U.S.S. TENCH (SS-417) — war patrol report SS-417_TENCH.pdf

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START OF REEL [HANDWRITTEN: # 1]

JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: H-108] [HANDWRITTEN: AR-12-80]
[HANDWRITTEN: TENCH]

1.0
1.1
1.25

4.5   2.8   2.5
5.0   3.2   2.2
5.6   3.6   2.0
6.3   4.0
7.1         1.8
            1.4
            1.6

OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: DeBoer]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 2-10-80]

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
NDW-NPPSO-5210/1 (6-78)

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[HANDWRITTEN: TENCH (SS-417)
WORLD WAR II PATROL FILE
ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED
FOR DECK LOG OCTOBER 1944 - JUNE 1945 CONSULT
NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY.

J.A. KOONTZ]

— page 3 —
Division of Naval History
Ships' Histories Section
Navy Department

HISTORY OF USS TENCH (SS 417)

In their all-out surprise, attack at Pearl Harbor, the Japanese hoped to
repeat their successful Port Arthur performance which opened the Russo-Japanese
War of 1904; to deal the U. S. Pacific Fleet a blow that would paralyze American
sea power for months to come. Thus gaining the initiative, the Japanese forces
could gather the Southwest Pacific into its embrace and fortify it before the
U. S. Navy could strike back. In their overall war plan, the strategists blandly
ignored the U.S. submarine fleet. This cost them the sea lanes of the
Pacific.

In ever-increasing numbers these undersea raiders roamed the Pacific,
squeezing the life-blood from the Japanese shipping. By 1944 the American
offensive was gaining momentum. On 1 April of this year the keel of the SS
417 was laid in the Navy Yard, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She was to be the
first submarine of a new class whose design incorporated the experience gleaned
from two years of difficult but highly successful submarine warfare. She was
equipped with a larger deck gun and greater horsepower for faster and deeper
diving, and longer cruising. At the launching on 7 July 1944, she was christened
the USS TENCH by Mrs. Lyndon Johnson, wife of the U. S. Representative from
Texas. The fitting-out proceeded until 6 October when the TENCH was placed in
commission with Commander W. B. Sieglauff, USN, as commanding officer.

Naval tradition dictates that submarines be named for denizens of the
deep. Appropriately, the TENCH was named for a fish very tenacious of life,
being capable of prolonged existence in the most arduous environments. To her
crew she was known as "Tillie, the Tenacious Tench". The crew of this new
sub was not fresh from submarine school. Commander Sieglauff brought with him
the spirit of the USS TAURUG as well as several men of this ship. The VOLS,
GUDGEON, and SEA DRAGON contributed other veterans.

After extensive training and testing of her new devices, the TENCH de-
parted Pearl Harbor on 7 February 1945 for her first war patrol. She stopped
at Saipan for fuel and to join a wolf pack in company with the SEA DEVIL, BALAO,
and GROUPER, known as "Barney's Boxers". On 27 February the pack got underway
for the patrol area first in the East China Sea, then in the Yellow
Sea. On the stormy night of 6 March she transited the Colnett Strait and
entered the China Sea. Her equipment showed that Japanese radars had tracked
her through the strait, but no anti-submarine action ensued, and dawn found
her passing Dnajo Gunto, headed for Saishu To. Southeast of her, the Iwo Jima
operation was in full swing.

The pack was employed in rotating patrol, weather reporting, photo-
graphing, and lifeguard duties. On 18 March the TENCH was ordered to take
lifeguard station off the west coast of Kyushu for the FIFTH Fleet carrier
plane raid on Nagasaki. Late in the morning search planes reported sighting a
green dye-marker, presumably released by a downed flyer. The position was well
inside a bay on the Kyushu coast inside of which was the small town of Akune.
Hellcats came to cover her as she cautiously picked her way into Akune Bay. The
reported dye marker proved to be no more than reflection from a shoal spot.

— page 4 —
-2- USS TENCH (SS 417)

While speeding past Akune, taking color movies a mile from the beach, lookouts
reported planes coming up astern from over the mainland. In water too shallow
to permit her to dive, the TENCH found herself in an awkward situation.
Fortunately they proved to be the carrier planes returning from the raid, and
the TENCH had a ring-side seat as some fifty planes zoomed over Akune, jettison-
ing their remaining bombs on a railroad bridge, a tall factory stack, and a
fuel dump.

The lack of torpedo targets was frustrating. Much time was spent ex-
ploding the abundant floating mines, and on 28 March she sank two steam trawlers
with gunfire. A Japanese bomber forced her to submerge on 3 April. Upon
surfacing at dusk, she made contact on a zigging, medium speed, radar equipped
target. Soon there was contact on a second ship, larger, escorted by the
first. Since the darkness was enhanced by fog, a surface attack was made on
the larger ship. One torpedo hit was scored, setting off a progression of
roman candle eruptions. The escort began dropping depth charges, but could
not overtake the raider.

While departing the area the TENCH received orders to take station in
a line of submarines deployed in the waters off Honshu and Kyushu. It was
assumed that the remaining ships of the Japanese Fleet would attempt to inter-
fere with the Okinawa landings. The assumption proved correct. On the night
of 6 April a task force consisting of a super-battleship, a light cruiser and
a number of destroyers sorted through the Bungo Suido for an attack on Admiral
Spruance's forces. The force was spotted by the two submarines on watch at
the Bungo exit. In accordance with orders, the subs gave up their chance to
strike and transmitted a series of contact reports. Acting on the information
received, Admiral Mitscher's airmen descended upon this enemy force on the
morning of April 7th. The Japanese ships were without air cover. The super-
battleship was the first to go down, her steel plates torn open as though they
were sheets of tin. Down went the others, gushing smoke and flame. Only a
few American planes were lost in this action -- the dying convulsion of the
Imperial Navy. By way of defending Okinawa, the action availed nothing. In
fact, it relieved Spruance of further worry about interference from the Jap-
anese Navy.

But the fighting at Okinawa was sufficiently violent for the invading
American forces. Over 4,900 American sailors were killed. Thirty American
ships were sunk and fifty were severely damaged. Responsible for nearly 80%
of these casualties was the Kamikaze Special Attack Corps. If the Japanese
Air Force had not been pressed for high-octane gasoline and Japanese aircraft
manufacturers had not run short of aluminum and other building materials in the
autumn of 1944, "Operation Iceberg" might have melted. Like the remnant Imperial
Fleet, the Kamikaze Special Attack Corps was held in check by shortages
largely created by the submarine attack on Japanese shipping.

The TENCH returned to the China Sea on 8 April to search for downed
aviators. Early that morning she rescued a pilot and a radioman of a downed
dive-bomber from the ESSEX. The success of submarines in lifeguard duty is
ironical, for there is no naval vessel so essentially offensive. However, this
rescue of two airmen was a greater thrill than the sinking of the 4250 tons of
enemy shipping. The TENCH terminated her sixty-seven day patrol on 14 April
1945 when she arrived at Guam.

— page 5 —
-3- USS TENCH (SS 417)

The sub was refitted in Apra Harbor, Guam. During this period, Commander
J. H. Barnard II, USN, relieved Commander Sieglalff as skipper. However, due to
a recurrence of eye trouble, Commander T. S. Baskett, USN, substituted for him
and took the TENCH out on her second patrol.

The second run was made in the vicinity of Tsugaru Strait, the northern
funnel into the Japan Sea. She was a member of a wolf pack led by the TORSK,
though her operations were entirely independent due to the conduct of Japanese
shipping. This area, including northeast Honshu and southeast Hokkaido, was
known to be "hot". The Japanese had persisted in attempts to thrust shipping
northward to Kurile and southward to and from Tokyo. The shipping was strong-
ly escorted, and several American submarines had been lost in this area. While
patrolling surface on 25 May she sighted a periscope approaching out of the
clinging surface haze. She dived, picked up the enemy sub on her sound gear,
and successfully evaded him. The ensuing days were periodically marked by gun
actions against motor luggers, picket boats, and steam trawlers to a total of
500 tons sunk.

But the real actions followed submerged patrols off traffic-laden
promotories. The first action occurred off Shiriya Saki, Honshu's eastern
boundary to the Tsugaru approaches. On the night of 1 June she began stalking
a wary freighter hugging the coast. At 0200 the next morning she caught it
just half a mile off the beach. A surface attack and two torpedo hits were
sufficient to sink the MIKAMISAN MARU. Another surface attack on 4 June, near
Shiriya, sank the heavy laden inter-island freighter, RYUJIN MARU, with one
hit amidships.

Esam Saki represents Hokkaido's bulwark on Tsugaru Strait. The TENCH
would run in from the sea under cover of darkness, submerge at dawn and work
her way into Todohokke Wan, a small bay serving a village just above the strait.
It was a complicated transit among the Japanese patrol boats, hindered by
perpetual fog and heavy seas. On 9 June she caught and sank the freighter
KAMISHIKA MARU for 2,857 tons. Then she successfully evaded the host of anti-
submarine boats and planes, which dropped charges and bombs all day. The
following day a submerged attack sank the small tanker SHOEI MARU No. 6, and
brought another day of anti-submarine activity down upon her. Legions of
planes and vessels were called trawlers to destroyer escorts and frigates were
after the TENCH, but they did not get close.

The submarine was now low on torpedoes, but still high in fighting spirit.
On June 11th, she tackled a destroyer in a night surface attack. Sight con-
tact could not be obtained, but she fired a salvo of torpedoes at the destroyer.
One fish was seen to run erratic in a wide circle to the left, as the TENCH's
rudder was thrown hard over to clear the area. Her turn suddenly brought her
into a collision course with the erratic torpedo, still careening through the
phosphorescent sea. No amount of speed and turns seemed to shake the torpedo.
It doggedly closed and destruction seemed imminent. But the crazed torpedo
passed deep under the fantail, and the TENCH spedout into the ocean, leaving
the destroyer to its own frantic escape.

In the remaining five days of her patrol, the TENCH sank a motor-trawler
with the deck-gun, and took aboard six survivors. She then returned to Midway
Island for her inter-patrol rest and refitting.

— page 6 —
-4- USS TENCH (SS 417)

She departed Midway on 12 July for her third patrol, once again to be
conducted in the East China Sea and Yellow Sea. She was a member of a wolf-
pack in company with the LIONFISH and BILLFISH. Just before cutting through the
Ryuku chain into the China Sea the pack ran into Admiral Halsey's THIRD Fleet,
which was preparing for a second strike on the Honshu coast. Three destroyers
were detached to escort each of the submarines on a long detour around the fleet.

On 29 July the TENCH again ran Colnett Strait and commenced searching
the area. The next day she contacted a trim motor lugger. To conserve heavy
ammunition she perforated the lugger's water line with 40 mm projectiles. The
entire crew had gone overboard on the opening fusillade, and one by one the nine
Koreans were picked up.

From 2 to 4 August the TENCH rode out a full-fledged China Sea typhoon.
On the morning of 6 August the Koreans were put into two small boats, and set
adrift near the coast. That afternoon the submarine conducted a shore bombard-
ment of the harbor at Osei To, a rocky island off western Korea. Four schooners
were disintegrated, and five schooners, a sea truck, motor trawler, and the
warehouses were severely damaged. The sub then moved north to the Gulf of
Pohai area between the Kwantung Promontory of Manchuria and the Shantung
Promontory of China. In the afternoon of 9 August she surfaced into a soupy
fog to sink a sea-going tug and two large barges in tow with torpedoes. While
retiring two bombs exploded some 500 yards on the port beam; overhead were two
Japanese "Bettys".

Then in the early morning of 15 August, she learned of the Japanese
surrender. She remained in her area until the 28th, returning to Guam on 2
September and ordered to New London, Connecticut. There was a short stop at
Pearl Harbor, one more at Balboa, and then on 6 October 1945 she tied up at
New London -- a year from the day she had gone into commission. In that year
she had steamed 50,000 miles and sunk 22,150 tons of enemy shipping, in three
successful patrols.

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

1 Star/Iwo Jima Operation
  Assault and occupation of Iwo Jima -- 6-16 March 1945

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

1 Star.THIRD Fleet operations against Japan -- 1-4 August 1945

She also received the Navy Occupation Service Medal, Asia, for the period
2-3 September 1945. By Directive dated January 1947 the TENCH was placed out
of commission in reserve, berthed at New London. In October 1950 the submarine
was recommissioned, and as of July 1953 is active with the U. S. Atlantic Fleet.

— page 7 —
-5- USS TENCH (SS 417)

OVERALL LENGTH 312 feet
BEAM 27 feet
SPEED 20 knots
DISPLACEMENT 1570 tons
COMPLEMENT 8 officers and 72 men

— page 8 —
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
13 April 1945.

SS417/A16-3
Serial 06
DECLASSIFIED
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY G.P.M.A. DATE 6/20/77]

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

Subject: U. S. S. TENCH (SS417) - Report of War Patrol Number One.

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the First War Patrol of this vessel
conducted in CHINA SEA West of KYUSHU, and the YELLOW SEA areas during the
period from February 27, 1945, to April 13, 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: W. B. Sieglaff]
W. B. SIEGLAFF.

[HANDWRITTEN: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 118156]

— page 9 —
SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

U. S. S. TENCH

(A) PROLOGUE

1 April 1944 Keel laid Navy Yard, Portsmouth, N. H.
7 July 1944 Launched and christened U.S.S. TENCH
(SS417). Commenced training officers and crew under Com-
manders Submarine Division 281, 282, and 321 in succession.
6 October 1944 Placed in commission and delivered to
Commanding Officer by Commandant Portsmouth Navy Yard, Rear
Admiral T. WITHERS.
27 October 1944 Board of I & S accepted ship. Two weeks
of trials, tests and training under Commander Submarine
Division 322.
11 November 1944 Proceeded to NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND for
contract torpedo firing.
15 November 1944 Proceeded to NEW LONDON for three weeks
of experimental sonar gear tests for BuShips, followed by
two weeks of training under Comdr. A. H. TAYLOR, U.S. Navy.
Submarine Base relocated F.O. vent manifolds in maneuvering
room, installed ST scope and electronics, and made various
minor repairs.
20 December 1944 Proceeded to KEY WEST, FLORIDA to load
special cargo.
31 December 1944 Arrived BALBOA, C.Z. for four days in-
tensive training and three days of voyage repairs under
Commander Submarine Squadron 3.
8 January 1945 Proceeded to PEARL HARBOR, T.H., in com-
pany with U.S.S. CHUB conducting training exercises enroute.
24 January 1945 to 6 February 1945 At PEARL HARBOR under
Commander Submarine Squadron 4, Commander Submarine Division
322, Training Officer. Submarine Base installed 40m.m.
mount, various topside ammunition stowages, 50 caliber mounts
and APR-1, APR-5 and SPA.
Comment: The progress since 1941, in efficiency, equipment
and organization of the entire Submarine Activity from build-
ing yard to advanced base is almost unbelievable. It is
doubtful if even in that utopia of the post war "one world",
with the four freedoms in full swing, that the treatment and
service to submariners could be bettered. The U.S.S. TENCH
is extremely grateful to the Portsmouth Navy Yard. She also
appreciates the training, schools, and assistance of all
activities under whom she operated prior to departure on
patrol number one. Upon leaving PEARL HARBOR the TENCH had
made 172 dives, 109 practice approaches, fired 66 torpedoes
and three gunnery practices.

- 1 - ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 10 —
U. S. S. TENCH

SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

(B)                               NARRATIVE

                                  Officers and Chief Petty Officers on board.
                                                                      No. previous
                                  Name                                patrols
                                  SIEGLAFF, W. B.      Comdr., USN          6
                                  BARNARD, J. H. II    Comdr., USN (PCO)    4
                                  STROW, A. R.         Lt-Cdr., USN         9
                                  TURNER, T.           Lieut., USN          9
                                  WRIGHT, J. E.        Lieut., USN          0
                                  SPURNEY, A. B.       Lieut., (E)L, USNR   0
                                  D'ANGELO, F. M.      Lt(jg), (E)L, USNR   0
                                  O'CONNELL, R. F.     Ensign, (E)L, USNR   0
                                  SCHMERTZ, R. C.      Ensign, (E)LR, USNR  0
                                  MARTAUZ, S.          Ensign, USN         10

                                  EDMONDSON, O. T.     CTM(T), USN          7
                                  KRZEMINSKI, F. J.    CRM(T), USN          9
                                  HARWOOD, G. S.       CMOMM(AA), USN       0
                                  RADER, L. E.         CMOMM, USN           7
                                  ROWLEY, G. E.        CMOMM(T), USN        5
                                  BRODIE, J. A.        CEM, USN             0
                                  MORRISON, D. R.      CPHM(T), USN         0

                                  *Note: Detached in SAIPAN enroute patrol area.

                                            7 February 1945

                                  1330(plus 9.5) Departed PEARL HARBOR, T. H., in company with U.S.S. SEA
                                                 DEVIL enroute SAIPAN. PC 1077 escort.
                                  1900(plus 9.5) Released escort.

                                            8 February 1945

                                                 Enroute SAIPAN conducting daily dives, drills, and firing
                                                 all types of guns.
                                  1200(plus 11) Posit: 21 - 03 N.   163 - 19 W.
                                  1545(plus 11) Departed company of U.S.S. SEA DEVIL.

                                            9 February 1945

                                  1200(plus 11) Posit: 20 - 32 N.   168 - 55 W.

                                            10 February 1945

                                  1200(plus 12) Posit: 20 - 18 N.   175 - 14 W.

                                            - 2 -                               ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 11 —
SS47/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

U. S. S. TENCH

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

12 February 1945
1200(minus 12) Posit: 20 - 18 N. 178 - 46 E.

13 February 1945
1200(minus 12) Posit: 20 - 06 N. 173 - 19 E.

14 February 1945
1200(minus 11) Posit: 20 - 03 N. 167 - 51 E.
1300(minus 11) Sighted a flying boat dead ahead on northerly course.
Unable to identify. Submerged. TENCH 60 miles N.E.
of WAKE ISLAND. Surfaced one-half hour later. Nothing
in sight.

15 February 1945
1200(minus 11) Posit: 19 - 40 N. 162 - 06 E. Sent rendezvous msg.
to CTG 17.7.

16 February 1945
1200(minus 10) Posit: 19 - 00 N. 155 - 40 E.

17 February 1945
1200(minus 10) Posit: 17 - 23 N. 149 - 53 E.
1231(minus 10) Sighted floating mine. Sank same with 20m.m. No ex-
plosion. TENCH was later to sight several mines in
YELLOW SEA. This mine was identical to those sighted
in that area.

18 February 1945
0055(minus 10) Radar contact SARIGAN ISLAND distance 40 miles.
0550(minus 10) Made rendezvous with LCI escort and proceeded to SAIPAN.
1315(minus 10) Moored in nest port side U.S.S. FULTON, TANAPAG HARBOR,
SAIPAN. Lieutenant Commander A. R. STORM detached this
date to report to Commander Submarine Division 82 as a
PCO.

19 to 26 February 1945
Voyage repairs alongside U.S.S. FULTON, and training

- 3 - ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 12 —
SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
U. S. S. TENCH
(B)
NARRATIVE (Cont'd)
operations. Two days of independent exercises indoctrina-
ting aviators. Two days and one night conducting a wolf
pack problem with U.S.S. SEA DEVIL, BALAO, and GUARDFISH.
Had two DD's for targets. Capt. G. E. PETERSON, (Commander
Submarine Squadron 8), on board TENCH as Training Officer.

27 February 1945

Briefed for patrol by Vice Admiral C. A. LOCKWOOD, JR.,
and Capt. R. G. VOGE. A coordinated attack group, Task
Group 17.22, known as "BOXERS" was formed. Group consisted
of U.S.S. TENCH (SS417) 17.22.1, U.S.S. SEA DEVIL (SS400)
17.22.3, and U.S.S. BALAO (SS285) 17.22.4. Commanding Offi-
cer U.S.S. TENCH, Group Commander. U.S.S. GUARDFISH origin-
ally detailed was replaced by U.S.S. GROUPER (SS214) 17.22.2
to follow pack a few days later. Group was ordered to
patrol area West of KYUSHU in addition to YELLOW SEA until
21 March. Then, to patrol YELLOW SEA only. Group Commander
issued communication plan and assigned boats to sub-areas.
Planned to rotate subs in areas to give each submarine an
opportunity, as well as, exploit individual ideas. Since
no opportunity for a coordinated attack presented itself
this patrol, no group report is submitted, this report
covers activities of group.
Task Group 17.22 plus U.S.S. GUARDFISH in company to EMPIRE
departed SAIPAN for patrol.
All subs made trim dive.
Released escort. Pack proceeding in joint zone in a BOX
formation.

28 February 1945

Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet ordered SEA DEVIL to
maintain watch on life guard frequency. A B-29 reported
down NW of SAIPAN.
Posit: 15 - 07 N. 142 - 30 E.

1600(minus 9)
1820(minus 9)
2300(minus 9)

1200(minus 9)

1 March 1945

Posit: 17 - 42 N. 137 - 58 E.
Received orders from Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet
for pack to proceed to vicinity of 20 - 55 N. 135 - 30 E.
to search for downed aviators at dawn of March 2. Position
was later changed to be 20 miles further south.

- 4 - ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 13 —
SS417/A16-3

U. S. S. TENCH

CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

2 March 1945

0300(minus 9) Pack formed in line of bearing for search sweep, distance
             between subs 6000 yds.
0630(minus 9) Commenced sweep at speed of 15 kts.
0701(minus 9) Contacted first planes, a B-29 and a PBM. Communications
             difficult. Planes seemed reluctant to talk. We could
             hear but could not receive acknowledgements for our messages.
             Planes circled us and disappeared in direction of our head-
             ing so believed we were right. Wind and seas indicated rafts
             would drift to southwest. Inter-sub communication by voice
             possible except with SEA DEVIL, and that not very good.
1030(minus 9) Searching to northward and headed for what later proved to
             be actual location of raft; received a msg from a plane that
             probable raft bore southwest, distant 40 miles. This seemed
             contrary to our probable considering weather conditions, also planes
             circled and disappeared in that direction. Formed line of
             bearing normal to course to position and continued search.
1200(minus 9) Posit: 20 - 17 N. 135 - 15 E.
1345(minus 9) Had confirmed no rafts in this area. C/C to 090 and formed
             line of bearing 000°T. Carrier planes now searching.
             Listened to a fine demonstration of cooperation between
             these planes and fleet units, (destroyers). TENCH would
             receive no answer to her pleading for information. Acting
             on destroyer/plane talk, C/C to 020°T.
1635(minus 9) Sighted U.S.S. PRESTON (DD795) whose sister ship had just
             rescued aviators. PRESTON reported eight men saved. Doubt
             existed as to possible additional raft. Eight men were
             originally reported as down. Search continued until dark.
             Formed subs and departed area which was very trying with
             carrier in vicinity, various type planes overhead, and
             destroyers on radar and visual contact.
1826(minus 9) Two destroyers crossed bow heading east. Exchanged recog-
             nition signals. Radar contact friendly ships astern of pack.
1850(minus 9) PBM flying parallel turned and passed overhead close. Ident-
             ified TENCH by emergency recognition signal.
2030(minus 9) Sighted and heard gunfire to southeast in direction of our
             ships.

3 March 1945

0748(minus 9) In BOX formation returning to joint zone lane.
             Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet ordered continued search.
             Reversed course to return to area.

- 5 - ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 14 —
U. S. S. TENCH
SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

(B)

NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

0920(minus 9) Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet ordered wolf pack to
proceed to patrol area. GUADFISH to search for one more
1102(minus 9) downed aviator. Maneuvered to speak BALAO and SEA DEVIL.
TENCH, SEA DEVIL and BALAO in column open order, proceed-
1200(minus 9) ing to patrol area.
1300(minus 9) Posit: 22 - 11 N. 137 - 26 E.
Set base course 000°T. in joint lane.

4 March 1945

1035(minus 9) Submerged for unidentified plane.
1055(minus 9) Surfaced. SEA DEVIL reported plane as a B-29.
1200(minus 9) Posit: 26 - 41 N. 137 - 32 E.
1444(minus 9) Sighted aircraft believed to be friendly. GROUPER de-
parted SAIPAN to join BOXERS.

5 March 1945

0200(minus 9) C/C to 270° to proceed to vicinity of YAKU SHIMA.
1115(minus 9) Sighted a MAVIS. Submerged.
1200(minus 9) Posit: 29 - 39 N. 135 - 22 E.
1215(minus 9) Surfaced.
2150(minus 9) Exchanged recognition signals on SJ with BALAO and ordered
her to take position 20 miles astern.
SEGUNDO authorized to patrol YELLOW SEA north of 34° N.
until 15 March.

6 March 1945

0517(minus 9) SJ contact on YAKU SHIMA bearing 280°T. distant 40 miles.
Knew SEA DEVIL to be south of us and BALAO astern.
0638(minus 9) Submerged. Seas and wind strong from N.W.
1200(minus 9) Posit: 30 - 04 N. 131 - 04 E.
1310(minus 9) Sighted YAKU SHIMA ISLAND bearing 305°T. distant 22 miles.
Due to stormy weather unable to sight land prior this
time.
1913(minus 9) Surfaced in heavy sea, 30 to 40 kt wind, 10 miles south
of YAKU SHIMA. Commenced transit of TOKARA KAIKYO PASS-
AGE. Maximum speed 10 kts due to seas. APR-1 indicated
strong 150 Mc land radars. Used SJ sparingly for navig-
ation in direction of land.
2349(minus 9) Well clear of passage.
Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet ordered SEA CAT to
extend patrol with SEGUNDO.

- 6 - ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 15 —
U. S. S. TENCH

SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

7 March 1945

0530(minus 9) Set course for DANJO GUNTO.
0637(minus 9) Submerged. Overcast with heavy seas.
1200(minus 8) Posit: 30 - 38 N. 128 - 47 E.

Note: Unless otherwise stated all times in following
      report are zone (minus 8).

1810 Surfaced.
2245 Radar contact on DANJO GUNTO bearing 320°T.

8 March 1945

0355 Exchanged SJ recognition signals with U.S.S. GATO depart-
      ing area.
0530 Submerged West of DANJO GUNTO.
1200 Posit: 32 - 09 N. 127 - 38 E.
1825 Surfaced.
2100 Sent msg rescheduling pack to areas incident to SEA CAT
      and SEGUNDO orders. Informed latter that no boats of
      17.22 would be in their area.
2240 Radar contact SAISHU TO ISLAND bearing 335°T. distant 45
      miles.

9 March 1945

0542 Submerged South of SAISHU TO ISLAND. Seas still rough,
      strong N.W. wind.
1200 Posit: 33 - 52 N. 125 - 22 E.
1818 Surfaced to patrol shipping lanes South of SAISHU TO.
      BALLAO sent a contact report this date. BALAO only boat
      in possible position. Heard BALAO question JALLAO as to
      position.

10 March 1945

0500 Upon receipt of a contact report set course to southwest
      to intercept possible shipping South of YANGTZE, speed
      16 kts.
1200 Posit: 30 - 56 N. 125 - 56 E.
1245 Sighted LST distant 10 miles approaching on our port
      bow. APR signals went to full saturation. Submerged.
      Our first good test of APR as an indicator.
1405 Surfaced. Resumed course and speed.

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CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

1710 Sighted NINGOPO junk.
1801 Passed a floating mine close aboard.
2100 Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet ordered change in
     weather reporting schedule for all boats of BOXER PACK.

                     11 March 1945

0137 Radar contact on HIESHAN ISLAND distant 24 miles bearing
     260T. Approaching light from east to intercept possible
     traffic from south.
0205 Radar contact on a possible target, but she tracked at
     2 kts and identified as a junk. TENCH 10 miles N.E. of
     YUESHAN LIEHTAO LIGHT which was burning with normal charac-
     teristics.
0500 Abandoned search. Set course across YELLOW SEA for TSUSHIMA
     STRAIT area. Believe possible shipping hugging coast. Such
     shipping must be attacked about two hours prior to dawn in
     order to enable sub to reach 20 fathom curve as daylight
     appears. JAP mine sweeps had been reported in this area
     which also adds to mental discomfort.
     YUESHAN LIEHTAO air radar search on 76 Mc noted for first
     time this morning on APR.
1200 Posit: 30 - 00 N. 124 - 05 E.

                     12 March 1945

0517 Submerged 20 miles South of SAISHU TO. Had received msg
     from SEGUNDO reporting posit and departure from area.
1200 Posit: 33 - 20 N. 127 - 19 E.
1634 Heard three distant explosions.
1833 Surfaced. Sighted GYU TO LIGHT and what first was believed
     to be a search light beamed in air on Eastern end of SAISHU
     TO. Later this light appeared to be a lava flow.
1945 Completed transmission of weather report, and detailed-pack
     via FOX circuit as to order of future weather report
     from 30 March to 5 April.
2154 Went to full speed to intercept possible enemy shipping along
     KOREAN COAST.
2337 Sighted KYOBUN TO LIGHT bearing 023°T. Intended to pass be-
     tween KYOBUN TO ISLAND and REIZUI TO. A new enemy search
     radar 61 Mc was picked up in addition to one on SAISHU TO.
     Later this proved to be on KYOBUN TO.

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(3) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

13 March 1945

0044 Radar contact to north on small vessels previously sighted
     signalling each other. (Contact No. 1). Vessels were
     milling around. When TENCH approached, nearest vessel
     challenged us with a series of "A's" followed by a long
     flash. As this passage was blocked, pips indicating small
     patrol vessels, turned to west to go northward West of
     REIZUI TO ISLAND.

0140 Contacted a patrol vessel West of REIZUI TO. (Contact
     No 2). It appeared that KOREAN coast shipping attack
     routes were blocked. APR signals indicated we were being
     tracked. A change of course would cause shore radar
     station to lose us for a short time only to come on full
     strength again. Ran to southeast.

0512 Submerged East of SAISHU TO expecting an AS search
     date due to challenges, radio transmissions by TENCH and
     SEGUNDO, and suspected enemy radar tracking. TENCH still
     fighting war of a year ago when such knowledge caused
     enemy to take action. Had not yet realized how "back in
     their shells" the JAPS are getting.
     Posit: 33 - 18 N. 127 - 53 E.

1200 Surfaced to patrol East of KYOBUN TO.

1818 Received orders from Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet
     assigning GROUPER and TENCH to lifeguard duties on 18th
     through 20th. Also ordered to detail boat to report
     weather from 14th to 19th in YELLOW SEA.

2100 Sent msg to Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet, detail-
     ing GROUPER to report weather on 14th and 15th and
     thereafter. SEA DEVIL to take BALAO area West of Southern
     KYUSHU. Msg sent was not put on FOX schedule until next
     evening.

2245 For last three evenings have heard a boat in CONVOY COLLEGE
     or SOUTHWESTPAC transmit on Wolf Pack Frequency. This
     means of pack communication is too powerful for its purpose.

14 March 1945

0115 Patrolling South of REISUI KAIWAN.
     Radar contact on small vessel. Later and during next two
     nights similar contacts proved to be sailing fishing boats.
     Visibility forced us to close to 700 yds to sight them
     with binoculars; yet our radar picked them up at 6000 to
     10000 yds. It was too dark to attack them with gunfire
     without going alongside. Also did not want to give our
     position away.

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SS417/A16-3

CONFIDENTIAL

(B)
NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

0512
0848
Submerged.
Sighted a schooner heading west. Too rough for surface
attack. (Contact No. 3).
Posit: 34 - 11 N. 127 - 56 E.
1200
1821
Surfaced.

15 March 1945

0458
Submerged to patrol vicinity of SESON TO and KOKU TO
ISLANDS or ROCKS. Believe JAPS to be running well inside,
but wanted to look over entrance to REISUI KAIWAN as night
visibility poor.
0552
Sighted two small steam trawlers heading west. (Contact No.
4). Passed us at range of 6000 yds. As TENCH planned a
night search into REISUI KAIWAN for possible anchored ships
let these go by.
Posit: 34 - 18 N. 128 - 18 E.
1200
1835
2118
Surfaced.
Set course to enter REISUI KAIWAN. Passed various fishing
boats enroute, these not sighted but picked up on radar.
Had proceeded to within 20000 yds of all possible anchorages
that could be attacked. Radar in excellent condition pick-
ing up small island rocks identified on chart at ranges
from 18 to 24000 yds.
2352
Fire in maneuvering room. Casualty quickly attended to.
Proved to be a burnt up holding coil for starboard interlock
in main control panel.

16 March 1945

0000
Reversed course proceeding out of bay. Manned machine guns
and closed one sail boat. At 500 yds gunners could not
sight same. TENCH does not believe in attacking a target
not visible at a range inside of 500 yds.
0541
Submerged East of SAISHU TO.
1200
Posit: 33 - 15 N. 128 - 04 E.
1825
1945
Surfaced.
Completed transmission of weather report to Commander Sub-
marines, Pacific Fleet, Administration. Set course to pass
South of FUKAE SHIMA ISLAND working toward lifeguard station.
More APR signals on shore based radar.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

                                        17 March 1945

0449        Submerged South of FUKAE SHIMA. ST periscope ranged
            island at 43000 yds with 7' exposure.
1200        Posit: 32 - 33 N. 128 - 59 E.
1836        Took periscope pictures of island.
            Surfaced and proceeded to lifeguard station. During this
            evening APR signals often at full saturation on following
            frequencies: 94 Mc, 76 Mc, 152 Mc, 100 Mc. All believed
            to be land based.

                                        18 March 1945

0508        Submerged on lifeguard station. Had considered staying on
            surface, but with KYUSHU and KOSHIKI RETTO plainly in view
            this clear morning, 15 miles distant, there seemed to be
            nothing to gain by exposure. Patrolled at 50' depth with
            SD mast out and could hear planes talking on HF, therefore,
            concluded we could easily hear our call. Even copied FOX
            as well.
0600        Sighted two planes vicinity of NAGA SHIMA ISLAND.
0938        Thought we heard our call and surfaced. Planes and subs in
            communication on Eastern COAST of KYUSHU.
0946        Submerged.
1112        Heard our call and surfaced. Received report of a dye marker
            1.5 miles Southwest COAST of NAGA SHIMA ISLAND. Went to
            flank speed and headed for same under air cover of four fight-
            ers. Communications excellent and planes most cooperative.
            This was a vast improvement from our B-29 survivor search
            enroute to objective air cover was relieved by four fresh
            fighters (HELLCATS with belly tanks).
1200        Posit: 32 - 08 N. 129 - 42 E.
1317        At objective nothing in sight in water except various green
            patches of shoal water. Planes had made thorough search.
            COAST and TOWN of AKUNE very plain, 1.5 to 3 miles distant.
            Took colored movie of panorama. Could have bombarded town
            but still possibility of a downed aviator which was our
            primary mission. C/C to 220° to proceed to another probable
            position.
1330        Suddenly about 50 planes appeared heading for us over AKUNE.
            A few bombs were dropped in town's vicinity and a large
            column of smoke arose later. Planes circled us at low alti-
            tude, 500 to 1000 feet, formed up and headed south. It was
            a big thrill for the TENCH, and a wonderful vision of U.S.

                                        - 11 -
                                                            ENCLOSURE "A"

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U. S. S. TENCH

NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

(B)

1335 power. Not a JAP in sight or even a shore battery to ques-
     tion authority.
     Proceeding to station. Air cover still remained. Later in
     afternoon a msg from a southern source reporting a life
     raft in same spot as green dye marker. Two planes of air
     cover departed to investigate. Believe this was a repeat
     of original msg with raft substituted for dye marker. Fifty
     or more planes and the TENCH would have sighted anything in
     that vicinity. Unless a plane was actually lost, I suspect
     that a shoal spot was reported as a green dye.
1600 Air cover departed. TENCH remained on station until dark,
     and then headed for next days station nearby.

                       19 March 1945

0205 Large phosphorescence patches observed at various ranges
     all around us. Porpoise produced some excellent simulated
     torpedo spreads.
0511 Submerged to 50' depth on lifeguard station keeping SD
     antenna up, and listening on voice frequency. Considered
     this best due to proximity of JAP SUB BASES, and our well
     advertised presence of previous day.
1200 Posit: 32 - 00 N. 129 - 01 E.
1820 Surfaced.

                       20 March 1945

0507 Submerged to patrol in same fashion as yesterday. News
     reports plus lifeguard frequency convinced us that Western
     KYUSHU was out of the show these past two days.
1200 Posit: 32 - 06 N. 129 - 33 E.
1828 Surfaced.
     Sent weather msg to Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet,
     Administration.
     Headed for vicinity of NOMA MISAKI, KYUSHU in hope that air
     raids might send some shipping north out of KAGO SHIMA
     KAIWAN.
     Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet reported that BALAO sank
     two MARUS and probably damaged an escort. BALAO north of
     34° N. in YELLOW SEA.

                       21 March 1945

0320 On course 095°T. approaching COAST of KYUSHU, had three radar
     stations at full saturation on APR-1 at 145 Mcs, 152 Mcs and
     155 Mcs respectively. These remained on us and it is inter-

                               - 12 -                               ENCLOSURE "A"

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U. S. S. TENCH

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

21 March 1945

0448 esting to note that at 0430 TENCH C/C to 180°T. and all
three enemy radar signals decreased intensity for about
four minutes before coming back to full saturation.
1200 Submerged to patrol Southwest COAST of KYUSHU.
Posit: 31 - 16 N. 129 - 58 E.
Sighted several rusty oil drums floating this vicinity.
1831 Surfaced. Proceeding to clear area prior entry "LOCATORS".
Headed for YELLOW SEA via DANJO GUNTO.

22 March 1945

0513 Submerged East of DANJO GUNTO. Stormy weather, rough seas.
1120 Heard pinging to north and headed that direction.
1200 Posit: 32 - 03 N. 128 - 40 E.
1655 Picked up pinging clearly to north. Visibility very poor
incident to rain.
1715 Sighted smoke and soon identified ship as an AS vessel
(fleet type tug or ex-whale killer), making a supersonic
search.
1735 Fired three Mk. 14 torpedoes. Not able to obtain a position
for Mk. 18's aft. This was a very impossible shot, but
fired because: (a) No targets to date, (b) wanted to scare
JAP AS forces, (c) too rough for gun attack. Believe tor-
pedoes set at 6' ran under or near miss. ST scope getting
excellent ranges.
1806 At end of run explosions. Target turned after torpedoes
passed near him and closed us to 1800 yds dropping three
depth charges. TENCH now in position for stern tube shot
and tubes were being made ready when target turned tail and
ran.
1815 At a range of 6000 yds target dropped two more depth charges.
1842 Surfaced. Proceeded to YELLOW SEA South of SAISHU TO.

23 March 1945

0505 Submerged. Rough seas.
1200 Posit: 32 - 54 N. 126 - 04 E.
1830 Surfaced.
BALAO reported two timed hits in enemy convoy to Commander
Submarines, Pacific Fleet.

24 March 1945

0625 Submerged to patrol outside of 20 fathom curve and remain
undetected prior to a night sweep for JAP coastal shipping.

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SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

1200 Posit: 32 - 54 N. 123 - 50 E.
1837 Surfaced. Lay to and converted FMBT's to ballast tanks.
2043 Completed conversion. Proceeding to coastal shipping route
north of YANGTZE. Clear night, bright moon.

25 March 1945

0317 Patrolling CHINA COAST off 10 fathom curve.
0330 Passed through large oil slick.
0630 Proceeding eastward to submersible water.
1200 Submerged.
1715 Posit: 32 - 31 N. 123 - 47 E.
Sound detected strange noises ahead similar to clanking
chain. Shortly thereafter, sighted floating mine. SB
served as detector.
1723 Surfaced. Hit mine repeatedly with carbine, 50 caliber,
and 20m.m. Test fired 40m.m. Mine withstood barrage.
After dark made another sweep of coast. During night con-
tacted junks at various times. Radar could pick them up
at 8000 yds. Usually sighted them first. Had to assume
they were CHINAMEN.
GROUPER ordered to lifeguard duty off SHANGHAI on 28th by
Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet.

26 March 1945

0715 Decided to patrol on surface eastward toward SAISHU TO
after coastal sweep.
0840 Sighted floating mine.
0851 Sighted another mine and attempted to sink or blow up with
gunfire. No luck.
0907 Sighted another mine.
Sighted a sail on horizon and proceeded to close to look
her over.
0926 Passed a mine enroute.
0928 Large whale close aboard.
0937 Sighted unidentified plane, not a B-29. Submerged.
Note: For last three mornings that we have remained on
surface after sunrise, heard considerable traffic
on high frequency between planes. This morning
located planes as being off HONGKONG. Due to ex-
cellent reception had believed our aviators were
near us over YANGTZE.
1200 Posit: 32 - 36 N. 124 - 07 E.

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U. S. S. TENCH
CONFIDENTIAL

(B)

NARRATIVE (Cont'd)
1303    Surfaced. Clear day, flat sea.
1315    Sighted unidentified plane astern, angle on bow 90°. Not a
        B-29. Submerged.
1838    Surfaced.
1955    Exchanged recognition signals with SEA DEVIL on SJ. Estim-
        ated her posit at least 60 miles to north. Could not con-
        tact her afterwards, although, noted her interference.

27 March 1945

0723    Patrolling westward in YELLOW SEA.
1200    Sighted seven small planes heading west. Submerged.
1502    Posit: 32 - 51 N. 124 - 30 E.
1530    Began sighting floating mines.
1622    Surfaced. Four mines in sight. Finally blew two of them
        up with some excellent 20m.m. hits. Sighted nine more mines
        prior sunset. Further attack unsuccessful. Could not see and
        hear carbine hits. Captain's 45 erratic.
2030    Sighted two junks and closed to 900 yds to look them over.
        Plainly CHINESE FISHERMEN.
        Went to full speed to head north along JAP coastal shipping
        route. Sighted junks at various times enroute.
        GROUPER ordered by Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet to
        acknowledge orders for lifeguard duty with a weather report.
        Received msg from BALAO via FOX reporting track of small
        freighter.
        This date was an assigned shift of areas for all boats of
        pack. BALAO to move south, all others moving north.

28 March 1945

1200    Patrolling JAP shipping route on surface.
1530    Posit: 34 - 50 N. 122 - 57 E.
        Received orders from Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet
        to form patrol line south of 32° N. with GROUPER and SEA
        DEVIL. BALAO to remain north and take over weather reports.
1611    Sighted what appeared to be two MARUS heading 240°T. Hazy
        visibility on horizon. Commenced end around with high
        periscope.
1725    Determined vessels were small and slow. Had worked ahead
        of them. Closed for better look and identified them as
        steam trawlers similar to those in ONI 209J. One was
        larger than the other. Seas had increased this afternoon
        and visibility constantly decreasing. Decided to close

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ENCLOSURE "A"

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U. S. S. TENCH

SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

1801 and sink them with gunfire.
Commenced shooting 40m.m. and 5" at 3000 yds with trawlers
radically maneuvering to avoid. Our gunnery was poor due
to; existing sea conditions, Commanding Officer's reluctance
to close any vessel that can shoot back, and targets attempt
to keep sterns to us. Finally 5" hit largest trawler three
times in succession starting a roaring fire centered at
wheelhouse. A hit in stern of second caused her to sink
stern first with bow in air as darkness closed in. A JAP
FLAG was sighted painted on stack of one trawler. Sprayed
burning trawler with 20m.m., and hit it several times with
40m.m. Deck gun crew having considerable trouble with spray
and waves. 40m.m. hampered at close ranges by roll and
limit of depression incident to life rail. During fracus
sighted two more trawlers, but darkness and seas caused us
to cancel further attack. Also, TENCH due to get south in
a hurry.
1915 Heading south along JAP coastal shipping route at full speed.
2019 Sent msg reporting weather acknowledging Commander Submarines,
Pacific Fleet orders, and detailing patrol line for GROUPER,
SEA DEVIL, and TENCH.
PALAO reported sinking a small freighter with gunfire.

29 March 1945

0522 GROUPER thanked on CHINA FOX for lifeguard duty by COMGEN
TWENTY BOMCOM.
Received msg from QUEENFISH info SEA FOX giving positions
of these boats in area South of BOXERS.
Sighted about five junks ahead. Could not maneuver to avoid
sight contact, due to mined waters, so passed through junk
formation. - CHINAMEN in spite of the UNITED LINE were
still attempt to eliminate evil spirits by cutting across
the bows of foreign devils. CHIANG KAI SHEK has not spread
the word or we were mistaken for JAPANESE. TENCH missed
one by about 20 feet.
1020 Sighted plane. Submerged.
1105 Surfaced.
1200 Posit: 32 - 15 N. 124 - 08 E.
1708 Sighted mine.
1741 On station for a JAP FLEET BLOCK. Patrolling on course
090°T.
2355 C/C to 320°T., and increased speed to 14 kts to intercept
possible enemy shipping.

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U. S. S. TENCH

CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

30 March 1945

0023 Heavy fog set in.
SEA DEVIL requested permission to patrol to north to inter-
cept JAPS.
0100 Sent msg to GROUPER and SEA DEVIL ordering them to search
and attack, and form on TENCH at 2000 North of SOCOTIA ROCK
for a night search. SEA DEVIL receipted, but could not
raise GROUPER.
1200 Posit: 32 - 15 N. 124 - 26 E.
1330 Exchanged calls with SEA DEVIL on SJ, and informed her
TENCH would search to east of her. SEA DEVIL has not con-
tacted GROUPER.
2003 Commenced evening search in company with SEA DEVIL. At
times, from interference, thought GROUPER was present, but
could not contact her on SJ.
Received msg from Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet say-
ing that we would patrol areas, but to standby for another
alert.

31 March 1945

0001 Conducting search for probable enemy vessels in company
with U.S.S. SEA DEVIL.
Sent msg on WOPAC FREQUENCY ordering GROUPER north if she
desired this area; if not, to inform all of north

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CONFIDENTIAL
U. S. S. TENCH

(B)

1344         NARRATIVE (Cont'd)
             Sighted mine. Unable to sink it or blow it up. In spite
             of failures, mines helped brighten up foggy Easter.

             2 April 1945

0146         Patrolling in heavy fog East of SHANGHAI.
1200         Radar contact identified as sailboat or junk.
             Posit: 30 - 30 N. 124 - 02 E.
2113         Fog lifted. Navigator obtained star fix in moonlight.
             Headed to southwest.
             Received msg from SEA HORSE saying she was proceeding
             through area. Such a msg aids a boat that sends it but
             places an unnecessary burden on the receiver unless
             position and route is given. It is always a big help if
             one can assume safely that a contact is an enemy. SEA
             DEVIL receipted for this msg, but did not hear from GROUPER.

             3 April 1945

0206         Exchanged recognition signals on SJ with SEA HORSE who was
             headed N.E. TENCH proceeding S.W. passed her 5000
             abeam to port. Concluded SEA DEVIL or GROUPER would prob-
             ably not contact her.
0515         C/C to north and increased speed to investigate a plane
             report of two destroyers. Wind and sea increasing from
             north coupled with fog and rain.
1200         Posit: 31 - 49 N. 124 - 24 E.
1303         Slowed to one engine speed searching area.
1643         Sighted a land based, medium bomber, believed to be a JAP.
             Submerged in 20 fathoms of water.
1836         Surfaced on course 180°T. Seas had increased so that we
             were pooped on this course. C/C to 120°T.
1906         Radar contact 8550 yds, bearing 018°T. Commenced tracking
             and soon realized, no junk but a target, zigging all over
             the ocean at speed about 8 kts. Picked up shipborne enemy
             radar 150 Mc on APR. Went to battle stations and picked
             up a second and larger ship. First ship was undoubtedly
             escort, for second target tracked on regular zigs.
2000         Fired six MK. 14 torpedoes set at six feet on 100° port
             track, with escort on targets starboard bow. Fired at
             range of 2800 yds because target was tracking excellently.
             Had been able to keep bows on most of the time so enemy
             radar would be less apt to pick us up. Could barely sight
             target at time of firing. Swung 180° slowly in rough sea
             after firing. Heard one hit on time and possibly another.

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CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

2011 Escort crossed astern of target which was now tracking, stopped.
2013 Huge explosion on target seen from bridge, reddish orange, heard and felt below decks. Shortly thereafter, escort who had closed to 3000 yds dropped about 10 depth charges. Sighted a series of yellow flashes on target, believed to be ammunition exploding, not gunfire. Escort making speed of 13 kts. Maneuvered TENCH to open range on escort.
2027 Target definitely stopped.
2035 Target with a good pip at 10200 yds disappeared from radar screen. Swung broadside to escort to attempt to confirm sinking. Could not pick up target.
2043 Escort began to close, bows on, range of 9000 yds.
Believed ship to be sunk. C/C to 135° and left escort to his worries. It is impossible to identify ship attacked. She may have been carrying munitions, judging by smaller explosions. Large explosion could have been anything. Bridge personnel could only see a blur for either ship when looking on radar bearings.
2330 Received msg from Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet order-ing GROUPER, SEA DEVIL, and TENCH to depart area sunset, 5 April.
SEA DEVIL congratulated by Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet for sinking three ships and three escorts in daylight. Must have occurred several days ago after TENCH de-parted company of SEA DEVIL.
TENCH ordered by Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet to rendezvous with SEA FOX and pick up a wounded man, and then head for GUAM at best speed.

4 April 1945

0020 O.O.D. sighted torpedo wakes astern. A possible mistake but bridge watch convinced.
0100 Sent msg to SEA FOX reporting our position, and that TENCH able to rendezvous earlier if she desired.
0400 Received msg from SEA FOX designating an earlier rendezvous. In this weather daylight will be necessary if transfer is possible at all.
1200. Posit: 30 - 02 N. 124 - 21 E.
1331 Exchanged recognition signals with SEA FOX on SJ.
1340 Sighted SEA FOX and closed for VHF communication. A trans-fer impossible in these seas. SEA FOX reported patient resting easily and that msg had been sent requesting patient

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CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

be permitted to remain on SEA FOX. TENCH took station on
port beam of SEA FOX. Two boats patrolled in company on
course 020°T., speed 9 kts.
2040 SEA FOX departed company returning to station.
2140 Set course north making maximum speed for heavy seas, (about
12 kts), to intercept possible JAP shipping.

5 April 1945

Received orders from Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet to
depart area.
0347 On possible enemy shipping lane, course 048°T.
0929 Sighted plane. Submerged. In view of weather and our desir-
able position, remained submerged and routined torpedoes.
1200 Posit: 32 - 32 N. 124 - 48 E.
1829 Surfaced on course 090°T.
1845 Exchanged recognition signals with SEA DEVIL astern of us.
2110 Set course 100°T., to depart area.

6 April 1945

0516 Sighted DANJO GUNTO bearing 097°T. Worked south to the
west of her.
0745 Lost sight of DANJO GUNTO.
0840 Sighted and passed close aboard a diamond shaped buoy,
black and yellow vertical stripes, with a perch or cage
on top. Posit of buoy 31 - 13.7 N. 128 - 20 E.
0943 Sighted aircraft and submerged. In view of messages re-
ceived, TENCH in no hurry to depart this vicinity. Decided
to remain submerged and await developments.
1200 Posit: 31 - 02 N. 128 - 26 E.
1831 Surfaced.
1858 Exchanged recognition signals with SEA DEVIL to northeast
of TENCH.
2020 Received orders from Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet for
BOXERS to take station on Lat. 030°N., between Long. 131 -
30 E., and 132 - 30 E. Went to flank speed and set course
for NAKANO PASSAGE through RYUKYU CHAIN.
2145 Sighted aircraft overhead which dropped a flare. Submerged.
2203 Surfaced. Nothing in sight. Continued course and speed.
2233 Radar contact on GAJA SHIMA. Commenced piloting through
chain. Dark night.

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CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

7 April 1945

0100 Yellowish glow noted on top of SUWANOSE SHIMA, (volcanic).
0148 Completed transit of NAKANO PASSAGE.
0220 Exchanged recognition signals with SEA DEVIL on SJ, bear-
ing 335°T. Knew reliable SEA DEVIL would be on station on
time. Proceeding due east at flank speed.
0555 Sighted four "CORSAIRS" bearing 180°T. The action of these
planes like many to be encountered these days are termed
"gentlemen" by the TENCH. Explanation: When sighted they
were heading for us on our port beam, but on seeing us they
turned broadside to, passed across our stern, came up our
starboard side well clear, they then turned to north con-
tinuing their course. No exchange of recognition signals
necessary, just perfect understanding of joint zone restric-
tions and each others feelings.
0607 Sighted four more "CORSAIRS" on starboard bow. This group
had one "smart alec". Explanation: After having planes
in sight for a few minutes, one headed for us in a zoom
attack manner. TENCH fired identification signal and he
finally banked away at close range. There is no need for
such procedure in a joint zone.
0707 Passed floating mine. (JAP mines are spreading all over
PACIFIC).
1010(minus 9) Passed a round buoy same size as a mine but no horns.
1031(minus 9) TENCH on station. Began patrolling at 2/3 speed.
1200(minus 9) Posit: 30 - 03 N. 132 - 30 E.
1340(minus 9) Sighted submarine heading north. C/C to close.
1350(minus 9) Sighted "MARINER" FLYING BOAT, exchanged recognition signals
by light.
1400(minus 9) Exchanged signals with submarine U.S.S. SENNET. Took a
steady course while SENNET came alongside for megaphone con-
versation. Commander PORTER stated he was forming "GANG-
STERS" to north of us, that TRUTTA at present was about 60
miles south, and LIONFISH whereabouts indefinite. TENCH
told SENNET that SEA DEVIL was 60 miles west and GROOPER's
position unknown. SENNET then proceeded north and TENCH con-
tinued patrol.
1457(minus 9) Sighted two aircraft. Friendly.
1516(minus 9) Exchanged recognition signals with another PBM or PBY on
starboard beam. Heard plane call us on VHF and an "epic"
voice communication took place. This is recorded here
because the Commanding Officer of the TENCH is a "red" on
voice procedure after days of "How do you hear me", "I
have a msg over", "Hello so and so" ad infinitum, without
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CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

any real information being sent. In this case the plane
said, "I am plane on your starboard beam, do you receive?"
TENCH answered, "I receive". Plane - "May I cross your
bow?" TENCH - "Permission granted". End of all trans-
missions and everybody happy.
1615(minus 9) Sighted floating mine.
1858(minus 9) C/C to patrol to westward. JAP FLEET had been hit this
date in vicinity of our yesterday's position. All Hands
glad of success of Our Forces, but being left out hard
to take.
2000(minus 9) Received orders to search for possible downed aviators west
of RYUKYU CHAIN. Sent msg on WOPAC detailing search. SEA
DEVIL answered but no receipt from GROUPER. Sent msg to
Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet reporting our movements,
and proceeded west at full speed.
2123(minus 9) Exchanged recognition signals on SJ with SEA DEVIL.
2300(minus 9) Received orders from Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet for
TENCH to search two specific points for aviators. SEA DEVIL
assigned special mission and GROUPER to report her where-
abouts.
2355(minus 9) Approaching KUCHINO SHIMA SUIDO at full speed. Pitch black
night.

8 April 1945

0231(minus 9) Completed flank speed transit of KUCHINO SHIMA SUIDO.
0600(minus 9) At reported position of downed aviators vicinity of GAJA
SHIMA. Surface visibility excellent, overcast sky, 10
milling. Began search toward land on reverse bearing to
reported position to cover the sector.
0625(minus 9) Sighted large plane 320°T., distance 10 to 20 miles.
0647(minus 9) Reversed course to return to reported position. Knew cur-
rent would set life raft to N.N.E.
0633(minus 9) Plane previously sighted disappeared on bearing 340°T.
0650(minus 9) At reported position. Commenced search on base course
050°T. Searching on legs 30 degrees to right and left
of base course.
0703(minus 9) Sighted two "CORSAIRS". Communicated with them by VHF.
They circled and disappeared to north.
0717(minus 9) Sighted two life rafts dead ahead. At long last TENCH
search attempts rewarded.
0729(minus 9) Rescued Lieutenant junior grade K. Q. ELLIS, U.S.N.R.,
and F. E. GUPTILL, A.R.M.2c, U.S.N. The former had a
lump near his eye and the latter a cut on his head. They
were cold but very happy. The planes previously sighted

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

had passed right over them without spotting them. They were
recovered about 6 miles west of GAJA SHIMA LIGHT. Sighted
what appeared to be a radio station vicinity of light. Both
aviation men were off the U.S.S. ESSEX, and plane damaged in
attack on enemy battleship. Had been in water about 19 hours.
TENCH proceeded north toward another possible position of a
life raft.
0900(minus 9). Received report from a plane circling over a life raft. Re-
ported position in center of COLONETT STRAIT. TENCH asked
for verification because plane admitted she was doubtful of
her current position. However, his information seemed probable if cur-
rent position was east and original downed position in error. TENCH con-
tacted a Plane Home Base and asked for air coverage which was
arranged. Went to flank speed and told plane TENCH could be
there in two and one-half hours.
0953(minus 9) Sighted two PBMs. Told these planes our destination and
they reported that they were on another mission. Encountered
rain and periods of low visibility. Ceiling very low.
1035(minus 9) PBM previously sighted approached us to inform us our course
wrong, that plane circling life raft had reported position
incorrectly. TENCH changed course and informed Home Base
who was directing a relief plane. Also, told Home Base
fighter cover not needed now. TENCH soon contacted relief
plane and coached her to position of raft.
1145(minus 9) With TENCH about 5 miles from position of life raft relief
plane reported that she landed and picked up aviators.
Posit: 30 - 33 N. , 129 - 49 E.
1200(minus 9) For remainder of afternoon TENCH acted as a Group Control
Ship for planes. Several planes could communicate with us
but not Home Base and TENCH relayed messages. No further
rafts were reported. TENCH informed Home Base of her rescue
and proceeded south.
1355(minus 9) Sighted two aircraft. Friendly.
1555(minus 9) Sighted two aircraft. Friendly.
1655(minus 9) Sighted two aircraft. Friendly.
1725(minus 9) Sighted six aircraft. Presumed friendly.
1856(minus 9) Set course 145°T., to pass South of AKUSEKI JIMA through
RYUKYU CHAIN.
1938(minus 9) C/C to 090°T., to proceed to GUAM.
Received report U.S.S. BALAO had arrived at GUAM.

9 April 1945

0234(minus 9) SJ radar contact on plane, 16000 yds. Dark night.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

0246(minus 9) Plane had closed to 4000 yds. Sighted flare and sub-
merged gun. J.O.O.D. reported flare was possibly a recog-
nition signal. TENCH fired recognition signal from sub-
merged gun.
0322(minus 9) Surfaced.
0640(minus 9) Sighted floating mine.
0717(minus 9) Sighted aircraft to north. Disappeared over horizon.
0800(minus 9) MCAULIFFE, M. H., R.M.3c, 704 49 20, V-6 U.S.N.R., being
given standard non-operative treatment for symtoms of acute
appendicitis.
0813(minus 9) Sighted two F6F's, friendly. Heard them discuss us on VHF.
One plane said, "Think that is a surface snip, better in-
vestigate". TENCH insulted, but immediately informed them
we were friendly. Planes asked if we were lifeguard, and
told us four marine pilots were reported down. Informed
planes we were enroute base, but they could call on us, and
we would keep a good lookout.
0830(minus 9) Sighted two more friendly planes. Talked to them on VHF.
0856(minus 9) Original planes asked us for a position, and in the mean-
time, discovered they were shipmates of our aviators. TENCH
reported ELLIS and GUPTILL to them. Plane reported sub
was 60 miles to north of us. Asked us if sub was friendly.
Told plane in all probability sub was on our team.
Posit: 29 - 15 N. 134 - 27 E.
1200(minus 9) Sighted friendly "LIBERATOR".
1340(minus 9) Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. BONE FISH north
bound, on SJ radar.
2230(minus 9) Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet reported SEA DEVIL
picked up 3 marine aviators previous night.

10 April 1945

0755(minus 9) Sighted two "PBM's".
Posit: 25 - 55 N. 137 - 24 E.
1200(minus 9) Sighted plane, unidentified.
1825(minus 9) Exchanged recognition signals with diligent SEA DEVIL on SJ.
radar.

11 April 1945

0450(minus 9) Sighted a B-29. Fired recognition signal. Plane turned
on running lights and kept clear.
0900(minus 9) Sent rendezvous msg to Commander Task Group 17.7.
1132(minus 9) Sighted two "PBM's" identified via VHF.
1200(minus 9) Posit: 21 - 06 N. 137 - 34 E.

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CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

11 April 1945

1545(minus 9) Sighted submarine on northerly course. Closed, exchanged
                   signals and information with U.S.S. COD.
1628(minus 9) Sighted a B-24.
2300(minus 9) Commander Task Group 17.7 offered to send destroyer to pick
                   up appendicitis patient. Considered not necessary as man
                   was resting easily under expert watch of CPHM MORRISON.

12 April 1945

0155(minus 9) Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. POMPON on SJ.
0720(minus 9) Sighted a B-24.
1200(minus 9) Posit: 16 - 19 N. 140 - 00 E.
1441(minus 9) Sighted a B-29.

13 April 1945

0220(minus 9) Sighted light of a plane headed west.
0529(minus 9) Sighted mast of a ship.
0544(minus 9) Exchanged recognition with U.S.S. DONEFF (DE49) at rendezvous.
                   DONEFF to escort TENCH. Set course and speed and proceeded
                   to APRA HARBOR, GUAM.
0645(minus 9) Sighted land bearing from 125° T., to 145° T., distance 35
                   miles.

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U. S. S. TENCH

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CONFIDENTIAL

(G) AIRCRAFT

     Incident to lifeguard duty U.S. planes sighted outnum-
bered enemy planes sighted in area. No night AS planes were contacted, and only
one plane using radar was contacted.

     JAP AIRCRAFT, as a menace, is definitely on the wane from
our viewpoint this patrol.

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U. S. S. TENCH

. (H) . ATTACK DATA
U. S. S. TENCH (SS417) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 1
TIME 1733 I DATE 22 March 1945 LAT. 32 - 11 N. LONG. 128 - 16 E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: Ex-whale killer or fleet tug (AS). 250-300 tons (EU).
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.
Damage Determined by:
Target Draft 6 - 8' Course 190 Speed 9 kts Range 2610 (at firing)

OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 3 kts Course 240 Depth 58' Angle 1½° down (at firing)

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Submerged, periscope depth. TDC & 2 plots for
solution. Periscope firing bearings.

Type Attack
| Field               | Tube No. 1 | Tube No. 2 | Tube No. 3 |
| :| :| :| :|
| Tubes Fired         | 146 P      | 147 P      | 147 P      |
| Track Angle         | 344        | 343½       | 343½       |
| Gyro Angle          | 6 ft       | 6 ft       | 6 ft       |
| Depth Set           | High       | High       | High       |
| Power               | Miss       | Miss       | Miss       |
| Hit or Miss         | No         | No         | No         |
| Erratic (Yes or No) | No         | No         | No         |
| Mark Torpedo        | Mk. 14-3A  | Mk. 14-3A  | Mk. 14-3A  |
| Serial No.          | 20265      | 23187      | 22346      |
| Mark Exploder       | Mk. 6-5    | Mk. 6-5    | Mk. 6-5    |
| Serial No.          | 17327      | 25156      | 26913      |
| Actuation Set       | Contact    | Contact    | Contact    |
| Actuation Actual    |            |            |            |
| Mark Warhead        | Mk. 16-1   | Mk. 16-1   | Mk. 16-1   |
| Serial No.          | 34244      | 14470      | 18227      |
| Explosive           | Torpex     | Torpex     | Torpex     |

Firing Interval: 8 seconds
Type Spread: Divergent 100° along target's track.
Sea Conditions: Sea and swells condition "4", from 305°T.
Overhaul Activity: U.S. Submarine Base, PEARL HARBOR, T.H.
Remarks: No explosions at end of run.

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CONFIDENTIAL

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)
U. S. S. TENCH (SS417) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 PATROL NO. 1
TIME 2000 I DATE 3 April 1945 LAT. 31 - 50 N. LONG. 124 - 06 E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: (UN) Unidentified. Unable to identify at closest
range. Indefinite black smudge at 2500 yards. Def-
initely larger than escort by radar pips and appear-
ance.
Ship(s) Sunk: One (1).
Damage Determined by: One hit certain, one hit probable, followed by huge
explosion observed and heard, and a series of
smaller explosions. Target disappeared from radar
screen at 10100 yards, 27 minutes later.
Target Draft Course 190 Speed 7.5 kts Range 2800 at fir'g

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed 10 kts Course 265 Depth Surface Angle - at firing

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack Night radar. TDC & 2 plots for solution. Radar
firing bearings.

| | Tube #3 | Tube #4 | Tube #5 | Tube #6 | Tube #1 | Tube #2 |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Tubes Fired | 106 P | 107 P | 108 P | 108 P | 109 P | 110 P |
| Track Angle | 359 | 001 | 358 | 357 | 356 | 355 |
| Gyro Angle | 6 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft |
| Depth Set | High | High | High | High | High | High |
| Power | Miss | Miss | Prob. hit | Hit | Miss | Miss |
| Hit or Miss | One erratic. Turned left. Not determined which tor- |
| Erratic | pedo it was. |
| (Yes or No) | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A |
| Mark Torpedo | 23909 | 25574 | 63542 | 39893 | 40536 | 40624 |
| Serial No. | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 |
| Mark Exploder | 25398 | 17326 | 26848 | 7377 | 12441 | 26508 |
| Serial No. | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Set | None | None | Contact | Contact | None | None |
| Actuation Actual | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 |
| Mark Warhead | 18191 | 18134 | 14044 | 18116 | 14481 | 18100 |
| Serial No. | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX |
| Explosive | 10 seconds. |
| Firing Interval | Divergent - 400 ft along target's track. |
| Type Spread | Sea state 5 from 000. Swell condition 2 from 345. |
| Sea Conditions | U.S. Submarine Base, PEARL HARBOR, T.H. |
| Overhaul Activity | Fired at range of 2800 yards because problem was check- |
| Remarks | ing excellently, and believed escort would soon be |
| | alerted by his radar. |

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CONFIDENTIAL

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)
U. S. S. TENCH (SS417) GUN ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 1
TIME 1802 DATE 28 March 1945 LAT. 34 - 44 N. LONG. 122 - 46 E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Sunk: One steam trawler, 100 tons (EU), similar to DRAGNET
FISHING BOAT shown in ONI 208-J under classification
of "Small Fishing Boats".
Probably Sunk: One steam trawler, 150 tons (EU) - Same as above.
Damage Determined by: Observed smaller trawler sink stern first at range
of 1000 yards. Second trawler repeatedly hit and
left dead in the water, listing, with roaring fire
amidships fanned by high wind.

DETAILS OF ACTION

After tracking to extreme range closed to identify. Manned
40m.m. 20m.m. and 5 inch guns. On approaching targets they began to man-
euver at speed 6 knots, endeavoring to keep sterns to TENCH and separate.
Opened fire at 3000 yards. Hits scored at 1600 yards range. Three succes-
sive hits in the vicinity of wheelhouse of larger trawler set her afire
and stopped her. Proceeded to concentrate on smaller trawler and well
placed hit in stern caused her to sink about ten minutes later. She went
down with her bow in the air - "Cecil B. DeMille style". Hit burning tar-
get with 40m.m. and 20m.m. and fires so raging that considered further
destruction unnecessary. Excessive ammunition expenditure was due to poor
visibility, and rough seas greatly handicapping gun crews.

Ammunition expended:

5 inch - 50 rounds.
40 m.m. - 196 rounds.
20 m.m. - 480 rounds.

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U. S. S. TENCH
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CONFIDENTIAL

(I) MINES

All mines sighted were similar to those previously reported,
namely, about two and one-half feet in diameter with horns. Most of the
mines were rusty. With TENCH the 20m.m. proved to be the only destructive
weapon. Carbine bullets bounced off, and our 50 caliber gunners are not
the equal of an excellent 20m.m. man.

The following mines were encountered:

No. | Vicinity of Position | Remarks
1 | 24 - 26 N. 137 - 30 E. | Did not sink
1 | 29 - 59 N. 124 - 48 E. | Did not sink
8 | 32 - 36 N. 123 - 50 E. | Did not sink
6 | 32 - 55 N. 124 - 17 E. | Two exploded
6 | 32 - 51 N. 124 - 04 E. | Did not sink
1 | 32 - 32 N. 125 - 07 E. | Did not sink
1 | 32 - 26 N. 124 - 42 E. | Did not sink
1 | 30 - 06 N. 125 - 06 E. | One sunk
3 | 30 - 15 N. 125 - 07 E. | Exploded
1 | 30 - 36 N. 125 - 07 E. | One sunk
1 | 30 - 10 N. 124 - 51 E. | Did not sink
1 | 29 - 42 N. 131 - 41 E. | Did not sink
1 | 30 - 04 N. 132 - 31 E. | Did not sink
2 | 30 - 13 N. 129 - 28 E. | Did not sink
1 | 29 - 15 N. 133 - 00 E. | Did not sink
Total 36

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

JAP shore based radar may be tracking submarines, but if so,
no anti-submarine measures were experienced except on one occasion off
DANJO GUNTO. Enemy may use information gained from tracking to route ship-
ping well clear of submarine. AS vessel encountered off DANJO GUNTO was as
timid as TENCH, for both attacked from long ranges. Escort of one ship con-
tacted this patrol had 150 Mc radar. TENCH kept bow or stern at her most
of the time. It appeared that TENCH could be detected inside 4000 yds when
bow or stern on, and from 4000 to 9000 yds if broadside to enemy.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

In general - None. Materiel performance very good. The 417
class submarine is excellent, and the TENCH agrees with Admiral WITHERS's
statement at her commissioning. Quote, "The best submarine built to date".

(a) HULL AND ENGINEERING TENCH is first of a class to
have variable fuel tanks, and this was our first opportunity to use them
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(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (Cont'd)

for trimming. It was necessary to carry them partially full as fuel was
expended and no torpedoes fired. Capacity of trim tanks does not per-
mit complete emptying of tanks when fwd or after trim is about empty. The
liquidometer floats of the variable fuel tanks made a
banging noise that could be heard in the boat or picked up on sonar gear.
Should the floats get damaged, compensation would be hampered. It is
recommended that a study be made to re-locate these floats.

The air compressors located in engine room, operated sat-
isfactorily. Perhaps a little closer attention to valves is needed due
to oily atmosphere.

The little pump room is adequate, and all hydraulic gear
functioned satisfactorily.

A 1.41 periscope installed at PEARL HARBOR, to replace a
spare ST scope transported west, is foggy and tilt mechanism needs atten-
tion. The ST was used principally on patrol for search. It is superb!

Two interlocks, symbol number L138L14, drawing number W-
2794170 G-2, on the motor starter lever of the starboard main motor con-
trol cubicle were burned out due to breakdown on insulation. Operation of
main propulsion control equipment was not affected by this casualty.

Heater elements of BADGER STILLS will not carry high volt-
age of finishing rate on battery charge. It is believed that higher
capacity elements are available which should remedy this defect.

(b) ORDNANCE AND GUNNERY Heavy seas carried away train-
er's seat on 5 inch gun. Support broke at a spot weakened by welding.
The seat was strongly missed during engagement with steam trawlers.

There is an urgent need for telescopic sights on 40m.m.
gun. Tracer fire is difficult in heavy seas, and present sights do not
permit accurate control.

(L) RADIO

A total of twelve transmissions to GUAM were made, all on
the 4235 Kcs series. Best results were obtained calling RADIO GUAM dir-
ectly, although JOINT ARMY-NAVY RADIO, KWAJALEIN took one NQO message.
Time on the air varied from six minutes to one hour and forty minutes.
Main causes for long transmissions were: (a) Inability to raise an
authentic station, (b) breaking in by urgent, (whereas ours was -OP-),
traffic, and (c) requests for repeats or other procedural traffic.

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CONFIDENTIAL

(L) RADIO (Cont'd)

          SUBMARINE FOX was always available, the frequency series
provides excellent coverage. 9090 from NPN and 9050 from NPM were best.
Frequent flaws in NPM's tape or sticking of the key were noted by the
RM's, suggesting that the skeds might be more closely monitored.

          CHINA FOX was consistently good, usually both 1000 and
1800 GCT skeds were copied.

          Much aircraft code was copied directly from CHINA based
planes' CW transmissions on 4475 Kcs. This circuit was guarded daily in
daylight hours, during period of B-29 photo reconnaissance over area.

          During both L/G operations, HF and VHF performance was
adequate. VHF conversations were had with planes out of sight, though
surface craft. Secret of VHF communication is the use of a LOUD speaking
voice with lips touching mike. VHF mike in conning tower proved invalu-
able during L/G as well as in effecting rendezvous with SEA FOX.

          Addition of RBS superhet receiver at PEARL was fortunate.
Three HF receivers seem a necessity to efficient coverage of frequencies
demanded at one time or another. RBS has excellent characteristics;
voice reception tops for 4475 L/G; carried whole burden of our B-29
guard. By final stages of patrol, however, frequency had drifted off
dial calibration settings.

          RAL receivers are oversensitive, despite SAIPAN overhaul.
Slightest vibration caused persistent ringing which hindered good copy-
ing.

          There were several instances when the TBL-12 ceased putting
out in the middle of a transmission, once during an anxious transmission
to GUAM on a crowded circuit when hesitation found several stations usurp-
ing our channel. These failures were traced to contact trouble, though
all were cleaned prior to patrol. This is a common and expected failure
which RM's anticipate.

          On difficult transmissions, marked by poor signal strength
or fading, it was found beneficial to put our beam towards the shore
station. Traffic on ship/shore series obliges one to accept difficult
transmissions on non-recommended bands.

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CONFIDENTIAL

(M) RADAR

OPERATION: The SD-5 radar was not used while in the area,
but gave satisfactory performance while enroute. Ranges of approximately
twenty miles were obtained on aircraft.

The SJ radar was used for a total of 500 hours during the
patrol with only two hours operating time lost. The radar was keyed
every five or ten minutes for sweeps, and upon occasion, phones were
manned between sweeps to listen for interference. Communication via SJ
was at all times satisfactory.

On 26 March while in the YELLOW SEA, position 32 - 40 N.
and 124 - 43 E., a range of 150 miles was obtained on land, (Southwestern
CHOSEN). A later exchange of recognition signals with the SEA DEVIL at
an approximate range of 60 miles gave positive evidence of trapping. The
weather was characterized by a 1 knot wind from S.E., a layer of cirro-
stratus clouds, temperature 52° fahrenheit, and barometer 30.2 inches.
Unusual propagation was also noticed in the 100 Mc range.

The ST radar was used during the submerged attack off DANJO
GUNTO where a usable range of 6000 yards was obtained. A submerged range
of 43000 yards was obtained on FUKAE SHIMA ISLAND with approximately 7 ft
of periscope exposed.

MATERIEL: SD-5 - The indicator high-voltage rectifier
(2 X 2) failed after 55 hours of operation taking with it R941, R946, R949
and T902, (which overheated and caused the bottom terminal plate to be
blown off). A life expectancy of 75 hours for this tube, (which has failed
repeatedly), suggests improper circuit design.

SJ-1 - PPI spot failed to focus, operation otherwise nor-
mal. Resistances measurements in the high voltage power supply uncovered a
2 meg resistance between the junction of R44, R45, R46 and ground. The
inside of the start off insulator was found to be dirty and the insulator
replaced.

Tube Failures - 1 721A - 148 hours.
- 1 6L6 - 900 hours - gassy.
- 2 2X2 - 392, 230 hours, blew F-5 - gassy.
- 2 5FP7 - 520, 50 hours.
- 1 6SN7 - 1085 hours - intermittent short.
- 1 704(AY) - 50 hours - gave false pips
after transmitted pulse.

Frequent cleaning of training motor contacts was required.
A new design incorporating a spark filter to minimize arcing would be
desirable, since the arcing not only fouled up the contacts, but also pro-
duced hash on the indicator screen.

- 35 - ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 43 —
U. S. S. TENCH

SS417/A16-3

CONFIDENTIAL

(M) RADAR (Cont'd)

ST Tube Failures - 2J50 - 60 hours - drifted in frequency
                                        receiver tuning no help.
                        5D21 - Arced internally with no appar-
                                        ent effect upon gear.

SEARCH RECEIVERS: APR-1 - Satisfactory performance was
obtained throughout the patrol from the APR-1. The 955 local oscillator
became noisy and was replaced once.

APR-5 - Failure of the 446B local oscillator due to
excess filament voltage rendered this equipment useless for the entire
patrol. An attempt to obtain suitable spares at SAIPAN was fruitless,
and substitution of a 446A proved of little help since it would not
oscillate in the "S" band region.

During the lifeguard operations of 18, 19, and 20 March,
the SD antenna was used for submerged listening with the APR-1. Complete
satisfaction was not obtained due to the introduction of hash and sixty
cycle interference at various frequencies in the TN-2A range. One con-
tact was made on 79 Mc., however, elimination of this interference would
make the SD antenna a useful adjunct to the APR-1.

(N) SONAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

Made only one sound contact, pings on 15 Kcs having been
heard for seven hours before visual contact was made with JAP AS vessel.
Opening range might have been 20000 yds.

Sound conditions were generally poor, which may be attri-
buted to resonance of water noises in shallow waters of area. Area fish
are noisy, "croakers" being prevalent.

Best listening on QB. The JP-2 was disappointing, being
inferior to all WCA-2 units.

A loud hum developed in port sound head bearing repeater
in WCA stack. Attributed to faulty selsyn and remedy left for refit.

The training gears on the starboard sound head twice went
out of mesh. This difficulty was experienced before patrol, and several
attempts made to realign gears.

JP crystal earphones suffer from dampness, resulting in
rapid loss of sensitivity. Remedied by placing in an airtight container
with silica gel for twenty-four hours.

- 36 - ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 44 —
SS417/A16-3

                                                                U. S. S. TENCH

CONFIDENTIAL

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

          No data. All dives were isothermal to 80 feet. On one
occasion TENCH went to 150 feet.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY

          In general health was good. Two serious or complex maladies
occurred. StMlc complained of an acute gripping substernal pain. Temper-
ature, pulse and respiration were normal. There was no dyspnea present,
but patient complained of increased sharpness of pain on inspiration. Mor-
phine sulphate gave temporary relief, and external head, (hot water bottle
applied). Pains lasted for 36 hours and patient unable to take any nourish-
ment due to extreme distress upon swallowing. After 3 days he apparently
recovered only to be seized by severe pains next day. The latter lasted
for 16 hours after which no further trouble occurred.

          One man came down with all symptoms of appendicitis, and was
given the standard non-operative treatment.

          Other troubles were as follows:

          (a) Contusion right eye - lookout clearing bridge.
          (b) Cellulitis acute, right fore finger.
          (c) Bubo inguinal, non-venereal. Treated by sulfathia-
              zole. Swelling and pain subsided after third day.
          (d) Wounds of aviators were dressed. Michel clamps were
              used to close wound over pilot's right eye.
          (e) Twenty-three members of crew were treated for com-
              plaints of mild catarrhal fever, seven with tonsil-
              litis, and fourteen with mild headaches.

          The Commissary Department was excellent. The Commanding
Officer believes the food the best in his experience in submarines.

          Habitability was good. Air conditioning served to keep
the boat dry even in the cold weather.

(Q) PERSONNEL

          (A) Number of men detached after previous patrol - Not
              applicable.
          (B) Number of men on board during patrol - Seventy-nine.
          (C) Number of men qualified at start of patrol - Thirty-
              six.
                                   - 37 -                               ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 45 —
SS417/A16-3
U. S. S. TENCH
CONFIDENTIAL

(Q) PERSONNEL (Cont'd)

(D) Number of men qualified at end of patrol - Seventy-six.
(E) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol -
    Forty-three.

Standards of selection and training have improved greatly.
The Commanding Officer congratulates the submarine school and other
activities on a fine job. Since much of the patrol was rather quiet, stress
was placed on qualification. Previous study of boat during fitting out
period, plus experience of shakedown training aided in rounding out
mariners of the TENCH. In addition to above men, three officers are consid-
ered fully ready for qualification.

The spirit of the officers and crew of the TENCH was a dis-
tinct source of comfort to the Commanding Officer, and he bitterly regrets,
for the sake of the new men and officers that the results of the patrol were
so meager.

The advice. of Commander J. H. BARNARD, (T.D.C. Expert), and
his help in training T.D.C. Operators is deeply appreciated. The performance
of duty of Ensign R. C. SCHMERTZ, radar and sub school graduate, who reported
on board at PEARL HARBOR, was outstanding.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED

PEARL HARBOR to SAIPAN 3481 miles .... 44,243 gal.
SAIPAN to Area 2048 miles .... 22,075 gal.
In Area 7741 miles .... 68,560 gal.
Area to GUAM 1564 miles .... 13,850 gal.
Note: (Miles by Bendix Log).

(S) DURATION

Days PEARL to SAIPAN 10
Days SAIPAN to Area 6
Days in Area 33
Days Area to GUAM 5
Days Submerged 15 full - 6 partial.

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

| TORPEDOES | FUEL | PROVISION DAYS | PERSONNEL FACTOR |
| 17 | 7575 | 12 | 12 |
Limiting factor this patrol: Fuel and Operation Order.
- 38 - ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 46 —
U. S. S. TENCH
SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

(U)

COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR, AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES

I RADAR COUNTERMEASURES: APR - Numerous contacts
made during this patrol. During the period from 16 to 22 March many con-
tacts were made off the Western COAST of KYUSHU in the vicinity of FUKAE
SHIMA, and KOSHIKI RETTO.

The radar detection watch was manned at all times while
surfaced, and during lifeguard operations when submerged, (using the SD
antenna). This latter arrangement was not completely satisfactory due to
a large amount of shipboard interference of a tunable nature which enters
the SD system at unshielded points.

The gain setting of the APR-1 was kept at such a level that
the sweep of the SPA was barely triggered by the noise output from the APR.
Any signal of strength equal to the noise level, (or greater), therefore,
was detectable by the start of the sweep. Gain was recorded in terms of
APR gain control setting and SPA screen calibration, (one division equals
1/8").

Only one contact was made with a JAP airborne radar. 10
March 1944, center of YELLOW SEA. 140 Mc PRF 1000 P.W. 7 Ms.
Remained on surface in order to calibrate. Plane sighted from bridge with
APR gain reduced one-quarter turn from reference point to give saturation
pip on SPA. KVIS patrol bomber sighted from bridge at this time. Radar
switched repeatedly from "home" to "search", spending most of the time on
"search".

One contact was made at night with JAP shipborne radar.
Position 31 - 42 N., 124 - 05 E. Pulse shape similar to that of land
based radars, (Mk. 13), but showed more irregularities along leading edge.

150 Mc PRF 500 P.W. 7 Ms., [HANDWRITTEN: ~7~] swept at one R.P.M. Reached
saturation at approximately 6000 yds, steadied on at 4500 yds, (submarine
presenting small angle on bow). One turn was made at flank speed at
approximately 6000 yds range; radar lost contact until we steadied on
new course. Initial APR contact made at estimated range of 10000 yds.
Vessel carrying radar made maximum speed of 13 kts when chasing us, (prob-
ably a DE).

Land based radars. (Positions are those of own ship).
NORTH CHINA, SAISHU TO, (33 - 30 N., 126 - 30 E.
DATE | TIME | FREQ | PRF | P.W. | TYPE | POSITION
3-8-45 | 2305 | 78 | 500 | 40/15/20 | CHI | 25 mi. So. of Island.
Heard for over three hours. Went off the air for one-half hour, came back
on with 15 Ms. pulse width, then went off again for 7 minutes and came

- 39 -
ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 47 —
SS417/A16-3
U. S. S. S. TENCH

CONFIDENTIAL

(U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR, AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES (Cont'd)

DATE | TIME | FREQ | PRF | P.W. | TYPE | POSITION
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
3-6-45 | 1955 | 141 | 500 | 12 | Mk.13 | Weak signal near middle
| | | | | | of passage.
3-6-45 | 2105 | 74 | 750 | 20 | CHI |
3-6-45 | 2235 | 150 | 500 | 5 | Mk.13 | Far end of passage.
Unidentified | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
4-7-45 | 1935 | 149 | 500/ | 8/14 | | 30 - 00 N. 131 - 34 E.
| | | 250 | | |
Weak signal - apparently rotated simultaneously - one signal led the other
by small angle, both being present at same time.
[HANDWRITTEN: Diagram with arrows pointing left and right, labeled "8" and "14" respectively, with a curved line over them.]
- - - - -

— page 48 —
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— page 49 —
U.S.S. TENCH
CONFIDENTIAL
SS417/A16-3

COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR, AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES (Cont'd)

(U)

DATE | TIME | FREQ | PRF | P.W. | TYPE | POSITION
3-21-45 | 1845 | 144 | 500 | 5 | | 31 - 05 N. 130 - 00 E.
Above radar is apparently on KOSHIKI RETTO.

— page 50 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U. S. S. TENCH
SS417/A16-3

(U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR, AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES (Cont'd)

radars, and difficulties of communication between the antenna and the re-
ceiver resulted in minimum results. A directive antenna, (yagi or corner
reflector), perhaps would be a great aid.

II COMMUNICATIONS COUNTERMEASURES: On 11 March at 1500
Zebra, the JAPS successfully jammed SAFPLAN frequency with random noises
that a transmission from SEGUNDO to SEA CAT and PACK 22 could not be copied.
TENCH in posit 33 - 09 N., 128 - 09 E.

On 24 and 26 March, the enemy again appeared on SAFPLAN.
One RM, formerly on a cruiser which copied GERMAN traffic, identified the
signals as GERMAN "BARRED" characters. These were transmissions by FOX
method.

TENCH'S eighth transmission, (201104 March), was answered
by a JAP, during the call-up, sending QSV's and calling himself NPN. Re-
quest for authentication silenced him.

JAP voice transmissions, (in JAPANESE), over 4475 Kcs were
commonplace during the L/G operations of 18, 19, and 20 March.

On 28 March, on daily 4475 Kcs guard, a plane/sub rescue
operation was intercepted. Their conversation was interrupted by a voice,
JAP by tone and accent, (though he pronounced "L's" well), using sub's
call and ordering plane to cease search. Plane then told sub he was in-
terrupted by a "SLANTY". Plane/sub conversation continued, using Shacklo
authentication. No more JAP was heard.

A JAP, or possibly RUSSIAN, (at least, not International
Morse), station can be depended upon to block 8470 Kcs from 1000 to 2000
GCT with loud, clear signals - a FOX broadcast. A RM, formerly attached
to RADIO ATTU, claims this station blocked 8470 at ATTU and was thought
to be RUSSIAN.

A probable medium or long wave radar station was observed
near light on GAJA SHIMA. Two triangular masts were observed.

III SONAR COUNTERMEASURES: Our one sound contact was an AS
vessel, converted from a whale killer, consistently pinged on 15 Kcs. Ping
at such low frequency is difficult to get a bearing upon. He ceased ping-
ing only during his depth charge attacks, resumed on 15 Kcs immediately
after each, apparently never had us though he dropped charges at 1800 yds.
TENCH at periscope depth throughout contact.

- 43 - ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 51 —
U. S. S. TENCH
SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

(V) REMARKS

It is recommended that steps be taken to reduce the amount
of decoding now being done on patrol. One suggestion is to eliminate ver-
bose wording in long messages. Many aircraft messages are broken which
have no application to area assigned. Some means of area classification
would help. On several occasions a vital message was held up while other
relatively unimportant messages of same classification were being broken.

The TENCH finally discovered that the best way to handle
planes is to start talking to them. The word soon gets around that you
are friendly and from then on a submarine can rest easy without needless
diving and creating mutual distrust. JAP aircraft are now so few that it
is a 10 to 1 bet that plane is friendly. Don't make him doubtful, start
talking on VHF to planes is far more reliable than all other means
of identification.

The Commanding Officer does not recommend wolf packs for
the area assigned, but rather favors assigned smaller areas. Due to (a)
small amount of traffic, (b) to size of area, and (c) enemy routes to be
watched; Special tasks can be thus more easily assigned, and if necessary,
all boats may be rallied together on an appointed leader.

The results of patrol of "BOXERS" now available to Group
Commander are as follows:

U. S. S. BALAO - 2 ships sunk
                1 escort damaged
                1 or more ships damaged
                1 small freighter sunk - gunfire.

U. S. S. SEA DEVIL - 3 ships sunk
                    3 escorts sunk.

U. S. S. TENCH - 2 steam trawlers sunk - gunfire
                1 unidentified ship sunk.

- 44 - ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 52 —
FB5/281/A16-3
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO EIGHTY ONE
Serial: 019
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California.

14 April 1945.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT
C.O. U.S.S. TENCH
Conf. ltr SS417/A16-3,
Serial 06, of 4/13/45.

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

Subject: U.S.S. TENCH (SS417) - Report of War Patrol
Number One.

1. On her first war patrol the U.S.S. TENCH was a
member of a coordinated attack group consisting of TENCH
(Commander W.B. Sieglaff, Group Commander), SEA DEVIL, BALAO
and GROUPER. The patrol was of fifty-four days duration, of
which thirty-three were spent in the assigned area in China
and Yellow Seas. It was broken by a seven day stop over at
Saipan, enroute to the area.

2. The group did not conduct a coordinated patrol
in the true sense of the term. Rather, in accordance with the
orders of the Group Commander, each submarine conducted an
independent patrol in a sub area; the communication plan pro-
vided for ready exchange of information, in the event a large
enemy force was encountered the group could quickly concentrate
for mutual support.

3. TENCH encountered many air-craft, the majority of
them ours, and but few surface craft. She was frequently
called upon for lifeguard services, which she rendered in a
thoroughly capable manner. On 8 April, she had the satis-
faction of rescuing the crew of one plane and being of
material assistance in the rescue of another. The patrol
was enlivened by frequent encounters with floating mines, a
total of thirty-six being sighted.

-1-

— page 53 —
FB5/281/A16-3                                          Care of Fleet Post Office
                                                          San Francisco, California.

Serial: 019.                                              14 April 1945.

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. TENCH (SS417) - Report of War Patrol
         Number One.

— page 54 —
FB5/281/A16-3
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO EIGHTY ONE

Serial: 019
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California.

14 April 1945.

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. TENCH (SS417) - Report of War Patrol
Number One.

— page 55 —
FC5-28/A16-3
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-EIGHT

Serial No. 0108.

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
C.O. U.S.S. TENCH
Conf. ltr: SS417/A16-3,
Serial 06, of 4/13/45.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-EIGHT.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, United States, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. TENCH (SS417) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.

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

2. The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-EIGHT adds his
congratulations to the Commanding Officer, officers and crew on the rescue
of naval aviation personnel, and the successful completion of a well
conducted aggressive patrol.

3. It is recommended that TENCH be credited with the following
damage inflicted on the enemy.

SUNK
1 UN 4000 tons (Torpedo Attack #3)
1 Steam Trawler (EU) 100 tons (Gun Attack #1)
1 Steam Trawler (EU) 150 tons (Gun Attack #1)
Total 4250 tons.

[SIGNATURE: J. M. WILL]
J. M. WILL.
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
17 April 1945.

— page 56 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)'
Serial 0392
CONFIDENTIAL (crossed out)

[STAMP: RECEIVED S-C FILES]
[HANDWRITTEN: 23 Apr Room 2055]
[HANDWRITTEN: TO FILE TO: 1 May 1945]
[HANDWRITTEN: File No. A16-3(2)]
[HANDWRITTEN: Doc No. 159991]
[HANDWRITTEN: Copy No. 2 of 5]

THIRD ENDORSEMENT
TENCH Report of
First War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 728
U.S.S. TENCH - FIRST WAR PATROL

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

Subject: U.S.S. TENCH (SS417) - Report of First War Patrol
(7 February to 13 April 1945).

1. The first war patrol of the TENCH was conducted in the
area west of Kyushu in addition to the Yellow Sea area. The TENCH, a-
long with the U.S.S. SEA DEVIL (SS400), the U.S.S. BALAO (SS285), and
the U.S.S. GROUPER (SS214), formed a coordinated attack group, with
the commanding officer of the TENCH, Commander W. B. Sieglaff, U.S.
Navy, as the group commander. Besides offensive patrol, the group
performed lifeguard and weather reporting services.

2. This patrol was very well and aggressively conducted.
Despite thorough area coverage very few contacts were made, from which
two torpedo attacks resulted. Out of these attacks one was unsuccess-
ful due to shallow draft target; the other resulted in the sinking of
an AK (UN), probably carrying ammunition. The TENCH also sank, by gun
fire, two trawlers. During lifeguard services the TENCH had the
pleasure of rescuing two aviators from the carrier ESSEX, who had been
in the water for nineteen hours. The search for these aviators was
well conducted and bore rich fruit.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congra-
tulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew of the TENCH for
this aggressive, determined, and fruitful patrol; and for starting
the TENCH's fighting career by inflicting the following damage to
the enemy:

S U N K
1 - AK (UN) | 4,000 tons (Attack No. 2)
1 - Trawler (EU) | 150 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)
1 - Trawler (EU) | 100 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)
TOTAL SUNK | 4,250 tons

[HANDWRITTEN: 208]

Authentication and distribution
on following page.

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
22 April 1945.
mr

[HANDWRITTEN: NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.]
[HANDWRITTEN: 2ND Copy]

[STAMP: Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, FLEET MAINTENANCE, RECEIVED, MAY 1 1945, NAVY DEPARTMENT]
MERRILL COMSTOCK.

-1-

— page 57 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 0892

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
TENCH Report of
First War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 728
U.S.S. TENCH - FIRST WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. TENCH (SS417) - Report of First War Patrol
(7 February to 13 April 1945).

— page 58 —
U. S. S. TENCH

SS417/A16-3
Serial 017
DECLASSIFIED

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
17 June 1945.
DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
[HANDWRITTEN: BY] [SIGNATURE: G. P. O'Brien (unclear)] [HANDWRITTEN: DATE 8/20/72]

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron THIRTY-TWO.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U. S. S. TENCH (SS417), Report of War Patrol Number TWO.

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

1.
Enclosure (A), covering the second war patrol of this ves-
sel conducted in the NANPO SHOTO and EMPIRE areas during the period May 12,
1945, to June 17, 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: T. S. Baskett]
T. S. BASKETT.

[HANDWRITTEN: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 130638]
7 02240

— page 59 —
SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

U. S. S. TENCH

(A) PROLOGUE

                                                                13 April, 1945
        Upon completion of first patrol moored alongside APOLLO in
APRA HARBOR, GUAM.
        Received normal two-week refit from APOLLO and Submarine
Division 261 Relief Crew. All work items were competently and expeditiously
accomplished, and the ship was turned over to the regular crew in an excep-
tionally clean condition.

                                                                30 April
        Commenced 8-day training period for new commanding officer.
Thanks to most efficient services of targets and recovery vessel, this period
was marked by unusual smoothness and a minimum of lost motion.

                                                                11 May
        0600(K) underway for SAIPAN to load with torpedoes from ORION.
1530(K) moored alongside ORION in TANAPAG HARBOR, SAIPAN. Received 15 Mark
18 torpedoes, topped off fuel and provisions.

(B) NARRATIVE

        Officers and Chief Petty Officers on board.

| Name                |                       | No. previous |
||||
|                     |                       | patrols      |
| BASKETT, T. S.      | Comdr., USN           | 7            |
| TURNER, T.          | Lieut., USN           | 10           |
| WRIGHT, J. E.       | Lieut., USN           | 1            |
| GURNEY, A. B.       | Lieut., USNR          | 1            |
| D'ANGELO, F. M.     | Lieut., USNR          | 1            |
| O'CONNELL, R. F.    | Lt.(jg), USNR         | 1            |
| SCHMERTZ, R. C. jr. | Lt.(jg), USNR         | 1            |
| MARTAUZ, S.         | Ensign, USN           | 11           |
| CROSS, M. E.        | Ensign, USNR          | 0            |
| EDMONDSON, O. T.    | CTM(T), USN           | 8            |
| KRZEMINSKI, F. J.   | CRM(T), USN           | 10           |
| COLLINS, C. C.      | CMOMM(T), USN         | 2            |
| HARWOOD, G. S.      | CMOMM(T), USN         | 1            |
| MILLER, L. E.       | CMOMM, USN            | 8            |
| BRODIE, J. A.       | CEM, USN              | 1            |
| MORRISON, D. R.     | CPhM(T), USN          | 1            |

                                - 1 -                                [STAMP: 02240] ENCLOSURE 10"

— page 60 —
SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

U. S. S: TENCH

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)
All times KING unless otherwise noted.

12 May
1355 Underway from alongside ORION in TANAPAG HARBOR, SAIPAN,
     escorted by LCI 371.
1826 Released escort.

13 May
0232 Exchanged calls with inbound GABILAN.
1200 Lat. 15° 32' N. Long. 141° 51' E.
1940 Exchanged calls with inbound BOWFIN.

14 May
1200 Lat. 18° 23' N. Long. 137° 30' E.

15 May
1200 Lat. 22° 04' N. Long. 137° 30' E.

16 May
1200 Lat. 27° 46' N. Long. 137° 40' E.
1830 Received lifeguard assignment for MUSTANG strike on TOKYO.
     Proceeded to station.

17 May
0530 Commenced sighting southbound B-29's. More than 100 were
     sighted between this time and 0700.
0800 On assigned station.
1030 Sighted and exchanged calls with search plane.
1200 Lat. 30° 00' N. Long. 140° 35' E.
1210 Northbound MUSTANGS and B-29's passed overhead.
1630 Lifeguard duties for this strike completed. Planes returned
     to OKINAWA because of weather at IWO. Proceeded slowly up
     NANPO SHOTO toward next station off BAYONNAISE ROCKS.

18 May
1200 Lat. 30° 57' N. Long. 140° 08' E.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

19 May

0900 On lifeguard station.
0950 Sighted first of over 200 B-29's northbound.
1020 Sighted southbound B-29. He passed close aboard, and appar-
     ently had two dead engines. He jettisoned his bombs about 5
     miles south of us and continued on his way.
1200 Lat. 32° 00' N. Long. 139° 33' E.
1317 Received report of downed bomber about 80 miles to eastward.
     Started out on 4 engines. Sent our lifeguard plane to search.
1410 Sighted drifting mine.
1430 Plane returned, reporting no results on search. Sent him back
     to look some more.
1545 Plane returned, reporting definitely nothing in sight in
     vicinity of the allegedly downed bomber. Released lifeguard
     plane.
1609 Received B-29 report of freighter anchored East of HACHIJO
     JIMA. Changed course to investigate.
2200 At range of 13,000 yards conducted radar search of HACHIJO
     anchorages. No evidence of ships present. Planned to conduct
     periscope patrol of anchorage tomorrow, but at
2300 Received orders from Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet to
     leave lifeguard league and proceed to areas 1, 2 and 3. Also
     received information that no downed planes had been reported.

20 May

0900 Proceeding to new area on surface about 60 miles offshore.
     Encountered northeast gale and force 6 - 7 seas. Slowed to
     one engine speed.
1200 Lat. 34° 44' N. Long. 141° 51' E.
1900 Wind dropped and seas abated.

21 May

1200 Lat. 38° 18' N. Long. 143° 00' E.
1610 Received orders from TORSK to patrol east of Long. 142° 45' E.,
     until sunset 24th.

22 May

0110 Exchanged calls with TORSK by SJ.
1200 Lat. 40° 40' N. Long. 143° 18' E.
1605 Made trim dive.
1652 Surfaced.

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(B)

NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

23 May
1200 Made 3 section dives during day.
     Lat. 40° 32' N. Long. 143° 15' E.

24 May
1200 Lat. 40° 29' N. Long. 142° 43' E.
1555 Sighted MAVIS heading toward us, coming out of light fog at
     about 5 miles. Submerged.
1634 Surfaced.
2350 Rendezvous with TORSK. Sent over line from line-throwing gun,
     and received instructions for rotating patrol in this area.
     Our next station is off South coast HOKKAIDO.

25 May
1147 Proceeding north to new patrol station.
     Periscope sighted by lookout and O.O.D., about 2,500 yards
     ahead. Submerged. After diving JP picked up what was appar-
     ently a propeller beat on the correct true bearing. Put this
     sound contact astern and at
1309 Surfaced.
1200 Lat. 40° 56' N. Long. 143° 21' E.

26 May
1200 Patrolling along 100 fathom curve from KUSHIRO to E
     in dense fog.
     Lat. 42° 38' N. Long. 144° 12' E.

[HANDWRITTEN: /] 27 May[HANDWRITTEN: /]
[HANDWRITTEN: /]1050 Patrolling South of KUSHIRO.[HANDWRITTEN: /]
     Radar contact on small craft about 4 miles South of KUSHIRO,
     in dense fog. Manned 40m.m., 20m.m., and .50 cal.[HANDWRITTEN: /], made
     approach, and at
[HANDWRITTEN: /]1115 Opened fire on motor trawler as it became visible in fog at
     750 yards. Circled trawler at 300 yards, expending 70 rounds
     40m.m., 240 rounds 20m.m., and 100 rounds .50 cal.[HANDWRITTEN: /]
[HANDWRITTEN: /]1129 Target sank.[HANDWRITTEN: /]
1200 Lat. 42° 46' N. Long. 144° 12' E.
1300 Fog lifted; land sighted. Proceeding southward to get clear
     of beach.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

                                                                28 May

0353          Proceeding toward ESAN SAKI.
0353          Radar contact dead ahead, range 7,700 yards. At same time
0353          APR reported a possible submarine radar signal. (This was
0353          later determined to be land-based).
0359          Small, unidentified target sighted from bridge. Target
0359          tracked on various courses at low speed.
0405          With dawn breaking astern of us, and range to target 3,900
0405          yards, submerged about 17 miles East of ESAN SAKI.
0415          Target identified as small fishing boat. Continued to close
0415          ESAN SAKI. While closing sighted, at various times, 3 small
0415          AK's rounding the point.
1100          Patrolling one to three miles from beach in vicinity of ESAN
1100          SAKI. This area throughout the day was systematically
1100          patrolled by 2 armed trawlers, one of which occasionally
1100          pinged on 15 Kc. In addition to these, a PC, an SC, and num-
1100          erous trawlers were sighted. At least one of the armed
1100          trawlers was usually at a range of from 500 to 2,500 yards
1100          from us, and periscope observations were limited thereby.
1100          No AK's passed the point after we reached our station.
1200          Lat. 41° 52' N. Long. 141° 12' E.
1650          Took panorama movie of shore at distance of 4,000 yards of
1650          village at TODOHAKKE WAN.
1740          Headed out to be clear for surfacing.
2048          Surfaced about 8 miles from ESAN SAKI.

                                                                29 May

0415          Dove about 10 miles North of ESAN SAKI. Closed and patrolled
0415          as yesterday. Same patrol craft, more trawlers, but no
0415          targets. Usually had 4 or more small craft or patrol boats
0415          within 3,000 yards.
1200          Lat. 41° 49' N. Long. 141° 12' E.
1350          Headed south from ESAN SAKI across entrance of TSUGARU STRAIT.
1350          Sighted several small trawlers during afternoon.

                                                                [HANDWRITTEN: /30 May /]

0428          Submerged about 10 miles North of ESAN SAKI and closed point.
0802          Sighted 2 AK's heading down coast escorted by a CHIDORI.
0802          Visibility poor.
0848          Fired 3 torpedoes from bow tubes at leading AK; near 0 gyros

                                                                ENCLOSURE "A"
                                        - 5 -                 7 02240

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

and 9A port track, torpedo run 700 yards. Before we could set
up on second AK, the periscope was ducked. About 2 minutes
later, when depth was regained, could see both AK's about half
board angle on bow, distant about 300 yards. All star-
0854 First of 4 depth charges, loud and close enough to shake loose
some cork. AK's now heading directly away in direction they
came from. The CHIDORI, an SC and an armed trawler stayed
with us at ranges of 400 - 2,000 yards for the next 2 hours.
1115 Visibility decreased. Lost sight of all patrol craft.
1148 Surfaced. Cleared to eastward in dense fog. Rounded SHIRIYA
1200 Bay.
[HANDWRITTEN: /]1742 Lat. 40° 45' N. Long. 142° 29' E.
Radar contact at 8,300 yards. Tracked target at 5 knots on
southerly course.
[HANDWRITTEN: /]1815 Patrol stations surface. Because of uncertainty as to type of
target, made a fast pass at 200 yard range, firing with 40m.m.,
20m.m., and .50 cal. Target, when sighted at 500 yards, was
a sea-truck of about 100 tons. During this first pass he
turned toward us and passed about 75 yards astern. Hits
registered during this run apparently stopped him. Circled
and continued firing, occasionally losing him in fog. In spite
of over 75 40m.m., and numerous 20m.m., hits he would neither
sink nor burn.
[HANDWRITTEN: /]1907 Opened fire with 5" gun. Fired 5 rounds for 4 hits.
1912 Target sank.
2220 Radar contact at 10,500 yards. Tracked on base course 125°,
speed 13 kts., zigging widely. At 9,000 yards could see black
smoke from target, and also got definite SJ interference and
APR contact on 10 CM radar. When range got below 8,000 yards
this radar steadied on us, but would begin searching if we
opened beyond this range and put our stern to it. So
approach is out. Visibility poor for submerged approach, but
at
2335 Submerged on target's track. Target pinging steadily on 15 Kc.
2347 Tracked him at radar depth.
2359 A large turn away left us 3,500 yards from track.
Surfaced.

31 May

Commenced end-around. Sent message to GUARDFISH that we were
entering her area.
0045 Target changed base course to 030°. He is evidently making
an A/S sweep.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

0110 Submerged on target's track. Unable to see him with ST scope
     until range was under 1,000 yards, and even then could
     not make out what he was. His screws were light and fast
     and his zigs extreme and frequent. From a range of 1,200 yards on in,
     we set up for (1) bow tubes, port track, (2) stern tubes, star-
     board track, (3) bow tubes, port track again. At range of
     600 yards he headed toward us.
0130 Range 400 yards, angle on bow 0. Went deep. Target passed
     overhead.
0148 Turned up.
0200 Radar depth. No contact, except pinging.
0213 Surfaced. All clear. Decided this fellow was too slippery
     to handle under existing visibility conditions. Headed back
     to assigned area.
0240 SJ and APR contact on plane. He was in vicinity for about a
     half hour, at ranges of from 6,000 to 18,000 yards.
0530 Submerged to routine torpedoes and take it easy. Conducted
     periscope patrol at 55 feet.
1200 Lat. 40° 45' N. Long. 142° 29' E.
2025 Surfaced. Proceeded toward TODO SAKI.

                               1 June

0425 Submerged about 8 miles from TODO SAKI. Closed point patrol.
     Sighted several small craft.
0800 Depth charges, probably dropped by a vessel similar to a
     frigate, some ten miles to southward.
0840 Frigate, now about six miles away, dropped 3 more charges,
     then steamed out of sight.
1200 Lat. 39° 34' N. Long. 142° 06' E.
1255 In varying visibility sighted a medium and a small AO with
     escort on northerly course, large port angle on bow, range
     about 8,000 yards. These ships, instead of hugging the beach
     (where we were) were proceeding up the 100 fathom curve about
     4½ miles from coast. Unable to close under 4,500 yards.
1400 Modified AO very similar to MANZYU MARU.
     Targets by. They are now closing coast, evidently intending
     to go on up close to shore, inboard of minefield. Opened
     coast at 2/3 speed and at
1550 Surfaced 10 miles from coast and gave chase. Visibility good
     except for haze along coast. Several fishermen in sight.
1723 Had not regained contact. Had to part ways here because of
     minefield. Decided to attempt interception at SHIRIYA SAKI.
2100 Sent message to TORSK, giving contact and telling her that
     we would be in her area.

                               - 7 - 7 02210 ENCLOSURE "A"

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)
                                                              / 2 June /

10000        Began getting numerous radar contacts on small craft./
0255         Picked up what turned out to be our target, 1,000 yards from
             the beach, just about on schedule some 120 miles from position
             where last seen. Commenced approach. About 5 small craft in
             vicinity./
0327         Fired 3 torpedoes from bow tubes at target identified on
             bridge as yesterday's medium AO. Torpedo run 1,700 yards, 600
             on 650 starboard track, and 150 right gyros./ 1 torpedo gave
             an erratic surface run. 1 hit, evidently in a tender amidships.
             Observed very high column of smoke and debris.
             Swinging for stern shots. Target slowed rapidly./
0332         Fired one torpedo from stern tubes. Before another could be
             fired, the pip, which had been dwindling, disappeared from
             screen at range of 2,300 yards, and target disappeared from
             sight on bridge. Cleared out on 4 engines. Reported results
             to TORSK, and returned on surface to TODO SAKI./
             Lat. 39° 42' N. Long. 142° 24' E.
1200         While approaching TODO SAKI, about 7 miles off, made radar
1508         contact on ship at 11,000 yards, equipped with 10 CM radar.
             At 9,000 yards his radar steadied, and he headed toward us at
             15 knots. We opened range, and we lost contact on each other
             at 12,000 yards. Patrolled southward from TODO SAKI about 7
             miles from coast.

                                                              3 June

0200         Shifting areas. Proceeding north to vicinity of ESAN SAKI,
0900         left vacant by departure of SANDLANCE.
             Exchanged calls with TORSK.
             Strong easterly wind blew up. Continued north to get in lee
             of ERIMO SAKI.
1200         Lat. 41° 28' N. Long. 142° 40' E.
1500         Patrolling South coast of HOKKAIDO along 100 fathom curve.

                                                              4 June /

0423         Submerged off ESAN SAKI and closed point. Hoped for good
             visibility after yesterday's blow, but found thick fog in
             vicinity of point. Opened from land and at
1010         Surfaced 7 miles from ESAN SAKI. Found good visibility about
             10 miles from ESAN. Proceeded vicinity of SHIRIYA SAKI.
1200         Lat. 41° 46' N. Long. 141° 33' E.

                               - 8 -                               ENCLOSURE "A"

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

1330 Airborne radar picked up on APR, steady and increasing
       in saturation strength.
1332 Sighted float plane - probably JAKE - distant about 5 miles.
       Submerged. Sighted plane through periscope at various times
       during next hour.
1515 Sighted engine-aft ship rounding SHIRIYA SAKI, distant about
       8 miles. Heard pinging of escort but could not see one.
       Ran standard speed for an hour, trying to intercept before
       ship headed down coast, but ended up well abaft his beam at
       7,000 yards.
1645 Surfaced. Unable to reach diving position ahead of target
       before she reached restricted area off MONOMI SAKI, so went
       around this area to get an attack in later south of it,
       passing coast. Several radar and one sight contact on small
       vessels.
2000 Radar contact on south-bound ship, range 13,300 yards. Com-
       menced approach. Sea is force 4, but we can shoot down-seas.
/2026 Sighted target from bridge - a heavily laden 3-island AK./
/2046 Fired 4 torpedoes from bow tubes, near 90° port track and 0
/2050 gyros./torpedo run 2,000 yards./
/2052 Observed 1 hit amidships. Target started sinking by bow.
/2055 Stern of target rose vertically for an instant, then completely
       disappeared. Radar pip disappeared simultaneously[HANDWRITTEN: ✓]. A small
       vessel, evidently an escort, fooled around the vicinity at
       various speeds for a while, then headed back up the coast.
       Mission completed.
2200 This target, while most welcome, was not the one we had come
       here after. Waited around for one more hour without contact;
       he apparently got turned back.
       Cleared coast and proceeded vicinity SHIRIYA SAKI.

                               5 June

0549 Submerged in good visibility off SHIRIYA. Weather still windy
       and rough.
0825 Surfaced. Visibility reduced to about 6,000 yards. Several
       small craft around, but it is too rough for gun action.
       Decided to run up into lee of ERIMO SAKI.
1200 Lat. 41° 33' N. Long. 141° 57' E.
2200 While in lee of HOKKAIDO, converted vents on 3 and 5 fuel
       ballast tanks. Then proceeded to area 1 EAST in accordance
       with rotating patrol ordered by GUARDFISH.

                               - 9 - 7 02240 ENCLOSURE "A"

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

6 June

Patrolling 6 to 8 miles off coast of HOKKAIDO, from ERI-
MO SAKI to KUSHIRO. Only contact was one train, picked up with a 70°
port angle on the bow, speed 45' knots.
1200 Lat. 42° 34' N. Long. 143° 56' E.
2208 Radar contact at 10,400 yards. Tracked at 7 knots, proceeding
up coast.
2246 Fired 3 torpedoes from stern tubes, near 90° starboard track,
no gyros, runs about 2,200 yards, depth 4 feet. No hits,
though target continued on same course and speed throughout
torpedo run. Before firing had only been able to see target
from bridge because of haze. When target was sighted it was
seen to be extremely small. This was probably cause of misses.
2250 Target circled a few times, possibly alerted by torpedo wakes
in the extremely phosphorescent water. (Mark 18's were fired,
however). He fired a gun a couple of times, then continued
up coast. Decided he was no torpedo target and let him go.

/ 7 June /

/0517 Radar contact at 10,000 yards. Visibility about 8,000 yards./
/0532 Tracked target, evidently a small fellow, at 8 knots.
Battle stations surface. Closed target. Target identified
/0600 as picket boat number 113./
At range of about 3,000 target opened fire on us with machine
guns./
/0604 Opened fire with 5" gun at range of 2,300 yards. The sea was
calm and the shooting good. Fired 43 rounds for 30 hits.
Target was remarkably tough - after about 10 hits, with his
whole topside a complete shambles, he continued careening about at
8 knots or more, with a bone in his teeth./
/0623 Target sank. No survivors in sight./
0803 Submerged.
0941 Sighted low-flying plane - looked like JAKE.
1200 Lat. 42° 34' N. Long. 143° 54' E.
1440 Surfaced.
1532 Plane contact on SJ radar. He passed about 9,000 yards astern.
Not sighted. Visibility about 4 miles.
Area shift due tonight, so proceeded toward ESAN SAKI.

8 June

0428 Submerged off ESAN SAKI. Visibility poor and seas rough.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

0900 Opened point. Weather too poor.
1200 Lat. 41° 57' N. Long. 141° 21' E.
1205 Surfaced. Patrolled in calmer water about 5 - 7 miles off
South coast HOKKAIDO.

/9 June/

/0431 Submerged off ESAN SAKI./ Moderate swell still running, depth
control difficult. Proceeded northwest along coast in search
of better water.
/0946 Sighted smoke to northwest./
/1013 Smoke is issuing from freighter proceeding down coast./ No
escort in sight, but several fishermen in vicinity.
/1043 Fired 3 torpedoes/from stern tubes, near 190° gyros, 65° port
track./torpedo runs 1,100 yards./
/1045 Observed 2 hits. Much smoke and high flying debris./
/1047 Sonar cleared. Target not in sight. Definitely sunk./
/1052 Sighted a frigate, proceeding in our direction from ESAN SAKI.
He ran straight to the scene of the disaster, then commenced
a zig-zag search to eastward along our retirement course,
sometimes pinging, sometimes listening.
1110 Sighted a PC in direction of ESAN SAKI.
1200 Lat. 41° 54' N. Long. 141° 15' E.
1350 A/S vessels out of sight. Throughout afternoon sighted a
formation of 4 low-flying float planes, apparently conducting
a sort of rectangular search. Heard about 18 distant depth
charges during afternoon.
2039 Surfaced. Had several SJ plane contacts during night.

/10 June/

/0417 Submerged off SHIRIYA SAKI./ Just before diving had APR con-
tact on airborne radar, together with an SJ plane contact that
closed rapidly from 8,000 to 2,000 yards.
0936 Sighted numerous small craft during day.
Sighted medium or large tanker and DE escort proceeding up
coast. Tracked at 13 knots. We were too far out, (about 5
miles), to get in. Closed to patrol within reach of coast-
bound shipping.
/1153 Sighted southbound ship with one small plane circling over him.
Commenced approach. Ship very similar to type TM, (modified),
small tanker./ Have 4 steam and 2 electric fish in bow tubes,
one electric aft. Were able to reach good firing position, so
decided on a 2-fish salvo of electrics.

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(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

1200 Lat. 41° 20' N. Long. 141° 31' E.
/1233 Fired 2 torpedoes from bow tubes, near 0° gyros, and 90° port
track/run about 1,000 yards. 1 hit. Target observed sinking
by stern. About 10 feet of bow stuck vertically out of water
for several minutes, then sank. 4 power life boats observed
in water, all well manned.
Commenced set-up on a southbound AK further up coast, but after
about 5 minutes he turned around and rounded SHIRIYA SAKI.
Three patrol craft, one pinging, shortly appeared, searching
aimlessly. One of these dropped, at
1341 Three depth charges, distant 1,500 - 2,000 yards.
1415 Joined by a DE, an armed trawler, and 5 float planes, joining
the search about 4 miles astern of us. Reloaded our last 2
electric fish forward.
1620 2 more DE's joined the search, all several miles distant.
Continued in area until dark, dropping a total of 50
depth charges.
2055 Surfaced. One DE still in sight, about 7 miles astern. Pro-
ceeded south to patrol for night coastal shipping in vicinity
of TAKASE GAWA.
Several contacts on small craft.

11 June

0021 Radar contact on southbound ship at 16,000 yards. Commenced
approach. Target zigging between courses 130° and 220° at 9
knots.
0046 Target steadied near extreme right limit, leaving us on his
port quarter. Worked in to 1,900 yards, and at
0058 Fired 4 torpedoes from bow tubes, depth 6 feet, near zero gyros,
190° port track, run 2,300 yards. Bridge had made out target,
but was unable to identify it against beach. After firing
bridge announced target was a destroyer or DE.
No hits. 3 torpedoes were observed to run straight. No. 4
started out all right, but at about 1,000 yards turned around
and headed for us. Went ahead flank, but the torpedo practi-
cally hit our stern. Bridge observers swear it ran under our
fantail. Target continued to track perfectly throughout runs
of torpedoes. After wakes had passed by (or under) target,
he reversed course, headed up the wakes a way, and dropped 13
depth charges. Then he lit out to northward, and we, with
usual enthusiasm, lit out to eastward. It is considered
worthy of note that the last exercise run listed in the record
book of our errant fish was also erratic to the left.
0314 Sent Serial 2 to Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet. 2 tor-
pedoes remain forward, 1 aft.

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SS417/A16-3                                                              CONFIDENTIAL
                                U. S. S. TENCH

                                      (B)         NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

1200                                  Lat. 39° 50' N. Long. 144° 53' E.
2136                                  Received instructions from Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet
                                      to depart area at sunset on 13th. Too late to reach coast by
                                      daylight, so decided on surface patrol in eastern areas.

                                                    [HANDWRITTEN: /12 June /]

[HANDWRITTEN: /]1105                                Sighted small vessel distant about 6 miles. Closed and at
[HANDWRITTEN: /]1125                                opened fire with 5" gun at about 2,200 yards. After two hits
                                      checked fire and closed. Target still running so gave him
                                      one more shot to stop him. Closed to get survivors, but none
                                      could be coaxed out. Sank target with 2 more 5" hits and a
                                      short burst of 20m.m. (Only 12 rounds of 40m.m., were left). Target
                                      was a small trawler.[HANDWRITTEN: /]
1200                                  Lat. 39° 20' N. Long. 144° 03' E.
1250                                  Sighted another, somewhat larger trawler.[HANDWRITTEN: /]
[HANDWRITTEN: /]1316                                Opened fire at 1,800 yards. After 7 hits checked fire and
                                      went alongside for survivors. 7 materialized from somewhere,
                                      apparently anxious to be rescued. Got 6 aboard. No. 7 was
                                      badly wounded, and fell off our Jacob's ladder. He bobbed up
                                      once and then stayed under. No serious wounds on any of our
                                      6 prisoners.[HANDWRITTEN: /]
1353                                  Resumed course for TODO SAKI.
1614                                  Made trim dive, and vented fuel tanks.
1650                                  Surfaced.
2225                                  Patrolling along 100 fathom curve in vicinity of TODO SAKI.

                                                    [HANDWRITTEN: 13 June]

0415                                  Visibility very poor along coast. Headed toward eastern part
                                      of area, to leave at sunset.
1200                                  Lat. 39° 16' N. Long. 144° 52' E.

                                                    [HANDWRITTEN: 14 June]

1200                                  Lat. 37° 54' N. Long. 152° 43' E.

                                                    [HANDWRITTEN: 15 June]

1200                                  Lat. 36° 09' N. Long. 160° 25' E.

                                                    [HANDWRITTEN: 16 June]

1200(L)                               Lat. 33° 47' N. Long. 168° 00' E.

                                                    - 13 -                                  7 02240 ENCLOSURE "A"

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(B)
NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

17 June
1200(L) Lat. 30° 51' N. Long. 176° 25' E.

17 June
1200(Y) Lat. 28° 08' N. Long. 178° 15' W.
1600(Y) Approx. Moored SUBMARINE BASE, MIDWAY.

- 14 - ENCLOSURE "A"

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(C) WEATHER

     Visibility was always varying. There were only a few days of
dense fog, but frequently light fog along the coast hampered close-in sub-
merged patrols. Several days were lost to rough weather, caused by a strong
easterly wind that seemed to blow up about once a week. Generally speaking,
the weather, while nothing to lure tourists to this area, did not seem
actually malevolent; but it did necessitate frequent changes in plans.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

     Currents seemed to conform to those shown on the charts.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

     All navigational lights seemed to be burning with variable
characteristics.

- 15 -
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(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
     There were several indications of radar-equipped night-flying
planes, but none sufficiently persistent to necessitate diving. Several
single-engine float type, were sighted by day, and after an
attack a formation of 4 or 5 of these, flying very low, would appear on the
scene and go through various evolutions. They never seemed actually angry.

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(H) ATTACK DATA

U. S. S. TENCH (SS417) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 2
TIME 0848 K DATE 30 May 1945 LAT. 41° 51.2' N. LONG. 141° 09.8' E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: Small AK (UN).
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.

Damage Determined by:

Target Draft 10' Course 155 Speed 7 kts Range 750 (at firing)

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed 3 kts Course 251 Depth 62' Angle ½° down (at firing)

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack: Submerged attack. Periscope, T.D.C. and 2 plots.
Tubes Fired:
| | Tube No. 1 | Tube No. 2 | Tube No. 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Track Angle | 80 P | 84 P | 88 P |
| Gyro Angle | 009 | 008 | 359½ |
| Torpedo Run | 690 | 650 | 630 |
| Depth Set | 5' | 5' | 5' |
| Power | 28.1 | 28.1 | 28.1 |
| Hit or Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss |
| Erratic (Yes or No) | No | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 |
| Serial Number | 57790 | 99211 | 99167 |
| Mark Exploder | 8-7 | 8-7 | 8-5 |
| Serial Number | 11383 | 10734 | 10094 |
| Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual | | | |
| Mark Warhead | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 |
| Serial Number | 2390 | 1402 | 2222 |
| Explosive | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex |
Firing Interval: 12 seconds
Type Spread: MOT 200' aft 200' fwd
Sea Conditions: Seas 2 from 100. Swells 2 from 100.
Overhaul Activity: U. S. S. APOLLO.
Remarks: Target reversed course immediately after firing.
  Injection 45° F. Electrolyte 50° F.

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CONFIDENTIAL

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

U. S. S. TENCH (SS417) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 PATROL NO. 2
TIME 0322 K DATE 2 June 1945 LAT. 41° 22.8' N. LONG. 141° 28.5' E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: Medium tanker, very similar to MANZYU MARU, (page 288
             ONI 208-J, Rev.) (EU).
Ship(s) Sunk: One (1) medium tanker, very similar to MANZYU MARU,
             (page 288, ONI 208-J, Rev.) (EU).
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk:
Damage Determined by: Target observed to sink after explosion.
Target Draft 12' Course 020 Speed 9 kts Range 2100 (at firing)

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed 12 kts Course 250 Depth Surface Angle (at firing)

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack Night radar, surface. T.D.C. and 2 plots for solution.
            Radar firing bearings.

| | Tube No. 2 | Tube No. 6 | Tube No. 3 | Tube No. 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired | 60 S | 62 S | 64 S | 80 S |
| Track Angle | 016 | 014½ | 018½ | 178 |
| Gyro Angle | 1800 | 1700 | 1600 | 2400 |
| Torpedo Run | 5' | 5' | 5' | 5' |
| Depth Set | 27.35 | 27.35 | 27.35 | 27.35 |
| Power | Miss | Hit | Miss | Miss |
| Hit or Miss | No | No | Yes | No |
| Erratic (Yes or No) | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 |
| Mark Torpedo | 54779 | 57915 | 56996 | 57849 |
| Serial Number | 8-7 | 8-5 | 8-7 | 8-7 |
| Mark Exploder | 11153 | 7978 | 10770 | 10739 |
| Serial Number | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Set | | | | |
| Actuation Actual | | | | |
| Mark Warhead | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 |
| Serial Number | 1959 | 5323 | 3930 | 4038 |
| Explosive | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex |
| Firing Interval | 18 seconds | | | |
| Type Spread | MOT | 200' aft | 200' fwd | MOT |
| Sea Conditions | Sea state and swell state 1 from 100° T. |
| Overhaul Activity | USS ORION USS APOLLO USS ORION USS ORION |
| Remarks | After leaving tube, No. 56996 broached, turned right, |
| | repeatedly broached. It was still broaching and |
| | changing course when OOD lost sight of it. Running time of No. 57915 was |
| | 1 min. 53 sec. Injection 48° electrolyte 52°. No. 5 tube was ordered, but |
| | ready to fire never could not be raised, (see "Ordnance Casualties"). |

- 19 -
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CONFIDENTIAL

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)
U. S. S. TENCH (SS417) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3 PATROL NO. 2
TIME 2051 K DATE 4 June 1945 LAT. 40° 54.4' N. LONG. 141° 29.7' E.
TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: Medium AK (3-Island).
Ship(s) Sunk: One (1) medium AK (3-Island).
Ships(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk:
Damage Determined by: Target observed to sink.
Target Draft 14' Course 160 Speed 7 kts Range 2300 (at firing)

OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 12 kts Course 265 Depth Surface Angle (at firing)

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack Night radar, surface. T.D.C. and 2 plots for solution.
Radar firing bearings.

| | Tube No. 3 | Tube No. 4 | Tube No. 5 | Tube No. 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired | | | | |
| Track Angle | 80 P | 82 P | 83 P | 84 P |
| Gyro Angle | 355½ | 359 | 354 | 353½ |
| Torpedo Run | 2150 | 2100 | 2000 | 1930 |
| Depth Set | 8' | 8' | 8' | 8' |
| Power | 27.9 K | 27.9 K | 27.9 K | 27.9 K |
| Hit or Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Hit |
| Erratic (Yes or No) | No | No | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | 18-2 | 18-1 | 18-2 | 18-1 |
| Serial Number | 99174 | 57163 | 57938 | 56149 |
| Mark Exploder | 8-7 | 8-7 | 8-5 | 8-7 |
| Serial Number | 10788 | 10787 | 9994 | 11163 |
| Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual | | | | Contact |
| Mark Warhead | 18-1 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 |
| Serial Number | 2284 | 2815 | 5257 | 4907 |
| Explosive | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex |
| Firing Interval | 15 seconds | | | |
| Type Spread | MOI | 338' aft | 112' aft | 225' fwd |
| Sea Conditions | Sea and swell state 5 from 090° T. | | | |
| Overhaul Activity | USS APOLLO USS ORION USS APOLLO USS ORION | | | |
| Remarks | Running time of No. 56149 was 2 min. 03 sec. | | | |
| | Injection 50° F. Electrolyte 55° F. | | | |

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U. S. S. TENCH

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)
U. S. S. TENCH (SS417) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4 PATROL NO. 2
TIME 2208 K DATE 6 June 1945 LAT. 42° 31.2' N. LONG. 143° 36.1' E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description: Unidentified.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.
Damage Determined by:
Target Draft UN Course 010 Speed 7 kts Range 2300 (at firing)

OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 10 kts Course 110 Depth Surface Angle (at firing)

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack Night radar, surface. T.D.C. and 2 plots for solution.
Radar firing bearings.

| | Tube No. 10 | Tube No. 9 | Tube No. 8 |
|:|:|:|:|
| Tubes Fired | 92 S | 94 S | 95 S |
| Track Angle | 170 | 168 | 175 |
| Gyro Angle | 2180 | 2240 | 2280 |
| Torpedo Run | 4' | 4' | 4' |
| Depth Set | 27.2 | 27.2 | 27.2 |
| Power | Miss | Miss | Miss |
| Hit or Miss | No | No | No |
| Erratic (Yes or No) | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 |
| Mark Torpedo | 57609 | 99164 | 57821 |
| Serial Number | 8-7 | 8-5 | 8-7 |
| Mark Exploder | 11204 | 10161 | 10650 |
| Serial Number | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Set | | | |
| Actuation Actual | 18-2 | 18-1 | 18-2 |
| Mark Warhead | 4874 | 1751 | 3307 |
| Serial Number | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex |
| Explosive | 15 seconds. | | |
| Firing interval | MOT | 200' fwd | 200' aft |
| Type Spread | Sea state 1 from 075°. Swell state 1 from 155°. | | |
| Sea Conditions | USS ORION USS APOLLO USS ORION | | |
| Overhaul Activity | Injection 45°. Electrolyte 52°. | | |
| Remarks | | | |

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U. S. S. TENCH

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)
U. S. S. TENCH (SS417) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 5 PATROL NO. 2
TIME 1043 K DATE 9 June 1945 LAT. 41° 52.5' N. LONG. 141° 08' E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: Small AK, (stack amidships).
Ship(s) Sunk: One (1) small AK, (stack amidships).
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk:

Damage Determined by: Two hits observed. Target had disappeared, when smoke
cleared, two minutes after hits.

Target Draft 10' Course 123 Speed 6.5 kts Range 1270 (at fir'g)

OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 2 kts Course 050 Depth 62' Angle ½° down (at firing)

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack Submerged, attack periscope, T.D.C. and 2 plots for
solution. Periscope firing bearings.

| | Tube No. 8 | Tube No. 9 | Tube No. 10 |
|:|:|:|:|
| Tubes Fired | 64 P | 65 P | 68 P |
| Track Angle | 191 | 185½ | 188½ |
| Gyro Angle | 1100 | 1100 | 1100 |
| Torpedo Run | 6' | 6' | 6' |
| Depth Set | 28.0 | 28.0 | 28.0 |
| Power | Hit | Miss | Hit |
| Hit or Miss | No | No | No |
| Erratic (Yes or No) | 18-2 | 18-1 | 18-1 |
| Mark Torpedo | 57820 | 55969 | 57108 |
| Serial Number | 8-7 | 8-5 | 8-7 |
| Mark Exploder | 11038 | 8132 | 11282 |
| Serial Number | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Set | 18-2 | 18-1 | 18-2 |
| Actuation Actual | 3951 | 2319 | 4474 |
| Mark Warhead | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex |
Serial Number 15 seconds.
Explosive MOT 150' fwd 150' aft
Firing Interval Sea state 2 from 125°. Swell state 4 from 090°.
Type Spread USS ORION USS APOLLO USS ORION
Sea Conditions Running time No. 57820 was 1 min. 22 sec. No. 57108
Overhaul Activity was 1 min. 20 sec. Injection 46° F. Electrolyte 52°F.
Remarks

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U. S. S. TENCH

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)
U. S. S. TENCH (SS417) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 6 PATROL NO. 2
TIME 1233 K DATE 10 June 1945 LAT. 41° 20.6' N. LONG. 141° 29.7'E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: Small AO, very similar to type TM, (modified), SUGAR
ABLE SUGAR, (page 13, ONI 208-J rev. supplement 3).
Ship(s) Sunk: Small AO, very similar to type TM, (modified), SUGAR
ABLE SUGAR, (page 13, ONI 208-J rev. supplement 3).
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk:
Damage Determined by: Target observed to sink.
Target Draft 16' Course 205 Speed 8.5 kts Range 1100 (at fir'g)

OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 2 kts Course 300 Depth 63' Angle 0° (at firing)

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack Submerged, attack periscope, T.D.C., 2 plots. Radar
periscope used to determine mast head height.

| | Tube No. 1 | Tube No. 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired | 77 P | 79 P |
| Track Angle | 002½ | 359.5 |
| Gyro Angle | 1030 | 1020 |
| Torpedo run | 8' | 8' |
| Depth Set | 28.0 | 28.0 |
| Power | | |
| Hit or Miss | Hit | Miss |
| Erratic (Yes or No) | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | 18-1 | 18-1 |
| Serial Number | 56493 | 54648 |
| Mark Exploder | 8-7 | 8-7 |
| Serial Number | 11236 | 11215 |
| Actuation Set | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual | 18-2 | 18-2 |
| Mark Fuze | 3007 | 4274 |
| Serial Number | Torpex | Torpex |
| Explosive | 15 seconds | 70' aft MOT |
| Firing Interval | 70' fwd MOT | Swell state 2 from 160°. |
| Type Spread | Sea state 1 from 160°. | |
| Sea Conditions | USS ORION | USS ORION |
| Overhaul Activity | Running time No. 56493 was 58 seconds. Injection 48°F. |
| Remarks | Electrolyte 52°F. | |

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U. S. S. TENCH

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)
U. S. S. TENCH (SS417) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 7 PATROL NO. 2
TIME 0058 K DATE 11 June 1945 LAT. 40° 53.5' N. LONG. 141° 27.7' E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: Destroyer or Destroyer Escort.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: None.
Damage Determined by:

Target Draft UN Course 205 Speed 9 kts Range 2060 (at firing)

OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 12 kts Course 240 Depth Surface Angle (at firing)

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack Night radar, T.D.C. and 2 plots. Radar firing bearings.
| | Tube No. 3 | Tube No. 4 | Tube No. 6 | Tube No. 5 |
| Tubes Fired | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Track Angle | 130 P | 130 P | 131 P | 131 P |
| Gyro Angle | 015½ | 017½ | 013½ | 015½ |
| Torpedo Run | 2340 | 2320 | 2300 | 2280 |
| Depth Set | 6' | 6' | 6' | 6' |
| Power | High | High | High | High |
| Hit or Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss | Miss |
| Erratic (Yes or No) | No | No | No | Yes |
| Mark Torpedo | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A |
| Serial Number | 22587 | 22325 | 40649 | 24210 |
| Mark Exploder | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 |
| Serial Number | 26704 | 26662 | 27068 | 25378 |
| Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual | | | | |
| Mark Warhead | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 |
| Serial Number | 3587 | 2995 | 9724 | 6251 |
| Explosive | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex | Torpex |
| Firing Interval | 10 seconds. | | | |
| Type Spread | MOT | 200' aft | 100' aft | 200' fwd |
Sea Conditions Sea state 1, swell state 2 from 090°.
Overhaul Activity USS APOLLO
Remarks No. 24210 circled to left and made nearly effective
run on TENCH. This torpedo ran erratic similarly on
its last exercise firing, 4 October 1944.

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CONFIDENTIAL

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

U. S. S. TENCH (SS417) GUN ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 2
TIME 1115 K DATE 27 May 1945 LAT. 42° 54.5' N. LONG. 144° 18' E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Sunk One motor trawler, 50 tons (EU).

Damage Determined by Target observed to sink at range 200 yards.

DETAILS OF ACTION

Radar contact at 3800 yards, visibility 750 yards
due to fog. Closed range, opened fire with 40m.m., 20m.m., and .50 cal.
at 750 yards. Circled target at 300 yards, firing 40m.m. semi-automatic,
20m.m. and .50 cal. full automatic. Broken shell case jammed 20m.m.
and put this gun out of action. The fog prevented use of 40m.m. panoramic
sights, but 12 good hits were counted using open sights. Target sank 14
minutes after opening fire.

Ammunition expended:

40m.m. 70 rounds
20m.m. 240 rounds
50 cal. 100 rounds

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CONFIDENTIAL

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

U. S. S. TENCH (SS417) GUN ATTACK NO. 2 PATROL NO. 2
TIME 1815 K DATE 30 May 145 LAT. 41° 19.3' N. LONG. 141° 35.5' E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

One (1) Sea Truck, 100 tons (EU).

Sunk:
Damage Determined by: Target observed to sink

DETAILS OF ACTION

Radar contact at 8300 yards, visibility 500 yards.
Tracked target at 5 knots. Closed target, made high speed attack, attempting
to pass at 200 yards range to identify target and clear his topside. Opened
fire with 40m.m., 20m.m., and .50 cal., at 200 yards. Target turned toward
and passed 75 yards astern. Target stopped. High rate of fire caused jam in
40m.m. and broken trigger hook necessitated changing
20m.m. gun. Circled target at 200 - 250 yards firing full automatic with
all guns. Percentage of hits was well over 50%, in spite of fog ob.
target intermittently. Manned 5 inch gun because target would not sink.
Fired one and missed over. Next three rounds; amidships, forward, and in his
stern, caused target to sink. One additional hit was scored in his stern as
he settled, bow first.

Ammunition expended:

5" 25 5 rounds
40m.m. 168 rounds
20m.m. 540 rounds
.50 cal. 1000 rounds

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U. S. S. TENCH

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

U. S. S. TENCH (SS417) GUN ATTACK NO. 3 PATROL NO. 2
TIME 0604 K DATE 7 June 1945 LAT. 42° 41' N. LONG. 143° 53' E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Sunk: One (1) Picket Boat No. 113, 200 tons (EU).

Damage Determined by: Target observed to sink.

DETAILS OF ACTION

Radar contact at 10,000 yards, visibility 8,000 yards.
Tracked target at 8 knots. At 3,000 yards, target opened fire ineffectively
with a machine gun. TENCH opened fire with 5" 25 at 2,300 yards. After get-
ting on, (after 5 misses); accuracy was very good. Thirty hits were regis-
tered for 43 rounds fired, the majority of these were at approximately 750
yards. In spite of hits ripping through bridge structure and hull, target
maintained his speed until shortly before sinking. The 40m.m., 20m.m. and
.50 cal., were used when range was close. However, these hits were not
evident in shambles resulting from 5" shells. Target sank 19 minutes after
opening fire.

Ammunition expended:

5" 25 43 rounds
40m.m. 20 rounds
20m.m. 240 rounds
.50 cal. 200 rounds

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U. S. S. TENCH

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)
U. S. S. TENCH (SS417) GUN ATTACK NO. 4 PATROL NO. 2
TIME 1125 K DATE 12 June 1945 LAT. 39° 17' N. LONG. 144° 07' E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Sunk: One (1) Motor Trawler, 60 tons (EU).

Damage Determined by: Target observed to sink.

DETAILS OF ACTION

Sighted target at 12,000 yards. Closed range and
opened fire with 5" 25 at 2,200 yards. Two hits were scored at this range,
but target maintained his speed. Closed range to 800 yards and hit him
again. Closed again to 300 yards and finished target with two more hits
and three magazines of 20m. This target required 27 minutes from opening
fire. The 40m.m. gun was not available because only 12 rounds of ammuni-
tion remained after first three gun attacks.

Amunition expended:

5" 25 17 rounds
20m.m. 180 rounds

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CONFIDENTIAL

U. S. S. TENCH

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

U. S. S. TENCH (SS417) GUN ATTACK NO. 5 PATROL NO. 2
TIME 1316 K DATE 12 June 1945 LAT. 39° 17.8' N. LONG. 143° 40.5'E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Sunk: One (1) Motor Trawler, 60 tons (EU).

Damage Determined by: Target left completely awash.

DETAILS OF ACTION

Sighted target at approximately 5 miles. Closed range
and opened up with 5" 25 at 1800 yards, continued to close range slowly, hit-
ting seven times on way in. Target settled slowly. Fired 120 rounds of 20m.m.
to speed his sinking. Came alongside and brought six prisoners aboard. By
this time target was completely awash. TENCH cleared area. Radar, periscope
and binocular spotting were coordinated very effectively in this action. It
is noted that 20m.m. ammunition with Mark 17 fuzes was not too reliable; several
obvious ricocheting duds were seen, and one dud hit went through target.

Ammunition expended:

5" 25 30 rounds
20m.m. 120 rounds
.50 cal. 150 rounds

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CONFIDENTIAL

(I) MINES

Only 4 drifting mines were sighted, one during lifeguard duty
in NANPO SHOTO, the others off Northeast coast of HONSHU.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

While some impressive A/S aggregations were encountered after
attacks, they never made contact. This area seems to have available a
number of DE's, frigates and CHIDORIS, along with the usual armed trawlers,
etc. A new outfit encountered was the group of low-flying search planes.
The lead plane of a M.A.D. outfit would fly lowest. This points to the
possibility of a M.A.D. equipped load plane with the other boys packing the
bombs, as suggested in a recent information bulletin. We had 2 definite
contacts with 10 CM radar-equipped A/S vessels. Their effective range on
us seemed to be about 8,000 to 9,000 yards, but they didn't act as though
they could get very sharp bearings.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

(a) HULL AND MACHINERY: The machinery installation of the
TENCH continued to give very good performance with no major defects or
derangements. It is recommended that the fuel filling and transfer valves
to No. 6 normal fuel tank be moved to the motor room or some other location.
These valves, now located at the forward end of the main control cubicle,
are a constant source of trouble due to dripping oil which rapidly deterio-
rates all insulation in the lower forward part of cubicle; and is a definite
fire hazard. It is necessary to kill one side, at a time, of the cubicle
to reach these valves to repair the leaks and clean the insulation.

The 1.141 periscope installed in GUAM developed into another
of the TENCH's periscope headaches. A slow leak was discovered
from SAIPAN which was remedied by the U.S.S. ORION. A quick
check while enroute to the patrol area found that the periscope still
possessed a small leak which could not be detected by the ship's force.
Charging every week was required to maintain the periscope in good opera-
ting condition.

(b) ORDNANCE AND GUNNERY CASUALTIES: The most serious ord-
nance casualty encountered was an erratic run which circled left and ran
under our own fantail. This Mark 14-3A torpedo, number 24210, had run
erratic similarly on its last exercise shot, 4 October 1944, at New London
Connecticut. Had this torpedo been tested again before being issued as a

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U. S. S. TENCH

SS417/A16-3

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

war shot, this "near miss" might have been avoided. A circular run to the
right was observed of torpedo number 56996 fired in the second attack.
Fortunately this lacked the "homing-pigeon" tendencies of that described
above. The torpedo tubes and related gear functioned well with the excep-
tion of the ready-to-fire lever of number 5 tube. This tube was made
ready on the first attack but was not fired. While the outer door was
open an explosion of fair strength shook boat. The next time the outer door was
opened the ready-to-fire interlock was out of adjustment and lever could
not be raised. A simple adjustment of the interlock chain remedied this
difficulty. However, it is possible that outer door clearance has been
diminished because a thump was heard each time a torpedo left this tube.

Gunnery casualties consisted of the ubiquitous stoppages.
The 40m.m. gun jammed twice due to clogging of hot shell chute. This is
not serious in itself but the gun was temporarily out of action. A strong
kick was sufficient to put the gun back in commission. Other stoppages
and their causes were as following: Broken shell case clogged 20m.m. with
powder grains. This was probably caused by a weakening of magazine spring
which had been under tension for 3 weeks. Rotation of ready ammunition
would minimize this danger. Broken 20m.m. hook necessitated change in the
gun during one action. The .50 caliber machine gun broke down when the
adapter broke at the mount, thereby putting both gun and deck mount out of
commission.

(L) RADIO

Six transmissions were made on the primary ship-shore series;
four serial messages to Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet, one to NPM
for TORSK via FOX, and one on the MIDWAY approach to Commander Task Group
17.5. Considerable difficulty was experienced finding a hole in the
circuit on two or three occasions, and negative results on the NQO or NQN calls. Two hours
from first call-up, TENCH ONE, (191357 May), and our 191414 to TORSK,
(with a KU6-call), were receipted for by NPN; Lat. 36° 25' N. Long. 141°
52' E.; on 8470 Kcs received strength 2. TENCH 201807 May to TORSK was
passed to NPN on 8470 Kcs at strength 2, an hour after initial call-up;
Lat. 37° 00' N., Long. 142° 25' E. TENCH THREE, (110421 June), was
received strength 2 by NPN on 12705 Kcs an hour from initial call-up; Lat.
40° 54' N., 146° 23' E.

Loading of the antenna when fog persisted in the atmosphere
was next to impossible; with plate current on "increase" and power switch
on "OPERATE", regardless of antenna used, the final stage current meter
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SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

(L) RADIO (Cont'd)

still refused to register. Loading was finally accomplished by adjusting
the last three stages till an induction light, wired to the TBL
line to antenna knife-switch, showed maximum brilliance.

SAFPLAN communication was poor. Two messages to TORSK were
ultimately receipted for only by GUARDFISH after ultimate blind trans-
mission. Experience from two coordinated-group patrols would indicate
that: (a) The advocated "F" method for wolf-pack communication is good
only after communication has been established and is expected to continue,
(b) that the uncertainty of isolated "F" method transmissions usually
required rebroadcast via "P" FOX, and (c) that success on SAFPLAN varies
inversely with the amount of traffic on "P" FOX.

The RM's do not favor the new SAFPLAN standard series; con-
tinual complaints of noise, static, JAP communications, and deliberate JAP
interference. OKINAWA contact reports were, incidentally, heard strength
5.

Signal strength of "P" FOX was good under following schedule:
13,655 Kcs from 2300 Z to 0800 Z, and 9090 (or 9050) from 0800 Z to 2300 Z;
9050 Kcs usually faded about 1800 Z. The RM's still find many flaws in
NPM's transmission tape.

Lifeguard communications were excellent on 4475 and VHF.
TENCH's assignments, May 16 and 18, closely followed the air-sub call-sign
deluge circa 15 May. TENCH used voice call, DARK EYES FOUR (re-
attached to BOX KITE FOUR). HADDOCK was heard to use BOX KITE TWO FIVE
ZERO, (call of plane with which communicating suffixed by hull number plus
GCT date).

Two attempts to copy HAIKU low frequency FOX with submerged
loop were unsuccessful.

Casualties were few but put equipment out of commission.
On 19 May, the TBL was out due to failure of heater unit blower motor;
one brush completely worn away, causing spring to be ground into commu-
tator; spare motor installed; periodic inspection of this motor difficult
due to position; faulty motor repaired.

One RAL-8 was out on 10 June; no panel controls except those
in audio circuit had any effect; remedied by replacing the C121 molded
mica condenser. Emphasizes necessity of having three HF receivers.

- 32 -
ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 91 —
U. S. S. TENCH

SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

(L) RADIO (Cont'd)

On 10 June, in the midst of a frequency shift incident to trans-
mission of TENCH THREE, the TBL ceased to put out; remedied by replacing two
803 tubes in power amplifier.

(M) RADAR

No operating time was lost due to excellent preventative work
by the RT's.

SJ. - Range indication focus poor - replaced R63.

SJ. - PPI. - Insulation failure on HV ignition cable caused
short across 2/3 of 7 meg resistor R(44). Replaced same and
R(43) which had changed resistance.

SJ/ST. - Noise interference apparently coming in IF strips.
Replaced V7 (6V6 GT voltage regulator in selector unit - was
microphonic.

The practice of manning a phone watch on the SJ was extended
to include not only periods of expected meeting with friendly submarines,
but also at times when the presence of enemy 10 CM radar was anticipated,
(see section U). Keying the radar for sweeps at five or ten minute inter-
vals was again standard procedure.

(N) SONAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

Interference at low level was encountered in all WCA receivers
shortly after the beginning of the patrol. Indications pointed to the elec-
trostatic pick-up of 60 and 120 cycle A.C. and of commutator ripple, but an
exhaustive series of continuity and external machinery tests were conducted
with no results. It was noted, however, that movement of cables connecting
sound stack terminal strips and receiver terminal strips affected the sound
intensity. A shielded cable for the filament leads was run externally from
power supply to receiver and interference eliminated. All cables were then
carefully placed to minimize interference. Shielded cabling in the sound
stack seems to have been poorly installed, as several ungrounded shields
were discovered, and interference from SJ-ST is still present in spite of
efforts to remove same by the application of lead sheathing to proximate
cables.

Intermittent operation of QB receiver was traced to inter-
mittent short in V105.

- 33 - ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 92 —
SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
U. S. S. TENCH

(N) SONAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS (Cont'd)

    Overall sound conditions in area were good, with ranges falling
off in rough seas and near shore. Sonic ranges were best, with QC, QB sen-
sitivity decreasing unusually rapidly above 15 Kc.

    Frequent contacts were made with escort vessels using 14 to 16
Kc for pinging, and one using sweep frequency ping modulation. At least two
patrol vessels in area have been heard with finding gear on a low frequency
(below QB range), apparently for searching.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

    The bathythermograph was not working properly. It gave evidence
of the usual gradients found in the vicinity of TSUGARU STRAIT, but accurate
information was not available. For this reason no bathythermograph cards are
being forwarded to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY

    All very good.

(Q) PERSONNEL

    (A) Number of men detached after previous patrol - Eleven.
    (B) Number of men on board during patrol - Seventy-nine.
    (C) Number of men qualified at start of patrol - Sixty-eight.
    (D) Number of men qualified at end of patrol - Seventy-three.
    (E) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol -
        Eight.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED

    SAIPAN to Area1,385 miles ..... 17,450 gallons
    In Area5,829 miles ..... 46,500 gallons
    Area to MIDWAY1,900 miles ..... 33,500 gallons

(S) DURATION

    Days enroute to area..... 5
    Days in area27
    Days enroute to base..... 5
    Days submerged 6½

- 34 -
ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 93 —
SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

U. S. S. TENCH

FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING
TORPEDOES | FUEL | PROVISION DAYS | PERSONNEL FACTOR
3 | 16,000 gal. | 35 | 35
Limiting factor this patrol: Torpedoes.

COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES

RADIO: JAP traffic and deliberate interference has already
been mentioned with regard to the new SAFPLAN series.

After having receipted for TIGRONE's 061215 June, on SAFPLAN
frequency, we were given unauthenticated "INT R"; characteristics
differed from TIGRONE's; we did not reply.

RADAR: Seven radar (Mark 6, Mod. 4, Type 3), planes were
picked up by APR while in area. Two were sighted and forced dive. Search
coverage by radar equipped planes seemed poor.

Signals from two 10 CM equipped escort vessels were received
by the SJ radar. APR-5 momentarily picked up only one of these. PRF's were
between 2500 and 2700 and pulse widths 4 microseconds. Search procedure
employed could not be determined. Marked side lobes were noticed (one per
side).

[HANDWRITTEN: Very Ragged]
[HANDWRITTEN: CR]
[HANDWRITTEN: 4]

One radar steadied on our bearing at a range of slightly less
than 8,000 yards. He lost contact when a course change reduced
the bow. He took no aggressive actions which would indicate positive contact.
The second radar obtained contact at about 9,000 yards and turned toward us
at 15 knots.

Land based radar contacts were as follows:
CHARACTERISTICS | LOCATION | DATE | TIME
155/300/3 | HACHIJO SHIMA | 5-19-45 | Evening
Search north possible restricted by peaks.

102/900/30 | HACHIJO SHIMA | 5-19-45 | Evening
79/500/4.5 | HACHIJO SHIMA | 5-19-45 | 2200
Weak brief contact.

- 35 -
ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 95 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION THREE TWENTY-ONE

FB5-321/P16-3
Serial: 084
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
20 June 1945

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. TENCH (SS417)
SECOND War Patrol Report.

From: The Commander Submarine Division THREE TWENTY-ONE.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron THIRTY-TWO.
      (2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
      (3) The Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. TENCH (SS417) - Report of War Patrol Number TWO.

1. The second war patrol of the U.S.S. TENCH was conducted
in the NANPO SHOTO and Northern Empire areas during the period 12
May 1945 to 17 June 1945.

2. Life guard duties were performed for the short first
phase of the patrol before shifting to the Northern Empire area for
coordinated rotating patrol under the command of Commander Lewellen
in TORSK and later Commander Hammond in GUARDFISH. Excellent area
coverage resulted in numerous worthwhile contacts which developed into
7 aggressive torpedo and 5 gun attacks.

3. Resume' of attacks follows:

Torpedo Attack #1 - While patrolling submerged, two AK's with a
Chidori escort, were sighted close inshore. Visibility was poor, but
an excellent position was attained. Three Mk 18-2 torpedoes were fired
from the bow tubes with near zero gyros at a range of 700 yards on a
90° port track. All missed and a counter march by targets prevented
further firing. Four depth charges followed and then a two hour
search. No contact was made.

Torpedo Attack #2 - A medium and small AO, sighted on 1 June,
could not be closed. After a surface chase around restricted water
a surface approach was made during darkness. Three Mk 18-2 torpedoes
were fired from the bow tubes with 15° gyro angles, on 60° track at 1500
and 1700 yards, followed by one stern torpedo. One hit resulted and
the medium AO sank in five minutes.

Torpedo Attack #3 - A radar approach in rough seas on 4 June
resulted in the sinking of a heavily laden, three island AK. Four
Mk 18-2 torpedoes were fired down sea, depth setting 8 feet, from
2000 yards on a 90° track with zero gyros. One hit was obtained and

- 1 -
[STAMP: 7 02210]

— page 96 —
FB5-321/P16-3
Serial: 084

SUBMARINE DIVISION THREE TWENTY-ONE
20 June 1945

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS TENCH (SS417) SECOND
War Patrol Report.

Subject: U.S.S. TENCH (SS417) - Report of War Patrol Number
TWO.

— page 97 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION THREE TWENTY-ONE

FB5-321/A16-3
Serial: 084

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS TENCH (SS417) SECOND
War Patrol Report.

Subject: U.S.S. TENCH (SS417) - Report of War Patrol Number
TWO.

— page 98 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION THREE TWENTY-ONE

FB5-321/A16-3
Serial: 084                                                20 June 1945

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS TENCH (SS417) SECOND
War Patrol Report.

Subject:      U.S.S. TENCH (SS417) - Report of War Patrol Number
              TWO.

6. The Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew are most
heartily congratulated upon the completion of this outstanding
patrol.

[SIGNATURE: J. R. Waterman]
J. R. WATERMAN

— page 99 —
FC5-32/A16-3
Serial: 078
CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS TENCH (SS417)
SECOND War Patrol Report.

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

Subject: U.S.S. TENCH (SS417) - Report of War Patrol Number TWO.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the Commander
Submarine Division THREE TWENTY-ONE.

2. It is recommended the U.S.S. TENCH be credited with the
following damage to the enemy on this patrol:

SUNK

1 - Medium AO (EU) | 6,520 tons | (Attack #2)
1 - Medium AK (EU) | 4,000 tons | (Attack #3)
1 - Small AK (EU) | 2,000 tons | (Attack #5)
1 - Small AO (EU) | 2,800 tons | (Attack #6)
1 - MIS (Trawler) (EU) | 50 tons | (Gun Attack #1)
1 - MIS (Sea Truck) (EU) | 100 tons | (Gun Attack #2)
1 - MIS (Picket Boat No. 113) (EU) | 200 tons | (Gun Attack #3)
1 - MIS (Trawler) (EU) | 60 tons | (Gun Attack #4)
1 - MIS (Trawler) (EU) | 60 tons | (Gun Attack #5)
Total - 15,790 tons.

3. The Commander Submarine Squadron THIRTY-TWO takes great
pleasure in congratulating the commanding officer, officers, and crew
of the U.S.S. TENCH upon the completion of this smartly conducted,
aggressive, and outstanding second war patrol, and upon the extensive
damage suffered by the enemy due to the expertly conducted torpedo and
gun attacks on targets encountered as a result of intelligent area
coverage.

[SIGNATURE: K. C. HURD.]
K. C. HURD.

SUBMARINE SQUADRON THIRTY TWO
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
24 June 1945

[STAMP: 7 02210]

— page 100 —
[HANDWRITTEN: REG. NO /V]
[STAMP: R.S. NO 7 02210]
[HANDWRITTEN: SHEET NO mr/21]

FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)

Serial 01663

CONFIDENTIAL

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
4 July 1945.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
TENCH Report of
Second War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 803
U.S.S. TENCH - SECOND WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: /U.S.S. TENCH (SS417) - Report of Second War Patrol /
(12 May to 17 June 1945).

1. The second war patrol of the TENCH, under the command of Commander
T. S. Baskett, U. S. Navy, was conducted in the Nanpo Shoto and northern Empire
areas. The TENCH performed lifeguard duties for a short period early in the pa-
trol, and then operated with coordinated attack groups under the command of the
commanding officers of the U.S.S. TORSK and U.S.S. GUARDFISH.

2. This outstanding patrol was packed full of action. Contacts were
numerous, and the TENCH took advantage of every opportunity to inflict damage upon
the enemy. Seven expertly conducted torpedo attacks and five aggressive gun at-
tacks were delivered, and resulted in the sinking of four large ships and five
small craft.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
commanding officer, officers, and crew of the TENCH for this second successful
submarine patrol, of which all hands may well be very proud. The TENCH is cre-
dited with having inflicted the following damage upon the enemy during this pa-
trol:

S U N K
1 - Medium AO (MANZYU Maru Type) (EC) - 6,500 tons (Attack No. 2)
1 - Medium AK (EU) - 4,000 tons (Attack No. 3)
1 - Small AK (EU) - 2,000 tons (Attack No. 5)
1 - Small AO (Type TM Modified SAS) (EC) - 2,800 tons (Attack No. 6)
1 - MIS (Trawler) (EC) - 50 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)
1 - MIS (Sea Truck) (EC) - 100 tons (Gun Attack No. 2)
1 - MIS (Picket Boat No. 113) (EC) - 200 tons (Gun Attack No. 3)
1 - MIS (Trawler) (EC) - 60 tons (Gun Attack No. 4)
1 - MIS (Trawler) (EC) - 60 tons (Gun Attack No. 5)

TOTAL SUNK 15,770 tons

Distribution & Authentication
on next page.

- 1 -

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

E. E. YEOMANS.

— page 101 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 01663

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
TENCH Report of
Second War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 803
U.S.S. TENCH - SECOND WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. TENCH (SS417) - Report of Second War Patrol
(12 May to 17 June 1945).

— page 102 —
U. S. S. TENCH

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
2 September 1945.
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: Gf0958] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 8/20/72]

SS417/A16-3
Serial [HANDWRITTEN: 022]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

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

Subject: U. S. S. TENCH (SS417), Report of War Patrol Number THREE.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track chart.

1. Enclosure (A) covering the third war patrol of this vessel
conducted in the YELLOW and EAST CHINA SEAS during the period July 23, 1945,
to September 2, 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: T. S. Baskett]
T. S. BASKETT.

[HANDWRITTEN: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 158978]

— page 103 —
SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

U. S. S. TENCH

(A) PROLOGUE

June 17, 1945

Upon completion of second patrol moored SUBMARINE BASE, MIDWAY,
T.H. Received normal 2-week refit from SUBMARINE BASE and SUB-
MARINE DIVISION 321 Relief Crew. All work was competently done,
and the ship was turned over to regular crew in spotless condi-
tion on July 2. Received normal training period.

July 12

1600(Y) Underway for SAIPAN in company with BILLFISH, in accordance
with Commander Task Group 17.5 OpOrder 25-45.

July 14

1200(M) Lat. 26° 17' N. Long. 178° 17' E.

July 15

1200(L) Lat. 24° 11' N. Long. 172° 55' E.

July 16

1200(L) Lat. 22° 03' N. Long. 167° 12' E.

July 17

1200(L) Lat. 20° 18' N. Long. 161° 39' E.
1313(L) Sent message to Commander Task Group 17.7 requesting SAIPAN
rendezvous.

July 18

0415(L) Exchanged recognition signals and calls by SJ radar with east-
bound LAPON.
1200(L) Lat. 19° 01' N. Long. 156° 10' E.
2340(K) Exchanged recognition signals and calls by SJ radar with east-
bound RONQUIL.

July 19

1200(K) Lat. 18° 11' N. Long. 150° 51' E.

- 1 - ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 104 —
U. S. S. TENCH

SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

(A) PROLOGUE (Cont'd)

                                        July 20

0800(K) Sighted tops of three eastbound submarines, probably SEA OWL,
        SPOT and QUEENFISH.
0815(K) Exchanged calls with SEA OWL.
0912(K) Sighted ALAMAGAN ISLAND bearing 271, distant about 50 miles.
1200(K) Lat. 17° 30' N. Long. 146° 19' E. Sighted friendly planes
        during afternoon.

                                        July 21

0455(K) Made radar contact with our SAIPAN escort, LCI 1098.
0945(K) Moored in nest alongside ORION in TANAPAG HARBOR, SAIPAN.
        Received minor voyage repairs, topped off fuel and provisions,
        removed two torpedoes and took on 72 rounds of 5" ammunition.
        Commanding Officer flew to GUAM for operation order.

(B) NARRATIVE

Officers and Chief Petty Officers on board.

Name                                     No. previous
                                         patrols

BASKETT, T. S.         Comdr.            8
TURNER, T.             Lieut.            11
WRIGHT, J. E.          Lieut.            2
SPURNEY, A. B.         Lieut. (E)L       2
D'ANGELO, F. M.        Lieut. (E)L       2
O'CONNELL, R. F.       Lt(jg) (E)L-T     2
SCHMERTZ, R. C. jr.    Lt(jg)            12
MARSTAUZ, S.           Lt(jg) (E)L       1
CROSS, M. E.

EDMONDSON, O. T.       CTM(T)            9
WHITE, T. M.           CTM(AA)(T)        10
RAIDER, L. E.          CMOMM             9
COLLINS, C. C.         CMOMM(T)          3
BRYSON, A. C.          CMOMM             0
HARWOOD, G. S.         CMOMM(T)          7
SMITH, E. E.           CEM(AA)(T)        7
CASTILLE, J. G.        CY(AA)(T)         2
MORRISON, D. R.        CRhM(T)

- 2 -                                    ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 105 —
U. S. S. TENCH

SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

ALL TIMES ITEM (-9) UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

July 23

0937(K) Underway from alongside ORION in company with BILLFISH and LION-
         FISH in accordance with OpOrder 166-45.
1500(K) Released escort.
1810(K) Exchanged calls with southbound QUILLBACK.

July 24

0835(K) Exchanged calls with southbound STEELHEAD.
1200(K) Lat. 18° 29' N. Long. 142° 31' E.

July 25

1200(K) Lat. 22° 19' N. Long. 139° 27' E.
1242(K) Exchanged calls with southbound SPRINGER.
1955(K) Exchanged calls with southbound THREADFIN.

July 26

0615(K) Exchanged calls with southbound DENTUDA.
1200(K) Lat. 26° 59' N. Long. 139° 32' E.
1417(K) Sighted two carrier-based planes (TBFs). These turned out to
         be the advance guard of a major task force. Other carrier
         planes, mostly SB2Cs, sighted during rest of day.
1735(K) Sighted tops of task force heading our way. This outfit in-
         cluded three IOWAs, three ESSEXs, a couple of ATLANTAs, several
         tankers, and destroyers without number.
1839(K) Three destroyers reported as our escorts until clear of fleet.
         After clearing this outfit sighted a good-sized BRITISH task
         force to northward.
2030(K) All clear. Escorts departed.

July 27

0200(K) Received orders from Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet
         for TENCH and BILLFISH to proceed to YELLOW SEA for patrol,
         leaving at sunset today. Released LIONFISH.
0640(K) Exchanged calls with lifeguarding ATULE.
0840(K) Passed line to ATULE and exchanged movies via her breeches buoy.
0925(K) Parted company with ATULE, each doubtless cursing the other as
         a result of the trade.

- 3 -
ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 106 —
SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

U. S. S. TENCH

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

1200(K) Lat. 29° 20' N. Long. 139° 45' E.
1900(K) Heading west on 2 engines for YELLOW SEA patrol, BILLFISH in
company.
1920(K) Radar contact on friendly plane.

July 28

0100(K) Radar contact on what turned out to be eastbound SEA ROBIN.
1200(K) Lat. 29° 24' N. Long. 133° 46' E.
2103(I) Radar contact on YAKU SHIMA at 57 miles.

July 29

0100 Transiting COLNETT STRAIT.
0530 Lost radar contact with BILLFISH, but continued to receive her
SJ interference until
0806 Lost SJ interference from BILLFISH, bearing 150° (T). Pro-
ceeding northward through EAST CHINA SEA to pass north of DANJO
GUNTO and south of SAISHO TO, thence to YELLOW SEA. Instruc-
tions for rotating patrol have been sent to BLACKFISH and BILL-
FISH via Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet and FOX
schedules.
Made trim dive.
0822 Surfaced.
1200 Lat. 31° 42' N. Long. 128° 50' E.
Sighted several groups of friendly planes during afternoon.

July 30

0730 Entered MAIKOTSU SUIDO.
1200 Lat. 34° 52' N. Long. 125° 23' E. Patrolling on surface
north of MAIKOTSU SUIDO and KO TO.
1355 Sighted a motor trawler or lugger distance about six miles, pro-
ceeding on a southerly course at six knots. Closed and
1416 Opened fire with 40 m.m. at range of 900 yards, closing. Prior
to opening fire observed four men in water in target's wake.
Target carried a number of oil drums on deck. Shell hit, these
would emit a brief billow of flame and smoke, but no fire would
take hold, even after about 25 hand incendiaries had
been tossed aboard. Finally riddled water line with 40m.m. and
crew picking up survivors. Ended up with eight (the
entire crew) on board, all apparently KOREANS. There were no lifeboats.
Observed target to sink. Survivors gave her name as SAKIYOSHI
MARU.

- 4 - ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 107 —
U. S. S. TENCH

SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

July 31
1200 | Lat. 35° 11' N. Long. 125° 07' E.
1422 | Sighted two PBM search planes. Asked for contacts by VHF;
| answer was "negative".
1900 | Commenced passage through islands north of SAISHO TO enroute to
| lifeguard station off KYUSHU.

August 1
| Passing through EAST CHINA SEA enroute lifeguard station.
1130 | Set lifeguard communications watch for TEXAS LEAGUE strike and
| informed POMFRET of our presence in area. This is not the show
| we were invited to, but thought we might be able to help.
1200 | Lat. 33° 20' N. Long. 127° 37' E.
2055 | SJ contact on plane, closing rapidly. Identified as friendly
| by VHF.

August 2
| The strike for which we were to lifeguard postponed because of
| typhoon. We are standing by in area between FUKAE SHIMA and
| KOSHI KI RETTO.
1200 | Lat. 32° 09' N. Long. 129° 41' E.

August 3
0300 | Barometer at its nadir. Figure center of typhoon passed about
| 100 miles west of us about this time.
1200 | Lat. 32° 12' N. Long. 129° 07' E.

August 4
| Typhoon has apparently recurved to eastward; wind now southwest
| and seas heavy, with frequent squalls.
0810 | Submerged to take it easy. Seas gradually subsided during morn-
| ing.
1200 | Lat. 32° 10' N. Long. 128° 50' E.
1236 | Surfaced.
1645 | Sighted and exchanged calls with BLACKFISH.
1830 | Our strike has been cancelled. Set course for YELLO. 30 miles
| south of SAISHO TO. Boats in that area are now BILLFISH and
| ARGONAUT, the latter having taken the BLACKFISH's billet.

- 5 - ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 108 —
U. S. S. TENCH

SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

August 5

1200 Lat. 33° 13' N. Long. 125° 46' E.

August 6

Had selected OSEI TO ANCHORAGE for bombardment ordered for this
date by Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet. During morn-
ing made three passes at less than a mile from harbor entrance
but unable to see anything because of fog. Harbor too small and
landlocked to permit radar analysis of its contents. Between
passes ran away from island in different directions
1200 Lat. 36° 08' N. Long. 126° 07' E.
1158 Sighted two small open fishing boats, practically tied up to a
large rock near OIYONU TO. Closed, hailed them alongside, and
put our KOREAN passengers on board. In exchange took their
entire catch--3 fish. Then headed back for OSEI TO. Fog had
lifted. Anchorage contained nine schooners, one sea truck, and
a small trawler was heading out. Many small open boats in the
area. Schooners were packed together behind a breakwater.
1338 Opened fire. Fired 83 rounds of 5", at ranges of 2100 to 2800
yards, for about 40 hits in schooners, sea truck, and a group
of massed warehouses on the beach. Four or more schooners
destroyed, the rest damaged. The trawler had run himself on
the rocks--gave it several 40m.m. hits.
1403 Ceased firing, cleared island to northwest.
1529 Sighted single-engine plane, coming in low and heading at us
from direction of OSEI TO, distant about six miles. Submerged.
2000 Surfaced. Proceeding north toward CHOSAN KAN.

August 7

Patrolling vicinity CHOSAN KAN and DAISEI GUNTO on surface in
rain and generally poor visibility. Only contacts were two
small fishing boats at anchor.
1200 Lat. 38° 24' N. Long. 124° 31' E.

August 8

0800 Left CHOSAN KAN, heading west toward KWANTUNG PROMONTORY.
1200 Lat. 38° 24' N. Long. 123° 41' E.
1550 Sighted two 2-engine planes, elevation about 200, distant about
ten miles. Submerged. These could have been SALLYs or VENTURAS,
but were too close for formalities.

- 6 - ENCLOSURE "A"

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U. S. S. TENCH

CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

1614 Surfaced. Patrolled off KWANTUNG PROMONTORY during night.

August 9

0720 Submerged for patrol off tip of KWANTUNG.
1200 Lat. 38° 42' N. Long. 121° 05' E.
1352 Shortly after a low surface fog set in, sighted a stack and
     4 masts sticking out of fog. Commenced approach. As the en-
     semble was moving in the direction of the stack, decided it was
     a tug with two barges. As we closed fog got worse, and finally
     lost sight of everything at a range of 1200 yards.
     With range by ST 1100 yards, surfaced. Could see target clearly
     from bridge.
1422 Fired two bow tubes at tug, depth set 2 feet, run 600 yards.
     1 hit; tug disappeared in shower of debris, much of it falling
     around us.
1425 Fired one bow tube at second barge. Hit, with results similar
     to those on tug. Circled for shot at remaining barge.
1431 Fired one bow tube, run about 600 yards. Miss. Circled again
     and at
1440 Fired one bow tube at range of 550 yards. Hit. Fog practically
     disappeared by now. Our position, due to currents, is now on
     the west coast of KWANTUNG PROMONTORY. Headed south and through
     LAOTIEHSHAN CHANNEL on surface. Sighted several small sail
     boats on horizon on the way out. This target group very much
     resembled the picture in upper left corner of page 113, O.N.I.
     208 J, Supplement 2, minus the troops.
1750 Sighted plane, possibly BETTY, high and nearly overhead. Sub-
     merged. Plane dropped a couple of very small explosives of
     sort—sounded like hand grenades.
2000 Surfaced. Proceeded vicinity of SHANTUNG PROMONTORY.

August 10

1200 Patrolling vicinity SHANTUNG. Many small fishing boats in area,
     but nothing else.
     Lat. 37° 28' N. Long. 122° 52' E.

August 11

1200 Same as yesterday.
     Lat. 36° 54' N. Long. 123° 19' E.

- 7 - ENCLOSURE "A"

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SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

                                                                August 12

1200        Same as yesterday.
            Lat. 38° 08' N. Long. 122° 55' E.
            In afternoon headed down toward southern part of area.

                                                                August 13

            Patrolling off western coast of KOREA.
1200        Lat. 34° 55' N. Long. 124° 39' E.

                                                                August 14

            Same as yesterday.
1200        Lat. 36° 18' N. Long. 125° 32' E.
1735        Sighted a fleet of about a dozen two-masted fishing boats.
            Closed and looked one over at about 200 yards-not worth shoot-
            ing.
2100        Received orders to proceed to lifeguard station off KYUSHU.
            Headed west to round DAIKOKUZAN RETTO, then south to pass west-
            ward of SAISHO TO.

                                                                August 15

0815        Peace, it's wonderful!
1200        Lat. 32° 53' N. Long. 124° 58' E.

            From this time until end of patrol we stood by in areas assigned
            by Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, sighting occasional
            planes, many drifting mines (destroyed twenty-four by gunfire),
            and other boats. Noon positions during this period follow:

            August 16 Lat. 32° 30' N. Long. 129° 09' E.
            August 17 Lat. 32° 47' N. Long. 125° 29' E.
            August 18 Lat. 34° 18' N. Long. 123° 51' E.
            August 19 Lat. 34° 33' N. Long. 125° 00' E.
            August 20 Lat. 34° 37' N. Long. 124° 37' E.
            August 21 Lat. 34° 37' N. Long. 124° 03' E.
            August 22 Lat. 34° 42' N. Long. 124° 10' E.
            August 23 Lat. 34° 35' N. Long. 124° 10' E.
            August 24 Lat. 34° 51' N. Long. 122° 41' E.
            August 25 Lat. 35° 03' N. Long. 123° 15' E.
            August 26 Lat. 34° 30' N. Long. 123° 18' E.
            August 27 Lat. 34° 30' N. Long. 123° 21' E.
            August 28 Lat. 32° 03' N. Long. 124° 03' E.

                                    - 8 -                                 ENCLOSURE "A"

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CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd)

     At sunset August 28 departed station and proceeded via prescribed
     joint lanes to GUAM.

                                        September 2

     Moored SUBMARINE BASE, GUAM.

- 9 -                                                ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 112 —
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U. S. S. TENCH

(C) WEATHER

Calm and mild except for the typhoon of August 2. The first
week of our patrol in the YELLOW SEA was marked by fog and frequent
drizzle. The second week was sunny and pleasant.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

A westerly current of at least six knots was encountered off
the tip of KWANTUNG PROMONTORY; it swept us around the point and up the
west coast of the promontory. As we surfaced there for an attack and
then cleared out, we did not experience the following ebb tidal current.
Aside from this no noteworthy currents were encountered in the YELLOW
SEA.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

None worth noting.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS

None except tug and barges sunk off KWANTUNG PROMONTORY.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

A single-engine plane was sighted heading toward us following
our bombardment of OSEI TO on August 6. This was probably called from
the GUNZAN FIELD by the radio on OSEI. On August 8 and again on the 9th
two-engine planes were sighted in the north part of the YELLOW SEA. These
were seen PVs, but were too close when sighted to permit waiting
around for identification. The second of these dropped a couple of very
small bombs or grenades.

- 10 - ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 113 —
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CONFIDENTIAL

(H) ATTACK DATA
U. S. S. TENCH (SS417) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 3
TIME 1423 I DATE 9 August 1945 LAT. 38° 48' N. LONG. 121° 01.5' E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: Tug, 300 tons (EU). (Towing two barges, each 400
tons.
Ship(s) Sunk: One (1) tug, 300 tons (EU).

Damage Determined by: Target observed to sink after one observed hit.
Target Draft 5' Course 140 Speed 5 kts Range 720 (at firing)

OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 6 kts Course 025 Depth Surface Angle 0° (at firing)
FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack Day surface, radar ranges, TBT bearings, TDC and 2
plots for solution.

| | Tube No. 3 | Tube No. 4 |
| :| :| :|
| Tubes Fired             | 60 S       | 60 S       |
| Track Angle             | 354        | 355 - 30   |
| Gyro Angle              | 630        | 600        |
| Torpedo Run             | 2 ft       | 2 ft       |
| Depth Set               | 27.2       | 27.0       |
| Power                   | Miss       | Hit        |
| Hit or Miss             | No         | No         |
| Erratic (Yes or No)     | 18-2       | 18-1       |
| Mark Torpedo            | 99335      | 55380      |
| Serial Number           | 8-5        | 8-5        |
| Mark Exploder           | 8481       | 9839       |
| Serial Number           | Contact    | Contact    |
| Actuation Set           | None       | Contact    |
| Actuation Actual        | 18-2       | 18-2       |
| Mark Warhead            | 5686       | 5377       |
| Serial Number           | TPX        | TPX        |
| Explosive               | 20 seconds |            |
| Firing Interval         | M.O.T.     | M.O.T.     |
| Type Spread             | Sea and swell state 0. |            |
| Sea Conditions          | U.S. SUBBASE, MIDWAY, T.H. |            |
| Overhaul Activity       | 75°        | 64°        |
| Electrolyte             | 58°        | 58°        |
| Injection               |            |            |
| Remarks                 |            | Running time of No. 4 was 38 seconds. |

- 11 - ENCLOSURE "A"

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CONFIDENTIAL

U. S. S. TENCH

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)
U. S. S. TENCH (SS417) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 PATROL NO. 3
TIME 1424 I DATE 9 August 1945 LAT. 38° 48' N. LONG. 121° 01.5' E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description: Barge, 400 tons (EU). (Second tow of tug in attack
No. 1).

Ship(s) Sunk: One (1) barge, 400 tons (EU).

Damage Determined by: Target observed to sink after one observed hit.
Target Draft UN Course 140 Speed 0 Range 460 (at firing)

OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 4 kts Course 005 Depth Surface Angle 0° (at firing)

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack Day surface, radar ranges, TBT bearings, TDC and 2
plots for solution.

Tube Fired Tube No. 5
Track Angle 40 S
Gyro Angle 351 - 30
Torpedo Run 420
Depth Set 2 ft
Power 27.0 K
Hit or Miss Hit
Erratic (yes or no) No
Mark Torpedo 18-2
Serial Number 99378
Mark Exploder 8-5
Serial Number 10097
Actuation Set Contact
Actuation actual Contact
Mark Warhead 18-2
Serial Number 9323
Explosive TPX
Firing Interval
Type Spread M.O.T.
Sea Conditions Sea and swell state 0.
Overhaul Activity U.S. SUBBASE, MIDWAY, T.H.
Electrolyte 64°
Injection 58°
Remarks Running time was 27 seconds.

- 12 - ENCLOSURE "A"

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SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

                                                              U. S. S. TENCH

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)
U. S. S. TENCH (SS417)             TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3             PATROL NO. 3
TIME 1431 I DATE 9 August 1945 LAT. 38° 48' N. LONG. 121° 01.5' E.
                                   TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description:                      Barge, 400 tons (EU). (First tow of tug in attack
                                   No. 1).

Ship(s) Sunk:                      One (1) barge, 400 tons (EU).

Damage Determined by:              Target observed to sink after one observed hit.
Target Draft UN                    Course 170       Speed 0       Range 640 (at firing)

                                   OWN SHIP DATA
Speed 2 kts                        Course 080       Depth Surface Angle 0° (at firing)

                                   FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Type Attack                        Day Surface, radar ranges, TBT bearings, TDC and
                                   2 plots for solution.

                                   Tube No. 6        Tube No. 2
Tubes Fired                        75 S              90 P
Track Angle                        356 - 30          002 - 30
Gyro Angle                         600               550
Torpedo Run                        2 ft.             2 ft.
Depth Set                          27.0 K            27.0 K
Power                              Miss              Hit
Hit or Miss                        No                No
Erratic (yes or no)                18-2              18-1
Mark Torpedo                       99358             55593
Serial Number                      8-5               8-5
Mark Exploder                      10345             9052
Serial Number                      Contact           Contact
Actuation Set                      None              None
Actuation Actual                   18-2              18-2
Mark Warhead                       5671              5615
Serial Number                      TPX               TPX
Explosive                          (Two passes, 9 minutes).
Firing Interval                    M.O.T.            M.O.T.
Type Spread                        Sea and swell state 0.
Sea Conditions                     U.S. SUBBASE, MIDWAY, T.H.
Overhaul Activity                  64°               64°
Electrolyte                        58°               58°
Injection                          Target swung 180° between shots. Running time of
Remarks                            No. 2 was 36 seconds.

                                   - 13 -                               ENCLOSURE "A"

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SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)
U. S. S. TENCH (SS417) GUN ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 3
TIME 1416 I DATE 30 July 1945 LAT. 34° 57' N. LONG. 124° 59.4' E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Sunk: One (1) motor lugger, SAKIYOSHI MARU, 80 tons (EU).
Damage Determined By: Target observed to sink.

DETAILS OF ACTION

Sighted target at 12,000 yards, tracked him at speed
6 knots, course 180° (T). Closed range and commenced fire with 40m.m.
at 900 yards, relative bearing 340°. Observed four men in water
astern of target. Opened fire with after 40m.m. at range 500 yards, relative bear-
ing 310°. Target stopped after approximately 25 hits, mostly well above
water line. Several hits were scored in oil drums on deck, but after
initial flash, flames disappeared. Came alongside and attempted to burn
target using incendiary hand grenades. Abandoned this method after 25
grenades failed to give lasting fires. Still trying to burn target,
riddled oil drums with 50 caliber at 75 yards. Results were same as those
with 40m.m. Passed target at 100 yards firing both 40m.m. guns at his
water line. 40 hits seemed sufficient to finish him. Maneuvered to pick
up men who had gone over side. Target sank, 36 minutes after opening fire.

Ammunition expended:

40m.m. 172 rounds
50 cal. 200 rounds

- 14 - ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 117 —
CONFIDENTIAL

SS417/A16-3

U. S. S. TENCH

(H) ATTACK DATA (Cont'd)

U. S. S. TENCH (SS417) GUN ATTACK NO. 2 PATROL NO. 3
TIME 1338 I DATE 6 August 1945 LAT. 36° 06.7' N. LONG. 125° 59.3' E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Sunk or Destroyed: 4 Schooners, 400 tons total (EU).

Damaged: 5 Schooners, 500 tons total (EU).
1 Sea truck, 100 tons (EU).
1 Motor trawler, 30 tons (EU).
Warehouses.

Damage Determined by: Observation from bridge.

DETAILS OF ACTION

Sighted 9 schooners, 1 sea truck, and 1 motor trawler
in OSEI TO ANCHORAGE. Trawler was heading out but passed him up for nested
schooners behind breakwater. Closed to 2700 yards, opened fire with 5-inch
gun. First targets were two 3-masted schooners slightly removed from nest.
Third shot hit. After several hits smoke obscured entire target. Shifted
to nest of 7 schooners and sea truck. Firing and hitting until smoke necess-
itated shift to targets again. Fired at mass of warehouses on beach, 6 hits
scored, one of which blew out four walls of one building. Other warehouses
damaged. Average range for this pass was 2500 yards. 34 rounds were ex-
pended. Reversed course repeating procedure used in first pass, shifting
targets as necessary. About 10 hits were observed in nest and 5 in ware-
house district. Put three more in 3-masted schooner. One schooner now cap-
sized. Others showing large holes in hulls. Second pass required 37 rounds
at average range of 2700 yards. During this pass 40m.m. guns went to work
on motor trawler. Trawler ran itself on rocks. Made third pass, finishing
off with 12 rounds for 9 hits at 2100 to 2400 yards. 40m.m. again hit
beached trawler, once in deck house, once at water line.

Ammunition expended:

5 inch 83 rounds
40m.m. 80 rounds

- 15 - ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 118 —
U. S. S. TENCH

SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

(I) MINES

     Numerous drifting mines were sighted in the YELLOW SEA. Des-
troyed twenty-four by gunfire.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

     None.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

     HULL AND MACHINERY: Material performance of the TENCH continued
to be highly satisfactory.

     During latter part of patrol the follow-up system of the master
gyro compass, Arma Mk. 7, Mod. 4, became erratic in operation with the
repeater cards sticking momentarily and then catching up. This defect was
remedied by renewing the two 6A6 amplifier tubes and several leaky con-
densers in the circuit. The bearings of the follow-up motor were found
worn and were also renewed. These repairs returned the compass to normal
operation but a thorough check of the follow-up system must be made during
refit where proper equipment for such work is available.

     The TENCH wishes to congratulate the SUBMARINE BASE, MIDWAY on
the best job of periscope packing that she has taken to sea since com-
missioning.

(L) RADIO

     Four serial messages were sent, all on primary ship - shore
freqs. Five other messages were sent on ship - shore freqs, two to pack
info Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, two acknowledgements, one
SAIPAN rendezvous; of these, TENCH 101313 August to POMFRET was passed
to NPN on 8355 Kcs due to congestion on primary series. SAFFPLAN communi-
cations with BILLFISH, ARGONAUT, POMFRET, BLACKFIN were satisfactory.

     Stationed L/G section watch on 1 August and guarded all NATIONAL
LEAGUE circuits; though not officially assigned a L/G station our position
might have found us of assistance.

     No major material casualties.

- 16 - ENCLOSURE "A"

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CONFIDENTIAL

U. S. S. TENCH

(M) RADAR

    SJ - Replaced magnet in SJ while in SAIPAN to improve tuning
    with gratifying results.
    PPI intensity increased to hard on - replaced 2nd video amp.
    HV current 25 Ma, HV normal, mod net singing weakly, bias reg-
    ulators V7, V8 not lit. Replaced shorted C22 in bias filter
    circuit.
    Replaced PORTSMOUTH training controller with rheostat and
    reversing switch.

(N) SONAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

    During attack of 9 August, QC and JK sound gear was completely
    ineffective due to the presence of a sharp temperature gradient. JP
    supplied all bearings.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

    Very few dives were made during this patrol and isothermal water
    was encountered in all but the northwest YELLOW SEA where negative gradi-
    ents of 20° to 27° were prevalent between 70 and 100 feet.

(P) FOOD, HEALTH AND HABITABILITY

    Most satisfactory.

(Q) PERSONNEL

    (A) Number of men detached after previous patrol - Thirteen.
    (B) Number of men on board during patrol - Seventy-eight.
    (C) Number of men qualified at start of patrol - Sixty-four.
    (D) Number of men qualified at end of patrol - Seventy-three.
    (E) Number of men making their first patrol - Nine.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED

    MIDWAY to SAIPAN1,968 miles ..... 21,120 gallons
    SAIPAN to Area1,026 miles ..... 12,145 gallons
    In Area7,271 miles ..... 45,900 gallons
    Area to GUAM1,817 miles ..... 20,435 gallons

- 17 - ENCLOSURE "A"

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SS417/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

(S) DURATION

    Days enroute to area3
    Days in area33
    Days enroute to base....... 5
    Days submerged1

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

    TORPEDOES     FUEL         PROVISION DAYS     PERSONNEL FACTOR
    14            28,000 gal.  20                 20

(U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES

    RADIO: No radio countermeasures other than the usual JAP
    stations on SAFPLAN freqs and occasional requests for V's, etc.

    RADAR: No new radars or unreported radars were found.

    SONAR: None.

(V) REMARKS

    None.

- 18 - ENCLOSURE "A"

— page 121 —
COMMANDER SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE HUNDRED ONE
                                                                Care of Fleet Post Offic
                                                                San Francisco, Calif.
                                                                14 September 1945

FB5-101/A16-3

Serial: (076)

CONFIDENTIAL

End-1 to U.S.S. TENCH (SS417)
War Patrol No.3

From:           Commander Submarine Division ONE HUNDRED ONE.
To :            Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via :           (1) Commander Submarine Squadron TEN.
                (2) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
                (3) Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject:        U.S.S. TENCH (SS417) - Report of Third War Patrol.

        1.      The third war patrol of the U.S.S. TENCH, under the command of
Commander T.S. Baskett, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the Yellow and East China
Seas from 23 July 1945 to 2 September 1945.

        2.      Area coverage was excellent but few targets suitable for torpedoes
were found. Several days were spent life guarding, but no aviators were rescued.

        3.      On 30 July 1945 at about 1400 the Tench sank a motor trawler or
lugger after a well executed attack with the 40MM guns. The entire crew (8
Koreans) were rescued and later transferred to a small boat near the coast of
Korea. On 6 August 1945 the Tench conducted a bombardment of OSEI TO Anchorage
from close inshore. The mean range was about 2500 yards. 83 rounds of 5" and 80
rounds of 40MM were fired. Numerous hits were scored on schooners and seatrucks
in the harbor and on warehouses on the beach. This gun attack was conducted in
an excellent manner. On 9 August 1945 at about 1400 while submerged sight con-
tact was made on a tug towing two barges. A low lying fog caused sight contact
to be lost. Therefore the Tench surfaced and fired two torpedoes at the tug,
depth set 2 feet, and range 600 yards. One hit sank the tug. One minute later
one torpedo was fired at one barge using essentially the same data. It hit and
sank the barge. Five minutes later one torpedo was fired at the remaining barge
but it missed. The Tench circled and fired one more torpedo at the remaining
barge which hit and sank it.

        4.      The Tench returned from patrol in excellent material condition and
after 3 days voyage repairs at Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor will depart for the
East Coast.

        5.      Commander Submarine Division One Hundred One congratulates the
Commanding Officer, officers and crew on this excellently conducted patrol and
for the damage done to the enemy.

                                                                [SIGNATURE: L.D. McGREGOR, Jr.]
                                                                L.D. McGREGOR, Jr.

— page 122 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TEN
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
21 September 1945.

FCS-10/A16-3
Serial: ( 0317 )

CONFIDENTIAL

SPECIAL ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. TENCH (SS417) -
Report of War Patrol
Number Three.

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

Subject: U.S.S. TENCH (SS417) - Report of War Patrol
 Number Three.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the Com-
mander Submarine Division ONE HUNDRED ONE.

2. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Command-
ing Officer, officers and crew of the U.S.S. TENCH upon the
completion of that vessel's Third War Patrol.

3. It is recommended that the U.S.S. TENCH be cred-
ited with the following:

SUNK
1 Tug (EU) 300 tons
2 Barges (EU) 800 tons
1 Motor Lugger (Sakiyoshi Maru) (EU) 100 tons
4 Schooners (EU) 400 tons
 Total Sunk 1600 tons

DAMAGED
5 Schooners (EU) 500 tons
1 Sea Truck (EU) 100 tons
1 Motor Trawler (EU) 30 tons
 Total Damaged 630 tons

Total Sunk and Damaged 2230 tons
[SIGNATURE: g.g. Peterson]
G. L. PETERSON.

— page 123 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 02392
[UNCLEAR: CONFIDENTIAL]
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
TENCH Report of
Third War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 925
U.S.S. TENCH - THIRD WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. TENCH (SS417) - Report of Third War Patrol
(23 July to 2 September 1945).

1. The third war patrol of the U.S.S. TENCH, Commander T.S.
Baskett, U.S. Navy, commanding, was conducted in the East China and Yellow Seas.

2. On this aggressively prosecuted patrol TENCH carried the fight
to the enemy. In a rapid series of three torpedo attacks a tug and the two
barges comprising its tow were eliminated. In a brief, unopposed gun action
a small craft was sunk. The entire crew was made prisoner but later released.
Directed to create a diversion on 6 August TENCH complied in most convincing
fashion by shelling the shipping in Osei To anchorage and building along the
water front. Surface opposition was non-existent. Although available for lifeguard duty TENCH's services were not
required. An occasional unidentified plane, presumed hostile, was sighted one of which attacked with bombs so small
as to be likened to grenades. As usual in this vicinity drifting mines were
plentiful, a total of twenty-four being destroyed.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, takes pleasure in
congratulating the commanding officer, officers, and men of the TENCH on the
completion of this lively and successful patrol during which and in addition to
bombardment of the shore establishment at Osei To, the following damage was
inflicted on the enemy:

S U M M A R Y

1 - MIS (Sakiyoshi Maru) (EU) | 80 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)
1 - Tug (EU) | 300 tons (Torpedo Attack No. 1)
1 - Barge (EU) | 400 tons (Torpedo Attack No. 2)
4 - Schooners (EU) | 400 tons (Gun Attack No. 3)
TOTAL SUNK | 1580 tons

[HANDWRITTEN: 4/14]
[HANDWRITTEN: Room 2055]
[STAMP: RECEIVED 1 OCT 1945]
[HANDWRITTEN: File No. 33 / SS417]
[HANDWRITTEN: Doc. No. 188696]
[HANDWRITTEN: Copy No. 1]
[HANDWRITTEN: M-2-6]

[HANDWRITTEN: 2ND Copy]
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
[HANDWRITTEN: fw]
bn
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
26 Sept. 1945.

NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING HARBOR.

[STAMP: THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS]
[STAMP: FLEET MAINTENANCE]
[STAMP: 18 OCT 1945]
[STAMP: RECEIVED]
[STAMP: NAVY DEPARTMENT]

1

— page 124 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 02392

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
COMSUBSPAC ltr.
Third War Patrol.

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
bn
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.
26 Sept. 1945.
NOTE: THIS REPORT IS
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 925
U.S.S. TENCH - THIRD WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. TENCH (SS417) - Report of Third War Patrol
(23 July to 2 September 1945).

— page 125 —
END OF REEL [HANDWRITTEN: * 1]
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: H-108 AR-12-80]
[HANDWRITTEN: TENCH]

|||1.0 |||4.5 |||2.8 |||2.5
|||5.0 |||3.2 |||2.2
|||5.6 |||3.6 |||2.0
|||1.1 |||6.3 |||4.0 |||1.8
|||7.1
|||8.0
|||1.25 |||1.4 |||1.6

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