U.S.S. SCORPION (SS-278) — war patrol report SS-278_SCORPION.pdf

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END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: E108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-102-81]
[HANDWRITTEN: hes]

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THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[SEAL: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

— page 2 —
[STAMP: Reg. No.
B.S. No. 3 1128]

Cincpac File
F20-1/A4
221-1(2)

UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
AND PACIFIC OCEAN AREAS
HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF

Serial 00912

[HANDWRITTEN: Lundy F-01+F-05
143.]

DECLASSIFIED

1st Endorsement on
CincPac Sec. Ltr.
F20-1/A4-1(11)
serial 00434 dated
6 March, 1944.

MAR 14 1944

From: Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
To : Commander in Chief, U. S. Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION (SS 278) - loss of.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the presumption ex-
pressed in the basic letter.

[SIGNATURE: J. H. Towers]
J. H. TOWERS
Deputy Cincpac & Cincpoa

[STAMP: COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
FLAG OFFICE
RECEIVED
1944 MAR 20 11 58]

DECLASSIFIED

— page 3 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 72-T 44]

FF12-10/A4-1/(11)
Serial 0043.

SECRE[STAMP: T]
Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION (SS278) - loss of.

FIRST PATROL
From 5 April 1943 to 6 May 1943
Lt-Comdr. W. N. Wylie, Commanding.

S U N K:
Date       | Type Ship       | Tonnage
||
4-20-43    | Freighter       | 2,868
4-26-43    | Freighter       | 9,300
4-29-43    | Patrol Vessel   | 600
4-20-43    | Sampan          | 50
4-22-43    | 3 Sampans       | 175
4-28-43    | Patrol Vessel   | 120

D A M A G E D:
4-22-43    | Freighter       | 7,500

-ooo-

SECOND PATROL
From 29 May 1943 to 15 July 1943
Lt-Comdr. W. N. Wylie, Commanding.

D A M A G E D:
7- 3-43    | Freighter       | 4,000
7- 3-43    | Freighter       | 4,000

-ooo-

THIRD PATROL
From 13 October 1943 to 5 December 1943
Commander M. G. Schmidt, Commanding.

D A M A G E D
11-12-43   | Tanker          | 8,500

[SIGNATURE: J. H. Brown]
J. H. BROWN, Jr.

Copy to:
Comsubron 4
Comsubdiv 141

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

3 1/28

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FF12-10/A1-1/(11)COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE
Serial 00434UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
6 March 1944.
Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION (SS278) - loss of.

— page 5 —
FF12-10/A4-1/(11) COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE
UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 00434
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
6 March 1944.

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

Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION (SS278) - loss of.

1. It is with deep regret that the Commander Sub-
marine Force, Pacific Fleet, reports that the U.S.S. SCORPION
is overdue from patrol and must be presumed to be lost.

2. In accordance with Commander Task Force Seven-
teen Operation Order No. 314-43, the U.S.S. SCORPION, commanded
by Commander M. G. Schmidt, departed from the Submarine Base,
Pearl Harbor, on 29 December 1943. After topping off with fuel
at Midway, the SCORPION departed that place on the afternoon of
2 January 1944, for patrol in Area 12. Area 12 is that part of
the Coast of China to the northward of Latitude 29° North and
to the west of Longitude 127° East. Her operation order required
that she patrol that area until not later than sunset on 12 Feb-
ruary 1944, when she was to depart her patrol area and return to
Pearl Harbor for refit, stopping at Midway enroute for fuel.

3. On the afternoon of 4 January 1944, SCORPION
reported that one man of her crew had sustained a simple fracture
of the upper arm and requested rendezvous arrangements with the
U.S.S. HERRING, who was then in the vicinity of the SCORPION
returning from patrol, in order to transfer the injured man to Midway.
On the afternoon of 5 January the HERRING made rendezvous with
SCORPION. However, due to the heavy seas prevailing it was
found impossible to transfer the injured man and the SCORPION
proceeded on her way to her patrol area. On 6 January the
HERRING reported in paraphrase as follows: "Due to sea condi-
tions discontinued transfer attempts and departed rendezvous
position. SCORPION reports case under control." The SCORPION
has not been seen nor heard from since her departure from rend-
ezvous with HERRING on 5 January.

4. The distance from the edge of the SCORPION'S
patrol area to Midway is approximately 3,000 miles. Had the

-1-
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
3 1128

— page 6 —
DATE January 1944
FROM CROSS INDEX CARD
NAME SCORPION
SERIAL 00434
DATE 6 March 1944
SUBJECT Loss of USS SCORPION (SS-278)
Report of loss of USS SCORPION while on FOURTH WAR PATROL
in the East China Sea Area. Last contact with ship was
made by USS HERRING on 6 Jan 44.
(CENPAC: SUB OPS)

FILED: War Diary

Separately as CARBON COPY under SUBSPAC

MICROSERIAL NO. | ACTION REPORT [UNCLEAR: OPNAV] FORM 3430-13 (11-33)
| G 20432

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[HANDWRITTEN: NRS 162]

[HANDWRITTEN: SCORPION (SS-278)]
[HANDWRITTEN: WORLD WAR II REPORT FILE]
[HANDWRITTEN: ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: FOR DECK LOGS OCTOBER 1942 - DECEMBER 1943]
[HANDWRITTEN: CONSULT NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY]

[HANDWRITTEN: 16 MM]

— page 8 —
FF12-10/A16-3(8)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

Serial 01898
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
SCORPION Report of
Third War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 321
U.S.S. SCORPION - THIRD WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION (SS278) - Report of Third War Patrol,
(13 October to 5 December 1943).

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (5)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
Intel. Cen. Pac.
Ocean Areas (1)
Comservpac
(Adv.Base Plan.Unit) (1)
Comclant (2)
Comsowest (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
Comsopac (2)
Comsubswespac (1)
Comsubso wespac (2)
CTF 72 (2)
CTF 16 (1)
Comsubspac (20)
SUBAD, MI (2)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Subspac (2)
Comsubstrainpac (2)
All Submarines, Subspac (1)

[SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes] [HANDWRITTEN: Ind]
E. L. HYNES, II,
Flag Secretary.

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
13 December 1943

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FF12-10/A16-3(8)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01898
CONFIDENTIAL [crossed out]
[HANDWRITTEN: DECLASSIFIED]
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
SCORPION Report of
Third War Patrol.

COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 321
U.S.S. SCORPION - THIRD WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION (SS278) - Report of Third War Patrol,
(13 October to 5 December 1943).

1. The SCORPION's third war patrol was the first for the
new commanding officer, as such. The patrol was conducted in the
vicinity of the Marianas Islands.

2. Excellent area coverage was maintained and good recon-
naissance of many of the Marianas Islands was made.

3. Of the four contacts worthy of torpedoes, the SCORPION
attacked two and was unable to close the others. SJ radar trouble
reduced the efficiency of the attacks on at least one occasion.

4. This patrol is not considered successful for Combat
Insignia Award.

5. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congra-
tulates the Commanding Officer, officers, and crew for having in-
flicted the following damage upon the enemy:

D A M A G E D

1 - Tanker (class unknown) - 8,500 tons

J. H. BROWN, Jr.,
Acting.

Distribution and authentication
on following page.
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
13 December 1943

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

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SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR                                 18/mg
FD5-4/A16-3                                             c/o Fleet Post Office,
Serial 0329                                             San Francisco, Calif.
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED] C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L [HANDWRITTEN: (struck through)]
                                                        7 December 1943.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS SCORPION Report of
Third War Patrol.

From:      The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
To:        The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via:   (1) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.
       (2) The Commander-in-Chief, PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject:   U.S.S. SCORPION Third War Patrol - Comments
           on.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of
Commander Submarine Division FORTY FOUR.

2. Scarcity of contacts, a most unfortunate radar
casualty, tube defects, and more efficient air patrols combined
against the SCORPION's score. However, the few contacts were
aggressively pursued, and the Commanding Officer, officers and
crew are to be congratulated on probably sinking a large tanker.

                                                        C. B. MOMSEN.

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FB5-44/A16-3
Serial 051
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS SCORPION Report of
War Patrol No. 3

From: The Commander Submarine Division FORTY-FOUR.
To : The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.

Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION Third War Patrol - comments on.

1. Forwarded.

2. The third war patrol of the SCORPION was the first
for its captain as commanding officer. This patrol covered a
period of forty-nine days of which thirty-one were spent in the
area.

3. The SCORPION had five ship contacts. The attacks
made were aggressive and well done. The first attack was on a
"Q"-Ship. The torpedoes passed under the target due to its
shallow draft. The second attack was on a convoy. One AO was
hit and damaged. She was last seen dead in the water and slight-
ly down by the stern.

4. The health and morale of the crew were excellent
upon her return from war patrol.

5. The damage to the structure and tubes will be re-
paired. Two main engines and auxiliary engine will be overhauled
and repairs completed by the Base during her refit period.
Remarks under paragraph 3(1) are especially inter-
esting.

6. The patrol was terminated by operation order.

7. The commanding officer, officers and crew are to
be complimented on the following damage inflicted on the enemy.

1 AO
8000-9000 tons
[SIGNATURE: L. M. Blair]
L. M. BLAIR.
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-FOUR
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California
5 December, 1943.

— page 23 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
U.S.S. SCORPION (SS278)
therefore therefore
U.S.S. SCORPION (SS278)

— page 24 —
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
NO. | DATE | TIME | LAT. | LONG. | TYPE | RANGE | Cn. | | HOW | REMARKS
--- | ---
1 | 20 Oct. | 0718 (M) | 25-10 | 173-25 | | 12 mi. | | 2000 | SD | Circling
2 | 20 Oct. | 1147 (M) | 24-45 | 172-10 | | 10 mi. | 250° | 2000 | SD | Paralleling us.
3 | 21 Oct. | 0717 (M) | 23-50 | 168-32 | | 12 mi. | | 2000 | SD | Circling
4 | 21 Oct. | 1213 (K) | 23-32 | 167-50 | | 16 mi. | | 2000 | SD | Circling
5 | 27 Oct. | 0648 (K) | 16-37 | 145-45 | | 14 mi. | | | R | Steady
6 | 3 Nov. | 1440 (K) | 20-26 | 143-46 | | 20 mi. | | | R | Closing
7 | 7 Nov. | 0923 (K) | 19-44 | 144-32 | | 10 mi. | 000° | 1000 | P | Large 2 engine bomber
  | believed to have taken
  | Saipan Island.
8 | 15 Nov. | 0612 (K) | 17-06 | 144-52 | | 10 mi. | | 1000 | P | Closing
9 | 16 Nov. | 0644 (K) | 17-00 | 144-55 | | 10 mi. | | | R | Closing
10 | 17 Nov. | 1357 (K) | 19-11 | 144-57 | | 26 mi. | | | R | Closing
11 | 18 Nov. | 0639 (K) | 20-20 | 144-42.5 | | 26 mi. | | | R | Closing
12 | 18 Nov. | 1C10 (K) | 20-30 | 144-41 | | 21 mi. | | | R | Closing
13 | 18 Nov. | 1102 (K) | 20-32 | 144-39 | | 8 mi. | | 1000 | P | Searching area
14 | 18 Nov. | 1130 (K) | 20-40 | 144-36 | Petrol Bomber | 8 mi. | 160° | 1000 | R |
15 | 24 Nov. | 0645 (K) | 20-53 | 144-58 | | 5 mi. | | | R |

ENCLOSURE (A)
-14-

— page 25 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

(F) SHIP CONTACTS

| NO. | TIME (K) | DATE | POSITION | TYPE | INITIAL RANGE | COURSE | SPEED | REMARKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1638 | 11-5-43 | 19-24 N | 1 CA, MOGAMI CLASS | 20,000 | C | 20 | Could not close |
| | | | 140-00 E | | | | | |
| 2 | 1227 | 11-6-43 | 20-40 N | Q Ship - Resembled 2000- | 25,000 | C 340 | 10 | Conducted |
| | | | 144-52 E | 3000 ton coal burner, old | | | | Attack #1. |
| | | | | AK, high stack, small super- | | | | Missed target. |
| | | | | structure amidships. | Carries deck gun forward | and aft and 1 gun. | | | | |
| 3 | 0635 | 11-13-43 | 18-18 N | CONVOY - 1 AK, coal burner, | 12,000 | C 323 | 6 | Conducted |
| | | | 142-48 E | 7000 tons. 1 AO, 10,000 | | | | attack #2. 1 hit |
| | | | | tons. 3 escorts (corvette | | | | on AO. AO prob- |
| | | | | type) similar to our PC | | | | ably sunk. |
| | | | | boats. | | | | |
| 4 | 1108 | 11-17-43 | 19-10 N | 3 corvette escort type | 18,000 | Lying | SD | Escorts appar- |
| | | | 145-00 E | boats similar to our PC | | | | ently at convoy |
| | | | | boats. | | and | | rendezvous. Op- |
| | | | | | | circling | | ened range on | escorts and comm- | enced hunt for | convoy. |
| 5 | 0514 | 11-22-43 | 18-51 N | CONVOY - 4 radar contacts. | 19,000 | Base | R | Trailed convoy |
| | | | 141-59 E | Visually determined 3 ships: | | 328 | | for 16 hours. |
| | | | | (1 AP, 3 deck superstructure, | | 17 | | Faulty "SJN" and |
| | | | | squat stacks amidships, mast | | | | insufficient |
| | | | | on goal post forward and aft. 2 DD | | | | fuel prevented |
| | | | | modern, 2 stacks). | | | | attack. |

[STAMP: SAFETY OFFICE]
[STAMP: KODAK]

ENCLOSURE (A)

13

— page 31 —
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
                                                              U.S.S. SCORPION (SS278)

13 November 1943 (Continued)

0635 (K) Sighted two ships about 12,000 yards bearing 313 relative. (Contact #3).
          Convoy consisted of one AK (7,000 tons) and one AO (8,000-9,000 tons)
          on port quarter of AK with three escorts - one ahead, on port beam and
          on port quarter of AO. AK smoking moderately. Came to normal approach
          course and used high speeds to gain firing position. Just prior to
          firing ships zigged toward us and gave us a sharp track. (Attack #2)
0811 (K) Felt forced to accept this set up or not fire at all. A turn to right
          would put me right alongside port quarter escort. To wait would put me
          too close. Fired four bow tubes at range of 800 yards, 45° right gyro
          for 40° port track at AO. One hit with tremendously long rumbling sound.
          One escort 150 yards on our starboard quarter so went deep at once.
0835 (K) Received nine depth charges not close in three groups. Last one went
          off while coming up for look.
0900 (K) Up for look. All escorts displaying single square flag. All escorts
          attempting to locate us with cross bearings. Pinging on 16 K.C. - 18 K.C.
          Occasionally stopping and listening. Evidently sound conditions poor
          since they used double pings frequently not being sure they were on us.
          Had 5° negative gradient at 300 feet. Escorts of new construction
          corvette type with single mast and lookout station forward, rounded
          bridge and marked clipper bow. AO astern of AK and dead in water slight
          down by the stern. Neither vessel smoking. Sea moderately heavy with
          numerous white caps necessitating 10-15 feet of periscope.
0921 (K) Escort reversed course and headed for us pinging. Believe may have been
          sighted. Went deep.
0949 (K) Up for look. AK and one escort in sight. No sign of AO or other two
          escorts. Believe AO sunk and one escorts beyond AK.
1125 (K) Surfaced and much against our wishes but because of future plans we did
          not follow up this attack during the night.
1300 (K) Sent Scorpion serial #4. No receipt. Sent blind.
2355 (K) Made "SJ" radar contact on target on port beam bearing 087° (T), range
          9,900 yards. Commenced tracking. (Contact #4).

14 November 1943

0000 (K) Target drawn aft to 147° (T) and range opened to 10,000 yards. Pip
          small. Believe target small patrol vessel.
0005 (K) Secured from tracking target.
0359 (K) "SJ" radar contact on Guijan Island. Bearing 120° T. Range 50,000 yards.
0538 (K) Submerged for patrol between Tonion Is. and Rota Is.
1001 (K) Held divine services in crew's mess.
1829 (K) Surfaced for night patrol in vicinity of Saipan Island.

15 November 1943

0535 (K) Submerged for patrol off Saipan Island.
0612 (K) Sighted enemy patrol bomber taking off from Tonion Island and disappearing
          on northerly course.
1301 (K) Sighted masts and stacks of four ships in Saipan Harbor. (Contact #5).
1830 (K) Surfaced for night patrol clearing area.

- 7 -                                                              ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 32 —
DECLASSIFIED

CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. SCORPION (SS278)

8 November (Continued)

1641 (K) Target appeared to be 3 thousand ton steamer making 10 knots and
        zigging moderately. Also appeared to smoke moderately. Fired three
        torpedoes at 1200 yards range on 90° port track set for 7 feet.
        (Attack #1). Missed under him. All hot, straight and normal. Followed
        out by sound and sight. Target turned sharply toward us and speeded up.
        Sounded like high speed diesel. Received eleven depth charges. First
        eight fairly close.
1721 (K) Came to periscope depth and watched ship frantically searching for us
        and drop three more depth charges. Target searched at moderate speeds,
        stopping only once. Swung in circles in searching. Throwers were
        observed used with these last three depth charges. Concluded target
        was Q-Ship. Remained at periscope depth and watched him finally give up.
1830 (K) Surfaced and cleared area. #7 torpedo tube outer door operating linkage
        broken. Believe #7 torpedo may have struck outer door when fired. Sea
        pressure in tube. Tube pumped dry. Outer door closed. Tube out of
        commission for rest of patrol.
2200 (K) Sent Scorpion serial #3.

9 November 1943

0610 (K) Submerged for trim dive.
0707 (K) Surfaced. Continued surface patrol.
2020 (K) "SJ" radar out of commission. Commenced repairs.

10 November 1943

0626 (K) Submerged for trim dive.
0707 (K) Surfaced.

11 November 1943

0626 (K) Submerged for trim dive.
0707 (K) Surfaced.
2028 (K) Commenced swinging ship in attempt to D.F. fairly strong Japanese signals
        on 450 K.C.s. Signals too intermittent and weak for accuracy. Believe
        them to be coming from shore station on Guam or Saipan.
2048 (K) Steadied on course again.

12 November 1943

0633 (K) Submerged for trim dive.
0715 (K) Surfaced.
2000 (K) "SJ" radar back in commission after 72 hours constant repair work.

13 November 1943

0615 (K) Submerged for trim dive.

- 6 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 35 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
                                                                U.S.S. SCORPION (SS278)

— page 37 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st Copy]

SS278/A16-3
Ser. (011)

U.S.S. SCORPION (SS278)

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
5 December 1943.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0-45, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: CP09BJK] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/15/77]

CONFIDENTIAL:

From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Division 44.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron 4.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION (SS278) - Report of War Patrol Number Three.

Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart (Comsubpac only).
(C) Special Radio Log of HAIKU Broadcasts (Comsubpac only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the third war patrol of this vessel
conducted in the vicinity of the Marianas Islands, during the period 13 October
1943 to 5 December 1943, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: Ing. Schmidt]
M. G. SCHMIDT.

[HANDWRITTEN: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 62126]

— page 38 —
FF12-10/A16-3(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET [HANDWRITTEN: my]
Serial 0110 km [HANDWRITTEN: 19]
DECLASSIFIED Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
6 February 1946.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Chief of Naval Operations.
Via : The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION (SS278) - Report of Second War Patrol.

Reference: (a) ComSubPac third end. FF12-10/A16-3(5)/(16) serial 0992
of 1 August 1945.

1. Reference (a) credited U.S.S. SCORPION with damaging on 3
July 1943 two unidentified freighters for a total of 8,000 tons, in position
35-02 N, 124-25 E. These two enemy vessels were part of a 5 ship escorted
convoy and a total of five hits was obtained in them - results were not ob-
served over board due to close proximity of escort and inoperative sound
equipment.

2. Reliable intelligence subsequently received, states that as a
result of SCORPION's attack on the date and in the position mentioned above,
the AKEBONO MARU of 3,900 tons and the KOKURYU MARU of 6,100 tons were sunk.

3. Accordingly, reference (a) is modified as follows:

(a) Delete the word "not" in paragraph 4.
(b) Delete all after the word "enemy" in paragraph 5 and substitute
therefor:

SUNK

1 - AK (AKEBONO MARU) 3,900 tons
1 - AK (KOKURYU MARU) 6,100 tons
TOTAL SUNK 10,000 tons

DISTRIBUTION:
CNO (12) [STAMP: RECEIVED S-C FILES]
CinCpac (6) [HANDWRITTEN: Frank T. Watkins, Room 2055]
JICPOA (1) [HANDWRITTEN: Chief of Staff ROUTE TO: 1/1/4]
ComSoPac (1)
ComWesSeaFron (1) [STAMP: 21 FEB 1946]
ComPhibPac (1)
ComSubPac (9) [STAMP: AN CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS]
C/S SubPac, F. (3)
ComSubLant (1) [STAMP: FLEET POST OFFICE]
ComSoWesPac (2) [STAMP: 25 FEB 1946]
ComPhilSeaFron (4)
ComServPac (1) [STAMP: RECEIVED NAVY DEPARTMENT]
ComAirPac (20)
Comdt, 12 (2)
[HANDWRITTEN: 172]
All Squadron and Div.
Comdrs. Pacific (2)
ComSubRon 1 (6) [SIGNATURE: W. B. Surgatt]
All Submarines, Pacific (1) W. B. SURGATT
Comdr. U. S. S. Helio, USN. (1) Commander, USN.
Flag Secretary.

File No. (SC) [HANDWRITTEN: 196765]
Doc. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 196765]
Copy No. [HANDWRITTEN: 2] of [HANDWRITTEN: 2]
Reg. No. [UNCLEAR: illegible line]

— page 39 —
COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
SUBORDINATE COMMAND, NAVY NO. 1504 Rn

A16-3
Serial 022
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
18 July, 1943.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
SCORPION Conf. ltr. SS278/
A16-3(5)/(13) serial 08 of 7/15/43.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
Subordinate Command, MIDWAY.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet.

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

1. The second war patrol of the U.S.S. SCORPION extended
over a period of 47 days. The number of days spent in the area was
limited by adverse weather and special missions enroute to area, and
damage sustained to sound heads which caused withdrawal from area prior
to the date specified in the operation order.

2. Contacts with suitable targets were rare. The one worth-
while contact developed into a well executed attack in which three out of
five vessels of a convoy were probably sunk or damaged.

3. Since evidence of sinking in any of the three attacks is
inconclusive, damage only can be claimed. It is recommended that the
following damage to the enemy be credited to the SCORPION:

DAMAGED

3 AKs (4000 tons each) 12,000 tons.

ENCLOSURE (G)

— page 40 —
416-3
Serial 064
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

From: The Commander Submarine Division 102.
To : The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet Subordinate
Command, Midway.

Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION - Second War Patrol; Comments on.

1. The Second War Patrol of the SCORPION lasted for forty-eight
days. Six days were employed on special missions and fourteen days were
spent in the assigned area. Patrol was terminated six days early because
of severe damage to both sound heads.

2. During the fourteen days spent in the area only one contact
was made with ships of torpedo value. In view of the number of contacts made
on previous patrols in the same area, the lack of targets encountered by the
SCORPION is most disappointing. Bad weather, uncertain navigation and conse-
quent inability to close the coast at the most likely points for enemy traffic
probably contributed largely to the lack of success in contacting the enemy.

3. ATTACKS

One attack was made on a convoy consisting of five (5) AK's
and one Chidori escort. At time of attack the AK's were in a rough line of
bearing with the escort on the port side of the formation. The two largest
AK's which were on the far side of the formation relative to the escort were
singled out for attack. Three (3) torpedoes from bow tubes were fired at first
AK on an 85° track range 1600 yards and three (3) more torpedoes from the bow
tubes were fired at second AK on a 60° track, range 850 yards. At the time
torpedoes were fired a third AK was on about the same bearing as the second
target at a range of 2200 yards. Spreads used gave an approximate coverage
of 125% on first target and 64% on second target. The necessity for taking
evasive action prevented observation of results. Five torpedo explosions were
heard. Times of explosions compared with expected times of run indicated two
(2) hits on first target, two (2) hits on second target, and one (1) hit on
the third AK which was on same bearing as second target. Lacking conclusive
evidence of results it is believed the SCORPION inflicted certain damage on
two AK's and probably damaged a third AK.

4. MATERIAL

Except for the damage to the sound gear SCORPION returned from
patrol in very good material condition. The defects existing in the Waterbury
Pump of the stern plane hydraulic operating gear will be corrected during
current refit. The installation of top side sound gear has been authorized
and units should soon be available for installation. Due to the extent of
damage to the sound gear it is expected that three weeks will be required to
effect repairs. The SPERRY will conduct the refit.

5. The Commanding Officer, Officers, and crew of the SCORPION are
congratulated on the damage done to the enemy.

- 1 - ENCLOSURE (B)
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE HUNDRED TWO Ha
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
17 July, 1943.

— page 41 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
                                                                R:

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

1st 2nd 3rd     4th 5th 6th 7th             8th
2   1   7-15-43 4   5   0   Good
3   1   "                       No signals
2   3   "       5   5           Sight fading    Good
3   3   "       3   4           Good

                                - 15 -
                                                ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 43 —
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION - Report of Second War Patrol.
[HANDWRITTEN: Bn]

[HANDWRITTEN: Relative Positions at Third Shot:]

[HANDWRITTEN: B_T = 047°R]
[HANDWRITTEN: R_T = 2200±]

[HANDWRITTEN: H_T]
[HANDWRITTEN: H_T]

[HANDWRITTEN: Submarine.]

[HANDWRITTEN: - 23 -]
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 48 —
[STAMP: RECLASSIFIED]
Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION - Report of Second War Patrol.

PART V DESCRIPTION OF SHIPS SIGHTED
DATE | TIME | POSITION | COURSE | SPEED | DESCRIPTION
-----|------|||-------|
6 - 13 | 1900I | 29-55N | 045 | 5 | Lighted sampan.
     |      | 140-05E  |        |       |
6 - 22 | 0600I | 29-05N | Various | 3 - 5 | Several sampans in sight
     |      | 129-35E  |        |       | throughout the day; one
     |      |          |        |       | appeared to be patrolling.
6 - 24 | 0700HI | 29-37N | 90-270 | 5 | Patrol vessel of about
     |      | 126-08E  |        |       | 120 tons patrolling east -
     |      |          |        |       | west line.
6 - 24 | 2000HI | 29-38N | Various | -- | Lights of two sampans.
     |      | 125-34E  |        |       |
6 - 28 | 1500HI | 31-42N | Various | 3 - 5 | Two small patrols 150T.
     |      | 126-32E  |        |       |
7 - 2 | 0320HI | 36-46N | 135 | 2 | Large sailing junk; picked
     |      | 124-04E  |        |       | up by radar at 6500 yards.
7 - 2 | 2215HI | 37-30N | Various | -- | Light of sampan.
     |      | 124-08E  |        |       |
7 - 3 | 0555HI | 38-03N | 225 | 4 | Two small patrols or
     |      | 124-23E [HANDWRITTEN: D] |        |       | trawlers.
7 - 3 | 0905HI | 38-08N | 330 | 8 | Convoy of five freighters
     |      | 124-20E  |        |       | plus CHIDORI class escort.
7 - 4 | 0900HI | 35-25E | 160 | 1 | Small sailing junk.
     |      | 123-49E  |        |       |
7 - 7 | 0650HI | 29-24N | Various | 3 - 5 | Two sampans or patrols.
     |      | 129-37E  |        |       |
7 - 8 | 0542I | 29-29N | -- | -- | Periscope.
     |      | 133-50E  |        |       |

PART VI DESCRIPTION OF AIRCRAFT CONTACTED
DATE | TIME | POSITION | COURSE | SPEED | DESCRIPTION
-----|------|||-------|
7 - 7 | 0802HI | 29-23N | -- | -- | MITSUBISHI type 96 bomber.
     |      | 129-50E  |        |       | Dropped one depth charge.
7 - 12 | 0815K | 31-08N | 090 | -- | Unidentified.
     |      | 150-50E  |        |       | Two engine patrol plane.

- 8 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 49 —
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
[STRIKETHROUGH: CLASSIFIED]
Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION - Report of Second War Patrol.

— page 50 —
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION - Report of Second War Patrol.

0650 H - I AKUSEKI JIMA abean to port distant 5 miles. Two
          small vessels were observed to be patrolling or
          fishing in the waters on either side of the island.
          As the sea was extremely rough, it is more probable
          that they were on station as patrols.
0802 H - I MITSU-BISHI type 96 bomber attacked. Picked up
          by lookout and Radar at four miles. Dived and
          received one distant depth charge. As we were in
          plain sight of the island, and the heavy seas made
          diving slow, remained submerged during remainder
          of day.
1916 H - I Surfaced. Set course for Midway at speed of advanced
          13 knots.

July 8
0542 I Quartermaster of watch sighted periscope 15° on
          port bow at range of about 700 yards. Lat. 29-25N
          Long. 133-50. OCD turned away at flank speed putting
          stern towards bearing for a stern shot. Periscope
          disappeared and we resumed course and speed.
          This is the second time in two patrols, when our
          course and speed having been determined by a sight-
          ing, we have been met on the daylight circle the
          following day.

July 9 - 11
          Enroute Midway.

July 12
          Enroute Midway.
0815 K Lookout sighted unidentified two engine patrol plane
          flying low down and on a parallel course, at a range
          of 4-5 miles. Contact not made by SD. Dived.
0915 K Surfaced.

July 13 - 15
          Enroute Midway.
          Crossed date line.

July 15
1500 H Met air escort.
1800 M Arrived Midway.
          Moored alongside U.S.S. SPERRY.

- 6 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 51 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
RF

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

Subject:

1002-1006HT
Went ahead dead slow with rise on the planes. Both
sound heads dead and jammed in down position but,
fortunately, the pit log had been raised and was not
damaged.
Received five more charges, all close, as it was be-
lieved that we were stirring up a mud trail, stopped
screws and settled to bottom in 29 fathoms.
A chain or cable was dragged over the hull followed at
Close depth charge.

1008 H - I
Close depth charge.

1010 H - I
Drag passed over hull again. Decided that this was an
unhealthy spot, so went ahead on screws and ordered
depth of 150 feet with radical course changes.

1012 H - I
Close depth charge.

1019 H - I
Close depth charge.

1024 H - I
Close depth charge.

1028 H - I
Close depth charge.

1043 H - I
Came to 60 feet for periscope observation. CHIDORI
was drifting about scene of attack, dead astern,
at range of about 7000 yards. Nothing else in sight.
Further attack was abandoned for the following reasons:
(1) Two hours since attack and the direction the
remainder of convoy was not known.
(2) Poor visibility.
(3) CHIDORI remaining behind would indicate other
vessels had returned inshore.
(4) Further penetration and attack in shallow water
without sound equipment considered inadvisable.
Cleared vicinity to the southward at best submerged
speed.

1723 H - I
Distant and heavy underwater explosion.

2011 H - I
Surfaced. In view of damage sustained, decided
to depart area at best speed, taking advantage of
such contacts as possible on the way out.

July 4 - 6
Standing out of area at best course and speed, patrolling
submerged during day light.

July 7
0000 H - I
On surface approaching land fall for passage through
Southwestern Islands. Departed area. No further
contacts made.

-5-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 52 —
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION - Report of Second War Patrol.

July 3, 1943 (Cont'd)

0342 H-I Submerged. HAKUREI TO bearing 100°T distant 10 miles. Wind had
fallen to zero leaving a light surface fog and a dead flat sea.
Sighted two small vessels indistinctly. Either patrol vessels
or fishing trawlers. Avoided at periscope depth.
0555 H-I Sighted several indistinct objects in the haze on the starboard
bow and on a converging course. These developed into the tops
of several vessels with the hulls still invisible in the surface
fog. Echo ranging could be heard but the source could not be
seen. Went to battle station and started approach. At a range
of about 6,500 yards the contact developed into a convoy of five
decrepit freighters plus a CHIDORI escort. The extreme flat
calm of the sea plus the haze prevented close observation; but
they appeared to be of from 3 - 4000 tons, coal burners, rusty
and ragged in outline. At 4,500 yards, convoy zigged 20° left
and took a formation of a rough line of bearing of about 60°R
from the escort and with a front of about 3,000 yards. Course
330 T, speed 8 knots. The two largest vessels were #4 and #3 from
the escort with #5 on a bearing slightly behind #3 and a little
over twice the range. The escort was on our starboard beam with
a small port angle on the bow. There was insufficient time to
cross the front and still get a bow shot. Attack was made on
#4 vessel on a 90° track, the intention being to fire three
torpedoes at him, three at #3, and hope that the spread would
catch #5 also.
0954 H-I Fired three zero gyro torpedoes at #4 on 90° track at range of
1600 yards, and three 30° R gyro torpedoes at #3 at range of
850 yards. Depth set 15 feet, 3° divergent spread.
0955 H-I First of a series of five torpedo explosions. The escort and
other two vessels being close on our beam with near zero angles
on bow, did not wait to observe results but flooded negative and
started down on the last shot in what was thought to be some 33
fathoms of water. Before ship could be rigged for depth charging
and sound heads raised, struck bottom in 25 fathoms and received
two close depth charges.

-4-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 55 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
14

U.S.S. SCORPION (SS278) - Second War Patrol, Operation
Order No. 95-43.

PROLOGUE

Returned to Pearl from first war patrol on 8 May 1943. Routine
refit was accomplished by relief crew and submarine base repair force and
the vessel was made ready for sea on 29 May. The following major material
alterations and changes were made. (a) exterior periscope and mast supports
secured to Conning Tower (b) installed hand traverse gear on 20 MM guns
(c) replaced 3" gun with a 4" gun (d) installed additional ammunition lockers
(e) installed 50 cal. machine gun mounts.

PART I - NARRATIVE

May 29, 1943
1300 V-W Departed Pearl for Midway in company with U.S.S. PC 569.
2020 V-W Escort parted company. Continued at speed of advance of 13 knots,
 making daily dive for training purposes.

June 2
0730(Y) Arrived Midway. Fueled to capacity. Base force lowered gun
 sponson railing, which test firing had proved too high for
 satisfactory gun depression.
1500(Y) Departed Midway with air escort until dark. Speed of advance 13
 knots, making daily dives for training purposes.

June 9 - 12
Enroute assigned area.

June 13
1745(I) Passed LOT's WIFE rock bearing 175°T, distance 11 miles.
1900(I) Sighted lighted sampan standing towards TORISHIMA. It is noted
 that the latest available information states that this island is
 uninhabited.

June 14-17
Enroute assigned area.

June 18-20
Encountered heavy seas and winds of gale force from SW. Pro-
 ceeded at 2/3 speed making good six knots. Visibility very poor
 and accompanied by heavy rain squalls.

- 1 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 57 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]
FF12-10/A16-3/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 0992
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 221
U.S.S. SCORPION - SECOND WAR PATROL.

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
Aug 1, 1943.
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5710.10]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP09GR] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 9/5/72]

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION (SS278) - Report of Second War Patrol.

Enclosure: (A) Copy of subject war patrol report.
           (B) Copy of Comsubdiv 102 Conf. ltr. FB5-102/A16-3,
               serial 064 of 17 July 1943.
           (C) Copy of Comsubcomsubspac Conf. 2nd. end. A16-3,
               serial 022 of 18 July 1943.

1. The SCORPION second patrol was carried out in a normally pro-
ductive area. The small number of targets sighted by the SCORPION was due to
bad weather and not particularly good coverage.

2. Previous patrols in this area have proven that by proper use of
the Radars much time can be spent in daytime surface running and the area more
effectively covered.

3. The attack on the convoy contacted was aggressively carried out.
Insufficient evidence prohibits crediting any sinkings. While the depth charge
attack encountered was very severe, the damage inflicted does not appear to
have been sufficient to terminate the patrol.

4. This patrol is not considered successful for the purpose of
Combat Insignia award.

5. The SCORPION is credited with inflicting the following damage to
the enemy:

                                  DAMAGED
1 - Freighter (class unknown) - 4,000 tons
1 - Freighter (class unknown) - 4,000 tons
TOTAL: 8,000 tons

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

Distribution and authentication
on following page.
- 1 -
[STAMP: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 155882]

— page 58 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR

FC5-4/A16-3                                         Care of Fleet Post Office,
Serial 0113                                         San Francisco, California,
                                                    May 12, 1943.
CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
SCORPION report of
First War Patrol.

From:             The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
To :              The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject:          U.S.S. SCORPION (SS278) - Report of First War Patrol.

1.                Forwarded. The remarks of the Division Commander are con-
curred in.

ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 59 —
FB5-1/A16-3
Serial 0120

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
SCORPION Report of
First War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Division 141.
To : The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.

Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION (SS278) - Report of First War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

2. SCORPION first patrol, throughout, was intelligently planned
and brilliantly executed. The gratifying results obtained are high lighted by:

(a) A 50% torpedo score.
(b) Excellent radar performance.
(c) Excellent material performance.
(d) Exceptional use of surface armament.
(e) Fine results obtained with bathythermograph.
(f) The superb condition of the ship and the exceptionally smart
appearance of the crew upon return to port.

3. The communication system between the bridge and conning tower
continues to be most unsatisfactory. It is believed that if the importance
of this military deficiency was stressed, the Bureau of Ships could devise a
satisfactory installation.

4. Refit at Submarine Base will be accomplished in the normal time.

5. The Division Commander, and the officers and men attached to
his staff, deeply sympathize with the Commanding Officer, officers and crew
of SCORPION on the loss of Lieutenant Commander Raymond. He was an officer
of the highest type and his irrepressible spirit will continue to inspire all
of us who had the pleasure and good fortune to have served with him. Submarine
Division One Forty One is now one hundred per cent on the firing line and ALL
of us now have been given a personal grudge. Each ship of this division will
dedicate one full tube nest forward to Lieutenant Commander Reginald Marbury
Raymond, United States Navy.

ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 60 —
DECONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION - Report of First War Patrol.

assisted by LLOYD, Robert William, 262-97-24, F1c, U. S. Navy, the first
loader. The gun was thereby permitted to continue fire during a critical
period.

Twelve bathythermograph cards are forwarded as a most interesting
record of the water conditions encountered in the area. This instrument
cannot be praised too highly. Likewise, a rough log of the hourly NPM frequency
band reception, compiled by CUNNINGHAM, Joseph William, 201-55-14, RM1c,
U. S. Navy, is submitted as of interest to the communicators.

The loss of Lieutenant Commander, Reginald M. Raymond, U. S. Navy,
while firing at the enemy, is deeply mourned by all hands. To his superb
qualities of leadership and personal capability, which have been an inspir-
ation to each of us, we are indebted for the success of this patrol.

-- 19 --
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 62 —
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
To:
From:
Re:
Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION - Report of First War Patrol.

— page 66 —
[HANDWRITTEN: UNCLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: CONFIDENTIAL]
SUMMARY OF SUBMARINE ATTACKS
SHIP U.S.S. SCORPION
Ho

Attack No. 6 (Cont'd)

muzzle door system AND necessitates firing by hand without a ready
light. Tubes were not made ready sooner by reason of our high-
speed and hydraulic door feature does not require it. In firing
first three torpedoes a zero spread was used in accordance with
the "4-3-2" doctrine which assumes that natural dispersion takes
care of spread with a torpedo run in excess of 2000 yards. This
latter assumption is now considered highly doubtful and in the
future, nothing less than a 1° spread is recommended.

Times of firing 1st 04-06-40) First ship - zero spread -
                  2nd ---06-50) miss.
                  3rd ---07-00) miss.
                  4th ---07-55) 2nd ship - zero spread -
                  hit.

Attack No. 7

Four torpedoes fired at KINRYU class freighter and two at
smaller freighter about 1000 yards astern of her in column. 1°
divergent spread set on all torpedoes and bearings checked on TDC
before each shot. 1st four torpedoes hit equally spaced from bow
to stern. 5th and 6th torpedoes were apparently avoided. Sea
dead calm.

Times of firing. 1st 04-59-03) Hit
                  2nd 04-59-18) Hit
                  3rd 04-59-32) Hit
                  4th 04-59-45) Hit
                  5th 05-00-30) Miss
                  6th 05-01-03) Miss

Attack No. 8 - Gun Action

Attack No. 9

Torpedo fired after heavy gunfire failed to sink enemy. Tor-
pedo ran satisfactorily with 2' depth set in spite of fact that at-
least 2' waves were running.

-13c-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 67 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
SUMMARY OF SUBMARINE ATTACKS
SHIP U.S.S. SCORPION No

| | (5) | (6) | (7) | (8) | (9) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attack No. | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| Date - Usc GCT | 1905/22 | 1959/26 | 2059/28 | 2300/29 |
| Location (Lat) | 37-03 N | 38-08 N | 38-00N | 37-37 N |
| (Long) | 142-11 E | 143-03 E | 147-30 E | 155-00 E |
| No. & Type Torpedoes: | 4 | 6 | 1 | 1 |
| Fired on Each Attack: | 14-3A | 14-3A | - | 14-3A |
| Hits | - | - | - | - |
| Number Sunk(Tonnage): | None | 9300 | 120 | 600 |
| Number Damaged or | | | | |
| Probably Sunk(Tonnage): | 7500 | - | - | - |
| Type of Target | Convoy: 1 DD: | Convoy: 1 DD: Armed | Armed | Armed |
| | 2 Frghtrs. | 2 Frghtrs. | Patrol | Patrol |
| Range | 1st 2300 | 1st 2000 | 1500 to | 500 |
| | 2nd 2040 | 2nd 2200 | 100 | |
| Type of Attack: Peri- | | | | |
| scope(P) Surface(S) | | | | |
| Night(N) Radar(R) | R & P | P | S | S |
| Estimated Draft of | | | | |
| Target | 15' | 22' | 10' | 6' |
| Torpedo Depth Setting | 8' | 12' | 6' | 2' |
| Bow or Stern Shot | BOW | BOW | BOW | BOW |
| Estimated Target Speed | 13 | 10 | 0 | Stopped |
| Track Angle | 1st 95P, 98P: | 100S | A | 90P |
| | 100P, 2nd 70P: | | | |
| Gyro Angle | 1st 034,032, | 331,332,334: | C | - |
| | 031, 2nd 059 | 337,310,312: | T | 0 |
| Firing Interval | 10 sec. | 10 sec. | O | - |
| Spread - Amount and | 1st - none | 1°Div. | H | - |
| Kind | 2nd-one two | | | |
| | hit. | | | |
| All Torpedo Perfor- | | | | |
| mance Satisfactory | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |

Attack #6 - DAMAGE
By reason of extreme visibility and calmness of sea it was
not feasible to run with radar exposed, nor could submerged speed
be reduced for periscope observations on account of excessive
range. An apparently accurate course and speed as obtained by
sound plot prior to diving. Bearing (TDC) check "on" to point 35
firing as well as a range taken just prior to firing. Destroyer
escort at this time was keeping station off of second ship and mak-
ing 136 RPM which gave additional speed check of 13 knots. However,
the DD was close aboard and first of three torpedoes were fired
with periscope up while making high speed, it is highly probable
that either one or both the periscope and torpedo wake were sight-
ed thereby enabling first target to avoid 4th torpedo fired at
second ship. When getting #5 tube ready for firing, the muzzle
door operating chain was out of adjustment and interlock would not
operate. By the time the cause of the casualty was apparent in
the conning tower, the opportunity to fire the 5th torpedo was
lost. This is apparently a frequent casualty in the hydraulic

-13b-
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 69 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
                                                                Pn
Subject:        U.S.S. SCORPION - Report of First War Patrol.

PART VI DESCRIPTION OF AIRCRAFT CONTACTED

NO. DATE & TIME-GCT POSITION  HIS COURSE HIS SPEED DESCRIPTION
1   1819/21       37° 01'N    080°       ---       Carried Red Light -
                  141° 16'E                         Other facts impos-
                                                    sible to ascertain
                                                    as dawn had not
                                                    broken.
2   0348/23       37° 23'N    ---        ---       Radar Contact.
                  142° 29'E
3   0000/30       37° 37'N    ---        ---       Radar Contact.
                  155° 10E

                                  - 13 -
                                                      ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 72 —
Pn

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION - Report of First War Patrol

two charges at a considerable distance. The body of
Lieutenant Commander Raymond was lost from the gun
platform on this dive.
Distant underwater explosion. Remained submerged during
remainder of day.
1339 K Surfaced and went ahead full speed. Inspected top side
1839 K for damage but none was apparent.
1922 K Sent radio report 300830.
2000 K Stopped all engines. Held religious services for Lt.
Commander, R. W. Raymond, U.S.N.
2005 K Resumed course and speed.

May 1, 1942.
1248 L Slowed to 2/3 speed; bucking heavy head seas.

May 2, 1943.
0358 L Seas abated; changed to standard speed.

May 3, 1943.
2300 H Received ComSubPac serial 28 yoke directing return
to Pearl

May 4, 1943.
Crossed 180th meridian. Enroute Pearl,
to
May 7, 1943.

May 8, 1943.
0600 V-W Met PC 458 and proceeded into Pearl under escort.

[HANDWRITTEN: 5]

- 10 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 74 —
[HANDWRITTEN: CONFIDENTIAL] (crossed out)
DECONFIDENTIAL (crossed out)

Subject: U.S.S SCORPION - Report of First War Patrol.

— page 76 —
DECLASSIFIED
Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION - Report of First War Patrol.

1510 I Abandoned pursuit of convoy and turned to close coast.
1855 I Surfaced and at
1915 I Sent contact report (23:015) which was received by DUTCH HARBOR.
          Proceeded towards KINKASAN light.
2052 I Received our contact report by NPM 1100 schedule badly garbled.
2205 I Retransmitted report, which was received this time by NPM.
2223 I Our course and speed towards KINKASAN now obviously having been
          disclosed to the enemy changed course towards the coast in the
          center of the area.

April 24, 1942.
0305 I Submerged and conducted patrol along 100 fathom curve.
1855 I Surfaced; proceeded to seaward to cross northeast shipping lane
          and then to approach KINKASAN on a course normal to it.

April 25, 1943.
0339 I Submerged and proceeded towards KINKASAN.
0725 I Sighted two SIGURE class Destroyers approaching close together at
          a range of about 9,000 yards and making 24 knots by turn count.
          Subsequent observation showed them to be running at high speed
          for from 5 to 10 minutes; then making a radical course change and
          stopping to listen for about the same time. They were not using
          echo ranging. Sea was absolutely flat; an attack was not deemed
          advisable.
0743 I Rigged ship for silent running and remained clear. Destroyers
          proceeded to the southward.
1905 I Surfaced.
2100 I Started towards KINKASAN light.

April 26, 1943.
0343 I Submerged off KINKASAN. Visibility unlimited and sea absolutely
          flat. Numerous sampans in vicinity made use of periscope extremely
          difficult.
0643 I The two SIGURE Destroyers of the previous day sighted again using
          similar tactics; this time close aboard. We were making periscope
          observations at ten minute intervals, and when the OOD put up his
          periscope, there they were. Sound had not detected their approach,
          so they must have gotten close while listening with engines stopped
          Rigged for depth charging and held depth to prevent a visible screw
          wash.
0646 I Destroyers passed overhead making 24 knots. This was a tense moment.
0700 I Destroyers drew off to northward.
          Close reconnaissance of KINKASAN light vicinity disclosed presence of
          two radio towers, but no Radar. The entire absence of any shipping
          activity whatsoever made it obvious that something was amiss and
          reaffirmed our belief that shipping was routed to seaward.
1500 I Sighted smoke coming down coast. Commenced attack.

- 6 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 77 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION - Report of First War Patrol.

He

1919 I    Conducted periscope patrol and observation of coast line. Took
          pictures of light and adjacent coast line. One large tanker was
          seen going down the coast with his bottom practically on the beach
          in what must have been less than ten fathoms of water. Except for
          this one vessel, no other shipping, large or small, was seen during
          the day. Several approaches were started on smoko, which in each
          case turned out to be larger sampans coming home under full power.
          Small sampans were very numerous and made periscope observations
          difficult.
          Surfaced and stood out from coast. In view of the shallow water
          and the difficulty of getting in close to the light undetected, it
          was decided to abandon this part of the area. As our presence had
          probably been disclosed it was decided to destroy all sampans
          sighted in order to keep the others inshore in the future, and
          then to patrol seaward.
          Destroyed three sampans by gun fire; one about 70 tons, the others
          about 35 to 50. Unfortunately these were the only ones sighted.

April 23, 1943.
0330 I    Radar contact bearing 179° T distance 17,000 yards changed course
          to close at 10 knots.
0335 I    Radar contact on two other vessels on same bearing. Went to battle
          stations and commenced Radar Plot.
0338 I    Target sighted dead ahead at range of 14,000 yards, angle on bow
          about 35 degrees. It was a brilliant moon light night with a
          slight surface mist and an absolutely calm sea.
0343 I    Target identified by sight as two merchant ships in column with
          a Destroyer escort.
0347 I    Submerged to 50 feet and conducted approach at high speed.
0407 I    Fired three torpedoes at leading ship and one at second.
0409 I    Heard first of a series of thirteen explosions. Rigged for depth
          charge attack and went to 300 feet; took evasive action.
          Destroyer stopped.
0425 I    Came to periscope depth. First target was logging it for the
          horizon; second target was stopped, or nearly so and making heavy
          black smoke from the stack; angle on bow 150° port, range 9,000
          yards. He appeared to be down by the stern. Destroyer was approach-
          ing him from the direction of the first target at high speed.
0449 I    Headed for him at standard speed submerged. Range closed slightly,
          remained steady, and then began to draw away as target apparently
          got way on again. Observed what appeared to be a burning Franklin
          life buoy near the scene of the attack. Continued along base course
          of convoy. It was assumed that an air escort was present, or, in
          any case, would be there quickly and would prevent an attempt to
          run around the convoy and get ahead. The best plan appeared to be
          to wait until pursuit had been abandoned, then surface and attempt
          to regain contact along base course.
1230 I    Surfaced and went ahead flank speed on base course.
1249 I    SD Radar plane contact at 7 ½ miles. Dived when distance was five
          miles, continued along base course submerged.

- 5 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 81 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION (SS276) - Report of First
War Patrol. Period from April 5, 1943 to
May 1943. Operation Order 53-43.

PROLOGUE

Arrived Pearl from Panama on March 24, 1943. Following work ac-
complished by repair forces and Navy Yard: (1) installed bathythermo-
graph; (2) removed all de-gaussing equipment and cables; (3) installed
selector switches for battery power to IC motor-generator and IC board;
(4) installed DC bow and stern plane indicators; (5) installed conning
tower air conditioning unit; (6) installed air domes and indicator
lights on trim and drain pump discharges; (7) cut down superstructure
still further; (8) installed two 3" ammunition ready lockers and one
additional 20mm ready locker; (9) scraped and painted ship's bottom;
(10) repair leak in negative tank blow line; (11) calibrated ship's
magnetic condition. Completed three days training exercises; fired
six exercise torpedoes.

PART I - NARRATIVE

April 5, 1943.
1300 V-7 Departed Pearl for Midway in company with U.S.S. PC-588.
Calibrated RDF off Diamond Head.
2000 V-7 Escort parted company. Continued at speed of advance 13
knots, making daily training dive and holding drills.

April 7, 1943.
1400 X Compensated magnetic compass. During the evening failed to
sight floating mine reported to be right in our 2230 X
position.

April 9, 1943.
0809 Y Arrived Midway. Fueled to capacity. Base repair force cor-
rected leak in hydraulic piping and leak in antenna trunk.
1413 Y Departed Midway, escorted by aircraft until dark.

April 15, 1943.
0640 L Slowed to 2/3 speed because of heavy head seas and gale force
winds. Making good 7 1/4 knots.

April 16, 1943.
0200 K Winds abated. Increased speed to 14 knots. Because of
weather, realized we will be unable to reach mining area until
Monday April 19. Laid detailed plans for mine plant, with
alternative surface or submerged plant, depending upon
brightness of moon, visibility, surface and air patrol ac-
tivity, current found, and so forth.

- 1 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 83 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]

FF12-10/A16-3(5)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 0629
CONFIDENTIAL [STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 176
U.S.S. SCORPION - FIRST WAR PATROL.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SCORPION (SS278) - Report of First War Patrol.

Enclosure: (A) Copy of Subject War Patrol.
(B) Copy of Comsubdiv 141 Conf. 1st. end. FB5-141/A16-3,
serial 0120 of May 9, 1943.
(C) Copy of Comsubron 4 Conf. 2nd. end. FC5-4/A16-3,
serial 0113 of May 12, 1943.

1. The SCORPION started its war record with a highly successful
and very aggressive patrol. Completing its mining mission successfully, the
SCORPION then proceeded to inflict heavy damage to the enemy by sinking or
damaging four enemy ships with the fourteen torpedoes carried. In addition,
four sampans and one armed trawler were sunk by gunfire.

2. It is noted that the SCORPION obtained excellent results with
the SJ radar. Continuing reports of good radar performance are most encourag-
ing, for it is necessary that maximum use be obtained from this instrument in
order to maintain a distinct advantage over the enemy.

3. This patrol marks one of the first instances where a submarine
has used the bathythermograph efficiently and to a distinct advantage during
enemy anti-submarine searching. The knowledge obtained from the bathythermo-
graph that the enemy's echo ranging ability approaches zero is, of course, of
tremendous value to the commanding officer. Information has been obtained to
the effect that with the use of this instrument it will be possible to deter-
mine quickly the amount of water necessary to flood in or pump out upon deep
submergence. This information will be in the form of a simple set of curves
and will be disseminated to the force as soon as it is received. Because of
the feeling of confidence that is obtained from the use of this instrument
during an enemy anti-submarine attack, all submarines are directed to use it
as much as possible.

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, is in full accord
with the use of guns in destruction of sampans, minor and lightly armed patrol
vessels, certain shore targets, and in the destruction of unarmed, large,
damaged vessels. It must be borne in mind by all commanding officers, however,
that the execution of such gun fights must be carried out only after careful
consideration of the value of the target and the risk involved. The submarine
at all times must maintain the military, fire power, and strategic advantage.

- 1 -

[STAMP: FILMED]
[STAMP: 49695]

ld
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
May 14, 1943.
DECLASSIFIED PER OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OLC9604] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 9/5/72]

— page 84 —
-15- SHIPS NAMED SCORPION

Having served throughout the Mediterranean with the Sixth
Fleet, SCORPION set course for return to Norfolk. On 21 May 1968,
communication with the submarine indicated her position about
50 miles south of the Azores and some 2,100 miles east of Norfolk.
She was reported overdue at Norfolk 27 May 1968 when a massive
search for the submarine began. There had been no communication
with the submarine since the report of 21 May, south of the Azores.

LIST OF COMMANDING OFFICERS

Commander Norman B. Bessac, USN: 29 Jul 1960-30 Mar 1962
Commander Robert Y. Kaufman, USN: 30 Mar 1962-12 Aug 1963
Commander Ralph M. Ghormley, USN: 12 Aug 1963-22 Jul 1965
Commander James R. Lewis, USN: 22 Jul 1965-17 Oct 1967
Commander Francis E. Slattery, USN: 17 Oct 1967-
A,

PREPARED: MR OLSSON
TYPED: 5/29/68

— page 85 —
-14-
SHIPS NAMED SCORPION

meritorious service during certain phases of this duty in 1962,
brought her the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. Her
Commanding Officer, Commander Robert Y. Kaufman, was awarded
the Legion of Merit for his outstanding leadership during the
operations. Her effective contributions continued through
the first five months of 1963, including more than eight weeks
of aggressive, imaginative opposition to a 24-hour basis to
Hunter-Killer Groups. The data collected during these operations
enabled her to document a number of facts of importance to
antisubmarine warfare readiness. She received the Atlantic
Fleet Submarine Battle Efficiency Competition Award for the
fiscal year 1963 as well as the annual award for Excellence in
Torpedo Fire Control and Performance.

SCORPION overhauled in the Charleston Naval Shipyard,
South Carolina, from 8 June 1963 to 5 May 1964. She then
resumed seaboard training out of Norfolk. This was intervened
by another trans-oceanic patrol from that base, commencing
7 August 1964 and terminating with her return to Norfolk
8 October. She again departed the eastern seaboard 1 May 1965
for service that included a call at Holy Loch, Scotland. She
returned to Norfolk 26 June for independent exercises and fleet
tactics that found her ranging into the Caribbean Sea. During
the spring and fall of 1966, she completed missions of high
national importance that resulted in the award of the Navy's
Commendation Medal to her commanding officer, Commander James R.
Lewis in recognition of his outstanding leadership, foresight,
and professional skill. Other officers and men of SCORPION
were also cited for meritorious achievement during the same period.
Her outstanding performance and the superior teamwork of every
officer and man on board her, was reflected in the Battle
Efficiency Competition Award for Atlantic Submarines, presented
to SCORPION for both the fiscal years 1965 and 1966.

SCORPION entered the Norfolk Naval Shipyard 1 February 1967
for overhaul that included refueling of her nuclear reactor.
Sea trials began 2 October and Commander James R. Lewis was
relieved as her commanding officer 17 October 1967, by
Commander Francis A. Slattery, U.S. Navy. Refresher training
took her to New London, thence south to Puerto Rico and the
Virgin Islands for Weapons System Acceptance Tests. Type
training continued out of Norfolk until 15 February 1968 when
she departed for an extended period of operations with the
Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean. She touched Rota, Spain
(1-5 March) and reached Taranto, Italy, 10 March 1968.

— page 86 —
-13-
SHIPS NAMED SCORPION

The name SCORPION was assigned to a nuclear powered submarine
hull whose keel was laid down 1 November 1957 in the yard of
the Electric Boat Division, General Dynamics Corporation, Groton,
Connecticut. She was cut in two, had a 130-foot missile launch
tube inserted, and renamed GEORGE WASHINGTON (SSB(N)-598),
effective 6 November 1958. Thus the nuclear powered submarine
hull was converted into the world's first Fleet Ballistic Missile
Submarine GEORGE WASHINGTON who launched 9 June 1959 and
commissioned at Groton 30 December 1959.

The sixth SCORPION (SS(N)-589) was built by the Electric
Boat Company Division, General Dynamics Corporation, Groton,
Connecticut. She is named in commemoration of SCORPION (SS-278).
Her keel was laid 20 August 1958. She launched 19 December 1959,
under the sponsorship of Mrs. Elizabeth B. Morrison, daughter of
Commander Maximilian G. Schmidt, USN, commanding officer of
SCORPION (SS-278) at the time that ship was lost at sea in the
Pacific during World War II. The nuclear powered submarine
commissioned at Groton, Connecticut, 29 July 1960, Commander
Norman B. Bessac, USN, commanding.

SCORPION (SS(N)-589) is a SKIPJACK-Class nuclear powered
submarine. She has a length overall of 251 feet, 9 inches;
extreme beam of 31 feet, 7 inches; surfaced displacement of
3,075 tons; submerged displacement of 3,500 tons and design
accommodations for 10 officers and 80 men. Her armament includes
six torpedo tubes and she is powered by one water-cooled nuclear
reactor.

SCORPION was assigned to Submarine Division 62, Squadron SIX,
U.S. Atlantic Fleet. On 24 August 1960 she departed New London,
Connecticut, for a two-month deployment across the Atlantic to
demonstrate her capabilities in rigorous exercises with units
of our own and North Atlantic Treaty Organization navies. These
operations included visits to Portsmouth, England, and Faslane,
Scotland. She returned to New London 28 October 1960 for training
along the eastern seaboard until departure 29 May 1961 for
special operations that included a visit to Holy Loch, Scotland.
The submarine returned to New London 9 August.

SCORPION made Norfolk, Virginia her base of operations
10 September 1961. She specialized in submarine warfare tactics
in waters ranging off the New England Coast south to Bermuda,
Florida, and Puerto Rico. Both the hunted and the hunter, she
worked to develop tactics and techniques for use, by and against,
a high performance nuclear powered submarine. Her exceptionally

— page 87 —
SHIPS NAMED SCORPION

1 Star/SECOND SUBMARINE WAR PATROL-PACIFIC: 29 May - 15 Jul 1943
1 Star/THIRD SUBMARINE WAR PATROL-PACIFIC: 13 Oct - 5 Dec 1943

ORIGINAL STATISTICS

LENGTH OVERALL: 311'8"
EXTREME BEAM: 27'4"

STANDARD DISPLACEMENT:
  Tons: 1526
  Mean Draft: 15'3"

SUBMERGED DISPLACEMENT:
  Tons: 2410

DESIGNED SPEED:
  Surfaced: 20.25 knots
  Submerged: 8.75 knots

DESIGNED COMPLEMENT:
  Officer: 6
  Enlisted: 54

DESIGNED DEPTH: 300'

ARMAMENT:
  Torpedo Tubes: (10) 21-inch
  Secondary: (1) 3-inch .50 caliber
             (2) .50 caliber machine guns
             (2) .30 caliber machine guns
TORPEDOES: 24

Stenciled 5 Oct 1959 (ks)

12

— page 88 —
SHIPS NAMED SCORPION

On 8 November 1943 SCORPION was running up the Marianas Group from
Agrihan to Farallon de Pajaros Islands. She sighted smoke near the noon
hour and commenced an end-around to submerge in the track ahead of what
first appeared to be a 3000-ton steamer. Three torpedoes sped for the enemy
but passed directly under the shallow draft of the target, a "Q-boat" who
turned sharply with the whine of high-speed diesel engines and dropped eleven
depth charges, eight of which were too close for comfort.

Near daylight on 13 November 1943 SCORPION made her third contact, a
convoy of one freighter and a large tanker, screened by three escorts. Despite
the threat of the three escorts who patrolled ahead on the port beam and on
the port quarter of the tanker, she pressed home an attack on that target and
scored one torpedo hit with a tremendous long rumbling explosion. With one
escort only 150 yards on her port quarter she went deep to evade a string of
nine depth charges, then came up for a look about two hours later, observing
all escorts attempting to locate her with cross bearings. The tanker was now
dead in the water and down by the stern. About this time one escort reversed
course and headed for SCORPION who cleared the area for reconnaissance of
Saipan Island.

At 0653 22 November, SCORPION surfaced for a high-speed chase of a large
troop transport which was under escort of two destroyers and a corvette. She
lost contact at 1340 when her search radar went out of commission but later
picked up the targets in her periscope and continued chase until near midnight
time. She had no radar with which
The targets were lost from sight by this
to maintain contact and her remaining fuel would not enable a run for a
daylight attack position and still have enough to get back to base. She
broke off the pursuit and entered Pearl Harbor on 5 December 1943 for refit.

SCORPION was lost on her fourth war patrol. Commander M. G. Schmidt
took her to sea from the Submarine Base at Pearl Harbor on 29 December 1943,
and after fueling at Midway, cleared that harbor to patrol that part of the
China Coast in the area of latitude 29° North and to the West of longitude
127° East. She was to depart her patrol area no later than sunset on 12
February 1944 and stop at Midway for fuel before return to Pearl Harbor for
refit. On the afternoon of 4 January 1944 she reported that one man had
sustained a simple fracture of the upper arm and requested rendezvous with
HERRING who was then in her vicinity and returning from patrol. HERRING
made rendezvous with SCORPION on the afternoon of 5 January 1944 but heavy
seas made it impossible to transfer the injured man to HERRING for return to
Midway. SCORPION reported the case "Under control" before midnight and
HERRING set course for Midway. SCORPION was not seen or heard from again.
When no report was received from her by 24 February, she was directed to
make a transmission but made no acknowledgement. She was presumed lost on
6 March 1944 and Japanese records examined after close of the war furnished
no clue to her fate. It is possible that she struck one of the mines which
were strung in an extremely thin barrier across the Yellow Sea.

SCORPION was awarded three battle stars for operations listed below:

1 Star/FIRST SUBMARINE WAR PATROL-PACIFIC: 5 fr - 8 May 1943

11

— page 89 —
SHIPS NAMED SCORPION

charges aft. The enemy opened fire with her forward gun as SCORPION closed
range and swung her bow away to answer with the 3-inch forward gun and the
20-mm machine guns. As she passed broadside at 800 yards her 3-inch gun
jammed but she raked the patrol vessel with her remaining guns. She drew
out of range to clear the 3-inch gun while the enemy released a heavy white
smoke float marker for aircraft and drew off the south. SCORPION moved in
at flank speed for another try and her first shot hit the enemy's stern,
raising a big smoke cloud. All guns were firing as she closed to about
400 yards. By this time the target had stopped dead in the water with her
forward gun out of action but from several points along the bulwarks, the
flash of machine gun fire was observed and persisted in spite of SCORPION's
rapid fire. During this action Lieutenant Commander Reginald Marbury Raymond,
acting the patrol as prospective commanding officer, was fatally wounded by
an enemy bullet as he fired a Browning automatic rifle from SCORPION's bridge
railing. The enemy refused to sink after this second attack although riddled
with 3-inch common and high explosive. SCORPION then spun to bows on, backed
to 500 yards range, and fired her last remaining torpedo which disintegrated
the enemy in a tremendous explosion. Seven minutes later her radar picked
up an enemy plane and she made a quick dive as two aerial bombs exploded at
a considerable distance into the sea. She terminated her patrol at Pearl
Harbor on 8 May 1943.

On 29 May 1943 SCORPION departed Pearl Harbor for her second war patrol.
After topping off with fuel at Midway, she set course eastward to cut the
Formosa-Tsushima-Nagasaki shipping lanes, thence off Shanghai and along the
Korean coast. She was plagued by heavy seas and winds of gale force,
coupled with heavy rain squalls until about the noon hour of 28 June when
she passed Shanghai and set course for Saishu To to meet the Yellow Sea
traffic. During the morning of 3 July she went to battle stations when a
contact developed into a convoy of five freighters with destroyer escort.
She fired salvos of five and three torpedoes with divergent spread and
heard five resulting explosions. Sent to the bottom of the sea in this
attack were cargo ship AZAN MARU, 3890 tons, and passenger-cargo ship
KOKURYU MARU, 6112 tons (38°-08'N; 124°-20'E). With an enemy escort and
two vessels close on the beam with near zero angles, SCORPION did not wait
to observe these results. She started down on the last shot and received
seven close depth charges as she stopped dead in the water with her
screws to avoid stirring up a mud
trail and settled to the bottom. Two minutes later a chain or cable was
dragged over her hull, followed by close depth charge. The drag passed over
her hull again as she moved ahead to deep water with radical course changes,
enduring four more close depth charge attacks before evading the enemy. With
her sound gear out of commission she made no further contacts during the
next three days, then departed the area for return to Midway on 15 July 1943.
She put into Pearl Harbor on 18 August for completion of battle-damage repairs.
On 23 September 1943, Lieutenant Commander W. N. Wylie was relieved by
Lieutenant Commander M. G. Schmidt, USN.

On 13 October 1943 SCORPION cleared Pearl Harbor for her third patrol
which was spent in reconnaissance of many of the Marianas Islands. Despite
thorough coverage of this area, only four contacts worthy of torpedoes were
made. Her first contact, a cruiser sighted on 5 November 1943, put on more
speed during a chase through heavy seas and wind, and was lost in a rain
squall.

10

— page 90 —
SHIPS NAMED SCORPION

The fifth SCORPION (SS 278), was named for the fish known scientifically
as Scorpaena guttata Girard. A member of the family Scorpaenidae, the
Scorpion is light or dark reddish brown, irregularly mottled with purple
and olive, and inhabits relatively shallow waters in bays and along shore,
to a depth of about 25 fathoms. It is confined to the coast of California
and Baja California between Point Abreojos and Point Arguello, and is well
armed. There are seven pairs of strong rigid spines on top, twelve or
thirteen equally strong ones on each side of the head, and the anal fin has
three stiff spines. The twelve spines of the dorsal fin can inflict wounds
of intense pain and swelling. If deep, the wound can be very dangerous.

SCORPION was built by the Portsmouth Navy Yard, Portsmouth, New
Hampshire. Her keel was laid 20 March 1942 and she was launched 20 July
1942, under the sponsorship of Miss Elizabeth T. Monagle, daughter of the
Master Moulder at the Portsmouth Navy Yard. The ship was placed in commission
on 1 October 1942, Lieutenant Commander W. N. Wylie, USN, in command. She
departed Portsmouth on 15 January 1943 and after shakedown training in the
area of New London, Connecticut and Newport, Rhode Island, transited the
Panama Canal on 11 March, bound for the Hawaiian Islands.

SCORPION arrived at Pearl Harbor on 24 March 1943 and put to sea on 5
April to conduct her first war patrol off the coast of Honshu, Japan. The
morning of 19 April, with Naka Minato bearing about 30 miles north, she
headed for the coast to reconnoiter the proposed mining area. That afternoon
she planted twenty-two mines at spacing ranging from 600-1000 yards in
irregular lines, then commenced search for enemy shipping. A little before
the noon hour of 20 April 1943, she torpedoed and sank converted gunboat
MEIJI MARU NO. 1, 1934 tons (37°-10'N; 141°-25'E). She riddled a sampan with
3-inch gunfire the next day and on 23 April, intercepted two freighters under
escort of a destroyer. Making a high-speed submerged approach in the early
morning moonlight, she fired three torpedoes at the lead freighter and managed
to fire another at the second freighter as the escorting destroyer headed her
way. She skillfully maneuvered clear of a string of thirteen depth charges
and upped periscope to observe the first target running toward the horizon,
and the second freighter almost dead in the water and down by the stern.
This target got way on as SCORPION approached for a second try but the
destroyer headed in at high speed to break off this attack. Four days later
SCORPION found a convoy of four freighters steaming in columns of two, with
an escort in front center. She sent a spread of four torpedoes streaking for
the lead ship in one column, then shifted attack to the second ship. As she
swept the sea with her periscope, two torpedo hits exploded just forward
and aft of the stack of the lead freighter, followed by two more hits on the
enemy's bow and stern. A moment later the escorting destroyer appeared "to
rise out of the water" and made for SCORPION. A deft maneuver put her clear
of that enemy and eight depth charges exploded harmlessly in the water some
distance away. At 0547 she observed passenger-cargo YUZAN MARU, 6380 tons,
sink stern first (38°-08'N; 143°-03'E). She battle-surfaced and sank a 100-
ton patrol vessel with gunfire on 29 April. The next morning SCORPION
closed a 600-ton patrol vessel on the surface. Painted gray and the number
23 painted on the bow, this enemy mounted a gun on a high platform forward,
with two or more machine gun mounts along the bulwark, and a rack of depth

9

— page 91 —
SHIPS NAMED SCORPION

the assistance of his staff on board SCORPION, she transferred seriously
injured persons to hospital facilities at Naples during 4-5 January, then
returned to Messina for continued treatment of injured earthquake victims
until 8 January 1909. She resumed her duties as station ship at
Constantinople until 6 February, then sailed for repairs at Naples, Italy.
She was anchored in the Bay of Naples on 26 April 1909 when a terrible
explosion rocked the nearby Italian submarine FOCA. The officers and men
of SCORPION were the first to reach the scene and saved many of the
survivors. Assistant Surgeon Rhoades again gave untiring devotion on the
scene of the disaster and later in the dressing station of the Royal
Arsenal, rendering valiant surgical attention to the numerous wounded.

SCORPION departed Naples on 15 July 1909 to resume her duties as
station ship at Constantinople. She continued to act as a ship of mercy in
the succeeding years and often carried the United States Ambassador on brief
diplomatic voyages to various ports of Turkey and Greece. Serious earthquakes
occurred in Turkey on 12 August 1912, and SCORPION got underway from
Constantinople the following day to afford medical treatment and medical
supplies at the Turkish ports of Sarwl, Heraclytze, Myrophyto, and Kora.
She returned to her station at Constantinople on 17 August 1912.

Turkey formed an alliance with Germany upon the outbreak of war in
Europe and SCORPION was requested to shift from her usual winter moorings
in the harbor of Constantinople, to the Merchant Basin, Golden Horn,
Constantinople. She moored at that location on 7 August 1915 for a period
of enforced idleness that terminated upon close of World War I. Since the
United States had not declared war against Turkey, SCORPION was not seized.
She was interned on 11 April 1917 and kept under guard established by the
Turkish Government until 23 October 1918. Her crew and officers were not
molested during this time and were allowed the freedom of the shore. British
prisoners began to appear in Constantinople on 25 October, having been
liberated from various prisons in Turkey. In the course of the next three
days SCORPION took aboard and helped rehabilitate about fifty of the
liberated men. She continued to base at Constantinople after the war,
serving Rear Admiral Mark L. Bristol, High Commissioner to Turkey. As the
flagship of the U. S. Naval Detachment in Turkish Waters, she often
transported members of various Allied relief organizations between Turkey,
Greece, and Italy, also landing medical and food supplies for the unfortunate
people of these and other nations bordering the Mediterranean. She continued
duty with the Naval Detachment in Turkish waters until 4 November 1923 when
she arrived at Phaleron Bay, Greece, for duty with the U. S. Naval Detachment,
Eastern Mediterranean. Thereafter her principal cruises were conducted from
Naples to ports of France, Spain, Turkey, Greece, and Algeria.

SCORPION put to sea from Gibraltar on 16 June 1927 for return to the
United States. Steaming by way of the Azores and Hamilton, Bermuda, she
arrived at Philadelphia on 11 July 1927. She was decommissioned in the
Philadelphia Navy Yard on 22 October 1927 and remained in that status until
her name was stricken from the Navy list on 23 March 1929. SCORPION was
sold, 25 June 1929, to the Boston Iron and Metal Company of Baltimore,
Maryland.

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SCORPION departed Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on 19 December 1904 and
anchored in Hampton Roads two days later. On 9 January 1905 she put to sea
with units of the Atlantic Squadron for winter maneuvers in waters of Cuba,
followed by target practice in the Gulf of Mexico while based at Pensacola,
Florida. She returned from this duty to Hampton Roads on 7 May 1905 and
entered the Philadelphia Navy Yard on 9 May for extensive repairs.

SCORPION sailed from Philadelphia on 12 October 1905 to augment the
gunboat force of the Sixth Division of the Atlantic Fleet in the troubled
waters of the Dominican Republic where revolutionary political conditions
prevented collection of custom revenues, used by that Republic to pay for
various commercial properties of American citizens which had been turned
over to that nation.

SCORPION arrived off Monte Cristi, Santo Domingo, 17 October 1905,
cruising between that port, Puerta Plata, Sanchez, and Santo Domingo City
for the protection of custom collection officials until 26 November 1906.
After steaming to San Juan for coal, she again touched at Monte Cristi on
6 March, thence by way of Key West to New Orleans, and return to Warrington,
Florida, on 18 March 1906. She got underway the next day with Assistant
Secretary of the Navy Truman Newberry aboard and cruised off Dry Tortugas
Flats to observe Fleet gunnery practice and maneuvers. The Assistant
Secretary debarked at Dry Tortugas on 21 March and SCORPION touched at Key
West before returning to her station at Monte Cristi on 31 March 1906.
She remained on station in waters of the Dominican Republic until 26
November 1906, then cleared Monte Cristi for overhaul in the Boston Navy
Yard. Steaming by way of Norfolk, she arrived in the Boston Navy Yard on
10 December 1906 and departed that port on 1 February 1907 for another tour
of service off the Dominican Republic until 9 April. She then set course
from Sanchez to receive coal at San Juan, embarked the American Minister to
Santo Domingo at Santiago de Cuba on 22 April, and arrived off Santo Domingo
City to debark the American minister two days later. She returned to base
for operations at San Juan. Steaming from the latter port on 22 August,
she arrived in the Boston Navy Yard eight days later for extensive repairs
until 11 February 1908.

SCORPION departed Boston on 11 February 1908 and reported for duty as
a tender to the Third Torpedo Flotilla at Norfolk. She put to sea with
the Flotilla on 21 February for practice training while based at Pensacola,
until 8 May, then sailed by way of ports of Florida and Charleston to arrive
at New York City on 25 May 1908. She entered the Boston Navy Yard on 9 June
and was placed in reserve on 15 June 1908. She was recommissioned on 9
August of the same year, and sailed from Boston on the 17th for a cruise to
Guantanamo Bay, followed by visits to New York and Philadelphia. She put
to sea from the latter port on 22 October 1908 for duty as station ship at
Constantinople where she arrived on 4 December 1908.

When SCORPION received word of the terrible earthquake at Messina, she
got underway from Constantinople to arrive at that port on 3 January 1909.
In cooperation with the International Medical Service, her medical officer,
Assistant Surgeon C. E. Rhoades treated many of the injured and sick with

7

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SHIPS NAMED SCORPION

brought aboard the supplies and surveyors of the Isthmian Canal Commission,
numbering twenty-one surveyors and seven laborers with their instruments.
All passengers stores and supplies were landed at Cartagena the next day,
and SCORPION stood out of the harbor to touch at Kingston, Jamaica, before
return to Boston, on 5 June 1900.

SCORPION underwent repairs in the Boston Navy Yard until 29 July 1900,
after operations off Newport, New London, and New York, she departed
the latter port on 21 October to anchor at Hampton Roads until 5 November,
then steamed by way of Key West to anchor off Cape Haitain Harbor, Weayte,
Haiti, on 12 November 1900. She then cruised for calls at Port au Prince,
Kingston, Jamaica; Sanchez, Santo Domingo; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. From
the latter port she sailed to visit La Guayra, Venezuela, touched again at
San Juan, then cruised on dispatch boat and patrol duty between La Guayra,
Venezuela and Curacao, Netherlands West Indies. She put to sea from La
Guayra on 8 April 1901, sailing by way of San Juan and Key West to anchor
off New Orleans on 26 April 1901. She steamed up the Mississippi River for
visits to the river ports including Memphis, Tennessee; Vicksburg and Natchez,
Mississippi, then cleared New Orleans on 20 June 1901, bound for the Boston
Navy Yard. Still under the command of Lieutenant Commander Nathan Sargent,
she touched at Key West before her arrival at Boston on 29 June 1901. She
was placed out of commission in the Boston Navy Yard on 24 July 1901.

SCORPION was recommissioned at Boston, 1 July 1902, Lieutenant Commander
C. J. Boush, USN, in command. Assigned to the North Atlantic Squadron she
cruised with battleships off Newport, engaged in search problems and tactics
in Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Sound operating areas until 24 August.
The next two weeks were spent in the same areas with men of the Naval Militia
aboard for practice experience during combined Army-Navy maneuvers. After
operations at New London and upkeep in the Boston Navy Yard, she touched at
Tompkinsville, New York, departing that port on 20 November with units of
the North Atlantic Squadron for winter maneuvers off Culebra Island and San
Juan, Puerto Rico, making incidental cruises to the Virgin Islands and
Jamaica. She continued this duty until 10 February 1903 when she put to
sea and steamed by way of Port Antonio, Jamaica, and Galveston, Texas, to
arrive at Pensacola, Florida, 2 March 1903. Operating from that port until
22 April, she carried umpires to observe target practice of the North Atlantic
Squadron in the Gulf of Mexico. She then steamed by way of Key West, Norfolk,
and New York, to enter the Boston Navy Yard on 3 May 1903. She put to sea
from Boston on 29 July for maneuvers and training off the coast of Maine; New
London, Connecticut, and spent a period of upkeep in the New York Navy Yard.
On 1 December 1903 she cleared Tompkinsville for winter fleet maneuvers in
waters of Cuba, departing the base at Guantanamo Bay on 4 March 1904 for
another tour of duty on the target ranges at Pensacola until 9 June 1904.
She then sailed by way of Key West for return to Guantanamo Bay and made
brief cruises from that base for visits to ports of San Domingo and Colon,
Panama. She put to sea from Guantanamo Bay on 30 August 1904 for return to
New York on 7 September 1904. After target practice in Casco Bay and a visit
to Tompkinsville, she entered the Portsmouth Navy Yard on 30 September 1904.

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The Isthmian Canal Commission, with Rear Admiral John G. Walker as
President, had formed in the city of Washington on 15 June 1899. This body
was to report on the results of surveys made under its direction, of
interocean canal routes designated as the Nicaragua route, the Panama route,
and other possible routes. After considering the results of surveys made
in the past, the commission decided to limit the explorations in search for
other possible routes to that part of Colombie known as Darien, extending
from Panama to the Atranto River. The work of the commission in Darien
finally limited to three routes. The Atranto route which covered the
distance from the mouth of the Atranto River to the tide water on the Pacific
Side; The San Blas route starting from the Atlantic side up the Chepo and
Mamoni Rivers, following the valleys of these streams to Mandinga Harbor in
the Gulf of San Blas on the Atlantic Side; and the Caledonia route which had
the distinction of being the location where the isthmus was first crossed
by white men in 1513 when Balboa marched with his band from Caledonia Bay to
San Miguel Bay on 25 September of that year and discovered the Pacific Ocean.
SCORPION was detailed for service on the Atlantic side of the Darien Isthmus,
and her presence rendered practicable a task which otherwise might have been
impossible of execution. She embarked the Survey Engineers of the Darien
Isthmus Survey Party on 7 November 1899 and cleared Norfolk to arrive at
Port Royal, Kingston, Jamaica, on 12 November. After coaling and receiving
provisions she got underway two days later, touching at Cartagena, Republic
of Columbia, on the 16th, and anchored in Caledonia Bay on 25 November 1899.
Lieutenant Commander Sargent inspected the harbor in a steam launch and sent
a whaleboat ashore to look for a suitable landing site. Shortly after the
noon hour of 27 November all members of the surveying party and six laborers
brought from Jamaica were landed and a camp was established on shore in
sight of the ship. Two days later SCORPION sailed for the Harbor of Colon,
Panama, where she took aboard laborers and stores for transfer to the party
in Caledonia Bay on 4 December 1899. The next morning the Chief of all
Indians from Cape Tiburon to Cape San Blas, Colonial Iuanguna, visited the
ship to consult Lieutenant Commander Nathan Sargent. An agreement was
drawn up and signed by the terms of which all surveying parties which should
land in the future, and those now ashore would not go to the Indian Villages
nor damage any cocoa or banana plantations, and the Indians would receive
for parties amiably, allowing them to land and would sell them provisions
and fruit; a price list of articles of food was agreed upon." At 7:20 p.m.,
Lieutenant CommanderSargent signalled the following message: SCORPION to
Coast - Amicable arrangement made with Chief of all Indians on the Caribbean
Coast. No more trouble to be feared. Work can be prosecuted in any direction
with same orders as before." During the following months SCORPION made
frequent voyages to Cartagena, Columbia, and occasional voyages to Kingston,
Jamaica, and Colon, Panama. She returned from these ports with newly
recruited members for the labor force, Columbian silver for their payroll,
and every manner of food, supplies, instruments, equipment and stores,
transferring them to the survey party in Caledonia Bay, and at San Blas where
she had landed a survey party on 16 January 1900. Other important service
included a consultation between Rear Admiral Walker and Lieutenant Commander
Nathan Sargent at Cartegena on 16 January 1900 and several voyages from that
port with members of the commission aboard for inspection of the survey work
in the Darien Isthmus. On 22 May 1900, at Assardi, Caledonia Harbor, SCORPION

5

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SHIPS NAMED SCORPION

SCORPION was detached from the blockading station at Santiago on 29
June 1898 and arrived off Cape Cruz the following day to blockade Spanish
gunboats in the harbor of Manzanillo, Cuba. She made a daring run into
that harbor with OSCEOLA on 1 July, but the Spanish gunboats withdrew to
the cover of gun batteries on the shore and chase was abandoned. During
the next few days she turned away several ships attempting to supply the
enemy garrison and captured an 80-ton provision lighter, 3 July, taking
off coal which enabled her to remain on station an extra day until 5 July
when she sailed to provision at Guantanamo Bay. She returned to her
blockade station on 11 July, awaiting the arrival of reinforcements which
would enable a successful attack on the Spanish gunboats and other Spanish
vessels at Manzanillo, Cuba. Meanwhile Admiral Sampson's Fleet had
destroyed the Spanish Squadron at Santiago on 3 July, the city surrendered
on 12 July 1898.

On the evening of 17 July, ships of the blockading force including
WILMINGTON, HELENA, SCORPION, HIST, HORNET, WOMPATUCK, and OSCEOLA, made
rendezvous and approached the harbor of Manzanillo from the westward. The
next morning WILMINGTON and HELENA entered the northern channel, SCORPION
and HORNET ran mid-channel between two cays, while the three other vessels
steamed up the south entrance. After running one gunboat on shore, SCORPION's
starboard five-inch guns became disabled and she was obliged to back in
and bring her five-inch port battery to bear on other gunboats to the south
of the city. In succession another gunboat was sunk and a third set on fire
and blown up. Unable to reach a fourth gunboat which lay close inshore to
the city, SCORPION was turned around and took position abreast of this enemy
After obtaining the range with two of her six-pounders, the first shell from
SCORPION's five-inch gun blew the gunboat up, apparently having struck the
boilers. During this action she came so close inshore that her sharpshooters
attempted to pick off the officers on horseback as they rode to issue orders
to different shore batteries. She returned to the fire of the enemy batteries
as long as in range, then steamed out of the harbor to resume blockading
station. In this action the blockading force destroyed five enemy gunboats,
three transports and a storeship.

SCORPION remained on blockade duty off Cape Cruz until 3 August 1898
then shifted her base of operations to Guantanamo Bay. She carried
dispatches between various ports of Cuba until 27 November when she put
to sea from Havana for return to the New York Navy Yard on 24 December
1898. She was placed out of commission in that yard on 14 January 1899 for
conversion to a gunboat. During the conversion period, her armament was
reduced to two 4-inch rapid fire guns, six 6-pounders and four 6-mm Colt
machine guns. She was recommissioned on 22 August 1899, under the command
of Lieutenant Commander W. A. Marshall who was relieved by Lieutenant
Commander Nathan Sargent, USN, on 9 September 1899.

SCORPION departed New York on 20 September 1899 to accompany battleship
KARSARGE during trial runs off the coast of Massachusetts. She returned to
New York on 28 September and entered the Norfolk Navy Yard on 14 October
to be fitted out for duty with Isthmian Canal Commission.

4

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SHIPS NAMED SCORPION

1848, steaming by way of Havana and Norfolk to arrive at the Brooklyn Navy
Yard on 11 August 1848. She was decommissioned ten days later and sold at
public auction on 18 October 1848 for $14,500.

The fourth SCORPION, a converted yacht, was built in 1896 by the J. N.
Robins Company of Brooklyn, New York. Formerly the steel twin screw yacht
SOVEREIGN owned by Mr. M. D. C. Borden, she was designed by Mr. J. Beaver-
Webb who also designed SULTANA, CORSAIR, INTREPID and other luxury yachts.
As a private yacht, her steel decks were covered with selected pine and a
large deck house containing a chart room, deck salon, galley, upper fireroom,
lavatory, a storeroom, and entrance to the engine room. Below decks in the
forecastle were quarters for a crew of 36 and individual staterooms for ten
officers. Abaft these quarters in the order mentioned, was the main salon
in San Domingo mahogany containing an organ, piano, seaboards and other
furniture; a pantry, companion and bath; engine and boiler rooms; owner's
stateroom extending in ivory white the breadth of the ship with mahogany
wainscot and doors; two good-sized staterooms fitted in the same manner;
an after salon, and two other staterooms fitted similarly with one bath.
All deck fittings were of Honduras mahogany and her main deck aft was as
clear of houses as a sailing yacht, extending 100 feet clear from the after
part of the deck house to the taffrail. She had two pole masts and carried
two naptha launches, a gig, a cutter and two dinghys. Purchased by the Navy
for the sum of $300,000, she was renamed SCORPION and arrived in the Brooklyn
Navy Yard on 2 April 1898 for conversion to naval purposes. Her main mast
and fittings were entirely removed, the bowsprit cut down, and a battery of
twelve guns installed. Steel plating, seven-eighths of an inch thick and
eight feet wide, was fitted on the outside for the entire length of her
engine and boiler rooms.

SCORPION's overall length was 250 feet, 5 inches, breadth 28 feet, 1 inch;
depth of hold, 16 feet, 7 inches; displacement, 850 tons, and mean draft,
11 feet, 6 inches. Her original armament was four 5-inch rapid fire guns;
six 6-pounders, and two 6-mm Colts. She had a complement of 7 officers and
93 men, and a maximum speed of 17.85 knots.

SCORPION was placed in commission at the New York Navy Yard on 11 April
1898, Lieutenant Commander Adolph Marix, USN, in command. She put into
Norfolk on 1 May and reported for duty with Commodore Schley's Flying Squadron
which included BROOKLYN, TEXAS, and MASSACHUSETTS. The squadron cleared
Hampton Roads on the 13th and steamed by way of Key West to establish a
blockade off Cienfuegos, Cuba, on 22 May 1898. SCORPION left the squadron
that night to deliver important dispatches to scouting ships off Santiago
and again touched at Cienfuegos before steaming to Key West for coal. During
her absence Admiral Cevera's Spanish Squadron was discovered in the harbor
of Santiago and a blockading fleet under Admiral Sampson was established off
that port. She sailed from Key West on 7 June as convoy escort for the
ammunition ship ARMERIA and provision ship SUPPLY, joining the blockade off
Santiago on 10 June 1898. Acting as a scout for Admiral Sampson's fleet, she
landed an expedition of arms, ammunition, and provisions for 500 men at
Cajon on 18 June; assisted in clearing the beach at Daiquiri for the landing
of General Harrison's Army troops on 22 June, and performed a similar duty
at Siboney the next day.

3

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SHIPS NAMED SCORPION

war, it opened the way for the American troops to repossess territory and
penetrate Canada and led to the destruction of the Indian Confederacy.
Subsequent to the battle, SCORPION operated in the Thames River in support
of General William Harrison's forces, transporting ammunition and stores
captured from the enemy. She was laid up at Erie, Pennsylvania, during the
ice-bound winter months of 1813-1814 and commenced active cruises on the
Great Lakes in May 1814. She transported troops and supplies in support
of the Army in the Detroit area, then was assigned with schooner TIGRESS to
blockade the Nautawassega River and Lake Simcoe, the only route by which the
enemy could supply their garrison at Mackinaw. The two schooners effectively
cut off supplies and provisions so that by September 1814, that enemy garrison
was threatened with starvation.

While anchored near the shore off St. Joseph's the evening of 3 September
1814, TIGRESS came under suprise attack by a force of 100 British and Indians
which had been sent out in five boats from Mackinaw to raise the blockade.
Outnumbered by three to one, the men of TIGRESS put up a heroic fight to repel
the boarders but were soon carried by the overwhelming force. The enemy
under command of British Lieutenant Bulger, remained aboard the TIGRESS who
was kept in the same position with her pennant flying. Bulger ordered his
men to hide when the SCORPION approached on 5 September and came within two
miles to anchor for the night. At dawn of 6 September, TIGRESS ran alongside
the unsuspecting SCORPION, and the enemy boarders rushed from their
concealment to overwhelm the small crew and hoisted the British flag. Both
schooners were taken into Mackinaw where their crews were imprisoned.
SCORPION was taken into the service of the British Navy as the 4-gun schooner
CONFIDENCE.

The third SCORPION, was the former steamer AURORA, built in 1846 by
Bishop and Simonson of New York, for Sidney Mason and William D. Thompson
and purchased by the Navy Agent at New York on 7 January 1847. Her purchase
price was $65,000.

SCORPION had an overall length of 152 feet, beam 25 feet, and depth of
hold, 10 feet. As described by her builders she had a "a half poop deck,
a cut water billet head, a round tuck and square stern, three masts and
measured 339 tons or thereabouts."

SCORPION was placed in commission at the New York Navy Yard on 23
February 1847, Commander Abraham Bigelow, USN, in command. She put to sea
from New York on 4 March 1847 and after repairs in the Philadelphia Navy
Yard, steamed by the way of Havana, Cuba, to join the Home Squadron in the
Gulf of Mexico on 24 April 1847. The squadron arrived at Anton Lizardo on
27 April and on 16 June 1847, SCORPION formed a part of the expedition against
Tobasco. She towed VESUVIUS and WASHINGTON up the Tobasco River, landed a
force for the occupation of that city,
and returned to Anton Lizardo on 24 July 1847 and frequently cruised from
that base to Vera Cruz, Alvarado, Frontera, and Salmadina, for the transport
of personnel and provisions. On 9 January 1848 she arrived at Laguna, basing
similar operations from that port where Commander Bigelow was Senior Naval
Officer until close of the Mexican War. SCORPION departed Laguna on 23 July

2

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SHIPS NAMED SCORPION

war, it opened the way for the American
penetrate Canada and led to the destruction
Subsequent to the battle, SCORPION operated in to repossess territory and
of General William Harrison's forces, transporting ammunition and stores
captured from the enemy. She was laid up at Erie, Pennsylvania, during the
ice-bound winter months of 1813-1814 and during 1814 and commenced active cruises in support
Great Lakes in May 1814. She transported troops, and supplies in TIGRESS
blockade the Nautawassee garrison, and assigned with schooner by which
enemy could supply their provisions. She was the only two schooners
cut off supplies and ammunition and the two schooners effectively
was threatened with starvation. so that by September 1814, that enemy garrison

While anchored near the shore off St. Joseph's the evening of 3 September
1814, TIGRESS came under attack by a force of 100 British and Indians
which had been sent out in five boats from Mackinaw to raise the blockade.
Outnumbered but in a heroic fight to repel the boarders but were soon
under command of same position. The British
was kept in, the same position. The British
men to hide when the SCORPION approached on 5 September, TIGRESS
miles to anchor SCORPION. At dawn on 6 September, from
the unsuspecting overwhelming force. The
concealment to take in the small crew and hoisted the British
schooners were taken into the service of the British Navy as the 4-gun schooner
SCORPION and TIGRESS. Both
CONFIANCE.

The third SCORPION, was the former steamer AURORA, built in 1846 by
Bishop and Simonson of New York, for Sidney Mason and William D. Thompson
and purchased by the Navy Agent at New York on 7 January 1847. Her purchase
price was $65,000.

SCORPION had an overall length of 152 feet, beam 25 feet, and depth of
hold, 10 feet. As described by her builders she had a "half poop deck,
a cut water billet head, a round tuck and square stern, three masts and
measured 339 tons or thereabouts."

SCORPION was placed in commission at the New York Navy Yard on 23
February 1847, Commander Abraham Bigelow, USN, in command. She put to sea
from New York on 4 March 1847 and after repairs in the Philadelphia Navy
Yard, steamed by the way of Havana, Cuba, to join the Home Squadron in the
Gulf of Mexico on 24 April 1847. SCORPION arrived at Anton Lizardo on
27 April and on 16 June 1847, SCORPION formed a part of the expeditionary
force at Tabasco, and gave other assistance for the occupation of that city.
She towed VESUVIUS and WASHINGTON up the Tabasco River, that
returned to Vera Cruz on 24 July 1847 and frequently cruised from
of personnel and provisions. On 9 January 1848 she arrived at Laguna, basing
similar operations from that port where Commander Bigelow was Senior Naval
Officer until close of the Mexican War. SCORPION departed Laguna on 23 July

2.

— page 100 —
NAVY DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
DIVISION OF NAVAL HISTORY (OP 09B9)
SHIPS HISTORY SECTION

HISTORY OF SHIPS NAMED SCORPION

Five ships of the Fleet have been named SCORPION.

The first SCORPION, a schooner, was acquired by the Navy in 1812. The
date and manner of acquisition, tonnage and dimensions of this schooner are
unknown. She had an approximate complement of 25 officers and men. In 1814,
she was armed with one long 24-pounder, one 18-pounder and two 12-pounders.
Some entries in official records refer to SCORPION as a "cutter" or "sloop".

SCORPION, under the command of Lieutenant Edmond P. Kennedy, was attached
to the Norfolk Station as early as September 1812. Lieutenant Kennedy was
ordered to take command of the Potomac Flotilla on 29 March 1813 and hoisted
his flag in SCORPION. He was relieved as her commanding officer on 5 May 1813
by Lieutenant George C. Read. This little flotilla which also included the
schooner ASP and three gunboats, cruised in the Potomac River for the
protection of Washington, keeping watch for the appearance of the enemy at
the mouth of the river.

On 18 February 1814 SCORPION arrived at Baltimore, Maryland, where she
became flagship of Commodore Joshua Barney's Chesapeake Flotilla of thirteen
barges, two gunboats, a galley, and a lookout boat. The Flotilla sailed
from Baltimore on 24 May to repulse the enemy which had entered the Chesapeake
Bay and was advancing towards the capital city of Washington. A British
squadron was encountered at the mouth of the Patuxent on 1 June and the
little Flotilla was forced up river. During the following weeks, Commodore
Barney's barges had several skirmishes with the enemy in a gallant but
unsuccessful effort to halt the British march. When it became apparent that
the little Flotilla would fall into the hands of the enemy on 21 August 1814,
Commodore Barney landed the greater part of his men at Pig Point near upper
Marlborough and marched towards Washington, leaving SCORPION and the barges
to be burned by a detail of men under Lieutenant Frazier. The British entered
the capital city three days later, setting fire to the Capitol, the White
House and other public buildings, and returned to their ships.

The second SCORPION was a 2-gun schooner, built for the United States
Navy at Erie, Pennsylvania, by the firm of Adam and Noah Brown of New York.
Launched in the spring of 1813, her length of keel was 62 feet; beam, 17 feet;
depth of hold, 5 feet; and approximate tonnage, 63. She had a complement of
35 officers and men, and was armed with one short and one long 32-pounder.

SCORPION was assigned to Commodore Oliver H. Perry's squadron in the
summer of 1813 and two of her men were killed in the Battle of Lake Erie,
on 10 September 1813. This victory by Perry's squadron of nine vessels off
Put-in-Bay, resulted in the capture of the British fleet of two brigs, two
brigs, one schooner and a sloop. One of the most important events of the

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OPERATOR [SIGNATURE: C. Miller]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6-16-76]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

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

MICROFILMED BY
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