excepting for the recommendation of
damage inflicted on the enemy. It is recommended that STERLET be
credited with sinking all four ships.

2. It appears that the gouging of the wooden deck
was caused by a piece of a close depth charge.

3. The first patrol of STERLET is distinguished by
extreme aggressiveness, excellent planning, determined effort and
most gratifying results.

4. All hands of STERLET are congratulated on their
fine performance. It is a special privilege to commend the
Commanding Officer for his high qualities of leadership; and for
the success his ship has attained on her first patrol.

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

Copy to: CSD-202
         CO STERLET

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY
Care of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California,
29 August, 1944.

— page 54 —
cek.

COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET,
SUBORDINATE COMMAND, NAVY NO. 1504

A16-3
Serial: 0142

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

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
USS STERLET Report of
War Patrol No. 1 dated
26 August 1944.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
Subordinate Command, Navy No. 1504.
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. STERLET (SS392) - Report of War Patrol Number One.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks contained in the first
and second endorsements. It is further recommended STERLET be credited with
sinking all four ships.

2. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, Subordinate
Command adds his congratulations to the officers and men of STERLET upon the
completion of this excellent first war patrol.

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

[SIGNATURE: W. H. DOWNES]
W. H. DOWNES.

— page 54 —
cek.

COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET,
SUBORDINATE COMMAND, NAVY NO. 1504

A16-3
Serial: 0142

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

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
USS STERLET Report of
War Patrol No. 1 dated
26 August 1944.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
Subordinate Command, Navy No. 1504.
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. STERLET (SS392) - Report of War Patrol Number One.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks contained in the first
and second endorsements. It is further recommended STERLET be credited with
sinking all four ships.

2. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, Subordinate
Command adds his congratulations to the officers and men of STERLET upon the
completion of this excellent first war patrol.

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

[SIGNATURE: W. H. DOWNES]
W. H. DOWNES.

— page 55 —
9 03465

FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
mr
Serial 01899 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
CONFIDENTIAL 6 September 1944.

FOURTH ENDORSEMENT NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
STERLET Report of DESTROYED PRIOR TO
First War Patrol. ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 515
U.S.S. STERLET - FIRST WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of First War Patrol.
(4 July to 26 August 1944).

1. The first war patrol of the STERLET was conducted in
the Bonin Islands Areas.

2. The STERLET, on her first patrol, covered her areas
in an alert, aggressive and well planned manner worthy of a veteran.
Ten contacts worthy of torpedo fire were made and despite the full
gauntlet of air and surface anti-submarine protection, five contacts
were developed into aggressive attacks. The first torpedo attack,
which was unsuccessful, was followed up by a successful gun attack.
One prisoner from an AK sunk by our air forces was brought in.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congra-
tulates the commanding officer, officers and crew for this smart, ag-
gressive first patrol. While the evidence of the exact damage to the
enemy in the case of the gun attack and torpedo attack No. 3 is not
conclusive, it is estimated that the following damage was inflicted
upon the enemy:

S U N K

1 - Small AK (EU) - 700 tons (Attack No. 1 and
Gun Attack No. 1)
1 - Small AK (EU) - 2,000 tons (Attack No. 2)
1 - Medium AK (EU) - 4,000 tons (Attack No. 3)
1 - Large AK (EU) - 7,500 tons (Attack No. 4)

TOTAL SUNK 14,200 tons

[STAMP: EXTRA : ORIGINAL
SORG. MICRO.
PHOTO-LAB OP-16
RETURN TO F-4253]
J. H. BROWN, JR.

Distribution and authentication
on following page.

- 1 -

— page 55 —
9 03465

FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
mr
Serial 01899 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
CONFIDENTIAL 6 September 1944.

FOURTH ENDORSEMENT NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
STERLET Report of DESTROYED PRIOR TO
First War Patrol. ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 515
U.S.S. STERLET - FIRST WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of First War Patrol.
(4 July to 26 August 1944).

1. The first war patrol of the STERLET was conducted in
the Bonin Islands Areas.

2. The STERLET, on her first patrol, covered her areas
in an alert, aggressive and well planned manner worthy of a veteran.
Ten contacts worthy of torpedo fire were made and despite the full
gauntlet of air and surface anti-submarine protection, five contacts
were developed into aggressive attacks. The first torpedo attack,
which was unsuccessful, was followed up by a successful gun attack.
One prisoner from an AK sunk by our air forces was brought in.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congra-
tulates the commanding officer, officers and crew for this smart, ag-
gressive first patrol. While the evidence of the exact damage to the
enemy in the case of the gun attack and torpedo attack No. 3 is not
conclusive, it is estimated that the following damage was inflicted
upon the enemy:

S U N K

1 - Small AK (EU) - 700 tons (Attack No. 1 and
Gun Attack No. 1)
1 - Small AK (EU) - 2,000 tons (Attack No. 2)
1 - Medium AK (EU) - 4,000 tons (Attack No. 3)
1 - Large AK (EU) - 7,500 tons (Attack No. 4)

TOTAL SUNK 14,200 tons

[STAMP: EXTRA : ORIGINAL
SORG. MICRO.
PHOTO-LAB OP-16
RETURN TO F-4253]
J. H. BROWN, JR.

Distribution and authentication
on following page.

- 1 -

— page 56 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16)
Serial 01899
CONFIDENTIAL

FOURTH ENDORSEMENT to
COMSUBSPAC Report of
First War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 515
U.S.S. STERLET - FIRST WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of First War Patrol.
(4 July to 26 August 1944).

— page 58 —
SS392/A16-3
Serial 0120

U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)

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

[STAMP: 30 November 1944]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OPA/ART. 0445, OPNAVINST/5510.C]
[HANDWRITTEN: DATE 6/19/62]

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

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of Second War Patrol.

Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Charts (For ComSubsPac only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the Second War Patrol of this vessel,
conducted in the Nansei Shoto area during the period 18 September to 3 November,
1944, and in the area around the Bonin Islands during the period 13 through
18 November, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: C.C. ROBINS]
C.C. ROBINS.

[HANDWRITTEN: Filmed]
[HANDWRITTEN: 99941]

— page 58 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

SS392/A16-3
Serial 0120

C O N F I D E N T I A L
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: D.M.M.] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/19/62]
DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST/5510.C
30 November 1944.

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

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of Second War Patrol.

Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Charts (For ComSubsPac only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the Second War Patrol of this vessel,
conducted in the Nansei Shoto area during the period 18 September to 3 November,
1944, and in the area around the Bonin Islands during the period 13 through
18 November, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: C.C. Robins]
C.C. ROBINS.

[HANDWRITTEN: Filmed]
[HANDWRITTEN: 99941]

— page 59 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

A. PROLOGUE:

     Arrived Submarine Base, Midway from First War Patrol on 26 August, 1944 and
commenced normal refit by PROTEUS and SubDiv 202. The following major
alterations and repairs were effected: Installed VLF, SPH, new main
motor brushes; new bow plane rigging indicator light, screw type periscope
lower limit switches; repacked port stern tubes; removed torpedo tube
outboard vent; relocated bow buoyancy vent operating linkage supports
on the hull rather than on the superstructure. Conducted sound tests
during which 8 exercise torpedoes, 30 rounds of 4", 1,200 rounds 20 mm,
1,500 rounds .50 cal. ammunition were fired. Readiness for sea on 18
September, 1944.

- 1 -

— page 59 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

A. PROLOGUE:

     Arrived Submarine Base, Midway from First War Patrol on 26 August, 1944 and
commenced normal refit by PROTEUS and SubDiv 202. The following major
alterations and repairs were effected: Installed VLF, SPH, new main
motor brushes; new bow plane rigging indicator light, screw type periscope
lower limit switches; repacked port stern tubes; removed torpedo tube
outboard vent; relocated bow buoyancy vent operating linkage supports
on the hull rather than on the superstructure. Conducted sound tests
during which 8 exercise torpedoes, 30 rounds of 4", 1,200 rounds 20 mm,
1,500 rounds .50 cal. ammunition were fired. Readiness for sea on 18
September, 1944.

- 1 -

— page 60 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

B. NARRATIVE:

Monday, 18 September

1530 Y Departed Midway. Made trim dive and deep submergence test for tightness.
         Newly packed port stern tube leaked moderately.

Tuesday, 19 September

1530 Y Port stern tube began leaking excessively on the surface. Made test dive
         to deep submergence and found that leak had increased greatly. Decided
         to return to Midway for a repacking job. Reversed course and sent Serial
         1 to ComTac 17.5 reporting condition of stern tube and requesting
         rendezvous.

Wednesday, 20 September

1200     Moored Submarine Base, Midway.

Thursday, 21 September

0600     Drydocked in ARD-8. Found sliver of wood in packing of stern tube.
1145     Undocked. Proceeded to training area. Test dive indicated a very fine
         packing job this time. Set sail for the area.

21 to 28 September

         Enroute to area on two engine combination, making 1000 kw on each shaft
         (15 knots through water, 13 knots speed of advance). Conducted daily
         training dives, fire control, and emergency drills.
         On 27 September the tail end of a typhoon buffeted us around considerably,
         necessitating slowing to 2/3 speed. Took one very heavy sea down the
         hatch which sent a 25 inch pillar of solid brine into the Control Room.
         It was a pleasure to note that despite tons of salt water and heavy roll-
         ing from beam-on seas, no electrical gear was grounded. The large well
         at the foot of the hatch and a strong drain pump suction eliminated the
         menace in short order. Also, the induction was surprisingly clear of
         water even when the bridge was an overflowing bathtub.
         An interesting sidelight of the above showed clearly the ability
         of our experienced personnel to take everything in stride. The gunner's
         mate on watch in the Conning Tower watched the deluge plunge down to the
         Control Room, then - "Stand by for a compass check, Control".

Thursday, 28 September

         All subsequent times are ITIH unless specified otherwise:

1430     Received contact report on convoy crossing our track from the northward.
         Cannot make contact until day after tomorrow. It decided to make three
         engine speed tonight to give us some velvet in case we are forced down

- 2 -

— page 60 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STURLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

B. NARRATIVE:

Monday, 18 September

1530 Y Departed Midway. Made trim dive and deep submergence test for tightness.
         Newly packed port stern tube leaked moderately.

Tuesday, 19 September

1530 Y Port stern tube began leaking excessively on the surface. Made test dive
         to deep submergence and found that leak had increased greatly. Decided
         to return to Midway for a repacking job. Reversed course and sent Serial
         1 to ComTacFor 17.5 reporting condition of stern tube and requesting
         rendezvous.

Wednesday, 20 September

1200 Moored Submarine Base, Midway.

Thursday, 21 September

0600 Drydocked in ARD-8. Found sliver of wood in packing of stern tube.

1145 Undocked. Proceeded to training area. Test dive indicated a very fine
         packing job this time. Set sail for the area.

21 to 28 September

Enroute to area on two engine combination, making 1000 kw on each shaft
(15 knots through water, 13 knots speed of advance). Conducted daily
training dives, fire control, and emergency drills.
On 27 September the tail end of a typhoon buffeted us around considerably,
necessitating slowing to 2/3 speed. Took one very heavy sea down the
hatch which sent a 25 inch pillar of solid brine into the Control Room.
It was a pleasure to note that despite tons of salt water and heavy roll-
ing from beam-on seas, no electrical gear was grounded. The large well
at the foot of the hatch and a strong drain pump suction eliminated the
menace in short order. Also, the induction was surprisingly clear of
water even when the bridge was an overflowing bathtub.
An interesting sidelight of the above showed clearly the ability
of our experienced personnel to take everything in stride. The gunner's
mate on watch in the Conning Tower watched the deluge plunge down to the
Control Room, then - "Stand by for a compass check, Control".

Thursday, 28 September

All subsequent times are ITII unless specified otherwise:

1430 Received contact report on convoy crossing our track from the northward.
         Cannot make contact until day after tomorrow. It decided to make three
         engine speed tonight to give us some velvet in case we are forced down

- 2 -

— page 61 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol
during the passage through the area north of the Bonins.

                                        Friday, 29 September

0618      Slowed to standard speed.

1300      O.O.D. sighted ENEMY to the southward, distance about 7 miles. Dived.
          (Aircraft Contact #1).

1407      Surfaced.

                                        Saturday, 30 September

0330      Made radar landfall on SOFU GAN (Lot's Wife) distance 30,000 yards.

0425      Made trim dive.

0539      Surfaced. High periscope watch immediately spotted a ship bearing 159°T,
          distance about 13 miles. (Contact #1). Headed toward at flank speed.
          Ship appeared to be a large steel-hulled trawler, well-decked, with a
          raised superstructure fore and aft. His initial position
          was quite near SOFU GAN; and as we approached, he headed behind the rock,
          emerged from the other side and reversed course about three times. When
          the range had closed to about 8 miles he showed us his stern and began
          chugging away to the south with us in hot pursuit. It is not believed
          that he spotted us during these antics around the skirts of Lot's Wife.

0647      SD contact, 6 miles. Dived. (Aircraft Contact #2). Headed
0729      Surfaced. Trawler had disappeared.
0750      SD contact, 14 miles. Dived. (Aircraft Contact #3).

1000      Surfaced.

1050      Sighted ship bearing 147°T, distance 14 miles. (Contact #2). Headed
          toward at flank speed. Ship was soon determined to be the same trawler,
          now heading northeast. He was only 20 miles from his previous position.
          Decided that convoy we are after is far more important and abandoned
          chase.

1300      SD contact, 25 miles. Dived when range closed to 9 miles. (Aircraft
          Contact #4). Decided to stay down a few hours until air patrols go home
          and we were sure we were not yet sighted, and we could still rendez-
          vous with the convoy on time.

1705      Surfaced. Continued search throughout night, but contact was not made.

                                        Sunday, 1 October

1200      Received TRAPANG contact report indicating that we had missed the convoy

                                        - 3 -

— page 61 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol
during the passage through the area north of the Bonins.

                                        Friday, 29 September

0618      Slowed to standard speed.

1300      O.O.D. sighted ENEMY to the southward, distance about 7 miles. Dived.
          (Aircraft Contact #1).

1407      Surfaced.

                                        Saturday, 30 September

0330      Made radar landfall on SOFU GAN (Lot's Wife) distance 30,000 yards.

0425      Made trim dive.

0539      Surfaced. High periscope watch immediately spotted a ship bearing 159°T,
          distance about 13 miles. (Contact #1). Headed toward at flank speed.
          Ship appeared to be a large steel-hulled trawler, well-decked, with a
          raised superstructure fore and aft. His initial position
          was quite near SOFU GAN; and as we approached, he headed behind the rock,
          emerged from the other side and reversed course about three times. When
          the range had closed to about 8 miles he showed us his stern and began
          chugging away to the south with us in hot pursuit. It is not believed
          that he spotted us during these antics around the skirts of Lot's Wife.

0647      SD contact, 6 miles. Dived. (Aircraft Contact #2). Headed
0729      Surfaced. Trawler had disappeared.
0750      SD contact, 14 miles. Dived. (Aircraft Contact #3).

1000      Surfaced.

1050      Sighted ship bearing 147°T, distance 14 miles. (Contact #2). Headed
          toward at flank speed. Ship was soon determined to be the same trawler,
          now heading northeast. He was only 20 miles from his previous position.
          Decided that convoy we are after is far more important and abandoned
          chase.

1300      SD contact, 25 miles. Dived when range closed to 9 miles. (Aircraft
          Contact #4). Decided to stay down a few hours until air patrols go home
          and we were sure we were not yet sighted, and we could still rendez-
          vous with the convoy on time.

1705      Surfaced. Continued search throughout night, but contact was not made.

                                        Sunday, 1 October

1200      Received TRAPANG contact report indicating that we had missed the convoy

                                        - 3 -

— page 62 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STRILET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

at night by a very narrow margin. Intermittent SJ interference had been
noted throughout the night, indicating the presence of another submarine
near us, but no contact reports were received. Abandoned search and
resumed course and speed for area.

1400 Held Divine Services.

Monday, 2 October

0955 SD contact, 12 miles. Dived. (Aircraft Contact #5).

1033 Surfaced.

Tuesday, 3 October

2100 Entered Area, heading for position south of MINAI S.I.A.

Wednesday, 4 October

0135 Made radar landfall on MINAI S.I.A (700 ft) range 60,000 yards.

0316 Made radar landfall on AMAMI O SHIMA (2,300 ft) range 95,000 yards.

0530 Commenced submerged patrol 20 miles south of KAKAI S.I.A across Empire-
southbound traffic which might skirt the 100 fathom curve.

1759 Heard distant explosion.

1815 Heard distant explosion.

Thursday, 5 October

Submerged patrol 20 miles east of TOKUNA S.I.A. This spot should
intercept traffic heading north from the island passes.

0015 SJ contact bearing 317°T, range 17,000 yards. Headed toward at flank
speed, but the pip disappeared and was never again sighted. Do not believe
it was a plane because range was constant for the several seconds it was
in sight. It was also definitely not a cloud pip.

0329 Lookouts spotted plane exhaust or running light, distance about 7 miles.
Dived. (Aircraft Contact #6).

0355 Surfaced.

0520 to
1920 Submerged.

Friday, 6 October

Decided to close TOKUNA S.I.A and take some pictures. Weather became
somewhat misty after diving; but since this is our last day in this area,

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STRILET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

at night by a very narrow margin. Intermittent SJ interference had been
noted throughout the night, indicating the presence of another submarine
near us, but no contact reports were received. Abandoned search and
resumed course and speed for area.

1400 Held Divine Services.

Monday, 2 October

0955 SD contact, 12 miles. Dived. (Aircraft Contact #5).

1033 Surfaced.

Tuesday, 3 October

2100 Entered Area, heading for position south of MINAI S.I.A.

Wednesday, 4 October

0135 Made radar landfall on MINAI S.I.A (700 ft) range 60,000 yards.

0316 Made radar landfall on AMAMI O SHIMA (2,300 ft) range 95,000 yards.

0530 Commenced submerged patrol 20 miles south of KAKAI S.I.A across Empire-
southbound traffic which might skirt the 100 fathom curve.

1759 Heard distant explosion.

1815 Heard distant explosion.

Thursday, 5 October

Submerged patrol 20 miles east of TOKUNA S.I.A. This spot should
intercept traffic heading north from the island passes.

0015 SJ contact bearing 317°T, range 17,000 yards. Headed toward at flank
speed, but the pip disappeared and was never again sighted. Do not believe
it was a plane because range was constant for the several seconds it was
in sight. It was also definitely not a cloud pip.

0329 Lookouts spotted plane exhaust or running light, distance about 7 miles.
Dived. (Aircraft Contact #6).

0355 Surfaced.

0520 to
1920 Submerged.

Friday, 6 October

Decided to close TOKUNA S.I.A and take some pictures. Weather became
somewhat misty after diving; but since this is our last day in this area,

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

decided to carry out photo reconnaissance anyway. Closed to 3 miles off
the beach and photographed the entire east coast.
area east of OKINAWA SHIMA after surfacing and commenced 4 days
of submerged patrol. The fringe of a typhoon reached us on the evening
which time patrol
submerged was conducted at 100 feet with looks every hour. Surface patrol
at night amounted to nothing but bucking 40 foot seas and hanging on.

Monday, 9 October

Having received orders for lifeguard duties off CHINWAN, the large harbor
on the 10th, proceeded to close in for reconnaissance of harbor
in order to locate swept passage, if any, in order to familiarize us with
the area. Unfortunately no shipping was sighted inside or out, but good
pictures (we hope) were taken of the entire area.

1414 Sighted sailing vessel standing out of CHINWAN (Contact #3). Decided
to trail during daylight and try some gun play that night.

1925 Surfaced and immediately sighted lights of a small fishing fleet. Picked
out a target and headed in.

1956 Opened fire with 20 mm, .50 and .30 cal. (Gun Attack #1) at an estimated
range of fifty feet. The target, a small banca with an estimated
displacement equal to half that of the Executive Officer, broke in half
and sank immediately. It was planned to take the remainder of the fleet
under fire also, but on the first shot all of the fishermen doused their
lights as quickly as if a master switch has been pulled. In the inky
blackness it was impossible to locate additional targets even if the
possibility of fouling a fishing net did not sufficiently discourage
groping around. Reluctantly cleared the area and headed for our assigned
lifeguard station.

Tuesday, 10 October

Lifeguard duty southeast of OKINAWA SHIMA.

0520 Made twilight dive on lifeguard station.

0610 Surfaced; headed for OKINAWA SHIMA.

0625 SD contact, 19 miles, no IFF response. (Aircraft Contact #8).

0628 Sighted BETTY bearing 330 T, range 8 miles. Dived.

0655 Surfaced; sighted first wave of planes heading for the target. Our
fighter cover checked in at the same time. (Aircraft Contact #9). Sent
contact report on the BETTY bomber on VHF and 4475. It was a real pleasu-
re to hear later that our forces got this plane shortly after.

0830 Received report of aviator downed 54 miles to the south. Headed toward

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

decided to carry out photo reconnaissance anyway. Closed to 3 miles off
the beach and photographed the entire east coast.
Headed for area east of OKINAWA SHIMA after surfacing and commenced 4 days
of submerged patrol. The fringe of a typhoon reached us on the evening
of the sixth and stayed for two and a half days, during which time patrol
submerged was conducted at 100 feet with looks every hour. Surface patrol
at night amounted to nothing but bucking 40 foot seas and hanging on.

Monday, 9 October

Having received orders for lifeguard duties off CHINWAN, the large harbor
on the 10th, proceeded to close in for reconnaissance of harbor
in order to locate swept passage, if any, in order to familiarize us with
the area. Unfortunately no shipping was sighted inside or out, but good
pictures (we hope) were taken of the entire area.

1414 Sighted sailing vessel standing out of CHINWAN (Contact #3). Decided
to trail during daylight and try some gun play that night.

1925 Surfaced and immediately sighted lights of a small fishing fleet. Picked
out a target and headed in.

1956 Opened fire with 20 mm, .50 and .30 cal. (Gun Attack #1) at an estimated
range of fifty feet. The target, a small banca with an estimated
displacement equal to half that of the Executive Officer, broke in half
and sank immediately. It was planned to take the remainder of the fleet
under fire also, but on the first shot all of the fishermen doused their
lights as quickly as if a master switch has been pulled. In the inky
blackness it was impossible to locate additional targets even if the
possibility of fouling a fishing net did not sufficiently discourage
groping around. Reluctantly cleared the area and headed for our assigned
lifeguard station.

Tuesday, 10 October

Lifeguard duty southeast of OKINAWA SHIMA.

0520 Made twilight dive on lifeguard station.

0610 Surfaced; headed for OKINAWA SHIMA.

0625 SD contact, 19 miles, no IFF response. (Aircraft Contact #8).

0628 Sighted BETTY bearing 330° T, range 8 miles. Dived.

0655 Surfaced; sighted first wave of planes heading for the target. Our
fighter cover checked in at the same time. (Aircraft Contact #9). Sent
contact report on the BETTY bomber on VHF and 4475. It was a real pleasu-
re to hear later that our forces got this plane shortly after.

0830 Received report of aviator downed 54 miles to the south. Headed toward

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STURGEON (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol
at flank speed.

1005 Received report that our aviator has been recovered by a float plane.
Reversed course.

1020 Received report that float plane has capsized. Again headed for area.

1120 Recovered Lt. (jg) R.L. DANA (VCS-13, USS BILIBI) and Lt. (jg) M.J.
FERRANDA (VF-13, USS FRANKLIN). Sank Lt. Dana's overturned plane with
20 mm, aided by a few devastating bursts from our fighter cover.

1140 Received report on downed fly-fly south of OKINAWA and again bent on all
four. Sent one of our fighters and a float plane to search the area.
Their report was that nothing was in sight when we received a new
contact, but this pilot had failed to come out of a dive and was,
unfortunately, beyond our or anybody else's assistance.

1315 Proceeded back to our initial point and took time out enroute to admire
and photograph the devastation on the beach. Heavy smoke was rising
from many points on the island into a great fiery black and orange mush-
room plainly visible 40 miles away. These fires continued throughout
the night, dying down only to burst out anew time and again. The Jap
who later admitted slight damage to shore installations made what was
probably October's most conservative statement.

1550 Torpedo plane crash landed in water ahead. Rescued Lt. (jg) R.G. FREEMAN,
F.R. 2c, and V.L.S.M. R.J. NOBLE, attached to VTB-14, USS
WASP. The plane sank almost immediately, but none of the occupants were
injured.
Immediately after the rescue, headed for position one mile south of
OKINAWA for another survivor. Again four Fairbank-Morse engines were
summoned to the task.

1805 Sighted pilot in rubber boat very close to the beach and apparently
making no headway in our direction against wind and tide. He was well
within the 100 fathom curve, but decided to go in anyway. He had already
been adrift twenty minutes and saw no sign of activity ashore. Also our ever present protectors were
standing by to strafe as necessary.

1616 Picked up Lt. (jg) J.R. MUSSER (VFP-14, USS WASP). The range to the
beach at the time of the rescue was 2,800 yards and the bluffy contour
of the coast and of the trees gave us the impression that we were actually in the shade
of the trees. Natives in shacks observed us most curiously, but the Japs
were apparently far too busy elsewhere to bother us. With little
hesitation, however, we cleared the area at our best imitation of high
speed.

1835 Completed lifeguard mission and dismissed fighter cover.

2100 Sent Serial one to ComSubsPac on rescue of aviators.

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STURGEON (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol
at flank speed.

1005 Received report that our aviator has been recovered by a float plane.
     Reversed course.

1020 Received report that float plane has capsized. Again headed for area.

1120 Recovered Lt. (jg) R.L. DANA (VCS-13, USS BILIBI) and Lt. (jg) H.J.
     FERRANDA (VF-13, USS FRANKLIN). Sank Lt. Dana's overturned plane with
     20 mm, aided by a few devastating bursts from our fighter cover.

1140 Received report on downed fly-fly south of OKINAWA and again bent on all
     four. Sent one of our fighters and a float plane to search the area.
     Their report was that nothing was in sight when we received a new
     contact, but this pilot had failed to come out of a dive and was,
     unfortunately, beyond our or anybody else's assistance.

1315 Proceeded back to our initial point and took time out enroute to admire
     and photograph the devastation on the beach. Heavy smoke was rising
     from many points on the island into a great fiery black and orange mush-
     room plainly visible 40 miles away. These fires continued throughout
     the night, dying down only to burst out anew time and again. The Jap
     who later admitted slight damage to shore installations made what was
     probably October's most conservative statement.

1550 Torpedo plane crash landed in water ahead. Rescued Lt. (jg) R.G. FREEMAN,
     F.R. 2c, and V.L.S.M. R.J. NOBLE, AO 2c, attached to VTB-14, USS
     WASP. The plane sank almost immediately, but none of the occupants were
     injured.
     Immediately after the rescue, headed for position one mile south of
     OKINAWA for another survivor. Again four Fairbank-Morse engines were
     summoned to the task.

1805 Sighted pilot in rubber boat very close to the beach and apparently
     making no headway in our direction against wind and tide. He was well
     within the 100 fathom curve, but decided to go in anyway. He had already
     been adrift twenty minutes and saw no sign of activity ashore. Also our
     present protectors were
     standing by to strafe as necessary.

1616 Picked up Lt. (jg) J.R. MUSSER (VFP-14, USS WASP). The range to the
     beach at the time of the rescue was 2,800 yards and the bluffy contour
     of the coast and of the trees actually in the shade gave us the impression
     that we were a mile or more. Natives in shacks observed us most curiously,
     but the Japs were apparently far too busy elsewhere to bother us. With little
     hesitation, however, we cleared the area at our best imitation of high
     speed.

1835 Completed lifeguard mission and dismissed fighter cover.

2100 Sent Serial one to ComSubsPac on rescue of aviators.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STRILET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.
Wednesday, 11 October

0525 Made twilight dive and then conducted surface patrol awaiting orders,
      which did not materialize, releasing us from lifeguard duty.

0905 Commenced submerged patrol east of OKINAWA SHIMA.

1925 Surfaced and transited passage between OKINOERABU and OKINAWA SHIMA.
      Strong 150 meg. APR signal during passage was believed to be shore based
      radar on OKINOERABU SHIMA.

                               Thursday, 12 October

      Submerged patrol 20 miles west of IHEYA SHIMA.

2201 Made half hour dive on steady 155 meg. APR contact.

                                 Friday, 13 October

      Submerged patrol in western section of area.

0230 Sighted momentary glow on horizon bearing about 260°T.

0240 Again sighted glow, which may have been a searchlight, bearing 270°T.
      Since there is no land anywhere near this bearing, started a chase on
      four engines.

0335 Dived on steady 155 meg. APR contact.

0400 Surfaced and resumed chase.

0455 Abandoned chase - all was clear visually, by SJ, SD, APR and sound.

                               Saturday, 14 October

1930 Detected 155 meg. APR contact on surfacing. Started a chase and detected 3
      pips, 10 to 14 miles, slowly moving in. Dived when range closed to 6
      miles. (Aircraft Contact #10).

2000 Surfaced, all clear.

2120 SJ radar contact bearing 120°T, range 5 miles. Rapid change of bearing
      indicated a plane, but it soon disappeared and was not seen again (Air-
      craft Contact #11).

2353 Made 20 minute dive for steady 155 meg. APR contact (Aircraft Contact #12)

                                 Sunday, 15 October

      Submerged patrol in western part of area.

                                     - 7 -

— page 65 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STRILET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

Wednesday, 11 October

0525    Made twilight dive and then conducted surface patrol awaiting orders,
        which did not materialize, releasing us from lifeguard duty.

0905    Commenced submerged patrol east of OKINAWA SHIMA.

1925    Surfaced and transited passage between OKINOERABU and OKINAWA SHIMA.
        Strong 150 meg. APR signal during passage was believed to be shore based
        radar on OKINOERABU SHIMA.

                        Thursday, 12 October

        Submerged patrol 20 miles west of IHEYA SHIMA.

2201    Made half hour dive on steady 155 meg. APR contact.

                        Friday, 13 October

        Submerged patrol in western section of area.

0230    Sighted momentary glow on horizon bearing about 260°T.

0240    Again sighted glow, which may have been a searchlight, bearing 270°T.
        Since there is no land anywhere near this bearing, started a chase on
        four engines.

0335    Dived on steady 155 meg. APR contact.

0400    Surfaced and resumed chase.

0455    Abandoned chase - all was clear visually, by SJ, SD, APR and sound.

                        Saturday, 14 October

1930    Detected 155 meg. APR contact on surfacing. Started a chase. SJ and SD detected 3
        pips, 10 to 14 miles, slowly moving in. Dived when range closed to 6
        miles. (Aircraft Contact #10).

2000    Surfaced, all clear.

2120    SJ radar contact bearing 120°T, range 5 miles. Rapid change of bearing
        indicated a plane, but it soon disappeared and was not seen again (Air-
        craft Contact #11).

2353    Made 20 minute dive for steady 155 meg. APR contact (Aircraft Contact #12)

                        Sunday, 15 October

        Submerged patrol in western part of area.

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STURGEON (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

1400 Held Divine Services, attended en masse by our sextet of salvaged fly-
     flys. Our Chaplain, Napoleon Finley, St.lc, continued his outstanding
     work as a parson.

2000 Received ComSubSPac serial directing patrol in center of area to scout
     for Jap fleet units.

Monday, 16 October.

     Decided to patrol on surface to increase area coverage.

0943 SD contact, 30 miles closing to 12 miles. Dived. (Aircraft Contact #13).

1304 Surfaced.

1310 C.C.D. sighted formation of 6 planes heading southward toward OKINAWA
     SHIMA. (Aircraft Contact #14). Dived when range closed to 11 miles
     with one group heading our way, and continued patrol submerged.

Tuesday, 17 October

     Submerged patrol in scouting area.

Wednesday, 18 October

1038 JP reported screws bearing 105°T. Sighted tops of three warships at an
     estimated range of 29,000 yards. (Contact #15). Went to Battle Stations
     and commenced approach. Identified target group as two ATAGO class
     heavy cruisers, one TENRYU class light cruiser and six escorting
     destroyers. One cruiser aircraft circled overhead. (Aircraft Contact
     #15). Enemy was using a 60 degree constant helm zig plan on base course
     320°T, speed 18 knots. We had apparently come through the pass between
     YOROCU and OKINOYERABU SHIMA. Our great distance off the track and high
     speed of the target indicate that we would never get close enough for a
     shot without making a very large zig toward. Navigational plot indicated a
     probable change of base course to the north, which would leave us
     farther out in the cold. However, we closed at high speed, hoping for a
     break.

1105 Escort started pinging.

1115 Heard one very distant depth charge.

1130 Reached a minimum range of 8,000 yards, angle on the bow 110 P. Took
     photographs and sadly watched the enemy go over the hill. JP sound
     targets out beyond 30,000 yards; JP and SD to 28,000 yards on
     screws and 32,000 yards on pinging.

1230 Prepared to surface to send a contact report but detected SD pip at 8
     miles on raising the mast. (Aircraft contact #16).

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— page 66 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STURGEON (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

1400 Held Divine Services, attended en masse by our sextet of salvaged fly-
     boys. Our Chaplain, Napoleon Finley, St.lc, continued his outstanding
     work as a parson.

2000 Received ComSubPac serial directing patrol in center of area to scout
     for Jap fleet units.

     Monday, 16 October.
     Decided to patrol on surface to increase area coverage.

0943 SD contact, 30 miles closing to 12 miles. Dived. (Aircraft Contact #13).

1304 Surfaced.

1310 C.C.D. sighted formation of 6 planes heading southward toward OKINAWA
     SHIMA. (Aircraft Contact #14). Dived when range closed to 11 miles
     with one group heading our way, and continued patrol submerged.

     Tuesday, 17 October
     Submerged patrol in scouting area.

     Wednesday, 18 October

1038 JP reported screws bearing 105°T. Sighted tops of three warships at an
     estimated range of 29,000 yards. (Contact #5). Went to Battle Stations
     and commenced approach. Identified target group as two ATAGO class
     heavy cruisers, one TENRYU class light cruiser and six escorting
     destroyers. One cruiser aircraft circled overhead. (Aircraft Contact
     #15). Enemy was using a 60 degree constant helm zig plan on base course
     320°T, speed 18 knots. He had apparently come through the pass between
     YOROCU and OKINOYERABU SHIMA. Our great distance off the track and high
     speed of the target indicate that we would never get close enough for a
     shot without making a very large zig toward. Navigational plot indicated a
     probable change of base course to the north, which would leave us
     farther out in the cold. However, we closed at high speed, hoping for a
     break.

1105 Escort started pinging.

1115 Heard one very distant depth charge.

1130 Reached a minimum range of 8,000 yards, angle on the bow 110 P. Took
     photographs and sadly watched the enemy go over the hill. JP sound
     targets out beyond 30,000 yards; JP and SD to 28,000 yards on
     screws and 32,000 yards on pinging.

1230 Prepared to surface to send a contact report but detected SD pip at 8
     miles on raising the mast. (Aircraft contact #16).

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STURGEON (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

1300 Surfaced and sent Serial 'two' to ComsubsPac.
1418 SD contacts at 24 and 29 miles. (Aircraft Contact #7).
1421 Lost contacts.
1422 SD contact regained at 26 miles.
1430 Transmission completed. Dived.
1522 JP reported screws bearing 130°T, and periscope shortly after sighted a
single destroyer at a range of about 22,000 yards. (Contact #6). Went to
Battle Stations and commenced approach. Target based on his course 270°T, speed
19. Since his course heads him nowhere from nowhere he decided he was out
to entertain us.
To increase the warmth of the reception, but once more high
speed of the target made the initial distance from the track too great
to overcome. He went by at 10,000 yards but, thinking that he
would probably return either through the area or to the northward of his
present position, continued to close the track throughout the afternoon.
He was not very suspicious, apparently, for he never returned.
1618 Lost contact. JP sound gear again turned in an astonishing performance by
giving absolute accurate bearings on this single destroyer target out to
25,000 yards. When the tip of the mast was disappeared over the horizon
he was still reporting that screws were "loud and clear".
2000 Received orders cancelling scouting line. Headed toward TOKUNA SHIMA
for close in patrol.
2316 Radar reported pip bearing 145°T, range 15,000 yards. Commenced track-
ing but pip was only a suspiciously bright minor lobe on TORI SHIMA.
Took our bogey for its face value, however, and held a short tracking
drill - our first radar tracking on a "real" target since leaving Midway.

Thursday, 19 October
Submerged patrol southwest of AMAMI O SHIMA.

2037 SJ radar contact bearing 100°T (010 rel), range 1,300 yards. Put target
astern at 1,300 and commenced tracking, but pip disappeared after
only four ranges and bearings which gave a very rough check of course
135°T, speed 24. Too slow for a plane, too fast for anything but a PT
boat - we were at a loss to explain the pip. The radar was in excellent
operating condition. In the light of subsequent information we are
certain these "phantom pips" are echoes from enemy (and we mean enemy)
sea gulls.
2108 SJ radar contact bearing 220°T, (130 rel), 1,500 yards. Procedure
exactly the same as above, with the same results. (Phantom #2).

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— page 67 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STURGEON (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

1300 Surfaced and sent Serial 'two' to ComsubsPac.
1418 SD contacts at 24 and 29 miles. (Aircraft Contact #7).
1421 Lost contacts.
1422 SD contact regained at 26 miles.
1430 Transmission completed. Dived.
1522 JP reported screws bearing 130°T, and periscope shortly after sighted a
     single destroyer at a range of about 22,000 yards. (Contact #6). Went to
     Battle Stations and commenced approach. Target based his course heads him nowhere from nowhere.
     19. Since he decided he was out
     to entertain us, but once more high
     speed of the target made the initial distance from the track too great
     to overcome. He went by at 10,000 yards but, thinking that he
     would probably return either through the area or to the northward of his
     present position, continued to close the track throughout the afternoon.
     He was not very suspicious, apparently, for he never returned.
1618 Lost contact. JP sound gear again turned in an astonishing performance by
     giving absolute accurate bearings on this single destroyer target out to
     25,000 yards. When the tip of the mast was disappearing over the horizon
     he was still reporting that screws were "loud and clear".
2000 Received orders cancelling scouting line. Headed toward TOKUNA SHIMA
     for close in patrol.
2316 Radar reported pip bearing 145°T, range 15,000 yards. Commenced track-
     ing but pip was only a suspiciously bright minor lobe on TORI SHIMA.
     Took our bogey for its face value, however, and held a short tracking
     drill - our first radar tracking on a "real" target since leaving Midway.

Thursday, 19 October

Submerged patrol southwest of AMAMI O SHIMA.
2037 SJ radar contact bearing 100°T (010 rel), range 1,300 yards. Put target
     astern at flank speed and commenced tracking, but pip disappeared after
     only four ranges and bearings which gave a very rough check of course
     135°T, speed 24. Too slow for a plane, too fast for anything but a PT
     boat - we were at a loss to explain the pip. The radar was in excellent
     operating condition. In the light of subsequent information we are
     certain these "phantom pips" are echoes from enemy (and we mean enemy)
     sea gulls.
2108 SJ radar contact bearing 220°T, (130 rel), 1,500 yards. Procedure
     exactly the same as above, with the same results. (Phantom #2).

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U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

2254 SJ radar contact bearing 290°T, (000 rel), range 1,500 yards. (Phantom #3)
     For the third time the identical result occurred. Reversed course
     immediately on losing the pip and ran through the area twice without
     regaining contact. The only information we have gathered from three contacts
     is that it is not a plane, wave pip or radar decoy, but possibly a sea
     gull. We would have seen anything else. Our position during these three
     contacts was 15 miles west of TOKUNO SHIMA. Shore based radar believed
     to be bearing directly on us from MINOT RABU SHIMA was noticed throughout,
     whenever we came inside 32,000 yards.

     Friday, 20 October

     Submerged patrol off TOKUNO SHIMA.

1515 Sighted transport plane on a southeast course which came in and landed on
     the airfield on TOKUNO. (Aircraft Contact #18). Three other fighter
     planes were visible on the field.

2000 Tuned SD radar after surfacing. Noticed lights on TOKUNO and headed
     toward.

2045 Aircraft contact on the SJ, range 4,000 yards. (Aircraft Contact #19)
     Dived.

2111 Surfaced. All clear.

2205 Radar contact bearing 035°T, range 7,000 yards. (Contact #7). Commenced
     tracking. Target course 185°T, speed 7, not zigzagging and unescorted.
     The radar was operating at maximum efficiency, having shortly before had
     a large pip on 2,000 foot MINOT RABU SHIMA, and the
     maximum range of 8,500 yards on this target indicated quite a small ship.

2230 Sighted target, a small 1,000 ton spitkit, at 4,000 yards. Decided he
     was worth a torpedo and set three bow tubes at 2 feet. Sea was force 1,
     the night black and moonless.

2236 Fired tubes 3, 5, 6, range 1,500 yards, zero gyros, 105 S track. First
     torpedo broached and ran somewhat erratic. One was seen to pass ahead,
     one astern. All missed. Reason for this miss is believed to be
     erratic torpedo performance unless one torpedo ran under the target.

     Course and speed had checked exactly by navigational plot, DRT and TDC.

2238 Two explosions, twenty seconds apart, possibly torpedoes or depth charges.
     If these were not torpedoes, there were no gun explosions.

2245 Commenced second approach at flank speed. Target changed course 50°
     left to head for passage north of TOKUNO SHIMA.

2315 Broke off approach. We could not get into attack position again before

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[UNCLEAR: C O N F I D E N T I A L]
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

2254 SJ radar contact bearing 290°T, (000 rel), range 1,500 yards. (Phantom #3)
     For the third time the identical result occurred. Reversed course
     immediately on losing the pip and ran through the area twice without
     regaining contact. The only information we have gathered from three contacts
     is that it is not a plane, wave pip or radar decoy, but possibly a sea
     gull. We would have seen anything else. Our position during these three
     contacts was 15 miles west of TOKUNO SHIMA. Shore based radar believed
     to be bearing directly on us from MINOT RABU SHIMA was noticed throughout,
     whenever we came inside 32,000 yards.

     Friday, 20 October

     Submerged patrol off TOKUNO SHIMA.

1515 Sighted transport plane on a southeast course which came in and landed on
     the airfield on TOKUNO. (Aircraft Contact #18). Three other fighter
     planes were visible on the field.

2000 Tuned SD radar after surfacing. Noticed lights on TOKUNO and headed
     toward.

2045 Aircraft contact on the SJ, range 4,000 yards. (Aircraft Contact #19)
     Dived.

2111 Surfaced. All clear.

2205 Radar contact bearing 035°T, range 7,000 yards. (Contact #7). Commenced
     tracking. Target course 185°T, speed 7, not zigzagging and unescorted.
     The radar was operating at maximum efficiency, having shortly before had
     a large pip on 2,000 foot MINOT RABU SHIMA, and the
     maximum range of 8,500 yards on this target indicated quite a small ship.

2230 Sighted target, a small 1,000 ton spitkit, at 4,000 yards. Decided he
     was worth a torpedo and set three bow tubes at 2 feet. Sea was force 1,
     the night black and moonless.

2236 Fired tubes 3, 5, 6, range 1,500 yards, zero gyros, 105 S track. First
     torpedo broached and ran somewhat erratic. One was seen to pass ahead,
     one astern. All missed. Reason for this miss is believed to be
     erratic torpedo performance unless one torpedo ran under the target.

     Course and speed had checked exactly by navigational plot, DRT and TDC.

2238 Two explosions, twenty seconds apart, possibly torpedoes or depth charges.
     If these were not torpedoes, there were no gun explosions.

2245 Commenced second approach at flank speed. Target changed course 50°
     left to head for passage north of TOKUNO SHIMA.

2315 Broke off approach. We could not get into attack position again before

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STRELIT (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol
target got behind island, effectively cutting us off, unless we fell in
astern and followed him through the shallow passage.

Reversed course and headed for area MERIDEN.

2329 Radar contact bearing 073°T, 7,300 yards. (Phantom #4). Pip disappeared
     after only a few ranges and bearings.

2359 Radar contact bearing 058°T, 4,550 yards. Pip again disappeared very
     shortly, having been tracked on course 130°T at about 10 knots. (Phantom #5).
     In an area where radar equipped planes are common at night, these
     incidents were becoming decidedly annoying.

                         Saturday, 21 October

Submerged patrol between AMAMI and TOKUNO SHIMA.

                         Sunday, 22 October

Submerged patrol 12 miles south of TOKUNO SHIMA.

1025 Sighted radio equipped sampan bearing 105°T, range 3,500 yards. (Contact
     #6). Avoided.

1204 Heard two distant depth charges.

1236 Sighted single BETTY, range 7 miles. (Aircraft contact #23).

2255 Radar contact bearing 025°T, 2,900 yards. (Phantom #6).

                         Monday, 23 October

Submerged patrol between TOKUNO SHIMA and AMAMI SHIMA.

0205 Radar contact bearing 034°T, range 10,000 yards. (Contact #9). Target
     course 245°T, speed 7. Our "steerable" unit soon broke the pip into five
     pips of equal size on a north and south line of bearing, very close
     together.

0236 Sighted targets, a very disappointing sampan fleet. They were too small
     for a torpedo and in the present close proximity to enemy air bases did
     not believe a gun attack was wise. Broke off attack and opened range to
     south.

0325 Noted unfamiliar radar interference on the SJ, bearing 051°T, drawing
     left. Came to course north to intercept.

0340 Again made radar contact with the fishing fleet dead ahead, range 13,000
     yards. Plot indicated that they had just changed course to 180°. Came
     to 020°T to clear.

0420 Radar contact in rain cloud bearing 010°T, range 13,000 yards. Thought
     it was only a cloud pip until range closed to 2,600 yards and then put it

                               - 11 -

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STRELIT (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol
target got behind island, effectively cutting us off, unless we fell in
astern and followed him through the shallow passage.

Reversed course and headed for area MERIDEN.

Saturday, 21 October

2329 Radar contact bearing 073°T, 7,300 yards. (Phantom #4). Pip disappeared
     after only a few ranges and bearings.

2359 Radar contact bearing 058°T, 4,550 yards. Pip again disappeared very
     shortly, having been tracked on course 130°T at about 10 knots. (Phantom #5).
     In an area where radar equipped planes are common at night, these
     incidents were becoming decidedly annoying.

Sunday, 22 October

Submerged patrol between AMAMI and YOKOHATE SHIMA.

Submerged patrol 12 miles south of YOKOHATE SHIMA.

1025 Sighted radio equipped sampan bearing 105°T, range 3,500 yards. (Contact
     #6). Avoided.

1204 Heard two distant depth charges.

1236 Sighted single BETTY, range 7 miles. (Aircraft contact #23).

2255 Radar contact bearing 025°T, 2,900 yards. (Phantom #6).

Monday, 23 October

Submerged patrol between TAKARA SHIMA and AMAMI SHIMA.

0205 Radar contact bearing 034°T, range 10,000 yards. (Contact #9). Target
     course 245°T, speed 7. Our "steerable" unit soon broke the pip into five
     ships of equal size on a north and south line of bearing, very close
     together.

0236 Sighted targets, a very disappointing sampan fleet. They were too small
     for a torpedo and in the present close proximity to enemy air bases did
     not believe a gun attack was wise. Broke off attack and opened range to
     south.

0325 Noted unfamiliar radar interference on the SJ, bearing 051°T, drawing
     left. Came to course north to intercept.

0340 Again made radar contact with the fishing fleet dead ahead, range 13,000
     yards. Plot indicated that they had just changed course to 180°. Came
     to 020°T to clear.

0420 Radar contact in rain cloud bearing 010°T, range 13,000 yards. Thought
     it was only a cloud pip until range closed to 2,600 yards and then put it

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STARLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

astern and commenced tracking just in case. Target tracked irregularly
on course 270°T but speed was very close to 18 knots. Continued
to close with target astern until pip was lost at 600 yards. Despite
very good visibility and phosphorescent water, nothing was ever sighted.
Officially classed it as Phantom #7, but many other classifications have
been voiced around the ship, none of which are printable.

1140 Sighted sampan bearing 070°T, distance 5,000 yards. (Contact #10) Avoided.

1507 Sighted single BETTY bearing 073°T, distance 12 miles. (Aircraft contact
# 24).

Tuesday, 24 October

Submerged patrol 15 miles west of GAJA SHIMA.

0245 Radar contact bearing 138°T, range 10,000 yards. (Contact #11). Target
turned out to be a large sampan, too small for a torpedo. Again decided
not to use the gun in view of our close proximity to enemy air bases.

2045 Radar contact bearing 075°T, range 5,000 yards. (Phantom #8). Phantom course
235°T, speed 26.

2051 Lost contact.

Wednesday, 25 October

Submerged patrol making transit of TOKARA KAIKYO.

0215 Avoided Phantom #9, initial range 4,400 yards, speed 15. Nothing in
sight in bright moonlight.

Attacks No. 2 and 3 10,000 ton gasoline tanker - SUNK (DD)
One unidentified radar pip - SUNK

0319 Radar contact bearing 065°T, range 18,000 yards. (Contact #12). Target
group consisted of two large pips which later proved to be a very large
gasoline tanker and another tanker or large freighter, with a DD
aboard to starboard, an escorting destroyer trailing about 5,000 yards
astern, and two PC escorts keeping rather haphazard stations on the flanks.
Target base course was 232°T, speed 9.5, with zigs on ten minute legs.
Decided to take the big ships on the first attack and then a shot at the DD
if we could get her in position on a second attack. Light conditions were
just about ideal for our camouflage, and so figured we could get both
attacks off just before dawn. There was no APR signal or any other
evidence of radar.

0405 Headed in for first attack. PC escorts very kindly went to the opposite
side of the formation. Coming in on 90 P track, two gyros, run 1,500
yards when

0409 targets zigged toward just as we were about to start shooting. Should
have guessed zig was due when escorts shifted station. C showed a full.

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STARLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

astern and commenced tracking just in case. Target tracked irregularly
on course 270°T, but speed was very close to 18 knots. Range continued
to close with target astern until pip was lost at 600 yards. Despite
very good visibility and phosphorescent water, nothing was ever sighted.
Officially classed it as Phantom #7, but many other classifications have
been voiced around the ship, none of which are printable.

1140 Sighted sampan bearing 070°T, distance 5,000 yards. (Contact #10) Avoided.

1507 Sighted single BETTY bearing 073°T, distance 12 miles. (Aircraft contact
# 24).

Tuesday, 24 October

Submerged patrol 15 miles west of GAJA SHIMA.

0245 Radar contact bearing 138°T, range 10,000 yards. (Contact #11). Target
turned out to be a large sampan, too small for a torpedo. Again decided
not to use the gun in view of our close proximity to enemy air bases.

2045 Radar contact bearing 075°T, range 5,000 yards. (Phantom #8). Phantom course
235°T, speed 26.

2051. Lost contact.

Wednesday, 25 October

Submerged patrol making transit of TOKARA KAIKYO.

0215 Avoided Phantom #9, initial range 4,400 yards, speed 15. Nothing in
sight in bright moonlight.

Attacks No. 2 and 3 10,000 ton gasoline tanker - SUNK (DD)
One unidentified radar pip - SUNK

0319 Radar contact bearing 065°T, range 18,000 yards. (Contact #12). Target
group consisted of two large pips which later proved to be a very large
gasoline tanker and another tanker or large freighter, very close
aboard to starboard, an escorting destroyer trailing about 5,000 yards
astern, and two PC escorts keeping rather haphazard stations on the flanks.
Target course was 232°T, speed 9.5, with zigs of ten minute legs.
Decided to take the big ships on the first attack and then a shot at the DD
if we could get her in position on a second attack. Light conditions were
just about ideal for our camouflage, and so figured we could get both
attacks off just before dawn. There was no APR signal or any other
evidence of radar.

0405 Headed in for first attack. PC escorts very kindly went to the opposite
side of the formation. Coming in on 90 P track, two gyros, run 1,500
yards when

0409 targets zigged toward just as we were about to start shooting. Should
have guessed zig was due when escorts shifted station. C showed a full

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— page 71 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S. STURGEON (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

silhouette at 1,200 yards as we cleared his bow at flank speed, but their
lookouts were all cross-eyed as far as this convoy was concerned.

0415 With one dry run under our belts, stopped to control
four stern tubes at the big tanker from his starboard
105°. No hits. The reason for these misses is not known.
speed were accurate and setup checked perfectly.
reloaded, and commenced third try.

0421 to
0423 Four end of run explosions. To our amazement all the escorts immediately
proceeded to the scene of the explosions, leaving us a completely clear
field with the target group. We could now class the stern shots as
"tactical".

0430 Fired six bow tubes at two overlapping targets, very close together in
range. Gyros were almost zero, track 110 S, range 3,000 yards. Three
timed hits were observed in the large tanker, one in the other ship,
followed by the most devastating explosion imaginable. A tremendous ball
of fire and smoke lighted up the whole sky and a ship's bow leaped fifty
feet into the clear. A fully loaded gasoline tanker had disappeared in
a matter of seconds. Commenced tracking the remaining target as we pulled
clear to reload. He had slowed to four knots and had apparently lost
steering control, though pip was still very large on the radar screen.

0445 Pip disappeared from the screen just as quickly as it appeared. The range
was then 6,000 yards. One of the destroyer and
two PC escorts had remained, and they in the meantime were milling around
the scene of the explosion in a very vicious manner. A
total of seventeen depth charges were dropped, the last of which was a
block-buster which rattled the ship at 8,000 yards.

0515 Since we now did not have sufficient time for another attack before dawn,
cleared the scene along the enemy's track hoping for a submerged attack
after sunrise.

0535 Destroyer changed course to East. Fearing that we would be left out in
the cold, came to 070°T at flank speed to be on his new track.

0543 Dawn was breaking all around and decided we could not escape discovery on
the surface any longer. Dived and continued to close submerged. It soon
appeared, however, that the remaining three ships were either picking up
survivors or looking for us, so decided to wait and hope for a crack at
the destroyer if he strayed our way.

0552 Destroyer headed our way. Identified him as a ITBU and made ready bow
tubes.

0715 Destroyer reversed course and rejoined his friends.
A single RUFF joined the search group. (Aircraft contact 725). The air and
surface search continued throughout the morning while we watched the cat
at the mouse hole.

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S. STURGEON (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

silhouette at 1,200 yards as we cleared his bow at flank speed, but their
lookouts were all cross-eyed as far as this convoy was concerned.

0415 With one dry run under our belts, stopped to control
four stern tubes at the big tanker from his starboard
105°. No hits. The reason for these misses is not known.
speed were accurate and setup checked perfectly.
reloaded, and commenced third try.

0421 to
0423 Four end of run explosions. To our amazement all the escorts immediately
proceeded to the scene of the explosions, leaving us a completely clear
field with the target group. We could now class the stern shots as
"tactical".

0430 Fired six bow tubes at two overlapping targets, very close together in
range. Gyros were almost zero, track 110 S, range 3,000 yards. Three
timed hits were observed in the large tanker, one in the other ship,
followed by the most devastating explosion imaginable. A tremendous ball
of fire and smoke lighted up the whole sky and a ship's bow leaped fifty
feet into the clear. A fully loaded gasoline tanker had disappeared in
a matter of seconds. Commenced tracking the remaining target as we pulled
clear to reload. He had slowed to four knots and had apparently lost
steering control, though pip was still very large on the radar screen.

0445 Pip disappeared from the screen just as quickly as it appeared. The range
was then 6,000 yards. One of the destroyer and
two PC escorts had remained, and they in the meantime were milling around
the scene of the explosion in a very vicious manner. A
total of seventeen depth charges were dropped, the last of which was a
block-buster which rattled the ship at 8,000 yards.

0515 Since we now did not have sufficient time for another attack before dawn,
cleared the scene along the enemy's track hoping for a submerged attack
after sunrise.

0535 Destroyer changed course to East. Fearing that we would be left out in
the cold, came to 070°T at flank speed to be on his new track.

0543 Dawn was breaking all around and decided we could not escape discovery on
the surface any longer. Dived and continued to close submerged. It soon
appeared, however, that the remaining three ships were either picking up
survivors or looking for us, so decided to wait and hope for a crack at
the destroyer if he strayed our way.

0552 Destroyer headed our way. Identified him as a ITBU and made ready bow
tubes.

0715 Destroyer reversed course and rejoined his friends.
A single RUFF joined the search group. (Aircraft contact 725). The air and
surface search continued throughout the morning while we watched the cat
at the mouse hole.

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

0835 The MITSUKI seemed to abandon the search and headed toward us, apparently
     on his way home. Again commenced an approach. Target was using a wide
     constant helm zig zag and zigging base course in addition.

0845 The MITSUKI reached a minimum range of 4,800 yards, angle on the bow 140 P.
     Decided our run of luck had been pushed far enough and cleared the area.

     As a result of this tiff with the enemy, one 600 to 675 foot tanker was
     seen to blow up and sink and one other target, probably another tanker,
     was seen to sink by radar.
                                                                All the ship knows is that of
     five original targets three were left after the attacks and only two of
     the five were ever seen visually until the following morning when only
     three escorts remained.

0930 O.O.D. found himself outstaring Jap zoomie through the periscope. By his
     own stuttering description, he could see only fuselage, part of a wing,
     and the red nose of the plane, even with the periscope in low power. It
     was apparently a RUFE. (Aircraft contact # 26). He immediately went to
     100 feet.

1000 Back at periscope depth. Plane still here. Went back down.

1420 Surprised by a very close depth charge. Went deep post-haste. (Aircraft
     contact #27).

1443 Another very close one. This one kicked us around and started several
     superstructure rattles. Our fixes had shown that our speed could just
     hold us in position off the rock against the current but since this spot
     was hot, decided to use speed and current to get through the narrow pass.
     Since the plane held us down went through YOKUNA KAIPYO at 150 feet.

1950 Well clear of rocks, shoals and air escorts. Surfaced off TAKU SHIMA.
     This was a nice fast trip but is not recommended as normal procedure.

2218 Radar contact bearing 264° T, 29,000 yards. (Contact # 13). Target course
     was determined to be 045° T, speed 10. The extreme initial range indicated
     a very large ship, and in view of the fleet engagement to the south of us
     we began hoping for a carrier.

2230 Observed red light on ship. Our hopes took a sudden rise. Our carrier
     was taking aboard his dusk anti-submarine air patrol.

2255 Ship identified as a hospital ship, properly marked. With extreme feel-
     ings of regret, watched him go by on his way to BUNGO SUIDO.

     Hoping to intercept more traffic coming up from the south, decided to
     spend a few days submerged in this section of the area.

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

0835 The MITSUKI seemed to abandon the search and headed toward us, apparently
     on his way home. Again commenced an approach. Target was using a wide
     constant helm zig zag and zigging base course in addition.

0845 The MITSUKI reached a minimum range of 4,800 yards, angle on the bow 140 P.
     Decided our run of luck had been pushed far enough and cleared the area.

     As a result of this tiff with the enemy, one 600 to 675 foot tanker was
     seen to blow up and sink and one other target, probably another tanker,
     was seen to sink by radar.
                                                                All the ship knows is that of
     five original targets three were left after the attacks and only two of
     the five were ever seen visually until the following morning when only
     three escorts remained.

0930 O.O.D. found himself outstaring Jap zoomie through the periscope. By his
     own stuttering description, he could see only fuselage, part of a wing,
     and the red nose of the plane, even with the periscope in low power. It
     was apparently a RUFE. (Aircraft contact # 26). He immediately went to
     100 feet.

1000 Back at periscope depth. Plane still here. Went back down.

1420 Surprised by a very close depth charge. Went deep post-haste. (Aircraft
     contact #27).

1443 Another very close one. This one kicked us around and started several
     superstructure rattles. Our fixes had shown that our speed could just
     hold us in position off the rock against the current but since this spot
     was hot, decided to use speed and current to get through the narrow pass.
     Since the plane held us down went through YOKUNA KAIPYO at 150 feet.

1950 Well clear of rocks, shoals and air escorts. Surfaced off TAKU SHIMA.
     This was a nice fast trip but is not recommended as normal procedure.

2218 Radar contact bearing 264° T, 29,000 yards. (Contact # 13). Target course
     was determined to be 045° T, speed 10. The extreme initial range indicated
     a very large ship, and in view of the fleet engagement to the south of us
     we began hoping for a carrier.

2230 Observed red light on ship. Our hopes took a sudden rise. Our carrier
     was taking aboard his dusk anti-submarine air patrol.

2255 Ship identified as a hospital ship, properly marked. With extreme feel-
     ings of regret, watched him go by on his way to BUNGO SUIDO.

     Hoping to intercept more traffic coming up from the south, decided to
     spend a few days submerged in this section of the area.

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— page 73 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

Thursday, 26 October

0130 Sighted lights of many small fishing boats. (Contact 14).

1310 Momentarily sighted yellow life raft ahead and then lost it in the
     periscope.

1328 Surfaced to relocate raft.

1336 SD contact 20 miles: (Aircraft Contact 28).

1338 Dived when range closed to 12 miles. Raft had not been seen again.

2128 Radar contact bearing 275°T, range 5,000 yards. (Contact 15). Closed
     and exchanged information with CROMER. She agreed to patrol to the east-
     ward overnight to assist in our search for returning enemy fleet units.

27-28 October

Submerged patrol in northern boundary of area MIKADO.

Sunday, 29 October

Decided to work our way submerged along the east coast of TAIWAN. Sent
to search for a reported convoy. Surfaced 30 miles southeast of TAIWAN.
SIT and commenced surface search.

0000 Received SDO contact report on two battleships heading for TOKYO on
     bearing 050°T, speed 22. Went to full power and headed to intercept,
     figuring to make contact at 0230.

0020 Made radar contact with RONQUIL bearing 006°T, 11,500 yards. (Contact
     16). Exchanged information and commenced joint search with BUSUGO and
     RONQUIL, with BUSUGO as impromptu wolf-pack commander.

0230 Reached enemy position and commenced search on track.

0415 Radar contact bearing 285°T, range 25,000 yards. Sent contact report
     to BUSUGO and RONQUIL and commenced tracking. Target group consisted of
     two battleships and four destroyers, the near screen destroyers being normal-
     ing normal to the track, outer screens broad on the bows of the main
     group. Battleships were 1,000 yards abeam, screens at 4,000 and 8,000
     yard circles. Our position on initial contact was 12 miles from the
     target on the starboard beam of the formation. Went to emergency full
     power and blew safety to try to coax out another quarter of a knot, but
     against a 20 knot enemy speed we were gaining only very slowly. The
     enemy was clearly in view in the three-quarter moonlight, but we felt safe
     in escaping detection outside of 12,000 yards. There was no evidence of
     enemy radar.

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— page 73 —
- 15 -
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.
Thursday, 26 October
0130 Sighted lights of many small fishing boats. (Contact 14).
1310 Momentarily sighted yellow life raft ahead and then lost it in the
periscope.
1328 Surfaced to relocate raft.
1336 SD contact 20 miles: (Aircraft Contact 28).
1338 Dived when range closed to 12 miles. Raft had not been seen again.
2128 Radar contact bearing 275°T, range 5,000 yards. (Contact 15). Closed
and exchanged information with CROMER. She agreed to patrol to the east-
ward overnight to assist in our search for returning enemy fleet units.
27-28 October
Submerged patrol in northern boundary of area MIKADO.
Sunday, 29 October
Decided to work our way submerged along the east coast of TAIWAN. Sent
to search for a reported convoy. Surfaced 30 miles southeast of TAIWAN.
Sent and commenced surface search.
0000 Received SDO contact report on two battleships heading for TOKYO on
base course 050°T, speed 22. Went to full power and headed to intercept,
figuring to make contact at 0230.
0020 Made radar contact with RONQUIL bearing 006°T, 11,500 yards. (Contact
16). Exchanged information and commenced joint search with BUSUGO and
RONQUIL, with BUSUGO as impromptu wolf-pack commander.
0230 Reached enemy position and commenced search on track.
0415 Radar contact bearing 285°T, range 25,000 yards. Sent contact report
to BUSUGO and RONQUIL and commenced tracking. Target group consisted of
two battleships and four destroyers, the near screen destroyers on a line of bear-
ing normal to the track, outer screens broad on the bows of the main
group. Battleships were 1,000 yards abeam, screens at 4,000 and 8,000
yard circles. Our position on initial contact was 12 miles from the
target on the starboard beam of the formation. Went to emergency full
power and blew safety to try to coax out another quarter of a knot, but
against a 20 knot enemy speed we were gaining only very slowly. The
enemy was clearly in view in the three-quarter moonlight, but we felt safe
in escaping detection outside of 12,000 yards. There was no evidence of
enemy radar.

— page 74 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STURLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol
                                                                115 S.

0502    Reached minimum range of 13,000 yards, angle on bow.

0505    Enemy changed base course to North, showing us a 160 S angle on the bow.
        It was first thought that he was changing course to head into either
        SUIGO or KII SUIDO, but on analyzing the plot later, it seemed more likely
        that he possessed an SJ radar detector (The SJ radar was secured.) and
        merely ran a circle around us. Since both the other boats with us were
        East and South, neither were able to make contact.

0520    Lost radar contact at a range of 29,000 yards.

0535    Sent contact report to ComSubPac.

0540    Made sight contact with EMSUCO (Contact 17) and since
        periscope on enemy. Continued trailing at 20 knots.

0630    Lost contact with enemy bearing 344°T, range 20 miles.

0645    Submerged and continued patrol in enemy track.

1600    Surfaced.

2000
        Attack No. 4; Gun Attack No. 2. 1,000 ton armed trawler - SUNK (EU).

2037    Radar contact bearing 160°T, range 12,700 yards. (Contact 18). Commen-
        ced tracking. Target was on course 080°T, speed 7.5, not zigzagging and
        unescorted. Setup looked suspicious since his course leads him nowhere
        apparently. Target appeared to be a small AK in the moonlight, but
        I recognized the possibility that he might be a DD. Not wishing to disclose
        our position through a possible radar detector, secured both radars and
        tracked by visual bearings alone, checking ranges by visual bearings at
        intervals. By training the SJ on the target before turning on the high
        voltage, a range could be obtained with the radar on for only about three
        seconds. Since the target was not zig-zagging, tracking in this manner
        was quite simple.

2153    Submerged in targets track, 8,000 yards ahead. Target was not picked up
        by sound until range closed to 4,000 yards, at which time periscope
        showed that he had slowed to 4½ knots.

2217    Sound reported target speeded up. Increased target speed to 8.

2220    Fired three stern tubes, depth 4 feet, 180 gyros, run 2,200 yards.

2221    Fired fourth stern tube using target speed 10, depth set zero, gyro 163.
        All torpedoes missed. It is believed that target was smaller than
        originally thought, and hence periscope ranges gave too high speed and too
        great a range at firing.

                                                                - 16 -

— page 75 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STARLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

2230 Four end of run explosions. Target did not change course or speed.

2245 Surfaced. First radar range indicated firing range was 1,400 yards
     instead of 2,200. Misses are therefore due to control error.

2258 Went to Gun Action stations and began closing target from the starboard
     quarter.

2322 Opened fire with 4", 20 mm, .50 and .30 cal., range 1,200 yards. First 4"
     shot was a hit in the stern and definitely accounted for what was believed
     to be a gun aft. All guns performed superbly, 4" getting about 60% hits and
     machine guns putting up a murderous barrage which thoroughly discouraged, if
     not completely eliminated, all thoughts at resistance by the enemy. Fire
     broke out amidships and was seen burning brightly, showing a new and smart-
     looking, steel hulled ship about 200 feet long. Three machine guns and an
     RDF loop were mounted over the bridge, possibly one large gun aft. Fore-
     mast and mainmast were very tall; stack squat with a rake aft. A new Jap
     merchant ensign was flying aft, and two lifeboats were swung in the davits
     amidships.

2344 Target sank. The hull, brilliantly lighted by the fire, was riddled by
     countless holes of all descriptions. Cleared area until oil fire on the
     surface burned out and then returned to recover a prisoner, but no
     survivors could be found in the wreckage. One new Kapok life ring, also
     riddled, was recovered from the water.

Having now lost three hours in this attack, decided we could not make
contact with the reported convoy, and took departure at standard speed
for Midway.

                         Monday, 30 October.

0330 Received report on enemy ship crossing track 110 miles astern. Reversed
     course to intercept, hoping for contact late this afternoon.

0711 Submerged for 40 minutes for strong APR signal.

1400 Reached estimated enemy track and commenced search.

1450 Made radar and visual contact on submarine bearing 176°T, range 13,000
     yards. (Contact # 20). Believed to be SILVERSIDES or
     the combination of submarines searching this area for a retiring Jap war
     vessels and a miniature convoy search. The accounting of additional
     scouting force in this area, and the identification was only a good guess.

1530 Received SALMON contact report on tanker with two escorts.

1645 Received SILVERSIDES report that TRIGGER had stopped tanker.

1700 Received SALMON amplified contact report. Our search should have made
     contact by now.

                               - 17 -

— page 75 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

2230 Four end of run explosions. Target did not change course or speed.

2245 Surfaced. First radar range indicated firing range was 1,400 yards
     instead of 2,200. Misses are therefore due to control error.

2258 Went to Gun Action stations and began closing target from the starboard
     quarter.

2322 Opened fire with 4", 20 mm, .50 and .30 cal., range 1,200 yards. First 4"
     shot was a hit in the stern and definitely accounted for what was believed
     to be a gun aft. All guns performed superbly, 4" getting about 60% hits and
     machine guns putting up a murderous barrage which thoroughly discouraged, if
     not completely eliminated, all thoughts at resistance by the enemy. Fire
     broke out amidships and was seen burning brightly, showing a new and smart-
     looking, steel hulled ship about 200 feet long. Three machine guns and an
     RDF loop were mounted over the bridge, possibly one large gun aft. Fore-
     mast and mainmast were very tall; stack squat with a rake aft. A new Jap
     merchant ensign was flying aft, and two lifeboats were swung in the davits
     amidships.

2344 Target sank. The hull, brilliantly lighted by the fire, was riddled by
     countless holes of all descriptions. Cleared area until oil fire on the
     surface burned out and then returned to recover a prisoner, but no
     survivors could be found in the wreckage. One new Kapok life ring, also
     riddled, was recovered from the water.

Having now lost three hours in this attack, decided we could not make
contact with the reported convoy, and took departure at standard speed
for Midway.

                         Monday, 30 October.

0330 Received report on enemy ship crossing track 110 miles astern. Reversed
     course to intercept, hoping for contact late this afternoon.

0711 Submerged for 40 minutes for strong APR signal.

1400 Reached estimated enemy track and commenced search.

1450 Made radar and visual contact on submarine bearing 176°T, range 13,000
     yards. (Contact # 20). Believed to be SILVERSIDES or a
     combination of submarines searching this area for a retiring Jap war
     vessels and a miniature convoy search. The accounting of additional
     scouting force in this area, and the identification was only a good guess.

1530 Received SALMON contact report on tanker with two escorts.

1645 Received SILVERSIDES report that TRIGGER had stopped tanker.

1700 Received SALMON amplified contact report. Our search should have made
     contact by now.

                                 - 17 -

— page 76 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

2000 Received BURFISH report that she was closing tanker.

2052 Sighted and closed ROMUL and exchanged greetings and mutual lack of infor-
     mation. (Contact #21).

2128 Set course East for Midway.

2140 Received information that TRICORN was still in contact and her garbled
     message indicated a battleship was in the vicinity. Although this was not
     correct as subsequent events disclosed, we headed for best estimate of the
     position.

2253 Sighted gun flashes and headed towards at flank speed.

          Attach No. 5. 14,000 ton tanker - SUNK (IC).

2355 Radar contact bearing 046°T, range 17,200. (Contact #22). Target was soon
     discovered to be our long looked for tanker, lying dead in the water and
     slightly down by the stern with no escorts near. This was close to the
     simplest attack of the war. Radar interference from one other submarine
     was noted on the far side of the tanker, but could not identify or exchange
     information.

                         Tuesday, 31 October

0035 Fired six bow tubes, run 3,000 yards, zero gyros, 45 ft track. Observed at
     least four hits and saw tanker sink almost immediately. Our evasion
     consisted of simply resuming course and speed for Midway. Gunfire had stop-
     ped.

0038 Radar contact bearing 115°T, range 12,000 yards. (Contact #23). Three pips
     were soon discovered with strong BJ radar interference on the bearing of one
     of them. Believed to be our other submarine TRICORN or SILVERSIDES.
     With only one torpedo left, felt we could be of very small assistance.

0230 Received report from BUSUCO that SALMON was damaged and unable to dive.
     Headed for rendezvous position ordered by BUSUCO.

0425 Made contact with SILVERSIDES, also proceeding to rendezvous. (Contact #24).

0530 Still enroute rendezvous, reversed course on receipt of BUSUCO's order to
     close SALMON track.

0540 Transmitted dope to ComSubPac as directed by BUSUCO.

0948 Faint APR contact at 500 megs. Stayed up and hoped that plane would see
     one of us who could dive rather than SALMON who is helpless on the surface.

1100 Reached SALMON track.

                                 - 18 -

— page 76 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

2000 Received BURRFISH report that she was closing tanker.
2052 Sighted and closed ROMUL and exchanged greetings and mutual lack of infor-
mation. (Contact #21).
2128 Set course East for Midway.
2140 Received information that TRICORN was still in contact and her garbled
message indicated a battleship was in the vicinity. Although this was not
correct as subsequent events disclosed, we headed for best estimate of the
position.
2253 Sighted gun flashes and headed towards at flank speed.

Attach No. 5. 14,000 ton tanker - SUNK (IC).

2355 Radar contact bearing 046°T, range 17,200. (Contact #22). Target was soon
discovered to be our long looked for tanker, lying dead in the water and
slightly down by the stern with no escorts near. This was close to the
simplest attack of the war. Radar interference came from the far side of the
war. Radar interference came from the far side of the tanker, but could not identify or exchange
information.

Tuesday, 31 October

0035 Fired six bow tubes, run 3,000 yards, zero gyros, 45 F track. Observed at
least four hits and saw tanker sink almost immediately. Our evasion
consisted of simply resuming course and speed for Midway. Gunfire had stop-
ped.
0038 Radar contact bearing 115°T, range 12,000 yards. (Contact #23). Three pips
were soon discovered with strong BJ radar interference on the bearing of one
of them. Believed to be our other submarine TRICORN or SILVERSIDES.
With only one torpedo left, felt we could be of very small assistance.
0230 Received report from BUSUCO that SALMON was damaged and unable to dive.
Headed for rendezvous position ordered by BUSUCO.
0425 Made contact with SILVERSIDES, also proceeding to rendezvous. (Contact #24).
0530 Still enroute rendezvous, reversed course on receipt of BUSUCO's order to
close SALMON track.
0540 Transmitted dope to ComSubPac as directed by BUSUCO.
0948 Faint APR contact at 500 megs. Stayed up and hoped that plane would see
one of us who could dive rather than SALMON who is helpless on the surface.
1100 Reached SALMON track.

- 18 -

— page 77 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STALLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

1140 Again contacted SILVERSIDES who initiated a joint search.

1300 Received new S.O.P. position report.

2225 Sighted red rocket bearing 056°T. Headed toward at flank speed.

2245 Sighted and closed SALLON and TRIGGER. Message to S.O.P.: "Glad to see you."
     Message to STALLET from SALLON: "You sure look sweet to us." Executive
     Officer of SALLON had been badly damaged by depth charges and could not dive. Having come
     aboard and gave us the dope. SALLON thought they could make it without transferring anyone.
     but all they wanted and received was some belted .50
     caliber ammunition. We then stood by TRIGGER and SALLON to exchange further
     dope.

Wednesday, 1 November

0007 Torpedo wakes close aboard. Went ahead full and paralleled track. Told
     SALLON: "Emergency torpedo X. Let's get movin'." SALLON and TRIGGER started
     moving with no hesitation.

0015 TRIGGER and STALLET formed up on either bow of SALLON enroute Saipan.

     After daybreak SILVERSIDES took TRIGGER position and with TRIGGER on the
     horizon up ahead, we continued on to Saipan. Many turn and speed changes were
     made as SALLON was making what repairs she could make and we finally settled
     down at about sixteen knots. They certainly deserve a world of credit for
     the amazing job of repairs and deserve the admiration of everyone for the
     fighting job of pulling out of an almost totally helpless position.

     We felt that we should do more than just cruise along with them but we hoped
     at least to be able to attract and attack any Japs that SALLON got clear.
     If nothing else we gave them moral support by our near presence. However,
     luck was with us and no Japs contacted the formation.

1415 Air cover joined group and reported shooting down one snooper south of us
     enroute.

Thursday, 2 November

     enroute Saipan.

Friday, 3 November

1440 Rendezvoused with surface escort.

2010 Moored alongside USS HOLLAND, T.A.P.O Harbor, Saipan.

- 19 -

— page 77 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STALLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

1140 Again contacted SILVERSIDES who initiated a joint search.

1300 Received new S.O.P. position report.

2225 Sighted red rocket bearing 056°T. Headed toward at flank speed.

2245 Sighted and closed SALLON and TRIGGER. Message to S.O.P.: "Glad to see you."
     Message to STALLET from SALLON: "You sure look sweet to us." Executive
     Officer of SALLON had been badly damaged by depth charges and could not dive. Having come
     aboard and gave us the dope. SALLON thought they could make it without transferring anyone.
     but all they wanted and received was some belted .50
     caliber ammunition. We then stood by TRIGGER and SALLON to exchange further
     dope.

Wednesday, 1 November

0007 Torpedo wakes close aboard. Went ahead full and paralleled track. Told
     SALLON: "Emergency torpedo X. Let's get movin'." SALLON and TRIGGER started
     moving with no hesitation.

0015 TRIGGER and STALLET formed up on either bow of SALLON enroute Saipan.

     After daybreak SILVERSIDES took TRIGGER position and with TRIGGER on the
     horizon up ahead, we continued on to Saipan. Many turn and speed changes were
     made as SALLON was making what repairs she could make and we finally settled
     down at about sixteen knots. They certainly deserve a world of credit for
     the amazing job of repairs and deserve the admiration of everyone for the
     fighting job of pulling out of an almost totally helpless position.

     We felt that we should do more than just cruise along with them but we hoped
     at least to be able to attract and attack any Japs that SALLON got clear.
     If nothing else we gave them moral support by our near presence. However,
     luck was with us and no Japs contacted the formation.

1415 Air cover joined group and reported shooting down one snooper south of us
     enroute.

Thursday, 2 November

     enroute Saipan.

Friday, 3 November

1440 Rendezvoused with surface escort.

2010 Moored alongside USS HOLLAND, T.A.P.O Harbor, Saipan.

- 19 -

— page 78 —
C O N F I D E N T I A L U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report Second War Patrol.
4 to 9 November

Accomplished minor repairs, took aboard 14 torpedoes from USS HOLLAND,
topped off to 90,000 gallons fuel, and converted .4 to main ballast.

The group commander held several conferences with the skippers and
communication officers of our "Task Force". All plans of the coming
operation were discussed and a clear directive issued prior departure.

Friday, 10 November

1700 Cleared Saipan in company with six other submarines of own group, the
     escort, and BSUGO.

2115 Entered safety lane. Escort departed.

Saturday, 11 November

0522 Dived for training.

0559 Surfaced.

Sunday, 12 November

0000 Departed lane. BSUGO shoved off for Australia. Our group formed a
     scouting line enroute to assigned area. Conducted drills and test gun
     firing en route.

0911 SD radar contact 16 miles.

0914 Lookout sighted aircraft, a PB4Y.

1224 Three PB4Y's closed to 5 miles and departed.

1252 Dove for training.

1329 Surfaced.

1400 Held Divine Services.

Monday, 13 November

1200 Submerged to make minor repairs to port main motors. Completed repairs and
     at

1443 Surfaced.

Tuesday, 14 November

0620 Lookout sighted spherical floating mine, 27-54 N, 135-52 E. Closed,
     riddled and sank this menace by gunfire.

- 20 -

— page 78 —
C O N F I D E N T I A L U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report Second War Patrol.
4 to 9 November

Accomplished minor repairs, took aboard 14 torpedoes from USS HOLLAND,
topped off to 90,000 gallons fuel, and converted .4 to main ballast.

The group commander held several conferences with the skippers and
communication officers of our "Task Force". All plans of the coming
operation were discussed and a clear directive issued prior departure.

Friday, 10 November

1700 Cleared Saipan in company with six other submarines of own group, the
     escort, and BSUGO.

2115 Entered safety lane. Escort departed.

Saturday, 11 November

0522 Dived for training.

0559 Surfaced.

Sunday, 12 November

0000 Departed lane. BSUGO shoved off for Australia. Our group formed a
     scouting line enroute to assigned area. Conducted drills and test gun
     firing en route.

0911 SD radar contact 16 miles.

0914 Lookout sighted aircraft, a PB4Y.

1224 Three PB4Y's closed to 5 miles and departed.

1252 Dove for training.

1329 Surfaced.

1400 Held Divine Services.

Monday, 13 November

1200 Submerged to make minor repairs to port main motors. Completed repairs and
     at

1443 Surfaced.

Tuesday, 14 November

0620 Lookout sighted spherical floating mine, 27-54 N, 135-52 E. Closed,
     riddled and sank this menace by gunfire.

- 20 -

— page 79 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.
                                        Wednesday, 15 November

0526        Trim dive.

0614        Surfaced

0920        Received pack commander's contact report, closed, and at

1109        High periscope sighted mast of enemy patrol vessel. (Ship contact # 26).
            Got off contact report to pack and closed to begin a curious gun battle
            of over four hours duration.

            The enemy ship was about 120 feet long, clipper bow, composite super-
            structure, high bridge, well deck forward of bridge, and a high tripod
            mast or lookout platform aft. Painted tan except for lower hull which
            was black. High periscope reported patrol vessel dropping depth charges
            and circling. He must be dropping on SILVERSIDES because she is down,
            so closed at flank speed.

1212        Commenced firing 4 inch at range of 7,000 yards. Target returned fire
            with what looks like 40 mm, but his ranges were all 400 to 500 yards short.
            Closing to dust him off, when at 6,500 yards the Nip turned toward us,
            raised his sights and rattled shells on all sides of us. O.O.D. heard
            an explosion, turned to see a splash twenty feet short of after 20 mm.

            This guy was crazy. He deliberately fires short to suck us in. Then
            when we were well within his range he let us have it! We were not
            pleased.

            Right full rudder. All ahead frantic. At 7,500 yards the Jap still
            dropped them fast and close, so at

1236        Submerged to think this over.

1259        Surfaced to try again. SILVERSIDES and TRIGGER are in sight coming to
            assist. Looks like we might need 'em.

1348        Received orders from pack commander to attack in company with SILVERSIDES
            in center, TRIGGER on port hand, STERLET on starboard.

            Opened fire again. Four inch gun crew means business this trip; having
            three shells in the air at one time. Gunnery Officer slowed the firing
            so he could spot. Closed range until about

1530        The Jap put a flurry of 40 mm shells all around the SILVERSIDES at which
            time the TRIGGER with her gun aft took over. All our four inch was
            expended and while a lot were so close that we thought we had him stopped,
            the Jap kept on coming in.

            Pack commander by visual ordered us to try to chase him toward
            SILVERSIDES for a submerged shot. This Jap doesn't chase easy, but we
            tried.

                                        - 21 -

— page 79 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.
                                        Wednesday, 15 November

0526        Trim dive.

0614        Surfaced

0920        Received pack commander's contact report, closed, and at

1109        High periscope sighted mast of enemy patrol vessel. (Ship contact # 26).
            Got off contact report to pack and closed to begin a curious gun battle
            of over four hours duration.

            The enemy ship was about 120 feet long, clipper bow, composite super-
            structure, high bridge, well deck forward of bridge, and a high tripod
            mast or lookout platform aft. Painted tan except for lower hull which
            was black. High periscope reported patrol vessel dropping depth charges
            and circling. He must be dropping on SILVERSIDES because she is down,
            so closed at flank speed.

1212        Commenced firing 4 inch at range of 7,000 yards. Target returned fire
            with what looks like 40 mm, but his ranges were all 400 to 500 yards short.
            Closing to dust him off, when at 6,500 yards the Nip turned toward us,
            raised his sights and rattled shells on all sides of us. O.O.D. heard
            an explosion, turned to see a splash twenty feet short of after 20 mm.

            This guy was crazy. He deliberately fires short to suck us in. Then
            when we were well within his range he let us have it! We were not
            pleased.

            Right full rudder. All ahead frantic. At 7,500 yards the Jap still
            dropped them fast and close, so at

1236        Submerged to think this over.

1259        Surfaced to try again. SILVERSIDES and TRIGGER are in sight coming to
            assist. Looks like we might need 'em.

1348        Received orders from pack commander to attack in company with SILVERSIDES
            in center, TRIGGER on port hand, STERLET on starboard.

            Opened fire again. Four inch gun crew means business this trip; having
            three shells in the air at one time. Gunnery Officer slowed the firing
            so he could spot. Closed range until about

1530        The Jap put a flurry of 40 mm shells all around the SILVERSIDES at which
            time the TRIGGER with her gun aft took over. All our four inch was
            expended and while a lot were so close that we thought we had him stopped,
            the Jap kept on coming in.

            Pack commander by visual ordered us to try to chase him toward
            SILVERSIDES for a submerged shot. This Jap doesn't chase easy, but we
            tried.

                                        - 21 -

— page 80 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STARLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

1600 Closed TRIGGER and relayed by visual all the dope we had, also that we
     were to resume position in the lane after dark. With our Jap friend sti-
     ll silhouetted in the setting sun we headed S.W to try to start him
     toward SIVERSIDES. Time did not allow completion of this maneuver so
     at
1649 Resumed patrol. It was hard to let this fellow go after working on him
     so long. (TAMEOR later reported sinking a patrol vessel. We hope it's
     this one).

                                   Thursday, 16 November

0533 Trim dive.
0630 Surfaced.
1720 C.O.D. sighted gunfire to NE. Watching the pyrotechnic display while
     we close. Tracers arced past each other in opposite directions.
1745 Commenced radar tracking target to west of us. (Ship contact #27).
     Course 200°T, speed 4½. Tracked this Jap for five hours while getting
     position reports from the other boats in this area. At
2312 Range 1,000 yards, 70 starboard track, fired four bow tubes, spread
     100% target length. The entire approach was made by radar in visibility
     like the inside of a suitcase. Just prior to firing target was
     identified as similar to S03-1 class, ONI 222-J.
2314 First explosion. The fourth torpedo fired at 600 yards caught him just
     forward of the bridge, broke him in two and he sank before the spray
     from the explosion had settled. We were swinging left to pass clear
     astern, when at
2315 at 330 yards heard and felt the second explosion, daddy of them all.
     (The baker's false teeth dropped.) The Jap's depth charges exploded,
     lifting the submarine perceptibly, (More than that!) and boiling the
     water astern of where the Jap would have been had he still been there.
2317 Another explosion, rumbling noises as we cleared the spot. Swung back
     through the scene of the sinking but knew no one could survive those
     depth charges. We were right. Cleared area.

                                    Friday, 17 November

2217 Received pack commander's orders to discontinue sweep, STARLET to
     proceed independently to Pearl.
2220 Underway to Pearl.

                                       - 22 -

— page 80 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STARLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

1600 Closed TRIGGER and relayed by visual all the dope we had, also that we
     were to resume position in the lane after dark. With our Jap friend sti-
     ll silhouetted in the setting sun we headed S.W to try to start him
     toward SIVERSIDES. Time did not allow completion of this maneuver so
     at

1649 Resumed patrol. It was hard to let this fellow go after working on him
     so long. (TAMEOR later reported sinking a patrol vessel. We hope it's
     this one).

                                   Thursday, 16 November

0533 Trim dive.

0630 Surfaced.

1720 C.O.D. sighted gunfire to NE. Watching the pyrotechnic display while
     we close. Tracers arced past each other in opposite directions.

1745 Commenced radar tracking target to west of us. (Ship contact #27).
     Course 200° T, speed 4½. Tracked this Jap for five hours while getting
     position reports from the other boats in this area. At

2312 Range 1,000 yards, 70 starboard track, fired four bow tubes, spread
     100% target length. The entire approach was made by radar in visibility
     like the inside of a suitcase. Just prior to firing target was
     identified as similar to S03-1 class, ONI 222-J.

2314 First explosion. The fourth torpedo fired at 600 yards caught him just
     forward of the bridge, broke him in two and he sank immediately. After
     the explosion had settled, we were swinging left to pass clear
     astern, when at

2315 at 330 yards heard and felt the second explosion, daddy of them all.
     (The baker's false teeth dropped.) The Jap's depth charges exploded,
     lifting the submarine perceptibly, (More than that!) and boiling the
     water astern of where the Jap would have been had he still been there.

2317 Another explosion, rumbling noises as we cleared the spot. Swung back
     through the scene of the sinking but knew no one could survive those
     depth charges. We were right. Cleared area.

                                    Friday, 17 November

2217 Received pack commander's orders to discontinue sweep, STARLET to
     proceed independently to Pearl.

2220 Underway to Pearl.

                                       - 22 -

— page 81 —
C O N F I D E N T I A L
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

Saturday, 18 November

0315 Received orders to close SAURY's tanker.
0355 Exchanged calls by SJ radar with TRIGGER. (Ship contact # 28).
0407 Made radar contact on two ships bearing 220°T, distance 8,000 yards. (Ship
Contact # 29).
0407 Commenced tracking. Made end around. Sighted 2 patrol vessels through
high periscope.
Still unable to get more dope from SAURY. They must be down.
0642 Trim dive. Target must have done likewise because we're unable to regain
contact.
0942 Surfaced, still trying to raise SAURY.
1041 High periscope sighted escort vessel. (Ship Contact # 30). Avoided.
We've had enough of spitkit patrol vessels for a while. It's too rough
for a torpedo attack and we have no deck gun bullets.
1100 Gave up on trying to find SAURY's tanker. Have had no dope for twelve
hours. Carried out original orders and set course for Pearl.

19 - 24 November

Enroute Pearl.

Saturday, 25 November

2400 M Crossed 180th, and started Saturday again.

Saturday, 25 November

1620 Y While cleaning a .45 pistol one of the gunner's mates' pulled the trigger.
The bullet ricocheted off the mess table and hit WILLIAMS, W.W., TM2c, in
the center of the chest. Even though the slug had entered the chest,
WILLIAMS was more scared than hurt, the bullet lodging in the breast bone.
1630 Y Sent Serial # 7 to ComTaskFor 17.5 requesting rendezvous at Midway and
headed North.

Sunday, 26 November

0905 Y Moored pier S-8, Midway and transferred WILLIAMS to the Base Hospital.
Received 5,000 gals. fuel and converted #3 and #5 fuel ballast to main
ballast.

1400 Y Enroute Pearl, conducting daily trim and training dives enroute.

Wednesday, 30 November

0640 VW Made rendezvous with escort.
1110 VW Moored Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

- 23 -

— page 81 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

Saturday, 18 November

0315 Received orders to close SAURY's tanker.

0355 Exchanged calls by SJ radar with TRIGGER. (Ship contact # 28).

Made radar contact on two ships bearing 220°T, distance 8,000 yards. (Ship
Contact # 29).

0407 Commenced tracking. Made end around. Sighted 2 patrol vessels through
high periscope.

Still unable to get more dope from SAURY. They must be down.

0642 Trim dive. Target must have done likewise because we're unable to regain
contact.

0942 Surfaced, still trying to raise SAURY.

1041 High periscope sighted escort vessel. (Ship Contact # 30). Avoided.
We've had enough of spitkit patrol vessels for a while. It's too rough
for a torpedo shot and we have no deck gun bullets.

1100 Gave up on trying to find SAURY's tanker. Have had no dope for twelve
hours. Carried out original orders and set course for Pearl.

19 - 24 November

Enroute Pearl.

Saturday, 25 November

2400 M Crossed 180th, and started Saturday again.

Saturday, 25 November

1620 Y While cleaning a .45 pistol one of the gunner's mates' pulled the trigger.
The bullet ricocheted off the mess table and hit WILLIAMS, W.W., TM2c, in
the center of the chest. Even though the slug had entered the chest,
WILLIAMS was more scared than hurt, the bullet lodging in the breast bone.

1630 Y Sent Serial # 7 to ComTaskFor 17.5 requesting rendezvous at Midway and
headed North.

Sunday, 26 November

0905 Y Moored pier S-8, Midway and transferred WILLIAMS to the Base Hospital.
Received 5,000 gals. fuel and converted #3 and #5 fuel ballast to main
ballast.

1400 Y Enroute Pearl, conducting daily trim and training dives enroute.

Wednesday, 30 November

0640 VW Made rendezvous with escort.

1110 VW Moored Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
- 23 -

— page 82 —
C O N F I D E N T I A L U.S.S. STURGEON (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

C. WEATHER:

     Weather in the Nansei Shoto area in October conformed very closely to
     expectations. The pilots in this area are quite accurate.

D. TIDAL INFORMATION:

     Tidal information in the Nansei Shoto area conformed with the pilots
     except for a strong southeasterly current which apparently followed the
     typhoon of 8-9 October. Extremely accurate data was obtained from the
     linen current chart of this area which was salvaged from one of the
     rescued aviators.

E. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS:

     No lighted navigational aids were sighted in the Nansei Shoto area.
     Gaja Shima light, previously reported burning in enemy patrol reports, was
     not burning on the morning of 25 October when a convoy came through.

- 24 -

— page 82 —
C O N F I D E N T I A L U.S.S. STERLET(SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

C. WEATHER:

Weather in the Nansei Shoto area in October conformed very closely to
expectations. The pilots in this area are quite accurate.

D. TIDAL INFORMATION:

Tidal information in the Nansei Shoto area conformed with the pilots
except for a strong southeasterly current which apparently followed the
typhoon of 8-9 October. Extremely accurate data was obtained from the
chart of this area which was salvaged from one of the
rescued aviators.

E. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS:

No lighted navigational aids were sighted in the Nansei Shoto area.
Gaja Shima light, previously reported burning in enemy patrol reports, was
not burning on the morning of 25 October when a convoy came through.

- 24 -

— page 84 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Second War Patrol (S:392)

No. | Date | Time | Lat. | Long. | Type(s) | Initial Range | Est. Speed | Course | How Contacted | Further Remarks
--- | ---
19. | 29 Oct | 2037 | 30-35N | 139-40E | Patrol vessel | 15,000 | var | - | Radar | Attack # 5
20. | 30 Oct | 1450 | 30-23.5 N | 141-32 E | RO-GUILL | 14,000 | var | - | Radar | Attack # 4
21. | 30 Oct | 2052 | 30-12.5 N | 142-35 E | 2 Patrol vessels | 8,000 | 250 | - | Radar | Attack # 3
22. | 30 Oct | 2355 | 30-09 N | 134-10E | 1 AO | 17,200 | stopped | - | Radar | Attack # 5
23. | 31 Oct | 0036 | 30-10 N | 132-53.5E | 2 Fots, 1 U. Sub | 12,000 | 130 | - | Visual | Attack # 2
24. | 31 Oct | 0425 | 30-12.5 N | 133-44.5E | SHIV (2) | 13,000 | var | - | Visual | Attack # 1
25. | 31 Oct | 2245 | 31-04 N | 134-10E | SHIV (2) | 13,000 | var | - | Radar | Attack # 6
26. | 1 Nov | 1109 | 31-15 N | 136-00 E | Patrol vessel | 24,000 | var | - | Visual-Peris. | Gun Attack # 3
27. | 1 Nov | 1745 | 31-46 N | 137-20.5 E | 300-1 (32) | 12,500 | 170 | - | Radar | Exchanged calls.
28. | 1 Nov | 0315 | 31-27 N | 139-40 E | Patrol vessel | Unk. | - | - | Radar | Lost Contact.
29. | 1 Nov | 0355 | 30-00 N | 141-32 E | Patrol vessel | 25,000 | 118 | - | Radar | Interference
30. | 1 Nov | 1041 | 29-54 N | 132-47 E | Patrol vessel | 25,000 | 7.5 | - | Visual-Peris. | Avoided

- 26 -

— page 85 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

G. AIRCRAFT CONTACTS:
Contact Number | 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | 7.
S Date | 9/29/44 | 9/30/44 | 9/30/44 | 9/30/44 | 10/2/44 | 10/4/44 | 10/9/44
U Time (zone) | 1300 I | 0647 I | 0750 I | 1300 I | 0953 I | 0329 I | 1305 I
B Position: | | | | | | |
  Lat. | 29-22N | 29-51N | 29-42N | 29-35N | 29-18N | 27-35N | 26-04N
A Long. | 143-44E | 140-17E | 140-28E | 140-10E | 133-52E | 129-18E | 126-59E
R | | | | | | |
I Speed | 15 | 16½ | 16½ | 16½ | 15 | 11 | 2
N | | | | | | |
E Course | 260 | 120 | 070 | 255 | 245 | 225 | 090
Trim | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf | Per.
Minutes since | | | | | | |
Last SD Search | O | O | O | ½ | O | ½ | -
A Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
R TYPE | Amily | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk
C Probable | | | | | | |
R Mission | Pat | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk
A How | Sight | SD | SD | SD | SD | SD | Per
F Contacted | | | | | | |
T Initial | | | | | | |
Range | 8 mi | 16 mi | 14 mi | 25 mi | 12 mi | 7 mi | 6 mi
Elevation | 4° | - | - | - | - | 2° | 2°
Angle | 40° | - | - | - | - | 2° | 2°
Range & Rel. Bearing of Plane when it detected S/M | | | | | | |
  | Not Det | Not Det | Not Det | Not Det | Unk | Not Det | Not Det
C Sea:State (Beauf) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2
O Direction (Rel) | 200 | 270 | 220 | 220 | 280 | 020 | 170
N Visibility: | | | | | | |
D Miles | 30 | 31 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 15 | 15
I Clouds: | | | | | | |
T Height in Ft. | 1500 | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 | 1500 | 2000 | 5000
I Percent | 30 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 100 | 8 | O
O Overcast | O | O | O | O | O | O | -
N Moon: | | | | | | |
S Rel. Bearing | - | - | - | - | - | - | -
Angle | - | - | - | - | - | - | -
Percent Illu. | - | - | - | - | - | 60 | -

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol - Light Grey (B).

- 27 -

— page 85 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

G. AIRCRAFT CONTACTS:
Contact Number | 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | 7.
S Date | 9/29/44 | 9/30/44 | 9/30/44 | 9/30/44 | 10/2/44 | 10/4/44 | 10/9/44
U Time (zone) | 1300 I | 0647 I | 0750 I | 1300 I | 0953 I | 0329 I | 1305 I
B Position: | | | | | | |
  Lat. | 29-22N | 29-51N | 29-42N | 29-35N | 29-18N | 27-35N | 26-04N
A Long. | 143-44E | 140-17E | 140-28E | 140-10E | 133-52E | 129-18E | 126-59E
R | | | | | | |
I Speed | 15 | 16½ | 16½ | 16½ | 15 | 11 | 2
N | | | | | | |
E Course | 260 | 120 | 070 | 255 | 245 | 225 | 090
Trim | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf | Per.
Minutes since | | | | | | |
Last SD Search | O | O | O | ½ | O | ½ | -
A Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
R TYPE | Amily | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk
C Probable | | | | | | |
R Mission | Pat | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk
A How | Sight | SD | SD | SD | SD | SD | Per
F Contacted | | | | | | |
T Initial | | | | | | |
Range | 8 mi | 16 mi | 14 mi | 25 mi | 12 mi | 7 mi | 6 mi
Elevation | 4° | - | - | - | - | 2° | 2°
Angle | 40° | - | - | - | - | 2° | 2°
Range & Rel. Bearing of Plane when it detected S/M | | | | | | |
  | Not Det | Not Det | Not Det | Not Det | Unk | Not Det | Not Det
C Sea:State (Beauf) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2
O Direction (Rel) | 200 | 270 | 220 | 220 | 280 | 020 | 170
N Visibility: | | | | | | |
D Miles | 30 | 31 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 15 | 15
I Clouds: | | | | | | |
T Height in Ft. | 1500 | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 | 1500 | 2000 | 5000
I Percent | 30 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 100 | 8 | O
O Overcast | O | O | O | O | O | O | -
N Moon: | | | | | | |
S Rel. Bearing | - | - | - | - | - | - | -
Angle | - | - | - | - | - | - | -
Percent Illu. | - | - | - | - | - | 60 | -

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol - Light Grey (B).

- 27 -

— page 86 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STILLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

Contact Number | 8. | 9. | 10. | 11. | 12. | 13. | 14.
S | | | | | | |
U Date | 10/10/44 | 10/10/44 | 10/14/44 | 10/14/44 | 10/16/44 | 10/16/44
U Time(zone) | 0625 I | 0655-1400I | 934 I | 2120 I | 23-33I | 0945 I | 1314 I
B Position: | | | | | | |
M Lat. | 25-53N | Okinawa | 27-10N | 27-11N | 27-13N | 27-46N | 27-47N
A Long. | 128-16E | Jima | 127-01E | 126-50E | 126-50E | 127-15E | 127-33E
R Speed | 14 | Var | 10 | 10 | 10 | 15 | 17
I Course | 240 | Var | 270 | 090 | 270 | 090 | 270
N Trim | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf
E Minutes since | | | | | | |
last SD Search | 0 | - | - | 30 min | - | - | 2
A Number | 1 | 120-150 | 1 | Unk | Unk | 3 | 6
I | | (approx) 4 | | | | |
R Type | | U.S. | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Betty
C Probable | | Carrier | | | | |
R Mission | Unk | Attack | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk
A How | | Okinawa | | | | | Sight &
F Contacted | SD | Sight | SD | SD(pos) | SD | SD | SD
T Initial | | | 28 mi | 11 (SD | | |
Range | 19 mi | | 7.8.10. | 4 (SD) | | 28 mi | 16 mi
Elevation | | | | | | |
Angle | 9° | | Unk | 0° | - | Unk | 0°
Range & Rel. Bearing of Plane when it detected S/M | | | | | | |
| NotDet | - | NotDet | NotDet | - | NotDet | NotDet
C Sea State(Beauf) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2
O Direction(Rel) | 300 | 300 | 140 | 140 | 120 | 095
N Visibility: | | | | | | |
D (Miles) | 30 | Unlim | Unlim | Unlim | Unlim | Unlim
I Clouds: | | | | | | |
T Height in Ft. | 3000 | 3000 | 20000 | 20000 | 25000 | 25000
I Percent | | | | | | |
O Overcast | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 2
N Moon: | | | | | | |
S Rel. Bearing | - | - | - | - | - | - | -
Angle | - | - | - | - | - | - | -
Percent Illu. | - | - | - | - | - | - | -

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol - Light Grey (B).

- 28 -

— page 87 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

Contact Number 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21.
S
U Date 10/18/44 10/18/44 10/18/44 10/20/44 10/21/44 10/21/44 10/21/44
B Time (zone) 1000 I 1238 I 1418 I 1515 I 2040 I 0902 I 1020 I
M Position:
A Lat. 27-57N 28-01N 28-01N 27-49N 27-56N 28-41N 28-41N
R Long. 127-39E 127-39E 127-23E 125-50E 126-24E 129-25E 129-24E
I
N Speed 2 2 18 2 11 3 3
E Course 27A 130 250 220 330 055 240

Trim Per Per Surf Per Surf Per Per

Minutes since
last SD search 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

H
I Number 1 1 2 1 1 2 1
T
R Type Unk Unk Unk Trans- Unk Nate Dave
A Probable port
N Mission Unk Unk Unk Unk Unk Unk Pat
F How
T Contacted Per SD SD Per SJ Per Per
Initial
Range 12 mi 8 mi 24 mi 4 mi 4,000 yd 5 mi 10 mi
Elevation
Angle 0° 0° 0° 0° 0° 2° 1°
Range & Rel. Bearing of Plane when it detected S/M
Not Det Not Det Unk Unk Not Det Not Det Not Det

C Sea:State (Beauf) 1 1 1 1 0 2 2
O Direction (Rel) 10 045 045 290 - 270 070
N Visibility:
D (Miles Unlim Unlim Unlim Poor 10 20 20
I Clouds:
T Height in Ft. 2,000 25,000 25000 20000 - 10000 10000
I Percent 4 4 4 4 0 90 80
O Overcast 3
N Moon:
S Rel. Bearing
Angle
Percent Illu.

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol - Light Grey (B).

- 29 -

— page 87 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STARLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

Contact Number 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21.
S Date 10/18/44 10/18/44 10/18/44 10/20/44 10/20/44 10/21/44 10/21/44
U Time (zone) 1000 I 1238 I 1418 I 1515I 2040 I 0902 I 1020 I
B Position:
Lat. 27-57N 28-01N 28-01N 27-49N 27-56N 28-41N 26-41N
R Long. 127-39E 127-39E 127-23E 125-50E 126-24E 129-25E 129-24E
I
N Speed 2 2 18 2 11 3 3
E
Course 27A 130 250 220 330 055 240

Trim Per Per Surf Per Surf Per Per

Minutes since
last SD search 0 0 1/2 = 0 - -
H
I Number 1 1 2 1 1 2 1
R
C Type Unk Unk Unk Trans- Unk Nate Dave
R Probable port
A Mission Unk Unk Unk Unk Unk Unk Pat
F How
T Contacted Per SD SD Per SJ Per Per
Initial
Range 12 mi 8 mi 24 mi 4 mi 4,000 3rd 5 mi 10 mi
Elevation
Angle 0 0 0 0 1° 2° 1°
Range & Rel. Bearing Unk Not Det Unk Unk Not Det Not Det Not Det
of Plane when it detected S/M
C Sea:State (Beauf) 1 1 1 1 0 2 2
O Direction (Rel) 10 045 045 290 - 270 070
N Visibility:
D (Miles Unlim Unlim Unlim Poor 10 20 20
I Clouds:
T Height in Ft. 2,000 25,000 25000 20000 - 10000 10000
I Percent
O Overcast 3 4 4 4 0 90 80
N Moon:
S Rel. Bearing - - - - - - -
Angle - - - - - - -
Percent Illu. - - - - - - -

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol - Light Grey (B).

- 29 -

— page 88 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. BURR(SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

Contact Number 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28.
U Date 10/21/44 10/22/44 10/24/44 10/25/44 10/25/44 10/26/44
B Time (zone) 1120 I 1230 I 1500 I 0715 I 1420 I 1325 I
M Position:
Lat. 20-41N 20-56N 23-23N 30-07N 30-09N 30-10N 29-35N
R Long. 129-23E 129-01E 129-23E 129-41E 130-05E 130-10E 130-50E
I
N Speed 3 2 2 2 2 15
E
Course 240 150 000 200 090 270
Trim Per Per Per Per Per Surf
Minutes since
last SD search - - - - - 0
I Number 3 1 1 1 1 3
R
C Type Betty Betty Unk Rufe Rufe Unk Unk
R Probable
Mission Unk Unk Unk H H Pat Unk
F How
T Contacted Per Per Per Per 2 Depth SD
Initial Charges
Range 10 mi 4 mi 12 mi 8 mi 150 ft 20 mi
Elevation 2° 4° 2° 4° 3°
Angle
Range & Rel. Bearing of Plane when it detected S/M
NotDet NotDet NotDet - - NotDet
C
O Sea:State (Beaufort) 2 1 1 1 1 1 2
N Direction (Rel.) 070 100 020 200 300 090
D Visibility:
I (Miles) 20 Unlim Unlim 20 Unk 20 45 mi
T Clouds:
I Height in Ft. 10000 - - 8000 9000 25000
O Percent 80 0 20 100 60 70 10
N Overcast
S Moon:
Rel. Bearing - - - - - - -
Angle - - - - - - -
Percent Illu. - - - - - - -

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol - Light Grey (B).

- 30 -

— page 88 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. SWORDFISH (SS292) Report of Second War Patrol

Contact Number 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28.
U Date 10/21/44 10/22/44 10/24/44 10/25/44 10/25/44 10/26/44
B Time (zone) 1120 I 1230 I 1500 I 0715 I 1420 I 1325 I
M Position:
. Lat. 20-41N 20-56N 20-23N 30-07N 30-09N 30-10N
R Long. 129-23E 129-01E 129-23E 129-41E 130-05E 130-50E
I
N Speed 3 2 2 2 2 15
E
Course 240 150 000 200 090 270

Trim Per Per Per Per Per Surf
Minutes since
last SD search - - - - - 0
I Number 3 1 1 1 1 3
R
C Type Betty Betty Unk Rufe Unk Unk
R Probable
M Mission Unk Unk Unk H H Pat
F How
T Contacted Per Per Per Per 2 Depth SD
Initial Charges
Range 10 mi 4 mi 12 mi 8 mi 150 ft 20 mi
Elevation
Angle 2° 4° 2° 4° 3° -
Range & Rel. Bearing of Plane when it detected S/M
NotDet NotDet NotDet - NotDet NotDet
C
O Sea State (Beaufort) 2 1 1 1 1 2
N Direction (Rel.) 070 100 020 200 300 090
D Visibility:
I (Miles) 20 Unlim Unlim 20 Unk 20 45 mi
T Clouds:
I Height in Ft. 10000 - - 8000 9000 25000
O Percent
N Overcast 80 0 20 100 60 10
S Moon:
Rel. Bearing - - - - - -
Angle - - - - - -
Percent Illu. - - - - - -

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol - Light Grey (B).

- 30 -

— page 89 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. SEADRAGON (SS-194) Report of Second War Patrol

Contact Number 29 30 31 32
S Date 10/27/44 10/29/44 10/31/44 11/2/44
U Time (zone) 1500 I 0721 I 1010 I 0800 I
B Position: Lat. 29-13N 29-51N 20-01N 19-49N
R Long. 130-03E 133-22E 140-01E 140-05E
I Speed 2 16 16½ 16½
N Course 270 270 155 155
E Trim Per Surf Surf Surf
Minutes since
last SD search - - - -

Number 1 Unk 2 2
R Type Unk Unk P32Y2 B24
C Probable
R Mission Unk Unk Escort Escort
I How
F Contacted Peris 155 meg Sight Sight
T Initial Range 8 mi - 10 mi 15,000 yds

Elevation
Angle 10° - 1° 1°
Range & Rel. Bearing of Plane when it detected S/M
- - 10 mi 15,000 yds
- - 040 160

C Sea:State(Beaufort) 2 2
O Direction(Rel) 180 100
N Visibility: 15 20
D Clouds:
I Height in Ft. 20000 25000
T Percent 7 -
I Overcast - -
N Moon: - -
S Rel. Bearing - -
Angle - -
Percent Illu. - -

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol - Light Grey (B).

- 31 -

— page 90 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. GULLA(SS392) Report of Second or Patrol.
I. ATTACK DATA:

Time: 2236 I                     Tor edo Att ck No. 1.
                                 Date: 20 October 1944.Lat. 2-05N, Long. 128-45E.
                                 TARGET DATA - DATA LIMITED
Description:                     Small coastal AK, contacted by radar at 7,000 yards;
                                 dark, moonless night.

Ships Sunk:                      None. Ships damaged: None.

Target Draft: 3 feet             Course 186°T Speed 7             Range 1,550 yds.

                                 OWN SHIP DATA

Speed: 10 knots                  Course 112°T Depth: Surface Angle 0

                                 RESULTS OF TORPEDO DATA

Type attack: Approach and attack were made on the surface. The target zig-
             zagged and radar tracking gave accurate course and speed. On
             firing, the first torpedo was seen to broach and run so erratic.
             Fortunately, this was the torpedo aimed to hit. The other two
             passed ahead and astern of the target. Sea conditions are believed
             to warrant the 2 foot depth setting used.

- 32 -

— page 90 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. GULLA(SS392) Report of Second or Patrol.
I. ATTACK DATA:

Time: 2236 I                     Tor edo Att ck No. 1.
                                 Date: 20 October 1944.Lat. 2-05N, Long. 128-45E.
                                 TARGET DATA - DATA LIMITED
Description:                     Small coastal AK, contacted by radar at 7,000 yards;
                                 dark, moonless night.

Ships Sunk:                      None. Ships damaged: None.

Target Draft: 3 feet             Course 186°T Speed 7             Range 1,550 yds.

                                 OWN SHIP DATA

Speed: 10 knots                  Course 112°T Depth: Surface Angle 0

                                 RESULTS OF TORPEDO DATA

Type attack: Approach and attack were made on the surface. The target zig-
             zagged and radar tracking gave accurate course and speed. On
             firing, the first torpedo was seen to broach and run so erratic.
             Fortunately, this was the torpedo aimed to hit. The other two
             passed ahead and astern of the target. Sea conditions are believed
             to warrant the 2 foot depth setting used.

- 32 -

— page 91 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STINGRAY (SS392)
Report of Second War Patrol

Attack No. 1.
[HANDWRITTEN: 3] | [HANDWRITTEN: 5] | [HANDWRITTEN: 6]
Tubes Fired | 3 | 5 | 6
Track Angle | 105 S | 105 S | 105 S
Gyro Angle | 355 | 357½ | 0000
Depth Set | 2' | 2' | 2'
Power | - | - | -
Hit or Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss
Erratic | Yes | No | No
Mark Torpedo | 23 | 23 | 23
Serial No. | 61819 | 61003 | 57031
Mark Exploder | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4
Serial No. | 1854 | 6442 | 0036
Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact
Actuation Actual | End of Run | End of Run | End of Run
Mark Warhead | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1
Serial No. | 2058 | 12411 | 12056
Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX
Firing Interval | 0 seconds | 3 seconds | 3 seconds
Type Spread | 0 divergent | [HANDWRITTEN: 3] divergent |
Sea Condition | Force 1 | |
Overhaul Activity | USS PROTUS | USS PROTUS | USS PROTUS
Remarks: The first torpedo was seen to broach and run slightly erratic.
Unfortunately this torpedo was aimed to hit. The other two apparen-
tly made normal runs.

- 33 -

— page 91 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STINGRAY (SS392)
Report of Second War Patrol

Attack No. 1.
[HANDWRITTEN: 3] | [HANDWRITTEN: 5] | [HANDWRITTEN: 6]
Tubes Fired | 3 | 5 | 6
Track Angle | 105 S | 105 S | 105 S
Gyro Angle | 355 | 357½ | 0000
Depth Set | 2' | 2' | 2'
Power | - | - | -
Hit or Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss
Erratic | Yes | No | No
Mark Torpedo | 23 | 23 | 23
Serial No. | 61819 | 61003 | 57031
Mark Exploder | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4
Serial No. | 1854 | 6442 | 0036
Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact
Actuation Actual | End of Run | End of Run | End of Run
Mark Warhead | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1
Serial No. | 2058 | 12411 | 12056
Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX
Firing Interval | 0 seconds | 3 seconds | 3 seconds
Type Spread | 0 divergent | [HANDWRITTEN: 3] divergent |
Sea Condition | Force 1 | |
Overhaul Activity | USS PROTUS | USS PROTUS | USS PROTUS
Remarks: The first torpedo was seen to broach and run slightly erratic.
Unfortunately this torpedo was aimed to hit. The other two apparen-
tly made normal runs.

- 33 -

— page 92 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STARLET (SS392) Report of Second War Pa
Torpedo Attack No. 2 and 3. Patrol No. 2.

Time: 0415 I Date: 25 October 1944 Lat. 30-15 N Long. 129-45E.
      0430 I

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: Two ships were fired at in a convoy consisting of only the two
             targets and three escorts. Only one of the attacked ships was seen
             visually prior to firing the stern tubes. The whole attack was made
             on the surface. The first approach was from the far targets port beam
             with the near escort on his port quarter. A zig towards just before
             firing necessitated high speed crossing the "T" as the only
             alternative to passing close along the escorts bow. After crossing
             the tank at 3000 yards stopped and tried four stern shots on
             his starboard beam. These torpedoes missed, but the end of run explos-
             ions drew off the escorts to the far side of the convoy. The second
             attack was made fifteen minutes later on two overlapping targets as
             verified by sight from the bridge as well as radar. Six bow torpedoes
             were fired and four hits obtained, three of which exploded the
             gasoline tanker, the other damaging the second ship which was seen
             to sink by radar fifteen minutes later. Initial contact was made at
             18000 yards by radar.

Ships Sunk: Large gasoline tanker (JU)                               10,000 tons.
            One unidentified radar pip                               -

Ships Damaged or Probably sunk: None.

Damage Determined by: Saw large tanker explode and disappear when torpedoes hit.
                      Prominent pip on radar caused by other ship disappeared
                      suddenly at 6000 yards (Initial contact 18000 yards)

Target Draft: 26' Attack #2. Speed: 11 Range: 3,070
                  Course 265 T

                  Attack #3.
            26'   200° T                               10           3,160
                  200° T                               10           3,560

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed: 8 Attack #2. Depth: Surface Angle: 0
       Course: 180

       10 Attack #3. Surface 0
       115

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type attack: The attacks were made entirely by radar on the surface. Performance
             during the attack and evasion was superb.

- 34 -

— page 92 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STARLET (SS392) Report of Second War Pa
Torpedo Attack No. 2 and 3. Patrol No. 2.

Time: 0415 I Date: 25 October 1944 Lat. 30-15 N Long. 129-45E.
      0430 I

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: Two ships were fired at in a convoy consisting of only the two
             targets and three escorts. Only one of the attacked ships was seen
             visually prior to firing the stern tubes. The whole attack was made
             on the surface. The first approach was from the far targets port beam
             with the near escort on his port quarter. A zig towards just before
             firing necessitated high speed crossing the "T" as the only
             alternative to passing close along the escorts bow. After crossing
             the tank at 3000 yards stopped and tried four stern shots on
             his starboard beam. These torpedoes missed, but the end of run explos-
             ions drew off the escorts to the far side of the convoy. The second
             attack was made fifteen minutes later on two overlapping targets as
             verified by sight from the bridge as well as radar. Six bow torpedoes
             were fired and four hits obtained, three of which exploded the
             gasoline tanker, the other damaging the second ship which was seen
             to sink by radar fifteen minutes later. Initial contact was made at
             18000 yards by radar.

Ships Sunk: Large gasoline tanker (JU)                               10,000 tons.
            One unidentified radar pip                               -

Ships Damaged or Probably sunk: None.

Damage Determined by: Saw large tanker explode and disappear when torpedoes hit.
                      Prominent pip on radar caused by other ship disappeared
                      suddenly at 6000 yards (Initial contact 18000 yards)

Target Draft: 26' Attack #2. Speed: 11 Range: 3,070
                  Course 265 T

                  Attack #3.
            26'   200° T                               10           3,160
                  200° T                               10           3,560

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed: 8 Attack #2. Depth: Surface Angle: 0
       Course: 180

       10 Attack #3. Surface 0
       115

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type attack: The attacks were made entirely by radar on the surface. Performance
             during the attack and evasion was superb.

- 34 -

— page 93 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.
Attack No. 2.

                            #7        #8        #9        #10
Tubes Fired
Track Angle                 86 P      87 P      87 P      88 P
Gyro Angle                  184½      186       185½      186½
Depth Set                   6'        6'        6'        6'
Power                       -         -         -         -
Hit or Miss                 Miss      Miss      Miss      Miss
Erratic                     No        No        No        No
Mark Torpedo                18        18        18        18
Serial No.                  54884     55225     55114     55252
Mark Exploder               8-5       8-5       8-5       8-5
Serial No.                  9463      9421      9448      9337
Actuation Set               Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact
Actuation Actual            End of Run End of Run End of Run End of Run
Mark Warhead                18-2      18-2      18-2      18-2
Serial No.                  2671      2714      2741      1433
Explosive                   TPX       TPX       TPX       TPX

Firing Interval             10 seconds
Type Spread                 ½° divergent
Sea Condition               Force 1
Overhaul Activity           USS PROTUS

Remarks: Reason for the misses on the first attack are not known. Target had
         been tracked by radar for one hour and course and speed were believed
         accurate.

- 35 -

— page 93 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.
Attack No. 2.

                            #7        #8        #9        #10
Tubes Fired
Track Angle                 86 P      87 P      87 P      88 P
Gyro Angle                  184½      186       185½      186½
Depth Set                   6'        6'        6'        6'
Power                       -         -         -         -
Hit or Miss                 Miss      Miss      Miss      Miss
Erratic                     No        No        No        No
Mark Torpedo                18        18        18        18
Serial No.                  54884     55225     55114     55252
Mark Exploder               8-5       8-5       8-5       8-5
Serial No.                  9463      9421      9448      9337
Actuation Set               Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact
Actuation Actual            End of Run End of Run End of Run End of Run
Mark Warhead                18-2      18-2      18-2      18-2
Serial No.                  2671      2714      2741      1433
Explosive                   TPX       TPX       TPX       TPX

Firing Interval             10 seconds
Type Spread                 ½° divergent
Sea Condition               Force 1
Overhaul Activity           USS PROTUS

Remarks: Reason for the misses on the first attack are not known. Target had
         been tracked by radar for one hour and course and speed were believed
         accurate.

- 35 -

— page 94 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. ST.RILET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.
Attack No. 3.

| | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 |
| :| :----- | :----- | :----- | :----- | :----- | :----- |
| Tubes Fired | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Track Angle | 110 P | 111 P | 112 P | 113 P | 114 P | 116 P |
| Gyro Angle | 353½ | 352½ | 356 | 357½ | 357½ | 358 |
| Depth Set | 6' | 6' | 6' | 6' | 6' | 6' |
| Power | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Hit or Miss | Miss | Miss | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| Erratic | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Serial No. | 61748 | 61811 | 61790 | 41327 | 52296 | 41460 |
| Mark Exploder | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 |
| Serial No. | 17698 | 2561 | 8347 | 722 | 17529 | 2579 |
| Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual | - | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Mark Warhead | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 |
| Serial No. | 9370 | 9437 | 12351 | 12026 | 17036 | 9634 |
| Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX |

Firing Interval 8 seconds
Type Spread 1° divergent
Sea Condition Force 1
Overhaul Activity USS PROTEUS
Remarks None

- 36 -

— page 94 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.
Attack No. 3.

                  #1      #2      #3      #4      #5      #6
Tubes Fired       110 P   111 P   112 P   113 P   114 P   116 P
Track Angle       353½    352½    356     357½    357½    358
Gyro Angle        6'      6'      6'      6'      6'      6'
Depth Set         -       -       -       -       -       -
Power             -       -       -       -       -       -
Hit or Miss       Miss    Miss    Hit     Hit     Hit     Hit
Erratic           No      No      No      No      No      No
Mark Torpedo      23      23      23      23      23      23
Serial No.        61748   61811   61790   41327   52096   41460
Mark Exploder     6-4     6-4     6-4     6-4     6-4     6-4
Serial No.        17698   2561    8347    722     17529   2579
Actuation Set     Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual  -       -       Contact Contact Contact Contact
Mark Warhead      16-1    16-1    16-1    16-1    16-1    16-1
Serial No.        9370    9437    12351   12026   17036   9634
Explosive         TPX     TPX     TPX     TPX     TPX     TPX
Firing Interval   8 seconds
Type Spread       1° divergent
Sea Condition     Force 1
Overhaul Activity USS PROTEUS
Remarks           None

- 36 -

— page 95 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Torpedo Attack No. 4. Patrol No. 2.
(See: Gun Attack No. 2.)

Time: 2220 I Date: 29 October 1944 Lat. 30-04 N Long. 132-24 E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: The target attacked was a large trawler or small AN (JU), not zig
zagging. Initial range was 11,000 yards by radar, the night bright
with a three-quarter moon.
Ships Sunk: None. (See Gun Attack on this target.).
Ships Damaged: None.
Target Draft: 4' Course: 080°T Speed: 7.4 Range: 2,450

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed: 4 Course: 350°T Depth: 62' Angle: 0

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type of Attack: The attack was made submerged after tracking
surface.

- 37 -

— page 95 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Torpedo Attack No. 4. Patrol No. 2.
(See: Gun Attack No. 2.)

Time: 2220 I Date: 29 October 1944 Lat. 30-04 N Long. 132-24 E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: The target attacked was a large trawler or small AN (JU), not zig
zagging. Initial range was 11,000 yards by radar, the night bright
with a three-quarter moon.

Ships Sunk: None. (See Gun Attack on this target.).

Ships Damaged: None.

Target Draft: 4' Course: 080°T Speed: 7.4 Range: 2,450

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed: 4 Course: 350°T Depth: 62' Angle: 0

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type of Attack: The attack was made submerged after tracking
by radar on the
surface.

- 37 -

— page 96 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

Attack No. 4.

Tubes Fired | #7 | #8 | #9 | #10
Track Angle | 80 P | 81 P | 82 P | 100 P
Gyro Angle | 183 | 181½ | 181½ | 166
Depth Set | 6' | 6' | 6' | 6'
Power | - | - | - | -
Hit or Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss
Erratic | No | No | No | No
Mark Torpedo | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1
Serial No. | 54845 | 55317 | 55469 | 55117
Mark Exploder | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5
Serial No. | 9264 | 9053 | 9467 | 9097
Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact
Actuation Actual | End of Run | End of Run | End of Run | End of Run
Mark Warhead | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2
Serial No. | 2550 | 2627 | 1366 | 2346
Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX
Firing Interval | 10 seconds
Type spread | 1½° divergent
Sea Conditions | Force 1
Overhaul Activity | USS PROTIUS

Remarks: Misses occurred because of control errors. Target possibly slowed
          down after we dived, and sound reported speeding up just before
          firing. Speed used was too high and range (by periscope) too great.

- 38 -

— page 96 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

Attack No. 4.

Tubes Fired | #7 | #8 | #9 | #10
Track Angle | 80 P | 81 P | 82 P | 100 P
Gyro Angle | 183 | 181½ | 181½ | 166
Depth Set | 6' | 6' | 6' | 6'
Power | - | - | - | -
Hit or Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss
Erratic | No | No | No | No
Mark Torpedo | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1
Serial No. | 54845 | 55317 | 55469 | 55117
Mark Exploder | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5
Serial No. | 9264 | 9053 | 9467 | 9097
Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact
Actuation Actual | End of Run | End of Run | End of Run | End of Run
Mark Warhead | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2
Serial No. | 2550 | 2627 | 1366 | 2346
Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX
Firing Interval | 10 seconds
Type spread | 1½° divergent
Sea Conditions | Force 1
Overhaul Activity | USS PROTIUS

Remarks: Misses occurred because of control errors. Target possibly slowed
          down after we dived, and sound reported speeding up just before
          firing. Speed used was too high and range (by periscope) too great.

- 38 -

— page 97 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War
                                                                Patrol.
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Torpedo Attack No. 5.                   Patrol No. 2.

Time: 0035 I         Date: 31 October 1944     Lat. 30-09N     Long. 132-45E.

                       TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: The target, a damaged tanker which had been stopped by a previous
             attack by TRIGGER, was picked up at an initial radar range of
             17,200 yards. The entire attack was made on the surface. The
             night was hazy with a bright moon.

Ship Sunk:   One large tanker (600 ft.) (EC)                   14,200 tons.

Ships Damaged: None.

Damage determined by: Saw four torpedoes hit the ship. Saw tanker disintegrate
                      and sink within a few seconds.

Target Draft: 30'    Course: 270             Speed: 0        Range: 3,320.

                            OWN SHIP DATA

Speed: 8             Course: 042             Depth: Surface  Angle: 0

                     FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack: Surface radar.

                                 - 39 -

— page 97 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War
                                                                Patrol.
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Torpedo Attack No. 5.                   Patrol No. 2.

Time: 0035 I         Date: 31 October 1944     Lat. 30-09N     Long. 132-45E.

                       TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: The target, a damaged tanker which had been stopped by a previous
             attack by TRIGGER, was picked up at an initial radar range of
             17,200 yards. The entire attack was made on the surface. The
             night was hazy with a bright moon.

Ship Sunk:   One large tanker (600 ft.) (EC)                   14,200 tons.

Ships Damaged: None.

Damage determined by: Saw four torpedoes hit the ship. Saw tanker disintegrate
                      and sink within a few seconds.

Target Draft: 30'    Course: 270             Speed: 0        Range: 3,320.

                            OWN SHIP DATA

Speed: 8             Course: 042             Depth: Surface  Angle: 0

                     FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack: Surface radar.

                                 - 39 -

— page 98 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STARLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

Tubes fired:
| | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Track Angle | 46 P | 46 P | 46 P | 46 P | 46 P | 46 P
Gyro Angle | 0 | 359 | 000½ | 000½ | 359 | 358½
Depth Set | 6' | 6' | 6' | 6' | 6' | 6'
Power | - | - | - | - | - | -
Hit or Miss | Miss | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Miss
Erratic | No | No | No | No | No | No
Mark Torpedo | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23
Serial No. | 41101 | 26838 | 41473 | 23199 | 52906 | 61755
Mark Exploder | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4
Serial No. | 3228 | 21799 | 7147 | 7707 | 191 | 3255
Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact
Actuation Actual | - | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | -
Mark Warhead | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1
Serial No. | 1565 | 3374 | 3529 | 16505 | 3422 | 11920
Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX

Firing Interval | 8 seconds
Type Spread | 1° divergent
Sea Conditions | Force 1
Overhaul Activity | USS PROTEUS

Remarks:
Flames broke out after the first hit. These died down with
the second hit; and shortly after the fourth hit this ship
apparently broke in two, for the bow went down vertically,
and the pip disappeared.

- 40 -

— page 98 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STARLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

Tubes fired:
| | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Track Angle | 46 P | 46 P | 46 P | 46 P | 46 P | 46 P
Gyro Angle | 0 | 359 | 000½ | 000½ | 359 | 358½
Depth Set | 6' | 6' | 6' | 6' | 6' | 6'
Power | - | - | - | - | - | -
Hit or Miss | Miss | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Miss
Erratic | No | No | No | No | No | No
Mark Torpedo | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23
Serial No. | 41101 | 26838 | 41473 | 23199 | 52906 | 61755
Mark Exploder | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4
Serial No. | 3228 | 21799 | 7147 | 7707 | 191 | 3255
Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact
Actuation Actual | - | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | -
Mark Warhead | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1
Serial No. | 1565 | 3374 | 3529 | 16505 | 3422 | 11920
Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX

Firing Interval | 8 seconds
Type Spread | 1° divergent
Sea Conditions | Force 1
Overhaul Activity | USS PROTEUS

Remarks:
Flames broke out after the first hit. These died down with
the second hit; and shortly after the fourth hit this ship
apparently broke in two, for the bow went down vertically,
and the pip disappeared.

- 40 -

— page 99 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Torpedo Attack No. 6. Patrol No. 2.
Time: 1745-2315 I Date: 16 November 1944 Lat. 31-28 N Long. 139-37 E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED.

Description: Small patrol vessel, identified as similar to SCS-1 type,
             contacted by radar at 12,500 yards, dark moonless night.

Ships Sunk: One SCS-1 type patrol vessel (LC) 100 tons.

Ships Damaged or Probably Sunk: None.

Damage Determined by: Saw and heard one torpedo hit and target sink.

Target Draft: 6.5' Course: 190°T Speed: 4.5 Range: 630

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed: 8 Course: 084°T Depth: Surface Angle: 0

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type attack: After tracking for 5½ hours by radar, course and speed obtained
             was considered sufficiently good to spread only 100% target length,
             estimated at 100 feet. Sea was force 4; fired four steam torpedoes,
             depth set - 0 ft., across sea in hopes all would not run erratic.
             First three were seen to run under target's counter, last hit.

- 41 -

— page 99 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Torpedo Attack No. 6. Patrol No. 2.
Time: 1745-2315 I Date: 16 November 1944 Lat. 31-28 N Long. 139-37 E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED.
Description: Small patrol vessel, identified as similar to SCS-1 type,
             contacted by radar at 12,500 yards, dark moonless night.
Ships Sunk: One SCS-1 type patrol vessel (LC) 100 tons.
Ships Damaged or Probably Sunk: None.
Damage Determined by: Saw and heard one torpedo hit and target sink.
Target Draft: 6.5'
Speed: 8
  Course: 190°T Speed: 4.5 Range: 630

OWN SHIP DATA
Course: 084°T Depth: Surface Angle: 0

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type attack: After tracking for 5½ hours by radar, course and speed obtained
             was considered sufficiently good to spread only 100% target length,
             estimated at 100 feet. Sea was force 4; fired four steam torpedoes,
             depth set - 0 ft., across sea in hopes all would not run erratic.
             First three were seen to run under target's counter, last hit.

- 41 -

— page 100 —
C O N F I D E N T I A L
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

                                                                Attack No. 6.
Tubes Fired                     3               4               5               6
Track Angle                     65 S            66 S            68 S            68 S
Gyro Angle                      354             355½            358             359
Depth Set                       0               0               0               0
Power                           -               -               -               -
Hit or Miss                     Miss            Miss            Miss            Hit
Erratic                         No              No              No              No
Mark Torpedo                    23              14-3A           23              14-3A
Serial No.                      61672           23015           49186           40709
Mark Exploder                   6-4             6-5             6-5             6-5
Serial No.                      1775            13619           23604           14332
Actuation Set                   Contact         Contact         Contact         Contact
Actuation Actual                -               -               -               Contact
Mark Warhead                    16              16-1            16              16
Serial No.                      1962            16366           10298           9932
Explosive                       TPX             TPX             TPX             TPX
Firing Interval                 8 sec.          8 sec.          8 sec.          8 sec.
Type Spread                     1° divergent
Sea Condition                   Force 4
Overhaul Activity               USS HOLLAND
Remarks:                        First torpedo was seen to run slightly off of target, next
                                two ran under counter, fourth hit. Misses were believed to
                                have been caused by sea conditions. All four were fired
                                across sea.

- 42 -

— page 100 —
C O N F I D E N T I A L
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol
Attack No. 6.

Tubes Fired             3         4         5         6
Track Angle             65 S      66 S      68 S      68 S
Gyro Angle              354       355½      358       359
Depth Set               0         0         0         0
Power                   -         -         -         -
Hit or Miss             Miss      Miss      Miss      Hit
Erratic                 No        No        No        No
Mark Torpedo            23        14-3A     23        14-3A
Serial No.              61672     23015     49186     40709
Mark Exploder           6-4       6-5       6-5       6-5
Serial No.              1775      13619     23604     14332
Actuation Set           Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact
Actuation Actual        -         -         -         Contact
Mark Warhead            16        16-1      16        16
Serial No.              1962      16366     10298     9932
Explosive               TPX       TPX       TPX       TPX
Firing Interval         8 sec.    8 sec.    8 sec.    8 sec.

Type Spread             1° divergent
Sea Condition           Force 4
Overhaul Activity       USS HOLLAND

Remarks: First torpedo was seen to run slightly off target, next
          two ran under counter, fourth hit. Misses were believed to
          have been caused by sea conditions. All four were fired
          across sea.

- 42 -

— page 101 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Gun Attack No. 1. Patrol No. 2.
Time: 1958 I Date: 9 October 1944 Lat. 26-17N Long. 128-12.5E

TARGET DATA - Damage Inflicted

Sunk: One fishing banca 0.3 Ton

Damage determined by: Saw boat break in half and sink.

DETAILS OF ACTION

Opened fire with 20 mm, 30 cal. and 50 cal. machine guns with great effectiveness.
The average range was about -50 feet Ammunition expended:

180 rounds of 20 mm. 200 rounds of .50 cal.
200 rounds of .30 cal.

REMARKS

Fire was opened as the Commanding Officer leaned over the boat and ordered a
back bell on the motors. Target sank before the C.O. straightened up to take
another look.

- 43 -

— page 101 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Gun Attack No. 1. Patrol No. 2.
Time: 1958 I Date: 9 October 1944 Lat. 26-17N Long. 128-12.5E

TARGET DATA - Damage Inflicted

Sunk: One fishing banca 0.3 Ton

Damage determined by: Saw boat break in half and sink.

DETAILS OF ACTION

Opened fire with 20 mm, 30 cal. and 50 cal. machine guns with great effectiveness.
The average range was about -50 feet Ammunition expended:

180 rounds of 20 mm. 200 rounds of .50 cal.
200 rounds of .30 cal.

REMARKS

Fire was opened as the Commanding Officer leaned over the boat and ordered a
back bell on the motors. Target sank before the C.O. straightened up to take
another look.

- 43 -

— page 102 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Gun Attack No. 2.
Patrol No. 2.
Time: 2352 I Date: 28 October 1944 Lat. 30-04 N Long. 132-24 E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Sunk: One small AK (EU) 1,000 tons.
Damaged: None.
Damage determined by: Saw target catch fire and sink twenty minutes later.

DETAILS OF ACTION
After missing this target in Torpedo Attack # 4, surfaced and made gun attack from
starboard quarter at an initial range of 1,200 yards, using 4"/50, 20 mm, .50 and
.30 cal. machine guns. Fifty-five rounds of 4"; 1,500 rounds of 20 mm; 1,300 rounds
of .50 cal., and 3,000 rounds of .30 cal ammunition were used. All guns performed
superbly. Barrage was heavy and devastating and effectively prevented any attempt
at enemy resistance.

[HANDWRITTEN: - 44 -]

— page 102 —
C O N F I D E N T I A L
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.
Time: 2352 I Gun Attack No. 2. Patrol No. 2.
Date: 28 October 1944 Lat. 30-04 N Long. 132-24 E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Sunk: One small AK (EU) 1,000 tons.

Damaged: None.

Damage determined by: Saw target catch fire and sink twenty minutes later.

DETAILS OF ACTION

After missing this target in Torpedo Attack # 4, surfaced and made gun attack from
starboard quarter at an initial range of 1,200 yards, using 4"/50, 20 mm, .50 and
.30 cal. machine guns. Fifty-five rounds of 4"; 1,500 rounds of 20 mm; 1,300 rounds
of .50 cal., and 3,000 rounds of .30 cal ammunition were used. All guns performed
superbly. Barrage was heavy and devastating and effectively prevented any attempt
at enemy resistance.

[HANDWRITTEN: - 44 -]

— page 103 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
Time: 1212 - 1236
      1340 - 1400
Gun Attack No. 3.
Date: 15 November 1944.
Report of Second War Patrol
Patrol No. 2.
Lat. 30-03.5 N
Long. 131-26.5 E.

TARGET DATA - Damage Inflicted.

Sunk: None
Damaged or Probably Sunk: None.

DETAILS OF ACTION

A 120 foot, 200 ton (estimate) patrol vessel was sighted through
periscope and attacked at average range of 6,500 yards. 90 rounds
of 4" H.C. were fired - no hits. Target successfully evaded by
rapid maneuvering. Spots in range were made by radar and passed
to spotter at gun. Target counter-attacked with what appeared to
be .50 cal. and 40 mm, the former landing short, the latter making
frequent straddles at ranges out to 7,200 yards. Out of 90
rounds of 4" ammunition, one oversized shell was encountered.

- 45 -

— page 103 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
Time: 1212 - 1236
      1340 - 1400
Gun Attack No. 3.
Date: 15 November 1944.
Report of Second War Patrol
Patrol No. 2.
Lat. 30-03.5 N
Long. 131-26.5 E.

TARGET DATA - Damage Inflicted.

Sunk: None
Damaged or Probably Sunk: None.

DETAILS OF ACTION

A 120 foot, 200 ton (estimate) patrol vessel was sighted through
periscope and attacked at average range of 6,500 yards. 90 rounds
of 4" H.C. were fired - no hits. Target successfully evaded by
rapid maneuvering. Spots in range were made by radar and passed
to spotter at gun. Target counter-attacked with what appeared to
be .50 cal. and 40 mm, the former landing short, the latter making
frequent straddles at ranges out to 7,200 yards. Out of 90
rounds of 4" ammunition, one oversized shell was encountered.

- 45 -

— page 104 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STARLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

I. MINES:

No mines or mining activity were observed in the Nansei Shoto area. In area
west of the Bonins one spherical horned mine was sunk by gunfire at
Lat. 27-54 N, Long. 135-52 E.

J. ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS:

The major anti-submarine weapon used was air patrol both by day and night.
Radar equipped planes made sweeps at night and forced us down many times
though we were never attacked. One day air patrol rattled us with two very
close depth charges on 25 October.

Surface ship anti-submarine measures were ineffective. A destroyer could
not locate us even with superb sound conditions on 18 October, and a
destroyer and 2 PC boats failed to make contact after a four hour search
even with the aid of aircraft on 25 October.

The most annoying "enemy" was apparently the extreme sensitivity of the
radar on some unknown target which ordinarily tracked at very high speeds
and almost always toward the ship. First guesses as to the identity of
these pips ran from the unique to the fantastic, but until they were
definitely identified as sea gulls, our composure was quite shaken.

In our "Task Force" action around the BONINS, on the first patrol vessel
sighted the high tripod mainmast almost as long as the ship is the best
method of identifying this menace. His baiting tactics were superb. He
would chase submarines which were on about a course parallel to ours and
shoot two thousand or so yards short. When we closed, he would then turn
towards and raise his sights. As we opened out, a destroyer was practically
continuous and followed us out as far as 7,200 yards. Torpedoes are
recommended for these people. A gun action at night, starting at such a
close range that he would be sunk before his gun crew got out of their bunks,
would probably result. However, in view of our last patrol boat dumping all of
his depth charges at once, this too is not recommended. We were faced with
went down all his charges (sounded like at least a dozen) went with
the submarine close in and the boat seemed to be lifted a few
serious damage probably would result. We were at a range of 300 yards when
those went off and the boat seemed to be lifted a few inches in the air.
No damage resulted other than shaking a few loose here and there.

K. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE:

The Bendix log is unreliable. Speed changes are indicated very erratical-
ly. The log will not stay in adjustment and when out of adjustment, shows errors vary-
ing widely in amount and direction over the speed range. Pintado's
suggestion that the experts get together and design a more reliable instru-
ment is heartily concurred in. Once in a meeting of PCO's this C.O.
stated his previous experience with the Pitometer log had left him on
friendly terms with that machine. However, from the expressions of the
other PCO's present, it is felt that their feeling for the Pit log follow
the present general feeling of suspicion that surrounds the Bendix.

- 46 -

— page 104 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STARLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

I. MINES:
. No mines or mining activity were observed in the Nansei Shoto area. In area
west of the Bonins one spherical horned mine was sunk by gunfire at
Lat. 27-54 N, Long. 135-52 E.

J. ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS:

The major anti-submarine weapon used was air patrol both by day and night.
Radar equipped planes made sweeps at night and forced us down many times
though we were never attacked. One day air patrol rattled us with two very
close depth charges on 25 October.

Surface ship anti-submarine measures were ineffective. A destroyer could
not locate us even with superb sound conditions on 18 October, and a
destroyer and 2 PC boats failed to make contact after a four hour search
even with the aid of aircraft on 25 October.

The most annoying "enemy" was apparently the extreme sensitivity of the
radar on some unknown target which ordinarily tracked at very high speeds
and almost always toward the ship. First guesses as to the identity of
these pips ran from the unique to the fantastic, but until they were
definitely identified as sea gulls, our composure was quite shaken.

In our "Task Force" action around the BONINS, on the first patrol vessel
sighted the high tripod mainmast almost as long as the ship is the best
method of identifying this menace. His baiting tactics were practically
continuous and followed us out as far as 7,200 yards. Torpedoes are
recommended for these people. A gun action at night, starting at such a
close range that he would be sunk before his gun crew gets out of their bunks,
would probably result. However, in view of our last patrol boat dumping all of
his depth charges at once, this too is not recommended. When this last rascal
went down all his charges (sounded like at least a half dozen) went with
the submarine close in and exploded at once. Should this happen with the submarine close in
serious damage probably would result. We were at a range of 300 yards when
those went off and the boat seemed to be lifted a few inches in the air.
No damage resulted other than shaking a few small items loose here and there.

K. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE:

The Bendix log is unreliable. Speed changes are indicated very erratical-
ly. The log will not stay in adjustment and when out of adjustment,
shows errors vary-
ing widely in amount and direction over the speed range. Pintado's
suggestion that the experts get together and design a more reliable instru-
ment is heartily concurred in. Once in a meeting of PCO's this C.O.
stated his previous experience with the Pitometer log had left him on
friendly terms with that machine. However, from the expressions of the
other PCO's present, it is felt that their feeling for the Pit log follow
the present general feeling of suspicion that surrounds the Bendix.

- 46 -

— page 105 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol,

Of the two basic designs, it is felt that the Pit Log presents greater (some)
possibility of development for it has a less complicated linkage arrange-
ment and has a bellows which (theoretically) is unaffected by depth
variations. Improvements made since the war in these instruments have
improved the reliability of the log a great deal; this is encouraging, but
further improvements will be gratefully received.

L. RADIO:

Radio reception on station was satisfactory despite frequent enemy jamming.
In general reception on the New HAIKU frequency series was not as good as
that on the old series. 6045 kc was received best at night on station,
while 16730 kc was received best during daylight. Reception on 16730 kc
on 16730 between 1900 and 2400 zebra and practically impossible to copy
although it was not jammed. 9515 could not be copied at any time because
of poor reception, much jamming, and the presence of several broadcast
stations very close to it. 4515 kc gave our second best reception at night
although it was frequently jammed in a most efficient manner.

12705 kc was the only frequency on which we were able to transmit it to shore.
Local interference prevented our hearing NPM answer, if they did at all, on
two of four messages sent. These were picked up by VIX & TRTH, who came in
very plainly, and retransmitted to Pearl for us. Attempts to transmit one
contact report over MOIC circuit met with no success.

Reception on area frequency was very good with all attempts at jamming
ineffective. Use of WOP:CO when operating with Coyo's Wolf Pack was a great
help - providing the best means of quick, easy, and secure communications yet
experienced. Recommendations for other important words and phrases to be
included in future copies of WOP:CO will be forwarded by separate letter.

Reception and transmission by VHF was outstanding. Its use during daylight
carrier strikes on OKINIMA was practically indispensable, and the success of
our lifeguard operations in connection with the strike was due, in part, to
use of VHF from the bridge. Headphones and microphone were run on a long
cable from VHF installation in radio shack to bridge and worked quite well.
It is recommended, however, that VHF be installed in Conning Tower, with
convenient outlet on bridge.

Reception from China on 4155 kc was excellent at all times while in area.

M. RADAR:

Both SJ and SD radars worked at peak efficiency throughout the patrol, due,
in large part, to the untiring care of an outstanding Radio Technician. The
3,000 foot peak on YAMAGUCHI was picked up on the SJ at a range of 120,000 yds.
The large tanker on 25 October was tracked at 18,000 yards, and the battle-
ships on 29 October at 27,500 yards.

The SD gave frequent land contacts out to 45 miles and aircraft contacts at
40 miles.

Communication over SJ radar using the wave guide stop valve was established
satisfactorily with CROAKER, RONQUIL, SILVERSIDES and TRIGGER.

All interferences on APR-1 caused by own ship were carefully checked and log-
ged on way to area. All contacts while in area can be grouped into 3 classes:
(1) Frequency 150 (for-10) mcps. PRF 500. Pulse width 10 microseconds. This
contact was found to be shore based and is believed
to be shore based. The contact appeared to be sweeping up and down until we approached
closer than about 8-10 miles of the beach, in which case, the radar signal
was steady and strong.

- 47 -

— page 105 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol,

Of the two basic designs, it is felt that the Pit Log presents greater(some)
possibility of development for it has a less complicated linkage arrange-
ment and has a bellows which (theoretically) is unaffected by depth
variations. Improvements made since the war in these instruments have
improved the reliability of the log a great deal; this is encouraging, but
further improvements will be gratefully received.

L. RADIO:

Radio reception on station was satisfactory despite frequent enemy jamming.
In general reception on the New HAIKU frequency series was not as good as
that on the old series. 6045 kc was received best at night on station,
while 16730 kc was received best during daylight. Reception on 16730 kc
on 16730 between 1900 and 2400 zebra and practically impossible to copy
although it was not jammed. 9515 could not be copied at any time because
of poor reception, much jamming, and the presence of several broadcast
stations very close to it. 4515 kc gave our second best reception at night
although it was frequently jammed in a most efficient manner.

12705 kc was the only frequency on which we were able to transmit it to shore.
Local interference prevented our hearing NPM answer, if they did at all, on
two of four messages sent. These were picked up by VIX & TRH, who came in
very plainly, and retransmitted to Pearl for us. Attempts to transmit one
contact report over AOIC circuit met with no success.

Reception on area frequency was very good with all attempts at jamming
ineffective. Use of WOP:CO when operating with Coyo's wolf pack was a great
help - providing the best means of quick, easy, and secure communications yet
experienced. Recommendations for other important words and phrases to be
included in future copies of WOP:CO will be forwarded by separate letter.

Reception and transmission by VHF was outstanding. Its use during daylight
carrier strikes on OKINIMA was practically indispensable, and the success of
our lifeguard operations in connection with the strike was due, in part, to
use of VHF from the bridge. Headphones and microphone were run on a long
cable from VHF installation in radio shack to bridge and worked quite well.
It is recommended, however, that VHF be installed in Conning Tower, with
convenient outlet on bridge.

Reception from China on 4155 kc was excellent at all times while in area.

M. RADAR:

Both SJ and SD radars worked at peak efficiency throughout the patrol, due,
in large part, to the untiring care of an outstanding Radio Technician. The
3,000 foot peak on YAMAGUCHI was picked up on the SJ at a range of 120,000 yds.
The large tanker on 25 October was tracked at 18,000 yards, and the battle-
ships on 29 October at 27,500 yards.

The SD gave frequent land contacts out to 45 miles and aircraft contacts at
40 miles.

Communication over SJ radar using the wave guide stop valve was established
satisfactorily with CROAKER, RONQUIL, SILVERSIDES and TRIGGER.

All interferences on APR-1 caused by own ship were carefully checked and log-
ged on way to area. All contacts while in area can be grouped into 3 classes:
(1) Frequency 150 (for-10) mcps. PRF 500. Pulse width 10 microseconds. This
contact was found to be shore based and is believed to be sweeping up and
to be shore based. The contact appeared to be sweeping up and down until we approached
closer than about 8-10 miles of the beach, in which case, the radar signal
was steady and strong.

- 47 -

— page 106 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

While transitting the pass south of YORON JIMA this contact was found very
strong and steady-on. It is believed this installation is on YORON JIMA.

(2) Frequency 150 (for-10) mcgs. PRF 1000. Pulse width 10 microseconds.
This contact was found five times while in area and on two occasions planes
were soon contacted by SJ and/or SJ radar. It is believed that this distinc-
tion, between 500 and 1000 in PRF, if accurately measured, is valuable in
distinguishing shore-based from aircraft radar on 155 mcgs.

(3) Frequency 082 mcgs. PRF 500. Pulse width 20 microseconds. This contact
was picked up once in general area 28° 23' N; to 28° 41' N; 128° 56' E to
129° 15' E. From 1645 to 1800 GCT on 21 October. The contact was sweeping
at all times and is believed to be shore-based.

N. SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS:

Sound conditions and operation of both sonic and supersonic gear were
excellent throughout the patrol with the exception of the armed trawler
contacted on the night of 28 October. Later was iso-tropic to below 100
feet on all contacts. Four sound contacts were made during patrol:

(1) Three cruisers and 6 destroyers, 27° 58' N, 127° 40' E.
Screws picked up initially at 29,000 yards by JF. JK and QB first heard
screws at 24,000 yards. All sound gear tracked the screws to 30,000 yards
and JK heard echo ranging out to 32,000 yards.

(2) One destroyer, 27° 58' N, 127° 51' E.
Initial contact on screws by JF at 22,000 yards; first heard by JK at
19,000 yards. JK tracked screws out to 22,000 yards. No echo ranging was
heard at any time on this target, estimated speed 25-28 knots.

(3) Two PC's and 1 destroyer, 30° 24' N, 129° 57' E.
These three escorts were the remainder of a five ship convoy attacked at
night. Screws and echo ranging were picked up by all three sound gears
(range approximately 10,000 yards) immediately upon diving. Screws were
tracked out to 15,000 yards by all sound gear.

(4) One thousand ton armed trawler, 30° 00' N, 134° 10' E.
Under very poor sound conditions JK picked up this light, single screw
at initial range of 4,200 yards. JF was unable to hear screw until time
of firing, range 2,450 yards. The target did not use echo-ranging. In
the only measurement of turn count vs speed obtained during the patrol,
this ship was making 180-200 turns for speed of 8 knots.

- 43 -

— page 106 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

While transitting the pass south of YORON JIMA this contact was found very
strong and steady-on. It is believed this installation is on YORON JIMA.

(2) Frequency 150 (for-10) mcgs. PRF 1000. Pulse width 10 microseconds.
This contact was found five times while in area and on two occasions planes
were soon contacted by SJ and/or SJ radar. It is believed that this distinc-
tion, between 500 and 1000 in PRF, if accurately measured, is valuable in
distinguishing shore-based from aircraft radar on 155 mcgs.

(3) Frequency 082 mcgs. PRF 500. Pulse width 20 microseconds. This contact
was picked up once in general area 28° 23' N, to 28° 41' N; 128° 56' E to
129° 15' E, from 1645 to 1800 GCT on 21 October. The contact was sweeping
at all times and is believed to be shore-based.

N. SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS:

Sound conditions and operation of both sonic and supersonic gear were
excellent throughout the patrol with the exception of the armed trawler
contacted on the night of 28 October. Later was iso-normal to below 100
feet on all contacts. Four sound contacts were made during patrol:

(1) Three cruisers and 6 destroyers, 27° 58' N, 127° 40' E.
Screws picked up initially at 29,000 yards by JF. JK and QB first heard
screws at 24,000 yards. All sound gear tracked the screws to 30,000 yards
and JK heard echo ranging out to 32,000 yards.

(2) One destroyer, 27° 58' N, 127° 51' E.
Initial contact on screws by JF at 22,000 yards; first heard by JK at
19,000 yards. JK tracked screws out to 22,000 yards. No echo ranging was
heard at any time on this target, estimated speed 25-28 knots.

(3) Two PC's and 1 destroyer, 30° 24' N, 129° 57' E.
These three escorts were the remainder of a five ship convoy attacked at
night. Screws and echo ranging were picked up by all three sound gears
(range approximately 10,000 yards) immediately upon diving. Screws were
tracked out to 15,000 yards by all sound gear.

(4) One thousand ton armed trawler, 30° 00' N, 134° 10' E.
Under very poor sound conditions JK picked up this light, single screw
at initial range of 4,200 yards. JF was unable to hear screw until time
of firing, range 2,450 yards. The target did not use echo-ranging. In
the only measurement of turn count vs speed obtained during the patrol,
this ship was making 180-200 turns for speed of 8 knots.

- 43 -

— page 108 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

S. DURATION:

     *   Days enroute Midway to area   14
     **  Days in area                  28
         Days enroute area to Saipan    3
         Days submerged                25

         Days in Saipan                 6
         Days Saipan to search area     3
         Days in search area            6
         Days search area to Pearl     13

     *   Includes three days lost due to false start, one for convoy search enroute.

     **  Includes three days south of Empire.

T. FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING:

         Torpedocs         Fuel           Provisions     Personnel Factor

     *   1                 21,700 gals.   14 days        14 days

         * Limiting factor: Orders from ComSubsPac.

     **  10                22,640 gals.   15 days         7 days

         ** Limiting factor: Orders from Group Commander.

         * Patrol in Nansci Shoto Area.
         ** Sweep around Bonin Islands.

U. RADIO AND RADAR COUNTERMEASURES:

         Frequent enemy jamming was experienced on HAIKU FOX frequencies as mentioned
         under paragraph L. This jamming took the form of straight C.W. transmission,
         bagpipes and a new type, best described as a "siren". The Japs became very
         efficient at this toward the end of the patrol, often getting right on top
         of the NPM signal, making copying impossible.

         No indications of radar jamming were found.

V. REMARKS:

         It is a pleasure to note that the large drainage area in the Conning Tower
         and Control Room decks completely took care of a solid stream of water down
         the hatch. 'The biggest stream of water the Commanding Officer has ever
         seen'.

         The SD radar was used as follows:

         Five second sweeps by day and bright moonlight.
         Same as above if enemy planes are in vicinity using radar of their own.
         Secured during approaches and when close to land (under 10 miles).

                                       - 50 -

— page 108 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol

S. DURATION:

    *   Days enroute Midway to area 14
    **  Days in area                 28
        Days enroute area to Saipan  3
        Days submerged               25

        Days in Saipan               6
        Days Saipan to search area   3
        Days in search area          6
        Days search area to Pearl    13

    *   Includes three days lost due to false start, one for convoy search enroute.

    **  Includes three days south of Empire.

T. FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING:

        Torpedoes           Fuel                Provisions          Personnel Factor

    *   1                   21,700 gals.        14 days             14 days

    *   Limiting factor: Orders from ComSubsPac.

    **  10                  22,640 gals.        15 days             7 days

    **  Limiting factor: Orders from Group Commander.

    *   Patrol in Nansci Shoto Area.
    **  Sweep around Bonin Islands.

U. RADIO AND RADAR COUNTERMEASURES:

        Frequent enemy jamming was experienced on HAIKU FOX frequencies as mentioned
        under paragraph L. This jamming took the form of straight C.W. transmission,
        perhaps of a new type, best described as a "siren". The Japs became very
        efficient at this toward the end of the patrol, often getting right on top
        of the NPM signal, making copying impossible.

        No indications of radar jamming were found.

V. REMARKS:

        It is a pleasure to note that the large drainage area in the Conning Tower
        and Control Room decks completely took care of a solid stream of water down
        the hatch. 'The biggest stream of water the Commanding Officer has ever
        seen'.

        The SD radar was used as follows:

        Five second sweeps by day and bright moonlight.
        Same as above if enemy planes are in vicinity using radar of their own.
        Secured during approaches and when close to land (under 10 miles).

- 50 -

— page 109 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

LIFECUARD DUTIES:

The lifeguard duties performed by this vessel off OKINAWA on 10 October
were interesting and our association with the four pilots and two crew
members were a source of pleasure and satisfaction.

The lifeguard itself was a pleasure because of the instant and efficient
communications using VHF; not only with our fighter cover but with strike
leaders and incidental cruiser search planes. At first communications were
hampered by a lack of knowledge of air "slang" or code words. The first
pilot rescue, however, soon corrected this. As soon as Lt(jg) DANA from
BILOXII had put on dry clothes and had some coffee, he volunteered to guard
the VHF on the bridge. He translated the circuit language and in addition
knew practically all of the air group calls so that we were able to utilize
his return route to search for reported rafts along their return route.
Incidental cruiser scouts also cooperated with great willingness.

A working knowledge of the slang used in air operations is considered very
useful. A short glossary may be found in the C.I.C. (Combat Information
Center) issue of 25 October 1944. Should the voice calls of various air
groups be made available this would also be of great help.

The officers stood watch as J.O.C. and the men regular section watches
for the remainder of the patrol as well as filling in on wardroom bridge
games when needed. Their desire to inflict damage on the enemy led them to
suggest many novel ideas for fighting the Japs and their unfailing good
humor and high spirits were a source of continual pleasure.

The ship was fortunate enough to make three night attacks after their
arrival in which it was possible for them to see the Japs sink. One remark
after an attack, "Gee, you fellows really know when you sink them!". All
two men were approved of the submarine food and the two men were
considering a transfer to submarine duty for this reason.

The crowding in the wardroom was no hardship because of the thoughtfulness
and good humor of all hands. Their performance of duty was of the highest
order and learning about air operations was extremely interesting.

It is hoped and recommended that these men will be awarded a Submarine
Combat Pin. They worked for it and, while not regularly attached in the
strict meaning of the word, they never the less contributed no small amount
to the success of this patrol.

- 51 -

— page 109 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

LIFEGUARD DUTIES:
The lifeguard duties performed by this vessel off OKINAWA on 10 October
were interesting and our association with the four pilots and two crew
members were a source of pleasure and satisfaction.

The lifeguarding itself was a pleasure because of the instant and efficient
communications using VHF; not only with our fighter cover but with strike
leaders and incidental cruiser search planes. At first communications were
hampered by a lack of knowledge of air "slang" or code words. The first
pilot rescued, however, soon corrected this. As soon as Lt(jg) DANA from
BILOXII had put on dry clothes and had some coffee, he volunteered to guard
the circuit on the bridge. He translated the circuit language and in addition
knew practically all of the air group calls so that we were able to utilize
them to search for reported rafts along their return route.
Incidental cruiser scouts also cooperated with great willingness.

A working knowledge of the slang used in air operations is considered very
useful. A short glossary may be found in the C.I.C. (Combat Information
Center) issue of 25 October 1944. Should the voice calls of various air
groups be made available this would also be of great help.

The officers stood watch as J.O.C. and the men regular section watches
for the remainder of the patrol as well as filling in on wardroom bridge
games when needed. Their desire to inflict damage on the enemy led them to
suggest many novel ideas for fighting the Japs and their unfailing good
humor and high spirits were a source of continual pleasure.

The ship was fortunate enough to make three night attacks after their
arrival in which it was possible for them to see the Japs sink. One remark
after an attack, "Gee, you fellows really know when you sink them!". All
two men were approved of the submarine food and the two men were
considering a transfer to submarine duty for this reason.

The crowding in the wardroom was no hardship because of the thoughtfulness
and good humor of all hands. Their performance of duty was of the highest
order and learning about air operations was extremely interesting.

It is hoped and recommended that these men will be awarded a Submarine
Combat Pin. They worked for it and, while not regularly attached in the
strict meaning of the word, they never the less contributed no small amount
to the success of this patrol.

- "51" -

— page 110 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

V. REMARKS:

EIGHTEEN TORPEDOES:
Light 18 nets were fired; all missed - four from control errors, four from
reasons unknown. The care and upkeep of these torpedoes during patrol
was according to ComSubPac directives.

- 52 -

— page 110 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report of Second War Patrol.

V. REMARKS:

EIGHTEEN TORPEDOES:
Light 18 nets were fired; all missed - four from control errors, four from
reasons unknown. The care and upkeep of these torpedoes during patrol
was according to ComSubPac directives.

- 52 -

— page 111 —
FB5-45/A16-3
Serial: 0133
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-FIVE

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

3 December 1944.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO STERLET Conf.Ltr. SS392/A16-3
Serial 0120 of 30 November 1944.
Report of SECOND War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of War Patrol No. TWO.

1. The SECOND war patrol of the U.S.S. STERLET was conducted in the
NANSEI SHOTO area, and in the area west of the BONIN ISLANDS during which time
she was a unit of a seven submarine coordinated attack group. The duration of
the patrol was seventy-three days, of which thirty-four days were spent on sta-
tion. Anti-submarine measures were intense and consisted of radar equipped
planes, numerous patrol boats, and heavily escorted convoys. Numerous fishing
craft and small boats were sighted.

2. GUN ATTACK No. 1 - Shortly after dark on 9 October fire was opened
with rapid fire gun on a small fishing craft which sank immediately from the
effects of machine gun fire at point blank range.

3. On 18 October a task force consisting of two ATAGO Class heavy cruis-
ers, one TENRYU Class light cruiser, six destroyers and air cover could not be
closed for attack after one hour of high speed submerged running. Later in the
day an attempt was made to close a destroyer for submerged attack without success.

4. TORPEDO ATTACK No. 1 - On 20 October a night surface radar approach
was made on a single unescorted small AK. Three Mk. 23 torpedoes were fired at a
range of 1550 yards, 105 Starboard track, gyros near zero, depth setting 2 feet.
The first torpedo, aimed to hit, was seen to run erratic, the second and third
torpedoes missed ahead and astern.

5. TORPEDO ATTACK No. 2 - On 25 October a night surface radar attack was
made on a convoy consisting of one large gasoline tanker, one large AK, one de-
stroyer and two PC escorts. After an excellent approach, handicapped by maneuvers
of the target, 4 Mk. 23 torpedoes were fired at the tanker at range 3100 yards, gy-
ros 185, track angle 87 Port, depth 6 ft. All torpedoes made unexplained misses.

6. TORPEDO ATTACK No. 3 - Another approach on the same target group was
immediately made and six Mk. 23 torpedoes were fired at the tanker and AK over-
lapping, range 3000 yards, 110 Starboard track, gyros 357. Three hits were ob-
tained in the tanker which blew up, and one hit in the large freighter caused the
ship to sink shortly afterward as witnessed by the sudden loss of its radar pip
at 6000 yards range. The STERLET was hunted during the day by the escorts and
planes, and during the afternoon received two close depth charges from a plane.

7. A hospital ship sighted the night of 25 October was allowed to pass.

- 1 -

— page 111 —
FB5-45/A16-3
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-FIVE
Serial: 0133
Care of Fleet Post Office,
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
San Francisco, California.

3 December 1944.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO STERLET Conf.Ltr. SS392/A16-3
Serial 0120 of 30 November 1944.
Report of SECOND War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of War Patrol No. TWO.

1. The SECOND war patrol of the U.S.S. STERLET was conducted in the
NANSEI SHOTO area, and in the area west of the BONIN ISLANDS during which time
she was a unit of a seven submarine coordinated attack group. The duration of
the patrol was seventy-three days, of which thirty-four days were spent on sta-
tion. Anti-submarine measures were intense and consisted of radar equipped
planes, numerous patrol boats, and heavily escorted convoys. Numerous fishing
craft and small boats were sighted.

2. GUN ATTACK No. 1 - Shortly after dark on 9 October fire was opened
with rapid fire gun on a small fishing craft which sank immediately from the
effects of machine gun fire at point blank range.

3. On 18 October a task force consisting of two ATAGO Class heavy cruis-
ers, one TENRYU Class light cruiser, six destroyers and air cover could not be
closed for attack after one hour of high speed submerged running. Later in the
day an attempt was made to close a destroyer for submerged attack without success.

4. TORPEDO ATTACK No. 1 - On 20 October a night surface radar approach
was made on a single unescorted small AK. Three Mk. 23 torpedoes were fired at a
range of 1550 yards, 105 Starboard track, gyros near zero, depth setting 2 feet.
The first torpedo, aimed to hit, was seen to run erratic, the second and third
torpedoes missed ahead and astern.

5. TORPEDO ATTACK No. 2 - On 25 October a night surface radar attack was
made on a convoy consisting of one large gasoline tanker, one large AK, one de-
stroyer and two PC escorts. After an excellent approach, handicapped by maneuvers
of the target, 4 Mk. 23 torpedoes were fired at the tanker, range 3100 yards, gy-
ros 185, track angle 87 Port, depth 6 ft. All torpedoes made unexplained misses.

6. TORPEDO ATTACK No. 3 - Another approach on the same target group was
immediately made and six Mk. 23 torpedoes were fired at the tanker and AK over-
lapping, range 3000 yards, 110 Starboard track, gyros 357. Three hits were ob-
tained in the tanker which blew up, and one hit in the large freighter caused the
ship to sink shortly afterward as witnessed by the sudden loss of its radar pip
at 6000 yards range. The STERLET was hunted during the day by the escorts and
planes, and during the afternoon received two close depth charges from a plane.

7. A hospital ship sighted the night of 25 October was allowed to pass.

- 1 -

— page 112 —
FB5-45/A16-3

Serial: 0133

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

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of War Patrol No. TWO.

8. Radar contact on an enemy task force of two battleships and four de-
stroyers was obtained the night of 29 October, but could not be closed after high
speed surface running.

9. TORPEDO ATTACK No. 4 - On 29 October a submerged moonlight radar ap-
proach was made on a small AK. Four Mk. 18 torpedoes were fired at a range of
2200 yards, 180 gyros, track 81 Port. All missed due to an error in range and
speed. The STERLET then battle surfaced.

GUN ATTACK No. 2 - Close range gunfire sank this ship.

10. TORPEDO ATTACK No. 5 - On 31 October a night surface radar attack was
made on a large tanker previously damaged and stopped by TRIGGER. Six Mk. 23 tor-
pedoes were fired at a range of 3000 yards, 45 Port track, resulting in four hits
which sank the tanker.

11. GUN ATTACK No. 3 - On 15 November while operating as part of a seven
submarine attack group, contact was made with a large patrol boat which was taken
under fire at 7000 yards range. Close return fire forced the STERLET to submerge.
Shortly thereafter, the submarine surfaced and re-engaged the enemy in a coordinat-
ed attack with the SILVERSIDES and TRIGGER. The engagement was broken off after
all 4" gun ammunition had been expended with no apparent damage to the enemy.

12. TORPEDO ATTACK No. 6 - On 16 November an SCS-1 type patrol vessel was
attacked with four Mk. 23 torpedoes after a night surface radar approach, range
630 yards, depth 0 feet, gyros 356, track 67 Starboard. One torpedo hit sank the
patrol boat and caused all depth charges to explode, severely shaking the STERLET.

13. The STERLET had the good fortune to recover six naval airmen while
performing lifeguard duty off OKINAWAS. This duty was superbly performed, one
rescue occurring in shoal water in close proximity to land. In addition the
STERLET with the TRIGGER, from 31 October to 3 November, formed an escort group
for the SALMON who had been badly damaged and could not dive.

14. The STERLET returned from patrol very clean and ship shape and in very
good material condition. Normal refit will be accomplished by the Submarine Base.

15. The Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the STERLET are congratu-
lated on the completion of this outstanding and aggressive patrol and on the large
amount of damage inflicted on the enemy.

SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-FIVE

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
3 December 1944.

[SIGNATURE: Jesse L. Hull]
JESSE L. HULL,

— page 112 —
FB5-45/A16-3
Serial: 0133

SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-FIVE
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
3 December 1944.

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

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of War Patrol No. TWO.

— page 113 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

FCS-4/A16-3                                                6 December 1944.
Serial: 0516
C O N F I D E N T I A L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS STERLET (SS392) Report
of Second War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET, Report of Second War Patrol.

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

2. The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR heartily
congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers, and crew of
the U.S.S. STERLET upon completion of this patrol and for the
heavy damage inflicted upon the enemy.

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

                                SUNK

1 - AO(EU), 10,000 tons
1 - AK(EU), 7,500 tons
1 - AO(EC), 7,000 tons*
1 - SCS-1(EC) 100 tons
1 - AK(EU), 1,000 tons
1 - MISL. _____
Total Sunk 25,600 tons

*1/2 credit to U.S.S. TRIGGER for 14,000 ton AO.

W. V. O'REGAN.

— page 113 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

6 December 1944.

FCS-4/A16-3
Serial: 0516
_C O N F I D E N T I A L_
_SECOND ENDORSEMENT_ to
USS STERLET (SS392) Report
of Second War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET, Report of Second War Patrol.

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

2. The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR heartily
congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers, and crew of
the U.S.S. STERLET upon completion of this patrol and for the
heavy damage inflicted upon the enemy.

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

_SUNK_
1 - AO(EU), 10,000 tons
1 - AK(EU), 7,500 tons
1 - AO(EC), 7,000 tons*
1 - SCS-1(EC) 100 tons
1 - AK(EU), 1,000 tons
1 - MISL. _____
Total Sunk 25,600 tons

*1/2 credit to U.S.S. TRIGGER for 14,000 ton AO.

W. V. O'REGAN.

— page 114 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)
Serial 02767

CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
COMSUBSPAC Report of
Second War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 598.
U.S.S. STERLET - SECOND WAR PATROL.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of Second War Patrol.
(18 September to 3 November 1944) and (10 November to
30 November 1944).

1. The general war patrol of the STERLET was conducted in
two phases. The first phase was carried out in areas around Nansei
Shoto, while the second was made west and north of the Bonin Islands
Group. In this phase the STERLET was one of seven submarines conduct-
ing an anti-patrol sweep.

2. During the first part of the patrol the STERLET saw
plenty of action. The action started with a night gun battle which
destroyed one Bango. The STERLET also conducted aggressive torpedo
attacks which caused the enemy severe damage. Of note was the gun
battle with a small freighter at which the STERLET had fired three
torpedoes and missed; the STERLET then manned all its guns and caught
the freighter completely by surprise and destroyed it before any
counter action could be taken. This was an excellently planned and
conducted gun battle.

3. During the first phase the STERLET, while on lifeguard
duty, picked up six Naval aviators. The fighter protection pro-
vided by our air forces was excellent and in one case enabled the
STERLET to pick up an aviator about a mile from an enemy island.
During this time also the STERLET sent a very valuable contact report
on a cruiser task force.

4. During the second phase the STERLET successfully tor-
pedoed an enemy submarine chaser and sank it.

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

6. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this aggressive
and successful second war patrol. The STERLET is credited with having
inflicted the following damage upon the enemy:

S U N K

1 - Large Tanker (EU) - 10,000 tons (Attack No. 3)
1 - Large Freighter (EU) - 7,500 tons (Attack No. 5)*
1/3 - Large Tanker (EU) - 3,300 tons (Attack No. 5)
1 - Submarine Chaser (EC) - 100 tons (Attack No. 6)

*This 10,000 ton tanker credited to U.S.S. [UNCLEAR: TRIGGER (SS237)] and the STERLET - 1 -
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
8 December 1944.

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

hch
[HANDWRITTEN: 12] 03821

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

— page 114 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)
Serial 02767

CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
COMSUBSPAC Report of
Second War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 598.
U.S.S. STERLET - SECOND WAR PATROL.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of Second War Patrol.
(18 September to 3 November 1944) and (10 November to
30 November 1944).

1. The general war patrol of the STERLET was conducted in
two phases. The first phase was carried out in areas around Nansei
Shoto, while the second was made west and north of the Bonin Islands
Group. In this phase the STERLET was one of seven submarines conduct-
ing an anti-patrol sweep.

2. During the first part of the patrol the STERLET saw
plenty of action. The action started with a night gun battle which
destroyed one Bango. The STERLET also conducted aggressive torpedo
attacks which caused the enemy severe damage. Of note was the gun
battle with a small freighter at which the STERLET had fired three
torpedoes and missed; the STERLET then manned all its guns and caught
the freighter completely by surprise and destroyed it before any
counter action could be taken. This was an excellently planned and
conducted gun battle.

3. During the first phase the STERLET, while on lifeguard
duty, picked up six Naval aviators. The fighter protection pro-
vided by our air forces was excellent and in one case enabled the
STERLET to pick up an aviator about a mile from an enemy island.
During this time also the STERLET sent a very valuable contact report
on a cruiser task force.

4. During the second phase the STERLET successfully tor-
pedoed an enemy submarine chaser and sank it.

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

6. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this aggressive
and successful second war patrol. The STERLET is credited with having
inflicted the following damage upon the enemy:

S U N K

1 - Large Tanker (EU) - 10,000 tons (Attack No. 3)
1 - Large Freighter (EU) - 7,500 tons (Attack No. 5)*
1/3 - Large Tanker (EU) - 3,300 tons (Attack No. 5)
1 - Submarine Chaser (EC) - 100 tons (Attack No. 6)

*This 10,000 ton tanker credited to U.S.S. [UNCLEAR: TRIGGER (SS237)] and the STERLET - 1 -
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
8 December 1944.

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

hch
[HANDWRITTEN: 12] 03821

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

— page 116 —
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California.

U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)

SS392/A16-3
Serial ( 04 )
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAINST 5510.10]
BY [SIGNATURE: Opo 93H] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/19/72]

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392).
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division Two Hundred
Forty Two.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron Twenty Four.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) The Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392) - Report of War Patrol
Number THREE.

Enclosures: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track Chart (ComSubPac only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the Third War Patrol of this
vessel conducted in the Tokyo Bay and later in the Northern Nansei
Shoto areas during the period 25 January 1945 to 4 April 1945, is
forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: H.H. LEWIS]

[STAMP: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 117652]

— page 116 —
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California.

U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)

SS392/A16-3
Serial ( 04 )
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAINST 5510.10]
BY [SIGNATURE: Opo 93H] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/19/72]

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392).
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division Two Hundred
Forty Two.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron Twenty Four.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) The Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392) - Report of War Patrol
Number THREE.

Enclosures: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track Chart (ComSubPac only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the Third War Patrol of this
vessel conducted in the Tokyo Bay and later in the Northern Nansei
Shoto areas during the period 25 January 1945 to 4 April 1945, is
forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: H.H. LEWIS]

[STAMP: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 117652]

— page 117 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)                               Report of Third War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

(A) PROLOGUE.

        The U.S.S. STERLET arrived Pearl Harbor, T.H., from her Second War Patrol on
30 November 1944. Normal refit was conducted by Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, with
Submarine Division A-2 administering.

        The following major items were accomplished:

        Gunnery and Fire Control -

        1. Replaced 4"/50 with 5"/25.
        2. Replaced twin 20 mm aft with 40 mm.
        3. Replaced forward single 20 mm with twin 20 mm aft.
        4. Installed Mark 8 TBT's and true-rel. repeaters.
        5. Installed JUP sound powered phones at both TBT's and 5" gun.
        6. Installed speed halving device on TDC.
        7. Installed DRT in conning tower.

        Engineering -

        1. Renewed four engine mufflers.
        2. Renewed brushes on all four motors with symbol no. 5A4590.
        3. Installed ion exchangers.
        4. Replaced Portsmouth type motor starters with magnetic type on
           hydraulic plants.

        Torpedo -

        1. Installed new spindle type firing valves.
        2. Installed W-L hydrogen burning panels in forward torpedo room.

        Communications -

        1. Installed new high unit for APR.
        2. Installed "Walkie Talkie" (SC R/T6594).
        3. Installed RBS 1 and RBH 2 radio receivers.
        4. Installed new type VHF antennae.
        5. Installed remote control outlets for VHF and "Walkie Talkie" in
           conning tower.

        Hull -

        1. Installed double hatches.

        Upon completion of this work the ship was given seven (7) days training
with Captain K.C. HURL, U.S.N., CSD 45, as training officer. Seven (7) exercise
torpedoes were fired and two battle surface firings were held. In addition,
two (2) days of special training were received.

                                - 1 -                                Enclosure (A)

— page 117 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)                               Report of Third War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

(A) PROLOGUE.

        The U.S.S. STERLET arrived Pearl Harbor, T.H., from her Second War Patrol on
30 November 1944. Normal refit was conducted by Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, with
Submarine Division A-2 administering.

        The following major items were accomplished:

        Gunnery and Fire Control -

        1. Replaced 4"/50 with 5"/25.
        2. Replaced twin 20 mm aft with 40 mm.
        3. Replaced forward single 20 mm with twin 20 mm aft.
        4. Installed Mark 8 TBT's and true-rel. repeaters.
        5. Installed JUP sound powered phones at both TBT's and 5" gun.
        6. Installed speed halving device on TDC.
        7. Installed DRT in conning tower.

        Engineering -

        1. Renewed four engine mufflers.
        2. Renewed brushes on all four motors with symbol no. 5A4590.
        3. Installed ion exchangers.
        4. Replaced Portsmouth type motor starters with magnetic type on
           hydraulic plants.

        Torpedo -

        1. Installed new spindle type firing valves.
        2. Installed W-L hydrogen burning panels in forward torpedo room.

        Communications -

        1. Installed new high unit for APR.
        2. Installed "Walkie Talkie" (SC R/T6594).
        3. Installed RBS 1 and RBH 2 radio receivers.
        4. Installed new type VHF antennae.
        5. Installed remote control outlets for VHF and "Walkie Talkie" in
           conning tower.

        Hull -

        1. Installed double hatches.

        Upon completion of this work the ship was given seven (7) days training
with Captain K.C. HURL, U.S.N., CSD 45, as training officer. Seven (7) exercise
torpedoes were fired and two battle surface firings were held. In addition,
two (2) days of special training were received.

                                - 1 -                                Enclosure (A)

— page 118 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392).
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

Readiness for sea date was changed from 6 January 1945 to 25 January 1945,
in order to accompany U.S.S. PIPER, BOWFIN, TREPANG and POMFRET as a group.
During this period independent ships exercises and group exercises were held.

On 22 December 1944, Lt. Cmdr. Walter L. Small Jr., U.S.N., relieved Cmdr.
C.C. Robbins, U.S.N., as Commanding Officer. On 25 December 1944, Lt. Cmdr.
Small was transferred to Naval Hospital No. 10 for treatment and Lt. Hugh E.
Wright, U.S.N., Executive Officer, assumed temporary command. On 27 December 1944,
Lt. Cmdr. Hugh H. Lewis, U.S.N.R., assumed command, relieving Lt. Wright.

The following additional changes in officer personnel occurred during the
period of refit and training:

Reported: Lt. H.R. Bingham, U.S.N.R.
Ens. M.E. Andersen, U.S.N.R.

Detached: Lt.(jg) J.M. Garland, U.S.N.

(B) NARRATIVE.

The following named officers and chief petty officers were attached to
the U.S.S. STERLET during its Third War Patrol:

NAME No. OF WAR PATROLS
(Exclusive of this Patrol)
Lt. Cmdr. H.H. Lewis. 5
Lt. H.E. Wright. 2
Lt. E.C. Barnhardt, III. 2
Lt. H.R. Bingham. 0
Lt. D.E. Horst. 3
Lt.(jg) J.H. Sharp. 1
Lt.(jg) W.R. Wright. 2
Lt.(jg) J.L. Benny. 1
Ensign M.E. Andersen. 0

Bettencourt, G.P., CEM (SS). 2
Francoeur, J.N.G., CMOMM(AA)(SS). 7
Kenneally, J.F., CMOM(SS). 2
Meador, L.F., CMOM(SS). 1
Moon, L.C., CMM(AA)(SS). 8
Shutt, R.A., CCS(AA)(SS). 7
Whitics, D.L., CM(AA)(SS). 8

25 Jan. 1330 (VW) Underway for Third War Patrol, enroute Pearl Harbor to
Saipan in accordance with ComSubPac Operation Order # 32-45.
Proceeding in company with PIPER, BOWFIN, TREPANG and POMFRET.
Pack Commander in PIPER.
1632 (W) Made trim dive.
1704 (W) Surfaced. Formed scouting line.

- 2 -
Enclosure (A).

— page 118 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

Readiness for sea date was changed from 6 January 1945 to 25 January 1945,
in order to accompany U.S.S. PIPER, BOWFIN, TREPANG and POMFRET as a group.
During this period independent ships exercises and group exercises were held.

On 22 December 1944, Lt. Cmdr. Walter L. Small Jr., U.S.N., relieved Cmdr.
C.C. Robbins, U.S.N., as Commanding Officer. On 25 December 1944, Lt. Cmdr.
Small was transferred to Naval Hospital No. 10 for treatment and Lt. Hugh E.
Wright, U.S.N., Executive Officer, assumed temporary command. On 27 December 1944,
Lt. Cmdr. Hugh H. Lewis, U.S.N.R., assumed command, relieving Lt. Wright.

The following additional changes in officer personnel occurred during the
period of refit and training:

Reported: Lt. H.R. Bingham, U.S.N.R.
Ens. M.E. Andersen, U.S.N.R.

Detached: Lt.(jg) J.M. Garland, U.S.N.

(B) NARRATIVE.

The following named officers and chief petty officers were attached to
the U.S.S. STERLET during its Third War Patrol:

NAME No. OF WAR PATROLS
(Exclusive of this Patrol)
Lt. Cmdr. H.H. Lewis. 1
Lt. H.E. Wright. 5
Lt. E.C. Barnhardt, III. 2
Lt. H.R. Bingham. 0
Lt. D.E. Horst. 3
Lt.(jg) J.H. Sharp. 1
Lt.(jg) W.R. Wright. 2
Lt.(jg) A.L. Benny. 1
Ensign M.E. Andersen. 0

Bettencourt, G.P., CEM (SS). 2
Francoeur, J.N.G., CMOMM(AA)(SS). 7
Kenneally, J.F., CMOM(SS). 2
Meador, L.F., CMOM(SS). 1
Moon, L.C., CM(AA)(SS). 8
Shutt, R.A., CCS(AA)(SS). 7
Whitics, D.L., CM(AA)(SS). 8

25 Jan. 1330 (VW) Underway for Third War Patrol, enroute Pearl Harbor to
Saipan in accordance with ComSubsPac Operation Order # 32-45.
Proceeding in company with PIPER, BOWFIN, TREPANG and POMFRET.
Pack Commander in PIPER.

1632 (W) Made trim dive.

1704 (W) Surfaced. Formed scouting line.

- 2 -
Enclosure (A).

— page 119 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392,
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

26 Jan. 1200 (V) Posit. Lat. 20-45 N, Long. 162-33 W.
27 Jan. 1200 (W) Posit. Lat. 21-01 N, Long. 167-50 W.
28 Jan. 1200 (X) Posit. Lat. 21-14 N, Long. 173-44 W.
29 Jan. 1200 (X) Posit. Lat. 21-14.5 N, Long. 179-22 W.
30 Jan. Omitted. Crossed International Date Line.
31 Jan. 1200 (M) Posit. Lat. 21-01 N, Long. 170-47 E.
1 Feb. 1200 (L) Posit. Lat. 21-01 N, Long. 170-47 E.
2 Feb. 1200 (L) Posit. Lat. 20-56 N, Long. 165-29 E.
3 Feb. 1200 (L) Posit. Lat. 20-25.5 N, Long. 160-29.5 E.
4 Feb. 1200 (L) Posit. Lat. 19-55.5 N, Long. 155-14 E.
5 Feb. 1200 (K) Posit. Lat. 18-16 N, Long. 145-17.5 E.

While enroute Saipan, conducted daily training dives, control drills
and gunnery drills. Made daily tests of inter-pack communications.

All times hereafter will be KING unless otherwise stated. All
Latitudes NORTH; all Longitudes EAST.

6 Feb. 0635 Sighted B-29, first of many aircraft not listed as contacts.
         0920 Sighted escort LCI 1063.
         1200 Posit. Lat. 15-39 N, Long. 145-17.5 E.
         1535 Moored in nest alongside U.S.S. FULTON, Tanapag Harbor,
              Saipan. Topped off with fuel, lube, stores, and received
              minor voyage repairs.
7 Feb.       Moored at Saipan.
8 Feb. 0800 Underway.
         0900 Joined up with escort LCI 1061.
         1000 Formed scouting line with PIPER, BOWFIN, TREPANG and POMFRET;
              STERLET on right flank. Enroute patrol area in accordance
              with ComSubSPac Operation Order # 37-45 of 6 February 1945.
         1200 Posit. Lat. 15-47.5 N, Long. 145-24.5 E.
         1500 Escort departed.
         1535 Made 15 minute trim dive.
         1805 Passed ANATAHAN Island abeam to starboard, distance 6,000
              yards.
9 Feb. 0612 Made dawn dive.
         0925 SD contact 16 miles; identified as PBM, (PLANE CONTACT # 1);
              did not dive.

- 3 -
Enclosure (A)

— page 119 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392,
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

26 Jan. 1200 (V) Posit. Lat. 20-45 N, Long. 162-33 W.
27 Jan. 1200 (W) Posit. Lat. 21-01 N, Long. 167-50 W.
28 Jan. 1200 (X) Posit. Lat. 21-14 N, Long. 173-44 W.
29 Jan. 1200 (X) Posit. Lat. 21-14.5 N, Long. 179-22 W.
30 Jan. Omitted. Crossed International Date Line.
31 Jan. 1200 (M) Posit. Lat. 21-01 N, Long. 170-47 E.
1 Feb. 1200 (L) Posit. Lat. 21-01 N, Long. 170-47 E.
2 Feb. 1200 (L) Posit. Lat. 20-56 N, Long. 165-29 E.
3 Feb. 1200 (L) Posit. Lat. 20-25.5 N, Long. 160-29.5 E.
4 Feb. 1200 (L) Posit. Lat. 19-55.5 N, Long. 155-14 E.
5 Feb. 1200 (K) Posit. Lat. 18-16 N, Long. 145-17.5 E.

While enroute Saipan, conducted daily training dives, control drills
and gunnery drills. Made daily tests of inter-pack communications.

All times hereafter will be KING unless otherwise stated. All
Latitudes NORTH; all Longitudes EAST.

6 Feb. 0635 Sighted B-29, first of many aircraft not listed as contacts.
         0920 Sighted escort LCI 1063.
         1200 Posit. Lat. 15-39 N, Long. 145-17.5 E.
         1535 Moored in nest alongside U.S.S. FULTON, Tanapag Harbor,
              Saipan. Topped off with fuel, lube, stores, and received
              minor voyage repairs.
7 Feb.       Moored at Saipan.
8 Feb. 0800 Underway.
         0900 Joined up with escort LCI 1061.
         1000 Formed scouting line with PIPER, BOWFIN, TREPANG and POMFRET;
              STERLET on right flank. Enroute patrol area in accordance
              with ComSubSPac Operation Order # 37-45 of 6 February 1945.
         1200 Posit. Lat. 15-47.5 N, Long. 145-24.5 E.
         1500 Escort departed.
         1535 Made 15 minute trim dive.
         1805 Passed ANATAHAN Island abeam to starboard, distance 6,000
              yards.
9 Feb. 0612 Made dawn dive.
         0925 SD contact 16 miles; identified as PBM, (PLANE CONTACT # 1);
              did not dive.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 120 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392),
CONFIDENTIAL Report of Third War Patrol.

10 Feb.
1200 Posit. Lat. 18-26, Long. 148-06.
1321 Sighted aircraft, 9 miles; identified as FBM (PLANE CONTACT # 2);
     exchanged recognition signals.
1500 Made deep dive to test stern tubes.
1535 Surfaced.
0620 Made dawn dive.
1125 SD contact, 26 miles. Plane sighted and identified tentatively
     as FBM but no IFF. (PLANE CONTACT # 3).
1130 Dove.
1200 Posit. Lat. 23-15, Long. 147-49.5.
1203 Surfaced.
1300 Opened scouting distance to 15 miles in accordance with instruc-
     tions received from Pack Commander.

11 Feb.
1200 Posit. Lat. 27-46.5, Long. 147-49.5.
1436 SD contact, 12 miles, closing fast (PLANE CONTACT # 4) not seen.
     Dove.
1510 Surfaced.
2016 Attempted to exchange recognition signal with POMFRET by SJ with
     no success, although interference on correct bearing was strong.

12 Feb.
1120 Made trim dive.
1200 Posit. Lat. 31-38.5, Long. 146-14.5.

13 Feb.
0614 Made trim dive on reverse course.
0717 Surfaced; resumed sweep.
1100 Dove on reverse course.
1200 Posit. Lat. 33-44.5, Long. 143-02.5.
1300 Surfaced; resumed sweep.
1425 O.O.D. sighted periscope 1,500 yards on port beam; turned away
     at flank.
1430 Dove. Reversed course; nothing on sound.

- 4 - Enclosure (A)

— page 120 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392),
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

10 Feb.
1200 Posit. Lat. 18-26, Long. 148-06.
1321 Sighted aircraft, 9 miles; identified as FBM (PLANE CONTACT # 2);
     exchanged recognition signals.
1500 Made deep dive to test stern tubes.
1535 Surfaced.
0620 Made dawn dive.
1125 SD contact, 26 miles. Plane sighted and identified tentatively
     as FBM but no IFF. (PLANE CONTACT # 3).
1130 Dove.
1200 Posit. Lat. 23-15, Long. 147-49.5.
1203 Surfaced.
1300 Opened scouting distance to 15 miles in accordance with instruc-
     tions received from Pack Commander.

11 Feb.
1200 Posit. Lat. 27-46.5, Long. 147-49.5.
1436 SD contact, 12 miles, closing fast (PLANE CONTACT # 4) not seen.
     Dove.
1510 Surfaced.
2016 Attempted to exchange recognition signal with POMFRET by SJ with
     no success, although interference on correct bearing was strong.

12 Feb.
1120 Made trim dive.
1200 Posit. Lat. 31-38.5, Long. 146-14.5.

13 Feb.
0614 Made trim dive on reverse course.
0717 Surfaced; resumed sweep.
1100 Dove on reverse course.
1200 Posit. Lat. 33-44.5, Long. 143-02.5.
1300 Surfaced; resumed sweep.
1425 O.O.D. sighted periscope 1,500 yards on port beam; turned away
     at flank.
1430 Dove. Reversed course; nothing on sound.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 121 —
U.S.S. STARLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

1730 Surfaced.

2255 Received dispatch directing MOFS to head for odd date lifeguard
     stations.

2330 Sweep completed. No surface contacts.

14 Feb. 0320 Picked up land on SJ, distance 60,000 yards. Closed land,
     identified as NOJIMA SAKI, to 10 miles to obtain radar fix, then
     headed for lifeguard station as directed. At least six separate
     radars were sweeping as we came in, but do not believe we were
     picked up.

0530 Dove for submerged patrol in vicinity of odd date lifeguard
     station.

1200 Posit. Lat. 35-10, Long. 141-00.5.

1930 Surfaced. Commenced closing HONSHU for radar fix.

1945 Sighted large fire on horizon in general direction of Tokyo.
     There is no one else over there so assumed it was on the beach.
     The flame flared up quickly then died down to a dull red glow in
     about ten minutes; probably an oil storage tank.

15 Feb. 0628 Dove in vicinity of odd date lifeguard station.

0753 Two distant explosions. Nothing in sight. Sky is completely
     overcast, visibility about three miles.

1200 Posit. Lat. 35-06, Long. 140-52.

1440 First planes due over target, so at -

1450 Surfaced.

1515 SD contact, 6 miles, closing (PLANE CONTACT # 5); no IFF. Dove.

1555 Surfaced. Considerable jamming in Japanese with some English on
     4475 but nothing on VHF to indicate raid in progress.

1910 Still nothing for us. Getting dark so headed north to patrol off
     INUBO SAKI.

16 Feb. 0626 Dove for trim.

0730 Surfaced.

0739 Sighted smoke bearing 210°T. Headed for it.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 121 —
U.S.S. STARLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

1730 Surfaced.

2255 Received dispatch directing MOFS to head for odd date lifeguard
     stations.

2330 Sweep completed. No surface contacts.

14 Feb. 0320 Picked up land on SJ, distance 60,000 yards. Closed land,
     identified as NOJIMA SAKI, to 10 miles to obtain radar fix, then
     headed for lifeguard station as directed. At least six separate
     radars were sweeping as we came in, but do not believe we were
     picked up.

0530 Dove for submerged patrol in vicinity of odd date lifeguard
     station.

1200 Posit. Lat. 35-10, Long. 141-00.5.

1930 Surfaced. Commenced closing HONSHU for radar fix.

1945 Sighted large fire on horizon in general direction of Tokyo.
     There is no one else over there so assumed it was on the beach.
     The flame flared up quickly then died down to a dull red glow in
     about ten minutes; probably an oil storage tank.

15 Feb. 0628 Dove in vicinity of odd date lifeguard station.

0753 Two distant explosions. Nothing in sight. Sky is completely
     overcast, visibility about three miles.

1200 Posit. Lat. 35-06, Long. 140-52.

1440 First planes due over target, so at -

1450 Surfaced.

1515 SD contact, 6 miles, closing (PLANE CONTACT # 5); no IFF. Dove.

1555 Surfaced. Considerable jamming in Japanese with some English on
     4475 but nothing on VHF to indicate raid in progress.

1910 Still nothing for us. Getting dark so headed north to patrol off
     INUBO SAKI.

16 Feb. 0626 Dove for trim.

0730 Surfaced.

0739 Sighted smoke bearing 210°T. Headed for it.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 122 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 397)
CONFIDENTIAL
Repo. of Third War Patrol.

0741 SD contact, 5 miles, closing fast; no IFF (PLANE CONTACT # 6).
     We still had no definite information that strike would take place
     so dove.

0800 Radar depth. Several SD contacts. Heard English on VHF so at -

0809 Surfaced. Made contact with many friendly planes not listed as
     contacts.

0820 Four plane fighter cover joined us.

0950 Fighter cover relieved.

1140 Fighter cover, unable to stand the deadly monotony of covering a
     submarine, shoved off to expend his rocket projectiles on Japan.
     But at -

1200 Cover returned to resume his dull duties.

     Posit. Lat. 35-31.5, Long. 141-18.

1230 Fighter cover returned to base.

1250 New four plane fighter cover arrived.

1410 Sighted two Judys (PLANE CONTACT # 7), distance five miles, coming
     in low on our starboard quarter. Went all ahead flank, zigging
     like mad.

1420 Our fighter escort shot down the two Judys. One - Two. Just
     like that. It was perfect teamwork, and beautiful to watch.

1530 Sighted three planes (PLANE CONTACT # 8) diving on our quarter.
     Dove.

1545 Surfaced after getting the all clear from our faithful cover. The
     planes we had seen were two friendlys diving on another Jap.

1655 All ahead flank to head for plane reported down.

1700 Broke off search after cover reported no survivors.

1715 Cover returned to base, reporting show was over for today.

1735 Nothing on VHF. No planes in sight or reported down, so dove.
     Throughout the day the weather has been cloudy. We were able to
     see multiple smoke columns from time to time in the direction
     of Tokyo. From the conversation on the VHF, however, we judge the
     raid must have been a success. No planes ditched in our vicinity,
     although we saw several crash. Believe, however, that most of
     these were Japs.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 122 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 397)
CONFIDENTIAL
Repo. of Third War Patrol.

0741 SD contact, 5 miles, closing fast; no IFF (PLANE CONTACT # 6).
     We still had no definite information that strike would take place
     so dove.

0800 Radar depth. Several SD contacts. Heard English on VHF so at -

0809 Surfaced. Made contact with many friendly planes not listed as
     contacts.

0820 Four plane fighter cover joined us.

0950 Fighter cover relieved.

1140 Fighter cover, unable to stand the deadly monotony of covering a
     submarine, shoved off to expend his rocket projectiles on Japan.
     But at -

1200 Cover returned to resume his dull duties.

     Posit. Lat. 35-31.5, Long. 141-18.

1230 Fighter cover returned to base.

1250 New four plane fighter cover arrived.

1410 Sighted two Judys (PLANE CONTACT # 7), distance five miles, coming
     in low on our starboard quarter. Went all ahead flank, zigging
     like mad.

1420 Our fighter escort shot down the two Judys. One - Two. Just
     like that. It was perfect teamwork, and beautiful to watch.

1530 Sighted three planes (PLANE CONTACT # 8) diving on our quarter.
     Dove.

1545 Surfaced after getting the all clear from our faithful cover. The
     planes we had seen were two friendlys diving on another Jap.

1655 All ahead flank to head for plane reported down.

1700 Broke off search after cover reported no survivors.

1715 Cover returned to base, reporting show was over for today.

1735 Nothing on VHF. No planes in sight or reported down, so dove.
     Throughout the day the weather has been cloudy. We were able to
     see multiple smoke columns from time to time in the direction
     of Tokyo. From the conversation on the VHF, however, we judge the
     raid must have been a success. No planes ditched in our vicinity,
     although we saw several crash. Believe, however, that most of
     these were Japs.

- 6 -
Enclosure (A)

— page 123 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL

Report of Third War Patrol.

Our fighter cover was excellent, altho we surely felt naked during
the two short periods they were absent.

1920 Surfaced. Headed for O SHIMA to obtain radar fix, and intercept
     any traffic which might try to sneak out of the bay tonight.

2040 SD contact, 4 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 9), identified as two
     friendlys after closing to 4,000 yards, probably reconnaissance
     planes.

17 Feb. 0019 Received BOWFIN contact report. Convoy is about 75 miles south-
     west of us and heading south. No chance of catching it.

0100 Small radar pip bearing 000°T, range 7,900 yards. Turned away and
     lost contact immediately.

0152 Reversed course to head for tomorrow's initial point.

0430 C.O.D. sighted three (3) torpedo wakes in phosphorescent water
     coming up starboard quarter on a track of 180°T. Went all ahead
     flank. Closest torpedo passed up starboard side about 50 feet
     off. C.O.D. and lookout heard what they thought was an end-of-run
     explosion.

0555 Dawn dive.

0647 Three distant explosions.

0704 Two distant explosions.

0727 One distant explosion.

0740 At 45 feet ready to surface, sighted two destroyers or destroyer
     escorts, bearing 135°T, (SHIP CONTACT # 1) estimated range 14,000
     yards, angle on the bow 40° port.

0750 Went to battle stations torpedo and came to normal course.

0818 When range did not close, broke off approach and made prepara-
     tions for surfacing. Destroyers had four plane air cover which
     resembled ours in the distance. From this and their general
     position and course, believed they might be friendly. If they
     were Japs they were heading for certain death.

0840 All clear at radar depth. English on the VHF so surfaced.
     Destroyers were 19,000 yards with 1100 port angles. Although
     they must have seen us they made no change of course, which
     strengthened our belief that they were friendly.

0850 Four plane fighter cover rendezvoused over us. Inquired about
     the destroyers, but could get no satisfactory answer.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 123 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

Our fighter cover was excellent, altho we surely felt naked during
the two short periods they were absent.

1920 Surfaced. Headed for O SHIMA to obtain radar fix, and intercept
any traffic which might try to sneak out of the bay tonight.

2040 SD contact, 4 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 9), identified as two
friendlies after closing to 4,000 yards, probably reconnaissance
planes.

17 Feb. 0019 Received BOWFIN contact report. Convoy is about 75 miles south-
west of us and heading south. No chance of catching it.

0100 Small radar pip bearing 000°T, range 7,900 yards. Turned away and
lost contact immediately.

0152 Reversed course to head for tomorrow's initial point.

0430 O.O.D. sighted three (3) torpedo wakes in phosphorescent water
coming up starboard quarter on a track of 180°. Went all ahead
flank. Closest torpedo passed up starboard side about 50 feet
off. O.O.D. and lookout heard what they thought was an end-of-run
explosion.

0555 Dawn dive.

0647 Three distant explosions.

0704 Two distant explosions.

0727 One distant explosion.

0740 At 45 feet ready to surface, sighted two destroyers or destroyer
escorts, bearing 135°T, (SHIP CONTACT # 1) estimated range 14,000
yards, angle on the bow 40° port.

0750 Went to battle stations torpedo and came to normal course.

0818 When range did not close, broke off approach and made prepara-
tions for surfacing. Destroyers had four plane air cover which
resembled ours in the distance. From this and their general
disposition and course, believed they might be friendly. If they
were Japs they were heading for certain death.

0840 All clear at radar depth. English on the VHF so surfaced.
Destroyers were 19,000 yards with 1100 port angles. Although
they must have seen us they made no change of course, which
strengthened our belief that they were friendly.

0850 Four plane fighter cover rendezvoused over us. Inquired about
the destroyers, but could get no satisfactory answer.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 124 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)                                     Report of Third War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

0940    Received report of fighter pilot in life raft 30 miles, bearing
        075°T from INUBO SAKI. This put him about six miles off shore in
        the middle of a restricted area. Moreover it would take us five
        hours to get up there skirting other restricted areas. However,
        as this was our first and only report, headed up that way at
        flank speed after first dispatching two of our cover planes to
        tell him to paddle seaward.

1100    Our remaining two cover planes returned to base, our new cover
        having in the meanwhile gone up to cover the downed pilot.

1200    Fixit. Lat. 35-40.5, Long. 141-46.5.

1300    Sighted INUBO SAKI bearing 231°T, distance 25 miles. Heavy
        squalls have made visibility spotty.

1415    On the 100 fathom curve opposite the last reported position of
        the pilot. The 100 fathom curve at this point is 20 miles off
        shore. Meanwhile our cover had had to return to base leaving both
        us and the pilot without cover. His last reported position was
        three miles off shore abeam to Air Field # 26, drifting shoreward.
        We could approach no closer, so reluctantly set course to return
        to initial point after reporting unable to close pilot. The
        last report we had was that they were sending Kingfishers after
        him.

1700    Nothing on VHF for last two hours; no plane contacts. Apparently
        the bad weather has put a halt to today's strikes.

1705    Dove. Our complete control of the air is evidenced by the fact
        that for the last six hours we have run on the surface without
        cover, for the most part in sight of land, without encountering a
        single Jap plane.

2001    Surfaced.

2225    SD contact, 16 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 10). Moon was up, no IFF.
        When he closed to eight miles dove to avoid detection.

2311    Surfaced.

18 Feb.
0630    Dawn. Sea is calm, weather clear, visibility unlimited. After
        one bad and one very poor day this is the break the aviators
        have been waiting for. Decided to stay up and wait for them
        instead of diving.

0641    SD contact, 55 miles. (PLANE CONTACT # 11).

0735    Sighted single plane, distance 10 miles, flying low (PLANE CONTACT
        # 12). No IFF; he looks unfriendly.

                                     - 8 -
                                                                 Enclosure (A)

— page 124 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)                                     Report of Third War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

0940    Received report of fighter pilot in life raft 30 miles, bearing
        075°T from INUBO SAKI. This put him about six miles off shore in
        the middle of a restricted area. Moreover it would take us five
        hours to get up there skirting other restricted areas. However,
        as this was our first and only report, headed up that way at
        flank speed after first dispatching two of our cover planes to
        tell him to paddle seaward.

1100    Our remaining two cover planes returned to base, our new cover
        having in the meanwhile gone up to cover the downed pilot.

1200    Fixit. Lat. 35-40.5, Long. 141-46.5.

1300    Sighted INUBO SAKI bearing 231°T, distance 25 miles. Heavy
        squalls have made visibility spotty.

1415    On the 100 fathom curve opposite the last reported position of
        the pilot. The 100 fathom curve at this point is 20 miles off
        shore. Meanwhile our cover had had to return to base leaving both
        us and the pilot without cover. His last reported position was
        three miles off shore abeam to Air Field # 26, drifting shoreward.
        We could approach no closer, so reluctantly set course to return
        to initial point after reporting unable to close pilot. The
        last report we had was that they were sending Kingfishers after
        him.

1700    Nothing on VHF for last two hours; no plane contacts. Apparently
        the bad weather has put a halt to today's strikes.

1705    Dove. Our complete control of the air is evidenced by the fact
        that for the last six hours we have run on the surface without
        cover, for the most part in sight of land, without encountering a
        single Jap plane.

2001    Surfaced.

2225    SD contact, 16 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 10). Moon was up, no IFF.
        When he closed to eight miles dove to avoid detection.

2311    Surfaced.

18 Feb.
0630    Dawn. Sea is calm, weather clear, visibility unlimited. After
        one bad and one very poor day this is the break the aviators
        have been waiting for. Decided to stay up and wait for them
        instead of diving.

0641    SD contact, 55 miles. (PLANE CONTACT # 11).

0735    Sighted single plane, distance 10 miles, flying low (PLANE CONTACT
        # 12). No IFF; he looks unfriendly.

                                     - 8 -
                                                                 Enclosure (A)

— page 125 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

0832 Picked up SD contact at 12 miles; then sighted three balloons,
       very high at about that distance. They were about the
       size of free balloons although no basket was discernible on any
       of them. They were whitish in color and translucent. Believe
       they might have been radar decoy balloons.

0900 No planes; nothing on VHF or 4475. Apparently the show is over.
       We were much disappointed, for had they come today, they would
       undoubtedly have accomplished more than they had on the other two
       days combined. The weather was perfect. The aviators' chief
       complaint (heard over VHF) on the previous strikes was their
       inability to find the targets in the low clouds.

0905 Dove for submerged patrol. Broached once an hour thereafter to
       sweep with SD and listen with VHF. Negative results. If we had
       received word that the strike was called off we would have been
       able to get in a traffic lane to patrol. As it was, the day was
       a total loss.

1200 Posit. Lat. 35-17, Long. 141-25.5.

1920 Surfaced. Headed for odd date initial point.

19 Feb. 0453 Received ComSubPac dispatch telling of downed aviators. One
       plotted in on the beach; one was beyond a doubtful friend in the
       restricted area north of INUBO SAKI; the third plotted in the
       general vicinity but about ten miles to eastward of the
       hundred fathom curve.

0512 Went ahead flank and headed for position of the third downed
       aviator. This is about 75 miles northeast of our initial point
       for the B-29 strike.

0940 Three miles from the point sighted white object in the water
       about three miles distant. Headed for it thinking surely we had
       sighted the flier.

0955 Closed object and identified it as a light plane pontoon. It
       was light gray, and had apparently not been in the water long. On
       the side was a fresnel or fluted red lens, apparently a port
       wing light. One side of the pontoon has been bashed in. Took
       picture.

1000 Commenced retiring search curve around point.

1200 Posit. Lat. 35-54.5, Long. 141-24.

1215 Aircraft contact 12 miles (PLANE CONTACT / 13). Not closing, but
       had no trim dive today so dove to avoid detection.

1340 Surfaced. Resumed search.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 125 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

0832 Picked up SD contact at 12 miles; then sighted three balloons,
very high at about that distance. They were about the
size of free balloons although no basket was discernible on any
of them. They were whitish in color and translucent. Believe
they might have been radar decoy balloons.

0900 No planes; nothing on VHF or 4475. Apparently the show is over.
We were much disappointed, for had they come today, they would
undoubtedly have accomplished more than they had on the other two
days combined. The weather was perfect. The aviators' chief
complaint (heard over VHF) on the previous strikes was their
inability to find the targets in the low clouds.

0905 Dove for submerged patrol. Broached once an hour thereafter to
sweep with SD and listen with VHF. Negative results. If we had
received word that the strike was called off we would have been
able to get in a traffic lane to patrol. As it was, the day was
a total loss.

1200 Posit. Lat. 35-17, Long. 141-25.5.

1920 Surfaced. Headed for odd date initial point.

19 Feb.
0453 Received ComSubSPac dispatch telling of downed aviators. One
plotted in on the beach; one was beyond a restricted area north of INUBO SAKI; the third downed
aviator plotted in the general vicinity but about ten miles to
eastward of the hundred fathom curve.

0512 Went ahead flank and headed for position of the third downed
aviator. This is about 75 miles northeast of our initial point
for the B-29 strike.

0940 Three miles from the point sighted white object in the water
about three miles distant. Headed for it thinking surely we had
sighted the flier.

0955 Closed object and identified it as a light plane pontoon. It
was light gray and had apparently not been in the water long. On
the side was a fresnel or fluted red lens, apparently a port
light. One side of the pontoon has been bashed in. Took
picture.

1000 Commenced retiring search curve around point.

1200 Posit. Lat. 35-54.5, Long. 141-24.

1215 Aircraft contact 12 miles (PLANE CONTACT / 13). Not closing, but
had no trim dive today so dove to avoid detection.

1340 Surfaced. Resumed search.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 126 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

1229 SD contact 12½ miles. Not sighted. Did not close. (PLANE
     CONTACT # 14).
1531 SD contact, 31 miles. (PLANE CONTACT # 15).
1534 Radar contact, range 7,000 yards. Disappeared almost at once
     and nothing in sight. Probably a gremlin.
1600 PLANE CONTACT # 16. Developed into three planes closing rapidly
     from 50 miles. Leading plane showed IFF. These might have been
     the B-29's but due to overcast they could not be seen. Placing
     little if any confidence in IFF, we dove when they had closed to
     7 miles still coming in.
1644 Surfaced; resumed search.
1730 Heard English on 4475 and VHF. Broke off search having covered
     up to 100 fathom curve, and headed for initial point.
1735 Fired 20 millimeter.
20 Feb.
     Ran west during the night from our lifeguard station, then headed
     up for O SHIMA.

0450 Lookout sighted dark object in the water close aboard to star-
     board. Possibly a mine adrift. Avoided.
0630 Dove for submerged patrol to cover strait between O SHIMA and
     NOJIMA SAKI.
1200 Posit. Lat. 34-35.5, Long. 139-32.5.
1918 Surfaced.
2325 Received CSP dispatch concerning corrected location of downed
     aviator. He plots in entrance of SAGAMI WAN, and with 2 knot NE
     set there, would have been washed ashore in vicinity of NOJIMA
     SAKI within 5 or 6 hours after ditching. In any case we have
     patrolled this area all day in a calm sea and would probably have
     seen him had he been there.
21 Feb. 0609 Dove for submerged patrol in bight of 100 fathom curve to east-
     ward of NOJIMA SAKI. This is practically the only place we can
     hope to intercept HOKKAIDO and Northern HONSHU traffic.
1200 Posit. Lat. 35-58.5, Long. 140-07.
1640 Took pictures of tower on NOJIMA SAKI. The land in back of this
     tower is so low that approaching NOJIMA SAKI from the eastward
     the tower looms up like the mast of a ship rounding the point.
     You cannot see the intervening land until within about 4 miles.

- 10 -
Enclosure (A)

— page 126 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

1229 SD contact at 12½ miles. Not sighted. Did not close. (PLANE
     CONTACT # 14).
1531 SD contact, 31 miles. (PLANE CONTACT # 15).
1534 Radar contact, range 7,000 yards. Disappeared almost at once
     and nothing in sight. Probably a gremlin.
1600 PLANE CONTACT # 16. Developed into three planes closing rapidly
     from 50 miles. Leading plane showed IFF. These might have been
     the B-29's but due to overcast they could not be seen. Placing
     little if any confidence in IFF, we dove when they had closed to
     7 miles still coming in.
1644 Surfaced; resumed search.
1730 Heard English on 4475 and VHF. Broke off search having covered
     up to 100 fathom curve, and headed for initial point.
1735 Fired 20 millimeter.
20 Feb. Ran west during the night from our lifeguard station, then headed
     up for O SHIMA.
0450 Lookout sighted dark object in the water close aboard to star-
     board. Possibly a mine adrift. Avoided.
0630 Dove for submerged patrol to cover strait between O SHIMA and
     NOJIMA SAKI.
1200 Posit. Lat. 34-35.5, Long. 139-32.5.
1918 Surfaced.
2325 Received CSP dispatch concerning corrected location of downed
     aviator. He plots in entrance of SAGAMI WAN, and with 2 knot NE
     set there, would have been washed ashore in vicinity of NOJIMA
     SAKI within 5 or 6 hours after ditching. In any case we have
     patrolled this area all day in a calm sea and would probably have
     seen him had he been there.

21 Feb. 0609 Dove for submerged patrol in bight of 100 fathom curve to east-
     ward of NOJIMA SAKI. This is practically the only place we can
     hope to intercept HOKKAIDO and Northern HONSHU traffic.
1200 Posit. Lat. 35-58.5, Long. 140-07.
1640 Took pictures of tower on NOJIMA SAKI. The land in back of this
     tower is so low that approaching NOJIMA SAKI from the eastward
     the tower looms up like the mast of a ship rounding the point.
     You cannot see the intervening land until within about 4 miles.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 127 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 39)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

22 Feb. 0208 SJ Interference bearing 140°T, probably POFRET.
         0633 Dove.
         1045 Surfaced. Sent STERLET first to ComSubSPac. Guam receipted
              promptly.
         1124 Dove. During night had received aircraft contact report of two
              Able Peters enroute from MARCUS. They will cross from POFRET's
              area to ours at about 1800.
         1200 Posit. Lat. 34-25.5, Long. 139-51.
         1814 Surfaced at point transports should be. No contacts.
         1830 A heavy line squall which lasted about four hours hit us very
              suddenly. Wind and sea had been force three from 105°T. In the
              space of about five minutes, the wind had increased to 320°T, clock-
              wise, and increased to force six. Seas built up accordingly.
              Barometer dropped four hundreds preceding the shift. A large
              waterspout whipped past our starboard beam about a mile off. We
              slowed to two-thirds, ceased zig zagging and put sea on our
              quarter. We had taken considerable water so as to spend the night clear-
              ing grounds. Nothing very serious. By midnight the squall had
              passed, leaving a force two sea without much swell.

23 Feb. 0614 Dove for submerged patrol off O SHIMA.
         1000 Took pictures of installations on SE corner of O SHIMA.
         1200 Posit. Lat. 34-43, Long. 139-29.
         1921 Surfaced. Headed for even date lifeguard station. Wind and sea
              had increased to force six from NNW. Backstay to antennae T-
              frame carried away. T-frame bent forward.

24 Feb. 0040 Received ComSubSPac dispatch cancelling today's strike.
         0615 Dove.
         1200 Posit. Lat. 35-06, Long. 141-14.
         1911 Surfaced. Sea has flattened out to force two.
         2010 Slowed down and slowed to two-thirds to repair radio antennae
              frame.
         2024 First Lieutenant and two men completed repairs to antennae frame.
              Went ahead standard.

                                   - 11 -                                Enclosure (A)

— page 127 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 39)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

22 Feb. 0208 SJ Interference bearing 140°T, probably POFRET.
0633 Dove.
1045 Surfaced. Sent STERLET first to ComSubSPac. Guam receipted
promptly.
1124 Dove. During night had received aircraft contact report of two
Able Peters enroute from MARCUS. They will cross from POFRET's
area to ours at about 1800.
1200 Posit. Lat. 34-29.5, Long. 139-51.
1814 Surfaced at point transports should be. No contacts.
1830 A heavy line squall which lasted about four hours hit us very
suddenly. Wind and sea had been force three from 105°T. In the
space of about five minutes, the wind had increased to 320°T, clock-
wise, and increased to force six. Seas built up accordingly.
Barometer dropped four hundreds preceding the shift. A large
waterspout whipped past our starboard beam about a mile off. We
slowed to two-thirds, ceased zig zagging and put sea on our
quarter. We had taken considerable water so decided to spend the night clear-
ing grounds. Nothing very serious. By midnight the squall had
passed, leaving a force two sea without much swell.

23 Feb. 0614 Dove for submerged patrol off O SHIMA.
1000 Took pictures of installations on SE corner of O SHIMA.
1200 Posit. Lat. 34-43, Long. 139-29.
1921 Surfaced. Headed for even date lifeguard station. Wind and sea
had increased to force six from NNW. Backstay to antennae T-
frame carried away. T-frame bent forward.

24 Feb. 0040 Received ComSubSPac dispatch cancelling today's strike.
0615 Dove.
1200 Posit. Lat. 35-06, Long. 141-14.
1911 Surfaced. Sea has flattened out to force two.
2010 Slowed down and slowed to two-thirds to repair radio antennae
frame.
2024 First lieutenant and two men completed repairs to antennae frame.
Went ahead standard.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 128 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

2029 Plane closed to seven miles - no IFF. Dove to avoid detection.
2118 Surfaced. All clear.

25 Feb. 0628 Dove for trim in vicinity of odd date lifeguard station.
0726 Surfaced. All clear. Manned VHF and 4475.
0815 First wave (not listed as plane contact) flew over heading for
     Tokyo.
0837 Two plane fighter cover joined us.
0950 Received garbled report of plane down. Believed bearing 150°T
     distance 48 miles from INUBO SAKI. Headed that way at flank,
     sending cover to search.
1125 Search negative. Headed for new Yellowjacket reported bearing
     090°T, 10 miles from INUBO SAKI. This is in the middle of a
     restricted area but have no other work.
1126 Two plane fighter cover relieved.
1200 Posit. Lat. 35-21.5, Long. 141-17.
1337 Near 100 fathom curve east of INUBO SAKI. Sent cover ahead to
     conduct search.
1406 Fighter cover returned to base after reporting search negative.
1440 Relief two plane cover found us after great difficulty. A heavy
     snow storm now has made visibility poor. Cannot see planes out-
     side of 1,500 yards.
1530 Fighter cover returned to base. The weather is now very bad with
     visibility less than 1,000 yards and ceiling zero. We only saw
     two waves go over the target area. Believe weather has halted
     strike. Nothing more heard on any circuit.

26 Feb. 0730 Weather has increased to force five from NNE. Patrolling on even
     date station, manning VHF and 4475. There is little or no chance
     of a strike today.
1200 Posit. Lat. 35-15, Long. 141-10.5.
1655 Dove for trim.
1918 Surfaced. Headed for MIYAKE SHIMA for radar fix.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 128 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

2029 Plane closed to seven miles - no IFF. Dove to avoid detection.
2118 Surfaced. All clear.
25 Feb. 0628 Dove for trim in vicinity of odd date lifeguard station.
0726 Surfaced. All clear. Manned VHF and 4475.
0815 First wave (not listed as plane contact) flew over heading for
     Tokyo.
0837 Two plane fighter cover joined us.
0950 Received garbled report of plane down. Believed bearing 150°T
     distance 48 miles from INUBO SAKI. Headed that way at flank,
     sending cover to search.
1125 Search negative. Headed for new Yellowjacket reported bearing
     090°T, 10 miles from INUBO SAKI. This is in the middle of a
     restricted area but have no other work.
1126 Two plane fighter cover relieved.
1200 Posit. Lat. 35-21.5, Long. 141-17.
1337 Near 100 fathom curve east of INUBO SAKI. Sent cover ahead to
     conduct search.
1406 Fighter cover returned to base after reporting search negative.
1440 Relief two plane cover found us after great difficulty. A heavy
     snow storm now has made visibility poor. Cannot see planes out-
     side of 1,500 yards.
1530 Fighter cover returned to base. The weather is now very bad with
     visibility less than 1,000 yards and ceiling zero. We only saw
     two waves go over the target area. Believe weather has halted
     strike. Nothing more heard on any circuit.

26 Feb. 0730 Weather has increased to force five from NNE. Patrolling on even
     date station, manning VHF and 4475. There is little or no chance
     of a strike today.
1200 Posit. Lat. 35-15, Long. 141-10.5.
1655 Dove for trim.
1918 Surfaced. Headed for MIYAKE SHIMA for radar fix.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 129 —
U.S.S. STARLET (SS 392,
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

1920 Commenced sending STERLET second to ComSubaPac. Guam answered
       promptly, but Japs were jamming. Shifted frequency.

2015 Reversed course to confuse the RDF'ers.

2047 Message sent and receipted for; resumed course.

2314 Sighted red glow on horizon in direction of Tokyo, possibly an
       oil fire.

2329 Picked up MIYAKE SHIMA on radar.

27 Feb.
0050 J.O.O.D. sighted two ships on starboard beam close aboard with
       small angles. They had man-of-war lines, and in the light of
       the events are believed to have been small SC's - (SHIP
       CONTACT # 2).

0050 Turned away and went to full. Radar picked up ships at 5,000
       yards. Increased speed to flank.

0100 Range increased to 5,750 and contact was lost. Turned towards to
       regain contact and slowed to standard.

0109 Still had not regained contact when SD reported two planes at
       7 and 9 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 18). No IFF.

0110 SJ picked up loading plane dead ahead at twelve thousand yards,
       when range was five miles closing rapidly, dove.

0125 Sound reported light fast screws bearing 005°T. Was morally
       certain that these ships were a hunter-killer group sent out as
       the result of our opening up on the radio. Also, although we had
       used our SD sparingly, we had interference on it with a matching
       pulse rate just prior to sighting. Nevertheless, this is a joint
       possible against an unidentified target, so at -

0132 Rigged for depth charge and went deep. Water is iso-thermal
       to 540 feet.

0130 - 0220 Ships made several runs over us fairly close although sound
       level never reached six decibels. They apparently had sound
       contact or had been coached on to our wake by the planes. They did
       not use echo ranging but stopped to listen frequently. They made
       no drops. Evaded by fishtailing into a force three sea at 80
       R.P.M.'s.

0220 Lost sound contact.

0328 Periscope depth. All clear. Rigged for normal running.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 129 —
U.S.S. STARLET (SS 392,
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

1920 Commenced sending STERLET second to ComSubaPac. Guam answered
       promptly, but Japs were jamming. Shifted frequency.

2015 Reversed course to confuse the RDF'ers.

2047 Message sent and receipted for; resumed course.

2314 Sighted red glow on horizon in direction of Tokyo, possibly an
       oil fire.

2329 Picked up MIYAKE SHIMA on radar.

27 Feb.
0050 J.O.O.D. sighted two ships on starboard beam close aboard with
       small angles. They had man-of-war lines, and in the light of
       the events are believed to have been small SC's - (SHIP
       CONTACT # 2).

0050 Turned away and went to full. Radar picked up ships at 5,000
       yards. Increased speed to flank.

0100 Range increased to 5,750 and contact was lost. Turned towards to
       regain contact and slowed to standard.

0109 Still had not regained contact when SD reported two planes at
       7 and 9 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 18). No IFF.

0110 SJ picked up loading plane dead ahead at twelve thousand yards,
       when range was five miles closing rapidly, dove.

0125 Sound reported light fast screws bearing 005°T. Was morally
       certain that these ships were a hunter-killer group sent out as
       the result of our opening up on the radio. Also, although we had
       used our SD sparingly, we had interference on it with a matching
       pulse rate just prior to sighting. Nevertheless, this is a joint
       possible against an unidentified target, so at -

0132 Rigged for depth charge and went deep. Water is iso-thermal
       to 540 feet.

0130 - 0220 Ships made several runs over us fairly close although sound
       level never reached six decibels. They apparently had sound
       contact or had been coached on to our wake by the planes. They did
       not use echo ranging but stopped to listen frequently. They made
       no drops. Evaded by fishtailing into a force three sea at 80
       R.P.M.'s.

0220 Lost sound contact.

0328 Periscope depth. All clear. Rigged for normal running.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 130 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

0351 Surfaced. Headed for odd date lifeguard station.
0622 Dove on station.
0840 All clear on SD and VHF. Surfaced. Weather is perfect for a
  strike today with scattered clouds and unlimited visibility.
  Nothing on VHF or 4475.
0850 SD contact (PLANE CONTACT # 19) at 16 miles, no IFF. Closed to
  10 miles then opened out to 22 and was lost.
1050 SD contact (PLANE CONTACT # 20) at 30 miles. Closed to 20 miles
  then opened out.
1130 Apparently there will be no strike today, so dove for submerged
  patrol. Will be able to see any planes by periscope in this
  weather.
1200 Posit. Lat. 35-06, Long. 140-40.
1920 Radar depth. Strong SJ interference, then picked up target at
  range of 5,000 yards. Believed to be BOWFIN.
1925 Range 8,000 yards. Surfaced.
1927 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. BOWFIN on SJ.
2010 Lost contact with BOWFIN at 15,000 yards.
2021 SD contact 22 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 21) did not close.

28 Feb. 0058 Radar interference. BOWFIN again. Exchanged recognition signals.
0410 SD contact 7 miles. (PLANE CONTACT # 22). Picked up by SJ, range
  12,000 yards, bearing 180° relative. Dove and came hard right
  to get off phosphorescent track. No bombs although the dive into
  a force three sea was very slow.
0505 All clear. Surfaced. Headed for MIYAKE SHIMA. Had planned to
  dive at dawn for close patrol of this island, but the head sea,
  strong NE current and force down found us still over 50 miles off
  at dawn. Decided to remain on surface till MIYAKE SHIMA could be
  closed. Went ahead full.
0830 With good visual contact on MIYAKE SHIMA, distant 25 miles, dove
  for submerged patrol.
0845 Sound reported screws dead ahead. All clear at periscope depth.
  Swung ship through 360° to make sure they were not our own. True
  bearing remained constant, 240°T.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 130 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

0351 Surfaced. Headed for odd date lifeguard station.
0622 Dove on station.
0840 All clear on SD and VHF. Surfaced. Weather is perfect for a
     strike today with scattered clouds and unlimited visibility.
     Nothing on VHF or 4475.
0850 SD contact (PLANE CONTACT # 19) at 16 miles, no IFF. Closed to
     10 miles then opened out to 22 and was lost.
1050 SD contact (PLANE CONTACT # 20) at 30 miles. Closed to 20 miles
     then opened out.
1130 Apparently there will be no strike today, so dove for submerged
     patrol. Will be able to see any planes by periscope in this
     weather.
1200 Posit. Lat. 35-06, Long. 140-40.
1920 Radar depth. Strong SJ interference, then picked up target at
     range of 5,000 yards. Believed to be BOWFIN.
1925 Range 8,000 yards. Surfaced.
1927 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. BOWFIN on SJ.
2010 Lost contact with BOWFIN at 15,000 yards.
2021 SD contact 22 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 21) did not close.

28 Feb.
0058 Radar interference. BOWFIN again. Exchanged recognition signals.
0410 SD contact 7 miles. (PLANE CONTACT # 22). Picked up by SJ, range
     12,000 yards, bearing 180° relative. Dove and came hard right
     to get off phosphorescent track. No bombs although the dive into
     a force three sea was very slow.
0505 All clear. Surfaced. Headed for MIYAKE SHIMA. Had planned to
     dive at dawn for close patrol of this island, but the head sea,
     strong NE current and force down found us still over 50 miles off
     at dawn. Decided to remain on surface till MIYAKE SHIMA could be
     closed. Went ahead full.
0830 With good visual contact on MIYAKE SHIMA, distant 25 miles, dove
     for submerged patrol.
0845 Sound reported screws dead ahead. All clear at periscope depth.
     Swung ship through 360° to make sure they were not our own. True
     bearing remained constant, 240°T.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 131 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                        Report of Third War Patrol.

0900 Still all clear at periscope depth. Believed we might be hearing
     BOWFIN although the turn count was high, 90 to 120 turns.

1022 Lost sound contact bearing 280°T.

1200 Posit. Lat. 34-11.5, Long. 139-43.5.

1935 Regained sound contact, bearing 068°T, turn count 120. Screws
     sound the same as this morning.

2005 Completely dark. All clear except for sound contact. Surfaced
     and headed towards.

2010 Radar contact dead ahead (SHIP CONTACT # 3) a very small pip at
     8,500 yards. Stationed tracking party.

2025 Sighted target from bridge. He appears to be a small Sub Chaser.
     Moon is now up although it is cloudy. He is clearly visible at
     7,000 yards and will probably see us inside of 6,000. Went ahead
     full. Target tracks at 5 knots on easterly course.

2045 Target is changing course to left, finally settling down on base
     course 320°T, leaving us out on the limb. Came around and
     commenced end-around.

2121 Received POMFRET 281000 canceling area shift for 5 March.

2140 We are 10 degrees ahead of target's beam at a range of 7,500
     yards. It is now apparent that he is heading for the barn and we
     will not get in. He is now almost abeam of O SHIMA and has ceased
     zagging.

2145 Target entered SAGAMI NADA. Lost radar contact at 9,000 yards.
     Secured tracking party and headed south.

2223 Received ComSubSPac dispatch regarding B-29 raid for 2 March.

2228 Air contact 155 megacycles, 1,000 pulse rate. This is our first
     definite indication of a night flying radar plane.

2229 SD contact 22 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 23) closing steadily.

2231 SD picked up plane dead ahead at 20,000 yards.

2232 With plane at 9 miles coming in fast, dove.

2259 SJ radar out of commission.

2305 Surfaced. Resumed patrol.

2338 Radar back in commission.

                                   - 15 -
                                                                Enclosure (A)

— page 131 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                        Report of Third War Patrol.

0900 Still all clear at periscope depth. Believed we might be hearing
     BOWFIN although the turn count was high, 90 to 120 turns.

1022 Lost sound contact bearing 280°T.

1200 Posit. Lat. 34-11.5, Long. 139-43.5.

1935 Regained sound contact, bearing 068°T, turn count 120. Screws
     sound the same as this morning.

2005 Completely dark. All clear except for sound contact. Surfaced
     and headed towards.

2010 Radar contact dead ahead (SHIP CONTACT # 3) a very small pip at
     8,500 yards. Stationed tracking party.

2025 Sighted target from bridge. He appears to be a small Sub Chaser.
     Moon is now up although it is cloudy. He is clearly visible at
     7,000 yards and will probably see us inside of 6,000. Went ahead
     full. Target tracks at 5 knots on easterly course.

2045 Target is changing course to left, finally settling down on base
     course 320°T, leaving us out on the limb. Came around and
     commenced end-around.

2121 Received POMFRET 281000 canceling area shift for 5 March.

2140 We are 10 degrees ahead of target's beam at a range of 7,500
     yards. It is now apparent that he is heading for the barn and we
     will not get in. He is now almost abeam of O SHIMA and has ceased
     zagging.

2145 Target entered SAGAMI NADA. Lost radar contact at 9,000 yards.
     Secured tracking party and headed south.

2223 Received ComSubSPac dispatch regarding B-29 raid for 2 March.

2228 Air contact 155 megacycles, 1,000 pulse rate. This is our first
     definite indication of a night flying radar plane.

2229 SD contact 22 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 23) closing steadily.

2231 SD picked up plane dead ahead at 20,000 yards.

2232 With plane at 9 miles coming in fast, dove.

2259 SJ radar out of commission.

2305 Surfaced. Resumed patrol.

2338 Radar back in commission.

                                   - 15 -
                                                                Enclosure (A)

— page 132 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
Report of Third War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

1 March 0618 Dove for submerged patrol off MIYAKE SHIMA.

1200 Posit. Lat. 34-12, Long. 139-37.

1918 Surfaced.

SHIP CONTACT # 4. ATTACK # 1. - SUNK:
One Medium AK (EU) - 5,000 tons. Posit. Lat. 34-11, Long. 139-43.5.

1940 Radar contact, 16,000 yards, bearing 326°T. Stationed the track-
ing party.

1950 Picked up smaller pip on starboard (off) bow of target.

2013 Had fair speed solution at 8 knots. Weather was cloudy, but moon
was due to rise at 2035 so decided to go on in for surface attack
using this speed, and what course dope we had. Target was
believed to be on base course 175°T, zigging on five minute legs.
Range now was between us and target, but not and very close to
him, so set depth at five feet planning to fire six torpedoes
using target as point of aim and hoping escort would be clipped
in passing.

2015 Battle stations torpedo. Headed in for port track at full speed.

2019 Sighted target from bridge at a range of 8,000 yards. He was low
in the water and had a prominent superstructure aft so believed
him to be a tanker.

2027 Sighted escort from bridge at a range of about 5,000 yards. He
appeared to be a fairly large P.C. type. Slowed to two-thirds speed
to cut down wake and set course for open water between target and
escort to show minimum silhouette to each. Decided to take whatever track
presented itself.

2031 With range closing rapidly came to firing course 310°T for 45°
port track and at -

2034 Commenced firing six Mark 18-1-2 torpedoes at ranges of 2,200 to
1,600 yards with torpedo runs of 1,700 to 1,300 yards, gyros 9° to
14° right, 1° divergent spread. First torpedo broached, ran on
surface for about 100 yards, then found depth and ran normally.
Just prior to firing, target let out a belch of smoke from amid-
ships which showed him to be an AK rather than an AO. Was unable
to identify target in ONI 208-J. He was a composite superstructure
covering about 1/4 of length with a raised straight bow, and the
prominent poopdeck which led to our earlier assumption that he was

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Enclosure (A)

— page 132 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
Report of Third War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

1 March 0618 Dove for submerged patrol off MIYAKE SHIMA.

1200 Posit. Lat. 34-12, Long. 139-37.

1918 Surfaced.

SHIP CONTACT # 4. ATTACK # 1. - SUNK:
One Medium AK (EU) - 5,000 tons. Posit. Lat. 34-11, Long. 139-43.5.

1940 Radar contact, 16,000 yards, bearing 326°T. Stationed the track-
ing party.

1950 Picked up smaller pip on starboard (off) bow of target.

2013 Had fair speed solution at 8 knots. Weather was cloudy, but moon
was due to rise at 2035 so decided to go on in for surface attack
using this speed, and what course dope we had. Target was
believed to be on base course 175°T, zigging on five minute legs.
Range now was between us and target, but not and very close to
him, so set depth at five feet planning to fire six torpedoes
using target as point of aim and hoping escort would be clipped
in passing.

2015 Battle stations torpedo. Headed in for port track at full speed.

2019 Sighted target from bridge at a range of 8,000 yards. He was low
in the water and had a prominent superstructure aft so believed
him to be a tanker.

2027 Sighted escort from bridge at a range of about 5,000 yards. He
appeared to be a fairly large P.C. type. Slowed to two-thirds speed
to cut down wake and set course for open water between target and
escort to show minimum silhouette to each. Decided to take whatever track
presented itself.

2031 With range closing rapidly came to firing course 310°T for 45°
port track and at -

2034 Commenced firing six Mark 18-1-2 torpedoes at ranges of 2,200 to
1,600 yards with torpedo runs of 1,700 to 1,300 yards, gyros 9° to
14° right, 1° divergent spread. First torpedo broached, ran on
surface for about 100 yards, then found depth and ran normally.
Just prior to firing, target let out a belch of smoke from amid-
ships which showed him to be an AK rather than an AO. Was unable
to identify target in ONI 208-J. He was a composite superstructure
covering about 1/4 of length with a raised straight bow, and the
prominent poopdeck which led to our earlier assumption that he was

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Enclosure (A)

— page 133 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

A tanker. The stack was not clearly seen and must have been
broad and squat. She was laden. Target might have been a new
standardized type. On the basis of size of radar pip, binocular
formula and hits obtained would estimate her length at 400 feet,
tonnage at 5,000.

The escort, meanwhile, had drawn well ahead of the target so there
was no chance of the spread getting him. We passed within 1,100
yards of him, showing him a 30° angle on the bow, but he
apparently did not sight us as he continued to show a good broad
port angle. We could see him clearly with the naked eye.

2035 All ahead flank; right full rudder.
2036-10 First hit amidships, seen from bridge and heard below.
2036-17 Second hit, seen and heard.
2036-25 Third hit, seen and heard.
2037 Target blew up with a great ball of flame and flying debris.
Thought at first this was a fourth hit, but it did not time right
to believe it was an internal explosion.
2039 Target disappeared from sight and radar screen at range of 2,750
yards.
2041 Heard two explosions, believed to be depth charges, although they
could have been end-of-run.
The gallant escort, after dropping his two token charges, made
sound contact in the direction of Tokyo and showing us a 180°
angle on the bow built up speed to 14 knots. He made no attempt
to pick up survivors. We tracked him from 7,000 yards for several
minutes. However, we were only about 35 miles from the Bay entran-
ce; the moon was rising; we had a flat can, and very little
chance of catching this fleeing gazelle anyway. Therefore,
abandoned the chase and cleared area to eastward.
2045 Commenced reload forward.
2052 Secured from battle stations, headed for lifeguard station.
2 March 0612 Received ComSubPac dispatch canceling today's strike.
0620 Dove for submerged patrol in vicinity of lifeguard station.
1200 Posit. Lat. 34-50.5. Long. 140-38.
1925 Surfaced.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 133 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

A tanker. The stack was not clearly seen and must have been
broad and squat. She was laden. Target might have been a new
standardized type. On the basis of size of radar pip, binocular
formula and hits obtained would estimate her length at 400 feet,
tonnage at 5,000.

The escort, meanwhile, had drawn well ahead of the target so there
was no chance of the spread getting him. We passed within 1,100
yards of him, showing him a 30° angle on the bow, but he
apparently did not sight us as he continued to show a good broad
port angle. We could see him clearly with the naked eye.

2035 All ahead flank; right full rudder.
2036-10 First hit amidships, seen from bridge and heard below.
2036-17 Second hit, seen and heard.
2036-25 Third hit, seen and heard.
2037 Target blew up with a great ball of flame and flying debris.
Thought at first this was a fourth hit, but it did not time right
to believe it was an internal explosion.
2039 Target disappeared from sight and radar screen at range of 2,750
yards.
2041 Heard two explosions, believed to be depth charges, although they
could have been end-of-run.
The gallant escort, after dropping his two token charges, made
sound contact in the direction of Tokyo and showing us a 180°
angle on the bow built up speed to 14 knots. He made no attempt
to pick up survivors. We tracked him from 7,000 yards for several
minutes. However, we were only about 35 miles from the Bay entran-
ce; the moon was rising; we had a flat can, and very little
chance of catching this fleeing gazelle anyway. Therefore,
abandoned the chase and cleared area to eastward.
2045 Commenced reload forward.
2052 Secured from battle stations, headed for lifeguard station.
2 March 0612 Received ComSubPac dispatch canceling today's strike.
0620 Dove for submerged patrol in vicinity of lifeguard station.
1200 Posit. Lat. 34-50.5. Long. 140-38.
1925 Surfaced.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 134 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

3 March 0635 Dove for submerged patrol.
0640 Heard two distant aerial bombs.
1200 Posit. Lat. 34-35.5, Long. 140-18.5.
1919 Surfaced.
2225 Slowed to two-thirds speed and steadied down to put party on deck to grease topside.
2245 Radar contact bearing 030°T, distance 8,000 yards (SHIP CONTACT # 5). Secured tracking party. We were directly in the path of the moon so commenced working around to put him in the moon and get a look at him.

4 March 0050 First look at target. He is apparently a PC type and looks similar to the escort of the ship we sank on 1 March. He is fast (12-13 knots) and sea conditions are unfavorable for torpedo attack on a shallow draft target.
0105 Secured tracking party and headed for lifeguard station.
0435 Radar contact 11,000 yards (SHIP CONTACT # 6), bearing 122°T. SJ interference on this bearing. Assumed this to be the POMFRET and attempted to exchange recognition signals without success.
For the next two hours we played tag with this fellow. Tried to pass astern of him to north to get to our lifeguard station, and he reversed course to north. Tried to pass astern to south and he headed that way. He was making about 12.5 knots which would be about right for Arma course clock steering at standard speed. The radar interference was definitely coming from him and had all the characteristics of SJ including a matching pulse rate. Repeated efforts to exchange signals with him were unsuccessful although ranges were at times less than 8,000 yards. He gave no indication of having picked us up on his radar and continued sweeping. Hesitated to close him further for positive identifi- cation because if he was a Jap he was probably under no such restrictions. That he was a submarine was clearly shown when at -
0634 Target and interference suddenly disappeared at a range of 11,000 yards (and a comparison of what was) then the Japs patrol reports should show whether or not it was) then the Japs have a 10 centimeter radar with the characteristics of our SJ. The position of contact was between POMFRET'S lifeguard station and ours.
0635 All ahead full; heading for lifeguard station.

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Enclosure (^)

— page 134 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

3 March 0635 Dove for submerged patrol.
0640 Heard two distant aerial bombs.
1200 Posit. Lat. 34-35.5, Long. 140-18.5.
1919 Surfaced.
2225 Slowed to two-thirds speed and steadied down to put party on deck to grease topside.
2245 Radar contact bearing 030°T, distance 8,000 yards (SHIP CONTACT # 5). Secured tracking party. We were directly in the path of the moon so commenced working around to put him in the moon and get a look at him.

4 March 0050 First look at target. He is apparently a PC type and looks similar to the escort of the ship we sank on 1 March. He is fast (12-13 knots) and sea conditions are unfavorable for torpedo attack on a shallow draft target.
0105 Secured tracking party and headed for lifeguard station.
0435 Radar contact 11,000 yards (SHIP CONTACT # 6), bearing 122°T. SJ interference on this bearing. Assumed this to be the POMFRET and attempted to exchange recognition signals without success.
For the next two hours we played tag with this fellow. Tried to pass astern of him to north to get to our lifeguard station, and he reversed course to north. Tried to pass astern to south and he headed that way. He was making about 12.5 knots which would be about right for Arma course clock steering at standard speed. The radar interference was definitely coming from him and had all the characteristics of SJ including a matching pulse rate. Repeated efforts to exchange signals with him were unsuccessful although ranges were at times less than 8,000 yards. He gave no indication of having picked us up on his radar and continued sweeping. Hesitated to close him further for positive identifi- cation because if he was a Jap he was probably under no such restrictions. That he was a submarine was clearly shown when at -
0634 Target and interference suddenly disappeared at a range of 11,000 yards (and a comparison of what was) then the Japs patrol reports should show whether or not it was) then the Japs have a 10 centimeter radar with the characteristics of our SJ. The position of contact was between POMFRET'S lifeguard station and ours.
0635 All ahead full; heading for lifeguard station.

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Enclosure (^)

— page 135 —
U.S.S. STALET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

0845 SD contact at 16 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 24). This was the first
     of many contacts made throughout the morning (balance not listed
     as contacts). Some showed IFF; some did not, but all were thought
     to be B-29's. None closed to less than five miles and none were
     sighted due to clouds. We heard some chattering over VHF and 4475,
     but received no reports of downed fliers in our vicinity.

1200 Posit. Lat. 34-50.5, Long. 140-52.

1205 Nothing on VHF or 4475 and no plane contacts for the last hour.
     One plane should be over BOWFIN, 150 miles to the south of us.
     Dove for submerged patrol.

1400 Held divine services.

1959 Surfaced.

2143 Received ComSubPac dispatch telling COPS to remain in vicinity of
     life-guard stations.

5 March 0145 SD contact, 12 miles. (PLANE CONTACT # 25) This fellow played
     around us off and on for two hours never getting closer than ten
     miles, until at -

0345 He closed to 7 miles. Dove to avoid detection.

0435 Surfaced. All clear.

0620 Dove for submerged patrol.

1200 Posit. Lat. 34-36.5, Long. 140-20.5.

1920 Surfaced.

SHIP CONTACT # 7. ATTACK # 2. SUNK:
     One large AO (L) - 10,000 tons. Posit. Lat. 34-55.5, Long. 140-15.

2020 Radar contact, 25,000 yards, bearing 345°T. Stationed the track-
     ing party. Headed towards at full speed.

2035 First target appears to be rounding NOJIMA SAKI coming out of Tokyo Bay
     and is heading Northeast. Went ahead flank.

2113 Fifty-three minutes of tracking have disclosed many interesting
     things about this large target. He is heading in a general N'ly
     direction, following the contour of the 100 fathom curve. His
     speed is remarkably slow for this size target - six knots. He is
     not zig zagging. As far as we can tell within 11,000 yards he has

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Enclosure (A)

— page 135 —
U.S.S. STALET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
                                                                Report of Third War Patrol.

0845 SD contact at 16 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 24). This was the first
     of many contacts made throughout the morning (balance not listed
     as contacts). Some showed IFF; some did not, but all were thought
     to be B-29's. None closed to less than five miles and none were
     sighted due to clouds. We heard some chattering over VHF and 4475,
     but received no reports of downed fliers in our vicinity.

1200 Posit. Lat. 34-50.5, Long. 140-52.

1205 Nothing on VHF or 4475 and no plane contacts for the last hour.
     Last plane should be over BOWFIN, 150 miles to the south of us.
     Dove for submerged patrol.

1400 Held divine services.

1959 Surfaced.

2143 Received ComSubPac dispatch telling COPS to remain in vicinity of
     lifeguard stations.

5 March 0145 SD contact 12 miles. (PLANE CONTACT # 25) This fellow played
     around us off and on for two hours never getting closer than ten
     miles, until at -

0345 He closed to 7 miles. Dove to avoid detection.

0435 Surfaced. All clear.

0620 Dove for submerged patrol.

1200 Posit. Lat. 34-36.5, Long. 140-20.5.

1920 Surfaced.

     SHIP CONTACT # 7. ATTACK # 2. SUNK:
          One large AO (W) - 10,000 tons. Posit. Lat. 34-55.5, Long. 140-15.

2020 Radar contact, 25,000 yards, bearing 345°T. Stationed the track-
     ing party. Headed towards at full speed.

2035 Target appears to be rounding NOJIMA SAKI coming out of Tokyo Bay
     and is heading Northeast. Went ahead flank.

2113 Fifty-three minutes of tracking have disclosed many interesting
     things about this large target. He is heading in a general N'ly
     direction, following the contour of the 100 fathom curve. His
     speed is remarkably slow for this size target - six knots. He is
     not zig zagging. As far as we can tell within 11,000 yards he has

                                - 19 -
                                                                Enclosure (A)

— page 136 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

no surface escorts although we have picked up several fleeting pips
on SJ which might be planes. We have no indication of radar
equipped planes, but are within six or seven miles of the beach,
and have had a 155 mc., 500 pulse rate, radar steady on us since
the start of the approach. There are a large number of aerial
beacons and searchlights on the beach, more than we have ever seen
before. There are also several bright blinking lights, which
might be aids to navigation except that they have irregular chara-
cteristics. In general, this set-up looks almost too good to be
true for attack; night is very favorable for attack; sea is
calm, and we have a dark background. If this is a
trap the bait is most enticing. So at -

2114 In position about 30° ahead of target's beam at a range of 9,000
yards, went to battle stations torpedo and headed in at flank
speed.

2117 Picked up target from bridge at a range of about 6,000 yards.
Definitely a tanker, loaded.

2130 Slowed to one-third speed.

2132 Commenced firing six Mark 18-2 torpedoes, on 80° starboard track,
gyro small left, 1° divergent spread. Range at commence firing
2,700 yards. We could have closed to any range desired without
being sighted, but the set-up was cold, and I was afraid he would
blow up in my face if I closed further.

2133 All ahead flank; left full rudder.

2134-29 Torpedoes commenced hitting. We heard five distinct timed hits.
Four were seen from the bridge. The third hit was the best. This
was a hit amidships which broke the ship in two, hogging. The
target did not burn.

2139 Target disappeared from sight, and pip was lost simultaneously on
the radar screen at a range of 3,500 yards. We never could see
more than the general outline and could not definitely identify
it in ONI 208-J. She had typical tanker lines with a low squat
aft and narrow superstructure forward of amidships. Two
hits were seen. TBT operator reported masts were set on goal
posts. The tonnage estimate of 10,000 tons is conservative; she
might even have been a whole factory. Radar contact was made at
25,000 yards by an inexperienced operator. Lobe switching was
employed at 20,000 yards. The target looked like land on the PPI
screen. Five hits out of six indicate a target not less than 500
feet long.

2141 Two very loud rumbling explosions which shook the ship thoroughly.
Believed to be underwater explosions.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 136 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

no surface escorts although we have picked up several fleeting pips
on SJ which might be planes. We have no indication of radar
equipped planes, but are within six or seven miles of the beach,
and have had a 155 mc., 500 pulse rate, radar steady on us since
the start of the approach. There are a large number of aerial
beacons and searchlights on the beach, more than we have ever seen
before. There are also several bright blinking lights, which
might be aids to navigation except that they have irregular chara-
cteristics. In general, this set-up looks almost too good to be
true for attack; night is very favorable for attack; sea is
calm, and we have a dark background. If this is a
trap the bait is most enticing. So at -

2114 In position about 30° ahead of target's beam at a range of 9,000
yards, went to battle stations torpedo and headed in at flank
speed.

2117 Picked up target from bridge at a range of about 6,000 yards.
Definitely a tanker, loaded.

2130 Slowed to one-third speed.

2132 Commenced firing six Mark 18-2 torpedoes, on 80° starboard track,
gyro small left, 1° divergent spread. Range at commence firing
2,700 yards. We could have closed to any range desired without
being sighted, but the set-up was cold, and I was afraid he would
blow up in my face if I closed further.

2133 All ahead flank; left full rudder.

2134-29 Torpedoes commenced hitting. We heard five distinct timed hits.
Four were seen from the bridge. The third hit was the best. This
was a hit amidships which broke the ship in two, hogging. The
target did not burn.

2139 Target disappeared from sight, and pip was lost simultaneously on
the radar screen at a range of 3,500 yards. We never could see
more than the general outline and could not definitely identify
it in ONI 208-J. She had typical tanker lines with a low squat
aft and narrow superstructure forward of amidships. Two
hits were seen. TBT operator reported masts were set on goal
posts. The tonnage estimate of 10,000 tons is conservative; she
might even have been a whole factory. Radar contact was made at
25,000 yards by an inexperienced operator. Lobe switching was
employed at 20,000 yards. The target looked like land on the PPI
screen. Five hits out of six indicate a target not less than 500
feet long.

2141 Two very loud rumbling explosions which shook the ship thoroughly.
Believed to be underwater explosions.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 137 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

2147 Secured from battle stations, commenced reload forward.
2210 Set course 080°T to intercept a submarine reported by a plane,
     giving him 14 knots.

6 March
     We were close to target's track and contact with submarine could
     have been made at any time when at -

0230 COLLISION ALARM ! - grounded out.

     This shouldn't happen to a dog.

0616 On track of the target. It is beginning to get light and still no
     sign of a surfaced submarine. Taking looks every
     five minutes with high looks every fifteen minutes.

1200 Posit. Lat. 35-04, Long. 142-23.

1513 Visibility poor. Heavy seas from southwest; surfaced, and set
     course to return to lifeguard station.

2336 Received ComSubsPac dispatch canceling strike. Changed course to
     head for MIYAKE SHIMA.

7 March
0155 SJ radar contact 6½ miles (PLANE CONTACT # 26); opened out and
     contact was lost.

0643 Dove for submerged patrol.

1200 Posit. Lat. 34-09, Long. 139-46.

1929 Surfaced.

8 March
0614 Dove for submerged patrol.

1200 Posit. Lat. 34-08.5, Long. 139-42.

1930 Surfaced.

2113 Received ComSubsPac dispatch concerning 1-29 strike.

2124 Received ComSubsPac dispatch concerning strike and prospective
     sweep.

2130 Commenced sending STERLET third to ComSubsPacAd and ComSubsPac
     giving weather and results to date.

2245 Message sent and receipted for by Pearl - considerable jamming and
     interference. Pearl used incorrect authenticator and we thought
     he was a Jap, but got receipt later on SKED.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 137 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL

2147 Secured from battle stations, commenced reload forward.

2210 Set course 080°T to intercept a submarine reported by a plane,
     giving him 14 knots.

6 March
     We were close to target's track and contact with submarine could
     have been made at any time when at -

0230 COLLISION ALARM ! - grounded out.

     This shouldn't happen to a dog.

0616 On track of the target. It is beginning to get light and still no
     contact. Reversed course to west and dove. Taking looks every
     five minutes with high looks every fifteen minutes.

1200 Posit. Lat. 35-04, Long. 142-23.

1513 Visibility poor. Heavy seas from southwest; surfaced, and set
     course to return to lifeguard station.

2336 Received ComSubSPac dispatch canceling strike. Changed course to
     head for MIYAKE SHIMA.

7 March
0155 SJ radar contact 6½ miles (PLANE CONTACT # 26); opened out and
     contact was lost.

0643 Dove for submerged patrol.

1200 Posit. Lat. 34-09, Long. 139-46.

1929 Surfaced.

8 March
0614 Dove for submerged patrol.

1200 Posit. Lat. 34-08.5, Long. 139-42.

1930 Surfaced.

2113 Received ComSubSPac dispatch concerning 1-29 strike.

2124 Received ComSubSPac dispatch concerning strike and prospective
     sweep.

2130 Commenced sending STERLET third to ComSubSPac/d and ComSubSPac
     giving weather and results to date.

2245 Message sent and receipted for by Pearl - considerable jamming and
     interference. Pearl used incorrect authenticator and we thought
     he was a Jap, but got receipt later on SKED.

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                                                               Enclosure (A)

— page 138 —
U.S.S. STARLET (SS 392) Report of Third War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

9 March 0030 Radar plane (PLANE CONTACT # 27) arrived on schedule, but never
          got closer than 18 miles.
0609 Dove for submerged patrol.
0915 Sighted Dave (PLANE CONTACT # 28) distance three miles.
1000 Took pictures of FUJIYAMA.
1040 Sighted Dave (PLANE CONTACT # 29) distance one mile.
1200 Posit. Lat. 34-31, Long. 139-35.
1751 Sighted mast, hull down, bearing 198°T. (SHIP CONTACT # 8).
          Radar echo ranging. Headed towards.
1802 Target was observed to be a CHIDORI patrolling station ahead of a
          column of two medium sized sea trucks. Went to battle stations
          and commenced approach.

I doubt whether these ships could have been closed against the 2
knot current for a shot under any circumstances as the formation
always showed a broad starboard angle never less than 40° on its
right leg. Perhaps if I had virtually ignored the ships, and
headed for SAGAMI NADA, their almost certain destination, at high
speed, I could have gotten in. Instead, however, fascinated by
the maneuvers of the CHIDORI patrolling station, I took frequent
looks, never used more than two-thirds speed, and in general made
a faint hearted and non aggressive approach with the result that
the CHIDORI never got closer than 6,500 yards and the last sea
truck passed us 5,000 yards away.

During one of the looks midway in the approach, I observed a
sharp angle on the CHIDORI and came left from the normal approach
course to head for him, and got ready for a down-the-throat shot.
However, the next look showed that, far from heading our way, he
had merely circled to the right, around the loading sea truck to
take position on her port quarter; thus ruining whatever small
chance I had.

In extenuation of this poor performance there is this to be said.
We had been down all day, had a very low can, and could not afford
to use much high speed. Also, neither the CHIDORI nor the shallow draft sea trucks offered a very attractive
target.

1841 Broke off approach. Secured from battle stations.
1901 Lost contact. Ships entered SAGAMI NADA.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 138 —
U.S.S. STARLET (SS 392) Report of Third War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

9 March 0030 Radar plane (PLANE CONTACT # 27) arrived on schedule, but never
          got closer than 18 miles.
0609 Dove for submerged patrol.
0915 Sighted Dave (PLANE CONTACT # 28) distance three miles.
1000 Took pictures of FUJIYAMA.
1040 Sighted Dave (PLANE CONTACT # 29) distance one mile.
1200 Posit. Lat. 34-31, Long. 139-35.
1751 Sighted mast, hull down, bearing 198°T. (SHIP CONTACT # 8).
          Radar echo ranging. Headed towards.
1802 Target was observed to be a CHIDORI patrolling station ahead of a
          column of two medium sized sea trucks. Went to battle stations
          and commenced approach.

I doubt whether these ships could have been closed against the 2
knot current for a shot under any circumstances as the formation
always showed a broad starboard angle never less than 40° on its
right leg. Perhaps if I had virtually ignored the ships, and
headed for SAGAMI NADA, their almost certain destination, at high
speed, I could have gotten in. Instead, however, fascinated by
the maneuvers of the CHIDORI patrolling station, I took frequent
looks, never used more than two-thirds speed, and in general made
a faint hearted and non aggressive approach with the result that
the CHIDORI never got closer than 6,500 yards and the last sea
truck passed us 5,000 yards away.

During one of the looks midway in the approach, I observed a
sharp angle on the CHIDORI and came left from the normal approach
course to head for him, and got ready for a down-the-throat shot.
However, the next look showed that, far from heading our way, he
had merely circled to the right, around the loading sea truck to
take position on her port quarter; thus ruining whatever small
chance I had.

In extenuation of this poor performance there is this to be said.
We had been down all day, had a very low can, and could not afford
to use much high speed. Also, neither the CHIDORI nor the shallow draft sea trucks offered a very attractive
target.

1841 Broke off approach. Secured from battle stations.
1901 Lost contact. Ships entered SAGAMI NADA.

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Enclosure (A)

— page 139 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                      Report of Third War Patrol.

1933 Surfaced.

2103 Received ComSubsPac dispatch setting up time of B-29 strike two
     hours. Headed for lifeguard station.

10 March 0005 Plane contact 5 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 30). Indications of Jap
     radar so dove.

0038 Surfaced.

0043 Plane contact 4 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 31). Dove.

0219 After several attempts to surface were thwarted by the presence
     of Jap radar planes, finally took the bit in our teeth and
     surfaced in the midst of a bunch of planes. Most of these were
     B-29's, but there were plenty of Japs too. However, I don't
     think they were much concerned with us as the raid was now in full
     swing. Searchlights and ack-ack were clearly seen over the
     target area.

     Fires over the target area made two distinct glows, one over Tokyo
     and one over Yokohama. The one over Yokohama was particularly
     bright and resembled a brilliant sunset, which in a sense it was -
     the setting of the Rising Sun. In the early dawn the glow died
     down and was replaced by a large heavy pall of black smoke. An
     acrid odor permeated the atmosphere for the next day or so.

0315 Sighted six lights which resembled flares bearing 100°T. Headed
     towards.

0603 No further activity. Made dawn dive.

0808 Surfaced to conduct daylight search of area where we had seen
     flares.

1000 Search negative. Dove.

1200 Posit. Lat. 34-25, Long. 140-18.

1930 Surfaced. Set course to depart area in accordance with instruc-
     tions.

2035 Radar contact (SHIP CONTACT # 9), small pip at 7,000 yards,
     bearing 225°T. Stationed tracking party.

2058 Target developed into a spitkit on a northeasterly course. Secur-
     ed tracking party.

11 March 0235 A heavy freak wave hit us on the beam, and kicked out the gyro.
     Started auxiliary.

                                  - 23 -
                                                              Enclosure (A)

— page 139 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                      Report of Third War Patrol.

1933 Surfaced.

2103 Received ComSubsPac dispatch setting up time of B-29 strike two
     hours. Headed for lifeguard station.

10 March 0005 Plane contact 5 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 30). Indications of Jap
     radar so dove.

0038 Surfaced.

0043 Plane contact 4 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 31). Dove.

0219 After several attempts to surface were thwarted by the presence
     of Jap radar planes, finally took the bit in our teeth and
     surfaced in the midst of a bunch of planes. Most of these were
     B-29's, but there were plenty of Japs too. However, I don't
     think they were much concerned with us as the raid was now in full
     swing. Searchlights and ack-ack were clearly seen over the
     target area.

     Fires over the target area made two distinct glows, one over Tokyo
     and one over Yokohama. The one over Yokohama was particularly
     bright and resembled a brilliant sunset, which in a sense it was -
     the setting of the Rising Sun. In the early dawn the glow died
     down and was replaced by a large heavy pall of black smoke. An
     acrid odor permeated the atmosphere for the next day or so.

0315 Sighted six lights which resembled flares bearing 100°T. Headed
     towards.

0603 No further activity. Made dawn dive.

0808 Surfaced to conduct daylight search of area where we had seen
     flares.

1000 Search negative. Dove.

1200 Posit. Lat. 34-25, Long. 140-18.

1930 Surfaced. Set course to depart area in accordance with instruc-
     tions.

2035 Radar contact (SHIP CONTACT # 9), small pip at 7,000 yards,
     bearing 225°T. Stationed tracking party.

2058 Target developed into a spitkit on a northeasterly course. Secur-
     ed tracking party.

11 March 0235 A heavy freak wave hit us on the beam, and kicked out the gyro.
     Started auxiliary.

                                  - 23 -
                                                              Enclosure (A)

— page 140 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Rep of Third War Patrol.

0610 Dove for submerged patrol off HACHIJO JIMA.
0630 Gyro back in commission.
1200 Posit. Lat. 32-59.5, Long. 139-29.5.
1330 Held Divine Services.
1930 Surfaced.
12 March 0003 SJ contact (PLANE CONTACT # 32) range 12,000 yards. Dove.
0032 Surfaced.
0112 SJ contact (PLANE CONTACT # 33) 20 miles.
It gradually dawned on us that we were in the middle of the B-29's
coming over for the Nagoya strike. We were also near the PIPE-
FISH's station and had SJ interference presumably from them.
Their cover rendezvoused over us. So at -
0230 Contacted cover on 4475 and sent them over to PIPEFISH.
0258 SJ contact with PIPEFISH. Exchanged recognition signals.
0623 Dove.
0820 Surfaced.
1200 Posit. Lat. 30-48.5, Long. 137-55.5.
1300 - 1600 Test fired 5", 40 mm and 20 mm guns.
1834 Made visual contact with PIPER.
1945 SJ contact with POMFRET. Exchanged recognition signals.
2045 Received detailed instructions from Task Commander regarding sweep.
Commenced sweep.

13 March 0619 Made half hour trim dive.
1119 SJ contact 35 miles. (PLANE CONTACT # 34).
1200 Posit. Lat. 30-51.5, Long. 137-02.
2310 SJ contact 30,000 yards. (PLANE CONTACT # 35). This was the first
of many made in the next three hours. All believed to be B-29's.
Apparently this is the OSAKA strike. Several of these approached
very close, showing running lights.

- 24 -
Enclosure (A)

— page 140 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL Report of Third War Patrol.

0610 Dove for submerged patrol off HACHIJO JIMA.
0630 Gyro back in commission.
1200 Posit. Lat. 32-59.5, Long. 139-29.5.
1330 Held Divine Services.
1930 Surfaced.
12 March 0003 SJ contact (PLANE CONTACT # 32) range 12,000 yards. Dove.
0032 Surfaced.
0112 SJ contact (PLANE CONTACT # 33) 20 miles.
It gradually dawned on us that we were in the middle of the B-29's
coming over for the Nagoya strike. We were also near the PIPE-
FISH's station and had SJ interference presumably from them.
Their cover rendezvoused over us. So at -
0230 Contacted cover on 4475 and sent them over to PIPEFISH.
0258 SJ contact with PIPEFISH. Exchanged recognition signals.
0623 Dove.
0820 Surfaced.
1200 Posit. Lat. 30-48.5, Long. 137-55.5.
1300 - 1600 Test fired 5", 40 mm and 20 mm guns.
1834 Made visual contact with PIPER.
1945 SJ contact with PORPOISE. Exchanged recognition signals.
2045 Received detailed instructions from Task Commander regarding sweep.
Commenced sweep.
13 March 0619 Made half hour trim dive.
1119 SJ contact 35 miles. (PLANE CONTACT # 34).
1200 Posit. Lat. 30-51.5, Long. 137-02.
2310 SJ contact 30,000 yards. (PLANE CONTACT # 35). This was the first
of many made in the next three hours. All believed to be B-29's.
Apparently this is the OSAKA strike. Several of these approached
very close, showing running lights.

- 24 - Enclosure (A)

— page 141 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

14 March 0643 Made 15 minute trim dive.
         0920 Sighted single B-29, distance 12 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 36).
              Exchanged recognition signals when he closed.
         1200 Posit. Lat. 27-26, Long. 137-20.
         1225 Made contact with POMFRET. Closed scouting interval to two miles
              in accordance with instructions received from Pack Commander.
         1430 Received detailed instructions for next sweep from Pack Commander.
         1503 - 1525 Converted to # 4 F.F.T.
         2335 Received lifeguard assignments from ComSubPac.

15 March 0115 Requested authority from Pack Commander to exchange lifeguard
              stations with some boat having less distant station and more fuel
              than we have.
         0131 Received instructions from Pack Commander to exchange stations
              with TO.FIN.
         0615 Commenced search for enemy submarine reported by LAGARTO.
         0638 Dove for trim.
         0615 Surfaced.
         0840 SD contact 12 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 37). Sighted from bridge
              and identified as two Coronados. Leading plane closed. We show-
              ed him our silhouette and pulled a flare, and he turned away. If
              our quarry is not already submerged these planes have probably
              forced him down.
         1047 SD contact 20 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 38).
         1200 Posit. Lat. 26-03.5, Long. 133-51.5.
         1704 Lookout sighted object, thought to be periscope.
         1717 Dove to listen with all sound gear. All clear.
         1729 Surfaced.

16 March 0500 Changed course to 330°T for final sweep.
         0640 Dove.
         0715 Surfaced.

                                   - 25 -
                                   Enclosure (A)

— page 141 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

14 March 0643 Made 15 minute trim dive.
         0920 Sighted single B-29, distance 12 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 36).
              Changed recognition signals when he closed.
         1200 Posit. Lat. 27-26, Long. 137-20.
         1225 Made contact with POMFRET. Closed scouting interval to two miles
              in accordance with instructions received from Pack Commander.
         1430 Received detailed instructions for next sweep from Pack Commander.
         1503 - 1525 Converted # 4 F.F.T.
         2335 Received lifeguard assignments from ComSubPac.

15 March 0115 Requested authority from Pack Commander to exchange lifeguard
              stations with some boat having less distant station and more fuel
              than we have.
         0131 Received instructions from Pack Commander to exchange stations
              with TO.FIN.
         0615 Commenced search for enemy submarine reported by LAGARTO.
         0638 Dove for trim.
         0615 Surfaced.
         0840 SD contact 12 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 37). Sighted from bridge
              and identified as two Coronados. Leading plane closed. We show-
              ed him our silhouette and pulled a flare, and he turned away. If
              our quarry is not already submerged these planes have probably
              forced him down.
         1047 SD contact 20 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 38).
         1200 Posit. Lat. 26-03.5, Long. 133-51.5.
         1704 Lookout sighted object, thought to be periscope.
         1717 Dove to listen with all sound gear. All clear.
         1729 Surfaced.

16 March 0500 Changed course to 330°T for final sweep.
         0640 Dove.
         0715 Surfaced.

                                   - 25 -

                                                         Enclosure (A)

— page 142 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

1020 SD contacts, 16 and 20 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 39). Showing IFF -
     did not come closer than 14 miles, not sighted.
1200 Posit. Lat. 26-00, Long. 134-29.5.
1237 SD contacts, 16 and 18 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 40). IFF - did not
     close.

17 March 0651 Dove.
0726 Surfaced.
1122 SD contact (PLANE CONTACT # 41); closed to 5 miles, no IFF.
1130 Dove.
1200 Posit. Lat. 29-42, Long. 132-01.
1229 Surfaced.
1311 SD contact 10 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 42). Not sighted.
1433 Sweep completed. Dove to conserve fuel.
2012 Surfaced.
2057 Made radar landfall on YAKU SHIMA. Headed for even date life-
     guard station.
2238 AIR contact developed into SD contact at 24 miles. Did not close.
     (PLANE CONTACT # 43).
2259 Two plane contact at 24 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 44). They have
     radar and at -
2330 When they had closed to 6½ miles, dove.

18 March 0046 Surfaced.
0051 Radar planes back again.
0055 Dove as planes closed to 5 miles.
0156 Surfaced.
0318 PLANE CONTACT # 45, probably the same pair. These boys are
     definitely on the varsity. They come in to about 20 miles at
     normal altitude then drop down low so that you lose them on the SD.
     Then they appear to sweep with their radar and then shut it off
     altogether when they have you well plotted in. Thus you have a
     clear SD screen and nothing on the AIR. Just as you are about to

- 26 -
Enclosure (A)

— page 142 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

1020 SD contacts, 16 and 20 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 39). Showing IFF -
     did not come closer than 14 miles, not sighted.

1200 Posit. Lat. 26-00, Long. 134-29.5.

1237 SD contacts, 16 and 18 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 40). IFF - did not
     close.

17 March 0651 Dove.

0726 Surfaced.

1122 SD contact (PLANE CONTACT # 41); closed to 5 miles, no IFF.

1130 Dove.

1200 Posit. Lat. 29-42, Long. 132-01.

1229 Surfaced.

1311 SD contact 10 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 42). Not sighted.

1433 Sweep completed. Dove to conserve fuel.

2012 Surfaced.

2057 Made radar landfall on YAKU SHIMA. Headed for even date life-
     guard station.

2238 AIR contact developed into SD contact at 24 miles. Did not close.
     (PLANE CONTACT # 43).

2259 Two plane contact at 24 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 44). They have
     radar and at -

2330 when they had closed to 6½ miles, dove.

18 March 0046 Surfaced.

0051 Radar planes back again.

0055 Dove as planes closed to 5 miles.

0156 Surfaced.

0318 PLANE CONTACT # 45, probably the same pair. These boys are
     definitely on the varsity. They come in to about 20 miles at
     normal altitude then drop down low so that you lose them on the SD.
     Then they appear to sweep with their radar and then shut it off
     altogether when they have you well plotted in. Thus you have a
     clear SD screen and nothing on the AIR. Just as you are about to

- 26 -
Enclosure (A)

— page 143 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL

Report of Third War Patrol.

turn in, BINGO ! the SJ picks them up skimming over the water and
coming in - but fast. Each time they got inside of 7,000 yards as
our shears went under. Decided to leave them alone and at -

0340 Dove for the third time.

0610 One depth bomb, not close. This was the first of a mild barrage,
probably dropped by our radar equipped friends who are mad because
we wont come up and play tag with them.

0730 Last of ten bombs. They were all well clear of us and were
undoubtedly area bombing.

0732 Sighted friendly fighter in periscope (PLANE CONTACT # 46) so at -

0733 Surfaced. Heard many friendly planes over VHF. They said they
had liquidated our two hecklers, who had tarried too long.

1007 Two plane fighter cover rendezvoused with us.

1119 Received word of downed pilot one mile east of TANEGA SHIMA. Head-
ed towards at full.

1158 Received word that no survivors were in water. Returned to
initial point.

1200 Posit. Lat. 30-21, Long. 131-33.5.

1210 Fighter cover relieved.

1413 Fighter cover relieved.

1522 Cover returned to base.

1604 Received word from base that three fighters were orbiting in
position 60 miles bearing 060 from reference point. Headed toward.
Base sent us a special four plane A.C.A.P. to assist.

1830 Search negative. A.C.A.P. returned to base. Base reported no
further work for us.

1845 Dove.

2012 Surfaced.

19 March 0330 SJ contact 15 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 47). Did not close.

0630 Dove.

0812 Surfaced. Nothing on VHF. No plane contacts.

- 27 -

Enclosure (A)

— page 143 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

turn in, BINGO ! the SJ picks them up skimming over the water and
coming in - but fast. Each time they got inside of 7,000 yards as
our shears went under. Decided to leave them alone and at -

0340 Dove for the third time.

0610 One depth bomb, not close. This was the first of a mild barrage,
     probably dropped by our radar equipped friends who are mad because
     we wont come up and play tag with them.

0730 Last of ten bombs. They were all well clear of us and were
     undoubtedly area bombing.

0732 Sighted friendly fighter in periscope (PLANE CONTACT # 46) so at -

0733 Surfaced. Heard many friendly planes over VHF. They said they
     had liquidated our two hecklers, who had tarried too long.

1007 Two plane fighter cover rendezvoused with us.

1119 Received word of downed pilot one mile east of TANEGA SHIMA. Head-
     ed towards at full.

1158 Received word that no survivors were in water. Returned to
     initial point.

1200 Posit. Lat. 30-21, Long. 131-33.5.

1210 Fighter cover relieved.

1413 Fighter cover relieved.

1522 Cover returned to base.

1604 Received word from base that three fighters were orbiting in
     position 60 miles bearing 060 from reference point. Headed toward.
     Base sent us a special four plane A.C.A.P. to assist.

1830 Search negative. A.C.A.P. returned to base. Base reported no
     further work for us.

1845 Dove.

2012 Surfaced.

19 March
0330 SJ contact 15 miles (PLANE CONTACT # 47). Did not close.

0630 Dove.

0812 Surfaced. Nothing on VHF. No plane contacts.

- 27 -
Enclosure (A)

— page 144 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 39                                     Report of Third War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

1130 Stillnothing on VHF. Believe from information received on 4475
     that they are working farther north today. Dove for submerged
     patrol off TANIGA SHIMA and TOKARA KAIKYO.

1200 Posit. Lat. 29-56.5, Long. 130-01.

2031 Surfaced.

20 March 0640 Dove.

0817 Surfaced.

1032 No aircraft contacts, nothing on VHF or 4475. Dove to conserve
     fuel.

1200 Posit. Lat. 29-51.5, Long. 131-32.5.

2009 Surfaced. Departed area in accordance with instructions.

2026 Exchanged recognition signals with TREPANG on SJ.

2100 Commenced sending STERLET fourth to ComSubPac.

2142 Message sent and receipted for by Guam.

2306 Aircraft contact 12 miles closing (PLANE CONTACT # 48).

2310 With plane at 6 miles, dove.

21 March 0002 Sound contact bearing 002°T, undoubtedly TREPANG.

0020 Surfaced. SJ interference on bearing of sound contact.

0030 Radar planes back again, closest 15 miles on SJ.

0110 Exchanged recognition signals with TREPANG.

0135 Closest plane at 13,000 yards on SJ suddenly closed to 4 miles.
     Dove. He was on same bearing as TREPANG and believe she also
     dove which gives the plane a double header.

0219 Surfaced. Planes are still around but did not close.

0435 Sighted yellow flare bearing 100°T; have SJ interference at 110°T.

1048 SD contact, 11 miles closing. (PLANE CONTACT # 49).

1051 Dove with plane at 8 miles.

1100 At periscope depth sighted plane. Appears to be a land based
     bomber, possibly N.L.L.

                               - 28 -                               Enclosure (A)

— page 144 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 39                                     Report of Third War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

1130 Stillnothing on VHF. Believe from information received on 4475
     that they are working farther north today. Dove for submerged
     patrol off TANIGA SHIMA and TOKARA KAIKYO.

1200 Posit. Lat. 29-56.5, Long. 130-01.

2031 Surfaced.

20 March 0640 Dove.

0817 Surfaced.

1032 No aircraft contacts, nothing on VHF or 4475. Dove to conserve
     fuel.

1200 Posit. Lat. 29-51.5, Long. 131-32.5.

2009 Surfaced. Departed area in accordance with instructions.

2026 Exchanged recognition signals with TREPANG on SJ.

2100 Commenced sending STERLET fourth to ComSubPac.

2142 Message sent and receipted for by Guam.

2306 Aircraft contact 12 miles closing (PLANE CONTACT # 48).

2310 With plane at 6 miles, dove.

21 March 0002 Sound contact bearing 002°T, undoubtedly TREPANG.

0020 Surfaced. SJ interference on bearing of sound contact.

0030 Radar planes back again, closest 15 miles on SJ.

0110 Exchanged recognition signals with TREPANG.

0135 Closest plane at 13,000 yards on SJ suddenly closed to 4 miles.
     Dove. He was on same bearing as TREPANG and believe she also
     dove which gives the plane a double header.

0219 Surfaced. Planes are still around but did not close.

0435 Sighted yellow flare bearing 100°T; have SJ interference at 110°T.

1048 SD contact, 11 miles closing. (PLANE CONTACT # 49).

1051 Dove with plane at 8 miles.

1100 At periscope depth sighted plane. Appears to be a land based
     bomber, possibly N.L.L.

                               - 28 -                               Enclosure (A)

— page 145 —
U.S.S. STARLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

1143 All clear. Surfaced.
1200 Posit. Lat. 29-14, Long. 134-58.
1241 Sighted plane from bridge, believed to be same NELL at 12 miles.
     When she closed to 6½ miles, dove.
1310 Surfaced. All clear. This area seems to be a lot harder to get
     out of than it was to get in to.
1422 Sighted smoke and possible anti-aircraft fire to south of us.
     Very distant.

22 March 0110 Commenced sending STARLET fifth to CSS-8, info ComSubsPac.
0216 Guam receipted.
0624 Dove for trim.
0655 Surfaced.
0722 Sighted large plane coming in out of the sun. Dove. (PLANE
     CONTACT # 50.)
0758 Surfaced.
1200 Posit. Lat. 26-25.5, Long. 137-13.1/4.

23 March 0619 Made trim dive.
1200 Posit. Lat. 22-39, Long. 137-35.

24 March 0615 Made trim dive.
1200 Posit. Lat. 17-58, Long. 138-07.5.
1500 Converted # 3 and 5 F.B.T.'s.

25 March 0616 Made trim dive.
1200 Posit. Lat. 15-27, Long. 142-10.

- 29 -
                                                               Enclosure (A)

— page 145 —
U.S.S. STARLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                        Report of Third War Patrol.

1143 All clear. Surfaced.
1200 Posit. Lat. 29-14, Long. 134-58.
1241 Sighted plane from bridge, believed to be same NELL at 12 miles.
     When she closed to 6½ miles, dove.
1310 Surfaced. All clear. This area seems to be a lot harder to get
     out of than it was to get in to.
1422 Sighted smoke and possible anti-aircraft fire to south of us.
     Very distant.
22 March 0110 Commenced sending STARLET fifth to CSS-8, info ComSubsPac.
0216 Guam receipted.
0624 Dove for trim.
0655 Surfaced.
0722 Sighted large plane coming in out of the sun. Dove. (PLANE
     CONTACT # 50.)
0758 Surfaced.
1200 Posit. Lat. 26-25.5, Long. 137-13.1/4.
23 March 0619 Made trim dive.
1200 Posit. Lat. 22-39, Long. 137-35.
24 March 0615 Made trim dive.
1200 Posit. Lat. 17-58, Long. 138-07.5.
1500 Converted # 3 and 5 F.B.T.'s.
25 March 0616 Made trim dive.
1200 Posit. Lat. 15-27, Long. 142-10.

                                  - 29 -

                                                              Enclosure (A)

— page 146 —
U.S.S. STARLET (SS 390)
CONFIDENTIAL
Rep of Third War Patrol.

26 March 0611 Dove for trim.
           0645 Surfaced.
           0752 Rendezvoused with U.S.S. HOE and escort YMS 292.
           1200 Posit. Lat. 15-24.5, Long. 145-22.
           1414 Entered Tanapag Harbor, Saipan.
           1456 Moored alongside U.S.S. FULTON, Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, M.I.
                Topped off with fuel, lube, and stores.
27 March 1615 Underway in company with U.S.S. HOE, SPOT and FOGY; escort
                LCI 1062. Enroute Midway, T.H.
           2100 Escort departed. Parted company with SPOT and FOGY.
28 March 1200 Posit. Lat. 16-49, Long. 147-11.5.
29 March 1200 Posit. Lat. 17-46 N, Long. 151-33.5 E.
           2200 Set clocks ahead one hour to -11 zone time.
30 March 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 18-53.5 N, Long. 155-46 E.
31 March 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 20-15 N, Long. 159-54 E.
1 April 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 22-03 N, Long. 165-14.5 E.
2 April 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 24-02 N, Long. 170-47 E.
3 April 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 25-39.5 N, Long. 175-06 E.
4 April 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 26-57.5 N, Long. 178-51 E.
                Enroute Midway conducted daily trim and training dives.
4 April 2000(L) Crossed International date line. Date repeated.
           0940(Y) Moored at Submarine Base, Midway, T.H. Patrol completed.

- 30 -

— page 146 —
U.S.S. STARLET (SS 390
CONFIDENTIAL
Rep of Third War Patrol.

26 March 0611 Dove for trim.
         0645 Surfaced.
         0752 Rendezvoused with U.S.S. HOE and escort YMS 292.
         1200 Posit. Lat. 15-24.5, Long. 145-22.
         1414 Entered Tanapag Harbor, Saipan.
         1456 Moored alongside U.S.S. FULTON, Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, M.I.
              Topped off with fuel, lube, and stores.
27 March 1615 Underway in company with U.S.S. HOE, SPOT and FOGY; escort
              LCI 1062. Enroute Midway, T.H.
         2100 Escort departed. Parted company with SPOT and FOGY.
28 March 1200 Posit. Lat. 16-49, Long. 147-11.5.
29 March 1200 Posit. Lat. 17-46 N, Long. 151-33.5 E.
         2200 Set clocks ahead one hour to -11 zone time.
30 March 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 18-53.5 N, Long. 155-46 E.
31 March 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 20-15 N, Long. 159-54 E.
1 April 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 22-03 N, Long. 165-14.5 E.
2 April 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 24-02 N, Long. 170-47 E.
3 April 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 25-39.5 N, Long. 175-06 E.
4 April 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 26-57.5 N, Long. 178-51 E.
              Enroute Midway conducted daily trim and training dives.
4 April 2000(L) Crossed International date line. Date repeated.
         0940(Y) Moored at Submarine Base, Midway, T.H. Patrol completed.

- 30 -

— page 147 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
(C) WEATHER.
     No unusual weather conditions existed from mid-February through mid-
March in the area southeast of HONSHU and east of the IZU SHOTO except for
frequent and violent changes in the direction and force of both wind and sea.
The sky was overcast approximately eighty percent of the time, and the sea
conditions averaged force four to five.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION.
     Tidal information in the area southeast of HONSHU and east of IZU SHOTO
agreed with the pilots and charts of this area.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
     No lighted navigational aids were sighted in the area southeast of
HONSHU and east of the IZU SHOTO. On two nights numerous lights were sighted
along the coast of HONSHU when convoys were leaving TOKYO Bay.

- 31 -
Enclosure (A)

— page 147 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
(C) WEATHER.
     No unusual weather conditions existed from mid-February through mid-
March in the area southeast of HONSHU and east of the IZU SHOTO except for
frequent and violent changes in the direction and force of both wind and sea.
The sky was overcast approximately eighty percent of the time, and the sea
conditions averaged force four to five.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION.
     Tidal information in the area southeast of HONSHU and east of IZU SHOTO
agreed with the pilots and charts of this area.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
     No lighted navigational aids were sighted in the area southeast of
HONSHU and east of the IZU SHOTO. On two nights numerous lights were sighted
along the coast of HONSHU when convoys were leaving TOKYO Bay.

                                   - 31 -
                                                            Enclosure (A)

— page 149 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.

Report of Third War Patrol.

As noted elsewhere in this report, most plane activity occurred at night.
The tactics employed by night flying radar planes are discussed in the
narrative.

No new plane types were encountered.

- 33 -

Enclosure (A)

— page 149 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.

Report of Third War Patrol.

As noted elsewhere in this report, most plane activity occurred at night.
The tactics employed by night flying radar planes are discussed in the
narrative.

No new plane types were encountered.

- 33 -

Enclosure (A)

— page 150 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Rep of Third War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA.

U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392) Torpedo Attack No. 1. Patrol No. 3.
Time 2035 K Date 1 March 1945 Lat. 34-11 N Long. 139-43.5

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description Radar contact was made shortly after surface radar attack on a
closing target an escort was picked up about 1,000 yards ahead
on starboard bow. The target was zig zagging on 5 minute legs,
with escort changing position from one bow to the other. The
night was dark and clear, target picked up visually at 8,000 yards.

Ship(s) Sunk 1 Medium AK (EU). 5,000 tons.

Ship(s) Damaged None.

Ship(s) Probably Sunk None.

Damage Determined by Disappearance of radar pip at 2,750 yards and disappear-
ance from sight on bridge.

Target Draft 25 feet Course 175°T Speed 8 knots Range 2,200 yards
(at firing)

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed 11 knots Course 310°T Depth — Angle —

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack This was a night surface radar attack on a dark clear night.
Target was picked up by TBT at 8,000 yards and escort at 6,000
yards. Radar bearings and ranges were used until just before
firing when TBT bearings and radar ranges were used. The entire
approach lasted only 54 minutes so as to complete attack before
moon-rise. A battery temperature speed correction for 65°F was
used, and a 1.1 knot speed reduction was used for depth setting
of 5 feet.

- 34 -

Enclosure (A)

— page 150 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Rep of Third War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA.

U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392) Torpedo Attack No. 1. Patrol No. 3.
Time 2035 K Date 1 March 1945 Lat. 34-11 N Long. 139-43.5

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description Radar contact was made shortly after surface radar attack on a
closing target an escort was picked up about 1,000 yards ahead
on starboard bow. The target was zig zagging on 5 minute legs,
with escort changing position from one bow to the other. The
night was dark and clear, target picked up visually at 8,000 yards.

Ship(s) Sunk 1 Medium AK (EU). 5,000 tons.

Ship(s) Damaged None.

Ship(s) Probably Sunk None.

Damage Determined by Disappearance of radar pip at 2,750 yards and disappear-
ance from sight on bridge.

Target Draft 25 feet Course 175°T Speed 8 knots Range 2,200 yards
(at firing)

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed 11 knots Course 310°T Depth — Angle —

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack This was a night surface radar attack on a dark clear night.
Target was picked up by TBT at 8,000 yards and escort at 6,000
yards. Radar bearings and ranges were used until just before
firing when TBT bearings and radar ranges were used. The entire
approach lasted only 54 minutes so as to complete attack before
moon-rise. A battery temperature speed correction for 65°F was
used, and a 1.1 knot speed reduction was used for depth setting
of 5 feet.

- 34 -

Enclosure (A)

— page 151 —
U.S.S. STARLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

ATTACK No. 1.

| | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 |
| Track Angle | 42 P | 44 P | 45 P | 45 P | 44 P | 45 P |
| Gyro Angle | 012½ | 012 | 014 | 010 | 014½ | 009 |
| Depth Set | 5 ft. | 5 ft. | 5 ft. | 5 ft. | 5 ft. | 5 ft. |
| Power | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Hit or Miss | Hit | Hit | Hit | Miss | Miss | Miss |
| Erratic | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | 18-2 | 18-1 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-1 |
| Serial No. | 57710 | 57258 | 57415 | 57294 | 57578 | 55606 |
| Mark Exploder | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 |
| Serial No. | 9897 | 9850 | 10799 | 10892 | 8232 | 8142 |
| Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual | Contact | Contact | Contact | - | - | - |
| Mark Warhead | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 |
| Serial No. | 4737 | 4717 | 3115 | 2083 | 3677 | 4652 |
| Explosive | TIX | TIX | TIX | TIX | TIX | TIX |
| Firing Interval | 13 Seconds | | | | | |
| Type Spread | 1° Divergent | | | | | |
| Sea Condition | Force 1 | | | | | |
| Overhaul Activity | Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor. | | | | | |
| Remarks: | Two possible end-of-run explosions were heard and believed to | | | | | |
| | be #5 and #6 torpedoes. | | | | | |

- 35 -
Enclosure (A)

— page 151 —
U.S.S. STARLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

ATTACK No. 1.

| | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 |
|:|:-----|:-----|:-----|:-----|:-----|:-----|
| Tubes Fired        |      |      |      |      |      |      |
| Track Angle        | 42 P | 44 P | 45 P | 45 P | 44 P | 45 P |
| Gyro Angle         | 012½ | 012  | 014  | 010  | 014½ | 009  |
| Depth Set          | 5 ft.| 5 ft.| 5 ft.| 5 ft.| 5 ft.| 5 ft.|
| Power              | -    | -    | -    | -    | -    | -    |
| Hit or Miss        | Hit  | Hit  | Hit  | Miss | Miss | Miss |
| Erratic            | No   | No   | No   | No   | No   | No   |
| Mark Torpedo       | 18-2 | 18-1 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-1 |
| Serial No.         | 57710| 57258| 57415| 57294| 57578| 55606|
| Mark Exploder      | 8-5  | 8-5  | 8-5  | 8-5  | 8-5  | 8-5  |
| Serial No.         | 9897 | 9850 | 10799| 10892| 8232 | 8142 |
| Actuation Set      | Contact| Contact| Contact| Contact| Contact| Contact|
| Actuation Actual   | Contact| Contact| Contact| -    | -    | -    |
| Mark Warhead       | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 |
| Serial No.         | 4737 | 4717 | 3115 | 2083 | 3677 | 4652 |
| Explosive          | TIX  | TIX  | TIX  | TIX  | TIX  | TIX  |

Firing Interval   13 Seconds
Type Spread       1° Divergent
Sea Condition     Force 1
Overhaul Activity Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor.
Remarks:          Two possible end-of-run explosions were heard and believed to
                  be #5 and #6 torpedoes.

- 35 -
Enclosure (A)

— page 152 —
Report of Third War Patrol.

U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392) Torpedo Attack No. 2. Patrol No. 3.

Time 2130 K Date 5 March 1945 Lat. 34-55.5 N Long. 140-15 E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description Radar contact was made at 25,000 yards on single target. Target
was making six knots on steady course hugging the 100 fathom curve.
Visual contact was made at 6,000 yards. The night was black and
land 5 miles behind target made it difficult to see. No escorts
were contacted although several radar contacts were made on what
were believed to be planes during the approach.

Ship(s) Sunk 1 Large Tanker (JU) 10,000 tons.

Ship(s) Damaged None.

Ship(s) Probably Sunk None.

Damage Determined by Four torpedo hits were seen and five were heard, and
target broke in half after third hit. Target was seen to
sink at same time radar reported target disappeared from
screen at range of 3,500 yards.

Target Draft 30 feet Course 065°T Speed 6 knots Range 2,550 yards
(at firing)

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed 11 knots Course 335°T Depth --- Angle ---

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack This was a night surface radar attack. Radar ranges and bearings
were used until just before firing when TBT bearings were used.
Torpedo speed was corrected for a battery temperature of 65°F,
and a 6 foot depth setting correction of -0.1 knots.

- 36 - Enclosure (A)

— page 152 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392) Torpedo Attack No. 2. Patrol No. 3.

Time 2130 K Date 5 March 1945 Lat. 34-55.5 N Long. 140-15 E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description Radar contact was made at 25,000 yards on single target. Target
was making six knots on steady course hugging the 100 fathom curve.
Visual contact was made at 6,000 yards. The night was black and
land 5 miles behind target made it difficult to see. No escorts
were contacted although several radar contacts were made on what
were believed to be planes during the approach.

Ship(s) Sunk 1 Large Tanker (JU) 10,000 tons.

Ship(s) Damaged None.

Ship(s) Probably Sunk None.

Damage Determined by Four torpedo hits were seen and five were heard, and
target broke in half after third hit. Target was seen to
sink at same time radar reported target disappeared from
screen at range of 3,500 yards.

Target Draft 30 feet Course 065°T Speed 6 knots Range 2,550 yards
(at firing)

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed 11 knots Course 335°T Depth --- Angle ---

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack This was a night surface radar attack. Radar ranges and bearings
were used until just before firing when TBT ranges and bearings
Torpedo speed was corrected for a battery temperature of 65°F,
and a 6 foot depth setting correction of -0.1 knots.

- 36 - Enclosure (A)

— page 153 —
. U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                          Report of Third War Patrol.

                                          ATTACK No. 2.

                                          #6        #5        #4        #3        #2        #1
Tubes Fired
Track Angle                               80 S      80 S      81 S      81 S      83 S      85 S
Gyro Angle                                351½      351       350       353       357½      000
Depth Set                                 6 ft.     6 ft.     6 ft.     6 ft.     6 ft.     6 ft.
Power                                     -         -         -         -         -         -
Hit or Miss                               Hit       Hit       Hit       Hit       Hit       Miss
Erratic                                   No        No        No        No        No        No
Mark Torpedo                              18-2      18-2      18-2      18-2      18-2      18-2
Serial No.                                57392     57288     57363     57532     57309     57443
Mark Exploder                             8-5       8-5       8-5       8-5       8-5       8-5
Serial No.                                8463      19987     8137      8235      10217     8704
Actuation Set                             Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact
Actuation Actual                          Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact   -
Mark Warhead                              18-2      18-2      18-2      18-2      18-2      18-2
Serial No.                                3690      3821      3906      4645      2821      4214
Explosive                                 T.N.X     T.N.X     T.N.X     T.N.X     T.N.X     T.N.X

Firing Interval                           12 Seconds

Type Spread                               1° Divergent

Sea Conditions                            Calm - Slight swell.

Overhaul Activity                         Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor.

Remarks                                   -

                                          - 37 -                                Enclosure (A)

— page 153 —
. U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                          Report of Third War Patrol.

                                          ATTACK No. 2.

                                          #6        #5        #4        #3        #2        #1
Tubes Fired
Track Angle                               80 S      80 S      81 S      81 S      83 S      85 S
Gyro Angle                                351½      351       350       353       357½      000
Depth Set                                 6 ft.     6 ft.     6 ft.     6 ft.     6 ft.     6 ft.
Power                                     -         -         -         -         -         -
Hit or Miss                               Hit       Hit       Hit       Hit       Hit       Miss
Erratic                                   No        No        No        No        No        No
Mark Torpedo                              18-2      18-2      18-2      18-2      18-2      18-2
Serial No.                                57392     57288     57363     57532     57309     57443
Mark Exploder                             8-5       8-5       8-5       8-5       8-5       8-5
Serial No.                                8463      19987     8137      8235      10217     8704
Actuation Set                             Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact
Actuation Actual                          Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact   -
Mark Warhead                              18-2      18-2      18-2      18-2      18-2      18-2
Serial No.                                3690      3821      3906      4645      2821      4214
Explosive                                 T.N.X     T.N.X     T.N.X     T.N.X     T.N.X     T.N.X

Firing Interval                           12 Seconds

Type Spread                               1° Divergent

Sea Conditions                            Calm - Slight swell.

Overhaul Activity                         Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor.

Remarks                                   -

                                          - 37 -                                Enclosure (A)

— page 154 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL

(I) MINES.
No mines or minelaying operations were encountered.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES and EVASION.
A.S. activity encountered was much lighter than might be expected in
this area. This was undoubtedly accounted for in part by the strikes.

Most of the activity occurs during darkness. All ship contacts, except
#1 and #3, and the majority of the plane contacts were made at night.

We always had at least one and sometimes five or six radars on the APR
when operating in the vicinity of land. The 155 mc. pulse rate 500, was the
most common. The 155 mc., pulse rate 1,000, was not so often encountered, but
invariably heralded an approaching plane.

We tried to be as eager as possible in diving for planes. However, they
must have seen our wake, at least, on several occasions. Why we were never
bombed is a mystery.

The source of the three torpedoes fired at us on the morning of 17
February is unknown. The night was dark and we were steering a steady course
at two-thirds speed. The O.O.D., who is the torpedo officer and battle station
O.O.D., and who has seen a lot of wakes, is sure they were torpedoes running
hot, straight and normal. It is conceivable that a PT boat could have gotten
inside the wave effect on our radar (about 4,000 yards at the time) and thus
escaped detection.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS and DAMAGE.
Hull and Machinery - None.
Ordnance and Gunnery - None.

(L) RADIO.
Radio reception was satisfactory although much enemy jamming was
experienced. The simultaneous keying of HAIKU schedule from Guam was an
improvement, but a slight lag or "double echo" made copying difficult on
several occasions. The recent change to twenty-four hour transmission from Guam
on 9090 kc. is an even greater improvement, and the new frequency 9050 kc.
from Pearl gives the best reception yet, particularly at dawn when the Guam
signal fades. Reception on 6045 kc. was hampered by the proximity of a broad-
cast station.
Report of Third War Patrol.

- 38 -
Enclosure (A)

— page 154 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL

(I) MINES.
No mines or minelaying operations were encountered.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES and EVASION.
A.S. activity encountered was much lighter than might be expected in
this area. This was undoubtedly accounted for in part by the strikes.

Most of the activity occurs during darkness. All ship contacts, except
#1 and #3 and the majority of the plane contacts were made at night.

We always had at least one and sometimes five or six radars on the APR
when operating in the vicinity of land. The 155 mc. pulse rate 500, was the
most common. The 155 mc. pulse rate 1,000, was not so often encountered, but
invariably heralded an approaching plane.

We tried to be as eager as possible in diving for planes. However, they
must have seen our wake, at least, on several occasions. Why we were never
bombed is a mystery.

The source of the three torpedoes fired at us on the morning of 17
February is unknown. The night was dark and we were steering a steady course
at two-thirds speed. The O.O.D. who is the torpedo officer and battle station
O.O.D. and who has seen a lot of wakes, is sure they were torpedoes running
hot, straight and normal. It is conceivable that a PT boat could have gotten
inside the wave effect on our radar (about 4,000 yards at the time) and thus
escaped detection.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS and DAMAGE.
Hull and Machinery - None.
Ordnance and Gunnery - None.

(L) RADIO.
Radio reception was satisfactory although much enemy jamming was
experienced. The simultaneous keying of HAIKU schedule from Guam was an
improvement, but a slight lag or "double echo" made copying difficult on
several occasions. The recent change to twenty-four hour transmission from Guam
on 9090 kc. is an even greater improvement, and the new frequency 9050 kc.
broadcast gives the best reception yet, particularly at dawn when the Guam
signal fades. Reception on 6045 kc. was hampered by the proximity of a broad-
cast station.

Report of Third War Patrol.

- 38 -

Enclosure (A)

— page 155 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

Choice of ship to shore frequencies was in accordance with IRPL and info-
rmation obtained from Pearl's three-minute keying of these frequencies.
12705 kc. was used successfully for three messages sent to ComSubPac and.
After futile attempts to raise any shore station on any frequency in the early
morning of 6 March, a message addressed to ComSubPacAd was transmitted blind
on 12705 kc. but not receipted for.

Material casualties consisted of a burned out blower motor in the TBL
requiring replacement, and failure to get Fox Mike (Talkie Talkie) properly
tuned at either Pearl or Saipan. After getting maximum ranges of only 4,000
yards enroute to Saipan, it was overhauled by the tender with the result that
the receiver didn't work at all. Approximate tuning was accomplished at sea
after two days of work handicapped by lack of suitable tuning or testing equip-
ment and personnel unfamiliarity with frequency modulation. It is suggested
that boats be provided with means of keeping this equipment at peak efficiency
for its use in plain language pack communication may save VHF in both
clarity and range. A modification affected by ship's force allows simultane-
ous use of VHF and FM. This consisted of taking 26 volts for FM from ABK
power supply, to which two additional cells of main storage battery has been
connected by temporary jumpers. The FM receiver was also connected to the
Voycall for further audio amplification.

The RBS-1 installed during Pearl refit is our best receiver; we wish the
others were as good. A third high frequency receiver is needed in the radio
shack so that it won't be necessary to secure guard of a freq frequency while
guarding 4475 kc.

(M) RADAR.

Both SJ and SD radars gave their usual dependable performance. The only
material casualties consisted of a leaky modulation network in the SJ tran-
smitter, replaced in Saipan; an intermittent short on SJ power supply, blow-
ing out fuses F9 and F10; and three gaseous tubes (5U4G) in SJ regulator
rectifier.

Contact was made on large tanker at range of 25,000 yards, and lobe
switching employed at 20,000 yards. FUJIYAMA gave good sweep echoes at
150,000 yards by navigational plot. SD contact was made on aircraft,
probably Baker Twenty Nines, at 60 miles.

(N) SOUND GEAR and SOUND CONDITIONS.

Sound conditions were fairly good with little water noise under iso-
thermal conditions. The usual fish noises and volcanic disturbances were
present throughout the entire area, with the latter closely resembling screws
on several occasions. Few submerged contacts were made and little sound
information obtained, although it is considered noteworthy that the Chidori

- 39 -
Enclosure (A)

— page 155 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Third War Patrol.

Choice of ship to shore frequencies was in accordance with IRPL and info-
rmation obtained from Pearl's three-minute keying of these frequencies.
12705 kc. was used successfully for three messages sent to ComSubPac and.
After futile attempts to raise any shore station on any frequency in the early
morning of 6 March, a message addressed to ComSubPacAd was transmitted blind
on 12705 kc. but not receipted for.

Material casualties consisted of a burned out blower motor in the TBL
requiring replacement, and failure to get Fox Mike (Talkie Talkie) properly
tuned at either Pearl or Saipan. After getting maximum ranges of only 4,000
yards enroute to Saipan, it was overhauled by the tender with the result that
the receiver didn't work at all. Approximate tuning was accomplished at sea
after two days of work handicapped by lack of suitable tuning or testing equip-
ment and personnel unfamiliarity with frequency modulation. It is suggested
that boats be provided with means of keeping this equipment at peak efficiency
for its use in plain language pack communication may save VHF in both
clarity and range. A modification affected by ship's force allows simultane-
ous use of VHF and FM. This consisted of taking 26 volts for FM from ABK
power supply, to which two additional cells of main storage battery has been
connected by temporary jumpers. The FM receiver was also connected to the
Voycall for further audio amplification.

The RBS-1 installed during Pearl refit is our best receiver; we wish the
others were as good. A third high frequency receiver is needed in the radio
shack so that it won't be necessary to secure guard of a freq frequency while
guarding 4475 kc.

(M) RADAR.

Both SJ and SD radars gave their usual dependable performance. The only
material casualties consisted of a leaky modulation network in the SJ tran-
smitter, replaced in Saipan; an intermittent short on SJ power supply, blow-
ing out fuses F9 and F10; and three gaseous tubes (5U4G) in SJ regulator
rectifier.

Contact was made on large tanker at range of 25,000 yards, and lobe
switching employed at 20,000 yards. FUJIYAMA gave good sweep echoes at
150,000 yards by navigational plot. SD contact was made on aircraft,
probably Baker Twenty Nines, at 60 miles.

(N) SOUND GEAR and SOUND CONDITIONS.

Sound conditions were fairly good with little water noise under iso-
thermal conditions. The usual fish noises and volcanic disturbances were
present throughout the entire area, with the latter closely resembling screws
on several occasions. Few submerged contacts were made and little sound
information obtained, although it is considered noteworthy that the Chidori

- 39 -
Enclosure (A)

— page 156 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
Report of Third War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

contact on 9 March, Lat. 34-19.5, Long. 139-36.5, was echo-ranging on 15 kc.,
sending two short pings at seven-second intervals. This pinging was faintly
detected on 17 kc. and came in loud and clear when we shifted to 15 kc. Turn
count on this ship was 140 and 200 rpm.

Material casualties consisted of a broken cable on the JP where it goes
through the pressure hull, and broken cables on both sound heads. It is
recommended that slip-ring contactors be provided to prevent this frequently
occurring casualty.

(C) DENSITY LAYERS.

Density layers encountered were, with one exception, iso-thermal in both
the area southeast of HONSHU and that southeast of TANEOA SHIMA.

At 2300 Z, 18 February, Lat. 35-14 N, Long. 141-25 E, a negative gradient
was encountered at 60 feet developing to 7°F down to 200 feet.

At 0215 Z, 19 February, Lat. 35-54 N, Long. 141-24 E, a negative gradient
of 5°F developed from 140 feet to 180 feet.

(D) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY.

In spite of adverse weather conditions health was considered good. A
light case of Cat Fever caused one enlisted man to be removed from the watch
list for a period of four days. Very few colds were noted. The air condi-
tioning unit was run continuously even though the air temperature averaged
45°F. One case of what appeared to be food poisoning caused a loss of four
days' duty.

In respect to food, we did the best we could with what we had to work
with. However, many items were unobtainable, others obtainable only in limit-
ed quantities, and still others were of very poor quality. Examples of the
latter category were: sixty-four pounds of rancid butter obtained in Pearl,
dry cereal containing a small moth type insect, cocoa containing a species of
weevil. Items in the first two categories are too numerous to mention here,
but they were all staple items and not unprocurable luxuries. Our cooks,
however, did a grand job and all meals were well prepared.

Habitability was good.

- 40 -
Enclosure (A)

— page 156 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
Report of Third War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

contact on 9 March, Lat. 34-19.5, Long. 139-36.5, was echo-ranging on 15 kc.,
sending two short pings at seven-second intervals. This pinging was faintly
detected on 17 kc. and came in loud and clear when we shifted to 15 kc. Turn
count on this ship was 140 and 200 rpm.

Material casualties consisted of a broken cable on the JP where it goes
through the pressure hull, and broken cables on both sound heads. It is
recommended that slip-ring contactors be provided to prevent this frequently
occurring casualty.

(C) DENSITY LAYERS.

Density layers encountered were, with one exception, iso-thermal in both
the area southeast of HONSHU and that southeast of TANEOA SHIMA.

At 2300 Z, 18 February, Lat. 35-14 N, Long. 141-25 E, a negative gradient
was encountered at 60 feet developing to 7°F down to 200 feet.

At 0215 Z, 19 February, Lat. 35-54 N, Long. 141-24 E, a negative gradient
of 5°F developed from 140 feet to 180 feet.

(D) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY.

In spite of adverse weather conditions health was considered good. A
light case of Cat Fever caused one enlisted man to be removed from the watch
list for a period of four days. Very few colds were noted. The air condi-
tioning unit was run continuously even though the air temperature averaged
45°F. One case of what appeared to be food poisoning caused a loss of four
days' duty.

In respect to food, we did the best we could with what we had to work
with. However, many items were unobtainable, others obtainable only in limit-
ed quantities, and still others were of very poor quality. Examples of the
latter category were: sixty-four pounds of rancid butter obtained in Pearl,
dry cereal containing a small moth type insect, cocoa containing a species of
weevil. Items in the first two categories are too numerous to mention here,
but they were all staple items and not unprocurable luxuries. Our cooks,
however, did a grand job and all meals were well prepared.

Habitability was good.

- 40 -
Enclosure (A)

— page 158 —
Report of Third War Patrol.

U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL

(U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR and SONAR COUNTERMEASURES.

COMMUNICATIONS COUNTERMEASURES.

The Japs are getting good at their jamming. They worked so persistently
at it on area frequencies that we believed every radio station on HONSHU had
a copy of SAFPLAN ABLE. Even the shift to alternate frequencies was no prob-
lem for them; they got on them as soon as we did. It provided a good check
on the effectiveness of our own jamming, and unrelent-
ing, it didn't seriously interfere with communication with boats of our own
pack due to our signal strength.

Enemy jamming of ship to shore frequencies was more serious, and several
attempts at deception were detected. On 8 March, while transmitting to Pearl,
a Jap broke in several times asking both Pearl and us for repeats.

RADAR COUNTERMEASURES.

Considerable experimenting was done with the APR while on station.
After swinging ship several times on known shore radar installations it was
determined that our antenna has an 80° null ahead and a 30° null astern.
Maximum signal strength was obtained on either beam, as expected. These
large blind spots are believed to sharply curtail the effectiveness of the
receiver, particularly when the ship is on a steady course. The danger of
these spots was apparent when we were forced down five times in twenty-four
hours by radar planes. On one of these occasions the plane was first detect-
ed at 6½ miles by the SD, at which time the APR signal was growing weaker.
That this plane was flying in the null dead ahead was confirmed by SJ contact
just before diving.

Since the directional qualities of the present antennae are of little
value due to large nulls and slowness of swinging ship (particularly when
another variable is added by rotation of the enemy's antennae), it is strong-
ly recommended that it be replaced by a non-directional antenna with no
horizontal nulls, especially adapted to 145-160 megs., within which range
over 90% of all our contacts have been made during three patrols. This
might be in the form of a vertical dipole cut to approximately one-quarter
wave length of the 145-160 meg. band.

In an attempt to get more accurate bearings than those offered by the
present antennae, we experimented with a portable telescopic whip antennae,
used on the bridge with leads running down through the hatch. This also
required running a phone lead from control room to the bridge. The results
obtained from this rig were surprisingly good, giving sharp bearings on known
shore radar installations on NOJIMA SAKI and O SHIMA. This could be improved
by making the leads onto the bridge permanent (the masthead light circuit is a possibi-
lity) and effectively shielding the antennae lead to keep out SJ interference.

All shore radar installations for the Tokyo area listed in RCM (for our
vicinity) were detected with the exception of Mark 51 and Mark CHI.

- 42 -
Enclosure (A)

— page 158 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
Report of Third War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL
(U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR and SONAR COUNTERMEASURES.

COMMUNICATIONS COUNTERMEASURES.

The Japs are getting good at their jamming. They worked so persistently
at it on an area on HONSHU had frequencies that we believed every radio
a copy of SAFPLAN ABLE. Even the shift to alternate frequencies was no prob-
lem for them; they got on them as soon as we did. It provided a good check
on the effectiveness of our own jamming, and unrelentingly, it didn't
seriously interfere with communication with boats of our own
pack due to our signal strength.

Enemy jamming of ship to shore frequencies was more serious, and several
attempts at deception were detected. On 8 March, while transmitting to Pearl,
a Jap broke in several times asking both Pearl and us for repeats.

RADAR COUNTERMEASURES.

Considerable experimenting was done with the APR while on station.
After swinging ship several times on known shore radar installations it was
determined that our antenna has an 80° null ahead and a 30° null astern.
Maximum signal strength was obtained on either beam, as expected. These
large blind spots are believed to sharply curtail the effectiveness of the
receiver, particularly when the ship is on a steady course. The danger of
these spots was apparent when we were forced down five times in twenty-four
hours by radar planes. On one of these occasions the plane was first detect-
ed at 6½ miles by the SD, at which time the APR signal was growing weaker.
That this plane was flying in the null dead ahead was confirmed by SJ contact
just before diving.

Since the directional qualities of the present antennae are of little
value due to large nulls and slowness of swinging ship (particularly when
another variable is added by rotation of the enemy's antennae), it is strong-
ly recommended that it be replaced by a non-directional antenna with no
horizontal nulls, especially adapted to 145-160 megs., within which range
over 90% of all our contacts have been made during three patrols. This
might be in the form of a vertical dipole cut to approximately one-quarter
wave length of the 145-160 meg. band.

In an attempt to get more accurate bearings than those offered by the
present antennae, we experimented with a portable telescopic whip antennae,
used on the bridge with leads running down through the hatch. This also
required running a phone lead from control room to the bridge. The results
obtained from this rig were surprisingly good, giving sharp bearings on known
installations on NOJIMA SAKI and O SHIMA. This could be improved by making
the leads onto the bridge permanent (the masthead light circuit is a possibi-
lity) and effectively shielding the antennae lead to keep out SJ interference.

All shore radar installations for the Tokyo area listed in RCM (for our
vicinity) were detected with the exception of Mark 51 and Mark CHI.

- 42 -
Enclosure (A)

— page 159 —
U.S.S. STELLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Equipment: ARP-1, SPA-1.

Report of Third War Patrol.

Date         Position     Freq. PRF   P.W.   Tuning   Remarks
Time         of Ship      Mc.   CPS   USec   Unit
(GCT)

14 Feb.      34-46 N      110   320   60     TN-2     Directional antenna. Pulse
0300         140-45 E                                 rate does not conform with
                                                      Jap Mk. 11. Probably located
on Nojima Saki. Many different radars observed in this vicinity, operated inter-
mittently, with no definite search plan. At least five different Mk. 11 radars
and four different Mk. 13 radars observed at one time at 34-49 N, 140-13 E. Only
one Mk. 13 used continuously with a definite search plan.

21 Feb.      34-45 N      110   Var   70-80  TN-2     This radar contacted at this
0500         140-08 E           50-350                position on two occasions.
                                                      Pulse rate was varied between
50 and 350 CPS during which pulse width varied from 70 to 80 USec. Probably
located on Nojima Saki.

21 Feb.      34-45 N      80    500   55     TN-2     Non directional.
             140-08 E     80    500   18.5   TN-2     Non directional.
                          150   500   -      TN-2
                          156   500   14     TN-2
                          163   500   -      TN-2
                          144   500   -      TN-2
                          110   50-350 70-80  TN-2
                          192   1200  7.5    TN-2
                          99    500   25     TN-2     All these radars observed at
                                                      one time. Range to Nojima
24,000 yards. No indication of being picked up.

17 Feb.      35-47 N      145   500   15     TN-2     Probable location Inubo Saki.
1615         141-15 E     147   500   11.2   TN-2
                          107   500   17.5   TN-2

20 Feb.      34-36.5 N    155   500   12.5   TN-2
0425         140-00 E     192   1000  7.5    TN-2
                          150   500   10     [DRAWING: squiggle] TN-2     Unusual pulse shape.
                                                      Probable located on O Shima.

22 Feb.      34-34.5 N    101   750   22.5   TN-2     Probable located on O Shima.
             139-44 E     156   500   7.5    TN-2

28 Feb.      34-27.5 N    152   1000  12.5   TN-2     Jap aircraft.
1045         138-48 E

3 March      34-20 N      155   1000  12.5   TN-2     Jap aircraft.
0100         139-53 E

- 43 -

Enclosure (A)

— page 159 —
U.S.S. STILLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Equipment: ARP-1, SPA-1.                                        Report of Third War Patrol.

Date     | Position | Freq. | PRF   | P.W.  | Tuning | Remarks
Time     | of Ship  | Mc.   | CPS   | USec  | Unit
(GCT)    |          |       |       |       |        |

14 Feb.  | 34-46 N  | 110   | 320   | 60    | TN-2   | Directional antenna. Pulse
0300     | 140-45 E |       |       |       |        | rate does not conform with
         |          |       |       |       |        | Jap Mk. 11. Probably located
on Nojima Saki. Many different radars observed in this vicinity, operated inter-
mittently, with no definite search plan. At least five different Mk. 11 radars
and four different Mk. 13 radars observed at one time at 34-49 N, 140-13 E. Only
one Mk. 13 used continuously with a definite search plan.

21 Feb.  | 34-45 N  | 110   | Var   | 70-80 | TN-2   | This radar contacted at this
0500     | 140-08 E |       | 50-350|       |        | position on two occasions.
         |          |       |       |       |        | Pulse rate was varied between
50 and 350 CPS during which pulse width varied from 70 to 80 USec. Probably
located on Nojima Saki.

21 Feb.  | 34-45 N  | 80    | 500   | 55    | TN-2   | Non directional.
         | 140-08 E | 80    | 500   | 18.5  | TN-2   | Non directional.
         |          | 150   | 500   | -     | TN-2   |
         |          | 156   | 500   | 14    | TN-2   |
         |          | 163   | 500   | -     | TN-2   |
         |          | 144   | 500   | -     | TN-2   |
         |          | 110   | 50-350| 70-80 | TN-2   |
         |          | 192   | 1200  | 7.5   | TN-2   |
         |          | 99    | 500   | 25    | TN-2   | All these radars observed at
         |          |       |       |       |        | one time. Range to Nojima
24,000 yards. No indication of being picked up.

17 Feb.  | 35-47 N  | 145   | 500   | 15    | TN-2   | Probable location Inubo Saki.
1615     | 141-15 E | 147   | 500   | 11.2  | TN-2   |
         |          | 107   | 500   | 17.5  | TN-2   |

20 Feb.  | 34-36.5 N| 155   | 500   | 12.5  | TN-2   |
0425     | 140-00 E | 192   | 1000  | 7.5   | TN-2   |
         |          | 150   | 500   | 10    | TN-2   | TN-2 Unusual pulse shape.
         |          |       |       |       |        | Probable located on O Shima.

22 Feb.  | 34-34.5 N| 101   | 750   | 22.5  | TN-2   | Probable located on O Shima.
         | 139-44 E | 156   | 500   | 7.5   | TN-2   |

28 Feb.  | 34-27.5 N| 152   | 1000  | 12.5  | TN-2   | Jap aircraft.
1045     | 138-48 E |       |       |       |        |

3 March  | 34-20 N  | 155   | 1000  | 12.5  | TN-2   | Jap aircraft.
0100     | 139-53 E |       |       |       |        |

                                  - 43 -

                                                      Enclosure (A)

— page 160 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 397)
CONFIDENTIAL
Rpt. of Third War Patrol.

Date | Position of | Freq. | PRF | P.W. | Tuning | Remarks
Time | Ship | Mc. | CPS | USEC | Unit
(GCT) | | | | |

— page 161 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
SONAR COUNTERMEASURES.

Covered under paragraph (N).

(V) REMARKS.

NOTES ON LIFEGUARDING:

1. If submarines are to be used extensively for lifeguarding, it would seem
   desirable to provide some means of picking up fliers downed in restrict-
   ed areas. An outboard motor would be a makeshift answer. A small fast
   runabout, carried in a waterproof compartment on deck, and with a quick
   release and recovery system devised, would be ideal for this work.

2. Although it is fully realized that the necessity for radio silence renders
   exchange of information difficult, it would make it a lot easier if we
   could get more information on time of strikes, cancellations, etc. We
   wasted several days, which might have been spent in effective patrolling,
   waiting for strikes which never materialized.

3. Most of the carrier pilots are well indoctrinated in the code of etiquet-
   te to be used with lifeguard submarines. There are still a few playful
   fellows, however, who make life a bit harrowing for us. One fellow
   fired his rocket projectiles over us. Another one jettisoned his bombs
   about 1,500 yards away - I don't think he even realized we were there
   when he released. A third mistook us for a destroyer at a range of about
   6,000 yards and started a bombing run before being shooed away by our
   cover.

4. The four plane fighter cover is eminently desirable whenever possible.
   It enables you to send two to search for downed pilots and still keep
   two to cover.

5. Pilots should be equipped to home on our aircraft detector. During the
   snowstorm on 25 February we kept it running and told them to come in on
   it, but they didn't even know what it was. We finally brought them in
   with our own SJ.

6. We would like to have a glossary of zoomy expressions. Some of their
   lingo is out of this world.

The underwater telephone tried out in Pearl by this vessel would be an
excellent means of quick identification between friendly submarines. Its
range, both surface and submerged, is superior to both FM and VHF. It is
very readable and has the additional advantage of being directional with
consequent increase in security.

Divine Services were held by Ensign M.E. Anderson, U.S.N.R. Attendance
was gratifying.

- 45 -
Enclosure (A)
Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 161 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
SONAR COUNTERMEASURES.
Covered under paragraph (N).
(V) REMARKS.

NOTES ON LIFEGUARDING:

1. If submarines are to be used extensively for lifeguarding, it would seem
   desirable to provide some means of picking up fliers downed in restrict-
   ed areas. An outboard motor would be a makeshift answer. A small fast
   runabout, carried in a waterproof compartment on deck, and with a quick
   release and recovery system devised, would be ideal for this work.

2. Although it is fully realized that the necessity for radio silence renders
   exchange of information difficult, it would make it a lot easier if we
   could get more information on time of strikes, cancellations, etc. We
   wasted several days, which might have been spent in offensive patrolling,
   waiting for strikes which never materialized.

3. Most of the carrier pilots are well indoctrinated in the code of etiquet-
   te to be used with lifeguard submarines. There are still a few playful
   fellows, however, who make life a bit harrowing for us. One fellow
   fired his rocket projectiles over us. Another one jettisoned his bombs
   about 1,500 yards away - I don't think he even realized we were there
   when he released. A third mistook us for a destroyer at a range of about
   6,000 yards and started a bombing run before being shooed away by our
   cover.

4. The four plane fighter cover is eminently desirable whenever possible.
   It enables you to send two to search for downed pilots and still keep
   two to cover.

5. Pilots should be equipped to home on our aircraft detector. During the
   snowstorm on 25 February we kept it running and told them to come in on
   it, but they didn't even know what it was. We finally brought them in
   with our own SJ.

6. We would like to have a glossary of zoomy expressions. Some of their
   lingo is out of this world.

The underwater telephone tried out in Pearl by this vessel would be an
excellent means of quick identification between friendly submarines. Its
range, both surface and submerged, is superior to both FM and VHF. It is
very readable and has the additional advantage of being directional with
consequent increase in security.

Divine Services were held by Ensign M.E. Anderson, U.S.N.R. Attendance
was gratifying.

- 45 -
Enclosure (A)

— page 162 —
ADVANCE TRAINING AND RELIEF CREW NUMBER ONE.
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
6 April 1945.

A16-3
Serial: (010)

C-O-M-S-U-B-S-Q-U-A-D-R-O-N-T-W-E-N-T-Y
F L E E T S U B M A R I N E S
C.O., USS STERLET
of 3rd War Patrol Report, serial
(04) of 4 April 1945.

From: The Administrative Commander, Advance Training and Relief
Crew Number ONE.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET - Report of War Patrol Number THREE.

1. The third war patrol of STERLET, during which she cruised
over 16,000 miles, was of sixty-nine days duration. Thirty-five days were
spent in patrol areas. About two-thirds of the time on station was spent in
waters off Nojima Saki, the remainder off Tanega Shima.

2. The STERLET was a unit of a coordinated patrol group con-
sisting of PIPER, POMFRET, BOWFIN, TANG, and STERLET with the Commanding
Officer of the PIPER, Commander B. F. MCMAHON, as Group Commander. In addi-
tion to sinking two ships while conducting normal offensive patrolling STER-
LET:

(a) Furnished life-guard services for twelve days.
(b) Participated in sweeps against enemy patrol and picket
boats.
(c) Participated in reconnaissance sweeps for major units of
the Jap fleet while our own task forces were conducting
aircraft strikes against the Japanese homeland.

3. Only four contacts worthy of torpedo fire were sighted. One
of these contacts consisted of two destroyers, possibly friendly; another a
Chidori escorting two sea trucks. These were daylight contacts and STERLET
was unable to close them submerged. The remaining two contacts consisted of
an AK and an AO, both of which the STERLET sank with much dispatch in night
attacks.

ATTACK NUMBER ONE: - Night surface radar - 1 March 1945.

Initial contact was made on a single medium AK, with one escort,
by radar at 16,000 yards. Six Mark 18 torpedoes were fired for three hits,
mean range 2,200 yards, mean gyros 011°, mean track 44°. This target was sunk
within one hour from the time of first contact.

- 1 -

— page 162 —
ADVANCE TRAINING AND RELIEF CREW NUMBER ONE.
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
6 April 1945.

A16-3
Serial: (010)

C-O-M-S-U-B-S-Q-U-A-D-R-O-N-T-W-E-N-T-Y
F L E E T S U B M A R I N E S
C.O., USS STERLET
of 3rd War Patrol Report, serial
(04) of 4 April 1945.

From: The Administrative Commander, Advance Training and Relief
Crew Number ONE.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET - Report of War Patrol Number THREE.

1. The third war patrol of STERLET, during which she cruised
over 16,000 miles, was of sixty-nine days duration. Thirty-five days were
spent in patrol areas. About two-thirds of the time on station was spent in
waters off Nojima Saki, the remainder off Tanega Shima.

2. The STERLET was a unit of a coordinated patrol group con-
sisting of PIPER, POMFRET, BOWFIN, TANG, and STERLET with the Commanding
Officer of the PIPER, Commander B. F. MCMAHON, as Group Commander. In addi-
tion to sinking two ships while conducting normal offensive patrolling STER-
LET:

(a) Furnished life-guard services for twelve days.
(b) Participated in sweeps against enemy patrol and picket
boats.
(c) Participated in reconnaissance sweeps for major units of
the Jap fleet while our own task forces were conducting
aircraft strikes against the Japanese homeland.

3. Only four contacts worthy of torpedo fire were sighted. One
of these contacts consisted of two destroyers, possibly friendly; another a
Chidori escorting two sea trucks. These were daylight contacts and STERLET
was unable to close them submerged. The remaining two contacts consisted of
an AK and an AO, both of which the STERLET sank with much dispatch in night
attacks.

ATTACK NUMBER ONE: - Night surface radar - 1 March 1945.

Initial contact was made on a single medium AK, with one escort,
by radar at 16,000 yards. Six Mark 18 torpedoes were fired for three hits,
mean range 2,200 yards, mean gyros 011°, mean track 44°. This target was sunk
within one hour from the time of first contact.

- 1 -

— page 163 —
ADVANCE TRAINING AND RELIEF CREW NUMBER ONE
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
6 April 1945.

Serial: (010)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

FIRST ENDORSEMENT
C.O., U.S.S. STERLET
to Report
of 3rd War Patrol, serial
(04) of 4 April 1945.

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET - Report of War Patrol Number THREE.

ATTACK SUMMARY: Night surface radar - 5 March 1945.

Initial contact was made on a large unescorted AO by radar
at 25,000 yards. Six Mark 18 torpedoes were fired for five hits, mean range
about 2,600 yards, in street 355°, mean track 82°. This target sank within
five minutes after being hit.

RECOMMENDED CREDIT: One (1) medium AK (EU), 5,000 tons, sunk.
One (1) large AO (EU), 10,000 tons, sunk.

4. On February 13 a periscope was sighted. STERLET avoided
being attacked by surface maneuvers and dove five minutes after initial
sighting to track this submarine. She was unable to establish sound contact.
On February 17 she avoided the wakes of three torpedoes fired from an unknown
source in a night attack.

5. During darkness on the morning of March 4 STERLET made radar
contact with a vessel having a 10cm radar. Interference characteristics
of this radar were similar to our SJ. STERLET believed this contact to be
POMFLET, subsequently it has been learned that it was not. It is
possible that the enemy has developed a radar similar to our SJ. The com-
ments concerning radar countermeasures on page 42 of this report are food
for thought.

6. STERLET arrived from patrol in a fine condition. It is expec-
ted that her refit will be completed in the normal period. Morale is very
high on this ship and health is very good in spite of a long and arduous
patrol. It is very regrettable that the food furnished at Pearl Harbor prior
to commencing this patrol was so far below the normal standards.

7. It is a pleasure to congratulate the Commanding Officer,
officers and crew upon the completion of another excellent patrol, and for
the sinking of two enemy ships.

[SIGNATURE: C. H. ANDREWS.]

- 2 -

— page 164 —
FC5-24/A16-3
Serial: 077

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

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO, USS STERLET Report
of 3rd War Patrol, serial
(04) of 4 April 1945.

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

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET - Report of War Patrol Number THREE.

1. Forwarded, concurring with the remarks of the Administrative
Commander, Advanced Training and Relief Crew Number ONE.

2. The notes on life guarding included in the patrol report
are especially noteworthy. A glossary of "zoomy expressions" would be of
great assistance to the average submarine officer.

3. The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-FOUR takes pleasure
in congratulating the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the U.S.S.
STERLET on completion of another excellent patrol.

4. It is recommended that the U.S.S. STERLET be credited with
inflicting the following damage on the enemy:

SUNK
One (1) Medium AK (EU) 5,000 Tons
One (1) Large AO (EU) 10,000 Tons

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

— page 164 —
FC5-24/A16-3
Serial: 077

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

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO, USS STERLET Report
of 3rd War Patrol, serial
(04) of 4 April 1945.

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

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET - Report of War Patrol Number THREE.

1. Forwarded, concurring with the remarks of the Administrative
Commander, Advanced Training and Relief Crew Number ONE.

2. The notes on life guarding included in the patrol report
are especially noteworthy. A glossary of "zoomy expressions" would be of
great assistance to the average submarine officer.

3. The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-FOUR takes pleasure
in congratulating the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the U.S.S.
STERLET on completion of another excellent patrol.

4. It is recommended that the U.S.S. STERLET be credited with
inflicting the following damage on the enemy:

SUNK
One (1) Medium AK (EU) 5,000 Tons
One (1) Large AO (EU) 10,000 Tons

[SIGNATURE: F. W. FENNO.]

— page 165 —
[HANDWRITTEN: F4254]
[PRINTED NUMBER: 4 03486]

FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 0832
CONFIDENTIAL

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET.
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
15 April 1945.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
STERLET Report of
Third War Patrol.

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

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 720
U.S.S. STERLET - THIRD WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of Third War Patrol
(25 January to 4 April 1945).

1. The third war patrol of the STERLET, under the com-
mand of Lieutenant Commander H. H. Lewis, U.S. Naval Reserve, was
conducted in the waters off TOKYO BAY and in the northern NANSEI
SHOTO areas. The STERLET was a member of an attack group, with the
commanding officer of the PIPER (SS409) as the group commander. This
group, in addition to anti-picket boat sweeps, performed lifeguard
duties and conducted offensive patrol.

2. The STERLET, with a new commanding officer, continued
her illustrious fighting career during this third successive, success-
ful patrol. While there were no opportunities for picket boat attacks
or for rescue of friendly aviators, the STERLET got in two excellent
night torpedo attacks; and for nine hits out of twelve Mark 18 tor-
pedoes fired, accounted for a good-sized AK and a large tanker.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, con-
gratulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for another
highly successful patrol. The STERLET is credited with having in-
flicted the following damage to the enemy during this patrol:

SUNK

1 - Medium AK (EU) | - | 5,000 tons (Attack No. 1)
1 - Large AO (EU) | - | 10,000 tons (Attack No. 2)
TOTAL SUNK | | 15,000 tons

Authentication and distribution
on following page.

- 1 -

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

— page 165 —
[HANDWRITTEN: F4254]
[STAMP: 4 03486]

FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET.
Serial 0832 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
CONFIDENTIAL 15 April 1945.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
STERLET Report of DESTROYED PRIOR TO
Third War Patrol. ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 720
U.S.S. STERLET - THIRD WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of Third War Patrol
(25 January to 4 April 1945).

1. The third war patrol of the STERLET, under the com-
mand of Lieutenant Commander H. H. Lewis, U.S. Naval Reserve, was
conducted in the waters off TOKYO BAY and in the northern NANSEI
SHOTO areas. The STERLET was a member of an attack group, with the
commanding officer of the PIPER (SS409) as the group commander. This
group, in addition to anti-picket boat sweeps, performed lifeguard
duties and conducted offensive patrol.

2. The STERLET, with a new commanding officer, continued
her illustrious fighting career during this third successive, success-
ful patrol. While there were no opportunities for picket boat attacks
or for rescue of friendly aviators, the STERLET got in two excellent
night torpedo attacks; and for nine hits out of twelve Mark 18 tor-
pedoes fired, accounted for a good-sized AK and a large tanker.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, con-
gratulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for another
highly successful patrol. The STERLET is credited with having in-
flicted the following damage to the enemy during this patrol:

S U N K

1 - Medium AK (EU) - 5,000 tons (Attack No. 1)
1 - Large AO (EU) - 10,000 tons (Attack No. 2)

TOTAL SUNK 15,000 tons

Authentication and distribution
on following page.

- 1 -

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

— page 166 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 0832
CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
STERLET Report of
Third War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 720
U.S.S. STERLET - THIRD WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of Third War Patrol
(25 January to 4 April 1945).

— page 166 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 0832
CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
STERLET Report of
Third War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 720
U.S.S. STERLET - THIRD WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of Third War Patrol
(25 January to 4 April 1945).

— page 167 —
SS392/416-3
Serial (017)
DECLASSIFIED.

U.S.S. STIRLET (SS 392)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: G.P. 0926] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 8/19/74]

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. STIRLET (SS 392).
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division Two Hundred Forty Two.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron Twenty Four.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) The Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STIRLET (SS 392) - Report of War Patrol Number Four.
Enclosures: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track Chart (ComSubsPac only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the Fourth War Patrol of this vessel
conducted in the Kurile Islands area during the period 29 April 1945 to 10
June 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: H.W. Lewis]
H.W. Lewis.

[HANDWRITTEN: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 128284]

— page 167 —
SS392/416-3
Serial (017)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: G.P. 0926] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/19/72]
DECLASSIFIED.

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. STIRLET (SS 392).
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division Two Hundred Forty Two.
      (2) The Commander Submarine Squadron Two Hundred Four.
      (3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
      (4) The Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STIRLET (SS 392) - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

Enclosures: (A) Subject report.
            (B) Track Chart (ComSubPac only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the Fourth War Patrol of this vessel
conducted in the Kurile Islands area during the period 29 April 1945 to 10
June 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: H.W. Lewis]
H.W. LEWIS.

[HANDWRITTEN: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 128284]
U.S.S. STIRLET (SS 392)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

— page 168 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
(A) PROLOGUE.

Report of Fourth War Patrol.

Arrived MIDWAY, T.H. from Third War Patrol for refit. Normal refit by
Submarine Base and Advanced Training and Relief Crew No. 1. All items
satisfactorily completed, the only major alteration being the installation
of a 40 MM gun forward in place of the twin 20 MM.

While undergoing refit the following changes in officer personnel took
place:
     Lieut. H.E. WRIGHT, U.S.N. - Detached.
     Ens. P.G. REA, U.S.N. - Reported.

Received four (4) days of excellent training with Commander J.W. DAVIS,
U.S.N., Commander Submarine Division 242, as training officer. Fired five
practice torpedoes and held three (3) battle surface firings.

Readiness for sea date 29 April 1945. This unit will become part of a
coordinated patrol group known as "Mac's Mops" and consisting of U.S.S.
PIPER, PLAICE, POMFRET, SEA POACHER and STERLET, Commander B.J. McMAHON,
pack commander, in PIPER.

(B) NARRATIVE.

The below named Officers and Chief Petty Officers served on board
during the STERLET's Fourth War Patrol:

                                                      Number of War Patrols
Name                                                  (exclusive of this Patrol).
Lt.Cdr. H.H. LEWIS, U.S.N.R.                                       6
Lt. E.C. BARNHARDT III, U.S.N.                                     3
Lt. H.R. BINGHAM, U.S.N.R.                                         1
Lt. D.E. HORST, U.S.N.R.                                           4
Lt.(jg) D.H. SHARP, U.S.N.R.                                       2
Lt.(jg) H.E. WRIGHT, U.S.N.                                        3
Lt.(jg) A.L. BINNEY, U.S.N.R.                                      2
Ens. M.A. ANDERSEN, U.S.N.                                         1
Ens. P.G. REA, U.S.N.                                              0

BLITTENCOURT, G.P., C.M., U.S.N.                                   3
FRANCOEUR, J.R.C., C.M.M., U.S.N.                                  8
KENDALL, J.F., C.Q.M., U.S.N.                                      3
McDONALD, J.M., C.S.I., U.S.N.                                     5
MEADOR, L.F., C.M.M., U.S.N.                                       2
MOON, L.C., C.T.M., U.S.N.                                         9
SHUTT, R.A., C.C.S., U.S.N.                                        8
WALLACE, G.A., C.Ph.M., U.S.N.                                     1

29 April 1400(Y) Underway on Fourth War Patrol, enroute POLAR CIRCUIT in
                 accordance with ComSubsPac Operation Order No. 82-45.
         2132(Y) Exchanged recognition signals via SJ with U.S.S. THREADFIN.
         2221(Y) Exchanged signals with U.S.S. PARCHE.

                                   - 1 -
                                                              ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 168 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

(A) PROLOGUE.

Arrived MIDWAY, T.H. from Third War Patrol for refit. Normal refit by
Submarine Base and Advanced Training and Relief Crew No. 1. All items
satisfactorily completed, the only major alteration being the installation
of a 40 MM gun forward in place of the twin 20 MM.

While undergoing refit the following changes in officer personnel took
place:
Lieut. H.E. WRIGHT, U.S.N. - Detached.
Ens. P.G. REA, U.S.N. - Reported.

Received four (4) days of excellent training with Commander J.W. DAVIS,
U.S.N., Commander Submarine Division 242, as training officer. Fired five
practice torpedoes and held three (3) battle surface firings.

Readiness for sea date 29 April 1945. This unit will become part of a
coordinated patrol group known as "Mac's Mops" and consisting of U.S.S.
PIPER, PLAICE, POMFRET, SEA POACHER and STERLET, Commander B.J. McMAHON,
pack commander, in PIPER.

(B) NARRATIVE.

The below named Officers and Chief Petty Officers served on board
during the STERLET's Fourth War Patrol:

Name | Number of War Patrols
| (exclusive of this Patrol).
Lt.Cdr. H.H. LEWIS, U.S.N.R. | 6
Lt. E.C. BARNHARDT III, U.S.N. | 3
Lt. H.R. BINGHAM, U.S.N.R. | 1
Lt. D.E. HORST, U.S.N.R. | 4
Lt.(jg) D.H. SHARP, U.S.N.R. | 2
Lt.(jg) J.W. WRIGHT, U.S.N.R. | 3
Lt.(jg) A.L. BINNY, U.S.N.R. | 2
Ens. M.A. ANDERSEN, U.S.N. | 1
Ens. P.G. REA, U.S.N. | 0

BLITTENCOURT, G.P., C.M., U.S.N. | 3
FRANCOEUR, J.R.C., C.M.M., U.S.N. | 8
KENNEDY, J.F., C.M.M., U.S.N. | 3
McDONALD, J.M., C.S.I., U.S.N. | 5
MEADOR, L.F., C.M.M., U.S.N. | 2
MOON, L.C., C.T.M., U.S.N. | 9
SHUTT, R.A., C.C.S., U.S.N. | 8
WALLACE, G.A., C.Ph.M., U.S.N. | 1

29 April 1400(Y) Underway on Fourth War Patrol, enroute POLAR CIRCUIT in
accordance with ComSubsPac Operation Order No. 82-45.
2132(Y) Exchanged recognition signals via SJ with U.S.S. THREADFIN.
2221(Y) Exchanged signals with U.S.S. PARCHE.

- 1 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 169 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

30 April Omitted - Crossed International Date Line.

1 May 1200(M) Posit. Lat. 29-18 N, Long. 177-58 E.
2 May 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 30-50 N, Long. 173-23 E.
3 May 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 33-42 N, Long. 168-36 E.
4 May 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 36-28 N, Long. 165-19 E.

        2355(L) Exchanged recognition signals via SJ with U.S.S. CABRILLA.

5 May 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 40-27 N, Long. 161-45 E.

        2300(L) Put working party on deck to grease topside.

        ALL Times hereafter will be King (-10) time unless otherwise noted.

6 May 1200 Posit. Lat. 44-03, Long. 158-15.

        Enroute area conducted daily trim and training dives and
        control drills.

        1330 Held Divine Services.

7 May 1100 Radar landfall (MATSUWA TO) bearing 275°T, distance 90,000
        yards.

        1200 Posit. Lat. 47-45, Long. 154-06.

        1308 With good visual contact on MATSUWA TO, distance 35 miles,
        made quick dive for submerged patrol. We are now in PIPER's
        area. Plan to transit MUSHIRO KAIKYO after dark to reach
        our own area. Indications of three different radars before
        we dived - probably air-search installations on MATSUWA.

8 May 2003 Surfaced.

        2144 Completed transit of MUSHIRO KAIKYO.

        0327 Made dawn dive.

        0434 Surfaced in reduced visibility - snowing.

        0832 Visibility improved. Dived for submerged patrol covering
        approaches to SHIRIMI and ONEKOTAN KAIKYOS.

        1200 Posit. Lat. 49-57, Long. 154-48.

        2017 Surfaced.

9 May 0310 Dived for submerged patrol north of ARAIDO TO.

- 2 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 169 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

30 April Omitted - Crossed International Date Line.

1 May 1200(M) Posit. Lat. 29-18 N, Long. 177-58 E.
2 May 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 30-50 N, Long. 173-23 E.
3 May 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 33-42 N, Long. 168-36 E.
4 May 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 36-28 N, Long. 165-19 E.

          2355(L) Exchanged recognition signals via SJ with U.S.S. CABRILLA.

5 May 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 40-27 N, Long. 161-45 E.

          2300(L) Put working party on deck to grease topside.

          ALL Times hereafter will be King (-10) time unless otherwise noted.

6 May 1200 Posit. Lat. 44-03, Long. 158-15.

               Enroute area conducted daily trim and training dives and
               control drills.

          1330 Held Divine Services.

7 May 1100 Radar landfall (MATSUWA TO) bearing 275°T, distance 90,000
               yards.

          1200 Posit. Lat. 47-45, Long. 154-06.

          1308 With good visual contact on MATSUWA TO, distance 35 miles,
               made quick dive for submerged patrol. We are now in PIPER's
               area. Plan to transit MUSHIRO KAIKYO after dark to reach
               our own area. Indications of three different radars before
               we dived - probably air-search installations on MATSUWA.

          2003 Surfaced.

          2144 Completed transit of MUSHIRO KAIKYO.

8 May 0327 Made dawn dive.

          0434 Surfaced in reduced visibility - snowing.

          0832 Visibility improved. Dived for submerged patrol covering
               approaches to SHIRIMI and ONEKOTAN KAIKYOS.

          1200 Posit. Lat. 49-57, Long. 154-48.

          2017 Surfaced.

9 May 0310 Dived for submerged patrol north of ARAIDO TO.

                                   - 2 -                               ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 170 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392,
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

0607 Sighted masts and superstructure of merchant ship bearing 045°T.
     (SHIP CONTACT # 1). C.O's first look showed ship hull up with
     broad starboard angle, estimated range 10,000 yards. Second look
     confirmed this. Went to Battle Stations Torpedo.

0620 Third observation. Target had completely disappeared and was never
     seen again. JP had a disturbance on this bearing and held it for
     one hour with a bearing change of only twenty degrees.
     Target seemed to be running south along the AMCHITKA Peninsula
     headed for the First Kuril Strait. We could see along the entire
     length of this low lying Peninsula, which was forty miles distant
     although we could just barely see the much higher coast of
     PARAMUSHIRO only twenty miles away. It sounds unbelievable, but
     considering all factors, we think we were taking observations on
     the mirage of a target not less than twenty-five miles away.

0720 Secured from Battle Stations.

1200 Posit. Lat. 50-58, Long. 155-53.5.

1954 Surfaced. Headed north to patrol convoy route at latitude 52° N.

2226 Radar contact bearing 070°T, range 4,500 yards. This pip proved
     to be a phantom and was the first of many which plagued us through-
     out the patrol. These pips were almost invariably picked up at
     ranges varying between 4,000 and 5,000 yards.

10 May 0610 Made trim dive.

0635 Surfaced.

1200 Posit. Lat. 51-57, Long. 150-37.

1956 Converted " 4 FET to MBT.

2006 Dived to flush tank.

2040 Surfaced.

11 May 0320 Dived for submerged patrol off ARAIDO TO.

1200 Posit. Lat. 50-43, Long. 155-20.

2012 Surfaced.

2304 Sighted gun fire over PARAMUSHIRO. Learned from radio broadcast
     next day that this was a raid. If we had known about it in advance
     we could have covered approaches to PARAMUSHIRO.

12 May 0455 Dived for submerged patrol off southern PARAMUSHIRO.

- 3 -

ENCLOSURE (A).

— page 170 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392,
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

0607 Sighted masts and superstructure of merchant ship bearing 045°T.
     (SHIP CONTACT # 1). C.O's first look showed ship hull up with
     broad starboard angle, estimated range 10,000 yards. Second look
     confirmed this. Went to Battle Stations Torpedo.

0620 Third observation. Target had completely disappeared and was never
     seen again. JP had a disturbance on this bearing and held it for
     one hour with a bearing change of only twenty degrees.
     Target seemed to be running south along the AMCHITKA Peninsula
     headed for the First Kuril Strait. We could see along the entire
     length of this low lying Peninsula, which was forty miles distant
     although we could just barely see the much higher coast of
     PARAMUSHIRO only twenty miles away. It sounds unbelievable, but
     considering all factors, we think we were taking observations on
     the mirage of a target not less than twenty-five miles away.

0720 Secured from Battle Stations.

1200 Posit. Lat. 50-58, Long. 155-53.5.

1954 Surfaced. Headed north to patrol convoy route at latitude 52° N.

2226 Radar contact bearing 070°T, range 4,500 yards. This pip proved
     to be a phantom and was the first of many which plagued us through-
     out the patrol. These pips were almost invariably picked up at
     ranges varying between 4,000 and 5,000 yards.

10 May 0610 Made trim dive.

0635 Surfaced.

1200 Posit. Lat. 51-57, Long. 150-37.

1956 Converted " 4 FET to MBT.

2006 Dived to flush tank.

2040 Surfaced.

11 May 0320 Dived for submerged patrol off ARAIDO TO.

1200 Posit. Lat. 50-43, Long. 155-20.

2012 Surfaced.

2304 Sighted gun fire over PARAMUSHIRO. Learned from radio broadcast
     next day that this was a raid. If we had known about it in advance
     we could have covered approaches to PARAMUSHIRO.

12 May 0455 Dived for submerged patrol off southern PARAMUSHIRO.

- 3 -

ENCLOSURE (A).

— page 171 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392.
Report of Fourth War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

1200 Posit. Lat. 50-23, Long. 155-11.
2015 Surfaced. We are supposed to shift areas tonight but if we do we
     will be unable to reach our rendezvous in time without excessive
     speed so decided to run south and patrol submerged tomorrow near
     southern boundary of our present area.

13 May 0320 Dived for submerged patrol off KURILE TO.
1112 Received ComSubsPac dispatch reminding us of coming zone notice
     affecting op's.
1200 Posit. Lat. 49-03, Long. 153-41.
1330 Held Diving Services.
1844 Surfaced. Headed west for rendezvous.
1938 Received PIP 2 first containing new instructions for sweep.

14 May 0655 Under contact, 18,000 yards (SHIP CONTACT # 2); stationed tracking
     party.
0715 Target tracks as single ship on steady course 230°, speed 11.
     Definitely sure he was a Russian but we are about one hour ahead of
     time so completed end-around and at -
0835 Went to Battle Stations Torpedo and dived to radar depth on his
     track at a range of 12,000 yards.
0904 At periscope depth sighted target, a freighter.
0910 Identified target as properly marked Russian liberty ship. Secured
     from Battle Stations.
0939 Surfaced. Headed for rendezvous.
0946 SJ radar interference.
1012 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. PIP 2 via SJ.
1200 Posit. Lat. 49-06, Long. 149-02.
1408 Received instructions for sweep from Pack Commander via SJ.
     Commenced sweep after taking position on scouting line, interval 15
     miles from PIP 2 which is center boat. This vessel on eastern flank.

15 May 0619 Made trim dive.
0645 Surfaced.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 171 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392).                                     Report of Fourth War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

2015 Surfaced. We are supposed to shift areas tonight but if we do we
     will be unable to reach our rendezvous in time without excessive
     speed so decided to run south and patrol submerged tomorrow near
     southern boundary of our present area.

13 May 0320 Dived for submerged patrol off KURI RUMI TO.

     1112 Received ComSubsPac dispatch reminding us of coming zone notice
          affecting op's.

     1200 Posit. Lat. 49-03, Long. 153-41.

     1330 Held Diving Services.

     1844 Surfaced. Headed west for rendezvous.

     1938 Received PIP R first containing new instructions for sweep.

14 May 0655 Under contact, 18,000 yards (SHIP CONTACT # 2); stationed tracking
          party.

     0715 Target tracks as single ship on steady course 230°, speed 11.
          Definitely sure he was a Russian but we are about one hour ahead of
          time so completed end-around and at -

     0835 Went to Battle Stations Torpedo and dived to radar depth on his
          track at a range of 12,000 yards.

     0904 At periscope depth sighted target, a freighter.

     0910 Identified target as properly marked Russian liberty ship. Secured
          from Battle Stations.

     0939 Surfaced. Headed for rendezvous.

     0946 SJ radar interference.

     1012 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. PIP R via SJ.

     1200 Posit. Lat. 49-06, Long. 149-02.

     1408 Received instructions for sweep from Peck Commander via M.
          Commenced sweep after taking position on scouting line, interval 15
          miles from PIP R which is center boat. This vessel on eastern flank.

15 May 0619 Made trim dive.

     0645 Surfaced.

                                                                 ENCLOSURE (A)
                                     - 4 -

— page 172 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Repo. of Fourth War Patrol.

1200 Posit. Lat. 47-59, Long. 148-28.
16 May 0653 Made trim dive.
0728 Surfaced.
1200 Posit. Lat. 49-00, Long. 149-22.
1450 Radar contact bearing 195°T, range 20,000 yards (SHIP CONTACT # 3);
     stationed the tracking party.
1500 Sent contact report to PIPER via FM. Visibility is spotty, varying
     from 100 to 1,000 yards, therefore identification will have to be
     made on surface.
1613 Battle Stations Torpedo.
1639 At a range of 600 yards (with bow tubes ready) sighted target, a
     properly marked Russian. Secured from Battle Stations.
1645 Reported to PIPER via FM that our target was a Russian.

17 May 0659 Made trim dive.
0721 Surfaced.
0935 Received PIPER first changing scouting course to north and south.
1200 Posit. Lat. 47-54, Long. 148-37.
1516 Sighted smoke on horizon (SHIP CONTACT # 4). Headed towards.
1535 With superstructure of ship in sight from bridge, dived and came
     left to normal approach course.
1705 Both range and angle on bow were underestimated, because, although
     we were still at full, we were still unable to identify him definitely.
     Believed he might be a Jap because: first: he was smoking
     copiously, something the Russians don't seem to do; second: he was
     well to the east of the prescribed track for Russians; and third:
     he definitely had a pronounced clipper bow, a form of construction
     favored by the Japs and not noted in any Russian silhouettes.
1735 Surfaced for daylight end-around, maintaining visual contact with
     high periscope.
2020 SJ contact, range 22,000 yards.
2045 Target turned on lights, properly identifying him as Russian.
     Nevertheless, for the reasons stated above, believe that there is a

- 5 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 172 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Repo. of Fourth War Patrol.

1200 Posit. Lat. 47-59, Long. 148-28.
16 May 0653 Made trim dive.
0728 Surfaced.
1200 Posit. Lat. 49-00, Long. 149-22.
1450 Radar contact bearing 195°T, range 20,000 yards (SHIP CONTACT # 3);
     stationed the tracking party.
1500 Sent contact report to PIPER via FM. Visibility is spotty, varying
     from 100 to 1,000 yards, therefore identification will have to be
     made on surface.
1613 Battle Stations Torpedo.
1639 At a range of 600 yards (with bow tubes ready) sighted target, a
     properly marked Russian. Secured from Battle Stations.
1645 Reported to PIPER via FM that our target was a Russian.

17 May 0659 Made trim dive.
0721 Surfaced.
0935 Received PIPER first changing scouting course to north and south.
1200 Posit. Lat. 47-54, Long. 148-37.
1516 Sighted smoke on horizon (SHIP CONTACT # 4). Headed towards.
1535 With superstructure of ship in sight from bridge, dived and came
     left to normal approach course.
1705 Both range and angle on bow were underestimated, because, although
     we were still at full, we were still unable to identify him definitely.
     Believed he might be a Jap because: first: he was smoking
     copiously, something the Russians don't seem to do; second: he was
     well to the east of the prescribed track for Russians; and third:
     he definitely had a pronounced clipper bow, a form of construction
     favored by the Japs and not noted in any Russian silhouettes.
1735 Surfaced for daylight end-around, maintaining visual contact with
     high periscope.
2020 SJ contact, range 22,000 yards.
2045 Target turned on lights, properly identifying him as Russian.
     Nevertheless, for the reasons stated above, believe that there is a

- 5 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 173 —
.U.S.S. STARLET (SS 394)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

good chance that he was a Jap masquerading as a Russian. He was a
good sized MFV on course 235°T, speed 12 knots, pouring on
the coal. This was another case of phenomenal visibility.
Recapitulation showed definitely that the target was sighted from
the bridge with stack and parts of his superstructure up at range
not less than 25 miles. Sound conditions were also excellent;
JP had contact during the submerged phase at a range of at least
twelve miles.

2046 Secured tracking party and set course to home.

18 May 0708 Made trim dive.

0736 Surfaced.

1121 Received ComSubSPac dispatch giving information on restricted areas.

1200 Posit. Lat. 50-36, Long. 148-28.

1614 Rendezvoused with PIPER; exchanged information and received
instructions. Opened out.

19 May 0459 O.O.D. sighted ship in reduced visibility; (CRIP CONTACT # 5);
made quick dive and commenced approach.

0501 Battle Stations Torpedo.

0547 Range 3,000 yards. Target, a small MFV freighter, identified as
properly marked Russian. Not over 1,500 tons; pretty small for a
Russian.

0551 Secured from Battle Stations.

0629 Surfaced.

1200 Posit. Lat. 48-37, Long. 148-32.

1943 Sighted ship bearing 280°T, hull down (CRIP CONTACT # 6). Stationed
tracking party. Informed PIPER of contact via FM.

1953 Target turned on lights identifying him as Russian. Secured track-
ing party.

20 May 0315 Received PIPER third to Pop's via ComSubSPac giving instructions for
new sweep.

0745 Made trim dive.

0824 Surfaced.

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ENCLOSURES ( )

— page 173 —
U.S.S. STURLET (SS 392)                                 Report of Fourth War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

good chance that he was a Jap masquerading as a Russian. He was a
good sized MFU on course 235°T, speed 12 knots, pouring on
the coal. This was another case of phenomenal visibility. A
recapitulation showed definitely that the target was sighted from
the bridge with stack and parts of his superstructure up at range
of not less than 25 miles. Sound conditions were also excellent;
JP had contact during the submerged phase at a range of at least
twelve miles.

2046 Secured tracking party and set course to home.

18 May 0708 Made trim dive.

0736 Surfaced.

1121 Received ComSubSPac dispatch giving information on restricted areas.

1200 Posit. Lat. 50-36, Long. 148-28.

1614 Rendezvoused with PIPER; exchanged information and received
instructions. Opened out.

19 May 0459 O.O.D. sighted ship in reduced visibility; (CRIP CONTACT # 5);
made quick dive and commenced approach.

0501 Battle Stations Torpedo.

0547 Range 3,000 yards. Target, a small JP freighter, identified as
properly marked Russian. Not over 1,500 tons; pretty small for a
Russian.

0551 Secured from Battle Stations.

0629 Surfaced.

1200 Posit. Lat. 48-37, Long. 148-32.

1943 Sighted ship bearing 280°T, hull down (CRIP CONTACT # 6). Stationed
tracking party. Informed PIPER of contact via FM.

1953 Target turned on lights identifying him as Russian. Secured track-
ing party.

20 May 0315 Received PIPER third to Pop's via ComSubSPac giving instructions for
new sweep.

0745 Made trim dive.

0824 Surfaced.

                                                                - 6 -

                                                                ENCLOSURES ( )

— page 174 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 39)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

21 May
    1200 Posit. Lat. 52-21, Lon. 146-23.
    1330 Held Divine Services.
    0652 Made trim dive.
    0717 Surfaced.
    1200 Posit. Lat. 49-52, Lon. 148-25.
22 May
    0705 Made trim dive.
    0807 Surfaced.
    1200 Posit. Lat. 51-35, Lon. 147-47.
    2349 Received PIP 4 fourth containing instructions for return to
         operating areas.
23 May
    0704 Made trim dive.
    0739 Surfaced.
    1200 Posit. Lat. 51-26, Lon. 151-41.
24 May
    0715 Made trim dive.
    0839 Surfaced.
    0945 Ground topside.
    1200 Posit. Lat. 51-39, Long. 148-30.
    2131 Received Comsubsfic message concerning summer route of Soviet
         shipping.
25 May
    0200 Sweep ended. Changed course to run down convoy route enroute our
         area.
    0710 Made trim dive.
    0742 Surfaced.
    1100 - 1110 Test fired five inch and 40 mm guns.
    1200 Posit. Lat. 52-19, Long. 150-25.
26 May
    0622 Radar contact bearing 110°T, distance 14,000 yards. (SHIP CONTACT
         # 7); stationed tracking party.
    0656 Made quick dive for submerged approach.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 174 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 39)
CONFIDENTIAL

Report of Fourth War Patrol.

1330 Held Divine Services.
21 May 0652 Made trim dive.
0717 Surfaced.
1200 Posit. Lat. 52-21, Lon. 146-23.
22 May 0705 Made trim dive.
0807 Surfaced.
1200 Posit. Lat. 51-35, Lon. 147-47.
2349 Received PIP 4 fourth containing instructions for return to
           operating areas.
23 May 0704 Made trim dive.
0739 Surfaced.
1200 Posit. Lat. 51-26, Lon. 151-41.
24 May 0715 Made trim dive.
0839 Surfaced.
0945 Groomed topside.
1200 Posit. Lat. 51-29, Long. 148-30.
2131 Received Comsubsfic message concerning summer route of Soviet
           shipping.
25 May 0200 Sweep ended. Changed course to run down convoy route enroute our
           area.
0710 Made trim dive.
0742 Surfaced.
1100 - 1110 Test fired five inch and 40 MM guns.
1200 Posit. Lat. 52-19, Long. 150-25.
26 May 0622 Radar contact bearing 110°T, distance 14,000 yards. (SHIP CONTACT
           # 7); stationed tracking party.
0656 Made quick dive for submerged approach.

- 7 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 175 —
Report of Fourth Patrol.

U.S.S. STURLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL

0703 Battle Stations Torpedo.

0713 Sighted target, a small FM freighter.

0724 Identified target as properly marked Russian, as usual well to the
eastward (65 miles) of the proper track. Although not over 3,000
tons, this ship was very heavily armed, carrying what appeared to
be a 5"-50 cal. gun on his fantail and three 20mm.
armament, one on his foc'stle and two on his after well deck.
Secured from Battle Stations.

0820 Surfaced.

0835 Lost contact with Russian at 18,000 yards.

1157 Radar landfall on UROTON TO, range 120,000 yards.

1200 Posit. Lat. 47-11, Long. 149-32.

1300 Running at standard speed, struck submerged object. Two heavy
bumps jarred the ship thoroughly (See: Major Defects and Damage).
Object was never seen.

0914 Visibility cleared. Dived for submerged patrol off URRURI TO. Our
starboard screw is thumping badly at standard speed.

2032 Surfaced.

2129 Completed radar reconnaissance of TSURUMI; no ships in harbor.

27 May Visibility is spotty. Decided on surface patrol of MATSUFU KAIMYO.

1200 Posit. Lat. 45-50, Long. 148-57.

1330 Held Divine Services.

1905 Visibility cleared. Dived.

2011 Surfaced.

28 May 0125 Changed course to head for KII SHIRITOKO MISAKI.

0502 Passed through several pieces of drift ice.

1200 Posit. Lat. 46-59, Long. 146-39.

1450 Made trim dive.

1507 Surfaced.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 175 —
U.S.S. STURLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                            Report of Fourth Patrol.

0703 Battle Stations Torpedo.

0713 Sighted target, a small FM freighter.

0724 Identified target as properly marked Russian, as usual well to the
     eastward (65 miles) of the proper track. Although not over 3,000
     tons, this ship was very heavily armed, carrying what appeared to
     be a 5"-50 cal. gun on his fantail and three 20mm tubs of covered
     armament, one on his foc'stle and two on his after well deck.
     Secured from Battle Stations.

0820 Surfaced.

0835 Lost contact with Russian at 18,000 yards.

1157 Radar landfall on UROTON TO, range 120,000 yards.

1200 Posit. Lat. 47-11, Long. 149-32.

1300 Running at standard speed, struck submerged object. Two heavy
     bumps jarred the ship thoroughly (See: Major Defects and Damage).
     Object was never seen.

0914 Visibility cleared. Dived for submerged patrol off UROTO TO. Our
     starboard screw is thumping badly at standard speed.

2032 Surfaced.

2129 Completed radar reconnaissance of TSURUMI; no ships in harbor.

27 May Visibility is spotty. Decided on surface patrol of MATSUFU KAIMYO.

1200 Posit. Lat. 45-50, Long. 148-57.

1330 Held Divine Services.

1905 Visibility cleared. Dived.

2011 Surfaced.

28 May 0125 Changed course to head for KII SHIRATOKO ISAMI.

0502 Passed through several pieces of drift ice.

1200 Posit. Lat. 46-59, Long. 146-39.

1450 Made trim dive.

1507 Surfaced.

                                  - 8 -                               ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 176 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report / Fourth War Pat. ol.

29 May 0220 Radar landfall on KITA SURI TOKO MISAKI; range 50,000 yards.
0502 Sighted several large pieces of drift ice.
0536 Ice flow became heavy; reversed course to south.
1151 Sighted smoke bearing 098°T (SHIP CONTACT 8 ATTACKS 1, 1A,
2, 3 and 4). Headed toward at flank speed.
1200 Posit. Lat. 47-48, Long. 145-12.
1221 Stationed tracking party.
1229 Sighted smoke of three targets and tops of one; commenced daylight
end-round.
1457 In position on convoy's track at an estimated range of 28,000
yards. Convoy tracks on base course 210°T, speed 10. Did not make
contact report to pack as no one else can possibly get in.
Decided on submerged attack as we have only one hour of darkness
tonight before full moon rises. Went to Battle Stations Torpedo.
1459 Dived for attack.
1522 JP made sound contact, estimated range 17,000 yards.
1538 Sighted masts of leading ship.
1617 Convoy seen to consist of two MFK's, one an MFK freighter of about
5,000 tons, painted a mile green, the other a slightly smaller MFM
freighter. Ships were in line of bearing with the larger ship
trailing. Two escorts were ahead on either bow of the formation.
These ships closely resembled FF UN-1 Class (KILIDOKIN) frigates in
silhouette, altho one at least was later observed to carry armament
ascribed to FF UN-2 Class frigate. A third escort was picked up on
sound, trailing, but was not seen during this approach. Maneuvered
for stern shot on the larger freighter. Escorts pinging constantly.
1641 Leading escorts had passed clear and set-up look good for a
firing range of about 1,000 yards when a zig towards caused the
target to pass astern very close aboard with a bearing change so
rapid that the TDC could not keep up. Final look showed angle-on-
bow 130° starboard with a large trailing gyro. Attempted
single ping range and failed. With the range uncertain, decided
not to risk alerting convoy with a poor set-up.
1720 Lost sound contact at an estimated range of 15,000 yards. Secured
from Battle Stations.
1800 Surfaced; commenced daylight end-round. Figure we will be able to

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 176 —
U.S.S. STURLIT (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report / Fourth War Pat. ol.

29 May 0220 Radar landfall on KITA SURI TOKO MISAKI; range 50,000 yards.
0502 Sighted several large pieces of drift ice.
0536 Ice flow became heavy; reversed course to south.
1151 Sighted smoke bearing 098°T (SHIP CONTACT 1, 2, 3 and 4). Headed toward at flank speed.
1200 Posit. Lat. 47-48, Long. 145-12.
1221 Stationed tracking party.
1229 Sighted smoke of three targets and tops of one; commenced daylight end-round.
1457 In position on convoy's track at an estimated range of 28,000 yards. Convoy tracks on base course 210°T, speed 10. Did not make contact report to pack as no one else can possibly get in. Decided on submerged attack as we have only one hour of darkness tonight before full moon rises. Went to Battle Stations Torpedo.
1459 Dived for attack.
1522 JP made sound contact, estimated range 17,000 yards.
1538 Sighted masts of leading ship.
1617 Convoy seen to consist of two MK's, one an MKM freighter of about 5,000 tons, painted a mile green, the other a slightly smaller MKM freighter. Ships were in line of bearing with the larger ship trailing. Two escorts were ahead on either bow of the formation. These ships closely resembled FF UN-1 Class (KILIDOKIN) frigates in silhouette, altho one at least was later observed to carry armament ascribed to FF UN-2 Class frigate. A third escort was picked up on sound, trailing, but was not seen during this approach. Maneuvered for stern shot on the larger freighter. Escorts pinging constantly.
1641 Leading escorts had passed clear and set-up look good for a firing run at about 1,000 yards when a zig towards caused the bearing to pass astern very close aboard with such a rapid bearing change so that the TDC could not keep up. Final look showed angle-on-bow 130° starboard with a large trailing ping range and failed. Attempted single torpedo shot from 1300 yards, but decided not to risk alerting convoy with a poor set-up.
1720 Lost sound contact at an estimated range of 15,000 yards. Secured from Battle Stations.
1800 Surfaced; commenced daylight end-round. Figure we will be able to

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 177 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

got in at least one good attack during darkness before moonrise and
before convoy rounds M.K. SHIR TOJO KI and enters LA PEROUSE
Strait.

1822 Sighted smoke; stationed tracking party.

2130 Indications of ten centimeter radar interference. It must be enemy
as there are no lops in this vicinity.

2135 In position ahead of the target's beam. Convoy is due to zig right,
which will enable us to get in easily at flank speed. Plan to fire
three of three bow tubes at each of the two main targets, firing
at the farthest ship first to give simultaneous hits, then swing
to bring the stern tubes to bear. Night is dark and clear. Went
to battle stations Torpedo and headed in at flank.

2136 Radar contact with large freighter, 23,000 yards.

2137 Radar contact with smaller freighter, 21,000 yards. Picked up
escorts at 18,000, 15,000 and 14,000 yards.

2145 Ten centimeter radars strong but sweeping.

2153 (Attacks # 1 and 1A). Commenced firing six at 14 torpedoes: Three
at farthest (largest) freighter, average track 65° starboard,
average gyros 20°L, torpedo run 3,700 yards, 10° divergent spread;
and three at the near freighter with about the same set-up but with
2,500 yard run.

2155 Closest escort is pulling out to the right and is now on our port
bow at a range of 2,600 yards with a small angle. Right full rudder;
all ahead flank.

2157 Four torpedo hits, two in each target. Control party did a
beautiful job of timing. In spite of a range differential of over
1,000 yards, time from the first to the last hit was less than
20 seconds and neither target was alerted.

2200 Someone commenced firing at close escort, who was passing through
our torpedo wakes, with automatic weapons. Escort turned on fight-
ing lights consisting of a green over a red light and commenced
blinking furiously.

2205 Heard first of twenty random depth charges, some of them block-
busters.

2208 Smaller freighter was seen from the bridge to sink by the stern
with bow high in the air, and disappeared simultaneously from the
radar screen at a range of 4,000 yards.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 177 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

got in at least one good attack during darkness before moonrise and
before convoy rounds M.K. SHIR TOJO KI and enters LA PEROUSE
Strait.

1822 Sighted smoke; stationed tracking party.

2130 Indications of ten centimeter radar interference. It must be enemy
as there are no lops in this vicinity.

2135 In position ahead of the target's beam. Convoy is due to zig right,
which will enable us to get in easily at flank speed. Plan to fire
three of three bow tubes at each of the two main targets, firing
at the farthest ship first to give simultaneous hits, then swing
to bring the stern tubes to bear. Night is dark and clear. Went
to battle stations Torpedo and headed in at flank.

2136 Radar contact with large freighter, 23,000 yards.

2137 Radar contact with smaller freighter, 21,000 yards. Picked up
escorts at 18,000, 15,000 and 14,000 yards.

2145 Ten centimeter radars strong but sweeping.

2153 (Attacks # 1 and 1A). Commenced firing six at 14 torpedoes: Three
at farthest (largest) freighter, average track 65° starboard,
average gyros 20°L, torpedo run 3,700 yards, 10° divergent spread;
and three at the near freighter with about the same set-up but with
2,500 yard run.

2155 Closest escort is pulling out to the right and is now on our port
bow at a range of 2,600 yards with a small angle. Right full rudder;
all ahead flank.

2157 Four torpedo hits, two in each target. Control party did a
beautiful job of timing. In spite of a range differential of over
1,000 yards, time from the first to the last hit was less than
20 seconds and neither target was alerted.

2200 Someone commenced firing at close escort, who was passing through
our torpedo wakes, with automatic weapons. Escort turned on fight-
ing lights consisting of a green over a red light and commenced
blinking furiously.

2205 Heard first of twenty random depth charges, some of them block-
busters.

2208 Smaller freighter was seen from the bridge to sink by the stern
with bow high in the air, and disappeared simultaneously from the
radar screen at a range of 4,000 yards.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 178 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

2210 First of four loud rumbling underwater explosions.

2211 Fired four Mark 18 torpedoes at escort (he of the fighting lights)
     on a 45° port track with a 2,100 yard run (attack # 2). This was
     a set-up with very dubious data, which deserved to miss and
     did. Hauled out for reload.

2228 Radar reports 10 cm radar interference now strong and steady.

2230 Reload completed. Headed in for attack on our damaged freighter
     which was lying dead in the water, down by the stern and partially
     submerged on the radar. Two escorts were milling around him, dropping depth charges and
     firing automatic weapons at nothing in particular.

2235 Closed escort crossing between us and target. Shifted to him and
     at -

2239 Fired three Mk 14 torpedoes from the bow tubes (attack # 3) with a
     75° starboard track, a torpedo run of 2,400 yards and small right
     gyros. This set-up was checking well and torpedoes seemed sure to
     hit when target sighted wakes, and, turning on a dime, commenced
     running down them and building up speed. No hits.

2241 At this point discretion took the better part of valor, and,
     abruptly breaking off our approach on the freighter, we came hard
     left and went all ahead (Dendix, tailing up to the escort, now show-
     ing a zero angle. Thus far, our activities, if not entirely
     successful, had at least been enthusiastically offensive. We now
     entered (albeit reluctantly) into what might be termed the
     strategic withdrawal (or HELLZ-POPPIN) phase of the action. The
     close escort commenced firing his forward 4.7" using his 10 cm
     radar quite effectively for fire control. During the next hour he
     fired a total of fifty-eight rounds, some shorts, some overs, and
     some off in deflection, but none too far away. He also fired two
     clusters of star shells, but these, fortunately, served only to blind the Jap gunners. The
     first cluster and illumination lasted about one minute, dying out
     with some stars still high in the air. About one half of his projectiles
     were the excellent Japanese flashless powder which gives only a
     brief pink glow. The remainder were normal smoke which gives only a
     blinding flash. He also fired innumerable rounds from a twin
     40 mm mount. He stayed nicely on in range with this weapon until
     we opened to about 4,500 yards, and then commenced to fall short.

2242 Sent lookouts below. They obeyed with alacrity.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 178 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

2210 First of four loud rumbling underwater explosions.

2211 Fired four Mark 18 torpedoes at escort (he of the fighting lights)
     on a 45° port track with a 2,100 yard run (attack # 2). This was
     a set-up with very dubious data, which deserved to miss and
     did. Hauled out for reload.

2228 Radar reports 10 cm radar interference now strong and steady.

2230 Reload completed. Headed in for attack on our damaged freighter
     which was lying dead in the water, down by the stern and partially
     submerged on the radar. Two escorts were milling around him, dropping depth charges and
     firing automatic weapons at nothing in particular.

2235 Closed escort crossing between us and target. Shifted to him and
     at -

2239 Fired three Mk 14 torpedoes from the bow tubes (attack # 3) with a
     75° starboard track, a torpedo run of 2,400 yards and small right
     gyros. This set-up was checking well and torpedoes seemed sure to
     hit when target sighted wakes, and, turning on a dime, commenced
     running down them and building up speed. No hits.

2241 At this point discretion took the better part of valor, and,
     abruptly breaking off our approach on the freighter, we came hard
     left and went all ahead (Dendix, tailing up to the escort, now show-
     ing a zero angle. Thus far, our activities, if not entirely
     successful, had at least been enthusiastically offensive. We now
     entered (albeit reluctantly) into what might be termed the
     strategic withdrawal (or HELLZ-POPPIN) phase of the action. The
     close escort commenced firing his forward 4.7" using his 10 cm
     radar quite effectively for fire control. During the next hour he
     fired a total of fifty-eight rounds, some shorts, some overs, and
     some off in deflection, but none too far away. He also fired two
     clusters of star shells, but these, fortunately, served only to blind the Jap gunners. The
     first cluster and illumination lasted about one minute, dying out
     with some stars still high in the air. About one half of his projectiles
     were the excellent Japanese flashless powder which gives only a
     brief pink glow. The remainder were normal smoke which gives only a
     blinding flash. He also fired innumerable rounds from a twin
     40 mm mount. He stayed nicely on in range with this weapon until
     we opened to about 4,500 yards, and then commenced to fall short.

2242 Sent lookouts below. They obeyed with alacrity.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 179 —
U.S.S. SCARLET (SS 392),
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

2246 Fired four Mk 18 torpedoes from the stern tubes "down-the-throat" of
     this aggressive freighter. Run range was 2,100 yards (attack
     4). Range was excessive for this type shot, and he had no
     difficulty in evading. The attack, however, served the defensive
     purpose of enabling us to open the range to a respectable 5,500
     yards before he was back on our tail. In recapitulation there seems
     to be a good possibility that we might have hit him and sunk the other
     escort who was astern of our target and within torpedo range. Two
     reports were received which sounded like torpedo hits were
     heard and timed. Under radar reported seeing only three torpedoes
     in the water and reported seeing only three targets (the stopped
     freighter and two escorts) shortly thereafter. Because of gunfire,
     and preoccupation with our main worry, the close escort, with
     the third escort could not have been seen from the bridge. The
     freighter and his pip had been lost in the confusion. In any case,
     he was not our target, and no definite claim of damage is made.

2335 Escort has built up speed to better than 18.5 knots, and in spite of
     our best efforts range has become steady on us; 3,340 yards for three
     observations. All attempts to work off his track have been
     unsuccessful; he keeps showing us a zero. His radar is steady on us;
     and bright, although his shooting is still good. The moon is full
     and bright, although partially obscured by the edge of a blessed cloud,
     and he has us silhouetted. Number four main engine, with governor trouble, is
     being held together only by the valiant efforts of the engineers and
     may give up at any time. We have only three hours of daylight,
     then eighteen hours of daylight. If we dive we face the
     prospect of a long submergence with two or three alert escorts to
     work off us ever. We have a noisy starboard screw and sound conditions
     are excellent. Our proximity to I.M. FAMOUS makes the calling of the
     planes inevitable. The situation is critical and getting steadily
     no better.

     Had just about decided to secure rendering target services, dive, and
     take a chance on the Baltimore runs when at -

2336 Our persistent friend pulled his first boncher play. With the
     situation well in hand, he turned broadside to give us a salvo
     with both his forward and after 4.7". After two salvoes he resumed
     the chase, but this stupid maneuver had enabled us to open the range
     to 6,000 yards. At this point his radar was sweeping, and commenced
     sweeping. We secured our own radar, hoping he would think we had
     submitted. Believe he used director control and blew safety and negative dry and
     rock. Believe he used director control on those two salvoes
     because both flashes and splashes were simultaneous.

2359 Our ruse has worked. Turned on radar. All man's trace of
     interference. Gone to normal escape course and slowed to 80-90 on
     four.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 180 —
U.S.S. STALLT (SS )
CONFIDENTIAL
Repo of Fourth War Patrol.

30 May 0028 Secured from Battle Stations.
0332 Made dawn dive for trim. No. 4 main engine is now out of
    commission.
0356 Surfaced. Continued clearing area to the eastward. Visibility
    excellent.
0457 Sighted smoke on horizon. O.O.D. sighted masts of ship through
    high periscope and estimated angle-on-the-bow of 30° port. (S.T.
    C.O.T # 9).
0458 Dived and commenced approach.
0545 Target did not close. Cannot see smoke through periscope.
0553 Surfaced. Regained contact with target through high periscope
    with a bearing change which indicated a broad starboard angle.
    Target apparently headed for La Perouse. Commenced end-around on
    three main engines.
0558 Sighted plane (D.V.L) (Plane Contact # 1) on approximate bearing
    of target, distance about 8 miles, angle-on-the-bow zero. Do
    not think he sighted us but dived to avoid detection.
0618 At periscope depth. Target is not in sight but plane is seen
    circling over his last bearing. Decided to break contact and go
    without investigation as there is a good chance he is enemy but
    do not believe a long daylight end-around by circling toward the scene
    of last night's crime, with only three main engines and both
    officers and crew in a state of exhaustion, is advisable. Broke
    off approach.
1200 Posit. Lat. 47-37, Long. 146-22.
2053 Surfaced.
2054 Radar contact bearing 116°T, range 12,000 yards. (S.T. C.O.T
    # 10); stationed tracking party.
2104 Target turned on lights identifying him as Russian.
2214 Commenced transmitting S.T.M.T. first to ComSubPac.
2234 Pearl receipted promptly.
2245 Headed for UNCTOT TO.

31 May 0631 Dived for trim.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 180 —
U.S.S. STALLT (SS )
CONFIDENTIAL
Repo of Fourth War Patrol.

30 May 0028 Secured from Battle Stations.
      0332 Lade dawn dive for trim. No. 4 main engine is now out of
           commission.
      0356 Surfaced. Continued clearing area to the eastward. Visibility
           excellent.
      0457 Sighted smoke on horizon. O.O.D. sighted masts of ship through
           high periscope and estimated angle-on-the-bow of 30° port. (S.T.
           C.O.T. # 9).
      0458 Dived and commenced approach.
      0545 Target did not close. Cannot see smoke through periscope.
      0553 Surfaced. Regained contact with target through high periscope
           with a bearing change which indicated a broad starboard angle.
           Target apparently headed for L.I. P.M.C.U.M. Commenced end-around on
           three main engines.
      0558 Sighted plane (D.V.L) (Plane Contact # 1) on approximate bearing
           of target, distance about 8 miles, angle-on-the-bow zero. Do
           not think he sighted us but dived to avoid detection.
      0618 At periscope depth. Target is not in sight but plane is seen
           circling over his last bearing. Decided to let this contact go
           without investigation as there is a good chance he is enemy, but
           do not believe a long daylight end-around by officers and crew
           of last night's crime, with only three main engines and both
           officers and crew in a state of exhaustion, is advisable. Broke
           off approach.
      1200 Posit. Lat. 47-37, Long. 146-22.
      2053 Surfaced.
      2054 Radar contact bearing 116°T, range 12,000 yards. (S.T. C.O.T.
           # 10); stationed tracking party.
      2104 Target turned on lights identifying him as Russian.
      2214 Commenced transmitting S.T.M.T. first to C.O.T. sec.
      2234 Pearl receipted promptly.
      2245 Headed for UNCTOT TO.
31 May 0631 Dived for trim.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 181 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392,
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

0707 Surfaced.
1045 Radar landfall on EUROTON TO, range 100,000 yards.
1200 Posit. Lat. 46-58.5, Long. 150-11.
1839 Visibility cleared. Dived with URUPPU TO in sight.
2030 Surfaced.
1 June 0628 Visibility excellent. Dived for submerged patrol off YETOROFU
       KAIKYO.
1200 Posit. Lat. 45-43, Long. 148-39.
2025 Surfaced.

2 June 0536 Visibility excellent. Dived for submerged patrol of passage
       between EUROTON and CHIRIKOI TO.
1200 Posit. Lat. 46-39, Long. 150-40.
2025 Surfaced. Headed west for one more sweep of our convoy lane.

3 June 0813 Radar contact bearing 300°T, range 17,500 yards, (SHIP CONTACT
       # 11); stationed the tracking party.
0945 Sighted target from bridge, a single freighter.
1019 Dived. Commenced approach.
1044 Range 2,500 yards, target identified as properly marked Russian.
1111 Surfaced. Radar contact, range 8,600 yards (SHIP CONTACT # 12).
       Target immediately identified as another Russian. Avoided.
1200 Posit. Lat. 47-44, Long. 146-58.
1214 Received ComSubSPac dispatch containing instructions for depart-
       ing area.
1330 Held Divine Services.
1407 Radar contact bearing 006°T, range 18,000 yards (SHIP CONTACT
       # 13 - Attack # 5); stationed tracking party.
1425 Sighted target hull up and masts of smaller target. Went ahead
       flank. Visibility spotty. Do not believe we were sighted.
       Target group on southerly course.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 181 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392,
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

0707 Surfaced.

1045 Radar landfall on BUROTON TO, range 100,000 yards.
1200 Posit. Lat. 46-58.5, Long. 150-11.
1839 Visibility cleared. Dived with URUPPU TO in sight.
2030 Surfaced.

1 June
0628 Visibility excellent. Dived for submerged patrol off YETOROFU
         KAIKYO.
1200 Posit. Lat. 45-43, Long. 148-39.
2025 Surfaced.

2 June
0536 Visibility excellent. Dived for submerged patrol of passage
         between ETOROFU and CHIRIKOI TO.
1200 Posit. Lat. 46-39, Long. 150-40.
2025 Surfaced. Headed west for one more sweep of our convoy lane.

3 June
0813 Radar contact bearing 300°T, range 17,500 yards, (SHIP CONTACT
         # 11); stationed the tracking party.
0945 Sighted target from bridge, a single freighter.
1019 Dived. Commenced approach.
1044 Range 2,500 yards, target identified as properly marked Russian.
1111 Surfaced. Radar contact, range 8,600 yards (SHIP CONTACT # 12).
         Target immediately identified as another Russian. Avoided.
1200 Posit. Lat. 47-44, Long. 146-58.
1214 Received ComSubSPac dispatch containing instructions for depart-
         ing area.
1330 Held Divine Services.
1407 Radar contact bearing 006°T, range 18,000 yards (SHIP CONTACT
         # 13 - Attack # 5); stationed tracking party.
1425 Sighted target hull up and masts of smaller target. Went ahead
         flank. Visibility spotty. Do not believe we were sighted.
         Target group on southerly course.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 182 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL

Report of Fourth War Patrol.

1430 Radar contact 18,000 yards (SHIP CONTACT # 14). This was a
     single ship on northerly course. Believe he is a Russian so let
     him pass and continued to work ahead on SC # 13 which we are sure
     is enemy. Decided to attack on surface after dark.

1909 Picked up target again at
     with a generated range of 26,000 yards
     18,000 yards. This gives him at least 13 knots. Opened out
     again.

2025 Headed toward to regain contact.

2055 Contact at 19,550 yards. Commenced tracking.

2130 Battle Stations Torpedo.

2145 We have target's course 210°T, zig plan, and speed 13 knots.
     Headed in for attack from the east. Small escort is on close
     quarter of target, but this will enable us to fire down a force
     three sea and also escape into the sea.

2148 Sighted target from bridge at a range of 7,000 yards.

2155 Fired six bow tubes (Attack # 5) on a 55° port track with an
     average torpedo run of 2,500 yards. Depth set six feet, a minimum
     for this sea. Set-up was checking beautifully and it is difficult
     to see how we can miss. All ahead Bendix and right full rudder
     to head into the sea.

2158 Torpedoes have missed. Crossed spitkit escort's bow at 1,200
     yards, at which time he apparently sighted us and commenced
     firing automatic weapons at us. Sent lookouts and quartermaster
     below.

2159 Escort came left and joined the chase also firing automatic
     weapons. We now have one on each quarter and their fire is cross-
     ing us. It appears to be 20 MM with some illumination shells.
     In general their shooting is not too good, probably because
     the sea and if they have larger caliber guns they are unable to
     fire them. One lucky burst from the spitkit caused C.O., O.O.D.,
     and TBT operator to bump heads in the lee of the shears but
     there were no further casualties and at -

2210 Both ships ceased firing. Target dropped a string of charges,
     then, apparently coached on by the escort resumed the chase.
     They track at about fifteen knots, but in this sea we have too
     much speed for them, and the range is opening. Neither ship
     appears to have radar.

2229 Lost escort at range of 11,000 yards. Both ships now together.

- 15 -

ENCLOSURE (.)

— page 182 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL

Report of Fourth War Patrol.

1430 Radar contact 18,000 yards (SHIP CONTACT # 14). This was a
     single ship on northerly course. Believe he is a Russian so let
     him pass and continued to work ahead on SC # 13 which we are sure
     is enemy. Decided to attack on surface after dark.

1909 Picked up target again at
     with a generated range of 26,000 yards
     18,000 yards. This gives him at least 13 knots. Opened out
     again.

2025 Headed toward to regain contact.

2055 Contact at 19,550 yards. Commenced tracking.

2130 Battle Stations Torpedo.

2145 We have target's course 210°T, zig plan, and speed 13 knots.
     Headed in for attack from the east. Small escort is on close
     quarter of target, but this will enable us to fire down a force
     three sea and also escape into the sea.

2148 Sighted target from bridge at a range of 7,000 yards.

2155 Fired six bow tubes (Attack # 5) on a 55° port track with an
     average torpedo run of 2,500 yards. Depth set six feet, a minimum
     for this sea. Set-up was checking beautifully and it is difficult
     to see how we can miss. All ahead Bendix and right full rudder
     to head into the sea.

2158 Torpedoes have missed. Crossed spitkit escort's bow at 1,200
     yards, at which time he apparently sighted us and commenced
     firing automatic weapons at us. Sent lookouts and quartermaster
     below.

2159 Escort came left and joined the chase also firing automatic
     weapons. We now have one on each quarter and their fire is cross-
     ing us. It appears to be 20 MM with some illumination shells.
     In general their shooting is not too good, probably because
     the sea and if they have larger caliber guns they are unable to
     fire them. One lucky burst from the spitkit caused C.O., O.O.D.,
     and TBT operator to bump heads in the lee of the shears but
     there were no further casualties and at -

2210 Both ships ceased firing. Target dropped a string of charges,
     then, apparently coached on by the escort resumed the chase.
     They track at about fifteen knots, but in this sea we have too
     much speed for them, and the range is opening. Neither ship
     appears to have radar.

2229 Lost escort at range of 11,000 yards. Both ships now together.

- 15 -

ENCLOSURE (.)

— page 184 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)                                Report of Fourth War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

9 June 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 30-41.5 N, Long. 173-40.5 E.

10 June 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 29-13 N, Long. 178-47 E.
          1715      Crossed International Date Line.

10 June 0800      Moored Submarine Base, Midway, T.H.

                                  - 17 -                                  ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 184 —
U.S.S. STURGEON (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

9 June 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 30-41.5 N, Long. 173-40.5 E.
10 June 1200(L) Posit. Lat. 29-13 N, Long. 176-47 E.
          1715      Crossed International Date Line.
10 June 0800      Moored Submarine Base, Midway, T.H.

- 17 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 185 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report - Fourth War Patrol.

(C) WEATHER.

The entire patrol was conducted to the west of the Kurile Islands chain
in the Sea of Okhotsk. The weather for the month of May was very pleasant
with calm seas throughout. The average air temperature was 35°F and the
average injection was 32°F. Fog prevailed 25 percent of the time and snow
fell on four days. The only ice floe encountered was at 49° North, fifteen
miles east of Karafuto. The sky was overcast practically the entire period,
only once clear enough for celestial navigation.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION.

Currents around the island chain were unpredictable. The set as shown
on charts is fairly accurate but the force is usually much less. The current
in the Sea of Okhotsk averaged a half knot in an easterly direction.

The following current observations were made, which differ greatly from
those shown on charts.

Time (-10) | Date | Set | Draft | Location
---|---|---|---|---
1300-2000 | 7 May | 250(T) | .6 kts | West of Matsuwa
2200-2300 | 7 May | 200(T) | 1.0 kts | Lyshiru Strait
0400-1800 | 11 May | 325(T) | 1.4 kts | Southwest of Araido To.
0400-1200 | 13 May | 095(T) | .9 kts | North of Yokoruma To
0300-2000 | 27 May | 175(T) | .75 kts | North of Torofu Kaikyo
0600-1430 | 2 June | 318(T) | .5 kts | Between Uruoton to and
| | | | Chirihoi To.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.

A dense ice floe was found 15 miles off Karafuto at 48-57 N, 145-03 E.
Depths to the east of the point Kita Shiretoko Misaki are in error. Depths
of 45 fathoms extend two miles farther east than shown on chart H.O. 2728.
Kita Shiretoko Misaki light, previously reported burning, was not seen at
range of 10 miles.

- 18 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 185 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report - Fourth War Patrol.

(C) WEATHER.

The entire patrol was conducted to the west of the Kurile Islands chain
in the Sea of Okhotsk. The weather for the month of May was very pleasant
with calm seas throughout. The average air temperature was 35°F and the
average injection was 32°F. Fog prevailed 25 percent of the time and snow
fell on four days. The only ice floe encountered was at 49° North, fifteen
miles east of Karafuto. The sky was overcast practically the entire period,
only once clear enough for celestial navigation.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION.

Currents around the island chain were unpredictable. The set as shown
on charts is fairly accurate but the force is usually much less. The current
in the Sea of Okhotsk averaged a half knot in an easterly direction.

The following current observations were made, which differ greatly from
those shown on charts.

Time (-10) | Date | Set | Draft | Location
---|---|---|---|---
1300-2000 | 7 May | 250(T) | .6 kts | West of Matsuwa
2200-2300 | 7 May | 200(T) | 1.0 kts | Lyshiru Strait
0400-1800 | 11 May | 325(T) | 1.4 kts | Southwest of Araido To.
0400-1200 | 13 May | 095(T) | .9 kts | North of Yokoruma To
0300-2000 | 27 May | 175(T) | .75 kts | North of Torofu Kaikyo
0600-1430 | 2 June | 318(T) | .5 kts | Between Uruoton to and
| | | | Chirihoi To.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.

A dense ice floe was found 15 miles off Karafuto at 48-57 N, 145-03 E.
Depths to the east of the point Kita Shiretoko Misaki are in error. Depths
of 45 fathoms extend two miles farther east than shown on chart H.O. 2728.
Kita Shiretoko Misaki light, previously reported burning, was not seen at
range of 10 miles.

- 18 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 187 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report Fourth War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA.
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392) Torpedo Attack No. 1 and 1A
Time: 2153 King. Date: 29 May 1945. Lat. 46-36 N. Long. 144-22 E.
_TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED_

Description: A night surface radar attack on two largest targets of a convoy
  consisting of two medium freighters and three escorts. Two of
  the escorts were equipped with ten centimeter radar; one or both
  of the freighters had 155 mg. radar. Contact was first made by
  running down the bearing of smoke sighted on horizon, and attack
  position was reached after ten hours tracking by radar and high
  periscope. The targets were sighted at 7,000 yards from the
  bridge.

Ship(s) Sunk: One medium AK (EU) 4,000 tons.

Ship(s) Damaged or Probably Sunk: One medium AK (EU) 5,000 tons.

Damage Determined By: Two torpedo hits observed and timed in each ship.
  Smaller ship observed to sink from the bridge and radar
  pip disappeared simultaneously at a range of 4,000 yards.
  Larger ship tracked at zero speed by both plots and TDC
  following attack. Seen to be down by stern and enveloped
  in heavy smoke.

Target Draft: (1) 14' Course: 210°T. Speed: 10. Range: 4,180 yards.
  (2) 16' 210°T. 10. 2,780 yards.

_OWN SHIP DATA_

Speed: 15 knots. Course: 115°T. Depth: Surface. Angle: 0.

_FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA_

Type Attack: Approach and attack made on surface. A daylight end-around at
  extreme range of 30,000 yards, tracking smoke through high
  periscope, reaching attack position an hour and a half after
  sunset and one hour before moonrise. Attack made from position
  thirty degrees forward of beam of main targets, using radar ranges
  and bearings. Three bow tubes were fired at leading (farther)
  ship, then used TBT bearings for switch to closer ship for other
  three bow tubes. Thirty-five second interval between salvoes gave
  simultaneous hits in two ships.

- 20 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 187 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report Fourth War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA.
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392) Torpedo Attack No. 1 and 1A
Time: 2153 King. Date: 29 May 1945. Lat. 46-36 N. Long. 144-22 E.
_TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED_

Description: A night surface radar attack on two largest targets of a convoy
  consisting of two medium freighters and three escorts. Two of
  the escorts were equipped with ten centimeter radar; one or both
  of the freighters had 155 mg. radar. Contact was first made by
  running down the bearing of smoke sighted on horizon, and attack
  position was reached after ten hours tracking by radar and high
  periscope. The targets were sighted at 7,000 yards from the
  bridge.

Ship(s) Sunk: One medium AK (EU) 4,000 tons.

Ship(s) Damaged or Probably Sunk: One medium AK (EU) 5,000 tons.

Damage Determined By: Two torpedo hits observed and timed in each ship.
  Smaller ship observed to sink from the bridge and radar
  pip disappeared simultaneously at a range of 4,000 yards.
  Larger ship tracked at zero speed by both plots and TDC
  following attack. Seen to be down by stern and enveloped
  in heavy smoke.

Target Draft: (1) 14' Course: 210°T. Speed: 10. Range: 4,180 yards.
  (2) 16' 210°T. 10. 2,780 yards.

_OWN SHIP DATA_

Speed: 15 knots. Course: 115°T. Depth: Surface. Angle: 0.

_FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA_

Type Attack: Approach and attack made on surface. A daylight end-around at
  extreme range of 30,000 yards, tracking smoke through high
  periscope, reaching attack position an hour and a half after
  sunset and one hour before moonrise. Attack made from position
  thirty degrees forward of beam of main targets, using radar ranges
  and bearings. Three bow tubes were fired at leading (farther)
  ship, then used TBT bearings for switch to closer ship for other
  three bow tubes. Thirty-five second interval between salvoes gave
  simultaneous hits in two ships.

- 20 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 188 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

Attack ONE and ONE A.

Tubes Fired   1      2      3      4      5      6
Track Angle   65 S   64 S   65 S   65 S   64 S   66 S
Gyro Angle    339°   341°   342°   339½°  338°   341°
Depth Set     4'     4'     4'     4'     4'     4'
Power         High   High   High   High   High   High
Torpedo Run   3750   3725   3700   2500   2500   2500
Hit or Miss   Hit    Miss   Hit    Hit    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.    26251  26708  26149  24774  40481  40181
Mark Exploder 6-5    6-5    6-5    6-5    6-5    6-5
Serial No.    17078  25116  17172  13366  25609  25102
Actuation Set Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual Contact -      Contact Contact -      Contact
Mark Warhead  16-1   16-1   16-1   16-1   16-1   16-1
Serial No.    -      -      -      -      -      -
Explosive     TPX    TPX    TPX    TPX    TPX    TPX
Firing Interval -    9 sec. 7 sec. 35 sec. 3 sec. 9 sec.
Type Spread (Divergent) 0    1°L    1°R    0      1°L    1°R

Sea Condition Slight swell.
Overhaul Activity Submarine Base, Midway.
Remarks: Time of Run 2m-31sec -      2m-26sec 1m-40sec -      1m-40sec

- 21 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 188 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                          Report of Fourth War Patrol.

                                          Attack ONE and ONE A.

                                          1       2       3       4       5       6
Tubes Fired                               1       2       3       4       5       6
Track Angle                               65 S    64 S    65 S    65 S    64 S    66 S
Gyro Angle                                339°    341°    342°    339½°   338°    341°
Depth Set                                 4'      4'      4'      4'      4'      4'
Power                                     High    High    High    High    High    High
Torpedo Run                               3750    3725    3700    2500    2500    2500
Hit or Miss                               Hit     Miss    Hit     Hit     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.                                26251   26708   26149   24774   40481   40181
Mark Exploder                             6-5     6-5     6-5     6-5     6-5     6-5
Serial No.                                17078   25116   17172   13366   25609   25102
Actuation Set                             Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual                          Contact -       Contact Contact Contact Contact
Mark Warhead                              16-1    16-1    16-1    16-1    16-1    16-1
Serial No.                                -       -       -       -       -       -
Explosive                                 TPX     TPX     TPX     TPX     TPX     TPX
Firing Interval                           -       9 sec.  7 sec.  35 sec. 3 sec.  9 sec.
Type Spread (Divergent)                   O       1°L     1°R     O       1°L     1°R
Sea Condition                             Slight swell.
Overhaul Activity                         Submarine Base, Midway.
Remarks: Time of Run                      2m-31sec -       2m-26sec 1m-40sec -       1m-40sec

                                          - 21 -
                                                                          ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 189 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
Time: 2204 King.

Report of Fourth War Patrol.

Torpedo Attack No. 2.
Patrol No. 4.
Date: 29 May 1945. Lat. 46-36 N. Long. 144-22 E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: Target was IF UN-1 Class (KAIBOKAN) Frigate equipped with ten
centimeter radar.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged: None.
Target Draft: 11'. Course: 280°T. Speed: 10. Range: 2,800 yards.

OWN SHIP DATA
Course: 230°T. Depth: Surface. Angle: 0.

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Speed: 15 knots.
Type Attack: A night surface stern tube attack on escort eight minutes after
firing bow tubes at principal targets. The firing was on a quick
set-up using radar range, TBT bearing and angle-on-the-bow
approximation from bridge. Mark 18 speed setting was corrected for
run, temperature and depth setting. Misses are believed caused by
control errors, possibly incorrect target speed and/or angle-on-bow.

- 22 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 189 —
Report of Fourth War Patrol.
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392) Torpedo Attack No. 2. Patrol No. 4.

Time: 2204 King. Date: 29 May 1945. Lat. 46-36 N. Long. 144-22 E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: Target was IF UN-1 Class (KAIBOKAN) Frigate equipped with ten
centimeter radar.

Ship(s) Sunk: None.

Ship(s) Damaged: None.

Target Draft: 11'. Course: 280°T. Speed: 10. Range: 2,800 yards.

OWN SHIP DATA
Speed: 15 knots. Course: 230°T. Depth: Surface. Angle: 0.

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack: A night surface stern tube attack on escort eight minutes after
firing bow tubes at principal targets. The firing was on a quick
set-up using radar range, TBT bearing and angle-on-the-bow
approximation from bridge. Mark 18 speed setting was corrected for
run, temperature and depth setting. Misses are believed caused by
control errors, possibly incorrect target speed and/or angle-on-bow.

- 22 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 190 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)                                        Report of Fourth War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

                                                               Attack TWO.

Tubes Fired                 | 7       8       9       10
Track angle                 | 40 P    40 P    42 P    38 P
Gyro Angle                  | 188½°   190°    188½°   193½°
Depth Set                   | 4'      4'      4'      4'
Power (Torpedo speed        |
sct in TDC)                 | 27.9    27.4    27.4    27.4
Torpedo Run                 | 2100    2100    2100    2100
Hit or Miss                 | Miss    Miss    Miss    Miss
Erratic                     | No      No      No      No
Mark Torpedo                | 18-1    18-1    18-2    18-2
Serial No.                  | 55818   55949   99185   57880
Mark Exploder               | 8-5     8-5     8-5     8-5
Serial No.                  | 9745    10443   8677    9030
Actuation Set               | Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual            | -       -       -       -
Mark Warhead                | 18-2    18-2    18-2    18-2
Serial No.                  | 4917    4180    4872    3947
Explosive                   | TFX     TFX     TFX     TFX
Firing Interval             | -       7 sec.  8 sec.  6 sec.
Type Spread (Divergent)     | ½°R     ½°L     1½°L    1½°L
Sea Condition               | Slight swell.
Overhaul Activity           | Submarine Base, Midway.
Remarked:                   |
Temp. of Electrolyte        | 67°     42°     42°     42°
Injection                   | 36°     36°     36°     36°

                                - 23 -
                                ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 190 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                                              Report of Fourth War Patrol.

                                                                           Attack TWO.

Tubes Fired                                7          8          9          10
Track angle                                40 P       40 P       42 P       38 P
Gyro Angle                                 188½°      190°       188½°      193½°
Depth Set                                  4'         4'         4'         4'

Power (Torpedo speed
  set in TDC)                              27.9       27.4       27.4       27.4
Torpedo Run                                2100       2100       2100       2100
Hit or Miss                                Miss       Miss       Miss       Miss
Erratic                                    No         No         No         No
Mark Torpedo                               18-1       18-1       18-2       18-2
Serial No.                                 55818      55949      99185      57880
Mark Exploder                              8-5        8-5        8-5        8-5
Serial No.                                 9745       10443      8677       9030
Actuation Set                              Contact    Contact    Contact    Contact
Actuation Actual                           -          -          -          -
Mark Warhead                               18-2       18-2       18-2       18-2
Serial No.                                 4917       4180       4872       3947
Explosive                                  TPX        TPX        TPX        TPX
Firing Interval                            -          7 sec.     8 sec.     6 sec.
Type Spread (Divergent)                    ½°R        ½°L        1½°L       1½°L
Sea Condition                              Slight swell.
Overhaul Activity                          Submarine Base, Midway.
Remarked:
  Temp. of Electrolyte                     67°        42°        42°        42°
  Injection                                36°        36°        36°        36°

                                           - 23 -                               ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 191 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392) Report of Fourth War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392) Torpedo Attack No. 3. Patrol No. 4.
Time: 2233 King. Date: 29 May 1945 Lat. 46-36 N. Long. 144-22 E.
TARGET DATA - PRE-ATTACK
Description: Target was an UN-1 Class ([UNCLEAR: ESCORT]) Frigate.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged: None.
Target Draft: 11'. Course: 210°T. Speed: 10. Range: 2,700 yards

OWN SHIP DATA
Speed: 15 knots. Course: 100°T. Depth: Surface. Angle: 0.
FIRING DATA AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack: A night surface bow tube attack on escort who was screening larger
freighter stopped by attack #1. This was a deliberate attack
using radar ranges and bearings, checking with TBT bearings. TDC
solution was checking well and hits seemed assured when target
sighted phosphorescent wake and turned inside them.

- 24 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 191 —
U.S.S. STURGEON (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STURGEON (SS 392)
Report of Fourth War Patrol.
Torpedo Attack No. 3.
Patrol No. 4.

Time: 2233 King.
Date: 29 May 1945 Lat. 46-36 N. Long. 144-22 E.

Description:
TARGET DATA - VISUAL AND RADAR
Target was an UN-1 Class ([UNCLEAR: ESCORT]) Frigate.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged: None.
Target Draft: 11'.
Course: 210°T. Speed: 10. Range: 2,700 yards

OWN SHIP DATA
Speed: 15 knots.
Course: 100°T. Depth: Surface.
Angle: 0.

FIRING DATA AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack: A night surface bow tube attack on escort who was screening larger
freighter stopped by attack #1. This was a deliberate attack
using radar ranges and bearings, checking with TBT bearings. TDC
solution was checking well and hits seemed assured when target
sighted phosphorescent wakes and turned inside them.

- 24 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 192 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                          Report of Fourth War Patrol.

                                                      ATTACK THREE.
Tubes Fired                                           | 1      | 2      | 3
Track Angle                                           | 75 S   | 74 S   | 76 S
Gyro Angle                                            | 005°   | 003°   | 006°
Depth Set                                             | 4'     | 4'     | 4'
Power                                                 | High   | High   | High
Torpedo Run                                           | 2500   | 2435   | 2300
Hit or Miss                                           | Miss   | Miss   | Miss
Erratic                                               | No     | No     | No
Mark Torpedo                                          | 14-3A  | 14-3A  | 14-3A
Serial No.                                            | 40713  | 26168  | 26218
Mark Exploder                                         | 6-5    | 6-5    | 6-5
Serial No.                                            | 17158  | 26016  | 25348
Actuation Set                                         | Contact| Contact| Contact
Actuation Actual                                      | -      | -      | -
Mark Warhead                                          | 16-1   | 16-1   | 16-1
Serial No.                                            | -      | -      | -
Explosive                                             | TNT    | TNT    | TNT
Firing Interval                                       | -      | 8 sec. | 10 sec.
Type Spread (Divergent) O                             | -      | 1°L    | 1°R
Sea Condition                                         | Slight Swell
Overhaul Activity                                     | Submarine Base, Adamy

- 25 -                                                ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 192 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL

Report of Fourth War Patrol.

Attack THREE.

Tubes Fired | 1 | 2 | 3
Track Angle | 75 S | 74 S | 76 S
Gyro Angle | 005° | 003° | 006°
Depth Set | 4' | 4' | 4'
Power | High | High | High
Torpedo Run | 2500 | 2435 | 2300
Hit or Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss
Erratic | No | No | No
Mark Torpedo | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A
Serial No. | 40718 | 26168 | 26218
Mark Exploder | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5
Serial No. | 17158 | 26016 | 25348
Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact
Actuation Actual | - | - | -
Mark Warhead | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1
Serial No. | - | - | -
Explosive | TNT | TNT | TNT
Firing Interval | - | 8 sec. | 10 sec.
Type Spread (Divergent) O | | 1°L | 1°R
Sea Condition | Slight Swell
Overhaul Activity | Submarine Base, Adamy

- 25 -
UNCLASSIFIED (..)

— page 193 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 39
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392) Torpedo Attack No. 4. Patrol No. 4.
Time: 2239 King. Date: 29 May 1945. Lat. 46-36 N. Long. 144-22 E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: Target was same escort vessel that was target in Attack No. 3.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged: None.

Target Draft: 11'. Course: 255°T. Speed: 10. Range: 2,700 yards.

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed: 15 knots. Course: 290°T. Depth: Surface. Angle: 0.

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack: A night surface attack at pursuing escort who had been alerted by
attack No. 3. With run of 2,100 yards, slowed to standard and
dropped four Mark Eighteens, corrected for run, temperature and
depth. Torpedoes launched from all tubes on starboard angle.
Tracking was by radar with TBT used for final bearing. Misses were
caused by target evasion.

- 26 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 193 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 39
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392) Torpedo Attack No. 4. Report ( ) Fourth ar Patrol.
Time: 2239 King. Date: 29 May 1945. Lat. 46-36 N. Long. 144-22 E.
Patrol No. 4.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: Target was same escort vessel that was target in Attack No. 3.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged: None.
Target Draft: 11'. Course: 255°T. Speed: 10. Range: 2,700 yards.

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed: 15 knots. Course: 290°T. Depth: Surface. Angle: 0.

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack: A night surface attack at pursuing escort who had been alerted by
attack No. 3. With run of 2,100 yards, slowed to standard and
dropped four Mark Eighteens, corrected for run, temperature and
depth. All torpedoes were fired from the starboard angle.
Tracking was by radar with TBT used for final bearing. Misses were
caused by target evasion.

- 26 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 194 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

                                        Attack FOUR.
                                  7         8         9         10
Tubes Fired                       7         8         9         10
Track Angle                       5 S       5 S       4 S       6 S
Gyro Angle                        180°      181°      180°      183°
Depth Set                         3'        3'        3'        3'
Power (Torpedo speed
  set in TBC)                     27.4      27.9      27.9      27.9
                                  2100      2100      2100      2100
Torpedo Run
Hit or Miss                       Miss      Miss      Miss      Miss
Erratic                           No        No        No        No
Mark Torpedo                      18-1      18-1      18-1      18-2
Serial No.                        56036     55544     56635     57984
Mark Exploder                     8-5       8-5       4-7       4-7
Serial No.                        10175     10240     17325     16339
Actuation Set                     Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact
Actuation Actual                  -         -         -         -
Mark Warhead                      18-2      18-2      18        18
Serial No.                        3848      3976      945       1260
Explosive                         T.N.T.    T.N.T.    T.N.T.    T.N.T.
Firing Interval                   -         22 sec.   9 sec.    9 sec.
Type Spread (Divergent) O         O         O         1°L       1°R

Sea Condition                     Slight swell
Overhaul Activity:                Submarine Base, Midway.
Remarks:
  Temp. of Electrolyte:           42°       67°       67°       67°
  Injection                       36°       36°       36°       36°

                                  - 27 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 194 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                        Report of Fourth War Patrol.

                                                    Attack FOUR.

Tubes Fired                                 7           8           9           10
Track angle                                 5 S         5 S         4 S         6 S
Gyro Angle                                  180°        181°        180°        183°
Depth Set                                   3'          3'          3'          3'

Power (Torpedo speed
set in TBC)                                 27.4        27.9        27.9        27.9
Torpedo run                                 2100        2100        2100        2100
Hit or Miss                                 Miss        Miss        Miss        Miss
Erratic                                     No          No          No          No
Mark Torpedo                                18-1        18-1        18-1        18-2
Serial No.                                  56036       55544       56635       57984
Mark Exploder                               8-5         8-5         4-7         4-7
Serial No.                                  10175       10240       17325       16339
Actuation Set                               Contact     Contact     Contact     Contact
Actuation Actual                            -           -           -           -
Mark Warhead                                18-2        18-2        18          18
Serial No.                                  3848        3976        945         1260
Explosive                                   T.N.T.      T.N.T.      T.N.T.      T.N.T.
Firing Interval                             -           22 sec.     9 sec.      9 sec.
Type Spread (Divergent) O                   O           O           1°L         1°R

Sea Condition                               Slight swell
Overhaul Activity:                          Submarine Base, Midway.
Remarks:
Temp. of Electrolyte:                       42°         67°         67°         67°
Injection                                   36°         36°         36°         36°

                                            - 27 -
                                                                        ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 195 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)

Time: 2155 King.

Description:

Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged: None.
Target Draft: 3'. Course: 210°T. Speed: 13. Range: 2,900 yards.

OUR SHIP DATA

Speed: 15 knots. Course: 315°T. Depth: Surface. Angle: 0.

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack: Night surface attack on shallow draft "Q" ship first believed to be
medium freighter. Target group tracked at thirteen knots on base
course 210°T, zigging 30° right and left on seven minute legs.
Target zigged right from port bow when target on left leg and
escort on near flank. Target zigged back to base course giving 55°
port track before firing. Final bearing by TBT with continuous bear-
ings and ranges from bridge before firing. Six torpedoes gave 150%
coverage, 62 feet interval. Torpedoes are believed to have run under target.
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

Patrol No. 4.

Date: 3 June 1945. Lat. 46-44 N. Long. 145-25 E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Target picked up by radar at 18,000 yards; target and escort
seen from bridge twenty minutes later. Reached attack position
10,000 yards ahead, 5,000 yards off base course on track after 7 1/2
hour end-around on surface. Surface attack made hour and a half
after sunset; night very dark; target sighted from bridge at 7,000
yards. Target not definitely identified - believed to be shallow
draft "Q" ship. Escort was small PC.

- 28 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 195 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)

Time: 2155 King.

Description:

Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged: None.
Target Draft: 3'. Course: 210°T. Speed: 13. Range: 2,900 yards.

OUR SHIP DATA

Speed: 15 knots. Course: 315°T. Depth: Surface. Angle: 0.

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack: Night surface attack on shallow draft "Q" ship first believed to be
medium freighter. Target group tracked at thirteen knots on base
course 210°T, zigging 30° right and left on seven minute legs.
Target zigged right from port bow when target on left leg and
escort on near flank. Target zigged back to base course giving 55°
port track before firing. Final bearing by TBT with continuous bear-
ings and ranges from bridge before firing. Six torpedoes gave 150%
coverage, 62 feet interval. Torpedoes are believed to have run under target.
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

Patrol No. 4.

Date: 3 June 1945. Lat. 46-44 N. Long. 145-25 E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Target picked up by radar at 18,000 yards; target and escort
seen from bridge twenty minutes later. Reached attack position
10,000 yards ahead, 5,000 yards off base course on track after 7 1/2
hour end-around on surface. Surface attack made hour and a half
after sunset; night very dark; target sighted from bridge at 7,000
yards. Target not definitely identified - believed to be shallow
draft "Q" ship. Escort was small PC.

- 28 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 196 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth Patrol.

Attack FIVE.

| | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired | | | | | | |
| Track angle | 55 F | 55 F | 55 F | 55 F | 55 F | 55 F |
| Gyro angle | 018½° | 018° | 017½° | 015½° | 015½° | 017½° |
| Depth Set | 6' | 6' | 6' | 6' | 6' | 6' |
| Power | High | High | High | High | High | High |
| Torpedo Run | 2500 | 2500 | 2500 | 2500 | 2500 | 2500 |
| Hit or Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss |
| Erratic | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | 14-3A. | 14-3A. | 14-3A. | 14-3A. | 14-3A. | 14-3A. |
| Serial No. | 24528 | 26511 | 39686 | 40659 | 22768 | 40513 |
| Mark Exploder | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 |
| Serial No. | 25869 | 13532 | 26226 | 25917 | 25949 | 25973 |
| Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Mark Warhead | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 |
| Serial No. | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Explosive | TNT | TNT | TNT | TNT | TNT | TNT |
| Firing Interval | - | 9 sec. | 9 sec. | 9 sec. | 9 sec. | 9 sec. |
| Type Spread (Divergent) | 0°R | 1°L | 1°R | 3/4°L | 3/4°L | 1°L |
| Sea Condition | Force Three Sea from 140°T. |
| Overhaul Activity | Submarine Base, Midway |

- 29 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 196 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth Patrol.

Attack FIVE.

| | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired | | | | | | |
| Track angle | 55 F | 55 F | 55 F | 55 F | 55 F | 55 F |
| Gyro angle | 018½° | 018° | 017½° | 015½° | 015½° | 017½° |
| Depth Set | 6' | 6' | 6' | 6' | 6' | 6' |
| Power | High | High | High | High | High | High |
| Torpedo Run | 2500 | 2500 | 2500 | 2500 | 2500 | 2500 |
| Hit or Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss |
| Erratic | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | 14-3A. | 14-3A. | 14-3A. | 14-3A. | 14-3A. | 14-3A. |
| Serial No. | 24528 | 26511 | 39686 | 40659 | 22768 | 40513 |
| Mark Exploder | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 |
| Serial No. | 25869 | 13532 | 26226 | 25917 | 25949 | 25973 |
| Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Mark Warhead | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 |
| Serial No. | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Explosive | TNT | TNT | TNT | TNT | TNT | TNT |
| Firing Interval | - | 9 sec. | 9 sec. | 9 sec. | 9 sec. | 9 sec. |
| Type Spread (Divergent) | 0°R | 1°L | 1°R | 3/4°L | 3/4°L | 1°L |
| Sea Condition | Force Three Sea from 140°T. |
| Overhaul Activity | Submarine Base, Midway |

- 29 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 197 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.
One aircraft contact was made in the area.

(I) MINES.
No mines were encountered.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES and EVASIVE TACTICS.
We were undetected by the three escorts during the submerged approach on
29 May although sound conditions were excellent. One escort shifted to short
scale momentarily but never confirmed his contact.

The actions of the target on the night of 3 June following the attack
seem to indicate definitely that he was a Q-ship.

The marked increase in Jap radar equipped escorts makes surface
approaches increasingly hazardous although we were not detected during our
initial attack on the night of 29 May.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS and DAMAGE.
Hull and machinery.

Repo. of Fourth War Patrol.

1. All four main motors were rebrushed at last refit with USN S. 4590 Type
"O" brushes. Subsequently, on patrol chattering developed on the trailing
set of brushes of each rigging of all four main motors. This condition seem-
ed to develop while running for extended periods of time at two-thirds speed.
The chattering became aggravated to an extent that the shunts for four
individual brushes were cut completely in two by the brush spade.

In order to alleviate this condition, the motor commutators were swabbed
each watch with a c nvass roll. Such action kept chattering to a minimum but
did not eliminate it altogether.

The direct cause of this condition has not been determined. It was not the
result of poorly seated brushes, improper brush tension or of being out of
neutral plane. The only pertinent observations made were that chattering
increased with lower motor temperatures and slow speeds. At full speed there
was only a slight chattering and at flank it disappeared altogether. There
was sparking at no time.

2. While underway at flank speed at battle stations, No. 4 main engine
governor failed to bring the engine up to full speed and hold it under full
load. The fuel rack was jacked manually and speed maintained. The
faulty governor was replaced with the spare, and normal operation was resumed.
The replaced governor was checked out, and failure found to be in loss of oil
pressure from the pump through the ball check valve back to the sump.

-300-

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 197 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.
One aircraft contact was made in the area.

(I) MINES.
No mines were encountered.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES and EVASIVE TACTICS.
We were undetected by the three escorts during the submerged approach on
29 May although sound conditions were excellent. One escort shifted to short
scale momentarily but never confirmed his contact.

The actions of the target on the night of 3 June following the attack
seem to indicate definitely that he was a Q-ship.

The marked increase in Jap radar equipped escorts makes surface
approaches increasingly hazardous although we were not detected during our
initial attack on the night of 29 May.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS and DAMAGE.
Hull and machinery.

Repo. of Fourth War Patrol.

1. All four main motors were rebrushed at last refit with USN S. 4590 Type
"O" brushes. Subsequently, on patrol chattering developed on the trailing
set of brushes of each rigging of all four main motors. This condition seem-
ed to develop while running for extended periods of time at two-thirds speed.
The chattering became aggravated to an extent that the shunts for four
individual brushes were cut completely in two by the brush spade.

In order to alleviate this condition, the motor commutators were swabbed
each watch with a c nvass roll. Such action kept chattering to a minimum but
did not eliminate it altogether.

The direct cause of this condition has not been determined. It was not the
result of poorly seated brushes, improper brush tension or of being out of
neutral plane. The only pertinent observations made were that chattering
increased with lower motor temperatures and slow speeds. At full speed there
was only a slight chattering and at flank it disappeared altogether. There
was sparking at no time.

2. While underway at flank speed at battle stations, No. 4 main engine
governor failed to bring the engine up to full speed and hold it under full
load. The fuel rack was jacked manually and speed maintained. The
faulty governor was replaced with the spare, and normal operation was resumed.
The replaced governor was checked out, and failure found to be in loss of oil
pressure from the pump through the ball check valve back to the sump.

-300-

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 198 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

3. While underway on the surface at standard speed, two distinct shocks were
felt throughout the ship. The first shock was felt under the forward torpedo
room, and was followed by a second felt high on the starboard side aft.
Immediately afterwards a vibration developed in the after end of the ship
with a beat corresponding to propeller R.P.M.'s.

On running submerged over two-thirds speed, the vibration was accentuated
by an audible thump, and augmented by a rough squealing sound. The squeal
subsequently disappeared, however the vibration persisted.

There is no indication of a damaged shaft, but it is believed that in addition
to damage to the starboard screw some derangement has occurred in the star-
board strut bearings.

4. While operating in cold waters where the injection temperature averaged
about 32°, considerable condensation was experienced on the after torpedo
room deck. At present the steel deck, which is the top of No. 7 main ballast
tank and after trim, is covered by one layer of linoleum. Since linoleum is
a poor insulator and the temperature difference between the water in the
tanks and the air in the room is about 40°F the moisture in the air quickly
condenses in large quantities.

This condition results in a very unhealthy living quarters for the sixteen
people sleeping in this compartment. Four of the sixteen people are sleeping
in the lower bunks which are just a few inches over the deck.

Every effort was made to keep condensation down by directing the output of
the heaters along the deck and continually wiping down the deck when the water
became too bad.

It is recommended that the linoleum be lifted and about one inch of good
insulation material (a commercial product of proper design can undoubtedly be
found) be placed on the tank top and the linoleum replaced.

Ordnance and Gunnery.

1. Since the start of the second patrol of this vessel No. 7 torpedo tube has
vibrated while cruising on the surface at speeds greater than standard. The
vibration has become progressively worse until at present the vibration is
easily visible. The cause of the vibration has not yet been determined.
Because of this vibration there is a possibility that the tube is out of alignment.
Damage to the bulkheads in after trim tank, through which the tube passes, to
the extent of rupture, may take place as a result of this vibration.

(L). RADIO.

Less enemy jamming was experienced than on previous patrols. Reception
of the schedules was satisfactory on both 6045 Kc and 9050 Kc, but the double
keying from Guam on the 9050 Kc frequency sometimes offered a "double echo"
which hampered copying.

- 31 -
ENCLOSURE (A).

— page 198 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

3. While underway on the surface at standard speed, two distinct shocks were
felt throughout the ship. The first shock was felt under the forward torpedo
room, and was followed by a second felt high on the starboard side aft.
Immediately afterwards a vibration developed in the after end of the ship
with a beat corresponding to propeller R.P.M.'s.

On running submerged over two-thirds speed, the vibration was accentuated
by an audible thump, and augmented by a rough squealing sound. The squeal
subsequently disappeared, however the vibration persisted.

There is no indication of a damaged shaft, but it is believed that in addition
to damage to the starboard screw some derangement has occurred in the star-
board strut bearings.

4. While operating in cold waters where the injection temperature averaged
about 32°, considerable condensation was experienced on the after torpedo
room deck. At present the steel deck, which is the top of No. 7 main ballast
tank and after trim, is covered by one layer of linoleum. Since linoleum is
a poor insulator and the temperature difference between the water in the
tanks and the air in the room is about 40°F the moisture in the air quickly
condenses in large quantities.

This condition results in a very unhealthy living quarters for the sixteen
people sleeping in this compartment. Four of the sixteen people are sleeping
in the lower bunks which are just a few inches over the deck.

Every effort was made to keep condensation down by directing the output of
the heaters along the deck and continually wiping down the deck when the water
became too bad.

It is recommended that the linoleum be lifted and about one inch of good
insulation material (a commercial product of proper design can undoubtedly be
found) be placed on the tank top and the linoleum replaced.

Ordnance and Gunnery.

1. Since the start of the second patrol of this vessel No. 7 torpedo tube has
vibrated while cruising on the surface at speeds greater than standard. The
vibration has become progressively worse until at present the vibration is
easily visible. The cause of the vibration has not yet been determined.
Because of this vibration there is a possibility that the tube is out of alignment.
Damage to the bulkheads in after trim tank, through which the tube passes, to
the extent of rupture, may take place as a result of this vibration.

(L). RADIO

Less enemy jamming was experienced than on previous patrols. Reception
of the schedules was satisfactory on both 6045 Kc and 9050 Kc, but the double
keying from Guam on the 9050 Kc frequency sometimes offered a "double echo"
which hampered copying.

- 31 -

ENCLOSURE (A).

— page 199 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL

Report Fourth War Patrol.

Ship to shore frequency was chosen in accordance with IRPL. Two
messages were transmitted to ComSubSFac using 12705 kc and no difficulty was
encountered.

HF communication was held to a minimum and there were few chances to
observe its efficiency. At a range of 15 miles the signals were weak but
readable.

The area frequencies still are loaded with enemy transmissions. When
the new standard Safplan frequency was tuned in on 1 June the Japs already
were using it.

(M) RADAR.

The SJ and SD radars gave satisfactory performances and watchful
maintenance prevented any casualties.

(N) SOUND CONDITIONS.

Sound conditions in the area varied from excellent to poor. An unidenti-
fied ship at about 51-01 N, 155-36 E, was picked up on both JP and JK at an
estimated range of over 20 miles. The convoy at 47-08 N, 145-09 E, was not
detected by the supersonic gear until the range closed to less than 3,000
yards. The escorts of this group echo ranged on 15 kc and 12 kc.

The usual volcanic disturbance and fish noises were present.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS.

Iso-thermal conditions were encountered, there being three exceptions.

(a) On 26 May 1945 a four degree negative gradient developed between 40
and 80 feet at 49-30.5 N, 148-26 E.
(b) On 30 May 1945 a six degree negative gradient developed between 80
and 120 feet at 47-09 N, 145-09 E.
(c) On 31 May 1945 a three degree negative gradient developed between 80
and 120 feet at 47-25 N, 148-51 E.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND SANITATION.

Food was well prepared. The following items were not available to
submarines at Midway: soda crackers, grits, dried sliced beef, fruit salad,
lobster and crabmeat, rye flour, horseradish, cranberry sauce, cheese spread,
and fresh frozen fruit.
Following items were available in insufficient quantities: canned pork
and beans, mushrooms, Avoset, canned soup, and fresh frozen vegetables. In
addition, the eggs and butter provided showed signs of approaching senility and
all beef was definitely grade B.

- 32 -

ENCLOSURE (..)

— page 199 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
                                                                Report ( ) Fourth War Patrol.

        Ship to shore frequency was chosen in accordance with IRPL. Two
        messages were transmitted to ComSubSFac using 12705 kc and no difficulty was
        encountered.

        Fm communication was held to a minimum and there were few chances to
        observe its efficiency. At a range of 15 miles the signals were weak but
        readable.

        The Jap frequencies still are loaded with enemy transmissions. When
        the new standard Safplan frequency was tuned in on 1 June the Japs already
        were using it.

(M) RADAR.

        The SJ and SD radars gave satisfactory performances and watchful
        maintenance prevented any casualties.

(N) SOUND CONDITIONS.

        Sound conditions in the area varied from excellent to poor. An unidenti-
        fied ship at about 51-01 N, 155-36 E, was picked up on both JP and JK at an
        estimated range of over 20 miles. The convoy at 47-08 N, 145-09 E, was not
        detected by the supersonic gear until the range closed to less than 3,000
        yards. The escorts of this group echo ranged on 15 kc and 12 kc.

        The usual volcanic disturbance and fish noises were present.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS.

        Iso-thermal conditions were encountered, there being three exceptions.

        (a) On 26 May 1945 a four degree negative gradient developed between 40
            and 80 feet at 49-30.5 N, 148-26 E.
        (b) On 30 May 1945 a six degree negative gradient developed between 80
            and 120 feet at 47-09 N, 145-09 E.
        (c) On 31 May 1945 a three degree negative gradient developed between 80
            and 100 feet at 47-25 N, 148-51 E.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND UTILITY.

        Food was well prepared. The following items were not available to
        submarines at Midway: soda crackers, Grits, Dried sliced beef, Fruit salad,
        lobster and crabmeat, Rye flour, Horseradish, Cranberry sauce, Cheese spread,
        and fresh frozen fruit.
        Following items were available in insufficient quantities: Canned pork
        and beans, Canned soup, Avoset, Mushrooms, Tea, Fresh frozen vegetables. In
        addition, the eggs and butter provided showed signs of approaching senility and
        all beef was definitely grade B.

                                                                ENCLOSURE (..)
                                - 32 -

— page 200 —
U.S.S. STURLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL

Report Fourth Patrol.

The general health of the crew was excellent in spite of the cold weather.
Four minor lacerations and one second degree burn were the only injuries
worthy of note. A total of eight duty days was lost as a result of three
cases of catarrhal fever.

Habitability was good in all compartments except the after torpedo room.
While submerged, excessive condensation made this compartment damp and
uncomfortable.

Special winter clothing provided for this patrol was excellent. Each
member of the crew was issued two pair of Army wool trousers, two wool shirts
and one Army wool quilt. The wool clothing, with the regular issue winter
clothing, provided adequate even in the coldest weather. The wool clothing was
especially good, doing away with the need for jackets and heavy sweaters
when not actually topside. The Army quilts provided as much warmth as two
regulation blankets. The issue of this special clothing is highly recommended
for all submarines making patrols in the Polar Circuit. The all rubber short
arctic mitten was poor. A straight two finger split mitten would be much better.

(Q) PERSONNEL.

(a) Number of men detached after previous patrol . . . . . 12
(b) Number of men on board during patrol . . . . . . . 77 *
(c) Number of men qualified at start of patrol . . . . . 56
(d) Number of men qualified at end of patrol . . . . . . 66
(e) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol. 10
* Includes one Photographer's Mate attached for special duty.

The conduct of all hands, both officers and men was of the highest order.
Especial credit is due the engineers who made our escape possible on the
night of 29 January by setting a new STURLET speed record.

Ensign L. M. ANDERSON, for the second patrol, conducted Divine Services
on each Sunday.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED.

Midway to area . . . . . . . 2,121 miles 22,220 gals.
In Area 6,263 miles 54,200 gals.
Area to Midway . . . . . . . 2,300 miles 23,040 gals.
Total 10,684 miles 99,460 gals.

(S) DURATION.

Days enroute Midway to area . . . . . . . 7
Days in area 28
Days enroute area to Midway . . . . . . . 6
Days submerged 7½

- 33 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 200 —
U.S.S. STURLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

The general health of the crew was excellent in spite of the cold weather.
Four minor lacerations and one second degree burn were the only injuries
worthy of note. A total of eight duty days was lost as a result of three
cases of catarrhal fever.

Habitability was good in all compartments except the after torpedo room.
While submerged, excessive condensation made this compartment damp and
uncomfortable.

Special winter clothing provided for this patrol was excellent. Each
member of the crew was issued two pair of Army wool trousers, two wool shirts
and one Army wool quilt. The wool clothing, with the regular issue winter
clothing, proved adequate even in the coldest weather. The wool clothing was
especially good, doing away with the need for jackets and heavy sweaters
when not actually topside. The Army quilts provided as much warmth as two
regulation blankets. The issue of this special clothing is highly recommended
for all submarines making patrols in the Polar Circuit. The all rubber short
arctics were excellent. The two finger split mitten is poor. A straight
mitten would be much better.

(Q) PERSONNEL.
(a) Number of men detached after previous patrol . . . 12
(b) Number of men on board during patrol . . . . . . 77 *
(c) Number of men qualified at start of patrol . . . . 56
(d) Number of men qualified at end of patrol . . . . . 66
(e) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol. 10
* Includes one Photographer's Mate attached for special duty.

The conduct of all hands, both officers and men was of the highest order.
Especial credit is due the engineers who made our escape possible on the
night of 29 January by setting a new STURLET speed record.

Ensign L. M. ANDERSON, for the second patrol, conducted Divine Services
on each Sunday.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED.
Midway to area . . . . . . . 2,121 miles 22,220 gals.
In Area 6,263 miles 54,200 gals.
Area to Midway . . . . . . . 2,300 miles 23,040 gals.
Total 10,684 miles 99,460 gals.

(S) DURATION.
Days enroute Midway to area . . . . . . 7
Days in area 28
Days enroute area to Midway . . . . . . 6
Days submerged 7½

- 33 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 201 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392,
CONFIDENTIAL
(T) FACTORS OF PUBLIC RELATIONS.
                                                                Report of Fourth War Patrol.

        Torpedoes             Fuel                 Provisions           Personnel Factor
        1                     17,960 gals.         20 days              20 days
Limiting factor of this patrol: expenditure of Torpedoes.

(U) COMMUNICATION, RADAR and SONAR COUNTERMEASURES.

        Radar Countermeasures.

        Three enemy land based radar intercepts during this patrol; consisting of
two Mark 11 and one Mark 13. One Mark 11 and one Mark 13 intercepted May 7,
at Lat. 47-54 N, Lon. 153-54 E. Both radars are believed to be on Matsuwa,
though no Mark 13 is listed in R.C.A. for this area. Both radars are direct-
ional with no unusual characteristics. The third land based intercept, also
a Mark 11, on May 12, at Lat. 50-51 N, Lon. 149-46 E, on the island of
Onoketan. It was directional, sweeping about one RPM.

        Two shipboard radars were intercepted during an attack on an enemy convoy
at Lat. 46-36 N, Lon. 144-22 E. The first was of a type similar to Mark 13, of
following characteristics: Freq. 155 mc. P.R.F. 500, P.W. .5 us. Pulse width
was shorter than previous shipboard intercepts of radar during last patrol.
Irregular rotation of antenna indicated probable hand
training. This radar may be of variable power type, or
as our first contact was at 7,000 yards. However we closed in with the target
and an APR has an 80 degree dead area. No indication was noted
during 10 hour tracking period during daylight at a range of 30,000 yards.
Signal increased gradually as we closed from 7,000 yards, causing a saturation
pip at 3,000 yards. This radar was apparently installed on one of two
freighters as it ceased abruptly after first torpedoes hit. There was no
indication that we were picked up by this radar.

        The second shipboard intercept, during same attack, was enemy 10 cm, first
definitely observed at a range of 7,000 yards, in the form of interference on
the SJ. A beam proved that it was installed on the trailing escort of the
convoy. We were not picked up by this radar until immediately after the first
torpedoes hit. Then the radar was trained on us continuously till our range
opened to 8,000 yards where it apparently lost us. There was no indication
of this radar searching in our direction before the attack.

        Distinctive features noted on SJ scope were: Unable to get less than two
pulses of interference by varying our pulse rate, but could stop those two on
screen at one point near center of our pulse rate control. These two pulses
were about 100 yards apart on SJ screen. Interference pulses were about three
quarters of saturation at 3,000 yards. Tops of pulses were sharply pointed
and appeared as shown below with pulse rate matched.

[HANDWRITTEN: (drawing of radar pulses)]
On expanded sweep - [HANDWRITTEN: (drawing of radar pulses)] 'On precision sweep - [HANDWRITTEN: (drawing of radar pulses)]

                                                                - 34 -
                                                                ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 202 —
U.S.S. STURLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fourth War Patrol.

Beam width appeared quite narrow as the interference crossed our
bearing back and forth. It was possible to get accurate bearings on the inter-
ference out to 5,000 yards by lobing with our radar with sync pulse cable
disconnected. Beyond this range interference was too weak. Listening to
this radar on SJ disclosed only a peculiar clicking noise and no indication of
pulse rate. No minor lobes were apparent. No indication of
movement on its antenna.
Lost interference about 10,000 yards.

First contact of 10 cm radar was made on the A.P.R. with T-4 when radar
trained directly on us at 2,800 yards. This indicates our need for an effic-
ient antenna for T-4. The following characteristics were observed on this
radar with A.P.R. and S.P.; Freq. 3030 mc., P.R.F. 1500, P.W. 3 us.
Irregular rotation indicated probable hand training. No indication of lobing.
Pulse rate measured 1500 but audible signal was smoother than our SJ, possibly
due to wider pulse width. Signal became weak when put astern at 2,000 yards,
and was lost on A.P.R. at 4,000 yards.

Communication Countermeasures.
None.

Sonar Countermeasures.
None.

(V) [UNCLEAR: A.I.S.]
None.

- 35 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 203 —
U.S.S. STURLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                        Report of Fourth War Patrol

                                                                ATTACK 1 & 1A
                                                                MAY 29th.

A - Larger AK
B - Smaller AK
C - Escort
D - Escort
E - Escort

                                                                E
                                                                300 yds.
                                                                B

                                                                A
                                                                1,100 yds.

                                                                3,000 yds.
                                                                D

                                                                4,100 yds.
                                                                C
                                                                2,000 yds. C

                                                                Airo isaki
                                                                (40 miles)

                                                                Naka
                                                                Shiretoko
                                                                (50 miles)

                                        - 36 -

                                                                ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 204 —
FF12-10/A16-3(18) SU ARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET ps
Serial 0120 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
7 February 1946.
CONFIDENTIAL

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Chief of Naval Operations.
Via : The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of Fourth War
Patrol.

Reference: (a) ComSubPac third end. FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
serial 01554 of 22 June 1945.

1. In a night surface attack on the two largest targets
of a convoy consisting of two medium freighters and three escorts,
STERLET observed one of the targets to sink and the other to be
damaged. The attack took place in position 46-36 N, 144-22 E on
29 May 1945. A total of six torpedoes were fired from the bow
tubes in this attack, for two hits in each target. At 2246 four
torpedoes were fired at an escort and despite two torpedo explosions
no damage was observed, none claimed and none credited.

2. Reliable intelligence, subsequently received, clearly
indicates that as a result of STERLET's first attack on this date
the TENRYO MARU of 2,231 tons was sunk and that as a consequence
of her attack on the escort the ODD KURETAKE of 820 tons was sunk.
Accordingly, reference (a) is modified as follows:

(a) Delete all after the word "patrol" in the second sentence
of paragraph 4 and substitute therefor:

SUNK
1 - AK (TENRYO MARU) 2,231 tons
1 - ODD (KURETAKE) (ODD 24) 820 tons
TOTAL SUNK 3,051 tons

DAMAGED
1 - AK 5,000 tons
TOTAL DAMAGED 5,000 tons

TOTAL SUNK & DAMAGED 8,051 tons

[STAMP: RECEIVED SC FILES]
[STAMP: Room 2066]
[HANDWRITTEN: ROUTE TO: O-3]
[STAMP: 25 FEB 1946]
[STAMP: File No. (SC) FF12-10/A16-3/SS392]
[STAMP: Doc. No. 196840]
[STAMP: Copy No. 13]
[STAMP: Encl. No. of 14]
[STAMP: Page No. of]

Frank T. Watkins
Chief of Staff.

distribution and authentication
on next page. - 1 -

— page 205 —
FF12-10/A16-3(18)
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 0120
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
CONFIDENTIAL
7 February 1946.
Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of Fourth War
Patrol.

DISTRIBUTION:
CNO (12)
Cincpac (6)
JICPOA (1)
Comservpac (1)
CincLant (1)
ComSubLant (3)
S/M School, NL (2)
S/M Base, PH (2)
Comsopac (1)
ComSubsPhilSeaFron (1)
Comnorpac (2)
Comsubpac (4)
SUBAD, MI (1)
ALL Squadron and Div. (40)
Comdrs. Pacific (2)
ComSubOpTraGr (2)
ALL Submarines, Pacific (5)
Comdr. H. H. Lewis, USNR (1)

[HANDWRITTEN: W. B. Sicglaff]
W. B. Sicglaff
Commander, USN,
Flag Secretary.
ps

— page 206 —
FB5-242/A16-3
Serial # 016
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO FORTY TWO
Care of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California,
14 June 1945.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT
USS STERLET (SS392)
Report of War Patrol #4
SS392/A16-3 Serial 017
dated 10 June 1945.

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

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

1. The fourth war patrol of the U.S.S. STERLET was conducted in the
OKHOTSK SEA - KURILE Island Area. The STERLET was one of five (5) submarines in
a coordinated search and attack group consisting of the PIPER, PLAICE, POMFRET,
SEA POACHER and STERLET, with the Commanding Officer of the PIPER, Commander
B. F. Mc MAHON, U. S. Navy, as Group Commander. This patrol was of forty-three
(43) days duration, twenty-eight (28) of which were spent in the assigned area.

2. Fourteen (14) worthwhile torpedo targets were contacted. Nine (9)
of these contacts were properly marked RUSSIAN ships, and one (1) other uniden-
tified contact was probably RUSSIAN. Two (2) contacts the STERLET was unable to
gain an attack position. The remaining two (2) contacts developed into five (5)
aggressive torpedo attacks:

TORPEDO ATTACK NUMBERS 1 and 1A - 29 May 1945

This was a night surface radar attack on a convoy consisting of
two (2) medium AK's and three (3) escorts, PF class (EC). Contact was made in
the afternoon and a submerged attack commenced. This attack was broken off, when
a last minute zig of the target presented an unfavorable solution. One (1) hour
and twenty (20) minutes later the STERLET surfaced and commenced an end-around.
Five (5) hours and fifty-three (53) minutes later the STERLET again reached an
attack position on the surface and three (3) each Mark 14-3A torpedoes were
fired from the bow tubes at the two (2) AK's. Four (4) hits were observed, two
in each target. Eleven (11) minutes later the smaller AK was seen to sink.

TORPEDO ATTACK NUMBER 2 - 29 May 1945

Eighteen (18) minutes after the first attack four (4) Mark 18-1's
were fired from the stern tubes at one of the escorts (PF UN-1 KAIBOKAN class
frigate (EU). Torpedo run 2100 yards, 40° port track, 9° R gyro, depth set on
torpedoes 4 feet. All torpedoes missed, because of probable errors in firing
data. The STERLET then pulled out for reload. This required nineteen (19)
minutes and the STERLET headed in again to polish off the damaged freighter, which
was now dead in the water, down by the stern and partially enveloped in smoke.
However, before reaching firing position, target was shifted to one of the escorts
passing between STERLET and AK.

- 1 -

— page 209 —
FC5-24/A16-3
Serial: 0125

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) Report
of War Patrol No. 4, SS392/
A16-3, Serial 017, dated
10 June, 1945.

From:
To :
Via :

Subject:

1.
Commander Submarine Division TWO FORTY TWO.

2.
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR
11/Kn
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
14 June, 1945.

The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-FOUR.
The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
Administration.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet.

U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of War Patrol
Number FOUR.

Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the

The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-FOUR con-
gratulates the Commanding Officer, officers and men of the STERLET upon
the completion of STERLET's fourth patrol and upon the damage inflicted
on the enemy as the result of persistent and aggressive attacks.

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

— page 210 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18, SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET 0383 1d
Serial 01554
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
22 June 1945

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
STERLET Report of
Fourth War Patrol.

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

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 788
U.S.S. STERLET - 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. STERLET (SS392) - Report of Fourth War Patrol
(29 April to 10 June 1945).

1. The fourth war patrol of the STERLET, under the com-
mand of Lieutenant Commander H. H. Lewis, U. S. Naval Reserve, was
conducted in the Kurile Islands--Sea of Okhotsk area. The STERLET
was part of a coordinated attack group which also included the
U.S.S. POMFRET, U.S.S. PIPER, U.S.S. PLAICE, U.S.S. SEA POACHER,
with the commanding officer of the PIPER as task group commander.

2. Area coverage was good. One medium freighter was sunk
and another medium freighter was damaged in an aggressive night sur-
face attack. The alert action of the escorts prevented the STERLET
from completing the task of sinking the damaged ship. It is prob-
able that the torpedoes under ran the possible "Q" ship and escort
encountered on 3 June.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congra-
tulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew of the STERLET
upon the completion of this arduous, well conducted and productive
patrol. The STERLET is credited with having inflicted the following
damage to the enemy during this patrol:

S-U-N-K

1 - Medium Freighter (EC) - 4,000 tons (Attack No. 1)

D-A-M-A-G-E-D

1 - Medium Freighter (EC) - 5,000 tons (Attack No. 1)
TOTAL SUNK & DAMAGED - 9,000 tons [STAMP: EXTRA]
[STAMP: ORIGINAL]
[STAMP: SORG.]
[STAMP: MICRO]
[STAMP: PHOTO LAB]
[STAMP: OP-16]
[STAMP: RETURN TO F-4253]

Distribution and authentication
on following page.
- 1 - E. E. YEOMANS.

— page 212 —
SS392/A16-3
Serial (026 )

U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: apq/R] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 4/19/22]

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392).
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division Two Hundred Forty Two.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron Twenty Four.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) The Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

Enclosures: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track Chart (ComSubsPac only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the fifth war patrol of this vessel
conducted in Kii Suido-Bungo Suido Area during the period 5 July 1945 to 23
August 1945, is forwarded herewith.

H.M. LEWIS.

[STAMP: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 158985]

— page 213 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                                              Report of
(A) PROLOGUE.

     Arrived Midway, T.H. 10 June 1945 from Fourth War Patrol for refit. Normal
refit accomplished by Submarine Division 241 and ASR-14. All items were satis-
factorily completed. Following major alterations were accomplished:
     1. Installation of ST radar.
     2. Installation of D.C.D.T.
     3. Installation of T.D.I. equipment.

     Bent starboard propellor was replaced.

     While undergoing refit the following changes in officer personnel took place:

     Lieut. D.H. SHARP, U.S.N.R. - Detached.
     Ens. P.G. REA, U.S.N.     - Detached.
     Ens. W.B. RANKIN, U.S.N.R. - Reported.
     Ens. R.E. TURBERGEN, U.S.N.R. - Reported.

     Received four (4) days of excellent training with Commander J.L. DAVIS, U.S.N.,
Commander Submarine Division 242, as training officer. Fired eleven (11) practice
torpedoes and held three (3) battle surface firings. Also received training in the
use of special weapons.

     Readiness for sea date 5 July 1945.

(B) NARRATIVE.

     The below named Officers and Chief Petty Officers served on board during the
STERLET's Fifth War Patrol.

                                                              NUMBER OF WAR PATROLS
          NAME                                                (Exclusive of this patrol).

Lt.Cdr. H.H. LEWIS, U.S.N.                                            7
Lt. E.C. BARNHARDT, III, U.S.N.                                       4
Lt. H.R. BINGHAM, U.S.N.R.                                            2
Lt. D.E. HORST, U.S.N.                                                5
Lt.(jg) W.R. WRIGHT, U.S.N.R.                                         4
Lt.(jg) A.L. EMMY, U.S.N.R.                                           3
Lt.(jg) M.E. ANDERSEN, U.S.N.R.                                       2
Ens. W.B. RANKIN, U.S.N.R.                                            0
Ens. R.E. TURBERGEN, U.S.N.R. *                                       0
Ens. F.S. WHITING, U.S.N.R. #                                         0

FRANCOEUR, J.L.G., CMoM, U.S.N.                                       9
GUSTAFSON, R.T., CPhM, U.S.N.                                         4
KENNEDALLY, J.F., CMoM, U.S.N.                                        4
MCDONALD, J.H., CSM, U.S.N.                                           6
MELLADOR, L.F., CMoM, U.S.N.                                          3
SHUTT, R.A., CCS, U.S.N.                                              8
WALLACE, C.A., CPhM, U.S.N.                                           2
* Detached in Guam for medical treatment.             # Reported in Guam.

                                  - 1 -                               ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 214 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)                                 Report of Fifth War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

5 July   1600(Y) Underway on Fifth War Patrol, enroute GUAM, M.I. in accordance
                 with C.T.G. 17.5 Operation Order # 23-45, and in company with
                 U.S.S. SAIDANGA (SS 382).

                 Enroute GUAM, made daily trim and training dives and conducted
                 tracking and communication drills with SAIDANGA.

6 July   Omitted. Crossed International Date Line.

7 July   1200(M) Posit. Lat. 26-32 N, Long. 178-18 E.
8 July   1200(L) Posit. Lat. 24-11 N, Long. 172-49 E.
9 July   1200(L) Posit. Lat. 21-43 N, Long. 167-41 E.

                 2105(L) Sent STERLET first to C.T.G. 17.7.

10 July  1200(L) Posit. Lat. 20-22 N, Long. 162-13 E.
11 July  1200(L) Posit. Lat. 19-04 N, Long. 156-31 E.
12 July  1200(K) Posit. Lat. 18-01 N, Long. 150-00 E.
13 July  1200(K) Posit. Lat. 16-54 N, Long. 144-56 E.

                 1902(K) Exchanged signals with U.S.S. PINTADO via SJ.

14 July  0630(K) Made rendezvous with escort, SC 669, PINTADO and POGY, and
                 proceeded in company.

                 1023(K) Moored to U.S.S. SPERRY, APRA HARBOR, GUAM, M.I. Topped off
                 with fuel and provisions, and received voyage repairs.

15 July  1500(K) Underway on Fifth War Patrol in accordance with CSP Operation
                 Order # 150-45.

16 July  0527(K) Dived for trim.

                 0623(K) Sighted masts of four ships.

                 0637(K) Exchanged recognition signals by blinker with U.S.S. LA SON
                 (DD 367) who was escorting two LST's and a small AK, southbound.

                 1200(K) Posit. Lat. 16-56 N, Long. 143-50 E.

                 1400(K) Set clocks back one hour. All times hereafter will be IT K
                 unless otherwise noted.

                 2225 Radar interference, appears to be SJ.

                 2325 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S. submarine, unable to
                 identify.

17 July  0040 Exchanged recognition signals with S.W. C I via SJ.
         0230 Exchanged signals with SPOT via SJ.

                                       - 2 -                               ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 215 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)                                                              Rep O el.
CONFIDENTIAL

0439        Made 30 minute trim dive.

0606        Sighted shears of friendly submarine southbound. Unable to
            exchange signals, but probably TIRANTE.

1110        Sighted empty oil drum. Held target practice with .50 calibre
            and 40 mm.

1200        Posit. Lat. 20-26 N, Long. 140-31 E.

18 July 0155        O.O.D. sighted green flare apparently close aboard.

0200        Fired one green Verys light to see what would happen and to let
            bridge personnel see what one looked like. No response.

0426        Made 30 minute trim dive.

0830        Sighted single B-29 headed NW.

1200        Posit. Lat. 24-37 N, Long. 139-43 E.

1343        Aircraft 12 miles - I.F.F.

1858        Aircraft 18 miles - I.F.F.

1942        Received ComSubsPac dispatch assigning STERLET to Lifeguard
            League.

19 July 0323        Radar interference, 290°T - Appears SG.

0415        Exchanged recognition signals via flashing light with U.S.S. GAGE
            (DD 370).

0425        Dived for trim.

0455        Surfaced.

0520        Sighted PBY - 7 miles.

0930        Sighted periscope (S-1), turned away at flank.

0933        Dived to listen with all sound gear, no contacts.

1030        Surfaced.

1200        Posit. Lat. 29-15 N, Long. 139-49 E.

1450        Sighted SOFU GAN (LOTS LIFE) through high periscope.

2319        On lifeguard station. Contact with many B-29's enroute target
            (SAIPAN).

                                                                ENCLOSURE (A)
                                    - 3 -

— page 216 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fifth War Patrol.

20 July 0000-0100 Set all clocks ahead one hour to Zone minus ten (Daylight
                 Savings) time. All times here after will be KING.
         0215 Made contact with C.P.
         0500 All planes apparently have returned. No assignment. Released
                 C.P.
         0533 Dived.
         0605 Surfaced. Headed for HACHIJO JIMA.
         0855 Passed lifejacket (Mae West) close aboard, empty.
         1200 Posit. Lat. 31-43 N, Long. 140-47 E.
         2040 TDC contact, single; a good trace but nothing seen in phosphoresc-
                 ence. No previous contacts. Evaded on surface.
         2230 Received CSP dispatch directing STERLET to take station for
                 fighter strike 21 July. Station assigned is way out in left
                 field and we are 200 miles away. Headed towards at full.

21 July 0100 Fighter mission postponed 24 hours. Slowed to 2/3 speed.
         0506 Dived. Went to test depth for bathythermograph reading.
         0625 Surfaced. Headed for TORI SHIMA.
         1010 SD contact, 9 miles, no I.F.F.
         1012 Dived with plane at 5 miles, closing.
         1127 Surfaced.
         1200 Posit. Lat. 31-00 N, Long. 140-13 E.
         1320 Sighted two PRIVATTERS, southbound. Spoke to them on V.H.F.
         1400 Circled TORI SHIMA at a range of about three thousand yards.
                 Took several pictures but they did not bother us. Only
                 sign of activity is on the northwestern slope, where we sighted
                 several buildings, observation posts and radar installation.
                 Position of the radar is Lat. 30-26.8 N, Long. 140-21.6 E. This
                 is a 155 mc, 500 FM air search installation. Targets are too
                 high up the slope for our guns, but would be a soft touch for the
                 bombs as they are not well camouflaged. Also sighted several
                 landing barges on the single small beach.
         1615 Received CSP dispatch which said that strike had been cancelled,
                 but directed us to remain on lifeguard station in order to be
                 clear of Task Force 38.

                                 - 4 -
                                                                 ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 217 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392,
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fifth War Patrol.

22 July 0518 Dived on lifeguard station. Since there is no strike decided to
          remain submerged to conserve fuel and work on engines for part of
          the day.
     1200 Posit. Lat. 30-04 N, Long. 140-46 E.
     1304 Surfaced.
     1732 Dived.
     2000 Surfaced.
23 July 0225 Aircraft 19 miles - I.F.F.
     0510 Dived for trim.
     1010 Aircraft 9 miles - sighted PRIVATEER at 6 miles.
     1200 Posit. Lat. 29-54 N, Long. 140-35 E.
     1205 Sighted PRIVATEER from bridge - Spoke on V.H.F.
     1306 Received CSP dispatch assigning station for Mustang strike on
          KYUSHU 24 and 25 July.
     2100 Plane contact 19 miles - I.F.F. - Contacted on V.H.F. as he closed.
24 July 0057 Radar interference bearing 350°T.
     0145 Exchanged calls with U.S.S. SPRINGER.
     0259 Lost contact with SPRINGER.
     0527 Dived for trim.
     0607 Surfaced. Numerous A.C. contacts throughout day, all friendly.
     1114 B-29 cover rendezvoused with us.
     1200 Posit. Lat. 32-26 N, Long. 138-31 E.
     1405 C.P. departed for base.
     1726 Dived.
     2024 Surfaced.
25 July 0045 Received CSP dispatch giving assignments for today's strike.
     0542 Dived for trim.
     1120 Plane contact with JUKEBOX 71 - He is not our cover.

- 3 -
ENCLOSURE (A).

— page 218 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fifth War Patrol.

1200 Posit. Lat. 32-32 N, Long. 138-31 E. Made contact with many
     friendly planes throughout day, but our CAP did not show.

1640 Sighted sheers of U.S. submarine.

1653 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. P.I.C.O, the submarine
     with the SUPER long range radar.

26 July 0017 Received CSP dispatch assigning stations for bomber mission nite
     26-27 July. Our station is over 300 miles from our present
     position. Made contacts throughout the night with many planes,
     some with and some without I.F.F., but all apparently
     friendly.

0400 Plane contact 21 miles, I.F.F.

0748 Plane contact 14 miles, I.F.F.

1148 Plane contact 10 miles, I.F.F.

1200 Posit. Lat. 32-28 N, Long. 137-32 E.

1230 Sighted sheers of friendly submarine.

1232 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. CITY ROADS.

1446 Received report of downed flier in raft about 30 miles from us.
     Report, sent via 4475 kcs, was from orbiting P.I.V.A.T.

1447 Sent UP 1630 king and headed towards making full power.

1633 Picked up Sub Lieut. D.W. PARKS, RNZNVR, of H.M.S. INDEFATIGABLE.
     Posit. Lat. 32-53 N, Long. 136-33 E. He had been in water for
     two and one half days. Was slightly bruised and sunburned, but
     in very good condition. This was an excellent example of effective
     air coordination. Communications were excellent; the position
     reported was extremely accurate and when we reached the position
     all but three planes (two PRIVATEERS and a B-17) were orbiting
     the downed man.

1830 Sent STERLET first to I O liaison officer reporting pickup.

1830 Sighted rusty floating mine. Attempts to sink or detonate it
     were unsuccessful.

1925 Sent STERLET second to ComSubSpac reporting pickup.

2058 Radar interference bearing 290°T.

2101 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. P.I.C.O.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 219 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)                                       Report of Fifth War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

27 July 0028 Radar landfall on MUROTO MISAKI, 110,000 yards.
           0258 Exchanged recognition signals with JULLOCK 30, our cover for
                strike. We are two hours late because of pickup, but no calls for
                us.
           0415 Lost contact with CAP.
           0545 Dived for trim.
           0622 Surfaced.
           1015 Received message from ComSubsPac saying serial two would not break
                and ordering us to try again.
           1200 Posit. Lat. 33-00 N, Long. 133-55 E.
           1245 Re-transmitted STERLET serial two to ComSubsPac.
           1452 Received CSP dispatch directing us to lifeguard station at
                entrance to KII SUIDO for carrier based aircraft on 28 July.
           1713 Sighted MUROTO SAKI light distance 12 miles.
           1858 Dived.
           1915 Raised periscope. Sighted mine # 2 close aboard. Lowered
                periscope.
           2045 Surfaced. Headed for lifeguard station.
           2226 Received CSP dispatch assigning lifeguard station for B-29 strike
                28-29 July.

28 July 0035 SJ radar interference at 130°. Never got close enough to
                exchange signals but probably SHAD and TORO.
           0541 Dived on station.
           0625 Surfaced with AC contact 10 miles, I.F.F.
           0641 Rendezvoused with four plane fighter cover.
           0945 CAP relieved.
           1130 Received report of Yellowjacket. He plots inside 100 fathom
                curve, well in towards KII SUIDO. Headed towards at flank.
           1140 CAP relieved. Sent old CAP and two planes of new to search ahead.
           1200 Posit. Lat. 33-27 N, Long. 135-08 E.

                                       - 7 -                                       ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 220 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)                                     Report of Fifth War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

1207     CAF now orbiting man. They have dropped Goodyear.

1257     Picked up Sub Lieut. J.C. WELLS, RNVR, a fighter pilot attached to
         U.S.S. FORMIDABLE (Posit. Lat. 33-43 N, Long. 134-57 E). He had
         been in water about one and one half hours but was uninjured.

1330     CAF relieved.

1411     Sighted TOTO in high periscope.

1730     CAF departed for base. No further calls in our vicinity. Today
         was STIRLET's first carrier based lifeguard assignment since the
         original strike on TOKYO in February. The improvement in co-
         ordination was notable. We were never for a moment without four
         plane fighter cover during the progress of the strike. None of
         our planes embarrassed us in the least. Circuit discipline
         was good and information received was prompt and accurate.

1945     Attempted to send STIRLET second to lifeguard liaison T.O. Jap
         jamming effectively stopped us so gave it up as a bad job.

2004     Sent STIRLET third to ComSubPac reporting pickup. GUAM receipted
         promptly.

2300     On station, rendezvoused with air cover.

29 July  0105     Air cover returned to base. No calls.

         0533     Rigged for trim.

         0617     Surfaced.

         0625     Off IIMU at a range of 12,000 yards. Went to battle stations
                  gun action and headed in at flank. At a range of 7,900 yards
                  commenced firing five inch at power plant and oil storage tanks
                  where a large fire was started at the base of a tall factory
                  smokestack as point of aim. Closed to 4,300 yards to give 40's a
                  chance. When depth of water shelved up suddenly to 10 fathoms.

         0846     Left full rudder to come out.

         0856     Ceased firing. Secured from battle stations. Fired 25 rounds of
                  five inch and 45 rounds of 40 millimeter. Started a large fire,
                  and heavy clouds of smoke were still billowing from which
                  were still billowing. Then at -

         0937     Dived for aircraft contact at six miles, closing rapidly.

         0942     One aerial bomb, not close. Such attention these days is flatter-
                  ing. Went to 250 feet and rigged for depth charge.

                                     - 1 -                                     ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 221 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL                                        Report of Fifth War Patrol.

1015     Periscope depth. All clear. Rigged for normal running.
1200     Posit. Lat. 33-22 N, Long. 136-22 E.
1423     Surfaced.
2104     Received CSP dispatch regarding transfer of fliers to GABILAN.
30 July  0003     Received CSP dispatch assigning us station for Mustang strike.
                  Headed towards.
0032     Received CSP dispatch assigning station for carrier based strike
                  2 August.
0050     Dived for plane.
0118     Surfaced. Plane at 10 miles. Believed friendly.
0900     On station for strike. Contact with friendly planes throughout
                  morning.
1145     CAF rendezvoused with us. Right on time.
1200     Posit. Lat. 32-10 N, Long. 136-40 E.
1440     CAP departed for base. No calls except one, 120 miles away, to
                  which we directed SCABBARD FISH.
1807     Dived.
2038     Surfaced.

31 July  0238     Exchanged recognition signals via SJ with U.S.S. TORO.
0701     Dived off MURATO SAKI.
1200     Posit. Lat. 33-22 N, Long. 134-17 E.
1609     Surfaced.
2104     Received GABILAN message requesting rendezvous at 0400 King.
2134     Exchanged recognition signals with TORO via SJ.
2135     Received CSP dispatch assigning station for mining mission.

1 August 0227     Radar interference, 117°T, SJ.
0250     SD contact 11 miles, I.F.F. PBM made dry run over us at half an
                  angel. Later contacted on V.H.F. and plane apologized for giving
                  us a thrill.

                                        - 9 -

                                                                ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 222 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
Report of Fifth War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

0440 SJ radar contact, 15,000 yards; exchanged recognition signals
     with GABILAN.
0524 Transferred Sub Lieuts. J.C. WELLS, RNVR, and D. BANKS, RNZNVR,
     to U.S.S. GABILAN via rubber boat, and parted company.
0610 Dived.
1200 Posit. Lat. 33-23 N, Long. 135-05 E.
1428 Surfaced.
1725 Received CSP dispatch informing us carrier strike has been post-
     poned because of typhoon, and ordering us to remain vicinity life-
     guard station until further notice. Wind and sea here force three
     from SE.
2020 Passed mine close aboard to port.
2156 Contact with friendly plane passing through.

2 August 0105 Air cover rendezvoused with us.
0430 Air cover departed; no one reported down from mining mission.
0550 Dived.
1103 Surfaced.
1200 Posit. Lat. 33-16 N, Long. 135-09 E.
1940 Passed mine close aboard to port.

3 August 0528 Passed floating mine to port.
0535 Dived.
1004 Surfaced.
1151 Sighted MAVIS or LILY headed in. Dived.
1200 Posit. Lat. 33-17 N, Long. 135-01 E.
1354 Surfaced.
2126 Received CSP dispatch stating that carrier strike would be held
     5 August - gave station for us.

4 August 0535 Dived.
0627 Surfaced.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 223 —
0
U.S.S. SILAS (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL

                                                                Report of Fifth War Patrol.

0855        Aircraft contact, friendly.
1136        Sighted mine.
1200        Posit. Lat. 33-32 N, Long. 134-51 E.
1545        Sighted mine. Attempted to sink but unsuccessful although got
            repeated hits.
1927        Received CSP dispatch canceling carrier strike.
2140        Received CSP dispatch assigning us to lifeguard station for B-29
            strike night 5-6 August; 180 miles away - headed towards.

5 August 0538 Dived.
0623        Surfaced.
1127        Two aircraft sighted heading towards; dived.
1159        Surfaced.
1200        Posit. Lat. 32-44 N, Long. 134-24 E.
1245        Sighted mine. Fired at it with 40 mm. machine guns, and small arms
            secured for plane contact at 12 miles with mine still intact. Our
            score on mines for the run is zero. Plane closed to 7 miles, then
            opened out.
1750        Dived.
2037        Surfaced. Sighted two objects that looked like ships.
2040        Dived. Ships dissolved into clouds.
2205        Plane contact. Friendly.
2235        Plane contact. Friendly.

6 August 0135 Rendezvoused with air cover.
0222        Air cover departed.
0405        Sent working party on deck to grease topside.
0520        Dived.
0610        Surfaced.
0813        Plane contact, B-29.

                                                                - 11 -
                                                                ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 224 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fifth War Patrol.

6 August
1130 Plane contact at 8 miles, no I.F.F.
1135 Dived with plane at 5 miles, zero angle.
1200 Posit. Lat. 32-58.5 N, Long. 133-30.5 E.
1713 Surfaced.
1905 Sighted possible periscope. Ship contact # 2; turned away.
1908 Dived to listen with all sound gear, no contacts.
2039 Surfaced.
2137 Radar contact 2,700 yards. Turned away. This was the first of
many contacts at short range which plagued us for the next three
hours. Believe they were birds, although we have not been troubled
by them previously in this area.
2312 Received CSF dispatch ordering us to relieve WHALE at eastern ent-
rance to BUNGO SUIDO after sunset eight August.
2326 Plane contact. Friendly.
2331 Sent STERLET fourth to ComSubPac acknowledging above orders.

7 August 0101 Received CSF dispatch assigning station for B-29 strike of YAWATA.
Date was omitted so assumed it for today and headed for station.
1200 Posit. Lat. 31-31 N, Long. 133-55 E.
1245 Received dispatch saying strike was scheduled for tomorrow.
1408 Dived for aircraft at five miles, coming in. Believe friendly but
no I.F.F. and could not contact on V.H.F.
1429 Surfaced.
1814 Dived.
2035 Surfaced.

8 August 0547 Dived.
0629 Surfaced.
1020 Sighted plane. LIBERATOR.
1154 Rendezvoused with air cover.
1200 Posit. Lat. 31-32 N, Long. 133-57 E.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 225 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL

Report of Fifth War Patrol.

1215 Converted 4 F.T. to 1.T.
1316 Dived to flush tank.
1321 Surfaced. Air cover departed. No calls.
1903 Dived.
2039 Surfaced. Headed for BUNGO SUIDO.
2240 Contact with friendly plane.
2335 Received CSF dispatch assigning us to lifeguard station for B-29
     attack on KOKURA with special munitions.

9 August 0305 Radar interference bearing 220°T, probably DRAGONET.
0538 Dived on lifeguard station, 10 miles south of entrance to eastern
     channel of BUNGO SUIDO.
1030 At radar depth. No contacts.
1100 Contact with cover on V.H.F.
1104 Surfaced. Sighted many planes during next few hours. All thought
     to be friendly.
1155 Received ComSubSae Serial Eleven announcing a state of war between
     Soviet Union and Japan. Informed cover, hoping to "Scoop" them,
     but it was old stuff to them.

9 August 1200 Posit. Lat. 32-18 N, Long. 132-26 E.
1308 Air cover departed. No calls.
1601 Nothing on V.H.F. or 4475 for last hour. Dived.
2041 Surfaced.

10 August 0552 Dived for submerged patrol off OKINO SHIMA.
1200 Posit. Lat. 32-38 N, Long. 132-34 E.
2034 Surfaced.
2250 SJ contact with friendly plane, the first of many throughout the
     night.

11 August 0208 Exchanged recognition signals via SJ with DRAGONET.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 226 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL

0555 Dived.
1200 Posit. Lat. 32-38 N, Long. 132-37 E.
2039 Surfaced.
2152 Received lifeguard assignment for tomorrow.
12 August 0005 SJ radar interference. Exchanged calls with SANDLANCE.
0145 SJ radar interference. PIPEFISH this time.
0248 Lifeguard assignment cancelled.
0553 Dived.
1200 Posit. Lat. 32-43 N, Long. 132-34 E.
2040 Surfaced.
2358 Exchanged recognition signals with SANDLANCE via SJ.
13 August 0546 Dived.
1200 Posit. Lat. 32-40.5 N, Long. 132-33 E.
2035 Surfaced.
14 August 0350 Dived for plane.
0410 Surfaced.
0552 Dived.
1200 Posit. Lat. 32-34 N, Long. 132-32 E.
2040 Surfaced.
2154 Received CSP dispatch assigning us to lifeguard station for mining mission tonight.
2308 Exchanged recognition signals and amenities with HAKE.
15 August 0109 Rendezvoused with air cover.
0430 CAP departed. No calls.
0554 Dived.
1200 Posit. Lat. 32-40 N, Long. 132-30 E.

- 14 -
ENCLOSURE (A)
Report of Fifth War Patrol.

— page 227 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL

2035 Surfaced.
2119 Received CSP Serial Three Two ordering us to cease all attacks,
     but to guard ourselves. After three days of near peace this is
     almost an anti-climax.
2215 Friendly plane contact.

16 August 0329 Received CSP dispatch directing us to new station to await orders.
     Headed towards.
0539 Dived.
1034 Surfaced.
1055 Sighted two PRIV.TLRS. Spoke them.
1200 Posit. Lat. 31-30 N, Long. 132-38 E.
1257 Sent STERLET fifth acknowledging CSP Serial Three Two.
1535 Converted # 3 F.B.T. to H.B.T.
1656 Received orders to proceed to Midway.
1940 Sent STERLET sixth to ComsubsPac acknowledging orders.

17 August 0605 Dived. # 3 Main Vent did not open. Opened by hand, then could
     not close.
0620 Surfaced. Found rocker arm on # 3 operating gear broken. Re-
     placed with rocker arm from # 5 F.B.T.
0810 Dived.
0820 Surfaced.
1200 Posit. Lat. 29-22.5 N, Long. 137-54 3/4 E.

18-23 August Enroute Midway. Uneventful.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 228 —
U.S.S. STRILET (SS 392)                               Report of Fifth War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

(C) WEATHER.
     The weather was pleasant throughout the entire patrol. Calm seas and
clear warm weather were prevalent.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION.
     Currents encountered in BUMC SUIDO and KII SUIDO agreed with data found
on charts and in Pilots for this area.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
     No navigational aids were sighted.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS.

— page 229 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA.

U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392) Gun Attack No. 1.
Time: 0825(K) Date: 29 July 1945. Lat. 33-43N. Long. 136-05E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Bombardment of oil storage tanks and power plant at SHIMIZU, HONSHU.

Damage Determined By: Observed hits in the vicinity of the power plant and a
large fire which blazed up suddenly and from which a column
of heavy black smoke poured high into the sky.

DETAILS OF ACTION

Fire was commenced with the five inch at a range of 7,900 yards, using the
base of a tall factory smokestack as the point of aim. Spots by periscope were
given the battery officer by sound powered phone until range was closed to about
5,500 yards, at which time fall of shot could easily be seen from the gun. The
initial range was obtained by radar. When range closed to 4,300 yards the 40 mm's
opened fire, but shallow water made it necessary to open range almost immediately.
A total of 25 rounds of five inch H.C. ammunition and 45 rounds of 40 mm ammunition
were expended.

(I) MINES.

Floating mines were sighted at the tabulated positions. All mines were
of the spherical horn type.

CONTACT | DATE | LATITUDE | LONGITUDE
1. | 26 July 1945 | 32-54 N | 136-09 E.
2. | 27 July 1945 | 33-03 N | 134-04 E.
3. | 1 August 1945 | 33-27 N | 134-50 E.
4. | 2 August 1945 | 33-27.5 N | 134-56 E.
5. | 3 August 1945 | 33-27 N | 135-00 E.
6. | 4 August 1945 | 33-20.5 N | 134-48 E.
7. | 4 August 1945 | 33-15 N | 134-41 E.
8. | 5 August 1945 | 32-42 N | 134-15 E.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS.

Anti-submarine measures were negligible. We were forced to submerge
once for a plane which dropped one bomb some distance away.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 230 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE.

  Hull and Machinery.

    Sixteen days after leaving on patrol the cooling coil on the third stage
    cooler of No. 2 air compressor developed a small leak. It was necessary to
    remove this coil and replace with a spare. The hole is believed to be the
    result of erosion. A request for a hydrostatic test on all cooling coils of
    No. 2 air compressor was made during the last refit but was not accomplished.

    The pin in the spring connector (Pc-04 9S7-381) to No. 3 F.B.T. vent
    broke on the first dive after conversion from a fuel ballast tank. Inspection
    showed the pin had been partially broken for some time. The force of operat-
    ing the vent after conversion brought about complete failure of the pin.
    This failure was the result of either a faulty casting or improper adjustment
    of the vent mechanism so that too great a strain was put on this one part.
    The spring connector from No. 5 F.B.T. was used as a replacement.

    A loud hammer has developed in the stern planes emergency hydraulic
    lines. It first was believed to be caused by air in the lines, but this was
    later found to be incorrect. A complete overhaul of the stern plane change
    valve during the last refit failed to rectify this trouble. The present
    change valve still leaks badly and is believed to be the source of the noise.

  Ordnance and Gunnery.

    Soon after arriving on station a loud banging noise could be heard at
    all times on the surface in the forward torpedo room. The noise is believed
    to be coming from one or more loose torpedo tube shutters.

    Forward midway torpedo tubes # 2 and # 6 developed a leak. The tubes
    fill about four inches in a period of twenty-four hours. It was impossible
    to determine the cause of these leaks but it is believed to be the muzzle
    door gaskets.

(L) RADIO.

    Reception of the sub Fox schedule was, in general, above average during
    the patrol. The two lifeguard frequency was difficult to copy because of
    jamming.

    Six transmissions were made to ComSubSPac via HF in the area. No
    difficulties or delays were encountered while transmitting to HF, however,
    one attempt to transmit on two lifeguard frequency was prevented by enemy
    jamming. During lifeguard duties, communications by V.H.F. and 4475 kcs.
    proved very satisfactory.

(M) RADAR.

    SJ. The performance of the SJ radar was very good. The following
    casualties occurred during the patrol:

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 231 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL

1. Failure of the high voltage rectifier in range indicator caused a short in
the Reg. Rectifier. Replaced rectifier.

2. Gassy 5U4G tubes in Reg. Rectifier caused high transmitter current.
Replaced tubes.

3. Gassy 836 in high voltage rectifier caused same trouble as in 2.

4. Open filament in 5FP7 of P.P.I.

5. 726J shield shorted to ground through insulator in pin jack.

6. Intermittent gain caused by defective 6AK5 in selector unit.

SD. General performance good. Casualties:

1. First R.F. tube burned out, resulting in loss of signals. Replaced tube.

2. Excessive noise developed; source unknown.

ST. No opportunity was afforded to use the ST against surface targets,
however, results on land targets were satisfactory. No difficulties were
encountered.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS.

No sound contacts were made.

TDM. Continual failure of the cam micro-switch on the TDM caused loss
of many hours of operation. The cause of the failure was the tripping
spring, which broke frequently from fatigue. It is recommended that a more
rugged type switch be installed in place of the delicate switch now in use.

The magnetic clutch in the recorder caused considerable trouble due to the
clutch cord pulley guide breaking.

A 115 volt ground developed due to lack of an insulator in the ultra-violet
light switch.

JP. The only failure of the JP was the breaking of the lead armor
covering on the sound head cable.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS.

Negative gradients were continually encountered in both the KII SUIDO
and BUNGO SUIDO Areas. Gradients generally occurred at seventy feet in KII
SUIDO developing six to eight degrees down to one hundred fifty feet. In
BUNGO SUIDO iso-thermal conditions prevailed down to one hundred feet at
which depth a three to five degree gradient developed to one hundred fifty
feet.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 232 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
Report of Fifth War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

**(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY.**
    Health in general was good. A case of lymphadenitis, right leg,
necessitated the transfer of one officer in Guam.

    Food was of improved quality and well prepared. A load of rotten
potatoes obtained in Midway was surveyed in Guam and replaced. Many
desirable items, such as avoset, were supplied by SPORY.

    Habitability was good.

**(Q) PERSONNEL.**
    (a) Number of men detached after previous patrol                               14
    (b) Number of men on board during patrol                                      77
    (c) Number of men qualified at start of patrol                                60
    (d) Number of men qualified at end of patrol                                  69
    (e) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol                       11

    The conduct of both officers and men was highly satisfactory.

**(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED.**
    Midway to Guam                                2,835 miles     35,990 gals.
    Guam to Area                                  1,400 miles     13,730 gals.
    In Area                                       6,017 miles     45,640 gals.
    Area to Midway                                2,851 miles     39,330 gals.
    Total                                        13,103 miles    134,690 gals.

    36,100 gallons of fuel were received in Guam before departing
for area.

**(S) DURATION.**
    Days enroute to Guam                                8
    Days enroute Guam to Area                           3.5
    Days in Area                                       27.5
    Days enroute Midway                                 8
    Days Submerged                                     10.5

**(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING.**
                                        Fuel            Provisions      Personnel Factor
    Torpedoes                           18,900 Gals.    30 Days         20 Days
    All

    Limiting Factor of this patrol: Dispatch orders from ComSubSPac.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 233 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
CONFIDENTIAL
Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR, AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES.

APR. The following APR contacts were made:

Probable Location - Area around SHIONO MISAKI.
Frequency | Pulse Rate | Pulse Width
---|---|---
161 | 500 | 8.5
154 | 500 | 15
156 | 500 | 15
157 | 500 | 8.5
105 | 500 | -
86 | 500 | 60

Probable Location - Area around BUNGO SUIDO, other than OKINO SHIMA.
Frequency | Pulse Rate | Pulse Width
---|---|---
163 | - | 22.5
99 | 500 | 20
76 | 500 | -
157 | 500 | 6
98 | 500 | 10
66 | 500 | 50
100 | 750 | 18

Probable Location - OKINO SHIMA.
Frequency | Pulse Rate | Pulse Width
---|---|---
68 | - | 50
98 | 500 | -
102 | 300 | 20
160 | - | -
166 | 500 | 22.5

Probable Location - TORI SHIMA.
Frequency | Pulse Rate | Pulse Width
---|---|---
154 | 500 | 10

Probable Location - HACHIJO SHIMA.
Frequency | Pulse Rate | Pulse Width
---|---|---
160 | 500 | 8

RADAR. On August 6, 1945, time 2100(K), at Lat. 33-00 N, Long. 134-00
E, 10 cm radar interference was encountered. The signal was very strong and
came in through a complete rotation of the SJ antenna which made it
impossible to obtain a bearing. Interference was similar to Jap 10 cm
radar encountered on previous patrol. The only indication of transmission
on phones was a steady clicking noise. It was possible to stop interference
on the screen, which resulted in two pulses being visible.

No indication of this contact was noted on APR-4. No 10 cm instal-
lations are listed for this area.

- 21 -

— page 234 —
U.S.S. STERLET (SS 392)
Report of Fifth War Patrol.
CONFIDENTIAL

At 2119 made radar contact bearing 158°(T), range 4,000 yards. Took
evasive action and lost contact at 2,500 yards. Interference became weaker
and faded out completely about 2135. At 2137 radar contact appeared bearing
180°(T), range 2,800 yards and at 2139 interference came on abruptly. Took
evasive action again. No further contact in this locality was made, but radar interference of same type was
encountered at Lat. 33-21 N, Long. 134-38 E, on August 4, 1945.

TDI. One TDI contact was made on 20 July 1945, time 2040(K). A very
definite track was recorded on the screen. C.O.D. took evasive action and
torpedo crossed our bow. This incident certainly gave all hands a great
deal more confidence in the equipment.

RADIO. Jamming was encountered almost continuously on 4475 kcs. and
the Iwo lifeguard frequencies. On the Sub Fox schedule the usual jamming was
encountered. After the order to "Cease Firing" on August 15, the Japs seemed
to be even more efficient in their job of jamming frequencies.

(V) REMARKS.
None.

- 22 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 235 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED FORTY-TWO.
                                                                Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                                                San Francisco, California.
                                                                25 August 1945.

FDS-242/A16-3

Serial: (022)

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO, USS STERLET Report
of 5th War Patrol,
(020), of 23 Aug 1945.

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

Subject:    U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of FIFTH War Patrol.

1. The FIFTH War Patrol of the U.S.S. STERLET was conducted in
the KII SUIDO - BUNGO area. This patrol was fifty (50) days duration, twenty-
eight (28) of which were spent in the assigned area. Most of the patrol
consisted of lifeguard duty. Patrol was terminated because of the cessation
of offensive operations.

2. No definite ship contacts were made. Two (2) possible periscope
sightings were made and correctly avoided. During lifeguard duty the STERLET
had the pleasure of rescuing two (2) of our Allied aviators - one (1) New
Zealander from the H.M.S. INDEFATIGABLE and one (1) Britisher from the H.M.S.
FORMIDABLE. In addition, the STERLET bombarded (29 July 1945) the oil storage
tanks and power plant at SHINGU, HONSHU. Twenty-five (25) rounds of 5" H.C.
and forty-five (45) rounds of 40mm ammunition were fired in the target area.
Numerous hits were observed and a large fire started. Firing range 7900-4000 yards.

3. The remarks of the Commanding Officer regarding the excellent coopera-
tion and communications during lifeguard duty are noted with pleasure.

4. The STERLET returned from patrol clean and in very good material
condition. Refit will be accomplished in the normal period by the U.S.S. AEGIR
(AS23) and Submarine Division Two Hundred FORTY-TWO. Health of the crew was
good and morale very high.

5. The Division Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers,
and crew of the STERLET upon the completion of this well-conducted patrol, the
rescue of two (2) allied aviators, and the damage inflicted upon the enemy during
the bombardment of SHINGU.

                                                                J. W. DAVIS.

— page 236 —
FC5-24/A16-3
Serial: (0157)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS STERLET (SS392) Report
of FIFTH War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-FOUR.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. STERLET (SS392) - Report of War Patrol
Number FIVE.

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

2. The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-FOUR congratulates
the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of STERLET upon the completion
of that ship's fifth war patrol. They may be justly proud of having
rescued two allied fliers and the damage inflicted upon the enemy by
their bombardment of SHINGU, HONSHU.

3. This patrol was concluded by the cessation of offensive
operations against the enemy.

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

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

— page 237 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 02362
CONFIDENTIAL

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

MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
10 01223
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
24 September 1945.

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

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
STERLET Report of
Fifth War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 889
U.S.S. STERLET - 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. STERLET (SS392) - Report of Fifth War Patrol
(5 July to 23 August 1945.)

1. The fifth war patrol of the U.S.S. STERLET, under the command of
Commander H.H. Lewis, U.S.N.R., was conducted in waters south of the Japanese
Empire.

2. During the patrol no ship contacts were made consequently there
were no attacks. STERLET ably performed her additional mission of lifeguard and,
assisted by efficient search planes, recovered two Royal Navy pilots. In a well
conducted bombardment STERLET damaged and set fire to the power plant and oil
storage tanks at SHINGU, HONSHU. This action called forth the only opposition
experienced during the entire patrol, a single aircraft which dropped one in-
effectual bomb. A total of eight drifting mines were sighted.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
Commanding officer, officers, and men of STERLET on the completion of a successful
patrol during which two allied officers were rescued and an enemy industrial plant
was damaged.

G. C. CRAWFORD,
Chief of Staff.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7) Connorpac (1)
CNO (5) Comsubspac (3)
Cincpac (6) ComsubspacAdComd (40)
JICPOA (1) SUBAD, MI (2)
AdICPOA (1) ComsubspacSubordComd (3)
Comservpac (1) All Squadron and Div.
Cinclant (1) Commanders, Pacific (2)
Comsubslnt (1) ComSubOpTraGr (Airmail) (5)
S/M School, NL (2) Substrainpac (2)
CO, S/M Base, PH (1) All Submarines, Pacific (1)
Comsopac (2) [SIGNATURE: G. C. Crawford]
Comsowespac (2) E.L. HYNES, 2nd.,
Comsubs7thFlt (Fwd Echelon) (2) Flag Secretary.
Comsubs7thFlt (Rear Echelon) (2)