U.S.S. LAGARTO (SS-371) — war patrol report SS-371_LAGARTO.pdf

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START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: F-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-228-78]
OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: Hancock]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 1-8-79]

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THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

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

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET - START AND END
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[HANDWRITTEN: LAGARTO (SS-371)
WWII PATROL FILE
ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED.
FOR DECK LOG OCTOBER 1944 - MARCH 1945 CONSULT
NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY.]

— page 3 —
Lagarto
A lizard fish.
(SS-371: dp. 1,526 (std.), 2,424 (subm.); l. 311'9''; b.
27'3''; dr. 15'3''; s. 20 k. (surf.), 8.5 k. (subm.); cpl.
66; a. 1 5'', 10 21 tt.; cl. Balao)

Lagarto (SS-371) was laid down 12 January 1944 by
the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co., Manitowoc, Wis.;
launched 28 May 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Paul H. Douglas,
Congresswoman from Illinois and wife of Capt. Paul H.
Douglas, USMCR, (later U.S. Senator from Illinois);
and commissioned 14 October 1944, Comdr. F. D. Latta in
command.

After trial tests and training in Lake Michigan, Lagarto
entered a floating drydock 3 December 1944, was floated
down the Mississippi River, and 2 days later departed
New Orleans for the Pacific.

Lagarto sailed from Pearl Harbor 7 February 1945 for
her maiden war patrol in waters around the Nansei
Shoto. In a coordinated attack 13 February with Haddock
(SS-231) and Sennet (SS-408), she engaged four heavily
armed picket boats in a gun battle, sank two, and damaged
the others. On 24 February Lagarto sank small freighter
Tatsumono Maru off Bungo Suido and not long afterward
spotted a Japanese submarine. She torpedoed and sank
enemy submarine I-371 in a day periscope attack.
Lagarto arrived Subic Bay 20 March.

Lagarto departed Subic Bay for the South China Sea 12
April and late in April was directed to patrol in the Gulf
of Siam, where Baya (SS-318) joined her 2 May. That
afternoon Baya signaled that she was tracking a tanker
traveling under heavy escort. That night Baya tried to
attack but was driven off by enemy escorts equipped with
radar. The two submarines met early next morning to
discuss attack plans. Baya made a midnight attack but
was again driven off by the unusually alert Japanese
escorts. Early next morning, 4 May, when Baya tried to
contact her teammate, Lagarto made no reply. Since
Japanese records state that during the night of 3-4 May
mine layer Hatsutaka attacked a U.S. submarine in that
location, it is presumed that Lagarto perished in battle
with all hands.

Lagarto received one battle star for World War II
service.

— page 4 —
Dictionary of
American Naval
Fighting Ships

VOLUME IV . 1969

NAVY DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
NAVAL HISTORY DIVISION • WASHINGTON

— page 5 —
LAGARTO (SS 371)

LAGARTO, under Cdr. F. D. Latta, departed Subic
Bay, P. I., on 12 April 1945, for her second patrol
in the South China Sea. On 27 April, she was directed
to the outer part of Siam Gulf.

LAGARTO contacted BAYA, already patrolling in
Siam Gulf on 2 May 1945, and exchanged calls with her
by SJ radar. Later that day BAYA sent LAGARTO a
contact report on a convoy she had contacted consist-
ing of one tanker, one auxiliary and two destroyers.
LAGARTO soon reported being in contact with the con-
voy, and began coming in for an attack with BAYA.
However, the enemy escorts were equipped with 10 cm
radar, and detected BAYA and drove her off with gun-
fire, whereupon the two submarines decided to wait and
plan a subsequent attack.

Early on the morning of 3 May 1945, LAGARTO and
BAYA made a rendezvous at about 7°-55'N, 102°-18'E
and discussed plans. LAGARTO was to dive on the con-
voy's track to make a contact at 1400, while BAYA was
to be ten to fifteen miles further along the track. Dur-
ing the day, numerous contact reports were exchanged.
At 0010 on 4 May after a prolonged but unsuccessful
attack, BAYA was finally driven off by the alert escorts,
and no further contact of any kind was ever made with
LAGARTO.

Japanese information available now records an attack
on a U. S. submarine made by the Minelayer HATSU-
TAKA, believed to be one of the two radar-equipped
escorts of the convoy attacked. The attack was made
at 7°-55'N, 102°-00'E in about 30 fathoms of water, and
in view of the information presented above, the attack
here described must be presumed to be the one which
sank LAGARTO.

This vessel's first patrol was in the Nansei Shoto
chain as part of an antipicket boat sweep made by sub-
marines to aid Admiral Halsey's Task Force 38 in get-
ting carrier planes to Japan undetected. She sank the
Japanese submarine I-371 on 24 February 1945, and

F. D. Latta

participated in several surface gun attacks with HAD-
DOCK and SENNET. Two small vessels were sunk and
two more damaged in these attacks, and LAGARTO
shared credit for the results with these submarines.
Commander Latta had previously made seven patrols
as Commanding Officer of NARWHAL. Every patrol
made by this officer was designated successful for the
award of combat insignia, a record surpassed by no
commanding officer in the Submarine Force.

LAGARTO - Launching at Manitowoc, Wisconsin

149

— page 6 —
U. S. S. LAGARTO (SS-371)

Name                        Rate        Name                        Rate
ANDREWS, Harold D . . . . . . CTM         KIRTLEY, Albert . . . . . . . StM1
ANKER, Charles . . . . . . . CMOMM       KNEIDL, John W . . . . . . . MoMM2
AUCHARD, Frederick L . . . . LTJG        LATTA, Frank D . . . . . . . CDR--CO
BJORNSON, Charles H . . . . . F1          LEE, Noah B., Jr . . . . . . . S1
BREITHAUPT, Charles W., Jr . . Y2         LEWIS, Robert J . . . . . . . MoMM2
BRITAIN, Wardour L . . . . . CRM         LYNCH, Louis J F1
BROCK, Aaron S2          MABIN, William J . . . . . . . SM1
BYRER, Clark R . . . . . . . F1          MARRIOTT, Joy M . . . . . . . S1
CARLETON, William E . . . . . RM1         MCDONALD, James H . . . . . . SC2
CATHEY, Lloyd F . . . . . . MoMM3       MCGEE, Justin M . . . . . . . TM2
CATOZZI, Sylvester G . . . . QM3         MENDENHALL, William H.LT--XO
CLOUSE, George E . . . . . . TM2         MOORE, Willis L . . . . . . . F1
COOK, Caldwell T . . . . . . MoMM1       MOSS, William G . . . . . . . RT2
DAVIS, John E., Jr . . . . . TM2         O'HARA, Lloyd R . . . . . . . F1
DOUD, Leslie M . . . . . . . RM2         ORTEGA, Howard E . . . . . . . S1
ENNS, Alvin H TM3         PAPER, Dick M LTJG
FISHER, Richard L . . . . . . MoMM1       PASH, Joseph S RM3
FRANZE, John J . . . . . . . S1          PATTERSON, Robert . . . . . . EM3
FRASCH, Oakley R . . . . . . MoMM1       PERRY, Robert C . . . . . . . TM3
GERLACH, James N . . . . . . F1          PETERSON, John W . . . . . . QM3
GRACE, Richard F . . . . . . F2          PETERSON, Robert F . . . . . . LTJG
GRAVES, William . . . . . . QM1         PHELPS, Walter B . . . . . . . F1
GRAY, Dennis J . . . . . . . EM2         PLUSHNIK, Harry R . . . . . . CMOMM
GREEN, Robert StM2        PRICE, Gerald A . . . . . . . EM2
GREGORICK, Richard L . . . . EM1         REEVES, Morris D . . . . . . . F1
GREGORY, James P . . . . . . S2          REICHERT, Raymond E . . . . . BM1
HALSTEAD, Glen E . . . . . . RM3         ROBISON, Eugene H . . . . . . MoMM1
HARDEGREEE, Thomas . . . . . MoMM1       ROOT, John H LT
HARRINGTON, George C . . . . MoMM3       RUBLE, Roy T S1
HARRINGTON, Thomas J . . . . MoMM2       RUTLEDGE, Walter . . . . . . . SM2
HARRIS, James B . . . . . . . S1          SHACKELFORD, W . . . . . . . TM2
HARRISON, James C . . . . . MoMM3       SIMMERMAN, Ralph . . . . . . CPhM
HINKEN, Walter E . . . . . . TM3         SPALDING, Robert B . . . . . . GM2
HONAKER, William F . . . . . EM3         STEHN, John E EM2
IRVING, Lloyd G . . . . . . . LT          STIEGLER, Donald G . . . . . . MoMM2
JEFFERSON, Hezekiah . . . . . S1          ST. JOHN, Ulysses M., Jr . . . EM3
JOBE, Jesse CEM         TAIT, Floyd MoMM2
JOHNSON, Fred S1          TODD, Harold A., Jr . . . . . LTJG
JOHNSON, John R . . . . . . . CEM         TURNER, Frank D . . . . . . . CGM
JORDAN, William H., Jr . . . . S1          WADE, Arthur M S1
KEENEY, A. H., Jr . . . . . . LT          WARNICK, William . . . . . . . S1
KIMBALL, Philip M . . . . . . RT1         WICKLANDER, Max M . . . . . . MoMM2
                                        WILLIAMS, John L . . . . . . . S1

150

— page 7 —
UNITED STATES
SUBMARINE LOSSES

WORLD WAR II

Reissued with an Appendix of
Axis Submarine Losses, fully indexed,

by

Naval History Division
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Washington: 1963

— page 8 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]
5 04630

U.S.S. LAGARTO (SS371)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California
20 March 1945.

SS371/A16

Serial ( 017 )

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. LAGARTO (SS371).
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron Twenty-two.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, SEVENTH Fleet.
(3) The Commander SEVENTH Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. LAGARTO - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track Chart (Combat SouthwestPac. only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the FIRST war patrol of this vessel con-
ducted in BONIN ISLANDS and off BUNGO SUIDO during the period 24 January to 20
March 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: F. D. Latta]
F. D. LATTA.

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

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 122767]

— page 11 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. L.CARTO -- Report of War Patrol Number ONE

6 February
2130 K Automobile accident injured Comdr. J.P. ROACH, Lt.(jg) E. GOSTRON, Lt.(jg)
        P.C. TEACHEY, all from HADDOCK, and Lt. R. SHI, Ens. A.G. BREWINGTON,
        from LACARTO.
        Transferred Lt. SHAW's and Ens. BREWINGTON's records and accounts to
        SubRon EIGHT.

7 February
1130 K Lieut. Robert J. Williams, DE, USNR, (5 war patrols) and Lieut.(jg)
        Walter F. Phelps, DE, USNR, (4 war patrols), reported on board for duty,
        having been flown up from GUAM.
1500 K Received Commander Task Force Seventeen Operation Order Number 36-45.
        Comdr. J.H. HADDOCK, USN, assumed command of U.S.S. HADDOCK.
1706 K Underway for patrol area.
1845 K Escorted by YMS 426, "LETA'S LANCERS" formed column of LACARTO, HADDOCK,
        SENNET, took departure from SAIPAN, Commander F.D. LATHA, ComTaskGroup 17.
        13 in LAGARTO.

8 February
0000 K Released escort, formed task group in line of bearing, increased speed to
        17 knots.
0223 K Decoded ComSubPac despatch notifying us of the death of Lieut. Walter R.
        SHAW, U.S.N.R.
0235 K Exchanged calls with U.S.S. ACTIVE (A 102).
1200 K Latitude 16 - 18N; Longitude 142 - 23E.
        Informed pack we would be unable to conduct coordinated practice firing,
        since we are behind schedule. Increased speed to eighteen knots.

9 February
1200 I Latitude 20 - 55N; Longitude 137 - 47E.
1647 I Number 2 main engine out of commission with 2 broken head bolts.

10 February
0235 I Number 2 main engine back in commission.
1002 I HADDOCK reported sighting a periscope at 2000 yards to westward. HADDOCK
        turned away, other boats being to eastward were well clear. Contact un-
        confirmed by OOD or C.O. Did not send contact report.
1200 I Latitude 26 - 04N; Longitude 137 - 35E.

11 February
0800 I Entered assigned patrol area. Formed line of bearing, searching for
        picket boats.
1200 I Latitude 30 - 16N; Longitude 139 - 10E.

12 February
1200 I Latitude 30 - 00N; Longitude 139 - 16E.
1615 I Sighted four B-29's, contacted two of them by VHF and received dope on
        picket vessels.

-3-

— page 14 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. LAGARTO - Report of ar Patrol Number ONE

1915 I Began transmission of LAGARTO T.O to ComSubPacAdComd. See Paragraph (L).
2010 I No. 1 main engine out of commission to renew liner.
2150 I Completed transmission.

21 February
0624 I No. 1 main engine back in commission.
0836 I API signal in enemy plane radar band (our first such indication) cut in
         at 10 miles, dived.
0940 I Surfaced.
1200 I Latitude 31 - 07N; Longitude 131 - 57E.
2121 I Entered area HEALTH.

22 February
0631 I Dived for submerged patrol off MI SAKI.
1200 I Latitude 32 - 32N; Longitude 131 - 56E.
1834 I Surfaced.

23 February
0625 I Dived for submerged patrol off FUKA SHIA.
0900 I No. 1 main engine out of commission to renew liner.
1200 I Latitude 32 - 34N; Longitude 132 - 20E.
1804 I Surfaced.
1914 I Began transmission of LAGARTO T.R. to ComSubPacAdComd.
2035 I No. 1 main engine back in commission.
2110 I Completed transmission.

24 February
0619 I Dived to conduct submerged patrol off OKINO SHIMA.
1000 I Photographed OKINO SHIMA.
1050 I JP contact and sighted tops of ship, range 5000 yards.
1058 I Identified ship as Japanese RO Class submarine.
1113 I Fired four torpedoes. See torpedo attack No. 1. One torpedo reported run-
         ning erratic, ordered 150 feet. This was an erroneous report as all four
         torpedoes later tracked down to target, however, we were below periscope
         depth at
1117 I Torpedo explosion. Target screws stopped.
1118 I Torpedo explosion. This interval greater than maximum firing interval.
         Later analysis showed this torpedo to be number 2, and detonating against
         OKINO SHIMA.
1126 I Heavy underwater explosion like collapsed hull.
1150 I All clear by periscope.
1200 I Latitude 32 - 38N; Longitude 132 - 35E.
1346 I Sighted 7 planes similar to KATE, flying in long column to southward,
         distant about 5 miles.
1602 I Distant depth charge.
1627 I To
1716 I Seven distant, heavy depth charge explosions, preceded by pronounced click.
         Nothing in sight through periscope. Hope HADDOCK is not paying for our
         attack.
1904 I Surfaced.

— page 15 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. LAGARTO - Report of War Patrol Number ONE
----- 25 February -----
0627 I Dived for submerged patrol off VAN DIEMEN STRAIT. Sea was very heavy, depth
control difficult. Rolling 8 - 10 degrees at 80 feet between observations.
1045 I Conducted Divine Services.
1200 I Latitude 30 - 52N; Longitude 131 - 19E.
1854 I Surfaced in very heavy seas.

----- 26 February -----
0612 I Dived for submerged patrol off BUNGO SUIDO.
1140 I Sighted tops of four ships, battle stations submerged.
1155 I Identified ships as small wooden hull light draft, picket vessels, similar
to those attacked by gunfire early in patrol. Estimated draft about 3
feet. Considered not worth torpe o expend ture. Pickets were in column,
tracking at 12 knots.
1200 I Latitude 32 - 40N; Longitude 132 - 35E.
1215 I Sighted two more picket vessels, on same course, trailing 4ther four.
Photographed nearest one (2500 yards).
1234 I Nothing following these lads, secured from battle stations.
1815 I JP reports usual twilight pinging and screws, nothing sighted.
1839 I Surfaced.
1958 I Began transmission of LAGARTO FOUR to ComSubPacAdComd.
2100 I Completed transmission.

----- 27 February -----
0620 I Dived for submerged patrol off BUNGO SUIDO.
1200 I Latitude 32 - 33N; Longitude 132 - 17E. Radar officer worked over APR
gear while submerged today with result that we were never long without
an APR contact throughout the night. Only those which might conceivably
have a bearing on the sighting of the midget submarine are reported in
this narrative.
1844 I Surfaced.
1850 I APR contact 156 mgs., tried swinging ship to obtain maximum and minimum
signals and thus determine direction of contact. Efforts proved fruit-
less, decided it was shore-based radar, sweeping across and occasionally
settling on us.
2025 I APR contact 154 mgs.
2039 I O.O.D. sighted an object showing a distinct wake, which he described as
similar to the conning tower of a midget submarine. Range estimate varied
from 500 to 1200 yards, bearing on starboard bow. Turned toward and in-
creased speed to flank. Nothing further seen or heard. He had been
zigzagging by Arma Clock in brilliant moonlight and fairly calm sea with
only occasional white-caps. C.O. did not sight object.
2111 I APR contact, 155 mgs. - and so on through the night!

----- 28 February -----
0615 I Dived for submerged patrol off BUNGO SUIDO.
1055 I Heard distant explosion.
1200 I Latitude 32 - 36N; Longitude 132 - 23E.
[UNCLEAR: 1240 I Surfaced.]

474

— page 22 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(H) ATTACK DATA.
U.S.S. LAGARTO
TIE: 0632 DATE 13 February 1945
GUN ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 1
LAT. 30 - 16N
LONG. 136 - 21E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
SUNK: Two trawler type Radar Picket vessels similar to those pictured in ONI 208-J.
Tonnage about 300 tons (FC)
DAMAGE DETERMINED BY: Witnessed sinkings.

DETAILS OF ACTION
At 0632 LAGARTO opened fire with #1 gun while still in line of bearing. Open-
ing range 7200 yards. Targets turned to northward, so executed ships left 50 degrees
and all three submarines opened fire with both five inch. Targets returned fire at
7000 yards with automatic weapons about 40mm size. Numerous splashes within twenty
yards of ship. HADDOCK concentrated on right hand (southerly vessel), SENNET and
LAGARTO on left (leading and northerly vessel). In first ten minutes leading target
suffered several hits and became obscured by smoke. LAGARTO shifted to southerly
ship, and SENNET who was rapidly being blanketed out of position by LAGARTO, swung
left in full circle and fell in astern of LAGARTO. HADDOCK dealing successfully with
southern ship, smoke cleared away from northern vessel showing her still underway.
LAGARTO and SENNET continued to close range, both ships hitting repeatedly. Opened
fire with 40mm at 2000 yards. Target had ceased to return fire by 0645, was stopped
and burning heavily. SENNET went alongside to see if anything worth salvaging was
left. Apparently it was too hot, SENNET pulled clear and was directed to sink tar-
get. Meanwhile HADDOCK had gone alongside the other picket vessel, sinking it with
40mm. Northerly vessel sank at 0739.
LAGARTO expended 169 rounds of 5"/25; balance - 43. One mis-fire, fired on
second attempt.
SENNET expended 140 rounds of 5"/25; balance - 41.
HADDOCK expended 140 rounds of 5"/25; balance - zero.
Credit for sinking of the two picket vessels cannot be allocated to any one submarine to
the exclusion of the others as both pickets were under fire from each submarine at
varying times. As one ship was obscured by smoke, the other was engaged.

-14-

— page 23 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(II) ATTACK DATA.

U.S.S. LAGARTO TORPEDO ATTACK No. ONE PATROL NO. ONE

TIME: 1113 I DATE 24 February 1945 LAT. 32 - 40N
                                        LONG. 132 - 33E.

TARGET DATA - ENEMY DETAILS

Description One unescorted RO 20 Class submarine. Similar to RO 69 shown on page
            8 of ONI 220-J. Contact made by radar and periscope at 5000 yards.
            Visibility excellent, few white caps. Forward antenna was raised,
            hull was never visible. Conning tower painted black with red design,
            possibly Japanese rising sun.

Ships Sunk: ONE RO Class submarine, 655 tons. (RO)

Damage Determined
by          Torpedoes tracked to target with one timed hit, following which target
            screws stopped. Eleven minutes later heavy underwater noise like hull
            collapsing.

Target Draft - 12 feet; course 257; speed 6; range 2800 (TDC at firing)

ON SHIP DATA

Speed 2.5; course 265; depth 67 feet; angle ½°D - 2°D (at firing).

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Time of torpedo run indicates a torpedo run of 3600 yards or 800 yards greater
than shown on T.D.C. This is easily possible since the antenna were used for
periscope ranges and hull was never seen. The large gyro angle was accepted so as
not to delay firing since target was nearing a logical spot south of CHIVO SHIMA at
which it might have been expected to turn north and enter BUNGO SUIDO. The second
torpedo explosion is assumed to have been caused by contact hit against OFLNC SHIMA.
It sounded roarer than the first, a result which might be expected from an explosion
directly against an underwater cliff. This explosion occurred one minute and four
seconds after the first. Since the firing interval was forty-five seconds, the
second explosion is not considered to have been a hit on the target. The diving
officer lost depth control after third shot, I checked fire momentarily, hoping
to get back up, but he saw the surface getting farther away and fired number four on
generated bearing.

-16-

— page 24 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(H) ATTACK DATA.
U.S.S. LAGARTO
TIME: 0647

GUN ATTACK NO. 2
DATE 14 February 1945

PATROL NO. 1
LAT. 30 - 21N
LONG. 134 - 44W.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

DAMAGED: Two trawler type Radar Picket vessels similar to those pictured in ONI
208-J. Tonnage about 300 tons. (TC)
DAMAGED DETERMINED BY: Witnessed hits.

DETAILS OF ACTION

At 0647 LAGARTO opened fire with No. 1 gun while still in line of bearing.
Opening range 5600. Executed ships right 60 degrees. SEAHORSE and LAGARTO began
firing both 5" guns. Both submarines maintained 18 knots speed for obvious reason.
Sea conditions less favorable than yesterday, seas washing over both gun crews.
Both targets were hit repeatedly by 40mm and two or three times by five inch. Re-
turn fire was heavier, more accurate than yesterday's.
At 0700 with all 5" expended, pulled clear to southward.
SEAHORSE reported all 5" expended, numerous holes in superstructure, one man
wounded by shrapnel.

-15-

— page 25 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(X) ATTACK DATA.

U.S.S. LAGARTO TORPEDO ATTACK No. ONE PATROL NO. ONE

TIME: 1113 I DATE 24 February 1945 LAT. 32 - 40N
LONG. 132 - 33E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE DATA

Description One unescorted RO 69 class submarine. Similar to RO 69 shown on page
8 of the T.D.C. Contact made by periscope at 5000 yards.
Visibility excellent, few white caps. Forward antenna was raised,
hull was never visible. Conning tower painted black with red design,
possibly JAPANESE Rising Sun.

Ships Sunk: ONE RO Class submarine, 655 tons. (DC)

Damage Determined
by Torpedoes tracked to target with one timed hit, following which target
'screws stopped. Eleven minutes later heavy underwater noise like hull
collapsing.

Target Draft - 12 feet; course 257; speed 6; range 2800 (TDC at firing)

ON SHIP DATA

Speed 2.5; course 255; depth 67 feet; angle ½°D - 2°D (at firing).

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Time of torpedo run indicates a torpedo run of 3600 yards or 800 yards greater
than shown on T.D.C. This is easily possible since the antenna and head for
periscope ranges and hull was never seen. The large gyro angle was accepted so as
not to delay firing since target was nearing a logical spot south of OKINO SHIMA at
which it might have been expected to turn north and enter BUNGO SUIDO. The second
torpedo explosion is considered to have been caused by contact hit on OFLIO SHIMA.
It sounded nearer than the first, a result which might be expected from an explosion
directly against an underwater cliff. This explosion occurred one minute and four
seconds after the first. Since the firing interval was forty-five seconds, the
second explosion is now considered to have been a hit in the target. The diving
officer lost depth control after third shot, I checked fire momentarily, hoping
to get back up, but saw the surface getting farther away and fired number four on
generated bearing.

-16-

— page 26 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(H) ATTACK DATA

| | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired | | | | |
| Track Angle | 102P | 103P | 103P | 104P |
| Gyro Angle | 069½ | 071 | 071½ | 070½ |
| Depth Set | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Power | 27.5 | 27.5 | 27.5 | 27.5 |
| Hit or Miss | Miss | Miss (hit island) | Hit | Miss |
| Erratic | No | No | No | No |
| Mk Torpedo | 18-2 | 16-1 | 18-2 | 18-2 |
| Serial No. | 57871 | 55581 | 57741 | 57364 |
| Mk Exploder | 8-7 | 8-5 | 8-7 | 8-7 |
| Serial No. | 10682 | 9937 | 11035 | 10848 |
| Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual | --- | Contact | Contact | --- |
| Mk Warhead | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 |
| Serial No. | 2928 | 3350 | 3948 | 2974 |
| Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX |
| Firing interval | --- | 10 sec. | 10 sec. | 25 sec. |
| Type Spread | 1/2 L. | 1/2 R. | 1 R. | 1 L. |
| Sea Condition | State 2 | State 2 | State 2 | State 2 |
| Overhaul Activity | USS PROTEUS | --- | --- | --- |
| Torpedo Run, T/C | --- | 3600 | --- | --- |
| Time of Run | --- | --- | 4 min - 35 Sec | --- |
| Temp. Electrolyte | 72°F | 72°F | 72°F | 72°F |
| Correction for Depth | 1.1 knots | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1.1 |

-17-

— page 31 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. LAGAPTO - Report of War Patrol Number ONE
DATE      | LOCATION | FREQ | PRF | P.W. | PULSE  | REMARKS
          | OF SHIP  | KC   | cps | us   | HEIGHT |
||------|-----|------||
2-28-45   | 132-02   | 156  | 400 | 15   | 1"     | Sweeping irregular
0530      | 32-30    |      |     |      |        |
2-28-45   | 132-32   | 154  | 450 | 6    | 1"     |
0830      | 32-29    |      |     |      |        |
1835      | 32-29    | 150  | 1200| 5    | 1"     | Airborne, SD contact
2-28-45   | 132-32   |      |     |      |        | 4 miles
1845      | 32-29    | 97   | 750 | 25   | 1"     | Sweeping - 2 TPL.
2-28-45   | 132-41   |      |     |      |        |
2000      | 32-19    |      |     |      |        |
3-1-45    | 133-15   | 156  | 900 | 7    | 4"     |
1230      | 32-03    |      |     |      |        |
3-1-45    | 133-05   | 280  |     |      |        | Random Noise
1310      | 31-59    |      |     |      |        |
3-1-45    | 134-26   | 158  | 490 | 15   | 3/4"   | Sweeping slowly as hard
2025      | 31-25    |      |     |      |        | training - once each
          |          |      |     |      |        | 2 - 3 minutes.
3-1-45    | 135-40   | 156  | 900 | 8    | 1"     | Airborne, SD contact
2210      | 31-13    |      |     |      |        | 8 miles.
3-1-45    | 132-45   | 154  | 900 | 7    | 1"     | Airborne
2330      | 31-20    |      |     |      |        |
3-2-45    | 133-18   | 153  | 900 | 7    | 1"     | Airborne - SD contact
0400      | 31-49    |      |     |      |        | at 4 miles.
3-2-45    | 133-30   | 155  | 900 | 7    | 1"     | Airborne - SD contact
0515      | 32-01    |      |     |      |        | 14 miles.
3-2-45    | 133-06   | 156  | 500 | 12   | 1"     |
1345      | 32-16    |      |     |      |        |
3-2-45    | 133-06   | 80   | 450 | -    | -      | Random Noise
1400      | 32-15    |      |     |      |        |
3-2-45    | 133-06   | 97   | 750 | 25   | 1"     | SJ Interference
1405      | 32-15    |      |     |      |        |
3-2-45    | 132-10   | 310  | 1400| -    | -      | SJ Interference
2305      | 31-20    |      |     |      |        |
3-4-45    | 131-44   | 305  | 1400| -    | -      |
0345      | 30-48    |      |     |      |        |
3-4-45    | 131-39   | 152  | 850 | 5    | 1/2"   | Aircraft - Did not close
0435      | 30-42    |      |     |      |        |
3-5-45    | 132-49   | 155  | 450 | 7    | 1/2"   | Sweeping slowly
0025      | 31-28    |      |     |      |        |
3-5-45    | 133-09   | 97   | 750 | 25   | 3/4"   |
0400      | 32-06    |      |     |      |        |
3-5-45    | 133-16   | 73   | 450 | 40   | 1/2"   | Steady
0445      | 32-16    |      |     |      |        |
3-5-45    | 133-24   | 158  | 1000| 6    | 1/2"   |
0605      | 32-36    |      |     |      |        |
3-5-45    | 133-09   | 154  | 500 | 35   | 1/2"   |
1145      | 32-04    |      |     |      |        |
3-6-45    | 131-30   | 157  | 400 | 10   | 1"     | Sweeping at 1 RPM
0100      | 30-34    |      |     |      |        |
3-6-45    | 132-42   | 150  | 450 | 7    | 3/4"   |
0545      | 30-43    |      |     |      |        |
||------|-----|------||
-22-

— page 32 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. LAG D - Report of War Patrol Number ONE
1. CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. LAG D - Report of War Patrol Number ONE

— page 34 —
[STAMP: 5 04630]

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-TWO

Care of
San Francisco, California
21 March 1945.

FC5-22/A16-3

Serial: 036

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. LAGARTO (SS371) -
Report of First War Patrol

From: Commander Submarine Squadron Twenty-two.
To : Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : (1) Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
(2) Commander SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. LAGARTO (SS371) - Report of First War Patrol.

1. The first patrol of LAGARTO covered a period of 54 days, 31 of
which were in Empire Waters. The patrol was commenced from Pearl Harbor and was
terminated in Subic Bay, Philippine Islands. The Commanding Officer, Commander
F. D. LATTA, also acted as Commander Task Group 17.13 (Latta's Lancers) a coor-
dinated attack group consisting of the LAGARTO, HADDOCK and SENNET.

2. The special mission assigned Task Group 17.13 was carefully planned
and successfully executed during the first four days in the area. Coordinated
gun attacks succeeded in destroying two heavily armed picket boats and seriously
damaging two others.

3. After the departure of SENNET on 14 February, LAGARTO and HADDOCK
patrolled in the vicinity of Bungo Suido for twenty seven days. Area coverage
was excellent, and only seven days were spent submerged. The only enemy contacts
were picket boats and submarines, when regular traffic was disrupted by carrier-
based air strikes then being conducted by the Fifth Fleet.

4. Numerous real or suspected contacts with Japanese submarines re-
sulted in one probably successful attack on an RO class submarine (PC) when four
torpedoes (MK 18's) were fired at a range of 3600 yards, 105° track for one timed
hit, following which the target's screws stopped and eleven minutes later a heavy
underwater noise was heard identified as the hull collapsing.

5. On the morning following departure from assigned area LAGARTO and
HADDOCK sighted an enemy submarine identified as L-121 class. A futile end
around lasting 6 hours was conducted, hampered by one engine out of commission.
In the end contact was lost and could not be regained.

6. The automobile accident which occurred in Saipan on 6 February is
regrettable since it resulted in the death of Lieutenant W. R. SHAW, U.S. Navy,
a gallant submarine officer with three (3) patrols to his credit. His loss was
a serious blow to the LAGARTO and the submarine service.

7. The LAGARTO will be refitted by the U.S.S. HOWARD W. GILMORE and
Submarine Division 221 Relief Crew during the normal period. A thorough in-
spection will be made of all four main engines and two will be completely over-
hauled. The LAGARTO returned from patrol clean and shipshape with a minimum
number of material defects.

-1-

— page 35 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-TWO

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
21 March 1945.

FC5-22/A16-3

Serial: 036
C O N F I D E N T I A L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. LAGARTO (SS371) -
Report of First War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. LAGARTO (SS371) - Report of First War Patrol.

— page 36 —
[STAMP: 50 0463]
FE24-71/A16-3                                          UNITED STATES NAVY
                                                      14/ar
Serial 0651
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L                               13 April 1945.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS LAGARTO Com. In. A16
Serial 017 dated 30 March,
1945. Report of First 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. LAGARTO (SS371) - Report of First War
               Patrol - Comment on.

               1.      The First War Patrol of the LAGARTO, under the
command of Commander F. D. LATTA, U.S.N. was conducted in the
area of the NANSEI SHOTO. From 7 to 14 February Commander LATTA
was OTC of a coordinated Group composed of HADDOCK (Comdr. W. H.
BROCKMAN, U.S.N.) and SENNET (Comdr. G. H. PORTER, U.S.N.).

               2.      At 2300 on 12 February, HADDOCK reported contact on
two vessels identified as patrol boats. Commander LATTA using SCR
communications, laid down an excellent plan for a coordinated dawn
gun attack which resulted in the sinking of two patrol boats by
gunfire. On 13 February similar plans resulted in damaging two
additional patrol boats. Only the exhaustion of 5" ammunition by
all submarines in the group precluded destruction of the second
target group. The planning and execution of these coordinated gun
attacks are particularly noteworthy, and deserving of credit to
all three submarines.

               3.      On 24 February at 1113 (I) LAGARTO made a submerged
attack on an enemy ship which was identified as a Japanese RO Class
submarine. One hit sank the target. On 14 March LAGARTO executed
a daylight end-around on an I Class Japanese submarine, but the
enemy saved himself by submerging before LAGARTO, handicapped by
having only three engines in commission, could consummate an attack.

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

               5.      The Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew of the
LAGARTO are congratulated upon their aggressive prosecution of this
fighting first war patrol, and upon the excellent coordination
achieved with HADDOCK and SENNET. The following damage upon the
enemy is assessed:

[HANDWRITTEN: 36524]
                                                      - 1 -

— page 38 —
FE24-71/A16-3
Serial 0651
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS LAGARTO Conf. Ltr. A16
Serial 017 dated 20 March,
1945. Report of First War
Patrol.

Subject:

DISTRIBUTION:

Cominch (3) Direct
Vice Opnav (2) Direct
Vice Opnav Op-23c (1)
ComlstFlt (1)
Com2ndFlt (1)
Com7thFlt (2)
ComSubs1stFlt (30)
ComSubs2ndFlt (4)
CTF-71 (7)
CTG-71.5 (2)
CTG-71.8 (2)

[SIGNATURE: J. B. Miller]
J. B. MILLER,
Flag Secretary. UNITED STATES NAVY

13 April 1945.
14/dn

U.S.S. LAGARTO (SS371) - Report of First War
Patrol - Comment on.

ComSubRon-22 (2)
ComSubRon-26 (2)
ComSubRon-30 (2)
DivComsSubRon-22 (1 ea)
DivComsSubRon-26 (1 ea)
DivComsSubRon-30 (1 ea)
S/M School, N.L., Conn. (2)
Comdt: NYD, Puget Sound (1)
SubAd, Mare Island (2)
S/Ms 7thFlt (1)

THIS REPORT WILL BE DESTROYED PRIOR
TO ENTRY INTO ENEMY CONTROLLED WATERS.

- 3 -

— page 39 —
UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET
                                                                [HANDWRITTEN: 267]
                                                                [HANDWRITTEN: F-267]
A16-3(8) (F-3-c/whr)                                            [STAMP: Reg. No. 04630]
                                                                [STAMP: R. S. No.]
Serial [HANDWRITTEN: 02772]

                                                                [HANDWRITTEN: 12 MAY 1945]

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to:
USS LAGARTO (SS371) Conf. Ltr.,
serial 017 dated 20
March 1945.

From:           Commander Seventh Fleet.
To:             Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject:        U.S.S. LAGARTO (SS371) - Report of First
                War Patrol.

1.              Forwarded.

2.              The Commander Seventh Fleet congratulates
the LAGARTO for the damage inflicted on the enemy.

                                                                [SIGNATURE: D. E. Barbey]
                                                                D. E. BARBEY.

Copy to:
  ComSubs, 7thFlt
  ComSubRon 22
  CO, USS LAGARTO (SS371)

— page 40 —
[HANDWRITTEN: NRS 247]

[HANDWRITTEN: LAGARTO (SS-370)]
[HANDWRITTEN: WORLD WAR II REPORT FILE]

[HANDWRITTEN: ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 16 MM]

— page 41 —
DECLASSIFIED
DATE 24 May 1945
FROM Unidentified Source

NAME LAGARTO

SERIAL none
DATE none

SUBJECT LOSS OF USS LAGARTO

A

Statement of circumstances surrounding loss of USS LAGARTO
(SS-371) while on SECOND WAR PATROL. Ship operating in
South China Sea and last known attacking a Japanese convoy.
(CENPAC: SUB OPS)

FILED: War Diary

Separately as CARBON COPY

MICROSERIAL NO.

ACTION REPORT OPRV FORM 3480-13 (11-55)
B-*****

— page 42 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1 MAY 45]
[HANDWRITTEN: 2]
LOSS OF USS LAGARTO (SS371)

Lagarto departed Subic Bay on 12 April 1945, for her second patrol
in the South China Sea. On 27 April, she was directed to the outer part
of Siam Gulf.

Lagarto contacted Baya, already patrolling in Siam Gulf on 2 May 1945
and exchanged calls with her by SJ radar. Later that day Baya sent Lagarto
a contact report on a convoy she had contacted consisting of one tanker,
one auxiliary and two destroyers. Lagarto soon reported being in contact
with the convoy, and began coming in for an attack with Baya. However
the enemy escorts were equipped with 10 cm radar, and detected Baya and
drove her off with gunfirs, whereupon the two submarines decided to wait
and plan a subsequent attack.

Early on the morning of 3 May 1945, Lagarto and Baya made a ren-
dezvous at about 7-55 N, 102-18 E and discussed plans. Lagarto was to
dive on the convoy's track to make a contact at 1400, while Baya was to
be ten to fifteen miles further along the track. During the day, numerous
contact reports were exchanged. At 0010 on 4 May, Baya was finally driven
off by the alert escorts, and no further contact of any kind was ever made
with Lagarto.

Japanese information available now records an attack on a U.S.
submarine made by the Minelayer HATSUTAKA, believed to be one of the
two radar-equipped escorts of the convoy attacked. The attack was made
at 7-50 N, 102-00 E in about 30 fathoms of water, and in view of the
information presented above, the attack here described must be presumed
to be the one which sunk Lagarto.

[STAMP: BY JPC DATE 10-4-60]

[HANDWRITTEN, vertical in right margin:] Sub Rpt
[HANDWRITTEN, vertical in right margin:] BOX 350850 RS # 541
00
01
05
11
16
17
[HANDWRITTEN, vertical in right margin:] JACKET # 40A
18
20
40
60
70
90

— page 43 —
END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: E108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-102-81]
[HANDWRITTEN: Rev]

1.0
    2.8 2.5
    3.2 2.2
1.1
    3.6 2.0
    4.0 1.8
1.25 1.4 1.6

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[SEAL: Circular emblem with an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch, a shield on its chest. The outer ring reads "DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE" at the top and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" at the bottom.]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION