U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS-401) — war patrol report SS-401_SEA_DOG.pdf

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START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: 2-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-171-79]
[HANDWRITTEN: SEA DOG - SS-401]

1.0
1.1
1.25 | 1.4 | 1.6

| 2.8 | 2.5
| 3.2 | 2.2
| 3.6 | 2.0
| 4.0 | 1.8

OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: R Munch]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 1 Nov -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)

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Division of Naval History
Ships' Histories Section
Navy Department

HISTORY OF USS SEA DOG (SS 401)

Ranging from the Nansei Shoto to the "Emperor's Private Ocean", the USS
SEA DOG fired her torpedoes into the sides of Japanese marus for an official
total of 21,469 tons sunk.

Her keel was laid on 1 November 1943 in the Navy Yard, Portsmouth, New
Hampshire. At the launching on 28 March 1944, she was christened by Mrs. Vernon
L. Lowrance, wife of the ship's first commanding officer. In accordance with
Naval tradition the new submarine was named for a fish of the shark family,
known scientifically as Tautoga Onitis. The Sea Dog is of considerable com-
mercial importance along the Atlantic coast of the United States, reaching
a maximum size of about three feet and a weight of twenty-one pounds.

On the morning of 3 June 1944 the commission pennant was hoisted, and the
USS SEA DOG became a bona fide member of the U.S. Submarine Force under the
command of Commander Vernon L. Lowrance, USN. Manned by a picked crew of 8
officers and 74 enlisted men, the 1525 tons of potential destruction nosed out
of the harbor for her shakedown training in the waters off the coast of New
England. On 24 July she was declared "ready for sea", and at 1700 stood out
of the channel at New London, Connecticut for the long voyage through the
Panama Canal to the battle areas of the Pacific.

After a four day stay at Balboa, the SEA DOG departed the Canal Zone on
6 August enroute to Pearl Harbor. On the 22nd she rendezvoused with the ICEFISH
and PC 575, passed through Kaiwi Channel and proceeded to the Submarine Base,
Pearl Harbor, for voyage repairs.

On 13 September 1944 the submarine cast off her lines and stood past the
entrance buoys at Pearl Harbor on her maiden war patrol. After topping off at
Midway she proceeded to her patrol area along the Nansei Shoto in the East China
Sea. On 10 October she took station to the west of Okinawa for the first
carrier strike on the Ryukyus. No contacts were made as she patrolled off the
entrance to the harbor of Naha, and about noon Commander Lowrance took the SEA
DOG northward. Shortly afterwards, lookouts sighted a trawler headed for
Okinawa, loaded with oil drums. She closed the target with guns blazing. Sud-
denly five Japanese planes dived out of the sun, making strafing runs on the
submarine. Leaving the trawler burning briskly, the SEA DOG crash dived, and
was fifty feet under by the time the last five men came down the ladder.

On 20 October General MacArthur's forces went ashore on Leyte against
light opposition. But naval action was impending. To the north the Japanese
Fleet rendezvoused to launch its "Sho-Go project, which led to the historic
Battle of Leyte Gulf. While patrolling below Kyushu on the 22nd, the SEA DOG
sighted an eleven ship convoy heading southeast. In the submerged attack on
two overlapping targets three timed hits were scored, followed by heavy break-
ing-up noises. Sunk were the 4,500 ton supply ship, MUROTO, and the 2,933 ton
gunboat, TOMITSU MARU. Following the attack the SEA DOG went deep for her
initiation to depth charging. For three hours she evasively maneuvered amid
the rumble of the 109 charges dropped.
1

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-2- USS SEA DOG (SS 401)

At the Battle of Leyte Gulf, 23-25 October 1944, the Japanese Fleet
suffered a catastrophic defeat. As the remnants fled to home waters, they were
constantly harrassed by American submarines. On the moonlight night of the 28th
the SEA DOG contacted two battleships with destroyer escort, racing north.
Commander Lowrance drove his submarine in for a radar-periscope attack, and
fired six torpedoes. Just as the salvo was fired, the battleships made a
radical zig and the torpedoes missed. Before the SEA DOG could get in another
attack, the battleship team, making 22 knots, was far down the track.

On 5 November 1944 the submarine moored alongside the USS PROTEUS at
Midway, to end her 54 day patrol. Here she was refitted while her crew enjoyed
the recreation facilities of the "Gooneyville Lodge". After a short training
period, she was again underway on 29 November for her second war patrol. On 1
December she teamed up with the GUARDFISH and SEA ROBIN to form a wolf-pack
known as "Rebel's Rogues", with Commander Lowrance in the SEA DOG as pack
commander.

Topping off at Saipan on the 8th, the pack steamed to a sector of the
South China Sea bounded loosely by the islands of Luzon, Formosa, and Hainan.
Despite numerous aircraft contacts, a thorough coverage of the area was main-
tained for thirty-four days. Due to the activities of American surface units
during this period, hunting was poor. Christmas was spent submerged south of
Formosa. Then on 2 January 1945 her pack-mate, the SEA ROBIN sighted thin curls
of smoke on the horizon. Before the sub could close on the four enemy ships,
they ducked behind Tincsa Island to anchor in the shallow water. The SEA ROBIN
took station off the island in case they came out. This they did on the
morning of the 5th.

All day long the wolf pack tracked, angling for favorable positions from
which to unleash their torpedoes. That night the SEA DOG and SEA ROBIN com-
menced the attack. The SEA ROBIN went in first, firing three torpedoes at the
first cargo carrier in the convoy, and three at the second. Two hits were
scored at the waterline of the lead ship with thunderous explosions. The SEA
DOG eagerly began an approach on an anti-submarine vessel which was making
radical zigs. As she reached firing position, the target wheeled and opened
fire with a deck gun. The SEA DOG answered with a salvo of stern torpedoes,
but all missed. Since a rough sea prohibited deck gun action, she retired from
the area.

Two days were spent on lifeguard duty, but except for dodging and destroy-
ing floating mines, the remainder of the SEA DOG's patrol was uneventful.
Departing the area on 21 January, she stopped over in Guam for mail and fresh
provisions, and then proceeded to Pearl Harbor for refit by Submarine Division
43. Here Commander Earl T. Hydeman, USN, relieved Commander V. L. Lowrance,
USN, as commanding officer. Approximately twenty days were spent conducting
training exercises in the Pearl Harbor area. Then on 11 March 1945 the SEA
DOG sailed for the Hawaiian Islands and put to sea on her third war patrol.

This 46 day patrol was conducted in the areas off the Nanpo Shoto, Toky-
Bay and the east coast of Kyushu. On 26 March 1945 she was again designated to
lead a wolf-pack known as "Earl's Eliminators", composed of the SEA DOG, the
TRIGGER and the THREADFIN. Proceeding to the rendezvous point on the 28th, both
the SEA DOG and THREADFIN heard a thunderous depth-charging barrage. Attempts

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-3- USS SEA DOG (SS 401)

to contact the TRIGGER were futile, and she was finally presumed to be the
victim of the attack. The Wolf-pack was disbanded, and the SEA DOG proceeded
on independent patrol.

In the early dusk of the 29th she made radar contact with a Japanese I-1
class submarine which had surfaced prematurely. A long-range torpedo salvo
was fired, but he dived in time to avoid. Another submarine or strike was made on
a minelayer along the eastern edge of the Izu Shoto, but due to the shallow
draft of the target, all torpedoes missed.

On 16 April the SEA DOG contacted a new engines-aft freighter with one
escort. In a submerged daylight attack, she scored two hits in less than
one minute the 6,850 ton TOYO MARU, capsized and sank. The minelayer escort
was too close to obtain sufficient fire control data for an attack. Commander
Hydeman at the periscope watched him close to 300 yards, spewing depth charges
in all directions, and then conned the SEA DOG clear of the area.

Notwithstanding the three torpedo attacks, the major portion of the SEA
DOG's third patrol was spent in routine but vital lifeguarding for twenty
carrier air strikes against the Japanese home islands. Her efforts were re-
warded when she rescued Lieutenant (jg) Robert H. Hill, USNR, from the waters
southeast of Yaku Shima. A fighter-pilot from the USS INTREPID, Lieutenant Hill
was taken aboard in good condition, and was fast becoming an expert submariner
by the time the SEA DOG returned to Apra Harbor, Guam on 27 April.

Only one area remained on the globe where Japanese shipping steamed more
or less on schedule and unmolested -- the Japan Sea. This area was known to be
heavily guarded by minefields, but a successful invasion of these waters would
completely isolate Japan by severing the last of her overseas supply lines.
By the spring of 1945 a new mine-detecting device had been developed which
enabled a submarine to "hear" an enemy mine in the waters ahead. Equipped
with this device, the SEA DOG with eight other submarines assembled at Guam,
and during May completed the preliminary training for this penetration of the
Japan Sea.

The submarines were divided into three wolfpacks; Hydeman's Hepcats',
consisting of the SEA DOG, SPADEFISH, and CREVALLE; "Pierce's Polecats", con-
sisting of the TUNNY, SKATE, and BONEFISH; and "Bob's Bobcats", consisting of
the FLYING FISH, TINOSA, and BOWFIN. Commander Hydeman in the SEA DOG was in
overall command of the entire group, which was known as "Hydeman's Hellcats".

The nine submarines left Guam on 27 May 1945, their bows pointing north-
westward for Tsushima Strait. The mine detecting devices proved their merit,
as the raiders crept through the Strait and entered the Japan Sea on schedule.
Shooting was timed to begin at sunset on June 9th, in order for all the "Hell-
cats" to reach their assigned areas. The "Hepcats" of which the SEA DOG was
leader, covered the waters off northwest Honshu, cutting the inside shipping
lanes to Hakodate and Ominato.

At 2000 on the 9th, as the SEA DOG prepared to surface between Sado Shima
and Honshu, sound reported screws. The periscope quickly found the 1,186 ton
freighter on steady course with running lights. With one torpedo the SEA DOG
downed the SAGAWA MARU. As she surfaced close aboard the life boats of the
victim 23 minutes later, she made contact on another freighter. Submerging for

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-4- USS SEA DOG (SS 401)

the radar approach she fired a torpedo salvo for one hit aft. The target
stopped in the midst of considerable smoke, then reversed
speed. A second spread was fired for a hit forward of amidships. With a
mushrooming explosion the SHOYO MARU's foremast toppled, and the bow and
stern sank separately.

At 1307 on the 11th she sighted a small freighter south of Oga Hanto on
the west coast of Honshu. Unable to close sufficiently while submerged, she
surfaced in a soupy fog and began the chase. Submerging in the track, she
fired one fish for a smashing hit. The KOFUKU MARU broke in two, up-ended,
and sank from sight.

The next day the SEA DOG sighted curls of smoke north of Nyudo Saki and
closed at high speed submerged. Four ships in rough box formation were just
rounding Nyudo Saki. Quickly firing at extreme range she obtained one hit in
an 880 ton freighter slightly abaft of amidships. The SHINSEN MARU sank in
about two minutes. The other ships headed for shallow water along the coast,
precluding further attack.

Sighting more smoke on the 15th, she began her submerged approach in a
glassy sea. A small passenger-cargo ship was standing south past the northern
end of Oga Hanto, 4,000 yards off the beach, the SEA DOG blocked his passage,
and fired one torpedo from the stern tubes. It hit amidships, and four minutes
later the KOAN MARU slid beneath the waves.

On June 19th the SEA DOG was patrolling submerged four miles south of
Kamoi Misaki on the west coast of Hokkaido. At 0559 three freighters loomed
up through the haze, headed toward the submarine, at 4,000 yards range. The
bow tubes were brought to bear and as the range closed to 600 yards, a spread
of torpedoes leaped from their nests. Fanning out, only one found its mark.
The lead freighter, 1,272 ton KOKAI MARU, began sinking stern first as her
crew hastily abandoned.

While observing her morning's work, a low flying plane began a dive on
her. Attempting to go deep she found herself in embarrassingly shallow water.
Sitting on the bottom in 116 feet of water, with the beach to the starboard and
ahead, and a sinking ship four hundred yards to port, she had no alternative
but to back out. This difficult maneuver was accomplished with admirable depth
control, and the incident won the SEA DOG unofficial credit for the first
landing and invasion of the Japanese homeland.

In accordance with plans, Commander Hydeman assembled his brood of sub-
marines off La Perouse Strait on 22 June, and on the night of the 24th, running
on the surface through cotton-thick fog, the submarines began their dash for
the Pacific. Moving in parallel columns, and communicating by voice radio,
the "Hellcats" closed up and raced through the Strait at 18 knots. Colors
flying, they entered Pearl Harbor on the Fourth of July. Their foray in the
Japan Sea had cost Japanese shipping a total of some 57,000 tons.

But one tragedy marred their triumphal return. The USS BONEFISH did not
get home. Going down with all hands in the bay of Toyama Wan, she was the last
SubPac submarine lost in World War II.

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-5- USS SEA DOG (SS 401)

The SEA DOG departed Pearl Harbor on 13 August 1945 for War Patrol No.5,
in company with the FLYING FISH. The next day she received the "cease fire"
order, and on the 15th reversed course for Pearl Harbor.

During her World War II career the USS SEA DOG earned two Battle Stars
on the Asiatic-Pacific Area Service Medal for participating in the following
operations:

1 Star/Okinawa Gunto Operation
    Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto -- 17 March - 21 June 1945

1 Star/First Submarine War Patrol -- 13 September - 5 November 1944

She also earned the Navy Occupation Service Medal, Asia, for the periods
15-23 February 1948, and 23 January - 12 February 1950, and the China Service
Medal for the periods 8 August - 18 September 1946, 24 February - 19 March
1948, and 18-22 February 1950.

For outstanding actions performed while serving aboard the SEA DOG, the
following officers and men received awards:

Navy Cross

Commander Earl T. Hydeman, USN

Silver Star Medal

Lieutenant Commander James P. Lynch, USN
Lieutenant Kelly B. Reed, USNR
Lieutenant (jg) J. F. Hinchey, USNR

Bronze Star Medal

Commander Earl T. Hydeman, USN
Lieutenant E. M. Hindert, USNR
Lieutenant (jg) W. B. Argo, USNR
A. F. Dell, TMC, USN
G. A. Gressman, MML, USN

Unlike many of her sister submarines, the SEA DOG was not slated for
rest. On 6 September 1946 she sailed from Pearl Harbor enroute to Subic Island,
Philippine Islands. There, as a unit of the newly organized Submarine Squadron
Five of the Active Pacific Fleet, she formed a part of a holding force. Most
of her veteran crew were transferred, and local training operations were
carried on in an area outside Subic Bay during the last quarter of 1945.
The year ended with the welcome news that another Squadron of submarines was
soon departing for Subic Bay, and that the SEA DOG would sail for home on 12
January 1946.The long trek eastward across the Pacific was accomplished in
moderately rough weather, but early on the morning of 2 February the Golden
Gate Bridge came into view.
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DECLASSIFIED
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY - 0804/rk DATE 8/5/72]

From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401).
To: Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) Commander Submarine Division 282.
     (2) Commander Submarine Squadron 28.
     (3) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
           (B) Track Chart (For ComSubsPac).

1. Enclosure (A) covering the first war patrol of this vessel,
conducted in the central Nansei Shoto area during the period 13 September
1944, to 5 November 1944, is forwarded herewith.

V.L. LOWRANCE.

[HANDWRITTEN: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 95580]

— page 31 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.
G. AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
Contact Number 29 30 31 32 33 34 35
S Date (1944) 10-16 10-16 10-16 10-16 10-16 10-16 10-17
U
B Time (Zone) "I" 0910 1013 1103 1123 1129 1446 0725
M
A Position: Lat. 29-22 29-23 29-25 29-25 29-26 29-27 29-12
R
Long. 128 128 127-46 127-45 127-47 127-5 2 127-42
I
N Speed 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
E
Course 090 290 270 090 090 090 270
Trim Surf Surf Surf Surf Surf Surf Surf
Minutes Since Last
SD Radar Search
12
12
12
12
12
12
Number 1 1 1 1 3 1 1
A Typ e unk'n unk'n unk'n unk'n Mavis - Nell
I
R Probable Mission Pat Pat - - Pat - Pat
C
R How Contacted R & S Radar Radar Radar S & R Radar S & R
A
F Initial Range 18 13 20 26 9 18 11
T
Elevation Angle 4 - - - 6 - 5
Range & Rel Bear
of Plane Then It
Detected Submarine ND ND ND ND ND ND ND
Sea: (State(Beau.) 2 2 2 2 2 2 1
C
0 Sea: (Direc.(Rel.) 030 030 030 030 030 030 180
N
D Visibility (miles) 40 40 40 40 40 40 40
I
T Clouds: (Height(ft) 6000 6000 6000 6000 6000 6000
I
0 Clouds: (% Overcast) 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% 0%
N
S Moon: (Bearing(Rel)
Moon:(Angle)
Moon:(% Illuminate)
Type of Submarine Camouflage on this patrol: Light grey.
22.

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CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.
G. AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
Contact Numb er 36 37 38 39 40 41 42
S Date (1944) 10-17 10-17 10-17 10-17 10-17 10-18 10-18
U
B Time (Zone) "I" 1045 1109 1202 1310 1653 0905 1158
M
A PositionL Lat. 29-15 29-15 29-14 29-10 29-25 29-14 29-17
R Long. 127-35 127-30 127-30 127-30 127-30 127-44 127-37
I
N Speed 10 10 4 10 10 10 2
E
Course 270 270 180 090 270 270 000
Trim Surf Surf Radar Surf Surf Surf Per
Minutes Since Last
SD Radar Search
12
글
1
2
Number 1 3 1 1 1 2 5
Type - Mavis - - - Mavis Nell
A
I Probable Mission - Pat - Pat Pat Pat
R
C How Contacted Radar R & S Radar Radar Radar R & S Per
R
A Initial Range 21 26 7 10 11 12 10
F
T Elevation Angle 7 - 2 3
Range & Rel Bear
of Plane Then It
Detected Submarine ND ND ND ND ND ND ND
Sea: (State (Beau.) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
C
0 Sea: (Direc. (Rel.) 180 180 180 180 180 180 180
N
D Visibility (miles) 40 40 40 40 40 40 40
I
T Clouds: (Height(ft)
I
0 Clouds: (% Overcast) 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
N
S Moon: (Bearing(Rel)
Moon: (Angle)
Moon: (% Illuminate)
-
Type of Submarine Camouflage on this patrol: Light grey.

23.

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CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 40.1) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.
G. AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
Contact Number | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 |
S Date (1944) | 10-18 | 10-21 | 10-21 | 10-22 | 10-23 | 10-23 | 10-23 |
U
B Time (Zone) "I" | 1425 | 0856 | 1053 | 1643 | 0832 | 0928 | 1032 |
M
A Position: Lat. | 29-27 | 29-52 | 29-49 | 29-17 | 29-50 | 29-49 | 29-51 |
R Long. | 127-41 | 130-02 | 130-01 | 130-14 | 130-10 | 130-08 | 130-06 |
I
N Speed | 10 | 2 | 2 | 15 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
E
Course | 080 | 000 | 200 | 150 | 275 | 315 | 310 |
Trim | Surf | Per | Per | Surf | Per | Per | Per |
Minutes Since Last
SD Radar Search | ½ | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Number | 1 | 1 | 3 | - | 3 | 4 | 3 |
A Type | - | Frances | Frances | - | Pete | Float Zero | Frances |
I
R Probable Mission | - | Pat | Trans | - | Trans | Pat | Pat |
C
R How Contacted | Radar | Sight | Sight | Radar | Sight | Sight | Sight |
A
F Initial Range | 14 | 2 | 3 | 21 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
T
Elevation Angle | - | 2 | 2 | - | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Range & Rel Bear
of Plane When It
Detected Submarine | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND |
Sea: (State(Beau.) | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
C Sea: (Direc.(Rel.) | 100 | 045 | 220 | 0 | 045 | 045 | 045 |
0
N Visibility (miles) | 40 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
D
I Clouds: (Height(ft) | 4000 | 3000 | 3000 | 3000 | 3000 | 3000 | 3000 |
T
I Clouds: (% Overcast) | 40% | 80% | 30% | 50% | 80% | 80% | 80% |
0
N Moon: (Bearing (Rel)
S Moon: (Angle)
Moon:(% Illuminate)
Type of Submarine Camouflage on this patrol: Light grey.
24.
A

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CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.

— page 35 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.
G. AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
| | Contact Number | 57 | 58 |
| S | Date (1944) | 10-30 | 10-31 |
| U | | | |
| B | Time (Zone) "I" | 1045 | 1125 |
| M | | | |
| A | Position: Lat. | 29-41 | 29-30 |
| R | | Lone. | 141-10 | 146-30 |
| I | | | |
| N | Speed | 14 | 15 |
| E | | | |
| | Course | 090 | 090 |
| | Trim | Surf | Surf |
| | Minutes Since Last | | |
| | SD Radar Search | ½ | ½ |
| | | | |
| | Number | 1 | 1 |
| | Type | Nell | Mavis |
| A | | | |
| I | Probable Mission | Trans | Pat |
| R | | | Sight |
| C | How Contacted | Sight | & APR |
| R | | | |
| A | Initial Range | 10 | 10 |
| F | | | |
| T | Elevation Angle | 3 | 2 |
| | | | |
| | Range & Rel B ear | | |
| | of Plane when It | | |
| | Detected Submarine | Sea:(State(Beau) | 2 | 2 |
| C | | | |
| O | Sea:(Direc.(Rel.) | 135 | 135 |
| N | | | |
| D | Visibility (miles) | 40 | 75 |
| I | | | |
| T | Clouds:(Height(ft) | 2000 | 2000 |
| I | | | |
| O | Clouds:% Overcast) | 10% | 80% |
| N | | | |
| S | Moon:(Bearing(Rel) | | |
| | Moon:(Angle) | | |
| | Moon:( Illuminate) | | |
| | Type of Camouflage on this patrol: Light Grey. | 26. | | |

— page 36 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:. U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.
 H. TORPEDO ATTACK
U.S.S. SEA DOG Torpedo Attack No. ONE Patrol No. ONE
Time: 0726 I Date: 10-22-44 Lat: 29-20 N Long: 129-45 E
Description: Two overlapping targets in a convoy. Targets were medius AK's
 with a M K M and split superstructure. Stack amidship and ships
 were coal burners.
Ship(s) Sunk:
Ship Damaged Two timed hits in the leading AK and a possible third hit in the
or Probably second AK. Medium AK's - 4,000 gross tons (EU).
Sunk:
Damage Deter- Two timed hits and loud breaking up noises from direction of the
mined by: target, 15 minutes after hits.
Target Draft: 20 Course: 220 Speed: 9 Range: 2290 (at firing)
Own Ship Data
Speed: 3 Course 322° Dapth: 64 ft Angle: ½° down (at firing)
Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type Attack: Submerged periscope attack on a convoy of about 11 ships with 4
 escorts. Six bow torpedoes were fired at two overlapping targets.
 Torpedo run to near target 2,000 yards and run to other target
 about 2,350 yards. Depth control was lost due to taking in too
 much water by using a 5 second poppet valve opening. One loud
 torpedo explosion was heard at 2' - 30" after firing and another
 loud torpedo explosion at 2' - 40", followed by a possible torpedo
 explosion at 2' - 41". The last explosion (2'-41") was heard
 below decks but not in the conning tower. Assuming two hits in
 the far target with #1 and #2 torpedoes, this could have been
 torpedo #4 hitting the near target. Distinct breaking up noises
 were heard throughout the boat for a period of 15 minutes at
 0745 I, followed by a dull explosion at 0800 I. Believe target
 sank at this time.

. 27.

— page 37 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.
H. ATTACK #ONE
Tubes Fired:
#6 | #5 | #4. | #3 | #2 | #1
Track Angle:
75P | 76P | 78P | 79P | 80P | 83P
Gyro Angle:
003 | 003 | 359 | 003 | 354½ | 001
Depth Set: (feet) 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6
Hit or Miss: Two certain hits (timed), 1 other possible hit.
Erratic: (Yes-No) No | No | No | No | No | No
Mark Torpedo:
18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1
Serial No:
56607 | 56633 | 55577 | 56428 | 56675 | 54599
Mark Exploder:
8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5
Serial No:
8664 | 993 | 9764 | 9158 | 10062 | 9076
CONTACT
Mark Warhead:
18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2
Serial No:
1548 | 2792 | 1371 | 1387 | 1539 | 1356
Explosive:
TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX
Firing Interval: 0 | 10 sec | 10 sec | 10 sec | 10 sec | 10 sec
Type Spread:
3/4°Div | 3/4°Div | 2½ L | 2½ R | 4° L | 4° R
Sea Conditions:
Force 1 sea, 7 knots wind from 110°(T)
Overhaul Activity: Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor.
Range:
2290 | 2250 | 2215 | 2175 | 2135 | 2100
Run:
2000 | 2000 | 1960 | 1940 | 1900 | 1890

. 28.

— page 38 —
CONFIDENT IAL
Subject:
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.
H. TORPEDO ATTACK (cont)
U.S.S. SEA DOG
Time: 2226 I
Description:
Ship(s) Sunk:
Ship Damaged or
Probably Sunk:
Damage Determined
by:
Torpedo Attack No. TWO
Patrol No. ΟΝΕ
Date: 10-28-44 Lat: 28-35 N Long: 131-28 E
One Nagato class battleship.
One battleship unidentified as to type.
A Fubuki class destroyer.

Target Draft: 33'
Course: 030° Speed: 22
Range: 2800 (at firing)
Own Ship Data
Speed: 4
Course: 320 Depth: 62 feet Angle: 0° (at firing)
Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type Attack:
Surface approach to range of 16,000 yards, radar depth to
range of 10,000 yards, then periscope approach until firing
range of 2,800 yards. Continuous periscope bearings set into
TDC and each zig of target carefully checked by periscope.
Ranges and bearings by periscopo checked well with TDC
generated ranges and bearings.

Target was unobserved from 1 minute after firing due to going
deep to avoid ramming by destroyer, and the misses may be due
to a zig towards after firing.

29.

— page 39 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.
H. ATTACK #TWO
Tubes Fired: | #6 | #5 | #4 | #3 | #2 | #1 |
Track Angle: | 90S | 93S | 95S | 97S | 100S | 102S |
Gyro Angle: | 341 | 346 | 350½ | 352½ | 000½ | 351½ |
Depth Set:(feet) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Hit or Miss: | Miss | miss | miss | miss | miss | miss |
Eratic: (Yes-No) | No | No | N o | No | No | No |
Mark Torpedo: | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 | 18-1 |
Serial No: | 54460 | 55734 | 55637 | 55631 | 56669 | 55382 |
Mark Exploder: | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 | 8-5 |
Serial N o: | 10070 | 10017 | 9056 | 9114 | 8873 | 9944 |
CONTACT
Mark Warhead: | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 | 18-2 |
Serial No: | 2102 | 3285 | 1852 | 1574 | 1412 | 2793 |
Explosive: | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX |
Firing Interval: | 0 | 10 sec | 10 sec | 10 sec | 10 sec | 10 sec |
Type Spread: | ½°Div | ½°Div | 1-3/4 R | 1-3/4 L | 2-3/4 R | 2-3/4 L |
Sea Conditions: Calm sea, 5 knot wind from 3300(T)
Overhaul Activity: Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor.
Range: | 3500 | 3410 | 3320 | 3235 | 3145 | 3060 |
Run: | 2800 | 2800 | 2770 | 2740 | 2730 | 2710 |

30.

— page 40 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.
H. GUN ATTACK
U.S.S. SEA DOG
Gun Attack No: ONE Patrol No: ONE
Time: 1230 I
Date: 10-10-44 Lat: 26-50 N Long: 127-30 E
Target Date -- Damage Inflicted
Sunk:
Damaged or
One small trawler loaded with oil drums. Extimated tonnage
Probably Sunk: 25 tons.
Damage Determined When last seen trawler had small fire aft and was dead in water.
By:

Details of Action
Thoroughly raked trawler with 500 rounds of 20 MM from a range of 500 yards.
About 100 hits, holing trawler repeatedly and starting a small fire aft.
Forced down by planes before we could sink trawler with 5" gun.

31.

— page 41 —
1
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.
I. MINES
No mining activity was observed.

J. ANTI SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASIVE TACTICS
Two radar planes were encountered on this patrol. The plane equipped with
radar that we encountered east of the Bonins was definitely making an approach
on us. The pip on the APR was about half saturation height and was steady.
Range of plane was 10 miles when sighted.

Nothing new was encountered in the depth charge department. The Japs still
seem to resort to area depth charging when no definite contact is made.

Our evasive tactics were to evade at 500 feet at 70 turns keeping the
escorts astern if possible.

K. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE
The risers on #7 main ballast tank continues to leak excessively at deep
submergence at the flanges. Tightening up of the securing bolts only caused the
flanges to leak more copiously on the next deep submergence. The gaskets will
be renewed at the next refit.

A great deal of trouble was experienced with leaks on the high pressure air
manifold. It is believed that monel metal inserts on the seats would be highly
beneficial.

The Neoprene packing on the periscopes is excellent. The periscopes train
easily and leak only slightly at periscope depth.

The roller track for the holding down rollers on the JK-QC sound gear car-
ried away at deep submergence on 22 October and the JK-CC sound gear was out
of commission for the rest of the patrol.

Port main motor circulating water system. Failure of a brazed joint at
the nipple where the port circulating water pump vent line joins the cross-
connection line necessitated securing the cooling water to the port main motors
for 3 hours while repair was affccted. The fracture was rebrazed with the ship's
small portable brazing and welding set.

Galley range. Burned out the holding coil on the starboard oven relay
(#G14P67). Rewound coil, and it burned out a second time on the finishing rate
of a charge. Also, the silver contacts in the thermostat fuzed together.
Rewound the coil, renewed the thermostat with a spare and had a recurrence of the
above failure on the finishing rate. Rewound the coil, repaired the thermostat
contacts, checked the circuit and placed in operation. Results satisfactory.
No explanation for the failure save excessive voltage on the finishing rate
combined with a defective holding coil.
The heat control on both ovens is so inaccurate that the ship's baker uses
the "hand-in-oven" method of temperature control.
32.
1
7

— page 42 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.

K. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (cont)
Master gyro compass. About the first day in the area, an erratic jerkey
motion developed in the follow-up head and was transmitted to all repeaters.
In making course changes to the left the head would stick from 3º to 5º and then
jump; operation was smooth in course changes to the right; accuracy was not
impaired. As repair meant disassembly of the sensitive element, no attempt
was made to remody the trouble.

The jerky motion grew slowly but progressively worse by the end of the patrol.
The follow-up head cought as much as 10º on certain headings, especially 120°T
and 270°T.

About the middle of the patrol, a second erratic motion, in addition to the
above, developed. This second difficulty was similar to trouble which occurred
enroute from the States to Pearl Harbor, and which was thought remedied prior
to departure on patrol. The single speed elements on all repeaters stick and
then jump about 3º during course changes. Vernier cards are not affected by
this second trouble. This erratic motion is due to the single speed repeater
transmitter brushers riding on the 'n lation between the sli- rings in the
single speed follow-up head.

In spite of the above difficulties, the compass remained accurate and
steering was not seriously impaired. No attempt was made to affect repairs
at sea. The ship will request a new compass at the coming refit period.

Top-side electrical circuits. During a deep dive, both side lights flooded
and salt water was forced back through the pressure-proof cables filling the
side light junction box in the Conning Tower. From this junction box, some water
was forced back through the feeder cable and into the running light fuze and
switch box in the Conning Tower.

As all running light fuzes had beon pulled before starting on patrol, no
ground was placed on the ship's circuits.

The fuze and switch box was thoroughly dried and the side light feeder
removed from the box. It will be necessary to renew all cable in the side
light circuits.

During the same deep dive, both the 1 MC and 7 MC pross-to-talk switch
boxes on the bridge flooded and salt water was forced back through the pressure-
proof cable filling the junction box in the Control Room. The bridge 1 MC and
7 MC systems wore out of commission for several hours. They were restored to
operation after much fast and furious drying on the part of the radio-technicians.
It will be necessary to renew the pressure-proof cable to restore reliable
operation.

L. RADIO
Radio recoption was complete and no serials were missed.
1
33.
7

— page 43 —
1
1
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.
M. RADAR
Operation of the SJ radar was excellent. Land was consistently picked up
at ranges of from 6,000 to 90,000 yards, large ships were tracked out to 31,000
yards and small craft to 19,000 yards. On large ships it was possible to lobe
switch at a range of 26,000 yards.

While on patrol a "Steerable Sweep" was installed on the P.P.I. This feature
proved very useful in obtaining good ranges on land which was outside of the
range on the range step. This was accomplished by putting the P.P.I. range selec-
tor switch on the desired sweep, depending upon the range of the land, cutting
in the "Steerable Sweep" and cranking the range unit until the indication on the
PPI was at the extreme outer edge of the screen. The measured range was then
the sum of the range read off the range unit and the length of the sweep selected
on the PPI. The "Steerable Sweep" was also used as an aid in identifying rain
squalls.

During this patrol the following troubles were encountered:
A 40 V ground developed in the training motor. This was cleaned by wash-
ing the motor out and drying it thoroughly.

The range step on the "A" scope appeared only intermittently. The range
unit sync pulse cable was found to be broken. When this was repaired operation
returned to normal.

Latter on the range scope sound 5UHG regulated rectifier tube burned out.

No focusing control on PPI. Found poor soldering connection to the
focusing coil. Resoldered the connection and operation returned to normal.

Lobe switching would not operate on certain bearings. Found contactors
worn and collector rings bent so that number 3 and number 4 ring were shorting
out on these bearings. Replaced contactors, straightened and cleaned collector
rings and lobe switching returned to normal operation.

Operation of the SD radar was satisfactory. The average range of initial
contact was 20 miles. However, the SD's inability to detect low flying planes
was demonstrated on several occasions. It is highly desirable that an aircraft
detection radar be developed which will overcome this failing of the SD.

No material failures were encountered.

IFF: No operational difficulties experienced.

RDB: The RDB was carried aboard but the opportunity to make use of it
never presented itself.
1
34.
7

— page 44 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.
M. RADAR (cont)
APR: The APR was manned continually while on the surface. Numerous contacts
were made, as reported in APR contact report. It is highly desirable that a
directional feature be incorporated into this equipment.
The only material difficulties experienced were the burning out of three
RMA 955 tubes in the TN-2 unit.
APR CONTACT LOG
Time Date | Position Freq. | PRF | Pulse Width | Antenna Rotation
0940K 9-22 | 28-28 N 243 | | | Weak
| 152-57 E | | |
1010 9-24 | 29-7 N 230 | | | weak
| 148-19 E | | |
1105 9-25 | 29-25 N 99 | 650 | 5 | strong random
| 144-29 E | | | |
1900 9-25 | 29-35 N 185 | | 7.5 | fairly random
| 142-46 E | | | strong |
0515 I 9-28 | 28-23 N 8 0 | | | weak random | Kakai or northern
| 130-24 E | | | | Amami
2100 9-28 | 28-21 N 80 | 450 | 40 | fairly random | Kakai or northern
| 130-24 E | | | | strong | Amami
1915 9-29 | 27-54 N 155 | 500 | 18 | strong random | Tojuno or southern
| 129-20E | | | | Amami
n
2115 9-29 | 27-47 N 132 | | | weak random
| 129-33E | | | |
0300 10-3 | 26-32 N 98 | 755 | 80 | strong ½ RPM | Okinawa
| 128-44E | | | | |
1915 10-3 | 26-20 N 98 | 755 | 80 | strong ½ RPM | Okinawa
| 128-20E | | | | |
0255 10-4 | 27-06 N 82 | | | weak random
| 128-57E | | | |
0240 10-6 | 27-10-N 89 | | | weak random
| 127-40E | | | |
0500 10-7 | 27-00 N 271 | | | very steady
| 127-44E | | | | weak
35.
1
7

— page 46 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.

M. RADAR (cont) APR CONTACT LOG
| Time | Date | Position | Freq. | PRF | Pulse Width |  | Antenna Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0515I | 10-17 | 29-10 N 127-47E | 230 | 1000-2000 | 2½ | strong | steady | Pulse rate varied from 1000 - 2000 |
| 1945 | 10-17 | 29-39 N 128-15E | 155 | 800 |  | weak | steady |
| 0500 | 10-18 | 29-06 N 127-49E | 155 | 600 | 15 | very weak | flashed twice | Approx PRF & PW since signal flashed on twice & disappeared |
| 0300 | 10-19 | 28-40 N 128-31E | 80 | 500 | 15 | strong | inter-mittent | Kikai er northern Amami |
| 0400 | 10-19 | 28-28 N 128-36E | 155 | 500 | 15 | strong | random | Amami |
| 1915 | 10-19 | 28-37 N 128-47E | 80 | 800 |  | very weak |  | Kikai or northern |
| 1915 | 10-19 | 28-37 N 128-47E | 155 | 500 | 15 | strong | random | Possibly Amami |
| 2130 | 10-20 | 29-33 N 129-30E | 80 |  |  | very weak | random | Possibly northern Amami |
| 0300 | 10-21 | 29-31 N 130-10E | 99 | 500 | 15 | weak |  |  |
| 1920 | 10-21 | 29-41 N 130-3 E | 153 | 500 | 15 | weak | steady | Possibly Nakano Shima |
| 0500 | 10-23 | 29-45 N 130-10E | 153 | 500 | 15 | weak | steady | Possibly Nakano Shima |
| 1900 | 10-23 | 29-36 N 130-12E | 153 | 500 | 15 | strong | steady | Possibly Nakano Shima |
| 0500 | 10-24 | 29-57 N 130-01E | 159 |  |  | very weak |  | 1/3 RPM Possibly Suwanose or Nakano |
| 1850 | 10-24 | 29-42 N 130-12E | 159 |  |  | very weak |  | 1/3 RPM Possibly Suwanose or Nakano |
| 1915 | 10-24 | 29-52 N 130-15E | 153 | 500 | 15 | strong | steady | Possibly Nakano Shima |

37.

— page 47 —
7
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.
7
M. RADAR (cont)
APR CONTACT LOG
Time Date | Position Freq. | PRF | Pulse Width | Antenna Rotation
21001 10-25 | 28-47 N 80 | 500 | 35 | weak | random | Kikai or northern Amami
| 130-03E | | | | |
0430 10-26 | 27-38 N 155 | 500 | 15 | weak | random | Tokuno or southern Amami
| 129-17E | | | | |
1850 10-26 | 27-30 N 153 | 500 | 15 | strong | 1/3 RPM |
| 129-13E | | | | |
2130 10-27 | 27-37 N 155 | 500 | 15 | weak | random | Tokuno or southern Amami
| 129-39E | | | | |
1125K 10-31 | 29-31 N 155 | 1000 | 15 | strong | steady | Aircraft sighted
| 146-25E | | | | | Mavis patrol bomber
1
0715 11-1 | 29-14 N All | varied | 5 | strong | steady |
| 151-51E | over | from | | | |
| | band | 50 to | | | |
| | from | 1500 | | | |
| | 80 to | | | | |
| | 250 | | | | |
下
38.

— page 48 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.
M. RADAR (cont) RADAR INTERFERENCE
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
Nature | Radar | Radar | Radar | Radar | Radar | Radar | Radar
Position: Lat | 27-15 | 27-03 | 2 7-10 | 27-10 | 27-15 | 27-16 | 27-06-
Position: Lon. | 128-38 | 129-04 | 129-04 | 128-44 | 128-44 | 127-48 | 127-55
True Bearing | 354 | 320 | C20 | 020 | 033 | 250 | 030
Width (degrees) | 30 | | | | | 20 | 20
Sweep rate | | | | 7 RPM | | |
Pulse rate | Approx | | varied | varied | varied | varied | varied
| 1500 cps | varied | | | to lock | |
| | | | | with | |
| | | | | ours | |
Type own radar | SJ-1 | SJ-1 | SJ-1 | SJ-1 | SJ-1 | SJ-1 | SJ-1
Mag tube | "AY" | "AY" | "AY" | "AY" | "AY" | "AY" | "AY"
Emanated from own | enemy | enemy | own | own | own | own | own
force or enemy | | | forces | forces | forces | forces | forces
Remarks | pulse wt | pulse wt | pos'bly | pos'bly | pos'bly | pos'bly | pos'bly
| about 4 | about 4 | STERLET | STERLET | STERLET | STERLET | STERLET
| times | times | | | | |
| that of | that of | | | | |
| SJ | SJ | | | | |
8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14
Nature | Radar | Radar | Radar | Radar | Radar | Radar | Radar
Position: Lat | 27-05 | 28-11 | 27-40 | 29-20 | 29-20 | 29-46 | 29-54
Position: Long. | 127-38 | 127-48 | 127-38 | 127-27 | 127-33 | 130-23 | 142-27
True Bearing | 050 | | 240 | | | 250 | 284
Width (degrees) | | | 10 | | | 10 | 20
Sweep rate | - | - | - | - | - | varied | -
Pulse rate | varied | varied | varied | varied | varied | to lock | varied
| | | | | | with ours |
Type own radar | SJ-1 | SD-4 | SJ-1 | SD-4 | SD-4 | SJ-1 | SJ-1
Mag tube | "AY" | | "AY" | | | "AY" | "AY"
Emanated from own | own | enemy | own | enemy | enemy | own | own
force or enemy | | | | | | |
Remarks | Pos'bly | Could not | | No contact and | Weak | Pos'bly |
| STERLET | get con- | | on APR. Pip ap'r'd | only | STERLET |
| | tact on | | on SD 15 | | |
| | APR. Interference | | minutes | | |
| | appeared only | | later | | |
| | occasionally | | 39. | | |

— page 49 —
1
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.

N. SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS
Sound conditions in general were poor in close to the beach. About 30 miles
from the island chain they were good.

O. DENSITY LAYERS
No marked density layers were encountered in the area.

P. HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY
Health in general was excellent.
Food was appetizing, varied, and well prepared. Cooks with a little imagin-
ation and enthusiasm for their job can surely improve the general food situation
on a submarine.
Habitability of the boat was good. The air conditioning booster installed
in the control room at Pearl greatly improved living conditions in the forward
battery and torpedo room.

Q. PERSONNEL
The performance of duty of all hands was up to the highest standards of
the Naval service. The lookouts especially showed the results of training at the
lookout school at Now London and I have never seen a better or more alert bunch
of lookouts.
School of the boat was held each day when possible. Unqualified men were
paired with qualified men. Qualified men from O, R. and S boats were required
to requalify. The quality of men in and being received in the submarine servico,
is certainly above average and their performance of duty prooves that our training
programs are of the highost order.
1. Number of men on board during patrol. 74.
2. Number of qualified men on board at start of patrol. 37.
3. Number of qualified men at ond of patrol. 57
4. Number of men making their first patrol. 47.
5. Number of men rated since commissioning. 15.

R. MILES STEAMED. FUEL USED
Baso to arca (Nansoi Shoto) | 4,096 | miles | 39,000 gallons
In arca | 4,964 | miles | 42,000 gallons
Arca to base (midway) | 2,900 | miles | 33,000 gallons
| 11,960 | | 114,000

S. DURATION
Days enroute to area 15
Days in arca 31
Days enroute to base 9
Days submerged 15

T. FACTORS OF INDURANCE REMAINING
Torpedoes | Fuel | Provisions | Personnel Factor
12 | 15,000 | 20 days | 10 days

U. RADIO AND RADAR COUNTERMEASURES
40.

— page 50 —
7
1
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) - Report of War Patrol Number ONE.
V. REMARKS
All of the torpedoes carried on this patrol were Mk 18-1 with Mk 8-5
exploders. Maintenance was in accordance with Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet
Pamphlet "Maintenance Instructions for Mk 18-1 Torpedoes Carried by Submarines
on War Patrol", except that specific gravity measurements of 3 pilot cells and
voltage tests for dead cells were made only before each third refrosher charge.

The number of days betwoon charges was adjusted as necessary to prevent a
drop in gravity of more than 16 points to insure runs of at least 3500 yards.
(Average temperature during the patrol was 80°F). Experience showed that an
8-day cycle was adequate. All charging was done between 1100 and 1700 whether
surfaced or submerged. In the forward room one tube torpedo and its two reloads
were charged at one time; in the after room one tube torpedo and its reload.
Tubo torpedoos wore pulled part way out of the tube and lashed down during charging.

At 1100 on 26 September 1944, on withdrawing torpedo #56124 from #1 torpedo
tube it was found to have suffered an explosion in the battery compartment.
There was a 75-volt ground and 52 cell ventilation caps were damaged. The ground
was casily reduced to zero by clearing away the debris and wiping down. Seven
of the damaged caps were repaired, 15 were replaced with spares and 30 replaced
with cundrums. The hydrogen burning circuit was not affected by the explosion
in any way and is still in use. No dead cells were found and the torpedo has
been normal in all respects thereafter

This torpedo had been charged at Subase Pearl on 9 September. It was next
charged by the ship on 16 September. (All torpedoes were charged on about that
dato to discover any troubles before departing Midway). To get started on the
desired routine, it was necessary to charge this torpedo again only two days
later--on 18 September. The handhole plates were replaced about 10-15 minutes
after completing the charge. The torpedo was then put back in the tube, venti-
lated with 225# air for 3 minutes, and the hydrogen burner turned on. Twenty-
four hours later it was again ventilated with 225# air for 3 minutes and venti-
lated every 48 hours thereafter until 25 September.

The time and cause of the explosion is not definitely known but it is
believed to have occurred on the 19th or 20th and to have been caused by exces-
sive hydrogen resulting from charging in too rapid succession.
1
下
41.

— page 51 —
FB5-201/A16-3
Serial: (081)
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED ONE jrw
Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California
6 November, 1944.
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
FIRST LADORSEMENT to
CO SEA DOG (SS401) Rept. of
1st War Patrol.
From:
To:
Via:
Subject:
1.
Commander Submarine Division 201.
Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) Commander Submarine Squadron 20.
(2) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet Subordinate Command,
Navy Number 1504.
(3) Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
(4) Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
U.S.S. SEA DOC (SS401), Report of War Patrol Number One,
Comments on.
The first war patrol of the U.S.S. SEA DOG covered a period of
54 days of which 31 wore spent on station or in the areas assigned along the
NANSEI SHOTO in the East China Sea. In spite of numerous air patrols the
area coverage was excellent as a result of frequently remaining on the surface.
Only two contacts wore made with surface ships worthy of torpedo fire and
both were aggressively attacked. On the first attack six torpedoes werec
fired at two overlapping, modium K's in a heavily escorted eleven ship convoy.
Loss of depth control prevented observation of the results but two and
possibly three timed hits which were followed by definite "breaking up"
noises indicate one ship was probably sunk and the other possibly damaged,
The second attack on 28 October, 1944 was a radar to periscope attack in the
moonlight on 2 BB's with a single destroyer escort. This was a "heart
breaker" as no hits were believed to have resulted from the six torpedoes
fired although the problem had been checking perfectly for ten minutes prior
to firing. The SEA DOG also damaged a small trawler with 20 MM fire and
was assigned a rescue, and interdeptor station during the 10 October 1947 air
strike on OKINAWA but no ships were encountered. It is deeply regretted
that this veteran submarine Commanding Officer was not afcorded more oppor-
tunities to demonstrate his proven effectiveness.
2.
ATTACK NUMBER ONE
On 22 October, 1944 while running submerged a convoy consisting of 11
ships with four or more escorts was sighted. When the range to two over-
lapping medium AK's in the starboard column had closed to 2200 yards, six
torpedoes were fired from the bow tubes on an average track of 80° port,
depth setting 6 feet, spread to cover 800 feet, Water taken in thru the
poppet valves caused a momentary loss of depth control and the results of
-1-
1
1

— page 52 —
FB5-201/A16-3
Serial: (081)
Q-Q-N-E-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject:
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED ONE
Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California
6 November, 1944.
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS401), Report of War Patrol Number One,
Comments on.
the firing were not observed. Two perfectly timed hits were heard however
and some stations reported hearing a third hit. Subsequently "breaking up"
noises and a loud explosion were heard in the direction of the targets and
it is felt by this command that at least one target sank and in addition the
second target may have been damaged.
After firing the bow tubes the SEA DOG planned to swing left and fire
the stern tubes, at any available target in the port column, but when depth
control was lost and the escorts were heard closing rapidly it was decided
to go deep and no stern shots were fired. During the next two and one half
hours 109 depth charges wore dropped and the SE DOG was prevented from making
further attacks on the convoy.

ATTACK NUMBER TWO
1
Two hours after surfacing on the night of 28 October, radar contact
was made at 27,000 yards on what turned out to be two BB's of the N..G.TO class
and one FUBUKI class DD making 22 knots. A radar to periscopo attack was
made in the bright moonlight and for ten minutes prior to firing the problem
checked perfectly. Six bow tubes were fired at the nearest BB, average tor-
pedo run 2750 yards, track 95 S, spread to cover 800 feet and depth set 10
fuet. The escort drove the SE. DOG down about one minute after firing and
during this interval target was not seen to change course. No timed hits
were heard and since the targets were still making 22 knots when SEA DOG
surfaced twenty six minutes later it is believed all torpedoes missed.
3.
GUN ATTACK NUMBER ONE
During the nir strike on OKINAW.. 10 October, 1944 while maneuvering
for a better position to intercept shipping fl.cing from that area, SEA DOG
sighted a small trawler carrying oil drums. Trawler was attacked with both
20 MM from a 600 yard range and fires were started aft. 500 rounds were fired
but when target did not sink, attempts were made to use the five inch gun to
finish him off. The breech block would not close however and when five fighter
planes showing the correct IFF began to close, SEA DOG started to dive. Five
light bombs were dropped but no damage was inflicted. It is believed probable
that these planes were friendly, Continued air activity prevented further
that these planes wore friendly. Continued air activity prevented further
gun action and when lost seen the trawler was dead in the water, afire aft.
No new anti-submarine measures were encountered. Two patrol
planes were definitely determined to be equipped with radar and aircraft
contacts were plentiful.
4.

-2-
1
7

— page 53 —
FB5-201/A16-3
Serial: (081)
Q-Q-N-F-M-DI[UNCLEAR: に]ード・T-I-A-L
Subject:

SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED ONE
Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
6 November, 1944.
U.S.S. SE DOG (SS401), Report of War Patrol Number One,
Comments on.

5.
Major Defects and Damage.

When MK 18-1 torpedo #56124 was withdrawn from #1 tube on 26 September,
1944 it was found to have suffered an explosion in the battery compartment.
By exercising rare ingenutiy, the torpedo force was able to repair the re-
sultant damage and place the torpedo in a serviceable condition. Maintenance
on all electric torpedoes was in accordance with Submarine Force Pacific Fleet
Instructions except that specific gravity measurements of 3 pilot cells and
voltage tests for dead cells were made only before each third refresher
charge. The time and cause of the explosion was not definitely known but
it was believed to have occurred on the 19th or 20th of September and to have
been caused by excessive hydrogen resulting from charging in too rapid success-
ion. These charges were put in incident to starting the regular patrol routine.
During the refit period further investigation will be made to ascertain if
possible the exact cause of the explosion.

The roller track for the holding down rollers on the JK-QC sound ge:.r
carried away at deep submergence on 22 October and as a result the JK-QC was
out of commission for the remainder of the patrol.

No other serious casualties occurred during the patrol and SE.. DOG will
be overhauled in the regular refit peri d when Minor material failures in the
gyro compass, galley oven, 1 and 7 MC systems, and topside electrical circuits
will be corrected.

6.
Attention is invited to the excellent SJ radar performance and
to the novel method used with the PPI in obtaining good ranges on land which
was outside the range on the range step.

7.
Upon arrival from patrol the SE.. DOG was exceptionally clean.
The spirit and health of both officers and men are excellent. Commander Submarine
Division 201 congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the
SEA DOG on the successful completion of their first patrol. It is recommended
that the SLA DOG be credited with inflicting the following damage to the enemy;

SUNK
1 AK (EU)
4000 tons
DAMAGED
1 Trawler
25 tons.
[SIGNATURE: D. L. WHELCHEL.C]
[SIGNATURE: D. L. Whelchel]

— page 54 —
FC5-20/A16-3
Serial: 0201
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
8 November 1944.
CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO SEA DOG Report of
FIRST War Patrol.
From:
To :
Via:
Subject:
The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY.
The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
Subordinate Command, Navy No. 1504.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific
Fleet.
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS401) - Report of FIRST War Patrol.
1.
Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of Commander
Submarine Division TWO HUNDRED ONE.
2.
The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY congratu-
lates the Commanding Officer, officers, and the crow of the SEA
DOG on the completion of an aggressive first war patrol and for
the damago which they inflicted on the enemy.

[SIGNATURE: L. S. PARKS.]

— page 55 —
```
CO:MANDER SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET,
SUBORDINATE COMMAND, NAVY NO. 1504.

/16-3
Serial: 0186
Care of Float Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
9 November 1944.

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

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. SEA DOG Report of
FIRST War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
Subordinate Command, Navy No. 150.

To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
      (2) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS401) - Report of FIRST War Patrol.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of Commander
Submarine Division TWO HUNDRED ONE and Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY.

[J. L. WILL]
```

— page 56 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)
Serial 02604
CONFIDENTIAL
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
FOURTH ENDORSELENT to
SEA DOG Report of
First War Patrol.
23 NOV 1944
COMSUBSPAC FATROL REPORT NO. 574.
U.S.S. SEA DOG - FIRST MAR PATROL.
From:
To :
Via:
Subject:
hch
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
22 November 1944
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS401) - Report of First War Patrol.
(13 September to 5 November 1944).
The first war patrol of the SEA DOG was conducted in
1.
the Nansei Shoto Area.
2.
The SEA DOG maintained excellent area coverage and ag-
gressively attacked the two contacts worthy of torpedo fire made dur-
ing the patrol. The second attack was made on what turned out to be
two battleships and a destroyer escort and was heartbreaking for the
SEA DOG since apparently all six torpedoes fired at one of the battle-
ships missed. Intense anti-submarine measures coupled with faulty
poppet valve operation after the first attack prevented observation
of results. What is felt to be good evidence, in the form of two and
possibly three hits in a medium AK followed by breaking up noises and
explosions, justifies the commanding officer's opinion that one ship
was definitely sunk, and it is possible that another was damaged. A
jammed breech block on the five inch gun prevented sinking of a small
trawler in an aggressively conducted gun attack.
3.
this patrol.
4.
Award of submarine Combat Insignia is authorized for
h
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this aggressive
first patrol. The SEA DOG is credited with having inflicted the
following damage upon the enemy during this patrol:

1 - Medium AK (EU)
1 - LIS (Trawler) (EC)
SUNK
- 4,000 tons (Attack No. 1)
DAMAGED
TOTAL SUNK AND DAMAGED
25 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)
4,025 tons
Distribution and authenti-
cation on following page.
C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.
-1-

— page 57 —
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
hch
FF12-10/A16-3(15)
Serial 02604
CONFIDENTIAL
FOURTH ENDORSEMENT to
SEA DOG Report of
First War Patrol.
COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 574.
U.S.S. SEA DOG FIRST WAR PATROL.
Subject:
-
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
22 November 1944
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS401) - Report of First War Patrol.
(13 September to 5 November 1944).
DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch
(7)
CNO
(5)
Cincpac
(6)
Intel.Cen. Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
Comservpac
(1)
Cinclant
(1)
Comsubslant
(8)
S/M School, NL
(2)
CO, S/M Base, PH
(1)
Comsopac
(2)
Comsowespac
-
(1)
Comsubsowespac
(2)
CTG 71.9
(2)
Comnorpac
(1)
Comsubspac
(40)
SUBAD, LI
(2)
ComsubspacSubordcom
(3)
All Squadron and Division
Commanders, Pacific
(2)
Substrainpac
(2)
All Submarines, Pacific
(1)
[SIGNATURE: E R. Hymes 2nd]
E. L. HYMES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.

— page 58 —
DECLASSIFIED
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401)
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.
5 February 1945
DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510/10
BY OP0910K [HANDWRITTEN: DATE 6/15/77]
From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401)
To: Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) Commander Submarine Division 282.
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron 28.
(3) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) Commander-in-Chief U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) Report of War Patrol Number TWO.
Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track chart (ComSubsPac only).

1. Enclosure (A) covering the second war patrol of this vessel,
conducted in the South China Sea area during the period 29 November
1944, to 5 February 1945, is forwarded herewith.

2. The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) was also
in command of a coordinated attack group including the U.S.S. GUARDFISH
(SS 217) and the U.S.S. SEA ROBIN (SS 407). No separate report is
submitted for this group since the only coordinated attack is covered
in SEA DOG report.

[SIGNATURE: V.L. LOWRANCE.]

FILMED
108867

— page 59 —
7

U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol Number TWO.

A. PROLOGUE

The U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) returned to Midway on 5 November 1944,
from first war patrol. An excellent refit was accomplished by the U.S.S.
PROTEUS. A four-day training period was conducted and five exercise
torpedoes were fired. Ready for sea on 28 November 1944.

B. NARRATIVE

29 Nov 44
0830 Y Underway from Midway with an air escort for second war patrol.

29 Nov to 1 Dec 44
Enroute rendezvous point.

1 Dec 44
1600 M Made rendezvous with the U.S.S. GUARDFISH and U.S.S. SEA ROBIN
at 23°N, 178°E. Received operation order from GUARDFISH. Oper-
ation order called for the above three boats to proceed to Convoy
College as a Wolf Pack with commanding officer of SEA DOG as group
commander. Underway at two engine speed enroute SAIPAN for fuel.
Formation in line of bearing normal to course, distance between
submarines 10 miles. Enroute held daily communication drills with
good. Communications were satisfactory. Held daily ship and fire
control drills.

8 Dec 44
0630 K Rendezvoused with escort, U.S.S. BOND (AM 52) and proceeded to
SAIPAN.

0700 K Escort had sound contact which he was unable to develop.

1052 K Moored outboard of U.S.S. SPEARFISH alongside U.S.S. FULTON.
Fueled to capacity.

1300 K Held conference with other boats and discussed and formulated
plans for coming patrol. Necessary to remain overnight to repair
SEA DOG hydraulic accumulator.

9 Dec 44
0400 K Air alert.

0420 K Secured air alert.

0932 K Underway for patrol area with U.S.S. BOND as escort.

1330 K Submerged for 15 minute trim dive.

1500 K Released escort.

Exchanged calls by SJ radar with other boats at hourly intervals
for practice.

1

— page 60 —
1
DECLASSIFIED
5 February 1945
From:
To:
Via:
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401)
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.
DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510/IC
BY OP0910K [HANDWRITTEN: DATE 6/15/72]
Commanding Officer, U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401).
Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) Commander Submarine Division 282.
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron 28.
(3) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) Commander-in-Chief U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject:
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) Report of War Patrol Number TWO.
Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track chart (ComSubsPac only).
1.
Enclosure (A) covering the second war patrol of this vessel,
conducted in the South China Sea area during the period 29 November
1944, to 5 February 1945, is forwarded herewith.
2.
The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) was also
in command of a coordinated attack group including the U.S.S. GUARDFISH
(SS 217) and the U.S.S. SEA ROBIN (FS 407). No separate report is
submitted for this group since the only coordinated attack is covered
in SEA DOG report.

V.L. LOWRANCE.

FILMED
108867
ד
1
7

— page 61 —
1
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol Number TWO.
10 Dec 44
1030 I Made fast trim dive as wedge on stern planes failed to drop out.
Corrected defect by using a fair-lead for lanyard on stern plane
wedge.
1234 I Submerged for unidentified plane at 8 miles. Looked like a NELL.
Held fire control drills.
1327 I Surfaced.
2000 I Number four main engine out of commission due to cracked roller
bearing in flexible coupling. The black gang did an excellent
job of renewing the bearing and the engine was in commission two
days later.
11 Dec 44
1330 I Submerged for trim and drills.
1430 I Surfaced.
2300 I SEA ROBIN reports radar contact.
12 Dec 44
0130 IMessage from SEA ROBIN that contact was friendly submarine.
1038 I Submerged.
1050 I Surfaced.
1339 I Submerged for drills and fire control problem.
1410 I Surfaced.
13 Dec 44
1518 I Submerged.
1538 I Surfaced.
1800 I Spoke HADDO via SJ radar.
2010 I Spoke GUARDFISH via SJ radar.
2208 H Made quick dive on SJ and APR contact on plane (153 MCs)
2233 H Surfaced.
14 Dec 44
0050 H Radar contact at 11,000 yards on three small craft close to BALINTANG
ISLAND. Speed 1 - 2 knots on various courses. Looked like patrol
craft. Sea force 4.
0400 H Arrived on station. SEA ROBIN 12 miles south of BALINTANG ISLAND
with SEA DOG and GUARDFISH 10 and 20 miles west of SEA ROBIN.
0500 H Submerged.
Visibility varied throughout the day but was good in the direction
of BALINTANG ISLAND. Nothing passed to the south or north during
the day.
2
7

— page 62 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol Number TWO.

25 Dec 44
0500 H Submerged for patrol. Numerous contacts reported in this spot.
Visibility excellent.

1830 H Surfaced.

2200 H Sent message to SEA ROBIN giving her permission to patrol western
portion of area.
16 Dec 44
0030 H Seas building up from NNE.

0500 H Submerged in a heavy sea. Depth control at periscope depth is
difficult. We will close CAPE BOLJEADOR tomorrow.

1835 H Surfaced. Seas heavy from NE. Sent message to SEA ROBIN to patrol
between BATAN and CALAYAN ISLANDS, GUARDFISH to patrol north and
east of the CAPE and SEA DOG to patrol off the CAPE for three days.
Unable to obtain navigational fix, position in doubt due to strong
currents in this vicinity. Unable to make a landfall during the
night.
17 Dec 44
0532 H Submerged. Seas still very heavy from NE. We are making periodic
observations from 50 - 55 feet by flooding negative to prevent
broaching.

1750 H Surfaced and obtained star fix. We are about 50 miles NW of CAPE
BOLJEADOR. During the night closed the coast.

18 Dec 44
0446 H Submerged. Heavy seas are making periscope patrol both difficult
and ineffective. Closed beach to 5,000 yards. Nothing sighted
during the day.

1800 H Surfaced. Seas still heavy from NE.
During the night sent message to SEGUNDO, SEA ROBIN, and GUARDFISH
giving patrol stations for the 20th.
19 Dec 44
0515 H Submerged.

1800 H Surfaced in a very heavy sea.

1900 H Took a big green one down the conning tower hatch. Numerous elec-
trical grounds. Prompt sounding of collision alarm prevented more
serious results. Obtained a good navigational fix.
20 Dec 44
0515 H Submerged on station.

1750 H Surfaced. Patrolled on station during the night. During the night
sent message to SEGUNDO to patrol at discretion and for GUARDFISH and
SEA ROBIN to patrol the traffic lane from PARCEL REEF to TAKAO.
SEA DOG will patrol the traffic lane on direct route between
HACCLESFIELD BANK and TAKAO.

3.

— page 63 —
1
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol Number TWO.
21 Dec 44
0500 H Submerged.

1805 H Surfaced.
22 Dec 44
0605 H Submerged.

1812 H Surfaced. Sent message to SEA ROBIN and GUARDFISH to patrol north
of 20°N and between longitude 113° - 116°W. This will cover the
reported traffic along the 100 fathom curve. SEA DOG to patrol
south of 20°N.
23 Dec 44
0556 H Submerged. Seas are calming. down.

1205 H Surfaced.
1610 H Submerged.

1810 H Surfaced.
24 Dec 44
0600 H Submerged.

1000 H Surfaced.
1330 H Submerged on radar contact at 10 miles and closing fast.

1410 H Surfaced.
25 Dec 44
1
0600 H Submerged.

0933 H Surfaced.
1300 H SD contact at 28 miles.

1615 H Submerged for Christmas dinner.

1825 H Surfaced.
26 Dec 44
0604 H Submerged.

1817 H Surfaced.
27 Dec 44
Received plane contact of convoy south of HAINAN on course 080°T.
The SEA ROBIN is in position to intercept if the convoy changes course
and goes north. On the assumption that he may stay on 080°T which
heads them for TAKAO we will attempt to intercept to the south. The
GUARDFISH is in position if convoy follows the 100 fathom curve.

0602 H Submerged.
'0850 H Surfaced.

0905 H SD contact at 8 miles and closing. Submerged.

0942 H Surfaced. SD contact at 14 miles which closed rapidly. Submerged.
4.

— page 64 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol Number TWO.
27 Dec 44
1016 H Surfaced.
1214 H On convoy's track to cover speeds from 7 - 11 knots. Submerged.
     Observation from 50 feet.
1803 H Surfaced and commenced closing coast of HAINAN. Received message
     from SEA ROBIN that she had made contact during the day with the
     north bound convoy in close to the beach of HAINAN but was forced down
     and unable to get in on convoy. Sent message to GUARDFISH to close
     the coast of HAINAN at discretion.
28 Dec 44
0615 H Submerged on the edge of the blind bombing zone.
0845 H Surfaced and closed coast. Seas are heavy from NE.
1000 H Submerged.
1410 H Surfaced.
1422 H Submerged.
1800 H Surfaced. Received message from SEA ROBIN that nothing passed along
     the coast today. Since he had the ST radar, I placed him closest
     to the coast where it could best be utilized in the daytime and
     especially since the periscopes have a tendency to fog up in this vicin-
     ity. Patrolled along the edge of the blind bombing zone during the
     night.
29 Dec 44
0547 H Submerged about 20 miles east of TINHOSA ISLAND. SEA ROBIN is 10
     miles inshore of us.
1539 H Sighted SEA ROBIN on the surface heading on a northerly course.
1752 H Surfaced and stood up towards FORMOSA on course 070°T to be in new
     area by midnight of the 31st.
30 Dec 44
0626 H Submerged for trim.
0714 H Surfaced.
1130 H Received report from China planes of large convoy sighted NE of
     HAINAN heading south at 10 knots. Sent message to pack to attempt
     interception. Unable to contact GUARDFISH. SEA ROBIN is about
     40 miles S' of us and in a good position to intercept. Underway at
     18 knots on course 240°T.
1753 H Sighted and sank a floating mine with 20mm. Lookouts are really
     on the ball now after seeing this healthy explosion.
1810 H SD contact at 18 miles. Submerged when range closed to 6 miles.

5

— page 65 —
7

CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol Number TWO.

30 Dec 44
1840 H Surfaced.

2345 Discontinued search for convoy, having covered speeds from 7 - 10
     knots and courses from 180° to 220°T.

2350 H SJ and SD contact on plane at 8 miles using 155 MCs radar.

     SEA ROBIN reports negative results from search and reports encounter-
     ing radar equipped plane south of SAMAH BAY. A little more later
     information from China planes would have greatly assisted in locating
     this convoy. Believe they may have gone west of HAINAN.

     Sent GUARDFISH message to patrol north of latitude 19°-30 in LEGJOINT.
31 Dec 44.
0503 H Submerged on edge of blind bombing zone.

1752 H. Surfaced.
1 Jan 45
0601 H Submerged.

0822 H Surfaced.

1109 H SD contact at 25 miles.

1113 H Another SD contact at 26 miles.

1255 H SD contact at 21 miles.

1320 H SD contact at 21 miles and closing rapidly. Submerged with range
     of 9 miles.

1410 H Surfaced.

2015 H Sent weather report to ComSubsPac.

2105 H Sent message to GUARDFISH to patrol east of longitude 115° in LEG
     JOINT, and SEA ROBIN west of 112° with SEA DOG patrolling between
     these two longitudes. I believe this disposition will give us the
     maximum coverage of the area and the most likely chance of a contact.
2 Jan 45
0400 H Received contact report from China plane of large north bound convoy
     leaving TOURANE. Patrolled on the surface normal to their course
     all day. Nothing sighted.

0800 H SEA ROBIN says small convoy anchored at TINHOSA ISLAND.

1011 H SD contact at 15 miles.

1057 H SD contact at 20 miles.

6

— page 66 —
CONFIDENTIAL
2 Jan 45
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol Number TWO.
1105 H SD contact at 9 miles closing. Submerged.
1205 H Surfaced.
1405 H SD and sight contact at 18 miles on Emily.
1412 H Submerged when plane turned toward us at range of 10 miles.
1455 H Surfaced.
1600 H Received message from GUARDFISH of contact on northerly course.
1700 H Submerged on sight contact with plane at range of 8 miles.
1745 H Surfaced.
2000 H Port reduction gear attached lub oil pump out of commission. Under
way on one shaft.
3 Jan 45
0500 H Received message of SEA ROBIN that she had contact with southbound
small convoy SE of HAINAN.
0600 H Submerged to repair lub oil pump. Unable to repair unless lying to
on the surface.
1622 H Completed repairs. Surfaced.
2102 H Closed two sailing junks.
2245 H Submerged with strong steady saturation pip on APR at 155 MCs.
2345 H Surfaced. Weak pip on APR.
2355 H Lost pip on APR.
4 Jan 45
0605 H Submerged.
0735 H Surfaced.
0736 H Submerged for SD and sight contact on EMILY at 6 miles.
0810 H Surfaced.
0835 H SD contact at 12 miles.
0847 H Submerged on sight contact with low flying MAVIS heading for us.
1024 H Heard weak explosion.
1305 H Surfaced.
7

— page 67 —
[HANDWRITTEN: T]
[HANDWRITTEN: 7]
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol Number TWO.

5 Jan 45
0633 H Submerged.

0930 H Surfaced.

1216 H SD contact at 12 miles closing. Submerged.

1415 H Surfaced.

1440 H Received message from SEA ROBIN of northbound small convoy off SIFA
     POINT.

1500 H Went ahead full speed to intercept convoy off TONKON POINT. Notified
     SEA ROBIN of this

1530 H Sank floating mine with 20mm. Loud explosion.

2017 H APR and SD contact. Dove with range of 10 miles and closing.

2055 H Surfaced.

2210 H Spoke SEA ROBIN via SJ. He furnished information that convoy had
     not passed TONKON POINT.

2313 H SD contact at 13 miles and APR contact.

2322 H SJ contact range 11,000 yards, bearing about 145°T. Started closing
     to investigate. Pips indicate targets are small. Plot shows them
     at 6 knots on course 040°T.

2340 H Received contact report from SEA ROBIN that she had same contact.
     We have 3 small targets bearing 120°T from us and 150°T from SEA
     ROBIN. Our radar now picked up 2 more pips, astern of this group,
     which appeared to be larger targets. This group about 4,000 yards
     astern and outboard of first group. Sent message that SEA DOG
     would take starboard flank. Intend to shoot at rear targets as we
     cross over. SEA ROBIN in good position to attack leading targets.

     Closed rear target to 2200 yards. He appeared to be a SC boat, too
     small for torpedoes. Sent message to SEA ROBIN asking if leading
     targets are torpedo targets. He replied in the affirmative. Told
     him to attack.

0109 H Heard two explosions from direction of targets.

0125 H Received message from SEA ROBIN that attack was completed and she
     wanted to attack again if we were not in position. Sent message
     for SEA ROBIN to attack since target group were now on course 310°T,
     having come left after the attack, placing SEA ROBIN in attack posi-
     tion and SEA DOG astern of them. Told SEA ROBIN to attack. We are
     doing full speed trying to work up the starboard flank for attack.

8

— page 68 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol Number TWO.

5 Jan 45 cont.
0200 H Picked up target which was the right rear ship and had evidently
stayed on a northerly course during the fracas. Started approach
on this target as the radar pip shows he may be a torpedo target.

0220 H Closing target to fire on a 90° starboard track, range 2,000 yards,
when target suddenly reversed course. We stop and get a set up for
an 80° port track. Then eased in to start firing. At range of about
1,400 yards when we were presenting a zero silhouette to target he
suddenly gave us a zero angle on the bow. Came left for stern tube
gave us a 15° starboard angle on the bow. Came left for stern tube
shots. Just as we were ready to fire, the target gave us a zero angle
on the bow and opened fire with his forward deck gun (about a 3" one),
so at--
0230 H With torpedoes set on six feet, we fired four at him down the throat,
for no hits while he fired six more rounds from his deck gun at us,
while we opened out to 5,000 yards.

The target was pinging and appeared to be a converted escort of from
750 - 1,000 tons.

Decided not to try any more torpedoes at this fellow since he is
probably a shallow draft vessel. The state of the sea does not allow
a gun action

Sent message to SEA ROBIN that the attack was completed and for him
to act at discretion. SEA ROBIN reported 2 hits in first attack and
none in second attack.

Received message from SEA ROBIN that he had made no further attacks
and was retiring with 3 escorts in hot pursuit. We stayed around
until SEA ROBIN pulled clear, then continued patrol since there are
only 4 small escorts left, none large enough for torpedoes.

6 Jan 45
0540 H Submerged.

1607 H Surfaced.

2140 H Spoke SEA ROBIN via SJ radar.

2231 H SD contact at 16 miles opening.
7 Jan 45
0616 H Submerged.

0830 H Surfaced. Surface patrol.

1030 H Sighted MAVIS, distance 6 miles. Submerged.

1120 H Surfaced.

1225 H SD contact at 18 miles.

9.

— page 69 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol Number TWO.
7 Jan 45
1450 H Sank floating mine by 20mm gunfire. Latitude 20°N, Longitude 112-39E.
2256 H APR contact and SD contact at 10 miles. Submerged.
2340 H Surfaced.
8 Jan 45
0618 H Submerged.
0815 H Surfaced. Surface patrol on the HONG KONG traffic route.
1200 H SD contact at 10 miles closing. Submerged.
1230 H Surfaced.
1355 H SD contact at 6½ miles, submerged.
1500 H Surfaced.
9 Jan 45
0624 H Submerged.
0815 H Surfaced.
10 Jan 45
0629 H Submerged.
0905 H Surfaced.
1026 H SD contact at 6 miles. Submerged.
1105 H Surfaced.
11 Jan 45
0315 H Spoke GUARDFISH via SJ.
0628 H Submerged.
0810 H Surfaced.
1350 H Submerged with SD contact at 6 miles.
1417 H Surfaced.
12 Jan 45
0631 H Submerged.
0845 H Surfaced.
0951 H SD contact at 15 miles.
1110 H SD contact at 12 miles. Submerged with range of 8 miles.
1201 H Surfaced.
10.

— page 70 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol Number TWO.

12 Jan 45
1215 H SD contact 11 miles.

1314 H SD contact at 10 miles. Submerged with range of 7 miles.

1352 H Surfaced.

1700 H Sank floating mine with 20mm gunfire. Latitude 20-26N, Longitude
        113-03E.

2120 H Sighted and tracked large properly marked hospital ship on course
        235°, speed 13 knots.
13 Jan 45
0642 H Submerged.

0712 H Surfaced.

0905 H SD contact at 18 miles.
14 Jan 45
        On life guard station.

0622 H SD contact at 26 miles.

1010 H Much radar interference to the south.

1031 H Submerged with SD contact at 6 miles. No IFF.

1050 H Surfaced.

1205 H SD contact at 12 miles. Friendly IFF.

1330 H SD contact at 10 miles. No IFF. Submerged with range of 8 miles.

1432 H Surfaced.

2132 H SD contact 16 miles. Friendly IFF.
15 Jan 45
0149 H Submerged on APR contact and SD contact at 9 miles and closing.

0240 H Surfaced.

0442 H SD and APR contact 155 MCs. Submerged with range of 8 miles.

0938 H Surfaced.

1015 H Submerged for 2 unidentified planes. Believe they were friendly
        fighters.

1115 H Surfaced.

1125 H Submerged when friendly plane became too inquisitive.

                                11.

— page 71 —
1
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol Number TWO.
15 Jan 45
1340 H Surfaced. Numerous SD contacts throughout the day.
16 Jan 45
On life guard station.
0637 H Submerged.
0834 H Surfaced.
1225 H SD contact at 14 miles. Submerged at range of 5½ miles.
1400 H Surfaced.
1424 H Submerged when SD contact closed to 6 miles.
1750 H Surfaced.
17 Jan 45
On life guard station.
0255H Spoke BLACKFISH.
0618 H Submerged.
0820 H Surfaced.
0845 H Submerged with SD contact at 6 miles.
0900 H Surfaced.
Departed area at sunset in accordance with orders.
18 Jan 45
0017 H Submerged with plane contact on SJ at range of 3½ miles.
0052 H Surfaced,
0337 H Submerged with plane contact on SJ at 4 miles.
0404 H Surfaced.
0602 H Submerged.
0955 H Surfaced. Plan to transit LUZON STRAIT on the surface in hopes of
sighting a target.
1304 H Submerged for SD contact at 6 miles.
1330 H Surfaced.
1450 H Submerged for SD contact at 8 miles, closing.
12.
1

— page 72 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol Number TWO.

18 Jan 45
1618 H Surfaced.

2015 H SD contact at 9,000 yards on friendly plane.
19 Jan 45
0910 H SD contact at 17 miles with friendly plane.

1256 H Submerged on sight contact with unidentified plane at range of 6 miles.
20 Jan 45
0624 H Submerged for SD contact that closed to 6 miles. No IFF.

0643 H Surfaced.

0830 H SD contact at 19 miles, friendly plane.
21 - 24 Jan 45
Enroute Guam, Uneventful.

25 Jan 45
0600 I Rendezvoused with U.S.S. DEMPSEY (DE 1026) and proceeded to GUAM
for fuel. We made initial radar contact on the DE at 22,300 yards
and he had initial radar contact on us at 22,000 yards.

1029 I Moored outboard of PIRANHA alongside of SPERRY. Transferred sixteen
Mark 18's to the tender. Fueled. Sent liberty sections ashore for
a beer picnic and the officers spent a most enjoyable night at Camp
Healey.

26 Jan 45
1000 I Departed GUAM with DE escort.

2300 I Released escort.
27 Jan 45
0500 I Investigated radar contact at 23,000 yards. Thought he was radar
picket boat but wanted to make sure.

0615 I Exchanged calls with radar picket vessel (a small seaplane tender).
It is suggested that this vessel be placed outside of radar range of
the commonly used submarine track to avoid any mistaken identity
and initiation of radio transmissions necessary when he is contacted
by radar.

1425 I Spoke RASHER.

1510 I Exchanged recognition signals with U.S. submarine.

1742 I Spoke BLOWER.
28 - 30 Jan 45
Uneventful.
31 Jan 45
1830 L Exchanged recognition signals with 3 friendly west bound submarines.
31 Jan - 3 Feb 45
Enroute Pearl.
4 Feb 45
0700 W Spoke TUNNY.

13.

— page 73 —
CONFIDENTIAL
5 Feb 45
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol "umber TWO.
0700 VW Met escort and proceeded to Pearl.

14.

— page 74 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol Number TWO.

C. WEATHER
The weather was consistently bad except for about three days in the
area. The seas were heavy from the Northeast and the sky was usually com-
pletely overcast. Wind was from the Northeast and varied between 10 - 30
knots.

D. TIDAL INFORMATION
This conformed closely to the pilot chart.

E. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
None sighted.

F. SHIP CONTACTS

No. | Time | Latitude | Type | Initial | Est course | How
| Date | Longitude | | Range | & speed | Contacted
1 | 1522 H | 19°-40 N | 3 escorts | 11,000 | Various | Radar
| 5 Dec 44 | 111°-15 E | 2 small AKs | yards | courses |
| | | or patrol | | 6 knots |
| | | craft | | | |
2 | 1320 H | 20°-20 N | AH | 23,000 | 235°T | Radar
| 12 Dec 44 | 113°-00 E | | yards | 13 knots |

15.

— page 75 —
7

CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol Number TWO.

G. AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
Contact Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Date 10 Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 27 Dec 27 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec
S
U Time (Zone) (H) 2034 2130 2100 1705 1742 0210 0800
B
M Position: Lat(N) 18-16 19-00 19-00 18-46 18-47 18-36 18-09
A Long(E) 140-50 114-00 113-08 111-36 111-37 111-45 110-39
R
I Speed 13 10 10 10 10 10
N
E Course 250 090 090 270 270 090

Trim surface surface surface surface surface surface surface

Min. since last 0 0
SD radar search
Number 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Type Nell - - - - - -
A
I Probable mission Patrol unk. unk. unk. unk. unk. unk.
R sight APR 155MC
C How contacted SD SD SD SD SD SD SD - SJ
R
A Initial range 12 10 28 8 14 18 8
F
T Elevation angle 5° - - - - - -
Range & rel bear - - - - - - -
of plane when it
detected S/M
Sea: (State(Beau) 3 5 5 5 5 5 5

(Direct. rel) 150 045 045 130 130 045 045

Visibility: (Mi.) 5 5 5 20 20 5 20
C
O (Height in ft) 3000 3000 2000 3000
N
D Clouds:(% o'cast) 50 100 100 90 90 100 100
I
T Moon: (Bear. rel)
I
O (Angle)
N
S (% illum.)

Type of submarine camouflage on this patrol: Light gray.

16.

— page 79 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol Number TWO
G. AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

- Contact Number - 29 - 30 - 31 - 32 - 33 - 34 - 35 -
Date 16 Jan 16 Jan 17 Jan 18 Jan 18 Jan 18 Jan 18 Jan

Time (Zone H) 2025 2224 1645 0817 1137 2104 2250
S
U Position: Lat(N) 22-10 22-00 22-08 21-14 20-49 20-02 20-00
B
M Long(E) 119-15 119-20 119-12 120-27 120-53 121-44 121-31
A Speed 5 5 15 13 13 13 13
R
I Course 0 55 055 135 135 135 135 135
N
E Trim surface surface surface surface surface surface surface
Min. since last
- radar search - 0 - 0 - 0 - - - - 0 - 0
Number 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
A
I Type - - - - - - -
R Probable mission unk unk unk unk unk unk unk
C
R contacted SD SD SD SJ SJ SD SD
I
F range 14 6 6 3½ 4 6 8
Elevation angle - - - - - - -
Range & rel bear
of plane when it
- detected S/M - - - - - - -
Sea State (Beau) 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
C
O (Direct(rel) 345 345 265 265 265 265 265
N
D Visibility:(Mi) 5 5 10 10 10 3 3
I
T (Height in ft) 3500 3500 4000 4000 4000 3500 3500
I
O Clouds:(% o'cast) 100 100 70 70 70 90 90
N
S Moon:(Bear (rel)
(Angle)
(% illum)
- Type of submarine camouflage on this patrol: Light gray.

20.

— page 81 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol Number TWO

H. ATTACK DATA

U.S.S. SEA DOG Torpedo Attack No. ONE Patrol No. TWO
Time: 0230 (I) Date: 6 Jan 1945 Lat: 19-45 N Long: 111-35 E
Target Data -- Damage Inflicted
Description: 3 escorts, 2 small AK's or patrol craft.
Ships sunk: None
Ships damaged: None
or Probably sunk:
Damage
determined by: --
Target draft: 6 feet Course 080°T Speed: 6 knots Range: 2300 (at firing)
Own Ship Data
Speed: 12 knots Course: 130°T Depth: Surface Angle: 0 (at firing)
Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type attack: Night surface radar.
Tubes fired: #7 #8 #9 #10
Track angle: 5°S 4°S 3°S 4°S
Gyro angle: 47°L 43°L 39°L 39°L
Depth set: 6 feet 6 feet 6 feet 6 feet
Hit or Miss: Miss Miss Miss Miss
Erratic: No No No No
Mark Torpedo: 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1
Serial No.: 55587 55304 56450 54344
Mark Exploder: 8-5 8-5 8-5 8-5
Serial No.: 10185 9979 10125 9607
Mark Warhead: 18-2 18 18-2 18-2
Serial No.: 3403 2129 2677 3445
Explosive: TPX TPX TPX TPX
Firing interval: 0 10 sec 10 sec 10 sec
Type Spread: 0 0 ½ Div ½ Div
Sea conditions: 4 4 4 4
Overhaul Activity: Submarine Base, Midway.

Remarks: Speed settings used were in accordance with ComSubsPac's
Serial 49 Mike, dated 9 November 1944.

Fired 4 torpedoes at shallow draft escort vessel with
torpedo run of 2,000 yards with negative results. At
same time escort vessel was firing his forward deck gun
at us.

22.

— page 82 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol Number TWO.

I. MINES

Sank four floating mines in the vicinity of 20° N, 113° E.

J. ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS.

Gunfire from escort vessel was only anti-submarine measures encountered
except night flying radar equipped planes.

K. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

On 7 December 1944, #4 main engine vertical drive lower roller
thrust bearing (Symbol SKF 22320, Pc. No. 17; FM Drg No. MA-AFB-2435E,
BuShips Drg. No. 81221-S41-124) and #4 main engine vertical drive lower
ro ler bearing (Symbol SKF NFM 110; Pc. #16; FM. Drg. No. MA-AFB-2435E,
BuShips Drg. No. 81221-S41-124) failed. These bearings were renewed by the
ships force from spare parts carried on board and #4 main engine placed
back in commission on 10 December.

On 3 January 1945, a noise was detected in the port reduction gear
attached lube oil pump. The port shaft was put out of commission and the
attached pump upper roller bearing (Symbol MRC 309 K/ Pc. No. 193/
W.E.& M. Co. Drg. No. 30-J-287, B uShips Drg. No. SS228-S42-81) was found
to contain foreign particles of metal imbedded in the outer race. This
bearing was renewed by the ship's force from spare parts carried on board
and the attached pump and port shaft put back in commission on 4 January.

L. RADIO

Radio reception in general was good in the area except between 2000
and 2200 GCT where the fox schedule would fade out.

It is suggested that the replacing of the RAK with an RAL receiver
would prove of value in guarding the frequencies assigned, i.e.: lifeguard,
wolf pack, China, and the submarine Fox.

M. RADAR

SJ: Operation of the SJ was satisfactory in all respects. Contact
was made on submarines and patrol vessels at ranges of from 10,000 to 15,000
yards, depending on the condition of the sea.

The SJ also served as a good aircraft detector with planes being
contacted at an average range of 10,000 yards and on one occasion at 25,000
yards.
Successful use was made of the gear as a means of communications with
the other boats of the wolf pack and with other friendly submarines en-
countered.

In view of the trouble encountered by the BARB on her patrol
the SJ was operated for two minutes out of every four minutes in an attempt
to make it more difficult to home on.

23

— page 83 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol Number TWO.
M. RADAR cont.

The following maintenance troubles were encountered:
(1) 5U4G rectifier tube in "B" unit of regulator rectifier burned out.
(2) 5D21 modulator tube failed and was replaced.
(3) Transmitter pulse kept changing shape. Checked in Saipan and
    found paint around frame of polystyrene window in antenna head.
(4) Receiver became weak. Replaced V-7 (6AG7) video amplifier tube
    in receiver-indicator.
(5) Focusing and intensity controls lost effect on "A" scope.
    Replaced 5HP1 cathode ray tube.
(6) Range step commenced jittering. Replaced V502 (6SN7) in range
    unit.

SD: The SD was keyed for five seconds out of every thirty seconds
while operating on the surface during daytime. In general, operation was
satisfactory with an average of 16 miles for initial contact. However, the
SD is still as vulnerable as ever to low flying planes.

The following difficulties were encountered:
(1) Sweep shortened. Found C-271 in circuit of V211 to be defective.
(2) Lost intensity and focus control on scope. Replaced 905A cathode
    ray tube.

IFF: The BN and the ABK operated satisfactorily without any failures
being encountered. However, considerable trouble was experienced with planes
giving us the correct IFF response and triggering our ABK that continued
to close in causing us to dive. It is obvious that some better means of
identification is necessary for the protection of our submarines from our
own planes.

APR: The APR was used to great advantage during this patrol. Upon
making a contact, the SJ and SD were secured to prevent any attempt to home
on them. However, if the contact on the APR became strong and steady,
both the SJ and the SD were manned to determine his range.

The only objection to the APR is its inability to cover its frequency
range fast enough. It would be a great advantage if a panoramic adapter
could be installed during this refit.

The following maintenance troubles were encountered:
(1) During heavy seas water was taken down the hatch, thoroughly
    wetting the APR. Operation was faulty until the entire unit was
    dried out, cleaned and the 955 amplifier tube and 1N21 crystal
    in the TN-2 dried out.
(2) The general operation became poor and V201 in the power supply
    was found to have failed.
(3) Operation with the TN-2 was erratic and it was found that the
    lead on P501 was broken off and the plug very loose. P501 was
    replaced and operation became normal.
Interference: The only interference encountered on the SJ was that
from friendly submarines. Several times typical "mouse under the rug"
interference patterns were encountered on the SD but nothing ever came of it.

24

— page 84 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) War Patrol Number TWO

M. RADAR contacts.

APR CONTACTS
Time | Date | Position | Freq | PRF | Pulse width | Remarks
| | | | | Micro-sec |
1720 | 3 Dec | 21-22 N | 200 | 1500 | 12 | Weak
| | 168-13 E | | | |
1730 | 4 Dec | 20-55 N | 200 | 1500 | 12 | Weak
| | 168-36 E | | | |
0155 | 8 Dec | 16-27 N | 210 | 500 | 3 | Random rotation
| | 166-24 E | | | |
2428 | 8 Dec | 16-42 N | 115 | 1500 | - | Weak, random rotation
| | 166-42 E | | | |
1445 | 9 Dec | 16-46 N | 175 | 200 | 12 | SD contact 15 miles
| | 164-45 E | | | |
1630 | 9 Dec | 15-58 N | 107 | 750 | 12 | Weak, rotating ½ rpm
| | 164-27 E | | | |
1940 | 9 Dec | 16-17 N | 175 | 200 | 8 | Steady, weak
| | 164-51 E | | | |
2115 | 13 Dec | 13-08 N | 153 | 400 | - | Weak
| | 123-09 E | | | |
2145 | 13 Dec | 13-06 N | 153 | 1000 | 10 | Weak, acted like plane trying
| | 122-58 E | | | | to make contact.
2200 | 13 Dec | 13-06 N | 153 | 1000 | 10 | Strong and steady. SJ contact on
| | 122-58 E | | | | plane at 12,600 yards. Secured SJ.
| | | | | | Dove when signal reached saturation
| | | | | | Very weak, rotating 1/3 rpm.
2345 | 29 Dec | 19-00 N | 103 | 100 | - | Very weak, rotating 1/3 rpm.
| | 111-46 E | | | |
0115 | 31 Dec | 18-14 N | 190 | 1000 | 12½ | Steady for short time and
| | 110-30 E | | | | disappeared.
2145 | 3 Jan | 20-38 N | 165 | 400 | 7.5 | Fairly weak, rotating about 2 rpm.
| | 111-19 E | | | |
2000 | 5 Jan | 19-56 N | 175 | 230 | 7.5 | Steady and strong. SD contact
| | 111-36 E | | | | 19 miles, closing.
2230 | 6 Jan | 18-59 N | 525 | 350 | 3.5 | Possibly ASB. SD contact 20 miles.
| | 111-38 E | | | | Turned on ABK and he turned
| | | | | | away. No response from him.
2300 | 7 Jan | 20-36 N | 525 | 350 | 3.5 | Possibly ASB. Received friendly
| | 113-39 E | | | | IFF. He triggered our ABK.
| | | | | | Closed to 8 miles and we dove.
0110 | 8 Jan | 20-48 N | 257 | 1000 | - | Weak, SD contact at 28 miles.
| | 114-21 E | | | |
2130 | 14 Jan | 22-00 N | 525 | 350 | 3.5 | Possibly ASB, received friendly
| | 118-44 E | | | | IFF.
2400 | 14 Jan | 22-03 N | 220 | 60 | - | Very weak
| | 118-54 E | | | |
0140 | 15 Jan | 22-08 N | 525 | 350 | 3.5 | Pos ASB. SD closing. No IFF. ABK
| | 119-00 E | | | | triggered. Closed and we dove.
0445 | 15 Jan | 22-07 N | 160 | - | - | SJ contact 15,000 yards
| | 119-05 E | | | |
1015 | 15 Jan | 21-57 N | 525 | 350 | 3.5 | Pos ASB. Several SD contacts.
| | 119-10 E | | | | Friendly IFF. Closed 8 mi, dove.
2045 | 17 Jan | 21-38 N | 525 | - | - | Weak, disappeared.
| | 120-03 E | | | |
2220 | 17 Jan | 21-27 N | 175 | about | - | Weak
| | 120-15 E | | 300 | 25. |

— page 85 —
FB5-43/A16-3
Serial: (04)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO, USS SEA DOG (SS401) Conf.
Ltr. (No file number) dated
5 February 1945

SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY THREE

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
7 February 1945

From: The Commander Submarine Division FORTY THREE.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS401) - Report of War Patrol Number Two -
Comments on.

1. The Second War Patrol of the U.S.S. SEA DOG was conducted in the
South China Sea area from 29 November 1944 to 5 February 1945. The Commanding
Officer of the U.S.S. SEA DOG, Commander V. L. Lowrance, U. S. Navy, was in
command of a coordinated attack group including the U.S.S. GUARDFISH and U.S.S.
SEA ROBIN. Thirty four days were spent in the assigned area, during which
excellent coverage was maintained despite numerous aircraft contacts. Ship
contacts were meager due undoubtedly to the activities of our surface units
during this period.

2. Contact reports were received on several convoys which could
not be located. SEA ROBIN made contact with one convoy but was unable to
attack.

3. On 5 January 1945 SEA DOG and SEA ROBIN made contact with a
small convoy. SEA ROBIN made two attacks from port flank, the first resulting
in two hits. Second attack was not successful. SEA DOG made a very aggressive
approach on what was later determined to be a small anti-submarine vessel of
750 - 1000 tons. A set up for bow shots was frustrated when target reversed
course but clever maneuvers gave possibilities for a stern tube attack but this
was frustrated also when target presented zero angle on the bow and opened fire
with a three inch gun. In spite of gunfire, SEA DOG fired four torpedoes down
the throat, and then retired on the surface. No hits were obtained.

4. Two days were spent in life guard duty. Several floating mines
were sunk by gunfire.

5. SEA DOG returned from patrol in good material condition and was
very clean. Four main engines will be overhauled and all alterations for which
material is available will be accomplished in a normal refit period.

6. The Commanding Officer, officers, and crew are congratulated on the
completion of this arduous patrol. It is regretted that scarcity of targets
prevented this veteran submarine commander from turning in his usual outstanding
results in damage inflicted upon the enemy.

[SIGNATURE: H C White]
D. C. WHITE.

— page 86 —
[HANDWRITTEN: T]
[HANDWRITTEN: 1]
SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California.

FC5-4/A16-3

Serial: 0127
9 February 1945.

C O N F I D E N T I A L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS SEA DOG (SS401) Re-
port of Second 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, U.S. PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS401) - Report of Second War
Patrol.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the Com-
mander Submarine Division FORTY-THREE.

2. The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR congratu-
lates the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the U.S.S. SEA
DOG upon completion of this long and arduous patrol.

[HANDWRITTEN: J. D. O'Regan]
V. O'REGAN.

— page 87 —
[HANDWRITTEN: ┌]
[HANDWRITTEN: ┬]
[HANDWRITTEN: ┐]

. SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

No abnormal sound conditions were encountered. While in deep water
sound conditions were good and while in shallow water sound conditions
were bad due to bottom noises.

Operation of the sound gear was satisfactory with the following
troubles being encountered:
(1) A 135V ground appeared in the JK training circuit. The trouble
was found in the motor-generator indicator light circuit.
(2) Fathometer operation became very poor. Renewed two 6C6 amplifier
tubes in the receiver. The argon protector lamp, V2-2B, was
faulty and caused bad operation on "shoal" scale. It was replaced
and operation returned to normal.

O. DENSITY LAYERS.

Conformed to those previously reported in this area.

P. HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY.

The food was adequate and well prepared. The health of the crew
was excellent. Towards the end of the patrol there was a noticeable
increase in fatigue in evidence.

Q. PERSONNEL

The performance of duty of all hands was highly satisfactory.
Number on board during patrol - 74
Number qualified at start of patrol - 53
Number qualified at end of patrol - 66
Number making first patrol - 3
Number men rated during patrol - 17

R. MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED

Base to area | 4,055 miles | 43,000 gallons
In area | 5,720 miles | 61,000 gallons
Area to base | 5,300 miles | 57,000 gallons

S. Days enroute area - 16 | Days in area - 34
Days enroute to base - 19 | Days submerged - 10

T. FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

Torpedoes | Fuel | Provisions | Personnel factor
20 # | 10,000 gal. | 20 days | 10 days

U. RADIO AND RADAR COUNTERMEASURES

26.

[HANDWRITTEN: ┌]
[HANDWRITTEN: ┬]
[HANDWRITTEN: ┐]
[HANDWRITTEN: ─]

— page 88 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET [HANDWRITTEN: Soy]
Serial 0228 mr.
Care of Fleet Post Office,
CONFIDENTIAL [HANDWRITTEN: 19 FEB 1945] San Francisco, California,
15 February 1945
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
the DOG Report of DESTROYED PRIOR TO
Second War Patrol. ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 663
U.S.S. SEA DOG - SECOND WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS401) - Report of Second War Patrol
(29 November, 1944, to 4 February, 1945).

1. The second war patrol of the SEA DOG was conducted in
the South China Sea areas. The SEA DOG, along with the U.S.S. GUARD-
FISH (SS217) and the U.S.S. SEA ROBIN (SS407), formed a coordinated
attack group with the commanding officer of the SEA DOG, Commander
V. L. Lowrance, U.S. Navy, as the group commander.

2. This group maintained thorough area coverage, but con-
tacts were very scarce. The SEA DOG made only one contact, a convoy
of small ships. An aggressive, down-the-throat attack on one of the
escorts of this convoy failed due to the state of the sea and shallow
draft of the target.

3. Award of Submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol is
not authorized.

DISTRIBUTION: J. H. BROWN, Jr.,
(Complete Reports) Deputy ComSubspac.
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
JICPOA (1)
AdICPOA (1)
Conservpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Consultant (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
CO, S/M Base, PH (1) All Squadron and Div. [HANDWRITTEN: (2)]
S/MBase (2) Commanders, Pacific [HANDWRITTEN: (2)]
Comsowespac (1) Substrainpac [HANDWRITTEN: (1)]
Comsubswespac (2) All Submarines, Pacific [HANDWRITTEN: (1)]
CTG 71.9 (1)
Comnorpac (2) [SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes]
Comsubspac (3)
ComsubspacAd (20) E. L. HYNES, [HANDWRITTEN: 2nd],
SUBAD, MI (2) Flag Secretary.
ComsubspacSubordcom (3)

— page 89 —
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL] (struck through)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: AUTHORITY NARA, NND 735010]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY 0109MR DATE 7/13/72]
7

From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401).
To: Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) Commander Submarine Division 282.
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron 28.
(3) Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
(4) Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. SEA DOG, Report of War Patrol number THREE.
Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track Chart (to ComSubPac only).
1. Enclosure (A), covering the third war patrol of this
vessel conducted off northern Nanpo Shoto, Tokyo Bay, and east coast
of Kyushu from 11 March 1945, to 27 April 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: Earl T. Hydeman]
EARL T. HYDEMAN.

[STAMP: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 121975]

— page 90 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SEA DOG, Report of War Patrol number THREE

(A) PROLOGUE

Arrived Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H., from second war patrol on
5 February 1945, and commenced refit by Submarine Base and Submarine Division
FIFTY-THREE relief crews. Major items accomplished were: Overhaul of all main
engines, treatment of main storage battery for excessive perchlorates, cleaning
and re-coating all variable and fresh water tanks, and installation of 40mm gun
in high position forward. Completed refit on 21 February; the major por-
tion of the materials for this installation arrived from the mainland on 25 Feb-
ruary and was completed 27 February. On 26 February, Commander Earl T. HYDEMAN
relieved Commander V.L. LOHRANCE as commanding officer. Commenced training 28
February, completed 8 March. This period was most beneficial, although weather
caused cancellation of life guard exercises, one battle surface torpedo firing and two
torpedo firings, that time was utilized for additional practice approaches.
Fired seven torpedoes, two battle surface firings at towed target and one gun
firing at moored target.

Loaded 9 and 10 March. Readiness for sea date 11 March 1945.

(B) NARRATIVE

List of officers and chief petty officers aboard:

Name | Rank or Rate | File or | No. previous
| | Service No. | War Patrols
Hydeman, Earl T. | Commander | 71359 | 1
Lynch, James P. | Lieutenant | 100445 | 6
Brown, William S. | Lieutenant | 123669 | 1
Hindert, Edward M. | Lieutenant | 139606 | 3
Thomas, Frank L., Jr. | Lieutenant | 165329 | 2
Reed, Kelly B. | Lieutenant | 128280 | 2
Hinchey, John F. | Lieut(jg) | 140503 | 3
Argo, Wesley B. | Lieut(jg) | 270598 | 2
Duckworth, Edward W. | Lieut(jg) | 109079 | 0
Schwind, William F. | Ensign | 312734 | 1

Batson, Lynn Arval | CMOMM(AA)(T)(SS) | 262 40 26 | 11
Dell, Andrew Francis | CTM(T)(SS) | 243 46 73 | 8
Greer, Clyde Moss | CCS(AA)(T)(SS) | 262 53 05 | 2
Heiden, Walter George E. | CEM(AA)(T)(SS) | 299 91 15 | 6
Kime, Clyde Faymond | CEM(AA)(T)(SS) | 311 46 01 | 8
Lewis, Lester Beale | CTM(AA)(T)(SS) | 234 24 74 | 9
Stiles, Thomas Raymond | CPhM(T)(SS) | 360 09 61 | 5

11 Mar, 1325(VW) Underway from Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H., for third war
patrol, with orders to proceed via Midway to vicinity of Tokyo Bay for
offensive patrol and lifeguard duty.

1605 Made trim dive.

1.

— page 91 —
7

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401), Report of War Patrol number 3

1630 Surfaced.
1945 Released escort.

12-14 Mar Enroute Midway, conducting training dives and drills.

15 Mar, 0615(Y) Rendezvoused with Midway plane escorts.

0839 Moored in berth S-8, Midway. PELIAS and SubDiv 321 personnel turned to,
     performed miscellaneous repairs. Received fuel, water, and battery water
     to capacity.

1545 Underway from Submarine Base, Midway; proceeded to assigned patrol area
     at two-engine speed, 15 knots.

16 Mar Dropped this date from calendar on crossing International Date Line.

17-21 Mar Underway enroute area conducting daily dives and drills. On 19 and 20
     March ran through a typhoon, which necessitated slowing down considerably.
     1200 Positions: 17 Mar (M) Lat 29-16N Long 177-56E
                  18 Mar (M) Lat 30-43N Long 172-26E
                  19 Mar (L) Lat 32-00N Long 167-09E
                  20 Mar (L) Lat 32-17N Long 164-07E
                  21 Mar (L) Lat 32-39N Long 159-14E

22 Mar, 1200(K) Position Lat 32-42N, Long 153-01E.

1530 Made training dive, held drills.

1600 Surfaced.

2130 Received ComSubPac serial eleven assigning position for lifeguard work the
     night of 24 March. Acknowledged with SEA DOG serial two. Increased to
     three-engine speed.

23 Mar, 0620(K) Made trim dive.

0635 Surfaced.

1200 Position Lat 32-14N, Long 147-25E. During the day it was necessary to slow
     from 16 knots for several hours due to somewhat heavy seas. Made three-
     and four-engine speeds when possible in order to reach assigned station
     on time.

24 Mar, 1200(K) Position Lat 31-06N, Long 141-45E. Making three- or four-engine
     speed as permitted by weather during the day, enroute lifeguard station
     (due at midnight, K time).

2315 APR contact, Jap aircraft frequency.

2320 Sighted running lights of a plane 3 miles ahead, crossing bow. One SD
     contact at 3 miles, many more at 6 to 20 miles. At this time APR indicated
     the Jap plane secured his radar. (The SD is keyed irregularly twice each
     minute when in use).

2.

— page 92 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) Report of War Patrol number 3.

2330 Sighted plane (burning running lights) 1½ miles astern, low, angle on bow
     zero. Dived since this was a flying boat and our dumbo plane cover (a B-29)
     was not due for two hours and no contact had been made with him on lifeguard
     frequencies. We are about 15 miles short of assigned lifeguard station.

25 Mar, 0115(K) Surfaced and proceeded to lifeguard station; arrived at 0200.
     During previous hour had been held down by the plane. No pertinent infor-
     mation was received over lifeguard frequencies for the remainder of the
     night; none was able to establish communications with our dumbo cover,
     who was due over us at 0130; called him briefly on three occasions. Had
     contact on him many times on SD, however. Sighted several of our planes
     returning home from the raid, and had SD contact on many more of them.
     Heard RONQUIL and her dumbo talking on one occasion.

0400 Set clocks back to Item time, which is the time used hereafter unless
     otherwise noted.

0540 Almost seven hours since our planes were over their target; no information
     received of any planes down. Dived for submerged patrol, on western side
     of Nanpo Shoto chain south of Aoga Shima. Surfaced during the morn-
     ing to increase radius of search and get sun sights. Had APR contacts on
     both occasions and SD contact (15 miles, closing) as we dived the second
     time.

1200 Position Lat 32-07N, Long 139-30E.

1855 Surfaced. Hereafter, no attempt is made to record all APR contacts
     encountered, since they were quite numerous. Set course to make a sweep
     to northwestward, planning to change course to northeast at midnight and
     close Hachijo Jima for submerged patrol off that island tomorrow. How-
     ever, at

2345 Received orders to proceed to new lifeguard station about 280 miles to
     southwest; set required course at 2-engine speed to arrive by 0700(I) on
     27 March, as ordered.

26 Mar Running on surface to new lifeguard station.

0715 SD contact 6 miles. Dived.

0810 Surfaced.

1130 Sighted an overturned boat, position Lat 31-29.1N, Long 136-27.5E. In-
     vestigated briefly and proceeded. Had a plane on SD radar at the time.

1139 Plane commenced to close. Dived.

1200 Position Lat 31-32N, Long 136-53E.

1250 Surfaced.

3.

— page 93 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) Report of War Patrol number 3.

1700 Received ComSubPac serial 37 organizing Earl's Eliminators composed of
     SEA DOG, TRIGGER, and THREADFIN, and ordering the pack to new positions.
     SEA DOG point is about 120 miles westward. Set required course at full
     power, acknowledged with SEA DOG serial three, and sent patrol instructions
     to pack. No receipt from TRIGGER.
27 Mar, 0105 Commenced a successful APR-SD bout, of one-hour duration, with a night
     flying plane using 153mc radar. Managed to keep track of him well by key-
     ing SD cautiously. Bright moonlight night. Slowed ship's speed at times
     during this period to reduce wake.
0330 Arrived new station, commenced patrol on easterly and westerly courses.
0535 Dived on station, commenced submerged patrol. Surfaced twice during the
     day for short period.
1200 Position Lat 31-08N, Long 132-57E.
1910 Surfaced.
2145 SJ contact on aircraft at 6800 yards. Dived.
2217 Surfaced.
2227 SJ contact 3900 yards, bearing changing rapidly. Sighted large flying
     boat heading down port side, running lights burning, flying just under
     the overcast at about 2000 feet. He disappeared heading out on port quar-
     ter, almost immediately.
2235 SJ contact 6000 yards, closing on bearing 256 relative. Dived.
2335 Surfaced.
2350 SJ contact on him again, closing. Dived.
28 Mar, 0100 Surfaced.
0255 SJ contact at 7000 yards on two small surface targets. Tracked for a short
     while and closed to investigate them in moonlight; two picket boats; avoided.
0530 Received new orders. Ahead full power on all engines to close coast of
     Kyushu off Toi Misaki. Sent orders to pack to close the coast at designated
     latitudes to northward of our destination. No receipt from TRIGGER; she
     was assigned furthest northward station.
0623 Sighted aircraft (probably flying boat type) bearing 070 relative, angle
     on bow 090 starboard, range 6 miles. Dived. Had APR contact (152mc)
     on him a few minutes earlier.
0720 Surfaced, ahead full power on all engines.
0735 Sighted Kyushu coast, distance about 40 miles. Clear, excellent visibil-
     ity, moderate seas.

4.

— page 94 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) Report of War Patrol number 3.

0950 Having managed to close the coast to 15 miles without apparently being
     detected, dived. Closed coast to 10 miles (just off 100-fathom curve)
     by 1115 and commenced patrol.

1200 Position Lat 31-25N, Long 131-36E.

1633 Commenced hearing distant explosions (estimated to be about 25 miles away).
     These continued at intervals until 1818. Thought something big might be
     coming down the coast. However, information received later during the
     night indicated this was probably the depth charging of previously damaged
     off Tosaki Hana from a group of DE's, after she had gotten a hit in one of
     them.

1902 While preparing to surface, JP picked up light, fast screws approaching
     from northward. Headed toward them and went to battle stations. Sound
     operators soon reported faint sounds of heavier screws beyond the light
     ones.

1912 Sighted the outline of a small ship, probably a PC. ST got ranges from
     3000 yards in; went deep as she passed, making 18 knots on course 190°T.
     Came up again to periscope depth heading northward, using ST and sound,
     hoping to pick up something bigger immediately. Nothing materialized,
     however, and soon became convinced that the heavy screws still being re-
     ported by sound operators are now beach noises.

2034 While preparing to surface, SJ and ST radar failed. Stayed submerged,
     while effecting repairs.

2300 Surfaced.

2359 Received orders in ComSubPac serial 49 to place two members of pack on
     designated lifeguard stations by dawn. In view of previous inability to
     raise the TRIGGER, ordered THREADFIN to the nearest one, and headed SEA
     DOG toward most distant position. This will require both ships to make
     about 90 miles in five hours. Built up to full power, putting on all four
     engines as soon as battery charge permitted. Acknowledged ComSubPac's
     message with SEA DOG's fourth.

29 Mar, 0600 About six miles short of lifeguard station, sight and SJ contact
     on Emily, 350° relative, 3° elevation, 4 miles. Dived.

0635 Surfaced and proceeded to lifeguard station.

0656 Sighted 2 unidentified planes. Made quick dive.

0712 Surfaced. Shortly thereafter commenced sighting our carrier planes stand-
     ing from the southeast toward Kyushu--hundreds of them.

0740 Received report of two downed pilots. Set course for position at full
     power (they are fairly close to the islands of Tanega Shima and Yaku Shima).

0830 Sighted four fighter planes circling; headed for them.

     . 5.

— page 95 —
7

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) Report of War Patrol number 3.

0855 When about four miles from an expected rescue, sighted two seaplanes tak-
     ing off from the water dead ahead; the four fighters (who had been cover-
     ing them) then machine gunned the life rafts in the water, stood over and
     circled us and stood away to southward escorting the rescue seaplanes.
     Would have greatly appreciated being told by the fliers that they had
     obtained rescue planes for this job; it might have saved us some fuel at
     full power.

0905 Group of twelve planes sighted to northward, coming in low with zero angle
     on bow. These looked like Zeros, and could have been going after the
     rescue planes to southward. At least their approach on us quickly devel-
     oped into a threatening one, so pulled a flare and dived. While submerg-
     ing, heard on the aircraft frequency, a plane group commander telling his
     planes that the submarine ahead was probably friendly, was diving, and not
     to attack as this was a patrol zone. This came a little too late to keep
     us on the surface, however. Had some trouble getting an opening in which
     to surface. Finally, all clear at

1030 At periscope depth except for one plane, distance eight miles, circling.
     Surfaced and found he was indicating emergency IFF. Headed for him at
     full power (he was about 15 miles southeast of Yaku Shima).

1115 Picked up Lieut(jg) Robert H. Hill, USNR, file number 95421, out of a
     rubber boat (in the same vicinity as the fliers who were downed at 0740
     and were picked up by planes). He was in good condition, and been in water
     about 2 hours. Searched nearby area and found four rubber boats, all
     empty, sank them, and headed back to eastward to lifeguard station. Two
     fighters covered us during this time. Transmitted Lieut(jg) Hill's name
     and file number to them.

1200 Position Lat 30-02.5N, Long 130-50E.

1305 Exploded a spherical floating mine (probably type 88) by 20mm fire at
     Lat 30-01N, Long 131-05E.

1335 A single plane, probably a Betty, was sighted at five miles distance,
     bearing 300° relative, with zero angle on the bow. Dived.

1440 Surfaced.

1443 SD and sight contact on a single two-engined plane, dived. Lifeguard
     circuits had been quiet for some time, so decided to remain submerged
     for the remainder of the day.

1903 Preparations were being made to surface when a Jap submarine which had
     apparently just surfaced, was sighted bearing 160° relative (250°T) with
     about 90° starboard angle on the bow. There was just sufficient daylight
     remaining to identify him as I-1 class, without a deck gun. The first
     ST range was 4600 yards, affording a very poor setup for a stern shot.
     Swung left to 310°T and closed as rapidly as possible while getting fre-
     quent observations for a good solution. Managed to close the range to
     3550 yards with 125° track, gyros almost zero. The approach party was

6.

— page 96 —
7
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) Report of War Patrol number 3.

clicking nicely and got a good solution; enemy course 000°T, speed 10.
figured there was a better chance of hitting him now than that of getting
him after an end-around in the bright moonlight which would prevail in
half an hour, especially with the problem of radar equipped enemy
planes to contend with. Eleven minutes after sighting him, commenced
firing six torpedoes forward with a wide spread (50 feet between torpe-
does). At this time it was just light enough to make him out. Took
another look about three minutes after firing and could not see him, nor
could ST get a range; it is believed he heard the torpedoes running and
dived. No hits; heard three end-of-run explosions at 8 to 8½ minutes af-
ter firing first torpedo. Went deep and opened out to eastward.

2052 Surfaced and commenced search up the coast.

2103 SJ contact on aircraft at 8500 yards. Dived.

2120 Surfaced.

30 Mar, 0525 Dived for submerged patrol off Van Diemen Strait and Toi Misaki.

1200 Position Lat 31-09N, Long 131-28E.

1920 Surfaced. Commenced opening out to northeastward in order to transmit
          SEA DOG's fifth, reporting results to date, including name and file number
          of our aviator, and modification to patrol instructions for pack.

31 Mar, 0150 Completed transmitting, commenced closing coast of Kyushu for sub-
          merged patrol at daylight.

0200 Received ComSubPac serial sixty disbanding the Eliminators and ordering
          SEA DOG back to lifeguard league south of Tokyo. Set course as required.

0527 Made dawn tri: dive.

0555 Surfaced.

0558 Sighted aircraft (probably Sally) bearing 160 relative, distant 5 miles.
          Dived.

0707 Surfaced.

0940 SD contact followed by sight contact on a group of unidentified aircraft
          distant 9 miles bearing 340° relative. Dived.

1035 Surfaced.

1045 APR contact on 155mc's, probably Jap sub, estimated to bear 080 to 090 T
          (or reverse of that) at considerable distance. Continued on previous base
          course of 083°T to close, increased to 3-engine speed. When the contact
          disappeared suddenly, commenced steering a more complicated zigzag plan
          (Arma clock superimposed on 20° changes in course) at 3-engine speed.

7.

— page 97 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) Report of War Patrol number 3.

1128 Regained the APR contact, not very strong.

1130 SD contact 17 miles, closed rapidly to 9 miles. Dived. Sighted floating
     mine just prior to diving. Lat 31-30N, Long 133-30E.

1200 Position Lat 31-33.5N, Long 133-29E.

1215 Surfaced. Resumed former zigzag plan and speed. Never regained the APR
     contact.

1600 Slowed to two-engine speed, as now required to reach lifeguard station,
     and resumed regular Arma clock zig.

1935 Commenced patrolling on various courses through an area where our planes
     had reported two gunboats earlier today.

2150 Received ComSubPac serial sixty-nine ordering SEA DOG to a new lifeguard
     station east of Miyake Jima. There will not be much time to spare, but it
     will be possible to patrol through the channel north of Hachijo tomorrow
     afternoon and evening. Set required course and speed.

1 Apr, 0527 Made dawn trim dive and effected repairs to starboard shaft tachometer.

0635 Surfaced.

1028 SD contact 11 miles. Closed slowly; dived.

1130 Surfaced.

1200 Position Lat 32-45N, Long 133-20.5E.

1725 With Hachijo and Miyake Shima in sight, dived to close the island chain
     until dark.

1905 Surfaced. Set course to eastward to pass between Miyake and Hachijo.

1955 Picked up several small craft in the channel on various bearings, on SJ.

2026 Having picked up two good pips at 26,000 yards, stationed radar tracking
     party. Struggled briefly with the problem of "sorting out" all the small
     targets around us and deciding what they were doing, then commenced track-
     ing the large targets. Moon was due to rise in about forty minutes; found
     there were two targets in the group, zigzagging radically at ten knots on
     a base course of 350°T heading up the eastern side of the Izu Shoto chain.
     Good pips were obtained out to 32,000 yards. Shortly after moon rise
     headed toward them from slightly off their port bow and sighted the larger
     target at 9,000 yards. Went to radar depth at 7,000 yards.

2210 Went to periscope depth at 5,000 yards range, commenced using visual bear-
     ings and ST ranges with #1 periscope. Target zigged slightly away shortly
     before the firing point was reached; she was probably a small minelayer
     (DM-7 class).

8.

— page 98 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) Report of War Patrol number 3.

Decided to give her four torpedoes, and set them at four feet (sea was
very moderate with very low swell). The other ship was very small and was
on DM's port quarter. Both were pinging occasionally. Swung left for a
good track; solution was checking perfectly.

2226 Commenced firing four torpedoes forward, gyros starting at 18° left, 100°
port track, range 1400 yards, spread 75 feet between torpedoes. Used
continuous bearings (and several ST ranges) during firing; all checked
perfectly on TDC solution. Missed. Later accurate plot showed all should
have hit, so they probably passed under.

2230 The smaller ship was now on the starboard bow, with 5° starboard angle on
the bow at about 1500 yards, so went deep under a good gradient for fear
his ears might be too good. Net result: Four end-of-run explosions, some
half-hearted searching by the two Nips, and no depth charges. They never
contacted us, although they passed fairly close several times.

2 Apr, 0100 Surfaced. Headed for lifeguard station.

0400 Reached lifeguard station. Never established communication with dumbo
plane, nor sighted him. Could hear other planes talking on lifeguard
circuits; no reports of ditchings.

0520 Commenced closing to a point east of O Shima for patrol; had been told that
next lifeguard job would be night of 3 April, so this affords a good chance
to close Nojima Saki for a good look.

0815 Had almost reached a point close to both O Shima and south coast of Honshu
for starting submerged patrol when transmissions were overheard on life-
guard circuit from another dumbo plane to our dumbo, asking for informa-
tion on position of survivors. Could not hear the reply. Opened up on
lifeguard circuit frequency and asked for information but was apparently
not heard. Headed back for lifeguard position expecting to get some in-
formation from ComSubPac shortly.

0943 SD contact 6 miles. Dived.

1050 Surfaced.

1200 Position Lat 34-10N, Long 140-36E.

1240 No definite data yet on any planes down. Commenced search of area sur-
rounding lifeguard station anyway.

1830 Intercepted, on lifeguard circuit, a report from a plane stating he was
heading for a life raft reported by our dumbo earlier in the day. The
position given was 1000 miles south of us. Quite disgruntling to be
thus deprived of a chance for a close inshore patrol. Fairly high speed
would be required to reach there now, and the fuel cannot be spared.
Continued search of area, working to southward.

3 Apr Continuing search of area on the surface.

9.

— page 99 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) Report of War Patrol number 3.

1200 Position Lat 33-49N, Long 141-02E.
1530 Sank two mines, by 20mm fire, Lat 33-39N, Long 140-44E, neither exploded.
1550 Sighted possible periscope, Lat 33-39N, Long 140-35E. Cleared area at
     high speed.
1843 Made trim dive.
1905 Surfaced and set course for lifeguard station for early morning raid.

4 Apr, 0047 SJ contact on planes, verified by keying SD (at 4 and 8 miles); dived.
0130 Surfaced.
0230 Established good communications with durbo plane (B-29). Never sighted
     him; had him on SJ several times and tried to coach him in toward ship,
     with no success. Overcast with considerable haze.
0300 Had APR contact for about 10 minutes on Jap 155mc's aircraft radar.
0359 Sighted small, single engine plane up-moon, range 3 miles, turning toward.
     Dived.
0452 Surfaced and re-established communication with our B-29 cover.
0550 Sank floating mine with 20mm fire, Lat 33-50N, Long 140-38E.
0600 Lifeguard duty completed.
0650 Exploded floating mine with 20mm fire, Lat 33-47N, Long 140-33E.
0705 Dived for submerged patrol.
1200 Position Lat 33-50N, Long 140-40E.
1915 Surfaced. Commenced closing Izu Shoto chain.

5 Apr, 0450 Dived for submerged patrol east of Miyake Shima.
1200 Position Lat 34-05N, Long 139-40E.
1920 Surfaced.

6 Apr Prior to dawn, entered channel just north of Miyake Shima. Avoided a
     patrol craft there and at
0442 Dived for submerged patrol. Drifted with current out of channel to east-
     ward, during the day.
1200 Position Lat 34-24N, Long 139-39E.

10.

— page 100 —
CONFIDENTIAL
                                                              U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) Report of War Patrol number 3.

1900 Surfaced. Headed for lifeguard station 20 miles off Honshu coast (and
         about 45 miles east of Nojima Saki); due at 1000. Will have B-29 and
         P-51 cover.

7 Apr, 0510 Having established position, dived six miles from lifeguard station.

0930 Surfaced at lifeguard station.

0940 Aircraft cover arrived; satisfactory communication established. Visibil-
         ity excellent; Honshu coast clearly in sight. No Jap aircraft activity
         whatever in this area during the raid.

1020 Sighted two large groups of B-29's to the westward, heading south toward
         home.

1030 Air cover departed, releasing us by radio and asking that we keep a look-
         out for 10 or 15 more minutes for anybody in trouble.

1040 APR contact, 155mc's, Jap aircraft. Keyed SD. Pip at 15 miles which moved
         gradually to 10 and out to 13.

1055 All quiet on aircraft frequencies; above pip moved in to 7 miles, so dived.
         Came up and listened on aircraft frequency on SD mast later; all clear
         except energetic Jap voice jamming.

1200 Position Lat 34-54N, Long 140-50E.

1525 Sighted plane (probably Tony) bearing 330°T, distant 4 miles, 4° elevation.
         Went deep for a while.

1845 Surfaced.

1910 Searchlight display and occasional flashes of gunfire (from direction of
         O Shima and Nojima Saki) lasted about half an hour.

8 Apr, 0430 Dived. Conducted submerged patrol east of Miyake Jima during the
         day. The only contact was three patrol craft which came up the eastern
         side of the island chain about 1400, about two miles off the island,
         pinging.

1200 Position Lat 34-04N, Long 139-40E.

1910 Surfaced. Patrolled westward, south of Mikura and Inamba during the night,
         and closed to northeastward toward Iro Saki for submerged patrol. APR
         contacts on land-based 148 and 155mc's radars during the night.

9 Apr, 0432 Dived. Conducted submerged patrol south of Iro Saki. Had closed it
         to about eight miles when the visibility closed in to 2000-4000 yards; due
         to navigational uncertainties in these heavy currents it was necessary to
         open out from coast again.

1200 Position Lat 34-24N, Long 138-46E.

                                                              11.

— page 101 —
7
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) Report of War Patrol number 3.

1900 Surfaced; poor visibility, flat calm, intermittent rain. Patrolled south
     of Zenl Su, Inanba Shima and Miyake Shima during the night.

10 Apr, 0330 Commenced surface patrol thirty miles southeast of Miyake Shima,
     closing that island in a northwesterly course. Surface visibility about
     8000 yards; low overcast with occasional rain; using SJ.

0540 Obviously the SJ is not functioning properly: Sighted smoke bearing 270°T
     and immediately sighted (from the bridge and high periscope) the masts,
     stack and superstructure of a small AK or picket boat, distant about 9000
     yards, angle on bow approximately 40° port. Forced to dive immediately to
     avoid being sighted. Closed on estimated normal approach course for fif-
     teen minutes at high speed without sighting him again. Surfaced for SJ
     sweep and high periscope search with no results. Dived for day's patrol
     south and east of Miyake, and to check over the SJ. At the time of this
     occurrence SJ had contact on land at 25,000 yards, but never did make con-
     tact on the ship.

1200 Position Lat 33-35N, Long 139-47E.

1910 Surfaced in a full typhoon. Rode out the storm at steerageway on south-
     erly course during the night.

11 Apr, 0500 Dived in mountainous seas. Spent the day at 150 feet; two attempts
     at periscope exposures resulted in breaching.

1200 Position 33-23N, Long 140-08E.

1925 Surfaced. Seas had moderated somewhat; sea and wind had hauled from south
     to west. Headed west through the passage between Mikura and Hachijo
     enroute new lifeguard station for day strike tomorrow. Being forced by
     the seas to run during most of the night at ten knots, it was necessary to
     use full power on four engines in the early morning to reach station on
     time; seas became almost flat calm, very suddenly, about 0300.

12 Apr, 0600 Dived about five miles southeast of lifeguard station. Air cover
     (2 B-29's and 2 P-51's) due at 1100.

1015 Surfaced with several SD contacts from 8 miles out. Apparently the strike
     is starting.

1040 Air cover arrived.

1200 Position Lat 33-59N, Long 138-16E.

1215 Air cover departed. Several groups of B-29's and fighters had previously
     been sighted heading home. No evidence of any planes in trouble. Stayed
     on the surface for a while to make sure.

1240 Dived.

12.

— page 102 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) Report of War Patrol number 3.

1900 Surfaced. After obtaining fix, set course to close Honshu coast west of
     Omai Zaki for submerged patrol close to the coast tomorrow, but shortly
     received orders to another lifeguard station over on the eastern side of
     the Izu Shoto chain. Set course for the channel south of Mikura again.
     Fuel is beginning to become a source of concern, with ten more days to
     remain in the area.

13 Apr, 0435 Dived. Continued enroute lifeguard station for tonight's raid. No
     information yet received as to the time it will occur.
1200 Position Lat 34-21N, Long 140-47E.
1835 Surfaced.
2330 Arrived lifeguard station. Information received this evening says one
     B-29 air cover will arrive at 0030. Have already sighted many B-29's
     Tokyo bound, during the past hour.

14 Apr, 0010 & 0025 Sighted distant flashes of explosions in direction of Tokyo.
0058 Sighted five flares beyond the horizon, bearing 060°T.
0120 Sighted flash of explosion beyond horizon, bearing 280°T.
0200 Lifeguard duty completed. Air cover departed; nothing received on radio
     or IFF indicated any planes in trouble, but set course to search the area
     where the flares had been sighted an hour ago.
0436 Dived.
0532 Surfaced and commenced search of above mentioned area.
1200 Position Lat 34-21.5N, Long 141-16E.
1400 Having searched area at two-engine speed for about nine hours, set course
     for lifeguard station for tomorrow's strike (20 miles south of Nojima
     Saki). This is same general vicinity as that in which the flash of dis-
     tant explosion was seen at 0120 today.
2000 Received instructions for tomorrow's lifeguard duties; station moved thirty
     miles further east from that previously ordered.

15 Apr, 0440 Dived at lifeguard station. Air cover due at 1245.
1200 Position Lat 34-28.5N, Long 140-41.5E.
1210 Surfaced.
1305 Sighted one B-29 to westward, flying low, distant 5 miles. Visibility on
     surface is somewhat poor, about 8000 yards.
1315 According to instructions on hand, fighter and B-29 cover should have ar-
     rived 25 minutes ago and departed now. No contact by visual or radio.

13.

— page 103 —
[HANDWRITTEN: T]
[HANDWRITTEN: 7]
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS 401) Report of War Patrol number 3.

1350 APR contact, 149mc, which gradually grew quite strong. Soon picked up SD
     contact at 22 miles, which closed gradually to 6 miles. No IFF response.
     Could not see him in existing haze.

1400 Dived.

1510 Surfaced. SD contact at 18 miles, which drew out to 25 and disappeared.
     Set course for lifeguard station for tonight's raid (to westward of Izu
     Shoto again) using two-engine speed. Investigated all objects enroute.
     APR had more than the usual number of contacts, and there is interference
     on the SD.

1600 Received orders to be on lifeguard station by 2300 (also information that
     today's raid at 1300 had been cancelled). Sun line showed a heavier north-
     easterly set than anticipated. Bent on all four engines at full power.

2345 Arrived lifeguard station 45 minutes late, having seen many B-29's bound
     north during the past hour. Dodged two patrol boats in the channel south
     of Mikura on the way over.

16 Apr, 0030 Air cover stated that business for the day was over; had no evidence
     of planes in trouble; set course (at full power again) for lifeguard station
     for noon today.

0130 Received information today's strike cancelled. Slowed to one engine speed
     and headed for a point for diving (in about three hours) for submerged
     patrol through channel between Mikura and Hachijo.

0440 Dived.

0545 Sighted picket boat, bearing 045°T, angle on bow 90° starboard, range
     about 8000 yards, making six knots toward Hachijo. Could not close.
     Closest range 5000 yards.

0830 Picket boat disappeared to southeastward.

1200 Position Lat 33-24.5N, Long 139-28E.

1420 JP and JK picked up pinging bearing 115°T, Headed for it. Nothing yet
     in sight thru the light surface haze.

1445 Sighted one escort and one medium, engines-aft, AK. Commenced approach.
     The escort was small, probably AM 13 class, her sides lined with lookouts.
     The merchantman was a new ship similar in all noted respects to the new
     standard Jap merchant vessel illustrated on page 8 of CinCPac-CinCPOA Weekly
     Intelligence Bulletin of 15 Jan. 1945, which gives following data: 6670
     gross tons, 445 feet long, speed 10 knots. No gun platforms on forecastle
     shown in the illustration were not noted. She was very new in appearance
     with a glistening gray paint job, and bright red boot-topping on her
     bottom. ST radar failed to get any ranges by the time target had closed to
     estimated range of 6000 yards when it was considered necessary to shift
     to the attack periscope in the light seas prevailing. This periscope was

14.