U.S.S. SUNFISH (SS-281) — war patrol report SS-281_SUNFISH.pdf

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JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: AR-79-77]
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OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: C. Miller]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 4-20-79]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[SEAL: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO—NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET - START AND END
NDW-NPPSO-5210/1 (6-78)

— page 2 —
SUNFISH (SS-281)
WORLD WAR II PATROL FILE

ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED.

FOR DECK LOG JULY 1942 - DECEMBER 1945 CONSULT
NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY.

J.A. KOONTZ

— page 3 —
Office of Naval Records and History
Ships' Histories Section
Navy Department

HISTORY OF USS SUNFISH (SS 281)

USS SUNFISH, a 1,525-ton submarine constructed under the
emergency program of 1940-1941, was built by the Mare Island Naval
Shipyard, Mare Island, California, where her keel was laid on 25
September 1941.

When World War II began with the Japanese attack on Pearl
Harbor in December 1941, SUNFISH was about half completed and the
work which had begun as a routine task was immediately stepped up
in tempo.

The submarine was christened "SUNFISH" following the Navy
tradition of naming underseas craft after fish or other denizens of
the deep and at the launching ceremonies on 2 May 1942, Mrs.
J.W. Fowler, wife of Captain J.W. Fowler, USN, Captain of the Mare
Island Yard, was the ship's official sponsor.

Two months later, with all gear installed and the submarine
ready for sea, SUNFISH was placed in commission with Commander
R.W. Peterson, USN, as her first commanding officer.

SUNFISH began her shakedown cruise on 25 September 1942, just
one year after her keel was laid. The 312-foot craft ploughed
down the rough Pacific seaboard until she reached the calmer waters
off San Diego where the sub and her crew underwent intensive test-
ing and training exercises.

After shakedown SUNFISH returned to San Francisco for
availability after which, on 26 October 1942, she slipped out
through the Golden Gate and set course for Pearl Harbor.

Upon arrival in Hawaii she reported for duty and on 23
November left the submarine base there on her first war patrol.
Setting her course north-northwest, SUNFISH sailed surreptitiously
to the very coastline of Japan's principal home islands, HONSHU and
Hokkaido. No torpedo attacks were made during this patrol but two
mine fields were planted.

After a refit period at Midway Island, SUNFISH departed for
the East China Sea, 4 February 1943, on her second war patrol. This
patrol resulted in the sinking of two enemy ships with damage to a
third. Both of the Jap ships which were sunk were freighters of
5,478 and 6,662 tons while the vessel damaged was a 16,975-ton
transport.

— page 4 —
-2- USS SUNFISH (SS 281)

SUNFISH's third war patrol, like her first, was characterized
by lack of targets, but in her usual aggressive spirit, the sub-
marine bombarded the Jap-held Island of Fais.

The area around Formosa was the scene of SUNFISH's fourth
war patrol. This good hunting ground provided five good targets,
three of which were sunk and the other two damaged. The enemy
vessels sunk were: a tanker of 9,182 tons, a freighter of 9,980 tons,
and a transport of 10,000 tons; which made a total of 29,162 tons.
This patrol was evaluated by officials as one of the "hundred best
patrols of the war."

The submarine's fifth patrol was characterized by the con-
sistently bad weather encountered. No contacts worthy of torpedo
attack were made except one carrier task force which could not be
closed. This was Commander Peterson's last patrol on USS SUNFISH.

Commander E.E. Shelby, USN, took the submarine out on her
sixth war patrol. This patrol turned out to be one of the best of
the war with the sinking of what was thought to be an aircraft
carrier (later verified) and one large freighter for a total of
30,356 tons.

After the sixth patrol, SUNFISH sailed to Hunter's Point,
San Francisco, California, for a much needed overhaul. After this
welcome period at home, the submarine returned to the war zone and
immediately turned in another unique patrol; sinking three freighters
of 4,000, 4,000, and 7,500 tons respectively, a trawler patrol
vessel of 500 tons, and 13 sampans totaling 2,500 tons. The sampans
were destroyed by gunfire. In addition, a 6,600-ton freighter was
damaged.

The eighth patrol of SUNFISH was the first of three into the
Yellow Sea. This patrol is included in the list of one hundred
best patrols of the war, with four ships sunk and one damaged for a
total of over 33,000 tons sunk and 7,000 damaged. Two of the enemy
ships destroyed were cargo ships and two were tankers; the one
damaged also being a tanker.

Again in the Yellow Sea, SUNFISH's ninth patrol resulted in
sending four more Nip vessels to the bottom. This was the sub-
marine's first experience at "wolf-packing." This patrol included
what has come to be known among "Underwood's Urchins" as the "Battle
of the Yellow Sea." On the night of 17 November, the six submarines
of the pack sank about 12 enemy ships in an area of less than 50
square miles. In the words of SUNFISH's commanding officer, "ships
were blowing up and sinking all over the ocean." The SS-281 was
forced down by enemy gunfire twice and, in all, heard the explosions
of about 1,000 depth charges; over 100 of which were directed at her.

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-3- USS SUNFISH (SS 281)

On one occasion, she dove only to come up stern first being
some 28,000 pounds light due to temperature changes in the water.
The crewman in the after torpedo room called up control and demanded
that they too be afforded the secuity to be found under the water.
They objected to the sound of waves slapping against the hull.

During this patrol SUNFISH sank two large cargo ships (Type
45) (EC) of 6,700 tons each, another freighter of 6,400 tons and a
medium transport of 4,000 tons.

The tenth patrol, the last for Commander Shelby aboard
SUNFISH, was also in the Yellow Sea and was conducted during the
dead of winter. Even the run in the Kuriles was not as cold. While
closing her first enemy contact, SUNFISH smashed her periscope into
an ice floe, rendering the submarine blind, and she was forced to
return to port before sinking any ships.

The last patrol of SUNFISH, under the command of Lieutenant
Commander J.W. Reed, USN, was spent in waters off the Japanese home
islands of Honshu and Hokkaido and resulted in sinking four ships
and damaging a fifth. Three of the enemy ships sunk were 4,000-ton
freighters, the fourth being a HASHODATE Class gunboat of 1,200 tons.
A naval auxiliary vessel of 8,000 tons was damaged.

The high point of this patrol was the day spent one mile from
Japan listening to the fifty depth charges sent SUNFISH's way after
she had disintegrated the gunboat and sunk one of the freighters. A
night surface attack delivered four miles from the coast of Hokkaido,
using her last torpedoes, sank the other two freighters.

And so, after an eventful three years of patrolling in enemy
waters, SUNFISH finished her World War II career. Her record of
seven successful patrols out of eleven, with a total of 160,586 tons
sunk and 52,104 damaged, placed SUNFISH's record well up among
those of the top submarines of the U.S. Navy.

Among the awards that were earned by SUNFISH crewmen, were
five Navy Crosses, fifteen Silver Stars, two Navy-Marine Corps Medals,
eighteen Bronze Stars, and many Letters of Commendation.

By Directive dated January 1947, USS SUNFISH was placed out
of commission, in reserve, attached to the U.S. Pacific Reserve
Fleet with her berthing area at Mare Island, California. By
Directive dated April 1949, the submarine was transferred to the
TWELFTH Naval District to be used in the Naval Reserve Training
Program.

USS SUNFISH (SS 281) was awarded the NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION
Ribbon with the following citation:

— page 6 —
-4- USS SUNFISH (SS 281)

"For outstanding heroism in action against enemy
Japanese shipping during her Ninth War Patrol in the Yellow
Sea from October 23 to December 19, 1944; and her Eleventh
War Patrol in the area northeast of Honshu from March 31 to
April 28, 1945. Operating in bold defiance of persistent
and severe hostile counter-measures, the USS SUNFISH pene-
trated treacherous currents and shoal waters to attack her
targets. Often withstanding heavy enemy gunfire and pro-
longed depth charging, she launched her torpedoes with de-
vastating speed and skill, destroying or extensively damag-
ing nine ships, including an 8,000 ton Naval Auxiliary.
Constantly ready for combat despite severe storms and dense
fog, the SUNFISH served with distinction in carrying the
Battle of the Pacific into the enemy's home waters, and her
intrepidity in action reflects the highest credit upon her
skilled and courageous officers and men and upon the United
States Naval Service."

USS SUNFISH also earned nine Battle Stars on the Asiatic-
Pacific Area Service Medal for participating in the following
operation:

1 Star/Marshall Islands Operation
    Air Attacks designated by CinCPac on defended Marshall Islands
    targets --- 27 January 1944.

1 Star/Asiatic-Pacific Raids --- 1944
    Truk Attack --- 16-17 February 1944
    Marianas Attack --- 21-22 February 1944

1 Star/Iwo Jima Operation
    Assault and Occupation of Iwo Jima --- 15-20 February 1945

1 Star/Okinawa Gunto Operation
    Assault and Occupation of Okinawa Gunto --- 6-20 April 1945

1 Star/Submarine War Patrol, Pacific --- 4 February to 3 April 1943

1 Star/Submarine War Patrol, Pacific --- 28 July to 25 September
    1943

1 Star/Submarine War Patrol, Pacific --- 22 June to 8 August 1944

1 Star/Submarine War Patrol, Pacific --- 20 August to 27 September
    1944

1 Star/Submarine War Patrol, Pacific --- 23 October to 29 December
    1944

— page 7 —
-5- USS SUNFISH (SS 281)

STATISTICS

OVERALL LENGTH 312 feet
BEAM 27 feet
DISPLACEMENT 1,525 tons
SPEED 20 knots
COMPLEMENT 85 officers and enlisted men
ARMAMENT Ten 21-inch torpedo tubes
plus one 4-inch .50 caliber
deck gun.

NOTE: All estimates of sinkings, tonnage and types sunk are
taken from the commanding officer's evaluations during the
war patrols.

****

Compiled: April 1947
Rewritten: September 1951

— page 8 —
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST/5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: G.G.G.B.D] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/19/7]
Subject: U.S.S. SUNFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

— page 11 —
The decision has been made, therefore, to avoid
contact with minor vessels, the sinking of which
would not be worthy of jeopardizing the primary
mission.

1734 (K) Surfaced on Southerly course and worked around
patrol vessel during the night.

December 8, 1942

1036 (I) Sighted HACHIJO SHIMA, bearing 265 T, estimated
distance 40 miles.

1146 (I) Sighted unidentified vessel bearing 252 T (Contact
No. 2) (Lat. 33-22 N, Long. 140-24 E.)

1147 (I) Dived and came to course to close contact.

1213 (I) Contact sighted through periscope and identified
as a 100 foot sampan. Description: Brown in color,
clipper bow, mast abaft deck house and another mast
astern, possibly for radio antenna. From our
position 500 yards away this vessel appeared to have
lumber piled on the after deck, though where such
vessel would be taking lumber on a course East
from HACHIJO SHIMA is inconceivable.
Worked around contact and decided to remain sub-
merged the remainder of the day in order to pass
HACHIJO SHIMA during darkness.

1704 (I) Surfaced on course 240 T and closed HACHIJO SHIMA.

1955 (I) HACHIJO SHIMA abeam to starboard distance 12 miles.
(Picked up by SD radar at 19 miles and by SJ radar
at 14 miles.)

December 9, 1942

0525 (I) Dived and proceeded in direction of DAIO SAKI.
Will reconnoiter that point tomorrow. Nothing
sighted during the day.

0700 (I) Entered Southeast corner of Area

1652 (I) Sound picked up fast screws bearing 085 T. Nothing
sighted. (Probably fish noises or sampan).

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ENCLOSURE (A)

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CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SUNFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

December 9, 1942. (Continued)

2241 (I) Went to battle stations.
          Continued tracking on courses between 300 T and 071T.
          Target was zig-zagging radically.

2311 (I) Went ahead 80-90 % on 4 main engines.

2321 (I) Believe target's base course is 350-000 T, which
          would indicate his destination is NAGOYA. Target's
          speed by plot and TDC is 14.0 knots.

2348 (I) Went to full power on four main engines. Target
          sighted. Had lines of a destroyer when seen
          from 12,000 yards, but radar indicates a much
          larger ship. Appears to be a heavy cruiser or
          aircraft tender of CHIYODA or MIZUHO class. Im-
          possible at such range under existing visibility
          conditions to determine which type. Decided to
          attack if we could get into firing position before
          target changed course radically to Westward to enter
          NAGOYA.
          At no time during run for position ahead did we
          get closer than 9,850 yards.
          Attempting to get into NAGOYA end of black cloud
          before closing track.

December 10, 1942.

0031 (I) Reached position desired, which was 2,000 yards on
          port side of base track, range 8,000 yards. By
          this time tracking party had determined the target's
          approximate zig plan, base course and speed.

0035 (I) Range 8,000 yards; dived for attack, using SJ radar.

0100 (I) Set-up stopped checking at range 5,000 yards.

0108 (I) Plot and T.D.C. discovered target had changed
          course to his right to 120 T and was headed away.

0110 (I) Surfaced and commenced rapid pursuit in target's
          direction, but range opened rapidly.

0114 (I) Sighted bluish-white light bearing 305 T, pre-
          sumed to be escort for target into NAGOYA.
          Opened out to Eastward. (We had surfaced after the
          approach in position less than one mile from the
          10 fathom curve 5 miles southeast of IRAKO SAKI,
          as determined from the morning fix.)

- 6 - ENCLOSURE (A)

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CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SUNFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

December 10, 1942. (Continued)

0911 (I) Sighted masts and stack of freighter hull down bearing
          321 T. (Contact No. 9.)

0914 (I) Sighted masts and stacks of two freighters hull down
          bearing 334 T, running abreast. Contacts 10 and 11.
          Still about 8 miles from DAIO SAKI, so continued to
          close in direction of contacts.
          Began to sight what appeared to be the stacks and smoke
          of many freighters along the shore north of DAIO SAKI.
          Upon closer investigation determined that these were
          tall trees with bare trunks, topped by foliage or
          branches, giving the appearance of stacks topped with
          smoke. A peculiar phenomenon was observed here. Waves
          similar to the heat waves seen on a paved road on a
          hot summer day were plainly visible along the water's
          surface. This phenomenon enabled one to see trees as
          tall poles apparently hundreds of feet in height,
          even 6 to 8 miles from land. Since the distance to
          land was comparatively great they were first thought
          to be ships. Actually, they were a mirage, or dis-
          tortion of trees on the beach.

0940 (I) Heard pinging, getting louder, bearing 200 T.
          (Contact No. 12). Continued observations at periscope
          depth, attempting to fix position accurately. Ping-
          ing vessel not sighted.
          All freighters sighted were headed toward IRAKO SUIDO.

1035 (I) Sighted smoke, masts in line, and fighting top of
          pinging ship. Surfaced heat waves blanked out vessel
          from bridge to water line, so identification could not
          be definite.
          Apparently a DD, however, and close, because screws were
          heard plainly.

1043 (I) Rigged for silent running and went to deep submergence -
          425 feet. Main vents had been closed because of smooth
          water surface and the possibility of emitting air bubbles
          through the vents in case of leakage. The vents were
          opened upon the order to run deep and the boat became
          extremely heavy, necessitating blowing of safety and
          running at a standard speed to prevent going deeper. It
          is believed that a layer of lighter density water was
          also partially responsible for this. At 400 feet the
          pinging stopped. Upon reaching 350 feet the pinging
          was again heard. At 300 feet there was definite density
          layer above which we could not rise without increasing

- 8 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 17 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SUNFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

December 11, 1942.

Patrolling south of ENSHU NADA on line from HACHIJO
SHIMA to NAGOYA.

0134 (I) Sighted two bright lights dead ahead, distance 900
yards. Lights were turned on suddenly. Maneuvered to
avoid. Probably a sampan or trawler. (Contact No. 14).

0528 (I) Standing by to make morning dive; daybreak. SJ radar
contact bearing 135 T, distance 13,000 yards. Two
ships were dimly sighted, in the morning twilight,
angle on the bow 120 port. Too far to close sub-
merged and now too light for surface attack. Unable
to identify. (Contacts No. 15 and 16) (Lat. 33-32 N,
Long. 138 E).

0530 (I) Dived. Heard faint pinging which soon was lost.

0819 (I) Sound contact bearing 245 T. Nothing sighted through
periscope.
Conducted periscope patrol south of ENSHU NADA during
the day.

1750 (I) Surfaced. Patrolled in and out of the moon until
moonset.

December 12, 1942.

0503 (I) Dived on 100 fathom curve due south of MAISAKA,
course north, to reconnoiter western approach to
IRAKO SUIDO.

0616 (I) Sighted small coastal freighter (2500 tons. ) bearing
031 T, distance 5,000 yards, course 265 T.
(Contact No 17.)

0636 (I) Sighted small coastal freighter (2500 tons), bearing
032 T, distance 3500 yards, course 265 T.
(Contact No. 18).

0925 (I) Sighted tops of man of war, bearing 080 T, distance
6000 yards. Course 090 T. (Contact No. 19).
At this time we were about 4 to 5 miles south of
the coastline, attempting to fix position by bearings
of numerous unidentified landmarks, so distance could
only be estimated. This contact was similar in size to
a light cruiser, had two tall vertical stacks.

- 10 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 18 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SUNFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

December 12, 1942. (Continued)

0925 (I) tripod mast forward, what appeared to be a director
control station or large lookout station atop the
forward mast, and had a stick mast aft, with no top
or crow's nest. Contact could not be identified as
any contained in silhouettes aboard, though it was seen
by two officers besides the commanding officer.
Reconnoitering for mine plant with such targets
available requires will power.

1105 (I) Sighted two sampans (Contacts No. 20 and 21) which came
directly out from the coast, straddled our position
and remained within 1,000 to 1,500 yards of us.
Decided against leaving periscope up continuously
in order to avoid being detected. Still attempting
to get our position. Depth control erratic, probably
because of nearby rivers.

1110 (I) Just as periscope was being ducked due to poor depth
control sighted what, through the surface heat
waves, appeared to be a sampan, bearing 080 T.
(Contact No. 22) (Lat 34-34 N, Long. 137-33 E).

1115 (I) Periscope depth regained so I looked again at the
above-mentioned contact and saw the tops of a man
of war, angle on the bow zero, estimated range
5,000 yards, speed 15 knots. This was a quick
set-up, since ranging was difficult with visibility
conditions existing (heat waves). We were on course
180 T at the time of sighting. This was the simplest
approach ever given a submarine, since all that was
necessary was a good speed estimate. Opened out
from target's track without change of course or speed.
Target was not zig-zagging. During approach (by
target) depth control was lost and only three quick
observations were made prior to the final set-up.
These were enough to revise the speed estimate to 18
knots, but not sufficient to identify target as to type.
Only two tubes aft were loaded with torpedoes, so at

1122 (I) Fired first torpedo, 10 L on T.D.C.

1122-40(I) Fired second torpedo, gyro 30 L on T.D.C.
Both missed. During the firing I identified the target
as similar to a CA of the KINUGASA class. This
identification was tentative, however, since only
the bridge and stacks were clearly visible. The
deck line was almost completely obscured by the

- 11 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 26 —
CO.FIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SUNFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

December 18, 1942. (Continued)

0728-10(I)the target's screws. Continued hearing high speed
           screws during the attack, but nothing was sighted.

0730 (I) One depth charge or bomb. (not close) Saw explosion
           at about 1,000 yards ahead near torpedo tracks,
           and saw freighter on port beam angle 180, apparently
           undamaged. Started to swing for stern shot but
           freighter opened range rapidly, and kept to stern
           Looked for source of high speed screws while swing-
           ing but could see nothing and decided explosion was
           from aircraft bomb. Target speed had been 13-14
           knots during approach and range opened too rapidly
           for a good shot so went to 150 feet.

0733-20(I)Second bomb or depth charge as we passed 80 feet,
           closer than first. 10 seconds later, third ex-
           plosion closer than second. 10 seconds later
           heard surge of water in superstructure, un-
           accompanied by an explosion. Presume it was a
           shell from freighter's gun. No damage.
           Target was a medium sized (4,000 - 5,000 ton) freight-
           er which looked much larger when first sighted.
           Was otherwise similar in appearance to
           KENSYU MARU.

1024 (I) At periscope depth sighted low-wing monoplane with
           single float, distance 4 miles, circling approximate
           position of attack. Nothing seen of the freighter
           so presumed she had gone into IRIKO SUIDO. (Contact
           No. 31)

1043 (I) Heard and felt explosion at great distance. Wish-
           ful thinking hoped the target had crossed our mine
           field, which was in close proximity to her track.
           Nothing seen through the periscope.
           During the night patrolled line from SHIONO SAKI
           to D.IO SAKI, planning to be in position to close
           HIKI SAKI tomorrow. Sighted numerous lights and
           darkened sampans. Manouvered to avoid. Position
           doubtful. SD radar is not very useful in this
           hilly area of KUNENO N.D., since there are
           many peaks of approximately the same height, which
           cannot be distinguished.

December 19, 1942.

0541 (I) Submerged off vicinity of HIKI SAKI; position doubt-
           ful.

- 19 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 30 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SUNFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

December 22, 1942. (Continued)

1500 (I) and through the formation, on both sides. The ap-
          proach was reluctantly abandoned, but I did not want
          to fire torpedoes with such erratic information at
          such a great range, on an unfavorable track. Since a
          new or previously unknown shipping lane had been dis-
          covered by us, decided that there would be more
          good hunting in this vicinity. Lat. 34-16 N;
          Long. 138-08 E.

1850 (I) Sighted 3 red flares, spread about 3 minutes apart,
          at considerable distance and on the bearing of the
          headin of easterly mine field. First thought
          they were from aircraft, but since bearing did not
          change, believe they were a distress signal.

December 23, 1942

          Patrolling lane from D.I.O. S.KI to TOKYO, in vicinity
          of yesterday's contacts.

0030 (I) Sighted darkened patrol vessel headed in our direction
          estimated distance 4,000 yards.

0031 (I) Submerged to 150 feet and rigged for silent running.
          Believe this was torpedo boat type used as escort for
          ships sighted previous day.

0037 (I) Sound heard screws (180 turns). Screws remained
          in our vicinity so used evasive tactics.

0053 (I) Rigged for depth charge and went to 200 feet.

0056 (I) Heard noises as of some metallic object scraping hull.
          Heard a scraping noise which sounded like something had
          been thrown on deck.

0103 (I) Torpedo room heard knocking on hull.

0120 (I) Sound of contact.
          Cleared vicinity submerged at 100 feet. Starboard
          packing tanks considerably at deep depths.
          (Continued at Lat. 34-19 N; Long 137-45 E.

0514 (I) Surfaced. Charged batteries and closed coast to be
          in shipping lane of previous day.

0645 (I) Submerged.

                                - 23 -                                ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 32 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SUNFISH - Report of First War Patrol.
December 26, 1942. (Continued)

A few turn on their lights, when you head
It is quite disconcerting to suddenly see
flash on close aboard, when nothing has
seen there previously.

0220 (I) SJ radar contact, in direction of DAIO SAKI,
          distance 12,500 yards. Immediately put on
          course and commenced tracking. Target was sighted
          with a small starboard bow angle. Range closed
          slowly at first, then commenced to open and target
          was temporarily lost.

0247 (I) Reversed course to head for target.

0252 (I) SJ radar contact, distance 14,700 yards.
          Continued to track target and found that he was
          changing course across the line of bearing, or,
          possibly, lying to (radar bearings are not too accurate
          at extreme ranges), since range remained almost
          constant. Continued to close. Identified as a ship
          with high superstructure, probably a freighter.

0318 (I) Target proceeded on northwesterly course into IRAKO
          SUIDO and at

0358 (I) SJ radar lost contact. Contact No. 50 Lat. 34-02 N;
          Long. 136-49 E. I believe this vessel rounded DAIO
          SAKI for NAGOYA, since his final course (030) was
          the same as that used by the merchantman attacked
          December 18th. It would have been impracticable to
          chase this ship, when it was finally estimated that
          he was going into NAGOYA, due to visibility conditions
          and the long chase which would have been involved.
          Our estimated position was south of DAIO SAKI,
          distance eleven miles.

0541 (I) Submerged on line estimated to be 10 miles northwest
          of MIKI SAKI.
          Conducted submerged patrol to southward estimated
          distance 5 miles from land. Having great difficulty
          identifying land marks. Experienced considerable
          southerly set during the day. Nothing sighted -
          not even a plane or sampan, although, as usual, a
          complete periscope observation was made every 10
          minutes. Either this was one of the quiet days we
          are learning to expect, or we have not yet closed
          the coast sufficiently to see shipping.

- 25 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 39 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SUNFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

January 4, 1943 (continued)

1535 (I) Cont. ships "pop up" over the horizon while I was observing
the first one. They were in column, apparently about
700-1000 yards apart; Sea was force 6, wind high,
periscope observations blurred and then clear -- clear
and then blurred. Dunking periscope seemed to have
very little effect toward improving vision. The
strange part of this approach was that the longer we
ran to close the track the smaller and farther away
the targets appeared, without perceptible change in
their course. Finally, when it was apparent that we
were not going to get close enough to fire, I raised
the periscope and sighted two blurry outlines of a
freighter and a DD or torpedo boat, range (very care-
fully and deliberately taken) 3,600 yards; they were
abreast and appeared to be headed our way. I immed-
iately changed to the attack course and took another
observation.
The angle on the bow had changed to 30°, but in the
right direction. I continued to maneuver for a good
attack course and when we had settled on the final
course I raised the periscope for a better set-up,
since targets were supposed to be much closer. I
couldn't see the ships at first; finally saw the
tops of their masts, and obtained a range of 8,700
yards, angle on the bow 120°. The time interval be-
tween the 3,600 yard range and the final range of 8,700
yards was about 6 minutes. Although I realized that
these targets zig radically, this maneuver was beyond
my comprehension.

January 5 & 6, 1943.

Patrolled across entrance to NAGOYA, off DAIO SAKI
and across convoy routes in ENSHU NADA. SJ radar
is back in commission after damage incident to repair.
Further adjustment is necessary for good results.

January 6, 1943.

2335 (I) Left area in accordance with provisions of operation
order.

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ENCLOSURE (B)

— page 40 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SUNFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

January 7, 1943.

Submerged patrol north of HACHIJO SHIMA. Seas rough,
wind high. After dark closed HACHIJO SHIMA and adjust-
ed SK and SJ radars.

January 8, 1943.

Underway, enroute Midway, on the surface.

0808 (I) Sighted patrol plane coming out of a cloud, bearing
190 T, distance 8 miles on easterly course. (not contact-
ed by radar). Dived. (Contact No. 66A) Patrol plane.
Lat. 33-42 N, Long. 143-19 E.

1142 (I) Surfaced.

1239 (I) SD radar contact 10 miles. Plane not sighted. Sky 100%
overcast with heavy, low clouds. Dived. (Contact No. 67)
Lat. 33-45 N; Long. 144-02 E.

1702 (I) Surfaced.

January 9, 1943.

Underway on the surface. Wind and seas from northeast,
force 8.

1400 (I) Sighted masts of unidentified vessel bearing 150 T, dis-
tance 4 miles. Dived and closed to investigate. Seas
heavy; unable to remain at periscope depth consistently,
although making turns for 5 knots.

1533 (I) Sighted patrol vessel (500 tons, distance 3,000 yards)
on easterly course, making slow speed. Color: dark
grey; two masts, one stack amidships. Very similar
in appearance to a converted yacht of type used in
U.S. Coastal waters. Seas prohibited efficient use of
3-inch gun on battle surface and 20 mm. guns were not
effective for torpedo.
Opened out and surfaced at dark - 1713 (I).
(Contact No. 68) Lat. 34-19 N; Long 150-12 E.

January 13, 1943.

1216 (M) Enroute to Midway. Seas smooth with slight ground swell.
O.O.D. sighted what appeared to be life ring from
Japanese ship. Commenced maneuvering to get ring along-
side.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 42 —
CONFIDENTIAL

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

III. TIDAL INFORMATION

Current and tidal observations agreed in general with
information in (a) Asiatic Pilot Vol. II, H.O. 123 and (b) Japan
Pilot Vol. II, H.O. reprint of B.A. Pilot.

Outside the line joining SHIONO MISAKI and IPO SA KI,
currents agreed with the described direction of the KUROSHIO,
but the strength was generally less and in no case greater than
two knots. Inshore of the above line, strong and irregular
currents. A strong SW eddy was twice observed to accompany strong northerly winds in
KUMANO NADA. Coastwise currents near OMAI SAKI were observed
on three occasions to shift from about two knots easterly to
one or two knots westerly at a time roughly corresponding to
the moon's transit. On one occasion a westerly set of at
least three knots was experienced throughout most of the day in
this vicinity.

The tidal currents in IRAKO SUIDO, particularly on
the flood, were observed to be quite strong as far south as
DAIO SAKI. They conformed in direction to tide tables.

IV. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.

DAIO SAKI, SUGA SHIMA, and O SHIMA lights were
observed burning with normal characteristics. IRAKO SAKI and
KAMI SHIMA lights were definitely determined not to be burn-
ing.

Piloting by use of mountain peaks from well
off shore is not trustworthy because of the very rugged nature
of the entire coast line. Owing to the multiplicity
of peaks charted, it is easy to plot a given round of bearings
in more than one place unless some one of them is definitely
identified. The north shore of ENSHU NADA is lined with a
continuous high cliff, the breaks in which correspond to
rivers on the chart serve as good land marks. Visibility
for piloting was usually best before or shortly after sunrise;
deteriorating due to haze later in the day.

FUJI SAN was seen several times on clear mornings,
never in the later afternoon. Neither DAIO SAKI or OMAI SAKI
was ever sighted submerged. SUGA SHIMA is quite prominent on
a clear morning or evening when 10 to 12 miles distant. IRAKO
SAKI could not be seen, but the peak to eastward was a good
landmark. The land to northward of MATOYA KO is quite pro-
minent, but to southward was obscured by the surface mirage.
Caution should be exercised to prevent mistaking the northern
tangent of the entrance to MATOYA KO as the left tangent of
DAIO SAKI. In general piloting in this area was a problem which
occupied the major portion of the day, was indulged in by all

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(.)

— page 44 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SUNFISH - Report of First War Patrol.
DESCRIPTION OF ENEMY SHIPS SIGHTED (Cont'd).

TIME
NO:DATE | POSITION | COURSE:SPEED | DESCRIPTION
20. 1105 | 34-35N | S | Lying to | One with two masts and high
21. 12/12 | 137-33E | | | superstructure (50 tons). One
| | | | similar to ordinary fishing
| | | | sampan.
22. 1110 | 34-34N | W | 18 | Stacks and masts similar to
| 12/12 | 137-33E | | | CA of KINUGASA class. May have
| | | | been large, new DD. Light
| | | | mottled grey color.
23. 1815 | 34-12N | - | - | White light of small boat.
| 12/12 | 137-35E | | |
24. 1649 | 34-34N | N | Est 10 | Large patrol vessel; large
| 12/14 | 137-07E | | | bridge; similar to large tuna boat or
| | | | trawler; identification poor
| | | | because of failing light.
25,26 0411 | 34-35N | - | - | 2 lighted sampans; 2 radar pips
27,28.12/17 | 137-20E | | | on darkened small vessels
| | | | (2,000 yds.)
29. 0431 | 34-25N | NW | - | Radar gave good "pip" at 595
| 12/17 | 137-18E | | | yards. Vessel not sighted
| | | | but closing range rapidly.
30. 0650 | 34-10N | NE | 14 | Freighter with two masts,
| 12/18 | 136-52E | | | single masts. 2 well decks
| | | | (4,000-5,000 tons). Similar
| | | | to KENSYU MARU except had two
| | | | stacks.
31. 1024 | See | AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.
| 12/18 | | |
32. 0710 | See | AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.
| 12/19 | | |
33. 0756 | See | AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.
| 12/19 | | |
34. 0756 | 33-52N | N & | Est 10 | Two heavy masts. White, very
| 12/19 | 135-28E | E | | similar to medium size tuna
| | | | | boat.

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— page 45 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SUNFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

TIME
No :DATE : POSIT :COURSE:SPEED : DESCRIPTION
35. 2016 33-42N N - Destroyer, class undetermined.
12/19 136-20E Maybe torpedo boat of TIMOPI
class.
36. 1927 33-17N - - Beam of large searchlight
12/20 137-50E sweeping southward. Ship not
identified.
37. 1734 34-16N SEE AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.
12/21 137-38E
38,39 1500 34-16N E 8-9 3 medium freighters and one
40,41 12/22 138-08E Est torpedo boat of TIDOP[UNCLEAR: I] class.
42. 1510 34-16N SEE AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.
12/22 138-08E
43 0030 34-19N S - Large patrol vessel, possibly
12/23 137-45E torpedo boat. Screws in-
dicated possibly the latter
type.
44,45 1330 34-26N E 8-9 Small to medium freighters;
46,47 12/23 137-40E Est not individually identified
48 Possibly accompanied by two
escorts. (Sound heard 2 sets
high speed screws.)
49. 1300 34-32N N Est 6 Fishing sampan; clipper bow,
12/24 137-22E small pilot house. Length
75 ft. Grey.
50. 0220 34-02N Various - Large superstructure; looked
12/26 136-49E like medium to large freight-
er.
51. 1839 33-24N - - Numerous lighted sampans.
12/26 136-06E
52. 0058 40-00.N - - Light turned on close aboard;
12/28 80-00.E could not pick up on radar.
Probably fishing sampan.
53. 1519 29-19N See AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.
12/28 139-58E
54. 1258 30-23N N Est 14 Large trawler or patrol
12/29 139-21E vessel, distance 5 miles,
2 heavy single masts, clipper
bow, high bridge structure,
length 100-150 feet, color
grey.
55. 2003 33-45N S 14 Large freighter (est 10,000
12/30 137-05.5E (Zig-zag) tons) burning alternately
running lights and mast-head
light. Single stack, heavy
masts fwd and aft. Large
bridge structure. Identifica-
tion not definite.

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— page 46 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SUNFISH - Report of First War Patrol.

TIME
NO.:DATE : POSIT : COURSE : SPEED : DESCRIPTION
56. 0315 33-30N Lying to Numerous lighted sampans, seem-
12/31 136-32E ingly spaced about 1 mile apart.
57. 0322 33-34N N & Est. Destroyer, class not determined.
12/31 136-25E NW 18-20
58. 0925 34-21N 250 Est. Similar to KOKO MARU, High
1/1/43 136-57E 9-12 speed screws. (over 200 RPM):
59. During Night south of - - Lights of numerous sampans.
1/1 UNEHU NADA
60. 0400 34-05N Lying to Lights of numerous sampans.
1/2 136-40E
61,62 1700 32-32N E Est. 1 DD or patrol vessel, not
63,64 1/4 137-48E 9 identified. 5 Medium freighters
65,66 in rough column.
66a. 0808 33-42N See AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.
1/8 143-19E
67. See AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.
68. 1400 34-19N E 5 Patrol vessel; dark grey; stack
1/9 150-12E amidships; yacht type.

VI. ENEMY AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.

DATE :
NO.:TIME : POSIT : COURSE : DESCRIPTION
31. 1034 34-06N Circling Similar to type 97-KAWASAKI, ex-
12/18 136-52E Dist 4 mi. cept with single float instead of
000 T wheels. Alt. 500 ft.
32. 0710 33-52N South Biplane, not identified but similar
12/19 136-27E 5 miles to type-96 MITSUBISHI. Alt 1500
270 T ft.
33. 0756 33-52N S - 5 miles Same as or similar to contact No.
12/19 136-26E 250 T 32. Alt. 1500 ft.
37. 1734 34-14N W - Est. Running light; aircraft not identi-
12/21 137-38E 10 mi. fied.
42. 1510 34-10N Circling Biplane similar to contacts No. 32
12/22 138-08E Dist 1 mil. and 33. Alt. 500 ft.
53. 1519 29-19N South Not identified by O.O.D. Not seen
12/28 139-58E Dist 5 mi. through periscope. Alt. 1,000 ft.
66a. 0808 33-42N East Patrol type, coming out of a cloud
1/8/43 143-19E 8 miles not clearly identified. Alt. 1000
ft.
67. 1239 33-45N SD radar contact - 10 miles.
1/8 144-02E Plane not sighted.

U.S. AIRCRAFT SIGHTED.
1. 0808(WW) 23-31N NW PBY Contacted by radar at 4 miles.
11/24 161-02.5W Dist. 6 mi. Alt. 500-1000 ft.
2. 1448(WW) 23-40N East PBY Contacted by radar at 3 miles.
11/24 165-00W Dist 7 mi. Alt. 500-1000 ft.
Air escorts at Midway and many Army planes off OAHU first day
out are not included.

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— page 52 —
CONFIDENTIAL

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

SD Radar

Symptom of trouble:
    Complete loss of trace, after which it was
    noted that the equipment was drawing no plate current. Before any steps
    could be taken to locate trouble, the equipment began to
    operate, apparently normal. This continued for a short
    while, and loss of plate current recurred.
Work done:
    The rectifier tube was changed and the equipment was start-
    ed and gave, as before, apparent normal operation. How-
    ever, the loss of plate current continued to occur at fre-
    quent intervals. The equipment could be temporarily
    restored to operation by shorting the plate to ground.
    This gave rise to the opinion that the trouble was in the
    grid leak circuit, causing the oscillator to become
    blocked. No defects could be found, however, in testing
    all condensers and resistors in the circuit. The oscilla-
    tor tubes were changed and there has been no further
    trouble of this kind.
Symptom of trouble:
    Constant arcing of first RF stage in receiver unit.
Work done:
    Changing of this tube and retuning of the diplexing and
    duplex units seemed to have no effect. While the gas tube
    in the duplex unit was operating with a steady blue glow,
    and at the instant of arc, it was thought advisable to
    change it. There has since been no arcing.
Symptom of trouble:
    Sudden drop in size of the echoes from a land contact.
Work done:
    Changed oscillator tubes. The only contact since this
    change was a plane contact at 10 miles.

Sound:

Symptom of trouble:
    Receiver amplifier went dead.
Work done:
    Tubes checked all right. Using the GE circuit analyzer it
    was found that V -105, the first AF stage was drawing low
    plate and screen voltages. After a check of this circuit
    it was found that the primary of the coupling transformer
    between V-105 and V -106 was open. As there are no sound
    spares aboard, this receiver is still out of commission.

XI. RADIO RECEPTION:
    Radio reception was complete.
    Last consecutive serial received SAMPLE.
    Last consecutive serial sent FEMALE.

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— page 54 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SUNFISH - Report of First War Patrol.
[HANDWRITTEN: j]
XVIII.
REMARKS.

In retrospect, considering the difficulties ex-
perienced in identifying ships and landmarks, the blurry visions
sighted through the periscope, islands seen at great distances,
low land close by obscured, trees appearing as tall stacks when
several miles distant, piloting difficulties, ships with masts,
bridge and stacks and no hull, erratic ranges, I realize that I
was the victim of one of the pranks of nature - an inferior
mirage. The ships sighted December 23rd and January 4th would
probably not have been seen had it not been for this phenomenon.
This explanation is not given as an excuse for not closing and
sinking targets sighted. It is given with the idea of helping
those who may experience similar difficulty. These conditions
prevailed the entire time in the area and caused many post-
mortems after approaches in which we failed to get into attack
positions. The only satisfaction derived was that I did not
uselessly expend torpedoes which would probably have stopped
running before they reached the actual target.

The only method of defeating this phenomenon,
when it is realized such a condition prevails, is to try to
sight targets in sufficient time to get ahead of them, then to
wait or close until the large vision disappears and the smaller,
actual target comes into sight. Ranges should not be used if
taken when the target appeared blurred. Such ranges will give
impossible T.D.C. solutions. A similar condition is described
in ONI weekly number 42, of Nov. 11, 1942, page 69). Although
we were close to the coast near DAIO SAKI several times, the
land south of MATOYA KO was never sighted during the patrol.
Submarines experiencing this phenomenon in this area will see
a left tangent of land. Care should be taken not
to use this as DAIO SAKI.

Mine Fields.
The eastern mine field was displaced for the following reasons:
(1) Naval and coastal traffic was seen in these
lanes.
(2) The western field had been laid first and it
was not desired to come too close to it.
(3) Anti-submarine vessels observed indicated that
a plant in the designated position might be
interrupted before completion, thereby prevent-
ing complete disposition of the field. (Soon
after completion of the plant a good radar
"pip" indicated a vessel of about DD size
closing rapidly.)

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— page 55 —
CONFIDENTIAL

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

XVIII. REMARKS. (Continued).

The conduct of all officers and men was in accord-
ance with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. There
were few cases of nervousness during the depth charging, but
this occurred, for the most part, with some older men who had
made previous patrols.

The psychological effect of having to plant bottom
mines before being free to fire torpedoes was detrimental in
that it put officers and crew in a defensive frame of mind for
the first week of the patrol. The reversal of course by our
first target, the radical change of course by the freighter
tracked during one night, the misses on two targets and the in-
ability to close convoys were all very disappointing to all hands.
Morale, however, was excellent throughout, despite these many
disappointments.

The loss of a shipmate due to drowning while attempt-
ing to pick up intelligence information was a grave blow.

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ENCLOSURE (L)

— page 56 —
SS281/A16-3(5) SUBMARINE DIVISION 101
Fn
Care of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California,
January 25, 1943.

CONFIDENTIAL

From: The Commander Submarine Division 101.
To : The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. SUNFISH - First War Patrol, comments on.
Reference: (a) Subject war patrol report.

1. SUNFISH First War Patrol extended from November
23, 1942 to January 14, 1943. Twenty-eight of the fifty-two days
were spent in the patrol area.

2. The assigned primary mission was to conduct an
offensive patrol against enemy forces, including merchant shipping,
and to plant an offensive mine field after thorough reconnaissance.
The Commanding Officer was handicapped by his impression that he
had to remain on the defensive until after laying the mine plants.

3. This patrol was characterized by lack of aggres-
siveness in attacking good targets. The contact at 1035 on
December 10 should have been attacked, not evaded at deep depth.
Additional targets were passed by and evaded on December 19, 20,
23, 1942 and January 2, 1943. The watchword of any successful
Submarine Commanding Officer must always be "aggressive attack".
Enemy destroyers made excellent targets and they have no perog-
ative of freedom from attack.

4. The attacks on December 12 and 18 failed because
of personnel errors. In the first attack, depth control was twice
lost although the sea was calm; the target was allowed to get by
the best firing bearing, thus causing the use of larger gyro and
track angles than should have been used; the firing interval was
very excessive (40 seconds); and failure to close a fire control
switch sent the torpedoes out on courses 730 and 930 from those
intended. This last type of casualty is an old one. It can only
be cured by frequent drill and proper use of existing communication
system. The second attack failed because target sighted submarine
and zigged towards, and because the target was again allowed to
"get by" resulting in excessive gyro angles and poor set-up.
Again the firing intervals (13 and 17 seconds) were excessive

5. The experience gained on this, the Commanding
Officer's first patrol should pay dividends on succeeding ones.

6. SUNFISH is refitting at MIDWAY.

Copy to:
Comsubron 10
CO SUNFISH
- 1 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 57 —
FF12-10/A16-3(5) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET RS
Serial 092                                Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                          San Francisco, California.
                                          January 26, 1943.

CONFIDENTIAL

COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 125
U.S.S. SUNFISH - REPORT OF FIRST WAR PATROL.

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

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

Enclosure: (A) Comsubdiv 101 Conf ltr SS281/A16-3(5) of
           January 25, 1943, and Subject Report.

1. The remarks of Commander Submarine Division 101
are concurred in.

2. The SUNFISH left for patrol with sixteen torpedoes
and twenty-four Mark 12 mines. Both before and after laying the
mines, a number of excellent opportunities for torpedo attack
were lost. Only two attacks were made and no hits resulted from
the five (5) torpedoes fired.

3. To any one submarine, opportunities for attack
come relatively seldom. Enemy targets at hand must be attacked
and sunk.

4. No damage was inflicted on the enemy.

                                          J. H. BROWN, Jr.,
                                          Acting.

DISTRIBUTION
(A16-3)
List III, SS
Special:
F1(5), EN3(5), Z1(5),
Comsublant (2), X3(1),
Comsubsoewespac (2),
Subschool, N.L. (2).

[SIGNATURE: E. R. Swinburne]
E. R. SWINBURNE,
Flag Secretary.

[STAMP: RECEIVED SC FILES]
Kmm 465
[STAMP: FEB 16 1943]
[HANDWRITTEN: FILE 10-16-E]
[HANDWRITTEN: (A16-3(23)/5528)]
[HANDWRITTEN: No. 5]
[HANDWRITTEN: No. 5]

— page 58 —
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: YD9NM] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/19/77] Re

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

Period from February 4, 1943 to April 3, 1943
Operation Order No. 16-43.

Prologue

Arrived Midway from first war patrol January 14, 1943.
Commenced refit for accomplishment of minor repairs and general
overhaul. Found starboard screw blade tips bent, only one badly.
Diver straightened blades. Period of refit terminated and readi-
ness for sea period commenced January 28, 1943. Considerable
vibration from starboard screw, especially at high speeds, noticed
during trials. Not depermed nor degaussed; no training period.

I. NARRATIVE.

February 4, 1943.
003 (Y) Departed Submarine Base, Midway, enroute area

1230 Found salt in reduction gear sumps; reversed course.
1530 Arrived Submarine Base, Midway, for replacement of
leaky main motor oil cooler.
February 5, 1943.
117 (Y) Repairs completed. Departed Submarine Base, Midway
for assigned area.
2400 Crossed International Date Line.

February 5-11, 1943.
Conducted daily surprise dives, fire control drill,
and various other training activities for new person-
nel. Had previously fired 15 rounds 3" - 50 cal.
common, 20 m.m., 50 cal. and machine guns after
completion of refit at Midway. Weather excellent.

February 12, 1943.
0800 (K) Cleared Marcus 300 mile circle.
1246 Sighted Japanese type 97 flying boat bearing 160°
Rel. distance 7 miles on parallel course (wake to
Tokyo?). Dived. Serviced torpedoes, watered batteries
and surfaced at 1510 (K). (Plane contact #1)
Apparently SUNFISH not sighted. Not seen on radar.

February 14, 1943.
0930 (I) Conducted surface patrol, both periscopes continuously
manned. Seas picking up from northward.
1241 60 miles off CHICHI SHIMA air base dived to avoid
possible detection by aircraft.

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[HANDWRITTEN: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 48628]

— page 68 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SUNFISH - Report of second war patrol.
fk

March 9, 1943. (Continued)
1644-1709 depth charges, all very close. SUNFISH at 145 feet, running
          silent. Knocked paint and cork off hull, loosened bolts,
          put out lights temporarily, broke lights, emptied
          yeoman's office, etc. No serious damage below decks. Damage
          listed under major defects.
1710      Destroyers screws faded out on steady bearing 270 T, toward
          CHIHA coast, though original course was 210 T.
1744      Ordered to periscope depth and at 320 feet diving officer report-
          ed a density layer at this depth; sound simultaneously re-
          ported pinging so decided to open out into deeper water be-
          fore again exposing periscope.
1810      At periscope depth, after sunset, horizon hazy, nothing in
          sight.
1840      At periscope depth -- sighted bright glow from centralized
          strong source of light well beyond horizon, bearing 270 T,
          beyond position of attack, and covering 20-30 degrees in
          azimuth. Not searchlights, but possibly from floodlights.
1936      Also sighted lights of two or three vessels inside horizon,
          alternately turned off and on, possibly signalling.
          Surfaced with light of one vessel in sight on horizon.
          Cleared bridge and to eastward to inspect for topside damage,
          repairs and to clear 200 volt battery ground. Found
          pressure proof speakers on bridge all inoperative due to
          shattered diaphragms, and broken magnets; various other
          minor items. After surfacing manned distress frequency and
          obtained strong, broad signal bearing 270 T, where strong
          lights were previously seen. Operator was sending out
          numeral and letter code groups at a speed to great for his
          ability. Transmission stopped suddenly and was not heard
          again during the night, though Radio KELUNG was heard to
          ask another station, using commercial procedure, whether
          distress signal of (blank) ship had been cleared. An
          excerpt from SUNFISH radio log is included with original
          report.

March 10, 1943.
          Reported previous day's attack to Comsubpac.
          Patrolling to eastward across routes form FORMOSA to VAN
          DIEMEN and NAGASAKI.

March 11, 1943.
0025      Sighted smoke of unidentified ship bearing 290 T; no radar
          indications. Commenced approach on 4 engines. Ship on base
          course 180-210 zigging, speed 18-19 knots. Could not close.
          SJ radar is definitely not up to par. Gave only faint,
          occasional range indications.
0130      Abandoned approach as hopeless.

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ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 69 —
fk
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S.SUNFISH - Report of second war patrol.
March 13, 1943.
     Had installed new SJ radar magnetron requiring completely
     new tuning. Closed TORI SHIMA to 4-5 miles and turned radar
     this night.
0433 (H) Divod off SOTSUKO SAKI. Closing AMAMI O'SHIMA.
1516 (I) Sighted smoke bearing 254 T. Commenced approach on smoke.
1516-1707 Tracked target, minimum range 8,000 yards, course 020 T,
     speed 12 knots. Could not close. Identified as freighter
     similar to ARGUN MARU, split superstructure, 4-5 inch gun
     on bow. Estimated ship will be too far away for economical
     surface chase if not started until after sunset at 1826.
1753 With SOTSUKO SAKI bearing 110 T, 12 miles, surfaced and
     ran at 3 engine speed, charging batteries, trailing freighter
1815 Prior to sunset sighted 2 small patrol boats on horizon to
     westward which attempted to close SUNFISH without success.
2132 Reached position desired and submerged for periscope attack.
     Moon high, visibility good in target's direction. Just as
     bridge was cleared, what looked suspiciously like a destroyer
     near bearing of TAKARA JIMA distance 7 miles but
     was sighted. Navigator advised this was probably a rock shown on chart, so
     concentrated on getting good trim at 100 feet depth.
     During trim, freighter, coming up to periscope depth sound
     reported heavy, fast screws (260 R.P.M.) passing to south-
     ward on starboard side which were lost in 3 minutes at
     periscope depth shortly thereafter nothing could be seen on
     the bearing on which screws had faded out. Believed this was
     a destroyer making high speed toward our earlier position,
     probably reported by patrol vessels previously seen on by
     observers on AMAMI O'SHIMA.
2218 Fired 3 bow tubes, range 1300 yards, 105-110 starboard
     track, gyros 0.2, 0.5 degree divergent spread, firing
     interval 8 seconds, depth 10 feet. (Tried 3 ping rangos
     without success).
2219-05 First of two explosions which corresponded in time with hits
     by 2nd and 3rd torpedoes. Sound tracked 2 torpedoes to end
     where they exploded and tracked one torpedo to end
     of its run. Observed large column of water under
     which momentarily obscured middle of freighter. Target's
     screws still turning over, settling in water, smoke
     heading heavily. heading for TAKARA JIMA, distance 5 miles
2223 Violent explosion simultaneous with orange flame from
     ventilator abaft stack. Probably a boiler explosion.
2228 Screws suddenly stopped, then started, then stopped.
2243 Underwater explosion on bearing of freighter followed by
     her sinking on an even keel.
2248 Surfaced; nothing in sight except land. Had run 5 miles
     out of area so headed back to area and patrolled to east-
     ward. Note: Freighter made 80 R.P.M. for 11.5 knots.
     Radio log of distress signals with original report.
     (Position of attack: 5 miles, bearing 080 from TAKARA JIMA.)

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— page 71 —
CONFIDENTIAL
fk
Subject: U.S.S. SUNFISH - Report of second war patrol.
March 22, 1943.
0100 (I) Entered Marcus 500 mile circle.

March 24, 1943.
0702 (K) Sighted mast. Dived and commenced approach. At 3,000
          yards identified as a large sampan with built up stern,
          gun mounted aft, two masts, foremast taller, with crow's
          nest. Pilot house aft of amidships. Vessel was patrol-
          ling north and south, across SUNFISH track, at 5-10 knots.
          Her armament too imposing for gun attack, so opened out
          and surfaced at 1239.
1329      Sighted mast bearing 105 T. Dived and commenced approach.
          Identified as same vessel or identical to above. Believe
          SUNFISH sighted. Did not attack. (380 miles bearing 019 T.
          from Marcus).

March 25, 1943.
          Visibility poor; low lying clouds and patches of fog.
          Sky clear overhead.
1055 (L) Sighted type 98 heavy bomber bearing 330 Rel. distance one
          mile, crossing bow on course 180 T. Bomber came out of
          fog bank and apparently was as surprised as we. (Sighting
          seemed simultaneous; bomber banked for approach (rising
          and plainly seen with naked eye) as SUNFISH dived. SUNFISH
          was levelled off at 200 ft. when first of stick of 3 bombs
          exploded. First was close, second and third barely audible.
          No damage. SD radar got first indication as diving alarm
          was sounded - distance one mile. (510 miles 045 T from
          Marcus). Since our position was known, visibility varied
          from 500 yards to 3-4 miles and SD radar not functioning
          and submerged until one hour prior to sunset.

March 26-28, 1943.
          Daily dive for radio reception tests.
0704 (Y) March 28. Sighted USN PBY bearing 020 T, 8 miles course 000 T.

March 29, 1943.
1024 (Y) Moored at S/M Base, Midway. Received fuel, removed torpedoes.
          Unable repair SD radar in time available. No. 2 main
          engine fuel header repaired.

March 30, 1943.
0916 (Y) Departed Midway for Pearl.

March 31, 1943.
0840 (XY) Sighted USN PBY bearing 100 T, 10 miles, course 180 T.

April 3, 1943.
0702 (VW) Made rendezvous with PC 588.
1200      Arrival Pearl.

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— page 72 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: USS SUNFISH -- Report of Second War Patrol.
F

II WEATHER.

The weather enroute to station was neither good nor exceptionally
bad. Between the NANPO and NANSEI SHOTOS the seas were rough with strong
winds from NNE and N.
In the East China Sea the usual condition of the winds was about
force 5 from the northward, with accompanying seas, and the sky was overcast
a good part of the time.
After passing the Southern Islands on the return trip, a heavy,
low-lying overcast with frequent fogs prevailed until within 200 miles of
Midway.

III TIDAL DATA.

No strong currents were noted in a submerged passage between
OKINOYERABU and TIKUNA SHIMAS. The moderate currents here, as well as those
west of AMAMI O SHIMA were observed to be of a tidal nature.
After a period of five days without sights in the region north
of FORMOSA STRAITS, during which time the sky was heavily overcast and strong
north-northeasterly winds prevailed, a reliable fix showed a total set of
only twelve miles to the southeastward.

IV NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.

HOKA SHO, TUNGYUNG TAO, and SOTSUKO ZAKI lights were observed
burning with normal characteristics, but only the last of these was seen
at its extreme charted range of visibility.
The charted position of the submerged volcano at Lat. 26° 11' N
Long. 122° 27' E, which was reported heard on sound gear by FLYING FISH
(1st patrol) was passed over with no indications.
Japanese time ticks from JJC, TOKYO, (36 kilocycles, 1200 Zebra)
were used of necessity throughout the time in area. Announcements were in
English as well as Japanese and the time apparently accurate.
At a time when any radio compass bearings would have been very
useful none could be obtained because no listed radio beacons could be heard
(TUNA heard SHANGHAI RBns in April 1942) and no other transmissions could be
identified as from a source close enough to be used for bearings, although
at other times both KIRUM and NAHA (OKINAWA SHIMA) stations using their normal
call signs and commercial procedure were heard on the distress frequency ("dis-
tress" courtesy of USS SUNFISH). It is suggested that a corrected list of Jap-
commercial and broadcasting stations might have been valuable under these
circumstances.

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— page 73 —
CONFIDENTIAL SS281/A16-3 Subject: U.S.S. SUNFISH - Report of second war patrol.
DESCRIPTION OF ALL SURFACE VESSELS.

NO. | TIME | POSITION | COURSE | SPEED | DESCRIPTION | REMARKS
----|------|||-------||
1 | 0110 (I) Feb 16 | Lat 26-23N Long 138-21E | Northerly | ? | Unidentified | SJ radar contact in- dicated more than 11,000 yds.
2 | 1737 (I) Feb 16 | Lat 26-22N Long 136-10E | ? | ? | Only top of mast & stack or tops seen at 15 miles. | May have been man- of-war. In sight only three minutes.
3 | 1910 (I) Feb 16 | Lat 26-30N Long 135-52E | Patrolling on station. | ? | 2 lights - From pa- trol vessels. Only 1 vessel seen clearly. Ident. as small yacht type. | May have been a sub.
4 | 0226 (I) Feb 19 | Lat 29-10N Long 133-15E | ? | ? | Light of small ves- sel which rose and fell with swells. | Believed to be small patrol vessel.
5 | 1919 (I) Feb 19 | Lat 29-12N Long 133-24E | ? | ? | Submarine which sur- faced distance 4,500 yards | Noted SJ radar inter- ference. As- sumed to be SAWFISH
6 | 0704 (I) Feb 22 | 12 mi. 130 T from TOKUNO SHIMA. | 090 | ? | Small patrol vessel. One stack. Hull down/ pilot house amidships. Painted black or dark gray. | Not enough seen to definitely identify type.
7 | 1106 (I) Feb 22 | In pass be- tween TOKUNO SHIMA and OKINOYERABU JIMA | 030 | ? | 1500-2000ton single stack coastal freighter. | Passed close to TOKUNO SHIMA

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CONFIDENTIAL SS281/A16-3 Subject: USS SUNFISH - Report of second war patrol
(Continued)
NO. | TIME | POSITION | COURSE | SPEED | DESCRIPTION | REMARKS
8 | 1715 (H) | In pass be- | 180 | 10 | Sampan or trawler
| Feb 22 | tween TOKUNO | | | diesel or gas driven
| | SHIMA and | | | |
| | OKINOYERABI | | | |
9 | 2030 (H) | 5 miles to | 090-000 | 15-16 | 3 yacht type single stack
| | | westward of | | | patrol vessels, guns
| | | above. | | | forward.
10 | 0948 (H) | Lat 26-10N | 180-270 | 17-18 | Merchantman, smoking
| Feb 27 | Long 122-25E | | | heavily. Single mast for'd
| | | | | | & aft. Single stack. Probabl
| | | | | | passenger-freighter
11 | 0358 (H) | Lat 27-22N | 210 | 19 | Unidentified.
| March 1 | Long 122-20E | | | |
12 | 2300 (H) | Lat 26-46N | 040 | 3 | Carried white over red light
| March 3 | Long 121-40E | | | mast, and other white lights on
| | | | | | hull. Patrol vessel or trawler.
13 | 0526 (H) | Lat 26-51N | 210 | 15-16 | Tanker-Gray-Not | [HANDWRITTEN: Zig-zagging on]
| March 4 | Long 121-49E | | | Loaded. Single stack what was | [HANDWRITTEN: erratic course. Could not]
| | | | | | astern. | [HANDWRITTEN: close to identify.]
14 | 0825 (H) | Lat 26-50N | 030 | 12 | Hospital Ship- | [HANDWRITTEN: Steady course; not]
| March 4 | Long 121-47E | | | BAIKAL MARU, paint- | [HANDWRITTEN: escorted.]
| | | | | | ed white
15 | 0613 (H) | Lat 27-47N | Various | 3-4 | CHINESE JUNK | [HANDWRITTEN: Apparently fishing.]
| March 5 | Long 122-52E | | | under sail.

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— page 75 —
CONFIDENTIAL SS281/A16-3 Subject: USS SUNFISH - Report of second war patrol.
DESCRIPTION OF ALL SURFACE VESSELS. (Continued)

NO. TIME         POSITION         COURSE    SPEED   DESCRIPTION                 REMARKS
16  2020 (H)     Lat 26-54N       040       9.5-10  Small Freighter with        Similar TAZAN MARU. Zig-zagging.
    March 7      Long 122-21E                       box-like structure          heavily loaded.
                                                    fore & aft. Single
                                                    stack, 2 stick masts.
17  0715 (H)     Lat 26-23N       then 040 T Various CHINESE junk under        Small freighter with Similar to GUDGEON'S
    March 7      Long 122-01E                       sail.                       box-like structure. Maneuvered
                                                                                fore & aft. Single then dis-
                                                                                stack, 2 stick masts. appeared on 040 T.
18  1110 (H)     Lat 26-55N       Various   ?       Gray. Escorted by           Similar ASAMA MARU. Zig-zagging.
    March 9      Long 121-21E                       SHINONOME class DD          Apparently fishing.
19  1612 (H)     Lat 27-04N       210 T     20      Unidentified. Making        Zig-zagging radi-
    March 9      Long 121-13E                       much smoke                  cally.
                                                                                close.
20  0025 (H)     Lat 27-09N       180-220 T 17-18   Unidentified. Making        Similar ARGUN MARU, Unescorted. Not
    March 11     Long 124-45E                       much smoke                  heavily loaded. Zig-zagging.
21  1516 (I)     Lat 28-16N       020       12      Unidentified but            Sound contact.
    March 13     Long 128-58E                       believed to be a DD         Not seen thru
                                                                                periscope.
22  2143 (I)     8 miles SO.1     ?         ?       Light on sampan or small    ?
    March 14     KODAKARA SHIMA                     patrol boat.
23  1919 (I)     Lat 28-43N       ?         ?       Light on sampan or small    ?
    March 18     Long 135-26E                       patrol boat.

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