U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS-389) — war patrol report SS-389_PIRANHA.pdf

— page 1 —
START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: H-108-AR-91 76]
[HANDWRITTEN: R#1]

1.0
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2.8 2.5
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4.0 1.8
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OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: Havens]

DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 9-3-75]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

MICROFILMED BY
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REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

— page 2 —
Division of Naval History
Ships' Histories Section
Navy Department

HISTORY OF USS PIRANHA (SS 389)

Although built late in 1943, the USS PIRANHA won five Battle Stars for
her aggressive patrols, sinking over 12,277 tons of Japanese shipping. Con-
struction on the 1525-ton submarine began as her keel was laid at the Navy Yard,
Portsmouth, New Hampshire in July 1943. She was launched at a triple ceremony
with the POMFRET and STERLET on 27 October. Mrs. William S. Farber, wife of
Rear Admiral Farber splashed her bow with the traditional champagne as she slid
down the ways. The new submarine was named for a small but very voracious
South American fish, which often attacks men or large animals entering the
water.

Lieutenant Commander Harold E. Ruble assumed command at the commission-
ing ceremonies on 5 February 1944. At the same time Captain C. W. Wilkins
became Commander Submarine Division 242, of which the PIRANHA was flagship for
the following year and a half. The shakedown period was conducted in the bitter
weather off Portsmouth and New London during February and March. On 1 April she
sailed to Key West, Florida for two weeks of advanced training, and then on to
Panama. A short period at Balboa was followed by the long trip to Hawaii,
where she arrived at Pearl Harbor in May 1944.

After a month of intensive pre-patrol training, the PIRANHA joined a
wolf-pack known as the "Mickey Finns" -- PIRANHA, GUARDFISH, and THRESHER and on
14 June 1944 sailed on her first war patrol. The APOGON joined enroute, and
the pack proceeded to the Luzon Straits Area. The area was known as "Convoy
College". At the Formosan port of Takao six main-line convoy routes converge.
There are the lines from Moji and Shanghai curving down through Formosa Strait.
There are the direct runs from Hong Kong and Hainan; the main Singapore-to-
Japan trunk coming up through the South China Sea; the line from Formosa to
Palau, cutting directly across Luzon Strait. Japanese shipping was not en-
tirely confined to these runs, for some of it raced along the eastern coast of
Formosa, and Bashi Channel was alive with traffic. The campus of "Convoy
College" was one of the busiest shipping areas in the Co-Prosperity Sphere.
The "College" was officially opened when the GUARDFISH entered the area on
30 June.

The PIRANHA began the shooting for the "Mickey Finns" on July 12th.
The target, caught off northern Luzon, was the 6,504 ton passenger-cargoman
NICHIRAN MARU. Four days later, at the western side of the strait, the
PIRANHA's torpedoes smashed into another passenger-cargoman, and down went the
5,733-ton SEATTLE MARU. On that same day she sent a contact report to the
GUARDFISH, ranging in waters southeast of her, on a convoy above Lingayen Gulf.
In the ensuing battle, the GUARDFISH sank the JINZAN MARU and the freighter
NANTAI MARU. The convoy fled southward with the submarine in pursuit. The next
day she picked off another freighter. The GUARDFISH circled to the northward
and caught a second convoy two days later about midway between Hainan and the
northern tip of Luzon, from which she subtracted another freighter. Meanwhile
the THRESHER had downed two more freighters. So the "Mickey Finns" concluded
a wolf-pack foray which cost the enemy about 41,000 tons of merchant shipping,
as the PIRANHA returned to Majuro on 8 August 1944 for her first refit.

— page 3 —
-2- USS PIRANHA (SS 389)

The second patrol was conducted in the Philippine Sea Area between
Palau, Luzon, and Okinawa. On 9 September the PIRANHA sailed out to take her
place in the reconnaissance line for the invasion of Palau. This line, known as
the "Zoo", was occupied by eleven submarines under the command of Captain
Wilkins, Admiral Halsey's THIRD Fleet drove at Palau on September 15th. After
a scorching three-day bombardment, the Marines went ashore. The 12,000 Jap-
anese defenders put up stiff resistance, and First Marine casualties were
severe. The reduction of Peleliu and Anguar took 10 weeks, but with the fall
of Palau the last main Central Pacific gate to the Philippines was crashed.
The "Zoo" patrolled from 13 to 25 September, but the search for the Japanese
Fleet was fruitless.

The PIRANHA began her third patrol on 19 November 1944, when she
slipped out of Pearl Harbor with the SEA OWL and SEA POACHER bound for the
East China Sea. After topping off at Saipan the trio set course for the
western coast of Kyushu. Lifeguard services were rendered twice for the B-29
strikes, but no attacks were received except one resulting in a near miss by a
Japanese bomber. This area was without contacts for the PIRANHA until the last
night on station. A night surface attack was conducted in the rain which re-
sulted in damaging two unknown ships. Her pack mates were too far away to get
in on the contact. The PIRANHA returned to Guam on 13 January 1945 to end her
62 day patrol.

During the refit Commander Ruble was relieved by Commander D. G. Irvine,
and on 17 February 1945 the PIRANHA steamed out for her fourth patrol. This
was again conducted in the Luzon Straits and South China Sea Areas, with
additional duty off Wake Island. She was part of the scouting line during
the Iwo Jima Operation, and rendered lifeguard services off Formosa and Hong
Kong. One gun attack was made on a junk and one prisoner recovered, but the
long search for enemy ships, 72 days in all, was otherwise unrewarded. After
having run completely out of food, she returned to Midway, via Wake, on 16
March 1945.

The PIRANHA's fifth patrol was conducted in two parts. The first two
weeks beginning 17 March, were spent lifeguarding off Marcus Island. After a
return to Saipan for fuel, she proceeded to the northeastern coast of Honshu.
During a torpedo attack there she damaged one large tanker and three anti-
submarine vessels. A severe depth-charging prevented further attack. In
another engagement she sank a patrol boat and three luggers with gunfire.
Although the effort was made, no prisoners were taken, and the PIRANHA returned
to Pearl Harbor, arriving 21 June 1945.

The sub was ready for her sixth patrol on 14 August 1945, and departed
from Pearl Harbor at the exact hour that the announcement of the Japanese
surrender was officially made. After 14 hours enroute, orders to return were
received, and her war career was ended. She was sent to Midway to join her
own squadron, and thence to San Francisco.

— page 4 —
-3- USS PIRANHA (SS 389)

The USS PIRANHA earned five Battle Stars on the Asiatic-Pacific Area
Service Medal for participating in the following operations:

1 Star/Western Caroline Islands operation
  Assault and occupation on the Philippine Islands -- 9-24 September 1944

1 Star/Iwo Jima operation
  Assault and occupation of Iwo Jima -- 15 February - 16 March 1945

1 Star/Okinawa Gunto operation
  Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto -- 17 March - 21 June 1945

1 Star/FIRST Submarine War Patrol -- 14 June - 8 August 1944

1 Star/THIRD Submarine War Patrol -- 19 November 1944 - 13 January 1945

Upon her return to the United States the PIRANHA underwent overhaul at
the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Mare Island, California. On 31 May 1946 she
was placed out of commission in the Pacific Reserve Fleet.

STATISTICS

OVERALL LENGTH                                 312 feet
BEAM                                           27 feet
SPEED                                          20 knots
DISPLACEMENT                                   1525 tons
COMPLEMENT                                     8 officers and 72 men

Compiled: 21 January 1954

— page 5 —
SS389/A16-3
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]
Serial (C23)
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/31/72]

U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

8 August, 1944

From: Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division 102.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron 10.
(3) The Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.
(4) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of War Patrol
Number One.

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the first war patrol of
this vessel conducted in the Luzon Strait - South China Sea area
during the period 14 June - 8 August, 1944, is forwarded here-
with.

[SIGNATURE: H.E. Kuble]
H.E. KUBLE.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 85810]

— page 6 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol.

(A) PROLOGUE:
During period 29 April - 3 May, at Balboa, C.Z.
Sound tested and made voyage repairs. Departed Balboa on
3 May, 1944, and arrived Pearl Harbor on 18 May. Assigned
to Subron 4 for administrative purposes, and to Submarine Base
for voyage repairs. 18 - 27 May made voyage repairs, includ-
ing sound tests, and dry-docking for repacking tail shafts.
Conducted training from 27 May to 11 June, readiness for sea
date 14 June, 1944.

(B) NARRATIVE:

14 June, 1944
1330 VW Underway in accordance with ComSubPac Operation Order
204-44 of 13 June, 1944, in company with USS GUARDFISH
and USS THRESHER. This unit assigned to task unit design-
ation 17.16.3, part of a coordinated attack group con-
sisting of GUARDFISH, THRESHER, and APOGON upon rendez-
vous with latter. Captain M.V. O'Reagan, Group Command-
er in GUARDFISH.

14-18 June, 1944
Enroute Midway. Conducted daily training dives and
drills enroute.

18 June, 1944
Arrived Midway. Topped off with fuel and departed at
1530 Y.

2400 Advanced calender one day to 20 June.

20-23 June, 1944
Underway on surface. Daily training dives and drills.

23 June, 1944
0430 L Made rendezvous with APOGON. Set course for area in
company with GUARDFISH, THRESHER and APOGON.

25 June, 1944
2223 K Set course for position 21-08N 145-10E to search for
downed aviator.

-1- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 7 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)
27 June, 1944

Spent day searching for aviator. No luck. Sighted
two aircraft during the morning (Contacts #1 and #2),
but range was too great to determine type. Assumed
they were friendly as they never closed us.

.1820 K Broke off search. Set course for area.

28 June

Enroute to area
0634 K Sighted aircraft (Mavia - contact #3). Submerged.
0730 Surfaced.

29 June - 1 July Surface running, enroute to area.

1 July

Entered "Detect" area of "Convoy College" rotating
patrol. Surface pa trol.
1120 I Submerged.
1959 I Surfaced.

2 July

Surface Patrol.
0535 I Submerged.
0646 Sighted submarine, believed to be GUARDFISH.
1345 Sighted aircraft (Contact #4).
1600 Set clocks back on hour to ZT (-)8.
1910 Surfaced.

3 July

Patrolling on surface.
0430 H Submerged
1908 Surfaced

-2- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 8 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST WAR PATROL

4 July

0355 H         Patrolling on surface.
              S-J Contact 50,000. - Land.
0436          Submerged.
0938          Sighted aircraft (Mavis - Contact #5).
1050          Sighted Mavis again (Contact #6).
1118          Mavis again in sight (Contact #7).
1919          Surfaced.

5 July

0249 H         Patrolling on surface passing through Bashi Channel.
              S-J contact, range 10,500 yds. Target was small
              patrol vessel, evidently patrolling channel. De-
              cided to let him go.
0440          Submerged.
0628          Sighted plane (A/C Contact #8).
0700          Sighted first of three small craft; avoided.
1034          Sighted 7 small sailing vessels; avoided.
1107          Heard distant rumbling noises.
1600          Set clocks back one hour to ZT (-) 7.
1618 G        Sighted plane (A/C Contact #9).
1826          Surfaced.
2017          Lookout sighted running lights of aircraft. Sub-
              merged. Moon nearly full.
2058          Surfaced.
2210          S-J contact range 14,600 yds. (Ship Contact #6).
              Target course 080 speed 9 knots.
2235          Target sighted.
2257          Secured tracking target; believed to be USS
              SEAHORSE leaving area.

                                  -3-
                                                      ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 9 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)

Hereafter all times are ZT (-)7 Unless noted
otherwise.

6 July
0342 Patrolling on surface.
Submerged.
1830 Surfaced.

7 July.
0335 Patrolling on surface.
0507 Submerged.
Sighted small sailboat; avoided.
1832 Surfaced.
1940 Lookout sighted running lights of aircraft; sub-
merged.
2023 Surfaced.

8 July
0332 Patrolling on surface.
Submerged.
1205 Sighted aircraft (A/C Contact #12).
1818 Surfaced. Set course to transit Bashi Channel.
2130 Sighted Itbayat Island.

9 July
Patrolling on surface.
0335 Submerged.
0427 Surfaced.
0455 Sighted aircraft; submerged (A/C Contact #13).
Decided surface patrol not advisable with aircraft
out so early.
1806 Surfaced.

-4- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 10 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)

10 July
0332 Patrolling on surface.
Submerged.
1810 Surfaced.

11 July
0336 Patrolling on surface.
Submerged.
1805 Surfaced.
FIRST ATTACK
2054 Received contact message from THRESHER giving
convoy course 014 speed 14.
2100 Changed course to north to work to northward
until more information on location of convoy from
THRESHER.
2133 From GUARDFISH contact taking port flanker.
2139 From THRESHER enemy position 19-46-00N 122-45-
00E course 175 speed 14.
2148 Changed course to south. We have a long way
to run but will head down toward estimated daylight
position of convoy in hopes it may come our way.
Going ahead with everything we have on four main
engines.
2345 From GUARDFISH convoy position 19-32-00N 122-38-
00E. Changed course to intercept from new position.

12 July
0250 S-J Contact range 25,000 yds. Started radar
tracking.
0347 In position 20,000 yds. ahead of convoy made
dive for dawn attack.
0355 Sighted smoke on the horizon commenced approach
on convoy.

-5- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 11 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)

12 July (Cont'd)

0401         Battle Stations. The convoy consists of at
             least six ships in three columns with several
             escorts on both flanks. Decided to make approach
             on leading ship of center column a large AP and
             the only ship in sight not smoking. Maneuvered
             to position ahead of center column and when range
             was 3200 yds and angle on the bow 5° port changed
             course to open out for stern tube shot. When we
             got stern tubes ready discovered spindle on #10
             tube bent and tube out of commission so only had
             3 torpedoes ready aft.

0456         Fired 3 mark 18 torpedoes from stern tubes.
             Lost depth control after firing and went ahead
             standard speed with numerous screws and pinging
             coming in from close all around and being unable
             to see decided to go deep. Depth control has
             been bad in this area due I believe to the
             strong currents. We would suddenly drop ten to
             twenty feet with an apparently good trim and a
             few minutes later find the boat light with no
             change in trim. Found a gradient starting at
             100 feet. Heard two explosions. For the next
             45 minutes heard breaking up noises over sound
             gear from direction of target numerous bangs
             and small explosions heard through the hull.
             Lots of pinging and screws but no depth charges.
             Target was loaded with troops which may explain
             the absence of depth charges.

0555         Came up to periscope depth. Sighted several
             ships and some smoke of the convoy at about
             15,000 yds. Sighted one ship with several escorts
             at range of 10,000 yds. The convoy was going over
             the hill on course about 180°. Close ship was
             apparently stopped. After observing close ship
             came to conclusion he was a cripple. For the
             next ten hours attempted to get in an attack on
             this ship he was apparently able to make some
             speed and would make radical course changes.
             There were two Asashio DD's and one Chidori
             guarding this baby plus constant air cover. The
             whole group was periodically obscured by rain
             squalls for periods of 15 minutes to an hour and
             he seemed to change course in every rain squall.
             Finally at

-6-                                                    ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 12 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)

12 July (Cont'd)

1500 He seemed to increase speed and headed toward
     us with a 20° starboard angle on the bow.

1506 Battle Stations started approach. DD is screen-
     ing close on his port bow passing across ahead of
     him. With range of 3500 yds he zigged toward giv-
     ing a five degree starboard angle on the bow. I
     decided to cross ahead for a stern tube shot hop-
     ing to pass under the DD. Depth control again bad
     and sound bearing not too good. DD crossing ahead
     from starboard to port angle on bow of target zero.
     DD passed ahead at a range of about 300 yards.
     Lost depth control. Sound bearings erratic. At
     next look discovered target had zigged to his left
     and was going to pass ahead. Gave T.D.C. new set up.
     T.D.C. operator got target bearing confused with
     DD bearing and set wrong bearing in T.D.C. This
     gave a large gyro angle so started coming right
     to take off gyro. When error was discovered we were
     left with a set up with a 150° track, 30° gyro,
     range 3000 yds. and opening rapidly. At this time
     target zigged giving us a 180° angle on the bow
     decided not to waste the torpedoes. This was a
     hard one to miss after watching him for ten hours
     and successfully avoiding his surface and air pro-
     tection. It hurt to have a control error keep us
     from firing. We have all learned a lot from our
     initial contact with the enemy. This was the
     first time any of the officers, on this ship ex-
     cept the Exec., had made an attack on the enemy.
     There was undoubtedly quite a bit of buck fever
     and some tense nerves and things didn't run as
     smoothly as they should. The target of this approach
     was not the same ship we had fired on. It was
     smaller and an older looking ship. The target of
     our first attack was painted a shiny gray and it
     look like a new ship similar to Asakasan Maru
     page 86, ONI 208-J.

-7- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 13 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)

12 July (Cont'd)

The target of the first attack was not among
the ships sighted in the convoy after coming
back up to periscope depth. All of these had
tall stacks and were smoking.

The target of the second approach may have
been picking up survivors from the first tar-
get. This assumption fits in with later events
because when he decided to leave he had no dif-
ficulty in making ten knots or better and didn't
appear to be damaged.

Air cover still patrolling over us and one DD
stayed behind sighted him a couple of times thru
rain squalls at a range of 8,000 to 10,000 yds.
In about same position target was in for most of
the day.

1811 Surfaced and commenced chasing target. Unable
to regain contact, so at

2345 Changed course to return to assigned area.

13 July

0355 Patrolling on surface.

0545 Submerged.

Sighted oil slick covering area about two square
miles, in general vicinity of yesterday's attack.

1802 Surfaced.

14 July

0338 Patrolling on surface.

1757 Submerged.

Surfaced. Set course to transit Balintang
Channel.

1950 Received GUARDFISH dispatch to rendezvous at
Lat. 19-54 Long. 118-43

2025 S-J contact 70,000yds. Land.

-8- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 14 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)

15 July
0647         Patrolling on surface, enroute to rendezvous.
0724         Sighted THRESHER.
1035         Sighted GUARDFISH.
             Set course and speed to form scouting line on
             base course 180, speed 10 knots, distance between
             subs 18 miles.
1210         In position on scouting line.
1800         Changed base course to 043 (T).

16 July
             Patrolling on surface on scouting line, base
             course 043, speed 12.5 knots.
0132         S-J contact, 21,000 yds. (Contact #9). Sent
             contact report and commenced tracking. This
             was a convoy of at least ten ships, speed 7, zig-
             ging between 240 and 190. Peculiar radar inter-
             ference was noted on bearing of convoy, coming up
             for a few minutes, and then stopping. It was noted
             that when radar interference stopped, pinging started.
             This happened not once, but several times. Perhaps
             the escort(s) had only one motor generator for both
             outfits. Escort closed to less than 9,000 yds. with-
             out making contact. I was trying to work ahead of con-
             voy when at
0415         Convoy zigged to course 130! This course would head
             him directly for Babuyan Channel. It was now nearly
             daylight, but I held on, hoping for some change. At
0446         Sighted aircraft over convoy (A/C Contact #14).
             Plane was distant so I held on on the surface. At
0457         Aircraft started working over in our direction.
             Seemed headed our way, so at
0458         Submerged on course 130°(T). Plane was still in
             sight and seemed to be working south all the time.
             I wondered if maybe the convoy weren't doing the same.
             Sure enough, at

-9-                                                    ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 15 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)
16 July(Cont'd)

0530 Convoy zigged back to 250. Went to battle stations.
What happened was that the convoy made a radical change
in zig plan about one hour prior to sunrise, then came
back to normal base course at sunrise. We were now
dead ahead of the convoy. Convoy was in three columns,
composed of 4 ships in two columns and 3 and possibly
4 in the third column. I only saw about three escorts,
but in the subsequent counter attack at least seven
pingers were counted taking part in the sound exercise.

It was a workout trying to get a look at the convoy,
what with large swells covering the periscope, and the
plane over the convoy. I was about to come around for
a stern shot, starboard track, on the middle column,
when a zig gave me a good set-up for the bow tubes on
a port track. I picked as my targets the middle ship
in the column - a tanker - and the last one (an A.P.).
I swung left for a 70 port track, and at

07-44-15 Fired three MK 23 torpedoes at middle tanker. Shift-
ed set-up, and at

07-44-42 Fired three MK 23's at large AP literally loaded to
gunwale with troops. Searched around trying to locate
a target for the stern tubes. On the first torpedo
explosion swung around to see a great column of smoke
rising from the tanker, a nice hit just aft of the
bridge. Took another sweep to locate target for
stern tubes; couldn't locate the ships of the center
column. The scope had been up over two minutes and we
were making high speed to maintain depth control. The
plane was heading our way so decided to go deep. When
last seen the stern of the AO was settling in the water.
The breaking up noises heard on the sound gear and
through the hull for the next 45 minutes convince me
that the Japs have one less AO in their fleet. We
were going down nicely when at 250 feet there was
explosion, followed by a second one, which was as close
to any block busting variety I wish to experience. It
lifted the relief valves on the 200# air system, and the
control room personnel hit every knocker valve on the
high pressure manifold before they finally got to the
right one. After the various noises subsided, peculiar
noises - unlike depth charge aftermath - were heard;
it is hard to describe, but I thought maybe that tanker
was coming down on top of us.

-10- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 16 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)
16 July (Cont'd)

These two explosions were not depth charges drop-
ped by escorts, as they had passed ahead, we were in
the middle of the convoy, and no others could have
arrived on the scene that soon to drop charges so
close. With their attendant noises, they hardly
sounded like depth charges anyway; just one hell
of a big explosion. And I doubt if the plane over-
head could carry depth bombs as big as these sounded
to be. The explosions could have been only one of
two things: (1) Either the tanker exploding, or
(2) Very close block busters dropped by the air-
craft.

0753 First of 62 depth charges. All pretty distant by
comparison with the two explosions previously des-
cribed. Commenced evading to northward at eighty
turns in a sixteen degree negative temperature
gradient. (Good old gradient). Seven pingers were
milling around overhead. Every now and then one
would send AFIRM and make a run, but always astern.

Definite breaking up noises could be heard in the
direction of the attack for about 1½ hours. At

1000 Started up for a look and started battery blowers.
Eight more depth charges, so decided to wait. Depth
charges were dropped thereafter about every ten min-
utes, but farther away, so at

1200 Started up again for a look. It took about an
hour to pump our way up. At

1300 All clear. Secured from depth charge attack.
Made reload, and at

1415 Surfaced to regain contact.

1418 Sighted aircraft (A/C Contact #15). Submerged.

1441 Heard distant pinging. Nothing in sight.

1810 Surfaced, and headed in direction of convoy.

1828 Received THRESHER Contact report.

1850 Received GUARDFISH Contact report.

-11- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 17 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)

16 July (Cont'd)

It looked like the GUARDFISH had found our con-
voy, and the THRESHER another one. THRESHER contact
was closest, so headed in that direction.

2055 S-J contact - Range 9,000 yds. (Contact #10). Con-
tact was a single destroyer or escort vessel, so
avoided and continued after the convoy.

2301 Saw series of flashes ahead on the horizon; prob-
ably THRESHER attacking.

2348 S-J contact range 19,500 yds. (Contact #11).
Stationed tracking party.

17 July
Tracking convoy on surface. After making con-
tact with convoy noted radar interference which
came from one of our subs. Assumed to be THRESHER,
but unable to exchange calls.

Convoy base course 270, speed 7. I was working
up ahead of convoy, but had to open out as one es-
cort closed to 5,800 yards and I had to keep clear
of him. At

0109 Temporarily lost contact.

0130 Regained contact at 18,800 yds. and commenced ap-
proach on the surface. I knew THRESHER was in vicin-
ity because of radar interference. Target was in
sight, we were closing range 15,000 yds., when at

0145 Target exploded. It looked like the THRESHER had
beaten us to it in blowing up a tanker. The stand-
ard comment on the bridge to this impressive spect-
acle was, "<u>JE</u> sus Christ".

Decided to await developements and see what re-
mained of convoy. That exphsion should have taken
care of anything within 1,000 yards of it.

-12- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 18 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)
17 July (Cont'd)

Convoy - or what remained - apparently turned
away. We tracked astern on course 180, but could-
n't make out much except escorts. It was too far
around with daylight approaching so at

0309 Broke off contact and proceeded to area assigned
     by GUARDFISH. Proceeding on surface to get back
     into area when at

0440 Sighted aircraft (A/C contact #16). It was light,
     and Luzon Island was in sight.

0442 Plane headed in our direction so submerged. Capt-
     ain and Exec. had relieved the O.O.D., and gave a
     nice performance on their dive. Making flank on
     four engines on the diving alarm, stern planes were
     put on hard dive, and there they stayed, as normal
     power would not operate on "rise".

     By blowing bow buoyancy, then backing, and fin-
     ally blowing main ballast, things were brought un-
     der control at 200 feet. We were 4,000 lbs. heavy
     forward, all of which made things more interesting.
     (See stern plane casualty).

0519 Heard distant explosions.

0720 Heard distant explosions.

1801 Surfaced.

18 July

0330 Patrolling on surface.

0357 Exchanged calls with USS BANG on S-J radar.

0900 Submerged.

1038 Heard distant explosion.

1627 Heard distant explosions.

-13- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 19 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS 389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)

18 July (Cont'd)

Just prior to surfacing, it was noticed that
nearly everyone was coughing badly, and that
breathing was difficult. After surfacing, the en-
tire complement was affected by this coughing, near-
ly everyone had a headache. About 1/3 of the crew
was nauseated. Of those who were sick, most had
high temperatures. The Pharmacist's Mate was the
first to go to bed.

The only known cause for this sickness is that
spirits had been used during the afternoon in clean-
ing torpedoes. No evidence of chlorine could be
found although batteries had been watered in the
afternoon. It took nearly three days for all hands
to get back in shape.

1800 Surfaced.

19 July

Patrolling on surface.

0400 Received GUARDFISH contact report, giving course
350, speed 7. Changed course to overtake.

0658 Sighted smoke, bearing 270(T) (Contact #12).
Visibility was poor, but could soon make out sever-
al ships. Radar got a range of 19,000, so to pre-
vent being sighted, at

0709 Submerged and started approach. I thought at first
that target group was on a northerly course, but it
soon appeared that the convoy was headed south, angle
on bow about 70 port.

Went ahead standard for a little over 3 hours and
was unable to close the target so decided to keep in
contact and hope for the best.

1221 Target changed course and presented a 20 degree port
angle on the bow leaving me about 3,500 yds. off the track.
The set-up looked better so went ahead standard on normal
approach course to close the track. After about 20 min-
utes target group again changed course giving me a 80 to
100° angle on starboard bow, with a range of between
9,000 and 10,000 yds. Again ran at standard for about
1½ hours attempting to close.

-14- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 20 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)

19 July (Cont'd)

Finally had to give up and decided
tact if possible for a night surface attack.
Everything went along fine until

1513 We sighted an aircraft. This birdie sat on top
of us until dark and we lost contact with the con-
voy. Everytime we pushed the scope up that darn
Mavis was crui ing around within a mile or so.
Finally at

1812 Surfaced and proceeded on course to overtake con-
voy his last course being 350° (T). I assumed he
was same one GUARDFISH had and for some reason he
had spent all morning on about 140°(T) then a short
time on 060°(T), and finally back to 350°(T). At

1920 Radar contact range 22,500 bearing 295°(T) (Contact
#13). This looked like our convoy. This was the
best radar range we had ever had and there was at
least one big AK in the convoy. Stationed tracking
party and started to close. Imagine our surprise
when as range closed down to 10,000 yds. we still
had only one pip. The pip looked good so decided
to attack. At

2024 Went to battle stations torpedo and closed target.
At

2040 Fired four torpedoes depth set 16 feet as I thought
this was a good sized ship. The set-up was perfect
and checked in good with 75 starboard track, torpedo
run 2400 yds, so we were all astonished when no hits
resulted. Torpedoes must have passed under.

2049 Heard and felt explosion.

2050 Heard three explosions. Probably torpedoes at end
of run.

After getting clear decided not to try a shallow
set torpedo on this baby but to try to get convoy
before dawn. As we had worked to the northern limit
of his circle, if he maintained the same speed, de-
cided to head southeast which was course we first
found him on. Ran on course SE for rest of night
but did not contact convoy.

-15- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 21 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)

20 July
0405 Patrolling on surface.
Submerged.
1220 Heard faint pinging.
1230 Sighted single destroyer distant 11,000 yards, angle
on the bow 90 port. (Contact #14). Target was a AS-
ASHIO or HATSUHARU Class DD. Unable to close.
1814 Surfaced.

21-24 July
Patrolling in "Destroy" area of Convoy College.

25 July
Patrolling on surface.
0141 Master gyro out of commission.
0418 Submerged.
1100 Gyro back in commission.
1150 Surfaced.
1830 Received orders to depart area and proceed to Majuro.

26 July
Patrolling on surface, clearing area.

27 July
Patrolling on surface, clearing area.
0354 Submerged.
1337 Surfaced.
1915 S-J contact range 19,500 yds., moved in fast, then
out. Undoubtedly aircraft as moon was bright.
1932 Lost aircraft contact; never sighted.
2020 S-J contact 80,000 yds. - Bataan Islands.
2022 S-J contact 10,000 yds.

-16- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 22 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)

27 July (Cont'd)

     Tracked target on courses 120 and 170, speed 9
     knots. Could make out two ships, apparently small
     patrol craft. Avoided and continued passage of
     Luzon Strait.

28 July

     Patrolling on surface, departing area.

29 July

     Patrolling on surface, departing area.

0846
     Departed waiting area of Convoy College. Proceed-
     ing in accordance to prescribed routing enroute
     Majuro.

30 July - 8 August

     Enroute Majuro.

8 August

1400 K
     Arrived Majuro.

[HANDWRITTEN: 134-132]
[HANDWRITTEN: 18-118]

-17-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 23 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)

(C) WEATHER

Weather in general was good except during the
period 20-22 July when a typhoon passed close by.
When the typhoon was nearest, the barometer drop-
ped from 29.92 to 28.72 in eight hours. At this
time we were about 70 miles SE of Pratas Reef
in the South China Sea.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

Currents in general conformed to those predicted
in the Sailing Directions and charts of the area.
Currents up to 2 knots were experienced in Luzon
Strait.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

No navigational lights observed. Radar proved
sufficient in making all transits of Luzon Strait.

-18- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 25 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)

(F) SHIP CONTACTS (Cont'd)

| NO. | TIME    | LAT     | LONG    | TYPE(S) | RANGE    | SPEED   | EST            | REMARKS   |
|-----| DATE    |         |         |         |          |         | INITIAL COURSE | HOW       |
|     |         |         |         |         |          |         | CONT.          |           |
|-----| 13  | 1920 G  | 20-47N  | 118-36E | Unid.   | 22,500   | 015     | R              | Attacked -|
|     | 7-19-44 |         |         | AK      | Yds.     | 11 kt   |                | Missed    |
|-----| 14  | 1230 G  | 20-10N  | 118-14E | DD      | 11,000   | 197     | P              | Unable to |
|     | 7-20-44 |         |         |         | Yds.     | 10 kt   |                | Close     |
|-----| 15  | 2022G   | 20-43N  | 121-30E | Pat.    | 10,000   | 170     | R              | Avoided   |
|     | 7-27-44 |         |         | Craft   | Yds.     | 9 kt    |                |           |
|-----|||||||||

-20- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 26 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)
(G) PLANE CONTACTS:

CONTACT NUMBER | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
|---|---|---|---|---|---
Date | 6-27-44 | 6-27-44 | 6-28-44 | 7-2-44 | 7-4-44 | 7-4-44
S Time(Zone) | 0715 | 0942 | 0634 | 1345 | 0938 | 1050
U | -10 | -10 | -10 | -9 | -8 | -8
B Position: Lat. | 21-10N | 21-08N | 21-20N | 21-30N | 21-50N | 21-49N
M Long. | 145-20E | 145-15E | 142-00E | 123-37E | 122-10E | 122-11E
A Speed | 15 kn | 15 kn | 15kn | 2 kn | 2 kn | 2 kn
R Course | 283 | 193 | 240 | 180 | 180 | 180
I Trim | Surf | Surf | Surf | Sub | Sub | Sub
N Minutes Since Last | | | | | |
E Radar(SD) Search | Cont. | Cont. | | 15 m | 8 m | 2 m
|---|---|---|---|---|---
Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
A Type | Unk. | Unk. | Mavis | Mavis | Mavis | Mavis
I Probable Mission | Unk. | Unk. | Search | Search | Search | Search
R | | | | | |
C How Contacted | S | S | Surf. | P | P | P
A Initial Range | 14 m | 15 m | 5 m | 5 m | 4 m | 2m
F | | | | | |
T Elevation Angle | 1° | 2° | 1° | 2° | 2° | 4°
Range & Relative | | | | | |
Bearing of Plane | ND | ND | Unk. | ND | ND | ND
When It Detected | | | | | |
S/M | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---
C (State(Beauf.) | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2
O Sea: (Direct. Rel) | 150 | 090 | 170 | 270 | 0 | 0
N | | | | | |
D Visibility(Miles) | Unl. | Unl. | 20 | 15 | 20 | 20
I Clouds: (Hgt. in Ft.) | 5000 | 5000 | 1600 | 1000 | 5000 | 5000
T (% Overcast) | 20 | 20 | 5 | 9 | 4 | 4
I (Rear.(Rel.) | - | - | - | - | - | -
O | | | | | |
N Moon Angle | - | - | - | - | - | -
S (% Illum. | - | - | - | - | - | -
|---|---|---|---|---|---
TYPE OF S/M CAMOUFLAGE ON THIS PATROL: GRAY

-21- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 28 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)

(G) PLANE CONTACTS:

CONTACT NUMBER | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18
Date | 7-12-44 | 7-16-44 | 7-16-44 | 7-19-44 | 7-19-44 | 7-27-44
S Time (Zone) | 0455 | 0456 | 1418 | 0440 | 1513 | 1915
U | -7 | -7 | -7 | -7 | -7 | -7
B Position: Lat. | 18-34N' | 19-28N' | 19-35N' | 20-23N' | 20-26N' | 20-44N
M | Long. | 122-54E | 120-13E | 120-20E | 120-00E | 118-56E | 121-23E
A | | | | | |
R Speed | 15 kn' | 17 kn' | 10 kn' | 18 kn' | 2 kn' | 17 kn
I Course | 005 | 090 | 270 | 090 | 010 | 090
N Trim | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf | Sub | Surf
E Minutes Since Last | | | | | |
  Radar (SD) Search | 5m | 0m | 3m | 5m | - | -
  Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
A Type | Mavis | Mavis | Mavis | Mavis | Mavis | Unk
I | | | | | |
R Probable Mission | Search | Search | Search | Search | Esc | Unk
C How Contacted | S | S | S | S | P | R
R | | | | | |
A Initial Range | 5 m | 8 m | 8 m | 8 m | 6 m | 9 m
F Elevation Angle | 2° | 3° | 2° | 4° | 2° | -
T Range & Relative | | | | | |
  Bearing of Plane | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND
  When It Detected | | | | | |
  S/M | | | | | |
C Sea: (State Beauf) | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3
O (Direct. Rel) | 300 | 330 | 190 | 340 | 010 | 000
N Visibility(Miles) | 15 | 15 | 15 | Unl. | 8 | 15
D | | | | | |
I Clouds: (Hgt. in Ft. | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 5000 | 4000 | 4000
T (% Overcast) | 10 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 20 | 15
I (Bearing (Rel) | - | - | - | - | 150 | -
O Moon: (Angle | - | - | - | - | 25 | -
N (% Illum. | - | - | - | - | 25 | -
S | | | | | |

TYPE OF S/M CAMOUFLAGE ON THIS PATROL: GRAY

-23- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 29 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)
(H) ATTACK DATA TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT FORM
U.S.S. PIRANHA Torpedo Attack No. ONE Patrol No. ONE
Time: 0456 G Date: 12 July, 1944. Lat. 18-33N Long. 122-53E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: 1 - Large Passenger Freighter K-FKM similar to
ASAHASAN MARU (E.C.)
Ships Sunk: One large passenger freighter.
Ship(s) Damaged or
probably sunk: None.
Damage determined by: Heavy explosion at 2'-00" and 2'-10" after
firing. Target was loaded with troops no
depth charges dropped in vicinity of tar-
get which substantiates opinion target
was sunk and troops were in the water.
Target was not sighted after coming back to
periscope depth although convoy was still in
sight. One ship remained in vicinity of at-
tack for several hours and from its move-
ments and escorts (2 DD's and one smaller
escort) was probably rescuing survivors.
Very loud breaking up noises and minor
explosions heard for about 45 minutes thru
hull and over sound gear. Large oil slick
passed thru on following morning in vicin-
ity of the attack.

Target Draft: 21' Course: 162 ; Speed: 11 Range: 2100
(At firing)

OWN SHIP DATA
Speed: 2. Course: 090°(T) Depth: 62'. Angle: 0 (At firing)

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type of attack: Submerged periscope attack from ahead. Submerged
20,000 yards ahead of convoy at dawn. Convoy disposed in 3 col-
umns zigging 40 degrees either side of base course of 180°(T).
Made approach on leading ship of center column. Aircraft patrol
made cautious use of periscope necessary. Depth control poor due
to currents causing varying densities in water. At a range of
about 3000 yards angle on bow was small turned out for stern tube
shot. Didn't fire bow tubes because of poor depth control was un-
able to locate target in outboard column.

-24- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 30 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

| | #7 | #8 | #9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired: | | | |
| Track Angle: | 72 P | | |
| Gyro Angle: | 171°30' | 172° | 172° |
| Depth Set: | 16' | 16' | 16' |
| Power: | - | - | - |
| Hit or Miss: | Miss | Hit | Hit |
| Erratic: | No | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo: | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 |
| Serial No.: | 54422 | 54752 | 54632 |
| Mark Exploder: | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 |
| Serial No.: | 8209 | 9245 | 9214 |
| Actuation Set: | Mech. | Mech. | Mech. |
| Actuation Actual: | Miss | Mech. | Mech. |
| Mark Warhead: | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 |
| Serial No.: | 1740 | 2348 | 1795 |
| Explosive: | TPX | TPX | TPX |
| Firing Interval: | | 10 Sec. | 10 Sec. |
| Type Spread: | Div. | Div. | Div. |
| Sea Conditions | Force 2. | | |
| Overhaul Activity: | Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. | | |

-25-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 31 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (cont'd)
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd) TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT FORM

U.S.S. PIRANHA Torpedo Attack No. TWO Patrol No. ONE
Time: 0744S Date: 16 July, 1944. Lat. 19-26N. Long. 120-18E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: 1 - Large AO similar to EIYO MARU MKMF (EC).
2 - Lare AK.
Ships Sunk: One Large AO.
Ship(s) Damaged or
probably sunk: None.

Damage determined by: Heavy explosions at 1'44" and 1'54" after
firing. C .O. saw first torpedo hit just aft of bridge. When last
seen target was down by the stern. Characteristic breaking up
noises heard thru hull and on sound gear for over one hour after
the attack.

Target Draft: (1) 28'. Course: 230. Speed 7. Range: 2600.
(2) 25' " 230 " 7 " 3000.

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed: 4. Course: 340°(T). Depth: 60'. Angle 1° down(At firing).

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type of Attack: Submerged periscope attack from ahead. Submerged
shortly after daylight when plane headed toward with convoy about
19,000 yards away. Convoy disposed in 3 columns with 3 or 4 ships
in each column. Depth control bad because of heavy swells. Air-
craft patrolled ahead of convoy making periscope observations dif-
ficult. Made approach on leading ship of center column. Convoy
zigging 40-50° either side of base course. With range about 2500
yards convoy zigged giving me a good set up on leading ship of left
hand column a large AO. Fired 3 MK23's at AO and 3 more at second
ship in column a large AK loaded with troops. Again difficult
depth control made a rapid set up for stern tubes impossible. Got
two hit in AO and no hits in AK unless the terrific explosion heard
4 minutes after firing was a hit in the AK. Counted 11 and possib-
ly 12 ships in convoy. I may have counted an escort in convoy.
GUARDFISH later reported convoy consisted of 9 ships.

-26- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 32 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

                      #1      #2      #3      #4      #5      #6
Tubes Fired:
Track Angle:          70P     70      70°30'  014°    015°30' 016°30'
Gyro Angle:           4°40'   7°      7°30'   014°    015°30' 016°30'
Depth Set:            16'     16'     16'     16'     16'     16'
Power:                High    High    High    High    High    High
Hit or Miss:          Miss    Hit     Hit     Miss    Miss    Miss
Erratic:              No      No      No      No      No      No
Mark Torpedo:         23      23      23      23      23      23
Serial No.:           49271   41002   41026   33892   61744   49691
Mark Exploder:        6-4     6-4     6-4     6-4     6-4     6-4
Serial No.:           7912    4922    12754   11903   3206    12774
Actuation Set:        Mech.   Mech.   Mech.   Mech.   Mech.   Mech.
Actuation Actual:     Miss    Mech.   Mech.   Miss    Miss    Miss
Mark Warhead:         16-1    16-1    16-1    16-1    16-2    16-1
Serial No.:           13895   13839   13066   13786   12698   13067
Explosive:            TPX     TPX     TPX     TPX     TPX     TPX
Firing Interval:              8 Sec.  10 Sec. 9 Sec.  8 Sec.  8 Sec.
Type Spread:          Div.    Div.    Div.    Div.    Div.    Div.

Sea Conditions: Force 3.

Overhaul Activity: Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

-27-                                ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 33 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd) TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT FORM

U.S.S. PIRANHA Torpedo Attack No. THREE Patrol No. ONE
Time: 2040 G Date: 19 July, 1944. Lat. 20-53N Long. 118-44E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: Unidentified AK (UN)
Ships Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or
probably sunk: None.
Damage Determined by: None.
Target Draft: Unknown. Course: 045. Speed: 11. Range: 2800

OWN SHIP DATA
Speed: 10. Course: 300. Depth: 18' Angle: 1° up.

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type of Attack: Night surface attack from ahead. Picked up target
at radar range of 22,500 yards, expecting to find a convoy. Started
approach but could not sight target, a single ship, until range closed
to about 8,000 yards. Target zigging between 330 and 045. Commenced
firing 4 torpedoes on 75 starboard track with torpedo run of 2400
yards, using radar ranges, TBT bearings 1° div. spread. Set-up check-
ed perfectly throughout. The only possible explanation for missing is
that torpedoes ran under a shallow draft target (Depth set 16 feet).
Target did not turn toward until at least two minutes after firing.
Heard 4 explosions 7 minutes after firing, believed to be torpedoes
at end of run.

-28- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 34 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

Tubes Fired: | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4
Track Angle: | 75S | | |
Gyro Angle: | 352° | 352°40' | 352°10' | 351°30'
Depth Set: | 16' | 16' | 16' | 16'
Power | High | High | High | High
Hit or Miss: | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss
Erratic: | No | No | No | No
Mark Torpedo: | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23
Serial No.: | 52832 | 41110 | 61720 | 46124
Mark Exploder: | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4
Serial No.: | 3216 | 8232 | 212 | 17846
Actuation Set: | Mech. | Mech. | Mech. | Mech.
Actuation Actual: | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss
Mark Warhead: | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1
Serial No: | 12549 | 13233 | 13889 | 13857
Explosive: | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX
Firing Interval: | | 9 Sec. | 9 Sec. | 7 Sec.
Type Spread: | Div. | Div. | Div. | Div.

Sea Conditions: Force 4.
Overhaul Activity: Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

-29- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 35 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)

(I) MINES

No remarks.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

In attacks #1 and #2, A/S measures consisted of random depth
charging. In the first attack, depth charges were not dropped un-
til over one hour after firing. In attack #1, we were in an 8 de-
gree negative gradient; in the second attack we had a 16 degree ne-
gative gradient. It is not believed that the enemy made sound con-
tact in either attack, although in the second attack seven pingers
kept looking for us. Evasion consisted of keeping escorts abaft of
the beam and heading away at 80 RPM's, at 400 feet. There is no
doubt but that the extreme negative temperature gradient after at-
tack #2 saved us from a very severe depth charging, as those seven
escorts stayed behind a long time; and as it was they parted with
a goodly number of charges. Although the attacking escorts could
not be seen after attack #1, it seemed apparent from the time of
explosions that the depth charges were being dropped in a diamond
pattern, as there would be one detonation, then two simultaneous
ones, then another singleton.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

(1) On 7 July, after securing #3 main engine, the outboard
exhaust valve leaked upon diving, sea pressure seated the valve
and the leak stopped. Upon inspection of the valve after sur-
facing, it was found that the adjusting turnbuckle (Pc A3-PL-
5112-381) had turned enough so that throw of the linkage would
not close. This was caused by the nut keepers not being tight-
ened properly in installation.

(2) In making a flank speed dive, stern planes were put on
hard dive, but could not be put on rise in normal power. Main
hydraulic supply was secured at the manifold, so emergency power
couldn't be obtained at the moment. Casualty was due to an air
pocket in the "rise" line of the normal power system. Satis-
factory performance was obtained by venting this line.

(3) Master gyro compass was out of commission for 9 hours
due to spilled mercury in bowl of master. Mercury drops had got-
ten into the sensitive element, causing error. Cleaning up re-
moved the trouble.

-30-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 36 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

(4) During the patrol, excessive amounts of lube oil were
found in the trap in the bottom of #1 M.G. casing. The after
bearing was disassembled, revealing the fact (a) that the for-
ward lower oil seal ring was missing and (b) that the after oil
seal rings were not matched. The excessive oil leakage is at-
tributed to (a) and because of (b), it is believed that the up-
per and lower halves of the after bearing were not fitted pro-
perly. These oil seal rings had been installed by Sub Base,
Pearl Harbor, T.H.

(L) RADIO

During time on station Haiku Fox Schedules were best heard
on 6380 kc and 4525 kc. Upon surfacing every night around 1100Z
NPM could be heard on 6380 kc and if enemy jamming was too severe,
frequency was shifted to 4225 kc. Between these two frequencies
NPM was copied satisfactorily until around 1830Z, at which time
these frequencies would fade out. Nothing could then be heard
until 2000Z at which time NPM would come in on 14390 kc. During
the period on station, NPM started keying on 14390 kc at 1900Z
instead of the previous time of 2000Z which helped considerably
in that we had only between 1830 and 1900Z that the skeds could
not be heard. The high frequency 17370 kc. was used occasionally.
The frequencies 9090 kc and 16.68 kc. were never heard. The fad-
ing out of NPM around 1830Z began as we moved West from the Mari-
annas. Despite heavy enemy jamming, we were able to copy the sched-
ules satisfactorily. The enemy seemed to jam by using sweep frequen-
cy and mechanical keying.

The inter-sub communications was very effective. However, dur-
ing latter part of patrol we began receiving messages with correct
code groups but no tangible meaning which indicated that the Japs
had picked up most of our messages and were attempting to draw us
out on transmissions, or possibly we were picking up parts of an-
other pack's messages. One subs frequency meter was heard practic-
ally every night upon surfacing and for 2 or 3 hours thereafter un-
til the range apparently opened out. It is believed that this sub-
marine was using their frequency meter as a beat frequency oscillator
with the BFO. The inter-pack frequencies were changed at a certain
hour every night and during each change there was one and possibly
two subs who tuned by keying their transmitter with the antennae cut
in.

Apparently handling of messages for Haiku Fox Schedules be-
tween the time these messages were encoded at ComSubPac and the
time that they were sent out on Haiku Fox caused much garbling in
that some messages even though copied 100 % correct still contained
much garbling.

-31- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 37 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)
(L) RADIO (Cont'd)

It is believed that our new RBH high frequency receiver re-
radiates on the high frequency band because when tuning the RAL
and RBH on same frequency, the RBH could be heard.

(M) RADAR

Performance of the search radar was highly satisfactory on
this patrol. SJ was out of commission only half an hour during
the patrol. Two fifteen minute intermissions were occasioned
by regulated rectifier failure due to tube failures or tube socket
connections. Some trouble arose toward the end of the patrol with
fuses blowing in the high voltage supply attributed to gassy 836
rectifiers. The SD Radar picked up none of 18 planes encountered.

The new slotted reflector was installed in Pearl. The new
antenna mount seems to give good results on aircraft. Frequent
contacts on SJ which SD did not pick up indicates that SJ has
better coverage; however, all aircraft sighted were on low level
patrol. One SJ aircraft contact picked up soon after surfacing
and turning on the SD, appeared at 23,000 yards and came in fad-
ing between seventeen thousand and thirteen thousand yards to re-
appear very strong at ten thousand yards where he turned broadside
to and saturated the scope then went out again fading around fif-
teen thousand yards to reappear and fade out at twenty-four thou-
sand yards. We also had indications of a sky lobe in a series of
approaches by a plane in the training period at Pearl after in-
stalling the new reflector.

The SJ was used with notable success in identifying the other
submarines in our group by closing off the sea valve. After a few
days all the quartermasters could read and send our calls - read-
ing it on either the PPI or A scan. Complete messages were receiv-
ed from subs not in our particular group. The range of picking up
interference is estimated to be twenty-five miles but distinction
between the fading caused by the roll of the ship and actual key-
ing is practical only under an estimated fifteen miles with any
appreciable roll on the ship.

The Precision PPI installed by Sub Base, Pearl (8,000 yards of pre-
cision sweep triggered off by the Range PULSE) was not used exten-
sively on our patrol because the reliable range of escorts is only
12,000 yards. However, the picture presented on precision sweep
is much clearer in piloting than the forty or eighty thousand sweep.

-32-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 38 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol. (Cont'd)

(M) RADAR (Cont'd)

APR was used in areas near land and when in suspected areas.
Signals were detected in the region of the Marcus Island and also
in the patrol area in the same band as the SD. After strange in-
terference on the SJ was picked up, a 270 megacycle frequency was
picked up with a pulse rate of over a thousand. The interference
on the SJ had wider pulse than the SJ signal. This interference,
picked up near a Jap convoy was sweeping at about three sweeps a
minute. This may have been a harmonic of the 270 MC frequency
which SJ picked up.

SD picked up land at 32 miles off east coast of Luzon (9700
foot peak), but of 18 aircraft contacts none were made on SD. Aft-
er surfacing and starting through Balintang, the SD was turned on.
Three hours later SJ picked up a plane and small craft from the
direction of Taiwan. Plane may have been coverage for small craft
and convoy. SD suffers badly from atmospheric, internal and ship's
interference, has nulls at various unpredictable places in horizon-
tal plane and complete and predictable null for five to ten degrees
above horizon. This is caused by the long wave length and the
fact that we have only single radiator in vertical plane. All
these factors make a real aircraft search radar imperative since
the Japanese have so thoroughly whipped the SD both by flying un-
der the beam and homing on it. A rotating multi-antenna, higher
frequency rig on top of shears would serve the purpose, solving
all these glaring faults.

SJ radar could be much more efficient by mounting it on a
mast. The present SD mast could be used without cutting any add-
itional holes in the hull. The SD mast will enclose the rotating
parts of SJ. The SJ antenna system could be lightened considerably.
A clutch type drive for rotating the antenna with present hand and
power assembly and kidney joint like the break over the transmitter
would eliminate any other change in conning tower. The raising
motor could be mounted aft of SD mast in conning tower which is at
present the only wasted space in conning tower. A well of compar-
able size to periscope well would accommodate the necessary base
assembly on the mast. SJ would not need to have two operating
positions. These modifications would facilitate prior-to-surfacing-
search and also night submerged approaches could be made with less
danger of broaching.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

Sound conditions were fair throughout the area. From a de-
fensive viewpoint. They were excellent in the vicinity of Luzon
Strait.

-33- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 39 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)

(O) DENSITY LAYERS
Noted as follows:

DATE      TIME(GCT)   LAT.        LONG.        DEPTH. TEMP. DEPTH. TEMP.
6-22-44   1800        25-20N 164-14E  100    82     380    66
6-23-44   1800        25-58N 159-03E   85    86     100    76
6-23-44   1900        25-58N 159-15E   85    85     390    66
6-24-44   1830        26-33N 153-29E  150    84     380    65
6-27-44   1800        21-38N 141-25E   60    86     160    81
7-8-44    2000        21-21N 122-51E  140    87     400    76
7-11-44   2200        18-35N 122-52E  100    88     380    80
7-16-44   0045        19-25N 120-18E  100    87     400    71
7-16-44   0500        19-35N 120-30E  200    86     400    74
7-21-44   0100        18-25N 118-03E   60    82     125    74

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, and HABITABILITY

Health, food and habitability were fair. On 6 July, 1944, HUGHES,
L.T., RT1c, fainted in the conning tower, and in falling fell through
the lower conning tower hatch HEADFIRST onto the control room deck.
Only injury was a severe laceration of the right forehead - about 1½
inches long and 1 inch wide. He was given shock treatment of 2 morp-
hine syrettes and the wound closed with 6 sutures. On sick list 7
days only. It is still a mystery why he didn't suffer a broken neck
or fractured skull after such a fall.

During the afternoon of 18 July, while submerged, several
members of the crew complained of difficult breathing and burn-
ing throats. Pressure in boat was pumped down, and CO2 in air
tested, but it did not exceed 2%. After surfacing about 1800,
nearly the entire crew was suffering from severe pains in the
chest when breathing; severe cases had chills and fever, and were
nauseated. The next day about 50% of the crew complained of aching
and sore gums; also about 50% had slight throat irritation. It was
nearly three days before all hands were feeling normal again.

Spirits had been used during the day in cleaning torpedoes, and
it is assumed that this poisoning came from this, although spirits
had previously been used with no ill effects resulting. Batteries
had been watered during the afternoon of 18 July, but all tests
for chlorine proved negative.

-34-                                        . ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 40 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, and HABITABILITY (Cont'd)

     While in Pearl Harbor, the Submarine Base installed an air
conditioning unit in the forward battery compartment. This has
helped improve habitability in this compartment by lowering the
temperature, but the air is still bad. There is still insuffici-
ent air getting beyond the control room bulkhead due to the crazy-
house circuit the supply line makes leading into the forward bat-
tery. As suggested in the BANG's first war patrol report, the best
remedy appears to be a booster blower in the supply line located
in the control room.

(Q) PERSONNEL

     The performance of all hands was up to the highest standards
of the submarine service. The old timers and the new men worked
together and have formed an efficient and smooth running organiza-
tion which repays the long hours of training put in prior to and
since commissioning. Only 2 men were advanced in rating prior to
this patrol. Counting leaves, schools, pre-commissioning period
and period since commissioning it has been over a year since most
of the crew has had an opportunity for advancement. Many of the
men became eligible for advancements prior to this patrol but ad-
vancements were held up in order to observe the performance of
duty on patrol. This accounts for the large number of advancements
at this time. All hands have shown an active interest in qualify-
ing The qualified men have cooperated in helping the others to pre-
pare for qualification. The requirements for qualification have
been very rigid and all men who have qualified are well grounded
submariners.

     (a) Men on board during patrol                               76
     (b) Men qualified at start of patrol                         35
     (c) Men qualified at end of patrol                           74
     (d) Men making first war patrol                              52
     (e) Men advanced in rating                                   44

-35-                                                ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 41 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont'd)

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED
Pearl to Midway                                1218 mi.         17,875 gals.
Midway to Area                                 3128 mi.         33,540 gals.
In Area                                        4655 mi.         43,020 gals.
Area to Majuro                                 3390 mi.         30,000 gals.
                               Totals         12310 mi.        124,435 gals.

(S) DURATION
Days enroute area                              16 days
Days in area                                   28 days
Days enroute to base                           10 days
Days submerged                 24 days
                               Total           54 days

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING
Torpedoes           Fuel           Provisions           Personnel Factor
11                  8500           20 days              10

(U) REMARKS
[HANDWRITTEN: ✓] MARK 18-1 TORPEDOES

Eight Mark 18 Mod. 1 Torpedoes were carried by this vessel,
in the after torpedo room. Three were fired on the first attack
for two hits.

The routine carried out was that prescribed by the Submarine
Force Pacific Fleet Maintenance Instructions for Mark 18-1 torpedoes,
of March, 1944. An extra skid was carried aft. The torpedoes in
the racks were charged, allowed to ventilate with natural ventila-
tion for twenty four hours after the battery charge. Just prior
to shifting with those in the tubes these torpedoes were ventil-
ated for three minutes with 225# air. Immediately after loading,
hydrogen burning circuits were connected and turned on.

After three torpedoes were fired the torpedoes in the tubes
were charged by withdrawing one torpedo at a time from the tube
nest, securing it in the racks, charging,routing, ventilating for
three minutes and reloading in tube. While the torpedo was out
of the tube the hydrogen burning circuits were left on for all tubes.
A balanced circuit was maintained by connecting a span hydrogen
burner to the leads of the tube put out of commission. In the fut-
ure it is probable that all torpedoes in the tubes will be charged
in this manner as the workload is minimized and the tubes are out
of commission for a relatively short time.

-36-                                            ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 42 —
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIRST War Patrol (Cont't)
(U) REMARKS (Cont'd)
MARK 18-1 TORPEDOES (Cont'd)

A very close daily check was kept on the amperage of the
hydrogen burning circuits. By adjusting the shunts and shifting
bulbs it was possible to keep the readings almost constant at
4.7 amperes. None of the hydrogen burner coils failed and through-
out the patrol each consistently tested at 2 ohms resistance.

When the tubes aft were made ready during the first attack
"the ready to fire lever" on tube #10 could not be thrown up.
The tube was secured and later it was found that the face of the
guide stud on the torpedo was damaged and had caused the stop bolt
to lift slightly. When the stop bolt moved it jammed the shutter
bar so that it could not slide, the gyro spindle was also bent on
the tube. Ship's force replaced gyro spindle, reversed guide stud,
making certain that the overall dimension from face of guide stud
to the tail of torpedo had not been altered. The torpedo was re-
loaded and no further occurence of this trouble was encountered.
The guide stud may have been damaged in loading the torpedo, how-
ever normal care was exercised in sliding the torpedo into the
tube. It is felt that the guide stud should be made of harder metal.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

The greatest source of trouble in connection with electric
torpedoes carried on board was the hydrogen burning circuit panel.
It is very difficult to keep the current flowing in the burning
circuits constant. An improvement on the present system would
be to install a small variable rheostat in place of lamp socket
shunt wire. Adjustments in balancing the circuits could be made
readily. Resistance of the circuits seems to vary during the
burning period between ventilation routine. A close check was kept
on IC voltage and that was found constant.

-37- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 43 —
FB5-102/A16-3
Serial (048)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO PIRANHA Report of
First War Patrol.

SUBMARINE DIVISION 102
rcf
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
11 August 1944.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PIRANHA - First War Patrol - Comment on.

1. During the first war patrol of the PIRANHA she was
grouped with the GUARDFISH, THRESHER and APOGON. Captain W. V.
CULLINAN in the GUARDFISH was the group commander. Twenty-eight
of the fifty-four days underway were spent in the attack areas
of the Convoy College.

2. Five opportunities for attack were presented, of
which two were developed successfully:

ATTACK No. 1. (Day Submerged).

Contact reports from THRESHER and GUARDFISH on the evening
of 11 July enabled PIRANHA to catch up with a convoy of six or
more ships, heavily escorted. After tracking the convoy during
darkness, PIRANHA dived for a dawn attack from ahead and attained
a good firing position from which three torpedoes were fired with
75 degree port track angles. Two timed hits were obtained but
not observed due to loss of depth control followed by deep sub-
mergence to avoid an expected counter attack which did not develop.
Evidence reported by the commanding officer indicates that the tar-
get, a freighter-passenger similar to the ASAKASAN MARU, sank in
short order. Her human cargo of enemy troops rendered this vessel
a valuable target.

ATTACK No. 2. (Submerged).

One hour after the first attack, PIRANHA rose to periscope
depth and commenced an approach on a freighter which was zigzagging
radically at very slow speed under escort of two destroyers, one
torpedo boat, and air coverage. A submerged approach lasting about
ten hours was spoiled due to fire control errors. No torpedoes
were fired and the target escaped unharmed. The commanding offi-
cer's point that this vessel might had been left behind to recover
survivors from the first sinking is well taken, especially in view
of her heavy escort.

- 1 -

— page 44 —
FB5-102/A16-3

Serial (048)

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO PIRANHA Report of
First War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. PIRANHA - First War Patrol - Comment on.

ATTACKS No. 3 and 4. (Submerged)

Two salvos of three torpedoes each were fired almost simul-
taneously at a tanker and a transport in one of the three columns
of a twelve ship convoy. Two hits, one observed through the peri-
scope, were obtained in the tanker, which immediately began to
settle by the stern. It appears that this target sank quickly but
that the transport was not hit, due, probably, to the quick change
in fire control set-up. PIRANHA sounded to deep submergence to es-
cape the counter attack delivered by a number of the convoy's seven
or more surface escorts. As the submarine passed 250 feet on the
way down she was severely shaken by two heavy explosions but no ma-
terial damage was sustained. Otherwise the depth charging was in-
effectual although of over two hours duration. Evasion was facili-
tated by a sharp negative temperature gradient.

ATTACK No. 5. (Night Surface)

At 0145 on 17 July, PIRANHA commenced an approach on one of
the vessels of a convoy only to have the target explode from other
causes (presumably THRESHER's torpedoes). The rest of the convoy
turned away and PIRANHA abandoned the chase as daylight approached.
No torpedoes were fired.

ATTACK No. 6. (Night Surface)

The radical course changes of a convoy upon which a submerged
approach was begun on the morning of 19 July, prevented the attain-
ment of a favorable firing position during the day. After dark
that night, PIRANHA surfaced and gave chase until 1920 at which
time a radar contact was obtained on what was believed to be the
original target group. Four torpedoes fired at 2800 yards range
on a 75 degree starboard angle, all missed. These torpedoes were
set to run at 16 feet and the commanding officer believes they
passed under the target.

3. The commanding officer's remarks on inter-submarine
communications indicate the need for a uniform code for all vessels
operating in the Convoy College regardless of the attack group to
which they are assigned.

- 2 -
SUBMARINE DIVISION 102

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

— page 45 —
FB5-102/A16-3
Serial (048)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. PIRANHA - First War Patrol - Comment on.

SUBMARINE DIVISION 102

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

4. The ship returned from patrol in good condition
mechanically and has been scheduled for a normal SPERRY refit.

5. Commander Submarine Division 102 congratulates
the Captain and ship's company of the PIRANHA upon a worthy first
patrol and welcomes them to a much needed and well deserved re-
cuperation period at MYRNA.

6. Assessment of damage is recommended as follows:

SUNK:
1 Passenger Freighter (ASAKASAN MARU Class) (EC) 8,700
1 Tanker (Similar to EIYO MARU) (EC) 8,700
Total 17,400

[SIGNATURE: T. B. Klakring]
T. B. KLAKRING

— page 46 —
FC5-10/A16-3
Serial 0204

CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO PIRANHA Report of
First War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron Ten.
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. PIRANHA - First War Patrol - Comments on.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks and recom-
mendations of Commander Submarine Division One Hundred Two.

2. In comparison with personnel of other submarines
returning from similar patrols, PIRANHA's officers and men were
noticeably below par physically upon arrival at Majuro, pre-
sumably because of the effects of the three day epidemic de-
scribed in the report. Preliminary investigation of the cause
of the epidemic by the Squadron Medical Officer indicates that
it was chlorine gas. A detailed report thereof will be made
separately.

3. PIRANHA's deck, forward of the forward hatch, was
so affected by galvanic action as to render ineffective, to a
degree, her camouflage painting.

4. Commander Submarine Squadron Ten congratulates
the commanding officer, officers and crew of the PIRANHA for
the damage inflicted on the enemy. This ship is off to a good
start.

Copy to:
Comsubdiv 102.
CO PIRANHA.
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TEN

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

[SIGNATURE: G. L. RUSSELL.]

— page 47 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET mr
Serial 01788 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
CONFIDENTIAL 9 01598 25 August 1944.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
PIRANHA Report of DESTROYED PRIOR TO
First War Patrol. ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 501
U.S.S. PIRANHA - 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. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of First War Patrol.
(14 June to 8 August 1944).

1. The first war patrol of the PIRANHA was conducted in
areas between Formosa and the Philippines. The PIRANHA, with the U.S.
S. GUAREFISH (SS217), the U.S.S. THRESHER (SS200), and the U.S.S. APO-
GON (SS308), formed a coordinated attack group with Captain W. V.
O'Regan, U.S. Navy, in the GUAREFISH as the group commander.

2. Five contacts worthy of torpedo fire were made, three
of which the PIRANHA was able to develop into attacks. Of the three
aggressive attacks made in the face of heavy anti-submarine protection,
two were successful.

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 aggressive
and successful first war patrol. The PIRANHA is credited with having
inflicted the following damage upon the enemy:

S U N K
1 - AK (ASAHASAN MARU type) (EC) - 8,700 tons (Attack No. 1)
1 - Large AO(EIYO MARU type) (EC) - 8,700 tons (Attack No. 2)
TOTAL 17,400 tons

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7) (1)
CNO (5) Commorpac (40)
Cincpac (6) Comsubspac (2)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1) SUB D, MI (3)
Comservpac (1) ComsubspacSubordcom (2)
Cinclant (1) Substrainpac
Comsubslant (8) All Squadron and Div. (2)
S/M School, NL (2) Commanders, Pacific (1)
Comsopac (1) All Submarines, Pacific [HANDWRITTEN: (1)]
Comsowespac (1) [SIGNATURE: C. A. Hynes] [STAMP: ORIGINAL]
Comsubsowespac (2) E. L. HYNES, 2nd, [STAMP: MICRO]
CTF 72 (2) Flag Secretary. [STAMP: PHOTO-LAB OP-16]
[STAMP: RETURN TO F-4253]

— page 48 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st Copy]

SS389/A16-3
Serial (017)

U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED (crossed out)]
23 October, 1944.

From: Commanding Officer.
To : Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : Commander Submarine Division 282.
Commander Submarine Squadron 4.
Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of War Patrol
Number Two.

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the second war patrol of this
vessel conducted in areas east of Luzon and Formosa, and area Eleven
Dog, during the period 30 August, 1944 to 23 October, 1944, is for-
warded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: H.E. Ruble]
H.E. RUBLE

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

[HANDWRITTEN: 93094]

— page 49 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(A) PROLOGUE

Arrived at Majuro, 8 August, 1944, from first war patrol. Normal
refit was accomplished by U.S.S. SPERRY. Conducted four (4) day training
period. Ready for sea 30 August, 1944.

(B) NARRATIVE

30 August, 1944

0530(L) Underway from alongside U.S.S. SPERRY at Majuro Lagoon in company
with U.S.S. CAVALLA, escorted by U.S.S. CROUTER. This unit assigned
task unit designation 17.18.11, part of a coordinated attack group
consisting of U.S.S. PIRANHA, U.S.S. CAVALLA, and U.S.S. RAZORBACK,
upon rendezvousing with the latter. Commander R.S. Benson in the
RAZORBACK, Group Commander.
0930(L) Released escort. Entered safety lane.

31 August

1800(L) Completed passage of safety lane.

1 September

1315(L) Rendezvoused with U.S.S. RAZORBACK and set course for Saipan.

2 September

0955(L) RAZORBACK came alongside and transferred Operation Plan and charts.
0959(L) Made trim dive.
1010(L) Surfaced.

3-7 September

Enroute Saipan. Conducted daily training dives and drills as well
as day and night radar runs on RAZORBACK and CAVALLA.

4 September

2000(L) Set clocks back one hour to conform with Zone -10 Time.

6 September

1701(K) Sighted Sarigan and Anatahan Islands distant about 40 miles.

7 September

0346(K) Rendezvoused with escort, AM315.
1055(K) Entered Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, and moored alongside U.S.S. HOLLAND
outboard of U.S.S. RAZORBACK. Received 32,100 gallons of fuel.

-1- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 50 —
CONFIDENTIAL

8 September, 1944

1630(I) Departed Saipan enroute to waiting area at Lat. 12°N Long. 131°E.

9 September

1545(I) Sighted unidentified aircraft distant about 10 miles (A/C contact
       #1).
2100(I) SJ radar contact at 8700 yards.
2125(I) Identified target as CAVALLA.

10 September

0731(I) Exchanged recognition signals with B-24 (A/C contact #2).
1231(I) Submerged.
1342(I) Made firing battle surface for drill. Fired one round of 4" and
       several hundred rounds of 20 mm and 50 caliber ammunition. When
       at
1348(I) Lookout sighted a plane distant about 14 miles and closing. Sub-
       merged. (A/C contact #3).
1404(I) Surfaced.

11 September

0530(I) Submerged.
0641(I) Surfaced.
0710(I) Sighted friendly patrol plane. (A/C contact #4).
1000(I) Sighted unidentified plane distant about 8 miles. (A/C contact
       #5).

12 September

0128(I) Arrived waiting area.
1620(I) Sighted unidentified aircraft. (A/C contact #6). Submerged.
1635(I) Surfaced.

13 September

0500(I) Arrived at assigned patrol station.
0658(I) Sighted six single-engined aircraft on westerly course, distant
       about 10 miles. No SD contact. (A/C contact #7).

14 September

0800(I) Sighted unidentified single-engine plane emerging from a rain
       squall, range about 5 miles. Submerged. (A/C contact #8)
0822(I) Surfaced.
1130(I) Lookout sighted B-24 at 25 miles. Exchanged recognition signals.
       (A/C contact #9).

15-18 September

Patrolling assigned station.

-2-                                                    ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 51 —
CONFIDENTIAL

18 September, 1944
1500(I) Departed for assigned station.

19 September
Got first star sight since the 13th.
1200(I) OOD sighted Betty on opposite course and almost directly overhead
at altitude of only 2000 feet. Apparently we had been hidden
from each other by low clouds, for he was as surprised at the en-
counter as we were. Submerged immediately. No bombs. (A/C
contact #10).
1221(I) Surfaced.

20 September
Converted #4FBT to ballast tank.
2024(I) Submerged and flushed out #4 FBT.
2057(I) Surfaced.

21 September
0500(I) Reached assigned patrol station at Lat. 24°50'N, Long. 128°20'E.

23 September
0600(I) Sighted plane at about 15 miles. Submerged (A/C contact #11).
0758(I) Surfaced.
0851(I) Submerged from plane (A/C contact #12).
1900(I) APR contact, 152 mc. Started at strength 2 and by
1936(I) had increased to strength 5. Submerged (A/C contact #13).
2011(I) Surfaced.

24 September
0711(I) Submerged on sight contact of plane. (A/C contact #14).
0752(I) Surfaced.
0900(I) OOD attracted by sound of engine, sighted single-engine fighter
plane going into a dive on us from about 2000 feet. Submerged
(A/C contact #15).
0930(I) Surfaced.
1530(I) Submerged on sight contact of plane. (A/C contact #16).
1635(I) Surfaced.
1910(I) APR contact, 158 mcs., strength 3. (A/C contact #17).
2358(I) Lookout sighted plane coming in astern. Submerged. (A/C contact
#18).

-3-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 52 —
CONFIDENTIAL

25 September, 1944
0002(I) Surfaced.
0617(I) Submerged on sight contact of plane. (A/C contact #19).
0710(I) Surfaced.
0840(I) Submerged on sight contact of plane. (A/C contact #20).
0925(I) Surfaced. Received orders to proceed to "Convoy College" as
          part of coordinated attack group.

26 September
0750(I) Arrived in area. Submerged to routine torpedoes.
1754(I) Surfaced.

27 September
0533(I) Sighted Yami Island.
0604(I) Dived to conduct submerged patrol in eastern part of Bashi
          Channel.
0928(I) Sighted Mavis through periscope. (A/C contact #21).
1920(I) Surfaced.

28 September
0605(I) Submerged.
1600(I) Set clocks back one hour to conform with Zone -9 Time.

29 September
0525(H) Submerged to conduct submerged patrol of western part of
          Bashi Channel.
0730(H) Sighted Mavis through periscope. (A/C contact #22).
0830(H) Sighted Mavis again. (A/C contact #23). This plane seemed to
          be patrolling area very thoroughly, which might presage the
          passage of a convoy nearby. Headed over to investigate.
1120(H) Sighted Jake. (A/C contact #24).
1153(H) Sighted Jake. (A/C contact #25).
1325(H) Sighted masts bearing 197°(T). (Ship Contact #1). Changed
          course to close range.
1435(H) Identified ship as trawler type patrol vessel which was head-
          ed away from us in the general direction of Batan Island.
          High periscope sweep at 55 feet failed to reveal any other
          ships.
1511(H) Sighted Jake again. (A/C contact #26).
1835(H) Surfaced. For the rest of our time in the area, during which
          we had full moon almost all night long, kept a continuous watch
          on APR. This instrument gave excellent service by giving us
          early warning of radar-equipped planes which bothered us every
          night.
2047(H) SJ radar contact at 4150 yards opened out quickly to 5700 yds.
          Reported SD, which gave us a plane contact at three miles. (A/C
          contact #27). Submerged.

-4-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 53 —
CONFIDENTIAL

29 September, 1944 (cont'd)

2138(H) Surfaced.
2318(H) SD contact at 14 miles, closing. Submerged. (A/C contact #28).
2357(H) Surfaced.

30 September

0453(H) Submerged to conduct submerged patrol in Bashi Channel.
0735(H) Sighted aircraft. (A/C contact #29).
1835(H) Surfaced. Received orders from Captain Wilkins to patrol vicin-
         ity of Cape Bojeador.

1 October, 1944

0013(H) Radar interference bearing 241°(T). Thought to be from RAZORBACK.
         Headed over to investigate.
0020(H) Sighted and identified friendly submarine on parallel course,
0128(H) two APR contacts, 152 mcs, keying irregularly, one at strength 3,
         the other at strength 5. Triggered SD, but got no contact. Sub-
         merged. A/C contact #30).
0202(H) Heard distant explosion.
0214(H) Surfaced.
0250(H) APR contact, strength 2, soon faded out. (A/C contact #31). We
         have made it a practice to dive on APR contacts of strength 5
         or greater. This thumb rule has worked out well for us.
0318(H) SJ contact at 20,000 yds. closed rapidly to 17,000. Triggered
         SD and got contact at 9 miles. (A/C contact #32) Submerged.
0403(H) Surfaced.
0716(H) Submerged to conduct submerged patrol of Calayan Island - Ban-
         gui route.
1840(H) Surfaced.

2 October

0500(H) Submerged.
0817(H) Sighted aircraft. (A/C contact #33).
1838(H) Surfaced and proceeded to assigned area.
1930(H) APR contact, strength 5. Submerged. (A/C contact #34).
2020(H) Surfaced.
2259(H) APR contact, strength 5. Submerged. (A/C contact #35).
2339(H) Surfaced.

3 October

0115(H) SJ contact at 20,000 yds, changed bearing so rapidly that it
         must have been a plane. (A/C contact #36).
0408(H) Submerged.
1830(H) Surfaced.

4 October

0503(H) Submerged.

-5-

ENCLOSURE (4)

— page 54 —
CONFIDENTIAL

4 October. 1944 (cont'd)

1850(H) Surfaced. Commenced patrolling westward along 20th parallel
        in accordance with orders of pack commander.
2315(H) APR contact, strength 5. Submerged. (A/C contact #37).
2345(H) Came up to 50 feet. APR contact, strength 5. Looks like he's
        sitting over us.

5 October

0015(H) Came to 50 feet and again got APR contact strength 5.
0115(H) All clear on APR at 50 feet this time. Surfaced.
0510(H) Submerged.
1813(H) Surfaced.

6 October

0500(H) Submerged.
1815(H) Surfaced.
2145(H) Exchanged calls on SJ with CAVALLA.

7 October

0500(H) Submerged to conduct submerged patrol of Balintang Channel.
1803(H) Surfaced. Set course to clear area.
1915(H) Passed Sabtang Island abeam to port distant 10 miles.

8 October

2217(H) Exchanged calls on SJ radar with U.S.S. SEADRAGON.

        Received plane contact from ComSubPac reporting picket boat in
        vicinity of 21°20'N., 130°19'E.

        Set course to pass through that point.

9 October

0200(H) Set clocks ahead one hour to conform with Zone -9 Time.
0800(I) Sighted masts through high periscope bearing 140°(T). (Ship
        Contact #2). Turned towards, and at
0808(I) Submerged and went to battle stations torpedo. Commenced
        approach. Target was identified as trawler type patrol vessel
        of about 250 tons, mounting a three-inch gun forward, similar
        to ex-whale "killer boats" shown in ONI 41-42.
0846(I) Fired three Mark 18's from after tubes.
0847(I) Turned left to bring bow tubes to bear.
0849(I) Target about 300 yards distant, evidently sighted periscope,
        turned toward us and at
0850(I) One depth charge close aboard. Flooded negative, rigging for
        depth charge on way down.
0851(I) Another depth charge fairly close.

-6-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 55 —
CONFIDENTIAL

9 October, 1944 (Cont'd)

0853(I) A third depth charge farther away. Leveled off at 250 ft.
        below a 10° gradient.
0918(I) A fourth explosion pretty far away.
0930(I) Screws faded out suddenly.
1001(I) Came up for a look, target not in sight. Secured from
        battle stations and commenced reloading after tubes.
1039(I) Reload completed. Surfaced and sent contact report. Commenced
        searching area for target.
1205(I) SD contact at 20 miles and closing. Submerged (A/C contact #
        38).
1215(I) Surfaced and resumed search.
1405(I) Received message from plane reporting that it had bombed what
        we assure to be our target with negative results.
1900(I) Discontinued search and set course for Pearl.

19 October

Crossed the International Date Line. Added one day to our
calendar.

23 October

0500(K) Rendezvoused with escort.
1200(K) Arrived at Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

-6a-                                        ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 56 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(C) WEATHER

     Weather was good except during the period of 2 - 9 October
     when heavy swells were encountered.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

     Currents conformed to those predicted in the Sailing Directions.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

     No navigational lights observed.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS

| No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Type(s) | Initial Range | Est. Course Speed | How Contacted | Remarks |
|-----||||||||
| 1.  | 1325(H) 9/29/44 | N 21°01' E 121°30' | Patrol Vessel | 10,000 | 130° 10 | Periscope | None |
| 2.  | 0800(I) 10/9/44 | N 22°10' E 130°19' | Patrol Vessel | 12,000 | 330° 8 | Periscope Surface | Attacked |

-7-

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 57 —
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

| CONTACT NUMBER | | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | Date | : 9/9/44 | : 9/10/44 | 9/10/44 | : 9/11/44 | : 9/11/44 | : 9/12/44 |
| U | Time(Zone) | : 1545(I) | : 0731(I) | : 1348(I) | : 0710(I) | : 1000(I) | : 1620(I) |
| B | POSITION: Lat. | : 15°27N | : 15°14N | : 14°52N | : 13°13N | : 13°54N | : 13°02N |
| M | Long. | : 140°58E | : 138°36E | : 137°45E | : 134°01E | : 134°06E | : 130°12E |
| A | Speed | : 15 | : 15 | : 15 | : 15 | : 15 | : 15 |
| R | Course | : 297° | : 243° | : 243° | : 245° | : 245° | : 310° |
| I | Trim | : Surf. | : Surf. | : Surf. | : Surf. | : Surf. | : Surf. |
| N | Minutes since last | : | : | : | : | : | : |
| E | SD search | : 0.0* | : 0.0 | : 0.0 | : 0.0 | : 0.0 | : 0.0 | Number | : 1 | : 1 | : 1 | : 1 | : 1 | : 1 |
| A | Type | : Unk. | : B-24 | : Unk | : PBY | : Unk. | : Unk. |
| I | Probable Mission | : Pat. | : Pat. | : Pat. | : Pat. | : Pat. | : Pat. |
| R | How Contacted | : S | : S | : S | : S | : S | : S |
| C | Initial Range | : 10 mi | : 8 mi | : 14 mi | : 10 mi | : 8 mi | : 10 mi |
| R | Elevation Angle | : 10 | : 2° | : 1° | : 1° | : 2° | : 1° |
| A | Range and Relative | : | : 340° | : | : | : | : |
| F | Bearing of Plane | : Unk. | : 6 mi | : Unk. | : Unk. | : Unk. | : ND. |
| T | When it Detected | : | : | : | : | : | : |
| S/M | : | : | : | : | : | : | C | (Beau | : 1 | : 1 | : 1 | : 1 | : 1 | : 2 |
| O | Sea: (fort | : 220° | : 300° | : - | : 020° | : 020° | : 340° |
| N | (Direction(rel) | : 15 | : 20 | : 25 | : 20 | : 20 | : 25 |
| D | Visibility (miles) | : | : | : | : | : | : |
| I | (Height in | : | : | : | : | : | : |
| T | Clouds: (Ft. | : 6000 | : 8000 | : 8000 | : 6000 | : 6000 | : 5000 |
| I | (% Overcast | : 90 | : 60 | : 80 | : 80 | : 100 | : 100 |
| O | (Bearing(Rel) | : - | : - | : - | : - | : - | : - |
| N | Moon: (Angle | : - | : - | : - | : - | : - | : - |
| S | (% Illum: | : - | : - | : - | : - | : - | : - |

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol Gray

* The symbol "0.0" means SD not in operation

-8- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 58 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Cont'd)

| CONTACT NUMBER | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S Date | 9/13/44 | 9/14/44 | 9/14/44 | 9/19/44 | 9/23/44 | 9/23/44 |
| U Time (zone) | 0658(I) | 0800(I) | 1130(I) | 1200(I) | 0600(I) | 0851(I) |
| B Position Lat. | 15°09N | 15°05N | 15°14N | 19°17N | 24°55N | 24°51N |
| M Long. | 128°11E | 128°28E | 138°38E | 128°49E | 128°53E | 128°18E |
| A Speed | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| R Course | 235° | 235° | 260° | 354° | 250° | 070° |
| I Trim | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. |
| N Minutes since last | | | | | | |
| E SD Search | 0.0% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Number | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| A Type | Fighters | Unk. | B-24 | Betty | Unk. | Unk. |
| I Probable Mission | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. |
| R How Contacted | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| C Initial Range | 5 mi | 12 mi | 20 mi | 0 mi | 15 mi | 12 mi |
| R Elevation Angle | 3° | 1° | 2° | 85° | 3° | 6° |
| A Range and Relative | | | 20 mi | 0 mi | | |
| F Bearing of Plane | Unk. | Unk. | 160°(R) | 080° | Unk. | Unk. |
| T When it Detected S/M | | | | | | |
| C (Stat Beau | | | | | | |
| O Sea: fort | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| N (Direc (rel) | 090° | 015° | 015° | 000° | 345° | 030° |
| D Visibility (Miles) | 15 | 5 | 30 | 20 | 20 | 30 |
| I (Height in | | | | | | |
| T Clouds: Feet | 6000 | 2000 | 7000 | 6000 | 8000 | 8000 |
| I (% Overcast | 100 | 100 | 90 | 60 | 70 | 80 |
| O (Bearing (rel) | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| N Moon: Angle | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| S (% Illum. | - | - | - | - | - | - |

Type of S/M camouflage on this patrol gray.

* The symbol "0.0" means SD not in operation.

-9-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 59 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Cont'd)

CONTACT NUMBER | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
S Date | 9/23/44 | 9/24/44 | 9/24/44 | 9/24/44 | 9/24/44 | 9/24/44
U Time (zone) | 1900(I) | 0711(I) | 0900(I) | 1530(I) | 1910(I) | 2358(I)
B Position Lat. | 24°51N | 24°49N | 24°52N | 24°50N | 24°50N | 24°44N
M Long. | 128°29E | 128°37E | 128°27E | 128°17E | 128°19E | 128°31E
A Speed | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12
R Course | 250° | 250° | 070° | 250° | 250° | 250°
I Trim | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. | Surf.
N Minutes since last | | | | | |
E SD Search | 0.0* | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0

A Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
I Type | Unk. | Unk. | Fred | Unk. | Unk. | Unk.
R Probable Mission | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat.
C How Contacted | APR | S | S | S | APR | S
R Initial Range | Unk. | 6 mi | 0 mi | 14 mi | Unk. | 6 mi
A Elevation Angle | Unk. | 10° | 80° | 3° | Unk. | 6°
F Range and Relative | | | 0 | | |
T Bearing of Plane | Unk. | Unk. | 090° | Unk. | Unk. | Unk.
When it Detected S/M: | | | | | |

C (State(Beau- | | | | | |
O Sea( fort | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2
N (Direction(Rel) | 270° | 330° | 055° | 330° | 280° | 270°
D Visibility(Miles) | 7 | 10 | 30 | 30 | 4 | 5
I (Height in | | | | | |
T Clouds:( Feet | 8000 | 6000 | 7000 | 6000 | 6000 | 6000
I (% Overcast | 70 | 70 | 80 | 90 | 90 | 20
O (Bearing(Rel) | - | - | - | - | - | 180°
N Moon:(Angle | - | - | - | - | - | 40°
S (% Illum. | - | - | - | - | - | 3/4

Type of S/M camouflage on this patrol gray.

*The symbol "0.0" means SD not in Operation.

-20-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 60 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Cont'd)

| CONTACT NUMBER | 19        | 20        | 21        | 22        | 23        | 24        |
| :| :| :| :| :| :| :|
| S Date          | : 9/24/44 | : 9/25/44 | : 9/27/44 | : 9/29/44 | : 9/29/44 | : 9/29/44 |
| U Time (Zone)   | : 0617(I) | : 0840(I) | : 0928(I) | : 0730(I) | : 0830(I) | : 1120(I) |
| B Position Lat. | : 24°48N  | : 24°47N  | : 21°17N  | : 21°03N  | : 21°20N  | : 21°25N  |
| M Long.         | : 128°28E | : 128°08E | : 122°01E | : 121°08E | : 122°03E | : 122°01E |
| A Speed         | : 12      | : 12      | : 2       | : 2       | : 2       | : 2       |
| R Course        | : 250°    | : 070°    | : 335°    | : 220°    | : 220°    | : 220°    |
| I Trim          | : Surf.   | : Surf.   | : Sub.    | : Sub.    | : Sub.    | : Sub.    |
| N Minutes since last | :         | :         | :         | :         | :         | :         |
| E SD Search     | : 0.0*    | : 0.0     | : 0.0     | : 0.0     | : 0.0     | : 0.0     | Number          | : 1       | : 1       | : 1       | : 1       | : 1       | : 1       |
| A Type          | : Unk.    | : Unk.    | : Mavis   | : Mavis   | : Mavis   | : Jake    |
| I Probable Mission | : Pat.    | : Pat.    | : Pat.    | : Pat.    | : Pat.    | : Pat.    |
| R How Contacted | : S       | : S       | : Per.    | : Per.    | : Per.    | : Per.    |
| C Initial Range | : 6 mi    | : 9 mi    | : 6 mi    | : 10 mi   | : 10 mi   | : 7 mi    |
| R Elevation Angle | : 3°      | : 3°      | : 2°      | : 5°      | : 5°      | : 10°     |
| A Range and Relative: | :         | :         | :         | :         | :         | :         |
| F Bearing of Plane | : Unk.    | : N.D.    | : N.D.    | : N.D.    | : N.D.    | : N.D.    |
| T When it Detected S/M | :         | :         | :         | :         | :         | :         | C (State(Beau-  | :         | :         | :         | :         | :         | :         |
| O Sea:( fort    | : 2       | : 2       | : 1       | : 1       | : 0       | : 0       |
| N (Direction(rel): | : 095°    | : 095°    | : 350°    | : 230°    | : -       | : -       |
| D Visibility(Miles) | : 30      | : 30      | : 30      | : 30      | : 30      | : 30      |
| I (Height in    | :         | :         | :         | :         | :         | :         |
| T Clouds:( Feet | : 6000    | : 6000    | : 6000    | : 6000    | : 6000    | : 6000    |
| I (% Overcast   | : 20      | : 20      | : 40      | : 50      | : 20      | : 20      |
| O (Bearing(rel): | : -       | : -       | : -       | : -       | : -       | : -       |
| N Moon:(Angle   | : -       | : -       | : -       | : -       | : -       | : -       |
| S (% Illum.     | : -       | : -       | : -       | : -       | : -       | : -       |

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol gray.

* The symbol "0.0" means SD not in operation.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 62 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Cont'd)

| CONTACT NUMBER | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S Date | 10/1/44 | 10/1/44 | 10/2/44 | 10/2/44 | 10/2/44 | 10/3/44 |
| U Time (zone) | 0250(H) | 0318(H) | 0317(H) | 1930(H) | 2259(H) | 0115(H) |
| B Position Lat. | 19°33N | 19°33N | 18°38N | 19°08N | 19°08N | 19°15N |
| M Long. | 121°00E | 121° E | 120°30E | 120°13E | 120°13E | 119°55E |
| A Speed | 17 | 17 | 2 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| R Course | 180° | 180° | 000° | 000° | 000° | 000° |
| I Trim | Surf. | Surf. | Sub. | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. |
| N Minutes since last | : | : | : | : | : | : |
| E SD Search | 0.0* | 3 min | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| A Type | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. |
| I Probable Mission | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. | Pat. |
| R How Contacted | APR | SJ&SD | Per. | APR | SJ | SJ |
| C Initial Range | Unk. | 10 mi. | 10 mi | Unk. | 10 mi | 10 mi |
| R Elevation Angle | Unk. | Unk. | 1° | Unk. | Unk. | Unk. |
| A Range and Bearing | : | : | : | : | : | : |
| F (Relative) of Plane | Unk. | Unk. | N.D. | Unk. | N.D. | Unk. |
| T When it Detected S/M: | : | : | : | : | : | : |
| C Sea: (State(Beau | : | : | : | : | : | : |
| O fort) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| N (Direction(rel) | 180° | 180° | 090° | 090° | 090° | 240° |
| D Visibility(Miles) | 10 | 10 | 30 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| I (Height in | : | : | : | : | : | : |
| T Clouds: (Feet | 6000 | 6000 | 6000 | 4000 | 5000 | 5000 |
| I (% Overcast | 50 | 50 | 70 | 60 | 60 | 80 |
| O (Bearing(rel) | 270° | 270° | - | - | - | - |
| N Moon:(Angle | 45° | 30° | - | - | - | - |
| S (% Illum. | Full | Full | - | - | - | - |

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol gray.

* The symbol "0.0" means SD not in operation.

-13-

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 63 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Cont'd)

CONTACT NUMBER
                37          38
S Date        : 10/4/44   : 10/9/44
U Time(Zone)  : 2315(H)   : 1205(H)
B Position Lat. : 20°50N    : 21°36.5N
  Long.       : 119°12E   : 130°11.5E
A Speed       : 12        : 12
R Course      : 270°      : 270°
I Trim        :           :
N Minutes since last :           :
E SD Search   : 0.0%      : 0.0
  Number      : 1         : 1
A Type        : Unk.      : Unk.
I Probable Mission : Pat.      : Pat.
R How Contacted : AFR       : SD
C Initial Range : Unk.      : 20 mi
R Elevation angle : Unk.      : Unk.
A Range and Relative :           :
F Bearing of Plane : Unk.      : ND
T When it Detected S/M:           :
C (State(Beau :           :
O Sea:( fort  : 4         : 3
N (Direction)(rel) : 250°      : 260°
D Visibility(miles) : 2         : 30
I (Height in  :           :
T Clouds: Feet : 4000      : 6000
H (% Overcast : 60        : 70
O (Bearing(rel) : -         : -
N Moon:(Angle : -         : -
S (% Illum.   :           :

Type of S/M camouflage on this patrol gray.
* The symbol "0.0" means SD not in operation.

-14-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 64 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(H) ATTACK DATA

TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT

U.S.S. PIRANHA TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 2
Time: 0846(I) Date: 9 Ocotber, 1944 Lat. 20°21N Long.
130°19E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

DESCRIPTION: One 250 ton trawler-type patrol vessel similar
to Ex-Whale "Killer Boat" shown in ONI 41-42.

Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged: None.

Target Draft: 6 feet. Course: 333°. Speed: 8 knts. Range:
750 yards.

Own Ships Data

Speed: 3 knts. Course: 240°(T). Depth: 62 feet. Angle: C.

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

TYPE ATTACK: Submerged periscope attack from ahead. Submerged
about 12,000 yards ahead of the target. Target was making eight
(8) knots on a zigzag course. At a range of about 2000 yards
target zigged to give a 5° starboard angle on the bow, crossed
for a stern tube shot. Checked target course when angle on the
bow was zero. Checked range with ping ranges at 1500 yards,
1200 yards and 750 yards, last range just before firing. Got
several bearings just before firing which checked with TDC set-
up. Fired when gyros were close to zero. Target remained on same
course until time for torpedoes to reach him and then made a rad-
ical change of course to the left and then back to the right put-
ting him on a nearly parallel course with submarine. Started to
swing left to bring bow tubes to bear. With target about 300
yards on port beam, he evidently sighted periscope and turned to-
ward dropping the first of four depth charges. Went to 250 feet
and turned away.

-15- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 65 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)
                                                              ATTACK #1
                                                              #7         #8         #9

Tubes Fired                                                   -          -          -
Track Angle                                                   91P        93P        95P
Gyro Angle                                                    178°       180°       182°
Depth Set                                                     0'         0'         0'
Power                                                         -          -          -
Hit or Miss                                                   Miss       Miss       Miss
Erratic                                                       No*        No*        No*
Mark Torpedo                                                  18-1       18-1       18-1
Serial No.                                                    54911      55084      54675
Mark Exploder                                                 8-5        8-5        8-5
Serial No.                                                    7960       8495       8390
Actuation Set                                                 Contact    Contact    Contact
Actuation Actual                                              -          -          -
Mark Warhead                                                  18-1       18-1       18-1
Serial No.                                                    1819       1809       1696
Explosive                                                     Torpex     Torpex     Torpex
Firing Intervals                                              -          10S        10S
Type Spread                                                   4L         0          4R

Sea Conditions - Force three.
Overhaul Activity - U.S.S. SPERRY.
Remarks:         * Sound tracked torpedoes, one was approximately thirty
                   degrees to the right of the other two, in bearing.

                                                              -16-
                                                                                         ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 66 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(I) MINES
     No comments.

(J) ANTI - SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS
     No comments.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE
     No comments except as given in paragraphs (L) and (M).

(L) RADIO

     Radio reception was generally very difficult while on station
due to increased enemy jamming. However, the radio personnel, hav-
ing had a patrol run's experience, did an excellent job of copying
"Haiku" schedules. The jamming was mostly in the form of CW and
consisted of intermittent hand keying.

     While on station, the 6380 kcs frequency gave the most satis-
factory reception at night, while 14390 kcs and 17370 kcs were the
best during the day. Between 1700 zebra and 1900 zebra, the NPM
signal faded and likewise 6380 kcs could not be heard. The fre-
quencies 16.68 kcs and 9090 kcs could not be heard at any time.

     The new frequencies were a great improvement. It was found
that 6045 kcs was best at night and 9515 kcs was best during the
day.

     Three messages were sent to NPM and were cleared with unusual
expediency. The first was sent using 8470 kcs, the second and
third using 16940 kcs.

CASUALTIES

     (1) RAL Power Unit - the current regulator tube burned out and
was replaced.
     (2) TBL Transmitter - heater in oscillator oven burned out and
was replaced.
     (3) RBH Receiver - It seems that the manufacturer greased con-
tacts in the band change switch causing bad contacts and making
some bands inoperative and lack of oscillation on other bands.

     It was discovered that by unlocking the knurled lock nut of the
calibration reset capacitor C-6 on the TBL transmitter, the capacit-
or unscrewed with the locking nut causing the master oscillator
calibration to be changed. It is suggested that a screw driver,
used for adjusting the setting, be inserted before unlocking the
nut.

                                 -17-                     ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 67 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(M) RADAR

     SJ performance was normal during patrol, turning in ranges
to 30 miles on land targets. Aircraft contacts included track-
ing of PBM's to 41,000 yards, and unidentified enemy planes out
to 25,000 yards. Failures were caused by rectifier tubes, lobe
switching assembly, and loose wiring in transmitter case. Jump-
ing grass was a constant headache and the source of trouble was
n't found until the local oscillator assembly was completely re-
moved and tightened up generally. The present system of ident-
ification by SJ communication is uncertain, and more attention
should be given procedures to be used with increasing number of
submarines in decreasing territory. We also found SJ operators
to be excellent high periscope watchers.

     SD was used very little on station out of deference to Jap
direction finding equipment. Our own APR is increasing in import-
ance in this respect. SD picked up friendly planes (Liberators)
at 40 miles as the "zoomies" were returning from Bonin raid. This
clearly demonstrates the power available in SA-SD type transmitter
if put into a less vulnerable radiating rig.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

     All sound gear equipment operated satisfactorily during the
patrol with no casualties to any of the equipment.

     Sound conditions were poor in the East China Sea Area and
Luzon Straits with water and fish noises being very pronounced.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

     Noted as follows:

DATE      TIME   LAT.      LONG.     DEPTH   TEMP.   DEPTH   TEMP.

9/10/44   1900   14°53N    137°45E   100     88      360     84
9/23/44   0300   24°48N    128°10E   90      83      100     80
9/23/44   1600   24°38N    128°20E   80      83      110     78
10/9/44   1700   21°21N    130°29E   200     85      260     78

                                -18-          ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 68 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITIBILITY

Health was good. Food was good, but fresh vegetables, which
are not available at advanced bases, were greatly missed. Habiti-
bility was average for this season of the year.

(Q) PERSONNEL

The performance of all hands was up to the highest standards
of the submarine service.

(a) Men on board during patrol 77
(b) Men qualified at start of patrol 71
(c) Men qualified at end of patrol 76
(d) Men making first war patrol 4
(e) Men advanced in rating 1

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED

Majuro to Area 4160 miles 15,364 gallons.
In area 5357 miles 43,344 gallons.
Area to Pearl 3450 miles 35,344 gallons.

(S) DURATION

Days enroute to area - 14
Days in area - 25
Days enroute to Pearl- 17
Days submerged - 12

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

Torpedoes Fuel Provisions Personnel Factor
21 8000 Gals 10 Days 5 Days

Limiting factor this patrol - ComSubPac Orders.

-19- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 70 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(V) REMARKS

Mark 18-1 torpedoes were carried in the after room. Torpedoes
were charged every 7-9 days, when the gravity had dropped approx-
imately 20 points. All torpedoes in the room were charged the
same day and two were shifted into the tubes. The following day
the other two torpedoes were shifted into the tubes and then the
torpedoes in the room which had all come from the tubes were
charged. The average length of a charge was 3 hours, using a charg-
ing rate of 7 amp. After each battery charge individual cell volt-
ages were taken and no dead cells were found.

Hydrogen burner wires were renewed after 14 days of continuous
burning. The burning circuit current was kept between 4.6 - 4.8
amps and only one burner failure occurred during the patrol.

Torpedo No. 54584 developed a full voltage ground a week after
the first battery charge. The ground readings had been taken be-
fore and after the charge and were zero. The ground was located
in the afterbody between the #6 field coil lead and the brush rig-
ging. The ground was corrected and no further trouble was experi-
enced with this torpedo.

Soon after the torpedoes were loaded a number of pilot cells
required watering. The level in the other cells was sufficiently
high throughout the patrol and no further watering was found
necessary.

-21-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 71 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO EIGHTY TWO
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
24 October, 1944.

FB5-282/A16-3
Serial (027)
CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO PIRANHA Conf. Ltr. SS389/
A16-3, Serial (017) of 10/23/44
Report of Second War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of War Patrol Number
Two.

1. The Second War Patrol of PIRANHA was conducted in the
areas east of Luzon and Formosa and in area Eleven Dog as a member
of a coordinated attack group composed of CAVALLA, RAZORBACK and
PIRANHA and extended over a period of fifty six days.

2. Only two ship contacts were made both of which were with
patrol vessels. The second contact was developed into an attack
which was beautifully executed but resulted in no hits. One torpedo
in a spread of three possibly ran erratic since it was tracked by
sound thirty degrees off the bearing of the other two torpedoes.

3. Enemy aviation was very active both day and night. The
remarks of the Commanding Officer in regard to the use of his
APR gear as a rough check on the range of night flying radar
equipped, aircraft should be noted by all hands. The possibility
of the enemy triggering off our ABK and homing on it is distinct
and it is believed that the suggested installation of a warning
light is a good one.

4. It is regretted that this patrol did not produce any
worth while contacts.

5. PIRANHA returned in very good condition and it appears
that her refit will be of normal duration.

[SIGNATURE: Thomas M. Dykers]
THOMAS M. DYKERS.

— page 72 —
FC5-4/A16-3
Serial 0424
CONFIDENTIAL

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
U.S.S. PIRANHA'S Report
of Second War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PIRANHA - Report of Second War Patrol.

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

2. The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR congratulates
the Commanding Officer, officers, and crew of the U.S.S. PIRANHA,
on the completion of this patrol and regrets that no worthwhile con-
tacts were made.

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

— page 73 —
FC5-24/A16-3
Serial: (013)

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PIRANHA Conf.Ltr.
A16-3, Ser.(017) of 10-23-44,
Report of Second War Patrol.

From:
To :
Via :

Subject:

1.
and second endorsements. SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
27 October 1944.

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

U.S.S. PIRANHA - Report of Second War Patrol.

Forwarded, concurring in the comments of the first

[SIGNATURE: illegible]
G. C. CRAWFORD.

— page 74 —
0/A16-3(15)
Serial 02394
CONFIDENTIAL

FOURTH ENDORSEMENT to
PIRANHA Report of
Second War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 556.
U.S.S. PIRANHA - 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. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of Second War Patrol.
(30 August to 23 October 1944).

1. The second war patrol of the PIRANHA was conducted in
areas east of Luzon and Formosa. The PIRANHA along with the CAVALLA
(SS244) and RAZORBACK (SS304) formed an attack group with the command-
ing officer of the RAZORBACK acting as group commander.

2. Area assignments and movements of this group were
largely dependent upon coordination with surface and air forces en-
gaged in offensive operations at this time. As may often be the case
under these conditions, few contacts resulted. In fact, in the case
of the PIRANHA only two patrol craft were contacted, one of which was
unsuccessfully attacked with torpedoes. However, the potential sub-
marine striking power, and supply of information to other forces,
including negative information, were most valuable contributions to
the success of the offensive operations as a whole.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for completion of
this arduous and important patrol.

Distribution and authentication
on following page.

- 1 -
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
hch
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
1 November, 1944
[STAMP: 2 NOV 1944]

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

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

— page 76 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]

U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

SS389/A16-3
Serial (01)

13 January, 1945.

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

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

Subject: U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of War Patrol
Number Three.

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the third war patrol of this
vessel conducted in Area 9, during the period 19 November, 1944 to
13 January, 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.16]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/31/72]

[SIGNATURE: H.E. RUBLE]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 103897]

— page 77 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(A) PROLOGUE.

Arrived at Pearl Harbor, 23 October, 1944, from second war patrol.
Normal refit was accomplished by U.S.S. FELIAS and Sub Div 282. 40 mm,
gun, and DCDI were installed, ship was docked and degassed. Conducted
four-day training period. Ready for sea 18 November, 1944.

(B) NARRATIVE
19 November, 1944
1345(VW) Underway from Pearl in company with U.S.S. SEA OWL and U.S.S.
          SEA POACHER, together with escort. This unit designed task
          unit designation 17.17.2, part of a coordinated attack group
          consisting of U.S.S. PIRANHA, U.S.S. SEA OWL, and U.S.S. SEA
          POACHER. Commander C.L. Bennet in the Sea Owl, Group Command-
          er.
1800(VW) Released escort. Set course for Saipan.

20 November
1330(VW) Made trim dive
1450(VW) Surfaced.

21 November - 1 December
          Enroute Saipan. Conducted daily training dives and drills.

23 November
          Crossed 180th meridian, dropped one day from calendar.

27 November
0245(M) Battery fire in after battery. While cell #4 was being
          jumped out, jumper shorted across cell #40, burning the
          positive post and connection slightly, and setting pitch
          on cell top afire.
0259(M) Fire extinguished with no serious damage to cell. How-
          ever, DAVIDSON, 563 22 16, EM3c V6, USNR, was severely
          burned on both ankles and right thigh and was treated with
          morphine, codiene, and whiskey, and put in his bunk.

-1- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 78 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

27 November (Cont'd)
1552(M) Sighted small home-made punt. Upon investigation it was found
         to be empty except for several crudely made oars and some
         pieces of line.

1 December
0716(L) Rendezvoused with escort, PC 1126.
1053(L) Entered Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, and moored alongside U.S.S
         FULTON aboard of U.S.S. SE OWL. Received 44,000 gallons
         of fuel, and transferred injured EM to FULTON. Exchanged
         full load of Mk. 14 torpedoes for Mk 18's.

2 December
         At Saipan, loading torpedoes.

3 December
1045(I) Departed Saipan enroute to patrol area in company with
         SEA OWL and SEA POACHER.

3 - 7 December
         Enroute to patrol area.

7 December
0750(I) Submerged for patrol east of Tokara Gunto.
1746(I) Surfaced.

8 December
0625(I) Submerged off Kuchino Shima.
1806(I) Surfaced and transited Colnett Strait.
2009(I) Entered patrol area.
2305(I) Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. SURFISH on SJ.
         (Ship Contact #1)

-2- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 79 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

9 December

0628(I) Exchanged recognition signals with USS SEA DEVIL on SJ.
          (Ship contact #2)
0637(I) Submerged for patrol south of Danjo Gunto.
1030(I) Sighted Mavis. (A/C contact #1).
1112(I) Sighted Mavis. (A/C contact #2).
1245(I) Sighted Nell. (A/C contact #3).
1451(I) Sighted Jake, distant about 3 miles, about 50 feet above the
          water. (A/C contact #4).
1525(I) Sighted Jake. (A/C contact #6).
1831(I) Surfaced.
1840(I) Sighted white lights on horizon, probably fishing boats.
1856(I) Exchanged recognition signals with USS REDFISH on SJ. (Ship
          contact #3). Commenced patrol east of Danjo Gunto.
2226(I) Ship contact #4. SJ contact at 6250 yards. Tracked until
2313(I) Target was determined to be small craft headed north at
          4 - 5 knots. Avoided and resumed patrol.

10 December

0100(I) (Ship contact #5. SJ contact at 6000 yards. same spot as
          previous contact. Avoided.
0631(I) Submerged.
0759(I) Sighted Nell. (A/C contact #7)
0908(I) Sighted Jake . (A/C contact #6)
0911(I) Sighted unidentified plane. (A/C contact #8).
0938(I) Sighted four Jakes. (A/C contact #9).

-3- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 80 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

10 December (Cont'd)
1134(I) Sighted Mavis. (A/C contact #10)
1313(I) Sighted Mavis. (A/C contact #11)
1332(I) Sighted Pete. (A/C contact #12)
1443(I) Sighted Pete. (A/C contact #13)
1838(I) Surfaced. Commenced patrolling north of Danjo Gunto.

11 December
0630(I) Submerged.
0915(I) Sighted masts (Ship contact #6) and sound heard fast screws
           bearing 030 (T). Turned towards to investigate.
1008(I) Two junk-type vessels hove in sight. Not suitable targets.
           Resumed patrol.
1040(I) Ship contact #7. Sighted mast bearing 219°(T). Turned towards.
1050(I) Small yacht-type patrol craft hove in view, steering various
           courses, mostly towards us. Couldn't shake him until at
1115(I) Went to 120 feet and opened out at 2/3.
1151(I) All clear periscope.
1506(I) Heard one distant explosion.
1816(I) Surfaced.
1918(I) SJ contact at 3000 yards. Turned away. Pip, which was
           originally large, slowly diminished in size and was lost at
           7000 yards. Unable to reestablish contact.

12 December
0049(I) APR contact, 154 mcs., increased to strength 3, then faded
           out. (A/C contact #14).

-4-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 81 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

12 December

0253(I) Ship contact #8. SJ contact 250°(T), range 7750 yards.
        Tracked out and at
0327(I) Lost contact at 9500 yards, bearing 230°(T).
0335(I) SJ interference bearing 220°
0531(I) Ship contact #9. SJ contact, 295°(T), range 4200 yards.
0555(I) Lost contact, 310°(T), range 9000 yards.
0635(I) Ship Contact #10. Exchanged calls with SEA POACHER on SJ.
0638(I) Submerged.
1831(I) Surfaced. Headed north towards Saishu To.

13 December

0634(I) Submerged.
1853(I) Surfaced.

14 December

0630(I) Submerged. Patrolling Saishu Kaikyo.
1824(I) Surfaced. Headed south to comply with Group Commander's
        orders to conduct close patrol with SEA OWL and SEA
        POACHER WSWof Danjo Gunto.

15 December

0634(I) Submerged.
1835(I) Surfaced.

-5- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 82 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

16 December
0635(I) Submerged.
1852(I) Surfaced.
1912(I) APR contact S-3, faded out. (A/C contact #15). Received orders
         to discontinue close patrol.

17 December
0639(I) Submerged. Patrolling off Goto Retto.
1148(I) Ship contact #11. Sighted masts bearing 121°(T).
1203(I) Identified contact as small yacht type patrol boat. Avoided.
1831(I) Surfaced.

18 December
0010(I) Ship contact #12. Sighted two white lights of fishing vessels.
         Avoided.
0633(I) Submerged.
1130(I) Sighted unidentified plane. (A/C contact #16).
1837(I) Surfaced.
2040(I) APR contact. (A/C contact #17). Increased steadily to
         strength 5.
2055(I) Submerged.
2212(I) Surfaced.
2248(I) APR contact, fading in and out, searching. Soon faded out.
         (A/C contact #18).

-6- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 83 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

19 December
0233(I) APR contact increased steadily to strength 4, decreased slowly
        to S-1, then jumped to S-5, (A/C contact #19).

0239(I) Submerged.

0335(I) Surfaced.

0602(I) Submerged.

0920(I) Surfaced on lifeguard station for B-29 strike.

1029(I) SD contact at 25 miles, large pips with IFF return. Closed
        in to 4 miles and then opened out (A/C contact #20).

1116(I) SD contact at 16 miles. IFF.return. (A/C contact #21).

1149(I) SD contacts at 15 and 20 miles (A/C contact #22)

1210(I) Sighted two small craft through high periscope, fishing
        boats. Avoided.

1244(I) SD contact at 18 miles. (A/C contact #23).

1336(I) Lookout sighted Betty emerging from overcast, distant
        about 4 miles. No APR nor SD contact. (A/C contact #24).

1337(I) Passing 70 feet, one bomb exploded close aboard. Only
        damage was a few broken light bulbs and 3 bent gyro spindles
        (see paragraph V).

1831(I) Surfaced.

1850(I) Ship contact #14. Sighted four groups of lights, fishing
        boats undoubtedly, in a north-south line to the east of us.
        Avoided.

2011(I) Ship contact #15. Sighted lights of more fishing vessels
        bearing 050°(T). Avoided.

-7-

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 84 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Continued)

20 December
0614(I) Submerged off Uji Gunto
1830(I) Surfaced.

21 December
0437(I) Ship contact #16. Sighted small craft on parallel course, range
about 1000 yards. Avoided.
0620(I) Submerged. Patrolling Tokara Kaikyo.
1832(I) Surfaced.
1950(I) SJ interference bearing 165°(T).
2011(I) Ship contact #17. SJ contact, 11,100 yards, bearing 175°(T).
2020(I) Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. REDFISH.

22 December
0613(I) Surfaced. Received warning from SE. CIL of hunter-killer
group working with radar planes.
1843(I) SJ interference bearing 310°(T).
2115(I) Ship contact #18. Exchange recognition signals with BALAO.

23 December
0450(I) Submerged on APR contact, S-5. (A/C contact #25)
1033(I) Sighted three Jakes. (A/C contact #26)
1405(I) Sighted Betty. (A/C contact #27)
1623(I) Sighted Mavis. (A/C contact #28)
1837(I) APR contact, S-2 at radar depth. Went down again.
(A/C contact #29).
1852(I) Surfaced.

-8- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 85 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(A) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

23 December (Cont'd)

1931(I) Submerged on APR contact S-5. (A/C contact #30).
2035(I) Surfaced.
2044(I) Submerged on APR contact, S-5. (A/C contact #31).

24 December

0017(I) Ship contact #19. SJ contact at 10,000 yards. Stationed
radar tracking party.
0030(I) Sighted target which identified as a patrol craft, slightly
larger than a SC.
0140(I) Secured tracking party.
0252(I) Submerged on APR contact (A/C contact #32).
0346(I) Surfaced.
0623(I) Submerged south of Danjo Gunto.
1225(I) Heard distant pinging.
1236(I) Ship contact #20. Sighted masts bearing 094°(T). Identified
as patrol vessel about size of SC. Tried unsuccessfully to
evade for the following hour. Towards the end of the hour
was unable to locate target with periscope. A periscope
sweep showed target at about 300 yards range, angle on bow
zero.
1330(I) Rigged for depth charge, turned on DCDI and went deep.
1335(I) Heard second vessel pinging.
1724(I) All clear periscope.
1845(I) Surfaced.
2042(I) Submerged on APR contact S-3 or 4 (A/C contact #33).
Am trying to avoid radar planes on their first sweeps in
hopes that they may be fooled into thinking we are not around
if they don't contact us.
2145(I) Surfaced.

-9- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 86 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Continued)

25 December
0627(I) Submerged.
1900(I) Surfaced.
1945(I) Submerged on APR contact S-3, increasing. (A/C contact
 #34)
2055(I) Surfaced.

26 December
0215(I) Submerged on APR contact. (A/C contact #35).
0302(I) Surfaced.
0326(I) Submerged on APR contact. (A/C contact #36).
0421(I) Surfaced.
0448(I) Submerged on APR contact (A/C contact #37).
0540(I) Surfaced.
0612(I) Submerged on APR contact. (A/C contact #38).
1043(I) Heard distant explosion.
1519(I) to Heard distant explosions, twelve or thirteen.
1650(I)
1832(I) Surfaced.
1858(I) APR contact. (A/C contact #39). Gradually increased
 to S-4.
1913(I) Submerged.
2000(I) Surfaced.

-10- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 87 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

27 December
0510(I) Ship contact #21. Sighted lights of fishing vessels.
        Avoided.
0637(I) Submerged on APR Contact (A/C contact #40).
1603(I) Two distant explosions.
1845(I) APR contact at radar depth. Stayed down. (A/C contact
        #41).
1920(I) APR contact at radar depth. Stayed down. (A/C contact
        #42).
1954(I) Surfaced.
2007(I) Submerged on APR contact. (A/C contact #43).
2114(I) Surfaced.
2335(I) Submerged on APR contact. (A/C contact #44).

28 December
0051(I) Surfaced.
0110(I) Submerged on APR contact. (A/C contact #45).
0224(I) Surfaced.
0225(I) Ship contact #22. Sighted lights of several fishing vessels.
        Avoided.
0245(I) Submerged on APR contact. (A/C contact #46).
0350(I) Surfaced.
0550(I) Submerged on APR contact. (A/C contact #47).
1128(I) Sighted three Jakes. (A/C contact #48).
1151(I) Sighted Jake. (A/C contact #49).
1611(I) Surfaced.
1950(I) Submerged on APR contact. (A/C contact #50).
2055(I) APR contact at radar depth. Stayed down. (A/C contact #51).
2158(I) Surfaced.

29 December
0005(I) Submerged on APR con tact. (A/C contact #52).
0115(I) Surfaced.
0402(I) Submerged on APR contact. (A/C contact #53).
0516(I) Surfaced.
0544(I) Ship contact #23. Sighted lights of fishing vessels. Avoided.
2013(I) Submerged on APR contact. (A/C contact #54).
2127(I) Surfaced.

-11- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 88 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

30 December

0603(I) Submerged. Heard about ten distant explosions during
          morning.
1404(I) Twenty or thirty distant explosions.
1456(I) Sighted Betty. (A/C contact #55).
1747(I) Forty two distant explosions.
1817(I) Surfaced.
2149(I) Ship contact #25. SJ and visual contact at 9500 yards, 142°(T).
          Turned away, lost contact. Suspected friendly submarine
          which had dived on seeing us.
2240(I) Exchanged calls on SJ with USS ICEFISH.

31 December

0603(I) Submerged. Heard several hundred intermittent distant
          explosions throughout the day.
1818(I) Surfaced.

1 January, 1945

0600(I) Submerged.
0730(I) Heard several distant explosions.
1820(I) Surfaced.
2020(I) Ship contact #26. Exchanged recognition signals with USS
          SEA POACHER.
2119(I) Ship contact #27. Sighted light of fishing vessel.
          Avoided.
2334(I) Submerged on APR contact. (A/C contact #56).

2 January

0046(I) Surfaced.
0602(I) Submerged.
1822(I) Surfaced.
1851(I) Two APR contacts, keying alternately, gradually increasing to
          S-5. (A/C contact #57).
1855(I) Submerged.
1945(I) Surfaced.

3 January

0550(I) Submerged on APR contact. (A/C contact #58).
1810(I) Surfaced.
1915(I) SJ interference bearing 090°(T).

-12-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 89 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

4 January, 1945

0600(I) Submerged.
1350(I) Sighted plane. (A/C contact #59).
1818(I) Surfaced.
1859(I) Weak SJ interference bearing 220°(T).
1930(I) Ship contact #28. Exchanged recognition signals with
                 USS TINOSA.
2158(I) Ship contact #29. SJ contact at 6000 with SJ interference.
2200(I) Exchanged calls with USS ICEFISH.

5 January

0624(I) Submerged.
1816(I) Surfaced.

6 January

0602(I) Submerged at life-guard station for B-29 strike. Listened
                 in on distress frequencies by poking SD mast out every 20
                 minutes during strike.
1047(I) Heard four distant explosions.
1129(I) Heard several rapid distant explosions.
1829(I) Surfaced.

7 January

0601(I) Submerged.
1153(I) Sighted Topsy. (A/C contact #60).
1158(I) Sighted unidentified plane. (A/C contact #61).
1822(I) Surfaced.

8 January

0607(I) Submerged.
1043(I) Heard three distant explosions.
1814(I) Surfaced. Left area via Takara Kaikyo.
1957(I) Ship contact #30. Three SJ contacts, bearing 015°(T), range
                 16,900, a few miles south of Yaku Shima. Stationed radar
                 tracking party.
2036(I) SJ interference bearing 150°(T).
2123(I) Battle Stations.
2301(I) Fired six torpedoes from bow tubes at group of four or five
                 unidentified targets. Two hits, one on each of two targets.
                 Turned to pull clear. Did not fire stern tubes because of
                 poor track and nearness of escort. Escorts turned on red
                 truck lights. Reloaded bow tubes. Attempted to regain con-
                 tact.

-13- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 90 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(C) WEATHER
With few exceptions the weather was bad, with rough seas, rain,
sleet, and almost constant overcast which made celestial observations
possible only infrequently.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
*** Currents conformed in general to those predicted in H.O. public-
ations and charts.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS

No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Type(s) | Initial Range | Est. Course Speed | How Con-tacted | Remarks
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1. | 2305(I) 12/9/44 | 30-24N 129-36E | SS | Unk. | Unk. | SJ Int. | SUNFISH
2. | 0600(I) 12/9 | 31-24N 128-55E | SS | Unk. | Unk. | SJ Int. | SEA DEVIL
3. | 1856(I) 12/9 | 31-49N 128-26E | SS | Unk | Unk | SJ Int | REDFISH
4. | 2226(I) 12/9 | 32-01N 129-57 | Small Craft | 6250 | 000 4-5 | SJ | Avoided.
5. | 0126(I) 12/10 | 32-08N 129-57E | Junks | 6000 | 000 4-6 | SJ | Avoided.
6. | 0915(I) 12/11 | 32-30N 128-13E | Junks | 6000 | 330 5 | P | Avoided
7. | 1040(I) 12/11 | 32-29.5N 128-13 | Yacht Type Patrol | 6000 | 135 5 | P | Avoided
8. | 1918(I) 12/11 | 32-19N 128-28E | Patrol | 3000 | Unk | SJ | Avoided.
9. | 0253(I) 12/12 | 31-56N 129-01E | Patrol | 7750 | Unk | SJ | Avoided
10. | 0531(I) 12/12 | 31-54N 128-57E | Patrol | 4300 | Unk | SJ | Avoided
11. | 0635(I) 12/12 | 31-45.5N 128-47E | SS | Unk | Unk | SJ Int | SEA POACHER

*** See page 16 for paragraph (E).
-14-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 91 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(A) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

8 January (Cont'd)

0118(I) SJ contact 11,200 yards single small contact, stationed
radar tracking party and closed to see if we could pick
up other contacts.
0300(I) No further contacts,discontinued search.
0631(I) Submerged.
1802(I) Surfaced. Set course for Guam.

10 January

1103(I) Sighted plane at 12 miles. (A/C contact #62). Submerged.
1136(I) Surfaced.

11-13 January

Enroute to Guam.

13 January

0455(I) Rendezvoused with escort.
1120(I) Entered Port Apra, Guam.
1150(I) Moored alongside U.S.S. SPERRY.

-14- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 92 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(F) SHIP CONTACTS (Cont'd)

No. | Time | Lat. | Type(s) | Initial | Est. Course | How | Remarks
| Date | Long. | | Range | Speed | Cont. |
12. | 1148(I) | 33-10N | Yacht Type | 10,000 | Unk | P | Avoided
| 12/17 | 128-20E | Patrol | | 8 | |
13. | 1210(I) | 32-18N | Fishing | 8000 | Unk | P(Surf) | Avoided
| 12/19 | 129-30.5E | boats | | | |
14. | 1850(I) | 32-09N | Fishing | 6000 | Unk | S | Avoided
| 12/19 | 126-33E | boats | | | |
15. | 2011(I) | 32-05N | Fishing | 6000 | Unk | S | Avoided
| 12/19 | 126-38E | boats | | | |
17. | 2011(I) | 20-21N | SS | 11,100 | 180 | SJ | REDFISH
| 12/21 | 129-20E | | | 18 | |
18. | 2115(I) | 31-09N | SS | 11,000 | 000 | SJ | BALAO
| 12/22 | 129-03E | | | | |
19. | 0016(I) | 31-36.5N | Pat. | 10,000 | 270 | AJ | Tracked
| 12/24 | 128-49E | Vessel | | 7 | | didn't attack
20. | 1236(I) | 31-50N | Pat. | 6000 | 135 | P | Avoided
| 12/24 | 128-06E | Vessel | | 5 | |
21. | 0551(I) | 31-54N | Fishing | 1000 | 090 | S | Evaded
| 12/27 | 127-00E | Vessel | | 5 | |
22. | 0225(I) | 32-51N | Fishing | 6000 | Unk | S | Avoided -
| 12/29 | 127-11E | Boats | | | | Lights
23. | 0544(I) | 32-36N | Fishing | 6000 | Unk | S | Avoided -
| 12/29 | 126-29E | Boats | | | | Lights
24. | 1928(I) | 32-27N | Fishing | 6000 | Unk | S | Avoided -
| 12/29 | 126-27E | Boats | | | | Lights
25. | 2149(I) | 32-19N | SS | 9500 | Unk | SJ | ICEFISH
| 12/30 | 126-03E | | | | |
26. | 2020(I) | 31-54N | SS | Unk | Unk | SJ | SEA POACHER
| 1/1/45 | 127-42E | | | | |
27. | 2119(I) | 31-52.5N | Fishing | Unk | Unk | S | Avoided -
| 1/1 | 127-55E | Boats | | | | Lights
28. | 1930(I) | 30-12N | SS | Unk | Unk | SJ | TINOSA
| 1/4 | 128-58E | | | | |
-15-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 93 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(F) SHIP CONTACTS (Cont'd)

No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Type(s) | Initial Range | Est.Cours Speed | How Contacted | Remarks
----|||||||
29. | 2158(I)   | 30-18N     | SS      | 6000          | Unk             | SJ            | ICEFISH
    | 1/4       | 128-42E    |         |               |                 |               |
30. | 1957(I)   | 30-27N     | Unk     | 16,900        | 280             | SJ            | Attacked.
    | 1/8       | 130-09E    |         |               | 10              |               | Got two hits on
    |           |            |         |               |                 |               | two unidentified
    |           |            |         |               |                 |               | targets.

(E) NAVIGATION AL AIDS

None observed.

-16-                                                              ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 94 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.

CONTACT No.:     1     2     3     4     5     6
Date             12/9  12/9  12/9  12/9  12/9  12/10
S Time(Zone)     1030I 1112I 1245  1451  1523I 0739I
U Position:
B Lat.           21-35N 31-36.5 31.37.5 31-41 32-01 31-40
M Long.          128-48.5E 128-47 128-44 128-41.6 128-58 128-52
A Speed          2     2     2     2     2     2
R Course         320   320   320   320   320   800
I Trim           Sub.  Sub.  Sub.  Sub.  Sub.  Sub.
N Minutes Since
E Last SD Search -     -     -     -     -     -

No.              1     1     1     1     1     2
A Type           Mavis Mavis Nell  Jake  Jake  Nell
I Probable Mission Patrol Patrol Patrol Patrol Patrol Patrol
R How Contacted  P     P     P     P     P     P
C Initial Range  5 mi  5 mi  6mi   3 mi  7 mi  10-12 mi
R Elev. Angle °  6     5     4     1     2     7
A Range & Rel.   ND    ND    ND    ND    ND    ND
F bearing of
T pl. when it
det. S/M

C Sea: State(Beau- 3     3     2     2     3     2
O fort)
N Dir.(Rel)      005   005   005   005   005   009
D Visib.(Miles)  10    10    10    10    20    9
I
T Clouds: Ht.Ft. 4000  4000  4000  4000  4500  3000
I % O'cast       10    10    9     9     6     9
Ø
N Moon:          Day   Day   Day   Day   Day   Day
S

Type of Submarine Camouflage this Patrol: Gray.

-17-                                            ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 95 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

CONTACT No.: | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
|---|---|---|----|----|----
Date | 12/10 | 12/10 | 12/10 | 12/10 | 12/10 | 12/10
S Time (Zone) | 0908I | 0911 | 0938 | 1134 | 1313 | 1332
U Position: | | | | | |
B Lat: | 31-42.9N | 31-43.8 | 31-45 | 31-48.5 | 31-49.5 | 31-57.5
M Long: | 128-52E | 128-52 | 128-52 | 128-52 | 128-52 | 128-52
A Speed | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2
R Course | 000 | 000 | 000 | 000 | 000 | 000
I Trim | Sub | Sub | Sub | Sub | Sub | Sub
N Minutes Since | - | - | - | - | - | -
E Last SD Search | | | | | |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
No. | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1
A Type | Jake | Unk | Jake | Mavis | Pete | Pete
I Probable Mission | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat | Pat
R How Contacted | P | P | P | P | P | P
C Initial Range | 7 mi | 10 mi | 8 mi | 10 mi | 6 mi | 5 mi
R Elev. Angle ° | 5 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4
A Range & Rel. | | | | | |
F bearing of | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND
T pl. when it | | | | | |
det. S/M | | | | | |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
C Sea: State(Beaufort) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3
O | | | | | |
N Dir.(Rel) | 020 | 020 | 020 | 020 | 310 | 310
D Visib.(Miles) | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30
I | | | | | |
T Clouds:Ht.Ft. | 4000' | 4000 | 3000 | 3000 | 4000 | 4000
I % O'cast | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 3
O | | | | | |
N Moon: | Day | Day | Day | Day | Day | Day
S | | | | | |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Type of Submarine Camouflage this Patrol: Gray.

-18-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 101 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Cont'd)

CONTACT No.: | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48
||||||
Date | 12/27 | 12/27 | 12/28 | 12/28 | 12/28 | 12/28
S Time(Zone) | 2007I | 2345 | 0110 | 0245 | 0550 | 1128
U Position: | | | | | |
B Lat. | 32-00N | 32-48.5 | 32-53 | 33-01 | 33-15 | 33-23
N Long. | 127-00E | 127-09 | 127-11 | 127-11.5 | 127-21.5 | 127-26
A Speed | 15 | 10 | 10 | 16 | 10 | 2
R Course | 000 | 000 | 000 | 000 | 030 | 030
I Trim | Surf. | Surf | Surf | Surf | Surf | Sub
N Minutes Since | - | - | - | - | - | -
E Last SD search |
No. | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3
A Type | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Jake
I Probalbe Mission | Unk | Unk | Search | Search | Search | transit
R How Contacted | APR | APR | APR | APR | APR | P
C Initial Range | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | 10
R Elev. Angle° | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | 6
A Range & Rel. | | | | | |
F bearing of | " | " | " | " | " | ND
T pl. when it | | | | | |
det. S/M |
C Sea: State(Beau- | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3
O fort) | | | | | |
N Dir. Rel. | 300 | 300 | 265 | 265 | 300 | 060
D Visib.(Miles) | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5
I | | | | | |
I Clouds: Ht.Ft. | 8000 | 6000 | 9000 | 9000 | 9000 | 4000
I % O'cast | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 10
O Bear Rel. | 165 | 260 | 270 | 280 | set | 0
N Moon: Angle | 65 | 50 | 40 | 15 | | 10
S % Illum. | 66 | 66 | 66 | 75 | | 75

Type of Submarine Camouflage this patrol: Gray.

-24- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 102 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Cont'd)

CONTACT No.: ---49---50---51---52---53---54---
Date             12/28  12/28  12/28  12/29  12/29  12/29
S Time(Zone)     1151I  1950   2055   0005   0400   2010
U Position:
B Lat.           33-24N 33-04  33-01  32-42  32-40  32-31
M Long.          127-27E 127-25 127-24 127-00 126-28 126-36
A Speed          2      15     3      13     9      12
R Course         020    195    280    270    270    035
I Trim           Sub    Surf   Sub    Surf   Surf   Surf
N Minutes Since  Not in operation
E Last SD Search
---No.            1      2      1      1      1      1
A Type           Jake   Unk    Unk    Unk    Unk    Unk
I Probable Mission Unk    Search Search Search Pat    Pat
R How Contacted  P      APR    APR    APR    APR    APR
C Initial Range  4      Unk    Unk    Unk    Unk    Unk
R Elev. angle°   3      Unk    Unk    Unk    Unk    Unk
A Range & Rel.
F bearing of pl. ND     Unk    Unk    Unk    Unk    Unk
T it det. S/M
---C Sea: State(Beau- 3      2      2      2      3      2
O fort)
N Dir.Rel.       280    105    115    040    040    275
D Visib.(Miles)  10     5      5      5      5      5
I Clouds: Ht.Ft. 9000   7000   7000   7000   4000   8000
T % O'cast       7      7      7      3      10     8
O Bear. Rel.     Day    090    220    270    0      85
N Moon: Angle    -      50     78     70     10     50
S % Illum.       -      75     75     75     75     100

Type of Submarine Camouflage this patrol: Gray.

-25-                                            ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 103 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Cont'd)

CONTACT No.: -----55-----56-----57-----58-----59-----60-----
Date             12/30  1/1/45  1/2    1/3    1/4    1/7
S Time(Zone)     1456I  2334    1855   0550   1350   1153
U Position:
M Lat.           32-40N 31-37   30-45  30-09  30-04  30-07
A Long.          126-41 128-05  129-02 128-49 128-42 129-03
A Speed          2      10      10     10     2      2
R Course         180    180     180    060    270    220
C Trim           Sub    Surf    Surf   Surf   Sub    Sub
N Minutes Since                 Not in Operation
E Last SD Search

No.              1      1       2      1      1      1
Type             Botty  Unk     Unk    Unk    Topsy  Topsy
I Probable Mission Pat Pat     Search Search Transit Transit
R How Contacted P      APR     APR    APR    P      P
C Initial Range  8      Unk     Unk    Unk    5      6
R Elev. Angle    4      Unk     Unk    Unk    4      3
A Range & Rel.
F bearing of pl. ND     Unk     Unk    Unk    ND     ND
T when det. S/M

C Sea: State(Beau-2     5       4      1      2      3
O fort)
N Dir.Rel.       130    150     150    300    090    025
D Visib.(Miles)  30     2       5      5      5      10
I
T Clouds: Ht.Ft. 1500   6000    8000   9000   4000   3500
I % O'cast       4      7       7      7      10     10
O Bear. Rel. Day        0       Not up 210    day    day
N Moon: Angle    -      65      -      60     -      -
S % Illum.       -      66      -      33     -      -

Type of Submarine Camouflage this patrol: Gray.

-26-                                ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 105 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(H) ATTACK DATA

TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT

U.S.S. PIRANHA TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 3
Time: 2301(I) Date: 8 Jan., 1945. Lat. 3027-N. Long. 130-09E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Contact was made by radar. The contact was a convoy
of small or medium sized ships. Visibility was poor and ships were
not sighted. All information was derived from radar. The convoy
consisted of four or five ships with a screen of at least five
escorts. The escorts were stationed one ahead, one on each bow and
one on each quarter.

Ship(s) Sunk:
Ship(s) Damaged
or Probably Sunk: Two (2) unidentified.

Damage Determined by: First explosion heard 2 minutes and 25 seconds
after firing. Second explosion heard and observed from the bridge at
5 minutes and 20 seconds after firing. After firing only two defin-
ite radar pips were able to be located in target group which previous-
ly had contained four definite and possibly five pips.

Target Draft: Unknown. Course: 240°(T). Speed: 10. Range:
2400 yards at firing.

Own Ships Data

Speed: 10. Course: 280°(T). Depth: Surface. Angle: -

-28- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 106 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT (Cont'd)

U.S.S. PIRANHA TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 3.
Time: 2301(I) Date: 8 January, 1945. Lat. 30-27N., Long. 130-09E.

---Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Radar surface attack. After tracking and determining
course and speed and location of escorts, decided to make an attack
coming in astern of escort on port bow, and firing on a track of
about 90° to 110°. With target on course 210, started closing track
for an attack, heading about at escort on port bow. With distance
to track about 5000 yards, let escort draw over on own port bow and
continued to close target at full speed on four engines. When range
to target was about 3500 yards, and just as we were getting ready
to fire, target zigged 30° right to 240°. This gave a very poor track,
so with range of about 3000 yards to target, came to parallel course
to pull up ahead to improve track. This put us just astern of escort
on port bow, with escort on port quarter of convoy on our starboard
quarter. Closed up until escort ahead was at 2000 yards, closing
rapidly. Decided to turn in and fire on best set-up possible. Slow-
ed to 10 knots, swung right to course 280°, giving nearly a zero gyro,
and fired six torpedoes from the bow tubes. Put rudder hard right
and turned into escort on port quarter of convoy. Cleared him by
about 1800 yards just as he turned on his red truck lights. Stern
tubes were not fired because of unfavorable track and nearness of
escort. There was a possibility of three hits, but as escorts start-
ed dropping depth charges, it was not possible to be certain. Also
radar had only four definite pips before firing. It is believed that
the two ships were sunk.

Two other explosions were heard at 8 minutes and 30
seconds and at 9 minutes and 5 seconds, which did not sound like
depth charges, however, by this time several depth charges were
heard, and it was impossible to tell one from the other. The long
firing interval between four and five was due to checking fire
momentarily to check set-up.

-29- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 107 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)
ATTACK NO. 1

| | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Track Angle | 144-20P | 145P | 143-30P | 142-10P | 143-30P | 142-40P |
| Gyro Angle | 355-40 | 355 | 356-30 | 357-50 | 356-30 | 357-20 |
| Depth Set | 4' | 4' | 4' | 4' | 4' | 4' |
| Power | Elec. | Elec. | Elec. | Elec. | Elec. | Elec. |
| Hit or Miss | Hit | Miss | Miss | Miss | Hit | Miss |
| Erratic | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 |
| Serial No. | 55957 | 56034 | 55548 | 56560 | 55326 | 54597 |
| Mark Exploder | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 |
| Serial No. | 8665 | 8955 | 10153 | 9134 | 8925 | 8886 |
| Actuation Set | Cont. | Cont. | Cont. | Cont. | Cont. | Cont. |
| Actuation Actual | -Contact | - | - | - | Cont. | - |
| Mark Warhead | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 |
| Serial No. | 3000 | 3252 | 3040 | 3155 | 2225 | 2274 |
| Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX |
| Firing Interval | - | 10 Sec. | 10 Sec. | 10 Sec. | 10 Sec. | 10 Sec. |
| Type Spread | Divergent | | | | | |
| Sea Conditions | - State 3. | | | | | |
| Overhaul Activity | - | Sub Base, P.H., T.H.--- | - USS FULTON - |
| | | Nos. 1,2,3, and 4 | Nos. 5 and 6 | -30- | ENCLOSURE (A) |

— page 108 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(I) MINES.

None observed.

(J) ANTI - SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS.

Area was well covered by radar-equipped planes on clear, and
on moonlight nights. Several small surface patrol vessels covered
the vicinity of Danjo Gunto.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE.

Electrical

During the last refit at Sub Base, Pearl Harbor, the battery
electrolyte was renewed. Cell #4 aft was missed when refilling,
and subsequently watered. This cell was spiked November 16th,
enroute on patrol November 19th. Special treatment was
required to raise specific gravity to battery average. This
consisted at first of jumping cell out during time of discharge
and high rates of charge, and jumping in for finishing rate of
charge. Later, the whole battery was discharged several times.
This procedure was carried out several times enroute Saipan.
Specific gravity rose to 1211, corrected. Cell was again spiked
by USS FULTON and gravity rose to 1280, corrected.

At 0245, November 27, 1944, while jumping cell #4A, DAVIDSON,
L.A., 563 21 16, EM, USNR, dropped the heavy cell jumper, which
shorted the battery across cells #4A and #40A. This caused a large
flash which seriously burnt DAVIDSON's legs, and also started the
pitch on top of cells #39A and #40A burning. One cell connector
between #39 and #40 was partially burnt and one positive post on
#40 was burnt.

The repair force of the USS FULTON renewed the burnt cell
connector, repitched and repaired the burnt cell tops, and brought
the electrolyte up to 1.280. No further difficulty was experienced
for the remainder of the patrol.

Mechanical

After leaving Pearl Harbor, the outboard exhaust valve on #3
M.E. was found to leak considerably above periscope depth. The
repair force USS FULTON, adjusted the linkage and placed shims
under the rubber gasket on the valve disc. This remedied the
leak. However, either the disc or the seat is believed to be
warped.

-31- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 109 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(L) RADIO.

Less enemy jamming was encountered on this patrol than either
of the previous two patrols. The frequency 9090 kcs. for copying
NPM gave better signal strength and was located in a spot of less
interference than the previous 9515 kcs. used. Only one serial
message was missed despite being forced down by many night radar
aircraft.

Messages transmitted were two to NPM, one being relayed by
NCM, one to NPN-6, and one to NKN via NPN-6. In transmitting to
China, we could not raise NQN on 4235 kcs. All other messages were
transmitted without delay.

Good results were obtained in copying China schedules except
on the 12460 kcs. which was often weak and heavily jammed.

INTERPACK COMMUNICATIONS

Authentication of messages by this pack was changed slightly
from the standard method which caused some confusion. Standard
authentication system seems best method. All transmissions were by
CW.

Recognition signals between boats were different than standard
major war vessel signals. Major war vessel signals seems the bet-
ter system.

There were no casualties to the radio gear.

(M) RADAR.

SD radar was secured during patrol except when safeguarding for
China based B-29's. It is a shame to hide this powerful transmitter
rig which is not only inefficient in danger zone (low flying search
planes) but vulnerable to simple enemy direction finders.

SJ radar was keyed irregularly for the first time by this boat
while on station out of deference to the possibility of enemy SJ
direction finding gear. No convincing evidence of this was found.
Keying at short irregular intervals does not eliminate possibility
of detection it merely delays the detection and hinders D F'ing
should the enemy have such equipment. Operators were told not to
train on land except when piloting by radar.

-32-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 110 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(M) RADAR (Con't).

     No radar interference was observed which did not give all appear-
ances of our own SJ interference. Communication with submarines (out-
side the pack) were carried off expertly by radiomen standing watch
(one in each section). Returns on SJ were high in comparison to
former patrols. That is to say echoes on submarines and land and in-
terference were better than normal but we didn't get a chance to try
it out on any real meat.

     Less set trouble, than previously, was encountered despite the
keying of SJ through a maze of switches and keys frequently both for
search and communications. We see no harm in this procedure as the
set is designed for full high voltage switching. We used the proced-
ure of putting range step half way down echo pulse to judge uniformity
of power and receiver gain.

(N) SOUND CONDITIONS AND SOUND GE.R.

     Sound conditions were generally very good.

     There were no casualties to sound equipment, except DCDI which
grounded out.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS.

     Only one density layer was encountered.

Date       Time   Lat.    Long.    Depth   Temp.   Depth   Temp.
12/24/44   1700   N31-52  E128-41  208     68      240     66

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY.

     Health, food, and habitability were good.

-33-                                        ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 111 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(Q) PERSONNEL.

     The performance of all hands during this monotonous patrol
was outstanding.

     The new personnel received were of extremely high caliber.

     (a) Men on board during patrol --- 77
     (b) Men qualified at start of patrol - 63
     (c) Men qualified at end of patrol - 72
     (d) Men making first war patrol --- 13
     (e) Men advanced in rating --- 7

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED.

     Pearl to Area          5319 miles 63,900 gallons.

     In Area                4671 miles 41,500 gallons.

     Area to Guam           1675 miles 22,000 gallons.

(S) DURATION.

     Days enroute to area   19
     Days in area           31
     Days enroute to base    4
     Days submerged         33

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING.

     Torpedoes              Fuel                 Provisions     Personnel Factor

     18                     33,000 gallons.      10 days        10 days

     Limiting factor this patrol was operation order.

-34-                                             ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 112 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(U) RADIO AND RADAR COUNTERMEASURES.

APR becomes an increasingly important defensive weapon as sub-
marines are forced in closer to the area off the coast of the Empire
where many search planes and shore based installations endanger the
security of our position. Not all the numerous aircraft APR are in-
cluded in this section but are summarized under contacts. Aircraft
radar has characteristics of coming in and fading out quickly and
evidence of not sweeping regularly. Also the Japanese "zoomies" key
their sets much as we do our SJ (SD was secured entirely except while
lifeguarding) this in an effort to avoid early detection and possibly
as deception as to proximity of plane. On several occasions two
planes, having different frequencies were detected at one time, one
growing strong then fading out as the other came in. Finally one
of them had been off would pop in at strength 5 plus. On these
occasions the planes seemed to have a general idea where we were but
no definite contact before they reach strength 3 signal. In
addition to slow keying to short keying. During moonlight nights the
planes seem to operate on a four hourly schedule radiating from Kyushu
out as far as Saish To and the dangerous area. Most frequent con-
tacts were encountered around Danjo Gunto. This may mean that the
shorebases have direction finding equipment for use on our SJ.
After trying to surface for an hour one night a patrol craft was
later tracked going to where we had come from. In order to protect
our position we usually dived on growing strength 3 signal. In
order to protect ourselves from these plane teams it is recommended
that receivers capable of detecting these frequencies be in-
stalled. The aircraft band seems to be from 150 to 160 MC with
1000 pulses per second and narrower pulse (7-8 micro-seconds) than
similar sets on shore who have 500 p.r.f. and 15-20 micro-second
pulse width. Either a special receiver for this band or a second
APR unit is desirable.

Shorebase radars are in the same frequency band as aircraft and
some on 90 to 100 MC band. Danjo Gunto has 200 MC and 96 MC; the
96 MC set being very powerful - probably early warning for the China
based bombers. We were able to pick it up at ranges up to 60 miles
depending on weather conditions. The shore bases in Colnett Strait
trained on us intermittently during our passage. Despite this fact
our only worth while contact was in this strait while leaving area.

The only noteable evidence of ship borne equipment was encount-
ered in a convoy of small coastal vessel. This set never seemed to
steady on us despite the fact that we passed within 2000 yards of
leading escort. This set had 147 MC 500 p.r.f. and a narrow 10 micro-
second pulse unlike the wider pulsed shore bases with same frequency
and p.r.f.

In conclusion we again ask what can be done toward a directional
antenna for the most frequent frequencies at least.

-35- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 113 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(U) RADIO AND RADAR COUNTERMEASURES. (Cont'd)

The following signals on APR in the area:

Position
Lat. Long. GCT Freq.MC. PRF Pulse Width Source

31-55E 129-09N 091330 194 500 7.5 Shore?
32-10 128-50 091600 225 1250 - Very weak
32-50 129-09 091630 110 200 Irreg. Unidentified.
31-54 129-01 091730 270 - - -
32-08 128-39 101025 94 750? 20 Lobing shorebase
32-30 127-22 101900 511 1500 - Weak-rotat. 6-8 rpm.
32-25 127-25 101590 225 - - Weak.
                                670-675 hissing sound through power lead
32-14 128-41 111210 148 500 10 Unident.
                                111300 75? 1000-500 MCW Beam?
31-56 129-02 111000 154 500 6 Aircraft?
Very weak TN4 signal 552 - 562 MC.
Very weak 190 MC unidentified.
32-55 127-35 131400 105 60? Weak possibly SD
33-30 128-25 171020 154 1000 7-8 Very fast Airborne
31-30 128-22 191700 94 750 15-20 Danjo Gunto
31-22 128-57 192110 158 500 11 Shore
30-16 129-20 201950 158 500 13 Shore rotate 5 rpm
30-11 129-138 202100 272 - - Weak 6 rpm.
30-31 129-34 210930 147 500 10 land based
30-31 129-34 210930 157 500 6 land based
30-19 129-15 211010 225 750 - Very weak
30-41 128-57 221020 275 750 - -
30-54 129-03 221050 255 - - Weak
31-40 130-00 221730 156 500 - Aircraft.
31-40 130-00 221800 153 1000 10 Keying Aircraft.
                                231800 155 1000 10 Aircraft.
32-29 127-42 251045 154 1000 10
32-42 126-47 281715 76 500 cycle note
32-33 126-27 291230 221 Unknown
32-04 127-39 291050 94 750 25 Danjo
30-45 129-00 021000 149 500 Weak Shore?
30-45 129-00 021000 150 1000 - Aircraft
30-00 130-55 042130 159 500 13 Two Pulses same
                                sweep [HANDWRITTEN: ~~~]
Faded out
30-22 129-36
30-02 130-20 081015 147 500 10 Unidentified.
Possible portable rig.

-36- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 114 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(V) REMARKS.

Mark 18-1 Torpedoes
Twenty four Mark 18 Mod 1 Torpedoes were carried by this vessel.

Charging was simplified by using the securing straps installed
near torpedo tube breech doors.

A 23 volt ground was cleared on torpedo #56560 by washing cell
tops of the batteries and later this fish was shot successfully. A
dead cell was jumped out on torpedo #55300 after torpedo had been
charge for about a month.

On 19 December, a near miss by an aircraft bomb damaged gyro
spindles on all the torpedo tubes aft. It was necessary to replace
three of these gyro spindles. The guide studs on torpedoes #56034,
#55548, #56146, #56096, #54674 and #55406 were damaged by the con-
cussion of the bomb. The torpedo tube stop bolts were inspected and
were found undamaged. It was necessary to reverse guide studs on
the above torpedoes, check measurement from face of guide stud to
tail, then the torpedoes were loaded successfully. Two of the
torpedoes were in forward tubes where damage to guide studs was not
sufficient to allow torpedoes to shift. Tail buffers on all tubes
were screwed home when the attack occurred. The direction of bends
on all gyro spindles was outboard.

The new type screened hydrogen burners burned continually for two
months with no failures.

-37-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 115 —
FB5-102/A16-3
Serial 03
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

SUBMARINE DIVISION 102

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
17 January, 1945

FIRST ENDORSEMENT
CO USS PIRANHA Conf. ltr.
SS389/A16-3 serial 01 of
1/13/45.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Third War Patrol, Comments on.

1. The third war patrol of the U.S.S. PIRANHA was conducted
in the East China Sea in the area to the westward of Kyushu. The
patrol lasted from November 19, 1944 to January 13, 1945 during which
one month was spent in the area. PIRANHA was one unit of a
coordinated attack group, SEA POACHER and SEA OWL, with the group
commander in the latter, being the other units of the group. Life
guard services for strategic bomber strikes at Kyushu were performed
in addition to normal patrolling on station.

2. The only contact worthy of torpedo fire was made on
January 8, the next to the last day in the area. A night surface
radar attack was made on a group of four or five unidentified ships
screened by at least five escorts. Six electric bow shots were
fired on radar bearings at overlapping pips. The track angles were
in the order of 140° port and the ranges about 2400 yards. Two hits
appear to have been gotten; one was heard about two and one-half
minutes after firing and another was heard and observed three
minutes later. PIRANHA then swung away from the target group and
cleared the nearest escort which had closed to 1800 yards and turned
on two red truck lights. The commanding officer believes there
might have been a third torpedo hit but by that time the escorts were
dropping depth charges and it was not possible to be certain. Except
for the torpedo explosions heard and seen all information was derived
from radar. The state of the sea rendered it necessary for PIRANHA
to pull well clear of the enemy formation in order to take up a
course favorable to reloading the bow tubes. During this period radar
contact with the enemy was lost. An attempt to regain contact was
frustrated by the interposition of a patrol vessel between the
submarine and the suspected base track of the enemy convoy.

3. PIRANHA and the other vessels of her group encountered
considerable anti-submarine activity in Area Nine particularly in

- 1 -

— page 117 —
FC5-10/A16-3
Serial: ( 015 )

CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS PIRANHA Report of
Third War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron Ten.
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. PIRANHA (SS389) - Third War Patrol, comments on.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the first endorsement.

2. Of the sixty (60) aircraft contacts made, thirty-three (33)
were determined by means of the APR. It is notable that, in spite of the
apparent high performance of the PIRANHA's SJ radar and that instrument's
proven ability to detect aircraft, no plane contacts resulted from its
use. Most effective use of the APR requires considerable experience and
discrimination by its operator. It seems probable that not all the APR
contacts so listed were on airborne radar, as the same frequencies are
employed by Japanese shore-based radars.

3. The commanding officer, officers, and crew are congratulated
on the completion of this arduous patrol, and it is recommended that the
damage inflicted by their attack on the enemy be assessed as follows:

DAMAGED

2. Medium ships-(UN) 8,000 tons

Copy to:
CSD-102.
CO PIRANHA.

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TEN

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
19 January 1945.

[SIGNATURE: G. L. Russell]
G. L. RUSSELL.

— page 118 —
F12-10/A16-3(15)
Serial 0215
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PIRANHA Report of
Third War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 648
U.S.S. PIRANHA - THIRD WAR PATROL.

From:
To :
Via :

Subject:

1.
of Commander H. E. Ruble, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the East China
Sea areas to the westward of Kyushu. The PIRANHA, along with the U.
S.S. SEA POACHER (SS406) and the U.S.S. SEA OWL (SS405), formed a
coordinated attack group with the Commanding Officer of the SEA OWL,
Commander C. L. Bennett, U.S. Navy, as group commander. Lifeguard
services were performed as well as offensive patrol.

2. Despite thorough area coverage, only one contact worthy
of torpedo fire was made. This contact was made by radar at night and
was estimated to consist of four or five unidentified ships screened
by at least five escorts. A surface radar approach was made and six
torpedoes fired. One observed and one timed hit were obtained. The
PIRANHA encountered intense enemy anti-submarine radar measures and
numerous planes during this patrol. The best methods of combating
this type of enemy anti-submarine effort is now under active study by
the Commander Training Command, Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this arduous pa-
trol during which it is estimated the following damage was inflicted
upon the enemy:

D A M A G E D
1 - UN | 4,000 tons (Attack No. 1)
1 - UN | 4,000 tons (Attack No. 1)

TOTAL DAMAGED | 8,000 tons

Authentication and distribution
on following page.

III
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
24 January 1945.

[STAMP: 26 JAN 1945]

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

The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of Third War Patrol
(19 November, 1944, to 13 January, 1945).

The third war patrol of the PIRANHA, under the command

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

- 1 -

— page 120 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]

SS389/A16-3                                U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389)
Serial (05)                                c/o Fleet Post Office,
                                           San Francisco, Calif.

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L                    21 April, 1945.
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

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

Subject:   U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of War Patrol Number
           Four.

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

           1. Enclosure (A), covering the fourth war patrol of this
ship conducted in Luzon Straits Area during the period 11 February,
1945 to 21 April, 1945 is forwarded herewith.

                                           [HANDWRITTEN: (./)]
                                           D.G. IRVINE.

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

[HANDWRITTEN: 120002]

— page 121 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(A) PROLOGUE

U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL

Arrived GUA from third war patrol on 13 January, 1945. Assigned
to Submarine Division 102 and U.S.S. SPERRY for training and refit.
Normal refit by SubDiv 102 Relief Crew and U.S.S. SPERRY completed
January 28th. Conducted eight-day training period supervised by
ComSubDiv 102. Fired two battle surface gun practices and six exer-
cise torpedoes.

During period in port following officer personnel transfers were
made:

24 January, Commander D.G. IRVINE, USN relieved Commander
H.E. RUBLE, USN as Commanding Officer. Commander RUBLE detached
in accordance with ComSubAdv Base, Navy 926 orders serial 27 of
17 January, 1945.

21 January, Lt. C.B. BISHOP, USN relieved Lt. A.J. BELDE, USNR
as Executive Officer and Navigator. Lt. A.J. BELDE, USNR de-
tached in accordance with ComSubPac despatch orders 202145 of
January, 1945.

29 January, Ens. J.A. HIGGINS, USNR reported on board for duty in
accordance with ComSubAdv Base, Navy 926 orders serial 28 of
21 January, 1945.

OFFICERS ON BOARD | NO. WAR PATROLS
* IRVINE, D.G., Comdr., USN (Comdg.) | 5 ( 2 British, 1
| Polish & 2 U.S.)
xz BISHOP, C.B., Lt., USN (Exec.) | 4 (PIRANHA)
x GUERNSEY, E., Lt., USNR (Torp. Off.) | 6 ( 4 PIRANHA &
| 2 STEELHEAD)
x LEEN, R.A., Lt.(jg), USNR (Eng. Off.) | 4 (PIRANHA)
z PETERSON, H.A., Lt.(jg) USNR (Alst Lt.) | 3 (PIRANHA)
xz O'LEARY, A.C., Jr., Lt.(jg), USN. (1st Lt.) | 4 (PIRANHA)
x LAWSON, H.F., Lt.(jg), USNR (Commun.) | 4 (PIRANHA)
xz KERN, H.N., Lt.(jg), USNR (Asst. Torp.) | 3 (PIRANHA)
z LUPO, F.C., Ens., USNR (A. Eng. Off.) | 2 (PIRANHA)
z HIGGINS, J.A., Ens., USNR (Commsy) | 1(PIRANHA)

CPO's ON BOARD | NO. OF WAR PATROLS
BENNER, R.W., CMOM. (Chief of Boat) | 4 (PIRANHA)
LEWIS, D.W., CMOM. | 4 (PIRANHA)
DATSON, A.P., CT. | 9 (4 PIRANHA &
| 5 HALIBUT)
DOBSON, C.L., CEM. | 2 (PIRANHA)
HUGHES, L.T., CRT | 4 (PIRANHA)

-1-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 122 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL

(B) NARRATIVE

11 February, 1945
Com Task Force 17 Operation Order 43-45, U.S.S. SEA OWL T.U. 17.14.1
and C.O. of SEA OWL is CTG 17.14, U.S.S. PIRANHA T.U. 17.14.2 and
U.S.S. PUFFER T.U. 17.14.3.
1500K Underway from Guam under escort.
2245K Dropped escort proceeding in safety lane.

12 February
Proceeding in safety lanes enroute to Luzon Strait areas conducting
daily training dives and tracking drills.
Noon position (1200K) Lat. 15-32N, Long. 141-37E.

13 February
Noon position (1200I) Lat. 19-01N, Long. 136-29E.

14 February
Noon position (1200I) Lat. 20-55N, Long. 132-17E.

15 February
Noon position (1200I) Lat. 20-43N, Long. 127-11.5E.

16 February
Noon position (1200I) Lat. 20-57N, Long. 123-40E.
Stayed submerged during daylight 75 miles northeast of Batan
Island waiting for darkness in order to make run thru Balintang
Channel.
1800I Heard sounds similar to pinging on both JP and SB sonars bearing
330 (T).
1805I Surfaced and searched along track 330 (T) at 3 engine speed (18
kts.) for 25 miles. Unable to locate source of 'pings'. Probably
another submarine using fathometer as weather has been overcast
for past 24 hours with average visibility about 2000-5000 yards.
1945I Set course 220 (T) to proceed thru Balintang Channel at 18 kts.
2100I Sent message informing BATFISH and BLACKFISH that PIRANHA was
making passage thru Balintang Channel at midnite.
2200I Received message from BATFISH containing information as to hunt-
ing prospects in the area.
2230I Received orders from Pack Commander (CTG-17.14) to cover western
approaches to Balintang.

-2-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 123 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

17 February, 1945

Noon position (1200I) Lat. 19-28N, Long. 121-03E.

Made uneventful passage thru channel.

0600I Radar contact 26,000 yds. bearing 280 (T) (our position 20 miles
        bearing 330 (T) from Calayan Is.). Headed toward contact at 4
        engine speed (19½kts). Unable to pick up contact on SD: contact
        disappeared on SJ after about 3 minutes. From rate of change of
        range and bearing believe contact was a large airplane, possibly
        one of our own.
0630I Secured chase headed back toward Calayan Island.
0710I Submerged 20 miles due west of Calayan. Working southward to patrol
        across channel between Dalupiri and Fuga Islands.
1900I Surfaced and patrolled across Channel six miles off beach acting
        on B.TFISH information hoping to catch a Nip submarine.
2230I Radar contact just off northern end of Dalupiri Island, initial
        range 17,000 yards. Tracked contact and worked around end of
        island. Targets went ashore on northeast side of island, closed
        beach to 2500 yards and still not able to see them. Decided they
        must have been fishing smacks with sails rigged which would account
        for unusual radar range and the fact that they ran up on the beach.
2330I Gave up chase and worked around to westward to patrol channel
        again.

18 February

Noon position Lat. 18-43N, Long. 120-23E.

0300I Set course for Cape Bojeador.
0630I Dived from unidentified plane when range closed to 4 miles.
        Patrolling submerged 15 miles north of Cape Bojeador Light in the
        hope that the aviators might flush something out of the blind
        bombing zone.
1500I Sighted a flight of 24 B-25's on a southerly course passing over
        Cape Bojeador Light. Decided the planes had probably scared any
        shipping in the vicinity back into port so a
1515I Surfaced and proceeded at two-engine speed on a northeasterly
        course to make a sweep across the Balintang Channel area in accord-
        ance with CTG 17.14 orders.
1550I Dived from one of our B-25's. He was triggering our IFF but kept
        coming in bows-on. Let him come in to 4 miles, then dived just in
        case.
1610I Surfaced and proceeded on our northeasterly sweep.
1810I Sighted periscope Lat. 19-02N, Long. 120-27E. Seen twice by a
        reliable lookout and once by OOD. Second look at it about 20 feet
        of it was exposed in heavy seas. Paralleled bearing and left
        vicinity at 4 engine speed. Could possibly have been one of the
        THRESHER, PETO and SHAD group - we have no information as yet as
        to their exact whereabouts.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

18 February (Cont'd)
2300I Received ComSubPac Serial 71 giving disposition of subs in this
      area.
2345I Received CTG 17.14 orders amplifying SubPac serial 71 and detail-
      ing us to patrol north of 21-30N. Set course north at two engine
      speed (15 kts.) proceeding to area.

19 February

Noon position Lat. 21-43N, Long. 121-00E.

0447I Sighted bright white light on horizon appeared to be a large
      searchlight. Headed toward light at 17 kts. Light stayed visible
      about two minutes.
0615I Picked up SE. OWL on same bearing as light - thought he had had
      contact and had been attacking. Exchanged signals with SE. OWL
      who said they had seen nothing. Slowed to 14 knts. and headed to-
      ward assigned station greatly puzzled as to what the light could
      have been. We were certain it was a large searchlight.
1000I Sighted flight of about 40 B-25's headed for Formosa.
1015I Dived - patrolling about 15 miles off Garan Bi Light, southern tip
      of Formosa.
1800I Sighted smoke slightly to westward of Garan Bi Light.
1815I Surfaced and commenced chase. Never able to get radar contact or
      sight target. Believe now that target was inside small anchorage
      about 10 miles west of Garan Bi Light and never left it.
2030I Exchanged recognition signals with PUFFER. Commenced sweep up
      western side of southern tip of Formosa as far as Ryukyu Sho staying
      outside of 100 fathom curve. Brilliant moonlite night hoped we
      spot some targets close to the beach. No luck on sweep.
2100I Changed clocks to "How" time (-8).
2306H Received word from PUFFER that torpedoes had been fired at her -
      assumed it was a Nip sub.

20 February

Noon position Lat. 21-36N, Long. 120-36E.

0200H Reached vicinity of Ryukyu Sho turned back to head for patrol
      station off Garan Bi Light.
0250H Exchanged recognition signals again with PUFFER.
0600H Conducting submerged patrol 20 miles south Garan Bi Light.
1050H Sighted 36 B-24's headed for Takao.
1115H Received message on SD antenna that SE. OWL had been shot at by
      Nip sub early this morning. Everyone in the pack had either seen
      one or been shot at.
1842H Surfaced proceeding toward patrol station in Bashi Channel search-
      ing along route for Nip sub that shot at SE. OWL.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

21 February
Noon position Lat. 21-45.9N, Long. 121-01.9E.

0418H Received word from ComSubPac that plane was down in our vicinity
(actually 25 miles from our position). Set course 274 speed 15
for reported position of crash.
0620H Arrived in position and commenced expanding box search at two engine
speed (15 kts.).
0740H U.S.S. THRESHER joined search.
0830H U.S.S. PUFFER joined search.
0915H Six P-38's and two PBM's joined search. Established VHF communic-
ation with THRESHER and one of the PBM's. Weather bright sunshine,
calm chop but should have good chance of finding survivors if still
afloat.
1135H Dived from two unidentified planes - believed to be Japs.
1300H Surfaced, all planes left vicinity. THRESHER searching to south-
ward. Continued box search.
1830H Sent dispatch to ComSubPac giving details of search and stating that
we believed further search useless unless assisted by dumbo planes.
Wind and sea picking up - heavy overcast.
1930H Made sweep to eastward with PUFFER in company during night to get
fix on islands so as to be able to start accurate search at daylight.

22 February
Noon position Lat. 20-36N, Long. 121-04E.

0621H Started expanding box search 24 miles south (leeward) of reported
downed position of airplane with PUFFER 10 miles to westward cov-
ering estimated drift of a raft. Visibility rapidly decreasing with
rain and high winds.
0840H Liberator arrived on scene - no IFF - not able to raise him by light
or VHF. Do not know whether he was a dumbo or not. Disappeared after
20 minutes.
1000H PUFFER closed in - talked with PUFFER C.O. on VHF. Both agreed
that with mountainous seas and 40 knot wind now prevailing the
chances of survival of anyone on a raft or wrecked plane were
slight. Decided to continue search rest of day and nite to exhaust
every possibility.
1030H PUFFER opened out to westward to send weather report and results
of search.
1100H Forced to slow to one engine speed (10 kts) by heavy weather.

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U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

23 February

Noon position Lat. 21-09N, Long. 121-35E.

0300H Gave up search, heading for assigned patrol station covering Bashi
      Channel. PUFFER broke off and proceeded toward her station.
0735H Dived to affect repairs to SJ radar. Weather very bad, 50 knot
      wind from NE, force six seas, visibility 2 to 5000 yds. in inter-
      mittent rain squalls. Can only make good about four knots at one
      engine speed against the sea.
0830H Surfaced. Patrolling western approaches to Bashi Channel.
1230H Sighted and contacted a PBM on the VHF who was patrolling channel.
      Asked him if he had spotted any ships along island chain-replied in
      negative. Asked him to look into Basco Harbor for us and let us
      know if he found any Jap ships. Told us he would and that if he
      found any he would be back by 1500 to tell us, otherwise he would
      return to base.
1500H Our friend in the PBM did not return so assumed there were no ships
      in Basco or vicinity.
1800H Received aircraft contact report of ships in vicinity of Takao.
2230H Exchanged recognition signals with PUFFER on SJ.
2240H Picked up strong APR contact 152 mcs. 500 puls rate believed to be
      a Jap sub. Tried BATFISH's scheme of swinging ship for a maximum
      intensity indication on APR. Rather difficult as the Jap radar was
      transmitting at irregular intervals. After four swings decided
      best maximum was on bearing 240 (T).
2300H Ran down APR bearing and found ourselves in vicinity of PUFFER.
      Signalled situation to him on SJ. Received message from PUFFER
      saying Jap had dived between us. PIRANHA and PUFFER cleared area at
      full speed. We never had the Jap on our SJ - do not know how
      PUFFER determined where he was or when he dived. We lost APR con-
      tact about 5 minutes before receiving PUFFER message.
2330H Exchanged despatches with SEA OWL during the night giving details
      of our search for downed airplane and informing him that negative
      results had been reported to ComSubPac. Also re-transmitted to
      SEA OWL the aircraft report of ships near Takao.

24 February

Noon position Lat. 21-32N, Long. 120-22.5E.

0130H In position 21-30N, 120-15E covering southwestern approaches to
      Takao. Patrolling an east west line.
0200H Tried an experiment on Jap shore based 158 mc radar on southern
      Formosa. Swung ship several times for maximum and minimum APR
      signals on Jap radar whose true bearing from us was known within
      close limits. Discovered our best bet was to determine the minimum.
      The location of our APR antenna on the forward part of the peris-
      cope shears seems to give us a fairly sharp minimum near the stern.
      Will try this at next opportunity.

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U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

24 February (Cont'd)
0615H Dived on station patrolling submerged.
1430H Faint explosion to northward of us.
1835H Surfaced.
2230H Received orders from Pack Commander to take lifeguard station.

25 February
Noon position Lat. 21-41N, Long. 120-05E.
0600H Made trim dive.
0730H Surfaced commenced guarding lifeguard frequencies, and patrolling
  in lifeguard sector. In view of PUFFER's experiences on this
  station decided to patrol at 2 engine speed steering by Arma Course
  Clock. Loaded and test fired 20 mm and 40 mm and put in "ready con-
  dition" in case motor torpedo boats attempted to interfere with us
  (we believe now that it was an MTB that fired torpedoes at PUFFER
  in here).
0800-
1600H The lifeguard frequency was badly overloaded with all sorts of
  traffic most of it administrative air traffic in the Philippines.
  At one time we were able to count 7 people talking at once on the
  circuit - 6 Americans and 1 Jap. Most of the messages were about
  such subjects as having a car meet Lt. Joe Fish at the end of the
  airstrip. Japs jamming this frequency badly using noise gener-
  ators of some kind and sometimes just plain yelling into a Jap
  transmitter whenever our people tried to talk. Heard occassional
  scraps of conversations on the VHF. Our lifeguard call was never
  heard all day or night. Some sort of circuit discipline must be
  enforced here before we can do anything effective.
1848H Things seemed to quiet down around the vicinity so decided to make
  a sweep north along the western side of Formosa up to the 100
  fathom curve staying outside restricted area.
2350H Reached northern end of sweep and turned back nothing sighted. Two
  Jap shorebased radars one on 95 mcs and one on 158 mcs stayed on us
  all the way up the coast. Swung ship for AP at minimum intensity
  bearings and decided both radars were in the vicinity of Takao.
  Released 3 radar decoy balloons about 2 miles apart on northern end
  of leg. Don't know whether they helped or not but the Jap radars
  did not seem to be so persistently on us as before releasing bal-
  loons. At any rate we were not molested during our sweep.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)
26 February, 1945
Noon position Lat. 21-46N, Long. 120-07E.

0335H Received SubPac despatch stating that a pilot was down near Garan Bi
- Light (southern tip of Formosa). Headed for area at full speed.
Ten minutes later received word from Pack Commander that SEA OWL and
PUFFER would search area so slowed down and headed toward our life-
guard station. Feel badly about this, if we had had any word that
the fellows were down during the strike might have been able to rescue
him. The lack of circuit discipline and amount of traffic on the
lifeguard frequency could easily have caused us to miss the dis-
tress message if one was sent. The plane call and reference point
system being used by these planes is not available to us.
0600H Made trim dive.
0730H Surfaced and resumed lifeguard duties in assigned sector. Zig-
zagging at two engine speed with 20 mm and 40 mm ready.
0800H Same amount of confusion on 4475 kcs as yesterday.
1300H Established VHF communication with plane "Atlantic Leaguer" used
our lifeguard call. Asked him if any of the planes were in trouble -
he replied in negative.
1830H Made sweep to westward to cover ship movements along Takao - Hong
Kong route.

27 February
Noon position Lat. 22-05N, Long. 120-05E.

0600H Made trim dive.
0630H Surfaced in assigned lifeguard sector commenced guarding lifeguard
frequencies.
0824H Sighted object on horizon by high periscope. Stationed radar
tracking party.
0904H Decided object was large fishing junk. He was close to Ryukyu Sho
and in an excellent position to act as an aircraft or submarine
spotter so decided to sink him. Closed target at flank speed on
four engines (20 kts.).
0930H Commenced firing with all guns. The four inch gun jammed after
the 7th shot - breech mechanism froze - had to finish action with
40mm, 20 mm and 50 cal.
1000H Ceased firing. Took one prisoner on board. Target in flames and
sinking.
1013H Target sank in Lat. 22-15N, Long. 120-17E. Cleared area at 20 kts.
to southwest.
1045H Could see air raid going on about 20 miles south of Takao. Could
see our planes, bomb bursts, and AA fire. Probably the Japs were
too busy dodging our planes to pay any attention to us when we
were shelling the junk.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

27 February (Cont'd)
1100H Contacted plane whose call was "Atlantic Leaguer" on VHF - said his
      planes were all O.K. and that his outfit was returning to base.
1300H Took 4 inch gun breech below - found breech block burred. Stoned
      out burrs and reassembled gun.
1700H Test fired 4 inch gun with 4 rounds, seemed to be O.K.
1830H Sunset - as all traffic on 4475, and VHF had died down set watch on
      WOFACO frequency and started sweep to northwest.

28 February

Noon position Lat. 21-41N, Long. 120-02.5E.

0100H Finished sweep to northwest up to the 100 fathom curve (Lat. 22-19N,
      Long. 119-00E) nothing picked up. Started back for lifeguard station.
      Found two radars - one on 70 mcs, one on 80 mcs - this makes five
      shorebased radars we can identify in this vicinity. Swung ship for
      minimum intensity signals on APR. Believe these two new radars are
      in the vicinity of Tainan on Formosa.
0600H Made trim dive.
0700H Surfaced and set watch on lifeguard frequency.
1300H Apparently no strike today. Very little traffic
      that could be identified as connected with a strike.
1500H Decided to make a sweep northward to the junction of the minefields
      at about Lat. 23-08N, Long. 119-40E.
1702H Sighted and sank floating mine Lat. 22-17.4N, Long. 119-29.8E. Mine
      appeared to be conventional spherical shape with horn type exploders.
      Sank without exploding.
2200H When about due west of Takao sighted bright white light to seaward
      appeared to be a searchlight. Proceeded toward light, which per-
      sisted for about 2 minutes, at flank speed.
2400H Not able to make a contact. This is twice this has happened, per-
      haps the lights are further away than we estimate. However tonight
      we had a good measuring stick - six anti-aircraft searchlights were
      busy all night in the vicinity of Takao about 20 miles due east of us.
      The seaward light had almost the same appearance and intensity. We
      had an aircraft contact in the estimated vicinity of the spook light -
      perhaps the Japs have searchlight equipped airplanes but if so why
      would he point the beam skywards? We are still baffled.

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U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

1 March, 1945

Noon position Lat. 21-29.4N, Long. 120-38.0E.

Received orders during the night from Pack Commander CTG 17.14 to
leave lifeguard station and patrol between 20-30N and 21-30N covering
western approaches to Bashi Channel.
0600H Dived for submerged patrol.
1832H Surfaced.
2100H Received orders from ComSubPac to proceed to vicinity of Lat. 22N,
Long. 115E and await orders. Set course 280 (T) speed 14 kts.
2350H Exchanged calls with PUFFER on SJ. Closed to VHF communication range.
Exchanged information on VHF regarding zone notices and authenticators.

2 March

Noon position Lat. 21-12N, Long. 118-08E.
0600H Exchanged calls with SEA OWL who is proceeding under same orders to
same spot as we.
0700H Converted #3 & #4 FBT to MBT. Our fuel consumption has been high so
far this run. Necessitated by high speed of advance proceeding to
area and necessity for two engine speed in these waters on bright moon-
light nights where enemy submarines have been recently sighted.

3 March

Noon Position Lat. 21-35N, Long. 115-10.3E.

0000H Received orders from pack commander in SE. CML to patrol 10 mile strip
east of Long. 115E and south of Lat. 22N.
0235H Sighted two unidentified lights. Tracked on radar. From speed data
on targets (1 to 3 knots) believe them to be lighted fishing junks.
0314H Brilliant moonlight so dived to radar depth to close up and identify
targets.
0335H Identified targets as sailing junks. Probably Chinese - we are close
to Hong Kong - decided not to molest them.
0442H Surfaced.
0605H Dived. Patrolling at 60 feet, listening on SD antenna for 10 minutes
after every even hour. Sighted numerous fishing junks during the day,
believed to be Chinese so did not molest them.
1853H Surfaced. Patrolling at one engine speed.
2140H Received orders from ComSubPac to take lifeguard station at Lat. 22-
05N, Long. 116-30E near China coast. Proceeding at one engine speed
to lifeguard station.
2330H Radar contact. Tracked and closed up - identified target as large
sailing junk. Resumed course and speed proceeding to lifeguard station.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

4 March, 1945

Noon position Lat. 21-33N, Long. 116-45E.

0023H One of our own planes (PBM) flew directly over ship altitude 50 feet.
        Got in to 500 yards before we saw him. Startled us plenty. No contact
        on SJ or SD, no IFF return.
0500H Radar contact, large pip at 9000 yds. Tracked and closed up - identi-
        fied targets as fleet of about 20 large sailing junks some of them
        close together accounting for large pip. While closing up some of them
        had silhouettes very similar to that of "sea trucks" so went to battle
        stations - identified targets before shooting. Secured from battle
        stations.
0730H Dived on lifeguard station to examine torpedoes in tubes we had flood-
        ed forward. Ran at 50 feet with SD mast raised to listen for any in-
        formation on pending air strikes.
1000H Surfaced. Patrolling at one engine speed on surface. Doing this so
        as not to miss any radio messages from ComSubPac about air strikes in
        the vicinity. Plan to remain undetected by fishing junks if possible
        so as not to tip off the enemy as to our presence and thereby give away
        the air strike. Presume most of these fishing junks belong to friend-
        ly Chinese but there is no way of knowing which are friendly and which
        aren't. Wish we knew, our gunners are getting itchy fingers.

5 March

Noon position Lat. 22-11N, Long. 115-54E.

0500H Received an aircraft contact report of ships leaving Hong Kong at
        0100H. Headed for the convoy's 15 knot circle at two engine speed
        (16 kts.). Believe ships are headed for Takao.
0700H Sighted about 20 fishing junks spread out across our track - between
        us and the predicted convoy track. Went to 4 engine speed (20 kts.) to
        try to work around them to the eastward and still make the convoy's
        15 knot circle.
0830H The further eastward we go the more fishing junks we see. Decided we
        never could intercept convoy and keep out of sight of these junks too.
        Made a large Jap man-of-war flag with a piece of 3' x 6' white bunting
        and some red paint (Fairly realistic job even at close quarters, done
        by a QM2c who is an ex-commercial artist). Hoisted our false colors
        and zigzagged thru the junks at 20 kts. Had to pass within about
        5000 yards of one junk.
0930H Reached the convoy's 15 knot circle and the 25 fathom curve. Nothing
        in sight. Our orders are explicit - we can't go inside the 25 fathom
        line except to affect a rescue of a downed aviator. Started back to-
        ward Hong Kong on a general westerly course just outside 25 fathom
        line hoping to see the convoy if it is making less than 15 knots or is
        behind time. Ran down our false colors so as not to mislead any of our
        own planes or subs - we only wanted to fool any possible Japs in the
        vicinity. Apparently the ruse worked we weren't bothered.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

5 March (Cont'd)

1100H Nothing in sight - patrolling north and south along Hong Kong - Takao
      route. A study of all aircraft contact reports of the past week along
      the China coast indicates that Jap shipping is hugging the coast in
      shallow water. The 25 fathom line here is from 20 to 35 miles from
      the coast with plenty of navigable water inside. Our bird must have
      gotten away in shallow water.
1300H Our suspicions have been strongly aroused the past few days by these
      fishing junks. They seem to be staked out in a nice picket line
      everywhere we want to go. Decided to board and examine one and see
      if it has any suspicious gear or cargo aboard. We have seen at
      least 100 junks within a 30 miles radius of our lifeguard station
      during the past 48 hours.
1727H Found two junks close to each other and well clear of the others.
      Closed up and went to battle stations gun action. Fired a shot
      across the bows of the junks - they promptly doused all sails and
      hove to.
1745-
1815H Junks put a boat in the water which came alongside. Took two men out
      of boat and held them on board as hostages while one armed officer
      and men went on board junk via the boat to board and search. Nothing
      suspicious found in the junks. Boarding party returned to ship.
      Believe these two junks at least are harmless Chinese fishermen.
      Brought our prisoner up on deck to see if the Chinese could talk to
      him - could not. We think our prisoner is probably a Formosan. Trad-
      ed some bread and cigarettes to the Chinese for some fresh fish. Let
      the hostages go back to the junks in their boat. Cleared the area.
1900H Patrolling at one engine speed.

6 March

      Noon position Lat. 22-13N, Long. 116-55.9E.

      Have received no word since arriving here concerning air strikes,
      believe weather has been too poor to schedule strikes.
0200H Weather, heavy overcast, steady rain, sea picking up to force four.
      Believe possibility of air strike within next 24 hours very remote.
      Decided to conduct submerged patrol in area.
0615H Dived - patrolling at 50 feet listening on SD set. Weather pro-
      gressively worse.
1843H Surfaced - very heavy seas.
2000H Received two aircraft contact reports. Proceeding westward toward
      Hong Kong believing we could intercept convoys by midnite. There
      appear to be two groups.
2119H Received message from Pack Commander that SE. OWL had contact -
      ordered us to close. Informed him we could intercept by 0300H. Mak-
      ing approach in two legs - first on 275 (T) to sweep along estimated
      convoy tracks staying on 25 fathom line - second leg on 260 (T) to
      close S.E. OWL's contact.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

6 March (Cont'd)

2222H Received word from Pack Commander that SEA OWL's contact was a hospital
      ship. Changed course to north to see if we could contact ships report-
      ed by planes.
2330H Changed course to 270 (T) to sweep along 25 fathom line.

7 March

Noon position Lat. 22-30N, Long. 116-11E.

0152H Received another aircraft contact report. The convoy was reported in a
      position very close to the beach - about 20 miles inside 25 fathom line.
      Changed course to 060 (T) and swept along 25 fathom line hoping the air-
      craft might flush them out to where we could get a shot.
0600H No luck - ships are well by us now on way to Swatow. Dived for trim
      and to route torpedoes. Received message during nite of prospective
      air strike Hong Kong to Amoy.
0935H Surfaced - patrolling at one engine speed on lifeguard stations.
1030H Set watch on lifeguard frequencies. Weather very bad - rain, high winds,
      heavy seas, doubt if the strike will be made. Numerous fishing junks
      in the vicinity all day. We have come to accept these junks philose-
      phically - we can't stay anywhere near our lifeguard station and still
      avoid being seen. We try to keep them hull down on the horizon with
      varying success. They pop up from everywhere but so far have caused us
      no trouble. (We feel silly about that Jap flag now)
1500H Having heard nothing on lifeguard frequencies all day, and it is now 4
      hours after strike time decided to make sweep to vicinity of Swatow.
1506H Sighted plane (Jake) circling one of the junks range 14,000 yrds. The
      Jake apparently never sighted us so continued on our way at 15 kts.
      Perhaps it is a good thing to have all these junks around to attract
      the attention of Jap pilots. They (the Japs) must have quite an
      identification problem in this area. So have we for that matter.
1847H SJ contact 18,000 yards 036 (T). Stationed radar tracking party.
1855H Contact turned out to be a lighted hospital ship - probably the same
      one the SEA OWL sighted last nite.
1905H Closed up to 8000 yards - ship was on steady course, unescorted, show-
      ing proper lights, headed for Takao. Could detect no suspicious cir-
      cumstances so let her go.
2300H As close to Swatow as we could get and stay outside 25 fathom line -
      headed back along coast.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

8 March, 1945

Noon position Lat. 22-28N, Long. 115-49E.

Received amplifying instructions from ComSubPac saying we could move
around within 12 hours running time of our lifeguard stations. Ex-
changed despatches with Pack Commander - SEA OWL will take station
near Pedro Blanco Rock, we will patrol off Chilan Point.
0600H Patrolling on surface - south of Chilang Point.
0851H Sighted patrol of 3 fighter planes (Mikes, uncertain) range 10 miles
headed directly for us altitude about 200 feet. No IFF return. Dived,
no attack materialized. Decided to stay down rest of day.
1835H Surfaced. Approached coast to do a sweep along a southwesterly course.
Several SJ contacts - all turned out to be junks.

9 March

Noon position Lat. 21-45N, Long. 115-41E.

Received ComSubPac despatch 080604. Unable to completely decode this
one - garbled about half way thru. Copied it 3 times from the Fox
schedule using two different operators. No luck so asked SEA OWL for
information. The OWL apparently was able to decode it - came right
back with dope concerning air strike in our vicinity. Discovered later
that our ECM had a sticking wheel. Set watch on lifeguard frequencies
and VHF.
0117H Sighted AA fire and bombing in Mirs Bay, Hong Kong. Headed in that
general direction to catch any shipping flushed out of shallow water.
Turned on EF.
0317H Dived from unidentified plane. Plane dropped flare and two bombs on
us. No damage done. Could have been either our own or a Jap - we
were right on the edge of the blind bombing zone.
0630H Surfaced. Patrolling at two engine speed on southwesterly course
covering approaches to Hong Kong from Pedro Blanco Rock to St. Johns
Island.
2000H Numerous fishing junks in the vicinity of St. Johns and Lema Islands.
Radar ranges on the junks vary from 14,000 yards to 2000 yards. The
physical appearance of the junks does not vary much. We have approach-
ed a good many of them during daylight and have not been able to detect
presence of radar reflectors of any sort - unable to account for ex-
treme variation in first contact ranges. Spent rest of evening investi-
gating contacts which would give a radar return at ranges greater than
8000 yards. All turned out to be junks.

10 March

Noon position Lat. 22-05.3N, Long. 115-10.8E.

0100H Reversed direction of sweep to northwest - headed back across Hong Kong
approaches.

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(3) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

10 March (Cont'd)
0740H Sighted Liberator on horizon headed south. Didn't know they were up
here today.
1000H Dived 10 miles south of Pedro Blanco Rock patrolling submerged. Num-
erous fishing junks in sight all day.
1855H Surfaced. Patrolling at one engine speed from Chilang Point to Pedro
Blanco Rock covering eastern approaches to Hong Kong. Heard short
wave news broadcast from San Francisco, that Swatow was raided by our
Phillipine planes during the day. Probably accounts for Liberator we
saw this morning. Didn't know about this one - decided to guard life-
guard frequency for ten minutes every hour and half hour from now on
whenever we are on the surface in this area.

11 March

Noon position Lat. 21-50N, Long. 116-09E.

Received notice from ComSubPac of two plane strike in our vicinity
during forenoon.
0900H Set watch on lifeguard frequency.
1512H No business on lifeguard frequency - dived to routine torpedoes.
1846H Patrolling near Chilang Point.
1926H Made S. contact. Decided to enter blind bombing zone in hot pursuit
believing none of our planes would be up here this early in the evening.
Made preparations to destroy EC.I. Turned on IFF.
2030H Two targets on base course 250 (T), zigzagging, speed 14. Sent contact
report to SEA C.I.L. could not get a receipt.
2103H Fired three torpedoes, bow tubes, at leading target set at 2 and 4 feet,
identified targets as Chidoris or something very similar.
2104H Fired three torpedoes, bow tubes, at second target set at 2 and 4 feet.
2106H Had beautiful TDC set up on these - checked right on for half an hour.
Saw torpedoes from tubes #1 and #2 start off nicely with correct gyros.
No hits - believe they all ran too deep.
2109H Fired four torpedoes, stern tubes, at leading target set at 2 and 4
feet, no hits. Shouldn't have fired stern tubes, done in exasperation
more than anything else.
2120H Started reload. Talked over fire control problem with control party -
decided we would have done better to shoot all six bow tubes set at
zero feet at one target in the hope that one would run shallow enough
to hit. One hit on one of these should be enough. Did not attack
this way first time because targets were not positively identified
as Chidoris until shooting had started. Decided to attack again with
4 torpedoes set on zero feet with spread set forward and aft.
2210H Reload completed. Tracking at 20 knots. Targets speeded up temporarily
to 25 knots then slowed to 14 confirming our Chidori type identific-
ation.

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U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

11 March (Cont'd)

2231H SJ picked up plane at 4000 yards dead ahead closing rapidly - no IFF
      return - couldn't raise him on VHF. At range 2000 yards rang up all
      stop to reduce wake swung right with full rudder to get off track.
      PBM passed down port side about 50 feet away, altitude about 100 feet
      and banked sharp left to counter our turn.
2233H PBM dropped four bombs at end of our wake about 100 yards astern
      while still banking left. Believe our evasive turn foxed him. No
      damage except to the baker's cakes which collapsed.
2234H Broke off attack and went all ahead frantic heading out for deep
      water and submarine patrol zone. Doing broken field running thru
      numerous sampans.
2235H PBM seemed to be over Chidoris - radar ranges and bearings so in-
      dicated. Watched for AA fire and/or bomb flashes - nothing sighted.
      Hope the PBM didn't waste all his bombs on us.
2340H Well inside submarine patrol zone everybody resumed breathing. Nothing
      to show for a strenuous evening's work except 10 wasted torpedoes and
      80 "butterfly" stomachs. Bitter disappointment to everyone - we could-
      n't have had a better fire control set up.

12 March

Noon position Lat. 21-55N, Long. 116-15E.

      Received word during nite of an air strike, two planes in our vicinity.
      Patrolling at one engine speed in lifeguard area.
0600H Dived to routine torpedoes.
0913H Surfaced and set watch on lifeguard frequencies, manned VHF, turned
      on IFF.
1012H Two lookouts reported a periscope on port beam. Turned away at flank
      speed on 4 engines. Identification not certain.
1016H B-25 dropped down out of low hanging clouds flew down our port side
      about 1 mile away. No IFF return - he may have picked up our ABK.
      Couldn't raise him on VHF - no contact on SU. Busy days these.
2219H Received aircraft contact report of cruiser and two destroyers near
      Hainan headed for Hong Kong. Ahead full on 4 engines ( 19 kts. ) on
      course 050 (T) to try to intercept. Our plot showed that we had a
      fair chance at intercepting them on their 0300H and 0400H position
      circles if they didn't go too close to St. Johns Island (shoal waters
      and blind bombing zone).

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ENCLOSURE (A)

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

13 March, 1945

Noon position Lat. 21-31.5N, Long. 114-38.3E.

0440H Covered targets 18 knots to 20 knots, 0300H to 0400H position cir-
      cles to edge of blind bombing zone no contact. Targets must have
      passed close to St. John's. Slowed to 15 knots and headed back for
      our area on an easterly course.
1437H Closed S.A. O.L and exchanged VHF despatches with CTG 17.14.

14 March

Noon position 22-24N Lat., 116-58E Long.

      During nite received word from Co SubPac that P-38's would search
      in vicinity of Swatow for downed aviators - if sighted we were to
      be given fighter escort and go in and pick them up.
0900H On station for rescue operations guarding lifeguard frequency, VHF
      and distress frequency.
1000H Contacted P-38 fighter cover on VHF. Sighted USS PUFFER. Asked
      PUFFER to take station further to the west so as not to confuse
      fighters as to which submarine was which.
      During the search operation the fighters kept us informed of the
      progress of the search via VHF. The whole proceedings went off
      very nicely - communications were excellent.
1430H Fighters informed us that results of search were negative that all
      fighters were returning to base but that several B-25's in the
      vicinity were continuing the search. Asked fighters to inform
      B-25's that we would remain on station until dark. All planes left
      vicinity no further communications from planes.
1530H Converted #5 FBT to HBT. Now have #3,4 and 5 FBT's converted to
      HBT's trying to save fuel for prospective 5 day extension. It will
      be a close squeeze for us. Made two dives to flush out #5.
1630H Patrolling at one engine speed.

15 March

Noon position Lat. 22N, Long. 116-34E.

      Numerous fishing junks around us all during the nite and day. Im-
      possible to avoid passing close aboard some of them. They are
      getting used to us, at first they would abandon ship in boats when
      we passed close, now they just wave to us. If any of them are re-
      porting us, the Japs aren't doing anything about it. We have been
      undisturbed ever since coming in here. Aviators have reported a
      number of ships in close to the coast since we have been here. All
      we can do is hope some of them will come on outside the blind bomb-
      ing zone. If arrangements could be made with the aviators to let
      subs in there at specified times believe we (or the next pack along
      here) could really clean up.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

15 March (Cont'd)

0600H Dived.
0930H Surfaced, set watch on lifeguard frequencies, no business:
1845H Sighted floating mine Lat. 22-15N, Long. 116-57E. Spherical in
    shape with horn type exploders very similar to type we sighted and
    sank near Formosa on February 28th. Made one pass at it to attempt
    to sink it with gunfire. Gave it up - too risky in mountainous seas
    and almost total darkness. Reported its position to SEA O'L and
    PUFFER. (Later transmitted same information to SHAD and PETO when
    it was learned that they would relieve us on lifeguard station.)

16 March

Noon position Lat. 21-56.8N, Long. 115-51.9E.

During nite received orders from ComSubPac to leave lifeguard
station at sunset tonite and proceed westward to patrol near Hainan
with SEA OWL, PUFFER and THRESHER as directed by CTG 17.14 in SEA
OWL. SHAD and PETO to relieve us. No air strike scheduled for
today - decided to make all day dive to do some much needed work
on the engines.
0600H Dived, patrolling at 60 feet.
1830H Surfaced. Proceeding westward toward Hainan.
2000H Exchanged recognition signals with PUFFER on SJ.
2255H SJ contact on Lema Islands, south of Hong Kong. Set course 230 (T)
    for Hainan vicinity. Numerous fishing junks in vicinity of Lema
    Islands. No sights for 24 hours.
2300H Received patrol instructions from CTG 17.14. We are going to have
    a tough time lasting out the 5 days extension due to fuel shortage.
    Have been patrolling on the auxiliary engine carrying a zero float
    most of past week.

17 March

Noon position Lat. 20-59N, Long. 113-01E.

2000H Took position in scouting line as per CTG 17.14 patrol instructions;
    speed 10 knots, course 215 (T).

18 March

Noon position Lat. 19-37N, Long. 111-32E.

0300H Left scouting line to take position for daylight submerged patrol.
0615H Dived, patrolling submerged about 15 miles east of Toncon Point
    (east coast of Hainan).
1829H Surfaced, taking position in scouting line.
2300H In position in scouting line, course 215, speed 10 knots.

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U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL

Noon position Lat. 20-35.5N, Long. 111-57.8E.

0249H Exchanged recognition signals and calls with SEA OWL on SJ.
0300H Left scouting line, taking position for daylight submerged patrol.
1022H North Taya Island abeam to port ( 270 (T)) distance 14 miles.
1300H Dived, patrolling approaches to Hainan Strait.
1830H Surfaced, patrolling across Hainan Strait.
1906H B-24 flew over - altitude 8000 feet - on northerly course.
1930H Sent despatch to CTG 17.14 telling him we would cover Hainan Strait
tonite and not join scouting line.

20 March

Noon position Lat. 20-45N, Long. 111-55E.

0609H Dived, patrolling Hainan Strait.
1820H Surfaced, patrolling across Hainan Strait.
1930H Sent message to CTG 17.14 telling him we would cover Hainan Strait
tonite until 0300H.
2124H SJ contact on plane 6500 yards coming in fast on port beam. Let
him come in to 3500 yards. Swung hard right and dived. Our evasive
tactics seem to fox them (or perhaps they are just poor shots) they
seem to try to bomb the end of our wake. We use that principle and
try to cut off our wake sharply by stopping the engines and swing-
ing off the track. Successful sofar - in three attacks we have al-
ways been missed astern, the bombs landing very close to the end
of our wake.
Believe this fellow was one of our own planes mining Hainan Strait.
No IFF return, our ABK was on. Not positively identified but be-
lieved to be a B-24. We were 14 miles inside the submarine patrol
zone.
Our only warning so far of low flying planes has been on the SJ.
We have yet to pick up a low flyer on the SD.
2250H Surfaced and sent message to CTG 17.14 giving circumstances of the
bombing. Moved out to 25 miles from edge of blind bombing zone.
2300H Received message from SEA OWL stating that he had contact with fast
targets probably MTB's near Hainan Strait.

21 March

Noon position Lat. 20-12.2N, Long. 111-11.6E.

0110H Two SJ contacts 6000 yards on port beam going up port side very
rapidly. From character of contacts and rate of change of bearing
believe they were same ones OWL had earlier in the evening. Lost
them at end of three minutes. Our guess is that they were low fly-
ing small planes - possibly torpedo planes on AS patrol between
Hainan Strait and Hong Kong.
0600H Dived, patrolling submerged along line between Hainan Strait and
Hong Kong. Numerous junks in sight all day.
1830H Surfaced, patrolling between Hainan and Hong Kong.

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

22 March, 1945

Noon position Lat. 21-19N, Long. 112-41E.

0524H Dived, patrolling submerged.
1230H Surfaced, proceeding southward to take position in scouting line.
1930H In position northern end of scouting line. Scouting on course
    215, speed 10 knots. Usual number of SJ contacts on junks. We
    certainly get plenty of radar tracking drill on these junks.

23 March

Noon position Lat. 19-03.2N, Long. 110-00E.

0300H Patrolling southwestward along east coast of Hainan.
0445H Exchanged recognition signals and calls with PUFFER on SJ.
1053H Sighted PBM. Fired green comet flare, hoisted colors, exchanged
    challenges via searchlight. Plane contacted us on pack frequency
    using voice. Told us he had sighted two light cruisers at anchor
    in Leong Sui Bay. Plane left our area heard him giving USS CHUB
    the same message he gave us.
1130H Set course for Leong Sui. The bay is outside of our area so sent
    message to USS CHUB informing him of our position and that we are
    closing the bay. Intercepted CHUB message to SEA ROBIN informing
    ROBIN that CHUB was closing in toward the bay and repeating plane
    message to SEA ROBIN.
    Sent message to CTG 17.14 telling him of the plane's message and of
    our intentions. Message received by PUFFER who will relay to SEA
    OWL (CTG 17.14).
1500H Dived to approach and reconnoiter bay in daylight.
1952H Surfaced and made sweep inside bay answering bells on the battery.
2030H Picked up radar SJ interference. Apparently USS CHUB just leaving
    the bay.
2200H Sweep completed - nothing inside the bay.
2300H Cleared Leong Sui Bay set course for Pratas Reef to participate in
    bombardment of Pratas Island with SEA OWL and PUFFER.

24 March

Noon position Lat. 18-32N, Long. 111-46E.

25 March

Noon position Lat. 19-45N, Long. 114-43E.

Proceeding to Pratas Reef.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

26 March, 1945

Noon position Lat. 20-28N, Long. 117-24E.

0100H Contacted PUFFER on SJ.
0240H Contacted SEA OWL on SJ.
0300H Received detailed instructions from CTG 17.14 in SEA OWL concerning
        bombardment.
0340H Sighted plane crossing our bows - port to starboard - PUFFER and
        SEA OWL dived. Tentatively identified as a PBM, later identified
        as a Jap Emily or Mavis by SEA OWL.
0417H Formed column astern of SEA OWL. Order of ships SEA OWL, PIRANHA
        and PUFFER. Closing Pratas Island on northeasterly course.
0558H Commenced firing with 4 inch gun on targets designated by CTG 17.14.
        Spotting and gun control proved to be difficult. Difficult to ob-
        serve bursts due to brushy character of terrain. No opposition from
        Japs.
0628H Ceased firing, all 4 inch ammunition expended (77 rounds). Hauled
        clear to westward.
0707H PUFFER and SEA OWL clear. Closed island on southwesterly course to
        pepper secondary targets with 40 mm.
0729H Commenced firing 40 mm.
        During second run, which was made in closer to the beach than was
        the first, observed damage done by 4 inch and 5 inch guns. All in
        all considered to be respectable shooting particularly so in view
        of lack of training in this type of gunnery.
0740H Ceased firing 40 mm, all ammunition expended (125 rounds).
0800H Cleared reef and set course for Saipan along prescribed routes.

27 March

Noon position Lat. 20-16N, Long. 120-51E.

2200H Passed thru Balintang Channel at 15 knots in bright moonlight with-
        out incident.

28 March

Noon position Lat. 20-37N, Long. 125-03E.

1117H Exchanged calls with USS FLASHER.
1340H USS FLASHER sighted and exploded floating mine. Reported incident
        and position to CTG 17.14. Also received word that PUFFER and OWL
        had sighted and sunk floating mines in this vicinity at about the
        same time. Japs must be trying to clutter up the route.

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

29 March, 1945

Noon position Lat. 20-44N, Long. 130-04E.

0142H Exchanged recognition signals and call signs with USS PETO.
2130H Contacted large task force on a northwesterly course. Maneuvered
      to avoid - no luck, we must have gotten in between their advance
      screen or pickets and their inner screen. Exchanged recognition
      signals and calls with PC 466 who gave us us a course to steer to avoid
      the formation.
2315H Well clear of task force proceeding enroute Saipan.

30 March

Noon position Lat. 19-30N, Long. 134-23E. Advanced clocks.

1142I Exchanged recognition signals and call signs with USS SNOOK.

31 March

Noon position Lat. 17-15N, Long. 138-08E.

0925I Exchanged recognition signals and call signs with USS CHEVALLE.

1 April

Noon position Lat. 15-35N, Long. 141-54E.

2 April

0600I Made rendezvous with escort USS LCI 1054. Proceeding with escort
      and SEA OWL, PUFFER, FLASHER and PETO to Saipan.
1058I Moored port side to USS SEA OWL alongside U.S.S. FULTON, Tanapag
      Harbor, Saipan, Marianas.
1300I Transferred prisoner of war to U.S.S. FULTON. Loaded fuel and
      lube oil, fresh water, ammunition and dry stores. Advanced
      clocks to King Time (K).

3 April

1630K Left Tanapag Harbor.
1700K Joined escort (YMS 354). Proceeding with escort and USS SEA OWL,
      PUFFER, PETO, FLASHER and TRUTTA.
1900K Dropped escort. Proceeding enroute to Midway for refit on pre-
      scribed route in cruising disposition with Sea OWL and PUFFER
      directed by CTG 17.14.
2035K Saw and heard large explosion in vicinity of USS TRUTTA. Cleared
      area at flank speed on four engines (19 knots).
2050K Saw and heard another explosion to northward. Received word from
      CTG 17.14 that explosions were bombs jettisoned by own aircraft.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA(SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

4 April, 1945
     Noon position Lat. 17-09N, Long. 147-17E.
     0405K Passed Sarigan Island abeam to port distance 7 miles.

5 April
     Noon position Lat. 20-10N, Long. 157-25E.

6 April
     Noon position Lat. 20-03N, Long. 157-39.6E.
     1822K Received orders fro. ComSubPac to proceed to 21N, 164E with SEA
           OWL and PUFFER
     2314K Exchanged calls with PUFFER.

7 April
     Noon position Lat. 20-55N, Long. 163-10E.
     0400K Set clocks ahead one hour to conform to minus eleven (-11) zone
           time (L).
     0525L Sighted PUFFER on horizon.
     0710L Sighted S.S. OWL on horizon.
     1040L Exchanged mail and VHF despatches with SEA C.L.
     2329L Received amplifying dope from ComSubPac. Changed course to head
           for new position.

8 April
     Noon position Lat. 20-02N, Long. 165-26E.
     2202L Arrived on station commenced patrolling assigned area.

9 April
     Noon position Lat. 20-17.8N, Long. 165-59.0E.

10 April
     Noon position Lat. 19-55.8N, Long. 167-24.3E.
     0932L Submerged.
     0948L Surfaced.
     1303L Submerged.
     1320L Surfaced.
     1333L Submerged.
     1342L Surfaced.

                                   -23-                     ENCLOSURE (A)

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U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)
(Cont'd)

10 April, 1945 (Cont'd)

1606L Submerged.
1646L Surfaced.
1659L Submerged.
1709L Surfaced.
     Exercised at controller drills and emergency drills throughout the
     day.

11 April

     Noon position 20-43.3N, Lon. 166-21.7E.

2108L Exchanged calls with USS SEA OWL.

12 April

     Noon position 20-03.9N, Long. 166-33.3E

1212L Submerged.
1701L Surfaced.

13 April

     Noon position Lat. 20-02N, Long. 166-19E.

0832L Submerged.
1151L Surfaced.
1244L Submerged.
1729L Surfaced.
     Listening on pack frequency every even hour on SD mast.

14 April

     Noon position 20-19N, Long. 166-37E.

0558L Submerged.
1154L Surfaced.
1238L Submerged.
1802L Surfaced.

15 April

     Noon position Lat. 20-03.2N, Lon. 166-38.9E.

0544L Submerged.
1141L Surfaced.
1231L Submerged.
1806L Surfaced.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

16 April, 1945

Noon position 19-52.5N, 166-14.9E.

0605L Submerged.
1144L Surfaced.
1230L Submerged.
1823L Surfaced.
2230L Received message from SEA OWL to patrol closer to WAKE - she
     has contacted Nip sub.

17 April

Noon position 19-28N, 166-17E.

0130L Exchanged calls with USS PUFFER.
0533L Submerged on station west of WAKE.
1833L Surfaced.
1900L Exchanged calls with USS PAMPANITO.
     Listening on pack frequency every hour on hour.

18 April

Noon position Lat. 19-36N, Long. 166-28E.

0242L SJ contact bearing 067 (T), 8850 yards. Exchanged calls with
     USS PUFFER.
0310L APR contact, 159 mc, 500 prf, S-1.
0540L Submerged.
0900L Received message from SEA OWL saying that she has sunk the
     submarine.
0928L Surfaced. Heading for the barn.
1130L Exchanged calls with USS PUFFER.
1800L Exchanged calls with USS THRESHER.

19 April

Noon position Lat. 22-12N, Long. 171-03E.

1123L Exchanged calls with USS SEA OWL.
2300L Set clocks ahead one hour to conform to -12(M) zone time.

20 April

Noon position Lat. 24-29N, Long. 174-56E.

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. PIRANH (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

21 April, 1945
Noon position (East Longitude) 27-14N, Long. 179-41E.

21 April
(West Longitude.
0800 Arrived Midway.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL

(C) WEATHER

Generally rough around Batan Islands with a northeast wind
which shifted through 180° each way within an hour. Rough weather
arrived suddenly and left as fast. Heavy strato cumulus cloud forms,
average about 70%, with 2-6000 feet base usually nearer lower limit.

Variable near China Coast, but with wind direction usually from
040°-090°. Heavy swells inside of 30 fathom curve. Generous amounts
of strato cumulus cloud forms.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

No comment.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

No comment.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS

| No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Type(s) | Initial Range | Est. Course Speed | How Con-tacted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 2215I | 19-59N | 4 fish- | 13000 | Variable | SJ | Chased up onto |
| | 2/17/45 | 121-06E | ing | | 6 | | Dalupiri |
| 2. | 1753I | 18-56N | Peris- | 1500 | - | Sight | Avoided |
| | 2/18/45 | 120-39E | cope | | - | | |
| 3. | 1908I | 22-29N | Smoke | 20000 | - | Peris. | Searched, no |
| | 2/19/45 | 121-05E | | | - | | contact |
| 4. | 2025H | 21-37N | SS ? | 16000 | - | SJ | Possible Jap. |
| | 2/19/45 | 120-37E | | | - | | |
| 5. | 2130H | 21-45N | SS ? | 18000 | - | SJ | Possible Jap. |
| | 2/19/45 | 120-29E | | | - | | |
| 6. | 0824H | 22-11N | Junk | 16000 | 060 | Sight | Gun action #1, |
| | 2/27/45 | 119-54E | | | 3 | | sunk |
| 7. | 1031H | 21-07N | Peris- | 2000 | - | Sight | Avoided |
| | 3/2/45 | 118-16E | cope | | - | | |
| 8. | 0235H | 21-42N | 2 Junks | 5350 | West | Sight | First of |
| | 3/3/45 | 115-14E | | | - | | hundreds |
| 9. | 1745H | 22-06N | Junk | 12000 | West | Sight | Boarded - |
| | 3/5/45 | 116-09E | | | - | | friendly |
| 10. | 1847H | 22-46N | Hospital | 18000 | 065 | SJ | Trailed, let |
| | 3/7/45 | 117-10E | Ship | | 7.5 | | pass |
| 11. | 1948H | 22-20N | 2 Chidori | 9600 | 255 | SJ | Torp. attack #1 |
| | 3/11/45 | 116-34E | | | 13.5 | | |
| 12. | 1012H | 22-02N | Peris- | 1000 | - | Sight | Avoided |
| | 3/12/45 | 116-17E | cope | | | - | | |

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

The continued air strikes on Formosa by the Philippine based
AAF bombers certainly kept Jap anti submarine activity to a minimum.
No enemy planes were contacted during the entire period of our life-
guard duty (25 to 28 February) in the immediate vicinity of southern
Formosa. We were on the surface the entire period except for trim
dives, in sight of land most of the time and close in shore several
times. Such a thing was difficult to do before the air strikes start-
ed.

(H) ATTACK DATA

TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT FORM
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 4
Time: 2103H Date: 11 March, 1945. Lat.:22-28N. Long.:116-42E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description: Two Chidori class torpedo boats (EU) steaming in column.
Contact made by SJ radar 11000 yards. Visibility 5000 yards.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.
Damage Determined by: None.
Target Draft: 6 feet. Course: 255(T). Speed: 13.5. Range: 2500 (at
firing)

Own Ship Data
Speed: 12 knots. Course: 314(T). Depth: Surface. Angle: 352°30' (at
firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type Attack: Night radar approach on the surface. Undetected by tar-
get throughout approach.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT FORM

U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 PATROL NO. 4
Time: 2104H Date: 11 March, 1945. Lat.: 22-28N. Long.: 116-42E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Two Chidori Class Torpedo Boats (EU) steaming in column.
Contact made by SJ radar 11000 yards. Visibility 500 yards.

Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.
Damage Determined by: None.

Target draft: 6 feet. Course: 255(T). Speed: 13.5. Range: 2700 (at
firing).

Own Ship Data

Speed: 12 knots. Course: 310 (T). Depth:Surface. Angle: 354°30' (at
firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Night radar approach on the surface. Undetected by tar-
get throughout the approach.

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— page 151 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd) ATTACK NO. 2

| | #4 | #5 | #6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired | | | |
| Track angle | 130.5 P | 132 P | 132.5 P |
| Gyro Angle | 354.5 | 353 | 352.5 |
| Depth Set | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| Power (knots) | 28.2 | 28.2 | 28.2 |
| Hit or Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss |
| Erratic | No | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 |
| Serial Number | 55633 | 56146 | 56534 |
| Mark Exploder | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 |
| Serial Number | 10007 | 10010 | 9278 |
| Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual | - | - | - |
| Mark Warhead | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 |
| Serial Number | 4204 | 3753 | 3761 |
| Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX |
| Firing Interval | 10 Sec. | 10 Sec. | 10 Sec. |
| Type Spread | 1 R | 0 | 1 L |
| Sea Conditions | Slight Swell|
| Overhaul Activity | USS SPEARY|

Remarks: The injection temperature was 75°F. 1.1 knots was sub-
          tracted from torpedo speed for depth set of six feet. No
          torpedoes that were fired were equipped with the holding
          down nut.

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— page 152 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT FORM
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3 PATROL NO. 4
Time: 2108H. Date: 11 March, 1945. Lat.: 22-28N. Long.: 116-42E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description: Two Chidori Class Torpedo Boats (EU) steaming in column.
Contact made by SJ radar 11000 yards. Visibility 5000 yards.

Ship(s) Sunk: None.

Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.

Damage Determined by: None.

Target Draft: 6 feet. Course 255(T). Speed: 13.5 knots. Range: 2700
(at firing)

Own Ship Data
Speed: 17 knots. Course 010 (T). Depth: Surface. Angle: 271°(at fir-
ing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type Attack: Night radar approach on the surface. Undetected by tar-
get throughout the approach.

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— page 153 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS369) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd) ATTACK NO. 3

| | #7 | #8 | #9 | #10 |
| :| :------- | :------- | :------- | :------- |
| Tubes Fired | 154 P | 156 P | 157 P | 158 P |
| Track Angle | 271 | 269 | 268 | 267 |
| Gyro Angle | 4 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Depth Set | 28.2 | 28.2 | 28.2 | 28.2 |
| Power (knots) | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss |
| Hit or Miss | No | No | No | No |
| Erratic | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 |
| Mark Torpedo | 55407 | 56737 | 56697 | 56650 |
| Serial Number | 8-5 | 4-7 | 4-7 | 4-7 |
| Mark Exploder | 9699 | 17156 | 16903 | 17410 |
| Serial Number | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Set | - | - | - | - |
| Actuation Actual | 18-2 | 18-0 | 18-0 | 18-0 |
| Mark Warhead | 2089 | 319 | 980 | 1310 |
| Serial Number | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX |
| Explosive | 10 Sec. | 10 Sec. | 10 Sec. | 10 Sec. |
| Firing Interval | 1½ R | ½ R | ½ L | 1½ L |
| Type Spread | | | | |

Sea Conditions Slight Swell
Overhaul Activity USS SPERRY
Remarks: The injection temperature was 75° F. 1.1 knots was sub-
         tracted from torpedo speed for depth set six feet. No
         torpedoes that were fired were equipped with the holding
         down nut.

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— page 154 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd) GUN ATTACK REPORT FORM
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) GUN ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 4
Time: 0213Z. Date: 27 February, 1945. Lat.: 22-15N. Long.120-
                                                              17E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Sunk: One 3 masted fishing junk. 100 Tons.

Details of Action

Approach: The approach was made on an easterly course with target on
starboard bow so as to keep the wind coming over the bows to clear away
gun smoke. We found during training that gun smoke can seriously re-
duce our rate of fire.

Attack: Opened fire with 4 inch at 1600 yards. 4 inch jammed on
seventh shot. Closed to 800 yards opened up with 40 mm, 20 mm and 50
cal. and continued fire with these weapons until the target was ablaze
and sinking.

Fire Control: 4-inch - Passed radar ranges with spots applied to sight
setter via megaphone from forward 20 mm platform. We are going to rig
a sight setters phone from TDC to the gun to try to improve our control
of this gun.

40 MM - The optical panoramic sights installed by Sub Base Pearl were
used on this gun. This ingenious adaptation of surveyed army artill-
ary panoramic sights gives us in effect a set of neat little pointer
and trainer telescopes for the 40 MM. Using these sights and single
shot fire this gun gave a very impressive performance registering hits
at will on the target anywhere inside of 1200 yards and causing con-
siderable damage.

20 MM and .50 Cal.- Used splash and tracer control. Reasonably effect-
ive altho damage was not as apparent as with 40 MM. Both guns function-
ed without casualty.

Casualties: 4 inch breech burred where breech plug engages carrier
(carrier threads burred). Plug could not be rotated to closed position.
Cause unknown. This was a disappointment inasmuch as 50 rounds had
been fired during last training period with no difficulty and it was
believed that gun was in good working order. All parts will be gauged
for size and clearances during refit. Took breech block below and ston-
ed out burrs.( Note: Later, during bombardment of Pratas Island on 26
March, 1945, the gun fired 77 rounds without interruption or casualty.)

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— page 155 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd) GUN REPORT FORM
GUN ATTACK NO. 1 (Cont'd) PATROL NO. 4

Ammunition Expended:
4"/50 Cal. - 6 rounds HE
40 MM - 196 rounds HEI
20 MM - 660 rounds (mixed tracer, incendiary and
HE)
20 Cal. - 800 rounds (mixed, AP and incendiary)

Remarks: We are very enthusiastic about our 40 mm with its jury rig
telescope sights and plan to replace the 20 mm forward with a 40 mm
similar to GOLDFISH installation at first opportunity. The 40 mm
demonstrated accuracy again on 28 February, by sinking a floating mine
at 500 yards with the 4th shot after 2 drums of 20 mm fired by an ex-
perienced pointer had failed to do the trick.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL

GUN ATTACK REPORT FORM

U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) GUN ATTACK NO. 2 PATROL NO. 4

Time: 2200Z. Date: 24 March, 1945. Lat.: 20-42N. Long.: 116-43E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Target: Shore bombardment of radio installations on Pratas Island.

Damaged and
Probably Destroyed:

(a) A structure on northwestern side of island which appeared to be an
    observation tower or light AA gun platform.
(b) Small building at foot of northern radio tower. Probably housed
    radio apparatus.
(c) Radio towers.

Damage Determined By: Close observation during two firing runs. Observed
hits and damage caused thereby.

(a) Observation tower and structure underneath riddled with many large cal-
    iber hits.
(b) Radio hut. Observed at least 5 hits in this structure last of which
    blew off roof and demolished building. Believe PIRANHA got two hits
    on this structure and that at least three more hits were made by
    SEA OWL and PUFFER.
(c) Observed one hit on base of northern radio tower, believed to be
    shell fired by SEA OWL. Debris flew but tower did not fall.
(d) Registered numerous hits on wooden boat dock southern side of island
    in lagoon with 40 mm. No visible damage.
(e) Observed many shell explosions in target area unable to determine
    damage by observation. Thick shrubbery and trees obstructed vision.
(f) Observed oily black smoke arising from target area while clearing
    area.

Details of Action

Approach: The approach was made as directed by CTG 17.14 in column ahead
order of ships SEA OWL, PIRANHA and PUFFER. Course 015, speed 5 knots,
distance 1500 yards to pass thru a point 5000 yards from targets. Approach
went off nicely as planned.

Attack: Spotting was difficult due to screen of shrubbery and trees in
front of targets. However it is considered that a respectable job was
done considering spotting and observation difficulties. Gun smoke was a
nuisance but not serious difficulty during this shoot.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd) GUN REPORT FORM

GUN ATTACK NO. 2 PATROL NO. 4
Details of Action (Cont'd)

Fire Control: 4-inch - Used TDC as rangekeeper and passed gun ranges to
sight setter by phone. Spotted from bridge and passed spots to TDC on
7 MC.
40 MM - Used sight telescopes and observed hits to correct point of aim

Casualties: None. All guns fired normally with no stoppage or material
casualties.

Ammunition Expended: 4"/50 Cal. - 77 rounds HEI
40 MM - 125 rounds HEI

Remarks: Many 5 inch prematures from SE. OWL and PUFFER's guns were
observed.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL

(I) MINES

28 February 1945, 1700 How time, Lat. 22-17.4N, Long. 119-29.8E,
sighted and sank floating mine. Appeared to be conventional spherical
shape with horn type exploders estimated weight 300 lbs. Mine sank
without exploding. Mine probably broke loose from fields near Takao.

15 March 1945, 1845 How time, Lat. 22-15N, Long. 116-57E, sighted
floating mine, same type as described above. Made one approach on
mine in an attempt to get close enough to sink it with gunfire. Gave
up attempt - too risky in mountainous seas and almost complete dark-
ness.

(J) ANTI SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

None encountered.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

Shaft Squeal: Two days after leaving Guam for patrol, and during a trim
dive, a squeal developed which was heard loudly on the sound gear.
After running at various speeds and on alternate screws, it was dis-
covered that the trouble was connected with the starboard shaft, and
disappeared at speeds above 65 turns. In an attempt to locate noise,
many things were tried, namely; brushes on starboard motors were ex-
amined, reduction gears were examined, reduction gear main thrust
bearing was disassembled and inspected, shaft revolution transmitter
was disconnected, a stethoscope was used around reduction gear and shaft,
but the noise still prevailed. Finally, the maneuvering room was put
under pressure and the starboard stern tube packing was taken out and
new packing replaced, but this still did not correct the trouble. It
is believed the source of the noise might lie with worn strut bearings.

Main Engine #4: On last patrol run #5 main bearing, lower crankshaft,
was wiped down to the brass and remaining bearings were worn down to
their lowest limits with no apparent reason. All bearings were re-
newed last refit. During this patrol nos. 4,5,8 and 12 main bearings,
lower crankshaft, were pulled and readings taken. All bridge gage
readings were .005 - .007 inches less than lower limits prescribed, with
the shaft having dropped below reading level at #12 main bearing. All
these bearing readings were taken with approximately 125 engine hours
on the new bearings.

Head clearances were taken on all pistons and all
readings exceeded the maximum clearance with some as much as .012 in.
Also the cranklead has changed since time of refit from 12° to 11½°.

All indications are that the engine frame has settled
in some way.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (Cont'd)

Governor Controller Transmitters: The rheostat on #1 HC governor
controller transmitter burned out and was replaced by the spare.
Later on during the patrol, both #1 (spare) and #2 governor con-
troller grounded out due to nicks on the rheostat, and #3 became
practically inoperative due to being very stiff to operate.

Vapor Compression Stills: On April 11th, number two evaporator be-
came inoperative due to leaks in salt water supply line which caused
salt water to run down piping into fresh water tank. After being
patched up and placed in operation again four tanks of fresh water
were made before the plant failed completely. The coils and fitting
at the head of the heat exchanger seemed to have ruptured. Indic-
ations were an excess of steam in the unit with a high compressor
discharge pressure but no condensate discharge. Steam was coming
out of the air tube and was keeping the feed down. This evaporator
been in operation 490 hours since last cleaning.

(L) RADIO

Jamming was effective from the hours of 1500 - 1700 GCT nightly
with very few exceptions while on station. Usually the signal would
fade from S-5 to about an S-2 on 6045 and 9050, until what signal you
had was useless. At the same time the signal on 9090, from Guam,
would be S-4 to S-5, but would be so broken up that one could not copy
it. Reliable operators would continually get six letter characters,
or miss a series of characters or even whole groups. Keying is still
faulty in this circuit. At about 2030 GCT signal would fade on all
frequencies, this seemed to be caused by sunrise, and then would come
back in on 9090, S-5. There was very little difficulty in getting
at least an S-4 signal on 13655 and 16730 during the daytime when on
the surface, namely from 0000 to 1100 GCT.

The type jamming used mostly was the sweep through, and code let-
ters. This type jamming occured mostly at about 1500 - 1700 GCT on
4515, 6045, and 9050. At about 2000 GCT a broadcast station with re-
gular English or American programs could be heard on 6045, usually this
station did not drown out the NPM signal and one could copy through it.
The broadcast station was never identified.

Receiving tuning controls were used whenever necessary to counter-
act jamming.

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL

(M) RADAR

Hull and Machinery: SD was used sparingly only to check suspicious SJ
targets and strong AFR contacts with marked unsuccess.

SJ did not perform up to previous standards probably as a result of
excessive keying and accumulated ills of age. One sixty five mile
second trip echo on an island in the Pescadores group marked high
point after which the set declined gradually in spite of all attempts
to remedy it.

Triggering all the PPI sweeps with the range pulse enabled us to
range accurately on land targets out as far as they could be detected.

Major Defects: (1) The feeder assembly leaks where it goes through the
pressure hull and the oil seal leaks some causing an eventual ground on
the lower collector ring of about five thousand ohms. We have cleaned
the assembly as best as we can but the ground is still there. There
seems to be a serious mismatch in the antenna at this unit; this may be
the cause of the serious standing wave ratio which we have had no
luck in eliminating.
(2) On the A scope, there is a train of false pips that
gradually decrease in amplitude till they merge with the sweep line
at a range of about 1500 yards. The large standing wave ratio present
in the wave guide may be the cause of these. Tuning the gear care-
fully was unsuccessful.
(3) The local oscillator has been very unstable and will
not stay on frequency very long. Changing the tube will most likely
clear up this trouble.
(4) After the gear has been secured all day long and
when it is first put into operation the high voltage rectifier current
is excessive. Throwing the high voltage on and off a few times will re-
store normal operation. The magnetron may have become somewhat gassy
or developed an air leak.
(5) With the antenna rotating and the echo box tuned to
maximum the meter indicates a varying output from the transmitter as
though the magnetron were shifting frequency or the power output were
varying quite a lot. After securing the wave guide near the kidney
joint and lining up the sections of wave guide the variations were
cut down some but were still not eliminated entirely. During the re-
fit we have requested that some additional supports for the waveguide
be installed to prevent any reoccurrence of this same trouble.
(6) The line voltage varied a few volts above and be-
low normal value caused the gear to be detuned somewhat. After taking
the defective generator off the line this trouble was eliminated. All
the voltage regulators in the gear seemed to be in normal operating
condition at this time so we came to the conclusion that the increase
in the output of the high voltage rectifier caused the magnetron to
shift frequency and thereby cause the detuning effect.

Ordnance and Gunnery: Addition of a 20,000 yard PPI sweep gave us much
better attack presentation, as all targets will be tracked within this
range and generally outside 8,000 yards.

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— page 161 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL

(N) SONAR GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

The sound "whoosh" watch for torpedoes advocated by ComSubPac
was instituted and good results anticipated after picking up a school
of porpoises at 1000 yards while doing 10 knots in state 2 sea.

An intermittent failure in JK receiver is still unsolved despite
a new set of tubes and complete working over.

QC driver, used for fathometer, became inoperative as a result
of screen by pass in oscillator shorting.

The hydraulic gear on the sound heads has been leaking quite bad-
ly ruining several cables. Upon tightening the packing glands the
shaft began to chatter and vibrate so badly we had to loosen them up
again.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

Very sharp gradients were found in the shallow water off the
South China Coast. Gradients worth comment are listed below:

Date      Lat.      Long.      Depth         Gradient
2/18/45   18-26N    120-26E    180-210 Ft.   3° Neg.
2/18/45   19-07N    120-45E    130-200 Ft.   9° Neg.
3/2/45    21-11N    118-12E    170-210 Ft.   1.5° Neg.
3/20/45   20-29N    111-31E    Surf.-120 Ft. 8° Pos.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY

Health was generally good. Only deviations were one broken fin-
ger, one wrenched back, one sprained ankle, one case of infected feet,
one case of jaundice and the average number of constipation cases, one
of which was more troublesome than the others. It was necessary to
keep the jaundice case (an officer) off watch after leaving the area,
as well as the man with infected feet. Other man-day losses were min-
or.

The food was excellent, the best this vessel has enjoyed in four
war patrols. Credit is due to the energetic attention to duty of our
commissary department. Supplies were obtained from USS SPERRY. Al-
though the weather was never very hot, the light lunch of soup and
sandwiches was popular.

Habitability was good. Special attention was paid to the two san-
itary tanks, which were kept well supplied with creosote (1½- 2 gal.)
and lye (10 cans to 1½ gal. water) once a week, into a dry tank. This
kept a potentially odious and odiferous situation under control.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL

(Q) PERSONNEL

(a) Number of men detached after previous patrol - 18.
(b) Number of men on board during patrol - 79.
(c) Number of men qualified at start of patrol - 59.
(d) Number of men qualified at end of patrol - 73.
(e) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol - 15.
(f) Number of men rated this patrol - 8.

The performance of all hands throughout this long, arduous patrol
was outstanding. The PIRANHA is fortunate in having received her
second group of fine replacements from SUBDIV 102.

HUGHES, Leo T., CRT, USN and JENSEN, Lyle J., G2c, USNR are to be
congratulated on picking up fast, lowflying aircraft on the SJ and
identifying same quickly enough for the split second action required.

(R) MILES STEAMED -- FUEL USED

Base to Area1513 mi. - 22,000 gals.
In area 8110 mi. - 73,000 gals.
Area to Midway 6430 mi. - 65,000 gals.

(S) DURATION

Days enroute to area .... 6
Days in area 39
Days enroute to base .... 25
Days submerged 16

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

Torpedoes | Fuel | Provisions | Personnel Factor
|||
14 | 3000 gallons | 10 Days | 10 Days

Limiting factor this patrol — Opord.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(U) COMMUNICATION, RADAR AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES

| Lat. | Time | Freq. | PRF | Stren. | Pulse | Remarks |
| Long. | (GCT) | | | | Width | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18-45N | 173015 Feb. 148 | 1000 | 5 | 13 ms | Airborne. |
| 120-45E | | | | | | |
| 22-29N | 191040 Feb. 132 | 500 | 5 | 11 ms | *Land based - Southern |
| 121-04.8E | | | | | | tip Formosa. |
| 22-01N | 191500 Feb. 164 | 500 | 4 | 11 ms | Land based SW Coast |
| 120-11.5E | | | | | | Formosa. |
| 22-09N | 191500 Feb. 94 | 750 | 5 | 25-30 ms | *Land Based SW Coast |
| 120-11E | | | | | | Formosa. |
| 22-11N | 191700 Feb. 158 | 500 | 5 | Double Pulse | Land Based |
| 120.11.5E | | | | | | Main 1 ms, Sec. 2 ms. |
| 22-00N | 282200 Feb. 162 | 500 | 4 | 11 ms | Land Based. |
| 120-00E | | | | | | |
| 22-00N | 282300 Feb. 76 | 500 | 2 | 40 ms | *Land based Southern |
| 120-00E | | | | | | tip Formosa. |
| 22-00N | 280917 Feb. 160 | 500 | 5 | 13 ms. | *Land based southern |
| 120-00E | | | | | | tip Formosa. |
| 22-00N | 281600 Feb. 68 | 500 | 5 | 25 ms | Land based. |
| 120-00E | | | | | | |
| 21-00N | 29 Feb. 100 | 800 | 2 | 9 ms | Land based Southern |
| 120-00E | | | | | | tip Formosa. |
| 22-00N | 082210 Mar. 78 | 500 | 3 | 40 ms | *Land based. |
| 114-00E | | | | | | |
| 22-00N | 091315 Mar. 158 | 500 | 5 | 7 ms | *Land based. |
| 114-00E | | | | | | |
| 21-00N | 11043 Mar. 740 | 1000 | 2 | 7 ms | Possible aircraft (?). |
| 114-00E | | | | | | |
| 21-00N | 131407 Mar. 178 | 175 | 5 | 4 ms | 3 sets keying on same |
| 115-00E | | | | | | freq. possible aircraft. |
| 21-51N | 131230 Mar. 180 | 175 | 2 | 10 | Unknown radar |
| 115-15E | | | | | | |
| 21-59N | 171500 Mar. 158 | 500 | 2 | 7 ms | *Land based. |
| 115-30E | | | | | | |
| * Heard before, same conditions and | | | | | | |
| position. | -40- | ENCLOSURE (A) |

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(U) COMMUNICATION, RADAR AND SONOR COUNTERMEASURES (Cont'd)

| Lat. Long. | Time (GCT) | Freq. | PRF | Stren. | Pulse Width | Remarks |
| :| :| :---- | :-- | :----- | :| :|
| 21-59N 115-30E | 171500 Mar. | 158 | 500 | 2 | 36 ms | Seemed to have non-directional antenna. |
| 21-59N 115-30E | 151750 Mar. | 149 | CW? | 1 | CW | Possible VHF carrier |
| 21-59N 115-30E | 151815 Mar. | 224 | 750 | 1 | Double Pulse Main 7ms, Sec. 5ms. | Keyed at short intervals. |
| 21-59N 115-30E | 161710 Mar. | 96 | 500 | 1 | 5ms | *Land based. |
| 20-00N 111-00E | 171229 Mar. | 179 | 225 | 1 | 7ms | Land based. |
| 21-00N 112-00E | 182120 Mar. | 224 | 500 | 1 | - | Unknown - no oscilligram. |
| 21-00N 112-00E | 190600 Mar. | 81 | | 2 | - | *Seemed to be a beacon. |
| 21-15N 112-50E | 190800 Mar. | 158 | 500 | 2 | 2 | *Land based. |
| 18-32N 110-37E | 200715 Mar. | 150 | 400 | 2 | Double Pulse Main 6ms, Sec. 7ms. | Sweeping |
| 20-00N 119-00E | 271830 Mar. | 224 | 1000 | [HANDWRITTEN: RLa] | | Sweeping. |

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL

(V) REMARKS

Torpedoes: Twenty Mark 18 Mod 1 torpedoes and four Mark 23 torpedoes
were carried by this vessel.

During refit all stop bolts were replaced by the old wide
type for Mark 14 torpedoes.

There were no hydrogen burner failures. All twenty of the
new type screened hydrogen burners burned continually for one month.
It was found necessary to turn the individual tube burner switches off
and on several times every 48 hours when the continuity test was made.
The switch resistance seems to increase slightly over that period of
time. Exercising the switches brings the resistance of the circuit
back to normal so that total resistance through individual tube burn-
ing circuit including the burner reads between 2-4 ohms.

General: It is believed that a scheme of direct communication be-
tween our search airplanes and submarines could easily be worked out
for this area. On three occasions we were able to sight and establish
voice communication with Navy search planes; twice on VHF and once on
2274 kc, and on two occasions with Army search planes on VHF. A val-
uable "on-the-spot" contact report (the elusive cruisers in Leong Sui
Bay) was received in this fashion. On two occasions the planes oblig-
ingly searched large areas along the coasts for us and returned to re-
port results of the search. The present delay of several hours in trans-
mitting contact reports to submarines on the spot via the Fox schedules
could be considerably reduced. Submarines in the immediate vicinity of
the search plane could take advantage of a "transmitted direct" contact
report immediately while others could pick it up later on sub Fox. Our
little informal airplane-submarine search teams organized in the area
offered some attractive possibilities. It was nice to know on these
occasions that our "worm-eye" view was being extended to a large "bird's-
eye" view by a friendly and cooperative plane who could send a report
to us in a few minutes if he found any targets.

In furtherance of the "airplane-submarine" team idea it is
suggested that area "Leg Joint" be slightly rearranged so that a sub-
marine patrol zone strip about 20 miles wide would extend across "Hail-
storm" between Hong Kong and Swatow. If such a strip had existed dur-
ing this patrol believe we could have intercepted and sunk some of the
shipping that the aviators were chivvying along the coast. This sug-
gestion is based on the assumptions that Jap shipping in this area
moves in close to the coast to avoid our submarines and moves largely
at night to avoid our airplanes. These assumptions were good for the
time we spent in this area (Hainan, Hong Kong, Swatow area, March 1945).

-42- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 166 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL
(V) REMARKS (Cont'd)

     General: We spent considerable time dodging planes in the area, but with
an alert radar watch (SJ in particular) at nite and good lookouts the
hazard was not very great. At any rate we accepted the fact cheerfully
that there are lots of our own planes working in this area now and that
occasional brushes with them are practically unavoidable.

-43- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 167 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED FORTY-TWO

FB5-242/.16-3

Serial: (012)

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) Report
of Fourth War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FOURTH War Patrol.

1. The fourth war patrol of the PIRANHA, with a new Commanding
Officer, Commander D. G. IRVINE, U.S.N., was conducted in the Luzon Straits -
Formosa - Hainan - Hong Kong area. It was of seventy days duration of which
thirty-nine were spent in the area.

2. During this patrol the PIRANHA was a unit of a coordinated patrol
group consisting of the SEA OWL, PUFFER and PIRANHA, with the Commanding Officer
of the SEA OWL, Commander C. L. BENNETT, U.S.N., as Group Commander. In addition
to normal offensive patrolling the PIRANHA:

 (a) Furnished lifeguard services for seventeen days.
 (b) Recovered one prisoner from a sunken junk.
 (c) Sank one floating mine.

3. Only two worthwhile torpedo targets were contacted. One of these
was a properly lighted hospital ship (7 March 1945). The other contact consisted
of two CHIDORI's contacted in shallow water, the night of 11 March 1945, off the
coast of China, northeast of Hong Kong. The Commanding Officer boldly entered
the blind bombing zone in hot pursuit and delivered three aggressive attacks.
Unfortunately no hits resulted. It is believed that the torpedoes, all Mark 18-1's,
ran under the targets. While maneuvering for another attack on the same CHIDORI's,
a plane (tentatively identified as one of our own PBM's) closed the PIRANHA
rapidly, showing no IFF return and unable to raise on the VHF. The Commanding
Officer skillfully maneuvered his ship to avoid the four bombs dropped by the PBM,
about 100 yards astern and in the wake of the PIRANHA. After this disconcerting
experience the Commanding Officer wisely broke off attack and retired at high
speed to deep water and clear of the blind bombing zone.

4. On the morning of 27 February 1945, while on lifeguard station
southwest of Formosa, a large junk was sighted in close to RYUKYU SHU, during an
air strike by our own forces. Thinking this junk might be an aircraft or submarine
spotter, the Commanding Officer daringly closed at high speed, in the shallow
water, and quickly disposed of this potential menace to our air strike with his 4",
40mm, 20mm and .50 caliber guns. One prisoner was rescued.

RECOMMENDED ASSESSMENT:

One (1) three-masted fishing junk (EC), 100 tons.

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

— page 168 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED FORTY-TWO

FB5-242/.16-3
                                                                Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                                                San Francisco, California,
Serial: (012)                                                   23 April 1945.

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PIRANHA. (SS389) Report
of Fourth War Patrol.

Subject:        U.S.S. PIRANHA. (SS389) - Report of FOURTH War Patrol.

— page 169 —
FC5-24/A16-3
Serial: (083)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389)
Report of Fourth War
Patrol.

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR
11/wd
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
26 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,
Administrative Command.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FOURTH War Patrol.

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

2. The suggestion of the possibility of creating a submarine
patrol lane through the blind bombing zone to the coast of China is
considered worthy of serious consideration, and very timely in view of
the current submarine situation in the Pacific.

3. The cause of the casualties to #4 main engine are being
thoroughly investigated, and will be corrected during the current refit.
No misalignment or settling of the engine bed has been discovered.

4. The gun attack on the junk was well thought out and
daringly executed.

5. The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-FOUR congratulates
the Commanding Officer, officers and crew upon the completion of this
extremely alert and aggressive patrol, and regrets that the Nips did not
provide more suitable targets.

F. W. FENNO.

— page 170 —
FF12-10(A)A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01016 [HANDWRITTEN: 4 MAY 1945] Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                          San Francisco, California,
                                          3 May, 1945.

CONFIDENTIAL
                                          NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to                      DESTROYED PRIOR TO
PIRANHA Report of                         ENTERING PATROL AREA.
Fourth War Patrol.

COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 736
U.S.S. PIRANHA - 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. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of Fourth War Patrol
         ( 11 February to 21 April 1945).

1. The fourth war patrol of the PIRANHA, under the command of Commander
D.G. IRVINE, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the Luzon Straits, northern part of South
China Seas and Wake Island areas. The PIRANHA, along with the U.S.S. PUFFER and
the U.S.S. SEA OWL, formed a coordinated attack group under the command of
Commander C.H. Bennett, commanding officer of the SEA OWL. The group performed
lifeguard services in addition to offensive patrol.

2. This long, arduous patrol was well conducted, and area coverage was
thorough. The one contact worthy of torpedo fire, two Chidori's, was attacked
with bow and stern salvos, but proved unsuccessful. The PIRANHA sank one fishing
junk and captured one prisoner.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
commanding officer, officers, and crew of the PIRANHA for having inflicted the
following damage upon the enemy:

S U N K

1 - Three-Masted Junk (MIS)(EC) - 100 tons (Gun attack No. 1)

                                          MERRILL COMSTOCK.

Distribution & Authentication                               - 1 -
next page.

— page 171 —
FF12-10(A)A16-3(18)
Serial 01016
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PIRANHA Report of
Fourth War Patrol.

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
3 May, 1945.
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 736
U.S.S. PIRANHA - FOURTH WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of Fourth War Patrol
( 11 February to 21 April 1945).

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
JICPOA (1)
AdlCPOA (1)
Comservpac (1)
CincLant (1)
Comsubalant (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
CO, S/M Base, PH (1)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (1)
Comsubsowespac (2)
CTG 71.9 (2)
Comnorpac (1)
Comsubspac (3)
ComsubspacAdComd (20)
SULAD, MI (2)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Pacific (2)
Substrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Pacific (1)

[SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes] [HANDWRITTEN: and]
E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.

— page 172 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st Copy]

SS389/A16-3
Serial (09)

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-A-L]

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

Subject: U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - 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 ship
conducted in Izu Shoto Island, Nanpo Shoto, Northern Honshu and Southern
Hokkaido areas during period 17 May 1945, to 9 July 1945, is forwarded
herewith.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09N9C DATE 5/31/72]

[HANDWRITTEN: 133758]
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389)

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

                                                                9 July, 1945.

                                                                [SIGNATURE: D.G. Irvine]
                                                                D.G. IRVINE.

                                                                [STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

— page 173 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL

(A) PROLOGUE

     Arrived Midway from fourth war patrol on 21 April, 1945. As-
signed to SubDiv 242 and U.S.S. AEGIR for training and refit. Normal
refit by SubDiv 242 Relief Crew and U.S.S. AEGIR completed 6 May, 1945.
Conducted 5 day training period supervised by ComSubDiv 242. Fired
three battle surface gun practices and 6 exercise torpedoes.

     The Relief Crew of SubDiv 242 and personnel of U.S.S. AEGIR are
one of the most capable and hardworking groups that this ship has had
the good fortune to be refitted by. The ship was turned over to us
at the end of refit in a tip-top state of materiel readiness and
cleanliness.

(B) NARRATIVE

     During period in port the following officer transfers were made:

     7 May, Lieut. E. GUERNSEY, (DE), USNR was transferred to SubDiv
242.

     17 May, Lt.(jg) H.E. PETERSON, (DEM), USNR was transferred to
SubDiv 242 for hospitalization.

     1 May, Ensign L.E. HORNER, USN reported on board from SubDiv 242.

     17 May, Lieut. W.D. WHETSTONE, (DE), USNR reported on board from
SubDiv 242.

     26 enlisted men were transferred to SubDiv 242 and 26 men received
in return.

OFFICERS ON BOARD                               NO. WAR PATROLS

IRVINE, D.G., Comdr., USN (Comdg.)              6 (2 British, 1 Polish,
                                                   1 PINTADO, 2 PIRANHA)
BISHOP, C.B., Lt., USN (Exec. & Nav.)           5 (PIRANHA)
WHETSTONE, W.D., Lt., USNR (Asst. Eng)          6 (3 R-12, 3 PILOTFISH,
                                                   1 PIRANHA)
LEMEN, R.M., Lt.(jg), USNR (Eng.)               5 (PIRANHA)
PETERSON, H.E., Jr., Lt.(jg), USNR (AEeng.)     4 (PIRANHA)
O'LEARY, A.C., Jr., Lt.(jg), USN (Torp. Off.)   5 (PIRANHA)
SLAWSON, H.F., Lt.(jg), USNR (Commun.)          5 (PIRANHA)
EKERN, H.N., Lt.(jg), USNR (1st Lt.)            4 (PIRANHA)
LUPO, F.C., Ensign, USNR (Asst. 1st Lt.)        3 (PIRANHA)
HIGGINS, J.R., Ensign, USNR (Commsy & AComm.)   2 (PIRANHA)
HORNER, L.E., Ensign, USN (Asst. Gun)           1 (PIRANHA)

                               -1-                       ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 174 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

CPO's ON BOARD                                        NO. WAR PATROLS
ELLIOTT, J.F., CMOMM, USN (Chief of Boat)             6 (5 POGY, 1 PIRANHA)
LEWIS, D.W., CMOMM, USN                               5 (PIRANHA)
DOBSON, O.L., CEM, USN                                3 (PIRANHA)
HUGHES, L.T., CRT, USN                                5 (PIRANHA)
ROE, S.A., CMOMM, USN                                 9 (2 NAUTILUS, 1 SCORPION,
                                                         5 PIRANHA)
PARRISH, A.F., CTM, USN                               7 (2 GROUPER, 5 PIRANHA)

17 May, 1945

     ComTask Force 17 Despatch Operation Order 108-45 and CTG 17.5
     Op Order 108-45 Serial 0011. U.S.S. PIRANHA is T.U. 17.1.27.

1630Y Underway from Midway under air escort.
1800Y Air escort returned to base. Proceeding at speed of advance of
     15 knots enroute to Marcus Island to act as lifeguard relieving
     USS PETO on station.

19 May

     Noon Position Lat. 27-14.3N, Long. 177-18E.

     Advanced calenders one day, skipped 18 May.

20 May

     Noon Position Lat. 26-38.6N, Long. 170-35.5E.

     Changed clocks to (-11) "Love" time.

21 May

     Noon Position Lat. 25-46N, Long. 164-57.8E.

     Sent PIRANHA first to ComSubPac info PETO giving our ETA at
     Marcus as 1400Z 22 May, 1945.

22 May

     Noon Position Lat. 24-36.4N, Long. 157-58.8E.

1100L Set watch on 4475 kcs (lifeguard frequency).

23 May

     Noon Position Lat. 24-26.8N, Long. 153-46.2E.

0800K Advanced all clocks to (-10) "King" time.
1000K Sighted Marcus Island.

                                -2-                               ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 175 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

23 May, 1945 (Cont'd)

1215K Dived, approached Marcus Island from the north to reconnoiter.
      Took motion pictures thru periscope.
1830K Surfaced, 9 miles west of Marcus.
2000K Approached Marcus from the east on the surface. Closed to 7000
      yards, no torpedo targets.

      Received message from ComSubPac notifying us of a strike at 1730
      tomorrow the 24th.

24 May

      Noon Position Lat. 24-18N, Long. 154-00E.

0625K Dived and approached Marcus from the eastward.
0830K Took periscope motion pictures of eastward side of island.
1000K Sighted floating pier, marine railway on beach, large kingposts
      and cargo handling boom on the end of the pier. Decided to try
      for a shot at the pier and cargo handling gear - this install-
      ation appears to be the only place ships or submarines could
      approach and unload supplies.
1211K Fired one Mk 14 torpedo set in low power, 180° gyro, zero feet
      depth setting, range 4000 yards at pier. Torpedo ran erratic
      to right, broached several times. No explosion.
1220K Cleared area to southward.
1518K Surfaced and took up lifeguard station to the westward of Marcus.
      Set watch on 500 kc and VHF in addition to 4475 kcs.
1720K 26 B-24's bombed Marcus in two waves. A spectacular sight. Watch-
      ed all planes carefully for signs of distress, all planes left on
      southeasterly course, none of them in any apparent trouble. No
      communications heard on any of our guard frequencies. Decided
      raid was carried out with no damage to our side.

25 May

      Noon Position Lat. 24-24.5N, Long. 153-41.8E.

      Patrolling in vicinity of Marcus keeping radio towers in sight
      from our bridge.

                                    -3-                               ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 176 —
1
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

26 May, 1945
Noon Position Lat. 24-19.3N, Long. 153-54.9E.

0340K Closed Marcus from the south to reconnoiter the piers. Plan
      to keep the floating piers under surveillance to catch any sup-
      ply subs that might try to unload there at nite.
0345K Dived.
0420K Closed piers to 4000 yards for a good look just at morning twi-
      light. Nothing at piers. Heading out to southward.
0451K Shore batteries fired several rounds at our periscope - no
      damage.
0900K Surfaced 10 miles to south of Marcus. Picked up large piece of
      Jap shrapnel lying on after deck.
0930K Patrolling on surface in vicinity of Marcus.
1715K Received ComSubFac despatch 260613 telling of an eight plane
      strike on Marcus. Set watch on 500 kc and VHF. 4475 is manned
      constantly. Took lifeguard station 20,000 yards south of
      Marcus.
1756K Sighted 9 Liberators over Marcus.
1800K All planes on way home, none in distress, heard leader report
      all planes O.K.
1801K Jap shore batteries fired 4 salvos at us, 3 doubles and a
      singleton; the singleton landed 50 yards on starboard quarter.
      Opened range at 19 knots. Salvos falling short; believe
      22,000 yards maximum range this battery.

27 May
Noon Position 24-13.4N, Long. 153-30.4E.

Surface patrol in vicinity of Marcus, making complete circuits
of island staying about 12 miles out.

28 May
Noon Position Lat. 24-24.4N, Long. 153-54.4E.

Surface patrol in vicinity of Marcus.

1855K Four searchlights lighted on Marcus. After watching lights
      about an hour decided they were trying to home in Nip aircraft.
      Made a sweep around island at 15 knots to see what was up.
2041K SD contact on two planes 10 miles south of Marcus, 4 miles from
      us. Dived. Watched island thru periscope, bright moonlight nite.
      Airfield lighted, radar towers showing red lights. Believe Nips
      are landing planes, we have been unable to see any as yet.

-4-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 177 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)
(3) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

28 May, 1945 (Cont'd)

2102K Surfaced, opened out to south to transmit our second to ComSubPac
      describing circumstances and stating that we believed Nips were
      landing planes on Marcus.
2230K All lights out on Marcus.

29 May

Noon Position Lat. 24-14N, Long. 153-28E.

0420K Dived 6 miles south of Marcus to reconnoiter airfield and jetty.
      Closed to 2 miles. Proceeded along southern coast on a westerly
      course, nothing unusual noted.
0950K Surfaced 10 miles west of Marcus.
1214K Dived to avoid unidentified plane.
1250K Surfaced, patrolling in vicinity of Marcus.

30 May

Noon Position Lat. 24-18N, Long. 153-50E.

0100K Received ComSubPac despatch 291136, twelve Liberators will make
      strike at 1300 today.
1200K Set watch on 500 kc and VHF. 4475 already manned.
1315K Sighted ten Liberators 20 miles southwest of Marcus.
1330K All planes completed runs over the target and headed home. None
      in distress, no activity on lifeguard frequencies. Never able
      to sight more than ten planes, two must have turned back.
2000K Received ComSubPac serial 34 telling us to leave Marcus on 1
      June and to proceed to Saipan for fuel. PILOTFISH is to re-
      lieve us.

31 May

Noon Position Lat. 24-19N, Long. 153-58E.

1030K Sent our third to ComSubPac acknowledging his serial 34 and giving
      PILOTFISH information on operating conditions around the island.
2300K Closed Marcus Island from westward, went to battle stations gun
      action. Made preparations to bombard island with 4" gun. Moon
      just rising in the east, scattered rain squalls and clouds.
      Island between us and the moon, dark background of clouds behind
      us, should make it difficult for them to see us.
2331K Commenced firing, passing down westward side of island on a
      southerly course, speed 5 kts. No reaction at all from the Japs,
      no lights or gunfire. Somewhat surprising in view of their im-
      mediate reaction with shore batteries when sighting us during
      daylight on the 26th.

-5-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 178 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

1 June, 1945

Noon Position Lat. 24-03N, Long. 153-42E.

0015K Ceased fire. 88 rounds of 4" ammunition expended, five "4 star
      shells and eighty-three 4" high capacity fired. 76 hits on is-
      land counted. Two fires started in about the center of island,
      unable to determine what was burning, smoky black smoke and
      dull flames in each fire.
0020K Cleared island to southwestward, patrolling in vicinity of Marcus
      Island.
1900K In vicinity of Marcus Island proceeding to Saipan in accord-
      ance with SubPac serial 34, speed of advance 15 kts.

2 June

Noon Position Lat. 21-11.2N, Long. 151-04.5E.

Enroute Marcus Island to Saipan.

1400K Unable to decode messages sent in new cipher system on ECM.
      Sent our 4th to ComSubPac stating we were unable to decode mess-
      ages in new CCM system. At 1800 received despatch instructions
      from ComSubPac on how to use the system - cleared up all our
      difficulties nicely.

3 June

Noon Position Lat. 17-08N, Long. 148-12.5E.

Sent our 5th to ComSubPac giving ETA at Saipan rendezvous.
Also stated his despatch instructions on CCM system enabled us to
decode messages in that system.

4 June

0500K Picked up escort, LCI 1098, proceeding to Saipan under escort.
0952K Moored port side to USS ORION in Tanapag Harbor, Saipan.
1000K Commenced loading fuel, lube oil, stores, fresh water and am-
      munition. Commenced disassembly of #3 main engine to replace
      cracked cylinder liner - this work will delay our departure un-
      til 6 June.

5 June

Alongside USS ORION, Tanapag Harbor, Saipan. Lt.(jg) H.E. PETER-
SON, DEM, USNR reported on board from Hospital at Pearl Harbor. Lieut.
W.D. WHETSTONE, DE, USNR was transferred to SubDiv 161.

-6-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 179 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE(Cont'd)

6 June, 1945

1500I Underway from Saipan under escort, PC 1591, in accordance with
        CTF 17 Op Order 117-45, we are CTU 17.1.27.
1930I Dropped escort proceeding in accordance CTG 17.7 routing orders
        to vicinity Tokyo Bay and Nanpo Shoto Islands for lifeguard
        duty.
2047I Made SJ contact on unidentified surface ship proceeding on
        southeasterly course in joint zone. Could hear him pinging,
        closed him to 6000 yards, decided it was a PC and possibly one
        we had seen escorting a large MV out of Saipan in this direction.

7 June

Noon Position Lat. 18-02N, Long. 143-00E.

Enroute Nanpo Shoto Islands.

8 June

Noon Position Lat. 22-17N, Long. 139-33E.

Enroute Nanpo Shoto Islands.
0100I Sighted and exchanged calls with USS BLACKFIN.
0709I Sighted and exchanged calls with USS DRAGONET.
0800I Set continuous watch on 4475 kc.

9 June

Noon Position Lat. 27-12.5N, Long. 139-30E.

Enroute Nanpo Shoto Islands.
Sighted several B-29's during the forenoon - nothing of note
heard on lifeguard frequency 4475 kc.
2100I Received CSP despatch 080817 detailing us to lifeguard station
        twenty miles east of Sofu Gan (Lot's Wife) on 10 June.

10 June

Noon Position Lat. 30-01.5N, Long. 141-02E.

0346I Picked up Sofu Gan (Lot's Wife) on SJ bearing 095(T) distance
        28,000 yards.
0500I On lifeguard station. Sighted about 100 B-29's and 10 fighters
        on northerly course apparently enroute Tokyo.
1000I B-17G joined us acting as "Dumbo" rescue search plane.

-7-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 180 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

10 June (Cont'd)

1015I
to Sighted numerous B-29's and fighters on southerly course.
1230I
1230I Our "Dumbo" shoved off to northwestward. No evidence of dis-
        tress on lifeguard frequencies or Sub Fox in our vicinity.
2100I Received CSP despatch 101250 giving details of tomorrow's strike
        on Tokyo by 50 fighters. Our lifeguard station remains the
        same.

11 June :

Noon Position Lat. 30-55.6N, Long. 140-38E.

0100I Made a sweep northward to vicinity of Tori Shima.
0111I Picked up plane on both SD and SJ, showing proper IFF signal.
        Probably one of our photo recco planes.
0500I On lifeguard station off Sofu Gan.
0900I Sighted and exchanged calls with a B-17G probably a Dumbo going
        up to work with either QUEENFISH or SPOT.
1200I Our scheduled Dumbo didn't show up. Was supposed to be here at
        1010I. Had an SD contact at 15 miles that could have been him
        hunting for us. Visibility is poor, low hanging haze.
1300I Heard a Dumbo plane to south of us calling all stations to the
        north of him saying plane whose call is Sandy 60 was in difficul-
        ty.
1400I After a considerable exchange of calls with various Dumbo planes
        received despatch from Dumbo to southward that Sandy 60 had
        reached Iwo Jima O.K. Note: Later in the day received despatch
        from SubPac on Sub Fox containing same information.
1430I Received ComSubPac despatch 110207 giving us orders to proceed
        north to vicinity of Northern Honshu and patrol as directed by
        C.O. USS GUARDFISH.
1830I Left lifeguard station and proceeded north as directed. Sent
        our sixth to ComSubPac info GUARDFISH giving our ETA 1800K the
        13th. Continued to guard lifeguard radio frequency until well
        out of lifeguard areas.

12 June :

Noon Position Lat. 34-55.6N, Long. 140-06.1E.

Enroute from Nanpo Sho to Northern Honshu at SOA 13 kts.

0400K Received GUARDFISH despatch 121031 telling us to rendezvous
        with him at 1800I the 13th at Lat. 39-00N, Long. 143-40E.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

13 June, 1945

Noon Position Lat. 38-23.4N, Long. 143-03.4E.

Enroute Nanpo Shoto to northern Honshu at SOA 13 kts.

1730I Made rendezvous with USS GUARDFISH who passed mail to us. We
are to patrol north of 40° north until GUARDFISH departs on 17th.
1805I Sighted and exploded floating mine with rifle fire in position
Lat. 39-11N, Long. 143-42E.

14 June

Noon Position Lat. 40-59.1N, Long. 141-40E.

Heavy fog closed down during nite. Decided to close eastern
coast of Honshu at Lat. 40-50N, Long. 141-30E between restricted
areas and look for coastal traffic.
0637I Patrolling 5 miles off beach on the surface in a dense fog.
0640I SJ contact 4800 yards, between us and the beach. Stationed
radar tracking party.
0700I Target on course 350(T) speed 8 kts. From size of pip and speed
decided he was a small trawler headed up the coast. Closed to
3000 yards identified target as Banshu Maru type escort, or
picket boat. Nothing else in sight on our radar, decided to
come down on him from the north to keep him away from northern
restricted areas and make a surprise gun attack. Stopped and
heard him pinging on 17 kc - had APR interference on 151 mc.
0720I Went to gun action stations, closing target on southerly course.
0725I Fog commenced to lift.
0730I Fog clearing rapidly, sighted large engines aft oiler or ore
ship aft of our beam hugging the beach about 5 miles away on a
northerly course surrounded by four small escorts. The Banshu
Maru escort we had been chasing was a seaward flanking escort
hanging back on the quarter of the convoy. All chance of sur-
prise was gone, everybody had now seen everyone else in the
visibility. We felt very naked. Old mother nature had her fog
screen playing on our side today; however, we would never
have seen the convoy if the fog had not lifted - he was too close
to the beach for the radar to pick him out. No possible chance
of closing him submerged, so decided to close him on the surface
and give him his choice of three things: run on the beach, run
into the restricted area or fight it out with us - we hoped he
didn't have a large gun and that we could get close enough to
hit him with torpedoes.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

14 June, 1945 (Cont'd)

0732I Headed for large ship at 19 kts. Unfortunately for us he had a
        big gun and he knew how to use it, he headed for us at his best
        speed, shooting fast and accurately. His escorts came with him.
        We twisted and turned several times trying to maneuver him into
        a position for a shot. The Jap was a good sailor, he stayed in
        shoal water where we couldn't possibly get to him submerged and
        held us off with his gun. If we dived, all he had to do was
        go on up the coast behind the restricted area and leave 5 small
        escorts behind to beat us up in shallow water.
0740I Decided there was nothing to do now but to clear out to the east-
        ward and work around to the northward outside the restricted area
        and try to intercept him in deep water near Shiriya Saki Light,
        Jap airplanes permitting.
0742I Broke off the action and retired to the eastward. The Jap fired
        about 30 rounds in all, several straddles. He stopped shooting
        when range opened to about 8000 yards.
0745I Passed our little old Banshu Maru right where we left him still
        chugging along on a northerly course, pinging on his sound gear
        and purping on his radar - apparently too flabbergasted by the
        whole proceedings to do anything else. Fired several clips of
        40 mm at him on the way by at 19 kts. got six hits into him.
        The hits seemed to help him make up his mind, he headed for the
        beach emitting dense black funnel smoke. None of the 5 escorts
        showed any disposition to close up on us on the surface.

0812I Pushed down by a plane (Jake).
0840I All clear surfaced headed north at 19 kts.
0902I Pushed down again, 3 Jakes this time, the first one must have
        called up his friends.
0940I Jap aircraft bombs, not very close. Watched them thru periscope
        hoping they would shove off soon - we had 40 miles to run to the
        light, the convoy 30 - we will have to be there by 1130 to catch
        them.
1220I Planes shoved off, smart people, held us down just about long
        enough to let the convoy get by the light and safely thru Tsugaru
        Strait.
1225I Surfaced, headed for the light at 19 knots.
1228I Sighted floating mine - avoided. Lat. 41-00N, Long. 141-50E.
1400I Dived 8 miles east of Shiriya Saki Light, closed beach to 4 miles.
        Nothing seen of convoy.
1700I Sighted two small Banshu Maru type picket boats crossing the
        straits to northward.
1940I Surfaced 10 miles east of light.
2000I Made sweep toward Erimo Saki Light.

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U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

15 June, 1945

Noon Position Lat. 42-40N, Long. 141-30E.

0332I Dived at dawn in Tsugaru Straits, 10 miles north of Shiriya
Light.
0930I Sighted large engines aft oiler or ore ship crossing strait
escorted by 4 Jakes. Came to normal approach course and
standard speed (6 kts.). Same ship we saw yesterday or her
twin sister.
1100I Found that at standard speed slowing to look every 20 minutes
we were actually being swept backwards out of the straits by
the current. This checks with the charts which show currents
as high as 5 3/4 knots in here. Target over the horizon,
closest we ever got to him was 15,000 yards. Gave up chase
and headed for Shirya Light believing our best chance to
catch targets would be as they round the light, the currents
amenable to us there. Hopeless trying to patrol out in the
straits in the current.
1852I Surfaced 10 miles east of Shiriya Light.
1937I Sighted small picket boat on horizon. Too small for a torpedo
too dark to use guns. Let him go.
2000I Made sweep to Iburi Wan and back toward Esan Saki. Plan to
patrol across Iburi Wan tomorrow - surface patrol if foggy -
submerged if otherwise.

16 June

Noon Position Lat. 42-06.5N, Long. 141-26E.

0400I Entered Iburi Wan at dawn, heavy fog - visibility 2000 yards,
patrolling on surface.
0535I SJ contact 7300 yards. Tracked him on northerly course.
0600I SJ contact 12000 yards - in Iburi Wan entrance.
0609I Dived and made approach on first contact. Target was small
coast freighter (500 tons) of an unidentified type. Not
able to identify it from any of the identification booklets
we had on board. Decided he was worth one torpedo.
0622I Fired one Mk18-2 torpedo set on zero feet. Missed due to
fire control error. Torpedo was fired before final bearing
was set in.
0630I Target out of sight in the fog.
0654I Surfaced, resumed surface patrol.
0655I SJ contact 10000 yards. Apparently two large targets and two
escorts on a southerly course. Decided that the targets were
heading for the south side of the bay to make landfall would
then parallel the coast in order to round Esan Saki Light in-
side restricted area.

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U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

16 June, 1945 (Cont'd)

0720I Acting on the above assumption headed for the south side of the
bay. (Note: our guess proved to be correct we wound up right
in the convoy.)
0734I Dived 4000 yards from the beach and waited. Visibility about
2500 yards - too great for surface approach - necessitated
quick set up submerged. An ST radar would have been very nice
here.
0747I Picked up screw noises of both targets and both escorts. Con-
voy turned out to be one small AK one large AO, one escort
"special sub chaser" class, and one escort, Banshu Maru type.
The oiler was our old friend of the past two days. We are
certain it was the same ship.
0759I Sighted the AK first coming out of the fog at 2000 yards be-
tween us and the beach. Started for him to give him a salvo
from the bow tubes.
0801I Sonar tracking very heavy screws on a constant bearing on the
beam.
0802I Sighted the oiler coming out of the fog range 2000 yards angle
on the bow zero. Shifted set up to the AO, pulled off the
track at full speed for stern tube shots. Had to make a snap
set up, not much time.
0805I Fired 3 air torpedoes set at 4 feet at the AO.
0806I Saw and heard one nice hit in his engine room. Target commenc-
ed to list heavily and sink by the stern before the water
column from the explosion died down. Target caught on fire
all at once. The other two torpedoes apparently missed due
to the hurried set up. Swung around for bow shots.
0808I Loud breaking up noises heard thru the hull and on sonar.
0810I Fired two Mk 18-2 torpedoes set at 4 feet from bow tubes aimed
at MOT. Very difficult to tell what the target was doing
using the periscope. Smoke from the fire was hanging low on
the water; smoke mixed with the fog made a bad combination.
Saw both torpedoes run under targets bow - AO's bows were
reared up out of the water by now - reduced speed on TDC to
4 knots for these shots. (should have reduced his speed to
practically zero) The people on the AO's bridge were firing
a machine gun at the torpedo wakes. Wakes and bullet splash-
es were plainly visible thru periscope.
0811I Set up for another try with bow tubes. Target burning brisk-
ly aft, stern awash, bows out of the water, listing heavily to
port, could see across his deck and into his flying bridge,
drifting toward the beach. Believe he'd be lucky if he
could beach himself before he sank. The hit must have col-
lapsed his engine room bulkhead to make him sink so fast. Gave
us a good deal of satisfaction to get this one after chasing
him for 3 days.

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CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE
(Cont'd)

16 June, 1945 (Cont'd)

0812I Sighted "Special Sub Chaser" escort heading for us, range 1000
        yards. Went deep, didn't fire second salvo from bow tubes.
0813 Working out from the beach at 2/3 speed. This escort meant
        business, was making slow deliberate runs in our immediate
        vicinity, some right overhead to be sure he had us before
        dropping.
0824I First of a series of 21 depth charges.
0907I Escort screws well astern, reloaded all tubes.
1017I Surfaced, with friendly fog around us, pulled out of bay at
        19 kts. - cutting around restricted areas.
1025I Passed Banshu Maru type escort 2000 yards abeam hanging around
        the restricted area off Esan Saki - don't think he saw us.
        The SOS was gone.
1400I Making sweep toward Erimo Saki Light.
1837I Nothing in vicinity of Erimo Saki, started back for Iburi Wan.
        Plan to enter bay at dawn to reconnoiter.
2000I Received ComSubPac despatch 160648 ordering USS PARCHE to this
        area. We are OTC.

17 June

Noon Position Lat. 42-08N, Long 141-30E.

0300I Entered Iburi Wan; heavy fog, visibility 2000 yards. Headed for
        yesterday's scene of action.
0402I Closed beach to 3 miles, found small stationary radar pip near
        beach that wasn't there yesterday. Small patrol boat patroll-
        ing and pinging near the pip. Perhaps our gun toting tanker
        friends were able to beach themselves after all. Water too
        shallow to get in for torpedo shot, too foggy to see beach.
0420I Headed north to look at north side of the bay.
0440I SJ contact 7000 yards. Turned out to be the same Banshu Maru
        patrolling near end of restricted area off Esan Saki. Too
        cramped for maneuvering room here near restricted area, decid-
        ed not to gun him.
0800I Nothing stirring in the bay except two patrol boats. Left the
        bay on sweep toward Erimo Saki Light.
1013I Sighted a Banshu Maru type ship on the horizon. Worked around
        him to windward, seas too rough to use deck gun, visibility
        cleared to about 12,000 yards.
1112I Chasing target down sea and down wind, passing 40 mm ammunition
        thru conning tower hatch, too rough to use deck ready ammuni-
        tion lockers.
1120I Commenced firing both 40 mms. Both guns registered numerous
        hits.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)
17 June, 1945 (Cont'd)

1140I Plane contact closing to 2 miles. Cleared bridge and dived.
        Quite a struggle getting both gun crews thru the C.T. hatch.
        No sight contact, no bombs, apparently plane was above clouds
        and didn't see us.
1200I Target on fire all over - quite a blaze for a small ship.
1211I Surfaced; manned guns, closed target. Apparent now why such
        a large fire - had a cargo of oil drums. Leaking and burning
        oil drums were feeding the fire making it a veritable furnace.
        Could not close such a hot fire to take prisoners for fear of
        injuring some of our own people.
1400I Sighted patrol boat on horizon. Headed for him at flank
        speed. Turned out to be the same Banshu Maru type patrol boat
        we've seen patrolling near the restricted area off Esan Saki
        twice before.
1420I Target headed back over restricted area off Esan Saki. Broke
        off chase headed for Shiriya Light.
1530I Dived, patrolling submerged off Shiriya Light.
1740I Surfaced, patrolling between Shiriya and Erimo Lights.

18 June

        Noon Position Lat. 40-37N, Long. 142-20E.

0344I Dived in Lat. 40-50N, Long. 141-30E patrolling between re-
        stricted areas.
0645I Sighted two small trawler type patrol boats patrolling area.
        They would not come outside of 50 fathom water to give us a
        shot.
1033I Surfaced and ran north to Shiriya Light to see if the patrol
        boats were covering the passage of ships from Hachinche to
        Shiriya.
1130I Received ComSubPac despatch 180041 ordering USS DEVILFISH to
        this area. We are OTC.
2055I SJ out of commission - fiber bevel gear in training gear
        stripped - no spares. All the talent on the ship working on
        emergency repairs.
2300I Received ComSubPac despatch 181207 giving PARCHE's ETA in
        area as evening 19 June.

19 June

        Noon Position Lat. 39-04N, Long. 142-35E.

0600I Dived 10 miles southeast of Todo Saki Light. Dense fog along
        beach - keeping position with fathometer.

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U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

19 June, 1945 (Cont'd)
0741I Heard pinging and sighted small patrol boat headed south.
        Fog lifting rapidly.
0745I Several motor sampans in sight near coast.
0750I Fog lifted enough to see coast, Todo Saki Light and a convoy
        of 1 medium AK and 1 medium AO escorted by plane (Jake) and
        two PC type escorts just rounding Todo Saki heading north.
        Got by us in the fog - the fog in this area is sometimes a
        help and sometimes a hindrance, depends on who is chasing
        who. Decided to surface as soon as possible and try to in-
        tercept convoy near Shiriya Saki Light this evening. Never
        heard them on the sonar - 20° negative gradient probably
        accounts for that.
1030I Clear of all patrol boats, surfaced and started north at 19
        knots for Shiriya Saki Light. We are like a cat trying to
        catch 3 mouseholes at once.
1250I Sighted possible periscope, maneuvered to avoid.
1330I Sent our 190430, serial seven, to ComSubPac to pass to PARCHE
        and DEVILFISH, directing rendezvous with us tomorrow and as-
        signing patrol areas. Had no success trying to raise PARCHE
        and DEVILFISH on SAFFLAN frequency.
1400I SJ radar back in commission after 18 hours of steady work by
        two radar technicians, and two motor machinists. Replaced
        bevel gearing with universal joint with universal joint taken
        from another part of the shafting and replaced the universal
        joint with a loose brass sleeve. A good job.
1840I Patrolling off Shiriya Saki Light on the surface in dense fog.
2000I No contacts. Made sweep toward Erimo Saki to see if they
        went that way. No luck.

20 June
        Noon position Lat. 41-05N, Long. 142-00E.

0430I Patrolling submerged off Shiriya Saki Light.
1000I No activity in vicinity of Shiriya Light. Surfaced and head-
        ed for rendezvous at 19 knots.
1800I Made rendezvous with USS PARCHE. Received word during the
        nite that USS DEVILFISH could not make rendezvous. Trans-
        ferred mail to PARCHE and asked her to include DEVILFISH area
        assignment in her despatch to ComSubPac.
1900I Headed into area two.

21 June
        Noon Position Lat. 39-37N, Long. 142-02E.

        Patrolling on surface in fog near Todo Saki Light.

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U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

21 June, 1945 (Cont'd)

0552I Contacted and sank motor sampan with gunfire. Lat. 39-30N,
      Long. 142-05E.
0630I Fog lifting, visibility 4000 yards. Patrolling submerged
      off Todo Saki Light. Numerous sampans and pinging trawlers of
      various descriptions in sight all day. Had to be careful with
      the periscope with sampans all around and close in to the light.
0955I Sighted small freighter coming out of Yamada Ko rounding Todo
      Saki. Too much fog couldn't see him soon enough. We would
      give a lot for an ST radar.
1945I Surfaced. Patrolled on surface during the night from Todo
      Saki Light to Ryori Saki Light. No contacts. Observed bright
      orange flames in the vicinity of Kamaishi town, apparently
      steel mills.

22 June

      Noon Position Lat. 39-28N, Long. 142-23E.

0310I Dived, patrolling submerged off Todo Saki Light. Usual number
      of pinging trawlers, about 4, and large number of sampans
      buzzing around the vicinity in the fog.
0637I Sighted two airplanes (Petes) coming south from Miyako Ko
      flying low. Probably an advance guard for a convoy. Ducked
      to 80 feet and let them go over.
0640I Picked up pinging to the northward coming from direction air-
p     planes came from. Nothing in sight, still foggy visibility
      500 yards. Our only chance was to try to position ourselves
      on their most probable track and let fly as they went by.
      What with foggy air and foggy periscopes couldn't get much
      of a set up.
0705I Sighted two ships coming out of the fog. A medium two goal
      post freighter escorted by a Hashidate Class PG. Both
      zigged away from the beach, we swung with them away from the
      beach to try to open out from the track.
0715I Targets zigged back toward beach. Couldn't get the freighter
      now, shifted set up to the PG. Couldn't see much, apparently
      the PG was constant helming about 90 degrees, no time to track.
0722I The PG caught us underfoot and ran over us, had to go deep.
      Again an ST radar would have been a big help. We were never
      able to get a periscope range.
0729I First of 42 depth charges. Opened out from coast at deep
      submergence. The steep rocky coast close aboard made it sound
      like we were being depth charged inside a well. All noise and
      no damage.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

22 June, 1945 (Cont'd)

0800I Could identify five different pingers, two sonic and three
          supersonic. Apparently the little fellows we had seen around
          the lighthouse plaster the place when they suspect the presence
          of a submarine. Most of the drops were 3 charge patterns. The
          PG was never heard from again.
1653I Surfaced, all clear.
2040I Closed coast to patrol near Ryori Saki Light.
2130I Exchanged major war vessel challenge with DEVILFISH to the
          southward of us.

23 June

          Noon Position Lat. 39-09.5N, Long. 142-21E.

          Patrolling on surface in heavy fog off Ryori Saki.

0430I Contacted and sank trawler with gunfire. Lat. 39-10N, Long.
          142-00E.
0450I Patrolling northward toward Kamaishi Ko on surface, heavy fog.
0648I Fog lifted somewhat. Sighted a pinging trawler, armed with a
          3" gun patrolling near a small fleet of sampans. Played tag
          with him in the fog, couldn't find him with the radar for a
          while.
0750I Finally cornered him and polished him off with gunfire. Lat.
          39-12N, Long. 142-10E. Tried to catch a survivor with the boat-
          hook, liferings and heaving lines, no luck. This was the
          fourth time we tried to pick up survivors with no success. Ap-
          parently when they can see the coast of Dai Nippon they won't
          come on board. We tried everything we could think of includ-
          ing lassos.
0805I SJ contact, 8900 yards. Played tag with him in the fog. Tried
          to make radar approach on him. No luck, he obviously had a
          surface search radar and was tracking us. Kept turning with
          us.
0845I Broke off approach and tried to shake him loose. No luck,
          right on our tail and gaining. Manned after 40 mm.
0855I Both of us charged out of the fog bank at 19 kts. Identified
          ship as PC 13 class or a DE. Nothing for it now but dive he
          was gaining but fast. Fog lifted rapidly, no chance of get-
          ting back under it's friendly cover.
0857I Dived, set up for bow shots. Had a 30 port AOB.
0905I He had us on his sonor or saw our diving swirl; at any rate
          came straight for us.
0909I An eleven charge pattern, close but only minor damage. QB
          sound head out. Heard him cross overhead.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

23 June, 1945 (Cont'd)

0911I We pulled away at standard as long as the noise persisted.
        Believe that he thought he had got us, never dropped again
        and never left vicinity of first drop. Or perhaps, the
        earlier gunfire dampened his enthusiasm.
1019I Three more pingers joined the PC, some of them fairly close
        to us.
1740I Surfaced, all clear. Pulled out from the coast to repair
        damage and rest the ship's company. The incidents of the
        past two days should create the diversion ordered by ComSub
        Pac.
2200I Sent DEVILFISH our despatch 231345 asking her to rendezvous
        with us tomorrow nite, if convenient, as we shift areas.

24 June

Noon Position Lat. 29-31N, Long. 143-46E.

0700I Dived well clear of coast to repair SJ, #4 main engine and
        miscellaneous electrical gear. #4 main engine has been a
        constant source of trouble for 3 patrols. Repairs affected
        during two successive refits seem to be a temporary cure
        only.
1111I Surfaced. Wind and sea force 4, no sights for 30 hours.
1800I Not able to make rendezvous with DEVILFISH, our DR must be
        off, uncertain currents here could easily do it.
2300I Picked up land. We were 45 miles north of our estimated
        position probably accounts for our failure to find the
        DEVILFISH. Headed south for area 3.

25 June

Noon Position Lat. 38-22N, Long. 141-40E.

0610I Dived patrolling submerged in vicinity of Kinkasan Island.
        During the day sighted a motor sampan and possible patrol
        boat.
1930I Surfaced. Made sweep southward along the coast.

26 June

Noon Position Lat. 38-22N, Long. 141-39E.

0300I Dived patrolling submerged in vicinity of Kinkasan Island.
        Clear bright morning, had to dive early. In areas one and
        two fog usually will allow one to patrol on the surface
        close to the beach the better part of the morning.
0900I Depth charging to the north of us. PARCHE must have stir-
        red them up, continued all day.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)
26 June, 1945 (Cont'd)

1000I A PC 13 class escort came out from the beach and commenced
        patrolling off Kinkasan - dropping an occasional depth charge.
        Soon joined by two small patrol boats. All three in the im-
        mediate vicinity.
1130I Sighted one airplane (Jake) headed for us. Classy calm sea,
        so went to 150 feet.
1430I Sighted 3 planes over Kinkasan - 2 Jakes and 1 Betty - patrol-
        ling close to the water. Something seems to have stirred up
        considerable anti-submarine activity in this area.
1800I Surfaced. One Betty still patrolling near Kinkasan.
2100I Spent the next two hours chasing a series of false radar con-
        tacts. From the evidence available a strong presumption exists
        that some form of aircraft dropped "window" or radar decoy was
        used against us.
2300I From the events of the past few days believed that Japs might
        be routing shipping further out to seaward. They certainly
        had plenty of evidence of submarines working close to
        coast. Decided to spend tomorrow patrolling a line between
        Kinkasan Island and Shioya Saki Light.
2330I Received ComSubPac despatch 260819 ordering us to leave station
        sunset the 28th.

27 June

        Noon Position Lat. 37-20N, Long. 141-39E.

0230I Patrolling on surface on a line between Kinkasan Island and
        Shioya Saki Light. Heavy Fog.
0618I Visibility cleared to about 8000 yards. Dived patrolling sub-
        merged.
1715I Surfaced, no activity all day.

28 June

        Noon Position Lat. 36-59N, Long. 141-17E.

0230I Patrolling on surface, near coast just north of Shioya Saki
        Light. Heavy fog.
0405I Fog lifting, visibility about 8000 yards. Dived patrolling sub-
        merged.
1005I Sighted unidentified aircraft. (Lat. 37-00N, Long. 141-25E.)
        flying a patrol about 50 feet off the water. Believed it to
        be a patrol plane equipped with magnetic detection gear. No
        other explanation for such a low flyer in this vicinity.
1506I Surfaced. Heavy fog closed in.

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U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

28 June, 1945 (Cont'd)

1830I Enroute to Midway Island, T.H., in accordance with ComSubPac
      despatch 260819 of June, 1945.
2030I Sent our despatch 281045, to PARCHE and DEVILFISH asking senior
      captain to take charge.

29 June

Noon Position Lat. 36-22N, Long. 146-39E.

Enroute to Midway.

0600I Sighted smoke. Target tracked on course 110°, speed 16 kts.
0642I Sighted mine while tracking target at 20 kts. Lat. 36-13N,
      Long. 146-16E.
0654I Number 4 main engine out of commission for the remainder of
      this run. (See Major Defects and Damage Section - Paragraph
      K.)
0749I Dived. Battle stations.
0830I Target definitely identified as Takasago Maru - a hospital
      ship. Showed proper markings, on steady course and speed.
      Took no offensive action.
0900I Secured from battle stations - surfaced.
1000I Sent our despatch 290050 to ComSubPac giving details of sight-
      ing hospital ship.
1130I Sent our despatch 290228 to ComSubPac acknowledging his 260819
      giving his Midway net summary patrol results.
1300I Converted #4 FBT to MBT.
1320I Dived flushed out #4 MBT.
1350I Surfaced.
1430I Sighted and exploded floating mine. Lat. 36-16N, Long. 147-33E.

30 June

Noon Position Lat. 34-55N, Long. 153-54E.

Enroute Midway.

1 July, 1945

Noon Position Lat. 34-15N, Long. 161-29E.

Enroute Midway.

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

2 July, 1945

     Noon Position Lat. 31-47N. Long. 167-53E.

     Enroute Midway.

3 July, 1945

     Noon Position Lat. 30-10N. Long. 173-26E.

     Enroute Midway.

4 July, 1945

     Noon Position Lat. 29-08N. Long. 178-54E.

     Enroute Midway.

4 July, 1945

     Noon Position - Midway Island, T.H.

     0001Y Crossed 180th meridian set clocks back 24 hours.
     0500Y Met by aircraft escort.
     0900Y Moored to piers, U.S. Sub Base, Midway, T.H.
           Commenced voyage repairs, unloading torpedoes, loading stores and
           fresh water.

5 July, 1945

     Noon Position - Midway Island, T.H.

     1000Y Underway enroute Pearl Harbor in accordance CTG 17.5 routing
           orders 050659.
     1815Y Sighted large U.S. merchant vessel took steps to avoid.
     1830Y Sighted another large U.S. merchant vessel about 20 miles behind
           the first. Too late to avoid - he saw us in the dusk silhouetted
           against sunset and clouds. Exchanged several visual despatches
           with him trying to convince him we were friendly - do not be-
           lieve we were successful.

6 July, 1945

     Noon Position Lat. 24-17N. Long. 173-11W.

     Enroute Pearl Harbor, T.H.

                                   -20A- ENCLOSURE (A)

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL

7 July, 1945

Noon Position Lat. 22-03N, Long. 167-11W.

Enroute Pearl Harbor, T.H.

8 July, 1945

Noon Position Lat. 21-32N, Long. 164-58W.

Enroute Pearl Harbor, T.H.

2100X Sighted 4 red flares and intermittent flashing white light position
     Lat. 21-18N, Long. 164-29W. Investigated in vicinity of flares no
     SJ contact, no SD contact, no IFF return, nothing on VHF or 500 kc.
     Reported circumstances to ComSubPacAdCom asking if plane was in dis-
     tress in vicinity. Reply was in the negative, ordered to investigate vicin-
     ity.

9 July, 1945

Noon Position Lat. 20-46N, Long. 160-59W.

     Investigated vicinity in which flares were seen until sunset running
     an expanding box search. Nothing sighted.
1830X Set course for Pearl Harbor under new bombing restrictions issued by
     ComSubPacAdCom.

10 July, 1945

Noon Position, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

0500X Picked up escort, PG 603, proceeding under escort to rendezvous with
     USCGC TIGER 4 miles northwest Barber's Point.
0800X At rendezvous, dived, conducted sound tests with USCGC TIGER.
1000X Completed test, enroute Pearl Harbor.
1200 V-W Entered Pearl Harbor Channel.
1400 V-W Moored alongside U.S.S. EURYALE.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL

(C) WEATHER

Weather off Marcus was continuously good.

Fog was thick about 75% of the time in areas 1,2 and 3. Visibil-
ity varied quickly from 100 - 8000 yards off and on during the day.

The heavy fog and temperature difference between water and air
made periscope observations very difficult.

Wind and seas were generally from the southeast and of moderate
force.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

Off Marcus, set was approximately 1 knot to NE, but stronger in
close to island.

Currents along Honshu coast were as charted, but when 100 miles
out from coast, the predicted 1 knot southerly set was not encountered.

Off Kinkasan, definite tidal influences were countered, although
not strong.

Currents in Tsugaru Straits are too strong for submerged approach
work which involves any large distances.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389)- REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL

(E) NAVIGATION

Three 130' radar towers on Marcus gave accurate positions to 15
miles, using periscope ranges on surface. Radar range on towers,
20,000 yards (average), 24,000 (maximum).

In area 1, Shiriya Saki light was seen flashing one white flash
at 22 second intervals. Another bright steady white light was observ-
ed alongside it one night but soon disappeared. No ship contact.

In area 2, Todo Saki light was seen burning, one white flash every
35 seconds. Much traffic here.

Three lights were observed at Kamaishi Ko, plus bright glow from
steel mill fires.

Kinkasan, Ayori, and Shioya were not closed at night, and there-
fore not observed.

Radar navigation in areas 1 is good, but the multitude of peaks
in areas 2 and 3 make selection difficult, except off Kinkasan.

Soundings as charted are accurate and extremely helpful.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS (Enemy Only)

No.: | Time | :N Lat. | Type(s) | : Initial:Est.Cour.:Contact: | Remarks
: | Date | :E Long. | | : Range : Speed | :
1. | 0637I | 40-50 | Banshu Maru Patrol | 4800 | 330 | SJ | Damaged - Gun
| 6/14/45 | 141-30 | | | 8 | | Attack #2
2. | 0700I | 40-50 | Convoy(1 AO, 1 Ban- | 10000 | 330 | Sight | Shooting at
| 6/14/45 | 141-25 | shu Maru, 4 small | | 8 | | us - fog.
| | | Coastal) | | | |
3. | 1718I | 41-25 | Small Patrol | 9800 | - | P | Patrolling
| 6/14/45 | 141-35 | | | - | | Tsugaru
4. | 1740I | 41-25 | 3 Small Patrols | 10000 | - | P | Patrolling
| 6/14/45 | 141-40 | | | - | | Tsugaru
5. | 0930I | 41-25 | Large AO | 10000 | 340 | P | Unable to
| 6/15/45 | 141-30 | | | 10 | | close.
6. | 1937I | 41-27 | Small patrol | 12000 | NE | Sight | Avoided
| 6/15/45 | 141-45 | | | | |
7. | 0535I | 42-09 | 500 ton Coastal | 7300 | 340 | SJ | Torp. Attack
| 6/16/45 | 141-04 | AK | | 8 | | #2.
8. | 0600I | 42-10 | Convoy (AO, AK and | 12000 | 190 | SJ | San AO, - DC
| 6/16/45 | 140-56 | 2 escorts) | | 10 | | #1, Torp. At-
| | | | | | | | tack #3.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL

(F) SHIP CONTACTS (Enemy Only Cont'd)

No.: Time : Lat. : Type(s) :Initial:Est.Cour.:Contact: Remarks
: Date : Long.: : Range : Speed :

— page 198 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL

(F) SHIP CONTACTS (Enemy Only Cont'd)

No.: Time : Lat. : Type(s) :Initial:Est.Cour.:Contact: Remarks
: Date : Long.: : Range : Speed : :

— page 199 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(H) ATTACK DATA

TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT FORM

U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 5
Time: 1211L Date: 24 May, 1945. Lat. 24-15N. Long. 154-01E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description: Floating dock, small marine railway and cargo handling
booms south side Marcus Island.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.
Damage Determined by: None.
Target Data: Dock on beach range 4400 yards at firing.

Own Ship Data
Speed: 3 knots. Course:148(T). Depth: 60 feet. Angle: 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Ship was carefully steadied on course to give 180° gyro, steady on
point of aim. Torpedo was erratic.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd) ATTACK NO. 1

Tube Fired #9
Track Angle None
Gyro Angle 180
Depth Set 0'
Power Steam
Hit or Miss Miss
Erratic Yes
Mark Torpedo 14-3A(low)
Serial No. 66376
Mark Exploder 6-5
Serial No. 26025
Actuation Set Contact
Actuation Actual None
Mark Warhead 16-1
Serial No.
Explosive TPX
Type Spread None
Sea Conditions State 1
Overhaul Activity USS AEGIR
Remarks: Torpedo was seen to broach twice, and to go to right of
course, then come back to course, then go to right again. No
explosion.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT FORM
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 PATROL NO. 5
Time: 0622I Date: 16 June, 1945. Lat. 42-09N. Long. 141-04E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description: Small unidentified coastal freighter (EU estimated 500
tons).
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.
Damage Determined by: None.
Target Draft: Unknown. Course: 340 (T). Speed: 8. Range: 650 yards
at firing.

Own Ship Data
Speed: 3 knots. Course 220 (T). Depth: 63 feet. Angle: 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Visibility about 2000 yards. Fired one Mk 18-2 torpedo set at zero
feet at MOT. Torpedo run 600 yards. Due to control party error
torpedo was fired with no solution light on TDC with gyros still hunt-
ing from 7° bearing change, and angle set light out. Torpedo seen to
run well astern of target.

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— page 202 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd) ATTACK NO. 2

Tube Fired #1
Track Angle 51S
Gyro Angle 351
Depth Set 2'
Power Electric
Hit or Miss Miss
Erratic No
Mark Torpedo 18-2
Serial No. 99190
Mark Exploder 8-7
Serial No. 15967
Actuation Set Contact
Actuation Actual None
Mark Warhead 18-2
Serial No. 5513
Explosive TPX
Type Spread None
Sea Conditions State 1
Overhaul Activity USS AEGIR
Remarks: Reason for miss - control party errors.

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— page 203 —
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

                                TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT FORM

U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3 PATROL NO. 5
Time: 0804I Date: 16 June, 1945. Lat. 41-52N. Long. 140-56E.

                          Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description: Contact was made by radar while closing target in Attack
#2. Two ships and at least two escorts. Visibility under 3000 yards.
Targets first seen through periscope. One large engines aft AO and one
small freighter. One SCS escort and one picket boat type, both on port
side of convoy. Target was engines aft AO (similar to Syoyo Maru -
page 286, ONI 208J (Revised)).

Ships Sunk: One AO (similar to Syoyo Maru - page 286 ONI 208J (Revised)
EC-target seen on two previous days, well identified).

Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.

Damage Determined by: One timed and observed hit about at engine room.
On next look, when making attack #4, stern was awash, with port rail
under water, bows out of water, on fire aft.

Target draft: Unknown. Course: 145 (T) Speed: 10. Range: 1030 yards
                                                    at firing.

                                Own Ship Data
Speed: 3 knots. Course: 050 (T) Depth: 63 feet. Angle: 0

                          Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Stern tube shots 3 torpedoes. Fired from periscope, total spread 8°.
Very hurried set up in fog plus spread used probably accounts for two
misses.

                                -28-                  ENCLOSURE (A)

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd) ATTACK NO. 3

| Tubes Fired | #7 | #9 | #10
|---|---|---|---|
| Track Angle | 75P | 83-30P | 96-30P
| Gyro Angle | 200 | 191-30 | 178-30
| Depth Set | 4' | 4' | 4'
| Power | Steam | Steam | Steam
| Hit or Miss | Miss | Hit | Miss
| Erratic | No | No | No
| Mark Torpedo | 14-3A(Hi) | 14-3A(Hi) | 23
| Serial No. | 66179 | 63977 | 63417
| Mark Exploder | 6-1A | 6-5 | 6-5
| Serial No. | 13193 | 14076 | 26918
| Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact
| Actuation Actual | None | Contact | None
| Mark Warhead | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1
| Serial No. | 13153 | 13374 | 13076
| Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX
| Firing Interval | 0 | 12 sec. | 30 sec.
| Type Spread | Divergent
| Offset | 4 R | 0 | 4 L
| Sea Conditions: | State 1
| Overhaul Activity | USS AEGIR

Remarks: Torpedo run for #9 was 900 yards. Reason for miss with #7
was spread used, for miss with #10 was slowing of target after hit.

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CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

TORPEDO ATTACK REPORT FORM

U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) TORPEDO ATTACK #4 PATROL NO. 5
Time: 0810I Date: 16 June, 1945. Lat. 41-57N. Long. 140-56E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Same target as Attack #3.

Ship(s) Sunk: None.

Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.

Target Draft: Unknown. Course: 145 (T) Speed: 4. Range: 1560 yds.
                                                              at firing.

Own Ship Data
Speed; 4. Course: 180 (T). Depth: 63 feet. Angle: 0.

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Fired two Mk 18-2 torpedoes at target hit in attack three. Smoke mixed
with fog made visibility very poor. Torpedoes seen to run under bows
of target which were lifted out of the water. Target swinging slowly
to right.

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— page 206 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd) ATTACK NO. 4

| | #1 | #2 |
|---|---|---|
| Tubes Firec | - | - |
| Track Angle | 120P | 122P |
| Gyro Angle | 25R | 20R |
| Depth Set | 4' | 4' |
| Power | Elec. | Elec. |
| Hit or Miss | Miss | Miss |
| Erratic | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | 18-2 | 18-2 |
| Serial No. | 99465 | 99751 |
| Mark Exploder | 8-7 | 8-7 |
| Serial No. | 11311 | 11062 |
| Actuation Set | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual | None | None |
| Mark Warhead | 18-2 | 18-2 |
| Serial No. | 4191 | 5009 |
| Explosive | TPX | TPX |
| Firing Interval | 0 | 16 sec. |
| Type Spread | - - - None - - - |
| Sea Conditions | State 1 |
| Overhaul Activity | USS AEGIR |

Remarks: Torpedo run was 1800 yards. Reason for misses, target swing-
ing slowly to right, plus bows out of water.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

GUN ATTACK REPORT FORM

U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) GUN ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 5
Time: 2331L. Date: 31 May, 1945. Lat. 24-19N. Long. 153-52E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Damaged - various installations on Marcus Island.
Damaged determined by: Observed 76 explosions of 4" shells on island.
Two small fires also observed.

Details of Action

Ship passed down westward side of island on southerly course. Island
silhouetted by moon. Shots were walked back and forth across island
in 100 yard steps. No reaction from Japs. Average gun range 8800
yards, slow deliberate fire. Shooting was stopped when gun failed to
return to battery for last ten shots.

Ammunition Expended:

| Type Gun | Rounds Expended | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 4"/50 Cal. | 5 | Star |
| 4"/50 Cal. | 83 | H.C. with point |
| | | detonating fuses. |

Note: Star shell performance was extremely unsatisfactory. Of four
actually fired only one functioned, giving us illumination for about
two minutes. The fifth star shell projectile came out of the cartridge
case as the fuze was being set. H.C. functioned well.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

GUN ATTACK REPORT FORM

U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) GUN ATTACK NO. 2 PATROL NO. 5
Time: 0732I. Date: 14 June, 1945. Lat. 40-49N. Long. 141-28E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or Slight damage to Banshu Maru type escort (EC).
Probably Sunk:
Damage Determined by: Six observed 40 mm hits in target.

Details of Action

Fired 40 mm at small Banshu Maru type escort while evading gunfire, from
large AO. See narrative (Paragraph B) for details. Gun range about
3000 yards.

Type Guns Used Rounds Expended Type
2 - 40 MM single 22 H.E.T.
mounts

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

GUN ATTACK REPORT FORM

U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389). GUN ATTACK NO. 3 PATROL NO. 5
Time: 1112I. Date: 17 June, 1945. Lat. 42-07N. Long. 141-36E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Ship(s) Sunk: One lugger, loaded with oil drums (about 100 tons).
Ships Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.

Damage Determined by: Approximately 150 40 mm hits were observed. When
left, target was low in water burning fiercely over entire length, with
upper works and deck completely gone.

Details of Action

Seas and wind force four, could not use four inch gun. Worked around
target to windward for weather gauge. Had to close to 1000 yards to be
sure of hitting in rough sea.

Type Guns Used Rounds Expended Type
2 - 40 MM single mounts 220 H.E.T.

Note: This action was interrupted by a submergence to 150 feet because
of 2 mile SD contact. Guns were left loaded and panoramic sights mount-
ed. Sights were completely flooded out, but guns resumed fire on sur-
facing with no trouble.

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U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

GUN ATTACK REPORT FORM
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) GUN ATTACK NO. 4 PATROL NO. 5
Time: 0548I. Date: 21 June, 1945. Lat. 39-28N. Long. 142-10E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Ship(s) Sunk: Fishing sampan (about 50 tons).
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.
Damage determined by: About 40 observed 40 MM hits. When left, upper
works were gone and target was completely awash.

Details of Action
Opened fire at range about 500 yards to make each shot count. Target
destroyed very quickly by 40 MM. Many 50 cal. hits observed, damage
not apparent.

Type Guns Used | Rounds Expended | Type
1 - 40 MM single | 53 | H.E.T.
      mount
1 - 50 Caliber M.G. | 75 | Tracer
" " " | 75 | A.P.

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

GUN ATTACK REPORT FORM

U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) GUN ATTACK NO. 5 PATROL NO. 5

Time: 0432I. Date: 23 June, 1945. Lat. 39-01N. Long. 142-01E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Ship(s) Sunk: One trawler (about 100 tons).

Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.

Damage Determined by: Observed about 65 40 MM hits. When left target
was completely awash with most of upper works and 50% of port side shot
away. Starboard gunwale was still visible.

Details of Action

Closed target to about 1500 yards to ensure hitting with 40 MM. Some
trouble experienced with 40 MM optical sights on forward gun flooded
during Attack No. 3. Finished action using open sights - not nearly as
effective as optical sights.

Type Guns Used Rounds Expended Type
2 - 40 MM single 128 H.E.T.
mounts

-35A-
ENCLOSURE (A)

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL
(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

GUN ATTACK REPORT FORM

U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) GUN ATTACK NO. 6 PATROL NO. 5

Time: 0751I. Date: 23 June, 1945. Lat. 39-09N. Long. 142-10E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Ship(s) Sunk: One Trawler Type Patrol Boat (about 200 tons).

Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.

Damage Determined by: Observed target sink stern first after 10 4"
hits and 15 40 MM hits. Incoming water extinguished fire started by
4".

Details of Action

Target was pinging trawler armed with bow gun - similar in appearance
to U.S. 3"23 cal - guarding fleet of about 6 motor sampans. Chased
him in and out of fog banks. Targets gun crew abandoned 3" gun after
our third shot. Opening range 2000 yards. Seven straight 4" hits set
target afire and demolished it in short order. Used generated ranges
from TDC with spots applied. Sent gun ranges to sight setter via
phone. Very effective gun control.

Type Guns Used | Rounds Expended | Type
1 - 4"/50 Cal. | 15 | H.C.
2 - 40 MM Single Mounts | 28 | H.E.T.

-36- ENCLOSURE (A)

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U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL

(I) - MINES

Date | Time | Position Lat. | Long. | Type | Remarks
---|---|---|---|---|---
June 13, 1945 | 1805I | 39-00N | 143-40E. | 93-new | Exploded.
" 14 " | 1228I | 41-00N | 141-50E. | 93 | Avoided.
" 29 " | 0642I | 36-13N | 146-16E. | 93 | Avoided.
" 29 " | 1429I | 36-16N | 147-33E. | 93 | Exploded.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

Coastal guns on Marcus constituted the only A/S measures en-
countered there. Accurate to within 50 yards at 20,000 yards,
second salvo.

The anit-submarine measures employed by the Japs along the
northern Honshu coast appeared to be standard. Shipping movements
were always covered by aircraft - Petes and Jakes. It appeared to
us that the employment of such planes was faulty; they were usually
much too close to the convoys to do anything very effective about
stopping submarine torpedo attacks. With reasonable care with the
periscope, one could avoid being seen by these planes, we ducked
to 80' for a few minutes if they came too close.

Surface escorts reacted vigorously when the presence of a
submarine in the immediate vicinity was known. However they did not
seem to employ the retiring search and hold down tactics our own
A/S forces employ so effectively. Large and friendly gradients plus
deep submergence and the judicious use of NAE beacons and FTS allow-
ed us to evade without great difficulty in each case. We definitely
believe that the frequent and vigorous gun attacks made by our sub-
marines on Japanese A/S patrol boats of various types is having a
beneficial effect in that all such types encountered showed a marked
lack of enthusiasm for a prolonged hunt with sonar and depth charges
and a positive disinclination to attack a surfaced submarine. This
remark does not apply to the larger A/S types such as AM's, DE's,
etc.

Six NAE beacons and six FTS were used and proved to be very
effective. Because they were used in conjunction with other devices
of a higher security classification the detailed report of their use
is included in the secret supplement to this report.

No reliable RPM vs speed data were obtained.

-37-

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS339) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

Hull and Machinery

     Transmitter for #4 M.E. governor control became inoperative dur-
ing first part of patrol. Unit was pulled and repaired by SubDiv 161
at Saipan. Brush was sticking and new brush spring was replaced. Dur-
ing the latter part of patrol, the unit became inoperative again, but
started working a few days later of its own accord. It is believed
that the brush was sticking again. It would be a big improvement if
these units were arranged so that they could be disassembled without
having to de-energize cubicle. The present arrangement makes it
practically impossible to work on transmitters while on patrol.

     During depth charge attack on June 23rd, both shaft revolution
indicators were knocked out of commission. Both transmitter motors
were knocked out of their housings about 1½ inches preventing trans-
mitting gears from meshing. Both units were repaired.

     While inserting a fuse in the maneuvering room auxiliary distribu-
tion panel, the depth charge clips were touched causing panel to be
shorted out. The electrician mate, who was inserting the fuse, was
burned on both hands plus a flash to the eyes. The depth charge clips,
after fuses are put into holders, are too close together making the
job of inserting fuses very hazardous. The same trouble was experienced
during the last run in the panel in the forward engine room. It is
recommended that Bakelite bars be installed on doors of all panels to
press on fuses when door is closed and that depth charge fuse clips be
removed.

     Trim and drain pump drum controllers gave continuous trouble. All
trouble was mechanical.

     Piece #22 on N709 overload relay and piece # 28 on N669 relay in
lube oil purifier panel broke during depth charging.

     Speed regulator on #1 IC Motor Generator has not worked properly
on patrol. The regulator has been worked on during all four refits
but trouble has not been located. It will not hold during a battery
charge and when not on charge it has a tendency to either run too
fast or too slow.

Mechanical

     On June 4th, it was found that #8 liner on #3 main engine was
cracked on outboard side below air starting valve. Liner was pulled
and replaced in Saipan by SubDiv 161. During the progress of the
work on this job on #3 main engine, the upper piston in #6 liner jammed
in the firing space which necessitated pulling and replacing #6 liner
plus installing new #6 upper piston and piston rings.

-38-                                                ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 215 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (Cont'd)

Mechanical (Cont'd)

On June 24, number 2 and 4 lower main bearings on #4 main engine
were pulled and found to be worn about .016" below lowest limits. All
lower main bearings on this engine were replaced during last refit and
the previous refit to that. The engine had 700 hours since last refit
at the time these readings were taken. All lower halves of lower main
bearings, except thrust bearing were replaced with new halves. Average
reading on all bearing halves pulled read .017 below lowest limits.

On June 29th, while running flank on four main engines, #4 main
engine began knocking badly and the lube oil pressure jumped up to 60#.
The lube oil pressure had dropped slowly on this engine since replacing
lower bearings. The engine was immediately secured and number four
lower main bearing was pulled. Readings showed bearing had worn .013
in only 50 hours. Also an inspection of the upper crankshaft showed
upper halves of upper main bearings worn down into the brass, and #8
upper connecting rod bearings burnt out. Upon pulling #8 upper piston,
it was found that #8 upper piston skirt and scraper ring were broken, and
the upper connecting rod and cap were out of alignment. Due to lack of
enough new bearing shells to replace the main bearings, just the upper
halves were renewed. The upper and lower halves of #8 lower connecting
rod were also renewed having been worn down to the lowest limits. The
sumps were then cleaned out and refilled, and engine was operated for
20 minutes at no load. Engine appeared to operate normally. This engine
was operated twice a day for 15 minutes for remainder of patrol in order
to keep it dried out.

(L) RADIO

Reception of NPN fox was good throughout the patrol receiving all
SubPac serials. Absence or ineffectiveness of enemy jamming was a
welcome change after four patrols with jammers sitting squarely be-
tween us and NPN. Lifeguard frequency is still jammed by enemy random
voice transmissions. Our own transmissions were cleared with little
difficulty.

Material trouble was confined to TBL motor generator speed regula-
tor which will require a thorough working over at Pearl. Low ground
readings on all antennas both in trunk and through insulators due to
large condensation in cold water was experienced. We would like to
give the SPOT type antennas a trial.

Fox reception summary is being forwarded to ComSubPacAdCom under
seperate cover.

-39- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 216 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL

(M) RADAR

SJ operation was a considerable improvement over that of fourth
patrol due to general cleaning and overhaul at Midway. Ranges to 45
miles on land were customary with one instance of second trip echoes
on light overcast night out to 75 miles off SE Honshu. Planes were
contacted to 25000 yards.

Major defects were few, outstanding was the crumbling of the
fiber gear in the training gear assembly leading to the worm gear
box. Having no spare aboard our two excellent technicians and two
motor machinists turned out a very workable jury rig moving one univer-
sal and substituting a slotted sleeve universal below bearing indicator.
Other defects were routine tube defects and minor repairs.

SD was used sparingly but effectively throughout patrol with no
evidence of D.F.

The ABK was turned on upon receiving the characteristic BN
pulse on APR which was constant watch. This system eliminates con-
stant ABK flag waving and allows a good APR watch.

(N) SONOR GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

QB sound head was knocked out by depth charging received on
23 June. Probably grounded in head.

JK, JP, and QB (while it lasted) all made contacts at ranges
out to 12000 yards on everything from freighters to sampans. Some
sampans sounded like BB's. Average depth of water, 50 - 80 fathoms;
average sub depth and speed, 60', 3 knots. JK operated on 14 kc,
QB on 16.5 kc.

Sound conditions under a heavy layer during first depth-charging
were poor, as expected. Conditions during second working over, with
small negative gradient, were very good, as feared.

During late afternoon of 21 June, off Todo Saki, JK heard a
patrolling PC's screws before he was sighted, estimated range 15000
yards.

In general, beach background noises drowned out all but close
contacts when ships were between us and beach.

-40- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 217 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

     The receipt of Sub. Supplement for Empire Area, HO #231, and
Use of Bathythermograph observations, NavShips #900,069, prior to
departure Saipan was most fortunate, as the information supplied was
valuable to us in area.

     Sharp gradients at various depths were usually found throughout
the area.

     Ship balanced at 90 - 100' on 13 June (see below).

     Particularly interesting gradients are listed as follows:

          Date         Time    Lat.    Long.       Gradients   Depth
          May 5, 1945          24-37N  164-05E.    40N         70 to 130'
          June 13, "   1314I   38-38N  143-20E.    140N        50 - 270'
                       1434I                       Isothermal  270 - 500'
          " 18, "      0344I   42-11N  140-59E.    80N         50 - 70'
                       1003I
          " 19, "      0551I   39-54N  142-20E.    20P         0 - 100'
                       1034I                       190N        100 - 200'
          " 22, "      0310I   39-32N  142-05E.    40N         0 - 500'
                       1200I           Todo
                       1200I   39-32N  142-17E. Saki 120P      370 - 330'
                       1600I
                                                   20N         330 - 280'
                                                   20P         280 - 240'
                                                   50N         240 - 230'
                                                   80P         230 - 210'
                                                   180N        210 - 120'
                                                   20P         110'
                                                   80N         0'
          " 25, "      0610I   38-18N  141-59E     80N         0 - 100'
                       1930I           Kinkasan
          " 27, "      0618I   37-18N  142-4E      110N        0 - 100'
                       1715I           Shioya

-41-                                         ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 218 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY

Weather being cold and damp throughout time in area, one air-
conditioning plant was kept running as often as possible. This helped
decrease humidity and condensation. Sweaters received from Red Cross
at Midway were a great help.

No outstanding ailments - one man off watch list for 5 days with
rheumatic feet. Bed rest restored him to duty.

Food was good and well prepared.

Condensate tank and shower arrangement installed at Midway were a
great morale-builder during hot weather.

The long-awaited auxiliary blower in the forward torpedo room
supply duct added much to the comfort of those quarters.

(Q) PERSONNEL

(a) 26 men detached after fourth patrol.
(b) 79 men on board during patrol.
(c) 62 men qualified at start of patrol.
(d) 71 men qualified at end of patrol.
(e) 15 unqualified men making their first patrol.

All hands turned in their usually fine performance. Quality of
replacements received from CSD 242 at Midway is excellent. All well-
trained and energetic.

Importance of adequate lookout training for seamen and firemen
cannot be too strongly stressed, as most replacements become lookouts
when received aboard.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED

Midway to Marcus - 1740 miles - 23,000 gals.
Marcus Area - 2450 miles - 16,700 gals.
Marcus - Saipan - 1034 miles - 13,200 gals.
Saipan - Area - 2100 miles - 19,000 gals.
In Area - 3510 miles - 35,900 gals.
Area Midway - 2160 miles - 29,300 gals.
Midway - Pearl - 1500 miles - 16,000 gals.

-42- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 220 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL

(V) REMARKS

40 MM Gun Sights:

On gun attack #3, an emergency dive was made to 150 feet. Both
pairs of 40 MM panoramic sights were flooded out completely. Our
hastily gathered squad of amateur opticians, using everything from
jeweler's screwdrivers to 36 inch pipe wrenches, managed to put them
back into partial commission for the remainder of the attacks. These
sights have, however, proven consistently unsatisfactory. Most are
old, in poor condition, have a very small field of vision and the mount-
ing of them is the greatest delay in getting the guns into action. If
possible we would prefer a straight, low power, pressure proof sight
(similar to those on deck guns). These must be individually adjustable,
as a sight yoke is too much for these guns.

Periscope:

The problem of periscope fogging has not yet been solved. In
areas one, two and three constantly fogging periscopes were a continual
source of difficulty. A periscope look in high power was a rarity, a
high power range an impossibility. The trouble appears to lie in
temperature differences between the atmosphere and water. Air temper-
atures varied from 32ºF to 38ºF depending on the time of day; water
temperatures varied from 32ºF at depths of 100 feet or greater to an
average of 52ºF near the surface. There was usually a 10º spread be-
tween surface water and surface water temperatures. This condition s
seemed to result in the worst fogging. The curatives affected on this
ship's periscopes by the various submarine bases in the Pacific have
been of a partial or temporary nature only. It is suggested that this
problem be made the subject of a vigorous research project.

ST Radar:

A ST radar would be of the greatest assistance to anyone patroll-
ing areas one, two and three during the summer months. Poor periscope
performance plus heavy and variable surface fogs make the ST almost a
necessity.

-44-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 221 —
COMMANDER SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE EIGHTY-TWO

FB5-182/A16-3
Serial: (027)

c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif. jrh.
11 July 1945

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389)
Report of Fifth War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Division ONE EIGHTY-TWO.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, Administration.
The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIFTH War Patrol.

1. The Fifth patrol of the PIRANHA was divided into two phases.
The first two weeks were spent at Marcus on life guard mission; the
second half was spent on offensive patrol in the Northern Empire areas.
While at Marcus a torpedo shot at water front installations was made but
unfortunately the torpedo ran erratic. The PIRANHA was fired on by shore
batteries several times and just before leaving station had the satisfact-
ion of returning the fire with 88 rounds of 4" ammunition. This started
two fires on the island but did not provoke return fire. Her services as
life guard during the air raids were not required. In addition to the
torpedo shot at Marcus, three torpedo attacks and six gun actions were
conducted in Empire waters.

2. Torpedo attack #2, on 16 June was made against a small
freighter of 500 tons. One electric torpedo was fired with zero depth
setting from a range of 600 yards. The torpedo missed astern due to a
control error caused by a hurried set-up due to poor visibility.

3. Torpedo attack #3 was made two hours later against a tanker.
The tanker had been encountered two days previously further down the coast.
The PIRANHA on that occasion had been prevented from attacking by gun fire
from the tanker, then in ballast. The PIRANHA had taken station to inter-
cept her and had fortunately allowed her time to load for the South-bound
trip. First contact was made by radar on the surface in poor visibility.
After diving three steam torpedoes were fired from the after nest, depth
setting 4', range 900 yards, gyros small. One torpedo hit in the Engine
Room.

4. Torpedo attack #4 was a salvo of two electric torpedoes at
the same target six minutes later, intended to finish off the tanker.
These missed because of the fact that the tanker had sunk by the stern,
raising the bow out of the water enough to permit these torpedoes to pass
under. A counter attack by escorts followed this attack.

5. Gun attack #1 was the bombardment of Marcus Island described
above.

-1-

— page 222 —
COMMANDER SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE EIGHTY-TWO

c/o Fleet Post Office jrh.
San Francisco, Calif.
11 July 1945.

FB5-182/A16-3
Serial: (027).

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

Subject: U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIFTH War Patrol.

6. Gun attack #2 on 14 June was made against a small BANSHU
MARU type escort. The PIRANHA was retiring at flank speed from the
coast at the time and let go 22 rounds of 40 MM at 200 yards at the
surprised Jap. Six hits were observed, causing slight damage.

7. Gun attack #3 on 17 June was made on a 100 ton lugger
loaded with oil drums. Due to sea conditions firing was restricted
to 40MM. Firing was interrupted once by a crash dive caused by an
SD contact at two miles in fog. About 150 hits were observed which
completely destroyed the ship.

8. Gun attack #4 on 21 June was made on a 50 ton fishing
sampan. 53 rounds of 40MM and some machine gun ammunition from a
range of 500 yards accounted for this vessel.

9. Gun attack #5 on 23 June was made on a 100 ton trawler.
This was sunk by 40MM fire from a range of 1500 yards.

10. Gun attack #6 on the same day was made on a 200 ton
patrol boat of the trawler-type. 15 rounds of 4" and 28 rounds of
40MM sank this ship. The patrol boat was guarding a fleet of fishing
sampans and was armed with a 3" gun, which was abandoned after the
PIRANHA's third shot.

11. The excellent use of 40MMs and the effective fire control
of the deck gun is noted on these attacks. The approach for all these
gun attacks was made on the surface. An excellent state of training is
apparent from the high percentage of hits and from the expeditious manner
in which action was broken off and resumed during gun attack #3 when an
SD contact forced the PIRANHA to dive in the midst of a gun action. No
prisoners could be taken from any of these ships in spite of efforts to
do so.

12. The PIRANHA returned from patrol in a high state of clean-
liness and morale. She will be refitted by the U.S.S. EURYALE (AS22) and
Submarine Division 182 Relief Crew. The casualty to #4 main engine and
her noisy shafts will be thoroughly investigated. A normal length refit
is indicated at this time. An ST radar will be installed. As regards
the remarks on periscope fogging, it is a problem which has bothered
submarines for years. If there is a solution it would be of inestimable
value, especially for boats operating in cold weather. It is recommended
that the proposed 40MM gun sights be investigated.

- 2 -

— page 223 —
COMMANDER SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE EIGHTY-TWO.

FB5-182/A16-3                                       c/o Fleet Post Office,
Serial: (027).                                      San Francisco, Calif.
                                                    11 July 1945.

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

Subject:    U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of FIFTH War Patrol.

13.     It is recommended that the following damage be credited:

SUNK

1 AO (SYOYO MARU Class)             7,499 tons - (Torpedo Attack #3).
1 SCS-1                               100 tons *
1 LUGGER                              100 tons - (Gun Attack #3).
1 SAMPAN                               50 tons - (Gun Attack #4).
1 TRAWLER                             100 tons - (Gun Attack #5).
1 TRAWLER-TYPE PATROL BOAT            200 tons * (Gun Attack #6).

TOTAL SUNK                          8,049 tons.

DAMAGED

1 Unidentified A/S Ship           -   500 tons *
1 HASHIDATE CLASS PC              -  1200 tons *
1 BANSHU MARU #17 TYPE            -   460 tons (Gun Attack #2)

TOTAL DAMAGED-                      2160 tons

TOTAL SUNK & DAMAGED - 10,209 tons

* Covered in separate report.

14.     The Administrative Division Commander congratulates the
Commanding Officer, officers and crew on this fine patrol. The
aggressiveness and tenacity displayed on this patrol was well repaid
in the damage inflicted on the enemy.

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

- 3 -

— page 224 —
SUBMA[HANDWRITTEN: R]INE SQUADRON EIGHTEEN
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
12 July 1945.

FC5-18/A16-3

Serial: 0341

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS PIRANHA (SS389) - Report
of Fifth War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of Fifth
War Patrol.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks and
estimate of damage inflicted on the enemy made by the Commander
Submarine Division ONE EIGHTY-TWO.

2. The Squadron Commander congratulates the
Commanding Officer, officers, and men on an exceptionally ag-
gressive and smartly conducted patrol.

[SIGNATURE: S. P. Moseley]
STANLEY P. MOSELEY.

— page 225 —
mr
2-10(s)/A16-3(18)
Serial 01851

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PIRANHA Report of
Fifth War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 823
U.S.S. PIRANHA - 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. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of Fifth War Patrol
(17 May to 10 July 1945).

1. The fifth war patrol of the PIRANHA, under the command of Commander
D. G. Irvine, U.S. Navy, was conducted in Marcus Island, Nanpo Shoto, Northern
Honshu, and Southern Hokkaido areas.

2. The first part of this patrol was devoted to lifeguard duties off
Marcus Island. No opportunity to effect rescue presented itself, but the PIRANHA
was afforded some satisfaction by firing one torpedo at waterfront installations
and 88 rounds of 4" ammunition into the island in return for having been fired at
herself by shore batteries on several occasions. The second part of the patrol
was a smartly conducted offensive patrol in the Northern Empire areas. Three tor-
pedo and six gun attacks in all were made, which resulted in severe damage to the
enemy.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
commanding officer, officers, and crew of the PIRANHA for this outstanding, ag-
gressive patrol during which the following damage was inflicted upon the enemy:

S U N K
1 - Large AO (SYOYO MARU Type) (EC) - 7,500 tons (Attack No. 3)
1 - MIS (Lugger) (EC) - 100 tons (Gun Attack No. 3)
1 - MIS (Sampan) (EC) - 50 tons (Gun Attack No. 4)
1 - MIS (Trawler) (EC) - 100 tons (Gun Attack No. 5)
1 - MIS (Patrol Boat) (EC) - 200 tons (Gun Attack No. 6)
1 - MIS (SCS-1Type) (EC) - 100 tons (Separate Report)
1 - PG (HASHIDATE Class) (EC) - 1,200 tons (Separate Report)
1 - UN (A/S Ship) - 500 tons (Separate Report)
SHIPS SUNK 9,750 tons

D A M A G E D
Damage to Marcus Island
1 - Escort (BANSHU MARU Type) (EC) - 460 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)
TOTAL SUNK & DAMAGED 10,210 tons

Authentication & Distribution
on next page.
- 1 - MERRILL COMSTOCK,
Deputy.
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

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

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

— page 226 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01851 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
CONFIDENTIAL 25 July 1945.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
PIRANHA Report of DESTROYED PRIOR TO
Fifth War Patrol. ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 823
U.S.S. PIRANHA - FIFTH WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. PIRANHA (SS389) - Report of Fifth War Patrol
(17 May to 10 July 1945).

— page 227 —
END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: H-108-AR-91-76]
          [HANDWRITTEN: R#1]

          4.5  2.8  2.5
1.0       5.0  3.2  2.2
          5.6  3.6  2.0
          6.3  4.0
          7.1
          8.0
          9.0
1.1
1.25 1.4  1.6

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION
[HANDWRITTEN: D-62264]