U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS-222) — war patrol report SS-222_BLUEFISH_Part1.pdf

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raced toward this fat target, scoring one hit. The escort ships responded with depth charges that were not too close and BLUEFISH came up to periscope depth to take a look. The one hit appeared to be sufficient. Three Jap escort ships were milling around between the sub and the transport, dropping depth charges. At this time the transport carried a starboard list and was circling to the right at slow speed.

While the escort vessels were busily engaged in their depth charge demonstration, BLUEFISH closed the target again. A spread of six torpedoes reached out toward the transport from the sub's forward torpedo tubes. Two hits were scored and the depth charges rained down with renewed vigor, making up in numbers what they liked in proximity.

Continuous minor explosions were heard through the water from the stricken transport and she appeared very low in the water. A Jap Zeke arriving on the scene forced the sub to dive and a short while later, six tremendous explosions that seemed to come from the center of the earth vibrated through the sub. Upon surfacing again there was nothing in sight but an escort vessel. It was all over for the transport.

While searching to the southward of Batu Ata Island on the night of 26 September, BLUEFISH encountered a large cargo ship similar to the HIROKAWA MARU. Trailing 500 yards astern was an OTORI-class torpedo boat. A spread of three torpedoes went after the torpedo boat and the skipper of the sub shifted his attention to a similar treatment for the cargo ship. Three torpedoes from the bow tubes raced toward the ship and as the sub was swinging around to bring her stern tubes to bear, two of the torpedoes blew up prematurely and it looked as though the perfect planning was again going to be ruined by traitorous torpedoes. However, ten seconds later, two torpedoes hit the torpedo boat, setting off the ship's magazines and, in the ensuing explosion, she completely disintegrated.

Two torpedoes from the stern tubes of BLUEFISH scored a hit on the cargo ship. The MARU was turning in a tight circle by this time as the sub readied more torpedoes to administer the "coup de grace." As the Jap ship commenced to make a run for Pomalaa, BLUEFISH chased her until she drew up abeam at 4,000 yards. At this inopportune moment, a Jap plane dropped a brilliant flare over the sub and forced her to make the fastest dive she had made to date. Believing that the plane had made a lucky stab in the dark with her first flare, BLUEFISH surfaced again and took up the hot pursuit. The plane was only one mile away coming toward the sub and another quick dive was in order as a second brilliant flare dropped right overhead. That was the last chance BLUEFISH had to finish the crippled cargo ship.

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The sub was 30 miles north of Omai Strait on 28 September, when she sighted smoke on the horizon. The bearing of the smoke was observed to be changing to the right. Also observed was a plane contact on the radar scope. BLUEFISH submerged and proceeded in the best estimated approach course. The ship was identified as a large cargo ship almost identical to the one damaged on the previous night. This big target was escorted by no less than seven escort vessels; five in a "y" formation ahead and one on each quarter. In the flat, glassy sea, the closest range obtainable was 7,000 yards. The sub continued to track the target until dark when she could close in on the surface under cover of darkness. The last two torpedoes were fired from the stern tubes, both aimed at the middle of the ship. Both hit! The explosion produced a brilliant green flame followed by a great explosion on the target which lit up the ocean. The radar pip made by the target completely disappeared.

With all torpedoes gone, the only problem remaining was for BLUEFISH to escape the wrath which she had stirred up among the escorts. One of them turned on his searchlight and apparently verbally to attract Jap aircraft. BLUEFISH didn't wait to see whether the aircraft responded to the signal, she set course for Fremantle, Australia. Her highly successful first war patrol was completed.

BLUEFISH pulled into Fremantle on 4 October 1943, with all torpedoes expended. She was given a refit by the submarine repair unit which was completed by 17 October 1943. The sub spent the period from 20 to 25 October in training.

On 26 October, BLUEFISH departed Fremantle and headed out to sea for her second war patrol in the South China Sea. Her first big opportunity appeared in the form of a large Japanese convoy on the night of 7 November. The ships were moving fast in a column of two's. BLUEFISH gained a position ahead and waited for the moon to set at 0251 the next morning.

Everything was shaping up perfectly for the attack when a ship was sighted broad on the port bow of the sub. The ship was apparently a Japanese destroyer and the situation looked grim when she commenced signalling to BLUEFISH. However, BLUEFISH took her que to disappear and work her way over to the other bow of the convoy.

When the sub made her next approach, the captain of BLUEFISH saw what he considered a submarine captain's dream. Six ships were lined up in column, forming an almost continuous target with no escorts visible. BLUEFISH fired two torpedoes at the first ship, one at the second, one at the third and two at the fourth. This emptied the bow torpedo tubes and the sub swung around to bring the stern tubes to bear. Two torpedoes were

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fired at the fifth ship and two more at the sixth. The fifth torpedo fired exploded prematurely very close aboard, sending up a column of water which wet down the bridge. The other nine torpedoes fired were seen, heard and felt when they hit their respective targets.

The first ship fired at, a tanker, blew up and sank. Two pips on the radar scope disappeared, and BLUEFISH opened up her range on the other ships to commence reloading her torpedo tubes. One of the four remaining pips disappeared in place.

After finishing her reload, BLUEFISH could still see three pips on the radar scope and sight two ships visually. As BLUEFISH closed the range for another blast at the Jap ships, two of the radar pips became smaller and disappeared. The sub proceeded to close the only remaining target.

A spread of four torpedoes rushed out toward the tanker which was dead in the water. One torpedo ran erratically, one hit and two missed. The hit did not seem to effect the target and BLUEFISH closed in to finish the job. Numerous pips in the water at two to four miles gave the submariners some anxious moments at this point since they could have been anti-submarine patrol boat. They fortunately turned out to be lifeboats picking up survivors from the water.

Two torpedoes from the stern tubes were the last that BLUEFISH could fire before being forced to leave the scene. The first torpedo rocked the tanker hard and the second started the most beautiful fire the skipper had ever seen. Smoke rose up and formed a cloud about 4,000 feet while the submariners took moving and still pictures.

A destroyer came charging over the horizon at this point with a bone in his teeth and the moving picture set was no longer considered healthful for the "movie producers." BLUEFISH clear the area in the opposite direction, submerged, and all hands not needed to man the watch turned into their bunks for a well-earned rest after a "night on the town at Jap's expense." Far behind, the destroyer could be heard pinging and dropping enough depth charges to make "face saving" noises.

At 1500 that day, BLUEFISH surface and set course to the south toward Dangerous Ground. This course took her through the scene of the attack. Numerous oil slicks were seen, one of which covered an area 4 miles square.

On 9 November, BLUEFISH received orders to change her patrol area to the Celebes Sea-Makassar Strait area. On 11 November, while the sub was churning through the Sulu Sea toward Sibutu Passage, she sighted a motor sampan manned by about a dozen Japs.

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After permitting them to clear the sampan into two life boats and pull clear, BLUEFISH sank the sampan with four rounds of four-inch ammunition.

Another Japanese convoy was sighted on 16 November, composed of six cargo ships with one destroyer escort. At 1943, BLUEFISH had closed the range on the convoy and when she came within 3,500 yards, a destroyer was sighted headed for the submarine on the beam. The sub felt very much exposed when the Jap destroyer turned on her searchlight, pointing a finger of light directly at BLUEFISH.

The sub went deep and three fairly close depth charges rocked the sub. The business at hand was that of escape and BLUEFISH successfully completed this business before commencing pursuit. Before the sub could pursue the convoy, her plans were changed by dispatch orders and she headed for Pata Island in the Sulu Archipelago. While lying to off Pata Island, BLUEFISH spent some time working on the radar gear, faulty performance of which was responsible for her detection by the Jap destroyer on the 16th.

A big tanker with a destroyer escort was sighted on 18 November, and BLUEFISH commenced tracking from ahead. After solving the zig-zag pattern, the captain gained a position to fire three torpedoes at the destroyer and one at the tanker. Three hits on the Jap destroyer blew her completely out of the water. One hit on the tanker seemed to lift the ship out of the water. This hit stopped the tanker and the two torpedoes fired from the stern tubes passed ahead of the ship. The tanker stopped and commenced firing shells in all directions over the ocean. She was down by the bow and low in the water. BLUEFISH manned her deck guns and approached through the darkness to try to finish the tanker off from her bow. Unfortunately, BLUEFISH was sighted in the moonlight and the Jap ship opened up with her guns in rapid fire. The shells were coming uncomfortably close. The captain of the sub calculated that whatever damage could now be inflicted on the tanker was not worth risking the submarine against superior firepower.

Out of torpedoes, BLUEFISH set course for Fremantle, via Molukka Passage and Omba1 Strait, sending a message concerning the tanker dead in the water. Her second highly successful war patrol ended, BLUEFISH pulled into Fremantle on 26 November 1944.

USS PELIAS completed a thorough refit job by 10 December, and BLUEFISH conducted training exercises from 13 to 19 December. Underway from Fremantle on 20 December 1943, BLUEFISH proceeded to Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia, where she topped off her fuel bunkers alongside a Dutch tanker before heading for her third war patrol area in the South China Sea and approaches to the Gulf of Siam.

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When BLUEFISH was about 3. miles south of Lombock Strait she sighted a sampan. Upon investigation, Japanese flags were discovered on the sides of the superstructure. This vessel was not destroyed because there were two women and several children on board.

In the early morning of 27 December, BLUEFISH sighted a Japanese mine sweeper and vice versa. The mine sweeper started after the submarine, forcing her to dive and rig for depth charge attack. A pattern of depth charges shook the water not too close and the mine sweeper hovered over the sub for a few hours. BLUEFISH had been following the submarine RASHER and presumably ran into trouble stirred up by RASHER.

While coming through Karimata Strait, on 30 December, BLUEFISH sighted a heavily loaded tanker and gave chase, hoping to conduct an attack after darkness set in. It was intended to fire six torpedoes at this target to insure destruction. However, the first two torpedoes fired set the tanker on fire from stem to stern, and the submarine saved the sixth torpedo for a Jap ship that "needed it" more. All five torpedoes hit and it is unlikely that anyone knew what hit them.

One of the torpedoes ripped a hole in the ship's side and flaming fuel poured out of the tanker over the sea in the direction of BLUEFISH. By applying full right rudder, BLUEFISH passed about 100 yards from the inferno. The ship continued to burn for about three hours while the submariners took pictures with the aid of light furnished by the gasoline flames.

As the new year rolled around, BLUEFISH had passed through the strait and headed for Pulo Tenggol Island. On 4 January, while patrolling between Singapore and the Japanese Empire, a vessel submerged and when it turned out to be USS RASHER, the two submarine captains surfaced and decided to form a scouting line.

At 1720 that day, RASHER reported sighting two ships and BLUEFISH closed toward the Jap ships. RASHER started in toward the target ships and at 1902 an explosion was heard and the ships changed course. Tracer fire was noticed in the vicinity of RASHER. At 2005, BLUEFISH commenced closing the ships, a tanker and a freighter.

Four torpedoes were sent after the tanker and two more reached out after the freighter. Two torpedoes hit the tanker stopping her dead in the water. The first torpedo fired at the freighter exploded prematurely and she showed her stern and headed south. The machine gun fire from both ships was hot and heavy.

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Dévoting full time to the tanker, BLUEFISH closed in again at 2039. The tanker was now able to make slight headway. Two torpedoes were fired at her bow. The first torpedo exploded prematurely and rocked the submarine hard. The second torpedo hit the tanker under the foremast and set her on fire instantaneously from stem to stern.

BLUEFISH surfaced in hot pursuit of the freighter at 2051, and soon received a message from RASHER that she had sunk a tanker on her first attack and was chasing a target south. As BLUEFISH approached, RASHER scored a hit on another tanker which imparted a 30 degree list which the tanker and BLUEFISH let go five frigther was steaming with this tanker and BLUEFISH let go five torpedoes at the freighter, all of which inexplicably missed.

Determined to sink this freighter, the skipper of BLUEFISH tracked the freighter into the night. The moon had set by 0110 and it was a very dark night. The submarine came into a close range before firing her last three torpedoes at this freighter with the charmed life. Her charmed life continued unabated. All three torpedoes broached continuously and ran all over the ocean. One torpedo circled and exploded 150 yards from the starboard beam of BLUEFISH. Ten torpedoes had reached out for this one freighter, resulting in ten heart-breaking, hat-smashing misses.

BLUEFISH was fresh out of torpedoes at this point and sent a message to RASHER giving the position, course and speed of the freighter. Returning to the scene of the burning tanker, BLUEFISH sighted two lifeboats, one with fifty survivors and the other with 20 survivors. One prisoner from each boat was picked up for interrogation. The two sunken tankers were identified as the HAKKO MARU and the KIYO MARU. The two prisoners seemed to be glad to be aboard. They played cards with the crew and Japanese language lessons were in session every afternoon.

On 6 January 1944, BLUEFISH sighted two ships, a tanker and a freighter. She tracked these ships and relayed information about them to at least two other submarines before continuing on toward Balabac Strait. Her war patrol ended, BLUEFISH arrived at Fremantle on 17 January.

A refit was accomplished by Submarine Division 121 and USS ORION. On 31 January, Lieutenant Commander Charles M. Henderson, USN, relieved Commander George E. Porter, USN, as commanding officer of the submarine.

BLUEFISH left Fremantle on 13 February for her fourth war patrol. After fueling at Exmouth Gulf on 16 February, the sub proceeded to her patrol area in the South China Sea.

In the early morning of 3 March, a convoy was sighted consisting of five ships with two escorts. Since both escorts were

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on the side from which BLUEFISH approached, the sub shifted to the other side of the convoy and fired three torpedoes each at the first two ships. As the sub shifted her attack to the third ship, one of the escorts closed the submarine and started to signal with a searchlight. BLUEFISH managed to get four torpedoes off at the third target before taking evasive action.

Any further attacks on the convoy had to be postponed until the following morning when BLUEFISH again caught up with the convoy. The two escorts were very aggressive and did an excellent job of protecting the flanks of the convoy. BLUEFISH managed to get three torpedoes off at a tanker similar to the SFOYO MARU. The periscope was trained on the CHIDORI 'class escort nearest the sub at the time of the hit. When the skipper trained the periscope on the target ship, about 2 seconds later, her back was broken and she was a blazing inferno. Flames completely covered the topside and rose to a height of about 300 feet. The second and third torpedoes were also heard to hit at the proper time intervals.

BLUEFISH was now the target as the two busy escort destroyer closed in for a possible submarine kill. The sub dove and rigged for depth charging at 0636. A total of 26 depth charges erupted in the water around BLUEFISH for about a half hour. The escorts stayed with the submarine until 1030.

Radar contact was picked up on a Jap ship on 28 March on a dark but clear night with a flat, calm sea. It was after midnight when BLUEFISH fired four torpedoes from her bow tubes. The 'target either saw the sub or heard the torpedoes and turned toward BLUEFISH. The ship turned out to be a OKINOSHIMA-class minelayer. She dropped four depth charges and turned on her searchlights. Another torpedo sent after the ship missed and as the minelayer swept the black ocean with his searchlight, BLUEFISH opened the distance.

Arrival at Fremantle on 12 April 1944, ended the war patrol and BLUEFISH underwent a refit until 26 April. Training and loading was completed on 6 May, and BLUEFISH departed for her fifth war patrol on the following day. This patrol was conducted in Badong Strait, Bali Strait, Makassar Strait and the Celebes Sea.

On 25 May, BLUEFISH conducted an offensive reconnaissance in Tawi Tawi Bay, reporting numerous heavy combatant units and auxiliaries of the Jap Fleet. Several cruisers and the battleship FUSO were sighted but their speed precluded any approach for attack on the part of BLUEFISH. On 12 June, an approach was made on a Jap minelayer, three torpedoes missed him and detection of the submarine caused the SHIMUSHU class minelayer to turn toward BLUEFISH in pursuit, consequently causing the last three torpedoes to miss.

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On 15 June, BLUEFISH sighted a large transport with two escorts, and commenced an approach through a sea that was flat calm and very phosphorescent. Skillfully attaining an attack position, the sub fired five torpedoes at the transport. Before escort came around the stern of the target ship. The transport fired a red flare after several minutes, indicating that the element of surprise was no longer with BLUEFISH. The ensuing chase went in favor of the transport, aided and abetted by rain squalls and the alert escorts.

While patrolling submerged to the east of Fandjang Island, on 16 June, BLUEFISH sighted smoke on the horizon and the pursuit was on again. Working into a close firing position, BLUEFISH fired a three-torpedo salvo from the bow tubes. In 31 seconds, the first torpedo ripped into the after part of the freighter. The after half of the freighter was obscured in smoke and the ship took on a starboard list as pieces of the maru went flying through the air in all directions to a height of 200 feet.

The escort turned toward BLUEFISH and she submerged and rigged for depth charging. This preparation was hardly an idle routine. One minute later the most bone-rattling explosion the sub had experienced yet rocked the nearby water. It was much louder than a depth charge and it apparently came from the torpedoed freighter. For several minutes, minor explosions, crackling noises and breaking-up sounds were heard through the hull of the submarine. Depth charges followed and the screws of the escorting ship could be heard milling around overhead for some time before departing.

BLUEFISH was searching for more "game" in the Makassar-Khota Baru traffic lanes on 20 June, when the tops of ships were seen over the horizon. A fine looking large freighter with escort was finally picked up through the periscope. BLUEFISH gained a firing position on the freighter and fired her last two torpedoes. Both torpedoes ran erratically to the left and fortunately the submarine was not detected by the Japs. Three torpedoes were finally fired from the stern tubes and missed apparently due to an inopportune zig by the target.

The last three torpedoes alerted the freighter and she commenced to make radical zig-zags. Frequent rain squalls made the visibility spotty and it was well after midnight before BLUEFISH could get her next firing opportunity. Two hits were seen on the freighter by the officer of the deck and bridge personnel. The target disappeared from the radar scope and it is presumed to have sunk.

BLUEFISH had difficulty threading her way through escort vessels on her way back to Fremantle but arrived safely with

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only one personnel casualty. One broken-leg case was transferred at Exmouth on 25 June and BLUEFISH pulled into Fremantle on 28 June 1944, ending her fifth war patrol.

Refit was completed by Submarine Division 162 and USS ORION on 12 July. After several days of independent exercises and convoy training, BLUEFISH departed from Fremantle on 22 July in company with USS RASHER. Parting company two days later, BLUEFISH arrived at Darwin, Australia on 29 July. With her fuel bunkers topped off and minor repairs completed, BLUEFISH departed in company with USS COD on 31 July. Parting company with USS COD on 4 August, BLUEFISH proceeded to her assigned patrol area west of Luzon Island, Philippine Islands. This patrol was a coordinated patrol with USS RASHER.

Three small sea trucks were identified on the morning of 17 August. They were escorted by a NASAMI class mine layer, all of them rounding Cape Calavite. No attack was made due to the shallow draft of the targets. That same evening, BLUEFISH sighted a tanker which had been grounded on Mindoro Island as a result of an attack by the submarine USS PUFFER. In a submerge periscope attack, BLUEFISH fired another torpedo at the ship and damaged the ship beyond any hope of salvage.

Radar contact was made with two large unescorted ships from a convoy which had been scattered by RASHER earlier on 19 August. Four torpedoes were fired in a night surface attack in low visibility. One torpedo was fired at the second ship and three torpedoes were fired at the large tanker in the lead. Two hits ripped into the tanker and one torpedo blasted the second ship. The tanker stopped and the other ship continued steaming at 11 knots.

A fire enveloped the after one third of the ship in huge flames for about 30 seconds and she commenced to settle aft. The ship did not appear to be sinking very fast and another hit was scored forward on the ship. As BLUEFISH left the tanker, the after part of the ship was gone, the bow and bridge were high out of the water, and the amidships section was almost awash.

Heading for the other damaged ship at full speed, BLUEFISH caught up with her at 0546. The ship was down at the stern and stopped. It was the largest enemy merchant vessel the skipper had seen. Three torpedoes were good for three hits; one under the bridge, one amidships and one under the stack. At the time of firing, flames several feet high were observed at the waterline all along the ship, identified as a large converted sea-plane tender of the TONAN or NISSIN MARU type.

As BLUEFISH started to dive, an aerial bomb shook the sub considerably followed by another bomb a few minutes later.

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explosions from the target continued for the next 15 minutes. The sub cleared the area submerged. No other contacts of enemy ships worthy of torpedoes were found and BLUEFISH retired from her patrol area on 31 August.

BLUEFISH proceeded to Pearl Harbor via Midway, arriving at Pearl Harbor on 14 September 1944. She then proceeded to San Francisco, California, where a Navy yard overhaul was commenced on 22 September at the yards of the Bethlehem Steel Company. Overhaul and post-overhaul trials were completed on 31 December 1944, and BLUEFISH was ready to start the New Year in first class condition.

Retracing her course, BLUEFISH steamed to Midway via Pearl Harbor, arriving at Midway on 15 January 1945. Voyage repairs and training were completed at Midway and the sub arrived at Guam on 9 February to top off fuel and proceed to her seventh war patrol area southeast of Amami O Shima in the Nansei Shoto.

BLUEFISH had by now acquired a long and illustrious combat record. However, in spite of an aggressively conducted war patrol, the sub had but one opportunity of engaging the enemy. This attack occurred on 19 March in a gun duel in which BLUEFISH damaged a Japanese picket boat, leaving the ship smoking from a hit aft.

On 1 March, BLUEFISH took up lifeguard duty in her assigned station off Okinawa Shima. A destroyer was seen charging toward the sub and after a few anxious moments, an exchange of signals clarified the situation and the destroyer was identified as USS GATLING.

At 1510 that day, word was received that a plane in distress was heading toward the position of BLUEFISH. The sub's position was sent to the fighter planes escorting the disabled plane and three minutes later the plane was sighted. The first crewman bailed out at 1601 and BLUEFISH headed for him at flank speed. He was picked up in 13 minutes and the second crewman bailed out at 1615. He was picked up in three minutes, having landed closer to the submarine.

The pilot then put his plane in a vertical dive and bailed out. The plane plunged down and sank almost immediately. The pilot landed in the water nearby and was being dragged along rapidly by his parachute. In less than six minutes, the pilot was recovered from the water. His heart had already stopped and he had suffered from a six-inch shrapnel wound in his left thigh and another shrapnel wound in his right leg. Artificial resuscitation was commenced right on deck and adrenalin was administered. All efforts to revive the Pilot, Lieutenant Jacob M. Reisert, USNR, had failed and he was taken below decks.

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Lieutenant Reisert was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for his admirable qualities in handling his dive-bomber. He had launched an attack on enemy surface forces off the coast of Ishigaki Shima, plunging through anti-aircraft fire sent up by the powerful batteries of the warships, scoring a direct hit on a Japanese destroyer. While pulling out of a dive, the plane was seriously damaged and the pilot wounded. Fighting against unconsciousness for over an hour, Lieutenant Reisert circled in the air until his two crewmen had parachuted to safety before attempting to reach safety himself. He was unable to release the parachute upon striking the water and succumbed to wounds, shock and drowning. The officers and men on board BLUEFISH found his fortitude, courage and unselfishness most inspiring. Services for the pilot were held that evening before a pensive crew as his body was committed to the deep.

The period from 11 to 19 March was spent on lifeguard station south of the Tokyo area during B-29 strikes. No rescues were made during this period. BLUEFISH then departed from the patrol area and returned to Guam.

A refit period at Guam was completed by Submarine Division 281 and USS APOLLO by 7 April. On 10 April Commander Charles M. Henderson, USN, was relieved by Lieutenant Commander George W. Fortes, Jr., USN, as commanding officer of BLUEFISH.

Following an extensive training period from 10 to 22 April 1945, BLUEFISH departed Apra Harbor, Guam on 23 April, for her eighth war patrol, this time on lifeguard station off the Sakishima Gunto in the Ryukyu Islands.

Only seven hours after arriving on station, BLUEFISH made one of the quickest rescues on record. A torpedo bomber made a forced water landing near the sub and four minutes after hitting "the drink," the pilot and his two crewmen were safely on board BLUEFISH.

Another torpedo bomber, this one from a British carrier, crashed and pilot and crew were impressed by the alert rescue service offered by the submarine in pulling three more men out of the water. Again on 16 May, another British pilot "reported aboard" from a point only 3,000 yards off Miyako Island.

BLUEFISH did not confine her eighth war patrol entirely to acts of mercy. In addition to destroying several floating mines, the sub conducted two bombardments of enemy airfields. On the night of 6 May, 21 rounds of 5-inch ammunition were fired at the Miyara Airfield on Ishigaki Shima. Another night bombardment took place on 24 May on the Ishigaki Airfield, in which 29 rounds of 5-inch ammunition "were fired.

On 29 May, BLUEFISH departed from her patrol area and arrived at Subic Bay, Philippine Islands, for a refit. She arrived at

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Subic Bay on 1 June 1945 and the refit was accomplished by Submarine Division 221 and USS IOWARD W. GILMORE. The refit was completed by 16 June and the post-repair training, and loading lasted until 25 June.

The ninth war patrol of BLUEFISH was conducted in the South China Sea areas. From 29 June to 12 July, the sub coordinated her patrol with the commanding officer of USS BLOWER as area coordinator. From 13 to 16 July, BLUEFISH was a member of a wolf pack of which the commanding officer of USS CHARR was the officer in tactical command. The patrol started with the departure of BLUEFISH from Subic Bay on 25 June 1945.

A contact report was received from USS BLOWER on 8 July, giving the position of two escort vessels. BLUEFISH closed the position and commenced tracking. Four torpedoes fired shortly before midnight missed the mark and the sub followed up with four more after midnight. Two hits on the larger escort disintegrated the ship and a chase after the other ship ensued. The Jap escort headed for shore and since it was too dark for a coordinated gun attack and, not wanting to waste anymore torpedoes, the skipper reluctantly let her get away.

BLUEFISH received an early-morning contact report from BLOWER on 15 July, and commenced closing at full power. BLOWER in the meantime had made an attack on a Jap ship and reported "results doubtful." BLUEFISH closed the target and identified her as a Jap submarine. Four torpedoes were fired at the Jap submarine and BLUEFISH swung around to bring her stern tubes to bear. Before anymore torpedoes were fired, the first and second torpedoes hit. The Jap submarine caught fire and broke in two. Flames shot high into the air and the submarine sank stern first, submerging for its last time. The sub had apparently been loaded with gasoline as there was a large slick on the surface smelling heavily of gasoline. As BLUEFISH approached the scene of the sinking to search for survivors, fire broke out in the gasoline slick about 500 yards off the port beam. Hauling clear, BLUEFISH took more movies, this time of the flaming sea. The flames had apparently bubbled up from the wreck and more fuel continued to rise from the sunken sub, causing a smoky, orange fire which rose 50 feet off the sea. At this point, the submarine USS CHARR came by to investigate briefly.

Three hours later, the fire was still burning and BLUEFISH continued her search for survivors. Entering the large fuel slick again, three Jap survivors were seen near the flaming slick. Three husky survivors were brought on board but none of them spoke English. Two of them were put in the empty skids forward and one in the after torpedo room.

A large junk was sighted on 19 July off Lingga Island. Several shots across her bow stopped her and two Jap flags were noticed flying from her mizzenmast. BLUEFISH broke her colors.

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and the Japanese struck hers and commenced abandoning ship in a
smell boat. A couple of bursts of machine gun fire speeded up the
ceedings and 12 to 15 men scrambled off the junk. A boarding
party found a cargo of ore, charts, a Japanese-English dictionary
and various other articles. Five-inch hits sank the 125 foot junk
just as a lookout reported a plane approaching. The submarine took
a dive to avoid any trouble from the plane, and continued up coast
to patrol off Singapore Strait.

Using the Japanese-English dictionary taken from the junk,
the Japanese prisoners on board indicated that their submarine was
the I-351. This was not considered a positive identification
however.

On 22 July, BLUEFISH left her patrol area and arrived at
Fremantle on the 29th. A refit was completed by Submarine Division
301 and USS CIXITE on 12 August. During the post-refit tests, the
war was officially ended and BLUEFISH could look back on nine
w-ry patrols, seven of which were designated successful for each
of which the armed battle star.

BLUEFISH, in company with USS COD and USS CARBRILLA, left
Fremantle on 31 August 1945, enroute Balboa, Canal Zone via
Auckland, New Zealand. The submarines arrived at Balboa on 30
September, and reported to the Commander Submarines, Atlantic Fleet
for duty. BLUEFISH was subsequently inactivated at New London,
Connecticut, and placed out of commission in reserve on 12 February
1947, as part of the Atlantic Reserve Fleet.

The BLUEFISH was recommissioned on 7 January 1952 and
reported to Commander-in-Chief Atlantic Fleet for duty. She was
assigned to Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR at Key West, Florida.
The BLUEFISH reported to the Atlantic Reserve Fleet for inactivation
on 9 June 1953. She was decommissioned and placed in reserve at
New London, Connecticut on 20 November 1953.

— page 17 —
15-
The USS BIJEFISH (SS-222) earned nine battle stars on the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal:

1 Star/Iwo Jima Operation
FIFTH Fleet raids against Honshu and Nansai Shoto--15-16 FEB 1945; 25 February 1945; 1 March 1945
Assault and Occupation of Iwo Jima--15 FEB-16 MAR 1945
1 Star/Okinawa Gunto Operation
Assault and Occupation of Okinawa Gunto--29 APR 45 - 29 May 1945
1 Star/1st War Patrol--9 SEP 43-4 OCT 43
1 Star/2nd War Patrol--26 OCT 43-26 NOV 43
1 Star/3rd War Patrol--13 FEB 44-12 APR 44
1 Star/4th War Patrol--7 May 44-28 JUN 44
1 Star/6th War Patrol--22 JUL-14 SEP 44
1 Star/9th War Patrol--25 JUN-29 JUL 45

STATISTICS

OVERALL LENGTH 312 feet
BEAM 27 feet
DISPLACEMENT (STANDARD) 1,525 tons
SURFACE SPEED 20 knots

Compiled: NOV 1951
Medals and activities after 1951
added on 19 April 1957

— page 18 —
3522/AL2
Serial: 022
G-C-N-P-I-B-R-T-I-A-L
From: 0
To: 0
Subject: Ship's History - submission of.
Reference: (a) CensubPacAd 1tr 7712-10(A)/A12/(3199) of 24 September, 1945.
(b) CensubLant 1tr A12(4417) of 25 September, 1945.
Enclosure: (A) Subject history.
1. In accordance with references (a) and (b) subject history is forwarded herewith.

O. W. FORBES, Jr.

CC: CinePac
CensubLant
CensubPacAd

DECLASSIFIED--ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY OP----OBB91C DATE 2-2 MAR 72

— page 19 —
1. PRE-COMMISSIONED AND COMMISSIONED DATA.

The keel of the U.S.S. BLUFFISH, which was built by the Electric Boat Company at Groton, Connecticut, was laid on 5 June, 1942. The launching of this ship took place 21 February, 1943. The Bluefish was sponsored by Mrs. George E. Porter. The Bluefish was commissioned 24 May, 1943 at the Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut under Goadr. George E. Porter, U.S. Navy, as Commanding Officer.

2. PRE-FIRST PERIOD.

After a six weeks training period, the Bluefish departed New London to arrive at H.O.B., Coco Solo, C.Z. on 21 July. On 25 July passed through the Panama Canal and reported to CinePac for duty with Submarines, Southwest Pacific. On 21 August, 1943 arrived at Brisbane, Australia, and reported to GTR-72. A minor refit was accomplished by the U.S.S. Fulton. On 2 September departed Brisbane. Arrived at Darwin, Australia, and reported to representative of GTR-71 for duty.

3. HAR ARRIVAL.

On 9 September, 1943 Bluefish departed Darwin for first war patrol in the Southern Celebes and Java area. On 18 Sep- tember a 500 ton inter-island steamer was sunk by gunfire. In a submerged torpedo attack on a transport on 21 September, a premature explosion alerted the target, and no damage resulted. A Taktite hit the transport was sunk in a submerged torpedo attack on 25 September. On the night of 26 September a surface torpedo attack on a large Hrebea hit the torpedo boat and damaged the AK. Another night surface attack on 28 Sep- tember resulted in the sinking of a Hrebea hit the torpedo boat. The Bluefish then departed the area for Fremantle, West Austra- lia, with all torpedoes expended.

— page 20 —
1943. The patrol from 20 to 25 October was spent training.

On 26 October Muffin departed Fremantle for the second war patrol in the South China Sea. Fueled to capacity at Krouth Gulf, Australia, on 29 October. The morning of 8 November a night surface torpedo attack on a six ship convoy resulted in sinking a tanker, the Kyokui Maru; and damaging the other five. In three more attacks one of the ships, the Amatsu Maru (tanker) was sunk. The other damaged ships were three freighter-transporters (the Kaga Maru, Anami Maru, and the Hokuriku Maru), and one freighter, the Akyasu Maru.

Orders were received to shift the patrol area to the Calebos Sea-Maikasar Straits area on 9 November. On 11 November a powered sampan was sunk by gunfire. On Japanese prisoner, who was badly burned, was taken. The prisoner died two days later. A survey sighted on 16 November was tracked that night, but the Muffin was driven off by an escorting destroyer, and no attack could be made. In another night surface attack on 18 November, a Samoe class destroyer was sunk and the Cade Maru, a tanker, was damaged. Muffin departed from the area the next day, with all torpedoes expended.

The commanding officer was awarded the Navy Cross for damage inflicted on the enemy during this patrol.

Muffin arrived at Fremantle on 26 November, and was refitted by the U.S.S. Pelias. Refit was completed on 10 December. The training period lasted from 13 December to 19 December.

The patrol area for the third war patrol was the South China Sea and approaches to the Gulf of Siam. Muffin left Fremantle on 20 December and fueled at Kureth Gulf on 21 December. While patrolling submerged on 30 December a large naval tanker, the Sata, was sighted traveling Kerimata Strait.

— page 21 —
17 January, 1944. The Bluefish arrived at Fremantle. Refit was done by Submarine Division 121 and the U.S.S. Orion. On 31 January, Lt. Comdr. Charles H. Henderson, U.S. Navy, relieved Gcdr. George E. Porter, U.S. Navy, as commanding officer. The refit was completed on 1 February. The period from 1 to 12 February was spent with post refit tests, loading, and training.

Bluefish left Fremantle on 13 February for her fourth war patrol. After fueling at Zimouth Gulf on 16 February, Bluefish proceeded to the patrol area in the South China Sea. On the night of 2 March a surface torpedo attack was made on a convoy, with no hits resulting. A ship in this convoy, the Ominous Maru (a tanker) was sunk in a submerged attack on the morning of 4 March. An unsuccessful surface torpedo attack was made on a minelayer on the night of 29 March.

On 12 April the Bluefish arrived at Fremantle, and a refit was begun by Submarine Division 162 and the U.S.S. Orion. Refit was completed on 26 April. Deep dive tests and independent exercises were conducted on 29 and 30 April. During this period a hot run was experienced in No. 5 torpedo tube, damaging the outer door. This damage was repaired during the next two days.

— page 25 —
All the war patrols of the Bluefish have been successful for the purpose of award of combat insignia.

:  The Bluefish, in company with the Cod and the Cabrilla, left Fremantle on 31 August, 1945, across Balboa, C.Z. via Auckland, New Zealand. This group arrived at Balboa on 30 September, and reported to Commander Submarine, Atlantic Fleet, for duty.

— page 28 —
1. In reply r6fer to:
SS222/ U.S.S. BLUEFISH
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
Serial:

OUTLINE OF SHIP HISTORY

Built by Electric Boat Co., Groton, Conn.
Commissioned 24 May 1943.
First skipper--Lt. Cdr. George E. Porter, USN, Holliheysburg, Penn.
(now Cmdr.) War patrols #1, #2, #3.
Second skipper--Lt. Cdr. Charles M. Henderson, USN, Seattle, Wash.
(now Cmdr.) War patrols #4, #5, #6, #7.
Third skipper--Lt. Cdr. George W. Forbes, Jr., USN, Coronado, Calif.
War patrols #8, #9.

First left U.S. July 12, 1943. Returned to San Francisco to Bethlehem Steel Co. shipyard for overhaul Sept. 22, 1944. Left U.S. again January 2, 1945. Returned October 8, 1945.

Completed nine war patrols, all successful.

Cmdr. Porter awarded Navy Cross for war patrols #1 and #2; Gold Star in lieu of second Navy Cross for war patrol #3.
Cmdr. Henderson awarded Navy Cross for war patrol #6.

Tonnage sunk--110,014 tons. Damaged--50,901 tons.

Ships sunk: Tankers 7 Freighters 5 Freighter-Transports 1 Destroyer 1 Submarine 1 Escort vessels 1 Junk 18

Also: Laid one minefield. Did reconnaissance work. Rescued 5 American, 4 British aviators. Sank 6 floating mines by gunfire.

Personnel to complete all nine war patrols aboard this vessel:
SMITH, John George CTM, USN
MISCAVAGE, Joseph CEM, USNR

PATROL DURATION AREAS

1 32 days Southern Celebes
2 31 days South China Sea and Celebes Sea
3 28 days South China Sea and approaches to Gulf of Siam

— page 29 —
1. In reply refer to:
SS222/ U.S.S. BLUEFISH
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,

PATROL DURATION AREAS
4 59 days
5 52 days
6 55 days
7 42 days
8 39 days
9 34 days

South China Sea
Badoen and Bali Straits, Southern approaches to Tawi Tawi Bay, Western portion of Celebes Sea, South China Sea northwest of Manila, Nansei Shoto and area south of Honshu, Southwestern Nansel Shoto Singapore area

— page 30 —
153
SS222/

From: Commanding Officer.
To: The Secretary of the Navy.
Subject: Supplemental Material to Ship's History - Submission of.
Reference (a): Allant 70.
Enclosure (A): Subject Material.

1. In accordance with reference (a), enclosure (A) is submitted herewith.

G.W. FORBES, Jr.

— page 31 —
1. In reply refer to:
: Serial: SS222/
: U. S. S. BLUEFISH
: Care of Fleet Post Office,
: New York, New York.

: Enclosure (A)

— page 32 —
1. George E. PORTER, Comdr., U.S. Navy.
    Seville Apts., Sylvan Hills,
    Hollidaysburg, Pa.

2. Charles M. HENDERSON, Comdr., U.S. Navy.
    402 Highland Drive,
    Seattle, Washington.

3. George W. FORBES, Jr., Lt. Comdr., U.S. Navy.
    Clinton Road,
    Jackson, Mississippi.

(B) List of officers and enlisted men who have performed outstanding actions with description of that action, awards granted, and home addresses.

| Name-Rank-Home Address | Award | For service during patrol number: |
||-------||
| PORTER, George E.,    | Navy Cross. | 2 |
| Commander.             | Gold Star in lieu of second Silver Star. | 3 |
| Seville Apts., Sylvan  |               |   |
| Hills, Hollidaysburg, Pa. |               |   |
| NIMITZ, Chester W., Jr. | Gold Star in lieu of second Silver Star. | 1 & 2 |
| Lieutenant.            |               |   |
| (Home address unknown) |               |   |
| FLINNIKEN, Clifton W., Jr. | Gold Star in lieu of second Silver Star. | 1 |
| Lieut. Commander.       |               |   |
| (Home address unknown) |               |   |
| RICHMOND, F.D., GSM.     | Silver Star | 1,2, & 3. |
| 1409 Crawford St.,     |               |   |
| Houston, Texas.         |               |   |

* For description of patrol see Ship's History.

— page 33 —
1,2, & 3
Name-Rank-Home Address
VAN, N.J., CGM.
RFD#3, Alexandria, Va.

Silver Star.
1,2, & 3
DIBBERN, B., CGM.
General Delivery,
Wood River, Nebraska.

Gold Star in
lieu of Navy
& Marine Corp.
Medal.
1,2, & 3
LOSTAUNAU, Paul B.,
Lieutenant.
3007 N. 12th Street,
Tacoma, Washington.

Navy & Marine
Corp. Medal.
1,2, & 3
MEIZAR, Fredrick P.,
Lieutenant.
Lake Street,
Wilmington, Mass.

Navy & Marine
Corp. Medal.
1,2, & 3
SOSINISKI, L.F., CGS.
(Address unknown)

Letter of
Commendation
and Ribbon.
1 & 2
WOOD, H.F., CTM.
25 St. Paul Ct.,
Ft. Hill,
Pequonnoc, Ct.

Letter of
Commendation
and Ribbon.
1,2, & 3
TRAMMELL, Richard J.,
Lt.(jg).
1757 Piedmont Road,
N.E., Atlanta, Ga.

Letter of
Commendation
and Ribbon.
1,2, & 3
YOUNG, Richard J.,
Lt.(jg).
55th 11th Street,
San Pedro, California.

Letter of
Commendation
and Ribbon.
1,2, & 3
REIMER, O.P., CTM.
110 High St.,
Norwich, Conn.

Letter of
Commendation
and Ribbon.
1,2, & 3
NEELY, B., CGM.
215 Hutchinson Ave.,
Canonsburg, Pa.

2 -

— page 35 —
1. In reply refer to:
Serial: SS222/
Name-Rank-Home Address
CIRILLO, A.N., CMMM.
22 Edgecliffe Road,
Watertown, Mass.
STOKES, Charles R.,
Lt. (jg).
616 Madison Street,
Corinth, Mississippi.
LR COMPT, Oliver P., Jr.,
Lt. (jg).
1925 Leavenworth Street,
San Francisco, California.
MISCAVAGE, J.A., CMM.
112 Lombard Street,
New Philadelphia, Pa.
DONNELLY, W.E., CRT.
31 Manistee Street,
Fawtucket, R.I.
STEWART, N.J., CMM.
606 Maple Street,
Noblesville, Indiana.
MC CARTY, A.R., SC1.
Madison Lake,
Minnesota.

Award
Bronze Star.
Letter of
Commendation
and Ribbon.
Letter of
Commendation

— page 36 —
222/A16-3
Serial 017
U.S.S. BLUEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.
4 October, 1943.

From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Division ONE SIXTY TW0.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron SIXTEEN.
(3) The Commander Task Force SEVENTY ONE.
(4) The Commander Seventh Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of War Patrol Number ONE.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the first war patrol of this vessel, conducted in the Netherlands East Indies, during the period September 9, 1943, to October 4, 1943, is forwarded herewith.

G. E. FONTER.

DECLASSIFIED
DECLASS

— page 37 —
8222/A16-3
Serial 017

Subject: U.S.S. BLUFFISH, Report of First War Patrol.

A. HOLOGUE:

BLUFFISH commissioned 24 May, 1943, at the U.S. Submarine base, New London, Conn. Six week training period. 12 July, 1943, departed New London, Conn. 21 July, arrived N.O.B. Coco Solo, C.Z. 25 July, 1943, passed through Panama Canal and reported to CincFrac for duty with Submarines, Southwest Pacific. 26 July, 1943, departed Balboa, C.Z. 21 August, 1943, arrived Brisbane, Australia, and reported to Commander Task Force 72. Received minor refit from I.C.S. FULTON. 23 August, 1943, underway for training off Brisbane. 31 August, 1943, completed training, moored at Brisbane. Replaced crank bearings on #1 and #2 main engines. 2 September, 1943, departed Brisbane, Australia. 6 September, 1943, arrived Darwin, Australia. Reported to representative of Co.mander Task Force 71 for duty.

B. NATURALIST:

September 9, 1943

0745(I) Underway in accordance with ComTaskFor Seventy One Operation Order No. 28-43 to conduct unrestricted warfare against the enemy in the Southern Celebes and Java Areas.

030(I) Commenced training exercises with HMS L.L. 815 and aircraft units.

1230(I) Completed exercises. Departed for patrol area. Cruised at full speed to arrive off Lautem, Timor, at dawn. Noon Position: Lat. 12-03'3S. Long. 130°-08'E.

September 10, 1943

0505(I) Submerged, 10 miles south of Misar Island. Set course for Lautem, Timor.

1330(I) Reconnoitered Lautem. No special activity noted. No ships except small craft in harbor or at pier. Took 14 pictures of town and pier from a range of about 4000 yards.

1400(I) Set course to westward along north coast of Timor.

1630(I) Set clocks to (LOW) time.

1827(I) Surf.cead. Set course for Dilli, Timor. Noon Position: Lat. 08-17'S. Long. 1260-56'E.

— page 38 —
53222/A16
Serial 017

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of First Patrol.

Narrative (Continued)

September 11, 1943

547(H) Submerged 4 miles north of entrance Dilli, Timor.
638(H) Sighted 2 catchers type patrol boat at end of harbor.
700(H) Took 11 pictures of harbor and town. Range about 4000 yards from beach.
0714(H) Small patrol boat entered eastern entrance to harbor.
0818(H) Sighted well camouflaged small freighter moored to Custom House Pier. Hovered off entrance. Faris cope exposures every 15 minutes.
1822(H) Surreached.
2040(H) Set course for trawler lane between Flores Strait and Ambon. Decided to investigate trawler lanes away from land during period of full moon.
Noon Position: Lat. 68°-25'S. Long. 125°-33'E.

September 12-13, 1943

0503(H) Submerged 14 miles north of Komba Island on trawler lane between Flores Strait and Ambon. Periscope exposures every ten minutes using 17 feet of scope. Reticule deep dive made every morning to investigate density, layers.
1810(H) Sighted. Patrol located trawler lane.
Noon Position: 12th, Lat. 07°-32'S, Long. 123°-31'E.
Noon Position: 13th, Lat. 07°-32'S, Long. 123°-29'E.

September 14, 1943

0507(H) Submerged 14 miles north of Kabeta Island.
1305(H) Sighted. Set course for trawler patrol point 14 miles south of Tabena Island.
Noon Position: Lat. 07°-33'S. Long. 123°-30'E.

September 15, 1943

0507(H) Submerged 14 miles south of Tabena Island covering trawler lanes from seaplane St. Louis to Tioro Strait and Bato Pessa. Periscope exposures every ten minutes using 17 feet of scope.
1824(H) Sighted. Patrol located trawler lane at 15 mile range. Noon Position: Lat. 05°-30'S, Long. 121°-43'E.

— page 39 —
222/416-3
Serial 017

Subject: U.S.S. BLUFFISH
Narrative (Continued)

September 16, 1943

0500(E) Submerged 14 miles south of Kabaeina Island. Set course for Tioro Strait entrance.
1827(i) Surfaced in Tioro Strait.
2000(n) Set course for Salelier Strait cruising along traffic lane.
Noon Position: Let. 050-35'S. Long. 1220-25'E.

September 17, 1943

0458(i) Submerged 3 miles east of Salelier Strait entrance. Sighted numerous sail boats. Took two pictures of one small boat.
1841(i) Surfaced. Patrolled traffic lane to Tioro Strait. Noon Position: Let. 050-40'S, Long. 1200-33'E.

September 18, 1943

332(i) Twelve miles east of Salelier Strait sighted dark blob screened by two smaller dark spots. Commenced approach.
0430(i) Submerged. Continued approach.
0527(i) Discontinued approach on large two nested scimitar and two sail boats.
0547(i) Sighted tramp steamer (Ship contact #1) of about 500 tons, course west.
0052(i) Identity unknown (No colors lying)
0656(i) Stations for battle surface.
0704(i) Surfaced (Attack #1) range 300 yards. Exploded 5 rounds of 4 inch, 790 rounds of 20 mm. and 1200 rounds of 30 cal. ammunition. The 4 inch high capacity point detonating shells are ruptured. Three hits out of five rounds set into fire forward and aft. Four inch gun jammed in train after first round.
1830(i) Submerged six miles east of Salelier Strait. Target ablaze from stem to stern. Took four pictures. Set course east for Buton Passage.
Surfaced.
Noon Position: Let. 050-37'S, long. 1200-53'E.

-3-

— page 40 —
222/416-3
Serial 017

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, report of First War Patrol.

Narrative (Continued)

September 19, 1943

0443(1) Submerged southern entrance Buton Passage. Numerous sail boats in sight. Took two pictures of one boat.

1251(1) Sighted ship close to beacon (Ship contact #2) Commenced approach. Target was a large tanker with it's bow around on a reef off Landoila Point. Ship apparently abandoned but in good shape. The bow was bent back. Decided to complete it's destruction during return trip through the strait.

1620(1) Surface. Patrol led north entrance to Buton Passage. Noon Position: Lat. 050-37'S, Long. 1220-55'E.

September 20, 1943

450(1) Submerged. Patrol led north entrance Buton Passage. Surface. Set course for entrance to Landoila. Noon Position: Lat. 050-28'S, Long. 1230-05'E.

September 21, 1943

0448(1) Submerged 30 miles east of Kendari Bay entrance. Set course for entrance. Sighted smoke from ship (Ship contact #3) in Lwoni. Met possible to shoot as he rounded middle Saponda Island. Went ahead full speed at 120 feet, headed for position one mile north of middle Saponda Island. Headed at full speed during approach except for two quick observations. Target was a large AP, similar to the Russian or Suwa Maru (10,500 tons).

1454(1) Legs to target 4400 yards, torpedo run 4700 yards. The battery led reached the low voltage limit for the one hour rate and it was impossible to further close target. Target was due to change course around middle Saponda Island for entrance to Kendari. Pired four torpedoes from bow tubes (Attack #2). White light method spread one quarter ship's length astern, mainmast, foremast, and one quarter ship's length astern, mainmast, foremast, and one quarter ship's length aft. Twenty five seconds after firing first torpedo, one of the torpedoes, believed to be the second, exploded prematurely. At

— page 41 —
1500(i.) U.S.S. FLUFFISH, Report of First War Patrol.

: 1505(i.) Set course to round Menui Island to patrol in line between Felen' Strait and entrance to Selcangka Strait. Traffic may use this entrance tomorrow due to today's activity at the main entrance.

: 1637(i.) Surfaced. Noon Position: +at, 030-57'S, Long. 1230-01'E.

: 516(ii.) Submerged to attack ship later identified as a sail boat. Set course for Selabangka Strait entrance. Sighted possible smoke on horizon. Surfaced and closed at full power. Nothing sighted.

: 745(i.) Set course for Buton Passage. Noon Position: Lat. 020-31'S, Long. 1220-27'E.

: 0508(i.) Submerged northern entrance Buton Passage. Surfaced to complete destruction of tanker around on Landoile Reef. Closed tanker to 500 yards. At this range it did not appear to be in very good condition but decided that a few rounds of four inch would not help any and also the run crew needed some training. Fired 10 rounds of common and 9 rounds of high capacity ammunition. Fifteen hits. Took pictures.

: 1855(i.) Set course for Saleier Strait. Noon Position: Lat. 050-27'S, Long. 1230-12'E.

: 0520(i.) Submerged seven miles east of Saleier Strait. Patrolled this position until 1500 and then proceeded through strait.

— page 44 —
222/416-3
Serial 017

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of First War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)

September 26, 1943 (Cont'd.)

...312(ii) At a range of 2200 yards fired three torpedoes at the torpedo boat using continuous TET bearings and an off-set spread (Attock 3A)

2314(H) Shifted set up to the AC, swung ship left ten degrees to reduce torpedo gyro angles and at a range of 1600 yards fired three at him in like manner. Ordered right full rudder to bring the stern tubes to bear. At this time two torpedoes fired at the AC blew up prematurely at a range of about 300 yards. It looked like our perirect set up was ruined, when, ten seconds later, two torpedoes hit the torpedo boat, set off his navigation and he completely disintegrated.

...316(ii) Fired two torpedoes from the tubes aft at the AC (Attack #3B). One hit.

...325(ii) After the explosions and excitement died down, this was the picture. We were lying to 5000 yards from a damaged target which was circling to the right in a tight circle. We had two torpedoes left in the stern tubes which had been in flooded tubes for twenty five minutes. It would be at least three hours before surface craft assistance could arrive from Foulaha. The question of torpedo's was considered but the possibility of being located by aircraft in this big black ocean was considered. It was therefore decided, in order to insure his destruction, to pull the two remaining torpedoes aft and check for flooding.

...234(i) Torpedoes being ready again, started in at full power. At this time, the target steadiied on a base course for Foulaha making redial zigs at 10 knots. Started around target at full power to gain position ahead before buckling in. Noon Position: Lat. 06-00'3, Long. 1220-38'3.

September 27, 1943

0011(ii) With target absent to port, range 4000 yards, and everything rosy, a line dropped a flare directly overhead at a height of about 500 feet. (Flare contact 4) It seemed to man there end it was a very brilliant affair. Took her down in what was probably our fastest dive to date.

— page 46 —
3222/AL6-3
Serial 017

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of First War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)

September 28, 1943 (Cont'd.)

2317(1) Surfaced in hot pursuit of target.
2315(1) Radar contact on target range 12,500 yards. Started tracking.
2230(1) Problem solved; target speed exactly seven point four knots, course forty degrees true. Built up to full power and started in, keeping bow continually on target. Five escorts were still in "W" formation ahead with one on each quarter.
2318(1) Steadied up on a 900 track, range 2900 yards and fired the two torpedoes from the stern tubes with zero gyro angles, depth 15 feet, both aimed at his middle. Saw and felt two torpedo hits. The torpedo explosion produces a brilliant green flame.
2323(1) A great explosion on the target which lit up the ocean. The radar pip completely disappeared. This was at a range of 7000 yards and it was very large while tracking at 12000 yards. During this attack not a single shot was fired by the escorts, because they did not know what was where we were. Only two words were passed below from the time we started in until evasive maneuvers started--"Left full rudder", and we'd to the fire control party during our turn to "take their time as everything looks perfect topside." Under previous orders the fire control party steadied on a course to give zero gyro angles and let fly.
2327(1) Two explosions heard and felt which were probably depth charges. One escort turned on his searchlight and apparently headed down the torpedo tracks. One escort vessel trained searchlight vertically apparently to attract aircraft.
2340(1) Set course for Fremantle via Umbai Passage. The operations of this vessel during the past four days have been rudder and I am proud to state that our success was directly due to the untiring efforts of all officers and the entire crew.
2350(1) Noon Position: Lat. 070-15'5", Long. 1250-05'E.

— page 47 —
SS222/A16-3
:  U.S.S. BLUFFISH
:  Serial 017

Subject:  U.S.S. BLUFFISH, Report of First War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)

September 29, 1943

Cruising on surface through Combat Passage enroute
Fremantle.
Noon Position:  Lat. 08°-57'S, Long. 124°-15'E.

September 30, October 1, 2, and 3, 1943:

Enroute Fremantle, W.A.

October 4, 1943

Arrived Fremantle.

— page 48 —
SS222/A16-3
Serial 017
U.S.S. BLUEFISH
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject:  Weather
Weather conditions were as described in n.o. 163 for this time of year.
No rain was encountered at any time.
D.  TIDAL INFORMATION
The following currents were definitely established:
LOCATION  |  UNIT  |  DIRECTION
(1) Lat. 07°-30'S. Long. 123°-30'E.  |  0.4 kts.  |  190°T
(2) Salelier Straits and to eastward  |  0.5 kts.  |  250°T
(3) Buton Passage  |  0.5 kts.  |  225°T
E.  N.VIG. TIONAL AIDS
No navigational lights were found lighted in the NEI area.
There is a tanker aground at Lat. 05°-32'1.2 S. Long., 122°-55'E.

— page 51 —
1. U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of First War Patrol.
2. H. ATTACK DATA.
3. ATTACK NO. 1
4. U.S.S. BLUEFISH GUN ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 1
5. TIME 0656H DATE: Sept. 21, 1943 Lat. 05-38S, Long. 120-48E.
6. TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
7. SUNK: 1 small inter-island tramp steamer, Estimated tonnage 500. Was left completely ablaze from stem to stern.
8. DETAILS OF ACTION
9. This vessel surfaced 800 yards on starboard quarter of target and opened fire immediately.
10. The following guns were used:
11. 2 BAR rifles from main deck
12. 2 30 cal. Browning MGs from main deck
13. 3 20 mm guns
14. 1 4"/50 deck gun.
15. The following ammunition was expended:
16. 30 cal. BAR 200 rds. BALL
17. 30 cal. BMG 500 rds. BALL
18. 500 rds. INCEND.
19. 20 mm 400 rds. H.E.
20. 390 rds. INCEND.
21. 4"/50 5 rds. H.C. with point detonating fuzes.
22. The 4"/50 jammed in train after the 1st shot but withal got 3 hits out of 5 shots. Each hit produced a violent explosion and started a fire. Portable binocular sights were used and are excellent. Tracer control was used for all guns.

— page 52 —
35222/A16-3 U.S.S. BLUEFISH Serial 017 C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of First War Patrol. ATTACK #2 U.S.S. BLUEFISH TORPEDO ATTACK No. 1 PATROL No. 1 TIME 14:54H DATE Sept. 21, 1943 Lat. 03-589, Long. 122-54E TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED DESCRIPTION: The target was a single, unescorted AP of about 11000 tons, similar to the HUSIMI MARU. It's smoke was sighted as it came up WOWONI STRAIT towards KENDARI. DAMAGE: No damage inflicted. TARGET DRAFT 28' COURSE 361 SPEED 8.5 RANGE 4400 OWN SHIP DATA SPEED 3 COURSE 240 DEPTH 64' ANGLE 0 FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA TYPE ATTACK: Submerged periscope attack using information obtained from navigational plot. Fired spread using white light method.

— page 54 —
SS222/A16-3
Serial 017
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject:  U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of First War Patrol.
ATTACK #3A.
U.S.S. BLUEFISH  TORPEDO ATTACK No. 2A  PATROL #1
TIME 0548H  DATE 25 Sept. 1943 Lat. 06-17S, Long. 119-00E
TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
DESCRIPTION:  AP Similar to Takatitho Maru escorted by 1 large and 2 small escorts.
SHIP DAMAGED:  One torpedo hit.
DAMAGE DETERMINED:  Heard one torpedo hit and saw target circling slowly.
TARGET DRAFT 24'  BASE COURSE 050 SPEED 07.5 RANGE 2200
OWN SHIP DATA
SPEED 3  COURSE 120  DEPTH 64'  ANGLE 00
FIRE CONTROL & TORPEDO DATA
Submerged periscope attack using information obtained by previous radar tracking and periscope observations. A divergent spread was fired by the white light method using the following points of aim: # One 1/4 ship's length asterl., #two at mainmast, #three at foremast, and #four 1/4 ship's length ahead.

— page 55 —
5/1/44
SS222/A16-3
Serial 017
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of First War Patrol.

ATTACK #3A (Cont'd.)

Tubes fired 7 8 9 10
Track Angle 620S 650S 680S 710S
Gyro Angle 80L 50L 20L 10R
Depth Set 10' 10' 10' 10'
Power Hi Hi Hi Hi
Hit or Miss Hit Miss Miss Miss
Erratic No No No No
Mk. Torpedo 1A-3A 1A-3A 1A-3A 1A-3A
Serial # 39131 23330 23323 39107
Mk. Exploder Mk. 6 Mk. 6 Mk. 6 Mk. 6
Serial # 6817 6790 14678 6819
Situation Set contact Contact Contact Contact
Situation Actual Contact
Mk. Wirehead Mk. 16 Mk. 16 Mk. 16 Mk. 16
Serial # 9583 5585 5483 5565
Explosive TPX TPX TPX TPX
Firing Interval 10 10 10 10
Type Spread DIVERGENT
Sea Conditions - Smooth sea - no swells.
Overhaul Activity - Base Torpedo Unit, Brisbane.
Remarks: One torpedo explosion heard 1 min. 15 secs. after firing #7.

— page 56 —
U.S.S. BLUEFISH
Serial 017
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of First war Patrol.
ATTACK #3B
U.S.S. BLUEFISH TORPEDO ATTACK No. 2B PATROL No. 1
TIME 0626H DATE 25 Sept. 1943 Lat. 06°-18'S, Long. 119°-01'E.
DESCRIPTION: Same as No. 2A.
DAMAGE: Two more torpedo hits. Ship sank.
DAMAGE DETERMINED: Heard two more torpedo explosions. Saw target low in water. Target disappeared.
TARGET DRAFT 24' COURSE Circling SPEED 2 Kts. RANGE 2100
OWN SHIP DATA
SPEED 3 knots COURSE 300 DEPTH 64' ANGLE 00
FIRE CONTROL & TORPEDO DATA
Submerged periscope attack. Since target was slowly circling, used a speed of 2 knots and fired a spread of 6 torpedoes by the white light method.

— page 57 —
5 4 3 2 1
Track Angle 6 5 4 3 2 1
Gyro Angle 357 357.5 358 359 357 358
Depth Set 10' 10' 10' 10' 10' 10'
Power Hi Hi Hi Hi Hi Hi
Ht or Miss Miss Miss Miss Miss Miss
Erratic No No No No No No
Mk. Torpedo 14-3A 18-3A 14-3A 14-3A 14-3A
Serial # 23318 23324 39114 39116 39119 39104
Mk. Exploder 6 6 6 6 6 6
Serial # 6795 6783 6443 6823 5842 11962
Actuation Set Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact
Actuation Actual- Contact - - - - Contact
Mk. Warhead 16 16 16 16 16 16
Serial # 5423 3625 692 3743 5304 2422
Explosive TPX TPX TPX TPX TPX TPX
Firing Interval 10 10 10 10 10 10
Type Spread - DIVERGENT
Sea Condition - Smooth sea - no swells
Overhaul Activity - Base Torpedo Unit Brisbane
Remarks - Two explosions; one 1 min 25 sec. and one 2 min 05 sec.
after firing tube #6.

ATTACK #4A

U.S.S. BLUEFISH TORPEDO ATTACK No. 3A PATROL No. 1

TIME 2312H DATE 26 Sept. 1943 LAT 05-50'53 LONG. 1210-57'E.
DESCRIPTION: One 7000 ton AK (similar to HIROKANA MARU) escorted by one OTORI or CHIDORI class torpedo boat. Escort in column astern.

SHIP SUNK: Torpedo boat.

DAMAGE DETERMINED BY: Saw escort disintegrate.

(a) TARGET DRAFT 7' COURSE 305 SPEED 13 RANGE 2200
(b) TARGET DRAFT 20' COURSE 305 SPEED 13 RANGE 1600

— page 59 —
222/16-3 U.S.S. BLUEFISH
Serial 017
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of First war Patrol.
ATTACK #4B
U.S.S. BLUEFISH TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3B PATROL NO. 1
TIME 2316H DATE 26 Sept. 1943 LAT 050-50'S LONG 121057'E.
DESCRIPTION: AK, Same as in attack No. 3A
TARGET DRAFT 20' COURSE 305 SPEED 13 RANGE 2500
OWN SHIP DATA
SPEED 17 COURSE 218 DEPTH 18' ANGLE 00
FIRE CONTROL & TORPEDO DATA
This attack was a continuation of attack 4A, 2 torpedoes being fired at the maru from the stern tubes after turning away.

Tubes fired 7 8
Track Angle 1050P 1060P
Gyro Angle 180L 190L
Depth set 10' 10'
Power High High
Hit or Miss Hit Miss
Erratic No No
Mk. Torpedo 14-3A 14-3A
Serial # 23327 39113
Mk. Exploder 6 6
Serial # 6824 6825
Actuation Set Contact Contact
Actuation Actual Contact -
Mk. Warhead 16 16
Serial # 5912 9620
Explosive TPX TPX
Firing Interval 10 10
Type Spread NONE
Sea Conditions: Smooth Sea.
Overhaul Activi ty: Base Torpedo Unit, Brisbane.
Remarks: One explosion heard and seen 1 min. 36 sec. after firing
Tube #7.

— page 60 —
222/AL6-3 U.S.S. BLUEFISH
Serial 017
G-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of First War Patrol
ATTACK #5
U.S.S. BLUEFISH TORPEDO ATTACK #4 PATROL #1
TIME 2318H DATE 25-Sept. 1943 LAT 06-115, LONG. 126-00E
TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
DESCRIPTION: Target was a 7000 ton AK(Similar to HIROKAWA MAF) with 7 escorts. Sighted smoke while on surface patrol. Attacked at night by kadar.
SHIP SUNK: One 7000 ton AK
DAMAGE DETERMINED: 'Saw 2 torpedo hits, 1 tremendous explosion, and lost large Rader pip.
TARGET DRAFT 20' COURSE 040 SPEED 7.4 RANGE 2900
OWN SHIP DATA
SPEED 19.8 COURSE 150° DEPTH 18° ANGLE 00
FIRE CONTROL & TORPEDO DATA
Night surface attack. Tracked target using Radar and TBT until solution was perfect and then ran in at full power. Fired both torpedoes to hit using the after bridge TBT to introduce target bearing by the white light method.

Tubes Fired 9 10
Track Angle 112°S 112.5°S
Gyro Angle 181 181.5
Depth Set 15' 15'
Power Hi Hi
Hit or Miss Hit Hit
Erratic No No
Mk. Torpedo 14-3A 14-3A
Serial # 39111 39110
Mk. Exploder 6 6
Serial # 14671 6405

— page 61 —
5 (Cont'd.)
- Actuation Set
- Actuation actual
- Mk. Warhead
- Serial #
- Explosive
- Firing Interval
- Type spread
- Sea Condition - Smooth sea - no swells
- Overhaul activity - Base Torpedo Unit, Erisbane.
- Remarks: Two explosions were seen and heard. One at 1 min. 56 secs after firing tube 9 and the second 2 min. 6 secs after firing tube 9.

I. MINES
None laid or encountered.

J. ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS
(1) No echo ranging was heard the entire patrol.
(2) Following attack No. 3, south of DE ERIL BANK light, a plane was sighted 1 hr. and 48 minutes after firing the bow tubes.
(3) Following attack No. 4, south of KABENA Is., a plane dropped a flare overhead 55 minutes after firing first torpedo. It was a pitch dark night with hazy atmosphere, definitely indicating that plane was equipped with Kader. While evading on the surface following attack No. 5, the 3D Radar was turned on at regular intervals to prevent another disagreeable surprise.
(4) The escorts counter-measures were very poor following attack No. 3, and this vessel observed them from periscope depth, dropping 14 carges at random.

— page 62 —
1. The 4" gun jammed in train on both .occasions of its use. Cause undetermined.

L. RADIO

1. Satisfactory. 16.68 kilocycles was not heard submerged on either of two attempts.

2. It is suggested that the first submarine schedule begin an hour earlier (1900h) in order that submarines receive information as soon as practicable after surfacing.

M. RADAR

1. Too much can not be said in praise of the SD Radar's performance. It picked up all land at 50 miles and apparently reliably picks up planes between 15 and 20 miles.

2. (a) The SJ Radar's performance was, on the whole, satisfactory. It's tuning varied, however, and in the absence of land, in flat calm water, it was difficult to determine if it was properly tuned. Under these circumstances it was found that making several high speed zig-zags would throw up enough was an atern to produce wave echoes if radar was in tune.

(b) On the occasion of an SJ transmitter failure, the 1st spare magnetron made no improvement but the 2nd spare worked perfectly. All spares should be tested before being carried up to the patrol area.

(c) It is considered that two completely separate SJ installations and power supplies should be installed on each submarine. This instrument is so valuable in tracking and making night attacks that any possibility of its failure should be eliminated.

N. SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

1. No screws were heard at a range greater than 4000 yds, indicating poor sound conditions throughout area, or, which seems more likely, our sound receivers are improperly adjusted.

— page 64 —
222/AL6-3 U.S.S. BLUEFISH
Serial 017
C-O-M-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of First War Patrol.

S. DURATION
Days enroute to area 1
Days enroute to Fremantle 4
Days submerged 18

T. FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING
TORPEDOES FUEL PROVISIONS PERSONNEL FACTOR
0 37,000 40 days 20 days

U. REMARKS
The second officer of this vessel Lt.-Corpl. C.W. Nimitz Jr. U.S.N. acts in a purely advisory capacity to assist the Commanding Officer during submerged operations. He makes frequent periscope exposures to check the fire control data and also check the Commanding Officer's estimate of the situation. During night surface approaches he is in charge of the fire control party in the conning tower and actually conducts the a.ry.rec. by suggesting changes in course to reduce gyro angle etc. It is a necessity to have an officer of this caliber aboard during night surface attacks in order to. at the Commanding Officer's attention may be completely directed to watching for changes in the disposition of the target and screens, and to opening fire at the most opportune time.

— page 65 —
5-16/A16-3
Serial # 01
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
BLUEFISH First War Patrol
SS222/A16-3 Serial 017 of
4 October 1943.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron SIXTEEN.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: (1) The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE.
    (2) The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

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

1. The first war patrol of the BLUEFISH was completed in the Southern Celebes Area and covered a period of thirty-two days with twenty days in the patrol area. The patrol commenced at Brisbane, Australia and was terminated ahead of the scheduled date by the expenditure of all torpedoes.

2. The assigned area was thoroughly covered by BLUEFISH. Determined attempts were made to develop all contacts with the result that in all six instances the contact was followed by an attack, one by gun fire and six with torpedoes. Two of the torpedo attacks were on the same ship. The night approach and attack on a vessel of the HIRAKAWA MARU type is particularly commendable. With but two torpedoes remaining and those of the attack undetected by target or any two hits and then emerged from the attack without any further contact, the ship and fire control parties are most unfortunate and the torpedoes experienced during other attacks were most unfortunate and allowed at least one important enemy ship to escape damage or destruction. The destruction of the shallow draft OTORI class torpedo boat by influence torpedoes is noted with pleasure.

3. The material condition of BLUEFISH on completion of her patrol is excellent. BLUEFISH is scheduled for normal refit by Submarine Repair Unit, Frornantle.

4. Health and habitability were both excellent. One case of acute appendicitis was officially treated with ice packs pending arrival in port. This is a gratifying change from amateur operations.

— page 66 —
5. The Commanding Officer, officers, and crew of the BLUEFISH are congratulated for having inflicted the following damage to the enemy:

SUNK

1. AK (Takatano Maru type) 8150 tons.
1. AK (Hirokawa Maru type) 6860 tons.
1. Torpedo Boat (Torori class) 595 tons.
1. AK (Inter-Island Steamer) 500 tons.

TOTAL 16109 tons.

DAMAGED

1. AK (Hirokawa Maru type) 6860 tons.

P. G. NICHOLS,
Acting.

— page 67 —
12-1cs
Serial 0837
12 October 1943

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
BUMPERISH First War Patrol
35222/A16-3 serial 017 of
4 October 1943.

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

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

1. The remarks of the Commander's Submarine Squadron STIXHEN are complete and are concurred in.

2. The daily deep dive to determine density layer conditions is considered excellent practice.

3. The remarks of the Commanding Officer regarding the need for anti-A/S vessel weapons are noted, and it is hoped that such weapons are under development. The remarks concerning the high calibre of personnel are noted with pleasure.

4. This patrol is considered successful for purposes of awarding the Submarine Combat Insignia.

5. The Force Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers and crew on a well conducted, aggressive patrol, during which the following damage was inflicted on the enemy:

SUNK

1 AP (TAKATTHO MARU type) 8154 tons
1 AK (HIROKAWA MARU type) 6860 tons
1 Torpedo Boat (OTORI Class) 595 tons
1 AK (Inter-island Steamer) 500 tons

Total 15109 tons

Fw'd to Op-16-E for retention:
Del. No. 84444

Fw'd to Op-16-E for retention:
Del. No. 84444

Cody No. 2/26

— page 68 —
12-1cs
12 October 1943
UNITED STATES NAVY
Serial 0837
Subject: U.S.S. BUFFISH First War Patrol - Comment on.

DAUGHTER
1 AK (TROKAMA M.R.U. type) 6860 tons
R. W. CHRISTIE.

B. L. CARR,
Lt. Cdr., U.S.N.,
Flag Secretary.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (1)
Com2ndFloct (1)
Com3rdFloct (1)
Com7thFloct (1)
Consubs1stFloct (2)
Consubs2ndFloct (2)
Contaskfcr-72 (2)
Consubron-16 (1)
DivCons Ron-16 (1)
Floct Radio Unit, Melbourne (1)
Intell.Cen., Pac. (1)
Ocean Areas (1)
Capt. Merrill Comstock, Navy Dept., Op-23o, Wash., D.C. (1)
Each S/M W.A. (1)
Sub. School, New London, Ct. (2)
NOT TO BE TAKEN TO SEA - BURN

— page 69 —
11/094
Serial: 02114
11/An
20 OCT 1943
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
CO EULFISH Report of
First War Patrol.
From: The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.
To: The Commander in Chief, U.S. FLEET.
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - First War Patrol;
Comments on.
1. Forwarded.
H. W. GRAP,
Chief of Staff.

FILMED
FIL

— page 70 —
1. The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Division CNO SIXTY-TH.O.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron SIXTH.
(3) The Commander Seventh Fleet.
(4) The Commander Seventh Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of War Patrol Two.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the second war patrol of this vessel, conducted in the Nether lands west Indies area, during the period October 26, 1943, to November 26, 1943, is forwarded herewith.

G. E. FORCK.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPPAVINST 5510.1C
BY OCP-0941C DATE 5/24/42

DECLASSIFIED

63127 FILMED 1 01339*

— page 71 —
1130 (ii) Underway in accordance with Combatant Command for the purpose of the operation. One Operation Order No. 35-43 to conduct an unescorted patrol against the enemy in the South China Sea.

: 1314 (i) Completed training exercises with 1st DEADLINE.

: 2115 (i) Completed exercises. Departed for Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia.

: Noon Position - Lat. 31-58 S Long. 115-41 E

: October 27 - 28, 1943

: Enroute Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia.

: Routine Training.

: Noon Position - October 27 - Lat. 26-33 S Long. 112-47 E October 28 - Lat. 23-52 S Long. 112-31 E

: October 29, 1943

: 0753 (i) Arrived Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia. Stopped off with fuel.

: 1230 (i) Underway for patrol area.

— page 73 —
222/16-3
Serial 013

Subject: U.S.S. ELTIFISH, report of Second War Patrol.

Narrative:
November 4, 1943 (Cont'd.)
2115 (i.) Unerway for patrol area via Sulu Sea.
    Moon Position - Lat. 5-18 N
    Long. 119-21 E

November 5, 1943
0826 (i.) Signed U.S.S. XTIFISH. -xchanged recognition
    signals.
    Went alongside and transferred sick patient.

1840 (ii.) Passed through North Balabac Strait and set course
    through dangerous Ground for West York Island.
    Moon Position - Lat. 7-53 N
    Long. 118-47 E

November 6, 1943
1200 (i.) Lying to 3 miles south of West York Island.

1600 (ii.) Set course to southward.

2052 (i.) Sighted convoy (ship contacts No. 1 to 6 inclusive)
    to southward, range 19,000 yards. Bright moonlight.
    Commenced tracking from ahead.
    Moon Position - Lat. 10-53 N
    Long. 115-02 E

November 7, 1943
0010 (i.) Lost convoy in short period of low visibility.
    Commenced retiring search along convoy's most
    probable route.

1420 (i.) Sighted convoy. Fell in eastern keeping convoy's
    tops in sight from periscope. The convoy consist-
    ed of the following ships:

- 3 -

4

— page 74 —
5/1/1943 (Cont'd.)
SS222/A16-3
Serial 018
U.S.S. HURTIS.
Subject: U.S.S. HURTIS, Report of Second War Patrol.

NATIVE (Continued)
November 7, 1943 (Cont'd.)
Two - 10,000 ton AOs
One - 10,000 ton AP
One - 7,000 ton unidentified (probably an AP)
Two - 6,000 ton AOs
This was a relatively fast convoy (13 knots) and all the ships appeared modern. There were no smoke
Mars. D. ring deviated the ships were in a line of columns, two ships to a column.
1730(1.) Commenced end run to gain position ahead.
Noon Position - L.t. 13-32 N
Long. 115-20 E

November 8, 1943
0100(1.) In position ahead. Took convoy course and speed
awaiting moonset at 0231(1.)
0130(1.) Every thing was perfect until we sighted a small
vessel broad on the port bow (Ship contact No. 7),
probably a destroyer. Put our stern to same and
increased speed to flank. The situation looked
bad when we commenced signalling at us. When he
disappeared from sight we worked over to the other
bow of the convoy.
231(1.) Moonset. Manned Reder. Landed the contact. Large
pips at 16,000 yards. Commenced tracking. Unable
to determine the disposition of the ships as they
verified all over the ocean. Speed checked perfect
at 12.3 knots. Base course 007°T.
0336(1.) Radar range 16,000 yards. Distance to track 8,000
yards. Built up to full power and started in.

1 01339
10
5

— page 76 —
0522/416-3
Serial 018

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, report of Second war Patrol.

NATURTY (Continued)

November 8, 1943 (Cont'd.)

0500(H.) At a range of 1,200 yards fired a spread of four torpedoes (Attack No. 2), all to hit, at a tanker which was dead in the water. Uce torpedo ran erratic in deflection, one hit and two missed. This hit did not seem to effect the target. During this period the radar gave us a number of exciting moments by picking up numerous pips at 2,000 to 4,000 yards which we thought might be patrol boats but turned out to be lifeboats. Four torpedoes were fired to insure destruction before help arrived; keeping in mind the escort vessel sighted this morning.

0509(H.) At a range of 1,000 yards fired two torpedoes (Attack No. 3) at tanker, both to hit. One hit and one miss. Target lewer in the water. By this time dawn had broken, visibility was good and no other snips were in sight.

0531(H.) At a range of 1,000 yards fired two torpedoes (Attack No. 4) at tanker from the stern tubes, both to hit. Two hits. The one set at 20 feet roled him hard and the one at 10 feet started the most beautiful fire I have ever seen. Smoke rose and formed a cloud, but 4,000 feet in the air. Took moving and still pictures.

0548(H.) Sighted a destroyer (Shi) contact No. 8), with a bone in his teeth, coming over the horizon. Built up to full power and cleared the area in the opposite direction. He did not sight us.

0700(H.) Submerged. Reduced the watch to a minimum and all hands turned in. Heard the destroyer pinging and dropping depth charges at varying intervals the remainder of the morning.

1500(H.) Surfaced and set course to the south toward Dangerous Ground. This course took us through the scene of the attack. Sighted numerous oil slicks. One covered an area of 4 square miles.

— page 78 —
15.1943 (Cont'd.)
Tricled him up. He was severely burned. Second and third de-ree burns covered eighty-five percent of his body. But him out of his misery with morphine. The pneumaticist's mete worked on him continuously with everything from sulpamthiazole to blood plasma.

1430(i) Continued toward Sibutu Passa e.

Noon Position - Lct. 08-00 N
Long. 115-36 E

November 12. 1943.

0140(i) Frisoner died.

0215(ii) Furied prisoner.

1900(ii) Passed through Sibutu Passage. Entered Celebes Sea. Set course for Kaskasar strait.

Noon Position - Lct. 06-09 N
Long.119-41 E

November 13. 1943.

0600(H) Silted U.S.S. FILIPSI. Exchanged recognition signals. Next close aboard and exchanged information. 1U.S. said that Makasser Streit was hot with anti-s.burine activity. Also advised by ComFieskFor Seventy One end U.S.S. in dark despatches of concentrated anti-submarine activity that area. Decided to ride out the roll moon in the Celebes Sea.

Noon Position - Lct. 02-49 N
Long. 120-33 E

November 14 - 15. 1943.

Uneventful. Surface cruising central Celebes Sea.

Noon Position - Lct. 04-07 N
Long. 120-39 E
15 November - Lct. 04-01 N
Long. 120-25 E

— page 79 —
222/16-3
Serial 018
SS22/16-3
U.S.S. BLUFFISH
Subject: U.S.S. BLUFFISH, Report of Sedond War Patrol.
November 16, 1943
0519(H) Submerged.
1100(H) Sighted convoy of six AK's with one destroyer escort. All ships were smoking. Closest range attained was 10,000 yards. One large AK. The rest were medium to small. (Whip contacts 9 - 15 in. alive).
1508(H) Surfaced and commenced trailing.
1600(H) Started end run to gain position ahead.
1843(H) Radar contact on convoy. Range 10,000 yards. Radar performance poor.
1932(H) Problem solved. Built up to full power.
1938(H) Started in.
1943(H) With the range to the convoy nine thousand yards, radar picked up the destroyer at a range of five thousand yards, closing fast. The escort had been sighted from the bridge but it appeared as another ship of the convoy farther away. Ordered left full rudder. When we were broadside to the destroyer and the range was thirty five hundred yards he turned his searchlight on us. Felt mighty naked.
1944(H) Took her deep.
1950(H) Three depth charges. Fairly close. Destroyer stayed close to us, echo ranging, until 2315(H). I am firmly convinced that, if, two separate SJ radar outfits had been installed to preclude faulty radar performance, the escort would not have surprised us, and we would have inflicted damage on this convoy. The ideal arrangement would be to have a second transmitter and receiver in the convoy tower, so installed that either set could be coupled to the SJ radar mast. Second SD radar receiver to replace the one in operation, in case of failure, is also a necessity.

— page 80 —
222/16-3
Serial 018

Subject: U.S. BUMBLEBUSH, Report of Second War Patrol.

Narrative: IV (Continued)

NOVEMBER 16, 1943 (CONT'D.)

Noon: Position - L.t. 02-49 N
Long. 120-41 E

November 17, 1943

0000(i.): Surfaced in pursuit of convoy.

0315(i.): Plans cleared by despatched orders. Set course for
Pete Island in Sulphur Ridge to overhaul and
tune up to radar.

1512(i.): Stopped. Lying to six miles south of Pete Island.
Working on Sd. radar.

2042(i.): Radar performance satisfactory. Set course to
the southeast.

Noon: Position - L.t. 04-56 N
Long. 121-35 E

November 18, 1943

0953(i.): Started big tender with destroyer escort.
Commence tracking from head. The tender
appeared to be a standard 10,000 ton airfleet. The
destroyer appeared to be a modern single stack
ship similar to the LCTs or KCTs of class.
(Ship contacts Nos. 16 and 17)

1736(i.): Lost sight contact with target.

1838(i.): Commence closing target.

2000(ii.): Unable to locate target running back along his
base course. Commenced retracing search to the
north of base course.

2105(ii.): Radar contact on target, range sixteen thousand
yards. Co. menaced tracking.

- 10 -

101339

— page 81 —
2217(H) Problem solved. 'Target making radical zigs on base course 21.70T, speed 9 knots. Built up to full power and started in.

: 2230(H) Range to target eight thousand yards. Stopped and opened top pedo tube doors. (Only four torpedoes' remaining forward and two aft)

: 2231(H) Built up to full power and continued in. The destroyer was about six hundred yards astern of the tanker. 'They were on a left zig and gave us a track of about 130° starboard. The range closed too slowly for comfort.

: 2238(H) With the range four thousand yards target zigged back to base course and gave us about a 1000 track.

: 2242(H) Fired a spread of three torpedoes at the destroyer and one at the tanker. Ordered right full rudder and brought the stern tubes to bear.

: 2244(H) Fired two torpedoes from the stern tubes at the tanker.

: 2245(H) Three hits on the destroyer blew him completely out of the water. One hit on the tanker with the depth set at twenty feet seemed to lift him out of the water. This hit stopped him and caused the two torpedoes fired from the stern tubes to pass ahead.

: 2246(H) Pulled out to fifty-five hundred yards end stopped. Moonrise.

: 2256(H) Tanker stopped, low in water and down by the bow. He was firing shells all over the ocean.

: 2258(H) Manned all guns to see if we could work him over from his bow.

17
12

— page 82 —
U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of Second War Patrol.

NARRATIVE (Continued)

November 18, 1943 (Cont'd.)

2302(H) They sighted us in the moonlight and opened up on us with rapid fire. Uncomfortably close. Cleared the topside and took her down. Decided that any further damage that we might inflict on the tanker with our guns was not worth the risk to this vessel of being hit by one of his shells.

2334(H) Surfaced. Set course for Fremantle via Molukka Passage and Umbali Strait.

Noon Position - Lat. 04-59 N
Long. 123-17 E

November 19, 1943

0150(H) Sent message to Combatant For Seventy One regarding tanker dead in water.

1358(H) SD radar contact, 13 miles. Submerged for two hours.

Noon Position - Lat. 02-43 N
Long. 121-33 E

November 20, 1943

Enroute Fremantle, cruising on surface through Molukka and Banda Sea.

Noon Position - Lat. 03-07 S
Long. 125-44 E

November 21, 1943

Enroute Fremantle cruising on surface through Ombai Strait.

1218(H) Lookout sighted periscope bearing 2900 rel, range 500 yards.

Noon Position - Lat. 09-07 S
Long. 123-42 E

November 22 - 25, 1943

Enroute Fre Antle, V.A.

November 26, 1943

0640 (H) Arrive Fre Antle, V.A.

- 12 -

1 01339

— page 83 —
SS222/A16-3
Serial 018
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject:  U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of Second War Patrol.

C. WEATHER.
The weather was generally excellent and as described in H.O. publications concerning the NEI area.

D. TIDAL INFORMATION.
As described in pertinent H.O. publications concerning the NEI area.

E. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
The British secret charts of Dangerous Ground in the South China Sea proved invaluable.
North Balabac Strait was used both going to and coming from Dangerous Ground. It is easy to navigate and saves about 25 miles going to South China Sea via Dangerous Ground.

— page 88 —
23/2/44
SS222/A16-3
Serial 018
C-O-N-P-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-I
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of Second War Patrol.
ATTACK DATA (Continued)
ATTACK No. 1 (Continued)
Damage Determined By (Continued)
and all three within a 300 true bearing segment, all at about 12,000 yds., with two pips getting smaller without opening range.
(f) As soon as all tubes were reloaded we headed at full power for one of the two ships visible. Before we got there the ship disappeared from sight and during this time two pips disappeared on radar, notwithstanding that we were closing the range at. 20 knots. Only one pip and one ship were now in sight. We destroyed that ship later.
Target Draft: Various Course: .007 Speed: 12.8 Range: 2800
Own Ship Data
Speed: 20-18 Course: Various, Depth: 18° Angle: 0°
Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type Attack - Night surface attack using radar ranges and TBT bearings. The convoy was tracked from great range during moonlight and from radar range following moonless. When problem was solved, built up to full power and went in for a 900 track, keeping bow on target coming in. Fired 2 at leading ship, 1 at second ship, 1 at third ship, 2 at fourth, fifth and sixth ships respectively. adjusting own course to give zero gyro angles on all shots.
- 18 -
1 01339
19

— page 90 —
1. SS222/A16-3
Serial 018
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH Report of Second War Patrol.
ATTACK DATA (Continued)
ATTACKS No. 2, 3, & 4
U.S.S. BLUEFISH - TORPEDO ATTACK No. 2, 3, & 4 - PATROL No. 2
Time 0500-0531(H) Date - Nov. 8, 1943 - Lat. 16-44N, Long. 116-23E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description: Target was a damaged 10,000 ton laden tanker which had been hit once in Attack No. 1. It was dead and low in water.
Ship Sunk: 1 tanker - 10,000 ton.
Damage Determined By: Saw tanker hit by 4 more torpedoes and burst into flames from stem to stern.
Target Draft: 30' Course: 3450 Speed: 0 Range: Various
Own Ship Data:
Speed: 17 Course: 075 Depth: 18' Angle: 0
Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Three separate surface runs were made using the TFT, TDC and radar, adjusting the ship's course for zero gyro angles and 900 tracks. Attack No. 2 was made at 0500, firing 4 bow tubes. One hit. Attack No. 3 was made at 0509, firing two forward tubes. One hit. Attack No. 4 was made at 0531, firing two tubes aft. Two hits.

-20-
1 01333
21

— page 92 —
22-02-22
SS222/A16-3
Serial 018
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of Second War Patrol.
ATTACK DATA (Cont'd.)
ATTACK No. 5
U.S.S. BLUEFISH Torpedo Attack No. 5 Patrol No. 2
Time: 2242(H) Date: Nov. 18, 1943 Lat. 04-52N Long. 122-07E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description
Target was an unidentified tanker (light) of 10,000 tons or more, escorted by an ASASHIO class DD. The escort was in column with and 600 yards astern of tanker. Target was sighted from the surface, tracked during the day and attacked at night before the moon rose.

Ship Sunk - 1 destroyer of the ASASHIO class.
Ship Damaged - 1 tanker of 10,000 or more tons.
Damage Determined by - Saw DD hit 3 times and blow up.

Target Draft: 20' & 10' Course: 257 Speed: 8.9 Range: Various
Own Ship Data
Speed: 20-18 Course: Various Depth: 18' Angle: 0
Fire Contr. and Torpedo Data
Type Attack - Night surface attack using radar ranges and TBT bearings. The target was tracked during darkness from a range of about 13,000 yards until problem was solved. Went in at high speed using continuous TBT bearings, adjusting own course to give zero gyro angle for each shot. Fired first three of 4 bow tubes at the escort and one at the tanker. Turned away and fired two more at the tanker from stern tubes.

- 22 -

1 01339
23

— page 94 —
1. MINES
No mines were laid or encountered.

North Balabac Strait was not mined as of November 11, 1943.

J. ANTI-SUBMARINE MIRSUKES AND EVASION TACTICS

1. The destroyer who foiled our attack on the six ship convoy on the night of November 16, 1943, was coming towards us when he was still 5,000 yards away. As it was a dark night, our angle on the bow very small, and the convoy speed only 9 knots, it is probable that we were detected by sound as we proceeded in at full power. He turned a searchlight on us when range was 3,500 yards. We dove, and silently thereafter he dropped 3 depth charges - surprisingly inaccurately. Although he pinged around for a couple of hours he never regained contact. There is always the possibility to be considered that we were detected by radar.

2. The Jap practice of escorting one ship with one escort seems stupid, since it simply makes them both inviting targets: Unless extremely vital circumstances exist definitely requiring a single ship to sail, it would be infinitely better from the enemy's point of view to escort TWO ships with TWO escorts, THREE ships with THREE escorts and so on. FOUR escorts around a reasonably small convoy of from 5 to 8 ships makes the attack problem very difficult if not impossible under many circumstances.

K. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

None.

L. RADIO

During the patrol this vessel transmitted three messages to VIXO, using the frequency recommended in our operation order. On all three occasions the ease with which the message was delivered and the clarity with which VIXO received was gratifying.

1 01339 25
-24-

— page 97 —
1st Submarine Squadron, Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii, 13 December 1943.

FRI: The Co. Surgeon Submarine Squadron, Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii, 13 December 1943.

T: The Commander Submarines, Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii, 13 December 1943.

V: The Commander Submarines, Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii, 13 December 1943.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH - Report of 2nd War Patrol - Comment on:

1. The second war patrol of U.S.S. BLUEFISH was conducted in the SOUTH CHINA SEA and CHILES SEA ARRAS. The total time on patrol was thirty-one (31) days, of which twenty (20) days were spent in the areas and approaches thereto.

2. The attack on the six ship convoy on 8 November 1943, was the highlight of the patrol and was most effective. In the space of about five minutes, ten (10) torpedoes were fired, two on each of four targets and one (1) torpedo at each of the other two ships in the convoy. From the evidence available, it appears that at least one hit was obtained on each of the targets with two torpedoes, a large number of torpedoes were fired at the target, and the torpedoes were fired at a target previously damaged and dead in the water. A total of four hits was obtained for 50 hits. This tanker was definitely sunk. The other four targets are considered to have been heavily damaged (probably sunk) but the evidence is not conclusive.

3. The action against the power driven sapper, sinking by gunfire, after giving the crew an opportunity to abandon ship, is approved.

4. The sinking of the large destroyer and severe damage to the large tanker on 18 November 1943, is noted with pleasure. The approach and attack in this action were exceptionally well conducted. The decision of the Commanding Officer not to engage in a gun fight with this tanker under the existing conditions is approved. However, it is believed that the U.S.S. BLUEFISH should have remained to watch this target and keep the Task Force Commander informed of her movements in order that another submarine could be diverted to finish her off.

— page 98 —
5. The general material condition of U.S.S. BLUFFISH is excellent, and the state of health and morale of the ship's company most gratifying.

6. Commander Submarine Squadron takes pleasure in congratulating the Commanding Officer, officers, and crew of the U.S.S. BLUFFISH on this highly successful patrol.

J. Haines.

— page 99 —
12-6t
Serial 0005
27 Dec 1943.
SECOND ENDORSEMENT:
USS BLUEFISH Second War
Patrol dated 26 November,
1943. Serial 018.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Second War Patrol -
Comment on.

1. The Second War Patrol of BLUEFISH was terminated
by intelligence, aggressiveness, and persistence by the Commanding
Officer. He is an expert in the night radar surface attack, de-
tails of which are deserving of close attention.

2. Departure from assigned area was correct and is
approved.

3. Torpedo performance, seventeen hits for twenty-
four torpedoes fired, is a co-pliment to the steadily improved
work of the torpedo overhaul and operating personnel.

4. The patrol is considered successful for purpose
of award of the Submarine Combat Insignia. The Commanding Officer,
Officers, and Crew of BLUEFISH are congratulated for the brilliantly
conducted patrol and for the following specific results:

|    | CUNK |    |    |
|------|------|------|------|
| 1  | 1 A0 (XOKUKEI IARU) | 12,000 tons. |
| 1  | 1 A0 (AATSU IARU) | 10,000 tons. |
| 1  | 1 DD (SAIASE) | 820 tons. |
|      | Total | 22,820 tons. |

|    | DAIAGED |    |    |
|------||------|------|
| 1  | 1 A0 (OIDO IARU) | 14,050 tons. |
| 1  | 1 AP - AK (KAGU IARU) | 6,807 tons. |
| 1  | 1 AP - AK (AIKAI IARU) | 6,950 tons. |
| 1  | 1 AK (AIYASU IARU) | 7,000 tons. |
| 1  | 1 AP - AK (JOKURIKU IARU) | 8,400 tons. |
|      | Total | 43,841 tons. |

R. W. CHRISTIE.
DISTRIBUTION:
(On next page)

— page 100 —
12-bt
Serial 01005
27 December, 1943.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BLUEFISH Second Wr
Patrol dated 26 November,
1943. Serial 018.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Second War Patrol -
Comment on.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (2) -Via Com7thFlt
Vice Opnav (1) -Via Com7thFlt
Vice Opnav
Op-23c (1)
Com1stFlt (1)
Com2ndFlt (1)
Com3rdFlt (1)
Com7thFlt (1)
ComSubs1stFlt (2)
ComSubs2ndFlt (4)
Comtaskfor-72 (2)
Comsubron-16 (1)
Divcoms Ron-16 (1)
Each S/M W.A. (1) -NOT TO BE TAKEN TO SEA - BURN
Comtaskfor-71 (4)

E.L. CARR,
Commander, U.S. Navy,
Flag Secretary.

— page 101 —
1. Forwarded.
2. The Commander, SEVENTH FLEET, congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers and crew for a most aggressive patrol.

T. C. KINKAID

Copy to:
VCNO.

— page 102 —
SS222/A16-3
Serial 01

DECLASSIFIED

From:  The Commanding Officer.
To:  The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via:  (1) The Commander Submarine Division ONE SIXTY-TWO.
       (2) The Commander Submarine Squadron SIXTEEN.
       (3) The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE.
       (4) The Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject:  U.S.S. ELUEFISH, Report of War Patrol Number Three.

Enclosure:  (A) Subject Report.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the Third War Patrol of this vessel conducted in South China Sea and approaches to the Gulf of Siam, during the period 20 December, 1943 to 17 January, 1944, is forwarded herewith.

G. E. PORTER.

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPMARVIST 9310.1C
BY: 0-0262C DATE: 3/24/42

65592

— page 104 —
17 January, 1944

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of Third War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Contd.)

December 24 - 25, 1943 (Contd.)

Noon Position: December 24 - Lat. 180-43.7'S - Long. 1140-52.5'E

December 25 - Lat. 130-20.4'S - Long. 1150-08.3'E

December 26, 1943

0523(H) Sighted sampan about eighty miles south of Lombok Strait. Investigated and found Japanese flags painted on the sides of the superstructure. Did not destroy this vessel, as there were two women and several children aboard, and they had no lifeboats.

0630(H) Set course for Lombok Strait.

1940(H) Commenced passage Lombok Strait. Uneventful passage. Radar detector was manned during passage. No signals detected.

2325(H) Set course to the northeast. At this time I had a premonition of running into trouble. We were following the U.S.S. RASHER and were too close for comfort.

Noon Position: Lat. 90-20.0'S Long. 1150-38.2'E

December 27, 1943

0524(H) Sighted Japanese Mine Sweeper (Ship Contact No. 1). I attempted to evade on the surface but he sighted our smoke and started after us. Forced to dive because the range was decreasing. Went to deep submergence, rigged for depth charge attack, and ran silent. He dropped a pattern of four depth charges. None too close. He stayed near us echo ranging until 1000(H) but did not drop any more depth charges. I am fairly certain that the U.S.S. RASHER made an attack and that we ran into his trouble.

— page 105 —
17 January 1944.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of Third Was Patrol.

(B) NARATE (Contd)

December 27, 1942 (Contd)

1921(H) Surfaced and set course to the west for patrol area.

Noon Position: Lat. 70-17.9'S Long.116-25.0'E

December 28, 1943

0230(H) Passed between Goa Goa Island and Kangean Island.

0300(H) Set course for patrol area via Karimata Strait.

0515(H) Submerged.

1615(H) Surfaced and continued toward Karimata Strait.

Noon Position: Lat. 60-18.2'S Long.114-25.1'E

December 29, 1943

Enroute patrol area via Karimata Strait. Surface cruising uneventful.

Noon Position: Lat. 40-44.2'S Long.111-02.7'E

December 30, 1943

Enroute patrol area via Karimata Strait. Surface cruising.

1509(H) Sighted small boat with three natives in it. No fishing sampans sighted during passage.

1515(H) Submerged twenty miles south of Serutu Island after obtaining a good fix. Decided to pass through Karimata Strait during darkness. The depth of water here is thirteen fathoms and being sighted by a patrol boat would be rugged.

1715(H) Sighted large unidentified tanker coming through.

— page 106 —
17 January 1944.

SS222/A16-3
Serial 01
U.S.S. BLUFFISH
17 January 1944.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUFFISH, Report of Third War Patrol.

December 30, 1943 (Contd)

1715 (H) Karimata Strait (Ship Contact No. 2). He was fully loaded. The silhouette consisted of mast, superstructure, mast, funnel, and stack well aft on the after deckhouse. She was putting out heavy smoke and was undoubtedly a coal burner. Tracked him at about 12 knots, course approximately 1450T. I could have made a submerged attack with ease, but I let him go by for two reasons: First: The depth of water was 13 fathoms, and we were about 10 miles from land; Second: I am convinced that night surface attacks should be made when feasible in preference to day-light submerged attacks. The fire control data is more accurate and you have better control of your ship.

1933 (H) Surfaced in hot pursuit of tanker.

2047 (H) Radar contact on target range 12,500 yards. Went to action stations and commenced tracking.

2224 (H) Range to target 11,000 yards, angle on bow 30 degrees port, with a perfect T.D.C. solution. He was steady on course 160 degrees, true, speed 11.5 knots. Started in on him at full power, keeping bow constantly on target. We had a large black cloud for a background. Decided to fire six torpedoes to ensure his destruction on the first attack, as the depth of water was 13 to 20 fathoms and I did not want anti-submarine activity.

2226 (H) Stopped to open outer torpedo tube doors; slowed to about 10 knots.

2228 (H) Built up to full power and continued in.

2231 (H) Slowed to 8 knots.

2234 (H) At a range of 1200 yards (it looked closer), commenced firing (Attack No. 1). The first two torpedoes were set at 20 feet. They were undoubtedly influence hits,

— page 107 —
2234(H) and they set him on fire instantaneously from stem to stern. I don't believe anyone aboard knew what hit him. Ordered cease firing and saved the sixth torpedo. The five torpedoes were fired with zero gyro angles, all to hit. I saw all five hit. The third torpedo set at ten feet opened up a hole in his side and fuel poured out in our direction and caught on fire immediately. Ordered full right shudder and passed about 100 yards from the inferno. Watched him burn for three hours and took plottures. I believe he was loaded with hi-octane gasoline.

2234(H) Set course for Karimata Strait.

Noon Position: Lat. 20-47.0'S Long. 1090-26.4'E

December 31, 1943

0335(H) Passed through Karimata Strait. Passed four miles off Serutu Island light.

0610(H) Submerged. Reduced the watch to a minimum, and all hands took a rest.

1527(H) Surfaced and set course toward Singapore along traffic route between that port and Karimata Strait.

1800(H) Set clocks back one hour to (G) time.

1705(G) Lookout sighted unidentified plane. (Plane Contact No. 1). Submerged.

1810(G) Surfaced and continued toward Singapore.

Noon Position: Lat. 19-25.0'S Long. 1070-57.6'E

January 1, 1944.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

— page 108 —
88222/A16-3
Serial 01
U.S.S. BLUEFISH
17 January 1944

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of Third War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Contd)

January 1, 1944 (Contd)

0000(G) Set course for Pulo Tenggol Island.

0526(G) Submerged.

1609(G) Surfaoed and continued toward Pulo Tenggol Island.

1822(G) Sighted large unidentified patrol plane. (Plane Contact No. 2) Submerged.

1900(G) Surfaoed and continued toward Pulo Tenggol Island.

Noon Position: Lat. 10-09.0'N Long. 105-30.5'E

January 2, 1944

0526(G) Submerged.

1236(G) Surfaoed and continued toward Pulo Tenggol Island.

1410(G) Plane contact on radar; distance 10 miles (Plane Contact No. 3). Submerged.

1534(G) Surfaoed.

1634(G) Plane contact on radar; distance 8 miles (Plane Contact No. 4). Submerged.

1812(G) Surfaoed and continued toward Pulo Tenggol Island.

2158(G) Sighted Pulo Tenggol Island.

Noon Position: Lat. 30-23.9'N Long. 104-50.1'E

January 3, 1944

Completed special mission. Separate secret report submitted.

0915(G) Set course toward Saigon, French Indo China.

— page 109 —
17 January 1944

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of Third War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Contd)

January 3, 1944 (Contd)

0538(G) Submerged. Patrolled traffic lane between Singapore and Saigon.

1312(G) Surfaced and set course to the east. Decided to patrol the main traffic lane from Singapore to the Empire until the dark of the moon.

Moon Position: Lat. 50-44.2'N Long. 103-58.8'E

January 4, 1944

1304(G) Sighted ship in the haze. Submerged. The ship sighted also submerged. Since I was convinced it was a Blue submarine, I surfaced and sent message on the Qc-JK sound equipment requesting other submarine to surface. U.S.S. RASHER replied and surfaced. Went alongside. We decided to form a scouting line and patrol toward the southeast. Manned the voice-modulated TEL equipment.

1641(G) Closed U.S.S. RASHER. We decided to continue scouting line during the night. Opened out and commenced patrol to the southeast.

1720(G) Received message from U.S.S. RASHER that he had sighted two ships. Closed the U.S.S. RASHER. We decided that he would go in first, and that I would remain in radar contact with the targets and see what happened.

1830(G) Three quarter moon. U.S.S. RASHER started in on targets on the surface. Noted that, with his blue color, a trained lookout would have a hard job picking him up at 3000 yards. It was also noted that his lookouts, in dark clothing, increased the range of visibility considerably. The new paint job is a definite improvement.

1902(G) Heard explosion. Radar showed that two targets (Ship Contact No. 3 and No. 4) changed base course to 270°T. Commenced tracking.

— page 110 —
1916(G)  Heard second explosion.  Saw machine gun tracer bullets at various intervals, in vicinity of RASHER.

: 1928(G)  Heard third explosion.

: 2005(G)  In position, on starboard bow of targets,  Problem solved.  They were zigging on base course 2700T, speed eight knots.  Started in at slow speed.  The two targets were in line.  The near target was a tanker, with two stakks abreast aft, later identified as the Japanese tanker, HAKKO MARU, (A former American whaler converted for use as a tanker), 6035 tons.  The far target was a medium size freighter.

: 2015(G)  At a range of 2500 yards, commenced firing at the tanker.  (Attack No. 2)  Fired four torpedoes with a small offset spread and zero gyro angles, all to hit.

: 2016(G)  Fired two torpedoes at the freighter at a range of 2500 yards, zero gyro angles, both aimed to hit.  Saw one torpedo hit the tanker and heard and felt another hit the tanker.  The fifth torpedo fired was a premature close aboard.  The freighter put his stern to us and headed south.  We stopped the tanker.

: 2020(G)  Commenced reload forward.

: 2022(G)  The machine gun fire and 4" or 5" shells from both targets were hot, heavy, and uncomfortably close.  Submerged and continued in on the tanker.

: 2039(G)  With the range to the target about 1200 yards, ordered right full rudder and brought the stern tubes to bear.  Set the gyre angles aft on zero.

: 2045(G)  The target track was 90 degrees.  He was making slight headway.  At a range of about 1100 yards (Attack No. 3), fired two torpedoes, aimed at his bow.  The first

— page 111 —
17 January 1944

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of Third War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Contd)

January 4, 1944 (Contd)

204.5(G) torpedo was a premature and really shook us. The second hit him under the foremost and set him on fire instantaneously from stem to stern. The depth control maintained by Lieutenant P.E. Loustaunau, U.S.N. during this attack was exceptional. We were reloading torpedoes forward, firing aft, and swinging ship with full rudder with the outboard screw ahead full and the inboard stopped. He maintained periscope depth.

2051(G) Surfaced in hot pursuit of freighter.

2105(G) Received message from U.S.S. RASHER saying he was chasing a target south of the fire and that he had sunk a tanker on his first attack.

2124(G) Sighted two ships. I believed that the one was the U.S.S. RASHER and that the other was a big tanker. (Ship Contact No. 5) This tanker was later identified as the KITO MARU (7250 tons). I couldn't understand what happened to the freighter. Thought possibly that the second ship was the freighter. The small ship opened up with machine gun fire and 4" or 5" fire in the general direction of the tanker. This further convinced me that it was the RASHER. Stood by to await developments.

2140(G) Saw two premature explosions on the side of the tanker opposite that of the unknown ship, and at this time I knew that the second ship was the freighter. Also saw the RASHER get one hit on the tanker. Started after the freighter.

2204(G) Saw the U.S.S. RASHER hit the tanker with another torpedo. He listed to starboard at least 30 degrees and I thought he was gone, but his damage control must have been good, because they were back on an even keap in short order. I wasn't too comfortable during this time as we were in the line of fire of the RASHER in case he missed the target.

— page 112 —
2231(G) Range to the freighter 1900 yards with a track of 140°. Target speed 7.5 knots. Fired five torpedoes with an offset spread (Attack No. 4). No hits. Looking back on this attack, I believe I was over-anxious to sink her. Three torpedoes would have been enough.

2232(G) Target opened up on us with his machine guns and 4 or 5 inch gun. They were whistling by mighty close. Submerged. I cannot understand no hits.

2242(G) Surfaced in hot pursuit of freighter. He was zigging radially on base course 000°. Speed 8.1 knots. At this time we had only three torpedoes remaining. They were in the stern tubes, which had previously been flooded. Decided to track the target until moonset. Pulled the three torpedoes aft to check for flooding. They were dry.

2303(G) The fire from our burning tanker died out.

Noon Position: Lat. 60-57.6'N Long. 1080-12.2'E

January 5, 1944

0110(G) Moonset. Very dark night.

0121(G) We had his speed exactly and could call his zigs by changes in the radar range. Started in at full power.

0140(G) At a range of 1500 yards, ordered right full rudder, and slowed to seven knots.

0143(G) Range 1600 yards, 90 degree track. Fired three torpedoes (Attack No. 5) with zero gyro angles from the stern tubes, all aimed to hit. All three torpedoes broached continuously and ran all over the ocean. One circled and exploded about 150 yards on our starboard beam. Ten torpedoes fired at one freighter without a hit, broke my heart. The freighter opened up with

— page 113 —
17 January 1944
SS222/A16-3
Serial 01
U.S.S. BLUEFISH
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of Third War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Contd)

January 5, 1944 (Contd)

0143(G) his guns on the premature explosion. Sent a message to RASHER giving him the position, course and speed of the freighter.

0200(G) Set course for the vicinity of the burned tanker.

0329(G) Sighted a lifeboat close aboard. Stopped. Laid to until daybreak.

0543(G) Sighted two lifeboats. There were about 50 men in the one boat and about 20 in the other. Closed the one. About 30 men dove over the side. Went along-side and took one prisoner aboard. Closed the other lifeboat and took another prisoner aboard. The prisoners stated that there were three ships in the formation, the HAKKO MARU, KIYO MAHU and a freighter. They tried to give me the name of the freighter but my knowledge of the Jap language is very limited. The two prisoners seem to be happy and enjoy being aboard. They play cards with the crew and a regular Japanese language course is in session every afternoon.

0643(G) Set course for Balabac Strait.

Noon Position: Lat. 60-21.0'N Long. 1090-3010'E

January 6, 1944

1507(G) Sighted two ships, a tanker and a freighter. (Ship Contacts No. 6 and No. 7), heading northeast for Palawan Passage. Tracked these ships until 2130(G), Base course 035 degrees true, speed 8 knots. Made certain that two other submarines had this information and then continued toward Balabac Strait.

2000(G) Set clocks ahead one hour to (H) time.

Noon Position: Lat. 60-45.8'N Long. 1140-28.1E

— page 114 —
17 January 1944

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of Third War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Contd)

January 7, 1944

0300(H) Commenced passage Balabac Strait.

0448(H) Departed Balabac Strait and set course for Sibutu Passage.

2100(H) Commenced passage Sibutu Passage.

2250(H) Departed Sibutu Passage. Set course for Molukka Passage via Bangka Passage.

Noon Position: Lat. 70-36.3N Long. 1180-47.7E

January 8, 1944

1154(H) Sighted and exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. MEDFIN.

Noon Position: Lat. 30-19.5'N Long. 1220-46.7'E

January 9, 1944

0010(H) Passed through Bangka Passage and entered Molukka Passage. Set course for Omai Strait via Molukka and Banda Seas.

0746(H) Contact on plane radar, distance 28 miles (Plane Contact No. 5), Submerged.

0857(H) Surfaed.

Noon Position: Lat. 00-24.0'S Long. 1260-07.4'E

January 10, 1944

Enroute Omai Strait via Molukka and Banda Seas.

0720(H) Contact plane radar, distance 16 miles (Plane Contact No. 6). Plane closed to 14 miles and then opened out.

1313(H) Contact plane radar, distance 21 miles (Plane Contact No. 7). Contact opened out.

- 12 -

— page 115 —
17 January 1944
SS222/A16-3
Serial 01
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-A-
Subject: U.S.S. ELUEFISH, Report of Third War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Contd)
January 10, 1944 (Contd)
1900(H) Commenced passage Ombai Strait.
Noon Position: Lat. 6°-37.8'S
Long. 125°-28.0'E

January 11, 1944
0553(H) Sighted medium sized freighter with small unidentified escort (Ship Contacts No. 7 and No. 8). Submerged, and tracked on base course 030°T, speed 10 knots. They were apparently headed toward Alor Strait.

0715(H) Sighted unidentified plane hovering over freighter (Plane Contact No. 8).

0855(H) Surfaced and continued Ombai Strait passage. Did not send contact report as I could not determine their destination, and could not trail due to plane contact.

0905(H) Plane contact on radar, distance 15 miles (Plane Contact No. 9). This was probably the same plane as contact No. 8. Contact closed to 8 miles. Submerged.

1237(H) Surfaced and continued Ombai Strait passage.

2000(H) Departed Ombai Strait and set course for Fremantle, W.A.
Noon Position: Lat. 90°-17.0'S
Long. 123°-23.0'E

January 12, 1944
Enroute Fremantle, W.A. This date, our S7 radar range unit failed. An electrical lead to one of the crystals in this unit is broken (See Section M). The repair of this is beyond the capacity of the complete transmitter and receiver units installed in the conning tower, so installed that either set may be coupled to the S7 radar mast. This equipment

— page 116 —
17 January 1944

Subject: U.S.S. BLUFFISH, Report of Third War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE (Contd.)

January 12, 1944 (Contd.)

is so important that any chance of failure should by all means be eliminated. Other less important equipment in the conning tower, such as chart desk, sound gear, or periscope holst motors should be removed if necessary to provide room for the additional radar equipment.

Noon Position: Lat. 12°-27.6'S Long. 118°-49.5'E

January 13 - 17, 1944

Enroute Fremantle, W.A.

Noon Position:

January 13 - Lat. 16°-18'S Long. 115°43.3'E

January 14 - Lat. 200°-08.9'S Long. 113°-24.8'E

January 15 - Lat. 24°-50.0'S Long. 112°-23.5'E

January 16 - Lat. Long.

January 17, 1943 - Arrived Fremantle, W.A.

— page 117 —
SS222/AI6-3
Serial QI
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-I
Subject:  U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of Third War Patrol.

(C)  WEATHER
Normal seasonal Northwest Monsoons were found throughout areas north of the barrier islands with moderate to heavy seas in the SOUTH CHINA SEA and SULU SEA areas. Experienced only moderate wind and light, choppy seas, with some surface haze prevalent, in passage through JAVA SEA and KARIMATA STRAIT areas; December 28 thru 30th December 31, 1943. Light winds and smooth seas with long, low swells, were encountered at the western end of FLORES SEA and in the return trip through MOLUKKA PASSAGE. The wind freshened from the southwest, with rough chop and swells and frequent rain squalls, in the BANDA SEA, under the influence of the normal western monsoon.

(D)  TIDAL INFORMATION
The passage through LOMBOK STRAIT was made at time of high water at AMPENAN on the west coast of LOMBOK ISLAND, and little discernable set was experienced during the passage. In approaching BALABAG STRAIT from the westward, there was a set averaging 0.6 knots, in a northwest direction, over a period of four hours; in spite of heavy seas and stiff winds from the northeast.

Elsewhere, including the JAVA SEA area, currents of 0.5 knots or under were generally in the direction of the prevailing wind and sea.

(2)  NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
None encountered.

— page 120 —
17 January 1944
SS222/A16-3
Serial 01
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BLUFFISH, Report of Third War Patrol.
ATTACK NO. 1
ATTACK DATA
U.S.S. BLUFFISH - TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 - PATROL NO. 3
Time: 2234(H) Date: 30 Dec. 1943 - Lat. 29-45'S Long. 109°-10'E
Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description: One unescorted, average size A0. Contact was made by periscope sighting at 1715; trailed until dark. No moon, overcast, clear hori zon.
Ship(s) Sunk: One A0, 10,000 tons.
Ship(s) Damaged:
None.
Damage Determined By:
Saw, heard, and felt 5 torpedoes hit. When second torpedo hit, ship was enveloped in flames from stem to stern; seen burning for 3½ hours.
Target Draft - 20ft; Course: 160°; Speed: 11.4; Range: 1,200 yards.
Own Ship Data
Speed: 8 knots; Course: 258°; Depth: 18ft; Angle: 0°
Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type Attack: Night surface attack using radar ranges and TBT bearings. The ship was tracked, using TDC from a range of 8000-10000 yards for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Gained position 300 on port bow of target range 11000 yds. Started in at full power, keeping bow on target, adjusted course to give zero gyro angles, slowed to 2/3 speed; fired tubes #6, 5, 4, 3, 2, to hit. Bearings from TBT continuously matched on TDC.

— page 125 —
17 January 1944.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of Third War Patrol.

ATTACK No. 2 (Contd)

Tubes Fired - No. 7 - No. 10
Track angle - 93°P 93°P
Gyro Angle - 00 00
Depth Set - 20 20
Power - EI Ei
Hit or Miss - Miss hit
Erratic - Premature No
Mark Torpedo - 14-3A 14-3A
Serial No. - 25510 25491
Mark Exploder - 6-4 6-4
Serial No. - 5064 6882
Actuation Set - Both Both
Actuation Actual - Contact
Mark Warhead - 16 16
Serial No. - 2915 10005
Explosive - TPX TPX
Firing Interval - 10.seconds.
Type Spread - None
Sea Condition - Calm
Overhaul Activity - U.S.S. PELIAS.
Remarks: - Torpedo #25510 exploded
prematurely 16 seconds after firing.

- 23 -

— page 126 —
22/1/1944
Serial 01
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of Third War Patrol.
ATTACK No. 4
U.S.S. BLUEFISH - TORPEDO ATTACK No. 4 - FATROL No. 3
Time: 2231(G); Date: Jan. 4, 1944; Lat: 70-16.3'N; Long.: 108-34.2'E.
Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description: Single ship, using radical zig plan, believed to be KONSAH MARU, a freighter of 2,750 gross tons, which was the second ship fired at in Attack No. 2. Visibility same as for No. 2.
Ships Sunk: None.
Ships Damaged: None.
Damage Determined by: -
Target Draft: 18'; Course: 060°T; Speed: 7.5 kts; Range: 1900 yds.
Own Ship Data
Speed: 10 kts; Course: 021°T; Depth: Surface; Angle: 00
Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type Attack: Night surface attack, using SJ radar ranges, TBT bearings, and TDC control. Tracked target only fifty minutes, but previous tracking of this target for Attack No. 2 had fairly well established his speed. Angle on bow was estimated as 140° starboard at time of firing. Attack was made in spite of large track, because it was felt that an excellent solution of his course and speed was set on the TDC, and because it was desired to press home an attack as soon as possible in order to give attention to the remaining target in the vicinity if it eluded RASHER. Five torpedoes were fired from the bow tubes. The cause of all being misses is not understood. Little opportunity was available for observation of the torpedo runs, since heavy and close gunfire from the target made submergence necessary as the last torpedoes were going out.

— page 127 —
17 January 1944.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of Third War Patrol.

ATTACK No. 4 (Contd)

Tubes Fired - No. 6  No. 5  No. 4  No. 3  No. 2
Track Angle - 137°S  138°S  139.5°S  140.5°S  142°S
Gyro Angle - 3°L   2°L   0.5°L   0.5°L   2°R
Depth Set - 20    20    20    15    15
Power - Hi    Hi    Hi    Hi    Hi
Hit or Miss - Miss   Miss   Miss   Miss   Miss
Erratic - ?      ?      ?      ?      ?
Mark Torpedo - 14-3A  14-3A  14-3A  14-3A  14-3A
Serial No. - 24402  24431  24322  24300  24742
Mark Exploder - 6-4    6-4    6-4    6-4    6-4
Sgrial No. - 7180   6844   11444  7215   6785
Actuation Set - Both  Both  Both  Both  Both
Actuation "actual" - --   --   --   --
Mark Warhead - 16    16    16    16    16
Serial No. - 5057   9926   2498   5811   1499
Explosive - TPX   TPX    TPX    TPX    TPX
Firing Interval - 10 Seconds.
Type Spread - 1/2" divergent spread.
Sea Conditions - Calm.
Overhaul Activity - U.S.S. PELIAS.

Remarks: - Reason for misses unknown. With the spread used and relatively short range (1800 yds.) at least one hit should be expected.

— page 128 —
17 January 1944

SS222/A16-3
Serial 01
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of Third War Patrol.

ATTACK DATA (Contd)

ATTACK No. 5

U.S.S. BLUEFISH - TORPEDO ATTACK No. 5 - PATROL No. 3
Time: 0143(G); Date: 5 Jan. 1944; Lat. 70-40.5'N.
    Long. 108-25'E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: One AK (KONSAI MAHU, left over from Attacks Nos. 2 & 3). No moon, overcast, hazy.

Ships Sunk: None

Ships Damaged: None

Target Draft - 18'; Course: 350°; Speed: 8.2 kts.
Range: 1600 yds.

Own Ship Data

Speed: 8 kts - Course: 100° - Depth: 18' - Angle: 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Night surface attack using radar ranges and TBT bearings. The ship was tracked using the TDC from a range of 7000 yards for 2½ hours. Gained position 30° on starboard bow of target, range 800 yards. Started in at flank speed, keeping bow pointed at target. At a range of 1500 yards, reversed course, stopped and slowed to about 7 knots, adjusted course for zero gyro angles, fired tubes 7, 8, 9, to hit. TBT bearings matched continuously on TDC.

— page 129 —
17 January 1944

SS222/A16-3
Serial 01
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of Third War Patrol.

| ATTACK DATA (Contd) | No. 7 | No. 8 | No. 9 |
||-------|-------|-------|
| Tubes Fired        | 107'08" | 110'08" | 113'08" |
| Track Angle       | 3°01' | 0°00' | 3°00' |
| Gyro Angle        | 20'    | 20'    | 20'    |
| Depth Set        | H1     | H1     | H1     |
| Power            | Miss   | Miss   | Miss   |
| Hit or Miss      | Yes   | Yes   | Yes   |
| Erratic         | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A |
| Mark Torpedo     | 24738 | 25541 | 24305 |
| Serial No.       | 6-4   | 6-4   | 6-4   |
| Mark Exploder    | 16    | 16    | 16    |
| Activation Set   | 10005 | 10174 | 675   |
| Serial No.       | TPX    | TPX    | TPX    |
| Explosive        | 10 secs. | 10 secs. | 10 secs. |
| Firing Interval  | None.  | None.  | None.  |
| Type Spread      |        |        |        |
| Sea Conditions    |        |        |        |
| Overall Activity  | U.S.S. PELIAS. | U.S.S. PELIAS. | U.S.S. PELIAS. |
| Remarks:         | Torpedo No. 24738 circled and exploded prematurely 150 yds. on the starboard beam. Torpedoes Nos. 25541 and 24305 proposed for awhile, then were not seen again. Two very distant explosions heard about 3.5 minutes after firing were presumed to be the torpedoes exploding at end of run. | | |

— page 131 —
17 January 1944

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, keport of Third War Patrol.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

No. 3 and No. 4 main engine mufflers failed to the extent that the noise from these engines is dangerously and excessively loud. Opportunity was not available to determine the exact location or extent of the fault. This trouble developed simultaneously in the two mufflers over a period of three days while enroute to the barrier from the assigned area. Had it been necessary for this vessel to operate in the area much longer, the noise might have seriously affected the execution of night surface attacks thereafter.

(L) RADIO

All messages transmitted to VIX were cleared without difficulty, using the frequency recommended in the operation order. Reception was, in general, good. All serials were received.

The modulation unit of the TBL equipment was successfully used for voice communication between the TBL and the TBL. The only difficulty experienced was with a broken microphone jack lead near the end of the series of attacks.

(M) RADAR

The SD radar functioned fairly well while in the area and prior to arrival in the area, but shortly after leaving the area, enroute to Fremantle, a good opportunity was obtained for returning with a land target. The transmitter filament tuning bar was found to be appreciably out of tune. Correcting this increased effective ranges by about 130 percent.

The SJ radar, although giving very excellent results at the time of departure from Fremantle, developed several troubles, all but one of which occurred, and was successfully repaired, prior to reaching the area. The last casualty described below luckily occurred south of the barrier while returning, since repair was impossible aboard ship due to no allowance of spare range unit crystals. The principal derangements were as follows:

(a) When no signal could be obtained upon turning on equipment, a bad oscillator tube (V-101: 707-a) in the converter unit was found and replaced, and a broken heater lead to this tube was repaired. Signals were restored thereby.

- 29 -

— page 132 —
222/AL6-3
Serial 01
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of Third War Patrol.

(M) RADAR (Contd)

(b) Excessive noise from the transmitter-receiver exhausted blower motor was eliminated by installing two 500 mm filter condensers, one from each blower lead, to ground. This is in addition to the noise filter installed by Submarine Base, New London, as per B. Submarine Maintenance Bulletin.

(c) When the sweep disappeared, it was restored by replacing the sweep tube (V-2:6SN7).

(d) Poor signal to noise ratio: was improved by replacing 2nd stage I.F. amplifier tube (V-202:6AC7).

(e) The range step disappeared. The step could be caused to appear intermittently by moving the input lead to the delay tank driving crystal. Tests with the C.R.O. showed that the signal was satisfactory into the Delay Tank but that no output was obtained from the tank. Disassembly of the Delay Tank, and tap tests of the crystals, using C.R.O., showed the driving crystal inside the tank was functioning, and, since no spare crystals are allowed, the range unit was reinstalled as it was, in order that the output of the Regulated Reotifier "A" might be kept at the proper value. Ranges could thereafter only be estimated from positions of the signal on the range indicator CRT face. Until a complete second equipment is provided, as recommended in the Commanding Officer's comments concerning this equipment in the Narrative (Part B), it is recommended that the allowance of spare parts be increased to include an extra crystal set for the Delay Tank.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

Neither the QC-JK nor the QB sound equipment is believed yet to be functioning properly. At no time, have ship propellers been picked up at ranges greater than 2500 yards. This condition has continued to exist since commissioning, in spite of attempts to improve it during three previous refits. The JF sonic equipment, however, proved its ability, when, at a submerged speed of 3.5 knots, the operator, in spite of the inherently high noise level caused by any move- ment through the water, was able to pick up a tanker (cf. SHIP CONTACT NO. 2) just south of SERVIU ISLAND in I-ARIMA-TA STRAIT, at a range estimated by periscope to be about 19000 yards, without previous knowledge on his part of its being

— page 133 —
22/1/44
SS222/A16-3
Serial 01
U.S.S. BLUEFISH
17 January 1944

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH, Report of Third war Patrol.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDUCTIONS (Contd)

there. This was at 1715(H) on 30 December, 1943, in isothermal water averaging 17 fathoms in depth, and with a temperature of about 84 degrees Farenheit. The character of the bottom is unknown. There was a light surface chop.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

On 30 December, a good density layer was encountered in the west FLORES SEA, between LANGEN ISLANDS and PATERNOSTER ISLANDS (Lat. 7°-10'5, Long. 116°-37'E), in water averaging about 250 fathoms in depth. The isothermal extend-ed from the surface, which was calm and smooth, to 200 feet, below which a negative thermal gradient of about 50F/100 ft. continued as deep as the maximum depth attained at that time, 350 feet. Balancing was not attempted, but depth control was easily maintained with 1.5 knots speed at a depth of 340 ft., with a trim which was about 5000 pounds heavy at 200 feet.

Elsewhere, in the JAVA SEA, KARIMATA STRAIT, and the SOUTH CHINA SEA, which are relatively shallow areas, only isothermals were encountered.

(P) Food was excellent throughout, and, due to the relatively short duration of this patrol, fresh frozen foods were still available near the end of the patrol.

Inability was good.
Health was good, with the following minor ailments being reported and treated:

Scabies - 3 cases.
Herpes-zoster - 1 case.
Urethritis - 5 cases
Ring worm - 2 cases.

— page 134 —
17 January 1944
SS222/416-3
Serial 01
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BLUFFISH, Report of Third War Patrol.

(Q) PERSONNEL
The performance of duty and morale of both officers and crew was of highest quality throughout, and left nothing to be desired.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED
Fremantle to Barrier: 1616 mi. 21,008 gals.
North of Barrier: 4449 mi. 52,637 gals.
Barrier to Fremantle: 1530 mi. 21,008 gals.

(S) DURATION
Days Enroute to Barrier: 6
Days North of Barrier: 16
Days Enroute to Fremantle: 5
Days Submerged: 5

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING
Torpedoes Fuel Provisions Personnel Factor
0 2000 gals. 30 days 30 days
Limiting factor this Patrol: All torpedoes expended.

(U) REMARKS
The refit crew accomplished an excellent job of repacking the periscope glands during the refit prior to this patrol. Leaks were negligible, while training remained smooth and easy.
In regard to the danger of enemy ships and aircraft using radar detection equipment to detect and determine bearings of our SD radar equipment, it has been the policy of this vessel to "key" the SD radar once every one to five minutes for a period of about five seconds. It is realized that, at most, this probably only makes its detection just a little more difficult. It is suggested that, if the SD radar could be redesigned or modified so that its frequency could be shifted to several different values, quickly and easily (either narrow band, or by single manual control) over a relatively narrow band, changing frequency between each time of keying would make its detection much more difficult, while still retaining the advantages of a low frequency radar system.

— page 135 —
15/16/16-3
Serial 063
U.S.S. RASHER, Flagship,
30 January 1944.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
BLUEFISH 3rd War Patrol
Report SS222/A16-3
dated 17 January 1944.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Third War Patrol - Comment on.

1. The third war patrol of the U.S.S. BLUEFISH covered a period of twenty-eight days of which sixteen were spent in enemy areas. The limiting factor in this aggressive and determined patrol was the expenditure of all torpedoes.

2. Nine ship contacts were made and it was possible for the BLUEFISH to make five determined attacks. Of these five attacks all but one was conducted on the surface at night and counter-measures as a result were neither strong nor effective.

ATTACK NO. ONE - This was a night surface attack and speaks well for the skill of the fire control party as evidenced by the fact that the firing of five torpedoes resulted in five hits.

ATTACK NO. TWO - This was a night surface attack in which two ships were engaged, the leading target with four torpedoes, the second with two and all fired to hit. The first two hit, again demonstrating the excellence of the fire control data, while the last four, containing one premature, missed. It is felt that the misses may have been the result of target's change of course or speed or both on hearing the first two explosions. Had a spread been used it is possible that more hits might have been obtained.

ATTACK NO. THREE - This was a submerged night attack on target previously hit and which, as a result, was almost dead in the water. Two torpedoes were very properly fired to hit. One pre-matured but the second hit and caused the HAKKO MARU to sink.

— page 136 —
15/16/16-3
Serial 063
U.S.S. RASHER, Flagship
30 January 1944.

FIRST FNDORSETTNT to
BLUEFISH 3rd War Patrol
Report SS222/A16-3
dated 17 January 1944.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Third War Patrol - Comment on.

ATTACK NO. FOUR - This was another night surface approach conducted on a 2,750 ton freighter which was the second ship fired on in number two attack. Five torpedoes were fired but all missed. A spread was used, the range was good, the gyro angle excellent and while the track angle was fairly large it was not too large and some hits should have been obtained. Fire control data had been uniformly fine in all cases and the only plausible explanation seems to be that with depth settings of 20 and 15 feet the torpedoes ran under and failed to explode on influence.

ATTACK NO. FIVE - This was against the same target and resembled No. 4 except that stern tubes were used, the range was even better as was the track angle yet no hits resulted. The explanation in this case, however, was obvious in that all torpedoes ran erratic and one prematurely dangerously close to the BLUEFISH after circling.

It is noted that a spread was used on only one of the five attacks it, ironically enough, resulting in no hits. This departure from standard practice, while productive of generally excellent results in this and previous patrols of the BLUEFISH is considered to involve certain factors which render its general adoption at this time as a new standard for night surface attacks, a matter for most careful consideration by responsible authorities. The high degree of accuracy of torpedo control data obtainable under the conditions of a night surface attack is recognized as the primary factor upon which the use of this standard is predicated but it is also to be noted that an unusually high degree of proficiency of the torpedo control party was a factor in this case and that the conditions under which it was employed were ideal. Until such degree of proficiency in torpedo control is more general throughout the Submarine Service than at present, and except under approximately as favorable conditions as existed here, it is considered that the use of a spread sufficient to cover possible last minute maneuvers of the target, and errors of performance in a fast-working control party, is still the best practice.

— page 137 —
15/16/16-3 SUBMARINE SQUADRON SIXTEEN
Serial 063
U.S.S. RASHER, Flagship
30 January 1944.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
ELUEFISH 3rd War Patrol
Report SS222/16-3
dated 17 January 1944.

Subject: U.S.S. ELUEFISH (SS222) - Third War Patrol -
Comment on.

3. The recommendation of the Commanding Officer concerning a standby SJ transmitter and receiver, when sufficient sets become available, is concurred in.

4. The ELUEFISH returned from patrol in excellent material condition and refit will be accomplished by the PELIAS in the normal time. Health and morale appeared excellent.

5. The Commanding Officer, officers and men of the ELUEFISH are congratulated on a fine aggressive patrol which would have been even more productive had the torpedo performance (three prematures and two cratics) been better.

J.M. HAINES.

— page 138 —
9 February 1944.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Third War Patrol - Comment on.

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

2. BLUEFISH in sinking two large tankers struck the enemy where he can least afford to be struck. It is believed that the skilful tracking and then the hard hitting attack on the Naval Tanker "SATA" in KARIMATA STRAIT left the enemy without a clue as to the location or manner in which the vessel was destroyed. As a result, it is probable that Anti Submarine activity has not been inicted in the shallow waters of KARIMATA STRAIT, thus leaving this access to the SOUTH CHINA SEA open for future use under favorable conditions.

3. This Patrol is designated as successful for the award of the Submarine Combat Insignia.

4. The Force Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, Officers, and Crew of the BLUEFISH on their third consecutive successful patrol in which a minefield was successfully planted and the following damage inflicted on the enemy.

— page 139 —
12-ms
FE24-71/A16-3
UNITED STATES NAVY
Serial 0112
9 February 1944.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
BLUEFISH 3rd War Patrol
Report SS222/A16-3
of 17 January, 1944.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Third War Patrol -
Comment on:

SUNK
\1 - AO (NAVAL TANKER SATA) --- 14,050 Tons
\1 - AO (HAKKO MARU) --- 6,035 Tons
Total 20,085 Tons

R. W. CHRISTIE.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (3) - (Direct)
Vice Opnav (2) - (Direct)
Vice Opnav
Op-23c (1)
ComlstFlt (1)
Com2ndFlt (1)
Com3rdFlt (1)
Com7thFlt (1)
Consubs1stFlt (2)
Consubs2ndFlt (1)
CTF-71 (4)
CTF-72 (2)
CSS-16 (1)
Divcoms Ron-16 (1)
Each S/M W.A. (1) - NOT TO BE TAKEN TO SEA - BURN

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

— page 140 —
844
Reg. No. 2F42
Serial No. 018168
Al6-3/(F-6/cw)
R.S. No.

18 APR 1944

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to:
CO USS BLUEFISH (SS222)
Conf.Ltr. Serial OI
dated 17 January 1944.

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

Subject: USS BLUEFISH (SS222) - Report of Third War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

R. H. CRUZEN,
By direction.

— page 141 —
SS222/A16
Serial 04
C-DECLASSIFIED

From:  The Commander of Fier.
To:  The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via:  (1) The Commander Submarine Divi on ONE SIXTY-TWO.
       (2) The Commander Submarine Squadron SIXTEEN.
       (3) The Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE.
       (4) The Commander SEVENTY-FIFTEEN.

Subject:  U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222), Report of War Patrol
Number FOUR.

Endorse:  (A) Subject Report.

1. Enclosure (A), cover the FOURTH war patrol of this vessel conducted in the South China Sea south of Dangerous Ground, during the period 13 February, 1944 to 12 April, 1944, is forwarded herewith.

C. H. HENDERSON.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, 0PNAVINST 5510.10C
W. OP-0929C DATE 5/24/44
DECLASSIFIED

— page 142 —
15 February, 1944
    Enroute FLEMING (SS222) - Report of War Patrol
    Number FOUR.

: 31 January, 1944: Lt-Conqr. C.L. Henderson, U.S.N. relieved Comdr. G.E. Porter, U.S.N. as commanding officer.

: 1 February, 1944: Kefitz completed.

: 3-12 February, 1944: Post refit tests, loading, and training.

: (B) NARRATIVE. (ALL TITLES HOW)

13-16 February, 1944
    Enroute FLEMING to EXECUTIVE GULF, W.A., conduct section dives and emergency drills daily.

15 February, 1944. Sighted heavy oil slicks throughout the day. At 1539, sighted and exchanged recognition signals with U.S. submarine on oposite course. During the night conducted six-hour battery discharge.

Decided to take an extra day for training enroute LONDON STRAIT.

16-20 February, 1944
    Enroute BEAUFORT GULF, W.A. to LONDON STRAIT, keeping off the direct route. Conducted daily training dives, fire control, emergency and battle surface drills. Reduced the section dive time to a satisfactory amplitude.

20 February, 1944.
0534 Submerged 50 miles south of LONDON STRAIT. Conducted periscope patrol.

1910 Surfaced.

2124 "Sent ahead full power on four main engines and commenced transit of LONDON STRAIT, keeping to westward of the center.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 143 —
2241 Sighted unidentified ship, bearing 250°(T). -voided to the northeastward. (SHIP CONTACT No. 1)

: 2329 Kader contact bearing 349°(T), distance 6000 yards. Weather hazy, contact not sighted. -voided to the northeastward, leaving him astern in a few minutes. (SHIP CONTACT No. 2)

: Noon Position - Lat. 90 - 16.8' S. Long. 115° - 30.5' E.

: 21 February 1944

: Standing towards SEA LAND. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT No. 1)

: 0615 Submerged.

: 0744 Surfaced.

: 1009 Plane radar contact closed from 14 to 10 miles. Submerged. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT No. 1)

: 1126 Surfaced.

: 1223 Plane radar contact at 25 miles, moved in to 20 miles, then moved out and disappeared. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT No. 2)

: 1243 Plane radar contact at 10 miles. Submerged.

: 1513 Surfaced.

: 1610 U.O.D. thought he saw a periscope. Maneuvered to avoid.

: 1937 Made landfall on SEA RUM ISLAND by ship's radar, distance 16000 yards.

: Several small boats contacted by radar during the night. None sighted. Avoided all of them.

: Noon Position: Lat. 60 - 09.9' S Long. 1160 - 45.8' E

: 22 February 1944

: 0545 Submerged. Conducted periscope patrol west of CAPE LANDAR.

: 1640 Surfaced. Standing north across shallow water westward of the CAPS WILLIAMS slot.

-2- ENGLISH (A)

— page 144 —
U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Report of War Patrol
Number FOUR.

During the night the radar picked up many false contacts between 500 and 1500 yards.

Noon Position - Lat. 40 - 06.0' S.
Long. 1160- 01.3' E.

23 February y., 1944

0617 Shifted and avoided a small boat.

0855 High periscope watch sighted object on horizon. Closed enough to determine it was a small boat, then proceeded.

0942 High periscope watch sighted object on horizon. Commenced closing. It appeared to be a small patrol boat. Attacked to develop the contact, but at 1000 lookout sighted a patrol type land plane, distant, about 8 miles in the general direction of the patrol boat. Submerged.

1708 Surface. At 1715 and again at 1740 sighted and avoided small craft.

2126 Radar contact at 2100 yards. Not sighted. -voided him. Pip faded at 4300 yards.

Cleared KAKASAI STRAIT during the night.

Noon Position - Lat. 00 - 26.5' S.
Long. 1190- 59.9' E.

24 February y., 1944

0543 Submerged.

0719 Surface.

1614 Submerged to prevent closing SIBUTU before dark.

1640 Surface.

1933 Made landfall on SIBUTU ISLAND, range 19,600 yards.

2011 Commenced transit of SIBUTU PASSAGE at flank speed.

2151 In fairly open water, slowed to full speed.

Noon Position - Lat. 30 - 14.9' N.
Long. 1190- 30.4' E.

-3- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 145 —
25 February, 1944
0039 Clear of restricted area; allowed to two-thirds speed.
'At 0235 and 0255 head radar contacts at 2500 and 4000 yds, respectively. Maneuvered to avoid.

0940 Sighted CAGAYAN SULU ISLAND.

1250 Sighted B. N. ZAYIN ISLAND.

1805 Sighted BALABAC ISLAND, bearing 23°0(T).

1940 Commenced transit of BALABAC STRAIT (NASUARATA CHANNEL) at flank speed.

2136 Clear of BALABAC STRAIT.

Noon Position - Lat. 70 - 32.1' N
    Long. 116° - 36' E

26 February, 1944
0601 Submerged. Patrolling intersection of LHD-APRIL and SINGAPORE-MARINE traffic routes.

1639 Surfaced. Stood down to southwesterward.

1952 One lookout and Jr. 'O.O.D. simultaneously reported green rocket, bearing 0400(T), distant approximately 10 miles. Changed course to 0400(T).

2045 No contact had developed. Discontinued search. Set course through DANGEROUS GROUND for WEST YORK ISLAND.

2220 SJ radar out of commission.

Noon Position - Lat. 70 - 15.5' N
    Long. 115°-44.0' E

27 February, 1944
1535 Sighted WEST YORK ISLAND.

1736 Submerged for trim and battery range report (All trim dives were made deep dives to obtain Bathymetric range information.)

-4-

— page 146 —
1816
Surfaced. Commenced tuning. ST radar, using WEST YORK ISLAND for a target.

2000 Tuning completed. Commenced astroling southward through DANGEROUS GROUND, attempting to locate suspected SINGAPORE-EMPIRE traffic route.

Noon Position - Lat. 90 - 20.2' N Long. 114 - 59.9' E

26 February, 1944

0612 Made landfall on PEARSON KEEP.

1100 Commenced patrol in vicinity of a point 12 miles north-westward of BARGUE CANADA KEEP.

1710 Submerged for trim.

1743 Surfaced and stood off on course 2250(T).

2174 Radar contact, bearing 3150(T), distant 4000 yards. (SHIP CONTACT #3)

2155 Sighted contact. He was very small--could have been a submarine. Bearing change indicated he was on a south-westerly course.

2200 Sight and radar contact lost at 5600 yards.

2207 Changed course to 2650(T) to attempt to regain contact. Visibility poor to westward, but we also had a fair back-round.

2215 Conducted retiring search at high speed to south-westward.

Noon Position - Lat. 80 - 25.4' N Long. 113 - 11.8' E

29 February, 1944

0200 Contact not having been regained, secured search and set course 0450(T).

0616 Submerged. Conducted periscope patrol 15 miles west of BARGUE CANADA KEEP.

-5- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 147 —
1325  Surfaced and perrolled to southeastward.
: 1700  Stood over towards ABOYNA CAY to tune SJ radar.
: 1621  Sighted several oil-streaks--looked like a convoy might have snapped bilges. Position on: Let. 70-57.4'N., long. 1130-05.2'E.
: 1650  Stopped and lay to 2 miles off ABOYNA CAY. Were unsuccessful in tuning radar. Decided to find a bilge target.
: 1900  stood northward to clear PALHSON REEF to westward.

Noon Position - Lat. 60 - 26.2' N
Long. 1130 - 17.9' E

1 March, 1944
0616  Lade trim dive.
0626  Surfaced. Set course for NAU YIT ISLAND.
1435  Sighted land through high periscope. Stopped to check position.
1509  Stood towards NAU YIT ISLAND.
1615  Stopped and lay to 5000 yards off the island to tune SJ radar.
1951  Hydraulic plant out of commission.
2020  Tuning completed; set course 090°(T).
2054  Hydraulic plant back in commission.

Noon Position - Lat. 90 - 39.9' N
Long. 1130 - 46.2' E

2 March, 1944
Patrollin southeastward of UNION BANK.
0626  Made trim dive.
0655  Surfaced.
1300  Stood off at high speed to southwestward.

-6-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 148 —
1416 Sighted ship bearing 2070(T).
Commenced tracking.

: 1440 Ship eyesars to be a U.S. Submarine.

: 1535 Ship turned towards us at range of about 6 miles.

: 1536 Succeeding dove. I turned away and stopped. -tempted unsuccessfully to contact him on QG sound gear.

: 1550 "was becoming increasingly more uncertain as to friendly character of contact.

: 1555 Commenced flank speed and around to southward. Gradually worked over towards PARSON KRAFT.

: 1640 Made lantern on PARSON KRAFT. Commenced patrol to south-westward.

Noon Position - lat. 90 - 32.6' N
    long. 1140 - 41.0' E

3 March, 1944

0001 Radar contact, bearing 3090(T), distant 17,500 yards.
(SHIF CONTACT #) Sight contact immediately on several ships. Went to action stations and commenced tracking.
Target was tracked roughly at 12 knots, zig-zag at
radical intervals between about 1600(T) and 2400(T).

0100 Haze set in and visibility decreased to about 6000
yards.

0144 Loonset. Visibility continued poor for the remainder of
the night. -scorbs not visible yet.

0280 Discovered one escort on port bow of the two ships astern,
away from direction of moonset.

At this time we are unable to determine convoy disposition.
Radar is having difficulty identify targets on successive sweeps. Even when I close in to 6000 yards, I
am little help with the TET, because of poor visibility.
Radical zigs further complicate the tracking, which is
not very good. A PPI would have helped immeasurably in
this case.

-7- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 149 —
0300
About to commence attack, when another escort was discovered patrolling station on port beam of leading ships. Continued tracking.

: 0345
Convoy believed to consist of 5 ships and two escorts, disposed as follows:

0400
Moved ahead and to other flank, hoping to find fewer escorts on that side.

0505
In position 40 degrees on starboard bow of leading target, distant 7000 yards, with one escort about 1000 yards ahead of this target. Control party has fair solution. This appears to be the best set-up we have had so far, and dawn will be breaking soon, so I decided to attack.

0510
Commended attack at 14.5 knots.

0516
Fired three torpedoes at leading ship. Range 2900 yards, gyro-angle zero, spread - 75 yards between torpedoes.

0516-30 Shifted joint of aim to second target, which was about 1000 yards on port quarter of leading one.

0517
Fired three torpedoes at second target, range about 3200.

-6-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 150 —
0517-30 Left full rudder, shifted point of aim to third target, about 1500 yards astern of leading target.

0519 Steady on attack course for stern shot, Escort closed on port quarter, signalling us with small searchlight.

0520 Fired four torpedoes at third target, range about 2800 yards, gyro angle zero, spread - 75 yards between torpedoes. Went ahead full power.

0521 Radar range to escort - 3700 yards. He is still signalling.

0522 Lights appeared on one target, which started smoking. Escort now signalling with red light. Change of course to put escort astern, Range on escort opening slowly.

No hits heard or observed.

0534 Came left to 1800(T) to gain position ahead. Commenced reload.

0546 Considerably shaken by our lack of success; pulled clear to the westward to check up on a few things. Intend to trail convoy during daylight, and try again tonight.

NOTE: A thorough analysis of last night's attack indicates that the cause of the misses was:

(a) Failure to check TDC set-up with observed angle on bow during the latter stages of attack phase, resulting in firing with target course input of 2300(T) instead of actual course of 2000(T). This caused all torpedoes to miss astern, in spite of the spread.

0552 Reload completed.

0610 Steadied on base course of 2000(T).

0645 Sighted U.S. submarine bearing 2720(T).

— page 151 —
0707 Exchanged identification signals with U.S.S. RAY.

: 0720 Spoke to the RAY. Exchanged information. Learned he was our contact of yesterday afternoon. It was decided to conduct independent operations on convoy.

: 0737 RAY veered off to southeastward. I moved southward. RAY was in sight until 1100. By this time there were no indications that RAY had sighted convoy. He was covering the area to eastward of convoy base course. I was not contributing much to the search at this point. Decided to cover area further westward, in case convoy had maneuvered radically at dawn, so commenced retiring search to westward, assuming convoy had been delayed about an hour by evasive maneuvers at dawn.

: 1800 No contact yet. I now knew that convoy must have changed course to eastward at dawn. I assumed that he would out westward tonight, this being the most likely course change to reach SINGAPORE, and also a likely course change to run away from the RAY in case he attacked today. Set interception course of 1750(T).

: 2232 Sight contact on convoy, bearing 2100(T), distant 16000 yards. Coached radar on and commenced tracking. (SHIP CONTACT #3)

    Noon Position - Lat. 90 - 42.51' N
    Long. 1140 - 41.01' W

: 4 March, 1944

: 0000 Tracking convoy. Base course determined to be 2500(T), zigging about 300 right and left of base course at irregular intervals. Disposition believed to be loose column of three ships with one escort patrolling well ahead and one escort patrolling astern. Visibly was good, sky clear with scattered clouds. I was tracking from the side in the direction of the moon and planned to attack from this side right after moonset, believing that escorts would concentrate on the other flank at that time. It later developed that the third escort was patrolling the down moon flank all the time.

: 0130(about) Sighted signaling gunfire flashes about 10 miles astern of convoy, followed by the appearance of heavy black smoke and, a little later, two red flares fired to

-10-    EXCLUSIVE (A)

— page 152 —
0200 We are working steadily ahead of convoy, control party
    functioning smoothly, convoy has just sailed right and
    I am about to pull well clear to starboard because the
    moon is getting low, when we sighted a 11.1ht on the port
    quarter. I thought it was on one of the ships well astern.
    All of our eyes are a little fuzzy by now.

: 0201 Radar contact, bearing 200° relative, range 4700 yards,
    closing. The light is on an escort. Went to full power
    as range closed slowly. We are in the path of the setting
    moon: range remained steady for 5 or 6 minutes, then
    commenced to open at the azimuthing line. The exact-
    minute. Escort signalling and tanks with L.P. blower.
    Range commenced to open a little faster. Moon obscured
    off and on now by very small clouds.

: 0224 Range now 5200 yards, and haze and clouds have set in
    across the path of the moon.

: 0225 Escort dropped four depth charges. I ordered a change
    of course to the left. Helmsman went right, then left
    and all over the ocean. We lost 300 yards.

: 0232 Four more depth charges. Moon almost down. Escort turned
    away and ran a opened rapidly.

: 0240 Came left to base course of convoy. Radar and sight contact
    lost now.

: 0305 Came left to 160°(T) and went ahead full power.

: 0325 Reained radar contact, bearing 124°(T), distant 10400
    yards. Commenced tracking and worked ahead and over to

-11- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 153 —
0600 In position on port bow of convoy. Ships are now in line of bearing about 330°-1500(T) with escorts disposed as follows, one about 1000 yards ahead of leading ship, one near second ship, one about 1000 yards on port bow of third ship, all patrolling. First dawn is past; dawn is fast breaking. Conditions not favorable to attack on surface.

: 0611 Submerged in convoys expected 0630 position; range about 7000 yards now. Convoy zigzag radically on short legs.

: 0625 Second ship has 100° port angle on bow, third ship has starboard angle on bow, second CHIDORI has zero angle on bow, range 1800 yards. Commenced coming left to try for third ship.

: 0630 Convoy has zigzag left. Came right for stern tube shot on second ship, which now has 300° starboard angle on bow, range 1500 yards.

: 0635 Commenced firing four-torpedo salvo from stern tubes. Target is a tanker similar to SYOYO I.R.U. (Pg. 273, OAI 206-J)

: 0635-26 Heard first torpedo hit. Periscope was trained in direction of escort at this time. By the time I shifted to the target (about 2 seconds), her back was broken amidships and she was a blazing inferno from stem to stern. Flames completely covered the topside and rose to a height of at least 300 feet. I ordered cease firing before the fourth torpedo was fired. The second and third torpedoes were heard to hit also, at the proper time intervals.

: 0636 Went deep end rigged for depth charge.

: 0639 First of 26 depth charges from two CHIDORIS, both of which stayed with us until 1030. Evaded on various courses to south eastward.

: 0704 Last depth charge.

: 0710 As we inadvertently reached 400 feet, I noted with only slight relief that the chart, which showed 390 feet, was in error.

-12- ENCLOSURE (1)

— page 154 —
0711 Pinging commenced. They have lost us now.

: 0930 Worked over to eastward. Both escorts have been conducting retirinq search. They alternately qing and listen. They have passed close to us on three occasions since the last charge. We are under a layer which starts at 190 feet.

: 1015 Pinging fainter.

: 1027 Periscope depth. Two CHLORIDE in sight, bearing 2760(T) and 2500(T), distant 5 miles, angle on bow 1000(T), changed course to 1250(T) and increased to 2/3.

: 1034 Enemy out of sight.

: 1050 Slowed to 1/3 speed.

: 1300 Pinging faded out on westerly bearing.

: 1902 Surfaced and set course to northeast.

: 2129 Transmitted my serial two.

: 2131 Changed course to 0370(T), to get back on traffic lane which seems to be well established as follows: westward between TILARD and UNION BANKS, thence about 2100(T) to pass westward of PARISON REEF and about 15 or 20 miles eastward of KIFLEAN BANK, then about 2400(T).

Noon Position - Lat. 50 - 15.4' N Long. 1090 - 04.5' E

5 March, 1944

0645 Submerged.

0825 Surfaced.

1712 Lookout reported a ship bearing 1800(T). O.O.D. mis-understood the report—thought it was a plane and dove.

1715 Ship in sight—agreed to be a patrol boat.

1720 Identified as U.S. Submarine.

-13- ENGLISH: (A.)

— page 155 —
1743  Surfaced and closed U.S.S. RATON.
: 1815  Spoke the RATON.
: 1830  Formed scouting line on course 030°(T), distance 15 miles, BLUFFISH to eastward. Manned voice modulated TEL.
: 2400  Reversed course.
: 6 March, 1944.
: 0724  Changed course to 010°(T)
: 1440  Changed course to 130°(T)
: 1950  Slowed to 1/3 speed and headed for BURI-PRIME traffic route.
: 7 March, 1944.
: 0623  Submerged and held drills.
: 0800  Surfaced.
: 1433  Slighted smoke on horizon (SHIP CONTACT #6), bearing 065°(T). Changed course to 065°(T)
: 1447  Bearing 067°(T) now. Smoke is quite distinct. Tops not visible. Visibility excellent. Sea is glassy smooth with no swell.
: 1454  Lookout sighted plane. O.C.D. and myself both verified the contact. He was a float type seaplane, distant about 4 miles, elevation about 10 degrees, bearing about 75°(T), angle on bow 900 starboard. Submerged and changed course to 160°(T). I now wonder if our plane radar is functioning properly. Plan to trail and attack tonight. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 4).
: 1620  At periscope depth. Sighted ship bearing 160°(T), distant 16000 yards. Plot showed course 220°(T), speed 12.

-14-  ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 156 —
1630 Changed course to 200°(T).
: 1702 Changed course to 210°(T). Smoke barely visible now.
: 1630 Surfaed and went ahead at full power on three main engines, charging on one main and the auxiliary engine.
: 1848 Sighted smoke bearing 215°(T).
: 1900 Target smoking joyfully.
: 1917 Went ahead full power on four main engines.
: 1930 Smoke not visible now in canning light of dusk.
: 1949 Temperature of #2 main motor bearing commenced to rise rapidly. Slowed to full speed on 3 main engines.
: 2010 Went ahead flank speed on 4 main engines. Nursing hot bearings.
: 2107 Changed course to 220°(T).
: 2200 We should have caught him by now. Visibility is excellent with bright moonlight. I now assumed that he was bound for MIRI and had maneuvered radially to eastward at dusk. Changed course to 180°(T).
: 2353 Changed course to 030°(T) and slowed to 2/3 speed.

Noon Position - Lat. 60 - 50.5' N
    Long. 1140 - 06.6' E

8 March 1944
: 0300 Changed course to 000°(T).
: 0627 Submerged. At dusk yesterday our contact must have run for shallow water in the direction of BRUNEI BAY. I don't see how we failed to hold contact. His smoke should have been visible 12 miles or more last night. We are extremely disappointed. However, perhaps this contact indicates the enemy's traffic lane in this area. We will patrol his course line for the next few days.
: 1630 Surfaed and set course 040°(T).

Noon Position - Lat. 60 - 13.2' N
    Long. 1140 - 12.3' E

— page 157 —
9 March, 1944
0622 Submerged.
1720 Surfac'd.
2000 Changed course to 065°(T).
Noon Position - Lat. 70° - 35.5' N
Long. 115° - 17.8' E

10 March, 1944
0651 Submerged.
1520 Surfac'd.
1610 Changed course to 220°(T).
1800 Headed down PALAWAN PASSAGE towards BALBAC ISLAND.
Noon Position - Lat. 80° - 30.5' N
Long. 116° - 28.8' E

11 March, 1944
0100 Lay to, 5 miles southwest of BALBAC ISLAND and tuned
SD and SJ radar.
0335 Cleared to westward.
0641 Submerged and patrolled across southern entrance to PALAWAN
PASSAGE.
1604 Surfac'd and patrolled to southwest.
Noon Position - Lat. 70° - 35.9' N
Long. 116° - 11.8' E

12 March, 1944
0651 Submerged.
1602 Surfac'd.
Noon Position - Lat. 60° - 21.8' N
Long. 114° - 29.0' E

-16- ENGLISH (A)

— page 158 —
13 March, 1944
0644 Submerged. Patrolled across the northern approaches to MRI.

1832 Surfaced and proceeded on course 0400(T).
    Noon Position - Lat. 50° - 11.2' N
    Long. 113° - 42.6' E

14 March, 1944
1230 Changed course to 0000(T).
1548 Changed course to 0450(T).
1946 Changed course to 0600(T).
    Noon Position - Lat. 70° - 07.2' N
    Long. 114° - 56.1' E

15 March, 1944
0704 Submerged. Patrolled across MRI-ELPIRs traffic lane on course 1200(T).
1500 Held battle drills.
1553 Surfaced. Patrolled to the westward.
1630 R/Led FR#3 and #5 as main ballast tanks.
1920 Submerged.
1928 Surfaced. Set course 2400(T).
    Noon Position - Lat. 80° - 19.4' N
    Long. 116° - 19.0' E

16 March, 1944
0640 Submerged.
0742 Surfaced on course 2700(T).
1120 Changed course to 2950(T).
1310 Sighted object on horizon, bearing 0000(T). Closed at flank speed.

-17- ENGLISH (A)

— page 159 —
1328 Closed small abandoned, native, outrider sailboat, floating awash.
: 1330 Held gun drill. Fired 5 rounds of 4" and several machine guns of 20 mm.
: 1345 Proceeded.
: 2334 Changed course to 0550(T), to pass between AN-DYNA C.Y.-ND OWEN SHOAL.
    Noon Position - Lat. 70 - 13.1' N
    Long. 1130 - 35.6' E
: 17 March, 1944
: 1600 Made landfall on PEARSON KRIEF. Patrolled to northwest.
: 2011 Changed course to 0600(T).
    Noon Position - Lat. 60 - 42.8' N
    Long. 1130 - 11.0' E
: 16 March, 1944
: 0630 Submerged.
: 0746 Surfaced, and headed for NAM YIT ISLAND.
: 0952 Plane radar contact, distant 6 miles. Submerged. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 5)
: 1100 Periscope depth.
: 1124 Surfaced.
: 1250 Sighted SIN COWE ISLAND.
: 1345 Sighted NAM YIT ISLAND. Commenced patrol to eastward between UNION BANK AND TIZARD KRIEFS.
: 1625 Changed course to 2650(T).
: 1820 Closed NAL YIT ISLAND and tuned SJ radar.

The small islands and shoals on northern edge of TIZARD BANK are visible.

-18- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 160 —
2020 Tuning completed. Commenced patrolling to south-westward.

: 19 March, 1944
: 1340 Submerged.
: 1421 Surfaced.

: 20 March, 1944
: 0036 Changed course to 270°(T), to pass south of RIFLEMAN BANK.
: 0409 Changed course to 325°(T).
: 0633 Submerged.
: 0736 Surfaced and moved to eastward.
: 0613 Submerged.
: 0930 Changed course to 025°(T).
: 1024 Shifted submarine (SHIP CONTACT #7), bearing 011°(T), angle on bow zero, estimated range 10000 yards, went to battle stations and commenced opening track for bow shot from target's port side.
: 1034 "ubes fully ready.
: 1036 Periscope observation range 4500 yards, angle on bow 100° port. Sound has the target.
: 1038 Commenced coming left for 600 track.
: 1039 Sound reported that targets sorews had stopped and that he heard considerable water noise in direction of target. Generated range was 3300 yards, relative bearing 3330.
: 1041 Target not in sight.
: 1042 Went to 150 feet and rized for silent running.

-19- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 161 —
1053 Changed course to 240°(T).
: 1143 Changed course to 160°(T).
: 1200 Commenced periscope patrol.

Target appeared to be one of the I-153 class. He was keeping a high periscope watch. When the target was sighted I was making observations with 15 and 5 feet of periscope alternately exposed. He was sighted at 1024 with 15 feet of periscope. At 1027 I used 5 feet of periscope. At 1036, my third and last sight of the target, my periscope was awash. We were making 1/3 speed on all exposures. A force three sea was running, with many white caps. Our tubes were ready well in advance. I do not believe we made a bubble. During most of the approach we were necessarily broadside to the target. Standard speed was used at times, but not after the range decreased to 6000 yards. I am unable to ascertain the cause of our being detected.

: 1851 Surfaced and headed for MIRI.

: 21 March, 1944
: 1034 Submerged.
: 1724 Surfaced.
: 1830 Lookout sighted small land plane, ran about 5 miles. Submerged.
: 1906 Surfaced.

: 22 March, 1944
: 0628 Submerged and patrolled the eastern and northern approaches to MIRI.

: 1640 Surfaced.

— page 162 —
2027 Set course 050°(T), to cover MHI-EMPIRE route.
Noon Position - Lat. 40 - 39.2' N
    Long. 113° - 27.0' E

23 March, 1944
0706 Submerged.
1656 Surfaoed. I plan to remain two extra days in the area, then transit B.LABAC and patrol eastern approaches to B.LABAC for one day.
Noon Position - Lat. 60 - 12.9' N
    Long. 114° - 35.1' E

24 May, 1944
0624 Hoved westward to cover southern approaches to NORTH-SOUTH route through DANGEROUS GROUND.
1300 Changed course to 060°(T).
Noon Position - Lat. 70 - 36.1' N
    Long. 115° - 05.5' E

26 March, 1944
0625 Submerged.
0727 Surfaoed and closed HALF MOON SHOAL.
0929 Submerged and patrolled 5 miles south of a line between HALF MOON SHOAL and ROYAL CAPTAIN SHOAL.
1822 Surfaoed. Patrolled southward through PALAWAN PASSAGE.
Noon Position - Lat. 90 - 51.0' N
    Long. 116° - 31.9' E

26 March, 1944
0005 Went ahead flank speed and headed for approaches to B.LABAC STRAIT.

-21-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 163 —
0220 Slowed to standard speed. Position is doubt. Visibility 10000 yards with intermittent squalls.
: 0244 Went ahead full.
: 0310 Land contact on 3D radar, distant 12 miles.
: 0312 ST contact on BALABAC ISLAND, distant 23,560 yards, bearing 015°(T).
: 0343 Went ahead flank speed.
: 0519 Completed transit of BALABAC STRAIT (NASUBATA CHANNEL).
: 0542 Submerged on course 090°(T).
: 1230 Surfaced and headed for BANCAUAN ISLAND.
: 1654 Made landfall on BANCAUAN ISLAND.
: 1825 Surfaced and headed for BALABAC ISLAND.

Noon Position - Lat. 35° - 11.8' N Long. 119° - 52.2' E

28 March, 1944
: 0545 Made landfall on BALABAC ISLAND.
: 0729 Submerged, patrolling line between BALABAC STRAIT and SIBUTU PASSAGE.
: 1821 Surfaced.

-22- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 164 —
1919 Stored and lay to 5 miles east of MANHATTAN ISLAND.
: 2100 Radar contact (SHIP CONTACT #6), bearing 320°(T), distant 9000 yards. Went ahead flank and changed course to 180°(T). Commenced tracking.
: 2110 Worked up to full power, continuing charge on auxiliary engine.
: 2156 Moonset.
: 2200 Sight and radar contact on what is believed to be a small escort ahead of target.
: 2300 Target zigzag plan determined. Base course 130°, zigging between 105° and 155°, speed 16.7. Went to action stations. Continued tracking.

Night is dark and clear with a very few scattered horizon clouds. Sea is absolutely flat calm.

Noon Position - Let, 6° - 28.7' N
    Long. 118° - 40.5' E

29 March, 1944

0000 In position with target bearing 330°(T), distant 12000 yards. He is tracking nicely. Slowed and maneuvered for attack position.

0005 Made all tubes ready.

0017 On course 002°, with target bearing 000° relative, distant 10000 yards. He has just zigged left. Commenced attack at standard speed. During the attack the control party correctly determined that the target had changed base course to 150°(T), zigging between 125° and 175° (This is borne out by a most painstaking analysis). Target has changed course to head west of Pearl Bank. Set up is still good. I accept the sharper track, set in the fog on our attack curve data to be about 70°.

0024 Target zigged toward us; range 5200 yards.

0027 Commenced firing four torpedoes from bow tubes, using a 75 yard spread between torpedoes. Range at first shot, 2700 yards, gyro angle 4.5° track angle 69 star board.

-23- ENCLOSURE (4)

— page 165 —
0027-30 Target commenced turning towards us. He either saw us or heard the torpedoes.

: 0028 Target swinging rapidly, range decreasing rapidly. Identified as OKINSHIMA class minelayer.

: 0029 Steady on 2600. Target is slightly on port quarter, range steady at 1700 yards, angle on bow 20 star board. He is running down the torpedo wakes.

: 0029-30 Target dropped four depth charges. He was silhouetted in a flash of some sort, probably from his Y guns.

: 0030 Target now maneuvered radically. The range commenced to open slowly.

: 0031 Target commenced turning left. The range rate indicates he has slowed.

: 0032-30 Fired last torpedo from aft. Range 3500 yards, track angle 300 star board, gyro angle, zero.

: 0034-30 Target dropped one depth charge.

: 0035 Target turned on searchlight, missing us about 10 degrees in deflection. Started to dive, but noted that the searchlight was steady in train. Changed course slightly to put target dead astern. Range is still opening.

: 0035-15 Target turned off searchlight. Range commenced to open rapidly. Broke off the action. No hits were observed.

: 0050 Slowed and changed course to head for a point north of channel between PEARL BANK and DOC CAN ISLAND.

: 0550 Submerged on sighting small boat.

: 0615 Boat out of sight to southward. Continued periscope patrol.

: 1610 Surfaced and headed for channel between PEARL BANK and LAPARAN ISLAND.

: 203D Completed transit.

-24- ENCLOSURE: (A)

— page 166 —
21:28 Headed for LABIAN POINT on northeast coast of BOKNEO.
    Noon Position - Lat. 60° - 17.5' N
    Long. 119° - 47.0' E

30 March, 1944

0130 Lay to in position Lat. 50° - 11.0' N, Long. 119° - 16.1' E.
    2000 yards from the beach.

0240 Commenced clearing the coast.

0525 Sighted what appeared to be a patrol boat, bearing 330°
    (T), moving south toward along coast. Submerged. Contact
    not regained at periscope depth. On sighting, the con-
    tact was silhouetted against the horizon, and moved into
    the land background.

0545 Heeded southwest at periscope depth.

1230 Patrolling 2 miles off shore. In the afternoon sighted
    a launch lying to or anchored close inshore in position
    Lat. 5 - 11 - 20, Long. 119 - 15 - 00.

1834 Surflaced.

1850 Churned course to 295°(T) to investigate flashing light
    on the beach.

1935 Lay to 1700 yards off the beach.

2056 Cleared the coast and commenced battery charge. Patrol-
    ed off shore.

    Noon Position - Lat. 50° - 04.0' N
    Long. 119° - 15.2' E

31 March, 1944.

0100 Headed for the coast.

0230 Stopped and lay to 1500 yards off the beach.

0315 Cleared the coast. Loved eastward.

0523 Submerged 5 miles north of ENGAO ISLAND. Conducted
    periscope patrol on course 010°(T) and reverse.

-25- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 167 —
1831. Surfaced and headed for LABIAN POINT.
    Noon Position - Lat. 50-30.2' N
    Long. 119-47.1' E

1 April, 1944.
0030 Stopped and lay to 1100 yards from the beach in position
    Lat. 50 - 11.5' N., Long. 119-15.75' E.

0300 Cleared coast.

0530 Submerged and patrolled two miles off the coast NE - SW
    line.

Sighted several launches throughout the day. Two of them
appeared to be patrolling up and down the coast between
LABIAN POINT and MANGROVE POINT. In the afternoon sighted
what appeared to be a barque or patrol boat anchored
close inshore in position Lat. 5 - 11 - 20, Long. 119 -
15 - 00, and a launch lying to close by. Later the launch
moored alongside the anchored vessel.

1837 Surfaced and headed for SIBUTU PASSAGE.

2046 Commenced transit of SIBUTU PASSAGE.

2100 Header and sight contacted at 1800 yards on small patrol
launch which bravely gave chase. We left him rapidly
astern. Undoubtedly we were reported. This patrol was
located about 8 miles due west of BONGAO ISLAND.

2220 Completed transit. Changed course to 115°(T) and slowed
to full speed.

Noon Position - Lat. 40 - 45.2' N.
    Long. 119-08.5' E.

2 April, 1944.
0535 Submerged.

1816 Surfaced and headed for MUKASSAR STRAIT at 1/3 speed.

2110 Transmitted by serial three. Went ahead standard speed.

Noon Position - Lat. 40 - 14.4' N
    Long. 1210 - 42.5' E.

— page 168 —
3 April, 1944
0605 Sighted and avoided small boat on the horizon.
0705 Submerged.
1811 Surfaced and continued for LAKASSAR STRAIT at standard speed.
    Noon Position - Lat. 10 - 42.8'N
    Long. 119° - 56.6'E

4 April, 1944
0544 Submerged 10 miles west of TG. PASANG KAJOE, CELEBES.
1632 Surfaced.
2018 Sighted CAPE WILILTA. During the night sighted a total of ten small craft. Avoided all of them.
    Noon Position - Lat. 10 - 29.2'S
    Long. 119° - 02.0'E

5 April, 1944
0630 Sighted float plane bearing 130°(T), distant 5 miles.
    Submerged. (AIRGRAFT CONTACT NO. 7)
1050 Surfaced.
1100 Made landfall on SIERRA ISLAND. Headed for SEKALA ISLAND.
1118 Plane radar pip closed from 14 miles to 8 miles.
    Submerged. (AIRGRAFT CONTACT NO. 8)
1327 Surfaced. I am trying to reach LALBOK STRAIT by moonset tomorrow morning in order to take advantage of the one small hour of darkness.
1640 Submerged to check suspected oil leak.
1810 Surfaced.

-27- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 169 —
2140 Made landfall on SEKALA ISLAND.
: 2330 Sighted LOMBOK ISLAND.
: 6 April, 1944
: 0330 In position 20 miles, bearing 030°(T) from TREWANGAN ISLAND at eastern-side of LOMBOK STRAIT. Went to action stations, increased speed to full power on all engines, and commenced transit. Passed 3 miles from TREWANGAN ISLAND. Kept well to the eastward.
: 0544 Submerged 3 miles northwest of TG. PANDANAN, with broad daylight approaching fast. Continued transit with 3½ knot south.By current and was soon clear. Passed through heavy tide rips and encountered radical and erratic temperature changes. Depth control was difficult but not dangerously so. My opinion is that a submerged northbound transit would be impossible in this monsoon.
: 1822 Surfaced and proceeded towards FRENANTIE, W.A.
: 12 April, 1944
: Uneventful passage, except for sighting HNMS K-14 at 1130 on 9 April, 1944.
: 12 April, 1944
: 0700 Arrived rendezvous, contacted escort and entered FRENANTIE HARBOR, W.A.

— page 171 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS 222) - Report of War
Patrol Number FOUR.

The northward transit through about the center of LOMBOK STRAIT on the surface at about the time of high water at ALPENAN, LOMBOK ID. on February 20, 1944, was with negligible current. The southbound transit on April 6, 1944, made at the time of low water at AMPENAN, showed zero current on the surface in the eastern portion of the strait, but upon diving at dawn near the center of the passage between LOMBOK and NUSA BESAR ISLANDS, the BLUEFISH was quickly carried through the remainder of the strait by a 3.0 knot, southerly current which persisted at least 20 miles south of the strait.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
No artificial navigational aids were encountered.

The positions of the following islands and reefs as given on B.A. Secret Charts Z.15 and Z.16 of C.B. 01914(3) (corrected to 15 April, 1944) of DANGEROUS GROUND, were checked by star sights and found to be correct: WEST YORK ID., NAM YIT ID. (TIZZARD REEF), SIN COWE ID. (UNION BANKS), PEARSON REEF, and AMBOYNA CAY.

A sketch of the appearance of NAM YIT ISLAND in TIZZARD REEF, as seen from a distance of about 3 miles, and with the center bearing 0420(T), is given below. Heights of trees were estimated by periscope statement, using SJ radar range as input.

WEST YORK ID. is heavily wooded.

SIN COWE ID. of UNION BANK, the Sand Cay of PEARSON REEF and AMBOYNA CAY are all low, flat and treeless in appearance.

Green
White Sand
As seen bearing 0420 (T).
NAM YIT ISLAND
(TIZZARD REEF).
Lat.: 100° 11'8" N
Lon.: 114° 21'1" E

-30-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 174 —
U.S.S. BLUFFISH (SS222) - Repost of war Patrol
Number FOUR.

[H] ATTACK DATA:
U.S. S. BLUFFISH, Torpedo Attack No. 14, Patrol No. 4.

Time - 0516, Date - 3 March, 1944, Lat. 70-42.5'N., Long. 112-13.5'E.

Description:
- Five unidentified ships in convoy with two CHIDORI escorts. "First contact made by radar at 17000 yards. Visibility fair, half moon, all light overcast, considerable haze. Koonset about two hours after first contact. Overcast increased, visibility became worse. Ships were in a column open order about 1000 yds. apart. Second ship was approximately 500 yards to the left of the other two. Two ships were about 3000 yds. astern of the third ship. "scorts patrolled constantly ahead and on the flanks.

This attack was made on the leading ship.

Ship(s) Sunk - None.

Ship(s) Damaged-or probably sunk - None.

Damage determined by - -

Target draft - 28', course - 200, speed - 13, range - 2900.

Own Ship Data

Speed - 14, Course - 095, Depth - 181 Angle - 0.

Fire Control and Torpedo Data.

Type Attack - Night surface attack using radar ranges and bridge target bearig transmitting beari ngs on the TDC. Target was tracked from 8000 yds. abeam of convoy until a good solution was obtained. Started in at full speed with target bearing 00 relative, angle on the bow 500 star board, range 6000 yds. at 3000 yds. stopped; commenced firing when own speed showed 14 knots. Fired three at leading ship, three at second ship, changed course to 2750(T), fired four at third ship. No hits were obtained.

A 75 yard spread between each torpedo was set at the TDC.

-33- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 175 —
U.S.S. BLUFFISH (SS222) - Report of War Patrol
Number FOUR.

U.S.S. BLUFFISH - Torpedo Attack No. 1B, Patrol No. 4

Time - 0517, Date - 3 March 1944, Lat. 7°42.5'N, Long.112°13.5'E

Target Data - Damage Inflated

Description - Same as for 1A; second ship was attacked.

Ship(s) Sunk - None

Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk - None

Damage Determined by - -

Target Draft - 25', Course - 200, Speed - 13, Range - 3200

Own Ship Data

Speed - 14, Course - 095°, Depth - 18', Angle - 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack - Same as for No. 1A

-34- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 178 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BLUFFISH (SS222) - Report of War Patrol
Number FOUR.

U.S.S. BLUFFISH - Torpedo Attack No. 2 - Patrol No. 4.

Time - 0635. Date - 4 March, 1944 - Lat. 50-32'N, Long. 109°-09'E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description:
- Same. ships as for attack No. 1A. Contact-ed by sight at a range of 15000 yds. Excellent visibility, half moon, no clouds.

Ship(s) Sunk - One medium AO

Ship(s) damaged - None.

Damage Determined By - Felt and heard 3 torpedoes hit. After first torpedo hit saw ship break in two; flames shot 300 feet into the air and completely enveloped the ship.

Target Draft - 251, Course - 216, Speed - 13, Range - 650 yds.

Own Ship Data

Speed - 2.5, course - 276, Depth - 65', Angle - 0

Fire Control & Torpedo Data

Type Attack - Submerged periscope attack. Tracked target by radar on surface. Opened out ahead shortly before dawn. Dove. and attacked. Set 75 yard spread at the TDC.

-37- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 179 —
7
Track Angle: #7
Gyro Angle: #8
Depth Set: #9
Power: #10
Hit or Miss: #11
Erratic: #12
Mark Torpedo: #13
Serial Number: #14
Mark Exploder: #15
Serial Number: #16
Actuation Set: #17
Actuation Actual: #18
Mark Warhead: #19
Serial No.: #20
Explosive: #21
Firing Interval: 10 seconds
Type Spread: 75 yard divergent
Sea Conditions: Force 2
Overhaul Activity: U.S.S. PEILIAS
Remarks: The convoy was zigging every four or five minutes. Therefore the approach was made parallel to the base course with the idea of taking whatever was offered at the last minute.

— page 180 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-I
Subject: U.S.S. BLUFFISH (SS222) - Report of War Patrol
Number FOUR.

U.S.S. BLUFFISH - Torpedo Attack No. 3A - Patrol No. 4
Time - 0027, Date - 29 Mar 19,44 - Lat. 50-58'N, Long. 1190-15'E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description - Unsorted CH similar to OKINOSHIMA
Contacted by radar at 9000 yards. Visibility good; few scattered clouds; calm, glassy sea.

Ship(s) Sunk - None
Ship(s) Damaged - None

Target Draft - 16', Course - 175, Speed - 16,8, Range-2800 yds.

Own Ship Data
Speed - 14, Course - 060, Depth - 17', Angle - 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type Attack - Night surface attack using Radar ranges and bridge target bearing transmitter bearings. Tracked target on surface until a good solution was obtained. Commenced attack from 10000 yds. Came in at standard speed (14 knots) with bow pointed at target continuously. At a range of 2800 yds. swung right to get zero gyro angles forward and commenced firing. Fired 4 torpedoes with a spread of 75 yds. between each one. Spread was set on the TDC.

Remarks - The target detected us at about the time the last torpedo was fired. The target, probably heard the torpedoes running, or picked up our propellers. It is not believed that he made sight contact. He turned towards us and perellled the torpedo wakes.

-39- ENC LOSURE (A)

— page 181 —
U.S.S. BLUFFISH (SS222) - Report of War Patrol
Number FOUR.

U.S.S. BLUFFISH - Torpedo Attack No. 3B - Patrol No. 4

Time - 0035, Date - 29 March, 1944, Lat. 50-58'N, Long. 1190-15'E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description - Same as Attack No. 3A

Ship(s) Sunk - None

Ship(s) Wamaged - None

Target Draft - 16', Course - 245, Speed - 16.8, Range - 3500 yds.

Own Ship Data

Speed - 14, Course - 300, Depth - 17', Angle - 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack - This was a later phase of Attack 3A.
Target avoided by turning toward on Attack
3A, then ran down torpedo wakes dropping depth
charges. He seemed to be following a very
irregular course. Eight minutes after the
first phase a set up was obtained and we
fired one torpedo (all that remained aft)
from tube No. 10 with a zero gyro angle.

-40- ENGLISH: (A)

— page 182 —
1 Attack #3A
Tube Fired :#6 :#5 :#2 :#1 :#10
Track angle :69S :68.58 :69.58 :69.58 :55 S
Gyro angle :4 R :3.5 R :4.5 R :4.5 R :0
Depth Set :10. :10. :10. :10. :10
Power :HI :HI :HI :HI :HI
Hit or Miss :Miss :Miss :Miss :Miss
Eratile :No :No :No :No :No
Mk. Torpedo :14-3A :14-3A :14-3A :14-3A :14-3A
Serial No. :25846 :26159 :24383 :25557 :23984
Mk. Explorer :6-5 :6-5 :6-5 :6-5 :6-5
Serial No. :13140 :7541 :13161 :6017 :13151
Actuation Set :Cont. :Cont. :Cont. :Cont. :Cont.
Actuation Actual :-- :-- :-- :-- :-- :--
Mk. Warhead :16-1 :16 :16-1 :16-1 :15-1
Serial No. :830 :2589 :11683 :2289 :1792
Explosive :TPX :TPX :TPX :TPX :TPX
Firing Interval :10 Seconds
Type Spread :75 yds. divergent.
Sea Condition :Calm
Overhaul Activity :U.S.S. PELIAS
Remarks: Target turned toward and avoided.

-41- ENGLISH (A)

— page 183 —
U.S.S. HUEFFISH (SS 222) - Report of War Patrol
Number FOUR.

(I) MINES

No mining operations were carried out by the HUEFFISH.

On the night of March 28, 1944, an unsuccessful attack was made on a vessel proosed singly on a base course of 130°, speed 17.7, believed to be a CM of the OKINOSHIMA class. The attack was made in the SULU SEA at Lat. 60-01.0' N., Long. 119°-16.7' E., after first sighting at Lat. 60-34.2' N., Long. 1180-33.9' N., near MAN BAHENBAUHAN ISLAND. It is believed that this vessel may have been engaged in minelaying operations in the BALABAC STRAIT area.

No other mining operations or mine fields of the enemy were observed.

(J) ART. SURFACE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

1. The canvots encountered were formed loosely with considerable intervals between ships (at least 1000 yards and sometimes 2000 or 3000 yards). They zig-zag radially at frequent intervals. The escorts patrolled the area frequently shifted station. When the escorts detected us at the surface they signalled us and turned towards us, but never seemed able to hold the contact. On one occasion at night while chasing a convoy two red flares were fired, possibly indicating "summarise sighted".

2. The depth charge attack on 4 March was delivered by two CHIDORI class escorts; it commenced 3 minutes after the target was hit. During the first 25 minutes 26 charges were dropped in patterns of one, two or three. None of these was very close and no damage resulted. During this period the escorts listed only. They were disposed approximately 90 degrees apart in bearing from us; therefore they may have been using some sort of cross bearing plot to locate us. Most of the charges were projected while the escorts were making slow speed. Seven minutes after the last charge, the escorts speeded up, commenced pinging and conduct to a retiring search. During the attack I used radical speed and course changes; afterwards I retired at slow speed away from scene.

3. Plan contacts were most numerous in area between LIMA and SEKALA ISLANDS in KAKASSAR STRAIT.

4. Two patrols were encountered in LOMBOK STRAIT and one in SIBUTU PASSAGE.

-42- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 184 —
5. As usual, MATASAR STRAIT was full of small boats, some of which are 'unobtedly patrols.

(K) 1. MAIN CONTROLLER. 2. 2 and No. 4 Main Generators. 3. 4 Main Generators. 126

— page 185 —
5. No. 1 H.P. Air Compressor. Soon after start of an air charge, smoke was discovered coming from No. 1 H.P. air compress- or crankcase. It was stopped and investigation disclosed that the crankcase drain was partially open and the crankcase empty. Found both end main bearings and the forward crank pin brasses burned out. Spares were fitted and running in begun. Oil grooves and checks of forward crank pin brasses required cleaning after 1 hrs., after which an 8-hr. running-in period was completed.

6. Hydraulic System. When main hydraulic pump was started, the relief valve in the air line to the accumulator carried away, due, as examination showed, to having at some time received heavy blow which weakened the the sealed line of replacing valve. This system has another relief valve, located between H.P. air banks and accumulator charging manifold. This other relief valve can be used as accumulator relief valve by opening the valve from the manifold to the system.

7. Supply Ventilation Blower. Examination of cause of bad vibration of the supply ventilation blower showed that the forward-aft air distribution baffle had carried away and fallen into blower impeller shearing cone blade therefrom. The impeller was balanced by winding two blades adjacent to the cap caused by the missing blade with wire equal in weight to the missing blade.

8. Vapor Compression Stills. No. 2 Klein-Schmidt vapor compression still became injectative due to accumulation of scale incident to about 400 hours use. This unit was successfully disassembled, cleaned (using a small half-section of copper tubing to scrape the coils), and reassembled. Subsequent opera-tion has been very satisfactory.

9. Mark VI-5 Exploders. During the depth charge attack of March 4, the Mark VI-5 exploders of two of the six torpedoes then in the forward tubes became flooded. All forward

— page 186 —
15 minutes before firing. BLUEFISH started deep immediately after firing the after tubes, and the outer doors of tubes No. 5 and 6 were not yet closed as 250 feet was passed and the first depth charges exploded. The doors were finally closed, but the tubes were not vented until two hours later due to the necessity of running silent until that time. The exploders of the torpedoes in tubes No. 5 and 6 were found to be flooded when pulled the following day. Ship's force dismantled these two exploders and gave them a fresh water and baking treatment. Forty volts was the maximum voltage output obtainable from the generators, and the condition of the detonators was an unknown quantity. It was decided not to attempt to use these torpedoes. Two spare exploders, detonators and boosters would be advisable, perhaps, for boats on patrol hereafter.

(L) RADIO

Reception conditions were generally good; and No VIXX series were missed. At any time a submarine message was transmitted by VIXX enemy jamming occurred on all VIXX frequencies. At times the jamming would be directly on one VIXX frequency, making it totally unreadable and necessitating shifting the record to another frequency where the jamming would cause less trouble. Generally the jamming frequency was much as 5 to 10 KC off the VIXX frequencies, causing little difficulty; but the jamming has been getting progressively more effective each patrol. The tone of the interfering signals suggests the use of spark transmitters. This enemy jamming has generally occurred only during transmission or BINKS and FMBY messages, but has sometimes been noted during other transmissions.

On one occasion when transmitting to VIXX, on March 4, VIXX was called twice at 12582 on 12,705 KC and twice at 1312(2) on 4235 KC, with no response. At 1320(2) a call was made on 8470 KC, and a reply on that frequency from VIXX received at 1329(2). On the night of March 25, VIXX was called on 12,705 KC then on 8470 KC with no response on either frequency. On March 26, VIXX was called on 8470 KC and answered 14 minutes later. On April 2, VIXX was called on 12,705 KC and answered 5 minutes later.

One operational difficulty was encountered with the Kingsley receiver. The trouble was found to be caused by an excess lump of solder on the inside of the case, which grounded an RF choke coil when the receiver was in the case. Removal of the solder corrected the trouble.

-45- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 187 —
U.S.S. BLUE ISH (SS222) - Report of War Patrol
Number FOUR.

(M) RADAR

The SJ Radar gave average results for the low powered transmitter, with maximum ranges on medium (7000-8000 ton) targets of 8000 to 12000 yards end-on and of 12000-16000 yards broadside. Drift of output frequency necessitated frequent checks on the R.F. tuning, using small islands as targets. This is discussed below under operating difficulties. With the RF tuners at optimum settings, maximum ranges of 60000 yards on land were obtained.

The following operational difficulties were experienced with the SJ radar during the patrol:

1. There was no out-going pulse and zero transmitter current. No screen grid voltage on V1(813) the keying tube. Resistance between the screen grid and ground was zero.

The mounting strip for R-5, the screen grid resistor, had cracked in three places. This had allowed the bolt head which holds the resistor clear of the screen grid of V-1 to touch the chassis and short R-5 to ground.

As no replacement insulating material was available, the original mounting strip was repaired by bolting a short piece of flat brass to the insulating strip, using small brass bolts.

2. On starting the radar after running submerged, R3-1 and R3-2, which are connected across the antenna control switch in the main control unit, started smoking. Leakage of sea water around the antenna mast had shorted the slip rings. Cleaning and drying the slip rings eliminated the trouble. R3-1 and R3-2 were undamaged.

3. The thyratron blower motor was not running, and was replaced with a spare motor.

All blower motors were found to be causing noise interference on the radar screen. The commutators, which on inspection were found to be pitted and grooved, were turned down on the ship's lathe and sanded. Normal operation was restored.

4. At range settings beyond 1000 yards, two range steps appeared, which changed to three steps near maximum crystal separation. As the range setting was increased the distance between the aultiple steps increased. No

— page 188 —
5. The precision sweep appeared too far to the right on the screen. The main and expanded sweeps were properly centered. The "grass" level was lower than usual. The voltage across the neon lamp LP-4 had increased from the normal 57 to 61 volts. Replacing this lamp correctly centered the precision sweep and restored the "grass" level to normal.

6. Frequent checks on the RF tuning disclosed that all RF tuners and the T-R cavity were off frequency each time. The condenser C-5.1 was found to be leaking oil. It is believed that the gradual loss of oil caused a decrease in the capacity of C-5.1, which caused a shift in the RF output frequency. Replacing C-5.1 caused a shift in frequency and improved range, which had become poor. Increase in power output was also noted, by increased build tolerance of glow of a neon lamp held above the wave guide kidney joint, with the transmitter pulled a few inches from the case.

The SD radar gave good results, with maximum ranges of 10 miles or more on aircraft at an elevation of more than 5 or 6 degrees. No material casualties were experienced. The 5014A transmitter tubes had to be replaced once due to normal aging of the old tubes.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

Listening conditions were excellent in the patrol area, screws being heard easily on both the CD and the JK equipments at ranges up to 4000 yards.

Operation of the fathometer and of the JP sonic listening equipment was normal.

Training of both the CD and the CC-JK sound heads became noisy as a result of depth charging; the cause is as yet undetermined. The universal joint on the port sound head training shaft has become loose from wear, causing noise when the head is trained.

(0) DENSITY LAYERS

During the period February 25 to March 26, twenty-four bathymetrograph recordings of density layers were made in

— page 189 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Report of War Patrol
Number FOUR.

and south of the DANGEROUS GROUND. The depths to which the isothermal extended were from a minimum of 50 feet to a maximum of 245 feet in this case, the average being about 160 feet. In the thermocline region, the negative gradients averaged about 30°F in 50 feet.

Outside of the South China Sea area referred to above; the most notable finding was in the CELEBES SEA, where on two successive days, April 2 - 3, 1944, the isothermal extended as deep as the BLUEFISH dove, 350 feet. The sea was almost glassy smooth with little or no wind and clear sky. What the immediately preceding weather in this region had been is unknown.

In the SULU SEA and LAKASAR STRAIT the thermoclines began at about 200 to 250 feet.

In LONDON STRAIT, on April 6, 1944, at 160 feet a thermocline of 110°F in 50 feet was found, in a tide-rip region near the southern end.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HEALTHABILITY

Habitability was excellent.

Food was adequate and well prepared.

Health was generally good, with a large percentage of surface cruising being, no doubt, a contributing factor. The following minor ailments were treated:

| Condition | Percentage |
|||
| Minor wounds and lacerations | 16 |
| Colds | 3 |
| Skin irritations | 15 |
| Vincent's Angina (ringworm, Athletes foot) | 3 |
| Scabies | 4 |
| Food intoxication | 1 |
| Toothache | 6 |

(Q) PERSONNEL

Performance of duty of all personnel was generally excellent.

— page 190 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. BLUFFISH (SS222) - Report of War
Patrol Number FOUR.

(R) METERS STEAMED - FUEL USED
- Fremantle to Barrier: 1701 mi; 16,345 gals.;
- Above Barrier: 8026 mi; 66,705 gals.;
- Barrier to Fremantle: 1482 mi; 14,603 gals.

(S) DURATION
- Days enroute to Barrier: 7½
- Days above Barrier: 46
- Days enroute to Fremantle: 6
- Full days submerged: 27
- Half (a.arc. x) days submerged: 6

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE RATINGS
- Torpedoes: 4
- Fuel: 3000 gals.
- Provisions: 5 days
- Personal Factor: 10 days.
- Limit of factor this patrol: Despatch orders of CTF 71

-49- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 191 —
22 April 1944.
USSUES REPORT of
of Fourth War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. SUBFISH (SS222) - Report of Fourth War Patrol - Comment o1.

1. The fourth war patrol of the U.S.S. SUBFISH, conducted in the SOUTH CHINA SEA south of DANGEOUS GROUND, covered a period of fifty-nine days of which forty-six days were spent north of the BARRIER.

2. The SUBFISH made three torpedo attacks, two of them on escorted convoys and one on a single ship.

ATTACK #1 - Lade on a five-ship convoy with two Chidori escorts. Three torpedoes from bow tubes were fired at first ship and three at the second ship. The SUBFISH then swung around and fired the four stern tubes at the third ship. This attack was a night surface radar attack using TST bearings. Torpedoes from bow tubes were set at 10 and 15 feet and the stern tubes at 10 feet. All torpedoes missed; it is believed due to a target course error of 30-40 degrees.

ATTACK #2 - Lade on same convoy as attack #1, was a submerged periscope attack made after tracking the convoy on the surface. Three hits out of three torpedoes fired resulted in the sinking of an enemy tanker.

ATTACK #3 - The third attack on a CI was a night radar surface approach where the target detected the submarine as the fourth torpedo was fired from the bow tubes. After turning, the last torpedo from the stern tubes was fired. All five torpedoes missed.

3. The SUBFISH returned in good material condition and it is expected that she can be refitted in the normal time. The conversion of number four Main Ballast Tank to a Fuel Oil Ballast Tank will be accomplished during this refit.

4. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers and crew on the damage inflicted upon the enemy.

R. H. McLEAN

— page 192 —
1/2/1944
Serial 1, 0410
May 2, 1944.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT:
USS BLUEFISH Conf. Lt.
A16-3 Serial 04 dated
12 April, 1944. Report
of Fourth War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Fourth War Patrol -
Comment on:

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

2. This patrol is for the Commanding
Officer in that capacity. The experience in command gained on
this patrol coupled with the same aggressiveness and determina-
tion to inflict damage on the enemy should make future patrols
even more productive.

3. This patrol is designated as "Successful" for
purposes of award of the Submarine Combat Insignia.

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

SUNK
1 - AO (OMINESAN MARU) - - - - 7,500 Tons.

R. W. CHRISTIE.

ORIGINAL COPY

— page 193 —
24-71/A16-3
Serial: 0410
UNITED STATES NAVY
12/gr
May 2, 1944.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BLEUISH Comdr.
A16-3 Serial 04 dated
12 April, 1944. Report
of Fourth War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUETISH (SS222) - Fourth War Patrol -
Comment on:

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (3) - (Direct)
Vice Opnav (2) - (Direct)
Vice Opnav Op-23c (1)
Com1stFlt (1)
Com2ndFlt (1)
Com3rdFlt (1)
Com7thFlt (1)
ComSubs1stFlt (4)
ComSubs2ndFlt (4)
CTF-71 (2)
CTF-72 (2)
CSS-12 (1)
CSS-16 (1)
DivComs-Ron-12 (1)
DivComs Ron-16 (1)
S/M School N.L.Comm. (2)
Each S/M W.A. (1) - NOT TO BE TAKEN TO SEA - BURN

P. F. STRAUB, JR.,
Flag Secretary.

— page 194 —
12 MAY 1944

To: The Commander Seventh Fleet.
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Fourth War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

R. H. CRUZEN,
By direction.

— page 195 —
1. The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222).
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) Commander Submarine Division 162.
       (2) Commander Submarine Squadron Sixteen.
       (3) Commander Submarines, Seventh Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222), Report of War Patrol No. FIVE.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the FIFTH war patrol of this vessel conducted in BADONG STRAIT, BALI STRAIT, MAKASSAR STRAIT and the CELEBES SEA during the period 7 May 1944 to 28 June 1944 is forwarded herewith.

C. M. HENDERSON

DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED
BY Q.P. 02/02/22
DATE 5/2/22
DECLASSIFIED

— page 196 —
0-0-N-1-0-M-N-T-1-A-1
U.S.S. BLUEFISH (S8222) - Report of 5th War Patrol.

A. PROLOGUE.

Returned from Fourth War Patrol on 12 April 1944. Relief crew relieved regular crew. On 26 April 1944 refit was completed and regular crew returned to the ship and loaded stores. During the refit #4 MET was converted into a fuel ballast tank.

27 April - Made trim dive and conducted sound test.
28 April - Alongside tender.
29-30 April - Deep dive and independent operations. On 30 April had hot run in #5 torpedo tube, damaging outer door.
1-2 May - In drydock, repairing #5 tube outer door.
3-5 May - Conducted training exercises.
6 May - Final loading.

B. NARRATIVE. (All times HOW)

May 7, 1944

1300 Underway from Fremantle, W.A. in accordance with ComTaskFor Seventy One OpOrd 54-44. Conducted training exercises with U.S.S. Isabel until 2130; then departed.

May 7-10, 1944

Enroute Exmouth Gulf, conducting daily fire control and emergency drills, and section dives. At 0943, 9 May, sighted and exchanged recognition signals with HNMS K-15. At 0100, 10 May, exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. Narwhal. At 0908, 10 May, moored to fuel barge at Exmouth Gulf. 1451 Underway.

May 10-13, 1944

Enroute station at southern entrance to BADUNG STRAIT, conducting daily fire control and emergency drills, and section dives. On 12 May at 0832 submerged for plane radar contact, distant 4 miles (Plane contact #1). Surfaced at 0932. At 1012 submerged for sight contact on unidentified patrol plane (Plane contact #2). At 1132 surfaced and proceeded.

At 1705, 12 May lost depth control during section dive. While at an up angle of about 25 degrees a casualty occurred to a Mk. XVIII torpedo which had been withdrawn from #9 tube and secured in the skids for charging. The securing tackle gave way and the torpedo belonged itself in the tube resulting in the torpedo being wrecked. Since it was feared that the tube was also damaged, it was put out of commission. At 1739 and again at 1747 made section dive. At 1810 stopped and lay to while a man went over the side to inspect the outer door of #9 tube. The sea was too

— page 197 —
1817 proceeded.

(NOTE: All reasonable precautions were taken when securing this torpedo. Securing tackles were led from both the nose and the tail, and six parts of 21 thread manila were used for a belly ban. It should be noted that the short skid supplied is a jury rig which cannot be looked in place and which has no belly band).

May 13, 1944

0656 Submerged 50 miles south of BADUNG STRAIT.

1827 Surfaced.

2000 Arrived on station at southern entrance to BADUNG STRAIT and commenced patrolling a line 900-2700(T) at the center of the southern entrance. Making speed 10 knots and reversing course every half hour. (NOTE: This patrol plan was continued for the next three nights).

2118 ARC detected enemy radar, measured at 202 MGS., pulse rate 900 cycles, sweeping. An analysis of signal strengths observed from various locations in the vicinity during the next week indicates that the radar is located on BALI ISLAND. (NOTE: During the period 13-20 May, flashing lights were frequently observed on NUSA BESAR and on the southeastern and southwestern shores of BALI. One of the lights on NUSA BESAR, high up on the hill, appeared at times to be a signaling.)

Noon Position Lat 9-18S, Long 115-30E.

May 14, 1944

0549 Submerged 3 miles north of the southern entrance to BADUNG STRAIT, heading north. During the day the current set south at an average 3-1/2 knots. We were swept south about 8 miles. Maintained periscope patrol (5 minutes between observations). Distant and intermittent pinging was heard throughout the morning bearing north, but no patrol was sighted.

1836 Surfaced and continued patrol on station. Noon Position Lat 8-56S, Long 115-22E.

May 15, 1944

0549 Submerged and commenced periscope patrol on station.

1837 Surfaced and continued patrol on station.

Noon Position Lat 8-54S, Long 115-23E.

— page 198 —
May 16, 1944

Patrolled as before.

0542 Submerged.

1835 Surfaed and proceeded to station at southern entrance to BALI STRAIT.

2330 Arrived on station and commenced patrolling a line 3400-1600(T) between a point 3 miles east of PRINCE of ORANGE BANK and a point 10 miles east of TG. SLOKAH. Patrol located at 10 knots, reversing course once each hour. (NOTE: TIL: plan was continued every night while on this station).

2355 Sighted and avoided small boat.

Noon Position Lat 8-55S, Long 115-20E.

May 17, 1944

Patrolled as before.

0040 Radar contact bearing 0400(T), distant 6500 yards. Not seen. Avoided. (See ship contact #1).

0547 Submerged and patrolled a line 3200-1400(T) between a point 3 miles southeast of PRINCE of ORANGE BANK and a point 6 miles south east of that BANK. Maintained periscope patrol (5 minutes between observation). Used this patrol plan during daylight thru 20 May. Sighted several sail boats during the day.

1841 Surfaced.

2343 Radar contact bearing 0300(T), distant 2000 yards. Not seen. Avoided.

Noon position Lat 8-52S, Long 114-41E.

May 18, 1944

0140 Sight and radar contact on motor launch bearing 0000(T), distant 3000 yards. Avoided.

0553 Submerged.

1841 Surfaced.

2245 Radar contact bearing 3050(T), distant 9000 yards. Not seen. (See ship contact #2).

2250 Stood towards contact to investigate.

2302 Radar contact 3080(T), 3000 yards. Not seen. Avoided. Weather hazy, visibility poor.

Noon Position Lat 8-53S, Long 114-45E.

— page 199 —
0552 Submerged.

: 1846 Surfaced.

: 2021 Radar contact on small boat. Avoided.

: 0549 Submerged.

: 1827 Surfaced and stood off toward LOMBOK STRAIT in accordance with despatch orders and operation order.

: 2256 Went to action stations, increased speed to full power on 4 main engines and commenced transit of LOMBOK STRAIT. Proceeded up the eastern side, passing about 3 miles from nearest land.

: Noon Position Lat 8-52S, Long 114-40E.

: May 21, 1944

: 0110 Sight and radar contact on patrol vessel, bearing 000°(T), distant 7900 yards. Slowed and turned away. Tracked him on course 210°(T), speed eleven. (Ship contact #3).

: 0117 Increased speed to flank and worked to the northeastward around patrol vessel.

: 0151 Radar contact, bearing 040°(T), distant 6200 yards. This fellow was plotted about 3 miles northwest of TREWANGAN ISLAND. c/c to 310°(T). Tracked at 12 knots on 190°(T). (Ship contact #4).

: 0200 c/c to 003°(T).

: 0212 Sighted brilliant white parachute flare in direction of TG. IBUS on BALI shore. It descended slowly, burning for about 30 seconds. Shortly after wards another flare appeared in the same spot. These flares appeared to be about 6 or 8 miles away.

: 0233 Sighted another flare, bearing 260°(T), distant about 8 miles. This one burned for about 3 minutes. These flares illuminated the horizon to such an extent that any ship within 20 degrees of either side of the reverse bearing would have sighted us. Stood on at 19 knots. Turned on plane radar, but detected no planes.

: 0533 Submerged 12 miles southeast of SEPANJANG ISLAND and patrolled a line 090°-270° to intercept SURABJA-MAKASSAR shipping.

- 4 -

— page 200 —
1653 Surfaced and set course for SEKALA ISLAND.
: 1845 Set course to pass eastward of LIMA ISLAND.
: Noon Position Lat 7-19S, Long 116-56E.
: May 22, 1944
: 0355 Avoided small boat.
: 0610 Doubtful periscope sighting. Position 40-47'S, 1170-31'E.
: 0815 Submerged.
: 1531 Surfaced. Sighted many sailboats during the day.
: 1800 Sighted the land north of CAFE MANDAR.
: 1815 Stopped and lay to while one officer and one man went over the side to inspect #9 torpedo tube outer door. Rough clearances checked. Tube appears to be perfectly normal. Put it back in commission, but intend to use it only in extremis.
: 1839 Proceeded.
: 2300 Passed C. WILLIAM abeam. c/o to 3470(T).
: Noon Position Lat 4-17S, Long 117-57E.
: May 23, 1944
: 0500 Encountered heavy rain squalls.
: 0632 Sighted small boat to northward. Avoided.
: 0831 Submerged. Have been dodging rain squalls all morning. Do not consider visibility favorable for surface running. Sighted several sail boats during the day.
: 1813 Surfaced and set course for a line between BALIKPAPAN and T. MANGKALIHATI.
: 2042 Patrolling on course 0350(T).
: 2129 Went ahead at 3 engine speed and proceeded in compliance with despatch orders to conduct offensive reconnaissance of southeastern approaches to TAWI TAWI BAY.
: Noon Position Lat 0-29S, Long 118-27E.
: May 24, 1944
: 0553 Sight contact on possible ship bearing 3480(T).
: 0609 Submerged.

— page 201 —
0701 Surfaced.
0704 Sight contact on possible ship bearing 000°(T).
0742 Submerged.
0823 Still o.…nnot see contact. Surfaced.
0824 Sighted contact, bearing 0150(T).
0826 Submerged.
0900 Have determined target speed to be zero. He is now visible as a nice looking MFM freighter. Commenced closing for attack.
0937 Had to shamefully admit to the lads that we were tracking a large floating tree. (CELEBES HAZE!). It was a good diving drill, though. Surfaced and processed.
1215 Passed through area filled with wreckage, oil drums, and oil on water. During the afternoon sighted several sailboats.
Noon Position Lat 2-15N, Long 119-32E.

May 25, 1944

0453 Submerged 10 miles south of MANUK MANKA ISLAND to cover southern entrance of SIBUTU PASSAGE. Stayed between 5 and 10 miles from MANUK MANKA all day.

0554 Sighted the first plane in this area. (NOTE: 1. Plane contacts were so numerous that I shall not list them. While in the area near TAWI TAWI BAY actual sight contacts averaged about 8 or 10 a day. There was a continuous air coverage of TAWI TAWI BAY during daylight. Planes covering the approaches to the bay were sighted most frequently between dawn and 0800, and dusk, but were sighted at other times also. I believe there is a continuous patrol within 20 miles of the BAY, this being intensified just after dawn and before dusk. Most of the planes were PETES or JAKES. Occasionally a two engine land bomber was sighted. 2. About 25% of the time the sea in this area was absolutely flat calm. About 50% of the time it was flat with very tiny ripples. The rest of the time it was flat with a gentle breeze. One single day it whipped up to a roaring force two).

Deidied to maintain periscope patrol, making observations every 15 minutes and going to 100 feet between observations.

1840 Surfaced and patrolled to the eastward.

Noon Position Lat 4-40N, Long 120-09E.

— page 202 —
May 26, 1944
Patrolling towards TAWI TAIWIBAY.

0449 Submerged.

0530 Made reconnaissance of TAWI TAIWIBAY from a position 1-1/2 miles south of BILATAN ISLAND, 1/2 mile from TIJI TIJI REE SHIPS present: 3 BB, 4 CA, 3 CL, 6 fleet auxiliaries and a 10 smaller craft. (NOTE: It is difficult to observe TAWI TAIWIBAY from a position southeast of TIJI TIJI REEF, because of the many islands on the reef. It is necessary to cruise parallel to the reef, making spot observations between the islands. The reconnaissance observations listed on this and succeeding pages may be considered fairly accurate as to types, but incomplete. It was never possible to be certain that the entire bay was observed).

0930 Patrolled to seaward on southerly courses.

1545 Heard and felt 20 underwater explosions, distant several miles.

1845 Surfaced and patrolled to the southeastward.

Noon Position Lat 4-45N, Long 120-58E.

May 27, 1944.

Patrolling towards TAWI TAIWIBAY.

0450 Submerged.

0900 Made reconnaissance of BAY from same position as yesterday. No change noted in ships present.

1000 Patrolled to southward.

1838 Surfaced about 10 miles southeast of MANUK MANKA ISLAND and patrolled to the southeast.

Noon Position Lat 4-53N, Long 120-22E.

May 28, 1944.

Patrolling southeastern approaches to TAWI TAIWIBAY.

0451 Submerged.

Due to haze and low visibility was unable to make reconnaissance today.

Patrolled eastern approaches to passage between SIMUNUL ISLAND and TIJI TIJI REEF. Sighted 8 or 10 sailboats during the morning.

— page 203 —
1850 Surfaced about 18 miles southeast of MANUK MANKA ISLAND and patrolled to southward.

Noon Position Lat 4-56N, Long 120-12E.

May 29, 1944

0450 Submerged.

0630 Observed TAWI TAIWIBAY from usual position 1-1/2 miles south of BILATAN ISLAND, 1/2 mile from TIJI TIJI REEF. Ships present: 10 battleships or heavy cruisers, two aircraft carriers, seven unidentified men of war and several fleet auxiliaries.

Patrolled to southward.

1902 Surfaced and patrolled to eastward.

Noon Position Lat 4-46N, Long 120-07E.

May 30, 1944

0442 Submerged.

0830 Observed TAWI TAIWIBAY from usual spot. Ships present: 3 BB, 7 CA or CL, 6 or 8 destroyers and several fleet auxiliaries.

Patrolled to southward.

1030 Heard three distant explosions.

1407 Sighted plane bearing 1900(T), distant 4 miles.

1416 Sighted plane bearing 1500(T), distant 600 yards, heading towards us. Went to 130 feet.

1425 Sound reported faint screws bearing 2500(T). Own course 1200(T). Started for periscope depth. Rigged ship for silent running.

1428-1432 Bearing drawing left.

1432 c/o to 1400.

1433 Periscope depth. Observed several large men of war in line abreast bearing 2000(T), on course about 1100(T), range about 6000 yards, making high speed. Went to battle stations, made all tubes ready and helplessly watched them go by out of range. Sketchily identified them as four probably heavy cruisers with three destroyer escorts. (Ship contacts #5 to 11).

— page 204 —
1441 c/o to 1600(T).
1444 Sighted Japanese Battleship Fusō, bearing 2430(T), range about 8000 yards, on course about 1250(T). Watched him go by all alone at closest range about 6000 yards. (Ship contact #12).

1503 Secured from battle stations.

1530 Task force out of sight on base course 0900, still zigzagging radically when last seen. Speed was first plotted at nineteen, but was later determined to be nearer 21 km.

1832 Surfaced and sent my serial one, reporting movements of task force and results of reconnaissance of TAIW TAIW BAY. Since the task force had a 60 or 70 mile start on me, it appeared useless to attempt to regain contact. Also, it seemed probable that some major enemy units were still in TAIW TAIW, and I planned to conduct further reconnaissance there the next morning. Later in the evening we received orders to do that.

Stood over to the eastward.

Noon Position 4-52N, 120-09E.

May 31, 1944

0110 Lay to off MANTA-BUAN ISLAND, tuning SJ radar.

0210 Proceeded westward towards BILATAN ISLAND.

0443 submerged.

0540 Observed TAIW TAIW BAY from usual spot. Ships present: 4 CV, 2 BB, 2 CA, 2 large unidentified and many fleet auxiliaries and small craft.

0708 Heard 8 distant explosions.

Stood off to southward.

1837 Surfaced 15 miles southeast of MANUK MANKA ISLAND and proceeded southward.

2115 Transmitted my serial two, containing information of ships present in TAIW TAIW.

2130 Proceeded northeastward.

Noon Position Lat 4-48N, Long 120-10E.

— page 205 —
1. 1944
2. 105 Sight contact on two unidentified ships, bearing 3200(T), distant 8 miles. Position 4°-24'N, 120°-18'E. Turned away and slowed to determine direction of bearing change. (SJ radar is out of commission). (Ship contacts #13 and 1)
3. 110 c/c to 3100(T) and went ahead flank speed. Ships not visible now in gathering haze.
4. 127 Moonset.
5. 139 Regained contact, bearing 3150(T).
6. 141 Lost contact and never regained it. I believe these two ships were patrolling destroyers.
7. 223 Slowed to standard speed, secured JASON and set course for my reconnaissance spot.
8. 449 Sunkmerged.
9. 504 Distant pinging, bearing about 1600(T).
10. 546 Observed TAIW TAIW BAY from usual spot. Ships present: 3 CV, 2 BB, 4 CA, 4 large unidentified warships, many auxiliaries and small craft.
11. 559 Commenced patrolling to southward.
12. 0730 Distant pinging, bearing 2500(T).
13. 0750 Distant pinging, bearing 2200(T).
14. 0820 Sighted mast bearing 2050(T), distant about 15,000 yards. Commander approached. (Ship contact #15).
15. 0830 Target is zig-zagging on base course about 0300(T), speed about 12 knots. c/c to 0600(T).
16. 0835 Battle stations. I am trying to make this approach in such a manner that I will be end on to target after range is reduced to 6000 yards. I plan to fire the stern tube which are loaded with Mk. XVIII torpedoes.
17. 0842 Target identified as TERRITUSKI Class destroyer. He is conducting a systematic pinging search. The sea is flat calm as usual; periscope observations are very brief and hurried. c/c to 0150(T).
18. 0847 Sound reports fast screws bearing 2730(T).
19. 0848 Sighted two unidentified warships in column bearing 2420(T), angle on bow 60 starboard, range estimated at 4500 yards, making about 15 knots. (These two could

— page 206 —
0849 Original target now bears 1800(T), distant 4000 yards, angle on bow 30° port. c/c to 0000(T). Situation is as indicated on sketch.

: 0852 Original target now has 900 port angle on bow, range 4000 yards.

: 0853 Loud screws bearing 2550(T) and 2700(T).

: 0854 Steady bearing on 2700(T); sound reporterscrows getting louder.

: 0854-30 Observed cruiser or destroyer bearing 270° relative and true, distant 600 yards, angle on bow 50° starboard. Went deep and rigged for depth charge, out no attack developed.

: 0900 Screws bear 2950(T) and pinging has started from a ship bearing 3550(T). Headed for the reef.

: 0915 No screws audible. Pinging now bears 1650(T).

— page 207 —
1100 Pinging faded out to southward.
: 1127 Perisooep depth.
: 1138 70' motor launch passed by, headed westward.
: 1140 Resumed regular perisooep patrol and proceeded southeastward.
: 1806 Sighted float plane, distant about 2 miles.
: 1809 One bomb explosion, probably about a mile away.
: 1850 Surfaced 20 miles east of M.NUK M.N.K.A. ISLAND, proceeded eastward.
: 2019 Sight and sound contact on plane, distant about 1000 yards on starboard quarter elevation about 1000 feet, heading directly towards us. Thirty five seconds later we were at 48 feet, going down fast. I was very well pleased at the neat manner in which the watch handled this situation. (See plane contact #3).
: 2025 Fairly close aerial bomb.
: 2030 Another one fairly close. He is probably bombing our slick. The plane was identified by two lookouts and the Jr. OOD as a two engine, single wing land bomber. This identification was made without the aid of binoculars--he was that close. His engines were heard by all bridge personnel. We were standing directly away from the path of the moon, which was about 6 hours high. The plane approached from a direction about 60 degrees to the left of the bearing of the moon.
: He probably had a radar contact and was attempting to develop sight contact. The SD radar was not manned at the time, but I intend to man it from now on at night in this vicinity. The enemy undoubtedly has our patrol position well plotted by now anyhow.
: 2153 Surfaced and stood southeastward.
: Noon Position Lat 4-54N, Long 120-07E.
June 2, 1944
: Patrolling northwestward towards TAI TAI BAY.
: 0447 Submerged 10 miles south of BILAPAN ISLAND and patrolled northward.
: 1430 Observing TAI TAI BAY from visual spot. Ships present: 2 BE, 4 GA, 1 CV, 4 DD. Was unable to make a decent observation due to haze.

— page 208 —
1853 Surfaced and patrolled southeastward.

1940 Plane radar contact, closest range 9 miles.

2025 Plane radar contact, closest range 8 miles.

Noon Position Lat 4-56N, Long 120-12E.

June 3, 1944

Patrolling northwestward towards TAIW TAIW BAY.

0444 Submerged.

0610 At usual spot. Observed following in BAY: 4 CV, 2 BB, 5 CA, 2 large unidentified men of war and many small craft.

Patrolled to southward.

1844 Surfaced and patrolled eastward.

Noon Position Lat 4-50N, Long 120-13E.

June 4, 1944

Patrolling westward toward TAIW TAIW BAY, avoiding rain squalls.

0450 Submerged 10 miles south of BILATAN ISLAND and patrolled northward.

1327 Observed TAIW TAIW BAY from usual spot. Ships present: 2 CV, 2 EB, 3 CA, 3 large unidentified men of war, and 3 small men of war, plus several auxiliaries.

Patrolled to southward.

1830 Surfaced and patrolled to southwestward.

Noon Position Lat 5-01N, Long 120-12E.

June 5, 1944

Patrolling northeastward towards BILATAN ISLAND.

0446 Submerged.

0609 Usual spot. Observed following ships in TAIW TAIW BAY: 3 CV, 6 CA, 2 BB, 2 large unidentified, 8 medium unidentified.

Patrolling to southward.

1840 Surfaced and proceeded southward.

— page 209 —
2030 Received your message directing me to transmit reconnaissance information.

2040 Proceeded southeastward, hoping to intercept suspected southbound traffic from SIBUTU.

Noon Position Lat 4-43N, Long 120-59E.

June 6, 1944

Patrolling southwest of SIBUTU PASSAGE.

0016 Sent my serial three, containing reconnaissance informati of TAHI TAHI BAY.

0115 Proceeded southeastward.

0150 Radar interference, bearing 330°(T).

0152 c/c to 330°(T).

0205 c/c to 070°(T).

0231 Sighted unidentified small ship bearing 293°(T), distant about 7 miles. Radar interference on that bearing. (Ship contact #18).

0240 Identified ship as a submarine.

0248 Submarine out of sight to northwestward.

0300 c/c to 053°(T) to work back towards BILATAN ISLAND.

0337 Sighted submarine bearing 323°(T).

0345 Lost sight of submarine. Although I could not identify this submarine, I believe she was friendly.

0455 Submerged 20 miles south of MANUK MNK ISLAND and patrolled eastward.

1837 Surfaced and patrolled northeastward.

Noon Position Lat 4-30N, Long 119-54E.

June 7, 1944

Patrolling northwestward towards BILATAN ISLAND.

0441 Submerged.

0705 Observed B.Y from usual spot. Ships present: 4CV, 4 CA, 1 BB, 2 large unidentified warships, 3 small unidentified warships.

- 14 -

— page 210 —
1839 Surfaced and patrolled southeastern approaches to TAIWAN BAY.

Noon Position Lat 4-55N, Long 120-23E.

June 8, 1944

Patrolling 30 miles southeast of TAIWAN BAY.

0458 Submerged 15 miles east of MANUK MANUK ISLAND and patrolled southeastern approaches to TAIWAN BAY.

1805 Sighted float plane, distant 4 miles, heading southeast.

1835 Surfaced.

1842 Plane radar contact at 6-1/2 miles, closing rapidly.

1843 Plane 4 miles away. Submerged. (Plane contact #4).

1859 Surfaced and stood southward at standard speed, clearing area in accordance with orders to shift patrol station to south of Latitude 40° N.

1931 0.0.D. made sight contact on two unidentified ships, bearing 090°(T), distant about 10,000 yards. Turned away to 270°(T) to determine bearing change and commence tracking (SJ radar is out of commission). Ordered flank speed. (Ship contacts #19 and 20).

1933 Action stations. One ship is a large man of war, the other appears to be a destroyer. They are making high speed on estimated course 3000(T). On receiving the flank speed bell, the maneuvering room pulled the charging engines clear preparatory to paralleling them with the propulsion engines. At this point, without authority and for unknown reasons, the throttlernan in the after engine room stopped and secured the charging engines. In the resulting confusion and delay the ship lay for several minutes without propulsion.

1936 (About) Working to full power on 4 main engines.

1940 Range has closed to about 6000 yards, bearing is now about 0750(T) and is drawing left. c/c to 2600(T).

1941 Moonrise.

1944 Targets have changed course to about 3150. It was a clear night. I continued to open the range.

— page 211 —
1954 c/c to 3150(T). Range about 12,000 yards now. Targets may have sighted us and turned away.

: 2002 Targets almost out of sight now. c/c to 3300(T).

: 2006 Targets not visible. They are making over 20 knots. Secured from action stations, slowed to standard speed and c/c to 2500(T).

: 2058 Went ahead full speed and came left to 2400(T). I am attempting to reach TARGET before dawn.

: 2125 Plane radar contact closed rapidly from 11 to 7 miles. Submerged. (Plane contact #5).

: 2216 Surfaced.

: 2331 Plane radar contact closed rapidly from 11 miles to 6 miles. Submerged. (Plane contact #6).

: 2355 Surfaced and proceeded.

Noon Position Lat 4-40N, Long 120-17E.

June 9, 1944

: 0027 Plane radar contact, steady at 10 miles. (Plane contact #7).

: 0033 Range 3-1/2 miles, submerged.

: 0121 Surfaced.

: 0147 Sighted ship, bearing 2100(T), distant about 16,000 yards. (Ship contacts #21 and 22).

: 0150 c/c to 0100(T) and slowed to 1/3 speed.

: 0152 Bearing drawing right.

: 0156 Went ahead full power on 4 main engines and commenced tracking by segment's eye. (SJ radar out of commission).

: 0200 c/c to 3500(T). Escort visible now. Targets making high speed on course about 3350(T). Our navigator has them heading for LIGHTNING REEF, south of ALICE CHANNEL. We are about 34 miles, bearing 1500(T) from this reef.

: 0300 Still tracking at full power. The targets are making better than 20 knots good along base co base about 3350(T). They are zig-zagging. The bearing has drawn steadily right and is now 2450(T). At this rate we will not be able to gain position ahead. There are rain squalls about.

— page 212 —
0310 Visibility has closed to 8000 yards. Targets are about 12,000 yards on our port beam, bearing 250°(T).

: 0312 Came left to 3000(T) and went to action stations. My only chance now is to pick a snap shot out of a rain squall. Continued at full power. Rain squalls all around us. Visibility about 6000 yards.

: 0315 c/c to 270°(T).

: 0322 Broke off the chase. c/c to 190°(T).

: 0324 Visibility better to the southward. Secured from action stations.

: 0345 Plane radar contact at 8 miles, closing. (Plane contact #8).

: 0346 Contact at 6 miles closing steadily. Submerged with range 5 miles.

: 0407 Sound reports screws bearing 050°(T). Contact not visible through periscope.

: 0417 Screws faded.

: 0530 Distant explosions. The events of the past 12 hours constitute the "blow" prescribed by your serial 46.

: Proceeded on course 180°(T), maintaining periscope patrol.

: 1800 Converted #4 F.B.T. to M.B.T.

: 1839 Surfaced and patrolled to southward.

: 2115 Went ahead full speed.

: 2158 Submerged to flush out #4 M.B.T.

: 2206 Surfaced and continued patrol at full speed to southward. I want to fetch C. MANGKALIHAT before dawn.

: Noon Position Lat 3-35N, Long 119-01E.

June 10, 1944

: 0200 Sighted Iand, bearing 210°(T). Slowed to standard speed.

: 0400 Tuned SJ radar on Iand.

: 0517 Submerged 9 miles southeast of C. MANGKALIHAT and patrolled on course 045°(T) and reverse. Stayed off MANGKALIHAT all day.

— page 213 —
1825 Surfaced and commenced high speed search to the northward.

Noon Position Lat 0-45N, Long 119-00E.

June 11, 1944

0400 Commenced slow speed search to southward.

0945 Submerged on sighting plane, distant 6 miles. (Plane contact #9).

1621 Surfaced and proceeded southward.

2350 Commenced patrolling 10-25 miles south of TG. MANGKALIH.

Noon Position Lat 2-00N, Long 119-16E.

June 12, 1944

0227 Sighted small ship, bearing 050°(T), distant 10,000 yards. Commenced tracking, using TBT bearings and ranges estimated by seaman's eye. (SJ radar never did pick up this contact. In fact, it has picked up no contacts since we transitted Lombok three weeks ago). (Ship contact #23).

0230 Went ahead full speed on course 230°(T).

0233 Target still closing; went ahead flank speed.

0442 Submerged on course 035°(T), with target bearing 000° relative, distant about 9000 yards. Target has tracked for over two hours on course 230°(T), speed 15.

0448 Sound has the target.

0449 All tubes ready.

0450 Rigged for silent running.

0453 Target in sight, bearing 031°(T). From now until the time of firing I kept the ship pointed directly at the target.

0502 Target suddenly commenced to echo range and slowed.

0503-30 Target speeded up.

0504-11 Commenced firing. Estimated range 2000 yards, track angle 122° port, gyro angle 14°L, depth 4 feet. Used divergent spread with continuous bearing input.

0504-32 Three torpedoes fired. Discovered gyro setters had not been matched. Matched them and at

— page 214 —
0504-48 Commenced firing three more torpedoes.

0507 Target is turning towards us. Target is a SHIMUSHU class: mine layer.

0508 Went deep and rigged for depth charge.

0512 Four depth charges.

0527 Five depth charges.

0540 Target passed directly overhead.

0545 Four depth charges. Evaded at slow speed on sine curve to eastward.

0652 Screws faded.

0655 Faint echo ranging still heard, bearing about 225°(T).

0741 Periscope depth. Screws and echo ranging bearing 180°(T). Rain squalls all around.

0800 Echo ranging much louder.

0822 Surfaced in the middle of a tropical downpour. Visibility: 200 yards. Went ahead at full power on four main engines course 010°(T).

0852 Rain squalls clearing, visibility improving. Submerged.

0855 Sound reports echo ranging bearing 170°(T).

0910 Sound reports screws bearing 175°(T). Guess I wasn't so clever.

0920 Rigged for silent running.

0928 Target visible, bearing 175°(T), range 4000 yards, angle on bow 5 degrees starboard.

0930 Eased down to 360 feet.

0940 Bearing of screws drawing right.

0950 Lost contact.

1035 Periscope depth. Visibility good now.

1047 Sighted float plane about 6 miles away. (Plane contact #10). Set course 060°(T).

1840 Echo ranging commenced, bearing 000°(T), fairly loud. I decided to clear this area.

— page 215 —
1847 Set torpedoes on depth 4 feet, surfaced and moved rapidly over towards Celebes coast.

: 2100 Set course 031°(T) to pass N. WATCHER 10 miles abeam to starboard.

: 2300 N. WATCHER abeam to starboard.

Noon Position Lat 00-30N, Long 118-45E.

June 13, 1944

: 0104 c/o to 316°(T) to head for MOERAS REEF.

: 0516 Submerged 15 miles S.E. of S.MBIT ISLAND LIGHT on MOERAS REEF and patrolled this vicinity throughout the day.

: 1817 Surfaced and patrolled vicinity.

: 2140 Went ahead full speed on course 040°(T), attempting to reach daylight position of RASHER's contact. Unsuccessfully attempted to raise RASHER on voice circuit.

: 2350 Went ahead flank speed.

Noon Position Lat 1-52N, Long 119-10E.

June 14, 1944

: 0603 Slowed to standard speed and commenced retiring search to northeastward. We are in RASHER's area now.

: 0802 Sight contact on two engine land bomber, distant 4 miles Sumerged.

: 1146 Surfaced and proceeded southward. I want to reach MANGKALIHAT by dawn tomorrow.

: 1510 c/o to 193°(T) to head for line between STROOMEN KAP and MANGKALIHAT.

: 2012 While assembling the control party for routine tracking drill, lookout sighted 3 ships bearing 153°(T). Immediately afterwards the S7 radar obtained contact, range 10,000 yards. Turned away and commenced tracking. (Ship contacts #24 to 26).

: 2022 Lost contact.

: 2024 Increased speed to full power on all main engines and turned towards last true bearing.

: 2054 After a frantic search, finally regained contact. Continued tracking at full power. Kept the range between

— page 216 —
9000 and 10,000 yards and slowly moved towards attack position ahead. Target is on base course about 2900(T), zigging radically between 240° and 340°, making speed 13 knots.

: 2310 Target has changed base course to 3150(T).

: 2341 Action stations. Target is an unidentified large ship with two escorts.

: Noon Position Lat 4-01 N, Long 121-13E.

: June 15, 1944

: 0030 Target bears 0850(T), range 10,000 yards. He is on left hand leg of his zig plane. Started in at 2/3 speed, keeping bow pointed at target. (NOTE: The sea is flat calm and very phosphorescent. The night is generally clear, but we have a fair background of haze. I am committed to a slow speed approach, though I would like to have made this one at high speed, because the escorts are patrolling one on each bow of the target).

: 0037 Near escort is directly between us and the target, angle on bow about 20° port, range 4300 yards. Stopped.

: 0038 All ahead 1/3.

: 0039 Range to nearest escort 3400 yards.

: 0040 Target group has made normal zig to course about 3150(T). Started to shoot the near escort, but he is a PC boat and I decided the chances of hitting were small and saved the torpedoes for the target.

: 0044 Near escort is now 3200 yards away, passing ahead. Went ahead 2/3 speed and kept coming left.

: 0046 Went ahead flank speed.

: 0046-30 Commenced firing five torpedoes at large transport, range 4000 yards, track angle 123° P, gyro angle 30 L.

: 0048 Range to near escort 3300 yards. Far escort is coming around the stern of the target. Turned away and worked up to full power. No hits seen or heard.

: 0049 Target has changed course away.

: 0051 Target fired one red flare.

: 0103 Moonrise.

: 0110 Commenced the chase again.

— page 217 —
0155 Encountered rain squalls. Visibility poor. I guess the target has changed to about 000°(T).

: 0300 Visibility intermittently better. Scattered rain squalls all around.

: 0320 Regained sight contact, bearing 070°(T).

: 0341 Action stations. I am hoping we can reach a rain squall ahead and make another surface attack. Target is on base course 330°, zigging between 270° and 030°.

: 0458 In position ahead of target, but the visibility is too good for a surface attack. Submerged with target bearing 150°(T), range 12,000 yards and commenced approach.

: 0502 Rigged for silent running.

: 0503 Escorts started pinging.

: 0515 Target in sight, bearing 170°(T), range about 6000 yards. Course 270°(T). Both escorts are between the target and us.

: 0525 Target has zigged right to about 320°. Near escort is 1500 yards ahead of us, far escort is about 3000 yards ahead of us, heading towards us. Target is beyond escort bearing about 240°(T), range still about 6000 yards. We have been given the old run around. The actions of the escorts indicate that they probably detected us.

: 0551 Escorts heading directly away, bearing 284° and 276°(T). Target is no longer visible.

: 0600 Secured from battle stations. Started periscope patrol.

: 1822 Surfaced and headed for MARATOEA ISLAND.

: 2000 Position in doubt.

: 2220 Sighted small islands on reef to southward of MARATOEA ISLAND. Worked northward and westward.

: Noon Position Lat 3-01N, Long 119-28E.

June 16, 1944

: 0510 Submerged 4 miles east of F-NDTANG ISLAND and patrolled parallel to the reef on course 330° and reverse.

: 0736 Sighted smoke, bearing 160°(T), commenced approach.

: 0812 Battle stations. Tops of two ships visible. Continued approach. (Ship contacts #27 to 30).

: 0839 Three ships in sight, in column formation. Escort in

— page 218 —
0843 Rigged for silent running.

0856 We are 20 degrees on the port bow of the escort, range 1500 yards. The sea is the usual flat calm--not even a ripple stirring this morning. Tracked target group and escort by sound until the escort was definitely passing astern.

0900 Leading target passed ahead. c/c to 195°(T) to sharpen track. I am getting in too close.

0904-30 Up periscope. Second target, a medium freither, bears 176°(T), range 900 yards, angle on bow 30° starboard. Accepted sharp track and at

0905-04 Commenced firing three torpedo salvo from bow tubes, range 750, track angle 38 (S), gyro angle 110° (L), using 50 yard divergent spread.

0905-35 One explosion.

0906 After half of freighter completely obscured by smoke of explosion and he is listing to starboard. Many pieces of Maru flying through the air in all directions to a height of about 200 feet. Leading ship has an angle on the bow of 180°, the third ship is about 2000 yards astern of sinking ship and is turning awcy. The escort is turning towards and has speeded up.

0907 Went deep and rigged for depth charge.

0908 Heard and felt the most tremendous underwater explosion I have experienced yet, It lacked the sharp local feeling of a close depth charge; rather it gave the impression of considerable area. It was much louder than any depth charge I have ever heard. I believe it was an explosion on the ship just attacked. For several minutes afterward minor explosions, crackling noises, groaning, etc. were heard through the hull.

0914 First of three depth charges. Headed for the reef.

0920 Escorts screws faded on bearing 050°(T).

0930 Third ship in column faded out on bearing 170°(T).

1003 Escorts screws bearing 008°(T). He is making high speed and coming closer. He has probably herded the leading ship clear and is returning to the scene of the attack. He milled around, changing course frequently and stopping

— page 219 —
1101 Escort departed. This escort was a type I have not seen before. He was about the size of a PC boat, but lay much lower in the water, had a broader beam and two stick mast.

: 1210 Periscope depth. All clear. Secured from battle station and silent running. I am boxed in by reefs and islands. Commenced heading northeast for the open sea.

: 1837 Surfaced 2 miles west of the norther end of MARATOEA ISLAND and headed for the open sea.

: 1900 Headed for STROOMEN KAMP. Noon Position Lat 2-25N, Long 118-08E.

: June 17, 1944

: 0543 Submerged 4 miles north of STROOMEN KAMP light and patrol led within 6 miles of the light throughout the day.

: 1820 Surfaced and headed for MANGKALIHAT. Noon Position Lat 1-24N, Long 120-50E.

: June 18, 1944

: 0350 Radar contact bearing 340°(T), distant 6000 yards. Rain squalls and poor visibility in that direction. For the next 40 minutes we tracked this contact on courses between 100° and 200°(T) at speeds from 2 to 5 knots. I sighted him on two occasions at 5500 yards. He is very small. The radar pip did not change size with an increase or decrease of range. The actions of this contact were very suspicious, and since he was not large enough to warrant torpedo fire, at (Ship contact #31).

: 0430 Cleared the vicinity at high speed.

: 0514 Submerged and headed for MANGKALIHAT. Patrolled 8 miles off MANGKALIHAT during the day.

: 1347 Sighted float type plane northbound.

: 1825 Surfaced and proceeded towards C. WILLIAM. Noon Position Lat 0-48N, Long 119-05E.

: June 19, 1944

: 0530 Sighted C. WILLIAM.

— page 220 —
0630 Submerged. Many sailboats in sight.
: 1817 Surfaced and proceeded south-westward.
: 2330 Fixed position with fathometer by running back and forth across 100 fathom curve.
: Noon Position Lat 2-55S, Long 118-29E.
: June 20, 1944
: 0030 Commenced search to southeastward, covering M.KASS.R-KHOTA BAKU traffic route.
: 0749 Submerged.
: 1639 Surfaced and proceeded southward.
: 1646 c/c to 1550(T) to close and investigate sailboat.
: 1657 Sighted tops of ship, bearing 1550(T). (Ship contacts #32 and 33).
: 1701 Mast of escort visible. Target is a fine looking large freighter. Turned away to open range. Kept target in sight through high pariscoop and tracked him on base course 3050(T), speed about 10 knots, zig-zagging radically.
: 1810 Commenced closing target at slow speed.
: 1846 Radar has contact, bearing 1930(T), range 13,000 yards.
   The visibility cleared enough at sunset to enable the navigator to obtain a good fix. This stood us in good stead during the subsequent chase through the reefs and shallows to the westward.
: 2012 Went to action stations.
: 2019 Made ready tubes 1, 2, 7, 8 and 10. Tubes 1, 2 and 9 are loaded with Mk. XIV, tubes 7, 8 and 10 with Mk. XVIII.
: 2035 In position 60 degrees on starboard bow, distant 8000 yards, with escort patrolling the off quarter of the target. Started in at standard speed for bow attack. Visibility good, sea state one.
: 2042 Target zigged away.
: 2045-05 Commenced firing two torpedoes from bow tubes, depth set at 8 feet, range 2500 yards, gyro angle zoro, track angle 120 (S), spread 40 yards each side of MOT. (I have no more torpedoes left forward).

— page 221 —
2100 Resumed tracking. Pulled torpedoes aft and checked the gyro pots. Evidently we have not been detected.

: 2105 Crossed 100 fathom curve. For the next seven hours we were in water of 12-30 fathoms.

: 2219 Submerged 7000 yards head ahead of the target. Escort still on port quarter. Target zigzag 30 degree legs. Made radar approach at 40 foot depth.

: 2243 Range 3000 yards, target visible in periscope. Planed down to 62 feet.

: 2248 Commenced firing 3 Mk. XVIII torpedoes from the stern tubes, range 1600 yards, gyro angle 4 (R), track angle 80 (S), spread 50 yards between torpedoes, depth set at 8 feet. No hits.

: 2302 Planed up to radar depth. One contact only, range 4550. Sound does not hear any screws.

: 2305 Surfaced in hot pursuit. Visibility still good.

: 2310 Resumed tracking. Commenced shifting TDC cams. Commence reload aft. Cause of misses undetermined--due perhaps to excessive range or target zig.

: 2340 Rain squalls making up ahead. The target has changed base course to about 250°(T). He has been zig-zagging radically since our second attack. The escort has now moved ahead of target and is patrolling both bows.

Noon Position: Lat 4-04S, Long 117-52E.

June 21, 1944

Twice during the next hour and a half I started in to attack. Each time the escort appeared on the near bow of the target. I am finding it very difficult indeed to get off this stern tube shot. Finally, at

: 0140 With a rain squall behind us, made the tubes ready and started in at 19 knots from a position 9000 yards, 75 degrees on the starboard bow of the target.

: 0144 Escort directly between us and the target, range 5400 yards. Slowed to 14 knots.

: 0145 Swoing left to keep from closing escort too much.

— page 222 —
0148 Range to escort 3800 yards. He is about 3000 yards on starboard bow of target. All ahead flank, right full rudder, commenced passing astern of escort and closing target. Visibility poor.

: 0150 Target has zigged 60 degrees towards us. Maneuvered radically at high speed until

: 0156 When we were 1800 yards on the starboard beam of the target, heading in. We then swung hard right, slowed, and at

: 0158-20 Commenced firing four torpedoes from the stern tubes, range 2000, gyro angle zero, track angle 127 (S), spread 60 yards between torpedoes, depth set at 8 feet.

: 0159 Went ahead full power and headed northeast.

: 0200-00 One hit observed by C.O. and bridge personnel and heard below.

: 0200-15 One hit observed by C.O. and bridge personnel and heard below.

: 0203 Last range on escort at 5500 yards.

: 0205 Last contact on target, a very weak pip at 6100 yards.

: 0206 All clear on ship's radar. It is considered that the target sank. Previous to the attack the radar was able to obtain contact on the target with a strong pip at 12,000 yards and on the escort at about 5800 yards.

: 0531 Submerged.

: 1812 Surfaced and proceeded southward.

June 22, 1944.

: 0538 Sighted SEKALA ISLAND.

: 0556 Submerged.

: 1801 Surfaced.

: 2224 Action stations. Commenced transit of LOMBOK STRAIT at 18 knots, keeping well to the eastward.

June 23, 1944.

Transmitting LOMBOK STRAIT.

(NOTE: Visibility is extremely poor due to surface haze).

— page 223 —
0002 First of many radar contacts on one of four small vessel encountered patrolling southern entrance to the STRIT. Subsequent analysis showed that these four patrols were disposed about 3 miles apart, in a line bearing 340°(T) from TG. P.ND.N.N on the southwestern tip of LOMBOK ISLAND. The first contacted was the southernmost one in the line. He was about 2-1/2 miles off shore. The patrols all seem to be circling on station at about 5 knots. None of them was sighted; probably they were small patrols. However, visibility was only about 3-4,000 yards. (Ship Contacts #34 to 37).

Unsuccessfully tried to run around the first patrol to the north-westward. The farther I went the more patrols I contacted. Finally, at 0200 Ran west between two of them, with one 3,000 yards on each beam, then gradually eased southward and at 0255 Cleared TOWBOAT TRAIT and proceeded.

0720 Sent out.

1605 Surface.

June 23-28, 1944

Proceeding FRONT, W.A., holding daily fire control and diving drills. At 1000, 24 June one of the crew suffered a broken leg while shifting torpedo skids in the after room. At 1005 increased speed to 17 knots and headed for Exmouth Gulf to obtain medical assistance. At 1400 sent my serial four containing results of patrol. At 1215 25 June, anchored in Exmouth Gulf. Transferred injured man to base at Exmouth. At 1658 underway and proceeded FREMANTLE, W.A., arriving 28 June 1944.

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— page 228 —
1. Torpedo Attack Report Form
U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 Patrol No. 5.
Time 0504(H) Date 12 June, 1944 Lat. 00°-05'S Long.118045''
Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Single small minelayer, Shimushu class, of 500 tons approximately. Contact made by sight at 10,000 yards. Bright moonlight night, clear with the exception of occasional rain squalls.

Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged: None.
Target Draft: 8 Ft. Course 224 Speed 15 Kts. Range 2000
Own Ship Data
Speed 3 kts. Course 295 Depth 63 Ft. Angle 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Submerged night periscope attack. Target tracked by eye for 2 hours. Submerged ahead and approached at periscope depth.

- 33 -

— page 229 —
1. Tubes fired: No. 1  No. 2  No. 3  No. 4  No. 5  No. 6
2. Track angle: 109P 109P 109P 109P 122P 122P 122P
3. Gyro angle: 0 0 0 17L 14L 12L
4. Depth set: 4 4 4 4 4 4
5. Power: Hi  Hi  Hi  Hi  Hi  Hi
6. Hit or miss: Miss  Miss  Miss  Miss  Miss  Miss
7. Erratic: No  No  No  No  No  No
8. Mark torpedo: 14-3A 14-3A 23 14-3A 23 23
9. Serial no: 24271 25837 46157 40230 33773 52776
10. Mark Exploder: 6 Mod 5 6 Mod5 6 Mod5 6 Mod5 6 Mod5 6 Mod5
11. Serial no: 6955 7134 7595 17516 13056 7832
12. Actuation set: Cont  Cont  Cont  Cont  Cont  Cont
13. Mark warhead: 16 16 16-1 16 16-1 16-1
14. Serial no: 4456 1019 12389 4186 3334 12434
15. Explosive: TNT TNT TPX TNT TPX TPX
16. Firing interval: 10 seconds
17. Type spread: 2 degrees divergent
18. Sea conditions: smooth
19. Overhaul activity: U.S.S. ORION
20. Remarks: Gyro angles on first 3 torpedoes not matched due to oversight on part of control party. Target probably heard these torpedoes and maneuvered to avoid second salvo.

— page 230 —
35 -

CONFIDENTIAL
(Torpedo Attack Report Form)

U.S.S. BLUFFISH (SS222) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 Patrol No. 5

Time 0046(H) Date 15 June, 1944 Lat. 02°-26'N Long.119°-40'E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: One (1) large AP escorted by two PC boats. Contact made by sight while on the surface at 10,000 yards. Visibility was good at time of contact; no night was dark but clear. Visibility became worse later on as a low haze gathered. Escorts patrolled on either bow of target.

Ship(s) Sunk: None.

Ship(s) Damaged: None.

Target Draft: 20 Ft. Course 315 Speed 13 Range 4000

Own Ship Data

Speed 12 kts. Course 015 Depth 17 ft. Angle 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Night surface attack using TBT bearings, radar ranges and the TDC. Tracked target for four hours and maneuvered to gain position 500 on port bow at 10,000 yards. Started in at 2/3 speed keeping our bow pointed at the target.

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— page 231 —
1. Tubes fired: No. 1  No. 2  No. 3  No. 4  No. 5
2. Track angle: 123P  123P  122P  125P  120P
3. Gyro angle: 3L  2H-L  1L  5L  4L
4. Depth set: 6  6  6  6  6
5. Power: HI  HI  HI  HI  HI
6. Hit or miss: Miss  Miss  Miss  Miss  Miss
7. Erratic: No  No  No  No  No
8. Mark Torpedo: 14-3A  14-3A  14-3A  14-3A  14-3A
9. Serial no: 24404  40354  40260  40285  25936
10. Mark Exploder: 6 Mod 5  6 Mod 5  6 Mod 5  6 Mod 5
11. Serial no: 6694  13032  6591  13087  12891
12. Activation set: Cont  Cont  Cont  Cont  Cont
13. Activation Actual: -
14. Mark warhead: 16-1  16-1  16-1  16-1  16
15. Serial no: 11305  2903  9833  1292  5262
16. Explosive: TPX  TNT  TPX  TPX  TNT
17. Firing interval: 10 seconds
18. Type spread: 1 degree divergent
19. Sea conditions: smooth
20. Overhaul activity: U.S.S. ORION
21. Remarks: It is believed that the excessive range caused us to miss. Our speed solution was good, but due to his radical zig-zag plan, course solution may have been in error. Target was seen to turn away about 2 minutes after firing. He probably saw the torpedo wakes which were highly phosphorescent.

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— page 232 —
3. Torpedo Attack Report Form

U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3 Patrol No. 5

Time 0905(H) Date 16 June, 1944 Lat. 02°28'N Long.118°09'E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: One small A0 and 2 small AK's in column about 1500 yards apart in the above order. One patrol vessel was about 1200 yards on the starboard beam of the leading ship. Sighted ship's by periscope. Visibility excellent, sea flat calm.

Ship(s) Sunk: One AK, typical MFM, length about 300 feet, estimated displacement 3000 tons.

Ship(s) Damaged: None.

Damage determined by: Saw, heard and felt one (possibly two) torpedoes hit. After half of ship became obscured in smoke, debris flew 200 feet in the air; groans, cracklings, and minor explosions heard over sound gear.

Target Draft: 12 Ft. Course 326 Speed 7 Range 750

Own Ship Data

Speed 3 kts. Course 195 Depth 65 Ft. Angle 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Daylight submerged attack using periscope bearings and ranges and TDC. Maneuvered to pass between escort and leading ship. Gained attack position 750 yards, 35° on starboard bow of second ship in column.

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— page 233 —
3

Tubes fired: No. 6 No. 4 No. 3

Track angle: 385 375 385

Gyro angle: 11L 12L 5L

Depth set: 5 5 5

Power: HI HI HI

Hit or miss: Hit Miss Miss

Erratic: No No No

Mark torpedo: 23 14-3A 14-3A

Serial no: 33761 40384 40349

Mark exploder: 6 Mod5 6 Mod5 6 Mod5

Serial no: 13086 6661 13083

Actuation set: Cont Cont Cont

Actuation actual: Cont -- -
Mark warhead: 16-1 16-1 16-1

Serial no: 12197 1536 3565

Explosive: TPX TPX TPX

Firing interval: 10 seconds

Type spread: 50 yard divergent

Sea conditions: smooth

Overhaul activity: U.S.S. ORION

Remarks: Second and third torpedoes missed because of spread.

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— page 235 —
1. Tubes fired: No. 1  No. 2
: Track angle: 120S 120S
: Gyro angle: 1R 0
: Depth set: 8 8
: Power: HI HI
: Hit or miss: Miss Miss
: Erratic: Yes Yes
: Mark torpedo: 14-3A 23
: Serial no: 40157 33870
: Mark exploder: 6 Mod5 6 Mod5
: Serial no: 13077 7606
: Actuation set: Cont Cont
: Actuation actual: -- -
: Mark warhead: 16 16-1
: Serial no: 1487 12182
: Explosive: TVT TPX
: Firing interval: 10 seconds
: Type spread: Off set
: Sea conditions: Choppy
: Overhaul activity: U.S.S. ORION
: Remarks: Torpedoes ran erratic; curved to the left.

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— page 236 —
1944 Torpedo Attack Report Form

U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) TORPEDO ATLANTIC NO. 5 Patrol No. 5

Time 2248(H) Date 20 June, 1944 Lat.03-59'S Long.1170-11'E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Same as Attack No. 4.

Ship(s) Sunk: None.

Ship(s) Damaged: None.

Target Draft: 20 Ft. Course 300 Speed 9 Range 1600

Own Ship Data

Speed 3 Course 016 Depth 62 Ft. Angle 0

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack: Night submerged periscope attack using periscope bearings and radar ranges. Submerged 7,000 yards ahead of target. Made approach at 40 feet until range closed to 3,000 yards. Planed down to 62 feet.

— page 237 —
ATTACK NO. 5

Tubes fired: No. 7  No. 8  No. 10

Track angle: 80s  80s  80s

Gyro angle: 2R  2R  8R

Depth set: 8'  8'  8'

Power:

Hit or miss: Miss  Miss  Miss

Erratic: No  No  No

Mark torpedo: 18  18  18

Serial no: 53920  53779  53706

Mark exploder: 4 Mod2  4 Mod 2  4 Mod2

Serial no: 16392  16889  16585

Actuation set: Cont  Cont  Cont

Actuation actual: --  --  --

Mark warhead: 18  18  18

Serial no: 768  827  902

Explosive: TPX  TPX  TPX

Firing interval: 10 seconds

Type spread: 50 yards divergent

Sea conditions: Choppy

Overhaul activity: Subiaco, W.A.

Remarks: Cause of misses unknown. Possibly target zigged. Possibly range was excessive.

— page 239 —
10.7
Tubes fired: 124S 126S 128S 130S
Track angle: 21L 1R 0 7R
Gyro angle: 8' 8' 8' 8'
Depth set: HI HI HI HI
Power: Hit Hit Miss Miss
Hit or miss: No No No No
Erratic: No No No No
Mark torpedo: 14-3A 23 14-3A 14-3A
Serial no: 40286 53263 40528 25882
Mark exploder: 6 Mod5 6 Mod5 6 Mod5 6 Mod5
Serial no: 6163 13052 7127 17825
Actuation set: Cont Cont Cont Cont
Actuation actual: -- Cont Cont Cont Cont
Mark warhead: 16-1 16-1 16-1 16-1
Serial no: 11343 12195 3526 3548
Explosive: TPX TPX TPX TPX
Firing interval: 10 seconds
Type spread: 50 yards divergent
Sea conditions: Choppy
Overhaul activity: U.S.S. ORION
Remarks: Torpedoes from No. 9 and No. 10 tubes were spread ahead and stern respectively.

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— page 241 —
1. Conditions of reception varied from good to bad. Enemy interference generally came in on all VIXO frequencies whenever VIXO was transmitting. One message, serial 62 of 23 May, was missed.

Between 2200 and 2215 (H) every night an enemy station was heard regularly on all VIXO frequencies. This was an uninterrupted signal, and had a tone characteristic of spark transmitters.

(M)RADAR Considerable difficulty was experienced with the SU radar during the first part of the patrol, but this equipment has functioned well during the latter half of the period. Ranges obtained when the radar was functioning properly were of average value for the unmodified SU equipment.

The following difficulties were experienced with the SU radar: (1) after about two weeks operation with transmittter frequency began to drift, necessitating frequent adjustments of RF stub tuning and receiver tuning. This was caused by oil leakage from the condensers C5.1 and C5.2 in the main station keying circuit. These condensers had been replaced from ship's spares during the refit period, and no new spares were available. On June 9, after the radar had failed to detect two ships at an estimated range of 6,000 yards and it became obvious that the frequency was drifting at an increasing rate, the leads of condensers C5.1 and C5.2 were cleaned off and painted with a light yellow. This stopped the oil leakage and resultant drift of frequency.

(2) After repeated repacking jobs by the tender, the antenna mast racking gland was found to leak badly at the start of the patrol. On May 9 the antenna base was dismantled and the gland tightened to stop leakage. Two weeks later the gland had to be tightened again. As a result of this tightening, the antenna was very stiff in train. This resulted in considerable wear on the antenna base gear, which will have to be renewed. Later the packing apparently swelled as the antenna gland had to be loosened. On June 20 the

— page 242 —
3) On May 16, false square echoes, at regular intervals across the screen appeared when the knocker circuit was adjusted for minimum magnetron current. At the same time the TR cavity would not light. The condenser C15 in the knocker circuit and the damping diodo were checked and found to be O.K. Replacing the thyratron cleared up the trouble.

On May 24 trouble again appeared in the modulator circuit. There was no RF power at the kidney joint and the transmitting current was excessive. On replacing the thyratron there was. RF output, but the transmitter current meter flickered and considerable interference appeared on the screen. A cold solder joint was found between the coil L2 and the resistor R9 in the thyratron plate circuit. Resoldering the joint cleared up the trouble.

(4) On the night of May 24 the range step disappeared. A check on the following day showed input to the crystal tank, but no output. The lead to the movable crystal was found to be broken where it enters the tank. The lead was cut and a splice made. This was covered with rubber tape and coated with glyphitol in an attempt at waterproofing. Multiple range steps then appeared, intermittently. V1 and V8, both 0.07's were found to have a low mu and were replaced.

A single step then appeared, but only intermittently. The range tank was disassembled again, and the lead to the movable crystal was found to be broken about 1/4 inch from the crystal. The glyphitol covered splice previously made was leaking. A new crystal lead, of the type of cable used for megger leads, was installed. The splice was made by inserting a straight pin into the short stub of the old lead left on the crystal and soldering the new lead to this. This splice was covered with two layers each of rubber cement and rubber tape, placed alternately. A wire brace was connected between the crystal holder and the far end of the splice to relieve the joint of all tension. Because of the bulky splice, the crystal cannot be cranked out to ranges greater than 25,000 yards. This splice has remained good.

In checking over the range unit, a high positive grid voltage on tube V4,2 and high positive cathode voltage on V-4 and V-5 was found. The coupling condenser C15 was found to have a low resistance value. Renewing this condenser corrected the trouble.

(5) On May 26 the echoes observed became jittery. A bad McNally tube and faulty heater winding around this tube were found. The spare converter was installed and returned.

— page 243 —
6) On the same date the grass disappeared from the screen at irregular intervals a break in the IF cable leading from the transmitter was located and repaired.

The following peculiar behavior of a radar "pip" was observed on the morning of 18 June, 1944. Radar contact was made at 0350(H), range 6,000 yards. The vessel was sighted only once and was not identified, but probably was a small patrol craft.

At 0415(H), with contact bearing about 270 degrees relative, the size of the "pip" was about 5/8" high and was quite clear in focus. Ranges taken at this time were thus excellent (6900 yards). Changes in our course and speed during the following thirty minutes presented the contact in a left hand direction to 130 degrees relative and to a shortened range of 5900 yards. The salient feature about this contact was that even though the range decreased over one thousand yards following the assuming of the watch, the "pip" did not increase any. On the contrary, it decreased to a point where it was almost impossible to take range or bearing. The size of the pip never exceeded 3/8" and was very poor in focus and intensity. Bearings at this time were very unreliable and ranges were doubtful.

The equipment's tuning was carefully checked both with the pip and with the echo box. The contact was followed out to 7400 yards before being lost on a bearing of 180 relative. Situation remained the same.

No operational difficulties were experienced with the SD-2 radar. Operation has been generally reliable, with aircraft being detected at ranges of 8 to 15 miles.

(N) SOUND AND SOUND CONDITIONS.

Sound conditions were average in Bali, Badung and Makassar Straits, and in the Celebes Sea. Echo ranging could be heard at 10,000 yards and more. Screws could be picked up at 4 to 5,000 yards on both JP and JK. Usually the JF had the advantage on slow screws, but the situation was reversed on high speed screws.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS.

In Bali and Badung Straits a temperature break of 6 to 10 degrees was noted between 100 and 200 feet. In Makassar Strait and in the vicinity of Tawi Tawi the break started at about 275 feet. In Celebes Sea, that is, out in the open no break was apparent on the S.B.T. down to about 320 feet.

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(P) HEALTH, FOOD, and HABITABILITY.

In general the health of the crew was excellent. From 1 June to 3 June there was a slight epidemic of nausea and headaches. Fifty per cent of the officers and crew was affected. Five men were laid up for two days. The remainder felt sick at the stomach and complained of headaches. It is believed that the water caused the trouble. However, nothing definite could be established since we drank water out of the same tanks before and after the trouble and no ill effects were noted. Food may have been the cause of the trouble, but it is improbable since people who ate all meals felt as bad (or good) as those who ate no meals during this period.

Habitability of the boat was very good. The long dives made necessary by the conditions in the areas patrolled naturally caused the temperatures in the boat to rise. Running the vapor compression stills only on the surface helped keep the temperature down. Also, the detached engine circulating water pumps proved their worth in this respect.

The food was excellent.

The menu could be improved by adding good steaks, chicken and turkey. These items were unobtainable prior to departure on this patrol. The canned lobsters and shrimp were particularly good.

(Q) PERSONNEL

The officer personnel situation is entirely satisfactory. The young, new officers are bright, eager and are learning rapidly. However, the ship is beginning to suffer from the increasing dilution of experienced enlisted hands. As an example, on this patrol all three hydraulic manifold watch standers were new on that station. The situation will, no doubt, become more stable in the near future, particularly if some of our old hands who remained in the relief crew during this patrol are transferred back to us. To alleviate the situation training has been conducted continuously. All unqualified men attend school for one hour daily. Enroute to and from the barrier daily fire control, diving and emergency drills are held. While in the area these drills are held twice a week.

The morale of the crew is considered quite good. It may be said here that the crew is very little impressed with the importance of reconnaissance work. Anything less than hearing torpedoes explode in the enemy does little to bolster morale.

— page 245 —
1. MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED
Fremantle to area 1500 mi. 13,360 gallons
In area 6375 mi. 55,760 "
Area to Fremantle 1700 mi. 26,080 "

: 2. DURATION
'Days enroute to area6
Days in area39
Days enroute to base7
Days submerged39

: 3. FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING
Torpedoes Fuel Provisions Personnel Fact
None
Serviceable 30,000 gals. 30 days 20 days

Limiting factor this patrol: Operation Order.

: 4. REMARKS
(e) ENEMY RADAR
While in the vicinity of Badung Strait strong signals from an enemy radar were received on the ARC-1 receiver. The following data were determined:
Carrier frequency 202 megacycles
Pulse rate 900 cycles
Pulse length 5 to 7 microseconds

The antenna sweep was very irregular, but approximately 6 minutes were required for a complete antenna sweep.

While in contact with two enemy ships at 2000(H) on June 8 indictictics of radar were seen on the SJ radar when trained on the ships. Two separate signals were observed, each appearing at intervals of about one minute. One was a series of pulses of equal height; the other a series of alternate high and low pulses, indicating a possible use of lobe switching. The low pulses were about two thirds the height of the high ones.

(d) ENEMY TRAFFIC AND FOCAL POINTS
Offensive reconnaissance off TAWI provides plenty of targets, activity and interest. The principal disadvantage is the lack of FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT imposed by the necessity for diving in practically the same spot every day in order to accomplish the 'reconnais sance mission. A weak or so after one's presence has

— page 247 —
1. The first war patrol of the U.S.S. BLUEFISH was conducted in BADONG STRAIT, BALI STRAIT, MACASSAR STRAIT and CELEBRES SEA during the period 7 May 1944 to 28 June 1944. The patrol was of fifty-two days duration with thirty-nine days spent North of the Barrier.

2. The greater part of this patrol was spent in reconnaissance. From 25 May 1944 to 8 June 1944 BLUEFISH conducted reconnaissance of TAWI TAIW Bay under adverse conditions. Seas were glassy and there was constant air coverage. Six torpedo attacks were made resulting in the damaging of two ships. All attacks except one were made on escorted convoys.

ATTACK NO. 1 - A night periscope attack on a minelayer. Three torpedoes missed due to not matching gyros and two others missed, probably due to a range error. The radar was out of commission during this attack.

ATTACK NO. 2 - A night surface attack on a large AP with two escorts. Target was zigging radically and a favorable range could not be reached. Five torpedoes were fired, range 4,000 yards, and all missed, probably due to target observing the torpedo wakes and maneuvering to avoid.

ATTACK NO. 3 - A convoy of three ships and one escort. Three torpedoes were fired in a daylight submerged approach for one sure hit and one possible.

ATTACK NO. 4, 5, and 6 - Three attacks were made on a large AK with one escort. Attack No. 4 was a night surface one with the stern tubes left, Attack No. 5 was a night submerged periscope radar attack. Three torpedoes were fired, all missing. With four torpedoes left the BLUEFISH again attacked, this time on the surface. Two hits were observed. The Commanding Officer is to be commended on his dogged determination to sink this target. During five hours of tracking and attacking this target, the BLUEFISH was in water of 12 - 30 fathoms.

— page 248 —
15/16/16-3
Serial: 0373

U.S.S. RUSHER, Flagship, 4 July 1944.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Report of Fifth War Patrol - Comment on.

3. The material condition of the BLUEFISH is good. The
   rofit will be completed in the normal time and will include the installation of a PPI. The reported nausea conditions during the period 1 - 3
   June were investigated but, evidence available was too meager to allow a
   finding of cause.

4. The only personnel to be changed on the BLUEFISH this time
   will be those requested by the Commanding Officer. The BLUEFISH returned
   in a clean condition.

5. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer's
   Officers and crew on the valuable information obtained during reconnaissance and on the damage inflicted upon the enemy.

C.S. ISRIG, [Signature]
By direction.

— page 249 —
12a/bt
18 July 1944.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BLUEFISH Conf. Ltr.
A16, no serial, dated
27 June, 1944. Report
of Fifth War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Report of Fifth War Patrol - Comment on.

1. BLUEFISH, in her Fifth Patrol, conducted special reconnaissance of BADENG and BALI STRAITS, maintained an offensive reconnaissance of Southern approaches to TAWI TAIWIBAY and patrolled the Western portion of the CELEBES SEA.

2. BLUEFISH, under adverse conditions and in spite of continuous enemy air patrols, fulfilled all reconnaissance missions effectively and obtained and transmitted information of enemy dispositions to our forces. Although disappointed in all contacts with enemy ships, BLUEFISH closed displays during the night of 20 - 21 June, in persistently attacking an AK until finally torpedoed and sunk, is particularly noteworthy.

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

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

SUNK
√1 - AK (EU) 3,000 Tons (Attack No. 4)
√1 - AK (IEDIUI - EU) 4,000 Tons (Attack No. 6)
TOTAL 7,000 Tons.

R. W. CHRISTIE.

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ORIGINAL COPY

— page 250 —
12c/bt
18 July 1944.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT:
USS BLUEFISH Conf. Ltr.
16, no serial, dated
27 June, 1944. Report
of Fifth War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS222) - Report of Fifth
War Patrol - Comment on.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominch (3) - (Direct)
Vice Opnav (2) - (Direct)
Vice Opnav Op-23c (1)
Com1stFlt (1)
Com2ndFlt (1)
Com3rdFlt (1)
Com7thFlt (2)
ComSubs1stFlt (4)
ComSubs2ndFlt (4)
CTP-71 (4)
CTP-72 (2)
CSS-12 (1)
CSS-16 (1)
DivComsRcn-12 (1)
DivComsRcn-16 (1)
S/School N.L. Conn. (2)
Eoch S/W W.A. (1) - NOT TO BE TAKEN TO SEA - BURN

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

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