U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS-242) — war patrol report SS-242_BLUEGILL_Part2.pdf

— page 3 —
12a/hr
15 December 1944.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT:
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Third War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Third War Patrol.

4. BLUEGILL Battle Surfaced in the SULU SEA during daylight and attempted to sink three heavily located camouflaged Sea Trucks. They returned the fire with automatic weapons in short order. One of the Sea Trucks was quickly silenced by four inch hits and fire from the forward 20 MM gun, but the after 30 MM jammed and one of the other Sea Trucks was able to rake the bridge with .50 caliber fire, which injured three men. The Commanding Officer wisely decided to dive, but one more man was injured while clearing the bridge. Fortunately none of the personnel were seriously injured. If attacks on the range of automatic weapons. In they should be conducted beyond the range of automatic weapons. In general, however, experience has indicated that the results to be attained are not worth the risks involved.

5. Battery explosions occurred in two Mark 18-1 torpedoes during this patrol. A serious battery fire followed one of these explosions and the torpedo had to be jettisoned. The contact resistance of the toggle cut-off switch in the hydrogen burner circuit of tubes nine and ten was found to vary anywhere between 0.1 and 0.9 ohms, whereas the normal resistance was about 0.05 ohms. When the resistance through the switch was high the current was reduced below the burning point, allowing an explosive concentration of hydrogen to be built up. Then, when one of the burner circuits was cut off, the increased current flow through the other parallel burner circuits was sufficient to heat the burner and set off the explosive mixture. The current through each burner circuit must be carefully checked every four hours. If the current is found to be below the required value at any time the tube must be ventilated before the hydrogen burner circuit is turned on again.

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

7. The Force Commander heartily congratulates BLUEGILL's Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew on this splendidly aggressive and very successful patrol in which the following damage was inflicted on the enemy:

— page 4 —
15 December 1944.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT:
USS BLUEGILL Conf. Ltr. A16-3
Serial 039, dated 25 November, 1944. Report of Third War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Third War Patrol - Comment on.

4. BLUEGILL Battle Surfaces in the SULU SEA during daylight and attempted to sink three heavily loaded camouflaged Sea Trucks. They returned the fire with automatic weapons in short order. One of the Sea Trucks was quickly silenced by four inch hits and fire from the forward 20 MM gun, but the after 20 MM jammed and one of the other Sea Trucks was able to rake the bridge with .50 calibre fire, which injured three men. The Commanding officer wisely decided to dive, but one more man was injured while clearing the bridge. Fortunately none of the personnel were seriously injured. If attacks of this nature are to be attempted they should be conducted beyond the range of automatic weapons. In general, however, experience has indicated that the results to be attained are not worth the risks involved.

5. Battery explosions occurred in two Mark 18-1 torpedoes during this patrol. A serious battery fire followed one of these explosions and the torpedo had to be jettisoned. The contact resistance of the torpedo had to be switched in the hydrogen burner circuit of tubes nine and ten was found to vary anywhere between 0.1 and 0.9 ohms, whereas the normal resistance was about 0.05 ohms. When the resistance through the switch was high the current was reduced below the burning point, allowing an explosive concentration of hydrogen to be built up. Then, when one of the burner circuits was cut off, the increased current flow through the other parallel burner circuits was sufficient to heat the burner and set off the explosive mixture. The current through each burner circuit must be carefully checked every four hours. If the current is found to be below the required value at any time the tube must be ventilated before the hydrogen burner circuit is turned on again.

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

7. The Force Commander heartily congratulates BLUEGILL's Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew on this splendidly aggressive and very successful patrol in which the following damage was inflicted on the enemy:

- [Text cut off]

— page 5 —
15 December 1944.
FE24-71/A16-3
UNITED STATES NAVY
12a/hr
Serial 01549
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BLUEGILL Conf. I.t.r. A16-3
Serial 039, dated 25 November,
1944. Report of Third War
Patrol.
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Third War
Patrol - Comment on.

SUNK
1 - SMC 1,500 Tons (Gun art Torpedo
Attacks No. 1).
1 - AK (ARABIA MARU - EC) % 9,500 Tons (Attack No. 3). Odj14 of 105
1 - AP (Small - EU) 4,000 Tons (Attack No. 3). Odj15 of 105
1 - AK (Large - EU) 7,500 Tons (Attack No. 5). Odj16 of 105
1 - DE Total 22,500 Tons
DAMAGED 23,300
1 - AK (Similar to ARABIA
MARU - EC) % 9,500 Tons (Attack No. 1). Odj15 of 105
2 - SMC (Sea Trucks) 1,000 Tons (Gun attack No. 2).
Total 10,500 Tons
Grand Total 33,000 Tons
R. W. CHRISTIE.

% Verified by POW interrogation.

— page 6 —
3.mill
J. B. MILLER,
Flag Secretary.

J. B. MILLER
Flag Secretary

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

— page 7 —
1/2
Al6-3(2)(C)(F-3/cgj)
Serial: 0??
C-O-N-F-I-D-J-N-T-I-A-I

TITRID FIDOREMENT to:
USS BLUEGILL conf. 1tr.
Al6-3 serial 039, dated
25 November 1944.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (S3242) - report
of Third War Patrol - comment on.

1. Forwarded.

2. The splendid results of this patrol
achieved in four submerged, two night surface torpedo attacks, and two gun attacks are noted with
satisfaction.

3. The remarks of Commander Submarines
Seventh Fleet in regard to gun attacks are concerned in. The value of possible damage to the
enemy versus the loss of lives of skilled personnel
and risk of holing the pressure hull should be
carefully weighed.

4. The Commander Seventh Fleet congratulates the commanding officer, officers and crew of
the U.S.S. BLUEGILL on splendidly executed patrol
and on the heavy damage inflicted on the enemy.

Copy to:
ConsSubs7thFlt
ConsSubon-18
CO, USS BLUEGILL (S3242)

C. E. VAN HOVE
Input.

— page 8 —
14a/pr
FE24-71/A16-3
UNITED STATES NAVY
Serial_0496
CONFIDENTIAL
13 March 1945.
From: The Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
To: The Commander in Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: The Commander, SEVENTH FLEET.
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Revision of Damage Inflicted during Third War Patrol.
Reference: (a) ComSubs7thFlt 2nd Enf. FE24-71/A16-3 (Serial 01549) dated 15 Dec. 1944 to U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) Conf. Ltr. A16-3 (Serial 039) dated 25 Nov. 1944 (Report of Third War Patrol).
1. Observations reported from POW interrogation from ARABIA NARU, sunk by BLUEGILL on her Third War Patrol have indicated that damage assessment as made in Reference (a) should be changed.
2. BLUEGILL was formerly credited as follows:
SUNK
1 - SMC
1 - AK (ARABIA NARU - EC) 1;500 Tons (Gun & Torp. Att. No. 1)
1 - AP (Small - EU) 9;500 Tons (Attack No. 3)
1 - AK (Large - EU) 4;000 Tons (Attack No. 3)
7;500 Tons (Attack No. 3)
Total 22,500 Tons
DAMAGED
1 - AK {Similar to ARABIA NARU - EC} 9;500 Tons (Attack No. 2)
2 - SMC (Sea Trucks) 1;000 Tons (Gun Attack No. 2)
Total 10,500 Tons
Grand Total 33,000 Tons
3. To the damage inflicted as shown in paragraph two, is added one DE - 800 Tons (EC) sunk, making damaged assigned as follows:
-1-
4 01242

— page 9 —
13 March 1945.
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Revision of Damage Inflicted during Third War Patrol.

SUNK
1 - SMC 1,500 Tons (Gun & Torp. Att. No. 1)
1 - AK (ARABIA MARU - EC)* 9,500 Tons (Attack No. 3)
1 - AP (Small - EU) 4,000 Tons (Attack No. 3)
1 - DE (EC) 800 Tons (Attack No. 2)
1 - AK (Large - EU) 7,500 Tons (Attack No. 5)

Total 23,300 Tons

DAMAGED
1 - AK (Similar to ARABIA MARU - EC)* 9,500 Tons (Attack No. 2)
2 - SMC (Sea Trucks) 1,000 Tons (Gun Attack No. 2)

Total 10,500 Tons

Grand Total 33,800 Tons

* - Certified by POW Interrogation.

JAMES FIFE.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cominoh (3) Direct CTG-71.5 (2)
Vice Opnav (2) Direct CTG-71.8 (2)
Vice Opnav Op-23c (1) ComSubRon-26 (2)
ComlstFlit (1) DivComSubRon-12 (1 ea)
Com2ndFlit (1) DivComSubRon-18 (1 ea)
Com7thFlit (2) DivComSubRon-26 (1 ea)
ComSubs1stFlit (30) S/M School, N.L. Com (2)
ComSubs2ndFlit (4) Comdt. NYD, Puget Sound (1)
GTF-71 (7) SubAd, Mare Island (2)
CTG-71.3 (2) S/Ms 7thFlit (1)

THIS LETTER WILL BE DESTROYED PRIOR TO ENTRY INTO ENEMY CONTROLLED HATERS.

J. B. MILLER,
Flag Secretary.

4 01242

— page 10 —
1 APR 1945
From: Commander Seventh Fleet.
To: Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. WISCONSIN (SS-24) - Revision of Damage
Infiltrated during Third War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

T. C. KINKAID
4 01242

— page 11 —
15 APR 1945

U.S.S. BURNABY (SSN-342) - Revision of
Removal initiated during third war patrol.

R. H. CRUZEN,
By direction.

4 03356

— page 13 —
1. The Commanding Officer:
   The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
   The Commander Submarine Division ONE EIGHTY TWO.
   The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN.
   The Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
   The Commander, SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL, Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

Enclosures:
(A) Subject Report
(B) Track Chart (ComSubs7thFlt only)
(C) Notes, paper and miscellaneous articles taken from a Malayan sailboat (ComSubs7thFlt only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the fourth war Patrol of this vessel conducted in South China Sea during the period December 19, 1944 to February 10, 1945, is forwarded herewith.

E.L. BARR, Jr.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C

DECLASSIFIED

BY OP-0900C DATE 12/17/42

112720

— page 14 —
1944
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242, Report of USS ANTARCTIC, and SubDiv 261 Relief Crew completed December 13, 1944. It was hatches installed to all deck hatch-trunks. Dogs installed around periphery of both torpedo loading hatches. After 20mm gun installation on "cigarette deck" replaced with 40mm gun complete with ammunition stowages. Three 50 cal. ammunition stowages installed alongside mounts on main deck. Two additional 50 cal. gun stowages installed in conning tower fairwater. Broadside now consists of one 4 inch 50 cal. gun, one 40mm gun, one 20mm gun, three 50 cal. machine guns and two 30 cal. machine guns plus miscellaneous rifles and pistols and six cutlasses (Officers' Stewards are volunteer cutlassmen) for boarding party. In addition, landing party has one rubber boat and two canoes with an abundance of knives, hand grenades and demolition charges. This is potential power only - prefer to shoot torpedoes. New ANTHEON type hydrogen burning circuit installed in After Torpedo Room. New Ward Leonard type torpedo charging panel installed in After Torpedo Room. Detached circulating water pumps installed for cooling main engines. #1 and #2 main engines completely overhauled. Four main mufflers and auxiliary mufflers renewed including elbows and tailpieces. Stop valves on saltwater flushing lines of all heads replaced with new 250# monel-seated stop valves - excellent results. An additional wash-basin installed in After Battery. New Bureau Type Ice Cream Freezer installed. Both periscopes pulled, realigned optically, reinstalled and dried-out with "dry-ice" treatment. USN BtShips Mare Island Type A DRT installed in Control Room. SN-2 Radar Detector replaced with APR-1 and SPA-1 Radar Detector. Special antenna for Radar Detector installed. LORAN equipment installed. "7MC" Executone Talk Back Amplifier replaced by more powerful unit. Docked. Bottom cleaned and painted. Zincs renewed throughout. Both propellors replaced. Cuts taken on RYERTEX stern tube and strut bearings to give .080 inch clearances. JK-QC Sound Head replaced. Ran degaussing range. Received "modified Flash D". Sound tested underway and submerged. Dark grey and black camouflage painted. Eight Mark 16 torpedoes loaded aft. Sixteen Mark 14-3a torpedoes loaded forward. Transferred sixteen men and received sixteen men. Transferred one officer and received four officers. Trained at practice torpedo approaches December 14, 16 and 17, 1944. ComSubDiv 132 (Comdr. G.C. BURLINGAME, USN) Training Officer. Fired three mark 23 torpedoes, two from forward and one from aft; all recovered. Ready for sea and war December 19, 1944.

(B) NARRATIVE

Names and rank or rates of all officers and chief petty officers attached and total number of patrols each has made prior to this, the Fourth War Patrol of the U.S.S. BLUEGILL:

- 1 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 15 —
1. BARR, Eric L., Jr.; Comdr., USN. 6
2. COOPER, Francis T., Lieut.Comdr., USN. 9
3. FOLTA, George W., Lieut., USN. 3
4. SCHWER, William W., Lieut. EV(S), USNR. 5
5. PLOETZ, George L., Lieut. DE-V(G), USNR. 2
6. STOCKTON, Frank Jr., Lt(jg), EV(RS), USNR. 5
7. ELLIS, George G., Jr., Lt(jg), E-V(G), USNR. 2
8. DUNCAN, Derwood D., Lt(jg), USN. 1
9. MADDEN, Dennis W., Ens., DV(G), USNR. 6
10. VOLLENWEIDER, Robert W., Ens., USN. 1
11. DODDS, Stanley W., Lieut. A.I.F. 1
12. ANDERSON, Cecil H., Lieut., A.I.F. 1

: 1. SEXTON, Clyde (n); CTM(AA), USN. 6
2. FREIER, Elmer (n); CQM(AA), USN. 7
3. WARE, Harold R., CRM(AA), USN. 3
4. MAYNE, Emmett S., CEM(AA), USN. 10
5. HANEY, Howard A., CMOMM(AA), USN. 3
6. MAC NEIL, William R., CMOMM(PA), USN. 3
7. WARD, Lewis W., CMOMM(PA), USN. 3

December 19, 1944 Time H
1302 Underway from Fremantle, Western Australia, on FOURTH War Patrol in accordance with Commander Task Group 71.1 Operation Order No. 174-44 of December 18, 1944. Proceeding Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia, in company with USS BREAM conducting training exercises enroute.

December 20, 1944 Time H
1200 28-48'S; 1120-54'E. 252 miles, 4477 gal.s.

December 21, 1944 Time H
1200 23-21'S; 1120-50'E. 331 miles, 5565 gal.s.

December 22, 1944 Time H
0600 Moored port side to fuel barge USS Y-10 in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia. Received aboard 14,000 gal.s. fuel.
0620 USS BREAM moored alongside.
1200 22-08'S; 1140-07'E. 164 miles, 3037 gal.s.
1849 Underway from alongside USS Y-10 and USS BREAM. Proceeding independently.

December 23, 1944 Time H
1200 19-10'S; 1130-46'E. 185 miles, 2422 gal.s.
2355 Exchanged recognition signals and calls with USS BREAM who has overhauled us.

— page 16 —
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE

December 24, 1944 Time H
1200 14-49'8; 1140-47'E. 275 miles, 3290 gals.
2015 Unidentified SJ interference. Contact at 10,000 yards.
Avoided. Probable southbound U.S. Submarine.

December 25, 1944 Time H
0656 Aircraft contact #1. Dived.
1200 100-50'S; 1150-26'E. 243 miles, 2435 gals.
1220 Sighted USS PAMPANITO, southbound. Closed and spoke.
1820 USS BREAM again.
2105 Exchanged recognition signals and spoke USS BASHAW, southbound.

December 26, 1944 Time H
3035 Attempted transit Lombok Strait. Moon not yet set. The gun battery on Lombok southwest tip opened fire, first salvo straddled in range, astern in deflection. Total shots fired, eight or ten. Large searchlight, reaching about 12,000 yds., in use. With 6 or 8 inch bullets whistling around, beat a hasty retreat.

24L Moonset. Made second attempt - successful. USS BREAM prepared us by about five miles. No gunfire, no searchlight. I surf contact #2. SJ Radar 3000 yds. opening rapidly. No indication on APR-1 Radar Detector. Did not try. Ship contact #1. Ran around and between two patrol ships about 5 miles. - believe not detected. Best estimated shore battery position: 80-45'-00"S; 1150-49'-50"E. Best estimated shore battery position: 80-46'50"S; 1150-49'-40"E. Shore battery apparently consists of two 6 or 8 inch guns close together and fired simultaneously as in a twin mount. One sailboat was sighted in moonlight at southern entrance to strait just prior to the shore battery opening fire. At dawn, when transit of strait was completed, another sailboat was sighted in northern approaches exactly on our track; avoided. The strategic location of these two isolated sailboats suggests their use as spotters. These sailboats were not contacted by radar but were sighted visually in making transit after the moon had set.

0841 Aircraft contact #3. Dived.
1200 60-53'S; 1160-33'E. 250 miles, 4044 gals.
242 Aircraft contact #1.
31 Aircraft contact #5.
Routing to eastward and to northward of Kangean Islands into Java Sea.

- 3 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 17 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-N-W-T

U.S.S. BLUEGILL (35242) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE

December 27, 1944 Time H
0140 Sighted sailboat. Avoided. 60-55'S; 1140-46'E.
0533 Exchanged recognition signals and spoke USS FLASHER, southbound.
0605 Sighted sailboat. Avoided. 50-48'S; 1140-18'E.
1120 Aircraft contact #6. Div'd.
1200 50-45'S; 1140-05'E. 215 miles, 2706 gals.
1340 Sighted sailboat. Avoided. 50-44'S; 1130-52'E.
    Routing between Bawean Island and Annie Florence Bank through Java Sea.

December 28, 1944 Time H
0015 Sighted sailboat. Avoided. 40-49'S; 1120-12'E.
1200 40-16'S; 1100-08'E. 260 miles, 3644 gals.
1715 Sighted two sailboats. Avoided. 30-25'S; 1090-30'E.
1815 Sighted third sailboat. Submerged until dark to avoid.
2225 Exchanged recognition signals and spoke USS HAWKBILL, southbound.
2255 Ship contact #2. Sighted tug towing two barges in bright moonlight. No radar contact. Avoided.
    Routing northward between Discovery East Bank and Clemencia Bank, Karimata Strait.

December 29, 1944 Time H
    Proceeding through Karimata Strait between Seroetoe Island and Ontario Reef.
1200 00-51'S; 1070-37'E. 301 miles, 4614 gals.
1830 Crossed equator heading northerly at 1060-50'E.
2220 Sighted sailboat. Avoided. 00-38'N, 1060-35'E.
    Routing northerly to westward to Tambelan Islands.

December 30, 1944 Time H
0720 Sighted two sailboats. Avoided. 20-06'N; 1060-51'E.
1200 20-44'N; 1060-50'E. 242 miles, 3701 gals.
    Routing northerly to eastward of Anambas Islands and to westward of North Natoena Islands into South China Sea.

December 31, 1944 Time H
    Typhoon making up.
1200 60-43'N; 1080-14'E. 257 miles, 3764 gals.
    Routing northerly through South China Sea to westward of Dangerous Grounds.

January 1, 1945 Time H
    *** HAPPY NEW YEAR ***

    Typhoon.
1200 90-02'N; 1100-16'E. 195 miles, 2906 gals.

-4- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 18 —
5, 1945 Time H
    Typhoon.
1200 12°-03'N; 112°-00'E. 210 miles, 2927 gals.

January 3, 1945 Time H
    Typhoon abated.
0300 Entered assigned patrol area (14°-to 15°-15'N, 112°-30' to 115°E) at 14°N, 113°-36'E. Continuing surface patrol conducted all the way north from Lombok Strait.
1200 14°-47'N, 114°-21'E. 244 miles, 3430 gals.

January 4, 1945 Time H
0938 Aircraft contact #7. Div'd.
1200 14°-23'N; 113°-47'E. 193 miles, 1734 gals.

January 5, 1945 Time H
0911 Aircraft contact #8. Div'd.
1200 13°-29'N; 114°-43'E. 186 miles, 1299.

January 6, 1945 Time H
120C 13°-12'N; 114°-46'E. 210 miles, 1913 gals.

7, 1945 Time H
    Aircraft contact #9. Div'd.
1200 50°-56'N; 113°-44'E. 101 miles, 610 gals.

January 8, 1945 Time H
0700 Commenced sweep through western Dangerous Grounds, South China Sea, to westward of Tizard Bank, to eastward of Discovery Reefs, to westward of Union Bank and ending at Fiery Cross Reef.
1200 90°-55'N; 114°-16'E. 290 miles, 4064 gals.
2000 Sweep completed. No contacts.
Proceeding to new station. Routing from Fiery Cross Reef eastward passing to southwest of Union Bank, to northward of Tennent Reef, then southward passing to westward of Commodore Reef and to eastward of Investigator Shoal.

January 9, 1945 Time H
1200 90°-16'N; 114°-36'E. 200 miles, 2058 gals.

January 10, 1945 Time H
0600 Patrolling (surface) on newly assigned station, easterly and westerly across southern entrance to central north-south shipping route in Dangerous Grounds.
1200 70°-30'N; 114°-50'E. 130 miles, 920 gals.

— page 19 —
0-0-N-P-I-D-E-N-T-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (35247) - Report of Patrol War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE

January 11, 1945 Time H
1200 70-30'N; 17.15'E. 171 miles, 1150 gals.

January 12, 1945 Time H
1200 70-20'N; 17.13'E. 160 miles, 1170 gals.

January 13, 1945 Time H
1200 70-31'N; 14.45'E. 180 miles, 1405 gals.

January 14, 1945 Time H
0115 Set course 080T to newly assigned patrol area to form a coordinated search group with the USS BREAM and USS BARBEL, at the western approaches to Balabac Strait. The C.O. USS BLUEGILL to be 0.2.C.
1200 70-44'N; 1160-00'E. 173 miles, 815 gals.
1225 Aircraft contact #10.
1350 Aircraft contact #11.
1708 Visual contact with USS BREAM. Closed to 25 yds. and issued patrol orders by megaphone. Exchanged movies by boat.
2115 Patrolling (surfaced) courses 029T and reverse across Balabac Strait and Banguay West Channel 15 miles from land during daylight, 10 miles from land during darkness. BREAM covering North Balabac Strait.

January 15, 1945 Time H
0743 Aircraft contact #12. Dived.
1101 Aircraft contact #13.
1131 Aircraft contact #14.
1200 70-39'N; 1160-42'E. 180 miles, 1205 gals.
1223 Aircraft contact #15.
2145 Aircraft contact #16. Dived.

January 16, 1945 Time H
1145 Aircraft contact #17.
1155 Aircraft contact #18.
1200 70-35'N; 1160-42'E. 194 miles, 1640 gals.
1257 Aircraft contact #19.

January 17, 1945 Time H
0931 Aircraft contact #20. Dived.
1200 70-31'N; 1160-42'E. 198 miles, 730 gals.
1420 Aircraft contact #21.
1820 Sighted USS BARBEL. BARBEL came alongside to starboard. Spoke her by megaphone. Transmitted patrol instructions via messenger line. BARBEL covering Banguay West Channel keeping south of 70-25'N. BLUEGILL now covering Balabac Strait only.

— page 20 —
0-N-E-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE

January 18, 1945 Time H
1200 70-30°N; 1160-40°E. 186 miles, 1420 gals.
1435 Aircraft contact #22.

January 19, 1945 Time H
0811 Aircraft contact #23. Dived.
1043 Aircraft contact #24.
1105 Aircraft contact #25.
1200 70-31°N; 1160-41°E. 190 miles, 1040 gals.

January 20, 1945 Time H
0850 Sighted USS BARBEL. BARBEL came alongside and was ordered to cover North Balabac Strait vacated by BREAM. BLUEGILL again covering both Balabac Strait and Banguey West Channel.
0900 Aircraft contact #26.
1045 Aircraft contact #27.
1050 Aircraft contact #28. Dived.
1200 70-30°N; 1160-42°E. 195 miles, 1273 gals.
2135 Aircraft contact #29.

January 21, 1945 Time H
50°C Aircraft contact #30.
31°C Aircraft contact #31.
0°C Aircraft contact #32.
11°C Aircraft contact #33.
1200 70-18°N; 1160-46°E. 200 miles, 1390 gals.
2135 Aircraft contact #34.

January 22, 1945 Time H
1200 70-22°N; 1160-38°E. 185 miles, 830 gals.
1818 Aircraft contact #35.

January 23, 1945 Time H
1200 70-35°N; 1160-45°E. 190 miles, 1266 gals.

January 24, 1945 Time H
1011 Aircraft contact #36.
1045 Aircraft contact #37. Dived.
1200 70-25°N; 1160-38°E. 195 miles, 1210 gals.
1255 Aircraft contact #38. Dived.
2215 Aircraft contact #39. Dived.

January 25, 1945 Time H
1200 70-16°N; 1160-38°E. 180 miles, 890 gals.

— page 21 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-0-1-1
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS-242) - Report of North War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE

January 26, 1945 Time H
0105 Aircraft contact #40.
0800 Aircraft contact #41. Dived.
1200 70-24'N; 1160-37'E. 105 miles, 1295 gals.
1315 Aircraft contact #42. Dived.

January 27, 1945 Time H
1000 Aircraft contact #43.
1200 70-18'N; 1160-36'E. 200 miles, 1405 gals.
1400 Set course 2500T to proceed to newly assigned patrol area
between latitudes 60N and 70N and east of 1020E in area D-2.
2245 Aircraft contact #44. Dived.

January 28, 1945 Time H
1200 60-38'N; 1130-12'E. 256 miles, 2665 gals.

January 29, 1945 Time H
1135 Aircraft contact #45.
1200 60-41'N; 1080-52'E. 271 miles, 3666 gals.
1830 Entered new area at 60-30'N; 1070-34'E.

January 30, 1945 Time H
1200 60-22'N; 1040-06'E. 285 miles, 3787 gals.
2130 Set course 1300T at two engine speed to clear area for
return to Fremantle and to effect rendezvous with BERGALL
at 60-30'S; 1160-30'E.

January 31, 1945 Time H
1200 40-20'N; 1050-13'E. 250 miles, 2638 gals.
1900 Passed 30 miles west of Djemadja Island of the Anambas
Group.
2300 Sighted sailboat 1740T. 20-05'N; 1050-35'E. Made end
around to avoid.

February 1, 1945 Time H
0915 Passed 15 miles to west of Pedjanton Island of Badas Group.
1200 00-27'S; 1070-15'E. 325 miles, 4872 gals.
1202 Sighted and spoke USS POMPANITO north-bound.
1205 Sighted USS GUAVINA north-bound.
1315 USS GUAVINA alongside to receive 7 megohm resistor for PPI
Unit. Adjusted speed to effect rendezvous with USS BERGALL
1900 February 2, 1945 at new posit. 50-00'S; 1120-04'E.
2100 Entered Karimata Strait.

February 2, 1945 Time H
0500 Completed transit of Karimata Strait.
1200 40-22'S; 1100-28'E. 324 miles, 5698 gals.
1447 Sighted and spoke USS BASHAN north-bound.

— page 22 —
1945 Time H (Cont'd)
1945 USS BURGALL alongside. Captain P.G. NICHOLS, USN, came aboard for transportation with two Japanese prisoners of war, and PAYNE, Ralph, STM2c, V6 USNR, who is to be FFT to SubDiv 262 for medical treatment.

February 3, 1945 Time H
1140 Sighted sailboat 50-38'S; 1140-30'E. Maneuvered to come alongside-sailboat.

1200 50-49'S; 1140-24'E. 258 miles, 3178 gals.
1305 Alongside sailboat, which contained eight Malayan men, and their cargo of coconuts. Exchanged rice and cigarettes for fresh coconuts. Took papers and notebooks which will be forwarded under separate cover.

1525 Aircraft contact #46.
1607 Sighted anr scoke USS FLASHER north-bound.

February 4, 1945 Time E
0920 Sighted two sailboats. 70-00'S; 1160-40'E. Made end around to avoid detection.
1200 70-05'S; 1160-40'E. 184 miles, 1552 gals.
1215 Sighted two sailboats. 60-59'S; 1160-36'E. Made end around.
1515 Sighted two sailboats. 60-59'S; 1160-36'E. and maneuvered to clear.
1200 120-00'S; 1150-20'E. 322 miles, 4133 gals.

February 5, 1945 Time H
1004 Sighted and spoke the Dutch submarine SWORDFISH.
1200 120-00'S; 1150-20'E. 322 miles, 4133 gals.

February 6, 1945 Time H
1200 170-39'S; 1140-06'E. 350 miles, 4693 gals.

February 7, 1945 Time H
0745 Moored alongside the USS CANTICLER. Fueled ship.
0800 USS HAVKBILL moored alongside.
1200 220-10'S; 1140-07'E. 270 miles, 4539 gals.
1300 Captain P.G. NICHOLS, USN., two Japanese prisoners, two officer guards and STM2c, USNR left the ship FFT via airplane to Fremantle, W.A.
1800 Departed Exmouth Gulf, W.A., for Fremantle, W.A.

February 10, 1945
Arrived Fremantle, W.A.
700 miles, 12,400 gals.

— page 23 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL, 1942 - Report of Fourth War Patrol

(C) WEATHER
The weather during this patrol agreed very closely with that described in the "Scotch China Sea Sailing Directions" and in the "Sailing Directions for Northwest Coast of Borneo". On 1 January, 1945 in Lat. 8°-45' and Long. 110°-08'E we encountered a typhoon moving toward NW. Typhoon followed us as we traveled northerly. On 3 January, 1945 typhoon abated. The sky was mostly overcast throughout the patrol with frequent rain squalls. The N.E. Monsoon Wind prevailed with an average force of .6 knots. Average temperature 87°F. Average barometer 29.6%. Visibility generally good.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
Currents encountered were as described in "Pilot Charts" and "Sailing Directions". From Fremantle to Malay Barrier average drift of .5 knots toward 2000T. From Lombok Strait westward toward Java Sea and in Karimata Strait, average drift of .5 knots toward 1300T. From Karimata Strait through South China Sea, average drift of .7 knots toward 2150T. In "Dangerous Grounds" and "Balabac Passage", average drift of .3 knots toward 0450T. with occasional drifts of 1.5 knots.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
Beacon at Gaven Reef not visible.

-10-

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 25 —
Time H: Lat.  :  Range  :  Course/Gun:  Speed : Tacted:  Remarks
No.: Date : Long. : Type(S) : Miles  : Speed : Tacted:  Remarks
1  : 0856  : 11-37S  : 12  :

— page 28 —
1. It is considered that the material condition of this vessel is good.

2. The periodic low insulation readings of the main generators are still worthy of note but have ceased to be a concern. By constant attention and "babying" they have been maintained at a safe level.

3. The one item of concern is "squealing propellers or shafts". A very noticeable squeal is audible throughout ship which commences at a speed slightly above cavitation speed. This squeal has been present since the screws were changed last refit although never present before. In an attempt to remedy the defect this ship was redocked and the port screw replaced but with no results. The squeal is still there.

4. Every effort will be made this refit to "Rearrange Officer's Quarters" in accordance with ComSubPac Conf. Dispatch 14221 of August 1943 and Bushis Consf. Dispatch 14221 of August 1943. It is to install additional bunks throughout the ship. With twelve officers and seventy four men carried this system, three officers and 4 crewmen were "hot-bunking it".

[1] Hull.

1. Casualty to No. 1 H.P. Air Compressor on December 17, 1944. Just prior to departure on patrol No. 1 H.P. Air Compressor started knocking and blowing by the 3rd stage piston rings and broken dislocated extreme wear on the 3rd stage piston rings and broken pieces of piston ring of the 1st stage piston rings. New piston rings were installed, which reminded the trouble until the same casualty occurred again on December 23, 1944. Upon close investigation, the inlet and discharge thermometers on the 3rd and 4th stages were found to be operating improperly, although temperature shown were within a few degrees of normal. Upon installing new thermometers, 3rd stage inlet temperature was found to be abnormally high. A check on the 1st and 2nd stage coolers showed small heads installed with baffle 900 from its proper operating position which reduced the cooler efficiency to 50%. 3rd stage rings were renewed and compressor has been operating normally. A check in No. 2 compressor showed the 1st stage cooler head to be installed the same way, with baffle 900 from proper position.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 29 —
1945. The Hydraulic Accumulator developed a slight groan shortly after leaving port. This grew worse until the groan was clearly audible throughout the ship. Upon removing the packing from the outside of the accumulator the second ring of packing was found to be turned over on one edge. In addition all the packing appeared to be dry. The packing was thoroughly oiled and replaced, being only tightened enough to stop excessively leak-age. After resuming operation the cycling of the plant was almost noiseless.

4. The periscopes have been in better optical condition this patrol than any previous patrol. The excellent work performed by Ensign MILLS, USN and the Optical Shop USS ANTHEDON is undoubtedly responsible for this outstanding condition. The method of packing the periscopes developed by Lt(jg) LINNEMON Base Optical Shop, SRU 137, was used and is the best method of periscope packing yet soon by the officers of this ship. A brief description and sketch will be included for the benefit of those having trouble with leaky periscope packing.

(c) Engineering.

1. On December 29, 1944 No. 2 Lighting Motor Generator began to vibrate excessively. The motor bearing was renewed but one week later the vibration reappeared. The bearing was again renewed but this time the vibration continued, so No. 2 L.M.G. was secured for remainder of patrol.

— page 31 —
2. On January 19, 1945 No. 2 Turbo blow motor armature commenced -to-spark excessively. The mica was undercut, brushes adjusted, and the commutator cleaned, but the sparking continued. Further inspection showed an open circuit in the armature. As no spare armature is carried aboard, the blower was placed out of commission to be used only in an emergency.

3. On January 8, 1945 the insulation reading of No. 2 M.E. -generator was 75,000 ohms. Since the engine had not been run for several days, the shunt field circuit was energized, and the generator cleaned. By so doing the readings were brought up to 300,000 ohms. The engine was then run for three hours, and the new readings were found to be 600,000 ohms. No. 1 and No. 3 M.E. generators also read low. They will all be thoroughly cleaned during the refit.

4. The exhaust temperature rose to 1000 F. on No. 10 unit of No. 4 M.E., and the engine was secured. Inspection showed that the injector spray tip nozzle had burned away or broken off. Since no noise or knocking sound was heard, the injector was replaced. When the engine was again started up, a loud knocking sound was heard in No. 10 unit, but the cylinder was not firing. The engine was again secured, and the head removed. It was found that part of one cylinder. No damage was done to the piston or to the cylinder head, although the chrome plate on the liner was slightly dented in several places. The fuel spray tip of the new injector was again broken off. A new liner and cylinder head was installed. Inspection of the connecting rod bearings showed that they were in good shape. The engine was out of commission for a total of nine (9) hours. Engine hours at time of casualty were 3275.6, and since last overhaul 1361 engine hours. It is believed the casualty was due to metal fatigue of the exhaust valve crown.

(d) Ordnance.

Following suggestions are submitted for utilizing an army 40mm mount as a submarine wot mount:

1. Make feed control spindle (A222402), page 74, of monel. At present it rusts and freezes up.
2. Make bolt (A222553), page 44, of monel. These also rust, and due to frequent removing of automatic loader there is danger of injuring the threads because the metal is quite soft.

— page 32 —
3. Plate equilibrator rods (B198358), page 130, with chrome or nickel to eliminate rusting.
4. Make nut (BBHXIA), pin (BFAXICR), page 119, of monel. Now they rust and freeze up unless worked often.
5. Plate springs (A223940), page 214, with chrome. It's difficult to keep these clean. Also, make the clevis pins of bronze.
6. Install two grease fittings on lower hinge of back cover about 1/2" from side and at an angle of 90° with back of flat surface of back plate to insure lubrication of hinges.
7. Install two grease fittings on each side of the guides in the breech casing. One fitting, on each side, 5" from forward end. One on each side, 12" from forward end.
8. Install two grease fittings thru rear guide, running down from the curve on back plate to the feed control spindle. One on each end about 1/2" from end of spindle.

(All numbers are from the Army Technical Manual No. TM9-1252)

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 33 —
1. RADIO
Radio reception was in general good throughout the patrol. The only exception being the difficulty in copying Bakers on 12,630 kcs. during daylight for the short time we patrolled off the Indo China coast. VIXO's Bakers schedules were received throughout the patrol on 9,250 kcs. at night and 12,630 kcs. during the day. No enemy interference was encountered on these frequencies. All CTF-71 serials were received.

No casualties occurred to the TBL transmitter or to the RAL receivers. The RAK receiver was not used.

Four transmissions to VIXO were made with no difficulty, except for a slight delay in clearing BLUEGILL. Serial One, when it was necessary to repeat our entire message, (we were in a typhoon at the time). It was again found that 8,470 kcs. at night and 12,705 kcs. during daylight are the best frequencies for transmissions. As before, 12,705 kcs. was especially good during daylight, with no interference being encountered on this channel.

BLUEGILL MESSAGES TO CTF-71 (VIXO)

| SERIALS | DATE | TIME | TRANSMISSION TIME | CLEAR MSG. (kcs.) | FREQUENCY | RECEIPTING STATION |
||------|------|||||
| 1      | 312005| Dec.| 24-36-2458       | 22 min.         | 8,470     | VIXO          |
| 2      | 081505| Jan.| 1515-1532       | 17 min.         | 8,470     | VIXO          |
| 3      | 091800| Jan.| 1759-1805       | 6 min.          | 8,470     | VIXO          |
| 4      | 311125| Jan.| 1131-1141       | 10 min.         | 12,705    | VIXO          |

No trouble was encountered in using voice on the Wolf Pack circuit. The Wolf Pack frequencies were used very successfully while in the area.

We attempted to communicate with friendly planes by VHF on several occasions while in the area, but met with no success. Voice transmissions from friendly planes were overheard occasionally on the APR-1 Receiver.

The VHF dynamotor failed the first time we tried to use the VHF gear in the area. Since we were unable to repair the dynamotor, an emergency power supply was rigged up by WARE, H.R., 258 27 50, CRM, USN, to enable us to still use the equipment should we be called upon to perform lifeguard duty. The power supply for the filaments and band-switching motor were obtained from the dynamotor in the spare ABK-7 unit. The plate power supply was obtained from the power pack in the emergency sound receiver, and the bias power supply was obtained from the RAK receiver power supply unit. The arrangement was rather awkward, but very effective.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 34 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-C-T
U.S.S. BLUE GILL (SS342) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

(L) RADIO (Cont'd)
The need for an additional chief frequency receiver, another RAL, was again emphasized, since it was often desirable but impossible to guard for frequent repairs.

Statistics on dispatches received and decoded on board during this patrol:
Messages decoded in one day: 8
Messages decoded in one day, maximum: 21
Total messages decoded on board: 722
Average messages decoded per day: 14

(M) RADAR
SJ Very little trouble was experienced with the SJ equipment other than the motor generator unit during the entire patrol, and good ranges were consistently obtained.

The SJ motor-generator was not used at any time during the patrol. Two motor-generator were installed during the last refit, neither of which gave satisfactory performance. We left on patrol with the second motor-generator still installed by the time we were able to make it function properly. The speed regulator was faulty resulting in the motor-generator sometimes not coming up to speed and at other times so overspeeding that the AVR relay would kick it out. Operation was too intermittent to trust, so it was necessary to resort to the I-C motor generator for a power supply. Either the speed regulator or the entire unit preferably the latter, will be replaced this refit.

Two casualties occurred to the PPI unit. On one occasion a gassy sweep power amplifier tube caused excessive currents to flow, resulting in the burning out of several resistors. Replaced tube V(1)4 and resistors R(1)19, R(1)24, R(1)25 and on another occasion resistor R(1)44 opened, resulting in a large voltage building up on the condensers in the 6,000 volt intensifier supply, thus causing severe arcing and an erratic sweep length. Replaced the 7 megohm resistor with our only spare. A few days later while returning from patrol, we gave this same resistor to USS GUAVINA, thus putting our PPI unit out of commission for the remainder of the return trip to Fremantle.

SD No casualties occurred to this equipment. It was necessary to slightly vary the SD frequency several times in order to eliminate double-pulsing.

IFF This equipment gave no trouble and was used successfully throughout the patrol.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 36 —
25 Dec. '44
27 05:00-52'S 1140-05'E 100'
30 02:00-14'N 1060-50'E 100'
31 06:00-15'N 1070-52'E 60'
3 Jan. '45 14:00-27'N 1140-21'E 130'
4 14:00-21'N 1130-44'E 120'
5 13:00-24'N 1140-28'E 120'
8 100-28'N 1140-11'E 60'
10 07:00-30'N 1140-50'E 60'
12 07:00-20'N 1140-48'E 120'
15 07:00-16'N 1160-34'E 110'
17 07:00-37'N 1160-47'E 120'
18 07:00-31'N 1160-42'E 120'
19 07:00-24'N 1160-37'E 120'
20 07:00-26'N 1160-41'E 120'
21 07:00-29'N 1160-36'E 140'
22 07:00-30'N 1160-44'E 80'
24 07:00-35'N 1160-43'E 50'
27 07:00-14'N 1150-55'E 40'
28 06:00-38'N 1130-12'E 40'

BT Cards forwarded direct to VCNO (Hydrographic Office).

Diving Officer considers BT Cards invaluable as an aid to ballasting in going deep.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY

Health of officers and crew in general good. The following ailments were ably treated and cured by CAREY, J.F., 610 13 96, PhMC, USNR.

| AILMENTS | NO. OF CASES |
|||
| 1. Fungus | 54        |
| (a) Athletes Foot | 24 |
| (b) Jock Itch | 25 |
| (c) Heat Rash | 5 |
| 2. Common Colds | 24 |
| 3. Egestrain | 2 |
| 4. Earaches | 4 |
| 5. Minor Cuts and Bruises | 26 |
| 6. Constipation | 21 |
| 7. Sunburn | 6 |
| 8. Boils | 2 |
| 9. Funnicles | 1 |

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 37 —
10. Teeth Filled
11. Sinusitis
12. Lacerated Scrotum
13. Lacerated Eyelid
14. Toothaches
15. Minor Burns
*16. Chanchroid, D.U.

*Patient received from USS BERGALL for further transfer.

There were 15 sick days lost during this patrol due to the case of Lacerated Scrotum. A fate worse than death - almost!

The food was 'abundant, tasty and well served. The new Bureau Type Ice Cream Freezer proved highly satisfactory.

Good weather and surface patrolling made habitability good. Although no targets were seen or sunk, the moral and fighting spirit of the crew is still high - just mad, that's all. "No sightoe, no sinkee!"

(Q) PERSONNEL

State of training: Overtrained and underfought on this patrol.

(a) Number of men onboard during patrol. 74
(b) Number of men qualified at start of patrol. 54
(c) Number of men qualified at end of patrol. 66
(d) Number of men making their first patrol. 12
(e) Number of men advanced in rating during patrol. 15

Enroute to Area: conducted daily: two training dives per section, fire control drills, emergency drills, and battle surface drills. In area hold daily: two hour "school of the boat" for unqualified men, and frequent fire control drills. Enroute from area trained new men for hydraulic manifold, controllerman, and radar watches.

(R) MILES STEAMED

Fremantle, W.A. to Malay Barrier 1328 miles 23;248 gals.
North of Malay Barrier 9323 miles 92;190 gals.
Malay Barrier to Fremantle, W.A. 1480 miles 27;287 gals.

TOTAL 12,131 miles 142,725 gals.

-23- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 38 —
24 *1100 gals. 20 days 20 days
*Fuel remaining upon arrival Exmouth Gulf, W.A.
(U) RADAR AND RADIO, COUNTERMEASURES

Radar interference from friendly submarines was encountered on numerous occasions on both the SJ and SD radars, but no evidence of enemy radar interference or jamming was observed.

The few radar contacts observed on the APR-1 Receiver that were not definitely identified as friendly are as follows:

| Date | S/M Position | Time (H) | Freq. (Mbs.) | P.R.F. (c.p.s.) | Pulse Duration | Remarks |
|------|||||||
| Dec. 25 | 90-09'15"  | 2025.198 | 1050         | 6 micro seconds | Probably shore based. Slow irregular sweep. |
| Jan. 15 | 70-18'N     | 2145.179 | 200          | 5 micro seconds | Probably aircraft. Non-sweeping. |
| Jan. 20 | 70-30'N     | 2030.180 | 200          | 3.4 micro seconds | Aircraft. Plane contact on SD at time Non-sweeping. |
| Jan. 21 | 70-32'N     | 0935.180 | 250          | 5.8 micro seconds | Aircraft. Plane sight from bridge at time. Non-sweeping. |
| Jan. 21 | 70-34'N     | 2130.180 | 150          | 5.8 micro seconds | Aircraft. Plane contact on SD at time. Non-sweeping. |
| Feb. 4 | 80-49'S     | 2315.198 | 1050         | 8 micro seconds | Same as Dec.5th. contact. Strong side lobes Evidently shore based Air Search Type near Lombok Strait. |

No evidence of lobe-switching was observed on any of the above contacts.

— page 40 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

(Z) NOTES PERTAINING TO MARK 18 TORPEDOES (Cont'd)

It is recommended that a separate plug be installed on the afterbody for the air test. The air test could then be made with #7 handhole plate secured in place and any possibility of flooding through this handhole eliminated.

The method of turning on the hydrogen burning circuit for only 15 minutes each hour was used and the hydrogen content at the end of 24 hours averaged 4% on all torpedoes in the tubes.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 45 —
10 MAR 1945
: 26 February 1945.

From: Commander Submarines, Seventh Fleet.
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: The Commander, Sixth Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Fourth War Patrol - Comment on.

1. The Fourth War Patrol of the BLUEGILL, under the command of Commander E. L. BARR, U.S.N., was conducted in the SOUTH CHINA SEA. The Commanding Officer was in tactical command of a Coordinated Search and Attack Group consisting of BLUEGILL, BRYAN and BARBEL.

2. From 8 January until 30 January BLUEGILL was primarily engaged in the performance of reconnaissance duty in support of American re-occupation of the PHILIPPINES.

3. This entire patrol, which consisted of forty days north of the MALAY BARRIER, was spent in surface patrolling, but only two small enemy contacts were made. No targets worthy of torpedoes were sighted.

4. BLUEGILL carried out her assignment in the efficient, seamanlike and effective manner which is the high standard of performance established during her four war patrols under the command of Commander BARR.

5. The award of the Submarine Combat Insignia is not authorized for this patrol.

6. The Force Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew of the BLUEGILL for the smart and dependable manner in which they carried out the Assigned Mission, and upon their completion of an arduous patrol.

MLIOT H. BRYANT.

— page 46 —
24/1/1945
UNITED STATES NAVY
14/ar

Serial 0394

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-L-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BLUEGILL Corr. Ltr.
A16-3 Serial 01, dated
10 February, 1945.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS-242) -- Report of Fourth "War Patrol" -- Comment on.

---

**Distributions:**
- Cominoch (3) Direct (CTG-71.5) (2)
- Vice Opnav (2) Direct (CTG-71.8) (2)
- Vice Opnav Op-23c (1) CTG-71.9 (2)
- ComlstFlt (1) ComSubRon-26 (2)
- Com2ndFlt (1) DivComsSubRon-12 (1 ea)
- Com7thFlt (2) DivComsSubRon-16 (1 ea)
- ComSubs1stFlt (3C) DivComsSubRon-26 (1 ea)
- ComSubs2ndFlt (4) S/M School; N.L. Conn. (2)
- CTF-71 (7) Comdt: NYD, Fuget Sound (1)
- CTG-71.3 (2) SubAd, Mare Island (2)
- S/Ms 7thFlt (1)

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

J. B. MILLER,
Flag Secretary

— page 47 —
21 MAR 1945
To:
Commander Seventh Fleet.
To:
Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEBELL (SS448) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

R. H. CRUZEN,
By direction.

— page 49 —
1-1
From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander-in-Chief UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Division ONE EIGHTY TWO.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN.
(3) The Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
(4) The Commander, SEVENTH FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL, Report of War Patrol Number FIVE.

Enclosures:
(A) Subject report.
(B) Co-ordinated Patrol and Attack for Wolf Pack No.8.
(C) Track Chart (ComSubs7thFlt only).
(D) Time Plots of Approaches and Attacks (ComSubs7thFlt only).
(E) Papers taken from Malayan sailboats. (ComSubs7thFlt only).
(F) Papers, records, pennpiles and charts taken from beach at 20. (ComSubs7thFlt only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the FIFTH War Patrol of this vessel conducted in Java Sea and in South China Sea off French Indo China during the period from March 12, 1945 to April 18, 1945, is forwarded herewith.

2. It is requested that enclosure (E) be forwarded direct to Services Reconnaissance Department, Box 2141 T, G.P.O. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia after ComSubs7thFlt. has completed his perusal of the papers. Enclosure (E) is considered very valuable material by the foregoing organization.

E. L. BARR, Jr.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.16
BY 02-0269C DATE 12/12/45
DECLASSIFIED

— page 50 —
1945, USS BLUEBELL (SS242) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(A) PROLOGUE.

Arrived Fremantle, Western Australia, February 10, 1945 from Fourth War Patrol. Normal refit by U.S.S. BERYALE and SubDiv 182-2 Relief Crew completed March 9, 1945. RBH receiver installed in Radio Room. Footswitch installed forward and mercury switch installed aft to indicate "on bearing" from TFTS. Halving device for halving range and own ship's speed installed on TDC. Armature No. 2 Lighting Motor Generator renewed. #3 and #4 Main Engines and Auxiliary Engine completely overhauled. Four main mufflers renewed including elbows and tailpieces. New War Lconard hydrogen burning circuits installed in both Forward and After Torpedo Rooms. New War Lconard torpedo charging panels installed in Forward Torpedo Room. Periscopes not pulled; dried-out with "dry-ice"treatment. Five additional bunks installed in Forward Torpedo Room and four additional bunks installed in after Torpedo Room bringing total bunks outside of Officers Country to seventy dicht. One 20mm gun installed on main deck aft of corning tower, installation complete with gun and ammunition stowage. Two additional 50 cal. ammunition stowages installed alongside mounts on main deck. Braceside now consists of one 4 inch 50 cal. gun, one 40mm gun, two 20mm guns, three 50 cal. machine guns, and two 30 cal. machine guns. Rubber shockmounts on both lighting motor generators renewed. Sound tested underway and submerged. Corrective action was successfully taken on all items noisy above the allowable limit. Still have squalene propellors or shafts however, allowable limit not withstanding! Ran degaussing range. Docked. Bottom cleaned and painted. Zines renewed throughout. RYNETEX stern tube and strut clearances checked. Both JK-QC and QB Sound Feeds replaced. Dark grey and black camouflage painted. Five Iark 18-2 and one Iark 18-1 torpedoes loaded aft. Six Iark 14-3a and ten Iark 23 torpedoes loaded forward. Transferred seventeen men and received seventeen men. Transferred three officers and received three officers. Trained at practice torpedo approaches March 1, 2, 3, & 4. ComSubDiv 182 (Comdr. C.C. BUNLINGAME, USN) Training Officer. No exercise torpedoes fired; too rough for recovery. Ready for sea and war March 9, 1945. One day out of Fremantle the SD Radar was inoperative due to broken internal conductors and broken and slipped insulator spacers inside the SD Radar mast. Requested parts be forwarded to Enquiry Cnlf for repairs to be made by Ship's Force assisted by U.S.S. COUCAL. Request not granted. Ordered to return to Fremantle. Moved alongside U.S.S. BERYALE in Fremantle Harbor, Western Australia, March 11, 1945. SD Radar repaired. Once again, ready for sea and war March 12, 1945.

(B) NARRATIVE.

Names and rank or rates of all officers and chief petty officers attached and total number of patrols each has made prior to this, the Fifth War Patrol of the U.S.S. BLUECILL:

— page 51 —
1. BARR, Eric L., Jr., Comdr., USN.
2. WEED, Edwin G., Lieut., Comdr., USN.
3. FOLTA, George W., Lieut., USN.
4. TLOETZ, George L., Lieut., DE, USNR.
5. STOCKTON, Frank Jr., Lt(jg), DE, USNR.
6. ELLIS, George G., Jr., Lt(jg), DE, USNR.
7. STORY, Hugh G., Lt(jg), DE, USNR.
8. DUNCAN, Derwood D., Lt(jg), USN.
9. MADDEN, Dennis W., Lt(jg), DE, USNR.
10. VOLLENHEIDER, Robert W., Ens., USN.
11. ANDERSON, Cecil H., Lieut., A.I.F.
12. OWENS, Clifford J., Lieut., A.I.F.

March 12, 1945 Time H
0940 Underway from Fremantle, Western Australia, on FIFTH WAR PATROL in accordance with Commander Task Group 71.1 Operation Order No. 31-45 of March 7, 1945. Conducted sound tests surfaced and flooded-down. Conducted 4 inch and 40mm gun shot at towed target. Conducted practice torpedo approaches and a night convoy exercise. The target group consisted of one target ship screened by two radar equipped escorts and radar equipped air cover. No punches pulled. The target group used all means available to detect and prevent the submarine from attacking, flares, rockets, starshells, floats, searchlight, sound gear, radar, lookouts, etc. Live ammunition was not used. Hand grenades were substituted for depth charges. An excellent drill.

2335 Proceeding Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia, independently.

March 13, 1945 Time H
1200 290-38°S; 1130-20°E. 196 miles, 4221 gals.
1435 Sighted and spoke HMS K-15 south-bound.
2300 Contacted and spoke USS GUITARRO south-bound.

March 14, 1945 Time H
0205 Spoke USS CROAKER north-bound.
1200 240-50°S; 1120-19°E. 293 miles, 5390 gals.
2210 Contacted and spoke USS CROAKER north-bound.

— page 52 —
0-N-P-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEHILL (SS242) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE:

March 15, 1945 Time H.
0721. Moored port side to U.S.S. COUCAL in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia. Received aboard 4500 gals fuel and 1000 gals. water from U.S.S. COUCAL.
0830. U.S.S. CROAKER stood in and moored starboard side to USS COUCAL.
1200. Exmouth Gulf. 222 miles, 4808 gals.
1700. U.S.S. CROAKER got underway and stood out.
1830. Underway from alongside U.S.S. COUCAL. Proceeding Lombok Strait enroute Java Sea.

March 16, 1945 Time H.
0137. Contacted and spoke U.S.S. CROAKER. Proceeding in company conducting training exercises enroute.
1200. 190-0218; 1139-361E. 194 miles, 2936 gals.

March 17, 1945 Time H.
0420. Contacted unquestionable U.S.S. Submarine south-bound. Unable to speak. Probably U.S.S. PINTADO.
1200. 149-441S; 1140-511E. 266 miles, 3166 gals.

March 18, 1945 Time H.
0520. Spoke U.S.S. PIRCH north-bound.
0725. Sighted and spoke U.S.S. PERCH.
1200. 10-301S; 1150-291E. 255 miles; 3424 gals.
1220. Alongside U.S.S. BREMAM south-bound. Received verbal account of her experiences and contacts in Java Sea. Transferred out-going mail to U.S.S. BREMAM for posting in Fremantle, WA.
1555. Alongside U.S.S. CROAKER north-bound. Delivered scheme for co-ordinated patrol of Java Sea to her. Stood by her while closing Lombok so that she might use us as target on which to tune SJ Radar.
2253. Commenced transit of Lombok Strait.

March 19, 1945 Time H.
0020. SJ Radar Contact on what was hoped to be a patrol vessel. Tracked for an hour and forty minutes, submerged on track ahead of target and at 0227 having heard no propellors as she passed overhead concluded target was a sailboat.
0245. Surface. Continued transit of Lombok Strait and lost radar contact on our sailboat at 8500 yards.
0315. Completed transit of Lombok Strait.
0455. Contacted another sailboat. Closed to visual identification against dawn background.
0537. Submerged patrol off a small anchorage on northwest coast of Lombok Island. Lat. 8°-31'S; Long. 1160-151'E.
0615. Ship Contact #1. Torpedo Attack #1. Periscope sighted one auxiliary sailing vessel acting as tug to a small Maru and I mean small. It really should not be dignified by the word.

— page 53 —
0615 (cont'd) - 1200 1600 (cont'd) - 1650

---

### U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

#### (B) NARRATIVE

March 19, 1945 Time H (cont'd)
0615 (cont'd) - 1200 1600 (cont'd) - 1650

Mar 19, 1945 Time H (cont'd)
0615 (cont'd) - 1200 1600 (cont'd) - 1650

---

### 1200 1600 (cont'd) - 1650

**1600 (cont'd) - 1650**

---

### 1650

---

### 165

— page 54 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. SULPHUR (SS242)

(B) NARRATIVE

March 20, 1945 Time H.
0730 Alongside U4 ton sailboat which contained eight Malayan men, all exceedingly well-fed and healthy looking. The boat was either anchored in 50 fathoms of water of lying-to with a very heavy submerged drogue. 1140-24T8; 6P-4515. Their boat was in excellent condition. It was empty of cargo, they having delivered a cargo of salt to Masalambo Island. They were returning to Madura Island. Thorough search for radio and weapons revealed nothing. Upon our approach they quickly hoisted a flag which indicated they were in the employ of Japanese Army at Surabaya. Suppose they at first thought we were Jap. They didn't appear too happy to see us in spite of our donation of rice and cigarettes. Their papers were in exceedingly good order and showed continuous operation as a cargo carrier since June 21, 1941 which of course was prior to Japanese invasion. Their papers were confiscated which perturbed them no end. The papers will be forwarded to CTF-71 under separate cover. Pictures were taken of this craft. In as much as they were a sailboat and were natives and no contraband was found, not a hair on their noble heads was harmed.

0812 Alongside another native sailboat anchored or lying-to not a half-mile from the first. This one was much smaller but contained nineteen Malayans including two women and five very small children. It was jam-packed. Quite a fairly affair. They were bound from Madura to Masalambo. They were all hungry and half starved showing definite indication of malnutrition. Obviously not in Jap employ. They were delighted to see us and upon showing them the American flag their faces lit-up in large smiles and they saluted and bowed all over themselves. All of this was in direct contrast to the attitude of the natives in the other boat. We gave them rice and cigarettes which was received with much demonstration of appreciation. His paper which consisted simply of pen and ink foolscap authorization to make passage was also confiscated, but this confiscation didn't disturb him in the least. It will be forwarded to CTF-71 under separate cover. Pictures were taken of this craft. We parted in mutual high spirits, and I felt like the Boy Scout who had done his daily Good Deed.

1200 60-3618; 1140-261E. 197 miles, 2603 gals.
1530 Sighted small sailboat bearing 0520T distance 8 miles from 6P-20.51S, 1140-211E. Avoided.

— page 55 —
0-0-N-T-I-2-N-I-I-A-I
U.S.S. BUMGILL (SS242) - Report of Fifth Patrol.

(B) MARITIME

March 21, 1945 Time H
Patrolling in Java Sea.
Having traversed from Sapoodi Strait to Great Pasalembo Island during daylight, closed Pasalembo to 12,000 yards (noonlight) and skirted to westward then to northward passing between Little Pasalembo and Arends Island. Depth of water 25 to 15 fathoms.
Contacted a sailboat. Avoided.
During daylight proceeded westward in Java Sea passing to northward of Anio Florence Reef. Depth of water 28 fathoms.
1200 40-53°S; 1120-14°E. 250 miles 3157 gals.
In evening close to from curve off Borneo and patrolled between 'andjornmen and Tg Poeting.

March 22, 1945 Time H
Patrolling in Java Sea.
1200 40-10°S; 1110-40°E. 214 miles 3810 gals.
1200 Closed Tg Poeting, Borneo.

March 23, 1945 Time H
Patrolling close aboard Tg Poeting, Borneo. 10 to 16 fathoms of water. Hoping to intercept Denderjaman-Pontianak on any traffic for that matter. Came the dawn, proceeded westward keeping outside 10 fathom curve.
0650 Ship contact #2. Sighted smoke by high periscope bearing 330°T distance about 16 miles. Tracked for four hours. Identified as probable sea truck. Determined target to be on northwesterly course, spaced about 5 kts. and inside the 5 fathom curve. He went inside 10 fathom curve once. Resumed patrol westward outside of 10 fathom curve and tried to retain contact, but contact was lost and never regained.
1200 30-39°S; 110°-51°E; 157 miles 2490 gals.
1451 Fox Irinks S.R. Buoy (F1-7) passed abreast to stab. distance 450 yards. Its actual position is 30-35°S; 110°-34°E not 30-40°S; 110°-35°E as indicated on chart.
1050 Cleancina Tank Buoy passed abreast to stab. distance 4 miles. Entered Karimata Strait. Proceeding northerly at four engine speed, squeezing west side of Strait and hoping for Tenderjaman-Pontianak contact.

March 24, 1945 Time H
En transit Karimata Strait.
0122 Commenced threading our way through the islands or rocks to eastward of Karimata Island. Right moonlight. Passed to northeastward of Vogulnest Islands, Krawang Islats, Tongue-Islands and Duan Island; to southwestward of Lycyh Islands, Gurung Islands and Pelapis Islands. Thence proceeded westward passing south of Ieman Islands and north of Jamsetjco Shoals in order to get into deep water (23 fathoms) and clear Karimata Strait approaches before daylight. (Chart No. 3032)

— page 56 —
1945 Time H
Ship Contact #3, SJ Radar contact 8300 yds on possible small patrol vessel. Tracked on southerly course speed 7 kts. Could hear scows. Could see her reasonably well in bright moonlight. Posit between Gurung Islands and Bun Island. Using same passage we were, only headed in opposite direction, depth of water 17 fathoms. avoided in as much as offensive action is banned in Karimata and she was headed in wrong direction for us to trail and attack outside.

0414 Transit Karimata Strait completed. Entered South China Sea. Surface patrol to northwestern approach to Karimata Strait while awaiting darkness for a sweep of Pontianak Road.

1200 00-41'S; 107°-41'E. 302 miles, 5025 gals.

1730 Set course for Pontianak, Borneo, using Pongiki and Datoe Islands to northward for fixing position.

2107 Commenced thorough radar search and sweep of Pontianak Road skirting inside 10 fathom curve northward from Tg Peatocs to Tg Bangkai. Landing party ready to demobilize any ship found at anchor. Only contacts, however, were two sailboats. Bright moonlight changing to intermittent heavy rain visibility zero at 2300.

2135 Crossed equator heading northerly at 109°-01'E.

March 25, 1945 Time H
Conducting careful radar sweep of Pontianak Road, Borneo. Sweep completed. Pulo Sitinjan abeam to stabd. distant 3 miles. Patrolling northerly to eastward of Tambelan Islands. Sighted four objects grouped together in bright moonlight. Tracked for one hour, closed and identified as sailboats 00°-01'N, 108°-23'E.

1200 20-25'N; 107°-58'E. 318 miles, 47717 gals. Patrolling northeasterly between Great Natocna and South Natocna. Islands.

1529 Aircraft contact #1. Dived. Patrolling northerly passing to eastward of Great Natocna Islands.

March 26, 1945 Time H
Patrolling northwesterly in South China Sea to make landfall on Pulo Condore Gp. off Indo China coast.

1200 6°-47'N; 107°-22'E. 289 miles, 5288 gals.

2028 Made landfall on Pulo Condore Gp. Closed to 14,000 yds. then set course northeasterly to pass to eastward of Callou, Wallace and Royal Bishop Banks.

— page 57 —
1200
U.S.S. BUCKLIN (SS242) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE

March 27, 1945 Time H
Controlling northeasterly off Indo China Coast, 90-32N; 1090-02E. 283 miles 5292 gal.s.
Patrolling northerly to eastward of Catwick Island and
Cecil do arto make landfall on Cape Padran.

2015
SU radar contact on Cape Padran 93,000 yds. Closed to 14,000 yds. and commenced high speed four cm. no sweep of Indo China coast northeastward 12,000 to 14,000 yds. off shore. Hade careful radar sweep of Phanran B.P. and the entrance to Camranh Bay. Hoped to overtake convoy reported by aircraft. As it turned out, we did and made successful submerged attack next morning.

March 23, 1945 Time H
TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2
Making close inshore high speed sweep northeasterly from Cape Padran.

0207
Aircraft contact #2. Dived. Entered assigned arc. Did not report in to Comsoff in order to preserve radio silence.

0550
Contacted first of hundreds of sailboats encountered daily in this area along Indo China coast. Avoided. Came the dawn, still racing at. but ten miles off shore for previously selected submerged diving point at which to attack convoy in the event we had passed her during night.

0839
Submerged 3 miles east of HON DOI (120-39N; 1090-27.5E) a rock off HONG Renninsula, 15 miles south of Cape Varella Light. This spot picked for its close squueze to the coast and its deep water close up to the rock, 20 to 40 ft. thoms. It was expected that another submarine would be submerged there, but figured she w uid see us arrive, and that it would confuse the Japs, to have two submarines attacking so close together. Conducted close ins. ore patrol to 1 mile off HON DOI.

0930
US Sound equipment heard a definite single ping bearing 2300T.

1017
US Sound equipment detected echo-ranging in general direction of 2300T.

1020
Ship Contact #4. Torpedo Attack #2. O.O.D. Licut. C.L. PILOTZ USNR on periscope at night. 2020T distant 13,000 yds. rounding identified as tanker) bearing 2020T distant 13,000 yds. rounding tip of HONGO peninsula standing northward between HON TRAUNAS and LUI GAH. Escorts to seaward. Battle Stations submerged! Concerned approach. Maneuvering to hold position close aboard HON DOI while waiting arrival of target. Current 2 to 3 kts. setting southerly. Visibility. aircraft land background poor - blue haze. Visibility to seaward good. State of sea excellent - choppy with many white caps. Slight swell. Sky partly cloudy.

— page 58 —
1030 Depth charges #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13. Quite a salvage! Distant. Shock boat slightly. Charged off as random nuisance charges, but later information indicates it was probably the BLACKFIN being worked about six miles to southward.

1042 Five or more escorts made-out to be advancing to seaward from and in line of bearing with target. Covering quite an extended front.

1043 Navigator took a cut and decided our course of 300°T, coupled with the current, was settling us right onto HON DOI. Right full rudder. 80 feet. All ahead 2/3. New course 010°T. Decided to parallel coastline; head into current and allow it to set us down just below Hon Doi close to the rock. It was a chance that target would attempt to pass between Hon Doi and the peninsula, although coast pilot said it could be done but was dangerous due to underwater ledges shaving into passage from both Hon Doi and the Hon Com peninsula. Width of cut 800 yards. If target came seaward of Hon Doi then, as soon as that was ascertained, we could open out to the right for a stern tube shot. This was the expected maneuver, but if she went inside of Hon Doi we could swing left for the more desirable bow salvo of six torpedoes before she got behind the rock. In either case we would be in a good position for a short torpedo run. Thus developed the plan of battle. In the meantime things were happening. Slowed to 2/3. 62 feet.

1050 Target bearing 197°T. No range. Target swinging left, seems to be swinging close to the coastline of the bay. Both sonar and sonic equipment reported many light explosions, strafing machine gun bullets on the water, or sona bombs, or something! No air cover was observed throughout this whole encounter, but it seems inconceivable that the Jap would send out this convoy, so close to air bases, without air cover. Look at the escorts. Closest pinging shifted to short scale. Five escorts bearing from 166°T to 239°T. Target could not be made out probably due to hazy land background.

1058 Took another look. Still couldn't find target. The five escorts were still coming in line of bearing although they were swinging, as though searching along line of bearing. Later information shows that they were perhaps developing contact on BLUEBACK who was estimated two to three thousand yards to south of us at this time and had just fired some 18s at one of these escorts.

1059.18 Target bearing 236°T. No range, too hazy. Angle on bow 15°P. Shot's coming out of the bay now, and she sure is smuggled up to that coastline. Navigator took a cut and visibly shuddered.

1100.20 Look at escorts. Sound reports pinging very loud and screens, Bearing on this fellow 171°.5T. She's swinging right, don't worry about her!

— page 59 —
1101.00 Sound reports escort has shifted to short-scale and is coming-in. Up periscope! No, don't worry about her! Angle on bow 90°. Began taking in details of hull for identification. Observed hull escort rear back on her hunchback and fire two or more shots out of her single gun forward elevated at about 60° angle, looked like an elephant trumpeting!

1102.30 Depth charges #14,#15,#16. Out notes, "quite close". Shower of cork and loose stuff shaken down from propeller. Boat jarred considerably. Later information indicates don't know who they were aimed at, UNTACT or us. C.O. stated "far away, nuisance charges! Up periscope!" Escort who had just dropped charges (judging from previous angle on bow must've been side turn-overs) was swinging herd right, angle on bow 160°P swigging through 180°P. She looked big! A great vast array of depth charge equipment clearly discernable aft! Could make out for turns of men on fantail. Her bearing was 110°P. Quick sweep around obtained total of five distinct bearings on escorts. They appeared to be maneuvering for encirclement although they were all still to southward of us.

1103.30 Left full rudder. No, protests the Navigator! He are too close to Hon Dol now. Well, if we're going to shoot, we've got to start again. One way or the other now and I don't know whether the target's going inside the rock or not. I haven't seen the target on the last sweep. You're too close! OK damn't! Right full rudder! Now course 070°P.

1104.20 Loud screws 15°P (roughly 25°P). Sound says we're surrounded C.O. says, the hull with them! Like ready tubes C9, and 10.

1105.47 Up periscope. Target bearing 179°R. (S/ii swinging by 045°P) Angle on bow 20°S. Target swinging left.

1107.00 Depth charge #17. Shock boat up considerably. More loose stuff showered around. Not much question but that this one was aimed at us. Though escorts must be perplexed with two contacts so close together.

1108.36 Up periscope. Almost steady on course 070°P. Target bearing 154°P. Still can't get a range. Angle on bow seems to be broad but can't make it out. You're surrounded by escorts! Sound reporting bearings on screws all around!

1109.15 Up periscope Ah! Target clearer, seems to be settled down. Use masthead height 110 feet. Bearing 170°R. Range 2600 yds - poor range. Angle on bow 85°S - good angle on bow. It's a transport all right MP. Long island sandwiches with three decks above midsock. Shots sure loaded though, riding drop in the water, not much fire-tor'd.

— page 60 —
1945 Time H (Cont'd).
1109.52 Up periscope! Bearing 1759R. We're going to have to shoot! She's settled down. Final set-up! Range 2400 yards - poor range, but use it, best I can get! Run torpedo run! Angle on bow 90°S - good angle on bow. Is she tracking at all? What speed you using? Use 3 knots!
1110.15 Up periscope! Final bearing 173°5R! Shoot! Fire 51 Escorts all around us! Down periscope!
1110.30 Up periscope! Bearing 140°5R! TDC operator decided she was not tracking and introduced 9 kts target speed. Fire 9 Down periscope!
1110.45 Up periscope! Bearing 164°R! Fire 101 Good, no impulse bubbles observed! Down periscope! Escorts too close! Three torpedoes fired electrically! 1ark 1-2s. Spread 0-23°R-23°L. Depth set 6 feet. Gyro angles 15°R-20°R-17°R. Track angles 105°S - 110°S - 107°S. Torpedo run 2500 yards. Later study of plot shows our firing position to have been 450 yards S.N. of Hon Doi.
1111.00 Sound reports one set of screws close and closing, all around the dial. Dottor go deep. Rig for depth charge and Silent running? No! I want to see this! It's all right, his bearings changing fast. Up periscope! You can hear his screws loud through the hull! OK! Down periscope! Go deep! Plane her down to 150 feet! Be careful, haven't got much water here! (30 ft. three) Right full rudder! Now course 135°T! Rig for depth charge attack and silent running. 'Hill play the strong southerly set, even though wind and sea are from north, and get out from under - we hope! Periscope. observation showed escort was passing close aboard parallel and drawing rapidly forward on port side. She bore than filled scope in low power. Side throwers! That an array! Observed salvo let go and in that air from those side throwers. That convinced me to go deep! Nowwhile the noise of her screws through the hull sounded like a railroad train going by.
1111.30 Depth charge, 110. Closer! Definitely ahead at us!
1112.30 Torpedo explosion! Hard, not soon. Not to dett! c.are. I tear analysis showed this to be a timed hit for 110°.
torpedo, torpedo run 2n 15s (250 yards-range) must be been shorter than used).
1112.45 Torpedo explosion! Not to dett. charge. Timed hit for No. 2 torpedo.
1113.30 Main A. Great range depth charge! Still at about 351. Just've been more than one escort unloaded that many. And closed. Side salvo severely. Torpedo single salvo we've over encountered. Opened our valves for! on! at! - such as outo-rd vent; etc. Hydraulic still screwed all over after torpedo room front steering system. Such minor electrical damage - the usual stuff. Nothing serious. But why does TUGGILL always have to do it the hard way? Or have been shaken up worse twice on previous patrols and this isn't damnous as it turned out but

— page 62 —
1113.30 (cont'd) it was too damned close for comfort. Some day we're going to sink a ship without a depth charge counter-attack, we hope.
1115 to Received five more depth charges - close but not as bad as previous heavy salvo.
1120 What! Another large salvo! About 25 this time! They are really organized and teamed-up! Ease down to 175 feet! Guess we're in deep enough water. 40 turns! Enough of this, make ready No. 7 tube! JP reports two different sets of screws coming in.

1134.55 Another salvo of depth charges, perhaps 12. of them, a little further away this time.
1136 A salvo of about 20 this time. Getting further away. The last of the salvos. Received three more singles before coming to periscope depths.
1200 12-38N; 109-90N. 123 miles, 4874 gals.
1242 Up periscope! Nothing close! Pinging could be heard. Sighted two escorts against the background of Hon'Don pen's insular, just south of Hon'Doni bearing ranging. Subsequent closer scrutiny identified both of these as NEW KATBOKAN FP-FUN-2 shown in CINCPAC-CINCPOA Weekly Intelligence Bulletin Vol. 1, No. 32 of 19 Feb. 1945 (Estimate Certain).
1255 Secure from depth charge attack and silent running. Left full rudder, new course 3300T. Head for the two escorts at 2/3's speed; they must be guarding or standing by something or perhaps picking up survivors. Maybe we'll have to polish off that ship or perhaps get one of these escorts.
1312 Seven heavy depths charges quite far away heard and felt between now and 1340. The last! Various counts on the number of depth charges heard and felt today averaged out to 1121 The total number of depth charges is swollen by the new mentioned employed of large salvo drops-never previously encountered.
1513 In closing the two escorts, the target was sighted and later developed to be hard around on Hon'Doni, down by the stern. Pulled standard speed against current in order to get into favorable firing position on target, but couldn't make it before dark - but she'll stay awhile. Unable to reach favorable firing position on the two escorts who appeared very alert. After dark they apparently left the scene and headed northward as echo-ranging heard to draw north and fade out in that direction.
2010 Surfaced.

— page 63 —
2050 Contacted and spoke USS BURGALL. She had been at Cape Varella and her only contacts were five escorts headed north. It may have been a coincidence but as soon as we spoke each other on VHF, saturation APR contact was obtained 157 mcs from apparently two sources. Source unknown. Look out for aircraft. APR contact was with us intermittently all night.

2235 Contacted and spoke USS BLUEBACK. Reported for duty to Pack Commander. Held quite a confab on BHP. Reported results and exchanged notes on day's activity. He thought target was a large transport too. Learned he had seen us come in and submerge this morning and was 3000 yds to southward of us during approach. Twelve minutes before our firing, he had fired at one of the escorts. The BLACKFIN had been 8 miles to southward and had been severely damaged by depth charge attack. Oh boy, what a team, what a team! Requested permission to return to scene of action and destroy our grounded target.

March 29, 1945 Time H. TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3. Investigating ship beached on Hon Doi with two torpedo hits from yesterday's action. She was hrd aground by the bow and well down by the stern but looked pretty whole and possibly salvageable.

0245 Take Stations for Night Surface Torpedo Attack! Bright full moon. Many sailboats all around - ignored. Made approach from northwest (depth of water in here 10 to 15 fathoms) but decided against firing from proximity of beach of HongKong peninsula was so obtained due to proximity of beach of HongKong peninsula was 30°P and it was too probable that torpedoes would explode on the rocks before hitting the ship. So, reversed course, pulled out and made approach from south-east. This was better because the stern was apparently overhanging the rocky ledge from the stack aft. Also, track was 120°S. During this inspection tour had several officers observe and a sketch made to take in further details of ship for identification purposes. Closed to 1400 yard. torpedo run. Checked torpedo gyros on zero. Made ready tubes, 6,5,4, just in case we missed with first one or it exploded on rocks. Called for precision at 1/3 speed firing in order to hit the ship no further forward than amidships and keep fish off rocks. Connoed ship into position very carefully, Sound gear and pit log rigged-in so could not wipe in case we hit a rocky ledge or bottom ourselves. At this point, just to make things comfortable, APR reported strong saturation contact 157 mcs. Lieut. G.I. PLOTZ, USNR having first sighted target was given honor of delivering Coup de Grace. He manned No. 1 periscope on zero bearing and coached helmsmen to put cross-wire on stack.

— page 64 —
15:51, 29. 1945 Time H (Cont'd)
0430 Fire 61 six seconds later, Fire 51 Depth set 2 feet. Mark 14-3As. Hot, straight and normal! Stop shooting! Thought George was going to shoot all the torpedoes on the ship the way he started pumping them out! Followed the torpedo wake to the target. They both hit abaft the stack about 50feet apart. . . . Treandous explosions throwing up debris and flame two to three hundred feet in the air followed by huge oil fire breaking out. All back full! Backed clear of firing position. Place lit up. for miles around. Sailboats scurrying around. Strong small of burning fuel oil and smoke. Opened out to attach the show and clear the vicinity.
0445 Received word of a downed aviator near post just north of Camranh Bay and about 24 miles south of here. All ahead Flank - Full power on four engines.
0526 Aircraft contact #3. Dived. Float plane passed along port side distant 5 miles. Probably attracted by the huge fire. Apparently didn't see us - must've been blind!
0546 Surfaced. Proceeding to search for aviator.
0555 Aircraft contact #4. Dived SD contact 5 miles closing. Saw him severely strafed a sailboat near the fire. Probably thought it was us.
1615 Surfaced. Proceeding to search for aviator. Dawn breaking.
0651 Investigated Jap lifeboat. Obviously from our target. It had drifted south since yesterday. Abandoned. Oars in laces. In good condition. Pull of Japanese Army equipment. Blankets, helmets, canteens, etc. Resumed search for aviator. We are running about 5 miles off coast in broad daylight. Sailboats all around.
0725 Aircraft contact #5. Large flying boat headed in low from the land. Probably was. Dived. Things getting too hot. But, ass't Eng. says 'don't let him blurt you, Captain.'
0918 Surfaced. Resumed search at high speed.
0945 Hon Lon Light beam to stab. bearing 270° distant 6 miles. Investigated Jap life boat. Obviously from our target. Full of army equipment. Closed to go alongside and salvage equipment. Hoped to learn name of ship.
1152 Aircraft contact #6. Small high-winged single float plane coming in fast from beachside. Lift is earnest, life is real! Hell with the life boat! Dived.
1153 Threw depth bombs from airerft. Not too close. He's chatting, he's only supposed to drop two. Decided to remain submerged for awhile. Have covered 225 square miles of search area south of aviators reported position. Drift is southerly. Feel search has been thorough. Sorry we couldn't find him, but believe he may have been rescued by one of the many sailboats in the vicinity. Conducting submerged patrol with high periscope observations every half hour. 120-19N; 105°E. 115 miles, 4351 calls.
1200 120-19N; 105°E. 115 miles, 4351 calls.

— page 65 —
1. SURFACED PATROL.
2. 1735 Surface patrol.
3. 2355 Contacted and spoke USS BLUEBACK at rendezvous. Reported results of morning attack and unsuccessful search for downed aviator. Received aboard patrol orders for Pack from Pack Commander.

March 30, 1945 Time H
Patrolling off Cape Varella, French Indochina.
037 Ship contact #5. Radar contact 23,000 yds on lighted hospital ship. Tracked on course 180°T. Speed 10 kts. Exercised at Night Surface Torpedo-Attack. Closed to 12,000 yds (bright full moon) and scrutinized closely. Large, 2 stack answers same description as one sighted by HAWKBILL off P.I. a few months ago. Large lighted rod cross on after stack over a brilliantly illuminated horizontal green band extending only about 1 length of ship. Was let thehosepital ship go by.
054 Submerged patrol off Poule Gambir 3 to 1 mile offshore. (27 to 32 fathoms of water). Good spot if Japs know about Dace's minefield and route traffic outside. Sailboats in sight all day.
1200 130-39N; 109-24E. 180 miles, 2433 gals.
1948 Surface patrol.
2040 Spoke USS HAMMERHEAD patrolling in area to northward.
2115 Contacted and spoke USS BLUEBACK.
2145 Contacted and spoke USS SERGALL.

March 31, 1945 Time H
Surface patrol off Cape Varella, French Indochina.
0005 Contacted and spoke USS BERGALL.
0025 Contacted and spoke USS BASHAN.
0529 Submerged patrol off Cape Varella. 3 to 1 mile offshore. (20 fathoms of water) Drifted down to Hon Doi to examine and take pictures of our baby - nursing her like a spoiled and only child. Hundreds of sailboats.
1200 120-47N; 109-29M. 140 miles, 1027 gals. Our ship way down to stern. Looks like back is broken. Forward of stack full of spars intact. Must be burned out however. Natives are coming over her salvaging what they can. Get into 15 to 18 of water for good look. Native village and sailboats at anchor nearby.
1958 Surface patrol 1.
2230 Aircraft contact #7. APR contact 153 mcs. Two aircraft exhausts could be seen. Moved.
2325 Surfaced patrol.

-15- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 66 —
1945 Time H
Surface patrolling off Poule Gambir on Patrol Line 15 miles off shore during daylight.
0200 Contacted and spoke USS BERGAIL.
0415 Contacted and spoke USS BLUEBACK.
0800 Set clocks ahead one hour to ZD(-)9 (Item time).
0900 Sighted U.S. Submarine, probably USS BLUEBACK to seaward.
1200 13-32'N; 1090-39'E. 175 miles, 1592 gals.
1342 Aircraft contact #8. Dived.
1427 Surfaced patrol resumed.
1535 Ship contact #6. Sighted smoke bearing 2890 distant 17 miles. Closed till tops of large two stack transport in sight. Transmitted contact report to the pack and commenced tracking and taking position ahead at Plank Speed, 19/ knots. Tracked on southerly course about 9 miles off coastline, Speed 16 knots. Appeared to be zig zagging but no escorts sighted yet. Small a rat!
2015 Target showing lights of a properly marked Hospital Ship. Detail Expended lots of energy and ill-spared fuel on this one. Closed to 12,000 yards. Think we ought to sink them anyway! They're up to no good. This is the second one in as many days headed south and you can bet they are returning loaded with troops and other evacuation personnel. It is recommended that we run a north bound one into Subic for inspection on of these days. Withdrew to northward and resumed surface patrol. We let the hospital ship go by!
2020 APR contact 156 mcs. 120-23'N; 1090-37'E.
2100 Aircraft contact #9. SD radar 8 miles.
2105 Visual contact on aircraft 8 miles. Bright moonlight. Apparently two of them as,ind acted on AR and visual.
2305 Spoke USS BLUEBACK.
2356 Completed converting #3 and #5 RFO tanks to main ballast tanks and submerged to flush-out.

April 2, 1945 Time I
Surface patrolling off Cape Varella, French Indo China.
0225 Contacted and spoke USS BLUEBACK.
0640 Submerged patrol off 'Poulo Gambir' to 1 mile offshore. Many sailboats all day.
1200 13-37'N; 1090-23'E. 238 miles, 2900 gals.
2051 Surfaced patrol.
2105 Spoke USS BLUEBACK.
2200 Contacted and spoke USS ERKCALL.

April 3, 1945 Time I
Surface patrol off Cape Varella on seaward end of patrol line.
1200 120-44'N; 1100-19'E. 175 miles, 1105 gals.
1410 Sighted USS BLUEBACK. Closed, went alongside and spoke. She departs area tonight which makes ComWolf in this vessel.

— page 67 —
1945 Time I (Cont'd)
: 1410 (cont'd) BERGALL also leaving. BLUEGILL and BASHAW will thus constitute the WolfPack with CROAKER joining up later.
: 2130 Spoke USS BASHAW and directed her to patrol north of 130N
: 2142 Surface patrolling 12,000 yards off Cape Varella, Sailboats all night and all day.
: 0635 Submerged patrol off Cape Varella 2 to 1 mile offshore. (20 fathoms of water).
: 1200 120-52°N; 1090-29°E. 196-miles, 1227 gals.
: 2049 Surfaced patrol 12,000 yards off coast.
: 2142 USS CROAKER joined pack. Directed her to take charge of BASHAW and patrol north of 130N alternating surfaced and submerged patrol with BASHAW. One Submarine to be always on surface in order to maintain communications with search aircraft.
: 2220 Proceeding on various courses and speed approaching Mui La point of peninsula, south of Cape Varella to unload landing party. Numerous sailboats a nuisance - open field running to avoid detection. Moonrise at 0120/5th. (12 fathoms of water).

: 1945 Time I
: Maneuvering to unload landing party, then withdrew and conducted surface patrol 12,000 yards offshore.
: 0022 Landing party left the ship.
: 0600 Spoke USS CROAKER.
: 0645 Submerged patrol off Hon Doi to 1 mile offshore. Our baby still throe. Natives pillaging her. May have settled a little. Oil slick formed for miles a start on her. Improved our sketch for identification details. She seems to have a peculiar indent ed on construction along stab bow. Wonder if she's a tanker instead of a transport?
: 1200 120-41°N; 1090-28°E. 122 miles, 849 gals.
: 2045 Surfaced patrol 10,000 yards of shore.

: 1945 Time I
: Surface patrol 10 to 12,000 yards offshore Hon Doi to Cape Varella. Moonrise 0213.
: 0215 Headed in to retrieve landing party. Usual trouble avoiding sailboats.
: 0405 Retrieved landing party. Mission accomplished. (see enclosure) Reconnaissance completed, Vung Ro Bay devoid of anything but sailboats. Withdrew and resumed surface patrol.
: 0530 Submerged patrol off Cape Varella. 2 to 1 mile offshore.
: 1200 120-53°N; 1090-29°E. 133 miles, 789 gals.
: 2043 Surfaced patrol 10,000 yards offshore.
: 2240 Contacted and spoke USS BROAKER. Directed her and BASHAW continue alternate surfaced and submerged patrols, only south of 130N. Explained fuel situation dictated a submerged patrol for remainder of our time on station.

— page 71 —
00035 BOARDING party returned aboard. Mission completed. (Enclosure). Brought back a mess of Japanese papers, charts etc. including one box of Kayser silk hose made in USA. and one .30 cal. dolt. Air cooled machine gun made in USA. Bridge all burned out. Officers quarters and staterooms partially burned out, and most of the living spaces in island flooded as she was well down by stern. Living spaces stunk with decaying human bodies. Sick bay was found with blood spewn around. Of course every thing was topsy-turvey. The hull forward, although burned, was still intact. Fuel oil draining aft from an almost full fuel tank forward. Fuel oil all over the decks. Below decks in fo'c'sle was apparently not living spaces. The ship is definitely a tanker! Albeit apparently an AK converted to a tanker. No ship's name could be found, but should be forth coming with translation of the papers. Both sides of the ship definitely had an indentation for running fuel transfer lines for'ln'aft. Boarding party measured up various parts of the ship and found main deck beam 30 feet wide, indentation 10 feet from main deck down, and the lodges 12 feet extending to the side of the ship. In as much as the forward part of ship was still intact with fuel in it and the living spaces not completely burned out, boarding party set incendiaries to start a fire and explosives to blow six holes in the grounded bow just below the water line - these would let the oil drain out and water to further flood the ship. With this explosive set, and being in a good attack position right here, decided to continue to lie-to and wait for the fireworks.

0341 First explosion heard. Observed small fire break out in living spaces and around bridge which spread by leaps and bounds.

0350 Second explosion heard. She's got six holes in her now, all right! Fire spreading rapidly and hot! The oil is beginning to catch! Commenced opening out for fear fire would attract aircraft. Observed explosion and burst of flame in bow - incendiary in forward fuel tank let go. Fire burning briskly now, flames reaching 100 to 200 feet in the air. Heavy-black smoke billowing out. Oh boy, oh boy! By-golly if nothing else, when the BLUESHI does a thing we sure are thorough! That ship is DESTROYED! With the lack of contacts in this area it's getting so submarines have to make their own objectives and stunts in order to keep up morale! In the meantime with all of the available data not at hand, the ship, BLUESHI's baby, is identified as similar to the HOKKI MARU (only much bigger somebody said) 5601 gross tons (Estimate Cortain) fuel capacity 53,117 barrels, (and she was loaded), page 187 of ONI 208-J revised. This identification may stand corrected after the translator examines the papers. Evidence definitely indicates that she was also being used as a troop transport, and it is thought that perhaps wooden

— page 72 —
0350 (cont'd) structures, burned out by the fire, had been built extending and filling in the amidships island, thus causing the C.O.'s initial periscope identification to be "large transport, low in water". As mentioned earlier, this was also the impression of the C.O. U.S.S. BLUEBACK. It also suggested that she may have been built up to deliberately disguise her as a transport.

0450: Spoke USS BASHAN. "How do you like our bonfire?"
0630: Submerged petrol off Hon Doi to observe our baby again. She had settled down over-all four to five feet. Her bridge and amidship's structure had collapsed from the heat. She was still smoldering in late afternoon. Took pictures.

1200: 120-40'N; 109-27.5'E. 139 miles, 1404 gal.s.
1345: Aircraft contact #16. Friendly B-24.
2044: Surface patrol. Departing area in accordance with directive on Operation Order.

2050: Spoke USS BASHAN. Bid her Good Luck.

April 16, 1945 Time I
Surface patrolling along coast northward from Cape Varella. Taking departure from area.

0000: Spoke USS CROAKER. Turned Pack over to her. Bid her Good Luck.

0022: Set course for Subic Bay, P.I.

1020: Aircraft contact #17. Friendly B-24 circled at 8 miles while we exchanged salutations and reports of no contacts on VHF. Excellent communications.

1200: 140-10'N; 1110-44'E. 186 miles, 2565 gal.s.

April 17, 1945 Time I
0902: Aircraft contact #18. Friendly PBM Mariner. Closed to 2 miles. Exchanged recognition signals. Spoke on VHF.

1200: 140-55'N; 1160-13'E. 280 miles, 4351 gal.s.

April 18, 1945 Time I
0630: Made rendezvous with cur DE escort U.S.S. ACREE. Proceeding into Subic Bay.

1115: Moored alongside U.S.S. ANTHEDON (AS-24) in Subic Bay, P.I. 223 miles, 4200 gallons.

RESULTS OF PATROL:
Sunk one AO HOKKI MARU (EC) 5601 gross tons.
Damaged one unknown DB (EU) 1500 tons.

- 22 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 73 —
5th War Patrol
U.S.S. BLUEBELL (SS242) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE

Supplement to Results of Patrol:

As a result of the work of the Japanese translator, Lt. (jg) Edgar L. Haff, Jr., U.S.N.R., in scanning the papers retrieved from the wrecked AO, the following revised assessment of damage to the enemy is made by the commanding officer.

Destroyed - One Naval artillery, the AC HONAN MARU * (BC) -- 8000 gross tons.

Damaged - One unknown DD(EU) -- 1500 tons.

* This is the name of the ship. It is not listed in any of our available publications. The picture of the HOKKI MARU in ONI 208-J (Revised) has the closes resemblance to it. However, in the absence of listing it is the Commanding Officer's estimate that the HONAN MARU is of 8000 gross tons. It was further determined that this ship was a Naval Auxiliary Vessel captained by a Lieutenant Commander Noda of Nagoya, with a crew of 58 enlisted men. In addition to its use as an AO carrying fuel oil, it was serving as a transport with many trcops aboard.

— page 77 —
1. USS. BUGGILL (SS214) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA:

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1

Time 1550 H Date March 19, '45 Lat. 8°-11'20"S Long. 116°-16'E.

Target Date - Damage Inflicted

Description:
Small Maru. (300 - 500 ton Sea Truck hull with no engines) camouflaged with both brush and trees, and small similarly camouflaged Auxiliary Sealing Vessel type tug.

Ship(s) Damaged or Probably Sunk.

None.

Target draft 61' Est. Course Anchored Speed 0 Ramp 2600 yds (Est.) (at firing)

Own Ship Data

Speed 1.8 kts Course 191 Depth 65' Angle 0° (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack

Daylight submerged periscope attack on anchored target. Single shots fired from bow tubes #1, #2 and #3 with TDC set-up. A 10 spread was used and each torpedo track was watched all the way in with the periscope. The first two torpedoes apparently passed stern, and the third apparently passed ahead of target. Torpedoes ran hot, stright and normal, but smoked heavily. Tug got under way during attack, and immediately after firing proceeded as close to beach as possible. Target too small and not worth a torpedo attack. Disgusted for having been taken in!

-26-

— page 78 —
1. TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1
Tubes Fired: 1, 2, 3
Truck Angle: 111.5, 112.5, 114.5
Torpedo Run: 2600, 2600, 2600 (Est.)
Gyro Angle: 001, 002.5, 004.5
Depth Set: 21, 21, 21
Hit or Miss: Miss, Miss, Miss
Erratic: No, No, No
Mk Torpedo: 14-3A, 14-3A, 14-3A
Serial No.: 63623, 63607, 63440
Mk Exploder: 6-5, 6-5, 6-5
Serial No.: 19966, 22492, 13169
Actuation Set: Contact, Contact, Contact
Actuation Actual: 7, 7, 7
Mk Warhead: 16-1, 16-1, 16-1
Serial No.: 12390, 15053, 17413
Explosive: TPX-2, TPX-2, TPX-2
Firing Interval: 2 min, 2 min, 2 min
Type Spread Div.: 0, 10R, 20R
Sea Conditions: after watching each torpedo
Overhaul Activity: U.S.S. BURYALE (AS-22)
Remarks:
1. Torpedoes smoked heavily.
2. Torpedoes ran HSN.

MISSED I
-27- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 79 —
1. U.S.S. FLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA

TORPEDO ATTACK NO: 2

Time 1110 H Date March 28, 145 Lat. 12°-39.5'N Long. 109°-28.3'E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description:

Large single stack KFm tanker, apparently converted for additional use as AF, escorted by four KALEOKAN FF's (UN2) and one DD. May have been more ships and escorts in this convoy but this was still that were sighted by this vessel. Visibility against land back-ground poor-blue haze. Visibility to seaward good. Sky partly cloudy.

Ships Damaged: 1. One A.O. S. S. HOKKI MARU (EC) (page 167 of ONI 200-J revised) 5601 gross tons.

Damage determined by:

1. Two timed explosions heard after attack on AO, and AO was later observed beached on rocks, between Hon Doi Island and Hongon Peninsula.

Target draft 25 feet Course 340° Speed 9 kts Actual Range 2100 yds. (at firing)

Cum Ship Data

Speed 1.5 kts Course 070° Depth 65° Angle 0 (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack:

Drylight submerged periscope attack on heavily escorted large AO. Submarine's movements were greatly restricted by strong' southerly current (2-3 knots), proximity to Hon Doi Island, and depth charges dropped by escort before and during attack plus being practically surrounded by 5 escorts during attack. Only 3 observations including but 2 poor ranges obtained for tracking purposes on target and only during the 1h 39s before firing. Quick set-up! Three Jk. 13-21's were fired from tubes #8, #9 and #10. Two timed hits were heard at 21-15' and 21-30' corresponding to tubes #4 and #9. Immediately forced deep by heavy depth charge attack from all five escorts.

-23- EXCLUSIVE (A)

— page 80 —
10
: 107S
: 2250
: 197
: 6'
: 6'
: Hit
: No
: 16-2
: 3074
: 8-4
: 10915
: Contact
: Contact
: 15S
: 2R
: 2
: Excellent - Choppy with many white caps; slight swell.
: U.S.S. BURYALES (A6-22)

Remarks:
Two tined hits - #8 at 21-15M; #9 at 2130M.
#8 tube fired at 6 kts TDC.
#9 and #10 fired at 9 kts TDC.
Torpedoes apparently HSN.

-29-

— page 81 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) -- Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3

Time 1125 H Date March 28, '45 Lat. 12°-38'N Long. 109°-30'E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description

Two close escorts of convoy of Ship Contact #4 working
us over with depth charges.

Ship(s) Damaged

One unknown DD (EU) - 1500 Tons.

Damage determined by:

1. Timed hit.
2. Sighted by aircraft a few minutes later to be dead
   in water.

Target draft 10 ft Course various Speed 8 kts Range 1000 yds.

Own Ship Data

Speed 1.8 kts Course 135°T Angle 0 (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack

Submerged.
Tubes Fired #7. Hit!

- 30 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 82 —
5. CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BLUEVILLE (33242) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4

Time 0436 H Date March 29, 145 Lat. 12°-39'N Long. 109°-27.6'E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description:

Large AO beached on rocks between HON DOI Island and Hongom Peninsula as a result of torpedo attack #2. Fright full noon.

Ship(s) Destroyed:

One large AO. Similar HOKKI HAKU, page 167 of OHI 203J-revised (LCO) 5601 tons.

Damage Determined By:

Two high order torpedo hits observed with flames reaching several hundred feet in the air, followed by a large fire throughout the ship. Inter close observation showed the target to be a fire gutted wreck, with after part of main deck well below water.

Target draft 01 fwd 40' aft. Course Around Speed 0 Range 1400 yds.

Own Ship Data

Speed 5 Kts. Course 350 Depth Surface Angle 0 (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type Attack

Night surface attack on beachhead target. Fired two 1k. 14-3As with zero angles set, aiming by periscope. Target was destroyed Alonc with any skeleton crew that remained aboard.

-31- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 83 —
1. TUBE-ROTATED ATTACK NO. 4
Track angle: 120S
Torpedo run: 1400 yds
Gyro angle: 0
Depth Set: 21
Hit or Miss: Hit
Erratic: No
Tk Torpedo: 14-3A
Serial No.: 63449
Mk Exploder: 6-5
Serial No.: 497
Actuation Set: Contact
Actuation Actual: Contact
Mk. Jerrud: Mk 16-1
Serial No.: 17819
Explosive: TX-2
Firing Interval: 0
Type Spread Div.: None
Sos Conditions: 1
Overhaul Activity: U.S.S. BURYALE (AS-22)

Remarks:
1. Time of torpedo run 50 seconds.
2. Two solid hits abaft stack (point of air was stack) fifty feet apart.
3. Torpedoes apparently ran HSN.

-32- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 84 —
1. U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(I) NOTES:
None encountered. No remarks.

(J) ANTISUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASIVE TACTICS
Total depth charges received this patrol 115. Grand total 5 patrols 369. (No attacks made, no depth charges received on B/G 4th W.P.)

4 out of the 5 escorts were pingers, the other listened. Type escort PP-UN-2. No forward throwers, but side throwers very much in evidence. New method of attack never before encountered was for several escorts to combine and drop a large salvo of as many as 35 depth charges in each attack. Its effectiveness is greater than salvos of lesser number of depth charges however.

More and more patrol vessels are escorting fewer and fewer ships. Attack No. 2 was the toughest opposition we've been up against prior to firing. At least 5 escorts to the one ship.

Our evasion tactics were the B/G standard outlined in detail in ELUCIDAL FIRST WAR PATROL REPORT. Essentially, go deep (150-175 feet in this case) open scene of action, pick a quadrant and in this case take advantage of current. Don't stay down too long. Get up and see what's going on.

(K) NAVAL DEFECTS AND DAMAGES
The ship is considered to be in good material condition. The one item of concern is "squealing propellors or shafts", Sound tests show it is below allowable limits but, allowable limits notwithstanding, they still SQUEAL!

(a) Hull
#2 Periscope - This periscope developed optical misalignment after the depth charge attack on 28 March. It is impossible to get a clear image in high power. Also, early in the patrol, the periscope began forging badly in spite of the fact that guage pressure remained at 7 pounds. In view of the above, the periscope was completely useless during most of the patrol. A new periscope will be installed or the present one completely overhauled optically.

Hydraulic Accumulator - The usual troubles of a "gronning" accumulator was again experienced on this patrol. The cause is the composition rubber packing on the oil side of the accumulator, and it was necessary periodically to put the hydraulic plant out of commission in order to lubricate this packing. Suggest oil-soaked leather packing in place of the present composition rubber. So far, all attempts to obtain such packing have failed.

— page 85 —
0925 March 26 the throttlemans on watch heard a very loud noise in #2 generator. The engine was immediately stopped and the inspection plate removed. Investigation revealed that the fan on the forward end came completely off the spider. The inboard forward end plates were then removed and further investigation showed that the bolts had been sheared off. The baffle plate between the fan and the shaft was bent and ripped beyond repair. When the bolts were removed old breaks were found indicating - crystallization due to vibration.

Rough spots were removed on the fan, spider, and casing. New bolts were put in and the engine jacked over. A load was put on and gradually increased. The generator held out so was put on normal operation. Since then it has been run for four hours at full power. The temperature has been normal, and a vibration meter indicated normal vibration.

The reason for the break is obvious. The bolt hole in the spider is 10/16 inches. The hole in the fan is 11/16 inches. If any of the bolts should come loose a vibration will set up that will gradually crystallise the bolts. This is apparently what happened. Six of the bolts showed old breaks.

This ship intends to enlarge the bolt holes in the spider and fan to 3/4 inches. Since the two holes are the same there should be no vibration; and 3/4 inch bolts should hold the load safely.

(L) RADIO

VIXQ reception was never satisfactory off the Indo China coast at night, and daytime reception ranged from poor to fair. No CTF-71 serials were missed, however.

No casualties occurred to the radio equipment.

The BLUFFELL'S only transmission was sent to Z4N for relay to VIXQ, since we were unable to raise VIXQ on 8470 kcs on the call-up. The message went through to VIXQ with no difficulty.

Nothing of interest to us was heard on the China frequencies 4155 kcs and 12465 kcs nor on the aircraft primary reconnaissance frequencies 4210 kcs and 7615 kcs. These frequencies seem to be pretty well taken up with what appears to be Jap point to point transmissions. On the 4475 kcs lifeguard frequency many plane to plane and plane to sub transmissions were heard.

-34- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 88 —
U.S.S. BLUEBELL (SS242) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

Sound conditions off the Indo China coast were in general rather poor, especially for sonic equipment.

The only sound contact obtained was on the convoy of March 28th, when maximum ranges observed were approximately 3,500 yards. Four distinct sets of echo ranging were detected and another escort was observed to be merely listening. The echo-ranging frequencies used were unusual in that they varied from an estimated 10 kcs to 24 kcs. One escort was observed to vary his echo-ranging frequency up and down the scale.

During the early part of the patrol the sound gear was manned almost continually on the surface when making 2/3 or less speed, in the hope of picking up enemy echo ranging. During the latter part of the patrol the equipment was manned, when surfaced, in accordance with CTF-71 serial 47 of March 28th. for the purpose of detecting enemy torpedoes.

No casualties were experienced with the sound equipment.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

| DATE | G.C.T. | LAT. | LONG. | ISOTHERMAL TO GRADIENT |
|------||------|-------||
| 19 Mar. | 0900 | 080-12100N | 1160-20150E | 30° -10' |
| 24 Mar. | 0800 | 080-15100N | 1070-50130E | 40° -10' |
| 28 Mar. | 0500 | 120-28100N | 1090-35100E | (120° -10') |
| 30 Mar. | 0000 | 130-40100N | 1090-24100E | 120° -10' |
| 31 Mar. | 0000 | 130-13100N | 1090-28100E | 60° -10' |
| 3 Apr. | 0000 | 120-36100N | 1100-24100E | 80° -10' |
| 4 Apr. | 2200 | 130-00100N | 1090-34100E | 40° -10' |
| 5 Apr. | 2200 | 120-56100N | 1090-28120E | 40° -10' |
| 6 Apr. | 2300 | 120-57100N | 1090-28120E | 40° -10' |
| 10 Apr. | 0300 | 130-54100N | 1090-20140E | 80° -10' |

BT CARDS

Very unusual thermal conditions were found in the comparatively shallow water off the coast of French Indo China, in the vicinity of Cape Varella. These included one 25° positive layer, and temperature variations at periscope depth, over a period of three or four hours, of as high as ten degrees. During the depth charge attack on 23 March, two separate negative layers assisted in evasive of escorts. BT cards have been forwarded to VCNO, Hydrographic Office.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND LIABILITY

The following ailments were ably treated and cured by CAKEY, J.F., 610 13 96, Ph.D., USNR.

— page 89 —
1. Fumus
(a) Athletes Foot 22
(b) Jack Itch 16
(c) Heat Rash 12
2. Common Colds 41
3. Eye Inflammations 2
4. Minor Cuts & Bruises 14
5. Constitution 11
6. Sunburn 5
7. Boils 2
8. Sinusitis 1 7
9. Severe Lacerations 1 3
10. Toothaches 3
11. German measles 1 10
12. Chemical Burns 2
13. Minor Burns 3
14. D.U. C. Tarrhial Jaundice 1 14
15. Earaches 3
16. Strained Shoulder Ligament 1 5
17. Combat Fatigue 1 5

Anti-Malaria prophylaxis was instituted one week prior to entering malaria area in accordance with Seventh Fleet Medical Directive.

Health of the crew was in general fair to good. Colds were unusually numerous in the early part of the patrol, but cleared up as the patrol progressed. More sickness was had on this patrol than on any previous patrol, however.

The food served was abundant and well prepared. A balanced ration was served at all times. The work of the Ship's Baker TALBOT, C.C., 833 45 26, 802e, USNR is considered outstanding. His bread is as good or better than the best obtainable ashore. Numerous pies, cookies, cinnamon rools, cream puffs, etc., were a definite morale booster.

Habitability was in general good. Considerable surface cruising and moderate temperatures were large contributing factors.

(Q) PERSONNEL
1. State of training - High.

-38- ENCLOSURE (A).

— page 91 —
1426 Miles, 23945 gals.
North of Malaya Barrier
540 miles, 8451 gals.

Total: 7112 miles, 99740 gals.

(S) DURATION:
No. of days enroute Malaya Barrier: 6*
No. of days north of Malaya Barrier: 29
No. of days enroute Subic Bay, P.I.: 2

Day submerged: 17. TOTAL: 37

*Includes 11 hours stop alongside USS COUCAL in Emouth Gulf, W.A.

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE PREPARING:
Torpedoes: 14
Fuel: 9200 gals
Provisions: 35 days
Personnel: 10 days*

* A lot more if necessary "life" provided by sinking more ships. Limiting factor this patrol - terminated by Commander Tskr Group 71.1. Operation Order No. 31-45.

(U) RADAR AND RADIO COUNTERMEASURES:
No evidence of radar interference or jamming was encountered. Radar contacts observed on the APR-1 Receiver that were not definitely identified as friendly are as follows:

-40- ENCLOSURE (A).

— page 92 —
U.S.S. LUGGILL (SS242) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(U) RADAR AND RADIO CONVERTER ASSURCES (Cont'd)

S/M: Time freq, P.R.F. Pulse
Date Position: (I) (mcs) (cps) Length Remarks

Mar. 9-13 2210 197 950 5 micro Evidently shore based air search radar near Lombok Strait. Slow irregular sweep. Strong side lobes.
Mar. 8-17 0435 165 500 10 Probably shore based air search radar near Lombok Strait. Slow random sweep.
Mar. 6-4 0815 199 500 10 Probably shore based air search radar on Great Malasembo Island. Very weak signal. Very slow irregular sweep.
Mar. 11-30 0145 178 450 6 Aircraft. Probably ASV radar on friendly search plane off Phin-rang Bay. Steady, keyed signal - later used very fast sweep. Plane on Sd and SD radars. Later had IFF signal at 12 miles.
Mar. 12-27 0622 160 500 8 Probably shore based air search radar near Camranh Bay. Irregular short sweep.
Mar. 13-31 2210 157 100 12 Probably surface craft search radar on escort vessel off Hongon Peninsula. Sweeping at first, then steadied on us. This radar started up while we were talking to USS BURGALL on VHF. He probably picked up our transmission.
Mar. 12-39 0533 153 950 9 Probably aircraft off Hongon Peninsula searching for us after our torpedoing transport.
Mar. 12-15 1023 103 350 38 Probably shore based air search radar near Camranh Bay. Irregular sector sweeping. Strong side lobes.
Mar. 12-09 1120 160 500 7 Probably air search radar near Camranh Bay. Random sweeping.
Mar. 12-09 1145 107 300 45 Probably shore based air search radar near Camranh Bay. Irregular sweeping at first, then trained in our direction and commenced lobe switching.

-41- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 93 —
12-52N 2315 153 940 6 Micro Evidently aircraft making A/S
31 109-32NE 1 109-37E (on & off for 2 hrs)
Apr. 120-23N 2020 156 950 11
1 109-37E (on & off for 2 hrs)
Apr. 120-40N 2045 106 350 43
5 109-31NE
Apr. 110-54N 0610 160 450 7
14 109-42NE to 1215
Apr. 120-11N 1016 106 300 46
14 109-56NE to 1415

(V) REMARKS:
Though it is considered that the morale of personnel in this ship is high, the noticeable lack of torpedo targets during both this and the last patrol is keenly felt. If such lack of suitable targets continues, serious morale problem may arise in the S/S service.

Needless to say, however, the C.O., officers and men take a great deal of smug satisfaction in having helped to drive the enemy from the seas. And of course, All Hands realize and give thanks to COD that this absence of shipping is indicative of the approaching end of the war in what we hope is the not too distant future - 2 yrs. maybe.

-42- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 94 —
1.6-2 and one 1k. 1k-1 torpedoes were carried on this patrol. The difficulties experienced on previous patrols with electric torpedoes were conspicuous by their absence on this patrol. The hard Leonard hydrogen burner is a marked improvement over the two previous types carried on this vessel. The tail charging connection, appreciably lessened the work involved in charging the torpedoes in the tubes. All torpedoes were received in good condition and the prescribed routines were adequate in all respects.

-43- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 95 —
1. The fifth war patrol of the U.S.S. BLUEBELL was conducted in the JAVA SEA, KARLITA STRAIT and the SOUTH CHINA SEA off the east coast of FRENCH INDIA; thirty-one days were spent north of the PALAU BARRIER, the last three of which were in passage to SUBIC; seventeen days were spent submerged.

2. During the period off the FRENCH INDIA coast BLUEBELL conducted coordinated patrol with SUBIC (Paok Commander), BERCAIL and BASIL and later as Pack Commander with BASIL and CRACKER. The Commanding Officer's coordinated patrol and attack instructions, (mobilize: F) are considered excellent. The patrol throughout was characterized by its aggressive conduct and thorough area coverage. Only two contacts considered worthy of torpedo fire were made. Attacks were made on both.

TORRICO ATTACK NO. 1: Following a submerged periscope approach on a northbound convoy consisting of one AO similar to HOKKI RIJ, escorted by four LATINIAN PFS and one DD, three electric torpedoes were fired from the stern tubes at a range of 2100 yards. Two hits so severely damaged the target that it was beached. BLUEBELL was under severe depth charge attack before, during, and after firing torpedoes and the tenacity and intrepidity of the Commanding Officer in successfully completing this attack in the face of heavy opposition is commendable.

TORRICO ATTACK NO. 2: During a night surface attack against the beachhead AO, damaged in attack NO. 2, two steam torpedoes were fired from the bow tubes at a range of 1400 yards. Both hit, putting the ship afire and completed its destruction.

— page 96 —
5. In addition to the above attacks BLUECILL completed two special missions, one of which was successful.

4. On return from patrol the health and morale of BLUECILL's crew was good and the state of cleanliness of the ship was excellent. Material conditions was only fair; ground readings on all main generators were low. A normal refit will be conducted by SubDiv 262 Relief Crew and ANTHEON during which time No. 2 periscope will be replaced and the hydraulic accumulator overhauled. Saros are not available for replacing No. 2 generator fan nor can the fan be balanced; however a new casing will be manufactured and installed. The Commanding Officer's recommendation to use larger bolts for securing the fan to the spider is not concurred in; the dimensions of the bolts and the holes in the fan are in accordance with blueprint. Inspection indicates that the casualty was caused by the casing getting adrift and falling into the fan. Smart work in promptly securing the engine prevented excessive damage. A Navy Yard overhaul is recommended for BLUECILL after the next patrol.

5. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Commanding officer, officers and crew of BLUECILL on an aggressive, well conducted patrol, and on destroying a valuable enemy ship.

B. E. BAOON, Jr.

— page 97 —
0845
Serial 0845
C-Q-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT TO:
USS BLUEGILL COMF. LT.
A16-3 Serial 04 dated
18 April 1945. Report
of Fifth War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Fifth War Patrol - Comment on.

1. The Fifth War Patrol of the BLUEGILL under the command of Commander E. L. BARR, Jr., U.S.N., was conducted in the JAVA SEA, and in the CAPE VARELIA area of the INTO CHINA COAST. BLUEGILL joined the BLUEGILL group during that part of the patrol conducted off the INTO CHINA COAST.

2. The attack made on 28 March was a well conducted and effective one which resulted in the sinking of a heavily escorted tanker and the damaging of one DD escort. The initial position for attack on this previously reported convoy was particularly well chosen, being so close to HON DOI ISLAND that no traffic could get by without being attacked. At 1100, despite the close presence of numerous active and suspicious escorts, BLUEGILL fired three torpedoes and scored two hits on the target. This attack was very considerably assisted by the previous efforts of both BLACKFIN and BLUEGILL. The convoy was initially attacked by BLACKFIN at 1010, and as a result, several of the numerous escorts were detached from the convoy to counter-attack BLUEGILL. At 1055, from a position very close to BLUEGILL, the BLUEGILL fired upon an escort and was engaged by several more of the escorts. The culmination of the efforts of three submarines to sink one large coast-hugging tanker protected by shallow water and at least six escorts came when BLUEGILL's torpedoes hit at 1112. This is one of the last convoys which the enemy has attempted to move along the INTO CHINA COAST in the CAPE VARELIA area.

3. BLUEGILL made a thorough search for traffic in the JAVA SEA from 19 to 25 March. The area near T.JUNG POINTING, BORNEO and PONTIANAK, BORNEO were investigated, as well as the general area northeast of K.R.I.T. STRAT and west of BORNO. Several small native boats were searched and found to be engaged in neutral activity.

— page 98 —
10 May 1945,
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BLUEGILL Corf., Itr.
A16-3 Serial 04 dated
18 April 1945. Report
of Fifth War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (33242) - Report of Fifth War Patrol - Comment on.

4. Two special missions were performed and are covered by special report.

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

6. The Force Commander concentrates the Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew of the BLUEGILL upon the thorough and aggressive manner with which this patrol was conducted and upon inflicting the following damage upon the enemy:

S-U-N-K
1 - XAO (HON.N MARU - 20) 5,700 Tons.
D-A-M-G-E-D
1 - DD (EU)* 1,500 Tons.
Total 7,200 Tons.

* - Assessment covered in special report.

JAMES FITE.

Distribution and Authentication on next page.

— page 99 —
10 May 1945.
Serial 0845
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BLUEGILL Corr. Ltr.
A16-3 Serial 04 cated
16 April 1945. Report
of Fifth War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Fifth War Patrol - Comment on.

Cominch
Vice Opnav
Vice Opnav Op-23c
Com1stFlt
Com2ndFlt
Com7thFlt
ComSubs1stFlt
ComSubs2ndFlt
CTF-71
CTG-71.5
CTG-71.8

ComSubRon-22
ComSubRon-26
ComSubRon-50
DivComSubRon-22
DivComSubRon-26
DivComSubRon-30
S/M Sub1, N.t. Conn.
Comdt. IYD, IYJ,

— page 100 —
16-3(5)(F-3-4/bo)
Serial 03832

13 JUN 1945

COMMANDER:
TRIAD ENDORSEMENT ON:
USS BLUECELL CON'T. LT.
A16-3, serial 06, dated
18 April 1945. Report
of Fifth War Patrol.

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

SUBJECT:
U.S.S. BLUECELL (88242) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

2. Commander Seventh Fleet sends a well done to
the BLUECELL for the important damage inflicted on the enemy
which augments the fine record of this ship.

Copy to:
Consub7thLT
Comsibron 26
CO, USS BLUECELL (88242)

T.F.S., S. COBIC,
Chief of Staff

— page 102 —
1. USS.S. BLUEGILL (SS242)
   c/o Fleet Post Office,
   San Francisco, Cal. if.

2. 21 June, 1945.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of War Patrol number SIX.

Enclosures:
   (A) Subject report.
   (B) Track Chart. (ComSubsPac only)
   (C) Account of Capture of 'Fratas Island by Captain C.H. ANDERSON, A.I.F.
   (D) Account of Capture of 'Pratas Island by Lieutenant G.W. FOLTA, U.S.N.

1. Enclosure: (A) covering the SIXTH WAR PATROL of this vessel conducted in areas south of S.ATOV, China and southwest of Formosa during the period May 11, 1945 to June 21, 1945, is forwarded herewith.

E.L. BARR, J.F.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C

DECLASSIFIED

1284474

— page 103 —
1945 from USS BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Sixth War Patrol

(A) PROLOGUE

Arrived Subic Bay, Philippine Islands, April 18, 1945 from Fifth War Patrol. Normal refit by U.S.S. ANTHEDON and SubDiv 262 Relief Crew completed May 11, 1945. No main or auxiliary engines overhauled. Four main mufflers renewed including elbows and tailpieces. No. 2 main generator casing repaired and baffles renewed, but the fan left untouched due to lack of facilities as for balancing. Fans of other three main generators inspected - satisfactory. All torpedo tube stop-bolts were reinforced by building-up shoulders, previously machined off for purpose of firing Mk 15 torpedoes, this in accordance with OrdAlt. No. 2 periscope, only, pulled; dried out with "dry-ice" treatment; overhauled optically. One additional 40mm ammunition stowage installed in "Dog house". Received additional 50 cal. machine gun complete with mount adapter courtesy of 43rd Bomb Group 403rd Squadron 5th U.S. Army Air Force. Sound tested underway and submerged. Corrective action was successfully taken on all except two items noisy above the allowable limit. Still have squealing propellers or shafts however, allowable limit notwithstanding! No degaussing range available. Not docked; this fact produces a serious military deficiency in that maximum surface speed is reduced from one to two knots due to foul bottom. SUBJARINES SHOULD BE DOCKED. WITHOUT FAII. BUT NOT PATROLS. Dark grey and black camouflaged painted except periscopes and shavs painted a mottled pink. Four Mark 18-1 and four Mark 23 torpedoes loaded aft. Fourteen Mark 14-3 torpedoes loaded forward. Transferred nine men and received nine men. Transferred one officer and received one officer. Trained at practice torpedo approaches May 5, 7 and 8, 1945. Commended at practice torpedo approaches May 5, 7 and 8, 1945

— page 104 —
1. SEXTON, Clyde (n); CTM(4A), USN.
2. FREIER, Elmer (n); CQM(AA), USN.
3. WARE, Harold R., CRM(AA), USN.
4. MAYNE, Emmett S.; CTM(AA), USN.
5. DUNNINGTON, Glen F.; CTM(PA), USN.
6. HENCHHIR, Paul L., CMOM(AA), USN.
7. MAC NEIL, William R., CIO(M)(PA), USN.
8. NARD, Lewis T., CIO(M)(PA), USN.

May 11, 1945 Time I
1400 Uncreavy from Subic Bay, I.I., on SIXTH WAR PATROL in accordance with Commander Task Group 71.1 Operation Order No. 68-45 of 1st May 10, 1945. Escorted by US TIGER BEER and BARNES. Conducted practice torpedo approaches and rendered services for escorts A/S practice.
21.20 Escort departed. Proceeding assigned patrol station independently.
22.45 Aircraft contact #1. PB2Y.

May 12, 1945 Time I
0755 Aircraft contact #2 PB2Y.
1200 1:0-42'N; 1160-09'E. 245 miles, 3610 gals.
1939 Aircraft contact #3. No IFF.

May 13, 1945 Time I
1200 170-02'N; 1130-29'E. 272 miles, 3864 gals.
1209 Aircraft contact #4. IFF.

May 14, 1945 Time I
0840 Aircraft contact #5. No IFF. Div'd.
1200 200-32'N; 1140-34'E. 244 miles, 3702 gals.

May 15, 1945 Time I
0115 Entered assigned area (bounded on east and west by 117'E and 116'E respectively, bounded on north by line between 220-07'N, 116'E and 220-14'N; 117'E and on the south by line between 200-42'N, 116'E and 200-54'N, 117'E. Area generally to west and north of PRATA RIF and south of SATON.) Conducting surface patrol at two engine speed.
0250 Contacted and spoke USS BUNNY.
1100 Aircraft contact #6. No IFF. Div'd.
1200 210-18'N; 1160-17'E. 255 miles, 3832 gals.
2240 Contacted and spoke US STATION.

May 16, 1945 Time I
0955 Aircraft contact #7. B25.
1200 210-14'N; 1160-18'E. 250 miles, 3079 gals.
1435 Aircraft contact #8. No IFF.

— page 105 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-I
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE

May 17, 1945 Time I
0915 Aircraft contact #9. IFF. Flight of bombers.
1130 Aircraft contact #10. No IFF. Div'd.
1200 21-00'N; 1160-14'E. 243 miles, 3042 gals.
1240 Aircraft contact #11. No IFF.
2025 Aircraft contact #12. No IFF. Div'd.

May 18, 1945 Time I
0247 Aircraft contact #13. No IFF. Div'd.
0850 Aircraft contact #14. No IFF. Div'd.
0955 Aircraft contact #15. IFF.
1200 21-11'N; 1160-24'E. 230 miles, 3361 gals.
1525 Aircraft contact #16. No IFF. Div'd.
2025 Aircraft contact #17. IFF.
2132 Aircraft contact #18. IFF.
2305 Aircraft contact #19. IFF.

May 19, 1945 Time I
0935 Aircraft contact #20. B24.
1145 Sighted radio towers on Pratas Island.
1200 20-53'N; 1160-46'E. 248 miles, 3490 gals.
1250 Aircraft contact #21. B24, VHF.
1520 Sighted USS PERCH.
1550 Mine contact #1. Sank mine after exercising 40mm, 30 cal, and rifles. 20-51'N; 1160-13'E.
1615 Alongside USS PERCH. Delivered SAFFLAN "C" via line throwing gun. Exchanged salutations and parted company.
1800 Converted No. 4 FBT to MET.

May 20, 1945 Time I
0305 Aircraft contact #22. No IFF. Div'd.
0845 Mine contact #2. Exploded mine with 30 cal rifle.
220-01'N; 1160-44'E.
1200 21-46'N; 1160-41'E. 243 miles, 3191 gals.
1510 Aircraft contact #23. No IFF.
2218 Aircraft contact #24. No IFF.

May 21, 1945 Time I
0340 Aircraft contact #25. No IFF.
1200 21-17'N; 1160-16'E. 268 miles, 3714 gals.
1437 Aircraft contact #26. B25.
2140 Sight burning flare or light bobbing in water. Closed to 500 yards, nothing but light. Very mysterious. 21-18'N; 1160-33'E.
2255 Aircraft contact #27. IFF.
2325 Aircraft contact #28. PBY.

— page 106 —
0-0-N-T-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE

May 22, 1945 Time I
0841 Aircraft contact #29. No IFF. Dived.
1025 Aircraft contact #30. 0 IFF.
1146 Aircraft contact #31. 40 IFF.
1200 210-04'N; 1160-38'E. 244 miles, 3355 gals.

May 23, 1945 Time I
0020 Aircraft contact #32. No IFF.
0055 Aircraft contact #23. No IFF. Dived.
1032 Aircraft contact #34. No IFF. Dived.
1200 210-36'N; 1160-21'E. 229 miles, 3290 gals.
1209 Aircraft contact #35. No IFF.

May 24, 1945 Time I
0802 Aircraft contact #36. B-24.
0925 Sighted radio towers on Pratas Island.
1135 Aircraft contact #37. B-24. VHF.
1200 200-52'N; 1160-57'E. 250 miles, 3725 gals.

May 25, 1945 Time I
0955 Aircraft contact #38.
1150 Aircraft contact #39. PB4Y-2. VHF.
1200 210-38'N; 1160-01'E. 268 miles, 3694 gals.
1700 Aircraft contact #40. IFF.
1930 Aircraft contact #41. No IFF.
2148 Aircraft contact #42. BBM. VHF.

May 26, 1945 Time I
0445 Sgt contact on Pratas Island 25,000 yds.
0542 Submerged patrol 1000 yds off reef of Pratas.
1145 Aircraft contact #43. PBY.
1200 200-43'N; 1160-40'E. 212 miles, 2801 gals.
1610 Reconnaissance Pratas Island completed. 'Surfaced.
2030 Aircraft contact #44. IFF.

May 27, 1945 Time I
0200 Aircraft contact #45. PBM. VHF.
0900 Aircraft contact #46. No IFF. Dived.
1120 Aircraft contact #47. IFF.
1200 210-53'N; 1160-53'E. 218 miles, 2992 gals.
1205 Aircraft contact #48. No IFF.
1215 Aircraft contact #49. No IFF. Dived.
1255 Aircraft contact #50. VHF.
2000 Aircraft contact #51. PBM. VHF.
2028 Aircraft contact #52. PBM.

-4- ENGLISH (A)

— page 107 —
0005. Aircraft contact #53. No IFF. Dived.
: 0615. Sighted tower on Pratas Island bearing 1600T distant 20,500 yds.
: 0629. Submerged patrol 1000 yds off reef of Pratas.
: 1200. 200-44'N; 1160-40'E. 210 miles, 2731 gals.
: 1252. Aircraft contact #54. PBY very effectively bombing and strafing Pratas Island.
: 1258. Battle Surface. Bombarded Pratas Island with 4" Gun and 40mm Gun from 3000 yds.
: 1340. Ceased firing. "Expended 60 rounds of 4" HCPD and 76 rounds of 40mm AP&HET."
: 1345. Aircraft contact #55. B-24.
: 1950. Aircraft contact #56 and #57. PBM and B-24.
: 2010. Aircraft contact #58 and #59. IFFs.
: 2205. Mine contact #3. Exploded with '30 cal. rifle fire. 200-50'N.
: 2330. SJ contact on Pratas Island 23,000 yds 0970T. 1160-20'E.

May 29, 1945 Time I:
: 0025. Closed Pratas Island to 2900 yds 0600T. Stopped, flooded down and put two man landing party with Fol-boat in water. Landing party departed for night reconnaissance of Pratas Island.
: 0815. Second landing party of ten men left the ship in one large rubber boat and two Fol-boats.
: 1120. BLUEGILL ISLAND formerly PRATAS IS, now occupied by allied forces. "Old Glory" was raised on the island and the BLUEGILL Plaque installed with appropriate ceremony.
: 1125. Aircraft contacts #60, #61, #62, #63, #64, #65. IFFs.
: 1200. 200-41'N; 1160-33'E. 245 miles, 3217' gals.
: 1235. Aircraft contact #66. No IFF.
: 1640. All landing parties returned aboard safely from raid on BLUEGILL ISLAND loaded with loot and the report that there are no Japs remaining on the island. See detailed report, enclosure (D).
: 2037. Aircraft contact #67. No IFF.
: 2200. Aircraft contact #68. IFF.

May 30, 1945 Time I:
: 0655. Departed area to relieve BREAM, east bound.
: 0955. Aircraft contact #69. B-24. VHF.
: 1000. Converted #3 & #5 IFFs to MBTs.
: 1200. 200-01'N; 1180-00'E. 260 miles; 3425 gals.
: 1238. Aircraft contact #70. PBY. VHF.
: 2000. Aircraft contact #71. JAP CHERRY. Dived.

- 5 -
- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 108 —
1945 Time I
0725 Entered newly assigned area for life guard duty SW of Takao, Formosa. Aircraft contact #72. Own air cover who directed us to USS BREAM.
0930 Sighted and closed USS BREAM under air cover. 210-48°N; 120°-16°N. Relieved USS BREAM of life guard duty after having exchanged movies and information pertaining to mine fields and aircraft in their relation to life guard services via Fol-boat.
1200 210-56°N; 1200-29°E. 269 miles, 3320 gals.
Witnessed airstrike over Takao. Air literally filled with friendly aircraft of all types. Our aircover has long since deserted us. Forced down once by a rapidly closing PBY while enroute at four engine speed to recover eight aviators in the water some 60 miles up the coast just off the beach. Forced to Jnter into unknown mine fields in attempting to effect their rescue.
1800 Aircraft contact #63. JAP NELL. Dived. Shallow water. Received one bomb. Surprised we weren't overwhelmed we were so close to beach. Our position inside harbor buoys of Toshien harbor. No aviators nor raft nor friendly aircraft in sight.
1840 Aircraft contact #74. JAP BATTY dropped bomb.
1935 Aircraft contact #75. A second JAP BATTY dropped two bombs.
2156 Surfaced patrol.
The cooperation of friendly aircraft this date was remarkable by its absence.

June 1, 1945 Time I
This sky was black with friendly aircraft of all types through most of the day. PBY, B24, B25, P38, P51, PB2Y, B17. Quite an impressive and soul satisfying sight.
1200 220-02°N; 1200-15°E. 273 miles, 3785 gals.
1540 Aircraft contact #76. No IFF. Dived.
2121 Aircraft contact #77. Heard then sighted BATTY close aboard. Dived.

June 2, 1945 Time I
0445 Aircraft contact #78. No IFF. Dived.
The sky was again filled with own aircraft of all descriptions, Golly, but we're proud to be Americans.
1200 210-48°N; 1200-27°E. 250 miles, 3190 gals.
1545 Aircraft contact #79. No IFF. Dived.
2350 Aircraft contact #80. Heard aircraft close aboard. Dived.

June 3, 1945 Time I
0338 Aircraft contact #81. No IFF. Dived.
The usual large number of friendly planes were overhead throughout the day.
1200 210-30°N; 1200-42°E. 248 miles, 3101 gals.

— page 109 —
0210 Aircraft contact #82. No IFF.
: 1200 21-30°N; 1200-45°E. 265 miles, 3435 gals.
: 1544 Aircraft contact #83. No IFF. Div'd.

: 1200 21-30°N; 1200-45°E. 248 miles, 3309 gals.
: 2207 Aircraft contact #84. No IFF.

: 1200 21-30°N; 1200-45°E. 2305 miles, 2305 gals.
: 1534 Aircraft contact #87. B-24.
: 1555 Sighted Baton Island.
: 1705 Sighted and spoke USS S.S.LION eastbound.

: 0909 Mine contact #4. Sank mine with 30 cal. rifle.
: 200-32°N; 1240-55°E.
: 0955 Aircraft contact #88. IFF.
: 1200 200-30°N; 1250-32°E. 277 miles, 3755 gals.
: 1320 Aircraft contact #89. IFF.
: 1335 Aircraft contact #90. C-47.

: 0000 Set clocks ahead one hour. ZD-10 (Time K)
: 1200 200-35°N; 1310-18°E. 324 miles, 4793 gals.

: 0510 Aircraft contact #91. IFF.
: 1021 Aircraft contact #92. B-24. VHF.
: 1150 Aircraft contact #93. PBM. VHF.
: 1200 200-39°N; 1360-05°E. 265 miles, 2654 gals.
: 1333 Aircraft contact #94. No IFF.

:

— page 110 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

(B) NARRATIVE

June 10, 1945 Time K
0555 Aircraft contact #95. No·IFF.
1200 20°-13'N; 1400-34'E. 268 miles, 3596 gals.

June 11, 1945 Time K
0850 Aircraft contact #96. C-47.
1200 17° 55'N; 1430-27'E. 219 miles, 2312 gals.
1250 Aircraft contact #97. B-25.
1443 Aircraft contact #98. B-29.

June 12, 1945 Time K
0207 Contacted large convoy or task force bearing 2170T.
    dist 32,000 yds. Avoided.
0535 Rendezvoused with escort LT 4089.
1036 Hooded alongside USS ORION in Tanapag Harbor, Saipan,
    Marianas. 235 miles, 2164 gals.
1200 Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, Marianas.
1450 USS O'DILLAAC stood out.
1455 USS CALIFORNIA stood out.
1500 USS ELWARDIAN stood out.
2100 Received aboard 61,000 gals fuel oil and 3000 gals fresh
    water from USS ORION. Transferred all ammunition to USS ORION.

June 13, 1945 Time K
1005 Underway from alongside USS ORION. Proceeding Earl Harbor,
    T.H., in accordance with CTC 17.7 Operation Order of 12 June,
    1945. ICI 1098 escort.
1200 150-19'N; 1450-21'E. 30 miles, 1649 gals.
    Numerous B-29s in sight throughout afternoon.
1415 Escort departed.
2055 Passed Anatahan Island abeam.
2135 Passed Scriigan Island abeam to port 2,300 yds.

June 14, 1945 Time K
0400 Set clocks ahead one hour. ZD-11·(I).
1200 170-12'N; 1480-46'E. 309 miles, 5017 gals.

June 15, 1945 Time L
1200 180-35'N; 1540-35'E. 343 miles, 6930 gals.
2200 Set clocks ahead one hour. ZD-12 (II).

June 16, 1945 Time M
1200 190-57'N; 1610-05'E. 385 miles, 6967 gals.

June 17, 1945 Time L
1200 210-00'N; 1670-50'E. 387 miles, 6647 gals.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 111 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

(E) NARRATIVE

June 18, 1945 Time M
1157 Sighted and spoke USS ANGLER westbound.
1200 20-59'N; 1740-52'E. 395 miles, 6740 gals.
1431 Sighted and spoke U.S. Merchantman southwest bound.
1450 Sighted and spoke U.S. Merchantman southwest bound.
1610 Sighted and spoke U.S. DENNISON southwest bound.

June 18, 1945 Time M
0000 Set clocks back 23 hours. ZD / 11 (X).
0612 Crossed International Date Line at latitude 21°-03'N headed east.
0625 Sighted and spoke USS BLACKFISH westbound.
1200 21-00'N; 1780-10'E. 393 miles, 6717 gals.

June 19, 1945 Time X
1200 200-57'N; 1710-07'W. 393 miles, 6826 gals.
1705 Sighted and spoke USS KINGFISH westbound.
2200 Set clocks ahead one hour. ZD / 10 (W).

June 20, 1945 Time W
1200 200-58'N; 1640-36'W. 365 miles, 7110 gals.

June 21, 1945 Time W
0500 Set clocks ahead 2 hour. ZD / 9½ (VW).
0845 USS SARGO joined up.
0920 Rendezvoused with our escort PC 569.
1200 21-11'N; 1580-06'W. 370 miles.
0152 Moored at Submarine Base, P.R.T.H.
385 miles, 6959 gals.

— page 113 —
1945 Lat 20-42N Long 116-43E.
TARGET DATA
Damage Inflitoted: Shore bombardment of Pratas Island.
Damage Determined by: Recoo of Island the following day proved further damage to buildings already damaged beyond repair.

DETAILS OF ACTION
Type Gun: (a) 4"/50
(b) 40mm
Rounds fired: (a) 4"/50
(b) 40mm
10 rds of common
50 rds of HC point dot.
60 rds TOTAL
38 rds of HET
38 rds of AP
76 rds TOTAL

Average Range: 5500 yards.

Fire Control: Spotting furnished by PB4Y-2.

Erratic performance: None

Defects Noted: Poor communication between bridge and radio shack.
This condition has been remedied.

(I) LINES
| TIME & DATE | MINE CONTACT | LAT | LONG | ACTION TAKEN |
|||-----|------||
| 1550 5/19/45| #1         | 20-51'N | 116-13'E | Sunk |
| 0845 5/20/45| #2         | 22-01'N | 116-44'E | Exploded. |
| 2205 5/28/45| #3         | 20-50'N | 116-20'E | Exploded. |
| 0909 6/7/45 | #4         | 20-32'N | 124-55'E | Sunk |

With the apparently accurate data on Japanese and friendly minefields off southwest Formosa, it is felt that lifeguard submarines using due caution can effect rescue in and amongst the minefields.
It is to be noted that on one occasion we entered inside the harbor entrance buoys of Toshien without suffering from mine contacts.
It is felt that the large seaward minefield outside of 100 fathom curve off southwest Formosa is non-existent.

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 114 —
1. May 27, 1945. Armature in #1 fuel oil purifier motor developed an open circuit and several coils burned out. Armature was replaced by spare.
2. Main generator insulation resistance. Low readings on #1,2,3 main generators. This condition has grown progressively worse for the past three patrols despite thorough cleaning and drying during refit periods. Generators will be reinstalled during coming Navy Yard overhaul. Average daily readings are: #1-350,000 ohms, #2-250,000 ohms, #3-350,000 ohms, #4-600,000 ohms.

(L) RADIO

Missed serials MAN, QUEEN and ROGER 11th May, serials HOY and MIKE 16th May. Experienced very poor reception on those dates. With these exceptions NPT1, Radio Subic, was heard 55s.
Concerning the 1030 Z broadcasts, very effective jamming was experienced on the 1030 Z broadcast with the 1830 Z broadcast usually quite clear. It is recommended that all lifeguard assignments be transmitted on both schedules.
Ship to ship and aircraft communications were good on VHF, saflan and lifeguard frequencies. It is recommended that submarines be issued the effective fighter grid and a fighter vocabulary.

BLUEGILL DATE TRANSITION TIME TO RECEIVING FREQ. GROUP
SERIAL TIME ZEBRA CLEAR STATION USED COUNT
TF-71
1 5/29 1314-1329 15 min NPT 1 8470 158
2 5/31 1121-1127 6 6 min NPT 1 8470 57
3 6/2 0205-0225 20 min NPT 1 8470 53
4 6/3 2250-2259 9 min NPT 1 8470 38
5 6/5 2139-2146 7 min NPN 8470 55

TF-17
1 6/6 1008-1017 9 min NPT 1 8470 50
2 6/7 1545-1604 19 min UDE 4 4155 60
3 6/9 0438-0446 8 min NDP 13 8310 56
4 6/17 0655-0710 15 min NPM 8475 143

- 11 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 115 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

(L) RADIO (Cont'd)
Only difficulty experienced on ship to shore communications was on the 6th June transmission. Tried to route message through NPT, he refused to authenticate, asked us to send V's. Therefore we cleared the message through NPT 1.

(M) RADAR
SJ Radar - Very little trouble was experienced with the SJ radar, and good ranges were consistently obtained.

The SJ motor generator was repaired during the last refit and, although its performance was improved, it would not come up to full voltage when under load and was consequently not used at all during the patrol. Power was taken from the IC motor-generator as was done on the two previous patrols. The motor-generator will be removed during the coming Navy Yard overhaul and an additional IC motor-generator installed in its place.

The SJ radar mast began leaking through the hull gland during the latter part of the patrol. The packing was removed by ship's force and gave no further trouble. Several minor operational casualties occurred, requiring the replacement of a 2x2 tube in the receiver-indicator unit and an 807 tube in the transmitter, unit.

SD Radar - Although it was necessary to "nurse" the SD radar along to keep it from double pulsing, its performance was better than it has been on any previous patrol. Planes were consistently picked up at ranges of 30 miles or better throughout the patrol.

IFF equipment - The IFF gear gave it usual very satisfactory performance, with no casualties occurring.

APR-SPA Equipment - No casualties occurred, and operation was satisfactory. A directional antenna and a centimeter tuning unit are highly desirable and will be installed during the Navy Yard overhaul, if available.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS
It was impossible to obtain data on sound conditions in the area since we had no ship contacts. It was estimated, however, that sound conditions were average. The SB sound gear picked up a friendly submarine at 3,000 yards on one occasion. We were making ten knots on the surface at the time.

— page 116 —
5/16 21-33N 116-32E 120' -20' 120' 150'
5/19 22-10N 116-47E 40' -130' 40' 100'
5/22 21-06N 116-50E 80' -80' 80' 120'
5/23 21-52N 116-23E 60' -120' 60' 100'

BT card forwarded direct to VCNO Hydrographic Office.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY

The following ailments were ably treated and cured by CARRY, J.F., 610 13 96, PHILC, USNR:

| Condition | Treatment |
|||
| Various Fungus Infections | 9 |
| (a) Athletes Foot | 8 |
| (b) Jock Itch | 6 |
| (c) Heat Rash | 5 |
| Common Colds | 1 |
| Catarrhal Fever, Acute | 1 |
| Bystræcin | 2 |
| Earaches | 4 |
| Constipation | 1 |
| Toothaches | 5 |
| Sunburn | 12 |
| Minor Cuts and Bruises | 3 |
| Sore V. Lacrimalis | 1 |
| Minor Burns | 3 |

Health of the crew was in general excellent. The Executive Officer suffered two rather unusual casualties being stung by a jelly-fish, and having a rather delicate portion of his anatomy burned by high-test gasoline while retrieving an aircraft jelly-tank. Sick days lost were less than on any other patrol. The Commanding Officer notes with considerable pride that not a single case of malaria or venereal disease developed after the recreation period in Subic, despite the fact that all hands were given complete freedom in touring all over the Philippine Islands. It is felt that the considerable morale boost from this practice was a contributing factor to the excellent health of the crew.

The Commanding Officer also notes with pride that this ship has been entirely free from venereal disease throughout its two years existence.

The food-served was tasty, abundant, and well prepared. A balanced ration was served at all times.

Habitability was in general good.

- 13 -

INCLUSURE (A)

— page 117 —
1. State of training - high.

(a) Number of men on board during patrol 73
(b) Number of men qualified at start of patrol 69
(c) Number of men qualified at end of patrol 73
(d) Number of men making their first patrol 1
(e) Number of men advanced in rating during patrol 2

Another patrol "under-fought and over-trained". Numerous section dives, Fire Control, and emergency drills enroute area. Daily officer-conducted school for unqualified men. Unqualified men are assigned individually to qualified men. Upon completion of their sketch assignment, each man is required to complete a check-off of the boat, first by leading first class ratings, then by chiefs, and finally by officers. Each man is examined by his head of department for specialized knowledge of his branch. A recommendation by the Chief-of-the-Boat, and a brief examination by the Executive Officer completes the schedule. Men previously qualified reporting to the BLUEGILL from another submarine are required to re-qualify. No man is advanced in rating prior to qualification. No exceptions.

9 new men were received aboard. Two of these were unqualified. Both of those have qualified during this patrol. The ship is now 100% qualified submariners, officers and crew.

2. Performance of duty under combat conditions.

Although there was little opportunity to observe the crew under combat conditions, it was easily seen during the aircraft bombings, the gun action, and the landing on Bluegill Island, that every man conducted himself with the precise, nonchalant officiecy of war seasoned veterans.

It is noted with a great deal of pride that at the end of Six War Patrols we have retained most of the Plank Owners. Of the 72 men with us upon commissioning we are returning to the States with 35 of the original crew. Of officers we have lost only two. It is a matter of personal pride and achievement on the part of the Commanding Officer to have placed this ship in commission, to have fought her through her brilliant career, and to take her back home to the Golden Gate. This is considered a achievement unto itself and one not frequently found among the annals of submarine warfare.

The Bluegill's record in Six consecutive War Patrols:

- 14 -

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 118 —
1944-1945
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

(a) PERSONNEL (Cont'd)
1st Patrol: April 1, 1944 to June 1, 1944.
    SUNC
    CL YUBARI 2890 tons
    AK ASOSIN MARU 8812 tons
    AK MIYURA MARU 1856 tons
    TOTAL 13558 tons

2nd Patrol: July 6, 1944 to August 24, 1944.
    SUNC
    AK similar SIRAH MARU 4000 tons
    AK similar TONE MARU 4000 tons
    TB CHIDORF Type 500 tons
    Mise Sailing Coaster 100 tons
    TOTAL 8600 tons

3rd Patrol: September 18, 1944 to November 25, 1944.
    SUNC
    SMC 1500 tons
    AK ARABIA MARU 9500 tons
    AP Small 4000 tons
    DE 800 tons
    AK Large 7500 tons
    TOTAL 23300 tons

4th Patrol: December 19, 1944 to February 10, 1945.
    SWABO
    SUNC
    AO HONAN MARU 5601 tons

5th Patrol: March 12, 1945 to April 18, 1945.
    SUNC
    AO HONAN MARU 5601 tons

6th Patrol: May 11, 1945 to June 12, 1945.
    Captured Pratas Island.

- 15 -

INCLUSIONS (A)
- 15 -

This transcription is based on the provided image and is intended to be as accurate as possible. Any discrepancies should be reported for correction.

— page 119 —
1st Var Patrol 3 ships sunk 13,558 tons
2nd Var Patrol 4 ships sunk 8,600 tons
3rd Var Patrol 5 ships sunk and 33,800 tons
4th War Patrol SIVABO
5th War Patrol 1 ship sunk; 7,101 tons
6th War Patrol 1 island captured

Super Total 13 ships sunk 63,059 tons
4 ships damaged

Truly a FIGHTING SHIP AND FIGHTING LEN
We are proud of her record!

The Commanding Officer has the highest regard and respect for his crew; he flatters himself that this feeling is reciprocated. "Well Done" to Officers: and Men in BLUEGILL from the OI! Hm!

(R) ITLES STEAMED - FUEL USED

Subia Bay, P.I. to area 891 miles 14218 gals
In area 5486 miles 67467 gals
Area .to Saipan, Marianas 1601 miles 20815 gals
Saipan to Pearl T.H. 3380 miles 61200 gals
Note: All of this time was spent north of the Malay Barrier.

(S) DURATION

Days enroute to area 3
Days in area 23
Days in route to .Saipan 6
Days in route to Pearl Harbor, T.H. 10
Days. submerged 2

(T) FACTOR OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

Torpedoes *Fuel Provisions Personnel Factor
22 800 gals 40 days 20 days

*Upon arrival Saipan.
Limiting factor this patrol FUEL.

- 16 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 120 —
1. Intercept of enemy signals - none.
2. Jamming own and enemy.
   a. No jamming attempted by us.
   b. Every night on the 1030 Z AOC broadcast, posit SW Formosa. Two stations were involved using CW. One zero beat@ 8 KC's frequency and the second station transmitted one Kc below 8 KC's frequency. Host times 100% effective.
3. Deception, own, and enemy.
   No deception attempted by us or experienced from the enemy.

(B) RADAR COUNTERMEASURES

1. No evidence of radar interference or jamming was encountered. Radar contact observed on the XR-1 Receiver that were not definitely established as friendly are as follows:
   | DATE | POSITION | TIME | (mcs) | (cps) | LENGTH | REMARKS |
   |------||------|-------|-------|||
   | May 15 | 21-22N   | 0910 | 106   | 300   | 60      | Slow random sweep. Shore based airsearch. |
   | May 15 | 21-23N   | 1045 | 84    | 450   | 65      | Slow random sweep. Shore based airsearch. |
   | May 15 | 21-16N   | 1735 | 77    | 500   | 35      | Slow random sweep. Shore based airsearch. |
   | May 15 | 21-17N   | 1755 | 162   | 450   | 9       | Slow random sweep, steady at tirs. Shore based airsearch or fire control. |
   | May 15 | 21-16N   | 1805 | 156   | 500   | 14      | Slow random sweep, steady at tirs. Shore based airsearch or fire control. |
   | May 15 | 21-16N   | 1810 | 68    | 400   | 35      | Slow random sweep. Shore based airsearch. |
   | May 15 | 21-16N   | 1812 | 72    | 450   | 35      | Slow random sweep. Shore based airsearch. |
   | May 15 | 21-17N   | 1819 | 95    | 450   | 18      | Slow random sweep. Shore based airsearch. |
   | May 15 | 21-17N   | 1832 | 168   | 500   | 6       | Slow random sweep, steady at tirs. Shore based airsearch or fire control. |
   | May 15 | 21-16N   | 2000 | 158   | 450   | 10      | Slow regular sweep, approx 1 rpm. Shore based airsearch or fire control. |

17. INCLOSURE ():

— page 121 —
21-16 N 2050 100 750 40
May 15 116-33 E
May 21-17 N 2050 110 350 35
May 15 116-35 E
May 21-16 N 2100 150 450 8
May 15 116-34 E
May 21-15 N 2105 163 450 5
May 15 116-33 E
May 21-16 N 2115 78 450 60
May 15 116-34 E
May 21-50 N 1220 193 300(?) 8
May 27 115-53 E
May 22-21 N 1920 156 450 12
May 30 119-19 E
May 22-12 N 2220 165 550 11
May 30 119-53 E
May 21-59 N 1245 160 400 7
May 31 120-29 E
May 22-47 N 1715 157 450 11
May 31 120-07 E
May 22-47 N 2155 97 450 17
May 31 119-56 E
May 22-47 N .2200 92 925 19
May 31 119-57 E
May 22-32 N 2350 78 450 50
May 31 119-39 E
June 21-57 N 0540 100 750 18
June 1 120-25 E
June 21-38 N 1850 150 900 9
June 1 120-03 E
June 21-48 N 1810 163 450 8
June 2 120-29 E

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 124 —
29 MAY 1945
Ref: USN H.O. CHART No. 2784.

PART ONE.

1. PRATAS ISLAND is clear of enemy.
2. There are signs of enemy occupation within the last 2 weeks.
3. The island had been used as a weather reporting and radio station.
4. The ex-garrison consisted of naval personnel.
5. All concrete buildings in the settlement have been destroyed or damaged. The observatory is a total wreck. Some wooden huts are still standing on the island.
6. There are two concrete jetties, approx 50 yds long, one on the north and one on the south beach. The one on the south beach is connected to the settlement by a minature railway line - in bad repair - and has a depth of 8 ft. at the end at low water.
7. There is a fresh water well in the settlement.
8. There are two dummy gun positions in the settlement.
9. Two fpod and ammunition dumps and 2 25mm guns in excellent condition and approx 2000 gals of fuel oil were destroyed by fire and the light tower demolished by explosives during the raid.
10. Documents, weather equipment and samples of ammunition were collected and handed to Comdr. E.L. BARR, JR.
11. The initial recce and the demolitions were carried out by Capt. C.H. ANDERSON and Lt. C.J. O'NEIL (L.I.F.) on night 28/29 May, 1945. On morning of 29 May U.S.S. BUEIGILL landed a party of UNITED STATES NAVAL personnel under Lt. G.H. FOLTA. This party carried out further recce of the island.
12. The flag of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA was raised over PRATAS IS. at 1022 hrs, 29 May and a plaque renaming the island BUEIGILL IS, was affixed to the flag pole.
13. It is suggested that the island could be used as a weather reporting and radio station and possibly as an Air-Sea Rescue Base.
14. The island can be used as an advanced submarine and aircraft base. Evidence shows that it had already seen use by Jap seaplanes with ramps and mooring buoys. With but little blasting the lagoon can be made serviceable for ships as large as submarine tenders -- veritably a second Midway.
15. An enlargement of the island showing routes followed on the initial recce and other topographical infm is attached.
16. No casualties were suffered by either party.
17. The raid is considered completely successful.

— page 125 —
1. NARRATIVE.

On night of 28/29 May 1945 Capt. C.H. ANDERSON and Lt C.J. OWENS were dropped by U.S.S. BLUEGILL at 0001 hrs approx 6000 yds south west of PRATAS IS. and landed without opposition in the vicinity of the south-western headland of that island at 0140 hrs 29 May.

After signalling to U.S.S. BLUEGILL, by radio, that the landing had been successfully accomplished, the party proceeded to west along the edge of the under brush on the south beach to recon the island. Several old fox-holes and the remains of a fire - not over 1 month old - were discovered along this beach. At 0245 hrs a track leading off from the beach at right angles was found. This track was followed for approx 800 yds to the edge of the settlement which was reached at 0315 hrs. Numerous fox-holes were encountered along this track.

By 0400 hrs the buildings and the area in the vicinity had been searched and found clear of the enemy. The party then proceeded south along a track and minute railway line to the jetty on the south beach. Further fox-holes were found along this track and a trench work system covered the sea approaches to the jetty. The area in the vicinity of the jetty had been searched and found clear of enemy by 0430 hrs.

No foot-prints or signs that the enemy had been in occupation within the last month had been found at this stage.

At 0500 hrs the party returned to where the fjl-boat and radio had been hidden and transmitted to U.S.S. BLUEGILL the results of the recon. The C.O. U.S.S. BLUEGILL, Coqdr., E.L. BARR, J.F., gave orders for a naval party to proceed to the island under Lt. C.J. ROLTA and this info. was transmitted to the party ashore who gave directions for the landing.

At 0645 hrs Capt ANDERSON and Lt OWENS carried out a further recon of the northern headland of the island without discovering any further signs of enemy occupation.

At 0945 hrs the first of two fol-boots and 1 rubber boat landed on the south beach. Rocee by this party found 2 ammun. and food dumps in the brush on the edge of the track leading from the jetty to the settlement, and further recon of the settlement area found fresh bread fruit and branches (in bottles containing water) in the religious shrine. These articles were not over 10 days' old.

Equipment and badges found in buildings in the settlement revealed that the garrison had consisted of naval personnel.

Explosive and incendiary charges laid by Capt ANDERSON and Lt OWENS demolished a light tower on the eastern tip of the island, and destroyed a fuel dump in the settlement containing approx 2000 gals of fuel oil and the two food and ammun. dumps on the track to the jetty.

The complete party left the island and re-embarked on U.S.S. BLUEGILL at 1630 hrs 29 May.

— page 126 —
5 x 5 communication being established from beach to submarine at 1 mile, on first call.

It is felt that fitted with an un-regenerative receiver, a previously recommended in report of 2nd War Patrol of this Section, those sets would provide ideal fol-boat to submarine communication.

3. REMARKS.

The co-operation of Condr., E.L. BARR, Jr. and the officers and crew of the U.S.S. BLUECELL was as usual 100%. ROUSE, L.G. McMILL and Mo LAREN, C.H., Cox assisted in the assembly of the fol-boat and stores. WARE, H.R., CRM and Lt(jg) H.G. STORY were entirely responsible for the excellent communications.

C.H. ANDERSON, Capt.

ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 127 —
1. INFORM: U.S.S. BLUEGILL reported that an aircraft which was spotting for her during her bombardment on approx 14 May was fired upon.
Periscope recce by U.S.S. BLUEGILL on 27 May and recce reports reveal no signs of life on the island.
U.S.S. BLUEGILL bombarded the island without opposition on 28 May 1945.

2. INTENTION:
(a) To ascertain if enemy is in occupation of PRATS IS.
(b) To destroy installations and equipment.
(c) Obtain documents and material of intelligence value.

3. METHOD:
Plan 1.
Capt C.H. ANDERSON and Lt. C.J. O'BRIEN to disembark from U.S.S. BLUEGILL approx 6000 yds southwest of island on night of 28/29 May and carry out the above intention.
Party to rendezvous with U.S.S. BLUEGILL at the same spot on completion of tasks.

Timings:
COOL hrs 29 May disembark from U.S.S. BLUEGILL.
0100 hrs reach beach.
0500 hrs complete recce and laying of demolition charges.
0600 hrs return to U.S.S. BLUEGILL.

Communications:
a. 1. S.C.R. Radio with both landing party and S/M.
b. Set on submarine to be on recce from 0001 hrs to 0200 hrs and from 0400 hrs until rendezvous affected.
c. Landing party to be referred to as MEATBALL, Submarine to be referred to as TARFU.
d. Landing party to make following transmissions:
   1. On reaching beach safely - a'low whistle.
   2. At 0500 hrs - establish comm. with submarine and give E.T.A. at rendezvous.
e. Emergency Light Signals to be as follows:
   1. On beach, require assistance to return to submarine - the letter A.
   2. Capsized in water - the letter C.
   3. Recognition - the letter R.

— page 128 —
1. OUTLINE PLAN - (Cont'd)
Alternative Plan.
To be adopted if landing party fails to either establish radio communication or keep rendezvous.
(a) U.S.S. BLUEGILL to patrol off western coast of PRATAS ISLAND and watch for any of following signals from the beach. The signals to be displayed as close as possible to the southwestern headland.
1. Smoky Fire meaning - An returning to snip immediately.
2. White cloth displayed at edge of underbrush meaning - enemy on island require assistance to return.
3. Both fire and cloth meaning - all clear, require assistance to return to ship.

C.H. ANDERSON, Capt.

-5- ENCLOSURE (c)

— page 129 —
1. PREVIOUS INFORMATION

USS BLENNY reported that the aircraft spotting for her during her bombardment on May 14 was fired at by shore based forces.

Periscope Recce by USS BLUGGILL on 27 May and recent aircraft reports revealed no sign of life on the island.

The BLUGGILL bombarded the island without opposition on 28 May, 1945.

PURPOSE

(a) To capture the island.
(b) To destroy installations and equipment.
(c) To obtain intelligence data.

ENCLOSURES

(A) Description of Pratas Island.
(B) Composition of landing force.
(C) Narrative.
(D) List of Japanese equipment taken.
(E) Chart showing recce.

-1- ENCLOSURE (p)

— page 130 —
200-42'N, Long.:116-43'E), horseshoe shaped, 12 miles long, 12 miles wide, and 40 feet high is situated at the middle of the western side of Pratas Reef.

Its vegetation consists of two palm trees, some bamboo trees, melon plants, and a heavy underbrush not unlike rhododendron which covers the entire island.

Animal life consists of rats and small lizards.

The settlement consists of six concrete buildings, all reduced to rubble except the radio shack which, however, is badly damaged. A narrow gauge railroad, in poor condition, connects the settlement with the jetty on the southern shore. A pathway leads to the jetty on the north east shore.

Both jetties are of concrete, in good condition, 50 yards long, and 8' deep off the end at low tide. Two mooring buoys off the north east jetty indicated a possible emergency sea plane base.

A disused black framework light tower, 120' high stood on the eastern end of the island. This was demolished by explosive charges. One rusted radio tower and a flag pole remain.

Along the southeastern shore are a few small wooden shacks and boats.

A Jap naval detachment had used the island for a radio and weather station.

There are no inhabitants on the island.

— page 131 —
1. One rubber boat with following crew:
    Lt. G. F. FOLTA, USNR......in charge of party.
    R.A. BALES, MOMMLG; USNR.
    L.G. ROUSE, MOMMLG; USNR.
    C.H. MAYNARD, QMC; USNR.
    R.G. BASIL, GM2C; USNR.
    H. DOWDELL, CK3C; USNR.

: 2. One fol-boat containing the following:
    Lt(ig) F.S. STOCKTON, USNR--Comm. Off.
    Lt(ig) D.D. MADDEN, USNR.

: 3. One fol-boat containing the following:
    Lt(ig) D.D. DUNCAN, USN---Photographer.
    H.C. McLARIN, Cox, USN.

ENCLOSURE (B)
-3-
'ENCLOSURE (D)

— page 132 —
0835 with the BLUEGILL bearing 240 degrees true, distance 5000 yards from the island, the landing party consisting of 4 officers and 6 enlisted men departed in one rubber boat and two fol-boats. At 0945 we landed near the south' jothy and were met by Captain Anderson and Lt. Owens, both of the A.I.F., who had made a recce of the island the previous night.

One party, those from the rubber boat led by Lt. Folta, took the trail starting by the two palm trees that led to the settlement. The remainder of the party went via the railroad track to the settlement.

The railroad track and the trail joined at an opening in which the settlement was located. The buildings were investigated, and a description follows:

a. A two story radio shack. In it were found wet cell batteries made in the U.S., radio parts, meteorological equipment, and boatsavian storos.

b. A pump house containing a well, a pump, a bathtub, and showers.

c. A lavatory with a regular porcelain urinal and well constructed seats.

d. A lavatory not so lavishly furnished, apparently for enlisted men.

e. A meteorological building completely demolished.

f. A stowage containing about 20 drums of heavy crude oil. All buildings had been well constructed of concrete, but were now damaged beyond repair. Adjacent to the pump building was a tennis court. At the south west edge of the court there was a pigsty, and around the periphery of the settlement were boxes for weather recording equipment. At the north edge of the opening were two wooden guns guarded by two stuffed soldiers and an arch with a plaque bearing some Jap writing. Under this a path lined with inverted saiki bottles led to a small shrine which had two small adjacent doors, like those of a cupboard, opening out to the path. Opening the doors revealed offerings of bread fruit, melon, a money box, and two bottles of water from which protruded two green plants. The plants and fruit were still green which indicated recent occupancy estimated from 10 to 14 days.

Our investigation completed, we assembled around the flag pole, and at 1022 on May 29, 1945 a handful of soldiers and sailors stood at solemn attention while the Stars and Stripes slowly ascended the flag pole and two captured Jap bugles blared forth. The land they now stood on was US territory! A plaque was then affixed to the base of the pole certifying the capture of the island by the crew of the USS BLUEGILL.

ENCLOSURE (C)
- 4 -
ENCLOSURE (D)

— page 134 —
1. One grave post with Jap writing on it.
2. One wooden plaque bearing Jap writing - taken from the arch of the shrine.
3. One small china dish.
4. One Jap Binocular, (7x50).
5. One large and three small anemometers.
6. One vacuum tube tester.
7. One volt-ohm tester for radio equipment.
8. Two bugles.
9. One bayonet with scabbard.
10. One chart listing radio operating frequencies.
11. One large glass ball used in weather recording equipment.
12. One watt hour meter.
13. Twenty paper bound books with weather information.
14. Several radio name plates.
15. One large glass ball fishing float and 12 small glass floats.
16. One large brass cylinder container and one copper container, apparently used in recording weather.
17. Nine thermometers.
18. Four boxes of .25 caliber ammunition, each containing 600 rounds.
19. One box of rubber balloons.
20. One gas mask canister.
21. One recording instrument used for watching the ascent of balloons.

ENCLOSURE (D)

- 6 -
- 6 -

— page 135 —
1. The Commander Submarine Division One EIGHTY-TWO.
File: FB5-182/A16-3.
Serial: (023).
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
22 June, 1945.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242)
Report of Sixth War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Division One EIGHTY-TWO.
To: The Commander in Chief United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron EIGHTEEN.
    (2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, Administration.
    (3) The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of SIXTH War Patrol.

1. This Sixth patrol of the BLUEGILL was marked by a total absence of targets. Not one ship contact was made. Lifeguard duties were performed for the latter part of the patrol.

2. The highlight of the patrol was the landing made on Pratas Island by a party of twelve men. The weather and radio station was demolished and the American colors raised over this island, the westernmost advance of U.S. forces to date. The island was uninhabited although there were signs indicating that the Japanese had left about two weeks previously.

3. The island was bombarded with 60 rounds of 4" HCPD and 76 rounds of 40MM the day before the landing. A PBY which had just completed a bombing and straffing run acted as aircraft spotter for the BLUEGILL.

4. The Commanding Officer states that upon examination of the island very little damage had been done by his and the many previous bombardments by submarine and that the island was strewn with 5" duds.

5. The BLUEGILL will be returned to the West Coast for a navy yard overhaul after six patrols in the Southwest Pacific. Upon return from patrol she presented her usual smart appearance.

6. The Division Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the BLUEGILL on the initiative and aggressiveness demonstrated by their capture of "BLUEGILL ISLAND". This was a carefully planned and well executed maneuver. The Commanding Officer may well be proud to take this fine ship which he commissioned, back to the Golden Gate.

C.C. BURLINGAME

— page 137 —
1. 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. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Sixth War Patrol (11 May to 21 June 1945).

1. The sixth war patrol of the BLUEGILL, under the command of Commander E. I. Barr, Jr., was conducted in areas south of Swatow, China, and southwest of Formosa.

2. Despite thorough and aggressive area coverage, no enemy contacts were made during this patrol. Lifeguard duties were performed during the latter part of the patrol, but no opportunity to effect rescue presented itself. The initiative and aggressiveness of this fighting ship, however, was well demonstrated by an excellently planned and efficiently conducted reconnaissance, bombardment, and landing on Preteas Island. The island had apparently recently been evacuated by the Japanese naval garrison. In a fitting ceremony on 29 May 1945 the BLUEGILL raised the national ensign on Preteas Island, and proclaimed it to be "Bluegill Island."

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 BLUEGILL for another splendid chapter added to her outstanding combat record.

Distribution & Authentication:
next page.

JUL 8 1945
J. F. H. (S) 1
177351

— page 138 —
112-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01649:
CONFIDENTIAL:
THIS REPORT WILL BE DESTROYED PRIOR TO ENTERING PATROL AREA.

CONSUSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 799
U.S.S. BLUEGILL - SIXTH WAR PATROL.
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS242) - Report of Sixth War Patrol
(11 May to 21 June 1945).

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
[Complete Reports]
[